DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, JUNE 1, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF RETAIL SALES SURVEY FOR MARCH 1991 RELEASED ......... 1
HEUNG YEE KUK CHAIRMAN RE-ELECTED......................................... 5
FACTORIES REMINDED TO GUARD DANGEROUS PARTS OF MACHINERY ................. 6
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............... 6
RO EXPANDS ITS DIAL-A-WEATHER SERVICE .................................... 7
SATURDAY, JUNE 1, 1991
1
PROVISIONAL RESULTS OE RETAIL SALES SURVEY EOR MARCH 1991 RELEASED
******
THE VALUE OF TOTAL RETAIL SALES IN MARCH 1991, ESTIMATED AT $10,016 MILLION, INCREASED BY 8% WHEN COMPARED WITH MARCH 1990 WHILE THEIR VOLUME INCREASED BY 1%, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF A SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (SATURDAY) Bl THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
CHANGES IN THE VOLUME OF RETAIL SALES REFER TO CHANGES IN THE VALUES OF RETAIL SALES AFTER DISCOUNTING ESTIMATED CHANGES IN PRICES.
THE INDICATORS OF PRICE CHANGES USED FOR THE PURPOSE ARE THE RESPECTIVE COMPONENTS OF THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX WHICH CORRESPOND TO THE BROAD CATEGORY OF GOODS IN QUESTION.
COMPARING MARCH 1991 WITH MARCH 1990, RETAIL SALES OF FUELS INCREASED BY 33% IN VALUE AND 12% IN VOLUME, WHILE THAT OF FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO ROSE BY 12% IN VALUE AND 3% IN VOLUME.
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, RETAIL SALES OF CONSUMER DURABLES WENT UP Bl 10% IN VALUE AND 3% IN VOLUME.
CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS INCREASED BY 6% IN SALES VALUE BUT REMAINED ALMOST UNCHANGED IN SALES VOLUME.
RETAIL SALES OF OTHER CONSUMER GOODS ROSE BY 2% IN VALUE BUT DROPPED BY 2% IN VOLUME.
ANALYSED BY SELECTED TRADES, "CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS" AND SUPERMARKETS ROTH WENT UP BY 13% IN SALES VALUE AND BY 7% IND 3% RESPECTIVE!,! IN SALES VOLUME.
RETAIL SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS ROSE RY 7% IN VALUE BUT DROPPED BY 3% IN VOLUME.
SALES IN DEPARTMENT STORES INCREASED BY 4% IN VALUE BUT DECREASED BY 2% IN VOLUME.
COMPARING THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1991 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1990, TOTAL RETAIL SALES ROSE BY 9% IN VALUE AND 2% IN VOLUME.
FUELS INCREASED BY 34% IN SALES VALUE AND 7% IN SALES VOLUME. RETAIL SALES OF FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO WENT UP BY 12% TN VALUE AND 3% IN VOLUME.
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, SALES OF CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS ROSE BY 10% IN VALUE AND 2% IN VOLUME.
CONSUMER DURABLES INCREASED BY 2% IN SALES VALUE BUT DECREASED BY 3% IN SALES VOLUME.
RETAIL SALES OF OTHER CONSUMER GOODS ROSE BY 8% IN VALUE AND 3% IN VOLUME.
/ANALYSED BY .......
SATURDAY, JUNE 1, 1991
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ANALYSED BY SELECTED TRADES, SUPERMARKET SALES WENT UP BY 14% IN VALUE AND 3% IN VOLUME. CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS INCREASED BY 11% IN SALES VALUE AND 5% IN SALES VOLUME.
SALES IN DEPARTMENT STORES ROSE BY 3% IN VALUE BUT DROPPED BY 4% IN VOLUME, WHILE MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS DECREASED BY 10% IN SALES VALUE AND 17% IN SALES VOLUME.
COMPARING WITH FEBRUARY 1991, TOTAL RETAIL SALES FOR MARCH 1991 DROPPED BY 6% IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME.
THE DECREASE IN MARCH WAS LARGELY SEASONAL, DUE TO THE HIGH BASE OF COMPARISON IN FEBRUARY WHEN PEOPLE INCREASED THEIR PURCHASES OF FOODSTUFFS, CLOTHING AND THE LIKE AROUND THE LUNAR NEW YEAR.
RETAIL SALES OF FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO IN MARCH DECREASED BY 3% IN VALUE AND 4% IN VOLUME, WHILE THAT OF CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS DECREASED BY 24% IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME.
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, RETAIL SALES OF FUELS ROSE BY 21% IN VALUE AND 22% IN VOLUME, AND THAT OF CONSUMER DURABLES INCREASED BY 16% IN VALUE AND 12% IN VOLUME.
OTHER CONSUMER GOODS DROPPED BY 12% IN BOTH SALES VALUE AND SALES VOLUME.
ANALYSED BY SEI ECTED TRADES, RETAIL SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS WENT UP BY 43% IN VALUE AND 41% IN VOLUME.
CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS ROSE BY 2% IN BOTH SALES VALUE AND SALES VOLUME.
HOWEVER, RETAIL SALES OF SUPERMARKETS DECREASED BY 6% IN VALUE AND 8% IN VOLUME, WHILE THAT OF DEPARTMENT STORES DROPPED BY 21% IN VALUE AND 22% IN VOLUME.
THE REPORT (CONTAINING THE ANALYSTS OF MARCH 1991 SURVEY RESULTS IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, (’ONNAUGHT PLACE, AT $1.50 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL. NO. 802 1258).
NOTE TO EDITORS:
TWO TABLES ON RETAIL SALES SURVEY RESULTS WILL BE SENT BY FACSIMILE. TABLE 1 PRESENTS THE REVISED TOTAL RETAIL SALES FIGURE FOR FEBRUARY 1991 AND THE PROVISIONAL FIGURE FOR MARCH 1991.
/TABLE 2 .......
SATURDAY, JUNE 1, 1991
3
TABLE 2 SHOWS THE VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF RETAIL SALES IN FEBRUARY AND MARCH 1991 (A) FOR ALL RETAIL TRADES, (B) BY MAJOR TRADE GROUPS AND (C) BY SELECTED TRADES (WHICH FORM PART OF THE RELEVANT MAJOR TRADE GROUPS), WITH AVERAGE RETAIL SALES FROM OCTOBER 1984 TO SEPTEMBER 1985 TAKEN AS 100.
COMPARISONS OF MARCH 1991 RESULTS WITH THOSE FOR FEBRUARY 1991 \ND WITH THOSE FOR MARCH 1990, AND COMPARISONS OF RETAIL SALES IN THE PERIOD JANUARY TO MARCH 1991 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1990, ARE ALSO GIVEN.
/TABLE 1 .......
SATURDAY, JUNE 1, 1991
4
TABLE 1 : TOTAL BETAIL SALES
Total Betail Sales for March 1991 (Provisional Figure) = IK$10,016 lillion
for February 1991 (Revised Figure) = HKSI0.647 lillion
TABLE 2 : VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF RETAIL SALES FOR FEBRUARY 1991 AND MARCH 1991
(Moothly average of Oct. 84 - Sept. 15 - 1001
1 1 Itei 1 I 1 Index of 1 Retail 1 Sales February 1991 1 1 March 1 1991 March coipared February 1991 1 with 1 1991 1 Jtarch coipared March 1991 1 with 1 1990 1 Jan.-Mar. coipared Jan.-Mar. 1991 dth 1990
1 1 1 (A) FOR ALL RETAIL TRADES 1 1 1 1 (Revised figures) 1 (Provisional 1 figures) 1 Points A 1 1 1 Points 1 1 1 1 Points 1
i 1 1 1 1 1 Value 1 Voluie i 190 133 1 1 179 1 125 -11 -9 1 -6 1 -6 1 ♦13 ♦1 1 ♦8 1 ♦1 1 ♦15 ♦2 1 ♦9 1 ♦2
1 IB) BY MAJOR TRADE GROUPS l i 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
1 Foodstuffs, alcoholic 1 drinks and tobacco । 1 1 Value 1 Voluie Hi 126 1 1 177 1 121 -6 -5 1 -3 1 -4 1 ♦20 ♦3 1 ♦12 1 ♦3 1 ♦18 ♦3 1 ♦12 1 ♦3 1
1 Fuels 1 1 I 1 Value 1 Voluie । 131 96 1 1 158 1 117 ♦27 ♦21 1 ♦21 1 ♦22 1 ♦39 ♦12 1 ♦33 I ♦12 1 ♦38 ♦7 1 ♦34 1 ♦7 1
1 Clothing, footuear 1 and allied products i 1 Value 1 Voluie 248 165 1 1 189 1 125 -59 -40 1 -24 1 -24 1 ♦10 1 1 ♦6 1 1 1 ♦21 ♦4 1 ♦10 1 ♦2 1
1 Consuier durables 1 i I 1 Value 1 Voluie i 151 107 1 175 1 121 ♦24 ♦13 1 ♦ 16 1 ♦12 1 ♦ 16 ♦4 1 ♦10 I ♦3 1 ♦4 -4 1 ♦2 1 -3 1
1 Other consuier goods 1 1 1 Value 1 Voluie i 207 147 1 182 1 130 -25 -18 1 -12 1 -12 1 ♦4 -3 1 ♦2 1 -2 1 ♦15 ♦4 1 ♦0 I ♦3 1
1 ICI IY 38GBCTE0 TtlDttS 1 ... 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
1 (see note 1 below) 1 Superiarkets 1 1 1 1 1 Value 1 Voluie l 249 167 1 1 1 234 1 154 -15 -13 1 1 -6 1 -8 1 ♦27 ♦4 1 1 ♦ 13 1 ♦3 1 ♦28 ♦ 5 1 1 ♦14 1 ♦3 1
1 Motor vehicles 1 and parts I 1 Value 1 Voluie i 213 125 1 305 1 176 ♦91 ♦51 1 ♦43 1 ♦41 1 ♦19 -5 1 ♦7 1 -3 1 -28 •32 1 -10 1 -17 1
1 Consuier durables 1 other than notor 1 vehicles and parts I 1 Value 1 Voluie 1 132 102 1 135 1 103 1 ♦3 ♦2 1 ♦2 1 ♦2 1 1 ♦15 ♦6 1 ♦13 1 ♦7 1 1 ♦14 ♦5 1 ♦11 1 ♦5 1 1
1 Departient stores 1 1 Value 1 Voluie 264 178 1 1 209 1 140 -55 -38 1 -21 1 -22 1 ♦0 -3 1 ♦4 1 -2 1 ♦7 -8 1 ♦3 1 -4 1
NOTES : 1. In order to analyse the sales of certain trades WITHIN lajor trade groups, the value and voluie indexes in respect of the following selected trades are coipiled : (a) 'Superiarkets' - a trade in the 'Foodstuffs, alcoholic drinks and tobacco' group. (b) 'Motor vehicles and parts' - a trade ii the 'Consuier durables' group. (c) 'Consuier durables other than iotor vehicles and parts' - a trade in the 'Consuier durables* group. Id) 'Departient stores' - a trade in the 'Other consuier goods' group. 2. Figures denoting changes are derived froi the unrounded index figures.
3. '!' denotes a figure within t0.5.
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SATURDAY, JUNE 1, 1991
- 5 -
HEUNG YEE KUK CHAIRMAN RE-ELECTED ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦ ♦
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TUEN MUN RURAL COMMITTEE, MR LAU WONG-FAT, WAS RE-ELECTED CHAIRMAN OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK TODAY (SATURDAY).
MR LIU CHING-LEUNG OF THE TAI PO ELECTORAL DISTRICT AND MR LAM WAI-KEUNG OF THE SOUTHERN ELECTORAL DISTRICT WERE ELECTED FIRST AND SECOND VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE KUK RESPECTIVELY.
AS TO ORDINARY MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, ALL NOMINEES FOR THE 15 VACANCIES WERE RETURNED UNOPPOSED.
THE 15 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS ARE:
SOUTHERN ELECTORAL DISTRICT
MR LEUNG FU-ON MR CHAN SUEN
TAI PO ELECTORAL DISTRICT
MR NAM KWOK-YIN
MR LEE YIU-BAN
MR TANG TUNG
MR CHEUNG KOON-YAN
MR HAU YIU-CHUEN
MR CHAN KOON-YAU
YUEN LONG ELECTORAL DISTRICT
MR WONG LAI-SUM MR WU CHEUNG MR WONG MING-KWONG MR MAN PING-NAM (FROM ON LUNG TSUEN) MS LI YORK-LAN MR TANG PAK-HUNG MR TANG HOP-WAN
THE NEW TERM OF OFFICE -- THE KUK’S 28TH TERM -- WILL LAST FOR FOUR YEARS, BEGINNING TODAY.
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR ALBERT LAM, WAS THE RETURNING OFFICER FOR TODAY’S ELECTIONS.
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/6 ........
SATURDAY, JUNE 1, 1991
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FACTORIES REMINDED TO GUARD DANGEROUS PARTS OF MACHINERY »»»»»»
FACTORY PROPRIETORS MUST PROPERLY GUARD ALL DANGEROUS PARTS OF MACHINERY OR PLANT TO PROTECT WORKERS FROM POSSIBLE INJURY.
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT MADE THE APPEAL TODAY (SATURDAY) FOLLOWING A RECENT COURT CASE IN WHICH THE WING CHUEN METAL FACTORY LTD IN TSUEN WAN WAS FINED $25,000 FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT.
IN THE CASE, A WORKER HAD TO HAVE ALL HIS FINGERS AMPUTATED AFTER THEY WERE CRASHED BY AN UNGUARDED POWER PRESS HE WAS OPERATING.
’’ACCORDING TO THE FACTORY AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (GUARDING AND OPERATION OF MACHINERY) REGULATIONS, FACTORY PROPRIETORS MUST EFFECTIVELY GUARD DANGEROUS PARTS OF EVERY PIECE OF MACHINERY OR PLANT DRIVEN BY MECHANICAL POWER,” THE SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER (PROSECUTIONS), MR TSANG KIN-WO, SAID.
”IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS NOT TO OBSERVE THE REGULATIONS AS EVEN THE MOST CAREFUL OPERATIVES ARE VULNERABLE TO ACCIDENTS BEYOND THEIR CONTROL,” MR TSANG SAID, ADDING THAT PROPER GUARDING COULD ENSURE SAFE OPERATION AT ALL TIMES.
HE POINTED OUT THAT INJURIES RESULTING FROM MACHINERY ACCIDENTS WERE OFTEN SERIOUS AND COULD CAUSE PERMANENT DISABILITY TO THE VICTIM.
’’WORKERS MUST THEREFORE NOT WORK ON A MACHINE WHICH IS NOT PROPERLY GUARDED, AND AVOID COMING INTO DIRECT CONTACT WITH THE DANGEROUS, MOVING PARTS OF A MACHINE,” HE ADDED.
ANY PROPRIETOR WHO FAILS TO COMPLY WITH THE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE REGULATIONS IS LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $30,000.
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HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND HKEF
MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
* ♦ ♦ »
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 31.5.91
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 1.6.91
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING
380
NEUTRAL
NEUTRAL
/7........
SATURDAY, JUNE 1, 1991
RO EXPANDS ITS DIAL-A-WEATHER SERVICE »*»**»
EROM JUNE 1 ONWARDS, WEATHER BULLETINS FOR THE SOUTH CHINA COASTAL WATERS ARE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC THROUGH THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY "DIAL-A-WEATHER" SERVICE.
FISHERMEN AND THOSE ENGAGED IN ACTIVITIES TAKING PLACE IN THE COASTAL WATERS MAY DIAL 369 5001 AND 369 3970 FOR TAPE RECORDING MESSAGES IN CANTONESE AND ENGLISH RESPECTIVELY.
THE BULLETINS INCLUDE BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE GENERAL SITUATION OVER THE REGION, DETAIL FORECASTS FOR THE SEA AREAS ALONG THE SOUTH CHINA COAST AND AN OUTLOOK OF THE WEATHER CONDITIONS FURTHER AHEAD.
TIDE PREDICTIONS FOR HONG KONG ARE ALSO GIVEN TO HELP PEOPLE PLAN THEIR SWIMMING, FISHING AND SAILING ACTIVITIES.
DATED BACK TO JULY 1985, THE DIAL-A-WEATHER SERVICE WAS INTRODUCED TO PROVIDE A WEATHER INFORMATION SERVICE, BOTH IN CANTONESE AND ENGLISH, TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC SO THAT THEY COULD OBTAIN THE LATEST LOCAL WEATHER FORECASTS BY MAKING A SIMPLE TELEPHONE CALL.
AT FIRST, SIMPLE CASSETTE-TAPE ANSWERING MACHINES WERE USED AND THE SERVICE HANDLED A FEW HUNDRED CALLS PER DAY.
WITH THE DIAL-A-WEATHER SERVICE BECOMING MORE POPULAR, THE NUMBER OF CALLS EXCEEDED 8,000 PER DAY BY THE END OF LAST YEAR.
A NEW AUTOMATIC TELEPHONE ANSWERING SYSTEM WAS INSTALLED IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR.
WEATHER INFORMATION MESSAGES ARE STORED IN SOLID-STATE MEMORY IN THE NEW SYSTEM.
WITH A MUCH FASTER RESPONSE TIME, MORE CALLS ARE HANDLED BY EACH TELEPHONE LINE. CURRENTLY, ABOUT 13,000 CALLS ARE RECEIVED ON A TYPICAL DAY.
THE MAIN FUNCTION OF THE DI AL-A-WEATHER SYSTEM IS TO SUPPLY THE LATEST LOCAL WEATHER FORECAST, WARNING STATUS AND TEMPERATURE READINGS AT VARIOUS PLACES OVER THE TERRITORY.
WHEN TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING SIGNALS ARE HOISTED, THE LATEST SIGNAL STATUS AND THE POSITION AND MOVEMENT OF THE TROPICAL CYCLONE ARE ANNOUNCED INSTEAD.
THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR THE CANTONESE AND ENGLISH CHANNELS ARE 369 2200 AND 369 0066 RESPECTIVELY.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 842 8777
SUNDAY, JUNE 2, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
ROAD SAFETY URGED .............................................................. 1
WRITTEN CONTRACT REQUIRED BEFORE WORKERS GO OVERSEAS ....................
PARTITION FOR LIGHT GOODS VEHICLES COMPULSORY FROM JULY ........................ 3
NEW DISTRICT OFFICER FOR TAI ................................................... 3
SCHOOLS INVITED TO JOIN EXTENSIVE READING SCHEME ............................... 4
SUNDAY, JUNE 2, 1991
- 1 -
ROAD SAFETY URGED ♦ * ♦
THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, TODAY (SUNDAY) CALLED ON MOTORISTS TO EXERCISE GREATER SELF-DISCIPLINE AND COURTESY TO ENHANCE ROAD SAFETY.
SPEAKING AT THE INAUGURATION OF THE ROAD COURTESY CAMPAIGN ORGANISED BY THE ROTARY CLUB OF HONG KONG NORTHEAST, MR LEUNG SAID SPEEDING AND CARELESS LANE-CHANGING HAD CAUSED MORE THAN 4,000 ACCIDENTS LAST YEAR, REPRESENTING ABOUT 27 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS.
HE SAID: "TO IMPROVE THE SITUATION, THE GOVERNMENT HAS DRAFTED EXPRESSWAY LEGISLATION TO CURB LANE-CHANGING AND SPEEDING ON HIGH CAPACITY ROADS.”
THE SECRETARY SAID THE LEGISLATION WOULD HOPEFULLY COME INTO EFFECT IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR IF IT WAS PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
MR LEUNG SAID APART FROM INTRODUCING LEGAL AMENDMENTS, THE GOVERNMENT ALSO DIRECTED ITS EFFORTS IN PROMOTING ROAD SAFETY BY IMPROVING THE DESIGN OF ROADS, MOUNTING EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY CAMPAIGNS, AND STEPPING UP LAW ENFORCEMENT.
"OVER THE LAST 10 YEARS, THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT RATE HAD DROPPED FROM 64 ACCIDENTS PER 1,000 VEHICLES IN 1981 TO 43 ACCIDENTS PER 1,000 VEHICLES IN 1990, THANKS TO THE CO-OPERATION OF VARIOUS SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY," HE SAID.
MR LEUNG HOPED THAT THE ROAD COURTESY CAMPAIGN’S MESSAGE "TAKE TURNS TO GO, QUICKER FLOW" WILL INFLUENCE DRIVING HABITS AND ACHIEVE BETTER AND SAFER ROAD USAGE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
A PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN AT THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION IN GIS NEWSROOM.
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/2 ........
SUNDAY, JUNE 2, 1991
- 2 -
WRITTEN CONTRACT REQUIRED BEFORE WORKERS GO OVERSEAS * ♦ ♦ » *
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) REMINDED EMPLOYERS OF THE STATUTORY REQUIREMENT FOR THEM TO ENTER INTO A WRITTEN CONTRACT WITH ALL LOCAL MANUAL WORKERS ON EMPLOYMENT OUTSIDE HONG KONG.
EMPLOYERS ARE ALSO REQUIRED UNDER THE CONTRACTS FOR EMPLOYMENT OUTSIDE HONG KONG ORDINANCE TO PRESENT THE CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT TO THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT FOR ATTESTATION BEFORE THE WORKERS’ DEPARTURE.
"THIS IS TO ENSURE THAT THE TERMS OF PROTECTION SPECIFIED IN THE CONTRACT ARE IN NO WAY LESS FAVOURABLE THAN THE PROVISIONS UNDER THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT LEGISLATION," THE LABOUR OFFICER (EXTERNAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE), MR WONG MAIN-FU, EXLATNED.
”A CONTRACT WITH TERMS WHICH ARE UNFAIR TO THE WORKER OR WHICH DO NOT ADEQUATELY PROTECT THE WORKER’S INTEREST WILL NOT BE ATTESTED,” MR WONG SAID.
A DULY ATTESTED CONTRACT FOR EMPLOYMENT OF MANUAL WORKERS OUTSIDE HONG KONG NOT ONLY CLEARLY DEFINES THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE CONTRACTING PARTIES BUT ALSO ENSURES THAT THE TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT ARE REASONABLE.
IT SHOULD INCLUDE SUCH DETAILS AS PAY, NATURE AND HOURS OF WORK, HOLIDAYS, SICKNESS ALLOWANCE, EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION, PROVISION OF FOOD AND ACCOMMODATION, REPATRIATION ARRANGEMENT AND PROVISIONS FOR DEPENDANTS.
ALSO, AS AN ADDITIONAL SAFEGUARD AGAINST EXPLOITATION BY THE EMPLOYER, THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL REQUIRE A HONG KONG RESIDENT NOMINATED BY THE EMPLOYER TO FURNISH A BOND OR GUARANTEE BEFORE ATTESTING THE CONTRACT.
MR WONG SAID IT WAS AN OFFENCE FOR AN EMPLOYER TO INDUCE A MANUAL WORKER TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WHICH DID NOT COMPLY WITH THE ORDINANCE, OR TO CAUSE HIM TAKE UP EMPLOYMENT BEFORE THE CONTRACT WAS ATTESTED.
’’ANY EMPLOYER WHO FAILS TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE ORDINANCE WILL BE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $50,000,” HE SAID.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF EMPLOYERS AND WORKERS UNDER THE ORDINANCE MAY BE MADE TO THE EXTERNAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE ON TEL. 852 3535.
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/3 ........
SUNDAY, JUNE 2, 1991
- 3 -
PARTITION EOR LIGHT GOODS VEHICLES COMPULSORY FROM JULY
VAN-TYPE LIGHT GOODS VEHICLE OWNERS ARE REMINDED THAT THE GRACE PERIOD FOR INSTALLING PARTITION AND BLANKING OF SIDE WINDOWS WILL EXPIRE ON JULY 1.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID AN EFFECTIVE PROTECTIVE PARTITION BETWEEN THE FRONT SEATS AND THE GOODS COMPARTMENT OF LIGHT GOODS VEHICLES MUST BE ERECTED AND IT WAS ILLEGAL TO HAVE SIDE WINDOWS IN THE GOODS COMPARTMENT.
HE SAID THE NEW LEGISLATION IMPOSING THESE TWO REQUIREMENTS TOOK EFFECT ON JULY 1 LAST YEAR BUT A ONE-YEAR TRANSITIONAL PERIOD WAS GIVEN TO EXISTING VEHICLES.
VEHICLES REGISTERED ON OR AFTER JULY 1 LAST YEAR HAVE MET THESE REQUIREMENTS.
ON CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS OF THE PARTITION FOR LIGHT GOODS VEHICLES, OWNERS SHOULD BE NOTED THAT THE HEIGHT, WIDTH, STRENGTH, DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE PARTITION MUST BE CAPABLE OF WITHSTANDING OR BEARING THE WEIGHT OF ANY LOAD WHICH THE PARTITION IS LIKELY TO ENCOUNTER OR THE VAN IS LIKELY TO CARRY; AND ACTING AS A PROTECTIVE BARRIER AGAINST GOODS IN THE GOODS COMPARTMENT SHIFTING INTO THE SEATING ACCOMMODAT1ON.
ON BLANKING OF SIDE WINDOWS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID METAL FIBREGLASS OR SIMILAR TYPE MATERIAL INSERTS OF ADEQUATE STRENGTH SHOULD BE USED.
"IF OTHER ALTERNATIVE CONSTRUCTION OR FIXING ARE USED, VEHICLE OWNERS ARE ADVISED TO PRESENT THE MODIFICATION PROPOSAL TO THE DEPARTMENT’S VEH ICLF EXAM I NAT I ON DI V IS J ON FOR CONS I DERATION BEFORE COMMENCING ON THE MODIFICATION WORK," THF SPOKESMAN ADDED.
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NEW DISTRICT OFFICER FOR TAI PO ♦ ♦♦♦♦♦
MR PO PUI-LEONG HAS BEEN APPOINTED DISTRICT AND WILL ASSUME OFFICE FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY), TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION (CNTA) ANNOUNCED TODAY
OFFICER OF THE CITY (SUNDAY).
TAI AND
PO
NEW
MR PO SUCCEEDS MR THOMAS YIU, WHO WILL TAKE UP PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY (AIR SERVICES NEGOTIATION)
POST OF
IN THE
ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH.
/MR PO.........
SUNDAY, JUNE 2, 1991
4
MR PO, 40, JOINED THE GOVERNMENT AS AN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER IN 1978. HE HAS SERVED IN A NUMBER OF POLICY BRANCHES AND DEPARTMENTS, INCLUDING THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, OMELCO, THE ADMIN I STRATION SERVICES AND INFORMATION BRANCH AND THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH.
HE HAD SERVED AS ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER (ISLANDS) IN THE LATE 1970’8 AND WAS ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER (TAI PO) FROM 1980 TO 1981.
MR PO’S LAST POSTING WAS SECRETARY OF THE POLICE COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
A PHOTOGRAPH OF MR PO PUI-LEONG IS AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION
FROM THE G1S NEWSROOM.
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SCHOOLS INVITED TO JOIN EXTENSIVE READING SCHEME ♦ t t t t
NINETEEN PUBLIC SECTOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS HAVE BEEN SELECTED FOR PHASE I OF THE EXTENSIVE READING SCHEME IN ENGLISH (SECONDARY 1-3) STARTING THIS SEPTEMBER.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID THE READING SCHEME, WHICH HAS BEEN WIDELY ACKNOWLEDGED AS ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO IMPROVE LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY, WILL BE EXTENDED TO 200 SCHOOLS UNDER A SEVEN-YEAR PHASED PROGRAMME.
SCHOOLS ARE NOW BEING INVITED TO APPLY FOR THE 1992 PHASE.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT A WELL-ORGANISED
PROGRAMME USUALLY RESULTED IN A RAPID INCREASE IN
COMPREHENSION WHICH WOULD LEAD TO AN IMPROVEMENT IN WRITING AND OTHER SKILLS.
”IN ADDITION, THE PROGRAMME HELPS TO PROMOTE PUPIL-CENTRED LEARNING," HE SAID.
PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH:
READING READING ABILITY
* A SET OF 400 BOOKS GRADED INTO EIGHT LEVELS;
♦ A SET OF 120 READING (’ARDS AT TWO LEVELS FOR STUDENTS WITH LOWER ABILITY, AND
♦ READING AND TEACHING AIDS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID SPECIALIST SUPPORT WILL BE OFFERED TO SCHOOLS TO HELP TEACHERS IMPLEMENT THE SCHEME.
THIS WILL INCLUDE IN-SERVICE TEACHER TRAINING, BOTH INSTITUTION AND SCHOOL-BASED IN THE FORM OF SEMINARS, WORKSHOPS AND TEACHING GUIDES, AND CONSULTANCY SERVICES BEFORE AND AFTER PARTICIPATION, HE ADDED.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, JUNE 3, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
OVERSEAS INVESTORS HELP ENRICH HK’S MANUFACTURING BASE: GOVERNOR ....... 1
LEGCO TO DEBATE ON VM ON WEDNESDAY ..................................... 1
CSD SETS UP FUND FOR VM' S ............................................. 2
HONG KONG TO ATTEND INT'L LABOUR CONFERENCE ............................ 3
COMMUNITY URGED TO FIGHT DRUG ABUSE .................................... 4
GREATER ROLE FOR RESTRUCTURED CDC ...................................... 5
LAW TO REGULATE ELDERLY HOMES TN PHASES ................................ 6
PHASED LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL IN NT NORTHWEST ......................... 7
TIN SHUT WAI TAKING SHAPE .............................................. 8
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............. 10
MONDAY, JUNE 3,
1991
1 -
OVERSEAS INVESTORS HELP ENRICH HE’S MANUFACTURING BASE: GOVERNOR
OVERSEAS INVESTORS ARE HELPING TO ENRICH HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING BASE, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (MONDAY) AFTER VISITING THE NEW TAI PO FACTOR^ OF MOTOROLA SEMICONDUCTORS HONG KONG LTD.
SIR DAVID SAID: ’’IT IS VERY ENCOURAGING TO SEE A COMPANY COMING TO HONG KONG AND USING THE VERY LATEST TECHNOLOGY TO MANUFACTURE ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS. THIS IS AN EXCELLENT EXAMPLE OF HOW OVERSEAS INVESTORS HELP TO UPGRADE AND ENRICH MANUFACTURING IN HONG KONG.”
THE GOVERNOR MADE THESE REMARKS AFTER A TOUR OF THE FACTORY’S INTEGRATED CIRCUIT DESIGN CENTRE, COMPUTER CENTRE, AUTOMATED ASSEMBLY LINE AND INTEGRATED CIRCUIT TESTING CENTRE.
MOTOROLA SEMICONDUCTORS HONG KONG LTD, A SUBSIDIARY OF THE AMERICAN SEMICONDUCTOR GIANT, WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1967 AND MANUFACTURES A RANGE OF PRODUCTS FOR SALE BOTH IN HONG KONG AND IN OTHER SOUTHEAST ASIAN MARKETS, ESPECIALLY TAIWAN AND SOUTH KOREA.
ITS NEW FACTORY AT THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE BEGAN PRODUCTION IN AUGUST LAST YEAR.
THE COMPANY WAS AWARDED THE 1990 GOVERNOR’S AWARD FOR INDUSTRY IN THE ’’PRODUCTIVITY” CATEGORY LAST YEAR.
THE GOVERNOR WAS ACCOMPANIED ON THE VISIT BY THE COMPANY’S GENERAL MANAGER, MR C. I). TAM; THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR T.H. BARMA; AND THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION, MR A.N. SAVAGE.
---------0-----------
LEGCO TO DEBATE ON VM ON WEDNESDAY ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ »
MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL ASK A TOTAL OF 10 QUESTIONS AND CONSIDER 11 BILLS AT THE COUNCIL’S MEETING ON WEDNESDAY (JUNE 5).
OF THE 11 BILLS, SEVEN WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. DEBATES ON THEM WILL BE ADJOURNED.
THEY ARE THE OATHS AND DECLARATIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, IMPORT AND EXPORT (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1991, OZONE LAYER PROTECTION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1991, POLICE CHILDREN’S EDUCATION TRUST (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 AND POLICE EDUCATION AND WELFARE TRUST (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991.
/DEBATES ON
MONDAY, JUNE 3, 1991
2
DEBATES ON THE OTHER FOUR BILLS WILL BE RESUMED AND EACH IS DUB TO GO THROUGH THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND BE GIVEN A THIRD READING.
THEY ARE THE HONG KONG BILL OF RIGHTS BILL 1990, ARBITRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, CLUBS (SAFETY OF PREMISES) BILL 1991 AND QUEEN ELIZABETH FOUNDATION FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 .
IN ADDITION, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT WILL MOVE TWO MOTIONS UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE.
THE HON NELLIE FONG AND THE HON EDWARD HO WILL EACH MOVE A MOTION UNDER THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES ORDINANCE WHILE THE HON POON CHI-FAI WILL MOVE A MOTION ON THE VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE.
MEANWHILE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WILL SPEAK ON THE REPORT OF CHANGES TO THE APPROVED ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE APPROVED DURING THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1990-91 UNDER THE PUBLIC FINANCE ORDINANCE.
THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS WILL SPEAK ON THE FIRST REVIEW OF PROGRESS ON THE 1989 WHITE PAPER ON POLLUTION AND DR THE HON DANIEL TSE WILL SPEAK ON THE REPORT OF THE POLICE COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE 1990.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO OBSERVE THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SITTING AND THEY MAY MAKE RESERVATIONS FOR SEATS IN THE PUBLIC GALLERIES BY TELEPHONING 844 0899.
MEANWHILE, THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED TO GO INTO A SHORT RECESS AFTER JUNE 5, WILL HAVE AN ADDITIONAL SITTING ON JUNE 12 IN VIEW OF THE LARGE AMOUNT OF BUSINESS AWAITING TRANSACTION.
----0------
USD SETS UP FUND FOR VM’S
*****
VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS (VM’S) UNDER THE CARE OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (USD) WILL ENJOY MORE BENEFITS FOLLOWING THE SETTING UP RECENTIO Oh A WELFARE FUND FOR THEM.
ESTABLISHED IN APRIL, THE FUND WOULD BE SPENT ON THE ADVICE OF THE VM’S THEMSELVES TO PURCHASE MAINLY VARIOUS RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ITEMS, ACCORDING TO 'CSD’S SENIOR ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER (VIETNAMESE UNIT), MR NICOLAS FRY.
MR FRY SAID THE DEPARTMENT HAS ALWAYS TRIED ITS REST TO IMPROVE THE WELFARE OF THE VM’S.
"SETTING IIP A WELFARE FUND WAS JUST ONE EXAMPLE OF WHAT THE DEPARTMENT HAS DONE FOR THEM."
/MR FRY ........
MONDAY, JUNE 3, 1991
3
MR FRY POINTED OUT THAT IN THE PAST, CSD HAS RECEIVED NUMEROUS DONATIONS OF ARTICLES TO THE VM’S THROUGH THE CENTRE MANAGEMENT, BUT DIRECT OFFER OF MONEY WERE REJECTED UNDER STANDING INSTRUCTIONS.
’’ANYONE WHO MAKES SUCH AN OFFER IF ASKED EITHER TO CONSULT A VOLUNTARY AGENCY OR TO PURCHASE SOMETHING THEMSELVES.
"THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE PURCHASES ARE SOMETIMES OF LITTLE PRACTICAL VALUE TO THE VM’S," HE SAID.
WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF THE FUND, CSD COULD NOW ACCEPT DIRECT FINANCIAL DONATIONS ON THE VMS’ BEHALF FROM VISITORS OR THE PUBLIC, MR FRY NOTED.
"THIS WOULD ENABLE THE DEPARTMENT TO HAVE GREATER FLEXIBILITY IN CATERING FOR THE NEEDS OF THE VIETNAMESE."
THE FUND RECEIVED ITS FIRST DONATION OF $16,000 FROM CSD’S SPORTS ASSOCIATION. THE MONEY WAS PART OF THE PROCEEDS OF THE AUTUMN FAIR ORGANISED THE‘ \SSOCI AT I ON IN STANLEY LAST YEAR.
MR FRY SAID THE DEPARTMENT ALSO WELCOMED DONATIONS TO THE FUND BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC'.
"THEY CAN MAKE THEIR DONATIONS THROUGH CENTRI’ MANAGEMENT OR THE CSD HEADQUARTERS."
HE SAID DONATION BY CHEQUES SHOULD BF CROSSED AND MADE PAYABLE TO THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT.
ALL DONATIONS WOULD BE TAX-DEDUCTABLE, HE ADDED.
---------0-----------
HONG KONG TO ATTEND I NT ’ I LABOUR CONFERENCE ♦ * t t ♦
HONG KONG WILL SEND A TRIPARTITE TEAM TO ATTEND THE 78TH SESSION OF THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR CONFERENCE IN GENEVA FROM JUNE 5 TO 26.
LED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR MR DARWIN CHEN, THE TEAM COMPRISES LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS MR HO SAI-CHU AND MISS LI FUNG-YING, REPRESENTING EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES RESPECTIVELY, AND SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER MRS ANGELA HO.
THEY WILL ACT AS ADVISERS TO THE BRITISH DELEGATION TO THE CONFERENCE.
ABOUT 150 COUNTRIES ARE TO Vl'TEND THE CONFERENCE AT WHICH THE QUESTION OF WORKING CONDITIONS IN RESTAURANTS, HOTELS AND SIMILAR ESTABLISHMENTS WILL BE DISCUSSED.
/ANOTHER TOPIC .......
MONDAY, JUNE 3, 1991
4
ANOTHER TOPIC FOR DISCUSSION WHICH IS OF SPECIAL INTEREST TO HONG KONG WILL BE THE PROTECTION OF WORKERS’ CLAIMS IN CASE OF INSOLVENCY OF THEIR EMPLOYERS.
HONG KONG HAS YLREADY SEI I I' \ PROTECTION OF WAGES ON INSOLVENCY FUND, AND BOTH MR HO AND MISS LI ARE MEMBERS OF THE FUND BOARD.
------0--------
COMMUNITY URGED TO FIGHT DRUG ABUSE * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
ALL SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY, GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND BUSINESS ORGANISATIONS ALIKE, ARE URGED TO CLOSE RANKS AND FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS.
THE APPEAL WAS MADE TODAY (MONDAYJ BY A MEMBER OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN), MR PAO PING-WING, WHILE OFFICIATING AT THE INAUGURAL CEREMONY FOR A NEW MOBILE PUBLICITY VAN OF THE NARCOTICS DIVISION.
HE SAID: "THE UNITED NATIONS HAS PROCLAIMED THE YEARS 1991 TO 2000 THE DECADE AGAINST DRUG ABUSE.
"IN THESE 10 YEARS, GOVERNMENTS OF VARIOUS COUNTRIES WILL JOIN FORCES AND STRENGTHEN CO-OPERATION WITH THE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES TO FIGHT DRUGS.
"HONG KONG, WHICH HAS BEEN SPARING NO EFFORTS IN ITS ANTI-NARCOTICS WORK, WILL RENDER UNSTINTING SUPPORT TO THIS 10-YEAR CAMPAIGN OF THE UNITED NATIONS."
MR PAO SAID HE WAS DELIGHTED To SEE THE I.E. THE NARCOTICS DIVISION, HAS IN THE ACTIVITIES IN THE FIRST YEAR OF THE UN DECADE.
"THE BEST EXAMPLES INCLUDE A NEW MOBILE ’HONG KONG FIGHTS DRUGS’ EXHIBITION TO BE HELD SHA TIN, FROM JUNE 25 TO 27.
EXECUTIVE ARM OF ACAN,
PIPELINE A SERIES OF
PUBLICITY VAN AND THE AT THE NEW TOWN PLAZA,
"THESE ACTIVITIES FULLY REFLECT THE GOVERNMENT’S EXTREME CONCERN OVER THE PROBLEM Ol- DRUG ABUSE AND CI'S EAGERNESS TO SET AN EXAMPLE IN FIGHTING DRUGS, IN \ BID ’1’0 ( YLL ON ALL SECTORS '1'0 FACE SQUARELY THE I ROPJ EM Ol DRUGS \ND JOIN FORCES TO FURTHER Till- FFFE'’TS OF OUR OVERALL YNTI-NARCOTI< S STRATEGY , I .E. LAW ENFORCEMENT, TREATMENT AND REHAB IL1TATI ON, PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY AND INTERNATIONAL ACTION," MR PAO ADDED.
THE NEW MOBILE PUBLICITY VAN IS TO REPLACE THE EXISTING UNIT WHICH HAS BEEN USED SINCE 1985.
IT IS IN RED, GREEN AND YELLOW COLORS AND CARRIES A SIMPLE ANTI-DRUG SLOGAN - ’SAY NO TO DRUGS’ AND THE DRUG ABUSE ENQUIRY SERVICES HOTLINE ON ITS BODY.
/ON BOARD .......
MONDAY, JUNE 3, 1991
5
ON BOARD THE VAN, THERE ARE TWO COLOR TELEVISION SETS AND A PUBLIC ADDRESSING SYSTEM TO BROADCAST ANTI-DRUG MESSAGES AND VIDEOS v ' LE ON DISPLAY.
APART FROM AUDIO AND VISUAL AIDS, IT IS ALSO PROVIDED WITH LEAFLETS AND OTHER PUBLICITY GIVE-AWAY ITEMS FOR DISTRIBUTION TO THE PUBLIC.
THE NEW UNIT WILL CONTINUE VISITING DENSELY-POPULATED AREAS AND MORE REMOTE CORNERS OF THE TERRITORY ON SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS.
IT WILL ALSO BE DEPLOYED TO TAKE PART IN DISTRICT ANTI-DRUG FUNCTIONS AND TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE FOR THE NARCOTICS DIVISION’S SCHOOL TALKS TEAM IN DELIVERING DRUG EDUCATION TALKS TO STUDENTS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND TECHNICAL INSTITUTES DURING WEEKDAYS.
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GREATER ROLE FOR RESTRUCTURED CDC
******
A RESTRUCTURED CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (CDC) WILL CERTAINLY PLAY AN EVEN MORE IMPORTANT PART IN CURRICULUM MATTERS AT ALL EDUCATION LEVELS, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL, MR ANDREW SO, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
OUTLINING THE COUNCIL’S WORK IN A PRESS CONFERENCE, MR SO SAID CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT HAD BEEN COMPREHENSIVE IN TERMS OF SCOPE AND NATURE AND THAT THE PROGRESS OF MANY TASKS AND ACTIVITIES HAD BEEN SMOOTH AND SATISFACTORY.
A CURRICULUM GUIDE TO PROVIDE A BROAD AND GENERALLY DESIRABLE DIRECTION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF DETAILED SUBJECT SYLLABUSES WAS BEING PREPARED FOR EACH LEVEL OF EDUCATION, HE SAID.
"WHILE SYLLABUS DEVELOPMENT AT THE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY LEVELS HAS BEEN IN THE PROCESS OF CONSOLIDATION DURING THE CURRICULUM REVIEW, SYLLABUS DEVELOPMENT AT THE SIXTH FORM IS AT AN ADVANCED STAGE,” HE ADDED.
"MEASURES HAVE BEEN TAKEN TO IMPLEMENT THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE WORKING GROUP ON SIXTH FORM EDUCATION, WHICH INCLUDES THE DEVELOPMENT OF ADVANCED SUPPLEMENTARY LEVEL SYLLABUSES COVERING 16 SUBJECTS."
MR SO SAID THE COUNCIL WAS ALSO INVOLVED IN:
* CURRICULUM RESEARCH AND ISSUES TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION;
» DEVELOPMENT OF SCHOOL-RASED CURRICULA, AND
* BROADENING Illi' CURRICULUM TO HELP STUDENTS COPE WITH THE NEEDS AND DEMANDS OF CHF SOCIETY.
/"IT IS
MONDAY, JUNE 3, 1991
- 6 -
"IT IS FOR THIS REASON THAT THE COUNCIL HAS ENDORSED THE INTRODUCTION OF A NEW SUBJECT ’TRAVEL AND TOURISM’ AT SECONDARY 4 AND 5 LEVELS,” HE SAJI).
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS LIKELY TO LAUNCH A PILOT SCHEME IN AT LEAST 20 SCHOOLS IN SEPTEMBER 1993, WITH THE INCLUSION OF THIS SUBJECT IN THE CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION IN 1995.
ALSO ATTENDING TODAY’S PRESS CONFERENCE WERE CHAIRMEN OR VICE-CHAIRMEN OF THE COUNCIL’S SIX CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEES: MS CHENG TAI-TAT, MRS LING LAU YUET-FUN AND MESSRS CHAN KAI-YIN, FRANK NG, CHU SAU-KUEN, AND NG KWOK-CHUEN.
------0-------
LAW TO REGULATE ELDERLY HOMES IN PHASES *****
THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (SWAC) ENDORSED A PROPOSAL TO PROGRESSIVELY INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO REGULATE RESIDENTIAL CARE HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY.
EXPLAINING THE PROPOSAL AT THE SWAC MEETING THIS (MONDAY) MORNING, AN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR ANTHONY CHAN, SAID IN PHASE I, THE STATUTORY MINIMUM STAFFING STANDARD OF EACH CARE-AND-ATTENTION HOME WOULD REQUIRE A HOME MANAGER AND ONE HEALTH STAFF AND A NUMBER OF CARE STAFF CORRESPONDING TO THE SIZE OF THE HOME AND OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS AT DIFFERENT HOURS OF THE DAY.
AGED HOMES, SELF-CARE HOSTELS AND SHELTERED HOUSING WOULD ONLY REQUIRE ONE HOME MANAGER.
MR CHAN POINTED OUT THAT THE MINIMUM SPACE STANDARD FOR RESIDENTIAL CARE HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY IN PHASE 1 WAS 5.5 SQUARE METRES PER PERSON.
THERE WOULD BE AN INTERNAL ANNUAL REVIEW TO ASSESS THE GENERAL SITUATION.
MR (’HAN ADDED: "IN PHASE II, WHICH WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IMMEDIATELY UPON THE COMPLETION OF PHASE I, ALL HOMES SHOULD HAVE A HOME MANAGER. EACH CARE-AND-ATTENTION HOME SHOULD HAVE ONE OR MORE NURSING STAFF OR HEALTH STAFF WHEN NURSING STAFF ARE NOT AVAILABLE, CARE STAFF, ANCILLARY STAFF AND OVERNIGHT STAFF CORRESPONDING TO THE SIZE OF THE HOME AND OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS AT DIFFERENT HOURS OF THE DAY.
"AS REGARD AGED HOMES, CARE STAFF ARE NOT LEGALLY REQUIRED, WHILE IN SELF-CARE HOSTELS AND SHELTERED HOUSING NURSING STAFF, HEALTH STAFF AND CARE STAFF ARE ALSO NOT LEGALLY REQUIRED.”
HE FURTHER POINTED OUT THAT IN PHASE II THE MINIMUM SPACE STANDARD FOR THESE HOMES WOULD BE IMPROVED TO 6.5 SQUARE METRES PER PERSON.
”NO LICENCE WOULD BE ISSUED TO NEW HOMES UPON ENACTMENT OF THE LEGISLATION UNLESS THE\ CAN COMPLY FULLY WITH THE MINIMUM STANDARD OF PHASE II,” MR CHAN CONTINUED.
/TURNING TO........
MONDAY, .TUNE 3, 1991
7
TURNING TO THE SUBJECT OF EXEMPTION, MR CHAN SAID THE MAXIMUM PERIOD OF ANY ONE EXEMPTION WAS THREE YEARS.
’’THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE WOULD CONSIDER EXEMPTION FOR THESE HOMES, WITH CONDITIONS, TO ALLOW THEM TO CONTINUE OPERATION WHILE TRYING TO MEET THE PRESCRIBED STANDARDS WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME.
’’THE EXEMPTION MECHANISM IS A VITAL LEVERAGE TO EXERT PRESSURE ON THE HOME OPERATOR TO IMPROVE STANDARDS.
’’THE MECHANISM WILL ALSO ENABLE ANY POTENTIAL DISPLACEMENT OF ELDERLY PERSONS IN PERSISTENTLY NON-COMPLYING HOMES TO BE PROPERLY MANAGED SO THAT ANY CLOSURES THAT MIGHT EVENTUALLY BECOME NECESSARY WILL TAKE PLACE IN A SPACED-OUT, ORDERLY AND CONTROLLED MANNER,” HE NOTED.
HE FURTHER ADDED THAT EXEMPTIONS COULD BE PROGRESSIVELY REVOKED, BEGINNING WITH THOSE HOMES WHICH HAVE SHOWN NEITHER THE ABILITY NOR THE INTENTION TO COMPLY EVEN WITH PHASE I STANDARDS.
SWAC MEMBERS ALSO LEARNED THAT SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WILL CONSULT OPERATORS OF RESIDENTIAL HOMES FOR. THE ELDERLY IN JULY.
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PHASED LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL IN NT NORTHWEST ******
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) TODAY (MONDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT FARMERS IN PHASE II AREA 15 AND 16 UNDER THE LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL SCHEME CAN NOW APPLY FOR EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE AND CAPITAL GRANT AND LOAN.
CONTROL AREA 15 COVERS TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG CORRIDOR, WHILE CONTROL AREA 16 COVERS YUEN LONG ENVIRONS.
THE 10-YEAR LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL SCHEME HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED SINCE .JUNE 24, 1988. THE STATUTORY COMMENCEMENT DATE OF CONTROL IN AREA 15 AND 16 IS JUNE I THIS YEAR.
AN EPD SPOKESMAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO AFFECTED FARMERS IN THESE TWO CONTROL AREAS.
THOSE FARMERS WHO WISH TO CEASE BUSINESS MAY APPLY FOR EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE AND THOSE WHO WISH TO CONTINUE BUSINESS MAY APPLY FOR A CAPITAL GRANT AND LOAN FOR THE PURPOSE OF INSTALLING NECESSARY ON-FARM POLLUTION CONTROL FACILITIES.
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE HAS RECENTLY APPROVED A COMMITMENT OF $386.04 MILLION FOR PAYMENT OF EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE AND A SUM OF $48.99 MILLION FOR PAYMENT OF CAPITAL GRANT TN PHASE IT CONTROL AREAS.
/THE SPOKESMAN .......
MONDAY, JUNE 3, 1991
- 8 -
THE SPOKESMAN SAID TO QUALIFY FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, THE LIVESTOCK KEEPING AND RELATED STRUCTURES SHOULD HAVE BEEN TN EXISTENCE AT THE TIME OF THE 1987 FREEZING SURVEY AND RECORDED AS BEING USED FOR LIVESTOCK KEEPING OPERATIONS.
ALSO, SUCH STRUCTURES ARE IN USE FOR LIVESTOCK KEEPING OPERATIONS AT THE TIME OF THE PRE-OPERATIONAL SURVEY.
THE EPD HAS EARLIER CONDUCTED A PRE-OPERATIONAL SURVEY FOR CONTROL AREAS 15 AND 16, WHICH SERVED TO GATHER DETAILED LIVESTOCK FARM INFORMATION AND PARTICULARS OF AFFECTED FARM OPERATORS.
INVITATION LETTERS FOR APPLICATION OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE HAVE BEEN SENT ALSO TO CONCERNED FARM OPERATORS. THOSE FARMERS WHO HAVE NOT BEEN SURVEYED SHOULD CONTACT THE EPD AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
GENERAL ENFORCEMNT ACTION IN THESE TWO AREAS, AS IN THE CASE IN PHASE 1 STAGE 2 AND 3 CONTROL AREAS, WOULD BE HELD IN ABEYANCE PENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE ENTIRE CONTROL SCHEME WHICH IS BEING UNDERTAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT.
HOWEVER, ANY FARM OPERATORS WHO HAVE COLLECTED EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE BUT RESTART BUSINESS THEREAFTER MUST COMPLY WITH THE CONTROL REGULATIONS. OTHERWISE THEY WILL BE SUBJECT TO PROSECUTION.
UNDER THE LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL SCHEME, THE PHASE II PROGRAMMES COVER ALSO CONTROL AREA 17 (KAM TIN RIVER AREA), CONTROL AREA 18 (TIN SHUI WAI ENVIRONS), CONTROL AREA 19 (SAN TIN AREA ANT) LAU FAU SHAN ENVIRONS) AND CONTROL AREA 20 (MAU WU TSAI VILLAGE AND ENVIRONS).
IMPLEMENTATION OF CONTROLS IN THESE AREAS WILL FOLLOW AS SCHEDULED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID SO FAR, A TOTAL OF 2,348 FARMS IN PHASE I CONTROL AREAS HAVE CEASED BUSINESS, INVOLVING THE PAYMENT OF A SUM OF $221.26 MILLION EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE.
ENQUIRIES ON THE APPLICATION OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE EPD ON TEL. 685 1111 OR 685 1128.
- 0-----------
TIN SHUI WAI TAKING SHAPE
MEMBERS OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD, LED BY THE BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR TAI KUEN, TODAY (MONDAY) VISITED TIN SHUI WAI TO SEE THE LATEST DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TOWN.
THE NEW TOWN IS EXPECTED TO BE READY FOR THE FIRST POPULATION INTAKE BY THE END OF THIS YEAR.
THE VISIT WAS ORGANISED BY THE NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
/ALSO ATTENDING .......
9
ALSO ATTENDING THE VISIT WERE MEMBERS OF THE YUEN LONG District management committee and the chairman of the tin shut wai ad HOC WORKING GROUP, MISS ELAINE CHUNG.
THE VISITORS WERE BRIEFED BY THE PROJECT MANAGER/NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES, MR Y.Y. NG, AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY AND A PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT COMPANY.
THEY LEARNED THAT TIN SHUI WAI IS A TYPICAL NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT WITH A PLANNED POPULATION OF 140,000.
A NOVEL FEATURE OF THE PROJECT IS THAT IT IS BEING JOINTLY DEVELOPED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH A MAJOR PRIVATE DEVELOPER, MIGHTYC1TY CO LTD.
LOCATED TO THE NORTHWEST OF YUEN LONG TOWN, THE WHOLE TIN SHUI WAI SITE COVERS AN AREA OF ABOUT FIVE SQUARE KILOMETRES FORMERLY OCCUPIED BY FISHPONDS.
THE SOUTHERN SIDE OF THE SITE OF ABOUT 220 HECTARES DEVELOPED INTO A NEW TOWN WHILE THE REMAINDER AREA WILL BE AS A LANDBANK FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT.
WILL BE RESERVED
WITHIN THE INITIAL DEVELOPMENT ZONE, ABOUT HALF OF THE POPULATION WILL BE ACCOMMODATED IN TWO PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES - TIN YIU ESTATE AND TIN SHUI ESTATE - AND THE REST WILL BE HOUSED TN PRIVATE DEVELOPMENTS IN SEVEN TOWN LOTS TOTALLING ABOUT 39 HECTARES.
A FULL RANGE OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES INCLUDING EDUCATIONAL, MEDICAL AND HEALTH, CULTURAL AND SOCIAL WELFARE, POLICE AND FIRE STATIONS, AND AN AMBULANCE DEPOT WILL BE PROVIDED.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A 17-HECTARE DISTRICT PARK IN THE CENTRE OF THE TOWN, A SWIMMING POOL, A SPORTS STADIUM AND A PROMENADE ALONG THE WESTERN BOUNDARY OF THE NEW TOWN, ALL OF WHICH ARE DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A PLEASANT ENVIRONMENT AND ENHANCE THE RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES IN THE DEVELOPMENT FOR THE EARLY OCCUPANTS.
THE VISITORS WERE LATER TAKEN TO VARIOUS VANTAGE POINTS WHERE THEY WITNESSED HOW THE FUTURE NEW TOWN HAD BEGUN TO TAKE SHAPE WITH THE MAJORITY OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND INFRASTRUCTURES EITHER WELL IN PROGRESS OR NEAR COMPLETION.
THEY ALSO HAD A VIEW OF THE WORK PROGRESS OF SOME PUBLIC HOUSING AS WELL AS SEVERAL STANDARD APARTMENTS IN A TOWER BLOCK DEVELOPED BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
MISS CHUNG SAID WITH THE CONCERTED EFFORTS OF THE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND THE PRIVATE DEVELOPER CONCERNED, TIN SHUI WAI WOULD PROVE TO BE ONE OF THE BEST NEW TOWNS IN HONG KONG.
---------0-----------
/10 .......
10
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS HKEF
* * * * * ♦
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE TN THE ACCOUNT ON 1.6.91 380
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 3.6.91 -348
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING +348
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 113.7 *+0.1* 3.6.91
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND 91-DAY EXCHANGE FUND BILLS HKEI
ISSUE NUMBER MATURING ON OUTSTANDING $ MILLION
Q1 15 10.7.91 440 + 40
Ql 1 6 17.7.91 380 + 100
QI 1 7 24.7.91 618.5 -138.5
QI 1 8 31.7.91 520 -40
Ql 19 7.8.91 428.5 + 51.5
Q120 14.8.91 390 + 90
Q121 21.8.91 455 + 25
Q122 28.8.91 450 + 30
Q1 10 5.6.91 60 + 420
Q1 1 1 12.6.91 384 + 96
Q1 12 19.6.91 375 + 105
Ql 13 26.6.91 490 -10
Q114 3.7.91 557 -77
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
182-DAY EXCHANGE FUND BILLS HKEJ
ISSUE MATURING OUTSTANDING
NUMBER ON $ MIL1 j I ON
H164 13.11.91 190 + 70
H165 27.11.91 200 + 60
/H004
MONDAY, JUNE 3, 1991
H004 12.6.91 120 + 140
H005 26.6.91 • 220 + 40
H101 10.7.91 53 + 207
H156 24.7.91 170 + 90
H157 7.8.91 159.5 +100.5
H158 21.8.91 220 + 40
H159 4.9.91 80 + 180
H160 18.9.91 400 -140
H161 2.10.91 180 + 80
H162 17.10.91 134 + 126
H163 30.10.91 173 + 87
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
364-DAY EXCHANGE FUND BILLS HKEK
ISSUE MATURING OUTSTANDING
NUMBER ON $ MILLION
Y187 26.2.92 250 + 10
Y188 25.3.92 180 + 80
Y189 22.4.92 200 + 60
Y190 20.5.92 240 + 20
AVERAGE DAILY TRANSFER FOR WEEK ENDING 31.5.91
WAS 5,474 MN
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CIVIL SERVICE PAY ADJUSTMENT 1991 ........................................ j
HK FULLY COMMITTED TO FIGHTING DRUG MONEY LAUNDERING ..................... 1
NEW COMPUTER SYSTEM TO BENEFIT MANUFACTURERS ............................ 4
Pl PLACES CENTRAL ALLOCATION RESULTS TO BE RELEASED ON SATURDAY .......... 5
SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS FOR AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES STUDIES .................. 6
WATER CUTS IN SHA TIN AND TO KWA WAN ..................................... 7
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND........................................ 7
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............... 8
TUESDAY, JUNE ■ 1991
1
CIVIL SERVICE PAY ADJUSTMENT 1991 *****
CIVIL SERVANTS WILL BE GIVEN A PAY RISE OF 10.43 PER CENT BACKDATED TO APRIL 1.
THE LEVEL OF ADJUSTMENT WAS DECIDED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL TODAY (TUESDAY) AFTER TAKING INTO ACCOUNT A NUMBER OF FACTORS INCLUDING REQUESTS BY STAFF REPRESENTATIVES FOR SALARIES TO BE RAISED BY MORE THAN THE INCREASE IN THE COST OF LIVING.
THE 10.43 PER CENT CORRESPONDS WITH THE AVERAGE INCREASE IN THE COST OF LIVING IN THE 12 MONTHS SINCE THE LAST PAY ADJUSTMENT, AS MEASURED BY THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE STAFF SIDES OF THE FOUR CIVIL SERVICE CONSULTATIVE COUNCILS HAD ASKED FOR INCREASES RANGING FROM 11.88 PER CENT FOR THE UPPER PAY BAND TO 12.49 PER CENT FOR THE MIDDLE AND LOWER PAY BANDS.
"THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL GAVE CAREFUL CONSIDERATION TO THE ARGUMENTS PUT FORWARD IN SUPPORT OF A HIGHER PAY AWARD. ACCOUNT WAS ALSO TAKEN OF THE NEED TO RESTRAIN INFLATION AND TO MAINTAIN A BALANCED BUDGET.
"AFTER WEIGHING UP ALL THE FACTORS, IT WAS CONCLUDED THAT IT WOULD NOT BE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST FOR CIVIL SERVICE PAY TO BE INCREASED BY MORE THAN 10.43 PER CENT," HE SAID.
THE PAY AWARD WILL HAVE THE EFFECT OF MAINTAINING THE REAL VALUE OF CIVIL SERVANTS’ SALARIES SINCE THE LAST PAY ADJUSTMENT.
REPRESENTATIVES OF THE CONSULTATIVE COUNCILS WERE INFORMED OF THE GOVERNMENT’S DECISION SOON AFTER IT WAS TAKEN.
SUBJECT TO THE PROVISION OF FUNDS FROM THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, CIVIL SERVANTS WILL RECEIVE THEIR NEW SALARIES AND BACKPAY AT THE END OF JULY.
--------0-----------
HK FULLY COMMITTED TO FIGHTING DRUG MONEY LAUNDERING *****
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, AS A FULL MEMBER OF THE FINANCIAL ACTION TASK FORCE ON MONEY LAUNDERING (FATF), IS FULLY COMMITTED TO COMBATING MONEY LAUNDERING BOTH IN HONG KONG AND INTERNATIONALLY, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE STATEMENT WAS MADE IN RESPONSE TO THE PRESS COMMUNIQUE ISSUED TODAY IN PARIS FOLLOWING THE 1990-1991 SERIES OF FATF MEETINGS.
/IN HONG .......
TUESDAY. JUNE 4, 1991
- 2 -
IN HONG KONG SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE SINCE THE COMING INTO FORCE OF THE DRUG TRAFFICKING (RECOVERY OF PROCEEDS) ORDINANCE IN DECEMBER 1989.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID LT IS EXPECTED THAT AMENDMENTS TO THIS ORDINANCE WILL BE PROPOSED IN THE NEAR FUTURE TO MEET THE RELEVANT REQUIREMENTS OF THE 1988 VIENNA CONVENTION AGAINST TRAFFICKING IN ILLICIT DRUGS, AND TO REFLECT THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE FATF.
THE OPPORTUNITY WILL ALSO BE TAKEN TO PROPOSE CHANGES TO THE LAW AIMED AT MAKING IT MORE EFFECTIVE, AND SIMPLER FOR FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND OTHER PROFESSIONS DEALING WITH CASH TO COMPLY WITH.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID: ’’INTERNATIONALLY OUR DETERMINATION TO TACKLE DRUG MONEY LAUNDERING IS EVIDENCED BY THE NEGOTIATION OF A NUMBER OF BILATERAL AGREEMENTS WITH OTHER JURISDICTIONS, AND THE DESIGNATION OF NINE JURISDICTIONS SO FAR UNDER THE DRUG TRAFFICKING (RECOVERY OF PROCEEDS) ORDINANCE.
’’THIS MEANS THAT HONG KONG CAN PROVIDE GREATER ASSISTANCE IN THE INVESTIGATION OF OVERSEAS MONEY LAUNDERING OFFENCES, AND THAT OUR COURTS CAN GIVE EFFECT TO CONFISCATION ORDERS MADE BY FOREIGN COURTS.”
THE FATF WAS ESTABLISHED FOLLOWING THE GROUP OF SEVEN ECONOMIC SUMMIT HELD IN PARIS IN JULY 1989 TO REVIEW EXISTING MEASURES AGAINST MONEY LAUNDERING AND TO RECOMMEND IMPROVEMENTS.
AFTER SEVERAL MEETINGS THE TASK FORCE ISSUED A REPORT CONTAINING 40 RECOMMENDATIONS IN APRIL LAST YEAR.
IN ADDITION TO HONG KONG, PARTICIPANTS IN THE 1990-91 SERIES OF MEETINGS WERE AUSTRIA, AUSTRALIA, BELGIUM, CANADA, DENMARK, FINLAND, FRANCE, GERMANY, IRELAND, ITALY, JAPAN, LUXEMBOURG, THE NETHERLANDS, NEW ZEALAND, NORWAY, PORTUGAL, SPAIN, SWEDEN, SWITZERLAND, TURKEY, THE UNITED KINGDOM, THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AND THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN’COMMUNITIES.
THE TASK FORCE MET UNDER THE PRESIDENCY OF FRANCE.
FOLLOWING IS THE TEXT OF THE FINANCIAL ACTION TASK FORCE PRESS COMMUNIQUE ISSUED IN PARIS TODAY:
’’THE FINANCE MINISTERS AND OTHER COMPETENT MINISTERS, OF THE COUNTRIES, TERRITORIES AND ORGANISATIONS OF THE FINANCIAL ACTION TASK FORCE ON MONEY LAUNDERING, THE FATF, WHICH IS CHAIRED BY FRANCE, HAVE HELD CONSULTATIONS TO ASSESS RECENT PROGRESS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST MONEY LAUNDERING AND TO DISCUSS FUTURE PRIORITIES IN THIS FIELD.
"THE EXTENSION OF THE GROUP TO DENMARK, FINLAND, GREECE, HONG KONG, IRELAND, NEW ZEALAND, NORWAY, PORTUGAL AND TURKEY WAS WELCOMED AS A SIGN OF A GROWING INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATIVE EFFORT AGAINST MONEY LAUNDERING. MINISTERS RENEWED THEIR ENDORSEMENT OF THE 40 RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE FATF PUBLISHED IN 1990, AND THEIR COMMITMENT TO IMPLEMENT THEM AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
"MINISTERS APPROVED THE REPORT OF FATF-2 OF MAY 13, WHICH WILL RE MADE PUBLIC.
/"IN PARTICULAR, .
TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 1991
3 -
"IN PARTICULAR, THEY CONSIDERED AS A KEY ELEMENT THE PROCESS OF MUTUAL ASSESSMENT ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS THAT HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED BY THE FATF. THIS PROCESS WILL BE REFINED AND STRENGTHENED IN THE FUTURE. EACH MEMBER WILL BE SUBJECT TO THIS ASSESSMENT THREE YEARS AFTER ITS ENDORSEMENT OF THE APRIL 1990 FATF-1 RECOMMENDATIONS, AND SUMMARIES OF ASSESSMENT REPORTS, CONCERNING INDIVIDUAL COUNTRIES, WILL BE MADE PUBLIC. THEY NOTED THAT PROGRESS HAS ALREADY BEEN MADE TOWARDS IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS. SEVERAL FATF MEMBERS HAVE TAKEN THE MEASURES TO IMPLEMENT THEM, WHILE MOST OTHER MEMBERS WILL DO SO IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE.
"THE MINISTERS UNDERSCORED THAT A WORLDWIDE MOBILISATION EFFORT, ON THE BASIS OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE FATF, WAS NECESSARY TO ENSURE THE SUCCESS OF THE FIGHT AGAINST MONEY LAUNDERING. THEY WELCOMED THE ACTIONS THAT HAVE BEEN TAKEN IN THIS REGARD BY THE GROUP: INVITATION TO MAJOR FINANCIAL CENTRES TO JOIN THE FATF, DIRECT CONTACTS WITH OTHER FINANCIAL CENTRES TO URGE AND HELP THEM TO IMPLEMENT THE FATF PROGRAM, MOBILISATION OF OTHER COUNTRIES OR TERRITORIES ON THE BASIS OF REGIONAL MEETINGS WHICH HAVE BEEN ORGANISED WITH AFRICAN, LATIN AMERCIAN, ASIAN, CARIBBEAN AND CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES. THESE EFFORTS WILL HAVE TO BE PURSUED AND STRENGTHENED. MINISTERS INVITED SINGAPORE AND THE GULF CO-OPERATION COUNCIL ON BEHALF OF ITS MEMBERS TO ENDORSE THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE FATF, AND THUS TO QUALIFY FOR MEMBERSHIP.
"MINISTERS UNDERLINED THAT THE LAUNDERING OF MONEY GENERATED BY MAJOR CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES, IN PARTICULAR DRUG TRAFFICKING, CREATES UNCERTAINTY FOR THE RELIABILITY OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, AND THAT, AS MONEY LAUNDERING CHANNELS CAN BE DISPLACED VERY RAPIDLY, EVERY COUNTRY OR TERRITORY IS POTENTIALLY EXPOSED TO THIS THREAT. HENCE, PREVENTING MONEY LAUNDERING IS IN THE INTEREST OF ALL COUNTRIES OR TERRITORIES. MINISTERS DISCUSSED WAYS TO FACILITATE FURTHER A WORLDWIDE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FATF PROGRAMME. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE WILL HAVE TO BE STRENGTHENED. MEASURES TOWARDS COUNTRIES OR TERRITORIES REFUSING TO CO-OPERATE WERE DISCUSSED.
"MINISTERS APPROVED THE PROPOSALS OF THE FATF-2 REPORT AS REGARDS THE FOLLOW-UP TO THE GROUP. THEY DECIDED THAT THE GROUP WOULD CONTINUE FOR THE NEXT THREE YEARS TO CONDUCT FOUR TASKS: (1) SELF-REPORTING AND MUTUAL ASSESSMENT ON THE ADOPTION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF FATF RECOMMENDATIONS BY ALL MEMBERS; (2) CO-ORDINATION AND OVERSIGHT OF EFFORTS TO ENCOURAGE NON-MEMBERS TO ADOPT AND IMPLEMENT THE RECOMMENDATIONS; (3) MAKING FURTHER RECOMMENDATIONS AND EVALUATIONS OF COUNTER-MEASURES WHILE SERVING AS A FORUM FOR CONSIDERING DEVELOPMENTS IN MONEY LAUNDERING TECHNIQUES DOMESTICALLY AND WORLDWIDE, AND FOR THE EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION ON ENFORCEMENT TECHNIQUES TO COMBAT MONEY LAUNDERING; AND (4) STANDING READY TO FACILITATE DAY TO DAY CO-OPERATION BETWEEN ORGANISATIONS CONCERNED WITH COMBATTING MONEY LAUNDERING AND BETWEEN INDIVIDUAL COUNTRIES OR TERRITORIES, IN PARTICULAR AS REGARDS INVESTIGATIONS.
"SWITZERLAND WAS INVITED TO TAKE ON THE PRESIDENCY OF FATF-3 FOR A ONE YEAR PERIOD AND ACCEPTED THIS INVITATION. AUSTRALIA HAS BEEN ASKED TO TAKE ON THE PRESIDENCY IMMEDIATELY AFTER SWITZERLAND AND FOR A ONE YEAR PERIOD, AND HAS ALSO ACCEPTED. OECD WILL BE ASKED TO SUPPORT THE PRESIDENCY BY A SECRETARIAT WITHIN THE ORGANISATION, TO BE FUNDED BY FATF COUNTRIES, USING AS A REFERENCE, FOR OECD MEMBERS, THE REGULAR CONTRIBUTION RULES TO THIS ORGANISATION."
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/4.........
TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 1991
NEW COMPUTER SYSTEM TO BENEFIT MANUFACTURERS
******
MANUFACTURERS WILL BENEFIT FROM A NEW COMPUTER SYSTEM WHICH THE GOVERNMENT HAS SPENT ALMOST FOUR YEARS DEVELOPING WITH THE TWO UNIVERSITIES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
HE SAID THE COMPUTER-AIDED-DESIGN (CAD)/COMPUTER-AIDED-MANUFACTURING (CAM) RESEARCH PROJECT HAD COMMENCED IN OCTOBER 1987, ON THE ADVICE OF THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD AND WOULD BE INTRODUCED TO INDUSTRIALISTS AND TRADING AGENTS ON FRIDAY (JUNE 7).
HE SAID THE CO-ORDINATED DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME ON CAD/CAM TECHNOLOGY HAD BEEN FUNDED WITH $4.2 MILLION FROM THE GOVERNMENT WITH THE PURPOSE OF ASCERTAINING WHETHER AN INDIGENOUS CAD/CAM SYSTEM WAS FEASIBLE TO MEET THE SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS OF LOCAL INDUSTRY AND BUILD UP LOCAL EXPERTISE.
HE SAID THE NEWLY-DEVELOPED SYSTEM COULD HELP INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY, REDUCE COSTS, SHORTEN PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT CYCLES AND IMPROVE QUALITY.
APPLICATIONS INCLUDED COMPUTER NUMERICAL CONTROLLED (CNC) MACHINING, COMPUTER-CONTROLLED INJECTION MOULDING AND PICK-AND-PLACE ROBOTICS.
HE SAID IT HAD TWO MAIN COMPONENTS - HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE.
THE HARDWARE, THE IDB CAD/CAM WORKSTATION, HAI) BEEN DEVELOPED BY THE COMPUTER SCIENCE DEPARTMENT OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY, WHILE THE SOFTWARE HAD BEEN JOINTLY DEVELOPED BY THE MECHANICAL ENGINEERING AND INDUSTRIAL AND MANUFACTURI NG SYSTEMS ENGINEERING DEPARTMENTS OF HONG KONG UNIVERSITY.
HE SAID FRIDAY’S PRESENTATION, IN THE RAYSON HUANG THEATRE AT HONG KONG UNIVERSITY AT 10 AM, WOULD EXPLORE THE POSSIBILITY OF LICENSING THE SYSTEM’S PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION.
FUNCTIONS OF THE SYSTEM WILL BE INTRODUCED AND ITS UNIQUE FEATURES DEMONSTRATED. PROTOTYPES WILL BE DISPLAYED AND HANDS-ON OPERATION ARRANGED ON REQUEST.
TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 1991
5
Pl PLACES CENTRAL ALLOCATION RESULTS TO BE RELEASED ON SATURDAY
RESULTS OF THE CENTRAL ALLOCATION OF PRIMARY ONE PLACES WILL BE RELEASED ON SATURDAY (JUNE 8).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, IN ANNOUNCING THIS, SAID 19,091 CHILDREN OUT OF A TOTAL OF 27,569 REGISTERED FOR CENTRAL ALLOCATION WOULD BE ALLOCATED PLACES IN SCHOOLS OF THEIR PARENTS* FIRST THREE CHOICES.
HE SAID PARENTS SHOULD RETURN TO THEIR OWN DISTRIBUTION-COLLECTION CENTRE ON SATURDAY OR SUNDAY (JUNE 9), FROM 9.30 AM TO 12.30 PM AND 1.30 PM TO 4.30 PM, TO COLLECT AN ’’ALLOCATION SLIP” WHICH SHOWS THE NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE SCHOOL TO WHICH THEIR CHILD HAS BEEN ALLOCATED, TOGETHER WITH THE DATES FOR REGISTRATION, AND GUIDANCE NOTES.
THEY SHOULD THEN COMPLETE REGISTRATION FORMALITIES ON JUNE 12 OR 13.
REGISTRATION HOURS FOR AM SCHOOLS ARE FROM 9 AM TO NOON AND FOR PM SCHOOLS FROM 2 PM TO 5 PM. FOR WHOLE-DAY SCHOOLS, THE REGISTRATION HOURS ARE FROM 9 AM TO NOON AND FROM 2 PM TO 4 PM.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID PARENTS WHO FOR SOME PERSONAL REASONS COULD NOT REGISTER THEIR CHILD WITH THE SCHOOL TO WHICH THEY HAD BEEN ALLOCATED, MUST CONTACT THE SCHOOL DIRECT OR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT BEFOREHAND FOR ALTERNATIVE ARRANGEMENTS.
’’PARENTS FAILING TO REGISTER THEIR CHILD ON THE SPECIFIED DATES WITHOUT MAKING PRIOR ARRANGEMENTS WOULD BE DEEMED TO HAVE GIVEN UP THE ALLOCATION,” HE SAID.
’’UPON REGISTRATION, THE ALLOCATION SLIP SHOULD BE SURRENDERED TO THE SCHOOL AND PARENTS MUST NOTE THAT ALL PLACES ALLOCATED ARE FINAL AND NO RE-ALLOCAT ION IS POSSIBLE."
PARENTS WHO HAVE SPECIAL DIFFICULTIES, SUCH AS HAVING MOVED TO ANOTHER DISTRICT RESULTING IN THEIR SCHOOL BEING TOO FAR FROM THEIR NEW HOME, ARE ADVISED TO PERSONALLY CALL AT THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT AT 269 QUEEN'S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI, TO SEEK ASSISTANCE.
THEY SHOULD BRING ALONG THE ORIGINAL AND COPIES OF SUPPORTING DOCUMENTARY PROOF SUCH AS RENTAL RECEIPTS, RATES DEMAND NOTES, WATER BILLS, ELECTRICITY BILLS BEARING THE NAME OF THE PARENT OR THE GUARDIAN OF THE CHILD.
"IF THEIR REQUEST IS JUSTIFIED, THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT WILL TRY THEIR BEST TO FIND ANOTHER PLACE FOR THEIR CHILD AT A SCHOOL NEARER TO THEIR NEW HOME,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
’’SHOULD PARENTS FIND IT NECESSARY TO CHANGE SCHOOL AFTER REGISTRATION, THEY ARE ADVISED TO OBTAIN ASSURANCE OF ACCEPTANCE FROM ANOTHER SCHOOL BEFORE RETRIEVING THE ALLOCATION SLIP FROM THE ORIGINAL SCHOOL TO CANCEL THE ORIGINAL ALLOCATION.”
/PARENTS OF .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 1991
6
PARENTS OF CHILDREN WHO HAVE SECURED A DISCRETIONARY PLACE AND HAVE ALREADY REGISTERED WITH A SCHOOL LATE LAST YEAR NEED NOT REPEAT THE REGISTRATION FORMALITIES.
PARENTS WHO HAVE FURTHER ENQUIRIES MAY CONTACT THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT ON TEL. 572 4383.
THE ENQUIRY SERVICE WILL REMAIN OPERATIONAL FROM 9 AM TO 12.30 PM AND FROM T.30 PM TO 4.30 PM ON BOTH SATURDAY AND SUNDAY (JUNE 8 AND 9) .
0
SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS FOR AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES STUDIES
******
STUDENTS WISHING TO OBTAIN FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE UNDER THE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS SCHOLARSHIP FUND AND THE MARINE FISH SCHOLARSHIP FUND MAY TENDER THEIR APPLICATIONS FROM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
A TOTAL OF $923,000 WILL BE AVAILABLE THIS YEAR FOR SCHOLARSHIPS, GRANTS AND INTEREST-FREE LOANS FROM THE TWO FUNDS WHICH ARE ADMINISTERED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (TUESDAY), THE SECRETARY OF THE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS AND MARINE FISH SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS ADVISORY COMMITTEES, MR PETER HO, SAID APPLICATION FORMS WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM TOMORROW FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS ON THE 12TH FLOOR OF CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 393 CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON, AND FROM VARIOUS DISTRICT AGRICULTURAL AND FISHERIES LIAISON OFFICES.
"THE FUNDS WERE SET UP IN 1978 TO HELP PEOPLE WISHING TO SERVE THE LOCAL AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES INDUSTRIES OR RELATED TRADES ON COMPLETIONOF THEIR STUDIES, AND ALSO THOSE EMPLOYED IN THE INDUSTRIES WISHING TO PURSUE FURTHER TRAINING," MR HO SAID.
"ANOTHER AIM IS TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO CHILDREN OF FARMING AND FISHING FAMILIES TO COMPLETE THEIR TERTIARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLING."
APPLICATIONS FOR TERTIARY EDUCATION SUBSIDIES IN THE NEW ACADEMIC YEAR WILL CLOSE ON JULY 15 WHILE THOSE FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS WILL CLOSE ON AUGUST 14.
THE AWARDS WILL BE TENABLE AT ANY UNIVERSITY IN HONG KONG, THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, CITY POLYTECHNIC, BAPTIST COLLEGE, ANY ACCEPTABLE OVERSEAS INSTITUTION AND ANY SECONDARY SCHOOL IN HONG KONG.
APPLICANTS IN TERTIARY EDUCATION SHOULD BE HONG KONG RESIDENTS UNDER 30 YEARS OF AGE WHILE SECONDARY SCHOOL APPLICANTS SHOULD BE STUDENTS IN FORMS FOUR TO SEVEN, MR HO SAID.
/APPROVED COURSES .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 1991
7
APPROVED COURSES FOR TERTIARY EDUCATION INCLUDE THOSE ON AGRICULTURE, VETERINARY SCIENCE, MARINE SCIENCE AND BIOLOGY OR ANY APPLIED SCIENCE DIRECTLY RELEVANT TO THE LOCAL AGRICULTURE OR FISHERIES INDUSTRIES AND RELATED TRADES.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE FUNDS AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 733 2249 DURING OFFICE HOURS.
---------0-----------
WATER CUTS IN SHA TIN AND TO KWA WAN * * * * ♦
DUE TO SUSPENSION OF ELECTRICITY SUPPLY, FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN SHA TIN WILL BE SUSPENDED TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY), FROM 9 AM TO 6 PM.
THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY YAU 01 TSUEN, TO FUNG SHAN ROAD AND PART OF TUNG LO WAN VILLAGE.
MEANWHILE, TO FACILITATE WATER WORKS, FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN TO KWA WAN WILL BE SUSPENDED ON FRIDAY (JUNE 7) FROM 9.30 AM TO 5 PM.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT AN AREA BOUNDED BY MA TAU KOK ROAD, HUNG WAN STREET, 3-17 MOK CHEONG STREET AND KOWLOON CITY ROAD, INCLUDING MA TAU KOK LARGE ANIMAL QUARANTINE DEPOT AND MA TAU KOK ROAD PUBLIC LATRINE.
---------0-----------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND HKEG
♦ ♦ » ♦ »
EXCHANGE FUND BILLS TENDER RESULTS TUESDAY 4 JUNE 1991
ISSUE NUMBER Q123
AMOUNT APPLIED HKD 1,075 MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED HKD 400 MN
AVERAGE ACCEPTED YIELD 7.21 PCT
HIGHEST ACCEPTED YIELD 7.23 PCT
PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 45 PCT
AVERAGE DAILY TRANSFER FOR WEEK ENDING 31.5.91 WAS 5,474 MN
/HONG KONG .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 1991
- 8
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE EUND HKEH
NEXT TENDER OF EXCHANGE FUND BILLS TUESDAY 11 JUNE 1991
ISSUE NUMBER Q124 H166
ISSUE DATE 12 JUN 91 12 JUN 91
MATURITY DATE 11 SEP 91 11 DEC 91
TENOR 91 DAYS 182 DAYS
AMOUNT ON OFFER HKD 400 + 80 MN HKD 200 + 60 MN
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HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS HKEF
*♦»»»*
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 3.6.91 380
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 4.6.91 -433
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING + 433
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 113.6 *-0.1»
4.6.91
ISSUE NUMBER HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND 91-DAY EXCHANGE FUND BILLS HKEI
MATURING ON OUTSTANDING $ MILLION
Q115 10.7.91 470 + 10
QI 16 17.7.91 4 30 + 50
Q117 24.7.91 678.5 -198.5
QI 18 31.7.91 560 -80
Q119 7.8.91 418.5 + 61.5
Q120 14.8.91 370 + 110
Q121 21.8.91 445 + 35
Q122 28.8.91 450 + 30
QUO 5.6.91 -90 + 570
QI 1 1 12.6.91 374 + 106
Q112 19.6.91 445 + 35
Q113 26.6.91 590 -110
QI 14 3.7.91 597 -117
/HONG KONG........
TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 1991
9
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT 182-DAY EXCHANGE EXCHANGE FUND FUND BILLS HKEJ
ISSUE MATURING OUTSTANDING
NUMBER ON $ MILLION
H164 13.11.91 190 +70
H165 27.11.91 190 +70
H004 12.6.91 80 +180
H005 26.6.91 180 +80
H101 10.7.91 53 +207
H156 24.7.91 190 +70
H157 7.8.91 179.5 +80.5
H158 21.8.91 220 +40
H159 4.9.91 110 +150
H160 18.9.91 420 -160
H161 2.10.91 180 +80
H162 17.10.91 134 +126
H163 30.10.91 HONG KONG GOVERNMENT 120 +140 EXCHANGE FUND
364-DAY EXCHANGE FUND BILLS HKEK
ISSUE MATURING OUTSTANDING
NUMBER ON $ MILLION
Y187 26.2.92 225 +35
Y188 25.3.92 230 +30
Y189 22.4.92 240 +20
Y190 20.5.92 240 +20
AVERAGE DAILY TRANSFER FOR WEEK ENDING 31.5.91 WAS 5,474 MN
- - 0----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING:
MOVEMENT FROM OTHERS NEEDED TO RESOLVE VM PROBLEM ................. 1
GOVT IS COMMITTED TO PRESERVE HUMAN RIGHTS: CS .................... 5
BILL OF RIGHTS TO IMPLEMENT OBLIGATIONS UNDER HK'S DOMESTIC LAW ... 7
RECOMMENDATION FOR A SELECTED FREEZE OF ORDINANCES UNDER BILL OF RIGHTS ACCEPTED ................................................... 9
GOVERNMENT CONSIDERING TO SET UP ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO FURTHER HUMAN RIGHTS EDUCATION .................................................. U
BILL OF RIGHTS CONSTITUTES STATEMENT OF RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS: AG .. 13
SHA OUTLINES CONTROL SCOPE OF CLUBS BILL ......................... 16
OATHS AND DECLARATIONS AMENDMENT BILL INTRODUCED ................. 17
BILL ON CONTROLS OF WEAPONS IN TRANSIT ........................... 17
OZONE PROTECTION BILL INTRODUCED ................................. 18
BILL TO FACILITATE FINANCIAL MARKET CO-OPERATION ................. 18
AMENDMENT BILL ON EXPRESSWAY INTRODUCED .......................... 19
POLICE TRUST BILLS INTRODUCED ................................... 20
REVIEW ON PUBLIC VEHICLE DRIVER MEDICAL CHECKS ................... 21
TV GAMES SHOWS NOT MINOR GAMBLING ................................ 22
MEDICAL COUNCIL AGREES TO PROPOSAL OF LIMITED REGISTRATION OF DOCTORS 22
CROSS BORDER CO-OPERATION FOR RETURN OF STOLEN CARS .............. 23
GOVT CONSIDERS UPGRADING SCHOOL GUIDANCE SERVICES ................ 23
ONE AIRCRAFT DEVIATION CASE IN PAST YEAR ......................... 24
INTERCEPTION OPERATION OF VM'S EXPLAINED ......................... 25
NO EXEMPTION IN TAX PAYING EXPLAINED ............................. 26
AD HOC COMMITTEE TO REVIEW HOUSING SUBSIDY POLICY ................ 27
CONTINGENCY PLANS FOR LION ROCK TUNNEL REVIEWED .................. 27
SUMMARY OF CHANGES TO ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE TABLED ............ 28
ENCOURAGING RESULTS ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION .................. 29
/LATEST POLICE ......
LATEST POLICE COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE REPORT PUBLISHED ................... 30
FOUR-HOUR LEGCO DEBATE ON VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS ......................... 32
VIETNAMESE ASYLUM-SEEKERS ............................................... 33
JLG 19TH MEETING IN HK .................................................. 34
FC MEETING ON FRIDAY .................................................... 34
FIRST REVIEW OF PROGRESS ON WHITE PAPER ON POLLUTION PUBLISHED .......... 34
ACAF MEMBERS RE-APPOINTED ............................................... 35
SELF-FINANCING A MORE PRACTICAL APPROACH ................................ 35
SIX GOVT LOTS TO LET BY TENDER .......................................... 36
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .............. 37
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 1991
MOVEMENT FROM OTHERS NEEDED TO RESOLVE VM PROBLEM ««»***
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN TRYING TO OPERATE THE FULL ARRANGEMENTS UNDER THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OF ACTION (CPA), WHICH WAS AGREED BY OVER 70 GOVERNMENTS IN GENEVA IN 1989, FOR AS LONG AS IT PRACTICALLY CAN, BUT MOVEMENT IS NEEDED FROM OTHERS VERY SOON OR THE PLAN WILL SIMPLY FAIL, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON IAN STRACHAN, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
WINDING UP THE MOTION DEBATE ON VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS (VM), MR STRACHAN NOTED THAT IN THE DEBATE, MEMBERS HAD MADE VERY CLEAR THAT THE COMMUNITY’S PATIENCE HAD ALMOST WORN OUT.
"WE NEED MOVEMENT FROM OTHERS VERY SOON SO AS TO HELP US RESOLVE THE ISSUE OF THE SCREENED OUT AND THE RELATED PROBLEM OF ECONOMIC DEPRIVATION IN VIETNAM.
"OTHERS WILL NEED TO INVEST MORE OF THEIR POLITICAL WILL AND RESOURCES IN HELPING TO RESOLVE THIS TWIN PROBLEM, AS HONG KONG HAS HAD TO INVEST ITS POLITICAL WILL AND RESOURCES SO HEAVILY OVER THE PAST 16 YEARS," HE SAID.
MR STRACHAN SAID HE COULD NEITHER SUPPORT THE HON POON CHI-FAl’S MOTION NOR THE HON STEPHEN CHEONG’S MOTION.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS MOVING ON ALL THE FRONTS MR CHEONG REFERRED TO THOUGH NOT IN THE PRECISE MANNER IN WHICH HIS MOTION WAS FRAMED.
WHILE CONCEDING THAT MEMBERS’ SENSE OF FRUSTRATION OVER THE VM ISSUE WAS WELL-JUSTIFIED, MR STRACHAN SAID IT SHOULD NOT DISTRACT EITHER OURSELVES OR THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY FROM HONG KONG’S RECORD ON FIRST ASYLUM WHICH THE TERRITORY HAD MUCH TO BE PROUD OF.
AS ONE OF THE MOST CROWDED PLACES IN THE WORLD, HONG KONG HAD NEVERTHELESS ACCEPTED WELL OVER 180,000 ASYLUM SEEKERS FROM VIETNAM SINCE 1975 AND HAD ABSORBED INTO THE COMMUNITY OVER 14,000 PEOPLE FROM INDO-CHINA, WITH NO ASYLUM SEEKER EVER BEEN TURNED AWAY, HE SAID.
"ALL HAVE BEEN PROVIDED WITH REFUGE, FOOD, CLOTHING, MEDICAL CARE AND WHATEVER OTHER LIMITED SERVICES WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GIVE THEM," HE SAID.
MR STRACHAN SAID HONG KONG HAD STUCK FIRMLY BY THE INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENT REACHED IN 1979 WHICH ACKNOWLEDGED AND ACCEPTED THAT PERSONS LEAVING VIETNAM SEEKING ASYLUM ELSEWHERE SHOULD BE TREATED AS REFUGEES AND WERE TO BE RESETTLED IN THIRD COUNTRIES, AND THE 1989 AGREEMENT ON THE CPA, WHICH WAS DRAWN UP AFTER THE EARLIER AGREEMENT BROKE DOWN.
HE SAID SINCE THEN HONG KONG HAD STRUGGLED UNDER VERY DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES AND RESOURCE LIMITATIONS TO MAINTAIN THE CPA WHICH HAD REMAINED THE CORNER-STONE OF THE POLICIES OF BOTH THE BRITISH AND HONG KONG GOVERNMENTS IN HANDLING THIS PROBLEM.
/"NOW THE .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 1991
- 2 -
"NOW THE CPA IS ITSELF CLOSE TO BREAKING POINT AND HAS INDEED BROKEN DOWN IN SOME COUNTRIES IN THIS REGION,” THE ACTING SECRETARY SAID, WHILE NOTING THAT IT WAS A CLEAR MESSAGE FROM MEMBERS THAT THE TERRITORY’S CONTINUING ABILITY TO CARRY OUT THE CPA COULD NOT BE TAKEN FOR GRANTED.
"THE VM PROBLEM IS AN INTERNATIONAL PROBLEM AND HAS BEEN RECOGNISED AS SUCH REPEATEDLY TN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES.
"HONG KONG HAS CONTRIBUTED MORE THAN ITS FAIR SHARE TOWARDS THE RESOLUTION OF THIS PROBLEM. IT IS ONLY RIGHT THAT THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY, INCLUDING OF COURSE THE UK AND THE U.S., SHOULD SHARE OUR BURDEN AND INCREASE THEIR ASSISTANCE BOTH FINANCIALLY AND IN PRACTICAL TERMS TO HELP RESOLVE THE PROBLEM,” HE SAID.
ON THE SUGGESTION THAT THE HMG SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO SPEED UP ITS COMMITMENT TO TAKE 2,000 REFUGEES BEFORE THE END OF 1991, HE SAID THIS WAS BEING ACTIVELY PURSUED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
AS AT 7.30 THIS MORNING, 9,173 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS HAD ARRIVED IN HONG KONG THIS YEAR. AT THE SAME TIME LAST YEAR 2,321 HAD ARRIVED.
THERE WAS AN INCREASE OF 295 PER CENT IN ARRIVALS IN 1991 COMPARED TO 1990. THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ARRIVALS IN 1990 WAS 6,597, MR STRACHAN SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT IN 1991 HONG KONG HAD BEEN RECEIVING 95 PER CENT OF ALL MIGRANTS LEAVING VIETNAM CLANDESTINELY.
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE IN HONG KONG CAMPS WAS 58,000, 6,300 WERE VIETNAMESE REFUGEES AND 52,000 WERE VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS, OF WHOM 17,000 WERE SCREENED OUT.
MR STRACHAN SAID IT WAS IN THIS CONTEXT THAT THE WORLD COMMUNITY MUST ACCEPT THAT THE PROBLEM HAD CHANGED BEYOND ANY RECOGNITION OF WHAT IT WAS PREVIOUSLY.
IN THE LATE 70’S, PEOPLE WERE THEN FLEEING FROM VIETNAM MAINLY FOR REASONS OF POLITICAL OR RACIAL PERSECUTION.
’’MOST RECENT ARRIVALS IN HONG KONG ARE LEAVING FOR CLEARLY OPPORTUNISTIC REASONS.
’’THUS A NEW PROBLEM, WHICH HAS EVOLVED SLOWLY BUT CLEARLY, REQUIRES FRESH CONSIDERATION AND QUITE NEW SOLUTIONS,” HE SAID.
ON THE ISSUE OF ABANDONING FIRST ASYLUM, WHICH MANY MEMBERS RAISED IN THE DEBATE, THE ACTING SECRETARY SAID IT WAS IMPORTANT TO RECOGNISE THAT TO ABANDON THE PRINCIPLE OF FIRST ASYLUM WOULD NOT BE AN EASY OR A COST-FREE DEC'IS ION FOR HONG KONG.
HE SAID: ”NOR WOULD IT NECESSARILY STOPS BOATS COMING TO HONG KONG. WE WOULD HAVE TO FACE THE HARD CHOICE AS MAN\ MEMBERS REMINDED US OF WHAT TO DO IF FUTURE ARRIVALS SANK THEIR BOATS WHEN THEY WERE REFUSED PERMISSION TO LAND HERE.
/"WOULD WE.........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 1991
"WOULD WE, AS A COMMUNITY, BE WILLING TO LET THESE PEOPLE DROWN? SURELY NOT. I CAN’T BELIEVE WE COULD SUGGEST THIS COURS! nF ACTION ON THE SAME DAY THAT THE COUNCIL HAD PASSED THE Bl 1,1. <»l-
RIGHTS."
MR STRACHAN SAID HONG KONG WOULD ALSO HAVE TO FACE AN INTERNATIONAL OUTCRY, WHICH WOULD PUT AT RISK OUR PROSPECTS FOR RESETTLING THE 6,000 REFUGEES AND THE REMAINING 52,000 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS NOW IN HONG KONG.
"WE WOULD ALSO PREJUDICE INTERNATIONAL ATTITUDES TOWARDS HONG KONG IN OTHER AREAS, SUCH AS TRADE, FINANCE AND OUR FUTURE, AREAS IN WHICH VE HAVE VERY IMPORTANT INTERESTS.
"OUR ABILITY TO ACT UNILATERALLY, EVEN WITH THE FIRM SUPPORT OF HMG, I’O RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM IS EXTREMELY LIMITED, THOUGH, OF COURSE, WE ARE CONTINUALLY EXAMINING THE OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO US.”
ON THE OTHER HAND, MR STRACHAN SAID IF HONG KONG WAS TO MAINTAIN FIRST ASYLUM, THE BALANCE OF OBLIGATIONS IN THE CPA MUST BE IMPLEMENTED IN FULL WlTH PLACES OF FIRST ASYLUM HAVING TO ADMIT ASYLUM SEEKERS AND DETERMINE THEIR STATUS; RESETTLEMENT COUNTRIES TO TAKE GENUINE REFUGEES; AND THE COUNTRY OF ORIGIN AND THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE TO ACCEPT THAT NON-REFUGEES MUST RETURN HOME WITH \3SISTANCE AND GUARANTEES AS TO THEIR FUTURE TREATMENT.
MR STRACHAN STRESSED THAT HONG KONG HAD FULFILLED ITS OBLIGATIONS TO THE LETTER, BUT OTHERS WERE NOT FULFILLING THEIRS.
"WE HAVE PROVIDED ASYLUM AND CONTINUED AT CONSIDERABLE EXPENSE TO DETERMINE THE STATUS OF MANY HUNDREDS OF NEW ASYLUM SEEKERS EACH WEEK.
"OUR. SCREENING SYSTEM, WHICH THOSE WITH NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR SOLVING THIS PROBLEM HAVE CHOSE OFTEN TO CRITICISE, HAS BEEN FOUND TO BE GENERALLY FAIR AND ACCURATE.
"WE CONTINUE TO IMPROVE IT AS FAR AS WE CAN.
"AND YET ONCE STATUS HAS BEEN DETERMINED, WHAT RELIEF IS THERE FOR HONG KONG AND WHAT PROSPECTS ARE THERE FOR THE NON-REFUGEE?" HE ASKED.
HE NOTED THAT THE VOLUNTEER SCHEME SHOWED SOME SIGNS OF PICKING UP AGAIN. HOWEVER, THE NUMBER OF VM’S RETURNED LAST MONTH WAS ABOUT HALF AS MANY AS CAME AS NEW ARRIVALS ON ANY ONE DAY IN THE SAME MONTH.
"WE HAVE OVER 18,000 VIETNAMESE WHO HAVE BEEN SCREENED OUT AS NON-REFUGEES. THEY ARE BEING HELD PENDING REPATRIATION TO VIETNAM. MOST OF' THEM SHOW NO INTEREST IN THE VOLUNTEER SCHEME.
"WE ARE TRYING TO GET THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY TO FOCUS ON THIS CENTRAL ISSUE.
"IT IS WHOLLY WRONG THAT MANY THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE AND THEIR CHILDREN SIT IN OUR CAMPS, IN CROWDED AND OFTEN DIFFICULT CONDITIONS, BELIEVING IN SOME FUTILE WAY THAI’ THE IMMIGRATION POLICIES OF THE USA AND OTHER COUNTRIES ARE GOING TO CHANGE.
/"SOONER. RATHER
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 1991
4 -
"SOONER, RATHER THAN LATER, THESE PEOPLE MUST SET V. I DE ML RUMOURS AND UES AND FACE THE REALITY THAT THEIR FUTURE AND THAT OF THEIR CHILDREN, LIES HACK IN VIETNAM," HE SAID.
MR STRACHAN SAID THE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN THE CAMPS HAD A SPECIAL ROLE TO PLAY IN THIS REGARD, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE UNHCR AND CAMP MANAGEMENTS, NOTING THAT THE CSD STAFF THAT HAD BEEN COUNSELLING AT GREEN ISLAND HAD DEMONSTRATED CLEARLY THAT "WHERE THERE IS A WILL, THERE IS A WAY".
ON THE HON KINGSLEY SIT'S AND THE HON MARTIN BARROW’S QUESTIONS OF WHETHER THE BRITISH EMBASSY IN HANOI WAS ADEQUATELY STAFFED, MR STRACHAN REASSURED THEM THAT HONG KONG HAD BEEN WELL SERVED BY THE EMBASSY THERE AND THE THOROUGH UNDERSTANDING WAS FURTHER ACHIEVED BY REGULAR VISITS BY HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS TO VIETNAM.
MR STRACHAN POINTED OUT THAT THE CENTRAL ISSUE OF RETURNING THE SCREENED OUT WAS TIED TO A WIDER PROBLEM WHICH WENT BEYOND THE CPA ITSELF: THAT OF THE ECONOMIC CONDITIONS IN VIETNAM WHICH THESE PEOPLE WERE NOW FLEEING.
IT WAS THE VIEW OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT THAT THE KEY POINT WAS THAT THE ECONOMY OF VIETNAM SHOULD IMPROVE. THIS WAS ONLY LIKELY TO HAPPEN THROUGH GREATER CONTACT WITH THE OUTSIDE WORLD.
ON HONG KONG’S PART, MR STRACHAN POINTED OUT THAT THE TERRITORY WAS DOING WHAT IT COULD TO ENSURE THAT THIS HAPPENED, BY EXPANDING TRADE AND AIR LINKS AND ENCOURAGING EASIER ACCESS TO VISAS FOR HONG KONG’S ENTREPENEURS AND TOURISTS TO VISIT VIETNAM.
MR STRACHAN ALSO SAID A HONG KONG/UK DELEGATION HAD BEEN IN WASHINGTON IN THE PAST FEW DAYS SEARCHING FOR A SOLUTION TO THIS VERY POINT.
MR ANDREW BURNS, THE LEADER OF OUR DELEGATION, NOTED DURING THESE DISCUSSIONS THAT THE VIETNAMESE PROBLEM IN HONG KONG WAS "TOP OF HMG’S AGENDA".
"I TRUST THAT THOSE MEMBERS ALSO HAVE BEEN CRITICAL OF HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT, WILL CAREFULLY NOTE THIS STATEMENT," HE SAID.
MR STRACHAN SAID THE CONSULTATIONS WHICH HAVE JUST CONCLUDED IN WASHINGTON WERE ENVISAGED BY THE RECENT MEETING OF THE CPA STEERING COMMITTEE TO EXPLORE MEASURES THAT COULD ENCOURAGE GREATLY ACCELERATED RATES OF RETURN OF VIETNAM OF THOSE DETERMINED NOT TO BE REFUGEES.
HE SAID THE UNITED STATES, THE UNITED KINGDOM AND HONG KONG HAI) AGREED THAT THEY REMAIN COMMITTED TO THE CPA, ESPECIALLY FIRST ASYLUM AND FAIR PROCEDURES TO DETERMINE WHO WAS AND WHO WAS NOT A REFUGEE.
THE BRITISH AND HONG KONG SIDES HAD INFORMED THE UNITED STATES THAT THEY INTENDED AS A MATTER OF URGENCY TO SEEK BILATERAL DISCUSSIONS WITH VIETNAM.
"THESE DISCUSSIONS COULD CONSIDER THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN INTERNATIONAL ITY' MANAGED CENTRE ON TERRITORY PROVIDED BY VIETNAM FOR THOSE ASYLUM SEEKERS WHO ARE DETERMINED NOT TO BE REFUGEES AND WHO HAVE NOT TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF THE EXISTING VOLUNTARY RETURN PROGRAMMES.
/"THESE DISCUSSIONS .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 1991
"THESE DISCUSSIONS WILL TAKE PLACE IN CLOSE CONSULTATION WITH UNHCR AND THE INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATION FOR MIGRATION (IOM)," HE NOTED.
FOR THOSE WHO HAD LEFT VIETNAM AND WHO HAD NOW BEEN SCREENED OUT, THERE WOULD RE NO RESETTLEMENT.
THE WASHINGTON TALKS ALSO AGREED THAT CUTOFF DATES WOULD REMAIN IN FORCE AND WOULD TN NO CIRCUMSTANCES BE CHANGED AT A LATER DATE.
- - 0 - -
GOVT IS COMMITTED TO PRESERVE HUMAN RIGHTS: CS
*****
THE ENACTMENT OF HONG KONG BILL OF RIGHTS BILL 1990 REPRESENTS FURTHER EVIDENCE OF THE ADMINISTRATION'S COMMITMENT TO THE PRESERVATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN HONG KONG, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID FORD SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"I SAY 'FURTHER EVIDENCE' FOR THERE IS, I BELIEVE, CAUSE TO RECOGNISE THE FACT THAT OUR RECORD IN THE FIELD IS ONE OF WHICH WE SHOULD BE READILY PROUD," SIR DAVID SAID WHEN SPEAKING AT THE SECOND READING DEBATE <>N THE BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY NOTED IT HAD BEEN SUGGESTED DURING THE DEBATE THAT THE ADMINISTRATION WAS REGRESSIVE WHEN IT CAME TO CIVIL RIGHTS.
"THAT IS AN ALLEGATION THAT DOES NOT BEAR RATIONAL EXAMINATION. OUR HUMAN RIGHTS RECORD IS A GOOD ONE, AND IT IS PROGRESSIVE. THERE IS AMPLE EVIDENCE 1’0 SHOW IT," SIR DAVID SAID, CITING THE FOLLOWING CURRENT AND RECENT EXAMPLES :
* THE PRESENT PREPARATION OF A TORTURE BILL, TO GIVE EFFECT TO THE CONVENTION AGAINST TORTURE;
♦ THE ABOLITION OF JUDICIAL CORPORAL PUNISHMENT;
* THE REPEAL OF PART OF THE EDUCATION ORDINANCE DEALING WITH POLITICAL ACTIVITIES IN SCHOOLS;
* THE PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE LAWS ON HOMOSEXUALITY;
* THE EXAMINATION BY THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION OF POLICE POWERS OF ARREST, DETENTION, SEARCH AND SEIZURE, AND THE LAWS RELATING TO ILLEGITIMACY AND TO THE PROTECTION OF PRIVACY.
SIR DAVID SAID THIS WAS A CATALOGUE OF AN ADMINISTRATION WELL COMMITTED TO THE SAFEGUARDING OF HUMAN RIGHTS, AND TO THAT CATALOGUE, THE GOVERNMENT NOW ADDED A BILL OF RIGHTS FOR HONG KONG.
/REFERRING TO
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 1991
6
REFERRING
TO THE KEY OBJECTIVES WHICH THE ADMINISTRATION
HAD
HAD TO BEAR IN
SAID: "AT THE OBJECTIVES, AND PROVISIONS OF
MIND IN THE DRAFTING OF THE BILE OF RIGHTS, SIR DAVID END OF THE DAY, I AM SATISFIED THAT IT MEETS THOSE IN PARTICULAR THAT IT FAITHFULLY INCORPORATES RELEVANT THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT ON CIVIL AND POLITICAL
RIGHTS, AS THAT ('OVENANT IS APPLIED TO HONG KONG."
HE POINTED OUT THAT IT WOULD BE AS WELL TO REMEMBER AT ALL TIMES THAT THE ('OVENANT WAS THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY’S STATEMENT THAT THERE WERE CERTAIN STANDARDS TO WHICH WE SHOULD ADHERE.
’’BUT, MORE THAN THAT, THE STANDARDS ITEMISED IN THE COVENANT ARE MERELY THE MINIMUM STANDARDS. COMPLAINTS THAT THE BILL OF RIGHTS MAY IMPACT ADVERSELY ON OUR ABILITY TO TAKE THIS STEP OR THAT ARE THEREFORE TANTAMOUNT TO ASSERTIONS THAT WE SHOULD NOT ADHERE TO THOSE MINIMUM STANDARDS," HE SAID.
NOTING THAT CONCERNS HAD BEEN EXPRESSED OUTSIDE AND INSIDE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY THAT THE BILL OF RIGHTS MIGHT HAVE AN ADVERSE EFFECT ON THE EFFICIENCY OF ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES, SIR DAVID POINTED POINT OUT THAT, REGARDLESS OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS, HONG KONG HAD AN INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATION TO ENSURE THAT ITS LAWS WERE IN
CONFORMITY WITH THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT.
"THE ADMINISTRATION IS VERY CONSCIOUS OF THE NEED TO MAINTAIN THE EFFICIEN(’V OF THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES. BUT WE ARE SATISFIED THAT THE BILL OF RIGHTS WILL NOT DIMINISH OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY IN THIS OR OTHER AREAS," HE SAID.
THE FREEZE PERIOD IN RELATION TO THE SCHEDULE OF ORDINANCES, SAID SIR DAVID WAS DESIGNED TO ALLOW SUFFICIENT TIME TO EXAMINE THESE ORDINANCES AFFECTING LAW ENFORCEMENT AND, SHOULD IT PROVE NECESSARY, TO REPLACE PROVISIONS SO THAT OPERATIONAL VACUUMS DID NOT ARISE, AND WHICH PROVISIONS WERE AT THE SAME TIME CONSISTENT WITH THE BILL OF RIGHTS AND, CONSEQUENTLY, WITH THE ICCPR.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY RECALLED THAT WHEN HE MOVED THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, HE POINTED OUT THAT THERE WERE A NUMBER OF COUNTRIES WHERE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES HAD TO OPERATE WITHIN CONSTITUTIONAL GUARANTEES FOR BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS. ’’THESE
ARE HIGHLY ADVANCED AND CIVILIZED COMMUNITIES WHERE LAW AND ORDER IS
MAINTAINED," HE ADDED.
"NOR ARE WE EMBARKED ON
SOME UNIQUE ADVENTURE.
THERE ARE MANY
JUR I SD I CT IONS , PART I CULARLY I N THE CHARTER OF RIGHTS," HE SAID, ADDING ALL COMMONWEALTH JURISDTCTTONS.
COMMON LAW WORLD WITH
THAT IT WAS A FEATURE
THEIR OWN
OF ALMOST
’’THE VALUE OF SUCH LAW IS, I BELIEVE, CLEAR: IT SERVES AS A YARDSTICK, A FOCAL POINT, AND IT IS A VITAL EDUCATIVE TOOL, BRINGING HOME TO THE CONSCIOUSNESS OF PRIVATE INDIVIDUAL AND PUBLIC OFFICIAL ALIKE THE IMPORTANCE OF ESSENTIAL RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS, WHICH IN A FREE SOCIETY WE ARE ALWAYS IN DANGER OF TAKING FOR GRANTED," HE SAID.
- - 0 - -
/7........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 1991
BILL OF RIGHTS TO IMPLEMENT OBLIGATIONS UNDER UK’S DOMESTIC LAW * * * * *
THE HONG KONG BILL OF RIGHTS BILL 1990 DOES NO MORE THAN IMPLEMENT IN READILY ACCESSIBLE FORM THOSE OBLIGATIONS AS A CLEAR PART OF HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC LAW, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID FORD SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
SPEAKING AT THE SECOND RFADING DEBATE ON THF BILL, THE CHIEF SECRETARY POINTED OUT THAT THE AMENDMENTS TO BE MOVED DURING THE COMMITTEE STAGE REFLECTED THE RESULTS OF THOSE DISCUSSIONS AND OF THE FULL CONSIDERATION GIVEN BY THE ADMINISTRATION TO REPRESENTATIONS RECEIVED SINCE THE BILL WAS INTRODUCED TO THE LEGISLATURE IN JULY 1990.
SIR DAVID SAID THE ADMINISTRATION HAD PAID CAREFUL ATTENTION TO THE CONTENTIONS OF DISPARATE GROUPS, INCLUDING THOSE EAGER FOR A BROADER STATEMENT OF RIGHTS; AND THOSE WHO HAD ARGUED FOR LIMITED APPLICATION; THOSE CONCERNED LEST THF BILL OF RIGHTS BE GIVEN A STATUS SUPERIOR TO HONG KONG’S LAWS, COMPETING IN PROMINENCE WITH THE LETTERS PATENT, OR AFTER 1997 WITH THE BASIC LAW; AND THOSE WHO, ON THE OTHER HAND, WHO POINTED TO THE SPECIAL STATUS NORMALLY GIVEN TO INSTRUMENTS OF THIS NATURE.
"WE ARE AWARE TOO THAT THERE ARE THOSE WHO SAY THAT SUCH A BILL IS UNNECESSARY, AND OF THOSE WHO ON THE OTHER HAND COMPLAIN THAT IT IS LONG OVERDUE AND IN ANY EVENT IS ENCUMBERED BY RESERVATIONS AND A FREEZE," HE SAID.
IN ANSWER TO THESE COMPETING VIEWS, SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT SINCE 1976, HONG KONG HAD HAD AN OBLIGATION IN INTERNATIONAL LAW TO GIVE EFFECT TO THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT ON CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS.
"THAT OBLIGATION EXISTED BEFORE THE JOINT DECLARATION AND LONG BEFORE PROMULGATION OF THE BASIC LAW," HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT ALTHOUGH IT WAS POSSIBLE TO GIVE EFFECT TO THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT THROUGH VARIOUS LAWS, THE INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATION, HIGHLIGHTED BY THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW, WAS MORE READILY GIVEN CLEAR EFFECT BY A LAW OF THIS KIND.
"THESE TWO INSTRUMENTS HAVE HIGHLIGHTED THE INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATION. AND INDEED THE BILL OF RIGHTS DOES NO MORE THAN IMPLEMENT IN READILY ACCESSIBLE FORM THOSE OBLIGATIONS AS A CLEAR PART OF OUR DOMESTIC LAW," HE SAID.
HOWEVER, SIR DAVID SAID THERE HAD BEEN GROWING IN THE COMMUNITY, THE DESIRE FOR \ LAW OF THIS KIND AND THAT MOMENTUM CAME AT A TIME WHEN REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT WAS DEVELOPING AND WHEN THE COMMUNITY WAS GIVING GREATER VOICE TO THOSE ASPIRATIONS WHICH WERE COMMON TO ALL SOCIETIES IN THE THROES OF SUCH EVOLUTION.
"A BILL OF RIGHTS WAS A NATURAL CONSEQUENCE OF THOSE ASPIRATIONS," HF SAID.
/SIR DAVID .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 1991'
- 8 -
SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT THE ADM 1N1STRATI ON HAD A NUMBER OF KEY OBJECTIVES REGARDING THE BILL:
* FIRST, TO ENSURE THAT THE BILL OF RIGHTS REFLECTED THE PROVISIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT AS APPLIED TO HONG KONG;
♦ SECONDLY, TO ENSURE THAT THE BILL OF RIGHTS WOULD BE A PRACTICAL AND EFFECTIVE LAW;
♦ THIRDLY, TO ENSURE THAT LEGITIMATE CONCERNS WERE FULLY TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT;
* FOURTHLY, TO ENSURE THAT THE BILL OF RIGHTS WAS IN FULL COMPLIANCE WITH THE JOINT DECLARATION;
* FINALLY, TO MEET APPARENT CONCERNS ABOUT THE STATUS OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS, PARTICULARLY AS REGARDS THE BASIC LAW.
TO SATISFY THE LAST OBJECTIVE, SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD MADE SURE THAT THE BILL HAD, AS A MATTER OF LAW, A STATUS THE SAME AS OTHER ORDINANCES, \NI) THE GOVERNMENT INTRODUCED CERTAIN AMENDMENTS AT THE COMMITTEE STAGE TO MAKE THAT CLEAR.
"WE HAVE ENSURED THAI THE SUBSTANCE OF THE BILL IS FULLY CONSISTENT WITH THE ICCPR AS APPLIED TO HONG KONG.
THAT IS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT, FOR BOTH THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW MAKE SPECIFIC REFERENCE TO THAT COVENANT, REQUIRING ITS CONTINUED APPLICATION BEYOND 1997. AND WE HAVE TRIED TO ENSURE THAT THERE ARE No PROCEDURAL CLAUSES WHICH RUN THE RISK OF CONFLICT WITH THE BASIC LAW," HE SAID.
IT WAS EQUALLY IMPORTANT TO APPRECIATE THE MANNER IN WHICH THE BILL FITTED INTO A WIDER MOSAIC’ WHICH WOULD SERVE TO PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE SAFEGUARD FOR CIVIL RIGHTS, THF CHIEF SECRETARY SAID.
"THE SCHEME OF SAFEGUARDS OPERATES IN THREE PHASES.
"THE BILL OF RIGHTS ITSELF WILL HAVE AN IMPACT ON EXISTING LAWS. EXISTING LAWS WHICH ARE INCONSISTENT WITH THE BILL OF RIGHTS WILL BE AMENDED OR REPEALED BY IT TO THE EXTENT OF ANY SUCH INCONSISTENCY.
"THIS IS A NORMAL RULE OF INTERPRETATION AS TO THE EFFECT OF LAWS ON EARLIER LAWS. THIS RULE IS MADE CLEAR BY CLAUSE 3(2) OF THE BILL," SIR DAVID SAID.
AS TO THE FUTURE, THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID HE ANNOUNCED IN JULY 1990 THAT HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT INTENDED TO AMEND THE LETTERS PATENT TO PROVIDE THAT NO LAW SHOULD BE MADE AFTER SUCH AMENDMENT THAT RESTRICTS THE RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS ENJOYED IN HONG KONG IN A MANNER WHICH WAS INCONSISTENT WITH THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT AS APPLIED TO HONG KONG.
I CAN NOW TELL MEMBERS THAT HER MAJESTY'S PRIVY COUNCIL HAS APPROVED SUCH AN AMENDMENT. THAT AMENDMENT WILL COME INTO OPERATION AT THE SAME TIME AS THIS BILL OF RIGHTS.
/"THE AMENDMENT .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 1991
9
’’THE AMENDMENT IS A REFLECTION OF \ SIMILAR PROVISION, NAMELY ARTICLE 39, OF THE BASIC LAW. THEREFORE, NEW LAWS ENACTED HEREAFTER CANNOT CONTRAVENE THF COVENANT.
"THAT POSITION IS ENSURED BEFORE 1997 BY THE AMENDED LETTERS PATENT. AFTER 1997 IT IS QUITE SEPARATELY ENSURED BY ARTICLE 39 OF THE BASIC LAW.
"SO, AS A MATTER OF DOMESTIC LAW THE MACHINERY WILL SOON BE IN PLACE WHEREBY THE RIGHTS IN THF COVENANT AS APPLIED TO HONG KONG WILL BE WELL ENSCONCED IN OUR SYSTEM," THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID.
- - 0----------
RECOMMENDATION FOR A SELECTED FREEZE OF ORDINANCES UNDER BILL OF RIGHTS ACCEPTED t ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE ADMINISTRATION HAS DECIDED TO ACCEPT THE LEGCO AD HOC GROUP’S RECOMMENDATION FOR A SELECTED FREEZE OF ORDINANCES LISTED IN A SCHEDULE UNDER THE HONG KONG BILL OF RIGHTS BILL 1990, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID FORD SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE SECOND READING DEBATE ON THE BILL, SIR DAVID SAID THE ADMINISTRATION TOOK FULL NOTE OF THE AD HOC GROUP’S UNHAPPINESS WITH THE IDEA OF A BLANKET FREEZE FOR A YEAR, RENEWABLE FOR. A FURTHER YEAR, ON ALL EXISTING LEGISLATION.
"WE HAVE NOW IDENTIFIED THOSE AREAS WHERE OPERATIONAL VACUUMS OF THIS KIND MIGHT BE PARTICULARLY UNFORTUNATE, AND WITH THE STRENGTH OF CONCERN EVIDENT O\ER THE ISSUE, THE ADMINISTRATION HAS DECIDED TO ACCEPT THE \D HOC GROUP’S RECOMMENDATION FOR A SELECTED FREEZE OF ORDINANCES LISTED IN A SCHEDULE," SIR DAVID SAID.
SHOULD THAT RECOMMENDATION BE ADOPTED, THE CHIEF SECRETARY POINTED OUT THAT THOSE ORDINANCES ALONE WOULD BE IMMUNE FROM THE OPERATION OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS FOR ONE YEAR, SUBJECT ONLY TO AN EXTENSION FOR A FURTHER YEAR IN RESPECT OF ANY OR ALL OF THF LISTED ORDINANCES, BV APPROVAL OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
"WHETHER ANY PARTICULAR PROVISIONS OF OUR LAW TURN OUT TO CONFLICT WITH THE BILL IS ULTIMATELY A MATTER FOR OUR COURTS, AND INCLUSION OF AN ORDINANCE IN THE SCHEDULE, DOES NOT MEAN THAT THE ORDINANCE OR ANY PART OF IT IS IN FACT IN CONFLICT," SIR DAVID EXPLAINED.
HE NOTED THAT IT HAD BEEN SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD HAD LONG ENOUGH TO ENSURE THAT HONG KONG’S LAWS COMPLIED WITH THE COVENANT AND, FURTHER, THAT I'I' WAS NECESSARY TO ENSURE THAT THE COURTS MIGHT BEGIN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO DEVELOP THEIR BILL OF RIGHTS JURISPRUDENCE.
"WE HAVE INDEED BEEN LONG AWARE OF OUR INTERNATIONAL
OBLIGATIONS AND THEY HAVE NOT BEEN IGNORED.
/"THE PLAIN ......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 1991
- 10 -
’’THE PLAIN FACT IS THAT THE ABILITY OF THE COURTS TO ADDRESS THESE OBLIGATIONS DIRECTLY REQUIRES THAT WE SEEK TO MAKE DOUBLY’ SURE THAT IN CERTAIN (ORF AREAS WE WILL NOT BE FOUND WANTING. THE MEASURE IS A PRECAUTIONARY ONE. THE PERIOD IS SHORT, AND THE ORDINANCES LISTED ARE FEW," THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE ADMINISTRATION HAD MOVED CONSIDERABLY FROM ITS OR IGINAL POSITION, IN DEFERENCE TO THE STRENGTH OF VIEWS EXPRESSED BA THE AD HOC GROUP AND OTHERS, AND HE URGED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO ADOPT THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE AD HOC GROUP.
AS TO WHETHER THE BILL OF RIGHTS SHOULD GOVERN OBLIGATIONS BETWEEN INDIVIDUALS, THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD AGREED TO EXCLUDE FROM THE OPERATION OF BILL OF RIGHTS ALL INTER-CITIZEN RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS, AND THAT THE ORDINANCE SHOULD BIND ONLY THE GOVERNMENT AND ALL PUBLIC AUTHORITIES.
HE POINTED OUT THAT IN THE LIGHT OF CONCERNS EXPRESSED BY THE COMMUNITY DURING THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION PROCESS, THE ADMINISTRATION AGREED, WHEN THE BILL WAS INTRODUCED IN THIS COUNCIL, TO DEFER THE APPLICATION TO THF PRIVATE SECTOR OF ARTICLE 11, THAT WAS, THE RIGHT TO PRIVACY.
"NEVERTHELESS, GENERAL CONCERN, ESPECIALLY THAT OF THE FINANCIAL AND BANKING COMMUNITY, REMAINS ABOUT THE LEGAL UNCERTAINTY CREATED BY APPLYING THE BILL TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR, AND IT HAS BEEN EMPHASISED THAT CERTAIN AREAS OF CONDUCT BETWEEN INDIVIDUALS AND PRIVATE BODIES COVERED BY THE BILL LEND THEMSELVES TO DETAILED LEGISLATION, RATHER THAN TO THE BROAD PROVISIONS OF CERTAIN ARTICLES OF THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT.
"THE AD HOC GROUP HAVE EXPRESSED THEIR WISH FOR SOME SOLUTION TO BE PUT FORWARD TO ALLAY SUCH CONCERN," SIR DAVID SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE ADMINISTRATION ACCEPTED THERE WAS NOTHING IN THF COVENANT WHICH REQUIRED STATE PARTIES TO IMPOSE OBLIGATIONS UPON, AND ENABLE CLAIMS TO BE MADE AGAINST, INDIVIDUALS THROUGH THE VEHICLE OF A BILL OF RIGHTS.
"CLAUSE 7 OF THE BILL IS UNUSUAL AND BILLS OF RIGHTS USUALLY APPLY ONLY TO GOVERNMENTS AND PUBLIC AUTHORITIES. IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES AND IN VIEW OF THE CONCERN EXPRESSED, THE ADMINISTRATION HAS RE-EXAMINED THE NEED FOK AND DESIRABILITY OF PROVIDING FOR INTER-CITIZEN RIGHTS UNDER THE BILL OF RIGHTS.
"WE NOTE PARTICULARLY THAT FEARS ABOUT THE UNCERTAIN EFFECTS OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS COULD UNDERMINE THE VERY CONFIDENCE THAT THE BILL WAS DESIGNED TO STRENGTHEN," HE SAID.
HE NOTED THAT THERE WERE TWO BROAD OPTIONS WHICH MIGHT ADDRESS THIS CONCERN: EITHER TO DEFER THE APPLICATION OF THOSE PARTICULAR ART 1 ('LES MOST LIKELY TO AFFECT INTER-CITIZEN RELATIONSHIPS, OR TO TAKE OUT ALL DIRECT INTER-CITIZEN RIGHTS FROM THE BILL OF RIGHTS.
"WE PREFER THE LATTER APPROACH. IT IS TIDIER, AND WILL AVOID THE UNCERTAINTY AS TO WHICH ASPECTS OF CONDUCT ARE COVERED AND WHICH ARE NOT.
/"IT ALSO........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 1991
11
"IT ALSO MEETS THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF ANY BILL OF RIGHTS, NAMELY, TO CATER FOR VIOLATIONS OF FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS BY THE GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC AUTHORITIES.
"WE THEREFORE AGREE TO EXCLUDE FROM THE OPERATION OF BILL OF RIGHTS ALL INTER-CITIZEN RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS, AND THAT THE ORDINANCE SHALL BIND ONLY THE GOVERNMENT AND ALL PUBLIC AUTHORITIES," THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID.
NOTING THAT THE QUESTION WHICH HAD, QUITE NATURALLY, FOLLOWED THE DECISION TO EXCLUDE INTER-CITIZEN RIGHTS CONCERNED THE ALTERNATIVE STEPS PROPOSED TO CATER FOR THE PROTECTION OF INFRINGEMENT BY INDIVIDUALS OF THE RIGHTS OF OTHER INDIVIDUALS, SIR DAVID SAID: "IN THE SPHERE OF CIVIL LIBERTIES, THE CATEGORIES OF PRIVATE INFRINGEMENT WHICH CALL FOR PARTICULAR ATTENTION IN MOST JURISDICTIONS ARE THOSE RELATING TO PRIVACY AND DISCRIMINATION.
"AS TO THE FORMER, THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION IS ALREADY WELL ADVANCED WITH ITS COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF PRIVACY, WITH A VIEW TO MAKING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DETAILED LEGISLATION.
"THE ADMINISTRATION HAS ALREADY STARTED CONSIDERATION OF THE QUESTION OF DISCRIMINATION IN CONNECTION WITH ITS STUDY ON THE APPLICATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION FOR THE ELIMINATION OF ALL FORMS OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN.
"THE LEGAL, SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS OF DETAILED ANTI-DISCR I MI NAT ION LEGISLATION ARE COMPLEX AND THEY NEED TO BE CAREFULLY STUDIED BEFORE A MATURE DECISION CAN BE TAKEN. WE WOULD WISH TO REACH AN INFORMED POLICY POSITION ON THE BASTS OF DETAILED STUDIES," HE SAID.
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GOVERNMENT CONSIDERING TO SET UP ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO FURTHER HUMAN RIGHTS EDUCATION *****
THE ADMINISTRATION IS CONSIDERING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO FURTHER HUMAN RIGHTS EDUCATION, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID FORD SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
SPEAKING AT THE SECOND READING DEBATE ON THE HONG KONG BILL OF RIGHTS BILL 1990, THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID THE GOVERNMENT BELIEVED THAT THE EDUCATION ROLE OF SUCH A BODY WOULD BE IMPORTANT IF THE BILL WAS TO PRODUCE THE DESIRED IMPACT.
COMMENTING ON A PROPOSAL TO SET UP A HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION, THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID THE ADMINISTRATION HAI) EXAMINED THOROUGHLY THE ISSUE.
/HE EXPLAINED .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 1991
12
HE EXPLAINED THAT WHEN IT WAS STILL THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION TO RETAIN INTER-! Tl I ZEN RIGHTS IN THE RILL, THERE WERE SUGGESTIONS THAT SUCH A COMMISSION MIGHT ACT AS A FILTER TO STEM THE FLOW OF INTER-CITIZEN ACTIONS IN THE COURTS, NOTING THAT THE PERCEIVED ROLE WAS THAT OF ARBITRATION, MEDIATION, INVESTIGATION AND PERHAPS A RIGHT TO ENFORCE DECISIONS.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY POINTED OUT THAT THE ADMINISTRATION TOOK THE VIEW THAT IN ORDER TO PERFORM THE ENVISAGED ROLE EFFECTIVELY, SUCH A COMMISSION WOULD HAVE TO HAVE POWERS TO PROVIDE EFFECTIVE REMEDIES.
"THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SUCH A BODY, WERE IT TO PERFORM EFFECTIVELY, WOULD OF COURSE HAVE HAD FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS AND ONE WOULD WISH CAREFULLY TO STUDY THE NATURE OF ITS COMPOSITION, BEARING IN MIND ALWAYS THE DESIRABILITY OF ADHERING TO THE TYPE OF MACHINERY RECOGNISED BY OUR PRESENT SYSTEM OF LAW.
"THESE DIFFICULTIES ASIDE, HOWEVER, THE FACT IS THAT A DECISION HAS BEEN TAKEN TO EXCLUDE INTER-CITI ZEN RIGHTS FROM THE BILL, SO THAT THE CASE FOR ESTABLISHING A HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION WITH THE ARBITRATION OR MEDIATION OR DECISION MAKING ROLE ENVISAGED IS CONSIDERABLY WEAKENED.
"I HAVE INDICATED THAT THE PROTECTION OF RIGHTS FROM
INFRINGEMENT BY INDIVIDUALS WILL BE CONSIDERED. WHETHER ANY PARTICULAR MECHANISM FOR DEALING WITH THOSE ISSUES WILL PROVE DESIRABLE SHOULD AWAIT THAT CONSIDERATION," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION HAD IN RECENT YEARS PURSUED AN ACTIVE PROGRAMME TO PROMOTE AS ONE OF ITS MAJOR THEMES PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE RULE OF LAW AND HUMAN RIGHTS PROTECTION.
"HOWEVER, THERE WOULD BE BENEFIT IN THE CONCENTRATION OF EXPERTISE IN THIS IMPORTANT AREA, WHICH WOULD SERVE ALSO TO UNDERSCORE THE IMPORTANCE WHICH THE ADMINISTRATION ATTACHES TO THE PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS.
"I CAN CONFIRM THIS AFTERNOON THAT WE ARE NOW CONSIDERING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SUCH AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE," HE SAID.
NOTING THAT THERE HAD BEEN REFERENCE DURING THE DEBATE TO THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT ON ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS, AND TO THE FACT THAT THE BILL DID NOT INCORPORATE PROVISIONS OF THAT COVENANT, SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT THERE WERE SEVERAL REASONS FOR NOT TAKING THAT STEP.
"THE RIGHTS ENSHRINED IN THE ICCPR AND THOSE IN THE ICESCR ARE DIFFERENT IN NATURE AND IT WAS IN RECOGNITION OF THIS DIFFERENCE THAT THE RIGHTS WERE INCLUDED IN TWO SEPARATE COVENANTS.
"MANY OF THE RIGHTS IN THE ECONOMIC COVENANT ARE NOT CAPABLE OF PRECISE LEGAL DEFINITION AND STATE PARTIES ARE OBLIGED ONLY TO REALISE THE RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS CONTAINED IN THAT COVENANT PROGRESSIVELY, ACCORDING TO AVAILABLE RESOURCES," HE SAID.
/SIR DAVID
WEDNEbUH i , oyjx'tta
- 13 -
SIR DAVJ I) SAID IN HONG KONG MANY SUCH RIGHTS HAD ALREADY BEEN TAKEN CARE OF BY HONG KONG'S EXISTING SOCIAL SERVICE PROGRAMMES AND LEGISLATIVE MEASURES.
’’FURTHERMORE, WE ARE SATISFIED THAT THE MANY OF THE CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS WHICH ARE MADE JUSTICIABLE IN THE BILL OF RIGHTS WILL INDEED PROTECT THE ICESCR RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS, ALBEIT INDIRECTLY," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID AGREED WITH MRS SELINA CHOW THAT SELECTION OF RIGHTS FROM THE ICESCR TO BE INCLUDED IN THE BILL OF RIGHTS WOULD HAVE ENTAILED EXTENSIVE CONSULTATI ON AND PROLONGED DEBATE ABOUT WHICH KIGHTS SHOULD BE INCLUDED, WHICH EXCLUDED AND THAT THIS WOULD HAVE DELAYED SIGNIFICANTLY THE ENACTMENT OF THE BILL.
"I TAKE FULL NOTE HOWEVER Ob THE CONCERN BY MEMBERS THAT THE ADMINISTRATION SHOULD \DDRESS FURTHER THE QUESTION OF RIGHTS IN THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COVENANT," HE SAID.
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BILL OF RIGHTS CONSTITUTES STATEMENT OF RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS: AG
THE ENACTMENT OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS WOULD CONSTITUTE A STATEMENT IN ONE INSTRUMENT OF FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS, JUSTICIABLE BEFORE AN INDEPENDENT JUDICIARY.
IT WAS ALSO A SIGNAL OF THE IMPORTANCE ATTACHED BY THE ADMINISTRATION AND BY MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO THOSE FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOMS THAT SO MUCH TIME HAD BEEN SPENT ON THIS MEASURE.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR JEREMY MATHEWS, MADE THESE REMARKS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING ON THE RESUMPTION OF SECOND READING DEBATE ON THE HONG KONG BILL OF RIGHTS BILL 1990, MR MATHEWS SAID THE COMMITTEE STAGE AMENDMENTS REFLECTED BY THEIR NUMBER AND NATURE A WIDE VARIETY OF CONCERNS.
"SOME ARE PUT FORWARD TO ALLAY CONCERNS AS TO CLARITY OF PURPOSE. OTHERS ARE BROADER, REFLECTING MORE FUNDAMENTAL WORRIES.
HE SAID THE TWO WITH THE MOST IMPACT RELATED, FIRST, TO THE QUESTION OF INTER-CITIZEN RIGHTS AND, SECOND, TO THE PROPOSAL TO FREEZE, FOR A WHILE, THE EFFECT OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS ON A SMALL NUMBER OF EXISTING LAWS.
HE ADDED THAT THE ADMINISTRATION SUPPORTED THE AMENDMENTS TO BE MOVED BY MRS SELINA CHOW IN RESPECT OF THESE TWO ASPECTS.
ON THE AMENDMENTS INITIATED BY THE ADMINISTRATION, HE DREW THE ATTENTION OF MEMBERS FIRST TO CLAUSE 2(3) OF THE BILL: THE CLAUSE WHICH STIPULATED, FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE COURTS, THE PURPOSE OF THE ORDINANCE.
/HE SAID ......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE S, iyyi
14 -
HE SAID LT WAS PROPOSED THAT CLAUSE 2(3) BE AMENDED BY REPLACING THE PHRASE "THE PURPOSE OF THIS ORDINANCE IS TO IMPLEMENT FURTHER THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT ON CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS AS APPLIED TO HONG KONG" WITH THE EXPRESSION ’’THE PURPOSE OF THIS ORDINANCE IS TO PROVIDE FOR THE INCORPORATION INTO THE LAW OF HONG KONG OF PROVISIONS OF Till' INTERNATIONAL COVENANT ON CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS AS APPLIED TO HONG KONG, AND FOR ANCILLARY AND CONNECTED MATTERS”.
HE SAID IT WAS FELT THAT THE PHRASE "TO IMPLEMENT FURTHER" WAS NOT, IN ALL THE CIRCUMSTANCES, THE BEST PHRASE TO DESCRIBE THE PURPOSE OF THE BILL. A SIMILAR AMENDMENT TO THE LONG TITLE WAS PROPOSED.
"THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT ON CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS AS APPLIED TO HONG KONG HAS HITHERTO BEEN IMPLEMENTED IN HONG KONG THROUGH THE COMMON LAW, LEGISLATION AND ADMINISTRATIVE MEASURES.
"THAT BEING SO, THE TEXT OF THE PREAMBLE MIGHT CREATE A MISLEADING IMPRESSION THAT A BILL OF RIGHTS, AS A MATTER OF LAW, IS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT THE COVENANT IN HONG KONG.
"THE ADMINISTRATION THEREFORE PROPOSES TO DELETE THE PREAMBLE.
"NONE OF THESE AMENDMENTS IS INTENDED TO CHANGE THE SUBSTANCE OF THE BILL," MR MATHEWS SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT CLAUSE 4 PROVIDED THAT ALL FUTURE LEGISLATION WAS TO BE CONSTRUED, SO FAR AS POSSIBLE, AS BEING SUBJECT TO THE BILL OF RIGHTS.
THE USE OF THE PHRASE "SUBJECT TO" HAD GIVEN RISE TO CONCERN THAT THEREBY THE BILL OF RIGHTS WOULD ATTAIN A STATUS IN LAW AS SOME KIND OF SUPERIOR CONSTITUTIONAL INSTRUMENT, COMPETING PERHAPS WITH THE BASIC LAW, HE SAID.
"THAT WAS NOT THE INTENTION," MR MATHEWS SAID.
TO MAKE THIS MORE CLEAR, AN AMENDMENT TO CLAUSE 4 WOULD PROVIDE FOR INTERPRETATION TO BE CONSISTENT, IF POSSIBLE, WITH THE COVENANT.
"SUCH A CLAUSE, WF BELIEVE, WILL SIT WELL WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW."
