DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING:
SALARIES TAX ALLOWANCES TO BE INCREASED NEXT YEAR SUBJECT TO
CONSTRAINTS ......................................................... 1
FINANCIAL SECRETARY ON GOVERNMENT RESERVES ............................ 2
REAL IMPROVEMENTS IN GOVT PROGRAMME AREAS: FS ......................... 3
FS EXPLAINS HIS SALARIES TAX PROPOSALS ................................ 4
PROFITS TAX PROPOSAL NOT TREND FOR HEAVIER TAXES: FS .................. 6
GOVT ACHIEVES TIGHT FINANCIAL CONTROL OF AIRPORT PROGRAMME ............ 7
LEGCO MEMBERS' CONTRIBUTIONS TO BUDGET IN GOOD TIME ESSENTIAL: FS 8
SUBSTANTIAL RESERVES NEEDED FOR ROUGH TIMES: CS ...................... 11
CS STRESSES IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT AND PRESTIGIOUS JUDICIARY .. 12
CHIEF SECRETARY ON CIVIL SERVICE PENSIONS ............................ 13
GOVT TO REVIEW POLICE SETUP .......................................... 14
S3OOM MORE TO MAKE QUALITATIVE IMPROVEMENTS IN SCHOOLS SECTOR .... 16
GOVERNMENT TO CONSIDER HOUSING NEED OF SANDWICH CLASS ................ 19
COMMITMENTS TO HEALTH AND WELFARE OF COMMUNITY REAFFIRMED ............ 20
SECURITY MEASURES FOR HIGH RISK PREMISES UNDER REVIEW ................ 22
HK HAS BETTER POLICE TO POPULATION RATIO ............................. 23
AIRPORT PROJECT TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER EXPLAINED ........................ 24
FULL DEVELOPMENT OF TSEUNG KWAN O - 2011 ............................. 26
HUNG HOM BAY RECLAMATION LAND USE OUTLINED ........................... 27
PRIORITY GIVEN TO NEW BUS ROUTES TO SERVE NEW TOWNS .................. 28
IN SITU EMPLOYMENT IN NEW TOWNS PURSUED .............................. 29
REVIEW RECOMMENDS INCREASE IN COMPENSATION TO DISPLACED TENANTS .. 30
ED WILL INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS AGAINST SCHOOLS ....................... 31
/APPLICATIONS FOR
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
APPLICATIONS FOR WAIVERS OF MEDICAL CHARGES TO SIMPLIFY .............. 32
SAN FRANCISCO OFFICE WELL PLACED TO PROMOTE INVESTMENT ............... 33
BILL TO REQUIRE OWNERS TO CHECK THEIR BUILDINGS IN PIPELINE .......... 34
SIX-YEAR TRANSITIONAL PERIOD FOR SCHOOLS JOINING DIRECT SUBSIDY SCHEME ............................................................... 35
FIVE PILOT RETRAINING PROGRAMMES PROPOSED ............................ 36
SMITHFIELD URBAN COUNCIL PROJECT IN PROGRESS ......................... 37
TRAVEL & TOURISM - AN EXAMINATION SUBJECT IN 1995 .................... 37
COMPUTER CRIMES BILL INTRODUCED TO LEGCO ............................. 38
INTERNATIONAL CALLING CARD SERVICE TO BE EXPANDED .................... 39
APPROPRIATION BILL 1992 PASSED IN LEGCO............................... 40
GOVERNOR VISITS SWD'S REGIONAL OFFICE .................................. 41
FINANCIAL ASPECTS OF AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME ............................ 41
MONETARY STATISTICS FOR FEBRUARY RELEASED .............................. 46
IN SITU EMPLOYMENT IN NEW TOWNS PURSUED ................................ 50
AIRPORT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE SPECIAL MEETING ......................... 51
PROHIBITION ON USE OF ADVERTISING VEHICLES ............................. 52
GOVT OFFICIALS TO VISIT CHINA .......................................... 52
287 VIET REFUGEES LEFT HK LAST MONTH ................................... 53
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............. 53
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1992
1
SALARIES TAX ALLOWANCES TO BE INCREASED NEXT YEAR SUBJECT TO CONSTRAINTS *****
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON HAMISH MACLEOD, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) GAVE FIRM ASSURANCES TO MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ABOUT HIS INTENTION TO ALLEVIATE THE TAX BURDEN ON THE LOWER AND MIDDLE INCOME GROUPS IN THE 1993-94 BUDGET.
THE ASSURANCES WERE GIVEN SUBJECT TO THE CONDITION THAT HONG KONG’S FINANCIAL POSITION AFTER THIS BUDGET CONTINUED TO BE AS FORECAST AND ON THE UNDERSTANDING THAT ALL THE REVENUE MEASURES IN THE BUDGET WERE PASSED.
"OTHERWISE, OUR FINANCIAL POSITION COULD HARDLY BE AS FORECAST IN THE BUDGET," HE SAID.
CONCLUDING THE DEBATE ON THE SECOND READING OF THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1992, MR MACLEOD SAID:
"IN MY NEXT BUDGET, SUBJECT TO THE CONSTRAINTS I HAVE JUST EXPLAINED, I CAN NOW CONFIRM THAT I PLAN TO INCREASE SALARIES TAX ALLOWANCES SUBSTANTIALLY. IN ADDITION, WE SHALL CARRY OUT A REVIEW OF TAX BANDS. WHILST I OBVIOUSLY CANNOT BE TOO SPECIFIC AT THIS STAGE, I WOULD ENVISAGE THE BENEFIT (AND INCIDENTALLY THE COST) OF THIS IMPROVEMENT IN THE BANDS AS BEING AT LEAST AS GREAT AS THAT INVOLVED IN INCREASING THE TAX ALLOWANCES. THE OVERALL AIM OF THESE IMPROVEMENTS WILL BE TO SUBSTANTIALLY LESSEN THE TAX LIABILITY OF THE SANDWICH CLASS."
NOTING THAT A NUMBER OF MEMBERS HAD ASKED HIM TO BE MORE SPECIFIC, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID HE HAD TO TREAD A DELICATE LINE AND IT WOULD BE IRRESPONSIBLE TO MAKE A COMPLETELY UNCONDITIONAL STATEMENT.
"CLEARLY, WE MUST HAVE REGARD TO ANY MAJOR CHANGES IN OUR PRESENT OR PROSPECTIVE FUTURE FINANCIAL POSITION.
"WE ALSO NEED TO GIVE CAREFUL THOUGHT TO WHERE IN THE TAX BAND CONCESSIONS WOULD BE MOST HELPFUL AND EQUITABLE. AND TO THE BALANCE BETWEEN IMPROVEMENTS TO THE TAX BANDS AND INCREASES IN THE ALLOWANCES," HE SAID.
MR MACLEOD SAID HE HAD ALREADY MADE' IT CLEAR THAT HE DID NOT BELIEVE THAT TAXATION WAS THE PRIME CONCERN OF THE SANDWICH CLASS AND HE WAS CONVINCED THAT THEIR MAJOR ANXIETY WAS THE HIGH COST OF HOUSING.
"I MADE THIS ISSUE A PRINCIPAL THEME OF MY MAIDEN SPEECH IN THIS COUNCIL LAST NOVEMBER. AFFORDABLE HOUSING REMAINS A PRIORITY ITEM ON MY AGENDA," HE SAID.
/MR MACLEOD .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1992
2
MR MACLEOD SAID THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS HAD OUTLINED THE GOVERNMENT’S INITIAL THINKING AND HE CONFIRMED IT WAS THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION TO PRODUCE RECOMMENDATIONS ON POSSIBLE WAYS FORWARD WITHIN SIX MONTHS.
"BUT CLEARLY, OUR ABILITY TO FUND ANY SUCH RECOMMENDATIONS WOULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED IF ANY OF THE REVENUE RAISING MEASURES IN THIS BUDGET WERE NOT TO BE PASSED," HE SAID.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY REPEATED HIS EARLIER ASSURANCES TO LEGCO MEMBERS ON WORKING CLOSELY WITH THEM IN THE BUDGET EXERCISE.
"I BELIEVE THAT WE MUST CONTINUE TO DEVELOP ARRANGEMENTS FOR CONSULTING MEMBERS ON THE BUDGET," HE ADDED.
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FINANCIAL SECRETARY ON GOVERNMENT RESERVES *****
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON HAMISH MACLEOD, MAKES IT VERY CLEAR THAT HE DOES REGARD THE LEVEL OF RESERVES IN THE FORECAST AS ADEQUATE AND HE HAS NO HIDDEN AGENDA TO BUILD UP THE RESERVES EVEN HIGHER.
SPEAKING AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE TODAY (WEDNESDAY) AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID NOR SHOULD THE INCREASE IN PROFITS TAX BE SEEN AS THE START OF A TREND - PROVIDED THAT HIS OTHER REVENUE PROPOSALS WERE ACCEPTED.
HE SAID MANY MEMBERS HAD RIGHTLY IDENTIFIED THE MAINTENANCE OF ADEQUATE FISCAL RESERVES AS A KEY FEATURE OF HIS BUDGET STRATEGY.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ALSO NOTED CONCERN HAD BEEN EXPRESSED THAT IN PLANNING FOR $71 BILLION IN 1996-97, HE HAD SET THE TARGET TOO HIGH, ESPECIALLY AS THE GOVERNMENT WAS ONLY COMMITTED TO A FIGURE OF $25 BILLION UNDER THE TERMS OF THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME.
THERE HAD ALSO BEEN CONCERNS THAT HE INTENDED TO GO ON RAISING TAXES IN FUTURE YEARS IN ORDER TO BUILD UP A HIGHER LEVEL OF RESERVES.
PUTTING THE FACTS TO ALLAY MEMBERS’ ANXIETIES, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY POINTED OUT THAT THE FORECAST FISCAL RESERVES FOR 1996-97 OF $71 BILLION WAS IN 1996-97 PRICES AND THE FIGURE WOULD BE ONLY $47 BILLION IF IT WERE EXPRESSED IN 1991 PRICES.
"IN 1992-93, THE FISCAL RESERVES WILL REPRESENT ABOUT 80% OF TOTAL EXPENDITURE. THIS IS NOT A RECORD HIGH. THE PEAK YEAR WAS 1990-91, WHEN THE RESERVES WERE THE EQUIVALENT OF 92% OF EXPENDITURE.
/"FAR FROM .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1992
- 3 -
"FAR FROM PLANNING A MASSIVE INCREASE IN THE RESERVES OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, WE EXPECT THEM TO FALL AS A PROPORTION OF THE GOVERNMENT’S ANNUAL SPENDING. THEY WILL DECLINE FROM 80% OF EXPENDITURE IN 1992-93 TO ABOUT 40% IN 1996-97," HE SAID.
MR MACLEOD SAID HE HAD DETECTED AN IMPORTANT MISUNDERSTANDING ABOUT THE ROLE OF THE FISCAL RESERVES, AND OF THE $71 BILLION FIGURE THE GOVERNMENT HAD FORECAST FOR 1996-97.
"IT IS A MISTAKE TO FOCUS UNDULY ON THE FIGURE WE HAVE FORECAST FOR THE END OF THE PLANNING PERIOD. WE NEED ADEQUATE FISCAL RESERVES SO THAT WE CAN DRAW ON THEM IF WE ENCOUNTER ADVERSE ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENTS.
"IF WE ARE FORCED TO DRAW ON THEM, THEN OF COURSE THE RESERVES WILL BE CONSIDERABLY LESS THAN THE $71 BILLION WE EXPECT BY THE END OF THE CURRENT PLANNING PERIOD. THE IMPORTANT POINT IS THAT WE SHOULD HAVE AN ADEQUATE CUSHION THROUGHOUT THE NEXT FIVE YEARS," HE SAID.
MR MACLEOD SAID HE DID NOT REGARD THE FORECAST RESERVES AS IN ANY WAY EXCESSIVE.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS COMMITTED TO SET ASIDE $25 BILLION FOR THE FUTURE SAR GOVERNMENT IN 1997.
"WE ALSO HAVE TO ENSURE AN ADEQUATE CUSHION TO MEET FUTURE FLUCTUATIONS IN OUR ECONOMIC FORTUNES.
"THE CUSHION IS OUR BEST GUARANTEE THAT WE WILL NOT BE FORCED TO CUT BACK ON FUNDING FOR OUR KEY PROGRAMMES IF WE ENCOUNTER UNEXPECTED ECONOMIC DIFFICULTIES," MR MACLEOD SAID.
0
REAL IMPROVEMENTS IN GOVT PROGRAMME AREAS: FS *****
THERE ARE REAL IMPROVEMENTS IN SPECIFIC GOVERNMENT PROGRAMME AREAS WHICH WILL BENEFIT THE WHOLE COMMUNITY, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
CONCLUDING THE BUDGET DEBATE AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR MACLEOD SAID EVEN WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENTS FOR THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME, HE HAD BEEN ABLE TO PROVIDE FOR AN OVERALL INCREASE IN RECURRENT EXPENDITURE IN 1992-93 OF 15.4 PER CENT IN MONEY TERMS.
"IN SPECIFIC PROGRAMME AREAS, THIS TRANSLATES INTO A FIVE PER CENT • REAL INCREASE IN EXPENDITURE ON EDUCATION, FOUR PER CENT ON SOCIAL WELFARE AND NINE PER CENT ON HEALTH CARE.
/"THESE ARE .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1992
4
"THESE ARE REAL IMPROVEMENTS WHICH WILL BENEFIT THE WHOLE COMMUNITY AND THEY SHOULD NOT BE UNDERVALUED," HE SAID.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID HE REGRETTED THAT SOME LEGISLATORS HAD CHOSEN TO DESCRIBE THESE SIGNIFICANT REAL INCREASES IN EXPENDITURE ON KEY SERVICES AS "NEGATIVE GROWTH", "CUTS" OR EVEN AS "SLASHING EXPENDITURE".
"THIS IS SIMPLY NOT CORRECT, BUT HAVING MADE THIS POINT, I DO ACCEPT THAT IT IS NOT EASY TO CALCULATE REAL GROWTH RATES FROM THE DRAFT ESTIMATES," HE SAID.
"I SHALL BE LOOKING AT WAYS OF IMPROVING THE PRESENTATION OF THE ESTIMATES NEXT YEAR," HE ADDED.
ON THE $14.1 BILLION SURPLUS FOR 1991-92, MR MACLEOD SAID OVER HALF OF IT COULD BE LOOKED ON AS AN ACCOUNTING ILLUSION.
"IT IS SIMPLY THE RESULT OF DELAYED EXPENDITURE ON CAPITAL PROJECTS. THE MONEY WILL BE DRAWN ON IN SUBSEQUENT FINANCIAL YEARS AS THESE PROJECTS GET UNDERWAY," HE SAID.
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FS EXPLAINS HIS SALARIES TAX PROPOSALS *****
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT HIS SALARIES TAX PROPOSALS IN THE BUDGET WILL HELP TO MAINTAIN THE REAL VALUE OF THE DISPOSABLE INCOME OF THE MIDDLE AND LOWER INCOME GROUPS.
"THEY WILL NOT ADD TO INFLATION," MR MACLEOD SAID, WHEN CONCLUDING THE BUDGET DEBATE AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
HE STRESSED THAT MORE GENEROUS ALTERNATIVES, WHICH DID NOT HAVE FULL REGARD TO THE LONG-TERM FISCAL OR ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES, WERE NOT IN THE INTERESTS OF ANY SECTION OF HONG KONG’S COMMUNITY.
HE COULD NOT ACCEPT THAT HIS PROPOSALS WERE UNREASONABLE.
"IT SEEMS TO ME THAT SOME OF THE CRITICISM IS THE RESULT OF A MISCONCEPTION THAT SALARIES TAX ALLOWANCES HAVE NOT KEPT PACE WITH INFLATION.
THIS ASSERTION DID NOT STAND UP TO SERIOUS SCRUTINY, HE SAID.
"THE SIMPLE FACT IS THAT SINCE 1980, PERSONAL ALLOWANCES HAVE REMAINED IN STEP WITH INFLATION."
IN ADDITION TO THESE INCREASES IN PERSONAL ALLOWANCES, ' MR MACLEOD SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD CARRIED OUT PERIODIC REVIEWS OF THE TAX BANDING SYSTEM.
/HE SAID
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1992
- 5 -
HE SAID FIVE SUCH REVIEWS HAD BEEN CONDUCTED SINCE 1980 AND THE EFFECT: TAXPAYERS HAD BENEFITED FROM A REDUCTION IN THEIR EFFECTIVE TAX RATES.
HE SAID SEVERAL ALTERNATIVE PACKAGES HAD BEEN PROPOSED AND ATTRACTED SOME SUPPORT.
"THIS IS NOT SURPRISING AS MOST PEOPLE FIND THE THOUGHT OF PAYING LESS TAX PERFECTLY AGREEABLE.
"BUT THERE IS LITTLE LOGIC BEHIND THESE ALTERNATIVE PROPOSALS, AND THEY ARE ALL VERY EXPENSIVE,” HE SAID.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID THE PROPOSAL BY MEMBERS OF THE COOPERATIVE RESOURCES CENTRE (CRC) HAD SUGGESTED A 22 PER CENT INCREASE IN PERSONAL ALLOWANCES AND A WIDENING OF THE TAX BANDS. HE SAID OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, THESE PROPOSALS WOULD COST AN ADDITIONAL $18 BILLION.
THE MODIFIED PROPOSALS OF MEMBERS OF THE UNITED DEMOCRATS OF HONG KONG (UDHK) WOULD COST AN ADDITIONAL $31 BILLION OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.
HE ALSO COULD NOT ACCEPT THE CRITICISM OF SOME MEMBERS THAT HIS PROPOSALS HAD NOT CONTRIBUTED TO REDISTRIBUTING THE WEALTH OF THE COMMUNITY.
"I CANNOT ACCEPT THIS VIEW. I THINK THE NEEDS OF THE DISADVANTAGED ARE MOST EFFECTIVELY DEALT WITH BY CAREFULLY TARGETING OUR EXPENDITURE PRIORITIES," HE SAID.
HE ALSO RESTATED HIS APPROACH IN FRAMING HIS REVENUE PROPOSALS:
* HE HAD CAREFULLY CHOSEN TAX CONCESSIONS WHICH PROVIDED RELIEF FOR ORDINARY FAMILIES.
* HE HAD TAKEN ACCOUNT OF THE NEED TO REDUCE THE DEPENDENCE ON POTENTIALLY VOLATILE SOURCES OF REVENUE.
« AND HE HAD BEEN CAREFUL TO AVOID ADDING TO INFLATIONARY PRESSURES.
HE ALSO SAID MEMBERS’ ANXIETIES HAD BEEN MOST SHARPLY FOCUSED ON HIS SALARIES TAX PROPOSALS. HE SAID THE FACTS WERE:
* PERSONAL INCOMES OTHER THAN SALARIES WERE GENERALLY EXEMPT
FROM TAX.
* THE STANDARD RATE OF SALARIES TAX HAI) BEEN PROGRESSIVELY REDUCED SINCE THE MID 1980S FROM 17 PER CENT TO 15 PER CENT. HONG KONG AT PRESENT ENJOYED ONE OF THE LOWEST RATES IN THE WORLD.
/* OVER HALF .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1992
6
* OVER HALF OF HONG KONG’S WORKING POPULATION AT PRESENT PAY NO SALARIES TAX AT ALL.
* OF THOSE WHO DID PAY SALARIES TAX, OVER 90 PER CENT PAY AT LESS THAN THE STANDARD RATE.
* IN HIS BUDGET, HE HAD PROPOSED TO INCREASE SALARIES TAX
ALLOWANCES BY AN AVERAGE OF OVER 12 PER CENT.
* THIS WOULD RESULT IN EIGHT PER CENT OF SALARIES TAXPAYERS PAYING NO TAX AT ALL; AND A FURTHER 83 PER CENT WOULD HAVE THEIR TAX BILLS REDUCED.
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PROFITS TAX PROPOSAL NOT TREND FOR HEAVIER TAXES: FS ♦ » ♦ ♦ ♦
THE PRESENT PROFITS TAX PROPOSAL SHOULD NOT BE REGARDED AS THE START OF A TREND OR A SLIPPERY SLOPE TOWARDS HEAVIER TAXES ON PROFITS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON HAMISH MACLEOD, WHEN CONCLUDING THE BUDGET DEBATE AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR MACLEOD SAID HE WAS PLEASED THAT SO MANY MEMBERS HAD SUPPORTED A MODEST INCREASE IN PROFITS TAX.
’’THERE IS A BROAD CONSENSUS THAT PROFITS AS WELL AS SALARIES SHOULD CONTRIBUTE TO THE PUBLIC REVENUE,” HE SAID.
HE UNDERSTOOD THE CONCERN OF THOSE WHO FEARED THAT FURTHER INCREASES IN PROFITS TAX WOULD BLUNT THE COMPETITIVE EDGE AS A BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL CENTRE.
ON RATE PROPOSAL, MR MACLEOD SAID THE MODEST HALF-OF-ONE-PERCENTAGE POINT INCREASE STILL LEFT RATES NEAR THEIR HISTORICAL LOW.
’’FURTHERMORE, RATES HAVE DECLINED AS A PROPORTION OF THE TOTAL COST OF ACCOMMODATION TO LESS THAN FOUR PER CENT.
”SO THE REAL IMPACT OF THE PROPOSED INCREASE WILL NOT BE SEVERE.”
AND BECAUSE RATES BROADLY REFLECTED RATEPAYERS’ ABILITY TO PAY, THE MIDDLE AND LOWER INCOME GROUPS WOULD BE THE LEAST AFFECTED, HE SAID.
ON SUGGESTION BY SOME MEMBERS TO EXTEND THE RATES RELIEF SCHEME INTRODUCED ON APRIL 1, 1991, HE POINTED OUT THAT THIS SCHEME WAS INTRODUCED AS A TEMPORARY MEASURE ONLY.
/•'IT HAS..........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1992
"IT HAS SERVED ITS PURPOSE. IF IT WERE EXTENDED FOR AN ADDITIONAL YEAR, LESS THAN SIX PER CENT OF DOMESTIC PROPERTY RATEPAYERS WOULD BENEFIT, AND THE COST TO THE REVENUE WOULD BE VERY HIGH: NEARLY $900 MILLION FOR 1992-93," HE SAID.
HE SAID HE MENTIONED EARLIER THE NEED TO REDUCE THE DEPENDENCE ON RELATIVELY VOLATILE SOURCES OF REVENUE AND ONE OBVIOUS WAY OF DOING THIS WAS TO INTRODUCE A GENERAL SALES TAX.
"I SHOULD PREFER NOT TO INTRODUCE A NEW TAX OF THIS NATURE. I BELIEVE THAT MY PROPOSED MODERATE INCREASE IN. GENERAL RATES OFFERS A STABLE AND PREDICTABLE ALTERNATIVE WHICH WOULD CONTRIBUTE NEARLY $6 BILLION IN THE PERIOD TO 1996-97."
IN ADDITION TO AVOIDING THE NEED FOR A SALES TAX, MR MACLEOD SAID THE INCREASE IN RATES HAD HELPED HIM TO KEEP THE INCREASES IN INDIRECT TAXES PROPOSED IN HIS BUDGET TO VERY MODEST LEVELS.
"I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO AVOID ANY REAL INCREASE IN DUTIES.
"CHARGES FOR WATER, POSTAGE AND OTHER GOVERNMENT UTILITIES, WHICH ARE USUALLY INCREASED IN THE BUDGET PACKAGE, WILL INSTEAD BE ADJUSTED DURING THE YEAR TO MINIMISE THEIR IMPACT ON ORDINARY HOUSEHOLDS."
DEPARTMENTAL FEES AND CHARGES, WHICH WERE SUBJECT TO A MORATORIUM FOR NEARLY A YEAR, WOULD SIMILARLY BE PHASED IN CAREFULLY, HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT COULD NOT AFFORD A CONCESSION AS SUGGESTED BY SOME MEMBERS THAT FEES AND CHARGES ON FEES AND CHARGES SHOULD NOT INCREASE AT ALL.
. HE EXPLAINED THAT A COMPLETE FREEZE ON FEES AND CHARGES WOULD COST $24 BILLION IN REVENUE FOREGONE IN THE PERIOD TO 1996-97.
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GOVT’ ACHIEVES TIGHT FINANCIAL CONTROL OF AIRPORT PROGRAMME *****
THE GOVERNMENT IS ACHIEVING TIGHT FINANCIAL CONTROL OF THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME (ACP) WITH THE INTRODUCED PLANNING AND COST MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON HAMISH MACLEOD, WHEN CONCLUDING THE BUDGET DEBATE AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOREOVER, MR MACLEOD SAID, THREE QUARTERS OF ACP CONTRACTS WOULD BE ON A FIXED PRICE LUMP-SUM BASIS, SO THE RISK OF COST OVERRUNS COULD BE MINIMISED.
/HE SAID .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1992
- 8 -
HE SAID THE PROCESS OF UPDATING AND REVISING THE FINANCIAL ASPECTS OF THE ACP HAD NOW BEEN COMPLETED.
THE DETAILS HAD BEEN SUPPLIED TO THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE AND WOULD BE EXPLAINED TO THE RELEVANT LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AD HOC PANEL AND THE AIRPORT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE TOMORROW.
"WE WILL ALSO BE RELEASING THE INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC," THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID.
HE SAID THE COSTS TO BE BORNE BY THE GOVERNMENT REMAINED IN LINE WITH PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED FIGURES. THESE COSTS WERE ALSO IN LINE WITH THOSE INCLUDED IN THE MEDIUM RANGE FORECAST ATTACHED TO HIS BUDGET SPEECH.
MR MACLEOD ADDED THAT FUNDS FOR THE ACP WOULD NEED TO BE CONSIDERED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE.
"AND IN RESPONSE TO MEMBERS’ OWN REQUESTS, WE SHALL BE BRIEFING THE AD HOC PANEL, AND LATER FINANCE COMMITTEE, AS A BACKGROUND AGAINST WHICH THEY CAN ASSESS MORE DETAILED PROPOSALS FOR FUNDING INDIVIDUAL PROJECTS," HE SAID.
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LEGCO MEMBERS’ CONTRIBUTIONS TO BUDGET IN GOOD TIME ESSENTIAL: FS *****
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON HAMISH MACLEOD, HAS CLEARLY STATED HIS WILLINGNESS TO MEET EARLY IN THE BUDGET PROCESS TO HEAR MEMBERS’ VIEWS ON PRIORITIES.
CONCLUDING THE RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE TODAY (WEDNESDAY) AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR MACLEOD SAID THE CHANGED COMPOSITION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MADE IT ESSENTIAL THAT THE GOVERNMENT DEVISED ARRANGEMENTS WHICH ENABLED LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS TO MAKE THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE BUDGET PROCESS IN GOOD TIME.
HE SAID HE STOOD READY TO START A DIALOGUE ON HOW BEST TO ACHIEVE THIS OBJECTIVE IN TIME FOR NEXT YEAR’S BUDGET.
DRAWING ATTENTION TO WHAT HE SAW AS A PARADOX IN THE RESPONSE TO HIS BUDGET, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID HE THOUGHT IT FAIR TO SAY THAT THE BUDGET HAD BEEN THE SUBJECT OF UNUSUALLY INTENSE SCRUTINY AND DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
YET, HE THOUGHT IT ALSO TRUE THAT IN THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE, THE BUDGET HAD BEEN SEEN AS A BALANCED AND SENSIBLE PACKAGE.
/"I BELIEVE .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1992
9 -
"I BELIEVE THAT THIS PARADOX IS A SYMPTOM OF THE FACT THAT WE -THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND THE GOVERNMENT - ARE STILL DEVELOPING OUR WORKING RELATIONSHIP WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF OUR VERY UNUSUAL CONSTITUTION," HE SAID.
NOTING THAT MANY MEMBERS HAD MADE THE POINT THAT THE GOVERNMENT MUST NOT TREAT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AS IF IT WERE A RUBBER STAMP, MR MACLEOD ASSURED THAT THIS HAD NEVER BEEN THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY POINTED OUT THAT BEFORE FRAMING THE BUDGET, THE GOVERNMENT LOOKED VERY CLOSELY AT THE MANIFESTOS OF THE ELECTED MEMBERS IN AN EFFORT TO IDENTIFY THEIR CONCERNS AND PRIORITIES.
HE EXPLAINED WHAT THE ADMINISTRATION HAD DONE TO ASCERTAIN THE VIEWS OF LEGCO MEMBERS BEFORE FRAMING THE BUDGET.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT ARRANGED A DISCUSSION WITH THE OMELCO -IN HOUSE IN DECEMBER.
"WE ISSUED THE FULL DRAFT ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE TO MEMBERS AND TO THE MEDIA A FULL 10 DAYS BEFORE BUDGET DAY.
"WE BRIEFED MEMBERS ON THE CONTENTS OF THE EXPENDITURE ESTIMATES ON THE FRIDAY BEFORE BUDGET DAY.
"WE HAVE MORE THAN DOUBLED THE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR MEMBERS’ QUESTIONS IN THE SPECIAL MEETINGS OF FINANCE COMMITTEE.
"I HAVE ALSO MADE A POINT OF MEETING ANY MEMBER OF THIS COUNCIL, OR GROUP OF MEMBERS, WHO WISHED TO EXPRESS A VIEW ON THE BUDGET. UNFORTUNATELY, MANY OF THESE SESSIONS WERE FAR TOO LATE TO HAVE A MEANINGFUL IMPACT ON MY BUDGET STRATEGY FOR THIS YEAR," MR MACLEOD SAID.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY POINTED OUT THAT THE BUDGET WAS A COMPLEX PROCESS AND IT INVOLVED FAR MORE THAN SIMPLY LOOKING AT A LIST OF SUGGESTIONS AND SELECTING THE ONES WE LIKED THE LOOK OF.
"IN FACT, THE BUDGET PROCESS BEGINS VERY SOON AFTER THE PREVIOUS YEAR’S BUDGET HAS BEEN APPROVED.
"FOR EXAMPLE, THE PREPARATIONS FOR THIS YEAR’S BUDGET BEGAN WITH THE UPDATING OF THE MEDIUM RANGE FORECAST IN MAY LAST YEAR. THIS PROVIDED THE BASIS FOR ASSESSING THE PRIORITIES FOR ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT PAST POLICY DECISIONS, THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL AND THE COMMUNITY IN GENERAL.
"WE THEN APPLY OUR BUDGETARY GUIDELINES BEFORE ASSESSING THE IMPLICATIONS AND OPTIONS ON THE REVENUE SIDE OF THE BUDGET PACKAGE," MR MACLEOD EXPLAINED.
/HE SAID .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1992
-LO-
ME SAID THE RESULT WAS A CAREFULLY BALANCED PACKAGE OF PROPOSALS WHICH TOOK ACCOUNT OF THE COMPETING NEEDS AND INTERESTS OF THE COMMUNITY, AS WELL AS OF THE GOVERNMENT’S ABILITY TO PAY, LOOKING NOT ONLY AT THE YEAR AHEAD BUT AT THE WHOLE PLANNING PERIOD.
FROM THE TIMESCALE OF THE BUDGET PROCESS, MR MACLEOD SAID IT WAS CLEAR THAT THE KEY TO A FRUITFUL EXCHANGE BETWEEN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND THE GOVERNMENT WAS AN EARLY DISCUSSION OF PRIORITIES AND OBJECTIVES.
’’THE VERY NATURE OF THIS PROCESS MEANS THAT HARD CHOICES HAVE TO BE MADE, BUT I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT, THROUGH CO-OPERATION, WE CAN MAKE THE PROCESS WORK,” HE SAID.
MR MACLEOD SAID HE MUST MAKE IT CLEAR THAT HE HAD GREAT DIFFICULTY WITH THE IDEA THA'I THE BUDGET PACKAGE COULD BE UNSCRAMBLED AND RENEGOTIATED ONCE IT HAD BEEN ANNOUNCED.
’’THIS IS NOT TO TREAT THIS COUNCIL AS A RUBBER STAMP; IT IS SIMPLY TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE BUDGET IS TOO COMPLEX AND TOO IMPORTANT TO BE RENEGOTIATED AT THE FINAL STAGE,” HE SAID.
HE NOTED THAT SOME MEMBERS HAD MADE THE POINT THAT THEY SAW THE REDUCTION IN TOBACCO TAX LAST YEAR AS A PRECEDENT FOR REVISING THIS YEAR’S PACKAGE.
”1 DO NOT AGREE. LAST YEAR’S INCREASE WAS A HEALTH MEASURE, NOT A REVENUE MEASURE, AND WOULD NORMALLY HAVE BEEN DEALT WITH OUTSIDE THE BUDGET FRAMEWORK,” HE SAID.
"IT IS ONE THING TO ENSURE THAT THE VIEWS OF THIS COUNCIL AND THE COMMUNITY ARE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT AS WE PREPARE OUR PROPOSALS. IT IS QUITE ANOTHER MATTER TO ACCEPT THE NOTION THAT THE PROCESS SHOULD BE OPEN-ENDED.
"DECISIONS MUST BE REACHED ON THE PROPOSALS PRESENTED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, AND WE CANNOT BECOME EMBROILED IN A PROTRACTED SERIES OF NEGOTIATIONS AFTER THE BUDGET SPEECH.
"SUCH A DEVELOPMENT WOULD BE A RECIPE FOR UNCERTAINTY AND INSTABILITY, AND IT COULD SERIOUSLY UNDERMINE CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG AND ITS GOVERNMENT,” HE SAID.
MR MACLEOD POINTED OUT THAT SUCH A DEVELOPMENT WOULD BE PARTICULARLY UNACCEPTABLE THIS YEAR.
"THIS BUDGET HAS BEEN CAREFULLY STRUCTURED TO DEAL WITH OUR EXPENDITURE AND REVENUE REQUIREMENTS, NOT ONLY FOR NEXT YEAR BUT FOR THE YEARS LEADING UP TO 1997.
"IT IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE CERTAINTY TO THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY AND TO LENDERS TO OUR MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS," HE SAID.
/HE SAID .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1992
- 11 -
HE SAID THE INDICATIONS WERE THAT THE PUBLIC SHARED THE GOVERNMENT’S BELIEF THAT THE BUDGET WOULD PROVIDE THIS CERTAINTY, AND • THAT IT WOULD BE UNRAVELLED ONLY AT A HIGH COST, LITERALLY AND METAPHORICALLY, TO THE WHOLE COMMUNITY.
’’FOR THESE REASONS, I HAVE MADE IT VERY CLEAR THAT I WILL NOT BE INTRODUCING ANY CHANGES TO THIS BUDGET. BUT I HAVE INDICATED A WILLINGNESS TO LOOK AT WAYS OF ADDRESSING SOME OF MEMBERS’ KEY CONCERNS SEPARATELY,” THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID.
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SUBSTANTIAL RESERVES NEEDED FOR ROUGH TIMES: CS
*****
THE MAIN PURPOSE OF THE GOVERNMENT HAVING SUBSTANTIAL RESERVES IS TO ENSURE THAT THE ADMINISTRATION CAN GO ON PROVIDING PUBLIC SERVICES AT A REASONABLE LEVEL EVEN WHEN THE GOING GETS ROUGH.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID FORD, IN THE RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SIR DAVID SAID THIS WAS ALL THE MORE IMPORTANT NOW THAT THE RANGE OF GOVERNMENT SERVICES WAS SO EXTENSIVE AND CONTRIBUTE SO HUGELY TO THE SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE OF HONG KONG.
”WE BELIEVE IT WOULD BE TOTALLY IRRESPONSIBLE OF THE GOVERNMENT TO LEAVE ESSENTIAL SERVICES VULNERABLE TO A DOWNTURN IN THE ECONOMY,” THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID.
IN THE ABSENCE OF ADEQUATE RESERVES SUCH A DOWNTURN MIGHT MEAN SEVERE CUT BACKS IN SUCH ESSENTIAL SERVICES AS THE POLICE, FIRE SERVICES, HOSPITAL SERVICES OR EDUCATION.
”1 DO NOT ACCEPT THAT WE ARE BEING OVER CAUTIOUS.
”WE ARE ALL TOO CONSCIOUS OF THE UNPREDICTABILITY OF EVENTS, BOTH ECONOMICALLY AND POLITICALLY, IN THIS REGION AS WELL AS BEYOND.”
SIR DAVID SAID HONG KONG WAS MORE VULNERABLE THAN MOST TO MAJOR CHANGES IN THE ECONOMIC OR POLITICAL FORTUNES OF NEIGHBOURING TERRITORIES OR THE WORLD AT LARGE.
TO PUT IT SIMPLY, HE SAID, AS A TRADING COMMUNITY HONG KONG RELIED ON A SETTLED INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENT AND STABILITY IN CHINA.
’’AND ANYTHING WHICH UPSETS THIS, FOR EXAMPLE EVENTS IN CHINA IN 1989, THE GULF WAR, THE DISINTEGRATION OF FORMER SOVIET UNION ARE CLEAR REMINDERS OF THE IMPACT SUCH EXTERNAL EVENTS CAN HAVE ON OUR STABILITY AND FINANCIAL VIABILITY.”
/"A REASONABLE .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1992
- 12 -
"A REASONABLE LEVEL OF RESERVES GIVES US THE CONFIDENCE TO PLAN.
•LONG TERM. THE CERTAINTY THAT WE CAN CONTINUE TO LOOK AFTER THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG BY MAINTAINING SERVICES,” HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID THIS HAD BEEN ONE OF THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVES WITH THE BUDGET STRATEGY.
"WE MAY BE CRITICISED FOR BEING CONSERVATIVE OR TOO CAUTIOUS, BUT OUR PRUDENT MANAGEMENT OF HONG KONG FINANCES HAVE STOOD US IN GOOD STEAD OVER MANY YEARS, AND WE HAVE WEATHERED SOME TURBULENT ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL STORMS.
"WE BELIEVE THAT WE MUST NOT ALLOW THE EFFECTIVE VALUE OF OUR ’FINANCIAL CUSHION TO FALL TO A LEVEL WHICH COULD PUT IN JEOPARDY HONG KONG STABILITY AS WE APPROACH 1997," HE SAID.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY STRESSED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD NOT CHANGED COURSE IN THE BUDGET PHILOSOPHY.
"AS THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAS SAID IN HIS SPEECH, THE BUDGET PROPOSALS CAREFULLY BALANCE THE ASPIRATIONS OF THE COMMUNITY WITH OUR ABILITY TO MEET SUCH EXPECTATIONS.
"THESE ARE PROPOSALS FOR THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE. THIS IS THE SAME PHILOSOPHY THAT HAS SERVED US IN THE PAST."
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD NOT DISCARDED THE LONG ESTABLISHED PRINCIPLE OF LIMITING PUBLIC EXPENDITURE TO THE RATE OF GROWTH IN THE ECONOMY.
HE STRESSED THAT THE ADMINISTRATION STOOD FOUR SQUARE BEHIND THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY AND THE PACKAGE OF BUDGETARY PROPOSALS HE HAD PUT FORWARD.
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CS STRESSES IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT .AND PRESTIGIOUS JUDICIARY *****
THERE CAN BE NO DOUBT THAT MAINTAINING AN INDEPENDENT AND PRESTIGIOUS JUDICIARY IS ONE OF THE GOVERNMENT’S MOST IMPORTANT TASKS, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SIR DAVID SAID IN STRIVING TO ACHIEVE THIS, THE GOVERNMENT MUST NOT ONLY MAKE SURE THAT THE MOST CAPABLE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE HIGHEST INTEGRITY WERE ATTRACTED TO THE JUDICIAL SERVICE, BUT ALSO THAT THE JUDICIARY AS A WHOLE WAS RUN IN THE MOST EFFICIENT AND COST-EFFECTIVE MANNER.
/IN THE ........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1992
- 13 -
IN THE PAST FEW YEARS THERE HAD BEEN A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN THE JUDICIARY’S BUSINESS, BOTH IN TERMS OF WORKLOAD AND COMPLEXITY, HE SAID, ADDING THAT THIS HAD MADE THE JOB OF ADMINISTERING THE JUDICIARY EFFICIENTLY AND EFFECTIVELY ALL THE MORE DIFFICULT.
”1 KNOW THAT THE LONG WAITING TIMES IN BRINGING CASES TO COURTS ARE OF REAL CONCERN,” SIR DAVID SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT WITH THE CREATION OF THREE ADDITIONAL HIGH COURT JUDGE POSTS THE JUDICIARY WAS CONFIDENT THAT THE WAITING TIME COULD BE REDUCED ON AVERAGE BY ABOUT THREE MONTHS UNTIL THE END OF THE YEAR AND THEREAFTER AT AN INCREASED RATE.
"BUT THERE IS LIKELY TO BE A CONTINUING PROBLEM IN THIS AREA WHICH WILL HAVE TO BE ADDRESSED. IN THE MEANTIME WE WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE SITUATION VERY CAREFULLY,” SIR DAVID SAID.
HE ASSURED MEMBERS THAT THE ADMINISTRATION WOULD TAKE THE NECESSARY MEASURES TO ENSURE THAT THE JUDICIARY WAS EQUIPPED WITH THE NECESSARY MODERN MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT TO ENABLE IT TO CARRY OUT ITS WORK EXPEDITIOUSLY AND EFFECTIVELY.
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CHIEF SECRETARY ON CIVIL SERVICE PENSIONS *****
THE GOVERNMENT IS AWARE THAT THERE ARE WORRIES IN THE CIVIL SERVICES ABOUT PENSIONS AND IS STILL EXPLORING WAYS TO MEET THE CONCERNS OF THE SERVICE, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED OF THE BUDGET DEBATE, SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD TRIED TO ADDRESS THE WORRIES BUT SOLUTIONS WERE NOT EASY.
"THEY WOULD INEVITABLY INVOLVE EITHER CONSIDERABLE CASH FLOW PROBLEMS IN THE SHORT TERM OR THE SETTING ASIDE OF A LARGE AMOUNTS OF RESERVES IN THE LONGER TERM," HE SAID.
IN REPLY TO POINTS BY SOME MEMBERS ON THE CIVIL SERVICE PENSIONS, SIR DAVID EMPHASISED THAT AS WITH MANY GOVERNMENTS WORLD WIDE, IT WAS THE ESTABLISHED POLICY OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT THAT PENSIONS SHOULD BE PAID OUT OF RECURRENT GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE.
"THERE IS NOTHING UNUSUAL ABOUT THIS. IT IS ANALOGOUS TO GOVERNMENT BEARING ITS OWN INSURANCE AND NOT TAKING OUT INSURANCE POLICIES," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT PENSIONS WERE PAID AS A STATUTORY RIGHT AND THEY WERE A STATUTORY FIRST CHARGE ON RECURRENT GOVERNMENT REVENUE.
/LEGAL ADVICE .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1992
14
LEGAL ADVICE WAS THAT THIS PROVIDED THE NECESSARY SECURITY. IN ADDITION CTVIL SERVICE PENSIONS WERE GUARANTEED IN THE JOINT DECLARATION AND BASIC LAW, HE SAID.
SIR DAVID ALSO POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS INCONCEIVABLE THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, OR THE HONG KONG SARG IN THE FUTURE, WOULD BE UNABLE TO MEET THE ANNUAL COSTS OF PENSIONS.
’’THE ANNUAL COSTS OF PENSIONS RANGE BETWEEN THREE PER CENT AND FIVE PER CENT OF RECURRENT ANNUAL EXPENDITURE AND ARE PROJECTED TO REACH A MAXIMUM FIGURE OF 5.2 PER CENT IN 2005.”
HE POINTED THAT THERE MIGHT HAVE BEEN SOME MISUNDERSTANDINGS ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF A SUDDEN, UNEXPECTED PENSION BILL, IF THERE WAS AN EXODUS OF LARGE NUMBERS OF PENSIONABLE OFFICERS.
’’THERE CANNOT BE AN UNEXPECTED PENSION BILL,” HE SAID.
UNDER THE OLD PENSION SCHEME THE UPFRONT EXPENDITURE ON LUMP SUM PAYMENTS WOULD BE LIMITED TO 25 PER CENT; UNDER THE NEW PENSION SCHEME, NO MATTER WHEN AN OFFICER RESIGNED OR RETIRED - AS LONG AS HE HAD THE REQUISITE 10 YEARS’ SERVICE - HE WOULD NOT RECEIVE HIS PENSION UNTIL HE REACHED PENSIONABLE AGE.
THE GOVERNMENT’S CALCULATION OF THREE TO FIVE PER CENT OF ITS EXPENDITURE THEREFORE REMAINED THE SAME, SIR DAVID SAID.
"INDEED IN THE LONG RUN, BEYOND 2012, IT IS LIKELY THAT PENSIONS EXPENDITURE WILL ACTUALLY REDUCE SLIGHTLY, DUE TO THE. LONG TERM EFFECT OF THE NEW PENSION SCHEME WITH ITS GREATER LUMP SUM COMMUTATION BUT REDUCED PENSION PAYMENTS AND PENSIONABLE RETIREMENT AGE OF 60," THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID.
REFERRING TO MEMBERS’ COMMENTS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF AN EFFICIENT AND FORWARD-LOOKING CIVIL SERVICE, THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID THERE WERE ON-GOING EFFORTS TO MODERNISE THE GOVERNMENT MACHINERY AND TO INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY, SUCH AS THE PUBLIC SECTOR REFORM PROGRAMME AND THE DEVOLUTION OF RESPONSIBILITIES.
"WE SHALL CONTINUE TO PURSUE SUCH OBJECTIVIES THROUGH THE NEW EFFICIENCY UNIT THAT WILL BE ESTABLISHED NEXT MONTH," HE ADDED.
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GOVT TO REVIEW POLICE SETUP
******
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO REVIEW THE ENTIRE POLICE ESTABLISHMENT AND STRUCTURE DURING THIS FINANCIAL YEAR.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, AT THE RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
/MR ASPREY .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1992
15
MR ASPREY SAID THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE HAD ALREADY MADE CONSIDERABLE PROGRESS ON THIS, HAVING COMPLETED A REVIEW OF MANPOWER NEEDS FOR POLICE LAND REGIONS AND DISTRICTS WHICH ACCOUNTED FOR SOME 52 PER CENT OF OVERALL POLICE MANPOWER.
HE SAID THE REVIEW TEAM WOULD USE THIS AS A STARTING POINT, AND THEN MOVED ON TO CONSIDER THE NEEDS OF ALL OTHER POLICE FORMATIONS.
THE REVIEW TEAM WILL BE CHAIRED BY A DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, AND INCLUDE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE CIVIL SERVICE, FINANCE AND SECURITY BRANCHES WITH ASSISTANCE FROM A PRIVATE SECTOR CONSULTANT.
IT WILL REPORT TO A STEERING GROUP TO BE CHAIRED BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY.
THE OBJECTIVE IS TO ENSURE THAT THE POLICE HAS THE RIGHT ESTABLISHMENT, MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE TO TAKE IT THROUGH THE REMAINDER OF THE 1990S.
MR ASPREY SAID THE GOVERNMENT SHARED THE CONCERN OF THE LEGCO AND THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE AT THE RECENT INCREASE IN VIOLENT CRIME, IN PARTICULAR ROBBERIES WITH FIREARMS OR IMITATION FIREARMS.
"BUT AT THE SAME TIME WE SHOULD NOT EXAGGERATE THE PROBLEM.
"BY ANY COMPARISON WITH OTHER MAJOR CITIES, HONG KONG’S CRIME RATE REMAINS LOW, AND WE HAVE A WELL MANNED, WELL MOTIVATED AND WELL EQUIPPED POLICE FORCE," HE SAID.
MR ASPREY ASSURED LEGCO MEMBERS THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD ALWAYS SOUGHT TO PROVIDE THE POLICE WITH THE EQUIPMENT THEY NEED.
HE SAID ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE ON POLICE EQUIPMENT IN 1992/93 REPRESENTS A 225 PER CENT INCREASE ON EXPENDITURE IN 1989/90, AND A 16 PER CENT INCREASE ON EXPENDITURE LAST FINANCIAL YEAR.
MR ASPREY SAID THE POLICE WERE AT PRESENT REVIEWING THEIR REQUIREMENTS FOR ARMS AND AMMUNITION FOR POLICE OFFICERS ON DAILY PATROL.
BUT HE CAUTIONED THAT NEW AND ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT WAS NOT THE WHOLE ANSWER TO THE PROBLEM OF VIOLENT CRIME, IN PARTICULAR RECENT ARMED ROBBERIES, NOR TO THE PROBLEM OF SMUGGLING WITHIN THE WATERS OF HONG KONG.
"OTHER MEASURES IN THE FORM OF IMPROVED INTELLIGENCE, DEPLOYMENT OF MANPOWER, AND LIAISON AND CO-OPERATION WITH CHINA ARE ALSO REQUIRED," HE SAID.
ON THE PROBLEMS OF POLICE RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION, MR ASPREY SAID THE PROVISION IN THIS YEAR’S BUDGET WAS NOT A CONSTRAINT ON RECRUITMENT.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD TRY TO ENSURE THAT THE POLICE WOULD BE ABLE TO RECRUIT SOME 1,600 ADDITIONAL JUNIOR POLICE OFFICERS.
/THE SECRETARY .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1992
THE SECRETARY SAID IN ORDER TO HELP THE POLICE ACHIEVE THIS TARGET, THE GOVERNMENT HAD ESTABLISHED A REVIEW TEAM UNDER THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, AND WITH REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE POLICE, FINANCE BRANCH AND SECURITY BRANCH, TO EXAMINE THE CAUSES OF RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION DIFFICULTIES IN THE FORCE AND TO RECOMMEND SOLUTIONS.
"WE EXPECT THE REPORT TO BE AVAILABLE BY THE MIDDLE OF THIS MONTH," HE SAID.
"WE WILL SEEK TO IMPLEMENT AS QUICKLY AS WE CAN ANY RECOMMENDATIONS, SEEKING THE ADVICE WHERE NECESSARY FOR THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON DISCIPLINED SERVICES SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE," HE ADDED.
- - 0 - -
$300M MORE TO MAKE QUALITATIVE IMPROVEMENTS IN SCHOOLS SECTOR ******
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO ALLOCATE AN ADDITIONAL $300 MILLION TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION IN THE SCHOOLS SECTOR OVER THE NEXT THREE YEARS, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, SAID.
SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1992 AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), MR CHAN ANNOUNCED THAT THIS NEW ALLOCATION WOULD ENABLE A COMPREHENSIVE PACKAGE OF IMPROVEMENTS, INCLUDING ALL NEW POLICIES ARISING FROM THE EDUCATION COMMISSION’S REPORT NO. 4 (ECR4), TO PROCEED IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR OR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE THEREAFTER.
THE PACKAGE WILL COST $400 MILLION OVER THE NEXT THREE YEARS.
MR CHAN IS CONFIDENT THAT THE INJECTION OF FRESH FUNDS, COUPLED WITH ALLOCATIONS IN THE BUDGET AND FURTHER REDEPLOYMENT OF EXISTING RESOURCES, WILL MEET THE NEEDS OF QUALITATIVE IMPROVEMENTS IDENTIFIED THUS FAR.
THE IMPROVEMENTS ARISING FROM ECR4 INCLUDE THE NEW POLICY ON THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION IN SCHOOLS, THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE, THE SETTING OF ATTAINMENT TARGETS AND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF RELATED ASSESSMENTS.
ALSO INCLUDED ARE THE PROVISION OF STUDENT GUIDANCE TEACHERS UNDER THE WHOLE SCHOOL APPROACH, THE ENHANCEMENT OF SCHOOL-BASED COUNSELLING SUPPORT IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS, VARIOUS LANGUAGE BRIDGING COURSES, THE PROVISION OF SKILLS OPPORTUNITY SCHOOLS, INCREASED USE OF THE ACTIVITY APPROACH, PROGRAMMES FOR THE ACADEMICALLY GIFTED AND PILOT SCHEMES TO FACILITATE TRANSFERS TO PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS.
/REFERRING TO
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1992
- 17 -
REFERRING TO THE ONLY OUTSTANDING ITEM IN ECR4, MR CHAN SAID: "WE HAVE NOT YET TAKEN A VIEW ON THE RECOMMENDATION ON MIXED-MODE PRIMARY SCHOOLING, BUT I EXPECT A DECISION TO BE MADE SOON."
MR CHAN SAID THE ADDITIONAL ALLOCATION OF $300 MILLION HAI) BEEN MADE POSSIBLE BY NEW STUDENT NUMBER PROJECTIONS FOR THE TERTIARY SECTOR.
"WHEN THE GOVERNMENT DECIDED IN 1989 TO PROVIDE FIRST-YEAR, FIRST-DEGREE PLACES FOR AT LEAST 18 PER CENT OF THE 17-20 AGE GROUP BY 1994-95, THE TARGET TRANSLATED INTO APPROXIMATELY 15,000 PLACES ON THE BASIS OF POPULATION PROJECTIONS AVAILABLE AT THE TIME. FUNDING HAS THEREFORE BEEN PROVIDED FOR THIS NUMBER," HE EXPLAINED.
"WE NOW KNOW FROM THE 1991 CENSUS THAT THERE WILL BE FEWER STUDENTS IN THE RELEVANT AGE GROUP. IT HAS THEREFORE BEEN POSSIBLE TO REVISE THE PROVISION TO 14,500 FIRST-YEAR, FIRST-DEGREE PLACES BY 1994-95, WITH RESULTANT SAVINGS, AND STILL MEET THE 18 PER CENT TARGET.
"AFTER CONSULTING THE CHAIRMAN OF THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE (UPGC), WHO HAS IN TURN DISCUSSED WITH THE HEADS OF THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS, IT HAS NOW BEEN CONFIRMED THAT $300 MILLION OUT OF THE $18.2 BILLION PREVIOUSLY ALLOCATED TO THE UPGC CAN BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR RE-ALLOCATION.
"THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAS MOST HELPFULLY AGREED THAT THESE FUNDS SHOULD BE DEPLOYED IN THEIR ENTIRETY TO THE SCHOOLS SECTOR," HE SAID.
ON CONCERNS EXPRESSED BY COUNCIL MEMBERS ON EDUCATION FUNDING PROVIDED WITHIN THE DRAFT ESTIMATE FOR 1992-93, MR CHAN REFUTED CLAIMS THAT THERE HAD BEEN ANY CUT-BACK IN EXPENDITURE.
THE PROPOSED OVERALL ALLOCATION FOR 1992-93 IS FIVE PER CENT ABOVE THE REVISED ESTIMATE FOR 1991-92. THIS INCREASE IS IN LINE WITH GDP GROWTH AND DOES NOT AS YET TAKE INTO ACCOUNT POSSIBLE SALARY ADJUSTMENTS IN 1992-93.
THERE IS AN INCREASE OF 1.5 PER CENT IN THE ALLOCATION TO THE SCHOOLS SECTOR. THIS INCREASE DOES NOT EVEN TELL THE WHOLE STORY.
FOR EXAMPLE, SOME FUNDING EARMARKED SEPARATELY FOR IMPLEMENTING TWO KEY RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE ECR4 HAS YET TO BE CAPTURED UNDER HEAD 40 : EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WHILE SOME PROVISION HAS BEEN TAKEN OUT OF HEAD 40 AND TRANSFERRED TO HEAD 190 : UPGC, UPON THE UPGRADING OF LINGNAN COLLEGE TO A DEGREE GRANTING INSTITUTION.
ANOTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTOR IS AN EXPECTED DECLINE OF 2.4 PER CENT IN PRIMARY SCHOOL ENROLMENT DUE TO POPULATION CHANGE AND THUS RESULTING IN REDUCED EXPENDITURE.
/ON THE ........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1992
- 18 -
ON THE WITHDRAWAL OF THE REPEATER ALLOWANCE, MR CHAN CONFIRMED
THE GOVERNMENT’S DECISION TO EXCLUDE SECONDARY 4 FROM THE NEW ARRANGEMENT, IN ORDER TO REMOVE ANY UNCERTAINTY FACING PARENTS AND PUPILS AT THE POINT OF ENTRY INTO SENIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION.
HE REITERATED THE NEED TO RETAIN THE ARRANGEMENT AT PRIMARY 1 AND SECONDARY 1 IN ORDER TO COMPLY WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S BUDGETARY GUIDELINE OF MAINTAINING A BALANCE BETWEEN THE GROWTH IN PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE AND THE RATE OF ECONOMIC GROWTH.
"WE RECOGNISE THAT THE MEASURE WOULD, IN SOME CASES, LEAD TO MARGINAL INCREASES IN CLASS SIZES, BUT WE HAVE TAKEN GREAT CARE TO MINIMISE THE EFFECT UPON THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION," MR CHAN SAID.
"WE HAVE RESPONDED TO SUGGESTIONS FROM THE EDUCATION COMMUNITY BY EXEMPTING SCHOOLS HAVING A HIGH PROPORTION OF BAND 5 PUPILS FROM THE NEW MEASURE, IN RECOGNITION OF THE HEAVY BURDEN BORNE BY TEACHERS WORKING IN THESE SCHOOLS.
"WE HAVE ALSO GIVEN AN UNDERTAKING THAT THE REPEATER ALLOWANCE WILL BE RESTORED IN FULL BY THE FIFTH YEAR, WHEN THE PROJECTED DECLINE IN ENROLMENT WILL ALLOW SMALLER CLASSES TO BE OPERATED," HE ADDED.
AT PRESENT, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION ALLOCATES 38 PUPILS TO EACH CLASS OF 40, ALLOWING THE SCHOOLS THEMSELVES TO USE THE REMAINING TWO PLACES TO ACCOMMODATE REPEATERS IF THEY SO WISH.
BECAUSE NOT ALL SCHOOLS EXERCISE THIS DISCRETION IN FULL, AND BECAUSE THERE IS SOME "WASTAGE" OF PUPILS IN THE COURSE OF THE SCHOOL YEAR, A FAIR PROPORTION OF CLASSES AT PRIMARY 1 AND SECONDARY 1 ACTUALLY HAVE LESS THAN 40 PUPILS.
IN FACT, 40 PER CENT OF PRIMARY 1 AND 20 PER CENT OF SECONDARY 1 CLASSES HAVE 38 PUPILS OR LESS.
THE WITHDRAWAL OF THE REPEATER ALLOWANCE WILL MEAN THAT THE DIRECTOR WILL, WITH EFFECT FROM THIS YEAR, ALLOCATE 40 PUPILS TO EACH CLASS.
THIS MEASURE WILL HAVE NO REAL EFFECT ON THOSE CLASSES WHICH HAVE 38 PUPILS OR LESS. THE EFFECT ON THE OTHER CLASSES WILL DEPEND ON THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE SCHOOLS THEMSELVES FIND IT NECESSARY TO ACCOMMODATE REPEATERS, BUT WILL IN ANY CASE BE MARGINAL AND LIKELY TO DISSIPATE OVER TIME DUE TO "WASTAGE".
MR CHAN EMPHASISED THAT THE REDUCTION IN THE NUMBER OF CLASSES RESULTING FROM THE WITHDRAWAL OF THE REPEATER ALLOWANCE WOULD NOT LEAD TO ANY STAFF REDUNDANCY, BECAUSE THERE WOULD BE SUFFICIENT ROOM IN THE OVERALL SUPPLY AND DEMAND FOR TEACHERS TO ACCOMMODATE EVERYONE.
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/19 ........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1992
- 19 -
GOVERNMENT TO CONSIDER HOUSING NEED OF SANDWICH CLASS
*****
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO CONSIDER IN THE COMING MONTHS WHAT FURTHER MEASURES MIGHT BE TAKEN TO ASSIST THOSE IN THE SANDWICH CLASS WHO ARE NEITHER ELIGIBLE FOR AIDED HOUSING NOR ABLE TO BUY THEIR OWN HOMES.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR A.G. EASON AT THE RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR EASON SAID THE STUDY OF HOUSING-RELATED PROBLEM OF THE SANDWICH CLASS WOULD BE CONDUCTED URGENTLY WITH THE AIM OF REACHING CONCLUSIONS IN SIX MONTHS.
THE STUDY MIGHT INVOLVE REVIEWING ELIGIBILITY FOR AND INCREASING PRODUCTION UNDER THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME (HOS) INCLUDING THE PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME; REVIVING THE CONCEPT OF MIDDLE-INCOME HOUSING; OR PERHAPS THE HOUSING AUTHORITY BUILDING BETTER CLASS FLATS FOR SALE ON A COMMERCIAL BASIS TO HOUSEHOLDS WITH INCOMES BETWEEN $18,000 AND $40,000 PER MONTH.
HE SAID THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S DECISION TO RAISE THE HOS INCOME LIMIT IN STEPS WITH GREATER REGARD TO CHANGES IN PRIVATE SECTOR PROPERTY PRICES WAS A SIGNIFICANT STEP IN HELPING THE LOWER SEGMENT OF THE SANDWICH CLASS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT WITH EFFECT FROM TODAY, THE MONTHLY INCOME LIMITE WAS INCREASED TO $18,000.
THE NEW INCOME LIMIT REPRESENTED A 29 PER CENT RISE OVER THAT OF LAST YEAR AND COVERED 78 PER CENT OF HOUSEHOLDS IN HONG KONG, HE ADDED.
MR EASON NOTED THAT THE 1991 CENSUS SHOWED THAT THERE WERE SLIGHTLY MORE THAN 250,000 HOUSEHOLDS WITHIN THE MONTHLY INCOME LIMIT OF $18,000 - $40,000.
OF THESE, ONLY SLIGHTLY MORE THAN 30,000 WERE LIVING IN PRIVATE OR UNAIDED ACCOMMODATION.
THE REST WERE EITHER OWNERS-OCCUPIERS OR LIVING IN ACCOMMODATION WHICH WAS EITHER PROVIDED BY THEIR EMPLOYERS RENT FREE, OR IN PUBLIC AND AIDED RENTAL BLOCKS.
WITH REGARD TO WAYS TO PROTECT THE INTEREST OF GENUINE ASPIRING HOME-BUYERS, MR EASON SAID THERE WERE CLEAR SIGNS THAT THE PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL MARKET HAD COOLED DOWN NOTICEABLY IN RECENT MONTHS AFTER THE GOVERNMENT HAD TAKEN SEVERAL STEPS TO ADDRESS THE PHENOMENON OF SPECULATION AND ITS UNSAVOURY BY-PRODUCTS, SUCH AS UNRULY SCENES ASSOCIATED WITH QUEUING FOR FLAT SALES AND CREATION OF IMMEDIATE SECONDARY MARKETS.
/THE COOLING ......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1992
20
THE COOLING DOWN WAS EVIDENCED BY THE STEADY DECLINE IN THE NUMBER OF PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS FROM A HIGH OF OVER 21,000 UNITS IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR TO JUST OVER 8,000 IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR. THERE WERE ALSO SIGNS OF REDUCING RENTALS IN NEW PROPERTIES.
"BUT THE SITUATION REQUIRES WATCHING AND THE ADMINISTRATION WILL KEEP IN MIND THE POSSIBLE NEED TO BRING FORWARD OTHER MEASURES -INCLUDING, IF NECESSARY, FURTHER LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS TO STRENGTHEN THE RECENTLY INTRODUCED STAMP DUTY (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE OR TO CONTROL DAMAGING SPECULATIVE ACTIVITY IN THE SALE OF UNCOMPLETED RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES," MR EASON SAID.
ON SUPPLY OF RESIDENTIAL FLATS, HE NOTED THAT BETWEEN NOVEMBER 1991 AND FEBRUARY 1992, CONSENT TO FORWARD SALES HAD BEEN GIVEN FOR OVER 4,200 RESIDENTIAL UNITS IN UNCOMPLETED DEVELOPMENTS.
APPLICATIONS WERE BEING PROCESSED FOR THE FORWARD SALE OF ANOTHER 14,000 UNITS.
AS FOR COMPLETED PRIVATE FLATS, MR EASON SAID, OF THE 33,400 COMPLETED IN 1991, 18,300 OR 55 PER CENT REMAINED VACANT AT THE END OF THE YEAR.
"IT IS ESTIMATED THAT IN 1992 AND 1993 AROUND 68,000 PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL FLATS WILL BE COMPLETED; SO THE ANNUAL AVERAGE WILL BE THE HIGHEST ACHIEVED IN THE FIVE-YEAR PERIOD 1989-1993," HE SAID.
REGARDING THE SUPPLY OF LAND, MR EASON SAID AN ADDITIONAL 5.9 HECTARES OF LAND FOR RESIDENTIAL USE WAS INCLUDED IN THE LAND DISPOSAL PROGRAMME IN 1991-92 AND THE LAND COMMISSION HAD JUST AGREED TO THE DISPOSAL OF 25.22 HECTARES OF LAND FOR COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL AND RESIDENTIAL USE IN 1992-93, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 6.93 HECTARES OVER THE 1991-92 LAND DISPOSAL PROGRAMME.
"IN ADDITION, ANOTHER FIVE HECTARES OF LAND HAS BEEN PUT IN RESERVE IN THIS YEAR’S PROGRAMME, WHICH COULD BE RELEASED LATER ON IN THE YEAR SUBJECT TO A REVIEW BY THE LAND COMMISSION," MR EASON ADDED.
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COMMITMENTS TO HEALTH AND WELFARE OF COMMUNITY REAFFIRMED
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) REAFFIRMED GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENTS TO THE HEALTH AND WELFARE OF THE COMMUNITY.
"OUR TRACK RECORDS TESTIFY TO THIS,” SHE STATED, "WE CARE ABOUT THE NEEDY, BY WHICH DEFINITION WE MEAN ALL THOSE IN NEED, INCLUDING THE SO-CALLED SANDWICH CLASS."
MRS WONG GAVE THE ASSURANCE WHILE SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1992 AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
/CITING STATISTICS .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1992
- 21 -
CITING STATISTICS, SHE SAID EXPENDITURE ON HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES HAD MORE THAN DOUBLED OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS - FROM $8.2 BILLION IN 1987-88 TO $18.4 BILLION IN 1991-92.
IN REAL TERMS, THIS REPRESENTS AN OVERALL INCREASE OF 42 PER CENT OVER A FIVE-YEAR PERIOD OR AN AVERAGE ANNUAL GROWTH RATE OF 9.2 PER CENT PER ANNUM.
FOR 1992-93, A SUM OF $22.56 BILLION HAS BEEN SOUGHT - UP $4.16 BILLION OR 23 PER CENT FROM LAST YEAR’S REVISED ESTIMATE.
"THIS WOULD ENABLE US TO CONTINUE WITH THE SIGNIFICANT GROWTH SUSTAINED OVER THE YEARS AND ACHIEVE THE GOALS WE HAVE SET FOR THE COMING YEAR," SHE SAID.
MRS WONG ALSO CLARIFIED A MISUNDERSTANDING OVER THE INCLUSION OF THE ONCOST FOR STAFF UNDER THE MEDICAL SERVICES EXPENDITURE FOR 1992-93.
SHE EXPLAINED THAT THE COST OF STAFF WORKING IN THE HOSPITAL SYSTEM MUST BE PART OF THE COST OF THE SERVICE.
"THEY ARE COSTS WHICH WE CANNOT PRETEND NOT TO EXIST. THE REAL INCREASE IN RECURRENT EXPENDITURE IS STILL 9.4 PER CENT AS I REPORTEb AT THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE," SHE ADDED.
TURNING TO CALLS FOR BETTER SUPERVISION AND SCRUTINY OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY’S (HA) OPERATIONS AND EXPENDITURE, SHE SAID THE LAW PROVIDED THE HA WITH AUTONOMY IN OPERATION AND FLEXIBILITY IN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT.
IT ALSO PROVIDES FOR EXTENSIVE MONITORING OF HA’S EXPENDITURE AND ACTIVITIES AT VARIOUS LEVELS AND BY DIFFERENT MEANS.
FOR EXAMPLE, THERE ARE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN MANAGEMENT, EXAMINATION BY THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT, SCRUTINY BY THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE, REGULAR CHECKS BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND ITS PANELS, AS WELL AS MONITORING BY A FREE AND LIVELY PRESS.
"THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY IS CLEARLY UNDER CLOSE SCRUTINY AT BOTH THE MICRO AND MACRO LEVELS.
"1 SUGGEST LET IT GET ON WITH ITS MISSION. AND I SUGGEST LET US GIVE IT TIME TO PROVE IT WORTH," SHE SAID.
ON PRIMARY HEALTH CARE REFORMS, MRS WONG NOTED THAT A PILOT DISTRICT HEALTH SYSTEM HAS BEEN INAUGURATED IN KWUN TONG ENTAILING THE INTRODUCTION OF INDIVIDUAL MEDICAL RECORDS IN 20 GENERAL OUT-PATIENT DEPARTMENT CLINICS, AN APPOINTMENT SYSTEM FOR CHRONIC PATIENTS IN 39 CLINICS, HEALTH EDUCATION TALKS ON CHRONIC DISEASES IN 36 CLINICS, AND DRUG LABELLING IN VIRTUALLY ALL CLINICS.
/IN ADDITION .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1992
22
IN ADDITION, NEW CLINICS WILL BE OPENED AND THE HEPATITIS B IMMUNISATION PROGRAMME EXTENDED TO ALL PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN. A LARGE-SCALE ORAL HEALTH EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMME FOR PRE-SCHOOLERS WILL BE ■STARTED WHILE HEALTH PROMOTION ACTIVITIES WITH AN EMPHASIS ON HEALTHY LIFE-STYLE WILL BE ENHANCED WITH AN OBJECTIVE TO ACHIEVE HEALTH FOR ALL BY THE YEAR 2000.
PREPARATIONS ARE ALSO IN HAND FOR THE SETTING UP OF A PILOT WELL WOMAN CLINIC AND THE STUDENT HEALTH SERVICE AS WELL AS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A TRAINING AND EDUCATION CENTRE FOR DOCTORS IN FAMILY MEDICINE AND A NEW PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING SCHOOL FOR NURSES.
FAR FROM LAGGING BEHIND, SHE POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG SHOULD BE PROUD OF ITS EFFORTS BECAUSE "WE HAVE GOOD HEALTH INDICES WHICH COMPARE FAVOURABLY WITH THOSE OF ADVANCED COUNTRIES".
TURNING TO SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS WONG SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS COMMITTED TO IMPROVING SERVICES FOR ALL GROUPS: THE OLD, THE YOUNG, THE HANDICAPPED AND THE MORE VULNERABLE GROUPS IN THE COMMUNITY.
MANY OF THE REFORMS CONTAINED IN THE WHITE PAPER ON SOCIAL WELFARE INTO THE 1990’S AND BEYOND PUBLISHED LAST YEAR ARE UNDERWAY ,AND WILL CONTINUE IN 1992-93.
ON THE CONCERN OF MEMBERS ABOUT THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME, MRS WONG SAID THE PRINCIPLES OF THE SCHEME HAD ALSO BEEN DEVELOPED AND REFINED OVER THE YEARS AND REAFFIRMED LAST YEAR WHEN THE SOCIAL WELFARE POLICIES WERE EXAMINED.
"THE PAYMENTS, WHICH INCLUDE NOT ONLY THE BASIC RATES BUT ALSO A VARIETY OF SUPPLEMENTS, ARE DESIGNED TO BE RESPONSIVE TO INDIVIDUAL NEEDS.
"WE SHOULD HAVE DUE REGARD TO THE SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS, IN CONTINUING TO BE ALIVE TO THE CHANGING SOCIETAL NEEDS AND KEEPING IMPLICATIONS FOR OUR SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEMES UNDER CONSTANT REVIEW," SHE SAID.
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SECURITY MEASURES FOR HIGH RISK PREMISES UNDER REVIEW
******
THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED TO RE-EXAMINE THE QUESTION OF SECURITY MEASURES FOR HIGH RISK PREMISES IN THE LIGHT OF THE RECENT RISE IN ARMED ROBBERIES IN GOLDSMITH AND JEWELLERY SHOPS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, ASPREY, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON J.D. THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR ALISTAIR
MCGREGOR AT
/MR ASPREY .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1992
23
MR ASPREY SAID THE POLICE HAD STARTED WORK TO REVIEW, INTER ALIA, A PROPOSAL TO ISSUE CERTIFICATES OF SECURITY FOR HIGH RISK PREMISES.
"THE MATTER WILL BE CONSIDERED BY THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE AT ITS NEXT MEETING AT THE END OF APRIL," HE SAID.
MR ASPREY SAID THE QUESTION OF SECURITY MEASURES FOR HIGH RISK PREMISES WAS EXAMINED THOROUGHLY BY THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE IN 1984.
HE NOTED THAT THE COMMITTEE CONCLUDED THAT, WHILE IT WAS NECESSARY TO ENSURE THAT SUCH PREMISES HAD ADEQUATE SECURITY MEASURES, LEGISLATION MIGHT NOT BE THE BEST WAY TO ACHIEVE THIS.
IT RECOMMENDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONTINUE TO LIAISE WITH THE GOLDSMITH AND JEWELLERY TRADE ASSOCIATIONS TO GIVE THEM ADVICE AND TO SEEK THEIR CO-OPERATION IN TAKING ADEQUATE SECURITY MEASURES.
HE SAID THE ADMINISTRATION SUPPORTED THE COMMITTEE’S VIEWS AT THAT TIME.
--------0-----------
HK HAS BETTER POLICE TO POPULATION RATTO
******
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT HONG KONG COMPARES FAVOURABLY WITH OTHER MAJOR CITIES IN TERMS OF THE RATIO OF POLICE OFFICERS TO POPULATION.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON EMILY LAU AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR ASPREY POINTED OUT THAT THE FIGURES WERE NOT ENTIRELY COMPARABLE BECAUSE IN HONG KONG, THE POLICE FORCE HAD RESPONSIBILITIES WHICH THE POLICE FORCES IN OTHER CITIES DID NOT.
A SUBSTANTIAL MARINE POLICE COMMITMENT AND ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION DUTIES ON THE BORDER WERE EXAMPLES.
THE RATIO OF TOTAL POLICE STRENGTH PER 100,000 POPULATION IN HONG KONG FROM 1989 TO 1991 COMPARED WITH OTHER CITIES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
1989 1990 1991
HONG KONG 474.0 469.6 455.6
LONDON N/A 402.5 N/A
TOKYO 347.2 ‘ 1 > ftp ! M J 34 9 . 1 N/A
SINGAPORE rwi’i/ >') . 1 . J AV 262.6 id . • } 1 •H/- z i j N/A » * »» i • f- : • ’ • ! N/A
N/A: NOT AVAILABLE
/MR ASPREY .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1992
24
MR ASPREY EXPLAINED THAT THE SLIGHT DECREASE IN 1990 AND 1991 COULD BE ATTRIBUTED TO DIFFICULTIES IN RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION OF JUNIOR POLICE OFFICERS.
IN RECENT MONTHS HOWEVER BOTH RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION HAD IMPROVED.
AS A RESULT, AT THE BEGINNING OF 1992, THE RATIO STOOD AT 459.6, MR ASPREY NOTED.
I HOPE THAT THIS TREND CONTINUES,” HE SAID.
THE SECRETARY SAID IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO QUANTIFY THE EFFECT OF THESE SMALL CHANGES ON THE LAW AND ORDER SITUATION ADDING THAT THE POLICE PRESENCE ON THE STREETS WAS AN IMPORTANT FACTOR IN THE PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF CRIME.
MR ASPREY STRESSED THAT EVERY EFFORT HAD BEEN MADE TO MAINTAIN THE LEVEL OF POLICE PRESENCE ON THE STREETS THROUGH REDEPLOYMENT, INCREASED USE OF THE AUXILIARY POLICE, AND THE RELIEVING OF THE POLICE FORCE RESPONSIBILITY FOR MANAGING THE HIGH ISLAND DETENTION CENTRE.
- - 0 - -
AIRPORT PROJECT TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER EXPLAINED
*****
THE MAIN OBJECTIVE IN MANAGING THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE AIRPORT CORE PROJECT (ACP) IS TO ENSURE THAT THESE PROJECTS ARE CARRIED OUT IN THE MOST COST-EFFECTIVE MANNER, ON TIME AND WITHIN BUDGET.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON RONALD ARCULLI AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
HE SAID WITHIN THESE CONSTRAINTS, THE GOVERNMENT WAS SUPPORTIVE OF • THE OBJECTIVE OF ENCOURAGING TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER TO LOCAL PROFESSIONALS AND CONTRACTORS.
THE GOVERNMENT WAS MINDFUL OF THE UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY THE PROGRAMME PRESENTS FOR FOSTERING THE TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGY AND TECHNIQUES TO HONG KONG ENTERPRISES, HE ADDED.
MR BLAKE POINTED OUT THAT TRANSFER COULD AND WOULD TAKE PLACE IN A VARIETY OF WAYS SUCH AS RECRUITMENT OF LOCAL PROFESSIONALS TO SPECIALIST COMPANIES, THE DISSEMINATION OF MODERN PROJECT MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES THROUGHOUT THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AND THE INTRODUCTION OF A VARIETY OF NEW CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES.
HE SAID THERE WAS A WIDE RANGE OF PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE WHICH THE ACP WOULD REQUIRE IN PLANNING, FINANCING, DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF THE PROJECTS.
/"WHILST HONG
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1992
- 25 -
’’WHILST HONG KONG ALREADY POSSESSES MUCH EXPERTISE IN ALL THESE FIELDS THE OPPORTUNITIES WHICH THE ACP WILL PRESENT FOR PROFESSIONALS TO BE EXPOSED TO A WIDER RANGE OF TECHNIQUES AND SYSTEMS WILL UNDOUBTEDLY BE OF LONG-TERM BENEFIT TO BOTH THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS.
’’MANY SPECIALIST SEMINARS AND PRESENTATIONS HAVE ALREADY BEEN MADE IN BOTH GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE SERVICE WHOSE WORK IS RELATED TO THE ACP AND THE PACE OF THESE WILL INCREASE AS THE PROGRAMME GETS INTO FULL SWING,” THE SECRETARY SAID.
MR BLAKE SAID THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS COORDINATION OFFICE ALLOWED FOR AN EFFECTIVE UTILISATION OF BOTH THE LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE OF THE GOVERNMENT AND CONSULTANT STAFF.
"IT ALSO ENABLES AN EFFICIENT TRANSFER TO GOVERNMENT PERSONNEL OF EXPERIENCE AND TECHNIQUES IN MANAGING LARGE-SCALE PROJECTS, PARTICULARLY IN THE AREAS OF PROGRAMMING, COST CONTROL AND PROJECT ADMINISTRATION.
"THIS PROJECT MANAGEMENT GROUP WILL IN TURN DISSEMINATE MANAGEMENT CONTROLS WIDELY THROUGHOUT ALL PROGRAMME AREAS AND THE RELEVANT CONTROLLING DEPARTMENTS.
"THESE CONTROLS COVER BOTH COST AND TIME, INCLUDING RISK AND CONTINGENCY MANAGEMENT,” MR BLAKE SAID.
ALONGSIDE THE AIRPORT-RELATED PROJECTS, HE SAID WORKS BRANCH WAS CO-ORDINATING INITIATIVES, WHICH WOULD RESULT IN THE RELEVANT ELEMENTS OF THE SPECIAL ACP CONTROLS, BEING USED FOR PROJECTS WITHIN THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME.
THE SECRETARY SAID ACP PROJECTS WERE ATTRACTING WORLD RENOWNED CIVIL ENGINEERING CONTRACTORS.
IN ORDER TO MEET VERY EXACTING RISK AND PROGRAMME CONTROL OBLIGATIONS, CONTRACTORS WILL NEED TO MAXIMISE THE USE OF THE LATEST CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES REQUIRING THE DEPLOYMENT OF LARGE AND, IN SOME CASES, HIGHLY SPECIALISED CONSTRUCTION PLANT.
SUCCESSFUL INTERNATIONAL JOINT VENTURES HOWEVER DEMAND A KNOWLEDGE OF CONDITIONS AND THE CONSTRUCTION RESOURCES AVAILABLE IN HONG KONG.
"THIS LEADS TO STRONG LINKS WITH LOCAL ENTERPRISES OR THE INCLUSION OF A LOCAL PARTNER IN THE JOINT VENTURE.
"CONSTRUCTION EXPERTISE WILL ALSO BE TRANSFERRED TO LOCAL INDUSTRY BY MEANS OF SUB-CONTRACTING, AND THE DIRECT EMPLOYMENT OF LOCAL STAFF AND WORKERS,” MR BLAKE SAID.
/HE NOTED .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1992
- 26 -
HE NOTED THAT INFORMATION.WAS AVAILABLE TO THE GOVERNMENT ON THE LOCAL EXPERIENCE OF STAFF TO BE EMPLOYED AT SENIOR MANAGEMENT LEVELS IN THE ORGANISATIONS SEEKING TO BE AWARDED ACP CONTRACTS.
"THIS IS TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT WHEN ASSESSING TENDERS, TO ASSIST IN DETERMINING A CONTRACTOR’S EXPERIENCE AND MANAGEMENT CAPABILITY TO UNDERTAKE THE WORKS.
"THERE IS NO SPECIFIC REQUIREMENT FOR THEM TO RETAIN SENIOR LOCAL MANAGEMENT, EVEN THOUGH MANY DO SO.
"SIMILARLY, CONSULTANTS ESTABLISHED IN HONG KONG FOR A CONSIDERABLE NUMBER OF YEARS AND WHO ARE SUCCESSFUL IN UNDERTAKING GOVERNMENT CONSULTANCIES HAVE LOCAL PROFESSIONALS IN SENIOR POSITIONS WITHIN THEIR ORGANISATION," HE SAID.
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FULL DEVELOPMENT OF TSEUNG KWAN O - 2011 ******
FULL DEVELOPMENT OF TSEUNG KWAN O IS NOT LIKELY TO BE ACHIEVED UNTIL 2011, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR A.G. EASON, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON GILBERT LEUNG KAM-HO, MR EASON SAID IN THE TSEUNG KWAN O TOWN PLAN ABOUT 10 HA OF LAND WERE ZONED FOR COMMERCIAL USE AND 232 HA FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF INDUSTRIAL USE.
ABOUT 44 HA ARE RESERVED FOR COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL USE.
HE SAID IN THE PROVISIONAL LAND SALES PROGRAMME FOR 1992/93, TWO COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL SITES TOTALLING FIVE-AND-A-HALF HA WERE SCHEDULED FOR SALE BY LETTER A/B TENDER.
MR EASON SAID FURTHER COMMERCIAL AND COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL SITES WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE FOR SALE IN SUBSEQUENT YEARS.
INDUSTRIAL LAND WOULD BE AVAILABLE FOR DISPOSAL FROM 1993/94 ONWARDS.
"DEVELOPMENT OF THE TWO COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL SITES TO BE DISPOSED OF IN 1992/93 IS ESTIMATED TO PRODUCE A TOTAL COMMERCIAL FLOOR SPACE OF ABOUT 100,000 SQUARE METRES IN 1996 OR 1997.
"A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF JOBS IN THE WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND SERVICES SECTOR WILL BE PROVIDED BUT THE ACTUAL NUMBER CANNOT BE PREDICTED ACCURATELY AS IT DEPENDS ON THE TYPES OF ESTABLISHMENTS WHICH OCCUPY THESE COMMERCIAL AREAS," HE ADDED.
/THE SECRETARY .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1992
27
THE SECRETARY SAID IT WAS ESTIMATED THAT 52,000 EMPLOYMENT PLACES WOULD BE PROVIDED IN THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR IN TSEUNG KWAN O ULTIMATELY.
MR EASON STRESSED THAT STATISTICS ON PROJECTED ANNUAL SHORTFALLS OF JOB OPPORTUNITIES AS COMPARED WITH THE WORKING POPULATION FROM NOW TO 2004 WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
A PREDICTED SHORTFALL OF ABOUT 40,000 EMPLOYMENT PLACES IN 1996 AND OF 80,000 IN 2001 MUST BE VIEWED IN THE CONTEXT OF TSEUNG KWAN O’S PROXIMITY TO THE MAIN URBAN AREAS, PARTICULARLY KWUN TONG, AND THE RELATIVE CASE WITH WHICH COMMUTING WOULD BE POSSIBLE THROUGH THE ROAD TUNNEL, HE ADDED.
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HUNG HOM BAY RECLAMATION LAND USE OUTLINED
******
THE HUNG HOM BAY RECLAMATION WOULD PROVIDE 36.38 HECTARES OF LAND FOR COMMERCIAL, RESIDENTIAL, RECREATIONAL AND GOVERNMENT, INSTITUTION AND COMMUNITY USES.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR A.G. EASON, AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN HIS WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON SAMUEL WONG PING-WAI.
THE PRESENT LAND USE PROPOSALS FOR THE RECLAMATION AREA INCLUDE 8.41 HECTARES (23.12 PER CENT) FOR ROADS, AND 8.20 HECTARES (22.54 PER CENT) FOR RESIDENTIAL ZONE 1 AND COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT AREA.
LAND FOR GOVERNMENT, INSTITUTION AND COMMUNITY USE WILL OCCUPY 3.70 HECTARES (10.17 PER CENT) WHEREAS THAT FOR COMMERCIAL USE WILL BE 3.26 HECTARES (8.96 PER CENT).
ALSO, .7.56 HECTARES WILL BE USED FOR OPEN SPACE AND AMENITY AREA. THE REMAINING 5.25 HECTARES WILL BE RESERVED FOR OTHER SPECIFIED USES WHICH INCLUDE A FIVE-HECTARE FREIGHTYARD EXPANSION FOR KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION (KCRC) WITH COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT ON THE PODIUM.
"RECLAMATION WORK IS IN HAND AND IS SCHEDULED TO BE COMPLETED AROUND LATE 1994," MR EASON SAID.
"IT IS ESTIMATED THAT THE POPULATION IN THE AREA UPON FULL DEVELOPMENT WILL BE ABOUT 18,000," HE ADDED.
HE NOTED THAT THE LAND USE BUDGET MIGHT HAVE TO BE AMENDED TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF NEW PROPOSALS SUCH AS THE KOWLOON SKY RAIL AND ITS DEPOT.
/ON THE ........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1992
28
ON THE RECLAMATION AREA’S TRANSPORT LINKS, MR EASON SAID THE PROPOSED HUNG HOM BYPASS AND PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD LINK WOULD PROVIDE A DIRECT LINK FROM HUNG HOM BAY RECLAMATION TO PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD AND SALISBURY ROAD.
’’THE LINK WILL ALSO CONNECT WITH CHATHAM ROAD AND WITH CHEONG WAN ROAD AT THE KCRC PODIUM AND, THEREFORE, GREATLY IMPROVE ACCESS TO THE KCR TERMINAL AND HONG KONG COLISEUM,” MR EASON SAID.
THE PRELIMINARY DESIGN STUDY FOR THE PROJECT WILL SOON BE COMPLETED AND DETAILED DESIGN WILL START LATER THIS YEAR.
"CONSTRUCTION IS DUE TO START IN EARLY 1995 FOR COMPLETION IN EARLY 1998 SO AS TO TIE IN WITH DEVELOPMENT ON THE RECLAMATION," MR EASON SAID.
PRIORITY GIVEN TO NEW BUS ROUTES TO SERVE NEW TOWNS
******
THE GOVERNMENT ALWAYS GIVES PRIORITY TO ACCOMMODATING NEW BUS ROUTES FROM THE NEW TOWNS WHERE THERE IS A DEMONSTRABLE PASSENGER DEMAND WHICH COULD NOT BE MET BY ALTERNATIVE PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON EMILY LAU IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN THE PAST THREE YEARS, OF THE 55 NEW BUS ROUTES INTRODUCED BY KOWLOON MOTOR BUS CO (KMB), 34 PROVIDED REGULAR SERVICES LINKING THE NEW TOWNS WITH THE URBAN CENTRES.
OVER THE NEXT 12 MONTHS, KMB PLANS TO INTRODUCE EIGHT NEW BUS ROUTES FROM THE NEW TOWNS TO THE URBAN CENTRES, OF WHICH HALF WILL TERMINATE AT YAU-TSIM OR CENTRAL.
IN ADDITION, DEMAND IS ALSO MET PARTLY BY RESIDENTIAL COACH SERVICES WHICH SUPPLEMENT FRANCHISED BUSES DURING RUSH HOURS BUT DO NOT TAKE UP TERMINAL SPACE.
IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS, 29 RESIDENTIAL COACH ROUTES HAD BEEN INTRODUCED TO CARRY NEW TOWN RESIDENTS DIRECT TO THE URBAN CENTRES. OF THESE ROUTES, 12 OF THEM PENETRATED YAU-TSIM AND CENTRAL.
MR LEUNG SAID ADDITIONAL OFF-STREET BUS TERMINAL FACILITIES WERE BEING PLANNED, INCLUDING A NEW BUS TERMINUSAT SCIENCE MUSEUM ROAD IN TSIM SHA TSUI, INTEGRATED TRANSPORT INTERCHANGES ON THE WEST KOWLOON AND CENTRAL RECLAMATIONS, AND POSSIBLE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE MONG KOK KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY TERMINAL COMPLEX.
WHERE NECESSARY, ON-STREET BUS TERMINAL IS ALSO USED TO SUPPLEMENT OFF-STREET TERMINAL FACILITIES.
------0 - - - -
/29......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1992
- 29 -
IN SITU EMPLOYMENT IN NEW TOWNS PURSUED ******
ONE OF THE MAIN CONCEPTS IN THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT OF NEW TOWNS IS TO ACHIEVE A LARGE MEASURE OF ’’SELF-CONTAINMENT”, INCLUDING THE PROVISION OF ADEQUATE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE WORKING POPULATION, PARTICULARLY WITH REGARD TO MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR A.G. EASON, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON GILLERT LEUNG KAM-HO IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR EASON SAID THIS WAS NORMALLY DONE IN THE PLAN-MAKING PROCESS THROUGH THE RESERVATION OF INDUSTRIAL LAND IN ACCORDANCE WITH DESIGN POPULATION.
’’HOWEVER, DUE TO A NUMBER OF REASONS NOT RELATED TO TOWN PLANNING, THE NEW TOWNS ARE TO SOME EXTENT STILL DEPENDENT ON THE OLDER URBAN AREAS FOR EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES,” HE SAID.
IT IS ESTIMATED THAT THE RATE OF ”IN SITU EMPLOYMENT” IS ROUGHLY 50 PER CENT AND THE PERCENTAGE CAN BE EXPECTED TO INCREASE AS NEW TOWNS MATURE.
TO CATER FOR THE NEEDS OF COMMUTING WORKERS, MR EASON SAID THE ADMINISTRATION AIMED TO PROVIDE AN EFFICIENT TRANSPORT NETWORK FOR THE NEW TOWNS.
THIS INCLUDES THE ELECTRIFICATION AND DOUBLE TRACKING OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY (KCR), SEVERAL HIGH CAPACITY HIGHWAYS AND TUNNELS, TO LINK THE NEW TOWNS WITH THE OLDER URBAN AREAS.
A COMPREHENSIVE PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM, INCLUDING BUSES, MINIBUSES, HOVERCRAFT AND FERRY SERVICES, THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY BETWEEN TSUEN WAN AND URBAN AREAS AND THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT BETWEEN TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG HAVE ALSO BEEN PROVIDED.
HE ADDED THAT FURTHER EXTENSIONS TO TIN SHUJ WAI WERE PROPOSED.
”THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES FOR THE NEW TOWNS HAVE ALSO BEEN DEVELOPED IN A MANNER SENSITIVE TO THE DEMAND FOR COMMUTING TO EMPLOYMENT CENTRES IN THE OLDER URBAN AREAS.
’’THERE IS A WELL ESTABLISHED PLANNING MECHANISM UNDER WHICH THE FIVE-YEAR PLANS OF MAJOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT OPERATORS ARE ROLLED FORWARD ANNUALLY AFTER CONSULTATION WITH THE RELEVANT DISTRICT BOARDS,” HE SAID.
ALSO, THE CAPACITY OF THE KCR HAS EXPANDED SUBSTANTIALLY SINCE THE EARLY 80’S TO MEET THE TRAVELLING NEEDS FROM SHA TIN, TAI PO, NORTH DISTRICT AND MORE RECENTLY MA ON SHAN.
/FURTHERMORE, THERE ........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1992
- 30 -
FURTHERMORE, THERE HAS BEEN A SUSTAINED EXPANSION OF RESIDENTIAL COACH SERVICES IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS. THESE SUPPLEMENT FRANCHISED BUS SERVICES DURING RUSH HOURS TAKE NEW TOWN RESIDENTS DIRECT TO THEIR WORK PLACES.
MR EASON SAID EXISTING PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES FOR THE NEW TOWNS WOULD BE FURTHER EXPANDED AND IMPROVED IN THE LIGHT OF CHANGES IN DEMAND ARISING FROM POPULATION RE-DISTRIBUTTON.
OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, FOR INSTANCE, KOWLOON MOTOR BUS CO. PLANS TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF BUSES SERVING THE TSEUNG KWAN 0 NEW TOWN BY 55 PER CENT IN LINE WITH ANTICIPATED POPULATION INTAKE, HE SAID.
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REVIEW RECOMMENDS INCREASE IN COMPENSATION TO DISPLACED TENANTS
*****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS PROPOSED IN A RECENT REVIEW TO INCREASE THE STATUTORY COMPENSATION PAYABLE TO TENANTS DISPOSSESSED ON GROUNDS OF REDEVELOPMENT UNDER PARTS II AND IV OF THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) ORDINANCE.
THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS PROPOSAL IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON JAMES TO.
MR SUEN SAID THE INCREASE WOULD BRING IT IN LINE WITH THE AVERAGE LEVEL BEING OFFERED BY OWNERS IN .’’CONSENT CASES”.
’ HE SAID THE REVIEW HAD CONFIRMED THAT THERE WERE GROUNDS FOR SIMPLIFYING THE CALCULATION PROCESS AND RELATING THE COMPENSATION TO PREVAILING RATEABLE VALUES.
THE REVIEW HAD FOCUSED ON THE DIFFERENT FACTORS WHICH CURRENTLY GOVERNED THE LEVEL OF COMPENSATION WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO THE RELEVANCE OF THE 1983 RATEABLE VALUE WHICH WAS USED AS A BASIS IN THE PRESENT CALCULATION OF COMPENSATION.
"BOTH LANDLORDS AND TENANTS UNDERSTANDABLY HAVE DIFFICULTY IN RELATING THESE HISTORIC RATEABLE VALUES TO CURRENT VALUES.
”IN ADDITION, THERE ARE CONSIDERABLE PROBLEMS IN ASSESSING REMOVAL COSTS AND THE VALUE OF THE LOSS OF FITTINGS WHICH CONSTITUTE THE OTHER CONSIDERATIONS IN THE COMPENSATION CALCULATION,” HE SAID.
HOWEVER, MR SUEN NOTED THAT IT HAD NEVER BEEN THE INTENTION OF THE LEGISLATURE TO RECOMPENSE IN FULL FOR ANY LOSS SUFFERED BY THE TENANTS DISPOSSESSED BY REBUILDING.
/"THE STATUTORY .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1992
31
’’THE STATUTORY COMPENSATION IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE THEM WITH SOME FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO MITIGATE THE HARDSHIP CAUSED BY RELOCATION,” HE SAID.
MR SUEN ALSO POINTED OUT THAT WHERE CIRCUMSTANCES WARRANTED, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT COULD, UPON APPLICATION, RECOMMEND THE ALLOCATION OF PUBLIC HOUSING ON COMPASSIONATE GROUNDS WHERE A DISPOSSESSED TENANT HAD FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES.
TURNING TO THE QUESTION OF REDEVELOPMENT TAX, MR SUEN SAID IT WAS GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO ENCOURAGE REDEVELOPMENT OF PRIVATE PROPERTIES WHERE THIS WOULD RESULT IN AN IMPROVEMENT IN STANDARDS OF ACCOMMODATION AND/OR AN INCREASE IN THE STOCK OF DOMESTIC ACCOMMODATION.
’’THE IMPOSITION OF A REDEVELOPMENT TAX ON DEVELOPERS WOULD TEND TO DISCOURAGE REDEVELOPMENT WITHOUT PROVIDING ANY DIRECT BENEFIT TO THOSE DISPOSSESSED BY SUCH REDEVELOPMENT,” HE SAID.
IN CONCLUSION, MR SUEN SAID THERE WERE EXISTING RESOURCES TO HELP DISPOSSESSED TENANTS WHO HAD FINANCIAL PROBLEMS, ADDING THAT IF THE LEVEL OF STATUTORY COMPENSATION WAS ENHANCED AS PROPOSED, THERE SEEMED TO BE LITTLE JUSTIFICATION IN PROVIDING FURTHER ASSISTANCE.
--------0-----------
ED WILL INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS AGAINST SCHOOLS
******
WHEN A COMPLAINT AGAINST A SCHOOL IS RECEIVED, A VETTING COMMITTEE UNDER THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL EXAMINE TO SEE WHETHER AN INVESTIGATION IS WARRANTED, AND IF IT IS, THE APPROPRIATE DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICER WILL CONDUCT A THOROUGH INVESTIGATION INTO THE
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN HIS WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ERIC LI KA-CHEUNG.
MR CHAN SAID SHOULD THE COMPLAINT BE SUBSTANTIATED, APPROPRIATE ADVICE WOULD BE GIVEN TO THE SCHOOL CONCERNED.
FOLLOW-UP VISITS TO THE SCHOOL WOULD ALSO BE MADE TO ENSURE THAT THE NECESSARY STEPS HAVE BEEN TAKEN TO RECTIFY THE PROBLEM, HE SAID.
ON PUPILS’ HOMEWORK GUIDELINES, HE SAID THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT REGULARLY ISSUED A GENERAL SCHOOLS CURRICULUM CIRCULAR ON ’’HOMEWORK IN SCHOOLS”.
’’WHERE IT IS EVIDENT THAT A SCHOOL IS NOT FOLLOWING THE GUIDELINES, THE SUPERVISOR IS INTERVIEWED AND HIS CO-OPERATION ENLISTED.
/"SCHOOLS HAVE .......
WEDNESDAY / APRIL 1, 1992
- 32 -
’’SCHOOLS HAVE BEEN VERY CO-OPERATIVE AND HAVE RESPONDED IN A POSITIVE MANNER WHEN THEY ARE ADVISED OF PROBLEM AREAS,” HE SAID.
HE ALSO NOTED THAT SINCE 1987, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAD RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 23 COMPLAINTS ABOUT EXCESSIVE SCHOOLWORK, TESTS AND EXAMINATIONS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
FIVE OF THESE COMPLAINTS WERE SUBSTANTIATED IN INVESTIGATIONS, HE SAID.
---------0-----------
APPLICATIONS FOR WAIVERS OF MEDICAL CHARGES TO SIMPLIFY
******
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT (SWD) AND THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ARE DISCUSSING WAYS TO SIMPLIFY THE PROCEDURES FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE RECIPIENTS TO RECEIVE FREE MEDICAL SERVICES AT PUBLIC HOSPITALS AND CLINICS.
ONE POSSIBLE OPTION IS TO PROVIDE FREE MEDICAL CARE TO SUCH RECIPIENTS UPON THE PRODUCTION OF THE ’’CASH ORDER BOOK” ISSUED TO THEM BY THE SWD.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG,. IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LAU CHIN-SHEK AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
AT PRESENT, PUBLIC ASSISTANCE RECIPIENTS VISITING OUT-PATIENT CLINICS WHICH DO NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL SOCIAL SERVICE WILL HAVE TO FIRST APPLY FOR A WAIVER CERTIFICATE FROM A SWD FIELD UNIT.
THE WAIVER CERTIFICATE IS REQUIRED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH FOR AUDIT CONTROL PURPOSE.
MRS WONG POINTED OUT THAT TO SIMPLIFY THE APPLICATION PROCEDURES WOULD SAVE THE RECIPIENTS FROM HAVING TO MAKE AN EXTRA TRIP TO A FIELD UNIT.
DURING THE LAST 12 MONTHS, SOME 87,000 APPLICATIONS FOR WAIVERS OF MEDICAL CHARGES WERE RECEIVED FROM PUBLIC ASSISTANCE RECIPIENTS.
OF THIS NUMBER, ABOUT 50,000 APPLICATIONS WERE HANDLED BY THE SWD AND THE REST WERE DEALT WITH DIRECTLY BY MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKERS AT HOSPITALS AND SPECIALIST CLINICS.
AND OUT OF THE TOTAL APPLICATIONS RECEIVED, ABOUT 65,000 WERE FROM PERSONS AGED 60 AND OVER.