HE SAID THAT THERE WAS SOME CONCERN THAT CLAUSE 6, THE REMEDIES CLAUSE, DID NOT MAKE CLEAR THE CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH AN ACTION INVOLVING A BREACH OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS MIGHT BE BROUGHT, AND IN PARTICULAR THAT IT WAS INTENDED TO PERMIT AN ACTION WHERE THE SOLE COMPLAINT MIGHT BE A BREACH OF THE HILL OF RIGHTS.
THE AMENDMENT fO CLAUSE 6 WHICH WAS PROPOSED BY MEMBERS WOULD SERVE TO CLARIFY THE FACT THAT THERE WERE TWO BASIC SITUATIONS WHERE A REMEDY MIGHT BE GRANTED UNDER THE BILL.
"THE FIRST IS WHERE AN ACTION IS BROUGHT RELATING SOLELY TO A VIOLATION OF ANY ONE OF THE ARTICLES IN PART II OF THE BILL.
"THE SECOND SITUATION IS WHERE A VIOLATION IS RELEVANT IN THE COURSE OF PROCEEDINGS, BUT THERE IS NO ACTION BASED SOLELY ON THE BILL OF RIGHTS," MR MATHEWS SAID.
/MR MATHEWS .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE b, i^±
- 15 -
MR MATHEWS ALSO COMMENTED ON A SUGGESTION THAT HE SHOULD REERAIN EROM SEEKING AN ORDER OF COSTS IN CASES WHERE THE PLAINTIFF WAS UNSUCCESSFUL IN \N ACTION AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT INVOLVING THE BILL OF RIGHTS.
HE SAID HE HAD GREAT DIFFICULTY IN SEEING HOW HE COULD POSSIBLE ACCEDE TO THE PROPOSITION.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE LONG ESTABLISHED RULES OF PROCEDURE WERE THAT THE COURTS HAI) FULL DISCRETION IN MAKING ORDERS AS TO THE PAYMENT OF COSTS.
"THE NORMAL RULE IS THAT ('OSTS FOLLOW THE EVENT. IF YOU WIN, YOU GET YOUR COSTS. IF YOU LOSE, YOU HAVE TO PAY YOUR OPPONENT’S.
"IF I WAS TO BE ASKED TO ACCEDE TO THE PROPOSAL PUT TO ME THIS AFTERNOON, I’LL BE DEPARTING FROM WELL ESTABLISHED PROCEDURES IN A SITUATION WHERE IT IS NOT CLEAR TO ME THAT A CASE HAS BEEN MADE OUT FOR SO DOING."
HE SAID THE PROPOSAL WOULD MEAN THAT IF A CASE WAS BARELY ARGUABLE BUT NOT FRIVOLOUS, THERE WOULD BE NO COSTS. THE COSTS WOULD HAVE TO BE BORNE IH TAXPAYERS.
HE SAID IT MIGHT ENCOURAGE NUISANCE LITIGATION, ENCOURAGE PUBLICITY SEEKING LITIGATION THAT HAD NO UNDERLINING REAL PURPOSE.
HE ADDED THAT MANY OF THE RIGHTS IN THE BILL OF RIGHTS WERE ALREADY PROTECTED in EXISTING LEGISLATION AND THE COMMON LAW, AND ACTIONABLE AS AGAINST THF GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC AUTHORITIES.
"IT WOULD BE \ VERY ODD SITUATION INDEED IF THE SAME BREACH WAS TREATED DIFFERENTIA SIMPLY BECAUSE AN ACTION WAS BROUGHT UNDER THE BILL OF RIGHTS."
HE POINTED OUT THAT LEGAL AID WAS AVAILABLE TO PERSONS WITH LIMITED MEANS. IF A LEGALLY AIDED PERSON WAS UNSUCCESSFUL, LIABILITY FOR COSTS WOULD BE LIMITED TO THE AMOUNT OF CONTRIBUTION, IF ANY, THAT THAT PERSON WAS LIABLE TO PAY.
HE ALSO SAID THAT THE PROPOSAL ON ('OSTS WOULD APPLY EVEN TO WEALTHY LITIGANTS WHO, IF UNSUCCESSFUL, WOULD BE SUBSIDISED BY TAXPAYERS.
"UPON ENACTMENT, IT WILL BE FOR THE COURTS TO INTERPRET AND APPLY THIS ORDINANCE.
"THOSE IN PRACTICE BEFORE THE COURTS WILL NO DOUBT FIND A WEALTH OF LEARNING AND EXISTING ('ASI- LAW, NOT ONLY IN CONNECTION WITH THE INTERNATIONAL ('OVENANT ITSELF, BUT ALSO FROM DECISIONS ON OTHER MULTI-LATERAL CONVENTIONS AND OTHER (HARTERS OF RIGHTS.
"FOR THE RIGHTS ENUMERATED IN THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT AND, THEREFORE, IN OUR BILL OF RIGHTS, ARE COMMON TO MOST SUCH INSTRUMENTS.
"THAT SHOULD COME AS NO SURPRISE, SINCE THEY ARE BUT A LIST OF FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOMS. THEY ECHO THOSE PRINCIPLES DEVELOPED IN THE COMMON LAW WORLD, TO WHICH HONG KONG BELONGS," MR MATHEWS SAID.
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/16 ......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 1991
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SHA OUTLINES CONTROL SCOPE OF CLUBS BILL
*****
ALL CLUBS HAVING CLUB-HOUSES WILL COME UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE CERTIFICATION SCHEME OF THE CLUBS (SAFETY OF PREMISES) BILL, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, THE HON PETER TSAO, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, MR TSAO SAID, HOWEVER, THAT THIS SCHEME WOULD, FIRST OF ALL, THE IMPLEMENTED AGAINST PROPRIETARY OR SHAM CLUBS.
THESE ARE USUALLY A PURELY COMMERCIAL UNDERTAKING IN WHICH THE SO-CALLED MEMBERS ARE NO MORE THAN CUSTOMERS OF THE PROPRIETOR, HE SAID.
MR TSAO SAID THIS FORM OF CLUB WAS POPULAR WITH OPERATORS OF MAHJONG PARLOURS, EATING ESTABLISHMENTS, AND KARAOKE CENTRES TN ORDER TO AVOID LICENSING CONTROL UNDER OTHER ORDINANCES.
NOTING THAT NON-PROPRIETARY CLUBS WILL BE TEMPORARILY EXEMPT FROM THE CERTIFICATION SCHEME, MR TSAO SAID THEY WILL NONETHELESS BE REQUIRED TO REGISTER WITH THE AUTHORITY FOR A CERTIFIACTE OF EXEMPTION.
HE ALSO EMPHASISED THAT A REASONABLE AND ADEQUATE PERIOD OF TIME WILL BE GIVEN TO EXISTING CLUB-HOUSES TO UPGRADE THEIR SAFETY MEASURES AND TO REGULARISE ANY DEFICIENCY IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE STATUTORY STANDARDS.
ANY AGGRIEVED CLUB OPERATOR, HE SAID, COULD APPEAL TO AN APPEAL BOARD.
AS TO KARAOKE CENTRES, MR TSAO SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD CONSIDERED THE PRACTICABILITY OF ENLARGING THE AMBIT OF THE BILL TO MAKE THESE AND OTHER CLUB-LIKE ESTABLISHMENTS, SUBJECT TO THE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS OF THE CERTIFICATION SCHEME.
"HOWEVER, WE HAD TO DROP THIS PROPOSAL AFTER RECEIVING ADVICE FROM OUR COUNSEL THAT SUCH A PROPOSAL WOULD BE INADMISSIBLE UNDER STANDING ORDER 45 FOR EXCEEDING THE SCOPE OF THE BILL," HE EXPLAINED.
ADDING THAT OTHER OPTIONS WERE BEING EXPLORED, MR TSAO SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD MONITOR THE EFFECT OF THIS BILL ON KARAOKE CENTRES BEFORE FIRMING UP A DECISION.
EARLIER, MR TSAO EXPLAINED THAT AT PRESENT, CLUBS WERE GENERALLY REGISTERED IN TWO WAYS.
"THEY MAY BE FORMED UNDER THE SOCIETIES ORDINANCE. EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THIS ORDINANCE IS GIVEN TO TRADE UNIONS, CREDIT UNIONS, OWNERS’ CORPORATION, AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES.
"CLUBS MAY ALSO BE FORMED UNDER THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE. THEY USUALLY TAKE THE FORM OF A COMPANY WITH LIABILITIES LIMITED BY MEMBERS' GUARANTEE," HF SAID.
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/17........
WEDNESDAY, JUM
1991
- 17 -
OATHS AND DECLARATIONS AMENDMENT BILL INTRODUCED I ♦ t ♦ ♦
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID FORD, MOVED THE OATHS AND DECLARATIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 FOR THE SECOND TIME IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SIR DAVID SAID THE OBJECT OF THIS BILL WAS TWO-FOLD.
"FIRST, SECTION 19 OF THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE AT PRESENT PROVIDES THAT THE OATH OF ALLEGIANCE OR THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OATH FOR MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL SHALL HE TENDERED BY THE GOVERNOR OR OTHER MEMBER PRESIDING.
"CLAUSE 2 OF THE BILL SEEKS TO AMEND THIS SECTION SO THAT THE OATHS WILL BE TENDERED BY THE PRESIDENT OR DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL OR OTHER MEMBER PRESIDING," THE CHIEF SECRETARY NOTED.
HE POINTED OUT THAT TH IS AMENDMENT WOULD BRING THE ORDINANCE I 1’0 LINE WITH THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (POWERS AND PRIVILEGES) DI NANCE AND THE STANDING ORDERS OF THE COUNCIL, BOTH OF WHICH DREW A DISTINCTION BETWEEN THE EXECUTIVE ROLE OF THE GOVERNOR AND HIS ROLE AS THE PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY ADDED THAT THE AMENDMENT WOULD ALSO HELP i’O ESTABLISH THF IDENTITY OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL IN PREPARATION FOR AN ELECTED PRESIDENT IN 1995.
THE SECOND OBJECT OF THE BILL RELATED TO THE WISH OF MEMBERS TO AMEND SECTION 22(3A) OF THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE TO ALLOW THE STANDING ORDERS TO REQUIRE MEMBERS TO TAKE THEIR OATHS AFRESH AFTER A GENERAL ELECTION OF THE COUNCIL.
"AT PRESENT SECTION 22(3A) PROVIDES THAT NO MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL WHO HAS ALREADY TAKEN AN OATH SHALL BE REQUIRED TO TAKE IT AGAIN," THE CHIEF SECRETARY ADDED.
HE SAID THIS OBJECT WOULD BE ACHIEVED HY CLAUSE 3 OF THE BILL.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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BILL ON CONTROLS OF WEAPONS IN TRANSIT
THE IMPORT AND EXPORT (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL, INTRODUCE CONTROLS OVER WEAPONS AND RELATED ITEMS IN HONG KONG, WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE
WHICH SEEKS TO
TRANSIT THROUGH
COUNCIL TODAY
(WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PIERS JACOBS, SAID THE SCOPE OF THE NEW CONTROLS WOULD BE LIMITED TO SPECIFIED MUNITIONS AND ITEMS FOR USE RELATING TO NUCLEAR, CHEMICAL OR BIOLOGICAL WEAPONS.
/'•OTHER GOODS
WEDNESDAY, .TUNE 5, 1991
- 18 -
"OTHER GOODS IN TRANSIT WILL REMAIN FREE FROM CONTROL," HE ADDED.
SIR PIERS SAID THE ACTION WAS TAKEN IN RESPONSE TO A GROWING INTERNATIONAL CONSENSUS THAT CONTROLS WERE NECESSARY TO HELP CHECK THE PROLIFERATION OF SUCH WEAPONS.
HE STRESSED THAT THIS WAS INTENDED TO BE A PREVENTIVE MEASURE.
"THERE IS NO INDICATION THAT WEAPONS OF THE TYPE TO BE CONTROLLED ARE BEING SHIPPED THROUGH HONG KONG.
"THEREFORE, THE NEW POWERS WILL BE USED ONLY SPARINGLY, IF AT ALL," HE SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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OZONE PROTECTION BILL INTRODUCED « ♦ » » «
THE OZONE LAYER PROTECTION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 SEEKS TO ENSURE THE TRADING OF SUCH SUBSTANCES WHICH FALL UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE WILL REMAIN OUTSIDE THE SCOPE OF CONTROL WHILE TRANS ITT I NG HONG KONG.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PIERS JACOBS, WHEN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SIR PIERS SAID THE PROVISIONS WERE CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS TO THE IMPORT AND EXPORT (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1991 WHICH HE INTRODUCED EARLIER.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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BILL TO FACILITATE FINANCIAL MARKET CO-OPERATION ♦ * * » »
THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 SEEKS TO FACILITATE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION AND OTHER FINANCIAL MARKET REGULATORS THROUGH A LIMITED RELAXATION OF THE EXISTING SECRECY REQUIREMENTS.
MOVING THE BILL FOR THE SECOND READING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PIERS JACOBS, SAID THE BILL WOULD NOT PREJUDICE THE GENERAL CONFIDENTIALITY OF INFORMATION OBTAINED BY THE COMMISSION FOR REGULATORY PURPOSES.
/UNDER THE .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 1991
- 19 -
UNDER THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION ORDINANCE, THE COMMISSION COULD DISCLOSE INFORMATION TO OTHER REGULATORS ONLY IF DISCLOSURE WAS CONSIDERED DESIRABLE OR EXPEDIENT IN THE INTERESTS OF THE INVESTING PUBLIC OR IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST.
THE COMMISSION COULD NOT DISCLOSE INFORMATION TO THE REGULATORS MERELY FOR THE PURPOSES OF CO-OPERATION OR ASSISTANCE, SIR PIERS NOTED.
"THIS HAS CREATED DIFFICULTIES FOR HONG KONG SECURITIES COMPANIES CONDUCTING BUSINESS OVERSEAS BECAUSE OVERSEAS REGULATORS OFTEN WISH TO SEEK THE ASSISTANCE OF THE REGULATORY AUTHORITIES IN HONG KONG.
"THE RESTRICTIONS HAS ALSO ON OCCASIONS HAMPERED THE EFFECTIVE REGULATION OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS IN HONG KONG," HE SAID.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID THIS BILL PURPOSED TO INCLUDE A NEW FUNCTION FOR THE COMMISSION TO CO-OPERATE WITH AND ASSIST OTHER REGULATORS, BOTH DOMESTIC AND OVERSEAS.
"IT SEEKS TO ALLOW THE COMMISSION TO DISCLOSE INFORMATION TO • OTHER REGULATORS TO ENABLE THEM TO PERFORM THEIR FUNCTIONS, PROVIDED THEY ARE SUBJECT TO ADEQUATE SECRECY PROVISIONS AND PROVIDED THE DISCLOSURE IS NOT CONTRARY TO THE INTERESTS OF THE INVESTING PUBLIC OR TO THE PUBLIC INTERESTS," HE ADDED.
SIR PIERS NOTED THAT THE OPPORTUNITY WAS TAKEN TO INCLUDE A FEW REFINEMENTS TO THE EXISTING SECRECY REQUIREMENTS IN AN ATTEMPT TO REMOVE CERTAIN OPERATIONAL DIFFICULTIES BEING EXPERIENCED BY THE COMMISSION.
"IN FORMULATING THESE AMENDMENTS, WE HAVE GIVEN DUE CONSIDERATION TO THE NEED FOR ADEQUATE LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROLS TO GUARD AGAINST IMPROPER DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION BY THE COMMISSION OR RECIPIENTS OF SUCH INFORMATION," HE SAID.
DEBATE ON THE MOTION WAS ADJOURNED.
-------------------0------- AMENDMENT BILL ON EXPRESSWAY INTRODUCED *****
THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON MICHAEL LEUNG, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) INTRODUCED AN AMENDMENT BILL WHICH PROVIDES FOR THE DESIGNATION OF EXPRESSWAYS, AND FOR THE USE, CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT OF THESE ROADS.
MOVING THE ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1991, MR LEUNG SAID EXPRESSWAYS DIFFERED FROM OTHER ROADS IN THAT THEY WERE DESIGNED TO CARRY LARGE VOLUMES OF TRAFFIC AT HIGHER SPEEDS.
TOLO HIGHWAY, ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR AND TUEN MUN HIGHWAY WERE EXAMPLES OF ROADS WHICH WOULD BE DESIGNATED AS EXPRESSWAYS UNDER THIS NEW LEGISLATION.
/HE SAID ......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 1991
- 20 -
HE SAID AT PRESENT, THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE DID NOT PROVIDE SUFFICIENT CONTROL OVER THE USE OF SUCH ROADS, PARTICULARLY WITH REGARD TO SAFETY STANDARDS.
HE SAID THE BILL EMPOWERED THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT TO DESIGNATE ROADS AS EXPRESSWAYS AND DETERMINE THEIR BOUNDARIES.
IT REGULATED THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ROADWORKS ON EXPRESSWAYS, PROVIDED FOR THE REMOVAL OF PLANT AND EQUIPMENT CAUSING AN OBSTRUCTION, AND RESTRICTED ACCESS TO AND EXIT FROM THESE ROADS.
MR LEUNG ADDED THAT THE BILL ENABLED THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL TO MAKE REGULATIONS, FOR EXAMPLE, CONCERNING THE TYPES OF VEHICLES PERMITTED TO USE EXPRESSWAYS AND THE NEW DRIVING RULES APPLICABLE.
THE EMPHASIS IN THE NEW REGULATIONS WOULD BE ON MEASURES TO IMPROVE THE SAFETY OF EXPRESSWAYS, FOR EXAMPLE, WITH REGARD TO LANE DISCIPLINE, THE SECRETARY SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
--------0-----------
POLICE TRUST BILLS INTRODUCED ********
THE POLICE CHILDREN’S EDUCATION TRUST (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 AND THE POLICE EDUCATION AND WELFARE TRUST (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 WERE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE POLICE CHILDREN’S EDUCATION TRUST (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON IAN STRACHAN, SAID THE BILL SOUGHT TO AMEND SECTION 10(3) OF THE POLICE CHILDREN’S EDUCATION TRUST ORDINANCE TO EXTEND BY THREE MONTHS THE PERIOD WITHIN WHICH THE ANNUAL AUDITED STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS AND REPORT OF THE TRUSTEE ON THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE FUND UNDER THE ORDINANCE HAD TO BE TABLED IN THE LEGCO.
THE REVISED DEADLINE WOULD ALLOW THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, WHO WAS THE TRUSTEE, A MORE REASONABLE TIME TO SUBMIT HIS REPORTS SO AS TO AVOID LATE SUBMISSIONS, MR STRACHAN SAID.
THE COMMISSIONER WAS NOW ALLOWED SIX MONTHS TO PREPARE HIS SUBMISSION EACH YEAR.
"THIS HAS PROVED TO BE INSUFFICIENT GIVEN THE CONSIDERABLE ASSETS AND TRANSACTIONS INVOLVED," HE SAID.
A TOTAL OF 1,700 STUDENTS AND OFFICERS RECEIVED ASSISTANCE FROM THIS TRUST AND FROM THE POLICE EDUCATION AND WELFARE TRUST IN 1989-90, HE ADDED.
MEANWHILE, THE RATIONALE OF THE POLICE EDUCATION AND WELFARE TRUST (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, WHICH WAS ALSO GIVEN A SECOND READING TODAY, WAS SIMILAR TO THAT OF THE POLICE CHILDREN’S EDUCATION TRUST (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991.
/THE BILL .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 1991
- 21 -
THE BILL SOUGHT TO AMEND SECTION 10(3) OF THE POLICE EDUCATION AND WELFARE TRUST ORDINANCE TO EXTEND BY THREE MONTHS THE PERIOD WITHIN WHICH THE ANNUAL AUDITED STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS AND REPORT OF THE TRUSTEE ON THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE FUND UNDER THE ORDINANCE MUST BE TABLED IN THE LEGCO.
DEBATES ON THE BILLS WERE ADJOURNED.
--------0-----------
REVIEW ON PUBLIC VEHICLE DRIVER MEDICAL CHECKS * * ♦ * * *
THE GOVERNMENT IS CONDUCTING A REVIEW OF PRACTICES ELSEWHERE CONCERNING MEDICAL CHECKS FOR BUS AND HEAVY GOODS VEHICLE DRIVERS, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON MICHAEL LEUNG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THIS EXERCISE WAS PART OF A REGULAR REVIEW OF ROAD SAFETY MEASURES, MR LEUNG SAID.
IN REPLY TO THE HON CHUNG PUI-LAM’S QUESTION ON WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WOULD INTRODUCE LEGISLATIVE MEASURES IN RESPONSE TO THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF A CORONER’S COURT THAT DRIVERS OF PUBLIC VEHICLES HAVE TO UNDERGO ANNUAL MEDICAL EXAMINATION WHEN THEY REACH A PRESCRIBED AGE, MR LEUNG SAID THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CORONER’S COURT WOULD BE CONSIDERED IN THE CONTEXT OF THAT REVIEW.
HE SAID LAST YEAR THE GOVERNMENT CONSIDERED WHETHER THERE WAS A NEED TO REQUIRE PUBLIC TRANSPORT COMPANIES TO PRODUCE MEDICAL CERTIFICATES FOR EMPLOYEES ABOVE A CERTAIN AGE, CERTIFYING THEIR FITNESS TO DRIVE.
HAVING REGARD TO THE ROAD ACCIDENT RECORDS OF DRIVERS EMPLOYED BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT COMPANIES, THEIR AGE PROFILE, AND THE MANAGEMENT CONTROLS ALREADY IMPOSED BY THESE COMPANIES IN TERMS OF RETIREMENT AGE AND MEDICAL CHECKS, MR LEUNG SAID THE GOVERNMENT CONCLUDED THAT IT WAS NOT NECESSARY TO RECOMMEND THE INTRODUCTION OF STATUTORY MEDICAL CHECKS.
BUT, AS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S REGULAR REVIEW OF ROAD SAFETY MEASURES, THE GOVERNMENT WAS CARRYING OUT A REVIEW OF PRACTICES ELSEWHERE ON THIS MATTER, HR ADDED.
- - 0----------
/22 ........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 1991
- 22 -
TV GAMES SHOWS NOT MINOR GAMBLING
*»»»»»
TELEVISION GAMES SHOWS AND CONTESTS CANNOT BE INTERPRETED AS SOME FORM OF MINOR GAMBLING, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, THE HON PETER TSAO, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON DAVID CHEUNG CHI-KONG, MR TSAO STRESSED THAT IT WAS THE GOVERNMENT’S BELIEF THAT UNDER THE PRESENT REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT, THESE SHOWS WOULD NOT REPRESENT A THREAT TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR YOUNGSTERS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT TELEVISION STATIONS WERE REQUIRED TO ADHERE TO THE CODE OF PRACTICE FOR PROGRAMME STANDARDS ISSUED BY THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY.
IN THIS CONNECTION, HE SAID ANY CONTEST INCLUDED IN A PROGRAMME MUST OFFER AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS TO WIN ON THE "BASIS OF SKILL OR KNOWLEDGE AND NOT PURELY BY CHANCE”.
MONITORING OF THE OUTPUT OF THE TWO TELEVISION STATIONS CONFIRMED THAT THE TELEVISION STATIONS WERE FOLLOWING THE LEGISLATION AND CODE OF PRACTICE, MR TSAO ADDED.
- - 0 - -
MEDICAL COUNCIL AGREES TO PROPOSAL OF LIMITED REGISTRATION OF DOCTORS
THE MEDICAL COUNCIL HAS AGREED TO THE SUGGESTION TO AMEND THE MEDICAL REGISTRATION ORDINANCE BY ADDING TO IT A PROVISION FOR LIMITED REGISTRATION OF DOCTORS, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON ELIZABETH WONG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MARTIN BARROW, MRS WONG SAID THIS WOULD ALLOW DOCTORS, NOT OTHERWISE REGISTRABLE IN HONG KONG, TO PRACTISE AMONGST SPECIAL GROUPS UNDER CONDITIONS TO BE SPECIFIED BY THE MEDICAL COUNCIL.
"IT IS MY INTENTION TO INTRODUCE A BILL TO THIS EFFECT EARLY IN THE NEXT LEGISLATIVE SESSION AND I LOOK FORWARD TO THIS COUNCIL’S SUPPORT,” SHE SAID.
------0------------
/23 .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 1991
- 23 -
CROSS BORDER CO-OPERATION FOR RETURN OF STOLEN CARS * » * » *
THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO CO-OPERATE WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES FOR THE UNCONDITIONAL RETURN OF THE CARS STOLEN FROM HONG KONG AND SUBSEQUENTLY IDENTIFIED AS SUCH IN CHINA.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON IAN STRACHAN, IN HIS WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON DAVID CHEUNG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
------0--------
GOVT CONSIDERS UPGRADING SCHOOL GUIDANCE SERVICES ******
THE GOVERNMENT IS PRESENTLY CONSIDERING RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE EDUCATION COMMISSION IN ITS REPORT NO. 4 (ECR4) TO UPGRADE GUIDANCE SERVICES IN SCHOOLS.
IN THE MEANTIME, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS DEVELOPING PREVENTIVE MEASURES TO MINIMISE THE POSSIBILITY OF THE INCIDENCE OF SUICIDE ATTEMPTS BY SCHOOL CHILDREN.
THESE WERE THE REMARKS BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON CHRISTINE CHOW, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON PEGGY LAM.
MISS CHOW SAID SOME OF THE EDUCATION COMMISSION’S RECOMMENDATIONS INCLUDED IMPROVEMENTS TO THE MANNING RATIO FOR STUDENT GUIDANCE OFFICERS (SGO) IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
"THE PRESENT PROVISION IS ONE SGO TO 3,000 PUPILS IN THE URBAN AREA AND ONE SGO TO 2,000 PUPILS IN RURAL AREAS.
"THIS ALLOWS ONE SGO TO SERVE AN AVERAGE OF FOUR SCHOOL SESSIONS," MISS CHOW SAID.
THE ECR4 RECOMMENDED THAT THE PRESENT MODE OF PROVISION, THAT WAS EDUCATION DEPARTMENT-BASED SGO’S SERVING UP TO FOUR SCHOOLS EACH, BE CHANGED TO A "WHOLE SCHOOL APPROACH".
THIS MEANT THAT ALL TEACHERS IN A SCHOOL WOULD ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN ASSISTING STUDENTS RESOLVE THEIR DEVELOPMENTAL PROBLEMS, THE ACTING SECRETARY NOTED.
SHE SAID THE ECR4 ALSO RECOMMENDED TO GRADUALLY TRANSFER MOST SGO POSTS IN THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO SCHOOLS AS ADDITIONAL POSTS TO ENABLE SCHOOL HEADS TO CHOOSE ONE OF THEIR TEACHERS AS A STUDENT GUIDANCE TEACHER (SGT).
/"ONE SGT........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 1991
24
"ONE SGT SHOULD BE SHARED BY TWO OR MORE SCHOOLS UNDER THE SAME SPONSORING BODY," MISS CHOW SAID, ADDING THAT THE MANNING RATIO OF 1:2,500 SHOULD BE ADOPTED AS AN INITIAL STEP IN 1992.
A REVIEW WOULD BE CARRIED OUT IN 1994 TO CONSIDER WHETHER THE IMPROVED MANNING RATIO OF 1:1,350 SHOULD BE ADOPTED, WITH THE ULTIMATE AIM BEING TO HAVE ONE SGT/SGO FOR EACH STANDARD-SIZED PRIMARY SCHOOL I.E. 24- OR 30-CLASSROOM PRIMARY SCHOOL, SHE NOTED.
MISS CHOW SAID THE ADMINISTRATION WAS NOW ASSESSING FEEDBACK FROM THE ECR4 PUBLIC CONSULTATION EXERCISE AND WOULD SHORTLY BE GOING TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR ADVICE AS TO WHETHER THE EDUCATION COMMISSION’S RECOMMENDATIONS SHOULD BE ACCEPTED.
MEANWHILE, SHE POINTED OUT THAT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAD PROPOSED TO ORGANISE PARENT EDUCATION PROGRAMMES ON A SCHOOL BASIS TO HELP PARENTS COMMUNICATE BETTER WITH THEIR CHILDREN AND TO ALERT THEM TO THE SYMPTOMS OF CHILDREN UNDER MENTAL STRESS.
THE PROGRAMMES WOULD ALSO ENCOURAGE PARENTS TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP WHERE APPROPRIATE, SHE ADDED.
--------0-----------
ONE AIRCRAFT DEVIATION CASE IN PAST YEAR
*****
THERE HAS BEEN ONLY ONE OCCASION IN THE PAST YEAR WHERE AN AIRCRAFT DEVIATED FROM THE NORMAL LANDING OR DEPARTURE FLIGHT PATHS, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON ELIZABETH BOSHER, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON PEGGY LAM, MRS BOSHER SAID THE INCIDENT OCCURRED ON MAY 15 WHEN AN AIRCRAFT APPROACHING KAI TAK FROM THE WEST WAS FOUND TO BE FLYING SOUTH OF THE NORMAL FLIGHT PATH BEFORE FINAL APPROACH TO LAND ON THE RUNWAY.
THE AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER MONITORING THE FLIGHT IMMEDIATELY INSTRUCTED THE AIRCRAFT TO ABORT THE APPROACH.
A SECOND APPROACH WAS SUBSEQUENTLY MADE AND SUCCESSFULLY EXECUTED.
THE INCIDENT, MRS BOSHER SAID, WAS DUE TO THE PILOT NOT ALIGNING THE AIRCRAFT PROPERLY WITH THE RUNWAY.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT AS THE PILOT WAS IN CLEAR VISUAL CONTACT WITH THE SURFACE AND WAS CLOSELY MONITORED BY THE AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER, THERE WAS NO DEGRADATION OF FLIGHT SAFETY.
WITH REGARD TO MANPOWER AND FACILITIES AT THE KAI TAK AIRPORT, MRS BOSHER SAID THEY WERE ADEQUATE IN TERMS OF QUALITY AND QUANTITY TO ENSURE THE SAFE MOVEMENT OF AIRCRAFT.
/"LOSS OF .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 1991
- 25 -
"LOSS OF MANPOWER IN THE AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER GRADE DUE TO EMIGRATION, RETIREMENT AND NORMAL WASTAGE HAS BEEN MADE UP BY TRAINING LOCAL OFFICERS AND DIRECT APPOINTMENT OF EXPERIENCED CONTROLLERS FROM OVERSEAS," SHE SAID.
"ALL THESE OFFICERS MEET THE STRINGENT STANDARDS SET BY THE INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION ORGANISATION (ICAO)."
IN TERMS OF FACILITIES, MRS BOSHER ADDED THAT THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT WAS WELL EQUIPPED WITH VISUAL AND ELECTRONIC AIDS AND FOLLOWED THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF ICAO IN PROVIDING NAVIGATIONAL GUIDANCE TO AIRCRAFT APPROACHING TO AND DEPARTING FROM KAI TAK.
SHE ALSO SAID TN CASE OF ACCIDENTS ON OR IN THE VICINITY OF THE AIRPORT, THERE WERE WELL LAID DOWN EMERGENCY PROCEDURES TO BE FOLLOWED BY THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT, FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE POLICE AND OTHER RELEVANT AGENCIES.
SHE SAID SPECIALISED EQUIPMENT HAD BEEN ACQUIRED FOR SEARCH AND RESCUE, SALVAGE OF AIRCRAFT AND SO ON.
"ALL CONTINGENCY PLANS ARE KEPT FULLY UP-TO-DATE AND EXERCISES ARE CONDUCTED PERIODICALLY IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN A HIGH STATE OF READINESS TO REACT TO ANY SITUATION," SHE ADDED.
-----0------
INTERCEPTION OPERATION OF VM’S EXPLAINED
******
THE FACT THAT THE VAST MAJORITY OF VIETNAMESE BOATS ARE INTERCEPTED WELL BEFORE THEY REACH BUILT-UP AREAS IS A REFLECTION OF THE EFF1CENCY OF HONG KONG’S MARINE POLICE, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON IAN STRACHAN, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON POON CHI-FAI, MR STRACHAN SAID MOST VIETNAMESE BOATS WERE INTERCEPTED NEAR THE SEA BOUNDARY IN THE VICINITY OF TAI AH CHAU AND FAN LAU. SOME WERE INTERCEPTED AS NEAR AS CHEUNG CHAU.
"THE EXACT LOCATION DEPENDS ON THE ROUTE THEY TAKE,"
HE SAID.
REFERRING TO AN INCIDENT ON MAY 15 WHEN A WOODEN MOTOR-VESSEL WITH MORE THAN 100 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS ON BOARD COULD ENTER INTO THE WATERS OF THE TERRITORY WITHOUT ANY INTERCEPTION BY THE MARINE POLICE UNTIL THEIR ARRIVAL WAS DISCOVERED BY LOCAL RESIDENTS, MR STRACHAN SAID THERE WERE TWO REASONS TO EXPLAIN WHY THE INCIDENT COULD HAVE HAPPENED.
THE FIRST REASON, HE SAID, WAS THAT THE VESSEL ENTERED HONG KONG WATERS AT NIGHT, DURING A THUNDERSTORM AND IN POOR VISIBILITY.
/ALSO, THE ........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 1991
, - 26 -
ALSO, THE ARRIVAL OF FOUR OTHER BOATS EARLIER IN THE DAY WITH 164 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS ON BOARD HAD DRAWN SOME OF THE POLICE LAUNCHES AWAY FROM THEIR USUAL PATROL AREAS FOR CONSIDERABLE PERIODS OF TIME.
’’THE PROCESS OF INTERCEPTING, QUESTIONING AND ESCORTING THESE OTHER BOATS TO THE FIRST LANDING AT GREEN ISLAND HAD TAKEN TIME," HE ADDED.
MR STRACHAN POINTED OUT THAT THERE WERE MORE THAN 8,000 VESSEL MOVEMENTS IN THE WATERS OF HONG KONG EACH DAY, THE VAST MAJORITY OF WHICH WERE SMALL CRAFT.
"IN THE SOUTHERN SECTOR OF THE MARINE POLICE REGION, WHICH COVERS THE WATERS SOUTH OF HONG KONG ISLAND FROM PO TOI AND NORTH TO TSING YI, THERE ARE FIVE POLICE VESSELS ON PATROL ON ANY GIVEN DAY," HE SAID.
THE ACTING SECRETARY STRESSED THAT THE INCIDENT ON MAY 15 DID NEED TO BE SEEN IN A WIDER PERSPECTIVE.
"THE POLICE, WHETHER PATROLLING ON LAND OR SEA, CANNOT BE EVERYWHERE AT ONCE," HE ADDED.
--------0-----------
NO EXEMPTION IN TAX PAYING EXPLAINED ******
THERE IS NO PROVISION IN LAW FOR THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE TO EXEMPT TAXPAYERS FROM PAYMENT OF TAX THAT HAS BEEN PROPERLY ASSESSED.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PIERS JACOBS, SAID THIS IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON POON CHI-FAI IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
BUT IN EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES AND FOR GENUINE REASONS, THE COMMISSIONER MAY EXERCISE HIS DISCRETION TO ALLOW A TAXPAYER, UPON APPLICATION, TO PAY THE TAX DUE BY INSTALMENTS, SIR PIERS SAID.
"I SHALL NOT COMMENT ON MR POON’S ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING THE MONTHLY EXPENDITURE OF A SINGLE PERSON," HE NOTED, ADDING THAT A SINGLE PERSON EARNING AN ANNUAL INCOME OF $41,000 IN 1991-92 PAID NO SALARIES TAX.
"EVEN IF HIS OR HER INCOME IS SLIGHTLY ABOVE $41,000, THE TAX BILL IS STILL VERY SMALL.
"FOR INSTANCE, ON AN ANNUAL INCOME OF $50,000, THE TAX PAYABLE BY A SINGLE PERSON IS $180. WHEN INCOME INCREASES TO $60,000, THE TAX PAYABLE IS ONLY $380," HE EXPLAINED.
SIR PIERS SAID AT SUCH LOW LEVELS OF TAX, THE TAX BILL WAS CLEARLY NOT AN UNDUE BURDEN.
--------0-----------
/27........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 1991
- 27 -
AD HOC COMMITTEE TO REVIEW HOUSING SUBSIDY POLICY ******
THE HOUSING AUTHORITY WILL BE ASKED ON JULY 11 TO ENDORSE A RECOMMENDATION MADE BY ITS MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS COMMITTEE THAT AN AD HOC COMMITTEE SHOULD BE APPOINTED TO REVIEW THE HOUSING SUBSIDY POLICY.
THE SECRETARY EOR HOME AFEA1RS, THE HON PETER TSAO, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG.
MR TSAO SAID THE AUTHORITY WOULD ALSO BE ASKED TO DECIDE, AMONG OTHER THINGS, ON THE SCOPE OF THE REVIEW AND HOW THE PUBLIC SHOULD BE CONSULTED.
- - 0----------
CONTINGENCY PLANS FOR LION ROCK TUNNEL REVIEWED
*******
THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON MICHAEL LEUNG, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SAID CONTINGENCY PLANS FOR DEALING WITH TRAFFIC PROBLEMS IN THE LION ROCK TUNNEL HAD BEEN REVIEWED AND FRESH PROCEDURES INTRODUCED FOLLOWING A RECENT INCIDENT.
THE INCIDENT OCCURRED ON MAY 19 IN WHICH A TIPPER LORRY SPILLED ITS LOAD.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON RONALD CHOW IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR LEUNG SAID THE INCIDENT WAS UNIQUE.
HE SAID A TIPPER LORRY ACCIDENTALLY DROPPED ITS LOAD OF RUBBLE IN THE NORTHBOUND TUBE OF THE TUNNEL SCATTERING IT OVER A 900 METRE-STRETCH OF THE SLOW LANE, WHICH HAD TO BE CLOSED FOR SAFETY REASONS.
ALTHOUGH THE INCIDENT WAS SPOTTED BY TUNNEL STAFF, IT PROVED DIFFICULT FOR THEM TO CLEAR THE RUBBLE MANUALLY BECAUSE OF THE SHEER SIZE OF THE OBSTRUCTION.
TRAFFIC CONGESTION ON THAT DAY WAS FURTHER EXACERBATED BY THE BREAKDOWN OF A HEAVY GOODS VEHICLE IN THE SOUTHBOUND TUBE SHORTLY AFTER THE TIPPER LORRY SPILL.
MR LEUNG SAID APART FROM IMPROVING CONTINGENCY PROCEDURES, THE CLOSED CIRCUIT TELEVISION SYSTEM INSTALLED IN THE TUNNEL IN 1978 WOULD BE REPLACED EARLY NEXT YEAR.
HE SAID THE NEW SYSTEM WOULD PROVIDE FOR BETTER SURVEILLANCE AND MONITORING OF TRAFFIC.
/MR LEUNG .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 1991
28
tud i t^mR^EUNG SA1I) TRAFFIC FLOW WOULD BE SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVED THE LION ROCK TUNNEL WHEN THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL OPENED ON JULY 1.
AT
MR LEUNG SAID MEASURES PRESENTLY EASE CONGESTION AT THE TUNNEL INCLUDED
THE
BEING IMPLEMENTED TO HELP
THE CONTROLLED MERGING OF VEHICLES, AND THE LANES IN THE APPROACHES TO THE TUNNEL; AND PROVIDING BOOTHS AND EXACT TOLL LANES TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW.
TIDAL FLOW ARRANGEMENT, LENGTHENING OF BUS-ONLY
ADDITIONAL
TOLL
HE ADDED THAT THE WIDENING OF TAI PO ROAD AND SHING MUN TUNNELS HAD REDUCED THE VOLUME OF TRAFFIC TUNNEL FROM 104,000 VEHICLES
VEHICLES PER DAY AT PRESENT.
OPENING OF THE USING LION ROCK TO ABOUT 97,000
PER DAY IN MARCH 1990
- - 0 - -
SUMMARY OF CHANGES TO ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE TABLED
*****
A SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION OF $875.1 MILLION WAS APPROVED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1990—91•
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PIERS JACOBS, STATED THIS WHEN TABLING A SUMMARY OF ALL CHANGES MADE TO THE APPROVED ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE FOR THE SAID PERIOD IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SIR PIERS SAID THE SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION WAS FULLY OFFSET EITHER BY SAVINGS UNDER THE SAME OR OTHER HEADS OF EXPENDITURES OR BY THE DELETION OF FUNDS UNDER THE ADDITIONAL COMMITMENTS SUBHEADS.
IH1S INCLUDED $448.4 MILLION FOR THE FIVE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE-FUNDED INSTITUTIONS TO AWARD SALARY INCREASES/ALLOWANCES TO THEIR ACADEMIC AND NON-ACADEMIC STAFF.
I HIS ALSO INCLUDED $109.7 MILLION FOR THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY TO PURCHASE GENERAL TEACHING EQUIPMENT $86.6 MILLION FOR THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY TO ESTABLISH’ SYSTEMS
HEADQUARTERS AND TO MEET THE CONSULTANCIES.
COSTS FOR
UP-FRONT
AND ITS AND
SIR PIERS SAID DURING THE PERIOD, APPROVED COMMITMENTS WERE INCREASED BY $73.7 MILLION AND NEW COMMITMENTS OF $224.4 MILLION WERE ALSO APPROVED.
NON-RECURRENT
NON-RECURRENT
IN THE SAME PERIOD, A NET INCREASE OF 703 POSTS WAS HE ADDED.
APPROVED,
HE NO!ED THAT ITEMS IN THE SUMMARY HAD BEEN APPROVED EITHER BY FINANCE COMMITTEE OR UNDER DELEGATED AUTHORITY.
/29........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 1991
- 29 -
ENCOURAGING RESULTS ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
******
ENCOURAGING RESULTS HAVE BEEN PRODUCED AFTER THE PUBLICATION OF THE WHITE PAPER ON POLLUTION TWO YEARS AGO.
THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, THE HON GRAHAM BARNES, STATED THIS WHILE TABLING THE FIRST REVIEW OF PROGRESS ON THE 1989 WHITE PAPER ON POLLUTION IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR BARNES SAID: "AS WITH THE REVIEW ITSELF, MOST OF THE VERY TIGHT DEADLINES WE IMPOSED UPON OURSELVES, WE MET. AS A RESULT, OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS WE HAVE PRODUCED SOME ENCOURAGING RESULTS:
- WE HAVE SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCED AIR POLLUTION;
- WE HAVE MADE GOOD PROGRESS ON IMPLEMENTING A NEW WASTE DISPOSAL STRATEGY;
WE HAVE REDUCED NOISE DISTURBANCE GENERALLY; AND
- WE HAVE ACHIEVED OUR TARGETS SO FAR IN WATER POLLUTION AND SEWERAGE."
HE CONTINUED: "THERE CAN BE FEW OTHER WHITE PAPERS THAT HAVE BEEN SUBJECT TO SUCH RIGOROUS IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING, AND I BELIEVE HONG KONG CAN BE PROUD OF WHAT IT HAS ACHIEVED SO FAR.
"WE HAVE CREATED A FAIR AMOUNT OF MOMENTUM IN THESE FIRST TWO YEARS. WE NOW HAVE TO MAINTAIN THIS MOMENTUM," HE SAID.
MR BARNES STATED: "TO MEET OUR FUTURE OBJECTIVES WE WILL HAVE TO ADAPT TO CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES, AND TAILOR OUR SUIT TO FIT THE CLOTH.
"BUT IN THE SAME WAY THAT HONG KONG HAS MET THE CHALLENGES OF THE FIRST TWO YEARS, 1 BELIEVE THAT WE WILL CONTINUE TO FIND WAYS OF ACHIEVING OUR OBJECTIVES, AND THAT, WITH MEMBERS’ SUPPORT, THE RECORD OF THE NEXT TWO YEARS WILL SHOW THAT WE HAVE CONTINUED TO MOVE FORWARD IN THE BATTLE TO SAVE OUR ENVIRONMENT WITH RENEWED DETERMINATION AND VIGOUR."
--------0 - -
/30........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 1991
30
LATEST POLICE COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE REPORT PUBLISHED
*****
THE POLICE COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE (PCC) HAS MADE A NUMBER OF PROPOSALS TO IMPROVE THE OVERALL EFFECTIVENESS OF THE COMPLAINTS SYSTEM AND MINIMISE PUBLIC COMPLAINTS AGAINST THE POLICE.
THE COMMITTEE’S ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1990 WAS TABLED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY DR THE HON DANIEL TSE, IN HIS CAPACITY AS PCC’S CHAIRMAN.
THE COMMITTEE WAS SET UP IN EARLY 1986 TO TAKE OVER THE WORK PREVIOUSLY UNDERTAKEN BY THE FORMER UMELCO POLICE GROUP. IT OVERSEES THE HANDLING BY THE POLICE OF COMPLAINTS BY THE PUBLIC.
TODAY’S REPORT WAS THE FIFTH ONE COMPILED BY THE COMMITTEE SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT.
DURING THE YEAR 1990, THE COMMITTEE HAD REVIEWED AND ENDORSED 3,620 COMPLAINT CASES, EMBRACING 5,159 ALLEGATIONS, PROCESSED BY THE COMPLAINTS AGAINST THE POLICE OFFICE (CAPO) OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE.
WITH THE SUPPORT OF AN INDEPENDENT SECRETARIAT, DR TSE POINTED OUT THAT THE COMMITTEE HAD BEEN ABLE TO VET IN DETAIL EACH AND EVERY COMPLAINT CASE.
THE REPORT STATED THAT THE LARGEST SINGLE SUBJECT OF COMPLAINT WAS ABOUT ASSAULT (38 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ALLEGATIONS).
THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY OVERBEARING, IMPOLITE CONDUCT OR ABUSIVE LANGUAGE OF POLICE OFFICERS (22.4 PERCENT), NEGLECT OF DUTY OR IMPROPER ACTION (17.1 PER CENT), UNNECESSARY USE OF AUTHORITY (10.9 PER CENT) AND FABRICATION OF EVIDENCE (7.1 PER CENT).
THE REPORT STATED THAT AS A RESULT OF INVESTIGATION INTO COMPLAINTS MONITORED BY THE COMMITTEE, APPROPRIATE LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AND DISCIPLINARY OR INTERNAL ACTIONS HAD BEEN TAKEN AND ADVICE GIVEN AGAINST 537 POLICE OFFICERS DURING 1990.
IN REVIEWING THE COMPLAINT CASES, THE COMMITTEE HAD PROPOSED A NUMBER OF REVIEWS OF, AND CHANGES TO, POLICE PRACTICES, PROCEDURES AND INSTRUCTIONS WITH A VIEW TO IMPROVING UPON THE OVERALL EFFECTIVENESS OF THE COMPLAINT SYSTEM AND ASSISTING THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE IN MINIMISING PUBLIC COMPLAINTS AGAINST THE POLICE.
SOME OF THE STUDIES AND CHANGES INITIATED BY THE COMMITTEE INCLUDED:
* THE APPROPRIATENESS OF DEMANDING IDENTITY CARDS IN TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT CASES;
* PERSONS ON POLICE BAIL SHOULD BE INFORMED IN WRITING OF THE DATE AND TIME TO RECLAIM THEIR BAIL MONIES;
/* MULTIPLE EXTENSION ........
31
* MULTIPLE EXTENSION OF BAIL;
* POLICE POWERS OF ENTRY INTO PRIVATE PREMISES;
» THE NEED TO VERIFY THE TIME WITH THE REGIONAL COMMAND CONTROL CENTRE BEFORE ISSUING FIXED PENALTY TICKETS WHEN THE ELEMENT OF EXACT TIME WAS IN DISPUTE;
* PROCEDURES OF NOTIFYING COMPLA1NANTS/INFORMANTS OF ’COMMON ASSAULT’ CASES ABOUT THE RESULT OF INVESTIGATION; AND
* THE LIABILITY OF THE GOVERNMENT IN THE WRONGFUL DESTRUCTION OF EXHIBITS.
THE TRIAL PERIOD OF THE INFORMAL RESOLUTION SCHEME INTRODUCED IN 1989 TO RESOLVE, THROUGH PERSONAL DISCUSSIONS, CERTAIN MINOR COMPLAINTS WAS EXTENDED FOR SIX MONTHS BY CAPO IN ORDER TO FULLY TEST ITS EFFECTIVENESS.
THE OUTCOME WOULD BE CLOSELY MONITORED AND EVALUATED BY THE COMMITTEE.
THE REPORT ALSO STATED THAT A TOTAL OF 3,437 COMPLAINT CASES WERE REGISTERED BY CAPO IN 1990, A 6.7 PER CENT INCREASE OVER THE 3,221 CASES REGISTERED IN 1989.
NEVERTHELESS, DR TSE SAID THE 1990 FIGURE STILL REPRESENTED AN 11.2 PER CENT DECREASE OVER THE FIGURE OF 3,870 FOR 1987.
AS IN PREVIOUS YEARS, THE MAJORITY OF COMPLAINT CASES (85.3 PER CENT) WERE MADE DIRECT TO THE POLICE FORCE.
THE REPORT SHOWED THE COMMITTEE’S CONCERN OVER THE HIGHER INCIDENCE OF ASSAULT CASES RECEIVED IN 1990 (26.4 PER CENT) THAN FOR 1989.
THE COMMITTEE HAD STUDIED THE TREND RELATING TO ALLEGATIONS OF ASSAULT OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF CAPO.
THE STUDY INDICATED SONE CORRELATION BETWEEN THE NUMBER OF ALLEGATIONS OF ASSAULT AND THE NUMBER OF CRIME REPORTED TOGETHER WITH CONSEQUENTIAL CRIME ARRESTS.
THE MATTER HAD BEEN BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF FORMATION COMMANDERS OF POLICE DISTRICTS BY CAPO FOR APPROPRIATE ACTION.
DR TSE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF ALLEGATIONS OF ASSAULT WERE SUBSEQUENTLY WITHDRAWN OR NOT PURSUED BY THE COMPLAINANTS.
IF THE ALLEGATIONS OF ASSAULT WHICH WERE SUBSEQUENTLY CLASSIFIED AS ’WITHDRAWN’ OR ’NOT PURSUABLE’ WERE DISCOUNTED, THE NUMBER OF ALLEGATIONS REDUCED FROM 1,959 TO 427 IN 1990.
THE REPORT ALSO EMPHASISED THAT THE NUMBER OF PUBLIC COMPLAINTS AND VARIOUS FORMS OF LEGAL AND DISCIPLINARY OR INTERNAL ACTIONS TAKEN AND ADVICE GIVEN AGAINST POLICE OFFICERS SHOULD BE SEEN IN THE LIGHT OF THE DIFFICULT FRONT-LINE NATURE OF POLICE WORK.
/THEY SHOULD .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 1991
- 32 -
THEY SHOULD BE VIEWED IN THE CONTEXT OF 2.69 MILLION POTENTIAL POLICE-PUBLIC CONFRONTATION SITUATIONS DURING THE YEAR.
THESE INCLUDED 1.18 MILLION PERSONS STOPPED AND CHECKED THROUGH THE POLICE OPERATIONAL NOMINAL INDEX COMPUTER SYSTEM (PONICS) AND 1.51 MILLION TRAFFIC SUMMONSES AND TICKETS ISSUED.
THE PCC WAS AN INDEPENDENT MONITORING GROUP APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR.
IN 1990, THE COMMITTEE COMPRISED A CHAIRMAN AND TWO VICE-CHAIRMEN, ALL DRAWN FROM OMELCO AND SEVEN MEMBERS, BEING ACTIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE, WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS BEING THE TWO EX-OFFICIO REPRESENTATIVES ON THE COMMITTEE.
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FOUR-HOUR LEGCO DEBATE ON VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS * * * * *
EIGHTEEN LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS DEBATED FOR FOUR HOURS ON THE PROBLEM OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON IAN STRACHAN, SPOKE ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT.
THE ORIGINAL MOTION ON VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS, MOVED BY THE HON POON CHI-FAI, WAS NOT CARRIED WHILE AN AMENDMENT MOTION BY THE HON STEPHEN CHEONG WAS PASSED.
THREE OTHER MOTIONS WERE ALSO PASSED: TWO WERE MOVED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE AND ONE BY THE HON NELLIE FONG UNDER THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES ORDINANCE.
MEANWHILE, 13 LEGISLATORS SPOKE ON THE HONG KONG BILL OF RIGHTS BILL 1991 WHICH WAS PASSED BY THE COUNCIL WITH AMENDMENT. THE CHIEF SECRETARY AND THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SPOKE ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT.
THREE BILLS WERE ALSO PASSED. THEY WERE THE ARBITRATION (AMENDEMENT) BILL 1991, CLUBS (SAFETY OF PREMISES) BILL 1991 AND QUEEN ELIZABETH FOUNDATION FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 .
IN ADDITION, SEVEN BILLS WERE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS.
THEY WERE OATHS AND DECLARATIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, IMPORT AND EXPORT (AMENDMENT) (NO.2) BILL 1991, OZONE LAYER PROTECTION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) (NO.3) BILL 1991, POLICE CHILDREN'S EDUCATION TRUST (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 AND POLICE EDUCATION AND WELFARE TRUST (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991.
DEBATES ON THESE BILLS WERE ADJOURNED.
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/33 ........
WEDNESDAY , JI'NI
I 9f‘ I
- 33 -
\IETNAMESE ASYLUM-SEEKERS ♦ ♦ ♦ t ♦ t
THE FOLLOWING IS A JOINT STATEMENT ON THE WASHINGTON TALKS ON VIETNAMESE ASYLUM-SEEKERS:
SENIOR OFFICIALS OF THE GOVERNMENTS OF THE LTED KINGDOM, THE.. UNITED STATES AND HONG KONG MET IN WASHINGTON, D.C. ON JUNE 3 TO 4^r(T-D1SCUSS MEASURES TO DEAL WITH THE SHARPLY INCREASING NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE ASYLUM-SEEKERS ARRIVING IN HONG KONG IN RECENT MONTHS.
THE INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE TO THE SITUATION OF VIETNAMESE ASYLUM-SEEKERS IN HONG KONG AND SOUTHEAST ASIA IS GOVERNED BY THE MULTILATERAL COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OF ACTION (CPA), WHICH IS IMPLEMENTED BY THE (IN HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES (UNHCR).
THESE CONSULTATIONS WERE ENVISAGED BY THE RECENT MEETING OF THE CPA STEERING COMMITTEE TO EXPLORE MEASURES THAT COULD ENCOURAGE GREATLY ACCELERATED RATES OF RETURN TO VIETNAM OF THOSE DETERMINED NOT TO BE REFUGEES.
THE UNITED STATES, THE UNITED KINGDOM AND HONG KONG REMAIN COMM CITED TO THE CPA, ESPECIALLY FIRST ASYLUM AND FAIR PROCEDURES TO DETERMINE WHO IS AND WHO IS NOT A REFUGEE.
THE BRITISH AND HONG KONG SIDES INFORMED THE UNITED STATES THAT THEY INTEND AS A MATTER OF URGENCY TO SEEK BILATERAL DISCUSSIONS WITH VIETNAM.
WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF THE CPA AND THE U.S. POSITION ON INVOLUNTARY REPATRIATION, THE UNITED STATES DOES NOT OBJECT TO THESE DISCUSSIONS.
THE UK-VIETNAM BILATERAL DISCUSSIONS COULD CONSIDER THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN INTERNATIONALLY MANAGED CENTRE ON TERRITORY PROVIDED BY VIETNAM FOR THOSE ASYLUM SEEKERS WHO ARE DETERMINED NOT TO BE REFUGEES AND HAVE NOT TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF THE EXISTING VOLUNTARY RETURN PROGRAMS.
THESE DISCUSSIONS WILL TAKE PLACE IN CLOSE CONSULTATION WITH THE UNHCR AND THE INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATION FOR MIGRATION (1OM).
THE UNITED STATES AND THE UNITED KINGDOM WILL SUPPORT EFFORTS TO EXPAND ACCESS TO THE ORDERLY DEPARTURE PROGRAM FOR SAFE EMIGRATION FROM VIETNAM.
THE UNITED STATES WILL ALSO CONTINUE ITS POLICY OF OFFERING RESETTLEMENT TO UP TO 50 PER CENT OF THE ASYLUM SEEKERS WHO ARE SCREENED LN AS REFUGEES.
THERE WILL BE NO RESETTLEMENT OF THOSE SCREENED OUT. CUTOFF DATES WILL REMAIN IN FORCE AND WILL IN NO CIRCUMSTANCES BE CHANGED TO A LATER DATE.
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/34 ........
WEDNESDAY, JUNF , 1991
34
JLG 19TH MEETING IN HK * * » ♦ »
THF FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE ANNOUNCED THIS (WEDNESDAY) morningTha?0?™^™“meeting OF THE SINO-BRITISH joint liaison group
ON HONG KONG WILL TAKE PLACE IN
HONG KONG FROM JUNE 11 TO 13.
THE BRITISH TEAM WILL BE LED BY THE SENIOR ANTHONY GALSWORTHY.
REPRESENTATIVE, MR
THE OTHER MEMBERS CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, OFFICE OF THE BRITISH LIAISON GROUP, HONG KONG FCO, MR ALAN PAUL; AND EHRMAN.
OF THE BRITISH TEAM WILL BE SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG, MR MICHAEL SUEN; COUNSELLOR, SENIOR REPRESENTATIVE, SINO-BRITISH JOINT MR DOUG MARTIN; HEAD, HONG KONG DEPARTMENT, ’POLITICAL ADVISER, HONG KONG, MR WILLIAM
------0--------
FC MEETING ON FRIDAY * ♦ t ♦ *
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL HOLD A MEETING ON FRIDAY (JUNE 7) 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 844 0899.
- - 0----------
FIRST REVIEW OF PROGRESS ON WHITE ♦ * ♦ *
PAPER ON POLLUTION PUBLISHED * *
IN COMMEMORATION OF THE WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE GOVERNMENT TABLED AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ITS FIRST REVIEW OF PROGRESS ON THE 1989 WHITE PAPER ON POLLUTION.
THE FIRST REVIEW COMPRISES A SUMMARY OF WHAT HAVE BEEN ACHIEVED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN TACKLING POLLUTION AND IMPROVING ENVIRONMENT BETWEEN JUNE 1989 AND APRIL THIS YEAR.
IT ALSO CONTAINS DETAILED REPORTS ON THE PROGRESS OF THE REMAINING INITIATIVES SET OUT IN THE WHITE PAPER.
COPIES OF THE FIRST REVIEW, IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE, ARE NOW OBTAINABLE FROM THE PUBLIC SERVICES CENTRES OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION; THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE; THE MARKETING OFFICE OF THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES AT THE FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, CENTRAL; AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT, 28TH FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, WAN CHAI.
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/35 .......
WEDNESDAY 5, 199]
- 35 -
ACAF MEMBERS RE-APPOINTED *****
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ANNOUNCED THE RE-APPOINTMENT OF THE 13 NON-GOVERNMENT MEMBERS OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES (ACAF) FOR THE 1991/92 TERM.
THEY ARE MR ANDREW WONG, MR LAU WONG-FAT, MR CHAN KWOK-WAI, MR CHENG FOR-YAU, DR STAN CHEUNG, MR HO TAK-YAU, MR IP YEUK-LAM, DR LAM KIN-CHE, MR LEUNG CHIK, DR LEUNG TIN-PUI, MR SO MOON-CHEUNG, MR YUNG TIN-TACK AND DR ZEE SZE-YONG.
MOST OF THEM HAVE BEEN SERVING ON THE ACAF SINCE ITS INAUGURATION IN MAY 1988.
OFFICIAL MEMBERS ON THE COMMITTEE INCLUDE REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH, THE NEW TERRITORIES REGION OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT. IT IS CHAIRED BY THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE.
THE ACAF, A GOVERNMENT-APPOINTED BODY, PROVIDES A FORMALISED CONSULTATION MECHANISM TO ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES PRODUCTION, ON THE FORMULATION OF THEIR LONG-TERM POLICIES AND ON MATTERS RELATING TO THE PRODUCTION, DISTRIBUTION AND MARKETING OF AGRICULTURAL AND FISHERIES PRODUCTS.
ITS MEMBERS ARE DRAWN FROM THE AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND MARKETING SECTORS AND EXPERTS IN RELATED. FIELDS AS WELL AS REPRESENTATIVES OF OMELCO, THE HEUNG YEE KUK AND RELEVANT GOVERNMENT BRANCHES AND DEPARTMENTS.
THE ACAF IS ASSISTED IN ITS WORK BY ITS FIVE SUB-COMMITTEES ON CROP FARMING, LIVESTOCK, AQUACULTURE, CAPTURE FISHERIES AND MARKETING, AS WELL AS THE WORKING GROUP ON MARGINAL LAND FOR FARMING AND THE LIAISON GROUP ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF MARICULTURE CONSULTANCY RECOMMENDATIONS.
THE APPOINTMENT OF THE CHAIRMEN AND MEMBERS OF THESE SUB-COMMITTEES, THE WORKING GROUP AND THE LIAISON GROUP WILL BE ANNOUNCED LATER.
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SELF-FINANCING A MORE PRACTICAL APPROACH
*****
' • MOBILISATION OF COMMUNITY RESOURCES TO SERVE RESIDENTS’ NEEDS HAS A MORE LASTING EFFECT THAN DEPENDANCE ON GOVERNMENT SUPPORT, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR M.D. CARTLAND, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"SELF-FINANCING IS A MORE PRACTICAL APPROACH TO DEAL WITH THE HIGHER DEMAND AND ASPIRATIONS OF THE SERVICE RECIPIENTS," HE SAID.
/MR CARTLAND .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 1991
36
MR CARTLAND WAS ADDRESSING LN CANTONESE THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE OF YUEN LONG TOWN HALL.
”[ AM VERY HAPPY TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO RETURN TO YUEN LONG TODAY, TO MEET SO MANY OLD FRIENDS.
"I AM ALSO VERY GLAD TO REVISIT THE YUEN LONG TOWN HALL WITH WHICH I HAD THE PRIVILEGE TO BE INVOLVED DURING THE 1970’S WHEN I WAS SERVING AS DISTRICT OFFICER YUEN LONG,” HE SAID.
THE TOWN HALL HAD BEEN SERVING EFFECTIVELY. AS A FOCAL POINT FOR COMMUNITV ACTIVITIES LN THE DISTRICT, BY SUPPLEMENTING GOVERNMENT SUBVENTION WITH LOCAL RESOURCES BOTH FINANCIAL AND MANPOWER, HE NOTED.
"THE COMMUNITY-CARE CONCEPT CAN BE WIDELY PROMOTED IN GIVING SUPPORT AND SERVICE FOR GROUPS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS, SUCH AS THE ELDERLY AND SINGLE-PARENT GROUPS,” HE ADDED.
MR CARTLAND CONGRATULATED MEMBERS OF THE NEW MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE ON THEIR APPOINTMENT, AND WISHED THE TOWN HALL WOULD CONTINUE TO FLOURISH UNDER THEIR GUIDANCE.
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SIX GOVT LOTS TO LET BY TENDER ♦ ♦ ♦ * t
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT-TERM TENANCY OF SIX LOTS IN KWUN TONG, QUARRY BAY AND WESTERN DISTRICT.
THE FIRST LOT, LOCATED AT THE JUNCTION OF SHUN LEE TSUEN ROAD AND LEE ON ROAD, KWUN TONG, MEASURES ABOUT 1.35 HECTARES.
IT IS FOR A FEE-PAYING PUBLIC PARKING AREA FOR MOTOR VEHICLES (EXCLUDING CONTAINER VEHICLES WITH THEIR TRAILERS/CHASSIS ATTACHED) CURRENTLY LICENSED UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE.
THE TENANCY IS FOR ONE YEAR AND RENEWABLE QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
TWO LOTS, BOTH LOCATED AT MOUNT PARKER ROAD, QUARRY BAY, ARE DESIGNATED FOR OPEN STORAGE, EXCLUDING MOTOR VEHICLES AND DANGEROUS GOODS.
THEY MEASURE ABOUT 1.69 HECTARES AND 7,800 SQUARE METRES.
THE TENANCY FOR BOTH LOTS IS THREE YEARS AND RENEWABLE QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
LOCATED AT THE JUNCTION OF EASTERN STREET AND CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST, WESTERN RECLAMATION, THE FOURTH LOT MEASURES ABOUT 281.5 SQUARE METRES. IT IS FOR COMMERCIAL GARDEN AND OPEN STORAGE OF THE TENANT’S GOODS.
THE REMAINING TWO LOTS, BOTH LOCATED AT WESTERN PARK ROAD, WESTERN RECLAMATION, MEASURE ABOUT 5,660 AND 7,235 SQUARE METRES.
/THEY ARE .......
WEDNESDAY, KT. 5, 1991
- 37 -
THEY ARE FOR OPEN STORAGE AND/OR VEHICULAR THE PARKING OF CONTAINER VEHICLES, AND FOR DESTUFFING OF CONTAINERS.
PARKING, LNCI I'DLNG
THE STUFFING AND
THE TENANCY FOR THE THREE LOTS IN MONTHS AND RENEWABLE MONTHLY THEREAFTER.
WESTERN DISTRICT IS 18
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON JUNE 21.
MAY BE OBTAINED
FROM, AND
FORMS OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICES AND CONDITIONS AMn
TENDER PLANS INSPECTED AT VARIOUS DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES AND
MURRAY dULdUINu,
THE BUILDINGS AND
LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH
FLOOR,
GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
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HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND HKEF
MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ♦ ♦ ♦ » ♦
ri .('SING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON II,'API WEIGHTED INDEX 113.9 ♦+O.3* 5.6.91
DATE $ MILLION
4.6.91 380
5.6.91 -463
+ 463
NEUTRAL
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND HKEI
H” ISSUE NUMBER 9 1 - DAY EXCHANGE MATURI NG ON FUND BILLS OUTSTANDING
$ MIL LION
Qi 1 5 10.7.91 4 50 + 30
QI 1 6 17.7.91 420 + 60
Ql 1 7 24.7.91 648.5 -168.5
Qi 18 31.7.91 54 0 -60
Q1 I 9 7.8.91 4 08.5 + 71.5
Ql 20 14.8.91 3G0 + 120
Q12I 21.8.91 4 55 + 25
QI 22 28.8.91 150 + 30
Qi 23 * 4.9.91 4 10 + 70
Ql 1 1 12.6.91 359 + 121
Qi 12 19.6.91 4 45 + 35
Q 1 1 3 26.6.91 54 0 -60
Ql 1 4 3.7.91 607 - 1 27
/HONG KONG........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 1991
- 38 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND 182-DAY EXCHANGE FUND BILLS
HKftJ
ISSUE NUMBER MATURING ON OUTSTANDING $ MILLION
H164 13.11.91 190 + 70
H165 27.11.91 190 + 70
H004 12.6.91 80 + 180
H005 26.6.91 180 + 80
H101 10.7.91 53 + 207
H156 24.7.91 210 + 50
H157 7.8.91 179.5 + 80.5
H158 21.8.91 220 + 40
H159 4.9.91 110 + 150
H160 18.9.91 420 -160
Hl 61 2.10.91 180 + 80
H162 17.10.91 124 + 136
H163 30.10.91 120 + 140
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT 364-DAY EXCHANGE EXCHANGE FUND HKEK FUND BILLS
ISSUE MATURING OUTSTANDING
NUMBER ON $ MILLION
Y187 26.2.92 205 + 55
Y188 25.3.92 230 + 30
Y189 22.4.92 220 + 40
Y190 20.5.92 240 + 20
AVERAGE DAILY TRANSFER FOR WEEK ENDING 31.5.91 WAS 5,474 MN
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
AMENDMENT TO HK LETTERS PATENT............................................ 1
ACTIVE TRADING IN EXCHANGE FUND BILLS .................................... 1
SWD BUILDS NEW GIRLS' HOME IN TUEN MUN ................................... 3
ACAN ISSUES ANTI-DRUG POSTAL COVER ....................................... 3
BUS PARADE TO PROMOTE VOTER REGISTRATION ................................. 5
CHILDREN'S DRAMA TO PROMOTE KEEP CLEAN MESSAGE ........................... 5
EARLY REGISTRATION OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS AND MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGISTS URGED ...................................................... 6
HOLIDAY MAIL DELIVERY ARRANGEMENT ........................................ 7
GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY ........................................... 7
IMMIGRATION DEPT OFFICES ON MOVE ........................................ 10
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .............. 11
THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 1991
AMENDMENT TO HE LETTERS PATENT
******
THE HONG KONG LEITERS PATENT WILL BE AMENDED BY ADDING A NEW PARAGRAPH PROVIDING THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT ON CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS (ICCPR) AS APPLIED TO HONG KONG SHALL BE IMPLEMENTED THROUGH THE LAWS OF HONG KONG.
THE NEW PARAGRAPH, WHICH WILL BE ADDED TO ARTICLE VIL OF THE PRINCIPAL LETTERS PATENT, ALSO PROVIDES THAT AFTER THE COMING INTO OPERATION OF THE AMENDMENT, NO LAW OF HONG KONG SHALL BE MADE UNDER WHICH THE RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS ENJOYED IN HONG KONG WILL BE RESTRICTED IN A MANNER INCONSISTENT WITH THE ICCPR AS APPLIED TO HONG KONG.
ANNOUNCING THIS, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE HONG KONG LETTERS PATENT 1991 (NO. 2) WHICH HAD RECENTLY BEEN APPROVED WOULD BE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TOMORROW.
’’THE AMENDMENT WILL COME INTO OPERATION ON SATURDAY (JUNE 8), THE SAME DAY THAT THE HONG KONG BILL OF RIGHTS ORDINANCE COMES INTO EFFECT,” HE SAID.
"THE BILL OF RI GUI'S ORDINANCE WILL, SUBJECT TO A FREEZE ON SIX ORDINANCES FOR A PERIOD OF ONE YEAR WHICH MAY BE EXTENDED FOR ANOTHER YEAR BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, STRIKE DOWN ANY LEGISLATION ENACTED BEFORE I TS COMMENCEMENT WHI CH IS INCONSISTENT WITH THE ICCPR AS APPLIED TO HONG KONG, WHILE THE AMENDED LETTERS PATENT WILL PREVENT ANY SUCH LEGISLATION FROM BEING VALIDLY ENACTED ON OR AFTER THE COMMENCEMENT DATE OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS ORDINANCE," THE SPOKESNAN EXPLAINED.
HE NOTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION AMENDMENT TO THE LETTERS PATENT WAS ANNOUNCED BY THE ON JULY 25, 1990 WHEN INTRODUCING THE HONG KONG BILL 1990 INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
OF SEEKING THE CHfEF SECRETARY OF RIGHTS BILL
THE AMENDMENT REFLECTED A SIMILAR PROVISION IN ARTICLE 39 OF THE BASK' LAW, HE ADDED.
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ACTIVE TRADING IN EXCHANGE FUND BILLS ******
THE OFFICE OF THE EXCHANGE FUND TODAY (THURSDAY) PUBLISHED A REPORT REVIEWING THE DEVELOPMENTS OF THE EXCHANGE FUND BILLS PROGRAMME SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN MARCH 1990.
AS AT MAY 31, 1991, THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF BILLS OUTSTANDING WAS AROUND $10.7 BILLION, THE REPORT NOTED.
/THE REPORT .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 1991
2
THE REPORT ALSO NOTED THAT THE BILLS ARE VERY ACTIVELY TRADED IN THE SECONDARY MARKET, AS CAN BE SEEN EROM HIGH TURNOVER FIGURES. THE AVERAGE DAILY TURNOVER SINCE JANUARY THIS YEAR IS $4 BILLION, WHICH IS NEARLY 40 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF BILLS OUTSTANDING.
EVEN AFTER THE UNEXPECTED INTEREST RATE HIKE BY ONE PER CENT ON MAY 24, THE BILLS MARKET HAS REMAINED ACTIVE, THE REPORT SAID.
THE AVERAGE DAILY TURNOVER IN THE SECONDARY MARKET HAS ACTUALLY BEEN HIGHER AT AROUND $5.6 BILLTON. THE BILLS TENDERED ON MAY 28 AND JUNE 4 WERE OVERSUBSCRIBED.
THE DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF THE SAID HE WAS PLEASED WITH THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.
HE SAID WITH THE JOINT EFFORT SECONDARY MARKET REMAINED ACTIVE AND VOLATILITY IN INTEREST RATES.
EXCHANGE FUND, MR JOSEPH YAM, OF THE EXCHANGE FUND BILLS
OF THE MARKET MAKERS, THE LIQUID DESPITE THE RECENT
’’THIS IS A GOOD REFLECTION OF THE INTEGRITY OF THE BILLS MARKET,” MR YAM SAID.
IN ORDER TO DEVELOP GREATER DEPTH OF THE BILLS MARKET, THE OFFICE OF THE EXCHANGE FUND WILL SHORTLY APPOINT ADDITIONAL MARKET MAKERS.
"THE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR AN EFFECTIVE PAPERLESS MARKET HAS BEEN BUILT UNDER THE BILLS PROGRAMME. THIS WOULD PAVE THE WAY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN EFFICIENT MARKET FOR GOVERNMENT DEBT, A FEATURE WHICH HAS HITHERTO BEEN LACKING IN A FINANCIAL CENTRE OF HONG KONG’S STATUS," MR YAM SAID.
THE OFFICE OF THE EXCHANGE FUND ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT WITH EFFECT FROM MONDAY (JUNE 10), IT WILL PUBLISH EACH DAY THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF EXCHANGE FUND BILLS TRANSFERRED BETWEEN BILLS ACCOUNTS MAINTAINED WITH IT AND THE CLOSING YIELDS OF BILLS WHICH WILL MATURE IN APPROXIMATELY ONE WEEK, ONE MONTH, THREE MONTHS, SIX MONTHS AND ONE YEAR’S TIME.
"WITH A SUBSTANTIAL TURNOVER, THE CLOSING YIELDS CAN SERVE AS USEFUL BENCHMARKS FOR INTERBANK DEPOSITS OF SIMILAR MATURITIES.
"I EXPECT THAT THE PUBLICATION OF THE INFORMATION CAN HELP GENERATE MORE ACTIVITY IN THE INTERBANK MARKET, ESPECIALLY THOSE IN LONGER MATURITIES OF SIX MONTHS '1’0 ONE YEAR," MR YAM SAID.
--------0-----------
/3 ........
THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 1991
3 -
SWI) BUILDS NEW GIRLS*HOME IN TUEN MUN ♦ ♦ » ♦ ♦
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR M.D. CARTLAND, TODAY (THURSDAY) VISITED A SITE IN TUEN MUN TO UPDATE HIMSELF ON THE PROGRESS OF CONSTRUCTION WORK OF THE DEPARTMENT’S EIGHTH CORRECTIONAL HOME.
THE HOME IN YEUNG TSI NG ROAD IS PLANNED TO ACCOMMODATE 120 GIRLS HAVING PERSONAL PROBLEMS FROM OCTOBER THIS YEAR.
’’THE OPENING OF THIS NEW RESIDENTIAL TRAINING CENTRE FOR GIRLS AGED SEVEN TO IB WILL GO SOME WAY TOWARDS IMPROVING THE PROVISION OF SEPARATE FACILITIES FOR GIRLS IN NEED OF CARE AND PROTECTION AND THOSE WITH ('RIM INAL RECORDS,” MR CARTLAND SAID.
HE SAID THE BUILDING OF THE TUEN MUN HOME WAS TIMELY IN COPING WI TH THE FORECAST RISE IN NUMBER OF YOUNG PEOPLE REQUIRING CARE AND PROTECTION.
EARLIER, MR ('ARTLAND, ACCOMPANIED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S SENIOR SOCIAL WORK OFFICER (CORRECTIONS), MR KWAN KAM-CHUEN, VISITED THE 0 PUI SHAN BOYS’ HOME IN LAI CHI KOK.
THE HOME IS A REFORMATORY SCHOOL WITH A CAPACITY OF SO FOR BOYS AGED BETWEEN SEVEN AND 16.
MR CARTLAND WAS BRIEFED ON THE OPERATION OF THE HOME AND TOURED ITS VARIOUS FACILITIES.
-----------------0-------- ACAN ISSUES ANTI-DRUG POSTAL (’OVER ♦ t ♦ * ♦
THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN) WILL ISSUE A SOUVENIR POSTAL COVER TO COMMEMORATE THE BEGINNING OF THE UNITED NATIONS DECADE AGAINST DRUG ABUSE (1991-2000) AND THE ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST DRUG ABUSE AND ILLICIT TRAFFICKING ON JUNE 26.
A TOTAL OF 200,000 COPIES OF THE POSTAL COVER WILL BE DISTRIBUTED FREE OF- CHARGE TO THE PUBLIC THROUGH VARIOUS CHANNELS FROM SATURDAY (JUNE R).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NARCOTICS DIVISION OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE ISSUE OF THE POSTAL COVER WAS PART OF A SERIES OF PUBLICITY ACTIVITIES TO ECHO THE UN APPEAL FOR INTENSIFYING AND SUSTAINING EFFORTS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS.
•’OTHER ACTIVITIES INCLUDE A ’HONG KONG EIGHTS DRUGS’ EXHIBITION TO BE STAGED AT ’THE SHA ’TIN NEW TOWN PLAZA FROM JUNE 25 TO 27 <
/"ALSO, THE ........
THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 1991
4
"ALSO. THE ’SAY NO TO DRUGS’ SLOGAN WILL BE STAMPED ON ALL MAILS PASSING THROUGH THE POST OFFICE STAMP CANCELLING MACHINES ON JUNE 26 AND BETWEEN JULY 2 AND 20, HE SAID.
REPRODUCED with the permission of the COLOURED SOUVENIR. COVER CARRIES A PA I N'l I NG SYMBOLISES THAT EVEN EROM A BED OF MUD, A PURE
URBAN COUNCIL, THE OF A LOTUS WHICH AND BEAUTIFUL PLANT
CAN GROW.
IT WILL BE DISTRIBUTED AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS AND POST OFFICES OVER THE NEXT THREE WEEKS:
I,OCATI ON
HONG KONG ISLAND
WAH FU ESTATE (OUTSIDE WAH FU RESTAURANT), ABERDEEN
MAXI MALL, NORTH POINT
GENERAL POST OFFICE, CENTRAL
KOWLOON
TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE, MIDDLE ROAD
TELFORD GARDENS (MAIN SQUARE), KOWLOON BAY
MEI FOO SUN CHUEN (OUTSIDE NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE OFFICE IN STAGE V), SHAM SHU I PO
NEW TERRITORIES
OUTSIDE TSUEN WING STREET POST
OFFICE, TSUEN WAN
TAI WO SHOPPING CENTRE, TAI PO
DATE
JUNE 8 (SATURDAY)
JUNE 9 (SUNDAY)
JUNE 20 AND 21 (THURSDAY AND FRIDAY)
JUNE 11 AND 12 (TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY)
JUNE 18 (TUESDAY)
JUNE 23 (SUNDAY)
JUNE 13 AND 14 (THURSDAY AND FRIDAY)
JUNE 15 (SATURDAY)
TUEN MUN TOWN PLAZA, TUEN MUN JUNE 17 (MONDAY)
THE SPOKESMAN SAID IN VIEW OF THE EXPECTED LARGE DEMAND, ONLY 10 000 COPIES OF THE COVER WOULD BE DISTRIBUTED EACH DAY FROM 10 AM TO1 PM AT THE SPECIFIED LOCATIONS AND POST OFFICES ON A FIRST FIRST SERVED BASIS. EACH PERSON CAN TAKE AT MOST THREE (’OVERS AT A
TIME.
/••COPIES OF.........
THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 1991
"COPIES OF COVER WILE ALSO BE AVAILABLE DURING THE THREE-DAY
EXHIBITION AT THE SHA TIN NEW TOWN PLAZA," HE SAID.
"ALL SECONDARY AND PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN THE TERRITORY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED WITH ABOUT 60,000 COPIES OF THE COVER FOR THEIR STUDENTS.
TO COINI IDE WITH THE ISSUE OF THE ACAN COVER, THE POST .OFFICE WJLL PROVIDE A HAND-BACK SERVICE ON JUNE 26 TO ALL COVERS BEARING STAMPS WITH A TOTAL DENOMINATION OF NOT LESS THAN 80 CENTS AT ITS SEVEN PHILATELIC OFFICES.
- - 0 - -
BUS PARADE TO PROMOTE VOTER REGISTRATION » I * t *
A BUS PARADE Will. BE HELD IN WAN CHAI ON SATURDAY (JUNE 8) TO REMIND RESIDENTS TO SIGN IIP AS ELECTORS.
Tllh ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFF 11 ER, MISS CECILIA YEN, WILL HELP DISTRIBUTE SOUVENIRS CARRYING THE VOTER REGISTRATION MESSAGE WHEN THE BUS STOPS AT HOPEWELL CENTRE, WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD TRAM TERMINUS AND M‘ RETON TERRACE.
THE DISTRICT OFFICE’S COMMUNITY ORGANISERS WILL ASSIST |.\SSIRS-BY TO REGISTER DURING IHF HALF-DAY PROMOTION EXERCISE.
I lli PARADE, TO Bl HELD BETWEEN 1 . .30 PM AND 6 PM, IS PART OF •Illi DISTRICT’S THREE-MONTH VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVE WHICH BEGAN IN EARLY APRIL.
ATI’E. N’T ION NEWS EDI TORS :
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO ('OYER THE WAN (HAI VOTER REGISTIMTION Bl’S I’YRADE WHICH Wild BEGIN AT I.3O PM ON SATURDAY (JUNE 8) AT THE ENTRANCE OE THE HOPEWELL CENTRE, QUEEN’S ROAD EASI, WAN ('HAI.
- - 0 - -
CHILDREN’S DRAMA TO PROMOTE KEEP ('LEAN MESSAGE
\ CHILDREN’’ DRAMA IN SUI'POR’I Oh THE I9HI WORLD ENVIRONMENT
DAX WILL BE HELD ON UNDAY (JUNE ’J) AETERNOON \T TUT YMPIIITIIEATRE OE SHA TIN CENTRAI PARE.
ORGANISED by Till URBAN ( OUNCIL/REGIONAI COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE AND THE HONG KONG ER I NGE. CLUB, THE DRAMA AIMS TO SPREAD THE KEEP CLEAN MESSAGE TO I’HE YOUNGER GENERATION AND ENHANCE THEIR AWARENESS Oh WASTE. MINIMISATION AND RE-USE.
/THE 40-MINUTE
THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 1991
- 6 -
THE 10-MI NUTE DRAMA, ENTITLED "PRINCESS (’LEAN VS UTTER MONSTER", WILL HE PERFORMED BY THE "TOGETHER TRY" GROUP OE THE HONG KONG FRINGE CLUB.
THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, DR. PANG HOK-TUEN, WILL ATTEND THE SHOW AND OFFICIATE AT A SOUVENIR PRESENTATION CEREMONY.
THE DRAMA WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM. ADMISSION IS FREE AND SOUVENIRS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED 'I’O THE AUDIENCE.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED I’O (’OVER THE DRAMA.
------0--------
EARLY REGISTRATION OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS AND MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOG I STS URGED ******
PEOPLE PRACTISING AS OCCUPATI ONAL THERAPISTS AND MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGISTS BUT HAVE NOT YET APPLIED FOR. REGISTRATION ARE REMINDED I’O DO SO WITHOUT DELAY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SECRETARIAT OF THE OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS BOARD AND MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGISTS BOARD SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THESE TWO PROFESSIONS WERE REQUIRED BY LAW 'I’O BE REGISTERED BY AUGUST I THIS YEAR.
"ALTHOUGH APPLIC’A'TIONS FOR FULL REGISTRATION WILL CONTINUE IO RE ACCEPTED, RELEVANT STATUTORY BOARDS MAY NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT TIME TO COMPLETE THE REG ISTRATI ON PROCEDURES BEFORE AUGUST 1 IF APPLICATIONS ARE SUBMITTED AT TOO LATE A STAGE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
AS FOR. PROVISIONAL REGISTRATION, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THIS WAS A ONE-OFF EXERCISE: AND APPL I (’AT I ONS WOULD ONLY BE ACCEPTED UNTIL END OF THIS MONTH.
"LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED AND THOSE WHO HAVE APPLIED FOR PROVISIONAL REG I STRAT I ON ARE DEEMED 'I’O BE REGISTERED UNTIL THE RESULTS OF THEIR APPLICATIONS ARE KNOWN," HF ADDED.
APPLICATION FORMS AND A "GUIDE 'I’o APPLICANTS" BOOKLET WHICH CONTAINS DETAILS ON THE REQI I RED QU AI I F I CAT I ONS AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES ARI- OBTAINABLE FROM Illi- SECRETARIAT OF THE OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS BOARD AND THE MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOG I STS BOARD AT SUNNING PLAZA, SI\TH FLOOR, ID HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY.
ENQUIRIFS < AN Bl- MAIM- < ’N TEL. H9() OH I ’• OR K‘J0 0:1 I.
------0--------
/7......
THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 1991
- 7 -
HOLIDAY MAIL DELIVERY ARRANGEMENT *****
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR DOMINIC S.W. WONG, ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT DURING THE FORTHCOMING HOLIDAY PERIOD FROM JUNE 15 TO 18 ALL POST OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED.
THERE WILL BE ONE MAIL DELIVERY EACH ON JUNE 15 (SATURDAY) AND JUNE 17 (MONDAY). NO DELIVERIES WILL BE MADE ON JUNE 16 AND 18.
------0--------
GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY »»»*»*
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED GRADES ON THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF ALL BATHING BEACHES TN HONG KONG.
THE PURPOSE OF THE GRADING SYSTEM IS TO INFORM SWIMMERS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC ABOUT THE STATE OF BACTERIOLOGICAL POLLUTION AT VARIOUS BEACHES.
THE GRADING WILL BE ANNOUNCED BIWEEKLY DURING THE BATHING SEASON, TO COINCIDE WITH THE FREQUENCY AT WHICH BEACH WATERS ARE USUALLY SAMPLED.
THE GRADING IS BASED ON THE MOST RECENT E. COLI DATA OBTAINED BY THE EPD IN ITS ROUTINE MONITORING PROGRAMME. AS WITH LAST YEAR, THE GRADING ALSO INCLUDES AN ESTIMATE OF THE RISK OF SUFFERING SOME MINOR SKIN OR GASTROINTESTINAL COMPLAINTS AS A RESULT OF SWIMMING AT A BEACH WHICH HAS SOME DEGREE OF POLLUTION.
THE ESTIMATE IS BASED ON A VERY LARGE BODY OF STATISTICAL INFORMATION GATHERED IN HONG KONG IN RECENT BATHING SEASONS.
THE GRADING OF SOME REACHES MAY VARY DURING THE SUMMER. THIS REPRESENTS A NATURAL FLUCTUATION IN THE BACTERIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF BATHING WATERS IN MOST CASES, AS RAIN AND TIDES BRING MORE OR LESS POLLUTION TO THE BEACHES.
HOWEVER, THE GRADES GIVE A GOOD GENERAL PICTURE OF THE WATER QUALITY AT BATHING BEACHES AT THE TIME OF REPORTING AND FORM THE BEST AVAILABLE FORECAST FOR THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE.
AN EPD SPOKESMAN SAID: "BEACHES WITH HIGHLY DEVELOPED HINTERLANDS ARE LIKELY TO BE MORE POLLUTED THAN THE GRADES SUGGEST DURING AND AFTER HEAVY RAIN.
"BATHERS SHOULD AVOID SUCH BEACHES FOR. TWO OR THREE DAYS AFTER A STORM, LONGER IF THE WEATHER REMAINS OVERCAST OR LESS IF THERE IS STRONG SUNSHINE."
/THE SYSTEM .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 1991
8
THE SYSTEM FOR GRADING REACH WATER QUALITY IS AS FOLLOWS:
GRADE ”1” INDICATES THAT Till' WATER QUALCH IS GOOD. HIE E. COL I COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 24 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED RISK OE MINOR ILLNESS TO SWIMMERS IS UNDETECTABLE.
GRADE ”2" INDICATES THAT IDE WATER QUALITY IS EAIR. HIE E. COL I COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 180 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH REACH SO GRADED, \NI) THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS NO MORE THAN 10 CASES OE MINOR ILLNESS I’ER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
GRADE "3 ’ INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS ACCEPTABLE. THE E. COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 610 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS NO MORE THAN 15 CASES OE MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
GRADE "I" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS POOR. THE E. COLI COUNT IS MORI' THAN GIO PER 100 MILL I LITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS MORE THAN 15 CASES OE MINOR ILLNESS I’ER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO CLOSE A BEACH TO SWIMMERS IS BASED ON A JUDGEMENT OE WHAT DEGREE OE POLLUTION IS ACCEPTABLE.
NORMALLY, HIE ( I.OSURE OE A BEACH WOULD ONLY Bl CONSIDERED BY THE URBAN OR REGIONAL COUNCIL IE A "I" GRADE OCCURRED REPEATEDLY, SO THAT THE AVERAGE HEALTH RISK OVER Till BATHING SEASON EXCEEDED 15 CASES PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
SIMILARLY, THE REOPENING OE A CLOSED BEACH WOULD ONLY BE CONSIDERED IE A "3” GRADE OR BETTER WERE CONS ISTENTLY OBTAINED.
AT PRESENT, TWO BATHING BEACHES, NAMELY CASTLE PEAK AND OLD CAFETERIA, HAVE BEEN DECLARED UNSUITABLE EOR SWIMMING PURPOSES, BASED ON THE WATER QUALITY DURING PAST SEASONS.
THEY ARE POLLUTED BY FAECAL WASTES AND FAIL TO ACHIEVE CONSISTENTLY THE IIONG KONG STANDARDS. THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED NOT TO SWIM IN THE WATER AT THESE TWO BEACHES.
IN ADDITION, ROCKY BAY BEACH HAS BEEN CLOSED EOR SWIMMING PURPOSES BY THE URBAN COUNCIL. THESE THREE BEACHES ARE IDENTIFIED BY AN "X” IN THE FOLLOWING LIST.
THE GRADES ON THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF VARIOUS BEACHES IN HONG KONG \S AT TODAY ARE LISTED BELOW:
/BEACH .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 1991
9
BEACH
PREVIOUS GRADING
PRESENT GRADING
(AS AT 23.5.91) (AS AT 6.6.91)
HONG KONG SOUTH
BIG WAVE BAY CHUNG HOM KOK DEEP WATER BAY HAIRPIN MIDDLE BAY REPULSE BAY SHEK O SOUTH BAY ST STEPHEN’S TURTLE COVE STANLEY MAIN ROCKY BAY TO TEI WAN*
2 1
1
2 1
1 2
1 1
1 2 X
1
1 1
1 1
1 1
1
1 1
1
2 X
1
TURN MUN DISTRICT
OLD CAFETERIA NEW CAFETERIA CASTLE PEAK KADOORIE BUTTERFLY
X 2 X
2 2
X 2
X 2 2
SAI KUNG DISTRICT
CAMPERS
CLEAR WATER BAY 1ST BEACH CLEAR WATER BAY 2ND BEACH HAP MUN BAY K1U TSUI PAK SHA CHAU SILVERSTRAND TRIO (HEBE HAVEN)
1 1
1
1
1 1
2
1
1 1
1 1
1 1
1 1
ISLANDS DISTRICT
CHEUNG SHA UPPER CHEUNG SHA LOWER DISCOVERY BAY* HUNG SHING YEH KWUN YAM WAN TONG FUK LO SO SHING PUI O SILVERMINE BAY TUNG WAN, CHEUNG CHAU TUNG O*
1
2
1 1 I
1 1
2 3
2 1
1 2
1 1
1 1
1
2 3
2
1
/TSUEN WAN DISTRICT
THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 1991
- 10 -
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT
ANGLERS’ 3 3
APPROACH 3 2
CASAM 2 2
GEMINI 2 2
HOI MEI WAN 2 2
LIDO 2 2
TING KAU 3 3
TUNG WAN, MA WAN 1 1
NOTE: ”X” THE BEACH HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR SWIMMING PURPOSES.
* • NON-GAZETTED BEACHES.
THE FOLLOWING BEACHES HAVE CHANGED GRADING ON THIS OCCASION:
BIG WAVE BAY, HAIRPIN, SHEK O AND SILVERSTRAND, FROM ”2” TO "1”; APPROACH, FROM ”3” TO ”2".
THE CHANGES ARE WITHIN THE NORMAL RANGE OF FLUCTUATION OF THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF THESE BEACHES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT THE PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER (WATER POLICY) OF EPD, MR P.R. HOLMES, ON TEL. 835 1234.
---------0-----------
IMMIGRATION DEPT OFFICES ON MOVE t * * * *
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT’S CHINESE EXTENSION SECTION AND REGISTRATION OF PERSONS - QUEENSWAY OFFICE, CURRENTLY SITUATED AT NEW RODNEY BLOCK, 99 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG WILL BE REPROVISIONED TO MA TAU KOK ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 1 MA TAU KOK ROAD, KOWLOON FROM JUNE 10.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE QUEENSWAY OFFICE WILL BE RENAMED MA TAU WAI OFFICE UPON REMOVAL.
THE CHINESE EXTENSION SECTION WILL CONTINUE TO ACCEPT APPLICATIONS FOR EXTENSION OF STAY, RE-ENTRY VISAS, UNCONDITIONAL STAY, DOCUMENTS OF IDENTITY AND OTHER IMMIGRATION FACILITIES FROM EXTRANTS FROM CHINA HOLDING ONE-WAY CHINESE EXIT PERMITS.
/THE REGISTRATION .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 1991
THE REGISTRATION OK NEW ARRIVALS WITH CHINESE EXIT PERMITS AND REPLACEMENT OF IDENTITY CARDS FOR HOLDERS OF CHINESE EXIT PERMITS AFTER OBTAINING UNCONDITIONAL STAY FROM THE CHINESE EXTENSION SECTION WJLL REMAIN AVAILABLE AT THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS - MA TAU WAI
OFFICE.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY TELEPHONE 824 6111 FOR ENQUIRIES.
--------0-----------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND HKEE
MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 5.6.91 380
H.'IECT OE FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 6.6.91 +fi9
EEEECT OE OPERATIONS THIS MORNING -69
EEEECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 113.9 *+0.0* 6.6.91
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND 9 I-DAY EXCHANGE FUND BILLS
IIKEI
1 SSUE MATURING OUTSTANDING
NUMBER ON $ MILLION
QI 15 Q 1 16 QI 17 QI 18 QI 19 Q120 QI 21 Q1 22 Q123 10.7.91 17.7.91 24.7.91 31.7.91 7.8.91 11.8.91 21.8.91 28.8.91 4.9.91 420 4 20 648.5 540 4 08.5 360 435 4 30 4 10 + 60 + 60 -168.5 -60 + 71.5 + 120 + 45 + 50 + 70
QI 1 1 QI 12 QI 13 Q 1 1 1 12.6.91 19.6.91 26.6.91 3.7.91 299 4 75 550 607 + 181 + 5 -70 - 1 27
/HONG KONG .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 1991
- 12 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND IIKEJ
182-DAY EXCHANGE FUND BILLS
ISSUE MATURING OUTSTANDING
NUMBER ON $ MILLION
H 1 64 13.11.91 190 + 70
Hl 65 27.11.91 190 + 70
H004 12.6.91 80 + 180 •
H005 26.6.91 180 + 80
11101 10.7.91 53 + 207
H 1 56 24.7.91 210 + 50
H 1 57 7.8.91 179. 5 +80.5
HI 58 21.8.91 220 + 40
H 1 59 4.9.91 110 +1 50
H 1 60 18.9.91 420 -160
H 1 6 1 2.10.91 180 + 80
11162 17.10.91 124 + 136
Hl 63 30.10.91 120 + 140
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND HKEK
364-DAY EXCHANGE FUND BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER MATURING ON OUTSTANDING $ MILLION
Y 1 87 26.2.92 205 + 55
Y 1 88 25.3.92 230 + 30
Y 1 89 22.4.92 220 + 40
Y190 20.5.92 240 + 20
AVERAGE DAILY TRANSFER FOR WEEK ENDl NG 31.5. 91 WAS 5,474 MN
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR'S VISIT TO LONDON ........................................ 1
GOVERNOR TO OPEN LIONS NATURE EDUCATION CENTRE .................... 1
EXCO ENDORSES SALE OF PUBLIC RENTAL FLATS TO SITTING TENANTS ...... 2
GOVT CONSIDERING MEASURES TO BOOST TAXI DRIVERS' INCOME ........... 4
LICENSING OF LIVESTOCK FARMS PROPOSED ............................. 5
NEW TRADING SESSION AT KWUN TONG FISH MARKET....................... 7
MANUFACTURING LIKELY TO REMAIN SIGNIFICANT PART OF HK'S ECONOMY:
SURVEY .......................................................... 8
CHANGE TO DEFINITION OF 'AIRCRAFT SPIRIT' PROPOSED ................ 9
EMPLOYEES BETTER PROTECTED FOR SEVERANCE PAY ..................... 10
SIMPLER FEE CHARGING SYSTEM FOR BUILDING PLAN SUBMISSIONS ........ 10
RECLAMATION FOR LANDFILL IN TSEUNG KWAN O......................... 11
NEW ACCESS ROADS FOR OPEN SPACE IN TSUEN WAN ..................... 12
TENDERS FOR MAINTENANCE OF E&M EQUIPMENT ......................... 12
PAYMENT OF CROWN RENTS ........................................... 13
POLICE NEW REGIONAL COMMAND ...................................... 14
BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR ...................................... 15
EASTERN DB FUNDS FOR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECTS .............. 16
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ....... 16
FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 1991
1 GOVERNOR’S VISIT TO LONDON *****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, WILL VISIT THE UK FROM JUNE 21 TO 27.
DURING HIS VISIT, THE GOVERNOR WILL CALL UPON THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, MR DOUGLAS HURD, AND MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS WITH SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR HONG KONG, LORD CAITHNESS, AND HAVE MEETINGS WITH FCO OFFICIALS RESPONSIBLE FOR HONG KONG MATTERS.
HE WILL ALSO HAVE A MEETING WITH THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR PETER LILLEY, AND MEET MEMBERS OF THE BRITISH HONG KONG PARLIAMENTARY GROUP.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE GOVERNOR’S VISIT WAS ONE OF HIS REGULAR VISITS TO LONDON TO DISCUSS MATTERS OF COMMON CONCERN WITH MINISTERS AND OFFICIALS AND HAD BEEN PLANNED FOR SOMETIME.
-----0-----
GOVERNOR TO OPEN LIONS NATURE EDUCATION CENTRE
******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE LIONS NATURE EDUCATION CENTRE IN TS1U HANG, SAI KUNG TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT 12.30 PM.
THF CENTRE, WHICH WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 2 PM, IS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND TO DISPLAY TO THE PUBLIC THE RICHNESS OF HONG KONG’S RURAL HERITAGE.
IT IS THE JOINT EFFORT OF THE LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL, DISTRICT 303, HONG KONG AND MACAU, AND THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT (AFD).
SIR DAVID IS THE PATRON OF THE LIONS NATURE EDUCATION FOUNDATION SET UP LAST YEAR FOR DEVELOPMENT OF THE CENTRE. SO FAR, $11 MILLION HAS BEEN RAISED.
ALSO PRESENT AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE; CHAIRMAN OF THE LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION, MR WILLIAM WOLLARD; AND THE DISTRICT GOVERNOR OF THE LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL, DISTRICT 303, HONG KONG AND MACAU, MR TAM WING-KUN.
HONG AN AND
PHASE I OF THE CENTRE COMPRISES EXHIBITION HALLS ON KONG’S AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND COUNTRYSIDE RESOURCES AS WELL AS ARBORETUM, ORCHARDS, FIELD CROPS, A CHINESE HERBAL GARDEN, A ROCK MINERAL CORNER, AND A POULTRY CORN El*’.
/THE CENTRE .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 1991
THE CENTRE IS OPEN DAILY FROM 9.30 AM TO 5 I’M, EXCEPT ON TUESDAY. ADMISSION IS FREE AND NO ADVANCED BOOKING IS REQUIRED. HOWEVER, SCHOOLS AND INDIVIDUAL GROUPS PLANNING A GUIDED TOUR SHOULD CONTACT AFD’S CONSERVATION EDUCATION SECTION ON TEL. 7 33 2121 FOR APPOINTMENT.
VISITORS ('OMI NG BY PRIVATE TRANSPORT CAN PARK THEIR VEHICLES AT A CARPARK NEAR THE HONG KIN ROAD EIRE STATION. HOWEVER, IN VIEW OF THE LIMITED PARKING SPACES, MEMBERS Ob’ THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED TO USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT.
THE CENTRE IS SERVED RY KMB ROUTE 92 AND GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 1, BOTH OF WHICH RUN FROM CHOI HUNG TO SAI KUNG. VISITORS SHOULD ALIGHT AT THE TSIU HANG STOP ON HIRAM’S HIGHWAY.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY AT 12.30 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY). TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED AND WILL LEAVE AFI) HEADQUARTERS, CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 393 CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON, AT 11.15 AM.
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EXCO ENDORSES SALE OF PUBLIC RENTAL FLATS TO SITTING TENANTS
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS APPROVED A PROPOSAL BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY 'I'O SELL A SELECTION OF ITS PUBLIC RENTAL FLATS TO SITTING TENANTS ON A PHASED BASIS TO EXPAND OPPORTUNITIES FOR HOME OWNERSHIP.
’’HOWEVER, THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SALES SCHEME IS SUBJECT TO AGREEMENT OF THE LAND COMMISSION ON THE LAND GRANT ARRANGEMENTS AND LAND REQUIREMENTS,” A HOUSING AUTHORITY SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
’’THE HOUSING AUTHORITY WOULD NEED TO HAVE LEGAL TITLE TO THE LAND ON WHICH THE HOUSING BLOCKS STAND BEFORE IT COULD SELL AND GIVE TITLE TO THE INDIVIDUAL FLATS IN THESE BLOCKS.
"THE LAND COMMISSION WILL BE CONSULTED ON THE LAND GRANT ARRANGEMENTS AND ADDITIONAL LAND REQUIREMENTS IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR TO IMPLEMENT THE SCHEME.”
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT PUBLIC HOUSING TENANTS AFFECTED BY THE SCHEME WOULD BE GIVEN THE OPTION TO BUY THEIR FLATS OR CONTINUE LIVING IN THEM AS RENTAL TENANTS.
THE INITIAL TARGET NUMBER OF FLATS TO BE SOLD WOULD BE 3,000 TO 4,000 FLATS FOR THE FIRST YEAR, SAID THE SPOKESMAN, ADDING THAT IT WOULD BE SUBJECT TO REVIEW ONE YEAR AFTER THE SCHEME HAD BEEN IMPLEMENTED.
/"WHILE THE
FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 1991
"WHILE THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HAS RESOLVED THAT THE BLOCKS TO BE SELECTED FOR THE FIRST PHASE OF THE SCHEME WOULD MAINLY BE FIVE TO SIX YEARS OLD BLOCKS OF THE NEW LINEAR I AND TRIDENT II DESIGN, TOGETHER WITH SOME FOUR YEAR OLD TRIDENT Ills, THE FINAL SELECTION OF BLOCKS WILL BE MADE BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S HOME OWNERSHIP COMMITTEE,” HE SAID.
"IN ORDER TO REACH THE 3,000 TO 4,000 FLATS SALE TARGET, GIVEN LAND AND OTHER CONSTRAINTS, FLATS WILL BE SOLD IN THOSE BLOCKS WHERE MORE THAN 50 PER CENT OF TENANTS HAVE INDICATED A FIRM INTENTION TO BUY. ”
AS A GENERAL GUIDELINE FOR DETERMINING THE PRICE OF THE FLATS TO BE SOLD, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HAD CONCLUDED THAT THE TOTAL DISCOUNT TO THE MARKET VALUE OF THE RENTAL FLAT SHOULD BE AT A LEVEL OF 40 PER CENT WHEN IT WAS SOLD TO THE SITTING TENANT.
IN DETERMINING THE MARKET VALUE, DUE ALLOWANCE WOULD BE MADE FOR THE LESS ATTRACTIVE DESIGN OF THE RENTAL BLOCK COMPARED WITH A PURPOSE-BUILT SALE BLOCK, THE LACK OF UPGRADING OF THE PLASTERING, WIRING, SECURITY SYSTEM AND OTHER FACILITIES, AND THE AGE OF THE BLOCK.
HOWEVER, THE ACTUAL SELLING PRICES WOULD BE SET BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S HOME OWNERSHIP COMMITTEE CLOSER TO THE TIME OF SALE AND BE REVIEWED AT ITS REGULAR MEETINGS.
FLATS IN THE SAME BLOCK WOULD BEAR DIFFERENT PRICES TO REFLECT THEIR RELATIVE ADVANTAGES IN TERMS OF SIZE, LOCATION AND VIEW, AND SO ON.
ON THE CONDITION OF THE BLOCKS TO BE SOLD, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE HOUSING AUTHORITY WOULD ONLY SELL BLOCKS THAT WERE IN GOOD CONDITION.
"A CONDITION SURVEY COVERING THE COMMON AREAS OF THE SALE BLOCK WOULD BE CARRIED OUT BY INDEPENDENT SURVEYORS FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR," HE SAID.
"TENANTS WOULD ALSO BE ALLOWED TO REPORT DEFECTS FOUND INSIDE THEIR FLATS. THE HOUSING AUTHORITY WOULD ARRANGE FOR THE DEFECTS IDENTIFIED BY THE SURVEYOR, INCLUDING DEFECTS INSIDE FLATS THAT WERE CONFIRMED TO BE GENUINE AND NOT CAUSED BY THE TENANTS’ FAULT, TO BE REPAIRED.
"IT WOULD ALSO UNDERTAKE TO REMEDY DEFECTS ARISING FROM THESE WORKS WITHIN ONE YEAR OF COMPLETION OF REPAIRS."
ON THE AFTER-SALE MANAGEMENT, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE HOUSING AUTHORITY WOULD MANAGE THE BLOCK DIRECTLY FOR TWO YEARS AFTER SALE AND WOULD APPOINT A MANAGEMENT AGENT FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE 10-YEAR PERIOD.
"HOWEVER, THE OWNERS WOULD BE EMPOWERED TO FORM OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS TO TAKE OVER THE MANAGEMENT OF THE BLOCK BEFORE THEN IF THEY WISHED TO DO SO," HE SAID.
/"TENANTS WOULD .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 7,
"TENANTS WOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO FORM THEMSELVES INTO TENANTS’ ASSOCIATIONS AND TO ELECT A REPRESENTATIVE TO ATTEND MEETINGS OF THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.
"ALTHOUGH THE REPRESENTATIVE WOULD NOT HAVE THE RIGHT TO VOTE, THE HOUSING AUTHORITY WOULD CONSULT TENANTS’ ASSOCIATIONS ON ISSUES PERTAINING TO THE MANAGEMENT OF A BLOCK AND WOULD TAKE ACCOUNT OF THESE VIEWS IN THE VOTES THAT IT CAST."
TURNING TO THE ISSUES OF BUYING BACK AND RESALE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID FLATS SOLD UNDER THE SCHEME WOULD BE SUBJECT TO THE SAME RESTRICTIONS ON RESALE AS APPLY TO HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME FLATS.
"THIS WOULD MEAN THAT FOR THE FIRST 10 YEARS AFTER SALE, FLATS COULD ONLY BE SOLD BACK TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY. AFTER 10 YEARS, FLATS MAY BE SOLD ON THE OPEN MARKET, SUBJECT TO PAYMENT TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE UPDATED VALUE OF THE ORIGINAL DISCOUNT.
"OWNERS WHO SELL THEIR FLAT BACK TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY WILL BE REQUIRED TO VACATE THE FLAT, AND WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO REVERT TO BEING TENANTS IN THE FLAT, THOUGH THEY CAN APPLY FOR PUBLIC RENTAL HOUSING THROUGH THE WAITING LIST IN THE USUAL WAY."
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS WOULD BE MADE FOR GENUINE COMPASSIONATE CASES, FOR EXAMPLE, UPON THE DEATH OF THE SOLE BREADWINNER, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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GOVT CONSIDERING MEASURES TO BOOST TAXI DRIVERS’ INCOME »*»»»»
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT IS CONSIDERING A NUMBER OF PROPOSALS PUT FORWARD BY THE TAXI TRADE TO BOOST INCOME OF PEOPLE IN THE TRADE, THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR GORDON SIU SAID TODA! (FRIDAY).
IN RESPONSE TO REQUESTS MADE BY THE TAXI TRADE TO LOWER THE
FUEL TAX FOR TAXIS AND TO CUT DIESEL PRICE, MR SIU SAID:
"THE QUESTION IS : HOW TO INCREASE THE INCOME OF PEOPLE IN THE
TAXI TRADE?
"IN THE PRESENT ECONOMIC CLIMATE IT WOULD BE PRUDENT TO LOOK TO AVENUES NOT CONNECTED WITH THE FARE BOX."
PROPOSALS TO BE CONSIDERED INCLUDED PERMITTING TAXI DRIVERS TO ENGAGE IN THE DIRECT MARKETING OF MERCHANDISE, DISTRIBUTE HAND-BILLS AND PUBLICITY PAMPHLETS, AND PUT UP ADVERTISING TRANSPARENCIES ON REAR TAXI WINDOWS.
IN A LETTER TO THE TRADE, MR SIU SAID SUBJECT TO ROAD SAFETY AND THAT THE CONVENIENCE OF THE PASSENGER IS NOT COMPROMISED, THESE SUGGESTIONS MIGHT BE APPROVED, THUS INCREASING THE INCOME OF THE PEOPLE IN THE 'TRADE.
/"WE WILL
FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 1991
5 -
"WE WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR CLOSELY THE FINANCIAL OPERATION OF TAXIS WITH PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO THE INCOME LEVEL OF TAXI DRIVERS," HE SAID.
ON THE POSSIBLE REDUCTION IN THE RETAIL PRICE OF DIESEL, MR SIU SAID LOCAL OIL COMPANIES WERE EXPECTED TO HAVE A CLEARER POSITION AFTER THE JUNE MEETING OF THE ORGANISATION OF PETROLEUM EXPORTING COUNTRIES.
HE SAID THE ADMINISTRATION WOULD CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN A CLOSE DIALOGUE WITH THE OIL COMPANIES.
TAX FOR TAXIS,
MR BUT
REFERRING TO ’THE REQUEST FOR A LOWER FUEL
SIU SAID THIS HAD BEEN CAREFULLY CONSIDERED BY THE ADMINISTRATION ri had TO BE TURNED DOWN BECAUSE OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE DIFFICULTIES
IN DIFFERENTIATING BETWEEN TAXIS AND OTHER VEHICLES WHEN APPLYING ।
FUFI. TAX. AND THE IMPLICATIONS THAT A LOWER FUEL TERMS OF' REVENUE REDUCTION AGAINST AN ALREADY TIGHT
BUDGET.
THE
IN
MR SIU URGED THE TAXI TRADE TO BE PATIENT AS THE STUDIES ARE now BEING UNDERWAY ON THE VARIOUS ISSUES.
' ll’ IS IMPORTANT THAT WE MAINTAIN DIALOGUE AND DO ALL WE IAN TO RETAIN THE SUPPORT AND GOODWILL FOR THE TAXI TRADE," HF ADDED.
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LICENSING OF LIVESTOCK FARMS PROPOSED
RISK HONG
THE
POSED
KONG .
GOVERNMENT HAS PROPOSED A NUMBER OF MEASURES TO REDUCE THE BY OLD-FASHIONED LIVESTOCK KEEPING METHODS STILL IN USE IN
THESE METHODS COULD CAUSE POLLUTION GIVE RISE TO THREAT TO PUBLIC HEALTH, OR
OF THE ENVIRONMENT, OR A THREAT OF INFECTIOUS
ANIMAL DISEASE.
A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY
ANNOUNCING DETAILS OF THE MEASURES AT
(FRIDAY) A PRINCIPAL XSSISTAN’I SECRETARY OF I HE ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS BRANCH, DR PATRICK HASE, SA! I) EVFRYONE KONG WAS BECOMING MORE AND MORI- CONCERNED ABOU I IHF. SIAKE
PLANNING,
I N
OF
HONG THE
ENVIRONMENT.
DR HASE SAID MANY OF OUR WATERCOURSES WERE DEVOID OF LIFE AND WERE HE AV ILY POLLUTED.
"AT PRESENT, WE BUT IN SOME AREAS OE POLLUTI ON DERIVES EROM
HAVE MANN POLLUTING ACTIVITIES IN HONG KONG, I’HE NEW TERRITORIES A LARGE PART OF THE LIVESTOCK KEEPING,” HE STATED.
/••THESE WATERCOURSES,
FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 1991
6
’’THESE WATERCOURSES, IN THEIR PRESENT CONDITION, ARE A HEALTH RISK. THE LIVESTOCK KEEPING METHODS WHICH PRODUCE THIS POLLUTK A OUT-DATED AND INCOMPATIBLE WITH MODERN STANDARDS OF ANIMAL HUSBANDRY.
HE SAID THE NEED OF LIVESTOCK FARMERS TO CONTINUE THEIR PRODUCTION OF HIGH QUALITY ANIMALS IN HONG KONG’S CROWDED CONDITIONS WAS WELL UNDERSTOOD.
THIS COULD ONLY BE ACHIEVED BY THE USE OF HEALTHY HUSBANDRY METHODS.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT ACCEPTED THAT THERE WAS A GROWING NEED FOR AN IMPROVED LEVEL OF COMMUNICATION WITH FARMERS.
’’THESE FARMERS ARE ECONOMICALLY VALUABLE TO HONG KONG AND NEED TO BE ENCOURAGED TO UPGRADE THEIR FARMING METHODS SO THAT THEY ARE ABLE TO SECURE FOR THEMSELVES A FIRM FUTURE HERE,” DR HASE SAID.
FOR THESE REASONS, HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSED TO REQUIRE THAT ALL LIVESTOCK KEEPERS BE LICENSED.
’’LICENCES WOULD REQUIRE LIVESTOCK FARMERS TO USE NON-POLLUTI NG, HEALTHS LIVESTOCK KEEPING METHODS.”
THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES WOULD BE THE LICENSING AUTHORITY AND LICENCES WOULD BE ISSUED TO ANY FARM WHICH COULD MEET THE LICENSING CONDITIONS.
IN ADDITION, LEGISLATIVE CONTROLS ON POLLUTION CAUSED BY LIVESTOCK KEEPING HAD BEEN REVIEWED, AND A MORE SATISFACTORY SCHEME OF CONTROL IDENTIFIED.
TO ENABLE THIS PACKAGE OF PROPOSALS TO BE IMPLEMENTED, IT IS THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION TO PROPOSE LEGISLATIVE CHANGES TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IN DUE COURSE.
THE GOVERNMENT RECOGNISED THAT, TO CONVERT TO MODERN HUSBANDRY PRACTICES FROM THE EXISTING OUT-OF-DATE METHODS WOULD COST A GOOD DEAL OF MONEY.
TO ASSIST FARMERS TO ADOPT NON-POLLUTING HUSBANDRY METHODS, THE GOVERNMENT HAD AGREED TO INCREASE THE CAPITAL GRANT (A FREE GRANT TO FARMERS TO INSTALL NON-POLLUTI NG HUSBANDRY SYSTEMS) FROM ITS PREVIOUS LEVEL OF ABOUT $4R PER SQUARE METRE TO $120 PER SQUARE METRE FOR PIG AND CHICKEN FARMS.
A GOVERNMENT-FUNDED LOW-INTEREST LOAN WAS ALSO AVAILABLE TO FARMERS.
FARMERS WHO PREFERRED TO GO OUT OF BUSINESS WOULD ALSO BE GIVEN ('ASH ASSISTANCE.
IN THE MEANTIME, WIDE PUBLIC (CONSULTATION WOULD BE HELD WITH FARMERS AND VARIOUS BODIES CONCERNED TO ALLOW THEM AN OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE THEIR VIEWS.
/THEIR VIEWS .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 1991
THEIR VIEWS WOULD BE CONSOLIDATED AND SUBMITTED TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL BEFORE A FINAL DECISION IS MADE.
IT WAS EXPECTED THAT THE SYSTEM WOULD BE IN POSITION SOMETIME NEXT YEAR.
DR HASE URGED LIVESTOCK FARMERS TO VIEW THE PROPOSALS I’ S1T1VELY ADDING THAT "THEY GIVE THEM A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY TO ENSURE FIRM FUTURE FOR THEIR INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG."
"USING THE CAPITAL GRANT OFFERED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO UPGRADE I HEIR WASTE TREATMENT METHODS WILL NOT ONLY GIVE THEM MODERN, CLEAN, HEALTHY PREMISES FIT FOR THE 1990S, BUT END THE SCOURGE OF LIVESTOCK WASTE POLLUTION OF OUR WATERCOURSES," HE ADDED.
-----0--------
NEW TRADING SESSION AT KWUN TONG FISH MARKET
*****
FISH TRADERS AND FISHERMEN ARE ENCOURAGED TO MAKE USE OF THE ADDITIONAL TRADING SESSION NEWLY INTRODUCED IN THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION’S KWUN TONG WHOLESALE FISH MARKET TO ENHANCE FISH TRADING.
EXPLAINING DETAILS OF THE NEW SERVICE, SENIOR FISHERIES OFFICER OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, MR RAYMOND CHUNG, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
"STARTING FROM MAY 27, A NEW TRADING SESSION FROM 9 AM TO 2 PM HAS BEEN INTRODUCED IN THE MARKET IN ADDITIONAL TO THE EXISTING TRADING SESSION FROM 1 AM TO 7 AM."
HE SAID THE SERVICE WAS INTRODUCED TO FACILITATE MARINE FISH SUPPLY TO EAST KOWLOON.
"FISH TRADERS WILL BE ABLE TO DISTRIBUTE THE PURCHASED FISH TO RETAILERS IN TIME FOR THE AFTERNOON MARKET," MR CHUNG ADDED.
THE KWUN TONG WHOLESALE FISH MARKET IS ONE OF MARKETS UNDER THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION. THE CURRENT OF THE MARKET IS 12 TONNES.
THE SEVEN THROUGHPUT
THE MARKET IS LOCATED AT \ FAVOURITE POSITION WITH GOOD TRANSPORTATION NETWORK.
IT PROVIDES SPACIOUS PARKING AREA AND ADEQUATE SEAFRONTAGE FOR VESSEL BERTHING AND UNLOADING. CRANES ARE ALSO EQUIPPED AT THE SEAFRONTAGE TO FACILITATE LANDING OF FISH.
THE MARKET PROVIDES WHOLESALING OF FISH FOR KOWLOON AND HONG KONG ISLAND. IT WILL ALSO PROMOTE THE SALE OF LIVE FISH LATER.
PROCEDURES FOR REGISTRATION AS BUYERS IN THE MARKET ARE VERY SIMPLE. INTERESTED TRADERS CAN CONTACT THE KWUN TONG FISH MARKET AUTHORITIES ON TEL. 361 0688 OR 775 5987 FOR DETAILS.
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/8 ........
FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 1991
8
MANUFACTURING LIKELY TO REMAIN SIGNIFICANT PART OF HK’S ECONOMY: SURVEY *****
MANUFACTURING IS LIKELY TO REMAIN A SIGNIFICANT PART OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMY FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE DESPITE RELOCATION OF । YBOUR-INTENS1VE PROCESSES TO CHINA, A SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT HAS FOUND.
THE SURVEY, RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY), INDICATES THAT MOST LOCAL MANUFACTURERS WITH PLANS TO EXPAND INTO CHINA HAD ALREADY DONE SO AND THAT THE BULK OF THE REMAINDER WOULD PREFER TO STAY HERE, PROVIDED '■ONDITIONS ARE RIGHT. HOWEVER, SOME CONTINUING EXPANSION ACROSS THE BORDER CAN BE EXPECTED, BUT AT A SLIGHTLY LOWER RATE THAN BEFORE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT SAID THE SURVEY, CONDUCTED LATE LAST YEAR, WAS THE LARGEST SAMPLE SURVEY OF MANUFACTURERS EVER UNDERTAKEN BY THE DEPARTMENT.
"IT WAS AIMED AT ASCERTAINING THE VIEWS OF MANUFACTURERS ON THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG," HE SAID.
INVOLVING 10,000 MANUFACTURERS, ITS PURPOSE WAS TO OBTAIN STATISTICS ON WHETHER MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY IN THE TERRITORY tS LIKELY TO GROW OR DECLINE; THE TYPE OF INDUSTRIAL ACCOMMODATION NEEDED BY MANUFACTURERS; AND WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT’S EXISTING LAND AND OTHER INFRASTRUCTURE POLICIES SHOULD RE CHANGED.
IT WAS ALSO AIMED AT GATHERING VIEWS ON HOW OLDER INDUSTRIAL AREAS OF KOWLOON AND HONG KONG MIGHT BE REDEVELOPED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE METROPLAN PROPOSALS; HOW INDUSTRIALISTS MIGHT BE ENCOURAGED TO TAKE UP LAND IN THE WESTERN SIDE OF THE TERRITORY AS ENVISAGED UNDER PADS; WHETHER A SCIENCE PARK AND A BUSINESS PARK SHOULD BE DEVELOPED; AND THE EXTENT AND LIKELY GROWTH OF MANUFACTURING AND OUTWARD PROCESSING IN GUANGDONG BY HONG KONG MANUFACTURERS.
"THE SURVEY RESULTS PROVIDE AN EXTREMELY VALUABLE SOURCE OF DATA FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT PLANNING PURPOSES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE SAID THAT, AS REGARDS THOSE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES LIKELY TO REMAIN IN HONG KONG, THE SURVEY INDICATED THAT AUTOMATION, AND THOSE ACTIVITIES WHICH WOULD SUPPORT THE SOUTHERN CHINA MANUFACTURING REGION, WERE MOST LIKELY TO SEE GROWTH.
"AS A RESULT, THERE SHOULD BE A GREATER DEMAND FOR SPECIAL PURPOSE DESIGNED BUILDINGS AND A LESSER REQUIREMENT FOR TRADITIONAL HIGH-RISE FACTORIES.
"NONETHELESS, HIGH-RISE FACTORIES WILL STILL CONTINUE TO MEET THE NEEDS OF 51 PER CENT OF ALL MANUFACTURERS, AS OPPOSED TO 64 PER CENT TODAY," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
AS REGARDS OTHER INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS, HE SAID, THE SURVEY SHOWED THAT BY FAR THE GREATEST CONCERN OF MANUFACTURERS WAS LACK OF ADEQUATE LORRY PARKING SPACES IN INDUSTRIAL AREAS.
/THE SPOKESMAN .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 1991
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE SURVEY ALSO SHOWED STRONG SUPPORT BY MANUFACTURERS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF A SCIENCE PARK IN HONG KONG.
’’THE INDUSTRY' DEVELOPMENT BOARD RECENTLY ENDORSED A PROPOSAL FOR A CONSULTANCY STUDY TO EXAMINE THE FEASIBILITY OF DEVELOPING SUCH Y PARK.
”A REQUEST FOR FUNDS TO PAY FOR THE STUDY HAS BEEN MADE TO FINANCE BRANCH," HE SAID.
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CHANGE TO DEFINITION OF 'AIRCRAFT SPIRIT’ PROPOSED ******
A BILL WHICH SEEKS TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "AIRCRAFT SPIRIT" IN THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES ORDINANCE WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JUNE 26, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 PROPOSES TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "AIRCRAFT SPIRIT" TO COVER BOTH LIGHT AND HEAVY HYDROCARBON OILS BY REPLACING THE TERM "LIGHT OIL" WITH "HYDROCARBON OIL".
"AIRCRAFT SPIRIT" IS PRESENTLY DEFINED IN THE ORDINANCE AS ANY LIGHT OIL SUITABLE AND INTENDED FOR USE AS FUEL IN ANY AIRCRAFT.
"AIRCRAFT SPIRIT" IS DUTIABLE ONLY WHEN IT IS USED BY AIRCRAFT FLYING WITHIN HONG KONG.
UNTIL RECENTLY PROPELLER DRIVEN AIRCRAFT, JET PLANES AND HELICOPTERS ALL USED LIGHT OIL AS THEIR FUEL.
"HOWEVER, RECENT SAMPLES OF THE FUEL USED BY HELICOPTERS FLYING WITHIN HONG KONG HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED AS HEAVY OIL,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
AS THE PRESENT DEFINITION OF "AIRCRAFT SPIRIT" DOES NOT INCLUDE HEAVY OILS, SUCH FUEL ALTHOUGH USED BY HELICOPTERS FLYING WITHIN HONG KONG, WOULD TECHNICALLY NOT BE DUTIABLE.
THE PROPOSED CHANGE IN THE DEFINITION OF "AIRCRAFT SPIRIT" IS NOT EXPECTED TO GIVE RISE TO ADDITIONAL COSTS TO AIRLINES OPERATING INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS AS FUEL FOR INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS IS EXEMPT FROM DUTY.
THE BILL WILL BE GAZETTED NEXT FRIDAY (JUNE 14).
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/10
FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 1991
10 EMPLOYEES BETTER PROTECTED FOR SEVERANCE PAY * t * ♦ t *
THE PROTECTION OF WAGES ON INSOLVENCY (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1991 COMES INTO FORCE TODAY (FRIDAY) TO GIVE BETTER COVERAGE OF SEVERANCE PAYMENT TO WORKERS WHOSE EMPLOYERS BECOME INSOLVENT.
THE ORDINANCE HAS INCREASED AN EMPLOYEE’S SEVERANCE PAYMENT ENTITLEMENT UNDER THE PROTECTION OF WAGES ON INSOLVENCY FUND FROM $1,000 TO $8,000 PLUS 50 PER CENT OF ANY AMOUNT IN EXCESS OF $8,000.
THIS ENSURES THAT THE LOWER-PAID EMPLOYEES ARE BETTER PROTECTED FOR SEVERANCE PAYMENT.
IN ADDITION, THE FUND PROVIDES FOR THE PAYMENT OF WAGES IN ARREAR UP TO $8,000 AND UNPAID WAGES IN LIEU OF NOTICE UP TO $2,000 TO AN EMPLOYEE OF AN INSOLVENT EMPLOYER.
THE ADDITIONAL COMMITMENT OF THE FUND ARISING FROM THE EXTENDED COVER IS MET BY AN INCREASE IN LEVY ON EACH BUSINESS REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE FROM $100 TO $250 PER ANNUM.
--------0 - -
SIMPLER FEE CHARGING SYSTEM FOR BUILDING PLAN SUBMISSIONS
THE BUI LI) I NG (ADMINISTRATION) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1991
WHICH CAME INTO OPERATION ON MARCH 28 THIS YEAR HAVE BEEN AMENDED BY A RESOLUTION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JUNE 5.
THE AMENDED REGULATIONS, WHICH COME INTO OPERATION TODAY (FRIDAY), WILL MAKE THE PAYMENT OF FEES SIMPLER.
THE ORIGINAL REGULATIONS PROVIDE FOR THE PAYMENT OF FEES FOR SUBMISSION OF PLANS TO THE BUILDING AUTHORITY FOR APPROVAL, AND FEES ARE CHARGED FOR EACH SUBMISSION.
WITH THE NEW AMENDMENTS, ONLY THE FIRST SUBMISSION WILL BE (’BARGED, THE FEI’ OF WHICH I NCLUDES I-I VE SUBSEQUENT RESUBMISSIONS.
FEES WILL AGAIN BE CHARGED FROM THE SIXTH RESUBMISSION ONWARDS.
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FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 1991
- 11 -RECLAMATION FOR LANDFILL IN TSEUNG KWAN O ♦ ♦♦♦ft
AUTHORISATION HAS KEEN GIVEN FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO CONSTRUCT SEAWALLS AND CARRY OUT RECLAMATION AT TSEUNG KWAN O TO PROVIDE LAND FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A LANDFILL FOR WASTE DISPOSAL AND FOR INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES.
THE WORK, INVOLVING AN AREA OF ABOUT 82 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEA-BED, WILL BEGIN IN 1992 AND BE COMPLETED AROUND 1995.
ALSO, AUTHORISATION HAS BEEN GIVEN FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO DREDGE WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 774 HECTARES OF SEA-BED AT THE BROTHERS TO PROVIDE MATERIALS FOR USE IN CONSTRUCT I ON AND FUTURE RECLAMATIONS.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREAS AFFECTED WERE DESCRIBED IN TWO NOTICES OF AUTHORISATION PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HIS INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORES AND SEA-BEDS INVOLVED WILL BE INJURIOUSLY AFFECTED BY THE TWO UNDERTAKINGS MAY DELIVER TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS A WRITTEN CLAIM FOR COMPENSATI ON ON OR BEFORE JUNE 6, 1992.
HE SHOULD STATE IN HIS SUBMISSION THE SUM OF MONEY WHICH HE IS WILLING TO ACCEPT IN FULL AND FINAL SETTLEMENT OF HIS CLAIM AND SHOULD SUBMIT SUCH PARTICULARS WHICH HE POSSESSES TO SUBSTANTIATE HIS CLAIM.
THE NOTICES (IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE) TOGETHER WITH THEIR RELATED PLANS (’AN 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.
THE NOTICE AND PLAN FOR THE TSEUNG KWAN O RECLAMATION WORK CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 34 CHAN MAN STREET, SAI KUNG, WHILE THOSE FOR THE DREDGING WORK AT THE BROTHERS CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE TUEN MUN I) I STR I CT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, TURN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 1 TUEN HI ROAD, NEW TERRITORIES.
/12........
FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 1991
12
NEW ACCESS ROADS FOR OPEN SPACE IN TSUEN WAN
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO CONSTRUCT TWO ACCESS ROADS AND ONE PEDESTRIAN SUBWAY FOR THE PROPOSED DISTRICT OPEN SPACE IN AREA 7, TSUEN WAN.
THE PROPOSED WORKS INCLUDE:
♦ .CONSTRUCTION OF TWO ACCESS ROADS FROM SHING MUN ROAD AND CHEUNG SHAN ESTATE ROAD RESPECTIVELY TO THE FUTURE SPORTSGROUNI) IN THE CENTRE OF THE PROPOSED DISTRICT OPEN SPACE;
* CONSTRUCTION OF A PEDESTRIAN SUBWAY UNDER TEXACO ROAD;
♦ MINOR RECONSTRUCTION OF THE EXISTING ROADS AND FOOTPATHS; AND
* CONSTRUCTION OF A FOOTPATH AND A STAIRWAY.
THE WORKS ARE PROGRAMMED TO START LATE THIS YEAR FOR COMPLETION IN 1993.
A NOTICE ON THE PROPOSED WORKS WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY). IT IS ALSO POSTED ON THE SITE.
THE PLAN AND SCHEME MAY BE INSPECTED BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL; AND THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE AND TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE 1 OTH FLOOR AND FIRST FLOOR RESPECTIVELY OF TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN.
ANY PERSON WHO OBJECTS TO THE PROPOSED WORKS SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG NOT LATER THAN AUGUST 6 THIS YEAR.
- - 0---------
TENDERS FOR MAINTENANCE OF E&M EQUIPMENT
THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE INSPECTION, OVERHAUL AND TESTING OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT AT VARIOUS SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS.
FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE OFFICE OF THE CONTRACTS SECTION OF THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 98 CAROLINE HILL ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS IS NOON ON JULY 12.
------0--------
713 .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 1991
13 PAYMENT OF CROWN RENTS *****
DEMAND NOTES HAVE BEEN ISSUED FOR CROWN RENTS FOR THE HALF EAR ENDING JUNE 24, 1991 IN RESPECT OF CROWN RENTS EXCEEDING $100 PER ANNUM.
PAYMENT OF THESE DEMAND NOTES MAY BE MADE BY POST ADDRESSED TO HIE 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), II 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), KOWLOON;
* THE KOWLOON CITY SUB-TREASURY,
MAN SANG COMMERCIAL BUILDING, FIRST FLOOR, 348-352 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD (CORNER OF PRINCE EDWARD ROAD AND JUNCTION ROAD); AND
♦ THE DISTRICT OFFICES AT SAI KUNG, SHA TIN, TAI PO, NORTH, YUEN LONG, TUEN MUN, TSUEN WAN OR KWAI TSI NG.
CROWN RENT PAYERS WHO HAVE NOT RECEIVED THEIR DEMAND NOTES MAY BRING A CROWN RENT DEMAND NOTE OF ANY PREVIOUS PERIOD AND MAKE PAYMENT AT THE TREASURY HEADQUARTERS COLLECTION AND PAYMENT OFFICE OR ANY SUB-TREASURN.
IF THE PAYERS CANNOT PRODUCE A CROWN RENT DEMAND NOTE FOR ANY PREVIOUS PERIOD, THEY SHOULD INQUIRE AT THE CROWN RENT UNIT OF THE TREASURY AT WANCHAI TOWER II, 30TH FLOOR, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, HONG KONG.
NON-RECEIPT OF THE DEMAND NOTE DOES NOT ALTER THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE ABOVE CROWN RENTS MUST BE PAID BY JUNE 24, 1991.
CROWN RENT PAYERS WHO HAVE SUBMITTED A VALID DIRECT DEBIT AUTHORISATION SHOULD NOTE THAT IF THE WORDING "PAYMENT TO BE MADE BY AUTOPAY" IS SHOWN ON THE DEMAND NOTE, PAYMENT OF CROWN RENT WILL BE MADE BY DIRECT DEBIT TO THEIR BANK ACCOUNTS ON JUNE 24, 1991. THEY
SHOULD THUS ENSURE THAT THEIR. BANK ACCOUNTS CONTAIN THE NECESSARY FUNDS ON THAT DATE.
/IF THE ........
FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 1991
IF THE ABOVE WORDING IS NOT SHOWN ON THE DEMAND NOTE, CROWN RENT PAYERS SHOULD MAKE PAYMENTS ACCORDING TO THE PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS AS STIPULATED IN THE DEMAND NOTE.
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 AN\ 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 AN'i ARREARS AS DEMANDED.
* THE CROWN RENT PAYABLE UNDER A LEASE OF A PROPERTY WHICH HAS BEEN RENEWED UNDER THE CROWN LEASES ORDINANCE AND RE-DEVELOPED, WILL BE THREE PER CENT OF THE RATEABLE VALUE OF THAT PROPERTY AS ASSESSED FOLLOWING THE REDEVELOPMENT.
PENDING COMPLETION OF THE ASSESSMENT AND OTHER RELATED PROCEDURES, CROWN RENT DEMANDS WILL BE BASED UPON THE PRE-REDEVELOPMENT RATEABLE VALUE.
IN DUE COURSE, CROWN RENT FOR THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE RENT BASED UPON PRE - AND POST - REDEVELOPMENT RATEABLE VALUES WILL BE DEMANDED AND THE OWNER FOR THE TIME BEING IS OBLIGED TO PAY THE RENT AS DEMANDED. IF HE DOES NOT, LEGAL ACTION FOR RE-ENTRY OF THE PROPERTY MAY BE INSTITUTED.
PURCHASERS OF PROPERTY ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO INSTRUCT THEIR SOLICITORS TO ENSURE THAT AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE THE CROWN RENT IS PAID UP TO DATE.
IF A PROPERTY IS SUBJECT TO THE CROWN LEASES ORDINANCE AND HAS BEEN RE-DEVELOPED 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.
- - 0 - -
POLICE NEW REGIONAL COMMAND » » » » *
THE NEW REGIONAL COMMAND AND CONTROL CENTRE (RCCC) AT POLICE HEADQUARTERS WAS OFFICIALLY OPEN TODAY (FRIDAY).
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, POLICE REGIONAL COMMANDER, HONG KONG ISLAND, MR GEOFFREY ROPER, SAID THE NEW RCCC, OR THE ENHANCED COMPUTER COMMAND AND CONTROL SYSTEM (ECCACS), HAD BEEN DESIGNED TO GROW ALONGSIDE THE FORCE.
/"WE ARE
FRIDAY, JUNE 7, l^i
”WE ARE ALSO WITHOUT A DOUBT KEEPING PACE WITH WORLDWiDE DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY WHICH WILL SERVE OUR COIIMUNJ I Y POLICING NEEDS WELL INTO THE NEXT CENTURY,” MR ROPER SAID.
IN PLACE OF THE OLD CONTROL CENTRE, WHICH WAS PUT INTO OPERATION IN 1976, THE NEW RCCC INCREASES THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE POLICE FORCE AND PROVIDES A MORE EFFICIENT POLICE SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC.
MR ROPER NOTED: "THE CENTRE IS NOT MERELY A MESSAGE PASSING CENTRE - THIS IS THE 24-HOUR COMMAND AND CONTROL CENTRE FOR THE REGION (HONG KONG ISLAND).
"IN ITS FIRST YEAR OF OPERATION, THE OLD CONTROL CENTRE RECEIVED OVER 116,000 EMERGENCY CALLS. BY THE END OF LAST YEAR, THIS HAD INCREASED TO 280,000.
’’THERE WERE SIMILAR INCREASES IN THE NUMBER OF RECORDED INCIDENTS NOT INITIATED BY 999 CALLS,” HE ADDED.