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/33 .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1992
- 33 -
SAN FRANCISCO OFFICE WELL PLACED TO PROMOTE INVESTMENT
******
THE SAN FRANCISCO ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE HELD OVER 240 ON-SITE MEETINGS LAST YEAR WITH COMPANIES IN NINE STATES OF THE U.S. AND ONE CANADIAN PROVINCE TO PROMOTE THE ADVANTAGES OF INVESTING IN HONG KONG.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T.H. CHAU, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HENNY TANG AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN ADDITION, THE OFFICE COVERED 40 TRADE SHOWS AND CONFERENCES TO TARGET POTENTIAL INVESTORS IN HONG KONG.
HE SAID ONE INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT PROJECT WAS COMPLETED WITH THE OFFICE’S ASSISTANCE AND A FURTHER 65 WERE BEING ACTIVELY CONSIDERED BY WEST COAST COMPANIES.
THE OFFICE COVERS THE WESTERN HALF OF THE U.S. AND IS CENTRALLY LOCATED FOR THIS PURPOSE.
HE SAID SAN FRANCISCO WAS CONSIDERED A SUITABLE LOCATION BECAUSE IT HAD SUBSTANTIAL LINKS WITH HONG KONG.
IT WAS CLOSE TO THE SILICON VALLEY AREA WHERE THERE WAS A CONCENTRATION OF THE HIGH TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRIES WHICH HONG KONG’S INWARD INVESTMENT PROGRAMME SOUGHT TO ATTRACT, HE ADDED.
APART FROM INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT PROMOTION, THE OFFICE IS
TASKED:
* TO SAFEGUARD HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC AND COMMERCIAL INTERESTS;
* TO PROMOTE HONG KONG AS A REGIONAL BUSINESS CENTRE AND GATEWAY TO CHINA;
* TO ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN CONTACTS WITH GOVERNMENT, BUSINESS, THE MEDIA AND THE ACADEMIC SECTOR WITH A VIEW TO BUILDING A STRONG PRO-HONG KONG CONSTITUENCY IN THE U.S.;
* TO DEVELOP LINKS WITH THE HONG KONG COMMUNITY IN THE REGION; AND
* TO PROVIDE AN INFORMATION SERVICE ON HONG KONG.
THE RUNNING COSTS OF THE OFFICE IN 1991-92 ARE $10 MILLION.
THE COSTS FOR 1992-93 ARE ESTIMATED AT $10.6 MILLION.
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/34........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1992
34
BILL TO REQUIRE OWNERS TO CHECK THEIR BUILDINGS IN PIPELINE *****
THE BUILDINGS (AMENDMENT) BILL WHICH SEEKS TO EMPOWER THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TO REQUIRE PRIVATE BUILDING OWNERS TO CARRY OUT DETAILED INSPECTIONS OF THEIR OWN BUILDINGS IS BEING DRAFTED.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR A.G. EASON, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON JAMES TO AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR EASON SAID IT WAS INTENDED TO PUT THE BILL TO THE COUNCIL FOR CONSIDERATION BEFORE THE END OF THE CURRENT LEGISLATIVE SESSION.
UNDER THE PROPOSED PROGRAMME, THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE WOULD CONDUCT PRELIMINARY SURVEYS OF BUILDINGS.
ORDERS WOULD BE SERVED ON THE OWNERS OF BUILDINGS WHERE POTENTIAL DANGER WAS IDENTIFIED DURING THE PRELIMINARY SURVEYS REQUIRING THEM TO CARRY OUT DETAILED INSPECTIONS.
THE FULL DETAILS OF THE PROPOSED SCHEME WERE STILL BEING FINALISED, MR EASON SAID.
"OUR PROPOSAL IS THAT THE OWNERS OF A BUILDING WILL BE REQUIRED BY ORDER TO APPOINT AN AUTHORISED PERSON TO CARRY OUT A DETAILED INSPECTION AND IDENTIFY APPROPRIATE REMEDIAL WORKS.
"THE LIST OF AUTHORISED PERSONS, BUT NOT DETAILS OF THEIR CHARGES, IS KEPT IN THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE AND MAY BE INSPECTED THERE," MR EASON SAID.
TO HELP OWNERS FURTHER, MR EASON NOTED THAT THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE HAD ALSO PREPARED A NON-STATUTORY LIST OF AUTHORISED PERSONS AND REGISTERED CONTRACTORS WHO WERE WILLING TO UNDERTAKE REPAIR WORKS.
A COPY OF THE LIST WOULD BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION IN THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE AND EVERY DISTRICT OFFICE.
A DEFAULT PROVISION WOULD ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THE PROPOSED BILL WHEREBY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE WOULD CARRY OUT THE REQUIRED INSPECTION IF AN OWNER FAILED TO COMPLY WITH AN ORDER AND WOULD RECOVER THE COST FROM HIM, THE SECRETARY ADDED.
THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE MIGHT ALSO CARRY OUT DETAILED INSPECTIONS IN CASES WHERE OWNERS MIGHT HAVE DIFFICULTIES, FINANCIAL OR OTHERWISE, IN ORGANISING THEIR OWN, MR EASON SAID.
HOWEVER, T1)E INTENTION WAS TO RECOVER COSTS AND SECOND INSPECTIONS WERE NOT ENVISAGED AT PRESENT.
/THOSE EMPLOYED .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1992
- 35 -
THOSE EMPLOYED TO CARRY OUT INSPECTIONS ON BEHALF OF OWNERS COULD BE EXPECTED TO PERFORM TO PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AND SET REASONABLE CHARGES; BUT THERE WOULD BE A DEGREE OF MONITORING BY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE, PARTICULAR IN THE EARLY STAGES OF THE PROGRAMME, MR EASON NOTED.
AS TO THE NUMBER OF BUILDINGS IN SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT WHICH WOULD BE AFFECTED BY THE NEW REQUIREMENT, MR EASON SAID IT WAS ESTIMATED THAT THERE MIGHT BE ABOUT 800 BUILDINGS IN THE DISTRICT WHICH MIGHT REQUIRE DETAILED INSPECTIONS.
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SIX-YEAR TRANSITIONAL PERIOD FOR SCHOOLS JOINING DIRECT SUBSIDY SCHEME ******
AN AIDED SCHOOL JOINING THE DIRECT SUBSIDY SCHEME (DSS) WILL HAVE A TRANSITIONAL PERIOD OF SIX YEARS BEFORE THE ENTIRE SCHOOL IS MADE UP OF STUDENTS PAYING DSS FEES, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, SAID.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO THE HON STEPHEN NG MING-YUM AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), MR CHAN SAID UPON AN AIDED SCHOOL JOINING THE DSS, ONLY STUDENTS AT ENTRY LEVEL, THAT IS, SECONDARY 1, HAD TO PAY DSS FEES.
’’OTHER STUDENTS WHO HAD ENTERED THE SCHOOL PREVIOUSLY CONTINUE TO PAY NO FEES, OR STANDARD FEES, DEPENDING ON THE LEVEL OF STUDY,” HE SAID.
AT PRESENT, SECONDARY 1 TO SECONDARY 3 IN AIDED SCHOOLS ARE FREE OF CHARGE, WHILE SECONDARY 4 AND ABOVE CHARGE STANDARD FEES DETERMINED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
IN THE CASE OF A DSS SCHOOL, ALL STUDENTS PAY FEES AT AN AMOUNT SET BY THE SCHOOL.
MR CHAN ALSO SAID ALL DSS SCHOOLS HAD THE FREEDOM TO DETERMINE THEIR OWN PROCEDURES FOR THE SELECTION AND ADMISSION OF SECONDARY 1 STUDENTS, SUBJECT TO MONITORING BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
THE SECONDARY 1 CLASSES WILL OPERATE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE DSS IN THE FIRST YEAR, WHILE THE HIGHER FORMS CONTINUE TO BE FUNDED ON AN AIDED BASIS.
MR CHAN SAID: ’’THE LATTER ARE PROGRESSIVELY TURNED INTO DSS CLASSES OVER A TRANSITIONAL PERIOD OF SIX YEARS.”
/"THE SCHOOL .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1992
- 36 -
"THE SCHOOL WILL, FOR THE SAME SIX-YEAR PERIOD, REMAIN UNDER THE CODE OF AID FOR THE PURPOSES OF MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR OF ITS SCHOOL BUILDINGS.
’’OTHER DSS SCHOOLS, THAT IS, THOSE NOT ORIGINALLY UNDER THE CODE OF AID, WILL RECEIVE A DSS SUBSIDY FOR ALL THEIR CLASSES ON CHANGEOVER.”
MR CHAN NOTED THAT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WOULD ISSUE A CIRCULAR BEFORE THE END OF OCTOBER EACH YEAR TO INVITE SCHOOLS TO JOIN THE DSS. IF APPROVED, IT WOULD TURN DSS IN SEPTEMBER OF THE FOLLOWING YEAR.
IT IS THEREFORE UP TO THE SCHOOL TO WORK WITHIN THIS APPROXIMATE TIME-FRAME TO NOTIFY ITS STAFF AND STUDENTS OF AN IMPENDING CHANGE OF STATUS.
AS REGARDS THE REMUNERATION AND FRINGE BENEFITS OF STAFF OF EXAIDED DSS SCHOOLS, MR CHAN POINTED OUT THAT THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN SERVING PRIOR TO THE SCHOOLS JOINING THE DSS HAVE THE OPTION OF REMAINING IN THE GRANT/SUBSIDISED SCHOOL PROVIDENT FUND SCHEME.
’’THEY MAY ALSO JOIN ANY NEW PROVIDENT FUND SCHEME ARRANGED BY THE SCHOOLS,” HE ADDED.
--------0 - -
• FIVE PILOT RETRAINING PROGRAMMES PROPOSED
******
THE REQUEST OF THE PROVISIONAL RETRAINING FUND TRAINING COUNCIL HAS PROPOSED FIVE PILOT SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED
WORKERS WHO ARE OVER 30 YEARS
AT VOCATIONAL PROGRAMMES
BOARD,
THE
RETRAINING
FOR LOCAL WORKERS, INCLUDING FEMALE OF AGE, AFFECTED BY THE ECONOMIC
RESTRUCTURING.
THE FIVE PROGRAMMES TO BE FUNDED FROM THE RETRAINING FUND ARE HOTEL HOUSEKEEPING AND CLEANING, RETAIL SALES, COMPUTERISED CHINESE TYPESETTING, PRINT FINISHING AND CHINESE DATA ENTRY.
THE AND THE ANY
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HOWARD YOUNG AT LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, SAID MANY OF THE TRAINING COURSES WHICH VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL HAD BEEN PROVIDING WERE SUITABLE FOR MALE OR FEMALE, WHO WANTED TO BE TRAINED IN SKILLS APPLICABLE TO
AN OCCUPATION IN A PARTICULAR INDUSTRY.
THIS ALSO APPLIED TO IN-SERVICE WORKERS WHO WERE AFFECTED BY ECONOMIC RESTRUCTURING.
SOME OF THESE COURSES DID NOT REQUIRE ANY SPECIFIC LEVEL OF EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND, MR CHAN ADDED.
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/37........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1992
- 37 -
SMITHFIELD URBAN COUNCIL PROJECT IN PROGRESS *****
THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR K.Y. YEUNG, SAID DESIGN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL FACILITIES, IN A MULTI-PURPOSE BUILDING AT SMITHFIELD IN WESTERN DISTRICT IS AT AN ADVANCED STAGE.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON YEUNG SUM AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, HE SAID THE FACILITIES INCLUDED A MARKET, COOKED FOOD CENTRE, LIBRARY AND INDOOR GAMES HALL. SUBJECT TO URBAN COUNCIL APPROVAL, WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN APRIL 1993 AND BE COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 1995.
TO PROVIDE COMMUNITY FACILITIES FOR RESIDENTS OF WESTERN DISTRICT, MR YEUNG SAID AN ITEM WAS INCLUDED IN CATEGORY C OF THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME IN AUGUST 1987 FOR THE CONSTRUCTION BY THE GOVERNMENT OF AN URBAN COUNCIL/GOVERNMENT JOINT USER MULTI-PURPOSE BUILDING ON A SITE OF ABOUT 5,000 SQUARE METRES AT SMITHFIELD.
THE ITEM WAS SUBSEQUENTLY UPGRADED TO CATEGORY B IN JULY 1988.
FOLLOWING A REVIEW OF FUNDING PRIORITIES UNDER THE 1990 RESOURCE ALLOCATION SYSTEM, ALTERNATIVE METHODS OF PROVIDING THE REQUIRED FACILITIES WERE EXAMINED.
HE NOTED THAT AGREEMENT WAS REACHED IN MAY LAST YEAR THAT THE SMITHFIELD SITE SHOULD BE DIVIDED INTO TWO PARTS, AND THAT THE URBAN COUNCIL WOULD PROCEED WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF ITS OWN FACILITIES.
MEANWHILE, GOVERNMENT FACILITIES SUCH AS A CAR PARK AND POST OFFICE WOULD BE PROVIDED ON THE OTHER PART OF THE SITE AS AND WHEN FUNDS WERE AVAILABLE, HE SAID.
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT PREPARED ARCHITECTURAL SKETCH PLANS OF THE JOINT-USER BUILDING. THE STAFF COST OF THE DESIGN TIME INVOLVED IS ESTIMATED TO BE $95,000.
- - 0 - -
TRAVEL & TOURISM - AN EXAMINATION SUBJECT IN 1995 ******
THE HONG KONG EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY (HKEA) HAS AGREED TO INCLUDE TRAVEL AND TOURISM AS A HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION SUBJECT IN 1995.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
’’THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL AND THE HKEA ARE JOINTLY DEVELOPING THE SYLLABUS FOR THE SUBJECT,” HE SAID, ADDING THAT THIS WOULD BE READY FOR CIRCULATION TO SCHOOLS FOR COMMENT IN MAY THIS YEAR.
/"A TEACHING
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1992
- 38 -
"A TEACHING SYLLABUS AND SUITABLE TEACHING MATERIALS WILL THEN BE DEVELOPED WITH DUE CONSIDERATION GIVEN TO FEEDBACK FROM SCHOOLS.”
THESE MATERIALS WOULD BE MADE AVAILABLE TO SCHOOLS BEFORE THE INTRODUCTION OF THE SUBJECT IN SEPTEMBER 1993.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HOWARD YOUNG AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR CHAN SAID SINCE FEBRUARY LAST YEAR, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAD ORGANISED 11 SEMINARS TO ENCOURAGE SCHOOLS TO INTRODUCE THE SUBJECT TRAVEL AND TOURISM AT THE SENIOR SECONDARY LEVEL.
TWENTY-SIX SCHOOLS HAVE CONFIRMED THEIR INTEREST IN INTRODUCING THE SUBJECT AT SECONDARY 4 FROM SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR.
THE HKEA WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO PROVIDED THAT NOT LESS THAN 20 SCHOOLS PARTICIPATE IN THE EXAMINATION IN THAT SUBJECT EACH YEAR.
COMPUTER CRIMES BILL INTRODUCED TO LEGCO
******
THE COMPUTER CRIMES BILL 1992 WHICH SEEKS TO MAKE CERTAIN FORMS OF COMPUTER MISUSE CRIMINAL OFFENCES WAS INTRODUCED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, SAID ALTHOUGH THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE SHOWING THAT SUCH CRIME WAS WIDESPREAD, IT WAS NECESSARY TO PUT IN PLACE APPROPRIATE LEGAL SANCTIONS AGAINST COMPUTER MISUSE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN DISHONEST GAIN FOR THE WRONGDOER OR LOSS TO OTHERS.
MR ASPREY SAID THE BILL WOULD TACKLE "HACKING” BY MAKING UNAUTHORISED ACCESS TO A COMPUTER BY MEANS OF TELECOMMUNICATION AN OFFENCE.
THE BILL WOULD CREATE A NEW OFFENCE OF GAINING ACCESS TO A COMPUTER WITH DISHONEST INTENT OR WITH INTENT TO COMMIT AN OFFENCE.
"THIS WOULD APPLY IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER THE ACCESS.. WAS UNAUHTORISED OR NOT, AND IRRESPECTIVE OF THE MEANS OF ACCESS," HE POINTED OUT.
HE SAID THE BILL WOULD ALSO AMEND PROVISIONS IN THE THEFT ORDINANCE AND THE CRIMES ORDINANCE RELATING TO BURGLARY AND CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY.
THUS THESE PROVISIONS WILL COVER SUCH ACTS IN RELATION TO A COMPUTER, ITS DATA OR ANY PROGRAMME CONTAINED IN A COMPUTER, HE SAID.
/ALSO THE .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1992
- 39 -
ALSO THE BILL CLARIFIES THE OFFENCE OF FALSE ACCOUNTING IN THE THEFT ORDINANCE AND THE OFFENCES OF FORGERY AND MAKING A FALSE ENTRY IN A BANK BOOK IN THE CRIMES ORDINANCE, TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT THEY APPLY TO INFORMATION STORED IN A COMPUTER.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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INTERNATIONAL CALLING CARD SERVICE TO BE EXPANDED
*****
A RESOLUTION WAS INTRODUCED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) TO ENABLE THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY TO EXPAND ITS INTERNATIONAL CALLING CARD SERVICE.
MOVING A MOTION UNDER THE TELEPHONE ORDINANCE, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID THE INTERNATIONAL CALLING CARD SERVICE CURRENTLY ALLOWED SUBSCRIBERS TO MAKE IDD CALLS FROM ANY DIGITAL TONE DIALLING TELEPHONE IN HONG KONG.
THE SUBSCRIBER SIMPLY DIALS A PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER, OR PIN, BEFORE MAKING THE CALL.
THE CALL CHARGE AND A SERVICE SURCHARGE OF $2 PER CALL ARE THEN BILLED TO THE SUBSCRIBER’S ACCOUNT.
SHE SAID THE COMPANY’S PROPOSAL WAS TO EXPAND THE SERVICE TO ALLOW SUBSCRIBERS TO MAKE BOTH IDD CALLS AND OTHER CHARGEABLE CALLS TO HONG KONG FROM OVERSEAS USING THEIR PIN.
SHE SAID CALLS WOULD BE CHARGED AT LOCAL RATES AND WOULD BE SUBJECT TO THE SAME $2 SURCHARGE AS OUTBOUND CALLS FROM HONG KONG, ADDING THAT SUBSCRIBERS WOULD BE BILLED LOCALLY.
NOTING THAT THE SURCHARGE FOR USING THIS SERVICE WAS TO COVER THE COMPANY’S COSTS, SHE SAID: ’’THE ADMINISTRATION HAS EXAMINED THE BASIS FOR THE CHARGE, AND CONSIDERS IT TO BE A REASONABLE REFLECTION OF THE COST OF PROVIDING THE SERVICE.”
UNDER SECTION 26(1) OF THE TELEPHONE ORDINANCE, THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY IS ALLOWED TO LEVY CHARGES FOR ITS SERVICES AT LEVELS WHICH DO NOT EXCEED THE LIMITS SHOWN AT THE SCHEDULE TO THE ORDINANCE.
SECTION 26(2) OF THE ORDINANCE EMPOWERS THE COUNCIL TO AMEND THE SCHEDULE OF CHARGES BY RESOLUTION.
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/40......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1992
40
APPROPRIATION BILL 1992 PASSED IN LEGCO * t ♦ * *
THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1992 WAS PASSED WITHOUT AMENDMENT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
ALSO PASSED WITHOUT AMENDMENT WERE SIX BILLS - INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992, STAMP DUTY (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1992, NURSES REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992, MIDWIVES REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992, PHARMACY AND POISONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992 AND UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992.
THE COMPUTER CRIMES BILL 1992 WAS INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. DEBATE ON IT WAS ADJOURNED.
TN ADDITION, THE MOTION MOVED BY THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, UNDER THE TELEPHONE ORDINANCE WAS PASSED.
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/41 ........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1992
- 41 -
GOVERNOR VISITS SWD’S REGIONAL OFFICE ******
THE GOVERNOR, LORD WILSON, THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON SAW HOW SERVICES FOR YOUTH, FAMILIES AND NEEDY PEOPLE ARE PROVIDED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT (SWD) IN THE WEST KOWLOON REGION.
LORD WILSON, ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR M.D. CARTLAND, VISITED THE SWD’S WEST KOWLOON REGIONAL OFFICE IN THE MONG KOK GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING AND THE DEPARTMENT’S BEGONIA ROAD BOYS’ HOME IN YAU YAT CHUEN.
AT THE REGIONAL OFFICE, THE GOVERNOR MET THE REGIONAL SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER (WEST KOWLOON), MRS PUN LEE WAI-CHUN AND WAS BRIEFED ON THE SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE DEPARTMENT AND NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS IN THE REGION.
THE GOVERNOR VISITED THE DEPARTMENT’S YOUTH OFFICE, SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNIT AND FAMILY SERVICES CENTRE.
HE DISCUSSED WITH THE STAFF MEMBERS WHAT THEY DO TO HELP YOUNG PEOPLE AND FAMILIES OVERCOME THEIR PROBLEMS. HE ALSO STOPPED TO CHAT WITH PEOPLE MAKING USE OF THESE SERVICES.
THE GOVERNOR THEN WENT TO SEE THE BEGONIA ROAD BOYS’ HOME WHERE HE WAS MUCH IMPRESSED BY A MURAL FEATURING A BEAUTIFUL COUNTRYSIDE VIEW - JOINTLY CREATED BY THE BOYS AND STAFF OF THE HOME.
"THE DEDICATED STAFF WORKING IN THIS BOYS’ HOME ARE DOING AN EXCELLENT JOB HELPING JUVENILE OFFENDERS TO RE-INTEGRATE INTO THE COMMUNITY," LORD WILSON SAID.
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FINANCIAL ASPECTS OF AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME
Updated financial details for the Airport Core Programme
have been announced today by the Government.
These show that the cost to be borne by the Government for the ten airport core projects has remained constant at $59.3bn, although the overall costs estimate has increased by 13.8 per cent to $112.2bn from the $98.6bn figure announced l.ast July (all figures at March 1991 prices) .
/THE INCREASED .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1992
- 42 -
The increased costs arise from some design changes, plus refinement of the estimates.
Commenting on the updated estimates, Mr Hamish MacLeod, Financial Secretary, said:
"The fact that the government’s contribution remains unchanged at $59.3bn is important and is to be welcomed. It has been possible to achieve this because increases in certain project costs are offset by lower equity requirements and by previously unquantified reimbursement from the MTRC.
"This means that the cost to the public of the infrastructure programme, which is essential for Hong Kong’s future, is being strictly contained. It is also important to note that Government expenditure on ACP projects up to 1996-97 will only absorb about one-quarter of total government capital expenditure.
"We are confident that the project costs will be kept under control. We have put in place a specially designed project management and cash-limiting cost-control system, and we are also using fixed price lump sum contracts as far as possible."
/THE NEW .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1992
- 43 -
The new estimates for each core project are set out in the following table, with the new total of $112.22 billion
(All figures in Smillion at March 1991 prices)
Project ' (1) Government Private Sector Revised Total Estimates (6)
Capital expenditure (2) Equity (3) Other sources of funding to A A/ MTRC (4)* Private investment (5)
Chek Lap Kok Airport 3,100 13,600 20,100 9,500 46,300
North Lantau Expressway 5,790 5,790
Tung Chung Phase 1 2,210 2.210
Lantau Fixed Crossing 11.960 11,960
Route 3 6.050 6.050
West Kowloon Reclamation 10,010 10,010
West Kowloon Expressway 2,230 2,230
Western Harbour Crossing 4,150 4,150
Airport Railway 3,000 19,160 22.160
Central & Wanchai Reclamation 1.900 1.900
Utilities &'Others 2.360 2,360
DEDUCT Airport Railway cost in Government projects (2,900) (2.900)
Total 42,710 16.600 39,260 13.650 112.220
Note: Column (4) represents the balancing figures between the total project costs in column (6) and sources Of funding in columns (2), (3) and (5). It includes mainly borrowing as well as other sources of funds such as revenue from land development and deferred dividend (in the case of the MTRC), but excludes financing costs and interest.
/THE UNCHANGED .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1992
44
The unchanged $59.3bn Government costs estimate includes a figure of $53.7bn given last July in an information paper, which also provided for Government costs on the Central and Wanchai Reclamation ($1.8bn) and Airport Railway equity ($3.8bn).
As announced last July, the government also needs to provide an additional overall ACP contingency allowance for possible variations in the scope and speed of contracts and project interface issues. This contingency has now been put at §2.5bn.
The estimated cost of the new airport at Chek Lap Kok has risen by $1.5bn to $46.3bn, mainly as a result of a more accurate assessment of costs that has become possible since last July. Of the $46.3bn cost, $1.2bn would be offset by pre-opening revenues that were not shown in last July’s figures.
The Airport Railway cost was announced last July with a base estimate of $12.5bn. The estimate now stands at $22.1bn, but the actual cost increase amounts to $3.9bn. This increase is needed to cover essential railway design modifications and some extra civil engineering works.
The remaining $5.7bn partly covers costs of AR-related works on Chek Lap Kok, North Lantau and the Lantau Fixed Crossing, which were originally included under the other ACP projects. It also covers land acquisition and design, construction supervision and management costs which, in line with common practice, were not included last July.
/THE PLANNED .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1992
- 45 -
The planned financial arrangements for new Airport and the Airport Railway are based on a Government equity investment of $13.6bn into the Airport Authority and $3bn into the MTRC.
The government will also provide support in other ways, for example by following past practice of granting land to the MTRC at full market value so that profits from property development can be used to reduce the need for Government equity.
As the sole shareholder of the Airport Authority and the MTRC, the government must also ensure that the corporations have a sufficiently comprehensive financial package to enable them to raise loans in the private sector without needing Government guarantees. This involves demonstrating, as a form of insurance, that the Government will provide necessary financial support in the most adverse circumstances.
It has been decided that the most cost-effective form of insurance is for the Government to provide "callable equity”, which can be drawn on by the corporations in such circumstances. This has been estimated at $5.9bn (1991 prices) for the Airport and about $7bn for the Airport Railway. These figures are not shown in the table of costs because they are only contingent liabilities.
Details of the latest government estimates and plans are included in a paper. An Update on the Financial Aspects of the Airport Core Programme. This paper has been presented to the Airport Committee and is to be discussed tomorrow (Thursday) morning at meetings of the LegCo Ad Hoc Group and the Airport Consultative Committee.
------0-------
/46 .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1,
1992
- 46 -
MONETARY STATISTICS FOR FEBRUARY RELEASED
*****
HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS DECREASED SLIGHTLY DURING FEBRUARY THIS YEAR, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS PUBLISHED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH.
COUPLED WITH A DECLINE IN LEGAL TENDER NOTES AND COINS HELD BY THE PUBLIC AFTER THE CHINESE NEW YEAR, HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY FELL DURING THE MONTH.
YEAR-ON-YEAR, HOWEVER, THE BROADEST DEFINITION OF MONEY SUPPLY, HK$M3, ROSE BY 12.7%, BROADLY IN LINE WITH THE GROWTH IN ECONOMIC ACTIVITY.
HONG KONG DOLLAR LOANS AND ADVANCES, ON THE OTHER HAND, RECORDED AN INCREASE DURING THE MONTH.
LEGAL TENDER NOTES AND COINS
INFLUENCED BY THE HIGH COMPARISON BASE IN JANUARY DUE TO THE CHINESE NEW YEAR, LEGAL TENDER NOTES AND COINS HELD BY THE NON-BANK PUBLIC DECREASED BY 12.2% DURING FEBRUARY 1992, FOLLOWING INCREASES OF 3.0% AND 24.2% DURING DECEMBER 1991 AND JANUARY 1992 RESPECTIVELY.
COMPARED WITH A YEAR EARLIER, THEY INCREASED THOUGH BY 11.2%.
DEPOSITS
HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS, ADJUSTED TO INCLUDE SWAP DEPOSITS, FELL BY 0.1% DURING FEBRUARY 1992, FOLLOWING AN INCREASE OF 1.2% DURING DECEMBER 1991 AND A DECREASE OF 1.2% DURING JANUARY 1992.
AMONG THESE DEPOSITS, DEMAND DEPOSITS DECREASED BY 9.3%, WHILE SAVINGS DEPOSITS AND TIME DEPOSITS INCREASED BY 0.9% AND 1.4% RESPECTIVELY DURING FEBRUARY.
YEAR-ON-YEAR, TOTAL HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS GREW BY 13.0%.
FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS INCREASED BY 0.2% DURING FEBRUARY 1992, AFTER INCREASES OF 3.0% AND 1.4% DURING DECEMBER 1991 AND JANUARY 1992 RESPECTIVELY.
OF THESE DEPOSITS, U.S. DOLLAR DEPOSITS ROSE BY 0.7% WHILE NONU.S. DOLLAR DEPOSITS FELL BY 0.2%. YEAR-ON-YEAR, TOTAL FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS INCREASED BY 8.4%.
DURING FEBRUARY, DEPOSITS OF ALL CURRENCIES WITH LICENSED BANKS AND RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS ROSE BY 0.1% AND 1.9% RESPECTIVELY WHILE DEPOSITS WITH DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES FELL BY 1.7%.
/YEAR-ON-YEAR .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1992
- 47 -
YEAR-ON-YEAR, DEPOSITS WITH LICENSED BANKS GREW BY 11.8% WHILE DEPOSITS WITH RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES DECLINED BY 4.9% AND 26.3% RESPECTIVELY.
MONEY SUPPLY
HK$M1, HK$M2 AND HK$M3 DECREASED BY 10.5%, 1.0% AND 1.0% RESPECTIVELY DURING FEBRUARY 1992, COMPARED WITH THE CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES OF 12.5%, 0.7% AND 0.5% DURING JANUARY 1992.
YEAR-ON-YEAR, THESE MONETARY AGGREGATES INCREASED BY 12.3%, 14.4% AND 12.7% RESPECTIVELY. THE GROWTH IN THE BROADEST DEFINITION OF HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY HAS BEEN BROADLY IN LINE WITH THE GROWTH IN ECONOMIC ACTIVITY.
TOTAL Ml, M2 AND M3 DECREASED BY 9.0%, 0.4% AND 0.4% RESPECTIVELY DURING FEBRUARY 1992.
THEIR CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES DURING JANUARY 1992 WERE 10.0%, 1.2% AND 1.0%. YEAR-ON-YEAR, THESE MONETARY AGGREGATES GREW BY 10.0%, 11.6% AND 10.3% RESPECTIVELY.
LOANS AND ADVANCES
TOTAL OUTSTANDING LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS FELL BY 0.4% DURING FEBRUARY 1992, AFTER INCREASING BY 3.5% AND 1.4% DURING DECEMBER 1991 AND JANUARY 1992 RESPECTIVELY.
OF THE TOTAL OUTSTANDING LOANS, THOSE DENOMINATED IN HONG KONG DOLLAR INCREASED BY 0.4%, WHILE THOSE DENOMINATED IN FOREIGN CURRENCY FELL BY 0.8%. YEAR-ON-YEAR, THESE LOANS INCREASED BY 18.6% AND 23.6% RESPECTIVELY.
LOANS TO FINANCE VISIBLE TRADE OF HONG KONG DECREASED BY 2.4% DURING FEBRUARY 1992, AFTER A DECREASE OF 0.2% IN DECEMBER 1991 AND AN INCREASE OF 1.2% DURING JANUARY 1992. YEAR-ON-YEAR, SUCH LOANS GREW BY 10.9%.
OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG INCREASED BY 0.2% DURING FEBRUARY 1992, FOLLOWING INCREASES OF 1.6% AND 1.7% DURING DECEMBER 1991 AND JANUARY 1992 RESPECTIVELY. YEAR-ON-YEAR, THESE LOANS INCREASED BY 17.8%.
LOANS FOR USE OUTSIDE HONG KONG FELL BY 0.5% DURING FEBRUARY 1992, AFTER INCREASES OF 5.1% AND 1.1% DURING DECEMBER 1991 AND JANUARY 1992 RESPECTIVELY. YEAR-ON-YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 38.1%.
/LOANS TO .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1992
- 48 -
LOANS TO FINANCE TRADE NOT TOUCHING HONG KONG ROSE BY 2.1% DURING FEBRUARY 1992, AFTER AN INCREASE OF 13.8% IN DECEMBER 1991 AND A DECREASE OF 5.7% IN JANUARY 1992. YEAR-ON-YEAR, THESE LOANS INCREASED BY 40.1%.
NUMBER OF REPORTING INSTITUTIONS
THE NUMBER OF REPORTING LICENSED BANKS, RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES EACH INCREASED BY ONE TO 161, 55 AND 156 RESPECTIVELY.
/49 ........
49
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1992
TABLE 1 : MONETARY STATISTICS - FEBRUARY 1992
(HKSmn)
Feb 1992 Earlier months (% change to Feb 1992)
Jan 1992 Nov 1991 Feb 1991
Money Supply
Ml-HKS 112,491 125.705 ( -10.5 ) 109.822 ( 2.4 ) 100,167 ( 12.3 )
Foreign currency 16,074 15.619 ( 2.9 ) 16,488 ( -2.5 ) 16,723 ( -3-9 )
Total 128.565 141,324 ( -9.0 ) 126.309 ( 1-8 ) 116,889 ( 10.0 )
M2 - HKS* 633,684 640.258 ( -1.0 ) 625.891 ( 12 ) 554,099 ( 14.4 )
Foreign currency* 748,230 747.115 ( 0.1 ) 710.842 ( 5.3 ) 684,084 ( 9.4 )
Total 1,381,913 1,387.374 ( -0.4 ) 1,336.733 ( 34 ) 1,238,183 ( 11.6 )
M3 - HKS* 656,528 663.344 ( -1.0 ) 651596 ( 0.8 ) 582,632 ( 12.7 )
Foreign currency* 789.571 787.943 ( 0.2 ) 753,714 ( 4.8 ) 728,194 ( 8.4 )
Total 1.446,099 1,451487 ( -0.4 ) 1,405410 ( 2.9 ) 1410.826 ( 10.3 )
Notes and coins in circulation 53.150 61,738 ( -13.9 ) 47512 ( 11.9 ) 47.559 ( 11.8 )
of which held by public 46.430 52,909 ( -12.2 ) 41455 ( 12.3 ) 41,739 ( 11.2 )
Total Deposits t
Total Demand deposits 82.135 88,414 ( -7.1 ) 84.955 ( -3.3 ) 75,151 ( 9.3 )
Total Savings deposits 316.471 310,750 ( 18 ) 307,303 ( 3.0 ) 246,640 ( 28.3 )
Total Time deposits with licensed banks 919.744 918.439 ( o.i ) 887,089 ( 3.7 ) 857,197 ( 7.3 )
Total Time deposits with restricted licence banks 38.664 37.961 ( L9 ) 41,068 ( -59 ) 40.672 ( -4-9 )
Total Time deposits with deposit-taking companies 22.372 22.750 ( -L7 ) 24431 ( -8.1 ) 30.335 ( -26.3 )
HKS deposits* 596.800 597.130 ( -0.1 ) 596,751 ( 0.0 ) 527.925 ( 13.0 )
USS deposits* 316.976 314,617 ( 0.7 ) 302.712 ( 4.7 ) 293.976 ( 7.8 )
Other foreign currency deposits* 465,610 466.567 ( -0.2 ) 445483 ( 4.6 ) 428,094 ( 8.8 )
All deposits 1,379,386 1.378,315 ( o.i ) 1.344.746 ( 2.6 ) 1,249.995 ( 10.4 )
Foreign currency swap deposits 40.067 41.946 ( -4.5 ) 33.957 ( 2.8 ) 59.744 ( -32.9 )
Total Loans and advances
To finance H.K.’s visible.trade 81,632 83.623 ( -2.4 ) 82.837 ( -L5 ) 73,604 ( 10.9 )
To finance merchandising trade not touching H.K. 11,926 11.678 ( 2.1 ) 10.885 ( 9.6 ) 8,513 ( 40.1 )
Other loans for use in H.K. 832,311 830.865 ( 0.2 ) 803,683 ( 3.6 ) 706,401 ( 17.8 )
Other Ioans for use outside H.K. 1.301.457 1.308,063 ( -0-5 ) 1,231,048 ( 5.7 ) 942.529 ( 38.1 )
Other loans where the place of use is not known 38,036 40.572 ( -6.3 ) 39,696 ( -4.2 ) 127.353 ( -70.1 )
Loans in HKS 739.186 736,501 ( 0.4 ) 711,178 ( 3.9 ) 623.255 ( 18.6 )
Loans in foreign currencies 1526,177 1,538,300 ( -0.8 ) 1.456.971 ( 4.7 ) 1435.145 ( 23.6 )
Total loans and advances 2,265,362 2,274,801 ( -0.4 ) 2,168.149 ( 4.5 ) 1,858,400 ( 21.9 )
• Adjusted for foreign currency swep deposits. Starting from April 1991. sw.p deposits can further be broken down into US doU.r end non-US dollar foreign currency swap deposits.
Note : 'Restricted licence banks' and 'deposit-taking companies' were known as licensed deposit-taking companies' and 'registered deposit-taking companies' respectively before 1 February 1990.
/50 .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1992
- 50
IN SITU EMPLOYMENT IN NEW TOWNS PURSUED ******
ONE OF THE MAIN CONCEPTS IN THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT OF NEW TOWNS IS TO ACHIEVE A LARGE MEASURE OF ’’SELF-CONTAINMENT”, INCLUDING THE PROVISION OF ADEQUATE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE WORKING POPULATION, PARTICULARLY WITH REGARD TO MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR A.G. EASON, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON GILLERT LEUNG KAM-HO IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR EASON SAID THIS WAS NORMALLY DONE IN THE PLAN-MAKING PROCESS THROUGH THE RESERVATION OF INDUSTRIAL LAND IN ACCORDANCE WITH DESIGN POPULATION.
"HOWEVER, DUE TO A NUMBER OF REASONS NOT RELATED TO TOWN PLANNING, THE NEW TOWNS ARE TO SOME EXTENT STILL DEPENDENT ON THE OLDER URBAN AREAS FOR EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES," HE SAID.
IT IS ESTIMATED THAT THE RATE OF "IN SITU EMPLOYMENT" IS ROUGHLY 50 PER CENT AND THE PERCENTAGE CAN BE EXPECTED TO INCREASE AS NEW TOWNS MATURE.
TO CATER FOR THE NEEDS OF COMMUTING WORKERS, MR EASON SAID THE ADMINISTRATION AIMED TO PROVIDE AN EFFICIENT TRANSPORT NETWORK FOR THE NEW TOWNS.
THIS INCLUDES THE ELECTRIFICATION AND DOUBLE TRACKING OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY (KCR), SEVERAL HIGH CAPACITY HIGHWAYS AND TUNNELS, TO LINK THE NEW TOWNS WITH THE OLDER URBAN AREAS.
A COMPREHENSIVE PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM, INCLUDING BUSES, MINIBUSES, HOVERCRAFT AND FERRY SERVICES, THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY BETWEEN TSUEN WAN AND URBAN AREAS AND THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT BETWEEN TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG HAVE ALSO BEEN PROVIDED.
HE ADDED THAT FURTHER EXTENSIONS TO TIN SHUI WAI WERE PROPOSED.
"THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES FOR THE NEW TOWNS HAVE ALSO BEEN DEVELOPED IN A MANNER SENSITIVE TO THE DEMAND FOR COMMUTING TO EMPLOYMENT CENTRES IN THE OLDER URBAN AREAS.
"THERE IS A WELL ESTABLISHED PLANNING MECHANISM UNDER WHICH THE FIVE-YEAR PLANS OF MAJOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT OPERATORS ARE ROLLED FORWARD ANNUALLY AFTER CONSULTATION WITH THE RELEVANT DISTRICT BOARDS,” HE SAID.
ALSO, THE CAPACITY OF THE KCR HAS EXPANDED SUBSTANTIALLY SINCE THE EARLY 80’S TO MEET THE TRAVELLING NEEDS FROM SHA TIN, TAI PO, NORTH DISTRICT AND MORE RECENTLY MA ON SHAN.
/FURTHERMORE, THERE ........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1992
- 51 -
FURTHERMORE, THERE HAS BEEN A SUSTAINED EXPANSION OF RESIDENTIAL COACH SERVICES IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS. THESE SUPPLEMENT FRANCHISED BUS SERVICES DURING RUSH HOURS TAKE NEW TOWN RESIDENTS DIRECT TO THEIR WORK PLACES.
MR EASON SAID EXISTING PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES FOR THE NEW TOWNS WOULD BE FURTHER EXPANDED AND IMPROVED IN THE LIGHT OF CHANGES IN DEMAND ARISING FROM POPULATION RE-DISTRIBUTION.
OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, FOR INSTANCE, KOWLOON MOTOR BUS CO. PLANS TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF BUSES SERVING THE TSEUNG KWAN O NEW TOWN BY 55 PER CENT IN LINE WITH ANTICIPATED POPULATION INTAKE, HE SAID.
--------0-----------
AIRPORT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE SPECIAL MEETING
*****
MEMBERS OF THE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE ON THE NEW AIRPORT AND RELATED PROJECTS WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE FINANCIAL ASPECTS OF THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME AT A SPECIAL MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY) MORNING.
THE SPECIAL MEETING WILL BE HELD AT THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT CONFERENCE HALL, FIRST FLOOR, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, MAIN WING (NEW ANNEXE), AND WILL START AT 11 AM.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO OBSERVE THE PROCEEDINGS ARE REQUESTED TO RESERVE A SEAT BY TELEPHONING MS LEUNG WING-CHONG ON TEL. 802 3511.
AS SEATS IN THE CONFERENCE HALL ARE LIMITED, BOOKINGS WILL BE FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEANWHILE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, WILL CHAIR A PRESS CONFERENCE AT 2.30 PM AT THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
NEWS MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE MEETING AND THE PRESS CONFERENCE.
COPIES OF PAPERS WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE HALF AN HOUR BEFORE THE CONFERENCE BEGINS.
--------0----------
/52........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1992
- 52 -
PROHIBITION ON USE OF ADVERTISING VEHICLES
*****
A BILL GIVING LEGISLATIVE EFFECT TO THE DECISION TO PROHIBIT THE USE OF VEHICLES SOLELY FOR COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING PURPOSES WILL SOON BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
THE ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1992 MAKES IT AN OFFENCE TO USE AN ADVERTISING VEHICLE WITHOUT A PERMIT OR IN CONTRAVENTION OF THE PERMIT CONDITIONS.
THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR SUCH AN OFFENCE WILL BE A FINE OF $5,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR THREE MONTHS ON FIRST CONVICTION AND $10,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR SIX MONTHS FOR ANY SUBSEQUENT CONVICTION.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE PURPOSE OF THE BILL WAS TO STOP THE USE OF COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING VEHICLES WHICH DID NOT PERFORM ANY TRANSPORTATION FUNCTION AND ADD TO TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN BUSY AREAS.
"THE BILL EMPOWERS THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT TO ISSUE PERMITS FOR THE DISPLAY OF NON-COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING FOR LIMITED PERIODS AND IN EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES, SUCH AS FOR ELECTION CAMPAIGNS OR APPROVED CHARITABLE FUNCTIONS," HE ADDED.
THE BILL ALSO PROVIDES FOR TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS TO ENABLE THE CONTINUED OPERATION OF COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING VEHICLES WITH PERMITS ISSUED UNDER THE EXISTING LEGISLATION UNTIL THESE PERMITS EXPIRE.
IN ADDITION, THE ROAD TRAFFIC (REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF VEHICLES) REGULATIONS WILL BE AMENDED TO RAISE THE ADVERTISING VEHICLE PERMIT FEE FROM $50 TO $100.
- - 0---------
GOVT OFFICIALS TO VISIT CHINA ******
THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR K.Y. YEUNG, WILL VISIT CHINA FROM APRIL 3 TO 11 AT THE INVITATION OF THE HONG KONG AND MACAU AFFAIRS OFFICE OF CHINA’S STATE COUNCIL.
MR YEUNG WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY FIVE OTHER HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THIS IS ONE OF A SERIES OF VISITS WHICH STARTED A FEW YEARS AGO FOR GENERAL FAMILIARISATION.
/53........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1992
- 53 -
287 VIET REFUGEES LEFT HK LAST MONTH
******
A TOTAL OF 287 VIETNAMESE REFUGEES LEFT HONG KONG FOR RESETTELEMET OVERSEAS LAST MONTH (MARCH).
OF THOSE WHO LEFT FOR OVERSEAS RESETTLEMENT, 52 DEPARTED FOR AUSTRALIA, 50 FOR CANADA, THREE FOR FRANCE, SIX FOR SWEDEN, 70 FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM, 38 FOR USA AND ONE FOR HONG KONG.
MEANWHILE, A TOTAL OF 67 REFUGEES LEFT FOR THE REGIONAL TRANSIT CENTRE IN THE PHILIPPINES TO AWAIT RESETTLEMENT OVERSEAS.
------0--------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 31.3.92 700
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 1.4.92 -207
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING + 207
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 112.7 *+0.2* 1.4.92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS TERM HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS YIELD
TERMS YIELD ISSUE COUPON PRICE
1 WEEK 4.17 PCT 20 MONTHS 2311 6.25 101.15 5.57
1 MONTH 4.04 PCT 23 MONTHS 2402 5.50 99.33 5.96
3 MONTHS 4.04 PCT
6 MONTHS 4.32 PCT
12 MONTHS 4.63 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 8,331 MN
CLOSED 1 APRIL 1992
------0--------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NC.
GOVT CONFIDENT OF CONTROLLING ACP COSTS: FS ............................. 1
DON'T FALL PREY TO DRUG SYNDICATES ...................................... 3
PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF RETAIL SALES SURVEY FOR JANUARY RELEASED .... 5
CIVIL SERVICE RECRUITMENT BOARDS FOR TUNNEL STAFF ....................... 8
WALLED CITY CLEARANCE PROGRESSING SMOOTHLY .............................. 9
TENDERS INVITED FOR NORTH LANTAU EXPRESSWAY ............................ 10
PROPERTY REVIEW 1992 PUBLISHED ......................................... 10
GOVT LAND TO LET BY TENDER ............................................. 11
CLINIC SERVICE DURING CHING MING FESTIVAL .............................. 12
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............. 13
THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 1992
GOVT CONFIDENT OF CONTROLLING ACP COSTS: FS ******
THE GOVERNMENT IS CONFIDENT THAT PROJECT COSTS IN BUILDING THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK AND RELATED PROJECTS WILL BE KEPT UNDER CONTROL, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
IN A STATEMENT AT A PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE UPDATED COST ESTIMATE OF $112.2 BILLION FOR THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME (ACP), MR MACLEOD SAID A COMPREHENSIVE PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND CASH-LIMITING COST-CONTROL SYSTEM WAS IN PLACE.
"WE ARE ALSO USING FIXED PRICE LUMP SUM CONTRACTS AS FAR AS POSSIBLE AND THIS PROTECTS US AGAINST UNFORESEEN COST INCREASES DURING CONSTRUCTION," HE SAID. *
EXPLAINING THE 1’3.8-PER-CENT INCREASE IN THE OVERALL COST ESTIMATE FROM $98.6 BILLION, MR MACLEOD SAID SINCE LAST JULY THERE HAD BEEN EXTENSIVE ANALYSIS OF THE REQUIREMENTS AND DESIGNS OF VARIOUS PROJECTS.
NEGOTIATIONS HAD ALSO BEEN HELD WITH THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY (PAA) AND THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION (MTRC) TO AGREE WHAT SORT OF SUPPORT THEY NEEDED TO OBTAIN PRIVATE SECTOR FINANCING.
THE INCREASES SHOWN IN THE NEW UPDATE AROSE FROM SOME DESIGN CHANGES, PLUS REFINEMENT OF THE ESTIMATES. FIGURES WERE STILL GIVEN AT MARCH 1991 PRICES WITH THE AIM OF SHOWING IN A STRAIGHTFORWARD WAY WHAT WAS HAPPENING IN PRACTICAL TERMS TO THE BASE COSTS.
MR MACLEOD SAID HIS MAIN MESSAGE AS FINANCIAL SECRETARY WAS THAT THE COST TO THE TAXPAYER HAD NOT GONE UP BECAUSE THE COST TO BE BORNE BY THE GOVERNMENT FOR THE 10 ACP CORE PROJECTS HAD REMAINED CONSTANT AT $59.3 BILLION.
"IT HAS BEEN POSSIBLE TO ACHIEVE THIS BECAUSE INCREASES IN CERTAIN PROJECT COSTS ARE OFFSET BY LOWER EQUITY REQUIREMENTS AND BY PREVIOUSLY UNQUANTIFIED REIMBURSEMENT FROM THE MTRC.
"IT IS ALSO IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE ON ACP PROJECTS UP TO 1996-97 WILL ONLY ABSORB ABOUT ONE-QUARTER OF TOTAL GOVERNMENT CAPITAL EXPENDITURE," HE SAID.
MR MACLEOD SAID THE $1.5 BILLION INCREASE IN THE ESTIMATED COST OF BUILDING THE AIRPORT, TO $46.3 BILLION, AROSE MAINLY AS A RESULT OF A MORE ACCURATE ASSESSMENT OF COSTS THAN WAS POSSIBLE IN JULY.
ON THE NEW COST ESTIMATE OF $22.1 BILLION FOR THE AIRPORT RAILWAY, COMPARED WITH THE JULY ESTIMATE OF $12.5 BILLION, MR MACLEOD STRESSED THAT THE ACTUAL COST INCREASE WAS ONLY $3.9 BILLION — WHICH WAS NEEDED TO COVER ESSENTIAL RAILWAY DESIGN MODIFICATIONS AND SOME EXTRA CIVIL ENGINEERING WORKS.
/"THE REMAINING .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 1992
2
"THE REMAINING $5.7 BILLION PARTLY COVERS COSTS OF AIRPORT RAILWAY-RELATED CIVIL WORKS ON CHEK LAP KOK, NORTH LANTAU AND THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING, WHICH WERE ORIGINALLY INCLUDED UNDER THE OTHER ACP PROJECTS.
"IT ALSO COVERS LAND ACQUISITION AND THE DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, SUPERVISION AND MANAGEMENTS COSTS WHICH, IN LINE WITH COMMON PRACTICE, WERE NOT INCLUDED LAST JULY," HE SAID.
MR MACLEOD POINTED OUT THAT THE AIRPORT RAILWAY WOULD SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVE EXISTING MTR SERVICES, THROUGH HAVING A LOCAL LINE RUNNING THROUGH THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION AND ALONG NORTH LANTAU.
MR MACLEOD SAID IT WAS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT IN THE PAST NINE MONTHS THE GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN MOVING EXTREMELY RAPIDLY FROM FEASIBILITY STUDIES TO DESIGN AND TENDER STAGES.
"SO THESE INCREASES SHOULD NOT BE SEEN AS A NINE-MONTH COST ESCALATION. THEY ARE THE RESULT OF THE RAPID PROGRESS WE HAVE CONCENTRATED INTO THIS SHORT PERIOD AND WE DO NOT EXPECT TO SEE SUCH CHANGES AGAIN."
ON CONTINGENCIES, MR MACLEOD SAID THESE HAD ALREADY BEEN INCLUDED IN THE COST ESTIMATES OF INDIVIDUAL PROJECTS, AS WAS CUSTOMARY FOR THE GOVERNMENT’S PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS.
HOWEVER, PRUDENT FINANCIAL AND PROJECT PLANNING MEANT THE GOVERNMENT HAD TO INSURE ITSELF AGAINST UNFORESEEN INTERFACE PROBLEMS IN SUCH A LARGE PROGRAMME AND TO PROVIDE FOR SPEEDING UP WORKS WHICH MIGHT FALL BEHIND.
THE CONTINGENCY FUNDING FOR THIS PURPOSE HAD NOW BEEN PUT AT $2.5 BILLION, AND IT WAS EXPECTED THAT FUTURE CHANGES IN THE ACP ESTIMATES COULD BE CONTAINED WITHIN THIS $2.5 BILLION CUSHION.
ON THE LEVEL OF GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR THE RELEVANT AGENCIES, HE SAID THE PLANNED FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS WERE BASED ON A GOVERNMENT EQUITY INVESTMENT OF $13.6 BILLION INTO THE FUTURE AIRPORT AUTHORITY AND $3 BILLION INTO THE MTRC.
"THE GOVERNMENT WILL ALSO PROVIDE SUPPORT IN OTHER WAYS, FOR EXAMPLE BY FOLLOWING PAST PRACTICE OF GRANTING LAND TO THE MTRC AT FULL MARKET VALUE SO THAT PROFITS FROM PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CAN BE USED TO REDUCE THE NEED FOR GOVERNMENT EQUITY."
AS THE SOLE SHAREHOLDER OF THE AIRPORT AUTHORITY AND THE MTRC, THE GOVERNMENT HAD ALSO TO ENSURE THAT THE CORPORATIONS HAD A SUFFICIENTLY COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL PACKAGE TO ENABLE THEM TO RAISE LOANS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR WITHOUT NEEDING GOVERNMENT GUARANTEES. THIS INVOLVED DEMONSTRATING THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD PROVIDE NECESSARY FINANCIAL SUPPORT.
"IT HAS BEEN DECIDED THAT THE MOST COST-EFFECTIVE FORM OF INSURANCE IS FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO COMMIT ITSELF TO PAY UP CALLABLE EQUITY WHEN THE CORPORATIONS ARE FACED WITH SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES. THIS HAS BEEN ESTIMATED AT $5.9 BILLION (1991 PRICES) FOR THE AIRPORT AND ABOUT $7 BILLION FOR THE AIRPORT RAILWAY."
/MR MACLEOD .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 1992
3
MR MACLEOD SAID THESE FIGURES WERE NOT SHOWN IN THE NEW TABLE OF COSTS BECAUSE THEY WERE ONLY CONTINGENT LIABILITIES. THE FINANCIAL PACKAGE HAD BEEN DEVELOPED IN SUCH A WAY THAT, ON THE BALANCE OF PROBABILITY, THE CALLABLE EQUITY WOULD NOT BE CALLED.
HE SAID IF THE GOVERNMENT DID NOT OFFER THIS SORT OF SUPPORT PACKAGE TO THE MTRC AND THE PAA, IT WOULD FACE EITHER GOVERNMENT FUNDING IN FULL OR GOVERNMENT GUARANTEEING ALL BORROWINGS RAISED BY THE CORPORATIONS THROUGHOUT THE LIFE OF THOSE LOANS.
THE FIRST ALTERNATIVE WOULD ABSORB A HUGE QUANTITY OF PUBLIC RESOURCES WHILE THE LATTER WOULD CREATE AN UNNECESSARILY LARGE AND LONG-TERM CONTINGENT LIABILITY FOR THE GOVERNMENT, BOTH BEFORE AND AFTER 1997.
NOTING THAT THERE WOULD NEED TO BE A RESIDUAL CONTINGENT LIABILITY ON THE SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION GOVERNMENT AFTER 1997, MR MACLEOD SAID THIS- AND OTHER LESSER CONTINGENT LIABILITIES PERSISTING AFTER 1997 WERE SUBJECT TO DISCUSSION WITH THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT WHICH WAS TAKING PLACE IN THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE UNDER THE TERMS OF LAST YEAR’S MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING.
REFERRING TO THE OTHER PROJECTS IN THE ACP, MR MACLEOD SAID THE COST ESTIMATES OF THESE HAD ALSO BEEN ADJUSTED AS A RESULT OF THE MONTHS OF DESIGN AND PROJECT REVIEW.
THE COST OF SUPPORTING ITEMS SUCH AS MANAGEMENTS SERVICES AND A COMPREHENSIVE INSURANCE PROGRAMME HAD ALSO BEEN INCLUDED.
"THESE WILL HELP TO ENSURE THAT THE ACP CAN BE COMPLETED ON TIME AND WITHIN BUDGET," HE ADDED.
ALSO TAKING PART IN THE PRESS CONFERENCE WERE THE DIRECTOR OF THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS CO-ORDINATION OFFICE, MR RAFAEL HUI; CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE PAA, MR RICHARD ALLEN; CHAIRMAN OF THE MTRC, MR HAMISH MATHERS; AND PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR STEPHEN SELBY.
- - 0 - -
DON’T FALL PREY TO DRUG SYNDICATES t * * * »
LOCAL RESIDENTS WERE REMINDED NOT TO FALL PREY TO DRUG SYNDICATES BY CARRYING ILLICIT DRUGS, EITHER KNOWINGLY OR UNWITTINGLY, WHEN TRAVELLING ABROAD.
THE REMINDER WAS ISSUED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR KEN WOODHOUSE, FOLLOWING A RECENT INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF HONG KONG CITIZENS ARRESTED BY FOREIGN LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES FOR DRUG OFFENCES.
HE SAID: "INNOCENT, UNSUSPECTING TRAVELLERS ARE LIKELY TO BE THE TARGETS OF DRUG SYNDICATES.
/"NO MATTER
THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 1992
4
"NO MATTER WHAT YOU ARE OFFERED, WHETHER IT BE A FEW THOUSAND DOLLARS OR A FREE AIR TICKET, THE PRICE CAN BE THE LOSS OF YOUR FREEDOM, OR EVEN YOUR LIFE, WHEN YOU ARE CAUGHT.
"THE DEATH PENALTY IS MANDATORY FOR TRAFFICKING OFFENCES IN SOME COUNTRIES AND LONG PRISON SENTENCES OF UP TO 25 YEARS ARE ALSO COMMON," MR WOODHOUSE SAID.
HE STRESSED THAT WITH INCREASING WORLDWIDE CONCERN OVER DRUG ABUSE AND TRAFFICKING AND BETTER INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION, COUNTRIES WERE TAKING MORE STRINGENT LAW ENFORCEMENT MEASURES AND IMPOSING TOUGHER PENALTIES FOR DRUG OFFENCES.
A TOTAL OF 649 HONG KONG RESIDENTS ARE KNOWN TO HAVE BEEN DETAINED IN MORE THAN 30 OVERSEAS COUNTRIES FOR DRUG OFFENCES FROM 1979 TO 1991.
OVER HALF OF THEM ARE IN FIVE COUNTRIES - THAILAND, FRANCE, JAPAN, THE NETHERLANDS AND THE U.S.A.
SOME HONG KONG CITIZENS HAVE BEEN EXECUTED, OR ARE AWAITING EXECUTION, IN COUNTRIES WHERE THE DEATH PENALTY IS MANDATORY FOR DRUG TRAFFICKING.
MR WOODHOUSE SAID THE NUMBER OF ARREST LAST YEAR WAS 101, COMPARED TO 37 IN 1990.
"THIS IS THE HIGHEST IT HAS EVER BEEN," HE SAID.
THE COMMISSIONER OFFERED THE FOLLOWING ADVICE TO TRAVELLERS:
* DON’T CARRY PACKAGES OR BAGGAGE FOR ANYONE, EVEN IN TRANSIT FROM ONE PLACE TO ANOTHER, UNLESS YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY SURE THAT THEY CONTAIN NO ILLICIT DRUGS OR OTHER PROHIBITED ITEMS.
* NEVER AGREE TO CHECK IN BAGGAGE ON BEHALF OF SOMEONE WHO CLAIMS TO HAVE EXCESS BAGGAGE.
* DON’T BELIEVE PEOPLE WHO SAY THAT IT IS ALRIGHT, OR LEGAL TO USE DOPE IN YOUR DESTINATION. ALL COUNTRIES PROHIBIT ILLICIT DRUG USE.
* DON’T BELIEVE PEOPLE WHO TELL YOU THAT YOU ARE NOT THE TYPE THAT CUSTOMS GO FOR.
* REPORT TO THE POLICE OR TO THE CUSTOMS IF A POSSIBLE DRUG CARRYING DEAL IS PUT TO YOU. THE SYNDICATE WILL GET THE PROFIT; YOU WILL TAKE THE RISK.
MR WOODHOUSE ALSO STRESSED: "THE PENALTIES FOR DRUG
TRAFFICKING OFFENCES IN HONG KONG ARE VERY SEVERE: THE MAXIMUM PENALTY IS LIFE IMPRISONMENT AND A FINE OF $5 MILLION, AND THE ASSETS OF CONVICTED DRUG TRAFFICKERS CAN BE CONFISCATED."
HE URGED THE PUBLIC TO CALL THE POLICE NARCOTICS BUREAU ON TEL. 527 1234 OR THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 545 6182
IF THEY SUSPECT THAT ANY PERSON IS A DRUG TRAFFICKER OR PUSHER.
/MR WCODHOUSE .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 1992
5
MR WOODHOUSE SAID COPIES OF A LEAFLET ’’HAVE A NICE TRIP, DON’T CARRY DRUGS” ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL THE MAJOR TRAVEL AGENCIES IN THE TERRITORY TO ADVISE TRAVELLERS HOW TO AVOID GETTING INVOLVED IN DRUG TRAFFICKING WHEN TRAVELLING ABROAD.
’’ALL TRAVELLERS SHOULD GET A COPY AND READ IT CAREFULLY WHEN THEY APPROACH THEIR TRAVEL AGENTS TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THEIR TRIP,” HE ADDED.
THE LEAFLET IS ALSO OBTAINABLE AT A NUMBER OF THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT’S TRAVEL DOCUMENT ISSUE OFFICES.
---------0-----------
PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF RETAIL SALES SURVEY FOR JANUARY RELEASED *****
THE VALUE OF TOTAL RETAIL SALES IN JANUARY THIS YEAR, ESTIMATED AT $14,200 MILLION, INCREASED BY 35% WHEN COMPARED WITH JANUARY LAST YEAR, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
AFTER DISCOUNTING THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES OVER THE PERIOD, TOTAL RETAIL SALES ROSE BY 28% IN VOLUME.
THE SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN SALES REFLECTED A FURTHER RECOVERY IN CONSUMER SPENDING, WHICH STARTED IN THE SECOND HALF OF LAST YEAR, FROM THE LOW LEVELS IN 1989 AND 1990.
THE ADVANCEMENT OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR TO EARLY FEBRUARY THIS YEAR FROM MID-FEBRUARY LAST YEAR ALSO PUSHED UP CONSUMER SPENDING IN JANUARY.
SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES REGISTERED THE LARGEST INCREASE IN JANUARY 1992 COMPARED WITH A YEAR AGO, BY 121% IN VALUE AND 104% IN VOLUME.
THE SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE WAS RELATED TO THE PROMOTION CAMPAIGNS LAUNCHED BY SOME MOTOR VEHICLE DEALERS STARTING FROM THE LATTER PART OF 1991.
SALES OF JEWELLERY, WATCHES, CLOCKS AND VALUABLE GIFTS ALSO INCREASED CONSIDERABLY, BY 51% IN VALUE AND 64% IN VOLUME, PARTLY DUE TO A GENERAL FALL IN THE PRICES OF JEWELLERY ITEMS.
SPENDING ON CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS SURGED BY 50% IN VALUE AND 40% IN VOLUME, BOOSTED BY SALES PROMOTION LAUNCHED PRIOR TO THE LUNAR NEW YEAR.
SALES IN DEPARTMENT STORES ALSO WENT UP FOR THE SAME REASON, BY 29% IN VALUE AND 20% IN VOLUME.
/SALES IN .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 1992
- 6 -
SALES IN SUPERMARKETS ROSE BY 25% IN VALUE AND 16% IN VOLUME WHILE THOSE IN OTHER FOODSTUFF OUTLETS INCREASED BY 29% IN VALUE AND 13% IN' VOLUME.
THE INCREASES WERE ALSO ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE HEAVIER SHOPPING BEFORE THE LUNAR NEW YEAR.
SALES OF CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES INCREASED BY 6% IN VALUE AND 5% IN VOLUME WHILE SALES OF FUELS WENT UP BY 5% IN VALUE BUT REMAINED VIRTUALLY UNCHANGED IN VOLUME.
COMPARED WITH DECEMBER 1991, AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON MAY BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, TOTAL RETAIL SALES IN JANUARY 1992 INCREASED BY 5% IN VALUE AND 6% IN VOLUME.
CHANGES IN THE VOLUME OF RETAIL SALES ARE DERIVED FROM FIGURES ON THE VALUE OF RETAIL SALES AFTER HAVING ADJUSTED FOR PRICE CHANGES. THE INDICATORS OF PRICE CHANGES USED ARE THE RESPECTIVE COMPONENTS OF THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX WHICH CORRESPOND TO THE BROAD CATEGORIES OF GOODS IN QUESTION.
THE REPORT CONTAINING THE ANALYSIS OF THE JANUARY 1992 RESULTS IS NOW ON SALE AT $1.5 PER COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AND THE PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER OF CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER I, WAN CHAI.
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:
TABLE 1 PRESENTS THE REVISED TOTAL RETAIL SALES FIGURE FOR DECEMBER 1991 AND THE PROVISIONAL FIGURE FOR JANUARY 1992.
TABLE 2 SHOWS THE VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF RETAIL SALES IN DECEMBER 1991 AND JANUARY 1992 FOR ALL RETAIL OUTLETS AND BY TYPE OF RETAIL OUTLET, WITH AVERAGE RETAIL SALES FROM OCTOBER 1989 TO SEPTEMBER 1990 TAKEN AS 100. COMPARISONS OF JANUARY 1992 RESULTS WITH THOSE FOR DECEMBER 1991 AND WITH THOSE FOR JANUARY 1991 ARE ALSO GIVEN.
/TABLE 1 .......
7
THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 1992
TABLE 1 : TOTAL RETAIL SALES
Total Retail Sales for January 1992 (Provisional Figure)’ HR$14,218.1 Billion for December 1991 (Revised Figure) ■ HK$13,532.5 Billion
TABLE 2 : VALUE ABD VOLUME IBDEXE3 OF RETAIL SALES FOR DECEMBER 1991 AND JANUART 1992 (Monthly average of Oct. 89 - Sept. 90 « 100)
Index of January 1992 January 1992 !
J Itei Retail Deceiber January coipared with coipared with !
Sales 1991 1992 Deceiber 1991 January 1991 !
(Revised (Provisional Points * Points * !
figures) figures) । •
J (A) FOR ALL RETAIL OUTLETS 1
Value 144.1 151.4 ♦7.3 +5.1 ♦39.0 +34.7 1
Voluie 129.7 137.6 ♦7.9 +6.1 ♦30.2 +28.2 1 ।
! (B) BY TYPE OF KBTAIL OUTLET • । t । ।
; Foodstuffs, alcoholic Value 128.7 130.0 ♦1.3 +1.0 ♦29.4 +29.2 !
; drinks and tobacco Voluie 114.1 110.2 -3.9 -3.4 +12.6 +12.9 !
} (other than 1
1 supenarkets) 1 1
Supenarkets Value 128.3 125.2 -3.2 -2.5 ♦25.0 +25.0 J
Voluie 110.3 107.0 -3.3 -3.0 +14.4 +15.5 !
J Fuels Value 133.8 131.4 -2.4 -1.8 ♦5.9 +4.7
Voluie 107.3 103.0 -4.4 -4.1 ♦0.4 +0.4
! Clothing, footwear and Value 165.3 185.5 ♦20.3 +12.3 ♦61.7 +49.8
I allied products Voluie 142.1 166.2 ♦24.1 +17.0 ♦47.1 +3M
J Consuier durable goods1 Value 140.0 158.2 ♦18.1 +12.9 ♦49.6 +45.7
Voluie 128.2 144.5 ♦16.3 +12.7 ♦40.2 +38.5
J - Motor vehicles Value 164.3 196.1 ♦31.8 +19.3 ♦107.4 +121.2
} and parts Voluie 143.1 170.5 ♦27.4 +19.1 +87.0 +104.3
1 - Consuier durable Value 122.5 130.7 ♦8.3 *6.7 ♦7.8 +6.3
; goods other than Voluie 117.4 125.7 +8.3 +7.0 +6.3 +5.3
} notor vehicles
; and parts
J Departient stores Value 157.9 162.5 ♦4.6 +2.9 ♦36.4 +28.9
. Voluie 138.4 146.8 ♦8.4 +6.1 +24.5 +20.1
} Jewellery, watches Value 136.8 136.3 -0.6 -0.4 ♦46.0 +51.0
; and clocks, and Voluie 138.5 143.3 ♦4.8 +3.5 ♦55.7 +63.5
1 valuable gifts
; Other consuier goods Value 155.7 166.3 ♦10.7 +6.8 ♦32.5 +24.3
I not elsewhere Voluie 140.1 149.9 +9.7 +6.9 +19.9 +15.3 1
| classified 1
NOTE : 1 This covers both "Motor vehicles and parts" and "Consuier durable goods other than notor vehicles and parts .
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/8 ........
THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 1992
8
CIVIL SERVICE RECRUITMENT BOARDS FOR TUNNEL STAFF *****
SPECIAL RECRUITMENT BOARDS WILL BE HELD FROM NEXT WEEK FOR GOVERNMENT TUNNEL STAFF WHO ARE AFFECTED BY THE CONTRACTING OUT OF THE MANAGEMENT OF GOVERNMENT TUNNELS AND WHO HAVE APPLIED FOR OTHER CIVIL SERVICE JOBS.
AN ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR ERNEST LEE SHU-WING, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT MORE RECRUITMENT BOARDS WILL BE HELD IN MAY AND THEREAFTER FOR THOSE WHO HAVE SUBMITTED APPLICATIONS FOR REDEPLOYMENT WITHIN THE GOVERNMENT.
MR LEE REITERATED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS COMMITTED TO MAKING EVERY EFFORT IN ABSORBING-TUNNEL STAFF WITHIN THE CIVIL SERVICE. THEY WILL BE GIVEN PRIORITY OVER OTHER APPLICANTS FOR APPOINTMENTS TO SUITABLE VACANCIES.
SO FAR 223 GOVERNMENT TUNNEL STAFF MEMBERS HAVE SOUGHT REDEPLOYMENT IN THE CIVIL SERVICE. FOR THOSE WHO OPTED FOR REDUNDANCY TERMS, MR LEE SAID THEY WOULD BE COMPENSATED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF THE EXISTING LEGISLATION.
HE REMINDED OTHERS TO INDICATE THEIR PREFERENCE IF THEY HAVE NOT ALREADY DONE SO.
"ABOUT 300 VACANCIES HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED AS SUITABLE FOR APPLICATION BY TUNNEL STAFF. THESE INCLUDE CLERICAL ASSISTANT, OFFICE ASSISTANT, SUPPLIES ASSISTANT, CULTURAL SERVICE ASSISTANT, POSTMAN AND POLICE COMMUNICATION OFFICER AND SEVERAL OTHERS," HE SAID.
MR LEE EARLIER MET THE GOVERNMENT TRANSPORT ASSISTANTS UNION REPRESENTATIVES TO DISCUSS PROGRESS ON REDEPLOYMENT WITHIN THE CIVIL SERVICE AND STAFF MATTERS RELATING TO THE CONTRACTING OUT OF TUNNEL MANAGEMENT AND OPERATION.
HE APPEALED TO THE TUNNEL STAFF TO STOP INDUSTRIAL ACTION AS THIS' WOULD AFFECT THE CONVENIENCE AND SAFETY OF THE PUBLIC.
"ANY INDUSTRIAL ACTION TAKEN WILL DIRECTLY AFFECT ALL TUNNEL USERS INCLUDING MOTORISTS AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT COMMUTERS," HE SAID.
MR LEE ADDED THAT THE DEPARTMENT HAS A DUTY TO ENSURE THAT TUNNEL OPERATION WILL BE MAINTAINED.
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/9.........
THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 1992
- 9
WALLED CITY CLEARANCE PROGRESSING SMOOTHLY ******
THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS (SPECIAL DUTIES), MR PHILIP CHOK, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT HE WAS PLEASED WITH THE PROGRESS OF THE KOWLOON WALLED CITY CLEARANCE SO FAR.
"WITH TWO MORE PHASES TO GO, THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALREADY RECOVERED 7,400, OR 87 PER CENT OF THE 8,500 PREMISES IN THE WALLED CITY.
"THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN OFFERING VERY REASONABLE COMPENSATION PAYMENTS WHICH HAVE BEEN REGULARLY UPDATED TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF CHANGING PRICES," HE NOTED.
HE REMINDED THOSE CLEAREES STILL REMAINING IN PHASE IIB OF THE CLEARANCE TO LEAVE BY APRIL 6 EVEN IF THEY HAVE NOT ACCEPTED THE GOVERNMENT’S COMPENSATION OFFERS.
HE STRESSED THAT THE CLEARANCE DEADLINE WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED ON APRIL 7.
AT PRESENT, 209 HOUSEHOLDS REMAIN IN PHASE I IB OF THE WALLED CITY. OF THESE, ONLY 52 HOUSEHOLDS HAVE YET TO ACCEPT THE GOVERNMENT’S COMPENSATION OFFERS.
"THOSE PHASE IIB CLEAREES WHO REMAIN DISSATISFIED WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S COMPENSATION OFFERS WILL HAVE UP TO JUNE 6 EITHER TO SUBMIT DOCUMENTS TO SUBSTANTIATE A CLAIM FOR HIGHER COMPENSATION OR TO APPEAL TO THE ASSESSMENT REVIEW BOARD.
"ANY APPEALS SUBMITTED AFTER THE DEADLINE WOULD NOT BE ENTERTAINED BY THE GOVERNMENT," MR CHOK SAID.
ON A RUMOUR THAT FORMER CLEAREES WHO ARE SLEEPING ON THE PAVEMENTS OF THE WALLED CITY WILL RECEIVE ADDITIONAL BENEFITS FROM THE GOVERNMENT, MR CHOK DENIED THAT THIS WAS TRUE.
"THESE PEOPLE ARE DEMANDING FOR MORE THAN THEIR ENTITLEMENT. WE HAVE NO AUTHORITY TO ACCEDE TO SUCH DEMANDS," HE SAID.
THE KOWLOON WALLED CITY CLEARANCE IS BEING UNDERTAKEN IN FOUR PHASES. THE DEADLINE FOR THE FINAL PHASE WILL BE ON JUNE 1.
THE PROJECT IS ESTIMATED TO COST OVER $3.3 BILLION. SO FAR, THE GOVERNMENT HAS PAID OUT $2.64 BILLION.
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/10 .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 1992
- 10 -
TENDERS INVITED FOR NORTH LANTAU EXPRESSWAY
*****
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FROM PREQUALIFIED TENDERERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE YAM O SECTION OF THE NORTH LANTAU EXPRESSWAY BETWEEN TSING CHAV TSAI IN THE EAST AND TA PANG PO IN THE WEST ON THE LANTAU ISLAND.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE YAM O SECTION WOULD BE THE SECOND SECTION OF A DUAL-THREE-LANE EXPRESSWAY TO BE CONSTRUCTED ALONG THE NORTHERN COASTLINE OF LANTAU.
"IT WILL FORM PART OF AN EXTENSIVE TRANSPORT NETWORK TO PROVIDE DIRECT ACCESS TO THE NEW AIRPORT AND DEVELOPMENT ON LANTAU ISLAND,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE ROADWAY WILL . BE BUILT ON RECLAMATIONS AND ELEVATED STRUCTURES OR IN CUTTINGS.
THE CONTRACT WILL ALSO INCLUDE SITE FORMATION FOR THE AIRPORT RAILWAY AND A RESERVE FOR PUBLIC UTILITIES.
PREQUALIFICATION WAS ASSESSED ON FINANCIAL AND TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES OF THE TENDERERS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS JUNE 26 THIS YEAR.
THE AWARD OF THE CONTRACT WILL BE MADE LATER THIS YEAR AND THE CONSTRUCTION IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN FOUR YEARS.
--------0----------
PROPERTY REVIEW 1992 PUBLISHED
******
THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT HAS PUBLISHED THE "PROPERTY REVIEW 1992" WHICH PROVIDES A SUMMARY OF SUPPLY, TAKE-UP, VACANCY, AND RENTAL AND PURCHASE PRICE MOVEMENTS FOR MAJOR SECTORS OF THE PROPERTY MARKET LAST YEAR.
COMMENTING ON THE RENTAL AND PRICE INDICES WHICH WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRELIMINARY RESULTS RELEASED ON FEBRUARY 14 THIS YEAR, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID OVER LAST YEAR PRICES OF DOMESTIC PROPERTIES HAD INCREASED MUCH MORE THAN RENTALS, RESULTING IN A DECLINE IN THE YIELD FOR INVESTMENT IN THIS TYPE OF PROPERTY.
THIS WAS PARTICULARLY NOTICEABLE IN RESPECT OF NEWLY COMPLETED SMALL AND MEDIUM FLATS WHERE IN SOME CASES THE YIELD MIGHT BE AS LOW AS 4 PER CENT, HE SAID.
/THE SPOKESMAN .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 1992
11
THE SPOKESMAN SAID TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE ABUNDANT SUPPLY OF 68,000 SMALL AND MEDIUM FLATS FORECAST FOR THE NEXT TWO YEARS AND THE LARGE NUMBER OF VACANCIES, THE CURRENT HIGH PRICE LEVELS MIGHT COME UNDER PRESSURE DURING 1992.
IN THE COMMERCIAL CATEGORY, THE PRELIMINARY FORECAST RESULTS RELEASED ON FEBRUARY 14 HAVE BEEN REVISED TO 216,000 SQUARE METRES FOR 1992 AND 526,000 SQUARE METRES FOR 1993 RESPECTIVELY.
THIS IS MAINLY DUE TO THE LATER ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE OF A PROMINENT DEVELOPMENT IN KOWLOON BAY.
THE "PROPERTY REVIEW 1992" IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT $100 A COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, 2 CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL.
ENQUIRIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO MR K.S. WONG, ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION, ON TEL. 805 7603 OR MR K.L. NG, ACTING TECHNICAL SECRETARY, ON TEL. 805 7622.
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GOVT LAND TO LET BY TENDER
******
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT-TERM TENANCIES ON SIX PIECES OF GOVERNMENT LAND.
THE FIRST SITE IS LOCATED AT WAI TSUI CRESCENT, NORTH POINT, HONG KONG.
IT HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 1,560 SQUARE METRES AND IS EARMARKED FOR OPEN STORAGE (EXCLUDING DANGEROUS GOODS, CONTAINERS AND MOTOR VEHICLES) AND/OR STORAGE, DISTRIBUTION AND SALE OF POTTED PLANTS.
THE TENANCY IS FOR THREE YEARS AND QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
THE SECOND SITE IS LOCATED AT JORDAN VALLEY SOUTH ROAD, KOWLOON.
WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 4,650 SQUARE METRES, THE SITE IS INTENDED FOR FEE-PAYING PARKING AREA FOR THE PARKING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (EXCLUDING CONTAINER VEHICLES WITH THEIR TRAILERS/CHASSIS ATTACHED) CURRENTLY LICENSED UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE.
THE TENANCY IS FOR ONE YEAR AND QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
THE THIRD SITE IS LOCATED AT FUNG SHING STREET, NGAU CHI WAN, KOWLOON.
IT HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 3,770 SQUARE METRES AND IS INTENDED FOR THE PARKING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (EXCLUDING CONTAINER VEHICLES WITH THEIR TRAILERS/CHASSIS ATTACHED) CURRENTLY LICENSED UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE (EITHER FEE-PAYING OR NON-FEE-PAYING).
/THE TENANCY .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 1992
12
THE TENANCY IS FOR ONE YEAR AND QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
THE FOURTH AND FIFTH SITES ARE ALSO LOCATED AT FUNG SHING STREET, NGAU CHI WAN, KOWLOON.
THE SITES, WITH AN AREA OF 2,750 AND 12,870 SQUARE METRES RESPECTIVELY, ARE FOR OPEN STORAGE (EXCLUDING CONTAINERS AND VEHICLES LICENSED UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE).
BOTH TENANCIES ARE FOR ONE YEAR AND QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
THE REMAINING SITE IS LOCATED AT TIN SHUI WAI, YUEN LONG, NEW TERRITORIES.
WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 3,540 SQUARE METRES, IT IS EARMARKED FOR A FEE-PAYING PUBLIC VEHICLE PARK FOR THE PARKING OF PRIVATE CARS AND GOODS VEHICLES (EXCLUDING CONTAINER TRACTORS AND TRAILERS) CURRENTLY LICENSED UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE.
THE TENANCY IS FOR ONE YEAR AND QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON, APRIL 16.
FORM OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM AND TENDER PLAN INSPECTED AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, HONG KONG EAST, 19TH FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG) DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, YUEN LONG, NINTH FLOOR, YUEN LONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 2 KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG, NEW TERRITORIES; THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES KOWLOON, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.
------0 - - - -
CLINIC SERVICE DURING CHING MING FESTIVAL *****
THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT THERE WILL.BE NO OUT-PATIENT CLINIC SERVICE ON APRIL 4 WHICH IS THE CHING MING FESTIVAL.
HOWEVER, EIGHT OUT-PATIENT CLINICS WILL BE OPENED BETWEEN 9 AM AND 1 PM ON APRIL 5 (SUNDAY).
THEY ARE THE VIOLET PEEL HEALTH CENTRE AND SHAU KEI WAN JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC ON HONG KONG ISLAND; THE KWUN TONG JOCKEY CLUB HEALTH CENTRE, THE ROBERT BLACK HEALTH CENTRE AND YAU MA TEI JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC IN KOWLOON; AND THE LADY TRENCH POLYCLINIC, SHEK WU HUI JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC AND YUEN LONG JOCKEY CLUB HEALTH CENTRE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THERE WILL BE NO EVENING CLINIC SERVICES ON BOTH DATES.
------0-------
/13 .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 1992
13
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS * * * * *
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 1.4.92 700
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 2.4.92 + 123
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING -123
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 112.9 *+0.2* 2.4.92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS TERMS YIELD TERM HONG KONG ISSUE GOVERNMENT BONDS
COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.21 PCT 20 MONTHS 2311 6.25 100.99 5.68
1 MONTH 4.04 PCT 23 MONTHS 2402 5.50 99.19 6.05
3 MONTHS 4.05 PCT
6 MONTHS 4.30 PCT
12 MONTHS 4.68 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 10,920 MN
CLOSED 2 APRIL 1992
0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CENTRAL RECLAMATION AUTHORISED ................................ 1
HONG KONG ECONOMIC FUNDAMENTALS REMAIN SOUND : STI ............ 2
HK - AN INTEGRAL PART OF ASIA PACIFIC ......................... 3
TOYS AND CHILDREN'S PRODUCTS SAFETY BILL ...................... 5
ORGAN DONATION CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED .............................. 6
VITAL ROLE FOR HK STUDENTS IN THE UK .......................... 7
GOVT LAND SALE BY AUCTION ..................................... 9
HONG KONG UPGRADES TOKYO OFFICE ............................... 1°
TSING YI OZP TO COVER CT-9 SITE ............................... 10
CONCESSIONS FOR DISABLED DRIVERS .............................. 11
NEW BUS ROUTE TO SERVE KOWLOON ................................ 12
IMPROVED STUDENTS COMMENDED ................................... 12
NEW PIER AT MUI WO............................................. 13
TENDERS INVITED FOR WORKS ON DRAW-OFF FACILITIES OF RESERVOIR . 13
HONG KONG YEARBOOK TO GO ON SALE .............................. 14
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .... 15
FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 1992
1
CENTRAL RECLAMATION AUTHORISED
*****
THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS AUTHORISED THE RECLAMATION OF ABOUT 20 HECTARES OF LAND AT THE EXISTING WATERFRONT IN CENTRAL TO ACCOMMODATE THE HONG KONG TERMINUS OF THE AIRPORT RAILWAY.
THE NOTICE OF AUTHORISATION FOR THE RECLAMATION WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE PROJECT IS KNOWN AS THE CENTRAL AND WAN CHAI RECLAMATION, PACKAGE 1, PHASE 1, ENGINEERING WORKS (WESTERN SECTION).
IT WILL INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF SEAWALL AND RECLAMATION FOR ABOUT 20 HECTARES OF LAND BETWEEN RUMSEY STREET AND BLAKE PIER, CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS AND STREET AMENITIES, THE LAYING OF DRAINS AND SEWERS AND LANDSCAPING WORKS.
IT WILL ALSO INCLUDE THE REPROVISIONING OF GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC FERRY PIERS AND ASSOCIATED GOVERNMENT OFFICES, COOLING WATER PUMPING STATIONS AND OTHER EXISTING FACILITIES AFFECTED BY THE PROPOSED WORKS.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL APPROVED THE PROJECT WITHOUT MODIFICATION OR CONDITION AFTER TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE OBJECTIONS RECEIVED.
A TOTAL OF SEVEN OBJECTIONS HAD BEEN RECEIVED. OF WHICH, TWO WERE SUBSEQUENTLY WITHDRAWN.
TWO OF THE OBJECTIONS NOT WITHDRAWN WERE LODGED BY FERRY SERVICES OPERATORS.
THE OTHER THREE OBJECTIONS CAME FROM INCORPORATED OWNERS OF COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS ON THE WATERFRONT.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID WORKS FOR THE PROJECT WOULD BE CAREFULLY PHASED IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT THE SAFETY AND OPERATION LEVELS OF THE FERRIES WERE MAINTAINED AND INCONVENIENCE TO PASSENGERS MINIMISED THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD OF THE CONSTRUCTION.
REFERRING TO OBJECTIONS RAISED BY OWNERS OF SEVERAL BUILDINGS ON THE WATERFRONT, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS ARRANGING FOR THE RELOCATION OF THE AIR-CONDITIONING AND FLUSHING SYSTEM OF THE BUILDINGS, WHICH WERE TO BE AFFECTED BY THE RECLAMATION.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE RECLAMATION WORK WAS PROGRAMMED TO BEGIN BY SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.
HE ADDED THAT ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERED THAT HIS INTEREST WOULD BE AFFECTED BY THE PROJECT MAY DELIVER A WRITTEN CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS ON OR BEFORE APRIL 2, 1993.
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/2 ........
FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 1992
- 2 -
HONG KONG ECONOMIC FUNDAMENTALS REMAIN SOUND : STI * * * * *
WHILE CONCERNS ABOUT U.S.-CHINA TRADE RELATIONS ARE REAL, HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC FUNDAMENTALS REMAIN SOUND, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T.H. CHAU, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE "HONG KONG IN TRANSITION" CONFERENCE IN LONDON, MR CHAU SAID A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF ECONOMIC MOMENTUM HAD BEEN GENERATED BOTH IN HONG KONG AND OVER THE BORDER IN CHINA.
"CHINA’S LEADERS HAVE RECENTLY STRONGLY RE-ASSERTED THEIR COMMITMENT TO ECONOMIC REFORMS. THE PROSPECTS FOR GROWTH LOOK GOOD," MR CHAU SAID.
HE NOTED THAT THE YEARS SINCE THE NEGOTIATION OF THE JOINT DECLARATION HAD NOT BEEN EASY ONES.
"NOT ONLY HAVE WE SURVIVED THEM BUT WE HAVE ALSO EMERGED WITH FLYING COLOURS," HE SAID.
EXTERNAL TRADE HAS CONTINUED TO FLOURISH AND TOTAL EXPORTS ARE EXPECTED TO GROW AT ABOUT 14 PER CENT THIS YEAR.
"THE ECONOMY, AFTER THE LOWER GROWTH RATES OF 3 PER CENT IN 1990 AND 4 PER CENT IN 1991, IS FORECAST TO GROW IN 1992 AT A RESPECTABLE 5 PER CENT. PER CAPITA GDP IN 1991 WAS US$14,000 - HIGHEST IN ASIA AFTER JAPAN AND OIL-RICH BRUNEI AND HIGHER THAN THAT OF SOME MEMBER STATES OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY," MR CHAU SAID.
"IN 1981, WE WERE THE 18TH LARGEST TRADING ENTITY IN THE WORLD. AS A RESULT OF THE GROWTH IN OUR CHINA TRADE, IN THE SECOND-HALF OF THE 1980’S WE ROSE TO BECOME THE 11 TH LARGEST.
"THE LATEST GATT FIGURES SHOW THAT WE ARE NOW THE 10TH LARGEST. IF THE MEMBER STATES OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY WERE COUNTED AS ONE SINGLE ENTITY - AS THEY SHOULD BE - WE ARE THE FIFTH LARGEST, AFTER THE U.S., THE EC, JAPAN AND CANADA.
"THIS IS A RECORD OF WHICH WE HONG KONG RESIDENTS CAN JUSTLY BE PROUD,” MR CHAU SAID, ADDING THAT BUT IT WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE WITHOUT CHINA, ESPECIALLY SOUTH CHINA WHICH HAD BECOME THE VAST HINTERLAND ON WHICH HONG KONG WAS ABLE TO DRAW TO SUPPLEMENT ITS LIMITED SUPPLIES OF LAND AND MANPOWER.
"FOR ITS PART, HONG KONG THROUGH ITS INVESTMENT AND ENTREPRENEURS HAVE PROVIDED THE ENGINE FOR THE GROWTH OF SOUTH CHINA.
"THIS RELATIONSHIP IS ONE WHICH HAS BENEFITED BOTH CHINA AND HONG KONG," MR CHAU STRESSED.
IT IS A RELATIONSHIP WHICH WILL CONTINUE TO GROW. THE MUTUAL BENEFIT DERIVED BY THE TWO PARTIES TO THIS RELATIONSHIP IS IN FACT ONE OF THE BEST GUARANTEES OF HONG KONG’S FUTURE AS A HIGHLY AUTONOMOUS SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION OF CHINA, HE SAID.
/MR CHAU .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 1992
3
MR CHAU POINTED OUT THAT SOME COMMENTATORS HAVE REFERRED TO THIS RELATIONSHIP AS ONE OF ECONOMIC INTEGRATION.
"I THINK MYSELF THAT THAT IS THE WRONG TERM. THE CORRECT TERM IN MY VIEW IS ECONOMIC INTERDEPENDENCE,” MR CHAU SAID.
THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION GUARANTEES THAT AFTER 1997 HONG KONG WILL CONTINUE TO BE A SEPARATE CUSTOMS TERRITORY AND WILL CONTINUE TO MAKE TRADE AND ECONOMIC DECISIONS ON ITS OWN, HE SAID.
"I BELIEVE THAT IT IS BY REMAINING AS AN AUTONOMOUS TRADING PARTNER AND A SEPARATE ECONOMIC ENTITY THAT HONG KONG CAN RETAIN ITS VITALITY AND DYNAMISM AND THEREBY CONTINUE TO PLAY ITS PRESENT ROLE,” HE SAID.
---------0----------
HK - AN INTEGRAL PART OF ASIA PACIFIC ******
OVER 600 OVERSEAS COMPANIES HAVE SET UP THEIR REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS IN HONG KONG TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE TERRITORY’S EFFICIENT INFRASTRUCTURE AND CLOSE TIES WITHIN THE REGION, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MR FRANCIS HO, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
MR HO WAS SPEAKING TO MEMBERS OF THE VICTORIAN EMPLOYERS’ FEDERATION IN MELBOURNE AT THE END OF A ONE-WEEK INVESTMENT PROMOTION VISIT TO AUSTRALIA.
ACCORDING TO A RECENT SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT, 602 REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS AND 278 REGIONAL OFFICES WERE SET UP BY OVERSEAS COMPANIES IN HONG KONG AS AT THE MIDDLE OF LAST YEAR.
MR HO SAID HONG KONG HAD ESTABLISHED THE STATURE AS AN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL AND SERVICE CENTRE OVER THE YEARS.
’’THERE ARE NOW SOME 400 OVERSEAS BANKS REPRESENTED HERE FROM AROUND THE WORLD. OF THE WORLD’S TOP 100 BANKS IN TERMS OF TOTAL ASSETS, 84 ARE PRESENT HERE,” HE SAID.
MR HO SAID HONG KONG’S STOCK MARKET WAS ONE OF THE LARGEST AND MOST ACTIVE IN ASIA.
"SOME 350 PUBLIC COMPANIES ARE CURRENTLY LISTED ON THE HONG KONG STOCK EXCHANGE. TOGETHER THEY HAVE A MARKET CAPITALISATION OF ABOUT $125 BILLION.
"THIS HAS MADE HONG KONG THE THIRD LARGEST STOCK MARKET IN ASIA, AFTER JAPAN AND TAIWAN. MANY OF THE WORLD’S MAJOR SECURITIES HOUSES AND INSURANCE COMPANIES ARE PRESENT HERE," HE SAID.
MR HO SAID HONG KONG AND AUSTRALIA WERE BOTH IN THE ASIA PACIFIC WHICH WAS RECKONED TO BE THE FASTEST GROWING AND MOST DYNAMIC REGION IN THE WORLD.
/THE REGION .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 1992
4
THE REGION ACCOUNTED FOR HALF OF THE WORLD’S GROSS NATIONAL PRODUCT AND ONE-THIRD OF WORLD TRADE.
"IN THE LAST DECADE, ASIA-PACIFIC ECONOMIES GREW AT AN AVERAGE OF EIGHT PER CENT A YEAR OVERALL. FOR THOSE WHICH HAVE BEEN DUBBED NEWLY INDUSTRIALISED ECONOMIES OR DYNAMIC ASIAN ECONOMIES, THE GROWTH WAS EVEN FASTER, AT 12 PER CENT PER ANNUM," HE SAID.
NOTING THAT HONG KONG WAS THE 10TH LARGEST TRADING ENTITY IN THE WORLD, MR HO SAID AMONG HONG KONG’S TOP 20 TRADING PARTNERS, 12 WERE FROM THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION.
"INDEED, CHINA IS OUR LARGEST TRADING PARTNER, WITH USA COMING SECOND AND JAPAN THIRD.
"IN 1991, ASIA PACIFIC ACCOUNTED FOR 78 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL TRADE. OUR EXPORTS TO THE REGION GREW AT AN AVERAGE ANNUAL RATE OF 14 PER CENT DURING THE LAST DECADE TO REACH A TOTAL OF $160 BILLION IN 1991," HE SAID.
AS REGARDS THE RE-EXPORT TRADE, MR HO SAID HONG KONG RE-EXPORTED GOODS VALUED AT $381 BILLION TO THE REGION LAST YEAR.
GROWTH IN THIS RE-EXPORT TRADE IN THE LAST DECADE AMOUNTED TO 31 PER CENT EACH YEAR AND WAS CONTINUING.
"THIS REFLECTS THE GEOGRAPHICAL ADVANTAGE OF HONG KONG AS A GATEWAY BETWEEN CHINA AND OTHER ECONOMIES IN THE REGION, AND OUR MASSIVE INVESTMENT INTO SOUTHERN CHINA.
"OUR IMPORTS FROM THE REGION ARE EQUALLY SIGNIFICANT, GROWING BY AN ANNUAL AVERAGE OF 18 PER CENT DURING THE LAST DECADE," HE SAID.
IN A NUTSHELL, MR HO SAID, HONG KONG WAS CLEARLY AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE ASIA PACIFIC.
"OUR STRATEGIC LOCATION IN THE REGION HAS HELPED US TO PROSPER, AND GREATER ECONOMIC TIES WITH COUNTRIES IN THE REGION AND GREAT REGIONAL ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION WILL IN TURN CONTINUE TO PROVIDE GOOD INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN HONG KONG ITSELF," HE SAID.
EARLIER, MR HO SAID AT A LUNCH MEETING OF THE HONG KONG AUSTRALIA BUSINESS ASSOCIATION IN MELBOURNE THAT THERE WAS A GROWING INTEGRATION BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA AS BOTH LED THE WAY IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THIS LARGE, AND STILL LARGELY UNTAPPED MARKET OF THE GREATER SOUTH CHINA HINTERLAND.
"HONG KONG BUSINESSMEN, WITH THEIR ENTREPRENEURIAL FLAIR AND GOOD UNDERSTANDING OF INTERNATIONAL MARKETS, AND COMMON LANGUAGE AND CULTURE WITH COUNTERPARTS AND WORKERS IN THE GUANGDONG PROVINCE WILL CONTINUE TO BE THE MAIN MOVERS OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY IN SOUTHERN CHINA.
"THEY ARE THE NATURAL CONNECTION FOR ANY OVERSEAS COMPANIES WANTING TO DO BUSINESS IN OUR PART OF THE WORLD,” HE SAID.
FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 1992
5
TOYS AND CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS SAFETY BILL
*****
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE TOYS AND CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS SAFETY BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON APRIL 29.
THE BILL SEEKS TO CONTROL ALL TOYS AND SPECIFIED CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS ON SALE OR INTENDED FOR SALE IN HONG KONG BY SETTING SAFETY STANDARDS FOR THEM. IT IMPOSES A DUTY ON THE SUPPLIERS TO
ENSURE THAT THEIR PRODUCTS ARE REASONABLY SAFE.
"WE RECOGNISE THAT THERE IS A NEED TO IMPOSE STATUTORY
CONTROLS ON THE SUPPLY OF TOYS AND CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS IN ORDER TO
BRING THEIR SAFETY STANDARDS UP TO THE INTERNATIONAL LEVEL AND TO
ENHANCE THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN," HE SAID.
THE BILL FOLLOWS THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE WORKING GROUP ON TOY SAFETY WHICH COMPRISED REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE TOY INDUSTRY, THE CONSUMER COUNCIL AND RELEVANT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
"THE INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTARY TOY SAFETY STANDARD ESTABLISHED BY THE INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE OF TOY INDUSTRIES (ICTI) AND THE BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION (BSI) STANDARDS WILL BE ADOPTED AS THE RESPECTIVE SAFETY STANDARDS FOR TOYS AND CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS," HE SAID.
THE ICTI STANDARD, AN INTERNATIONAL SAFETY STANDARD FOR TOYS IS COMPREHENSIVE AND VERY SIMILAR TO THE SAFETY STANDARDS IN THE UNITED STATES AND THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY.
AT PRESENT, THERE ARE NO INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS FOR CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS.
THE CLOSEST APPROXIMATION ARE THE BSI STANDARDS WHICH ARE WIDELY USED AND HIGHLY REGARDED IN THE INTERNATIONAL TRADING COMMUNITY. THEY COVER THE MOST COMMONLY USED CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS.
"THE BILL WILL BE ENFORCED BY THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT ON AN ’ACT-ON-COMPLAINT’ BASIS," HE SAID.
"THERE WILL BE A GRACE PERIOD OF ONE YEAR FOR THE INDUSTRY TO ADJUST BEFORE THE BILL COMES INTO OPERATION.
"THE BILL PROVIDES FOR A NOTICE SYSTEM TO BE ADMINISTERED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE (CCE) WHEREBY SUPPLIERS MAY BE REQUIRED TO MODIFY, AND IN EXTREME CASES, TO RECALL THEIR UNSAFE TOYS OR CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS," HE ADDED.
UNDER THE BILL, IT WILL BE AN OFFENCE TO MANUFACTURE, IMPORT OR SUPPLY IN HONG KONG TOYS AND CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS WHICH DO NOT MEET THE STATUTORY SAFETY STANDARDS.
IT WILL ALSO BE AN OFFENCE IF A PERSON DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE NOTICES ISSUED BY CCE.
/ANY PERSON .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 1992
6
ANY PERSON AGGRIEVED BY NOTICES ISSUED BY CCE MAY APPEAL TO AN INDEPENDENT APPEAL BOARD WHICH WILL BE CHAIRED BY A LEGAL PRACTITIONER, WITH MEMBERS INCLUDING A GENERAL CONSUMER, A SCIENTIST OF RELEVANT EXPERTISE AND A PERSON FROM THE TOY AND CHILDREN’S PRODUCT INDUSTRY.
THE TOYS AND CHILDREN'S PRODUCTS SAFETY BILL WILL BE GAZETTED ON APRIL 10.
_ _ 0 - -
ORGAN DONATION CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED ******
THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, DR S.H. LEE, TODAY (FRIDAY) APPEALED TO HONG KONG PEOPLE, WHO HAVE A PROUD RECORD OF CARING FOR THE LESS FORTUNATE, TO GIVE THEIR SUPPORT TO THE ORGAN DONATION CAMPAIGN.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TO LAUNCH THE CAMPAIGN, DR LEE SAID: "WE HAVE IN HONG KONG THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WHO COULD NOT LIVE A NORMAL LIFE BECAUSE THEIR EYES, KIDNEYS OR LIVERS CANNOT FUNCTION PROPERLY.
"FOR THOSE WHO ARE GRAVELY ILL, THEIR LIVES MAY EVEN BE THREATENED. TO THESE PEOPLE, THE ONLY HOPE IS TO HAVE THE DEFECTIVE ORGANS REPLACED."
DR LEE SAID HONG KONG HAS THE EXPERTISE AND FACILITIES TO CARRY OUT SUCH TRANSPLANT OPERATIONS.
"WHAT WE LACK ARE ORGAN DONORS."
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE SIGNING OF THE ORGAN DONATION CARDS ONLY INDICATES ONE’S WISH TO DONATE HIS OR HER ORGAN AFTER DEATH AND NOT BEFORE.
ALSO, THE VIEW OF THE DONOR’S RELATIVES WILL BE RESPECTED. IN OTHER WORDS, THE ORGANS PLEDGED WILL NOT BE REMOVED IF OBJECTION IS RAISED.
"HONG KONG CAN BE PROUD OF ITS RECORD OF CARING FOR THE LESS FORTUNATE, BOTH LOCALLY AND IN FAR AWAY PLACES," HE SAID.
HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT HONG KONG PEOPLE WOULD, ONCE AGAIN, DEMONSTRATE THAT THEY CARE.
URGED.
AN ORGAN DONATED CAN MEAN A LIFE SAVED. GIVE GENEROUSLY," HE
THE CAMPAIGN IS ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH WITH POK 01 HOSPITAL, TELEVISION BROADCASTS LIMITED (TVB), RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG (RTHK), AND THE HONG KONG KIDNEY FOUNDATION AS CO-ORGANISERS.
/THE HONG
FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 1992
THE HONG KONG SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY LIMITED AND THE KIDNEY DONATION SOCIETY (HONG KONG) LIMITED HAVE ALSO OFFERED THEIR SUPPORT.
THE DRIVE WILL CONSIST OF A SERIES OF DISPLAYS OF HEALTH EDUCATION MATERIALS AT COMMERCIAL CENTRES WHERE STALLS WILL BE SET UP TO FACILITATE THE SIGNING OF CARDS BY DONORS.
TWO CARNIVALS, ORGANISED BY THE TVB AND RTHK, WILL BE STAGED AT THESE VENUES.
THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE CAMPAIGN WILL BE AN ORGAN DONATION CARD SIGNING CEREMONY TO BE ATTENDED BY CELEBRITIES AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS.
THE CEREMONY WHICH FORMS PART OF THE "ENJOY YOURSELF TONIGHT” PROGRAMME ON TVB JADE WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE ON APRIL 17.
ARTISTS FROM TVB WILL ALSO VISIT VARIOUS HOUSING ESTATES TO PROMOTE THE CAMPAIGN. THE ESTATE WITH THE MOST PEOPLE PLEDGING TO DONATE THEIR ORGANS WILL WIN THE "MOST CARING ESTATE" AWARD.
A NUMBER OF ORGANISATIONS HAVE ALSO KINDLY AGREED TO HELP BY MAKING ORGAN DONATION CARDS AVAILABLE AT THEIR OUTLETS. THE CARDS CAN ALSO BE OBTAINED FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH’S INSTITUTIONS.
THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT WILL DISTRIBUTE THE LETTER OF APPEAL AND ORGAN DONATION CARDS TO EACH OF THE 800,000 HOUSEHOLDS OF 200 HOUSING ESTATES DURING THEIR DOOR-TO-DOOR VISITS WHILE THE TREASURY WILL SEND ORGAN DONATION CARDS AND LEAFLETS TOGETHER WITH THE NOTICES FOR PAYMENT OF RATES.
IN ORDER TO REACH OUT TO AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE, ANNOUNCEMENTS IN PUBLIC INTEREST (APIS) WILL BE BORADCAST ON TELEVISION AND RADIOS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.
- - 0 - -
VITAL ROLE FOR HK STUDENTS IN THE UK * * * * *
BRITISH TRAINING FOR HONG KONG STUDENTS CAN PREPARE THEM FOR THEIR RETURN TO THE TERRITORY AND CONTRIBUTE TO ITS SUCCESS, THE HONG KONG COMMISSIONER, JOHN YAXLEY, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF A THREE-DAY CONFERENCE ORGANISED BY THE PROFESSIONAL AND POSTGRADUATE SOCIETY AT LONDON’S IMPERIAL COLLEGE, MR YAXLEY SAID HONG KONG STUDENTS COULD BENEFIT FROM THEIR EDUCATION IN THE UK BY GAINING SOME INSIGHT AND UNDERSTANDING OF HOW WESTERN SOCIETIES WORK, BOTH SOCIALLY AND ECONOMICALLY.
"THIS IS IMPORTANT IN HONG KONG’S CIRCUMSTANCES BECAUSE HONG KONG IS PROBABLY THE WORLD’S BEST EXAMPLE OF A PLACE WHICH ACTS AS AN INTERFACE BETWEEN EAST AND WEST," HE SAID.
/HE ADDED
FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 1992
8
HE ADDED THAT A UK TRAINING WILL FACILITATE TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND ALSO AN UNDERSTANDING OF WESTERN MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES.
HE SAID SOCIETIES DID NOT FLOURISH SOLELY AS A RESULT OF ECONOMIC GROWTH. THE "RULE OF LAW" AND A SENSE OF "FAIRNESS AND JUSTICE" WERE MAJOR FACTORS IN PROVIDING A STABLE FRAMEWORK TO ANY SOCIETY.
"HONG KONG, POST 1997, WILL INHERIT A BRITISH INSPIRED LEGAL AND JUDICIAL SYSTEM. IT IS NOT THE ONLY LEGAL AND JUDICIAL SYSTEM IN THE WORLD BUT IT APPEARS TO HAVE SERVED HONG KONG WELL FOR 150 YEARS AND ITS CONTINUATION IS ENSHRINED IN THE JOINT DECLARATION," HE SAID.
"IT SEEMS THAT IN SOME WAY THE CONTINUAL RETURN OF HONG KONG STUDENTS, ESPECIALLY OUR LAWYERS, AFTER PERIODS OF TRAINING IN THE UK WILL HELP TO PRESERVE AND KEEP ALIVE THE LEGAL AND JUDICIAL SYSTEM WHICH HONG KONG HAS CHOSEN FOR ITS FUTURE," MR YAXLEY SAID.
ON THE WORK OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICE IN LONDON, HE SAID THE OFFICE WAS ACUTELY CONSCIOUS OF THE ROLE IT SHOULD BE PLAYING IN ASSISTING IN THIS PROCESS OF OPENING UP AND DEVELOPING THE LINES OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE TERRITORY AND PROFESSIONALS AND UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN THIS COUNTRY.
"WE HAVE RECENTLY REORGANISED OUR COMMUNITY AND STUDENTS DIVISIONS SO THAT WE ARE BETTER PLACED TO PROVIDE BRIEFINGS ON CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS IN HONG KONG AT UNIVERSITIES AND POLYTECHNICS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY.
"A RECENT EXAMPLE WAS OUR SEMINAR LAST MONTH AT MANCHESTER. WE ARE ALSO INCREASING OUR SUPPORT FOR CAREERS FAIRS. WE HAVE ARRANGED OR BEEN INVOLVED IN A NUMBER OF THESE, THE NEXT BEING IN SHEFFIELD LATER THIS MONTH.
"WE ARE ALSO WORKING ON OUR "YOUNG AMBASSADOR" SCHEME THROUGH OUR ASSISTANCE TO VARIOUS PROFESSIONAL BODIES, INCLUDING THE ORGANISERS OF THIS CONFERENCE AND THE HONG KONG EXECUTIVES CLUB," HE SAID.
AT THE THREE-DAY CONFERENCE WHICH WILL END ON SUNDAY (APRIL 5), THE ORGANISERS HAVE ARRANGED FOR A DISTINGUISHED GROUP OF SPEAKERS TO TALK ON CURRENT ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS AND ON CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN HONG KONG.
IN ADDITION TO MR YAXLEY, TODAY’S OTHER SPEAKERS INCLUDED PETER RICKETTS OF THE FOREIGN OFFICE, LORD JUDD AND THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY T.H. CHAU, WHO GAVE A KEYNOTE SPEECH ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS TAM YIU-CHUNG, FREDERICK FUNG WILL SPEAK ON HONG KONG’S SOCIAL AFFAIRS TOMORROW WHILE THE LONDON OFFICE’S DEPUTY COMMISSIONER DAVID TSUI WILL INTRODUCE TO PARTICIPANTS CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE.
OTHER SPEAKERS WILL INCLUDE LEGCO MEMBERS SELINA CHOW, DR YEUNG SUM AND PROMINENT INDUSTRIALISTS AND BANKERS.
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/9........
FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 1992
9
GOVT LAND SALE BY AUCTION * * * * *
THREE LOTS OF GOVERNMENT LAND WILL BE OFFERED FOR SALE IN A PUBLIC AUCTION BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT TO BE HELD IN THE CITY HALL THEATRE ON APRIL 28.
THE AUCTION WILL START AT 2.30 PM.
THE FIRST LOT IS LOCATED AT AP LEI CHAU WEST, HONG KONG.
WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 5,538 SQUARE METRES, THE SITE IS INTENDED FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES (EXCLUDING OFFENSIVE TRADES).
ACCORDING TO THE BUILDING COVENANT, THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 31, 567 SQUARE METRES ON OR BEFORE APRIL 28, 1996.
THE SECOND LOT IS LOCATED AT AREA 11, ON LAI STREET, SHA TIN, NEW TERRITORIES.
THE SITE HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 2,869 SQUARE METRES AND IS EARMARKED FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES (EXCLUDING DANGEROUS GOODS GODOWN).
THE BUILDING COVENANT STIPULATES THAT THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 16,353 SQUARE METRES ON OR BEFORE MARCH 31, 1996.
THE REMAINING LOT IS LOCATED AT AREA 30, TAI PO, NEW TERRITORIES.
WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 24,630 SQUARE METRES, THE SITE IS INTENDED FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES.
ACCORDING TO THE BUILDING COVENANT, THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR OF NOT LESS THAN 26,600 SQUARE METRES ON OR BEFORE JUNE 30, 1996.
FULL PARTICULARS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM AND SALES PLANS INSPECTED AT, THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON WEST, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.
CONDITIONS OF SALE WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES OF SHA TIN, TUEN MUN, YUEN LONG, TSUEN WAN, KWAI TSING, TAI PO, NORTH, SAI KUNG AND ISLANDS.
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/10 .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 1992
- 10 -
HONG KONG UPGRADES TOKYO OFFICE *****
THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE IN TOKYO HAS BEEN UPGRADED FROM A CHIEF REPRESENTATIVE POST TO PRINCIPAL REPRESENTATIVE BECAUSE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF JAPAN AS AN IMPORTANT TRADING PARTNER WITH HONG KONG.
JAPAN IS HONG KONG’S THIRD LARGEST TRADING PARTNER TN TERMS OF TOTAL VOLUME OF BUSINESS AND THE NUMBER ONE OVERSEAS INVESTOR IN THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE PRINCIPAL REPRESENTATIVE, MR DAVID LAN, AT A RECENT SPRING RECEPTION IN TOKYO.
THE RECEPTION WAS ATTENDED BY MORE THAN 200 GUESTS INCLUDING JAPANESE DIET MEMBERS, OFFICIALS OF JAPANESE GOVERNMENT MINISTRIES AND ORGANISATIONS, REPRESENTATIVES OF DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS IN TOKYO AND SENIOR EXECUTIVES OF BANKING, FINANCIAL, MANUFACTURING AND VARIOUS BUSINESS SECTORS IN JAPAN.
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TSING YI OZP TO COVER CT-9 SITE ******
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED AMENDMENTS TO THE DRAFT TSING YI OUTLINE ZONING PLAN, INCLUDING THE INCORPORATION OF THE PROPOSED RECLAMATION OFF SOUTHEAST TSING YI FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PROPOSED CONTAINER TERMINAL NO. 9 AND CONTAINER BACK-UP FACILITIES.
THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS ALSO INCLUDE RESERVING LAND IN THE PROPOSED RECLAMATION AREA FOR OTHER USES SUCH AS COMMUNITY FACILITIES, OPEN SPACE, CARGO HANDLING AREA, MARINE-RELATED USES, CHEMICAL WASTES TREATMENT AND INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES.
SOME OF THE PRESENT LAND USES OF CERTAIN AREAS IN SOUTHEAST TSING YI HAVE ALSO BEEN AMENDED TO FACILITATE THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PROPOSED CONTAINER TERMINAL.
THESE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS INCLUDE REZONING OF PART OF AREA 22 FROM ’’INDUSTRIAL” TO ’’OPEN SPACE”, "GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY” AND ’’OTHER SPECIFIED USES” ANNOTATED ’’CONTAINER RELATED USES”.
THE AMENDMENTS TO THE DRAFT PLAN CAN NOW BE INSPECTED UNTIL JUNE 3 THIS YEAR AT:
♦ THE DISTRICT OFFICE (KWAI TSING), 10TH FLOOR, KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 166-174 HING FONG ROAD, KWAI CHUNG, NEW TERRITORIES;
* PLANNING DEPARTMENT, 16TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; AND
/* TSUEN WAN .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 1992
11
* TSUEN WAN DISTRICT PLANNING OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, HO FAI COMMERCIAL CENTRE, BLOCK 2, 222-224, SAI LAU KOK ROAD, TSUEN WAN, NEW TERRITORIES.
ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENTS MAY SUBMIT HIS OBJECTIONS IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY TO THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/O PLANNING DEPARTMENT, 13TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG ON OR BEFORE JUNE 3 THIS YEAR.
COPIES OF THE AMENDMENT PLAN (PLAN NO. S/TY/9) ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, AND KOWLOON MAP SALES SECTION, 382 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON AT $10 EACH UNCOLOURED AND $60 EACH COLOURED.
- - 0-----------
CONCESSIONS FOR DISABLED DRIVERS
******
AN AMENDMENT REGULATION WHICH EMPOWERS THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT TO EXEMPT DISABLED DRIVERS FROM THE PAYMENT OF TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP FEES UPON A TRANSFER OF MOTOR VEHICLES COMES INTO EFFECT TODAY (FRIDAY).
UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC (REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF VEHICLES) (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1992 GAZETTED TODAY, DISABLED DRIVERS MAY APPLY FOR SUCH EXEMPTION WHICH WILL SAVE THEM $1,000 WHEN THEY PURCHASE SECOND-HAND CARS.
"IT IS THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO ENHANCE MOBILITY OF DISABLED PERSONS BY PROVIDING THEM WITH SPECIAL TRANSPORT SERVICES AND EXEMPTIONS FROM THE PAYMENT OF CERTAIN FEES AND DUTIES ON SELF-DRIVEN PRIVATE CARS," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE PURPOSE IS TO FACILITATE THEIR PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES AND ENHANCE THEIR INTEGRATION INTO SOCIETY," HE ADDED.
THERE WERE 1,244 DISABLED PERSONS POSSESSING A DRIVING LICENCE AT THE END OF JANUARY THIS YEAR. OF THEM, 613 WERE CAR OWNERS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID APART FROM THE CONCESSION IN RESPECT OF TRANSFER OF VEHICLE OWNERSHIP FEES, DISABLED DRIVERS WILL ALSO ENJOY OTHER EXEMPTIONS INCLUDING LEARNER’S DRIVING LICENCE FEE, DRIVING TEST FORM FEE, FULL DRIVING LICENCE FEE AND ANNUAL LICENCE FEE.
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/12 ........
FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 1992
- 12 -
NEW BUS ROUTE TO SERVE KOWLOON
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT KOWLOON MOTOR BUS ROUTES 206S AND 24 IS WILL BE MERGED AND FORM A NEW ROUTE, 24 IS, TO OPERATE BETWEEN CHEUNG ON ESTATE AND KOWLOON STATION OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY FROM SUNDAY (APRIL 5).
THE MOVE IS TO STREAMLINE BUS OPERATIONS AND MORE FULLY UTILISE EXISTING RESOURCES.
THE NEW OVERNIGHT ROUTE WILL COVER MOST OF THE PREVIOUSLY SERVED AREAS OF ROUTE 206S. IT WILL RUN AT A FREQUENCY OF 15 MINUTES.
THE FARE OF THIS AIR-CONDITIONED BUS WILL BE $10 PER SINGLE JOURNEY.
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IMPROVED STUDENTS COMMENDED
******
SOME 600 JUNIOR SECONDARY STUDENTS WERE HIGHLY COMMENDED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR LI YUET-TING, FOR THEIR HARD WORK AND PERSEVERANCE IN ACHIEVING BETTER ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE.
SPEAKING AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE 1991-92 SING TAO MOST IMPROVED STUDENTS AWARD AT QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM, MR LI SAID THE STUDENTS HAD DEMONSTRATED A POSITIVE LEARNING ATTITUDE AND SET A GOOD EXAMPLE FOR OTHER STUDENTS.
TO THE 400-PLUS PARENTS ATTENDING THE CEREMONY, HE SAID: "YOUR PRESENCE CLEARLY SHOW YOUR CARE AND SUPPORT FOR YOUR CHILDREN."
ALSO, HE SAID, PARENTAL CONCERN AND ENCOURAGEMENT WOULD HAVE A GREAT EFFECT ON CHILDREN’S CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY WAS THE SING TAO CHINESE NEWSPAPER PUBLISHING GROUP GENERAL MANAGER, MR HEUNG SHU-FAI.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE AWARD WAS MEANT TO RECOGNISE THE ATTAINMENT OF THOSE STUDENTS WHO HAD STRIVEN FOR IMPROVEMENT.
A TOTAL OF 617 STUDENTS FROM 317 SCHOOLS, INCLUDING SPECIAL SCHOOLS, RECEIVED THE $500 CASH AWARD TODAY.
THESE AWARDS WERE WON BY STUDENTS WHO HAD ATTAINED THE BEST ALL-ROUND IMPROVEMENT IN ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE ON COMPLETION OF SECONDARY 2 OR SECONDARY 3 OVER THE PAST SCHOOL YEAR.
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/13 .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 1992
13
NEW PIER AT MUI WO
*****
CONSTRUCTION OF A PIER WILL START AT MUI WO, LANTAU ISLAND IN MAY WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 1.22 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEA-BED TO PROVIDE A BERTHING POINT FOR FIREBOATS.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED WAS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HIS INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEA-BED INVOLVED WILL BE AFFECTED BY SUCH WORK MAY DELIVER TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS A WRITTEN CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION ON OR BEFORE APRIL 2 NEXT YEAR.
THE NOTICE, IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE, TOGETHER WITH ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG (WHERE COPIES CAN BE PURCHASED ON ORDER) AND AT THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICE AT MUI WO.
- 0----------
TENDERS INVITED FOR WORKS ON DRAW-OFF FACILITIES OF RESERVOIR *****
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FROM A LIST OF PREQUALIFIED TENDERERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF ADDITIONAL DRAW-OFF FACILITIES AT THE TAI LAM CHUNG RESERVOIR.
THE RESERVOIR WAS BUILT IN THE 1950’S AND HAS BEEN THE MAIN SOURCE OF SUPPLY TO TSUEN WAN, YUEN LONG AND TUEN MUN UNTIL NOW.
BUT IT WOULD REQUIRE TO PROVIDE SUPPLY TO THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK AND THE ASSOCIATED NEW TOWNS AND INDUSTRIAL AREAS OF NORTH LANTAU BY THE END OF 1990S.
WITH ITS EXISTING DRAW-OFF AND TRANSFER FACILITIES APPROACHING THEIR CAPACITIES, THE ADDITIONAL FACILITIES ARE REQUIRED TO MEET THE ANTICIPATED DEMAND FOR WATER SUPPLY FROM BOTH THE WESTERN NEW TERRITORIES REGION AS WELL AS FROM THE NEW AIRPORT AND ASSOCIATED NEW TOWNS ON LANTAU ISLAND IN FUTURE.
WORKS ON THE NEW FACILITIES COMPRISE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 45-METRE HIGH INTAKE TOWER INSIDE THE TAI LAM CHUNG RESERVIOR WHICH WILL BE CONNECTED TO THE EXISTING AND FUTURE WATER TRANSFER AQUEDUCTS VIA A STEEL PIPELINE AND A TUNNEL WHICH WILL PASS UNDERNEATH THE EXISTING DAM.
A 50-METRE LONG BRIDGE WILL ALSO BE BUILT TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO THE INTAKE TOWER.
/THE PROJECT........
FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 1992
- 14 -
THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO START IN JUNE AND BE COMPLETED BY EARLY 1994.
CONSULTANT FOR THE PROJECT IS BINNIE CONSULTANTS LIMITED WHICH WAS ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ENGINEERING OF THE RESERVOIR IN THE EARLY 1950S.
FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE CONSULTANT’S OFFICE ON 11TH FLOOR, NEW TOWN TOWER, PAR HOK TING STREET, SHA TIN, NEW TERRITORIES.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS IS NOON ON MAY 1.
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HONG KONG YEARBOOK TO GO ON SALE * * * * »
HONG KONG 1992, THE OFFICIAL YEARBOOK, WILL MAKE ITS APPEARANCE ON MONDAY (APRIL 6).
COSTING $48, IT WILL BE WELCOMED BY ALL WHO HAVE AN INTEREST IN HONG KONG, AND BY STUDENTS, WRITERS AND BUSINESS PEOPLE, AS THE DEFINITIVE REFERENCE BOOK.
COMBINING 380 PAGES OF INFORMATION, 68 PAGES OF STATISTICS AND 10 SECTIONS OF COLOUR PICTURES, THE REPORT GIVES EXTENSIVE COVERAGE OF HONG KONG EVENTS IN 1991.
THE REVIEW CHAPTER, ENTITLED "A COMPLETELY NEW PORT", FOCUSES ON THE FAR-REACHING DEVELOPMENTS PLANNED FOR HONG KONG’S BUSTLING PORT, WHICH HAS TENDED TO BE UPSTAGED BY THE HIGH-PROFILE NEW AIRPORT AND ITS RELATED PROJECTS. MR D.K. LEWIS, WHO CONTRIBUTED THE CHAPTER, HELPS TO REDRESS THE BALANCE.
THE COLOURFUL, EASY-TO-RF.AD END-PAPER MAP THIS YEAR FEATURES THE DISTRIBUTION OF HONG KONG’S POPULATION WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO THE NEW TOWNS AND THE POPULATION MOVEMENTS THEY ARE CREATING. THE MAP PROVIDES UP-TO-THE-MINUTE STATISTICS FROM THE 1991 CENSUS.
THE CALENDAR OF EVENTS APPEARS AGAIN, PROVIDING A CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY OF SOME OF THE MAJOR LANDMARKS OF 1991.
A WEALTH OF INFORMATION ON HONG KONG, COMPLEMENTED BY NUMEROUS COLOUR ILLUSTRATIONS OF DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF ITS LIFE AND EVENTS, MAKES THE GOVERNMENT’S ANNUAL REPORT A CONSISTENT BESTSELLER.
HONG KONG 1992, PUBLISHED IN SEPARATE ENGLISH AND CHINESE EDITIONS, WILL GO ON SALE FROM APRIL 6 AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL; DISTRICT OFFICES AND LEADING BOOKSTORES.
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/15 .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 1992
- 15 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 2.4.92 700
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 3.4.92 + 35
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING -35
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON + 250 *
* O/N ASSISTANCE TO BE REVERSED ON 6 .4.92
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 112.5 *-0.4* 3. 4.92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS TERM HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.08 PCT 20 MONTHS 2311 6.25 100.99 5.67
1 MONTH 4.04 PCT 23 MONTHS 3 MONTHS 4.05 PCT 6 MONTHS 4.28 PCT 12 MONTHS 4.65 PCT TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS CLOSED 3 APRIL 1992 2402 5.50 - 2,980 MN 99.21 6.04
0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HONG KONG STUDENTS IN UK URGED TO RETURN ........................... 1
APPLICATIONS FOR YOUTH PROJECT GRANTS INVITED ...................... 2
CARD OPERATED ELECTRONIC PARKING METERS IN TSUEN WAN INTRODUCED .... 3
WATER SUPPLY SUSPENSION ............................................ 3
SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 1992
HONG KONG STUDENTS IN UK URGED TO RETURN
*****
HONG KONG GRADUATES, POSTGRADUATES AND YOUNG PROFESSIONALS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM WERE URGED TODAY (SATURDAY) TO RETURN AND TAKE PART IN THE EXCITING CHALLENGE OF BUILDING FOR THE TERRITORY’S FUTURE.
SPEAKING ON THE SECOND OF A THREE-DAY CONFERENCE, "HONG KONG IN TRANSITION", AT LONDON’S PRESTIGIOUS IMPERIAL COLLEGE, MR DAVID TSUI, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICE, HIGHLIGHTED THE SCOPE AND OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE IN THE WIDE AND VARIED RANGE OF GOVERNMENT DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS TO THE PROFESSIONALLY QUALIFIED.
HE TOLD DELEGATES AT THE CONFERENCE, ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG PROFESSIONAL AND POSTGRADUATE SOCIETY (UK), THAT THE TERRITORY WAS LOOKING FOR ITS OWN TALENTED YOUNG PROFESSIONALS TO PLAY A PART IN CHARTING THE COURSE OF ITS FUTURE DEVELOPMENT.
THE THEME OF MR TSUI’S TALK, "OPPORTUNITIES FOR PROFESSIONALS AND GRADUATES IN HONG KONG", WAS ILLUSTRATED WITH A SLIDE PRESENTATION SHOWING THE MASSIVE DEVELOPMENTS TAKING PLACE FROM THE NEW TOWNS, ACTIVITY IN THE FINANCIAL SECTOR, TO THE TERRITORY’S MOST AMBITIOUS PROJECTS - THE PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT, INCLUDING PLANS THAT WILL CHANGE THE FACE OF URBAN HONG KONG.
IN ALL THESE SPHERES, HE SAID, THERE WERE OPPORTUNITIES AND OPENINGS FOR THE PROFESSIONALLY QUALIFIED. "WE REQUIRE EVEN MORE TALENT NOW THAN EVER BEFORE,” HE SAID.
MR TSUI SPOKE IN SOME DETAIL ABOUT THE INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS, OUTLINING THE RELATED SUPPORT STRUCTURE AND FACILITIES LIKE ROADS, RAIL, SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS, AND PARKS THAT WERE REQUIRED TO MAKE THEM VIABLE AND WORKABLE ENTITIES.
"FOR ALL THESE GOVERNMENT FUNDED PROJECTS WE NEED THE SERVICES OF ARCHITECTS, ENGINEERS, DOCTORS, NURSES, SOCIAL WORKERS AND TEACHERS TO NAME BUT A FEW," HE SAID.
HE TOLD DELEGATES THAT HONG KONG WAS NOW IN THE THROES' OF A NEW ERA OF DEVELOPMENT AND EXPANSION WITH THE PORT AND AIRPORT PROJECTS AND URBAN RECLAMATION WORK. ALL THIS LED TO A CONSTANT DEMAND FOR PROFESSIONALLY QUALIFIED PERSONNEL TO MAINTAIN THE MOMENTUM OF DEVELOPMENT.
"HONG KONG IS A PARADISE FOR THE PROFESSIONALLY QUALIFIED WHOSE SKILLS AND EXPERTISE IS NEEDED TO TAKE US INTO THE FUTURE WITH CONFIDENCE," HE SAID.
FOLLOWING HIS TALK, MR TSUI CHAIRED A LIVELY PANEL DISCUSSION WHEN HE INTERVIEWED THE DIRECTOR OF THE CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG, REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE INCHCAPE GROUP, A HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER, AN ENGINEER, A POLICE SUPERINTENDENT ON SECONDMENT AND AN EDUCATION OFFICER AMONG OTHERS, ABOUT THEIR OWN CAREER DEVELOPMENT AND EXPERIENCE IN HONG KONG.
/DELEGATES AT .......
SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 1992
2
DELEGATES AT TODAY’S SESSION ALSO SHOWED A KEEN INTEREST IN THE CAREERS EXHIBITION THAT WAS STAGED TO OUTLINE JOB PROSPECTS IN HONG KONG.
THE CONFERENCE WILL DRAW TO A CLOSE TOMORROW.
- _ _ _ 0 - - _ -
APPLICATIONS FOR YOUTH PROJECT GRANTS INVITED
******
LOCAL YOUTH GROUPS ARE REMINDED TO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS UNDER THE "OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH SCHEME" (OYS) OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT (SWD) TO CARRY OUT THEIR PLANNED COMMUNITY PROJECTS.
THE GROUPS SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR PROJECT PROPOSALS THROUGH THE SOCIAL WORK OFFICER (YOUTH) OF THEIR RESPECTIVE DISTRICT BY THE END OF THIS MONTH.
THE PROJECTS SHOULD BE BENEFICIAL TO THE COMMUNITY AS WELL AS TO THE PERSONAL AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT OF YOUNG PEOPLE, A SWD SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
THESE PROPOSALS MAY BE FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE, REHABILITATION AND ELDERLY SERVICES, COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROGRAMMES, OR RURAL AREAS AND DEPRIVED AREA SERVICES.
"THE PROJECTS, IF APPROVED, WILL EACH BE GRANTED A SUBSIDY UP TO $6,000. WITH THIS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, THE GROUP WILL THEN BE ABLE TO MATERIALISE PROJECTS DESIGNED ON THEIR OWN,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH SCHEME WAS INTRODUCED IN 1974 WITH AN AIM TO PROMOTE PERSONAL AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT OF YOUTHS, TO PROMOTE A SENSE OF SOCIAL CONSCIOUSNESS AND RESPONSIBILITY, AND TO HELP DEVELOP A SPIRIT OF CO-OPERATION AND MUTUAL HELP.
"THE OBJECTIVES FOR THIS YEAR’S SCHEME ARE TO ENCOURAGE YOUNG PEOPLE TO SHOW CONCERN FOR THEIR FAMILIES, FRIENDS AND NEIGHBOURS, AS WELL AS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SOCIAL NETWORK, AND TO PROMULGATE THE MESSAGE OF HOME SAFETY," HE SAID.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM VARIOUS SWD’S YOUTH OFFICES.
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/3.........
SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 1992
- 3 -
CARD OPERATED ELECTRONIC PARKING METERS IN TSUEN WAN INTRODUCED ******
A NEW TYPE OF PARKING METER - CARD-OPERATED ELECTRONIC PARKING METER - WILL BE INTRODUCED IN LO TAK COURT, TSUEN WAN FROM MONDAY (APRIL 6) AS PART OF A GOVERNMENT EXPERIMENT TO ASSESS THE APPLICABILITY OF NEW ON-STREET PARKING DEVICES IN HONG KONG.
FIFTY OF THE 117 COIN-OPERATED METERS IN LO TAK COURT WILL BE CONVERTED TO THE CARD-OPERATED ELECTRONIC PARKING METERS FOR A ONE-YEAR TRIAL.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (SATURDAY) SAID MOTORISTS HAVE TO OBTAIN A MAGNETIC CARD FROM THE NEARBY 7-ELEVEN STORE BEFORE UTILISING THE METERS.
THE MAGNETIC CARDS ARE VALUED AT $200 EACH WHICH CARRIES 100 UNITS OF $2 PER HALF-HOUR PARKING TIME, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
AFTER INSERTING THE CARD INTO THE METER, THE APPROPRIATE NUMBER OF UNITS WILL BE DEDUCTED AND THE CARD WILL BE RETURNED. THE METER THEN SHOWS THE LENGTH OF TIME FOR WHICH PARKING IS ALLOWED.
FULL INSTRUCTIONS IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE CAN BE FOUND ON THE METERS.
APART FROM THE REVISED METHOD OF CREDITING PARKING TIME BY THE USE OF MAGNETIC CARDS AS AGAINST THE CONVENTIONAL USE OF $2 COINS, CHARGES FOR PARKING WILL STILL BE EFFECTIVE FROM 8 AM TO MIDNIGHT DAILY OTHER THAN SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS FOR THESE METERS.
TWO OTHER TYPES OF PARKING TECHNOLOGY WILL BE TESTED IN WAN CHAI AND TSIM SHA TSUI IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS.
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WATER SUPPLY SUSPENSION
* * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN SHA TIN IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON MONDAY (APRIL 6) TO 7 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE WATER MAINS CONNECTION WORKS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT FO TAN ROAD, SHAN MEI STREET AND SUI WO ROAD INCLUDING FO TAN VILLAGE.
MEANWHILE, FLUSHING WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN AREAS IN KOWLOON WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 9 AM ON MONDAY (APRIL 6) TO 5 PM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE CONNECTION WORKS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT HUNG HOM, TO KWA WAN, KOWLOON TONG, LOK FU, WANG TAU HOM, KOWLOON CITY, TUNG TAU, WONG TAI SIN, CHUK YUEN, TSZ WAN SHAN, SAN PO KONG, HAMMER HILL, CHOI HUNG, HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AND THE AREA BOUNDED BY ARGYLE STREET, WATERLOO ROAD AND PEACE AVENUE.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 1992
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
INMATES WIN AWARDS IN PUBLIC EXAMS ............ IMPORTED WORKERS EQUALLY PROTECTED BY LABOUR LAW TAPED MESSAGE ON OLD AGE ALLOWANCE INTRODUCED .. NEW COUNTRYSIDE MAP EOR LANTAU ON SALE ........
SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 1992
INMATES WIN AWARDS IN PUBLIC EXAMS ******
STUDYING BEHIND THE BARS IS NO EASY TASK.
BUT FOR AH MING AND AH KEUNG, TWO INMATES AT THE STANLEY PRISON, PRISON LIFE CAN HARDLY DAMPEN THEIR LEARNING SPIRIT AND THEIR DETERMINATION TO ACHIEVE OUTSTANDING RESULTS IN PUBLIC EXAMINATION.
THEY WERE RECENTLY AWARDED BRONZE MEDALS BY THE CITY AND GUILDS OF LONDON INSTITUTE FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE IN THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS EXAMINATIONS.
BRONZE MEDALS ARE AWARDED BY THE INSTITUTE TO THE BEST CANDIDATES IN EVERY SUBJECT OF THE CITY AND GUILDS EXAMINATIONS ON A GLOBAL BASIS.
BOTH INMATES WON THE AWARD FOR THEIR EXCELLENT RESULTS IN MATHEMATICS (LEVEL 2) OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS TECHNICIANS EXAMINATION FOR WHICH THEY SAT IN DECEMBER 1990.
BESIDES THE BRONZE-MEDAL AWARD, 31-YEAR-OLD AH MING ALSO ATTAINED DISTINCTIONS IN SEVEN OTHER SUBJECTS, INCLUDING PHYSICAL SCIENCE, ELECTRICAL PRINCIPLES, ELECTRONICS, COMMUNICATIONS STUDIES, TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS AND MICROELECTRONICS SYSTEMS.
28-YEAR-OLD AH KEUNG ALSO OBTAINED THREE DISTINCTIONS AND A CREDIT IN OTHER SUBJECTS OF THE EXAMINATIONS.
AH MING IS SERVING A JAIL SENTENCE IN THE STANLEY PRISON, BUT AH KEUNG WAS RELEASED IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR.
RECEIVING THE AWARD WITH JOY, AH MING SAID THE MEDAL WAS A WINDFALL AND AN INVALUABLE GIFT TO HIM.
"NO DOUBT THE PRIZE HAS HELPED RESTORE MY CONFIDENCE AND STRENGTHEN MY DETERMINATION TO TURN OVER A NEW LEAF,’ AH MING SAID.
HE SAID STUDYING INSIDE A CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION WAS NOT AN EASY MATTER. IN PARTICULAR, HE HAD TO OVERCOME EMOTIONAL PROBLEMS THAT AN INMATE WOULD EXPERIENCE IN A PRISON ENVIRONMENT.
"FORTUNATELY, I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO TIDE OVER THE DIFFICULTIES, THANKS TO THE SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT GIVEN BY MY FAMILY MEMBERS AND THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S TEACHING STAFF,” AH MING SAID.
HE BEGAN THE FIVE-YEAR TELECOMMUNICATIONS TECHNICIANS COURSE IN 1988 AND HOPED TO COMPLETE IT BEFORE HIS RELEASE.
INTRODUCED TO THE STANLEY PRISON IN 1982, THE COURSE IS NOW CONDUCTED BY AN ASSISTANT LECTURER OF THE DEPARTMENT, MR WOO HUNG-KIT.
/MR WOO .......
2
SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 1992
MR WOO SAID MORE THAN 70 PRISONERS HAD TAKEN THE COURSE AND HAD SAT FOR A TOTAL OF 243 PAPERS. TOTALLY, THEY ACHIEVED 180 DISTINCTIONS AND 51 CREDITS WITH A 100-PER-CENT PASS RATE.
HE NOTED THAT THE AWARD OF MEDALS SIGNIFIED THE INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION OF THE INMATES’ PERFORMANCE IN THE EXAMINATIONS AND WOULD DEFINITELY BE A GREAT ENCOURAGEMENT TO INMATES STUDYING BEHIND THE BARS.
HE ADDED THAT THIS WAS THE THIRD TIME PRISONERS UNDER THE CARE OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WERE AWARDED BRONZE MEDALS BY THE INSTITUTE.
THE FIRST ONE WAS AWARDED IN THE SUBJECT OF COMPUTER IN 1984 AND THE SECOND IN ELECTRICAL PRINCIPLES IN 1989.
AT PRESENT, THERE ARE MORE THAN 600 PRISONERS TAKING PART IN VARIOUS EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES IN THE STANLEY PRISON.
THE PROGRAMMES INCLUDE EVENING EDUCATION CLASSES, SELF-STUDY COURSES, CORRESPONDENCE COURSES AND DEGREE COURSES OFFERED BY THE OPEN LEARNING INSTITUTE OF HONG KONG AND THE EAST ASIA OPEN INSTITUTE.
- - 0 - -
IMPORTED WORKERS EQUALLY PROTECTED BY LABOUR LAW
*****
IMPORTED WORKERS ENJOY THE SAME RIGHTS UNDER THE LABOUR LAW AS THEIR LOCAL COUNTERPARTS, ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR MAK SAI-YIU SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
MR MAK REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT ALL PROVISIONS UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT AND EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE APPLIED TO ALL WORKERS, BE THEY LOCAL OR IMPORTED.
"IN PARTICULAR, WE TAKE A SERIOUS VIEW OF UNSCRUPULOUS EMPLOYERS TAKING ADVANTAGE OF IMPORTED WORKERS’ IGNORANCE OF THEIR STATUTORY RIGHTS," HE STRESSED.
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, TN ITS SUSTAINED EFFORT TO PROTECT THE STATUTORY RIGHTS OF IMPORTED WORKERS, CONTINUES TO TAKE MORE OFFENDING EMPLOYERS TO COURT.
IN A RECENT CASE, THE APTEX GARMENT MANUFACTURING COMPANY LIMITED IN KWAI CHUNG WAS FINED A TOTAL OF $6,000 BY A TSUEN WAN MAGISTRATE FOR FAILING TO GRANT A STATUTORY HOLIDAY TO THREE IMPORTED WORKERS.
THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE PROVIDES THAT ALL EMPLOYEES, INCLUDING IMPORTED WORKERS, ARE ENTITLED TO STATUTORY HOLIDAYS AND MUST BE GIVEN HOLIDAY PAY’ IF THEY HAVE WORKED CONTINUOUSLY FOR THE SAME EMPLOYER FOR THREE MONTHS OR LONGER.
/EMPLOYERS WHO
SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 1992
3
EMPLOYERS WHO BREACH THE REQUIREMENT ARE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $10,000.
IN ANOTHER CASE, AN EMPLOYER ON CHEUNG CHAI ISLAND WAS FINED $2,000 BY A WESTERN MAGISTRATE FOR FAILING TO TAKE OUT INSURANCE POLICIES FOR HIS EMPLOYEES AS REQUIRED UNDER THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE.
DURING A VISIT TO THE CHEUNG CHAU CONVALESCENT HOME IN KO SHAN VILLAGE, LABOUR INSPECTORS FOUND THAT THE PROPRIETOR, LT PUI-WAI, HAD FAILED TO INSURE FOR HIS FOUR EMPLOYEES, INCLUDING TWO IMPORTED WORKERS.
THE LAW REQUIRES ALL EMPLOYERS TO TAKE OUT INSURANCE POLICIES TO COVER THEIR FULL LIABILITIES TO COMPENSATE WORKERS INJURED AT WORK UNDER THE ORDINANCE AND UNDER COMMON LAW.
OFFENDER ARE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $20,000 AND TO IMPRISONMENT FOR ONE YEAR ON SUMMARY CONVICTION.
"OUR LABOUR INSPECTORS WILL CONTINUE TO VISIT EMPLOYERS OF IMPORTED WORKERS TO ENSURE THEIR COMPLIANCE WITH THE ORDINANCES,” MR MAK SAID, ADDING THAT PROSECUTION WILL BE TAKEN OUT WHERE THERE IS EVIDENCE.
’’WORKERS WISHING TO ENQUIRE ABOUT THEIR STATUTORY RIGHTS,, MAY EITHER APPROACH OUR LABOUR RELATIONS OFFICES OR DIAL 815 5066, HE SAID.
MR MAK ALSO APPEALED TO IMPORTED WORKERS TO COME FORWARD TO REPORT MALPRACTICES OF UNSCRUPULOUS EMPLOYERS.
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TAPED MESSAGE ON OLD AGE ALLOWANCE INTRODUCED *****
A TAPED MESSAGE ON OLD AGE ALLOWANCE WILL BE PUT INTO USE ON THE ’ SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S HOTLINE 343 2255 STARTING FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY).
THE MESSAGE, OUTLINING THE CRITERIA, AMOUNT AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES OF OLD AGE ALLOWANCE, IS INTRODUCED WITH AN AIM TO IMPROVE WORKING EFFICIENCY, A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
”AT PRESENT, THE HOTLINE RECEIVES AN AVERAGE OF 1,960 CALLS EVERY MONTH, ABOUT 15 PER CENT OF WHICH ARE ENQUIRIES ON OLD AGE ALLOWANCE,” HE SAID.
’’STARTING FROM TOMORROW, CALLERS ENQUIRING ABOUT THE ALLOWANCE WILL BE REFERRED TO THE TAPE AND THE DEPARTMENTAL HOTLINE WILL THEN BE RELEASED TO ANSWER OTHER CALLS.
/"SHOULD THE .......
SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 1992
4
"SHOULD THE SYSTEM WORK WELL, THE DEPARTMENT WOULD CONSIDER EXTENDING THE SERVICE TO PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME," HE ADDED.
THE 24-HOUR HOTLINE, WHICH IS MANNED BY FOUR SOCIAL WORK ASSISTANTS, SERVES TO ANSWER PUBLIC ENQUIRIES ON THE DEPARTMENT’S SERVICES, DIRECT CALLERS TO APPROPRIATE OFFICES FOR HELP AND FOLLOW-UP SERVICE, AND PROVIDE IMMEDIATE TELEPHONE COUNSELLING OR ADVICE WHEN NECESSARY.
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NEW COUNTRYSIDE MAP FOR LANTAU ON SALE » * * * *
A NEW COUNTRYSIDE MAP FOR LANTAU ISLAND IS NOW ON SALE.
THE MAP, PRODUCED BY THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, IS ONE OF THE SEVEN IN ITS POPULAR COUNTRYSIDE SERIES.
THE 1:25 000 SCALE MAP IS PRINTED IN FULL COLOUR WITH RELIEF SHADING AND CONTAINS USEFUL INFORMATION FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
IT FEATURES PICTURES AND BRIEF NOTES OF SELECTED SCENIC SPOTS ON THE ISLAND.
THE LANTAU TRAIL AND FOOTPATHS ARE SHOWN IN PROMINENT COLOUR AND WITH INDICATIONS ON THEIR CONDITIONS FOR TREKKING AS A GUIDE TO HOLIDAY-MAKERS.
THERE ARE ALSO INFORMATION ON TRAFFIC, MAP NOTES AND A DIRECTORY TO PLACES OF GENERAL INTEREST AND HISTORIC SITES.
COPIES OF THE MAP, AT $25 EACH, ARE AVAILABLE AT THE MAP SALES OUTLETS OF THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE AND LEADING BOOKSHOPS.
MEANWHILE, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE SAID IN VIEW OF THE INCREASING INTEREST BY THE PUBLIC ON MAPS AND RELATED ITEMS PRODUCED BY THE OFFICE, THE PUBLIC WERE REMINDED THAT THESE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS ARE COPYRIGHT PROTECTED.
HE SAID INFORMATION REGARDING PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE THESE PRODUCTS COULD BE OBTAINED FROM THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG. THE TELEPHONE NUMBER IS 848 6267.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, APRIL 6, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
MANUFACTURERS URGED TO ENTER AWARD .................................. 1
EFFORTS NEEDED TO PROMOTE EMPLOYMENT OF DISABLED .................... 3
GOVT CONTINUES TO ENHANCE QUALITY SERVICES .......................... 3
VOLUNTEERS PLAY VITAL ROLE IN WELFARE ............................... 4
TWO MOTION DEBATES IN LEGCO ......................................... 5
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ................................................ 6
MORE FUNDS TO DISTRICT BOARDS ....................................... 6
WATER SUPPLY SUSPENSION IN NGAU TAU KOK ............................. 7
HCNG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .......... 7
MONDAY, APRIL 6, 1992
MANUFACTURERS URGED TO ENTER AWARD
******
THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T.H. BARMA, TODAY (MONDAY) URGED MANUFACTURERS TO ENTER INTO THE 1992 COMPETITIONS FOR THE GOVERNOR’S AWARD FOR INDUSTRY.
THE AWARD IS A MAJOR AWARD SCHEME TO RECOGNISE AND ENCOURAGE EXCELLENCE IN DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF INDUSTRIAL PERFORMANCE.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE, MR BARMA SAID TWO NEW CATEGORIES HAD BEEN INTRODUCED INTO THIS YEAR’S AWARD SCHEME.
THEY ARE ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE AND EXPORT MARKETING.
THESE TWO NEW COMPANY-BASED CATEGORIES WILL BE IN ADDITION TO THE EXISTING CATEGORIES OF CONSUMER PRODUCT DESIGN; MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT DESIGN; PRODUCTIVITY; AND QUALITY.
MR BARMA SAID THE ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE CATEGORY WOULD BE ORGANISED BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT.
"THIS CATEGORY UNDERSCORES THE IMPORTANCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS IN MANUFACTURING.
"IT RECOGNISES ENDEAVOURS BY HONG KONG MANUFACTURERS TO PROTECT OR IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT BY TAKING MEASURES TO CONSERVE RAW MATERIALS AND REDUCE POLLUTION,” HE SAID.
AS REGARDS THE EXPORT MARKETING CATEGORY, MR BARMA SAID THIS WOULD BE ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL WITH THE AIM OF ACKNOWLEDGING THE FACT THAT MOST OF HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIES WERE EXPORT-ORIENTED AND RECOGNISING THE IMPORTANCE OF EXPORT MARKETING STRATEGIES, METHODS AND TECHNIQUES IN EXPANDING AND OPENING MARKETS ABROAD.
MR BARMA SAID THIS WAS THE FOURTH ANNUAL COMPETITION FOR THE GOVERNOR’S AWARD FOR INDUSTRY SINCE THE AWARD WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1989.
"THE AIM OF THE AWARD IS TO RECOGNISE AND ENCOURAGE OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS TOWARDS DEVELOPING THE EFFICIENCY AND COMPETITIVENESS OF HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES," HE SAID.
THE CONSUMER PRODUCT DESIGN AND THE MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT DESIGN AWARD CATEGORIES ARE PRODUCT-BASED, AND ARE AIMED AT RECOGNISING THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD DESIGN IN CONSUMER PRODUCTS AND IN MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT FOR USE IN MANUFACTURING.
THE PRODUCTIVITY AND QUALITY AWARD CATEGORIES ARE COMPANY-BASED, AND RECOGNISE ENDEAVOURS BY HONG KONG COMPANIES TO ACHIEVE IMPROVED PRODUCTIVITY AND BETTER QUALITY IN THEIR MANUFACTURING PROCESSES.
/AS IN ........
MONDAY, APRIL 6, 1992
AS IN PREVIOUS YEARS, THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ORGANISING THE CONSUMER PRODUCT DESIGN CATEGORY; THE CHINESE MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG THE MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT DESIGN CATEGORY; THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL THE PRODUCTIVITY CATEGORY; AND THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT THE QUALITY CATEGORY.
MR BARMA SAID ONE GOVERNOR’S AWARD FOR INDUSTRY WAS MADE IN EACH CATEGORY WHICH ENTITLED ITS HOLDER TO DISPLAY AN OFFICIAL LOGO FOR A PERIOD OF THREE YEARS.
’’THE AWARD IS THE HIGHEST RECOGNITION AVAILABLE TO INDUSTRY, AND WINNING IT THROUGH TOUGH COMPETITION IS AN OUTSTANDING HONOUR WITH A LASTING VALUE,” HE SAID.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES IN ALL SIX AWARD CATEGORIES IS JUNE 19 AND THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE 1992 GOVERNOR’S AWARD FOR INDUSTRY WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE ON NOVEMBER 17.
THE AWARDS WILL BE PERSONALLY PRESENTED BY THE GOVERNOR.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE, THE ACTING DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MR WILFRED WONG, SAID THE QUALITY AWARD WAS AIMED AT PROMOTING A WIDER APPRECIATION OF THE IMPORTANCE OF QUALITY AMONG HONG KONG MANUFACTURERS BY RECOGNISING THOSE WHO HAD PRACTISED EFFECTIVE QUALITY MANAGEMENT IN THEIR MANUFACTURING PROCESSES AND WHOSE PRODUCTS WERE MANUFACTURED TO A HIGH STANDARD OF QUALITY.
“ALL COMPANIES MANUFACTURING PRODUCTS TN HONG KONG WHICH QUALIFY FOR A CERTIFICATE OF HONG KONG ORIGIN ARE ELIGIBLE TO ENTER THE COMPETITION,” HE SAID.
MR WONG SAID ENTRIES FOR THE QUALITY AWARD WOULD BE EVALUATED ON TWO MAIN CRITERIA.
’’THE FIRST CRITERION IS THE EXTENT TO WHICH A COMPANY’S QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM APPLIES TO DESIGN, MATERIALS SOURCING, PRODUCTION AND TESTING, AND ELIMINATES DELAYS AND REJECTIONS DURING THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS AND CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AFTERWARDS.
’’THE SECOND CRITERION IS THE QUALITY OF THE COMPANY’S PRODUCTS, IN TERMS OF FITNESS FOR PURPOSE, CONSISTENCY OF PERFORMANCE, APPEARANCE, VALUE FOR MONEY AND SAFENESS,” HE SAID.
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MONDAY, APRIL 6, 1992 - 3 -
EFFORTS NEEDED TO PROMOTE EMPLOYMENT OF DISABLED . ***** THE STEADY PROLIFERATION OF CLEAR EXAMPLES OF DISABLED PEOPLE SUCCESSFULLY AND PRODUCTIVELY EMPLOYED SHOULD HELP TO REINFORCE PUBLIC EDUCATION AND THUS CONTRIBUTE TO A PROGRESSIVE IMPROVEMENT IN THE EMPLOYMENT SITUATION AMONG THE DISABLED.
THIS WAS SAID TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR M. D. CARTLAND, WHILE HE WAS ADDRESSING THE OPENING OF A SHAM SHUI PO HEALTH MASSAGE AND TREATMENT CENTRE OF THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND.
HE NOTED THAT THE GREEN PAPER HAD POINTED TO THE NEED TO INTENSIFY EFFORTS TO PROMOTE EMPLOYMENT OF THE DISABLED.
’’THIS IS PARTLY A MATTER OF OVERCOMING THE RESERVATIONS OF EMPLOYERS, OFTEN BASED ON MISCONCEPTIONS, BUT IT IS ALSO A MATTER OF IDENTIFYING SUITABLE FORMS OF EMPLOYMENT, PROVIDING APPROPRIATE TRAINING AND ADAPTING THE WORKPLACE,” HE ADDED.
MR CARTLAND NOTED THAT THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND HAD• BEEN PLAYING A LEADING ROLE IN OFFERING A VARIETY OF TRAINING AND REHABILITATION SERVICES TO THE VISUALLY HANDICAPPED AT ITS MULTI-SERVICE REHABILITATION CENTRE AND OTHER PREMISES.
’’THE HEALTH MASSAGE AND TREATMENT CENTRE FOR THE BLIND IS AN EXCELLENT EXAMPLE OF WHAT CAN BE ACHIEVED BY A RESPONSIVE AND CREATIVE APPROACH TO PROGRAMME PLANNING AND DELIVERY OF SERVICE,” HE SAID.
MR CARTLAND COMMENDED THE SOCIETY FOR ITS CONTINUOUS EFFORTS IN PROVIDING VOCATIONAL TRAINING TO THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED.
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GOVT CONTINUES TO ENHANCE QUALITY SERVICES
*****
MOST OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF A GOVERNMENT-COMMISSIONED QUALITY STRATEGY STUDY HAVE BEEN IMPLEMENTED WITH THE AIM OF MAINTAINING AND ENHANCING HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL COMPETITIVENESS IN WORLD MARKETS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE ACTING DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MR WILFRED WONG, THIS (MONDAY) MORNING.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE ISO/DIN QUALITY MANAGEMENT AND ISO 9000 SEMINAR, MR WONG SAID THE STUDY IDENTIFIED THE NEED TO ESTABLISH A LOCAL BODY FOR ISO 9000 CERTIFICATION OF COMPANIES’ QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS.
’’THE HONG KONG QUALITY ASSURANCE AGENCY (HKQAA) WAS FOUNDED IN 1989 AND AN INVITED GROUP OF DISTINGUISHED INDUSTRIALISTS HAVE BEEN GUIDING ITS DEVELOPMENT,” HE SAID.
/MR WONG .......
MONDAY, APRIL 6, 1992
4
MR WONG SAID THE AGENCY OPERATED AS AN INDEPENDENT REGISTERED COMPANY, BUT FOR THE TIME BEING WAS FUNDED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
"BECAUSE OF THE VERY POSITIVE RESPONSE BY BOTH THE MANUFACTURING AND SERVICE SECTORS OF INDUSTRY TO THE CONCEPT OF ISO 9000 CERTIFICATION, THE AGENCY HAS HAD TO REVISE ITS BUSINESS PLANS TO ACCOMMODATE WHAT HAS AMOUNTED TO AN AVALANCHE OF APPLICATIONS.
"THE GOVERNMENT HAS RECENTLY APPROVED A LONG-TERM INTEREST-FREE LOAN TO THE AGENCY, SO THAT IT CAN RESPOND MORE QUICKLY TO THE GROWTH IN DEMAND FOR CERTIFICATION," HE SAID.
MR WONG SAID AS A MANIFESTATION OF THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO THE CONTINUING PROMOTION OF QUALITY PRACTICES, A QUALITY AWARENESS CAMPAIGN WAS LAUNCHED IN 1989, AS PART OF WHICH QUALITY MANAGEMENT SEMINARS, BRIEFING SESSIONS FOR CHIEF EXECUTIVES AND WORKSHOPS IN SPECIALIST QUALITY MANAGEMENT TOPICS WERE ORGANISED.
"WE ALSO CO-OPERATE WITH OUTSIDE BODIES ON QUALITY TRAINING PROGRAMMES AND ACTIVELY ENCOURAGE AND ASSIST NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS TO TAKE ON A MORE PROACTIVE ROLE IN THE PROMOTION OF QUALITY," HE SAID.
"AT THE SAME TIME, WE CONTINUE TO ENHANCE OUR EXISTING QUALITY SERVICES, NAMELY, THE STANDARDS AND CALIBRATION LABORATORY (ESTABLISHED IN 1984), THE HONG KONG LABORATORY ACCREDITATION SCHEME (HOKLAS) (LAUNCHED IN 1985), AND THE PRODUCT STANDARDS INFORMATION BUREAU (ESTABLISHED IN 1986)," HE ADDED.
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VOLUNTEERS PLAY VITAL ROLE IN WELFARE
******
VOLUNTEERS NOW PLAY A VERY IMPORTANT ROLE IN WELFARE WORK, LADY WILSON SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
OFFICIATING AT A SOUVENIR PRESENTATION AND TEA RECEPTION OF THE HELPING HAND COOKIE CAMPAIGN 1992, LADY WILSON SAID THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR VOLUNTEERS IN HONG KONG HAD NEVER BEEN SO VARIED AND EXCITING AS THEY WERE NOW.
"THEIR SERVICES HAVE NEVER BEEN SO SOUGHT AFTER AND APPRECIATED BY THE COMMUNITY," SHE SAID.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT VOLUNTEERS NOW RAN HUGE WELFARE AGENCIES WITH MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR BUDGETS.
AND HELPING HAND, WHICH WAS NOT SUBVENTED BY THE GOVERNMENT, PROVIDED A MODEL OF WHAT A GROUP OF DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS WITH DRIVE AND VISION COULD DO.
/"HELPING HAND .......
MONDAY, APRIL 6, 1992
- 5 -
"HELPING HAND VOLUNTEERS, YOUNG AND OLD, HAVE WORKED HARD TOGETHER TO PROMOTE THE WELFARE OF THE ELDERLY," SHE SAID.
LADY WILSON ADDED THAT THE SUCCESS OF THE ANNUAL COOKIE CAMPAIGN WAS A TESTIMONY TO THEIR EFFORTS AND THE WIDESPREAD SUPPORT THEY HAD IN THE COMMUNITY.
SHE ALSO SAID VOLUNTEER WORK OFFERED OPPORTUNITIES FOR SELF DEVELOPMENT, SHE SAID.
"AS A VOLUNTEER, ONE CAN MEET NEW FRIENDS AND LEARN HOW TO WORK WITH PEOPLE.
"THE WORK CAN WIDEN PERSPECTIVES AND ADD COLOUR AND MEANING TO LIFE, WHILE GIVING MUCH PLEASURE AND HELP TO OTHERS," LADY WILSON SAID.
SHE SAID MANY ELDERLY PEOPLE IN HONG KONG BECAME VOLUNTEERS.
THE WORKS SEEMED TO GIVE THEM AN OPPORTUNITY TO REMAIN ACTIVE IN THE COMMUNITY, AND A WAY TO USE THE EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE THEY HAD ACCUMULATED IN LIFE, SHE SAID.
"WE WELCOME THIS KIND OF HELP MOST ENTHUSIASTICALLY," LADY WILSON SAID.
THE COOKIE CAMPAIGN ORGANISED BY HELPING HAND HAD BECOME A WELL KNOWN EVENT IN HONG KONG, SUPPORTED BY A VARIED GROUP OF PEOPLE OF ALL AGES.
LADY WILSON THANKED ALL THE VOLUNTEERS AND STAFF OF HELPING HAND FOR THEIR DEDICATION AND IMMENSE EFFORT PUTTING IN TO THE CAMPAIGN.
_ _ _ _ u------
TWO MOTION DEBATES IN LEGCO ******
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL HOLD TWO MOTION DEBATES AT ITS MEETING THIS WEDNESDAY (APRIL 8).
ONE OF THEM, TO BE MOVED BY THE HON ERIC LI, WILL BE ON THE GREEN PAPER ON REHABILITATION POLICIES AND SERVICES. THE OTHER MOTION - BY THE HON CHEUNG MAN-KWONG - URGES THE GOVERNMENT TO CONDUCT A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON THE BALANCE BETWEEN TERTIARY AND BASIC EDUCATION AS WELL AS THEIR RESPECTIVE DEVELOPMENT.
MEANWHILE, LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS WILL ASK A TOTAL OF 16 QUESTIONS AND CONSIDER SEVEN BILLS AT THE MEETING.
/THE BILLS .......
MONDAY, APRIL 6, 1992
- 6 -
THE BILLS - INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1992, DUTIABLE COMMODITIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992, STAMP DUTY (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1992, ENTERTAINMENTS TAX (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992, HUMAN ORGAN TRANSPLANT BILL, PROTECTION OF WOMEN AND JUVENILES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992 AND BUILDINGS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992 - WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS.
DEBATES ON THEM WILL BE ADJOURNED.
THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT WILL SPEAK IN AN ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON "INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL TRANSPORT SERVICES OF NEW TOWNS" RAISED BY THE HON LEE WING-TAT.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO OBSERVE THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNCIL MEETING FROM THE PUBLIC GALLERIES. THEY MAY MAKE RESERVATIONS BY CALLING 869 9492.
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WATER STORAGE FIGURE * * * * »
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 36.9 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 216.205 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 152.294 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 26 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT ADVISED THE PUBLIC TO TRY THEIR BEST TO CONSERVE WATER AND AVOID WASTAGE.
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MORE FUNDS TO DISTRICT BOARDS ******
A TOTAL OF $51.41 MILLION HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED TO THE 19 DISTRICT BOARDS FOR THIS FINANCIAL YEAR TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF LOCAL RESIDENTS AND TO ORGANISE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECTS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THIS REPRESENTED AN INCREASE OF $8.5 MILLION OR 20 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH THE $42.91 MILLION ALLOCATED FOR 1991-92.
ABOUT $22.86 MILLION WILL BE GOING TO THE 10 URBAN DISTRICT BOARDS AND $28.55 MILLION TO THE NINE NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT BOARDS.
/IN ADDITION .......
MONDAY, APRIL 6, 1992
7 -
IN ADDITION, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, ANOTHER SUM OF $15.4 MILLION WOULD BE AVAILABLE FROM THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL FOR THE DISTRICT BOARDS TO CARRY OUT MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
"THIS FIGURE IS $1.4 MILLION OR 10 PER CENT MORE THAN THE $14 MILLION WE GOT FROM THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS IN THE PREVIOUS FINANCIAL YEAR.
"IN OTHER WORDS, THE DISTRICT BOARDS HAVE AT THEIR DISPOSAL A TOTAL OF $66.81 MILLION IN 1992-93,” HE SAID.
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WATER SUPPLY SUSPENSION IN NGAU TAU KOK *****
SUPPLY OF FRESH WATER TO SOME PREMISES IN NGAU TAU KOK WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 PM ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 8) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TEST.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT THE SECTION OF NGAU TAU KOK ROAD BETWEEN CHUN WAH ROAD AND ELEGANCE ROAD, INCLUDING BLOCKS 1-7 OF LOWER NGAU TAU KOK ESTATE AND HUNG CHEUK LAU, PAK LING LAU, HAY CHEUK LAU, YIN CHEE LAU AND WAH MEI LAU OF THE GARDEN ESTATE.
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HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 3.4.92 950
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 6.4.92 -264*
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING + 14
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON +300**
* O/N ASSISTANCE TO BE REVERSED -250 MN
* OTHER FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED -14 MN
**O/N ASSISTANCE TO BE REVERSED ON APRIL 7
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 112.4 *-0.1* 6.4.92
/HONG KONG .......
MONDAY, APRIL 6, 1992
- 8 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS
TERMS YIELD TERM
1 WEEK 4 . 12 PCT 20 MONTHS
1 MONTH 4.05 PCT 23 MONTHS
3 MONTHS 4.04 PCT
6 MONTHS 4.24 PCT
12 MONTHS 4.61 PCT
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
2311 6.25 101.28 5.48
2402 5.50 99.40 5.92
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS
CLOSED 6 APRIL 1992
- 3,535 MN
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR PRESENTS INSIGNIA TO 107 .................................. 1
WALLED CITY PHASE II-B CLEARANCE COMPLETED ......................... 5
BUILDINGS IN SHEUNG WAN DECLARED DANGEROUS ......................... 5
PARTS OF BLUE POOL ROAD BUILDINGS TO BE CLOSED ..................... 6
ISSUE OF GUIDANCE NOTE TO OVERSEAS LONG TERM INSURERS .............. 7
SPEL INSPECTS NORTHWEST KOWLOON SEWAGE PROJECT ..................... 8
SPECIAL MAIL DELIVERY AT EASTER .................................... 9
QUARRYING INDUSTRY FORGES CLOSE TIES WITH CHINA .................... 10
ANNUAL FOOD HYGIENE CAMPAIGN TO START IN JUNE ...................... 10
VIEWS ON YOUTH CHARTER POSITIVE .................................... 11
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS .................. 13
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ......... 14
TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 1992
1
GOVERNOR PRESENTS INSIGNIA TO 107 * t t t t t
INSIGNIA FOR 107 PEOPLE WERE PRESENTED BY THE GOVERNOR, I ORD WILSON, AT A CEREMONY AT THE GOVERNMENT HOUSE THIS (TUESDAY) EVENING.
SEVENTY-FOUR RECIPIENTS WERE DECORATED OR COMMENDED BY THE QUEEN FOR SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC, WHILE 33 WERE AWARDED THE GOVERNOR’S COMMENDATIONS.
THE FOLLOWING IS THE LIST OF INSIGNIA RECIPIENTS:
CBE MRS ANSON MARIA ELIZABETH CHAN FANG
MR MICHAEL LEUNG MAN-KIN
THE HON NATHANIEL WILLIAM HAMISH MACLEOD
OBE MR CHRISTOPHER CHENG WAI-CHEE
THE HON EDWARD HO SING-TIN •
PROFESSOR POON CHUNG-KWONG
HON OBE MR DENYS EAMONN CONNOLLY
ISO DR TERENCE CHAU TUEN-YIN
MR KETS1NG TATY KUO
MBE MR WILLIAM CHAM WAI-LIM
MR VICWOOD CHONG KEE-TING
MR LI SHIU-TONG
MR NG HIM-WO
MRS LILIAN NG KWAN MAN-CHUN
MR FAROUK ABDUL RAMJAHN
MR YOUNG CHOY
HON MBE MR DAVID CUPERTINO DA SILVA
MR LAW TING-PONG
MR YIP HING-CHUNG
MBE MIL MAJOR ERIC LEE HEUNG-CHEUK
CAPTAIN JAMES COLIN JOHN
/BEM........
TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 1992
BEM
BEM
QPM
ISM
CPM
- 2 -
MRS MARY BAGRIE MR CHAN YUE-HING MR CHENG KAM-PO MRS MAUREEN MARGARET DICKINSON MR FOK SIU-PONG MR LAI MAN-KIT MR NICHOLAS LAU CHUN-KONG MR LO SHU-KAY MRS LUK LEUNG MO-CHING MR MAK KWOK-HUNG MISS GLADYS MARCH MR POON KWOK-CHU MR SIN YUK-KEE MR TANG KAY MR TO SHIU WING MR WONG YAU-CHUEN MR YEUNG PAK-KWAI
MIL SERGEANT MARK .JAMES MR DHANBAHADUR THAPA MR TONG SHU WAH MR JAMES KENNETH EWAN MR SO YAU-CHAN MR SPENCER FOO TSUN-KONG MR MICHAEL WILLIAM HORNER MR WILLIAM RICHARD WORRALL MR PETER HEYWOOD CUMMINGS MR PAUL EUSTACE SMITH MR ERNEST BA J LEY
/MR WONG .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 1992
- 3 -
MR WONG YING-CHUNG
MR CHAN FU
MR LAU MAN-KWONG
MR CHAN CHI-HING
MR WONG FUK-KUEN
MR LOO WING-LAM
MR JOSEPH LAW
MR CHOI KING-SANG
BADGE OF HONOUR
MR CHRISTOPHER CHAN CHEUK
MR CHAN KAM-MAN
MR CHANG FOON-LAM
MR CHAU MUN
MR CHENG FAI-NAM
MR CHEUNG NIM-PING
MR RAYMOND CHOW WAI-KAM
MR CHUNG YIN
MR HO KWOK-WING
MR LAI YU-WING
MR MAK HON-KAI
MR NG WAI-KWONG
MR TAM WING-KUN
MADAM TSANG WEI-FONG
MR WONG PO-LAM
MR YEUNG TAK-WAH
GOVERNOR’S COMMENDATIONS
MR ANTHONY EDMUND ROBEY
MR KWOK CH I-MING
MR LAM WAI-NIN
/MR LEUNG .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 1992
4
MR LEUNG SIU-MAN
MR CHEUNG WAI-HAY
MR CHANG MAN-KIN
MR HO KIM-MING
MR LEUNG KWOK-P1U
MR SARMUKH SINGH
MR FUNG KWAN-YUET
GOVERNOR’S
COMMENDATIONS FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE
MR CHAN CHEE-SING
MS CHAN SIU
MR CHAN SUNG-IP
MR CHENG KAM-WAH
MR CHENG YUK-CHOY
MR CHUI KIM-LING
MS HO HOP-FOON
MR HO WING-CHUEN
MR KAN TIT-HO
MR KU SZE-CHUNG
MR LAM SAI-HUNG
MR LEE CHAT
MR LEE KIN-WAI
MR LEUNG PING-ON
MR LING MAN-HOI
MR MAK MING
MR PANG KING-WO
MR MICHAEL JOHN TRELOAR ROWSE
MR TSANG KAM-MIN
/MR TSE .......
• TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 1992
- 5 -
MR TSE FOOK-LAM
MR WONG KIN-WING
MR WONG WAH-CHEONG
MR WU KI-FOOK
ORDER OF ST JOHN
MR IVOR DALGLEISH ------------------------0-------
WALLED CITY PHASE II-B CLEARANCE COMPLETED * * * * *
THE PHASE II-B OF THEWALLED CITY CLEARANCE WAS COMPLETED SHORTLY AFTER 5 PM TODAY (TUESDAY), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
A TOTAL OF 131 HOUSEHOLDS WERE RECOVERED. OF THIS NUMBER, 96 PREMISES WERE FOUND TO BE VACANT, SIX HOUSEHOLDS LEFT VOLUNTARILY WHILE 24 LEFT ON PERSUASION. ONLY FIVE HAD TO BE EVICTED.
TWO POLICE OFFICERS, ONE WORKER AND ONE BUILDINGS AND LANDS STAFF MEMBER WERE ATTACKED AND INJURED BY A CLEAREE DURING THE OPERATION. THEY HAVE BEEN TREATED AND DISCHARGED FROM HOSPITAL.
---------0-----------
BUILDINGS IN SHEUNG WAN DECLARED DANGEROUS
*****
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY HAS DECLARED THE BUILDING AT 47 BONHAM STRAND IN SHEUNG WAN TO BE DANGEROUS WHILE 49 OF THE STREET LIABLE TO BECOME DANGEROUS.
IN A STATEMENT ISSUED TODAY (TUESDAY), THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR (PGBS) POINTED OUT THAT THE STRUCTURES WERE FOUR-STOREY PRE-WAR ONES WITH COCKLOFTS, AND CONSTRUCTED OF LOADBEARING BRICKWALLS.
THE BUILDING AT 47 HAS TIMBER FLOOR, STAIRCASES AND ROOF JOISTS AND 49 HAS PARTLY TIMBER AND PARTLY CONCRETE STAIRCASE AND FLOORS AND TIMBER ROOF JOISTS.
HE SAID THE BUILDINGS HAD BEEN UNDER OBSERVATION BY THE DANGEROUS BUILDINGS SECTION OF THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE FOR QUITE SOME TIME AND REPAIR ORDERS HAD TWICE BEEN ISSUED TO BOTH THE BUILDINGS.
/TIE-BARS .......
f £
TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 1992
TIE-BARS HAVE ALSO BEEN INSTALLED IN 47 TO RESTRAIN THE FLANK WALL ABUTTING MAN WA LANE.
RECENT INSPECTIONS HAVE SHOWN THAT THE MOVING OF THE FLANK WALL AND THE FRONT WALL OF 47 BONHAM STRAND HAD OCCURRED AND RESULTED IN EXTENSIVE FRACTURING OF THE BRICK WORK AND WIDENING OF THE OLD FRACTURES.
SOME OF THE FRACTURES HAVE EXTENDED THE WHOLE HEIGHT OF THE BUILDING AND GENERALLY OCCURRED NEAR THE TIE-BARS AND WINDOW OPENINGS INDICATING THAT THE TIE-BARS ARE NO LONGER SUPPORTING THE WALL AND THE BUILDING.
BESIDES, ABOUT HALF OF THE STRUCTURAL TIMBER JOISTS WERE IN A SERIOUSLY DEFECTIVE CONDITION WITH THE REMAINDER ALSO FOUND DEFECTIVE TO A LESSER DEGREE, HE SAID.
THE PGBS SAID THERE WAS A DISTINCT DANGER OF COLLAPSE OF THE FLANK WALL TO THE BUILDING AT 47 BONHAM STRAND.
IN ORDER TO PROTECT THE LIVES AND PROPERTIES OF THE OCCUPIERS AND THE HAWKERS ALONG THE SIDE WALL AND THE PUBLIC AT MAN WA LANE, THE BUILDING SHOULD BE CLOSED AS BEING DANGEROUS AND SUBSEQUENTLY BE DEMOLISHED.
MEANWHILE, IT IS CONSIDERED THAT THE BUILDING AT 49 BONHAM STRAND IS IN LESS DILAPIDATED CONDITION BUT EXHIBITING SIMILAR SIGNS OF DISTRESS TO A LESSER EXTENT AND COULD NOT SAFELY WITHSTAND THE DEMOLITION OF THE STRUCTURE AT 47.
THEREFORE, IT SHOULD ALSO BE CLOSED AS BEING LIABLE TO BECOME DANGEROUS AND BE DEMOLISHED AS A JOINT OPERATION WITH THE STRUCTURE AT 47.
NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON MAY 19 WERE POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY.
- - 0 - -
PARTS OF BLUE POOL ROAD BUILDINGS TO BE CLOSED
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TODAY (TUESDAY) DECIDED TO TEMPORARILY CLOSE PARTS OF THE BUILDINGS AFFECTED BY A LANDSLIDE IN BLUE POOL ROAD, HAPPY VALLEY.
PART OF THE REAR PORTIONS OF THE BUILDINGS AT 33,35 AND 37 BLUE POOL ROAD WERE DAMAGED BY MUD WASHED DOWN FROM THE SLOPE BEHIND.
THE PARTS TO BE CLOSED INCLUDE:
* THE WHOLE OF THE GROUND FLOOR, INCLUDING THE BACK YARD AND GARAGE OF 33-35.
/* THE REAR
TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 1992
7
» THE REAR PORTION, INCLUDING THE REAR STAIRCASE, TOILET AND KITCHEN OF THE FIRST AND SECOND FLOOR OF 33-35.
* THE SINGLE-STOREY STRUCTURE AT THE BACK YARD OF 37.
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO CLOSE THESE PARTS OF THE BUILDINGS WERE POSTED UP THIS AFTERNOON, AND A COURT ORDER WILL BE APPLIED TOMORROW.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BUILDING ORDINANCE OFFICE SAID THE BUILDINGS WOULD BE FURTHER EXAMINED WHEN REMEDIAL WORKS ON THE SLOPE CONCERNED WERE COMPLETED.
------0--------
ISSUE OF GUIDANCE NOTE TO OVERSEAS LONG TERM INSURERS » * « * *
THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY HAS INFORMED ALL OVERSEAS LIFE INSURERS AUTHORISED TO CARRY ON BUSINESS IN OR FROM HONG KONG OF WHAT IS REGARDED BY THE AUTHORITY AS BEING- THE MINIMUM LEVEL OF LOCAL ESTABLISHMENT NECESSARY TO BE MAINTAINED IN HONG KONG FOR THE PROPER CONDUCT OF THEIR BUSINESS IN HONG KONG.
THE REQUIREMENTS CONTAINED IN THE LONG TERM INSURANCE BUSINESS: GUIDANCE NOTE NO. 1 STIPULATES THAT THE MINIMUM LEVEL OF [■ STABLISHMENT WILL INCLUDE THE APPOINTMENT BY THE INSURER OF A LOCAL CHIEF EXECUTIVE WHO WOULD BE DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THAT INSURER’S HONG KONG OPERATIONS.
INSURERS ARE ALSO ASKED TO ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN A POLICY HOLDERS’ SERVICE CENTRE TO DEAL DIRECTLY WITH HONG KONG POLICY HOLDERS AND TO MAINTAIN IN HONG KONG A HONG KONG POLICY HOLDER REGISTER AND SUPPORTING RECORDS WHICH WILL ENABLE THAT INSURER’S COMMITMENT TO HONG KONG POLICY HOLDERS TO BE READILY IDENTIFIED.
FAILURE TO DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN A PROPER LOCAL ESTABLISHMENT IS CONSIDERED BY THE AUTHORITY TO BE CONTRARY TO THE REASONABLE EXPECTATION AND GENERAL INTERESTS OF PERSONS WHO ARE OR MAY BECOME POLICY HOLDERS OF AN AUTHORISED INSURERS.
"THE MAJOR INSURERS OPERATING IN THE LOCAL MARKET ALREADY HAVE ADEQUATE LOCAL FACILITIES PROVIDING A HIGH LEVEL OF SERVICE TO POLICY HOLDERS," THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE, MR DEREK SULLIVAN, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
"IN FACT IT IS NOW AN AUTHORISATION CONDITION FOR NEW INSURERS ENTERING INTO THE MARKET THAT A PROPER LOCAL ESTABLISHMENT IS FORMED AND MAINTAINED," HE ADDED.
"THERE ARE HOWEVER A MINORITY OF AUTHORISED OVERSEAS LIFE INSURERS WHOSE LOCAL ESTABLISHMENT AT PRESENT DOES NOT COME UP TO STANDARD," HE NOTED.
"IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THOSE OVERSEAS INSURERS, PARTICULARLY IF THEY INTEND PARTICIPATING IN THE CONSIDERABLE GROWTH BEING EXPERIENCED BY THE LOCAL LIFE INSURANCE INDUSTRY, ENSURE THAT THEY HAVE A PROPER LOCAL ESTABLISHMENT IN COMPLIANCE WITH MARKET STANDARDS," HE SAID.
/8 ........
TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 1992
- 8 -
SPEL INSPECTS NORTHWEST KOWLOON SEWAGE PROJECT
******
THE NEWLY-APPOINTED SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR A.G. EASON, TODAY (TUESDAY) PAID HIS FIRST SITE VISIT TO AN IMPORTANT SEWAGE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL PROJECT.
IT IS PART OF HIS FAMILIARISATION PROGRAMME SINCE HE TOOK OFFICE THIS MONTH.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF DRAINAGE SERVICES, MR SIU CHUEN, THE SECRETARY WAS BRIEFED AT THE CONSTRUCTION SITE OF THE NORTHWEST KOWLOON SEWAGE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL SCHEME THAT THE PROJECT WAS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE PLAN TO IMPROVE WATER QUALITY IN THE COASTAL WATERS.
THIS SCHEME WILL COLLECT, TREAT AND DISCHARGE SEWAGE FROM A POPULATION OF OVER ONE MILLION IN SHAM SHUI PO, MONG KOK AND YAU MA TEI DISTRICTS TO AN AREA IN THE SEA, SOUTHWEST OF STONECUTTERS ISLAND.
THE SCHEME IS BEING IMPLEMENTED AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF OVER . $1.35 BILLION AND IT IS THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S LARGEST CURRENT PROJECT.
AT PRESENT, SEWAGE FROM SHAM SHUI PO IS DISCHARGED UNTREATED CLOSE TO ITS FERRY PIER, WHILE SEWAGE FROM THE OTHER TWO DISTRICTS IS ONLY PARTIALLY TREATED IN AGEING SCREENING PLANTS AND DISCHARGED A FEW HUNDRED METRES OFFSHORE THROUGH SUBMARINE OUTFALLS.
THE SCHEME WHICH IS BEING CARRIED OUT IN SEVERAL STAGES ENTAILS THE CONSTRUCTION OF INTERCEPTOR SEWERS RUNNING ALONG THE WEST KOWLOON FORESHORE TO PICK UP SEWAGE FROM THE EXISTING SYSTEMS AND THREE SCREENING PLANTS TO REMOVE GROSS SOLIDS.
A MAJOR PUMPING STATION IS ALSO BEING BUILT TO PUMP THE SEWAGE ACROSS THE HARBOUR FROM CHEUNG SHA WAN TO STONECUTTERS ISLAND THROUGH A TWIN TWO METRE-DIAMETER SUBMARINE PIPELINE FOR TREATMENT BY SEWAGE TREATMENT FACILITIES ON STONECUTTERS ISLAND WITH THE EFFLUENT TO BE DISCHARGED THROUGH ANOTHER TWIN 2.2 METRE-DIAMETER SUBMARINE OUTFALL TO WATERS 600 METRES TO THE SOUTHWEST OF THE ISLAND.
THE SCHEME IS EXPECTED TO BE COMMISSIONED IN AUGUST.
MR SIU SAID THE INTERCEPTOR SEWERS TOGETHER WITH THE DISPOSAL SYSTEM WILL BE PUT INTO OPERATION TOWARDS THE LATER HALF OF THIS YEAR BEFORE THE FILLING ACTIVITIES OF THE ENCLOSED WATERS IN WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION PROJECT STARTS.
APART FROM DIVERTING THE AGEING POLLUTION SOURCE AWAY FROM INSHORE WATERS, THE TIMELY COMPLETION OF THESE SEWERS WOULD ALSO CONSIDERABLY REDUCE THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT RESULTING FROM WORKING ACTIVITIES OF THE RECLAMATION PROJECT AS SEWAGE DISPOSAL WILL NO LONGER BE TAKING PLACE IN THE WORK SITE AREA.
/UNTIL RECENTLY .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 1992
9
UNTIL RECENTLY, THERE HAVE BEEN FEARS THAT RAW SEWAGE WOULD CONTRIBUTE TO THE POLLUTION LEVEL AS BROUGHT ABOUT BY RECLAMATION IN THE AREA WITH THE WATERS IN THE VICINITY BECOMING MORE STAGNANT.
MR SIU SAID ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION WAS ONE OF THE
GOVERNMENT’S PRIORITY TASKS AND WOULD REMAIN A MAJOR AREA GOVERNMENT SPENDING WITH SOME $4 BILLION BEING SPENT ON SEWAGE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL PROJECTS.
HE TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO REITERATE THAT DESPITE THE RELATIVELY SLOWER ECONOMIC GROWTH TN THE TERRITORY, THERE WAS NO QUESTION OF THE GOVERNMENT CUTTING DOWN ON THE EXPENDITURE WITH REGARD TO THE INVESTMENT IN INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDED FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.
TO REFLECT THE GOVERNMENT’S DETERMINATION IN THIS PURSUIT, MR SIU SAID THE CAPITAL EXPENDITURE OF HIS DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN INCREASED FROM $719 MILLION IN 1990/91 TO $1,150 MILLION IN THE FISCAL YEAR JUST ENDED.
FOR THE 1992/93 FINANCIAL YEAR, THE ESTIMATED CAPITAL EXPENDITURE WILL REACH $1,300 MILLION.
THIS IS EXPECTED TO INCREASE FURTHER WHEN MORE "SEWERAGE MASTERPLAN SCHEMES" ARE IMPLEMENTED WITH ANNUAL CAPITAL WORKS EXPENDITURE PROJECTED TO REACH $2.9 BILLION IN 1993/94 WHICH IS ALMOST FOUR TIMES WHEN COMPARED WITH THAT FOR 1990/91.
SOME 94 PER CENT OF THIS EXPENDITURE IS ON SEWERAGE AND SEWAGE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL, THE REMAINDER BEING ON STORMWATER DRAINS AND FLOOD CONTROL MEASURES.
- 0 - -
SPECIAL MAIL DELIVERY AT EASTER »*»«»»
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR DOMINIC S.W. WONG, ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT A SPECIAL MAIL DELIVERY WOULD BE PROVIDED ON SATURDAY (APRIL 18) - THE DAY FOLLOWING GOOD FRIDAY.
NO DELIVERY WILL BE MADE ON APRIL 17, 19 AND 20.
ALL POST OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED DURING THE EASTER HOLIDAYS.
- - 0 - -
/10
TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 1992
- 10 -
QUARRYING INDUSTRY FORGES CLOSE TIES WITH CHINA
******
THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) HONG KONG’S QUARRYING INDUSTRY IS ONE OF THE FIRST LOCAL INDUSTRIES TO FORGE CLOSE COMMERCIAL LINKS WITH CHINA IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF UNTAPPED ROCK RESOURCES CLOSE TO HONG KONG.
SPEAKING AT THE INSTITUTE OF QUARRYING CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION, MR BLAKE SAID FROM THE EARLY 1980S, EVER-INCREASING SUPPLIES OF AGGREGATES HAD BEEN OBTAINED FROM NEWLY ESTABLISHED QUARRIES IN THE SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONES OF CHINA.
AT PRESENT, AROUND HALF THE TERRITORY’S DEMAND FOR QUARRY PRODUCTS ARE MET FROM MODERN AND HIGHLY MECHANISED QUARRIES LOCATED MOSTLY ON UNINHABITED ISLANDS IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA TO THE WEST AND SOUTH OF HONG KONG.
"IT WOULD SEEM REASONABLE TO ASSUME, THEREFORE, THAT AN INCREASING PROPORTION OF THE TERRITORY’S DEMAND FOR QUARRY PRODUCTS WILL BE MET FROM THE CHINESE ISLAND OPERATIONS MANAGED BY EXPERIENCED COMPANIES BASED IN HONG KONG.
"WE BELIEVE THIS WILL BE PARTICULARLY SO IN THE CASE OF THE SUPPLY OF AGGREGATES AND ROCK PRODUCTS TO THE PORTS AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY PROJECTS," HE ADDED.
---------0-----------
ANNUAL FOOD HYGIENE CAMPAIGN TO START IN *****
JUNE
THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH’S ANNUAL TERRITORY-WIDE FOOD HYGIENE CAMPAIGN WILL BEGIN IN JUNE.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (TUESDAY), A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE THREE-MONTH CAMPAIGN, UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE URBAN COUNCIL AND REGIONAL COUNCIL, AIMS TO PROMOTE THE ADOPTION OF GOOD FOOD HYGIENE PRACTICES SO AS TO MINIMISE THE CHANCE OF FOOD-BORNE ILLNESSES.
DURING THE PERIOD, 24 SEMINARS ON "FOOD SAFETY IS OUR TALKING POINT" WILL BE HELD AT CONVENIENTLY-LOCATED VENUES HROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY FOR PEOPLE IN THE FOOD TRADE, INCLUDING LICENSEES AND STAFF OF LICENSED PREMISES, COOKED FOOD STALLS AND CANTEENS.
THE EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS WILL EACH COMPRISE A TALK, A SLIDE SHOW, A FILM ON FOOD HYGIENE AND AN OPEN DISCUSSION.
INFORMATION MATERIALS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED AND EACH PARTICIPANT WILL RECEIVE A CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE AT THE END OF THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD.
/THE SPOKESMAN .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 1992
11
THE SPOKESMAN URGED PEOPLE IN THE FOOD TRADE TO SIGN UP FOR THE SEMINARS, ADMISSION TO WHICH IS FREE.
INVITATIONS HAVE BEEN SENT TO THE TARGET GROUPS. THOSE WHO WISH TO PARTICIPATE SHOULD RETURN THE COMPLETED ENTRY FORM BY APRIL 22.
THOSE WHO HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE INVITATION MAY CONTACT THE ORGANISER ON TEL. 787 1230.
--------0-----------
VIEWS ON YOUTH CHARTER POSITIVE ******
VIEWS SO FAR RECEIVED ON THE DRAFT CHARTER FOR YOUTH BY THE COMMISSION ON YOUTH HAVE BEEN MOSTLY POSITIVE AND SUPPORTIVE) THE COMMISSION’S CHAIRMAN, MR ERIC LI KA-CHEUNG, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
WITH CONSULTATION PERIOD DUE TO EXPIRE ON MAY 1, MR LI HOPED THAT ALL PARTIES CONCERNED, YOUNG PEOPLE IN PARTICULAR, WOULD BE FORTHCOMING WITH VIEWS ON THE DRAFT CHARTER.
HE POINTED OUT THAT ALL POTENTIAL SUBSCRIBERS TO THE DOCUMENT, INCLUDING SCHOOLS AND STUDENT BODIES, AND OTHER ORGANISATIONS INVOLVED IN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT HAD BEEN INVITED TO SUBMIT THEIR VIEWS.
MR LI NOTED THAT LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS HAD EXPRESSED UNANIMOUS SUPPORT TO THE DOCUMENT DURING A MOTION DEBATE ON FEBRUARY 26.
MOVED BY MR LI HIMSELF, THE MOTION URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO ADOPT THE PRINCIPLES ENUNCIATED IN THE DRAFT CHARTER.
IT ALSO CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO REVIEW ITS EXISTING LEGISLATION, POLICIES AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES RELATING TO YOUTH DEVELOPMENT SO AS TO ENSURE THAT THEY ARE SUFFICIENT TO MEET THOSE AIMS.
AFTER THE DEBATE, THE COMMISSION WAS INVITED TO PRESENT THE DRAFT CHARTER TO 13 DISTRICT BOARDS, A NUMBER OF VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, YOUTH GROUPS AND STUDENT BODIES.
"SO FAR, 11 DISTRICT BOARDS OR THEIR COMMITTEES HAVE BEEN CONSULTED," MR LI SAID.
MR LI OBSERVED THAT ALTHOUGH MOST BOARD MEMBERS FOUND THE CHARTER A NEW CONCEPT, THEY SUPPORTED THE PRINCIPLES AND ASKED THE GOVERNMENT TO PLAY A MORE ACTIVE ROLE IN PROMULGATING THESE PRINCIPLES, AND TO BECOME A SUBSCRIBER AS WELL.
"NATURALLY A LOT OF QUESTIONS WERE RAISED ON THE TEXT OF THE DOCUMENT, THE SUBSCRIPTION SYSTEM AND THE MEASURES TO MONITOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CHARTER," THE CHAIRMAN SAID.
/HE SAID ......
TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 1992
- 12 -
HE SAID THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT HAD ALREADY PROPOSED A BIENNIAL REVIEW SYSTEM.
"UNDER THE SYSTEM, SUBSCRIBERS WOULD BE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT REPORTS ON THE ACTIONS THEY HAVE TAKEN TO IMPLEMENT THE PROVISIONS IN THE CHARTER SO THAT COMPARISONS ON YEAR-TO-YEAR PROGRESS COULD BE MADE," HE SAID.
MEANWHILE, MR LI ALSO NOTED THAT SOME PARTIES HAVE COMMENTED THAT THE DRAFT CHARTER HAD PLACED TOO MUCH EMPHASIS ON THE RIGHTS OF YOUNG PEOPLE, WITHOUT STATING THEIR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES.
"THERE WERE ALSO COMMENTS ON THE LACK OF ADEQUATE REFERENCE TO CHINESE CULTURE IN THE DOCUMENT," HE SAID.
HE PROMISED THAT THE COMMISSION WOULD CAREFULLY CONSIDER ALL THESE COMMENTS AND EXAMINE WHETHER CHANGES TO THE CONTENTS AS WELL AS THE SYSTEM OF REVIEW WERE REQUIRED.
TURNING TO THE CONSULTATION WITH OTHER PARTIES, THE CHAIRMAN SAID DISCUSSION SESSIONS HAD BEEN ORGANISED WITH FRONT-LINE SOCIAL WORKERS, YOUTH GROUPS AND STUDENT UNIONS OF TERTIARY INSTITUTES.
"THE COMMISSION IS GLAD TO SEE THAT THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE, HONG KONG FEDERATION OF YOUTH GROUPS AND BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF HONG KONG HAVE ISSUED STATEMENTS CALLING FOR PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR THE CHARTER.
"OTHER ORGANISATIONS, INCLUDING THE HONG KONG JUNIOR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND HONG KONG SOCIAL WORKERS’ GENERAL UNION, HAVE ALSO INDICATED THEIR SUPPORT OF THE DOCUMENT," MR LI SAID.
HE SAID A NUMBER OF ORGANISATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS HAD ALSO WRITTEN TO THE COMMISSION SUPPORTING THE SPIRIT AND PRINCIPLES IN THE DRAFT CHARTER.
REFERRING TO THE CURRENT CONSULTATION EXERCISE, MR LI SAID THE COMMISSION WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE YOUNG PEOPLE EXPRESSING THEIR VIEWS.
"AFTER ALL, THE DOCUMENT IS DESIGNED TO PROMOTE HEALTHY DEVELOPMENT OF YOUNG PEOPLE," HE STRESSED.
TO ENSURE A WIDER CIRCULATION OF THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE, THE COMMISSION WILL BE DISTRIBUTING COPIES OF THE DOCUMENT TO STUDENTS, THROUGH THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB.
IT HAS ALSO WRITTEN TO YOUTH GROUPS, REMINDING THEM TO PUT FORWARD THEIR COMMENTS BEFORE THE END OF THE CONSULTATION EXERCISE.
MEANWHILE, COPIES OF THE DRAFT CHARTER ARE STILL AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES.
------0-------
/13 ........
TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 1992
- 13 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS » « » » ♦
TENDER DATE 7 APR 92
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q215
AMOUNT APPLIED HKD 2,439 MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED HKD 500 MN
AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED 4.11 PCT
HIGHEST YIELD-ACCEPTED 4.12 PCT
PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 37 PCT
AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 4.16 PCT
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
TENDER TO BE HELD IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 13 APRIL 1992 -
TENDER DATE 14 APR 92 14 MAR 92
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q216 H262
ISSUE DATE 15 APR 92 15 APR 92
MATURITY DATE 15 JULY 92 14 OCT 92
TENOR 91 DAYS 182 DAYS
AMOUNT ON OFFER HK$500 + 100 MN HK$200 + 60 MN
--------0-----------
/14 .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 1992
14
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 6.4.92 1,000
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 7.4.92 -190 *
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING -110
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
* O/N ASSISTANCE TO BE REVERSED -300 MN
* OTHER FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED +110 MN
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 112.5 *+0.1* 7.4.92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS * HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.06 PCT 20 MONTHS 231 1 6.25 101.26 5.49
1 MONTH 4.03 PCT 23 MONTHS 2402 5.50 99.38 5.94
3 MONTHS 4.04 PCT
6 MONTHS 4.26 PCT
12 MONTHS 4.59 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 6,736 MN
CLOSED 7 APRIL 1992
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NC.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING:
QUALITATIVE IMPROVEMENTS IN SCHOOLS EMPHASISED ................. 1
COMMUNITY SUPPORT ESSENTIAL TO SUCCESS OF REHABILITATION ....... 4
GOVT COMMITTED TO FORWARD TRANSPORT PLANNING ................... 5
FS INTRODUCES FOUR REVENUE-RELATED BILLS ....................... 6
MORE PROTECTION AGAINST CHILD ABUSE ............................ 9
HUMAN ORGAN TRANSPLANT BILL INTRODUCED ........................ 10
BILL TO BETTER DEFINE BUILDING AUTHORITY'S POWERS ............. 11
NO INTENTION TO REVIEW HSBC'S STATUS AS NOTE-ISSUING BANK ..... 13
ELECTORAL DISQUALIFICATION PROVISION TO BE REVIEWED ........... 14
ADDITIONAL INFIRMARY BEDS TO MEET DEMAND....................... 14
TREASON, SEDITION AND THEFT OF OFFICIAL SECRETS ARE OFFENCES UNDER LAW ........................................................... 16
WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING NOISE MITIGATION MEASURES UNDER STUDY ... 16
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PURSUED IN SCHOOLS .................... 17
WAYS TO PROTECT GOVT’S RESERVES ............................... 18
GOVT TACKLING PSYCHOACTIVE DRUG ABUSE PROBLEM ................. 19
REVIEW ON LONG SERVICE AND SEVERANCE PAYMENTS ................. 20
. UNIT COSTS OF STUDENT PLACES EXPLAINED ....................... 21
MEASURES TAKEN TO HELP SCHOOLS ADOPT NEW CURRICULUM ........... 21
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME TO GO ON IN PRESENT FORM ........... 23
SETTLEMENT DECISION IN CONTEMPT CASE EXPLAINED ................ 24
REVIEW OF AIR-CONDITIONED BUSES FARES COMPLETED ............... 25
/CARELESSNESS - MAJOR
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CARELESSNESS - MAJOR CAUSE OF OCCUPATIONAL ACCIDENTS AT SEA ......... 26
"SALEABLE FLOOR AREA" EXPLAINED ..................................... 27
CHANGES TO APPROVED ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE TABLED ................. 28
THREE-HOUR DEBATE ON REHAB GREEN PAPER AT LEGCO ..................... 29
HIGH PRIORITY ACCORDED TO'SLOPE SAFETY ................................ 30
CHANGES TO IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE PROPOSED ............................. 32
LARGEST WHOLESALE MARKET OPERATIONAL BY NEXT YEAR-END ................. 33
ACTIVE SUPPORT PLEDGED FOR INDUSTRY ................................... 34
BABY FLIES TO AUSTRALIA FOR MAJOR CRANIOFACIAL OPERATION .............. 35
TAI PO DRAGON BOAT RACES INVITE APPLICATIONS .......................... 36
DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED ............................................... 37
SALT WATER SUPPLY SUSPENSION IN KWAI CHUNG ............................ 37
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............ 38
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8,
1992
- 1 -
QUALITATIVE IMPROVEMENTS IN SCHOOLS EMPHASISED ♦ * * * ♦ DESPITE THE GOVERNMENT’S AMBITIOUS PROGRAMME TO ACCELERATE THE RATE OF EXPANSION AT THE TERTIARY SECTOR, THE SEVEN LOCAL TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS WILL ONLY BE ABLE TO PROVIDE 41 PER CENT OF THE NEW GRADUATES ENTERING THE WORKFORCE DURING THE PERIOD 1991-96.
CONSEQUENTLY, HONG KONG WILL STILL HAVE TO RELY ON OVERSEAS GRADUATES, IMMIGRANTS AND RETURNED EMIGRANTS FOR THE SUPPLY OF GRADUATE MANPOWER AS WELL AS CONTRIBUTIONS FROM CONTINUING INSTITUTIONS LIKE THE OPEN LEARNING INSTITUTE.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MISS CHRISTINE CHOW, DURING A MOTION DEBATE AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MISS CHOW SAID NOTWITHSTANDING THE STEADY EXPANSION IN THE TERTIARY SECTOR IN THE YEARS PAST, DEGREE LEVEL PLACES CONTINUED TO BE IN GREAT DEMAND.
THIS IS EVIDENT IN THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS LEAVING FOR OVERSEAS STUDY EVERY YEAR. AT THE SAME TIME, AGAINST THE BACKGROUND OF LOSS OF QUALIFIED MANPOWER THROUGH EMIGRATION, STRUCTURAL CHANGES IN OUR ECONOMY HAVE RESULTED IN AN INCREASED DEMAND FOR AN EDUCATED WORKFORCE.
"THIS IS WHY THE GOVERNMENT HAS EMBARKED ON THE AMBITIOUS PROGRAMME TO ACCELERATE THE RATE OF EXPANSION AT THE TERTIARY SECTOR, WITH THE TARGET OF PROVIDING A FIRST-YEAR-FIRST-DEGREE PLACE FOR 18 PER CENT OF THE 17-20 AGE GROUP BY 1994-95," MISS CHOW SAID.
NOTING THAT MUCH HAD BEEN SAID ABOUT THE PERCEIVED IMBALANCE IN RESOURCE ALLOCATION BETWEEN THE TERTIARY AND THE SCHOOLS SECTORS, MISS CHOW SAID THERE WAS NO DOUBT THAT THE TERTIARY EXPANSION PROGRAMME WAS . EXPENSIVE.
"HOWEVER, THE UPGC HAS A NUMBER OF BUDGETARY AND MONITORING MECHANISMS WHICH, WITHOUT ERODING THE ACADEMIC FREEDOM FOR THE INSTITUTIONS, ENSURES THAT THESE RESOURCES ARE DEPLOYED IN THE MOST COST-EFFECTIVE WAY," MISS CHOW SAID.
"BUT PRIORITY IS GIVEN TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF TERTIARY EDUCATION. THERE IS NO EVIDENCE TO SUGGEST THAT THE PROGRAMME IS BEING ACHIEVED AT THE EXPENSE OF QUALITATIVE IMPROVEMENTS IN SCHOOLS.
"CONTRARY TO THE ADVERTISEMENTS PLACED BY VARIOUS EDUCATIONAL BODIES IN LOCAL NEWSPAPERS, THERE IS NO CUT BACK IN THE FUNDING OF SCHOOL ALLOCATION. EVEN WITH THE WITHDRAWL OF THE REPEATER ALLOWANCE, THERE WILL STILL BE A REAL INCREASE OF 1.5 PER CENT IN SCHOOLS EXPENDITURE. THIS FIGURE DOES NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE LIKELY SALARY INCREASE IN THE COURSE OF THE YEAR FOR WHICH ADDITIONAL PROVISION WILL BE MADE."
MISS CHOW NOTED THAT SEVERAL FACTORS ACCOUNTED FOR THE SLOWER RATE OF INCREASE IN EXPENDITURE IN THE SCHOOLS SECTOR.