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BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR »***♦»
MORE THAN 300 OWNERS CORPORATION AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE MEMBERS WILL TAKE PART IN A TERRITORY-WIDE BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AFTERNOON AT THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE.
ORGANISED BY THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, THE ’’BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR - PERSPECTIVE AND PARTICIPATION” WILL COVER TOPICS INCLUDING DEEDS OF MUTUAL COVENANT, THE MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS OF BUILDINGS, COMMUNAL ELECTRICAL FITTINGS, ELECTRICITY SUPPLY, UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS AND INSURANCE.
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR DAVID LAN, WILL OFFICIATE \T THE OPENING CEREMONY.
A BUILDING MANAGEMENT EXHIBITION WILL ALSO BE STAGED AT THE
VENUE.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO (OVER THE "BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR - PERSPECTIVE AND PARTICIPATION" TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT THEATRE II, HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE, 1 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHA I . IT WILL BEGIN AT 1.30 PM.
- - 0 - -
/16
FRIDAY, JUN!
I 991
16
EASTERN DB FUNDS FOR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECTS
*****
ORGANISATIONS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN EASTERN DISTRICT Al E INVITED TO APPLY FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS FOR. ORGANISING COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECTS.
THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE SEI' ASIDE ABOUT $340,000 FOR PROJECTS SUCH AS EXHIBITIONS, SEMINARS, INTEREST CLASSES AND PICNICS.
A VETTING WORKING GROUP UNDER THE COMMITTEE WILL MEET ON JClV 1, AUGUST 29, SEPTEMBER 26, NOVEMBER 5, DECEMBER 17 THIS YEAR AND JANUARY 30 NEXT YEAR TO EXAMINE THE APPLICATIONS.
INTERESTED ORGANISATIONS SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS 'TO TMF EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT TWO WEEKS BEFORE THESE III-' » I NGS .
FORMS AND GUIDELINES FOR APPLICATIONS EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, EASTERN \| O STREET, SAI WAN HO.
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ******
ARE AVAILABLE AT THE LAW COURTS BUILDING,
FUND
HKEF
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON
EFFECT
OF
FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON
EFFECT
OF
OPERATIONS
THIS MORNING
EFFECT
OF
OPERATIONS
THIS AFTERNOON
DATE $ MILLION
— X
6.6.91 380
7.6.91 \ “20 + 20 NEUTRAL
’TRADE WE I GH TED I NDEX
I I I . 0 *+0. I♦ 7.6.9!
/HONG KONG .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 1991
ISSUE NUMBER HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND 91-DAY EXCHANGE FUND BILLS HKEI
MATURING ON OUTSTANDING $ MILLION
QI 1 5 10.7.91 4 20 + 60
Ql 16 17.7.91 4 20 + 60
QI 17 24.7.91 648.5 -168.5
QI 18 31.7.91 540 -60
QI 19 7.8.91 408.5 + 71.5
Q120 14.8.91 360 + 120
Q121 21.8.91 435 + 4 5
Q122 28.8.91 4 30 + 50
QI 23 4.9.91 410 + 70
QI 1 1 12.6.91 264 + 216
Q112 19.6.91 515 -35
QI 13 26.6.91 660 -180
QI J 4 3.7.91 607 - 1 27
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND hke6
182-DAY EXCHANGE FUND BILLS
ISSUE MATURING OUTSTANDING
NUMBER ON $ MILLION
H 164 13.11.91 190 + 70
H165 27.11.91 190 + 70
H004 12.6.91 80 + 180
H005 26.6.91 180 + 80
H 1 01 10.7.91 53 + 207
111 56 24.7.91 210 + 50
HI 57 7.8.91 179.5 +80.5
Hl 58 21.8.91 220 + 40
H159 4.9.91 1 10 + 1 50
Hl 60 18.9.91 420 -160
H161 2.10.91 180 + 80
HI 62 17.10.91 1 24 + 1 36
HI 63 30.10.91 120 + 140
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND HKEK
364-DA\ EXCHANGE FUND BILLS
ISSUE MATUR1 NG OUTSTANDING
NUMBER ON $ 1 MILLION
Y 1 87 26.2.92 205 + 55
Y188 25.3.92 2 10 + 50
Y189 22.1.92 220 + 40
Y190 20.5.92 240 + 20
AVERAGE DAILY TRANSFER FOR WEEK ENDING 7.6.91 WAS 3,742 MN
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
UNIQUE EDUCATION CENTRE ON RURAL. HERITAGE OPENS ...................... 1
NATURE EDUCATION CENTRE NEEDS COMMUNITY SUPPORT .......................
HK MFN LOBBY TEAM RETURNS ............................................. 4
PUBLIC URGED TO COMMENT ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT BILL ................... 5
BUS PARADE PROMOTES VOTER REGISTRATION ................................ 6
PHILATELIC EXHIBITION TO COMMEMORATE 150 YEARS OF POSTAL SERVICE IN HONG KONG ............................................................... 7
APPROVAL REQUIRED FOR EMPLOYING CHILD ENTERTAINERS .................... 8
FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION CAMPAIGN SLOGAN COMPETITION ..................... 9
INSTALLATION OF PARKING METERS IN SHAM SHUI PO ........................ 10
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............ 10
SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 1991
UNIQUE EDUCATION CENTRE ON RURAL HERITAGE OPENS
******
THE LIONS NATURE EDUCATION CENTRE IS A UNIQUE EDUCATIONAL FACILITY AND AN EXCELLENT DEMONSTRATION OF THE RICHES AND VARIETY OF HONG KONG’S RURAL ENVIRONMENT, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EDUCATION CENTRE WHICH WAS THE JOINT EFFORTS OF THE LIONS CLUBS AND THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, SIR DAVID SAID IT WAS SOMETHING ALL THOSE INVOLVED COULD TAKE PRIDE IN.
HE SAID THE CENTRE WOULD CAPTURE THE INTEREST AND IMAGINATION OF THOSE UNFAMILIAR WITH HONG KONG’S COUNTRYSIDE AND EDUCATE AND INSPIRE THOSE WHO WISH TO KNOW MORE ABOUT IT.
"OUR COUNTRY PARKS HAVE BEEN CALLED THE 'LUNGS’ OF HONG KONG. RIGHTLY SO. FOR THE MOST PART WE ARE URBAN LIVERS.
"ALL THE MORE IMPORTANT THAT WE SHOULD APPRECIATE THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT OF WHICH WE ARfc PART. COUNTRY PARKS DO THAT.
"BUT WE MUST GO FURTHER. WE MUST ENCOURAGE AND EDUCATE," THE GOVERNOR STRESSED.
HE SAID THE LIONS NATURE EDUCATION CENTRE, THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN
HONG KONG, WAS AN IMPORTANT STEP IN THAT DIRECTION.
SIR DAVID ALSO PAID SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO THE LIONS CLUBS FOR THEIR PART IN DEVELOPING THIS PROJECT.
"ITS COMPLETION IS A TRIBUTE TO THE GENEROSITY AND PUBLIC SPIRITEDNESS OF SO MANY BUSINESSMEN IN HONG KONG; AND TO THE WAY THE LIONS CLUBS SO EFFECTIVELY TAP THAT GOODWILL.
"ALSO TO THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LIONS CLUBS WHOSE CONTRIBUTION TO THIS PROJECT IS SUCH A WELCOME DEMONSTRATION OF OVERSEAS SUPPORT," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID ADDED THAT THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT HAD WORKED CLOSELY WITH THE LIONS CLUBS TO DEVELOP THE CENTRE, SETTING AN EXAMPLE OF CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE COMMUNITY WHICH HE HOPED WOULD ENCOURAGE OTHERS.
THE GOVERNOR NOTED THAT THE CENTRE’S EXHIBITION HALLS, AN IMPRESSIVE FOCAL POINT OF THE CENTRE’S MANY OTHER ATTRACTIONS, WERE SPLENDID EXAMPLES OF HOW TRADITIONAL CHINESE ARCHITECTURE AND MODERN DESIGN COULD BE BLENDED TO GOOD EFFECT.
"THEY MADE AN IDEAL SETTING FOR THE STUDY OF HONG KONG’S RURAL HERITAGE," SIR DAVID SAID.
/HE SAID .......
SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 1991
HE SAID THE ATTRACTIONS OF THE EDUCATION CENTRE INCLUDED AN ARBORETUM OF LOCAL TREES WHICH COMPRISED OF SPECIMENS FIRST SCIENTIFICALLY RECORDED IN HONG KONG, A WIDE VARIETY OF FRUIT TREES IN THE ORCHARD, A CHINESE HERBAL GARDEN, OVER 40 TYPES OF VEGETABLE AND FIELD CROPS UNDER CULTIVATION, PLUS A PRODUCE STALL AT WHICH TO BUY THE RESULTS, AND A PICNIC AREA AND PLAYGROUND, IMPORTANT INGREDIENTS IN A REALLY GOOD DAY OUT.
THERE WERE FINISHING TOUCHES STILL TO BE ADDED WHICH INCLUDED A CAFETERIA, AN INSECTARIUM AND MORE LANDSCAPING, HE ADDED.
- - 0 - -
NATURE EDUCATION CENTRE NEEDS COMMUNITY SUPPORT
THE LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT 303 HONG KONG AND MACAU HAS BEEN HIGHLY COMMENDED FOR THEIR ENTHUSIASM IN BRINGING ABOUT THE FIRST EVER NATURE EDUCATION CENTRE TO DISPLAY THE RICHNESS OF HONG KONG'S RURAL HERITAGE.
THE LIONS NATURE EDUCATION CENTRE IN TSIU HANG, SAI KUNG CENTRE WAS OPENED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, AT A CEREMONY TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE, SAID THE LIONS CLUBS’ SPONSORSHIP OF THIS MULTI-MILLION-DOLLAR PROJECT BORE OUT THEIR COMMITMENT NOT ONLY TO NATURE EDUCATION BUT ALSO TO THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG.
"I AM MOST IMPRESSED BY THEIR ENTHUSIASM AND SPEED WITH WHICH FUNDS WERE RAISED AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE EXHIBITION HALLS WAS COMPLETED,” HE SAID.
DR LEE ALSO PAID TRIBUTE TO EVERYONE WHO HAVE ASSISTED IN THIS PROJECT ONE WAY OR ANOTHER.
’’WITHOUT THEIR EXPERTISE, DEVOTION AND HARD WORK, OUR DREAM OF SETTING UP A NATURE EDUCATION CENTRE TO DISPLAY TO THE PUBLIC, IN PARTICULAR THE YOUNGER GENERATION, THE RICHNESS OF HONG KONG’S RURAL HERITAGE COULD NOT HAVE BEEN REALISED AT SUCH AN EARLY STAGE,” HE SAID.
HE SAID THE OPENING OF THE EXHIBITION HALLS TODAY MARKED THE COMPLETION OF PHASE I OF THE PROJECT AND THE BEGINNING OF PHASE II, WHICH COMPRISED AN INSECTARIUM AMONG OTHER THINGS.
”1 AM GLAD THAT THE LIONS CLUBS HAVE UNDERTAKEN TO CONTINUE TO SPONSOR PHASE II BUT PROGRESS OF THE PLAN WILL ALSO DEPEND ON COMMUNITY SUPPORT TO THE LIONS NATURE EDUCATION FOUNDATION.
”1 HOPE THOSE WHO HAVE VISITED PHASE I WOULD FIND THE PROJECT MEANINGFUL AND WOULD GIVE THEIR FULL SUPPORT TO THIS MEANINGFUL CAUSE,” HE SAID.
/ALSO PRESENT
SATURDAY, JUNK 8, 1991
3
I
ALSO PRESENT AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WERE THE DISTRICT GOVERNOR OF THE LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL, DISTRICT 303, HONG KONG AND MACAU, MR TAM WING-KUN, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION (LCIF), MR WILLIAM WOLLARD, WHO SPECIALLY FLOWN TO HONG KONG FROM THE USA.
MR TAM SAID: "THE MULTI-MILLION-DOLLAR PROJECT IS A SIGN OF THE LIONS' CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG AND WE ARE RECRUITING THE PUBLIC TO STRIVE FOR WHAT IS BEST FOR THE TERRITORY."
EXPLAINING WHY THEY HAD RAISED $11 MILLION TO FINANCE THIS NATURE EDUCATION PROJECT, HE SAID HONG KONG NEEDED AN OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTRE WHICH COULD PROVIDE A BASE FOR UNIVERSITIES, COLLEGES AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS TO CONDUCT SCIENTIFIC AND FIELD STUDIES AS WELL AS A BASE FOR SCHOOLS AND ORGANISED GROUPS TO PARTICIPATE IN COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION WORK.
"THERE IS ALSO A NEED FOR MORE FACILITIES TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC TO UNDERSTAND BETTER OUR COUNTRYSIDE WITH ITS RICH VARIETIES OF VEGETATION, WILDLIFE AND RURAL HERITAGE.
"FURTHERMORE, IT PROVIDES JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE HANDICAPPED TO WORK IN THE CAFETERIA IN THE CENTRE," MR TAM SAID.
MR WOLLARD SAID THE CENTRE WAS THE JOINT EFFORT OF THE LIONS, GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND OTHER CONCERNED CITIZENS IN EDUCATING, INFORMING AND BRINGING PLEASURE TO PEOPLE OF ALL AGES IN THE YEARS AHEAD.
HE SAID THE PROJECT WAS SO MEANINGFUL THAT THE LCIF HAD CONTRIBUTED A TOTAL OF US$200,000 TO HELP MAKE THIS LIONS NATURE EDUCATION CENTRE A REALITY.
"THIS IS THE LARGEST STANDARD GRANT CONTRIBUTION BY LCIF TO ONE SINGLE DISTRICT IN THE HISTORY OF THE LIONS CLUbS INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION," HE NOTED.
THE CENTRE WAS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 2 PM TODAY. APART FROM THREE EXHIBITION HALLS FEATURING HONG KONG’S AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND COUNTRYSIDE RESOURCES, THERE ARE ALSO ATTRACTIVE AND EDUCATIONAL OUTDOOR DISPLAYS, INCLUDING AN ARBORETUM, ORCHARDS, FIELD CROPS, A CHINESE HERBAL GARDEN, A ROCK AND MINERAL CORNER AND A POULTRY CORNER.
OTHER RECREATIONAL FACILITIES INCLUDE SHELTERS, BENCHES, PICNIC SITES AND CHILDREN’S PLAY EQUIPMENT.
THE CENTRE IS OPEN DAILY FROM 9.30 AM TO 5 PM EXCEPT ON TUESDAY. ADMISSION IS FREE AND NO ADVANCED BOOKING IS REQUIRED. HOWEVER, SCHOOLS OR ORGANISED GROUPS PLANNING A GUIDED TOUR SHOULD CONTACT AFD’S CONSERVATION EDUCATION SECTION ON TEL. 733 2121 FOR APPOINTMENT.
VISITORS COMING BY PRIVATE TRANSPORT CAN PARK THEIR VEHICLES AT A CARPARK NEAR THE HONG KIN ROAD FIRE STATION. HOWEVER, IN VIEW OF THE LIMITED PARKING SPACES, VISITORS ARE ADVISED TO USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT.
/THE CENTRE .......
SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 1991
THE CENTRE IS SERVED BY KMB ROUTE 92 AND GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 1, BOTH OF WHICH RUN FROM CHOI HUNG TO SAI KUNG. VISITORS SHOULD ALIGHT AT THE TSIU HANG STOP ON HIRAM’S HIGHWAY.
AS THE CAFETERIA IN THE CENTRE IS NOT YET READY, THOSE BRINGING THEIR CHILDREN ALONG OR PLANNING TO HANG AROUND IN THE CENTRE FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME ARE ADVISED TO BRING THEIR OWN SNACKS AND MAKE USE OF THE PICNIC SITES IN THE CENTRE.
IN ORDER THAT MORE PEOPLE CAN BENEFIT FROM THE CENTRE, THE PUBLIC ARE URGED TO EXERCISE SELF-DISCIPLINE AND NOT TO DAMAGE ANY ITEMS ON DISPLAY.
------0-----------’
HK MFN LOBBY TEAM RETURNS » * * » «
MEMBERS OF A HIGH-LEVEL HONG KONG LOBBYING MISSION HAVE BEEN PUTTING HONG KONG’S CASE TO SENIOR U.S. OFFICIALS AND CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS DURING THE PAST WEEK AND EXPLAINING THE SEVERE ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES FOR HONG KONG IF THE MOST FAVOURED NATION (MFN) TRADE STATUS FOR CHINA IS REVOKED.
ON HIS RETURN TO HONG KONG TODAY (SATURDAY), MR ALLEN LEE, A MEMBER OF THE LOBBYING TEAM, SAID THE DELEGATION HAD SUCCEEDED IN RAISING THE PROFILE OF HONG KONG IN THE DEBATE.
IN TALKS WITH THE ADMINISTRATION AND CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS, THE HONG KONG DELEGATION HAD EXPRESSED STRONG SUPPORT FOR PRESIDENT BUSH’S POSITION THAT WITHDRAWING OR CONDITIONING MFN WAS NOT THE RIGHT SOLUTION.
HOWEVER, MR LEE SAID THERE WAS A TOUGH BATTLE AHEAD IN CONGRESS, IN THE FACE OF CALLS FROM SOME LEGISLATORS FOR STRINGENT CONDITIONS TO BE ATTACHED TO MFN RENEWAL.
THE DELEGATION HAS BEEN LOBBYING IN THE U.S. UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE HONG KONG-UNITED STATES ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION COMMITTEE, WHICH IS HEADED IN HONG KONG BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HONGKONG BANK, MR WILLIAM PURVES, AND IN THE U.S. BY THE FORMER HEAD OF THE U.S. FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD, MR PAUL VOLCKER.
MEMBERS OF THE LOBBYING DELEGATION INCLUDED BARONESS DUNN, MR ALLEN LEE, THE OUTGOING SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR JOHN CHAN, AND HIS SUCCESSOR, MR T.H. CHAU.
THE VISIT IS PART OF AN EXTENSIVE AND ONGOING LOBBYING EFFORT BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND BUSINESS COMMUNITY THAT BEGAN EARLY LAST MONTH WITH VISITS TO THE U.S. OF LOBBYING TEAMS FROM THE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
- - 0 - -
SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 1991
- 5 -
PUBLIC URGED TO COMMENT ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT BILL » * ♦ ♦ *
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR DAVID LAN, TODAY (SATURDAY) CALLED ON MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON ’HE MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS (OWNERS INCORPORATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 PUBLISHED LAST WEEK.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE "BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR — PERSPECTIVE AND PARTICIPATION" AT THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE, MR LAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT PUBLISHED THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION IN THE FORM OF A WHITE BILL FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION AS THE BILL HAD FAR-REACHING EFFECTS ON THE TERRITORY’S FLAT OWNERS.
"MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS AND COMMENTS CAN WRITE TO THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION (CNTA) BEFORE THE END OF AUGUST," HE SAID.
MR LAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S ROLE IN PRIVATE BUILDING MANAGEMENT WAS MAINLY TO PROVIDE A BETTER LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK TO ASSIST FLAT OWNERS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THEIR BUILDINGS MORE EFFECTIVELY.
WITH THIS IN MIND, HE SAID, THE GOVERNMENT HAD PROPOSED TO AMEND THE UNFAIR CLAUSES IN DEEDS OF MUTUAL COVENANT BY MAKING MANDATORY CHANGES OR REMOVING SUCH CLAUSES ALTOGETHER, SO THAT THE INTEREST OF MULTI-STOREY FLAT OWNERS COULD BE EFFECTIVELY PROTECTED AS FAR AS BUILDING MANAGEMENT WAS CONCERNED.
"THE AMENDMENT WILL ALSO BALANCE THE REASONABLE RIGHTS BETWEEN FLAT OWNERS AND PROPERTY DEVELOPERS/MANAGEMENT COMPANY, AS WELL AS MINIMISING THE CONFLICTS BETWEEN THEM," MR LAN SAID.
OUTLINING THE MORE IMPORTANT PROVISIONS IN THE BILL, MR LAN SAID ONE MANDATORY TERM WOULD ENABLE FLAT OWNERS, BY THE VOTE OF NOT LESS THAN TWO-THIRDS OF THE UNDIVIDED SHARES IN THE BUILDING, TO TERMINATE THE MANAGER’S APPOINTMENT BY GIVING HIM NOT LESS THAN THREE MONTHS’ NOTICE.
"HOWEVER, THIS TERMINATION OF APPOINTMENT RESOLUTION SHOULD ONLY BE EFFECTIVE ONE YEAR AFTER THE COMMENCEMENT OF THIS LEGISLATION," HE ADDED.
HE SAID THIS MANDATORY TERM WAS AIMED AT STRENGTHENING THE POWER OF FLAT OWNERS IN THEIR SUPERVISION OF THE SERVICE STANDARD OF THE MANAGER; IT WOULD NOT CAUSE ANY THREAT TO CONSCIENTIOUS MANAGERS.
TO PROTECT THE INTEREST OF SMALL FLAT OWNERS, HE SAID, ANOTHER MANDATORY TERM WAS ALSO MADE TO REQUIRE A MANAGER TO CONSULT THE FLAT OWNERS UPON A BUDGET.
IF THE OWNERS DECIDED TO REJECT THE BUDGET, THEN, UNTIL SUCH TIME A REVISED BUDGET WAS PREPARED AND ACCEPTED, THE BUDGET SHOULD BE THE SAME AS IN THE PREVIOUS FINANCIAL YEAR, PLUS SUCH AMOUNT NOT EXCEEDING 10 PER CENT AS THE MANAGER MIGHT DETERMINE, HE SAID.
/"THIS IS .......
SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 1991
"THIS IS TO ENSURE THAT MANAGEMENT OF THE BUILDING WILL BE MAINTAINED IN A REASONABLE STANDARD DURING THE NEGOTIATION PERIOD," MR LAN SAID.
POINTING OUT THAT ONE OF THE COMMON COMPLAINTS RECEIVED WAS ABOUT MANAGEMENT FEES AND ACCOUNTS, MR LAN SAID THE BILL WOULD REQUIRE A MANAGER TO KEEP A PROPER ACCOUNT AND OTHER RECORDS.
HE SAID THE BILL ALSO PROPOSED TWO FORMULAS FOR THE CALCULATION OF MONTHLY MANAGEMENT FEES TO BE PAID BY AN OWNER.
MR LAN SAID ANOTHER IMPORTANT PROPOSAL WAS TARGETTED AT THE UNFAIR CLAUSES IN EXISTING DEEDS OF MUTUAL COVENANT, WHICH PREVENTED OWNERS FROM ESTABLISHING OWNERS CORPORATION. •
"THE BILL STATES THAT OWNERS CANNOT BE PREVENTED BY DEEDS OF MUTUAL COVENANT OR ANY OTHER AGREEMENT FROM BEING REGISTERED AS A CORPORATION.
IF THIS PROPOSAL HAS THE INTENSIVE SUPPORT, THE GOVERNMENT
WILL AMEND SECTION 2A OF THE MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS (OWNERS INCORPORATION) ORDINANCE APPROPRIATELY, TO COINCIDE WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S OVERALL POLICY OF IMPROVING THE MANAGEMENT OF BUILDINGS," MR LAN SAID.
MORE THAN 300 OWNERS CORPORATION AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE MEMBERS ATTENDED THE SEMINAR WHICH WAS ORGANISED BY THE CNTA.
IT COVERED TOPICS SUCH AS DEEDS OF MUTUAL COVENANT, THE MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS OF BUILDINGS, COMMUNAL ELECTRICAL FITTINGS, ELECTRICITY SUPPLY, UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS AND INSURANCE.
A BUILDING MANAGEMENT EXHIBITION WAS ALSO STAGED AT THE VENUE.
- - 0 - -
BUS PARADE PROMOTES VOTER REGISTRATION * t t t *
A DOUBLE-DECKER BUS DECORATED WITH COLOURFUL BANNERS AND BUNTING TOURED WAN CHAI THIS (SATURDAY) AFTERNOON TO REMIND RESIDENTS TO SIGN UP AS VOTERS.
TAKING PART IN THE PARADE, THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS CECILIA YEN, CALLED ON RESIDENTS TO ENROL BEFORE JULY 1 SO THAT THEY WILL BE ELIGIBLE TO VOTE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS IN SEPTEMBER.
MISS YEN AND 10 COMMUNITY ORGANISERS ALSO DISTRIBUTED COASTERS CARRYING THE "VOTE 91" LOGO TO PASSERS-BY AND ASSISTED THOSE HAVING l>l FFICULTY WITH THE REGISTRATION FORMS.
/THE BUS
SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 1991
THE BUS STARTED OFF FROM HOPEWELL CENTRE AND PROCEEDED TOWARDS QUEENSWAY. THERE IT TURNED EASTWARD INTO THE BUSY STREETS IN CAUSEWAY BAY, AND WENT ON TO THE WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD TRAM TERMINUS AND TA I HANG. THE TOUR ENDED AT MORETON TERRACE.
THE DISTRICT OFFICE WILL SET UP REGISTRATION COUNTERS IN SOME OF THE DISTRICT’S RESTAURANTS AND IN THE CAUSEWAY BAY AND WAN CHAI MTR STATIONS LATER THIS MONTH, A SPOKESMAN SAID.
HOUSEHOLD VISITS WILL BE MADE TO NEWLY-COMPLETED RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS AND APPEAL LETTERS WILL BE SENT TO THE PARENTS OF STUDENTS STUDYING IN THE DISTRICT’S PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
AN EXHIBITION ON VO'I'ER REGISTRATION WILL BE HELD FROM JUNE 23 TO 30 AT THE TA 1 YAU SHOPPING ARCADE.
------0-----------
PHILATELIC' EXHIBITION To COMMEMORATE 150 YEARS OF POSTAL SERVICE IN HONG KONG ♦ ♦ t * ♦ t
THE HONG KONG MUSEUM OF TEMPORARILY CLOSED FROM 10 AM TO FAC I I ITATE THE OPENING OF A NEW SERVICE IN HONG KONG”.
HISTORY AT KOWLOON PARK WILL BE 2 PM ON WEDNESDAY (JUNE 12) TO
EXHIBITION - ”150 YEARS OF POSTAL
THE EXHIBITION, PRESENTED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE POST OFFICE TO COMMEMORATE THE I50TH ANNIVERSARY OF POSTAL SERVICE IN. HONG KONG, ILLUSTRATES THE HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL POSTAL SERVICE.
THE EXHIBITS ON DISPLAY INCLUDE STAMPS ISSUED FROM 1862 UP TO PRESENT, POSTAL MARKINGS OF THE PRE-ADHESIVE PERIOD, DIE PROOF, COLOUR TRIALS AND SPECIMENS OF EARLY STAMPS. THE EXHIBITION ALSO FEATURES ARTEFACTS DEPICTING THE SET UP AND OPERATION OF POSTAL SERVICE IN HONG KONG.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC- FROM 2 PM ON WEDNESDAY TO AUGUST 4. ADMISSION IS FREE.
MEANWHILE, THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR DOMINIC S.W. WONG, ANNOUNCED TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT TO MARK THE OCCASION, A SOUVENIR COVER BEARING AN 80-CENT DEFINITIVE STAMP AND CANCELLED BY A POST MARK RESEMBLING THE ONE USED IN 1841, WILL BE ISSUED AT $2 EACH.
IN ADD ri’I ON, A HAND-BACK SERVICE FOR PRIVATELY PREPARED ('OVERS USING THE SAME POST MARK WILL BE AVAILABLE.
THE SOUVENIR (OVERS AND THE HAND-BACK SERVICE WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM 2 PM ON WEDNESDAY AT THE FOLLOWING PHILATELIC OFFICES:
/AIRPORT POST .......
SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 1991
- 8 -
AIRPORT POST OFFICE
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE POST OFFICE
GENERAL POST OFFICE
GRANVILLE ROAD POST OFFICE
PEAK POST OFFICE
SHA TIN CENTRAL POST OFFICE
TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE
ONLY STAMPED SOUVENIR COVERS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT THE MUSEUM OF HISTORY.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL DR RONALD LEUNG, AND THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR DOMINIC S.W. WONG WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE "150 YEARS OF POSTAL SERVICE IN HONG KONG" EXHIBITION AT THE HONG KONG MUSEUM OF HISTORY AT 11 AM ON WEDNESDAY (JUNE 12).
PRIOR TO THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE MUSEUM’S CURATOR, MR JOSEPH I I LG WILL BRIEF MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ON THE EXHIBITION AND CONDUCT A P :.SS PREVIEW AT 10.15 AM.
HONG KONG MUSEUM OF HISTORY IS LOCATED AT THE KOWLOON PARK, HAIPHONG ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI.
COPIES OF THE DATESTAMP IMPRESSION TO BE ISSUED ON JUNE 12 WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION AT GIS’S PRESS BOXES LATER TODAY (SATURDAY).
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVE COVERING THE EVENT ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE IN THE MUSEUM CONCOURSE FOR THE PREVIEW NOT LATER THAN 10.15 AM ON WEDNESDAY.
--------0-----------
APPROVAL REQUIRED FOR EMPLOYING CHILD ENTERTAINERS
******
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (SATURDAY) REITERATED THAT PERMISSION MUST BE OBTAINED FROM THE DEPARTMENT FOR THE EMPLOYMENT OF CHILD ENTERTAINERS.
THE REMINDER FOLLOWED A RECENT CASE IN WHICH THE SCORPIO FILMS COMPANY, A SUBSIDIARY OF BRILLIANT OASIS LTD, WAS FINED $12,000 BY A WESTERN MAGISTRATE FOR UNLAWFULLY EMPLOYING CHILD ENTERTAINERS IN PRODUCING A TV COMMERCIAL.
ACTING ON INFORMATION, LABOUR INSPECTORS FOUND THAT FOUR CHILDREN, AGED BETWEEN FOUR AND 10, WERE EMPLOYED IN A STUDIO AT CHAI WAN INDUSTRIAL CITY WITHOUT THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S APPROVAL.
/"ACCORDING TO .......
SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 1991
9
"ACCORDING TO THE EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN EMPLOYER MUST APPLY T®’S'HE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR PERMISSION BEFORE EMPLOYING A CHILD ENTERTAINER," OFFICER (PROSECUTIONS), MR TSANG KIN-WOO, SAID.
REGULATIONS, AN IN WRITING FOR THE SENIOR LABOUR
"THE EMPLOYER MUST ALSO OBTAIN FROM THE CHILD’S PARENT A WRITTEN CONSENT TO THE EMPLOYMENT AS WELL AS PROOF OF THE CHILD’S SCHOOLING.
"ANY EMPLOYER WHO BREACHES THE PROVISIONS ON CHILD EMPLOYMENT IS LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $20,000,” HE SAID.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT EMPLOYMENT OF CHILD ENTERTAINERS MAY BE MADE TO THE LABOUR INSPECTION DIVISION ON TEL. 733 2440.
-----0------
FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION CAMPAIGN SLOGAN.COMPETITION
*****
THE FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION (FLE) PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IS HOLDING A CHINESE SLOGAN COMPETITION TO ENHANCE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF HARMONIOUS FAMILY RELATIONS.
ENTRY FORMS FOR THE COMPETITION, WHICH IS DIVIDED INTO STUDENT AND OPEN SECTIONS, ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT YOUTH OFFICES AND FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES OF THE DEPARTMENT, AN SWD SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
"THE ENTRIES SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE SWD FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION RESOURCES CENTRE AT SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI BY JUNE 29," HE SAID.
THE COMPETITION IS JOINTLY ORGANISED WITH ORIENTAL DAILY NEWS AS PART OF THIS YEAR’S FLE PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN.
THE PRIZES INCLUDE NI CAM TELEVISION SETS, KARAOKE LASER PLAYERS AND MICROWAVE OVENS.
--------0-----------
/10........
SATURDAY, JUNK 8, 1991
10
INSTALLATION OF PARKING METERS IN SHAM SHUI PO » * ♦ * »
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT PARKING METERS INSTALLED AT THE FOLLOWING PARKING SPACES IN SHAM SHUI PO WILL BE OPERATIONAL FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (JUNE 10).
THE PARKING SPACES ARE AT:
» KOWLOON ROAD JUNCTION WITH CASTLE PEAK ROAD;
♦ SAI YEUNG CHOI LANE BETWEEN TAI PO ROAD AND SAI YEUNG CHOI STREET NORTH;
♦ SAI YEUNG CHOI STREET NORTH BETWEEN WONG CHUK STREET AND SAI YEUNG CHOI LANE; AND
» WONG CHUK STREET BETWEEN TAI PO ROAD AND SAI YEUNG CHOI STREET NORTH.
THESE ARE TWO-HOUR METERED PARKING SPACES FOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN MEDIUM AND HEAVY GOODS VEHICLES, BUSES, MOTORCYCLES AND PEDAL CYCLES.
THE PARKING METERS WILL OPERATE FROM 8 AM TO MIDNIGHT DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
THE CHARGE IS $2 FOR EACH 30 MINUTES.
--------0-----------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS * * * * *
HKEF
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING
DATE $ MILLION
7.6.91 380
8.6.91 NEUTRAL
NEUTRAL
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUNDAY, JUNE 9, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE IN MARCH 1991 ............ 1
GOVERNOR TO OFFICIATE AT ABERDEEN DRAGON BOAT RACES ................... 5
VOLUNTEERS BOLSTER HK'S SECURITY ...................................... 6
GOVT AND AAB KEEN ON HERITAGE PRESERVATION ............................ 7
ORDINARY AIR LETTER MAIL SERVICE TO KUWAIT RESUMES .................... 8
1,317 TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS REPORTED IN MAY ............................... 8
KWAI TSING RESIDENTS INVITED TO JOIN DB WORKING GROUPS ................ 9
STATUTORY HOLIDAYS REMINDER ........................................... 9
46 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN MARCH ............................... 10
CONSTRUCTION OF OPEN SPACE IN YAU MA TEI .............................. 11
WATER SUSPENSION IN SHA TIN ........................................... 11
SUNDAY, JUNE 9, 1991
PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OP EXTERNAL TRADE IN MARCH 1991 *****
THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 2%, WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS GREW BY 22% IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1991 AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1990.
THIS IS ACCORDING TO THE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (SUNDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
TAKING THEM TOGETHER, THERE WAS AN OVERALL INCREASE OF 15% IN THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS. IMPORTS INCREASED BY 18% 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 AND RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 2% AND 3% RESPECTIVELY, WHILE THOSE OF IMPORTS ROSE BY 4%. AS A RESULT, THE TERMS OF TRADE INDEX (EXPRESSED AS A RATIO OF TOTAL EXPORT PRICE INDEX TO IMPORT PRICE INDEX) DECREASED BY 1%.
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 MARCH 1991 WITH MARCH 1990, THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECREASED BY 11%, WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 7%.
TAKING THEM TOGETHER, THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS SHOWED VIRTUALLY NO CHANGE. THE VOLUME OF IMPORTS GREW BY 8%.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 2% AND 3% RESPECTIVELY. IMPORT PRICES INCREASED BY 3%.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY PRINCIPAL COMMODITY GROUP FOR MARCH 1991 AS COMPARED WITH MARCH 1990 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF MOST COMMODITY GROUPS DECLINED IN MARCH 1991 AS COMPARED WITH MARCH 1990, INCLUDING FOOTWEAR (-51%); TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (-48%); TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (-45%); RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (-34%); TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (-21%); CLOTHING (-18%); DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (-16%); METAL MANUFACTURES (-13%); TEXTILE FABRICS (-11%); AND METAL ORES AND SCRAP (-6%).
ON THE OTHER HANI), INCREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORT VOLUME WERE RECORDED IN ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (+20%); AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS (+6%).
THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF MOST COMMODITY GROUPS INCREASED IN MARCH 1991 AS COMPARED WITH MARCH 1990.
/THESE INCLUDED .......
SUNDAY, JUNE 9, 1991
- 2 -
THESE INCLUDED FOOTWEAR (+6%); TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (+5%); RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (+5%); METAL MANUFACTURES (+4%); CLOTHING (+3%); TEXTILE FABRICS (+3%); TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (+3%); AND TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (4-2%).
HOWEVER, THE DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES OF ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS; AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS BOTH DECLINED BY 1%.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY FOR MARCH 1991 AS COMPARED WITH MARCH 1990 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 2.
THE VOLUME OF IMPORTS OF FOODSTUFFS INCREASED BY 17% IN MARCH 1991 AS COMPARED WITH MARCH 1990.
IN PARTICULAR, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF FRUIT; CEREALS AND CEREAL PREPARATIONS, OTHER THAN RICE, WHEAT AND FLOUR; MILK, BUTTER, CHEESE AND EGGS; RICE; VEGETABLES; LIVE POULTRY; AND WHEAT AND FLOUR.
DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF SOYA BEAN OIL, PEANUT OIL AND LARD; AND SUGAR.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED BY 7%.
COMMODITY ITEMS WITH CONSIDERABLE INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME INCLUDED PASSENGER MOTOR CARS; CAMERAS, FLASHLIGHT APPARATUS AND SUPPLIES FOR PHOTOGRAPHY; AND FOOTWEAR.
HOWEVER, DECREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE RECORDED FOR TOBACCO MANUFACTURES; AND ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES.
THE IMPORT VOLUME OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES ROSE BY 13% IN MARCH 1991 AS COMPARED WITH MARCH 1990.
SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE NOTED FOR MAN-MADE FIBRES; WOOL AND OTHER ANIMAL HAIR; COTTON YARN AND THREAD; CRUDE ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE MATERIALS; WATCH AND CLOCK MOVEMENTS, CASES AND PARTS; AND WOOD, LUMBER AND CORK.
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF CLAY AND REFRACTORY CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS, BUILDING MATERIALS, ETC., EXCEPT GLASS; AND SILK FABRICS.
IMPORTS OF FUELS INCREASED BY 37% IN VOLUME IN MARCH 1991 AS COMPARED WITH MARCH 1990.
AS REGARDS CAPITAL GOODS, THE IMPORT VOLUME DECREASED BY 9% IN MARCH 1991 OVER MARCH 1990.
SIGNIFICANT DECREASES IN THE IMPORT VOLUME WERE RECORDED IN TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT; AND CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY.
HOWEVER, AN INCREASE IN IMPORT VOLUME WAS RECORDED FOR INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY.
/COMPARING MARCH .......
SUNDAY, JUNE 9, 1991
- 3 -
COMPARING MARCH 1991 WITH MARCH 1990, THE IMPORT PRICES OF ALL END-USE CATEGORIES INCREASED: FUELS (+29%); CAPITAL GOODS (+5%); CONSUMER GOODS (+3%); FOODSTUFFS (+3%); AND RAW MATERIALS AND SEMIMANUFACTURES (+2%).
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY FOR MARCH 1991 AS COMPARED WITH MARCH 1990 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 3.
COMPARING MARCH 1991 WITH MARCH 1990, THE VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 7% : FOODSTUFFS (+16%); CAPITAL GOODS (+8%); CONSUMER GOODS (+7%); AND RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES (+7%).
ON THE OTHER HAND, THE RE-EXPORT VOLUME OF FUELS DECREASED BY 36%.
THE PRICES OF RE-EXPORTS OF ALL END-USE CATEGORIES INCREASED IN MARCH 1991 AS COMPARED WITH MARCH 1990: FUELS (+41%); FOODSTUFFS (+4%); CONSUMER GOODS (+3%); RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES (+2%); AND CAPITAL GOODS (+1%).
FURTHER DETAILS ARE PUBLISHED IN THE MARCH 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 JUNE 15 AT $4 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES REGARDING REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION TO THIS REPORT MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, HONG KONG (TEL. NO.: 842 8802) AND ENQUIRIES ON TRADE INDEXES TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL. NO.: 823 4918).
TABLE 1: CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY PRINCIPAL COMMODITY GROUP
COMMODITY GROUP VALUE % COMPARING MAR 1991 WITH MAR 1990 COMPARING JAN-MAR 1991
VALUE % WITH JAN-MAR 1990 UNIT VALUE VOLUME
UNIT VALUE % VOLUME %
% %
CLOTHING -15 3 -18 7 3 4
TEXTILK FABRICS -8 3 -11 -2 3 -4
TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD -17 5 -21 -10 3 -13
TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES -44 3 -45 -28 1 -29
/RADIOS OF .......
SUNDAY, JUNE 9, 1991
RADIOS OF ALL K I NDS -31 5 -34 -15 5 -19
I I,E( TRONIC COMPONENTS 20 -1 20 40 -1 42
FOOTWEAR -48 6 -51 -27 6 -31
METAL MANUFACTURES -9 4 -13 2 4 -3
METAL ORES AND SCRAP -5 * -6 18 -1 19
WATCHES AND CLOCKS 6 -1 6 4 ♦ 3
TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES -47 2 -48 -22 2 -23
DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES -16 1 -16 2 1 2
ALL COMMODITIES -9 2 -11 4 2 2
t LESS THAN 0.5%
TABLE 2: CHANGES IN IMPORTS BY END- USE CATEGORY
COMPARING WITH MAR 1991 MAR 1990 COMPARING JAN-MAR WITH JAN-MAR 1991 1990
END-USE CATEGORY VALUE % UNIT VALUE % VOLUME % VALUE % UNIT VALUE VOLUME % %
FOODSTUFFS 21 3 17 12 4 8
CONSUMER GOODS 1 1 3 7 25 3 20
RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES 15 2 13 21 2 19
FUELS 76 29 37 71 35 27
CAPITAL GOODS -5 5 -9 20 5 15
ALL COMMODITIES 12 3 8 23 4 18
/TABLE 3:
SUNDAY, JUNE 9, 1991
5 -
TABLE 3: CHANGES IN RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY
COMPARING WITH MAR MAR 1991 1990 COMPARING JAN-MAR WITH JAN-MAR 1991 1990
END-USE CATEGORY UNIT VALUE VALUE VOLUME UNIT VALUE VALUE VOLUME
% % % % % %
FOODSTUFFS 21 4 16 13 3 10
CONSUMER GOODS 1 1 3 7 34 3 30
RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES 9 2 7 15 2 14
FUELS -10 41 -36 2 46 -30
CAPITAL GOODS 9 1 8 22 1 21
ALL COMMODITIES 10 3 7 26 3 22
------0--------
GOVERNOR TO OFFICIATE AT ABERDEEN DRAGON BOAT RACES ♦ » ♦ ♦ ♦
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE 1991 ABERDEEN DRAGON BOAT RACES TO BE HELD ON JUNE 16 TO CELEBRATE THE TUEN NG FESTIVAL.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (SUNDAY’) AT A PRESS CONFERENCE, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ANNUAL EVENT’S ORGANISING COMMITTEE, LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR MRS SO CHAU YTM-PING SAID 65 TEAMS FROM ALL OVER THE TERRITORY WERE EXPECTED TO COMPETE IN THE RACES WHICH WOULD TAKE PLACE ALONG A 330-METRE COURSE OFF THE ABERDEEN WATERFRONT FROM 8.30 AM TO 5 PM.
"THERE WILL BE A RECORD 11 TEAMS IN THE FISHERMEN’S LARGE DRAGON BOAT DIVISION AND 54 TEAMS IN THE VARIOUS SECTIONS OF MEDIUMSIZED DRAGON BOAT RACES.
"THE RACES WILL REVOLVE AROUND 10 TITLES," SHE SAID.
MRS SO SAID THERE WOULD BE ALTOGETHER 38 RACES, WITH HEATS MAINLY IN THE MORNING AND SEMI-FINALS AND FINALS IN THE AFTERNOON.
WHILE THE ABERDEEN PROMENADE WOULD PROVIDE A VANTAGE POINT FOR THE PUBLIC TO WATCH THE RACES, A 600-SEAT SPECTATORS’ STAND WOULD BE PUT UP NEAR THE FINISH LINE FOR GUESTS, SHE ADDED.
/THE EVENT .......
SUNDAY, JUNE 9, 1991
6
THE EVENT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED WITH THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND IS SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.
AN EYE-DOTTING AND EMBLEM-HANGING CEREMONY TO LAUNCH SEVEN DRAGON BOATS WAS HELD AT TODAY'S PRESS CONFERENCE, WHICH WAS CO-CHAIRED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS MAUREEN CHAN.
- - 0----------
VOLUNTEERS BOLSTER HE’S SECURITY
*****
NEWLY TRAINED RECRUITS IN THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS) WERE TODAY (SUNDAY) REMINDED OF THEIR IMPORTANT ROLE OF SUPPORTING THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IN MAINTAINING THE SECURITY AND STABILITY OF THE TERRITORY.
THF REMINDER CAME FROM THE DEPUTY COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES, BRIGADIER M.R.I. CONSTANTINE, WHEN ADDRESSING 124 RECRUITS AT THEIR PASSING OFF PARADE HELD AT THE REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS IN HAPPY VALLEY.
HE SAID SUCH AN IMPORTANT ROLE OF THE REGIMENTS HELPED SUSTAIN THE CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG WHICH WAS VITAL TO ITS WELL-BEING.
"IN JOINING THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT, YOU WILL BE PLAYING YOUR PART IN THIS IMPORTANT ROLE.
"1 AM SURE YOU WILL DISCHARGE THAT RESPONSIBILITY IN THE HIGHEST TRADITION OF THE REGIMENT, AS INDEED HAVE DONE ALL THOSE WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE YOU," HE SAID.
NOTING THAT OVER THE PAST SIX MONTHS, THE RECRUITS HAD BEEN TAUGHT ALL THE BASIC SKILLS AND DISCIPLINES NECESSARY TO EQUIP THEM TO TAKE THEIR PLACE AS A FULL MEMBER OF THE REGIMENT, BRIGADIER CONSTANTINE SAID THE TRAININGS ENABLED THEM TO DEVELOP IN MIND AND BODY.
THE TRAININGS RANGED FROM FOOT DRILLS AN!) WEAPON HANDLING TO MAP READING, FIRST AID AND BASIC FIELDCRAFT.
WHILE CONGRATULATING THE RECRUITS ON ACHIEVING THE REQUIRED HIGH STANDARDS, BRIGADIER CONSTANTINE ALSO URGED THEM TO UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF MILITARY DISCIPLINE AND THE NEED FOR HIGH PERSONAL STANDARDS.
"THIS WILL HAVE BOOSTED YOUR SELF-RESPECT AND YOUR OWN CONFIDENCE AND I THINK YOU HAVE EVERY RIGHT TO FEEL PLEASED WITH YOURSELVES AT HAVING COMPLETED YOUR RECRUIT TRAINING," HE SAID.
BRIGADIER CONSTANTINE TOOK THE SALUTE AS THE 109 MEN AND 15 WOMEN MARCHED PAST.
DURING THE CEREMONY, 72-YEAR-OLD STEPHEN CHOW, A MEMBER OF THE HONG KONG VOLUNTEER DEFENCE CORPS, WAS PRESENTED HIS WAR MEDALS -50 YEARS IN ARREARS OF THE BATTLE FOR HONG KONG THAT BROKE OUT IN DECEMBER 1941.
/THE 22-YEAR-OLD.........
SUNDAY, JUNE 9, 1991
7 -
THEN 22-YEAR-OLD, AS A PRIVATE, CHOW WAS MOBILISED WITH HIS COMRADES 01* NO. 3 COMPANY ON DECEMBER 8, 1941.
ON DECEMBER 18, WHILE ENGAGING THE JAPANESE TROOPS IN A BITTER FIGHT, THE COMPANY WAS DISPERSED AND HE WAS SEPARATED FROM THE REST OF HIS COMPANY.
HE WAS FORCED TO JOIN THE CORPS’ HEADQUARTERS AT CENTRAL UNTIL THE END OF THE WAR, AFTER WHICH HE JOINED THE BRITISH ARMY AID GROUP IN CHINA.
AS AN ENGINEER BY PROFESSION, CHOW WAS LATER TRANSFERRED TO WORK FOR THE AMERICANS IN LAYING AN AIRFIELD.
SUBSEQUENTLY, HE WAS EVACUATED FROM GUILIN AND STAYED IN KUNMING UNTIL JAPANESE SURRENDER IN AUGUST 1945.
THE MEDALS PRESENTED TO HIM TODAY INCLUDED A 39/45 STAR, A PACIFIC STAR, A WAR MEDAL AND A DEFENCE MEDAL.
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GOVT AND AAB KEEN ON HERITAGE PRESERVATION ♦ * * ♦ ♦
THE GOVERNMENT AND THE ANTIQUITIES ADVISORY BOARD (AAB) ARE KEEN ON PRESERVING VARIOUS EXAMPLES OF HONG KONG’S ARCHITECTURE AND HERITAGE, AND UP TO NOW 44 BUILDINGS AND SITES HAVE BEEN DECLARED AS MONUMENTS BY THE BOARD.
SPEAKING AT A CEREMONY TO MARK THE COMPLETION OF A RESTORATION PROGRAMME FOR THE KUN TING STUDY HALL TN PING SHAN, YUEN LONG TODAY (SUNDAY), THE CHAIRMAN OF THE AAB, MR EDWARD HO, SAID THE TANG CLAN HAD DEMONSTRATED THE APPRECIATION THAT ITS HERITAGE WAS OF SIGNIFICANCE NOT JUST TO FELLOW CLAN MEMBERS, BUT ALSO TO ALL HONG KONG RESIDENTS.
’’THE AAB IS PLEASED TO LEARN THAT THE STUDY HALL MANAGEMENT HAS AGREED TO THE DECLARATION OF THE BUILDING AS A MONUMENT, SINCE THE KUN TING STUDY HALL IS AN OUTSTANDING EXAMPLE OF ITS TYPE," HE SAID.
IN A BID TO ENCOURAGE EFFORTS BY LOCAL RESIDENTS TO PRESERVE THEIR HERITAGE, A $15 MILLION FUNDING FROM BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE SPONSORSHIP HAD BEEN INJECTED TO START A RESTORATION PROGRAMME OF ANOTHER FIVE HISTORICAL BUILDINGS EARLY THIS YEAR, MR HO ADDED.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT TODAY’S CEREMONY WERE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB (RHKJC), MR GORDON MACWHINN1E, AND MRS MACWHINNIE- THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR JAMES SO; THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES, MR KENNETH CHAN; THE HEAD OF TANG SHUNG TAK TONG, MR TANG KA I-KWONG; AND MANAGERS OF THE TONG, MESSRS TANG NA I-MAN AND TANG CHUN-HUNG.
/DURING THE .......
SUNDAY, JUNE V,
- 8 -
DURING THE CEREMONY, MR JAMES SO PRESENTED A CERTIFICATE OF MERIT TO A MANAGER OF TANG SWUNG TAK TONG, MR TANG CHUN-HUNG, OR THE CLAN’S CO-OPERATION.
THE 121-YEAR-OLD STUDY HALL WAS BUILT IN THE M1D-19TH CENTURY BY DESCENDANTS OF THE TANG CLAN TO COMMEMORATE THEIR 21ST GENERATION ANCESTOR, MR TANG KUN-TING (1815-1838).
THE STUDY HALL HAI) BEEN USED AS FACILITIES FOR BOTH ANCESTRAL WORSHIP AND EDUCATION. CHILDREN WERE TAUQHT ARTS AND CLASSICS, WITH THE AIM OF HELPING THEM TO PASS THE IMPERIAL CIVIL SERVICE EXAMINATIONS AND TO BECOME OFFICIALS IN THE QING ADMINISTRATION, TO FURTHER ENHANCE THE CLAN’S POWER AND POSITION.
BY THE 1970’S, THE STUDY HALL SHOWED SIGNS OF DILAPIDATION. IN 1981, THE AAB RECOMMENDED TO PRESERVE THE STUDY HALL ON THE GROUNDS OF ITS HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE. WITH A GENEROUS DONATION FROM THE RHKJC, A RESTORATION PROGRAMME WAS CARRIED OUT EARLY LAST YEAR TO BRING THE STUDY HALL BACK TO ITS FORMER SPLENDOUR.
THE $2.3 MILLION RESTORATION WORK WAS EXECUTED UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE ANTIQUITIES AND MONUMENTS OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH AND THE ANTIQUITIES SECTION OF THE ARCHITECTURAL . SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
------0--------
ORDINARY AIR LETTER MAIL SERVICE TO KUWAIT RESUMES
ORDINARY AIR LETTER MA<L SERVICE TO KUWAIT, WHICH WAS SUSPENDED ON JANUARY 17 TH Iff YEAR, HAS RESUMED, THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR DOMINIC S.W. WONG, ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY).
OTHER SERVICES TO KUWAIT, INCLUDING SURFACE MAIL, REGISTERED MAIL, PARCEL, SPEEDPOST, EXPRESS AND POSTFAX REMAIN SUSPENDED, HE ADDED.
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1,317 TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS REPORTED IN MAY
******
A TOTAL OF 1,742 CASUALTIES WERE REPORTED IN 1,317 TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS WHICH OCCURRED THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY LAST MONTH.
A POLICE SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT 335 OF THESE ACCIDENTS OCCURRED ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 687 IN KOWLOON AND 295 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE PROVISIONAL FIGURES FOR MAY SHOWED THAT 33 PEOPLE WERE KILLED, 333 PEOPLE WERE SERIOUSLY INJURED AND 1,376 SLIGHTLY INJURED IN THESE ACCIDENTS.
THESE FIGURES REPRESENTED A 6.3 PER CENT AND A 4.4 PER CENT INCREASE RESPECTIVELY IN THE NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS AND CASUALTIES RECORDED OVER THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
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/9 ........
SUNDAY, JUNE 9, 1991
- 9
KWAI TS1NG RESIDENTS INVITED TO JOIN DB WORKING GROUPS
* * * * ♦
KWAI TSING RESIDENTS ARE INVITED TO JOIN THE VARIOUS WORKING GROUPS UNDER THE DISTRICT BOARD AND PARTICIPATE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THEIR COMMUNITY.
A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE WORKING GROUPS WOULD BE ATTACHED TO THE FIVE DB COMMITTEES.
THEY ARE THE COMMUNITY, INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE; THE CULTURE, RECREATION AND SPORTS COMMITTEE; THE ENVIRONMENT AND PLANNING COMMITTEE; THE HOUSING AFFAIRS COMMITTEE; AND THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE.
DESCRIBING THE MOVE AS A ’’FIRST”, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THERE WERE NO SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICANTS BUT PEOPLE LIVING OR WORKING IN THE DISTRICT WOULD BE GIVEN PRIORITY.
’’THE CHAIRMEN OF THE WORKING GROUPS WILL DECIDE WHETHER TO ACCEPT AN APPLICATION OR NOT,” HE SAID.
FOR FURTHER DETAILS, INTERESTED PARTIES MAY CONTACT THE KWAI TSING DB SECRETARIAT ON TEL. 423 4002.
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STATUTORY HOLIDAYS REMINDER
*****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT TUEN NG FESTIVAL, WHICH FALLS ON JUNE 16 (SUNDAY), IS ONE OF THE 11 STATUTORY HOLIDAYS FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.
"IF THAT DAY IS ALREADY A REST DAY FOR AN EMPLOYEE, HE SHOULD BE GRANTED A HOLIDAY THE FOLLOWING DAY’, THAT IS JUNE 17 (MONDAY)," A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
"UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, EMPLOYEES IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR EARNINGS ARE ENTITLED TO BE PAID FOR THE HOLIDAY IF THEY HAVE WORKED CONTINUOUSLY FOR THREE MONTHS PRECEDING THE HOLIDAY," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
HOWEVER, JUNE 17 SHOULD BE A FLOATING HOLIDAY, BEING THE MONDAY FOLLOWING THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY, UNLESS AN ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY HAS BEEN FIXED BY THE EMPLOYER.
"IF JUNE 17 IS GRANTED AS A FLOATING HOLIDAY, THE EMPLOYEE SHOULD BE GIVEN ANOTHER DAY OFF ON JUNE 18 (TUESDAY) FOR TUEN NG FESTIVAL," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID IT WAS AN OFFENCE UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE FOR AN EMPLOYER NOT TO GRANT AN EMPLOYEE STATUTORY HOLIDAYS.
SUNDAY, JUNE 9, 1991
10 -
*
IN A RECENT CASE, THE PROPRIETOR OF SIU LAM KUNG RESTAURANT IN WESTERN DISTRICT WAS FINED $6,000 BY A WESTERN MAGISTRATE FOR NOT GRANTING HER TWO EMPLOYEES STATUTORY HOLIDAYS.
THE MAXIMUM FINE FOR THE OFFENCE IS $10,000.
HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE EQUIVALENT TO AN EMPLOYEE'S EARNING ON A NORMAL 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, THE HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE THE AVERAGE DAILY EARNING DURING EVERY COMPLETE WAGE PERIOD, WHICH COULD RE BETWEEN 28 DAYS AND .3 1 DAYS, PRECEDING THE HOLIDAY.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT STATUTORY HOLIDAYS MAY BE MADE TO ANY BRANCH OFFICE OF THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
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46 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN MARCH * t * * ♦
THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT APPROVED A TOTAL OF 46 NEW BUILDING PLANS IN MARCH.
OF THESE, 18 WERE FOR HONG KONG ISLAND, 12 FOR KOWLOON AND 16 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE APPROVED PLANS INCLUDED 23 FOR APARTMENT, APARTMENT/COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS, EIGHT FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND TWO FOR FACTORY AND GODOWN PURPOSES.
DURING THE MONTH, THE OFFICE GAVE CONSENT FOR WORK TO START ON 53 PROJECTS, INVOLVING 272,873.4 SQUARE METRES OF USABLE DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA AND 207,776 SQUARE METRES -OF USABLE NON-DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA.
THE TOTAL DECLARED COST OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED DURING THE MONTH WAS ABOUT $4,196 MILLION, USABLE FLOOR AREAS FOR DOMESTIC AND NON-DOMESTIC USES WERE ABOUT 203,742.8 SQUARE METRES AND ABOUT 185,030.2 SQUARE METRES RESPECTIVELY.
ALSO DURING THE MONTH, THE OFFICE ISSUED 28 OCCUPATION PERMITS: SIX FOR HONG KONG ISLAND, FOUR FOR KOWLOON AND 18 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
IN ADDITION, .35 DEMOLITION CONSENTS AFFECTING 79 BUILDINGS WERE ISSUED.
THE DANGEROUS BUILDINGS SECTION INSPECTED 628 BUILDINGS AND OBTAINED TWO EMERGENCY CLOSURE ORDERS.
/THE CONTROL........
SUNDAY, JUNE 9, 1991
THE CONTROL AND ENFORCEMENT DIVISION RECEIVED 449 COMPLAINTS ON ILLEGAL BUILDING WORKS, CARRIED OUT 984 INSPECTIONS AND ISSUED 2,096 REMOVAL ORDERS, WHICH IS MORE THAN 10 TIMES THE AVERAGE MONTHLY FIGURE FOR ORDERS ISSUED IN 1990.
THE PHENOMENAL INCREASE WAS BROUGHT ABOUT BY THE GOVERNMENT’S STRONGER SANCTIONS AGAINST UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS FOR WHICH A NUMBER OF LARGE-SCALE OPERATIONS TARGETTED AT THE REMOVAL OF ILLEGAL PROJECTIONS FROM BUILDINGS WERE LAUNCHED DURING THE MONTH.
THESE ILLEGAL PROJECTIONS INCLUDED METAL CAGES, CANOPIES AND METAL FLOWER RACKS.
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CONSTRUCTION OF OPEN t » »
SPACE IN YAU MA TEI * * *
YAU MA TEI RESIDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO ENJOY MORE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES WITH THE COMPLETION OF AN OPEN SPACE IN FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR.
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE OPEN SPACE AT THE JUNCTION OF WATERLOO ROAD, CANTON ROAD AND RECLAMATION STREET.
PLANTERS, PERGOLA, ARBOURS, SITTING BENCHES, A STORE/SWITCH ROOM AND A SET OF PLAY EQUIPMENT WITH SAFETY MATTINGS WILL BE PROVIDED AT THE 440-SQUARE-METRE SITE.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN SEPTEMBER AND BE COMPLETED IN FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON JULY 5.
- - - - 0---
WATER SUSPENSION IN SHA TIN
*****
FRESH AND FLUSHING WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN SHA TIN WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON TUESDAY (JUNE 11) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE WATER WORKS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT THE AREA BOUNDED BY AH KUNG KOK FISHERMEN’S VILLAGE, CHEVALIER GARDEN, TAI SHUI HANG VILLAGE, SHING ON TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA, HANG ON ESTATE, KAM ON COURT, YIU ON ESTATE, KAM HAY COURT, YMCA CAMP, WU KAI SHA VILLAGE, TO TAU VILLAGE, WHITEHEAD DETENTION CAMP AND ALL PREMISES ALONG MA ON SHAN ROAD, MA ON TERRACE, ON LUK STREET AND ON SHAN LANE.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, JUNE 10, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
MONETARY STATISTICS FOR APRIL PUBLISHED ........................ 1
CASE OF LI QINGMING, LI BIN EXPLAINED........................... 4
USE OF WEAPONS IN CRIME A SERIOUS MATTER ....................... 4
COMMISSIONER OF POLICE COMMENTS ON ROBBERY CASE ................ 5
TAC SUPPORTS EMERGENCY PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING MAJOR DISRUPTION IN PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES ..................;................... 5
MANUFACTURERS MUST UPGRADE QUALITY TO ADAPT TO CHANGING MARKET CIRCUMSTANCES .................................................. 8
SUBSIDY SCHEME FOR WELFARE SERVICES ............................ 9
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO FAMILIES OF AIR CRASH VICTIMS .......... 11
LEGCO TO DEBATE ON LRT SERVICES ................................ 11
JAMES SO TAKES UP SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE POST..... 12
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ........................................... 12
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ..... 13
JOINT SCHOOL CONCERT OF CHINESE MUSIC
13
MONDAY, JUNE 10, 1991
- 1 -
MONETARY STATISTICS FOR APRIL PUBLISHED *****
HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS INCREASED DURING APRIL, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS PUBLISHED BY THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH TODAY (MONDAY).
CONSISTENT WITH THIS, HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY ON ALL DEFINITIONS ROSE DURING THE MONTH. HONG KONG DOLLAR LOANS AND ADVANCES ALSO RECORDED AN INCREASE IN APRIL.
DEPOSITS
HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS, ADJUSTED TO INCLUDE SWAP DEPOSITS, INCREASED BY 1.2% IN APRIL, FOLLOWING DECREASES OF 0.6% AND 0.8% IN FEBRUARY AND MARCH RESPECTIVELY.
OF THESE DEPOSITS, DEMAND DEPOSITS AND SAVINGS DEPOSITS INCREASED BY 10.5% AND 3.7% RESPECTIVELY WHILE TIME DEPOSITS DECREASED BY 1.7% IN APRIL.
COMPARED WITH A YEAR AGO, TOTAL HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS GREW BY 14.5%.
FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS ROSE BY 0.6% IN APRIL, AFTER A DECREASE OF 0.4% IN FEBRUARY AND AN INCREASE OF 1.5% IN MARCH.
AMONG THESE DEPOSITS, U.S. DOLLAR DEPOSITS AND NON-U.S. DOLLAR DEPOSITS ROSE BY 0.4% AND 0.7% RESPECTIVELY IN APRIL.
OVER THE YEAR, TOTAL FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS INCREASED BY 21.9%.
DURING APRIL, DEPOSITS OF ALL CURRENCIES WITH LICENSED BANKS ROSE BY 1.3% WHILE DEPOSITS WITH RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS AND DEPOSITTAKING COMPANIES FELL BY 6.8% AND 4.2% RESPECTIVELY.
COMPARED WITH A YEAR EARLIER, DEPOSITS WITH LICENSED BANKS INCREASED BY 20.6% WHILE THOSE WITH RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES FELL BY 1.5% AND 13.7% RESPECTIVELY.
MONEY SUPPLY
HK$M1, HK$M2 AND HK$M3 INCREASED BY 4.2%, 0.9% AND 0.8% RESPECTIVELY IN APRIL, COMPARED WITH CORRESPONDING DECLINES OF 6.0%, 1.2% AND 1.1% IN MARCH.
OVER THE YEAR, THESE MONETARY AGGREGATES ROSE BY 18.0%, 15.6% AND 14.1% RESPECTIVELY.
TOTAL Ml, M2 AND M3 ROSE BY 4.2%, 1.0% AND 0.8% RESPECTIVELY IN APRIL. THEIR CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES IN MARCH WERE -7.7%, 0.1% AND 0.3%.
/OVER THE .......
MONDAY, JUNE 10, 1991
2
OVER THE YEAR, TOTAL Ml, M2 AND M3 GREW BY 18.8%, 20.0% AND 18.4% RESPECTIVELY.
LOANS AND ADVANCES __________________ /
TOTAL OUTSTANDING LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS INCREASED BY 1.4% IN APRIL, FOLLOWING AN INCREASE OF 0.9% IN FEBRUARY AND A DECREASE OF 1.2% IN MARCH.
OF THE TOTAL OUTSTANDING LOANS, THOSE DENOMINATED IN HONG KONG DOLLARS GREW BY 1.5% DURING APRIL, WHILE THOSE DENOMINATED IN FOREIGN CURRENCIES ROSE BY 1.4%.
OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 15.1% AND 54.4% RESPECTIVELY.
LOANS TO FINANCE VISIBLE TRADE OF HONG KONG GREW BY 0.3% IN APRIL, FOLLOWING INCREASES OF 0.4% AND 1.2% IN FEBRUARY AND MARCH RESPECTIVELY. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 16.1%.
OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG GREW BY 0.4% IN APRIL FOLLOWING INCREASES OF 1.2% AND 2.9% RESPECTIVELY IN THE PRECEDING TWO MONTHS. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 15.9%.
LOANS FOR USE OUTSIDE HONG KONG ROSE BY 8.6% IN APRIL, AFTER AN INCREASE OF 2.1% IN FEBRUARY AND A DECREASE OF 2.3% IN MARCH. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 79.1%.
LOANS TO FINANCE MERCHANDISING TRADE NOT TOUCHING HONG KONG ROSE BY 2.0% IN APRIL, AFTER DECLINES OF 8.1% AND 4.8% RESPECTIVELY IN THE PRECEDING TWO MONTHS. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS FELL BY 17.2%.
NUMBER OF REPORTING INSTITUTIONS
THE NUMBER OF REPORTING LICENSED BANKS DECLINED BY ONE TO 164 WHILE THAT OF DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES FELL BY TWO TO 168. THE NUMBER OF RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS REMAINED UNCHANGED AT 45.
NOTES :
(1) BEFORE FEBRUARY I, 1990, ’’RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS" AND "DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES" WERE KNOWN AS "LICENSED DEPOSITTAKING COMPANIES" AND "REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES" RESPECTIVELY.
(2) IN THE TEXT ABOVE, TOTAL HK$ DEPOSITS, HK$ TIME DEPOSITS, HK$M2 AND HK$M3 HAVE BEEN ADJUSTED TO INCLUDE SWAP DEPOSITS. TOTAL FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS, US$ DEPOSITS AND NON-USS DEPOSITS HAVE BEEN ADJUSTED TO EXCLUDE SWAP DEPOSITS.
"SWAP DEPOSITS" ARE DEPOSITS INVOLVING CUSTOMERS BUYING FOREIGN CURRENCIES (MOSTLY U.S. DOLLARS) IN THE SPOT MARKET AND PLACING THEM AS DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS, WHILE AT THE SAME TIME ENTERING INTO A CONTRACT TO SELL SUCH FOREIGN CURRENCIES (PRINCIPAL PLUS INTEREST) FORWARD IN LINE WITH THE MATURITY OF SUCH DEPOSITS. FOR MOST ANALYTICAL PURPOSES, THEY SHOULD BE REGARDED AS HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS.
MONDAY, JUNE 10, 1991
PI 11 Money Supply TABLE 1 : MONETARY STATISTICS - APRIL 1991
Apr 1991 Mar 1991 Earlier months (X change to April 1991) (HKSmn)
Jan 1991 Apr 1990
Ml • H« 98,123 94,145 C 4.2 X) 97,062 ( 1.1 X) 83,189 ( 18.0 X)
Foreign currency 14,234 13,689 ( 4.0 X) 13,880 ( 2.6 X) 11,382 ( 25.1 X)
Total 112,357 107,834 ( 4.2 X) 110,942 ( 1.3 X) 94,571 ( 18.8 X)
M2 - H«* 552,407 547,442 ( 0.9 X) 552,058 ( 0.1 X) 477,996 ( 15.6 X)
Foreign currency* 700,313 692.270 ( 1.2 X) 684,895 ( 2.3 X) 565,514 ( 23.8 X)
Total 1,252,720 1,239.712 ( 1.0 X) 1,236,952 ( 1.3 X) 1,043,510 ( 20.0 X)
M3 - HKS* 581,035 576,291 ( 0.8 X) 582,345 ( -0.2 X) 509,437 ( 14.1 X)
Foreign curreticy* 743,835 738,318 ( 0.7 X) 730,851 ( 1.8 X) 609,774 ( 22.0 X)
Total 1,324,869 1,314,609 ( 0.8 X) 1,313,195 ( 0.9 X) 1,119,211 ( 18.4 X)
Motes and coins in circulation 43,606 46,422 ( -6.1 X) 45,802 ( -4.8 X) 39,747 ( 9.7 X)
of which held by public 37,954 39,687 ( -4.4 X) 38,070 ( -0.3 X) 34,308 ( 10.6 X)
Total Deposits
Total Demand deposits 74,403 68,146 ( 9.2 X) 72,871 ( 2.1 X) 60,263 ( 23.5 X)
total Savings deposits 239,595 231,006 ( 3.7 X) 242,123 ( -1.0 X) 187,512 ( 27.8 X)
Total Time deposits with licensed banks 883,742 883.716 ( 0.0 X) 866,072 ( 2.0 X) 745,264 ( 18.6 X)
Total Time deposits with restricted licence oanks 40,350 43.305 ( -6.8 X) 43,069 ( -6.3 X) 40,970 ( -1.5 X)
Total Time deposits with deposit-taking companies 28,717 29.963 ( -4.2 X) 31.417 ( -8.6 X) 33,265 (-13.7 X)
HKS deposits* 530,077 523,581 ( 1.2 X) 530,884 ( -0.2 X) 462,813 ( 14.5 X)
USS deposits* 297,902 296,600 ( 0.4 X) 304,014 ( -2.0 X) 266,945 ( 11.6 X)
Other foreign currency deposits* 438,829 435,956 ( 0.7 X) 420,655 ( 4.3 X) 337,515 ( 30.0 X)
All deposits 1,266,807 1,256,136 ( 0.8 X) 1,255,553 ( 0.9 X) 1,067,274 ( 18.7 X)
Foreign currency swap deposits 57,680 62,010 ( -7.0 X) 65,278 (-11.6 X) 66,290 (-13.0 X)
Total Loans and advances
To finance H.K.'s visible trade 74,764 74.524 ( 0.3 X) 73,287 ( 2.0 X) 64,405 ( 16.1 X)
To finance merchandising trade 8,264 8,103 ( 2.0 X) 9,265 (-10.8 X) 9,979 (-17.2 X)
not touching H.K.
Other loans for use in H.K. 729,807 727,234 ( 0.4 X) 698,148 ( 4.5 X) 629,498 ( 15.9 X)
Other loans for use outside H.K. 999,793 920,385 ( 8.6 X) 923,020 ( 8.3 X) 558,243 ( 79.1 X)
Other loans where the place of 50,841 106,781 (-52.4 X) 138,028 (-63.2 X) 88,182 (-42.3 X)
use is not known
Loans in HKS 648,518 638,725 ( 1.5 X) 616,665 ( 5.2 X) 563,490 ( 15.1 X)
Loans in foreign currencies 1,214,950 1,198,303 ( 1.4 X) 1,225,082 ( -0.8 X) 786,816 ( 54.4 X)
Total loans and advances 1,863,468 1,837,027 ( 1.4 X) 1,841,747 ( 1.2 X) 1,350,306 ( 38.0 X)
* 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.
Mote : 'Restricted licence banks' end 'deposit-taking companies' were known as 'licensed deposit-taking companies' and 'registered deposit-taking companies' respectively before 1 February 1990.
/4 ........
9
MONDAY, JUNK 10, 1991
4
CASE OE LI QINGMING, LI BIN EXPLAINED
IN RESPONSE TO QUESTIONS ABOUT THE CASE OE LI QINGMING AND LI BIN, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (MONDAY) DREW ATTENTION TO THE FACTS OF THE CASE AS DESCRIBED IN PROCEEDINGS OF THE HIGH COURT AND THE COURT OF APPEAL IN MARCH 1990 AND JUNE 1990 RESPECTIVELY.
AS RECOUNTED IN COURT, THE COUPLE ENTERED HONG KONG ILLEGALLY ON SEPTEMBER 2, 1989. THEY FIRST CAME INTO CONTACT WITH THE HONG KONG AUTHORITIES ON DECEMBER 6, THREE MONTHS LATER, WHEN THEY WERE ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH A POLICE OPERATION AGA INST A FORGED PASSPORT SYNDICATE.
THE COUPLE SAID THEY WERE TRYING TO BUY FORGED THAI PASSPORTS. WHEN ARRESTED THEY HAD IN THEIR POSSESSION US$77,000 AND HK$28,000 IN CASH.
THE COUPLE SUBSEQUENTLY CLAIMED THAT THEY HAD BEEN INVOLVED IN THE RECENT POLITICAL PROTESTS IN CHINA DURING THE PERIOD APRIL TO JUNE 1989 AND 'CHAT CONSEQUENTLY THEY FEARED THAT THEY WOULD BE PERSECUTED FOR POLITICAL REASONS UPON BEING RETURNED TO CHINA.
TN THE COURSE OF THE NEXT FEW WEEKS THIS CLAIM WAS THE SUBJECT OF DETAILED EXAMINATION AND SCRUTINY BY IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT AND SECURITY BRANCH OFFICIALS.
AS STATED IN COURT IT APPEARED TO THE OFFICIALS CONCERNED THAT THERE WERE MATERIAL SHORTCOMINGS AND SUSPECTED FABRICATIONS IN THEIR ACCOUNT, MORE PART ICULARLY IN MR LI’S ACCOUNT OF HIS ALLEGED MEDICAL QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE, THE APPLICANTS’ CLAIMED INVOLVEMENT IN THE STUDENT MOVEMENT AND PROTESTS, AND THEIR FAILURE TO ACCOUNT ADEQUATELY FOR THE LARGE SUMS OF MONEY IN THEIR POSSESSION.
FOLLOWING THE DISMISSAL OF THE COUPLE’S CASE BY THE IMMIGRATION TRIBUNAL, THE HIGH COURT AND THE COURT OF APPEAL, THEY DECIDED TO RETURN TO CHINA IN JULY 1990.
USE OF WEAPONS IN CRIME A SERIOUS MATTER
IN RESPONSE TO THE ROBBERY WHICH TOOK PLACE YESTERDAY AFTERNOON IN KWUN TONG, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE USE OF WEAPONS IN THE COMMISSION OF ANY CRIME IS A SERIOUS MATTER.
HE SAID: ’’THE USE OF AN ASSAULT RIFLE IN THIS ROBBERY IS A MATTER OF PARTICULAR CONCERN.
"IT IS A PRIORITY OF THE GOVERNMENT TO TAKE ALL STEPS POSSIBLE TO CURTAIL THE IMPORTATION AND USE OF WEAPONS. THIS IS PRIMARILY A MATTER FOR THE POLICE.
’’IT IS ALSO A SUBJECT WHICH WE HAVE BEEN DISCUSSING WITH THE AUTHORITIES IN GUANGDONG PROVINCE WHO SHARE OUR OBJECTIVE OF PREVENTING THE IMPORTATION AND ILSE OF FIREARMS TO COMMIT CRIMES."
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/5 .....
MONDAY, JUNE 10, 1991
5
COMMISSIONER OE POLICE COMMENTS ON ROBBERY CASE
COMMENTING ON THE ROBBERY WHICH TOOK PLACE IN MUT WAH STREET, KWUN TONG, YESTERDAY IN WHICH GUNFIRE WAS EXCHANGED BETWEEN POLICE AND ROBBERS, THE COMMISSIONER OE POLICE, MR LI KWAN-HA, SAID (TODAY) THAT THE POLICE OFFICERS WHO WERE INVOLVED HAD CARRIED OUT THEIR. DUTIES WITH GREAT EFFICIENCY AND IN THE FINEST TRADITION OF THE FORCE.
MR LI ALSO SAID THAT THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ROBBERY WOULD BE HUNTED DOWN AND BROUGHT TO JUSTICE.
CID OFFICERS FROM THE ORGANISED AND SERIOUS CRIME GROUP WERE WORKING TOGETHER WITH THE REGIONAL (’RIME UNIT IN KOWLOON ON THE CASE FOR WHICH A REWARD OF $500,000 WAS BEING OFFERED, HE SAID.
TAC SUPPORTS EMERGENCY PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING MAJOR DISRUPTION IN PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES
THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE WAS TODAY (MONDAY) BRIEFED ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS AND FINDINGS MADE BY A UK RAILWAY INSPECTOR FOLLOWING HIS INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION INTO THE MTR SERVICE DISRUPTION ON MARCH 11.
MEMBERS LEARNED THAT THE UK DEPUTY CHIEF INSPECTING OFFICER OF RAILWAYS, MR ALAN COOKSEY, WAS SATISFIED THAT THE EQUIPMENT FAILURES WHICH CAUSED THE INCIDENT WERE NOT ATTRIBUTABLE TO ANY DEFICIENCY IN THE MTRC’S STANDARD OF MAINTENANCE, NOR COULD THEY BE ATTRIBUTED TO THE AGE OF THE SYSTEM.
ON THE CAUSES OF THE MARCH 11 INCIDENT, MR COOKSEY CONFIRMED THAT THE DISRUPTION WAS INSTIGATED BY A FRACTURED INSULATOR WHICH CAUSED A SERIES OF DAMAGES TO THE PANTOGRAPHS OF PASSING TRAINS.
TO GUARD AGAINST THE IMPROVE THE FUTURE HANDLING COOKSEY HAD MADE A NUMBER MEASURES, CRISIS MANAGEMENT
RECURRENCE OF SIMILAR INCIDENTS AND TO OF LARGE SCALE SERVICE DISRUPTIONS, MR OF RECOMMENDATIONS COVERING PREVENTIVE AND INFORMATION DISSEMINATION.
AS ADDED PREVENTIVE MEASURES, THE RAILWAY RECOMMENDED THE DEVELOPMENT OF MORE RELIABLE METHODS FOR FAULTY INSULATORS AND THE USE OF AUTO-LOWER I NG PANTOGRAPHS
INSPECTOR DETECTING TO AVOID
THE SPREADING OF SECONDARY DAMAGES.
TO MINIMISE THE RECOVERY TIME REQUIRED, MR COOKSEY RECOMMENDED THE DRAWING UP OF A FAULT ANALYSIS MANUAL WHICH WILL ASSIST STAFF IN THE MTR CENTRAL CONTROL ROOM TO IDENTIFY MORE QUICKLY THE LIKELY CAUSES OF DISRUPTIONS AND ENABLE A MORE EFFECTIVE RESPONSE TO BE MADE.
/HE ALSO .......
MONDAY, JUNE 10, 1991
6
HE ALSO RECOMMENDED THE APPOINTMENT OF AN OPERATION OFFICER WITH AUTHORITY TO REVIEW AND DEVELOP LONGER TERM RELIEF PLANS, THEREBY ALLOWING STAFF IN THE MTR CENTRAL CONTROL ROOM TO CONCENTRATE ON HANDLING IMMEDIATE EVENTS DURING SERVICE DISRUPTIONS.
TO SPEED UP THE DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC, SO THAT INTENDING PASSENGERS COULD CHANGE THEIR JOURNEYS AT THE EARLIEST OPPORTUNITY, THE RAILWAY INSPECTOR CONSIDERED THAT MTRC SHOULD GIVE DIRECT NOTIFICATIONS TO THE MEDIA IN CASE OF MAJOR SERVICE DISRUPTIONS.
ONCE THE MESSAGE OF A SERVICE DISRUPTION IS OUT, MR COOKSEY FELT THAT FURTHER DIALOGUE BETWEEN DIFFERENT TRANSPORT OPERATORS SHOULD EITHER BE CO-ORDINATED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT OR CHANNELLED THROUGH A COMMUNICATION DEVICE CAPABLE OF SENDING INFORMATION TO ALL OTHER PARTIES SIMULTANEOUSLY, THUS ENABLING MTRC STAFF TO GIVE FULL ATTENTION TO MANAGING THE INCIDENT.
AS REGARDS MTRC’S INTERNAL COMMUNICATION ARRANGEMENTS, MR COOKSEY ENDORSED THE RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY MTRC’S OWN INQUIRY PANEL, WHICH INCLUDE A SYSTEM ALLOWING DIRECT COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE CENTRAL CONTROL ROOM AND PASSENGERS ON TRAINS, AND ENHANCEMENT OF EXISTING PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS AT STATION CONCOURSES AND STATION ENTRANCES.
TAC MEMBERS NOTED THAT, IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE SERVICE DISRUPTION ON MARCH 11, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAD CONDUCTED A REVIEW OF THE EMERGENCY ARRANGEMENTS FOR HANDLING MAJOR TRANSPORT DISRUPTIONS.
THE COMMITTEE WAS INFORMED THAT THE REVISED EMERGENCY HANDLING PROCEDURES RESULTING FROM THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S REVIEW HAD BEEN TESTED IN A DRILL STAGED IN LATE APRIL, AND THAT FURTHER DRILLS WOULD BE UNDERTAKEN AT REGULAR INTERVALS.
IN HIS REPORT, MR COOKSEY AGREED WITH THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S PROPOSAL THAT, AS AN ADDED PRECAUTION, ALL RELEVANT PUBLIC TRANSPORT OPERATORS SHOULD BE ALERTED ONCE THERE ARE SIGNS OF A SERVICE DISRUPTION DURING THE PEAK' HOURS, INSTEAD OF WAITING UNTIL THE POINT WHERE THE SITUATION COULD .QUICKLY ESCALATE AND DEVELOP INTO A MAJOR INCI DENT.
MEANWHILE, TAC MEMBERS WERE BRIEFED ON THE RESULTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CROSS HARBOUR PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES STUDY 1991-2001 COMMISSIONED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTENT.
THE STUDY PREDICTS THAT BETWEEN 1991 AND 1996, DEMAND FOR CROSS HARBOUR TRAVEL BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT MODES WILL INCREASE FROM 1.25 MILLION TRIPS PER DAY TO 1.44 MILLION.
UNDER DIFFERENT PLANNING LIKELY CHANGES TO THE DEMAND FOR TRANSPORT MODES NOW ( ROSS I NG THE AND TUNNEL BUSES.
SCENARIOS, THE CONSULTANTS STUDIED AND THE MARKET SHARE OF DIFFERENT HARBOUR, INCLUDING THE MTR, FERRIES
/BASED ON .......
MONDAY, JUNE 10, 1991
BASED ON THE STUDY RESULTS, THE CONSULTANTS RECOMMENDED A STRATEGY EOR THE DEVELOPMENT OE CROSS HARBOUR PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES UP TO AND BEYOND 1996.
THE TAC NOTED THAT, LN FORMULATING THE RECOMMENDED STRATEGY, THE CONSULTANTS HAD TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THE LIKELY IMPACT OE PLANNED DEVELOPMENTS IN THE HARBOUR ON THE FINANCIAL VIABILITY OF FERRY SERVICES, THE NEED TO HELP RELIEVE THE MTR NATHAN ROAD CONGESTION, AND THE TRANSPORT REQUIREMENTS OF DEVELOPING AREAS.
AT TODAY'S MEETING, THE TAI' ALSO DISCUSSED THE HONG KONG AND YAUMATE1 FERRY COMPANY’S PROPOSAL TO WITHDRAW THREE FRANCHISED FERRY SERVICES IN 1991 AND ITS FORWARD PLANNING PROGRAMME (FPP) FOR 1991-95.
MEMBERS NOTED THAT HYF’S FERRY PATRONAGE WAS HARD HIT BY THE OPENING OF THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING IN LATE 1989. REVENUE FROM HYF’S INNER HARBOUR SERVICES AS A WHOLE DROPPED 1'1.8 PER CENT IN 1990.
TO RELIEVE UPWARD PRESSURE ON FARES, AND TO AVOID EXCESSIVE CROSS-SUBSIDISATION BETWEEN THE INNER HARBOUR SERVICES AND THE RECREATIONAL SERVICES TO THE OUTLYING ISLANDS, ONGOING EFFORTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO RATIONALISE HYF’S SERVICES IN KEEPING WITH DEMAND.
ON HYF’S FPP, TAC NOTED THAT THE COMPANY PROPOSED TO FURTHER RATIONALISE ITS INNER HARBOUR SERVICES BETWEEN 1991 AND 1995, HAVING REGARD TO THE LIKELY IMPACT OF PLANNED RECLAMATIONS ON INDIVIDUAL FERRY ROUTES, AND COMPETITION FROM OTHER MODES.
THE TAC WAS INFORMED THAT FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SERVICE RATIONALISATION PROGRAMME WOULD ALLOW HYF TO CONCENTRATE ITS RESOURCES ON IMPROVING SERVICES FOR WHICH THERE IS DEMONSTRABLE DEMAND, INCLUDING THE ESSENTIAL SERVICES TO THE OUTLYING ISLANDS.
AT THE MEETING, THE TAC RECEIVED A REPORT FROM THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ON STEPS BEING TAKEN TO MONITOR THE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF THE TAXI TRADE FOLLOWING THE REMOVAL OF THE $1 FUEL SUPPLEMENT.
IN ADDITION, THE COMMITTEE WAS BRIEFED ON THE POSITION OF LOCAL OIL COMPANIES REGARDING THE FUTURE MOVEMENT OF THE RETAIL PRICES OF DIESEL FUEL AND THE LIKELIHOOD OF THE OIL COMPANIES LOWERING THE DIESEL PRICE IN THE COMING WEEKS.
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/8
MONDAY, JUNE 10, 1991
8
MANUFACTURERS MUST UPGRADE QUALITY TO ADAPT TO CHANGING MARKET CIRCUMSTANCES *****
TO REMAIN COMPETITIVE AND INCREASE MARKET SHARE, HONG KONG manufacturers must adapt to changing circumstances in overseas MARKETS BY UPGRADING THE QUALITY OF THEIR PRODUCTS AND GIVING QUALITY STANDARD ASSURANCE, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T.H. (HAU, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
MR CHAU WAS SPEAKING AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE HONG KONG QUALITY ASSURANCE AGENCY’S FIRST ISO 9000 QUALITY ASSURANCE CERTIFICATE ISSUED TO A LOCAL MANUFACTURING COMPANY, ELECTRONICS DEVICES LIMITED (EDL).
HE SAID ONE OF THE "CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES" WAS THE EVER INCREASING EXPECTATION OF BOTH LOCAL AND OVERSEAS CUSTOMERS FOR BETTER QUALITY PRODUCTS.
"IN SOME CASES, SUCH CUSTOMER DEMANDS AND REQUIREMENTS ARE WRITTEN INTO NATIONAL STANDARDS WHICH MUST BE MET BY MANUFACTURERS.
"A GOOD EXAMPLE IS THE ISO 9000 SERIES OF QUALITY STANDARD WHICH HAS BEEN ADOPTED AS THE NATIONAL QUALITY STANDARD IN MANY COUNTRIES, INCLUDING OUR MAJOR OVERSEAS MARKETS, SUCH AS THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY," HE SAID.
THE GOVERNMENT, IN HELPING THE LOCAL MANUFACTERI NG SECTOR TO ACQUIRE RECOGNITION FOR QUALITY STANDARD ASSURANCE, COMMISSIONED CONSULTANTS TO MAKE AN IN-DEPTH STUDY OF HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIES IN 1987, AND THEN PROPOSED A QUALITY STRATEGY FOR HONG KONG PRODUCTS AND ASSOCIATED SERVICES, MR CHAU SAID.
THIS EVENTUALLY LED TO THE ESTABLISHMENT IN 1989 OF A GOVERNMENT SUBVERTED AGENCY CALLED THE HONG KONG QUALITY ASSURANCE AGENCY (HKQAA).
"THE AGENCY IS TASKED WITH OPERATING A VOLUNTARY QUALITY ASSURANCE CERTIFICATION SCHEME FOR LOCAL COMPANIES," HE SAID.
"UNDER THE SCHEME, CERTIFICATES WILL BE ISSUED TO ORGANISATIONS WHOSE QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS CONFORM WITH THE ISO 9000 SERIES.
"THE AGENCY ALSO WORKS IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT TO PROMOTE THE ADOPTION OF SOUND QUALITY ASSURANCE PRACTICES IN HONG KONG," HE SAID.
MR CHAU SAID THE HKQAA HAD ACQUIRED CONSIDERABLE EXPERTISE IN ISO 9000 AUDITING THROUGH CLOSE CO-OPERATION WITH THE BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION.
"IT HAS ALSO TRAINED A NUMBER OF LOCAL QUALITY ASSURANCE AUDITORS TO CONDUCT AUDITS INDEPENDENTLY," HE SAID.
/MR CHAU .......
MONDAY, JUNE 10, 1991
9
MR CHAU CONGRATULATED EDL FOR BEING THE FIRST COMPANY IN HONG KONG TO RECEIVE AN ISO 9000 CERTIFICATE.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY, THE CHAIRMAN OF HKQAA’S GOVERNING COUNCIL, DR JOHN LO, SAID THE AGENCY WAS PRESENTLY DEALING WITH OVER 250 COMPANIES PREPARING FOR CERTIFICATION.
’’SOME OF THESE ARE IN THE FINAL STAGES OF PREPARATION, AND WE EXPECT TO HAVE WELL OVER 100 COMPANIES CERTIFIED WITHIN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS," HE SAID.
DR LO SAID MORE THAN 100 OF THE 250 COMPANIES WORKING ON CERTIFICATION WERE IN THE ELECTROTECHNICAL BUSINESS SECTOR.
"TRADING AND SERVICES ORGANISATIONS PROVIDING SUPPORT FOR HONG KONG INDUSTRY HAVE SHOWN A KEEN INTEREST RECENTLY, AND THE INVOLVEMENT OF WATCH AND CLOCK MANUFACTURERS IS INCREASING," HE SAID.
THERE WAS ALSO GROWING DEMAND FOR CERTIFICATION FROM TWO OF HONG KONG’S LARGEST INDUSTRIAL SECTORS, TOYS AND TEXTILES.
'WITH THE DEVELOPMENTS I HAVE DESCRIBED, HONG KONG IS SET TO BECOME THE LEADER IN QUALITY SYSTEMS CERTIFICATION IN ASIA - BUT, I MUST ADD, WE ARE BEING CLOSELY FOLLOWED BY OTHER COUNTRIES IN THE REGION," HE SAID.
ACCORDING TO DR LO, IT TAKES BETWEEN ONE AND THREE YEARS FOR A COMPANY TO PREPARE FOR CERTIFICATION.
------0-------
SUBSIDY SCHEME FOR WELFARE SERVICES
* ♦ ♦ * 1
NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS (NGO’S) AND NON-PROFIT-MAKING ORGANISATIONS ARE INVITED TO CONSIDER TRYING OUT A SUBSIDY SCHEME IN SOME OF THEIR WELFARE SERVICE UNITS.
THE SCHEME, AN ALTERNATIVE MODE FOR FINANCING WELFARE SERVICES, HAS THREE MAIN FEATURES:
♦ FIRSTLY, THE MONITORING OF RESOURCE INPUT SUCH AS SURPLUS ASSESSMENT IS DISPENSED WITH;
« SECOND, MONITORING OF SERVICE OUTPUT SUCH AS THE CLIENTS SERVED, THE SERVICE ACT IV IT IES CONDUCTED IS EMPHASISED; AND
♦ THIRD, DURING THE CONTRACT PERIOD, THERE WILL BE NO CLAWING BACK OR TOPPING UP OF FUNDS PROVIDED.
THE PRICE OF THE SERVICE AND THE PERIOD OF THE CONTRACT ARE SUBJECT TO NEGOTIATION BETWEEN THE BUYER AND THE SELLER, THAT IS THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE AGENCY CONCERNED.
/SPEAKING AT .......
MONDAY, JUNE 10, 1991
10 -
SPEAKING AT THE QUARTERLY MEETING OE THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE TODAY (MONDAY), THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE (SUBVENTIONS), MR CARLOS LEUNG, POINTED OUT THAT THIS MODE OF FINANCING PROVIDED GREATER FLEXIBILITY FOR THE SERVICE OPERA'I’ORS IN THE DEPLOYMENT OF RESOURCES AND WOULD REDUCE THE WORKLOAD ARISING FROM THE MONITORING OF INPUTS.
’’THE SWI) BELIEVES THAT THIS ALTERNATIVE MODE COULD BE AN OPTION FOR ALL SUBVENTED NGO’S," HE SAID.
MR LEUNG EXPLAINED THAT THE SCHEME WAS EVOLVED FROM A THREE-YEAR EXPERIMENT TO PURCHASE CARE AND ATTENTION PLACES IN FOUR SHELTERS OF THE HELPING HAND — A NON-SUBVENTED CHARITABLE ORGANISATION.
"DURING THE EXPERIMENTAL PERIOD, THE SCHEME WAS FINANCED BY THE LOTTERIES FUND.
"AN EVALUATION CONDUCTED ON THE SCHEME AT THE COMPLETION OF THE EXPERIMENT CONFIRMED THAT THE FOUR SHELTER HOMES HAD PROVIDED GOOD QUALITY OF SERVICE TO THE RESIDENTS," HE SAID.
MR LEUNG SAID THEORETICALLY, THE SUBSIDY SCHEME COULD BE \T’‘ DED TO ALL SERVICES, DAY OR RESIDENTIAL SERVICES FOR WHICH A NII ' >ST COULD BE WORKED OUT AND WHERE THE LEVEL OF PERFORMANCE WAS ES I ABI. I SHED.
"THF SCHEME IS APPLICABLE TO EXISTING FACILITIES AS WELL AS NEW PROJECTS IN THE PIPELINE. HOWEVER, ITS APPLICABILITY IN THE RESIDENTIAL SERVICE FOR THE ELDERLY HAS BEEN WELL DEMONSTRATED," HE SAID.
"TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN IMPLEMENTING THIS SCHEME, IT IS
RECOGNISED THAT THE STANDARD OF SERVICE TO BE OFFERED BY THE
PROSPECTIVE SERVICE PROVIDER IS THE PARAMOUNT ELEMENT FOR
CONSIDERATION.
"SINCE THE TARGET GROUP FOR THIS SCHEME IS BASICALLY THE
SUBVENTED NGO’S, THE SWI) HAS FULL CONFIDENCE IN THEIR STANDARD OF SERVICE.
"CORRESPONDINGLY, THE DEPARTMENT WILL STEP UP ITS EVALUATION EFFORTS TO MONITOR THE SERVICE OUTPUT IN LINE WITH THE WHITE PAPER’S RECOMMENDATIONS SUCH AS TO OBTAIN GREATER CONSUMER FEEDBACK ON SERVICES," HE ADDED.
THERE ARE AT PRESENT 160 NGO’S RECEIVING GOVERNMENT SUBVENTION FROM THE SWI) FOR THE OPERATION OF 1,564 SERVICE UNITS.
IN 1990-91, RECURRENT SUBVENTION TO NGO’S AMOUNTED TO $1,168.3 MILLION.
/Il ........
MONDAY, JUNE 10, 1991
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO FAMILIES OF AIR CRASH VICTIMS
******
FAMILY MEMBERS OF A NEWLY-WEDDED COUPLE WHO WAS KILLED IN THE LAUDA AIR CRASH IN THAILAND LAST MONTH HAVE BEEN OFFERED FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.
FAMILIES OF THE VICTIMS WERE OFFERED A TOTAL OF $8,000 IN CASH GRANT FROM THE TANG HO CHARITABLE FUND TO HELP THEM COPE WITH THE HARDSHIP ARISING FROM THE TRAGEDY.
A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT SOCIAL WORKERS CONTACTED THE CONCERNED FAMILIES IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE INCIDENT.
"THE SERVICES OF SWD WERE INTRODUCED TO THEM DURING OUR HOME
VISITS AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED SUBSEQUENTLY,” HE SAID.
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LEGCO TO DEBATE ON LRT SERVICES
*♦♦♦♦♦
MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL ASK NINE QUESTIONS AND CONSIDER 11 BILLS AT THE COUNCIL’S MEETING ON WEDNESDAY (JUNE 12).
OF THE 11 BILLS, SIX WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. DEBATES ON THEM WILL BE ADJOURNED.
THEY ARE THE BANKRUPTCY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, FIXED PENALTY (TRAFFIC CONTRAVENTIONS) (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1991, ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) (NO. 4) BILL 1991, EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1991, EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 AND PNEUMOCONIOSIS (COMPENSATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991.
DEBATES ON THE OTHER FIVE BILLS WILL BE RESUMED AND EACH IS DUE TO GO THROUGH THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND BE GIVEN A THIRD READING.
THEY ARE THE LAW AMENDMENT AND REFORM (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1991, FIXED PENALTY (TRAFFIC (’ON’I’RAVENT 1ONS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, ROAD TUNNELS (GOVERNMENT) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 AND SUPPLEMENTARY MEDICAL PROFESSIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991.
IN ADDITION, THE HON TAI CHIN-WAH WILL RAISE UNDER STANDING ORDER 9 (5) THE MATTER OF ’’SERVICES OF THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM IN NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES” FOR ADJOURNMENT DEBATE.
/ALSO, TWO
MONDAY, JUNE 10, 1991
12
ALSO, TWO REPORTS — THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE FUND ANNUAL REPORT BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE INCORPORATED FOR THE YEAR FROM APRIL 1, 1989 TO MARCH 31, 1990 AND THE REPORT BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES ON THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WELFARE FUND FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1990 -- WILL BE TABLED AT THE MEETING.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO OBSERVE THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND THEY MAY MAKE RESERVATIONS FOR SEATS IN THE PUBLIC GALLERIES BY TELEPHONING 844 0899.
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JAMES SO TAKES UP SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE POST
♦ » * ♦ ♦
MR JAMES SO, FORMERLY DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES, HAS TAKEN UP THE POST OF SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE AS FROM JUNE 8.
HE HAS SUCCEEDED MR AUGUSTINE CHUI, WHO WILL TAKE UP THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE PUBLIC SERVICES COMMISSION LATER THIS MONTH.
MR SO JOINED THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IN 1962. HE HAS SERVED IN A NUMBER OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND BRANCHES, INCLUDING THE FORMER HOME AFFAIRS AND RESETTLEMENT DEPARTMENTS, URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, GOVERNMENT HOUSE, FINANCE BRANCH, SECURITY BRANCH, ADMINISTRATIVE AND INFORMATION SERVICES BRANCH, CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH AND TRANSPORT BRANCH.
MR SO WAS APPOINTED COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT IN MAY 1987 AND TOOK UP THE POST OF DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES IN AUGUST 1989.
MEANWHILE, MR PAUL LEUNG, FORMER DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, HAS ALSO JOINED THE BRANCH RECENTLY AS DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, TAKING OVER FROM MRS SHELLEY LAU.
IN THIS POST MR LEUNG ALSO BECOMES COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, OVERSEEING MATTERS RELATING TO RECREATION, CULTURE, SPORTS, ARTS AND MUSIC.
------0----------
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ♦ ♦ » ♦ * ♦
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 24.7 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 144.746 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 254.295 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 43.4 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
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/13........
I 3
ri« 'Hb \ , t H’HI | «' t I I
||(H4G KONG GOVERNMENT । CHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
♦ t t t 1 DATE
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 8.6.91
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 10.6.91
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING
EFFECT (>F OPERA'!’ I ONS TH IS AFTERNOON
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 114.5 *+0.2*
0.6.91
$ MILLION
380
-79
+ 79
NEUTRAL
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND BILLS
10 JUNE 1991
CLOSING YIELDS OF EXCHANGE FUND BILLS
MATURING ON 1 WEEK 7.73 PCT
1 MONTH 7.64 PCT
3 MONTHS 7.58 PCT
6 MONTHS 7.57 PCT
12 MONTHS 7.61 PCT
TOTAL BILL TRANSFER - 1,676 MN ---------------------------------0--------
JOINT SCHOOL CONCERT OF CHINESE MUSIC ♦ ♦ ♦ » *
THE MUSIC OFFICE, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG (CUHK) AND THE ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS (APA), WILL PRESENT A CONCERT OF CHINESE MUSIC ON JULY 7. IT WILL BEGIN AT 8 PM.
THE CONCERT IS PART OF THE PROGRAMME OF THE 31ST WORLD CONFERENCE OF THE INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL FOR TRADITIONAL MUSIC (ICTM), TO BE HELD IN HONG KONG FROM JULY 3 TO 9.
UNDER THE BATON OF MR TONG LEUNG-TAK, THE HONG KONG YOUTH CHINESE ORCHESTRA AND MUSIC STUDENTS OF APA AND CUHK WILL PRESENT A NUMBER OF FAMOUS CHINESE CLASSICAL PIECES INCLUDING "INTERLOCKING RINGS", "THE SORROW OF LADY ZHAO JUN", "HAPPY SPRING EVENING" AND "THE RITUAL FIRE DANCE".
MR TONG IS THE PRINCIPAL CONDUCTOR OF THE HONG KONG YOUTH CHINESE ORCHESTRA. UNDER HIS BATON, THE ORCHESTRA HAS PERFORMED IN A NUMBER OF COUNTRIES INCLUDING AUSTRALIA, SINGAPORE, ('HINA, CANADA AND THE UNITED STATES IN RECENT YEARS.
ABOUT 150 DELEGATES FROM NEARLY 20 COUNTRIES ATTENDING THE CONFERENCE WILL ALSO BE INVITED TO ATTEND THE CONCERT.
TICKETS FOR THE CONCERT AT $20 AND $30 EACH ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT ALL URBTIX OUTLETS. ENQUIRIES ('AN BE MADE ON TEL. 722 6240.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 842 8777
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS FOR APRIL RELEASED .............................. 1
PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO BE STRENGTHENED DURING PERIOD OF REDUCED TAXI SERVICE ................................................................... 7
PUBLIC URGED TO SAVE WATER ................................................ 9
FIRST LDC DEVELOPMENT SCHEME PLAN APPROVED .............................. 11
HK A BIG INCENTIVE TO POTENTIAL OVERSEAS INVESTORS ....................... 12
SHARK HUNTING DANGEROUS .................................................. 13
FREE RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES TO CELEBRATE QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY . 14
IMPROVED APPLICATION FIGURES FOR POLICE RECRUITMENT ...................... 14
TWO NEW DRAGON BOATS TO BE LAUNCHED IN TAI PO............................. 17
ACTION ON UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS IN NORTH POINT ..................... 17
EARLIER WELFARE PAYMENT .................................................. 18
BOARDS PAY $5.7M IN INJURIES COMPENSATION ................................ 18
PROPER LABELLING FOR PREPACKAGED FOOD .................................... 19
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND ....................................... 19
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
20
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 1991
1
EXTERNAL TRADI- STATISTICS FOR APRIL RELEASED * * * * *
TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE IN APRIL 1991, AT $125,524 MILLION, GREW BY 28% IN VALUE AS COMPARED WITH APRIL 1990, ACCORDING TO THE DETAILED FIGURES ON I’HE VALUE OF TRADE IN APRIL 1991 RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTIC'S DEPARTMENT.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 11% TO $18,193 MILLION, WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 35% TO $41,513 MILLION.
THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 26% TO $59,707 MILLION. THE VALUE OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY 30% TO $65,817 MILLION.
THE VALUE OF TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE IN JANUARY TO APRIL 1991, AT $441,048 MILLION, INCREASED BY 22% AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1990.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, I’HE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 6% TO $66,683 MILLION, WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 28% TO $145,873 MILLION.
THUS, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 20% TO $212,556 MILLION. THE VALUE OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY 25% TO $228,492 MILLION.
THE CHANGES IN I’HE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO 10 MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
COMPARING APRIL 1991 WITH APRIL 1990, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO SINGAPORE, I’HE FEDERAL REPUBLIC' OF GERMANY, CHINA, THE NETHERLANDS, I’HE UNITED KINGDOM, FRANCE AND JAPAN INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY, BY 45%, 34%, 30%, 29%, 24%, 23% AND 17% RESPECTIVELY.
HOWEVER, I’HE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE USA, CANADA AND TAIWAN DECREASED BY 13%, 7% AND 1% RESPECTIVELY.
COMPARING JANUARY TO APRIL 1991 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1990, SUBSTANT I AL INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN I’HE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, SINGAPORE, THE NETHERLANDS, THE UNITED KINGDOM, ('HINA AND FRANCE, RY 39%, 39%, 28%, 21%, 16% AND 13% RESPECT IVELY.
’I’HE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO TAIWAN AND JAPAN ALSO INCREASED BY 9% AND 6% RESPECTIVELY.
HOWEVER, 'I’HE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS 'I’O CANADA AND 'I’HE USA ROTH DECREASED BY 14%.
TABLE 2 SHOWS I’HE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
/COMPARING JANUARY .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 1991
COMPARING JANUARY TO APRIL 1991 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1990, INCREASES IN THE VALUE OE DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE REGISTERED EOR OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $1,161 MILLION OR 25%); CLOTHING (BY $1,085 MILLION OR 6%); ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF’ (BY $805 MILLION OR 16%); AND PHOTOGRAPHIC’ APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND (’LOCKS (BY $561 MILLION OR 10%).
DOMESTIC' EXPORTS OF TEXTILES INCREASED BY $22 MILLION OR LESS THAN 0.5% IN VALUE.
HOWEVER, DECREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC’ EXPORTS WERE RECORDED IN MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (BY $837 MILLION OR 11%), AND FOOTWEAR (BY $93 MILLION OR 29%).
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM 10 MAJOR SUPPLIERS ARE SUMMARISED IN TABLE 3.
COMPARING APRIL 1991 WITH APRIL 1990, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM MOST MAJOR SUPPLIERS.
THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM THE USA, TAIWAN, JAPAN, CHINA, THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA, THE UNITED KINGDOM AND SINGAPORE INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY, BY 40%, 35%, 33%, 32%, 31%, 27% AND 24% RESPECTIVELY. THOSE FROM THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY AND ITALY ALSO INCREASED BY 12% AND 5% RESPECTIVELY.
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM SWITZERLAND DECREASED BY 6%.
COMPARING JANUARY TO APRIL 1991 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1990, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM ALL MAJOR SUPPLIERS.
THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM SINGAPORE, THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA, TAIWAN, JAPAN, THE UN I TED KINGDOM, ('HINA AND THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY, BY 46%, 33%, 30%, 29%, 29%, 26% AND 21% RESPECTIVELY.
THOSE FROM THE USA, SWITZERLAND AND ITALY INCREASED BY 12%, 8% AND 2% RESPECTIVELY.
TABLE 4 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
COMPARING JANUARY TO APRIL 199 I 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 $5,209 MILLION OR 28%); TEXTILES (BY $4,186 MILLION OR 18%); TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $4,152 MILLION OR 31%); AND CLOTHING (BY $4,123 MILLION OR 29%).
HOWEVER, DECREASES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS WERE REGISTERED FOR NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANI! I 'AC’TUR FS ( IH $137 MILLION OR 2%), AND RAW HIDES, SKINS AND FURSKI NS (BY $ I0G MILLION OR 18%).
/THE CHANGES .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 1991
3
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS TO 10 MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 5.
COMPARING APRIL 1991 WITH APRIL 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 AND ITALY, BY 80%, 58%, 48% AND 15% RESPECTIVELY. THOSE TO JAPAN, THE UNITED KINGDOM,
THE USA, TAIWAN AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA INCREASED BY 34%, 27%, 17%,
17% AND 12% RESPECTIVELY.
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO SINGAPORE DECREASED BY 12%.
COMPARING JANUARY TO APRIL 1991 OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1990, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO MOST MAJOR MARKETS INCREASED.
SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, FRANCE, ITALY, CHINA AND THE UNITED KINGDOM, BY 88%, 48%, 47%, 34% AND 32% RESPECTIVELY.
THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO JAPAN, TAIWAN, THE USA AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA INCREASED BY 24%, 24%, 14% AND 5% RESPECTIVELY. HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO SINGAPORE DECREASED BY 10%.
TABLE 6 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
COMPARING JANUARY TO APRIL 1991 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1990, CONSIDERABLE INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS WERE REGISTERED FOR CLOTHING (BY $5,131 MILLIONOR 41%); MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (BY $3,410 MILLION OR 26%); TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $2,741 MILLION OR 29%); AND TEXTILES (BY $2,585 MILLION OR 20%).
HOWEVER, DECREASES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS WERE RECORDED IN FISH, CRUSTACEANS AND MOLLUSCS, AND PREPARATIONS THEREOF (BY $152 MILLION OR 10%), AND RAW HIDES, SKINS AND FURSKINS (BY $55 MILLION OR 22%) .
ALL THE TRADE STATISTICS DESCRIBED HERE ARB 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 APRIL 1991 WILL BE RELEASED IN EARLY JULY 1991.
DETAILED STATISTICS ON TRADE VALUE BY COMMODITY AND BY COUNTRY ARE PUBLISHED IN TRADE STATISTICS REPORTS.
THE APRIL 1991 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE" WITH DETAILED ANALYSES ON IMPORTS, EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS IN APRIL 1991 WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AROUND JUNE 20 AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL AT $33.50 PER COPY.
/ENQUIRIES REGARDING .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 1991
4
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. 84 2 8802) AND ENQUIRIES ON TRADE'STATISTICS TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL. NO. 823 491 5) .
TABLE 1: DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO 10 MAJOR MARKETS
MAJOR MARKET APR 199 I (HKD MN) APR 91 OVER APR 90 ( % ) .IAN-APR 1991 (HKD MN) JAN-APR OVER JAN-APR ( * 91 90 ► )
USA 4,270 - 13 15,948 - 14
CHINA 1 , 7 50 + 30 14,986 4- 16
FR OF GERMANY 1,475 + 34 6,379 4- 39
UK 1 ,026 4- 24 4 , 1 09 4- 21
JAPAN 1,013 + 17 3,648 4- 6
SINGAPORE 733 + 45 2,784 4- 39
TAIWAN 5 4 6 - 1 1 ,997 4- 9
NETHERLANDS 154 4 29 1 ,851 4- 28
CANADA 312 - 7 1,345 - 14
FRANCE 33 1 4- 23 1,205 4- 13
TABLE 2: DOMES'! IC EXPORTS of Till • MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISION APR 1 99 1 (Hhl) MN) APR 9 1 OVER APR 90 ( % ) JAN-APR 199 1 (HKD MN) JAN-APR OVER JAN-APR ( 1 91 90 % )
ART I (’LES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING
ACCESSORIES 1 » 552
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND
SILVERSMITHS ’ WARES ) 2 , ORO
PHOTOGRAPH IC APPARATUS , EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 1,755
4- 2 19,506 ♦ 0
- 1 7,052 - 11
>28 6,119 * 10
/ELECTRICAL MACHINERY,
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 1991
- 5 -
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRI (’AL PARTS
THEREOF 1 ,616 + 18 5,855 4- 16
OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESS 1 NG EQU IPMENT 1,511 + 20 5,783 4- 25
TEXTILE YARN,FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTK'LES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 1 , 560 4- 1 1 5,186
♦ DENOTES LESS THAN 0 .5%
TABLE 3 : IMPORTS FROM 10 MAJOR SUPPLIERS
MAJOR SUPPLIER APR 1991 (HKD MN) APR 91 OVER APR 90 ( % ) JAN-APR 1991 (HKD MN) JAN-APR OVER JAN-APR ( * 91 90 > )
CHINA 23,663 + 32 80,837 4- 26
JAPAN 10,545 + 33 37,677 4- 29
TAIWAN 6,258 + 35 20,952 4- 30
USA 5,610 + 40 18,660 4- 12
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 3,249 4- 31 10,836 4- 33
SINGAPORE 2,38 1 4- 24 10,245 4- 46
UK I , 522 4- 27 5,54 5 4- 29
FR OF GERMANY 1 ,423 + 12 5,024 4- 21
SWITZERLAND 987 - 6 3,646 4- 8
ITALY 1,039 4- 5 3,548 4- 2
TABLE 1: IMPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
APR COMMODITY 1991 DIVISION (HKD MN) TEXTILE YARN,FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 8,703 APR 91 JAN-APR JAN-APR 91 OVER 1991 OVER APR 90 JAN-APR 90 ( % ) (HKD MN) ( % ) + 25 27,156 + 18 /ELECTRICAL MACHINERY,
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 1991
- 6 -
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRI (’AL PARTS THEREOF 6,339 4 22 23,540 4 28
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 5,048 4 28 18,396 4 29
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 5, 107 4- 36 17,691 4 31
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES,TOYS,GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 4,335 4 26 14,589 4 20
PHOTOGRAPH 1C APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 3,300 4 31 11,559 4 24
TABLE 5: RE- exports TO 10 MAJOR MARKETS
APR MAJOR MARKET 1991 (HKD MN) APR 91 OVER APR 90 ( % ) JAN-APR 1991 (HKD MN) JAN-APR 91 OVER JAN-APR 90 ( % )
CHINA 1 2,599 4 18 41,441 4 34
USA 7,3 29 + 1 7 26,345 4 1 4
FR OF GERMANY 2,592 4 80 10,441 4 88
JAPAN 2,256 4 34 8,682 4 24
TAIWAN 2,074 4 17 7,807 4 24
REPUBLIC’ Ob KOREA 1 , 298 4 12 4,445 4 5
UK 992 4 27 3,736 4 32
SINGAPORE 960 - 12 3,553 - 10
FRANCE 794 4 58 2,598 4 48
ITALY 683 4 4 5 2,4 03 4 47
/TABLE 6: .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 1991
- 7 -
TABLE 6: RE-EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
APR APR 91 JAN-APR JAN-APR 91
COMMODITY 1991 OVER 1991 OVER
DIVISION APR 90 JAN-APR 90
(HKD MN) ( % ) (HKD MN) ( % )
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING
ACCESSORIES 4,277 4- 33 17 , 745 4 41
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY RABY CARR I AGES,TOYS,G AMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 5,027 4 3 3 16,582 4 26
TEXTILE YARN,FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 4 ,846 4 3 1 15,819 4 20
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCE AND ELECTRI CAL PARTS THEREOF s, 3,3 7 3 4 9 12,708 4 13
TELEC’OMMUN 1 CATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUC1 NG APPAR \TUS AND EQUIPMENT 3 , 609 4 32 12,159 4 29
FOOTWEAR 1 . IK I 4- 55 6,053 4- 69
----------------()----------------------
pl BLIP TRANSPORT TO BE STRENGTHENED DURING PERIOD OP REDUCED TAX I SERVICE ♦ I ♦ ♦ ♦
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT I II IS (TUESDAY) EVENING ANNOUNCED THAT PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES WILL BE SIRENGTHENED DURING THE PERIOD OF REDUCED 'TAXI SERVICE TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
TAXI DRIVERS ARE EXPECTED TO STOP WORK RETWEEN 2 PM AND 4 PM.
THE DEPARTMENT HAS IDENTIFIED A NUMBER OF KEY LOCATIONS THROUGIIOUT THE TERRITORY WHERE TAXI DEMAND IS USUALLY HIGH AND WHERE SPEC IAL PUBLIC’ TRANSPORT SERVICE WILL BE PUT INTO SERVICE.
/A SPOKESMAN .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 1991
- 8 -
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID VARIOUS PUBLIC TRANSPORT OPERATORS HAVE BEEN VERY CO-OPERATIVE IN COMING UP WITH SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS AT SHORT NOTICE.
HE REMINDED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO URGENTLY REQUIRED TAXI SERVICE TO HIRE TAXIS THROUGH THE RADIO CALL SYSTEM.
DETAILS OF THE SPECIAL PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
AIRPORT
BUS ROUTES Al, A2 AND A3 WILL BE STRENGTHENED WITH DEPARTURES FROM EVERY 15 MINUTES TO EVERY 10 MINUTES.
TWO SPECIAL AIRPORT SERVICES WILL BE PROVIDED BY THE KMB. AIR-CONDITIONED DOUBLE-DECKERS WILL BE USED AND WILL DEPART KOWLOON TONG MTR STATION AND PRINCE EDWARD MTR STATION EVERY 10 MINUTES BETWEEN 1.30 PM AND 6.30 PM.
THESE AIRPORT BUS SERVICES WILL TAKE BOTH PASSENGERS AND LUGGAGES.
KOWLOON KCR STATION
BUS ROUTES STARTING FROM THIS STATION, INCLUDING IK, 2K, 5C,
5K, 8, UK AND 21, WILL BE STRENGTHENED.
GMB ROUTE NO. 6 OPERATING BETWEEN TSIM SHA TSUI AND WHAMPOA AS WELL AS KCR FEEDER BUS NO. 16 WI LI ALSO BE STRENGTHENED.
NOTICES WILL BE PUT UP AT THESE LOCATIONS TO ADVISE PASSENGERS.
TAXI STANDS
FERRY-PXSSENGFRS FROM STAR FERRY ON THE HONG KONG SIDE ARE ADVISED TO TAKI BUSES AND MINI-BUSES AT THE EXCHANGE SQUARE BUS TERMINUS. THEY CAN \LSO MAKE USE OF THE GMB SERVICE AT THE CITY HALL OR THE STRENGTHENED MIR AND TRAM SERVICES.
AT ADMIRALTY, THE MTR WILL PROVIDE FREE FEEDER BUS SERVICES FROM ADM I HALTS MTR STATION TO MACDONNELL ROAD AND RETURN SERVICES TO ADMIRALTY XIA KENNEDY ROAD.
MEANWHILE, TIIREF RESIDENTIAL BUS SERVICES DEPARTING FROM ADMIRALTY -- 37R (To ('HI FU ) , DOR (To \p LEI CHAU ESTATE) AND 97R (TO LEI TUNG ESTATE) WILL Bl- EXTENDED THROUGHOUT THE DAY.
COMMUTERS AND VISITORS TO THF PEAK ARE ADVISED THAT DEPARTURES OF THE PEAK TRAMS AS WELL AS THE SERVICES OF (’MB ROUTE NO. 15 AND GMB ROUTE NO. I WILL Bl STRENGTHFNED.
AT KOWLOON TONG MIR STATION, RESIDENTIAL BUS SERVICE NO. 62R AND OTHER FRANCHISED BUS SERVICES NO. ROM, RIM, R2M, RIX AND 88M WILL BE STRENGTHENED.
/FREQUENCIES FOR
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 1991
- 9
FREQUENCIES FOR GHB ROUTES NO. 29 AND 61M WILL ALSO BE INCREASED.
AT MACAU FERRY TERMINAL, PASSENGERS ARE ADVISED TO MAKE USE OF THE BUS SERVICES OF ROUTE NO. 2, 109, 111, 119, 141, 182 AND A2 DEPARTING FROM A NEARBY BUS TERMINUS OR THE MTR SERVICE.
AT CHINA FERRY TERMINAL IN KOWLOON, PASSENGERS ARE ADVISED TO TAKE BUS NO. 3C, 12, 14 AND 238X AND GMB ROUTE NO. 6 HEADING FOR WHAMPOA.
IN THE MEANTIME, THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT APPEALED TO AIR PASSENGERS LEAVING HONG KONG TOMORROW AFTERNOON TO ALLOW EXTRA TIME TO GET TO THE AIRPORT BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT.
--------0-----------
PUBLIC URGED TO SAVE WATER
THE DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, MR WONG KWOK-LAI, TODAY (TUESDAY) APPEALED TO THE PUBLIC '1’0 EXERCISE MAXIMUM ECONOMY IN THE USE OF WATER.
THE APPEAL CAME IN THE LIGHT OF THE CURRENT LOW LEVEL OF WATER STORAGE AND THE BELOW AVERAGE RAINFALL FORECAST BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY.
SPEAKING Al A PRESS CONFERENCE, MR WONG SAID THE RESERVOIR STORAGE AS AT 9 AM TODA A STOOD AT 154.3 MILLION CUBIC METRES OR 26.3 PER CENT OF THE FULL CAPACITY, INCLUDING 26 MILLION CUBIC METRES YIELDED FROM THE RAINFALL IN THE PAST FEW DAYS.
THIS COMPARED WITH 255.4 MILLION CUBIC METRES OR 43.6 PER CENT OF THE FULL CAPACITY AT Illi SAME TIME LAST YEAR.
"ALTHOUGH HIE RECENT RAINFALL HAS HELPED THE GENERAL STORAGE POSITION SLIGHTLY, THE CURRENT LEVEL IS STILL A RECORD LOW FOR THE PAST 10 YEARS.
"HONG KONG’S WATER SUPPLY S I TUAT I ON IN THE FORTHCOMING MONTHS DEPENDS VERY MUCH ON THE RAINFALL TO BE RECEIVED IN THE REMAINDER OF THE WET SEASON.
"IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES, WE MUST LOOK FOR WAYS TO CUT DOWN WATER CONSUMPTION AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SHOULD DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO CONSERVE WATER AND AVOID WASTE," MR WONG SAID.
QUOTING EXAMPLES, HI- SAID PEOPLE SHOULD USE SHOWERS INSTEAD OF BATHS; AND REDUCE THE NUMBER oE TIMES FOR WATERING PLANTS, FOR CAR WASHING, FOR AQUARI UM REE I LUNG AND FOR FLOOR CLEANSING. CHECKS SHOULD ALSO BE MADE FOR OVERFLOWING TANKS, WORN TAP WASHERS AND OTHER POSS I RLE DEFECTS.
/ON THE .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 1991
10
ON THE POSSIBILITY OE WATER RESTRICTIONS, MR WONG REITERATED THAT MUCH WOULD DEPEND ON THE WEATHER CONDITION AND THE YIELD EROM THE RAINFALL AS WELL AS DRAW-OFF FROM RESERVOIRS.
’’HOWEVER, THE PRESENT FULL SUPPLY WOULD BE MAINTAINED AT LEAST BEFORE AUGUST WHEN A FURTHER REVIEW OF THE OVERALL WATER SITUATION WOULD BE MADE.
"BUT IN THE UNFORTUNATE EVENT THAT RAINFALL THIS YEAR IS AGAIN UNSATISFACTORY, THE POSSIBILITY OF IMPOSING WATER RESTRICTIONS LATER IN THE SUMMER CANNOT BE RULED OUT,” HE SAID.
IF SUCH SITUATION AROSE, HE ADDED, THE PUBLIC WOULD BE GIVEN AMPLE NOTICE OF IT BEFOREHAND.
ON WATER FROM CHINA, MR WONG SAID UNDER THE CURRENT AGREEMENT WITH CHINA, THE COUNTRY WOULD SUPPLY 570 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER TO HONG KONG BETWEEN MARCH THIS YEAR AND THE END OF FEBRUARY 1992.
AT HONG KONG’S REQUEST, (HINA HAD ALSO AGREED TO SUPPLY AN ADDITIONAL 70 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER IN THE CURRENT SUPPLY PERIOD.
"IN VIEW OF THE PRESENT SITUATION, WE ARE STILL NEGOTIATING WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES WITH A VIEW TO INCREASING THE ADDITIONAL SUPPLY," HE ADDED.
MEANWHILE, THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS STEPPING UP ITS PUBLICITY EFFORTS WITH A VIEW TO AROUSING PUBLIC CONSCIOUSNESS ON THE NEED TO SAVE WATER.
AS A START, LETTERS WILL BE SENT TO ALL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND OTHER PUBLIC ORGANISATIONS ENLISTING THEIR CO-OPERATION AND SUPPORT IN THE CURRENT SAVE WATER DRIVE.
IN ADDITION, A NEW TV-API (ANNOUNCEMENT IN PUBLIC INTEREST) AND RADIO ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE BEING PRODUCED. POSTERS SUGGESTING WAYS IN WHICH THE PUBLIC COULD HELP SAVE WATER ARE ALSO BEING DISTRIBUTED TO ALL OFFICES, SCHOOLS, POSTER SITES AND HOUSING ESTATES.
"WATER IS A VERA PRECIOUS RESOURCE IN HONG KONG AND I WOULD URGE ALL MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO MAKE A CONSCIOUS EFFORT TO SAVE WATER TO TIDE OVER THIS DIFFICULT PERIOD," MR WONG SAID.
- - 0 - -
/Il ........
TUESDAY, JUNE II, 1991
11
FIRST LDC DEVELOPMENT SCHEME PLAN APPROVED t t * ♦ ♦ *
THE QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL/JUR I LEE STREET DEVELOPMENT SCHEME PLAN, WHICH IS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND PREPARED BY THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORA!’I ON FOR THE PURPOSE OF URBAN RENEWAL, HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE EXECUTIVE COIJNCIL RECENTLY.
THE PLAN IS PREPARED UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION ORDINANCE.
IT IS TO PROVIDE A FRAMEWORK FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL/J UP. I LEE STREET AREA BY RESTRUCTURING THE EXISTING LAND USE PATTERNS AND PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS.
THE PLAN COVERS AN AREA OF ABOUT 0.87 HECTARE LOCATED AT THE FRINGE OF CENTRAL DISTRICT AND TO THE WEST OF THE CENTRAL MARKET. THE AREA IS BOUNDED BY JUBILEE STREET, QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, GILMAN’S BAZAAR AND DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL.
IT HAS A CHARACTER CREATED BY NARROW LANEWAYS AND THE SPECIALISED TRADING ACTIVITIES ALONG THEM, MOST NOTABLY THE (’LOTH-SELL J NG ALLEY IN WING ON STREET.
EXISTING BUILDINGS WITHIN THE AREA ARE GENERALLY THREE-STOREY PRE WAR SHOPS/RESI DENI ES IN POOR CONDITION, MANY LACKING BASIC FAI I 1.1 T I ES .
ACCORDING TO THE DEVELOPMENT SCHEME PLAN, THE AREA WILL BE REDEVELOPED FOR OFFICE DEVELOPMENT INCORPORATING OPEN SPACES AND A RANGE OF GOVERNMENT/I NSTI TUT ION AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES FOR THE SIIEUNG WAN AREA, SUCH AS COOKED FOOD CENTRE, HAWKER BAZAAR, DAY NURSERY AND GOVERNMENT OFFICES.
THE DEVELOPMENT SCHEME PLAN WAS EXHIBITED BY THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION AND OBJECTION IN MARCH LAST YEAR.
PRIOR TO ITS EXHIBITION, THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD WAS ALSO CONSULTED ON THE PLAN.
DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS HAD No OBJECTION TO THE PLAN, RECOGNISING THAT COMPREHENSIVE REDEVELOPMENT WOULD PROVIDE THE MUCH-NEEDED G( )\ ERNMENT, INSTITUTION AND COMMON I TY FACILITIES AND IMPROVE THE GENERAL ENVIRONMENT.
BEFORE SUBMITTING THE PLAN TO GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL, THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD HAD FULLS CONSIDERED THE OBJ ECT IONS LODGED, 'TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE INTERESTS OF THOSE AFFECTED AND THE PUBLIC GAINS Will I’ll WOULD ONLY Bl ACHIEVED 'THROUGH COMPREHENSIVE’ REDEVELOPMENT AND REPLANNING OF THE AREA.
/AT PRESENT.........
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 1991
AT PRESENT, THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION IS A<•QI) Il>I NG AFFECTED PROPERTIES THROUGH NEGOTIATION WIIH IHE. PROPERIV OWNIRS,
SHOULD IT BE UNABLE TO ACQUIRE ALL THE AFFECTED PROPERTIES ON TFRMS THAI' ARE FAIR AND REASONABLE, THE CORPORATION MAY REQUEST SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS TO RECOMMEND RESUMPTION UNDER THE CROWN LANDS RESUMPTION ORDINANCE.
- - 0
IIK \ BIG INCENTIVE To POTENTIAL OVERSEAS INVESTORS t * * ♦ ♦
HONG KONG ITSELF IS A BIG INCENTIVE TO POTENTIAL OVERSEAS INVESTORS, Till' DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR T.H. BARNA, SAID TODAY (Tl ESDAY ) .
HE WAS SPEAKING AT A SEMINAR ON "HONG KONG - A BASE FOR INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE" AT THE LYON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN LYON, ERAN< E .
MR BARMA SAID: "WHILE THE OPENING UP OF EASTERN EUROPE AND THE PROSPECTS OF THE SINGLE EUROPEAN MARKET HAVE OBVIOUSLY ATTRACTED EUROPEAN INVESTORS, IT WOULD BE A PITY IF THEY MISSED OUT ON THE GREAT OPPORTUNITIES OFFERED BY THE AS I A-PAC IFIC REGION, WHICH IS NOT STANDING STILL.".
HE SAID A NUMBER OF DEVELOPMENTS HAD REINFORCED THE FACT THAT •TH IS WAS' ONE OF THE FASTEST GROWING AREAS IN THE WORLD.
"HONG KONG, WITH ITS SOUND ECONOMIC FOUNDATION AND EXCELLENT BUSINESS INFRASTRUCTURE, FREE TRADE AND FREE ENTERPRISE POLICY, HARDWORKING AND EFFICIENT LABOUR FORCE, LOW TAXATION RATE AND EXCELLENT COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK, HAS BEEN - AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE -Illi HUP. IOR DOING BUSINESS IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC," HE SAID.
MR BARMA SAID AS WITH OTHER ECONOMIES HONG KONG WAS NOW EXPERIENCING A SLOWDOWN IN GROWTH , BUT BOTH LOCAL AND OVERSEAS INVESTORS WERE STILL CONFIDENT OF 'THE BRIGHT PROSPECTS FOR DOING |’R()|« I TABLE BUS I NESS THERE .
"INDEED, PAST EXPERIENCE HAS SHOWN THAT THE ECONOMY OF HONG KONG IS EXTREMELY RESILIENT.
"WHENEVER THERE WAS A GLOBAL ECONOMIC SLOWDOWN, HONG KONG WAS ONE OF THE FI RS'T TO BOUNCE BACK QUICKLY - WITH ENHANCED VIGOUR," HE SA I D.
MR BARMA SAID ACCORD I NG TO RESULTS OF THE LATEST SURVEY ON
OVERSEAS INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG’S MANUFAC'I'UR I NG I NDUSTR I ES TOTAL INVESTMENT FROM ALL SOURCES AT THE END OF 1989 WAS US$3,812 MILLION, 13.8 PER CENT UP FROM 1988 AND MORE THAN DOUBLE (260 PER CENT) THE FIGURE RECORDED IN 1981.
/"INVESTMENT FROM
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 1991
- 13 -
"INVESTMENT FROM EEC COUNTRIES HAS ALSO BEEN INCREASING STEADILY, AND THE VALUE OF GROSS ADDITIONS TO FIXED ASSEIS IN I98'.> BY EEC COUNTRIES (WHICH INCLUDES PURCHASE OF MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT, LAND AND BUILDINGS, AND OTHER ASSETS) AMOUNTED TO US$68 MILLION AND WAS 12.7 PER (’ENT HIGHER THAN THAT RECORDED IN 1988," HE SAID.
MR BARMA SAID AN IMPORTANT ASPECT OF HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES WAS THAT MOST OF THE PRODUCTS MADE IN THE TERRITORY WERE FOR EXPORT RATHER THAN FOR LOCAL CONSUMPTION.
"INDEED, AS MUCH AS 90 PER CENT OF OUR INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION IS EVENTUALLY EXPORTED.
"OUR DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN 1990 AMOUNTED TO HK$226 BILLION, WHICH REPRESENTS 41.4 PER CENT OF OUR GDP AT CURRENT PRICES.
"IN 1989 HONG KONG WAS THE WORLD’S 11 TH LARGEST EXPORTER," HE SA I D.
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SHARK HUNTING DANGEROUS ♦ * t * *
SHARK HUNTING IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS UNLESS THE HUNTERS ARE WELL-EXPERIENCED AND EQUIPPED WITH THE PROPER GEAR AND EQUIPMENT, THE SENIOR CAPTURE FISHERIES OFFICER OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, DR PAUL MAK, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
DR MAK WAS COMMENTING ON REPORTS THAT SOME PEOPLE HAD EMBARKED ON "SHARK HUNTING MISSIONS" IN SAI KUNG IN THE WAKE OF THE TRAGEDY LAST SATURDAY MORNING IN WHICH A WOMAN SWIMMER FELL PREY TO A KILLER SHARK OFF S1LVERSTRAND BAY.
"THE SITUATION IS PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS IN THIS CASE BECAUSE THE SHARK HAS ALREADY KILLED ONCE AND AVAILABLE EVIDENCE INDICATES THAT IT IS BIG, BETWEEN FIVE TO SIX METRES LONG.
"FURTHERMORE, SOME OF THE SHARK SIGHTINGS REPORTED BY THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT STAFF SEEM TO SUGGEST THAT MORE THAN ONE SHARK IS AROUND," DI? MAK SAID.
"ORDINARY FISHING EQUIPMENT, SPEARGUNS AND DIVERS’ KNIVES ARE DEFINITELY INADEQUATE TO CATCH SHARKS OF SUCH A Bl (J SIZE. I WOULD THEREFORE STRONGLY ADVISE ANGLERS, DIVERS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC NOT TO ENGAGE IN SHARK HUNTING OPERATIONS IN Till- INTEREST OF THEIR OWN SAFETY," HE SAID.
/14 ........
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 1991
14
FREE RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES TO CELEBRATE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY
A DAY-LONG PROGRAMME OF FREE RECREATIONAL AND SPOi 'S ACTIVITIES WILL BE PRESENTED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL ON BOTH SIDES OF THE HARBOUR THIS SATURDAY (JUNE 15) TO CELEBRATE THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY.
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, WILL JOIN THE PARTICIPANTS TO ENJOY A SERIES OF FUNFUL EVENTS TO BE HELD AT VICTORIA PARK IN HIE MORNING. ACCOMPANYING HIM WILL BE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, DR RONALD LEUNG, THE DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES, MR HAIDER BARMA, AND OTHER COUNCIL MEMBERS.
THE CHIEF JUSTICE, SIR 1’1 LIANG YANG, WILL ATTEND THE CELEBRATION ACTIVITIES AT MORSE PARK WHERE HE WILL BE JOINED B\ THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, MR LO KING-MAN, AND THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S DEPUTE DIRECTOR (LEISURE SERVICES), MR PETER NG.
"LAST YEAR, MORE THAN 12 300 PEOPLE TOOK PART IN THE CELEBRATION, AND MORE ARE EXPECTED TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS YEAR’S EVENT,” A COUNCIL SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
’THE PROGRAMME OF ACTIVITIES IS SPECIALLY DESIGNED TO MEET THE \SIIRATION Ob DIFFERENT GROUPS OF PEOPLE INCLUDING CHILDREN, SENIOR CITI7FNS \ND THE DISABLED," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ACTIVITIES WILL INCLUDE PONY RIDES FOR CHILDREN, MINI TRAIN RIDES FOR FAMILIES, A GATEBALL FUN DAY FOR THE FIDERLY, A SOCCER COMPETITION FOR THE DEAF, AS WELL AS SWIMMING GALA, CA'o|. COLO COMPETITION AND LEARN-TO-SW IM SESSIONS.
TO CATER FOR THE I N TEREST OF THE YOUNGSTERS, THERE WILL ALSO BE A SERIES OF BALL GAMES AND COMPETITIONS INCLUDING BASKETBALL, MIN1-CFR, IIANDBALI AND VOLLEYBALL.
"MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO ARE INTERESTED IN TAKING PART IN Illi SE EVENTS ARE REMINDED TO OBTAIN FREE COUPONS FROM VARIOUS DISTRICT RECREATION, AMENITIES AND SPORTS OFFICES OF THE URBAN SER\ HFS DEPARTMENT.
"A LIMITED NUMBER OF COUPONS ARE STILL AVAILABLE AND WILL BE DISTRIBUTED ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS," Till- SPOKESMAN SAID.
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IMPROVED APPLICATION FIGURES FOR POLICE RECRUITMENT ♦ 4
IMPROVED FIGURES o| APPLICAT IONS HAVE BEEN RECORDED FOR RECRI'ITMEN’I \S CONSTABLES IN THE ROV AL HONG KONG POLICE.
WHILE HALF OF THE APPLICANTS SAV THE ATTRACTIVE SALAM WAS THEIR FIRST CONSIDERATION THE SEARCH FOR A STABLE .JOB IN A CHALLENGING CAREER WAS AT THE TOP OF THE MINDS OF MANY.
/THE NUMBER .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 1991
15
THE NUMBER OF POLICE CONSTABLE APPLICATIONS IN MARCH-APRIL THIS YEAR WAS ALMOST TRIPLE THOSE DURING THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR.
INSPECTORATE RECRUIT APPLICATIONS FOLLOW THE SAME TREND.
EXPLAINING THE BACKGROUND TO NEW ENCOURAGING INDICATIONS IN RECRUITMENT, SENIOR STAFF OFFICER (RECRUITMENT) ERIC LEUNG SAID: ”IN RECENT YEARS RECRUITMENT HAS BEEN A BIG PROBLEM FOR EMPLOYERS IN HONG KONG, NOT LEAST THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE. THE BOOMING ECONOMY HAS CREATED MANY JOBS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
PREMATURE WASTAGE IN THE FORCE HAS ALSO BEEN AT A HIGHER LEVEL AS OFFICERS TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUTSIDE OPPORTUNITIES.