/UNLIKE THE .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1992
2
UNLIKE THE TERTIARY SECTOR WHICH WAS UNDERGOING A PHASE OF QUANTITATIVE EXPANSION, THE SCHOOLS SECTOR WAS ENTERING A PERIOD OF CONSOLIDATION WHERE THE EMPHASIS WAS ON QUALITY RATHER THAN NUMBER, MISS CHOW SAID.
’’THE DECLINE IN ENROLMENT IN SCHOOLS DUE TO DEMOGRAPHIC CHANGES TOGETHER WITH THE MORE COST-EFFECTIVE MEASURES THAT WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO INTRODUCE HAVE RESULTED IN CONSIDERABLE SAVINGS WHICH HAVE BEEN PLOUGHED BACK TO THE SCHOOLS SECTOR FOR VARIOUS IMPROVEMENTS.”
FOR EXAMPLE, MEASURES COSTING $465 MILLION ON FULL IMPLEMENTATION HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED SINCE 1990.
FURTHERMORE, AS A RESULT OF THE REVISION OF THE NUMBER OF FIRST-YEAR-FIRST-DEGREE PLACES FOLLOWING THE 1991 CENSUS POPULATION PROJECTION, THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED TO REDEPLOY $300 MILLION TO THE SCHOOLS. THIS IS ON TOP OF THE 1.5 PER CENT OF REAL INCREASE MENTIONED EARLIER AND WILL ENABLE FURTHER IMPROVEMENT MEASURES TO PROCEED IN THE 1992 SCHOOL YEAR.
CONSEQUENTLY, ALL APPROVED POLICIES ARISING FROM EDUCATION COMMISSION REPORT NO. 4 AS WELL AS OTHER IMPROVEMENTS SUCH AS ENHANCEMENT TO THE KINDERGARTEN FEE REMISSION SCHEME WILL BE FUNDED.
ADDITIONAL, FUNDING WILL HAVE TO BE EARMARKED FOR RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE EDUCATION COMMISSION TO IMPROVE THE TEACHING PROFESSION WHEN THEY ARE ACCEPTED AS GOVERNMENT POLICY.
MISS CHOW ALSO SPOKE OF THE NEED TO KEEP EDUCATION POLICIES, PLANS AND PROGRAMMES UNDER CONSTANT REVIEW.
ON TERTIARY EDUCATION, THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE (UPGC) HAS BEGUN ITS SCHEDULED REVIEW ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE EXPANSION PROGRAMME.
THIS REVIEW WILL TAKE INTO ACCOUNT ALL RELEVANT FACTORS RELATING TO THE SIZE AND QUALITY OF THE STUDENT INTAKE AND HOW THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS HAVE COPED WITH THE CHALLENGE OF EDUCATING A LARGER AND MORE DIVERSE GROUP OF STUDENTS.
WITHIN THE SCHOOLS SECTOR, THE EDUCATION COMMISSION HAS BEEN MONITORING PROGRESS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF POLICIES ARISING FROM THE RECOMMENDATIONS IN ITS VARIOUS REPORTS AND CONSIDERING THE PRIORITY OVER THE ALLOCATION OF RESOURCES.
ALTHOUGH THERE WAS SUFFICIENT MONITORING FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS OF THE EDUCATION SYSTEMS, SHE SAID THE GOVERNMENT DID NOT RULE OUT THE NEED FOR A MORE THOROUGH REVIEW.
AS REGARDS THE MAINTENANCE OF STANDARDS IN THE TERTIARY SECTOR, MISS CHOW POINTED OUT THAT THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS ARE DEDICATED TO THE MAINTENANCE OF HIGH ACADEMIC STANDARD AND THE UNIVERSITIES ALSO HAVE THEIR OWN SYSTEM OF PEER GROUP REVIEW AND EXTERNAL EXAMINERS.
APART FROM THEIR INTERNAL MECHANISM FOR QUALITY CONTROL, THE POLYTECHNICS AND THE COLLEGES ARE ALSO REQUIRED TO UNDERGO ACCREDITATION BY THE HONG KONG COUNCIL FOR ACADEMIC ACCREDITATION.
/TURNING TO .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1992
3
TURNING TO THE REPEATER ALLOWANCE, MISS CHOW SAID THE GOVERNMENT FULLY ENDORSED THE NEED TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF SCHOOL EDUCATION. IT WAS UNABLE TO SUPPORT THE HON CHEUNG MAN-KWONG’S ORIGINAL MOTION WHICH CALLED FOR THE REPEATER ALLOWANCE TO BE RETAINED AT PRIMARY 1 AND SECONDARY 1.
THE WITHDRAWAL OF THE REPEATER ALLOWANCE FOR PRIMARY 1 AND SECONDARY 1 IS THE ONLY PRACTICABLE WAY TO PRODUCE THE REQUIRED SAVINGS OF $284 MILLION WHICH THE GOVERNMENT WILL HAVE TO MAKE UP ELSEWHERE IN THE EDUCATION BUDGET SHOULD IT DECIDE NOT TO PROCEED, SHE EXPLAINED.
"THIS WOULD MEAN DIPPING INTO THE $300 MILLION NEW ALLOCATION WHICH HAS BEEN EARMARKED TO FUND QUALITATIVE IMPROVEMENTS AND WHICH WILL CONTRIBUTE SIGNIFICANTLY TO BETTER TEACHING AND SUPPORT SERVICES WITHIN CLASSROOMS."
"IN OTHER WORDS, SOME OF THE MORE AWAITED REFORMS ARISING FROM THE ECR4 AND OTHER IMPROVEMENTS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PROCEED THIS YEAR.
"SUCH A STAND IS NOT CONSISTENT WITH THE COMMUNITY’S WISH TO SEE IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE."
SHE ALSO DISMISSED THE ARGUMENT THAT TO ASSIGN 40, INSTEAD OF 38, PUPILS TO EACH CLASS THROUGH THE PLACES ALLOCATION SYSTEM WOULD AFFECT THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION AS WELL AS THE INTEREST OF PARENTS, PUPILS AND TEACHERS.
SUCH ARGUMENTS OVERLOOK THE FACT THAT 40 PER CENT OF PRIMARY 1 CLASSES AND 20 PER CENT OF SECONDARY 1 CLASSES HAVE 38 PUPILS OR LESS AND ARE THEREFORE IN A POSITION TO ACCOMMODATE THE TWO EXTRA PUPILS AND STILL KEEP WITHIN THE NORMAL CLASS SIZE.
IN FACT, THE AVERAGE SIZE OF CLASSES NOW STANDS AT 34.7 FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND 36.7 FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
SHE SAID THE EFFECT OF THE WITHDRAWAL OF REPEATER ALLOWANCE ON CLASS SIZE THEREFORE WOULD BE MARGINAL AND LIKELY TO DISSIPATE OVER TIME DUE TO NORMAL WASTAGE.
SHE ASSURED THE COUNCIL THAT THE REPEATER ALLOWANCE FOR THE LEVELS IN QUESTION WOULD BE RESTORED IN FULL BY THE FIFTH YEAR, WHEN THE ANTICIPATED DECLINE IN STUDENT ENROLMENT WOULD MAKE SMALLER CLASS SIZE POSSIBLE.
"I HOPE THIS TEMPORARY MEASURE COULD BE SEEN IN THE WIDER CONTEXT OF OTHER POSITIVE INITIATIVES TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF SCHOOL EDUCATION," MISS CHOW SAID.
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/4 ........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1992
4
COMMUNITY SUPPORT ESSENTIAL TO SUCCESS OF REHABILITATION
* * * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, WAS CONFIDENT THAT THE TWIN GOALS OF EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES AND FULL PARTICIPATION INSPIRED BY THE GREEN PAPER ON REHABILITATION POLICIES AND SERVICES WILL BE ACHIEVED AND THAT THE COMMUNITY WILL PROVIDE THE DRIVING FORCE FOR ALL TO WORK TOWARDS THESE GOALS.
SHE ALSO SAID SHE WAS GRATIFIED BY MEMBERS’ SUPPORT FOR THE OVERALL POLICY OBJECTIVES OF REHABILITATION AS DETAILED IN CHAPTER 3 OF THE GREEN PAPER.
"THIS WILL POINT THE WAY TO FUTURE IMPROVEMENTS AND FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF REHABILITATION SERVICES IN HONG KONG SO AS TO ACHIEVE THE TWIN GOALS," SHE ADDED.
MRS WONG MADE THE REMARKS WHEN WINDING UP A MOTION DEBATE ON THE REHABILITATION GREEN PAPER AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SHE SAID REHABILITATION SERVICES COVER A WIDE SPECTRUM, RANGING FROM SOCIAL TO MEDICAL REHABILITATION FOR THE PHYSICALLY OR MENTALLY HANDICAPPED. THESE SERVICES ARE PROVIDED BY A HOST OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS.
BUT REHABILITATION DOES GO BEYOND THE MERE PROVISION OF THESE SERVICES.
"IT CALLS FOR A SMOOTH INTERFACE BETWEEN DISABLED PERSONS AND THE BROADER ENVIRONMENT.
"FOR INSTANCE, ON THE QUESTION OF EMPLOYMENT, GOVERNMENT ITSELF EMPLOYS SOME 3,769 DISABLED PERSONS - SOME TWO PER CENT OF ALL CIVIL SERVANTS INCLUDING 1,589 VISUALLY IMPAIRED PERSONS.
"I DARE SAY THE GOVERNMENT IS THE BIGGEST EMPLOYER OF DISABLED PERSONS BUT THIS IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH. WE NEED TO DO MORE AND MAINTAIN A SUSTAINED MOMENTUM AND COMMITMENT IN EMPLOYMENT AND I AM ALSO MOTIVATING OTHER ORGANISATIONS TO DO THE- SAME."
MRS WONG STRESSED THAT REHABILITATION WOULD NOT BE A SUCCESS WITHOUT THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE WORKING TOGETHER PARTICULARLY IF SOME OF THE STATISTICS WERE CORRECT, THAT WAS, ONE OUT OF EVERY THREE PERSONS IN HONG KONG HAD SOME FORM OF HANDICAP OR DISABILITY WHICH NEEDED TO BE REHABILITATED.
SINCE THE PUBLICATION OF THE GREEN PAPER, THE GOVERNMENT HAS RECEIVED VALUABLE AND DIVERSE COMMENTS, RANGING FROM MORE RESIDENTIAL SERVICES TO SEVERELY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS TO ENHANCE REHABILITATION TO THOSE SUFFERING FROM DIABETES AND ASTHMA.
GIVEN THE RIGHT PRIORITY, MRS WONG POINTED OUT, THE GOVERNMENT IS DETERMINED TO ENSURE THAT THE RECOMMENDATIONS SHOULD BE IMPLEMENTED AS RESOURCES PERMIT.
/SHE URGED .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1992
5
SHE URGED THE PUBLIC FOR GUIDANCE ON WHERE THE PRIORITY SHOULD LIE.
’’PRIORITISATION IS NOT ALIEN TO MANAGEMENT,’’ SHE SAID, ’’IT HAS BEEN THE MOST EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT TOOL TO ACHIEVE ONE’S OBJECTIVES. WE CANNOT FOREVER TOLERATE SHORTFALL. WE MUST DO SOMETHING SENSIBLE.
"WE MUST PROVIDE REHABILITATION TO THE BEST OF OUR ABILITY TO THE MOST URGENT AREAS IF NEEDS BE, AND TO THE EXTENT THAT THIS COMMUNITY CAN AFFORD.”
"WE WILL HAVE TO MAKE A CHOICE AND TO DECIDE, NO MATTER HOW DIFFICULT THE DECISION MIGHT BE, ON IMPORTANT ITEMS WHICH MUST BE RELATIVELY SPEAKING IMPLEMENTED FIRST.
’’FOR AS LONG AS WE REFUSE TO FACE THE FACT AND TAKE THE NASTIES, I THINK WE WILL NOT PROGRESS. WE MUST BE ABLE TO MAKE DECISIONS AND TAKE HARD DECISIONS,” MRS WONG ADDED.
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GOVT COMMITTED TO FORWARD TRANSPORT PLANNING
THE GOVERNMENT REMAINS COMMITTED TO FORWARD PLANNING AS THE MEANS OF ANTICIPATING AND MEETING THE TRANSPORT NEEDS OF THE NEW TOWNS.
THE REASSURANCE WAS GIVEN BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL LEUNG IN WINDING UP THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL TRANSPORT SERVICES OF NEW TOWNS AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR LEUNG SAID SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY OF RESOURCES, THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ROAD NETWORK WOULD CONTINUE TO MEET THE DEMANDS CREATED BY NEW TOWN EXPANSION.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES BOTH WITHIN THE NEW TOWNS AND THE URBAN AREA WOULD BE EXPANDED AND UPGRADED IN KEEPING WITH PUBLIC EXPECTATIONS, HE ADDED.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THERE WAS ALREADY A WELL ESTABLISHED PUBLIC TRANSPORT PLANNING MECHANISM IN PLACE.
’’EACH YEAR, WE REVIEW THE NEED FOR IMPROVED SERVICES IN CONJUNCTION WITH MAJOR TRANSPORT OPERATORS.
"SERVICE DEVELOPMENT PLANS ARE PRESENTED TO THE RELEVANT DISTRICT BOARDS FOR ADVICE BEFORE THESE ARE INTRODUCED," HE ADDED.
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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1992
6
FS INTRODUCES FOUR REVENUE-RELATED BILLS
*****
FOUR AMENDMENT BILLS WHICH SEEK TO GIVE EFFECT TO THE REVENUE-RELATED PROPOSALS IN THE 1992-93 BUDGET WERE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON HAMISH MACLEOD.
MR MACLEOD SAID RESOLUTIONS TO AMEND THE RATING ORDINANCE AND THE BETTING DUTY ORDINANCE WOULD ALSO BE NECESSARY AND THEY WOULD BE MOVED IN A FEW WEEKS’ TIME, AFTER ADEQUATE TIME FOR DISCUSSION, AT THE SAME TIME AS DEBATES ON THE BUDGET BILLS WERE RESUMED.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1992, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID THE BILL SOUGHT TO GIVE LEGISLATIVE EFFECT TO TWO MAJOR BUDGET PROPOSALS.
CLAUSES 2 AND 3 OF THE BILL INCREASED THE RATE OF PROFITS TAX PAYABLE BY CORPORATIONS FROM 16.5% TO 17.5%. THIS INCREASE, APPLICABLE TO ASSESSMENTS FOR 1992-93, WOULD YIELD $850 MILLION IN 1992-93, OR $1.6 BILLION IN A FULL YEAR.
CLAUSE 4 OF THE BILL ADDED AN ADDITIONAL SCALE OF TAX ALLOWANCES TO THE FOURTH SCHEDULE OF THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE, SO THAT BASIC, MARRIED PERSONS, DEPENDENT PARENT, CHILD AND SINGLE PARENT ALLOWANCES WOULD BE INCREASED.
THE TOTAL COST TO REVENUE WOULD BE $850 MILLION IN 1992-93, OR $1.2 BILLION IN A FULL YEAR.
MR MACLEOD SAID IN HIS CONCLUDING SPEECH ON THE APPROPRIATION BILL IN THIS COUNCIL ON APRIL 1, HE POINTED OUT THAT THESE SIGNIFICANT INCREASES HAD THE EFFECT OF MAINTAINING THE REAL VALUE OF PERSONAL TAX ALLOWANCES OVER TIME.
"I ALSO SAID IN MY SPEECH ON APRIL 1 THAT IN THE NEXT BUDGET I INTEND TO INCREASE SUBSTANTIALLY SALARIES TAX ALLOWANCES AND TO IMPROVE TAX BANDS.
"THE COMBINED EFFECT OF THESE IMPROVEMENTS WOULD BE TO REDUCE FURTHER THE EFFECTIVE RATES OF TAX PAID BY MIDDLE-INCOME EARNERS, WHICH ARE ALREADY LOW BY ANY INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS.
"BUT I MUST REITERATE THAT SUCH MEASURES WILL ONLY BE POSSIBLE IF OUR FINANCIAL POSITION CONTINUES TO BE AS FORECAST. AND AMONG OTHER THINGS THIS MEANS THE PASSING OF ALL THE REVENUE MEASURES IN THE PRESENT BUDGET," HE SAID.
DUTIABLE COMMODITIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID THE BILL HAD FOUR MAIN PURPOSES.
/FIRST, IT ........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1992
7 -
FIRST, IT WOULD RESULT IN THE ABOLITION OF DUTY ON SOFT DRINKS. THIS MEASURE WOULD COST THE GENERAL REVENUE ABOUT $230 MILLION A YEAR.
MR MACLEOD POINTED OUT THAT THE BEVERAGE MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG HAD WRITTEN TO HIM SINCE THE INTRODUCTION OF THE APPROPRIATION BILL, CONFIRMING THEIR EARLIER UNDERTAKING TO PASS ON THE BENEFIT OF THIS CONCESSION TO CONSUMERS.
SECONDLY, CLAUSE 6 OF THE BILL WOULD INCREASE THE DUTY RATES ON LIQUOR, TOBACCO AND FUEL.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY EMPHASISED THAT THESE WERE NOMINAL INCREASES ONLY, DESIGNED TO MAINTAIN THE VALUE OF THE DUTY IMPOSED IN LINE WITH INFLATION.
"I HAVE DELIBERATELY AVOIDED ANY INCREASES IN REAL TERMS. FOR THAT REASON, THOSE DUTY RATES WHICH ARE SET ON AN AD VALOREM BASIS HAVE REMAINED UNCHANGED,” HE SAID.
THIRDLY, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID A NUMBER OF THE CLAUSES OF THE BILL WERE DESIGNED TO GIVE LEGISLATIVE EFFECT TO THE BUDGET PROPOSAL THAT DUTY BE PAID ON LIGHT DIESEL OIL USED BY PLEASURE CRAFT, WITH EFFECT FROM JUNE 1, 1992.
’’THE PRESENT EXEMPTION FROM DUTY ON FUEL ARISES FROM PROVISIONS IN THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES ORDINANCE WHICH DATE BACK TO A TIME WHEN PLEASURE VESSELS WERE RELATIVELY FEW IN NUMBER.
’’ALTHOUGH PETROL USED BY PLEASURE CRAFT IS ALREADY SUBJECT TO DUTY, MOST PLEASURE CRAFT ARE NOW ABLE TO USE DUTY-FREE DIESEL FUEL,” HE SAID.
THE ENDING OF THIS INEQUITABLE DISTINCTION SHOULD INCREASE GENERAL REVENUE BY ABOUT $80 MILLION A YEAR, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID.
CLAUSES 6(H) AND 15(6) OF THE BILL WOULD GIVE EFFECT TO THE BUDGET PROPOSAL TO EXEMPT FRANCHISED BUS COMPANIES COMPLETELY FROM THE DUTY ON DIESEL FUEL.
UNDER THE SCHEMES OF CONTROL, THIS CONCESSION WOULD AUTOMATICALLY BE REFLECTED IN FUTURE ADJUSTMENTS TO BUS FARES, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID.
THE PROPOSAL WOULD COST THE GENERAL REVENUE ABOUT $190 MILLION A YEAR.
STAMP DUTY (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1992
THE STAMP DUTY (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) 1992 BILL SEEKS TO GIVE LEGISLATIVE EFFECT TO TWO PROPOSALS IN THE 1992-93 BUDGET.
/MOVING THE .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1992
8
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID, CLAUSE 2 OF THE BILL WOULD BRING MOST RIGHTS, OPTIONS AND INTERESTS IN RESPECT OF STOCK WITHIN THE DEFINITION OF 'STOCK’ IN THE STAMP DUTY ORDINANCE, SO THAT A SALE AND PURCHASE OR TRANSFER OF SUCH RIGHTS, OPTIONS OR INTERESTS WOULD BE CHARGEABLE WITH STAMP DUTY.
"THE PRINCIPAL EFFECT OF THIS AMENDMENT WOULD BE TO EXTEND THE APPLICATION OF STAMP DUTY TO THE SALE AND PURCHASE OR TRANSFER OF COVERED WARRANTS," HE SAID.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY IN HIS SPEECH MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE APPROPRIATION BILL SAID THIS WAS A LOGICAL EXTENSION OF THE EXISTING TAX SYSTEM, SINCE THESE WARRANTS WERE A ROUTINELY TRADED FORM OF SECURITY.
CLAUSE 3 OF THE BILL WOULD REDUCE FROM 0.5% TO 0.4% THE RATE OF STAMP DUTY ON CONTRACT NOTES.
"THIS REPRESENTS- A CONTINUATION OF THE GRADUAL PROCESS OF REDUCTION IN DUTY ON STOCK TRANSFERS, DESIGNED TO MAINTAIN THE COMPETITIVENESS OF HONG KONG’S SECURITIES MARKET," MR MACLEOD SAID.
THE EXTENSION OF STAMP DUTY TO COVERED WARRANTS WILL BRING IN AN EXTRA $140 MILLION REVENUE A YEAR. THE REDUCTION IN THE RATE OF CONTRACT NOTE DUTY WILL COST THE REVENUE $400 MILLION A YEAR.
ENTERTAINMENTS TAX (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY IN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE ENTERTAINMENTS TAX (AMENDMENT) BILL SAID THE PURPOSE OF THE BILL WAS TO AMEND THE ENTERTAINMENTS TAX ORDINANCE, TO GIVE EFFECT TO THE PROPOSAL IN THE BUDGET TO ABOLISH ENTERTAINMENTS TAX ON CINEMA TICKETS.
THE COST OF THIS MEASURE TO GENERAL REVENUE WILL BE $130 MILLION A YEAR.
IN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE APPROPRIATION BILL LAST WEEK, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY NOTED THAT HE HAD RECEIVED ASSURANCES FROM HONG KONG’S TWO LARGEST CINEMA OPERATORS THAT THE FULL BENEFIT OF THE CONCESSION WOULD BE PASSED ON TO CINEMA-GOERS, AND THAT THERE WOULD BE NO INCREASE IN THE PRICE OF TICKETS IN THE COMING YEAR.
"I HAVE NO REASON TO DOUBT THAT THE OPERATORS CONCERNED WILL ABIDE BY THIS AGREEMENT. I HAVE, HOWEVER, NOTICED MEDIA REPORTS TO THE EFFECT THAT SOME FILM DISTRIBUTORS MAY NOT INTEND TO PASS ON THE FULL VALUE OF THE CONCESSION TO THE PUBLIC," HE SAID.
MR MACLEOD SAID HE WAS SOMEWHAT CONCERNED ABOUT THESE REPORTS AND WOULD BE LOOKING INTO THE SITUATION CLOSELY.
"IF CIRCUMSTANCES WARRANT, CONCESSIONS CAN OF COURSE BE REVERSED IN FUTURE BUDGETS," HE SAID.
THE DEBATE ON THE MOTIONS WERE ADJOURNED.
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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1992
- 9 -
MORE PROTECTION AGAINST CHILD ABUSE *****
A BILL WHICH SEEKS TO GIVE BETTER PROTECTION TO CHILDREN AND JUVENILES BY WIDENING THE CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH A CHILD MAY BE CONSIDERED TO BE IN NEED OF CARE OR PROTECTION WAS INTRODUCED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE PROTECTION OF WOMEN AND JUVENILES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID THE EFFECTS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL ABUSE AND NEGLECT WOULD ALSO BE INCLUDED AS GROUNDS FOR CONSIDERING A CHILD TO BE IN NEED OF CARE OR PROTECTION.
"THIS APPROACH IS IN LINE WITH THE GROWING PUBLIC AWARENESS AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE PROBLEM OF CHILD ABUSE," SHE SAID.
UNDER THE PROPOSED BILL, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE WILL BE GIVEN MORE FLEXIBLE POWERS OF INTERVENTION AND INVESTIGATION WITHOUT ALWAYS HAVING FIRST TO REMOVE A CHILD FROM HOME.
THE DIRECTOR WILL ALSO BE EMPOWERED TO ISSUE A CHILD ASSESSMENT NOTICE TO THE CHILD’S PARENT, REQUIRING HIM OR HER TO BRING THE CHILD FOR A MEDICAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT BY A DOCTOR OR CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST.
'IN THE CASE OF ANY REMOVAL OR DETENTION OF A CHILD OR JUVENILE UNDER THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE, MRS WONG POINTED OUT THAT THE DIRECTOR WAS REQUIRED TO MAKE APPLICATION TO A COURT WITHIN 48 HOURS, INSTEAD OF EIGHT DAYS.
THE BILL ALSO PROVIDES FOR ALL REMAINING REFERENCES TO SPECIAL PROTECTION FOR WOMEN TO BE REMOVED, SO THAT THE ORDINANCE WILL APPLY EQUALLY TO MALE AS WELL AS FEMALE CHILDREN AND JUVENILES.
THIS WILL RESULT IN THE RETITLING OF THE ORDINANCE AS THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN AND JUVENILES ORDINANCE.
THE BILL FURTHER SEEKS TO REVISE THE LEVEL OF FINES FOR OFFENCES UNDER THE ORDINANCE IN LINE WITH PRESENT-DAY VALUES.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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/10 .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1992
10
HUMAN ORGAN TRANSPLANT BILL INTRODUCED
*****
A BILL WHICH PROHIBITS COMMERCIAL TRADING IN HUMAN ORGANS, WHETHER OBTAINED FROM LIVING OR DECEASED DONORS, AND REGULATES THE USE OF ORGANS OBTAINED FROM LIVE DONORS IN THE TERRITORY WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE HUMAN ORGAN TRANSPLANT BILL, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, POINTED OUT THAT THE BILL DID NOT IN ANY WAY RESTRICT VOLUNTARY DONATIONS, ADDING THAT THESE ARE INDEED TO BE PRAISED AND ENCOURAGED.
BUT UNLIKE VOLUNTARY DONATION THROUGH CARING FOR OTHERS AND COMPASSION, THE PRACTICE OF BUYING AND SELLING HUMAN ORGANS FOR PURPOSES OF TRANSPLANT IS BOTH ETHICALLY UNACCEPTABLE AND MORALLY REPUGNANT.
"THERE CAN BE NO JUSTIFICATION FOR DEBASING THE VALUE OF THE INDIVIDUAL BY ALLOWING THE EXISTENCE OF A ’MARKET’ IN HUMAN ORGANS," SHE SAID.
"COMMERCIAL ORGAN TRADING AND ’DONATION’ CONDEMNED WORLDWIDE," SHE SAID.
UNDER DURESS IS
THE HONG KONG MEDICAL ASSOCIATION HAS ADOPTED GUIDELINES AGAINST COMMERCIAL ORGAN TRADING AND ALSO URGED MEMBERS OF THE PROFESSION NOT TO BE INVOLVED IN SUCH ACTIVITIES ON GROUNDS OF PROFESSIONAL ETHICS.
NOTING THAT NO CASE OF COMMERCIAL ORGAN TRANSPLANT HAD BEEN RECORDED IN HONG KONG, MRS WONG FELT THAT TIGHTER LEGISLATIVE CONTROL IS NECESSARY.
"WE THEREFORE PROPOSE NEW LEGISLATION AND HEAVY SANCTION : THE HUMAN ORGAN TRANSPLANT BILL 1992 WILL PROVIDE FOR THIS," SHE ADDED.
THE BILL SEEKS TO BAN ADVERTISING AND SOLICITATION RELATED TO COMMERCIAL ORGAN TRADING.
THE PENALTY FOR INITIATING OR NEGOTIATING ANY ARRANGEMENT INVOLVING PAYMENT FOR AN ORGAN WILL BE A FINE OF $10,000 FOR FIRST CONVICTION AND $25,000 PLUS IMPRISONMENT FOR ONE YEAR UPON SUBSEQUENT CONVICTION.
TRANSPLANT OF ORGANS FROM LIVING DONORS WILL ALSO BE PROHIBITED UNLESS THE DONOR IS GENETICALLY RELATED OR MARRIED TO THE PROSPECTIVE RECIPIENT, OR UNLESS APPROVAL IS OBTAINED FROM THE HUMAN ORGAN TRANSPLANT BOARD.
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS STIPULATION WILL ATTRACT A $10,000 FINE FOR THE FIRST CONVICTION AND A $25,000 FINE AND IMPRISONMENT FOR ONE YEAR FOR SUBSEQUENT CONVICTIONS.
THE SECRETARY ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE BILL SUPPLEMENTED BUT DID NOT SUPPLANT A MEDICAL PRACTITIONER’S OWN CODE OF ETHICS.
/IN THE ........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1992
11
IN THE CASE OF A TRANSPLANT INVOLVING A LIVING DONOR, IT IS FOR THE DOCTOR TO CONSIDER WHETHER THE OPERATION IS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF BOTH PARTIES.
TO ENHANCE PUBLIC AWARENESS AND TO MOTIVATE MORE GENEROUS ORGAN DONATION, MRS WONG SAID A MULTI-MEDIA CAMPAIGN IN COLLABORATION WITH PROFESSIONAL AND COMMUNITY GROUPS WAS BEING LAUNCHED.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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BILL TO BETTER DEFINE BUILDING AUTHORITY’S POWERS ******
THE BUILDINGS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992 WHICH SEEKS TO BETTER DEFINE THE BUILDING AUTHORITY’S POWERS AND STREAMLINE EXISTING PROCEDURES WAS INTRODUCED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR A.G. EASON, LISTED EIGHT PROPOSALS INVOLVED IN THE AMENDMENT.
ON THE REGISTRATION OF CONTRACTORS, HE SAID A SYSTEM OF REGISTRATION SIMILAR TO THAT FOR AUTHORISED PERSONS AND REGISTERED STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS WAS PROPOSED SO THAT AN ACCURATE RECORD OF REGISTERED CONTRACTORS COULD BE MAINTAINED.
THIS WOULD INVOLVE A CONTRACTOR APPLYING FOR HIS NAME TO BE INCLUDED ON A REGISTER, AND PAYING AN ANNUAL FEE TO RETAIN HIS NAME ON THE REGISTER.
THE SECOND PROPOSAL RELATES TO THE BUILDING AUTHORITY’S POWERS TO DEAL WITH DEFECTIVE OR INSANITARY DRAINAGE.
MR EASON EXPLAINED THAT THE BUILDING AUTHORITY SHOULD HAVE THE EXPRESS AUTHORITY TO DEAL WITH SEWERS SO AS TO CARRY OUT HIS FUNCTIONS IN RESPECT OF BOTH DRAINS AND SEWERS.
HE SAID A DEFAULT PROVISION FOR THE AUTHORITY TO CARRY OUT AND RECOVER THE COST OF DRAINAGE WORKS WAS ALSO INCLUDED AND THE OPPORTUNITY WAS TAKEN TO CLARIFY THE DEFINITION OF THE WORD "OWNER” UNDER SECTION 28(3) (B).
THE THIRD PROPOSAL RELATES TO BUILDING WORKS UNDER STREETS.
NOTING THAT SECTION 31(1) OF THE ORDINANCE DID NOT SPECIFICALLY REFER TO CONSTRUCTION UNDER, AS OPPOSED TO IN, OVER, OR UPON STREETS, HE SAID AN AMENDMENT WAS NECESSARY TO ENABLE THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TO REGULATE CONSTRUCTION UNDER STREETS.
/THE FOURTH
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1992
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THE FOURTH PROPOSAL INVOLVES AMENDING SECTION 31(2) OF THE ORDINANCE ON THE ALTERATION OR REMOVAL OF PROJECTIONS OVER STREETS TO EMPOWER THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TO CARRY OUT THE NECESSARY WORKS AND RECOVER THEIR COST, SHOULD THE OWNER FAIL TO COMPLY WITH AN ORDER TO DO SO.
THE FIFTH PROPOSAL SEEKS TO EMPOWER THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TO RECOVER THE COST OF ABORTIVE VISITS IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER THE WORKS ARE CARRIED OUT DURING SUBSEQUENT VISITS.
"THE NEED FOR THE SIXTH PROPOSAL ARISES FROM THE INTRODUCTION OF A MICROFILM SYSTEM FOR BUILDING PLANS AND RECORDS IN THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE," MR EASON SAID.
HE SAID THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS WOULD ENABLE MICROFILM RECORDS WHICH HAD BEEN CERTIFIED AS TRUE COPIES BY THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TO BE TREATED AS THE ORIGINAL PLANS AND DOCUMENTS.
HE ADDED THAT THE AMENDMENTS WOULD ALSO ALLOW DESTRUCTION OF THE ORIGINALS AFTER MICROFILMING, AND ENABLE COPIES OF MICROFILM RECORDS TO BE ADMISSIBLE AS EVIDENCE IN LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
THE SEVENTH PROPOSAL WILL REQUIRE THE SUBMISSION OF PLANS TO THE BUILDING AUTHORITY FOR APPROVAL IN RESPECT OF GROUND INVESTIGATION AND UNDERGROUND DRAINAGE WORKS WITHIN THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY (MTR) PROTECTION AREAS.
"THIS WOULD HELP ENSURE THE INTEGRITY AND SAFETY OF THE MTR’S UNDERGROUND STRUCTURES,” HE SAID.
THE LAST PROPOSAL RELATES TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL’S RESOLUTION ON NOVEMBER 13 LAST YEAR TO INCLUDE THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN THE FOURTH SCHEDULE OF THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE, THEREBY ALLOWING THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TO DELEGATE HIS AUTHORITY TO THE DEPARTMENT’S OFFICERS.
HE SAID WORK CARRIED OUT BY THESE OFFICERS BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 1989 WHEN THE DEPARTMENT WAS SET UP AND NOVEMBER 21, 1991 WHEN THE DELEGATION INSTRUMENT WAS EFFECTED NEEDED TO BE VALIDATED.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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13
NO INTENTION TO REVIEW HSBC’S STATUS AS NOTE-ISSUING BANK *****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS NO INTENTION TO REVIEW THE STATUS OF THE HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION (HSBC) AS A NOTE-ISSUING BANK.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MARTIN LEE AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, MR DAVID NENDICK SAID IT WOULD NOT BE APPROPRIATE TO COMMENT ON WHETHER OR NOT THE GOVERNMENT HAD RECEIVED ANY REQUEST FROM OTHER BANKS IN HONG KONG TO BE ALLOWED TO ISSUE BANK NOTES.
HE ADDED THAT DISCUSSION, IF ANY, BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND ANY BANK WHICH MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN BECOMING A NOTE-ISSUER MUST REMAIN CONFIDENTIAL.
HE ADDED THAT IT WOULD BE NECESSARY TO SEEK MEMBERS’ APPROVAL TO AMENDMENTS TO THE BANK NOTES ISSUE ORDINANCE BEFORE ANY ADDITIONAL NOTE ISSUER COULD BE APPOINTED.
ON THE CRITERIA FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO DECIDE WHETHER ANY OTHER BANK IN ADDITION TO THE HSBC AND THE STANDARD CHARTERED BANK IS TO BECOME A NOTE-ISSUING BANK BEFORE 1997, THE SECRETARY SAID:
"A BANK WHICH ISSUES NOTES SHOULD BE ONE OF UNDOUBTED REPUTATION WITH SOUND AND WELL ESTABLISHED BANKING OPERATIONS LOCALLY AND AN EXTENSIVE BRANCH NETWORK.
"IT MUST COMMAND THE CONFIDENCE OF MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND HAVE A FIRM LONG-TERM COMMITMENT TO HONG KONG.
IN ADDITION, THERE ARE A NUMBER OF MORE TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS THAT A BANK MUST ADDRESS.
FOR EXAMPLE, HE SAID, A NOTE-ISSUING BANK WAS OBLIGED TO SUPPLY BANK NOTES TO ITS CUSTOMERS ON DEMAND WITHOUT RESTRICTION AGAINST HONG KONG DOLLAR BALANCES AND TO OTHER BANKS AGAINST U.S. DOLLARS.
IT MUST STAND READY TO ACCEPT BANK NOTES WITHOUT RESTRICTION.
MORE, IT MUST ENSURE IT HAS ADEQUATE U.S. DOLLAR FUNDING TO MEET ANY SUDDEN UPSURGE IN DEMAND FOR ITS NOTES.
THE SECRETARY ALSO SAID IT WAS ALSO REQUIRED TO HAVE ADEQUATE AND SECURE STORAGE, TRANSPORTATION, DISTRIBUTION AND NOTE DESTRUCTION FACILITIES, WHICH MUST BE SUBJECT TO TIGHT AUDIT CONTROL AT ALL LEVELS AND STAGES.
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ELECTORAL DISQUALIFICATION PROVISION TO BE REVIEWED
******
THE ADMINISTRATION INTENDS TO REVIEW BEFORE THE NEXT ROUND OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS THE SPECIFIC PROVISION UNDER SECTION 19(1) (e) OF THE ELECTORAL PROVISIONS ORDINANCE CONCERNING DISQUALIFICATION.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SZE, WHEN REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HOWARD YOUNG AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
UNDER SECTION 19(1) (e) OF THE ELECTORAL PROVISIONS ORDINANCE, A PERSON SHALL BE DISQUALIFIED FOR BEING ELECTED OR BEING NOMINATED AS A CANDIDATE OR HOLDING OFFICE AS A MEMBER OF THE HONG KONG LEGISLATURE IF HE IS A MEMBER OF ANY PARLIAMENT, ASSEMBLY OR COUNCIL, OF ANY PLACE OUTSIDE HONG KONG OR A SALARIED FUNCTIONARY OF A GOVERNMENT OF SUCH PLACE.
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ADDITIONAL INFIRMARY BEDS TO MEET DEMAND
*****
PLANS ARE IN HAND TO PROVIDE 876 ADDITIONAL INFIRMARY BEDS AND 48 NEW CARE-AND-ATTENTION HOMES WITH 5,772 ADDITIONAL PLACES IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ZACHARY WONG WAI-YIN AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MRS WONG SAID THERE WERE AT PRESENT 1,140 INFIRMARY BEDS MANAGED BY THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY AND 3,749 PLACES IN CARE-AND-ATTENTION HOMES.
AS AT MARCH 31 THIS YEAR, THERE WERE 3,107 APPLICANTS ON THE WAITING LIST FOR INFIRMARY BEDS AND 8,928 APPLICANTS ON THE WAITING LIST FOR CARE-AND-ATTENTION HOME PLACES.
INFORMATION AVAILABLE TO THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SHOWS THAT AS AT MARCH 31, THERE WERE 349 PRIVATE HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY PROVIDING A TOTAL OF 13,025 PLACES.
’’THE FACILITIES AND STANDARD OF SERVICE PROVIDED BY PRIVATE HOMES VARY CONSIDERABLY,” MRS WONG SAID.
"IN ORDER TO MONITOR THE OPERATIONS OF PRIVATE HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT CONDUCTS VISITS ON A QUARTERLY BASIS TO THESE HOMES.
"THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT ALSO VISIT PRIVATE HOMES ON A REFERRAL BASIS TO INSPECT FIRE AND BUILDING SAFETY."
/CONCERNING THE .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1992
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CONCERNING THE VOLUNTARY REGISTRATION SCHEME FOR PRIVATE HOMES, MRS WONG SAID 33 PRIVATE HOMES WERE REGISTERED UNDER THE SCHEME AS AT MARCH 31, THIS YEAR AND THE GOVERNMENT IS SATISFIED WITH THE SERVICES PROVIDED BY THESE REGISTERED PRIVATE HOMES.
THE BOUGHT PLACE SCHEME FOR PRIVATE HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY WAS INTRODUCED AS AN EXPERIMENT IN OCTOBER 1989 TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL INCENTIVES TO REGISTERED PRIVATE HOMES IN ORDER TO RAISE THEIR STANDARD OF SERVICE AND TO INCREASE THE OVERALL SUPPLY OF RESIDENTIAL ACCOMMODATION FOR THE ELDERLY.
AS AT MARCH 31, 477 PLACES WERE BOUGHT FROM 29 REGISTERED PRIVATE HOMES AND A FURTHER 23 PLACES WILL BE BOUGHT IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
MRS WONG NOTED THAT 117 PRIVATE HOMES HAD CLOSED DOWN SINCE JUNE 1988 FOR VARIOUS REASONS, THE MAJORITY OF WHICH WAS BECAUSE OF OPERATORS’ LOSS OF INTEREST IN THE BUSINESS AND INCREASED OPERATING COSTS. '
"MOST OF THE ELDERLY RESIDENTS AFFECTED BY THESE CLOSURES WERE TRANSFERRED TO OTHER PRIVATE HOMES BY THEIR FAMILIES.
"GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE WAS SOUGHT IN ONLY A SMALL NUMBER OF CASES AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT ASSISTED IN PLACING THE RESIDENTS IN OTHER PRIVATE HOMES OR IN SUBVENTED HOMES.
"FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WAS ALSO PROVIDED WHERE NECESSARY," MRS WONG SAID.
THE SECRETARY STRESSED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS LONG BEEN INVOLVED IN HELPING PRIVATE HOMES TO IMPROVE THEIR STANDARD OF SERVICE.
IMPROVEMENTS MADE INCLUDE:
* A VOLUNTARY CODE OF PRACTICE FOR PRIVATE HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY WHICH SETS OUT STANDARDS FOR SPACE, STAFFING, SAFETY AND FIRE PRECAUTIONS WAS INTRODUCED IN OCTOBER 1986 AS A GUIDE TO MAINTAINING A SATISFACTORY LEVEL OF SERVICE;
* THE REGISTRATION OFFICE OF PRIVATE HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY WAS ESTABLISHED IN JUNE 1988 FOR KEEPING RECORDS OF PRIVATE HOMES, CONDUCTING REGULAR INSPECTIONS AND PROVIDING ADVICE TO HOME OPERATORS;
* THE VOLUNTARY REGISTRATION SCHEME AND THE BOUGHT PLACE SCHEME WERE INTRODUCED IN 1988 AND 1989 RESPECTIVELY TO HELP MAINTAIN SERVICE STANDARD AND TO PROVIDE INCENTIVES FOR PRIVATE HOMES OPERATORS TO IMPROVE THEIR SERVICES; AND
* ANNUAL TRAINING COURSES FOR HEALTH WORKERS IN PRIVATE HOMES HAVE BEEN ORGANISED JOINTLY BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE COLLEGE OF NURSING, HONG KONG SINCE 1988.
"LEGISLATION WILL ALSO BE INTRODUCED TO REGULATE ALL RESIDENTIAL CARE HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY IN THE NEXT LEGISLATIVE SESSION TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH SPECIFIED MINIMUM STANDARDS," MRS WONG ADDED.
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TREASON, SEDITION AND THEFT OF OFFICIAL SECRETS ARE OFFENCES UNDER LAW * * * * *
TREASON AND SEDITION ARE OFFENCES UNDER THE CRIMES ORDINANCE AND THEFT OF OFFICIAL SECRETS IS AN OFFENCE UNDER THE OFFICIAL SECRETS ACTS WHICH APPLY TO HONG KONG.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY WHEN REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON JAMES TO KUN-SUN AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR ASPREY SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD NO PLANS TO INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO COVER THE OTHER MATTERS MENTIONED IN MR TO’S QUESTION.
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WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING NOISE MITIGATION MEASURES UNDER STUDY
*****
THE GOVERNMENT IS WORKING OUT DETAILED ARRANGEMENTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES FOR DETERMINING WHICH UNITS ARE TO BE PROVIDED WITH NOISE MITIGATION MEASURES RELATING TO THE WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING PROJECT.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR A.G. EASON, WHEN REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON YEUNG SUM IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE SAID THESE WOULD BE SETTLED SOON AND CERTAINLY WELL BEFORE THE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT WAS LET.
"A SPECIALIST CONSULTANT WILL BE COMMISSIONED SHORTLY TO SURVEY EACH OF THE UNITS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED, TO CONFIRM ITS USE AND DETERMINE THE EXTENT AND COST OF MITIGATION WORK NEEDED TO MEET PREDICTED NOISE LEVELS.
’’THE CONSULTANT’S RECOMMENDATIONS AND CALCULATIONS WILL BE CHECKED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO ENSURE THAT THEY WILL MEET THE ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS AND GIVE VALUE FOR MONEY,” MR EASON SAID.
THEREAFTER OFFER LETTERS WOULD BE SENT TO THE AFFECTED PREMISES INDICATING THE AMOUNT OFFERED AND THE WORK TO BE DONE, HE ADDED.
HE SAID THE AMOUNT WOULD BE THE COST TO THE GOVERNMENT WERE THE GOVERNMENT TO DO THE WORK.
TO ENABLE RESIDENTS OR OWNERS TO SEEK CLARIFICATION OR THE RESOLUTION OF ANY PROBLEMS, HE POINTED OUT THAT A TELEPHONE CONTACT NUMBER WOULD BE PROVIDED IN THE OFFER LETTER.
/TO DECIDE .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1992
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TO DECIDE WHETHER A RESIDENTIAL UNIT WOULD BE AFFECTED BY THE NOISE, HE SAID IT MUST FIRST BE ESTABLISHED THAT THE USE OF THE UNIT IS PRINCIPALLY RESIDENTIAL AND THAT IT WILL BE AFFECTED BY AN INCREASE IN NOISE LEVEL LARGELY ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE PROJECT.
IN THE INITIAL DETERMINATION OF WHICH PREMISES MAY BE AFFECTED, THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT HAS USED THE INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED METHOD SET OUT IN THE HONG KONG PLANNING STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES.
HE SAID ACCORDING TO THE INITIAL ASSESSMENT, THE RESIDENTIAL BLOCKS MOST LIKELY TO BE AFFECTED ARE ALONG CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST AND DES VOEUX ROAD WEST ADJACENT TO THE PROJECT.
THEY ARE 60 TO 188 CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST AND 426 TO 466 DES VOEUX ROAD WEST.
HE NOTED THAT RESIDENTS IN THE AREA WOULD BE UPDATED ON THE PROJECT PROGRESS THROUGH REGULAR BRIEFINGS OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD AND A QUARTERLY LEAFLET.
’’THE PROJECT OFFICE WILL ALSO BE ABLE TO DEAL WITH QUERIES AND COMPLAINTS ARISING FROM THE CONSTRUCTION WORKS ON THE SPOT AND ENSURE THAT REMEDIAL ACTION IS TAKEN PROMPTLY,” HE ADDED.
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ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PURSUED IN SCHOOLS
*****
WHILE THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT’S (EPD) STAFF RESOURCES ARE LARGELY DEVOTED TO DEALING WITH POLLUTION PROBLEMS, IT DOES ASSIST THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IN PROMOTING ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR A.G. EASON, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN HIS WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LAU CHIN-SHEK.
HE SAID EPD PREPARED MATERIAL FOR USE IN ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN APRIL 1990 WITH A $5 MILLION GRANT FROM THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB.
HE ADDED THAT EPD HAD HELPED THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE DEVELOP A NEW ’’ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION” MODULE FOR THE LIBERAL STUDIES SYLLABUS WHICH WOULD BE INTRODUCED TO SECONDARY SIX AND SEVEN LATER THIS YEAR.
EPD ALSO PROVIDES LIAISON BETWEEN THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE CHAIRED BY THE HON MRS PEGGY LAM.
IN ADDITION, EPD HAS RECENTLY CREATED A POST OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICER WHO WOULD DEVOTE MOST OF HIS TIME TO ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION GENERALLY.
/NOTING THAT
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1992
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NOTING THAT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR PROMOTING ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS, MR EASON SAID THE DEPARTMENT ADVOCATED A CROSS-CURRICULAR APPROACH TO ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION.
TO COPE WITH CHANGING SITUATIONS, HE SAID THE SYLLABUSES FOR ALL SECONDARY SUBJECTS WERE CONSTANTLY REVIEWED TO ENSURE THAT THERE WAS SUFFICIENT EMPHASIS ON CURRENT ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES.
MR EASON POINTED OUT THAT STUDENTS WERE ALSO ENCOURAGED TO TAKE PART IN EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, SUCH AS TALKS, DEBATES AND EXHIBITIONS, RELATING TO THE ENVIRONMENT.
TO ASSIST TEACHERS IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAMMES, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ORGANISES REGULAR IN SERVICE TRAINING COURSES.
MATERIALS PROVIDED BY THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE ARE SUPPLEMENTED BY COURSES HELD AT THE SAI KUNG FIELD STUDIES CENTRE.
’’GUIDELINES AND SUGGESTIONS FOR PURSUING ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS ARE ALSO BEING DEVELOPED AND ARE EXPECTED TO BE DISTRIBUTED TO SCHOOLS IN THE MIDDLE OF THIS YEAR,” HE SAID.
HE SAID THE WORK OF ALL THE TEACHERS INVOLVED IS DRAWN TOGETHER BY A PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TASKED WITH CO-ORDINATING AND IMPLEMENTING THE VARIOUS STRANDS OF THE PROGRAMME.
ON THE DIFFICULTIES ENCOUNTERED, HE SAID THESE INCLUDED PROBLEMS OF FINDING SUFFICIENT TIME TO INTEGRATE ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAMMES INTO THE CURRICULUM AND THE TIGHT SCHEDULES AND HEAVY WORKLOADS OF TEACHERS.
’’STAFF NORMALLY HAVE TO ACCEPT ADDITIONAL COMMITMENTS TO PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS AMONG PUPILS AND IT IS LARGELY THROUGH THE DEDICATION OF THESE STAFF THAT ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION IS BEING SUCCESSFULLY IMPLEMENTED IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN HONG KONG," HE SAID.
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WAYS TO PROTECT GOVT’S RESERVES *****
THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR BRIAN JENNEY, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE BULK OF THE GOVERNMENT'S RESERVES WAS DEPOSITED WITH THE EXCHANGE FUND TO AVOID FOREIGN EXCHANGE RISKS AND CREDIT RISKS.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON DANIEL LI AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR JENNEY SAID THE REMAINING BALANCE, TO COVER OPERATIONAL CASH REQUIREMENTS, WAS HELD IN SHORT-TERM DEPOSITS WITH LOCAL BANKS.
/THE TOTAL
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1992
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THE TOTAL INTEREST ADDED TO THE RESERVES IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS, EXPRESSED IN MONEY TERMS AND AS A PERCENTAGE OF THE AVERAGE RESERVES IN EACH YEAR, WAS AS FOLLOWS:
TOTAL INTEREST % OF AVERAGE RESERVES
$ MILLION
1990-91 5,750 8.0
1989-90 5,300 8.2
1988-89 3,122 6.2
1987-88 1,537 4.0
1986-87 1,309 4.5
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GOVT TACKLING PSYCHOACTIVE DRUG ABUSE PROBLEM ******
THE GOVERNMENT IS TAKING STEPS TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM OF PSYCHOACTIVE DRUG ABUSE IN HONG KONG, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, SAID AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON LAM KUI-CHUN, THE SECRETARY SAID AT PRESENT, THERE WAS NO CLEAR EVIDENCE IN HONG KONG TO SUGGEST THAT PSYCHOACTIVE DRUGS WERE BEING USED AS GATEWAY DRUGS TO HEROIN AND OTHER NARCOTICS.
HOWEVER, THERE WAS AN INCREASING, THOUGH STILL SMALL, NUMBER OF PSYCHOACTIVE DRUG ABUSERS, AGED UNDER 21, WHO HAD COME TO THE ATTENTION OF THE CENTRAL REGISTRY OF DRUG ABUSE SINCE THE MID 1980S.
"WE ARE TAKING STEPS TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM," THE SECRETARY SAID.
HE SAID ONE OF THE PRINCIPAL MEANS OF DEALING WITH ANY DRUG ABUSE WAS PREVENTIVE EDUCATION.
"WE GIVE REGULAR ANTI-DRUG TALKS TO SECONDARY SCHOOL AND TECHNICAL INSTITUTE STUDENTS," HE ADDED.
HE SAID THESE TALKS DISSEMINATED INFORMATION ABOUT THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF DRUG ABUSE, AND AIMED TO ASSISTING YOUNGSTERS TO DEVELOP SKILLS TO RESIST PEER PRESSURE TO EXPERIMENT WITH DRUGS.
"WE NOW INCLUDE IN THESE TALKS AN EXPLANATION OF THE DANGERS OF PSYCHOACTIVE DRUG ABUSE.
/"WE ARE .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1992
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"WE ARE PLANNING TO EXTEND THESE SCHOOL TALKS TO PRIMARY 6 STUDENTS IN THE NEXT ACADEMIC YEAR.
"OUR WIDER COMMUNITY PUBLICITY ALSO NOW FOCUSES ON YOUNG PSYCHOACTIVE DRUG ABUSERS," HE ADDED.
MR ASPREY SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD ALSO INTRODUCED LEGISLATIVE MEASURES AND TAKEN LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTION TO SUPPRESS THE SUPPLY OF PSYCHOACTIVE DRUGS FOR NON-MEDICAL PURPOSES.
IN 1990, THE GOVERNMENT SCHEDULED THREE OF THE PSYCHOACTIVE DRUGS IN THE BENZODIAZEPINE GROUP AS DANGEROUS DRUGS. EARLIER THIS YEAR, IT SCHEDULED ALL OF THE REMAINING BENZODIAZEPINES ON THE MARKET AND LIABLE TO ABUSE.
HE SAID THIS RESULTED IN STRICTER CONTROLS OVER THE SUPPLY AND USE OF SUCH DRUGS.
"WE ARE ALSO PLANNING TO INTRODUCE SIMILAR CONTROLS OVER COUGH MEDICINES WITH MORE THAN 0.1 PER CENT CODEINE OR DEXTROMETHORPHAN, WHICH ARE ALSO INCREASINGLY BEING ABUSED BY YOUNGSTERS," HE ADDED.
FOR VICTIMS OF ADDICTION TO PSYCHOACTIVE DRUGS, THE HONG KONG CHRISTIAN SERVICE, WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE GOVERNMENT AND THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS, SET UP THE FIRST COUNSELLING CENTRE DEVOTED TO TREATING PSYCHOACTIVE DRUG ABUSE IN MARCH, 1988.
THE SECRETARY SAID THE CENTRE PROVIDED COUNSELLING AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES FOR PSYCHOACTIVE DRUG ABUSERS, MOSTLY YOUNG PEOPLE, WHO SOUGHT ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE.
"IT ALSO REFERS CLIENTS TO PRIVATE OR GOVERNMENT PRACTITIONERS FOR MEDICAL AND PSYCHIATRIC TREATMENT," HE ADDED.
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REVIEW ON LONG SERVICE AND SEVERANCE PAYMENTS
*****
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO REVIEW THE PROVISIONS ON LONG SERVICE PAYMENT AND SEVERANCE PAYMENT TOWARDS THE END OF THE YEAR.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MISS CHRISTINE CHOW, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MISS CHOW TOLD THE COUNCIL THAT IF AMENDMENTS TO THESE PROVISIONS WERE CONSIDERED NECESSARY, PROPOSALS WOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD FOR ADVICE.
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UNIT COSTS OF STUDENT PLACES EXPLAINED *****
THE ESTIMATED UNIT COSTS PER STUDENT PLACE FOR 1992-93 FINANCIAL YEAR IN BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS ARE $12,145 AND $8,788 RESPECTIVELY, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MISS CHRISTINE CHOW, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
AS FOR THE GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SECONDARY SCHOOLS, THE UNIT COSTS PER PLACE FROM SECONDARY 1 TO SECONDARY 3 ARE $21,483 AND $14,194 RESPECTIVELY; THAT FOR SECONDARY 4 AND SECONDARY 5 ARE $19,678 AND $12,134 RESPECTIVELY; AND THAT FOR SECONDARY 6 AND SECONDARY 7 ARE $34,996 AND $22,369 RESPECTIVELY.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON TIMOTHY HA WING-HO, MISS CHOW EXPLAINED THAT UNIT COSTS ARE DERIVED FROM DIVIDING COSTS AT THE RESPECTIVE LEVELS BY THE APPROVED ENROLMENT.
SHE SAID THE ESTIMATED UNIT COSTS FOR 1992-93 WERE BASED ON 1991-92 ACTUAL COSTS, ADJUSTED TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT ADDITIONAL COSTS ARISING FROM THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW IMPROVEMENT MEASURES AND INFLATION, ESTIMATED AT 10.5 PER CENT FOR STAFF AND 8.5 PER CENT FOR OTHER COSTS.
THE COST COMPONENTS COVERED MAINLY STAFF, ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES AND MAJOR REPAIRS.
"THE ONLY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SCHOOLS LIE IN THE PROVISION FOR STAFF ON-COSTS FOR THE FORMER AND PROVIDENT FUND CONTRIBUTIONS FOR THE LATTER," MISS CHOW ADDED.
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MEASURES TAKEN TO HELP SCHOOLS ADOPT NEW CURRICULUM *****
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS TAKEN A NUMBER OF MEASURES TO HELP SCHOOLS AND THEIR TEACHING STAFF TO UNDERSTAND AND ADOPT THE NEW ADVANCED SUPPLEMENTARY LEVEL (ASL) CURRICULUM, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MISS CHRISTINE CHOW, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON STEPHEN NG MING-YUM, MISS CHOW SAID THESE MEASURES INCLUDED:
* SYLLABUS OUTLINES HAVE BEEN PREPARED WITH THE ADVICE OF THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL FOR CIRCULATION TO SCHOOLS;
* SEMINARS AND TALKS HAVE BEEN ORGANISED BY THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE TO ENABLE SCHOOL HEADS, PANEL CHAIRMEN AND TEACHERS TO FAMILIARISE THEMSELVES WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM;
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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1992
22
* IN-SERVICE TRAINING COURSES FOR PROSPECTIVE ASL- TEACHERS WERE ORGANISED IN 1990-91 AND WILL AGAIN BE RUN BY THE FACULTY OF EDUCATION OF BOTH THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG IN 1991-92 AND 1992-93;
♦ OFFICERS OF THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE HAVE BEEN GIVING ADVICE TO SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS ON THE INTRODUCTION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ASL CURRICULUM DURING SCHOOL VISITS AND INSPECTIONS; AND
♦ A GUIDE TO THE SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM IS BEING PREPARED AND WILL BE ISSUED TO SCHOOLS SHORTLY.
ON CONCERNS ABOUT A PILOT SCHEME LAUNCHED IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR TO OVERCOME THE PRACTICAL CONSTRAINTS OF THE NEW ADVANCED AND ADVANCED SUPPLEMENTARY LEVEL SUBJECTS, MISS CHOW SAID THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE SCHEME HAD YET TO BE PROPERLY EVALUATED AS IT HAD BEEN IMPLEMENTED FOR LESS THAN A YEAR.
SHE EXPLAINED THAT IN LINE WITH THE POLICY TO BROADEN THE SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM, NEW ADVANCED AND ADVANCED SUPPLEMENTARY LEVEL SUBJECTS WOULD BE INTRODUCED IN SCHOOLS IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.
HOWEVER, AS THERE ARE PRACTICAL CONSTRAINTS ON THE RANGE OF SUBJECTS WHICH INDIVIDUAL SCHOOLS CAN OFFER, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS SUGGESTED THAT SCHOOLS SHOULD FORM THEMSELVES INTO GROUPS, OR ’’CONSORTIA’’, AND POOL THEIR RESOURCES IN ORDER TO OFFER A MORE COMPREHENSIVE CURRICULUM TO THEIR STUDENTS.
QUOTING EXAMPLES, MISS CHOW SAID A PILOT SCHEME WAS LAUNCHED IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR, INVOLVING THE PO LEUNG KUK CENTENARY COLLEGE AND PO LEUNG KUK TANG YUK TIEN COLLEGE IN TUEN MUN.
UNDER THIS SCHEME, THE TWO SCHOOLS OFFER DIFFERENT SUBJECTS THAT ARE AVAILABLE TO SIXTH FORM STUDENTS OF EITHER SCHOOL.
MISS CHOW SAID HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION CANDIDATES WILL BE INFORMED BY THEIR OWN SCHOOLS ABOUT THE ASL CURRICULUM AND OF ANY CONSORTIUM SYSTEM IN OPERATION.
”IN ADDITION, A BOOKLET GIVING INFORMATION ON THE SECONDARY SIX SUBJECTS OFFERED IN EACH SCHOOL WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR THE INFORMATION OF SECONDARY FIVE LEAVERS AT THE DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICES AND THE CAREER AND GUIDANCE SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT,” SHE ADDED.
MISS CHOW ALSO REVEALED THAT ADDITIONAL TEACHERS FOR SPLITCLASS TEACHING WILL BE PROVIDED TO SCHOOLS WITH EFFECT FROM SEPTEMBER 1 THIS YEAR.
SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS, SCHOOLS WITH INSUFFICIENT CLASSROOMS MAY APPLY FOR THE CONVERSION OF SPARE TEACHING SPACES, SUCH AS SPECIAL ROOMS, OR OPEN/COVERED CARPARK TO BE USED AS CLASSROOMS, SHE SAID.
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NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME TO GO ON IN PRESENT FORM
*****
THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE HAS DECIDED TO CONTINUE IMPLEMENTING THE NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME IN ITS PRESENT FORMAT.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ZACHARY WONG WAI-YIN, AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HOWEVER, MR ASPREY SAID, TO ENSURE THAT THE SCHEME WILL IN FUTURE BE IMPLEMENTED ONLY WHERE THERE WAS A DEMAND FOR IT, THE POLICE WOULD TARGET THE SCHEME IN BUILDINGS IN RESPONSE TO REQUESTS FOR IMPLEMENTATION.
"IT IS HOPED THAT MORE NEW BUILDINGS WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE SCHEME," THE SECRETARY SAID.
HE SAID SINCE THE INCEPTION OF THE SCHEME IN NOVEMBER 1985, AN AVERAGE OF 76 BUIDLINGS HAD JOINED THE SCHEME EACH YEAR.
HE ADDED THAT NO RECORDS REGARDING WITHDRAWAL HAD BEEN KEPT BUT HE BELIEVED THE WITHDRAWAL RATE WOULD BE VERY LOW.
TO DATE, RESIDENTS OF 601 BUIDLINGS PARTICIPATE IN THE SCHEME.
MR ASPREY SAID THE POLICE WOULD CONTINUE WITH THE SCHEME IN THESE BUILDINGS.
HE SAID RESIDENTS IN NONE OF THESE BUILDINGS HAD EXPRESSED THE INTENTION OF WITHDRAWING FROM THE SCHEME.
THE SCHEME WAS INTENDED AS A CRIME PREVENTION MEASURE THROUGH CO-OPERATION AMONG NEIGHBOURS AND TO STRENGTHEN LINKS WITH THE LOCAL POLICE.
HE SAID THESE OBJECTIVES HAD BEEN ACHIEVED TO A LIMITED EXTENT ONLY.
IN SOME CASES, IT HAS BEEN DIFFICULT TO KEEP UP INTEREST AND MOMENTUM AMONG THE PARTICIPANTS OF THE SCHEME IN A HIGH-RISE ENVIRONMENT WHERE RESIDENTS VALUE THEIR PRIVACY.
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SETTLEMENT DECISION IN CONTEMPT CASE EXPLAINED ******
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JEREMY MATHEWS, EXPLAINED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THE CIRCUMSTANCES THAT LED HIM TO DECIDE TO SEEK A SETTLEMENT WITH THE SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST AND THE ASIAN WALL STREET JOURNAL IN RELATION TO CONTEMPT PROCEEDINGS HE INSTITUTED AGAINST THE TWO NEWSPAPERS.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON EMILY LAU, MR MATHEWS SAID IN DECEMBER 1990 CONTEMPT PROCEEDINGS WERE BROUGHT AGAINST THE TWO NEWSPAPERS ARISING OUT OF ARTICLES THAT HAD BEEN WRITTEN IN OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER 1990 IN THESE NEWSPAPERS REFERRING TO THE ACCUSED PERSONS IN PENDING CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS INVOLVING LARGE SCALE COMMERCIAL FRAUD.
"'I SHOULD ADD THAT THESE CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS HAVE NOT YET COME TO TRIAL AND ARE STILL SUBJECT TO THE LAW .OF CONTEMPT AND TO THE REPORTING RESTRICTIONS AS IMPOSED BY THE COURT,” HE SAID.
"AS REQUIRED UNDER THE SUPREME COURT RULES, I APPLIED FOR AND OBTAINED THE CONSENT OF . A HIGH COURT JUDGE FOR THE CONTEMPT PROCEEDINGS TO BE ISSUED," HE ADDED.
BY LATE NOVEMBER 1991 THE CONTEMPT PROCEEDINGS HAD TAKEN MUCH LONGER TO COME TO TRIAL THAN ORIGINALLY HAD BEEN ANTICIPATED.
MR MATHEWS SAID: "I WAS AWARE THAT IN THE INTERVENING PERIOD BOTH NEWSPAPERS HAD EXERCISED.GREAT CARE. I FORMED THE VIEW THEN IF BOTH NEWSPAPERS WERE TO UNDERTAKE TO CONTINUE TO EXERCISE A HIGH DEGREE OF CARE IN COMPLYING WITH THE LAW OF CONTEMPT IN RESPECT OF PENDING TRIALS A SETTLEMENT WOULD SATISFY THE OVERRIDING PUBLIC INTEREST OF ENSURING THAT THE VERY IMPORTANT CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS TO WHICH I HAVE JUST REFERRED SHOULD NOT BE PREJUDICED.
"IT WAS WITH THESE CIRCUMSTANCES IN THE FOREFRONT OF MY MIND THAT I PROPOSED TO BOTH NEWSPAPERS THAT IF THEY WERE TO AGREE TO GIVE THE UNDERTAKING TO WHICH I HAVE REFERRED, I WOULD SEEK THE COURT’S CONSENT TO WITHDRAW THE PROCEEDINGS.
"THE NEWSPAPERS AGREED TO GIVE ACCEPTABLE UNDERTAKINGS AND WITH THE COURT’S CONSENT THE PROCEEDINGS WERE WITHDRAWN.”
HE SAID THE MAIN FACTOR WHICH INFLUENCED HIS DECISION IN DECEMBER 1991 TO WITHDRAW THE PROCEEDINGS ON THE TERMS PROPOSED WAS THE GREAT CARE EXERCISED BY BOTH NEWSPAPERS IN THE YEAR BETWEEN THE • PUBLICATION OF THE ARTICLES AND THE CASE COMING TO TRIAL.
"IN VIEW OF THAT CARE, THE PUBLIC INTEREST IN MY PURSUING THE CASE WAS DIMINISHED AND IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES, I COULD SEE NO PURPOSE IN INCURRING THE COSTS OF A FULL TRIAL WITH THE SOLE PURPOSE OF DETERMINING WHETHER OR NOT I HAD BEEN JUSTIFIED IN MY ORIGINAL DECISION TO INITIATE THE PROCEEDINGS,” MR MATHEWS SAID.
THE LEGAL COSTS AWARDED TO THE SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST HAD YET TO BE AGREED OR ASSESSED BY THE COURT.
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REVIEW OF AIR-CONDITIONED BUSES FARES COMPLETED ♦ * * * * *
A REVIEW OF THE CURRENT FARE SCALES OF AIR-CONDITIONED DOUBLE-DECKERS AND MEDIUM COACHES HAS RECENTLY BEEN COMPLETED AND WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR CONSIDERATION AND ADVICE.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON EMILY LAU IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR LEUNG EXPLAINED THAT THE FARE STRUCTURE FOR AIR-CONDITIONED BUSES SERVICES WAS DETERMINED HAVING REGARD TO THE POLICY OF AVOIDING CROSS-SUBSIDISATION FROM NON AIR-CONDITIONED BUS SERVICES.
THE ACTUAL FARES NOW CHARGED IN A GIVEN ROUTE GROUP ARE ON AVERAGE 35 PER CENT BELOW THE MAXIMUM PERMITTED FARES AS APPROVED BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL ACCORDING TO A DISTANCE-BASED FARE SCALE, HE SAID.
IN DETERMINING THE ACTUAL FARE TO BE CHARGED ON INDIVIDUAL ROUTES, THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT TAKES INTO ACCOUNT FACTORS INCLUDING THE PROJECTED FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF THE AIR-CONDITIONED SERVICE IN QUESTION, PASSENGER AFFORDABILITY, MARKET ENVIRONMENT AND FARES CHARGED ON ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORT MODES.
MR LEUNG EXPLAINED THAT AIR-CONDITIONED BUSES WERE DEPLOYED ON SELECTED NEW ROUTES AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO TAXIS AND PRIVATE CARS; ON EXISTING ROUTES WHERE ALTERNATIVE AIR-CONDITIONED TRANSPORT MODES WERE NOT READILY AVAILABLE; AND SPECIAL SERVICES TARGETED AT COMMUTERS WHO MAY OTHERWISE ADD TO THE PEAK HOUR CONGESTION ALONG THE MTR NATHAN ROAD CORRIDOR.
MR LEUNG SAID DISTRICT BOARDS HAD BEEN CONSULTED ON PROPOSALS BY KOWLOON MOTOR BUS (KMB) AND CHINA MOTOR BUS (CMB) FOR DEPLOYING AIR-CONDITIONED BUSES IN 1992 AND 1993, AS PART OF THEIR ROUTE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES ROLLING FORWARD ANNUALLY.
AIR-CONDITIONED BUSES NOW ACCOUNT FOR 12 PER CENT AND SIX PER CENT RESPECTIVELY OF KMB AND CMB’S FLEET.
"TO FACILITATE PASSENGERS’ CHOICE, ARRANGEMENTS ARE BEING MADE TO PROVIDE BETTER PASSENGER INFORMATION AT BUS STOPS, SUCH AS TIME-TABLES SHOWING THE FREQUENCIES OF AIR-CONDITIONED AND NON AIR-CONDITIONED SERVICES," HE SAID.
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CARELESSNESS - MAJOR CAUSE OF OCCUPATIONAL ACCIDENTS AT SEA ♦ * ♦ ♦ »
THE OUTCOME OF ENQUIRIES CONDUCTED BY THE MARINE DEPARTMENT ON OCCUPATIONAL ACCIDENTS AT SEA SUGGESTED THAT MOST OF THE CASES WERE CAUSED BY THE CARELESSNESS OF THE WORKERS INVOLVED OR FAILURE BY WORKERS AND THEIR FOREMEN TO OBSERVE SAFE WORKING PRACTICES.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, IN HER WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LAU CHIN-SHEK AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MRS CHAN POINTED OUT THAT THE MARINE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY SECTION OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT HAD INVESTIGATED THE FOLLOWING NUMBER OF CASES WHICH TOOK PLACE IN THE WATERS OF HONG KONG IN THE YEAR STATED -
YEAR INJURIES FATALITIES
1991 20 15
1990 17 8
1989 19 21
THE NUMBER OF PROSECUTIONS BY MARINE DEPARTMENT AGAINST ALLEGED OFFENDERS IS AS FOLLOWS -
YEAR SUMMONSES APPLIED FOR GUILTY VERDICT NATURE OF OFFENCE FINES($)
1991 1 IN PROGRESS FAILURE
1990 2 2 TO REPORT AN 1,000
1989 3 2 ACCIDENT 4,000
MRS CHAN EXPLAINED THAT-THE MARINE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY SECTION OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ENFORCEMENT AND PROMOTION OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AFLOAT AND THIS SECTION COMPRISED ONE SENIOR SHIPPING SAFETY OFFICER; THREE SHIPPING SAFETY OFFICERS; AND EIGHT SHIPPING SAFETY ASSISTANTS.
"THE STAFF OF THIS SECTION PAY REGULAR VISITS TO PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREAS AND PRIVATE WATERFRONTS, CONDUCT SAFETY INSPECTIONS ON THE CONDITION OF CARGO HANDLING GEAR ON BOARD VESSELS IN THE HARBOUR, AND PROMOTE SAFE CARGO HANDLING PRACTICE.
"IN ADDITION, THEY CONDUCT SAFETY INSPECTIONS OF ALL VESSELS UNDERGOING REPAIR AFLOAT," SHE SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1992
IN THE EVENT OF SERIOUS ACCIDENTS, CASUALTY INVESTIGATIONS WERE CONDUCTED TO ASCERTAIN CAUSE AND TO PREVENT RECURRENCE, MRS CHAN ADDED.
THE SECTION PUBLISHES SAFETY GUIDES, PAMPHLETS AND POSTERS WHICH ARE DIRECTLY MAILED TO A LARGE NUMBER OF COMPANIES IN THE TRADE, AND WHICH ARE ALSO FREELY AVAILABLE AT PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREAS AND DISTRICT MARINE OFFICES.
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’’SALEABLE FLOOR AREA” EXPLAINED
*****
THE ADMINISTRATION IS CONSIDERING WHETHER IT WOULD BE FEASIBLE TO INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO PROTECT CONSUMERS’ INTEREST REGARDING THE DISCLOSURE OF SALEABLE FLOOR AREA IN NON-CONSENT SCHEME DEVELOPMENTS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR A.G. EASON, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON J.D. MCGREGOR AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR EASON SAID BEFORE PROPOSALS WERE DRAWN UP, INTERESTED PARTIES SUCH AS THE CONSUMER COUNCIL, THE LAW SOCIETY, AND THE REAL ESTATE DEVELOPERS ASSOCIATION WOULD BE CONSULTED.
HE SAID THERE WAS NO STATUTORY DEFINITION OF "SALEABLE FLOOR AREA”, WHICH WAS COMMONLY TAKEN TO REFER TO THE FLOOR AREA EXCLUSIVELY ALLOCATED TO A UNIT BUT EXCLUDING COMMON AREAS SUCH AS STAIRS AND LIFT SHAFTS.
HOWEVER, MR EASON SAID THE LAND OFFICE CONSENT SCHEME HAD ADOPTED A STANDARD FORM OF AGREEMENT FOR SALE AND PURCHASE AND A DEFINITION OF "SALEABLE AREA".
"AT THE TIME OF SIGNING THE FORMAL AGREEMENT FOR SALE AND PURCHASE, PURCHASERS SHOULD BE WELL AWARE OF THE PRECISE SALEABLE AREA OF THE UNIT AND CAN ALSO CHECK THE FLOOR PLAN OF THE UNIT ATTACHED TO THE AGREEMENT," HE SAID.
MR EASON SAID THE SALEABLE AREA WAS ONE OF A NUMBER OF MANDATORY ITEMS TO BE DISCLOSED IN SALES BROCHURES AND PUBLICITY MATERIALS FOR THE SALE OF UNCOMPLETED UNITS ON NEW GOVERNMENT LAND, THAT IS CONSENT SCHEME CASES.
FOR NON-CONSENT SCHEME DEVELOPMENTS, HOWEVER, IT IS A MATTER FOR THE DEVELOPERS TO DECIDE WHETHER OR NOT TO INCLUDE DISCLOSURE OF SALEABLE AREA IN THE SALES BROCHURES.
"PART OF THE REASONS BEHIND THE RECENT PUBLIC CONCERN AT THE DISCLOSURE OF SALEABLE AREA IS THAT, UNLIKE THE CASE OF THE CONSENT SCHEME, IN NON-CONSENT SCHEME CASES THE PROVISIONAL AGREEMENT FOR SALE AND PURCHASE IS A BINDING AGREEMENT FROM THE OUTSET," MR EASON SAID.
/HE SAID ......
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HE SAID THE PURCHASER MAY HAVE SIGNED THE PROVISIONAL AGREEMENT ON THE STRENGTH OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE SALES BROCHURE AND OTHER PUBLICITY MATERIAL, WHICH MIGHT NOT SPECIFY THE SALEABLE AREA, AND HE WOULD ONLY BE ABLE TO CHECK THE SPECIFIC LAYOUT PLAN OF THE UNIT AND THE SALEABLE AREA WHEN HE HAD TO SIGN THE FORMAL AGREEMENT FOR SALE AND PURCHASE.
"IT MAY THEN BE DIFFICULT FOR THE PURCHASER TO WITHDRAW FROM THE PURCHASE WITHOUT LOSING THE DEPOSIT PAID,” MR EASON SAID.
HE SAID IF THE INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE VENDOR AMOUNTED TO MISREPRESENTATION, THE PURCHASER MIGHT SUE FOR DAMAGES AND RECOVERY OF HIS DEPOSIT.
"IN PRACTICE, HOWEVER, THE COST OF LITIGATION AND THE NEED TO OBTAIN THE NECESSARY EVIDENCE TO PROVE THAT MISREPRESENTATION EXISTED MIGHT DETER THE PURCHASER FROM TAKING LEGAL PROCEEDINGS,” MR EASON ADDED.
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CHANGES TO APPROVED ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE TABLED
******
A SUMMARY OF ALL CHANGES MADE TO THE APPROVED ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1991-92 WAS TABLED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
EXPLAINING THE SUMMARY OF CHANGES, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR BRIAN JENNEY, SAID THE SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION OF $811.9 MILLION WAS APPROVED.
"IT WAS FULLY OFFSET EITHER BY SAVINGS UNDER THE SAME OR OTHER HEADS OF EXPENDITURE OR BY THE DELETION OF FUNDS UNDER THE ADDITIONAL COMMITMENTS SUBHEADS," MR JENNEY SAID.
THIS INCLUDED $407.3 MILLION FOR THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL TO TAKE OVER THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR VOCATIONAL TRAINING FOR the Disabled and the statutory apprenticeship scheme.
DURING THE PERIOD, NON-RECURRENT COMMITMENTS WERE INCREASED BY $20.7 MILLION, NEW NON-RECURRENT COMMITMENTS OF $110.9 MILLION WERE APPROVED AND APPROVED NON-RECURRENT COMMITMENTS OF $32.9 MILLION WERE REVOTED.
MR JENNEY ALSO NOTED THAT A NET INCREASE OF 229 POSTS WAS APPROVED IN THE SAME PERIOD.
"ITEMS IN THE SUMMARY HAVE BEEN APPROVED EITHER BY FINANCE COMMITTEE OR UNDER DELEGATED AUTHORITY.
"THE LATTER HAS BEEN REPORTED TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(8)(A) OF THE PUBLIC FINANCE ORDINANCE,” HE ADDED.
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THREE-HOUR DEBATE ON REHAB GREEN PAPER AT LEGCO
*******
A TOTAL OF 25 LEGISLATORS DEBATED FOR ALMOST THREE HOURS ON THE GREEN PAPER ON REHABILITATION POLICIES AND SERVICES AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE ORIGINAL MOTION MOVED BY THE HON ERIC LI WAS LOST TO AN AMENDED MOTION MOVED BY DR THE HON C.H. LEONG.
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SPOKE ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT.
ANOTHER MOTION MOVED BY THE HON CHEUNG MAN-KWONG ON TERTIARY AND BASIC EDUCATION WAS DEFEATED.
AN AMENDED MOTION ON THE SUBJECT MOVED BY THE HON RITA FAN WAS PASSED AFTER 18 MEMBERS DEBATED FOR ABOUT TWO HOURS.
THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MISS CHRISTINE CHOW, SPOKE ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT.
IN ADDITION, 11 MEMBERS SPOKE IN THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL TRANSPORT SERVICES OF NEW TOWNS, WHICH WAS RAISED BY THE HON LEE WING-TAT.
THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, SPOKE ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT.
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HIGH PRIORITY ACCORDED TO SLOPE SAFETY ♦ * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT CONTINUES TO GIVE HIGH PRIORITY TO SLOPE SAFETY IN HONG KONG IN TERMS OF RESOURCES BEING EXPENDED AND POSITIVE ACTION BEING TAKEN.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING OFFICE (GEO) OF THE CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SAID ROUTINE CONTROL ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING CHECKING OF GEOTECHNICAL DESIGNS FOR CONSTRUCTION WORK, CONTINUED TO BE AN IMPORTANT FUNCTION OF THE OFFICE.
HE SAID GEOTECHNICAL CONTROL WAS NEEDED TO ENSURE THAT UNSAFE SLOPES, RETAINING WALLS AND SITE FORMATION WORKS WERE NOT CONSTRUCTED, AND THAT EXISTING UNSAFE SLOPES AND WALLS WERE MADE SAFE.
ABOUT HALF OF GEO'S PROFESSIONAL STAFF ARE COMMITTED TO THESE DUTIES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID GEO WOULD CONTINUE TO PURSUE VIGOROUSLY THE LANDSLIP PREVENTIVE MEASURES PROGRAMME WHICH WAS INITIATED IN 1976.
THIS PROGRAMME PROVIDES FOR THE INVESTIGATION OF SLOPES AND RETAINING WALLS AND THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF STABILISATION MEASURES FOR UNSAFE GOVERNMENT SLOPES AND RETAINING WALLS.
THE INVESTIGATIONS, DESIGNS AND CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISION ARE CARRIED OUT ENTIRELY IN-HOUSE BY GEO, AND AN ANNUAL ALLOCATION OF FUNDS IS PROVIDED FOR THIS PURPOSE.
SINCE 1976, ALMOST $910 MILLION HAS BEEN SPENT ON STUDIES AND WORKS TO STABILISE SEVERAL HUNDRED SLOPES AND RETAINING WALLS.
SUCH WORK MAY INVOLVE THE COMPACTION OF LOOSE FILL SLOPES, BUTTRESSING RETAINING WALLS AND REINFORCING CUTTINGS.
EXPENDITURE ON THE LANDSLIP PREVENTIVE MEASURES PROGRAMME IS CONTINUING AT A RATE OF ABOUT $70 MILLION PER YEAR, AND ANNUAL GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE ON SLOPE MAINTENANCE IS ADDITIONALLY ABOUT $40 MILLION.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID DURING THE LAST FINANCIAL YEAR, STABILISATION WORKS WERE COMPLETED ON 34 SLOPES AND RETAINING WALLS, AND WORKS STARTED ON 21 OTHERS.
OF THESE 55 SLOPES AND WALLS, 23 WERE ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 14 IN KOWLOON AND 18 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE EXPENDITURE DURING THE YEAR WAS ABOUT $70 MILLION.
IN ADDITION, THE COMPLETION OF THE $38 MILLION PROJECT ON STABILISATION AND IMPROVEMENT WORK TO THE LARGE SANITARY LANDFILL AT SAI TSO WAN HAD MADE THE AREA GEOTECHNICALLY AND ENVIROMENTALLY SAFE FOR EXISTING AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENT, HE SAID.
/IN THE .......
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31
IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR, WORKS WILL BE IN PROGRESS ON A TOTAL OF 52 SLOPES AND RETAINING WALLS, OF WHICH 25 ARE ON HONG KONG ISLAND, FIVE IN KOWLOON AND 22 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THESE COMPRISE 36 SOIL AND ROCK SLOPES, FOUR LOOSE FILL SLOPES AND 12 RETAINING WALLS.
THE EXPENDITURE ON THE LANDSLIP PREVENTIVE MEASURE PROGRAMME DURING THIS FINANCIAL YEAR IS EXPECTED TO BE $66 MILLION.
UNTIL RECENTLY, THE LANDSLIP PREVENTIVE MEASURES PROGRAMME WAS CONCERNED ENTIRELY WITH SLOPES AND RETAINING WALLS WHICH COULD CAUSE LOSS OF LIFE IN THE EVENT OF FAILURE.
HOWEVER, THE PROGRAMME NOW INCLUDES THE STABILISATION OF SOME UNSATIFACTORY SLOPES AND WALLS WHICH COULD INDIRECTLY CAUSE LOSS OF LIFE BY MAJOR DISRUPTION -TO ESSENTIAL SERVICES, OR WHICH COULD CAUSE MAJOR ECONOMIC DISRUPTION.
THIS CATEGORY INCLUDES SLOPES ALONG MAJOR ROADS, AND SLOPES ALONG OTHER ROADS WHICH PROVIDE THE SOLE ACCESS TO HOSPITALS, WATER SUPPLY RESERVOIRS AND RESIDENTIAL AREAS.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT IN THE CASE OF DANGEROUS SLOPES AND RETAINING WALLS ON PRIVATE LAND, GEO WOULD INITIATE A STATUTORY ORDER REQUIRING OWNERS TO INVESTIGATE AND UNDERTAKE ANY LANDSLIP PREVENTIVE MEASURES FOUND NECESSARY.
IF THE OWNERS DEFAULTED, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CARRY OUT THE WORK AT THEIR EXPENSE, HE SAID.
IN ADDITION TO THE STABILISATION WORKS INITIATED AND EXECUTED BY GEO, A GREAT DEAL OF SLOPE STABILISATION WORK, AT A COST OF SEVERAL HUNDRED MILLION DOLLARS PER YEAR, IS CARRIED OUT IN BOTH THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS IN ASSOCIATION WITH CAPITAL WORKS PROJECTS.
THERE CONTINUES TO BE THE PROBLEM OF UNSAFE SLOPES OCCUPIED BY SQUATTERS. THESE SLOPES CANNOT BE RECTIFIED UNDER THE LANDSLIP PREVENTIVE MEASURES PROGRAMME BECAUSE CLEARANCES ARE INVARIABLY NEEDED BEFORE LARGE-SCALE WORK CAN BE CARRIED OUT.
THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT HAS NOW CLEARED ABOUT 62,000 PEOPLE OCCUPYING SLOPES ESPECIALLY VULNERABLE TO LANDSLIPS,’ AND IS CONTINUING WITH A PROGRAMME WHICH AIMS TO CLEAR ALL SQUATTERS ON ESPECIALLY VULNERABLE TERRAIN BY AROUND THE END OF 1994.
GEO IS ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SUPPLY OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS, GEOLOGICAL SURVEY, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, GROUND INVESTIGATION AND LABORATORY TESTING FOR PUBLIC WORKS, CONTROL OF BLASTING WORKS AND EXPLOSIVES, AND PROVIDING GEOTECHNICAL ADVISORY SERVICES TO GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
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/32 .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1992
- 32 -
CHANGES TO IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE PROPOSED
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO MAKE SEVERAL AMENDMENTS TO THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE TO BRING IT INTO LINE WITH THE BILL OF RIGHTS (BOR).
THE ORDINANCE IS ONE OF SIX COVERED BY THE FREEZE PERIOD WHICH EXPIRES IN JUNE. FOLLOWING A REVIEW, IT HAS BEEN CONCLUDED THAT CERTAIN SECTIONS OF THE ORDINANCE ARE INCONSISTENT WITH THE BOR.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY), A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE PROPOSED CHANGES WERE CONTAINED IN THE IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992 WHICH WOULD BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON MAY 6.
THE FIRST TWO SECTIONS IN QUESTION RELATE TO VIETNAMESE REFUGEES AND ARE, IN ANY CASE, NO LONGER RELEVANT. ONE DEALS WITH THE DETENTION OF REFUGEES IN CLOSED CAMPS AND THE OTHER WITH THE RIGHT TO DETAIN TROUBLEMAKERS IN THESE CAMPS OR TO VARY THEIR CONDITIONS OF STAY.
"THESE SECTIONS ARE NO LONGER NECESSARY FOLLOWING A CHANGE IN POLICY AND THE TRANSFER OF GENUINE REFUGEES TO OPEN CAMPS IN JUNE 1988," THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED, "AND THERE ARE ADEQUATE POWERS IN OTHER PARTS OF THE ORDINANCE TO DEAL WITH THOSE WHO ABUSE THEIR CONDITIONS OF STAY."
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THESE AMENDMENTS APPLIED ONLY TO VIETNAMESE REFUGEES WHO ARRIVED BEFORE JUNE 16, 1988 AND THOSE WHO HAD BEEN SCREENED IN SINCE THEN.
"THIS IS SEPARATE FROM AND DOES NOT AFFECT THE GOVERNMENT'S POWERS AND INTENTION TO CONTINUE TO DETAIN ASYLUM SEEKERS WHO ARE AWAITING SCREENING OR HAVE BEEN SCREENED OUT, OR ITS POLICY OF SENDING ALL NON-REFUGEES BACK TO VIETNAM," HE ADDED.
AT THE MOMENT, EMPLOYERS ACCUSED OF HIRING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARE PRESUMED TO BE GUILTY AS CHARGED UNLESS THEY CAN PROVE OTHERWISE.
THE BILL PROPOSES THAT SUCH DEFENDANTS SHOULD BE ABLE TO REBUT THE PRESUMPTIONS IF THEY CAN PRODUCE EVIDENCE TO THE CONTRARY.
IT IS PROPOSED THAT THE SAME AMENDMENT SHOULD BE MADE TO ANOTHER SECTION OF THE ORDINANCE CONTAINING THE PRESUMPTION THAT A PERSON IS AN UNAUTHORISED ENTRANT OR IS THE OWNER OF A VESSEL CARRYING AN UNAUTHORISED ENTRANT.
THE ORDINANCE CURRENTLY PROVIDES FOR THE DETENTION OF A PERSON PENDING AN APPEAL AGAINST THE DECISION OF A PUBLIC OFFICER, SUCH AS REFUSING AN EXTENSION OF STAY.
THIS POWER HAS NEVER BEEN USED AND IT IS PROPOSED THAT IT SHOULD BE REPEALED.
/A FURTHER .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1992 - 33 -
A FURTHER AMENDMENT CONTAINED IN THE BILL PROVIDES FOR THE DETENTION OF DEPORTEES FOR ENQUIRIES INTO THEIR ACTIVITIES.
CURRENTLY, DEPORTEES CAN BE DETAINED FOR ENQUIRIES INTO BOTH THEIR OWN AND OTHER PEOPLE’S ACTIVITIES. MOREOVER, THEY CAN, IN THEORY, BE INDEFINITELY DETAINED FOR THESE PURPOSES.
THESE POWERS HAVE NEVER BEEN USED IN THAT WAY AND THERE HAS BEEN NO INTENTION OF DOING SO.
ACCORDINGLY, IT IS PROPOSED TO IMPOSE A MAXIMUM LIMIT ON THE PERIOD OF DETENTION.
--------0-----------
LARGEST WHOLESALE MARKET OPERATIONAL BY NEXT YEAR-END
*****
THE TERRITORY’S LARGEST-EVER WHOLESALE MARKET FOR FRESH PRODUCE WILL BE OPERATING ON THE SEAFRONT OF CHEUNG SHA WAN BEFORE THE END OF NEXT YEAR, CATERING TO DIFFERENT TRADES WITHIN THE SAME COMPLEX.
AS PART OF AN URBAN RENEWAL PROGRAMME, THE $740 MILLION PHASE I CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE MARKET COMPLEX WILL HOUSE A WIDE RANGE OF PRODUCE WHOLESALING FACILITIES UNDER ONE ROOF, RELEASING THE LAND OCCUPIED BY EXISTING FACILITIES FOR PROPOSED GOVERNMENT/ INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND OPEN SPACE.
ROAD AND FOOTPATH CONGESTION CAUSED BY THE CURRENT MARKET OPERATIONS WILL BE SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED.
THE CONTRACT FOR THE PHASE I BUILDING WORKS OF THE WHOLESALE MARKET WAS AWARDED TO YAU LEE CONSTRUCTION LIMITED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SIGNING THE CONTRACT ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT, THE DIRECTOR OF ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES, MR PAUL CORSER, SAID THE WHOLESALE MARKET WOULD INTEGRATE DIFFERENT TRADES WITHIN A SINGLE TWO-LEVEL COMPLEX WHICH, WHEN COMPLETED, WOULD HAVE THE LARGEST THROUGHPUT PER SQUARE METRES OF ANY SIMILAR FACILITY ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD.
OCCUPYING A 10-HECTARE SITE, THE PHASE I DEVELOPMENT WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING TEMPORARY WHOLESALE FACILITIES FOR IMPORTED VEGETABLES, FRESH WATER AND MARINE FISH AND EGGS WHICH ARE SCATTERED OVER DIFFERENT LOCATIONS IN THE AREA.
THE SECOND PHASE WITH A SITE AREA OF ABOUT EIGHT HECTARES IS SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION IN 1995. IT WILL ACCOMMODATE EXISTING WHOLESALE FACILITIES FOR FRUIT AND POULTRY.
AS THE MARKET WAS DESIGNED FOR OPERATION ROUND-THE-CLOCK AND EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR, SPECIAL THOUGHTS HAVE BEEN GIVEN TO MINIMISE MAINTENANCE AND TO MAINTAIN IT AT A HIGH HYGIENIC STANDARD.
/IT WAS .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1992
- 34 -
IT WAS DESIGNED TO MAXIMISE ON THE USE OF NATURAL LIGHTING AND VENTILATION TO REDUCE RUNNING COSTS.
TO PREVENT THE PASSAGE OF ODOUR ALONG WITH EFFLUENT THROUGH OTHER MARKETS, THE DRAINAGE SYSTEM OF EACH INDIVIDUAL MARKET WAS DESIGNED TO BE SEALED.
DUE CONSIDERATION HAS BEEN GIVEN TO THE TREATMENT OF VARIOUS TYPES OF LIQUID AND SOLID WASTE RESULTED FROM ALL THE TRADES.
THE MARKET WILL BE SERVED BY FIVE FINGER PIERS ALONG ITS SEAFRONT, EACH INSTALLED WITH PURPOSE-DESIGNED MECHANISED EQUIPMENT FOR LOADING AND UNLOADING OF PRODUCE.
THE 78,000-SQUARE-METRE GROSS FLOOR AREA UNDER PHASE I WILL ACCOMMODATE A TOTAL OF 309 STALLS.
OVER 700 LORRY PARKING SPACES AND 33 CONTAINER PARKING SPACES WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED FOR.
--------0-----------
ACTIVE SUPPORT PLEDGED FOR INDUSTRY *****
THE GOVERNMENT’S STRATEGY FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT IS ESSENTIALLY ONE OF MINIMUM INTERVENTION BUT ACTIVE SUPPORT, THE ACTING DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MR WILFRED WONG, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
' SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE INTERNATIONAL LABORATORY ACCREDITATION CONFERENCE (ILAC) COMMITTEE MEETINGS, MR WONG SAID THE GOVERNMENT BELIEVED THAT BUSINESS DECISIONS WERE BEST LEFT TO BUSINESSMEN THEMSELVES.
"HOWEVER, WE DO ACTIVELY STRIVE TO PROVIDE A CONDUCIVE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT AND THE NECESSARY INFRASTRUCTURAL SUPPORT FOR INDUSTRY.
"TWO TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES LAUNCHED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN THE MID-1980'S WERE THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT STANDARDS AND CALIBRATION LABORATORY AND THE HONG KONG LABORATORY ACCREDITATION SCHEME (HOKLAS).
"THE FORMER PROVIDES A HIGH ECHELON MEASUREMENT SERVICE AND THE LATTER ENSURES QUALITY LABORATORY ACCREDITATION SERVICES FOR A WIDE RANGE OF TESTING FIELDS INCLUDING TOY TESTING, ELECTRICAL PRODUCT TESTING, TEXTILE TESTING, CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING," HE SAID.
MR WONG NOTED THAT OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, COUNTRIES IN THIS REGION HAD BEEN SHOWING AN INCREASING INTEREST IN LABORATORY ACCREDITATION AND IN ILAC.
/THIS CAME .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1992
35
THIS CAME AS NO SURPRISE AS THE TRADE PERFORMANCE OF THE LEADING ECONOMIES IN ASIA IN RECENT YEARS HAD BEEN MOST IMPRESSIVE, HE SAID.
ACCORDING TO ESTIMATES PUBLISHED BY THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE, THE ANNUAL GROWTH LAST YEAR IN THE VALUE OF WORLD TRADE, FOR BOTH EXPORTS AND IMPORTS, WAS 1.5 PER CENT.
HOWEVER, FOR THE LEADING ECONOMIES OF ASIA, THE GROWTH IN THE VALUE OF EXPORTS IN THE SAME YEAR WAS 10 TO 20 PER CENT AND FOR IMPORTS EIGHT TO 30 PER CENT.
IN THE LAST DECADE THE AVERAGE GROWTH RATE OF THE DEVELOPING ECONOMIES IN THE REGION WAS 12 PER CENT PER ANNUM AND THE FORECASTED GROWTH RATE FOR THE NEXT DECADE IS SIX PER CENT PER ANNUM.
THESE FIGURES WERE CONSIDERABLY HIGHER THAN THE FORECASTS FOR MANY OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD, HE SAID.
MR WONG SAID HONG KONG HAD PARTICIPATED IN ILAC ACTIVITIES SINCE THE 1970’S AND HE WAS PLEASED TO BE HOSTING THIS SERIES OF COMMITTEE MEETINGS THIS YEAR.
IN TWO YEARS’ TIME, HONG KONG WOULD BE STAGING ILAC '94, HE ADDED.
------0-------
BABY FLIES TO AUSTRALIA FOR
* * *
MAJOR CRANIOFACIAL OPERATION » » * »
A FOUR-MONTH-OLD BOY WILL FLY TO AUSTRALIA TONIGHT (WEDNESDAY)
TO UNDERGO MAJOR CRANIOFACIAL OPERATIONS.
THE BABY, YUEH YUE-FAI, A WARD OF THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, HAS CRANIOSYNOSTOSIS, MID-FACIAL HYPOPLASIA AND SYNDACTYLY OF BOTH HANDS AND FEET.
DURING A VISIT TO QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL TO BID FAREWELL TO YUE-FAI TODAY, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR M.D. CARTLAND, SAID THE BABY HAS TO BE FLOWN TO AUSTRALIA FOR SURGERY.
THIS IS PART OF THE TREATMENT PROTOCOL OF THIS RARE CONDITION IN THE CRANIOFACIAL SERVICE PROVIDED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY, UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL AND THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN CRANIOFACIAL UNIT, ADELAIDE.
"I SINCERELY HOPE THAT YUE-FAI WILL OVERCOME THE OPERATIONS AND RETURN TO HONG KONG SOUND AND HEALTHY," MR CARTLAND SAID.
MR CARTLAND PAID TRIBUTE TO THE STAFF OF THE CRANIOFACIAL SERVICE, UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL, FOR THEIR EXPERT ADVICE AND THEIR EFFORT IN CONJUNCTION WITH MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKERS FROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TO MAKE THE OPERATION POSSIBLE.
/YUE-FAI .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1992
- 36 -
YUE-FAI WILL BE TREATED FREE OF CHARGE UNDER THE SCHEME FUNDED BY THE AUSTRALIAN CRANIO-MAXILLO-FACIAL FOUNDATION.
YUE-FAI WAS BORN WITH APERT SYNDROME. HIS NATURAL PARENTS RELINQUISHED THEIR RIGHTS AND HE WAS PUT INTO THE CARE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AS A WARD OF THE DIRECTOR.
SINCE THEN HE HAS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF BY A TEAM OF MEDICAL SPECIALISTS IN QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL.
ACCORDING TO DR HO CHIU-MING, LECTURER OF SURGERY, AND PROFESSOR WILLIAM WEI, PROFESSOR OF SURGERY, OF THE DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY, UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, THIS IS AN UNCOMMON CRANIOFACIAL ABNORMALITY AND PROMPT SURGICAL TREATMENT IS MANDATORY FOR A SUCCESSFUL OUTCOME.
SURGICAL CORRECTION OF THESE ABNORMALITIES REQUIRES A JOINT EFFORT BY SPECIALISTS OF DIFFERENT DISCIPLINES. YUE-FAI MAY NEED MULTIPLE OPERATIONS.
IN YUE-FAI’S CASE, A TOTAL OF 12 MEDICAL SPECIALISTS WILL BE INVOLVED.
DR HO EXPLAINED THAT A CHILD WITH APERT SYNDROME WAS CAPABLE OF HAVING NORMAL MENTAL DEVELOPMENT. HOWEVER, THE RAPID GROWTH OF THE BRAIN IN EARLY INFANCY WAS HINDERED BY THE PREMATURE FUSION OF THE CRANIAL SUTURES.
"IF THE BRAIN IS NOT RELEASED EARLY ENOUGH, IT MAY BE FATAL OR THE CHIJjD MAY BE MENTALLY RETARDED."
"APERT SYNDROME IS A COMPLICATED AND RARE CRANIOFACIAL MALFORMATION WHICH IS BEST TAKEN CARE OF BY SPECIAL CRANIOFACIAL CENTRES LIKE THE AUSTRALIAN CRANIOFACIAL UNIT," HE ADDED.
A REGISTERED NURSE FROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WILL ESCORT YUE-FAI TO AUSTRALIA.
--------0-----------
TAI PO DRAGON BOAT RACES INVITE APPLICATIONS
******
APPLICATIONS ARE INVITED FOR THE TAI PO DRAGON BOAT RACES TO BE HELD ON JUNE 5.
THE ANNUAL EVENT IS ORGANISED BY THE TAI PO DISTRICT DRAGON RACE COMMITTEE AND CO-SPONSORED BY THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD AND A BREWERY.
THE RACES WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE WATERFRONT OF THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE IN THE MORNING OF JUNE 5 - THE DAY OF THE DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL.