ALSO, BECAUSE OF THE NEED FOR EXPANSION, POLICE RECRUITMENT TARGETS HAVE RISEN MORE THAN IWO-FOLD FROM 1,000 IN THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1986-87 1’0 2,310 IN 1988-89 AND ONWARDS.
"AS A RESULT, THE POLICE RECRUITMENT PROBLEM HAS BEEN INTENSIFIED OVER PAST YEARS."
MR LEUNG SAID \PPL I ('AT I ONS To JOIN THE FORCE AT CONSTABLE LEVEL BEFORE SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR WERE (’ONS IS TENTLY DOWN ON THE CORRESPONDING PERIODS FOR THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
AFTER HIE ANNOI NCEMENT Oh \ PAY RISE FOR JUNIOR POLICE OFFICERS THERE WAS AN ENCOURAGING INCREASE OF 28 PER CENT BETWEEN SEPTEMBER AND NOVEMBER COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS YEAR RUT BY DECEMBER APPLICATIONS HAD ALMOST FALLEN BACK TO THE PREVIOUS YEAR’S LEVEL.
MR LEUNG SAID: "SINCE JANUARY THIS YEAR APPLICATIONS TO JOIN Till' FORCE HAVE MORE THAN DOUBLED. FOLLOWING A RELATIVELY QUIET PERIOD BEFORE THE FESTIVE SEASON IN FEBRUARY APPL I CAI* IONS INCREASED STILL FURTHER IN MARCH AND APRIL. TRADITIONAL JOB SWITCHING AFTER THE CHINESE NEW Y F AR IS \ REGULAR SEASONAL FACTOR."
MF? LEUNG SAID CON V ERS AT I ONS W I TH CONSTABLE APPLICANTS SHOWED THAT PAY REMAINED \N IMPORTANT A'T'TR ACT I ON. ALMOST HALF SAID SALARY WAS THEIR FIRST CONS IDERAT I ON.
AVERAGE SALARY OF APPLICANTS WAS AROUND $5,500 COMPARED WITH THE REVISED ENTRY SALARY OF $ 7,500 $i ,965 FOR RECRUIT CONSTABLES, WHICH ARE MORE ATTRACTIVE FOLLOWING A PAY REVIEW LAST YEAR.
"BUT IF PAY HAS INDEED BEEN ‘Uli- ONLY INFLUENCE," APPLICATIONS SHOULD HAVE BUILT UP TO A GREATER SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR LIKE THE DR AMATl( INCREASE AT THE YEAR.
MR LEUNG SAID, EXTENT AFTER TURN OF THE
"CERTAI NI.Y RECENT WORLD I VENTS LIKE THE GULF WAR HAVE WORRIES AND UNCERTA I N'T I IS A BOI I THE I ( ONOMY AND 'THIS HAD PEOPLE SEARCHING FOR MORE STABLE AND SECURE JOBS SUCH AS POLICE FORCE.
LED TO
LED TO IN THE
/"WHAT IS .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 1991
- 16 -
"WHAT IS MORE PLEASING HOWEVER IS THAT MANY APPLICANTS NOW HAVE A MUCH MORE POSITIVE IMAGE OF THE FORCE AS A CHALLENGING AND WORTHWHILE CAREER."
MR LEUNG SAJI) THIS IMAGE HAD BEEN ENHANCED BY RECENT SUCCESSFUL OPERATIONS AGAINST ORGANISED CRIME AND SMUGGLING AND BY INCREASED CO-OPERATION AND LIAISON WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES, IN PARTICULAR THE VISIT TO PEKING BY COMMISSIONER OF POLICE MR LI KWAN-HA.
MEANWHILE POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS BRANCH HAD STEPPED UP PUBLICITY, ESPECIALLY THROUGH THE MASS MEDIA, IN AN EFFORT TO ENCOURAGE MORE YOUNG PEOPLE 'I’O CONS I DER THE POLICE AS A CAREER.
RECRUITING CENTRE STAFF AT QUEENSWAY, TSIM SHA TSUI, MONG KOK, WONG TAI SIN AND SHA TIN HAD BEEN MAKING A SPECIAL EFFORT TO PROMOTE THE POSITIVE IMAGE OF THE FORCE BY MAKING THEMSELVES APPROACHABLE AND CONCERNED.
"THEY ARE ACTIVELY ASSISTING APPLICANTS WITH THEIR APPLICATIONS AND OTHER RECRUITMENT GROUP STAFF ARE ENSURING THAT APPLICATIONS ARE DEALT UI III AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE," MR LEUNG SAID.
"AS A RESULT SOME POTENTIAL RECRUITS ARE NOW BEING INTERVIEWED ONLY FOUR DAYS AFTER ATTENDING A RECRUITING CENTRE."
LAST YEAR LETTERS WERE SENT TO ALL FORM FIVE STUDENTS ENCOURAGING THEM TO CONSIDER THE POLICE AS A CAREER. THIS WAS ALSO A MEANS, SAID MR LEUNG, OF SECURING THE ATTENTION OF AN IMPORTANT TARGET GROUP AND IT HAD CONTINUED INTO THE CURRENT YEAR.
OTHER MEASURES INCLUDED THE HOLDING OF CAREER EXHIBITIONS AT WHICH APPLICATIONS COULD BE MADE ON THE SPOT AND LIAISON VISITS WITH SCHOOL CAREERS MASTERS.
"THE RESULT OF THE RECENT UPSURGE IN APPLICATIONS HAS BEEN
THAT IN THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF THE CURRENT CONSTABLES WERE TAKEN ON STRENGTH, AN INCREASE OF OVER THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR," MR LEUNG SAID.
FINANCIAL YEAR 181
ALMOST 50 PER CENT
"THERE IS HOWEVER
STILL A SHORTFALL."
"NOT ONLY THIS BUT THE QUALITY HAS ALSO SHOWN A MARKED IMPROVEMENT. AMONG THE NEW RECRUITS NO LESS THAN 38 PER CENT HAVE FIVE OR MORE SUBJECTS PASSED IN THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION, COMPARED WITH ONLY 23 PER CENT IN 1989-90."
MR LEUNG ADDED THAI THE NUMBERS OF OFFICERS RECRUITED AT INSPECTORATE LEVEL HAD NEVER BEEN \ PROBLEM BUT IN TERMS OF CURRENT FIGURES THE TREND OF I NS PEC'I’OR ATE RECRUITMENT FOLLOWED THE SAME PATTERN AS FOR JUNIOR POLICE OFFICERS.
"SUPPLYING THE RIGHT NUMBER OF INSPECTORS FLUCTUATES AND IS INDICATED BY VACANCIES AVAILABLE NOT BY RECRUITING FIGURES. BUT THERE HAS BEEN AN INCREASE IN Till NUMBER OF INSPECTORATE OFFICERS APPLYING LOCALLY," SAID MR LEUNG.
/THERE WERE .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 1991
- 17 -
THERE WERE HOWEVER FIGURES SHOWING THAT THE EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS 01* INSPECTORATE RECRUITS WAS IMPROVING. INSPECTORATE OFFICER RECRUITS WITH DEGREES LAST YEAR WAS 53.8 PER CENT. IN THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS THIS YEAR THE FIGURE STOOD AT 60 PER CENT.
MR LEUNG CONCLUDED: "PAY IS THE GATEWAY TO RECRUITMENT BUT IT IS CERTAINLY NOT THE ONLY ATTRACT I ON.
"DESPITE THE RECENT IMPROVEMENT THE FORCE AT THIS MOMENT STILL HAS SOME WAY TO GO TOWARDS MEETING THE RECRUITMENT TARGET.
"BUT IT IS MAKING HEADWAY; A CORNER HAS BEEN TURNED AND IN MAY THIS YEAR OUR RECRUITMENT BALANCED WASTAGE FOR THE FIRST TIME TN MANY MONTHS.”
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TWO NEW DRAGON BOATS TO BE LAUNCHED IN TAI PO
******
AN EYE-DOTTING CEREMONY TO LAUNCH TWO NEW DRAGON BOATS WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) MORNING AT 'THE TAI WONG YEH SHRINE IN YUEN (HAU TSAI, TAI PO.
THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY AN "EXHIBITION RACE" AMONG THE WINNERS IN LAST YEAR’S TAI PO DRAGON BOAT RACE.
THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PO PUI-LEONG, AND THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EYE-DOTTING CEREMONY AT THE TAI WONG YEH SHRINE IN YUEN ('HAU TSAI, TAI PO AT 10 AM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
------0--------
ACTION ON UNAUTHORI SEI) BUILDING WORKS IN NORTH POINT
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE CERTAIN UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS IN NORTH POINT SO THAT THEY (’AN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER. TO THE OCCUPIERS OR THE PUBLIC.
THE STRUCTURES ARE LOCATED AT THE SERVICE LANE BETWEEN 6, 6A, B, 6C AND 8 WHARF ROAD AND 3 AND 3A JAVA ROAD.
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER FROM THE HONG I ONG DISTRICT COURT ON OCTOBER II WAS POSTED ON THE STRUCTURES TODAY
TUESDAY).
DEMOLITION WORK IS EXPECTED TO START ONCE THE CLOSURE ORDER S GRANTED.
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/18 ........
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 1991
18 EARLIER WELFARE PAYMENT ♦ * * »
RECIPIENTS OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE MAY HAVE THEIR WELFARE PAYMENT ADVANCED IF THEIR PAY DAY FALLS ON THE COMING HOLIDAYS.
A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) PAYMENTS WHICH FALL ON JUNE 15, 16, 17 AND 18 WILL BE ADVANCED TO JUNE 11, 12, 13 AND 14 RESPECTIVELY.
ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE FOR RECIPIENTS TO RECEIVE THEIR PAYMENTS IN THEIR RESPECTIVE POST OFFICES AND TREASURY SUB-OFFICES.
------0----------
BOARDS PAY $5.7M IN INJURIES COMPENSATION *****
THE CRIMINAL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT INJURIES COMPENSATION (CLEIC) BOARDS PAID OUT $5.7 MILLION IN COMPENSATION TO VICTIMS OR THEIR DEPENDENTS IN 1989-90, ACCORDING TO THE BOARDS’ 1989-90 ANNUAL REPORT.
THESE PAYMENTS WERE AWARDED TO 981 CRIMINAL INJURIES CASES AND FOUR LAW ENFORCEMENT INJURIES CASES.
THEY ALSO BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF GRANTS AWARDED SINCE THE INCEPTION OF THE CLEIC SCHEME IN 1973 TO $49.21 MILLION.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARDS, MR ROBERT C. TANG, SAID A TOTAL OF 1,025 APPLICATIONS FOR COMPENSATION WERE RECEIVED IN THE YEAR UNDER REVIEW, REPRESENTING 10.2 PER CENT OF THE 10,049 REPORTED CASES OF CRIMINAL INJURIES DURING THE PERIOD.
VICTIMS OF ASSAULT AND WOUNDING AS WELL AS ROBBERY, THEFT AND BURGLARY MADE UP THE MAJORITY OF THE APPLICATIONS.
OF THE APPLICATIONS RECEIVED DURING THE YEAR, 797 WERE REI-ERRED BY THE POLICE, 221 SUBMITTED BY THE VICTIMS THEMSELVES OR THEIR FAMILIES, AND THE REST REFERRED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND OTHER ORGANISATIONS, MR TANG SAID.
DURING THE PERIOD UNDER REVIEW, THE HIGHEST SINGLE PAYMENT WAS $79,480, WHICH WAS AWARDED TO THREE SURVIVING DEPENDENTS OF A GOVERNMENT SERVANT WHO WAS KILLED DURING HIS ATTEMPT TO ARREST ROBBERS. THE LOWEST AWARD WAS $375.
- - 6 - -
/19........
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 1991
- 19 -
PROPER LABELLING FOR PREPACKAGED POOD ♦ ♦ * * ♦
POOD MANUFACTURERS AND RETAILERS ARE TODAY (TUESDAY) REMINDED > PROPERLY LABEL OR MARK PREPACKAGED FOOD ITEMS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH STRESSED THAT FOOD ;EMS IN PREPACKAGED FORM, WHETHER COMPLETELY OR PARTIALLY PACKED, HAD TO BE PROPERLY MARKED AS REQUIRED BY THE THIRD SCHEDULE OF THE FOOD AND DRUGS (COMPOSITION AND LABELLING) REGULATIONS.
CONTRAVENTION OF THE REGULATIONS MAY LEAD TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $25,000 AND SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT.
THE APPEAL FOLLOWED RECENT COURT CASES IN WHICH TWO COMPANIES WERE CONVICTED OF SELLING IMPROPERLY LABELLED PREPACKAGED FOOD ITEMS AND PINED A TOTAL OF $5,500.
IN THE FIRST CASE, A CHINESE HERBS AND PROVISION COMPANY WAS CONVICTED OF SELLING IMPROPERLY LABELLED PREPACKAGED FOOD ITEMS AT ITS 'IWO BRANCH STORES IN CAUSEWAY BAY AND MONG KOK. IT WAS FINED A TOTAL OF $1,500.
IN THE OTHER CASE, A RETAIL OUTLET IN WESTERN DISTRICT WAS FINED $1,000 FOR COMM ITT I NG SIMILAR OFFENCES.
THE FOOD ITEMS INVOLVED IN THE TWO CASES WERE DRIED MUSHROOMS, PISTACHIOS AND SHARK’S FINS.
THEY DJI) NOT HAVE THE NAME OR DESIGNATION OF THE FOOD, THE LIST OF INGREDIENTS, AN INDICATION OF MINIMUM DURABILITY, THE NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MANUFACTURER OR PACKER OF THE FOOD AND THE NUMERICAL COUNT OF THE CONTENTS OR THE NET WEIGHT OF THE FOOD AS STIPULATED IN THE THIRD SCHEDULE OF THE FOOD AND DRUGS (COMPOSITION \ND LABELLNG) REGULATIONS.
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HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND ♦ ♦♦♦♦♦ HKEG
EXCHANGE FUND BILLS TENDER RESULTS TUESDAY 11 JUNE 1991
ISSUE NUMBER Q124 H166
AMOUNT APPLIED HKD 1,360 MN HKD R4R MN
\ MOUNT ALLOTTED HKD 400 MN HKD 200 MN
WERAGE ACCEPTED YIELD 7.55 PCT 7.53 PCT
I GUEST ACCEPTED YIELD 7.55 PCT 7.53 PCT
RO RATA RATIO FULLY ALLOTTED FULLY ALLOTTED
/HONG KONG .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 1991
- 20 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND HKEH
NEXT TENDER OF EXCHANGE FUND BILLS WEDNESDAY 19 JUNE 1991
ISSUE NUMBER QI 25 YI91
ISSUE DATE 20 JUNE 91 20 JUNE 91
MATURITY DATE 18 SEP 91 17 JUNE 92
TENOR 90 DAYS 363 DAYS
AMOUNT ON OFFER HKD 400 + 80 MN HKD 200 + 60 MN
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HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND HKEF
MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
***** DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 10.6.91 380
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 11.6.91 4-30
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING -30
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 114.5 *+0.0* 11.fi.91
HUNG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND BILLS II JUNE 1991
CLOSING \ 1 ELDS OF EXCHANGE FUND BIL LS
MATURING IN 1 WEEK 7 . 80 PCT
1 MONTH 7 .65 PCT
3 MONTHS 7 .50 PCT
6 MONTHS 7 .52 PCT
12 MONTHS 7 .52 PCT
TOTAL BILL TRANSFER -2,816 MN
- - 0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING:
LRT - AN EFFICIENT MODE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT...................... 1
BANKRUPTCY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 INTRODUCED ..................... 3
BILLS TO DETER NON-PAYMENT OF FIXED PENALTY FINES ............... 4
BILLS TO EXTEND DEFINITION OF HOSPITAL INTRODUCED ............... 4.
POLICE MAKE EVERY EFFORT AGAINST ILLEGAL CAR RACING ............. 5
APPOINTMENTS BASED ON INDIVIDUALS' MERITS ....................... 6
BILL EMPOWERS FLAT OWNERS TO DISMISS BUILDING MANAGER ........... 6
FULL ALERT ON DRUG TRAFFICKING .................................. 7
STAFF IN OBSOLETE RANKS WILL BE GIVEN OPTION .................... 8
COST OF BANK RESCUES NOT DETERMINED ............................. 9
REVIEW OF ONE-PERSON AND TWO-PERSON FLATS SUPPLY ................ 10
SECURITY SITUATION IN VIETNAMESE DETENTION CENTRES BEING MONITORED .. 11
HEARING-LOSS COMPENSATION LAW IN THE PIPELINE ................... 12
FIVE BILLS PASSED IN LEGCO....................................... 12
GOVERNOR COMMENDED POST OFFICE WORK ............................... 13
EXHIBITION ILLUSTRATES DEVELOPMENT OF POSTAL SERVICE IN HK ........ 14
LEGCO APPOINTMENT FOR JOHN SWAINE INTENDED......................... 15
FINANCIAL POLICIES ENABLE COMMUNITY TO FLOURISH ................... 16
STABILITY OF MONETARY SYSTEM VITAL ................................ 18
KWUN TONG BYPASS PHASE 2 OPENS ON FRIDAY .......................... 21
EMERGENCY CLOSURE OF YAU MA TEI BUILDING .......................... 22
OWNERS URGED TO TAKE ACTION AGAINST UBW'S ......................... 22
TWO GOVT LOTS TO LET BY TENDER .................................... 23
REMINDER ON SUBMISSION OF SALARIES TAX RETURN ..................... 23
APPLY FOR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS NOW .................................... 24
CLINIC SERVICES FOR HOLIDAY PERIOD ................................ 25
BOGUS DONATION PLEAS .............................................. 25
18 INMATES PASS PUBLIC EXAMS ...................................... 26
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ........ 26
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 1991
1
LRT - AN EFFICIENT MODE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ *
THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM (LRT) OFFERS A SAFE, RELIABLE, RELATIVELY POLLUTION-FREE AND EFFICIENT SERVICE AT AN AVERAGE FARE NO HIGHER THAN THAT OF AN EQUIVALENT BUS TRIP, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON MICHAEL LEUNG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE LRT SERVICES IN THE NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES, MR LEUNG SAID STATISTICS SINCE 1989 CONSISTENTLY SHOWED THAT THE LIGHT RAIL VEHICLES HAD THE LOWEST ACCIDENT RECORD AMONGST ROAD-BASED VEHICLES IN HONG KONG.
IT HAD ACHIEVED A PUNCTUAL ITY RATE OF 99 PER CENT.
MR LEUNG SAID AN AVERAGE LRT RIDE AT PRESENT COST $2.1, AGAINST $1.5 IN 19RR. THIS INCREASE HAD TO BE SEEN AGAINST THE LOW INITIAL FARES CHARGED ON THE SYSTEM.
HE POINTED OUT THAT WHEN THE TURN MUN AND YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARDS WERE CONSULTED IN 1981, THEN SUPPORTED THE LRT PROJECT ON THE UNDERSTANDING THAT THE LRT FARES WOULD SLIGHTLY EXC EED THE FARES FOR. AN EQUIVALENT BUS TRIP.
THE CURRENT LRT FARES WERE NO HIGHER THAN WHAT WOULD HAVE BEEN CHARGED BY BUSES. THEY WERE IN FACT LOWER THAN FARES PAYABLE ON PUBLIC LIGHT RUSES SERVING ROUTES OF SIMILAR DISTANCE, MR LEUNG SAID.
HE SAID CURRENTLY THE LRT CARRIED MORE THAN 250,000 PASSENGERS PER DAY, COMPARED WITH 180,000 IN 1988. OVER 10 PER CENT OF THE PASSENGERS USED MULT I-RI DE PASSES.
WHILST THE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF THE LRT WAS IMPROVING, THERE REMAINED A CONS IDERABLE ELEMENT OF CROSS-SUBS I DY FROM THE HEAVY RAIL. SUCH A POSITION WOULD CONTINUE FOR SOME YEARS, MR LEUNG SAID.
HE SAID UNDER THE CURRENT "TRANSIT SERVICE AREA" (TSA) ARRANGEMENTS, THE LRT BY AND LARGE ENJOYED NO MORE PROTECTION THAN THE FRANCHISED BUS SERVICES WHICH WOULD OTHERWISE BE PUT IN ITS PLACE.
WITHIN THE ISA, THE LRT ALSO FACED COMPETIT I ON FROM TAXIS AND PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES.
ON FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF LRT, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT SAID THE KCRC HAD INVESTED $1.2 BILLION IN THE LRT AND WOULD SPEND ANOTHER $800 MILLION IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS ON EXTENSIONS TO THE SYSTEM AND BUYING MORE LIGHT RAIL VEHICLES.
THREE ADDITIONAL LRT LINKS WITHIN TUEN MUN AND A NEW LINE TO TIN SHU I WAI, ESTIMATED TO (’OST $150 MILLION, WERE UNDER CONSTRUCT ION.
WHEN COMPLETED IN EARLY 1992, THE TUEN MUN REDUCE THE TRAVELLING TIME OF MANY JOURNEYS, MAKING CONVENIENT TO USE.
EXTENSIONS WOULD THE SYSTEM MORE
/HE SAID .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 1991
- 2 -
UE SAID THE LINK TO TIN SHUT WAI WAS DUE FOR COMPLETION BY THE END OF 1992, SHORTLY FOLLOWING THE NEW TOWN’S FIRST POPULATION INTAKE.
NOT COUNTING THE PROPOSED LONG PING LINK, THE ABOVE EXTENSIONS WOULD INCREASE THE NUMBER OF LRT STOPS FROM 41 TO 55, MANY OF WHICH SERVING AREAS WITH GOOD DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL, MR LEUNG SAID.
DAILY LRT PATRONAGE WAS FORECAST TO REACH 380,000 TRIPS BY 1995. HE SAID TO MEET INCREASING DEMAND, THE KCRC HAD PLACED ORDERS FOR 30 LIGHT RAIL VEHICLES AT A (’OST OF ABOUT $380 MILLION.
THE NEW VEHICLES WOULD HAVE BETTER AIR-CONDITIONING AND IMPROVED SEAT LAYOUT.
APART FROM IMPROVING THE INTERIOR. DESIGN OF VEHICLES, THE KCRC HAD IN THE PAST ACTED UPON MANY SERVICE IMPROVEMENT PROPOSALS FROM THE LOCAL COMMUNITY.
EXAMPLES INCLUDED THE EXTENSION OF PLATFORMS AT BUSY LRT STOPS; INSTALLATION OF RAIL LUBRICATORS IN NOISE SENSITIVE AREAS; FINE-TUNING OF TRAIN SCHEDULES TO PROVIDE BETTER SERVICE; PROVISION OF MORE USER-FRIENDLY TICKETING MACHINES; AND IMPROVEMENTS TO FEEDER BUS SERVICES, MR LEUNG ADDED.
THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT GAVE FULL SUPPORT TO THE KCRC’S EFFORTS IN ENHANCING ITS RELATION WITH CUSTOMERS.
IN ADDITION TO REGULAR SURVEYS ON CUSTOMER SATISFACTION, THE KCRC HAD RECENTLY STARTED TO FORM PASSENGER LIAISON GROUPS. VIEWS COLLECTED THROUGH THE GROUP MEETINGS WOULD FORM THE BASIS FOR FURTHER SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS.
MR LEUNG SAID THE KCRC’ BOARD COMPRISED MEMBERS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR FROM A CROSS SECTION OF THE COMMUNITY.
THE KCRC ORDINANCE EMPOWERED THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL TO DIRECT THE CORPORATION ON MATTERS OF PUBLIC’ INTEREST.
AN ESTABLISHED CHANNEL OF COMMON I CATION EXISTED BETWEEN THE OMELC'O TRANSPORT PANEL AND THE KCRC.
HE SAID THE ANNUAI BUDGET AND FORWARD PLANS OF THE KC’RC WERE SCRUTINISED BY THE ADMINISTRATION.
MK LEUNG SAID HE MET WITH THE KCRC CHAIRMAN REGULARLY TO REVIEW PERFORMANCE AND PROGRESS AGAINST POLICY OBJECTIVES SET BY THE GOVERNMENT.
THIS ENSURED THAT THE CORPORATION WOULD CONT I NUE TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE RAIL SERVICES AT REALISTIC FARE LEVELS.
MR LEUNG SAID THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE WAS KEPT INFORMED AND CONSULTED ON THE BROADER ASPECTS OF RAIL SERVICES, INCLUDING THEIR CO-ORDINATION WITH OTHER FORMS OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT.
('ROSS MEMBERSHIP BETWEEN THE TAC AND THE KCRC BOARD HAD HELPED TO IMPROVE UNDERSTANDING AND CO-ORD INAT I ON.
/AT THE
3
AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL, THE LRT SERVICES WERE MONITORED DISTRICT BOARDS OF THEN MUN AND YUEN
LONG.
aii THESE WERE IN ADDITION TO THE CLOSE MEDIA AMD THE GENERAL PUBLIC TOWARDS THE LRI.
THE LET.
BY
<• INTEREST TAKEN BY
THE CURRENT MONITORING SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT SAID.
SYSTEM WAS CONSIDERED
adequate,
THE
THE
THE
________0-----------
BANKRUPTCY
(AMENDMENT) RILL I 99 I
I NTRODI’CED
THE BANKRUPTCY (AMENDMENT) ol. THE SUPREME court additional I, - rIN|. BANKRUPTCY MALTERS1 Hl-'iM-UFWS, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
BILL 1991 WILL GIVE JURISDICTION TO DEAL
ATTORNEY GENERAL,
THE REGISTRAR
THE
WITH SIMPLE, HON JEREMY
THE
LAST
TH,: "“;x,iXx
-« AuTHORI'I'V To «HAR UNOPPOSRR
LEGISLATIVE amended IN bankruptcy
. 93 ■<
PEI IT IONS.
T|||.; REGISTRAR HAD SINCE TAKEN THE
HI! HEARING OF ALL SUCH CAS .. . < ’ TO COMPLEX, \!.I.F. TO DEVOTE MORE OF HIS I I ME CASES.
THE
BANKRUPTCY
bankruptcy
CONTESTED
JUDGE
JUDGE
WAS
bankruptcy
HE SAID EXI’ER I ENCE SINCE’
able, to take over bankruptcy judge.
MORE
S I MPLI-
| 9SR SHOWED THA I’ I HE HOUT I NF BANKRUPTCY
REGISTRAR
CASES
FROM
WAS THE
COURT K< )RK ,
THIS WOULD BY ALLOW I NG HE SAID.
THE ON
BANKRUPTCY THE HEAVIER
Cl AUSES 2 AND 3 Ol-..., AN|) DETERMINE IN OPEN COl'RI ORDERS OR TO ANNU I. AN approve compositions DISCHARGE UIS DEBTS,
HEAR
ADJUDICATION of bamkkuph Y,
APPLICATIONS
OK SCHEMES
i »!■
arrangements
by A DEBTOR
TO
TO
AND APPLK AT IONS
hop ORDERS OF DISCHARGE.
THESE APPLICATIONS WERE
„,T„ „,™ kko .strap .«wr mrr.wvo.
UNCONTESTED, AND COULD BE DEALT
To ensure that the quality of the uizx’r in \ 1.1. •!.•< 'TED MR MA’IHEWS SAID WOULD NOI BE x,,,( |.1S H’RISDH I'loN,
REGISTRAR, IN E\ER( I S I MG HIS .11 R I • « the BANKRUPTCY JUDGE .
ADMINISTRATION v^ 'the
liqi.' | PROPOSED I HA I MIGIII iiei-er \NV MATTER 'io
the amendments had ihe suiioki < i
nil. i.i-gal profession.
DEBATE on Till I’H.I
WAS ADJOURNED.
0
/4 ■........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 1991
4
BILLS TO DETER NON-PAYMENT OE FIXED PENALTY FINES
THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON MICHAEL LEUNG, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) INTRODUCED TWO RILLS INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AIMED AT DETERRING NON-PAYMENT OF FIXED PENALTY FINES.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE FIXED PENALTY (TRAFFIC CONTRAVENTIONS) (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1991, MR LEUNG SAID ITS MAIN PURPOSE WAS TO DETER THE OWNERS OF VEHICLE FLEETS FROM EVADING THE PAYMENT OF FIXED PENALTY PARKING FINES.
AT PRESENT A MAGISTRATE MIGHT DIRECT THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT TO WITHHOLD THE TRANSFER OF VEHICLE OWNERSHIP AND THE LICENSING OF A MOTOR VEHICLE ONLY IF THAT VEHICLE WAS THE SUBJECT OF AN OUTSTANDING COURT ORDER FOR NON-PAYMENT OF FIXED PENALTY PARKING FINE.
IN ORDER TO INCREASE THE DETERRENT EFFECT OF THE LEGISLATION, THE BILL SOUGHT TO EXTEND THE MAGISTRATES’ POWERS TO INCLUDE. ALL MO'IOR VEHICLES OWNED BY THE DEFAULTER, MR LEUNG SAID.
IN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE OTHER BILL - THE ROAD iRAil-IC (AMENDMENT) (NO. 1) BILL 1991 - MR LEUNG SAID IT EMPOWERED UH- COMMISSIONER OF POLICE TO REFUSE THE ISSUE OF A RECORD OF TRAFFIC 'N\I' IIONS TO AN APPLICANT UNTIL HE HAD PAID ALL OUTSTANDING FIXED I’FN'I/H TRAFFIC FINES AND RELATED COURT (’OSTS.
DEBATES ON THE BILLS WERE ADJOURNED.
------0 - - - -
BILLS TO EXTEND DEFINITION OF HOSPITAL INTRODUCED t t * * ♦
THE EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1991 SEEKS TO EXTEND HIE DEFINITION OF ’’HOSPITAL” IN THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE TO COVER PUBLIC HOSPITALS MANAGED AND CONTROLLED BY THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY.
IHIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON ELIZABETH WONG, WHEN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
MRS WONG EXPLAINED THAT UPON THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY TAKING OVER MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL, EXISTING GOVERNMENT AND SUBVERTED HOSPITALS WOULD (’EASE TO COME WITHIN THE DEFINITION OF ’’HOSPITAL” IN THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.
SHE SAID THE BILL ENABLED THESE HOSPITALS TO CONTINUE TO SERVE THE FUNCTIONS SPECIFIED IN THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.
/FOR THE .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 1991
- 5 -
FOR THE SAME REASON, TWO BILLS WERE ALSO INTRODUCED TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "HOSPITAL” IN THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORD I NAN'’F AND THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS (COMPENSATION) ORDINANCE.
THEY WERE THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 AND THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS (COMPENSATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991.
DEBATES ON THE BILLS WERE ADJOURNED.
------0--------
POLICE MAKE EVERY EFFORT AGAINST ILLEGAL (’AR RACING *****
THE POLICE ARE VERY CONSCIOUS OF THE THREAT TO PUBLIC SAFETY POSED BY ILLEGAL CAR RACING AND EVERY EFFORT IS MADE TO PREVENT, DI IFI’T AND STOP SUCH ACTIVITIES, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, HIE HON ALISTAIR ASI’REY, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN REPLN 'I’O A QUESTION FROM THE HON MICHAEL CHENG, SAID THE POLICE HAI) ESTABLISHED ANTI-ILLEGAL CAR RACING KOWLOON, ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
MR ASPREY
TEAMS IN
ABOUT THE
PLANNING FOIL SUCH
"THESE TEAMS ARE TASKED WITH GATHERING INTELLIGENCE PEOPLE AND VEHICLES INVOLVED IN ILLEGAL CAR RACING, AND Will! AND MOUNTING ROAD BLOCKS AND OTHER RELATED OPERA! TONS IO
ACT IV ITIES," HE SAID.
"IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1991, 31 OPERATIONS WERE MOUNTED AND 346 \k||ICLES WERE (’BECKED.
’’AS A RESULT, 67 VEHICLES WERE DETAINED AND 43 PERSONS WERE PROSECUTED FOR VARIOUS TRAFFIC OFFENCES."
MR ASPRFY SAID THE POLICE ALSO CONDUCTED RESEARCH TO IDENTIFY •UH. MOST APPROPRIATE EQUIPMENT TO HELI' DETECT AND STOP ILLEGAL RACING ON PUHI. IC ROADS.
MEASURES TO PREVENT AND STOP ROAD RACING WERE REVIEWED REGULARLY TO ENSURE THAT THEY WERE UP-TO-DATE, HE ADDED.
--------0 - -
/6 ........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 1991
6 appointments based ON INDIVIDUALS’ merits *****
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS, COMMITTEES AND COUNCILS ARE MADE ON THE BASIS OF THE MERITS OF THE INDIVIDUALS CONCERNED, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, THE HON PETER TSAO, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON KINGSLEY SIT HO-Y1N, MR TSAO SAID THIS WOULD TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THEIR PERSONAL ABILITY, EXPERIENCE AND OVERALL SUITABILITY FOR THE APPOINTMENT.
HE ALSO SAID THAT WITH A FEW MINOR EXCEPTIONS, SUCH APPOINTMENTS WERE MADE BY THE GOVERNOR.
------0---------
BILL EMPOWERS FLAT OWNERS TO DISMISS BUILDING MANAGER
* ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE MULTI STOREY BUILDINGS (OWNERS INCORPORATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL I 99 I PROVIDES FOR A MANDATORY TERM TO ENABLE FLAT OWNERS TO TERMINATE THE APPOINTMENT OF THE MANAGER OF THEIR BUILDING BY A TWO-THIRDS MAJORITY VOTE, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, THE HON PETER TSAO, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO \ QUESTION BY THE HON RONALD CHOW, MR TSAO SAID NO MANAGER’S \ PPO I N'l’MENT MAY, HOWEVER, BE SO TERMINATED BEFORE THE ENI) OF ONE YEAR AFTER THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE LEGISLATION.
MR TSAO ALSO EXPLAINED THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN THE MANAGEMENT RIGHTS OVER COMMON PARTS AND THOSE OVER COMMON FACILITIES.
’’COMMON PARTS ARE JOINTLY OWNED BY THE FLAT OWNERS, WHO COULD ASSUME CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT OF SUCH PARTS.
’’COMMON FACILITIES SUCH AS CARPARKS, COMMERCIAL COMPLEXES AND MARKETS WHICH DO NOT BELONG TO FLAT OWNERS ARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF Illi OWNERS OF SUCH FACILITIES AND BY R I GUI OF OWNERSHIP, THESE OWNERS WILL HAVE THE RI GUT TO MANAGE, SINU| IT IS THEIR PROPERTY , NOT THAT OF THE FLAT OWNERS,” HF SAID.
MR TSAO STRESSED THAT THE BILL DID PROVIDE THAT FLAT OWNERS SHOULD NOT BE PREVENTED BY A DEED Of* MUTUAL (’OVENANT OR ANY OTHER AGREEMENT FROM FORM I NG AN OWNERS’ CORPORATION.
"THE INTENTION IS TO APPLY HIE TERM ’ANY OTHER AGREEMENT’ TO CASES WHERE SOME CROWN LESSEES \RF Hill) RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF THE BUILDINGS BY CERTAIN PROVISIONS IN THE LAND GRANT.
/"IN SUCH ........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 1991
- 7 -
-IN SUCH CASES, UNDER SECTION 2A OF THE MULTI-STORED HUj 1,1 ONGS (OWNERS INCORPORATION) ORDINANCE, THE FLAT OWNERS CANNOT Al PRI.I.i INCORPORATE THEMSELVES UNLESS THEY OBTAIN A CERTIFICATE I ROM THE CHIEF SECRETARY TO DO OTHERWISE.
"WHETHER, AND IF SO IN WHAT WAY SHOULD SECTION 2A BE AMINDED WILL BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF VIEWS EXPRESSED DURING HIE THREE-MONTH CONSULTATION PERIOD WHICH ENDS IN AUGUST," HE ADDED.
-----0------
FULL ALERT ON DRUG TRAFFICKING
*****
BOTH THE POLICE AND THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT REMAIN VIGILANT TO ALL FORMS OF ILLICIT TRAFFICKING IN DANGEROUS DRUGS.
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON ALISTAIR ASPREY, SAID THIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON RONALD CHOW.
MR ASPREY SAID ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS HAD BEEN ALERTED TO THE ILLI (IT TRADE IN "ICE", AND INSTRUCTED IN THE TECHNIQUES FOR DE I Fl I I NG " ICE" .
HE NOTED THAT "ICE", OR CRYSTALLINE METHAMPHETAMINE, COULD BE MANUFACTURED FROM EPHEDRINE OR OTHER SYNTHETIC PRECURSORS.
IN 'I’HE PAST THREE YEARS, ALL SEIZURES OF "ICE" SUGGESTED THA'I THE ILLICIT TRADE IN "ICE" THROUGH HONG KONG INVOLVED MAINLY "ICE" FROM CHINA DESTINED FOR OVERSEAS MARKE'l’S, THOUGH A SMALL PROPORI ION MIGHT HAVE BEEN RETAINED FOR LOCAL DISTRIBUTION, THE SECRETARY SAID.
IN VIEW OF THIS, THE CUSTOMS BORDER INTELLIGENCE NETWORK HAD BEEN STRENGTHENED, AND A (’LOSE LIAISON MAINTAINED WITH THE CHINESE XUTHOR I T IES.
ON MARCH 13, THE CHINESE CUSTOMS MADE A SEIZURE OF 31.5 KILOGRAMS FROM A LORRY TRAVELLING TOWARDS HONG KONG AND ARRESTED TWO HONG KONG RESIDENTS, MR ASPREY SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG SEIZED 5.73 KILOGRAMS OF ICE LAST YEAR, AND 21 KILOGRAMS IN THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS THIS YEAR.
"THIS INCLUDED ON MAY IB A POLICE SEIZURE OF 20 KILOGRAMS OF ’ICE’ ON RESIDENTIAL PREMISES IN NORTH POINT.
"THE DRUGS APPEARED TO HAVE BEEN RE-CRYSTALLISED ON I HE PREMISES AND 1’1’ IS SUSPECTED THAT THE SYNDICATE IMPORIED METHAMPHETAMINE FROM (TUNA IN LIQUID FORM," MR. ASPREY SAID.
THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT HAD ALSO SEIZED 'IBIS YEAR ONE KILOGRAM OF "ICE" FROM A PARCEL ADDRESSED TO ’THE PHILIPPINES, HE ADDED.
/THE SECRETARY .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, .1991
- 8 -
THE SECRETARY NOTED THAT MEANWHILE THE GOVERNMENT CONTINUE! TO PURSUE A COMPREHENSIVE PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICLTY PROGRAMME AGAINST DRUG ABUSE.
’’ONE OF THE TWO THEMES FOR THE PUBLICITY STRATEGY ADOPTED ON THE ADVICE OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS FOR THE CURRENT YEAR IS TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO ADOPT A HEALTHY LIFE-STYLE AND SAY ’NO1 TO ALL DRUGS.
’’THIS IS IN LINE WITH INTERNATIONALLY AGREED GUIDELINES TO PROMOTE ’A HEALTHY DRUG-FREE LIFE-STYLE AS A PRIMARY GOAL’,” HE SAID.
’’THE COMMUNITY, IN PARTICULAR YOUNG PEOPLE, ARE BEING OF THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF ’ICE’ AND OTHER DANGEROUS DRUGS, CONSEQUENCES OF MISUSING OR ABUSING DRUGS,” HE ADDED.
INFORMED
AND THE
--------0-----------
STAFF IN OBSOLETE RANKS WILL BE GIVEN OPTION ♦ ♦♦♦♦♦
IN THE INTEREST OF PHASING OUT THE OBSOLETE RANKS AND PAY SCALES AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, THE ADMINISTRATION IS PREPARED TO GIVE HIE STAFF CONCERNED A FURTHER OPTION TO TRANSFER TO THE APPROPRIATE CURRENT RANKS.
THE ACTING CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON GRAHAM BARNES, INFORMED THE LEG I SLAT IVE COUNCIL THIS 'TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG.
MR BARNES SAID AT PRESENT, A TOTAL OF 620 NON-DI REC 1 ORA IE CIVIL SERVANTS WERE IN OBSOLESCENT RANKS AND HOLDING PERSONAL SALARIES.
ABOUT 1,150 STAFF WERE REPORTED TO BE IN CORRESPONDING RANKS IN THE SUBVENTED SECTOR, HE SAID’.
HIE ACTING CHIEF SECRETARY EXPLAINED THAT THE GENERIC TERM ’’OBSOLESCENT RANKS’’ REFERRED TO BOTH RANKS AND PAY SCALES WHICH HAD BEEN MADE OBSOLETE AS A RESULT OF A REVISION OF PAY SCALES, OR THE RE-STRUCTURING, MERGER OR ABOL IT I ON OF GRADES.
"THESE ’RANKS’ ONLY EXIST TO ACCOMMODATE OFFICERS WHO HAD SERVED IN THESE RANKS BEFORE THEY WERE DECLARED OBSOLETE AND WHO HAVE (HOSEN TO REMAIN THEREIN ON A PERSONAL BASIS.
’’AS AN ES’I’ABLI SHED PRACTICE, OBSOLETE PAY SCALES ARE NOT SUBJECT TO ANY STRUCTURAL REVIEW BUT ARE ADJUSTED IN LINE WITH THE ANNUAL CIVIL SERVICE PAY REVISION.
"HENCE, THEY WERE NOT COVERED IN THE 1989 SALARY STRUCTURE REV1EW,” HE SAID.
/MR BARNES .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 1991
- 9 -
MR BARNES SAID FOLLOWING THE 1989 SALARY STRUCTURE REVIEW, SOME OF THE OBSOLETE RANK SCALES WERE NO LONGER MORE FAVOURABLE THAN THE CURRENT PAY SCALES OF THE CORRESPONDING RANKS.
"THE STAFF CONCERNED THEREFORE FEEI. THAT THEY HAVE LOST OUT, EVEN THOUGH SOME OF THEM HAVE EXERCISED AN IRREVOCABLE OPTION TO REMAIN IN THE OBSOLESCENT RANKS," HE SAID.
MR BARNES SAID NONETHELESS, IN THE INTEREST OF PHASING OUT THE OBSOLETE RANKS AND PAY SCALES AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, THE ADMINISTRATION WAS PREPARED TO GIVE THE STAFF CONCERNED A FURTHER OPTION TO TRANSFER TO THE APPROPRIATE CURRENT RANKS, ADDING THAT DETAILED CONVERSION ARRANGEMENTS WERE BEING WORKED OUT AND WOULD BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY.
SUBVENTED ORGANISATIONS WOULD ALSO BE INFORMED SO THAT THEY MIGHT CONSIDER MAKING SIMILAR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THEIR STAFF, HE SAID.
--------0-----------
COST OF BANK RESCUES NOT DETERMINED ♦ »»»»»
THE NET COST OF RESCUE OF THE HANG LUNG BANK AND THE OVERSEAS TRUST BANK IS STILL NOT ABLE TO DETERMINE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PIERS JACOBS, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON PETER WONG, SIR PIERS SAID IN THE CASE OF THE HANG LUNG BANK, THE GOVERNMENT HAD GIVEN CERTAIN INDEMNITIES AND WARRANTIES FOR PRE-GOVERNMENT ACQUISITION LIABILITIES, AS HAD BEEN INDICATED IN HIS REPLY ON JANUARY 1(1 LAST YEAR.
"THE AMOUNT OF ULTIMATE LIABILITIES ARISING FROM SUCH INDEMNITIES AND WARRANTIES, IF ANY, IS STILL NOT YET KNOWN.
"AS TO THE OVERSEAS TRUST BANK IT HAS YET TO BE RETURNED TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR," HE SAID.
0---------
/10........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 1991
- 10 -
REVIEW OF ONE-PERSON ♦
AND TWO-PERSON FLATS SUPPLY
♦ t ♦ ♦ »
A REVIEW OE THE SUPPLY AND DEMAND FOR ONE-PERSON AND TWO-PERSON FLATS HAS BEEN COMPLETED AND THE FINDINGS HAVE BEEN ENDORSED BY THE HOPS I NG AUTHORITY’S DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE, THE SECRETARY FOR HOMI-: AFFAIRS, THE HON PETER TSAO, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HUI YIN-FAT, MR TSAO SAID THE REVIEW II\D IDENTIFIED SHORTFALLS IN SUPPLY FROM DIFFERENT SOURCES IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS AND PROPOSED A COMBINATION OF OPTIONS TO REDRESS THEM, PARTICULARLY IN TERMS OF TIMING AND LOCATION.
\S THE POLIC Y COMMITTEES OF THE HOUS I NG AUTHORITY HAD YET TO CONSIDER THE REVIEW FINDINGS AND ITS IMPLICATIONS, IT WAS THEREFORE TOO EARLY TO SAY WHETHER THE EXISTING HOUSING POLICY FOR SMALL HOUSEHOLDS MIGHT NEED To BE AMENDED, AND HOW A REVIEW OF SUCH POLICIES SHOULD BE CONDUCTED, HE SAID.
MR TSAI' SAID Uli POLICY COMMITTEES WOULD HAVE TO CONSIDER THESE ISSUES, ADDING I’ll AT HIE HOUS I NG DEPARTMENT WAS CONFIDENT THAT THE CURRENT SHORTFALLS AND PROBLEMS COULD BE OVERCOME.
THE SECRETARY SAID BETWEEN APRIL 1992 AND MARCH 1995, A TOTAL oi 5, RBI FLATS W I UI INTERNAL FLOOR AREA OF ID. ft SQUARE METRES TO 25 SQUARE METRES WOULD BE PRODUCED, WHICH WOULD BE SUITABLE FOR ALLOCATION TO ONI--PERSON OR TWO-PERSON HOUSEHOLDS UNDER THE EXISTING ALLOCATION STANDARD.
"IN YDDITION, CASUAL VACANCIES FROM THE EXISTING STOCK IN THE ORDER OF 12,000 UNITS Wll.l ALSO BE AVAILABLE FOR ALLOCATION TO THESE SMALL HOUSEHOLDS," HE SAID.
ON THE NUMBER OF PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE UNITS TO BE DURING Uli-: SAMI* PERIOD, MR ISAO SAID \ TOTAL OF 67,163 NEW 29 ESTATES WOULD BE COMPLETED.
COMPLETED
FLATS IN
'THIS LEVEL OF PRODUCT I ON , HE SAID, WAS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LONG-TERM HOUS I NG STRATEGY TARGET, WHICH WAS REVIEWED AND ADJUSTED ANNUALLY.
/H .....
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 1991
- 11 -
SECURITY SITUATION IN VIETNAMESE DETENTION CENTRES BEING MONITORED
THE SECURITY SITUATION KEPT UNDER CAREFUL REVIEW, AS EMERGENCY THAT MAY ARISE.
IN ALL VIETNAMESE DETENTION CENTRES IS
ARE CONTINGENCY PLANS TO DEAL WITH ANY
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON ALISTAIR ASPREY, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) TN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON LAU WONG-FAT.
THE SECRETARY NOTED THAT THE ESCAPE INCIDENT AT THE WHITEHEAD DETENTION CENTRE IN APRIL LAST YEAR HAD CAUSED UNDERSTANDABLE PUBLIC CONCERN OVER SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS AT THE DETENTION CENTRES.
”IN RESPONSE THE GOVERNMENT HAS REVIEWED THE STANDARD OF PHYSICAL SECURITY AT ALL THE DETENTION CENTRES, AND SEVERAL IMPROVEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE," HE SAID.
ON THE IMPROVEMENTS, MR ASPREY SAID: "PERIMETER FENCING HAS BEEN STRENGTHENED, AND THE FREQUENCY OF PERIMETER PATROLS HAS BEEN INCREASED.
"MORE EFFECTIVE RAPID RESPONSE ARRANGEMENTS IN THE EVENT OF TROUBLE HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED.
"SEARCHES AT ALL VIETNAMESE REFUGEE AND VIETNAMESE DETENTION CENTRES FOR WEAPONS AND ESCAPEES HAVE ALSO BEEN STEPPED UP.
"ESCAPEES AND THOSE FOUND IN POSSESSION OF WEAPONS ARE PROSECUTED."
MR ASPREY POINTED OUT THAT THESE MEASURES HAD BEEN BALANCED BY I'HE EFFORTS OF rill- GOVERNMENT AND NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS TO EXPAND WORK AND OTHER PROGRAMMES FOR THOSE IN THE CENTRES, AND TO INCREASE THE PARTICIPATION OF THE VIETNAMESE THEMSELVES IN CAMP MANAGEMENT.
"THESE MEASURES HAVE BEEN EFFECTIVE IN REDUCING THE NUMBER OF ESCAPES FROM DETENTION CENTRES," HE SAID.
MR ASPREY ADDED THAT SINCE THE INTRODUCTION OF STATUS DETERMINATION IN JUNE 1988, A TOTAL OF 2,360 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS HAD ESCAPED FROM DETENTION CENTRES AND 587 WERE STILL MISSING AS AT JUNE 1 THIS YEAR.
------0-----------
/12 .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 1991
- 12 -
HEARING-LOSS COMPENSATION LAW IN THE PIPELINE *****
THE COMMISSIONER EOR LABOUR IS PREPARING THE NECESSARY DRAFTING INSTRUCTIONS TO PROVIDE FOR A COMPENSATION SCHEME FOR OCCUPATIONAL NOISE-INDUCED HEARING LOSS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON CHRISTINE CHOW, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG, MISS CHOW SAID THE GOVERNMENT AIMED TO INTRODUCE THE BILL INTO THE COUNCIL IN THE 1991/92 SESSION.
”IT HAS TAKEN US SOME TIME TO FINALISE OUR PROPOSALS BECA.USE THE MEDICAL AND FUNDING ASPECTS OF THE SCHEME ARE COMPLICATED AND REQUIRE CAREFUL STUDY AND EXTENSIVE CONSULTATION WITH INTERESTED PARTIES,” SHE SAID.
--------0--------
FIVE RILLS PASSED IN LEGCO ******
FIVE BILLS WERE PASSED MEETING TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AT ITS
THEY WERE LAW AMENDMENT AND REFORM (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT) HILL 1991, ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1991, FIXED PENALTY (TRAFFIC CONTRAVENTIONS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, ROAD TUNNELS (GOVERNMENT) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 AND SUPPLEMENTARY MEDICAL PROFESSIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991.
SIX OTHER BILLS WERE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND
READINGS,
AND DEBATES ON THEM WERE ADJOURNED.
THEY WERE BANKRUPTCY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, FIXED PENALTY (TRAFFIC CONTRAVENTIONS 1 (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1991, ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) (NO. 1) BILL 1991, EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1991, EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 AND PNEUMOCONIOSIS (COMPENSATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991.
MEANWHILE, 10 MEMBERS, INCLUDING THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, SPOKE IN AN ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE MATTER OF "SERVICES OF THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM IN NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES" RAISED BY THE HON 'Al CHIN-WAH.
/13........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 1991
- 13 -
GOVERNOR COMMENDED POST OFFICE WORK ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE POST OFFICE HAS GROWN WITH HONG KONG IN THE PAST 150 YEARS \ND REFLECTS ITS SUCCESS, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EXHIBITION TO COMMEMORATE 150 YEARS OF POSTAL SERVICE’ IN HONG KONG AT THE MUSEUM OF HISTORY, SIR DAVID SAID THE EXHIBITION WAS A CELEBRATION OF THOSE YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE.
"IT STANDS AS AN IMPORTANT REMINDER OF HONG KONG’S PAST AND HOW MUCH HAS BEEN ACHIEVED,” HE SAID.
THE GOVERNOR POINTED OUT THAT THE PRODUCTIVITY OF THE POST OFFICE WAS AMONG THE HIGHEST IN THE WORLD AND ITS POSTAL RATES WERE \MONG THE LOWEST.
HE SAID AN AIRMAIL LETTER POSTED IN HONG KONG LEFT BY PLANE WITHIN HOURS AND EACH DAY NEARLY 40 TONS OF AIRMAIL LEFT HONG KONG.
"THE HISTORY OF THIS SUCCESS STORY, AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR HONG KONG, DESERVE TO BE RECORDED."
WORK IN THE POST OFFICE, SIR DAVID SAID, MEANS PROVIDING A VERY DIRECT SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC AND THE POSTMAN COLLECTING AND DELIVERING LETTERS HAD BEEN PART OF EVERYDAY LIFE SINCE THE EARLIEST DAYS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT HOWEVER SOPHISTICATED LETTER-SORTING BECAME, THE NEED FOR THE POSTMAN WOULD REMAIN; AND WITH THE POSTMAN THE HOPE THAT HE WOULD BRING HONG KONG PEOPLE GOOD NEWS.
SIR DAVID RE('ALLEI) THAT ON A RECENT VISIT TO THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, HE SAW ON THE WALL OF THE MAIN HALL THE VERY APPROPRIATE QUOTATION FROM THE BIBLE: "AS COLD WATERS TO A THIRSTY SOUL; SO IS GOOD NEWS FROM A FAR COUNTRY."
"THE POST OFFICE HAS BEEN BRINGING GOOD NEWS FOR 150 YEARS," HE SAID.
THE URBAN COUNCIL’S MUSEUM OF HISTORY GAVE VISITORS A GOOD FEEL FOR SOMETHING OF THE POST OFFICE’S PAST, THE GOVERNOR SAID.
HE SAID THIS BUILDING, AMID THE BANYAN TREES OF KOWLOON PARK, AND THE EXHIBITION, EVOKED AN EARLIER HONG KONG WHEN POSTMEN HAD NO NEED OF LIFTS; WHEN THE MAIL BOAT TO BRITAIN TOOK 50 DAYS AND AIRMAIL LETTERS WERE UNHEARD OF; AND WHEN ADHESIVE STAMPS WERE A NOVELTY.
SIR DAVID ADDED THAT THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE STAMPS THEMSELVES I OLD A STORY.
THE FORMAL DESIGNS OF THE EARLV YEARS HAD GIVEN WAY TO INCREASING VARIETY AND COLOUR.
/"STAMPS HAVE .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 1991
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"STAMPS HAVE BECOME MINIATURE WORKS OF ART.
"EACH ISSUE IS AN ATTEMPT TO OUTDO THE PREVIOUS ONES," HE SAID.
NO WONDER STAMPS HAD A FASCINATION FOR COLLECTORS, SIR DAVID AID, NOTING THAT HONG KONG’S FIRST COMMEMORATIVE ISSUE IN 1891 WAS SO POPULAR THAT IT CAUSED CROWD CONTROL PROBLEMS.
"TODAY, HONG KONG PHILATELY HAS A LARGE AND DEDICATED FOLLOWING (HAT WAITS EAGERLY FOR THE FIVE SPECIAL ISSUES EACH YEAR," SIR DAVID SAID.
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EXHIBITION ILLUSTRATES DEVELOPMENT OF POSTAL SERVICE IN HK
*****
MORE THAN 300 ITEMS OF EXHIBITS, INCLUDING STAMPS AND ARTEFACTS, DEPICTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL POSTAL SERVICE WILL BE ON DISPLAY AT THE URBAN COUNCIL’S HONG KONG MUSEUM OF HISTORY FROM TODAY (WEDNESDAY) TO AUGUST 4.
THE "150 YEARS OF POSTAL SERVICE IN HONG KONG" EXHIBITION, JOINTLY PRESENTED BY THE URBAN COUNI’IL AND THE HONG KONG POST OFFICE, TO COMMEMORATE THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF POSTAL SERVICE IN HONG KONG, WAS OPENED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, THIS MORNING.
SPEAKING AT THE EXHIBITION’S OPENING, THE (’HAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, DR RONALD LEUNG, SAID HONG KONG HAI) EMERGED AS A METROPOLIS AND A MAJOR FINANCIAL CENTRE IN THE PAST ONE-AND-A-HALF CENTURY, AND THE HONG KONG POST OFFICE HAD GROWN ON PAR WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF THIS GREAT CITY.
."HONG KONG HAS CHANGED A LOT THROUGHOUT THE YEARS, AND THE POST OFFICE HAS GROWN WITH IT AND MAINTAINED CIS PARAMOUNT PLACE IN PROVIDING EXCELLENT SERVICE IN COMMUNI CATION," DR LEUNG SAID.
"IT IS HOPED THAT VIEWERS TO THE EXHIBITION WILL ACQUIRE A COMPREHENSIVE PICTURE OF POSTAL SERVICE DEVELOPMENT OVER THE PAST 150 YEARS," HE ADDED.
ALSO OFFICIATED AT THE OPENING WERE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL’S MUSEUMS SELECT COMMITTEE, DR SAMUEL WONG; THE POSTMASTER. GENERAL, MR DOMINIC S.W. WONG; AND THE DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES, MR HAIDER BARMA.
THE HONG KONG POST OFFICE WAS ESTABLISHED ON AUGUST 25, 1841. THE FIRST POST OFFICE BUILDING WAS CONSTRUCTED ON SITE ABOVE THE PRESENT ST JOHN’S CATHEDRAL AND WAS OPENED IN NOVEMBER 1841.
TO SECURE A WATERFRONT POSITION TO FACILITATE DELIVERY OF-’ MAIL, THE GENERAL POST OFFICE HAD MOVED THREE TIMES IN THE PAST ONE-AND-' HALF CENTURY, FROM QUEEN’S ROAD TO DES VOEUX ROAD AND THEN TO THE EXISTING LOCATION \T CONNAUGHT PLACE AS A RESULT OF DIFFERENT PHASES Ol- RECLAMATION .
/HONG KONG’S .......
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HONG KONG’S FIRST DEFINITIVE STAMPS WERE LAUNCHED ON DECEMBER 8, 1862, WHICH WAS AN INNOVATION IN ASIA AT THAT TIME. STARTING IN THE 1960’S, IT BECAME QUITE A COMMON PRACTICE FOR THE POST OFFICE TO ISSUE COMMEMORATIVE OR SPECIAL STAMPS EVERY YEAR TO MARK SPECIAL OCCASIONS AND EVENTS.
THE ”150 YEARS OF POSTAL SERVICE IN HONG KONG" EXHIBITION IS DIVIDED INTO VARIOUS SECTIONS (’OVER ING PRE-ADHESIVE POSTAL MARKINGS, THE B62 OBLITERATOR, TREATY PORT POSTAL ITEMS, DEFINITIVE ISSUES, COMMEMORATIVE ISSUES, STAMPS ISSUED DURING THE JAPANESE OCCUPATION PERIOD, POSTAGE DUE STAMPS AS WELL AS POSTAL STATIONERY.
THE LAST SECTION OF THE EXHIBITION WILL INTRODUCE THE POSTAL HISTORY AND POSTAL SERVICES IN HONG KONG.
TO COMPLEMENT THE EXHIBITION, TWO BILINGUAL VIDEO TAPES - "MAIL HANDLING PROCESS" AND "A STAMP IS BORN" - WILL BE SHOWN CONTINUOUSLY IN THE VENUE THROUGHOUT THE EXHIBITION PERIOD.
THE HONG KONG MUSEUM OF HISTORY IS LOCATED IN KOWLOON PARK, HAIPHONG ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI. ADMISSION IS FREE AND THE OPENING HOURS ARE FROM 10 AM TO 6 PM DAILY (EXCEPT FRIDAY), AND 1 PM TO 6 PM ON SUNDAY AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
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LEGCO APPOINTMENT FOR JOHN SWA I NE INTENDED
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT IT WAS HIS INTENTION TO APPOINT MR JOHN SWA I NE AS A MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR THE 1991-5 SESSION WITH A VIEW TO HIM BECOMING THE DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL.
MR SWAINE SERVED AS A MEMBER Oh THE LEG ISI.AT I VE COUNCIL FROM 1980-1988. HE HAS BEEN A MEMBER UE THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL SINCE SEPTEMBER 1, 1988. HE WILL RESIGN FROM THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ON AUGUST 31.
THE ROLE OF THE DEPUTY PRESIDENT WOULD BE TO PRESIDE OVER THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN THE GOVERNOR’S ABSENCE. HE WOULD ENJOY THE POWERS OF THE PRESIDENT IN RESPECT OF ANY MEETING AT WHICH HE PRES I DES.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY ANNOUNCED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON MARCH 21, 1990 THAT A NON-OFFTCIAL WOULD BE APPOINTED AS DEPUTY PRESIDENT TO PAVE THE WAV FOR AN ELECTED PRESIDENT IN 1995.
THE ROYAL INSTRUCTIONS HAVE HEIN AMENDED TO PROVIDE FOR THE INSTALLATION OF \ DEPUT\ PRESIDENT IN THE 1991 LEG ISLATURE THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED B\ AMENDMENTS TO THE STANDING ORDERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO PROVIDE FOR THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR PRESIDING AT MEETINGS.
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FINANCIAL POLICIES ENABLE COMMUNITY TO FLOURISH » » * » »
THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT THE FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC POLICIES THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS FOLLOWED OVER MANY YEARS HAVE ENABLED THE COMMUNITY TO FLOURISH.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR PIERS JACOBS, SAID THIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN A SPEECH TO THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF BANKERS.
ON THE EVE OF HIS DEPARTURE FROM GOVERNMENT AFTER 29 YEARS’ SERVICE, SIR PIERS SUMMED UP IN HIS SPEECH THE FULL RANGE OF RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY.
THESE COVER A NUMBER OF DISTINCT BUT RELATED PROGRAMME AREAS FROM TREASURY MATTERS THROUGH ECONOMIC SERVICES TO MONETARY POLICY, PUBLIC WORKS, AND TRADE AND INDUSTRY.
"IN DISCHARGING HIS RESPONSIBILITIES, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY REPORTS DIRECTLY TO THE GOVERNOR RECOGNISING THE CLEAR DIVISION OF RESPONSIBILITIES BETWEEN THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S POST AND THAT OF THE CHIEF SECRETARY.
"WHAT IS IMPORTANT IS THAT THE POLICIES FOLLOWED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SHOULD BE RELATED TO THE OTHER POLICY AREAS OF THE ADMIN I STRATI ION.
"THIS IS ACHIEVED IN A NUMBER OF WAYS, PRINCIPALLY THROUGH THE RESOURCE ALLOCATION EXERCISE, BUT ALSO BY THE FREQUENT PERSONAL CONTACTS BETWEEN THE GOVERNOR AND MYSELF AND THE CHIEF SECRETARY AND, OF COURSE, BETWEEN ALL THE VARIOUS POLICY BRANCH SECRETARIES.
"OVERALL, THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICIES HAVE BEEN CONSISTENT AND COHERENT."
SIR PIERS POINTED OUT THAT THE 1980’S WERE PRETTY GOOD FOR HONG KONG WITH THE SECOND HALF RATHER BETTER THAN THE FIRST.
ECONOMIC GROWTH FOR HONG KONG OVERALL HAS BEEN AT AN AVERAGE ANNUAL RATE OF 7.6 PER CENT OVER THE PERIOD 1985 TO 1990.
"THIS COMPARES WELL WITH THE AVERAGE ANNUAL INCREASE OF 5.6 PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS FIVE-YEAR PERIOD. AS I HAVE SAID MANY TIMES, THE ECONOMY OF HONG KONG IS EXPOSED TO EXTERNAL FACTORS WHICH ARE OFTEN VOLATILE, SO THAT YEAR ON YEAR VARIATIONS COULD BE CONSIDERABLE," HE SAID.
AS FAR AS THE BUDGET IS CONCERNED, SIR PIERS SAID THE LAST FIVE YEARS HAD IN MANY WAYS BEEN HIGHLY SATISFACTORY.
"WE HAVE HAI) SURPLUSES EVERY YEAR AND OUR FISCAL RESERVES HAVE INCREASED FROM ABOUT $32 BILLION TO OVER $73 BILLION TODAY. THIS EXCLUDES SOME $21 BILLION PAID INTO THE SARG LAND FUND.
/"WE HAVE .......
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"WE HAVE ALSO MANAGED TO REDUCE PROGRESSIVELY THE STANDARD RATE OF TAX BACK TO WHERE IT HAD BEEN BEFORE WE WENT INTO DEFICIT IN THE EIGHTIES.
"ON TAXATION GENERALLY, I HAVE INTRODUCED A NUMBER OF IMPROVEMENTS, SOME WILLINGLY AND OTHERS IN RESPONSE TO DEMAND — I AM SURE THAT YOU WILL ALL REMEMBER SEPARATE TAXATION FOR MARRIED WOMEN."
IN GENERAL TERMS, OUR FISCAL POSITION IS SOUND, HE SAID.
"I AM NOT MAKING ANY PREDICTIONS FOR THE 1990'S BEYOND SAYING THAT MUCH OF WHAT WE HAVE DONE IN THE 1980’S WILL CONTINUE TO SERVE US WELL.
"WE HAVE SPENT OUR MONEY PRUDENTLY. THE POLICIES WE HAVE FOLLOWED HAVE BEEN TRANSPARENT AND PREDICTABLE. WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF THE WIDER PUBLIC INTEREST, THOSE POLICIES HAVE ALLOWED BUSINESS ENTERPRISES THE MAXIMUM DEGREE OF FREEDOM TO MAKE THEIR OWN DECISIONS AND TO PROSPER. LONG MAY THIS REMAIN SO," HE SAID.
BEFORE DESCRIBING HIS OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES, SIR PIERS TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO CLARIFY SOME MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT BUDGETARY POLICIES.
"IN ALL MY BUDGET SPEECHES, I HAVE CONSISTENTLY MAINTAINED THE LINE THAT THE GROWTH OF PUBLIC EXPENDITURE SHOULD HAVE REGARD TO THE TREND GROWTH RATE OF THE ECONOMY, AS MEASURED BY THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT OR GDP, SO AS NOT TO CROWD OUT THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
"THIS HAS BEEN NO EASY TASK. THE PRESSURES FOR INCREASED SPENDING IN DESERVING AREAS HAVE BEEN INTENSE. GDP GROWTH RATES HAVE ALSO BEEN EXTREMELY VOLATILE.
"FACED WITH THESE PRESSURES AND IN THE LIGHT OF VOLATILE ECONOMIC GROWTH, THE RECORD HAS NOT BEEN UNSATISFACTORY," HE SAID.
"IN 1987-88, THE RATIO OF PUBLIC EXPENDITURE TO GDP AMOUNTED TO 16.6 PER CENT. IN 1991-92, THIS HAD GROWN TO 19.3 PER CENT, LARGELY AS THE RESULT OF UNCOMFORTABLY RAPID GROWTH IN PUBLIC EXPENDITURE IN MORE RECENT YEARS, FUELLED BY A SERIES’ OF PAY REVIEWS, WHICH HAVE NOW COME TO A CLOSE, AND BY THE RECOVERY OF THE GROWTH RATE OF CAPITAL EXPENDITURE FROM THE NEGATIVE GROWTH EXPERIENCED IN 1984-85.
"IN THIS CONTEXT, I MUST DISPEL THE MYTH, STARTED BY COMMENTATORS IN THE MEDIA AND REPEATED BY SOME MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN THE BUDGET DEBATE, THAT DURING MY TENURE, THE PUBLIC SECTOR SHARE OF GDP HAS GROWN FROM A BASE OF 11 PER CENT."
SIR PIERS NOTED THAT THIS PROBABLY STEMMED FROM A MISUNDERSTANDING OF THE DATA.
"THE FIGURE OF 11 PER CENT COMES CLOSE TO THE CONCEPT OF PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE IN NATIONAL ACCOUNTS TERMS WHICH EXCLUDES EXPENDITURE OF GOVERNMENT TRADING DEPARTMENTS SUCH AS CIVIL AVIATION, WATER SUPPLIES AND THE POST OFFICE AND ALSO TRANSFER PAYMENTS SUCH AS PUBLIC ASSISTANCE.
/"AS I .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 1991
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"AS I SAID EARLIER, THE CORRECT COMPARATIVE FIGURE FOR 1987-88 WAS 16.6 PER CENT. IN NATIONAL ACCOUNTS TERMS, THE SHARE OF PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE IN THE GDP WAS 10 PER CENT IN 1987, AND FOR 1991, THE FORECAST IS ONLY ABOUT 12 PER (’ENT.
"1 EMPHASIZED IN MY BUDGET SPEECH EARLIER THIS YEAR AND INDEED IN PREVIOUS YEARS, THAT STRICT CONTROL OVER PUBLIC EXPENDITURE, PARTICULARLY RECURRENT EXPENDITURE, MUST BE EXERCISED.
"WE HAVE TIGHTENED DISCIPLINES AND THIS IS NOW BEGINNING TO BEAR FRUIT," HE SAID.
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STABILITY OF MONETARY SYSTEM VITAL
THE STABILITY OF OUR MONETARY SYSTEM AND THE INTEGRITY OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR ARE VITAL TO THE WELL BEING OF OUR COMMUNITY, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR PIERS JACOBS SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"IN HIS STATUTORY ROLE AS THE CONTROLLER OF THE EXCHANGE FUND, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAS OVERALL AUTHORITY OVER MONETARY POLICY.
"HE DETERMINES THE OBJECTIVES OF SUCH POLICY, TAKING ADVICE AS NECESSARY FROM THE EXCHANGE FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE," HE SAID.
THE DAY-TO-DAY FUNCTIONS FOR ACH1 EV 1 NG THESE OBJECTIVES ARE DELEGATED TO THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS AND THE DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF THE EXCHANGE FUND.
ALTHOUGH THE OFFICE OF THE EXCHANGE FUND IS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT MACHINERY, IN ACHI EV I NG THE OBJECTIVES OF MONETARY POLICY DETERMINED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE OFFICE MUST ACT AND CARRY OUT ITS RESPONSIBILITY WITH EXECUTIVE INDEPENDENCE, AND MUST BE SEEN TO BE DO DOING, SIR PIERS SAID.
"THE REASON FOR THIS IS SIMPLY THAT ONLY IN THIS WAY IS IT POSSIBLE TO ESTABLISH THE LONG TERM CREDIBILITY OF MONETARY POLICY," HE SAID.
SLR PIERS NOTED THAT IN RECENT YEARS, THERE HAD BEEN A GREAT EMPHASIS IN OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD ON THE NEED TO ENSURE A HIGH DEGREE OF INDEPENDENCE IN MONETARY MANAGEMENT.
"MONEY MARKETS ARE SUBJECT '1’0 GLOBAL INFLUENCE, AND DOMESTIC POLITICAL INFLUENCE ('AN OFTEN BREED INCONSISTENCY AND DAMAGE THE CREDIBILITY OF MONETARY POLICY AND MANAGEMENT.
"THAT DEGREE OF INDEPENDENCE IN MONETARY MANAGEMENT DOES MUCH TO SAFEGUARD CREDIBILITY AND THEREFORE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE SYSTEM.
/"I BELIEVE .......
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”1 RELIEVE THAT IT WOULD BE CORRECT FOR HONG KONG, IN THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF OUR MONETARY ARRANGEMENTS, TO FOLLOW THIS DIRECTION, ALBEIT CAUTIOUSLY. WHAT WE HAVE DONE IN RECENT YEARS IS CONSISTENT WITH THIS OBJECTIVE,” HE SAID.
ON REGULATION OF THE FINANCIAL SERVICES SECTOR, A RESPONSIBILITY OF THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH, SIR PIERS SAID THE GENERAL POLICY HAD BEEN TO PROVIDE A FAVOURABLE ENVIRONMENT, WITH SUFFICIENT REGULATION TO ENSURE, AS FAR AS POSSIBLE, SOUND BUSINESS STANDARDS AND CONFIDENCE IN THE INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK BUT WITHOUT UNNECESSARY OR BUREAUCRAT I(' IMPEDIMENTS.
EXPANDING UPON HIS OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES WHICH SIR PIERS HAD DESCRIBED IN HIS SPEECH TO THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF BANKERS AS BEING LESS IN THE PUBLIC GAZE, HE TURNED TO THE POLICY BRANCH UNDER THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES.
’’THE ECONOMIC PORTFOLIO COMPRISES A WIDE RANGE OF SUBJECTS COVERING CIVIL AVIATION AND TOURISM, SHIPPING AND PORT MANAGEMENT, POSTAL SERVICES AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS, ENERGY, PRIMARY PRODUCTION, FINANCIAL MONITORING OF PUBLIC' UTILITIES AND ECONOMIC ANALYSIS.
’’OVER THE LAST FIVE YEARS THERE HAVE BEEN SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS IN ALL THESE AREAS.
”FOR CIVIL AVIATION, THE FIRST SEPARATE AIR SERVICES AGREEMENT IN HONG KONG’S HISTORY, WITH THE NETHERLANDS, CAME INTO FORCE IN JUNE 1987. SINCE THEN, A NUMBER OF OTHER AGREEMENTS HAVE BEEN CONCLUDED AND NEGOTIATIONS WITH OTHER PARTNERS CONTINUE.
’’PASSENGER TRAFFIC THROUGH KAI TAK HAS INCREASED BY NEARLY 90 PER CENT OVER THE PERIOD, AND THE PORT HAS BEEN EXPANDED WITH THE COMPLETION OF CONTAINER TERMINAL 7,’’ SIR PIERS SAID.
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS ON THE MARINE FRONT INCLUDED THE INTRODUCTION OF A COMPUTER I ZED RADAR VESSEL TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A NEW HONG KONG SHIPPING REGISTER AND A PORT DEVELOPMENT BOARD.
CARGO HANDLED BY THE PORT HAS INCREASED BY ABOUT 60 PER CENT OVER THE LAST FIVE YEARS.
"IN THE FIELD OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS WE HAVE GRADUALLY BEEN DEVELOPING OUR POL I ('IES WI TH THE AID OF A NUMBER OF STUDIES, AND OF COURSE HONG KONG CONTINUES TO BE WELL SERVED BY ITS POWER GENERATION COMPANIES, WHICH, INCIDENTALLY, HAVE MANAGED TO HOLD THEIR TARIFF INCREASES BELOW THE LEVEL OF GENERAL PRICE INCREASES FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS,” SIR PIERS SAID.
GOING ON 1’0 TRADE AND INDUSTRY WHICH ARE THE LIFE-BLOOD OF THE ECONOMY, SIR PIERS NOTED THAI* HONG KONG’S FREE TRADE POLICY WAS VITAL TO THE TERRITORY’S SUCCESS.
”LT IS FOR THAT REASON THAT THE GOVERNMENT, GIVEN ITS FULL AUTONOMY IN THE CONDUCT OF OUR EXTERNAL COMMERCIAL RELATIONS, PARTICIPATES FULLY TN THE INTERNATIONAL ARENA IN THE INTERESTS OF FREE TRADE AND AGAINST THE FORCES OF PROTECTIONISM.
/'•WE ARE...........
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"WE ARE STAUNCH SUPPORTERS OF THE GATT AND PARTICIPATE ACTIVELY IN THE URUGUAY ROUND OE MULTILATERAL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS.
"OUR REPUTATION HAS GAINED WORLDWIDE RECOGNITION. LAST YEAR, THE GATT COUNCIL REVIEWED HONG KONG’S TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES EOR THE FIRST TIME UNDER THE GATT TRADE POLICY REVIEW MECHANISM. DURING THIS REVIEW, THERE WAS UNANIMOUS APPRECIATION OF OUR FREE TRADE POLICY," HE SAID.
REVIEWING THE ACTIVITIES OF THE TRADE AND INDUSTRY BRANCH OVER THE LAST FIVE YEARS, SIR PIERS SAID: "1986 WAS A PARTICULARLY BUSY YEAR: HONG KONG BECAME A SEPARATE CONTRACTING PARTY TO THE GATT; TEXTILES AGREEMENTS WERE CONCLUDED WITH THE US AND THE EEC, AND THE MFA WAS EXTENDED FOR A FURTHER FIVE YEARS".
"WE WILL HAVE AN ACTIVE 1991 NEGOTIATING WITH THE USA, CANADA, THE EEC AND FINLAND THE RENEWAL OF BILATERAL TEXTILES AGREEMENTS WHICH WILL EXPIRE AT THE END OF THIS YEAR. WE WILL ALSO BE CONTINUING NEGOTIATION IN THE URUGUAY ROUND," HE SAID.
AS REGARDS INDUSTRY, SIR PIERS AFFIRMED THAT IT WAS THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO PROMOTE AND FACILITATE INWARD. INVESTMENT IN MANUFACTURING AND MANUFACTURING SUPPORT SERVICES AND TO ASSIST IN IMPROVING THE COMPETITIVENESS OF MANUFACTUR1 NG INDUSTRIES.
"ALTHOUGH, IN TERMS OF ECONOM1C ACTIVITY, MANUFACTURING’S SHARE OF GDP HAS BEEN FALLING, THE SECTOR REMAINS A VITAL PART OF OUR ECONOMY, AND IN THE YEARS AHEAD, OUR AIM MUST BE TO FACILITATE THE PROMOTION OF HIGHER PRODUCTIVITY, TECHNOLOGY AND QUALITY IMPROVEMENT.
IN THIS AREA, THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD CHAIRED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAS IN THE LAST YEAR OR SO BEEN PARTICULARLY ACTIVE IN SEARCHING FOR NEW WAYS IN WHICH To HARNESS AND DEVELOP THE INTELLECTUAL RESOURCES THAT EXIST IN HONG KONG IN ABUNDANCE.
ON THE WORKS BRANCH WHICH HAS RECENTLY BEEN ADDED TO THE PORTFOLIO OF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR PIERS SAID THE RELATIONSHIP OF THE BRANCH TO THE FINANCIAL SIDE OF GOVERNMENT WAS VERY REAL HAVING REGARD TO THE SIZE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME WHICH STOOD AT OVER $20 BILLION.
EARLIER, SIR PIERS ALSO TALKED ABOUT THE WORK OF THE FINANCE BRANCH UNDER THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY IN OVERSEEING ’THE CONTROL OF GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE AND THE ALLOCATION OF RESOURCES.
SIR PIERS WILL PROCEED ON PRE-RETIREMENT LEAVE IN AUGUST.
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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 1991
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KWUN TONG BYPASS PHASE 2 OPENS ON FRIDAY *****
THE KWUN TONG BYPASS IS NEAR COMPLETION AND A SECTION FROM WAI-YIP STREET TO THE WANG CHIU ROAD/KAI FUK ROAD JUNCTION WILL BE OPENED TO TRAFFIC’ FROM I PM ON FRIDAY (JUNE 14).
THE SPOKESMAN FOR THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SAID: "WITH THE OPENING OF THIS SECTION, MOTORISTS TRAVELLING EAST CAN ENTER KWUN TONG BYPASS EITHER FROM A SLIP ROAD AT KAI FUK ROAD IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE AIRPORT TUNNEL, OR FROM A SLIP ROAD AT WANG CHIU ROAD.
"THEY MAY LEAVE THE BYPASS EITHER VIA WAI YIP STREET TO KWUN TONG INDUSTRIAL AREA OR VIA KWUN TONG BYPASS PHASE I TO TSEUNG KWAN O TUNNEL, OR TO LEI YUE MUN ROAD AND EASTERN HARBOUR TUNNEL.
"FOR MOTORISTS HEADING WEST, .THEY CAN ENTER THE BYPASS FROM LEI YUE MUN ROAD, TSEUNG KWAN O ROAD, WAI YIP STREET/CHA KWO LING ROAD JUNCTION; AND CAN LEAVE THE BYPASS VIA EITHER A SLIP ROAD TO WESTBOUND KAI FUK ROAD LEADING TO THE AIRPORT TUNNEL, OR A SLIP ROAD TO WANG CHIU ROAD AND WAI VIP STREET WHICH (’AN LEAD TO CHOI HUNG INTERCHANGE," HE SAID.
MEANWHILE, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT IN CONNECTION WI TH THE OPENING OF KWUN TONG BYPASS PHASE 2, THE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WOULD BE INTRODUCED AT THE SAME TIME.
THE SECTION OF KWUN TONG BYPASS BETWEEN WAI YIP STREET AND WANG CHIU ROAD/KAI FUK ROAD JUNCTION INCLUDING ITS SLIP ROADS WILL BE DESIGNATED AS 2 I-HOUR RESTRICTED ZONES.
WITHIN THE RESTR I (’TED ZONES, ALL MOTOR VEH I (’LES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM PICKING UP OR SETTING DOWN PASSENGERS, OR LOADING OR UNLOADING GOODS.
ALL PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES, LEARNER DRIVERS, PEDESTRIANS AND CYCLISTS WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE ABOVE-MENTIONED ROAD SECTION.
APART FROM ITS SLIP ROADS LINKING WITH WANG CHIU ROAD, KAI FUK ROAD AND WAI YIP STREET WESTBOUND WHICH WILL BE SUBJECT TO A SPEED LIMIT OF 50 KILOMETRES PER HOUR, HIE \ FORESA ID SECTION OF KWUN TONG BYPASS WILL BE SUBJECT TO A SPEED LIM 1'1 OF 70 KILOMETRES PER HOUR.
DURING THE FIRST TWO WEEKS OF THE ROAD’S OPENING, TRAFFIC WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TURN RIGHT FROM WAI YIP STREET EASTBOUND ONTO THE BYPASS AND ALL TRAFFIC LEAVING THE BYPASS AT THE WAI YIP STREET JUNCTION WILL HAVE TO TURN LEFT TO WAI YIP STREET WESTBOUND TO FA(ILITATE ROAD WORKS IN THE VICINITY.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL RE PUT UP ’1’0 GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 1991
EMERGENCY CLOSURE OE YAU MA TEI BUILDING
******
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY WILL APPLY FOR THE EMERGENCY CLOSURE OF A BUILDING AT 19-21 MAU LAM STREET, YAU MA TEI, FOLLOWING A ROAD SUBSIDENCE THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING-.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BUILDING AUTHORITY SAID: "THE FOUNDATION OF THE BUILDING WAS EXPOSED FOLLOWING THE SUBSIDENCE. UNTIL SUCH TIME WHEN THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE CAN ASSESS THE STRUCTURAL SAFETY OF THE BUILDING, WE HAVE TO CLOSE THE BUILDING AS A PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE TO PROTECT THE SAFETY OF THE RESIDENTS.
"WE ARE GOING TO APPLY FOR THE CLOSURE ORDER FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT TOMORROW (THURSDAY) MORNING," HE SAID.
NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR THE CLOSURE ORDER HAVE BEEN POSTED ON THE BUILDING TODAY.
MEANWHILE, I) I STR I CT OFFICE STAFF ARE CONTACTING AFFECTED OCCUPANTS TO OFFER ASSISTANCE.
THE TENANTS MAY ALSO APPROACH THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT FOR RELIEF AND ASS ISTANC E. AT THE SAME TIME, THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT WILL REGISTER OCCUPANTS FOR REHOUSING ARRANGEMENTS.
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OWNERS URGED TO TAKE ACTION AGAINST UBW’S *♦♦♦♦♦
THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) APPEALED TO BUILDING OWNERS TO TAKE THEIR OWN INITIATIVE AND REMOVE UN AUTHOR I SEI) BUILDING WORKS.
SPEAKING \T THE OPENING OF Illi- EIGHTH INTERNATIONAL BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION EXPOSITION, MR EASON SAID HIE OWNERS SHOULD NOT WAIT UNTIL REMOVAL WAS ORDERED BY THE BUILDING AUTHORITY OR DANGER THREATENED THEM.
"THEY SHOULD GET TOGETHER WITH OTHER OWNERS IN THEIR BUILDING AND ACT IN THFIR OWN INTERESTS AND Till INTERESTS OF PUBLIC SAFETY NOW, ' HE SAID.
HE RECALLED THAT MOST OF 'THESE UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS
WERE DONE TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL SPACE AT TIMES WHEN POPULATION GROWTH OUTSTRIPPED HOUSING PRODUCTION DRAMATICALLY AND CONTROL OVER THEM WAS LARGELY I NEI-FEi Tl \l .
/’’THEY HAVE
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 1991
"THEY HAVE OUTLIVED THEIR USEFULNESS; BECAUSE OF THE WAY THEY WERE BUILT THIO COULD WELL BECOME DANGEROUS AS MORE TIME PASSES; AND THEY ARE AN AWFUL BLOT ON OUR LIVING ENVIRONMENT.
"IT WILL SOON BECOME AS FASHIONABLE TO REMOVE THESE STRUCTURES AND IMPROVE THE SAFETY, THE LIGHT AND AIR AND THE LOOK OF OUR BUILDINGS AS IT WAS 20 YEARS AGO TO ADD THEM," HE NOTED.
- - 0 - -
TWO GOVT LOTS TO LET BY TENDER »»»»■«»
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT TERM TENANCY OF TWO LAND LOTS IN SHAU KEI WAN AND HO MAN TIN.
THE FIRST LOT IS A 200-SQUARE-METRE SITE AT NAM ON STREET, SHAU KEI WAN. IT IS FOR OPEN STORAGE OF THE TENANT’S GOODS EXCLUDING CONTAINERS AND DANGEROUS GOODS AND/OR FOR A COMMERCIAL GARDEN.
THE TENANCY IS FOR TWO YEARS, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
THE OTHER LOT, LOCATED AT 'THF JUNCTION OF FAT KWONG STREET AND SHEUNG FOO STREET, Ho MAN TIN, MEASURES ABOUT 5,200 SQUARE METRES.
IT IS FOR OPEN STORAGE EXCLUDING STORAGE OF SAND, CEMENT AND AGGREGATE AND/OR FOR A FEE PAYING PUBLIC PARKING AREA FOR MOTOR VEHICLES, EXCLUDING CONTAINER VEHICLES WITH OR WITHOUT THEIR TRAILERS.
THF TENANCY IS FOR NINE MONTHS, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS FOR BOTH LOTS IS NOON ON JUNE 28.
FORMS <>E TENDER, TENDER NOTICES AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND TENDER PLANS INSPECTED AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES FOR HONG KONG EAST AND KOWLOON WEST AND THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, I 4'111 FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
- - 0 - -
REMINDER ON SUBMISSION OF SALARIES TAX RETURN t t » ♦ » »
SALARIED TAXPAYERS ARE TODAY (WEDNESDAY) REMINDED TO SUBMIT THE COMPLETED SALARIES TAX RETURNS TO THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID MORE THAN 1,800,000
RETURNS FOR I99U/9I WERE ISSUED ON MAY 1.
/"IT IS
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 1991
24
"IT IS AN OFFENCE AND MAY RESULT IN A FINE OF $5,000 PLUS TREBLE THE AMOUNT OF TAX UNDERCHARGED BECAUSE OF THE FAILURE TO MAKE A RETURN," HE SAID.
FOR TAXPAYERS WHO HAD SENT THE RETURNS BUT FAILED TO SIGN APPROPRIATELY, THE DEPARTMENT WILL SEND THESE BACK TO THEM FOR SIGNATURE.
AS THESE TAXPAYERS HAVE NOT SATISFIED THE NOTICE UNDER SECTION 51(1) OF THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE AND NO EXTENSION FOR SUBMISSION HAS BEEN GRANTED TO THEM, THEY HAVE TO SIGN AND SUBMIT THE RETURNS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
CURRENT SALARIED TAXPAYERS WHO HAVE NOT YET RECEIVED THEIR RETURNS OR WHO HAVE ANN ENQUIRY ARE ADVISED TO DIAL THE TELEPHONE NUMBER SHOWN IN THE CORRESPONDENCE PREVIOUSLY RECEIVED FROM THE DEPARTMENT OR 894 2190, 894 2220 AND 894 2250.
THE OFFICE HOURS OF THE DEPARTMENT IS FROM 8.15 AM '1'0 12.15 PM AND 1.15 PM TO 1.4 5 PM ON WEEKDAYS, AND FROM 9 AM TO NOON ON SATURDAY.
------0-------
APPLY FOR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS NOW ******
PEOPLE INTENDING TO TRAVEL ABROAD DURING THE SUMMER SHOULD APPLY FOR TRAVEL DOCUMENT NOW.
HOLIDAYS
THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE TRAVELLING OUTSIDE
GREATLY INCREASED DUR IN(
THIS TIME OF THE YEAR.
HONG KONG
IN ORDER TO
WILL BE
AVOID A
LAST-MINUTE RUSH,
PEOPLE ARE ADVISED
TO APPLY FOR
CERT I Fl CATE OF I INTEND TO TRAY El
IDENTITY WELL
IN ADVANCE OF THE DATE
" A SPOKESMAN FOR ’Till- IMMIGRATION
TODAN (WEDNESDAY).
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE DEPARTMENT NOW TAKES ABOUT FOUR WEEKS) 1’0 ISSUE A BRITISH HONG KONG (|.E. ABOUT THREE WEEKS) TO ISSUE
I DENT ITY .
WORK I NG DAY S CERTIFICATE OF
HOWEVER,
PASSPORT
ON WHICH
DEPARTMENT
AND THEY SAID
20 WORKING PASSPORT AND
HONG
DAYS'
1 5
KONG
||E ADDED THA I HIE PROCESS I NG I’I ME FOR
AN
FOR A BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORT OR A HONG KONG OF IDENTITY IS ABOUT FIVE WEEKS IF THE. APPLICANT IS NO I
PERMANENT IDENTITY (’ARD, FOR HF HAS ’TO- OBTAIN ONE
OF A
I N
AT
application
CERTIFICATE
POSSESSION
THE SAME
A
TIME.
THAT RE-ENTRY PERM CT AND DOCUMENT OF 1 DENT ITY NORMALLY ISSUED ON THE SAME DAY BUT DELAY IS L APPLICANTS COMING AT Till* SAME TIME, FOR EXAMPLE WK COULD ONLY PROVIDE A LIMITED SERVICE WITH
HE REMINDED VISA PURPOSES ARI* IF THERE ARE MANY SATURDAY IN WHICH
FOR I KFI.Y , ON HALF
STRENGTH.
"THE TIME OF THE WORKLOAD OF TO MEET ANN
PERIOD BEFORE THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS IS ONE OF YEAR. BY APPLYING EARLY, IT WILL NOT ONLY ’THE DEPARTMENT BUT WILL ALSO GIVE APPLICANTS FURTHER \ISA PROCESSING REQUIREMENTS WHERE
THE BUSIEST SPREAD THE EXTRA TIME NECESSARY,"
rill* SPOKESMAN ADDED.
/25 ........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 1991
- 25 -
CLINIC SERVICES FOR HOLIDAY PERIOD ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦
THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT EIGHT OUT-PATIENT CLINICS WILL STAY OPEN ON JUNE 15 (SATURDAY, THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY), JUNE 17 (THE MONDAY FOLLOWING THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY) AND JUNE 18 (TUESDAY, ADDITIONAL HOLIDAY FOR TUEN NG FESTIVAL) WHICH ARE PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
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 THE YAU MA TEI JOCKEY CLUB CLINK’ IN KOWLOON; AND 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 I PM. ALL OTHER OUT-PATIENT AND EVENING (’LINH’S WILL BE CLOSED.
HOWEVER, THERE WILL BE NO CLINIC SERVICES ON JUNE 16 (SUNDAY, TUEN NG FESTIVAL).
--------0-----------
BOGUS DONATION PLEAS
THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE (RIIKAAF) TODAY (WEDNESDAY) CLARIFIED THAT THE FORCE HAD NOT BEEN ORGANISING ANY' FUNDRAISING ACTIVITY LATELY AND ADVISED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WERE APPROACHED FOR DONATIONS IN CONNECTION WI TH THE FORCE TO REPORT THE CASE TO THE POLICE.
THE ADVICE FOLLOWS REPORTS FROM SOME MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC THAT THEY HAD BEEN APPROACHED PERSONALLY OR HAD RECEIVED TELEPHONE CALLS FROM PEOPLE CLAIMING TO BE RAISING FUNDS FOR 'THE RIIKAAF OR SEEKING DONATION FOR THE FORCE’S SPECIAL PUBLICATION.
"SUCH CLAIMS ARE COMPLETELY UNFOUNDED AS THE FORCE IS NEITHER ORGANISING ANY FUND-RAISING ACTIVITY NOR WOULD IT BE ISSUING ANY SPECIAL PUBLICATION," \ SPOKESMAN SAID.
"ANY PERSON RECEIVING SUCH (ALLS SHOULD REPORT THEM TO THE POLICE," HE SAID.
/26 ......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 1991
- 26 -
18 INMATES PASS PUBLIC EXAMS
♦ * * * ♦
EIGHTEEN FEMALE INMATES FROM THE TAI TAM GAP CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON RECEIVED CERTIFICATES FOR PASSING PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS.
THEY OBTAINED A TOTAL OF THREE DISTINCTIONS, FOUR CREDITS AND 20 PASSES IN PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS HELD BY THE PITMAN EXAMINATION INSTITUTION AND THE CITY AND GUILDS OF LONDON INSTITUTE.
SPEAKING AT A CERTIFICATE PRESENTATION CEREMONY HELD AT THE INSTITUTION, WIFE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MRS V.J. MCCOSH, PRAISED THE INSTITUTION’S EDUCATION STAFF FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THE REHABILITATION OF THESE YOUNG OFFENDERS.
’’EXPERIENCE HAS TOLD US THAT INMATES MAKE A BETTER CONTRIBUTION TO SOCIETY AND THEY STAND A BETTER CHANCE OF SECURING EMPLOYMENT, OR CONTINUING THEIR STUDIES AFTER RELEASE, IF THEY ARE ENCOURAGED TO STUDY AND OBTAIN RECOGNITION THROUGH ACCREDITED EXAMINATIONS,” SHE SAID.
SINCE 1979, A TOTAL OF 1,506 YOUNG INMATES HAD SAT FOR VARIOUS PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS, INCLUDING THOSE HELD BY THE HONG KONG EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY, THE LONDON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, THE PITMAN EXAMINATION INSTITUTE AND THE CITY AND GUILDS OF LONDON INSTITUTE.
TOTALLY, THEY ACHIEVED 100 DISTINCTIONS, 204 CREDITS AND 1,071 PASSES. THE AVERAGE PASS RATE IS 84 PER ('ENT.
--------0-----------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND HKEF
MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ♦ t t ♦ t
DATE $ MILLION
('LOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 11.6.91 380
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 12.6.91 -225
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS 'I'll IS MORNING + 225
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 114.6 *+0.1* 12.6.91
/HONG KONG .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 1991
- 27 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND BILLS
CLOSING YIELDS OK EXCHANGE FUND BILLS
12.6. 91 11.6.91
MATURING IN 1 WEEK 1 MONTH 7.66 7.51 PCT POT 7.80 PCT 7.65 PCT
3 MONTHS 7.4 3 PCT 7.50 PCT
6 MONTHS 7.4 2 PCT 7.52 PCT
12 MONTHS 7.4 3 PCT 7.52 PCT
TOTAL BILLS TRANSFERRED 2,306 MN 2,816 MN
------0--------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
MUTUAL TRUST NEEDED TO RESOLVE ISSUES: GOVERNOR ..................... 1
GOVERNOR ATTENDS OLD KAIFONGS' BIRTHDAY PARTY ....................... 2
COMMUNIQUE OF NINETEENTH MEETING OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP ................................................................. 3
HK EXEMPLIFIES POSITIVE DEVELOPMENTS IN ASIA ........................ 4
ACTION ON U.S. ANTI-DUMPING ORDER ON SWEATERS ....................... 5
MOVE TOWARDS QUALITY MANAGEMENT PRACTICES INEVITABLE ................ 6
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .......... 7
LAST CONTRACT FOR NWNT SEWERAGE SCHEME SIGNED ....................... 8
TWO CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPT SURVEYS BEGIN ........................ 8
MAY 1991 ONE OF THE DRIEST, WARMEST ON RECORD ....................... 10
NEW BUS ROUTE TO HELP RELIEVE MTR CONGESTION ........................ 13
COMMITTEE BRIEFED ON PROPOSALS ON LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL ........... 14
NEW COMPUTER SYSTEM FOR THE BANKING COMMISSION ...................... 15
CYC MEMBERS SET GOOD EXAMPLE IN CONSERVING COUNTRY PARKS ............ 16
ID CARD REMINDER FOR WOMEN BORN IN 1916-22 .......................... 17
RHKR RECRUITMENT DRIVE CONTINUES .................................... 18
CHILDREN'S DRAMA TO PROMOTE KEEP CLEAN MESSAGE ...................... 19
THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 1991
1
MUTUAL TRUST NEEDED TO RESOLVE ISSUES: GOVERNOR
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT A GREAT DEAL OF MUTUAL TRUST IS NEEDED IE ANYTHING, LIKE THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECT, IS TO HE RESOLVED.
SIR DAVID SAID EFFORTS WERE NEEDED RY US AND THE CHINESE TO ELIMINATE MISTRUST THAT HAI) GROWN UP OVER THE YEARS.
’’THAT IS IMPORTANT NOT JUST FOR THE AIRPORT, BUT FOR EVERYTHING ELSE WE’VE GOT TO DEAL WITH OVER THE NEXT SIX YEARS,” HE SA I D.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER A VISIT TO CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT, SIR DAVID: "ON THE AIRPORT ITSELF, I DON’T KNOW WHEN WE WILL BE ABLE TO RESOLVE THOSE ISSUES. I SHOULD LIKE TO SEE THEM RESOLVED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, BUT AT THE MOMENT, IT’S NOT POSSIBLE TO MAKE ANY ACCURATE PREDICTION.”
THE GOVERNOR SAID HE Dll) NOT THINK IT WAS CONCEIVABLE THAT "WE COULD GET TO A SITUATION WHERE BOTH SIDES DON’T WANT TO TALK TO EACH OTHER."
"THERE IS A GREAT WILLINGNESS ON BOTH SIDES TO TALK. BUT YOU NEED TO DO MORE THAN TO TALK, YOU NEED TO PRODUCE SOLUTIONS TO THE VARIOUS ISSUES WHICH WE NEED TO DISCUSS,” HE SAID.
"SO, IT NEEDS WILLINGNESS TO TALK; IT NEEDS A WILLINGNESS TO HAVE CONFIDENCE IN THE OTHER SIDE; IT NERDS A WILLINGNESS TO REACH PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS. ALL OF THOSE THINGS.
"AND JUST AT THE MOMENT WE ARE MOVING MORE SLOWLY ON PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS TO PRACTICAL PROBLEMS THAN I WOULD LIKE TO SEE. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE US MOVING FASTER TO DEAL WITH THOSE ISSUES," SIR DAVID SAID.
"WHAT WE ARE TRYING TO DO AT THE MOMENT IS TO REACH AN AGREEMENT ON THE AIRPORT PROJECT AND TO TRY TO GET AN AGREEMENT AS SOON AS WE ('AN. IF WE CANNOT GET AN AGREEMENT, THEN IT HAS CERTAIN CONSEQUENCES FOR THE SORI’ OF WORKS THAT WE WANT 1’0 CARRY OUT; CERTAIN THINGS Will (’ll WE’RE TRYING TO DO AS SOON AS WE (’AN," HE SAID.
COMMENTING ON RECENT VIOLENT CRIME, THE GOVERNOR SAID: "WE’VE HAD VERY BAD CASES OF VIOLENT CRIME RECENTLY WHICH, NATURALLY HAVE AROUSED A GREAT DEAL OF CONCERN IN THE COMMUNITY AND THAT IS VERY UNDERSTANDABLE, EVEN THOUGH IN GENERAL, THIS COMMUNITY IS STILL A VERY PEACEFUL COMMUNITY COMPARED WITH OTHER BIG CITIES IN THE WORLD."
"WHAT IS IMPORTANT NOW, I SUGGEST, IS THAT WE SHOULD TRY TO MAKE SURE THOSE WHO COMMIT CRIMES ARE (’AUGHT, AND THAT NEEDS NOT ONLY EFFORTS BY THE POLICE FORCE, II' NEEDS CO-OPERATION FROM THE PUBLIC’ AS WELL, GIVING SUPPORT 1’0 THE POLICE," HE SAID.
THE GOVERNOR SAID HONG KONG DID HAVE VERY TOUGH LAWS ON WEAPONS, BUT THERE WAS THE PROBLEM OF WEAPONS BEING SMUGGLED INTO THE TERRITORY FROM ('HINA.
/"THERE IS .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 1991
2 -
’’THERE IS A GREAT DEAL OF CO-OPERATION GOING ON BETWEEN OUR POLICE FORCE AND THE PUBLIC SECURITY BUREAU IN GUANGDONG. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THAT’ CO-OPERATION CONTINUE BECAUSE IF WE HAVE PROBLEMS AND THEY SPREAD ACROSS THE BORDER, OR IF THEY HAVE PROBLEMS IN GUANGDONG AND THEY SPREAD ACROSS OUR BORDER, IT’S A PROBLEM FOR BOTH OF US,” HE SAID.
TURNING TO THE VIETNAMESE MIGRANT PROBLEM, SIR DAVID SAID THIS WAS A VERY WORRYING PROBLEM AT THE MOMENT BECAUSE "WE ARE BACK INTO A SITUATION WHERE THE NUMBERS OF PEOPLE COMING HERE ARE VERY DIFFICULT FOR HONG KONG TO COPE WITH.'' "THE ANSWER TO THIS IS THE SAME AS THE ANSWER IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN, THAT WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO LOOK AFTER PEOPLE WHO ARE GENUINE POLITICAL REFUGEES AND MAKE SURE THAT THEY ARE RESETTLED," HE SAID.
"TO DO THAT WE HAVE GOT TO HAVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR SENDING BACK TO THEIR HOMES IN VIETNAM, PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT REFUGEES, AND THAT IS WHAT WE ARE (’ONT INUI NG TO WORK AT AND WE’VE GOT TO FIND A SOLUTION TO," HE ADDED.
"I HOPE THAT THE DISCUSSIONS WHICH WILL BE HELD SOON, BETWEEN THE UK, WITH HONG KONG TAKING PART, AND VIETNAM WILL HELP PRODUCE SOME FORWARD MOVEMENT ON THAT ISSUE BECAUSE WE DO NEED TO FIND ANSWERS TO THIS PROBLEM," SIR DAVID SAID.
------0--------
GOVERNOR ATTENDS OLD KA I FONGS’ BIRTHDAY PARTY * * * * *
MORE THAN 100 ELDERLY RESIDENTS OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT HAI) A SPECIAL GUEST OF HONOUR AT THEIR BIRTHDAY PARTY THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON.
ON HAND TO WISH THEM "A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND GOOD HEALTH" WAS THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, WHO WAS VISITING THE DAY CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY RUN BY THE KENNEDY TOWN KAI FONG WELFARE ASSOCIATION.
HE CHATTED WITH THE ELDERLY RESIDENTS ABOUT THEIR DAILY ACTIVITIES AND WAS BRIEFED BY THE CHAIRMAN, MR CHOW YIN-SUM, ON THE SERVICES OFFERED BY THE ASSOCIATION.
DURING HIS VISIT TO THE DISTRICT, SIR DAVID ALSO INSPECTED CONSTRUCTION OF THE HILLSIDE ESCALATOR LINK AND WAS BRIEFED ON THE $186 MILLION PROJECT BY THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT’S REGIONAL HIGHWAY ENGINEER, MR WONG WAH-LUN.
HE ALSO CALLED ON THE CAR ITAS CENTRE RUN BY THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH IN CAINE ROAD WHERE HE MET TRAINEES OF A PRINTING WORKSHOP TOURED A KINDERGARTEN AND VISITED AN EARLY EDUCATION AND TRAINING CENTRE FOR AUTISTIC CHILDREN UNDER SIX.
/SIR DAVID .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 1991
3
SIR DAVID WAS ALSO BRIEFED ON THE WIDE RANGE OF SOCIAL SERVICES AVAILABLE AT THE CENTRE BY THE PRESIDENT OF CARITAS HONG KONG, THE REVEREND FATHER FRANCIS LERDA.
THE GOVERNOR TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY OF HIS VISIT TO THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT TO MEET DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND LOCAL COMMUNITY LEADERS WHO BRIEFED HIM ON DISTRICT ISSUES.
ACCOMPANYING HIM ON THE VISIT WERE THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR DAVID LAN, THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR HERMAN CHO, AND THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR AMBROSE LAU.
---------0-----------
COMMUNIQUE
NINETEENTH MEETING OF THE SI NO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP. ♦ » ♦ ♦ ♦
THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP HELD ITS NINETEENTH MEETING IN HONG KONG FROM II TO 13 JUNE 1991.
ON THE BASIS OF THE WORK OF EXPERTS THE TWO SIDES HAD A FURTHER EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ON PROTECTING AND PROMOTING INVESTMENT BETWEEN HONG KONG AND RELEVANT COUNTRIES AND REACHED AGREEMENT IN PRINCIPLE ON A DRAFT MODEL AGREEMENT.
THE GROUP HAD A USEFUL EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ON HONG KONG’S AIR SERVICE AGREEMENTS AND MADE FURTHER PROGRESS.
THE TWO SIDES HAD A FURTHER DISCUSSION ON THE QUESTION OF MAJOR FRANCHISES WHICH WILL EXTEND BEYOND 1997.
THE TWO SIDES DISCUSSED CERTAIN ASPECTS OF CIVIL SERVICE PENSIONS.
THE TWO SIDES CONTINUED THEIR DISCUSSIONS ON PRACTICAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE DEFENCE OF HONG KONG AND THE MAINTENANCE OF ITS PUBLIC ORDER AND AGREED THAT EXPERTS SHOULD MEET TO CONTINUE THIS WORK .
THE GROUP HAD A FURTHER DISCUSSION ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A COURT OF FINAL APPEAL IN HONG KONG AND AGREED THAT EXPERTS SHOULD MEET TO CONTINUE THIS WORK.
THE TWO SIDES CONTINUED THEIR DISCUSSION OF MATTERS RELATING TO INTERNATIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLI GAT IONS, AND AGREED TO HOLD A MEETING OF THE SUB-GROUP IN THE NEAR FUTURE TO DEAL WITH THE CONTINUED APPLICATION OF TREATIES RELATING TO CUSTOMS.
THE TWO SIDES HAD A FURTHER EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ON ARRANGEMENTS FOR MUTUAL LEGAL ASSISTANCE IN CRIMINAL MATTERS WITH RELEVANT COUNTRIES.
THE GROUP AGREED THAT ITS NEXT MEETING SHOULD TAKE PLACE IN LONDON IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 23 SEPTEMBER 1991.
------0--------
/4 ........
THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 1991
4
HK EXEMPLIFIES POSITIVE DEVELOPMENTS IN ASIA ♦ t ♦ ♦ ♦
NO BUSINESS OR ENTERPRISE WISHING TO PLAY A ROLE IN THE GLOBAL ECONOMY CAN AFFORD TO IGNORE THE ASIAN REGION, OF WHICH HONG KONG IS A VITAL PART, THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR T.H. BARMA, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT A MEETING WITH CONSELLLERS DU COMMERCE EXTERIEUR IN PARIS, MR BARMA SAID IN MANY WAYS HONG KONG EXEMPLIFIED THE POSITIVE DEVELOPMENTS TAKING PLACE THERE AND PLAYED A ROLE WHICH WAS DISPROPORTIONATE TO ITS PHYS I (’AL SIZE.
HE SAID WHILE ASIA-PACIFIC HAD MANY ECONOMIC SUCCESS STORIES, HONG KONG’S RANGE OF ATTRACTIONS WAS UNIQUE.
"FIRMLY COMMITTED TO A FAIR AND OPEN MARKET POLICY, WE HAVE BUILT AN ECONOMY WHI (’ll FUNCTIONS SMOOTHLY AND HAVE PROVIDED THE ENVIRONMENT THAI’ ALLOWS BUSINESS TO PROSPER.
"HONG KONG MAY NOT BE THE ONLY PLACE IN ASIA, BUT IT IS THE TRUE MELTING-POT OF THE EAST AND THE WEST.
"IT MUST BE THE PLACE FOR ANY CORPORATION TO HAVE A PRESENCE IF IT WISHES TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DYNAMIC ASIAN REGION," HE SAID.
%
MR BARMA SAID HONG KONG ENJOYED A STRATEGIC LOCATION AT THE CROSSROADS OF ASIA, RIGHT AT THE DOORSTEP OF (’HINA.
NO CAPITAL CITY IN THE REGION WAS MORE THAN A FEW HOURS FLYING TIME AWAY, AND HONG KONG WAS SERVED BY ALMOST EVERY MAJOR AIRLINE IN THE WORLD.
"IN 1990 ALONE, THE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT IN HONG KONG HANDLED ABOUT 15 MILLION TRAVELLERS AND SHIFTED OVER 800,000 TONNES OF AIRFREIGHT," HE SAID.
WITH A DEEPWATER PORT, MR BARMA SAID, SEA TRANSPORT WAS EQUALLY EFFICIENT.
"THE CONTAINER PORT PROVIDES NO LESSER SERVICE AND IS RUNNING NECK AND NECK WITH SINGAPORE AS THE BUSIEST IN THE WORLD.
"THE TOTAL THROUGHPUT LAST YEAR WAS IN EXCESS OF FIVE MILLION TEU’S (20-FOOT EQUIVALENT UNIT)," HE SAID.
MR BARMA SAID HONG KONG HAD BECOME AN IMPORTANT FINANCIAL CENTRE FOR THE REGION.
BY APRIL THIS YEAR, THERE WERE 214 DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES AND 166 LICENSED BANKS IN HONG KONG, OF WHICH 136 WERE INCORPORATED OVERSEAS.
HE SAID THE HONG KONG STOCK EXCHANGE WAS AMONG THE WORLD’S LEADING BOURSES, AND GENERALLY VIEWED AS A RELIABLE BAROMETER OF ASIAN BUSINESS TRENDS BY OVERSEAS INVESTORS.
/•'INSURANCE AND.........
THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 19^1
5
'INSURANCE AND ACCOUNTANCY ARE EQUALLY WELL DEVELOPED, PROVIDING SOPHISTICATED AND IN-DEPTH SERVICES WHICH ARE LACKING IN MANY ASIAN COUNTRIES.
’’HONG KONG HAS STRONG I NTF LLECTU A I. PROPERTY LAWS WHICH ARE VIGOROUSLY ENFORCED. NOT ONLY CAN INTELLECTUAL OR PHYSICAL COPYRIGHTS BE REGISTERED BUT, MORE IMPORTANT, THEY ARE ALSO PROTECTED,” HE SAID.
MR BARMA SAID HONG KONG WAS NO LONGER JUST ANOTHER PLACE TO INVEST IN OPP-SHORE ASSEMBLY.
"WE COMBINE THE .ATTRIBUTES OR ENTREPOT - PARTICULARLY BUT NOT ONLY POR (’HINA - W I TH THAT OF HIGH-TECH MANU PAC TURER, EFFICIENT FINANCIAL CENTRE AND SOPHISTICATED COMMUNICATIONS HUB.
"WE HAVE BECOME ONE OF THE PR INCI PAL NERVE CENTRES OF THE GLOBAL ECONOMY. WE ARE A PLACE NOT SIMPLY TO DO BUSINESS LN, BUT FROM WHICH TO MANAGE BUSINESS," HE SAID.
MR BARMA SAID HONG KONG HAD EVERY INTENTION OF RETAINING THIS 'l l' IN THE REGION.
"SO WE ARE INVESTING IN THE FUTURE; INVESTING IN THE HUMAN AND IHYSH’M. INFRASTRUCTURE REQUIRED TO REMAIN THE REGION’S PRE-EMINENT COMMERt LAL CENTRE," HE SAID.
--------0-----------
ACTION ON U.S. ANTI-DUMPlNG" ORDER ON SWEATERS
HIE TRADE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT HONG KONG WOULD REFER THE U.S. ANT I-DUMP I NG ORDER AGAINST HONG KONG’S EXPORTS OF MAN-MADE FIBRE SWEATERS TO THE COMMITTEE ON ANTI-DUMPING PRACTICES OF THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE (GATT).
A SPOKESMAN POR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE DECISION TO DO SO HAD BEEN TAKEN APTER CAREFUL CONS I DERAT I ON OF THE OUTCOME OF THE MAY 23-24 CONSULTATIONS ON THE MATTER IN WASHINGTON BETWEEN REPRESENTATIVES OF THE HONG KONG AND U.S. GOVERNMENTS.
HE SAID: "UNFORTUNATELY, THOSE CONSULTATIONS ENDED IN DISAGREEMENT.
"IN HONG KONG’S VIEW IMPORTS PROM HONG KONG DID NOT DAMAGE THE U.S. INDUSTRY, AND THE CASE AGA INST HONG KONG SHOULD THEREFORE BE TERMINATED, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ANT I-DUMP I NG ("ODE.
"IN OUR VI EK THE FINDING THAT IMPORTS FROM HONG KONG WERE DUMPED ALSO WAS UNFOUNDED.
/"FOR THESE .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 13, J991
- 6 -
”EOR THESE AND OTHER REASONS WE HAVE DECIDED, ON THE ADVICE OF THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD, TO REFER THE MATTER TO THE COMMITTEE ON ANTI DlC-11 ING PRACTICES FOR CONCILIATION.”
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE COMMITTEE WAS REQUIRED TO MEET WITHIN 30 DAYS TO REVIEW THE MATTER.
IF, SUBSEQUENTLY, NO MUTUALLY AGREED SOLUTION WAS REACHED, THE COMMITTEE COULD BE REQUESTED BY EITHER PARTY TO THE DISPUTE TO ESTABLISH A PANEL TO EXAMINE THE MATTER.
SUCH A PANEL WOULD BE EXPECTED TO GIVE ITS FINDINGS WITHIN A REASONABLE PERIOD OF TIME, WHICH COULD EXTEND FROM THREE TO NINE MONTHS DEPENDING ON THE COMPLEXITY OF THE CASE, HE SAID.
------0------------
MOVE TOWARDS QUALITY MANAGEMENT PRACTICES INEVITABLE
*****
THE MOVE TOWARDS SOUND QUALITY MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND JTERNATIONAL STANDARDS SUCH AS ISO 9000 IS AN INEVITABLE TREND, THE 1'1 G DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR WILFRED WONG, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
MR WONG WAS.SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE FOR THE LAUNCHING <-F A Jof'NT PROGRAMME CALLED "COMPANY WIDE TRAINING AND CONSULTANCY I K.OGIMMME ON ISO 9000 CERTIFICATION" ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG .•-MARK (|OUNCIL AND THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG’S DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIAL AND MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS ENGINEERING.
HE SAID INTEREST IN QUALITY SYSTEMS CERTIFICATION HAD DEVELOPED RAPIDLY ALL OVER THE WORLD IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS.
"MANY OVERSEAS AND LOCAL BUYERS OF GOODS AND SERVICES ARE STARTING 1'0 DEMAND THAT THEIR SUPPLIERS MEET THE ISO 9000 STANDARD BY SPECIFIC DATES.
"THIS DEMAND HAS ALSO BEEN REFLECTED LOCALLY IN THE INTEREST • tlOWN TOWARDS THE QUALITY ASSURANCE SCHEME RUN BY THE HONG KONG QUALITY ASSURANCE AGENCY,” HE SAID.
MR WONG SAID. COMPLIANCE WITH ISO 9000 STANDARDS, AND ULTIMATELY CERTIFICATION BY THE HONG KONG QUALITY ASSURANCE AGENCY, MEANT A SUBSTANTIAL MONETARY INVESTMENT.
HE SAID THIS INVESTMENT WOULD BE IN AREAS SUCH AS EDUCATING COMPANY STAFF, AMENDING MANUFACTURI NG PROCEDURES, OR EVEN DEVISING A BRAND NEW QUALITY ASSURANCE SCHEME FOR THE COMPANY.
"FOR COMPANIES WITHOUT IN HOUSE EXPERTISE ON QUALITY MANAGEMENT, COMPLIANCE WITH ISO 9000 MOST LIKELY MEANS HAVING TO HIRE QUALITY MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS IN ORDER TO UPGRADE THE COMPANY’S QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAMME AND PREPARE THE COMPANY FOR ISO 9000 CERTIFICATION," HE SAID.
/MR WONG .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 1991
7 -
MR WONG SAID THE QUALITY MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCIES AVAILABLE TN HONG KONG PRESENTLY WERE MOSTLY OPERATED COMMERCIALLY.
"IN ADDITION TO THE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH ADAPTING INTERNAL MANUFACTURING PROCEDURES, THE FEES THAT CLIENT COMPANIES HAVE TO PAY COULD MAKE THE GOAL OF MOVING TOWARDS THE ISO 9000 STANDARD A REMOTE POSSIBILITY FOR THOSE WITH A TIGHT BUDGET AND SLIM PROFIT MARGIN.
"THEREFORE, A SPECIAL LOW COST CONSULTANCY PROJECT SUCH AS THIS ONE IS TIMELY, AND THE HONG KONG Q-MARK COUNCIL AND THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG SHOULD BE THANKED FOR THEIR EFFORTS," HE SAID.
MR WONG SAID HONG KONG MANUFACTURERS MUST NOT REMAIN COMPLACENT WITH THEIR PAST AND PRESENT SUCCESS IN LIGHT OF NEW TRENDS AND DEMANDS INTERNATIONALLY.
"TRAINING AND CONSULTANCY PROGRAMMES ARE A VERY GOOD WAY FOR A COMPANY TO FAMILIARISE ITSELF WITH THESE NEW TRENDS AND DEMANDS IN A RELATIVELY SHORT PERIOD OF TIME.
"HONG KONG MANUFACTURERS MUST MAKE GOOD USE OF OPPORTUNITIES LIKE THIS TO FURTHER ENHANCE THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR’S PRODUCTIVITY, PROFITABILITY AND COMPETITIVENESS," HE SAID.
------0--------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 12.6.91 380
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 13.6.91 + 133
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING -133
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 114.8 *+0.2* 13.6.91
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND BILLS
CLOSING YIELDS OF EXCHANGE FUND BILLS
12.6. 91 13.6.91
MATURING IN 1 WEEK 7.66 PCT 7.64 PCT
1 MONTH 7.51 PCT 7.51 PCT
3 MONTHS 7.43 PCT 7.47 PCT
6 MONTHS 7.42 PCT 7.46 PCT
12 MONTHS 7.43 PCT 7.45 PCT
TOTAL BILLS TRANSFERRED 2,306 MN 1,317 MN
0 - a* — —■
/8.........
THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 1991
- 8
LAST CONTRACT FOR NWNT SEWERAGE SCHEME SIGNED *****
THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT, MR C.K. CHOW, TODAY (THURSDAY) SIGNED A $260 MILLION CONTRACT WITH A JOINT VENTURE CONTRACTING COMPANY FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SUBMARINE OUTFALL AT URMSTON ROAD, TUEN MUN.
THE SUBMARINE OUTFALL IS THE LAST COMPONENT TO BE CONSTRUCTED UNDER THE $1 BILLION NORTH WEST NEW TERRITORIES SEWERAGE SCHEME WHICH IS DESIGNED TO COLLECT AND TREAT THE SEWAGE GENERATED IN THE REGION INCLUDING YUEN LONG AND TIN SHUT WAI NEW TOWNS.
UNDER THE SCHEME, SEWAGE GENERATED (N THE REGION WILL BE COLLECTED THROUGH A NETWORK OF SEWERS AND CHANNELLED TO A NEW SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT AT SAN WAI FOR TREATMENT.
THE TREATED EFFLUENT WILL THEN BE CONVEYED THROUGH A NINE-KILOMETRE SEWER TUNNEL UNDERNEATH THE CASTLE PEAK FIRING RANGE FOR DISPOSAL AT DEEP SEA VIA THE SUBMARINE OUTFALL.
THE 1.8-METRE DIAMETER SUBMARINE OUTFALL WILL EXTEND ABOUT 3.2 KILOMETRES OFF THE COAST OF LUNG KWU SHEUNG TAN, TUEN MUN TO THE DEEP SEA AT URMSTON ROAD.
ACCORDING TO THE DESIGN, THE TREATED EFFLUENT DISCHARGED BY THE SUBMARINE OUTFALL WILL BE MIXED WITH THE SURROUNDING SEA WATER TO EFFECT GOOD DILUTION BEFORE BEING CARRIED NORTHWARDS AWAY FROM HONG KONG BY SEA CURRENTS.
WORK ON THE CONTRACT IS EXPECTED TO START LATER THIS MONTH AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
-----0-----
TWO CENSUS AND STAT I ST ICS DEPT SURVEYS BEGIN
*****
THE SURVEY OF TRANSPORT AND RELATED SERVICES AND THE SURV.EY OF STORAGE, COMMUNICATION, FINANCING, INSURANCE AND BUSINESS SERVICES FOR 1990 HAVE JUST COMMENCED, THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE SURVEYS ARE CONDUCTED ANNUALLY AND REPRESENT PART OF A CONTINUOUS PROGRAMME IN THE DEPARTMENT 'I’O COMPILE STATISTICS ON THE STRUCTURE AND PERFORMANCE OF VARIOUS ECONOMIC’ ACTIVITIES TN HONG KONG.
THE AIMS OF THE SURVEYS ARE TO OBTAIN UP-TO-DATE DATA FOR EVALUATING THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE VARIOUS ECONOMIC? ACTIVITIES TO HONG KONG'S GROSS DOMESTIC’ PRODUCT, AND FOR ASCERTAINING THEIR COST STRUCTURE, OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS AND OUTPUT LEVELS.
RESULTS OF THE SURVEYS ARE USEFUL TO BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN FORMULATING POLI (’IES AND MAKING DECISIONS.
/ABOUT 4,000 .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 1991
- 9 -
ABOUT 4,000 ESTABLISHMENTS WILL BE ENUMERATED IN THE PRESENT
ROUND OE THE SURVEYS.
THE SURVEY OF TRANSPORT AND RELATED SERVICES COVERS LAND, SEA AND AIR TRANSPORT SERVICES, SUCH AS PUBLIC BUSES, TRAMWAYS, TAXIS, PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES, TRUCKS, FERRIES, SHIPPING COMPANIES AND AIRLINES.
IT ALSO COVERS . SUCH TRANSPORT-RELATED SERVICES AS THOSE PROVIDED BY CARPARKS, TRAVEL AGENTS AND CARGO FOWARDING AGENTS.
THE SURVEY OF STORAGE, COMMUNICATION, FINANCING, INSURANCE AND BUSINESS SERVICES COVERS THE FOLLOWING SERVICES:
* STORAGE AND WAREHOUSING FACILITIES FOR HIRE BY THE GENERAL
PUBLIC;
* POSTAL, TELEPHONE, TELEGRAPH, RADIO AND CABLE
COMMUNICATIONS, MESSAGE DELIVERY AND MESSAGE EXCHANGE SERVICES;
* ALL FINANCE (EXCEPT LICENSED BANKS, RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES) AND INVESTMENT COMPANIES; LOAN, MORTGAGE AND DISCOUNT COMPANIES;
DEALERS/BROKERS AND EXCHANGES IN STOCKS AND SHARES,
COMMODITY FUTURES, GOLD BULLION AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE; PAWNSHOPS; MONEY CHANGERS; AND OTHER FINANCIAL UNDERTAKINGS;
* INSURERS, RE-INSURERS, AGENTS AND BROKERS OF ALL KINDS OF INSURANCE AND INSURANCE-RELATED SERVICES;
* ACCOUNTING AND AUDITING, ADVERTISING, DATA PROCESSING, EMPLOYMENT AGENCY, EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY RENTAL, LEGAL, NEWS AGENCY, SECRETARIAL AND OTHER BUSINESS SERVICES.
INFORMATION SOUGHT IN THE SURVEYS INCLUDES: TYPE OF OWNERSHIP, FLOOR AREA, EMPLOYMENT, COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES (THAT IS WAGES, SALARIES AND OTHER EMPLOYEE BENEFITS), OPERATING EXPENSES, BUSINESS RECEIPTS AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURE.
THE SURVEYS ARE BEING CONDUCTED UNDER THE CENSUS AND ’STATISTICS (ANNUAL SURVEY OF TRANSPORT AND RELATED SERVICES) ORDER 1984 AND THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS (ANNUAL SURVEY OF STORAGE, COMMUNICATION, FINANCING, INSURANCE AND BUSINESS SERVICES) ORDER 1984, WHICH WERE MADE UNDER THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDINANCE AND ISSUED AS LEGAL NOTICES IN THE GAZETTE ON JANUARY 13, 1984.
SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRES HAVE BEEN MAILED TO THE ESTABLISHMENTS SAMPLED FOR THE SURVEYS. THESE ESTABLISHMENTS ARE LEGALLY REQUIRED ' TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THE QUESTIONNAIRES TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT BY JULY 31, 1991.
IF REQUIRED, OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT WILL VISIT INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS AND ASSIST THEM IN COMPLETING THE QUESTIONNAIRES. THESE OFFICERS WILL CARRY A GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARD AND A CERTIFICATE FOR CONDUCTING THE SURVEYS WHILST ON DUTY, WHICH ARE AVAILABLE EOR INSPECTION.
/THE COMMISSIONER .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 1991
- 10 -
THE COMMISSIONER EOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS APPEALED TO THE M \NAGEMENTS OF ALL SAMPLED ESTABLISHMENTS TO RETURN THE COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRES PROMPTLY AND TO CO-OPERATE WITH OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT IN THE COURSE OF THE SURVEYS, SO AS TO FULFIL THEIR LEGAL AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY.
HE STRESSED THAT INFORMATION RELATING TO INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS WOULD BE TREATED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE UNDER THE PROVISION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDINANCE.
ONLY AGGREGATE INFORMATION, WHICH DOES NOT REVEAL DETAILS OF INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS, WILL BE RELEASED.
THE COMMISSIONER ALSO POINTED OUT THAT AUDITED ACCOUNTS ARE NOT ESSENTIAL FOR THE SUPPLY OF INCOME AND EXPENDITURE DATA REQUIRED IN THE SURVEYS.
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ACCEPTS FIGURES BASED ON PRELIMINARY ACCOUNTS OR ESTIMATES WHICH ARE CORRECT TO THE BEST OF THE RESPONDENTS’ KNOWLEDGE AT THE TIME OF SUBMISSION OF THE RETURNS, IF AUDITED ACCOUNTS ARE NOT YET AVAILABLE.
ANY ENQUIRIES REGARDING THE SURVEYS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE TRANSPORT AND SERVICES STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 802 1262.
--------0-----------
MAY 1991 ONE OF THE DRIEST, WARMEST ON RECORD *****
MAY 1991 WAS ONE OF THE DRIEST AND WARMEST ON RECORD, ACCORDING TO THE MONTHLY WEATHER REPORT RELEASED BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE MONTHLY RAINFALL AMOUNT OF 60.9 MILLIMETRES, THE EIGHTH LOWEST EVER, WAS ONLY ABOUT ONE-FIFTH OF THE MAY NORMAL OF 316.7 MILLIMETRES.
THE CONTINUING LACK OF SIGNIFICANT RAIN DURING THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF 1991 WAS REFLECTED BY THE MEAGRE RAINFALL TOTAL OF 184.0 MILLIMETRES OVER THE PERIOD.
THIS FIGURE REPRESENTED ONLY ABOUT 30 PER CENT OF THE CLIMATOLOGICAL NORMAL OF 616.5 MILLIMETRES, AND WAS THE LOWEST SINCE THE RECORD DRY YEAR OF 1963.
THE PERSISTENT FINE AND DRY WEATHER COULD BE ATTRIBUTED TO THE WESTWARD EXTENSION OF AN EXCEPTIONALLY STRONG PACIFIC RIDGE OVER SOUTHERN CHINA.
THE MONTHLY MEAN PRESSURE OF 1,011.6 HPA (HECTOPASCALS) IN HONG KONG WAS A RECORD HIGH FOR THE MONTH OF MAY. INTENSE SOLAR HEATING LED TO THE TEMPERATURE SOARING TO A MAXIMUM OF 33.4 DEGREES ON MAY 28, THE FIFTH HOTTEST MAY DAY EVER.
/UNDER THE .......
THURSDAY, .him’’ U, 1991
11
UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF TWO LATE-SEASON SURGES OF THE NOR’"’ MONSOON, ’HIE FIRST II DAYS IN MAY WERE ACTUALLY COOLER THAN NO ’ I., BELYING THE HOT WEATHER THAT WAS TO COME LATER IN THE MONTH.
THE PASSAGE OF A TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE ON THE EVENING OF MAY I WAS ACCOMPANIED RY OUTBREAKS OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS.
'HIE WEATHER REMAINED CLOUDY WITH INTERMITTENT LIGHT RAIN THE NEXT DAY AS THE WIND TURNED FROM NORTHERLY TO EASTERLY AND STRENGTHENED.
WINDY CONDITIONS PERSISTED FOR THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS AND THE RAIN ALSO BECAME MORE FREQUENT. THE MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 18.2 DEGREES ON MAY 3 WAS THE LOWEST FOR THE MONTH.
AS THE EASTERLIES SUBSIDED, THE WEATHER ON MAY 5 BECAME BRIGHTER. HOWEVER VISIBILITY WAS POOR DUE TO THE MOIST AND MISTY CONDITIONS.
OVER 'HIE NEXT TWO DAYS, FOG AFFECTED OFFSHORE WATERS TO THE EAST.
SOME AFTERNOON SHOWERS ON MAY 7 WERE FOLLOWED BY A REPLENISHMENT OF THE NORTHEAST MONSOON THAT NIGHT. THIS TIME, THE PASSAGE OF THE ASSOCIATED TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE FAILED TO BRING ANY SIGNIFICANT RAINFALL.
THERE WAS ONLY SOME DRIZZLE ON MAY 8.
FRESH EASTERLY WINDS SET IN ON MAY 9, AND THE WEATHER STAYED CLOUDY WITH MORNING DRIZZLE UNTIL MAY* I I WHEN CLOUDS CLEARED, GIVING LONG PERIODS OF SUNSHINE DURING THE DAY.
APART FROM SOME OFFSHORE MIST IN THE EARLY MORNING, IT WAS ANOTHER DAY OF SUNSHINE BUT WI TH LIGHTER WINDS ON MAY 12.
THE WEATHER TURNED UNSETTLED ON MAY 13 WITH LOCAL DEVELOPMENT OF CLOUDS AND SHOWERS.
ALTHOUGH THE PROLONGED HEAVY RAIN. THE EARLY AFTERNOON.
SHOWERS WERE QUITE FREQUENT, THERE WAS
HEAVIER DOWNPOUR LASTED FOR ONLY A FEW HOURS
NO IN
SUNNY WEATHER RETURNED FOR THE NEXT INTERRUPTED BY A BRIEF STORMY EPISODE LATE WHEN OUTBREAKS OF SHOWERS YCCOMPANI ED LIGHTNING SWEPT ’THROUGH THE TERRITORY.
COUPLE OF DAYS, ONLY TO BE
IN THE EVENING ON MAY 15
BY SQUALLS, THUNDER, AND
THIS PROVED TO BE THE ONLY OCCASION OF RELATIVELY IN MA^ BEFORE A SPELL OF GENERALLY FINE CONDI TIONS SET SECOND HALF OF THE MONTH.
UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF A RIDGE OF HIGH PRESSURE, REMAINED STABLE FROM MA^ 16 TO 21.
WET WEATHER IN FOR THE
THE WEATHER
/THERE WERE .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 1991
- 12 -
THERE WERE SOME BRIEF HEAT SHOWERS WHICH OCCURRED MOSTLY OVER AREAS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES. OFFSHORE WATERS TO THE EAST WERE AFFECTED BY MIST PATCHES.
VISIBILITY WAS EVEN POORER IN THE EARLY HOURS OF MAY 21 AS THE OFFSHORE MIST THICKENED INTO FOG.
THE SOUTHWEST MONSOON BECAME ACTIVE ON MAY 22, AND SHOWERY ACTIVITY ALSO INCREASED.
HOWEVER, THE SHOWERS REMAINED LIGHT AND ISOLATED IN NATURE AGAINST A MAINLY FINE SETTING. WINDS WERE RATHER GUSTY AT TIMES, AND GUSTS APPROACHING 60 KILOMETRES PER HOUR WERE REPORTED INSIDE THE HARBOUR.
AFTER SOME BRIEF SHOWERS IN THE EARLY HOURS OF MAY 26, THE SOUTHWEST MONSOON SUBSIDED DURING THE DAY AND ALONG WITH IT THE SHOWERS.
WITH LONG PERIODS OF SUNSHINE, THE HEAT CONTINUED TO SuiLD UP AND THE TEMPERATURE (’LIMBED TO THE MONTH’S HIGHEST OF 33.4 DEGREES ON MAY 28.
THIS WAS SOON FOLLOWED BY A FRESHENING OF THE EASTERLIES LATER THAT DAY AND CONSEQUENTLY A SLIGHT DROP IN TEMPERATURES THE NEXT DAY.
DESPITE SOME ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS ON THE MORNING OF MAY 29 AND FURTHER SPORADIC SHOWERS OVER THE NEXT TWO DAYS, HOURS OF SUNSHINE CONTINUED TO INCREASE TOWARDS THE END OF MAY AS THE FINE SPELL PREVAILED.
DURING THE MONTH OF MAY, ONLY. ONE TROPICAL CYCLONE, NAMELY TYPHOON WALT, OCCURRED OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC AND THE SOUTH CHINA SEA.
THERE WERE ALTOGETHER FOUR AIRCRAFT DIVERSIONS IN MAY. THUNDERSTORM WARNINGS WERE ISSUED FOR MAY 1, 15-16, 27, AND 29. FLOOD WARNING WAS IN EFFECT ON MAY 15.
THE ONLY SIGNAL HOISTED DURING THE MONTH WAS AS FOLLOWS:
WEATHER SYSTEM SIGNAL DATE & TIME OF HOISTING DATE & TIME OF LOWERING
WINTER STRONG MAY 2 MAY 4
MONSOON MONSOON 9.50 PM 3.30 PM
THE MONTH’S FIGURES AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL WERE:
TOTAL BRIGHT SUNSHINE
MEAN DA 110 GLOBAL
SOLAR RADIATION
TOTAL RAINFALL
201.3 HOURS ; 47.5 HOURS ABOVE NORMAL
16.13 MJ/SQ.M. ; 0.01 MJ/SQ.M. ABOVE NORMAL
60.9 MM ; 255.8 MM BELOW NORMAL
/MEAN AMOUNT........
THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 1991
13 -
MEAN AMOUNT OF CLOUD
71 PER CENT
THREE PER CENT LESS THAN NORMAL
MEAN RELATIVE HUMIDITY
MEAN DAILY MAXIMUM
AIR TEMPERATURE
MEAN AIR TEMPERATURE
MEAN DAILY MINIMUM AIR TEMPERATURE
MEAN DEW POINT
TOTAL EVAPORATION
RI PER CENT
29.3 DEGREES CELSIUS
26.5 DEGREES CELSIUS
24.7 DEGREES CELSIUS
22.9 DEGREES CELSIUS
128.3 MM
; TWO PER CENT LOWER THAN NORMAL
; 0.6 DEGREE CELSIUS ABOVE NORMAL
; 0.6 DEGREE CELSIUS ABOVE NORMAL
; 0.8 DEGREE CELSIUS ABOVE NORMAL
; 0.3 DEGREE CELSIUS ABOVE NORMAL
; 9.4 MM BELOW NORMAL
---------0-----------
NEW BUS ROUTE TO HELP RELIEVE MTR CONGESTION ******
A NEW AIR-CONDITIONED CROSS HARBOUR BUS ROUTE, NO. 301, IS TO BE OPERATED JOINTLY BY THE TWO FRANCHISED BUS COMPANIES FROM JUNE 19 AS AN ALTERNATIVE FOR COMMUTERS TO THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (THURSDAY) TO ANNOUNCE THE INTRODUCTION OF THE NEW ROUTE, ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER • FOR TRANSPORT, MRS DOROTHY CHAN, SAID THIS IS THE SECOND PHASE OF AN ACTION PLAN TO HELP RELIEVE SOUTHBOUND CONGESTION IN THE MTR.
MRS CHAN SAID THE NEW EXPRESS BUSES WOULD TAKE UP PASSENGERS FROM THE BUS BA'k AT THE TOLL PLAZA OF THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL IN KOWLOON TO CENTRAL.
THE BUS FARE IS $5.50 AND THE JOURNEY TIME TO CENTRAL WILL BE ABOUT 12 MINUTES.
SHE SAID THE OBJECTIVE WAS TO ENCOURAGE KCR PASSENGERS FROM THE EASTERN NEW TERRITORIES TO CHANGE FOR BUSES IN HUNG HOM RATHER THAN TO THE MTR AT KOWLOON TONG.
"AT PRESENT, SOME 6,000 PASSENGERS USE THE KOWLOON TONG STATION DURING THE MORNING PEAK HOUR FOR CENTRAL AND OVER 60 PER CENT OF THEM ARE GENERATED FROM THE KCR," MRS CHAN ADDED.
ALSO PRESENT AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE WERE THE GENERAL MANAGER OF THE KMB, MR CHARLES U.Y. LUI, AND THE (’MB'S FINANCE AND PLANNING MANAGER, MR DEREK NICHOLLS.
/THEY EXPLAINED .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 1991
14
THEY EXPLAINED THE DETAILS OF THE NEW EXPRESS BUS SERVICE WHICH WILL BE OPERATING FROM MONDAY TO SATURDAY BETWEEN 7.45 AM AND 9 AM AT A THREE-MINUTE INTERVAL.
ON KOWLOON SIDE, THERE WILL BE ONLY ONE PICK-UP POINT - AT THE SOUTHERNMOST END OF THE BUS BAY AT THE TOLL PLAZA AREA OF THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL.
A NEW PASSENGER WAITING AREA HAS JUST BEEN ASSIGNED AND SIGNS WILL BE PUT UP TO GUIDE PASSENGERS FROM THE KCR TO THE BUS PICK-UP POINT IMMEDIATELY \S THEY DESCEND THE FOOTBRIDGE OVER THE TOLL BOOTHS.
ON HONG KONG ISLAND, THE BUS WILL DROP OFF PASSENGERS IN CAUSEWAY BAY, WAN ('HAI, ADMIRALTY AND CENTRAL.
THE KMB AND THE CMB TOGETHER WILL DEPLOY 14 AIR-CONDITIONED BUSES AND IT ('AN CARRY 3,000 PASSENGERS LN ONE PEAK HOUR. THE SERVICE WILL OPERATE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30 TH IS YEAR*.
WITH THE CO-OPERATlON OF THE KCRC, ANNOUNCEMENT ON THE NEW SERVICE WILL BE MADE AT THE KCR STATIONS AND ON TRAINS WHILE NOTICES WILL BE PUT UP AT THE KCR STATIONS TO INFORM PASSENGERS OF THE NEW ROUTE.
COMMENDING THE NEW BUS SERVICE, THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR GORDON K.C. SIU, SAID:
’’THIS NEW AND CHEAPER ALTERNATIVE FORM OF LAND TRANSPORT WILL HELP RELIEVE CONGESTION ALONG THE MTR’S NATHAN ROAD CORRIDOR."
HE ALSO SAID THE DEPARTMENT IS WORKING ON OTHER NEW SCHEMES WHICH WILL BE I NTRODU('EI) DURING THE SUMMER.
ALL THESE EFFORTS REFLECTED GOVERNMENT’S ALL DETERMINATION TO HELP. RELIEVE MTR’S PEAK HOUR CONGESTION.
"OUR MOTTO, IN DEVISING THE ALTERNATIVE MODE OF TRANSPORT, IS THAT 1'1 MUST BF FAST, COMFORTABLE AND CHEAPER WHEN COMPARING TO THE EXISTING MODE," HE ADDED.
- - 0----------
COMMITTEE BRIEFED ON PROPOSALS ON LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL * * * * *
MEMBERS OF THE LIVESTOCK WASTE DISPOSAL CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE WERE BRIEFED AT A MEETING TODAY (THURSDAY) ON THE GOVERNMENT’S REVIEW OF THE LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL SCHEME.
THE GOVERNMENT HAS RECENTLY ANNOUNCED A PACKAGE OF PROPOSALS AIMING AT MINIMISING EN\IRONMENTAL POLLUTION CAUSED BY LIVESTOCK WASTE AND IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LOCAL LIVESTOCK.
/AT TODAY'S .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 1991
15
AT TODAY’S MEETING, REPRESENTATIVES OF THE PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS BRANCH AND OTHER CONCERNED DEPARTMENTS EXPLAINED THE DETAILS OF THESE PROPOSALS, INCLUDING A LICENSING SCHEME FOR LIVESTOCK KEEPING AND HIGHER CAPITAL GRANTS FOR FARMERS AFFECTED.
THE CAPITAL GRANTS HAVE BEEN INCREASED FROM $48 TO $120 PER SQUARE METRE FOR PIG AND CHICKEN FARMS. THE RATES FOR PIGEON AND QUAIL FARMS HAVE ALSO BEEN INCREASED TO $40 AND $50 PER SQUARE METRE RESPECTIVELY.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE, MR LEO KWAN, SAID THE BRIEFING HAD HELPED MEMBERS ACQUIRE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE PROPOSALS SO THAT THEY COULD EXAMINE THEM CAREFULLY AND GIVE THEIR VIEWS DURING THE CONSULTATION PERIOD.
HE ALSO URGED LIVESTOCK FARMERS TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS TO THE GOVERNMENT THROUGH THEIR REPRESENTATIVES ON THE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE.
"THE VIEWS OF THE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE WILL BE AND SUBMITTED TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL BEFORE A FINAL MADE," HE ADDED.
CONSOLIDATED
DECISION IS
------0--------
NEW COMPUTER SYSTEM FOR THE BANKING COMMISSION » » » ♦ »
THE OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING (OCB) ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THE COMMISSIONING OF A NEW COMPUTER SYSTEM.
THE NEW COMPUTER SYSTEM, COSTING $25 MILLION, WILL GREATLY ENHANCE AND EXPEDITE THE PROCESSING OF BANKING AND MONETARY STATISTICS BY THE OCB AND THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH.
THE NEW COMPUTER SYSTEM HAS A MEMORY SIZE WHICH IS 60 TIMES AND STORAGE CAPACITY 30 TIMES THAT OF THE FORMER SYSTEM.
"IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THE 'OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING AND THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH SHOULD HAVE THE ABILITY TO ANALYSE THE DATA OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND THE FINANCIAL SYSTEM QUICKLY TO OBTAIN AN EARLY READING OF DEVELOPMENTS AND TRENDS," THE ACTING COMMISSIONER OF BANKING, MR ALBERT CHECK SAID.
THE OCB IS MAKING GREATER USE OF OFF-SITE ANALYSIS OF THE INSTITUTIONS' FINANCIAL DATA AS A SUPPLEMENT TO ITS TRADITIONAL ON-SITE EXAMINATIONS.
"ANALYSES OF FINANCIAL DATA, WHICH THIS NEW SYSTEM WILL PROVIDE, WILL GREATLY ENHANCE OUR ABILITY TO MONITOR ASPECTS OF INDIVIDUAL INSTITUTIONS’ OPERATIONS AND THEREBY HELP US TO IDENTIFY SPECIFIC AREAS FOR SUPERVISORY EXAMINATION," HE ADDED.
"AT THE SAME TIME, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH, WE HAVE TAKEN THE OPPORTUNITY FURTHER TO STREAMLINE AND SIMPLIFY STATISTICAL RETURNS WITH A VIEW TO REDUCING THE REPORTING BURDEN ON INSTITUTIONS." MR CHECK SAID.
------0----------
/16 ........
THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 1991
- 16 -
CYC MEMBERS SET GOOD EXAMPLE IN CONSERVING COUNTRY PARKS ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦ *
THE GOOD PERFORMANCE OF MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB (CYC) IN THIS YEAR’S COUNTRY PARKS ADOPTION SCHEME FULLY DEMONSTRATES THEIR HIGH SENSE OF SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND COMMUNITY SPIRIT, THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
HE WAS OFFICIATING AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE 1990-91 CYC COUNTRY PARKS ADOPTION SCHEME AT THE NAM CHEONG COMMUNITY CENTRE.
DR LEE POINTED OUT THAT APART FROM KEEPING OUR COUNTRY PARKS CLEANER AND GREENER FOR THE COMMUNITY, THE PARTICIPANTS HAD ALSO SET A GOOD EXAMPLE FOR OTHER PARK-USERS TO FOLLOW.
”1 HOPE THAT AFTER LEARNING HOW TO PROTECT, IMPROVE AND MAKE GOOD USE OF THE PARK, CYC MEMBERS COULD HELP SPREAD THE COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION MESSAGE TO THEIR FELLOW CLASSMATES, FRIENDS AND FAMILY MEMBERS SO THAT MORE WOULD JOIN IN CONSERVING OUR COUNTRY PARKS."
DR LEE PAID TRI BUTE TO THE ROTARY CLUB OF HONG KONG HARBOUR FOR THEIR GENEROUS SPONSORSHIP TO THE SCHEME.
HE ALSO THANKED THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE PRINCIPALS AND TEACHERS OF ALL PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS FOR THEIR SUPPORT IN PROMOTING AND IMPLEMENTING THE SCHEME.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE SAME CEREMONY, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR Y.T. LI, NOTED THAT SOME 7,800 CYC MEMBERS FROM 49 SCHOOLS HAD JOINED THE SCHEME THIS YEAR AND HAD CARRIED OUT A WIDE VARIETY OF COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT WORK IN 10 COUNTRY PARKS.
HE SAID THE SCHEME PROVIDED CYC MEMBERS A CHANCE TO PUT INTO PRACTICE THEIR MOTTO OF "LEARN, BE CONCERNED AND SERVE".
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY TODAY WAS THE PRESIDENT OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF HONG KONG HARBOUR, MR CHARLES LAM.
DURING THE CEREMONY, CERTIFICATES AND SOUVENIRS WERE PRESENTED TO THE PARTICIPATING CYC SCHOOLS BY THE OFFICIATING GUESTS.
THE GUESTS THEN TOURED AN EXHIBITION SHOWING CYC MEMBERS' PARTICIPATION IN ACTIVITIES OF THIS YEAR’S COUNTRY PARKS ADOPTION SCHEME.
- - 0---------
/17........
THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 1991
- 17 -
ID CARD REMINDER FOR WOMEN BORN IN 1916-22 *«»»»»
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) REMINDED WOMEN )RN IN 1916, 1917, 1918, 1919, 1920, 1921 AND 1922 TO APPLY FOR NEW IDENTITY CARDS BEFORE JULY 6.
"TO AVOID THE LAST-MINUTE RUSH, WOMEN OF THIS AGE GROUP WHO HAVE NOT YET APPLIED FOR A NEW IDENTITY CARD SHOULD COME FORWARD WITHOUT DELAY," A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
"FAILURE TO APPLY FOR A NEW IDENTITY CARD WITHIN THE SPECIFIED PERIOD IS AN OFFENCE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $3,000," HE ADDED.
APPLICANTS CAN GO TO ANY ONE OF THE EIGHT NEW IDENTITY CARD ISSUE OFFICES TO REPLACE THEIR IDENTITY CARDS.
THE OFFICE HOURS OF THE ISSUE OFFICES ARE FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM, MONDAY TO FRIDAY, AND FROM 9 AM TO 1 PM ON SATURDAY.
ALL OFFICES CLOSE ON SUNDAY AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
APPLICANTS MAY MAKE USE OF THE PHONE-IN SERVICE TO ARRANGE FOR AN APPOINTMENT BY CALLING THE OFFICES OF THEIR CHOICE.
THE ADDRESSES AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF THE ISSUE OFFICES ARE:
HONG KONG: BASEMENT, 151 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI
TEL. NO. 574 7’070
EAST KOWLOON: AMOY PLAZA, SECOND FLOOR, 77 NGAU TAU KOK ROAD,
NGAU TAU KOK TEL. NO. 755 3669
WEST KOWLOON: CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, SECOND FLOOR,
393 CANTON ROAD, YAU MA TEI TEL. NO. 723 2424
TSUEN WAN: EAST ASIA COMMERCIAL CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR,
29-37 TSUEN FU STREET TEL. NO. 498 0117
SHA TIN: SHOP 8A, SECOND FLOOR, CHANWAY SHOPPING CENTRE,
11-17 SHA TIN CENTRE STREET TEL. NO. 605 9108
YUEN LONG: HOP YICK CENTRE, SECOND FLOOR,
31 HOP YICK ROAD TEL. NO. 477 1543
TUEN MUN: CHI LOK COMMERCIAL CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR,
CHI LOK FA YUEN TEL. NO. 458 0646
/SHEUNG SHUI: .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 1991
- 18 -
SHEUNG SHU1: TSUEN WO TAI LAU, GROUND FLOOR,
82-84 SAN FUNG AVENUE, SHEK WU HUI TEL. NO. 672 7191
THEY MAY ALSO MAKE USE OF THE 24-HOUR RECORDED MESSAGE SERVICE BY DIALLING 824 030.3 TO ENQUIRE ABOUT DETAILS OF THE DOCUMENTS TO BRING ALONG.
THE SPOKESMAN REITERATED THAT THERE WOULD BE NO AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
----------------0------- RIIKR RECRUITMENT DRIVE CONTINUES *****
THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS) TODAY (THURSDAY) CALLED ON ENTHUSIASTIC YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN WHO LIKE TO FACE CHALLENGES AND SERVE THE COMMUNITY TO JOIN THE VOLUNTEERS BEFORE ITS RECRUITMENT EXERCISE CLOSES AT THE END OF THE MONTH.
THIS YEAR THE REGIMENT IS LOOKING FOR ABOUT 200 MALE RECRUITS AND 25 FEMALE RECRUITS.
THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED SHOULD BE AT LEAST 18 YEARS OLD, HAVE COMPLETED SECONDARY EDUCATION AND HAVE A REASONABLE KNOWLEDGE OF SPOKEN ENGLISH.
THEY SHOULD ALSO HAVE REGULAR EMPLOYMENT AND SHOULD HAVE OBTAINED THEIR EMPLOYERS’ CONSENT FOR JOINING THE FORCE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE VOLUNTEERS SAID: "SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL RECEIVE TRAINING IN BASIC MILITARY SKILLS, INCLUDING DRILLS, HANDLING OF RIFLES AND SUB-MACHINE GUNS, AND USE OF VEHICLES AND ASSAULT BOATS.
"TRAINING IN OPERATING RADIO EQUIPMENT, AND IN MAP READING AND FIRST AID WILL ALSO BE GIVEN.
"THIS NO DOUBT HELPS TO BUILD UP ONE’S PHYSIQUE AS WELL AS TO CULTIVATE A MORE MATURE AND CAPABLE PERSONALITY," HE SAID.
"VOLUNTEERS WILL ALSO GAIN VALUABLE EXPERIENCE IN SUPERVISORY SKILLS, JUDGEMENT AND DECISION-MAKING," HE ADDED.
TRAINING FOR NEW RECRUITS WILL BE CARRIED OUT ON FOUR EVENINGS AND ONE WEEKEND PER MONTH FOR A PERIOD OF SIX MONTHS. THEY WILL ALSO HAVE TO ATTEND TWO NINE-DAY TRAINING CAMPS BEFORE PASSING OUT.
MOST OF THE TRAINING WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE SCENIC COUNTRY PARKS OF HONG KONG ISLAND AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.
/ON COMPLETION .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 1991
- 19 -
ON COMPLETION OF BASK’ TRAINING THE VOLUNTEERS WILL RECEIVE TRAINING ON TWO EVENINGS AND ONE WEEKEND A MONTH. THERE ARE TWO CAMP PERIODS, ONE OF WHICH IS SPENT ON MANNING THE HONG KONG-CHINA BORDER.
APPLICATION FORMS AND INFORMATION LEAFLETS ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES AND THE REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS AT SPORTS ROAD, HAPPY VALLEY.
FURTHER INFORMATION CAN BE MADE TO THE REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS ON TEL. 576 1371.
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CHILDREN’S DRAMA TO PROMOTE KEEP CLEAN MESSAGE
*****
PARENTS ARE INVITED TO BRING THEIR KIDS TO SHA TIN ON SUNDAY (JUNE 16) TO ENJOY A CHILDREN’S DRAMA WHICH AIMS TO PROMOTE THE KEEP CLEAN MESSAGE.
ORGANISED BY THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE AND THE HONG KONG FRINGE CLUB, THE DRAMA WILL BE STAGED AT THE AMPHITHEATRE OF SHA TIN CENTRAL PARK.
ENTITLED "PRINCESS CLEAN VS LITTER MONSTER”, THE DRAMA ALSO AIMS TO ENHANCE THE YOUNGER GENERATION’S AWARENESS OF WASTE MINIMISATION AND RE-USE.
THE 40-MINUTE DRAMA WILL BE PERFORMED BY THE "TOGETHER TRY" GROUP OF THE HONG KONG FRINGE CLUB.
THE REGIONAL COUNCIL VICE-CHAIRMAN AND FORMER STEERING COMMITTEE ('HAIRMAN, DR PANG HOK-TUEN, WILL ATTEND THE SHOW AND OFFICIATE AT A SOUVENIR PRESENTATION CEREMONY.
THE DRAMA WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM. ADMISSION IS FREE AND SOUVENIRS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO THE AUDIENCE.
THE DRAMA WAS ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED FOR JUNE 9 BUT WAS POSTPONED DUE TO RAINY WEATHER.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO (OVER THE DRAMA.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNMENT REFUTES REFUGEE CONCERN REPORT................................ 1
LAW AMENDMENTS TO EXEMPT MEDICAL AND HEALTH STAFF FROM REGISTRATION ... 2
PROFESSIONALS TO MANAGE TRUST FUNDS' INVESTMENTS ........................ 2
CONSTRUCTION OF KWUN TONG BYPASS PHASES 2 AND 3 COMPLETED................ 3
JOHN CHAN APPOINTED OFFICIAL LEGCO MEMBER ............................... 5
SIX NEW POLICE LAUNCHES COMMISSIONED..................................... 5
TENDERS INVITED FOR FOOD CONTROL UNIT AT LOK MA CHAU..................... 6
TENDERS INVITED FOR CONSTRUCTION OF QUARRY BAY PARK ..................... 7
ACTION AGAINST UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS IN KOWLOON ................... 7
YOUNG VIOLINIST TO ATTEND U.S. MUSIC CAMP ............................... 8
INTRODUCTION OF CROSS HARBOUR BUS ROUTE 301 ............................. 9
FARE INCREASE OF GMB ROUTE 21K .......................................... 9
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .............. 9
FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 1991
- 1 -GOVERNMENT REFUTES REFUGEE CONCERN REPORT *****
IN RESPONSE TO THE PAPER "DEFENCELESS IN DETENTION" PUBLISHED BY REFUGEE CONCERN HONG KONG, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (FRIDAY) REJECTED CRITICISMS LEVELLED AGAINST THE POLICY ON VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS.
"THE GOVERNMENT IS MAKING ENORMOUS EFFORTS TO ATTEMPT TO MAINTAIN FIRST ASYLUM IN THE FACE OF GROWING PUBLIC CONCERN OVER THE INTERNATIONAL FAILURE TO FIND A PROPER SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE NUMBERS NOW ARRIVING FROM VIETNAM, AT SEVERAL HUNDREDS A DAY, ARE PUTTING OUR ABILITY TO COPE UNDER MAJOR PRACTICAL AND POLITICAL PRESSURES," HE NOTED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE REPORT BY REFUGEE .CONCERN SHOWED LITTLE UNDERSTANDING OF THE EFFORTS MADE BY THE GOVERNMENT OVER 16 YEARS TO MAINTAIN THE KEY PRINCIPLE OF FIRST ASYLUM.
"THE REPORT COMPARES US UNFAVOURABLY WITH OTHER PLACES IN THE REGION, SOME OF WHICH DESPITE THEIR FAR GREATER LAND RESOURCES HAVE TURNED BOATS AWAY.
"IT TAKES NO ACCOUNT OF THE FACT THAT WE ARB FACING A FLOOD OF ARRIVALS CAUSED BY NO ACT OF HONG KONG’S AND WHICH THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY ARE FAILING TO PREVENT BY ADEQUATE MEASURES TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM.
"THE REPORT DOES NOT EXPLAIN WHY ALMOST ALL THOSE DEPARTING FROM VIETNAM NOW COME HERE, DESPITE REFUGEE CONCERN’S CRITICISMS OF HONG KONG'S TREATMENT OF ASYLUM SEEKERS."
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE REPORT PROPOSED MEASURES THAT WOULD DO NOTHING TO HELP RESOLVE THE PROBLEM HERE AND INDEED MIGHT WELL MAKE IT WORSE.
"THE REPORT SHOWS NO REAL UNDERSTANDING OF THE BACKGROUND AGAINST WHICH WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO MAINTAIN A HUMANITARIAN POLICY HERE," HE SAID.
"THE' HONG KONG GOVERNMENT REGRETS THAT OVER 17,000 MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN REMAIN IN DETENTION IN HONG KONG AS SCREENED OUT NONREFUGEES.
"THE REAL INHUMANITY LIES IN THE FALSE HOPES THEY ARE GIVEN THAT THERE IS SOME FUTURE FOR THEM OTHER THAN IN THEIR OWN HOMES IN VIETNAM.
"YET UNDER THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OF ACTION THEY HAVE ONLY ONE OPTION - TO GO BACK TO VIETNAM. THEY CAN DO SO UNDER THE UNHCR REPATRIATION SCHEME, THUS ENDING THEIR DETENTION, ANY TIME THEY WISH.
"IN THE MEANTIME THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, WITH THE HELP OF THE UNHCR AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, WILL DO EVERYTHING IT CAN TO CARE FOR THEM AND THOSE 36,000 WHO HAVE COME HERE MORE RECENTLY AND HAVE YET TO BE SCREENED," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
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/2 ........
FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 1991
2
LAW AMENDMENTS TO EXEMPT MED I ('AL AND HEALTH STAFF FROM REGISTRATION ♦ * * * ♦
THE GOVERNMENT HAS PROPOSED LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS TO ENABLE DENTISTS, DOCTORS AND SUPPLEMENTARY MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS EMPLOYED BY THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY TO BECOME ENTITLED TO CERTAIN EXEMPTIONS IN RESPECT OF REGISTRATION AND RELATED REQUIREMENTS.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (FRIDAY), A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT AT PRESENT, MEDICAL AND HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS EMPLOYED BY THE CIVIL SERVICE AND THE UNIVERSITIES WERE ENTITLED TO CERTAIN EXEMPTIONS IN RESPECT OF REGISTRATION AND RELATED REQUIREMENTS.
HOWEVER, AFTER THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY TOOK OVER THE MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL OF PUBLI.C HOSPITALS, THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS EMPLOYED BY THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY WILL NOT BE ENTITLED TO THOSE EXEMPTIONS.
"LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS ARE THEREFORE REQUIRED TO ENSURE THAT SUCH PROFESSIONALS EMPLOYED BY THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY, MANY OF WHOM ARE EXPECTED TO BE EX-CIVIL SERVANTS, WILL BE ENTITLED TO THOSE EXEMPTIONS.
"THIS WILL MAINTAIN COMPARABILITY OF TREATMENT BETWEEN THE EMPLOYEES OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY AND THEIR CIVIL SERVICE AND UNIVERSITY COUNTERPARTS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE CHANGES ARE CONTAINED IN THE DENTISTS REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, THE MEDICAL REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 AND THE SUPPLEMENTARY MEDICAL PROFESSIONS (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1991.
THE THREE BILLS WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE NEXT FRIDAY (JUNE 21) AND BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JUNE 26.
--------0----------
PROFESSIONALS TO MANAGE TRUST FUNDS’ INVESTMENTS
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO FOUR TRUST FUNDS ADMINISTERED BY THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION TO ALLOW FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF "PROFESSIONAL FUND MANAGERS" ARE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
A CNTA SPOKESMAN SAID THE GRANTHAM SCHOLARSHIPS FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, THE BREWIN TRUST FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, THE SIR ROBERT BLACK TRUST FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 AND THE LI PO CHUN CHARITABLE TRUST FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, WOULD BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JUNE 26.
/ELABORATING ON .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 1991
3
ELABORATING ON THE AMENDMENTS, HE SAID AT PRESENT, THE INVESTMENTS OF THE FOUR FUNDS WERE MANAGED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS INCORPORATED AS TRUSTEE, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE DIRECTIONS OR ADVICE OF THE RESPECTIVE COMMITTEES.
IN THE LIGHT OF RAPID CHANGES IN THE INVESTMENT SCENE TODAY, HE ADDED, INVESTMENT DECISIONS MUST BE FORMULATED AND IMPLEMENTED QUICKLY.
"UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, THE APPOINTMENT OF PROFESSIONALS TO MANAGE THE FUNDS’ INVESTMENT WOULD BE DESIRABLE SINCE FUND MANAGERS, BY VIRTUE OF THEIR PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND CLOSE ASSOCIATION WITH THE FINANCIAL MARKET, ARE BEST PLACED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN BOTH THE LONG AND SHORT TERM," HE STRESSED.
HE SAID ALTHOUGH THE PRESENT ORDINANCES CONTAINED PROVISIONS FOR PROFESSIONALS TO BE APPOINTED BY THE COMMITTEES, THE RESPONSIBILITY OF ANY PROFESSIONALS SO APPOINTED WAS LIMITED TO GIVING ADVICE TO THE COMMITTEES.
"FOR THIS REASON, NEW PROVISIONS ARE REQUIRED TO ENABLE THE APPOINTMENT OF PROFESSIONALS WHO CAN FUNCTION FULLY AS FUND MANAGERS WITH DISCRETION TO CHANGE THE FUNDS’ INVESTMENTS, PROVIDED THAT THEY ACT WITHIN THE GUIDELINES FORMULATED BY THE RESPECTIVE COMMITTEES," HE ADDED.
ANOTHER AMENDMENT PROVIDED FOR THE TRANSACTION OF BUSINESS BY CIRCULATION OF PAPERS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, ADDING THAT SUCH A PRACTICE WOULD BE IN LINE WITH MORE RECENT ORDINANCES RELATING TO THE MANAGEMENT OF TRUST FUNDS.
-----0------
CONSTRUCTION OF KWUN TONG BYPASS PHASES 2 AND 3 COMPLETED
*»»»»»
THE KWUN TONG BYPASS PHASES 2 AND 3 HAVE BEEN COMPLETED AHEAD OF SCHEDULE AND AT A TOTAL COST OF $1 BILLION.
SPEAKING AT A CEREMONY TODAY (FRIDAY) TO MARK THE COMPLETION OF KWUN TONG BYPASS PHASES 2 AND 3, THE DIRECTOR OF HIGHWAYS, MR KWEI SEE-KAN, SAID THE $782 MILLION PHASE 2 PROJECT HAD BEEN THE LARGEST SINGLE ROAD CONTRACT EVER AWARDED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
THE PHASE 2 SECTION WILL BE OPENED TO TRAFFIC THIS AFTERNOON, WHILE PHASE 3 WILL BE OPENED SOON.
MR KWEI SAID KWUN TONG BYPASS WAS A 4.8-KILOMETRE ELEVATED ROAD CARRYING FOUR TO SIX TRAFFIC LANES. ITS CONSTRUCTION WAS DIVIDED INTO THREE PHASES.
/THE FIRST .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 1991
THE FIRST PHASE FROM THE KOWLOON EXIT OF THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING TO WAI YIP STREET WAS COMPLETED AND OPENED TO TRAFFIC IN SEPTEMBER 1989.
HE SAID THE SECOND PHASE FOLLOWED AN ALIGNMENT ALONGSIDE THE KWUN TONG TYPHOON SHELTER TO KAI FUK ROAD AT KOWLOON BAY.
’’THE OPENING OF THIS PHASE WOULD RELIEVE TRAFFIC CONGESTION, SHORTEN JOURNEY TIME AND IMPROVE TRAFFIC CIRCULATION IN THE AREAS ADJACENT TO KWUN TONG AND WAI YIP STREET,” HE SAID.
MR KWEI SAID THE THIRD PHASE CONTINUED ALONG KAI FUK ROAD AND WANG CHIN STREET, SKIRTING THE AIRPORT TO CONNECT WITH THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL APPROACHES AT PRINCE EDWARD ROAD.
•
"IT WOULD BE OPEN TO TRAFFIC TOGETHER WITH THE TATE'S CAIRN TUNNEL AND THE REST OF THE CONNECTING HIGHWAYS THAT FORM ROUTE 6," HE SAID.
MR KWEI SAID BOTH CONTRACTS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PHASES 2 AND 3 WERE AWARDED TO A JOINT VENTURE OF DRAGAGES ET TRAVAUX PUBLICS AND BACHY SOLETANCHE GROUP IN EARLY 1989.
"AN INNOVATIVE FEATURE OF THESE CONTRACTS WAS THE ADOPTION BY THE CONTRACTOR OF A MECHANISED CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUE NEW TO HONG KONG.
"BY MEANS OF A SPECIALLY DESIGNED LAUNCHING GIRDER, PRE-CAST CONCRETE SEGMENTS OF THE VIADUCT WERE ERECTED IN A CONTINUOUS SEQUENCE MAKING UP A TOTAL LENGTH OF 3.8-KILOMETRE WITHIN A SHORT TIME OF 15 MONTHS.
"THIS TECHNIQUE NOT ONLY REDUCED THE OVERALL CONSTRUCTION PERIOD ENABLING THE TWO CONTRACTS TO BE COMPLETED AHEAD OF SCHEDULE, BUT ALSO LED TO ECONOMIES IN THE EXECUTION OF THE WORK,” HE SAID.
THE KWUN TONG BYPASS PHASE 2 CONTRACT WAS MANAGED BY THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT WITH DESIGN AND SUPERVISION OF CONSTRUCTION BEING CARRIED OUT BY CONSULTING ENGINEERS, FREEMAN FOX MAUNSELL.
THE PHASE 3 CONTRACT WAS MANAGED AND WITH ITS DESIGN CARRIED
OUT BY THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT.
SUPERVISION OF CONSTRUCTION FOR PHASE 3 WAS UNDERTAKEN BY THE EHC PROJECT MANAGEMENT COMPANY WHO ALSO PERFORMED A PROJECT MANAGEMENT ROLE ON BOTH CONTRACTS.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WERE THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR LAM HANG-FAI; WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHAN KAM-MAN; AND THE CHAIRMAN OF BOUYGUES GROUP, MR MARTIN BOUYGUES.
FRIDAY, JUNK 14, 1991
5
HHIN HAN APPOINTED OFFICIAL LEGCO MEMBER ♦ ♦ ♦ * *
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE GOVERNOR HAS. APPOINTED MR JOHN CHAN CHO-CHAK, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, AS AN OFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WITH EFFECT FROM JUNE 13.
------0-------
SIX NEW POLICE LAUNCHES COMMISSIONED t ♦ ♦ ♦ *
SIX NEW MARINE POLICE LAUNCHES ARE TO JOIN THE FORCE FLEET Till'’ WORLD’S LARGEST POLICE NAVY - AT A COST OF $310 MILLION. IHF. LAUNCHES, BUILT IN PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA, WILL HAVE COMBINED COMMAND/PATROL CAPAB I LI 'I' I FS .
THE FIRST OF THE NEW 30-METRE LAUNCHES IS DUE TO ARRIVE IN HONG KONG IN JANUARY 1993 IN A SIX MONTH DELIVERY PROGRAMME.
"THE LAUNCHES ARE BEING BOUGHT VIRTUALLY OFF THE PEG,” SAID RICHARD LANGMAN, SENIOR STAFF OFFICER, SUPPORT, MARINE. THE CRAFI HAVE CHOSEN HAS BEEN USED SUCCESS FULLY ALL OVER THF PACIFIC. THEY Wll.l | |- • DELIVERED FUI L\ FITTED OUT AND IN A TRIED AND TESTED • •< »ND I T I • >N . ”
I'lll- LAUNCH ILAS BEEN SUCCESS FULL Y USED B\ DEFENCE AND POLICE FORCES IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA, TONGA AND FIJI. ’THEY HAVE BEEN DEPLOYED ALSO IN CUSTOMS AND COAST GUARD DUTIES.
Till- VESSELS CAN OPERATE AT SPEEDS IP TO 24 KNOTS AND WILL HAVE CREWS SIMILAR IN SIZE To THOSE ABOARD DIVISIONAL PATROL LAUNCHES.
Till' NEW LAUNCHES WILL REPLACE AGEING AND EXPENSIVE TO MAINTAIN LAUNCHES AND WILL ALLOW REDEPLOYMENT OF OTHERS IN THE FORCE FLEET.
THE NEW LAUNCHES ARE BEING ACQUIRED FOLLOWING A REVISION IN 1989 OF A LAUNCH BUILDING PROGRAMME FIRST INTRODUCED IN 1980.
"IT WAS AGREED THAT WE WOULD BUY A PROVEN DESIGN ON THE WORLD WIDE MARKET,” MR LANGMAN SAID. "INFLATION AND CURRENCY CHANGES PLAY ED I HF I R PARI’ IN OUR ORIGINAL FUNDING AT 1989 PRICES.
EROM 36 COMPANIES INTERESTED IN THE PROJEU’I FIVE FIRMS WERE INVITED To TENDER.
THE LAUNCHES Wil l. BE FITTED WITH AN ELECTRO OPTICAL SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM, AUTOMAT IC RADAR PLOTTING APPARATUS AND AUTOMATIC (’HART TABLE.
NAVIGATION \ I DS WILL INCLUDE \ GLOBAL POSITI ON I NG SYSTEM RECEIVER AND STANDARD ECHO SOUNDER, SPEED LOG AND GYRO COMPASS. GROUND TO AIR AND DIRECTION FINDER’ EQUIPMENT HA\ F BEEN INCLUDED TO SM’ISF\ THE SEAR( II AND RESCUE ROLE OF TH I S TYPE OF LAUNCH .
/THE POSITIONING .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 1991
- 6 -
THE POSITIONING OF CABINS FOR THE LAUNCH COMMANDER AND ASSISTANT DIVISIONAL COMMANDER OPERATIONS HAS BEEN SITED SEPARATELY FROM THE OPERATIONS ROOM AREA BUT OFFERING CLOSE CONTACT.
A NEW FEATURE FOR POLICE LAUNCHES WILL BE THEIR ALL ELECTRIC GALLEYS, SIMILAR TO A STYLE CURRENTLY BEING TESTED ON POLICE LAUNCH 61 .
MR LANGMAN ADDED: "OUR BATTLE FOR FUNDING FOR THESE LAUNCHES WAS LED BY THE POLICE ADMINISTRATION OFFICER MICHAEL PAGL1AR1 AND IT IS LARGELY DUE TO HIM THAT WE HAVE ACHIEVED THIS CONTRACT FOR ALL SIX VESSELS."
---------0-----------
TENDERS INVITED FOR FOOD CONTROL UNIT AT LOK MA CHAU
♦ * * ♦ »
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FOOD CONTROL UNIT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AT THE LOK MA CHAU BORDER CONTROL POINT.
THE CONTRACT INCLUDES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PURPOSE-DESIGNED BUILDING INCORPORATING OFFICE, FREEZER STORAGE AREAS, TO FACILITATE THE INSPECTION OF IMPORTED FOODS AND TO GUARANTEE THE WHOLESOMENESS HONG KONG AT THE LOK MA CHAU BORDER CHECK POINT.
130-SQUARE-METRE
LABORATORY AND
OF CONSIGNMENTS
OF FOOD ENTERING
THE WORKS ALSO COVER THE EXTENSION OF THE EXISTING RAISED PLATFORM OF THE BORDER CONTROL CHECK POINT TO PROVIDE FOR EASE OF TRAFFIC FLOWS AND INSPECTION BAYS AS WELL AS THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SMALL REFUSE COLLECTION STORE TO CATER FOR THE INCREASED REFUSE GENERATED BY THIS NEW FACILITY.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN AUGUST AND BE COMPLETED IN MAY NEXT YEAR.
TENDER FORMS AND PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 34TH FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON JULY 5.
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/7........
FRIDAY, tfUNE 14, 1991
7
TENDERS INVITED FOR CONSTRUCTION OF QUARRY BAY PARK * * * « »
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF QUARRY BAY PARK WITHIN A HUGE WATERFRONT AREA OF ALMOST 10 HECTARES OPPOSITE TAIKOOSHING.
WORK ON THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO START AT THE END OF AUGUST AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 20 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PARK WILL BE CARRIED OUT AT FOUR SITES WHICH ARE SEPARATED BY THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR AND A SLIPROAD TO TAIKOOSHI NG.
FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED INCLUDE BALL COURTS COMPRISING ONE SEVEN-A-SIDE SOCCER PITCH, TWO BASKETBALL CUM VOLLEYBALL COURTS AND EIGHT TENNIS COURTS.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A CHILDREN PLAYGROUND, A CYCLE TRACK AND A JOGGING TRACK WITH FITNESS STATIONS.
ON PASSIVE RECREATIONAL ASPECTS, THE PARK WILL ALSO FEATURE A LOOKOUT PAVILION, SITTING-OUT AREAS AND A 650-METRE SEAFRONT PROMENADE ALONG THE EXISTING SEAWALL.
FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 34TH FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS IS NOON ON JULY 12.
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ACTION AGAINST UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS IN KOWLOON » » » » t
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO ('LOSE THREE UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS IN KOWLOON SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS AND THE PUBLIC.
THE FIRST ONE IS LOCATED OVER THE LOADING AND UNLOADING AREA AT GROUND FLOOR, HONG NING COURT, 55 HONG NING ROAD, KWUN TONG.
• THE OTHER TWO ARE EXTENDING FROM THE FIFTH FLOOR, 180 HAI TAN STREET, SHAM SHU I PO AND FROM THE THIRD FLOOR, HUNG HSING MANSION, 482 AND 484 NATHAN ROAD.
NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS FROM HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT FOR THE THREE ADDRESSES ON JULY 30, SEPTEMBER 18 AND AUGUST 11 RESPECTIVELY WERE POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY (FRIDAY).
DEMOLITION WORK IS EXPECTED TO START ONCE THE CLOSURE ORDERS ARE GRANTED.
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/8 ........
FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 1991
- 8
YOUNG VIOLINIST TO ATTEND U.S. MUSIC CAMP
♦ » » ♦ »
THE MUSIC OFFICE WILL SEND A TALENTED VIOLINIST, CHENG SZE-WAI, TO JOIN THE NATIONAL MUSIC CAMP TO BE HELD IN INTERLOCHEN, MICHIGAN, USA THIS SUMMER FOR AN EIGHT-WEEK INTENSIVE TRAINING IN MUSIC.
THE MUSIC CAMP IS A PRESTIGIOUS ANNUAL EVENT TO CULTIVATE INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP THROUGH MUSIC. IT IS NOW IN ITS 64TH SEASON AND WILL BE HELD FROM JUNE 23 TO AUGUST 19.
SELECTED LOCALLY FROM A GROUP OF HIGHLY QUALIFIED YOUNG MUSICIANS BETWEEN THE AGE OF 14 TO 18, CHENG SZE-WAI WILL VIE FOR THE HIGHEST HONOUR OF BEING SELECTED AS A MEMBER OF THE CAMP’S WORLD YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA IN THE UNITED STATES.
THE CAMP WILL INCLUDE MASTERCLASSES AND WORKSHOPS WITH SOME OF THE WORLD’S GREATEST MUSICIANS. IN ADDITION, IT OFFERS RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES SUCH AS SING-A-SONGS AROUND CAMP FIRES,CANOEING AND SWIMMING.
CHENG SZE-WAI, 17, HAS BEEN SELECTED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE THROUGH AN OPEN AUDITION. HE IS AT PRESENT A FORM IV STUDENT OF DIOCESAN BOYS’ SCHOOL.
HE STARTED TO PLAY VIOLIN AT THE AGE OF FOUR. HIS MUSIC TEACHERS INCLUDED RENOWNED VIOLINISTS MRS TAKAKO HEYMANN AND MR LIN HAK-CHEONG.
DURING THE PAST YEARS, HE HAD PARTICIPATED IN MANY MUSIC ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE, INCLUDING THE HONG KONG YOUTH MUSIC CAMP AND THE HONG KONG YOUTH STRING MUSIC FESTIVAL.
IN EARLY 1990, SZE-WAI WON THE FIRST PRIZE IN THE VIOLIN SOLOS AT THE HONG KONG SCHOOLS MUSIC FESTIVAL.
A FEW MONTHS LATER, HE WAS SELECTED AS A MEMBER OF THE ASIAN YOUTH ORCHESTRA AND GAVE A SERIES OF PUBLIC PERFORMANCES IN HONG KONG AND OTHER ASIAN COUNTRIES.
"I AM VERY HAPPY AND EXCITED FOR HAVING THIS OPPORTUNITY TO BROADEN MY MUSICAL KNOWLEDGE AND TO MEET YOUNG MUSICIANS FROM VARIOUS PARTS OF THE WORLD,” SZE-WAI SAID, ADDING THAT HE WOULD DO HIS BEST TO INTRODUCE HONG KONG TO OTHER CAMPERS.
HE WILL LEAVE HONG KONG NEXT FRIDAY (JUNE 21) AND IS EXPECTED TO RETURN IN LATE AUGUST.
THE CAMP FEE WILL BE MET BY THE CAMP ORGANISERS WHILE THE ROUND-TRIP AIR PASSAGE WILL BE JOINTLY SPONSORED BY THE CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS AND THE HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB MUSIC FUND.
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FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 1991
INTRODUCTION OF CROSS HARBOUR BUS ROUTE 301 ♦ * * ♦ *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT A NEW CROSS HARBOUR AIR-CONDITIONED BUS ROUTE, NO. 301, WHICH WILL PLY BETWEEN HUNG HOM (CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL TOLL PLAZA) AND CENTRAL WILL BF. INTRODUCED ON WEDNESDAY (JUNE 19).
HIE ROUTE WILL BE IN SERVICE MONDAY TO SATURDAY. THE FARE PER SINGLE JOURNEY IS $5.50 WHILE THE FARE AFTER LEAVING THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL IS $3.50.
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FARE INCREASE OF GMB ROUTE 21K
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THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT FROM SATURDAY (JUNE 15), THE FARE OF KOWLOON GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 21K WHICH PLIES BETWEEN TAI KOK TSUI AND MONG KOK KCR STATION, WILL BE ADJUSTED TO $2.20 PER SINGLE JOURNEY IN ORDER TO IMPROVE FINANCIAL VIABILITY.
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HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS * » » * »
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 13.6.91 380
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 14.6.91 -38
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING + 38
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON + 50*
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 114.8 *+0.0« 14.6.91
« LATE O/N ASSISTANCE TO BE REVERSED ON 19.6.91
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND BILLS
CLOSING YIELDS OF EXCHANGE FUND BILLS
14.6.91 13.6.91
MATURING IN 1 WEEK 7.66 PCT 7.64 PCT
1 MONTH 7.51 PCT 7.51 PCT
3 MONTHS 7.43 PCT 7.47 PCT
6 MONTHS 7.42 PCT 7.46 PCT
12 MONTHS 7.43 PCT 7.45 PCT
TOTAL BILLS TRANSFERRED 1,510 ' MN 1,317 MN
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN - SUPPLEMENT
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 1991
EMBARGOED NEWS ITEM:
NOTE TO EDITORS OF The following announcement on the
NEWSPAPERS, NEWS AGENCIES Queen’s Birthday Honours List will AND BROADCASTING STATIONS: be made in London at 0001 hours GMT on Saturday, June 15.
Publication is permitted in Hong Kong newspapers tomorrow (Saturday, June 15), 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 (Saturday, June 15) 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.
BIRTHDAY HONOURS 1991
CBE (Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire)
The Honourable Mr Justice David Stronach HUNTER
Mr LI Yuet-ting, JP
The Honourable Edward Barrie WIGGHAM, JP
Dr the Honourable WANG Gungwu Mr WONG Chung-hin, JP
OBE (Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire)
The Honourable CHUNG Pui-lam, JP Mr James Kerr FINDLAY, QC, JP Dr Ronald LEUNG Ding-bong, JP Professor Felice LIEH-MAK
Mr Anthony William NICOLLE
Mr John Albert THORPE, QPM, CPM
The Honourable Andrew WONG Wang-fat, JP
ISO (Companion of the Imperial Service Order)
Mr Horace Raymond KNIGHT, MBE, JP
Mr Peter LOK Kung-nam
Mr MIAO Chi, JP
MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire)
Mr CHEUNG Kuen
Mr LAI Kwok-hung
Mrs Rose LAM CHEN Jinghan
Mr LI Kwing-yee
Mr LOW Chuck-tiew
Mrs Anne MARDEN, JP
Mr TANG Kam yan
Mr WONG Wah-sang
2
MBE (Military Division)
Major Robert KAM Yiu-1eung
Wing Commander Peter Dicky YIP
BEM (British Empire Medal)
Mr CHAN Kwok-chan
Mr CHAN Yuk-yue
Mr CHEUNG Jai
Mr Michael HO Kam-tat
Mr KO Kwai-shun
Mr LAM Hung-kui
Mr LAU Pui
Mr Philip Archibald LEUNG
Mr Edmond LOK Ka-yiu
Mr MAK Kai-ki
Ms Barbara SIT Woon-ling
Mr SO Kam-ming
Ms TO Yee-har
Mr WONG Lam-sang
Mr YUE Yun-hing
QPM (The Queen's Police Medal)
Mr Barrie Joseph DEEGAN
Mr Robert Anthony STEELE
3
CPM (Colonial Police Medal)
Mr George Frederick Noel ACHESON
Mr Richard James BEST
Mr CHAN Chun-kei
Mr CHAN Kwong-fuk
Mr CHAN Tak-wang
Mr CHAN Yiu-tin
Mr CHAN Yuk-sang
Mr CHIANG Chi-ming
Mr CHOW Man-hing
Mr Ronald James CLIBBORN-DYER
Mr HO Kwok-hong
Mr Robin Curtis HOBBS
Mr Dadan KHAN
MY LAM Chun-man
Mr LAM Wah-hing
Mr Michael LIU Chi-yuen
Mr MIAO Hsiung-hsun
Mr Alan Douglas NEWTON
Mr SIU Kit-hung
Mr WONG Sik-chung
Mr WONG Yat-lam
4
Badge of Honour
Mr Christopher CHAN Cheuk
Mr CHING Cheung-ying
Mr Paul FAN Chor-ho
Mr HUI Yung-chung
Mr LAM Kam
Mr LEE Shung-shin
Mr NG Chi-wing
Mrs Delia PEI CHEN Chi-kuen
Mr TANG Che-cheung
Mr TANG Ying-yip
Mr Charles TIN Man-sin
Mr TONG Yok-kee
Mr WONG Wai-man
Mr ZAI Chung-ling
Military Division
OBE
Lieutenant Colonel Christopher George PATEY
MBE
Major Balkrishna RAI Lieutenant James Colin JOHN
5
BEM
Staff Sergeant Hugh COLLETT
Sergeant Dhanbahadur THAPA
Staff Sergeant Gobinda RAI
Sergeant Ku]bahadur LIMBU
Staff Sergeant Julian John PENNIE
6
CBE
The Honourable Mr Justice David Stronach HUNTER
Mr Justice Hunter was called to the Bar in 1951, became a Queen’s Counsel 1971 and a Middle Temple Bencher in 1979. He joined the High Court Bench in Hong Kong in 1982 and became a Justice of Appeal in 1987. In addition to his High Court duties he has been involved in the successful establishment of Hong Kong as an arbitration centre and in preparatory work for the creation of a Court of Final Appeal in Hong Kong. He is currently on leave in the United Kingdom.
Mr LI Yuet-ting, JP
Mr Li has worked in the Education Department for over 30 years, becoming director in 1987. His service has coincided with a period of rapid expansion in Hong Kong's education system. He has been involved in the planning of universal, free and compulsory education up to the age of 15, the school building programme and a wide range of policies designed to improve the quality of primary and secondary education.
The Honourable Edward Barrie WIGGHAM, JP
Mr Wiggham joined the Hong Kong civil service in 1961 and began his career in the New Territories. He has held a series of important appointments including Deputy Secretary, Home Affairs and Information Branch, Commissioner for Recreation and Culture and Regional Secretary for Hong Kong and Kowloon. In 1986 he was seconded to the British Embassy in Peking and, on return to Hong Kong he was appointed Secretary, General Duties. He took up his present post of Secretary for the Civil Service in April 1990. ’He was appointed as an official member of the Executive Council in December 1, 1989.
Dr the Honourable WANG Gungwu
Dr Wang is a distinguished historian who has held a number of Important academic posts, principally in Singapore, Malaysia and Australia. He became Vice Chancellor of the University of Hong Kong in 1986. Dr Wang was appointed to the Executive Council in January 1990. He is a member of the OMELCO standing panels on Education, Environmental Affairs and Recreation and Culture. Dr Wang is also Chairman of the Environmental Pollution Advisory Committee and the Council for the Performing Arts.
7
Mr WONG Chung-hin, JP
Mr Wong is the senior partner in a firm of solicitors and was President of the Law Society of Hong Kong from 1977 to 1979. He was a member of the Companies Law Revision Committee and a founder member of the Securities Advisory Council, which later became the Securities Commission. Mr Wong was Chairman of the Securities Commission from 1986 to 1989, and played a key role in its evolution into the present Securities and Futures Commission. He has also served on the Councils of the Hong Kong and City Polytechnics.
OBE
The Honourable CHUNG Pui-lam, JP
Mr Chung became a member of the Sham Shui Po District Board in 1983. In 1985 he was elected to the Legislative Council from the Sham Shui Po Electoral College Constituency. He was re-elected in 1988, and is a member of the Public Works Sub-Committee and the Public Accounts Committee of the Legislative Council, and Convenor of the OMELCO standing panel on Constitutional Development. He has a long and wide ranging record of public and community service in Hong Kong.
Mr James Kerr FINDLAY, QC, JP
Mr Findlay came to Hong Kong in 1980 and worked in the Law Drafting Division until 1984. Tn 1984 he was appointed Solicitor General and was involved in a heavy workload of legal and constitutional matters connected with the future of Hong Kong. He also processed a large number of complex court cases, including several Privy Council cases. In May 1989 he took up an acting appointment as a Deputy High Court Judge. He returned to the Legal Department in April 19’90 and is now the Law Draftsman.
Dr Ronald LEUNG Ding-bong, JP
Dr Leung joined the Urban Council in 1984. Since his appointment he has been deeply involved in health and environmental hygiene matters and was Chairman of the Urban Council’s Environmental Hygiene Select Committee from 1986 to 1989. He has been Chairman of the Council’s Public Health Select Committee since its formation in 1989 and was elected Chairman of the Council in 1991. Dr Leung's extensive community service dates back to 1964. He has been a leading figure in Hong Kong's anti-smoking movement, and is Chairman of the Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health.
8
Professor Felice LIEH-MAK
Prof Lieh-Mak is Professor in the Department of Psychiatry in the Hong Kong University's Faculty of Medicine. In addition to her academic work, Prof Lieh-Mak has been very active in the fields of social welfare and rehabilitation for the mentally handicapped. She has been a member of the Social Welfare Advisory Committee since 1986 and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Social Work Training and Manpower Planning since 1987.
Mr Anthony William NICOLLE
Mr Nicolle joined the Hong Kong Government on secondment from the Bank of England in May 1987 and became Commissioner of Banking later that year. He has been responsible for introducing reforms to the regulatory system to conform with the standards required by Hong Kong as an international financial centre. He has also been instrumental in improving auditing standards. He leaves the Government service later this year at the end of his period of secondment.
Mr John Albert THORPE, QPM, CPM
Mr Thorpe joined the Royal Hong Kong Police in 1960 and was promoted to the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police in 1988 on appointment as Director of Special Branch. Almost all his service has been spent in Special Branch and the Criminal Investigation Department and he has led or taken part in many major investigations. He was awarded the Colonial Police Medal for Meritorious Service in 1978 and the Queen's Police Medal in 1984.
The Honourable Andrew WONG Wang-fat, JP
Mr Wong joined the Sha Tin District Board in 1981. In 1985 he was elected to the Legislative Council from the New Territories (East) Electoral College Constituency. Mr Wong was re-elected in 1988. He is the Convenor of the OMELCO Standing Panel on Constitutional Development and has been deeply involved in matters connected with the constitutional development, of Hong .Kong. He has also served as a member of nine other OMELCO standing panels. Outside the Legislative Council he is involved in a large number of public service and community activities.
9
ISO
Mr Horace Raymond KNIGHT, MBE, JP
Mr Knight joined the Labour Department in 1969 and became Director of Technical Education and Industrial Training in 1988. In this post he also serves as the Executive Director of the Vocational Training Council. Mr Knight’s career has been closely associated with the development of manpower training in Hong Kong. He was responsible for setting up the Clothing Industrial Training Authority and the Construction Industrial Training Authority in 1975 and the Vocational Training Council in 1982.
Mr Peter LOK Kung-nam
Mr Lok entered the Civil Aviation Department as an Air Traffic Control Assistant in 1956. He became Director of Civil Aviation in 1990. Mr Lok has been associated with a period of growth in civil aviation which has seen Kai Tak become the world’s sixth busiest passenger airport and the fourth busiest for freight. He has been deeply involved in the planning for Hong Kong’s new airport.
Mr MIAO Chi, JP
Mr Miao joined the Hong Kong Government as an assistant electrical engineer in 1963. He has been Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services for two years. Mr Miao is a very experienced engineer and manager and has been responsible for a number of innovative changes in his department. He is scheduled to retire from Government service in 1992.
MBE
Mr CHEUNG Kuen
Mr Cheung has a long record of community service in the New Territories. He has been involved in the New Territories Chamber of Commerce, the Scout Association, the St John's Ambulance Brigade and the North District Fight Crime Committee. Mr Cheung has been a member of the North District Board since 1981.
10
Mr LAI Kwok-hung
Mr Lai joined the then Preventive Service (now the Customs and
Excise Department) in 1960. During his 31 years with the Department he has served in every division, but has been most closely associated with preventive measures against narcotics and copyright protection. Mr Lai will retire in November 1991.
Mrs Rose LAM CHEN Jing-han
Mrs Lam began her nursing career in 1951. She was appointed
Nursing Director in 1988 and is responsible for over 11,000 nurses. In her 40 years of service she has gained a very wide range of nursing experience and has specialised in operating theatre techniques and nursing administration.
Mr LI Kwing-yee
Mr Li is the Hong Kong Government’s Chief Pharmacist.. He
joined the service in 1956, and holds a number of important appointments in the pharmaceutical profession, including Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Registration Committee. He is also a member of the Working Party on Chinese Medicine. He retires in October 1991.
Mr LOW Chuck-tiew
Mr Low is a retired banker. He is a lover of Chinese art and a
well known collector of Chinese paintings and calligraphy. He has advised the Hong Kong Museum of Art since 1974 and has often made his own collections available for exhibitions. Recently he donated a major part of his collection, the XUbaizhai collection, to the Hong Kong Museum of Art.
Mrs Anne MARDEN, JP
Mrs Marden has been involved in voluntary work in Hong Kong for
nearly 40 years. In the 1960’s she became Director of Hong Kong Red Cross. In 1970 she and her husband established a charitable foundation to provide pre-vocational training for less academically gifted children. Mrs Marden also helped to found ’’Challenge Venture”, a factory offering jobs for the handicapped, and ’’Treats", which aims to give underprivileged children "a day to remember".
11
Mr TANG Kam-yan
Mr Tang joined Government service in 1951. He is now Principal Land Executive, the head of the Land Executive Grade. In the 1960’s he was involved in land acquisition for Tsuen Wan and later Tuen Mun new towns. From 1982 to 1987 he was head of the Village Improvement Unit, Buildings and Lands Department.
Mr WONG Wah-sang
Mr Wong is a prominent figure in the field of shipbuilding and engineering. He became a member of the Kwun Tong District Board in 1981. He has also taken a wide ranging interest in community service, including Junior Police call, the Po Leung Kuk, the Scout Association and many sporting and recreational activities.
MBE (Mil)
Major Robert KAM Yiu-leung
Major Kam has been a member of the Royal Hong Kong Regiment (the Volunteers) since 1956. He has held a number of key appointments in the Regiment, including Senior Warrant Officer from 1977 to 1979. He was promoted to Major in 1987 and for the past four years has commanded the Home Guard Squadron of the Regiment.
Wing Commander Peter Dicky YIP
Wing Commander Yip joined the Royal Hong Kong Auxil i ary Air Force in 1967 and was appointed Officer Commanding the Flying Squadron in 1983. Tn 1985 he was posted by his employer, the Hongkong Rank, to the United States for three and a half years but rejoined the RHKAAF active list immediately on his return to Hong Kong. He was promoted to Wing Commander and assumed command of the RHKAAF in January 1991.
BEM
Mr CHAN Kwok chan
Mr Chan joined the Transport Department, as a clerk in 1955 and has held a number of positions in the Highways Office and Transport JepaJtmenL “ 1977 he wee appointed senior clerical Otllcer r„ charge of Traffic and Transport Survey Division, where he still serves.
Mr CHAN Yuk-yue
Mr Chan joined the Hong Kong Government service in 1960 on transfer from HM Dockyard. He was appointed a motor driver and joined Mie Registration of Persons Department, (which was amalgamated into the Immigration Department) in 1977. Mr Chan is the Director of Immigration’s personal driver.
Mr CHEUNG Jai
Mr Cheung joined the then Preventive Service (now the Customs and Excise Department) in 1958. He is a very experienced officer and has been associated with several large seizures of narcotics. Mr Cheung has been a member of the Executive Committee of the Customs oft jeers' Union since 1979 and the Chairman since 1987.
Mr Michael HO Kam tat.
Mr Ho has been a permanent staff member of the Auxiliary Medical Services for 30 years. He is currently commander of the Service Training Branch and has been deeply involved in editing an AMS first aid manual.
Mr KO Kwai shun
Mr Ko joined the Government as a gardener in 1951 and has remained with the service ever since. He is particularly knowledgeable on nursery practice and has introduced more than 50 species of new plants to the Orban Services Nurseries.
13
Mr LAM Hung kui
Mr Lam has been a member of the Government service for 40 years. He worked initially in the Electrical and Mechanical Office of the Public Works Department, transfering to the Independent Commission Against Corruption in 1974. He is currently an Executive Officer I with the ICAC.
Mr LAU Pui
Mr Lau joined the civil service as a labourer in 1959. He has a wide experience and knowledge of horticulture and has contributed to many district horticultural functions. He is currently a team leader in Fanling Hong Lok Park.
Mr Philip Archibald LEUNG
During his 34 years' service with the Government, Mr Leung has worked in a number of medical establishments. He has made a major cor।ribution to the Hospital Information System which is being developed at Princess Margaret Hospital. He has been a Senior Clerical Officer since 1981.
Mr Edmond LOK Ka-yiu
Mr Lok has worked on mould technology (the technique of preparing of radiation beam direction shells for radiotherapy treatment) since joining the Government service in 1962. He has been a leading figure in mould laboratory technology in Hong Kong.
Mr MAK Kai ki
Mr Mak joined the clerical service of the Government in 1955 and his entire career has been spent with the Royal Hong Kong Police. Tn 1962. he became a police interpreter. He is currently a Senior Police Interpreter working in the Kowloon Region.
Ms Barbara SIT Woon ling
Ms Sit has been in Government service for 34 years. She was posted to the Immigration Department in 1974 and has served there ever since. She was promoted to Senior Personal Secretary in 1975.
14
Mr SO Kam mi ng
Mr So is currently a Senior Clerical Officer with 32 years' experience in Government. Most of his working life has been spent in the New Territories and he is an expert on land matters.
Ms TO Yee-har
Ms To has been a Government employed registered nurse for 37 years. She will probably retire in December 1991. She has worked mainly in clinics and has assisted medical staff in the general management of clinics.
Mr WONG Lam-sang
Mr Wong was first appointed as a laundry worker in 1964. He was promoted to Laundry Manager in 1973 and is now responsible for the >P :at ion of the medical laundry at Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
Mr YUE Yun-hing
Mr Yue has been involved in playing and promoting table tennis in Hong Kong for over 35 years. He was an outstanding player in his younger days and now sponsors and supports many young talented players.
QPM
Mr Barrie Joseph DEEGAN
Mr Deegan has been a member of the Royal Hong Kong Police since 1960 and was promoted to his present rank of Assistant Commissioner in 1990. His service has been principally in the Uniform Branch and has included tours of duty in Inspection Services, Hong Kong Island Regional Headquarters and Marine Region. On promotion to Assistant Commissioner he was appointed Regional Commander, Marine.
15
Mr Robert Anthony STEELE
Mr Steele joined the Royal Hong Kong Police in 1964 and reached
his present rank of Assistant Commissioner in 1 988 . Most of his service has been with Special Branch, but he has also completed tours of duty in a number of Uniform Branch formations. He commanded the Police Tactical Unit and the Kwun Tong District. He is currently Senior Assistant Director, Special Branch.
CPM
Mr George Frederick Noel ACHESON
Mr Acheson has been a member of the Royal
Hong Kong Police
since 1960, having served previously with the Royal Ulster Constabulary. He has served in staff and operational posts in the Uniform Branch and is currently Senior Staff Officer, Stores and Maintenance, in Police Headquarters.
Mr Richard James BEST
Mr Best joined the Royal Hong Kong Police in 1968 following two
years in the Royal Navy. He has occupied a wide range of Uniform Branch posts, including staff, training and operations. Mr Best is currently Senior Staff Officer, Personnel Career Development.
Mr CHAN Chun-kei
Mr Chan joined the Royal Hong Kong Police in 1966 after three
years of locally enlisted service with the Royal Navy. His entire police career has been spent in the Marine Region and he has been posted in the Division's trials and Maintenance Unit since 1982. He was promoted to Station Sergeant in 1985.
Mr CHAN Kwong-fuk
Mr Chan has been a member of the Royal Hong Kong Police since
1968 and was promoted to his present rank of Station Sergeant in 1981. He has served in a variety of Uniform Branch posts, including all three land regions and the Police Training School. He is at present Officer-in-Charge of the Tsuen Wan District Traffic Team.
16
Mr CHAN Tak-wang
Mr Chan joined the Fire Services Department in 1960 and was
promoted to his present rank of Principal Fireman in 1980. Most of his service has been spent in the busy Mong Kok area of Kowloon.
Mr CHAN Yiu-tin
Mr Chan was employed in the Waterworks Department from 1956 to
1962f when he transferred to the Fire Services. He was promoted to his present rank of Principal Fireman in 1984. Mr Chan has served at many fire stations on Hong Kong Island and in Kowloon and is at present commanding the fire station on Peng Chau.
Mr CHAN Yuk-sang
Mr Chan has been a member of the Royal Hong Kong Police for 27
years. He served in a number of different Uniform Branch posts up to 1974, when he transferred to Special Branch. Mr Chan was promoted to his present rank of Station Sergeant in 1985.
Mr CHIANG Chiming
Mr Chiang joined the Royal Hong Kong Police in 1959 and was
promoted to his present rank of Station Sergeant in 1984. He has served in a variety of posts in the Uniform Branch and Criminal Investigation Department. His present appointment is in charge of the Action Squad in Chai Wan Division.
Mr CHOW Man-hing
Mr Chow has spent nearly 30 years in the Fire Services
Department. He was promoted to Principal Fireman in 1982. Mr Chow’s entire service has been in fire stations in the very busy Kowloon Fire Command.
17
Mr Ronald James CLIBBORN-DYER
Mr Clibborn-Dyer joined the Royal Hong Kong Police in 1965 and was promoted to Senior Superintendent in 1982. He has served in a wide variety of appointments in the Uniform Branch, Traffic Wing and the Criminal Investigation Department. Mr Clibborn-Dyer's present post is Senior Staff Officer, Administration, in the New Territories Headquarters.
Mr HO Kwok-hong
Mr Ho has served in the Fire Services Department since 1968. He transferred from fireman to the Ambulance Command in 1973 and was promoted to Superintendent (Ambulance) in 1989. Mr Ho is a qualified United Kingdom National Health Service Ambulance Aid Instructor.
Mr Robin Curtis HOBBS
Mr Hobbs joined the Royal Hong Kong Police in 1958 following two years’ service with the Royal Air Force. He rose to his present ~ank of Chief Inspector in 1971. Mr Hobbs* entire career has been spent in the Uniform Branch and he has specialised in traffic accident statistics and data systems.
Mr Dadan KHAN
Mr Khan transferred to the Royal Hong Kong Police in 1961 following two years in the civil service. He served initially in the Uniform Branch and then transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department. Mr Khan is currently Senior Staff Officer, Identification Bureau. He was promoted to Senior Superintendent in 1989.
Mr LAM Chun-man
Mr Lam joined the Fire Services Department in 1 968 and was promoted to his present rank of Senior Divisional Officer in 1989. He has served in several units of the Operational Command, Fire Protection Bureau and Headquarters Command and has commanded many operations.
18
Mr LAM Wah-hing
Mr Lam has been with the Fire Services for 29 years and was
promoted to Principal Fireman in 1978. Mr Lam has spent his entire career in busier fire stations in the Kowloon Command and has attended many major incidents.
Mr Michael LIU Chi-yuen
Mr Liu joined the Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force in
1968 and was promoted to his present rank of Senior Superintendent in 1986. He has spent most of his service in Sha Tin and is currently Senior Superintendent (Auxiliary) in the Kowloon Region. Mr Liu's civilian occupation is a Schools Inspector with the Education Department.
Mr MIAO Hsiung-hsun
Mr Miao served for 40 years with the Royal Hong Kong Police and
retired recently in the rank of Inspector. He served initially in the Uniform Branch, transferring in 1954 to the Identification Bureau where he spent the remainder of his career. Mr Miao is an expert on fingerprint technology.
Mr Alan Douglas NEWTON
Mr Newton joined the Royal Hong Kong Police in 1969 and was
promoted to his rank of Superintendent in 1986. He has served in a wide range of posts in the Uniform Branch and Criminal Investigation Department. Since 1988 he has been successively Superintendent of the Erskine Centre and the High Island Centre for Vietnamese Boat People in Sai Kung.
Mr SIU Kit-hung
Mr Siu has 36 years' service with the Royal Hong Kong Police
and has been in the Marine Police throughout his career. He is a Technical Inspector and was promoted to that rank in 1976. He is due to retire later this year.
39
Mr WONG Sik-chung
Mr Wong joined the Royal Hong Kong Police in 1962 and was promoted to his present rank of Station Sergeant in 1975. Mr Wong has served in a number of different posts in the Uniform Branch. In 1984 he was assigned to the Police Tactical Unit where he is still stationed as Headquarters Station Sergeant.
Mr WONG Yat-lam
Mr Wong has been a member of the Royal Hong Kong Police since
1966 and was promoted to his present rank of Superintendent in 1983. His first nine years were spent in the Uniform Branch and Criminal Investigation Department. Mr Wong transferred to Special Branch in 1975 where he is still serving.
Badge of Honour
Mr Christopher CHAN Cheuk
Mr Chan is a
solicitor who has been involved in community
service related to youth development and the charitable work of the Po Leung Kuk.
Mr CHING Cheung-ying
Mr Ching is a teacher and a member of the Sha Tin District
Board. He has been active in public service and community work in the District.
Mr Paul FAN Chor-ho
Mr Fan is a businessman who has done much community work, particularly in association with the Lions Club.
Mr HUT Yung chung
Mr Hui is a teacher. He is a member of the Southern District
Board and has been its chairman since 1988. He has been involved in a wide range of community work in the District.
20
• it
Mr LaM Kam
For the last He is the Executive
30 years Mr Lam has assisted former drug addicts. Secretary of the Pui Hong Self Help Association.
Mr LEE Shung-shin
Mr Lee is a businessman with a long record of community work. In particular he has been associated with the promotion of the Area Committees in Kwai Tsing.
Mr NG Chi-wing
Mr Ng is the Community Services Secretary of the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals. He has been closely involved in the rapid development of the welfare services of the Tung Wah Group.
Mrs Delia PEI CHEN Chi-kuen
Mrs Pei is the principal of a kindergarten. She has been active in pre-primary education, cultural affairs and charitable work.
Mr TANG Che-cheung
Mr Tang is a restaurant proprietor. He has been the Village Representative of San Wal Village, Ha Tsuen for 23 years and was Chairman of the Ha Tsuen Rural Committee for 10 years. He has a long record of public and community service.
Mr TANG Ying-yip
Mr Tang Is a businessman and joined the Pok Oi Hospital Board of Directors in 1983, becoming Chairman of the Board in 1990. He has also been involved in a number of other community activities.
Mr Charles TIN Man-sin
Mr Tin is a businessman whose family have had a long association with Tuen Mun. He has been involved in a wide range of community work, including the chairmanship of the Yan Oi Tong.
21
Mr TONG Yok-kee
Mr Tong is a primary school headmaster. He has been a member or chairman of a number of boards and committees, all dedicated to improving educational standards in Hong Kong.
Mr WONG Wai-man
Mr Wong is now retired following service with the Royal Navy and the Hong Kong Government. He is a member of the Kwun Tong District Board and has been very active in community affairs.
Mr ZAI Chung-ling
A businessman, Mr Zai has been a member and the chairman of the Yan Chai Hospital Board. During Mr Zai's chairmanship the Board's fund raising activities were particularly successful.
Military Division
OBE
Lieutenant Colonel Christopher George PATEY
Former Commanding Officer of the Royal Hong Kong Regiment (The Volunteers).
MBE
Major Balkrishna RAT
Major (Queen's Gurkha Officer) Balkrishna RAI (Queen's Gurkha Signals).
Lieutenant James Colin JOHN
1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Wales.
22
BEM
Staff Sergeant Hugh COLLETT
Royal Army Ordnance Corps now serving in Headquarters British Forces Hong Kong.
Sergeant Dhanbahadur THAPA
Formerly Queen's Gurkha Signals, now discharged.
Staff Sergeant Gobinda RAI
10th Princess Mary's Own Gurkha Rifles.
Sergeant Kulbahadur LIMBU
10th Princess Mary's Own Gurkha Rifles.
Staff Sergeant Julian John PENNIE
1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Wales.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HK IS ALL ABOUT GETTING THINGS DONE QUICKLY: GOVERNOR .................... 1
GOVERNOR TAKES PART IN QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS ..................... 2
NEW YORK TO CELEBRATE DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL TOO ........................... 2
VEHICLE EXAMINATION FOR GOODS VEHICLES ................................... 3
TENDERS INVITED FOR WATERWORKS IN SHAM TSENG ............................. 4
SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 1991
1
HK IS ALL ABOUT GETTING THINGS DONE QUICKLY: GOVERNOR *******
HONG KONG IS ALL ABOUT THINGS BEING DONE QUICKLY AND THAT IS HY IT IS SO SUCCESSFUL, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY!.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER ATTENDING CELEBRATIONS TO MARK THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY AT VICTORIA PARK, SIR DAVID SAID: "OVER THE NEXT SIX YEARS, WE'VE GOT TO TRY TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE TALKING MORE TO CHINA. WE REALLY DO BELIEVE IN THE J bEA OF GREATER CO-OPERATION IN THESE LAST FEW YEARS BEFORE 1997.
"THAT’S ONE SIDE OF IT. THE OTHER SIDE OF IT, YOU’VE GOT A GOVERNMENT HERE WHICH TAKES DECISIONS, CAN GET ON WITH THINGS, DOESN’T HAVE TO WAIT ENDLESSLY FOR DECISIONS TO BE TAKEN," HE SAID.
"WE WANT TO ACHIEVE THAT BALANCE BETWEEN DISCUSSING THINGS AND HAVING THE AUTHORITY AND ABILITY TO GET ON WITH DECISIONS IN HONG KONG," HE ADDED.
SIR DAVID SAID WHAT WAS NEEDED WAS A SENSIBLE ARRANGEMENT: "AND THAT IS A WAY IN WHICH WE ARE TALKING TO CHINA; WE ARE TELLING THEM ABOUT THINGS WHICH STRADDLE 1997; WE ARE LISTENING TO THEIR VIEWS ABOUT IT; WE ARE TAKING ACCOUNT OF THOSE WHEREVER WE POSSIBLY CAN.
"BUT WE ALSO NEED ARRANGEMENTS BY WHICH WE CAN ACTUALLY TAKE DECISIONS IN HONG KONG. IT’S THAT SORT OF A BALANCE OF ARRANGEMENTS THAT ONE NEEDS TO ACHIEVE," HE ADDED.
ON THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK, THE GOVERNOR SAID THE GOVERNMENT STILL WANTED TO GET ON WITH THE PROJECT.
"WE BELIEVE THAT A NEW AIRPORT IS SOMETHING HONG KONG NEEDS AND INDEED, I THINK EVERYBODY AGREES ON THAT; AND I BELIEVE THAT THOSE WHO HAVE DONE REALLY SERIOUS WORK ON THE SUBJECT COME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT CHEK LAP KOK IS THE RIGHT SITE BOTH FOR AN AIRPORT AND TO EXPAND THE PORT,” HE SAID.
"IT IS IMPORTANT TO KEEP BOTH OF THOSE IN MIND. YOU COULD THINK UP OTHER SITES FOR AN AIRPORT, BUT THEY WOULDN'T BE SO GOOD FOR EXPANDING THE PORT AS WELL OVER THE LONG TERM.
"AND I THINK EVERYBODY WHO HAS DONE THE REALLY DETAILED WORK ON THE AIRPORT DOES REALISE THAT CHEK LAP KOK IS THE BEST SITE IN HONG KONG FOR IT," SIR DAVID SAID.
SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 1991
2
GOVERNOR TAKES PART IN QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS ♦ ♦ * * ♦
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, TODAY (SATURDAY! JOINED THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE IN THE FESTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL AT VICTORIA PARK TO CELEBRATE THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY.
SIR DAVID WAS ACCOMPANIED ON HIS VISIT BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ’ RBAN COUNCIL, DR RONALD LEUNG, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL’S RECREATION SELECT COMMITTEE, MR RONNIE WONG, THE DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES, MR HAIDER BARMA, AND OTHER COUNCIL MEMBERS.
SIR DAVID WAS TAKEN ON A TOUR OF VARIOUS ACTIVITY VENUES TO SEE THE FUNFUL EVENTS IN PROGRESS, INCLUDING BALL GAMES, SUPER BOUNCE FOR CHILDREN, FUN KART FOR YOUTH AND FUNFUL CYCLING.
THE VISITORS ALSO WATCHED "TAI CHI" FOR ADULTS, PONY RIDING FOR CHILDREN AS WELL AS FUN GAMES FOR FAMILIES.
SIR DAVID THEN PROCEEDED TO THE MODEL BOAT POND AT THE PARK WHERE A GROUP OF CHILDREN TOOK PART IN FUN FISHING.
ON THE SAME DA\ , THE CHIEF JUSTICE, SIR T1 LIANG YANG, AND LADY YANG PARI’ IC I PA TED IN THE CELEBRATION ACTIVITIES HELD AT THE MORSE PARK IN KOWLOON.
ACCOMPANLED BY THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, MR LO KING-MAN, AND THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR (LEISURE SERVICES) OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR ANTHONY BENNETT, SIR Tl LIANG WAS IMPRESSED BY THE LINE-UP OF PROGRAMMES INCLUDING A MARCHING DISPLAY, CHEERFUL GROUP PERFORMANCES, MINI-TRAIN RIDE FOR FAMILIES, POTTED SPORTS FOR CHILDREN, AND FUN KART FOR YOUTH.
THE VISITORS ALSO WATCHED A SERIES OF RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES DESIGNED FOR THE AGED AND THE DISABLED, INCLUDING GATEBALL FOR THE ELDERLY AND SOCCER COMPETITION FOR THE DEAF.
THEY ALSO CALLED AT THE NEARBY MORSE PARK SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX WHERE AQUATIC ACT I V IT IES WERE HELD.
------0--------
NEW YORK TO CELEBRATE DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL TOO
♦ ♦ * » ♦
WHILE HONG KONG IS IN THE MIDDLE OF CELEBRATING THE DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT'S OFFICE IN NEW YORK IS ALSO MAKING PLANS TO HOLD SIMILAR FESTIVITIES IN NEW YORK CITY.
THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE IN NEW YORK TOGETHER WITH OTHER INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANISATIONS, INCLUDING THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK, HAVE PLANNED TWO MAJOR EVENTS OVER THE SUMMER TO BRING THE COLOUR AND TRADITIONS OF THE DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL TO NEW YORK CITY.
/AS A ........
SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 1991
3 -
AS A KICK-OFF, A DRAGON BOAT GALA DINNER WILL TAKE PLACE ON TUESDAY, JUNE 18, WHICH WILL BE ATTENDED BY NEARLY 400 TOP EXECUTIVES FROM THE CITY’S FINANCIAL, CORPORATE, LEGAL AND BUSINESS CIRCLES. A FEATURE OF THE EVENING WILL BE A DANCE BY A 75-FOOT LONG DRAGON DURING THE RECEPTION BEFORE THE DINNER.
THE SPEAKER AT THE DINNER WILL BE PROMINENT HONG KONG BANKER AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MR DAVID LI.
AUGUST 4 HAS BEEN SET AS THE DATE FOR THE DRAGON BOAT RACES WHICH WILL BE THE FIRST EVER TO BE HELD ON NEW YORK’S HUDSON RIVER. THOUSANDS OF NEW YORKERS AND VISITORS TO THE CITY ARE EXPECTED TO THRONG THE PROMENADE IN LOWER MANHATTAN TO WATCH THE RACES, MOST OF THEM FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THEIR LIVES.
DRAGON BOAT RACING TRAMS FROM ALL OVER AMERICA ARE EXPECTED TO COMPETE, INCLUDING AN ALL-WOMEN’S TEAM FROM THE CITY OF PORTLAND IN OREGAN STATE. ONE STRONG CONTENDER IN THE RACE IS THE TEAM FROM NEW YORK CITY’S FIRE DEPARTMENT, WHICH IS VERY ACTIVE IN DRAGON BOAT RACING.
THE WINNING TEAM WILL BE FLOWN TO HONG KONG NEXT YEAR BY DELTA AIR LINES, THE OFFICIAL CARRIER OF THE NEW YORK DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL, TO COMPETE IN THE INTERNATIONAL DRAGON BOAT RACES.
- - 0 - -
VEHICLE EXAMINATION FOR GOODS VEHICLES
GOODS VEHICLES OTHER THAN LIGHT GOODS VEHICLES WITH A GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT NOT EXCEEDING 1.9 TONNES, SPECIAL PURPOSE VEHICLES AND TRAILERS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN 1978 AND 1983, ARE REQUIRED TO GO THROUGH A ROADWORTHINESS TEST BEFORE THEIR VEHICLE LICENCES CAN BE RENEWED FROM OCTOBER I THIS YEAR.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY THAT A CERTIFICATE OF ROADWORTHINESS IS REQUIRED FOR MANUFACTURED BEFORE 1978 AND VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN 1983 IF THE COMMENCEMENT DATE OF THE VEHICLE LICENCE IS ON
(SATURDAY)
VEHICLES 1978 AND OR AFTER
OCTOBER 1 THIS YEAR.
CERTIFICATES OF ROADWORTHINESS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM ANY OF THE 17 DESIGNATED CAR TESTING CENTRES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY FOLLOWING A SUCCESSFUL CAR INSPECTION.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT REGISTERED OWNERS OF PRIVATE CARS AND LIGHT GOODS VEHICLES WITH A GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT NOT EXCEEDING 1.9 TONNES ARE REQUIRED TO PRODUCE A VALID CERTIFICATE OF ROADWORTHINESS IF THE YEAR OF MANUFACTURE OF THE VEHICLE IS 1984 OR EARLIER.
/•'THE REQUIREMENT.......
SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 1991
4
’’THE REQUIREMENT IS ALSO APPLICABLE TO PRIVATE LIGHT BUSES WHILE PUBLIC SERVICE VEHICLES ARE REQUIRED TO UNDERGO COMPULSORY ANNUAL INSPECTION. THERE IS NO VEHICLE INSPECTION REQUIREMENT FOR MOTORCYCLES FOR RELICENSING PURPOSES.
”A CERTIFICATE OF ROADWORTHINESS WILL ONLY BE VALID WITHIN FOUR MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF ISSUE AND BE ACCEPTED FOR LICENSING PURPOSES FOR A MAXIMUM PERIOD OF 12 CONSECUTIVE MONTHS, HE SAID.
FOR ADVANCED RENEWAL OF VEHICLE LICENCES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID ONLY A CERTIFICATE ISSUED WITHIN THE FOUR MONTHS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE COMMENCEMENT DATE OF THE NEW LICENCE WILL BE ACCEPTED.
--------0
TENDERS INVITED FOR WATERWORKS IN SHAM TSENG
*****
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A RAW WATER PUMPING STATION IN SHAM TSENG AND THE LAYING OF ASSOCIATED WATERMAINS IN SHAM TSENG AND TSING LUNG TAU.
THE WORKS INVOLVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A WATER PUMPING STATION WITH A CAPACITY OF 36,500 CUBIC METRES PER DAY. ABOUT 2,500 METRES OF MAINS RANGING FROM 600 MILLIMETRES TO 900 MILLIMETRES IN DIAMETER WILL BE LAID.
THE PROJECT AIMS TO MEET THE DEMAND GENERATED BY DEVELOPMENTS IN THESE AREAS.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN SEPTEMBER AND TAKE ABOUT 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON JULY 5.
0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
ALL PARTIES WANT AN AIRPORT: ACTING CS ................................... 1
JOINT ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION OPERATION MOUNTED ......................... 1
CHILDREN'S DRAMA IN SUPPORT OF WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY ..................... 2
IMAGE CAMPAIGN TO BOOST POLICE RECRUITMENT ............................... 3
61 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN APRIL .................................. 4
30 COURSES AND SEMINARS FOR TEACHERS LAST MONTH .......................... 4
POLICEWOMAN TAKES UP PARACHUTING ......................................... 5
SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 1991
]
AM. PARTIES WANT AN AIRPORT: ACTING CS
♦ * * ♦ ♦
BRITAIN, CHINA AND HONG KONG ALU WANT TO HAVE AN AIRPORT VERY BADLY SO THERE MUST BE A WAY OK FINDING TO DO IT, THE ACTING CHIEF SECRETARY, MR GRAHAM BARNES, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER OFFICIATING AT THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY Oh THE DRAGON BOAT RACES AT SHA TIN, MR BARNES SAID: "WE ARE PAUSING TO THINK ABOUT OUR POSITIONS, BUT THE POSITION LEFT OFF BY ALL PARTIES WAS THAT EVERYBODY WANTS TO HAVE AN AIRPORT.
"IT HAS BEEN SAID MOST CLEARLY BY THE CHINESE AND MOST CLEARLY BY THE BRITISH GOVERNMENTS.”
NOTING THAT THE AIRPORT WAS A LONG PROJECT WHICH INVOLVED COMMUNICATIONS’ PROJECTS, RECLAMATION PROJECTS AND SO ON, MR BARNES SAID A LOT OF THESE PROJECTS ALSO SERVED A PART OF THE ORDINARY INFRASTRUCTURE OF HONG KONG AND SO THEY WERE ALL PART OF THE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY.
"SO, IF THERE IS A DELAY IN THE AIRPORT, A GREAT DEAL OF THINGS WILL BE GOING AHEAD IN ANY CASE," HE SAID.
"WE WILL ALMOST CERTAINLY PLAN TO HAVE A NEW AIRPORT SOMETIME IN THE FUTURE AND THAT THE OVERALL STRATEGY FOR DEVELOPMENT IS UNLIKELY TO CHANGE."
------0-----------
JOINT ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION OPERATION MOUNTED ♦ ♦ * * ♦
A TERRITORY-WIDE ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION OPERATION JOINTLY MOUNTED BY THE POLICE, AND THE LABOUR AND IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENTS RECENTLY HAS RESULTED IN THE ARRESTS OF 92 PEOPLE.
THE OPERATION WAS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT'S CONTINUOUS EFFORT TO FLUSH OUT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
OF THE ARRESTED PERSONS, 15 WERE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS CAUGHT AT THE BORDER. THEY HAVE BEEN SENT TO SAN UK LING FOR REPATRIATION.
THE REMAINING 77 HAVE BEEN REFERRED TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION, THOSE FOUND TO BE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WILL BE REPATRIATED.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN REITERATED TODAY (SUNDAY) WAS NO QUESTION OF ANY AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
"OUR LATEST OPERATION SHOULD DRIVE HOME THE POINT WILL BE NO CHANGE TO 'I’ll I S POLICY. ANYONE FOOLISH ENOUGH OTHERWISE IS ONLY CHEAT I NG HIMSELF," HE SAID.
THAT THERE
THAT THERE TO BELIEVE
/THE SPOKESMAN .......
SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 1991
2
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT APART EROM CONTINUOUS CHECKS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY, THERE WAS NO LET-UP IN ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION EFFORTS AT THE BORDER.
"A HIGH STATE OF VIGILANCE WILL CONTINUE TO BE MAINTAINED BY THE POLICE AND THE SECURITY FORCES BOTH AT THE LAND AND SEA BORDERS,” HE SAID.
DURING THE JOINT OPERATION, WHICH BEGAN AT 5 AM ON JUNE 13 (THURSDAY) AND ENDED AT 5 AM THE NEXT DAY, THE POLICE HAI) STEPPED UP THEIR IDENTIFICATION SPOT CHECKS IN PUBLIC PLACES AND CARRIED OUT CHECKS AT SUSPICIOUS LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
AS A RESULT, A TOTAL OF 16,084 PERSONS, 3,035 VEHICLES AND 403 VESSELS WERE STOPPED FOR I DENT IFI CAT I ON CHECKS.
FIFTEEN PERSONS WERE SUMMONSED AND 14 PERSONS CHARGED FOR FAILING TO PRODUCE PROPER PROOF OF IDENTITY. A FURTHER SIX PERSONS WERE WARNED IN RESPECT OF TH 1S OFFENCE, WHICH CARRIES A MAXIMUM FINE OF $1,000.
ON THE LABOUR FRONT, INSPECTORS OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT VISITED 3,300 ESTABLISHMENTS TO WEED .OUT ANY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WHO MAY BE WORKING, AND TO CHECK THAT EMPLOYERS FULFIL THEIR LEGAL OBLIGATION OF KEEPING PROPER RECORDS OF THEIR EMPLOYEES.
A TOTAL OF 1 2,634 EMPLOYEES HAI) THEIR PROOF OF IDENTITY CHECKED DURING THE OPERATION.
FORTY-ONE ESTABLISHMENTS WERE FOUND NOT ABLE TO PROVIDE FOR INSPECTION A RECORD OF EMPLOYEES.
THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAI' THEY COULD BE FINED UP TO $50,000 AND JAILED FOR UP TO A YEAR IF THEY WERE FOUND TO BE EMPLOYING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
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CHILDREN’S DRAMA IN SUPPORT OF WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦
THE SPIRIT OF CLEANLINESS, CO-OPERATION AND CIVIC MINDEDNESS ARE KEY ELEMENTS IN MAKING HONG KONG A CLEANER PLACE TO LIVE.
THIS WAS THE MESSAGE CONVEYED TO THE YOUNG AUDIENCE AT A DRAMA PERFORMANCE AT THE AMPHITHEATRE OF THE SHA TIN CENTRAL PARK TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE CHILDREN’S DRAMA, ENTITLED ’’PRINCESS CLEAN VS LITTER MONSTER”, WAS ORGANISED BY THE JOINT URBAN COUNC1L/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG (LEAN STEERING COMMITTEE AND THE HONG KONG FRINGE CLUB IN SUPPORT OF THE WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY.
/A SPOKESMAN .......
SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 1991
3
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE STEERING COMMITTEE SAID: ’’THE 40-MINUTE DRAMA FOCUSSES ON THE PROBLEM OF INDISCRIMINATE LITTERING, AND SEEKS TO ENHANCE RESIDENTS’ AWARENESS OF WASTE MIN1MI SAT ION AND RE-USE.”
MEMBERS OF THE AUDIENCE WERE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN THE DRAMA PERFORMED BY THE ’’TOGETHER TRY” GROUP OF THE FRINGE CLUBi
’’THROUGH TWO-WAY COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE AUDIENCE AND ACTORS, THE KEEP CLEAN MESSAGE WAS REINFORCED,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE ’’DRAGON OF CLEANLINESS”, THE MASCOT OF THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN, ALSO APPEARED IN THE SHOW AND DISTRIBUTED SOUVENIRS TO THE AUDIENCE.
THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, DR PANG HOK-TUEN, WHO IS ALSO FORMER STEERING COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, ATTENDED THE SHOW AND OFFICIATED AT A PRESENTATION CEREMONY.
--------0 - -
IMAGE CAMPAIGN TO BOOST POLICE RECRUITMENT
*****
AN IMAGE CAMPAIGN AIMED AT BOOSTING RECRUITMENT IN THE POLICE FORCE WILL GATHER MOMENTUM AS FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY), WITH THE SCREENING OF A NEW TV COMMERCIAL ON BOTH TV STATIONS.
THE 30-SECOND TV COMMERCIAL, CARRYING THE SLOGAN LINE "MEET THE CHALLENGE, JOIN THE POLICE", REINFORCES THE MESSAGE THAT THE POLICE FORCE IS AN EFFICIENT, PROFESSIONAL AND CARING TEAM, WHICH IS AT ALL TIMES ACCOUNTABLE TO THE COMMUNITY.
’’MAKING USE OF A REAL-LIFE SITUATION, WE WANT TO DEMONSTRATE THE POLICE’S QUICK RESPONSE ’1'0 CIRCUMSTANCES AND THEIR CONCERN AND CARE FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC," A POLICE SPOKESMAN SAID.
’’THIS IS THE SPIRIT OF THE FORCE AND WE EXPECT EACH AND EVERY CF OUR OFFICERS TO LIVE UP TO IT," HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE TIMI NG OF THE TV ADVERTISING BLITZ IS PURPOSELY ARRANGED FOR JUNE TO TIE IN WITH THE SCHOOL SUMMER HOLIDAYS WHEN MANY SCHOOL LEAVERS ARE CONSIDERING JOINING THE LOCAL WORK FORCE.
"WE HOPE WITH STEPPED-UP PUBLICITY, MORE ELIGIBLE SCHOOL LEAVERS WOULD CONSIDER JOINING THE FORCE," HE SAID.
OTHER PUBLICITY MEANS INCLUDING RADIO AND
ADVERTISEMENTS WILL COMPLEMENT THE COMMERCIAL AT DIFFERENT
SECONDARY
NEWSPAPER
TIMES OF
THE YEAR.
A 20-SECOND RADIO ADVERT1SMENT HIGHLIGHTING THE DIVERSITY AND CHALLENGING NATURE OF POLICE WORK HAS COME ON AIR SINCE JUNE 15.
"POLICE RECRUITMENT IS AN ONGOING EXERCISE THAT WE ARE ALWAYS ON THE LOOKOUT FOR MORE EFFECTIVE PUBLICITY CHANNELS TO REACH OUR POTENTIAL APPLICANTS,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/4 ........
SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 1991
4
61 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN APRIL ******
THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT APPROVED A TOTAL OF 61 NEW BUILDING PLANS IN APRIL.
OF THE PLANS, 21 WERE FOR HONG KONG ISLAND, 13 FOR KOWLOON AND 27 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE APPROVED PLANS INCLUDED 20 FOR APARTMENT, APARTMENT/COMMERCI AL AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS, NINE FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND SIX FOR WORKSHOP AND FACTORY PURPOSES.
DURING THE MONTH, THE OFFICE GAVE CONSENT FOR WORK TO START ON 60 PROJECTS, INVOLVING 104,283.6 SQUARE METRES OF USABLE DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA AND 260,499.4 SQUARE METRES OF USABLE NON-DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA.
THE TOTAL DECLARED COST OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED DURING THE MONTH WAS ABOUT $2,713 MILLION. USABLE FLOOR AREAS FOR DOMESTIC AND NON-DOMESTIC USES WERE ABOUT 316,185.7 SQUARE METRES AND ABOUT 127,729.1 SQUARE METRES RESPECTIVELY.
ALSO DURING THE MONTH, THE OFFICE ISSUED 25 OCCUPATION PERMITS: NINE FOR HONG KONG ISLAND, TWO FOR KOWLOON AND 14 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
IN ADDITION, 29 DEMOLITION CONSENTS AFFECTING 70 BUILDINGS WERE ISSUED.
THE CONTROL AND ENFORCEMENT DIVISION RECEIVED 816 COMPLAINTS ON ILLEGAL BUILDING WORKS, CARRIED OUT 1,469 INSPECTIONS AND ISSUED 1,462 REMOVAL ORDERS.
THE DANGEROUS BUILDINGS SECTION INSPECTED 734 BUILDINGS AND NO EMERGENCY CLOSURES WERE REQUIRED.
--------0 - -
30 COURSES AND SEMINARS FOR TEACHERS LAST MONTH * * * * *
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT LAST MONTH CONDUCTED A TOTAL OF 30 COURSES, SEMINARS, TALKS BY SPECIALISTS AND WORKSHOPS FOR KINDERGARTEN, PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS.
TOPICS DISCUSSED AT THE SEMINARS INCLUDED THE LIBERAL STUDIES SYLLABUS: SAFETY IN PRIMARY SCHOOL ART AND CRAFT ACTIVITIES; THE REVISED SYLLABUS OF CHINESE LANGUAGE IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS FOR TEACHERS OF CHINESE LANGUAGE; AND APPLYING THE PRINCIPLES OF CHILD DEVELOPMENT IN THE PRE-SCHOOL CLASSROOM FOR KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS.
/WORKSHOPS HELD .......
SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 1991
5 -
WORKSHOPS HELD IN MAY INCLUDED THOSE ON REMEDIAL TEACHING OF CHINESE LANGUAGE; TEACHING CHINESE LITERARY PROSES AND POEMS IN UPPER PRIMARY CLASSES; AND SETTING ENGLISH TEST/EXAMINATION PAPERS FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS.
COURSES INCLUDED COMPUTER AWARENESS FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS, TEACHERS AND LIBRARIANS; CREATIVE MUSIC MAKING; LEARNING CHINESE HISTORY AND PROMOTING CIVIC EDUCATION THROUGH THE CHINESE HISTORY CURRICULUM; AND POLYSTYRENE FOAM MODEL MAKING FOR KINDERGARTEN, PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS.
TALKS WERE ALSO ORGANISED BY THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION FOR ITS REFRESHER COURSE PARTICIPANTS ON LEARNING AND TEACHING OF PUTONGHUA; THE BRIDGING COURSE FOR SECONDARY ONE STUDENTS; AND HOW TO MAKE SPEECH INFECTIOUS.
------0------------
POL I (’EWOMAN TAKES UP PARACHUTING ♦ * » ♦ ♦
EXCITEMENT AND CHALLENGE DROVE DOROTHY CHU TO JOIN ’THE POLICE FORCE 16 YEARS AGO. NOW A SUB-UNIT COMMANDER IN TUEN MUN DIVISION, DIMINUTIVE DOROTHY STILL LOOKS FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO FULFIL HER DESIRES - AND TESTED THEM FURTHER RECENTLY BY MAKING TWO PARACHUTE JUMPS.
"IT’S PERFECTLY SAFE,” SHE CONFIDED AFTER HER EXHILARATING ADVENTURE, "BUT DON’T ASK ME IF I TOLD MY MOTHER."
"PARACHUTING IS A SAFE SPORT AND YOU CAN’T GO WRONG IF YOU TAKE ('ARE TO FOLD YOUR PARACHUTE CORRECTLY AND ('HECK ALL EQUIPMENT THOROUGHLY.”
DOROTHY COMPLETED HER JUMPS AFTER A TWO AND A HALF DAY COURSE WHICH SHE SHARED WITH MILITARY PERSONNEL.
"A COURSE INSTRUCTOR WATCHED US CAREFULLY AND HE ALSO TOLD US WHAT TO DO BY RADIO. I JUST FOLLOWED HIS INSTRUCTIONS.
SHE MADE LIGHT OF HER MAIDEN JUMP THROUGH THE AIR. THE INSTRUCTIONS WHEN TO OPEN HER PARACHUTE AND HOW TO LAND WERE GIVEN WHEN SHE WAS FLYING IN THE AIR ABOUT 2,000 FEET ABOVE THE GROUND AND FALLING RAPIDLY.
HER FIRST STEP INTO SPACE WAS MEMORABLE.
"A (’LOUD WAS FLOATING BY. I COULD SEE NOTHING AND HEARD ONLY THE SOUND OF THE WIND.
"MY MIND WENT BLANK AND I COULD NOT COUNT THE TIME AS I HAD BEEN TOLD. BUT MY SENSES CAME BACK AND I REGAINED MYSELF WHEN MY PARACHUTE OPENED. IT GAVE ME GREAT SATISFACTION TO HAYE A BIRD S EYE VIEW OF SEK KONG.
/"I ENJOYED........
SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 1991
- 6 -
"I ENJOYED THE FEELING OE FLYING IN THE AIR VERY MUCH. WHEN FALLING TO THE HEIGHT OF 300 FEET ABOVE THE GROUND THE SPEED ACCELERATED AND IT SEEMED THAT EVERYTHING WAS OUT OF CONTROL."
IT TOOK (NIA CNF AND A HALF MIMTFS TO COMPI FTF A JIMI' FROM THF HEIGHT OF 2,000 FEET.
"IT WOULD BE A LIE IF I SAID THAT 1 WAS NOT NERVOUS ABOUT THE JUMP. BUT I WAS WELL PREPARED TO OVERCOME THE FEAR.
"I ALSO CARRIED A RESERVE PARACHUTE, WHICH I COULD OPEN IF THE ONE AT THE BACK DID NOT WORK.
"EVERYBODY HAS HIS TIME. WHEN THE TIME COMES, YOU MAY DIE EVEN THOUGH YOU SIT AT HOME. THEREFORE I DO NOT SEE A GREAT DANGER IN PARACHUTING," SHE ADDED.
SUPERINTENDENT NORRIE GALBRAITH, POLICE DIVISION COMMANDER, TUEN MUN, WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR ENCOURAGING HER INTEREST IN PARACHUTING. HE IS A LIGHT AIRCRAFT PILOT AND HAS LATELY BEEN WORKING ON HIS PILOT INSTRUCTION COURSE.
"MANY PEOPLE DO NOT REALISE THAT THEY CAN TAKE UP PARACHUTING," MR GALBRAITH SAID.
"THEY EITHER THINK IT IS TOO DANGEROUS OR BELIEVE THAT ONLY MEMBERS IN THE SERVICES CAN HAVE ACCESS TO IT.
"IN FACT, THERE ARE ABOUT EIGHT LADIES WHO REGULARLY COME TO HONG KONG AVIATION CLUB TO JUMP.
"PARACHUTING IS A SPORT WHICH GIVES YOU A LOT OF FREEDOM. THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF TAKING IT UP IS TO CONVINCE YOURSELF THAT YOU CAN JUMP," HE ADDED.
0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, JUNE 17, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NEW PROCEDURES FOR PAYMENT OF CROWN RENTS IN YUEN LONG..................... 1
SUMMER SPORTING FUN FOR 3,166 STUDENTS .................................... 1
KOWLOON GMB ROUTE 9M FARE INCREASE ........................................ 2
MONDAY, JUNE 17, 1991
NEW PROCEDURES EOR PAYMENT OF CROWN RENTS IN YUEN LONG
*****
YUEN LONG RESIDENTS WILL ENJOY GREATER CONVENIENCE UNDER THE NEW PAYMENT PROCEDURES FOR CROWN RENTS, CROWN LAND LICENCE FEES AND MODIFICATION OF TENANCY PERMIT FEES IN THE AREA WITH EFFECT FROM JULY 1.
UNDER THE NEW ARRANGEMENT, PAYERS WILL NO LONGER BE REQUIRED TO GO TO THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE.
THEY MAY DIRECTLY APPROACH THE SUB-TREASURY ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE, 269 CASTLE PEAK ROAD FOR THE COLLECTION OF DEMAND NOTES AND PAYMENT OF RENTS/FEES AT THE SAME TIME.
PAYERS, HOWEVER, ARE REQUESTED TO NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
» THEY SHOULD PRODUCE OLD RECEIPTED DEMAND NOTES WHEN COLLECTING THEIR NEW DEMAND NOTES;
* IF THEIR OLD RECEIPTED DEMAND NOTES ARE LOST, CROWN RENT PAYERS SHOULD INFORM THE STAFF OF THE SUB-TREASURY THE A-BOOK PARTICULARS OF THEIR PROPERTY, WHILE PERMIT FEB PAYERS SHOULD GIVE THEIR PERMIT NUMBERS;
♦ IF THE A-BOOK PARTICULARS OR PERMIT NUMBERS ARE NOT
KNOWN, THEY SHOULD GO TO THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE TO SEEK CLARIFICATION.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE NEW PAYMENT PROCEDURES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE ACCOUNTS OFFICE (TEL. 477 5247) OR THE PERMIT OFFICE (TEL. 477 6975) OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE.
SUMMER SPORTING FUN FOR 3,166 STUDENTS ******
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG SCHOOLS SPORTS COUNCIL WILL BE ORGANISING A SERIES OF TRAINING COURSES IN VARIOUS SPORTS FOR STUDENTS DURING THE SUMMER VACATION.
SIXTEEN SPORTING EVENTS, INCLUDING ARCHERY, MINI-RUGBY, DIVING, DANCING, CANOEING AND GYMNASTICS, WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR STUDENTS OF DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS AND SKILL LEVELS.
THE JULY-AUGUST SUMMER SPORTING FUN HAS A CAPACITY FOR 3,166 STUDENTS.
SCHOOLS WITH STUDENTS INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING SHOULD CONTACT THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
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/2 ........
MONDAY, JUNK 17, 1991
- 2 -
KOWLOON GMB ROUTE 9M FARE INCREASE *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT THE FARE FOR KOWLOON GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 9M OPERATING BETWEEN UPPER PAK TIN ESTATE AND SHEK KIP MEI MTR STATION WILL BE INCREASED FROM $1.30 TO $1.60 PER SINGLE JOURNEY FROM WEDNESDAY (JUNE 19).
THE MOVE IS TO IMPROVE ITS FINANCIAL VIABILITY.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, JUNE 18, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
APPLICATION FOR GOVERNMENT GRANTS OPENS TOMORROW .......................... 1
COMPLAINT FIGURES ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES MALPRACTICES RELEASED ........... 2
NEW FURNITURE FOR GOVERNMENT OFFICES ...................................... 3
THE STORY OF AH CHOY — A STREET SLEEPER ................................... 5
130 PEOPLE ARRESTED IN ANTI-TRIAD OPERATIONS SO FAR IN JUNE................ 6
RESIDENTS URGED TO REGISTER AS VOTERS ..................................... 7
NORTH DISTRICT PROVISIONAL ELECTORS' REGISTER FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION .... 7
TEACHING KIT PRODUCED ON RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF PRIMARY STUDENTS ............ 8
1992 TIDE TABLES FOR HK ON SALE ........................................... 8
AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS ............................................ 9
WATER CUTS IN SAI KUNG AND MONG KOK ....................................... 9
TUESDAY, JUNE 18, 1991
APPLICATION FOR GOVERNMENT GRANTS OPENS TOMORROW ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
APPLICATION FOR THE GOVERNMENT MAINTENANCE GRANTS FOR MATRICULATION COURSES IN 1991/92 WILL BEGIN TOMORROW, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AGENCY SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
’’THE GOVERNMENT MAINTENANCE GRANTS ARE AWARDED ANNUALLY TO NEEDY PUPILS WHO HAVE OBTAINED GOOD RESULTS IN THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION (HKCEE) AND WHO WISH TO STAY ON AT SCHOOLS FOR FULL-TIME MATRICULATION COURSES,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
APPLICANTS MUST HAVE OBTAINED RESULTS OF A SUFFICIENTLY HIGH LEVEL IN THE HKCEE IN THE YEAR OF AWARD AS AN INDICATION THAT THEY ARE LIKELY TO BE SUCCESSFUL EITHER IN THE HIGHER LEVEL EXAMINATION OR THE ADVANCED LEVEL EXAMINATION.
APPLICANTS MUST BE SUPPORTED BY RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE HEADS OF SCHOOLS.
THE AMOUNT OF MAINTENANCE GRANT WILL BE DETERMINED BY A GOVERNMENT MAINTENANCE GRANTS COMMITTEE IN THE LIGHT OF FINANCIAL NEED AND FUNDS AVAILABLE.
GRANTS AWARDED IN 1990/91 HAVE BEEN IN THE REGION OF $230 PER MONTH.
THE GRANTS WILL BE TENABLE AT ANY SECONDARY SCHOOL APPROVED BY THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION.
GRANTS WILL BE AWARDED ON A YEARLY BASIS AND RENEWAL IS NOT AUTOMATIC. IF A RECIPIENT WISHES TO BE CONSIDERED FOR A GRANT IN SECONDARY 7, HE/SHE MUST APPLY AGAIN THE FOLLOWING YEAR.
APPLICANTS ARE EXPECTED TO COMPLETE FULL-TIME ADVANCED LEVEL/HIGHER LEVEL EXAMINATION STUDIES FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR FOR WHICH THE GRANT HAS BEEN AWARDED.
IF A RECIPIENT OF A GRANT LEAVES BEFORE THE COMPLETION OF ONE YEAR, HE/SHE MAY BE REQUIRED TO REFUND TO THE GOVERNMENT THE AMOUNT HE/SHE HAS RECEIVED.
THE GRANT WILL BE DISCONTINUED AT ANY TIME IF, IN THE OPINION OF THE CONTROLLER OF THE STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AGENCY, THE RECIPIENT FAILS TO MERIT THE AWARD BECAUSE OF A LACK OF PROGRESS OR UNSATISFACTORY CONDUCT.
’’COPIES OF SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS SHOULD BE ATTACHED TO EACH APPLICATION.
’’STATUTORY DECLARATIONS IN SUPPORT OF APPLICATIONS ARE NO LONGER REQUIRED.
"THE INFORMATION GIVEN BY THE APPLICANTS IS SUBJECT TO CLOSE INVESTIGATION. ANY WILFUL MISREPRESENTATION OR OMISSION MAY LEAD TO DISQUALIFICATION AND COURT PROCEEDINGS,” THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED.
/PUPILS WHO .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 18, 1991
- 2 -
PUPILS WHO HAVE NOT BEEN RECEIVING A GRANT DURING THE 1990/91 SCHOOL YEAR BUT HAVE MADE SATISFACTORY PROGRESS IN SECONDARY 6 AND ARE IN NEED OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO COMPLETE THE ADVANCED LEVEL EXAMINATION COURSE IN 1991/92 SCHOOL YEAR ARE ALSO ELIGIBLE TO APPLY.
APPLICATION FORMS WILL BE OBTAINABLE FROM THE STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AGENCY ON THE FIFTH FLOOR, CLUB LUSITANO BUILDING, 16 ICE HOUSE STREET, HONG KONG.
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION FOR PUPILS OF SECONDARY 7 IN 1991/92 IS JULY 22, AND FOR PUPILS OF SECONDARY 6 IN 1991/92 IS SEPTEMBER 16.
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COMPLAINT FIGURES ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES MALPRACTICES RELEASED
*****
OVER 75 PER CENT OF THE COMPLAINTS CONCERNING WEIGHTS AND MEASURES MALPRACTICES ARE DIRECTED AGAINST FOOD RETAILERS, ACCORDING TO FIGURES RELEASED BY THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY).
OF THE 425 COMPLAINTS RECEIVED BY THE DEPARTMENT SINCE THE WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ORDINANCE CAME INTO EFFECT IN 1989, 319 WERE AGAINST RETAILERS OF VARIOUS FOOD ITEMS WHILE MORE THAN 40 WERE AGAINST PETROL STATIONS AND RESTAURANTS.
A TOTAL OF 73 TRADERS HAD BEEN PROSECUTED AND THE FINES AMOUNTED TO $174,250.
THE PRINCIPAL TRADE CONTROLS OFFICER OF THE DEPARTMENT’S TRADING STANDARDS INVESTIGATION BUREAU, MR ANDREW WONG, TODAY REMINDED RETAILERS TO CHECK THEIR WEIGHING AND MEASURING INSTRUMENTS REGULARLY.
"OTHER THAN ACTING ON COMPLAINTS, OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT ALSO CONDUCT SPOT CHECKS ON RETAILERS’ WEIGHING AND MEASURING INSTRUMENTS.
"NEARLY 200 SPOT CHECKS HAVE BEEN CONDUCTED SO FAR THIS YEAR," HE SAID.
MR WONG ALSO REMINDED RETAILERS THAT OFFENDERS PROSECUTED UNDER THE WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ORDINANCE WOULD FACE THE MAXIMUM PENALTY OF $20,000 IN FINE AND SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT.
A FRUIT HAWKER, A SEAFOOD RETAILER, A ROAST MEAT RETAILER AND A RESTAURANT HAD RECENTLY BEEN FINED A TOTAL OF $4,500 FOR USING INACCURATE WEIGHING INSTRUMENTS.
IN ALL THESE CASES, TESTS CONDUCTED BY THE GOVERNMENT LABORATORY SHOWED THAT THE READINGS OF THEIR WEIGHING INSTRUMENTS WERE FROM 12.5 PER CENT TO 112.5 PER CENT IN EXCESS OF THE ACTUAL WEIGHTS.
/ANY PERSON .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 18, 1991
- 3
ANY PERSON WISHING TO MAKE COMPLAINTS IN RESPECT OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES MAY CONTACT THE TRADING STANDARDS INVESTIGATION BUREAU ON TEL. 714 6146 OR THE CONSUMER COUNCIL.
COMPLAINTS MAY ALSO BE REPORTED TO THE DUTY OFFICERS OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 852 3185 AFTER OFFICE HOURS.
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NEW FURNITURE FOR GOVERNMENT OFFICES ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
MANY NEW GOVERNMENT OFFICES HAVE RECENTLY BEGUN USING A NEW TYPE OF FURNITURE PRODUCED BY PENAL INSTITUTION INMATES.
THE NEW PRODUCT IS DESIGNED TO MAXIMISE SPACE UTILISATION.
THE GENERAL MANAGER OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES INDUSTRIES (CSI), MR HERBERT NG, SAID THE PROTOTYPE FOR THE NEW OFFICE FURNITURE WAS DESIGNED IN MID-1989 BY THE GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT AND LATER MODIFIED BY THE CSI.
FULL PRODUCTION COMMENCED IN EARLY 1990.
"SINCE THEN, ORDERS FOR OVER 12,000 SETS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED AND 6,000 OF THESE HAVE BEEN DELIVERED TO THE CLIENTS," MR NG SAID.
HE NOTED THAT THE NEW FURNITURE IS NOW IN USE IN OFFICES OF THE FINANCE BRANCH, THE TREASURY, THE GOVERNMENT PROPERTY AGENCY, THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT, THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, THE AUDIT DEPARTMENT AND THE TRADE DEPARTMENT.
RECENTLY, THE CSI HAD RECEIVED THE LARGEST SINGLE ORDER FOR THE NEW FURNITURE FROM THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT (IRD), MR NG SAID.
THE ORDER COMPRISED 3,800 SETS OF DESKS AND PEDESTALS PLUS THE USE OF INMATE LABOUR TO ASSEMBLE THEM AT THE IRD'S NEW OFFICES AT WANCHAI TOWER III, HE ADDED.
THE IRD IS SCHEDULED TO MOVE FROM THEIR WINDSOR HOUSE OFFICES TO WANCHAI TOWER III AT THE END OF THIS YEAR. THEY WILL OCCUPY 37 FLOORS OF THE BUILDING AND ALL DESK REQUIREMENTS WILL BE SUPPLIED BY THE CSI.
MR NG NOTED THAT SINCE ITS INTRODUCTION, THE NEW DESKS HAD PROVED TO BE POPULAR TO THE CLIENTS.
"NOT ONLY ARE THE DESKS TRENDY IN OUTLOOK, THEY ARE ALSO VERY FUNCTIONAL, OCCUPYING 11 PER CENT LESS SPACE WHEN COMPARED WITH THE CONVENTIONAL OFFICE FURNITURE," HE SAID.
/THE CSI'S .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 18, 1991
4
THE CSI’S PRODUCTION MANAGER, MR K.Y. FUNG, SAID PRODUCTION OF THE NEW DESKS IS NOW CARRIED OUT IN PIK UK PRISON AND STANLEY PRISON, INVOLVING ABOUT 100 INMATES. THE DAILY OUTPUT IS 35 SETS.
MR FUNG NOTED THAT THE SUCCESS OF THE NEW DESKS HAD LED TO A FURTHER DEMAND FOR SIMILAR MATCHING OFFICE FURNITURE, SUCH AS BOOKCASES AND COMPUTER DESKS.
MOREOVER, THE CSI HAD STARTED DESIGNING AND PRODUCING. DESKS FOR GOVERNMENT DIRECTORATE GRADE OFFICERS AND 60 SETS HAD ALREADY BEEN DELIVERED TO CLIENTS FOR EVALUATION.
"ONCE APPROVED, WE CAN LOOK FORWARD TO THE DAY WHEN MOST, IF NOT ALL, TOP ADMINISTRATORS IN THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE WORKING AT DESKS PRODUCED BY THE CSI," MR FUNG SAID.
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.
"WHILE IN THE OLD DAYS FURNITURE PRODUCTION WAS EXCLUSIVELY A TASK FOR THE CRAFTSMEN, THE INTRODUCTION OF MODERN MACHINES AND THE SPLITTING UP OF THE WORK PROCESS HAVE MADE IT POSSIBLE FOR AN ORDINARY INMATE TO GET INVOLVED," HE ADDED.
MR NG SAID THE CARPENTRY TRADE HAD NOW BECOME A MAJOR CORRECTIONAL SERVICES INDUSTRY, EMPLOYING SOME 500 INMATES.
THE BOOST IN THE CARPENTRY TRADE HAS ALSO RESULTED IN A DRAMATIC RISE IN THE COMMERCIAL VALUE OF ITS OUTPUT.
LAST YEAR, THE TOTAL OUTPUT IN CARPENTRY WORK AMOUNTED TO S16.59 MILLION, ALMOST THREE TIMES THE VALUE IN 1989.
MR NG SAID THE OFFICE FURNITURE WAS SUPPLIED TO GOVERNMENT OFFICES AT PRICES ABOUT 60 PER CENT BELOW THEIR MARKET VALUES. THEREFORE, SUBSTANTIAL SAVINGS OF PUBLIC MONEY ARE BEING ACHIEVED.
APART FROM CONTRIBUTING TO THE SAVINGS IN GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE, THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF THE CSI WAS TO KEEP INMATES PURPOSELY AND PRODUCTIVELY EMPLOYED, THEREBY REDUCING THE RISK OF UNREST THROUGH BOREDOM AND LACK OF CONSTRUCTIVE ACTIVITIES, HE NOTED.
"INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION WILL ALSO ENABLE THEM TO ACQUIRE THE HABIT OF DOING USEFUL WORK SO THAT THEY MAY BE ABLE TO OBTAIN AND KEEP A JOB AFTER RELEASE," HE ADDED.
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/5.........
TUESDAY, JUNE 18, 1991
5
THE STORY OF AH CHOY -- A STREET SLEEPER * » * * »
FORTY-TWO-YEAR-OLD AH CHOY HAD BEEN A STREET SLEEPER IN SHAU KEI WAN FdR MORE THAN 10 YEARS.
HE NEVER HAD A PROPER JOB AND BECAUSE OF HIS SEVERE TO MODERATE GRADE MENTAL RETARDATION, WAS SHUNNED BY HIS FRIENDS AND NEIGHBOURS.
HOWEVER, WITH THE HELP OF OFFICERS FROM A STREET SLEEPERS OUTREACHING TEAM OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, AH CHOY HAS BEEN FULLY INTEGRATED INTO THE COMMUNITY AS AN USEFUL MEMBER.
HE IS NOW WORKING AS A VOLUNTEER SERVING DISABLED PEOPLE AT THE DEPARTMENT'S ABERDEEN REHABILITATION CENTRE.
RECALLING THE PLIGHT OF AH CHOY, THE LEADER OF THE OUTREACHING TEAM, MR LEE WO-PING, SAID: "THE CASE WAS FIRST KNOWN TO US IN 1984 BUT WE FAILED MANY TIMES IN OFFERING SERVICES TO AH CHOY DUE TO HIS MOTHER’S INSISTENCE THAT THEY COULD TAKE CARE OF THEMSELVES."
MEMBERS OF THE TEAM MADE A BREAKTHROUGH FOUR YEARS LATER AFTER THE DEATH OF AH CHOY’S MOTHER, AND HAD SINCE ESTABLISHED REGULAR CONTACTS AND A GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM DESPITE THE FACT THAT HE COULD UTTER ONLY A FEW WORDS, MR LEE SAID.
"WE PLACED HIM IN A TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION CENTRE OF THE ABERDEEN REHABILITATION CENTRE FOR EMERGENCY CARE IN MID-1988," HE SAID.
MR LEE SAID ANOTHER MAJOR ACHIEVEMENT HAD BEEN MADE AS A RESULT OF PERSISTENT EFFORTS OF STAFF OF THE CENTRE AND THE OUTREACHING TEAM MEMBERS.
"FOLLOWING HIS ADMISSION TO THE CENTRE, AH CHOY WAS FOUND TO HAVE BEEN MAKING GRADUAL IMPROVEMENT IN HUMAN RELATIONS AND HAS CHANGED HIS UNCO-OPERATIVE ATTITUDE TO BECOME MORE ACCESSIBLE.
"AFTER RECEIVING OUR COUNSELLING AND APPROPRIATE TRAINING DURING THESE YEARS, AH CHOY HAS PICKED UP SOME SELF-CARE SKILLS AND CAN NOW TAKE CARE OF HIMSELF, SUCH AS IN BATHING HIMSELF AND CHANGING CLOTHES," HE SAID.
MR LEE SAID THE TEAM WAS PROUD OF THE REMARKABLE IMPROVEMENT MADE BY AH CHOY, WHO WAS WORKING AS A VOLUNTEER IN THE CENTRE SERVING GROUPS OF DISABLED RESIDENTS.
"HE IS NOW TOTALLY ADAPTED TO THE DAILY LIFE IN A REHABILITATION HOME.
"WE CONSIDER HIS IMPROVEMENT AN ASSET TO HIS FUTURE PLACEMENT TO A DAY ACTIVITIES CENTRE AND HOSTEL," MR LEE SAID.
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/6........
TUESDAY, JUNE 18, 1991
6
130 PEOPLE ARRESTED IN ANTI-TRIAD OPERATIONS SO FAR IN JUNE *******
POLICE HAVE ARRESTED A TOTAL OF 130 PEOPLE SO FAR THIS MONTH TN A SERIEfe OF ANTI-TRIAD OPERATIONS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
THESE SUSPECTS, INCLUDING 124 MEN AND SIX WOMEN, WERE ROUNDED UP IN 11 POLICE OPERATIONS IN CONNECTION WITH TRIAD-RELATED BLACKMAILING, WOUNDING, LOANSHARKING ACTIVITIES, ROBBERY SYNDICATES, ILLEGAL GAMBLING, UNLAWFUL ASSEMBLY AND SUSPECTED TRIAD MEMBERS ALLEGEDLY FORCING STUDENTS TO JOIN TRIAD SOCIETIES.
AT LEAST TWO MEN, AGED 26 AND 51, WHO WERE ARRESTED IN TWO SEPARATE OPERATIONS, WERE SUSPECTED TO BE OFFICE-BEARERS OF NOTORIOUS TRIAD GANGS.
THE HUGE NUMBER OF ARRESTS, A POLICE SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY), DEMONSTRATED THE FORCE’S RESOLVE TO CRACK DOWN HARD ON TRIAD ELEMENTS.
WHILE THE MAJORITY OF THE ARRESTS WERE MADE BY ANTI-TRIAD OFFICERS FOLLOWING LENGTHY INVESTIGATIONS, IN A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS THE ARRESTS WERE MADE AT THE SCENE FOLLOWING PROMPT REPORTS WERE MADE TO THE POLICE BY VICTIMS.
THE SPOKESMAN CITED THAT TWO MEN WERE ARRESTED ON THE SPOT FOR ALLEGEDLY TRYING TO BLACKMAIL A FILM COMPANY CREW SHOOTING ON LOCATION OUTSIDE A THEATRE AT THE JUNCTION OF PERCIVAL STREET AND LEIGHTON ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY ON JUNE 13.
THE FILM COMPANY STAFF, REFUSED TO PAY PROTECTION MONEY WHEN APPROACHED, IMMEDIATELY CALLED FOR POLICE ASSISTANCE.
THE POLICE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE FIGHT AGAINST TRIAD GANGS IN THE TERRITORY REQUIRED CO-OPERATION FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO REPORT AND TO TESTIFY AGAINST THEM IN COURTS.
"THE BATTLE COULD NOT BE WON BY THE FORCE ALONE," HE STRESSED.
MANY TRIAD MEMBERS WERE ALLOWED TO ESCAPE JUSTICE AS INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE WERE PUT BEFORE THE COURTS DUE TO A LACK OF PROSECUTION WITNESSES.
APART FROM STEPPING UP- INTELLIGENCE GATHERING EFFORTS BY OFFICERS AT THE REGIONAL AND DISTRICT LEVELS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID SCHOOL TEACHERS AND PARENTS COULD CONTRIBUTE TO THE DOWNFALL OF TRIAD GANGS BY REPORTING IRREGULAR BEHAVIOUR OF THEIR STUDENTS AND CHILDREN.
AS MANY TRIAD GANGS SURVIVED ON EXTORTING PROTECTION MONEY FROM SHOP OPERATORS IN THEIR AREAS OF INFLUENCE, THE SPOKESMAN URGED SHOP OPERATORS, PARTICULARLY THOSE OF NEWLY OPENED BUSINESS, TO REPORT ANY TRIAD HARASSMENT WITHOUT DELAY THROUGH THE TRIAD HOTLINE 527 7887.
THEY ARE ALSO WELCOME TO CONTACT VARIOUS REGIONAL TRIAD INTELLIGENCE SECTIONS FOR ADVICE TO FEND OFF TRIAD HARASSMENT.
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/7........
TUESDAY, JUNE 18, 1991
7 -
RESIDENTS URGED TO REGISTER AS VOTERS *****
THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR HERMAN CHO, TODAY (TUESDAY) REMINDED RESIDENTS THAT THEY HAVE LESS THAN TWO WEEKS TO ENROL AS ELECTORS BEFORE THE REGISTRATION EXERCISE ENDS ON JULY 1.
MR CHO MADE THE REMARKS DURING A BUS PARADE TO PROMOTE VOTER REGISTRATION IN THE DISTRICT.
NOTING That direct elections will be introduced TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS YEAR, MR CHO SAID THIS SHOULD STIMULATE RESIDENTS TO ENROL.
IN ADDITION TO DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF, A NUMBER OF MOVIE AND TELEVISION PERSONALITIES ALSO TOOK PART IN THE PARADE TO DISTRIBUTE PUBLICITY LEAFLETS AND SOUVENIRS BEARING THE VOTER REGISTRATION THEME AT A NUMBER OF STOPOVERS.
TODAY’S PUBLICITY DRIVE IS PART OF A MONTH-LONG VOTER REGISTRATION PROMOTION EXERCISE ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE.
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NORTH DISTRICT PROVISIONAL ELECTORS’ REGISTER FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION
THE NORTH DISTRICT PROVISIONAL ELECTORS’ REGISTER WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION AT THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE BETWEEN JUNE 21 AND JULY 1.
LOCAL RESIDENTS WHO WISH TO CONFIRM WHETHER THEY HAVE BEEN ENROLLED AS VOTERS CAN CHECK THE REGISTER AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE’S GENERAL REGISTRY ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF THE NORTH DISTRICT GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 3 PIK FUNG ROAD, FANLING.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE BY CALLING THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE HOTLINE 827 1122.
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/8 ........
TUESDAY, JUNE 18, 1991
8
TEACHING KIT PRODUCED ON RIGHTS AND DUTIES
******
OE PRIMARY STUDENTS
A CIVIC EDUCATION TEACHING PACKAGE ON DUTIES" TO CULTIVATE PROPER ATTITUDES AMONG HAS BEEN DISTRIBUTED TO SCHOOLS.
"KNOW YOUR RIGHTS AND PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS
THE PACKAGE WAS PRODUCED AFFAIRS/CIVIC EDUCATION/RELIGIOUS AND ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, OF THE EDUCATION
BY THE GOVERNMENT-PUBLIC ETHICAL EDUCATION SECTION, DEPARTMENT.
THE TEACHING KIT EMPHASISES THE RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF CHILDREN IN THE SCHOOL, AT HOME AND AS MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY.
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1992 TIDE TABLES FOR HK ON SALE *****
THE "1992 TIDE TABLES FOR HONG KONG", PUBLISHED BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY, IS NOW ON SALE AT $10 A COPY AT THE PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, MARINE DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS AND THE RO1AL OBSERVATORY HEADQUARTERS.
THE BILINGUAL PUBLICATION PROVIDES COMPREHENSIVE INFORMATION ON TIDES IN HONG KONG.
LISTED ARE THE PREDICTED HEIGHTS AND TIMES OF DAILY HIGH AID LOW WATERS AT EIGHT LOCATIONS -- CHI MA WAN, KO LAU WAN, LOK ON FAI, QUARRY BAY, TAJ 0, TAI PO KAU, TSIM BEI TSUI AND WAGLAN — TOGETHER WITH PHASES OF THE MOON.
"ENGINEERS, SHIPPING COMPANIES AND CONTAINER IERMINAL OPERATORS AS WELL AS YACHTSMEN, FISHING AND WATER SPORTS ENTHUSIASTS SHOULD FIND THESE TABLES VERY USEFUL IN THE PLANNING OF THEIR COASTAL ACTIVITIES," A ROYAL OBSERVATORY SPOKESMAN SAID.
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/9 ........
TUESDAY, JUNE 18, 1991
A
- 9 -
AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD ANOTHER AUCTION OF SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBERS ON SATURDAY (JUNE 22) 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
EP7028 ER1698 XX421 ER3788
AK786 CP63 ERIO BZ9838
ER3382 EE2338 AT9088 ES1686
DD86 AA2636 CG3878 AT28
ES2330 DM3 ES1 HK8660
BB1231 ET386 AA8398 ES802
ER3222 ES336 ERI 33 BB3583
913 CR8888 DD2288 ES789
AN501 AY719 ES6388 AB7428
ER8928 ET498 CL133 ER560
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS MUST PAY BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN REMINDED BIDDERS THAT THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBER WOULD BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO A VEHICLE REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER WITHIN 12 MONTHS 01 THE AUCTION.
THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION MUST BE PRODUCED IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE AUCTION IF THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK IS TO BE REGISTERED UNDER THE NAME OF A BODY CORPORATE.
PROCEEDS OF THE AUCTION WILL AS USUAL GO TO THE GOVERNMENI LOTTERIES FUND.
THE COMING AUCTION WILL BE THE 165TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973.
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WATER CUTS IN SAI KUNG AND MONG KOK ******
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN SAI KUNG WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON THURSDAY (JUNE 20) TO 7 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE WATER WORKS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES AT CLEAR WATER BAY' ROAD, BETWEEN HIRAM’S HIGHWAY AND TAI AU MUN, INCLUDING ALL VILLAGES EN ROUTE.
MEANWHILE IN MONG KOK, FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON THURSDAY TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE ARFA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY KANSU STREET, NATHAN '>AD, SAIGON STREET, PARKES STREET, NING PO STREET, SHANGHAI STREET, PAK HOI STREET AND CANTON ROAD.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS FOR FEBRUARY - APRIL 1991 . 1
HONG KONG DEMONSTRATES SUCCESS: GOVERNOR ............................... 2
HK-CANADA FILM CO-PRODUCTION MOU SIGNED................................. 4
CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH REORGANISED ....................................... 5
PROFESSIONAL PERSONS ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE TO BE ESTABLISHED ............................................................. 6
CONSULTANCY STUDY ON CENTRALISED INCINERATION FACILITY FOR SPECIAL WASTES .................................................................. 7
GOVT AND KCRC EXAMINE DISRUPTION OF SERVICE ............................ 8
SHW OPENS TRAINING CENTRE FOR DISABLED ................................. 8
NEW SKILLS CENTRE FOR DISABLED OPENS ................................... 9
CAREER AT SEA FOR SCHOOL LEAVERS ....................................... 10
VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT FOR PROBATIONERS SCHEME .............................. 11
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ................................................... 12
REVOCATION OF DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY REGISTRATION ...................... 12
MAY ANTI-POLLUTION PROSECUTION FIGURE RELEASED ......................... 12
GOVT LOT TO LET BY TENDER .............................................. 20
ACTION AGAINST UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORK .............................. 20
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND .................................... 20
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............. 21
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 1991
1
UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS FOR FEBRUARY - APRIL 1991
* ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
BOTH THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE ROSE DURING THE PERIOD FEBRUARY - APRIL 1991, ACCORDING TO THE LATEST LABOUR FORCE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE FIGURES SHOWED THAT THE LABOUR MARKET HAD BECOME LESS TIGHT IN RECENT MONTHS.
THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR FEBRUARY - APRIL 1991 WAS 2.1%, COMPARED WITH 1.4% FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING JANUARY 1991 AND 1.8% FOR THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER.
THE INCREASES OF 0.7 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT OVER THE PRECEDING THREE-MONTH PERIOD AND 0.3 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT OVER THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER ARE BOTH STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT.
THE NUMBER OF UNEMPLOYED PERSONS IN FEBRUARY - APRIL 1991 WAS ESTIMATED AT 59,000, COMPARED WITH 38,400 IN THE THREE MONTHS ENDING JANUARY 1991 AND 48,700 IN THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER.
THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE FOR FEBRUARY - APRIL 1991 WAS 2.1%, COMPARED WITH 0.7% FOR ROTH NOVEMBER 1990 - JANUARY 1991 AND FEBRUARY - APRIL 1990.
THE INCREASE OF 1.4 PERCENTAGE POINTS OVER THE PRECEDING THREEMONTH PERIOD AND THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER IS STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT.
THE ESTIMATED NUMBER OF UNDEREMPLOYED PERSONS IN FEBRUARY -APRIL 1991 WAS 57,700, COMPARED WITH 18,500 IN THE THREE MONTHS ENDING JANUARY 1991 AND 20,300 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.
COMMENTING ON THESE FIGURES, THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS SAID BECAUSE THE PROPORTION OF FIRST-TIME JOB-SEEKERS (FOR EXAMPLE PEOPLE WHO HAVE JUST LEFT SCHOOL) VARIES FROM MONTH TO MONTH, UNEMPLOYMENT RATES THAT HAD BEEN SEASONALLY ADJUSTED TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE VARIATIONS IN THE NUMBER OF FIRST-TIME JOB-SEEKERS SHOULD BE USED IN MAKING COMPARISONS OVER TIME.
THE COMMISSIONER ADDED THAT, BASED ON A SYSTEM OF PROVISIONAL COUNTS, THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATES COVERING THE LATEST THREE-MONTH PERIOD COULD BE MADE AVAILABLE WITHIN TWO WEEKS AFTER THE SURVEY.
THESE PROVIDE AN EARLY INDICATION OF THE LATEST UNEMPLOYMENT
AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT SITUATION.
/THE PROVISIONAL .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 1991
2
THE PROVISIONAL SEASONALLY-ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR MARCH - MAY 1991 WAS 2.4% AND THE PROVISIONAL UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 1.9%.
THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS WERE OBTAINED FROM A CONTINUOUS GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE SURVEY FOR FEBRUARY - APRIL 1991 COVERED A QUARTERLY SAMPLE OF SOME 10,800 HOUSEHOLDS OR 38,000 PERSONS, SELECTED SCIENTIFICALLY TO REPRESENT THE LAND-BASED CIVILIAN NON-1NSTITUTIONAL 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 MARCH 1991 WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL AROUND JUNE 20 AT $13.50 PER COPY.
------0-------
HONG KONG DEMONSTRATES SUCCESS: GOVERNOR
*****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT WE NEED TO REMIND OURSELVES FROM TIME TO TIME ABOUT THE BROADER PICTURE OF HONG KONG.
PART OF THIS LARGER PICTURE, SIR DAVID SAID, WAS THAT HONG KONG WAS NOT JUST A PLACE WITH PROBLEMS.
ADDRESSING THE OPENING OF FESTIVAL CANADA’91, THE GOVERNOR POINTED OUT THAT THE CONTRAST BETWEEN SOME OF THE MORE ALARMIST NEWS STORIES ABOUT HONG KONG AND WHAT WAS ACTUALLY HAPPENING HERE MIGHT STRIKE VISITORS FROM CANADA MORE FORCIBLY THAN THOSE OF US WHO LIVED IN THIS UNIQUE TERRITORY.
"BUT WE TOO CAN SOMETIMES LOSE SIGHT OF THE BROADER PICTURE.
"WE ARE SOMETIMES PRONE TO BEING TOO OBSESSED WITH WHATEVER IS OUR IMMEDIATE PROBLEM," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID EVERY PLACE IN THE WORLD HAD ITS PROBLEMS IN ONE WAY OR ANOTHER.
"HONG KONG IS A PLACE WHICH DEMONSTRATES SUCCESS. VISIBLE SUCCESS. SUCCESS AGAINST THE ODDS. NOT EVERYWHERE CAN SAY THAT," HE SAID.
/THE GOVERNOR .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 1991
3 -
THE GOVERNOR NOTED THAT THE CANADIAN COMMUNITY IN HONG KONG WAS LARGE - AS MANY AS 35,000 PEOPLE - AND THAT CANADIAN INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG AND SOUTHERN CHINA WAS GROWING.
"CANADIAN BUSINESSMEN CAN SEE THE POTENTIAL. THEY SEE THAT, WHATEVER THE IMMEDIATE POLITICAL CONCERNS MAY BE, THE OPPORTUNITIES ARE THERE TOO; AND THE LONG-TERM PROSPECTS FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH ARE AT LEAST AS GOOD IN HONG KONG AS ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD,” SIR DAVID SAID.
THE GOVERNOR WELCOMED THE CANADIAN INVOLVEMENT AND THE VERY PRACTICAL INTEREST WHICH CANADA HAD TAKEN IN HONG KONG.
SIR DAVID SAID THE PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA’S VISIT TO HONG KONG LAST MONTH WAS A MOST WELCOME DEMONSTRATION OF THAT INTEREST.
"IN HIS SPEECHES HERE AND IN HIS MEETINGS WITH ME, HE LEFT A STRONG IMPRESSION OF THE GOODWILL TOWARDS HONG KONG THAT EXISTS IN CANADA AND OF CANADA'S CONVICTION OF THE VALUE TO THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY OF HONG KONG’S CONTINUED SUCCESS.
"WE TREASURE THIS GOODWILL, WE RECIPROCATE THE FEELINGS OF FRIENDSHIP," THE GOVERNOR SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID HONG KONG LOOKED FORWARD TO SHOWING CANADIANS MORE ABOUT HONG KONG THROUGH HONG KONG FESTIVAL WHICH WOULD TAKE PLACE IN CITIES ACROSS CANADA IN THE AUTUMN OF 1992.
"THAT WILL BE OUR OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE PLEASURE AND ENJOYMENT IN RETURN; OUR CHANCE TO DEMONSTRATE HOW MUCH HONG KONG HAS TO OFFER," HE SAID.
CONGRATULATING THE ORGANISERS OF FESTIVAL CANADA ON PUTTING TOGETHER SUCH AN IMPRESSIVE RANGE OF ENTERTAINMENT, SIR DAVID SAID:
"IT REPRESENTS A GREAT DEAL OF EFFORT, IMAGINATION AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT.
"IT IS A DEMONSTRATION OF THE WAY THE CANADIAN COMMUNITY AND CANADIAN BUSINESSES ARE SO READY TO PARTICIPATE IN HONG KONG LIFE.
"AND IT SAYS MUCH FOR THE DEDICATION AND EFFICIENCY OF THE COMMISSION FOR CANADA WHICH HAS PULLED TOGETHER THESE MANY CONTRIBUTIONS TO SUCH GOOD EFFECT," HE SAID.
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/4 ........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 199'1
4 HK-CANADA FILM CO-PRODUCTION MOU SIGNED *****
THE GOVERNMENT OF HONG KONG AND THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA SIGNED A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) TO FACILITATE FILM AND TELEVISION CO-PRODUCTION TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SIGNING THE MOU ON BEHALF OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WAS THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR JAMES SO. SIGNING ON BEHALF OF THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT WAS THE COMMISSIONER FOR CANADA IN HONG KONG, MR JOHN HIGGINBOTHAM.
SPEAKING AT THE SIGNING CEREMONY DURING THE OPENING OF THE CANADIAN FILM FESTIVAL, MR SO SAID THE MOU WOULD PROVIDE INCENTIVES FOR LOCAL AND CANADIAN PRODUCERS TO POOL THEIR CREATIVE, TECHNICAL AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES TO CO-PRODUCE GOOD QUALITY FILMS AND TELEVISION PROGRAMMES.
"LOCAL CO-PRODUCERS CAN EXPECT TO BENEFIT FROM POOLING RESOURCES WITH THEIR CANADIAN COUNTERPARTS AND ALSO INDIRECTLY FROM PUBLIC AND PRIVATE FUNDING AVAILABLE IN CANADA FOR CO-PRODUCTIONS," MR SO SAID.
"THE COMMUNITY WILL PARTICULARLY WELCOME THE MOU BECAUSE THE HONG KONG AUDIENCE CAN, AS A CONSEQUENCE, LOOK FORWARD TO A GREATER CHOICE OF GOOD QUALITY FILMS AND TELEVISION PROGRAMMES.
"THE MOU IS SIGNIFICANT TO HONG KONG NOT JUST BECAUSE OF THESE MORE TANGIBLE BENEFITS BUT ALSO BECAUSE IT REINFORCES HONG KONG’S STANDING IN THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY AND EMPHASISES THE STRONG AND INCREASING LINKS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CANADA," MR SO ADDED.
UNDER THE MOU, INTERESTED PARTIES WISHING TO ENTER INTO A CO-PRODUCTION PROJECT WILL HAVE TO APPLY TO A CERTIFYING BODY.
DISCUSSIONS ARE NOW UNDERWAY BETWEEN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, THE COMMISSION FOR CANADA AND LOCAL TELEVISION AND MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY TO DRAW UP PROCEDURES FOR THE OPERATION OF THE CERTIFYING BODY.