/THEY WILL .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1992
- 37 -
THEY WILL BE DIVIDED INTO THE MEN’S OPEN, WOMEN’S OPEN, MIXED INVITATION AND INDUSTRIAL CUP SECTIONS.
COMPETING TEAMS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH DRAGON BOATS FOR THE RACES AS WELL AS FOR PRACTICES.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE TAI PO SPORTS ASSOCIATION’S LI FOOK LAM INDOOR SPORTS CENTRE IN ON CHEUNG ROAD, THE TAI PO RURAL COMMITTEE IN HEUNG SZE WUI STREET AND THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE IN TING KOK ROAD.
THE DEADLINE IS APRIL 15. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 664 8661 OR 657 7111 EXT. 255.
------0--------
DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED * » * *
THE GOVERNOR, AFTER TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, HAS DECIDED THAT THE DEATH SENTENCE PASSED ON LEUNG YUET-MAN ON AUGUST 16, 1989 SHOULD BE COMMUTED TO A SENTENCE OF 25 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT.
LEUNG WAS FOUND GUILTY OF THE MURDER OF WONG KWONG-CHI.
---------0-----------
SALT WATER SUPPLY SUSPENSION IN KWAI CHUNG
*****
SUPPLY OF SALT WATER TO SOME PREMISES IN KWAI CHUNG WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 9 AM ON FRIDAY (APRIL 10) TO 9 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE CONNECTION WORK ON WATERMAINS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT HO FUNG COLLEGE, SKH LI PINO SECONDARY SCHOOL, LUI MINO CHOI LUTHERAN COLLEGE, CHEUNG SHAN ESTATE AND ALL THE FLATS IN SAM TUNG UK ROAD, LO WAI ROAD AND YI PEI CHUN ROAD.
---------0 ----------
/38........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1992
- 38 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 7.4.92 700
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 8.4.92 +847
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING -847
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 112.3 *-0.2* 8.4.92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS TERM HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.78 PCT 20 MONTHS 2311 6.25 101.59 5.27
1 MONTH 3.84 PCT 23 MONTHS 2402 5.50 99.67 5.77
3 MONTHS 3.83 PCT
6 MONTHS 4.01 PCT
12 MONTHS 4.42 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 11,893 MN
CLOSED 8 APRIL 1992
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
MR JUSTICE KEMPSTER'S REPORT RELEASED .......................... 1
FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF MR JUSTICE KEMPSTER'S REPORT ON THE
SHEK KONG INCIDENT............................................ 3
STATEMENT BY S FOR S ON MR JUSTICE KEMPSTER'S REPORT............ 7
STATEMENT BY COMMISSIONER OF POLICE ON MR JUSTICE KEMPSTER'S REPORT 7
STATEMENT OF ACTING COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES ON MR
JUSTICE KEMPSTER'S REPORT .................................... 8
PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE IN JANUARY ........ 8
REGULATION ON SHIPS REGISTRATION FEES .......................... 14
$67M CONTRACT FOR SEWAGE SCHEME AWARDED ........................ 15
PART OF BUILDING IN YAU MA TEI DECLARED DANGEROUS .............. 16
DANGEROUS OPENINGS ON SITES MUST BE COVERED .................... 16
AUTHORITY MEETS INTERESTED PARTIES ON TV REVIEW ................ 17
DB BY-ELECTION ON MAY 24 ....................................... 18
POSTAL SERVICES TO KUWAIT HAVE RESUMED ......................... 18
PLANNING SURVEY ON TUEN MUN FACILITIES ......................... 19
UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS TO BE CLOSED ....................... 19
SEMINAR ON USE OF COMPUTERS IN EDUCATION FOR DIABLED ........... 20
EXAM FOR MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGIST ....................... 20
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ..... 21
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 1992
MR JUSTICE KEMPSTER’S REPORT RELEASED *****
THE GOVERNOR, LORD WILSON, HAS INSTRUCTED THAT THE FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS IN MR JUSTICE KEMPSTER’S REPORT ON THE DISTURBANCE AND FIRE AT THE SHEK KONG DETENTION CENTRE ON 3/4 FEBRUARY BE MADE PUBLIC TODAY (THURSDAY).
(NOTE TO EDITORS: FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE REPORT WILL FOLLOW IMMEDIATELY AFTER THIS PRESS RELEASE)
"WE ARE TODAY RELEASING MR JUSTICE KEMPSTER’S FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS, AS WE UNDERTOOK TO DO AT THE TIME THAT THE INDEPENDENT ENQUIRY WAS ANNOUNCED ON 7 FEBRUARY," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID. "THE FINDINGS WILL BE EXAMINED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, WHO HAS BEEN CONDUCTING HIS OWN INTERNAL INVESTIGATION INTO THE INCIDENT SINCE IT OCCURRED ON 3/4 FEBRUARY. IN ADDITION, CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS ARE NOW UNDER WAY."
"THE GOVERNMENT WILL WISH TO EXAMINE MR JUSTICE KEMPSTER’S RECOMMENDATIONS VERY CAREFULLY," THE SPOKESMAN SAID. "ON THE 13 RECOMMENDATIONS MADE (NUMBERED 1-13) THE PRESENT POSITION IS AS FOLLOWS :-
RECOMMENDATION 1 SEPARATION OF NORTH AND SOUTH VIETNAMESE
THE COMMUNITIES ARE PRESENTLY ACCOMMODATED IN SEPARATE CAMPS OR SECTIONS, EXCEPT IN VERY SMALL CAMPS WHERE WE AND UNHCR ARE FULLY SATISFIED THAT THERE ARE NO INTER-COMMUNAL RIVALRIES.
RECOMMENDATION 2 VIDEOS FOR THE CAMPS, INFORMATION ABOUT LEGAL AND
COURT PROCESSES FOR THOSE FACING PROSECUTION, DELAY IN REMOVAL OF VOLUNTEERS TO SPECIAL CENTRES
VIDEOS PRODUCED BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY AND THE JESUIT REFUGEE SERVICE (ON SCREENING) ARE REGULARLY SHOWN IN THE CAMPS. WE ARE CONSIDERING WHETHER FURTHER VIDEO MATERIAL ON CURRENT CONDITIONS IN VIETNAM SHOULD NOW BE PRODUCED. PROVISION OF MORE INFORMATION ON HONG KONG’S LEGAL AND JUDICIAL PROCESSES IS AN INTERESTING PROPOSAL WHICH WE WILL EXPLORE WITH UNHCR AND CAMP MANAGEMENTS. WE DO NOT TRANSFER VOLUNTEERS TO A SEPARATE FACILITY UNTIL FINAL PROCEDURES (MEDICALS, INTERVIEWS, AND FINAL DEPARTURE ARRANGEMENTS) NEED TO BE COMPLETED.
/RECOMMENDATION 3 .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 1992
- 2 -
RECOMMENDATION 3 EMPLOYMENT
THERE ARE PRACTICAL LIMITATIONS TO WHAT CAN BE DONE TO GIVE PEOPLE EMPLOYMENT IN THE CAMPS. OUR MAIN POLICY OBJECTIVE IS TO RETURN ALL NON-REFUGEES TO VIETNAM AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE. BUT IN THE CONTEXT OF THAT POLICY OBJECTIVE WE ARE EXAMINING WHETHER THE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES THAT ARE AVAILABLE CAN BE BETTER UTILISED.
RECOMMENDATION 4 THINNING OUT OF WHITEHEAD
IT IS DESIRABLE TO THIN OUT ALL THE CAMPS ESPECIALLY WHITEHEAD. BUT WE ALSO NEED TO CLOSE DOWN CAMPS AND THUS RELEASE RESOURCES FOR REDEPLOYMENT TO THE TASKS FOR WHICH THEY WERE INTENDED. IN DOING SO WE TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE NEED TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE CONDITIONS AND SECURITY IN THE CENTRES AND REDUCE OVERCROWDING AS FAR AS POSSIBLE.
RECOMMENDATION 5 ACCELERATE SCREENING
THIS IS IN HAND. IN ORDER TO REDUCE THE WAITING TIME FOR SCREENING FROM OVER TWO YEARS TO 16 MONTHS, WE AIM TO RECRUIT AN -ADDITIONAL 112 IMMIGRATION OFFICERS, 67 VIETNAMESE INTERPRETERS AND ONE EXTRA REFUGEE STATUS REVIEW BOARD. OF THESE WE HAVE ALREADY RECRUITED 35 IMMIGRATION OFFICERS, 37 VIETNAMESE INTERPRETERS AND THE ADDITIONAL BOARD.
RECOMMENDATIONS
6, 7 AND 8
AVAILABILITY OF RESPIRATORS AND RADIOS
THESE RECOMMENDATIONS ARE BEING EXAMINED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE AND THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES IN THE CONTEXT OF THEIR OWN OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES FOR RUNNING THE DETENTION CENTRES.
RECOMMENDATION 9 OBSERVATION TOWER AND ELECTRICITY SUPPLY
THESE RECOMMENDATIONS ARE BEING CONSIDERED IN THE
CONTEXT OF AVAILABLE RESOURCES AND THE IMPROVEMENTS ALREADY MADE SINCE MID-1989. SECURITY
RECOMMENDATION 10 SECTION FENCES, GATES AND LOCKS
THESE HAVE BEEN IMPROVED IN A SERIES OF STAGES
BEFORE AND SINCE THE FEBRUARY INCIDENT.
/RECOMMENDATIONS .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 1992
3
RECOMMENDATIONS
11, 12 AND 13
PROTECTION OF LIFE OVER PREVENTION OF ESCAPE,
USE OF CS GAS, AND CHAIN OF COMMAND
ALL ARE BEING EXAMINED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE AND THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES IN THE CONTEXT OF THEIR OWN OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES FOR RUNNING THE DETENTION CENTRES.
"WE HAVE CONCLUDED ON LEGAL ADVICE THAT IT WOULD RISK PREJUDICE TO CURRENT CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS IF WE WERE TO PUBLISH THE REPORT IN FULL. WE ARE THEREFORE PUBLISHING THE FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ONLY. THESE ARE THE KEY PARTS OF THE REPORT, AND BOTH CAN BE PUBLISHED WITHOUT RISK OF PREJUDICE TO CURRENT PROCEEDINGS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
---------0----------
FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF MR JUSTICE KEMPSTER’S REPORT ON THE SHEK KONG INCIDENT *****
FINDINGS
(1) SECTION C OF SHEK KONG DETENTION CENTRE, WHERE THE TRAGEDY OCCURRED, WAS EVACUATED, THE INCIDENT CONTAINED, PRIORITY GIVEN TO MAINTAINING THE FENCE AND SEGREGATION BARRIERS AND REINFORCEMENTS AWAITED, AS REQUIRED BY POLICE INTERNAL GUIDELINES.
(2) IN THE ABSENCE OF TROOP CARRYING HELICOPTERS ON STANDBY THE
MOVEMENT OF REINFORCEMENTS COULD HARDLY HAVE BEEN MORE RAPID.
(3) . AT 2330 HOURS ON 3RD FEBRUARY, AS PART OF A CONCURRENT
OPERATION INVOLVING TWO GROUPS OF 12 AND 17 MEN, RESPECTIVELY
(29 IN ALL), THE POLICE WERE PREPARED TO RE-ENTER SECTION C,
WHICH THEY HAD LEFT AT 2300 HOURS, TO RESTORE ORDER. DUE TO AN INCURSION FROM SECTION B THEY DID NOT DO SO ALBEIT CS GAS WAS USED. BY 2350 HOURS 60 OFFICERS AND BY 2355 HOURS 70 OFFICERS IN ALL WERE AVAILABLE TO RESTORE ORDER, TO WATCH SECTION B (THE INCURSION FROM WHICH HAD BY THEN BEEN CONTAINED) TO GUARD THE OTHER SEGREGATION BARRIERS AND THE PERIMETER AND TO MAN THE COMMAND POST.
(4) NO FURTHER CS GAS WAS USED AND NO FURTHER ATTEMPT MADE TO REENTER SECTION C BETWEEN 2342 HOURS ON FEBRUARY 3RD AND 0013 HOURS ON FEBRUARY 4TH BY WHICH TIME THE NUMBER OF AVAILABLE OFFICERS HAD RISEN TO 142.
/(5) EVERYONE .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 1992
4
(5) EVERYONE INVOLVED, WHETHER OR NOT CONVERSANT WITH THE
VIETNAMESE LANGUAGE, KNEW THAT AS FROM 2300 HOURS ON FEBRUARY 3RD INMATES OF SECTION C WERE AT GRAVE RISK OF INJURY TO LIFE AND LIMB.
(6) THERE WAS A SUBSTANTIAL STOCK OF CS GAS AVAILABLE TO THE FORCES OF LAW AND ORDER THROUGHOUT THE INCIDENT AND IT WAS KNOWN THAT THE ARRIVAL OF PTU PLATOONS WITH FURTHER SUPPLIES WAS IMMINENT. "PTU" MEANS POLICE TACTICAL UNIT.
(7) AT NO STAGE AFTER 2353 HOURS WAS THE OFFICER IN COMMAND, WHO HAD TO BORROW A RESPIRATOR, AWARE OF THE PRESENCE OF OR, IN ANY EVENT, ABLE TO COMMUNICATE WITH THE CONSTABLES ON THE CONTAINER MENTIONED IN (9) OR VICE VERSA. HAD HE LEARNT OF EITHER OF THE MESSAGES REPORTING FIRE IN A HUT IN SECTION C, WHICH THEY TRANSMITTED BY BEAT RADIO, I AM QUITE SATISFIED THAT HE WOULD IMMEDIATELY HAVE GIVEN THE ORDER TO USE CS GAS AND RE-ENTER SECTION C. AS IT WAS HE TOOK SUCH ACTION ONLY WHEN, AT 0013 HOURS ON FEBRUARY 4TH, HE SAW INMATES OF SECTION C BEING GRIEVOUSLY ASSAULTED IN FRONT OF HIS VERY EYES.
(8) BETWEEN 2325 HOURS AND 2353 HOURS NO ONE OFFICER WAS EFFECTIVELY IN COMMAND AT SHEK KONG.
(9) THE ONLY EFFECTIVE OBSERVATION POST, FROM WHICH ALL THAT WAS HAPPENING AT SECTION C COULD READILY BE SEEN, WAS THE TOP OF THE CONTAINER TO WHICH TWO OBSERVERS HAD BEEN POSTED. DUE TO THE ABSENCE OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THOSE OBSERVERS AND THE OFFICER IN COMMAND AND HIS IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES, ITS VALUE WAS GREATLY DIMINISHED.
(10) IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED AND WITH THE BENEFIT OF HINDSIGHT IT IS APPARENT THAT WHILE THE PROTECTION OF LIFE MUST HAVE BEEN REGARDED AS A PRINCIPLE OBJECTIVE THE INITIATIVE WAS NOT SWIFTLY SEIZED OR HELD BY THE POLICE. NOR WAS LAW AND ORDER RESTORED AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE AS REQUIRED BY POLICE INTERNAL GUIDELINES. SIGNS CAPABLE OF INTERPRETATION AS WEAKNESS WERE PERMITTED TO APPEAR. HAD THE POLICE AGAIN FIRED CS GAS AT 2355 HOURS AND RE-ENTERED SECTION C THE TRAGEDY MIGHT WELL HAVE BEEN AVERTED. AS IT WAS THE CROWD HAD RE-FORMED AND RE-GROUPED AND THE ATTACK ON HUT 6 BEEN RESUMED AFTER THE FIRING OF CS GAS CEASED AT ABOUT 2342 HOURS.
RECOMMENDATIONS
(1) HAVING REGARD TO THE BEREAVEMENT, INJURY AND CONSEQUENT BITTERNESS AND HATRED WHICH IS THE LEGACY OF THE INCIDENT, VIETNAMESE FROM THE NORTH SHOULD NOT, UNTIL THE CLIMATE HAS IMPROVED, BE HOUSED TOGETHER WITH THOSE FROM THE CENTRE AND SOUTH OF THAT COUNTRY. FURTHER SUB-DIVISION MAY BE CALLED FOR - AS HAS BEEN FOUND NECESSARY AT WHITEHEAD. THIS WAS THE EFFECT OF THE ORDER CONFIRMED BY YOUR EXCELLENCY ON THE MORNING OF FEBRUARY 4TH.
/(2) THE .........
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 1992
- 5 -
(2) THE FEARS, ANXIETIES AND UNCERTAINTIES EXPERIENCED BY INMATES OF THE CENTRES WOULD BE RELIEVED AND THEIR UNDERSTANDING OF THE WIDER WORLD, OF HONG KONG AND OF THE CHOICES OPEN TO THEM ENHANCED BY :
(A) FILMS, WITH SOUNDTRACK IN THE VIETNAMESE
LANGUAGE, GRAPHICALLY DESCRIBING THOSE CHOICES AND SHOWING CURRENT LIVING AND WORKING CONDITIONS IN VIETNAM.
(B) WRITTEN OR ORAL ANNOUNCEMENT IN THE CENTRES ABOUT THE CONVICTIONS OF VIETNAMESE IN THE HONG KONG COURTS AND THE SENTENCES IMPOSED.
[THE ’’CAMP NEWSPAPER” PRODUCED AT HEI LING CHAU COULD SERVE THIS PURPOSE.]
(C) DELAYING THE ISOLATION OF VOLUNTEERS AND THEIR REMOVAL FROM FAMILIAR SURROUNDINGS UNTIL SHORTLY BEFORE EXPECTED DATES OF DEPARTURE FROM HONG KONG.
(3) IN ALL CENTRES WHERE VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS ARE CONFINED
FACILITIES SHOULD BE PROVIDED TO ALLOW THEM TO ENGAGE IN REMUNERATED PRODUCTIVE WORK. SPACE FOR ’’FACTORIES” MAY WELL BECOME AVAILABLE IF THE NUMBER OF NEW ARRIVALS REMAINS AT A LOW LEVEL AND THE PROCESS OF VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION CONTINUES. THE PROVISION OF WORK SHOULD BE THE FIRST PRIORITY AND THE CLOSURE OR ALTERNATIVE USE OF CENTRES THE SECOND.
(4) IN ANY EVENT A REDUCTION IN THE POPULATION OF WHITEHEAD SHOULD TAKE PRECEDENCE OVER THE CLOSURE OF, SAY, ARGYLE.
(5) SUFFICIENT STAFF SHOULD BE EMPLOYED MARKEDLY TO ACCELERATE THE SCREENING PROCESS.
(6) ALL POLICE AND CSD OFFICERS LIABLE FOR CALL TO THE SCENE OF DISTURBANCE AT A DETENTION CENTRE, WHATEVER THEIR RANK, SHOULD BE ISSUED WITH RESPIRATORS. OFFICERS LIABLE TO TAKE COMMAND SHOULD BE EQUIPPED WITH RESPIRATORS SUITABLE FOR USE WITH RADIO TELEPHONES.
(7) AVAILABLE AT EACH DETENTION CENTRE SHOULD BE :
(A) SPARE RESPIRATORS INCLUDING AT LEAST TWO SUITABLE FOR USE WITH RADIO TELEPHONES;
(B) SPARE ’’BEAT” RADIOS TUNED TO CENTRE CHANNEL;
(C) SPARE ’’SABRE" RADIOS TUNED TO APPROPRIATE REGIONAL CHANNEL.
/(8) ANY ........
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 1992
6
(8) ANY OFFICER ASSUMING COMMAND IN A SITUATION OF DISTURBANCE
SHOULD, AS A MATTER OF ROUTINE, BE IN POSSESSION OF AN APPROPRIATE RESPIRATOR AND OF "BEAT" AND SABRE RADIOS. HE NEED NOT CARRY A MOBILE TELEPHONE AS WELL.
(9) AN OBSERVATION TOWER OR TOWERS SUFFICIENTLY HIGH TO COMMAND A VIEW OF THE WHOLE OF EACH CENTRE SHOULD BE CONSTRUCTED IN STERILE AREAS. SUCH TOWER OR TOWERS SHOULD PERMANENTLY BE MANNED BY OFFICERS EQUIPPED WITH "BEAT" RADIOS.
AT ANY EARLY STAGE IN THIS ENQUIRY I CONSIDERED THE UTILITY OF SEARCHLIGHTS OF THE TYPE EMPLOYED ON STONECUTTERS ISLAND TO MAINTAIN THE INTEGRITY OF THE MAGAZINE BUT THE PROVISION OF THE
ASSURED SUPPLY OF ELECTRICITY WHICH THEY REQUIRE WOULD IN ITSELF RENDER THE ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING, AT SHEK KONG AT LEAST, ADEQUATE.
(10) AT ALL CENTRES BARRIER FENCES BETWEEN SECTIONS, GATES AND LOCKS SHOULD BE INSPECTED AND, WHERE NECESSARY, REINFORCED, STRENGTHENED AND REPLACED.
(11) THE PROTECTION OF LIFE AND LIMB SHOULD TAKE PRECEDENCE OVER THE PREVENTION OF ESCAPE. POLICE AND CSD DIRECTIVES SHOULD MAKE THIS PLAIN.
(12) IN THE EVENT OF A DISTURBANCE GIVING RISE TO A REASONABLE APPREHENSION OF DANGER TO LIFE AND LIMB AND WHEN INSUFFICIENT PERSONNEL ARE AVAILABLE AT ONCE TO QUELL IT, CS GAS SHOULD BE USED WITHOUT HESITATION. ALBEIT THE WHOLE CENTRE MAY BE AFFECTED ITS USE SHOULD BE CONTINUED UNTIL SUFFICIENT MEN HAVE BEEN MUSTERED TO PERMIT RE-ENTRY WITHOUT UNACCEPTABLE RISK TO POLICE OR CSD OFFICERS AS THE CASE MAY BE. ORDER SHOULD THEN BE RESTORED FIRMLY AND WITH DETERMINATION.
(13) THE RULES FOR ASSUMPTION OF COMMAND AND BRIEFING AT A CENTRE AFFECTED BY DISTURBANCE SHOULD BE CLARIFIED - PARTICULARLY IN RELATION TO OFFICERS OF EQUAL RANK.
I HAVE NO RECOMMENDATION TO MAKE AS REGARDS THE FIRE SERVICES.
NO DOUBT A NUMBER OF THESE RECOMMENDATIONS, SOME HAVING FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS, HAVE ALREADY BEEN ANTICIPATED. FURTHER, I ACCEPT THAT THE JUDGMENT OF THE OFFICER IN COMMAND AT THE SCENE OF A DISTURBANCE MUST NOT UNDULY BE FETTERED. HE MUST, HOWEVER, BE CLEAR IN HIS MIND AS TO THE PRIORITIES.
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/7........
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 1992
STATEMENT BY S FOR S ON MR JUSTICE KEMPSTER’S REPORT *****
COMMENTING ON THE PUBLICATION OF THE REPORT BY MR JUSTICE KEMPSTER INTO THE TRAGEDY AT SHEK KONG ON 3/4 FEBRUARY, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY ALISTAIR ASPREY SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE ADMINISTRATION ACCEPTED THE REPORT’S FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.
’’THIS INCIDENT WAS A GREAT TRAGEDY AND A VERY SERIOUS CRIME,” HE SAID. "FOLLOWING POLICE INVESTIGATIONS, A NUMBER OF PERSONS HAVE BEEN ARRESTED FOR THE OFFENCES OF RIOT AND MURDER. WE ARE EXAMINING IN CLOSE CONSULTATION WITH THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE AND THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES ALL THE WIDER RECOMMENDATIONS IN JUSTICE KEMPSTER’S REPORT. IT IS OUR FIRM RESOLVE THAT WE SHOULD DO ALL WE CAN TO ENSURE THAT NO SUCH INCIDENT EVER RECURS,” HE ADDED.
"THIS UNDERLINES ONCE AGAIN HOW DIFFICULT IT IS FOR THOSE IN CHARGE OF RUNNING THE DETENTION CENTRES TO TAKE CARE OF THE 57,000 VIETNAMESE PEOPLE NOW STUCK IN CAMPS HERE; ESPECIALLY HOW DIFFICULT IS THE TASK OF CAMP MANAGEMENTS, BOTH THE POLICE AND THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, WHO HAVE TO SHOULDER THIS BURDEN ON A DAILY BASIS. THE POLICE AND FIRE SERVICES DID A VERY GOOD JOB IN EXTREMELY DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES ON THE NIGHT. FINALLY, AND MOST STARKLY, IT UNDERLINES THE DANGERS OF LEAVING PEOPLE STUCK INDEFINITELY IN CAMPS ANYWHERE. THE SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM CANNOT BE FOUND IN CAMPS, BUT IN RESETTLING GENUINE REFUGEES AND IN GETTING NON-REFUGEES SAFELY BACK TO THEIR OWN HOMES IN VIETNAM,” MR ASPREY SAID.
STATEMENT BY COMMISSIONER OF POLICE ON MR JUSTICE KEMPSTER’S REPORT » ♦ ♦ » »
RESPONDING TO THE PUBLICATION OF MR JUSTICE KEMPSTER’S FINDINGS ON THE TRAGEDY AT SHEK KONG IN EARLY FEBRUARY, THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR LI KWAN-HA SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE ACCEPTED JUSTICE KEMPSTER’S FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.
"THE FINDINGS OF THIS INDEPENDENT ENQUIRY DO NOT CONFLICT WITH THE FINDINGS OF THE DETAILED POLICE INVESTIGATIONS WHICH HAVE ALSO BEEN COMPLETED", HE SAID, "BOTH REPORTS BRING OUT THE EXTREMES OF VIOLENCE WHICH CAN OCCUR SUDDENLY AS WELL AS THE HEAVY RESPONSIBILITY WHICH THE POLICE MANAGEMENT BEAR AT SHEK KONG AND THE OTHER CAMPS UNDER POLICE AUTHORITY. ALL THOSE INVOLVED DID A COMMENDABLE JOB IN VERY DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES IN SEEKING TO ENSURE THAT THOSE IN OUR CHARGE WERE PROPERLY PROTECTED. WE CANNOT RUN THESE CENTRES LIKE PRISONS OR JAILS, BECAUSE THE PEOPLE DETAINED IN THE CENTRES ARE NOT CONVICTS. BUT THE REPORTS MAKE CLEAR THAT THE PRIMARY CONCERN MUST ALWAYS BE THE MAINTENANCE OF LAW AND ORDER IN THE CENTRES FOR THE PROTECTION OF ALL."
"MANY OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS CONTAINED IN THE TWO REPORTS HAVE ALREADY BEEN ACTED UPON OR ARE NOW BEING CONSIDERED. PHYSICAL SECURITY AT SHEK KONG HAS BEEN STRENGTHENED SINCE THE TRAGEDY OCCURRED AND STEPS HAVE BEEN TAKEN TO ENHANCE POLICE COMMAND, COMMUNICATION AND EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT ARRANGEMENTS. THE AIM OF THE POLICE ENQUIRY HAS BEEN TO DO ALL WE CAN TO ENSURE THAT A TRAGEDY SUCH AS THIS NEVER HAPPENS AGAIN," HE SAID.
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/8 ........
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 1992
STATEMENT OF ACTING COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES ON MR JUSTICE KEMPSTER’S REPORT *****
ON RECEIPT OF MR JUSTICE KEMPSTER’S REPORT ON THE SHEK KONG DISTURBANCE AND FIRE, THE ACTING COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR JOHN ASHWORTH, CONFIRMED THAT THE DEPARTMENT WILL LOOK CAREFULLY INTO THE FINDINGS OF THE ENQUIRY AND WILL, IN CONJUNCTION WITH OTHER CONCERNED PARTIES, EXAMINE HOW BEST THE RECOMMENDATIONS CAN BE TAKEN FORWARD.
"FOLLOWING THE SHEK KONG INCIDENT, OUR TOP PRIORITY HAS BEEN TO SATISFY OURSELVES THAT THE EMERGENCY PROCEDURES AND SECURITY SYSTEMS IN CAMPS ARE FUNCTIONING EFFECTIVELY - AND THEY ARE," SAID MR ASHWORTH.
"MR JUSTICE KEMPSTER HAS MADE A NUMBER OF RECOMMENDATIONS IN HIS REPORT AIMED AT STRENGTHENING THE INTERNAL SECURITY INSTALLATIONS AND STREAMLINING THE CONTINGENCY MEASURES IN DETENTION CENTRES. THESE HAVE ALREADY BEEN TAKEN ON BOARD IN CSD CAMPS, AND OUR EFFORTS IN THESE AREAS WILL CONTINUE.
"IN THE LIGHT OF MR JUSTICE KEMPSTER’S RECOMMENDATIONS, WE WILL REVIEW ON A REGULAR BASIS OUR CONTINGENCY PLANS AND THE OVERALL FRAMEWORK WITHIN WHICH WE RUN THE DETENTION CENTRES.
"THE ULTIMATE OBJECTIVE REMAINS TO ENSURE THAT EVERYTHING POSSIBLE IS DONE TO AVOID A REPETITION OF THE SHEK KONG TRAGEDY," SAID MR ASHWORTH.
- - 0 - -
PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE IN JANUARY
*******
THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN JANUARY THIS YEAR DECREASED BY 28%, WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS DECREASED BY 2% AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
TAKING THEM TOGETHER, THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS DECREASED BY 11%. IMPORTS DECREASED BY 8% IN VOLUME.
THE GROWTH IN THE VOLUME OF TRADE IS DERIVED FROM THE GROWTH IN TRADE VALUES WITH THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES HAVING BEEN DISCOUNTED.
AS REGARDS PRICE CHANGES OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS BOTH ROSE BY 2%, WHILE 'THOSE OF IMPORTS ROSE BY 1%.
/AS A
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 1992
- 9 -
AS A RESULT, THE TERMS OF TRADE INDEX (EXPRESSED AS A RATIO OF TOTAL EXPORT PRICE INDEX TO IMPORT PRICE INDEX) INCREASED BY 2%.
PRICE CHANGES ARE REFLECTED BY CHANGES IN UNIT VALUE INDEXES, WHICH ARE COMPILED BASED ON AVERAGE UNIT VALUES OR, FOR CERTAIN COMMODITIES, BASED ON SPECIFIC PRICE DATA.
CAUTION SHOULD BE EXERCISED IN INTERPRETING THE CHANGES IN THE VOLUME OF TRADE IN ANY INDIVIDUAL MONTH IN ISOLATION, IN VIEW OF THE FLUCTUATIONS THAT MAY OCCUR FROM MONTH TO MONTH.
IN PARTICULAR, TRADE FIGURES FOR JANUARY THIS YEAR ARE AFFECTED BY THE TIMING OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS.
, COMPARING THE THREE MONTHS ENDING JANUARY 1992 WITH THE THREE MONTHS ENDING JANUARY 1991, THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECREASED BY 8% WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 19%.
TAKING THEM TOGETHER, THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 9%. THE VOLUME OF IMPORTS GREW BY 10%.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS ROSE BY 1%, WHILE THOSE OF RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 2%. IMPORT PRICES INCREASED BY 1%.
EXTENDING THE PERIOD OF COMPARISON TO THE 12 MONTHS ENDING JANUARY 1992 WITH THE 12 MONTHS ENDING JANUARY 1991, THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECREASED BY 3% WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 23%.
TAKING DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 14%. THE VOLUME OF IMPORTS ROSE BY 15%. OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS, RE-EXPORTS AND IMPORTS ALL INCREASED BY 2%.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY PRINCIPAL COMMODITY GROUP FOR JANUARY 1992 AS COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1991 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF MOST COMMODITY GROUPS DECREASED IN JANUARY 1992 AS COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1991.
THESE INCLUDED FOOTWEAR (-59%); TEXTILE FABRICS (-54%); RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (-48%); TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (-48%); METAL ORES AND SCRAP (-45%); TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (-43%); WATCHES AND CLOCKS (-35%); CLOTHING (-22%); DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (-30%); ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (-25%); AND METAL MANUFACTURES (-15%).
ON THE OTHER HAND, THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES RECORDED AN INCREASE OF 32%.
THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF MOST COMMODITY GROUPS INCREASED IN JANUARY 1992 AS COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1991.
/THESE INCLUDED .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 1992 - 10 -
THESE INCLUDED TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (+6%);
DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (+5%); FOOTWEAR (+4%); METAL MANUFACTURES (+4%); TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (+3%); TEXTILE FABRICS (+3%); CLOTHING (+3%); RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (+1%); AND TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (+1%).
HOWEVER, THE DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES OF WATCHES AND CLOCKS; AND METAL ORES AND SCRAP BOTH DECREASED BY 1%.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY FOR JANUARY 1992 AS COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1991 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 2.
THE IMPORT VOLUME OF FOODSTUFFS DECREASED BY 20% IN JANUARY 1992 AS COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1991.
IN PARTICULAR, SIGNIFICANT DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF SOYA BEAN OIL, PEANUT OIL, VEGETABLE OIL AND LARD; MILK, BUTTER, CHEESE AND EGGS; AND CEREALS AND CEREAL PREPARATIONS (OTHER THAN RICE, WHEAT AND FLOUR).
HOWEVER, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF ANIMALS OF THE BOVINE SPECIES; AND SWINE.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED BY 3%.
COMMODITY ITEMS WITH CONSIDERABLE INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME INCLUDED PASSENGER MOTOR CARS; AND CAMERAS, FLASHLIGHT APPARATUS AND SUPPLIES FOR PHOTOGRAPHY.
HOWEVER, DECREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE NOTED FOR MISCELLANEOUS MADE-UP ARTICLES OF TEXTILE MATERIALS; AND ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES.
THE IMPORT VOLUME OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES DECREASED BY 22% IN JANUARY 1992 AS COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1991.
SIGNIFICANT DECREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE NOTED FOR RAW COTTON; SPECIAL TEXTILE FABRICS FOR INDUSTRIAL PURPOSE; AND SILK FABRICS.
HOWEVER, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF WOOL AND OTHER ANIMAL HAIR; AND YARN OF WOOL AND MIXTURES.
IMPORTS OF FUELS DECREASED BY 9% IN VOLUME IN JANUARY 1992 AS COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1991.
AS REGARDS CAPITAL GOODS, THE IMPORT VOLUME DECREASED BY 1% IN JANUARY 1992 OVER JANUARY 1991.
DECREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE RECORDED IN TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT; AND CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY.
/HOWEVER, INCREASES ........
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 1992
- 11 -
HOWEVER, INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE NOTED FOR TEXTILE MACHINERY; AND OTHER INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY (OTHER THAN TEXTILE MACHINERY AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY).
COMPARING JANUARY 1992 WITH JANUARY 1991, THE IMPORT PRICES OF CONSUMER GOODS, FOODSTUFFS, AND CAPITAL GOODS INCREASED BY 3%, 2% AND 1% RESPECTIVELY.
THE IMPORT PRICES OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES WERE VIRTUALLY UNCHANGED, WHILE THOSE OF FUELS DECREASED BY 27%.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY FOR JANUARY 1992 AS COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1991 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 3.
COMPARING JANUARY 1992 WITH JANUARY 1991, THE VOLUME OF REEXPORTS OF FUELS; CAPITAL GOODS; AND CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED BY 158%, 18% AND 5% RESPECTIVELY.
HOWEVER, THE VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS OF FOODSTUFFS; AND RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES DECREASED BY 43% AND 23% RESPECTIVELY.
THE PRICES OF RE-EXPORTS OF MOST END-USE CATEGORIES INCREASED IN JANUARY 1992 AS COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1991: FOODSTUFFS (+5%); CONSUMER GOODS (+4%); CAPITAL GOODS (+2%) AND RAW MATERIALS AND SEMIMANUFACTURES (+1%). HOWEVER, THE RE-EXPORT PRICES OF FUELS DECREASED BY 31%.
STARTING FROM JANUARY 1992, THE THIRD REVISION OF THE STANDARD INTERNATIONAL TRADE CLASSIFICATION (SITC REV. 3) HAS BEEN ADOPTED IN HONG KONG IN PLACE OF THE SECOND REVISION FOR THE CLASSIFICATION OF TRADE STATISTICS BY COMMODITY.
TO ACHIEVE COMPARABILITY WITH THE JANUARY 1992 TRADE FIGURES, THE ’ COMMODITY TRADE STATISTICS FOR JANUARY 1991 HAVE BEEN RECLASSIFIED ACCORDING TO THE NEW SYSTEM.
DETAILS ARE PUBLISHED IN THE JANUARY 1992 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG TRADE INDEX NUMBERS" WHICH WILL BE ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE AROUND APRIL 15 AT HK$6 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 ON TEL. 842 8802, AND ENQUIRIES ON TRADE INDEXES TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 582 4918.
/TABLE 1 .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 1992
- 12 -
TABLE 1: CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY GROUP PRINCIPAL COMMODITY
COMPARING JANUARY WITH JANUARY 1992 1991
COMMODITY GROUP VALUE % UNIT VALUE % VOLUME %
CLOTHING -19 3 -22
TEXTILE FABRICS -53 3 -54
TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD . -42 1 -43
TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES -45 6 -48
RADIOS OF ALL KINDS -48 1 -48
ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS -25 * -25
FOOTWEAR -57 4 -59
METAL MANUFACTURES -11 4 -15
METAL ORES AND SCRAP -45 -1 -45
WATCHES AND CLOCKS -36 -1 -35
TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES 36 3 32
DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES -27 5 -30
ALL COMMODITIES -26 2 -28
* LESS THAN 0.5%
/TABLE 2 .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 1992
13
TABLE 2: CHANGES IN IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY VOLUME %
END-USE CATEGORY VALUE % COMPARING JANUARY 1992 1991
WITH JANUARY UNIT VALUE %
FOODSTUFFS -19 2 -20
CONSUMER GOODS 6 3 3
RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES -22 * -22
FUELS ‘ -34 -27 -9
CAPITAL GOODS * 1 -1
ALL COMMODITIES -8 1 -8
♦ LESS THAN 0.5 % •
TABLE 3: CHANGES IN RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY
J COMPARING JANUARY 1992 WITH JANUARY 1991
END-USE CATEGORY VALUE % UNIT VALUE % VOLUME %
FOODSTUFFS -40 5 -43
CONSUMER GOODS 9 • 4 5
RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES -23 1 -23
FUELS 79 -31 158
CAPITAL GOODS 21 2 18
ALL COMMODITIES ♦ 2 -2
* LESS THAN 0.5%
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/14 ........
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 1992
- 14 -
REGULATION ON SHIPS REGISTRATION FEES
******
THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (REGISTRATION) (FEES AND CHARGES) (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1992, WHICH CAPS THE FIRST REGISTRATION FEE AT $100,000 AND THE ANNUAL TONNAGE CHARGE AT $180,000 FOR SHIPS JOINING THE AUTONOMOUS HONG KONG SHIPPING REGISTER, WILL COME INTO EFFECT TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE ACTING ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF MARINE (MULTI-LATERAL POLICY), MR LEE PING-KUEN, SAID: "THE REGULATION IS TO REMOVE A DISINCENTIVE TO REGISTRATION IN HONG KONG OF BIG SHIPS ABOVE 30,000 GROSS REGISTERED.TONNAGE (GRT), PARTICULARLY THOSE OVER 60,000 GRT.
"THE FIRST REGISTRATION FEE IS CAPPED AT $100,000 WHICH IS AT ABOUT 30,000 GRT AND THE'ANNUAL TONNAGE CHARGE IS CAPPED AT $180,000 WHICH IS AT ABOUT 70,000 NET REGISTERED TONNAGE.
"THE CAPPING OF REGISTRATION FEE AND ANNUAL TONNAGE CHARGE IS TO BRING THE FEE STRUCTURE MORE INTO LINE WITH OVERSEAS PRACTICES AND TO ENHANCE THE ATTRACTIVENESS OF THE HONG KONG REGISTER TO THE LARGE NUMBER OF NEW BUILDINGS ORDERED BY HONG KONG SHIPOWNERS AS PART OF THEIR CURRENT FLEET REPLACEMENT PROGRAMME.
"THESE NEW BUILDINGS INCLUDE A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF VERY LARGE CRUDE CARRIERS OF OVER 100,000 GRT AND CAPE-SIZE BULK CARRIERS OF OVER 60,000 GRT WHICH ARE SCHEDULED FOR DELIVERY THIS YEAR AND NEXT YEAR," HE SAID.
THE REGULATION WILL BE GAZETTED TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
MR LEE EMPHASISED THAT THE REGISTRATION FEE AND ANNUAL TONNAGE CHARGE OF THE HONG KONG SHIPPING REGISTER WERE COMPETITIVE WITH OTHER RESPECTED SHIPPING REGISTERS IN THE WORLD.
"THE FEES REFLECT THE QUALITY OF REGISTRATION AND PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT PROVIDED FOR SHIPOWNERS BOTH IN HONG KONG AND OVERSEAS.
"THE HONG KONG SHIPPING REGISTER IS A QUALITY REGISTER WITH NO COMPROMISE ON SAFETY, POLLUTION PREVENTION AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS STIPULATED IN THE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANISATION AND INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION CONVENTIONS," MR LEE SAID.
AS AT MARCH 31 THIS YEAR, THERE WERE 604 SHIPS ON THE HONG KONG SHIPPING REGISTER, OF WHICH 48 WERE OVER 60,000 GRT AND 89 WERE OVER 30,000 GRT.
THIRTY-FOUR SHIPS OF OVER 30,000 GRT, INCLUDING 15 SHIPS OF OVER 60,000 GRT, HAVE JOINED THE AUTONOMOUS HONG KONG SHIPPING REGISTER SINCE IT WAS ESTABLISHED ON DECEMBER 3, 1990.
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/15 .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 1992
- 15 -
$67M CONTRACT FOR SEWAGE SCHEME AWARDED ******
THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY (.THURSDAY) AWARDED A $67 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE STANLEY SEWERAGE AND SEWAGE DISPOSAL SCHEME.
THE SCHEME IS AIMED AT PROVIDING A COMPREHENSIVE SEWAGE SYSTEM TO IMPROVE THE EXISTING SEWERS AND PROVIDING PROPER SEWAGE DISPOSAL FACILITIES FOR THE DEVELOPMENTS IN STANLEY AREA AT HONG KONG ISLAND SOUTH.
THE CONTRACT INVOLVES THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT FOR THE STANLEY SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT, STANLEY MAIN PUMPING STATION AND FIVE SUBSIDIARY PUMPING STATIONS PROPOSED UNDER THE SCHEME.
WORKS ON THE CONTRACT WILL START THIS MONTH AND BE COMPLETED IN EARLY 1994.
THE STANLEY SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT IS A SECONDARY TREATMENT PLANT USING EXTENDED AERATION PROCESS AND WILL BE CONSTRUCTED INSIDE A ROCK CAVERN AT A SITE ADJACENT TO STANLEY PRISON.
THIS IS THE FIRST UNDERGROUND SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT IN SOUTHEAST ASIA WITH A DESIGNED CAPACITY OF TREATING A MAXIMUM SEWAGE FLOW OF 34,700 CUBIC METRES PER DAY. I
THE PLANT WILL BE HOUSED IN FOUR PRINCIPAL CAVERNS, IN LENGTHS UP TO ABOUT 120 METRES LONG WITH THE LARGEST ONE COMPARABLE IN SIZE TO THE CENTRAL MTR STATION.
UNDER THE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SCHEME, ALL SEWERS GENERATED WITHIN THE CATCHMENT OF STANLEY, CHUNG HOM KOK AND TAI TAM WILL BE COLLECTED INTO THE MAIN PUMPING STATION AND PUMPED TO THE SECONDARY TREATMENT PLANT FOR FULL BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT PRIOR TO DISINFECTION.
THE TREATED EFFLUENT FROM THE TREATMENT PLANT WOULD THEN BE DISCHARGED VIA A 600-MILLIMETRE DIAMETER SUBMARINE OUTFALL ABOUT TWO KILOMETRES LONG OFF TWEED BAY CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN A SEPARATE CONTRACT.
THE CONTRACT WAS SIGNED TODAY BY AN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF DRAINAGE SERVICES, MR FRANKLIN HO, ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT WITH THE CONTRACTOR, JARDINE ENGINEERING CORPORATION LTD.
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/16 .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 1992
- 16 -
PART OF BUILDING IN YAU MA TEI DECLARED DANGEROUS ******
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY HAS DECLARED THE FIRST FLOOR OF THE NINE-STOREY BUILDING AT 9-13 PITT STREET, YAU MA TEI, KOWLOON TO BE DANGEROUS.
IN A STATEMENT ISSUED TODAY (THURSDAY), THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR (PGBS) SAID A NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDER ON MARCH 31 IN RESPECT OF THE FIRST TO EIGHTH FLOORS OF THE BUILDING HAD BEEN POSTED ON FEBRUARY 18.
THIS CAME AFTER STAFF OF THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE FOUND THAT CERTAIN UNAPPROVED ALTERATIONS HAD OCCURRED TO THE COMMON CORRIDORS CONNECTING THE STAIRCASES AND JEOPARDISING THE SAFETY OF THE OCCUPANTS IN CASE OF FIRE AND pTHER EMERGENCY.
SUBSEQUENTLY, OWNERS OF THE SECOND TO EIGHTH FLOORS CARRIED OUT AND COMPLETED WORKS TO REINSTATE THE ORIGINALLY APPROVED ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEANS OF ESCAPE.
HENCE, THE BUILDING AUTHORITY DID NOT PROCEED WITH THE APPLICATION FOR THE CLOSURE ORDER FOR ALL THE FLOORS ABOVE THE GROUND FLOOR AS EARLIER SCHEDULED ON MARCH 31.
HOWEVER, HE SAID THE FIRST FLOOR REMAINED IN A DANGEROUS STATE DUE TO THE UNAPPROVED ALTERATIONS TO THE COMMON CORRIDOR WHICH FORMED THE MEANS OF ESCAPE FROM THIS PORTION OF THE BUILDING.
THE PGBS SAID IN THIS CONTEXT, THE FIRST FLOOR OF THE BUILDING SHOULD BE CLOSED UNTIL THE ORIGINALLY APPROVED ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEANS OF ESCAPE HAD BEEN REINSTATED.
MEANWHILE, THE OWNERS HAVE BEEN ORDERED TO CARRY OUT THE NECESSARY REINSTATEMENT WORKS.
THE NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON APRIL 28 WAS POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY.
------0-------
DANGEROUS OPENINGS ON SITES MUST BE COVERED
*****
BUILDING CONTRACTORS MUST ENSURE THAT SUITABLE GUARD-RAILS OR COVERINGS ARE PROVIDED AT ALL DANGEROUS FLOOR EDGES OR OPENINGS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES TO PREVENT WORKERS FALLING FROM A HEIGHT.
A BUILDING CONTRACTOR, E MAN CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LTD, WAS RECENTLY FINED $40,000 BY A MAGISTRATE FOR FAILING TO PROVIDE A FIXED COVERING TO A FLOOR OPENING ON A BUILDING UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN TAI PO.
/•'UNDER THE..........
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 1992
17
"UNDER THE CONSTRUCTION SITES (SAFETY) REGULATIONS, EVERY OPENING, CORNER, BREAK, EDGE OR OTHER DANGEROUS PLACES FROM WHICH A PERSON MAY FALL MUST BE PROVIDED WITH SUITABLE GUARD-RAILS OR FIXED COVERINGS," CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR CHAN TAT-KING OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
"ANY CONTRACTOR BREAKING THE PROVISIONS WILL BE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $50,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR 12 MONTHS," INSPECTOR CHAN NOTED.
HE POINTED OUT THAT FALL OF PERSONS FROM A HEIGHT WAS A COMMON CAUSE OF ACCIDENTS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES, RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURIES OR DEATH OF WORKERS.'
"IN 1991, THE DEPARTMENT SUCCESSFULLY PROSECUTED 388 EMPLOYERS FOR FAILURE TO PROVIDE FENCES OR COVERINGS TO FLOOR EDGES, EXCAVATIONS, OPENINGS AND OTHER DANGEROUS PLACES ON SITE TO PREVENT THE FALL OF PERSONS," HE NOTED.
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AUTHORITY MEETS INTERESTED PARTIES ON TV REVIEW *****
THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY HAS MET THE EXISTING TELEVISION BROADCASTERS AND THE PARTIES INTERESTED IN PROVIDING SUBSCRIPTION TELEVISION IN HONG KONG.
CHAIRMAN OF THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY, SIR ROGER LOBO, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY AND THE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS CONCERNED HAD HELD MEETINGS WITH TVB, ATV, MILLISAT, WHARF CABLE AND STAR TV INDIVIDUALLY TO DISCUSS THEIR SUBMISSIONS ON THE TELEVISION BROADCASTING REVIEW.
"THE MEETINGS WERE VERY USEFUL IN CLARIFYING THE POINTS MADE IN THEIR SUBMISSIONS," SIR ROGER SAID.
THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY HAD ALSO MET AND EXCHANGED VIEWS WITH THE CONSULTANT, KPMG PEAT MARWICK MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS LTD, WHICH WAS COMMISSIONED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO HELP IN CONDUCTING THE REVIEW.
THE REVIEW SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF JUNE WHEN RECOMMENDATIONS WOULD BE MADE TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ON THE LICENSING FRAMEWORK FOR SUBSCRIPTION TELEVISION.
THESE RECOMMENDATIONS WILL TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE INTERFACE BETWEEN WIRELESS TELEVISION, SATELLITE TELEVISION AND SUBSCRIPTION TELEVISION AS WELL AS THE GENERAL ENVIRONMENT OF THE TELEVISION BROADCASTING INDUSTRY.
"THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY IS ACTIVELY PARTICIPATING IN THE REVIEW AND WILL CONSIDER THE SUBMISSIONS CAREFULLY," SIR ROGER SAID.
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/18 .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 1992
18
DB BY-ELECTION ON MAY 24 *****
A DISTRICT BOARD BY-ELECTION WILL BE HELD ON MAY 24 (SUNDAY) IN THE PAR TIN CONSTITUENCY OF SHAM SHUT PO.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (THURSDAY), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SAID A DECLARATION OF VACATION OF OFFICE BY MR CHENG HOK-CHIT HAD BEEN MADE BY THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN AND WOULD BE, PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TOMORROW.
HE SAID NOMINATIONS WOULD BE CALLED BETWEEN APRIL 21 AND MAY 4 AND NOMINATION FORMS WOULD BE AVAILABLE FROM MONDAY (APRIL 13) AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES AND THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE (REO), HARBOUR CENTRE, 10TH FLOOR, 25 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
CANDIDATES MUST BE REGISTERED ELECTORS AND HAVE BEEN ORDINARILY RESIDENT IN HONG KONG FOR THE 10 YEARS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE NOMINATION.
A CANDIDATE CAN BE A RESIDENT ANYWHERE IN HONG KONG, BUT HIS NOMINATION PAPER MAY ONLY BE SUBSCRIBED BY REGISTERED ELECTORS IN THE PAK TIN CONSTITUENCY.
EACH NOMINATION REQUIRES 10 SUBSCRIBERS AND EACH SUBSCRIBER MAY GIVE SUPPORT TO ONLY ONE CANDIDATE.
THE PAK TIN CONSTITUENCY, COMPRISING MAINLY THE. PAK TIN .ESTATE AND THE TAI WO PING AREA, HAS A REGISTERED ELECTORATE OF 12,514.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE BY-ELECTION WOULD BE HELD UNLESS THE SEAT WAS UNCONTESTED.
ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE TO THE REO ON TEL. 827 1122.
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it ! ‘ i • !
POSTAL SERVICES TO KUWAIT HAVE RESUMED # * t ♦ *
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR DOMINIC S.W. WONG, ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT WITH THE EXCEPTION OF SURFACE MAIL, ALL POSTAL SERVICES TO KUWAIT HAD RESUMED.
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/19........
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 1992
19
PLANNING SURVEY ON TUEN MUN FACILITIES
*****
THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT HAS COMMISSIONED A SURVEY IN SAN HING TSUEN, TUEN MUN TO GAUGE LOCAL RESIDENTS’ VIEWS ON THE PHYSICAL IMPROVEMENT WORKS CURRENTLY UNDERTAKEN UNDER A PILOT SCHEME THERE.
APPEALING FOR CO-OPERATION FROM RESIDENTS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) SAID THE INFORMATION OBTAINED WOULD HELP THE GOVERNMENT’S FUTURE PLANNING IN UPGRADING INDUSTRIAL AND RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS IN THE RURAL AREA.
THE SURVEY WILL BE CONDUCTED BY A PRIVATE MARKET RESEARCH COMPANY FROM THIS MONTH TO JUNE.
INDUSTRIAL OPERATORS AND RESIDENTS IN THE SAN HING TSUEN PILOT SCHEME PROJECTS AREA WILL BE INTERVIEWED.
THEY WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THE SURVEY BY THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE THROUGH THE VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVE.
DURING THE SURVEY, RESEARCH INTERVIEWERS WITH PRE-SET QUESTIONNAIRES WILL VISIT SENIOR DECISION-MAKERS OF INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS AND HEADS OF HOUSEHOLDS IN THE AREA. AN INTERVIEW WILL LAST 20 TO 30 MINUTES.
INFORMATION COLLECTED WILL BE KEPT STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL.
"ALL INFORMATION GATHERED WILL BE REPORTED IN AGGREGATE ONLY. NO DATA OF INDIVIDUAL INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENT OR HOUSEHOLD WOULD BE IDENTIFIED," HE SAID.
- - 0 - -
UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS TO BE CLOSED
*****
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE THE UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS ON A BUILDING IN SHAM SHUI PO SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS AND THE PUBLIC.
THE UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES ARE LOCATED ON THE ROOF OVER FLAT C ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF CANAAN BUILDING, 200 TUNG CHAU STREET.
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON JUNE 25 WAS POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY (THURSDAY).
DEMOLITION WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START AS SOON AS THE CLOSURE ORDER IS ISSUED.
- - 0 - -
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 1992
- 20 -
SEMINAR ON USE OF COMPUTERS IN EDUCATION FOR DISABLED
******
TWO CANADIAN EXPERTS WILL HOLD A ONE-DAY SEMINAR ON CURRENT TRENDS AND IDEAS IN THE USE OF COMPUTERS FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS.
THE TWO VISITORS ARE THE PROVINCIAL CO-ORDINATOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY IN BRITISH COLUMBIA, MR ROBERT M. BARTLETT, AND ' THE INNOVATION MANAGER OF THE SAME ORGANISATION, MR JOHN M. DRESCHER.
ATTENDING THE APRIL 15 SEMINAR WILL BE STAFF OF SPECIAL SCHOOLS AND INSPECTORS AND LECTURERS OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
THE COMPUTER EDUCATION SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT WILL ALSO ORGANISE A WORKSHOP ON THE USE OF ADAPTIVE EQUIPMENT - SWITCHES AND ADAPTED KEYBOARD - FOR TEACHERS OF SPECIAL SCHOOLS IN JUNE.
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EXAM FOR MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGIST ♦ * * * »
THE MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGISTS BOARD ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT PERSONS WHO WISH TO BE REGISTERED AS A PART II MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGIST BUT WHO DO NOT HOLD QUALIFICATIONS REGISTRABLE WITH THE BOARD MAY STILL APPLY TO SIT FOR THE PART II REGISTRATION EXAMINATION TO BE HELD ON JUNE 4.
LATE APPLICATIONS MAY STILL BE CONSIDERED PROVIDED THAT THESE ARE RECEIVED BY THE BOARD SECRETARIAT ON OR BEFORE APRIL 24.
A PRE-REQUISITE FOR ADMISSION TO THIS EXAMINATION IS THAT THE APPLICANT SHOULD HAVE COMPLETED A COURSE RELATED TO MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE RECOGNISED BY THE BOARD.
HOWEVER, THOSE WHO FAILED IN THE PART III EXAMINATION FOR PROVISIONAL REGISTRATION HELD ON OCTOBER 31 LAST YEAR ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO SIT FOR THIS EXAMINATION.
APPLICATION FORMS AND THE ’’GUIDE TO APPLICANTS" CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE BOARD SECRETARIAT IN PERSON OR BY WRITTEN REQUEST.
THE ADDRESS OF THE BOARD SECRETARIAT IS MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGISTS BOARD, SIXTH FLOOR, SUNNING PLAZA, 10 HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG. ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE ON TEL. 890 0843 AND 890 0514.
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/21 .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 1992
- 21 -
f HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 8.4.92 700
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 9.4.92 -213
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING +213
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON +300 «
* O/N ASSISTANCE TO BE REVERSED ON 10.4.92
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 112.5 *+0.2* 9.4.92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS TERMS YIELD TERM HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS YIELD
ISSUE COUPON PRICE
1 WEEK 3.85 PCT 20 MONTHS 2311 6.25 101.56 5.29
1 MONTH 3.82 PCT 23 MONTHS 2402 5.50 99.55 5.84
3 MONTHS 3.80 PCT
6 MONTHS 3.92 PCT
12 MONTHS 4.43 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 12,752 MN
CLOSED 9 APRIL 1992
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NO FAVOURITISM IN AWARD OF ACP CONTRACTS ..................... 1
ANALYSIS OF HK'S RE-EXPORT TRADE IN 1991 BY MARKET AND BY COUNTRY OF
ORIGIN ..................................................... 2
LAND RESUMPTION FOR LDC REDEVELOPMENT IN CENTRAL ............. 7
LAND TO BE RESUMED FOR TUNG CHUNG PROJECT .................... 8
WORKS FCR WEST KOWLOON EXPRESSWAY PROPOSED ................... 8
OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES BILL GAZETTED ................ 9
328 LOCAL WORKERS PLACED IN JOBS ............................. 12
SALE OF GOVT SURPLUS FLATS BY PROPERTY AGENTS ................ 13
SHEK KONG VIETS CLEARED TO LEAVE HONG KONG ................... 14
BILL TO BAN ADVERTISING VEHICLES GAZETTED..................... 14
STRICTER CONTROL OVER MARINE FISH TRANSPORTATION ............. 15
NEW FIRE STATION FOR KWAI CHUNG............................... 16
TENDERS INVITED FOR PARK WORKS IN TSUEN WAN .................. 16
TENDERS INVITED FOR PUMPING STATION WORKS .................... 17
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ... 18
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 1992
1
NO FAVOURITISM IN AWARD OF ACP CONTRACTS
*****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALWAYS MAINTAINED A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD APPROACH ON TENDERING PROCEDURES AND THE AWARD OF CONTRACTS, THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
"THIS HAS BEEN DONE IN A FAIR AND PRESCRIBED MANNER, AND THE STANDARDS ARE BEING RIGOROUSLY MAINTAINED ON AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME (ACP) CONSULTANCY AND WORKS CONTRACTS," MR BLAKE SAID IN A STATEMENT TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AD HOC GROUP FORMED TO STUDY THE FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE NEW AIRPORT AND RELATED PROJECTS.
HE SAID NO FAVOURITISM WAS SHOWN AND NO COUNTRY WAS GIVEN PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT, NOR WAS ANY RESTRICTION IMPOSED ON GROUNDS OF NATIONALITY.
THIS APPROACH STEMMED FROM THE BASIC PRINCIPLE OF FAIR AND OPEN COMPETITION, WHICH. WAS FUNDAMENTAL TO HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC SUCCESS.
MR BLAKE SAID THE PROCEDURES OF THE CENTRAL TENDER BOARD AND THE ENGINEERING AND ASSOCIATED CONSULTANTS SELECTION BOARD WERE WELL ESTABLISHED AND HAD BEEN PROVED TO BE FAIR IN OPERATION.
THEY HAD ALSO BEEN VETTED, AND WERE CONSTANTLY MONITORED, BY THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION.
IN PROVIDING A LIST OF ACP CONSULTANCIES AWARDED SO FAR, MR BLAKE EXPLAINED THAT THE LETTERS HK IN FRONT OF THE COUNTRY OF ORIGIN, FOR EXAMPLE HK(UK) INDICATED THAT THE FIRM HAD BEEN SET UP IN HONG KONG FOR FIVE YEARS OR MORE.
THE 37 ACP CONSULTANCIES AWARDED SO FAR COMPRISED:
HK(UK) 14
UK 4
USA 4
HK 4
NETHERLANDS 1
JAPAN 1
MULTINATIONAL JOINT VENTURES (9)
HK(UK)/HK(USA) 5
HK/USA 1
HK/UK 1
HK/NETHERLANDS/AUSTRALIA/UK 1
HK/UK/USA/AUSTRALIA 1
MR BLAKE SAID: "THE HK(UK) TOTAL IS LARGER THAN THE REST AND INCLUDES MANY BRITISH-ORIGINATED NAMES, BECAUSE A LARGE NUMBER OF UK CONSULTANTS HAVE SET UP FIRMS HERE OVER THE YEARS.
"IT IS THESE HONG KONG OFFSHOOTS WHICH HAVE WON THE CONTRACTS, NOT BUSINESSES BASED IN THE UK. MANY HAVE BEEN HERE FOR A CONSIDERABLE NUMBER OF YEARS — SOME FOR AS LONG AS 40 YEARS OR MORE.
/"THEY ARE .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 1992
2
’’THEY ARE LOCAL PARTNERSHIPS WITH PARTNERS FROM MANY COUNTRIES, INCLUDING MANY HONG KONG PROFESSIONALS. MANY HAVE A HIGH PERCENTAGE OF LOCAL STAFF — SOME AS HIGH AS 70 PER CENT OR MORE, INCLUDING PROFESSIONALS.”
ON WORKS CONTRACTS, MR BLAKE SAID ONLY TWO AWARDS OUT OF A TOTAL OF 26 HAD GONE TO UK COMPANIES, AND THESE HAD BEEN FOR VERY SMALL SITE INVESTIGATION CONTRACTS.
THE 26 CONTRACTS INCLUDED 15 SITE INVESTIGATIONS VALUED BETWEEN $1.2 MILLION AND $38.2 MILLION, AND 11 CIVIL ENGINEERING WORKS CONTRACTS VALUED BETWEEN $4,19 MILLION AND $1,553.9 MILLION.
THE SUCCESSFUL FIRMS COMPRISED:
HK 15
UK 2
FRANCE 4
CHINA k 1
MULTINATIONAL JOINT VENTURES (4)
JAPAN/NETHERLANDS 2
HK/FRANCE 1
HK/NETHERLANDS 1
’’THE STRONG PRESENCE OF THE BRITISH-ORIGINATED NAMES IN THE CONSULTANCIES HAS NOT GIVEN ANY ADVANTAGE TO UK COMPANIES IN BIDDING FOR WORKS CONTRACTS WHICH HAVE ALREADY BEEN AWARDED, NOR WILL IT DO SO ON CONTRACTS TO BE LET IN THE FUTURE.
’’THE SELECTION OF CONTRACTORS, WHETHER LOCAL OR MULTINATIONAL, IS STRICTLY BASED ON THE EXTENT TO WHICH THEY CAN MEET THE GOVERNMENT’S REQUIREMENTS,” MR BLAKE SAID.
- 0 - -
ANALYSIS OF HK’S RE-EXPORT TRADE IN 1991 BY MARKET AND BY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
******
HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS AMOUNTED TO $534,841 MILLION IN 1991,
WHICH REPRESENTED A GROWTH OF 29% IN VALUE AS COMPARED WITH 1990.
THIS IS ACCORDING TO THE SUMMARY STATISTICS ON HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS IN 1991 ANALYSED BY MARKET AND BY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN RELEASED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY).
RE-EXPORTS BY MARKET
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAJOR MARKETS ARE GIVEN IN TABLE 1.
/CHINA AND
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 1992
- 3 -
CHINA AND THE USA, THE TWO LARGEST MARKETS FOR HONG KONG’S REEXPORTS, ACCOUNTED FOR 29% AND 21% RESPECTIVELY OF THE TOTAL VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS IN 1991. THE SHARES OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, JAPAN AND TAIWAN WERE 6%, 6% AND 5% RESPECTIVELY.
COMPARING 1991 WITH 1990, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO MOST OF THE MAJOR MARKETS INCREASED, WITH THE MORE SIGNIFICANT INCREASES RECORDED IN FRANCE (+41%), CHINA (+38%), THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY (+37%), CANADA (+30%), THE USA (+26%), JAPAN (+21%), AND THE UNITED KINGDOM (+21%).
THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO TAIWAN AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA ALSO INCREASED, BY 17% AND 12% RESPECTIVELY WHEREAS THAT TO SINGAPORE DECREASED BY 4%.
RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY BY $42,410 MILLION OR 38% IN 1991 AS COMPARED WITH 1990.
ANALYSED BY COMMODITY FOR THIS MARKET, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN RE-EXPORT VALUE WERE RECORDED IN TEXTILES (BY $7,569 MILLION OR 27%); ARTIFICIAL RESINS AND PLASTIC MATERIALS, AND CELLULOSE ESTERS AND ETHERS (BY $5,404 MILLION OR 70%) AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $3,140 MILLION OR 38%) .
HOWEVER, DECREASE WERE RECORDED IN TOBACCO AND TOBACCO MANUFACTURES (BY $598 MILLION OR 35%); AND CORK AND WOOD MANUFACTURES (BY $243 MILLION OR 14%). j IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT A SIGNIFICANT PROPORTION OF HONG KONG’S EXPORTS TO CHINA (INCLUDING RE-EXPORTS AND DOMESTIC EXPORTS) ARE RELATED TO OUTWARD PROCESSING, AS RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURED GOODS ARE EXPORTED TO CHINA FOR PROCESSING AND THE FINAL PRODUCTS ARE SUBSEQUENTLY RETURNED TO HONG KONG.
RE-EXPORTS TO THE USA IN 1991 INCREASED BY $23,050 MILLION OR 26% OVER 1990.
COMMODITIES WITH SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN RE-EXPORT VALUE TO THIS MARKET INCLUDED FOOTWEAR (BY $6,053 MILLION OR 67%); MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $5,410 MILLION OR 22%) AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $3,036 MILLION OR 35%).
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN FISH, CRUSTACEANS AND MOLLUSCS, AND PREPARATIONS THEREOF (BY $172 MILLION OR 20%) AND METALLIFEROUS ORES AND METAL SCRAP (BY $31 MILLION OR 51%).
COMPARING WITH 1990, RE-EXPORTS TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY IN 1991 INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY BY $8,667 MILLION OR 37%.
/SIGNIFICANT INCREASES .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 1992
SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN RE-EXPORT VALUE WERE REGISTERED FOR CLOTHING (BY $3,465 MILLION OR 54%); AND MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $1,516 MILLION OR 35%).
HOWEVER, A DECREASE WAS RECORDED IN TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $1,016 MILLION OR 21%).
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, RE-EXPORTS TO JAPAN RECORDED AN INCREASE OF $5,198 MILLION OR 21%.
SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN RE-EXPORT VALUE WERE REGISTERED FOR CLOTHING (BY $1,101 MILLION OR 18%); AND MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $768 MILLION OR 29%). /
HOWEVER, A DECREASE WAS RECORDED IN FISH, CRUSTACEANS AND MOLLUSCS, AND PREPARATIONS THEREOF (BY $379 MILLION OR 27%).
RE-EXPORTS TO TAIWAN IN 1991 GREW BY $3,518 MILLION OR 17% OVER 1990.
THE RE-EXPORT VALUE OF TOBACCO AND TOBACCO MANUFACTURES INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY BY $1,692 MILLION OR 48% IN 1991 AS COMPARED WITH 1990 WHEREAS THAT OF TEXTILES ALSO RECORDED AN INCREASE OF $499 MILLION OR 58%.
A DECREASE WAS HOWEVER REGISTERED FOR ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $917 MILLION OR 14%).
RE-EXPORTS BY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
RE-EXPORTS FROM THE 10 MAJOR COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN ARE GIVEN IN TABLE 2.
GOODS FROM CHINA, JAPAN, TAIWAN, THE USA AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA CONTRIBUTED 59%, 11%, 8%, 5% AND 3% RESPECTIVELY TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS THROUGH HONG KONG IN 1991.
COMPARING 1991 WITH 1990, RE-EXPORTS FROM MOST OF THE MAJOR ORIGIN COUNTRIES REGISTERED INCREASES IN VALUE, PARTICULARLY FOR TAIWAN (+38%), JAPAN (+35%) AND CHINA (+31%).
CHINA CONTINUED TO BE THE LARGEST SOURCE OF HONG KONG’S REEXPORTS IN 1991. A GROWTH OF 31% IN VALUE OR $75,279 MILLION OVER 1990 WAS RECORDED IN THE RE-EXPORTS ORIGINATING IN CHINA.
AMONGST GOODS ORIGINATING IN CHINA, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN RE-EXPORT VALUE WERE RECORDED IN CLOTHING (BY $15,596 MILLION OR 34%); MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $13,788 MILLION OR 28%) AND FOOTWEAR (BY $9,670 MILLION OR 71%).
/HOWEVER, DECREASES ........
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 1992
5
HOWEVER, DECREASES IN RE-EXPORT VALUE WERE RECORDED IN FISH, CRUSTACEANS AND MOLLUSCS, AND PREPARATIONS THEREOF (BY $660 MILLION OR 26%); AND NON-FERROUS METALS (BY $329 MILLION OR 28%).
JAPAN REMAINED THE SECOND LARGEST SOURCE OF HONG KONG’S REEXPORTS IN 1991. COMPARED WITH 1990, THERE WAS AN INCREASE OF $14,935 MILLION OR 35% IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS ORIGINATING IN JAPAN.
SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN RE-EXPORT VALUE WERE REGISTERED IN PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES AND OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $2,750 MILLION OR 55%); ROAD VEHICLES, INCLUDING AIR CUSHION VEHICLES (BY $2,066 MILLION OR 77%) AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $1,719 MILLION OR 24%).
DECREASES IN RE-EXPORT VALUE WERE RECORDED IN FEEDING STUFF FOR ANIMALS, NOT INCLUDING UNMILLED CEREALS, (BY $16 MILLION OR 16%); AND FURNITURE AND PARTS THEREOF (BY $7 MILLION OR 18%).
RE-EXPORTS ORIGINATING IN TAIWAN INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY BY $11,410 MILLION OR 38% IN VALUE TERMS IN 1991 OVER 1990, PARTICULARLY THOSE OF TEXTILES (BY $3,870 MILLION OR 35%); AND ARTIFICIAL RESINS AND PLASTIC MATERIALS, AND CELLULOSE ESTERS AND ETHERS (BY $1,772 MILLION OR 69%).
HOWEVER, A DECREASE IN RE-EXPORT VALUE WAS RECORDED IN CRUDE ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE MATERIALS (BY $25 MILLION OR 21%).
RE-EXPORTS ORIGINATING IN THE USA INCREASED BY $2,101 MILLION OR 9%. ARTIFICIAL RESINS AND PLASTIC MATERIALS, AND CELLULOSE ESTERS AND ETHERS WERE ALSO AMONGST THOSE COMMODITIES WITH SIGNIFICANT INCREASE (BY $934 MILLION OR 65%).
TEXTILE FIBRES AND THEIR WASTES RECORDED A VERY SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE ($451 MILLION) FROM THE PREVIOUS LEVEL WHICH WAS RATHER LOW. THE VALUE IN 1991 WAS ALMOST FOURTEEN TIMES THAT IN 1990.
HOWEVER, A DECREASE IN RE-EXPORT VALUE WAS RECORDED IN ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $1,405 MILLION OR 26%).
RE-EXPORTS ORIGINATING IN THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA INCREASED BY $3,409 MILLION OR 29%, PARTICULARLY THOSE OF TEXTILE YARN (BY $1,418 MILLION OR 34%) AND ARTIFICIAL RESINS AND PLASTIC MATERIALS, AND CELLULOSE ESTERS AND ETHERS (BY $703 MILLION OR 154%).
HOWEVER, A DECREASE IN RE-EXPORT VALUE WAS RECORDED IN TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $216 MILLION OR 22%).
/FURTHER DETAILS
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 1992
- 6 -
FURTHER DETAILS REGARDING THE ABOVE RE-EXPORT STATISTICS ARE PUBLISHED IN THE "HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE, DECEMBER 1991" NOW AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL AT $33.5 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 582 4915.
TABLE 1 : RE-EXPORTS TO 10 MAJOR MARKETS
JAN-DEC JAN-DEC INCREASE/ PERCENTAGE
MAJOR MARKET 1991 1990 DECREASE CHANGE
(HKD'MN.) (HKD MN.) (HKD MN.) ( % )
CHINA 153,318 110,908 +42,410 + 38
USA 110,802 87,753 +23,050 + 26
F.R.OF GERMANY 32,073 23,406 + 8,667 + 37
JAPAN 29,574 24,376 + 5,198 + 21
TAIWAN 24,765 21,248 + 3,518 + 17
UNITED KINGDOM 14,663 12,107 + 2,556 + 21
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 14,631 13,011 + 1,620 + 12
SINGAPORE 12,094 12,573 479 - 4
FRANCE 9,038 6,415 + 2,623 + 41
CANADA 8,498 6,527 + 1,970 + 30
TABLE 2 : RE-EXPORTS FROM 10 MAJOR COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN JAN-DEC 1991 (HKD MN.) JAN-DEC 1990 (HKD MN.) INCREASE/ DECREASE (HKD MN.) PERCENTAGE CHANGE ( % )
CHINA 315,689 240,410 +75,279 + 31
JAPAN 57,215 42,280 +14,935 + 35
TAIWAN 41,693 30,283 +11,410 + 38
USA 26,591 24,490 + 2,101 + 9
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 15,019 11,610 + 3,409 + 29
F.R.OF GERMANY 6,805 5,511 + 1,294 + 23
SINGAPORE 6,202 4,711 + 1,492 + 32
UNITED KINGDOM 5,813 4,645 + 1,168 + 25
SWITZERLAND 5,523 4,668 + 855 + 18
FRANCE 5,307 4,531 + 776 + 17
--------0-----------
/7........
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 1992
7
LAND RESUMPTION FOR LDC REDEVELOPMENT IN CENTRAL *****
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED THE RESUMPTION OF LAND AT WING LOK STREET/QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG UNDER THE CROWN LANDS RESUMPTION ORDINANCE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A REDEVELOPMENT SCHEME BY THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION.
NOTICES OF RESUMPTION ARE CONTAINED IN TODAY’S GAZETTE.
THE PROPOSED REDEVELOPMENT CONSISTS OF TWO COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS - ONE TOWER BLOCK AND ONE LOW BLOCK - WHICH WILL BE SEPARATED BY AN 1,800-SQUARE-METRE LANDSCAPED OPEN SPACE FOR PUBLIC USE.
INSIDE THE BLOCKS, 85,000 SQUARE METRES OF OFFICE SPACE, A 2,000-SQUARE-METRE MARKET AND 3,000 SQUARE METRES OF SHOPS AND OTHER FACILITIES WILL BE PROVIDED.
SCHEDULED TO BE COMPLETED IN 1996, THE SCHEME WILL UNDOUBTEDLY BRING ABOUT SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AND PROVIDE UPGRADED FACILITIES FOR THE SURROUNDING AREA.
IN RECOMMENDING RESUMPTION, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS CONFIRMED THAT HE WAS SATISFIED THAT THE CORPORATION HAD TAKEN ALL REASONABLE STEPS TO ACQUIRE THESE INTERESTS ON TERMS THAT WERE FAIR AND REASONABLE, AS REQUIRED BY THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION ORDINANCE.
REVISED OFFERS TAKING ACCOUNT OF CHANGES IN MARKET VALUES HAVE BEEN MADE AT VARIOUS TIMES, MOST RECENTLY ON FEBRUARY 10.
A TOTAL OF 36 LOTS IN WING LOK STREET, WING SING STREET, KWONG YUEN STREET EAST, KWONG YUEN STREET WEST AND BONHAM STRAND ARE AFFECTED BY THE RESUMPTION AND WILL REVERT TO THE GOVERNMENT FOLLOWING THE EXPIRATION OF THE RESUMPTION NOTICE THREE MONTHS FROM TODAY.
SOME 100 DOMESTIC OCCUPIERS ARE AFFECTED BY THE PROJECT AND ELIGIBLE OCCUPIERS WILL BE OFFERED CASH COMPENSATION OR APPROPRIATE REHOUSING BY THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION.
REHOUSING WILL BE IN PROPERTIES ALREADY PURCHASED BY THE CORPORATION IN HONG KONG AND KOWLOON.
GENUINE DOMESTIC PROPERTY OWNERS, APART FROM THEIR ENTITLEMENT TO STATUTORY COMPENSATION, WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR A HOME PURCHASE ALLOWANCE.
OWNERS AND TENANTS AFFECTED BY THE RESUMPTION MAY MAKE STATUTORY CLAIMS UNDER THE CROWN LANDS RESUMPTION ORDINANCE AND, IF THE CLAIMS CANNOT BE SETTLED BY AGREEMENT, MAY APPLY TO THE LANDS TRIBUNAL FOR ADJUDICATION.
ELDERLY SINGLETONS AND DOUBLETONS WILL BE OFFERED ACCOMMODATION IN CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY TO BE PROVIDED BY THE CORPORATION AND RUN BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
/OTHER SINGLETONS .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 1992
8
OTHER SINGLETONS AND DOUBLETONS NOT ACCEPTING CASH COMPENSATION MAY BE OFFERED SPACE IN DORMITORY ACCOMMODATION TO BE PROVIDED BY THE CORPORATION.
UPON COMPLETION OF THE RESUMPTION AND CLEARANCE, THE LAND FOR THE PROJECT, WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 7,000 SQUARE METRES, WILL BE GRANTED BY LAND EXCHANGE TO THE CORPORATION FOR REDEVELOPMENT.
0 - -
LAND TO BE RESUMED FOR TUNG CHUNG PROJECT *****
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO RESUME 80 LOTS OF LAND ON LANTAU ISLAND TO FACILITATE THE PHASE 1 TUNG CHUNG NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT.
DETAILS OF THE RESUMPTION WERE GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
LOCATED NEAR LAU FAU SHA ON LANTAU, THE RESUMPTION INVOLVES 80 PRIVATE AGRICULTURAL LOTS WITH A TOTAL AREA OF ABOUT 25,685 SQUARE METRES.
THE LAND WILL BE REVERTED TO THE GOVERNMENT ON THE EXPIRY OF THREE MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF POSTING OF NOTICES ON THE LOTS.
- - 0 - -
WORKS FOR WEST KOWLOON EXPRESSWAY PROPOSED
*****
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO CONSTRUCT AN EXPRESSWAY FROM MEI FOO TO YAU MA TEI ON THE NEWLY RECLAIMED LAND IN WESTERN KOWLOON AS PART OF ROUTE 3.
THE PROPOSED WEST KOWLOON EXPRESSWAY, TOGETHER WITH THE PROPOSED NORTH LANTAU EXPRESSWAY, THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING, ANOTHER SECTION OF ROUTE 3 FROM NORTHWEST TSI NG YI TO MEI FOO AND THE WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING, WILL FORM A CONTINOUS ROAD LINK BETWEEN THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK AND THE EXISTING ROAD NETWORK IN TSING YI, KWAI CHUNG, KOWLOON, HONG KONG ISLAND AND NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES.
THE WORKS COMPRISE ELEVATED ROADS BETWEEN MEI FOO AND NORTH OF CHERRY STREET AS WELL AS AT GRADE AND SEMI-DEPRESSED ROADS TO THE SOUTH OF CHERRY STREET WITH ASSOCIATED INTERCHANGES, LOCAL DISTRIBUTOR ROADS, JUNCTIONS AND FOOTBRIDGES.
A NOTICE OF THE PROPOSED WORKS WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
/THE PLANS
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 1992
THE PLANS OF THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE SEEN AT THE FOLLOWING GOVERNMENT OFFICES DURING OFFICE HOURS:
* CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL;
* SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICE, 37-39 TONKIN STREET, GROUND FLOOR, SHAM SHUI PO;
* MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE, MONG KOK GOVERNMENT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, 30 LUEN WAN STREET, MONG KOK;
* YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, MIDDLE ROAD CARPARK BUILDING, 15 MIDDLE ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI; AND
» DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON WEST, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, YAU MA TEI.
ANY PERSON OBJECTING TO THE PROPOSAL MUST SEND HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, CENTRAL NOT LATER THAN JUNE 9 THIS YEAR, DESCRIBING HIS INTEREST AND MANNER IN WHICH HE ALLEGES HE WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE PROPOSAL.
- 0 - -
OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES BILL GAZETTED
******
THE PURPOSE OF THE OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES BILL GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY) IS TO PROVIDE A FRAMEWORK FOR THE REGULATION OF PRIVATE SECTOR OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES IN HONG KONG, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
"OUR AIM IS TO ENSURE THAT RETIREMENT BENEFITS PROMISED BY EMPLOYERS WILL BE PAID TO THE EMPLOYEES WHEN THEY FALL DUE," HE SAID.
THE OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES BILL WAS FIRST INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN MAY LAST YEAR. SINCE THEN IT HAS BEEN REDRAFTED AND SIMPLIFIED TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR OPERATORS OF RETIREMENT SCHEMES TO IDENTIFY THE ACTUAL STEPS THEY WILL NEED TO TAKE IN ORDER TO COMPLY WITH THE LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS.
A WORKING GROUP COMPRISING REPRESENTATIVES FROM RELEVANT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATIONS , INCLUDING THE HONG KONG SOCIETY OF ACCOUNTANTS, THE HONG KONG ACTUARIAL ASSOCIATION, THE LAW SOCIETY OF HONG KONG AND THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF INSURERS, WAS GIVEN THE TASK OF RESTRUCTURING AND SIMPLIFYING THE BILL.
/"THE REVISED
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 1992
10
"THE REVISED BILL RETAINS ALL THE GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF THE REGULATORY SYSTEM WHICH WERE CONTAINED IN THE 1991 BILL: SEPARATION OF ASSETS FROM THOSE OF THE EMPLOYER; LIMITATION ON THE EXTENT OF SELFINVESTMENT; PROPER PROVISION OF FUNDING; INDEPENDENT AUDITING OF SCHEME ASSETS AND LIABILITIES; AND DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION TO SCHEME MEMBERS.
"HOWEVER, THE PROVISIONS ARE SET OUT IN A SIMPLER AND MORE READILY COMPREHENSIBLE MANNER," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"FURTHER, IN THE LIGHT OF COMMENTS RECEIVED DURING THE PROCESS OF REDRAFTING OF THE BILL, A NUMBER OF NEW PROVISIONS HAVE BEEN INCORPORATED IN THE REVISED BILL.
"THE FIRST OF THESE IS A SIMPLIFIED REGISTRATION PROCESS FOR ’POOLED’ RETIREMENT SCHEMES. THESE ’POOLED’ RETIREMENT SCHEMES ARE NORMALLY COVERED BY A MASTER TRUST DEED OR INSURANCE POLICY, WITH THEIR ASSETS POOLED TOGETHER FOR INVESTMENT AND THEIR ADMINISTRATION LOOKED AFTER BY THE TRUSTEE/INSURER.
"THE SIMPLIFIED PROCEDURE WILL BE SEEN AS A MAJOR IMPROVEMENT BY THE MAJORITY OF BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENTS IN HONG KONG, SINCE A GREAT NUMBER OF THEM ARE SMALL ESTABLISHMENTS AND ARE LIKELY TO PARTICIPATE IN POOLING AGREEMENTS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THERE IS ALSO A CHANGE IN THE FUNDING REQUIREMENTS FOR DEFINED BENEFIT SCHEMES.
THESE ARE SCHEMES UNDER WHICH THE BENEFITS ARE. GENERALLY DETERMINED BY A FORMULA WHICH TAKES INTO ACCOUNT THE YEARS OF SERVICE AND THE FINAL SALARY OF THE SCHEME MEMBER.
"THE PREVIOUS BILL STIPULATED THAT DEFINED BENEFIT SCHEMES WHICH REMAIN INSOLVENT FOR THREE CONSECUTIVE YEARS MAY BE LIABLE FOR DEREGISTRATION.
"ADVICE FROM THE PROFESSIONAL BODIES POINTS OUT THAT EVEN THOUGH AN EMPLOYER MAY HAVE FULLY IMPLEMENTED THE FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS GIVEN BY AN ACTUARY, THERE MAY BE MARKET FACTORS BEYOND THE CONTROL OF THE EMPLOYER AND THE ACTUARY WHICH WOULD PREVENT A SCHEME FROM ATTAINING SOLVENCY WITHIN THE THREE YEAR PERIOD.
"THE PRESENT BILL ALLOWS A FURTHER PERIOD OF THREE YEARS FOR ANY MARGINAL DEFICIT WHICH MAY ARISE TO BE MET IN FULL," HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE OPPORTUNITY HAS BEEN TAKEN TO STRENGTHEN THE PROVISIONS IN RESPECT OF THE WINDING UP OF RETIREMENT SCHEMES.
"THE PREVIOUS BILL EMPOWERED THE COURT TO ORDER THE WINDING UP OF A SCHEME WHICH IS GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF HONG KONG AND TO GIVE DIRECTIONS AS TO HOW THE SCHEME ASSETS SHOULD BE REALISED AND DISTRIBUTED. CERTAIN NEW PROVISIONS HAVE NOW BEEN ADDED TO PROVIDE STATUTORY GUIDANCE FOR THE COURT TO EXERCISE THE POWERS.
/"AS IN ........
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 1992
- 11 -
"AS IN THE 1991 BILL, THERE ARE PROVISIONS FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEES FOR CONTRIBUTORY SCHEMES WITH MORE THAN 50 MEMBERS, WHERE A MAJORITY OF THE MEMBERS SO WISH.
"WE BELIEVE THAT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEES WILL SERVE AS A USEFUL CHANNEL OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN EMPLOYERS, SCHEME MANAGERS AND EMPLOYEES, ESPECIALLY FOR LARGE SCHEMES WHERE COMMUNICATION WITHIN THE BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENT IS LESS CLOSE.
"WHILE THERE IS NO REQUIREMENT FOR THE SETTING UP OF CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEES FOR SMALL OR NON-CONTRIBUTORY SCHEMES, EMPLOYERS ARE STATUTORILY OBLIGED TO PROVIDE INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS WITH IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THEIR SCHEME," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THE BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON APRIL 29.
IT IS INTENDED THAT ALL EXISTING SCHEMES WILL HAVE TO BE REGISTERED WITHIN TWO YEARS FROM THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE ORDINANCE. THEREAFTER, OPERATING AN UNREGISTERED SCHEME OR MAKING CONTRIBUTIONS TO SUCH A SCHEME WILL BE AN OFFENCE.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO OUTLINED THE KEY POINTS OF THE REGISTRATION SYSTEM: IN APPLYING FOR REGISTRATION, A SCHEME WILL NEED TO SUBMIT STATEMENTS BY A SOLICITOR AND AN ACCOUNTANT STATING RESPECTIVELY WHETHER THE SCHEME IS SET UP AS A TRUST OR AN INSURANCE ARRANGEMENT, WHETHER IT IS GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF HONG KONG, AND WHETHER PROPER ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS ARE BEING KEPT.
AN ACTUARIAL CERTIFICATE WILL BE REQUIRED IN THE CASE OF A DEFINED BENEFIT SCHEME. A DESIGNATED PERSON WILL NEED TO BE APPOINTED FOR EACH RETIREMENT SCHEME TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR RECEIVING SERVICE OF NOTICE, SUBMITTING ANNUAL RETURNS AND OTHER SPECIFIED INFORMATION TO THE REGISTRAR OF OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES.
ON FUNDING REQUIREMENTS, A REGISTERED SCHEME WILL NEED TO HAVE SUFFICIENT ASSETS TO MEET ITS AGGREGATE VESTED LIABILITIES (THAT IS, TO MAINTAIN SOLVENCY).
IN THE CASE OF DEFINED CONTRIBUTION SCHEMES, CONTRIBUTIONS MUST BE MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SCHEME RULES. FOR DEFINED BENEFIT SCHEMES, ACTUARIAL REVIEWS MUST BE CONDUCTED TRIENNIALLY.
ANY SHORTFALL IN VESTED BENEFITS IDENTIFIED IN THE REVIEW MUST BE TOPPED UP WITHIN THREE YEARS AND ANNUAL ACTUARIAL REVIEWS WILL BE TRIGGERED OFF TO PROVIDE CLOSER MONITORING UNTIL THE SCHEME ACHIEVES SOLVENCY.
AN OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR OF OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES WILL BE ESTABLISHED FOLLOWING THE ENACTMENT OF THE BILL, WITH A VIEW TO BRINGING THE LEGISLATION INTO FORCE AS SOON AS THE OFFICE IS FULLY ESTABLISHED.
/THE REGISTRAR........
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 1992
12
THE REGISTRAR IS NOT EXPECTED TO PLAY AN ACTIVE INTERVENTIONARY ROLE. NONETHELESS, HE IS GIVEN POWERS TO INTERVENE IN THOSE SCHEMES THAT ARE NOT BEING PROPERLY ADMINISTERED OR FUNDED.
HE MAY REQUIRE THE SUBMISSION OF SPECIFIED INFORMATION, PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION OF A SPECIAL AUDITOR’S REPORT, AND EVEN APPOINTMENT OF PERSONS TO CONDUCT INQUIRIES.
------0--------
328 LOCAL WORKERS PLACED IN JOBS ♦ * * * * *
THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE (LES) OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAS SO FAR PLACED 328 LOCAL WORKERS IN JOB VACANCIES FOR WHICH EMPLOYERS HAVE APPLIED TO IMPORT FOREIGN LABOUR.
"THE LES HAS COMPLETED PROCESSING THE 102,334 VACANCIES RECEIVED FROM 9,231 EMPLOYERS UNDER THE 1992 GENERAL LABOUR IMPORTATION SCHEME AND HAS MADE EVERY REASONABLE ATTEMPT TO IDENTIFY SUITABLE LOCAL CANDIDATES TO FILL THESE POSTS," ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR ALFRED CHAN, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
"THESE ATTEMPTS INCLUDED SENDING LETTERS TO 21,541 LOCAL JOB-SEEKERS ON OUR REGISTER INVITING THEM TO APPLY FOR THESE JOBS, BUT ONLY 1,455 OR 6.8 PER CENT OF THEM HAVE RESPONDED," MR CHAN NOTED.
THE POOR RESPONSE OF THE JOB-SEEKERS SUGGESTED THAT THEY WERE EITHER ALREADY IN EMPLOYMENT OR WERE NOT INTERESTED IN THESE JOBS, HE EXPLAINED.
FOR THOSE WORKERS WHO HAD SHOWN INTEREST IN THE JOBS, MR CHAN SAID THE LES HAD MADE 3,488 REFERRALS FOR THEM TO BE INTERVIEWED BY PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYERS.
"AS A RESULT, 328 WORKERS HAVE BEEN PLACED IN EMPLOYMENT, REPRESENTING 9.4 PER CENT OF THE NUMBER OF REFERRALS MADE," HE SAID.
MR CHAN NOTED THAT IN 1991, THE LES PLACED A TOTAL OF 17,721 WORKERS IN JOBS THROUGH 90,899 REFERRALS, WHICH REPRESENTED A PLACEMENT RATE OF 19.5 PER CENT.
"THE LOWER PLACEMENT RATE IN THE LABOUR IMPORTATION SCHEME CAN BE ACCOUNTED FOR PARTLY BY THE WORKERS’ DECLINE TO ACCEPT EMPLOYMENT OFFER ON 738 OCCASIONS.
"IN ADDITION, THERE ARE 526 CASES IN WHICH WORKERS FAILED TO ATTEND JOB INTERVIEWS ARRANGED FOR THEM," HE SAID.
ON THE OTHER HAND, MR CHAN POINTED OUT, EMPLOYERS REFUSED TO TAKE ON WORKERS REFERRED TO THEM BY THE LES IN 1,290 CASES.
/"WE HAVE .......
13
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 1992
"WE HAVE LOOKED INTO ALL THESE UNSUCCESSFUL CASES AND WHERE AN EMPLOYER TURNED AWAY SUITABLE LOCAL JOB-SEEKERS WITHOUT GOOD REASON, A REPORT IS MADE TO THE EMPLOYMENT VISA CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE (EVCC) WHICH CONSIDERS EMPLOYERS' APPLICATIONS FOR ALLOCATION OF QUOTA," HE SAID.
MR CHAN ADDED THAT SOME EMPLOYERS HAD BEEN FOUND TO HAVE SET FOR LOCAL JOB APPLICANTS EXCESSIVELY RESTRICTIVE CRITERIA NOT COMMENSURATE WITH THE NORMAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB REGISTERED.
"IN THESE CASES, WE ALSO MAKE REPORTS TO THE EVCC WITH OUR ASSESSMENT," MR CHAN SAID.
- - 0 - -
SALE OF GOVT SURPLUS FLATS BY PROPERTY AGENTS
******
THE GOVERNMENT PROPERTY ADMINISTRATOR, MR IAN WOTHERSPOON, WILL SIGN AGENCY AGREEMENTS ON APRIL 14 AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM, EIGHTH FLOOR, ST JOHN’S BUILDING, 33 GARDEN ROAD, WITH THE FOLLOWING REAL ESTATE AGENTS TO PROVIDE SALES SERVICES FOR THE DISPOSAL OF FLATS SURPLUS TO REQUIREMENTS:
CENTALINE
COLLIERS JARDINE
JONES LANG WOOTTON
RICHARD ELLIS
VIGERS
THESE AGREEMENTS WILL LAST UNTIL MARCH 31, 1993.
THE FIRST BATCH OF EIGHT FLATS TO BE SOLD WERE USED AS QUARTERS BY CIVIL SERVANTS.
THE DIMINISHED DEMAND FOR QUARTERS ARISES FROM THE INTRODUCTION OF THE HOME FINANCE SCHEME AND THE TRANSFER OF CIVIL SERVANTS TO THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT AN INCREASING NUMBER OF FLATS WILL BECOME SURPLUS TO REQUIREMENTS.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEMBERS OF THE NEWS MEDIA ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SIGNING CEREMONY. CHIEF PROPERTY MANAGER OF THE GOVERNMENT PROPERTY AGENCY, MR K.K. MOK; AND SENIOR PROPERTY MANAGER, MR M.R. PRICE; WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS AFTER THE CEREMONY.
FRIDAY, APRIL 10,
1992
SHEK KONG VIETS CLEARED TO LEAVE HONG KONG ♦ * » ♦ * »
A GROUP OF 126 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (FRIDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE UNHCR’S VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME.
COMPRISING 49 MEN, 30 WOMEN, 25 BOYS AND 22 GIRLS, THEY ARE THE 97TH BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.
THIS IS THE FIRST GROUP OF SOUTHERNERS TO LEAVE SECTION C OF THE SHEK KONG DETENTION CENTRE SINCE THE TRAGEDY AT SHEK KONG ON FEBRUARY 3/4.
A TOTAL OF 349 VOLUNTEERS FROM SECTION C HAVE BEEN CLEARED TO LEAVE HONG KONG FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF POLICE INVESTIGATIONS.
THE REFUGEE CO-ORDINATOR, MR CLINTON LEEKS, CONFIRMED THAT SECTION C AT SHEK KONG HAD NOW REOPENED AS A VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION DEPARTURE FACILITY.
"IN ADDITION TO THE 349 VOLUNTEERS FROM SECTION C, ANOTHER 180 SOUTHERNERS FROM OTHER SECTIONS AT SHEK KONG HAVE VOLUNTEERED SO FAR AND ARE WAITING TO RETURN HOME," MR LEEKS SAID.
"THE SIX FLIGHTS THAT THE UNHCR HAVE SCHEDULED FOR APRIL SHOULD RESULT IN WELL OVER 1,000 PEOPLE RETURNING TO HO CHI MINH CITY AND HANOI THIS MONTH," HE SAID.
"WITH THE REOPENING OF THE DEPARTURE CENTRE THE VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME AT SHEK KONG LOOKS TO BE BACK ON TRACK," HE ADDED.
THE GROUP THAT LEFT TODAY BROUGHT TO 2,980 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAVE RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 16,959 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN MARCH 1989.
- - 0 - -
BILL TO BAN ADVERTISING VEHICLES GAZETTED ******
A BILL SEEKING TO BAN VEHICLES USED SOLELY FOR COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING PURPOSES WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1992 MAKES IT AN OFFENCE TO USE AN ADVERTISING VEHICLE WITHOUT A PERMIT OR IN CONTRAVENTION OF THE PERMIT CONDITIONS.
THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR SUCH AN OFFENCE WILL BE A FINE OF $5,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR THREE MONTHS ON FIRST CONVICTION, AND $10,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR SIX MONTHS FOR ANY SUBSEQUENT CONVICTION.
/THE BILL
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 1992
THE BILL EMPOWERS THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT TO ISSUE PERMITS FOR THE DISPLAY OF NON-COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING FOR LIMITED PERIODS AND IN EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES.
THE BILL ALSO PROVIDES FOR A TRANSITIONAL PERIOD TO ENABLE THE CONTINUED OPERATION OF COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING VEHICLES WITH PERMITS ISSUED UNDER THE EXISTING LEGISLATION UNTIL THESE PERMITS EXPIRE.
- - 0 - -
STRICTER CONTROL OVER MARINE FISH TRANSPORTATION
******
APPROVAL HAS BEEN GIVEN BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL TO AMEND THE MARINE FISH (MARKETING AND EXPORTATION) REGULATIONS TO IMPOSE STRICTER CONTROL OVER VESSELS THAT MAY BE USED TO TRANSPORT MARINE FISH IN HONG KONG WATERS.
THE AMENDMENT, PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY), IS AIMED AT FURTHER COMBATING ILLEGAL FISH MARKETING OUTSIDE WHOLESALE MARKETS OF THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION (FMO).
PREVIOUSLY, VESSELS LICENSED AS FISHING VESSELS BY THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE MAY TRANSPORT MARINE FISH IN HONG KONG WATERS, IN QUANTITIES EXCEEDING 60 KILOGRAMS, WITHOUT A PERMIT FROM THE DIRECTOR OF MARKETING, WHO IS CURRENTLY THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES.
HOWEVER, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE IN LICENSING FISHING VESSELS ARE GEARED TOWARDS MARITIME SAFETY AND PORT CONTROL.
"SOME FISH TRADERS HAVE BEEN ABLE TO LICENSE THEIR CRAFT AS FISHING VESSELS. IN PRACTICE, MANY OF THEM MAY BE USED PURELY FOR TRANSPORTING FISH BOUGHT AT SEA FOR SUBSEQUENT ILLEGAL SALE OUTSIDE THE’FMO WHOLESALE MARKETS."
THE AMENDMENT REMOVES THE EXEMPTION PROVISION UNDER REGULATION 3(2) AND REQUIRES ALL VESSELS TO OBTAIN A PERMIT FROM THE DIRECTOR OF MARKETING FOR TRANSPORTING MARINE FISH IN QUANTITIES EXCEEDING 60 KILOGRAMS.
CONTRAVENTIONS OF THIS PROVISION ARE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $10,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR SIX MONTHS.
"THE DIRECTOR OF MARKETING HAS SUFFICIENT INFORMATION AND EXPERTISE TO ENSURE THAT PERMITS ARE ISSUED ONLY IN RESPECT OF THOSE VESSELS INVOLVED IN TRANSPORTATION OF MARINE FISH FOR ORDERLY MARKETING IN FMO MARKETS, FOR EXAMPLE, VESSELS GENUINELY ENGAGED IN FISHING," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
/THE AMENDMENT
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 1992
- 16 -
THE AMENDMENT REGULATION WILL TAKE EFFECT FROM JUNE 1 THIS YEAR TO ALLOW SUFFICIENT TIME FOR APPLICATION FOR PERMITS COVERING VESSELS PREVIOUSLY EXEMPTED.
APPLICATIONS ARE TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE FMO’S MARKET MANAGERS.
"BY IMPROVING CONTROL OVER TRANSPORTATION OF MARINE FISH AT SEA, THE ORDERLY WHOLESALE OF MARINE FISH IN HONG KONG WILL BE REINFORCED," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
--------0-----------
NEW FIRE STATION FOR KWAI CHUNG * ♦ * * *
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A DIVISIONAL FIRE STATION ON AN ONE-HECTARE SITE AT WA TAI ROAD, AREA 42C, KWAI CHUNG.
THE NEW STATION WILL BE A FIVE-STOREY BUILDING CONSISTING OF A FIVE-BAY APPLIANCE ROOM, OFFICES, A DUTY ROOM, BARRACKS, A CANTEEN/RECREATION AREA, EXERCISE ROOM AND EQUIPMENT STORES.
EXTERNAL WORKS WILL INCLUDE ANCILLARY BUILDINGS, A TRANSFORMER HOUSE, A DRILL YARD, A REFILLING STATION AND UNDERGROUND OIL FUEL TANK CHAMBER AND SEWAGE SYSTEM.
WORK IS SCHEDULED TO START THIS JUNE AND WILL BE COMPLETED BY OCTOBER NEXT YEAR.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS IS NOON ON MAY 1.
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TENDERS INVITED FOR PARK WORKS IN TSUEN WAN
*****
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS TO UNDERTAKE SITE FORMATION AND SERVICING WORKS AS PART OF THE INITIAL CONSTRUCTION OF THE SHING MUN VALLEY PARK PROJECT.
THE PROPOSED SHING MUN VALLEY PARK IS LOCATED AT THE CENTRE OF NORTH TSUEN WAN AND IS INTENDED TO BE DEVELOPED AS A MAJOR RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS COMPLEX TO SERVE THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT.
MAJOR FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED INCLUDE A SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX, AN INDOOR RECREATION CENTRE AND A SPORTS GROUND TOGETHER WITH OTHER PASSIVE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES SUCH AS WATERGARDEN AND PLAY AREA.
/WORKS ON .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 1992
WORKS ON THE SITE FORMATION CONTRACT COMPRISES THE DEPOSITION OF FILL TO FORM PLATFORMS AND SLOPES; AND CONSTRUCTION OF BOX CULVERTS, AN ELEVATED ACCESS ROAD FROM CHEUNG SHAN ESTATE ROAD WEST AND A PEDESTRIAN SUBWAY BENEATH TEXACO ROAD.
THE WORKS ARE PROGRAMMED TO START THIS AUGUST FOR COMPLETION IN APRIL 1995.
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM P&T WALLACE EVANS LTD, THE CONSULTING FIRM FOR THE PROJECT, ON 14TH FLOOR, OTB BUILDING, 160 GLOUCESTER ROAD, HONG KONG.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS IS NOON ON MAY 8.
- - 0 - -
TENDERS INVITED FOR PUMPING STATION WORKS
*****
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR CONSTRUCTION WORK FOR THE SO KON PO PUMPING STATION EXTENSION.
THE CONTRACT CONSISTS OF SITE FORMATION WORKS, THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FRESH WATER PUMPING STATION, A POWER TRANSFORMER ROOM AND ASSOCIATED MAINLAYING WORKS.
UNDER THE PROJECT AND RELATED WORKS, THE SUPPLY OF WATER TO REPULSE BAY, SHOUSON HILL, STANLEY, TAI TAM AND RED HILL AREAS, AS WELL AS WAN CHAI AND CAUSEWAY BAY WILL BE IMPROVED.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT WORK WILL START IN JULY AND TAKE 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
FORM OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT, 44TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER TWO, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON, MAY 1.
0 - -
/18
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 1992
- 18 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS * * * * *
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 9.4.92 1,000
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 10.4.92 -195 »
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING -105
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON +500 »»
* O/N ASSISTANCE TO BE REVERSED -300 MN
* OTHER FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED +105 MN
* » O/N ASSISTANCE TO BE REVERSED ON 13.4.92
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 112.2 »-0.3* 10.4.92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.81 PCT 19 MONTHS 2311 6.25 102.05 4.96
1 MONTH 3.65 PCT 22 MONTHS 2402 5.50 100.15 5.48
3 MONTHS 3.59 PCT
6 MONTHS 3.68 PCT
12 MONTHS 4.26 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 11,573 MN
CLOSED 10 APRIL 1992
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NC.
EXPERIENCED BRITISH GOVERNMENT GCOD FOR HK : GOVERNOR ................... *
TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS TOTALLED 2,128 IN FOURTH QUARTER ...............
TSB RECOMMENDS HK/U.S. TO RESUME TALKS ON KNIT TIGHTS ................... 3
CARNIVAL TO PROMOTE ORGAN DONATION ...................................... 4
COMMUNITY GROUPS HAVE CRUCIAL ROLE IN DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION ........... 5
SALT WATER SUPPLY SUSPENSION ........................................
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .............. 6
SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 1992
EXPERIENCED BRITISH GOVERNMENT GOOD FOR HK : GOVERNOR *******
HAVING A BRITISH GOVERNMENT WHICH IS EXPERIENCED IN HONG KONG AFFAIRS MUST BE GOOD FOR HONG KONG, THE GOVERNOR, LORD WILSON SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER VISITING THE BIG BIRD RACE AT MAI PO, LORD WILSON SAID : "I THINK FOR HONG KONG CONTINUITY IS A VERY GOOD THING.
"WE HAVE NOW GOT THE CONTINUITY OF THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT. SO WE HAVE A TEAM WHO ARE EXPERIENCED IN HONG KONG AFFAIRS.
"I AM SURE THAT MUST BE GOOD FOR HONG KONG."
ASKED WHEN AN ANNOUNCEMENT WOULD BE MADE ABOUT HIS SUCCESSOR, THE GOVERNOR SAID : "I DO NOT THINK THERE CAN BE ANY PARTICULAR DATE.
"BUT NOW THAT THE ELECTIONS ARE OUT OF THE WAY, I HOPE THE PRIME MINISTER WILL GET ON WITH SELECTING AND DECIDING ON THE NEXT GOVERNOR AND THAT THERE WILL BE AN ANNOUNCEMENT WITHIN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS."
REPLYING TO A QUESTION ON WHAT RECOMMENDATIONS HE WOULD GIVE TO HIS SUCCESSOR, LORD WILSON SAID HE WOULD SAY TWO THINGS.
"FIRST OF ALL, HONG KONG IS A TREMENDOUS PLACE AND BEING GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG IS A TREMENDOUS JOB," HE SAID.
"SO I HOPE MY SUCCESSOR WILL ENJOY IT AND FEEL THAT HE IS DOING A REALLY WORTHWHILE JOB.
"SECONDLY, WHAT I’LL SAY IS THAT AT THE MOMENT THINGS ARE GOING WELL IN HONG KONG. THE ECONOMY IS DOING WELL. THE ECONOMY OF SOUTHERN CHINA IS DOING WELL.
"I BELIEVE PRESERVING THAT AND MAKING SURE HONG KONG REMAINS PROSPEROUS IS SOMETHING WHICH IS FUNDAMENTAL TO THE WHOLE QUESTION OF THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG."
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/2.........
SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 1992
- 2 -
TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS TOTALLED 2,128 IN FOURTH QUARTER ♦ * * * *
DURING THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1991, THE TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS UNIT (TCU) OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 2,128 COMPLAINTS, A DROP OF 11 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS QUARTER.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TCU SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT A SIGNIFICANT DROP IN THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINT CASES WAS RECORDED ON SOME FRONTS, INCLUDING THE ADEQUACY AND STANDARD OF FRANCHISED BUS SERVICES, FERRY SERVICES, TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES AND ROAD MAINTENANCE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID A TOTAL OF 166 COMPLAINTS ON THE INADEQUACY OF FRANCHISED BUS SERVICES WERE RECEIVED DURING THE PERIOD, REPRESENTING A DROP OF 26 CASES OR 14 PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS QUARTER.
ON THE STANDARD OF FRANCHISED BUS SERVICES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID A TOTAL OF 331 COMPLAINTS WERE RECEIVED, REPRESENTING A DECREASE OF FOUR PER CENT COMPARED WITH 343 IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER.
THESE COMPLAINTS WERE INDIVIDUALLY TAKEN UP WITH THE BUS COMPANIES CONCERNED.
DURING THE PERIOD, THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AGAINST THE FERRY SERVICES ALSO DECREASED FROM 17 TO 14.
"THE MAIN COMPLAINT AREAS INCLUDED REGULARITY OF SERVICE, AND PASSENGER SERVICES AND FACILITIES," HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID COMPLAINTS ABOUT TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES ROSE FROM 178 CASES TO 183, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF THREE PER CENT.
THE MAJOR AREAS OF CONCERN INCLUDED PHASING OF TRAFFIC LIGHTS AND TRAFFIC LANE ARRANGEMENT, ADDITION OF TRAFFIC SIGNS AND AIDS AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
• THERE WERE 129 COMPLAINTS CONCERNING ROAD MAINTENANCE, THE SAME NUMBER AS IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER. THE MAJOR COMPLAINTS WERE DEFECTIVE ROAD SURFACES, FAULTY TRAFFIC LIGHTS AND DAMAGED TRAFFIC SIGNS OR AIDS.
"TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT CASES STAND AT 422, A RISE OF 23 CASES OR SIX PER CENT COMPARED WITH FIGURES FOR THE PREVIOUS QUARTER.
"THESE ARE RELATED MAINLY TO ILLEGAL PARKING AND MOTORISTS FAILING TO COMPLY WITH TRAFFIC REGULATIONS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
ON THE OTHER HAND, THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT DURING THE PERIOD, A 12 PER CENT DECREASE IN COMPLAINTS AGAINST TAXI SERVICES WERE RECORDED, DROPPING FROM 556 CASES TO 487 CASES.
/"OF THESE .......
SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 1992
3
"OF THESE, 474 CASES OR 97 PER CENT ARE ABOUT TAXI DRIVER MALPRACTICES. TWO MAJOR AREAS OF COMPLAINTS ARE OVERCHARGING (130 CASES)' AND REFUSING HIRE (141 CASES)," HE SAID.
THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS RELATED TO RAIL TRANSPORT SERVICES ALSO DROPPED FROM 34 CASES IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER TO 24 CASES THIS QUARTER.
IN ADDITION, THE SPOKESMAN SAID COMPLAINTS ABOUT ROAD CONGESTION DECREASED FROM 275 CASES TO 154 CASES, 40 ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 57 IN KOWLOON, 54 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND THREE IN TUNNELS AND OTHER AREAS.
FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO ROAD CONGESTION INCLUDED TRAFFIC LIGHT PHASING, VEHICLE OBSTRUCTION, ROAD WORKS, ETC, HE SAID.
THE OVERALL DECREASE IN TRAFFIC COMPLAINTS IN THIS QUARTER WAS PARTLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO MANY RESIDENTS TRAVELLING OUTSIDE HONG KONG DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
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TSB RECOMMENDS HK/U.S. TO RESUME TALKS ON KNIT TIGHTS
******
AFTER CONSIDERATION OF HONG KONG’S REQUEST FOR REVIEW CONCERNING A NEW U.S. CLASSIFICATION GUIDELINE ON KNIT TIGHTS, THE TEXTILES SURVEILLANCE BODY (TSB) RECOMMENDED IN GENEVA YESTERDAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE TWO PARTIES SHOULD HOLD FURTHER BILATERAL CONSULTATIONS TO RESOLVE THE DISPUTE.
DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR ROBERT FOOTMAN, WHO LED FOR HONG KONG IN THE TSB REVIEW, SAID THE TSB AGREED WITH HONG KONG’S VIEW THAT THE NEW U.S. CLASSIFICATION GUIDELINE HAD RESULTED IN A CHANGE OF PRACTICE IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE HONG KONG/U.S. TEXTILES AGREEMENT.
"THE TSB HEARD REPRESENTATIONS FROM HONG KONG AND THE U.S. THEY RECOMMENDED THAT WE SHOULD RENEW OUR CONSULTATIONS PROMPTLY, IN ORDER TO REACH AS SOON AS POSSIBLE A DEFINITIVE AND MUTUALLY SATISFACTORY SETTLEMENT," MR FOOTMAN SAID.
"THIS RULING IS HELPFUL TO US, AS IT MAKES CLEAR THAT A CHANGE IN PRACTICE HAS TAKEN PLACE. WE VERY MUCH HOPE THAT IT WILL FACILITATE AN EARLY AGREEMENT ON THIS MATTER. WE WILL CONTACT THE U.S. AUTHORITIES SHORTLY TO ESTABLISH A DATE FOR CONSULTATIONS TO BE RESUMED," HE ADDED.
"WE WILL CONTINUE TO DO ALL WE CAN TO SECURE AN AGREEMENT WHICH DOES NOT COMPROMISE THE IMPORTANT PRINCIPLES WHICH ARE AT STAKE," MR FOOTMAN SAID.
THE TSB HAD ASKED BOTH PARTIES TO REPORT ON PROGRESS BY MAY 18.
/UNDER THE .......
4
SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 1992
UNDER THE HONG KONG/U.S. TEXTILES AGREEMENT, KNIT TIGHTS ARE EXPORTED TO THE U.S. UNDER EXPORT AUTHORISATION CATEGORIES, WHILE TROUSERS ARE SUBJECT TO SPECIFIC QUOTA CATEGORIES.
THE NEW GUIDELINE, IMPLEMENTED ON JANUARY 1 THIS YEAR, RECATEGORISES CERTAIN KNIT TIGHTS AS TROUSERS. TROUSERS QUOTA IS FULLY UTILISED AND CANNOT FURTHER ACCOMMODATE EXPORTS OF KNIT TIGHTS.
HONG KONG’S EXPORTS OF KNIT TIGHTS TO THE U.S. HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY DISRUPTED.
DESPITE THREE ROUNDS OF BILATERAL CONSULTATIONS', NO MUTUALLY SATISFACTORY SOLUTION COULD BE REACHED TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE.
• •4/ ‘ ’ ' • * e. ”
{ TftE hoNG' KONG GOVERNMENT, AFTER CONSULTATIONS WITH THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD (TEXTAB) AND THE TRADE, FORMALLY SUBMITTED THE REVIEW REQUEST TO TSB ON MARCH 25. /
ABOUT $390 MILLION WORTH OF KNIT TIGHTS WERE EXPORTED FROM HONG KONG TO THE U.S. LAST YEAR.
------0 - - - -
CARNIVAL TO PROMOTE ORGAN DONATION
*****
A CARNIVAL THAT FORMS PART OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE RECENTLY LAUNCHED ORGAN DONATION CAMPAIGN WAS HELD THIS (SATURDAY) AFTERNOON AT NEW TOWN PLAZA IN SHA TIN.
THE EVENT MARKED THE BEGINNING OF A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES TO SUPPORT THE TERRITORY-WIDE CAMPAIGN ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH.
THE CAMPAIGN IS CO-ORGANISED BY POK 01 HOSPITAL, TELEVISION BROADCASTS LIMITED AND THE RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AND SUPPORTED BY THE HONG KONG SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY LIMITED AND THE HONG KONG KIDNEY FOUNDATION.
ADDRESSING THE OPENING CEREMONY,THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, DR S.H. LEE, SAID THERE WERE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE IN HONG KONG SUFFERING FROM SERIOUS IMPAIRMENT OF THEIR EYES, KIDNEYS OR LIVERS AND COULD NOT LIVE A NORMAL LIFE.
”T0 THESE PEOPLE, THE ONLY HOPE IS TO HAVE THE DEFECTIVE ORGANS REPLACED,” DR LEE SAID.
HE HOPED THAT HONG KONG PEOPLE WHO HAD A PROUD RECORD OF CARING FOR THE LESS FORTUNATE WOULD CONTINUE DEMONSTRATING THEIR CARING ATTITUDE.
HE STRESSED THAT THE SIGNING OF THE ORGAN DONATION CARDS ONLY INDICATES ONE’S WISH TO DONATE HIS OR HER ORGAN AFTER DEATH AND NOT BEFORE.
/ALSO, THE.........
SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 1992
5
ALSO, THE VIEW OF THE DONOR’S RELATIVES WILL BE RESPECTED. IN OTHER WORDS, THE ORGANS PLEDGED WILL NOT BE REMOVED IF OBJECTION IS RAISED.
SPEAKING ON THE SAME OCCASION, A LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, DR LEONG CHE-HUNG, PRAISED THE GOVERNMENT FOR ITS ACTIVE APPROACH TO THE ISSUE -- TO PROHIBIT COMMERCIAL TRADING IN HUMAN ORGANS FOR TRANSPLANT PURPOSES THROUGH LEGISLATIVE MEANS AND TO ORGANISE THE CURRENT MAJOR PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN ON ORGAN DONATION.
DR LEONG APPEALED TO THE PUBLIC FOR THEIR SUPPORT TO THE CAMPAIGN.
THE CARNIVAL WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A SERIES OF PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING A LIVE BROADCAST OF A TELEVISION PROGRAMME, PHOTO DISPLAYS AND DISTRIBUTION OF ORGAN DONATION CARDS AT COMMERCIAL CENTRES, AN ORGAN DONATION CARD SIGNING CAMPAIGN AND COMPETITION AT PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.
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COMMUNITY GROUPS HAVE CRUCIAL ROLE IN DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION
COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS HAVE BEEN PLAYING A CRUCIAL ROLE IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME, THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR PAUL WONG, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF SHUN TAK FRATERNAL ASSOCIATION, MR WONG SAID THE SCHEME WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN A SUCCESS WITHOUT CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THESE ORGANISATIONS.
MR WONG SAID THESE ASSOCIATIONS HAD CONTRIBUTED TREMENDOUSLY IN COMMUNITY BUILDING.
CITING THE SHUN TAK FRATERNAL ASSOCIATION AS AN EXAMPLE, MR WONG SAID IT HAD GRADUALLY DEVELOPED INTO A BENEVOLENT ORGANISATION SINCE ITS FORMATION OVER 40 YE*ARS AGO.
’’THE ASSOCIATION HAS ALL ALONG BEEN PROMOTING THE SPIRIT OF MUTUAL CO-OPERATION IN THE SOCIETY.
“APART FROM PROVIDING EDUCATIONAL SERVICES, THE ASSOCIATION HAS ALSO DEVOTED ITS EFFORTS AND RESOURCES TO THE TERRITORY’S SOCIAL SERVICES,” HE ADDED.
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/6 ........
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6
SALT WATER SUPPLY SUSPENSION *****
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO ALL PREMISES IN KOWLOON EAST WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM ON MONDAY (APRIL 13) AND TUESDAY (APRIL 14) TO FACILITATE MAINTENANCE WORK ON WATERMAINS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AND KOWLOON HOSPITAL AS WELL AS ALL PREMISES IN HUNG HOM, TO KWA WAN, TUNG TAU, WONG TAI SIN, LOK FU, JORDAN VALLEY, WANG TAU HOM, FU SHAN, CHUK YUEN, KOWLOON TONG, FUNG WONG SUN CHUEN, TSZ WAN SHAN, DIAMOND HILL, NGAU CHI WAN, KOWLOON CITY, MA TAU WAI AND MA TAU KOK.
MEANWHILE, SALT WATER SUPPLY TO ALL PREMISES IN TUEN MUN WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 10 AM TO 6 PM ON MONDAY (APRIL 13) TO FACILITATE MAINTENANCE WORK ON WATERMAINS.
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HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ******
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 10.4.92 1,200 *
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 11.4.92 NEUTRAL
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING NEUTRAL
* INCLUDES O/N ASSISTANCE OF 500 MN
TO BE REVERSED ON 13.4.92
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO^
2,300 GET IMPROVED HOUSING ..........................................
MORE VIDEOS ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT AVAILABLE ........................
2
ACTIVITIES TO PROMOTE METRICATION ...................................
COURSES ON COMMUNICATION SKILLS WITH TRADE UNIONS ...................
METROPLAN EXHIBITION EXTENDED .......................................
PUBLIC ADVISED NOT TO BRING IN ENDANGERED SPECIES ...................
YUEN LONG RESIDENTS' HANDBOOK AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION................... $
REMOVAL OF DISTRICT SHROFF OFFICE ...................................
SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 1992
2,300 GET IMPROVED HOUSING ******
MORE THAN 2,300 PEOPLE HAVE THEIR LIVING ENVIRONMENT IMPROVED IN THE PAST 10 MONTHS THROUGH THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S COMPASSIONATE REHOUSING SCHEME, A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
CHIEF SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER, MRS KATHERINE SHIN, SAID A TOTAL OF 1,336 CASES HAD BEEN RECOMMENDED TO HOUSING DEPARTMENT IN THE PAST 10 MONTHS ENDING FEBRUARY. •
’’COMPASSIONATE REHOUSING IS AIMED TO HELP INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES WITH GENUINE, IMMEDIATE AND LONG-TERM HOUSING NEED BECAUSE OF THEIR VERY SPECIFIC CIRCUMSTANCES AND PERSONAL FACTORS,” SHE SAID.
MRS SHIN SAID IN THE COURSE OF DAILY WORK, SERVICES UNITS OF SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND SOME NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS MAY IDENTIFY CASES AND RECOMMEND THEM FOR COMPASSIONATE REHOUSING.
"NEEDY INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES MAY ALSO MAKE DIRECT ENQUIRIES OF SERVICES UNITS OF SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
"CASES RECOMMENDED FOR COMPASSIONATE REHOUSING SHOULD NORMALLY HAVE FINANCIAL MEANS COMPARABLE TO PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND FULFIL THE RESIDENCE QUALIFICATION LAID DOWN BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT," MRS SHIN ADDED.
SHE EXPLAINED THAT PERSONS WITH POOR HEALTH AND DISABILITIES WITH RECOMMENDATION FROM MEDICAL PERSONNELS AND SOCIAL WORKERS THAT IMPROVED HOUSING WAS ESSENTIAL TO HELP THEM IMPROVE THEIR CONDITIONS OR TO RE-INTEGRATE INTO THE COMMUNITY COULD BE CONSIDERED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOR COMPASSIONATE REHOUSING.
ALSO SOCIAL HANDICAPPED PEOPLE WHO WERE FACING PRESSURES BECAUSE OF UNSUITABLE ACCOMMODATION AND WHO MAY FACE SERIOUS AND LONGTERM* DETRIMENTAL EFFECTS COULD BE CONSIDERED FOR SUCH RECOMMENDATION.
IN ADDITION, ELDERLY PUBLIC-ASSISTANCE RECIPIENTS LIVING IN CROWDED BEDSPACE APARTMENT OR A LOW-INCOME SINGLE PARENT WITH YOUNG DEPENDENT CHILDREN AND PERSONS SUFFERING FROM DISABILITIES REQUIRING IMPROVED LIVING ENVIRONMENT FOR REHABILITATION MIGHT BE INCLUDED.
"COMPASSIONATE REHOUSING IS ONLY ONE OF THE VIABLE SOLUTIONS TO HOUSING PROBLEMS. OTHER SERVICES OR ASSISTANCE SUCH AS HOMES OR HOSTEL PLACEMENT AND RELEASE OF FINANCIAL GRANTS ARE ALSO APPLICABLE AND WOULD BE ARRANGED IF APPROPRIATE," MRS SHIN STRESSED.
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/2 ........
SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 1992
2
MORE VIDEOS ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT AVAILABLE
*****
THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION (CNTA) HAS RECENTLY PRODUCED TWO VIDEOS TO PROMOTE THE EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF PRIVATE BUILDINGS.
THESE VIDEOS - "THE ROLE OF CARETAKER” AND ’’BUILDING INSURANCE” TOGETHER WITH THE ONE ON THE FORMATION OF OWNERS CORPORATIONS AND MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS OF BUILDINGS WHICH WAS PRODUCED BY THE CNTA LAST YEAR, FORMED A SERIES OF USEFUL AUDIO-VISUAL AIDS FOR BUILDING MANAGEMENT TRAINING COURSES AND SEMINARS, A CNTA SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
’’THE ROLE OF CARETAKER”, WHICH LASTS FOR 13 MINUTES, ADOPTS AN INDUCTIVE APPROACH TO ILLUSTRATE THE NORMAL SCOPE OF DUTIES AND CONDUCT OF A RESPONSIBLE CARETAKER IN THE DAY-TO-DAY MANAGEMENT OF PRIVATE BUILDINGS.
IT ALSO HIGHLIGHTS THE FREQUENT SECURITY PATROLS, DUE ATTENTION TO WATER AND POWER SUPPLY AS WELL AS THE PROPER MAINTENANCE OF COMMON FACILITIES.
THE SEVEN-MINUTE VIDEO ON BUILDING INSURANCE EMPHASISES THE NEED AND VALUE-FOR-MONEY ASPECT OF THE PURCHASE OF VARIOUS TYPES OF INSURANCE.
IT FEATURES THE COMMON CATEGORIES OF INSURANCE ADOPTED BY OWNERS CORRPORATIONS (OC’S) AND BUILDING MANAGERS: EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION INSURANCE, FIRE RISKS AND OTHER PERILS INSURANCE AND PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE.
SOME USEFUL FOLLOW-UP ACTIONS AFTER THE PURCHASE OF INSURANCE, SUCH AS THE DISPLAY OF A COPY OF THE POLICY IN THE BUILDING, REGULAR REVIEW OF THE ADEQUACY OF THE INSURED AMOUNT AND RENEWAL OF POLICY ARE ALSO STRESSED,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
COPIES OF THE VIDEOS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR LOAN, FREE-OF-CHARGE, AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES BY THE OC’S, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, LOCAL BODIES, VOLUNTARY AGENCIE, AND RESIDENTS GROUPS.
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ACTIVITIES TO PROMOTE METRICATION *****
THE METRICATION COMMITTEE IS ORGANISING A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES IN 1992/1993 TO PROMOTE METRICATION IN HONG KONG.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMITTEE SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THESE ACTIVITIES WERE TO PROMOTE THE USE OF METRIC UNITS AT THE RETAIL LEVEL, AND TO EDUCATE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ON THE METRIC SYSTEM.
/"IT IS .......
SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 1992
3
"IT IS IMPORTANT FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO REALISE THAT IT IS THE WORLD TREND TO ADOPT THE METRIC SYSTEM. AND HONG KONG, AS A LEADING TRADE CENTRE, SHOULD KEEP PACE WITH INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT,” HE SAID.
TO ENCOURAGE PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION AND TO SOLICIT MORE FINANCIAL RESOURCES, THE COMMITTEE HAS PLANS TO APPEAL FOR PRIVATE SPONSORSHIP TO IMPLEMENT VARIOUS PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES.
"THE COMMITTEE BELIEVES THAT WITH THE SUPPORT FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR, THE PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES WILL BE MORE RESPONSIVE TO THE NEED OF THE PUBLIC," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE FIRST PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITY IS A POSTER AND SLOGAN DESIGN COMPETITION WITH "LET US GO METRIC" AS THE THEME.
"THROUGH THE COMPETITION, THE COMMITTEE HOPES TO STIMULATE NEW IDEAS FROM THE YOUNGER GENERATION ON THE PROMOTION OF METRICATION," HE ADDED.
LETTERS WERE SENT TO SCHOOL PRINCIPALS LAST MONTH TO INVITE STUDENTS FROM PRIMARY FOUR TO FORM SEVEN TO TAKE PART IN THE COMPETITION.
ENTRIES TO THE COMPETITION SHOULD REACH THE METRICATION COMMITTEE SECRETARIAT THROUGH RESPECTIVE SCHOOL PRINCIPALS ON OR BEFORE JUNE 17.
PRIZES OF THE COMPETITION, WHICH AMOUNT TO ABOUT $20,000, ARE SPONSORED BY THE WINNER FOOD PRODUCTS LIMITED.
A MEMBER OF THE METRICATION COMMITTEE, MRS BETTY LAM SAID: "WE WOULD APPRECIATE VERY MUCH THE FINANCIAL AND MORAL SUPPORT FROM OUR COMMUNITY-CONSCIOUS BUSINESS SECTOR TO PROMOTE METRICATION."
SHE URGED THE LOCAL BUSINESS COMMUNITY, IN PARTICULAR, THE RETAILERS, TO JOIN HANDS WITH THE METRICATION COMMITTEE IN ORGANISING PROMOTIONAL CAMPAIGNS TO HELP CUSTOMERS WITH METRICATION.
LATER IN THE YEAR, THE COMMITTEE WILL SET UP METRIC SCALE COUNTERS AT MAJOR PUBLIC MARKETS TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO USE METRIC UNITS.
ENQUIRIES ON THESE PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES CAN BE MADE TO THE SECRETARY OF THE METRICATION COMMITTEE, MS TITANIA KWAN, ON TEL. 810 2869.
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/4 ........
SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 1992
COURSES ON COMMUNICATION SKILLS WITH TRADE UNIONS
*****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL RUN THREE LABOUR RELATIONS COURSES BETWEEN MAY AND JULY TO ENHANCE COMPANY MANAGERS’ UNDERSTANDING OF TRADE UNIONS AND TO EQUIP THEM WITH SKILLS IN DEALING WITH TRADE UNION OFFICIALS.
THE THREE COURSES, EACH COMPRISING SIX EVENING SESSIONS, ARE DESIGNED PARTICULARLY FOR MANAGERS ENGAGED IN PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT, STAFF DISCIPLINE, OR WAGE NEGOTIATIONS.
THE COURSES WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYS, WITH THE FIRST CLASS STARTING ON MAY 5.
THE TOPICS TO BE COVERED WILL INCLUDE MANPOWER CHARACTERISTICS IN HONG KONG, WORKERS’ ATTITUDE AND RESPONSE TOWARDS WORK AND THE ROLE OF A TRADE UNION.
THERE WILL ALSO BE SESSIONS ON THE LEGAL STATUS OF TRADE UNIONS, ANALYSIS OF THEIR ACTIVITIES AND OPERATIONAL SCOPE AS WELL AS THE METHODS AND SKILLS IN NEGOTIATION AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION, THE ART OF COMPROMISE, AND THE HANDLING OF CONTINGENCY ISSUES AND CRISIS SITUATION.
THE SPEAKER WILL BE MR CHEUNG LUN, SECRETARY OF THE HONG KONG AND KOWLOON CEMENT AND CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION TRADE WORKERS’ UNION AND MEMBER OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD.
THE COURSES WILL BE CONDUCTED IN CANTONESE AND THE ENROLNENT FEE IS $350.
EACH CLASS WILL HAVE 20 PLACES AND ENROLMENT IS ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS.
DETAILS OF THE COURSES AND ENROLMENT LEAFLETS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE LABOUR RELATIONS PROMOTION UNIT OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ON THE 16TH FLOOR OF OTB BUILDING, 160 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI AND FROM ALL LABOUR RELATIONS BRANCH OFFICES.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 834 9311.
---------0-----------
SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 1992
- 5 -
METROPLAN EXHIBITION EXTENDED
*****
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO MISSED THE CHANCE TO SEE THE METROPLAN EXHIBITION EARLIER WILL BE ABLE TO DO SO NOW AS THE GOVERNMENT HAS EXTENDED THE EXHIBITION OVER THE EASTER HOLIDAYS.
THE ONE-MONTH EXHIBITION, WHICH WAS ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED FOR CONCLUSION LAST FRIDAY, HAS NOW MOVED TO THE ENTRANCE HALL ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF QUEENSWAY PLAZA IN CENTRAL FOR PUBLIC VIEWING UNTIL APRIL 20.
THE EXHIBITION IS ORGANISED UNDER THE AEGIS OF THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT TO INFORM THE PUBLIC OF THE VARIOUS PLANNING CONCEPTS AND PROPOSALS SET OUT IN THE METROPLAN SELECTED STRATEGY SO AS TO ENABLE THEM TO VISUALISE THE FUTURE TRANSFORMATION OF HONG KONG’S METRO AREA.
SINCE ITS LAUNCH IN MARCH, THE EXHIBITION HAS BEEN STAGED ON A ROVING BASIS AT VARIOUS CITY HUBS WHICH FALL UNDER THE METROPLAN STRATEGY AND HAS BECOME AN INSTANT ATTRACTION TO LOCAL RESIDENTS.
APART FROM INTRODUCING THE AIMS AND APPROACHES ADOPTED FOR RESTRUCTURING THE CITY THROUGH DISPLAY PANELS AND AUDIO VISUAL PRESENTATIONS, THE EXHIBITION ALSO FEATURES A CLUSTER OF LIGHTWALLS OF THE NEW CITY FORM IN FUTURE AS WELL AS SOME MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS.
ALSO, THREE PURPOSE-BUILT MODELS HIGHLIGHTING HOW THE CITY WILL BE RE-SHAPED ARE ALSO ON DISPLAY. THIS FORMS THE MAIN ATTRACTION OF THE EXHIBITION PROVIDING THE PUBLIC A THREE-DIMENSIONAL VISION OF HOW THE CITY IN FUTURE WILL LOOK LIKE UNDER THE PLANNING FRAMEWORK OF THE METROPLAN STRATEGY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE DECISION TO EXTEND THE EXHIBITION PERIOD WAS MADE FOLLOWING ENTHUSIASTIC PUBLIC RESPONSE NOT ONLY IN THE INNOVATIVE DESIGN OF THE EXHIBITS ITSELF.
MORE IMPORTANTLY, IT WAS AN ANSWER TO THE PUBLIC APPRECIATION OF fHE GOVERNMENT’S EFFORT IN THE FORWARD PLANNING OF THE CITY.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO NOTED THAT EVER SINCE THE EXHIBITS WENT. ON DISPLAY, THEY HAD GENERATED IMMENSE INTERESTS FROM THE MEDIA AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR. THIS COULD BE JUDGED BY THE VOLUME OF ENQUIRIES RECEIVED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
HE SAID THE DISPLAY ITEMS HAD ALREADY BEEN BOOKED FOR DISPLAY BY ORGANISERS OF THE FORTHCOMING CONFERENCE OF ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK AS ONE OF THE SHOWPIECES FOR OVERSEAS VISITORS ON HONG KONG’S DEVELOPMENTS, IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE COMPLETION OF THE CURRENT ROUND OF EXHIBITIONS.
_ _ 0 - -
/6........
SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 1992
PUBLIC ADVISED NOT TO BRING IN ENDANGERED SPECIES ******
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC VISITING CHINA AND OVERSEAS COUNTRIES DURING THE EASTER HOLIDAYS ARE ADVISED NOT TO BRING BACK WITH THEM ANY ENDANGERED SPECIES ON THEIR RETURN TO HONG KONG.
THE ACTING SENIOR CONSERVATION OFFICER OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, MR RICHARD CHAN, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT BOTH THE CUSTOMS AUTHORITY AND THE DEPARTMENT HAD STEPPED UP CONTROL MEASURES AT ALL ENTRY POINTS TO CHECK ON TRAVELLERS AND GOODS VEHICLES DURING THE HOLIDAY PERIOD.
"ANYONE WHO TRIES TO ILLEGALLY BRING IN ANY ENDANGERED SPECIES INCLUDING LIVE AND STUFFED SPECIMENS AS WELL AS PARTS AND DERIVATIVES, WILL BE PROSECUTED," MR CHAN SAID.
ACCORDING TO MR CHAN, THERE HAD BEEN 102 SEIZURES IN CONNECTION WITH THE ILLEGAL IMPORT, EXPORT AND POSSESSION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES UP TO THE END OF MARCH THIS YEAR.
THE ENDANGERED SPECIES INVOLVED WERE MAINLY STUFFED SEA TURTLES, CORAL SKELETONS, MOUNTED BUTTERFLIES, PANGOLINS AND PARROTS.
IT IS AN OFFENCE UNDER THE ANIMALS AND PLANTS (PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES) ORDINANCE TO IMPORT, EXPORT AND POSSESS AN ENDANGERED SPECIES WITHOUT THE PRIOR PERMISSION OF THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES.
"FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS MAY RESULT IN A MAXIMUM FINE OF $25,000 ON THE FIRST OFFENCE AND $50,000 PLUS SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR A REPEATED OFFENCE," MR CHAN ADDED.
- - 0 - -
YUEN LONG RESIDENTS’ HANDBOOK AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION
******
THE "YUEN LONG RESIDENTS’ HANDBOOK 1992" IS NOW AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE AT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE (PESC), GROUND FLOOR, YUEN LONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, 269 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, YUEN LONG.
A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT COPIES OF THE HANDBOOKS HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED TO RESIDENTS OF LONG PING ESTATE, SHUI PIN WAI ESTATE AND YUEN LONG ESTATE.
THE INFORMATIVE BOOKLET CONTAINS INFORMATION ON THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD, THE DISTRICT’S RURAL COMMITTEES, GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, SOCIAL SERVICES, PUBLIC HOUSING, LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT, TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT, RECREATION AND SPORTS, TOURIST SPOTS, AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS.
/"SOME COPIES
SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 1992
7
"SOME COPIES WILL BE RESERVED FOR DISTRIBUTION TO RESIDENTS OF THE SOON-TO-BE-COMPLETED TIN YIU ESTATE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE HANDBOOK IS PUBLISHED BY THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICE AND PUBLICITY COMMITTEE AND THE DISTRICT’S CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN WORKING GROUP 1991-92.
"RESIDENTS CAN ALSO GET A COPY OF THE HANDBOOK BY MAIL BY SENDING A RETURN ADDRESS ENVELOPE MEASURING NOT LESS THAN 18 CM x 25 CM WITH A $3 STAMP DIRECTLY TO THE PESC,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"ENQUIRIES CAN ALSO BE MADE TO THE PESC ON i’-EL. 479 2261," HE ADDED.
------0-------
REMOVAL OF DISTRICT SHROFF OFFICE ******
THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE’S ACCOUNTS AND SHROFF OFFICES WILL BE MOVED TO FIRST FLOOR, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, STARTING FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY).
A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID LOCAL RESIDENTS CAN MAKE USE OF THE ENTRANCE FACING TSUEN FUNG CENTRE.
HE ADDED THAT THE HOURS OF BUSINESS OF THE SHROFF OFFICE WILL BE AS FOLLOWS:
MONDAY TO FRIDAY: 9 AM TO 1 PM
2 PM TO 4 PM
SATURDAY: 9 AM TO 11.30 AM
SUNDAY AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS: CLOSED
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HONG KONG'S EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS FOR FEBRUARY RELEASED . 1
STATEMENT ON PROPOSED SHA LO TUNG GOLF COURSE ............... 8
AIR QUALITY REPORT FOR MARCH RELEASED ....................... 8
DAMP WEATHER CONTINUES IN MARCH ............................. 11
FEW DAYS MORE TO GIVE VIEWS OK CHINESE MEDICINE ............. 14
REMINDER FOR RATEPAYERS ..................................... i4
UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS TO BE CLOSED .................... 16
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO CUT OFF IN TSUEN WAN & KWAI CHUNG ...... 16
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ........................................ I6
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .. 17
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1992
- 1 -
HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS FOR FEBRUARY RELEASED *****
TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE IN FEBRUARY' THIS YEAR, AT $135,045 MILLION, INCREASED BY 49% IN VALUE AS COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY LAST YEAR, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 22% TO $17,490 MILLION WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 57% TO $49,381 MILLION.
THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY' 46% TO $66,871 MILLION IN FEBRUARY 1992. THE VALUE OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY 51% TO $68,175 MILLION.
THE VALUE OF TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE IN THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF 1992, AT $244,128 MILLION, INCREASED BY' 16% AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1991.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECREASED BY 6% TO $31,655 MILLION, WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 25% TO $88,389 MILLION.
TAKING DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 15% TO $120,044 MILLION. THE VALUE OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY 17% TO $124,084 MILLION.
CAUTION SHOULD BE EXERCISED IN INTERPRETING THE TRADE FIGURES FOR ANY INDIVIDUAL MONTH IN ISOLATION, IN VIEW OF THE FLUCTUATIONS THAT MAY OCCUR FROM MONTH TO MONTH.
IN PARTICULAR, TRADE FIGURES FOR FEBRUARY AS WELL AS THOSE FOR JANUARY ARE AFFECTED BY THE TIMING OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS.
EXTENDING THE PERIOD OF COMPARISON TO THE 12 MONTHS ENDING FEBRUARY 1992 WITH THE 12 MONTHS ENDING FEBRUARY 1991, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE, AT $229,178 MILLION, WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS WAS UP BY 28% TO $552,748 MILLION.
TAKING DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS ROSE BY 18% TO $781,926 MILLION. THE VALUE OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY 20% TO $797,396 MILLION. THE VALUE OF TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE INCREASED BY 19% TO $1,579,322 MILLION.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
COMPARING FEBRUARY 1992 WITH FEBRUARY 1991, SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA, CANADA, U.S.A., SINGAPORE AND JAPAN, BY 64%, 47%, 31%, 26% AND 25% RESPECTIVELY.
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, THE NETHERLANDS, TAIWAN AND THE UNITED KINGDOM DECREASED BY 24%, 5%, 5% AND 2% RESPECTIVELY.
/COMPARING THE .......
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1992
2
COMPARING THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF 1992 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1991, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CANADA AND CHINA INCREASED BY 13% AND 9% RESPECTIVELY, WHILE THAT TO U.S.A. RECORDED LITTLE CHANGE.
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, TAIWAN, THE UNITED KINGDOM, THE NETHERLANDS AND FRANCE DECREASED BY 33%, 21%, 18%, 13% AND 12% RESPECTIVELY. THOSE TO SINGAPORE AND JAPAN DECREASED BY 6% AND 1% RESPECTIVELY.
TABLE 2 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
COMPARING JANUARY TO FEBRUARY 1992 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1991, INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE REGISTERED FOR ELECTRIC CURRENT (BY $112 MILLION OR 96%); MANUFACTURES OF METALS (BY $103 MILLION OR 16%); MACHINERY SPECIALISED FOR PARTICULAR INDUSTRIES (BY $99 MILLION OR 29%); AND MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (BY $49 MILLION OR 2%).
HOWEVER, DECREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE RECORDED IN TEXTILES (BY $366 MILLION OR 16%); OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $361 MILLION OR 12%); ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $344 MILLION OR 12%); PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $328 MILLION OR 11%); AND CLOTHING (BY $194 MILLION OR 2%).
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM ARE'SUMMARISED IN TABLE 3.
THE 10 MAJOR SUPPLIERS
COMPARING FEBRUARY 1992 WITH FEBRUARY 1991, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM ALL MAJOR SUPPLIERS. THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, TAIWAN, THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA, CHINA, JAPAN, ITALY AND U.S.A. INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY, BY 79%, 72%, 61%, 55%, 51%, 46% AND 44% RESPECTIVELY.
THOSE FROM SWITZERLAND, SINGAPORE AND THE UNITED KINGDOM INCREASED BY 27%, 15% AND 15% RESPECTIVELY.
COMPARING JANUARY TO FEBRUARY 1992 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1991, SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, JAPAN, ITALY, CHINA, THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA AND TAIWAN, BY 30%, 27%, 21%, 21%, 17% AND 16% RESPECTIVELY.
THOSE FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM AND U.S.A. INCREASED BY 6% AND 2% RESPECTIVELY. HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM SINGAPORE AND SWITZERLAND DECREASED BY 7% AND 2% RESPECTIVELY.
TABLE 4 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
COMPARING JANUARY TO FEBRUARY 1992 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1991, INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS WERE REGISTERED FOR MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (BY $2,428 MILLION OR 35%); ROAD VEHICLES (BY $2,106 MILLION OR 97%); TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $1,804 MILLION OR 22%); PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $1,036 MILLION OR 19%); CLOTHING (BY $1,804 MILLION OR 20%); AND TEXTILES (BY $165 MILLION OR 1%).
/HOWEVER, DECREASES ........
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1992
3
HOWEVER, DECREASES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS WERE RECORDED IN PETROLEUM, PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND RELATED MATERIALS (BY $1,131 MILLION OR 36%); AND OTHER TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT (BY.$889 MILLION OR 76%).
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 5.
COMPARING FEBRUARY 1992 WITH FEBRUARY 1991, THE VALUE OF REEXPORTS TO MOST MAJOR MARKETS INCREASED.
SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA, CANADA AND U.S.A., BY 94%, 78% AND 73% RESPECTIVELY.
THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO FRANCE, JAPAN, SINGAPORE, THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA, THE UNITED KINGDOM AND TAIWAN INCREASED BY 45%, 41%, 38%, 37%, 37% AND 11% RESPECTIVELY.
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY DECREASED BY 4%.
COMPARING JANUARY TO FEBRUARY 1992 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1991, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO CANADA, U.S.A., CHINA AND FRANCE INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY, BY 47%, 37%, 36% AND 30% RESPECTIVELY.
THOSE TO THE UNITED KINGDOM, JAPAN AND SINGAPORE INCREASED BY 21%, 19% AND 10% RESPECTIVELY.
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO TAIWAN, THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA DECREASED BY 13%, 10% AND 2% RESPECTIVELY.
TABLE 6 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
COMPARING JANUARY TO FEBRUARY 1992 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1991, INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS WERE REGISTERED FOR MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (BY $3,217 MILLION OR 39%); CLOTHING (BY $1,985 MILLION OR 20%); PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $1,754 MILLION OR 70%); FOOTWEAR (BY $1,544 MILLION OR 44%); AND TEXTILES (BY $322 MILLION OR 5%).
HOWEVER, DECREASES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS WERE RECORDED IN TOBACCO AND TOBACCO MANUFACTURES (BY $921 MILLION OR 57%); AND BEVERAGES (BY $151 MILLION OR 39%).
STARTING FROM JANUARY THIS YEAR, THE THIRD REVISION OF THE STANDARD INTERNATIONAL TRADE CLASSIFICATION (SITC REV. 3) HAS BEEN ADOPTED IN HONG KONG IN PLACE OF THE SECOND REVISION FOR THE CLASSIFICATION OF TRADE STATISTICS BY COMMODITY.
TO ACHIEVE COMPARABILITY, THE COMMODITY TRADE STATISTICS FOR 1991 PRESENTED HERE HAVE BEEN RE-CLASSIFIED ACCORDING TO THE NEW SYSTEM.
/ALL THE .......
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1992
4
ALL THE TRADE STATISTICS DESCRIBED HERE ARE MEASURED AT CURRENT PRICES AND NO ACCOUNT HAS BEEN TAKEN OF THE CHANGES IN PRICES BETWEEN THE PERIODS OF COMPARISON.
A SEPARATE ANALYSIS OF THE PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE IN FEBRUARY 1992 WILL BE RELEASED IN EARLY MAY.
DETAILED STATISTICS ON TRADE VALUE BY COMMODITY AND BY COUNTRY ARE PUBLISHED IN TRADE STATISTICS REPORTS.
THE FEBRUARY 1992 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE" WITH DETAILED ANALYSES ON IMPORTS, EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS IN FEBRUARY 1992 WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AROUND APRIL 24, AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE AT $52 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 ON TEL. 842 8802 AND ENQUIRIES ON TRADE STATISTICS TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 582 4915.
TABLE 1: DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAJOR MARKETS
MAJOR MARKET FEB 1992 (HKD MN.) FEB 92 OVER FEB 91 JAN-FEB 1992 (HKD MN.) JAN-FEB 92 OVER JAN-FEB 91
( % ) ( %
U.S.A. 4,689 + 31 8,260 ♦
CHINA 3,946 + 64 7,242 + 9
F.R. OF GERMANY 1,264 - 24 2,420 - 33
U.K. 995 - 2 1,826 - 18
JAPAN 907 + 25 1,651 - 1
SINGAPORE 737 + 26 1,357 - 6
CANADA 482 + 47 869 + 13
NETHERLANDS 440 - 5 847 - 13
TAIWAN 4 19 - 5 787 - 21
FRANCE 274 * 538 - 12
* DENOTES LESS THAN 0.5%
/TABLE 2 .......
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1992
5
TABLE 2: DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISION
FEB 1992
(HKD MN.)
FEB 92 JAN-FEB JAN-FEB 92
OVER 1992 OVER
FEB 91 JAN-FEB 91
( % ) (HKD MN.) ( % )
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 6,073 + 19 11,016 - 2
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES) ♦ 1,693 + 29 3, 190 + 2
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 1,568 + 27 2,669 - 11
OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT 1,389 + 12 2,574 - 12
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 1,353 + 14 2,471 - 12
TEXTILE YARN,FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 1,313 + 36 ' 1,976 - 16
TABLE 3: IMPORTS FROM THE 10 MAJOR SUPPLIERS
MAJOR SUPPLIER FEB 1992 (HKD MN.) FEB 92 OVER FEB 91 ( % ) JAN-FEB 1?92 (HKD MN.) JAN-FEB OVER JAN-FEB ( 92 91 % )
CHINA 23,478 + 55 46,131 + 21
JAPAN 12,404 + 51 21,632 + 27
TAIWAN 6,243 + 72 10,702 + 16
U.S.A. 4,971 + 44 8,908 + 2
REP OF KOREA 3,323 + 61 5,698 + 17
/SINGAPORE .......
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1992
- 6 -
SINGAPORE 2,675 + 15 5,044 — 7
F.R. OF GERMANY 1,705 + 79 2,896 + 30
U.K. 1,602 + 15 2,853 + 6
ITALY 1,101 + 46 1,839 + 21
SWITZERLAND 1,188 + 27 1,738 - 2
IMPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
TABLE 4:
COMMODITY DIVISION (H FEB 1992 KD MN.) FEB 92 OVER FEB 91 JAN-FEB 1992 (HKD MN.) JAN-FEB 92 OVER JAN-FEB 91
( % . ) ( % )
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 6,841 + 43 11,664 + 6
TEXTILE YARN,FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 7,563 + 70 11,171 + 1
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 5,594 + 50 10,873 + 20
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 5,062 + 42 9,921 + 22
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES,TOYS,GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 4,925 + 72 9,271 + 35
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 3,464 + 41 6,424 + 19
/TABLE 5 .......
7
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1992
TABLE 5: RE-EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAJOR MARKETS
FEB FEB 92 JAN-FEB JAN-FEB 92
MAJOR MARKET 1992 OVER 1992 OVER
FEB 91 JAN-FEB 91
(HKD MN.) ( % ) (HKD MN.) ( * ; )
CHINA 14,341 + 94 25,096 + 36
U.S.A. 10,234 + 73 18,579 + 37
F.R. OF GERMANY 2,663 - 4 5,130 - 10
JAPAN 2,859 + 41 5,083 + 19
TAIWAN 1,992 + 11 3,314 - 13
U.K. 1,230 + 37 2,366 + 21
REP OF KOREA 1,228 + 37 1,955 - 2
SINGAPORE 1,028 + 38 1,868 + 10
CANADA 911 + 78 1,655 + 47
FRANCE 881 + 45 1,622 + 30
TABLE 6: RE-EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
FEB FEB 92 JAN-FEB JAN-FEB 92
COMMODITY 1992 OVER 1992 OVER
DIVISION FEB 91 JAN-FEB 91
(HKD MN.) ( % ) (HKD MN.) ( % )
ARTICLES OF APPAREL
AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES • 6,515 + 44 11,731 + 20
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES,TOYS,GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 6,193 + 73 11,402 + 39
TEXTILE YARN,FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 4,976 + 80 7, 171 + 5
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 3, 102 + 21 6,673 + 16
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 3,635 + 49 6,368 + 12
FOOTWEAR 3,327 + 118 5,024 + 44
0 - - — — /8
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1992
8
STATEMENT ON PROPOSED SHA 1.0 TUNG GOLF COURSE * * * * *
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD DECIDED NOT TO CONTEST THE JUDICIAL REVIEW PROCEEDINGS LODGED BY THE FRIENDS OF THE EARTH (CHARITY) LIMITED OVER THE COUNTRY PARKS AUTHORITY’S APPROVAL UNDER SECTION 10 OF THE COUNTRY PARKS ORDINANCE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A GOLF COURSE AT SHA LO TUNG, PART OF WHICH WAS WITHIN THE PAK SIN LENG COUNTRY PARK.
THE GOVERNMENT ACCEPTS THAT APPROVAL FOR THE DEVELOPMENT SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN BASED ON SECTION 10 OF THE COUNTRY PARKS ORDINANCE WHICH ONLY APPLIES TO PROPOSED COUNTRY PARK AREAS.
AS PART OF THE DEVELOPMENT FALLS WITHIN THE COUNTRY PARK, SECTION 10 DOES NOT APPLY AND THE APPROVAL IS THEREFORE TECHNICALLY INCORRECT.
THE GOVERNMENT THEREFORE CONSENTS TO AN ORDER TO QUASH THE APPROVAL GRANTED BY THE COUNTRY PARKS AUTHORITY TO THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICER/TAI PO. BUT THIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT WILL NOT BE FURTHER PROCESSED.
THE DECISION OF THE COURT SIMPLY RELATES TO THE APPLICATION OF THE APPROPRIATE SECTION IN THE ORDINANCE COVERING THE APPROVAL.
THE DEVELOPER WILL BE INFORMED OF THE OUTCOME OF THE JUDICIAL REVIEW AND ADVISED THAT IF HE WISHES TO PROCEED WITH THE DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION THE GOVERNMENT WOULD SEEK LEGAL ADVICE ON HOW IT SHOULD BE PROCESSED.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT A FULL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT WILL BE UNDERTAKEN AND THE PUBLIC WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO COMMENT BEFORE A FINAL DECISION IS MADE.
--------0-----------
AIR QUALITY REPORT FOR MARCH RELEASED *****
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) TODAY (MONDAY) RELEASED AIR QUALITY INFORMATION FOR MARCH THIS YEAR.
THIS IS THE NINTH MONTHLY ANNOUNCEMENT MADE BY THE DEPARTMENT.
THE ANNOUNCEMENT NORMALLY CONTAINS MONITORING RESULTS AS OBTAINED AT ITS MONG KOK, CENTRA1,/WESTERN AND KWAI CHUNG MONITORING STATIONS.
FOR THIS MARCH RELEASE, HOWEVER, NO DATA IS AVAILABLE FOR THE CENTRAL/WESTERN STATION WHERE ALL MONITORING ACTIVITIES HAVE TEMPORARILY BEEN SUSPENDED DUE TO CONSTRUCTION WORK TAKING PLACE AT THE STATION.
THE REPORTED AIR POLLUTANTS INCLUDE SULPHUR DIOXIDE (S02) AND NITROGEN DIOXODE (NO2)WHICH ARE MONITORED CONTINUOUSLY ROUND THE CLOCK AND TOTAL SUSPENDED PARTICULATES (TSP) AND RESPIRABLE SUSPENDED PARTICULATES (RSP) WHICH ARE SAMPLED FOR 24 HOURS EVERY SIX DAYS.
/THE GENERAL ......
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1992
9
THE GENERAL SULPHUR DIOXIDE LEVEL WAS SATISFACTORY, WHILE THE NITROGEN DIOXIDE LEVEL CONSIDERABLE HIGH, ALTHOUGH NOT EXCEEDING THE HONG KONG AIR QUALITY OBJECTIVES.
DUST LEVELS AT BOTH STATIONS WERE SIGNIFICANTLY HIGH, PARTICULARLY AT THE MONG KOK STATION WHERE THE PERSISTENTLY ELEVATED RESULTS OVER THE PAST YEAR HAVE EXCEEDED THE RELEVANT ANNUAL AIR QUALITY OBJECTIVES FOR TSP AND RSP.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE PURPOSE OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT IS TO MAKE THE PUBLIC MORE AWARE OF THE GENERAL AIR QUALITY LEVELS TO WHICH THEY MIGHT BE EXPOSED.
THESE AIR POLLUTANTS MAINLY COME FROM COMBUSTION OF FUEL IN INDUSTRIAL PLANTS AND MOTOR VEHICLES ENGINES.
TSP AND RSP ARE ALSO GENERATED BY CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES AND SOME MANUFACTURING PROCESSES.
THE DAILY HONG KONG AIR QUALITY OBJECTIVES OF SO2 AND NO2, TSP AND RSP ARE 350, 150, 260 AND 180 MICROGRAMS PER CUBIC METER RESPECTIVELY.
THESE OBJECTIVES ARE COMPARABLE TO INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED AIR QUALITY STANDARDS RECOMMENDED FOR THE PROTECTION 01- THE GENERAL HEALTH OF THE PUBLIC.
HIGH LEVELS OF SO2 CAUSE RESPIRATORY ILLNESS, REDUCE LUNG FUNCTION AND INCREASE MORTALITY RATE.
NO2 CAUSES RESPIRATORY IRRITATION, INCREASES SUSCEPTIBILITY TO RESPIRATORY INFECTION AND IMPAIRS LUNG DEVELOPMENT.
TSP ACTS SYNERGISTICALLY WITH OTHER GASEOUS POLLUTANTS AND RSP CAUSES RESPIRATORY ILLNESS, REDUCES LUNG FUNCTION AND SOME FORMS OF RSP MAY CAUSE CANCER.
THE MONG KOK, CENTRAL/WESTERN AND KWAI (HUNG STATIONS BROADLY REPRESENT AIR QUALITY RESPECTIVELY AT LOCATIONS CLOSE TO ROAD TRAFFIC IN BUILT-UP URBAN DISTRICT; COMBINED COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS; AND DISTRICT CLOSE TO INDUSTRIAL AREAS.
CURRENTLY THE EPD OPERATES A TOTAL OF 11 FIXED \IR QUALITY MONITORING STATIONS, INCLUDING THE THREE MENTIONED ABOVE.
THE OTHER EIGHT STATIONS ARE AT KWUN TONG, SHAM SHU1 PO, TSIM SHA TSUI, TSEUNG KWAN O, TSUEN WAN, HONG KONG SOUTH, TAI PO AND SHA TIN.
NOTE TO EDITORS :
FURTHER ENQUIRY CAN BE DIRECTED TO PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER MR RAYMOND LEUNG ON TEL. 810 3019.
/HONG KONG .......
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1992
10
Hong Kong Air Quality Report for March 1992
--------o-----------
/Il.......
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1992
- 11 -
DAMP WEATHER CONTINUES IN MARCH ♦ * * * *
THE DAMP AND WET WEATHER OF FEBRUARY CONTINUED INTO MARCH, ACCORDING TO A MONTHLY WEATHER REPORT RELEASED BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY.
CLOUDS AND MIST WERE PREVALENT AS MOISTURE CONVERGED UPON THE SOUTH CHINA COASTAL AREAS.
TOTAL DURATION OF SUNSHINE FOR THE MONTH, WHICH AMOUNTED TO 37.6 HOURS ONLY, WAS LESS THAN 40 PER CENT OF NORMAL AND RANKED THE NINTH LOWEST SINCE 1884.
THE MONTHLY MEAN RELATIVE HUMIDITY WAS AS HIGH AS 90 PER CENT, MAKING IT THE MOST HUMID MARCH SINCE 1978.
4
RAINFALL WAS AGAIN PLENTIFUL, WITH THE MONTHLY TOTAL OF 242.4 MILLIMETRES OVER THREE-AND-A-HALF TIMES THE MARCH NORMAL OF 66.9 MILLIMETRES.
HALF OF THE MONTH’S RAIN FELL ON MARCH 3, THE SECOND WETTEST MARCH DAY ON RECORD.
THE TOTAL RAINFALL IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR AMOUNTED TO 425.2 MILLIMETRES, WHICH WAS THE SECOND HIGHEST ON RECORD AND OVER THREE TIMES THE NORMAL OF 138.3 MILLIMETRES FOR THE SAME PERIOD.
THE ONLY OTHER OCCASION WITH AN EVEN WETTER FIRST QUARTER WAS THE RECORD-BREAKING 745.3 MILLIMETRES IN 1983.
INCIDENTALLY, THE RAINY SPRINGS OF 1983 AND 1992 BOTH OCCURRED AT A TIME WHEN PHENOMENON KNOWN AS EL NINO WAS TAKING PLACE IN THE EASTERN EQUATORIAL PACIFIC.
RAIN AND MIST ON MARCH 1 SET THE THEME FOR THE MONTH’S WEATHER. ALTHOUGH RAIN BECAME LESS THE NEXT DAY, VISIBILITY WAS WORSE AS A RESULT OF THICKENING FOG THAT SPREAD INSIDE THE HARBOUR.
THE APPROACH OF A COLD FRONT FROM GUANGDONG LED TO INCREASINGLY UNSTABLE WEATHER, BRINGING ABOUT A HEAVY DOWNPOUR OVER THE TERRITORY IN THE EARLY HOURS OF MARCH 3.
IN THE AFTERMATH, TEMPERATURES ROSE BY A COUPLE OF DEGREES JUST BEFORE DAYBREAK AS WARM MARITIME AIR PUSHED MOMENTARILY INTO THE COASTAL AREAS.
HOWEVER, WINDS SOON FRESHENED FROM THE EAST LATER THAT DAY AND EVENTUALLY BECAME FRESH TO STRONG NORTHERLY AFTER -THE COLD FRONT FROM THE NORTH PASSED THROUGH ON MARCH 4.
AS A RESULT OF THE RAINY WEATHER, SEVERAL INCIDENTS OF MUDSLIPS, BOULDER FALL AND TOPPLED TREES WERE REPORTED THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
/WHILE RAIN .......
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1992
12
WHILE RAIN TURNED LIGHT, THE WEATHER BECAME PROGRESSIVELY COLDER OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OE DAYS AS THE NORTHERLY WINDS PERSISTED.
THE MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 9.7 DEGREES CELSIUS IN THE MORNING OF MARCH 6 WAS THE LOWEST RECORDED THIS MONTH.
WHILE THE WEATHER REMAINED COLD AND CLOUDY WITH LIGHT RAIN ON MARCH 7 AND 8, TEMPERATURES WERE RISING SLOWLY.
AS THE NORTHERLY WINDS SUBSIDED FURTHER, THE WARMING TREND CONTINUED FOR THE NEXT EIGHT DAYS, CULMINATING IN THE MONTH’S HIGHEST TEMPERATURE OF 25.5 DEGREES CELSIUS ON MARCH 16.
THE SUNNIEST DAY OF THE MONTH OCCURRED ON MARCH 14 WHEN WINDS TURNED SOUTHEASTERLY.
OTHERWISE, CONDITIONS DURING THE PERIOD WERE GENERALLY MISTY WITH OFFSHORE FOG PATCHES, PARTICULARLY AT NIGHT AND IN THE MORNING. *
POOR VISIBILITY AFFECTED SEA TRAFFIC ON MARCH 16 AND JETFOIL SERVICES TO MACAU WERE DELAYED.
AFTER ANOTHER FOGGY MORNING ON MARCH .17, EASTERLY WINDS FRESHENED LATER THAT DAY AND BECAME STRONG OFFSHORE IN THE EVENING.
THE WEATHER TURNED COOLER WITH PATCHES OF LIGHT RAIN. WITH THE MODERATION OF THE EASTERLIES, PERIODS OF SUNSHINE EMERGED ON MARCH 19.
WHILE SOME SUNNY INTERVALS RECURRED OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS, MIST PATCHES AND OFFSHORE FOG ALSO RETURNED.
ANOTHER EASTERLY REPLENISHMENT LATER ON MARCH 21 CHECKED THE WARMING PROCESS. WINDS WERE STILL STRONG IN THE MORNING OF MARCH 22, BUT SOON SUBSIDED AND TURNED SOUTHEASTERLY THE NEXT DAY.
THE ADVANCEMENT OF MOIST MARITIME AIR BROUGHT WIDESPREAD MIST AND FOG ON MARCH 24.
VISIBILITY DETERIORATED FURTHER THE NEXT DAY AS INSHORE AREAS WERE ALSO EXTENSIVELY AFFECTED BY THE FOGGY WEATHER.
TEMPERATURES ROSE PROGRESSIVELY AND AGAIN REACHED 25.5 DEGREES CELSIUS IN THE MORNING OF MARCH 26, EQUALLING THAT RECORDED ON MARCH
BUT THE WEATHER DETERIORATED UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF A TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE. TEMPERATURES PLUNGED BY ABOUT NINE DEGREES CELSIUS IN THE URBAN AREAS IN LATER MORNING AS WINDS SET IN FROM THE NORTHWESTERN QUADRANT.
RAIN BECAME HEAVY AND THERE WERE SQUALLY THUNDERSTORMS IN THE AFTERNOON.
RAIN WAS NOT AS HEAVY ON MARCH 27 AND 28 BUT THERE REMAINED OCCASIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF THUNDERSTORM ACTIVITY.
A PREVAILING NORTHERLY AIRSTREAM BROUGHT APPRECIABLY COOLER CONDITIONS AND THE COOLING TREND CONTINUED TILL MARCH 29.
/SOME SUNNY .......
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1992
13
SOME SUNNY PERIODS APPEARED ON MARCH 30 AND WINDS TURNED EASTERLY BEFORE VEERING FURTHER TO SOUTHEASTERLY THE NEXT DAY.
THE INFLUX OF MOISTURE LED TO A HIGHLY SATURATED ATMOSPHERE. APART FROM THE HANGING MIST AND THICK DRIZZLE, SOME THUNDERSTORMS ALSO OCCURRED IN THE AFTERNOON.
THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC AND THE SOUTH CHINA SEA WERE FREE FROM TROPICAL CYCLONES IN MARCH.
THIRTEEN AIRCRAFT WERE DIVERTED DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER.
THUNDERSTORM WARNINGS WERE IN EFFECT ON MARCH 4, 26-29 AND 31. FLOOD WARNINGS WERE ISSUED ON MARCH 3 AND 26.
THE YELLOW FIRE DANGER WARNING WAS IN EFFECT ON MARCH 8. THE GAS HEATER ALERT WAS IN EFFECT ON MARCH 5-9.
SIGNALS HOISTED DURING THE MONTH ARE AS FOLLOWS:
WEATHER SYSTEM SIGNAL DATE AND TIME OF HOISTING DATE AND TIME OF LOWERING
WINTER MONSOON STRONG MONSOON MAR 5 8.45 AM MAR 5 10.45 PM
WINTER MONSOON STRONG MONSOON MAR 17 10.05 PM MAR 18 4.45 AM
WINTER MONSOON STRONG MONSOON MAR 21 11.15 PM MAR 22 11.30 AM
THE MONTH ’S FIGURES AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL ARE:
TOTAL BRIGHT SUNSHINE
37.6 HOURS ; 58.8 HOURS BELOW NORMAL
MEAN DAILY GLOBAL SOLAR RADIATION .
TOTAL RAINFALL
MEAN AMOUNT OF CLOUD
MEAN’RELATIVE HUMIDITY
MEAN DAILY MAXIMUM AIR TEMPERATURE
MEAN AIR TEMPERATURE
MEAN DAILY MINIMUM
AIR TEMPERATURE
MEAN DEW POINT
TOTAL EVAPORATION
6.94 MJ/SQ.M. ;
242.4 MM ;
92 % ;
90 % ;
20.1 DEGREES CELSIUS ;
18.0 DEGREES CELSIUS ;
16.2 DEGREES CELSIUS ;
16.2 DEGREES CELSIUS ;
39.8 MM ;
------0--------
4.30 MJ/SQ.M. BELOW NORMAL
175.5 MM ABOVE NORMAL
16 % MORE THAN NORMAL
9 % HIGHER THAN NORMAL
1.2 DEGREES CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL
0.5 DEGREE CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL
0.3 DEGREE CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL
1.2 DEGREES CELSIUS ABOVE NORMAL
52.4 MM BELOW NORMAL
/14 ........
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1992
14
FEW DAYS MORE TO GIVE VIEWS ON CHINESE MEDICINE
*****
THE WORKING PARTY ON CHINESE MEDICINE TODAY (MONDAY) URGED THE PUBLIC AND PRACTITIONERS OF CHINESE MEDICINE TO GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS IN ITS INTERIM REPORT PUBLISHED IN MID-JANUARY THIS YEAR.
THE SECRETARY OF THE WORKING PARTY, MR PETER KWOK, SAID: "IT IS ONLY DAYS FROM APRIL 16 WHEN THE CONSULTATION PERIOD ENDS. THE WORKING PARTY WILL SHORTLY BE RECONVENING TO EXAMINE ALL VIEWS CAREFULLY AND TO CONSIDER FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SUBMISSION TO THE GOVERNMENT."
"SO FAR, MORE THAN 120 WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED. OF THESE, OVER 20 WERE FROM PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATIONS AND THE REST FROM INDIVIDUALS. THE WORKING PARTY HAS ALSO MONITORED COMMENTS THROUGH THE MEDIA.
"WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THESE VIEWS BUT MORE WOULD BE WELCOME," MR KWOK SAID.
KEY RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE INTERIM REPORT INCLUDE THE REGISTRATION FOR TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE PRACTITIONERS TO ENSURE PATIENTS OF PROPER STANDARDS AND TO RECOGNISE THE ROLE OF PRACTITIONERS IN HONG KONG'S HEALTH CARE SYSTEM.
THE WORKING PARTY ALSO ADVOCATES THE PROMULGATION OF A LIST OF POTENT AND TOXIC HERBS TO ENHANCE PUBLIC AWARENESS IN THEIR PROPER USE.
"THE WORKING PARTY APPRECIATES THE IMPORTANT ROLE OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE AND ITS PRACTITIONERS IN HEALTH CARE AND HEALTH MAINTENANCE," MR KWOK SAID.
VIEWS IN WRITING SHOULD BE SENT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE WORKING PARTY AT P.O. BOX 13282, HONG KONG, BEFORE THURSDAY (APRIL 16), HE ADDED.
- - 0 - -
REMINDER FOR RATEPAYERS
*****
RATEPAYERS SHOULD BY NOW HAVE RECEIVED DEMAND NOTES FOR RATES FOR THE QUARTER - APRIL TO JUNE - WHICH ARE DEMANDED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RATING ORDINANCE.
ANY RATEPAYER WHO HAS NOT RECEIVED A DEMAND NOTE MAY BRING A DEMAND NOTE FOR ANY PREVIOUS QUARTER AND MAKE PAYMENT AT ANY OF THE FOLLOWING OFFICES:
* THE TREASURY HEADQUARTERS COLLECTION AND PAYMENT OFFICE, WANCHAI TOWER II, FIRST FLOOR, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG;
/* THE CENTRAL
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1992
15
* THE CENTRAL SUB-TREASURY, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING), 11 ICE HOUSE STREET (SIDE ENTRANCE TO THE BUILDING IN ICE HOUSE STREET), HONG KONG;
* THE NORTH POINT SUB-TREASURY, ODEON BUILDING, FIRST FLOOR, 28 SHU KUK STREET, NORTH POINT, HONG KONG;
* THE SAI WAN HO SUB-TREASURY, EASTERN LAW COURTS BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, 29 TAI ON STREET, SAI WAN HO, HONG KONG;
» THE YAU MA TEI SUB-TREASURY, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, FOURTH FLOOR, 405 NATHAN ROAD (MARKET STREET ENTRANCE), KOWLOON; AND
* THE KOWLOON CITY SUB-TREASURY, MAN SANG COMMERCIAL BUILDING, FIRST FLOOR, 348-352 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD (CORNER OF PRINCE EDWARD ROAD AND JUNCTION ROAD), KOWLOON.
ANY RATEPAYER WHO HAS NOT RECEIVED A DEMAND NOTE AND CANNOT PRODUCE A DEMAND NOTE FOR ANY PREVIOUS QUARTER SHOULD INQUIRE AT ONCE AT THE TREASURY RATES SECTION, WANCHAI TOWER II, 30TH FLOOR, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, HONG KONG.
NON-RECEIPT OF THE DEMAND NOTE DOES NOT ALTER THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE RATES MUST BE PAID BY 4 PM ON APRIL 30 AND UNLESS SO PAID MAY BE SUBJECT TO A SURCHARGE OF FIVE PER CENT IMPOSED UNDER SECTION 22 OF THE RATING ORDINANCE.
A FURTHER SURCHARGE OF 10 PER CENT MAY BE ADDED TO ACCOUNTS (INCLUDING THE NORMAL FIVE PER CENT SURCHARGE) THAT REMAIN UNPAID SIX MONTHS AFTER THE DUE DATE.
RATEPAYERS WHO HAVE SUBMITTED A VALID DIRECT DEBIT AUTHORISATION SHOULD NOTE THAT PAYMENT SHOULD BE MADE BY POST OR IN PERSON AS STIPULATED IN THE DEMAND NOTE UNLESS THE WORDING "PAYMENT TO BE MADE BY AUTOPAY" IS SHOWN IN THE NOTE, IN WHICH CASE THEIR PAYMENT OF RATES WILL BE MADE BY DIRECT DEBIT TO THEIR BANK ACCOUNTS ON APRIL 30.
THUS, RATEPAYERS SHOULD ENSURE THAT THEIR BANK ACCOUNTS CONTAIN THE NECESSARY FUNDS ON THAT DATE.
RATES ARE PAYABLE ON VACANT PROPERTIES BUT ARE REFUNDABLE UNDER THE CONDITIONS SPECIFIED IN SECTION 30 OF THE ORDINANCE.
HOWEVER, UNDER SECTIONS 30 (1A) AND (2A), NO REFUNDS WILL BE PAYABLE IN THE CASE OF A VACANT TENEMENT LAST USED OR INTENDED TO BE USED WHOLLY OR PRIMARILY FOR DOMESTIC PURPOSES OR FOR THE PARKING OF VEHICLES (UNLESS VACANT BY REASON OF AN ORDER OF THE GOVERNMENT).
TO AVOID THE POSSIBLE INCONVENIENCE OF QUEUEING, RATEPAYERS ARE URGED TO PAY BY CHEQUE OR MONEY ORDER SENT BY POST OR BY EARLY PERSONAL ATTENDANCE AT ANY OF THE OFFICES LISTED ON THE BACK OF THE DEMAND NOTE.
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/16 ........
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1992
UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS TO BE CLOSED
******
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE THE UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS ON A BUILDING AT YAU MA TEI SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS AND THE PUBLIC.
THE UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES ARE LOCATED ON THE ROOF OF 8-14 BOWRING STREET.
A NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON JUNE 24 WAS POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY (MONDAY).
DEMOLITION WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START AS SOON AS THE CLOSURE ORDER IS ISSUED.
- - 0 - -
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO CUT OFF IN TSUEN WAN & KWAI CHUNG
*****
SUPPLY OF SALT WATER TO TSUEN WAN AND KWAI CHUNG DISTRICTS WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 15) TO FACILITATE MAINTENANCE WORK ON WATER MAINS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES IN THE TWO DISTRICTS INCLUDING SHEUNG KWAI CHUNG, HA KWAI CHUNG AND THE CONTAINER TERMINALS.
- - 0 - -
WATER STORAGE FIGURE
*****
STORAGE IN HONG KONG'S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 44.7 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 262.037 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 150.101 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 25.6 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT ADVISED THE PUBLIC TO DO EVERYTHING THEY COULD TO CONSERVE WATER AND AVOID WASTAGE.
- 0 - -
/17
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1992
- 17 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 11.4.92 1,200
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON * O/N ASSISTANCE TO BE REVERSED -500 13.4.92 MN -698* + 198 NEUTRAL
* OTHER FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED -198 MN TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 112.7 *+0.0t 13.4.92 HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.06 PCT 19 MONTHS 2311 6.25 101.88 5.07
1 MONTH 3.85 PCT 22 MONTHS 2402 3 MONTHS 3.80 PCT 6 MONTHS 3.88 PCT 12 MONTHS 4.42 PCT 5.50 99.96 5.59
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 11,753 MN
CLOSED 13 APRIL 1992
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NC.
UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS FCR DECEMBER 1991 -FEBRUARY 1992 ......................................................... 1
BANKING COMMISSIONER SATISFIED WITH HSBC SUPERVISORY ARRANGEMENTS .. 2
DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES TO RETIRE ..................................... 2
QUEEN'S COUNSEL APPOINTED ............................................... 3
PROVISIONAL STATISTICS ON RESTAURANT BUSINESS FOR FOURTH QUARTER OF 1991 RELEASED.......................................................... 4
STUDENT FINANCE SCHEME CALLS FOR APPLICATIONS ........................... 7
EASTER HOLIDAY CLINIC SERVICE ........................................... 9
DANCE WINNERS TO PERFORM AT CULTURAL CENTRE ............................. 9
DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED................................................. 10
261 RETURN TO VIETNAM .................................................. 10
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS ...................... 10
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
11
TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 1992
UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS
FOR DECEMBER 1991 - FEBRUARY 1992
*****
THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR DECEMBER LAST YEAR TO FEBRUARY THIS YEAR WAS 2.1%, AND THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 2.0%, ACCORDING TO THE LATEST LABOUR FORCE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE PROVISIONAL SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY TO MARCH 1992 WAS 2.3%, WHILE THE PROVISIONAL UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 2.2%.
COMPARING THE THREE MONTHS ENDING FEBRUARY 1992 WITH THE PRECEDING THREE MONTHS ENDING NOVEMBER 1991, THE INCREASE OF 0.2 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT IN THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE IS STATISTICALLY NOT SIGNIFICANT, WHILE THE INCREASE OF 0.4 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT IN THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE IS STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT.
COMMENTING ON THESE INCREASES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE RECENT EMPLOYMENT SITUATION MIGHT HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY THE WIDE FLUCTUATIONS THAT HAD BEEN RECORDED OVER THE PAST FEW MONTHS IN HONG KONG’S TRADE PERFORMANCE, APART FROM THE USUAL INFLUENCE OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS.
NEVERTHELESS, JUDGING FROM THE CURRENT STATE OF THE ECONOMY, THE SLIGHT EASING IN THE LABOUR MARKET MIGHT ONLY BE TEMPORARY.
DURING THE PERIOD DECEMBER 1991 TO FEBRUARY 1992, THE NUMBER OF UNEMPLOYED PERSONS, ADJUSTED FOR VARIATIONS IN THE NUMBER OF FIRSTTIME JOB-SEEKERS (FOR EXAMPLE, PEOPLE WHO HAVE JUST LEFT SCHOOL), WAS ESTIMATED AT 57,600, WHILE THE NUMBER OF UNDEREMPLOYED PERSONS WAS ESTIMATED AT 54,700.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CURRENT RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION (ILO), PERSONS WHO WORKED LESS THAN 35 HOURS A WEEK BECAUSE OF ECONOMIC REASONS (SUCH AS SLACK WORK, MATERIAL SHORTAGE, MECHANICAL BREAKDOWN AND INABILITY TO FIND FULLTIME WORK) WERE REGARDED AS UNDEREMPLOYED ONLY IF THEY WERE EITHER SEEKING OR AVAILABLE FOR MORE WORK.
THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS WERE OBTAINED FROM A CONTINUOUS GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE SURVEY FOR DECEMBER 1991 TO FEBRUARY 1992 COVERED A QUARTERLY SAMPLE OF SOME 11,600 HOUSEHOLDS OR 40,600 PERSONS, SELECTED SCIENTIFICALLY TO REPRESENT THE LAND-BASED CIVILIAN NON-INSTITUTIONAL POPULATION IN HONG KONG.
PERSONAL AND LABOUR FORCE DATA WERE OBTAINED IN THE SURVEY BY INTERVIEWING EACH INDIVIDUAL MEMBER AGED 15 AND ABOVE IN THE HOUSEHOLDS SAMPLED.
ZIN THE ........
TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 1992
2
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 1992 WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE AROUND JUNE 20 AT $15.5 PER COPY.
---------0------------
BANKING COMMISSIONER SATISFIED WITH HSBC
******
SUPERVISORY ARRANGEMENTS
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES, THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING, MR DAVID CARSE, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT HE WAS SATISFIED THAT EFFECTIVE SUPERVISORY ARRANGEMENTS WOULD BE ESTABLISHED FOR THE ENLARGED HSBC HOLDINGS GROUP.
MR CARSE ADDED THAT HE HAS BEEN CLOSELY INVOLVED IN THE DISCUSSIONS WITH HSBC HOLDINGS AND THE BANK OF ENGLAND ON THE PROPOSED MERGER WITH THE MIDLAND BANK.
”IN ACCORDANCE WITH INTERNATIONAL SUPERVISORY PRINCIPLES, IT IS INTENDED THAT THE BANK OF ENGLAND WILL BE THE LEAD SUPERVISOR OF THE HSBC HOLDINGS GROUP AS A WHOLE.”
"THE HONGKONGBANK ITSELF WILL CONTINUE TO BE MANAGED AND CONTROLLED IN HONG KONG WITH ITS HEAD OFFICE, CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE BASED HERE. SUPERVISION OF THE HONGKONGBANK WILL CONTINUE TO BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE HONG KONG BANKING COMMISSIONER," MR CARSE SAID.
---------0-----------
DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES TO RETIRE
*****
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, MR JOHN MARCH, WILL RETIRE ON JULY 1 THIS YEAR.
HE WILL BE SUCCEEDED BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR, MR LAM CHEK-YUEN.
THE FOLLOWING ARE THE BRIEF BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES ON THE TWO OFFICERS:
/MR JOHN .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 1992
- 3 -
MR JOHN HOWARD MARCH
MR MARCH JOINED THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE AS A STATION OFFICER IN 1962. HE WAS PROMOTED TO DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES IN 1984 AND TO DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES IN 1987.
ON HIS RETIREMENT AT THE AGE OF 57, MR MARCH WILL HAVE COMPLETED 30 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT.
MR LAM CHEK-YUEN
AGED 53, MR LAM JOINED THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE IN 1956 AND WAS APPOINTED AS A SUB-OFFICER OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN 1958.
HE WAS PROMOTED TO CHIEF FIRE OFFICER IN 1986 AND TO DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES IN 1987.
MR LAM HAS ACTED AS DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES ON PREVIOUS OCCASIONS.
---------0----------
QUEEN’S COUNSEL APPOINTED
*****
THE CHIEF JUSTICE IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THAT THE QUEEN HAS APPOINTED MR NEVILLE SARONY AS ONE OF HER MAJESTY'S COUNSEL FOR HONG KONG.
MR SARONY, AGED 52, WAS EDUCATED AT SUTTON VALENCE SCHOOL IN KENT AND LATER EDUCATED FROM THE LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS WITH AN LL.B. (HONS).
HE WAS CALLED TO THE ENGLISH BAR BY GRAY’S INN IN JUNE 1964 AND SERVED HIS PUPILLAGE IN THE CHAMBERS OF MR RICHARD ROUGIER.
MR SARONY WAS CALLED TO THE HONG KONG BAR IN 1985 AND HAS PRACTISED HERE EVER SINCE.
HIS PRACTICE IS DIVIDED BETWEEN CRIMINAL \ND CIVIL WORK WITH A SMALL PERCENTAGE INVOLVING COMMERCIAL WORK, INCLUDING ARBITRATION AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE.
THE CEREMONY FOR CALLING MR SARONY TO THE INNER BAR WILL TAKE PLACE IN NO. 1 COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT, 38, QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG, AT 10 AM ON SATURDAY (APRIL 25).
THE COURT, WHICH WILL INCLUDE MEMBERS OF THE BENCH AT ALL LEVELS, WILL BE PRESIDED OVER BY THE CHIEF JUSTICE, SIR TI LIANG YANG.
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/4 ........
TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 1992
PROVISIONAL STATISTICS ON RESTAURANT BUSINESS
FOR FOURTH QUARTER OF 1991 RELEASED
*****
THE VALUE OF TOTAL RECEIPTS FOR THE RESTAURANT SECTOR LAST YEAR, ESTIMATED AT $38,500 MILLION, INCREASED BY 9% WHEN COMPARED WITH 1990, ACCORDING TO PROVISIONAL STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
HOWEVER, AFTER DISCOUNTING THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES OVER THE PERIOD, TOTAL RECEIPTS ACTUALLY DECREASED BY 3% IN VOLUME.
THE VALUE OF TOTAL PURCHASES OF RESTAURANTS INCREASED BY 6% TO $14,800 MILLION OVER 1990.
THE DECLINE IN TOTAL RECEIPTS FOR THE SECTOR WAS DUE TO THE WEAKENED BUSINESS OF THE CHINESE RESTAURANTS AND NON-CHINESE RESTAURANTS IN THE YEAR.
COMPARING WITH 1990, THE TOTAL RECEIPTS OF THE CHINESE RESTAURANTS DROPPED BY 7% IN VOLUME ALTHOUGH THEY ROSE BY 5% IN VALUE.
SIMILARLY, THE TOTAL RECEIPTS OF NON-CHINESE RESTAURANTS REGISTERED A GROWTH OF 8% IN VALUE BUT A DECLINE OF 4% IN VOLUME.
ON THE OTHER HAND, THE TOTAL RECEIPTS OF FAST FOOD SHOPS RECORDED A STRONG GROWTH IN 1991, OF 34% IN VALUE AND 21% IN VOLUME.
THIS SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH WAS MAINLY DUE TO THE EXPANSION OF SOME MAJOR FAST FOOD CHAINS IN 1991.
THE TOTAL RECEIPTS OF BARS INCREASED BY 22% IN VALUE AND 7% IN VOLUME WHILE THOSE OF OTHER MISCELLANEOUS EATING AND DRINKING PLACES ROSE BY 30% IN VALUE AND 16% IN VOLUME.
THE VALUE OF TOTAL RESTAURANT RECEIPTS IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1991, ESTIMATED AT $10,200 MILLION, WAS 9% HIGHER WHEN COMPARED WITH A YEAR AGO. BUT IN VOLUME TERMS, THE RECEIPTS WERE 2% LOWER.
THE VALUE OF TOTAL PURCHASES BY RESTAURANTS IN THIS QUARTER WAS $4,000 MILLION, 6% HIGHER THAN IN THE SAME QUARTER OF 1990.
AMONG DIFFERENT TYPES OF RESTAURANTS, THE TOTAL RECEIPTS OF FAST FOOD SHOPS RECORDED THE LARGEST INCREASE IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1991 OVER THE SAME QUARTER OF 1990, BY 46% IN VALUE AND 35% IN VOLUME.
FOR THE CHINESE RESTAURANTS AND NON-CHINESE RESTAURANTS, TOTAL RECEIPTS WERE UP BY 3% AND 9% RESPECTIVELY IN VALUE, BUT ACTUALLY DROPPED BY 8% AND 3% IN VOLUME.
/COMPARING THE .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 1992
- 5 -
COMPARING THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1991 WITH THE PRECEDING QUARTER, AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THE COMPARISON MAY BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, TOTAL RESTAURANT RECEIPTS INCREASED BY 4% IN VALUE AND 2% IN VOLUME.
TABLE 1 PRESENTS THE REVISED FIGURES FOR THE TOTAL RECEIPTS AND TOTAL PURCHASES OF THE RESTAURANT SECTOR FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1991 AND THE PROVISIONAL FIGURES FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1991.
TABLE 2 SHOWS THE VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF TOTAL RECEIPTS BY TYPE OF RESTAURANT FOR THE THIRD QUARTER AND THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1991, WITH THE QUARTERLY AVERAGE FROM OCTOBER 1989 TO SEPTEMBER 1990 TAKEN AS 100'
ALSO TABULATED ARE COMPARISONS OF THE RESULTS OF THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1991 WITH THOSE OF THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1991 AND THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1990; COMPARISONS OF TOTAL RECEIPTS IN 1991 WITH 1990 ARE ALSO GIVEN.
THE REPORT ON THE QUARTERLY SURVEY OF RESTAURANT RECEIPTS AND PURCHASES FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1991 IS NOW ON SALE AT $1.5 PER COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL; AND THE PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER OF CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER I, WAN CHAI . > •
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 802 1258.
/TABLE 1 .......
6
TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 1992
TABLE 1 : TOTAL RESTAUBANT RECEIPTS AND PURCHASES *
3rd qtr. 1991 Uh qtr. 1991
(Revised figures) (Provisional figures)
Total restaurant receipts (in HEI aillion) 9 881.2 10 244.5
Total purchases by restaurants (in BE| aillion) 3 730.3 . 3 969.4
TABLE 2 : VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF TOTAL RESTAURANT RECEIPTS FOR 3rd QUARTER 1991 AND Uh QUARTER 1991
(Quarterly average of Oct. 89 - Sept. 90 : 100)
Type of restaurant Index of total restaurant receipts 3rd quarter 1991 4th quarter 1991 4th qtr. coapared 3rd qtr. 1991 with 1991 4th qtr. coapared 4tb qtr. 1991 with 1990 lst-4th qtr. 1991 coapared with lst-4th qtr. 1990
(Revised figures) (Provisional figures) Points X Points X Points X
Chinese restaurants Value 107.8 114.0 • 46.1 45.7 43.1 42.8 45.5 45.4
Voluae 91.1 94.'0 42.8 43.1 -8.2 -8.0 -6.7 -6.7
Non-Cbinese restaurants Value 118.5 113.7 -4.8 -4.1 49.3 48.9 48.5 48.3
Voluae 100.5 95.2 -5.2 -5.2 -2.4 •2.5 -3.7 -3.7
Fast food shops Value 153.0 159.6 46.6 44.3 450.6 446.4 435.1 434.0
Voluae 132.9 137.0 44.2 43.1 435.7 435.2 421.2 421.2
Bars Value 135.7 154.9 419.3 414.2 4(1.2 436.2 422.4 421.9
Voluae 113.8 129.6 415.8 413.9 422.0 420.5 47.1 47.1
Other eating and drinking places Value 140.9 154.0 413.1 49.3 444.1 440.1 431.2 430.0
Voluae 122.6 133.0 410.4 48.4 426.3 424.7 416.7 416.3
All restaurant types Value 115.0 119.2 44.2 43.7 49.8 49.0 49.4 49.1
Voluae 97.6 99.2 41.6 41.7 -2.1 -2.1 -3.0 -3.1
------0------------
TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 1992
STUDENT FINANCE SCHEME CALLS FOR APPLICATIONS
*****
THE STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AGENCY TODAY (TUESDAY) ANNOUNCED THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR APPLICATIONS UNDER THE GOVERNMENT’S LOCAL STUDENT FINANCE SCHEME FOR THE 1992-93 ACADEMIC YEAR.
THE SCHEME PROVIDES FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IN THE FORM OF A COMBINATION OF GRANTS AND LOANS TO NEEDY STUDENTS ATTENDING FULL-TIME COURSES AT THE CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG, THE HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE, THE HONG KONG POLYTECHIC, THE LINGNAN COLLEGE, THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AGENCY SAID TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, AN APPLICANT MUST HAVE RESIDED OR HAD HIS HOME IN HONG KONG CONTINUOUSLY FOR AT LEAST THREE YEARS IMMEDIATELY BEFORE HIS COURSE STARTS.
STUDENTS MAY OBTAIN APPLICATION FORMS FROM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT THEIR INSTITUTIONS.
PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS WHO SATISFY THE ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS OF, AND HAVE APPLIED FOR ADMISSION TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG MAY OBTAIN APPLICATION FORMS FROM THE INSTITUTION CONCERNED, ON PRODUCTION OF THE RESULT SLIPS OF THEIR ADVANCED LEVEL EXAMINATION.
THEY SHOULD, HOWEVER, SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS ONLY AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN OFFERED ADMISSION.
FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS WHO HAVE APPLIED FOR ADMISSION TO LINGNAN COLLEGE, THEY MAY OBTAIN APPLICATION FORMS FROM THE INSTITUTION ON RECEIPT OF OFFER OF ADMISSION.
NEW STUDENTS ADMITTED BY THE CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG, THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, THE HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE, THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY MAY OBTAIN APPLICATION FORMS AT THE TIME OF REGISTRATION.
POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS AND STUDENTS TAKING HIGHER DEGREE OR DIPLOMA COURSES WHO WILL NOT HAVE EXCEEDED THEIR MINIMUM PRESCRIBED PERIOD OF REGISTRATION BY SEPTEMBER 30 ARE ALSO ELIGIBLE TO APPLY.
THE MINIMUM PERIOD OF REGISTRATION FOR A MASTER DEGREE IS NORMALLY TWO YEARS AND FOR A DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY DEGREE, THREE YEARS.
/THE CLOSING ......
TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 1992
8
THE CLOSING DATES FOR APPLICATIONS ARE:
CURRENT STUDENTS:
NEW STUDENTS:
CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE
HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC
LINGNAN COLLEGE
CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG
UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
AUGUST 28
SEPTEMBER 11
OCTOBER
OCTOBER
OCTOBER
OCTOBER
21 DAYS
16
FROM DATE
OF OFFER OF ADMISSION
9
9
9
APPLICATIONS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE ARE SUBJECT TO MEANS TEST, WHICH TAKES INTO ACCOUNT A STUDENT’S FAMILY INCOME AND ASSETS LESS PERMITTED DEDUCTIONS TO ARRIVE AT THE STUDENT’S ANNUAL DISPOSABLE INCOME FOR SETTING AGAINST HIS GRANT/LOAN REQUIREMENTS.
IF NECESSARY, THE APPLICANT AND AN ADULT MEMBER OF HIS HOUSEHOLD WHO IS FULLY AWARE OF THE FAMILY’S CIRCUMSTANCES MAY BE INVITED TO ATTEND AN INTERVIEW AT THE STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AGENCY TO CLARIFY THE INFORMATION REPORTED IN THE APPLICATION.
APPLICANTS WHO WISH TO APPLY FOR STUDENT TRAVEL SUBSIDY SHOULD DO SO BY COMPLETING THE APPROPRIATE SECTION IN THE SAME APPLICATION FORM.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT INCORRECT OR INACCURATE INFORMATION NOT ONLY WOULD LEAD TO REJECTION OF AN APPLICATION BUT MIGHT ALSO GIVE RISE TO CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS AGAINST THE APPLICANT.
ENQUIRIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AGENCY AT QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOW BLOCK, GROUND FLOOR, 66, QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG (TELEPHONE NO.: 867 2738).
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/9 ........
TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 1992
9 -
EASTER HOLIDAY CLINIC SERVICE ******
THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TODAY (TUESDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT THERE WILL BE NO GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINIC SERVICE ON GOOD FRIDAY (APRIL 17) AND EASTER MONDAY (APRIL 20).
HOWEVER, EIGHT OUT-PATIENT CLINICS WILL BE OPENED BETWEEN 9 AM AND 1 PM ON APRIL 18 AND 19.
THE CLINICS ARE THE VIOLET PEEL HEALTH CENTRE AND SHAU KEI WAN JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC ON HONG KONG ISLAND; KWUN TONG JOCKEY CLUB HEALTH CENTRE, THE ROBERT BLACK HEALTH CENTRE AND YAU MA TEI JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC IN KOWLOON; AND THE LADY TRENCH POLYCLINIC, SHEK WU HUI JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC AND YUEN LONG JOCKEY CLUB HEALTH CENTRE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THERE WILL BE NO EVENING CLINIC SERVICES DURING THE HOLIDAYS.
------0----------
DANCE WINNERS TO PERFORM AT CULTURAL CENTRE *****
WINNING TEAMS OF THE 20TH OPEN DANCE CONTEST WILL PERFORM AT A PRIZE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY AT THE GRAND THEATRE OF THE HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE ON APRIL 26 (SUNDAY).
SIXTEEN TEAMS WHO HAVE EDGED OUT 142 OTHER TROUPES IN A TERRITORY-WIDE COMPETITION HELD EARLIER THIS MONTH WILL PERFORM VARIOUS TYPES OF DANCES, INCLUDING CHINESE AND WESTERN, CLASSICAL AND MODERN DANCES.
THE CITY CONTEMPORARY DANCE COMPANY WILL ALSO PERFORM AT THE SHOW.
THE ANNUAL EVENT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE, THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT CULTURE AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION AND THE URBAN COUNCIL, WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT ROTARY CLUB.
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR PAUL WONG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 7.30 PM.
TICKETS AT $40 EACH ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT ALL URBTIX OUTLETS. RESERVATION CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 734 9009.
--------0-----------
/IC ........
TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 1992
- 10 -
DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED
*****
THE GOVERNOR, AFTER TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, HAS DECIDED THAT THE DEATH SENTENCE PASSED ON LIU KING-FAI ON FEBRUARY 27, 1990 SHOULD BE COMMUTED TO A SENTENCE OF LIFE IMPRISONMENT.
LIU WAS FOUND GUILTY OF THE MURDER OF LAM SHUN-TAT.
------0------------
261 RETURN TO VIETNAM *****
A GROUP OF 261 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (TUESDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE UNHCR’S VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME.
COMPRISING 109 MEN, 63 WOMEN, 41 BOYS AND 48 GIRLS, THEY WERE. THE 98TH BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.
THIS GROUP BROUGHT TO 3,241 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAVE RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 17,220 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN MARCH 1989.
--------0-----------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS *****
TENDER DATE 14 APR 92 14 APR 92
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q216 H262
AMOUNT APPLIED HKD 1,636 MN HKD 700 MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED HKD 500 MN HKD 200 MN
AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED 3.85 PCT 3.99
HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED 3.87 PCT 4;00
PRO RATA RATIO 80 PCT 83 PCT
AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 3.93 PCT 4.07
/HONG KONG .......
11
TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 1992
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
TENDER TO BE HELD IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 21 APRIL 1992 -
TENDER DATE ‘ 21 APR 92 21 APR 92
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q217 Y289
ISSUE DATE 22 APR 92 22 APR 92
MATURITY DATE 22 JULY 92 21 APR 93
TENOR 91 DAYS 364 DAYS
AMOUNT ON OFFER HK$500 + 100 MN 0 HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ***** HK$200 + 60 MN
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 13.4.92 700
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 14.4.92 + 180
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING -180
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON * O/N ASSISTANCE TO BE REVERSED ON 15.4.92 TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 112.8 *+0.1* 14.4.92 HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND + 100 *
EF BILLS H0NG K0NG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.29 PCT 19 MONTHS 2311 6.25 101.98 5.00
1 MONTH 3.94 PCT 22 MONTHS 2402 5.50 3 MONTHS 3.83 PCT 6 MONTHS 3.94 PCT 12 MONTHS 4.39 PCT TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 9,492 MN CLOSED 14 APRIL 1992 0 100.10 5.51
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
MINISTER KNOWS HONG KONG WELL : GOVERNOR .............................. 1
GOVERNOR VISITS FACTORIES ............................................. 2
UN SANCTIONS AGAINST LIBYA ............................................ 2
DISBANDMENT OF ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT................................ 4
EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL STATISTICS FOR DECEMBER RELEASED 5
AIRBORNE MERCHANDISE TRADE STATISTICS IN 1991 ......................... 9
FERRY ROUTE WITHDRAWAL AND MTR PEAK HOUR CONGESTION RELIEVE MEASURES DISCUSSED ......................................................... 17
CERTAIN MARINE DEPARTMENT OFFICES REMAIN OPEN DURING EASTER .......... 18
THREE GOVT LOTS TO LET BY TENDER ..................................... 19
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ........... 20
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 1992
- 1 -
MINISTER KNOWS HONG KONG WELL : GOVERNOR *******
THE NEWLY APPOINTED MINISTER OF STATE AT THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE WITH SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR HONG KONG, MR ALASTAIR GOODLAD, KNOWS HONG KONG QUITE WELL, THE GOVERNOR, LORD WILSON SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER VISITING TWO FACTORIES IN YUEN LONG, THE GOVERNOR SAID :"MR GOODLAD IS SOMEBODY FROM THE HOUSE OF COMMONS. HE IS SOMEBODY WHO KNOWS HONG KONG QUITE WELL.
"HE HAS BEEN HERE ON A NUMBER OF VISITS. I MET HIM SEVERAL TIMES MYSELF HERE AND I HOPE THERE’LL BE A CHANCE TO TALK TO HIM MYSELF SOON AND ALSO TO WELCOME HIM COMING OUT TO HONG KONG.
"HE IS SOMEBODY WHO KNOWS A GOOD DEAL ABOUT HONG KONG ALREADY."
THE GOVERNOR ADDED THAT THE REAPPOINTMENT OF THE FOREIGN SECRETARY, MR DOUGLAS HURD, WAS A VERY GOOD THING FOR HONG KONG.
"HE IS SOMEBODY WHO IS ENORMOUSLY EXPERIENCED IN WORLD AFFAIRS, ALSO EXPERIENCED IN OUR OWN AFFAIRS, HONG KONG AND CHINA," HE SAID.
ASKED ABOUT THE ANNOUNCEMENT ON THE DISBANDMENT OF THE VOLUNTEERS, THE GOVERNOR SAID : "THE REASON FOR MAKING THAT PUBLIC NOW IS BECAUSE THERE WAS A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF UNCERTAINTY ABOUT THE DATE, PARTICULARLY WITH THE PLAN FOR THE EXPANSION OF THE JOCKEY CLUB FACILITY IN HAPPY VALLEY.
"MOST PEOPLE IN THE VOLUNTEERS KNEW ROUGHLY WHAT THE DATE WAS AND WE THOUGHT IT WAS BEST TO BE ABSOLUTELY CLEAR ABOUT IT."
NOTING THAT THE VOLUNTEERS WAS A SPLENDID ORGANISATION, HE SAID: "IT HAS VERY HIGH MORALE. RECRUITMENT IS EXCELLENT. BUT THEY WANT TO KNOW WITH CERTAINTY WHAT THE PLANS ARE FOR THEIR FUTURE."
ASKED WHY IT WOULD DISBAND TWO YEARS BEFORE THE TRANSFER, THE GOVERNOR SAID IT WAS TO ALLOW TIME FOR OTHER ORGANISATIONS TO PHASE IN TO DO THE SORT OF WORK THAT THE VOLUNTEERS WERE DOING.