A ONE-DAY SEMINAR TO BRIEF THE LOCAL FILM AND TELEVISION INDUSTRY ON THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR CO-PRODUCTION WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY (JUNE 22) AT 3 PM IN THE COMMON ROOM OF THE ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS.
THE SEMINAR WILL BE CONDUCTED JOINTLY BY THE VISITING BRITISH COLUMBIA FILM COMMISSION OF CANADA AND THE RECREATION AND CULTUR! BRANCH.
--------0 - -
/5........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 1991
5
CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH REORGANISED A A A A A
THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH HAS BEEN REORGANISED.
THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, ANNOUNCED THAT WITH EFFECT FROM TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE BRANCH WOULD ■ ROVIDE A ONE-STOP SERVICE FOR GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND BE BETTER EQUIPPED TO DEAT, WITH DEPARTMENTAL ISSUES.
MR WIGGHAM NOTED THAT THE CSB WAS FORMERLY ORGANISED ON A FUNCTIONAL BASTS AND WAS HIGHLY COMPARTMENTALISED.
THE MAIN FEATURE OF THE REORGANISATION WAS THE MERGER OF ITS MAIN FUNCTIONAL DIVISIONS AS FAR AS POSSIBLE SO THAT FROM NOW ON DEPARTMENTS NEED CONTACT ONLY ONE DIVISION ON MOST OCCASIONS.
"THIS IS ACHIEVED BY THE SETTING UP OF FIVE DEPARTMENTAL DIVISIONS TO TAKE UP MATTERS PREVIOUSLY DEALT WITH BY THE PAY AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE DIVISION, APPOINTMENTS DIVISIONS AS WELL AS STAFF MANAGEMENT AND DISCIPLINE DIVISION," MR WIGGHAM SAID.
EACH DEPARTMENTAL DIVISION IS HEADED BY A PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY (PAS), AND EACH DEALS WITH A FULL RANGE OF CSB FUNCTIONS IN RESPECT OF A GROUP OF DEPARTMENTS.
THE PAS IS THE CONTACT POINT BETWEEN DEPARTMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND CSB, AND HAS THE RESPONSIBILITY AND THE AUTHORITY TO DEAL WITH THE FULL RANGE OF ISSUES RELATING TO APPOINTMENTS, PAY STRUCTURE AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE, STAFF MANAGEMENT, STAFF DISCIPLINE, STAFF COMPLAINTS AND DIRECTORATE SUCCESSION FOR THE GROUP OF DEPARTMENTS TN HIS OR HER SCHEDULE.
"THE PAS IS EXPECTED TO WORK CLOSELY WITH DEPARTMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND BE FAMILIAR WITH MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS IN HIS GROUP OF DEPARTMENTS," MR WIGGHAM SAID.
"THE NEW SET-UP WILL FACILITATE THE EVOLUTION OF A BALANCED AND BROAD CSB VIEW AT AN EARLY STAGE IN THE CONSIDERATION OF ANY SETS OF PROBLEM," HE SAID.
APART FROM THE DEPARTMENTAL DIVISIONS, THERE WOULD BE THREE FUNCTIONAL DIVISIONS TO DEAL WITH SERVICE-WIDE MATTERS. THEY ARE THE STAFF RELATIONS DIVISION, THE MANAGEMENT DIVISION AND THE DEVELOPMENT DIVISION. THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DIVISION AND THE GENERAL GRADES DIVISION HAVE NOT BEEN AFFECTED BY THE CHANGE.
MR WIGGHAM SAID STRUCTURAL CHANGES WERE NOT THE ONLY AREA BEING PURSUED. THE OTHER AREA OF CHANGE WAS THE DELEGATION OF MORE AUTHORITY TO HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS FOR THEM TO MANAGE HUMAN RESOURCES MORE EFFECTIVELY.
ALSO COMING INTO EFFECT TODAY IS THE CHANGE OF THE CHINESE NAME OF THE BRANCH TO ONE WHICH REFLECTS MORE ACCURATELY THE ROLE OF THE BRANCH: " £ & M > & £1- "• THE CHINESE TITLE OF THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE HAS ALSO BEEN CHANGED CORRESPONDINGLY TO " fK d] " •
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/6 ......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 1991
- 6 -
PROFESSIONAL PERSONS ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE TO BE ESTABLISHED ******
THE DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, DR STUART REED, \Y (WEDNESDAY) ANNOUNCED THE CREATION OF A PROFESSIONAL PERSONS IRONMENTAL CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE (PROPECC).
THE COMMITTEE WILL INCLUDE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS AND DR REED EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT THE INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS AND THE INSTITUTE OF SURVEYORS WOULD ACCEPT HIS INVITATION TO JOIN THE NEW CONSULTATIVE BODY.
IT WILL BE CHAIRED BY THE DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.
"THIS COMMITTEE WILL PROVIDE A FORUM FOR PROFESSIONALS TO PUT THEIR VIEWS TO THE EPD ON ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS OF BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT, AND FOR THE EPD TO SOUND OUT THE PRACTICABILITY AND IMPLICATIONS OF NEW MEASURES AIMED AT EITHER IMPROVING THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT OR AVOIDING THE CREATION OF NEW ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS," DR REED SAID.
HE WAS ADDRESSING MEMBERS OF THE INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS AT ITS LUNCHEON MEETING TODAY.
"CONSIDERATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS IS NOT YET AN INTEGRAL AND ROUTINE PART OF THE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS AND THE RESULT MORE OFTEN THAN NOT IS THAT ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS ARE LEFT TO A VERY LATE STAGE AND WE ARE MORE OFTEN THAN NOT FACED WITH A VERY 'LATE FOCUS’.
"THE RESULT IS THAT THE ENVIRONMENTAL OUT-TURN IS NOT AS GOOD AS IT COULD OTHERWISE HAVE BEEN," THE DIRECTOR SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE EPD HAS FOUND AN INCREASED NEED TO I'RESS, INDEED TO INSIST, THAT ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS ARE TAKEN PROPERLY INTO ACCOUNT AT THE EARLIEST STAGE OF NEW BUILDING DEVELOPMENT.
THE INTENTION OF THE PROPECC IS TO ADDRESS PROBLEMS THAT THE PROFESSIONS ARE EXPERIENCING IN MEETING EXISTING ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS, AND TO DISCUSS POSSIBLE FUTURE REQUIREMENTS.
DR REED ALSO OUTLINED SOME OF THE TOPICS THAT THE NEW COMMITTEE IS EXPECTED TO DISCUSS:
* DESIGN REQUIREMENTS ON LANDFILL GAS SEEPAGE IN RELATION TO DEVELOPMENT SITES ADJACENT TO OLD GARBAGE DUMPS.
« ISSUES RELATING TO DIRECT PLUME IMPINGEMENT FROM CHIMNEYS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE RELAXATION OF AIRPORT HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS AND THE USE OF ROOF-TOP SPACE FOR RECREATIONAL FACILITIES SUCH AS SWIMMING POOLS AND TENNIS COURTS.
» PROVISION FOR WASTE STORAGE AND COLLECTION IN BUILDINGS, ESPECIALLY IN THE FUTURE FOR HANDLING SEPARATED AND RECYCLABLE WASTES.
/* INTEGRATION OF.........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 1991
7
* INTEGRATION OF CHIMNEYS INTO BUILDING DESIGNS TO AVOID THE AFTER THOUGHT" APPEARANCE, THAT IS THE RULE AT PRESENT RATHER THAN THE EXCEPTION.
* DESIGN OF NEW INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS FOR INDUSTRIES WITH SPECIAL ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS.
* DESIGN, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR SEWAGE TREATMENT FACILITIES IN PRIVATE BUILDINGS.
DR REED SAID THESE ISSUES AND MANY OTHERS ARE ALL SUBJECTS ON WHICH THE EPD AND. REPRESENTATIVES OF HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS, THE INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS AND INSTITUTE OF SURVEYORS SHOULD GET TOGETHER AS A MATTER OF URGENCY IN THE INTERESTS OF MAKING HONG KONG A MORE HEALTHY AND PLEASANT PLACE TO LIVE.
--------0-----------
CONSULTANCY STUDY
ON CENTRALISED INCINERATION FACILITY FOR SPECIAL WASTES
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) HAS COMMISSIONED A CONSULTANT TO CONDUCT A FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR A CENTRALISED INCINERATION FACILITY FOR DISPOSAL OF SPECIAL WASTES.
SPECIAL WASTES INCLUDE CLINICAL WASTES, ANIMAL CARCASSES AND SECURITY WASTES (SEIZED NARCOTICS, EXPIRED DOCUMENTS AND RETURNED DUTIABLE GOODS).
AN EPD SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE STUDY WOULD ASSESS THE TECHNICAL, FINANCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS FOR THE PROPOSED INCINERATION FACILITY.
"AN IMPLEMENTATION SCHEME FOR ITS PROVISION, OPERATION AND MONITORING WILL ALSO BE PREPARED," HE SAID.
THE CENTRALISED INCINERATION FACILITY IS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION, AS OUTLINED IN THE WHITE PAPER ON POLLUTION PUBLISHED IN JUNE 1989, THAT A DEDICATED FACILITY TO INTERNATIONAL SAFETY AND SECURITY STANDARDS FOR THE PROPER DISPOSAL OF SPECIAL WASTES SHOULD BE BUILT.
CONSTRUCTION OF THE INCINERATION FACILITY NEAR TUEN MUN IS EXPECTED TO START IN MID 1992 AND THE FACILITY IS EXPECTED TO BE COMMISSIONED IN 1994.
THE CONSULTANCY STUDY, AT A COST OF $2.4 MILLION, WILL BE COMPLETED IN SIX MONTHS. THE RECOMMENDED IMPLEMENTATION SCHEME MADE WILL BE ASSESSED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND USED AS A BASIS FOR THE PROVISION AND MANAGEMENT OF THE FACILITY.
AN AGREEMENT FOR THE CONSULTANCY STUDY WAS SIGNED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BETWEEN EPD’S ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (WASTE AND WATER POLICY), MR MIKE STOKOE, AND THE DIRECTOR OF ERL (ASIA! LIMITED, MR E. TURNER.
- - 0---------
/8 ........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 1991
GOVT AND KCRC EXAMINE DISRUPTION OF SERVICE *****
THE GOVERNMENT AND THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION HELD A MEETING THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING TO REVIEW THE SERIOUS DISRUPTION >F KCR SERVICES BETWEEN UNIVERSITY AND TAI PO STATIONS YESTERDAY.
BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND KCRC ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE DISRUPTION AND THE INCONVENIENCE IT HAS CAUSED TO THE PUBLIC.
THE CORPORATION IS CONTINUING ITS INVESTIGATION INTO THE INCIDENT AND ALSO RE-EXAMINING ITS PLANS AND PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING EMERGENCY SITUATIONS IN THE LIGHT OF YESTERDAY’S EXPERIENCE. A REPORT WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNMENT IN TWO WEEKS.
IN THE MEANTIME, THE GOVERNMENT AND KCRC ARE REVIEWING THE ADEQUACY AND TYPE OF RELIEF TRANSPORT SERVICES FOR COPING WITH LARGE NUMBERS OF CROSS-BORDER PASSENGERS WITH HAND-CARRIED LUGGAGES.
- - 0 - -
SHW OPENS TRAINING CENTRE FOR DISABLED
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) OPENED THE FIRST TRAINING CENTRE IN HONG KONG THAT WAS PLANNED AND BUILT TO MEET THE NEEDS OF ALL CATEGORIES OF DISABLED PERSONS.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE TUEN MUN SKILLS CENTRE FOR THE DISABLED, MRS WONG SAID TWO NEW SKILLS CENTRES WERE BEING PLANNED FOR COMPLETION IN 1995/96.
SHE SAID THE TUEN MUN SKILLS CENTRE WAS NOT ONLY DESIGNED TO EQUIP TRAINEES WITH INDUSTRIAL SKILLS BUT ALSO PROVIDED THEM WITH THE INDEPENDENCE AND SOCIAL SKILLS THEY WOULD NEED FOR FULL INTEGRATION IN THE WORKPLACE AND FOR LEADING A FULLER AND MORE SATISFYING SOCIAL LIFE.
’’THE CENTRE ALSO PROVIDES BRIDGING PROGRAMMES WHICH WOULD HELP SOME DISABLED STUDENTS TO BRIDGE OVER TO PROGRAMMES IN TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING CENTRES AND HOPEFULLY TO PROGRAMMES IN THE NEW TECHNICAL COLLEGES AS WELL IN THE FUTURE,” MRS WONG SAID.
THE CENTRE HAS 14 SPACIOUS WORKSHOPS, FOUR CLASSROOMS, AS WELL AS 15 DORMITORIES AND ANCILLARY FACILITIES.
MRS WONG RECALLED THAT THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING DEPARTMENT TOOK OVER THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR VOCATIONAL TRAINING FOR THE DISABLED WHEN IT WAS SET UP IN 1982.
/"IN 1982
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 1991
- 9 -
"IN 1982, THERE WERE ONLY 440 TRAINING PLACES AVAILABLE, 204 IN GOVERNMENT OPERATED SKILLS CENTRES AND THE REMAINING IN SUBVERTED CENTRES.
"SINCE THEN THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PLACES HAS STEADILY INCREASED AND WHEN THIS CENTRE BECOMES FULLY OPERATIONAL, A TOTAL OF 976 TRAINING PLACES WILL BE AVAILABLE TO DISABLED PERSONS REQUIRING TRAINING," SHE SAID.
LOOKING AHEAD TO THE FUTURE PLANNING, MRS WONG NOTED THAT THE 1990 REVIEW OF THE REHABILITATION PROGRAMME PLAN INDICATED THAT THERE WOULD BE A SHORTFALL OF PLACES IN SKILLS CENTRES.
"TO MEET THIS SHORTFALL, TWO NEW CENTRES ARE BEING PLANNED, ONE AT ABERDEEN AND THE OTHER AT WEST KOWLOON, FOR COMPLETION IN 1995/96.
"THESE CENTRES WILL PROVIDE A FURTHER 360 PLACES, INCREASING THE TOTAL TO ABOUT 1,340 PLACES WHICH WILL BE SUFFICIENT TO MEET THE PROJECTED DEMAND," MRS WONG SAID.
--------0----------
NEW SKILLS CENTRE FOR DISABLED OPENS
*****
THE TUEN MUN SKILLS CENTRE FOR THE DISABLED, THE FIRST TRAINING CENTRE BUILT BY THE GOVERNMENT TO CATER FOR ALL CATEGORIES OF DISABLED PEOPLE, WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, OFFICIATED AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WHICH WAS ATTENDED BY ABOUT 100 GUESTS.
SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, THE DIRECTOR OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING, MR H.R. KNIGHT, PROVIDED BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON THE S59-MILLION CENTRE WHICH WAS BUILT WITH BOARDING FACILITIES IN TUEN MUN NEW TOWN.
"STANDING ON A 5,000 SQUARE METRE SITE ON THE SOUTHWEST SIDE OF YAU OI ESTATE, THE CENTRE HAS SOME 6,300 SQUARE METRES OF USABLE FLOOR SPACE AND 3,800 SQUARE METRES OF OPEN RECREATIONAL AREA," HE SAID.
AFTER THE CEREMONY, THE GUESTS TOURED THE FIRST PHASE OF THE CENTRE, WHICH IS NOW IN OPERATION WITH EIGHT CLASSES BEING RUN. WHEN FULLY OPERATIONAL NEXT YEAR, THE CENTRE WILL RUN 25 CLASSES WITH 300. PLACES, HALF OF WHICH WILL BE RESIDENTIAL ONES.
THE CENTRE HOUSES 14 WORKSHOPS, FOUR CLASSROOMS AND SPECIAL ROOMS SUCH AS LIBRARY, SKETCHING ROOM AND AUDIO VISUAL AIDS ROOM. THE RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES ARE MADE UP OF 15 SPECIALLY DESIGNED SELF-CONTAINED DORMITORY UNITS.
/A TOTAL........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 1991
10
A TOTAL OF 13 TRAINING PROGRAMMES ON CLEANING AND SERVICING, OFFICE MACHINES PRACTICE, INDUSTRIAL SEWING, GARMENT MAKING, ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION, ELECTRONIC SERVICING, JEWELLERY, LEATHER WORK, METAL WORK, OFFSET PRINTING, PACKAGING AND ASSEMBLY, PRINTING, .SIGNWRITING AND DECORATION, AND WOODWORK, ARE PROVIDED.
THE MODULES OF EMPLOYABLE SKILL INSTRUCTIONAL APPROACH 13 ADOPTED IN THESE VOCATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAMMES WHICH CATER FOR INDIVIDUAL ABILITIES AND PROGRESS OF TRAINEES.
ALL VOCATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAMMES ARE FREE. A MONTHLY BOARDING FEE OF $470 TO $500 IS CHARGED FOR RESIDENT TRAINEES.
-----0-----
CAREER AT SEA FOR SCHOOL LEAVERS
*****
THE MERCHANT NAVY OFFERS CHALLENGING CAREER PROSPECTS FOR SCHOOL LEAVERS AND YOUNG PEOPLE, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF MARINE (MULTI-LATERAL POLICY), MR TSUI SHUNG-YIU, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR TSUI, WHO HAS SIX YEARS SEA-GOING EXPERIENCE AS A MARINE ENGINEER, WAS ADDRESSING A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF CITY NORTHWEST HONG KONG.
MR TSUI SAID: "THERE ARE AMPLE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE TO QUALIFIED MERCHANT NAVY OFFICERS BOTH AT SEA AND ASHORE.
"QUALIFIED MERCHANT NAVY OFFICERS CAN JOIN THE SHIPPING INDUSTRY AS PORT CAPTAINS/HARBOUR MASTERS, MARINE SUPERINTENDENTS, DOCK MASTERS, PILOTS, MARINE SURVEYORS, SHIP AND CARGO SURVEYORS AND LECTURERS.
"THEY CAN APPLY TO JOIN THE MARINE DEPARTMENT AS MARINE OFFICERS OR SURVEYORS."
HE SAID THE MARINE DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG SHIPPING COMMUNITY HAD BEEN CONCERNED FOR SOME TIME WITH THE PROBLEMS POSED BY THE WORLDWIDE SHORTAGE OF MERCHANT NAVY OFFICERS AND IN PARTICULAR THE FALLING RECRUITMENT OF LOCAL TRAINEE OFFICERS.
TOGETHER WITH THE HONG KONG SHIPOWNERS ASSOCIATION AND TRAINING INSTITUTIONS, THE MARINE DEPARTMENT HAD TAKEN A NUMBER OF INITIATIVES TO RAISE THE INTERESTS OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN A CAREER AT SEA.
MR TSUI SAID: "THESE INCLUDED EXHIBITIONS, VIDEO SHOWS, TALKS, VISITS TO THE MARINE DEPARTMENT AND ADJUSTMENT TO TRAINING COURSES TO MEET PRESENT DAY NEEDS."
DURING THE LUNCHEON, MR TSUI ALSO INTRODUCED THE MARINE DEPARTMENT’S EIGHT-AND-A-HALF-MINUTE CHINESE LANGUAGE VIDEO TITLED "MAKE A CAREER AT SEA" AIMED AT INTERESTING YOUNG PEOPLE ESPECIALLY THOSE IN THE UPPER FORMS OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN SUCH A CAREER.
- - 0----------
/Il .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 1991
- 11 -
VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT FOR PROBATIONERS SCHEME ******
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) REMINDED PEOPLE INTERESTED IN ASSISTING IN THE REHABILITATION OF OFFENDERS TO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATION FOR JOINING THE VOLUNTEER SCHEME FOR PROBATIONERS.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO JUNE 24.
THE SCHEME WAS SET UP IN 1976 TO PROMOTE PUBLIC AWARENESS AND PARTICIPATION IN HELPING OFFENDERS.
’’THE VOLUNTEERS ARE EXPECTED TO ASSIST PROBATIONERS IN ACTIVITIES WHICH REQUIRE NO PROFESSIONAL SKILLS,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
’’THE RANGE OF SERVICES INCLUDE HELPING PROBATIONERS WHO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH SCHOOL WORK, GUIDING THEM IN THE PROPER USE OF LEISURE TIME AND DIRECTING THEIR INTEREST INTO WHOLESOME SOCIAL, CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES.
’’THE VOLUNTEERS ALSO PROVIDE FRIENDSHIP ESPECIALLY TO THOSE PROBATIONERS WITHOUT FAMILY SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE, AND SHARE WITH THEM PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE.”
THE VOLUNTEERS SHOULD PREFERABLY BE AT LEAST 21 YEARS OLD, OF SECONDARY SCHOOL EDUCATION LEVEL, MATURE IN PERSONALITY AND WILLING TO MAKE FRIENDS WITH LAW OFFENDERS.
THEY SHOULD ALSO BE WILLING TO SACRIFICE THEIR LEISURE TIME TO SERVE OTHERS WITHOUT MONETARY REWARD.
’’NEWLY RECRUITED VOLUNTEERS WILL BE GIVEN A TRAINING AND ORIENTATION COURSE BEFORE STARTING THEIR SERVICES,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
’’THEY WILL NOT HAVE TO TAKE OVER THE LEGAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF PROBATION OFFICERS,” HE ADDED.
THE PERIOD OF SERVICE IS NORMALLY SIX MONTHS SUBJECT TO EXTENSION. THE SPOKESMAN SAID A VOLUNTEER WHO SATISFACTORILY COMPLETED THE SIX-MONTH ASSIGNMENT WOULD BE AWARDED A CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION AT AN ANNUAL CERTIFICATE PRESENTATION CEREMONY.
FORMER PARTICIPANTS OF THE SCHEME ARE WELCOME TO APPLY AGAIN.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT PROBATION OFFICES ATTACHED TO MAGISTRACIES AND THE CENTRE FOR THE VOLUNTEER SCHEME FOR PROBATIONERS ON THE 19TH FLOOR, WORLD TRADE CENTRE, 280 GLOUCESTER ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY.
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE VSP CENTRE BY JUNE 24.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SCHEME CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 895 4190.
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/12 .....
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 1991
12
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ♦ ♦♦♦♦♦
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (WEDNESDAY) STOOD AT 26.7 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 156.229 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 267.641 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 45.7 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
--------0-----------
REVOCATION OF DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY REGISTRATION t ♦ ♦ ♦ * *
THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING ANNOUNCED TODAY
THE REGISTRATION OF CARAN1P FINANCE COMPANY DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY HAS BEEN REVOKED AT THE CLOSE JUNE 19, 1991 AT ITS OWN REQUEST UNDER SECTION 31(2) ORDINANCE.
(WEDNESDAY) THAT LIMITED AS A
OF BUSINESS ON OF THE BANKING
------0--------
MAY ANTI-POLLUTION PROSECUTION FIGURE RELEASED
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) TODAY (WEDNESDAY) RELEASED A LIST OF COMPANIES THAT HAVE BEEN FOUND GUILTY IN THE COURTS, DURING THE MONTH OF MAY, OF BREACHING ANTI-POLLUTION LEGISLATION CURRENTLY ENFORCED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
SIMILAR ANNOUNCEMENTS WILL BE MADE REGULARLY ON A MONTHLY BASIS.
THE LEGAL PROCEEDINGS COULD BE VERY TIME-CONSUMING AND AS A RESULT THERE WAS SOMETIMES A LENGTHY TIME GAP BETWEEN THE DATE OF THE OFFENCE AND THE CONVICTION DATE.
THE FOLLOWING IS THE LIST OF PROSECUTION CASES AND THE ASSOCIATED FINES IMPOSED BY THE COURTS DURING THE MONTH OF MAY THIS YEAR:
/NAME ......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 1991
- 13 -
NAME (COMPANY/ PERSON) ADDRESS DATE OF OFFENCE NATURE OF OFFENCE FINES($) RECORD OF OFFENCE COURT
1.TRI- VIEW LTD DES VOEUX RD CENTRAL, CENTRAL 1.12.89- 31.12.89 APCO: UNAUTHORISED INSTALLATION OR ALTERATION OF FURNACES 1,500 1ST CENTRAL
2.TRI- VIEW LTD DES VOEUX RD CENTRAL, CENTRAL 20.12.89 -29.7.90 n 1,500 2ND CENTRAL
3.EATON HOTELS INTERNATIONAL LTD HARBOUR RD, WAN CHAI 15.4.BO-15.6.90 it 1,000 1ST SOUTH KOWLOON
4.FULLEN-RICH INVESTMENTS LTD SALISBURY RD, TSIM SHA TSUI 20.4.90- 22.8.90 tt 2,500 1ST FANLING
5.HONG KONG TELEPHONE CO LTD THREE EXCHANGE SQ, CENTRAL 30.4.90- 12.9.90 tt 2,000 2ND EASTERN
6.SEENHON LTD JUNCTION RD, KOWLOON TONG 29.5.90- 28.6.90 tt 4,000 1ST SHA TIN
7.TAK FU PRINTING & DYEING CO LTD SAM KA TSUEN, YAU TONG 1.7.90- 31.8.90 it 1,000 1ST KWUN TONG
8.WAI SIU CONCRETE CO LTD WANG KEE ST, KOWLOON BAY 18.7.90 APCO: FAILURE TO TAKE MEASURES TO ELIMINATE UNNECESSARY AIR POLLUTANT 5,000 1ST FANLING
9.JACKIE SHARK’S FIN CHIU CHOW RESTR. LTD NATHAN RD, TSIM SHA TSUI 20.7.90- 25.9.90 APCO: UNAUTHORISED INSTALLATION OR ALTERATION OF FURNACES 750 1ST SOUTH KOWLOON
/IO.........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 1991
- 14 -
10.UNIVERSAL (HOT-DIP) GALVANISING LTD NATHAN RD, TS1M SHA TSUI 23.7.90 APCO: 5,000 1ST FANLING
FAILURE TO
TAKE MEASURES
TO ELIMINATE
UNNECESSARY
AIR POLLUTANT
11.FORTUNE SOURCE LTD HARBOUR CITY, TSIM SHA TSUI 27.7.90- 8.8.90 APCO: 1,000 UNAUTHORISED INSTALLATION OR ALTERATION OF FURNACES 1ST EASTERN
12.WAH SANG KAI KEE FOUNDRY FO TAN, SHA TIN 1.8.90 APCO: 1,000 USING PROHIBITED FUEL IN THE TERRITORY 1ST SHA TIN
13.YUPY LTD KWAI FUK RD, KWAI CHUNG 11.8.90- 28.10.90 APCO: 1,000 UNAUTHORISED INSTALLATION OR ALTERATION OF FURNACES 1ST SOUTH KOWLOON
14.KING PU1 (HK) LTD KAT TING VILLAGE, SHA TIN 14.8.90 APCO: 2,000 USING PROHIBITED FUEL IN THE TERRITORY 1ST SHA TIN
15.CLEVER POWER IND LTD FUK MAN RD, SAI KUNG 18.8.90- 7.11.90 APCO: 500 UNAUTHORISED INSTALLATION OR ALTERATION OF FURNACES 1ST KWUN TONG
16.PAK SHUN RESTAURANT CHUNG ON ST TSUEN WAN 10.9.gO-24.9.90 APCO: 1,000 FAILURE TO FURNISH THE REQUIRED INFORMATION TO THE AUTHORITY 1ST TSUEN WAN
17.ASCEND DYEING WORKS LTD WANG LUNG ST, TSUEN WAN 14.9.90 APCO: 3,000 EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 3RD TSUEN WAN
18.CHEUNG TAK-YUEN SA PO RD, KOWLOON CITY 15.9.90 NCO: 20,000 FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IN A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE 1ST SAN PO KONG
19.AIMSHERO INVESTMENTS LTD PAK TAI ST, HUNG HOM 16.9.90 APCO: 2,000 UNAUTHORISED INSTALLATION 1ST SAN PO KONG
OR ALTERATION
OF FURNACES
/20.........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 1991
- 15 -
20.GOOD HARVEST LAUNDRY CO TSING YI IND CTR, TSING YI 2.10.90 APCO: EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 6,000 1ST TSUEN WAN
21.PIONEER ELASTIC FABRIC LTD KWAI TING RD, KWAI CHUNG 5.10.90 ti 2,000 4TH TSUEN WAN
22.CHUNG HUNG-LEUNG RUSSELL ST, CAUSEWAY BAY 7.10.90 NCO: PERMIT CONSTRUCTION WORK NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS IN A PERMIT 5,000 1ST EASTERN
23.WAI SIU CONCRETE CO LTD WANG KEE ST, KOWLOON BAY 11.10.90 APCO: FAILURE TO TAKE MEASURES TO ELIMINATE UNNECESSARY AIR POLLUTANT 7,500 2ND FANLING
24.WIDA SIZING WORKS LTD MA KOK ST, TSUEN WAN 18.10.90 APCO: EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 8,000 2ND TSUEN WAN
25.SINO-SOUTH INDUSTRIES LTD HO TIN ST, TUEN MUN 18.10.90 i. 3,000 3RD TUEN MUN
26.ACE TANG TRADING & MANUFACTURING CO LTD ON NING RD, YUEN LONG 23.10.90 NCO: FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IN A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE 5,000 1ST FANLING
27.GUANGDONG WATER CONSERVANCY & HYDROPOWER ENGRG DEVELOPMENT CO LTD ASHLEY RD, TSIM SHA TSUI 31.10.90 APCO: CONTRAVENING TERMS OR CONDITIONS OF A SPECIFIED PROCESS LICENCE 8,000 4TH SAN PO KONG
28.LINK TEXTILES * CO (HK) LTD YEUNG UK RD, TSUEN WAN 31.10.90-14.11.90 APCO: FAILURE TO FURNISH THE REQUIRED 1,000 1ST TSUEN WAN
INFORMATION TO THE AUTHORITY
/29..........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 1991
16
29.MING LEE LAM TEI, 1.11.90 APCO: FAILURE TO TAKE MEASURES TO ELIMINATE UNNECESSARY AIR POLLUTANT 2,000 1ST TUEN MUN
METAL FOUNDRY LTD TUEN MUN
30.GLORY LOONG INDUSTRIES LTD TAI YAU ST , SAN PO KONG 2.11.90 APCO: EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 3,000 2ND SAN PO KONG
31.WING KWONG SANG SANG FU YUNG SHAN, TSUEN WAN 8.11.90 APCO: FAILURE TO ABATE AN AIR POLLUTANT NUISANCE (GENERAL) 1,000 2ND TSUEN WAN
32.EASTER FINISHING CO LTD TIN HAU RD, TUEN MUN 12.11.90 APCO: EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 2,000 4TH TUEN MUN
33.NAN SING DYEING WORKS LTD AUSTIN RD, TSIM SHA TSUI 13.11.90 II 5,000 1ST TSUEN WAN
34.LEIGHTON CONTRACTORS PTY LTD QUEEN'S RD EAST, WAN CHAI 19.11.90 APCO: CONTRAVENING TERMS OR 4,000 1ST EASTERN
CONDITIONS OF A SPECIFIED PROCESS LICENCE
35.LEIGHTON CONTRACTORS PTY LTD QUEEN'S RD EAST, WAN CHAI 22.11.90 ii 6,000 2ND EASTERN
36.CHEUK KIN TRADING LTD NATHAN RD, TSIM SHA TSUI 22.11.90 NCO: FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH 5,000 1ST SOUTH KOWLOON
THE REQUIREMENT IN A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE
37.GUANGDONG WATER CONSERVANCY & HYDROPOWER ENGRG DEVELOPMENT CO LTD ASHLEY RD, TSIM SHA TSUI 27.11.90 \pco: 8, CONTRAVENING TERMS OR CONDITIONS OF A SPECIFIED PROCESS LICENCE 000 5TH SAN PO KONG
38.WILSONIA DEVELOPMENT LTD TA CHUEN PING ST, KWAI CHUNG 27.11.90 APCO: 4, EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 500 1ST TSUEN WAN
/39
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 1991
- 17 -
39.NISHIMATSU CONSTRUCTION CO LTD TAI HANG 9.12.90 DRIVE, SO KON PO NCO: CARRY OUT CONSTRUCTION WORK WITHOUT A VALID CONSTRUCTION NOISE PERMIT 5,000 1ST EASTERN
40.KWOK SIU-WAI TAI HANG 9.12.90 DRIVE, SO KON PO NCO: PERMIT CONSTRUCTION WORK WITHOUT A VALID CONSTRUCTION NOISE PERMIT 5,000 1ST EASTERN
41.LICK SANG KNITTING & DYEING FTY WANG LUNG 11.12.90 ST, TSUEN WAN APCO: EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 8,000 6TH TSUEN WAN
42.DIK SUN DYEING FTY LTD WING LAP 11.12.90 ST KWAI CHUNG If 4,500 3RD TSUEN WAN
43.YAT SUN DYEING & FINISHING WORKS LTD SAN ON ST, 18.12.90 TUEN MUN ft 3,000 3RD TUEN MUN
44.KAN YUK WING KEE, 19.12.90 PAK SHER WOR NEW VILLAGE, CLEARWATER BAY WPCO: DISCHARGE WASTE MATTER INTO A STREAM IN THE JUNK BAY WATER CONTROL ZONE WITHOUT A LICENCE 3,500 1ST KWUN TONG
45.SHUI LUNG TEXTILES LTD TAI YAU 21.12.90 ST SAN PO KONG APCO: EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 2,000 1ST SAN PO KONG
46.MAXMIL- LION IND LTD SHING FONG 7.1.91 ST KWAI CHUNG IV 3,000 2ND TSUEN WAN
47.MAXMILLION IND LTD SHING FONG 17.1.91 ST KWAI CHUNG ft 3,000 3RD TSUEN WAN
/48.........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 1991
- 18 -
48.UNIVER- SAL DOCKYARD LTD KO FAI RD, YAU TONG 18.1.91 DASO: 5,000 DUMPING OF 750 CUBIC METRES OF DREDGED MARINE MUD AT SEA SOUTH OF CHEUNG CHAU WITHOUT A LICENCE 5TH EASTERN
49.LEIGHTON CONTRACTORS PTY LTD QUEEN’S RD EAST, WAN CHAI 21.1.91 APCO: 3,000 CONTRAVENING TERMS OR CONDITIONS OF A SPECIFIED PROCESS LICENCE 3RD EASTERN
50.UNIVERSAL DOCK- YARD LTD KO FAI RD, YAU TONG 5.2.91 DASO: 2,500 DUMPING OF 750 CUBIC METRES OF DREDGED MARINE MUD AT MIRS BAY WITHOUT A LICENCE 6TH EASTERN
51.KORNWALL CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING CO LTD MAN WAN RD, MONG KOK 7.2.91 WPCO: 10,000 DISCHARGE MATTER INTO A STORM WATER DRAIN 1ST SHA TIN
52.CHENG PUI-KUEN (TUG BOAT MASTER) ABERDEEN MAIN RD, ABERDEEN 28.2.91 DASO: 3,000 DUMPING OF 750 CUBIC METRES OF EXCAVATED MATERIAL AT SEA SOUTHEAST OF TUNG LUNG CHAU OTHERWISE THAN UNDER AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LICENCE CONDITION 1ST EASTERN
AND .
LEUNG KOON-YAU (BARGE SAILOR) HING WAH EST, CHAI WAN 28.2.91 DASO: 3,500 DUMPING OF 750 CUBIC METRES OF EXCAVATED MATERIAL AT SEA SOUTHEAST OF TUNG LUNG CHAU OTHERWISE THAN UNDER AND TN 2ND EASTERN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE LICENCE CONDITION
/NOTE: .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 1991
- 19 -
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 THE NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE RELATING TO NEIGHBOURHOOD NOISE, THREE PERSONS WERE PROSECUTED BY THE POLICE FOR EMITTING EXCESSIVE NOISE FROM DOMESTIC PLACES, WITH FINES OF $250 EACH.
CASE 51 WAS THE FIRST CASE IN WHICH A CONSTRUCTION COMPANY WAS PROSECUTED AND CONVICTED UNDER THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE FOR OFFENCE OF DISCHARGING MUDDY WASTEWATER INTO STORMWATER DRAINS FROM CONSTRUCTION WORK.
AN EPD SPOKESMAN SAID WASTEWATER ARISING FROM CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES HAVE LONG BEEN PROBLEMS OF POLLUTION AND HAVE BEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR BLOCKAGE OF PUBLIC DRAINS ESPECIALLY IN AREAS WHICH ARE BEING DEVELOPED. THE WIDENING OF THE AMBIT OF THE WPCO BY THE AMENDMENT IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR HAS ENABLED THE AUTHORITY TO CONTROL ALL EFFLUENTS, OTHER THAN DOMESTIC SEWAGE AND UNPOLLUTED WATER, DISCHARGED TO PUBLIC SEWERS.
CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES ARE ADVISED TO ENSURE THAT WASTEWATER FROM CONSTRUCTION SITE UNDERGO SEDIMENTATION FACILITIES TO REMOVE THE SOLIDS BEFORE DISCHARGING IT INTO ANY PUBLIC DRAINS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
ENQUIRIES ON SPECIFIC CASE CAN BE ADDRESSED TO THE FOLLOWING
PRINCIPAL APCO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICERS 1046
MR FRANKLIN CHUNG TEL NO. 835
NCO MR STEVEN HO TEL NO. 835 1123
DASO MR PATRICK LEI TEL NO. 782 7280
WPCO CASE 44 DR DANIEL LAU TEL NO. 782 7282
WPCO CASE 51 MR PERRY LAI TEL NO. 417 4100
HOWEVER, ENQUIRIES ON GENERAL ISSUES SHOULD CONTINUE BE DIRECTED TO THE EPD’S PUBLIC RELATIONS SECTION.
- - 0 - -
/20........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 1991
- 20 -
GOVT LOT TO LET BY TENDER ♦ * * * *
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT-TERM TENANCY OF A LOT AT WESTERN PARK ROAD, WESTERN RECLAMATION.
IT IS A 9,250-SQUARE-METRE SITE FOR OPEN STORAGE AND/OR VEHICULAR PARKING, INCLUDING CONTAINER VEHICLES, AND FOR THE STUFFING AND DESTUFFING OF CONTAINERS.
THE TENANCY IS FOR 18 MONTHS AND RENEWABLE MONTHLY THEREAFTER.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON JULY 5.
FORM OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND TENDER PLAN INSPECTED AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES, HONG KONG WEST AND KOWLOON AND THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, CENTRAL.
------0--------
ACTION AGAINST UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORK * * * * ♦
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE AN UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORK IN SHAM SHUl PO SO THAT IT CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS OR THE PUBLIC.
THE BUILDING WORK IS LOCATED AT THE REAR YARD ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF 108 KI LUNG STREET.
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON SEPTEMBER 25 WAS POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IT IS EXPECTED THAT DEMOLITION WORKS WILL START ONCE THE CLOSURE ORDER IS GRANTED.
---------0-----------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND HKEG
*****
EXCHANGE FUND BILLS TENDER RESULTS WEDNESDAY 19 JUNE 1991
ISSUE NUMBER Q125 Y191
AMOUNT APPLIED HKD 855 MN HKD 446 MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED HKD 400 MN HKD 200 MN
AVERAGE ACCEPTED YIELD 7.63 PCT 7.62 PCT
HIGHEST ACCEPTED YIELD 7.68 PCT 7.64 PCT
PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 93 PCT FULLY ALLOTTED
/HONG KONG .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 1991
- 21 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND HKEH
NEXT TENDER OF EXCHANGE FUND BILLS TUESDAY 25 JUNE 1991
ISSUE NUMBER Q126 H167
ISSUE DATE 26 JUN 91 26 JUN 91
MATURITY DATE 25 SEP 91 27 DEC 91
TENOR 91 DAYS 184 DAYS*
AMOUNT ON OFFER HKD 400 + 80 MN HKD 200 + 60 MN
♦REPEAT 184 DAYS
--------0-----------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
* ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 14.6.91 430»
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 19.6.91 + 339
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING -389
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
♦LATE O/N ASSISTANCE OF 50 MN
PROVIDED ON 14.6.91 TO BE REVERSED TODAY
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 115.0 ♦+0.2^ 19.6.91
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND BILLS
CLOSING YIELDS OF EXCHANGE FUND BILLS
14.6.91 19.6.91
MATURING IN 1 WEEK 7.60 PCT 7.68 PCT
1 MONTH 7.54 PCT 7.62 PCT
3 MONTHS 7.52 PCT 7.61 PCT
6 MONTHS 7.51 PCT 7.59 PCT
12 MONTHS 7.48 PCT 7.60 PCT
TOTAL BILLS TRANSFERRED 1,510 MN 2,083 MN
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR LEAVES FOR DUTY VISIT TO LONDON ................................ 1
APRIL ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS FIGURES RELEASED 1
PUBLICATION OF PROVISIONAL ELECTORAL REGISTERS FOR LEGCO ELECTIONS ...... 6
83 APPLICATIONS FOR SMATV LICENCES RECEIVED ............................. 11
NEW STRATEGIC ROAD TO COME INTO USE ON JUNE 26 .......................... 12
CENTRALISED COLLECTION TO REDUCE STOCKBROKERS' DEALINGS COSTS ........... 12
'FOOD SAFETY IS IN YOUR HANDS' CAMPAIGN STARTS .......................... 14
LARGE-SCALE PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN AGAINST LEAVING CHILDREN UNATTENDED AT HOME .................................................................... 15
CSD MONG KOK RECRUITMENT CENTRE OPENS ................................... 16
GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY .......................................... 16
FIRST QUARTER GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY REPORT ON SALE ................... 20
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .............. 20
THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 1991
GOVERNOR LEAVES EOR DUTY VISIT TO LONDON *******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, LEFT TONIGHT (THURSDAY) FOR LONDON ON A REGULAR DUTY VISIT.
SIR DAVID WILL MEET THE PRIME MINISTER, MR JOHN MAJOR; THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, MR DOUGLAS HURD; THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, LORD CAITHNESS; AND OTHER SENIOR OFFICIALS IN THE FOREIGN OFFICE.
HE WILL ALSO MEET MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT AND MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA IN LONDON.
SIR DAVID WOULD DISCUSS A WHOLE RANGE OF ISSUES WITH MINISTERS AND OFFICIALS DURING HIS VISIT.
IN RESPONSE TO A QUESTION ON THE AIRPORT ISSUE, THE GOVERNOR SAID HE WOULD GIVE HIS VIEWS AND TO THE EXTENT THAT HE COULD, LOCAL PEOPLE’S VIEWS ON THE ISSUE.
"THERE ARE OF COURSE A DIVERSITY OF VIEWS ON THIS SUBJECT LIKE EVERYTHING, BUT I WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THE GENERAL VIEW IN HONG KONG IS THAT WE WOULD LIKE TO GET ON WITH BUILDING AN AIRPORT," HE SAID.
"BUT WE WANT TO KNOW THAT WE CAN DO IT, CARRI THROUGH THE PROJECT IN A SENSIBLE WAY BEFORE WE ACTUALLY LAUNCH INTO IT,” HE ADDED.
"THERE IS NO POINT IN STARTING OFF ON SOMETHING LIKE THAT UNLESS YOU KNOW THAT YOU'RE GOING TO BE ABLE TO CARRY OUT THE WHOLE THING THROUGH," SIR DAVID SAID.
- - 0 - -
APRIL ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS FIGURES RELEASED *****
IN APRIL 1991, THE AVERAGE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND REPORTED BY THE 200 LARGEST MANUFACTURI NG COMPANIES INCREASED BY 1% WHEN COMPARED WITH MARCH 1991 AND BY 2% WHEN COMPARED WITH APRIL 1990, ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS OF A SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
COMPARED WITH MARCH 1991, THE AVERAGE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND IN APRIL 1991 INCREASED SLIGHTLY IN MOST MANUFACTURI NG INDUSTRIES SURVEYED.
/COMPARED WITH
THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 1991
- 2 -
COMPARED WITH APRIL 1990, THE ORDERS POSITION IN APRIL 1991 INCREASED MODERATELY IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY AND TO A LESSER EXTENT TN THE WEARING APPAREL AND THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES. ON THE OTHER HANI), ORDERS DECREASED MODERATELY IN THE TEXTILES INDUSTRY AND SLIGHTLY IN THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY OVER THE SAME PERIOD.
THE AVERAGE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND IS MEASURED IN TERMS OF THE NUMBER OF MONTHS AND REFERS TO ORDERS OUTSTANDING AS AT THE END OF THE REFERENCE MONTH.
ON EMPLOYMENT, THE MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED REPORTED THAT THEIR TOTAL WORKFORCE IN APRIL 1991 DECREASED BY 1% WHEN COMPARED WITH MARCH 1991 AND BY 10% WHEN COMPARED WITH APRIL 1990.
COMPARED WITH MARCH 1991, EMPLOYMENT IN APRIL 1991 INCREASED SLIGHTLY IN THE TEXTILES AND THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES, BUT DECREASED SLIGHTLY IN THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY. OVER THE SAME PERIOD, EMPLOYMENT SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE IN THE FOOD AND DRINKS, WEARING APPAREL AND PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES.
COMPARED WITH APRIL 1990, EMPLOYMENT IN APRIL 1991 DECREASED IN MOST MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES SURVEYED, WITH SUBSTANTIAL DECREASES RECORDED IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS AND THE TEXTILES INDUSTRIES. OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY REPORTED A SLIGHT INCREASE IN EMPLOYMENT.
IN APRIL 1991, PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN THE MANUFACTURING COMPANIES SURVEYED INCREASED BY 3% IN MONEY TERMS WHEN COMPARED WITH MARCH 1991. AS SOME COMPANIES SURVEYED HAD EFFECTED SALARY REVISION IN APRIL 1991, PER CAPITA EARNINGS INCREASED IN MOST MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES SURVEYED, PARTICULARLY IN THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS AND THE FOOD AND DRINKS INDUSTRIES.
ON THE OTHER HAND, PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY DECREASED SIGNIFICANTLY IN APRIL 1991 WHEN COMPARED WITH MARCH 1991, FOLLOWING THE ISSUE OF BONUSES IN MARCH BY SOME COMPANIES SURVEYED.
COMPARED WITH APRIL 1990, PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN THE MANUFACTURING COMPANIES SURVEYED INCREASED BY 17% IN MONEY TERMS IN APRIL 1991. INCREASES IN PER CAPITA EARNINGS WERE RECORDED IN ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES SURVEYED, WITH THE LARGEST INCREASES RECORDED IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS AND THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES.
IN THE CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES SURVEYED, EMPLOYMENT tN APRIL 1991 SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH MARCH 1991, BUT DECREASED MODERATELY WHEN COMPARED WITH APRIL 1990. PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN APRIL 1991 INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY WHEN COMPARED WITH MARCH 1991, DUE TO THE ISSUE OF BONUSES AND SALARY REVISION BY SOME COMPANIES SURVEYED.
/COMPARED WITH .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 1991
3 -
COMPARED WITH APRIL 1990, PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN APRIL 1991 INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY. 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 APRIL 1991 AS REPORTED BY THE COMPANIES SURVEYED SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH MARCH 1991, BUT INCREASED SLIGHTLY OVER APRIL 1990.
PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN APRIL 1991 FOR THE SELECTED SERVICE SECTORS TAKEN TOGETHER INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY WHEN COMPARED WITH MARCH 1991, DUE TO THE ISSUE OF BONUSES AND SALARY REVISION BY SOME COMPANIES SURVEYED.
PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN APRIL 1991 INCREASED MODERATELY OVER APRIL 1990 FOR THE SELECTED SERVICE SECTORS TAKEN TOGETHER.
THE PERCENTAGE CHANGES IN ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS ARE SHOWN IN TABLES 1 TO 3.
THE SURVEY COVERED A PANEL OF THE 200 LARGEST MANUFACTURING COMPANIES AND THE 50 LARGEST COMPANIES IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AND SELECTED SERVICE SECTORS, CHOSEN BY REFERENCE TO THEIR EMPLOYMENT SIZES IN SEPTEMBER 1986.
THE DEPARTMENT CAUTIONED THAT AS THE SURVEY IS NOT BASED ON A SCIENTIFICALLY SELECTED SAMPLE, THE MAGNITUDES OF CHANGE INDICATED BY THE SURVEY RESULTS ARE MERELY A REFLECTION OF THE EXPERIENCE OF THE COMPANIES SURVEYED.
HOWEVER, GIVEN THE COMPOSITION OF THE PANEL, IT SHOULD BE ABLE TO PROVIDE A USEFUL INDICATION OF THE DIRECTION OF CHANGE FOR MAKING A QUICK ASSESSMENT OF DEVELOPMENTS TN THE ECONOMY IN THE SHORT TERM.
THE SURVEY REPORT FOR APRIL 1991 IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AND AT THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER 1, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, AT $4.50 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE MADE TO THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 805 6441.
/TABLE 1 .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 1991
4 -
TABLE 1 : ORDERS-ON-HAND IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES
ORDERS-ON-HAND
INDUSTRY AS AT THE END OF APRIL 1991 CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH
MAR 91 APR 90
ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES (MONTHS) 4.44 (%) + 1 (%) 42
— — — — — — — —
WEARING APPAREL 4.75 41 42
TEXTILES 2.47 42 -4
PLASTIC PRODUCTS 3.52 42 46
FABRICATED METAL 4.24 + 1 -1
PRODUCTS ELECTRICAL AND 5.38 + f 42
ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS OTHERS 4. 10 * -1
* CHANGES WITHIN 4/- 0.5%
TABLE 2 : EMPLOYMENT
PERSONS ENGAGED AT THE END OF APRIL 1991
CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH
INDUSTRY/SERVICES MAR 91 APR 90
(%) (%)
ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES -1 -10
— — —
FOOD AND DRINKS ♦ -4
WEARING APPAREL ♦ -5
TEXTILES 41 -17
PLASTIC PRODUCTS * -31
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS 41 42
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS -3 -12
OTHERS -1 -3
CONSTRUCTION # » -8
/SERVICES .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 1991
5
SERVICES
BANKS
HOTELS
PUBLIC UTILITIES
OTHERS
*
♦
* ♦
+ 1
+ 1
+ 4
-8
-2 + 3
* CHANCES WITHIN + /- 0.5%
# PERSONS ENGAGED COVER COMPANY EMPLOYEES ONLY; SITE WORKERS BY LABOUR-ONLY SUB-CONTRACTORS ARE NOT INCLUDED.
EMPLOYED
TABLE 3 : PER CAPITA EARNINGS
PER CAPITA EARNINGS
INDUSTRY/SERVICES AVERAGE AS IN APRIL 1991 CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH MAR 91 APR 90
(HK$) (%) (%)
ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES 6,716 + 3 + 17
FOOD AND DRINKS 7,827 + 6 + 16
WEARING APPAREL 5,030 + 1 + 14
TEXTILES 5,830 + 3 + 12
PLASTIC PRODUCTS 6,619 + 2 + 31
FABRICATED METAL 6,228 -12 + 2
PRODUCTS
ELECTRICAL AND 6,951 + 7 + 23
ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS
OTHERS 8,863 + 6 + 15
CONSTRUCTION # 9,653 + 10 + 21
— — — _ —
SERVICES 13,540 + 22 + 8
BANKS 10,400 + 7 + 10
HOTELS 7, 140 -2 + 12
PUBLIC UTILITIES 10,468 -8 + 17
OTHERS 21,800 + 69 W + 1
# PER CAPITA EARNINGS COVER COMPANY EMPLOYEES ONLY; SITE WORKERS EMPLOYED BY LABOUR-ONLY SUB-CONTRACTORS ARE NOT INCLUDED.
(-0 THIS SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE WAS DUE MAINLY TO THE ISSUE OF SPECIAL BONUSES BY SOME COMPANIES IN APRIL 1991.
/NOTE : DUE .........
THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 1991
- 6 -
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.
NOTE TO TABLES 1 - 3 : UNLIKE "ORDERS-ON-HAND" AND ’’PER CAPITA
EARNINGS", WHICH ARE AVERAGE FIGURES AMONGST THE COMPANIES SURVEYED, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED BY THE COMPANIES SURVEYED IS NOT MEANINGFUL INFORMATION ON ITS OWN (BECAUSE THIS IS A PANEL SURVEY) . AND IS THEREFORE NOT SHOWN.
- - 0---------
PUBLICATION OF PROVISIONAL ELECTORAL REGISTERS FOR LEGCO ELECTIONS
*****
THE PROVISIONAL REGISTERS FOR GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCIES AND FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES FOR THE FORTHCOMING LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS WILL BE PUBLISHED TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
FOR GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCIES, THE UPDATED GENERAL ELECTORAL ROLL SEES AN OVERALL REDUCTION OF 34,045 ENTRIES.
THERE ARE ALTOGETHER 44,495 OMISSIONS, COVERING 1,950 DEATHS, 35,752 CASES OF LOSS OF CONTACT AND 6,378 DOUBTFUL IDENTITY CARD NUMBERS AND/OR DOUBTFUL ADDRESSES.
THIS IS PARTLY OFFSET BY THE ADDITION OF 10,450 NEW ENTRIES, RESULTED FROM THE APPLICANTS RECEIVED BETWEEN LATE NOVEMBER LAST YEAR AND MAY 6 THIS YEAR.
ACCORDING TO THE REGISTRATION OFFICER, MR LAI KWAN-TAT, THE SIZE OF REDUCTION IS QUITE NORMAL.
"IT HAPPENS AFTER EACH ROUND OF ELECTIONS AND SUCH UPDATING INDEED HELPS TO MAINTAIN THE ACCURACY OF THE ELECTORAL ROLL," HE SAID.
GIVEN THAT THE REGISTRATION EXERCISE ONLY STARTED AFTER THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS ON MAY 5, MORE APPLICATIONS ARE EXPECTED TO BE RECEIVED BEFORE THE CLOSING DATE ON JULY 1. UP TO JUNE 19, A FURTHER 26,379 APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED BY THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE.
THE LEGCO ELECTORAL ROLL FOR FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES SHOWS AN INTAKE OF 4,073 ELECTORS AND AN OMISSION OF 233 ENTRIES.
/THERE IS .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 1991
7 -
THERE IS AN OVERALL IMPROVEMENT IN THE REGISTRATION RATE (FROM 56.3 PER CENT INCREASING TO 60.1 PER CENT), AND THE TEACHING CONSTITUENCY HAS THE HIGHEST NET INTAKE OF 1,865 ELECTORS AND ACCOUNTS FOR NEARLY H\LF OF NET TOTAL INTAKE OF 3,840 ELECTORS.
THREE OF THE SEVEN NEW CONSTITUENCIES, THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND THE RURAL CONST ITUENCIES, WILL HAVE THEIR VOTER REGISTRATION CONDUCTED AFTER THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE NEW TERM OF OFFICE OF THEIR MEMBERS ON JUNE 1.
THE ARCHITECTURAL, SURVEYING AND PLANNING CONSTITUENCY SHOWS A HEALTHY REGISTRATION RATE OF 53 PER CENT.
THE TOURISM CONSTITUENCY REGISTERS A RATE OF 43.7 PER CENT, WHILE THE REAL ESTATE AND CONSTRUCTION AND THE FINANCIAL SERVICES CONSTITUENCIES SHOW A RATHER SLACK RESPONSE, WITH A REGISTRATION RATE OF 17 PER CENT AND 16 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
SOME IMPROVEMENTS ARE LIKELY TO BE MADE AS LATE APPLICATION FORMS ARE BEING RECEIVED AND THERE ARE STILL 10 DAYS BEFORE THE REGISTRATION PERIOD CLOSES.
THE NUMBER Ob LATE APPLICATIONS RECEIVED IN RESPECT OF THESE CONSTITUENCIES RY JUNE 19 STANDS AT:
TOURISM 193
REAL ESTATE AND CONSTRUCTION 97
FINANCIAL SERVICES 201
THE REGISTRATION OFFICER MAKES A FURTHER APPEAL TO ALL El IGIBLE PERSONS '1'0 COMF FORWARD AND REGISTER AS ELECTORS BY JULY 1.
REGISTERED ELECTORS SHOULD ALSO NOTIFY THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE OF ANY CHANGE OF PARTICULARS, ESPECIALLY THE RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS OF INDIVIDUAL ELECTORS.
THE PROVISIONAL REGISTERS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION FROM JUNE 21 TO JULY I AT THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE AND AT DI STR I CT OFFICES.
/CHANGES IN .......
Changes In the Size of the Genera! Electoral Roll
THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 1991
• District No. of Electors in the 1990 Final Register No. of Deletions No. Of Additions Galn/Loss in Inter-district movement of electors No. of Electors In the 1991 Provisional Register Net Increase/ Decrease
A Islands B North C Sal Kung D Sha Tin E Tai Po F Tsuen Wan G Tuen Mun H Yuen Long J Kwai Tslng 23.342 55,369 34,972 151,359 62,399 81,524 115,953 . 70,138 136.095 567 344 184 901 187 1.251 466 990 2.099 93 126 357 935 303 366 471 462 721 48 63 1.446 308 382 162 357 -12 -297 22,916 55,214 36.591 151,701 62,897 80.801 116.315 69,598 134,420 -426 -2% -155 0% 1,619 5% 342 0% 498 1% -723 -1% 362 0% -540 -1% -1675 -1%
I Regional Council Area Sub total 731,151 6.989 3,834 2,457 730,453 •690 0%
00 1 M Central & Western N Wan Chai P Eastern Q Southern R Kowloon City S Kwun Tong T Mong Kok U Sham Shut Po V ft/ongTalSIn W Yau Tslm 75,333 59.302 193.606 90.995 124,043 213,013 48,702 123,064 158,520 37,714 5,232 931 3,602 2.666 3,025 6,743 589 1.394 10.778 2.546 598 243 779 641 612 1.250 259 554 1.446 234 36 -53 311 -168 9 -1967 -103 -132 -204 -186 70,735 58,561 191,094 88,802 121,639 205,553 48,269 122,092 148.984 35.216 -4598 -6% •741 -1% -2512 -1% -2193 -2% -2404 -2% -7460 -4% -433 -1% -972 -1% -9536 -6% -2498 -7%
Urban Council Area Sub-total 1,124,292 37,506 6.616 -2457 1,090.945 -33347 -3%
Total 1,855,443 44.495 10,450 0 1,821.398 -34045 -2%
/NO. OF
Registration and Electoral Office, Constitutional Affairs Branch.
Government Secretariat.
June 1991
Ref: K1SGER51
Potential electorate
Registered electorate
Registration Rate
1,990 3.696.000 1,855.443
50.2%
3.696,000
1,821,398
49.3%
THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 1991
9
No. of Registered Electors in the 1991 Provisional Register
Legislative Council Constituency* District No. of Electors
by District by Constituency
1. New Territories East Sai Kung 36,591 188,292
Sha Tin 151.701
2. New Territories South Islands 22.916 238,137
Tsuen Wan 80,801
Kwai Tsing 134,420
3. New Territories West Tuen Mun 116,315 185,913
Yuen Long 69.598
4. New Territories North j North 55.214 118,111
Tai Po 62,897
5. Kowloon East Kwun Tong 205,553 205.553
6. Kowloon Central Kowloon City 121,639 270,623
Wong Tai Sin 148,984
7. Kowloon West Mong Kok 48,269 205,577
Sham Shui Po 122,092
Yau Tsim 35,216
8. Hong Kong Island East Wan Chai 58,561 249,655
Eastern 191,094
9. Hong Kong Island West Central & Western 70,735 159,537
Southern 88,802
Total: 1,821,398
Ref: K1NREPR
/LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 1991
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTORAL ROLL
1991 Provisional Register
June 1991
Constituency Electoral Division 1990 Final Register 1991 Deletions 1991 Additions 1991 Change of Constituency 1B91 Provisional Register Eligible Electorate hegistratior Rate
Commercial First Commercial 1,267 4 74 (8) 1,329 2,540 52.32%
Commercial Second Commercial 2,349 19 28 (19) 2,339 5,658 41.34%
Industrial First Industrial 474 0 12 1 487 744 65.46%
Industrial Second Industrial 1,367 10 13 (3) 1,367 2,090 65.41%
Finance & Financial Services Finance 149 2 39 0 186 396 46.97%
Financial S.ervices - 187 9 196 1,200 16.33%
Labour 351 2 15 0 364 455 80.00%
Social Services - 171 0 6 0 177 195 90.77%
Tourism - - - 515 11 526 1,204 43.69%
Real Estate & Construction - - - 89 11 100 579 17.27%
Medical & Health Care Medical 3,641 6 172 0 3,807 6,518 58.41%
Health Care 9,955 7 179 (1) 10,126 17,073 59.31%
Teaching - 32,979 148 2,013 (8> 34,836 53,243 65.43%
Legal 1,110 2 83 d) 1,190 2,544 46.78%
Engineering,Architectual, Engineering 3,171 5 167 (898)1 2,435 3,033 80.28%
Surveying and Planning Architectural, Surveying - - 130 904 1,034 1,945 53.16%
& Planning •
Accountancy - 1,786 28 351 2 2,111 4,500 46.91%
Urban Council • • - 0 0 0 40 0.00%
Regional Council - 0 0 0 36 0.00%
Rural - - - 0 0 0 139 0.00%
Functional Constituency Total 58,770 233 4,073 0 62,610 104,132 60.13%
Electoral College Constituency Total 464 464 • -
Grand Total 59,234 697 4,073 0 62,610 104,132 60.13%
l i i i
o
i
i
i
i
THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 1991
-li-
fts APPLICATIONS FOR SMATV LICENCES RECEIVED
*****
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY, MR DOMINIC S.W. WONG, TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT 83 APPLICATIONS FOR SATELLITE MASTER ANTENNA TELEVISION (SMATV) LICENCES WERE RECEIVED BY MAY 31.
AFTER CAREFUL CONSIDERATION, AN INITIAL BATCH OF 47 COMPANIES WERE APPROVED.
THESE APPLICANTS WOULD BE INVITED TO COMPLETE THE LICENSING FORMALITIES AND TO COMPLY WITH ALL THE CONDITIONS ATTACHING TO THE LICENCES.
"ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS BEING SOUGHT FROM 18 APPLICANTS, AND THE REMAINDER DO NOT APPEAR TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIED," MR WONG ADDED.
"THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED SHOWS THAT THERE IS CONSIDERABLE INTEREST IN RECEIVING SATELLITE TELEVISION IN HONG KONG.
"THE NUMBER OF LICENCES AWARDED WILL ENSURE THAT THERE IS HEALTHY COMPETITION IN THE MARKET," MR WONG SAID.
”1 WOULD ADVISE THOSE INTERESTED IN INSTALLING SATELLITE TELEVISION SYSTEMS TO DECIDE THE BEST DEAL FOR THEMSELVES."
APPLICATIONS FOR SMATV LICENCES MAY STILL BE SUBMITTED BY INTERESTED PARTIES AND WILL BE CONSIDERED WHEN RECEIVED.
IT IS A REQUIREMENT UNDER THE LAW THAT SMATV SYSTEMS SHOULD BE INSTALLED AND OPERATED BY LICENSED SMATV OPERATORS ONLY, OTHERWISE THE SYSTEMS WILL BE ILLEGAL.
SATELLITE TELEVISION RECEIVE ONLY (TVRO) DISHES FOR CONNECTION TO A SINGLE TELEVISION SET WILL CONTINUE TO BE PERMITTED WITHOUT LICENCE.
A COMPLETE LIST OF ALL LICENSED SMATV OPERATORS WILL BE MAINTAINED FOR PUBLIC REFERENCE IN THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS BRANCH, SINCERE BUILDING, E I F'l'H FLOOR, 173 DES VOEUX ROAD, CENTRAL. ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE ON TEL. 852 9600.
MR WONG ALSO REMINDED THE OWNERS OF EXISTING SMATV SYSTEMS REGISTERED WITH THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY BEFORE AUGUST 31 THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO TRANSFER THE OPERATION OF THESE SYSTEMS TO LICENSED SMATV OPERATORS NOT LATER THAN SEPTEMBER 30.
--------0-----------
/12........
THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 1991
- 12 -
NEW STRATEGIC ROAD TO COME INTO USE ON JUNE 26 * * * * *
THE ENTIRE ROUTE 6 - A NEW STRATEGIC EXPRESSWAY - CONNECTING SHA TIN IN THE EASTERN NEW TERRITORIES AND QUARRY BAY ON HONG KONG ISLAND WILL COME INTO USE ON JUNE 26.
THE TATE'S CAIRN TUNNEL IS THE FINAL LINK IN THE NEW ROUTE 6.
IT WILL BE OPENED TO TRAFFIC ON JUNE 26. AN ANNOUNCEMENT WILL BE MADE IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE TUNNEL WILL BE OPENED AT 8 PM. THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, WILL OFFICIALLY OPEN IT ON JULY 1.
AS FROM JUNE 26, MOTORISTS WILL BE ABLE TO ENJOY AN UNINTERRUPTED JOURNEY ON THIS NEW ROUTE BETWEEN THE TOLO HIGHWAY NEAR THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY AND QUARRY BAY VIA NEW TRUNK ROADS CONNECTING INTO THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL, PRINCE EDWARD ROAD INTERCHANGE, KWUN TONG BY-PASS AND THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING.
THE JOURNEY WILL TAKE ABOUT 25 MINUTES.
ROUTE 6 IS AN 18-KILOMETRE LONG EXPRESSWAY WITH A SPEED LIMIT OF 80 KPH.
CONSTRUCTION OF THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL STARTED IN JULY 1988 AND WAS COMPLETED AHEAD OF SCHEDULE BY NEARLY TWO MONTHS.
THE ADJOINING GOVERNMENT ROADWORKS WERE ALSO COMPLETED AHEAD OF SCHEDULE TO TIE IN WITH THE OPENING OF THE TUNNEL.
ROUTE 6 IS EXPECTED TO BRING SUBSTANTIAL RELIEF TO CONGESTION AT THE LION ROCK TUNNEL AND TO ENCOURAGE MORE MOTORISTS TO USE THE EASTERN HARBOUR. CROSSING.
------0-------
CENTRALISED COLLECTION TO REDUCE STOCKBROKERS’ DEALINGS COSTS
******
THE GOVERNMENT IS PROPOSING TO PERMIT THE STOCK EXCHANGE TO COLLECT ON ITS BEHALF STAMP DUTY ON SHARE TRANSACTIONS AND TO REMIT AT REGULAR INTERVALS THE COLLECTIONS TO THE COLLECTOR OF STAMP REVENUE, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS CENTRALISED COLLECTION SYSTEM IS EXPECTED TO REDUCE STOCKBROKERS’ DEALING COSTS.
CURRENTLY ANY STOCKBROKER EFFECTING A SALE OR PURCHASE OF HONG KONG STOCK MUST EXECUTE A CONTRACT NOTE AND STAMP IT WITH THE • PRESCRIBED AMOUNT OF DUTY.
/THE STAMPING .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 1991
13
THE STAMPING IS USUALLY DONE BY AFFIXING TO THE CONTRACT NOTES ADHESIVE STAMPS PURCHASED FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE WHO ACTS IN THE CAPACITY OF THE COLLECTOR OF STAMP REVENUE. THESE STAMPS MUST THEN BE IMMEDIATELY CANCELLED TO RENDER THEM INCAPABLE OF BEING RE-USED.
"TO CUT DOWN ON LABOUR COSTS AND TO SAVE TIME, THE STOCKBROKERS HAVE BEEN SEEKING AN ALTERNATIVE STAMPING SYSTEM THAT DOES NOT REQUIRE PHYSICALLY ATTACHING AND CANCELLING STAMPS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
RESPONDING TO A PROPOSAL PUT FORTH BY THE STOCK EXCHANGE TO SET UP A SYSTEM FOR THE CENTRALISED COLLECTION OF CONTRACT NOTE DUTY, THE GOVERNMENT IS PROPOSING LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS UNDER THE STAMP DUTY (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1991.
"THE BILL, IF PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, WILL ENABLE THE COLLECTOR TO ENTER INTO A COLLECTION CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENT WITH THE STOCK EXCHANGE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
UNDER THE AGREEMENT, THE STOCK EXCHANGE WILL BE AUTHORISED TO COLLECT CONTRACT NOTE DUTY FROM BROKERS IN RESPECT OF SPECIFIED TRANSACTIONS AND TO REMIT THOSE COLLECTIONS TO THE COLLECTOR AT REGULAR INTERVALS.
THE AGREEMENT WILL ALSO SPECIFY THE EXTENT OF THE STOCK EXCHANGE’S LIABILITIES TO MAKE GOOD ANY DEFAULT IN PAYMENT OF DUTY BY BROKERS AND TO INDEMNIFY THE COLLECTOR AGAINST ANY LOSSES ARISING FROM THE OPERATION OF THE AGREEMENT.
THE CONTRACT NOTES TO WHICH THE AGREEMENT RELATES WILL IN FUTURE BE REGARDED AS DULY STAMPED IF THEY BEAR AN IMPRINT OF THE STAMP DUTY CHARGEABLE AND AN ENDORSEMENT THAT THE IMPRINTED DUTY HAS BEEN OR WILL BE PAID TO THE COLLECTOR THROUGH THE STOCK EXCHANGE.
"THE IMPRINT OF THE DUTY PAYABLE AND THE ENDORSEMENT MAY ONLY BE MADE BY PERSONS AUTHORISED BY THE COLLECTOR.
"THE PROPOSED SYSTEM WILL RELIEVE BROKERS OF THE BURDEN OF AFFIXING ADHESIVE STAMPS TO CONTRACT NOTES AND CANCELLING THEM AFTERWARDS.
"THROUGH THIS, BROKERS WILL BE ABLE TO REDUCE THEIR DEALING COSTS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE STAMP DUTY (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1991 WILL BE GAZETTED TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AND IS EXPECTED TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JUNE 26.
/14 ........
THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 1991
14
’FOOD SAFETY IS IN YOUR HANDS’ CAMPAIGN STARTS * * * * *
PEOPLE IN THE FOOD TRADE REMINDED TO OBSERVE GOOD HYGIENE
AND INDUSTRY ARE TODAY (THURSDAY) PRACTICES TO SAFEGUARD PUBLIC HEALTH.
THE APPEAL WAS MADE BY THE URBAN COUNCIL CHAIRMAN, DR RONALD LEUNG, AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 1991 FOOD HYGIENE CAMPAIGN WHICH WAS ATTENDED BY REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE FOOD TRADE.
DR LEUNG SAID WITH THE RAPID DEVELOPMENT IN FOOD MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY AND THE GREAT VARIETY OF NEW FOOD PRODUCTS, FOOD HYGIENE MONITORING WORK HAI) BECOME HEAVIER AND EVEN MORE COMPLICATED.
"TO SAFEGUARD PUBLIC HEALTH, THE TWO MUNICIPAL COUNCILS SPARE NO EFFORT IN MAINTAINING FOOD HYGIENE AND SAFETY," HE SAID.
"MEASURES BEING TAKEN INCLUDE A LICENSING SYSTEM, REGULAR INSPECTIONS OF FOOD PREMISES AND SYSTEMATIC AND STRATEGIC SAMPLING OF LOCALLY-MANUFACTURED AND IMPORTED FOOD PRODUCTS."
TO IMPROVE HEALTH CONTROL ON LICENSED FOOD PREMISES, SAID THE URBAN COUNCIL HAD SINCE LAST JULY ADOPTED A MORE AND FAIRER MONITORING SYSTEM - THE "DEMERIT POINTS SYSTEM" -TO RAISE THE HYGIENE STANDARD OF THE FOOD INDUSTRY.
DR LEUNG EFFECTIVE IN A BID
HE STRESSED THAT CO-OPERATION FROM PEOPLE IN THE FOOD INDUSTRY WAS UTMOST IMPORTANT IF FOOD SAFETY WAS TO BE ACHIEVED.
THE THEME OF THIS YEAR’S CAMPAIGN WAS, THEREFORE, APTLY TITLED "FOOD SAFETY IS IN YOUR HANDS", HE SAID.
ECHOING THE APPEAL AT THE SAME OCCASION, THE REGIONAL COUNCIL VICE-CHAIRMAN, DR PANG HOK-TUEN, SAID PEOPLE IN THE FOOD INDUSTRY WERE ON THE FRONTLINE OF SAFEGUARDING FOOD SAFETY.
HE SAID CUSTOMERS WOULD NOT MERELY GO FOR DELICIOUS FOOD BUT WOULD ALSO PAY MUCH ATTENTION TO FOOD SAFETY AND CLEANLINESS.
THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO BUILD UP CUSTOMERS’ CONFIDENCE WAS, THEREFORE, TO OBSERVE FOOD HYGIENE PRACTICES AND SAFETY, HE ADDED.
THE THREE-MONTH FOOD HYGIENE CAMPAIGN IS ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS.
IT AIMS TO ENHANCE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD HYGIENE PRACTICES TO MINIMISE THE CHANCES OF FOOD-BORNE DISEASES.
DURING THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD, 24 FOOD HYGIENE SEMINARS WILL BE HELD FOR PEOPLE IN THE FOOD TRADE, INCLUDING LICENSEES AND STAFF OF LICENSED FOOD PREMISES, COOKED FOOD STALLS AND CANTEENS AT CONVENIENTLY-LOCATFD VENUES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
/THE SEMINARS .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 1991
15
THE SEMINARS, WHICH ARE EDUCATIONAL IN NATURE, WILL EACH COMPRISE A TALK, A SLIDE SHOW AND A FILM ON FOOD HYGIENE, FOLLOWED BY AN OPEN DISCUSSION.
PRINTED EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO SUPPLEMENT THE TALK.
AT THE END OF THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD EACH PARTICIPANT WILL BE AWARDED A CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE.
WITH THE SUPPORT FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, FOUR OTHER SEMINARS WILL BE ORGANISED FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS, WHO WILL IN TURN CONVEY THE MESSAGES TO THEIR STUDENTS.
TO DRIVE HOME THE FOOD HYGIENE MESSAGE, A TELEVISION API (ANNOUNCEMENT IN PUBLIC INTEREST) WILL BE SHOWN AND A 24-HOUR HEALTH EDUCATION HOTLINE (723 0013) WILL BE SET UP TO ANSWER ENQUIRIES ON FOOD HYGIENE MATTERS.
A BROADCASTING VAN WILL BE DEPLOYED TO STEP UP PUBLICITY AT VARIOUS STRATEGIC LOCALITIES.
ALSO PRESENT AT TODAY’S CEREMONY WAS THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF HEALTH (HYGIENE), DR MAHOMMED BIN ALI.
--------0------------
LARGE-SCALE PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN AGAINST LEAVING CHILDREN UNATTENDED AT HOME *****
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES ON AN INQUEST INTO THE DEATH OF FOUR CHILDREN KILLED IN A FIRE INSIDE THEIR FLAT IN HO MAN TIN ESTATE, A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (THURSDAY) SAID THE GOVERNMENT, IN CONJUNCTION WITH NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS, HAD BEEN LAUNCHING A LARGE-SCALE PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN AGAINST LEAVING CHILDREN UNATTENDED AT HOME.
’’THE PUBLICITY PROGRAMMES INCLUDE THE BROADCAST OF TV API’S AND THE PRODUCTION OF POSTERS TO REMIND THE PUBLIC OF THE HAZARDS OF LEAVING CHILDREN UNATTENDED,” HE SAID.
LEAFLETS ARE BEING PRODUCED TO DRIVE HOME THE MESSAGE.
TURNING TO CHILD CARE SERVICES, HE POINTED OUT THAT THERE WERE 19,556 DAY NURSERY PLACES TERRITORY-WIDE AND THAT AN ADDITIONAL OF 1,400 PLACES ARE IN THE PIPELINE IN TH IS FISCAL YEAR.
OTHER MEASURES INCLUDE THE OPERATION OF OCCASIONAL CHILD CARE AND AFTER-SCHOOL CARE SERVICES, HE NOTED.
FROM MAY THIS YEAR, THERE ARE 50 CENTRES PROVIDING A TOTAL OF 150 PLACES AS A RESULT OF AN EXPANSION TO THE OCCASIONAL CHILD CARE SERVICE.
FOR CH JLDREN STUDYING PRIMARY SCHOOLS, THEIR PARENTS COULD MAKE USE OF THE AFTER-SCHOOL CARE SERVICE - A SCHEME PUT ON TRIAL AT FIVE DISTRICTS.
------0-------
/16......
THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 1991
CSD MONG KOK RECRUITMENT CENTRE OPENS *****
THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S (CSD) NEW RECRUITMENT CENTRE IN MONG KOK WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED TODAY (THURSDAY).
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE CSD’S ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER (PERSONNEL), MR PETER PI, SAID MANY PROSPECTIVE APPLICANTS WOULD FIND THE CENTRE, WHICH IS LOCATED NEXT TO THE MONG KOK RAILWAY STATION, MORE CONVENIENT.
"OUR STATISTICS SHOW THAT ABOUT 80 PER CENT OF OUR APPLICANTS COME FROM KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES,” MR PI SAID.
"THEY CAN NOW ATTEND PRELIMINARY INTERVIEWS AND HAVE SOME OF THEIR APPLICATION PROCEDURES PROCESSED AT THE NEW CENTRE RATHER THAN IN THE RECRUITMENT CENTRE AT THE CSD HEADQUARTERS IN WAN CHAI."
MR Pl SAID A SPECIAL FEATURE OF THE CENTRE WAS A NEWLY INSTALLED MICRO-COMPUTER SYSTEM WHICH STORED INFORMATION ON THE WORK OF THE DEPARTMENT.
"INFORMATION ON ANY PARTICULAR CORRECTIONAL PROGRAMME OR PENAL INSTITUTION CAN BE RETRIEVED BY SIMPLY A TOUCH OF A KEY.
"THE COMPUTER SCREEN CAN DISPLAY CHARTS AND COLOUR PICTURES ON VARIOUS CORRECTIONAL PROGRAMMES AND STAFF TRAINING," MR PT ADDED.
WITH AN AREA OF 105 SQUARE METRES, THE MONG KOK RECRUITMENT CENTRE CONSISTS OF A RECEPTION COUNTER AND AN INTERVIEW ROOM.
YOUNG PEOPLE WHO WISH TO JOIN THE CSD CAN COME TO THE CENTRE ON THE MEZZANINE FLOOR, MONG KOK GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 30 LUEN WAN STREET, KOWLOON.
ENQUIRIES (’AN RE MADE ON TEL. 399 2560.
- - 0 - -
GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY ♦ ♦*♦♦*
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED GRADES ON THE BACTERTOLOGI CAL WATER QUALITY OF ALL BATHING BEACHES IN HONG KONG.
THE PURPOSE OF THE GRADING SYSTEM IS TO INFORM SWIMMERS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC ABOUT THE STATE OF BACTERIOLOGICAL POLLUTION AT VARIOUS BEACHES.
THE GRADING WILL BE ANNOUNCED BIWEEKLY DURING THE BATHING SEASON, TO COINCIDE WITH THE FREQUENCY AT WHICH BEACH WATERS ARE
USUALLY SAMPLED.
/THE GRADING
THURSDAl, JUNb Zu,
- 17 -
I'HE GRADING IS BASED ON THE MOST RECENT E. COM DATA OBTAINED BY THE EPI) IN ITS ROUTINE MONITORING PROGRAMME. AS WITH LAST YEAR, THE GRADING ALSO INCLUDES AN ESTIMATE OF THE RISK OF SUFFERING SOME MINOR SKIN OR GASTROINTESTINAL COMPLAINTS AS A RESULT OF SWIMMING AT A BEACH WHICH HAS SOME DEGREE OF POLLUTION.
THE ESTIMATE IS BASED ON A VERY LARGE BODY OF STATISTICAL INFORMATION GATHERED IN HONG KONG TN RECENT BATHING SEASONS.
THE GRADING OF SOME BEACHES MAY VARY DURING THE SUMNER. THIS REPRESENTS A NATURAL FLUCTUATION IN THE BACTERIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF BATHING WATERS IN MOST CASES, AS RAIN AND TIDES BRING MORE OR LESS POLLUTION TO THE BEACHES.
HOWEVER, THE GRADES GIVE A GOOD GENERAL PICTURE OF THE WATER QUALITY AT BATHING BEATTIES AT THE TIME OF REPORTING AND FORM THE BEST AVAILABLE FORECAST FOR THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE.
AN EPI) SPOKESMAN SAID BEACHES WITH HIGHLY DEVELOPED HINTERLANDS ARE LIKELY TO BE MORE POLLUTED THAN THE GRADES SUGGEST DURING AND AFTER HEAVY RAIN.
"BATHERS SHOULD AVOID SUCH BEACHES FOR TWO OR THREE DAYS AFTER A STORM, LONGER IF THE WEATHER REMAINS OVERCAST OR LESS IF THERE IS STRONG SUNSHINE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SYSTEM FOR GRADING BEACH WATER QUALITY IS AS FOLLOWS:
GRADE "I" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS GOOD. THE E. COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 2'1 PER 100 MILL! LU RES AT EACH BEAC H SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED RISK OF MINOR ILLNESS TO SWIMMERS IS UNDETECTABLE.
GRADE "2" INDICATES THAI’ THE WATER QUALITY IS FAIR. THE E. COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 180 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS NO MORE THAN 10 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
GRADE ”3" INDIC ATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS ACCEPTABLE. Till E. COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 610 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH REACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS NO MORE THAN 15 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
GRADE "I" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS POOR. THE E. UOI I COUNT IS MORE THAN 610 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS MORE THAN 15 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO CLOSE A BEACH TO SWIMMERS IS BASED ON A JUDGEMENT OF WHAT DEGREE OF POLLUTION IS ACCEPTABLE. NORMALLY, THE CLOSURE OF A BEACH WOULD ONLY BE CONSIDERED THE URBAN OR REGIONAL COUNCIL IF A "1" GRADE OCCURRED REPEATEDLY, S THAT THE AVERAGE HEALTH RISK OVER THE BATHING SEASON EXCEEDED 15 CASES PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
SIMILARLY, THE REOPENING OF A CLOSED BEACH WOULD OL I \ ’'I
CONSIDERED IF A ”3" GRADE OR BETTER WERE CONSISTENTLY OBTAINED.
/AT PRESENT .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 1991
18
AT PRESENT, TWO BATHING BEACHES, NAMELY CASTLE PEAK AND OLD CAFETERIA, HAVE BEEN DECLARED UNSUITABLE FOR SWIMMING PURPOSES, BASED ON THE WATER QUALITY DURING PAST SEASONS. THEY ARE POLLUTED BY FAECAL WASTES AND FAIL TO ACHIEVE CONSISTENTLY THE HONG KONG STANDARDS.
THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED NOT TO SWIM IN THE WATER AT THESE IWO BEACHES. IN ADDITION, ROCKY BAY BEACH HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR SWIMMING PURPOSES BY THE URBAN COUNCIL. THESE THREE BEACHES ARE IDENTIFIED BY AN "X" IN THE FOLLOWING LIST.
THE GRADES ON THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF VARIOUS BEACHES IN HONG KONG AS AT TODAY ARE LISTED BELOW:
BEACH
PREVIOUS GRADING
PRESENT GRADING
(AS AT 6.6.91)
(AS AT 20.6.91)
HONG KONG SOUTH
BIG WAVE BAY
CHUNG HOM KOK
DEEP WATER BAY
HAIRPIN
MIDDLE BAY
REPULSE BAY
SHEK O
SOUTH BAY
ST STEPHEN’S
TURTLE COVE 1
STANLEY MAIN 2
ROCKY BAY x
TO TEI WAN* 1
TUEN MUN DISTRICT
OLD CAFETERIA x
NEW CAFETERIA 2
CASTLE PEAK x
KADOORIE 2
BUTTERFLY 2
SAI KUNG DISTRICT
CAMPERS
CLEAR WATER BAY 1ST BEACH 1
CLEAR WATER BAY 2ND BEACH
HAP MUN BAY
KIU TSUI
PAK SHA CHAU
SILVERSTRAND
TRIO (HEBE HAVEN) 1
/ISLANDS DISTRICT
THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 1991
- 19 -
ISLANDS DISTRICT
CHEUNG SHA UPPER 1 1
CHEUNG SHA LOWER 2 2
DISCOVERY BAY* 1 1
HUNG SHING YEH 1 1
KWUN YAM WAN 1 1
TONG FUK 1 1
LO SO SHING 1 1
PUI 0 2 2
SILVERMINE BAY 3 3
TUNG WAN, CHEUNG CHAU 2 2
TUNG O* 1 1
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT
ANGLERS’ 3 3
APPROACH 2 2
CASAM 2 2
GEMINI 2 3
HOI MEI WAN 2 3
LIDO 2 2
TING KAU 3 3
TUNG WAN, MA WAN 1 1
NOTE: ”X” THE BEACH HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR SWIMMING PURPOSES.
* NON-GAZETTED BEACHES.
THE FOLLOWING REACHES HAVE CHANGED GRADING ON THIS OCCASION:
GEMINI, HOI MEI WAN AND KADOORI E, FROM "2" TO ”3'’.
THE CHANGES ARE WITHIN THE NORMAL RANGE OF FLUCTUATION OF THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF THESE BEACHES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT THE PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER (WATER POLICY) OF 'HIE EPD, MR P.R. HOLMES, ON TEL. 835 1234.
/20........
THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 1991
- 20 -
FIRST QUARTER GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY REPORT ON SALE * * * * *
THE REPORT ON THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY FOR JANUARY-MARCH 1991, CONTAINING STATISTICS ON EMPLOYMENT, UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT FOR THE QUARTER, IS NOW ON SALE.
THE REPORT ALSO CONTAINS DETAILED ANALYSIS OF THE CHARACTERISTICS OF MEMBERS OF THE LABOUR FORCE, INCLUDING THEIR AGE AND SEX STRUCTURE, EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT, ACTIVITY STATUS, OCCUPATION, INDUSTRY, HOURS WORKED PER WEEK, MONTHLY EMPLOYMENT EARNINGS AS WELL AS REASON FOR UNEMPLOYMENT AND DURATION OF UNEMPLOYMENT FOR THE UNEMPLOYED.
THE REPORT, AT $13.5 PER COPY, CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL.
------u--------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 19.6.91 380
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 20.6.91 -520*
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING + 520
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
*TAKE UP OF BILLS -579 MN
OTHER FORWARDS +59 MN
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 114.5 *-0.5» 20.6.91
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND BILLS
CLOSING YIELDS OF EXCHANGE FUND BILLS
20.6.91 19.6.91
MATURING IN 1 WEEK 7.82 PCT 7.68 PCT
1 MONTH 7.74 PCT 7.62 PCT
3 MONTHS 7.65 PCT 7.61 PCT
6 MONTHS 7.63 PCT 7.59 PCT
12 MONTHS 7.59 PCT 7.60 PCT
TOTAL BILLS TRANSFERRED 1,902 MN 2,083 MN
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR LEAVES FOR DUTY VISIT TO LONDON ........................................ 1
PDB SEES NO REASON TO INTERVENE IN MID STREAM OPERATIONS ........................ 1
LEVEL OF DUTY-FREE FUEL FOR GOODS VEHICLES TO BE REGULARISED..................... 3
BUILDINGS IN MONG KOK DECLARED DANGEROUS ........................................ 4
MARKET MAKERS APPOINTED TO SFC ADVISORY COMMITTEE ............................... 5
ROADS PROPOSED FOR SHEK O SEWAGE SCREENING PLANT................................. 6
NO SIGNIFICANT POLLUTION DONE BY DUCK AND GOOSE FARMS ........................... 7
TWO NT LOTS FOR SALE BY AUCTION ................................................ 8
NEW LITHOTRIPTER INSTALLED IN QMH ............................................... 9
PROPOSED DREDGING AND RECLAMATION AT SIU CHIK SHA .............................. 10
DRAGON BOAT RACE FOR NEW YORK CITY ............................................. 10
TSEUNG KWAN O CLINIC TO START OPERATION NEXT MONTH ............................. 11
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............. 13
FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 1991
1 GOVERNOR LEAVES FOR DUTY VISIT TO LONDON
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, LEFT LAST (THURSDAY) NIGHT FOR LONDON ON A REGULAR DUTY VISIT.
SIR DAVID WILL MEET THE PRIME MINISTER, MR JOHN MAJOR; THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, MR DOUGLAS HURD; THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, LORD CAITHNESS AND OTHER SENIOR OFFICIALS IN THE FOREIGN OFFICE.
HE WILL ALSO MEET MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT AND MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA IN LONDON.
SIR DAVID WOULD DISCUSS A WHOLE RANGE OF ISSUES WITH MINISTERS AND OFFICIALS DURING HIS VISIT.
IN RESPONSE TO A QUESTION ON THE AIRPORT ISSUE, THE GOVERNOR SAID HE WOULD GIVE HIS VIEWS AND TO THE EXTENT THAT HE COULD, LOCAL PEOPLE’S VIEWS ON THE ISSUE.
"THERE ARE OF COURSE A DIVERSITY OF VIEWS ON THIS SUBJECT LIKE EVERYTHING, BUT 1 WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THE GENERAL VIEW IN HONG KONG IS THAT WE WOULD LIKE TO GET ON WITH BUILDING AN AIRPORT," HE SAID.
"BUT WE WANT TO KNOW THAT WE CAN DO IT, CARRY THROUGH THE PROJECT IN A SENSIBLE WAY BEFORE WE ACTUALLY LAUNCH INTO IT," HE ADDED.
"THERE IS NO POINT IN STARTING OFF ON SOMETHING. LIKE THAT UNLESS YOU KNOW THAT YOU’RE GOING TO BE ABLE TO CARRY OUT THE WHOLE THING THROUGH," SIR DAVID SAID.
------0--------
PDB SEES NO REASON TO INTERVENE IN MID STREAM OPERATIONS
FROM
THE PORT DEVELOPMENT BOARD HAS ACCEPTED A RECOMMENDATION ITS MID STREAM OPERATIONS COMMITTEE THAT NO ARTIFICIAL RESTRAINTS SHOULD BE PLACED ON MID STREAM CARGO HANDLING ACTIVITIES.
THE BOARD’S ('HAIRMAN, MR JOHN GRAY, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE BOARD HAD ALSO ACCEPTED THE COMMITTEE’S ASSESSMENT OF PORT CARGO FORECASTS UP TO THE YEAR 2011.
THESE SUGGEST THAT TOTAL VOLUMES OF EXPECTED TO RISE TO 21R MILLION TONNES BY 2006 BY 2011.
PORT CARGO COULD BE AND 284 MILLION TONNES
/GIVEN THAT
FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 1991
2
GIVEN THAT THERE WOULD BE INCREASING CONTAINERISATION, UP TO 20 ADDITIONAL CONTAINER BERTHS WOULD BE NEEDED BY THE YEAR 2006, INCREASING OUR LAND-BASED CONTAINER CAPACITY TO SOME 13 MILLION TEU’S (20-FOOT EQUIVALENT UNIT). THIS CAPACITY MAY NEED TO REACH 26 MILLION TEU’S BY 2011.
IN ACCEPTING THE REPORT, ALL THREE OF THE COMMITTEES SET UP BY THE BOARD AT ITS FIRST MEETING-IN AUGUST LAST YEAR — THE MID STREAM OPERATIONS COMMITTEE, THE RIVER TRADE CARGO ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE, AND THE SHIP REPAIR FACILITIES COMMITTEE -- HAVE NOW COMPLETED THEIR TASKS.
TO PROVIDE PROPER IMPETUS TO THE BOARD’S FUTURE WORK, TWO STANDING COMMITTEES -- ONE DEALING WITH PORT LAND AND TRANSPORT MATTERS AND ONE WITH CONTAINERS — HAVE RECENTLY BEEN ESTABLISHED.
THE MAIN FINDINGS OF THE RIVER TRADE CARGO ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE WERE THAT:
♦ PRESENT RIVER TRADE CARGO FACILITIES ARE OF THE CORRECT TYPE FOR THE TRADE, AND SOME SPARE CAPACITY IS PRESENT;
♦ PRIVATE WHARVES AND TEMPORARY WATERFRONTS, FACILITIES FOR SAND/AGGREGATES, AND PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREAS WILL NEED FURTHER DEVELOPMENT BY 1993, 1994 AND 1995 RESPECTIVELY;
AND
♦ A RIVER TRADE TERMINAL IN TURN MUN IS DESIRABLE.
AS REGARDS SHIP REPAIR, THE BOARD’S COMMITTEE REAFFIRMED THAT THE PORT OF HONG KONG REQUIRES SHIP REPAIR FACILITIES FOR BOTH OCEAN GOING SHIPS AND LOCAL CRAFT.
AGAINST THE BACKGROUND OF COMPETING PRIORITIES FOR LAND AND LABOUR, THE COMMITTEE CONCLUDED THAT THE SCALE OF EXISTING SHIP REPAIR FACILITIES IS LIKELY ’1’0 BE INADEQUATE TO MEET FUTURE DEMAND AND THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONSIDER THE NEED:
» TO PROVIDE IN ITS INFRASTRUCTURAL PLAN, FOR THE DOCKYARD INDUSTRY TO EXPAND;
» TO IDENTIFY SITES FOR ADDITIONAL SHIPYARDS; AND
* TO ENSURE THAT THERE ARE SUFFICIENT SITES PROVIDED FOR BOATYARDS.
THE COMMITTEE ADVISED THAT THE POSSIBLE EXPANSION OF SHIP REPAIR CAPACITY IN CHINA IS UNLIKELY TO HAVE AN IMPACT ON THE NEED FOR ADDITIONAL CAPACITY IN HONG KONG, BUT NOTED THAT THE MOST IMPORTANT CONSTRAINT IS AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF TRAINED LABOUR.
AS REGARDS MID STREAM OPERATIONS, MR JOHN GRAY SAID BOARD MEMBERS AGREED THAT THERE SHOULD BE NO ARTIFICIAL RESTRAINTS IMPOSED.
HE SAID THE MAJORITY OF BOARD MEMBERS WERE OF THE VIEW THAT IT WAS NEITHER NECESSARY NOR DESIRABLE TO PLACE RESTRAINTS ON CONTAINER HANDLING IN THE STREAM SO AS TO DIVERT MORE VESSELS TO THE CONTAINER TERMINALS.
/IN THE .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 1991
3
IN THE MEDIUM TO LONG TERM THE DIVERSION OF CONTAINER VESSELS FROM THE STREAM TO TERMINALS WAS INEVITABLE BECAUSE OF OPERATIONAL RESTRICTIONS CAUSED BY INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AND BECAUSE THE BUOYAGE SYSTEM WAS EXPECTED TO REACH FULL CAPACITY BY 1996.
HE SAID WHILST THE TERMINAL OPERATORS WOULD CLEARLY HAVE LIKED THIS DIVERSION TO TAKE PLACE EARLIER, THIS COULD ONLY BE ACHIEVED BY IMPOSING ARTIFICIAL RESTRAINTS ON .MID STREAM OPERATIONS, SOMETHING THE BOARD DTD NOT BELIEVE WAS IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST.
IN THE MEANTIME, SHORT TERM LAND SUPPORT FOR MID STREAM OPERATIONS SHOULD BE PHASED OUT AND LAND WITH A MORE PERMANENT TENURE PHASED IN.
-----0-----
LEVEL OF DUTY-FREE FUEL FOR GOODS VEHICLES TO BE REGULARISED
*******
A NEW SET OF REGULATIONS SETTING OUT THE RATE OF DUTY-FREE CONCESSION FOR FUEL IN THE FUEL TANKS OF GOOD VEHICLES ARRIVING FROM CHINA WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON AUGUST I, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1991, WHICH ARE GAZETTED TODAY, ARE DESIGNED TO PUT AN END TO AN ABUSE BY SOME DRIVERS OF GOODS VEHICLES WHO BRING IN LARGE QUANTITIES OF DUTY-FREE FUEL FROM CHINA FOR RESALE IN HONG KONG, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
AT PRESENT, FUEL IN WHATEVER QUANTITY IN THE FUEL TANKS OF ANY VEHICLE'S ARRIVING FROM CHINA IS EXEMPT FROM DUTY.
"AS 'THE RETAIL PRICE OF DIESEL IN HONG KONG IS CURRENTLY 50 PER CENT HIGHER THAN THAT IN (HINA, SOME CROSS-BORDER GOODS VEHICLES, PARTICULARLY DUMP TRUCKS, HAVE BEEN DELIBERATELY FITTED WITH ENLARGED FUEL TANKS SO AS TO BRING IN LARGE QUANTITIES OF DUTY-FREE DIESEL FOR RESALE IN HONG KONG," 'THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
IT IS ESTIMATED THAT REVENUE LOSS TO THE GOVERNMENT IS ABOUT $72 MILLION A YEAR.
UNDER THE NEW REGULATIONS, THE RATE OF DUTY-FREE CONCESSION FOR A GOODS VEHICLE WITH CYLINDER CAPACITY BELOW 3,000 CUBIC CM IS SET AT 100 LITRES, THAT FOR VEHICLES WITH CYLINDER CAPACITY BETWEEN 3,000 CUBIC CM AND 10,000 CUBIC CM IS 200 LITRES AND THAT FOR GOODS VEHICLES WITH OVER 10,000 CM CYLINDER CAPACITY, 300 LITRES.
"WHEN SETTING THE RATE OF DUTY-FREE CONCESSION, THE GOVERNMENT HAS TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THE RESULTS OF A SURVEY TO ASCERTAIN THE USUAL FUEL TANK CAPACITY OF GOODS VEHICLES," HE SAID.
"FUEL IN HIE NORMAL-SIZE FUEL TANKS OF GOODS VEHICLES WILL CONTINUE TO BE EXEMPT FROM DUTY AS THE QUANTITY OF FUEL WILL NOT EXCEED THE DUTY-FREE CONCESSION.
/"THE FUEL .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 1991
’’THE FUEL EXEMPT FROM DUTY IS FOR USE IN THE FUEL EXEMPT FROM DUTY IS FOR USE IN THAT VEHICLED ONLY AND RESALE OF THE FUEL IN HONG KONG IS ILLEGAL,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
STARTING FROM EARLY NEXT (JULY) MONTH, LEAFLETS EXPLAINING THE NEW NEASURES WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO DRIVERS OF GOODS VEHICLES AT CUSTOMS CONTROL POINTS AT MAN KAM TO, SHA TAU KOK AND LOK MA CHAU.
- - 0 - -
BUILDINGS IN MONG KOK DECLARED DANGEROUS
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY HAS DECLARED THE BUILDING AT NO. 930 CANTON ROAD IN MONG KOK AS DANGEROUS AND NO. 932 OF THE SAME STREET LIABLE TO BECOME DANGEROUS.
IN A STATEMENT ISSUED TODAY (FRIDAY), THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR ( I’GBS) SAID THE STRUCTURES WERE THREE-STOREY PRE-WAR BUILDINGS, WITH NO. 930 CONSTRUCTED OF TIMBER ROOF AND FLOORS AND NO. 932 CONSTRUCTED OF CONCRETE BEAMS. FLOORS AND ROOF.
BOTH BUILDINGS HAVE LOADBEARING BRICK AND MASONRY WALLS AND WITH PROJECTING VERANDAHS ON THE UPPER FLOORS, AND SHARING A COMMON STAIRCASE.
THE BUILDINGS UNDERWENT REPAIRS JN 1979 AND HAVE BEEN PLACED UNDER PERIODIC SURVEILLANCE BY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE SINCE 1982. THE BUILDING AT NO. 932 WAS REPAIRED AGAIN IN 1987.
AN INSPECTION OF THE BUILDING AT NO. 930 IN APRIL THIS YEAR SHOWED THAT MOVEMENT OF THE STRUCTURE HAD OCCURRED AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS AND DETERIORATION IN THE CONCRETE BEAMS AND FLOOR SLABS AND TIMBER FLOORS AND STAIRS AND THE ROOF WAS IN EVIDENCE.
FURTHERMORE DISTORTION OF THE VERANDAH SUPPORTING PIERS ON THE PAVEMENT HAS BEEN OBSERVED.
IT IS NOTED THAT WITH THE APPARENT CONTINUING MOVEMENT OF THE
BUILDING TIIESI PIERS ARE MOST LIKELY RE SUBJECT TO ADDITIONAL HORIZONTAL PRESSURES THAT I’HEY WERE NOT DESIGNED TO WITHSTAND.
THE PGP.S SAID THE BUILDING AT No. 930 HAD DETER I ORATED TO SUCH AN EXTENT THAT IT WAS NOW CONS 1DERED TO BE BEYOND VIABLE REPAIR AND SHOULD BE CLOSED AND DEMOLISHED AS BEING DANGEROUS, IN ORDER TO PROTECT LIVES AND PUBLIC SAFETY.
HE SAID THE BUILDING AT NO. 932 WHILE IN A BETTER
(’ONI) IT ION
WAS ALSO SUBJECT TO APPARENT MOVEMENT AND IT WAS FELT . THAT IT COULD NOT SAFELY WITHSTAND THE DEMOLITION OF NO. 930, AND, THEREFORE SHOULD BE CLOSED AND DEMOLISHED AS BEING LIABLE TO BECOME DANGEROUS.
NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON AUGUST 21 WERE POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY.
/MEANWHILE, THE
FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 1991
5
MEANWHILE, I’HE THREE-STOREY PRE-WAR BUILDINGS AT NO. 446-448 RECLAMATION STREET IN MONG KOK WERE ALSO DECLARED LIABLE TO BECOME DANGEROUS.
THE PGBS SAID THE BUILDINGS WERE CONSTRUCTED OF LOADBEARING BRICK AND MASONRY WALLS WITH REINFORCED CONCRETE FLOORS, BEAMS AND ROOF AND PROJECTING VERANDAHS ON THE UPPER FLOORS, AND SHARING A COMMON STAIRCASE.
THE BUILDINGS UNDERWENT REPAIR IN 1983 AND HAVE BEEN UNDER PERIODIC SURVEILLANCE BY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE SINCE THEN.
AN INSPECTION OF THE BUILDINGS IN APRIL THIS YEAR SHOWED THAT THE STRUCTURES WERE IN A VERY DILAPIDATED STATE WITH CRACKS AND SPALLING OF THE CONCRETE BEAMS AND FLOOR SLABS PARTICULARLY OF GROUND FLOOR, MEZZANINE AND SECOND FLOORS.
IN ADDITION, MOVEMENT OF THE BUILDINGS HAD OCCURRED AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS AND APPEARED TO BE CONTINUING.
THE BUILDINGS ARE NOW CONSIDERED TO BE BEYOND VIABLE REPAIR AND SHOULD BE CLOSED AND DEMOLISHED AS BEING LIABLE TO BECOME DANGEROUS, IN ORDER TO PROTECT LIVES AND PUBLIC SAFETY.
NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON AUGUST 21 WERE POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY.
------0--------
MARKET MAKERS APPOINTED TO SFC ADVISORY COMMITTEE ******
THE GOVERNOR HAS APPOINTED 12 MARKET MEMBERS TO THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (AC) OF THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION (SFC) FOR A PERIOD OF ONE YEAR WITH EFFECT FROM JUNE 1 UNDER SECTION 10 OF THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES ORDINANCE, THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, MR DAVID NENDICK, ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
NINE OF THEM ARE RE-APPOINTED FROM THE PRESENT MEMBERSHIP. THEY ARE MR RONALD ARCULLI, MR CHAN SUN-SUN, MR VICTOR FUNG KWOK-KING, MR RAYMOND KWOK P1NG-LUEN, MR PETER NORRIS, MR LINCOLN SOO HUNG-LEUNG, MR CHARLES SOO CHEN-JEN, MR ROBERT THOMAS AND MR ZHANG XUE-YAO.
THE THREE NEW APPOINTEES ARE MR RICHARD MARGOLIS,
MR WATARU
YAMAGUCHI AND MR LINCOLN YUNG.
THE AC CONSISTS OF 15 MEMBERS, NAMELY THE 12 GOVERNOR-APPOINTED MARKET MEMBERS, TWO’ SFC EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS APPOINTED BY THE SFC, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SFC WHO PRESIDES AT AC
MEETINGS.
"THE AC ADVISES THE SFC ON POLICY MATTERS RELATED TO THE MARKETS. ITS MEMBERS ARE DRAWN FROM A WIDE SPECTRUM OF THE SECURITIES, FUTURES AND INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT INDUSTRIES, AS WELL AS FROM THE RELEVANT PROFESSIONS," MR NENDICK SAID.
/"THE AC .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 1991
6
’’THE AC PROVIDES A READY ACCESS TO THE SFC OF OUTSIDE EXPERT ADVICE, IN PARTICULAR FROM SECURITIES MARKET PRACTITIONERS.
"IT THEREFORE PROVIDES AN IMPORTANT LINK BETWEEN THE SFC AND THE MARKETS," HE ADDED.
MR RICHARD MARGOLIS IS THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF SMITH NEW COURT FAR EAST LTD.
MR WATARU YAMAGUCHI IS THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF DAIWA SECURITIES.
MR LINCOLN YUNG IS THE DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR OF NANYANG HOLDINGS LTD.
-----0-----
ROADS PROPOSED FOR SHEK O SEWAGE SCREENING PLANT
******
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO BUILD NEW ROADS AT SHEK O, HONG KONG ISLAND TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF SEWERS AND A SCREENING PLANT FOR IMPROVING BEACH WATER QUALITY THERE.
THE PROPOSED ROADWORKS INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A VEHICULAR ACCESS FROM SHEK O ROAD TO THE PROPOSED SEWAGE SCREENING PLANT AT ROCKY BAY, AND A FOOTPATH ALONG THE EASTERN BEACH AT ROCKY BAY.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN MARCH NEXT YEAR AND BE COMPLBTfeD IN LATE 1993.
FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS DURING THE CONSTRUCTION PERIOD, AN 80-METRE SECTION OF SHEK O ROAD AT SHEK O HEADLAND WILL BE CLOSED FROM 10 AM TO 6 PM DAILY TO FACILITATE THE SEWER CONSTRUCTION.
EMERGENCY - ACCESS TO THE HEADLAND WILL BE PROVIDED WHEN REQUIRED.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED WAS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY). THE NOTICE CAN ALSO BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS NEAR THE SITE.
MEMBERS OF PUBLIC (JAN ALSO GO TO THE FOLLOWING GOVERNMENT OFFICES TO INSPECT THE PLAN AND SCHEME OF THE PROPOSED WORKS:
* CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL;
* HONG KONG SOUTH DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, 20TH FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAT; AND
♦ SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE, SHOP 25, GROUND FLOOR, MEI FUNG COURT, 7-11 NAM NING STREET, ABERDEEN CENTRE.
/ANY PERSON .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 1991
ANY PERSON WHO WISHES TO OBJECT TO THE WORKS SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETAIM FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG NOT LATER THAN AUGUST 20 THIS YEAR.
HE SHOULD DESCRIBE HIS INTEREST AND THE MANNER IN WHICH HE ALLEGES HE WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE WORKS OR THE USE.
--------0-----------
NO SIGNIFICANT POLLUTION DONE BY DUCK AND GOOSE FARMS
THE GOVERNMENT IS SATISFIED THAT GOOSE AND DUCK FARMS DO NOT NORMALLY CAUSE SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS, AND THEREFORE IT FEELS THAT GOOSE AND DUCK FARMERS NEED NOT APPLY FOR ANY LIVESTOCK KEEPING LICENCES.
SINCE SUCH FARMS DO NOT CAUSE SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE, THEY SHOULD NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR PAYMENT OF ANY EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE OR CAPITAL GRANT PAID TO ASSIST FARMERS WHO NEED TO INSTALL LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL SYSTEM.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT HAD STRESSED THAT THERE WOULD BE NO PROSECUTION OF SUCH FARMERS SO LONG AS THEY CONTINUED TO USE EXISTING OPERATING METHODS, WHICH DID NOT CAUSE ANY SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE.
MEANWHILE, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (FRIDAY) SAID: ’’THERE IS NO EVIDENCE THAT GOOSE AND DUCK FARMS CAUSE SIGNIFICANT POLLUTION TO HONG KONG’S RIVERS AND STREAMS.
’’THE MAJORITY OF SUCH FARMS ARE OPERATED ON ENCLOSED PONDS WHICH ARE BASICALLY ZERO EFFLUENT DISCHARGE SYSTEMS.
"SOME OPERATE ON A FREE-RANGE BASIS ON LAND: WHILE THESE PRODUCE SOME EFFLUENT, THIS IS NOT CONSIDERED TO BE UNACCEPTABLY SEVERE.”
HE SAID: "WHERE GOOSE OR DUCK FARMERS WISH TO GO OUT OF BUSINESS BECAUSE OF ECONOMIC PROBLEMS IN THE INDUSTRY UNCONNECTED WITH INSTALLATION OF LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL SYSTEMS, THEY SHOULD NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR CASH ASSISTANCE FROM THE LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL SCHEME, WHICH WAS NOT AGREED BY THE LEGISLATION FOR THIS SORT OF SITUATION.”
AT A MEETING WITH THE GOVERNMENT YESTERDAY (THURSDAY), DUCK FARMER REPRESENTATIVES EXPRESSED CONCERN THAT THEY MIGHT STILL BE LIABLE TO PROSECUTION, DESPITE THE INDICATION FROM THE GOVERNMENT THAT PROSECUTIONS WOULD NOT BE UNDERTAKEN.
THEY ALSO SAID DUCK AND GOOSE KEEPING WOULD CAUSE POLLUTION PROBLEMS ANYHOW AND SHOULD, LIKE PIG AND CHICKEN KEEPING, BE CONTROLLED UNDER THE NEW LICENSING SCHEME AND BE ENTITLED TO CAPITAL GRANT, OR TO EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE WHENEVER ANY FARM WENT OUT OF BUS I NESS.
/THE GOVERNMENT .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 1991
8
THE GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT WISHED TO BE AS FLEXIBLE AS POSSIBLE.
HE SAID: "SINCE THOSE GOOSE AND DUCK FARMS OPERATING ON LAND DO DISCHARGE SOME EFFLUENT INTO STREAMS, THE GOVERNMENT IS PREPARED TO ACCEPT THE REQUEST OF THE FARMERS AND GRANT CAPITAL GRANT OR EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE TO LAND-FARMERS.
"HOWEVER, THIS COULD NOT BE AGREED FOR POND-FARMERS SINCE THEY WERE OPERATING WHAT WAS BASICALLY A ZERO-EFFLUENT SYSTEM.”
HE EMPHASISED THAT CAPITAL GRANT OR EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE WAS NOT COMPENSATION OF ANY KIND. TO GRANT CASH ASSISTANCE TO GOOSE AND DUCK FARMERS WHO NEEDED NOT DO ANYTHING IN RESPECT OF INSTALLATION OF WASTE TREATMENT SYSTEMS WOULD DEFEAT THE PURPOSE OF THE SCHEME, AND WOULD BE A WASTE OF TAXPAYERS’ MONEY.
IN THE MEANTIME, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD PROCESS APPLICATIONS FROM DUCK AND GOOSE FARMERS FOR EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE WHO HAVE ALREADY BEEN INVITED TO APPLY.
WIDE PUBLIC CONSULTATION WITH FARMERS WILL CONTINUE SO THAT THEIR VIEWS CAN BE CONSOLIDATED AND SUBMITTED TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR CONSIDERATION BEFORE A FINAL DECISION IS TO BE MADE ON ANY CHANGES TO LEGISLATION.
------0-------
TWO NT LOTS FOR SALE BY AUCTION *****
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS OFFERING TWO LAND LOTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES FOR SALE BY AUCTION ON JULY 17 AT THE CITY HALL THEATRE.
THE AUCTION WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
LOCATED AT AREA 47A, FANLING, THE FIRST LOT MEASURES ABOUT 13,530 SQUARE METRES. IT IS FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL (EXCLUDING GODOWN) PURPOSES, BUT RES I DENT I AL ONLY ABOVE LEVEL THREE.
ACCORDING TO THE BUILDING COVENANT, A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 43,269 SQUARE METRES IS TO BE COMPLETED ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 30, 1994.
THE OTHER LOT, LOCATED AT AREA 26D, KWAI CHUNG, IS A 1,536-SQUARE-METRE SITE DESIGNATED FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES, EXCLUDING OFFENSIVE TRADES.
THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 4,608 SQUARE METRES WITHIN 36 MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF AGREEMENT.
FULL PARTICULARS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND SALE PLANS INSPECTED AT, THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND THE KOWLOON DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES, YAU MA TEJ CARPARK BUILDING, 1OTH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.
CONDITIONS OF SALE ARE ALSO 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-------
/9......
FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 1991
- 9 -
NEW LITHOTRIPTER INSTALLED IN QMH * * * * *
MANY PATIENTS WITH STONES IN THE URINARY TRACT WILL BE SPARED THE RISK AND PAIN OF SURGERY FOLLOWING THE INSTALLATION OF A LITHOTRIPTER FOR EXTRA-CORPOREAL SHOCK WAVE LITHOTRIPSY FOR TREATMENT OF STONES IN QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL.
THE EQUIPMENT IS DONATED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB (RHKJC) AND IS THE FIRST LITHOTRIPTER INSTALLED IN A GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL.
IT WAS TODAY (FRIDAY) OFFICIALLY HANDED OVER TO THE NEW LITHOTRIPTER UNIT OF QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL BY MR CHAU CHAM-SON, STEWARD OF THE RHKJC WHICH HAS GENEROUSLY DONATED $16 MILLION TO THE HOSPITAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR THE PURCHASE OF THE EQUIPMENT AND OTHER ACCESSORIES.
AT THE HANDING-OVER CEREMONY, THE HOSPITAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT THANKED THE RHKJC FOR ITS GENEROSITY, THROUGH WHICH MEDICAL SERVICES WILL BE IMPROVED.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE NEW MACHINE WILL BE USED MAINIA FOR STONES IN THE URINARY TRACT.
’’THE LITHOTRIPTER, WHICH IS ONE OF THE THIRD GENERATION MODELS, IS MUCH IMPROVED THAN OLDER DESIGNS.
"IT WILL HAVE BOTH X-RAY AND ULTRASOUND SYSTEM FOR LOCALISATION SO THAT ALL STONES, WHETHER THEY ARE RADIO-OPAQUE OR NOT, CAN BE DETECTED EASILY.”
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE NEW LITHOTRIPTER IS A VERY POWERFUL MACHINE AND STONE DISINTEGRATION CAN USUALLY BE ACHIEVED IN ONE TREATMENT.
MOREOVER, TREATMENT IS PERFORMED WITHOUT ANAESTHESIA IN OVER 90 PER CENT OF PATIENTS.
"SOME PATIENTS REQUIRE ONLY AN INJECTION OF PAIN-KILLING DRUG AND MANY DO NOT NEED ANY DRUGS AT ALL DURING THE TREATMENT.
’’THIS MAKES I'I' POSSIBLE FOR PATIENTS TO BE DISCHARGED ON THE SAME DA\ . THE STONES, FRAGMENTED INTO SMALL PIECES, WILL BE PASSED OUT WITH URINE SPONTANEOUSLY,” HE EXPLAINED.
PATIENTS WILL USUALLY EXPERIENCE SOME REDDISH URINE AND MILD PAIN WHEN FRAGMENTS ARE PASSED OUT, AND COMPLICATIONS ARE RARE.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE SCOPE OF TREATMENT MAY BE EXTENDED TO STONES IN OTHER BODY SYSTEM SUCH AS BILE DUCT STONES, WHICH IS A COMMON DISEASE IN THIS LOCALITY.
APART FROM SERVING PATIENTS FROM HONG KONG ISLAND, THE NEW MACHINE WILL PROVIDE TREA TMENT FOR PAT I ENI’S FROM OTHER REGIONS IN THE TERRITORY.
--------0----------
/10.........
FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 1991
PROPOSED DREDGING AND RECLAMATION AT SIU CHIK SHA
******
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO DREDGE AND CONSTRUCT A VERTICAL SEAWALL AND CARRY OUT RECLAMATION AT STU CHIK SHA IN TSEUNG KWAN O TO PROVIDE A BARGING POINT FOR LOADING AND UNLOADING EXPLOSIVES AND REFUSE.
THE SEAWALL WILL BE ABOUT 80 METRES LONG. RECLAMATION WILL BE CARRIED OUT WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 7,975 SQUARE METRES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED.
WORK IS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN IN AUGUST THIS YEAR AND BE COMPLETED BY FEBRUARY 1992.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED WAS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HE HAS AN INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED MAY SUBMIT A WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 20 THIS YEAR.
THE NOTICE OF SUCH OBJECTION SHOULD DESCRIBE THE INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT OF THE OBJECTOR AND THE MANNER IN WHICH HE ALLEGES HE WILL BE AFFECTED.
THE NOTICE TOGETHER WITH ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS NEAR THE SITE.
THE PLAN CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG (WHERE COPIES ('AN BE PURCHASED ON ORDER) AND AT THE TSEUNG KWAN () DISTRICT SUB-OFFICE, UNIT 121-122, GROUND FLOOR, PO NING HOUSE, PO LAM ESTATE, TSEUNG KWAN O, SAI KUNG.
- - 0 - -
DRAGON BOAT RACE FOR NEW YORK CITY ******
THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE AND THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK YESTERDAY (THURSDAY, NEW YORK TIME) ANNOUNCED THAT THE FIRST-EVER, TRADITIONAL DRAGON BOAT RACE WILL BE HELD IN NEW YORK ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 4.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE IN NEW YORK, THE DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE, MR KERRY MCGLYNN, SAID. "THERE ARE ALREADY TREMENDOUS COMMERCIAL AND CULTURAL LINKS BETWEEN NEW YORK AND HONG KONG, AND THESE 'ILES ARE GETTING STRONGER.
/•'WE WANTED
FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 1991
11
"WE WANTED TO PUT ON THIS DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL FOR NEW YORK TO SHOW ONE OF THE MANY COLOURFUL SIDES OF HONG KONG, AND TO SHARE WITH NEW YORK THE DRAMA, TRADITION AND FUN THAT HONG KONG HAS ALWAYS ENJOYED WITH THIS EVENT.
"WE HOPE THAT THIS IS THE BEGINNING OF A NEW SUMMER TRADITION IN NEW YORK."
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK, MR JOHN MCLEAN, SAID THIS EXCITING RACE OF CHINESE DRAGON BOATS IN THE HUDSON RIVER WOULD PROVIDE THE PUBLIC WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO SEE SOMETHING ' AND DIFFERENT IN NEW YORE CITY'S DIVERSE CULTURAL EVENTS CALENDAR.
THE WINNING TEAM WOULD BE FLOWN TO HONG KONG BY DELTA AIR 1 'S TO REPRESENT THE UNITED STATES IN THE HONG KONG DRAGON BOAT TIVAL INTERNATIONAL RACES ON JUNE 13 AND 14 NEXT YEAR, SAIt) MR JEFF NIVEN, DISTRICT DIRECTOR OF MARKETING FOR DELTA AIR LINES, THE i ■' ICIAL CARRIER OF THE DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL.
DRAGON BOAT TEAMS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY, INCLUDING CREWS FROM THE MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, THE WESLEYAN DRAGON BOAT ASSOCIATION IN CONNECTICUT, THE VIRGINIA DRAGON BOAT TEAM, THE BAY AREA OF SAN FRANCISCO AND AN ALL-WOMEN’S TEAM FROM PORTLAND, OREGON, ARE SCHEDULED TO COMPETE, SAID MR W. RODERICK RICHARDS, CHAIRMAN OF THE DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE.
SEVERAL TEAMS FROM NEW YORK CITY, INCLUDING ONE FROM THE NEW YORK FIRE DEPARTMENT, ARE TO TAKE PART IN THE REGATTA OFF THE WORLD FINANCIAL CENTRE AND BATTERY PARK CITY IN LOWER MANHATTAN.
ACCORDING TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE U.S. DRAGON BOAT ASSOCIATION, MR BOB MORRO, THE REGATTA, WHICH BEGINS AT 12 NOON, WOULD BE HELD IN ELIMINATION HEATS OF SEVERAL BOATS RACING THE 640-METRE COURSE BETWEEN THE SOUTH AND NORTH COVES WITH A FINAL RACE DETERMINING THE FASTEST CREW IN THE WINNER-TAKE-ALL COMPETITION.
AS PART OF THE HONG KONG DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL, A CHINESE VILLAGE WILL BE SET UP ALONG THE WORLD FINANCIAL CENTRE AND WILL INCLUDE BOOTHS OFFERING TRADITIONAL CHINESE FOOD AND CRAFTS.
--------O-----------
TSEUNG KWAN O CLINIC TO START OPERATION NEXT MONTH
*****
THE NEW TSEUNG KWAN 0 JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC, LOCATED AT PO LAM ROAD IN TSEUNG KWAN O, WILL BEGIN OPERATION FROM JULY 4.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE CLINIC WILL PROVIDE GENERAL OUT-PATIENT, MATERNAL AND CHILD SERVICES TO TSEUNG KWAN O NEW TOWN RESIDENTS.
THE NEW CLINIC WILL BRING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF CLINICS UNDER THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO 53.
/THE ROYAL .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 1991
12
THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB HAS DONATED $6.75 MILLION FOR THE PROJECT.
OPERATION HOURS OF THE VARIOUS SERVICES OF THE FOLLOWS: CLINIC ARE AS
SERVICE OPERATION HOURS
GENERAL OUT-PATIENT DEPARTMENT MONDAY - FRIDAY 9 2 AM - 1 PM - 5 PM PM
SATURDAY 9 AM - 1 PM
MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CENTRE
* CHILD HEALTH SERVICE MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY AND SATURDAY 9 2 AM - 1 PM - 5 PM PM
TUESDAY AND FRIDAY 2 PM - 5 PM
* FAMILY PLANNING AND POST-NATAL SERVICE MONDAY 2 PM - 5 PM
* ANTE-NATAL SERVICE (OLD CASES) TUESDAY 9 AM - 1 PM
* ANTE-NATAL SERVICE (NEW CASES) THURSDAY 2 PM - 5 PM
♦ FAMILY PLANNING WEDNESDAY 2 PM - 5 PM
FRIDAY 9 AM - 1 PM
* COMPREHENSI\ E OBSERVATION SERVICE MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9 2 AM - 1 PM - 5 PM PM
SATURDAY 9 AM - 1 PM
ALL UNITS WILL BE CLOSED ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
--------0-----------
/13 ........
FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 1991
13
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
* * * * *
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 20.6.91 380
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 21.6.91 + 225
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING -225
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX
114.6 *+0.1* 21.6.91
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
CLOSING YIELDS OF EXCHANGE FUND DILLS
20.6.91
MATURING IN 1 WEEK 7.82 PCT
1 MONTH 7.74 PCT
3 MONTHS 7.65 PCT
6 MONTHS 7.63 PCT
12 MONTHS 7.59 PCT
TOTAL BILLS TRANSFERRED
1,902 MN
21.6. 91
7.67 PCT
7.62 PCT
7.55 PCT
7.55 PCT
7.56 PCT
3,149 MN
------0------------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, JUNE 22, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
BREAKDOWN OF APPLICATIONS UNDER BRITISH NATIONALITY SELECTION SCHEME RELEASED .................................................................. 1
FS (DESIGNATE) TO ATTEND CONFERENCE IN AUSTRIA ............................ 4
TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS DROP 20 PER CENT...................................... 4
SHARK HUNTING OPERATIONS "DANGEROUS" FOR AMATEURS ......................... 6
REHABILITATION GREEN PAPER FOR CONSULTATION LATER THIS YEAR ............... 6
CERTIFYING BODY TO IMPLEMENT HK-CANADA FILM/TV CO-PRODUCTION MOU .......... 7
SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS SOLD BY AUCTION ....................................... 8
WITHDRAWAL OF KMB ROUTE 6E ................................................ 8
CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPS ON STUDENT GUIDANCE ............................. 9
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ................ 9
SATURDAY, JUNE 22, 1991
BREAKDOWN OF APPLICATIONS UNDER BRITISH NATIONALITY SELECTION SCHEME RELEASED *****
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (SATURDAY) RELEASED DETAILED BREAKDOWN FOR THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED UNDER THE BRITISH NATIONALITY SELECTION SCHEME.
IN RELEASING THE FIGURES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID AMBIGUITIES, OMISSIONS, AND ERRORS DETECTED IN A NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS HAD NOW BEEN LARGELY RECTIFIED.
"THERE MIGHT STILL BE SOME FURTHER ADJUSTMENTS TO THE FINAL FIGURES IN CERTAIN OCCUPATIONAL GROUPS BUT SUCH ADJUSTMENTS ARB EXPECTED TO BE MINOR," HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT APART FROM OCCUPATIONAL GROUP 1 OF THE GENERAL OCCUPATIONAL CLASS — MANAGERS AND ADMINISTRATORS — ALL OTHER OCCUPATIONAL GROUPS, APPROVED OCCUPATIONS, AND PLACES ALLOCATED TO VARIOUS DISCIPLINED SERVICES HAVE BEEN OVER-SUBSCRIBED.
"ANY UNUSED PLACES UNDER OCCUPATIONAL GROUP 1 WILL BE CARRIED FORWARD TO THE SECOND PHASE OF THE SCHEME," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THERE IS NO QUESTION OF ANY PLACES BEING WASTED."
HE STRESSED THAT ALTHOUGH OCCUPATIONAL GROUP 1 HAS BEEN UNDER-SUBSCRIBED, IT DID NOT MEAN THAT ALL APPLICANTS WOULD AUTOMATICALLY SUCCEED.
"WE WILL BE EXCLUDING THOSE WHO ARE NOT QUALIFIED TO APPLY IN THE OCCUPATIONAL GROUP, FOR EXAMPLE, THOSE WITHOUT ANY WORKING EXPERIENCE RELEVANT TO THE GROUP," HE ADDED.
ON THE TOTAL NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS UNDER THE SENSITIVE SERVICE CLASS AND THE ENTREPRENEURS CLASS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID MOST HAD BEEN MADE IN RESPONSE TO THE GOVERNOR’S INVITATIONS.
"INVITATIONS ISSUED SO FAR ONLY REPRESENT A PART OF THE TOTAL QUOTAS AVAILABLE," HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE FIRST BATCH OF POTENTIALLY SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS HAVE BEEN CONSIDERED BY THE STEERING COMMITTEE AND WILL BE PUT TO THE GOVERNOR WHO, IF SATISFIED, WILL RECOMMEND THEM TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR REGISTRATION AS BRITISH CITIZENS.
"WE EXPECT TO BE ABLE TO ISSUE CERTIFICATES OF REGISTRATION TO THE FIRST BATCH OF SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS FROM ALL FOUR CLASSES UNDER THE SCHEME AROUND THE MIDDLE OF JULY," HE SAID.
/THE FOLLOWING .......
SATURDAY, JUNE 22, 1991
2
THE FOLLOWING IS A BREAKDOWN OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED:
I. TOTAL NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED - 65,763
II. BREAKDOWN BY CLASS
NO. OF APPLICATIONS QUOTA
GENERAL OCCUPATIONAL CLASS (GOC ) 55,466 32,700
DISCIPLINED SERVICES CLASS (DSC) 8,295 6,200
SENSITIVE SERVICE CLASS (SSC) 1,728 3,850
ENTREPRENEURS CLASS (EC) 274 500
BREAKDOWN OF GOC APPLICATIONS BY OCCUPATIONAL GROUP/APPROVED OCCUPATION
NO. OF APPLICATIONS QUOTA
OG 01 - MANAGERS AND ADMINISTRATORS 12,594 14,927
OG 02 - BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS 1 ,834 961
OG 03 - BUSINESS AND ADMINISTRATION ASSOCIATE PROFESSIONALS 6,819 3,872
OG 04 - ACCOUNTANTS AND AUDITORS 3,789 1,261
OG 05 - ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATE PROFESSIONALS 1 ,219 298
OG 06 - ENGINEERS AND RELATED PROFESSIONALS 5,057 i, des
OG 07 - ARCHITECTS, PLANNERS AND SURVEYORS 1,444 434
OG 08 - ENGINEERING ASSOCIATE PROFESSIONALS 4 , 144 1,031
OG 09 - INFORMATION SCIENCE PROFESSIONALS 3,024 1,870
OG 10 - NEWS EDITORS AND JOURNALISTS 481 160
OG 11 - MEDICAL DOCTORS 1,777. 469
OG 12 - PHYSICAL * LIFE SCIENCE PROFESSIONALS 261 40
OG 13 - NURSES AND MIDWIVES 2,412 1,334
/OG 14 - OTHER .......
SATURDAY, JUNE 22, 1991
3
IV.
OG 14 - OTHER MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS (EXCEPT NURSES AND MIDWIVES) 511 146
OG 15 - HEALTH ASSOCIATE PROFESSIONALS 1,118 569
(EXCEPT NURSES AND MIDWIVES)
OG 16 - LEGAL PROFESSIONALS 1,200 185
OG 17 - LEGAL ASSOCIATE PROFESSIONALS 429 85
OG 18 - TEACHING PROFESSIONALS 687 334
(POST-SECONDARY)
OG 19 - EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATORS 747 208
OG 20 - OTHER TEACHING PERSONNEL 4,503 2,247
APPROVED OCCUPATIONS
SOCIAL WORK PROFESSIONALS 545 108
TRANSLATORS/INTERPRETERS 291 42
LIFE SCIENCE TECHNICIANS 50 25
PHYSICAL SCIENCE TECHNICIANS 124 ' 25
STATISTICAL ASSISTANTS 144 50
COMPUTING EQUIPMENT CONTROLLERS 262 150
BREAKDOWN OF APPLICATIONS BY DEPARTMENT/SERVICE UNDER
THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES CLASS
NO. OF APPLICATIONS QUOTA
CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT 980 820
CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE 608 399
FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT 1,392 972
IMMIGRATION SERVICE 1,031 4 38
OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT, 1CAC 205 77
ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE 17 10
ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE • 3,299 3,282
HONG KONG MILITARY SERVIC E CORI’S 638 159
ROYAL NAVY 125 43
b
/4
SATURDAY, JUNE 22, 1991
4
FS (DESIGNATE) TO ATTEND CONFERENCE IN AUSTRIA *****
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY (DESIGNATE), MR HAMISH MACLEOD, WILL LEAD A HONG KONG DELEGATION COMPRISING GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO A CONFERENCE IN AUSTRIA TO PRESENT OVERSEAS INVESTORS WITH THE LATEST INFORMATION ON INVESTMENT AND TRADE OPPORTUNITIES IN HONG KONG.
THE EUROPE/ASIA CONFERENCE, 1991, TO BE HELD IN VIENNA ON JUNE 26 AND 27, WILL FOCUS ON THE SUBSTANTIAL INVESTMENT AND TRADE OPPORTUNITIES IN ASIA AND EUROPE.
A MAJOR TOPIC OF THE CONFERENCE WILL BE POSSIBILITIES OF INCREASING THE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN HONG KONG AND AUSTRIA, HIGHLIGHTING THEIR RESPECTIVE GATEWAY FUNCTIONS TO CHINA AND EUROPE.
MR MACLEOD WILL ADDRESS THE CONFERENCE ON JUNE 26. THE TOPIC OF HIS SPEECH IS "HONG KONG AND CHINA -- NOW AND BEYOND 1997 -- THE FACTS".
ON THE SAME DAY, THE DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES, MR BILLY LAM, WILL SPEAK ON "SELLING TO HONG KONG GOVERNMENT -- THE REQUIREMENTS", WHILE ON THE FOLLOWING DAY, THE DIRECTOR OF THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS CO-ORDINATION OFFICE, MR RAFEAL HUI, WILL ADDRESS THE CONFERENCE ON "INFRASTRUCTURE OF THE FUTURE -- THE OPPORTUNITIES".
OTHER MEMBERS OF THE DELEGATION ARE THE CHAIRMAN OF WORLD-WIDE SHIPPING AGENCY LIMITED, DR HELMUT SOHMEN AND THE CHAIRMAN OF SI.NO LAND, MR ROBERT NG.
MR MACLEOD WILL LEAVE HONG KONG TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
WHILE IN AUSTRIA, HE WILL CALL ON A NUMBER OF SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS.
MR MACLEOD WILL THEN TRAVEL TO LONDON FOR MEETINGS WITH BUSINESS AND BANKING LEADERS AS WELL AS OFFICIALS OF THE UK TREASURY, FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE AND BANK OF ENGLAND DURING THE WEEK COMMENCING JULY 1 .
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TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS DROP 20 PER CENT
*****
DURING THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1991, THE TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS UNIT (TCU) OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 1,599 COMPLAINTS, \ DROP OF 20 PER CENT' COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS QUARTER.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TCU TODAY (SATURDAY) SAID THE COMPLAINTS WERE RELATED MAINLY TO PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES, TRAFFIC CONDITIONS, ROAD MAINTENANCE AND ENFORCEMENT.
/AS REGARDS .......
SATURDAY, JUNE 22, 1991
- 5
AS REGARDS THE ADEQUACY OF FRANCHISED BUS SERVICES, HE SAID THERE WAS A TOTAL OE 127 COMPLAINTS COVERING HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES. COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS QUARTER, THERE WAS A DROP OE 57 CASES OR 31 PER CENT.
()N I’HE STANDARD OE FRANCHISED BUS SERVICES, THERE WAS A TOTAL OE 238 COMPLAINTS, A DECREASE OE 21 PER CENT COMPARED WITH 302 IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER.
THESE COMPLAINTS WERE INDIVIDUALLY TAKEN UP WITH I'HE BUS COMPANIES CONCERNED.
THE NUMBER OE COMPLAINTS AGAINST TAXI SERVICE DROPPED BY 27 PER CENT FROM 131 CASES TO 316 CASES.
I'HE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS RELATED TO RAIL TRANSPORT SERVICES DROPPED FROM THE PREVIOUS QUARTER’S 39 CASES 'I’O 28 CASES, WHILE THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AGA INST I’HE FERRY SERVICES DECREASED FROM 27 TO I I .
I’HE MAIN AREAS OF COMPLAINT INCLUDED REGULARITY OF SERVICE, CONDITIONS OF V Ell ICLES/VESSELS , AND PASSENGER SERVICES AND FACILITIES.
I’HE SPOKESMAN SAID COMPLAINTS ABOUT ROAD CONGESTION DECREASED NOMINALLY FROM 172 CASES TO 17 1 (’ASES, 55 ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 4 1 IN KOWLOON, 62 IN HIE NHW TERRITORIES AND 13 IN TUNNELS OR OTHER AREAS.
FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO ROAD CONGESTION INCLUDED TRAFFIC ENGINEERING MATTERS, VEHICLE OBSTRUCTION AND ROAD WORKS.
COMPLA I N'I'S ABOUT TRAFFIC’ MANAGEMENT MEASURES ROSE FROM 139 ('ASES TO 14 1.
THE MAJOR ARFAS OF CONCERN INCLUDED PHASING OF TRAFFIC LIGHTS AND TRAFFIC LANE ARRANGEMENT, AND ADDITION OF TRAFFIC SIGNS AND AIDS AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THE MAINTENANCE OF ROADS DECREASED BY 24 PER CENT FROM 102 ('ASES I’O 78 CASES.
Till- MAJOR AREAS OT COMPLAINT WERE DETECT IVI ROAD SURFACES, FAULTY TRAFFIC- LIGHTS AND DAMAGED 'TRAFFIC SIGNS OR AIDS.
TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT CASES STOOD AT 266, A DROP OF 8 I ('ASES OR 23 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE NUMBER RECORDED IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER.
THESE WERI RELATED MAINLY ’TO REQUESTS FOR ENFORCEMENT ACTION AGAINST ILLEGAL PARKING AND MOTOR I STS FAILING TO COMPLY WITH TRAFFIC REGULATIONS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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SATURDAY, JUNE 22, 1991
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SHAKE HUNTING OPERATIONS ’’DANGEROUS’’ FOR AMATEURS ♦ ♦ ♦ t ♦
I'\Kk HUNTING IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS GAME FOR AMATEURS, 1 HE SENIOR CAPTURE FISHERIES OFFICER OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, DR PAUL MAK, REPEATED HIS WARNING TODAY (SATURDAY),.
EXPRESSING CONCERN OVER THE SHARK HUNTING OPERATIONS WHICH ARE STILL GOING ON IN SAI KUNG WATERS, DR MAK STRESSED THE NEED FOR SHARK HUNTERS TO HAVE THE RIGHT KIND OF EXPERIENCE AND PROPER GEAR AND
EQUIPMENT. . . •
HE WAS PARTICULARLY WORRIED BY THE FACT THAT SOME HUNTERS, IN ’THE COURSE OF THEIR OPERATION, HAD EMPLOYED DINGHIES AND HAD ACTUALLY DIVED INTO THE SEA TO CATCH OTHER FISHES AS BAITS FOR SHARKS.
’’WHILE THE DANGER OF GOING INTO WATERS POSSIBLY INFESTED WITH SHARKS IS TOO OBVIOUS, THE SMALL DINGHIES OF HUNTERS MAY BE INADEQUATE TO COPE WITH THE SITUATION SHOULD A BIG SHARK BE PROMPTED TO ATTACK," DR MAK POINTED OUT.
I WOULD STRONGLY YDVISE ANGLERS, DIVERS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLK NOT TO TAKE UNNECESSARY RISKS,” HE CONCLUDED.
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REHABILITATION GREEN PAPER FOR CONSULTATION LATER THIS YEAR
A WORKING PARTY IS CURRENTLY REVIEWING THE REHABILITATION POLICIES AND SERVICES WITH A VIEW OF (’OMI NG UP WITH A GREEN PAPER FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATI ON LATER THIS YEAR.
’ ’ ’ J 4‘ ’7 M j
THIS WAS STATED TODAY (SATURDAY) BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL/ WELhARE, MR M.D. CARTLAND, WHEN OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY • T \N T AST KOWLOON CINTRE Op UH’ IIONG KONG PHYSICALLY II AND I CAPPED AND ABI.FI) I’.oDV (PIIAH) YSSOCIATION Y’l LUNG YUF HOUSE, LOWER ’ WONG TA 1 SIN ESTATE.
I WOULD EXPECT TO (OMI- OUT OF IT, A PROGRAMME FOR PITTING IN PLACE ALL THE NECESSARY SERVICES FOR THE DISABLED WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME," HE ADDED.
MR C.ARTLAND, HOWEVER, STRESSED THAT SUCCESSFUL REHABILITATION SERVICES REQUIRED WARM UNDERSTANDING YND PERSONAL COMMITMENT FROM PEOPLE I N THE UOMMI N I TY .
THE IIONG KONG PHAB ASSOCIATION HAD LONG BEEN A FOCUS FOR ENCOURAGING COMMUNITY I N VOLV EMENT , HE NOTED.
EXPRESSING HIS \PPRFC I A T I ON TO THE ASSOC'I AT I ON FOR ALL ITS GOOD WORK, MR UARTEYND SAID II OFFERED A WIDE RANGE OF ACT I \ ITI ES TO ITS MEMBERS AND OMTINUED I’O EXTEND. Till* SCOPE OF ITS SERVICES TO PROVIDE DIV I RSI- PROGRAMMES.
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SATURDAY, JUNE 22, 1991
CERTIFYING ROPY TO IMPLEMENT HK-CANADA FILM/TV CO-PRODUCTION MOU
*****
A CERTIFYING BODY IS BEING PLANNED TO ADVISE THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE WHO WILL DECIDE WHETHER OR NOT A PROJECT MERITS CO-PRODUCTION STATUS UNDER THE HONG KONG-CANADA FILM AND TELEVISION CO-PRODUCTION MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU).
SPEAKING AT A SEMINAR TODAY (SATURDAY) TO BRIEF THE LOCAL FILM AND TELEVISION INDUSTRY ON THE MOU AND THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR
CO-PRODUCTION, THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MRS RACHEL CARTLAND SAID: "WE ARE STILL WORKING ON THE DETAILED COMPOSITION OF THE CERTIFYING BODY BUT WE EXPECT IT TO COMPRISE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE GOVERNMENT, LOCAL FILM AND TV INDUSTRIES AND, TO ENSURE IMPARTIALITY, SOME PEOPLE OF GOOD STANDING IN THE COMMUNITY BUT WITH NO DIRECT CONNECTION WITH THE INDUSTRY."
"IT WILL LIAISE WITH ITS CANADIAN COUNTERPART, TELEFILM CANADA,” SHE SAID.
IN ADDITION, A HONG KONG/CANADA JOINT COMMISSION WILL MEET EVERY TWO YEARS TO REVIEW IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MOU, AND MONITOR THE OPERATIONS OF THE CERTIFYING BODY.
"WR ARE CONFIDENT THAT WITHIN A FEW MONTHS WE WtLL HAVE DEVISED A WORKABLE IMPLEMENTATION SCHEME. IT WOULD BE NICE TO SEE WORK STARTING ON THE FIRST CO-PRODUCT I ON BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR,” MRS CARTLAND ADDED.
MRS CARTLAND THANKED THE MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION (MPIA) FOR AGREEING TO PROVIDE LOGISTICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MOU.
"THE ASSISTANCE FROM THE MPIA MEANS THAT ONCE THE SCHEME IS IN PLACE, APPLICATIONS FOR CO-PRODUCT ION STATUS WILL BE DIRECTED TO THEIR OFFICES AND THE PAPERWORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT BY THE ASSOCIATION," MRS ('ARTLAND SAID.
"IT is IIKEI.A THAT Till' MPIA Wll.l I'll ARGF A SMAIL IFF TO COVER THE COSTS Of'' PROCESSING Illi' AI'I'I. I CA I'I ONS , ' SHI' ADDED.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE SEMINAR WERE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE MPIA AND THE BRITISH COLUMBIA FILM COMMISSION, AND FILM INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS FROM CANADA.
ORGANISED BA THE BRITISH COLUMBIA FILM COMMISSION, THE SEMINAR WAS ATTENDED BA A VISITING DELEGATION OF FILM INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS FROM WESTERN CANADA, REPRESENTATIVES OF THE LOCAL FILM AND TELEVISION INDUSTRY, AND BUSINESSMEN.
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SATURDAY, JUNE 22, 1991
8 SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS SOLD BY AUCTION ♦ ♦ ♦ » ♦
FORTY SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBERS WERE PUT UP FOR AUCTION THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING FOR A TOTAL OF $1,314,000 WHICH WILL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY PURPOSES.
THE AUCTION, HELD AT 'I HE CITY HALL RECITAL HALL, SAW THE REGISTRATION NUMBER ESI FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE OF $320,000.
ANOTHER NUMBER XT28 KAS SOLD $160,000 WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS
AT THE SECOND LARGEST $2,000 FOR EP7028.
PRICE OF
FOLLOWING ARE THE RESULTS OF TOPAY 'S AUCTION I:
EP7028 AK786 ER3382 DD86 ES233O BB1231 ER3222 913 AN501 ER8928 $ 2,000 8,000 5,000 22,000 10,000 8,000 9,000 150,000 21,000 5,000 ER 1698 CP63 EE2338 AA2636 DM3 W| ET38G ES3 36 CR8888 1 AY7 19 ET4 98 $ 9,000 35,000 2'1,000 18,000 THDRAWN 19,000 25,000 10,000 11,000 3,000 XX421 ER 1 0 A'1’9088 CG3878 ES 1 AA8398 ER 133 1)1)2288 ES6388 (’Ll 33 $ 5,000 42,000 5,000 8,000 320,000 1 5,0O0 27,000 50,000 19,000 30,000 ER3788 BZ9838 ES1686 AT28 HK8660 ES802 BB3583 ES789 AB7428 ER560 $ 6,000 9,000 25,000 160,000 24,000 16,000 8,000 29,000 7,000 15,000
AFTER SUCCESSFUL THE BIDDING B1DDERS WERE REQUIRED TO PAY BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY
THE NUMBE REGISTERED IN THE RS Al f T NAME OF IONED WILL BE THE SUCCESSFUL ASSIGNED ONLY BIDDERS WITHIN 12 TO VEHICLES MONTHS OF
THE DATE OF AUCTION.
TODAY'S SALE, THE 1651’11 ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT
SINCE MAY 1973, BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY FOR CHARITY REALISED SO FAR TO $119,169,605.
DM3 WAS WITHDRAWN BY THE AUCTIONEER.
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WITHDRAWAL OF KMB ROUTE 6E * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE TRANSPOR’] DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM MONDAY (.JUNE 24) KMB ROUTE 6E PLYING BETWEEN KWUN TONG (YUE MAN SQUARE) AND CHEUNG SHA WAN WILL BE WITHDRAWN.
UPON I'J’S WITHDRAWAL, PASSENGERS CAN MAKE USE OF THE EXISTING KMB SERVICES 2A, 6D AND I5A, OR PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES OR THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY FOR JOURNEYS BETWEEN KWUN TONG AND CHEUNG SHA WAN.
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SATURDAY, JUNE 22, 1991
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CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPS ON STUDENT GUIDANCE ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
TWO CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPS ON STUDENT GUIDANCE FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS AND GUIDANCE TEACHERS WILL BE HELD ON MONDAY AND TUESDAY (JUNE 24 AND 25).
THE PROGRAMMES ARE DESIGNED TO PROVIDE MORE FORUM FOR EXCHANGE AND OPPORTUNITY FOR CONSOLIDATING UNDERSTANDING OF THE WHOLE SCHOOL APPROACH CONCEPT WHICH INVOLVES ALL TEACHERS TO HELP STUDENTS OVERCOME THEIR PROBLEMS.
ORGANISED RY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT'S CAREERS AND GUIDANCE SERVICES SECTION, THE CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPS WILL BE HELD AT THE TEACHERS’ CENTRE, PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT, STARTING AT 9 AM.
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (SERVICES), MRS GRACE YUNG, WILL GIVE AN OPENING ADDRESS ON THE FIRST DAY, TO BE FOLLOWED BY A TALK BY PROFESSOR WILLIAM PURKEY FROM Tllh UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
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HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS • ♦ * * t ♦ •»
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 21.6.91 380
EFFECT OF FORWARDS '1’0 BE SETTLED ON 22.6.91 NEUTRAL
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING NEUTRAL
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUNDAY, JUNE 23, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
ANTI-DRUG EXHIBITION FOR U.N. EVENTS ...................................... 1
ROAD WORKS IN SHA TIN TO BE AMENDED....................................... 2
REMINDER ON EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN ........................................ 3
FRESH WATER CUT IN WESTERN ................................................ 4
TENDERS INVITED FOR SHEK KIP MEI PARK ..................................... 4
SUNDAY, JUNE 23, 1991
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ANTI-DRUG EXHIBITION FOR U.N. EVENTS *****
A LARGE-SCALE EXHIBITION TO MARK THE BEGINNING OF THE UNITED NATIONS DECADE AGAINST DRUG ABUSE (1991-2000) AND THE ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL ANTI-DRUG ABUSE DAY WILL BE STAGED AT NEW TOWN PLAZA, SHA TIN, FROM TUESDAY (JUNE 25).
THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID FORD, WILL OFFICIATE AT A CEREMONY '1’0 COMMEMORATE THE EVENTS AND 'I’O KICK OFF A BUS PARADE ON WEDNESDAY (JUNE 26) AT II AM.
ENTITLED "HONG KONG FIGHTS DRUGS", THE THREE-DAY EXHIBITION IS ORGANISED BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN) IN i • NJUNCTION WITH THE POLICE, CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, THE SOCIETY FOR THE AID AND REHABILITATION OF DRUG ABUSERS AND PS 33, A COUNSELLING CENTRE FOR PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCE ABUSERS.
A WIDE RANGE OF PANEL DISPLAYS INTRODUCING HONG KONG’S OVERALL ANTI-DRUG WORK AND THE ROLES PLAYED BY THE PARTICIPATING ORGANISATIONS WILL ALSO BE SHOWN.
A NUMBER OF MAJOR DRUG TRAFFICKING AND MANUFACTURING CASES SMASHED IN THE PAST FEW YEARS WILL ALSO BE ON THE POLICE AND CUSTOMS DISPLAYS.
AS THE MAIN ATTRACTIONS OF THE EXHIBITION, TWO VIDEO WALLS AND \ BIG SCREEN WILL BE SET UP TO SHOW VIDEOS AND SLIDES ON THE GOVERNMENT’S ANTI-DRUG STRATEGIES AND THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF ABUSING PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES.
VISITORS TO THE EXHIBITION WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO PREVIEW THE TWO VIDEOS PRODUCED FOR THE SOON-TO-BE-RELEASED DRUG EDUCATION TEACHING KIT.
ALSO ON DISPLAY WILL BE SEIZED DRUGS, DRUG-SMOKING PARAPHERNALIA AND DRUG CONCEALMENT DEVICES FROM BOTH THE POLICE AND CUSTOMS AS WELL AS THE MOBILE X-RAY SCAN VEHICLE FROM THE CUSTOMS AND THE MOBILE PUBLICITY VAN FROM THE NARCOTICS DIVISION.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN FROM NOON TO 6 PM ON TUESDAY (JUNE 25) AND BETWEEN 10 AM AND 6 PM ON WEDNESDAY (JUNE 26) AND THURSDAY (JUNE 27).
IN ADDITION TO PUBLICITY MATERIALS, LIMITED COPIES OF A SOUVENIR POSTAL COVER PURPOSELY-PRODUCED BY ACAN TO COMMEMORATE THE TWO U.N. EVENTS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO VISITORS ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS.
FOUR DOUBLE DECKERS, TWO OF WHICH ARE SPONSORED BY THE CHINA MOTOR BUS COMPANY LIMITED AND THE KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY LIMITED, WILL JOIN THE BUS PARADE ON WEDNESDAY (JUNE 26) AFTERNOON.
THEY WILL GO TO ABOUT 20 LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY AND DISTRIBUTE PUBLICITY MATERIALS TO THE PUBLIC.
/MORE THAN .......
SUNDAY, JUNE 23, 1991
J
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MORE THAN 50 VOLUNTEERS INCLUDING LOCAL POP SINGERS ALEX TO, EDDIE NG AND WANG HANG, ARTISTES OF THE RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AND STUDENTS FROM A NUMBER OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS WILL BE PARTICIPATING.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID FORD, WILL OFFICIATE AT A CEREMONY TO COMMEMORATE THE BEGINNING OF THE UNITED NATIONS DECADE AGAINST DRUG ABUSE AND THE ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL ANTI-DRUG ABUSE DAY \T THE ENTRANCE ARENA OF NEW TOWN PLAZA, SHA TIN, AT 11 AM ON WEDNESDAY (JUNE 26).
PRESS (’OVERAGE ARE WELCOME.
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ROAD WORKS IN SHA TIN TO BE AMENDED ******
THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO AMEND THE ROAD WORKS TO BE CARRIED OUT IN HIN TIN, SHEUNG KENG HAU AND HA HENG HAU, SHA TIN TO PROVIDE VEHICULAR AND PEDESTRIAN ACCESS FOR THE EXISTING VILLAGE AND PROPOSED EXTENSION AREAS.
THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT WORKS INCLUDE:
* CONSTRUCTION OF AN OFF-STREET PARKING AREA ADJACENT TO FU KIN STREET;
* CONSTRUCTION OF THREE COMBINED FOOTPATHS/EMERGENCY VEHICULAR ACCESS ROADS NEAR THE PROPOSED PARKING AREA, HIN KENG STREET AND KA TIN COURT RESPECTIVELY;
* CONSTRUCTION OF NEW CARRIAGEWAYS NEAR HIN KENG STREET AND HA KENG HAU, AND ALONGSIDE THE EXISTING HIN TIN STREET;
* CONSTRUCTION OF TWO BUS LAY-BYS ALONG HIN KENG STREET; AND
♦ CONSTRUCTION OF ASSOCIATED FOOTPATHS, STEPS AND SLOPES.
A NUMBER OF FOOTPATHS AND ACCESS ROADS WILL BE CLOSED. PERMANENT ALTERNATIVE ACCESS WILL BE PROVIDED.
DURING THE CONSTRUCTION PERIOD, TEMPORARY ALTERNATIVE ACCESS WILL BE MAINTAINED SO THAT INCONVENIENCE TO THE PUBLIC WILL BE MINIMISED.
A NOTICE CONCERN I NG THE PROPOSED WORKS WAS PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GAZE'I’TE .
/THE PLAN .......
SUNDAY, JUNE 23, 1991
THE PLAN AND AMENDED SCHEME MAY BE INSPECTED BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AT THE FOLLOW I NG GOVERNMENT OFF ICES:-
* CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG;
t SHA TIN DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, 2 TUNG LO WAN HILL ROAD, SHA TIN, NEW TERRITORIES;
♦ SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE, SIXTH FLOOR, KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY HOUSE, SHA TIN RAILWAY STATION, NEW TERRITORIES.
ANY PERSON WHO OBJECT TO THE WORKS OR THE USE, OR BOTH, IS REQUIRED TO ADDRESS HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG NOT LATER THAN AUGUST 20.
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REMINDER ON EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) REMINDED EMPLOYERS NOT TO TAKE ON CHILDREN IN INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS.
THE APPEAL FOLLOWED A RECENT CASE AT THE SAN PO KONG MAGISTRACY IN WHICH A PLASTIC TOY FACTORY WAS FINED $7,000 FOR EMPLOYING TWO CHILDREN.
’’DURING A ROUTINE INSPECTION OF LUEN HING PROFITS FACTORY LIMITED IN HUNG HOM, LABOUR INSPECTORS FOUND TWO CHILDREN, AGED 12 AND 14, DOING ASSEMBLING WORK IN THE FACTORY,” THE SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER (PROSECUTIONS), MR TSANG KIN-WOO, SAID.
’’ACCORDING TO THE EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN REGULATIONS, CHILDREN UNDER THE \GE OF I 5 MUSI NOT BF EMPLOYED IN ANY INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKING, WHILE THOSE AGED BETWEEN 13 AND II MAY BE EMPLOYED ONLY FOR PART-TIME JOBS IN A NON-INDUSTRI AL ESTABLISHMENT SUBJECT TO CERTAIN RESTR I CT IONS,” MR TSANG EXPLAINED.
’’ANY EMPLOYER WHO BREACHES THE PROVISIONS ON THE EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN IN INDUSTRY IS LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $20,000," HE SAID.
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SUNDAY, JUNE 23, 1991
ERESU WATER CUI IN WESTERN
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN THE WESTERN DISTRICT WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM II PM ON TUESDAY (JUNE 25) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT 1-65B AND 12-92 BONHAM ROAD, INCLUDING DAVID TRENCH REHABILITATION CENTRE, MAIN BUILDING OF THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY AND FUNG PING SHAN LIBRARY; 1-15 HING HON ROAD; 1-1F AND 46-90 HIGH STREET, INCLUDING NORTHCOTE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION; YING WA TERRACE; 38-52 WESTERN STREET; 5-21 AND 26-28 HOSPITAL ROAD; AND BREEZY PATH.
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TENDERS INVITED FOR SHEK KIP MEI PARK ♦ ♦ ♦ * *
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE STAGE THREE WORKS OF SHEK KIP MEI PARK IN KOWLOON.
THE WORKS INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A COVERED SPECTATOR STAND WITH CHANGING ROOMS, OFFICES AND OTHER FACILITIES; A SINGLE-STOREY ANNEX BUILDING; A SINGLE-STOREY TOILET BLOCK; AND SITTING-OUT AREAS WITH ARBOURS, RAIN SHELTERS AND PARKING AREAS.
THE SPORTS FACILITIES INCLUDE JOGGING TRACKS WITH FITNESS STATIONS, A SOCCER RUGBY PITCH, A MIN I-SOCCER PITCH, AND TWO BASKETBALL COURTS.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START NEXT MONTH AND BE COMPLETED IN MARCH,
1993.
THE DEADLINE FOR THE SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON JULY 12.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 842 8777
MONDAY, JUNE 24, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
VIOLENT CRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR NOT TO BE TOLERATED ........................... 1
DAVID CARSE ASSUMES OFFICE OF BANKING COMMISSIONER ....................... 2
12,100 SUMMER ACTIVITIES OFFERED FOR YOUNGSTERS .......................... 2
GOVT WELCOMES JOCKEY CLUB'S NEW HK STADIUM PROPOSAL ...................... 3
OPERATION AGAINST ILLEGAL DISPLAY OF BILLS AND POSTERS ................... 4
SPECIAL ANTI-DRUG DATESTAMP .............................................. 4
ENRICHING SCHOOL LIFE HELPS REALISE STUDENTS' POTENTIAL .................. 5
LEGCO TO DEBATE ON DEATH PENALTY ON WEDNESDAY ............................ 5
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ..................................................... 6
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............... 6
MONDAY, JUNE 24, 1991
1
VIOLENT CRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR NOT TO RE TOLERATED * * * * *
IT’S A GREAT CREDIT TO THE POLICH THAT THEY WERE ABLE TO BE ON THE SCENE SO QUICKLY, AND TO TAKE ACTION AGAINST THE ROBBERS IN YESTERDAY’S VIOLENT ROBBERV Al TA I PO, THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID EORD, SAID TODAY (HONDAS).
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER OFFICIATING AT A CEREMONY MARKING THE COMPLETION OF REDEVELOPMENT OF PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, STR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS NOT PREPARED TO ACCEPT THAT DEGREE OF VIOLENCE IN HONG KONG.
"IT IS OF CONCERN TO ALL OF US AND WE ARE NOT GOING TO TOLERATE THAT VIOLENT CRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR IN HONG KONG,” HE SAID.
"I KNOW THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE TAKES IT VERY SERIOUSLY ALSO. I’VE DISCUSSED IT WITH HIM THIS MORNING. HE HAS ALREADY STEPPED UP THE COVERAGE ON THE GROUND To COMBAT THESE ARMED ROBBERS," HE ADDED.
"I THINK HIE BEST WAY TO DEAL WITH IT IS THROUGH TRADITIONAL POLICE METHODS, BUT WITH ADDITIONAL COVERAGE ON THE STREETS IN THE LIKELY AREAS WHERE THESE ROBBERIES ARE TAKING PLACE. THAT’S THE WAY HE’S TACKLED Cl ON AN OPERATIONAL BASIS AND I THINK WE MUST LEAVE TO THE COMMISSIONER TO GO DOWN THAT ROUTE," SIR DAVID SAID.
"THE OTHER ASPECT OF THE PROBLEM IS THE PROBLEM OF WEAPONS BEING SMUGGLED FROM CHINA AND I KNOW ALSO THAT THE COMMISSIONER WAS IN TOUCH WITH THE GUANGDONG AUTHORITIES OVER THIS WEEKEND TO DISCUSS THE PROBLEM FURTHER," SIR DAVID SAID.
"WE MUST TAKE THIS MATTER SERIOUSLY. I’M GLAD TO SEE THAT THE JUDICIARY DO TAKE Cl SERIOUSLY, AND THE SENTENCES WHICH HAVE BEEN METED OUT TO ARMED ROBBERS I’ll IS \EAR, HAVE BEEN BETWEEN 15 AND 20 YEARS; THEY ART VERY SEVERE SENTENCES,” HE NOTED.
SIR DAVID SAID THE MESSAGE TO ARMED ROBBERS IS: "IF YOU TRY IT YOU’LL GET CAUGHT, YND WHEN YOI GET (’AUGHT, YOU’LL GET PUT AWAY FOR A LONG TIME, SO DON’T Do IT".
THE DEPUTV TO HIE GOVERNOR POINTED OUT THAT ALTHOUGH THESE INCIDENTS WERE A SERIOUS PROBLEM, HONG KONG WAS STILL A VERY SAFE PLACE COMPARED TO MOST CITIES IN THE WORLD.
"THE LEVEL OF VIOLENT (’RIME HERE IS STILL RELATIVELY LOW, AND THE INSTANCES ARE FEW AND FAR BETWEEN. THAT DOESN’T MEAN TO SAY THAT THEY ARE NOT SERIOUS. WE SHOULD TAKE THEM SERIOUSLY. AND THAT IS WHAT THE POLICE ARE DOING BUT WE MUST KEEP THE PROBLEM IN PERSPECTIVE," HE SAID.
"I THINK THOSE OF US WHO TRAVEL ABROAD, WHO GO TO AMERICA AND TO LONDON AND TO EUROPE AND SO ON, AND EVEN IN THIS REGION, KNOW THAT WE CAN FEEL MUCH SAFER HERE THAN WE CAN IN OTHER BIG CITIES. THAT’S NO REASON TO BE COMPLACENT. WE’VE GOT TO TAKE ACTION AND I THINK THE POLICE ARE TAKING ACTION TO DEAL WI TH THE PROBLEM AS RAPIDLY AS WE POSSIBLY CAN,” SIR DAV IP SAID.
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/2.........
i
MONDAY, JUNE 24, 1991
- 2 -
DAVID CARSE ASSUMES OFFICE OF HANKING COMMISSIONER
*****
THE NEW COMMISSIONER OF BANKING, MR DAVID CARSE, SECONDED FROM THE BANK OF ENGLAND, HAS ASSUMED OFFICE TODAY (MONDAY).
AGED 44, MR CARSE FIRST JOINED THE BANK OF ENGLAND IN 1969 AND HAS WORKED IN VARIOUS FIELDS INCLUDING ECONOMIC ANALYSIS, MANAGEMENT OF FINANCIAL MARKETS AND A TWO-YEAR SECONDMENT TO THE CABINET OFFICE.
BEFORE TAKING HIS POST IN HONG KONG, MR CARSE WAS THE MANAGER, MAJOR ENGLISH CLEARING BANKS, IN THE BANKING SUPERVISION DIVISION OF THE BANK OF ENGLAND.
---------0----------
12,100 SUMMER ACTIVITIES OFFERED FOR YOUNGSTERS *****
YOUNG PEOPLE ARE URGED TO TAKE PART IN THE 12,100-PLUS VARIED AND SPECTACULAR ACTIVITIES BEING PLANNED FOR THIS YEAR’S SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME (SYP) TO ENJOY A MEANINGFUL AND ENTERTAINING SUMMER.
. SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE THIS (MONDAY) AFTERNOON, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SYP COMMITTEE, MR PETER S.T. LEE, ANNOUNCED THAT THE 1991 SYP OPENING CEREMONY AND VARIETY SHOW WOULD BE HELD ON SUNDAY (JUNE 30).
"THIS YEAR’S THEME CONTINUES TO BE ’SHARE THE FUN, SERVE THE COMMUNITY’," HE SAID.
MR LEE SAID SINCE 1969 SUMMER YOUTH ACTIVITIES HAD ATTRACTED LARGE NUMBERS OF PARTICIPANTS EVERY YEAR, ENABLING THEM TO SPEND A MEANINGFUL SUMMER HOLIDAY.
"LAST YEAR SOME 1.28 MILLION YOUNGSTERS PARTICIPATED IN THE SYP," HE SAID.
"IN LINE WITH THE SYP THEME, THE COMMITTEE HAS, THROUGH FUNDING ARRANGEMENTS, ENCOURAGED PARTICIPATING ORGANISATIONS TO ORGANISE SOCIAL SERVICE ACTIVITIES TO PROVIDE YOUNG PEOPLE WITH OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY, IN ADDITION TO ORGANISING RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR THEM TO SHARE THE FUN," HE ADDED.
MR LEE SAID SCHOLARSHIPS FOR AN 18-DAY DIPLOMA COURSE AT THE OUTWARD BOUND SCHOOL WOULD CONTINUE TO BE AWARDED TO THOSE VOLUNTARY WORKERS DISPLAYING OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE IN THE PROMOTION OF SUMMER YOUTH ACTIVITIES.
AS FOR THIS YEAR’S FUNDING, MR LEE SAID THE TOTAL EXPENDITURE WAS ESTIMATED AT $32 MILLION, REPRESENTING A 23 PER CENT INCREASE OVER THAT OF LAST YEAR.
/THE ROYAL .......
MONDAY, JUNE 24, 1991
3 -
"THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB HAS DONATED $11.8 MILLION, WITH THE REMAINDER COMING EROM VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, DISTRICT BOARDS AND PRIVATE ORGANISATIONS.
"ON BEHALF OE THE SYP COMMITTEE, 1 WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO THANK THE RHKJC EOR ITS CONTRIBUTION TO THE SYP EOR 23 YEARS," HE SAID.
MR LEE ALSO THANKED RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG’S TELEVISION DIVISION, RTHK RADIO 2 AND COMMERCIAL RADIO 2 EOR JOINING HANDS WITH THE COMMITTEE TO PROMOTE THE SYP.
IN ADDITION TO THE OPENING SHOW WHICH WILL BE PRODUCED BY RTHK (TV), THERE WILL BE OTHER PUBLICITY PROGRAMMES, INCLUDING FOUR I :NI-CONCERTS TO BE BROADCAST ON TVB-JADE, SUPPORTING SHORT SEGMENTS TO BE SLOTTED IN RADIO PROGRAMMES ON RTHK RADIO 2, AND INTERVIEWS OF CELEBRITIES AND YOUTH LEADERS ON CR 2.
ALSO PRESENT AT TODAY’S PRESS CONFERENCE WERE THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY (YOUTH) OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, MR PARRISH NG; AND THE INFORMATION SECRETARY OF THE RHKJC, MR DAVID YAU.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THIS YEAR’S SYP ('AN BE DIRECTED TO ANY CNTA DISTRICT OFFICE.
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GOVT WELCOMES JOCKEY CLUB’S NEW HK STADIUM PROPOSAL ******
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES ON CLUB’S ANNOUNCEMENT TO FUND THE BUILDING SO KON PO, THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE GOVERNMENT
THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY OF A NEW NATIONAL STADIUM AT AND CULTURE, MR JAMES SO', WELCOMES THE JOCKEY CLUB’S
PROPOSAL TO REPROVISION THE HONG KONG STADIUM.
"I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT A NEW, MODERN STADIUM WITH STATE-OF-THE-ART SPORTING AND ENTERTAINMENT FACILITIES AND A SEATING CAPACITY OF 40,000 WILL BRING IMMENSE BENEFIT TO THE COMMUNITY IN HONG KONG,” MR SO SAID.
"VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED WILL BE WORKING CLOSELY WITH THE JOCKEY CLUB TN FIRMING UP A DESIGN PACKAGE WHICH WILL TAKE INTO ACCOUNT ALL RELEVANT ASPECTS INCLUDING TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT," HE ADDED.
IN REGARD TO THE FUTURE MANAGEMENT OF THE STADIUM, MR SO SAID THE ADMINISTRATION WOULD BE CONSULTING INTERESTED BODIES, INCLUDING THE URBAN COUNCIL.
"IT IS TOO EARLY TO COME TO A DECISION AT THIS STAGE. BUT I AM SURE A WORKABLE SOLUTION WILL BE WORKED OUT TO THE SATISFACTION OF ALL PARTIES CONCERNED IN DUE COURSE,” HE SAID.
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/4 ........
MONDAY, JUNE 24, 1991
OPERATION AGAINST ILLEGAL DISPLAY OF BILLS AND POSTERS * * * *
A TOTAL OF 38 SUMMONSES WERE ISSUED DURING A TERRITORY-WIDE BLITZ OPERATION AGAINST ILLEGAL DISPLAY OF BILLS AND POSTERS HELD YESTERDAY (SUNDAY) AND ON SATURDAY (JUNE 22).
"BILLS AND POSTERS ARE OFTEN DISPLAYED ILLEGALLY AT PRIVATE OR PUBLIC PLACES OVER WEEKENDS, HOLIDAYS AND AFTER OFFICE HOURS, AFFECTING THE OVERALL TIDINESS AND CLEANLINESS OF THE CITY," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
TO REMEDY THE SITUATION, BLITZ OPERATIONS WERE CARRIED OUT REGULARLY BY THE URBAN SERVICES AND REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENTS, HE SAID.
"WE HOPE THE GENERAL PUBLIC, ESPECIALLY ADVERTISING COMPANIES, WOULD EXERCISE SELF-DISCIPLINE IN HANDLING THEIR OUTDOOR PUBLICITY POSTERS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"ANY PERSON WHO DISPLAYS BILLS AND POSTERS IN PRIVATE PLACES WITHOUT THE OWNERS’ CONSENT OR AT PUBLIC PLACES WITHOUT AUTHORISATION 1$ LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $5,000," HE ADDED.
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SPECIAL ANTI-DRUG DATESTAMP
*****
THE ACTING POSTMASTER GENERAL, MISS ELLE SHUM, ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT A SPECIAL DATESTAMP WILL BE INTRODUCED ON WEDNESDAY (JUNE 26) TO MARK THE INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST DRUG ABUSE AND ILLEGAL TRAFFICKING.
MISS SHUM SAID THIS YEAR IS THE FIRST YEAR OF THE UNITED NATIONS DECADE AGAINST DRUG ABUSE.
THE SPECIAL DATESTAMP WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR HAND-BACK SERVICE FOR PRIVATELY MADE COVERS AND SOUVENIR COVERS ISSUED BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS AT THE FOLLOWING PHILATELIC OFFICES:
GENERAL POST OFFICE
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE POST OFFICE
PEAK POST OFFICE
TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE
GRANVILLE ROAD POST OFFICE
AIRPORT POST OFFICE
SHA TIN CENTRAL POST OFFICE
ALSO, A SPECIAL POSTAL SLOGAN ’SAY NO TO DRUGS’ WILL BE USED FOR DATESTAMPING LETTERS ON WEDNESDAY AND DURING THE PERIOD JULY 2-22.
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/5......
MONDAY, JUNE 24, 1991
- 5 -
ENRICHING SCHOOL LIFE HELPS REALISE STUDENTS’ POTENTIAL
STUDENTS’ POTENTIAL (’AN BEST BE REALISED WHEN SCHOOL LIFE IS MADE A MORE INVITING, SATISFYING AND ENRICHING EXPERIENCE FOR THEM, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (SERVICES), MRS GRACE YUNG, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CONFERENCE AND WORKSHOPS ON STUDENT GUIDANCE, MRS YUNG CALLED FOR A REVIEW OF THE BASIC PHILOSOPHY AND AN ADJUSTMENT OF THE PRESENT APPROACH SO AS TO REALLY ADDRESS THE NEEDS OF STUDENTS.
SHE SAID SCHOOLS SHOULD SUPPLEMENT THE TRADITIONAL SYSTEM OF HELPING PROBLEM STUDENTS WITH A REACH 1NG-OUT SYSTEM BASED ON ENCOURAGEMENT AND ACCEPTANCE, WHICH WOULD HELP STUDENTS TO SEE THEMSELVES AS ABLE, VALUABLE AND SELF-DIRECTING INDIVIDUALS.
"TO MAKE THIS SYSTEM A SUCCESS, ALL TEACHERS HAVE TO BE MOBILISED IN THIS COLLABORATIVE PROCESS," SHE SAID.
TO SUPPORT SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN IMPLEMENTING THE WHOLE SCHOOL APPROACH TO STUDENT GUIDANCE, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS PREPARING A. GUIDANCE TEACHER RESOURCE ROOK FOR DISTRIBUTION TN THE NEXT ACADEMIC YEAR.
THE BOOK WILL PROVIDE PRACTICAL HINTS ON GUIDANCE SKILLS AND SUGGEST TECHNIQUES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF STUDENT BEHAVIOUR AT SCHOOL.
THE TWO-DAY CONFERENCE AND WORKSHOPS ARE ORGANISED FOR SECONDARY SCHOOl PRINCIPALS AND GUIDANCE TEACHERS AT THE TEACHERS’ CENTRE IN NORTH POINT.
------0--------
LEGCO TO DEBATE ON DEATH PENALTY ON WEDNESDAY ♦ ♦ * ♦ ♦
MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL ASK A TOTAL OF 12 QUESTIONS AND CONSIDER 19 BILLS AT THE COUNCIL’S MEETING ON WEDNESDAY (JUNE 26).
OF THE 19 BILLS, NINE WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. DEBATES ON THEM WILL BE ADJOURNED.
THEY ARE THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, STAMP DUTY (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1991, GRANTHAM SCHOLARSHIPS FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, BREWIN TRUST FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, SIR ROBERT BLACK TRUST FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, LI PO CHUN CHARITABLE TRUST FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, DENTISTS REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, MEDICAL REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 AND SUPPLEMENTARY MEDICAL PROFESSIONS (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1991.
/DEBATES ON .......
MONDAY, JUNE 24, 1991
- 6 -
DEBATES ON THE OTHER 10 BILLS WILL BE RESUMED AND EACH IS DUE TO GO THROUGH THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND BE GIVEN A THIRD READING.
THE BILLS ARE THE IMPORT AND EXPORT (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1991, OZONE LAYER PROTECTION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, SECURITIES (INSIDER DEALING) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, SECURITIES (DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, LEGAL PRACTITIONERS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1991, POLICE CHILDREN’S EDUCATION TRUST (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, POLICE EDUCATION AND WELFARE TRUST (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 AND SUMMARY OFFENCES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991.
IN ADDITION, THE HON KINGSLEY SIT WILL MOVE A MOTION ON DEATH PENALTY. THE MOTION READS: "THAT, IN VIEW OF THE INCREASING CONCERN CAUSED BY THE PRESENT LAW AND ORDER SITUATION, THIS COUNCIL URGES THE GOVERNMENT TO RESUME IMMEDIATELY THE CARRYING OUT OF THE DEATH PENALTY".
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO OBSERVE THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SITTING AND THEY MAY MAKE RESERVATIONS FOR SEATS IN THE PUBLIC GALLERIES BY TELEPHONING 844 0899.
---------0-----------
WATER STORAGE FIGURE
*****
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 27.7 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 162.623 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 270.165 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 46.1 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
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HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
DATE CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 22.6.91 EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 24.6.91 EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 114.R *+0.2* 24.6.91 $ MILLION 380 + 315 -315 NEUTRAL /HONG KONG
MONDAY, JUNE 24, 1991
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
CLOSING YIELDS OF EXCHANGE fund BILLS
24.6.91 21.6.91
MATURING IN 1 WEEK 1 MONTH 3 MONTHS 6 MONTHS 12 MONTHS 7.60 PCT 7.51 PCT 7.4 5 PCT 7.46 PCT 7.50 PCT 7.67 PCT 7.62 PCT 7.55 PCT 7.55 PCT 7.56 PCT
TOTAL BILLS TRANSFERRED 2,830 MN 3,149 MN
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
AIRPORT REMAINS HK'S OBJECTIVE ......................................... 1
NEW INCENTIVE FOR LOCALISATION OF JUDICIARY ............................
RS CALLS FOR PARTICIPATION IN LEGCO ELECTIONS .......................... 3
GOVT WELCOMES VMS' VOLUNTARY RETURN TO VIETNAM ......................... 4
SUMMARY RESULTS OF THE 1989 SURVEY OF STORAGE, COMMUNICATION> FINANCING, INSURANCE AND BUSINESS SERVICES .......................................... 5
NEW SERVICES FOR HANDICAPPED PEOPLE ....................................
VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS RETURN TO VIETNAM .................................. 10
TWO GOVT LOTS TO LET BY TENDER ......................................... 10
ACTION ON UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS IN SHAM SHUI PO................... 11
FRESH WATER CUT IN TAI KOK TSUI ........................................ 11
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND...................................... 11
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............. 12
TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 1991
- 1 -AIRPORT REMAINS HK’S OBJECTIVE * ♦ * ♦ t t *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE OBJECTIVE REMAINS THAT HONG KONG WOULD LIKE TO GET AHEAD WITH THE AIRPORT PROJECT AS SOON AS WE CAN.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER A MEETING WITH THE PRIME MINISTER, MR JOHN MAJOR, IN LONDON, SIR DAVID SAID : "OUR HOPE IS THAT WE WILL GO AHEAD WITH THE AIRPORT AND WHAT I MEAN BY THAT IS THAT HONG KONG NEEDS A NEW AIRPORT.
"I THINK NEARLY EVERYBODY IS AGREED ON THAT POINT, BUT IF WE ARE TO GO AHEAD WITH IT THEN WE NEED NOW TO REACH AGREEMENT WITH CHINA ON A SENSIBLE, PRAGMATIC BASIS FOR GOING AHEAD WITH THE PROJECT.
"IT IS A VERY BIG PROJECT AND WE NEED TO KNOW IF WE ARE GOING TO EMBARK ON IT THAT WE CAN CARRY IT OUT SENSIBLY AND IN GOOD TIME."
POINTING OUT THAT HONG KONG’S PRESENT AIRPORT WAS EXtftEMELY OVERCROWDED, SIR DAVID SAID THAT WAS GOING TO GET WORSE OVER THE YEARS.
"A COMPETITION IN SOUTH-EAST ASIA WILL BE GOING AHEAD WITti BUILDING UP THEIR FACILITIES, SO FROM OUR POINT OF VIEW THE SOONER WE CAN GO AHEAD WITH THE PROJECT, THE SOONER WE COULD GET SOME SENSIBLE ARRANGEMENT WITH CHINA TO DO IT, THEN THE BETTER," HE ADDED.
"THERE IS, AS I WAS SAYING, PRACTICAL CONSEQUENCES IF WE DO NOT REACH AGREEMENT IN THE NEAR FUTURE," HE SAID.
"THERE ARE CERTAIN THINGS WHICH WE WOULD HAVE BEEN DOING WHICH AS A RESULT IF WE DO NOT REACH AGREEMENT IN THE NEAR FUTURE JUST HAVE TO SLIP.
"BUT THIS IS A QUESTION OF SLIPPAGE, IT IS NOT A QUESTION, I EMPHASISE, OF CANCELLATION OF THE PROJECT OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT."
"THERE ARE CERTAIN TENDERS WHICH ARE DUE TO BE GOING OUT IN THE FAIRLY NEAR FUTURE AND THE PRACTICAL CONSEQUENCE OF NOT REACHING AGREEMENT WITH THE CHINESE YET, IF THAT REMAINS THE CASE, IS THAT OF COURSE THERE HAS TO BE SOME POSTPONEMENT IN THAT," SIR DAVID SAID.
ASKED IF HE WOULD HAVE FURTHER TALKS WITH CHINA, SIR DAVID SAID: "THERE IS CONTINUING CONTACT WITH CHINA, CONTINUING CONTACT ON THE DIPLOMATIC LEVEL, AND I DO EXPECT THAT TO GO ON."
ON HIS MEETING WITH THE PRIME MINISTER, SIR DAVID SAID : " THIS IS ONE OF THE REGULAR MEETINGS THAT I COME BACK FOR TO LONDON SO THAT I CAN KEEP MINISTERS UP-TO-DATE WITH WHAT IS HAPPENING IN HONG KONG.
"I HAVE BEEN VERY PLEASED THIS MORNING TO HAVE A LONG PERIOD OF TIME WITH THE PRIME MINISTER COVERING THE RANGE OF ISSUES WHICH ARE OF CONCERN IN HONG KONG AT THE MOMENT.
/"OBVIOUSLY THOSE .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 1991
- 2 -
"OBVIOUSLY THOSE HAVE INCLUDED THE QUESTION OF THE AIRPORT, ALSO IN THE CONTEXT OF OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH CHINA AS A WHOLE COVERING THE NEXT SIX YEARS; I HAVE BEEN TALKING ABOUT THE QUESTION OF THE VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE AND THE PROBLEMS INVOLVED THERE; THE QUESTION OF MFN STATUS FOR CHINA AND THE POTENTIAL IMPACT ON HONG KONG OF tHAT; AND VARIOUS OTHER ISSUES CONNECTED WITH HONG KONG.”
"SO FOR ME IT WAS A VERY USEFUL MEETING," SIR DAVID ADDED.
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NEW INCENTIVE FOR LOCALISATION OF JUDICIARY ♦ * t * i
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS APPROVED A CASH ALLOWANCE IN LIEU OF OTHER HOUSING BENEFITS FOR JUDICIAL OFFICERS AT THE RANK OF DISTRICT COURT JUDGE AND ABOVE IN AN ATTEMPT TO BOOST THE RATE OF LOCALISATION IN THE JUDICIARY.
AT PRESENT, ONLY 23 PER CENT OF JUDICIAL OFFICERS AT THE RANK OF DISTRICT COURT JUDGE AND ABOVE ARE LOCAL OFFICERS.
ANNOUNCING THE DECISION TODAY (TUESDAY), A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE JUDICIARY DIFFERED FROM THE CIVIL SERVICE AS THE LATTER GENERALLY APPOINTED CANDIDATES TO THE BASIC RANK.
"IN THE JUDICIARY, DIRECT RECRUITMENT TO SENIOR RANKS IS A COMMON PRACTICE," THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
"CANDIDATES WHO ARE SUITABLE FOR THESE SENIOR POSTS ARE EXPERIENCED AND ESTABLISHED LAWYERS. ON AVERAGE, DISTRICT COURT JUDGES AND HIGH COURT JUDGES APPOINTED OVER THE LAST FIVE YEARS WERE 48 YEARS OLD WITH 20 YEARS POST-QUALIFICATION EXPERIENCE," HE ADDED.
THE GOVERNMENT’S EXISTING HOUSING BENEFITS WOULD NOT BE ATTRACTIVE TO LOCAL CANDIDATES AT THIS LEVEL WHO MAY OWN THEIR HOME AND PREFER TO STAY WHERE THEY ARE.
THE NEW INCENTIVE, WHICH WAS RECOMMENDED BY THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON JUDICIAL SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE, WILL BE A CASH ALLOWANCE WHICH WILL BE PAYABLE FOR THE DURATION OF A JUDGE’S SERVICE.
THE ALLOWANCE WILL TAKE THE PLACE OF OTHER HOUSING BENEFITS. THE ALLOWANCE WILL BE $27,000 A MONTH FOR DISTRICT COURT JUDGES AND $36,000 FOR HIGH COURT JUDGES.
THE AMOUNTS ARE THE SAME AS FOR OFFICERS AT EQUIVALENT RANKS IN THE CIVIL SERVICE WHO JOIN THE RECENTLY INTRODUCED HOME FINANCING SCHEME (HFS).
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE TWO SCHEMES SERVED DIFFERENT PURPOSES.
/"THE MAIN .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 1991
3
"THE MAIN AIM OF THE HFS IS TO ENCOURAGE HOME OWNERSHIP AND THE RELEASE OF QUARTERS BY CIVIL SERVANTS WHILE THE ALLOWANCE FOR JUUlClAL OFFICERS IS DESIGNED TO ATTRACT EXPERIENCED LOCAL LAWYERS TO THE JUDICIARY.
"SERVING OFFICERS IN THE JUDICIARY WHO HAVE ALREADY PARTICIPATED IN THE HOME FINANCING SCHEME OR HOME PURCHASE SCHEME WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE NEW ALLOWANCE," HE POINTED OUT.
PAYMENT OF THE NEW ALLOWANCE IS SUBJECT TO THE PROVISION OF FUNDS BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
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RS CALLS FOR PARTICIPATION IN LEGCO ELECTIONS ******
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR DAVID LAN, TODAY (TUESDAY) CALLED ON RESIDENTS TO REGISTER AS VOTERS AND TO TAKE PART IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS ON SEPTEMBER 15.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING OF THE NEW PREMISES OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE AND DISTRICT BOARD THIS AFTERNOON, MR LAN SAID THE ELECTIONS WERE ANOTHER MILESTONE OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT IN HONG Kong.
"IT WILL ALLOW MORE DIRECT PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL ADMINISTRATION," HE SAID.
TO ENSURE THAT MORE PEOPLE WOULD SIGN UP AS ELECTORS, MR LAN SAID ANOTHER VOTER REGISTRATION EXERCISE WAS BEING CONDUCTED BY“'THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE. IT WOULD CLOSE ON JULY 1.
ON THE NEW MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE PREMISES, MR LAN SAID IN VIEW OF MONG KOK’S DENSE POPULATION, IT WAS VITAL TO ENHANCE LIAISON BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND RESIDENTS.
HE ALSO PAID TRIBUTE TO THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD AND OTHER LOCAL ORGANISATIONS WHICH HE SAID WERE PLAYING PROMINENT ROLES IN CO-ORDINATING GOVERNMENT PROGRAMMES, PROVIDING COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES AS WELL AS REFLECTING THE VIEWS OF RESIDENTS.
"THE RAPID DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT COUPLED WITH GROWING POLITICAL CONSCIOUSNESS AMONG RESIDENTS MEANS THAT THE WORK OF DISTRICT OFFICES AND DISTRICT BOARDS WILL BECOME MORE IMPORTANT AND CHALLENGING," MR LAN SAID.
THE NEW PREMISES OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE AND DISTRICT BOARD ARE LOCATED ON THE SIXTH FLOOR, MONG KOK GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 30 LUEN WAN STREET. THE DISTRICT OFFICE’S PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE COUNTER IS AT GROUND FLOOR OF THE BUILDING.
/4 ........
TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 1991
GOVT WELCOMES VMS’ VOLUNTARY RETURN TO VIETNAM
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES, THE ACTING fcEFUGEfe CO-ORDlNATOR, MR ALEX FONG, MADE THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT TODAY (TUESDAY):
"THE GOVERNMENT WELCOMED THE RETURN OF 233 VOLUNTEERS ON THE TWO VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION FLIGHTS TODAY AND EXPRESSED HOPE THAT THERE WOULD BE RENEWED AND EXPANDED INTEREST IN RETURN TO VIETNAM BY THE VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS CROWDING THE CAMPS HERE.
"THERE WILL BE ANOTHER FLIGHT ON FRIDAY (JUNE 2ft) Eofc AfeoUt 250 VM’S AND THE UNHCR IS ARRANGING MORE FLIGHTS IN JULY.
"IT IS ENCOURAGING TO NOTE THE UPTURN IN THE VOLUNTARY PROGRAMME, AND WE HOPE TO SEE THE MOMENTUM NOW BUILT UP SUSTAINED, WITH NUMBERS APPLYING FOR RETURN TO VIETNAM CONTINUING TO INCREASE.
"MANY RECENT ARRIVALS WERE VICTIMS OF RUMOURS, DRIVEN HERE BY FALSE HOPES OF A MORE PROSPEROUS LIFE OVERSEAS. FOLLOWING THE CONCLUSION OF THE STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING IN APRIL/MAY, WE, ™VE, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE UNHCR, STEPPED UP OUR COUNSELLING EFFORTS WHICH HELPED TO DISPEL SOME OF THE RUMOURS.
"AS MANY REALISED THEY HAD BEEN MISLED, THEY HAD WISELY DECIDED THAT THE BEST COURSE OF ACTION FOR THEM IS TO RETURN TO VIETNAM UNDER THE VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME. AT THE STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING, THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OF ACTION WAS REAFFIRMED AND IT SHOULD NOW BE CLEAR TO THOSE IN THE CAMPS THAT THERE IS NO POSSIBILITY OF ANY CHANGES IN POLICY AND THAT THERE IS NO PROSPECT OF RESETTLEMENT FOR THE SCREENED-OUT.
"RECENT DISCUSSIONS IN WASHINGTON ON THE POSSIBILITY OF SETTING UP INTERNATIONALLY MANAGED CENTRES FOR THE SCREENED-OUT IN VIETNAM HAD HELPED TO REINFORCE THIS MESSAGE TO THOSE IN THE CAMPS IN HONG KONG."
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TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 1991
- 5 -
SUMMARY RESULTS OF THE 1989 SURVEY OF STORAGE, COMMUNICATION, FINANCING, INSURANCE AND BUSINESS SERVICES *****
TWO HUNDRED AND SEVEN STORAGE ESTABLISHMENTS DURING THE WHOLE OR PART OF 1989, REPRESENTING AN COMPARED WITH 1988.
WERE IN OPERATION
INCREASE OF 10%
MEANWHILE, A TOTAL OF 4,384 PERSONS WERE ENGAGED IN THESE ESTABLISHMENTS, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 2% OVER 1988, ACCORDING TO THE SUMMARY RESULTS OF THE 1989 SURVEY OF STORAGE, COMMUNICATION, financing, Insurance and business services released today (TuEsbAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THESE ESTABLISHMENTS GENERATED $2,423 MILLION OF BUSINESS RECEIPTS AND OTHER INCOME (+37%), AND SPENT $383 MILLION ON COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES (+19%) AND $1,439 MILLION ON OPERATING EXPENSES (+30%).
THE VALUE ADDED OF THIS SECTOR INCREASED BY 35% OVER 1988 TO $1,117 MILLION IN 1989. VALUE ADDED IS A MEASURE OF THE CONTRIBUTION OF AN ECONOMIC SECTOR TO HONG KONG’S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT.
ALL VALUE FIGURES ARE EXPRESSED IN CURRENT PRIfcE TERMS
PERCENTAGE CHANGES DERIVED FROM THESE FIGURES HAVE NOT BEEN ADJUSTED
FOR PRICE INCREASES.
IN THE COMMUNICATION SECTOR WHICH INCLUDES TELEPHONE,
TELEGRAPH, COURIER, RADIO-PAGING AND OTHER TELECOMMUNICATION COMPANIES, THERE WERE 424 ESTABLISHMENTS IN OPERATION IN 1989, AN
INCREASE OF 48% OVER 1988.
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED ROSE BY 5% TO 26,105.
COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES AMOUNTED TO $2,910 MILLION (AN INCREASE OF 24%) AND OPERATING EXPENSES TO $4,942 MILLION (+21%).
BUSINESS RECEIPTS AND OTHER INCOME INCREASED BY 17% TO $14,419 MILLION, WHILE THE CONTRIBUTION OF THIS SECTOR TO THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT IN TERMS OF VALUE ADDED INCREASED BY 19% TO $8,447 MILLION.
IN THE FINANCING SECTOR, 3,386 ESTABLISHMENTS WERE IN OPERATION DURING 1989, AN INCREASE OF 14% WHEN COMPARED WITH 1988.
THIS SECTOR COMPRISES LOAN AND MORTGAGE COMPANIES, CREDIT INSTITUTIONS, FINANCE LEASING, PAWNSHOPS, INVESTMENT AND HOLDING COMPANIES, SECURITIES, FUTURES AND GOLD BULLION BROKERS AND DEALERS, MONEY CHANGERS AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE BROKERS AND DEALERS.
COMPARED WITH 1988, THE SECTOR’S TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED WENT UP BY 11% TO 35,603.
/COMPENSATION OF ..
TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 1991
COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES AMOUNTED TO $6,487 MILLION (AN INCREASE OF 41%) AND OPERATING EXPENSES TO $19,896 MILLION (+29%). BUSINESS RECEIPTS AND OTHER INCOME GREW BY 27% TO $54,249 MILLION.
THIS SECTOR’S VALUE ADDED, WHICH DID NOT INCLUDE THAT OF INVESTMENT AND HOLDING COMPANIES DUE TO THE SPECIAL FEATURES OF THEIR BUSINESS OPERATION, INCREASED BY 13% OVER 1988 TO $5,373 MILLION.
IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT THE FINANCING SECTOR MENTIONED ABOVE EXCLUDED BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES WHICH ARE SEPARATELY COVERED UNDER THE 1989 SURVEY OF BANKS, DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES AND REPRESENTATIVE OFFICES OF FOREIGN BANKS, THE RESULTS OF WHICH HAVE BEEN PUBLISHED IN THE MARCH 1991 ISSUE OF THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST 1 F STATISTICS.
IN SUMMARY, THE NUMBER OF BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES (EXCLUDING REPRESENTATIVE OFFICES OF FOREIGN BANKS) IN OPERATION DECREASED MARGINALLY FROM 428 IN 1988 TO 427 IN 1989.
WAGES AND SALARIES PAID AND OTHER EMPLOYEE BENEFITS OFFERED IN 1989 AMOUNTED TO $10,121 MILLION (AN INCREASE OF 19%) AND OPERATING EXPENSES TO $6,546 MILLION (+20%).
NET INTEREST RECEIPTS (THAT IS INTEREST RECEIVED MINUS INTEREST PAID) ROSE BY 12% TO $22,111 MILLION, WHILE RECEIPTS FROM SERVICES RENDERED INCREASED BY 19% TO $6,786 MILLION.
IN THE BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR, THERE WERE 9,833 ESTABLISHMENTS IN OPERATION IN 1989, AN INCREASE OF 21% OVER 1988.
THESE INCLUDE LEGAL, ACCOUNTING, AUDITING AND DATA PROCESSING FIRMS; COMPANIES ENGAGED IN BUSINESS MANAGEMENT AND CONSULTANCY, ADVERTISING, DESIGNING, SECRETARIAL AND EMPLOYMENT SERVICES; TECHNICAL SERVICES AND MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT RENTAL COMPANIES WHICH ENGAGED A TOTAL OF 80,121 PERSONS, AN INCREASE OF 9% OVER 1988.
IN 1989, THEY SPENT $8,164 MILLION ON COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES (AN INCREASE OF 23%) AND $13,693 MILLION ON OPERATING EXPENSES (+23%), AND GENERATED $28,070 MILLION OF BUSINESS RECEIPTS AND OTHER INCOME (+16%).
THE SECTOR CONTRIBUTED $13,939 MILLION TO THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (+10%), MEASURED IN TERMS OF VALUE ADDED.
IN THE INSURANCE SECTOR, WHICH INCLUDES GENERAL AND LIFE INSURERS, INSURANCE AGENTS AND COMPANIES PROVIDING OTHER INSURANCE-RELATED SERVICES, THE NUMBER OF ESTABLISHMENTS INCREASED BY 3% OVER 1988 TO 1,699 IN 1989, WHILE THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED INCREASED BY 11% TO 19,810 OVER THE SAME PERIOD.
THIS SECTOR GENERATED $17,105 MILLION OF BUSINESS RECEIPTS AND OTHER INCOME (+21%) IN 1989. COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES AMOUNTED TO $2,685 MILLION AND OPERATING EXPENSES TO $1,731 MILLION, REPRESENTING INCREASES OF 34% AND 21% RESPECTIVELY OVER 1988.
/THE 1989
TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 1991
THE 1989 SURVEY WAS ONE TN A SERIES OF ANNUAL SURVEYS CONDUCTED FOR THE PURPOSE OF ASCERTAINING THE STRUCTURE AND OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS OF THE STORAGE, COMMUNICATION, FINANCING, INSURANCE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTORS AND OF UPDATING THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT OF HONG KONG.
DATA COLLECTED IN THE SURVEY INCLUDED TYPE OF OWNERSHIP, FLOOR AREA, NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED, NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES, COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES, OPERATING EXPENSES, BUSINESS RECEIPTS AND OTHER INCOME, AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURE.
DESCRIPTIONS OF THE BACKGROUND AND METHODOLOGY OF THE SURVEY, TOGETHER WITH ANALYTICAL TABLES SHOWING THE PRINCIPAL STATISTICS FOR ALL ESTABLISHMENTS CLASSIFIED BY SERVICES GROUP/SECTOR AND ANALYSED BY VARIOUS ECONOMIC VARIABLES, ARE INCLUDED IN THE STATISTICAL REPORT ENTITLED "1989 SURVEY OF STORAGE, COMMUNICATION, FINANCING, INSURANCE AND BUSINESS SERVICES".
THIS REPORT WILL BE ON SALE IN JULY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE; AND THE PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER 1, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
STATISTICS CONTAINED IN THE REPORT WILL BE USEFUL TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR FOR DECISION MAKING, ECONOMIC ANALYSIS AND MARKET RESEARCH.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE TRANSPORT AND SERVICES STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 802 1244.
TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 1991
- 8 -
Cosparison of selected principal statistics for al] establishments in the Storage, Coajtur.ication, _______________Financing, Tr.surar.re end Business Services Sectors between 3988 and 1989________________________
Sector Nuaiber of establishments Number of persons engaged Number of employees Compensation of employees Operating expenses Business receipts and other income Value added
$ Mn. $ Mn. S Md. S Md.
Storage 1589 207 4 384 4 355 383.4 1.438.5 2,423.4 1,116.9
1988 189 4 313 4 306 323.2 1.104.1 1,763.6 824.8
% change *10 *2 *1 *19 *30 *37 *35
Communication 1989 424 26 105 25 867 2,910.1 4,942.3 14,419.0 8,446.5
1988 286 24 803 24 575 2,347.1 4,085.3 12,372.5 7,115.0
% change *48 • *5 *5 *24 *21 *17 *19
Financing 1989 3 386 35 603 34 458 6,487.0 19.896.3 54,249.1 5,373.1
1988 2 958 32 on 30 747 4,603.0 15.436.3 42.875.6 4,769.5
X change *14 *11 *12 *41 *29 *27 •13
Business services 1989 9 833 80 121 72 377 8,163.6 13.693.2 28.069.6 13,938.5
1988 8 097 73 686 67 311 6,641.1 11,172.4 24.137.0 12,664.5
% change *21 *9 *8 *23 *23 *16 *10
Insurance 1989 ’ 1 699 19 810 18 988 2.685.2 1.731.1 17,104.8
1988 1 650 17 651 16 791 2.001.5 1.434.6 14.133.2 —
X change *3 *11 •13 *34 *21 *21 -
Notes : (1) Id the financing sector, value added vas not compiled for investment and bolding companies due to tbe special features of tbeir business operation. Hence, total value added for the sector did not include that of investment and bolding companies.
(2) Financing sector excluded banks and deposit-taking companies.
(3) Value added vas not compiled for the insurance sector.
(4) Figures denoting changes are derived from unrounded figures.
(5) Value added is a measure of the contribution of an economic sector to Bong Kong’s Cross Domestic Product. Tbe definition can be found in the *1989 Survey of Storage, Communication, Financing, Insurance and Business Services” Report.
TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 1991
- 9 -
NEW SERVICES FOR HANDICAPPED PEOPLE
THE REHABILITATION DEVELOPMENT CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE (RDCC) ODAY (TUESDAY) ENDORSED A PROPOSAL TO INTRODUCE SMALL GROUP HOME FOR MILD MENTALLY HANDICAPPED SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN FOR ACCOMMODATION AND CARE.
SPEAKING AT AN RDCC MEETING THIS AFTERNOON, THE CHIEF SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER, MISS ESTHER HO, POINTED OUT THAT AT PRESENT, MILD MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN IN NEED OF ACCOMMODATION AND CARE WERE PLACED IN THE DEPARTMENT’S KAI CHI CHILDREN CENTRE.
"FROM THE FEEDBACKS OF CONCERNED GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS, THERE ARE ABOUT 100 MILD MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN IN NEED OF RESIDENTIAL PLACEMENT," SHE SAID.
"ABOUT 20 OF THOSE NOW RECEIVING SERVICE AT KAI CHI CHILDREN CENTRE ARE ALREADY AGED 14 AND ABOVE, WHILE MOST OF THOSE ON THE WAITING LIST ARE BELOW 14 YEARS OF AGE."
MEMBERS OF THE RDCC AGREED THAT MILD MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN FACED WITH SIMILAR SOCIAL AND FAMILY PROBLEMS AS ORDINARY CHILDREN SHOULD HAVE THE BENEFIT OF THE SAME SERVICE.
THEY ALSO LEARNED THAT THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED HAD LAUNCHED IN 1989 A PILOT SCHEME ON A SMALL GROUP HOME FOR MILD MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN CALLED THE LITTLE HOUSE PROJECT.
RDCC MEMBERS WERE TOLD THAT AN INTERIM EVALUATION STUDY ON THE PILOT SCHEME INDICATED THAT THE MAJORITY OF THE CHILDREN WHO TOOK PART IN THE SCHEME HAD SHOWN SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT IN THEIR VERBAL ABILITY, SOCIAL INTERACTION AND SELF-CARE SKILLS.
AT TODAY’S MEETING, RDCC MEMBERS ALSO RECOMMENDED A PROPOSAL TO INTRODUCE AN AFTERCARE SERVICE FOR DISCHARGED MENTAL PATIENTS.
CURRENTLY THERE ARE SIX NON-GOVERNMENT OPERATING 20 HALF-WAY HOUSES FOR DISCHARGEES.
MISS HO SAID THE ESTABLISHMENT OF DISCHARGEES OF HALF-WAY HOUSES WOULD ENABLE AN BETTER CO-ORDINATION OF SERVICE DELIVERY.
ORGANISATIONS (NGO’S)
AFTERCARE SERVICE FOR
ADEQUATE SUPPORT AND A
"DISCHARGEES OF HALF-WAY HOUSES WOULD FEEL LESS INTIMIDATED IN RETURNING TO THE COMMUNITY; WOULD HAVE MORE CONFIDENCE IN THEIR CAPABILITY AND STRENGTH IN COPING WITH THEIR DAILY PROBLEMS; AND WOULD HAVE A HIGHER CHANCE OF ACHIEVING RE-INTEGRATION AND INDEPENDENCE, EVENTUALLY," SHE SAID.
MEANWHILE, RDCC MEMBERS WERE INFORMED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD SPEND ABOUT $600,000 THIS FINANCIAL YEAR TO PROMOTE THE SOCIAL INTEGRATION OF DISABLED PEOPLE THROUGH ORGANISING A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES, LABOUR DEPARTMENT, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING DEPARTMENT, NGO’S AND THE QUEEN ELIZABETH FOUNDATION FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED.
- - 0 - -
/10 .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 1991
- 10 -
VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS RETURN TO VIETNAM
*♦♦♦♦*
TWO FULL FLIGHTS CARRYING A TOTAL OF 233 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS LEFT FOR HANOI TODAY (TUESDAY) UNDER THE UNHCR’S VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME.
COMPRISING 132 MEN, 46 WOMEN, 25 BOYS AND 30 GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 55TH AND 56TH BATCHES TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.
THESE TWO BATCHES BROUGHT TO 7,298 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAVE RETURNED VOLUNTARILY.
---------0-----------
TWO GOVT LOTS TO LET BY TENDER *****
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT-TERM TENANCY OF TWO LAND LOTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE FIRST LOT, LOCATED IN AREA 16B, AU PUI WAN STREET, FO TAN, MEASURES ABOUT 5,381 SQUARE METRES.
/
IT IS FOR OPEN STORAGE OF PLANT, MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT INCLUDING CONTAINERS (BUT EXCLUDING THE STUFFING OR DESTUFFING OF GOODS) OR A FEE-PAYING PUBLIC CARPARK.
THE OTHER LOT, A 7,400-SQUARE-METRE SITE IN AREA 44, TUEN MUN NEW TOWN, IS DESIGNATED FOR A FEE-PAYING PUBLIC CARPARK.
THE TENANCY FOR BOTH LOTS IS FOR TWO YEARS AND RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON JULY 12.
FORMS OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICES AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND TENDER PLANS INSPECTED AT, THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES AT SHA TIN, TUEN MUN AND KOWLOON AND THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT AT 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
---------0-----------
/Il ........
TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 1991
- 11 -
ACTION ON UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS IN SHAM SHUI PO ♦ ♦ * ♦ *
THEY
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CL°SETHE UNAUTHORISED null DINO WORKS IN A BUILDING AT SHAM SHUI PO, KOWLOON, SO THAT CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS AND THE PUBLIC.
THE UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS ARE LOCATED AT FLATS A, B AND C ON THE FOURTH FLOOR OF 327 CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
UNDER THE
SEPTEMBER 4
NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS BUILDINGS ORDINANCE FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON WERE POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY (TUESDAY).
DEMOLITION WORK IS EXPECTED TO START ONCE THE ARE ISSUED.
CLOSURE ORDERS
---------0-----------
FRESH WATER CUT IN TAI KOK TSUI ******
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN TAI KOK TSUI, KOWLOON, WILL BE TURNED OFF ON THURSDAY (JUNE 27), FROM 9.30 AM TO 5 PM TO FACILITATE WATERMAINS CONNECTION WORKS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT PREMISES BOUNDED BY LAI CHI KOK ROAD, PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST, PORTLAND STREET, BOUNDARY STREET AND POPLAR STREET.
- - 0----------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND HKEG
*****
EXCHANGE FUND BILLS TENDER RESULTS - TUESDAY 25 JUNE 1991
ISSUE NUMBER Q126 H167
AMOUNT APPLIED HKD 975 MN HKD 548 MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED HKD 400 MN HKD 200 MN
AVERAGE ACCEPTED YIELD 7.40 PCT 7.40 PCT
HIGHEST ACCEPTED YIELD 7.40 PCT 7.40 PCT
PRO RATA RATIO 100 PCT 100 PCT
/HONG KONG .......
TUESDAY, J NE 25, 1991
- 12 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND HKEH
NEXT 'I ENDER OF EXCHANGE FUND BILLS TUESDAY 2 JULY 1991
ISSUE NUMBER Q127
ISSUE DATE 3 JUL 91
MATURITY DATE 2 OCT 91
TENOR 91 DAYS
AMOUNT ON OFFER HKD 400 + 80 MN
---------0-----------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
DATE
$ Ml [.LION
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING:
PUELIC OPINION ON DEATH PENALTY NOT IN DOUBT: S FOR S ............... 1
POLICE WEAPONS ARE ADEQUATE ......................................... 2
GRADUALIST APPROACH NECESSARY FOR POLITICAL FUND-RAISING ............ 3
CONTROL OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION BY CUTTING EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
SUCCESSFUL ........................................................ 5
NO DEFICIENCY IN MARINE TRAFFIC SAFETY RULES ........................ 6
TREASURY PURCHASES NO FOREIGN CURRENCIES FORWARD .................... 7
1,579 NEW VACANT UNITS IN URBAN THA'S ............................... 7
GOVT PROPOSES TO INCLUDE PERIPHERAL POLY-NEUROPATHY AS OCCUPATIONAL
DISEASE ........................................................... 8
RTHK PROGRAMMES NOT FOR PROMOTING COMMERCIAL INTERESTS .............. 9
MEASURES TAKEN TO OVERCOME SHORTAGE OF COURT REPORTERS .............. 9
NO INTENTION TO REVIEW MAXIMUM PERIODS FOR MARRIAGE INJUNCTIONS ..... 10
CHARGED PERSON HAS A RIGHT TO APPLY FOR BAIL ........................ 12
SUFFICIENT SAFEGUARDS IN EXISTING PROCEDURE IN CONSIDERING PROPOSALS FOR ALTERATION OF VALUATION LIST ..................................... 13
VTC OFFERS MORE THAN 69,000 TRAINING PLACES FOR NEEDED .............. 14
DUTIABLE COMMODITIES BILL INTRODUCED ................................ 15
AMENDMENT BILLS INTRODUCED ON CNTA TRUST FUNDS ...................... 15
AMENDMENT TO LEGAL PRACTITIONERS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 .............. 16
STAMP DUTY BILL INTRODUCED .......................................... 16
BILLS TO PUT HA EMPLOYEES ON PAR WITH CIVIL SERVICE COUNTERPARTS INTRODUCED ........................................................... 17
FIVE-HOUR DEBATE ON DEATH PENALTY ................................... 17
NO COUNTDOWN TO NEW AIRPORT PROJECT CONSTRUCTION ...................... 19
HONG KONG FULLY SUPPORTS INTERNATIONAL FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS .......... 19
HK'S TRADE PERFORMANCE STILL 'ENCOURAGING' ............................ 21
GOVT STUDYING WAYS TO ENCOURAGE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN INDUSTRY .. 23
GOVT SOURCES ITS SUPPLIES WORLDWIDE ................................... 24
JUNE 1991 SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL STARTED ......... 25
/FARMERS URGED ......
FARMERS URGED TO EXPRESS VIEWS THROUGH CONSULTATION ...................... 26
TWO-DAY JLG EXPERTS TALKS ................................................ 27
MANAGEMENT CONTRACT FOR ABERDEEN TUNNEL AWARDED .......................... 27
NEW SIU LAM EXTENSION OPENS .............................................. 28
TWO MEMBERS RE-APPOINTED TO CIVIL SERVICE PAY GROUP ...................... 28
UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS IN NORTH POINT TO BE CLOSED .................. 29
FC MEETING ON FRIDAY ..................................................... 29
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............... 29
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 1991
PUBLIC OPINION ON DEATH PENALTY NOT IN DOUBT: S FOR S ♦ ♦♦♦♦♦
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON ALISTAIR ASPREY, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT IN THE EVENT THAT A MAJORITY OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS WERE TO VOTE IN FAVOUR OF ABOLITION OF THE DEATH PENALTY, THE ADMINISTRATION WOULD CONSIDER BRINGING FORWARD LEGISLATION TO ACHIEVE THIS.
SPEAKING ON THE AMENDMENT MOTION IN THE DEBATE ON THfe DEATH PENALTY IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR ASPREY SAID HE BELIEVED THAT PUBLIC OPINION ON THIS SUBJECT WAS NOT IN DOUBT.
HE POINTED OUT THAT AS THE CHIEF SECRETARY HAD SAID IN REPLY TO A QUESTION IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FROM THE HON JIMMY MCGREGOR TWO YEARS AGO, THE ADMINISTRATION WAS AWARE, THROUGH EXTENSIVE COMMUNITY LIAISON NETWORK, OF THE WISH OF THE MAJORITY OF THE COMMUNITY TO RETAIN THE DEATH SENTENCE AS THE PENALTY FOR MURDER.
"THIS HAS BEEN CONFIRMED BY MORE RECENT SURVEYS OF PUBLIC OPINION," HE SAID.
MR ASPREY SAID NEVERTHELESS, IT WAS APPROPRIATE THAT THE COUNCIL SHOULD DEBATE THIS IMPORTANT SUBJECT.
"MEMBERS HAVE CLEARLY SHOWN THEIR WISH TO EXERCISE LEADERSHIP ON THIS ISSUE, AND WE HAVE HEARD REASONED AND COGENT ARGUMENTS IN FAVOUR OF ABOLITION.
"THESE ARGUMENTS MUST BE BALANCED AGAINST THE INSTINCTIVE REACTION OF THE COMMUNITY, PARTICULARLY IN RESPONSE TO RECENT SERIOUS-CRIMES OF VIOLENCE WHICH HAVE SHOCKED US ALL, THAT THE DEATH PENALTY SHOULD BE IMPOSED," HE SAID.
MR ASPREY ALSO SAID HONG KONG HAD AN EXCELLENT POLICE FORCE, WHOSE DEDICATION AND PROFESSIONALISM HAD MADE THE CITY A VERY SAFE ONE.
"DESPITE A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN A FEW SPECIFIC TYPES OF VIOLENT CRIME IN RECENT YEARS, OUR OVERALL CRIME RATE, AND THE INCIDENCE OF SERIOUS AND VIOLENT CRIME, ARE STILL LOW BY ALMOST ANY STANDARD," HE SAID.
MR ASPREY CONCEDED THAT THERE HAD UNDOUBTEDLY BEEN A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE RISING INCIDENCE OF CRIMES, PARTICULARLY ROBBERIES, INVOLVING THE USE OF FIREARMS.
HE REITERATED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS DETERMINED TO CURB SUCH CRIMES, AND TO TAKE ALL POSSIBLE STEPS TO CURTAIL THE ILLEGAL IMPORTATION AND USE OF FIREARMS.
HE ALSO POINTED ’OUT THAT HONG KONG WAS NOT EXPERIENCING A GENERAL AND CONTINUING DETERIORATION IN THE OVERALL LAW AND ORDER SITUATION.
/SO FAR .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 1991
- 2 -
SO EAR THIS YEAR, THE OVERALL CRIME RATE WAS OVER FOUR PER CENT DOWN ON THE EQUIVALENT PERIOD LAST YEAR.
"WE MUST NOT BE COMPLACENT BUT EQUALLY WE SHOULD ALSO HAVE REGARD TO THE TRUE PICTURE," MR ASPREY SAID.
NOTING THAT THE POLICE FORCE WAS WELL EQUIPPED, WELL TRAINED AND WELL MOTIVATED, THE SECRETARY SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS COMMITTED TO MAINTAINING IT AS SUCH.
EQUIPMENT WAS REGULARLY REVIEWED TO ENSURE THAT IT WAS APPROPRIATE TO OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS, HE SAID.
MR ASPREY POINTED OUT THAT THE PROTECTION OF THE PUBLIC AND OF THE POLICEMEN ON THE STREET WERE A PRIME CONSIDERATION.
"WE HAVE INVESTED SUBSTANTIALLY IN RECENT YEARS tN SOPHISTICATED, MODERN EQUIPMENT TO ENABLE THE POLICE TO DISCHARGE. THEIR DUTIES MORE EFFECTIVELY.
"I CAN ASSURE MEMBERS THAT WE SHALL CONTINUE TO DO SO," HE SAID.
--------0-----------
POLICE WEAPONS ARE ADEQUATE *****
THE TYPE AND CALIBRE OF ARMS AND AMMUNITION CARRIED BY POLICE OFFICERS ARE UNDER REGULAR REVIEW TO ENSURE THAT THEY ARE APPROPRIATE TO OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON ALISTAIR ASPREY, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ANDREW WONG, MR ASPREY SAID ANY PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE POLICE ARMS AND AMMUNITION MUST TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE POTENTIAL DANGER TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC IN THE EVENT OF AN EXCHANGE OF FIRE INVOLVING MORE POWERFUL WEAPONS.
MR ASPREY POINTED OUT THAT THE PRESENT VIEW OF THE POLICE WAS THAT THE STANDARD WEAPONS CARRIED BY OFFICERS ON PATROL WERE ADEQUATE FOR THE PURPOSE.
"IT IS NOT PROPOSED AT PRESENT TO UPGRADE THE STANDARD WEAPON PACKAGE," HE SAID.
HOWEVER, MR ASPREY ADDED THAT OTHER MORE POWERFUL WEAPONS WERE AVAILABLE TO THE POLICE WHEN INTELLIGENCE, OR THE SITUATION ON THE GROUND, INDICATED THAT THEY MIGHT BE REQUIRED.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE GOVERNMENT WAS TAKING ALL POSSIBLE STEPS TO CURTAIL THE ILLEGAL IMPORTATION AND USE OF FIREARMS, THE SECRETARY NOTED.
/"WE HAVE .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 1991
- 3 -
"WE HAVE ,-HAD SEVERAL DISCUSSIONS TO THIS END WITH THE AUTHORITIES IN GUANDONG PROVINCE, THE MOST RECENT BY THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE LATE LAST WEEK AND FURTHER DISCUSSIONS TODAY," HE SAID.
MR ASPREY STRESSED THAT ANY USE OF FIREARMS IN THE COMMISSION OF CRIME WAS A VERY SERIOUS MATTER.
THE ROBBERY WHICH TOOK PLACE IN KWUN TONG ON JUNE 9 IN WHICH AN ASSAULT RIFLE WAS USED WAS A CRIME OF PARTICULAR CONCERN, MR ASPREY SAID.
"THAT CASE IS NOW UNDER INVESTIGATION BY THE POLICE.
"EXTENSIVE ENQUIRIES, INCLUDING LIAISON WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES AT A HIGH LEVEL, ARE TAKING PLACE," MR ASPREY SAID.
THE SECRETARY POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS DETERMINED THAT THOSE RESPONSIBLE SHOULD BE APPREHENDED SPEEDILY AND BROUGHT TO TRIAL.
THE AUTHORITY BELIEVED THAT CERTAINTY OF ARREST AND PROSECUTION WAS THE MOST EFFECTIVE MEASURE AGAINST CRIME, HE ADDED.
--------0-----------
GRADUALIST APPROACH NECESSARY FOR POLITICAL FUND-RAISING * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
A GRADUALIST AND CAUTIOUS APPROACH TO RELAXING THE RESTRICTION ON PUBLIC DONATIONS FOR NON-CHARITABLE PURPOSES IS NEEDED AS SUCH ACTIVITIES IS A RELATIVELY NEW DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, THE HON ALBERT LAM, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE SUMMARY OFFENCES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, MR LAM STRESSED THAT THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS WERE AIMED AT THE LIBERALISATION OF A CURRENT RESTRICTION, RATHER THAN TO HINDER THE DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT IN HONG KONG.
"THE FACT IS THAT HITHERTO THE COLLECTION OF DONATIONS *IN PUBLIC PLACES OTHER THAN FOR APPROVED CHARITIES IS NOT ALLOWED.
"THE ADMINISTRATION BELIEVES THAT THE TIME HAS COME FOR A RELAXATION OF THIS CURRENT RESTRICTION, PARTICULARLY IN THE WAKE OF ELECTIONS WHICH ARE COMING UP IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR," HE SAID.
A GRADUALIST AND CAUTIOUS APPROACH WAS NEEDED, HE SAID, BECAUSE IT WAS THE GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO SAFEGUARD THE WIDER PUBLIC INTEREST, AND TO ENSURE THAT FUND-RAISING ACTIVITIES DID NOT PROLIFERATE IN OUR ALREADY OVERCROWDED STREETS, WHICH COULD PROVOKE HOSTILE PUBLIC REACTION AGAINST FUND-RAISING GENERALLY.
/MR LAM ........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 1991
MR LAM NOTED THAT THERE WAS KEEN COMPETITION FOR PUBLIC DONATIONS OF ONE TYPE OR ANOTHER.
’’THE OVERSUBSCRIPTIONS FOR SATURDAY FLAG DAYS IS A GOOD EXAMPLE,” HE SAID.
THERE WAS THEREFORE A NEED TO GIVE PRIORITY TO PROMOTING WORTHWHILE CAUSES WHICH THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE RECOGNISED AND SUPPORTED. CHARITY, HE ADDED, WAS AN OBVIOUS PRIORITY.
FOR THESE REASONS, MR LAM BELIEVED IT WAS REASONABLE FOR POLITICAL FUND-RAISING ACTIVITIES TO BE HELD IN WELL-DEFINED PUBLIC PLACES THE ACCESS TO WHICH THEN BECAME A CONSCIOUS PERSONAL CHOICE -SO THAT FUNDS COULD BE RAISED FROM PEOPLE WHO IDENTIFIED THEMSELVES WITH, AND SUPPORTED A PARTICULAR CAUSE, AND WHO MADE DONATIONS VOLUNTARILY.
THIS NEW ARRANGEMENT, HE SAID, SHOULD NOT BE SEEN IN ISOLATION.
’’THERE ARE MANY OTHER OUTLETS FOR FUND-RAISING ACTIVITIES SUCH AS THE USE OF PRIVATELY OWNED OR MANAGED PREMISES, FOR EXAMPLE, HOTELS OR SHOPPING CENTRES, APPEALS IN THE PRINTED MEDIA, PAID ADVERTISEMENT, DONATIONS TO SPECIFIC BANK ACCOUNTS AND SO ON.
’’AGAINST THIS BACKGROUND, I HOPE THAT MEMBERS WILL AGREE THAT THERE ARE GOOD PHYSICAL, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL REASONS FOR THE DIFFERENCE IN TREATMENT FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF DONATIONS INSOFAR AS THEIR COLLECTION IN PUBLIC PLACES IS CONCERNED,” MR LAM SAID.
HE DESCRIBED AS ’’SIMPLE MISCONCEPTION” THE SUGGESTION THAT THE ADMINISTRATION'S PROPOSALS WHICH FALL SHORT OF ALLOWING POLITICAL GROUPS TO SOLICIT AND COLLECT DONATIONS IN STREETS MAY HAVE BREACHED A FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHT -- THE FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION.
’’THE AMENDMENT IS INTENDED TO REFLECT THE SOCIAL EVOLUTION IN HONG KONG AND TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL MEANS BY WHICH CERTAIN POLITICAL RIGHTS CAN BE EXERCISED WITHIN THE SOCIETY IN HONG KONG,” MR LAM EXPLAINED.
INHERENT IN A DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY WAS THE RIGHT AND OPPORTUNITY TO HOLD POLITICAL BELIEFS AND TO DISSEMINATE AND PROMOTE THOSE VIEWS AND IDEAS WITH A VIEW TO CANVASSING SUPPORT, HE SAID.
’’THAT OPPORTUNITY IS AVAILABLE IN HONG KONG. THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT SUPPORTS THESE FREEDOMS AND INDEED FACILITATE THE EXPRESSION OF THESE FREEDOMS,” HE ADDED.
AS FOR THE SUGGESTION THAT A DIRECT BUT MORE RESTRICTIVE REFERENCE SHOULD BE MADE IN THE LAW TO COLLECTION FOR THE PURPOSE OF DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT ONLY, MR LAM SAID IT WAS UNDESIRABLE TO DO SO.
”WE DO NOT WISH TO RULE OUT OTHER CAUSES WHICH, WHILE NOT CONNECTED WITH THE POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT, ARE NONETHELESS WORTHY OF PUBLIC SUPPORT,” HE SAID.
/NOTING SOME .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 1991
5
NOTING SOME MEMBERS' CONCERN ABOUT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROPOSALS THROUGH A SET OF ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDELINES, MR LAM SAID THE SCHEME "MUST NOT BE SO RIGID AS TO LEAVE NO ROOM FOR SENSIBLE ADMINISTRATIVE DISCRETION".
"THE INCORPORATION OF THE GUIDELINES INTO THE ORDINANCE WILL NOT ACTUALLY ADDRESS THE CONCERN OF MEMBERS BECAUSE FOR A SCHEME OF THIS KIND TO SUCCEED, A CERTAIN DEGREE OF DISCRETION WILL STILL NEED TO BE VESTED WITH THE AUTHORITY," HE EXPLAINED.
"FURTHERMORE, IN THE CONTEXT OF THE SUMMARY OFFENCES ORDINANCE, I AM ADVISED THAT IT IS INAPPROPRIATE TO ISOLATE PART OF A SUB-SECTION OF THE WHOLE ORDINANCE FOR SPECIAL TREATMENT.
"AMENDMENTS TO THE ORDINANCE WILL BE REQUIRED TO INTRODUCE THE EMPOWERING PROVISION TO MAKE BY-LAWS.
"CONSIDERATIONS WOULD ALSO BE REQUIRED TO BE GIVEN TO THE SCOPE AND CONTENT OF SUCH A PROVISION."
IN CONCLUSION, MR LAM SAID IN IMPLEMENTING THE SCHEME, DUE REGARD WOULD BE GIVEN TO THE SENTIMENTS AND VIEWS EXPRESSED BY LEGCO MEMBERS AND THAT A REVIEW WOULD BE CONDUCTED IN THE LIGHT OF ACTUAL OPERATING EXPERIENCE ACCUMULATED OVER A REASONABLE PERIOD AND IN THE CONTEXT OF THE ADMINISTRATION’S ONGOING REVIEW OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT IN HONG KONG.
HE ALSO ASSURED THE LEGISLATORS THAT APPROPRIATE PUBLICITY WOULD BE ARRANGED TO ASSIST THE PUBLIC TO GAIN A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY AS REFLECTED IN THE GUIDELINES.
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WOULD ALSO BE INFORMED OF ANY SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENTS TO THE GUIDELINES IN FUTURE, HE ADDED.
------0----------
CONTROL OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION BY CUTTING EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES SUCCESSFUL t * t i ♦
PRELIMINARY INDICATIONS HAVE SHOWN THAT THE IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1990 AND THE CHANGES IN PROSECUTION POLICY INTRODUCED IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR ARE SUCCESSFUL IN CONTROLLING TMfe LEVEL OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION BY CURTAILING EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES.
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON ALISTAIR ASPREY, SAID THIS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ELSIE TU, MR ASPREY SAID THERE HAD BEEN A REDUCTION OF 20 PER CENT THIS YEAR IN THE NUMBER OF ARRESTS OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, WHEN COMPARED WITH THE FIRST HALF OF LAST YEAR.
/MORE, THE ........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 1991
6 -
MORE, THE NUMBER OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARRESTED ON CONSTRUCTION SITES HAS DROPPED FROM 1,000 IN THE FIRST HALF OF LAST YEAR TO 270 IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR.
HE ADDED THAT THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT PRISON POPULATION HAD ALSO DECLINED STEADILY FROM 4,600 IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR, TO 3,400 TODAY.
AS A RESULT, OVERALL PRISON OVERCROWDING HAD BEEN GREATLY REDUCED.
MORE, MR ASPREY SAID THE REVIEW OF THE CURRENT PROSECUTIONS POLICY AND THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE ORDINANCE IN COUNTERING THE EMPLOYMENT OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT WORKERS WAS BEING CARRIED OUT. THE RESULTS SHOULD BE AVAILABLE IN ABOUT ONE MONTH.
--------0-----------
NO DEFICIENCY IN MARINE TRAFFIC SAFETY RULES
*****
THERE IS NO INDICATION SO FAR OF ANY DEFICIENCY IN THE EXISTING REGULATIONS GOVERNING MARINE TRAFFIC SAFETY IN LOCAL WATERS, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON ANSON CHAN, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON PEGGY LAM, MRS CHAN SAID IF ANY SUCH DEFICIENCY WAS UNCOVERED, THE MARINE DEPARTMENT WOULD REVIEW THE POSITION AND TAKE THE NECESSARY ACTION.
SHE SAID THE INVESTIGATION INTO THE CAUSES OF THE ACCIDENT AFTER THE FIREWORKS DISPLAY ON FEBRUARY 16 THIS YEAR WAS CONTINUING.
"MEANWHILE, THE DEPARTMENT IS DEVISING, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE MARINE POLICE, MEASURES TO ENSURE MORE EFFECTIVE CONTROL, AND THUS IMPROVED SAFETY, OF MARINE TRAFFIC AT FUTURE FIREWORKS DISPLAYS," SHE SAID.
AS TO WHETHER A MARINE ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE FUND WOULD BE SET UP, MRS CHAN SAID IT WAS NOT INTENDED TO SET UP SUCH A FUND.
"VICTIMS OF MARINE ACCIDENTS HAVE RECOURSE TO CLAIMS FOR COMMON LAW DAMAGES AND ALL OWNERS OF LOCAL LAUNCHES, FERRIES AND PLEASURE CRAFT ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THIRD PARTY INSURANCE," SHE SAID.
RELIEF FROM IMMEDIATE HARDSHIP IS AVAILABLE FROM CHARITABLE TRUST FUNDS MANAGED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, SHE ADDED.
/7........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26^ 1991
TREASURY PURCHASES NO FOREIGN CURRENCIES FORWARD
*****
THE GOVERNMENT’S PRESENT POLICY IS THAT THE TREASURY DOES NOT PURCHASE FOREIGN CURRENCIES FORWARD, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR PIERS JACOBS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MARTIN BARROW, SIR PIERS SAID EXCHANGE RISK FOR THE GOVERNMENT AS A WHOLE WAS MANAGED BY THE OFFICE OF THE EXCHANGE FUND, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE GOVERNMENT’S hEQUIREMENTS FOR FOREIGN CURRENCY PAYMENTS.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY AGREED THAT IT WAS TIMELY THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD TAKE A FRESH LOOK AT THE WHOLE QUESTION OF HOW BEST TO PROTECT THE GENERAL REVENUE, AS DISTINCT FROM THE GOVERNMENT’S TOTAL RESERVES INCLUDING THE EXCHANGE FUND, AGAINST FOREIGN EXCHANGE EXPOSURE.
SIR PIERS SAID HE HAD ASKED THE FINANCE BRANCH TO UNDERTAKE A REVIEW, THE OUTCOME OF WHICH WOULD BE MADE KNOWN TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN DUE COURSE.
- - 0 - -
1,579 NEW VACANT UNITS IN URBAN THA’S ******
AS AT JUNE 15 THIS YEAR, THERE WERE 1,579 NEW VACANT UNITS IN THE URBAN TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS (THA’S), REPRESENTING EIGHT PER CENT OF A STOCK OF NEARLY 19,500, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, THE HON ALBERT LAM, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG, MR LAM SAID ON AVERAGE, THESE UNITS HAD BEEN VACANT FOR ABOUT 27 MONTHS.
IN ADDITION, THERE WERE 658 LETTABLE CASUAL VACANCIES, HE SAID.
MR LAM POINTED OUT THAT MOST OF THE VACANT THA UNITS WERE FOR REHOUSING FAMILIES AFFECTED BY CLEARANCES WHO WERE UNABLE TO MEET THE SEVEN-YEAR RESIDENCE CRITERION FOR REHOUSING IN PUBLIC RENTAL HOUSING, AND THE REMAINDER WERE FOR THE RELIEF OF OVERCROWDING IN THA’S.
"VACANCIES IN NEW THA’S ARISE MAINLY BECAUSE AN INCREASING NUMBER OF CLEAREES AND EXISTING THA TENANTS ARE NOW ABLE TO MEET THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR PUBLIC RENTAL HOUSING FOLLOWING THE RELAXATION OF RESIDENCE REQUIREMENTS IN 1990," HE SAID.
"TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF VACANT UNITS, THE HOUSING AUTHORITY WILL USE MORE OF THESE VACANCIES TO RELIEVE OVERCROWDING.
"FOR OPERATIONAL REASONS, THE AUTHORITY WILL NEED TO MoLt> IN RESERVE A NUMBER OF VACANT UNITS TO ACCOMMODATE VICTIMS OF NATURAL DISASTERS, AND EVACUEES FROM UNSAFE BUILDINGS," MR LAM ADDED.
- - 0 - -
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 1991
- 8
GOVT PROPOSES TO INCLUDE PERIPHERAL POLY-NEUROPATHY AS OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE *****
IN ORDER TO PROVIDE BETTER PROTECTION TO WORKERS, THE COMMISSIONER EOR LABOUR HAS PROPOSED TO INCLUDE PERIPHERAL POLY-NEUROPATHY AS AN OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE UNDER THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE.
THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON JOHN CllAN, SAID THIS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WHEN REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG.
MR CHAN SAID THIS WOULD ENSURE THAT WORKERS SUFFERING FROM THE DISEASE WERE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION, EVEN IF THEY HAD LEFT THE RELEVANT EMPLOYMENT.
HE ADDED THAT THE COMMISSIONER WAS CONSULTING THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD ON THIS PROPOSAL.
THE SECRETARY EXPLAINED THAT WHETHER OR NOT PERIPHERAL POLY-NEUROPATHY OR ANY OTHER OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE WAS LISTED UNDER THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE DID NOT AFFECT AN EMPLOYEE’S ENTITLEMENT TO COMPENSATION IF PERSONAL INJURY AROSE OUT OF AND IN THE COURSE OF EMPLOYMENT.
HOWEVER, IF A DISEASE WAS DISCOVERED AFTER A WORKER HAD LEFT THE EMPLOYMENT WHICH GAVE RISE TO THAT DISEASE, THERE MIGHT BE DIFFICULTIES IN OBTAINING COMPENSATION DUE TO ARGUMENTS AS TO WHETHER THE INJURY HAD OCCURRED IN THE COURSE OF EMPLOYMENT, HE SAID.
MR CHAN SAID SO FAR THERE HAD BEEN 11 CONFIRMED CASES OF PERIPHERAL POLY-NEUROPATHY IN HONG KONG.
IN ADDITION, 41 CASES OF SUSPECTED PERIPHERAL POLY-NEUROPATHY HAD BEEN REPORTED TO THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, HE SAID.
"THE 11 WORKERS IN THE CONFIRMED CASES HAVE ALL §REN DISCHARGED AFTER HOSPITALISATION OR TREATMENT AND ARE CAPABLE OF RETURNING TO WORK," THE SECRETARY NOTED.
HE SAID IN ALL THE CONFIRMED CASES, THE DISEASE WAS CAUSED BY N-HEXANE WHICH WAS A NEUROTOXIN CONTAINED IN A COMMON SOLVENT KNOWN AS "PETROLEUM SPIRIT".
ON THE CONTROL OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES IN THE AIR, MR CHAN SAID THERE WERE NO INTERNATIONALLY ACCEPTED STANDARDS RELATING TO THEltt SAFE THRESHOLD LIMITS.
"THERE ARE, HOWEVER, NATIONAL STANDARDS IN SOME COUNTRIES.
"IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, FOR EXAMPLE, THE HEALTH AND SAFETY EXECUTIVE HAS PUBLISHED A GUIDANCE NOTE ON SUCH STANDARDS WHICH ARE REVISED FROM TIME TO TIME IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LATEST RESEARCH FINDINGS," HE SAID.
/MR CHAN ......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 1991
MR CHAN SAID THESE STANDARDS WERE NOT LAID DOWN IN THE LAW BECAUSE IT WAS MUCH EASIER TO UPDATE THEM IF THEY WERE NOT ON THE STATUTE BOOKS.
HONG KONG FOLLOWED CLOSELY THE PRACTICE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM BY PROVIDING ADVICE ON SUCH STANDARDS WITH REFERENCE TO THE UK GUIDANCE NOTE, HE ADDED.
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RTHK PROGRAMMES NOT FOR PROMOTING COMMERCIAL INTERESTS
******
IT IS NEITHER THE POLICY NOR THE PRACTICE OF RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG TO PRODUCE PROGRAMMES INTENDED TO PROMOTE, EITHER DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, OUTSIDE COMMERCIAL INTERESTS.
THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, THE HON ALBERT LAM, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON SZETO WAH, MR LAM SAID RTHK HAD CLEAR GUIDELINES TO THEIR PRODUCERS ON THIS.
- - 0 - -
MEASURES TAKEN TO OVERCOME SHORTAGE OF COURT REPORTERS
*****
THE JUDICIARY IS TAKING THREE MEASURES TO OVERCOME THE PROBLEM OF SHORTAGE OF COURT REPORTERS IN ORDER TO RELIEVE HIGH COURT JUDGES OF THE NEED TO MAKE NOTES IN LONG HAND WHILE HEARING CASES.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JEREMY MATHEWS, SAID THIS IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON PETER WONG TN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE SAID THE SHORTAGE OF COURT REPORTERS WAS CAUSED BY THE LACK OF SUPPLY OF CANDIDATES WHO POSSESSED THE NECESSARY QUALIFICATIONS.
TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM, MR MATHEWS SAID, FIRSTLY, EFFORTS WERE BEING MADE TO RECRUIT COURT REPORTERS FROM OVERSEAS.
"SIX COURT REPORTERS HAVE BEEN RECRUITED FROM AUSTRALIA SINCE 1990," HE NOTED.
SECONDLY, ARRANGEMENTS HAD BEEN MADE FOR THE LESS URGENT PROCEEDINGS, SUCH AS CIVIL CASES IN THE HIGH COURT, TO BE RECORDED.
"THE RECORDED PROCEEDINGS CAN BE TRANSCRIBED BY TEMPORARY STAFF, SO THAT THE COURT REPORTERS CAN BE DEPLOYED TO CASES WHICH REQUIRE IMMEDIATE TRANSCRIPTION," MR MATHEWS EXPLAINED.
/THIRDLY, MR
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 1991
- 10 -
THIRDLY, MR MATHEWS SAID COURT REPORTERS WERE BEING TRAINED TO USE THE COMPUTER ASSISTED TRANSCRIPTION SYSTEM (CAT SYSTEM), WHICH HELPED IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY AND REDUCE TRANSCRIPTION TIME BY UP TO 40 PER CENT.
"NINE COURT REPORTERS ARE NOW PROFICIENT IN THE CAT SYSTEM AND MORE ARE BEING TRAINED.
"IN ADDITION, FIVE SELECTED OFFICERS FROM OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS HAVE BEEN SECONDED TO THE JUDICIARY TO UNDERGO THE CAT TRAINING.
"ON COMPLETION OF THEIR TRAINING, THEY WILL BE ABLE TO PERFORM THE FUNCTIONS OF COURT REPORTERS," HE SAID.
MR MATHEWS NOTED THAT AS A LONG-TERM MEASURE TO PROVIDE A STEADY SUPPLY OF SPECIALLY TRAINED STAFF, A NEW RANK OF CAT SYSTEM TRAINEE WAS BEING CREATED TO ENCOURAGE SCHOOL LEAVERS TO TAKE UP POSITIONS AS COURT REPORTERS SKILLED IN THE CAT SYSTEM.
-------------------------------0-------- NO INTENTION TO REVIEW MAXIMUM PERIODS FOR MARRIAGE INJUNCTIONS
THERE IS NO INTENTION BY THE ADMINISTRATION AT THIS TIME TO REVIEW THE MAXIMUM PERIODS FOR INJUNCTIONS GRANTED TO EITHER PARTY TO A MARRIAGE AGAINST THE OTHER PARTY, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON ELIZABETH WONG, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON PANG CHUN-HOI, MRS WONG SAID THE REGISTRAR, SUPREME COURT WAS NOT AWARE OF ANY NOTICEABLE DIFFICULTY IN CASES WHERE AN INJUNCTION HAD BEEN GRANTED IN DEALING WITH ANY PROBLEM OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE WITHIN SIX MONTHS.
IN CIVIL PROCEEDINGS IT WAS ADMITTEDLY POSSIBLE FOR EITHER PARTY TO DELAY MATTERS BUT ONCE THE MATTER WAS BEFORE THE COURT, THE RISK OF CONTINUING VIOLENCE WAS LESS LIKELY.
MRS WONG SAID THE MAIN PURPOSE OF THE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ORDINANCE (CAP 189) WAS TO PROTECT BOTH PARTIES TO A MARRIAGE AND THEIR CHILDREN FROM DOMESTIC VIOLENCE.
UPON THE APPLICATION BY EITHER PARTY TO A MARRIAGE, THE DISTRICT COURT MAY GRANT AN INJUNCTION AGAINST THE OTHER PARTY TO THE MARRIAGE.
THE INJUNCTION MAY CONTAIN THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
* RESTRAINING THE OTHER PARTY FROM MOLESTING THE APPLICANT;
♦ RESTRAINING THE OTHER PARTY FROM MOLESTING ANY CHILD LIVING WITH THE APPLICANT;
/* EXCLUTlNG THE ........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 1991
* EXCLUDING THE OTHER PARTY FROM THE MATRIMONIAL HOME, OR A PART OF THE HOME; AND
* REQUIRING THE OTHER PARTY TO PERMIT THE APPLICANT TO ENTER AND REMAIN IN THE MATRIMONIAL HOME, OR A PART OF THE HOME.
THERE IS NO MAXIMUM PERIOD FOR AN INJUNCTION CONTAINING THE FIRST TWO CONDITIONS.
THE COURT, AFTER CONSIDERING ALL THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE CASE, DECIDES THE APPROPRIATE PERIOD FOR THE INJUNCTION WHICH BEST ENSURES THE SAFETY OF THE APPLICANT AND THE CHILDREN.
IN RESPECT OF INJUNCTIONS CONTAINING THE LAST TWO CONDITIONS, THEY MAY BE GRANTED FOR A MAXIMUM PERIOD OF SIX MONTHS.
MRS WONG SAID OVER THE LAST THREE YEARS, THE NUMBER OF BATTERED SPOUSE CASES REPORTED TO THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WAS 455 IN 1988-89, 272 IN 1989-90 AND 236 IN 1990-91.
"IN BOTH 1989 AND 1990, THE POLICE HANDLED 181 REPORTED CASES INVOLVING ABUSE OF A SPOUSE OR COHABITANT," SHE SAID, "THE FIGURE FOR THE FIRST QUARTER THIS YEAR IS 47."
THE NUMBER OF DIVORCE PETITIONS FILED WITH THE JUDICIARY OVER THE LAST THREE YEARS WAS 5,893 IN 1988, 6,275 IN 1989 AND 6,767 LAST YEAR.
MRS WONG SAID NO RECORD WAS MAINTAINED OF THE NUMBER OF DIVORCE PETITIONS WHERE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE MIGHT HAVE BEEN A FACTOR.
"THIS IS BECAUSE OF DIFFICULTIES IN INTERPRETATION ARISING PARTLY FROM THE FACT THAT ABUSE MAY BE ONE OF SEVERAL COMPLAINTS AND PARTLY BECAUSE NOT ALL ALLEGATIONS MADE IN DIVORCE PROCEEDINGS ARE PROVED," SHE EXPLAINED.
MRS WONG SAID THERE WERE TWO RESIDENTIAL CENTRES PROVIDING EMERGENCY AND TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION TO ABUSED WOMEN AND THEIR CHILDREN - ONE RUN BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT (SWD) AND THE OTHER BY A SUBVENTED NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATION (NGO).
ORGANISED PROGRAMMES INCLUDING COUNSELLING AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES WERE CONDUCTED IN THE CENTRES, SHE ADDED.
THE TWO CENTRES PROVIDE A TOTAL OF 80 PLACES WITH A UTILISATION RATE OF 70 PER CENT IN 1990-91 (76 PER CENT FOR THE SWD CENTRE AND, 63 PER CENT FOR THE NGO CENTRE).
- - 0---------
/12........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 1991
- 12 -
CHARGED PERSON HAS A RIGHT TO APPLY FOR BAIL
******
A PERSON CHARGED WITH A CRIMINAL OFFENCE HAD A RIGHT TO APPLY r(.R BAIL PENDING TRIAL, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JEREMY MATHEWS, SAID IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MRS RITA FAN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR MATHEWS POINTED OUT THAT THE QUESTION OF WHETHER BAIL IS TO BE GRANTED OR REFUSED IS DECIDED BY THE COURTS AND BY THE COURTS ALONE.
"USUALLY, AN APPLICATION FOR BAIL WILL BE MADE TO THE MAGISTRATE BEFORE WHOM THE ACCUSED PERSON FIRST APPEARS.
"IF HE IS NOT GRANTED BAIL BY THE MAGISTRATE, HE MAY APPLY FOR BAIL BEFORE A HIGH COURT JUDGE," HE SAID.
IN DETERMINING WHETHER BAIL SHOULD BE GRANTED, MR MATHEWS SAID COURTS RECOGNISED THE PRESUMPTION OF INNOCENCE AND THAT AN ACCUSED PERSON SHOULD BE RELEASED ON BAIL UNLESS THERE WERE GOOD REASONS WHY bill SHOULD NOT BE GRANTED.
"BAIL WILL NOT BE GRANTED WHERE A COURT IS SATISFIED THAT THERE IS AN UNACCEPTABLE RISK THAT THE ACCUSED PERSON, IF RELEASED ON BAIL, WOULD FAIL TO RETURN TO THE COURT TO ANSWER THE CHARGES, OR WOULD COMMIT FURTHER OFFENCES, OR WOULD INTERFERE WITH WITNESSES OR OTHERWISE OBSTRUCT THE COURSE OF JUSTICE," THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SAID.
HE SAID IN DECIDING WHETHER TO GRANT OR REFUSE BAIL, COURTS CONSIDERED THE REASONS ADVANCED BY THE ACCUSED PERSON FOR BAIL AND ANY GROUNDS THE PROSECUTION RELIED UPON TO OPPOSE BAIL.
"BAIL MAY BE GRANTED SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS, SUCH AS REGULAR REPORTING TO THE POLICE OR SURRENDER OF TRAVEL DOCUMENTS.
"THESE CONDITIONS ARE DESIGNED TO SECURE THE ATTENDANCE OF ACCUSED PERSONS," HE SAID.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SAID WHERE A MAGISTRATE OR A DISTRICT COURT JUDGE DECIDED TO GRANT BAIL TO A DEFENDANT CHARGED WITH ANY OFFENCE, HE COULD APPLY TO THE HIGH COURT FOR A REVIEW OF THAT DECISION.
MR MATHEWS SAID IT WAS USUAL FOR THE CROWN VIGOROUSLY TO OPPOSE BAIL IN SERIOUS DRUGS CASES BECAUSE OF THE RISK THAT PERSONS CHARGED WITH SUCH SERIOUS OFFENCES MIGHT ABSCOND.
"I UNDERSTAND THAT, INDEED, IT IS UNUSUAL FOR THE COURTS TO GRANT BAIL TO ACCUSED PERSONS WHO ARE CHARGED WITH A SERIOUS DRUGS OFFENCE," HE SAID.
------0--------
/13........
WEDNESDAY, JI' E 26, 1991
- 13 -
SUFFICIENT SAFEGUARDS IN EXISTING PROCEDURE IN CONSIDERING PROPOSALS FOR ALTERATION OF VALUATION LIST ******
THE GOVERNMENT CONSIDERS THAT THERE ARE SUFFICIENT SAFEGUARDS IN THE EXISTING PROCEDURE AND THAT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A NEW INDEPENDENT BODY IS NOT NECESSARY, GIVEN THE INEXPENSIVE AND EASY ACCESS TO THE JUDICIAL PROCESS FOR FINAL DETERMINATION OF APPEALS CONCERNING PROPOSALS FOR THE ALTERATION OF THE VALUATION LIST.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PIERS JACOBS, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON POON CHI-FAI.
SIR PIERS SAID UNDER THE RATING ORDINANCE, THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION WAS REQUIRED TO CONSIDER ANY PROPOSAL FOR THE ALTERATION OF THE VALUATION LIST.
’’ALL PROPOSALS ARE CAREFULLY CONSIDERED BY PROFESSIONAL STAFF OF THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT AND SENIOR STAFF WILL REVIEW ALL DECISIONS BEFORE THEY ARE ISSUED TO ENSURE FAIRNESS,” HE SAID.
”IF A RATEPAYER IS STILL NOT SATISFIED WITH THE DECISION OF THE COMMISSIONER, HE MAY APPEAL TO THE LANDS TRIBUNAL FOR A HEARING.”
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID THE TRIBUNAL WAS AN INDEPENDENT JUDICIAL BODY, AND THE PROCESS WAS RELATIVELY INEXPENSIVE AND INFORMAL.
’’RATEPAYERS MAY REPRESENT THEMSELVES BEFORE THE TRIBUNAL AND NEED NOT EMPLOY LEGAL COUNSEL,” HE SAID.
AS TO WHETHER WRITTEN EXPLANATIONS WERE GIVEN, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID IT WAS THE DEPARTMENT’S STANDARD PRACTICE TO ENCLOSE WITH THE COMMISSIONER’S DECISION A LEAFLET OF EXPLANATORY NOTES TOGETHER WITH A MORE DETAILED PAMPHLET ON RATING IN HONG KONG WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO THE GENERAL REVALUATION.
”IT WOULD NOT BE PRACTICABLE FOR THE COMMISSIONER TO ISSUE DETAILED EXPLANATIONS ON A PROPERTY BY PROPERTY BASIS.
”IF, HOWEVER, A RATEPAYER REQUIRES FURTHER EXPLANATION, HE MAY ENQUIRE AT THE DEPARTMENT,” SIR PIERS SAID.
LASTLY, SIR PIERS SAID THE NUMBER OF PROPOSALS RECEIVED IN RESPONSE TO THE 1991 GENERAL REVALUATION WAS 34,261, REPRESENTING THREE PER CENT OF THE VALUATION LIST.
IN 1988, THE NUMBER WAS 26,149, OR 2.8 PER CENT OF THE VALUATION LIST; AND IN 1984, THE NUMBER WAS 99,588, OR 13.4 PER CENT OF THE VALUATION LIST.
"THUS, IT APPEARS THAT THERE IS NO SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF PROPOSALS IN RELATION TO THE CURRENT REVALUATION,” THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID.
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/14
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 1991
14
VTC OFFERS MORE THAN 69,000 TRAINING PLACES FOR NEEDED * * * * *
THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL (VTC) HAS PROVIDED MORE THAN 69,000 PLACES DURING THE PAST THREE YEARS IN COURSES DESIGNED FOR BOTH PROSPECTIVE NEW ENTRANTS TO THE EMPLOYMENT MARKET AND FOR IN-SERVICE WORKERS. •'.< 3/
<•‘4a7. ;
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOtygR, THE HON JOHN CHAN, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY.) IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON PANG CHUN-HOI.
MR CHAN SAID AMONG THE 69,000 PLACES IN THE VTC’S 18 TRAINJNG CENTRES, ABOUT 22,000 WERE CONSIDERED TO BE PARTICULARLY SUITED TO .INSERVICE WORKERS WHO WISHED EITHER TO UPGRADE OR UPDATE THEIR SKILLS OR BE TRAINED IN ANOTHER INDUSTRY.
• ' t
THE MORE POPULAR OF THESE LATTER COURSES RELATED TO TRAINING IN THE WELDING, PLASTICS, PRINTING AND HOTEL INDUSTRIES, HE SAID.
MR CHAN MENTIONED IN THIS CONNECTION THAT PEOPLE WERE FREE TQ CHOOSE THEIR OCCUPATIONS.
WORKERS SOUGHT ALTERNATIVE EMPLOYMENT FOR A WIDE VARIETY OF REASONS AND THE TRANSFORMATION OF HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIES AND THE RELOCATION OF LABOUR-INTENSIVE PRODUCTION PROCESSES OUTSIDE HONG KONG WAS NOT THE ONLY OR NECESSARILY THE MAIN REASONS, HE NOTED.
MR CHAN ADDED THAT THE STRONG DEMAND FOR MANPOWER IN ; THE ’ SERVICES SECTORS, AND THE FACT THAT EARNINGS IN THOSE SECTORS WERE GENERALLY HIGHER THAN IN MANUFACTURING, HAD ALSO PROVIDED A STIMULUS FOR MANUFACTURING WORKERS TO CHANGE JOBS. .
REGARDING THE VTC’S SUBSIDY OFFERED TO WORKERS ENROLLED FOR THE TRAINING COURSES, MR CHAN SAID THE CURRENT POLICY OF THE VTC. .^AS TO PAY AN ALLOWANCE OF $150 A WEEK TO TRAINEES ATTENDING FULL-TIME COURSES IN ITS INDUSTRY TRAINING CENTRES.
• », "•
THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF SUCH ALLOWANCES PAID DURING THE PAST THREE YEARS WAS ABOUT $30 MILLION, HE SAID.
•; • »? .
HOWEVER, MR CHAN STRESSED THAT IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO T^LL WHAT PROPORTION OF THIS AMOUNT WAS PAID TO TRAINEES WHO WERE IN-SERVICE WORKERS. .
THE RATE OF ALLOWANCE WAS REVIEWED FROM TIME TO TIME BY THE VTC BUT WAS NOT SPECIFICALLY LINKED TO THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX, ^.HE ADDED.
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. • .I • V
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1991
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DUTIABLE COMMODITIES BILL INTRODUCED
*****
THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 SEEKS TO REPLACE THE WORDS "LIGHT OIL" OF THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES ORDINANCE WITH "HYDROCARBON OIL".
THIS WAS STATED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR PIERS JACOBS, WHEN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
SIR PIERS EXPLAINED THAT THE REPLACEMENT IN SECTION 69 OF THE ORDINANCE WAS TO EMBRACE ALL TYPES OF HYDROCARBON OIL SUITABLE AND INTENDED FOR USE AS AIRCRAFT FUEL.
HE SAID THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF JET AIRCRAFT FUEL HAD CHANGED IN RECENT YEARS.
THE BULK OF AIRCRAFT SPIRIT, WHICH WAS INTENDED TO BE A DUTIABLE COMMODITY, WAS NO LONGER APPROPRIATELY CLASSIFIED UNDER THE ORDINANCE, THE SECRETARY ADDED.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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AMENDMENT BILLS INTRODUCED ON CNTA TRUST FUNDS * ♦ ♦ ♦ »
AMENDMENT BILLS CONCERNING FOUR TRUST FUNDS CURRENTLY ADMINISTERED BY THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION WERE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THEY WERE THE GRANTHAM SCHOLARSHIPS FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, THE BREWIN TRUST FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, THE SIR ROBERT BLACK TRUST FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 AND THE LI PO CHUN CHARITABLE TRUST FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991.
MOVING THE SECOND READINGS OF THE BILLS, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, THE HON ALBERT LAM, SAID THEY PROVIDED FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF PROFESSIONALS TO MANAGE THE INVESTMENTS OF THE FUNDS.
THE BILLS ALSO ENABLED THE RESPECTIVE TRUST FUND COMMITTEE TO TRANSACT SOME OF ITS BUSINESS BY CIRCULATION OF PAPERS WHEN NECESSARY, HE SAID.
DEBATES ON THE BILLS WERE ADJOURNED.
/16........
WEDNESDAY, JUNIj , 1991
- 16 -
AMENDMENT TO LEGAL PRACTITIONERS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991
*****
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JEREMY MATHEWS, MOVED AN AMENDMENT TO CLAUSE 5(A)(III) OF THE LEGAL PRACTITIONERS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 DURING COMMITTEE STAGE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE EXPLAINED THAT CLAUSE 5(A)(III) PERMITTED PERSONS WHO WERE ADMITTED AS SOLICITORS IN HONG KONG AND- WHO HAD PRACTISED HERE FOR AT LEAST THREE YEARS TO APPLY TO BE ADMITTED TO THE BAR.
"THIS OPPORTUNITY IS NOT AFFORDED TO PERSONS ADMITTED AS SOLICITORS IN HONG KONG AND WHO ARE LEGAL OFFICERS IN GOVERNMENT SERVICE, EVEN THOUGH THESE LEGAL OFFICERS PERFORM WORK COMPARABLE TO THAT OF SOLICITORS IN PRIVATE PRACTICE," MR MATHEWS SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT UNDER THE AMENDMENT, A LEGAL OFFICER WHO FOR AT LEAST THREE YEARS HAD BEEN ADMITTED AS A SOLICITOR IN HONG KONG AND HAD PRACTISED HERE EITHER AS A SOLICITOR OR- IN GOVERNMENT SERVICE WOULD BE ABLE TO APPLY FOR ADMISSION TO THE BAR.
THE AMENDMENT HAD THE SUPPORT OF THE BAR ASSOCIATION AND LAW SOCIETY.
THE BILL WAS PASSED WITH THE ABOVE AMENDMENT.
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STAMP DUTY BILL INTRODUCED ******
THE STAMP DUTY (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1991 SEEKS TO FACILITATE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL TREND TOWARDS PAPERLESS TRADING IN STOCK DEALING IN HONG KONG BY ENDING THE USE OF PHYSICAL PAPER STAMPS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PIERS JACOBS, WHEN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL TN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SIR PIERS SAID THE AMENDMENT WOULD ENABLE THE COLLECTOR OF STAMP DUTIES TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH THE STOCK EXCHANGE FOR THE CENTRAL COLLECTION OF DUTY PAYABLE.
SIR PIERS ALSO NOTED THAT UNDER THE NEW SYSTEM, AUTHORISED OFFICERS OF THE EXCHANGE WOULD BE ABLE TO ENDORSE CONTRACT NOTES TO SIGNIFY THAT DUTY HAD OR WOULD BE PAID TO THE COLLECTOR AT THE STOCK EXCHANGE.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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/17........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 1991
- 17 -
BILLS TO PUT HA EMPLOYEES ON PAR WITH CIVIL SERVICE COUNTERPARTS INTRODUCED * * * * *
THREE BILLS SEEKING TO EXTEND TO HOSPITAL AUTHORITY EMPLOYEES THE SAME EXEMPTIONS AND CONCESSIONS IN PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION AND RELATED REQUIREMENTS AS THOSE APPLICABLE TO THEIR CIVIL SERVICE AND UNIVERSITY COUNTERPARTS WERE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE THREE BILLS WERE DENTISTS REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, MEDICAL REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 AND SUPPLEMENTARY MEDICAL PROFESSIONS (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1991.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF DENTISTS REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON ELIZABETH WONG, SAID:
"THE AIM IS TO MAINTAIN COMPARABILITY OF TREATMENT FOR MEDICAL AND HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS EMPLOYED IN THE GOVERNMENT, THE UNIVERSITIES AND THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY."
FOR THE SAME REASON, THE OTHER TWO BILLS WERE ALSO INTRODUCED AND GIVEN A SECOND READING TODAY.
DEBATES ON THE THREE BILLS WERE ADJOURNED.
0
FIVE-HOUR DEBATE ON DEATH PENALTY
THIRTY-TWO LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS, INCLUDING THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, SPOKE IN A MOTION DEBATE ON THE DEATH PENALTY, WHICH LASTED NEARLY FIVE HOURS, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON ALISTAIR ASPREY, SPOKE ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT.
THE ORIGINAL MOTION MOVED BY THE HON KINGSLEY SIT WAS NOT CARRIED, WHILE AN AMENDMENT MOTION MOVED BY THE HON MARTIN LEE WAS PASSED.
MR LEE'S AMENDMENT MOTION READ: "THAT, IN VIEW OF BOTH THE NEED TO DETER AND PREVENT CRIME AND THE IMPORTANCE OF HONG KONG MAINTAINING THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF A MODERN, HUMANE COMMUNITY, THIS ^COUNCIL URGES THE GOVERNMENT TO STRENGTHEN THE CAPABILITY OF THE POLICE FORCE TO FIGHT CRIME AND CALLS FOR LEGISLATIVE MEASURES TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THIS COUNCIL WHICH WOULD ABOLISH THE DEATH PENALTY AND REPLACE IT WITH LIFE IMPRISONMENT".
/MEANWHILE, 10 ........
• (
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 1991
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MEANWHILE, 10 BILLS WERE PASSED BY THE COUNCIL. THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, SECURITIES (DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, SECURITIES (INSIDER DEALING) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 AND LEGAL PRACTITIONERS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 WERE PASSED WITH AMENDMENT WHILE THE IMPORT AND EXPORT (AMENDMENT) (NO 2) BILL 1991, OZONE LAYER PROTECTION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1991, POLICE CHILDREN’S EDUCATION TRUST (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, POLICE EDUCATION AND WELFARE TRUST (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 AND SUMMARY OFFENCES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 WERE PASSED WITHOUT AMENDMENT.
NINE OTHER BILLS WERE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS, AND DEBATES ON THEM WERE ADJOURNED.
THEY WERE THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, STAMP DUTY (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1991, GRANTHAM SCHOLARSHIPS FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, BREWIN TRUST FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, SIR ROBERT BLACK TRUST FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, LI PO CHUN CHARITABLE TRUST FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, DENTISTS REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, MEDICAL REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 AND SUPPLEMENTARY MEDICAL PROFESSIONS (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1991.
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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23, 1991
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NO COUNTDOWN TO NEW AIRPORT PROJECT CONSTRUCTION ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦
THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID FORD, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) EMPHASISED THAT THERE IS NO COUNTDOWN TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECT.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER OFFICIATING AT AN ANTI-DRUGS CAMPAIGN IN SHA TIN NEW TOWN PLAZA, SIR DAVID SAID: "IF WE CANNOT FIND AGREEMENT THEN OBVIOUSLY THERE WILL BE SOME SLIPPAGE IN THE PROJECTS. BUT I'D LIKE TO EMPHASISE THAT WE HAVE NOT TAKEN A DECISION TO POSTPONE THE TENDERS FOR THE AIRPORT PLATFORM AND FOR THE TSING MA BRIDGE, NOR ARE WE ON A COUNTDOWN TO THE 30TH OF JUNE.
"IN A PROJECT SUCH AS THIS, A FEW DAYS HERE OR THERE, WHEN A PROJECT LASTING SIX-AND-A-HALF YEARS, IS NOT SIGNIFICANT. SO, WE ARE NOT ON A COUNTDOWN TO THE 30TH OF JUNE," HE ADDED.
"WE WILL MAKE THE DECISION ON THOSE TENDERS AT THE APPROPRIATE TIME. IN THE MEANTIME, WE SHALL AWAIT THE OUTCOME OF THE CONTACTS WHICH ARE STILL CONTINUING AND WE HOPE THAT WE WILL BE ABLE TO GO AHEAD. IT'S TOO EARLY TO SAY YET WHETHER THOSE WILL BE SUCCESSFUL OR NOT," HE SAID.
"WE ARE STILL CONTINUING TO TRY TO FIND A SOLUTION. BOTH SIDES CLEARLY WOULD LIKE TO BE ABLE TO GO AHEAD WITH THE AIRPORT.
"IT’S VERY MUCH IN THE INTEREST OF HONG KONG PEOPLE THAT WE HAVE A NEW AIRPORT, AND IT’S VERY CLEAR THAT THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT AND THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT, AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WOULD LIKE TO BE ABLE TO GO AHEAD. AND DIPLOMATIC CONTACTS ARE CONTINUING WITH A VIEW TO TRYING TO FIND A WAY FORWARD," SIR DAVID SAID.
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HONG KONG FULLY SUPPORTS INTERNATIONAL FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS
*****
HONG KONG FULLY SUPPORTS THE INTERNATIONAL FIGHT AGAINST DRUG ABUSE AND ILLICIT TRAFFICKING AND INTENDS TO EXPAND FURTHER THE NETWORK OF INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION TO PROVIDE MUTUAL ASSISTANCE IN THE INVESTIGATION AND CONFISCATION OF THE PROCEEDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING.
THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID FORD, SAID THIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WHEN SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY TO MARK THE BEGINNING OF THE UNITED NATIONS DECADE AGAINST DRUG ABUSE AND THE ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST DRUG ABUSE AND ILLICIT TRAFFICKING AT THE ’HONG KONG FIGHTS DRUGS’ EXHIBITION ORGANISED BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN).
/SIR DAVID ......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 1991
- 20 -
SIR DAVID SAID: "WE COMPLY WITH A FULL RANGE OF REQUIRE 3NTS OF INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS ON DRUG CONTROL AND WE ARE AN ACTIVE MEMBER OF THE FINANCIAL ACTION TASK FORCE ON MONEY LAUNDERING RECENTLY ESTABLISHED AND WHICH INVOLVES OVER 20 COUNTRIES.
"WE ENACTED THE DRUG TRAFFICKING (RECOVERY OF PROCEEDS) ORDINANCE IN 1989 AND TO DATE HAVE FROZEN $200 MILLION WORTH OF ASSETS UNDER THIS LEGISLATION."
THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR POINTED OUT THAT AT THE HEART OF THE EVIL OF DRUG TRAFFICKING WAS THE OPPORTUNITY FOR CRIMINALS TO MAKE HUGE PROFITS.
"THE POLICE AND CUSTOMS HAVE ESTABLISHED CLOSE LIAISON WITH THEIR OVERSEAS COUNTERPARTS IN THEIR ANTI-DRUG OPERATIONS AGAINST INTERNATIONAL SYNDICATES.
"NO LESS THAN 494 OFFICERS FROM BOTH SERVICES ARE INVOLVED IN THE SPECIALIST ANTI-NARCOTICS BUREAUX, AN INCREASE OF 86 PER CENT OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS.
"THE TWO SPECIALIST BUREAUX ARE, OF COURSE, SUPPORTED BY OTHER CUSTOMS AND POLICE OFFICERS IN THE BATTLE AGAINST DRUGS.
"WE HAVE RECENTLY FORMALISED SUCH INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION BY ENTERING INTO BILATERAL AGREEMENTS WITH NINE OVERSEAS JURISDICTIONS," HE ADDED.
TURNING TO THE LOCAL SCENE, SIR DAVID SAID DRUG ABUSE WAS A MULTI-FACETED PROBLEM AND THE PROGRESS HONG KONG HAD MADE IN CONTAINING THIS PROBLEM COMPARED FAVOURABLY WITH ANY INTERNATIONAL CITY .
HE SAID: "WE ARE FULLY COMMITTED TO PROVIDING ALL POSSIBLE RESOURCES TO SUPPORT OUR ANTI-DRUG EFFORTS.
"AS PART OF THAT EFFORT WE WILL CONTINUE TO INFORM THE PUBLIC, IN PARTICULAR THE YOUNG PEOPLE, OF THE DANGERS OF DRUG ABUSE.
"CLEARLY, COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN OUR PUBLIC EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY CAMPAIGNS IS A KEY FACTOR IN ITS SUCCESS."
EARLIER, THE ACAN CHAIRMAN, DR GERALD CHOA, SAID IN HIS WELCOME SPEECH THAT THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY HELD A SPECIAL SESSION IN NEW YORK EARLY LAST YEAR, DEVOTED TO CONSIDERATION OF THE GLOBAL PROBLEMS OF DRUG ABUSE AND ILLICIT TRAFFICKING, AND WAYS TO COME TO GRIPS WITH THESE.
"THAT MEETING RESULTED IN A POLITICAL DECLARATION, WHICH REAFFIRMED THE DETERMINATION OF THE WORLD COMMUNITY TO COMBAT THE SCOURGE OF DRUG ABUSE AND ILLICIT DRUG TRAFFICKING, AND IN THE ADOPTION OF A GLOBAL PLAN OF ACTION AIMED AT ERADICATION OF THE PROBLEMS OVER THE NEXT DECADE.
"THIS IS AN EXPRESSION OF POLITICAL WILL AT THE VERY HIGHEST LEVEL AND REAFFIRMS THE WORLD’S COMMITMENT TO VIGOROUS AND SUSTAINED ACTION AGAINST THIS MANIFOLD PROBLEM," DR CHOA ADDED.
/ATTENDED BY .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 1931
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ATTENDED BY MEMBERS OF ACAN AND ITS SUB-COMMITTEES, TODAY’S COMMEMORATIVE FUNCTION INCLUDED A BUS PARADE WHICH WAS KICKED OFF BY SIR DAVID AND THE ACAN CHAIRMAN.
FOUR DOUBLE-DECKERS JOINED THE PARADE AND WENT TO ABOUT 20 LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY WITH MORE THAN 50 VOLUNTEERS DISTRIBUTING PUBLICITY MATERIALS TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
AMONG THE VOLUNTEERS WERE LOCAL POP SINGERS ALEX TO AND WANG HANG, ARTISTES OF THE RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AND SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS.
TO SUPPORT THE TWO U.N. EVENTS, ACAN HAS PRODUCED 200,000 COPIES OF A SOUVENIR POSTAL COVER FOR FREE DISTRIBUTION TO THE PUBLIC THROUGH VARIOUS CHANNELS OVER THE PAST THREE WEEKS.
LIMITED COPIES OF THE COVER ARE STILL AVAILABLE AT THE "HONG KONG FIGHTS DRUGS" EXHIBITION HELD AT THE NEW TOWN PLAZA, SHA TIN, UNTIL 6 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
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HK’S TRADE PERFORMANCE STILL ’ENCOURAGING’ ******
HONG KONG CAN STILL MAINTAIN "MORE THAN RESPECTABLE, AS WELL AS ENCOURAGING" TRADE PERFORMANCE DESPITE CERTAIN RATHER DISTURBING DEVELOPMENTS RECENTLY, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T. H. CHAU, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A SPEECH TO THE HONG KONG EXPORTERS’ ASSOCIATION, MR CHAU SAID THE LATEST AVAILABLE FIGURES SHOWED THAT IN APRIL THIS YEAR, DOMESTIC EXPORTS GREW BY 10.9 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS COMPARED WITH APRIL LAST YEAR. RE-EXPORTS GREW BY NO LESS THAN 34.5 PER CENT, AND IMPORTS BY 30 PER CENT.
"IT IS PARTICULARLY WORTH NOTING THAT RETAINED IMPORTS OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES HAVE CONTINUED TO GROW SIGNIFICANTLY.
"THIS SHOULD BE TRANSLATED INTO A FURTHER INCREASE IN OUR EXPORTS IN DUE COURSE," HE SAID.
MR CHAU SAID THE TRADE FIGURES MIGHT NOT BE RECORD-BREAKING BY HONG KONG’S OWN EXTREMELY HIGH STANDARDS.
"BUT IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES THEY ARE CERTAINLY MORE THAN RESPECTABLE, AS WELL AS ENCOURAGING," HE SAID.
IN SHORT, MR CHAU SAID, HONG KONG’S REACTION TO ALL THE RECENT UNCERTAINTY IN THE WORLD HAD BEEN TO HANG UP A BIG SIGN, WHICH SAID: "BUSINESS AS USUAL -- ONLY MORE OF IT".
MR CHAU SAID ONE MAJOR ISSUE CONCERNING HONG KONG’S TRADE AT THE MOMENT WAS THE UNITED STATES’ RENEWAL OF CHINA’S MOST-FAVOURED-NATION TRADING STATUS.
/HE SAID .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 1991
22
HE SAID IE CHINA’S MEN STATUS WAS NOT RENEWED, HONG KONG FIRMS WITH MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS IN CHINA WOULD BE DEALT A SEVERE BLOW.
"OUR TRADERS, SHIPPING AND TRANSPORTATION COMPANIES, AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS COMMITTED TO INVESTMENTS AND CONTRACTS IN CHINA WOULD ALSO BE AFFECTED.
"OUR ESTIMATE IS THAT RE-EXPORTS THROUGH HONG KONG OF CHINESE PRODUCTS TO THE U.S. WOULD DROP BY 33 PER CENT TO 44 PER CENT.
"WE COULD LOSE SEVEN TO 10 BILLION HONG KONG DOLLARS IN INCOME, 32,000 TO 43,000 JOBS AND 1.3 TO 1.8 PERCENTAGE POINTS OF GROWTH IN GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT," HE SAID.
MR CHAU SAID LAST MONTH TWO DELEGATIONS REPRESENTING THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND THE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WENT TO WASHINGTON TO ENLIST CONGRESSIONAL SUPPORT FOR UNCONDITIONAL RENEWAL OF CHINA’S MFN STATUS.
SOME MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG/U.S. ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION COMMITTEE, INCLUDING BARONESS DUNN, MR ALLEN LEE, MR JOHN CHAN AND HIMSELF, ALSO CALLED ON LEADERS OF THE CONGRESS AND THE U.S. ADMINISTRATION IN WASHINGTON EARLIER THIS MONTH TO ENLIST THEIR SUPPORT, MR CHAU SAID.
HE SAID HE BELIEVED THESE MISSIONS WERE SUCCESSFUL IN ENSURING THAT HONG KONG’S CASE WAS HEARD IN WASHINGTON, ESPECIALLY ON CAPITOL HILL.
HOWEVER, HE SAID THE THREAT REMAINED A REAL ONE AND THE GOVERNMENT WAS TAKING IT VERY SERIOUSLY.
"IN THE NEXT TWO MONTHS OR SO, MY COLLEAGUES IN WASHINGTON WILL CONTINUE TO PUT THE HONG KONG CASE TO MEMBERS OF CONGRESS.
"THEY WILL DO SO IN CONCERT WITH OUR NATURAL ALLIES IN THE U.S. -- THE IMPORTERS, RETAILERS AND LARGE BUSINESS CORPORATIONS WHICH HAVE A STAKE IN CHINA," HE SAID.
ON TEXTILES, MR CHAU SAID THE MULTIFIBRE ARRANGEMENT (MFA), WHICH PROVIDED THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR ALL OUR BILATERAL TEXTILES AGREEMENTS, WOULD EXPIRE IN 35 DAYS’ TIME.
HE SAID WHILE OUR TEXTILE EXPORTS AFTER JULY 1991 WOULD CONTINUE UNDER THE EXISTING BILATERAL AGREEMENTS, THESE AGREEMENTS WOULD EXPIRE AT THE ENI) OF THIS YEAR.
"WE WILL HAVE TO DISCUSS WITH OUR TRADING PARTNERS THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS FOR NEXT YEAR. AMONG OTHER THINGS, OUR AIM IS TO SECURE ARRANGEMENTS WHICH WILL PROVIDE CERTAINTY AND CONTINUITY FOR OUR EXPORTS," HE SAID.
MR CHAU SAID HE WAS PLEASED TO SAY THAT HONG KONG HAD RECENTLY REACHED A TWO-YEAR AGREEMENT WITH FINLAND ON IMPROVED TERMS.
"WE HOPE THIS WILL SET A GOOD PRECEDENT FOR THE RENEGOTIATION OF OUR OTHER BILATERAL AGREEMENTS, INCLUDING THOSE WITH THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY AND CANADA LATER THIS YEAR," HE SAID.
/AS REGARDS .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 1991
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AS REGARDS THE BILATERAL AGREEMENT WITH THE U.S., MR CHAU SAID AFTER INITIAL CONTACTS IN HONG KONG LAST WEEK, HONG KONG HAD AGREED WITH THE U.S. TO START NEGOTIATIONS NEXT WEEK IN WASHINGTON FOR A NEW OR EXTENDED TEXTILES AGREEMENT.
"OUR AIM IS TO PRESERVE WHAT WE HAVE GOT AND TO BUILD ON IT. TT WILL NOT BE EASY. BUT WE WILL BE TOUGH AND WE WILL DO OUR BEST FOR I ONG KONG,” HE SAID.
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GOVT STUDYING WAYS TO ENCOURAGE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN INDUSTRY
******
THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR T. H. BARMA, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) CALLED ON LOCAL INDUSTRIALISTS TO DEVELOP A FAR GREATER RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CAPABILITY IF HONG KONG MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES ARE TO REMAIN COMPETITIVE IN THE WORLD MARKET.
SPEAKING AT A CEREMONY MARKING THE DONATION OF A DIRECT INJECTION MOULDING MACHINE BY CHEN HSONG HOLDINGS LIMITED TO THE CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG, MR BARMA SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS ACTIVELY STUDYING WAYS TO ENCOURAGE MORE LOCAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.
"BUT MUCH STILL DEPENDS ON BOTH MANUFACTURERS AND TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS RECOGNISING THE ADVANTAGES OF WORKING WITH ONE ANOTHER," MR BARMA SAID.
HE NOTED THAT CONTACTS BETWEEN ACADEMICS AND INDUSTRIALISTS HAD BEEN STEADILY INCREASING IN RECENT YEARS IN HONG KONG, ADDING THAT CO-OPERATION BETWEEN INDUSTRY AND THE TERTIARY SECTOR WAS IN THE INTERESTS OF BOTH INDUSTRIALISTS AND ACADEMICS.
"ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS RECEIVE PRACTICAL ASSISTANCE IN THE FORM OF RESEARCH FUNDING OR THE DONATION OF EQUIPMENT FROM MANUFACTURERS.
"THEY ALSO HAVE THE SATISFACTION OF ENGAGING IN PRACTICAL RESEARCH, NORMALLY DIRECTED AT SOLVING AN IMMEDIATE PROBLEM FACED BY A MANUFACTURER, THE RESULTS OF WHICH ARE LIKELY TO BE QUICKLY INCORPORATED INTO HIS MANUFACTURING PROCESS OR THE PRODUCT HE MAKES.
"MANUFACTURERS, FOR THEIR PART, ENJOY BOTH FLEXIBILITY AND THE COST SAVINGS OF BEING ABLE TO CONTRACT OUT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT INSTEAD OF CONDUCTING IT THEMSELVES," MR BARMA SAID.
MR BARMA CITED THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY AS ONE AREA WHICH DESERVED A HIGH PRIORITY FOR CO-OPERATIVE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.
"WHILE THE INDUSTRY PRODUCES EXCELLENT PRODUCTS, PARTICULARLY IN THE TOY SECTOR, OUR COMPETITORS ARE CATCHING UP.
"AT THE SAME TIME, PLASTICS TECHNOLOGY IS DEVELOPING RAPIDLY, AND OUR PLASTICS MANUFACTURERS MUST BE CONSTANTLY READY TO RESPOND TO THE IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE," HE ADDED.
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/24 ........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 1991
- 24 -
GOVT SOURCES ITS SUPPLIES WORLDWIDE
*****
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SOURCES ITS SUPPLIES FROM OVER 35 COUNTRIES AND 4,000 REGISTERED SUPPLIERS WITH THE TOTAL AVERAGE ANNUAL PURCHASE FOR THE PAST THREE YEARS AMOUNTED TO ABOUT 2,477 MILLION.