"THERE IS NO PARTICULAR REASON, BUT.LATE 1995 MAKES SENSE THAT IT IS ABOUT, JUST OVER A YEAR-AND-A-HALF, SO IT MEANS WE’VE GOT TIME TO SEE HOW THINGS WORK OUT WHEN WE DON’T HAVE THE VOLUNTEERS ANY MORE," HE ADDED.
ON THE PROPOSED GOLF COURSE AT SHA LO TUNG, LORD WILSON SAID : "THE WAY IN WHICH ONE SECTION OF THE ORDINANCE WAS BEING USED TURNED OUT TO BE THE WRONG SECTION. SO THE WHOLE PROCESS HAS TO START AGAIN AND IT WILL BE GONE THROUGH WITH VERY FULL CONSULTATION.
"I DO BELIEVE THAT WE SHOULD PRESERVE OUR COUNTRY PARKS BUT THAT DOES NOT MEAN THE WHOLE THING IS SET IN CONCRETE AND NO PART CAN EVER BE CHANGED, BECASUE THAT WOULDN’T MAKE SENSE."
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/2.........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 1992
2
GOVERNOR VISITS FACTORIES
* * * *
THE GOVERNOR, LORD WILSON, THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON SAW HOW FACTORIES IN THE YUEN LONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATE TAKE ACTIVE STEPS TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT.
LORD WILSON FIRST VISITED PACIFIC CUP (HK) LTD, A MANUFACTURER OF PAPER CUPS AND FOOD CONTAINERS IN THE ESTATE.
HE LEARNT THAT THE COMPANY, WHICH USED TO PRODUCE PLASTIC CUPS, HAS NOW MOVED TO PRODUCING PAPER CUPS IN RESPONSE TO INCREASING ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS OF ITS CLIENTS.
HE SAW HOW SCRAP PAPER DISCARDED IN THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS IS NEATLY STORED FOR RECYCLING LATER.
*
’’RECYCLING WASTE MATERIAL IN THIS WAY HAS TWO ADVANTAGES,” THE GOVERNOR SAID. ”IT HELPS TO CONSERVE NATURAL RESOURCES AND IT REDUCES THE AMOUNT OF RUBBISH TO BE DISPOSED OF.”
THE GOVERNOR THEN VISITED FUTURES SAFE CO LTD WHICH WAS OPENED AT THE END OF LAST YEAR.
IT RECYCLES WASTE PAPER COLLECTED BOTH LOCALLY AND OVERSEAS TO PRODUCE PAPER FOR INDUSTRIAL PACKAGING.
THE GOVERNOR SAW THE STATE-OF-THE-ART, POLLUTION-FREE, WATER TREATMENT EQUIPMENT USED TO RECYCLE WASTE PAPER.
”1 HOPE OTHER COMPANIES IN HONG KONG WILL FOLLOW THE EXCELLENT EXAMPLE SET BY THE TWO I HAVE SEEN TODAY AND CLEAN UP THEIR PRODUCTION PROCESSES.”
THE GOVERNOR WAS ACCOMPANIED ON THE VISIT BY ACTING SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T H BARMA, AND THE ACTING DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MR RICKY FUNG.
-------------0------- UN SANCTIONS AGAINST LIBYA ******
ON MARCH 31, THE UN SECURITY COUNCIL ADOPTED RESOLUTION 748 IMPOSING A RANGE OF SANCTIONS ON LIBYA WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 15.
THESE HAVE BEEN EXTENDED TO HONG KONG BY TWO UNITED KINGDOM ORDERS IN COUNCIL TO COME INTO FORCE TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE FIRST ORDER IN COUNCIL PROHIBITS ANY AIRCRAFT FROM TAKING OFF FROM, LANDING IN OR OVERFLYING THE TERRITORY IF THEY ARE DESTINED FOR, OR HAVE TAKEN OFF FROM, LIBYA.
/THE SECOND .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 1992
3
THE SECOND ORDER IN COUNCIL:
* PROHIBITS THE EXPORT TO LIBYA AND SUPPLY TO PERSONS CONNECTED WITH LIBYA OF ARMS AND RELATED MATERIAL.
* PROHIBITS THE USE OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS BY PERSONS CONNECTED WITH LIBYA IN CONNECTION WITH THE MANUFACTURE OR MAINTENANCE OF ARMS AND RELATED GOODS.
* PROHIBITS THE PROVISION TO PERSONS CONNECTED WITH LIBYA OF TECHNICAL ADVICE, ASSISTANCE OR TRAINING IN RELATION TO THE SUPPLY, DELIVERY, MANUFACTURE, MAINTENANCE OR USE OF ARMS AND RELATED GOODS.
* PROHIBITS THE EXPORT TO LIBYA AND SUPPLY TO PERSONS CONNECTED WITH LIBYA OF AIRCRAFT AND AIRCRAFT COMPONENTS, AND THE SERVICING OF LIBYAN AIRCRAFT, AND THE INSURANCE OF SUCH AIRCRAFT.
* PROHIBITS LIBYAN ARAB AIRLINES OR ANYONE ACTING ON THEIR BEHALF FROM CONTINUING BUSINESS OPERATIONS, AND REQUIRES THE CLOSURE OF ALL LIBYAN ARAB AIRLINE OFFICES.
♦ PROHIBITS THE MAKING OF PAYMENTS UNDER ANY BOND IN RESPECT OF A CONTRACT THE PERFORMANCE OF WHICH IS UNLAWFUL BY VIRTUE OF THIS ORDER, AND PROHIBITS THE MAKING OF OR OBTAINING PAYMENTS UNDER CERTAIN INDEMNITIES IN RESPECT OF SUCH BONDS.
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WILL TAKE ALL MEASURES NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT FULLY ITS OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE ORDERS IN COUNCIL. GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS RESPONSIBLE WILL BE ISSUING GUIDANCE TO THOSE CONCERNED ON THE PRACTICAL EFFECT OF THESE REQUIREMENTS.
ENQUIRIES ON THE SUBJECT SHOULD BE DIRECTED TOWARDS RESPECTIVE
GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AS FOLLOWS:
GENERAL AND PRESS ENQUIRIES:
FLIGHTS AND AVIATION RELATED MATTERS:
TRADE RELATED MATTERS:
MATTERS RELATING TO INSURANCE CONTRACTS, BONDS AND INDEMNITIES:
DUTY OFFICER, GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES (TEL. 842 8747)
AIR SERVICES DIVISION, CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT (TEL. 867 4210)
STRATEGIC COMMODITIES SECTION, TRADE DEPARTMENT (TEL. 398 5578)
MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH (TEL. 528 1890)
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/4 .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 1992
4 -
DISBANDMENT OF ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT ******
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS) WOULD BE DISBANDED IN SEPTEMBER 1995.
"BY THEN, THE ROLES CURRENTLY PERFORMED BY THE REGIMENT, THOSE OF PROVIDING ASSISTANCE DURING INTERNAL SECURITY SITUATIONS AND ANTIILLEGAL IMMIGRATION OPERATIONS, WILL BE PERFORMED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY POLICE FORCE, AND THE OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENT FOR THE REGIMENT WILL NO LONGER EXIST," HE EXPLAINED.
MR ASPREY PAID TRIBUTE TO THE SERVICES OF THE VOLUNTEERS - PAST AND PRESENT. HE SAID:
"THE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE VOLUNTEERS ARE PART OF A LONG AND PROUD TRADITION IN HONG KONG OF VOLUNTARY SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY.
"THEY PUT IN MANY HOURS OF TRAINING TO ENSURE THEY CAN PERFORM THEIR ROLES EFFICIENTLY AND, WHEN CALLED UPON, DO SO WILLINGLY AT NO SMALL COST TO THEMSELVES.
"I HOPE THAT MANY VOLUNTEERS WILL TAKE THEIR EXPERTISE TO OTHER VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS IN HONG KONG WHEN THE REGIMENT DISBANDS. UNTIL THEN I AM CONFIDENT THEY WILL CONTINUE TO PERFORM THEIR ROLES WITH THEIR USUAL DEDICATION AND EFFICIENCY."
MR ASPREY SAID IN RECENT YEARS THE REGIMENT HAD ASSISTED THE REGULAR ARMY IN ITS OPERATIONS IN HONG KONG AND HAD ANNUALLY RELIEVED THE REGULAR BATTALIONS ON THE LAND BORDER WITH CHINA FOR EIGHT DAYS.
THE REGIMENT WILL CONTINUE TO BE DEPLOYED ON THE BORDER AFTER THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE ASSUMES FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR ITS SECURITY FROM THE ARMY THIS MONTH.
IT WILL BE DEPLOYED TWICE A YEAR FOR A WEEK AT A TIME, STARTING IN MAY THIS YEAR.
THE REGIMENT HAD ALSO BEEN ACTIVE ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS IN THE LAST FEW YEARS IN PROVIDING SECURITY FOR TEMPORARY VIETNAMESE MIGRANT DETENTION CENTRES.
MOST RECENTLY, IT SET UP AND RAN A TEMPORARY CENTRE FOR UP TO 1,700 MIGRANTS ON SHEK KWU CHAU. THIS TASK LASTED FOR FIVE MONTHS AND OVER 700 VOLUNTEERS TOOK PART IN THF OPERATION.
THE DISBANDMENT OF THE VOLUNTEERS WILL TAKE PLACE AFTER THE COMMEMORATION OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LIBERATION OF HONG KONG IN AUGUST 1945.
"OVER 280 VOLUNTEERS DIED IN THE BATTLE FOR HONG KONG IN 1941 AND THE REGIMENT WAS AWARDED THE BATTLE HONOUR ’HONG KONG’ IN 1957. THIS IS A FITTING TRIBUTE TO HONG KONG’S ONLY MILITARY FORCE," MR ASPREY SAID.
------0-------
/5 .....
I
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 1992
5 -
EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL STATISTICS FOR DECEMBER RELEASED
*****
IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR, THERE WAS CONTINUED STRONG GROWTH IN EMPLOYMENT IN THE WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS, AND IN FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTORS OVER A YEAR EARLIER, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
HOWEVER, EMPLOYMENT IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR AND ON CONSTRUCTION SITES DECLINED MARKEDLY.
THE FALL IN MANUFACTURING EMPLOYMENT MAINLY REFLECTED THE CONTINUING STRUCTURAL CHANGE IN THE ECONOMY, IN CONNECTION WITH THE RELOCATION OF INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES TO CHINA, AS WELL AS THE OCCUPATIONAL UPGRADING OF THE LOCAL MANUFACTURING WORKFORCE TN RECENT YEARS.
OVERALL, EMPLOYMENT IN ALL THE MAJOR SECTORS SURVEYED TAKEN TOGETHER SHOWED A MARGINAL DECREASE IN DECEMBER 1991 COMPARED WITH DECEMBER 1990.
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VACANCIES IN ALL MAJOR SECTORS CONTINUED TO INCREASE, ALBEIT SLOWLY, DURING THE FOURTH QUARTER.
IN DECEMBER 1991, THE NUMBER OF VACANCIES WAS SLIGHTLY LARGER THAN IN SEPTEMBER, THOUGH STILL SMALLER THAN IN DECEMBER 1990.
IN DECEMBER 1991, EARNINGS IN ALL MAJOR SECTORS CONTINUED TO SHOW SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN MONEY TERMS OVER A YEAR EARLIER. •
AFTER ADJUSTING FOR INFLATION, THERE WAS STILL AN APPRECIABLE IMPROVEMENT IN REAL TERMS FOR AVERAGE EARNINGS IN MOST SECTORS.
THERE WERE 629,200 PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR IN DECEMBER 1991, REPRESENTING A DECREASE OF 12.1% FROM DECEMBER 1990.
EMPLOYMENT IN THE WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR, AT 871,900 IN DECEMBER 1991, WAS 5.1% HIGHER THAN IN DECEMBER 1990.
EMPLOYMENT IN THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR, AT 295,900, WAS UP BY 7.0%.
EMPLOYMENT ON CONSTRUCTION SITES, AT 59,300, WAS 14.2% LOWER THAN IN DECEMBER 1990.
THE EMPLOYMENT FIGURES FOR DECEMBER 1991 IN SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS, COMPARING WITH THE CORRESPONDING FIGURES FOR DECEMBER 1990 AND SEPTEMBER 1991, ARE AS FOLLOWS:
/PERSONS ENGAGED .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 1992
6
PERSONS ENGAGED
i 1 iEMPLOYMENT) PERCENTAGE CHANGE
SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY DEC. 90 SEP. 91 DEC. 91 DEC. 91 OVER DEC. 90 DEC. 91 OVER SEP. 91
MANUFACTURING 715,600 654,700 629,200 -12.1 05 co 1
CONSTRUCTION (MANUAL WORKERS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES ONLY) 69,100 63,900 59,300 -14.2 -7.2
WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS 829,400 880,300 871,900 + 5.1 -1.0
FINANCING, 276,600 289,100 295,900 + 7.0 + 2.3
INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES
THE SURVEY EXCLUDED HAWKERS AND PERSONS WORKING AT RETAIL PITCHES BUT INCLUDED THOSE WORKING IN MARKET STALLS.
THE STATISTICS FOR SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY IN DECEMBER 1991 WERE DERIVED FROM THE QUARTERLY SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL AND THE QUARTERLY EMPLOYMENT SURVEY OF CONSTRUCTION SITES CONDUCTED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
BEGINNING FROM THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1991, THE QUARTERLY SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL ADOPTED THE HONG KONG STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION (HSIC) CODES FOR THE CLASSIFICATION OF ECONOMIC SECTORS.
THE TWO SURVEYS ALSO PROVIDE VACANCY STATISTICS FOR SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS. THE VACANCY DATA TOGETHER WITH A COMPARISON WITH THE CORRESPONDING FIGURES FOR DECEMBER 1990 AND SEPTEMBER 1991 ARE AS FOLLOWS:
NUMBER OF REPORTED
SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY VACANCIES DEC. 90 SEP. 91 DEC. 91 PERCENTAGE CHANGE DEC. 91 DEC. 91 OVER OVER DEC. 90 SEP. 91
MANUFACTURING 28,970 23,300 22,980 -20.7 -1.4
/CONSTRUCTION .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 1992
CONSTRUCTION (MANUAL WORKERS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES ONLY) 1,330 760 560 -58.0 -26.5
WHOLESALE,RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS 27,660 28,220 30,230 + 9.3 + 7.1
FINANCING, 8,870 8,480 8,180 -7.8 -3.4
INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES
COMPARING DECEMBER 1991 WITH DECEMBER 1990, THE NUMBER OF
VACANCIES IN MOST OF THESE MAJOR SECTORS DECLINED. THE TOTAL NUMBER OF REPORTED VACANCIES, AT AROUND 82,140, DECREASED BY 8.0% IN DECEMBER 1991 OVER DECEMBER 1990.
THE MOST SIGNIFICANT DECLINE WAS RECORDED ON CONSTRUCTION SITES, BY 58.0%, FOLLOWED BY DECLINES IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR AND IN THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR, BY 20.7% AND 7.8% RESPECTIVELY. t
HOWEVER, THE NUMBER OF VACANCIES IN THE WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR INCREASED BY 9.3%.
COMPARING THE VACANCY SITUATION IN DECEMBER WITH THAT IN SEPTEMBER, AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON COULD BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, THE NUMBER OF VACANCIES IN MANUFACTURING FELL SLIGHTLY BY 1.4% IN DECEMBER 1991 OVER SEPTEMBER 1991.
THOSE IN FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES FELL BY 3.4%.
ON THE OTHER HAND, VACANCIES IN WHOLESALE, RETAIL, IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS IN DECEMBER INCREASED BY 7.1% .OVER SEPTEMBER.
IN OVERALL TERMS, THERE WAS A NET INCREASE OF ABOUT 0.3% IN THE TOTAL VACANCIES IN DECEMBER OVER SEPTEMBER.
THE DECEMBER 1991 NOMINAL INDICES OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED BY SELECTED MAJOR SECTOR AND THE CORRESPONDING REAL INDICES (AFTER ALLOWING FOR THE EFFECTS OF PRICE CHANGES) ARE GIVEN BELOW:
/NOMINAL INDEX .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 1992
8
• NOMINAL INDEX OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED PERCENTAGE CHANGE
(MARCH 1991 = 100)
SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY DEC. 90 DEC. 91 DEC. 91 OVER DEC. 90
MANUFACTURING 102.4 116.6 + 13.9
WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS 111.3 129.2 + 16.1
FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES 125.1 132.7 + 6.1
REAL PAYROLL PER (MARCH INDEX OF PERSON ENGAGED 1991 =100) PERCENTAGE CHANGE
SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY DEC. 90 DEC. 91 DEC. 91 OVER DEC. 90
MANUFACTURING 107.3 110.8 + 3.3
WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS 116.7 122.8 + 5.2
FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES * 131.1 126.1 -3.8
* WITHIN THIS SECTOR, REAL INDEX OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED
IN THE MAJOR GROUPS "BANKING" AND "INSURANCE" ROSE BY 2.6% AND 4.0% RESPECTIVELY.
BETWEEN DECEMBER 1990 AND DECEMBER 1991, AVERAGE EARNINGS IN ALL MAJOR SECTORS, AS MEASURED BY PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED, RECORDED FURTHER INCREASES IN MONEY TERMS. AN INCREASE OF 13.9% WAS REGISTERED IN THft NOMINAL INDEX FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR.
FOR THE WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR, THE INCREASE WAS 16.1%.
/FOR THE ........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 1992
9
FOR THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR, THE INCREASE WAS MUCH LOWER, AT 6.1%.
THE SMALLER RATE OF INCREASE WAS MAINLY DUE TO A SLOWER RATE OF INCREASE IN AVERAGE PAYROLL IN THE BUSINESS SERVICES SUB-SECTOR.
AFTER ALLOWING FOR THE INCREASE IN CONSUMER PRICES BETWEEN DECEMBER 1990 AND DECEMBER 1991, THE REAL INDEX OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED IN DECEMBER 1991, AS COMPARED WITH THAT IN DECEMBER 1990, INCREASED BY 3.3% FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR AND 5.2% FOR THE WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR.
FOR THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR, THE REAL INDEX DECREASED BY 3.8%, MAINLY DUE TO A DECREASE IN THE BUSINESS SERVICES SUB-SECTOR.
DETAILED BREAKDOWNS OF THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE QUARTERLY REPORT OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL STATISTICS, DECEMBER 1991 AND THE QUARTERLY REPORT OF EMPLOYMENT AND VACANCIES AT CONSTRUCTION SITES, DECEMBER 1991.
THEY ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT HK$13.5 PER COPY AND HKS8.5 PER COPY RESPECTIVELY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL AND AT THE SALES COUNTER OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AT THE 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER 1, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
--------0----------
AIRBORNE MERCHANDISE TRADE STATISTICS IN 1991
******
THE VALUE OF TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE BY AIR WAS $282,635 MILLION LAST YEAR, 9% HIGHER THAN THAT IN 1990, ACCORDING TO SUMMARY STATISTICS OF 1991 AIRBORNE MERCHANDISE TRADE RELEASED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE VALUE OF AIRBORNE DOMESTIC EXPORTS, IMPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS IN 1991 INCREASED BY 2%, 11% AND 12% RESPECTIVELY OVER 1990.
THEIR SHARES IN THE TOTAL VALUES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS, IMPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS WERE 30%, 18% AND 14% RESPECTIVELY.
IN TERMS OF WEIGHT, AIRBORNE IMPORTS AMOUNTED TO 372, 126 TONNES, WHILE TOTAL AIRBORNE EXPORTS (INCLUDING DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS) AMOUNTED TO 477, 660 TONNES, WHICH WERE 5% AND 6% RESPECTIVELY HIGHER THAN THOSE IN 1990.
AIRBORNE DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
/COMPARING 1991 .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 1992
10
COMPARING 1991 WITH 1990, THE VALUE OF AIRBORNE DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO SINGAPORE ROSE SUBSTANTIALLY BY 35%. THOSE TO TAIWAN, THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY AND THE NETHERLANDS INCREASED BY 8%, 6% AND 6% RESPECTIVELY.
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF AIRBORNE DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO SWITZERLAND, FRANCE AND CANADA DECREASED BY 15%, 6% AND 4% RESPECTIVELY.
AIRBORNE DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 2.
ANALYSED BY COMMODITY, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF AIRBORNE DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE RECORDED IN ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $1,896 MILLION OR 25%); CLOTHING (BY $1,390 MILLION OR 6%); OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $1,384 MILLION OR 14%); METAL WORKING MACHINERY (BY $50 MILLION OR 32%).
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES AND OPTICAL GOODS AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $1,935 MILLION OR 13%); TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $733 MILLION OR 29%); AND MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES, AND OTHER ARTICLES OF PRECIOUS OR SEMI-PRECIOUS MATERIALS (BY $305 MILLION OR 4%).
DETAILED STATISTICS ANALYSED BY COMMODITY BY COUNTRY SHOWED THAT NOTABLE INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF AIRBORNE DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE RECORDED IN ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF TO SINGAPORE (BY $1,130 MILLION OR 130%) AND TO TAIWAN (BY $149 MILLION OR 17%); CLOTHING TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY (BY $584 MILLION OR 17%) AND TO USA (BY $426 MILLION OR 4%); OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT TO SINGAPORE (BY $506 MILLION OR 20%); AND METAL WORKING MACHINERY TO TAIWAN (BY $15 MILLION OR 54%).
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES AND OPTICAL GOODS AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS TO USA (BY $454 MILLION OR 10%) AND TO THE UNITED KINGDOM (BY $223 MILLION OR 26%); TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT TO USA (BY $356 MILLION OR 39%); AND MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES, AND OTHER PRECIOUS OR SEMIPRECIOUS MATERIALS TO USA (BY $423 MILLION OR 18%).
AIRBORNE IMPORTS FROM THE 10 MAJOR SUPPLIERS ARE PRESENTED IN TABLE 3.
IMPORTS BY AIR FROM MOST MAJOR SUPPLIERS INCREASED TN VALUE IN 1991 OVER 1990.
SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF AIRBORNE IMPORTS FROM SINGAPORE (+38%), TAIWAN (+36%), THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+17%), JAPAN (+16%) AND THE UNITED KINGDOM (+12%).
/AIRBORNE IMPORTS .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 1992
11
AIRBORNE IMPORTS FROM THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, MALAYSIA, ITALY AND USA ALSO INCREASED BY 10%, 10%, 6% AND 1% RESPECTIVELY. HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF AIRBORNE IMPORTS FROM SWITZERLAND DECREASED BY 11%.
AIRBORNE IMPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 4.
ANALYSED BY COMMODITY, NOTABLE INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR AIRBORNE IMPORTS OF ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $6,498 MILLION OR 20%); OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $2,512 MILLION OR 29%); AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $1,145 MILLION OR 17%); AND MEDICINAL AND PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS (BY $904 MILLION OR 60%).
.HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF AIRBORNE IMPORTS OF OTHER TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT (BY $1,020 MILLION OR 30%); TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR CONTAINERS (BY $284 MILLION OR 14%); AND PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES AND OPTICAL GOODS, AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $230 MILLION OR 1%).
ANALYSED BY COMMODITY BY COUNTRY, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN AIRBORNE IMPORTS OF ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF FROM JAPAN (BY $2,307 MILLION OR 28%) AND FROM SINGAPORE (BY $1,430 MILLION OR 65%); OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT FROM SINGAPORE (BY $713 MILLION OR 45%) AND FROM USA (BY $487 OR 15%); AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT FROM JAPAN (BY $451 MILLION OR 14%); AND MEDICINAL AND PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS FROM ITALY (BY $206 MILLION OR 165%).
ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF AIRBORNE IMPORTS OF OTHER TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT FROM USA (BY $982 MILLION OR 32%) AND FROM JAPAN (BY $36 MILLION OR 81%); TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR CONTAINERS FROM FRANCE (BY $144 MILLION OR 16%); AND PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES AND OPTICAL GOODS, AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS FROM SWITZERLAND (BY $959 MILLION OR 15%).
AIRBORNE RE-EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 5.
HONG KONG’S AIRBORNE RE-EXPORTS TO MOST MAJOR MARKETS INCREASED IN 1991 OVER 1990. THE GROWTH WAS PARTICULARLY STRONG FOR THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY (+37%).
SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES WERE ALSO RECORDED IN AIRBORNE RE-EXPORTS TO SWITZERLAND (+31%), CHINA (+31%), THE UNITED KINGDOM (+23%) AND USA (+16%).
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF AIRBORNE RE-EXPORTS TO SINGAPORE AND TAIWAN DECREASED BY 20% AND 13% RESPECTIVELY.
AIRBORNE RE-EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 6.
/ANALYSED BY .......
12
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 1992
ANALYSED BY COMMODITY, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF AIRBORNE RE-EXPORTS WERE REGISTERED FOR CLOTHING (BY $3,631 MILLION OR 35%); PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES AND OPTICAL GOODS, AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $3,125 MILLION OR 44%); OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $761 MILLION OR 15%); AND MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS1 AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES, AND OTHER PRECIOUS OR SEMI-PRECIOUS MATERIALS (BY $654 MILLION OR 14%).
I !
‘HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $1,712 MILLION OR 11%); NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES (BY $531 MILLION OR 6%); AND FISH, CRUSTACEANS AND MOLLUSES, AND PREPARATIONS THEREOF (BY $192 MILLION OR 31%).
ANALYSED BY COMMODITY BY COUNTRY, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR THE VALUE OF AIRBORNE RE-EXPORTS OF CLOTHING TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF .GERMANY (BY $941 MILLION OR 49%) AND TO USA (BY $731 MILLION OR 15%); PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES AND OPTICAL GOODS, AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS TO USA (BY $745 MILLION OR 67%) AND TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY (BY $299 MILLION OR 67%); OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT TO SINGAPORE (BY $300 MILLION OR 41%); AND MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES, AND OTHER PRECIOUS OR SEMI-PRECIOUS MATERIALS TO USA (BY $236 MILLION OR 18%) .
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF TO SINGAPORE (BY $1,571 MILLION OR 63%) AND TO TAIWAN (BY $1,147 MILLION OR 20%); NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES TO JAPAN (BY $305 MILLION OR 15%) AND FISH, CRUSTACEANS AND MOLLUSES, AND PREPARATIONS THEREOF TO TAIWAN (BY $162 MILLION OR 39%). >
FURTHER DETAILS ARE PUBLISHED IN THE "HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE DECEMBER 1991" NOW ON SALE AT THE. GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AT $33.5 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 582 4915.
TABLE 1: AIRBORNE DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAJOR MARKETS
• MAJOR MARKET 1991 (HK$ MN.) 1990 (HK$ MN.) INCREASE/ DECREASE (HK$ MN.) PERCENTAGE CHANGE (%)
USA 25,166 25,701 535 2
F.R. OF GERMANY 7,414 6,969 + 445 + 6
JAPAN 6,902 6,945 43 1
SINGAPORE 5,790 4,302 + 1,488 + 35
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 1992
UK 3,599 3,509 + 89 + 3
TAIWAN 2,491 2,316 + 175 + 8
CANADA 1 ,657 1,722 - 64 - 4
NETHERLANDS 1,620 1,534 + 86 + 6
FRANCE 1,538 1 ,631 - 92 - 6
SWITZERLAND 1,380 1,632 - 252 — 15
TABLE 2: AIRBORNE DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISION (H 1991 K$ MN. ) 1990 (HK$ MN.) INCREASE/ DECREASE (HK$ MN.) PERCENTAGE CHANGE (%)
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 23,886 22,496 + 1,390 + 6
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 12,771 14,706 1,935 13
OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT 11,006 9,622 + 1,384 + 14
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 9,342 7,446 + 1,896 + 25
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY JEWELLERY GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES) 6,694 6,999 305 4
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 1,808 2,542 733 29
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 621 666 45 7
PROFESSIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND CONTROLLING INSTRUMENTS AND APPARATUS 519 519 # *
/NON-METALLIC
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 1992
- 14 -
NON-METALLIC
MINERAL
MANUFACTURES 389 399 - 11 3
FISH, CRUSTACEANS AND
MOLLUSCS, AND
PREPARATIONS THEREOF 370 348 +22 +6
NOTE : # DENOTES LESS THAN HK$0.5 MN.
♦ DENOTES LESS THAN 0.5%
TABLE 3 : AIRBORNE IMPORTS FROM THE 10 MAJOR SUPPLIERS
MAJOR SUPPLIER 1991 (HK$ MN.) 1990 (HK$ MN.) INCREASE/ DECREASE (HK$ MN.) PERCENTAGE CHANGE (%)
JAPAN 31,438 27,000 + 4,438 + 16
USA 24,279 23,933 + 346 » + 1
SINGAPORE 8,827 6,383 + 2,444 + 38
SWITZERLAND 8,066 9,086 - 1,021 - 11
TAIWAN 7,909 5,831 + 2,077 + 36
ITALY 6,079 5,753 + 326 + 6
MALAYSIA 5,506 5,004 + 502 + 10
F.R. OF GERMANY 5,133 4,647 + 486 + 10
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 5,092 4,342 + 750 + 17
UK 5,020 4,493 + 526 + 12
THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
TABLE 4: AIRBORNE IMPORTS OF
COMMODITY DIVISION 1991 1990 (HK$ MN.) INCREASE/ DECREASE (HK$ MN.) PERCENTAGE CHANGE (%)
(HK$ MN. )
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF > 38 ,396 31,898 + 6,498 + 20
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 20 ,733 20,963 230 1
/NON-METALLIC .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 1992
- 15 -
NON-METALLIC 826 + 6
MINERAL MANUFACTURES 15,750 14,924 +
OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT 11,235 8,723 + 2,512 + 29
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 7,954 6,809 + 1 , 145 + 17
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY JEWELLERY GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES) 9 7,579 7,110 + 469 + 7
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 4,766 4,876 - 110 - 2
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 1,549 4,091 + 458 + 11
PROFESSIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND CONTROLLING INSTRUMENTS AND APPARATUS 3,001 2,492 + 509 + 20
OTHER TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT 2,423 3,444 1,020 * 30
TABLE 5: AIRBORNE RE-EXPORTS TO 10 MAJOR MARKETS
MAJOR MARKET 1991 (HK$ MN.) 1990 (HK$ MN.) INCREASE/ DECREASE (HK$ MN.) PERCENTAGE CHANGE (%)
USA 15,316 13,202 + 2,115 + 16
JAPAN 8,249 7,442 + 807 + 11
TAIWAN 7,634 8,804 - 1,170 - 13
F.R. OF GERMANY 5,807 4,228 + 1,579 + 37
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 5,366 4,676 + 691 + 15
CHINA 4,507 3,442 + 1,065 + 31
SINGAPORE 4,295 5,398 - 1,104 - 20
THAILAND 2,727 2,930 - 203 » - 7
/UK........
16
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 1992
UK 2,381 1,929 + 453 + 23
SWITZERLAND 1,840 1,404 + ■ 436 + 31
TABLE 6: AIRBORNE RE-EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISION 1991 (HKS MN.) 1990 (HK$ MN.) INCREASE/ DECREASE (HK$ MN.) PERCENTAGE CHANGE (%)
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF i 14,155 15,867 1,712 11
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES . 14,108 10,477 + 3,631 + 35
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 10,267 7, 142 + 3, 125 + 44
NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES 8,460 8,990 — 531 — 6
OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT 5,702 4,941 + 761 + 15
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES) 5,209 4,555 + 654 + 14
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 3,481 2,945 + 536 + 18
TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR CONTAINERS 2,533 2,366 + 168 + 7
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 1,961 1,558 + 403 + 26
PROFESSIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND CONTROLLING INSTRUMENTS AND APPARATUS 1,409 1,270 + 140 + 11 *
0 - — — — /17 ..
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 1992
17
FERRY ROUTE WITHDRAWAL AND MTR PEAK HOUR CONGESTION RELIEVE MEASURES DISCUSSED ******
THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC) TODAY (WEDNESDAY) CONSIDERED AT ITS MEETING A PROPOSAL BY THE HONGKONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY (HYF) TO WITHDRAW TWO FRANCHISED FERRY ROUTES: CENTRAL TO SHAM SHUI PO AND CENTRAL TO TAI KOK TSUI.
THE TAC ALSO DISCUSSED MTR PEAK HOUR CONGESTION RELIEVE MEASURES IN THIS SUMMER AND THE FITTING OF REAR SEAT BELTS IN NEW PRIVATE CARS.
THE EXISTING TWO FERRY PIERS ON KOWLOON SIDE WILL BE DEMOLISHED THIS YEAR TO MAKE WAY FOR WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION WORKS INCLUDING DREDGING NEAR THE PIERS.
MEMBERS NOTED THAT THE REPROVISIONING OF THE TWO PIERS WOULD NOT BE ECONOMICALLY VIABLE AS HIGH CAPITAL INVESTMENT - ABOUT $80 MILLION AND $160 MILLION RESPECTIVELY - WOULD BE INCURRED.
EVEN IF THE PIERS WERE RELOCATED AT THE NEWLY RECLAIMED WATERFRONT, THEY WOULD BE SOME DISTANCE OFF THE EXISTING PASSENGER CATCHMENT AREAS AND MAY LEAD TO A FURTHER DECREASE IN PATRONAGE.
THE TWO FERRY SERVICES ARE UNLIKELY TO BE VIABLE IN THE LONG TERM BECAUSE WHEN THE PLANNED WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING (WHC) OPENS IN 1996/97, THE NEW MTR LINE AND CROSS HARBOUR BUS SERVICES USING THE WHC WOULD DIRECTLY OVERLAPPING THE SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE TWO FERRY ROUTES.
AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO PASSENGERS WHO MIGHT BE AFFECTED, MEMBERS NOTED THAT A NEW CROSS-HARBOUR BUS ROUTE BETWEEN SHAM SHUI PO AND CENTRAL VIA TAI KOK TSUI WOULD BE INTRODUCED.
IN ADDITION, PASSENGERS COULD ALSO MAKE USE OF A NUMBER OF EXISTING CROSS-HARBOUR BUS ROUTES OPERATING ALONG LAI CHI KOK ROAD.
THE TAC’S ADVICE ON WHETHER OR NOT TO WITHDRAW THE FERRY SERVICES WOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL FOR CONSIDERATION LATER.
AT THE MEETING, MEMBERS WERE ALSO BRIEFED ON THE PROPOSALS TO TACKLE THE CONGESTION PROBLEM ALONG MTR NATHAN ROAD CORRIDOR FOR THIS SUMMER.
THESE PROPOSALS INCLUDED AN INTRODUCTION OF EXPRESS BUS ROUTES FROM YUEN LONG, TUEN MUN TO TSIM SHA TSUI; NEW CROSS-HARBOUR BUS SERVICES FROM MA ON SHAN AND KWAI CHUNG TO HONG KONG; MORE RESIDENTIAL COACH SERVICES FROM THE NEW TERRITORIES, AS WELL AS SPECIAL FERRY SERVICES FROM TUEN MUN AND TSUEN WAN TO CENTRAL.
MEMBERS ALSO NOTED THE EFFORT BY THE MTRC TO HELP RELIEVE THE PEAK HOUR CONGESTION, INCLUDING THE PLATFORM ASSISTANCE SCHEME AND THE PROMOTION OF THE USE OF THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING.
/AT THE .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 1992
18
AT THE MEETING, MEMBERS ALSO CONSIDERED THE PROPOSED INTRODUCTION OF REAR SEAT BELTS IN ALL NEWLY REGISTERED PRIVATE VEHICLES.
MEMBERS NOTED THAT ACCORDING TO A REVIEW OF ACCIDENT STATISTICS BETWEEN 1989 AND 1991, REAR SEAT PASSENGERS ACCOUNTED FOR 30 PER CENT OF ALL PRIVATE CAR ACCIDENT CASUALTIES.
LAST YEAR, 1,281 REAR SEAT PASSENGERS WERE KILLED OR INJURED IN ACCIDENTS.
MEMBERS GENERALLY AGREED THAT THE WEARING OF REAR SEAT BELTS SHOULD BE SUPPORTED IN PRINCIPLE.
HOWEVER, IT WAS AGREED THAT THERE SHOULD BE FURTHER DISCUSSIONS AND RESEARCH ON WHAT TYPES OF VEHICLES SHOULD BE FITTED WITH REAR SEAT BELTS AND HOW THE OBJECTIVE OF PROMOTING THE SAFETY OF REAR SEAT PASSENGERS COULD BE BEST ACHIEVED IN HONG KONG’S CIRCUMSTANCES.
u
CERTAIN MARINE DEPARTMENT OFFICES REMAIN OPEN DURING EASTER
*****
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT ALL PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREAS WILL REMAIN OPEN FROM 7 AM TO 9 PM DAILY DURING THE EASTER HOLIDAYS (APRIL 17 TO 20).
SENIOR MARINE OFFICER (CENTRAL REGION) OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT, MR YOUNG BING-SHUNG, SAID: "PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREAS ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT ARE AT THE WESTERN DISTRICT, SHEUNG WAN, WAN CHAI, CHAI WAN, SHAM SHUI PO, YAU MA TEI, KWUN TONG, CHA KWO LING, TSUEN WAN, AND RAMBLER CHANNEL."
"IN ADDITION, THE TUEN MUN PUBLIC WATERFRONT WILL BE OPEN FROM 7 AM.TO 9 PM DURING THE HOLIDAYS," HE SAID.
DURING THE PERIOD, THE MACAU FERRY TERMINAL WILL REMAIN OPEN 24 HOURS DAILY, AND THE CHINA FERRY TERMINAL IN TSIM SHA TSUI WILL BE OPEN AS NORMAL BETWEEN 6 AM AND 10 PM DAILY.
ON APRIL 18 (SATURDAY) AND APRIL 20 (MONDAY), THE VICTORIA MARINE OFFICE IN ROOM 314 ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF HARBOUR BUILDING AT 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, WILL BE OPEN FROM 9 AM TO 11 AM TO FACILITATE ENTRY AND OUTWARD CLEARANCE FOR SHIPS ONLY.
AS FOR THE PORT FORMALITIES OFFICE IN ROOM 318 AT HARBOUR BUILDING, IT WILL BE OPEN ON APRIL 18 (SATURDAY) FROM 9 AM TO 11 AM TO PROCESS APPLICATION FOR PERMITS NORMALLY ISSUED BY THE OFFICE.
- - 0 - -
/19........
t
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 1992
- 19 -
THREE GOVT LOTS TO LET BY TENDER ******
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT-TERM TENANCIES ON THREE PIECES OF GOVERNMENT LAND.
THE FIRST SITE, LOCATED AT LI SING STREET, HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 1,160 SQUARE METRES.
THE SECOND SITE IS LOCATED AT KO SHING STREET AND HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 2,420 SQUARE METRES.
BOTH SITES ARE DESIGNATED FOR OPEN STORAGE OF TENANT’S GOODS (EXCLUDING DANGEROUS GOODS, CONTAINER VEHICLES AND TRAILERS) AND/OR A PRIVATE OR FEE-PAYING PUBLIC CAR PARK FOR PRIVATE CARS AND LIGHT GOODS VEHICLES LICENSED UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE.
THE TENANCIES ARE FOR SIX MONTHS AND MONTHLY THEREAFTER.
SUBMISSION OF TENDERS WILL BE CLOSED*AT NOON ON APRIL 24.
THE REMAINING SITE IS LOCATED AT AREA 28A, SHEUNG SHUI, NEW TERRITORIES.
IT HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 7,450 SQUARE METRES AND IS INTENDED FOR OPEN STORAGE OF TENANT’S GOODS.
THESE GOODS SHALL INCLUDE VEHICLES NOT LICENSED UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE BUT EXCLUDING THE STORAGE OF ANY CONTAINERS OR CONTAINER VEHICLES; OR FEE-PAYING PUBLIC VEHICLE PARK FOR MOTOR VEHICLES AND LORRIES (EXCLUDING CONTAINER VEHICLES WITH THEIR TRAILERS OR CHASSIS ATTACHED) WHICH ARE CURRENTLY LICENSED UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE.
THE TENANCY IS FOR TWO YEARS AND QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON, MAY 1.
FORMS OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICES AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND TENDER PLANS OF THE THREE SITES INSPECTED AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND THE KOWLOON DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.
THOSE FOR THE FIRST TWO SITES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE HONG KONG WEST DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, 19TH FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI; AND THOSE FOR THE SHEUNG SHUI SITE AVAILABLE AT THE NORTH DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, SIXTH FLOOR, NORTH DISTRICT GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 3 P1K FUNG ROAD, FANL1NG.
------0--------
/20........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 1992
- 20 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FIND
MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS * * * * *
DATE S MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 14.4.92 800
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 15.4.92 +371*
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING -471
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
* O/N ASSISTANCE TO BE REVERSED -100MN * OTHER FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED +471MN
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 113.0 *+0.2* 15.4.92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS TERM HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ISSUE COUPON BONDS
TERMS YIELD PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.04 PCT 19 MONTHS 2311 6.25 101.93 5.03
1 MONTH 3.86 PCT 22 MONTHS 2402 5.50 100.15 5.48
3 MONTHS 3.75 PCT
6 MONTHS 3.89 PCT
12 MONTHS 4.40 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 8,108MN
CLOSED 15 APRIL 1992
------0--------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HK TO GET 'COST-EFFECTIVE' AIRPORT RAILWAY IN 1997 ................. 1
RESULT OF PRELIMINARY ALLOCATION OF IMPORTED WORKERS AVAILABLE SOON 3
FURTHER MEASURES TO CURB SMUGGLING ................................. 5
OPENING OF SHING MUN TUNNELS TO NT TAXIS APPROVED .................. 5
HOTLINE TO FIGHT CROSS-BORDER SMUGGLING ............................ 6
HK TO PURSUE ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION IN THE ESCAP REGION ............. 7
BANKING (AMENDMENT) BILL GAZETTED .................................. 9
BILL TO CLEAR CLOUDS OVER EMERGENCY BOARDING OF VESSELS BY FIREMEN 11
JUMBO BDTC AND BNO PASSPORTS INTRODUCED............................. 12
ROADWORKS TO FACILITATE CONSTRUCTION OF SEWAGE PIPELINE ............ 12
GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY ANNOUNCED ........................... 13
EXOTIC BONSAI SHOW OPENS TODAY ..................................... J-7
.LAND TO BE RESUMED IN SHA TIN ..................................... 18
120 VIETS RETURN HOME .............................................. 18
MORE RECREATIONAL AMENITIES FOR KWAI CHUNG RESIDENTS ............... 19
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
19
THURSDAY, APRIL 16,
1992
- 1 -
HK TO GET 'COST-EFFECTIVE* AIRPORT RAILWAY IN 1997
*****
HONG KONG MUST HAVE THE AIRPORT RAILWAY IN 1997 TO RELIEVE CONGESTION IN THE NATHAN ROAD CORRIDOR AND TO PROVIDE A FAST AND EFFICIENT RAIL LINK TO THE NEW AIRPORT, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE AIRPORT RAILWAY, WHICH WILL BE BUILT BY THE MTRC IF A PROPOSED FINANCIAL PACKAGE IS APPROVED BY THE GOVERNMENT, WILL RUN BENEATH THE HARBOUR FROM CENTRAL TO KOWLOON AND WILL CROSS TO NORTH LANTAU VIA THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING.
THE AIRPORT RAILWAY WILL HAVE TWO SERVICES, THE AIRPORT EXPRESS LINE (AEL) AND THE LANTAU LINE (LAL).
THE AEL WILL BE A HIGH-SPEED AIRPORT RAIL LINK, WITH STATIONS AT CENTRAL, WEST KOWLOON, TSING YI, AND CHEK LAP KOK AIRPORT.
THE LAL WILL BE A DOMESTIC SERVICE WITH A HIGHER PASSENGER CAPACITY, WITH STATIONS AT CENTRAL, WEST KOWLOON, TAI KOK TSUI, LAI KING, TSING YI, AND TUNG CHUNG.
THE TWO SERVICES WILL RUN ON MAINLY COMMON TRACKS BETWEEN CENTRAL AND TAI HO WAN ON NORTH LANTAU, DIVERGING THEREAFTER TO CHEK LAP KOK AND TUNG CHUNG.
MR LEUNG POINTED OUT THAT BOTH SERVICES WERE NEEDED IN 1997.
THE LAL WAS DESIGNED TO RELIEVE CONGESTION IN THE NATHAN ROAD CORRIDOR - TSIM SHA TSUI TO MONG KOK STATIONS - OF THE EXISTING MTR TSUEN WAN LINE, WHICH IS NOW OPERATING CLOSE TO THE ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF 75,000 DURING MORNING PEAK HOUR, BEYOND WHICH SAFETY COULD BE COMPROMISED.
"THE GOVERNMENT AND THE MTRC ARE DOING WHAT THEY CAN TO CONTAIN CONGESTION IN THE NATHAN ROAD CORRIDOR," MR LEUNG SAID.
"BUT THE ONLY LONG-TERM SOLUTION IS TO BUILD A NEW AND FASTER MTR LINE WHICH CROSSES THE HARBOUR AND RELIEVES THE PRESSURE ON THE EXISTING SYSTEM. THE LAL WILL INTERCHANGE WITH THE TSUEN WAN LINE AT LAI KING, AND ITS EIGHT-MINUTE JOURNEY TO CENTRAL, COMPARED WITH 23 MINUTES ON THE TSUEN WAN LINE, IS EXPECTED TO TAKE 147,000 PASSENGERS A DAY OFF THE TSUEN WAN LINE IN 1997," HE SAID.
MR LEUNG SAID THE AEL WOULD ALSO BE NEEDED BY 1997, IN TIME FOR THE OPENING OF THE NEW AIRPORT.
IT IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A FAST AND EFFICIENT RAIL LINK TO THE NEW AIRPORT, AND ON PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL GROUNDS IS PREFERABLE TO RELYING ENTIRELY ON ALTERNATIVE ROAD-BASED TRANSPORT MEANS.
MR LEUNG DISMISSED SUGGESTIONS THAT EXPENDITURE COULD BE REDUCED ON THE HKS22.16 BILLION RAILWAY BY EITHER PARTIALLY OR WHOLLY DEFERRING IT.
/"VARIOUS IDEAS .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 1992
2
"VARIOUS IDEAS FOR EITHER A PARTIAL OR A TOTAL DEFERRAL OF THE AIRPORT RAILWAY HAVE BEEN MOOTED, AND NONE OF THEM MEET HONG KONG’S TRANSPORT NEEDS AS WELL, OR ARE AS COST-EFFECTIVE.
"IF THE AIRPORT RAILWAY TERMINATED AT WEST KOWLOON RATHER THAN ON HONG KONG ISLAND, FOR EXAMPLE, THIS WOULD REDUCE THE REVENUE EXPECTED FROM THE AIRPORT EXPRESS LINE BY 40 PER CENT, AND PROVIDE NO RELIEF FOR THE NATHAN ROAD CORRIDOR.
"NOR COULD WE TERMINATE THE RAILWAY AT TSING YI INSTEAD OF GOING ALL THE WAY TO THE AIRPORT.
"MOST OF THE REVENUE OF THE AIRPORT RAILWAY WILL BE GENERATED BY THE AIRPORT EXPRESS LINE, AND THIS WOULD BE LOST IF THE LINE STOPPED AT TSING YI.
"WE WOULD ALSO NEED TO MOVE THE SITE FOR THE AIRPORT RAILWAY DEPOT FROM SIU HO WAN ON NORTH LANTAU. WE WOULD HAVE NO ALTERNATIVE BUT TO PUT IT ON A PRIME DEVELOPMENT SITE ON THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION."
COMMENTING ON THE IDEA OF DEFERRING THE AIRPORT RAILWAY ALTOGETHER FOR A FEW YEARS, MR LEUNG SAID THIS WOULD ALSO BE MOST UNDESIRABLE.
"WE WOULD NEED A LARGE FLEET OF TAXIS, AIRBUSES AND DOUBLE-DECKER BUSES TO MAKE UP FOR THE LACK OF A RAILWAY.
"THEY WOULD BE VERY EXPENSIVE TO PROVIDE AND DIFFICULT TO WITHDRAW LATER. THEY WOULD ALSO BE VERY COSTLY IN TERMS OF INCREASED TRAFFIC CONGESTION AND INCREASED AIR POLLUTION.
"THE FACT IS, THAT OUR STUDIES HAVE DEMONSTRATED THAT THE AIRPORT RAILWAY, FULLY IN PLACE FOR DAY ONE - THE OPENING DATE IN 1997 OF THE NEW AIRPORT - IS NOT ONLY THE BEST OPTION FROM A TRANSPORT POLICY POINT OF VIEW, BUT ALSO PROVIDES THE BEST POSSIBLE RETURN ON INVESTMENT."
MR LEUNG ALSO SAID THE AIRPORT RAILWAY WAS A COST-EFFECTIVE TRANSPORT PROJECT, AND THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSED FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO THE MTRC WAS THE MINIMUM NECESSARY TO ENABLE IT TO FINANCE THE PROJECT.
"HONG KONG IS REALLY GETTING ’ONE TRACK, TWO RAILWAYS'.
"BY ALIGNING THE TWO RAIL SERVICES ON LARGELY COMMON TRACKS, WE HAVE MANAGED TO BUILD AN ADDITIONAL CROSS HARBOUR RAIL LINK, WHICH WILL RELIEVE CONGESTION IN THE NATHAN ROAD CORRIDOR, PLUS A FAST RAIL LINK TO THE NEW AIRPORT, FOR ONLY 20 PER CENT MORE THAN IT WOULD HAVE COST TO BUILD EITHER RAILWAY ALONE."
MR LEUNG WENT ON TO OUTLINE THE FOUR-POINT SUPPORT PACKAGE WHICH THE GOVERNMENT HAS DEVELOPED TO ENABLE THE MTRC TO FINANCE THE AIRPORT RAILWAY. UNDER THIS PACKAGE, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD:
/* FORGO DIVIDENDS .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 1992
3
« FORGO DIVIDENDS FROM THE MTRC BETWEEN 1997 AND 2001, AT AN ESTIMATED VALUE OF $2.8 BILLION AT 1991 PRICES, TO ASSIST THE FINANCING OF THE AIRPORT RAILWAY;
* GRANT 61 HECTARES OF LAND TO THE MTRC FOR PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT AT CENTRAL, WEST KOWLOON, TAI KOK TSUI, TSING YI AND TUNG CHUNG AIRPORT RAILWAY STATIONS;
* SUBSCRIBE $3 BILLION OF EQUITY TO THE MTRC IN 1993 FROM THE CAPITAL INVESTMENT FUND, AND MAKE AVAILABLE ADDITIONAL CALLABLE EQUITY OF $6.3 BILLION (BOTH FIGURES AT 1991 PRICES), TO BE DRAWN UPON ONLY IN SPECIFIC ADVERSE CIRCUMSTANCES; AND
» UNDERTAKE TO COMPLETE ALL AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME PROJECTS REQUIRED FOR THE OPERATION OF THE AIRPORT RAILWAY, AND REIMBURSE 80 PER CENT OF REVENUE LOST TO THE MTRC IF THE GOVERNMENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR A DELAY IN ITS COMMISSIONING.
MR LEUNG SAID THE MTRC HAD AN EXCELLENT REPUTATION AS A BORROWER, AND THE AIM OF THE SUPPORT PACKAGE WAS TO MAINTAIN THE MTRC’S CREDIT RATING TO ENABLE IT TO BORROW SUCCESSFULLY FOR THE AIRPORT RAILWAY PROJECT.
"WHAT WE ARE PROPOSING IS NOT ONLY THE MINIMUM DEGREE OF SUPPORT NECESSARY TO ENABLE THE MTRC TO FINANCE THIS PROJECT, BUT IT IS ALSO PREFERABLE TO THE ONLY OTHER ALTERNATIVES.
"IF WE FUNDED CONSTRUCTION OF THE AIRPORT RAILWAY THROUGH THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME, THIS WOULD INVOLVE A COMMITMENT ON PUBLIC FUNDS OF $22 BILLION AT 1991 PRICES, AND TAKING AWAY RESOURCES FROM OTHER KEY AREAS BETWEEN NOW AND 1997.
"ALTERNATIVELY, IF WE GUARANTEED THE MTRC’S BORROWING IN FULL, OUR GUARANTEES WOULD NEED TO REMAIN IN FORCE UNTIL ALL DEBT WAS REPAID, WHICH COULD BE WELL AFTER 1997.
"THE MTRC’S CREDIT-RATING AGENCIES HAVE INDICATED THAT THEY WOULD MAINTAIN THE CORPORATION’S CURRENT CREDIT RATING ON THE BASIS OF THE PACKAGE WE ARE PROPOSING," MR LEUNG SAID.
--------0-----------
RESULT OF PRELIMINARY ALLOCATION OF IMPORTED WORKERS AVAILABLE SOON S3****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS COMPLETED INITIAL PROCESSING OF APPLICATIONS FROM EMPLOYERS UNDER THE 1992 GENERAL LABOUR IMPORTATION SCHEME.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT ALTOGETHER 8,350 COMPANIES HAD SUBMITTED APPLICATIONS TO IMPORT 92,631 FOREIGN WORKERS.
/"THE TOTAL .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 1992
4
"THE TOTAL NUMBER OF WORKERS BEING APPLIED FOR FAR EXCEEDS THE APPROVED QUOTA OF ABOUT 12,000," HE SAID.
THE STEERING GROUP ON IMPORTATION OF LABOUR CHAIRED BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER HAS COMPLETED DELIBERATIONS OF QUOTA ALLOCATION INVOLVING THREE MAIN STEPS.
THESE STEPS ARE: PRELIMINARY VETTING OF INDIVIDUAL APPLICATIONS, ALLOCATION BY INDUSTRY, AND ALLOCATION BY COMPANY WITHIN INDUSTRY.
THE OMELCO MANPOWER PANEL AND THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD (LAB) WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE LATEST SITUATION AND CONSULTED ON THE PRELIMINARY ALLOCATION OF QUOTA BY INDUSTRY EARLY NEXT WEEK.
"SUBJECT TO ANY COMMENTS THE MANPOWER PANEL AND THE LAB MAY HAVE, WE HOPE TO ANNOUNCE THE RESULT OF ALLOCATION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THROUGH THE PRELIMINARY VETTING OF INDIVIDUAL APPLICATIONS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE NUMBER OF QUALIFIED WORKERS HAD BEEN SCALED DOWN TO 40,493 (FROM 4,558 COMPANIES).
AMONG THOSE DISQUALIFIED ARE CASES WHERE THE EMPLOYER: HAS ADVERSE RECORD, THAT IS, EXPLOITATION OF WORKERS; PROVIDES INACCURATE INFORMATION; HAS NOT REGISTERED VACANCIES WITH THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT; REFUSES TO EMPLOY LOCAL WORKERS WITHOUT GOOD REASONS OR SETS TOO RESTRICTIVE JOB REQUIREMENTS FOR LOCAL APPLICANTS; HAS ALREADY EMPLOYED MORE IMPORTED WORKERS THAN LOCAL WORKERS; AND DOES NOT MEET THE GOVERNMENT’S STIPULATED REQUIREMENTS WITH REGARD TO WAGE RATE OR LEVEL OF SKILL.
"EVEN AT 40,493 QUALIFIED APPLICATIONS, THE NUMBER OF WORKERS APPLIED FOR STILL EXCEEDS AVAILABLE QUOTA BY 3.4 TIMES," THE SPOKESMAN NOTED.
IN CONSIDERING THE ALLOCATION OF INDUSTRY QUOTA, HE SAID, THE STEERING GROUP HAS TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:
» VACANCIES - THE VACANCY PATTERN ENUMERATED FROM THE DECEMBER 1991 CENSUS SURVEY AS WELL AS THE ACTUAL NUMBER OF QUALIFIED APPLICATIONS WOULD BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT;
* WAGE - THE PATTERN OF WAGE INCREASES IS A REFLECTION OF RELATIVE SHORTAGES WHILE WAGE LEVEL IS GENERALLY CORRELATED WITH THE LEVEL OF SKILL AND IS A PROXY OF LABOUR PRODUCTIVITY; AND
* LABOUR UTILISATION - THE TWO IMPORTANT INDICATORS OF WHICH ARE THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDER-EMPLOYMENT RATES. INDUSTRIES WITH RELATIVELY HIGHER UNEMPLOYMENT OR UNDER-EMPLOYMENT RATES WOULD BE GIVEN A LOWER PRIORITY.
"SUBJECT TO FINALISATION OF THE INDUSTRY QUOTA, ALLOCATION TO INDIVIDUAL COMPANY WILL BY AND LARGE BE ON A PRO-RATA BASIS.
"TO AVOID FRAGMENTATION OF QUOTA AND TO FACILITATE ENFORCEMENT, THE STEERING GROUP IS CONSIDERING WHETHER ALLOCATION SHOULD BE MADE TO THOSE CASES ENTAILING ONE OR TWO IMPORTED WORKERS," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
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/5......
THURSDAY, APRIL 16,
1992
FURTHER MEASURES TO CURB SMUGGLING
******
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED MEASURES TO BE ADOPTED IN FURTHERANCE OF ITS OBJECTIVE TO COMBAT SMUGGLING.
THE IMPORT AND EXPORT OF OUTBOARD ENGINES EXCEEDING 150 HORSEPOWER AND LEFT-HAND-DRIVE VEHICLES WILL BE PROHIBITED UNDER THE IMPORT AND EXPORT (GENERAL) REGULATIONS EXCEPT UNDER AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH A LICENCE.
BY INTRODUCING AN IMPORT AND EXPORT LICENSING REGIME FOR LEFT-HAND-DRIVE VEHICLES, THE SUPPLY OF A POPULAR ITEM FOR SMUGGLING WOULD BE REDUCED WITHOUT AFFECTING LEGITIMATE TRADERS, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE CONTROL IMPOSED ON OUTBOARD ENGINES WOULD DEPRIVE THE SMUGGLERS OF THE HIGH-POWERED OUTBOARD ENGINES REQUIRED FOR OPERATION OF THEIR SPEEDBOATS, HE ADDED.
THE CARRIAGE OF OUTBOARD ENGINES EXCEEDING 150 HORSEPOWER ON VESSELS OF LESS THAN 250 GROSS TONS WITHIN HONG KONG WATERS WILL ALSO BE PROHIBITED UNDER THE IMPORT AND EXPORT (CARRIAGE OF ARTICLES) REGULATIONS EXCEPT IN CIRCUMSTANCES DEFINED IN THE LEGISLATION OR UNDER AUTHORITY OF A CARRIAGE LICENCE.
THIS WILL FACILITATE PROSECUTION IN THE EVENT THAT A CONSIGNMENT OF ENGINES IS SEIZED WITHIN HONG KONG WATERS.
THE NEW MEASURES WILL BE GAZETTED ON APRIL 24 AND EFFECTIVE FROM MAY 1 THIS YEAR.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, MR K S TONG, WILL BE AVAILABLE AT 3.00 PM TODAY IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM (ROOM 920) OF HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, TO ANSWER ANY PRESS ENQUIRIES.
- - 0 - -
OPENING OF SHING MUN TUNNELS TO NT TAXIS APPROVED
******
THE SHING MUN TUNNELS WILL BE OPENED TO NEW TERRITORIES (NT) TAXIS ON APRIL 29, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE DECISION HAS BEEN MADE AFTER TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE INTERESTS OF NT RESIDENTS AND URBAN TAXIS AND THE IMPACT ON THE AVAILABILITY OF NT TAXIS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
/NT RESIDENTS
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 1992
6
NT RESIDENTS WILL BENEFIT FROM THE DECISION BY BEING OFFERED A QUICKER ROUTE FROM THE NORTHERN NEW TERRITORIES TO SHA TIN OR TSUEN WAN WITH A CHOICE OF EITHER URBAN AND NT TAXIS THROUGH THE SHING. MUN TUNNELS.
“THE OPENING OF THE SHING MUN TUNNELS TO NT TAXIS WOULD LINK UP THEIR PERMITTED OPERATION POINTS IN SHA TIN AND TSUEN WAN WITHOUT ENLARGING THEIR CATCHMENT AREAS," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
AS THE OPENING OF THE TUNNELS TO NT TAXIS IS INTENDED TO CATER FOR NT RESIDENTS, SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT ROUTINGS WILL BE DESIGNATED FOR NT TAXIS TO AVOID THEM PROVIDING A CHEAPER SERVICE BETWEEN THEIR PERMITTED POINTS IN SHA TIN AND TSUEN WAN THAN THEIR URBAN COUNTERPARTS.
THIS IS TO AVOID UNFAIR COMPETITION BETWEEN URBAN AND NT TAXIS.
"NT TAXIS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO USE THE TAI CHUNG KIU ROAD AND THE SLIP ROAD BETWEEN FO TAN ROAD AND TAI PO ROAD LEADING TO THE SHING MUN TUNNELS.
"INSTEAD, THEY WILL BE ALLOWED TO USE THE TATE'S CAIRN HIGHWAY," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE OPENING OF THE SHING MUN TUNNELS TO NT TAXIS WOULD HAVE MINIMAL EFFECT ON THEIR AVAILABILITY IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THIS IS BECAUSE THE DEMAND FOR TAXI SERVICE BETWEEN THE NORTHERN NEW TERRITORIES AND SHA TIN/TSUEN WAN IS NOT HIGH IN VIEW OF THE LONG DISTANCE.
THE REVISED PERMITTED AREAS FOR NT TAXIS IN SHA TIN AND TSUEN WAN WILL BE GAZETTED ON APRIL 24 THIS YEAR.
---------0-----------
HOTLINE TO FIGHT CROSS-BORDER SMUGGLING ******
A HOTLINE LINK BETWEEN THE ANTI-SMUGGLING TASK FORCE AND THEIR COUNTERPARTS IN GUANGZHOU WAS LAUNCHED TODAY (THURSDAY) AS PART OF A CONTINUOUS EFFORT WAGED BY BOTH SIDES TO COMBAT CROSS-BORDER SMUGGLING ACTIVITIES.
THE ANNOUNCEMENT WAS MADE BY A POLICE SPOKESMAN TODAY FOLLOWING A THREE-DAY VISIT TO THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE BY A NINE-MEMBER DELEGATION LED BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE GUANGDONG PUBLIC SECURITY BUREAU, MR CHEN WENLI.
THE DELEGATION LEFT FOR GUANGZHOU THIS AFTERNOON.
/DURING THEIR .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 1992
7
DURING THEIR VISIT, THE DELEGATION MEMBERS HAD HELD TALKS WITH SENIOR POLICE OFFICIALS ON PLANS FOR FUTURE JOINT OPERATIONS AGAINST SMUGGLING SYNDICATES.
THE GUANGDONG SECURITY OFFICIALS HAD ALSO VISITED VARIOUS SMUGGLING "BLACKSPOTS" IN THE TERRITORY.
THE VISIT IS PART OF A REGULAR EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION AND INTELLIGENCE BETWEEN THE TWO LAW ENFORCEMENT BODIES IN THE BATTLE AGAINST SMUGGLERS.
THE DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, MR EDDIE HUI KI-ON, PAID A SIMILAR VISIT TO SHENZHEN ON MARCH 11 DURING WHICH BOTH SIDES HAD HAD VERY CONSTRUCTIVE DISCUSSIONS ON WAYS TO FURTHER ENHANCING CO-OPERATION IN COMBATING SMUGGLING.
THE SETTING UP OF A HOTLINE BETWEEN ANTI-SMUGGLING OFFICERS FROM BOTH PLACES WAS ONE OF THE MANY AGREED ACTIONS DURING THE MARCH 11 VISIT.
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HK TO PURSUE ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION IN THE ESCAP REGION
******
IT WAS HONG KONG’S POLICY TO PARTICIPATE AND CONTRIBUTE FULLY IN REGIONAL ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION FORUMS, DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR DONALD TSANG, TOLD PARTICIPANTS OF THE 48TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMISSION FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC (ESCAP) IN PEKING TODAY.
"WHILE WE GIVE OUR SUPPORT TO REGIONAL ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION, WE SEE SUCH CO-OPERATION AS COMPLEMENTARY, NOT A SUBSTITUTE, TO THE OPEN MULTILATERAL TRADING SYSTEM.
t
"OUR PARTICIPATION IN REGIONAL ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION MUST THEREFORE BE CONSISTENT WITH THE PRECEPTS OF THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE (GATT)," HE SAID.
THE THEME FOR THIS YEAR’S ESCAP PLENARY SESSION IS "REGIONAL ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION IN THE ESCAP REGION".
HEADING THE HONG, KONG DELEGATION AT THE SESSION IS OMELCO MEMBER MR EDWARD HO. OTHER MEMBERS ARE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS MR YIP HAK-KWONG, ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY MISS WENDY CHEUNG SUK-TING AND MR TSANG WHO PRESENTED THE HONG KONG STATEMENT.
MR TSANG POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC LINKS WITH ASIA PACIFIC COUNTRIES WERE EVER GROWING, ACROSS A WIDE RANGE OF ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES SUCH AS TRADE.INVESTMENT, FINANCES, TECHNOLOGY EXCHANGE AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT.
/"IN THE .......
8
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 1992
"IN THE COMING DECADE, HONG KONG WILL CONTINUE TO MAKE FULL USE OF ITS STRATEGIC LOCATION AND ITS ROLE AS A TRADE AND FINANCIAL CENTRE IN THE ASIA PACIFIC.
’’THE ASIA PACIFIC HOLDS VAST OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL OF US, AND IN THE PURSUIT OF REGIONAL CO-OPERATION IN THE ASIA PACIFIC HONG KONG IS DETERMINED TO PLAY A ROBUST PART," MR TSANG SAID.
HE TOLD THE MEETING THAT HONG KONG CONTINUED TO BE AN ATTRACTIVE LOCATION FOR • INVESTMENT FROM OTHER TERRITORIES IN THE REGION BECAUSE OF THE BENEFIT OF A LOW TAX REGIME AND AN EFFICIENT INFRASTRUCTURE.
TOTAL REGIONAL INWARD INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG'S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY REACHED US$3 BILLION AT THE END OF 1990, ACCOUNTING FOR 78 PERCENT OF THE TOTAL FOREIGN INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT IN THE TERRITORY.
' IN THAT YEAR, JaAn RANKED NUMBER ONE AMONG ALL COUNTRIES INVESTING IN HONG KONG’S INDUSTRY, ACCOUNTING FOR 32 PERCENT OF THE TOTAL. INVESTMENT VALUE. THE UNITED STATES CAME SECOND WITH 31 PERCENT AND CHINA THIRD WITH 11 PERCENT.
"TWO DEVELOPMENTS HAVE BECOME INCREASINGLY CLEAR IN RELATION TO HONG KONG’S FOREIGN INVESTMENT. FIRST, MORE INVESTMENT IS NOW IN THE SERVICE SECTORS. THIS IS IN LINE WITH THE STRUCTURAL TRANSFORMATION WHICH HONG KONG IS GOING THROUGH.
"SECONDLY, CHINA IS FAST BECOMING AN IMPORTANT INVESTOR IN HONG KONG," MR TSANG SAID.
A SURVEY CONDUCTED IN THE MIDDLE OF LAST YEAR SHOWED THAT ABOUT HALF OF THE 606 COMPANIES HAVING THEIR REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS LOCATED IN HONG KONG WERE FROM THE ASIA PACIFIC.
TALKING ABOUT THE TERRITORY’S INVESTMENT IN ASIA PACIFIC REGION, MR TSANG EMPHASISED THAT FOR HONG KONG, INVESTMENT WAS VERY MUCH A TWO-WAY STREET.
"IN ADDITION TO ITS EXTENSIVE INVESTMENTS IN SOUTH CHINA, HONG KONG CONTINUES TO LOOK OUTWARDS FOR INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES AS MANY OF ITS HOME-GROWN BUSINESSES HAVE GONE MULTINATIONAL.
"AND NATURALLY THEIR INVESTMENTS OVERSEAS RADIATE THROUGH MANY OF THE SOUTHEAST ASIAN ECONOMIES.
"LABOUR AND SPACE INTENSIVE OPERATIONS OF OUR INDUSTRY, IN PARTICULAR, ARE STEADILY MIGRATING TO NEW MANUFACTURING BASES IN NEIGHBOURING TERRITORIES.
"THIS IS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF HOW COUNTRIES IN THIS REGION ARE ALREADY CO-OPERATING ACCORDING TO EACH OTHER’S COMPARATIVE ADVANTAGE," HE SAID
TURNING TO HONG KONG’S TRADING RELATIONS WITH THE REGION, MR TSANG SAID HONG KONG WAS NOW THE FOURTH LARGEST TRADING ENTITY IN ASIA PACIFIC AND 10TH IN THE WORLD.
/HE ATTRIBUTED .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 1992
9
HE ATTRIBUTED THIS PHENOMENAL GROWTH TO THE SUCCESS OF HONG KONG IN USING IMAGINATIVELY ITS GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION BETWEEN THE FAST EXPANDING CHINESE MARKET AND OTHER ECONOMIES IN THE REGION.
AS HONG KONG’S INDUSTRY MOVED UPMARKET, TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER FROM ADVANCED COUNTRIES BECAME AN ESSENTIAL INGREDIENT OF THE TERRITORY’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
TO THIS END, MR TSANG WELCOMED TECHNOLOGICAL ASSISTANCE FROM ALL OVERSEAS INVESTORS.
HE INVITED PARTICIPATION BY COUNTRIES IN THE REGION IN THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECT IN HONG KONG.
"SOME CONTRACTS FOR OUR CONSULTANCY AND CONSTRUCTION WORK HAVE BEEN AWARDED TO LEADING COMPANIES IN THE REGION.
”WE ARE PLEASED THAT HONG KONG CAN CONTINUE TO PROVIDE DEVELOPMENTAL OPPORTUNITIES TO COUNTRIES IN THE REGION AND IN THE PROCESS CAN BENEFIT FROM THE TECHNOLOGICAL EXPERIENCE OF OUR ASIA PACIFIC NEIGHBOURS,” MR TSANG SAID.
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’ BANKING (AMENDMENT) BILL GAZETTED ♦ * * * ♦
THE BANKING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992, WHICH SEEKS TO ENABLE REPORTING BY EXTERNAL AUDITORS ON THE INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEMS OF BANKS, IS GAZETTED TODAY (THURSDAY).
’’BANKING SUPERVISORS WORLDWIDE HAVE INCREASINGLY RECOGNISED THE IMPORTANCE OF MONITORING THE QUALITY OF AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS’ INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEMS,” A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
’’EFFECTIVE SYSTEMS OF INTERNAL CONTROL ARE ESSENTIAL FOR ENSURING THAT THE BUSINESS IS PRUDENTLY RUN AND THAT VARIOUS LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS ARE COMPLIED WITH,” HE ADDED.
CLOSE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE BANKING SUPERVISOR AND AUDITORS WILL ENABLE KNOWLEDGE AND OPINIONS TO BE POOLED, AVOIDING UNNECESSARY DUPLICATION OF WORK AND REDUCING COST, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
A GENERAL REVIEW OF THE EXISTING SYSTEM CONDUCTED IN CONSULTATION WITH THE BANKING INDUSTRY AND THE HONG KONG SOCIETY OF ACCOUNTANTS FOR REPORTING BY EXTERNAL’ AUDITORS UNDER THE ORDINANCE HAS RESULTED IN A NUMBER OF PROPOSALS FOR IMPROVEMENT.
FOR INSTANCE, UNDER THE EXISTING SYSTEM, THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING DOES NOT HAVE THE POWER TO REQUIRE THE AUDITOR OF AN INSTITUTION TO REVIEW THE SYSTEMS OF THE INSTITUTION DESIGNED FOR PRODUCING PRUDENTIAL DATA AND GIVE AN OPINION ON THE ADEQUACY OF THESE SYSTEMS.
/THE CERTIFICATES f......
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 1992
- 10 -
THE CERTIFICATES SUBMITTED BY AUDITORS UNDER THE PRESENT SECTION 63 FOCUS ONLY ON THE ACCURACY OF COMPILATION OF THE RETURNS OF THE INSTITUTIONS, RATHER THAN ON THE RELIABILITY OF THE UNDERLYING SYSTEMS.
NEITHER ARE AUDITORS REQUIRED TO CERTIFY THE QUALITY OF OTHER INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEMS TO ENABLE, FOR EXAMPLE, ADEQUATE PROVISIONING AND COMPLIANCE WITH THE OTHER DUTIES IMPOSED BY THE ORDINANCE.
ALSO THE COMMISSIONER’S EXISTING POWER TO APPOINT A SECOND AUDITOR UNDER SECTION 59 COVERS AUDIT OF ACCOUNTS ONLY, BUT NOT REVIEW OF THE INSTITUTION’S INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEMS. IT IS ALSO UNCLEAR TO WHOM THE SECOND AUDITOR IS TO REPORT.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID CLAUSES 2, 4 AND 5 WERE INTENDED TO PROVIDE THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK TO STRENGTHEN AUDITORS’ ROLE IN REPORTING ON THE INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEMS OF AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS.
CLAUSE 4 PROVIDES A GENERAL POWER TO THE COMMISSIONER TO REQUIRE AN INSTITUTION TO PROVIDE HIM WITH. A REPORT BY AN AUDITOR ON MATTERS PERTINENT TO THE EXERCISE OF HIS FUNCTIONS UNDER THE ORDINANCE.'
"THIS WOULD INCLUDE A REPORT ON VARIOUS ASPECTS OF AN INSTITUTION’S INTERNAL CONTROLS. SUCH REPORTS WOULD BE COMMISSIONED ON A SELECTIVE BASIS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
CLAUSE 5 ENABLES THE COMMISSIONER TO REQUIRE REPORTS, WHICH WOULD BE CARRIED OUT ON A REGULAR, ANNUAL BASIS, ON SPECIFIC ASPECTS OF INTERNAL CONTROLS - THOSE WHICH ENABLE AN INSTITUTION TO COMPILE ITS PRUDENTIAL RETURNS CORRECTLY, COMPLY WITH ITS DUTIES UNDER THE BANKING ORDINANCE AND, FOR HONG KONG INCORPORATED INSTITUTIONS ONLY, MAINTAIN ADEQUATE PROVISIONS.
OTHER MATTERS THAT MAY BE THE SUBJECT OF A REPORT BY THE AUDITORS INCLUDE WHETHER THERE APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN ANY MATERIAL CONTRAVENTION BY THE INSTITUTION OF ITS DUTIES UNDER THE ORDINANCE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID A NUMBER OF OTHER CHANGES TO THE ORDINANCE WERE BEING SOUGHT.
CLAUSE 3 SEEKS TO STREAMLINE THE ARRANGEMENTS WHEREBY THE COMMISSIONER REPORTS A BANKING CRISIS TO THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL UNDER SECTION 52(1)(D) WITH A VIEW TO TAKING APPROPRIATE ACTION, FOR EXAMPLE THE PRESENTATION OF A WINDING UP PETITION TO THE HIGH COURT.
AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE NORMAL SEVEN DAYS’ NOTICE TO THE INSTITUTION CONCERNED, THIS PROVISION WOULD ALLOW THE COMMISSIONER TO GIVE A SHORTER NOTICE, PROVIDED HE HAD THE CONSENT OF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO DO SO AND THAT TO DO SO WAS REASONABLE IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
THE COMMISSIONER WOULD STILL BE REQUIRED TO GIVE WRITTEN NOTICE TO THE INSTITUTION CONCERNED AND TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF ITS REPRESENTATIONS IN THE REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL.
/"THE FLEXIBILITY
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 1992
11
"THE FLEXIBILITY COULD PROVE TO BE PARTICULARLY USEFUL WHEN IT IS NECESSARY TO TAKE ACTION TO PRESERVE THE ASSETS OF A FAILING INSTITUTION," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
CLAUSE 8 INTRODUCES A NEW SECTION 92(4A) AND PROVIDES A DEFENCE FOR CERTAIN PERSONS WHO HAVE PUBLISHED AN ADVERTISEMENT THAT CONTAINED FALSE INFORMATION IN BREACH OF SECTION 92(5)(C).
"IT WOULD BE UNFAIR TO HOLD PERSONS SUCH AS THE ADVERTISING MEDIA RESPONSIBLE FOR PUBLISHING FALSE INFORMATION GIVEN THAT THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO CHECK THE VERACITY OF THE INFORMATION PROVIDED BY OVERSEAS DEPOSIT-TAKERS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
IMPROVEMENTS TO THE SYSTEM OF REPORTING BY EXTERNAL AUDITORS REPRESENT PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S ONGOING EFFORTS TO ENSURE THAT HONG KONG’S SYSTEM OF BANKING SUPERVISION CONTINUES TO MEASURE UP TO THE HIGHEST INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS.
"THE CURRENT PROPOSALS RESULT FROM OVER A YEAR’S HARD WORK IN CONSULTATION WITH THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS, THE DEPOSITTAKING COMPANIES ASSOCIATION AND THE HONG KONG SOCIETY OF ACCOUNTANTS AND HAVE BEEN REFINED WITH THEIR ASSISTANCE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THEY WILL ENABLE BOTH BETTER CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING AND AUDITORS OF AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS AND ASSIST IN EARLY DETECTION OF POTENTIAL PROBLEMS," HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE HONG KONG SOCIETY OF ACCOUNTANTS HAD IN PARTICULAR PROVIDED VALUABLE INPUT IN THE PROCESS WHICH REPRESENTED AN IMPORTANT STEP FORWARD IN FOSTERING A CLOSER LINK BETWEEN THE AUDITORS AND THE COMMISSIONER IN THE SUPERVISORY PROCESS.
"THE PROPOSALS IN THE BILL HAVE ALSO BEEN DISCUSSED WITH THE BANKING ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND HAVE BEEN WELCOMED," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE BILL IS SCHEDULED FOR INTRODUCTION INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON APRIL 29.
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BILL TO CLEAR CLOUDS
OVER EMERGENCY BOARDING OF VESSELS BY FIREMEN
**»*■»**
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSED TO AMEND THE FIRE SERVICES ORDINANCE TO ENABLE THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES AND HIS OFFICERS TO CARRY OUT FIRE-FIGHTING AND OTHER EMERGENCY DUTIES ON BOARD A VESSEL ON THE OCCASION OF A FIRE OR OTHER CALAMITY.
THE FIRE SERVICES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992 GAZETTED TODAY (THURSDAY) IS INTENDED TO REMOVE THE AMBIGUITY ON WHETHER MEMBERS OF THE FIRE SERVICES HAVE POWERS TO BOARD A VESSEL ON THE OCCASION OF A FIRE OR OTHER CALAMITY.
/A GOVERNMENT ......
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 1992
12
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID UNDER THE EXISTING ORDINANCE, MEMBERS OF THE FIRE SERVICES ARE GIVEN THE POWERS OF ENTRY TO PREMISES AND THING FOR THE PURPOSE OF FIRE-FIGHTING OR MINIMISING THE EFFECT OF CALAMITY.
’’HOWEVER, IT IS UNCLEAR WHETHER THE TERM ’THING’ INCLUDES A VESSEL SINCE THE TERM IS NOT CLEARLY DEFINED.
"TO REMOVE THE AMBIGUITY, IT IS PROPOSED THAT THE POWER OF ENTRY ONTO ’VESSELS’ SHOULD BE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDINANCE."
THE OPPORTUNITY IS ALSO TAKEN TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF VESSELS TO EXCLUDE WARSHIPS TO BRING IT IN LINE WITH THE DEFINITION GIVEN IN THE SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL ORDINANCE.
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JUMBO BDTC AND BNO PASSPORTS INTRODUCED *****
JUMBO 48-PAGE HONG KONG BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZEN (BDTC) AND BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) [BN(O)] PASSPORTS WITH MACHINE READABILITY WILL BE ISSUED FROM MAY 1.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (THURSDAY), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID THE NEW-STYLE PASSPORTS HAD A BURGUNDY-RED SOFT COVER AND WERE SLIGHTLY THICKER THAN THE STANDARD 32-PAGE MACHINE-READABLE PASSPORTS ISSUED SINCE JUNE 1, 1990.
THE FEE FOR A 48-PAGE BDTC PASSPORT IS HK$400 WHILE THAT FOR A 48-PAGE BN(O) PASSPORT IS 22.5 POUNDS STERLING WHICH IS LEVIED IN POUND STERLING UNDER THE CONSULAR FEES ACT 1980 BUT PAYABLE IN HONG KONG DOLLARS.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE LARGER-SIZED PASSPORT FOLLOWED THE EXAMPLE OF BRITISH PASSPORTS ISSUED BY THE UK GOVERNMENT AND WAS BEING INTRODUCED FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF TRAVELLERS.
-'0 - -
ROADWORKS TO FACILITATE CONSTRUCTION OF SEWAGE PIPELINE
******
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO CARRY OUT A SERIES OF ROADWORKS NEAR TA KWU LING TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF A SEWAGE-DISPOSAL PIPELINE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THIS IS PART OF THE PROPOSED NORTHEAST NEW TERRITORIES LANDFILL PROJECT.
THE WORK WILL START IN NEXT JANUARY AND BE COMPLETED AROUND FEBRUARY 1994,
/A NOTICE .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 1992
13
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED WORKS IS GAZETTED TODAY (THURSDAY).
A PLAN SHOWING THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE SEEN AT THE FOLLOWING GOVERNMENT OFFICES DURING OFFICE HOURS:
» CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL;
* DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, NORTH, SIXTH FLOOR, NORTH DISTRICT GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 3 PIK FUNG ROAD, FANLING; AND
* NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, THIRD FLOOR, NORTH DISTRICT
GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 3 PIK FUNG ROAD, FANLING.
ANY PERSON OBJECTING TO THJ^ PROPOSAL MUST SEND HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, CENTRAL NOT LATER THAN JUNE 15, THIS YEAR, DESCRIBING HIS INTEREST AND MANNER IN WHICH HE ALLEGES HE WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE PROPOSAL.
- - 0 - -
GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY ANNOUNCED ♦ ♦ » * t *
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED GRADES ON THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF ALL BATHING BEACHES IN HONG KONG.
THE PURPOSE OF THE GRADING SYSTEM IS TO INFORM SWIMMERS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC ABOUT THE STATE OF BACTERIOLOGICAL POLLUTION AT VARIOUS BEACHES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID STARTING FROM THIS WEEK, THE GRADING WILL BE ANNOUNCED BIWEEKLY DURING THE BASHING 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 THAT HAS SOME DEGREE OF POLLUTION.
THE ESTIMATE IS BASED ON A LARGE BODY OF STATISTICAL INFORMATION GATHERED IN HONG KONG IN RECENT BATHING SEASONS.
THE GRADING OF SOME BEACHES MAY VARY DURING 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
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 1992
14
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.
"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 "1" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS GOOD. THE E. COLI COUNT IS NO MORE1THAN 24 PER 100 MILLILITERS AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED RISK OF MINOR ILLNESS TO SWIMMERS IS UNDETECTABLE.
» GRADE "2" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS FAIR. THE E. COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAT 180 PER 100 MILLILITERS AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS NO MORE THAN 10 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
* GRADE ”3" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS POOR. THE E. COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 610 PER 100 MILLILITERS AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS NO MORE THAN 15 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
* GRADE "4" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS VERY POOR. THE E. COLI COUNT IS MORE THAN 610 PER 100 MILLILITERS AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS MORE THAN 15 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO CLOSE A BEACH TO SWIMMERS IS BASED ON A JUDGEMENT OF WHAT DEGREE OF POLLUTION IS ACCEPTABLE.
NORMALLY, THE CLOSURE OF A BEACH WOULD ONLY BE CONSIDERED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL OR REGIONAL COUNCIL IF A GRADE ”4" OCCURRED REPEATEDLY, SO THAT THE AVERAGE HEALTH RISK OVER THE BATHING SEASON EXCEEDED 15 CASES PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
SIMILARLY, THE REOPENING OF A CLOSED BEACH WOULD ONLY BE CONSIDERED IF A GRADE "3" OR BETTER WERE CONSISTENTLY OBTAINED.
AT PRESENT, TWO BATHING BEACHES, NAMELY CASTLE PEAK AND OLD CAFETERIA, HAVE BEEN DECLARED UNSUITABLE FOR SWIMMING PURPOSES, BASED ON THE WATER QUALITY DURING PAST SEASONS.
THEY ARE POLLUTED BY FAECAL WASTES AND FAIL TO ACHIEVE CONSISTENTLY THE HONG KONG STANDARDS. THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED NOT TO SWIM AT THESE TWO BEACHES.
IN ADDITION, ROCKY BAY BEACH HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR SWIMMING PURPOSES BY THE URBAN COUNCIL. THESE THREE BEACHES ARE IDENTIFIED BY AN "X" IN THE FOLLOWING LIST.
/THE GRADES .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 1992
15
THE GRADES ON THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF VARIOUS BEACHES IN HONG KONG TODAY ARE LISTED BELOW :
BEACH PRESENT
GRADING
(AS AT APRIL 16)
HONG KONG SOUTH
BIG WAVE BAY z 3
CHUNG HOM KOK 2
DEEP WATER BAY 1
HAIRPIN 2
MIDDLE BAY 1
REPULSE BAY 1
SHEK O 2
SOUTH BAY 1
ST. STEPHEN’S 2
TURTLE COVE 2
STANLEY MAIN 2
ROCKY BAY X
TO TEI WAN* 1
• TUEN MUN DISTRICT
OLD CAFETERIA X
NEW CAFETERIA 3
CASTLE PEAK X
KADOORIE 3
BUTTERFLY 3
/SAI KUNG ........
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 1992
- 16 -
SAI KUNG DISTRICT
CAMPERS 1
CLEAR WATER BAY 1ST BEACH 2
CLEAR WATER BAY 2ND BEACH 1
HAP MUN BAY 1
KIU TSUI 1
z
PAK SHA CHAU 1
SILVERSTRAND 3
TRIO (HEBE HAVEN) 2
ISLANDS DISTRICT
CHEUNG SHA UPPER 1
CHEUNG SHA LOWER 2
DISCOVERY BAY* 3
HUNG SHING YEH 1
KWUN YAM WAN 2
TONG FUK 1
LO SO SHING 1
PUI O 1
• SILVERMINE BAY 4
TUNG WAN, CHEUNG CHAU 2
TUNG O» 1
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT
ANGLERS’ 4
APPROACH 3
CASAM 3
/GEMINI .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 1992
17
GEMINI 3
HOI MEI WAN 3
LIDO 3
TING KAU 3
TUNG WAN, MA WAN 2
NOTE : "X" THE BEACH HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR SWIMMING PURPOSES. » NON-GAZETTED BEACH.
SILVERMINE BAY BEACH AND ANGLERS’ BEACH ARE GRADED ”4” ON THIS OCCASION. THE VERY POOR WATER QUALITY AT THESE TWO BEACHES IS DUE TO THE RECENT HEAVY RAINFALL WHICH HAD CAUSED POLLUTANTS IN THE BEACH HINTERLAND TO BE FLUSHED INTO THE SEA WATER.
IN ADDITION TO THIS REGULAR REPORTING SYSTEM, AN ANNUAL REVIEW OF THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF ALL THE BATHING BEACHES IN HONG KONG WILL CONTINUE TO BE PREPARED BY EPD AFTER EACH BATHING SEASON.
THIS WILL ADVISE THE BEACH MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES ON THE SUITABILITY OF INDIVIDUAL BEACHES FOR SWIMMING PURPOSES.
THE ANNUAL REPORT, ENTITLED "BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF BATHING BEACHES IN HONG KONG, 1991", FOR THE BATHING SEASON OF 1991 IS ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT MR PAUL HOLMES, ACTING ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EPD, ON TEL. 835-1003.
---------0-----------
EXOTIC BONSAI SHOW OPENS TODAY ******
MORE THAN 300 EXOTIC POTTED PLANTS WENT ON DISPLAY AT THE TAOIST CHING CHUNG KOON TODAY (THURSDAY).
PRESENTED IN TRADITIONAL CHINESE BONSAI STYLE, THE PLANTS WILL BE ON DISPLAY IN THE 1992 TUEN MUN BONSAI SHOW WHICH WILL LAST UNTIL APRIL 26 (SUNDAY).
A 200-YEAR-OLD MINIATURE BUDDHA PINE HAS BEEN CHOSEN AS THE KEY EXHIBIT.
/APART FROM........
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 1992
18
APART FROM THE RICH COLLECTION OF POTTED PLANTS FROM THE MONASTERY, THE SHOW ALSO FEATURES WINNING ENTRIES AT A BONSAI COMPETITION HELD EARLIER IN TUEN MUN SCHOOLS. THERE IS ALSO A PHOTOGRAPHIC DISPLAY OF LAST YEAR’S EXHIBITS.
THE 11-DAY EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN TO PUBLIC FROM 8 AM TO 6 PM DAILY. ADMISSION IS FREE. A PHOTO CONTEST WILL ALSO BE HELD.
OFFICIATING AT TODAY’S OPENING CEREMONY WAS ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR HO CHE-LEUNG.
OTHER GUESTS INCLUDED THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PETER LEUNG, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, MR YIP SHUI-MING, AND ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SERVICES, MR DAVID CHIU.
THE ANNUAL FUNCTION IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TAOIST CHING CHUNG KOON, THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE AND SEVERAL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION, THE MTRC, THE LIGHT RAIL DIVISION OF KCRC, KOWLOON MOTOR BUS, CHINA MOTOR BUS, HONG KONG FERRY (HOLDING) CO. AND THE STAR FERRY CO.
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LAND TO BE RESUMED IN SHA TIN
*****
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO RESUME LAND AT WONG UK IN SHA TIN FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF OPEN SPACE.
THE LAND COMPRISE THREE PRIVATE BUILDING LOTS, SIX PRIVATE MIXED LOTS OF BUILDING LAND AND AGRICULTURAL LAND MEASURING 1,470 SQUARE METRES.
THE LAND WILL BE REVERTED TO THE GOVERNMENT ON THE EXPIRY OF THREE MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF POSTING OF NOTICES ON THE LOTS.
DETAILS OF THE RESUMPTION WERE GAZETTED TODAY (THURSDAY).
--------0-----------
120 VIETS RETURN HOME » * * *
A GROUP OF 120 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (THURSDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE UNHCR’S VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME.
COMPRISING 39 MEN, 35 WOMEN, 22 BOYS AND 24 GIRLS, THE GROUP WAS THE 99TH BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.
THIS BROUGHT TO 3,361 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAVE RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 17,340 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN MARCH 1989.
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/19........
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 1992
- 19 -
MORE RECREATIONAL AMENITIES FOR KWAI CHUNG RESIDENTS
******
KWAI CHUNG RESIDENTS WILL HAVE MORE RECREATIONAL AMENITIES WHEN WORKS FOR AN INDOOR RECREATION CENTRE AND A LOCAL OPEN SPACE ARE COMPLETED NEXT YEAR.
OCCUPYING AN AREA OF ABOUT TWO HECTARES AT LAI CHO ROAD, THE INDOOR RECREATION CENTRE WILL BE FULLY AIR-CONDITIONED.
IT WILL CONSIST OF A GAMES HALL, A DANCE ROOM, A FITNESS TRAINING ROOM, THREE SQUASH COURTS, CHANGING ROOMS AND ADMINISTRATION OFFICES.
AT AN ADJOINING OPEN SPACE, A FIVE-A-SIDE SOCCER PITCH TOGETHER WITH LANDSCAPED AREA AND PAVILION WILL BE PROVIDED.
WORKS FOR THE PROJECT ARE SCHEDULED TO START THIS JULY AND BE COMPLETED BY AUGUST NEXT YEAR.
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE WORKS.
TENDERS WILL CLOSE AT NOON ON MAY 8.
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HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS * * * * ♦
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 15.4.92 700
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 16.4.92 -82
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING + 82
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 113.0 *+0.0* 16.4.92
/HONG KONG .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 1992
- 20 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.96 PCT 19 MONTHS 2311 6.25 101.85 5.07
1 MONTH 3.80 PCT 22 MONTHS 2402 5.50 100.04 5.55
3 MONTHS 3.75 PCT
6 MONTHS 3.87 PCT
12 MONTHS 4.40 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 9,354 MN
CLOSED 16 APRIL 1992
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
NEW TELEPHONE SYSTEM FACILITATES LABOUR ENQUIRIES ................... 1
SHELTERED WORKER TO ATTEND INT'L MEETING FOR DISABLED ............... 2
JOCKEY CLUB DONATION FOR GIFTED EDUCATION RESEARCH .................. 3
CNTA HANDLES OVER 560,000 DECLARATIONS AND OATHS .................... 4
FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 1992
NEW TELEPHONE SYSTEM FACILITATES LABOUR ENQUIRIES ******
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL INSTALL A NEW TELEPHONE SYSTEM AT ITS 11 LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE (LRS) BRANCH OFFICES NEXT WEEK TO QUICKEN ANSWERS TO ENQUIRIES ON LABOUR RELATIONS MATTERS.
THE NEW SYSTEM WILL LINK UP THE ENQUIRY TELEPHONE LINES OF ALL LRS BRANCH OFFICES.
"IF A CALLER CANNOT GET THROUGH THE LINE OF A PARTICULAR OFFICE, HE WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE TRANSFERRED TO ANOTHER AVAILABLE OFFICE," CHIEF LABOUR OFFICER MR JAMES YEUNG EXPLAINED.
"THIS WILL SAVE AN ENQUIRER THE TROUBLE OF REPEATEDLY CALLING AN ENGAGED NUMBER AND WILL ENABLE HIM TO BE ANSWERED WITHIN THE SHORTEST POSSIBLE TIME," MR YEUNG ADDED.
A SET OF NEW ENQUIRY NUMBERS FOR THE 11 LRS BRANCH OFFICES, WHICH WILL COME INTO USE NEXT TUESDAY (APRIL 21), IS LISTED BELOW:
OFFICE NEW NUMBER
HONG KONG EAST 92 227 003
HONG KONG WEST 92 226 003
KOWLOON EAST 92 276 003
KOWLOON WEST 92 287 003
KOWLOON SOUTH 92 286 003
KWUN TONG 92 277 003
TSUEN WAN 92 203 003
KWAI CHUNG 92 202 003
TUEN MUN 92 206 003
TAI PO 92 293 003
SHA TIN 92 294 003
THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE GIVES ADVICE TO BOTH EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES ON ALL ASPECTS OF LABOUR RELATIONS, INCLUDING THEIR RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.
THE SERVICE ALSO ASSISTS EMPLOYEES WHO ARE OWED WAGES OR OTHER RELATED BENEFITS IN PURSUING THEIR CLAIMS.
/IN ADDITION .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 1992
2
IN ADDITION, THE SERVICE ASSISTS THE PARTIES INVOLVED IN A LABOUR DISPUTE TO COME TO AN AMICABLE SETTLEMENT.
IT ALSO PROMOTES AND MAINTAINS HARMONIOUS LABOUR RELATIONS BY GIVING ADVICE ON THE SETTING UP OF JOINT CONSULTATIVE BODIES IN companies and on good management practices, as well as organising VARIOUS PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES.
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SHELTERED WORKER TO ATTEND INT’L MEETING FOR DISABLED
******
A 22-YEAR-OLD SHELTERED WORKER OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON LEFT FOR JAPAN TO ATTEND A MEETING FOR MENTALLY HANDICAPPED YOUTHS IN ASIA.
MR NG SHU-KEUNG, A WORKER OF KWAI HING SHELTERED WORKSHOP OF THE DEPARTMENT, WAS AMONG 16 REPRESENTATIVES FROM EIGHT ASIAN COUNTRIES TO TAKE PART IN THE MEETING, THE FIRST EVER HELD BY THE JAPAN LEAGUE FOR THE MENTALLY RETARDED.
THE MEETING IS AIMED AT PROVIDING A CHANCE FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS OF DIFFERENT ASIAN COUNTRIES TO GET TOGETHER TO HIGHLIGHT THEIR OUTLOOK ON LIFE IN A BID TO FURTHER PROMOTE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF MENTALLY RETARDATION.
"INVITATIONS WERE EXTENDED TO HONG KONG FOR THE NOMINATION OF TWO DELEGATES TO ATTEND THE MEETING," A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
IT WAS ENCOURAGING THAT THE NOMINATION BY THE DEPARTMENT WAS ACCEPTED BY A SELECTION BOARD, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE OTHER DELEGATE REPRESENTING HONG KONG IS A MENTALLY RETARDED GIRL WHO IS IN OPEN EMPLOYMENT," HE NOTED.
BEFORE HIS DEPARTURE, MR NG SAID HE WAS VERY EXCITED AS HIS DREAM OF BOARDING A PLANE CAN NOW BE REALISED.
"I ALSO HOPE ALL DISABLED PEOPLE IN HONG KONG COULD BE BENEFITED FROM REHABILITATION SERVICES," HE ADDED.
THE MEETING, TO BE HELD AT FIVE CITIES IN JAPAN INCLUDING TOKYO, WILL CLOSE ON APRIL 26 (SUNDAY).
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/3 ........
FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 1992
- 3 -
JOCKEY CLUB DONATION FOR GIFTED EDUCATION RESEARCH
******
THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB HAS DONATED $1.16 MILLION FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A PILOT PROJECT IN RESPONSE TO THE NEED FOR RESEARCH ON GIFTED EDUCATION IN HONG KONG.
UNDER THE PROJECT, IDENTIFICATION TOOLS WOULD BE ADAPTED AND TESTED FOR ACADEMICALLY GIFTED CHILDREN IN LOCAL SCHOOLS.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (FRIDAY), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID THE EDUCATION COMMISSION, IN ITS REPORT NO. 4, RECOGNISED THE LACK OF DATA ON THESE CHILDREN AS WELL AS IDENTIFICATION TOOLS AND AVAILABLE PROGRAMMES FOR THEM.
IT WAS HOPED THAT THROUGH THIS PROJECT, OTHER RELATED INFORMATION AND DATA ON ACADEMICALLY GIFTED CHILDREN IN HONG KONG COULD BE GATHERED, HE SAID.
THE RESEARCH WORK WOULD BE CARRIED OUT BY THE TERTIARY INSTITUTES, PROBABLY IN THE 1992-93 SCHOOL YEAR.
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL SEND A LETTER TO ALL TERTIARY INSTITUTES AND THE HONG KONG PSYCHOLOGICAL SOCIETY TO INVITE THEM TO APPLY FOR THE RESEARCH FUND.
HE ADDED THAT AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE WOULD BE FORMED WITH REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO OVERSEE THE RESEARCH PROJECT, INCLUDING VETTING THE PROPOSALS FROM THE TERTIARY INSTITUTES.
AT PRESENT, THE MAIN IDENTIFICATION TOOL WAS THE HONG KONG WECHSLER INTELLIGENCE SCALE FOR CHILDREN, ADAPTED AND STANDARDISED LOCALLY FROM 1978 TO 1982 BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IN COLLABORATION WITH OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, THE HONG KONG PSYCHOLOGICAL SOCIETY, AND THE UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.
"IT GIVES RELIABLE AND OBJECTIVE INFORMATION ON INTELLECTUAL ABILITY IN DETERMINING WHETHER A CHILD IS ACADEMICALLY GIFTED, BUT SO FAR THERE ARE NO ESTABLISHED LOCAL TOOLS FOR ASSESSING CREATIVE THINKING SKILL WHICH IS ALSO AN ESSENTIAL CHARACTERISTIC OF GIFTEDNESS," HE SAID.
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/4 ........
FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 1992
4
CNTA HANDLES OVER 560,000 DECLARATIONS AND OATHS * * * * *
A TOTAL OF 563,898 DECLARATIONS AND OATHS WERE MADE AT THE 20 PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION (CNTA) LAST YEAR.
A CNTA SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE MOST IN DEMAND WERE DECLARATIONS FOR TRUE COPIES OF DOCUMENTS, LOSS OF DOCUMENTS, IDENTITY VERIFICATIONS, EMIGRATION, EDUCATION AND EXAMINATIONS.
HE SAID THE SERVICES WERE PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE TO THE PUBLIC FOR THEIR PRIVATE PURPOSES ONLY.
"PEOPLE WHO CANNOT PRODUCE THE REQUIRED DOCUMENT TO PROVE THEIR CLAIMS, OR TO SUPPORT THEIR APPLICATIONS FOR ANY TYPE OF DOCUMENTS FROM NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS, CAN MAKE USE OF THESE SERVICES.
"IN MAKING THE DECLARATION, THE APPLICANT IS REQUIRED TO PRODUCE HIS OR HER HONG KONG IDENTITY CARD OR EQUIVALENT IDENTITY DOCUMENTS, AND COMPLETE THE CONTENTS OF THE STATEMENT IN A PRESCRIBED FORM AVAILABLE AT THE ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES.