THIS WAS SPELLED OUT BY THE DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES| MR BILLY LAM, WHEN ADDRESSING THE EUROPE/AS1A CONFERENCE 1991 IN VIENNA n-j "SELLING TO THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT: THE REQUIREMENTS".
MR LAM SAID THE GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT (GSD), AS THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S CENTRAL PURCHASING AND SUPPLIES AGENT, HAD BEEN OPERATING A TRANSPARENT AND NON-DISCRIMINATIVE SYSTEM AND SOURCED ITS SUPPLIES ALL OVER THE WORLD.
HE POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG WAS FIRMLY COMMITTED TO OPEN MARKET AND FREE TRADE PHILOSOPHY AND PRACTICE AND WAS A MEMBER OF THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE (GATT).
BESIDES, IT HAD BEEN SIGNATORY TO THE AGREEMENT ON GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT SINCE THIS AGREEMENT CAME INTO EFFECT IN 1981.
MR LAM SAID GSD IS HONG KONG’S ENTITY IN THIS AGREEMENT, ADDING THAT ALL ITS PURCHASES VALUED ABOVE SDR (SPECIAL DRAWING RIGHT) 130,000 (ABOUT $1,338 MILLION) WERE CONDUCTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH GATT REGULATIONS.
AS A GENERAL RULE, HE SAID, CONTRACTS WERE LET BY TENDER, INCLUDING OPEN PUBLIC TENDER, SELECTIVE RESTRICTED TENDER AND SINGLE TENDER.
ALL OPEN TENDERS WERE SENT TO TRADE COMMISSIONERS OR THEIR REPRESENTATIVES IN HONG KONG.
"IN DECIDING THE APPROPRIATE TENDER METHOD, WE MUST ENSURE THAT THE RELEVANT RULES ARE ADHERED TO AND THAT, AT THE END OF THE DAY, WE GET THE BEST VALUE FOR MONEY," MR LAM SAID.
COMPARED WITH WHAT GSD BOUGHT FROM OTHER COUNTRIES, THE DIRECTOR SAID THE VALUE OF PURCHASES FROM AUSTRIA, HUNGARY AND CZECHOSLOVAKIA WAS RELATIVELY LOW - BELOW 0.689 PER CENT (FOR ALL THREE COUNTRIES) OR 0.44 PER CENT (FOR AUSTRIA ALONE) OF THE TOTAL ANNUAL PURCHASES.
"I VERY MUCH HOPE TO SEE A HIGHER, MUCH HIGHER, FIGURE FROM YOU, ESPECIALLY THOSE PRESENT HERE TODAY, PROVIDED THE PRICES ARE COMPETITIVE AND THE QUALITY IS GOOD,” HE SAID.
MR LAM SAID THE DOOR OF THE DEPARTMENT WAS ALWAYS OPEN.
THE DEPARTMENT HANDLED THE PURCHASE OF ALL COMMODITIES AND EQUIPMENT USED BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S OWN 60 DEPARTMENTS AND SOME SUBVENTED AGENCIES PARTLY FINANCED BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT.
/THE TYPES .......
WEDNESDAY, JUWfe 26, 1391
- 25 -
THE TYPES OF COMMODITIES BOUGHT WERE DIVERSE: FROM SIMPLE TOILET ROLLS AND STATIONERY TO SOPHISTICATED COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND HELICOPTERS.
THE MAJOR PURCHASES WERE COMPUTER SYSTEMS, PHARMACEUTICALS, AND EQUIPMENT FOR MEDICAL, COMMUNICATIONS AND SCIENTIFIC USES, WATER PIPES AND FITTINGS AS WELL AS FIRE FIGHTING VEHICLES AND ENGINE SPARE PARTS.
------0------------
JUNE 1991 SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL STARTED ♦ *♦♦♦♦
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAS STARTED TO CONDUCT THR JUNE 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 SECOND 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 104,000 ESTABLISHMENTS WHICH ARE DRAWN FROM VARIOUS SECTORS INCLUDING THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR (MINING AND QUARRYING; MANUFACTURING; ELECTRICITY AND GAS), THE DISTRIBUTIVE TRADES SECTOR (WHOLESALE, RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS) AND THE SERVICES SECTOR (TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION; FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES; COMMUNITY, SOCIAL AND PERSONAL SERVICES).
INFORMATION ON THE NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED AND EXISTING VACANCIES ON JUNE 28 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 APRIL-JUNE 1991.
QUESTIONNAIRES ARE BEING MAILED TO INDIVIDUAL SAMPLE ESTABLISHMENTS.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDER 1982, ESTABLISHMENTS RECEIVING QUESTIONNAIRES ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THEM TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WITHIN THE SPECIFIED PERIOD.
SHOULD RESPONDENTS FIND DIFFICULTIES IN COMPLETING THE FORMS, THEY ARE WELCOME TO CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT FOR ASSISTANCE ON TEL. 823 5076.
AS FOR THOSE ESTABLISHMENTS KNOWN TO THIS DEPARTMENT DURING APRIL-JUNE 1991, THEY WILL ALSO BE ENUMERATED IN ORDER TO MAKE THE SURVEY RESULTS COMPLETE.
/FIELD OFFICERS .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 1991
- 26 -
FIELD OFFICERS OF THIS DEPARTMENT, EACH BEARING A GOVERnMENI IDENTITY CARD, WILL CALL ON THESE ESTABLISHMENTS TO SOLICIT INFORMATION ON THE NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED, EXISTING VACANCIES, TYPE OF OWNERSHIP, NATURE OF BUSINESS AND DATE ON WHICH BUSINESS COMMENCED.
IN CASE OF ANY ENQUIRIES REGARDING THESE FIELD VISITS, PLEASE CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT FOR ASSISTANCE ON TEL. 823 4782.
-----0------
FARMERS URGED TO EXPRESS VIEWS THROUGH CONSULTATION
*****
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS BRANCH TODAY (WEDNESDAY) URGED LIVESTOCK FARMERS TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON MEASURES PROPOSED TO ABATE POLLUTION BY LIVESTOCK WASTES THROUGH EXISTING CONSULTATION CHANNELS.
SUCH VIEWS WOULD THEN BE CONSOLIDATED AND SUBMITTED TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR CONSIDERATION BEFORE ANY CHANGE TO THE LEGISLATION WAS MADE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
FOLLOWING THE GOVERNMENT’S ANNOUNCEMENT EARLIER THIS MONTH OF THE PACKAGE OF PROPOSALS AIMED AT REDUCING THE RISK THAT OLD-FASHIONED LIVESTOCK KEEPING METHODS STILL IN USE POSED TO THE ENVIRONMENT, WIDE PUBLIC CONSULTATION IS NOW IN PROGRESS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID: "THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALREADY HELD A COUPLE OF MEETINGS WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF VARIOUS FARMERS’ ASSOCIATIONS IN THE PAST FEW WEEKS, AND WILL CONTINUE TO CONSULT THE FARMERS WIDELY ON THE PROPOSALS.
"THE GOVERNMENT WISHES TO BE AS FLEXIBLE AS POSSIBLE AND IS PREPARED TO CONSIDER THE VIEWS OF FARMERS SYMPATHETICALLY AS FAR AS POSSIBLE SO AS TO COME UP WITH A SYSTEM WHICH WILL BE IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE WHOLE COMMUNITY."
THE CONSULTATION EXERCISE WILL LAST UNTIL MID-AUGUST TO COLLECT VIEWS FROM FARMERS AND VARIOUS BODIES CONCERNED.
HE URGED THE FARMERS TO VIEW THE PROPOSALS POSITIVELY, ADDING THAT "THE NEW CONTROL SCHEME WILL NOT ONLY GIVE LIVESTOCK FARMERS A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY TO ENSURE A FIRM FUTURE FOR THEIR INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG, BUT ALSO END THE SCOURGE OF LIVESTOCK WASTE POLLUTION OF OUR WATER COURSES".
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/27
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 19^1
- 27 -
TWO-DAY JLG EXPERTS TALKS
A SIXTH ROUND OF TALKS BETWEEN EXPERTS OF THE BRITISH AND CHINESE SIDES OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP TO DISCUSS MATTERS RELATING TO HONG KONG’S FUTURE DEFENCE AND PUBLIC ORDER WILL BE HELD IN HONG KONG TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AND ON FRIDAY.
THE BRITISH TEAM WILL BE LED BY BRITISH REPRESENTATIVE MR DOUG MARTIN.
THE CHINESE TEAM WILL BE LED BY CHINESE REPRESENTATIVE MR ZHENG WEIRONG. THEY WILL BE ASSISTED BY EXPERTS FROM THE TWO SIDES.
---------0-----------
MANAGEMENT CONTRACT FOR ABERDEEN TUNNEL AWARDED ♦ » » * ♦
THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS DECIDED THAT THE CONTRACT FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL, AND THE MAINTENANCE OF THE TUNNEL’S MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT BE AWARDED TO THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL COMPANY LIMITED.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE MANAGEMENT CONTRACT IS FOR THREE YEARS INITIALLY AND IS RENEWABLE. IT ALSO INCLUDES PROVISIONS SETTING OUT THE CONTRACTOR’S OBLIGATIONS, MAINTENANCE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS, GOVERNMENT CONTROLS AND PROVISIONS FOR DAMAGES IN THE EVENT OF BREACH OF CONTRACT.
UPON THE HANDING OVER OF THE TUNNEL OPERATION, ALL THE STAFF WORKING AT THE TUNNEL WILL BE REDEPLOYED TO THE REMAINING GOVERNMENT TUNNELS OR OTHER DUTIES, HE SAID.
HE STRESSED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL RETAIN CONTROL OVER THE TUNNEL TOLL AND THE PERFORMANCE OF THE OPERATOR.
THE OPERATOR WILL DERIVE NO BENEFIT FROM ANY TOLL INCREASE AS HE WILL BE RECEIVING A FIXED FEE UNDER THE AGREEMENT.
ACTIVE PLANNING IS ALSO IN HAND TO PRIVATISE THE MANAGEMENT OF OTHER GOVERNMENT-OPERATED TUNNELS, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
- - 0----------
/28........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 1991
- 28 -
NEW SIU LAM EXTENSION OPENS
A NEW EXTENSION OF THE SIU LAM PSYCHIATRIC CENTRE (SLPC), WHICH HOUSES MENTALLY DISTURBED PRISONERS, WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
ADDRESSING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE NEW EXTENSION, THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR ERIC MCCOSH, SAID THE NEW EXTENSION PROVIDED SOME MUCH NEEDED ADDITIONAL FACILITIES AND ACCOMMODATION TO MEET THE GROWING DEMAND.
HE NOTED THAT WITH THE PRESSURES CREATED BY MODERN DAY HONG KONG AND THE VARIETY OF CAUSES LEADING TO CRIME, OUR PENAL SYSTEM SAW AN EVER INCREASING NUMBER OF PRISONERS WHO REQUIRED SOME FORM OF PSYCHIATRIC EVALUATION OR TREATMENT.
’’PSYCHIATRIC EVALUATION ALSO PLAYS A VERY IMPORTANT PART IN THE DELIBERATIONS OF THE COURTS,’’ HE SAID.
THE PRESENT SLPC HAD REACHED CAPACITY SOON AFTER ITS OPENING IN 1972 AND WAS SUFFERING FROM OVERCROWDING, NECESSITATING PLANNING FOR AN EXTENSION.
THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW EXTENSION, TO ACCOMMODATE A FURTHER 150 INMATES, STARTED IN AUGUST 1987 AND WAS COMPLETED IN JANUARY THIS YEAR.
THE EXTENSION ENABLES THE CENTRE TO SET UP A FEMALE UNIT AND TO RECEIVE ALL FORENSIC CASES FROM CASTLE PEAK HOSPITAL.
ALSO, THE CENTRE CAN NOW RECEIVE PRISONERS FROM OTHER PENAL INSTITUTIONS WHO ARE KNOWN TO HAVE PERSONALITY DISORDERS OR A PAST HISTORY OF MENTAL ILLNESS.
------0--------
TWO MEMBERS RE-APPOINTED TO CIVIL SERVICE PAY GROUP
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE GOVERNOR HAS RE-APPOINTED MR DAVID A. MORRIS AND MR NICHOLAS S. C. CHIU AS MEMBERS OF THE STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE, TO TAKE EFFECT WHEN THEIR CURRENT TERMS OF SERVICE EXPIRE ON JULY 1 THIS YEAR.
THE STANDING COMMISSION ADVISES THE GOVERNMENT ON THE PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES GOVERNING THE PAY AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE OF THE NON-DI RECTORATE CIVIL SERVICE OTHER THAN THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES.
MR MORRIS HAS SERVED ON THE STANDING COMMISSION FOR FOUR YEARS AND MR CHIU TWO YEARS.
THE TERM OF APPOINTMENT FOR BOTH MEMBERS WILL BE FOR TWO YEARS WITH EFFECT FROM JULY 1 THIS YEAR.
------0--------
/29 .....
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 1991
- 29 -
UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS IN NORTH POINT TO BE CLOSED
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE THE UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS AT TWO SERVICE LANES IN NORTH POINT, SO THAT I HEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS AND THE PUBLIC.
THESE STRUCTURES ARE LOCATED AT THE SERVICE LANES OF 10-16 FORT STREET AND 9 KIN WAH STREET.
NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON OCTOBER 28 WERE POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
DEMOLITION WORK IS EXPECTED TO START ONCE THE CLOSURE ORDERS ARE ISSUED.
------0--------
FC MEETING ON FRIDAY ♦ ♦ * * ♦
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL HOLD A MEETING ON FRIDAY (JUNE 28) 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 844 0899.
---------0-----------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS * ♦ * * ♦
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 25.6.91 380
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 26.6.91 -31
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING +31
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 114.3 *+0.1» 26.6.91
/HONG KONG ......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 1991
<
- 30 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
CLOSING YIELDS OF EXCHANGE
FUND BILLS
MATURING IN 1 WEEK
1 MONTH
3 MONTHS
6 MONTHS
12 MONTHS
TOTAL BILLS TRANSFERRED
26.6.91 25.6.91
7.64 PCT 7.48 PCT
7.45 PCT 7.41 PCT
7.41 PCT 7.40 PCT
7.40 PCT 7.40 PCT
7.46 PCT 7.42 PCT
2,024 MN 2,007 MN
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CLOSE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA BENEFICIAL ............... 1
50,000 MORE SIGN UP AS VOTERS .......................................... 2
TRADE DEPT DELEGATION LEAVES FOR U.S.........................................3
FAMILY OF DRAGONS TAKES LEAD TO KEEP HK CLEAN .......................... 3
DROP TN NUMBER OF NEW TB CASES CONTINUES................................ 5
REMINDER TO WASH AND BLANCH VEGETABLES .................................
VIEWS ON LIVESTOCK WASTES CONTROL BEING CONSULTED ......................
JOURNEY TIME BETWEEN CAUSEWAY BAY AND CENTRAL GREATLY REDUCED .......... 8
FINANCIAL AID FOR NEEDY STUDENTS ....................................... 9
ENVIRONMENT HK 1991 ON SALE TOMORROW ................................... H
32,000 STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN READING SCHEME .......................... 12
REVAMPED MATCHING GRANT SCHEME INTRODUCED .............................. 13
UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS TO BE CLOSED................................ I4
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............. 14
THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 1991
CLOSE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA BENEFICIAL
******
A KEY FACTOR IN THE GROWTH OF BOTH CHINA AND HONG KONG HAS BEEN THE MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL TRADING AND INVESTMENT RELATIONSHIP, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY (DESIGNATE), MR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID IN AUSTRIA.
MR MACLEOD SAID THIS MUTUAL IMPORTANCE OF CHINA AND HONG KONG TO EACH OTHER WAS THE MOST POSITIVE UNDERLYING FACTOR IN THE ASSESSMENT OF HONG KONG’S FUTURE SUCCESS.
SPEAKING AT THE EUROPE/ASIA CONFERENCE 1991 IN VIENNA YESTERDAY (WEDNESDAY), MR MACLEOD SAID A DRAMATIC ILLUSTRATION OF THIS CLOSE PARTNERSHIP WAS THE EXPANSION OF HONG KONG MANUFACTURERS INTO THE NEIGHBOURING GUANGDONG PROVINCE OF CHINA.
"ACCORDING TO PROVINCIAL STATISTICS, HONG KONG MANUFACTURERS NOW OPERATE SOME 50,000 OUTWARD PROCESSING FACTORIES AND 11,000 JOINT VENTURE FACTORIES, EMPLOYING OVER TWO MILLION CHINESE WORKERS.
"HONG KONG’S OWN MANUFACTURING WORKFORCE BY CONTRAST IS ONLY 800,000 AND UNEMPLOYMENT EFFECTIVELY NON-EXISTENT.
"ALTHOUGH THE ISSUE OF RENEWAL OF ('HINA’S MOST FAVOURED NATION STATUS BY THE U.S. CURRENTLY CASTS A SHADOW OVER THIS AREA, MOST OTHER FACTORS INDICATE THAT PROSPECTS FOR FURTHER DEVELOPMENT ARE BRIGHT," HE STRESSED.
MR MACLEOD SAID HONG KONG AND CHINA WERE EACH OTHER’S PRINCIPAL TRADING PARTNERS.
"CHINA IS NOW THE LARGEST MARKET FOR HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS AND THE SECOND LARGEST MARKET FOR OUR DOMESTIC EXPORTS. CHINA, IN TURN, SENDS OVER ONE-THIRD OF ITS MERCHANDISE EXPORTS TO HONG KONG OR THROUGH HONG KONG TO OTHER DESTINATIONS.”
CHINA AND HONG KONG WERE ALSO CLOSE INVESTMENT PARTNERS, HE ADDED.
"ON THE ONE HAND, CHINA IS THE THIRD LARGEST NON-LOCAL INVESTOR TN HONG KONG'S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES AFTER THE UNITED STATES AND JAPAN.
"ON THE OTHER HAND, HONG KONG IS THE SINGLE LARGEST INVESTOR IN CHINA, ACCOUNTING FOR ABOUT TWO-THIRDS OF ALL DIRECT FOREIGN INVESTMENT, ESTIMATED AT NEARLY US$19 BILLION.
"THIS ECONOMIC INTER-DEPENDENCE HAS CONTINUED DESPITE THE EVENTS WHICH TOOK PLACE IN CHINA IN JUNE 1989.
"CHINA HAS SINCE REPEATEDLY RE-AFFIRMED ITS ’OPEN DOOR’ POLICY. CLEARLY HONG KONG WILL CONTINUE TO PLAY A PIVOTAL ROLE BETWEEN CHINA AND THE WEST AFTER 1997, UNDER THE 'ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS’ CONCEPT ENSHRINED IN THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW," HE SAID.
/TURNING TO .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 1991
TURNING TO THE PROBLEMS WHICH HONG KONG IS NOW FACING, MR MACLEOD SAID NO COMMUNITY COULD CLAIM TO BE PROBLEM FREE.
"WE ARE CONCERNED, FOR EXAMPLE, THAT WE ARE CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING LOWER GROWTH AND HIGHER INFLATION THAN WHAT WE ARE USED TO, OR IS DESIRABLE; AND THAT ON THOSE MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS RELATED TO OUR PLANNED NEW AIRPORT WE HAVE AS YET BEEN UNABLE TO REACH AGREEMENT WITH CHINA.
"WE FACE CHALLENGING CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGES, SUCH AS INTRODUCING AN INCREASING PROPORTION OF ELECTED MEMBERS INTO OUR LEGISLATURE, NOT TO MENTION THE MAJOR CHANGES IN 1997 ITSELF.
"ALL THESE WILL REQUIRE IMAGINATIVE HANDLING. BUT 1 BELlfcVfc THAT WE ALSO HAVE UNDERLYING STRENGTHS WHICH WILL ENABLE HONG KONG TO CONTINUE TO PROSPER.
"OUR CLOSE PROXIMITY TO CHINA IS A GREAT ADVANTAGE, NOT A HANDICAP, AND OUR FLEXIBLE, CAPITALIST ECONOMY, OUR SIMPLE, LOW TAX SYSTEM AND RELATIVELY RED-TAPE FREE ADMINISTRATION, AND ABOVE ALL OUR HARD WORKING POPULATION AND ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT, SHOULD CONTINUE TO ENSURE HONG KONG IS A SUCCESS STORY," HE SAID.
ON ARRIVAL IN VIENNA, MR MACLEOD HAS CALLED ON SENIOR AUSTRIAN GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS.
AMONG THEM WERE THE FEDERAL CHANCELLOR, DR FRANZ VRANITZKY; THE FEDERAL MINISTER OF FINANCE, DR FERDINAND LACINA; AND THE DEPUTY MAYOR OF VIENNA. THEY HAD USEFUL EXCHANGES ON THE ROLE OF AUSTRIA AND HONG KONG AS GATEWAYS TO THEIR RESPECTIVE REGIONS, AND TRADE AND ECONOMIC PROS PECTS.
------0--------
50,000 MORE SIGN UP AS VOTERS * * * * *
A FURTHER 50,000 PEOPLE HAVE SIGNED UP AS ELECTORS SINCE THE CURRENT VOTER REGISTRATION EXERCISE STARTED TN APRIL, THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR DAVID LAN, SAID THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON.
HE SAID THIS WHEN HE RECEIVED A DELEGATION OF THE TORONTO CHINESE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION.
WITH THE JULY 1 CLOSING DATE FOR VOTER REGISTRATION DRAWING NEAR, MR LAN AGAIN CALLED FOR GREATER PARTICIPATION IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS IN SEPTEMBER.
DURING THE RECEPTION, MR LAN ALSO UPDATED THE VISITORS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT IN HONG KONG.
"THE SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE RECENT DISTRICT BOARD AND MUNICIPAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS BODES WELL FOR THE FORTHCOMING LEGCO POLLS, DURING WHICH 1R COUNCIL SEATS WILL, FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE TERRITORY’S HISTORY, BE DIRECTLY CONTESTED," HE SAID.
-----0----------
/3 ........
THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 1991
3
TRADE DEPT DELEGATION LEAVES FOR U.S. *****
A TRADE DEPARTMENT DELEGATION WILL LEAVE FOR WASHINGTON D.C.
THIS (THURSDAY) EVENING FOR BILATERAL CONSULTATIONS WITH THE U.S. GOVERNMENT ON THE RENEWAL OF THE HONG KONG/U.S. BILATERAL TEXTILES AGREEMENT.
.THE ACTING DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE AND LEADER OF THE HONG KONG DELEGATION, MR ROBERT FOOTMAN, SAID: ’’THE CURRENT BILATERAL TEXTILES AGREEMENT WILL EXPIRE ON DECEMBER 31, 1991.
’’THE U.S. REMAINS HONG KONG’S LARGEST MARKET FOR TEXTILES AND CLOTHING, ACCOUNTING FOR SOME 40 PER CENT OF SUCH EXPORTS IN VALUE TERMS IN 1990.
"IN ORDER TO PROVIDE CERTAINTY TO THE TRADE, IT IS NECESSARY FOR THE TWO SIDES TO START xDISCUSSIONS ON THE ARRANGEMENTS AFTER 1991 . ’’
THE CONSULTATIONS WILL START ON JULY 1.
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T.H. CHAU, AND MEMBERS OF THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD WILL JOIN THE DELEGATION IN WASHINGTON D.C.
-----0-----
FAMILY OF DRAGONS TAKES LEAD TO KEEP HK CLEAN
*****
THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN FOR 1991/92 WILL HAVE A NEW LOOK, FEATURING A FAMILY OF NEW CAMPAIGN CHARACTERS DESIGNED TO URGED THE PUBLIC TO "TAKE THE LEAD TO KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN".
IT IS ALSO THE 19TH YEAR OF A VERY SUCCESSFUL CAMPAIGN WHICH HAS RAISED PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING THEIR LIVING ENVIRONMENT CLEAN AND HAS MADE HONG KONG A NICER PLACE TO LIVE.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE CAMPAIGN TODAY (THURSDAY), THE CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE, MR GILBERT LEUNG KAM-HO, SAID: "I AM HONOURED TO BE INVOLVED IN A CAMPAIGN WHICH IS SETTING A BENCHMARK FOR WHAT CAN BE DONE THROUGH COMMUNITY AND GOVERNMENT CO-OPERATION."
MR LEUNG NOTED THAT THE 1991/92 CAMPAIGN, WHILE RETAINING MANY SUCCESSFUL COMPONENTS OF PREVIOUS YEARS, HAD ADDED SOME CHANGES.
"ONE OF THE MOST OBVIOUS NEW ELEMENTS WILL BE THE CREATION OF THE FAMILY OF DRAGONS, WHICH EXPANDS ON THE SUCCESSFUL CAMPAIGN CHARACTER, THE DRAGON OF CLEANLINESS," HE SAID.
/"THESE DRAGONS .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 1991
- 4 -
"THESE DRAGONS WILL PARTICIPATE IN VARIOUS KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN ACTIVITIES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR WITH EACH PAYING SPECIAL ATTENTION TO ITS CONSTITUENCY," HE ADDED.
THE FOUR NF» MASCOTS, WHICH MADE THEIR DEBUT APPEARANCES AT TODAY’S PRESS CONFERENCE, ARE THE COUNTRY DRAGON, THE BEACH DRAGON AND TWO KID DRAGONS^.
THE FAMILY OF DRAGONS WILL JOIN FORCES WITH CELEBRITIES AND HELP DRAW PUBLIC ASI WELL AS MEDIA ATTENTION TO THE CENTRAL CAMPAIGN THEME.
MR LEUNG PRAISED HONG KONG'S COMMENDABLE PROGRESS MADE IM tME CAMPAIGN. HE SAID: "IN FACT, HONG KONG HAS MADE MAJOR STRIDES IN BOTH ACTUAL AND PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF CLEANLINESS OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS.
"IN A SURVEY CONDUCTED IN 1990/91, THE MAJORITY OF RESPONDENTS FELT THAT HONG KONG IS CLEANER NOW THAN IT WAS FIVE TO 10 YEARS AGO DESPITE THE GROWTH IN POPULATION.”
THE SURVEY, COMMISSIONED BY THE STEERING COMMITTEE TO STUDY THE OVERALL CLEANLINESS IN THE TERRITORY AND THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE OPERATIONAL AND PUBLICITY ASPECTS OF THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN, WAS CONDUCTED IN TWO WAVES. MORE THAN 1,000 LOCAL RESIDENTS WERE INTERVIEWED.
MR LEUNG SAID THE STEERING COMMITTEE WOULD CONTINUE ORGANISING THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN AS A MAJOR PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN, WITH EMPHASIS ON COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT, EDUCATION AND LAW ENFORCEMENT.
PROMOTIONAL CHANNELS WILL INCLUDE TELEVISION ANNOUNCEMENTS IN PUBLIC INTEREST, POSTERS, ADVERTISING IN MTR AND KCR STATIONS, BUS ADVERTISING, SOUVENIRS AND RADIO OR TV PROGRAMMES.
THE TWO PROMOTIONAL FILMS, ONE FEATURING THE ARTIST NG KWAN-YUE AND THE OTHER FEATURING WONG YAT-SAN, BOTH WITH THE DRAGON OF CLEANLINESS WILL BE SCREENED ON TV FROM NEXT MONTH.
MR LEUNG EXPRESSED APPRECIATION FOR THE MONETARY AND MORAL SUPPORT GIVEN TO THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN BY THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY.
"IN FACT, WE ARE ABLE TO EXPAND THE SCOPE OF OUR 1991/92 CAMPAIGN BECAUSE OF THE GENEROUS SUPPORT OF LOCAL BUSINESSES IN UNDERWRITING AND CO-SPONSORING EVENTS AND IN PROVIDING SOME OF THE MATERIALS AND EXPERTISE WHERE NEEDED," HE SAID.
OUTLINING DETAILS OF PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES PLANNED FOR THE 1991/92 CAMPAIGN, THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE STEERING COMMITTEE, M1SS CHRISTINA TING SAID HIGHLIGHTS OF MASS-PARTICIPATION ACTIVITIES WOULD INCLUDE TWO EXTRAVAGANZAS, THE "DANCES WITH DRAGONS" CARNIVAL IN JULY AND "THE GARDEN CELEBRATION” IN NOVEMBER.
"DANCES WITH DRAGONS" WILL FEATURE DANCE PERFORMANCES BY THE ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS, A MIME SHOW BY THE FRINGE CLUB AND A RAP CONCERT BY THE HONG KONG CHILDREN’S CHOIR.
/THE CARNIVAL ......
THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 1991
- 5 -
THE CARNIVAL IS SCHEDULED FOR JULY 14 (SUNDAY) STARTING AT 10.30 AM AT THE HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE PIAZZA NEAR THE CLOCK TOWER IN TSIM SHA TSUI.
"THE GARDEN CELEBRATION" IN NOVEMBER, DESCRIBED BY MISS TING AS A "VISUAL AND SYMBOLIC ATTENTION-GRABBER", WILL BE UNVEILED IN THE CHATER ROAD PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT IN CENTRAL.
ON DISTRICT PARTICIPATION, MISS TING SAID THE STEERING COMMITTEE WOULD ENCOURAGE DISTRICT BOARDS TO ORGANISE CLEAN-UP OPERATIONS TO GET INVOLVED IN THE CAMPAIGN.
ONGOING COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT CLEAN-UP OPERATIONS PLANNED FOR 1991/92 INCLUDE CLEAN BEACH EXERCISES IN JULY AND AUGUST, BLOCK-TO-BLOCK CLEAN-UP OPERATIONS IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER, CLEAN COUNTRYSIDE EXERCISES IN NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER, YEAR-END CLEAN-UP IN JANUARY 1992, CLEAN SQUATTER AREAS AND VILLAGES IN MARCH AND A CONTINUOUS CLEAN TYPHOON SHELTER OPERATION.
MISS TING NOTED THAT DURING EACH PHASE OF THE PROGRAMME, CONCERNED DEPARTMENTS WOULD STEP UP LAW ENFORCEMENT TO GIVE DETERRENCE TO INDISCRIMINATE LITTERING.
"DURING THE CLEAN BEACH PHASE, THE AUXILIARY LITTER WARDEN SCHEME WILL BE IMPLEMENTED AND EXPANDED TO INVOLVE SOME 2,700 STUDENTS FROM 84 SCHOOLS TO HELP CLEAN UP 11 BEACHES ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES," SHE SAID.
MISS TING ALSO APPEALED TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND FIRMS TO CONTACT THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT TO ORGANISE LITTER-PICKING GROUPS ON BEACHES AND IN COUNTRY PARKS AS A KIND OF COMMUNITY SERVICE, AS THE CAMPAIGN SHOULD BE SEEN AS A COMBINED EFFORT OF THE COMMUNITY, COMMERCIAL ENTITIES AND GOVERNMENT.
---------0-----------
DROP IN NUMBER OF NEW TB CASES CONTINUES »»**»»
THERE HAS BEEN A CONTINUOUS DROP IN THE NUMBER OF NEW TUBERCULOSIS (’ASKS OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS IN HONG KONG.
THE DIRECTOR OE HEALTH, DR S.H. LEE, IN HIS CAPACITY AS PRESIDENT OE THE HONG KONG TUBERCULOSIS, CHEST AND HEART DISEASES ASSOCIATION, SAID THIS AT THE ASSOCIATION’S ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING TODAY (THURSDAY).
HE SAID THERE WAS X TOTAL OE 6,510 NEW TUBERCULOSIS CASES LAST YEAR WITH A NOTIFICATION RATE OE 112.2 PER 100,000 POPULATION, COMPARED WITH 6,704 CASES AND A NOT IEI CATION RATE OF 116.4 IN 1989.
/THE FIGURES .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 1991
- 6 -
THE FIGURES FOR PREVIOUS YEARS WERE: 7,021 CASES AND A RATE OF 123.6 PER 100,000 POPULATION IN 1988, 7,269 CASES AND A RATE OF 129.5 IN 1987, 7,432 CASES AND A RATE OF 134.3 IN 1986, AND 7,545 CASES AND A RATE OF 138.3 IN 1985.
DR LEE SAID A TOTAL OF 382 TUBERCULOSIS DEATHS WERE REPORTED LAST YEAR, GIVING A RATE OF 6.6 PER 100,000 POPULATION.
THIS SHOWED A SLIGHT DECREASE WHEN COMPARED WITH 403 DEATHS AND A RATE OF SEVEN PER 100,000 POPULATION IN 1989.
DURING THE PAST YEAR, HE SAID, 288 VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE WERE FOUND TO HAVE ACTIVE TUBERCULOSIS REQUIRING TREATMENT AS A RESULT OF EXAMINATION OF SYMPTOM-MOTIVATED INDIVIDUALS.
"ALL BOAT PEOPLE AGED 14 AND BELOW WERE GIVEN DIRECT BCG VACCINATION AS SOON AS THEY ARRIVED,” DR LEE SAID.
"HEALTH EDUCATION ACTIVITIES WERE VIGOROUSLY CARRIED OUT IN THE CAMPS AND CENTRES TO. MOTIVATE PEOPLE WITH SYMPTOMS TO COME FORWARD FOR EXAMINATION,” HE ADDED.
DESPITE THE DECLINING ANNUAL RATE OF NOTIFICATION, DR LEE SAID HONG KONG SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE VIGILANT ON THE SITUATION AND MAINTAIN OR REINFORCE ITS PREVENTIVE AND CONTROL MEASURES.
DR LEE WAS ALSO PLEASED TO NOTE THAT THE ASSOCIATION HAD HELPED AND INITIATED THE SETTING UP OF A TUBERCULOSIS RESEARCH CENTRE.
IT WAS ONE OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE REPORT COMPILED BY TWO TUBERCULOSIS EXPERTS FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM - PROFESSOR WALLACE FOX AND PROFESSOR STEWART KILPATRICK - AT THE INVITATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO REVIEW THE EXISTING STATE OF TUBERCULOSIS AND ITS MANAGEMENT IN HONG KONG AND TO ADVISE ON THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TUBERCULOSIS AND CHEST SERVICE.
ON LUNG CANCER DEATHS, DR LEE SAID, THE FIGURE FOR LAST YEAR WENT UP TO 2,638 FROM 2,592 IN 1989.
’’THE UPGOING TREND WAS LIKELY REFLECTING THE LATE EFFECT OF PAST CIGARETTE SMOKING,” HE CONTINUED.
HE ADDED THAT THE CONCERTED EFFORTS FROM THE GOVERNMENT, VOLUNTEER AGENCIES AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO COMBAT CIGARETTE SMOKING WOULD EVENTUALLY ACHIEVE ITS TARGET IN FUTURE.
TURNING TO OCCUPATIONAL LUNG DISEASES, DR LEE SAID 119 CASES OF SILICOSIS AND ONE CASE OF ASBESTOSIS WERE REPORTED AND COMPENSATED LAST YEAR.
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PNEUMOCON IOSTS CASES COMPENSATED SINCE THE INCEPTION OF THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS COMPENSATION ORDINANCE IN JANUARY 1981 STOOD AT 3,631 .
ON HEART DISEASE, DR LEE SAID IT CLAIMED A TOTAL OF 4,976 LIVES LAST YEAR, 140 MORE THAN IN 1989.
/HE POINTED .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 1991
HE POINTED OUT THE NEED OE AN ENHANCED EFFORT IN HEALTH PROMOTION AND HEALTH EDUCATION ACTIVITIES ON THE IMPORTANCE OF A HEALTHY LIFE STYLE TO MINIMISE THE RISK OF THIS DISEASE.
DR LEE ALSO PRAISED THE WORK DONE BY THE CARDIAC, MEDICAL AND SURGICAL TEAMS AT GRANTHAM HOSPITAL.
LAST YEAR, A TOTAL OF 804 CARDIAC OPERATIONS WERE PERFORMED WITH HIGH SUCCESS RATE, HE SAID.
IN CONCLUSION, DR LEE THANKED THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THfe HONG KONG TUBERCULOSIS, CHEST AND HEART DISEASES ASSOCIATION AND STAFF FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE SUCCESSFUL OPERATION OF THE ASSOC 1 AT I ON.
----Jo--------
REMINDER TO WASH AND BLANCH VEGETABLES ******
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE TODAY (THURSDAY) URGED TO WASH AND BLANCH VEGETABLES, IN PARTICULAR WATER SPINACH (ONG CHOI), THOROUGHLY BEFORE COOKING.
THE APPEAL WAS MADE BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF HEALTH (HYGIENE), DR M.B. AL I, FOLLOWING THE DETECTION OF A BATCH OF WATER SPINACH IMPORTED FROM SHENZHEN WHICH HAS BEEN FOUND CONTAMINATED WITH METHAM1DOPHOS.
SINCE LAST WEEK, HEALTH INSPECTORS HAVE TAKEN A TOTAL OF 250 VEGETABLE SAMPLES FOR EXAMINATION.
THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES HAVE BEEN INFORMED OF THE FINDINGS AND THE NAME OF THE FARM IMPLICATED FOR THEIR NECESSARY ACTIONS.
SO FAR, NO CASES OF FOOD POISONING CAUSED BY THE CONSUMPTION OF PESTICIDE-CONTAMINATED VEGETABLES HAVE BEEN REPORTED.
TO PREVENT FOOD POISONING CAUSED BY THE INTAKE OF PESTICIDE-CONTAMINATED VEGETABLES, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED TO TAKE THE FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES:
* DON’T BUY VEGETABLES WITH AN OBVIOUS STRANGE SMELL;
* WASH WELL BEFORE COOKING;
* DIP VEGETABLES INTO CLEAN WATER FOR SOME TIME TO ALLOW PESTICIDES TO LEACH OUT;
* BLANCH IN BOILING WATER AND POUR AWAY THE WATER USED FOR BLANCHING AS IT MAY CONTAIN DISSOLVED PESTICIDES; AND
* COOK THOROUGHLY BEFORE CONSUMPTION.
- - 0 - -
/8.........
THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 1991
- 8 -
VIEWS ON LIVESTOCK WASTES CONTROL BEING CONSULTED
VIEWS ON RECENT PROPOSALS BY THE GOVERNMENT TO REDUCE POLLUTION BY LIVESTOCK WASTES HAVE BEEN EXPRESSED THOROUGHLY AT A MEETING OF THE LIVESTOCK SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON.
THE MEETING, ONE OF THE GOVERNMENT’S FORMAL CONSULTATION CHANNELS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION, WAS ATTENDED BY 20 REPRESENTATIVES OF THE LIVESTOCK INDUSTRY, GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND EXPERTS IN THE RELATED FIELD.
THE PRINCIPAL ASSlS'l'ANT SECRETARY OF THE PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS BRANCH, DR PATRICK HASE, REITERATED THAT THE PROPOSED MEASURES WERE NOT DESIGNED TO PUSH LIVESTOCK FARMERS OUT OF BUSINESS BUT TO ENSURE THAT THEY STAY IN BUSINESS.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WISHED TO BE AS FLEXIBLE A.S POSSIBLE AND WAS PREPARED TO CONSIDER THE VIEWS OF THE FARMERS AS FAR AS POSSIBLE THROUGH VARIOUS EXISTING CONSULTATION CHANNELS SO AS TO COME UP WITH A SYSTEM WHICH WOULD BE TN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE WHOLE COMMUNITY.
MEANWHILE, REPRESENTATIVES OF THE LIVESTOCK INDUSTRY WERE PARTICULARLY CONCERNED ABOUT THE PROPOSED LICENSING SYSTEM ON THE INDUSTRY, THE PROPOSAL THAI’ GEESE AND DUCK FARMERS BEING EXCLUDED FROM LICENSING CONTROL AND THE AMOUNT OF EX-GRAT1A ALLOWANCE AND CAPITAL GRANT.
THE VIEWS OF THE FARMERS HAD BEEN NOTED BY GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION.
- - 0 - -
JOURNEY TIME BETWEEN CAUSEWAY RAY AND CENTRAL GREATLY REDUCED ******
THE RECENT COMPLETION OF A TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME AT CAUSEWAY BAY HAS SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVED WESTBOUND TRAFFIC BETWEEN EASTERN HONG KONG AND CENTRAL, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
INITIAL SURVEYS INDICATED THAT, IN THE MORNING PEAK HOURS, THE JOURNEY TIME BETWEEN TONG SHUT ROAD INTERCHANGE AND CANAL ROAD INTERCHANGE HAD BEEN REDUCED FROM ABOUT 20 MINUTES TO FIVE MINUTES, HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN HOPED THIS WOULD FURTHER ENCOURAGE MOTORISTS TO USE ROUTE 6 AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE HEAVILY CONGESTED ROUTE 1 TO TRAVEL BETWEEN KOWLOON AND HONG KONG.
/ROUTE 1
THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 19§1
- 9 -
ROUTE 1 STARTS FROM ABERDEEN, CROSSES THREE TUNNELS (ABERDEENj CROSS HARBOUR AND LION ROCK) AND ENDS AT LOK MA CHAU BORDER CROSSING.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID A SERIES OF ROAD WORKS AND MANAGEMENT MEASURES HAD BEEN CARRIED OUT ALONG VICTORIA PARK ROAD, GLOUCESTER ROAD, ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR (I EC) AND HING FAT STREET OVER THE LAST THREE MONTHS.
ON 1EC, THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY MARKINGS WEST OF OIL STREET HAVE BEEN MODIFIED TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF LANES FOR CENTRAL-BOUND TRAFFIC FROM ONE TO TWO.
BY WIDENING A SECTION OF VICTORIA PARK ROAD, THE TWO CENTRAL-BOUND LANES ARE EXTENDED TO CONNECT WITH GLOUCESTER ROAD.
IN GLOUCESTER ROAD, THE TWO CENTRAL-BOUND LANES ARfe MaDE Possible by re-designing the lane destinations and diverting the TRAFFIC BOUND FOR CAUSEWAY BAY AND HAPPY VALLEY INTO GLOUCESTER ROAD SERVICE ROAD, IN FRONT OF THE EXCELSIOR HOTEL.
THE VOLUME OF TRAFFIC USING THIS ROUTE WAS EXPECTED TO INCREASE AS A RESULT OF THE IMPROVED SITUATION AND THE OPENING OF TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL, TOGETHER WITH THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING, WHICH FORMED PART OF THE ENTIRE ROUTE 6, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE ADDED THAT A COMPLEMENTARY IMPROVEMENT SCHEME FOR EASTBOUWb TRAFFIC ON GLOUCESTER ROAD/VICTORIA PARK ROAD IN THE SAME AREA WILL COMMENCE IN AUGUST THIS YEAR FOR COMPLETION BY EARLY NEXT YEAR.
- - 0 - -
FINANCIAL AID FOR NEEDY STUDENTS *****
THE STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AGENCY (SFAA) ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE HONG KONG ROTARY CLUB STUDENTS’ LOAN FUND AND THE SING TAO FOUNDATION STUDENTS’ LOAN FUND ARE NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATION FROM NEEDY STUDENTS IN FORM FOUR AND ABOVE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THF SFAA SAID THE TWO SCHEMES PROVIDED INTEREST-FREE LOANS FOR STUDENTS OF POST-SECONDARY INSTITUTIONS, TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
MAXIMUM LOANS MAY VARY FROM $2,520 PER ANNUM FOR A SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENT TO $7,500 PER ANNUM FOR A POST-SECONDARY STUDENT. PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO APPLICANTS WHO ARE NEARING COMPLETION OR THEIR STUDIES.
APPLICATIONS FOR ASSISTANCE WILL BE CONSIDERED BY A JOINT COMMITTEE FOR BOTH LOAN FUNDS.
/"SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 1991
- 10 -
"SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS FOR LOANS FROM EITHER LOAN FUND WILL BE REQUIRED TO ENTER INTO A FORMAL UNDERTAKING TO REPAY THEIR LOANS BY INSTALMENTS OF AT LEAST 10 PER CENT OF THEIR MONTHLY SALARY FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF THEIR STUDIES.
"THE LOANS WILL THEN BE PAID DIRECT INTO THEIR PERSONAL ACCOUNTS WITH A LOCAL BANK," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THESE LOANS ARE MADE ON YEARLY BASIS. NEW APPLICANTS, AND PRESENT RECIPIENTS WHO WISH TO APPLY TO CONTINUE TO RECEIVE THE LOANS FOR THE COMING ACADEMIC YEAR, SHOULD COMPLETE AN APPLICA'I ION FORM.
FURTHER DETAILS FOR APPLICANTS WHO INTEND TO APPLY FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM THE HONG KONG ROTARY CLUB STUDENTS’ LOAN FUND AND SING TAO FOUNDATION STUDENTS’ LOAN FUND ARE AS FOLLOWS:
INSTITUTE WHERE APPLICANT IS STUDYING OR INTENDS TO STUD\ OFFICE WHERE STUDENT CAN OBTAIN AND MUST RETURN THE APPLICATION FORM CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION
♦ CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG STUDENT AFFAIRS OFFICE OCTOBER 15, 1991
♦ HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE STUDENT FINANCIAL AID OFFICE OCTOBER 15, 1991
♦ HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC STUDENT AFFAIRS UNIT OCTOBER 15, 1991
» LINGNAN COLLEGE STUDENT AFFAIRS OFFICE OCTOBER 15, 1991
♦ THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG ASSISTANT SECRETARY, STUDENT AFFAIRS OCTOBER 15, 1991
* HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY STUDENT AFFAIRS OFFICE OCTOBER 15, 1991
♦ UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG DEAN OF STUDENTS OCTOBER 15, 1991
» OTHER POST-SECONDARY COLLEGES, TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AGENCY FIFTH FLOOR, CLUB LUSITANO BUILDING, 16 ICE HOUSE STREET, CENTRAL. SEPTEMBER 14, 1991
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/U .....
THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 1991
- 11 -ENVIRONMENT HK 1991 ON SALE TOMORROW *****
THE GOVERNMENT’S ACHIEVEMENTS AND PROGRESS SO FAR ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 10-YEAR ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMMES WERE RECORDED IN AN ANNUAL REPORT PUBLISHED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD).
THE REPORT - ENVIRONMENT HONG KONG 1991 - WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE ENGLISH VERSION' OF THE 187-PAGE REPORT, PACKED WITH DIAGRAMS AND FOR THE FIRST TIME COLOUR PICTURES, GIVES AN ACCOUNT OF THE MANY AND VARIED ACTIVITIES OF THE GOVERNMENT IN THE FIELD OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DURING 1990.
THE CHINESE VERSION OF THE REPORT IS EXPECTED TO BE READY IN LATE JULY.
AN EPD SPOKESMAN SAID THE YEAR 1990, COVERED BY THE REPORT, WAS A SPECIAL YEAR BECAUSE IT SAW THE ACHIEVEMENT OF SOME OF THE MOST IMPORTANT ELEMENTS OF THE 10-YEAR PROGRAMME FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT, AS OUTLINED IN THE WHITE PAPER ON POLLUTION PUBLISHED TN 1989.
SUCH ACHIEVEMENTS INCLUDE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL (FUEL RESTRICTION) REGULATIONS WHICH HAVE REDUCED DRAMATICALLY THE AMOUNT OF SULPHUR DIOXIDE IN THE AIR IN MIXED RES IDENT1AL/INDUSTR1 AL AREAS.
ALSO, SEVERAL ELEMENTS OF A COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGY TO DEAL WITH AIR POLLUTION PRODUCED BY MOTOR VEHICLES WERE FINALISED.
THIS STRATEGY INCLUDES IMPROVEMENTS TO SMOKE EMISSION CONTROLS, THE INTRODUCTION OF UNLEADED PETROL, THE ESTABLISHMENT OF NEW AND MORE STRINGENT EMISSION CONTROL DESIGN STANDARDS FOR NEW CARS, AND ACTION TO RESTRAIN THE USE OF DIESEL.
THE YEAR 1990 SAW ALSO A VERY SATISFACTORY FIRST YEAR OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE WASTE DISPOSAL PLAN.
THAT PLAN ENVISAGED THE CLOSURE OF OLD REFUSE INCINERATORS AND A NUMBER OF SMALL, INEFFICIENT, URBAN LANDFILLS AND THEIR REPLACEMENT BY A SERIES OF REFUSE TRANSFER STATIONS FEEDING LARGE, ENVIRONMENTALLY WELL ENGINEERED AND OPERATED, LANDFILLS IN REMOTE LOCATIONS.
IMPROVED MEANS OF TACKLING WATER POLLUTION BECAME AVAILABLE WITH THE PASSAGE OF THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1990, WHICH REMOVED EXEMPTIONS FROM LICENSING OF DISCHARGES OF EXISTING FACTORIES WITHIN WATER CONTROL ZONES, AND ABOLISHED THE 30 PER CENT PERMITTED INCREASE OF DISCHARGES WHICH THOSE EXEMPTED FACTORIES HAD PREVIOUSLY ENJOYED.
/ENVIRONMENT HONG .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 1991
- 12 -
ENVIRONMENT HONG KONG 1991, AT $30 A COPY, IS AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
FURTHER ENQUIRIES ON THE CONTENT OF THE REPORT CAN BE ADDRESSED TO THE FOLLOWING EPD OFFICERS:
ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING AND ASSESSMENT
MR BILL FARRELL MR SIMON HUI TEL NO. TEL NO. 835 835 1102 1 105
AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT
MR C.W. TSE TEL NO. 835 1088
MR RAYMOND LEUNG TEL NO. 835 1048
NOISE MR RAYMOND CHAN TEL NO. 835 1122
WATER AND WASTES
MR PAUL HOLMES TEL NO. 835 1234
DR DANIEL LAU TEL NO. 782 7300
------0--------
32,000 STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN READING SCHEME *****
ABOUT 32,000 STUDENTS FROM 209 SECONDARY SCHOOLS TOOK PART IN THIS YEAR’S READING AWARD SCHEME ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S LIBRARY SECTION AND THE BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ CLUBS ASSOCIATION.
THE SCHEME AIMS AT HELPING STUDENTS DEVELOP GOOD READING HABITS, IMPROVING LANGUAGE SKILLS AND PROMOTING THE USE OF LIBRARIES.
PARTICIPANTS WERE REQUIRED TO READ NO FEWER THAN 10 ENGLISH AND CHINESE BOOKS AND WRITE A REPORT ON ONE OF THEM. ■
WINNERS WILL RECEIVE THEIR PRIZES FROM THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR LI YUET-TING, ON SATURDAY (JUNE 29) AT THE HONG KONG TEACHERS’ CENTRE, NORTH POINT.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE READING AWARD SCHEME TO BE HELD AT 10.30 AM ON SATURDAY (JUNE 29) AT THE HONG KONG TEACHERS’ CENTRE, 4 PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT.
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/13 .....
THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 1991
- 13 -
REVAMPED MATCHING GRANT SCHEME INTRODUCED ♦ * * * ♦ *
THE MAXIMUM GRANT FOR EACH PROJECT UNDER THE MATCHING GRANT SCHEME (MGS) FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1991-92 HAD BEEN RAISED FROM $50,000 TO $100,000 TO MAKE IT MORE ATTRACTIVE TO BUSINESS AND ARTS GROUPS, THE VICE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS (CFPA), MR PETER WOO, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TO INTRODUCE DETAILS OF THE REVISED SCHEME, MR WOO POINTED OUT THAT THE COUNCIL WOULD CONTRIBUTE ONE DOLLAR FOR EVERY DOLLAR OF BUSINESS SPONSORSHIP RAISED BY THE APPLICANT, UP TO A MAXIMUM OF $100,000 PER APPLICATION.
MR WOO POINTED OUT THAT THE MGS WOULD BE EXTENDED TO PERFORMING ARTS ORGANISATIONS WHICH ALREADY RECEIVED RECURRENT FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM PUBLIC FUNDS.
’’FOR THESE GROUPS, THE COUNCIL WILL NOW BE PREPARED TO CONTRIBUTE ONE DOLLAR FOR EVERY THREE DOLLARS OF BUSINESS SPONSORSHIP, PROVIDED THE PROJECT IS ELIGIBLE AND THE GROUP CAN SATISFY THE COUNCIL THAT THIS WILL NOT RESULT IN A DOUBLE SUBSIDY FROM PUBLIC FUNDS,” HE SAID.
IN ORDER THAT MORE ARTS GROUPS CAN BENEFIT FROM THE SCHEME, HE SAID THE NUMBER OF GRANTS TO INDIVIDUAL ARTS ORGANISATIONS WOULD PE LIMITED TO TWO IN A FINANCIAL YEAR.
"NO RESTRICTIONS ARE SET ON THE NUMBER OF AWARDS IN RESPECT OF SPONSORSHIP BY ANY ONE BUSINESS,” MR WOO SAID.
’’THE SCOPE OF ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO INCLUDE PROJECTS WHICH DIRECTLY CONTRIBUTE TO THE PROMOTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE PERFORMING ARTS IN HONG KONG, SUCH AS WORKSHOP AND SEMINARS ON SUITABLE TOPICS.
’’PREVIOUSLY, ONLY ACTUAL PROGRAMMES WERE ELIGIBLE FOR MATCHING GRANTS,” HE ADDED.
IN ADDITION, GREATER EMPHASIS HAD BEEN PLACED ON THE BENEFITS TO THE BUSINESS SPONSORS UNDER THE REVISED SCHEME, HE SAID.
’’THE MATCHING GRANT MUST BE USED TO IMPROVE THE VALUE OF THE PROJECT TO THE SPONSOR RATHER THAN TO MEET A DEFICIT,” MR WOO SAID.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE, THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR JAMES SO, URGED BOTH THE ARTS GROUPS AND THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY TO EXPLORE THE MUTUAL BENEFITS TO BE GAINED FROM ARTS SPONSORSHIP,
"THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ARTS, IN PARTICULAR THE PERFORMING ARTS, IS A COMMUNITY RESPONSIBILITY AND REQUIRES THE JOINT AND UNIFIED EFFORTS OF BOTH THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS," MR S ■ SAID.
/HE SAID .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 1991
- 14 -
HE SAID THE ORIGINAL SCHEME LAUNCHED LAST YEAR HAD SHOWN ITS POTENTIAL AS AN INCENTIVE TO BUSINESS SPONSORSHIP FOR THE ARTS, AS OVER $500,000 WAS RECEIVED IN SPONSORSHIP WITH ONLY AN INVESTMENT OF $200,000.
’’WITH A BETTER AND MORE ATTRACTIVE SCHEME, WE HOPE TO BE ABLE TO ATTRACT MORE BUSINESS SPONSORSHIP FOR THE ARTS IN THE YEARS AHEAD,” HE ADDED.
IN RECOGNITION OF THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY’S SUPPORT OF THE ARTS, A RECEPTION WAS HELD TODAY DURING WHICH COMMEMORATIVE CERTIFICATES WERE PRESENTED TO SPONSORS OF THE MGS DURING THE PAST YEAR.
PAMPHLETS ON THE REVISED SCHEME WERE DISTRIBUTED AT THE RECEPTION.
------0-------
UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS TO BE CLOSED * * * * *
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE THE UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS AT A BUILDING IN SHAM SHUI PO SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS AND THE PUBLIC.
THE UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS ARE LOCATED ON THE ROOF OF NO. 73-75 NAM CHEONG STREET.
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDER UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON OCTOBER 2 WAS POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY (THURSDAY).
IT IS EXPECTED THAT DEMOLITION WORKS WILL START AS SOON AS THE CLOSURE ORDER IS ISSUED.
------0--------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 26.6.91 380
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 27.6.91 -10
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING + 10
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 114.2 *-0.1* 27.6.91
/HONG KONG .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 1991
- 15 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
CLOSING YIELDS OF EXCHANGE
maturing in i «eeKh
3 MONTHS
6 MONTHS
12 MONTHS
TOTAL BILLS TRANSFERRED
FUND BILLS
26.B.91 27.6.91
7.64 PCT 7.45 PCT 8.07 PCT 7.31 PCT
7.41 PCT 7.40 PCT 7.13 PCT 7.13 PCT
7.46 PCT 7.25 PCT
2,024 MN 4,504 MN
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR MAY PUBLISHED ............................... 1
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR MAY 1991 ................................. 4
NO QUESTION OF ABANDONING NEW AIRPORT PROJECT: GOVERNOR ................ 6
ORGANISED CRIME BILL OUT IN AUGUST: CS .................................
CONTRIBUTORS TO COMMUNITY CHEST PRAISED ................................ 8
AIRPORT PROJECTS SERVE MULTIPLE PURPOSES ............................. 10
CHINESE OFFICIALS TO VISIT HONG KONG.................................... 11
ADOLF HSU ASSUMES DUTY AS DRS ........................................... 12
VESSEL REGULATORY STRATEGIES TO EXCO IN NOVEMBER ....................... 12
262 VM'S RETURN TO VIETNAM ............................................. 13
VISAS NEEDED FOR TONGAN PROTECTED PERSONS PASSPORT HOLDERS FROM MONDAY . 13
NT TAXIS CAN USE T6 FROM WEDNESDAY ..................................... 13
INT'L VALUE ADDED SERVICES BETWEEN HK AND UK AVAILABLE ................. 14
APPLICATIONS FOR COLLECTION OF CASH DONATIONS FOR NON-CHARITABLE PURPOSES ................................................................ I5
CONSTRUCTION OF SECOND AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE PROPOSED ..................... 16
BETTER ACCESS FOR TIN SHUI WAI PROPOSED ................................ 17
CURRENT METER PROPOSED FOR MA WAN ...................................... 18
TENDERS INVITED FOR CONSTRUCTION OF PLAYGROUND ......................... 19
NEW IDENTITY CARDS FOR WOMEN BORN IN OR BEFORE 1915 .................... 19
FIRING PRACTICE IN JULY ................................................ 21
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............. 22
FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 1991
CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR MAY PUBLISHED ♦ ♦ * ♦ ♦
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) PUBLISHED THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR MAY 1991.
THE 1989/90-BASED (’Pl(A) AND CP1(B) FOR MAY 1991 WERE 114.0 AND 113.6 RESPECTIVELY.
COMPARED WITH APRIL 1991, CPI(A) INCREASED BY 0.1% AND CPI(B) BY 0.5%, LARGELY BECAUSE OF HIGHER CHARGES FOR MEALS IN RESTAURANTS AND OTHER EATING PLACES, HIGHER RENI'S FOR SONE PRIVATE HOUSING UNITS, HIGHER MTR, KCR AND LRT FARES AND HIGHER PRICES OF SUMMER OUTERCLOTH J NG.
THESE PRICE INCREASES WERE PARTLY OFFSET BY DECREASES IN THE PRICES OF CIGARETTES BROUGHT ABOUT BY A REDUCTION IN TOBACCO DUTY AND IN THE PRICES OF FRESH VEGETABLES.
FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDING MAY 1991, THE 1984/85-BASED CPI(A) AND CPI(B) WERE 11.1% AND 10.9% RESPECTIVELY HIGHER THAN IN THE 12 MONTHS ENDING MAY 1990.
FOR MAY 1991, THEY WERE CORRESPONDINGLY 13.0% AND 12.4% HIGHER THAN IN MAY 1990. THESE RATES OF INCREASE WERE SLOWER THAN THOSE RECORDED IN APRIL 1991 (13.9% AND 13.0% RESPECTIVELY), MAINLY DUE TO THE REDUCTION IN THE TOBACCO DUTY FROM 200% To 100% WITH EFFECT FROM MAY 18, 1991.
ON A YEAR-ON-YEAR COMPARISON, FASTER RATES OF INCREASE IN THE 1984/85-BASED CPI(A) IN MAY 1991 WERE RECORDED IN THE INDEXES FOR ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO FOR HOME CONSUMPTION (60.9%), TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES (14.6%), SERVICES (13.9%), AND HOUSING (13.8%).
THE CORRESPONDING RATES OF INCREASE FOR I'HE SAME COMPONENTS IN THE 1984/85-BASED CPI(B) WERE 56.9%, 14.3%, 12.7% AND 13.0% RESPECTIVELY .
THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS, WHICH HAS THE LARGEST WEIGHTING IN THE INDEX, INCREASED BY 11.7% IN CPI(A) AND BY 12.1% IN CP1(B).
THESE FIVE COMPONENTS TOGETHER ACCOUNTED FOR 89% OF THE OVERALL INCREASE IN THE CPI(A) AND 88% OF THE INCREASE IN THE CPI(B).
FOR I'HE PERIOD OF JANUARY To MAY 1991, THE AVERAGE CP1(A) AND AVERAGE CP1(B) OF THE 1984/85-BASED SERIES INCREASED BY 12.6% AND 12.1% RESPECTIVELY OVER THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD OF 1990.
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 HAI) AN AVERAGE MONTHLY EXPENDITURE OF $2,500-$9,999 A MONTH IN 1989/90.
/THE CPI(B) .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 1851
2
THE CPI(B) IS BASED ON THE EXPENDITURE PATTERN OF THE NEXT 30% OF URBAN HOUSEHOLDS, WHICH HAD AN AVERAGE MONTHLY EXPENDITURE OF $10,000-$17,499 IN THE SAME PERIOD.
PRICE MOVEMENTS DESCRIBED BELOW ARE BASED ON THE 1989/90-BASfet) CPI SERIES.
CHANGES IN THE INDEXES FOR MAY 1991 IN RESPECT OF THE NINE COMMODITY/SERVICE SECTIONS IN THE TWO CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES, AS COMPARED WITH APRIL 1991 ARE GIVEN BELOW.
(OCTOBER 1989 TO SEPTEMBER 1990 = 100) CPI(A) CPI(B)
INDEX % CHANGE INDEX % CHANGE
FOR OVER FOR OVER
SECTION MA\ 91 APR 91 MAY 91 APR 91
FOODSTUFFS 112.5 -0.0* 113.4 + 0.2
MEALS BOUGHT AWAY 116.1 + 0.7 116.1 +0.7
FROM HOME
FOODSTUFFS, EXCLUDI NG 108.9 -0.7 109.7 -0.5
MEALS BOUGHT AWAY
FROM HOME
HOUSING 115.7 + 0.7 115.0 + 0.7
FUEL AND LIGHT 108.8 -0.2 108.7 -0.1
ALCOHOLIC DRINKS 162.5 -9.8 150.3 -7.5
AND TOBACCO (FOR
HOME CONSUMPTION) 112.5 i I >4
CLOTHING AND 111.4 + 2.0 12.0
FOOTWEAR
DURABLE GOODS 105.0 + 0.5 104.6 + 0.5
MISCELLANEOUS GOODS 107.4 + 0.3 106.8 + 0.3
TRANSPORT AND 118.0 + 2.5 117.5 + 2.1
VEHICLES
SERVICES 113.2 + 0.5 112.3 + 0.7
ALL ITEMS 114.0 + 0.1 113.6 + 0.5
* LESS THAN 0.05%
COMPARING MAY 1991 WITH APRIL 1991, THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS DECREASED MARGINALLY IN CPI(A) BUT INCREASED BY 0.2% IN CPI(B) AS THE EFFECT OF THE INCREASE IN THE CHARGES FOR MEALS IN RESTAURANTS AND OTHER EATING PLACES WAS MORE THAN OFFSET BY THE EFFECT OF DECREASES IN THE PRICES OF FRESH VEGETABLES AND PORK IN THE FORMER CASE.
THE INDEX FOR HOUSING INCREASED BY 0.7% IN BOTH CPI(A) AND CPI(R) DUE TO HIGHER RENTS FOR SOME PRIVATE HOUSING UNITS.
THE INDEX FOR ALCOHOL IC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (FOR HOME CONSUMPTION) DECREASED BY 9.8% IN CPI(A) AND BY 7.5% IN CPI(B) AS A RESULT OF LOWER PRICES OF CIGARETTES ARISING FROM REDUCED DUTIES.
/THE INDEX .......
FRIDAY, JIB 28, 1991
3
THE INDEX FOR CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR INCREASED BY 2.0% IN BOTH CPI(A) AND Cp|(B) BECAUSE OF HIGHER PRICES OF SUMMER OUTERCLOTHING.
THE INDEX FOR TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES INCREASED BY 2.5% IN CPI(A) AND RY 2.1% IN CPl(B) AS A RESULT OF HIGHER MTR, KCR AND LRT FARES.
THE INDEX FOR SERVICES INCREASED BY 0.5% IN CPI(A) AND BY 0.7% IN CP1(B) DUE TO HIGHER CHARGES FOR MEDICAL SERVICES AND HAIRDRESSING.
FIGURES HEREIN REFER TO CPI SERIES NOT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED. ALL PERCENTAGE CHANGES ARE DERIVED FROM CPI FIGURES TAKEN TO MORE THAN ONE DECIMAL PLACE.
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO RELEASE THE 1984/85-BASED CPl(A) AND CP1(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 RE DISCONTINUED.
MORE DETAILS ARE GIVEN IN THE "CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT" FOR MAY 1991, WHICH IS AVAILABLE AT $7 PER COPY FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBL1CAT1ONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL; OR FROM THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN (’HAI; OR FROM THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, CENTRAL FOR LOCAL AND OVERSEAS MAILINGS.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE INDEXES CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 805 6403.
THE 1989/90-BASED HANG SENG CPI WAS 113.4 IN MAY 1991, UP BY 1.3% OVER APRIL 1991.
FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDING MAY 1991, THE 1984/85-BASED HANG SENG CPI WAS UP BY 11.7% COMPARED WITH THE 12 MONTHS ENDING MAY 1990. FOR MAY 1991, THE INDEX WAS IIP BY 11.6% OVER MAY 1990.
THE 1989/90-BASED HANG SENG CPI IS BASED ON THE EXPENDITURE PATTERN OF ABOUT 10% OF URBAN HOUSEHOLDS IN HONG KONG WHICH SPENT $17,500-$37,499 A MONTH DURING 1989/90.
FURTHER DETAILS REGARDING THIS INDEX ARE INCLUDED IN THE HANG SENG (’PI REPORT ISSUED BY THE ECONOMIC RESEARCH DEPARTMENT OF HANG SENG BANK LTD.
- - 0-----------
/4 ........
4
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR MAY 1991 '
*****
/
IN MAY RE-EXPORTS CONTINUED TO RECORD A MARKED INCREASE, WHILE DOMESTIC EXPORTS SHOWED MODEST GROWTH WITH RETAINED IMPORTS ROSE APPRECIABLY.
THESE ARE SHOWN IN THE PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) Bl THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS, AT $19,431 MILLION IN MAY, WAS $605 MILLION OR 3.2% HIGHER THAN A YEAR EARLIER.
THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS GREW MUCH FASTER, BY $10,032 MILLION OR 28.8% TO $44,924 MILLION OVER THE SAME PERIOD.
TAKING DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS GREW BY $10,637 MILLION OR 19.8% OVER A YEAR EARLIER TO $64,355 MILLION IN MAY.
THE VALUE OF IMPORTS ROSE BY $10,646 MILLION OR to $67,138 MILLION.
AS THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS WAS SMALLER THAN THAT OF TOTAL IMPORTS, A VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF $2,783 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 4.1% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED IN MAY 1991.
THIS COMPARES WITH A DEFICIT OF $2,774 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 4.9% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, RECORDED A YEAR EARLIER.
PUTTING THESE FIGURES INTO PERSPECTIVE, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY $4,420 MILLION OR 5.4% OVER A YEAR EARLIER, TO $86,113 MILLION IN THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF 1991 COMBINED.
THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY $41,897 MILLION OR 28.1% TO $190,798 MILLION OVER THE SAME PERIOD.
THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS IN THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS COMBINED, AT $276,911 MILLION, WAS THUS $46,317 MILLION OR 20.1% HIGHER THAN IN THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF LAST YEAR.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, IMPORTS GREW BY $55,818 MILLION OR 23.3% TO $295,630 MILLION.
IN THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF 1991 COMBINED, A VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF $18,719 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 6.3% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED.
THE DEFICIT RECORDED IN THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF LAST YEAR WAS $9,218 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 3.8% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID IT WAS ENCOURAGING TO SEE REEXPORTS CONTINUING TO GROW STRONGLY. THE YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH RATE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WAS, HOWEVER, MORE MODERATE IN MAY THAN IN APRIL.
/RETAINED IMPORTS .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 1991
- 5 -
RETAINED IMPORTS ALSO RECORDED SLOWER GROWTH IN MAY, AT 7.4% IN VALUE TERMS OVER A YEAR EARLIER.
THE FOLLOW I NG TABLE PRESENTED MAY 1991.
THE PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR
MERCHANDISE:
DOMESTIC EXPORTS RE-EXPORTS TOTAL EXPORTS
IMPORTS
TRADE BALANCE
$19,431 $44,924 $64,355 $67,138
$2,783
MILLION MILLION MILLION MILLION MILLION
[IN DEFICIT]
COMPARATIVE FIGURES
LATEST 3 MONTHS MAR 91 TO MAY 91 HK$ MN. MAR 90 TO MAY 90 HK$ MN. INCREASE/DECREASE
HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 52,591 51 ,744 847 1.6
RE-EXPORTS 120,316 96,495 23,821 24.7
TOTAL EXPORTS 172,907 148,239 24,668 16.6
IMPORTS 189,960 158,248 31,712 20.0
TRADE BALANCE -17,053 -10,009 -7,044
SAME MONTH LAST YEAR MAY 1991 HK$ MN. MAY 1990 HK$ MN. INCREASE/DECREASE
Hk$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 19,431 18,826 605 3.2
(% OF’ TOTAL EXPORTS) (30.2%) (35.0%)
RE-EXPORTS 44,924 34,892 10,032 28.8
TOTAL EXPORTS 64,355 53,718 10,637 19.8
IMPORTS 67, 138 56,492 10,646 18.8
TRADE BALANCE -2,783 -2,774 -9
LAST MONTH MAY 1991 HK$ MN. APRIL 1991 HK$ MN. INCREASE/DECREASE
HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 19,431 18, 182 1,249 6.9
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (30.2%) (30.5%)
RE-EXPORTS 44,924 41,514 3,410 8.2
TOTAL EXPORTS 64,355 59,696 4,659 7.8
IMPORTS 67,138 65,817 1,321 2.0
TRADE BALANCE -2,783 -6, 121 3,338
/CALENDAR YEAR-TO-DATE .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 1991
6
CALENDAR YEAR-TO-DATE JAN-MAY 1991 HK$ MN. JAN-MAY 1990 HK$ MN. INCREASE/DECREASE
HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 86,113 81,693 4,420 5.4
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (31.1%) (35.4%)
RE-EXPORTS 190,798 148,901 41,897 28.1
TOTAL EXPORTS 276,911 230,594 46,317 20.1
IMPORTS 295,630 239,812 55,818 23.3
TRADE BALANCE -18,719 -9,218 -9,501
LAST 12 MONTHS JUN 90 TO MAY 91 HK$ MN. JUN 89 TO MAY 90 HK$ MN. INCREASE/DECREASE
HE$ MN. a
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 230,296 222,694 7,602 3.4
RE-EXPORTS 455,895 364,097 91,798 25.2
TOTAL EXPORTS 686, 191 586,791 99,400 16.9
IMPORTS 698,348 576,024 122,324 21.2
TRADE BALANCE -12,157 10,767 -22,924
--------0-----------
NO QUESTION OF ABANDONING NEW AIRPORT PROJECT: GOVERNOR *****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT tHfeRfc WAS NO QUESTION OF ABANDONING THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECT.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS ON HIS RETURN FROM A DUTY VISIT TO LONDON, SIR DAVID SAID: "IT’S NOT A QUESTION OF ABANDONING, BUT YOU CAN TAKE A VARIETY OF DIFFERENT WORDS IF YOU LIKE, SLIPPAGE TO MY MIND IS THE RIGHT SORT OF WORD."
"IT’S WHEN YOU’RE NOT ABLE TO DO SOMETHING PRECISELY ON THE TIMING YOU HAD ORIGINALLY THOUGHT OF, BUT THERE HAS TO BE SOME SLIPPAGE; SLIPPAGE IS THE RIGHT WORD IN THAT CONTEXT," HE SAID.
THE GOVERNOR SAID HE DID NOT KNOW WHEN THE NEXT ROUND OF AIRPORT TALKS WOULD BE WITH THE CHINESE SIDE, ADDING: "BECAUSE IT DEPENDS ENTIRELY ON WHETHER IT LOOKS AS THOUGH THERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE PRODUCTIVE, FURTHER TALKS."
WHEN ASKED WHETHER THE TENDER DATE FOR THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING WOULD BE POSTPONED, SIR DAVID SAID: "I’VE SAID THIS BEFORE I WENT TO LONDON AND SOMETIME AGO, THAT IF WE DON’T GET AGREEMENT WITH THE CHINESE; THE SORT OF SENSIBLE, PRACTICAL AGREEMENT WE ARE LOOKING FOR TO ENABLE US TO GO AHEAD WITH THE PROJECT, THE INEVITABLE CONSEQUENCE IS THAT THERE MUST BE SOME SLIPPAGE."
"BUT THERE IS NO MAGIC ABOUT CERTAIN DATES. IT’S JUST THE ORIGINAL TIMETABLE WILL INEVITABLY HAVE SOME SLIPPAGE IN IT," HE ADDED.
/WHEN ASKED .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 1991
WHEN ASKED IF THERE WAS A NEED TO DEVELOP MORE CONTACTS Wl+ti THE LABOUR PARTY, SIR DAVID SAID THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICE IN LONDON HAD CONTACTS WITH ALL PARTIES IN WESTMINSTER.
"SIMILARLY WHEN I GO TO LONDON, I MEET A GROUP OF ALL Mt” S, IT’S NOT JUST ONE PARTY THAT I GO TO MEET. I GO TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS AND MEET ALL THOSE PEOPLE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN COMING TO HEAR ME TALK ABOUT WHAT’S HAPPENING IN HONG KONG," HE SAID.
ON HIS VISIT TO LONDON, SIR DAVID SAID: "IT HAS PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY TO REVIEW ALL THE SUBJECTS THAT ARE OF INTEREST AND OF CONCERN TO US IN HONG KONG AT THE MOMENT."
-----0------
ORGANISED CRIME BILL OUT IN AUGUST: CS
*****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS ACCORDED TOP PRIORITY TO THE DRAFTING OF ttlfe ORGANISED CRIME BILL AND WILL PUBLISH IT IN AUGUST FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, SAID THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING.
SPEAKING AT THE DINNER HOSTED BY THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE (FCC) AND DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE (DFCC), SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT HOPED THAT THIS LEGISLATION, WHEN ENACTED, WOULD CURB THE PROBLEM OF ORGANISED CRIME.
HE SAID THE FCC HAD HELD A SPECIAL MEETING THIS MORNING TO EXAMINE THE BILL.
NOTING THAT THE COMMUNITY HAD BEEN WAITING EARNESTLY FOR THE PUBLICATION OF THE BILL, SIR DAVID URGED MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE TO ASSIST IN EXPLAINING THE WHITE BILL TO THE COMMUNITY AND IN OBTAINING COMMENTS.
STR DAVID, WHO WAS ALSO THE FCC CHAIRMAN, SAID THE COMMITTEE’S SECRETARY WOULD GIVE ALL THE SUPPORT NEEDED IN THIS CONSULTATION EXERCISE, INCLUDING ARRANGING FOR A BRIEFING SESSION FOR MEMBERS NEARER THE TIME OF PUBLICATION.
HE SAID THE INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION AIMED AT ORGANISED CRIME ACTIVITIES WAS ONE OF THE INITIATIVES THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS URGENTLY PURSUING TO COMBAT CRIME, APART FROM STRONG ENFORCEMENT ACTION BY THE POLICE FORCE AND OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES.
"SOME RECENT CRIMINAL CASES HAVE SHOCKED US ALL. WE ARE ESPECIALLY CONCERNED ABOUT THE USE OF FIREARMS TO COMMIT CRIME," S1R DAVID SAID.
HE ASSURED THAT THE POLICE WOULD SPARE NO EFFORT IN SEEKING TO CURB THE ILLEGAL IMPORTATION OF FIREARMS AND HENCE THEIR AVAILABILITY IN HONG KONG.
/ANOTHER AREA .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 1991
- 8 -
ANOTHER AREA WHICH HAD CAUSED A LOT OF CONCERN WAS SMUGGLING ACTIVITIES BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA, HE SAID.
”1 AM GLAD TO NOTE THAT, SINCE THE FORMATION OF THE ANTISMUGGLING TASK FORCE, AND THE ENACTMENT OF ANTI-SMUGGLING LEGISLATION IN APRIL, 1991, USE OF SPEEDBOATS IN SMUGGLING ACTIVITIES HAS DECREASED BY AROUND 95 PER CENT,” SIR DAVID SAID.
TO ENABLE DFCC'S TO ORGANISE MORE FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES IN THEIR COMMUNITIES, HE SAID CONSIDERATION WAS BEING GIVEN TO INCREASING THE ANNUAL ALLOCATION OF FUNDS FOR DFCC’S.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE JOINT EFFORTS OF THE FCC AND DFCC’S IN THE SPECIAL PUBLICITY DRIVE LAUNCHED IN THE FACE OF AN INCREASE IN CRIME LAST YEAR HAI) ACHIEVED GOOD RESULTS.
"THE CRIME FIGURES HAVE SINCE SHOWN A DOWNWARD TREND," Sltt DAVID SAID.
SIR DAVID ALSO PAID TRIBUTE TO FCC AND DFCC MEMBERS, THANKING THEM FOR THEIR CONTINUED SUPPORT AND VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION TO THE • FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN.
--------0-----------
CONTRIBUTORS
TO COMMUNITY CHEST PRAISED ******
LADY WILSON TODAY (FRIDAY) PAID TRIBUTE TO ALL THOSE WHO HAVE CONTRIBUTED IN THEIR WAY TO MAKE THE COMMUNITY CHEST AN ORGANISATION WELL SUPPORTED BY EVERY SECTOR OF THE COMMUNITY.
SPEAKING AT THE 22ND ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE CHEST, LADY WILSON, WHO IS PRESIDENT OF THE CHEST, NOTED THAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WERE CONCERNED ABOUT THE NEEDS OF OTHERS, AND THAT THEY DID UNDERSTAND THAT IN THE MIDST OF ALL THE GOOD CAUSES, WELFARE - WHICH SAVED LIVES AND RESTORED LIVES - MUST COME FIRST.
"THIS ENABLES THE CHEST TO CONTINUE ITS VITAL WORK IN SOCIAL WELFARE AND BE A DRIVING FORCE IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT," SHE SAID.
LADY WILSON THANKED THE INNUMERABLE ORGANISATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS WHO HAD GIVEN THEIR. MONEY AND TIME SO UNSPARINGLY.
"THEY HAVE ORGANISED A GREAT NUMBER OF SPONSORED EVENTS OR JOINT FUNCTIONS TO GIVE THE PUBLIC OPPORTUNITIES TO DONATE.
"VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, SCHOOLS, VOLUNTARY GROUPS, THE PRESS, THE ELECTRONIC MEDIA AND PRIVATE ENTERPRISES HAVE GtVEN THE CHEST MUCH NEEDED HELP IN ALL THESE FUND-RAISING EVENTS," SHE SAID.
MEMBER AGENCIES HAD ALSO GIVEN VOLUNTARY SERVICE TO HELP THE FUND-RAISING, SHE ADDED.
/LADY WILSON .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 1991
- 9
LADY WILSON SAID ALL THIS PROVED THAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WERE CONCERNED ABOUT THE NEEDS OF OTHERS.
"AS WE ARE PREPARING FOR A HIGHER TARGET THIS YEAR, WE COUNt ON THE CONTINUED SUPPORT OF ALL OUR GENEROUS DONORS, AND HELPERS -HOWEVER LARGE OR SMALL," SHE SAID.
LADY WILSON POINTED OUT THAT THIS YEAR DONATION RECORDS HAD ONCE AGAIN BEEN BROKEN WITH $113 MILLION RAISED - A MOST IMPRESSIVE INCREASE OF 28 PER CENT OVER LAST YEAR’S RECORD.
SHE THANKED THE CHEST’S CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE AND PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE FOR THE EXTREMELY WELL-DONE JOB.
LADY WILSON SAID THE FORMER, UNDER THE CO-CHAIRMENSHIP OF MR GAGE MCAFEE AND MRS ALICE CHIU, HAD WORKED VERY HARD INDEED BY MAKING COUNTLESS APPEALS, AND BY INITIATING NEW IDEAS TO ENCOURAGE THE PUBLIC TO MAKE DONATIONS.
"THE PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE ALSO CONTRIBUTED TO THIS SUCCESS ENORMOUSLY, BY PROMOTING AN IMAGE WHICH MOTIVATED THE PUBLIC TO DONATE EVEN MORE TO THE CHEST," SHE SAID.
ON THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS, LADY WILSON STRESSED THAT MONEY GIVEN SO GENEROUSLY MUST BE CAREFULLY ALLOCATED TO THE POINTS OF REAL NEED.
"HERE, THE TASK OF THE ADMISSIONS, BUDGETS AND ALLOCATIONS COMMITTEE IS A VITAL ONE.
"DESPITE THE SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN THE REQUESTS FOR FUNDING THIS YEAR, THE COMMITTEE WAS ABLE TO MEET NEARLY ALL THE NEEDS OF THE AGENCIES NOW TOTALLING 119," SHE SAID.
SHE PAID TRIBUTE TO MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE FOR THEIR DEDICATION, HARD WORK AND SENSITIVITY IN ENSURING FAIR ALLOCATIONS OF FUNDS, WHICH, SHE POINTED OUT, WAS NO EASY TASK.
ON THE WORK OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, LADY WILSON NOTED THAT IT HAD CARRIED OUT THE POLICIES OF THE BOARD WITH VIGOUR AND SUCCESS.
SHE CONGRATULATED ITS OUTGOING CHAIRMAN, MR JAMES KUNG, ON HAVING DONE A SPLENDID JOB FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS, ADDING THAT HE MIGHT CONTINUE TO SERVE THE CHEST BY STANDING FOR ELECTION FOR A FURTHER TERM ON THE BOARD.
"THE COMMUNITY CHEST HAS ALWAYS BEEN VERY FORTUNATE TO HAVE STAUNCH SUPPORT FROM ITS BOARD MEMBERS AND VICE PATRONS," SHE SAID.
"I PERSONALLY VALUE THIS SUPPORT ENORMOUSLY AND THANK THEM ALL MOST SINCERELY."
FINALLY, LADY WILSON PAID TRIBUTE TO THE HARDWORKING TEAM AT THE CHEST HEADQUARTERS WHO HAD HELPED THE CHEST TO FLOURISH.
/10........
FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 1991
- 10 -
AIRPORT PROJECTS SERVE MULTIPLE PURPOSES
******
MANY OE THE PROJECTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE NEW AIRPORT SERVE MULTIPLE PURPOSES, THE DIRECTOR OF THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS CO-ORDINATION OFFICE, MR RAFAEL HUI, SAID IN AUSTRIA YESTERDAY (THURSDAY).
HE SAID APART FROM SUPPORTING THE REPLACEMENT AIRPORT, THEY ALSO MET THE DEVELOPMENT AND TRANSPORT NEEDS OF HONG KONG.
MR HUI TOLD THE EUR0PE/AS1A CONFERENCE 1991 IN VIENNA THAT THE WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING, FOR EXAMPLE, WOULD BE HONG KONG’S THIRD CROSSING AS THE SECOND CROSSING, OPENED IN 1989, WAS EXPECTED TO REACH CAPACITY IN 1996.
"SIMILARLY, THE MASSIVE RECLAMATION IN WEST KOWLOON WILL PROVIDE MUCH NEEDED ADDITIONAL LAND TO IMPROVE URBAN DEVELOPMENT IN THE KOWLOON PENINSULA, AS WELL AS PROVIDING SPACE FOR. A NORTH-SOUTH DIRECT HIGH-SPEED ROAD LINK BETWEEN CHINA AND HONG KONG ISLAND.
"OPENING UP AND DEVELOPING LANTAU ISLAND IS ALSO INEVITABLE AS DEVELOPMENT OF NEW FACILITIES AND INFRASTRUCTURE HAVE TO MOVE WESTWARDS BECAUSE THERE IS SIMPLY NO AVAILABLE AND SUITABLE SPACE ELSEWHERE AND BECAUSE THIS DIRECTION WILL DOVETAIL BETTER WITH DEVELOPMENTS IN THE PEARL RIVER ESTUARY.
"THE NEXT MAJOR PORT AND CONTAINER PORT DEVELOPMENT, FOR EXAMPLE, WILL BE IN NORTHEAST LANTAU.
"BY TYING ALL THESE PROJECTS WITH THE REPLACEMENT AIRPORT PROJECT, WE ARE IN FACT ADOPTING A STRATEGIC, RATIONAL AND MOST IMPORTANT, COST-EFFECTIVE APPROACH IN DEVELOPING OUR NEW INFRASTRUCTURE," MR HUI SAID.
HE SAID IN ADDITION TO THE AIRPORT RELATED PROJECTS, THE GOVERNMENT WAS ALSO PLANNING TO INVEST IN OTHER MAJOR PROGRAMMES SUCH AS PORT DEVELOPMENT, EDUCATION, THE ENVIRONMENT, WATER SUPPLY, NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT, HEALTH AND REHABILITATION AND TRANSPORT.
MAJOR PROJECTS IN THE PIPELINE INCLUDED A HK$20 BILLION ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION PROGRAMME, HK$2.8 BILLION FOR EXPANDING OUR WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM FOR WATER FROM CHINA, HK$1 BILLION FOR BUILDING OUR THIRD INDUSTRIAL ESTATE AND HK$4.6 BILLION FOR PROVIDING RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS FACILITIES IN THE NEXT THREE YEARS.
MR HUI SAID TOTAL CAPITAL EXPENDITURE IN THESE AREAS, TOGETHER WITH RESOURCES ALLOWED FOR LAND ACQUISITION, MAJOR SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT USED BY THE GOVERNMENT WERE ESTIMATED TO AMOUNT TO A MASSIVE HK$140 BILLION IN THE PERIOD UP TO 1997, AN AVERAGE OF Hk$21 BtLLtON EACH YEAR.
/"OBVIOUSLY, IN .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 2§, 1331
- 11 -
"OBVIOUSLY, IN A- SERIES OF PROJECTS OF THIS SCALE AND DIVERSITY, THE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES WHICH ARE ON OFFER ARE IMMENSE," HE SAID.
HONG KONG’S INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS OFFERRED EXCtTINb OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARTICIPATION BY LOCAL FIRMS AND OTHERS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD AND THE GOVERNMENT WISHED TO MAXIMISE THE PRIVATE SECTOR INPUT TO ITS INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS, MR HUI SA1D.
"OUR PLANS FOR OUR INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT HAvfc Not fefefel'l DRAWN UP IN HASTE.
"WE NEED THESE FACILITIES TO ENSURE OUR FUTURE SUCCESS ANb PROSPERITY.
"HONG KONG HAS, SINCE THE BEGINNING, BEEN BOLD AND AGGRESSIVE IN MEETING CHALLENGES AND HAS LONG EXPERIENCE OF CHANGING THEM INTO SUCCESSFUL OPPORTUNITIES.
"WE HAVE MANY OPPORTUNITIES IN OUR FUTURE. OUR UNDERLYING STRENGTH, OUR WILLINGNESS TO STICK TO FREE MARKET PRINCIPLES AND OUR STRATEGIC LOCATION WILL ENSURE THAT WE WILL BE FLOURISHING FOR MANY YEARS TO COME," HE SAID.
--------0-----------
CHINESE OFFICIALS TO VISIT HONG KONG ******
AT THE INVITATION OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, A GROUP OF StX CHINESE OFFICIALS WILL BE IN HONG KONG FROM JULY 4 TO 13 FOR A 10-DAY PROGRAMME OF VISITS AND BRIEFINGS.
THE GROUP WILL BE LED BY MR YANG FAN, DEPUTY DIRECTOR, THE IMPORT AND EXPORT DEPARTMENT, THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN ECONOMIC RELATIONS AND TRADE (MOFERT) OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA.
THE FIVE OTHER MEMBERS OF THE GROUP ARE FROM MOFERT AND FROM THE HONG KONG AND MACAO AFFAIRS OFFICE OF THE CHINESE STATE COUNctL.
THE VISIT IS ONE OF A SERIES WHICH HAVE TAKEN FLACE OVfefe tilfe PAST FEW YEARS TO GIVE CHINESE OFFICIALS A FIRST-HAND UNDERSTANDING OF HOW HONG KONG WORKS.
THE VISITORS WILL BE BRIEFED BY SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS ON GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE, ECONOMIC, MONETARY AND FINANCIAL SYSTEMSj AS WELL AS ON TRADE AND INDUSTRIAL POLICIES.
- - 0 - -
/12 .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 1991
- 12 -
ADOLF HSU ASSUMES DUTY AS DRS *****
MR ADOLF HSU HAS OFFICIALLY TAKEN UP THE POST OF DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SERVICES.
HE WAS REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES IN THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION BEFORE TAKING UP THE PRESENT APPOINTMENT.
HIS PREVIOUS POSTINGS INCLUDED DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES FROM 1979 TO 1983, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER (TSUEN WAN) OF THE C?TA FROM 1983 TO 1984, DEPUTY SECRETARY IN THE FORMER ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION BRANCH FROM 1985 TO EARLY 1987, COMMISSIONER OF THE SURVEY OFFICE IN 1987, AND DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE FROM DECEMBER 1987 TO 1989.
------0--------
VESSEL REGULATORY STRATEGIES TO EXCO IN NOVEMBER
*****
THE PROPOSED STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE THE REGULATORY FRAMEWORK OF THE LOCAL FLEET OF 20,000 VESSELS WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR APPROVAL IN PRINCIPLE TN NOVEMBER THIS YEAR, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR ALLAN PYRKE, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
MR PYRKE WAS ADDRESSING THE INAUGURAL MEETING OF THE 13-MEMBER PROVISIONAL LOCAL VESSEL (PLV) ADVISORY COMMITTEE AT THE MARINE DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS IN PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
HE SAID: "THE PROPOSED STRATEGIES AND THE SETTING UP OF THE PLV ADVISORY COMMITTEE ARE THE RESULT OF THE ON-GOING LOCAL CRAFT REVIEW CONDUCTED BY THE MARINE DEPARTMENT.
"THE PRIMARY AIM OF THE PLV ADVISORY COMMITTEE IS TO KEE1’ UNDER REVIEW THE MANAGEMENT, CONTROL, OPERATIONS AND STANDARDS OF SAFETY OF LOCALLY LICENSED VESSELS AND ADVISE THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE ACCORDINGLY."
CHAIRED BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MARINE, ITS MEMBERSHIP IS DRAWN FROM ALL FIELDS OF EXPERTISE IN THE LOCAL SHIPPING INDUSTRY FROM SHIP DESIGNERS AND BUILDERS TO SHIP OWNERS AND THOSE WHO OPERATE THE VESSELS THROUGH TO MARINE INSURERS AND MARINE TRAINING INSTITUTIONS.
THE LOCAL CRAFT REVIEW HAS CRITICALLY EXAMINED EXISTING REGULATIONS AND ADMINISTRATIVE PRACTICES THAT HAS ACCUMULATED OVER THE PAST DECADES FOR THE REGULATION OF THE LOCALLY LICENSED FLEET.
THE LOCAL CRAFT REVIEW HIGHLIGHTED THE NEED FOR OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF LOCAL VESSELS TO TAKE GREATER RESPONSIBILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY FOR THE WAY THEIR VESSELS ARE MAINTAINED AND OPERATED.
HONG KONG’S LICENSED FLEET COMPRISES 680 LAUNCHES AND FERRY VESSELS, 5,250 PLEASURE VESSELS, 360 DWELLING VESSELS AND 14,030 MISCELLANEOUS CRAFT.
/13........
13
262 VM’S RETURN TO VIETNAM
A GROUP OF 262 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (FRIDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE UNHCR’S VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME.
COMPRISING 145 MEN, 67 WOMEN, 27 BOYS AND 23 GIRLS, THEY Wfekfe THE 57TH BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.
THIS GROUP BROUGHT TO 7,560 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAVE RETURNED VOLUNTARILY.
- - 0 - -
VISAS NEEDED FOR TONGAN PROTECTED PERSONS PASSPORT HOLDERS FROM MONDAY
******
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT FOR IMMIGRATION CONTROL REASONS, HOLDERS OF TONGAN PROTECTED PERSONS (TPP) PASSPORTS ARE, WITH EFFECT FROM JULY 1, 1991, REQUIRED TO OBTAIN VISAS TO ENTER HONG KONG FOR WHATEVER PURPOSES EXCEPT THOSE WHO TRANSIT THROUGH HONG KONG WITHOUT THE NEED TO PRESENT THEMSELVES FOR IMMIGRATION CLEARANCE.
- - 0 - -
NT TAXIS CAN USE T6 FROM WEDNESDAY ♦ ♦♦♦♦♦
NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ALLOWING NEW TERRITORIES TAXIS TO USE T6, A SHORT CONNECTING ROAD BETWEEN TOLO HIGHWAY AND MA ON SHAN ROAD IN SHA TIN, WILL TAKE EFFECT ON WEDNESDAY (JULY 3).
UNDER THE ARRANGEMENTS, NT TAXIS CAN OPERATE THROUGH ROAD T6, MA ON SHAN ROAD WESTBOUND, AND TURN ROUND AT THE SHEK MUN ROUNDABOUT BEFORE PROCEEDING TO MA ON SHAN.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID THE ARRANGEMENTS WOULD SHORTEN SUBSTANTIALLY THE TAXI TRIPS BETWEEN TOLO HIGHWAY AND MA ON SHAN, TO THE BENEFIT OF PASSENGERS.
THE PROPOSAL WAS MADE THIS WEEK BY SEVERAL NT TAXI OPERATokS ASSOCIATIONS HEADED BY MR HUI KOON-WAH, AND THE DEPARTMENT CONSIDERED THAT IT WAS REASONABLE AND FEASIBLE AFTER HAVING CONDUCTED A VISIT SURVEY.
/"HOWEVER, THE
FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 1991
’’HOWEVER, THE EARLIER REQUEST OF OPENING ROAD T6 TO NT TAXIS THROUGH A DIRECT ACCESS FROM T6 EASTBOUND TO MA ON SHAN CANNOT BE ACCEPTED AS WORK ON THE ACCESS ROAD HAS NOT YET BEEN COMPLETED,” THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
’’THE DECISION TO ALLOW NT TAXI OPERATORS TO USE T6 WAS BASED ON THE CONSIDERATION THAT IT CAN PROVIDE A MORE CONVENIENT LINK BETWEEN MA LIU SHU I AND MA ON SHAN,” HE SAID.
- - 0----------
INT'L VALUE ADDED SERVICES BETWEEN HK AND UK AVAILABLE * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
FOLLOWING DISCUSSIONS WITH TELECOMMUNICATIONS OFFICIALS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM, VALUE ADDED DATA AND FACSIMILE SERVICES BETWEEN HONG KONG AND THE UK MAY NOW BE PROVIDED USING INTERNATIONAL PRIVATE LEASED CIRCUITS (IPLC’S), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE SERVICES INVOLVED WOULD HE PROVIDED ON IPLC’S LEASED AT THE NORMAL FLAT RATES FROM HONG KONG TELECOM INTERNATIONAL LTD AT THE HONG KONG END AND FROM THE UK INTERNATIONAL CARRIERS AT THE UK END.
"WE HAVE HAD A SIMILAR ARRANGEMENT WITH THE UNITED STATES SINCE JANUARY THIS YEAR AND THE SCOPE OF SERVICES PERMITTED BETWEEN HONG KONG AND THE TWO COUNTRIES WILL BE EXACTLY THE SAME.
"THE EXTENSION OF SUCH SERVICES TO THE UK WILL FURTHER OPEN UP THE COMPETITIVE PROVISION OF A WIDE RANGE OF AFFORDABLE INTERNATIONAL VALUE ADDED SERVICES FOR BUSINESS USERS," HE SAID.
"IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE SAME SCOPE OF SERVICES WILL SOON BE PERMITTED BETWEEN HONG KONG AND JAPAN," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
INDUSTRY ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THE SCOPE OF SERVICES COVERED BY THE ARRANGEMENT AND THE LICENSING PROCEDURES APPLICABLE TN HONG KONG SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO: THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS BRANCH, HONG KONG POST OFFICE, FIFTH FLOOR, SINCERE BUILDING, 173 DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL.
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/15
i
FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 1991
- 15 -
APPLICATIONS FOR COLLECTION OF CASH DONATIONS FOR NON-CHARITABLE PURPOSES ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦
APPLICATIONS FOR PERMISSION TO COLLECT MONEY Foft NON-CHARITABLE PURPOSES IN A PUBLIC PLACE CAN NOW BE MADE TO THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS.
UNDER THE RECENTLY AMENDED SECTION 4(17) OF THE SUMMARY OFFENCES ORDINANCE, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS IS THE AUTHORITY FOR THE ISSUE OF PERMITS RELATING TO THE COLLECTION OF MONEY tN PUBLIC PLACES FOR NON-CHARITABLE PURPOSES WHILE THOSE FOR CHAfclTY PURPOSES REMAIN THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION TODAY (FRIDAY) SAID APPLICATION FORMS WOULD BE AVAILABLE FROM MONDAY (JULY 1) FROM THE MAIN OFFICES OF THE 19 DISTRICT OFFICES AND THE CNTA HEADQUARTERS BUT COMPLETED FORMS MUST BE RETURNED TO THE CNTA HEADQUARTERS, 29TH FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, WAN CHAI.
HE STRESSED THAT APPLICATIONS MUST REACH THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS AT LEAST FOUR WEEKS BEFORE THE ACTIVITY.
APPLICANTS ARE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE THEIR PERSONAL PARTICULARS; BRIEF PARTICULARS OF THE ORGANISATION OR GROUP RESPONSIBLE AND/OR TO BE BENEFITTED FROM THE MONEY COLLECTED, AND BRIEF PARTICULARS OF KEY OFFICE-BEARERS IF THE APPLICATION IS MADE ON BEHALF OF AN ORGANISATION OR GROUP.
IN ADDITION, THEY MUST ALSO FURNISH DETAILS ON THE ACTIVITY FOR THE COLLECTION OF CASH DONATIONS INCLUDING DATE, VENUE, PURPOSE; AND PHOTOCOPIES OF IDENTITY CARDS OF APPLICANTS TO PROVE THAT THEY ARE AGED 21 OR ABOVE AND ARE PERMANENT RESIDENTS OF HONG KONG, AND REGISTRATION DOCUMENTS OF THE ORGANISATIONS OR GROUPS CONCERNED TO PROVE THAT THEY ARE PROPERLY REGISTERED IN HONG KONG.
THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS WILL CONSIDER THE APPLICATIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH A SET OF GUIDELINES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID A PERMIT WOULD NORMALLY BE ISSUED ONLY IF THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS WAS SATISFIED THAT THE MONEY COLLECTED WOULD BE USED IN WAYS WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT IN HONG KONG, AND THAT THE COLLECTIONS WERE TO BE HELD IN STADIA, CIVIC CENTRES AND COMMUNITY CENTRES/HALLS WHERE ATTENDANCE WAS FOR A SPECIFIC PURPOSE.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE APPLICANTS WOULD HAVE TO APPLY SEPARATELY TO THE RESPONSIBLE AUTHORITY FOR THE USE OF THE VENUE FOR THE COLLECTION OF CASH DONATIONS.
"THE PERMIT WILL INCLUDE CONDITIONS REQUIRING THE APPLICANT TO SUBMIT TO THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, WITHIN 180 DAYS AFTER THE EVENT, AUDITED ACCOUNTS OF THE MONEY COLLECTED AND HOW IT WAS USED. THE ACCOUNTS WILL BE OPEN TO INSPECTION BY THE PUBLIC.
/"THE SECRETARY
FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 1991
- 16 -
"THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS HAS THE DISCRETION TO IMPOSE ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS WHERE APPROPRIATE OR, EXCEPTIONALLY WHERE IT IS IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST, TO WAIVE CERTAIN CONDITIONS," HE EXPLAINED.
A COPY OF THE GUIDELINES AND A LIST OF VENUES WHERE THE COLLECTION OF CASH DONATIONS FOR NON-CHAR1TABLE PURPOSES CAN BE CONDUCTED WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO APPLICANTS TOGETHER WITH THE APPLICATION FORM.
FOR ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCEDURES, PLEASE TELEPHONE 835 1494.
------0-------
CONSTRUCTION OF SECOND AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE PROPOSED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSED TO CONSTRUCT THE SECOND AP LEI .CHAU BRIDGE TO RELIEVE THE TRAFFIC CONDITION OF THE EXISTING BRIDGE AND TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL HIGHWAY CAPACITY TO CATER FOR THE DEVELOPMENTS ON AP LEI CHAU ISLAND.
DETAILS ON THE PROPOSED BRIDGE AND ASSOCIATED WORKS WERE PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S (FRIDAY) GAZETTE.
THE NEW BRIDGE, WHICH CONSISTS OF TWO TRAFFIC LANES AND A FOOTWAY, IS TO BE LOCATED ALONGSIDE THE EXISTING BRIDGE ON ITS WESTERN SIDE.
IT WILL OPERATE UNDER ONE WAY TRAFFIC TOWARDS ABERDEEN WHEREAS THE EXISTING BRIDGE WILL BE CONVERTED TO ONE WAY TRAFFIC TOWARDS AP LEI CHAU.
BEING SIMILAR TO THE EXISTING BRIDGE, THE MAIN SPAN OF THE NEW BRIDGE ACROSS ABERDEEN HARBOUR WILL BE OF 115 METRES WITH ONLY THE NORTHERN PIER LOCATED WITHIN THE HARBOUR.
THERE WILL BE NO REDUCTION IN EXISTING NAVIGATION CLEARANCES NOR CHANGES REQUIRED TO THE HARBOUR FAIRWAY.
THE PROPOSED WORKS ALSO INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF ASSOCIATED APPROACH ROADS AND ROAD IMPROVEMENT WORKS ON WONG CHUK HANG ROAD, HEUNG YIP ROAD, AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE ROAD AND AT THE JUNCTION OF AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE ROAD AND AP LEI CHAU PATH.
THE EXISTING PEDESTRIAN SUBWAY NEAR THE JUNCTION OF AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE ROAD AND AP LEI CHAU PATH WILL BE EXTENDED ACROSS THE WIDENED AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE ROAD TO MAINTAIN A GRADE SEPARATED PEDESTRIAN CROSSING FACILITY AT THIS LOCATION.
THE PROPOSED WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO COMMENCE IN MID NEXT YEAR AND BE COMPLETED IN LATE 1994.
THE PLAN AND SCHEME OF THE PROPOSED WORKS MAY BE INSPECTED AT THE FOLLOWING GOVERNMENT OFFICES:
/* CENTRAL AND .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 1991
- 17 -
**
* CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLtC ENQUIRY SfefeVlCfe CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING^ 38 PIER ROADj central, Hong kong;
* HONG KONG SOUTH DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, SOUTHORH CfiNTkfeI 20TH FLOOR, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG RONG;
» SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE, SHOP 25, GROUND FLOOR, MEI FUNG COURT, ABERDEEN CENTRE, ABERDEEN, HONG KONG.
ANY PERSON WHO WISHES TO OBJECT TO THE PROPOSEb WORkS OR THE USE, OR BOTH, SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG kONG NOT LATER THAN AUGUST 27 DESCRIBING HIS INTEREST AND THE MANNER IN WHICH HE ALLEGES HE WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE WORkS OR THE USE.
--------0-----------
BETTER ACCESS FOR TIN SHUI WAI PROPOSED
******
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO CARRY OUT A NUMBER OF ROADWOkkS TO IMPROVE THE ACCESS TO TIN SHUI WAI, YUEN LONG, FROM CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND TO PROVIDE A CONNECTION BETWEEN TIN SHUI WAI AND THE YUEN LONG -TUEN MUN EASTERN CORRIDOR.
THESE WORKS INCLUDE:
* WIDENING OF HUNG TIN ROAD;
* CONSTRUCTION OF AN EXTENSION TO A SUBWAY;
* CONSTRUCTION OF THE HUNG SHUI KIU INTERCHANGE WHICH INCLUDES A FLYOVER AND AT-GRADE SLIP ROADS CONNECTING TO THE PROPOSED ROADS D2 AND D3;
* CONSTRUCTION OF A FLYOVER OVER CASTLE PEAK ROAD;
♦ CONSTRUCTION OF A TRUMPET INTERCHANGE WITH FOUR StX-METkfe WIDE SLIP ROADS FROM THE CASTLE PEAK ROAD FLYOVER TO LINK UP WITH THE YUEN LONG - TUEN MUN EASTERN CORRIDOR;
♦ CONSTRUCTION OF ASSOCIATED FOOTPATHS, CYCLE TRACKS, VILLAGE ACCESS ROADS, VEHICULAR ACCESS TRACKS, AND AMENITY PLANTING AREAS; AND
« ASSOCIATED SLOPES AND STORM WATER DRAINAGE WORKS.
DETAILS OF THE PROPOSAL ARE PUBLISHED IN A NOTICE IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY). A COPY CAN ALSO BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS NEAR THE SITE.
THE PLANS AND SCHEME OF THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE INSPECTED AT THE FOLLOWING GOVERNMENT OFFICES:
/* CENTRAL AND .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 1531
18
* CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER’ ROAD, CENTRAL;
* YUEN LONG DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, YUEN LONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES AND TAI KIU MARKET, NINTH TO 11TH FLOORS, 2 K1U LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG; AND
» YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE, YUEN LONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, 269 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, YUEN LONG.
ANY PERSON WHO WISHES TO OBJECT TO THE PROPOSED WORKS SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG kONG NOT LATER THAN AUGUST 27 THIS YEAR, DESCRIBING HIS INTEREST AND THE MANNER IN WHICH HE ALLEGES HE WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE WORKS OR THE USE.
- - 0 - -
CURRENT METER PROPOSED FOR MA WAN * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO INSTAL A CURRENT METER AT MA WAN TO . FACILITATE THE MEASURING AND MONITORING OF WATER MOVEMENTS IN THE MA WAN CHANNEL.
THE MEASUREMENTS OBTAINED WILL ENABLE THE MARINE DEPARTMENT TO DETECT AND MAKE GREATER USE OF THE PERIODS WHEN WATER CONDITIONS ARE SUITABLE FOR SHIPS TO SAFELY MOVE THROUGH THE CHANNEL.
THE CURRENT METER WILL BE INSTALLED WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 76.33 SQUARE METRES OF SEABED AT MA WAN.
ALSO, THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO DREDGE WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 3,210 HECTARES OF SEABED IN MIRS BAY FOR MATERIALS FOR RECLAMATION PROJECTS IN THE TERRITORY.
DREDGING WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT AT THE EAST OF THE COASTLINE BETWEEN TAP MUN CHAU AND TAI LONG TSUI.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREAS AFFECTED IN THE TWO PROJECTS WAS PUBLISHED TN SEPARATE NOTICES IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HE HAS AN INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORES AND SEABEDS INVOLVED MAY SUBMIT A WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 27 THIS YEAR.
THE NOTICE OF SUCH OBJECTION SHALL DESCRIBE THE INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT OF THE OBJECTOR AND THE MANNER IN WHICH HE ALLEGES HE WILL BE AFFECTED.
THE TWO NOTICES TOGETHER WITH THEIR RELATED PLANS CAN ALSO BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS NEAR THEIR RESPECTIVE SITE.
/THE PLANS
FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 1991
- 19 -
THE PLANS CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, WHERE COPIES CAN BE PURCHASED ON ORDER.
THE PLAN ON THE INSTALLATION OF THE CURRENT METER AT MA WAN CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN, AND THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE ON THE 10TH FLOOR OF THE SAME BUILDING.
THE PLAN ON DREDGING WORK AT MIRS BAY CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, THIRD FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 34 CHAN MAN STREET, SAI KUNG; THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF THE SAME BUILDING; THE TAI PO DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, TAI PO GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, TING KOK ROAD, TAI PO; AND THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE IN THE SAME BUILDING.
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TENDERS INVITED FOR CONSTRUCTION OF PLAYGROUND
******
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PHASE III CONSTRUCTION WORK OF THE MUK LUN STREET PLAYGROUND IN WONG TAI SIN, KOWLOON.
THE PROJECT INCLUDES A REST GARDEN, A CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA AND A PLAZA WHICH CAN BE USED FOR TAI CHI EXERCISE.
WORK ON THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO START IN SEPTEMBER AND WILL TAKE ABOUT A YEAR TO COMPLETE.
FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE DEPARTMENT AT 34TH FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS IS NOON ON JULY 19.
-----0-----
NEW IDENTITY CARDS FOR WOMEN BORN IN OR BEFORE 1915
******
WOMEN BORN IN OR BEFORE 1915 WILL BE REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR NEW I DEN I I I Y (.’ARDS PROM JULY 8 TO SEPTEMBER 7, THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
"WOMEN OF THE ABOVE AGE GROUP CAN CALL AT ANY ONE OF THE EIGHT NEW IDENTITY CARD ISSUE OFFICES DURING THIS PERIOD " A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
/THE OFFICE .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 1991
- 20 -
THE OFFICE HOURS OF THE ISSUE OFFICES ARE FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM> MONDAY TO FRIDAY, AND FROM 9 AM TO 1 PM ON SATURDAY.
ALL OFFICES CLOSE ON SUNDAY AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
APPLICANTS MAY MAKE USE OF THE PHONE-IN SERVICE TO ARRANGE FOR AN APPOINTMENT BY CALLING THE OFFICES OF THEIR CHOICE.
THE ADDRESSES AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF THE ISSUE OFFICES ARE:
HONG KONG : BASEMENT 151, GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI TEL. NO. 574 7070
EAST KOWLOON : AMOY PLAZA, SECOND FLOOR, 77 NGAU TAU KOK ROAD, NGAU TAU KOK TEL. NO. 755 3669
WEST KOWLOON : CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, SECOND FLOOR, 393 CANTON ROAD, YAU MA TEI TEL. NO. 723 2424
TSUEN WAN : EAST ASIA COMMERCIAL CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, 29-37 TSUEN FU STREET TEL. NO. 498 0117
SHA TIN : SHOP 8A, SECOND FLOOR, CHANWAY SHOPPING CENTRE, 11-17 SHA TIN CENTRE STREET TEL. NO. 605 9108
YUEN LONG HOP YICK CENTRE, SECOND FLOOR, 31 HOP YICK ROAD TEL. NO. 477 1543
TUEN MUN : CHI LOK COMMERCIAL CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, CHI LOK FA YUEN TEL. NO. 458 0646
SHEUNG SHUI : TSUEN WO TAI LAU, GROUND FLOOR, 82-84 SAN FUNG AVENUE, SHEK WU HUI TEL. NO. 672 7191
APPLICANTS MAY ALSO MAKE USE OF THE 24-HOUR RECORDED MESSAGE SERVICE BY DIALLING 824 0303 TO OBTAIN DETAILS OF THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED.
"AS THE APPLICANTS IN THE COMING PHASE ARE OVER 75 YEARS OLD, SOME MAY, DUE TO HEALTH REASONS, FIND IT INCONVENIENT TO GO TO THE ISSUE OFFICES AND WISH TO BE EXEMPTED FROM THE REGISTRATION OF NEW IDENTITY CARDS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THEY MAY APPLY IN WRITING FOR A CERTIFICATE OF EXEMPTION UNDER THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS REGULATIONS," HE SAID.
FOR INFORMATION ON HOW TO APPLY FOR A CERTIFICATE OF EXEMPTION, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED TO TELEPHONE THE DEPARTMENT’S INFORMATION OFFICE ON 824 6111.
/HE REMINDED
FIRDAY, JUNE 28, 1991
21 -
HE REMINDED WOMEN BORN IN 1916, 1917, 1918, 1919, 1920, 1921
AND 1922 WHO HAVE NOT YET APPLIED FOR THEIR NEW IDENTITY CARDS TO COME FORWARD WITHOUT FURTHER DELAY AS THERE IS JUST ONE WEEK LEFT BEFORE THE CURRENT PHASE (LOSES ON JULY 6.
FAILURE TO APPLY FOR A NEW IDENTITY CARD WITHIN THE SPECIFIED PERIOD IS A^l OFFENCE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $3,000.
THE/SPOKESMAN REITERATED THAT THERE WOULD BE NO AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS. /
------o--------
FIRING PRACTICE IN JULY
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HA TSUEN - CASTLE
PEAK
RANGE ON 24 DAYS NEXT MONTH.
THE PUBLIC IS WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE HOISTED.
FOLLOWING ARE THE DATES AND TIMES THAT FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE:
DATE TIME
JULY 1 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JULY 2 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JULY 3 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JULY 4 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JULY 5 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JULY 8 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JULY 9 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JULY 10 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JULY 11 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JULY 12 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JULY 15 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JULY 16 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JULY 17 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 11.59 PM
JULY 18 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JULY 19 (FRIDAS) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JULY 22 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 11.59 PM
JULY 23 (TUESDAY) 12.01 AM - 5 PM
JULY 24 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JULY 25 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JULY 26 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JULY 27 (SATURDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JULY 29 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JULY 30 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 11.59 PM
JULY 31 (WEDNESDAY) 12.01 AM - 5 PM
------0------------
/22 ........
FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 1991
22
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ♦ ♦ * * ♦
DATE
$ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 27.6.91 380
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 28.6.91 + 50
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING -50
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON + 100
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX
114.3 * + 0.1* 28.6.91
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
CLOSING YIELDS OF EXCHANGE FUND BILLS
28.6. 91 27.6. 91
MATURING IN 1 WEEK 7.35 PCT 8.07 PCT
1 MONTH 7.17 PCT 7.31 PCT
3 MONTHS 6.52 PCT 7. 13 PCT
6 MONTHS 6.50 PCT 7.13 PCT
12 MONTHS 6.77 PCT 7.25 PCT
TOTAL BILLS TRANSFERRED 5,052 MN 4,504 MN
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HK A PROMINENT MARKET FOR FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES: SES ....................... 1
STUDENTS BENEFIT FROM READING AWARD SCHEME ................................ 2
POLICE SERVICE HAS MUCH TO OFFER ........................................ 2
AIRMAIL SERVICES TO LIBERIA RESUMED ....................................... 3
CIVIL ENGINEERING CONTRACT FOR YAU KOM TAU TREATMENT WORKS ................ 3
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ................ 4
SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 1991
- 1 -
HK A PROMINENT MARKET FOR FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES: SES
*****
HONG KONG HAS AN IMPORTANT REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL ROLE TO PLAY -- AS AN ENTREP, A MANUFACTURING CENTRE OF SOPHISTICATED PRODUCTS AND AS A PROMINENT MARKET FOR INSURANCE AND OTHER FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN , SAtt) TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE NATIONAL CONVENTION OF TOHO MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED THIS AFTERNOON, MRS CHAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS COMMITTED TO ENSURING THAT BUSINESS IN HONG KONG COULD CONTINUE TO THRIVE.
"A FLAIR FOR TRADE, MINIMUM GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION AND ACTtVfe ENCOURAGEMENT OF FREE ENTERPRISE AND COMPETITION HAVE HELPED MAKE HONG KONG WHAT IT IS TODAY," SHE SAID.
MRS CHAN NOTED THAT JAPAN WAS A MAJOR INVESTOR IN HONG KONG.
"INDEED HONG KONG HAS BEEN ONE OF THE JAPANESE INVESTMENT SINCE THE EARLY 1970’S,"
MOST FAVOURED PLACES
SHE SAID.
FOR
MRS CHAN SAID ACCORDING TO JAPAN’S MINISTRY OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND INDUSTRY, THE COUNTRY’S CUMULATIVE INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG, EXCLUDING PROPERTY, AMOUNTED TO SOME US$9.2 BILLION.
"INCLUDING PROPERTY, IT IS OF COURSE VERY CONSIDERABLY HIGHER," SHE SAID.
"IN 1990, JAPAN WAS HONG KONG’S THIRD LARGEST TRADING PARTNER AFTER CHINA AND THE UNITED STATES, ACCOUNTING FOR 10.9 PER CENT OF OUR TOTAL TRADE.
"SHE WAS THE FIFTH LARGEST MARKET FOR HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS WHILE BEING AT THE SAME TIME, OUR SECOND LARGEST SOURCE OR IMPORT," SHE SAID.
MRS CHAN NOTED THAT NOTHING DEMONSTRATED MORE VIVIDLY THE CLOSE ECONOMIC RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HONG KONG AND JAPAN THAN, PERHAPS, THE FLOW OF TOURIST BETWEEN THE TWO PLACES.
"IN 1990, 1..3 MILLION JAPANESE VISITED HONG KONG -- THIS REPRESENTED OVER 20 PER CENT OF OUR TOTAL NUMBER OF TOURISTS THAT YEAR.
"ALTOGETHER, JAPANESE TOURISTS ARE ESTIMATED TO HAVE SPENT ABOUT HK$9.2 BILLION IN HONG KONG -- THAT IS ABOUT 25 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL TOURISTS EXPENDITURE IN THAT YEAR.
"SO EVEN THOUGH HONG KONG’S IMPORTS FROM JAPAN FAR OUTWEIGH OUR EXPORTS TO YOU THIS IS PARTIALLY OFFSET BY YOUR GENEROUS SPENDING IN HONG KONG,” SHE SAID.
TOHO MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE IS ONE OF THE MOST RENOWNED LIFE INSURANCE COMPANIES IN JAPAN. ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN HONG KONG IS A SYMBOL OF THE RAPIDLY GROWING ECONOMIC RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND JAPAN AND A RECOGNITION OF THE GROWING MATURITY AND SOPHISTICATION OF HONG KONG’S FINANCIAL AND SERVICES SECTORS.
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/2 ........
SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 1991
t
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STUDENTS BENEFIT FROM READING AWARD SCHEME * * * ♦ ♦
THE READING AWARD SCHEME HELPS TO DEVELOP GOOD READING HABITS AND IMPROVE LANGUAGE SKILLS OF STUDENTS - A REWARD THAT IS EVERLASTING, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR LI YUET-TING, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
MR LI SAID THIS WHEN PRESENTING PRIZES TO THIS YEAR’S AWARD WINNERS.
HF SAID THE SCHEME PROVIDED A WELL-PLANNED ACTIVITY FOR SCHOOLS EVERA YEAR, AND NOTED THAT ALTHOUGH PARTICIPANTS WERE REQUIRED TO READ NOT LESS THAN 10 ENGLISH AND CHINESE LIBRARY BOOKS, MANY HAI) READ FAR MORE THAN THIS NUMBER, WHICH HELPED TO RAISE THEIR READING INTEREST TO A HIGHER LEVEL.
TO MAKE THE SCHEME MORE INTERESTING AND DIVERSIFIED, BOOK COVER DESIGN AND BOOK ILLUSTRATION DESIGN COMPETITIONS WERE INTRODUCED FOR THE FIRST TIME.
ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S LIBRARY SECTION AND THE BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ CLUBS ASSOCIATION, THE SCHEME ATTRACTED MORE THAN 32,000 STUDENTS FROM 209 SECONDARY SCHOOLS, COMPARED WITH 30,000 LAST YEAR AND 27,000 IN 1989.
THE BEST THREE WINNERS FOR BOTH THE SENIOR AND JUNIOR GROUPS WERE AWARDED TROPHIES AND BOOK COUPONS VALUED AT $2,000, $1,500 AND $1,000.
THE WINNING BOOK REPORTS WILL BE COMPILED INTO A BOOKLET FOR DISTRI BUT I ON TO ALL SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
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POLICE SERVICE HAS MUCH TO OFFER
*****
THE POLICE SERVICE OFFERS AN INTERESTING, VARIED AND CHALLENGING CAREER, WITH A UNIQUE BLEND OF JOB SATISFACTION AND AN INVALUABLE CONTRI BUT I ON '1'0 THE SECURITY AND PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG AND ITS PEOPLE.
THIS WAS STATED BY A MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, MR WILLIAM PURVES, WHEN HE ADDRESSED A PASSING OUT PARADE AT THE POLtCfc TRAINING SCHOOL IN WONG CHUK HANG THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING.
POINTING OUT THAT THE POLICE: FORCE PLAYED A VITAL ROLE IN SOCIETY, MR PURVES SAID THE TRAINING THE GRADUATING OFFICERS HAD RECEIVED WOULD EQUIP THEM ALL TO GO FORWARD AND TAKE THEIR PLACE IN MAINTAINING LAW AND ORDER IN HONG KONG.
"THE NATURE OF YOUR DUT IES AND THE HONG KONG COMMUNITY YOU HAVE CHOSEN TO SERVE WILL MAKE HEAVY DEMANDS UPON YOU,” HE TOLD THE GRADUATES.
/ALTHOUGH THERE
i
- 3 -
XLTHOI'GH fHERK WOULD HR TIMES THAT THE GRADUATES MIGHT QUESTION THEIR CHOICE OE CAREER, Ml? PURVES TOLD THEM THAT I’ll! NE D COURAGI.. DEI-ICAI'ION \NI) INTEGRITY IN ORDER To SURVIVE.
"Yoi SHOULD ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT YOU BELONG TO A PROGRESSIVE AND WEI.I EQUIPPED ORGANISATION WHICH ENJOYS A HJGH AND WELL DESERVED PROCESSIONAL REPUTATION AND YOU MUST ALWAYS WORK HARD TO MEET THESE STANDARDS," HE SAID.
IN CONCLUSION, MR PURVES WISHED ALL GRADUATING OFFICERS GOOD LUCK AND EVERY SUCCESS IN THEIR CAREER.
ON PARADE TODAY WERE 25 INSPECTORS AND 1.30 POLICE CONSTABLES WHO HAD .14 SI COMPLETED THEIR BASIC TRAINING.
♦r
• ------0--------
AIRMAIL SERVICES TO LIBERIA RESUMED
ALL
','’11 It’ll WERE
AIRMAIL SERVICES INCLUDING LETTERS AND PARCELS TO LIBERIA, SUSPENDED ON AUGUST 29 LAST YEAR, HAVE NOW RESUMED, THE VOTING POSTMASTER GENERAL, MISS ELLE SHUM, ANNOUNCED TODAY (SATURDAY).
SURFACE MAIL SERVICES TO LIBERIA REMAIN SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
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(’I VIL ENGINEERING CONTRACT FOR YAU KOM TAU TREATMENT WORKS
* ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE 'IV IL ENGINEERING WORKS FOR THE YAU KOM TAU TREATMENT WORKS -STAGE II IN YAU KOM TAU, TSUEN WAN.
THE CONTRACT INCLUDES THE CONSTRUCTION OF CLARIFIERS, FILTERS, SLUDGE HOLDING TANKS, CHLORINE ABSORBER TOWER AND OTHER ASSOCIATED STRUCTURES.
IN ORDER TO COPE WITH THE DEMAND ARISING FROM THE CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT IN TSUEN WAN AND IS I NG Yl, THE ULTIMATE CAPACITY OF THE YAU KOM TAU TREATMENT WORKS HAS TO HF INCREASED TO 250,000 CUBIC METRES PER DAY.
THE CAPACITY OF THE EXISTING STAGE I YAU KOM TAU TREATMENT WORKS IS 160,000 (’URIC METRES PER DAY. THE TREATMENT WORKS SUPPLY POTABLE WATER TO TSUEN WAN, KWAI CHUNG AND TSI NG Yl.
Till- CIVIL ENGINEERING WORK IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN OCTOBER AND TAKES ABOUT 2 1 MONTHS IO (OMPLETE.
TENDERS SHOULD Bl SUBMITTED BY NOON ON JULY 26.
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/4 .....
SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 1991
4
H()N<; KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE EUND MON E \ M A RK E'I' OPERATIONS ******
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 28.6.91 480
EEEECT OE FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 29.6.91 NEUTRAL
EEEECT OE OPERATIONS THIS MORNING NEUTRAL
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5;
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUNDAY, JUNE 30, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
1991 SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME BEGINS ........................................ 1
BLITZ ON DANGEROUS BUILDING SITES ......................................... 2
ADVICE FOR STUDENTS WISHING TO STUDY OVERSEAS ............................. 2
GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY FOR JULY TO SEPT ................................. 3
$50.6M PAID TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ................................... 4
POLICE THREE-PRONGED ENFORCEMENT ACTION IN MAY ............................ 5
CONSTRUCTION OF RADIO REPEATER BUILDING ................................... 5
SUNDAY, JUNE 30, 1991
1991 SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME BEGINS
YOUNGSTERS HAVE BEEN URGED TO SPEND THEIR LONG SUMMER HOLIDAYS IN A HEALTHY AND MEANINGFUL WAY.
THE MESSAGE WAS DELIVERED IN THE 1991 SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME (SYP) OPENING CEREMONY AND VARIETY SHOW STAGED AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM TONIGHT (SUNDAY).
SAID: SYP.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SYP COMMITTEE, WHICH ORGANISED THE EVENT, THIS IS THE 23RD YEAR THAT THE COMMITTEE HAS BEEN RUNNING THE
’THIS YEAR OVER 12,100 ACTIVITIES, AT AN ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE OF $32 MILLION, HAVE BEEN ARRANGED.
’’ABOUT 1.28 MILLION YOUNG PEOPLE ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE PART IN THESE ACTIVITIES WHICH INCLUDE FORESTRY CAMPS, COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS, MUSIC CAMPS, LEADERSHIP TRAINING, SPORTS AND MANY OTHER EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL EVENTS.”
WITH ’’SHARE THE FUN, SERVE THE COMMUNITY” AS ITS THEME, THE SYP NOT ONLY PROVIDES YOUTHS WITH RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES, BUT ALSO OPPORTUNITIES TO PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS.
”AS IN PREVIOUS YEARS, FUNDS FOR THE SYP GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, DISTRICT BOARDS, VOLUNTARY AS THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB (RHKJC) WHICH MILLION THIS YEAR,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
COME FROM VARIOUS
AGENCIES AS WELL
HAS DONATED $11.8
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WAS THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR DAVID LAN.
AT THE CEREMONY, A STEWARD OF THE RHKJC, MR ALAN F.S. LI, PRESENTED A CHEQUE TO MR LAN AS A TOKEN OF THE CLUB’S CONTRIBUTIONS AND SUPPORT TO THE PROGRAMME.
ALSO, TROPHIES WERE PRESENTED ORGANISATIONS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES TO THE SYP.
TO REPRESENTATIVES OF COMMUNITY IN APPRECIATION OF THEIR SUPPORT
THE TWO-HOUR VARIETY SHOW, WITH PERFORMANCES BY' VARIOUS POPULAR SINGERS, WAS PRODUCED BY RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AND JOINTLY PRESENTED BY THE SYP COMMITTEE AND THE URBAN COUNCIL.
THE SHOW WAS ATTENDED BY ABOUT 2,000 YOUNGSTERS. IT WILL BE SCREENED ON TVB-JADE ON JULY 14.
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/2........
SUNDAY, JUNE 30, 1991
2
BLITZ ON DANGEROUS BUILDING SITES ♦ * * ♦ ♦
A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPECIAL TASK FORCE WILL TAKE VIGOROUS ENFORCEMENT ACTION FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY) TO HELP IMPROVE SAFETY CONDITIONS IN CONSTRUCTI ON SITES.
DURING THE THIRD PHASE OF A SPECIAL INSPECTION CAMPAIGN, WHICH WILL LAST UNTIL SEPTEMBER, FACTORS INSPECTORS WILL PAY PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS AND UNSAFE PRACTICES IN BUILDING SITES WITH POOR RECORDS OF ACCIDENTS AND PROSECUTIONS.
"FACTORY INSPECTORS WILL CONCENTRATE ACTION ON ’BLACK SPOT’ AREAS ON SITES LIKELY TO CAUSE FALLS OF PERSONS OR OBJECTS, SUCH AS SCAFFOLDS, LIFE-SHAFT OPENINGS, FLOOR EDGES AND CAISSON WORK," THE DEPUTY CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR, MR CHAN TAT-KING, SAID.
"THEY WILL ALSO CHECK ON THE USE OF SAFETY HELMETS AND THE SAFE OPERATION OF SITE PLANTS.
"PROSECUTIONS WILL BE TAKEN OUT DURING THE INSPECTIONS AGAINST BLATANT OFFENDERS TO MAKE THEM TAKE SAFETY MORE SERIOUSLY," HE SAID.
THE TASK FORCE OPERATION IS MOUNTED MAINLY TO REINFORCE NORMAL, REGULAR ENFORCEMENT ACTION TAKEN BY FACTORY INSPECTORS AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL.
"IT HAS PROVED TO BE MOST EFFECTIVE PARTICULARLY DURING THE WET AND WINDY SEASONS," MR CHAN SAID, NOTING THAT THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY CONTINUED TO TOP ALL TRADES IN TERMS OF ACCIDENT RATE, WITH 25,138 ACCIDENTS RECORDED LAST YEAR.
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ADVICE FOR STUDENTS WISHING TO STUDY OVERSEAS *****
PARENTS OF STUDENTS WISHING TO STUDY OVERSEAS SHOULD CONSULT NON PROFIT-MAKING ORGANISATIONS SUCH AS THE CAREERS AND GUIDANCE SERVICES SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE BRITISH COUNCIL.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, IN GIVING THIS ADVICE, REMINDED PARENTS THAT THEY SHOULD NOT BE HASTY IN APPLYING FOR THEIR CHILDREN TO PURSUE PRE-UN IVERSITY, COMMERCE OR TECHNICAL COURSES IN PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS OVERSEAS.
"THEY SHOULD BE ESPECIALLY CAREFUL IN CASES WHERE THEY WOULD BE REQUIRED TO DEPOSIT A LARGE DOWN PAYMENT AS REGISTRATION OR TUITION FEES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/IT WOULD
SUNDAY, JUNE 30, 1991
IT WOULD BE ADVISABLE TO CONSULT WITH NON PROFIT-MAKING ORGANISATIONS, INCLUDING THE INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION, THE EDUCATION ADVISORY SERVICE OF THE HANG SENG BANK OR CONSULATES AND COMMISSIONS.
"PARENTS ARE ALSO ADVISED TO FIND OUT WHETHER THEIR CHILDREN WILL BE FREE TO MOVE TO ANOTHER INSTITUTION IN THE SAME COUNTRY AND IN WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES ANY FEES PAID WOULD BE REFUNDABLE," HE SAID.
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GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY FOR JULY TO SEPT
******
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT CONTINUES TO CONDUCT THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY DURING THE QUARTER FROM JULY TO SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.
THE SURVEY, CONDUCTED ON A MONTHLY BASIS SINCE AUGUST 1981, COLLECTS INFORMATION ON EMPLOYMENT, UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT, AND THE GENERAL SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POPULATION.
IN ADDITION, QUESTIONS ON HONG KONG RESIDENTS’ EXPENDITURE ABROAD, MEDICAL BENEFITS PROVIDED BY EMPLOYER/COMPANY, MEDICAL INSURANCE, HOSPITALISATION AND HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE ON RENT WILL ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THE QUARTER OF JULY TO SEPTEMBER 1991.
SOME 4,000 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 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 THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDINANCE' AS NOTIFIED IN GENERAL NOTICE NO. 212 IN THE GAZETTE OF JANUARY 19, 1990.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE, DATA RELATING TO INDIVIDUAL PERSONS OR HOUSEHOLDS COLLECTED WILL BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL AND WILL NOT BE RELEASED TO THE PUBLIC, ANY PRIVATE ORGANISATIONS OR OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
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SUNDAY, JUNE 30, 1901
- 4 -
$50.6M PAID TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS *****
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT (SWD) PAID OUT MORE THAN $50.6 MILLION FROM THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE (TAVA) FUND TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS OR THEIR DEPENDENTS IN 1989-90.
ACCORDING TO THE 1989-90 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TAVA FUND BY TME DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, 6,134 APPLICATIONS FOR ASSISTANCE. WERE RECEIVED IN THE PERIOD, REPRESENTING A DECREASE OF 2.5 PER CENT AS COMPARED WITH 6,289 APPLICATIONS IN 1988-89.
THE TAVA SECTION OF THE SWD HANDLED 31 SERIOUS TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS TN THE YEAR IN WHICH HEAVY CASUALTIES WERE INVOLVED.
THE ACCIDENT RESULTING IN THE LARGEST NUMBER OF CASUALTIES OCCURRED ON JULY 30, 1989 AT TAI TAM ROAD, WHICH INVOLVED THREE BUSES. DURING THE MISHAP, 80 PEOPLE WERE INJURED AND 34 OF THEM WERE FOUND ELIGIBLE FOR ASSISTANCE. A TOTAL AMOUNT OF ABOUT $156,800 WAS AUTHORISED FOR PAYMENT TO THE VICTIMS.
THE TAVA SCHEME, IN OPERATION SINCE MAY 1979, IS ONE OF THE SWD ADMINISTERED SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEMES. IT AIMS TO PROVIDE SPEEDY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS, OR THEIR SURVIVING DEPENDENT FAMILY MEMBERS IN THE CASE OF DEATH, REGARDLESS OF THE MEANS OF THE FAMILY OR THE ELEMENT OF FAULT TN CAUSING THE ACCIDENT.
TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR ASSISTANCE, AN APPLICATION MUST BE MADE WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF THE ACCIDENT, WHICH MUST HAVE BEEN REPORTED TO THE POLICE.
IN THE CASE OF INJURY NOT CAUSING DEATH, AN APPLICANT MUST BE CERTIFIED BY A REGISTERED MEDICAL PRACTITIONER TO REQUIRE AT LEAST THREE DAYS’ SICK LEAVE.
BENEFICIARIES UNDER THE SCHEME STILL RETAIN THE RIGHT TO MAKE CLAIMS FOR LEGAL DAMAGES OR COMPENSATION FROM OTHER SOURCES IN THE USUAL WAY.
THOSE WHO RECEIVE OTHER DAMAGES OR COMPENSATION IN RESPECT OF THE SAME TRAFFIC ACCIDENT ARE REQUIRED TO REPAY THE AMOUNT OF ASSISTANCE THEY HAVE ALREADY RECEIVED FROM THE SCHEME, BUT IN ANY CASE THE AMOUNT TO BE REPAID SHALL NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNT OF DAMAGES OR COMPENSATION AWARDED.
APPLICATION CAN BE MADE EITHER TN PERSON OR THROUGH THE POST.
SPECIFIED APPLICATION FORMS ARE OBTAINABLE AT THE ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION SECTIONS OF THE POLICE DISTRICT TRAFFIC FORMATIONS, DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, AND THE SWD’S TAVA SECTION AT 15 WATSON ROAD, VICTORIA CENTRE, FIRST FLOOR, CAUSEWAY BAY.
/5.........
SUNDAY, JUNK 30, 1991
- 5 -
POLICE THREE-PRONGED ENFORCEMENT ACTION IN MAY
*****
MAY WAS A REWARDING MONTH FOR THE POLICE WHOSE SUSTAINED EFFORTS IN COMBATTING DRUG-IRAEEl( KI NG ACTIVITIES HAD LED TO THE LARGEST-EVFR SEIZURE OF "ICE” IN THE IERRITORY.
ABOUT 20 KILOGRAMS OF ICE WERE SEIZED IN A POLICE RAJI) ON MAY 18 IN NORTH POINT, A POLICE SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) WHEN RELEASING THE MONTHLY STATISTICS ON A THREE-PRONGED ENFORCEMENT ACTION AGAINST DRUGS, ILLEGAL GAMBLING AND VICE DENS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID IN THE FIGHT AGAINST DRUG TRAFFICKING, POLICE CONDUCTED 766 RAIDS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY AND ARRESTED 535 PEOPLE.
DRUG FIGHTERS ALSO NETTED 830 KILOGRAMS OF ANTIBIOTICS, 18 KILOGRAMS OF CANNABIS, THREE KILOGRAMS OF HEROIN, SIX KILOGRAMS OF CANNABIS RESIN AND A QUANTITY OF PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES.
POLICE CARRIED OUT 132 ANT I-GAMBLI NG OPERATIONS DURING THE MONTH, RESULTING IN THE ARREST OF 820 PEOPLE. ABOUT $978,000 IN TABLE MONEY AND ABOUT $1,847,000 WORTH OF BETTING SLIPS WERE SEIZED.
MEANWHILE, POLICE CONDUCTED 2,218 RAIDS ON VICE DENS AND ARRESTED 201 PEOPLE. PORNOGRAPHIC MATERIALS CONFISCATED INCLUDED 562 VIDEO TAPES, 15 BOOKS, 23 PHOTOGRAPHS AND FOUR LASER DISCS.
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CONSTRUCTION OF RADIO REPEATER BUILDING ♦ * * * *
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A RADIO REPEATER BUILDING AT KWUN YAM KENG, NEW TERRITORIES.
THE SINGLE-STOREY RADIO REPEATER BUILDING, WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 60 SQUARE METRES, WILL BE BUILT ON A HIGH SITE WITHIN THE LAM TSUEN COUNTRY PARK.
IT WILL ACCOMMODATE TELECOMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT AND A STANDBY
GENERATOR WILL BE BUILT TO ENSURE UNINTERRUPTED RADIO SERVICES.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN SEPTEMBER AND BE COMPLETED IN MARCH NEXT YEAR.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON JULY 19.
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