"IN THE END, THE DECLARANT MAKES AN OATH, EITHER IN CHINESE OR ENGLISH, IN FRONT OF A COMMISSIONER FOR OATHS,” HE SAID.
AS REGARDS DECLARATIONS REQUIRED BY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, HE SAID INDIVIDUAL DEPARTMENTS HAVE TAKEN OVER THE RESPONSIBILITIES FOR ADMINISTERING THEIR OWN STATUTORY DECLARATIONS SINCE APRIL LAST YEAR.
NOTING THAT NOT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES AND SUB-OFFICES PROVIDED DECLARATION SERVICE THROUGHOUT THE DAY, THE SPOKESMAN ADVISED RESIDENTS TO TELEPHONE A DISTRICT OFFICE TO ENSURE THAT THE SERVICES WERE AVAILABLE AT THE PERIOD THAT SUITED THEM.
RESIDENTS WHO WISH TO SEEK ADVICE OR OBTAIN FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE SERVICE MAY APPROACH ANY ONE OF THE CENTRES.
THEY MAY ALSO CALL THE CENTRAL TELEPHONE ENQUIRY CENTRE HOTLINE, 835 2500, HE ADDED.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
COUPLES INVITED TO BECOME ADOPTIVE PARENTS .......................... 1
DRAGON BOAT RACES IN SAI KUNG........................................ 2
SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 1992
COUPLES INVITED TO BECOME ADOPTIVE PARENTS
* * * * *
EASTER IS A TIME OF JOY AND HOPE.
IT MAY ALSO BE A TIME TO SHOW YOUR LOVE AND CONCERN FOR OTHERS BY CONSIDERING TO ADOPT NEEDY CHILDREN.
IT CAN BE DONE THROUGH THE ADOPTION UNIT OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT (SWD) SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT THE PRIMARY CONCERN OF ADOPTION SERVICE WAS TO FIND SUITABLE AND PERMANENT HOMES FOR NEEDY CHILDREN SO THAT THEY COULD ENJOY THE LOVING CARE OF A FAMILY LIFE.
THESE NEEDY CHILDREN, WHO ARE MADE WARDS OF DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MAY HAVE EITHER LOST THEIR PARENTS OR BEEN ABANDONED BY THEIR PARENTS.
THEY ARE VOID OF NOT ONLY A NORMAL REARING BUT ALSO A HAPPY CHILDHOOD.
"BUT THEY, JUST LIKE ANY OTHER CHILDREN, SHOULD BE GIVEN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR DEVELOPMENT, TO ENJOY CARE AND STIMULATION IN A LOVING AND PERMANENT HOME," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY LEND A HELPING HAND SHOULD THEY BE MORE FORTHCOMING TO BECOME SUBSTITUTE PARENTS OF THESE CHILDREN."
AT PRESENT, THERE ARE 57 WARDS OF DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE AWAITING ADOPTION.
LAST YEAR, THE DEPARTMENT SUCCESSFULLY PLACED 103 AND 45 CHILDREN IN LOCAL AND OVERSEAS ADOPTIVE HOMES RESPECTIVELY.
COUPLES WHO ARE INTERESTED TO BECOME PROSPECTIVE ADOPTERS MAY APPLY TO THE SWD’S ADOPTION UNIT.
DETAILS OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF ADOPTERS, ADOPTION PROCESS AND LEGAL PROCEDURES HAVE BEEN LAID DOWN IN A SWD PAMPHLET ON ADOPTION SERVICE, WHICH ARE OBTAINABLE FROM VARIOUS DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
ENQUIRIES COULD ALSO BE MADE BY CALLING THE ADOPTION UNIT ON TEL. 852 3107.
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SATURDAY, APRIL 18,
1992
- 2 -
DRAGON BOAT RACES IN SAI KUNG ******
DRAGON BOAT RACES IN SAI KUNG DISTRICT WILL BE HELD ALONG THE WATERFRONT OF THE TOWN ON JUNE 5 (FRIDAY).
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE RACES’ ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR GEORGE NG, SAID THE RACES, WHICH WERE CANCELLED LAST YEAR BECAUSE OF SHARK THREATS, WILL HELP ATTRACT MORE TOURISTS TO VISIT THE TOWN.
THE EVENT IS ONE OF THE TRADITIONAL CELEBRATIONS OF DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL IN SAI KUNG.
HE SAID ENTRIES FOR THE RACES ARE NOW OPEN.
THE COMPETITION WILL BE DIVIDED INTO MEN’S DIVISION, MEN’S MINI-BOAT DIVISION, WOMEN’S MINI-BOAT DIVISION, PRIVATE COMPANIES’ DIVISION, FISHERMEN’S DIVISION, AND A DIVISION FOR POST-SECONDARY INSTITUTIONS. THE LATTER TWO DIVISIONS ARE INTRODUCED FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS YEAR.
ALL THE TEAMS WILL BE GIVEN GRAND PRIZES AND SOUVENIRS.
MR NG SAID THERE WOULD ALSO BE A VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES DURING THE FESTIVE PERIOD, INCLUDING AN EXHIBITION, A PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION, AND A SPECIAL DRAGON BOAT INVITATION RACE PARTICIPATED BY OVERSEAS TEAMS.
ENTRY FORMS OF THE RACES AND DETAILS OF THE ACTIVITIES CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE IN SHA HA, SAI KUNG TOWN. THE DEADLINE FOR ENTRY IS APRIL 27.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 792 1762.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NEW DEVICE TO CATCH "RED-HANDED" DRIVERS IGNORING RED LIGHTS ........ 1
"SHOOTING" HONG KONG IN THE AIR ..................................... 2
EMPLOYER FINED FOR DEDUCTING IMPORTED WORKER'S WAGES ................ 3
SPECIAL SCHOOL GETS $8.8 MILLION JOCKEY CLUB GRANT .................. 4
SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 1992
NEW DEVICE TO CATCH ’’RED-HANDED” DRIVERS IGNORING RED LIGHTS
******
A NEW DEVICE WILL BE PUT ON TRIAL AT SIGNALISED ROAD JUNCTIONS TO CHECK ON VEHICLES IGNORING A RED-LIGHT SIGNAL TO ENHANCE ROAD SAFETY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE DEPARTMENT IS CONSIDERING TO INSTALL A NUMBER OF RED-LIGHT CAMERAS AT ROAD JUNCTIONS WHERE RIGHT-ANGLED COLLISION ACCIDENTS WERE FREQUENT.
LAST YEAR, A TOTAL OF 2,932 ACCIDENTS OCCURRED AT SIGNALISED ROAD JUNCTIONS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY. ABOUT 12 PER CENT OF WHICH INVOLVED RIGHT-ANGLED COLLISIONS THAT WERE ATTRIBUTABLE TO VEHICLES NOT COMPLYING WITH RED-LIGHT SIGNAL.
’’DURING THE TRIAL PERIOD, CAMERA UNITS WILL BE INSTALLED AT TWO LOCATIONS AND ADVANCE WARNING SIGNS WILL BE PUT UP AT REASONABLE DISTANCE BEFORE THE CAMERA," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE RED LIGHT CAMERA WILL AUTOMATICALLY SHOOT PHOTOGRAPHS OF VEHICLES THAT IGNORE A RED LIGHT AT A SIGNALISED ROAD JUNCTION.
WHEN THE RED LIGHT IS ON, THE CAMERA WILL BE ACTIVATED TO A STAND-BY MODE.
LINKED WITH A SET OF DETECTOR.LOOPS LAID BEYOND THE STOP LINE OF THE TRAFFIC LIGHT, IT WILL BE TRIGGERED AND TAKE TWO PHOTOGRAPHS IF A RUNNING VEHICLE IGNORING THE RED LIGHT IS DETECTED.
IF A SECOND CAR VIOLATES THE SIGNAL BEFORE THE SECOND PHOTOGRAPH OF THE PRECEDING CAR HAS BEEN SHOT, THE THIRD AND FOURTH PHOTOGRAPHS WILL THEN BE TAKEN.
THE SYSTEM IS OPERATIONAL ROUND-THE-CLOCK UNDER ANY WEATHER CONDITION.
EACH PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN WILL SHOW THE VEHICLE WITH THE RED LIGHT SIGNAL ON. THE DATE AND TIME OF THE OFFENCE AND OTHER RELATED INFORMATION WILL ALSO BE DISPLAYED ON THE PHOTOGRAPH.
"THIS WILL PROVIDE A STRONG PROSECUTION EVIDENCE IN COURT AGAINST A DRIVER IGNORING THE RED-LIGHT SIGNAL AT A JUNCTION," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE MOTORISTS OR THE VEHICLE OWNERS CONCERNED WILL BE PROSECUTED AND LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $5,000 AND THREE MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR THE FIRST OFFENCE AND A MAXIMUM FINE OF $10,000 AND SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR SUBSEQUENT OFFENCES.
"IN ADDITION, FAILING TO COMPLY WITH TRAFFIC SIGNALS, THE DRIVER WILL BE SUBJECT TO INCURRING THREE DRIVING-OFFENCE POINTS," HE ADDED.
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/2........
SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 1992
- 2 -
"SHOOTING" HONG KONG IN THE AIR * * * * *
IN THE GOOD OLD DAYS IT WAS A HERCULEAN JOB TO DRAW MAPS FOR A PLACE. IT MIGHT TAKE YEARS, IF NOT ONE’S LIFETIME.
NOW, WITH THE HELP OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE (RHKAAF), THE JOB CAN BE REALISED IN A COUPLE OF DAYS.
WHAT IS NEEDED IS A CLEAR.BLUE SKY.
WHAT’S MORE? A SET OF ADVANCED AERIAL CAMERA SYSTEM FOR TAKING VERTICAL OVERLAPPING PHOTOGRAPHS.
THE JOB ITSELF DOES NOT ATTRACT MUCH PUBLIC ATTENTION BUT THE FRUIT IT BEARS IS ESSENTIAL FOR FUTURE GROWTH OF HONG KONG, PARTICULARLY WHEN THE PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE CITY IS NOW FULL STEAM AHEAD. • ' «
FOR SENIOR PILOT OF THE RHKAAF, FLIGHT LIEUTENANT CERI HARRIS, FLYING OFFICERS FROM THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE (SMO) TO CONDUCT AERIAL SURVEY WORK IS JUST AS MEANINGFUL AS RISKING HIS LIFE IN SAVING THOSE ON THE BRINK OF THE GRAVE IN HECTIC SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS.
A SURVEY FLIGHT NORMALLY TAKES OFF FROM THE BASE AT KAI TAK AIRPORT AT 10 AM AND RETURNS AROUND 3 PM.
FOR LIEUTENANT HARRIS, THIS IS THE BEST TIME OF THE DAY FOR SHOOTING AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS FOR MAP-MAKING AND TOWN PLANNING.
"IF A GROUND TEAM TAKES A YEAR FOR A PIECE OF MAP-SURVEY WORK, WE CAN CAPTURE GROUND INFORMATION IN A COUPLE OF DAYS," LIEUTENANT HARRIS SAID.
TWO OVERALL FLIGHT SURVEYS - ONE IN APRIL AND THE OTHER IN OCTOBER - ARE NEEDED EVERY YEAR TO KEEP UP WITH THE CHANGING FACES OF THE TERRITORY.
THE MISSION OF LIEUTENANT HARRIS IS TO PILOT HIS AIRCRAFT ALONG A RIGID SURVEY PATH.
HE IS CANDID: IT’S A LONG HARD SLOG.
IT IS IMPORTANT FOR HIM TO MAINTAIN A STRAIGHT AND LEVEL LINE ROUTE FOR EACH PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN SHOULD BE AT LEAST 60 PER CENT OVERLAPPING THE NEXT ONE IN ORDER TO OBTAIN THREE-DIMENSIONAL COVERAGE FOR ACCURATE MEASUREMENT.
GOVERNMENT LAND SURVEYOR OF SMO RONNIE CHAN AGREES.
WITH A TOTAL WEIGHT OF 150 KILOGRAMMES AND A PRICE TAG OF $3 MILLION, MR CHAN HAS TO MAKE SURE THAT HIS EQUIPMENT IS RIGHT THERE BESIDE HIM WHEN HE REACHES FOR THE SKY.
/APART FROM .......
SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 1992
3
APART FROM GETTING BLACK AND WHITE AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS FOR MAPMAKING, COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHS AND FALSE COLOUR INFRARED PHOTOGRAPHS ARE SOMETIMES TAKEN FOR PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION USES.
AN AVERAGE OF 7,000 PHOTOGRAPHS WERE TAKEN EACH YEAR SINCE 1989. THERE IS A STEADY INCREASE OF 10 PER CENT EACH YEAR.
WITH THE CHEK LAP KOK AIRPORT PROJECT NOW IN FULL SWING, MORE PHOTOGRAPHS ON THE AIRPORT SITE ARE EXPECTED IN FUTURE.
-----0-----
EMPLOYER FINED FOR DEDUCTING IMPORTED WORKER’S WAGES
******
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT THEY ARE LIABLE TO HEAVY FINES FOR UNLAWFULLY DEDUCTING THE WAGES OF THEIR IMPORTED WORKERS.
THE TOPTECH INDUSTRIAL LIMITED IN TUEN MUN WAS CONVICTED OF UNLAWFUL WAGE DEDUCTION AND WAS FINED $2,000 BY A TUEN MUN MAGISTRATE EARLIER THIS MONTH.
LABOUR INSPECTORS FOUND THAT THE COMPANY HAD DEDUCTED $1,640 FROM AN IMPORTED WORKER’S WAGES, CONTRARY TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.
"THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE PROHIBITS AN EMPLOYER FROM DEDUCTING THE WAGES OF HIS EMPLOYEES EXCEPT UNDER SPECIFIC CONDITIONS AND UP TO A CERTAIN LIMIT, SUCH AS FOR THE PROVISION OF FOOD AND ACCOMMODATION AND RECOVERY OF LOANS MADE BY THE EMPLOYER," SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER (PROSECUTIONS), MR JOHN SUNG, EXPLAINED.
"ANY DEDUCTION FROM AN IMPORTED WORKER’S WAGES OTHER THAN IS PERMITTED BY THE ORDINANCE IS UNLAWFUL AND AN OFFENDER IS LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $10,000," HE POINTED OUT.
MR SUNG NOTED THAT AN AMENDMENT TO THE ORDINANCE HAD BEEN INTRODUCED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SEEKING TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR THE OFFENCE TO A FINE OF $100,000 PLUS ONE YEAR’S IMPRISONMENT.
"OUR LABOUR INSPECTORS WILL CONTINUE TO VISIT EMPLOYERS OF IMPORTED WORKERS TO ENSURE THEIR COMPLIANCE WITH THE ORDINANCE," HE SAID, ADDING THAT PROSECUTION WILL BE TAKEN OUT AGAINST OFFENDERS WHERE THERE IS EVIDENCE.
"WE HAVE SUCCEEDED IN PROSECUTING SIX EMPLOYERS ON 18 CHARGES OF UNLAWFUL DEDUCTION OF WAGES SO FAR THIS YEAR," HE SAID.
MR SUNG ALSO CALLED ON IMPORTED WORKERS WHO WERE EXPLOITED BY THEIR EMPLOYERS TO COME FORWARD AND REPORT TO THE DEPARTMENT TO BRING UNSCRUPULOUS EMPLOYERS TO JUSTICE.
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/4 .....
4
SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 1992
4
SPECIAL SCHOOL GETS $8.8 MILLION JOCKEY CLUB GRANT ft ft ft ft ft ft
THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB HAS ALLOCATED AN $8.83 MILLION GRANT TO MEET THE CAPITAL COST OF EXTENDING AND CONVERTING THE NIM TSI SCHOOL IN TO KWA WAN, KOWLOON.
THE SCHOOL, WHICH CATERS FOR CHILDREN WITH LEARNING DIFFICULTIES IN THE 12-15 AGE GROUP, CONDUCTED A FEASIBILITY STUDY IN 1989 ON BUILDING AN EXTENSION WITHIN THE SCHOOL CAMPUS AND ON CARRYING OUT NECESSARY CONVERSION WITHIN EXISTING PREMISES TO UPGRADE TEACHING FACILITIES.
’’THE PROJECT WOULD ADD THREE CLASSROOMS, SIX SPECIAL ROOMS AND OTHER FACILITIES,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE SCHOOL, WHICH WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1980, CURRENTLY OPERATES FIVE CLASSES FOR EACH LEVEL FROM SECONDARY 1 TO SECONDARY 3, WITH 20 STUDENTS IN EACH CLASS.
THE CURRICULUM OF THE SCHOOL WAS MODIFIED IN 1989 TO PUT MORE EMPHASIS ON TEACHING BASIC ACADEMIC SKILLS AND ON NON-ACADEMIC ELEMENTS TO ENHANCE THE STUDENTS’ READINESS FOR FUTURE TRAINING IN SKILLS CENTRES RUN BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
’’THE EXTENSION AND CONVERSION PROJECT WOULD INCREASE THE FACILITIES WHICH WOULD ENSURE THAT THE MODIFIED CURRICULUM COULD BE IMPLEMENTED EFFECTIVELY,” THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
’’WITH THE $8.83 MILLION DONATION, IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE EXTENSION-CONVERSION PROJECT WILL BE COMPLETED IN 1994-95,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, APRIL 20, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION TO VISIT CHINA ............................. 1
HK HEALTH TEAM VISITS MACAU ........................................ 1
NEW CIVIC EDUCATION COMMITTEE MEMBERS APPOINTED .................... 2
NOMINATIONS FOR DB BY-ELECTION BEGINS TOMORROW ...................... • 3
HOTLINE TO GIVE ADVICE ON DRUG ABUSE ............................... 3
BLITZ ON DANGEROUS BUILDINGS SITES ................................. 4
HOME SAFETY CAMPAIGN TO START ...................................... 5
EDUCATION CAMPAIGN FOR AIR-CCNDITIONER USERS ....................... 5
CHILDREN INVITED TO JOIN DRAWING CONTEST ........................... 6
FRESH WATER SUPPLY SUSPENSION IN HO MAN TIN ........................ 7
MONDAY, APRIL 20, 1992
1
DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION TO VISIT CHINA
******
THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION, MR LAURENCE LEUNG MING-YIN, WILL VISIT CHINA FROM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO APRIL 30 AT THE INVITATION OF THE MINISTRY OF PUBLIC SECURITY.
HE WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION, MR CHRISTOPHER LEE KA-KEUNG, AND AN ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL IMMIGRATION OFFICER, MR WONG TAT-PO.
APART FROM VISITING PEKING, THE DELEGATION WILL ALSO VISIT XIAN AND CANTON.
’’THE DISCUSSIONS THAT WILL BE HELD WITH THE CHINESE OFFICIALS WILL NO DOUBT PROMOTE FURTHER CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE TWO GOVERNMENTS,” MR LEUNG SAID.
HE SAID THE EXCHANGE OF VIEWS WOULD ALSO GIVE OFFICIALS OF BOTH SIDES A FIRST-HAND UNDERSTANDING OF THE OTHER’S IMMIGRATION SYSTEM AND OPERATION.
’’THIS WILL BE OF GREAT BENEFITS IN THE RUN-UP TO 1997 AND BEYOND,” HE ADDED.
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HK HEALTH TEAM VISITS MACAU *****
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, WILL LEAVE FOR MACAU THIS (MONDAY) AFTERNOON FOR A THREE-DAY VISIT AT THE INVITATION OF THE LOCAL SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS.
SHE WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, DR S.H. LEE, AND THE COMMUNITY PHYSICIAN OF THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT, DR S.P. MAK.
MRS WONG SAID SHE WAS DELIGHTED TO HAVE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO FOSTER CLOSER LIAISON BETWEEN THE TWO TERRITORIES AND TO EXCHANGE EXPERIENCE AND VIEWS ON HEALTH POLICY.
’’THE VISIT IS OF PARTICULAR SIGNIFICANCE IN THE LIGHT OF THE THIRD MEETING OF W.H.O. ON CONTROL OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES IN THIS AREA DUE TO TAKE PLACE IN HONG KONG LATER THIS MONTH,” SHE ADDED.
DURING THEIR STAY IN MACAU, THE DELEGATION WILL CALL ON THE ACTING GOVERNOR OF MACAU.
THEY WILL ALSO ATTEND A BRIEFING BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS, DR ANA PEREZ, AND VISIT A NUMBER OF HEALTH CENTRES, A BLOOD TRANSFUSION CENTRE AND A HOSPITAL.
THE PARTY WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 22) AFTERNOON.
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MONDAY, APRIL 20, 1992
2
NEW CIVIC EDUCATION COMMITTEE MEMBERS APPOINTED *****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS APPOINTED FIVE NEW MEMBERS TO THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION.
THEY ARE MR JOHN HO DIT-SANG, SENIOR LAW LECTURER OF THE CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG; MR JOHANNES CHAN MAN-MUN, LAW LECTURER OF THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY; MR WILLIAM TSUI HING-CHUEN, A SOLICITOR; MR RAYMOND CHOW WAT-KAM, AN ARCHITECT; AND MRS ANITA CHAN FOK FO-CHUN, A SECONDARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMITTEE SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE NEW APPOINTMENTS HAVE BROUGHT THE NUMBER OF NON-OFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE FROM 14 TO 18.
’’THE COMMITTEE HAS RECENTLY AGREED TO THE GOVERNMENT'S SUGGESTION TO TAKE ON THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION ON HUMAN RIGHTS AND AN EXPANDED MEMBERSHIP SHOULD HELP THE COMMITTEE TO BETTER COPE WITH THE ANTICIPATED INCREASE IN WORKLOAD,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
IN THIS CONNECTION, A NEW SUB-COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RIGHTS WILL SOON BE FORMED UNDER THE COMMITTEE TO FORMULATE THE NECESSARY PUBLICITY AND PROMOTIONAL STRATEGY FOR THE NEW WORK.
AT PRESENT, THERE ARE THREE SUB-COMMITTEES AND TWO AD HOC COMMITTEES FORMED UNDER THE MAIN COMMITTEE.
FOR EXAMPLE, THE COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION SUB-COMMITTEE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION SCHEME UNDER WHICH SUBSIDIES ARE GRANTED TO DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS FOR MOUNTING CIVIC EDUCATION PROJECTS.
THE AD HOC COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC EDUCATION ON THE RULE OF LAW IS RESPONSIBLE FOR IDENTIFYING THE KEY CONCEPTS OF THE RULE OF LAW AND THE PROMOTION OF THESE CONCEPTS.
THERE IS ALSO THE RESEARCH AND PUBLICATIONS SUB-COMMITTEE WHICH PLANS, EXECUTES AND ANALYSES SURVEYS AND STUDIES INITIATED BY TrfE MAIN COMMITTEE.
THE WORK EMPHASIS FOR THE COMMITTEE THIS YEAR AND NEXT YEAR IS ’’RULE OF LAW”, WHICH WILL ALSO BE THE MAIN THEME OF A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES BEING LINED UP.
THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THESE ACTIVITIES INCLUDE A CIVIC EDUCATION EXHIBITION IN JULY; A CIVIC EDUCATION DAY IN DECEMBER AND A NUMBER OF PUBLIC SEMINARS.
OTHER MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION ARE: DR DANIEL TSE (CHAIRMAN), MR CHAN CHUN-FAT, MR CHAN KAR-LOK, MR CHAN WING-TAI, MR CHENG KAI-NAM, MISS JUNIA HO, MR LAI CHI-TONG, DR LO CHI-KIN, MR LO KWOK-JIM, MR MAK HOI-WAH, MR POON KAI-TIK, MR JUSTEIN C. WONG, MS NORA YAU AND MRS AVA CHIU.
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MONDAY, APRIL 20, 1992
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NOMINATIONS FOR DB BY-ELECTION BEGINS TOMORROW * * * ♦ ♦
NOMINATIONS FOR THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S PAR TIN CONSTITUENCY BY-ELECTION ON MAY 24 WILL BEGIN TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AND CLOSE ON MAY 4.
A CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY THAT NOMINATION FORMS WERE AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES AND THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE (REO), HARBOUR CENTRE, 10TH FLOOR, 25 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
CANDIDATES MUST BE REGISTERED ELECTORS AND HAVE BEEN ORDINARILY RESIDENT IN HONG KONG FOR THE 10 YEARS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE NOMINATION.
A CANDIDATE CAN BE A RESIDENT ANYWHERE IN HONG KONG, BUT HIS NOMINATION PAPER MAY ONLY BE SUBSCRIBED BY REGISTERED ELECTORS IN THE PAK TIN CONSTITUENCY.
EACH NOMINATION REQUIRES 10 SUBSCRIBERS AND EACH SUBSCRIBER MAY GIVE SUPPORT TO ONLY ONE CANDIDATE.
THE PAK TIN CONSTITUENCY, COMPRISING MAINLY THE PAK TIN ESTATE AND THE TAI WO PING AREA, HAS A REGISTERED ELECTORATE OF 12,514.
THE BY-ELECTION WAS CALLED AFTER THE RESIGNATION OF MR CHENG HOK-CHIT.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE BY-ELECTION WOULD BE HELD UNLESS THE SEAT WAS UNCONTESTED.
ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE TO THE REO ON TEL. 827 1122.
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HOTLINE TO GIVE ADVICE ON DRUG ABUSE
*****
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAN SEEK ADVICE AND INFORMATION ON DRUG-RELATED ISSUES, INCLUDING TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION FACILITIES, FROM THE HOTLINE SET UP BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NARCOTICS DIVISION, THE EXECUTIVE ARM OF ACAN, TODAY (MONDAY) SAID THE DRUG ABUSE TELEPHONE ENQUIRY SERVICE HOTLINE - 366 8822 - WAS SET UP TO PROVIDE A MORE COMPREHENSIVE AND IN-DEPTH SERVICE TO CALLERS MAKING COMPLICATED ENQUIRIES OR SEEKING COUNSELLING.
A TOTAL OF 771 ENQUIRIES WERE RECEIVED IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR. MOST OF THEM SOUGHT ADVICE ON TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION PROGRAMMES.
/"OTHERS INQUIRED .......
MONDAY, APRIL 20, 1992
4
"OTHERS INQUIRED GENERAL INFORMATION RANGING FROM LAW ENFORCEMENT TO THE PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY WORK OF ACAN," HE SAID.
THE HOTLINE OPERATES FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM ON WEEKDAYS AND FROM 9 AM TO NOON ON SATURDAYS. NO SERVICE IS PROVIDED ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
WHEN A CALL IS RECEIVED OUTSIDE OPERATING HOURS, A PRE-RECORDED REPLY, IN BOTH CHINESE AND ENGLISH, ASKS THE CALLERS TO PHONE IN AGAIN DURING OFFICE HOURS AND GIVES OTHER ANTI-DRUG HOTLINE NUMBERS FOR REPORTING DRUG PEDDLING ACTIVITIES.
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT ALL INFORMATION RECEIVED ON THE HOTLINE WOULD BE TREATED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE.
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BLITZ ON DANGEROUS BUILDINGS SITES *****
A LABOUR DEPARTMENT TASK FORCE WILL LAUNCH A SPECIAL INSPECTION CAMPAIGN TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO ENSURE SAFETY CONDITIONS IN CONSTRUCTION SITES WITH THE ONSET OF THE RAINY SEASON.
DURING THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF THE OPERATION, THE TASK FORCE WILL PAY PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS AND UNSAFE PRACTICES IN BUILDING SITES WITH POOR RECORDS OF ACCIDENTS AND PROSECUTIONS.
"FACTORY INSPECTORS WILL CONCENTRATE ON ’BLACK-SPOT’ AREAS LIKELY TO CAUSE FALLS OF PERSONS OR OBJECTS, SUCH AS SCAFFOLDS, LIFTSHAFT OPENINGS, FLOOR EDGES AND CAISSON WORK,” DEPUTY CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR KAN HON-SANG SAID.
"THEY WILL ALSO CHECK ON THE USE OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT, INCLUDING SAFETY HELMETS AND SAFETY BELTS BY WORKERS, AS WELL AS ON THE SAFE OPERATION OF LIFTING APPLIANCES, CRANES AND OTHER SITE PLANTS," MR KAN ADDED.
"PROSECUTIONS WILL BE TAKEN OUT DURING THE INSPECTIONS AGAINST BLATANT OFFENDERS TO MAKE THEM TAKE SAFETY MORE SERIOUSLY," HE SAID.
IN ADDITION TO HIGH RISK AREAS, MR KAN SAID PARTICULAR ATTENTION WILL BE PAID TO HOUSE-KEEPING IN THE SITES TO ENSURE THEIR PROPER AND ORDERLY MAINTENANCE.
"POOR HOUSE-KEEPING HAS BEEN THE CAUSE OF COMMON- ACCIDENTS INVOLVING WORKERS’ STEPPING ON, BEING STRUCK BY, OBJECTS," HE SAID, NOTING THAT 40 PER CENT OF ALL ACCIDENTS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES LAST YEAR WERE OF THIS NATURE.
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MONDAY, APRIL 20, 1992
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HOME SAFETY CAMPAIGN TO START ♦ * * ♦ ♦
A CARNIVAL WILL BE HELD IN CENTRAL DISTRICT THIS SUNDAY (APRIL 26) TO LAUNCH A YEAR-LONG HOME SAFETY PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN.
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE LIONS CLUB OF HONG KONG SOUTH, THE CAMPAIGN IS AIMED AT AROUSING PARENTS’ AWARENESS OF THE DANGER OF LEAVING THEIR YOUNG CHILDREN UNATTENDED AT HOME AND ALERTING THE PUBLIC OF POTENTIAL HAZARDS AT HOME.
"IN MANY CASES, ACCIDENTS WERE CAUSED AS A RESULT OF CARELESSNESS AND IGNORANCE," A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
HE NOTED THAT THE TRAGEDIES COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED IF GREATER CONCERN HAD BEEN SHOWN TO HOUSEHOLD SAFETY AND GREATER CARE WAS GIVEN TO THE YOUNG AND ELDERLY MEMBERS IN THE FAMILY.
THE CARNIVAL, FEATURING AN EXHIBITION AND GAMES ON HOME SAFETY, WILL BE HELD AT THE CHATER ROAD PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT, CENTRAL DISTRICT, BEGINNING AT 1 PM.
THE EXHIBITION WILL THEN MOVE TO OTHER DISTRICTS ON HONG KONG ISLAND UNTIL NEXT MARCH.
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EDUCATION CAMPAIGN FOR AIR-CONDITIONER USERS * * * * * *
A TERRITORY-WIDE CAMPAIGN WILL BE HELD NEXT MONTH TO PROMOTE THE PROPER MAINTENANCE AND USE OF AIR-CONDITIONERS SO AS TO AVOID CAUSING NUISANCE TO OTHERS.
THE "CARE FOR YOUR NEIGHBOURS, CARE FOR YOUR AIR-CONDITIONERS" CAMPAIGN IS ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT ALTHOUGH AIR-CONDITIONING UNITS BROUGHT COMFORT TO LIFE, THEY MIGHT AT TIMES CAUSE NUISANCE TO NEIGHBOURS AS A RESULT OF WATER DRIPPING AND EMISSION OF EXCESSIVE HEAT OR NOISE.
DURING THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD, A ROUND-THE-CLOCK TELEPHONE HOTLINE - 723 0013 - WILL PROVIDE ADVICE IN CANTONESE ON HOW SUCH NUISANCES COULD BE PREVENTED.
AN ANNOUNCEMENT IN PUBLIC INTEREST (API) WILL ALSO BE BROADCAST ON TELEVISIONS AND RADIOS TO ENHANCE PUBLIC AWARENESS.
/EDUCATIONAL LITERATURE........
MONDAY, APRIL 20, 1992
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EDUCATIONAL LITERATURE SUCH AS ADVISORY LETTERS, POSTERS AND LEAFLETS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO THE MANAGEMENT OF COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AND LARGE PRIVATE HOUSING ESTATES, OWNERS’ INCORPORATIONS, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, AND SUPPLIERS OF AIR-CONDITIONERS.
ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICES (ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE) OF THE URBAN SERVICES AND REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENTS.
TO AVOID CAUSING NUISANCE TO NEIGHBOURS, THE SPOKESMAN ADVISED AIR-CONDITIONER USERS TO TAKE THE FOLLOWING MEASURES:
* CHOOSE A SUITABLE AND A LESS NOISY TYPE OF AIR-CONDITIONER;
* INSTALL THE AIR-CONDITIONER IN A POSITION THAT IS AWAY FROM OTHER RESIDENTIAL UNITS;
* AFFIX A METAL TRAY FITTED WITH A PLASTIC TUBE UNDERNEATH THE AIR-CONDITIONER TO DRAIN AWAY WATER DRIPPINGS PROPERLY; AND
* INSPECT THE AIR-CONDITIONER REGULARLY AND REPAIR IMMEDIATELY IF IT IS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY.
UNDER THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES ORDINANCE, LETTING AN AIR-CONDITIONER DRIP OR EMIT EXCESSIVE HEAT IN SUCH A MANNER AS TO CAUSE NUISANCE IS AN OFFENCE AND IS LIABLE TO A FINE UP TO $10,000.
THERE ARE ALSO PROVISIONS IN THE NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE CONCERNING THE NOISE NUISANCE CAUSED BY AIR-CONDITIONERS.
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CHILDREN INVITED TO JOIN DRAWING CONTEST
*****
CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN FOUR AND 13 ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN THE 1992 INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN DRAWING CONTEST THIS SUNDAY (APRIL 26) .
THE COMPETITION WILL BE HELD FROM 9.30 AM TO 11.30 AM AT THE URBAN COUNCIL CENTENARY GARDEN IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST.
THOSE WHO WISH TO JOIN SHOULD ENROL ON THE SPOT BEFORE 9 AM.
THE CONTEST IS ORGANISED BY THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE, THE URBAN COUNCIL, HARBOUR JAYCEES AND SING TAO LIMITED WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE HONG KONG TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES LIMITED.
IT WILL BE DIVIDED INTO THREE SECTIONS -- ELEMENTARY (AGED FOUR TO SIX), INTERMEDIATE (AGED SEVEN TO NINE) AND SENIOR (AGED 10 TO 13) SECTIONS.
/PARTICIPANTS WILL .......
MONDAY, APRIL 20, 1992
PARTICIPANTS WILL DRAW ON THE THEMES OF "I LOVE NATURE", "THE LOVELY EARTH" AND "THE FUTURE WORLD".
DRAWING PAPERS WILL BE PROVIDED BY THE ORGANISERS AND PARTICIPANTS SHOULD BRING THEIR OWN DRAWING INSTRUMENTS AND MATERIALS.
THERE WILL BE THREE WINNERS AND OUTSTANDING AWARDS IN EACH SECTION.
PRIZES INCLUDE SCHOLARSHIPS, PLAQUES, GAMES SETS AND FREE SUBSCRIPTION TO A CHILDREN MAGAZINE.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE 1992 INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN DRAWING CONTEST WHICH WILL BE HELD BETWEEN 9.30 AM AND 11.30 AM ON SUNDAY (APRIL 26) AT THE URBAN COUNCIL CENTENARY GARDEN IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST.
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FRESH WATER SUPPLY SUSPENSION IN HO MAN TIN *****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN HO MAN TIN WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 22) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY (THURSDAY) TO FACILITATE WASTE DETECTION WORK ON WATERMAINS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES IN PUI CHING ROAD, PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD, ARGYLE STREET, SOARES AVENUE, MAN FUK ROAD, MAN WAN ROAD, HOK YU LANE, JULIA AVENUE, EMMA AVENUE AND 61-79K WATERLOO ROAD.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PROPOSALS ON NEW TOWN PLANNING SYSTEM AVAILABLE SOON ............... 1
NEED TO REVISE LAND RESUMPTION LAWS : SCCB REPORT .................. 2
FEBRUARY ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS FIGURES RELEASED ........................................................... 6
APPLICATION FOR REPLACEMENT OF HK BRITISH PASSPORT BY POST ......... 11
WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM FOR NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES TO BE LAUNCHED ... 12
ANTI-POLLUTION PROSECUTION CASES RELEASED .......................... 13
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ............................................... 19
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO GO OFF IN SHAM SHUI PO, MONG KOK .............. 19
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS .................. 20
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ......... 21
TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 1992
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PROPOSALS ON NEW TOWN PLANNING SYSTEM AVAILABLE SOON
******
THE GOVERNMENT IS ACTIVELY CONSIDERING IN DETAIL PUBLIC COMMENTS ON THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT ON THE COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE TOWN PLANNING ORDINANCE AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON COMPENSATION AND BETTERMENT (SCCB), WITH A VIEW TO FINALISING THE PROPOSALS ON THE NEW TOWN PLANNING SYSTEM FOR SUBMISSION TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IN MID-1992.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT WAS PUBLISHED BY THE PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS BRANCH FOR PUBLIC COMMENT LAST JULY.
AS PART OF THE COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE TOWN PLANNING ORDINANCE, A SPECIAL COMMITTEE CHAIRED BY MR JOHN TODD WAS ALSO SET UP TO CONSIDER THE COMPLICATED ISSUES OF COMPENSATION AND BETTERMENT. PUBLIC VIEWS ON THIS ASPECT WERE ALSO SOUGHT.
DURING THE CONSULTATION PERIOD ENDED ON JANUARY 11 THIS YEAR, THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT HELD 57 BRIEFING AND DISCUSSION SESSIONS WITH VARIOUS PUBLIC BODIES, PROFESSIONAL INSTITUTES, AND COMMUNITY GROUPS TO EXPLAIN THE PROPOSALS AND CLARIFY VARIOUS ISSUES.
A TOTAL OF 75 WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS ON THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT WERE RECEIVED. THESE SUBMISSIONS, SUBJECT TO THE CONSENT OF THE SUBMITTERS, ARE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION AT THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT.
"MOST OF THE PROPOSALS IN THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT WERE GENERALLY SUPPORTED BY DIFFERENT SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY; BUT VIEWS WERE QUITE DIVIDED ON A NUMBER OF POINTS," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
"THESE INCLUDE THE PROPOSED PLANNING CERTIFICATE SYSTEM, IMPOSING INTERIM DEVELOPMENT CONTROL ON SITES WHEN THERE IS AN OBJECTION, AMORTISATION TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM OF NON-CONFORMING LAND USES AND DESIGNATION OF SPECIAL DESIGN AREAS," HE SAID.
"THE SCCB REPORT, WHICH CONTAINS SOME 50 RECOMMENDATIONS, WAS SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNOR ON MARCH 11. THE REPORT IS REGARDED AS A VERY COMPREHENSIVE AND PROFESSIONAL DOCUMENT, DEALING WITH ISSUES WITHIN THE SCOPE OF STUDY AND OUTLINING POSSIBLE WAYS OF APPROACHING THEM," HE SAID.
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TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 1992
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NEED TO REVISE LAND RESUMPTION LAWS : SCCB REPORT *****
THERE IS A NEED TO REVISE THE LEGISLATIVE BASIS FOR COMPENSATION IN CASES OF LAND RESUMPTION IN HONG KONG, A SPECIAL COMMITTEE SAID IN ONE OF ITS MANY RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GOVERNMENT.
THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON COMPENSATION AND BETTERMENT (SCCB) SET UP TO CONSIDER AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE QUESTIONS OF COMPENSATION AND BETTERMENT IN THE COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE TOWN PLANNING ORDINANCE TODAY (TUESDAY) RELEASED AT A PRESS CONFERENCE DETAILS IN THE REPORT WHICH HAS BEEN SENT TO THE GOVERNOR AND THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
THE CONFERENCE WAS CHAIRED BY THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF SCCB, JUDGE CRUDEN.
THE REPORT OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE CONTAINS MORE THAN 50 RECOMMENDATIONS ON VARIOUS ASPECTS STEMMING FROM LAND RESUMPTION, BLIGHT AND DIMINUTION AND DEPRECIATION OF VALUE.
AT PRESENT THE LEGISLATIVE BASIS FOR COMPENSATION IS SET OUT IN A SERIES OF ORDINANCES, THE INTERPRETATION OF WHICH RESTS HEAVILY ON A NUMBER OF JUDICIAL DECISIONS, THE REPORT SAID.
"THE POSITION IS COMPLICATED AND HAS LED TO MISUNDERSTANDING AND MORE DISCONTENT.
"THE CROWN LANDS RESUMPTION ORDINANCE IS PARTICULARLY WEAK AS IT CONTAINS ANACHRONISTIC PROVISIONS AND IS FAR FROM BEING COMPREHENSIVE.
"THE OTHER MORE MODERN ORDINANCES ARE SO DRAFTED AS TO REFER TO THIS OLD ORDINANCE, AND ITS WEAKNESSES ARE THUS IMPORTED INTO THE NEWER LEGISLATION," THE REPORT SAID.
THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED THAT THE CROWN LANDS RESUMPTION ORDINANCE BE REPLACED BY A "MORE COMPREHENSIVE ORDINANCE WHICH WOULD PROVIDE A FIRM, MODERN BASIS FOR THE LEGISLATION ON RESUMPTION".
"THE OPPORTUNITY SHOULD THEN BE TAKEN TO AMEND THE OTHER RESUMPTION ORDINANCES TO ENSURE CONSISTENCY BETWEEN THEM AND WITH THE NEW ORDINANCE," THE REPORT NOTED.
SCCB, HOWEVER, CONSIDERED THAT THE SYSTEM IN HONG KONG FOR RESUMPTION OF LAND WAS "GENERALLY FAIR AND THAT WHEN ACCOUNT IS TAKEN OF THE EX-GRATIA ELEMENT IT COMPARES MORE THAN FAVOURABLY WITH THE TREATMENT GIVEN TO LANDOWNERS IN OTHER COUNTRIES".
ANOTHER RECOMMENDATION BY SCCB CONCERNS THE INTRODUCTION OF BETTERMENT IN THE FORM OF A LAND DEVELOPMENT LEVY.
THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE SAID A MODERN DEFINITION OF "BETTERMENT" WAS "ANY INCREASE IN THE VALUE OF PROPERTY OTHER THAN THAT ATTRIBUTABLE TO IMPROVEMENTS MADE BY THE OWNER OR DUE TO INFLATION".
/ANOTHER DEFINITION .......
3
TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 1992
ANOTHER DEFINITION WAS ’’ANY INCREASE IN THE VALUE OF LAND (INCLUDING THE BUILDINGS ON IT) ARISING FROM GOVERNMENT ACTION, WHETHER POSITIVE (E.G., BY THE EXECUTION OF PUBLIC WORKS OR IMPROVEMENTS), OR NEGATIVE (E.G. BY THE IMPOSITION OF RESTRICTIONS ON OTHER LAND)”.
IN SUCH CONTEXT, THE REPORT SAID, BETTERMENT WAS CONFINED TO LAND OR PROPERTY VALUES ENHANCED BY PUBLIC SECTOR-ACTIVITIES AND EXCLUDED INCREASES IN CURRENT USE VALUE OF A SITE.
IT WOULD BE IMPRACTICABLE TO INTRODUCE A PURE LEVY BASED ON EITHER OF THESE DEFINITIONS IN HONG KONG, THE REPORT NOTED.
SOME COUNTRIES HAVE DEVISED SIMPLER PRACTICAL SYSTEMS TO RECOVER SOME OF THE BENEFIT GIVEN TO OWNERS BY GOVERNMENT ACTIVITIES, AND SUCH SYSTEMS FALL INTO TWO CATEGORIES - PERIODIC, USUALLY ANNUAL LEVIES; AND LEVIES ON AN EVENT, USUALLY REDEVELOPMENT OR SALE.
THE REPORT SAID : ”WE DO NOT CONSIDER THAT PERIODIC LEVIES ARE DESIRABLE AS THEY ARE IMPOSED ON POTENTIAL RATHER THAN ACTUAL GAINS.
"WE WOULD ALSO NOT FAVOUR LEVIES ON SALES AS THESE WOULD OFTEN FALL LARGELY ON OWNER-OCCUPIERS. IF SUCH CASES WERE EXEMPT, THE INCIDENCE OF THE TAX WOULD BE SO LESSENED AS TO REDUCE SIGNIFICANTLY THE VALUE OF THIS APPROACH AS A REVENUE SOURCE."
SCCB WAS SATISFIED THAT "HONG KONG COULD OPERATE A SIMPLE AND FAIR LEVY ON REDEVELOPMENT".
AFTER CAREFUL EXAMINATION SCCB CONCLUDED THAT INTRODUCTION OF A LEVY WOULD NOT HAVE A SIGNIFICANT EFFECT ON END-USER PRICES BUT THAT IT WOULD BE A "CLEAN TAX ON DEVELOPMENT".
"WE WOULD THEREFORE SUPPORT THE INTRODUCTION OF A LAND DEVELOPMENT LEVY SET AT A RATE TO OFFSET AN INCREASE IN COMPENSATION PAYMENTS TO THE EXTENT THAT THIS CANNOT BE MET FROM ANTICIPATED REVENUE FROM EXISTING SOURCES," THE REPORT SAID.
ON THE QUESTION OF COMPENSATION FOR DIMINUTION, THE REPORT SAID THE BASIC QUESTION WAS HOW FAR A GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO DEPRIVE OWNERS OF THEIR DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS WITHOUT COMPENSATION, OR EXPRESSED IN ANOTHER WAY, HOW FAR PRIVATE RIGHTS SHOULD BE GIVEN UP FOR THE PUBLIC GOOD WITHOUT COMPENSATION BEING PAID.
IT SAID : "IT HAS LONG BEEN THE PRACTICE IN HONG KONG THAT THE DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS EXPRESSED IN THE LEASE CAN ONLY BE EXERCISED TO THE EXTENT THAT THEY ARE NOT RESTRICTED BY LEGISLATION, WHICH IN PRACTICE HAS LARGELY MEANT RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED UNDER BUILDING REGULATIONS.
"THIS PRINCIPLE HAS BEEN LARGELY ACCEPTED. SINCE 1955, PLANNING RESTRICTIONS HAVE ALSO BEEN IMPOSED AT FIRST ONLY ON USE AND SINCE 1974 ALSO ON DENSITY OF DEVELOPMENT.
"IN OUR VIEW IT IS REASONABLE THAT SUCH RESTRICTIONS SHOULD BE IMPOSED IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST, PROVIDED AN OWNER WHOSE PROPERTY WILL BE AFFECTED HAS THE RIGHT TO OBJECT TO THE IMPOSITION OF THE RESTRICTIONS, AND THERE IS PROVISION FOR A FAIR HEARING OF HIS OBJECTION.”
/SCCB EXAMINED .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 1992
4
SCCB EXAMINED THE PAST PRACTICE AND THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE PROCEDURE FOR INTRODUCING NEW OUTLINE ZONING PLANS AND FOR HEARING OBJECTIONS TO PROPOSALS UNDER THOSE PLANS AND WAS SATISFIED THAT THERE WOULD BE ADEQUATE SAFEGUARDS TO ENSURE THAT THE RIVAL CLAIMS OF PRIVATE INTEREST AND PUBLIC GOOD WERE FULLY CONSIDERED.
IN VIEW OF THIS THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE REJECTED PROPOSALS FOR COMPENSATION BASED ON
* FULL LEASE RIGHTS;
* LEASE RIGHTS DIFFERENTIATING BETWEEN RESTRICTED AND UNRESTRICTED LEASES;
* LEASE RIGHTS BASED ON PURCHASED RIGHTS;
* LEASE RIGHTS BASED ON EXISTING USE;
* PARTIAL COMPENSATION;
* COMPENSATION IN KIND;
* COMPENSATION FOR OUTLINE ZONING PLAN RESTRICTIONS; AND
* DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS AT A SPECIFIC DATE.
SCCB RECOMMENDED THAT GENERALLY THERE SHOULD BE NO COMPENSATION FOR THE LOSS OF DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS OWING TO LEGISLATIVE OR PLANNING RESTRICTIONS PROVIDED :
* THERE IS ADEQUATE CONSIDERATION OF PRIVATE RIGHTS AS AGAINST THE PUBLIC INTEREST IN THE PLAN MAKING PROCESS;
* THE PLANNING APPLICATION SYSTEM IS FLEXIBLE;
* THERE IS A SYSTEM TO ENSURE CERTAINTY IN THE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS;
* THOSE WHO ARE DEPRIVED OF REASONABLY BENEFICIAL USE IN THEIR LAND MAY OBTAIN REDRESS;
• * PROVISION IS MADE FOR HARDSHIP CASES.
THE COST OF THE COMPENSATION PROPOSALS WILL DEPEND ON HOW THE METROPLAN IS TO BE IMPLEMENTED.
AS REGARDS THE OPEN STORAGE PROBLEM ON RURAL LAND, A PACKAGE OF IMPROVEMENT MEASURES HAS ALSO BEEN PUT FORWARD.
OTHER SCCB PROPOSALS INCLUDE EXTENDING THE PLANNING APPLICATION SYSTEMS TO ALLOW MORE OPENNESS TO POSITIVE PRIVATE-SECTOR IDEAS, REQUIRING PERIODIC REVIEWS OF ALL GOVERNMENT OUTLINE ZONING PLANS AND INTRODUCING A CERTIFICATE GUARANTEEING DEVELOPMENT PROVIDED IT IS INITIATED WITHIN A SPECIFIC PERIOD.
/IT ALSO ......
TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 1992
- 5 -
IT ALSO SUGGESTED A STATUTORY RESUMPTION REQUEST NOTICE TO DEAL WITH CASES OF BLIGHT ARISING FROM THE RESERVATION OF LAND FOR GOVERNMENT USE AND RESTRICTIONS ON LAND FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PURPOSES; AND TO DEAL WITH PEOPLE WHO CANNOT REDEVELOP THEIR LAND AND ORDINARY FLAT-OWNERS WHO CANNOT SELL THEIR FLATS.
AS THE GOVERNMENT AT PRESENT COULD FREEZE LAND INDEFINITELY TOO EASILY, THE COMMITTEE SUGGESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD FROM NOW ON CONDUCT A FIVE-YEAR INTERNAL REVIEW OF ALL ITS RESERVATIONS ON OUTLINE ZONING PLANS TO CONSIDER WHETHER THEY WERE STILL JUSTIFIED.
THIS WOULD LEAD TO COMPENSATION THROUGH RESUMPTION IN CERTAIN CASES, AND IT WOULD HELP TO KEEP THE INCIDENTS OF BLIGHT AS LOW AS POSSIBLE, WHICH WAS THE MAIN THING, THE REPORT SAID.
IN THE CASE OF RESERVED, OR BLIGHTED LAND, THE RESUMPTION REQUEST NOTICE PROPOSAL IS LIMITED TO OWNER-OCCUPIERS AND OTHERS WHOSE PROPERTY HAS AN ANNUAL RATEABLE VALUE NOT EXCEEDING $30,000.
THE COMMITTEE WAS FORMED LAST JULY INDEPENDENTLY FROM THE ADMINISTRATION TO RUN CONCURRENTLY WITH THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION OF THE COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON THE TOWN PLANNING ORDINANCE.
IT WAS CHAIRED BY MR JOHN TODD, AND ASSISTED BY A PANEL OF EXPERT ADVISERS INCLUDING REPRESENTATIVES FROM PROFESSIONAL BODIES OF PLANNERS, SURVEYORS, SOLICITORS, BARRISTERS, DEVELOPERS, THE HEUNG YEE KUK AND THE GOVERNMENT.
THE REPORT SAID THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE HAS CONDUCTED BROAD AND IN-DEPTH CONSULTATIONS WITH LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL EXPERTS AND PRACTITIONERS, AND HAD HELD MEETINGS WITH THE DISTRICT BOARDS, THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AD HOC GROUP.
MORE THAN 125 COMMENTS AND REPORTS IN THE MEDIA RELATED TO THE SUBJECTS WERE ALSO NOTED BY THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE.
THE PROPOSALS WILL BE TAKEN FORWARD BY THE GOVERNMENT IN DRAWING UP A COMPREHENSIVE NEW PLANNING ORDINANCE BEFORE SUBMITTING IT TO THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS FOR APPROVAL.
COPIES OF THE REPORTS IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE ARE AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE TO THE PUBLIC AT THE DISTRICT OFFICES; THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE’S SECRETARIAT AT SEVENTH FLOOR, CLUB LUSITANO BUILDING, CENTRAL, AND THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS IN MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD.
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/6.........
TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 1992
- 6 -
FEBRUARY ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS FIGURES RELEASED ******
THE AVERAGE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND FOR THE 200 LARGEST MANUFACTURERS IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR INCREASED BY 3 PER CENT OVER FEBRUARY LAST YEAR, ACCORDING TO A MONTHLY SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
IMPROVEMENT IN THE ORDERS POSITION WAS FOUND IN MOST MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES. IN PARTICULAR, NOTABLE INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS AND TEXTILES INDUSTRIES.
COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING MONTH, THE AVERAGE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND IN FEBRUARY INCREASED BY 2 PER CENT FOR THE MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED.
INCREASES IN ORDERS WERE REPORTED IN MOST MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, WITH THE LARGEST INCREASES IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS AND TEXTILES INDUSTRIES.
THE AVERAGE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND IS MEASURED IN TERMS OF THE NUMBER OF MONTHS AND REFERS TO ORDERS OUTSTANDING AS AT THE END OF THE REFERENCE MONTH.
THE TOTAL EMPLOYMENT OF THE MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED DECREASED BY 10 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY 1992 OVER A YEAR AGO. DECREASES IN EMPLOYMENT WERE RECORDED IN ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, WITH MORE SIGNIFICANT DECREASES FOUND IN THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS, PLASTIC PRODUCTS AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES.
COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING MONTH, THE TOTAL EMPLOYMENT OF THE MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED DECREASED BY 2 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY 1992. MODERATE DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN MOST MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.
ON PER CAPITA EARNINGS, BOTH THE YEAR-ON-YEAR AND MONTH-ON-MONTH COMPARISONS ARE AFFECTED BY THE TIMING OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR, WHICH FELL IN EARLY FEBRUARY THIS YEAR BUT IN MID-FEBRUARY LAST YEAR.
WHILE MOST COMPANIES SURVEYED ISSUED THEIR DOUBLE-PAY AND YEAREND BONUSES IN LATE JANUARY AND EARLY FEBRUARY LAST YEAR, THEY DID SO IN JANUARY THIS YEAR.
HENCE, IT IS MORE MEANINGFUL TO COMPARE THE AVERAGE PER CAPITA EARNINGS FOR THE THREE MONTHS FROM DECEMBER 1991 TO FEBRUARY 1992 WITH THOSE FOR THE SAME PERIOD 12 MONTHS AGO.
FOR 'THE PERIOD FROM DECEMBER 1991 TO FEBRUARY 1992 TAKEN TOGETHER, THE AVERAGE PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN THE MANUFACTURING COMPANIES SURVEYED INCREASED BY 14 PER CENT, IN MONEY TERMS, OVER THE SAME PERIOD 12 MONTHS AGO.
/SIGNIFICANT INCREASES .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 1992
SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN THE AVERAGE PER CAPITA EARNINGS WERE RECORDED IN MOST MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES. THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS, FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS, AND ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES RECORDED THE FASTEST INCREASE IN PER CAPITA EARNINGS.
THE TOTAL EMPLOYMENT OF THE CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES SURVEYED DECREASED MODERATELY IN FEBRUARY 1992 AS AGAINST A YEAR AGO; AND DECREASED SLIGHTLY WHEN COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING MONTH.
THE AVERAGE PER CAPITA EARNINGS FOR DECEMBER 1991 TO FEBRUARY 1992 INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY OVER THE SAME PERIOD 12 MONTHS AGO.
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 SERVICE SECTORS, THE TOTAL EMPLOYMENT OF THE COMPANIES SURVEYED DECREASED SLIGHTLY IN FEBRUARY 1992 WHEN COMPARED WITH BOTH A YEAR AGO AND THE PRECEDING MONTH.
THE AVERAGE PER CAPITA EARNINGS FOR DECEMBER 1991 TO FEBRUARY 1992 INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY IN MOST SERVICE SECTORS OVER THE SAME PERIOD 12 MONTHS AGO.
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 AND SERVICE SECTORS, CHOSEN BY REFERENCE TO THEIR EMPLOYMENT SIZES IN SEPTEMBER 1986.
AS THE SURVEY SAMPLE COVERS ONLY THE LARGE COMPANIES, THE DEPARTMENT NOTED THAT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY NOT BE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE GENERAL SITUATION OF THE MANUFACTURING, CONSTRUCTION AND THE SERVICE SECTORS.
NEVERTHELESS, THE SURVEY RESULTS SHOULD BE ABLE TO PROVIDE A USEFUL INDICATION OF THE DIRECTION OF CHANGE FOR MAKING A QUICK ASSESSMENT OF DEVELOPMENTS IN THESE SECTORS IN THE SHORT TERM.
THE SURVEY REPORT FOR FEBRUARY • 1992 IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AND AT THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER 1, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, AT $4.5 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE MADE TO THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 805 6441.
/TABLE 1 .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 1992
8
TABLE 1 : ORDERS-ON-HAND IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES
ORDERS-ON-HAND
INDUSTRY AS AT THE END OF FEBRUARY 1992 CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH
JAN. 92 FEB. 91
(MONTHS) (%) (%)
ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES 4.44 + 2 + 3
— — — — — — — —
WEARING APPAREL 4.78 + 1 + 1
TEXTILES 2.55 + 9 + 8
PLASTIC PRODUCTS 3.42 + 20 + 20
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS 4.39 + 4 + 4
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS 5.44 + 1 + 4
OTHERS 3.88 -2 -5
TABLE 2 : EMPLOYMENT PERSONS ENGAGED
AS AT THE END OF FEBRUARY 1992
INDUSTRY/SERVICES CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH
JAN. 92 FEB. 91
• (%) (%)
ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES -2 -10
FOOD AND DRINKS * -3
WEARING APPAREL -1 -6
TEXTILES -1 -8
PLASTIC PRODUCTS -1 -15
FABRICATED METAL -5 -12
PRODUCTS
/ELECTRICAL AND
9
TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 1992
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS -2 -18
OTHERS -1 -2
CONSTRUCTION # -1 -4
SERVICES -1 -1
BANKS -1 + 2
HOTELS -2 -4
PUBLIC UTILITIES * -3
OTHERS * + 1
* CHANGES WITHIN +/- 0.5%
# PERSONS ENGAGED COVER COMPANY EMPLOYEES ONLY; SITE WORKERS EMPLOYED BY LABOUR-ONLY SUB-CONTRACTORS ARE NOT INCLUDED.
TABLE 3 : PER CAPITA EARNINGS
NOTE : OWING TO POSSIBLE INCLUSION OF IRREGULAR PAYMENTS (E.G. BACKPAY OR SPECIAL BONUS), ’’PER CAPITA EARNINGS” FOR A GIVEN MONTH MAY BE SUBJECT TO RATHER VOLATILE FLUCTUATIONS FROM TIME TO TIME. THEREFORE, IT IS PARTICULARLY ADVISABLE, IN STUDYING PER CAPITA EARNINGS STATISTICS, NOT TO TAKE A GIVEN MONTH’S DATA IN ISOLATION, BUT TO MAKE REFERENCE TO DATA OVER A LONGER PERIOD.
INDUSTRY/SERVICES PER CAPITA EARNINGS
AVERAGE AS IN FEB. 92 CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH ** CHANGE IN AVERAGE PER CAPITA EARNINGS FOR DEC. 1991-FEB. 1992 OVER
JAN. 92 FEB. 91 DEC. 1990-FEB. 1991
(HK$) (%) (%) (%)
ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES 7,391 -38 * + 14
FOOD AND DRINKS 7,842 -28 + 9 + 5
WEARING APPAREL . 5,396 -30 * + 12
TEXTILES 6,014 -50 -8 + 13
/PLASTIC PRODUCTS .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 1992
10
PLASTIC PRODUCTS 7,622 -50 + 1 + 26
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS 8,167 -31 + 15 + 21
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS 8,067 -32 + 3 + 18
OTHERS 9,235 -45 -8 + 10
CONSTRUCTION # 9,547 -34 -14 + 15
SERVICES 11,989 -32 + 6 + 14
BANKS 11,238 -31 + 14 + 13
HOTELS 8,074 -64 -46 + 8
PUBLIC UTILITIES 11,620 -31 + 9 + 14
OTHERS 13,978 -26 + 7 + 15
* CHANGES WITHIN +/-0.5%
# PER CAPITA EARNINGS COVER COMPANY EMPLOYEES ONLY; SITE WORKERS EMPLOYED BY LABOUR-ONLY SUB-CONTRACTORS ARE NOT INCLUDED.
»* OWING TO THE DIFFERENCE IN THE TIMING OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR IN 1991 AND 1992 (I.E. MID-FEBRUARY IN 1991 BUT EARLY FEBRUARY IN 1992), THE TIMING OF ISSUE OF DOUBLE-PAY AND ANNUAL BONUSES IN THE TWO YEARS DIFFERS IN SOME COMPANIES SURVEYED. THIS AFFECTS THE COMPARISON OF PER CAPITA EARNINGS FIGURES FOR FEBRUARY 1992 WITH FEBRUARY 1991. A FURTHER COMPARISON IS THUS PROVIDED TO SHOW CHANGES IN THE AVERAGE PER CAPITA EARNINGS FOR DEC. 91 - FEB. 92 OVER DEC. 90 - FEB. 91.
NOTE TO TABLES 1-3:
UNLIKE "ORDERS-ON-HAND" AND "PER CAPITA EARNINGS", WHICH ARE AVERAGE FIGURES AMONG THE COMPANIES SURVEYED, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED BY THE COMPANIES SURVEYED IS NOT MEANINGFUL INFORMATION ON ITS OWN (BECAUSE THIS IS A PANEL SURVEY) AND IS THEREFORE NOT SHOWN.
------0-----------
/Il .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 1992
11
APPLICATION FOR REPLACEMENT OF HK BRITISH PASSPORT BY POST
*****
A SPOKESMAN FOR IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT AS AN IMPROVEMENT OF SERVICE TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, APPLICATIONS FOR REPLACEMENT OF HONG KONG BRITISH PASSPORTS MAY BE MADE BY POST.
APPLICANT’S PERSONAL ATTENDANCE TO SUBMIT APPLICATION WILL NO LONGER BE REQUIRED.
FROM MAY 1, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO ARE IN HONG KONG AMD ARE AGED 18 OR OVER MAY SEND THEIR APPLICATIONS FOR REPLACEMENT OF THEIR HONG KONG BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZEN PASSPORTS AND BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORTS BY POST TO THE TRAVEL DOCUMENTS (PASSPORT) SECTION, IMMIGRATION HEADQUARTERS, THIRD FLOOR, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
APPLICATIONS MAY ALSO BE DROPPED INTO THE DROP-IN BOXES INSTALLED AT THE TRAVEL DOCUMENTS (PASSPORT) SECTION OR AT ANY IMMIGRATION BRANCH OFFICES.
APPLICANTS WHO PREFER TO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS IN PERSON MAY CONTINUE TO DO SO.
WHEN POSTING THEIR APPLICATIONS, APPLICANTS SHOULD ENSURE THAT THEY HAVE ENCLOSED A PHOTOSTAT COPY OF THEIR PASSPORT AND HONG KONG PERMANENT IDENTITY CARD, TWO RECENT IDENTICAL PHOTOGRAPHS AND A CROSSED CHEQUE OR POSTAL ORDER FOR PAYMENT OF PASSPORT FEES.
FOR APPLICATIONS MADE BY POST OR DEPOSITED AT THE TRAVEL DOCUMENTS (PASSPORT) SECTION, IT WILL NORMALLY TAKE 10 WORKING DAYS FROM THE DATE OF RECEIPT OF APPLICATION TO ISSUE A NEW PASSPORT.
FOR APPLICATIONS DEPOSITED AT AN IMMIGRATION BRANCH OFFICE, IT WILL TAKE ABOUT 15 WORKING DAYS.
APPLICANTS WILL BE INFORMED BY LETTER THE DATE AND OFFICE TO COLLECT THEIR NEW PASSPORTS.
THEY SHOULD COLLECT THEIR NEW PASSPORTS IN PERSON AND BRING ALONG THEIR PREVIOUS PASSPORTS FOR CANCELLATION.
"THERE WILL BE NO CHANGE IN THE PROCEDURES FOR OTHER PASSPORT SERVICES. APPLICANTS FOR FIRST PASSPORTS SHOULD CONTINUE TO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS IN PERSON."
"APPLICANTS WHO HAVE LOST THEIR PREVIOUS PASSPORTS OR WHO NEED PASSPORTS FOR URGENT TRAVEL SHOULD ALSO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS IN PERSON,". THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY CALL THE INFORMATION OFFICE ON TEL. 824 6111.
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/12 .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 1992
12
WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM FOR NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES TO BE LAUNCHED *****
THE AU TAU TREATMENT WORKS STAGE I, AS PART OF THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT'S PROGRAMME TO GEAR UP THE SUPPLY NETWORK FOR YUEN LONG, TUEN MUN AND NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES, WILL BE OFFICIALLY INAUGURATED ON APRIL 23 (THURSDAY).
THE PLANT, AIMED AT HELPING TO MEET THE EVER INCREASING DEMAND FOR POTABLE WATER GENERATED BY DEVELOPMENT IN THE AREA, WILL HAVE A DAILY CAPACITY OF 110,000 CUBIC METRES.
IT WILL REACH AN ULTIMATE DAILY CAPACITY OF 330,000 CUBIC METRES WHEN THE STAGE II EXTENSION WORKS ARE COMPLETED IN 1994.
THE STAGE I WORKS FOR THE TREATMENT PLANT ARE VALUED AT $425 MILLION. THE WHOLE PROJECT WILL BE ABOUT $775 MILLION WHEN COMPLETED.
THE WORKS EMPLOY THE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY PROCESSES OF CLARIFICATION AND FILTRATION AS MEANS OF ACHIEVING OPTIMUM WATER QUALITY.
TO MINIMISE POLLUTION TO THE ENVIRONMENT, THE PLANT HAS INCORPORATED SPECIAL SLUDGE DISPOSAL FACILITIES WHICH WILL COLLECT AND DEWATER THE SLUDGE PRIOR TO THE TRANSFER OF THE SLUDGE CAKE TO LANDFILL SITE.
THE PROJECT ALSO INCLUDES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PRIMARY SERVICE RESERVOIR, WATER MAINS RANGING IN DIAMETER FROM 600 TO 1,200 MILLIMETRES AND A TRIPLE-CELL REINFORCED CONCRETE BOX CULVERT.
THE DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, MR WONG KWOK-LAI, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF HEUNG YEE KUK, MR LAU WONG-FAT, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY WHICH WILL START AT 3 PM ON APRIL 23 (THURSDAY).
A COACH, NUMBERED ER 4074, TAKING NEWS MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES TO THE TREATMENT PLANT WILL LEAVE QUEEN’S PIER, CENTRAL, AT 1.30 PM.
NEWS MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WHO WISH TO MAKE THEIR OWN WAY THERE CAN OBTAIN A FAXED COPY OF THE MAP ON REQUEST BY TELEPHONING THE LANDS AND WORKS GROUP OF DEPARTMENTS INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT ON 848 2273.
- - 0-------
/13 .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 1992
- 13 -
ANTI-POLLUTION PROSECUTION CASES RELEASED
******
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) RELEASED A LIST OF COMPANIES THAT HAVE BEEN FOUND GUILTY IN THE COURTS IN MARCH OF BREACHING ANTI-POLLUTION LEGISLATION CURRENTLY ENFORCED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
SIMILAR ANNOUNCEMENTS WILL BE MADE REGULARLY ON A MONTHLY BASIS.
THE LEGAL PROCEEDINGS COULD BE TIME CONSUMING. THUS THERE WAS SOMETIMES A LENGTHY TIME GAP BETWEEN THE DATE OF THE OFFENCE AND THE CONVICTION DATE.
FOLLOWING IS THE LIST OF PROSECUTION CASES AND THE ASSOCIATED FINES IMPOSED BY THE COURTS IN MARCH THIS YEAR:
NAME (COMPANY/ PERSON) ADDRESS DATE OF OFFENCE NATURE OF OFFENCE RECORD OF FINES($) OFFENCE COURT
1 .CHEER WASHING SHOP LTD HIU KWONG ST, KWUN TONG 21.11.gO-13.8.91 APCO : UNAUTHORISED INSTALLATION OR ALTERATION OF FURNACES 500 1ST KWUN TONG
2.STEAM AND STEW INN CO LTD TAI WONG ST EAST, WAN CHAI 30.1.91- 8.2.91 APCO : ” 2,000 1ST EASTERN
3.YAT CHAU HEALTH RESTAURANT LTD DES VOEUX RD CENTRAL, CENTRAL 15.4.91- 15.6.91 APCO : ” 1,000 1ST WESTERN
4.SUSSEX DEVELOPMENT LTD FU HENG ESTATE, TAI PO 25.4.91- 10.7.91 APCO : ” 1,000 1ST SHA TIN
5.YUMI YUMI CATERERS LTD FU HENG ESTATE, TAI PO 9.5.91- 30.5.91 APCO : " 750 1ST SHA TIN
6.HILLVIEW HOTEL MANAGEMENT LTD OBSERVATORY RD, TSIM SHA TSUI 3.6.91- 6.6.91 APCO : ’’ 2,000 1ST SOUTH KOWLOON
/7.HONG KONG
TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 1992
14
7.HONG KONG OXYGEN AND ACETYLENE CO LTD HANG HAU, TSEUNG KWAN 0 21.6.91 WPCO : DISCHARGE WASTES INTO WATERS OF HONG KONG IN JUNK BAY WATER CONTROL ZONE 60,000 1ST KWUN TONG
8.YEUNG KWOK-MAN, MA TIEN NEE RESTAURANT FUNG CHEUNG RD, YUEN LONG 8.8.91 WPCO : DISCHARGE POLLUTED WASTEWATER INTO A COMMUNAL SEWER IN THE DEEP BAY WATER CONTROL ZONE 8,000 1ST FANLING
9.FAT KEE BEAN CURD FTY KWU TUNG, SHEUNG SHUI 10.9.91 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 10,000 2ND FANLING
10.CHUN NAM LAU RESTAURANT LTD OLD MAIN ST ABERDEEN 10.9.91 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 5,000 2ND EASTERN
11.YU YIK-MING PERCIVAL ST, CAUSEWAY BAY 18.9.91 NCO : FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IN A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE 8,000 1ST EASTERN
12.CHEUK KIN TRADING LTD NATHAN RD, YAU MA TEI 20.9.91 NCO : ’’ 12,000 2ND SOUTH KOWLOON
13.KONWALL CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING CO MA ON SHAN RD, MA ON SHAN 27.9.91 NCO : CARRY OUT PERCUSSIVE PILING NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS IN A PERMIT 5,000 2ND SHA TIN
14.CHU KONG-WAI 27.9.91 NCO : PERMIT PERCUSSIVE PILING NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS IN A PERMIT 1,500 1ST SHA TIN
/15.WING ON .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 1992
15
15.WING ON DYEING FTY CHAI WAN KOK ST, TSUEN WAN 4.10.91 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 2,500 1ST TSUEN WAN
16.TSE MING-CHUN, WO SING DYEING FACTORY SHEK WU SUN CHUEN, SHEUNG SHUI 4.10.91 WPCO : 10,000 DISCHARGE POLLUTING MATTER INTO THE WATERS OF HONG KONG IN THE DEEP BAY WATER CONTROL ZONE 1ST FANLING
17.GUANGDONG WATER CONSERVANCY & HYDROPOWER ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT CO LTD ASHLEY RD, TSIM SHA TSUI 8.10.91 APCO : CONTRAVENING TERMS OR CONDITIONS OF A SPECIFIED PROCESS LICENCE 20,000 8TH SAN PO KONG
18.LUEN SHING DYEING FTY WAI YIP ST, KWUN TONG 9.10.91 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 3,000 1ST KWUN TONG
19.LA INN LIMITED, SUN PAR LOK RESTAURANT LUEN WO RD, FANLING 11.10.91 WPCO : DISCHARGE POLLUTED WASTE-WATER INTO A COMMUNAL SEWER IN THE DEEP BAY WATER CONTROL ZONE 10,000 1ST FANLING
20.CONTAI ENGINEERING CO LTD (LICENSEE) KAI HING RD, KOWLOON BAY • 11.10.91 DASO : 5,000 PERMIT DUMPING OF ABOUT 32 CUBIC METRES OF EXCAVATED MATERIAL AT SEA EAST OF NINEPIN GROUP NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE LICENCE CONDITION 5TH EASTERN
21.YIP LAI-CHUEN MATHESON ST, CAUSEWAY BAY 17.10.91 NCO : FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IN A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE 10,000 1ST EASTERN
22.CHEUNG MOON-WAH KING’S RD, NORTH POINT 25.10.91 nco : ’’ 10,000 1ST it
/23.ANDERSON .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 1992
16
23.ANDERSON STEAM CO * WING KEI RD, KWAI CHUNG 29.10.91 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 2,500 1ST TSUEN WAN
24.MONGKOK HSIN KUANG RESTAURANT LTD NATHAN RD, MONG KOK 30.10.91 NCO : FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IN A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE 10,000 1ST NORTH KOWLOON
25.SUN FAT ROASTED PIG STOVE PORTLAND ST, YAU MA TEI 11.11.91 APCO : FAILURE TO TAKE MEASURES TO ELIMINATE UNNECESSARY AIR POLLUTANT 5,000 2ND. SOUTH KOWLOON
26.TAT MING & DYEING FTY WING KIN RD, KWAI CHUNG 14.11.91 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 10,000 2ND TSUEN WAN
27.EXPRESS CHANNEL SILK BLEACHING & DYEING FTY LTD KUNG YIP ST, KWAI CHUNG 15.11.91 APCO : " 4,500 2ND ii
28.YUE YI STEAM LAUNDRY FTY SAN SHAN RD, TOKWAWAN 19.11.91 APCO : FAILURE TO TAKE MEASURES TO ELIMINATE UNNECESSARY AIR POLLUTANT 15,000 1ST SAN PO KONG
29.SAMRICH TRADING CO WING LOK ST, SHEUNG WAN 20.11.91 OLPO : IMPORT SCHEDULED SUBSTANCES WITHOUT LICENCE 25,000 • 1ST EASTERN
30.DAYFOONG DYEING & WEAVING FTY LTD CHAI WAN KOK ST, TSUEN WAN 22.11.91 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 4,500 1ST TSUEN WAN
31.WAH RICH INDUSTRIES LTD TONG YAN SAN TSUEN, YUEN LONG 26.11.91 WPCO : DISCHARGE POLLUTING MATTER INTO THE WATERS OF HONG KONG IN THE DEEP BAY WATER CONTROL ZONE 5,000 1ST FANLING
/32.SUN .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 1992
- 17 -
32.SUN CONTINENTS ENGINEERING CO LTD TONG YAN SAN TSUEN, YUEN LONG 26.11.91 WPCO : " 10,000 1ST FANLING
33.KWAI BUN RESTAURANT LTD HENNESSY RD, WAN CHAI 27.11.91 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 4,000 1ST EASTERN
34.FIRST DYEING WORKS LTD YEUNG UK RD, TSUEN WAN 27.11.91 APCO : ” 5,000 1ST TSUEN WAN
35.LANFITEX DYEING FT,Y LTD WING KEI RD, KWAI CHUNG 28.11.91 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 4,000 1ST TSUEN WAN
36.KING CITY RESTAURANT LTD SHEK WAI KOK ESTATE, TSUEN WAN 29.11.91 APCO : " 3,500 1ST TSUEN WAN
37.WILSONIA DEVELOPMENT LTD TA CHUEN PING ST, KWAI CHUNG 2.12.91 APCO : " 5,500 2ND TSUEN WAN
38.REASON WASHING FTY LTD WANG LUNG ST, TSUEN WAN 3.12.91 APCO : " 8,000 2ND TSUEN WAN
39.GUANGDONG WATER CONSERVANCY & HYDROPOWER ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT CO LTD ASHLEY RD, TSIM SHA TSUI 4.12.91 . APCO : CONTRAVENING TERMS OR CONDITIONS OF A SPECIFIED PROCESS LICENCE 20,000 9TH SAN PO KONG
40.SPRING WEAL LTD WANG WO TSAI ST, TSUEN WAN 4.12.91 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 2,500 1ST TSUEN WAN
41.WINSEC INVESTMENT LTD FUNG SHUE WO RD, TSING YI 5.12.91 NCO : FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IN A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE 10,000 1ST TSUEN WAN
42.KO YUET-MAN QUEEN’S RD WEST, SHEK TONG TSUI 5.12.91 NCO : " 2,000 1ST WESTERN
/43.INTERNA- .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 1992
- 18 -
43.INTERNATIONAL DYEING & BLEACHING FTY LTD PUN SHAN ST, TSUEN WAN 6.12.91 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 7,000 1ST TSUEN WAN
44.HOP SUN DYEING FTY LTD WING LAP ST, KWAI CHUNG 7.12.91 APCO : ” 5,000 2ND TSUEN WAN
45.KWONG YAT-NAM ' ELGIN ST, CENTRAL 18.12.91 NCO : FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IN A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE 4,000 1ST WESTERN
46.SHINING FORTUNE BLEACHING AND DYEING FTY LTD KWAI CHEONG RD, KWAI CHUNG 30.12.91 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 7,000 1ST TSUEN WAN
47.EXPRESS CHANNEL SILK BLEACHING & DYEING FTY LTD KUNG YIP ST, KWAI CHUNG 15.1.92 APCO : ” 3,500 3RD TSUEN WAN
48.SATISFACTORY PRINTING & DYEING FTY LTD- YIP SHING ST, KWAI CHUNG 23.1.92 APCO : " 6,000 1ST TSUEN WAN
NOTE :
APCO : AIR POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE
NCO : NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE
DASO : DUMPING AT SEA ACT 1974 (OVERSEAS TERRITORIES) ORDER 1975
WPCO : WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE
OLPO : OZONE LAYER PROTECTION ORDINANCE
ON THE PROVISION OF NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE RELATING TO CARRYING OUT CONSTRUCTION WORK WITHOUT A VALID CONSTRUCTION NOISE PERMIT, ONE PERSON WAS PROSECUTED BY THE POLICE AND FINED $5,000.
/A SPOKESMAN .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 1992
19
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID IN CASE 17 THE COMPANY WAS A REPEATED OFFENDER AND WAS FINED THE MAXIMUM FINE OF $20,000 FOR NOT TAKING APPROPRIATE MEASURES TO ABATE THE DUST EMISSION FROM QUARRYING WORKS AS REQUIRED IN THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE CONCERNED SPECIFIED PROCESS LICENCE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
ENQUIRIES ON SPECIFIC CASES CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE FOLLOWING
PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICERS :
APCO, OLPO MR FRANKLIN CHUNG TEL. 810 2907
NCO DR ANDREW KWAN TEL. 810 2800
WPCO CASE 7 DR DANIEL LAU TEL. 755 2200
WPCO CASE 8, 16,
19, 31 AND 32 MR MURRAY LUO TEL. 835 1184
DASO MR MICHAEL NASH TEL. 755 3553
HOWEVER, ENQUIRIES ON GENERAL ISSUES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE DEPARTMENT’S PUBLIC RELATIONS SECTION.
--------0----------
WATER STORAGE FIGURE *****
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (TUESDAY) STOOD AT 46.3 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 271.615 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 146.772 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 25 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT ADVISED THE PUBLIC TO DO EVERYTHING THEY COULD TO CONSERVE WATER AND AVOID WASTAGE.
------0-------
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO GO OFF IN SHAM SHUI PO, MONG KOK
******
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO SHAM SHUI PO AND MONG KOK DISTRICTS WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 9 AM ON THURSDAY (APRIL 23) TO 9 AM THE NEXT DAY TO FACILITATE MAINTENANCE WORK ON WATER MAINS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES IN LAI CHI KOK, SHAM SHUI PO, TAI KOK TSUI, MONG KOK, SHEK KIP MEI, YAU YAT TSUEN, TAI HANG TUNG, TAI WO PING, CHEUNG SHA WAN, SO UK, BEACON HEIGHTS AND A SECTION OF LUNG CHEUNG ROAD BETWEEN NAM CHEONG STREET AND LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD.
------0--------
/20 .....
TUESDAY, APRIL. 21, 1992
- 20 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS
*****
TENDER DATE 21 APR 92 21 APR 92
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q217 Y289
AMOUNT APPLIED HKD 1,485 MN HKD 630 MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED HKD 500 MN HKD 200 MN
AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED 3.90 PCT 4.65 PCT
HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED 3.92 PCT 4.68 PCT
PRO RATA RATIO 75 PCT 64 PCT
AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 3.96 PCT 4.74 PCT
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
TENDER TO BE HELD IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 27 APRIL 1992 -
TENDER DATE 28 APR 92 28 APR 92
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q218 H263
ISSUE DATE 29 APR 92 29 APR 92
MATURITY DATE 29 JULY 92 28 OCT 92
TENOR 91 DAYS 182 DAYS
AMOUNT ON OFFER HK$500 + 100 MN HK$200 + 60 MN
--------0-----------
/21 .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 1992
- 21 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 16.4.92 700
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 21.4.92 NEUTRAL
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING NEUTRAL
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON + 500 ♦
* O/N ASSISTANCE TO BE REVERSED ON 22.4.92
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 113.2 *+0.2» 21.4.92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.87 PCT 19 MONTHS 2311 6.25 101.53 5.29
1 MONTH 3.84 PCT 22 MONTHS 2402 5.50 99.72 5.74
3 MONTHS 3.84 PCT
6 MONTHS 3.95 PCT
12 MONTHS 4.62 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 3,864 MN
CLOSED 21 APRIL 1992
---------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR LEAVES FOR UK VISIT ON SATURDAY .......................... 1
JAPAN/HK PARLIAMENTARIAN LEAGUE TO VISIT HK ....................... 1
TRADERS TOLD OF CHINA'S ORIGIN-CERTIFICATION REGULATIONS .......... 2
EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT OF STANDING COMMITTEE ON CCMPANY LAW REFORM .. 3
THREE LOTS IN NEW TERRITORIES TO LET BY TENDER .................... 6
MARINE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR TIN HAU FESTIVAL................... 7
CLOSURE OF POST OFFICE............................................. 8
FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME ........................ 9
FC MEETING ON FRIDAY .............................................. 9
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ........ 10
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 1992
1
GOVERNOR LEAVES FOR UK VISIT ON SATURDAY
*****
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN TONIGHT (WEDNESDAY) CONFIRMED THAT THE GOVERNOR, LORD WILSON, WILL VISIT THE UK FROM APRIL 26 TO 30.
DURING HIS VISIT, THE GOVERNOR WILL CALL ON THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, MR DOUGLAS HURD, AND THE NEW MINISTER OF STATE WITH SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR HONG KONG, MR ALASTAIR GOODLAD. HE WILL ALSO HAVE MEETINGS WITH THE SENIOR FCO OFFICIALS DEALING WITH HONG KONG AFFAIRS.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE GOVERNOR’S VISIT WAS ONE OF HIS REGULAR VISITS TO LONDON TO DISCUSS HONG KONG ISSUES WITH MINISTERS AND OFFICIALS. THE VISIT HAD BEEN PLANNED FOR SOME TIME BUT THE PRECISE TIMING COULD NOT BE CONFIRMED UNTIL AFTER THE UK GENERAL ELECTION. THE GOVERNOR LAST VISITED LONDON IN JANUARY.
- - 0 - -
JAPAN/HK PARLIAMENTARIAN LEAGUE TO VISIT HK
******
A 16-MEMBER DELEGATION OF THE JAPAN/HK PARLIAMENTARIAN LEAGUE, HEADED BY JAPAN’S FINANCE MINISTER, MR TSUTOMU HATA, WILL VISIT HONG KONG EARLY NEXT MONTH.
WHILE IN HONG KONG, MR HATA AND THE DELEGATES WILL BE MEETING SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND NON-OFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS.
MR HATA WILL ALSO ATTEND THE 25TH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK FROM MAY 4 TO 6.
PRINCIPAL REPRESENTATIVE OF HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE (TOKYO), MR DAVID LAN, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY): "AS FAR AS I RECALL, THIS WILL BE THE FIRST VISIT TO HONG KONG BY A JAPANESE FINANCE MINISTER LEADING SUCH A LARGE GROUP OF PARLIAMENTARIANS.
"JAPAN AND HONG KONG ARE ALREADY CLOSE TRADING PARTNERS AS THE TERRITORY IS JAPAN’S FIFTH LARGEST EXPORT MARKET, TAKING UP 5.2 PER CENT (US$16 BILLION) OF ITS TOTAL EXPORTS IN 1991.
"ON THE OTHER HAND, HONG KONG IS AN IMPORTANT OVERSEAS INVESTMENT DESTINATION FOR JAPAN, ACCOUNTING FOR ABOUT 21 PER CENT OF ITS TOTAL INVESTMENT IN ASIA. AS AT TODAY, IT IS THE NUMBER ONE OVERSEAS INVESTOR (31.5 PER CENT SHARE) IN SO FAR AS INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG IS CONCERNED," MR LAN SAID.
"THE VISIT SIGNIFIES THE GREAT IMPORTANCE THAT JAPAN ATTACHES TO HONG KONG, AND THE FURTHER STRENGTHENING OF TIES BETWEEN THE TWO AREAS AT A SENIOR LEVEL," MR LAN ADDED.
/THE JAPAN
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 1992
2
THE JAPAN/HONG KONG PARLIAMENTARIAN LEAGUE WAS OFFICIALLY FORMED EARLY THIS MONTH, AFTER MORE THAN A YEAR OF PLANNING.
THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY HELD ON APRIL 3 WAS WELL ATTENDED BY JAPANESE DIET MEMBERS FROM FOUR POLITICAL PARTIES. MR HATA WAS UNANIMOUSLY ELECTED CHAIRMAN OF THE LEAGUE.
SO FAR, A TOTAL OF 79 MEMBERS HAVE SIGNED UP TO JOIN THE LEAGUE.
’’THE RESPONSE IS MOST ENCOURAGING. IT REFLECTS THE KEEN INTEREST OF JAPANESE PARLIAMENTARIANS IN HONG KONG, AND THEIR CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE OF THE TERRITORY,” MR LAN SAID.
MR LAN HOSTED A RECEPTION TO SEND OFF THE TEAM AT CAPITOL TOKYU HOT'EL YESTERDAY (TUESDAY). IT WAS ATTENDED BY MR HATA AND SOME 40 PARLIAMENTARIANS.
OTHER GUESTS INVITED INCLUDED JAPANESE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, FOREIGN MISSION REPRESENTATIVES, JAPANESE BANKERS AND OTHER GUESTS.
------0-------
TRADERS TOLD OF CHINA’S ORIGIN-CERTIFICATION REGULATIONS
******
THE TRADE DEPARTMENT CONFIRMED THAT IT HAS BEEN GIVEN DETAILS OF CHINA’S NEW ORIGIN-CERTIFICATION REGULATIONS WHICH WILL TAKE EFFECT ON MAY 1 THIS YEAR.
THE DETAILS, PROMULGATED IN CHINA BY TWO MINISTRY OF FOREIGN ECONOMIC RELATIONS AND TRADE (MOFERT) ORDERS, WERE RELEASED IN A CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN CIRCULAR ISSUED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE CHINESE NEW REGULATIONS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ITS CERTIFICATION OF ORIGIN SYSTEM AND A LIST OF THE PRINCIPAL
MANUFACTURING PROCESS APPLICABLE TO CERTAIN PRODUCTS CONTAINING
IMPORTED PARTS OR MATERIALS ARE ANNEXED TO THE CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN CIRCULAR. i
ALL SUBSCRIBERS TO THE CIRCULAR SHOULD RECEIVE A COPY SHORTLY.
"AS THE NEW REGULATIONS WILL BE OF INTEREST TO HONG KONG EXPORTERS AND MANUFACTURERS, FREE COPIES OF THE TEXT OF THE NEW REGULATIONS, PUBLISHED IN CHINESE ONLY, ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION ALSO BY NON-SUBSCRIBERS FROM THE CERTIFICATION BRANCH OF THIS DEPARTMENT," A TRADE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE MAIN ITEMS ON THE LIST INCLUDE CHEMICALS, TEXTILES AND GARMENT, SHOES AND HATS, ELECTRONIC AND ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS, WATCHES AND TOYS.
/THE PRINCIPLE .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 1992
3
THE PRINCIPLE ADOPTED IN THE CHINESE ORIGIN RULES IS THE SUBSTANTIAL TRANSFORMATION CRITERION. THE LIST OF ORIGIN-CONFERRING MANUFACTURING PROCESSES IS BASED PRIMARILY ON THE ’’QUALIFYING PRINCIPAL MANUFACTURING PROCESS” APPROACH.
"IN GENERAL, THE PRINCIPAL PROCESSES REQUIRED TO BE PERFORMED IN ORDER TO QUALIFY THE PRODUCTS CONCERNED FOR CHINESE ORIGIN ARE SIMILAR TO THE CORRESPONDING ONES IN THE LIST ADOPTED IN THE HONG KONG SYSTEM,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE CHINESE RULES ALSO REQUIRE IN RESPECT OF ABOUT 34 PRODUCT GROUPS THAT THE COST OF IMPORTED PARTS AND MATERIALS SHOULD NOT EXCEED 75 PER CENT OF THE EX-FACTORY PRICE OF THE FINISHED PRODUCT, THUS ENSURING A 25 PER CENT LOCAL CONTENT.
--------0-----------
EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT OF STANDING COMMITTEE ON COMPANY LAW REFORM
*****
THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON COMPANY LAW REFORM HAS SUBMITTED ITS ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1991 TO THE GOVERNMENT.
"AMONG THE SUBJECTS CONSIDERED BY THE STANDING COMMITTEE WAS THE PROPOSED NEW CENTRAL CLEARING AND SETTLEMENT SYSTEM, WHICH IS CONSIDERED BY THE SECURITIES INDUSTRY TO BE REQUIRED URGENTLY IF HONG KONG IS TO MAINTAIN ITS POSITION AS A MAJOR INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE,” A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
UNDER THE PROPOSAL, ALL THE SHARES IN THE CLEARING SYSTEM WOULD BE REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SYSTEM’S ’COMMON NOMINEE’.
THE SPECIFIC PROPOSALS CONSIDERED BY THE STANDING COMMITTEE INCLUDED AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION 115 OF THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE, WHICH WOULD ALLOW THE RECOGNISED CLEARING HOUSE OR ITS NOMINEE TO AUTHORISE ONE OR MORE CORPORATE REPRESENTATIVES, WHO WOULD IN PRACTICE BE THE BENEFICIAL OWNERS OR CONTROLLERS OF THE SHARES IN THE SYSTEM, TO ATTEND AND VOTE THE SHARES AT THE GENERAL MEETINGS OF THE LISTED COMPANIES CONCERNED.
"THE STANDING COMMITTEE EXPRESSED CONCERN THAT PROPER STEPS SHOULD BE TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT, IN PRACTICE, THIS POWER TO APPOINT REPRESENTATIVES WOULD BE EXERCISED FAIRLY AND EFFICIENTLY,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
’’THE STANDING COMMITTEE THOUGHT IT ESSENTIAL FOR THE PROPER GOVERNANCE OF LISTED COMPANIES THAT THE BENEFICIAL OWNERS OR CONTROLLERS OF THE SHARES IN THE SYSTEM SHOULD BE ABLE TO ATTEND AND VOTE AT GENERAL MEETINGS OF THE COMPANIES CONCERNED,” HE SAID.
"THE PACKAGE OF PROPOSED AMENDMENTS WAS INCORPORATED INTO THE SECURITIES (CLEARING HOUSES) BILL 1992.”
IN THE UK, ’DORMANT COMPANIES’, WHICH ARE DEFINED AS COMPANIES WITHOUT SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING TRANSACTIONS, ARE NOT REQUIRED TO AUDIT THEIR ACCOUNTS.
/"FOLLOWING A .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 1992
4
"FOLLOWING A PROPOSAL BY THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, THE STANDING COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED THAT DORMANT COMPANIES IN HONG KONG SHOULD BE EXEMPTED FROM CERTAIN ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THESE REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE KEEPING AND AUDITING ACCOUNTS, HOLDING AN ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING, FILING ANNUAL AND OTHER RETURNS.
"THESE WERE NOT CONSIDERED TO BE USEFUL REQUIREMENTS AS APPLIED TO DORMANT COMPANIES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"DORMANT COMPANIES WOULD, HOWEVER, STILL NEED TO COMPLY WITH OTHER STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS THAT WERE IMPORTANT FOR THE PROTECTION OF PRE-EXISTING CREDITORS," HE SAID.
THE STANDING COMMITTEE ALSO CONSIDERED A PROPOSAL BY THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION (SFC) TO BAN THE USE OF PROXIES AT THE MEETINGS OF THE STOCK EXCHANGE OF HONG KONG LTD FOR THE ELECTION OF COUNCIL MEMBERS.
"IT WAS THOUGHT THAT THE USE OF PROXIES DID NOT ENSURE THAT THE PRINCIPAL PARTICIPANTS IN THE STOCK MARKET WERE REPRESENTED ON THE COUNCIL IN A FAIR AND BALANCED MANNER," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"INSTEAD OF PROPOSING AN OUTRIGHT BAN ON THE USE OF PROXIES, THE STANDING COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED THAT SECTIONS 114C AND 115 OF THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE SHOULD BE AMENDED.
"THE AMENDMENTS PROVIDE THAT A MEMBER OF THE STOCK EXCHANGE SHOULD ONLY BE ALLOWED TO APPOINT A PROXY UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, THAT THE PROXY SHOULD BE BOTH A DIRECTOR, PARTNER OR EMPLOYEE OF THE MEMBER AND BE REGISTERED WITH THE SFC UNDER PART VI OF THE SECURITIES ORDINANCE, AND THAT NO PERSON SHOULD ACT AS PROXY FOR MORE THAN ONE MEMBER.
"A SUBSTANTIALLY AMENDED VERSION OF THESE RECOMMENDATIONS WAS INCORPORATED IN THE STOCK EXCHANGE UNIFICATION (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1991 ," HE SAID.
THE STANDING COMMITTEE’S RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING THE ENACTMENT OF LEGISLATION TO ENABLE COMPANIES TO PURCHASE THEIR OWN SHARES WERE EMBODIED IN THE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1991.
THE BILL ALSO INCLUDED PROVISIONS DEFINING "DISTRIBUTABLE PROFITS" AND PROHIBITING THE GIVING OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE BY A . COMPANY FOR THE PURCHASE OF ITS OWN SHARES.
THE BILL WAS SUBSEQUENTLY REVISED, ON THE FURTHER RECOMMENDATION OF THE COMMITTEE, TO GIVE A POWER TO THE SFC TO GRANT EXEMPTIONS FROM THE PROVISIONS RELATING TO AUTHORISATION OF REPURCHASES BY LISTED COMPANIES.
"THE LEGISLATION WAS ENACTED AS THE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE IN JULY 1991," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SECURITIES (DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS) ORDINANCE, ENACTED IN JULY 1988, APPLIED ONLY TO COMPANIES INCORPORATED IN HONG KONG.
/"IN FEBRUARY .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 1992
5 -
"IN FEBRUARY 1991, THE STANDING COMMITTEE CONSIDERED A PROPOSAL TO EXTEND THE ORDINANCE TO COVER OVERSEAS COMPANIES LISTED ON THE HONG KONG STOCK EXCHANGE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE PROPOSAL ALSO INVOLVED THE REPEAL OF MOST OF THE SANCTIONS THAT COULD BE IMPOSED BY 'FREEZING ORDERS’.
IT WAS CONSIDERED THAT IF THE SANCTIONS COULD NOT BE ENFORCED AGAINST OVERSEAS COMPANIES, THEY SHOULD NOT BE ENFORCED AGAINST LOCAL COMPANIES EITHER.
"MEMBERS AGREED THAT THE PRIMARY AIM SHOULD BE TO MAINTAIN A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD FOR ALL LISTED COMPANIES, WHETHER INCORPORATED LOCALLY OR OVERSEAS, AND THEY THEREFORE RECOMMENDED THAT THE ORDINANCE SHOULD BE AMENDED ACCORDINGLY," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE AMENDMENTS WERE INCLUDED IN THE SECURITIES (DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS) (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1991.
THE SECURITIES (DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS) ORDINANCE, AS AMENDED, WAS BROUGHT INTO OPERATION ON SEPTEMBER 1, 1991 TOGETHER WITH THE SECURITIES (INSIDER DEALING) ORDINANCE AND COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1991.
"AT THE REQUEST OF THE STOCK EXCHANGE, THE STANDING COMMITTEE ALSO CONSIDERED A DOCUMENT DEALING WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF GIVING A NEW ’TRADING LISTING STATUS’ TO COMPANIES THAT SOUGHT TO MOVE THEIR LEAD REGULATION OVERSEAS WHILE THE MAJORITY OF THEIR SHAREHOLDERS AND TRADING REMAINED IN HONG KONG,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
AFTER CAREFUL CONSIDERATION, THE STANDING COMMITTEE CONCLUDED THAT THERE WAS NO OBJECTION IN PRINCIPLE TO THE PROPOSED NEW LISTING STATUS PROVIDED THAT THE HONG KONG REGULATORS COULD BE SATISFIED ON A NUMBER OF SPECIFIED CONDITIONS.
"IT WAS HOWEVER EMPHASISED THAT THE DECISION IN RESPECT OF ANY PARTICULAR APPLICATION WOULD DEPEND VERY MUCH ON THE OVERALL CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE CASE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE STANDING COMMITTEE ALSO ENDORSED THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF A SUB-COMMITTEE TO INCORPORATE INTO PART III OF THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE PROVISIONS WHICH WERE SIMILAR TO THE NEW LEGISLATION ON REGISTRATION OF CHARGES INTRODUCED BY THE U.K. COMPANIES ACT 1989 (BUT NOT YET BROUGHT INTO OPERATION), SUBJECT TO CERTAIN NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO SUIT THE PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES OF HONG KONG.
UNDER SECTION 109 (1) OF THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE, COMPANIES ARE REQUIRED TO FILE A COPY OF THEIR ANNUAL RETURNS WITH THE REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES WITHIN 42 DAYS OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING.
"SINCE MOST COMPANIES TEND TO HOLD THEIR ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS AROUND THE END OF THE CALENDAR YEAR, THIS LEADS TO A SUDDEN INFLUX OF ANNUAL RETURNS DURING JANUARY AND FEBRUARY, CAUSING SERIOUS OPERATIONAL PROBLEMS FOR THE COMPANIES REGISTRY AND INCONVENIENCE FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC USING IT," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/"IN ORDER .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 1992
6
"IN ORDER TO ENSURE A MORE EVEN FLOW OF ANNUAL RETURNS, THE STANDING COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED THAT SECTION 109 SHOULD BE AMENDED TO REQUIRE EVERY PRIVATE COMPANY TO FILE ITS ANNUAL RETURN WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE DATE OF ITS INCORPORATION," HE SAID.
SECTION 157E AND 157F OF THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE CONTAIN PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE DISQUALIFICATION OF COMPANY DIRECTORS.
HOWEVER, NO APPLICATION FOR DISQUALIFICATION HAS BEEN MADE SINCE THE INTRODUCTION OF THESE SECTIONS IN 1984.
"AFTER CONSULTATION WITH RELEVANT ORGANISATIONS, THE STANDING COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED THAT THESE SECTIONS SHOULD BE REPEALED AND REPLACED BY NEW LEGISLATION BASED ON THE U.K. COMPANY DISQUALIFICATION ACT 1986. THE PROVISIONS OF WHICH ARE CONSIDERABLY WIDER IN SCOPE AND INTRODUCED NEW GROUNDS FOR APPLICATIONS TO THE COURT FOR A DISQUALIFICATION ORDER," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"CERTAIN OTHER ISSUES EXAMINED BY THE STANDING COMMITTEE DURING THE COURSE OF THE YEAR ARE STILL UNDER CONSIDERATION," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN ADVISED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO OBTAIN A COPY OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE’S REPORT TO WRITE TO THE SECRETARY TO THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON COMPANY LAW REFORM, REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT, COMMERCIAL DIVISION, 12TH FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.
"MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO ARE INTERESTED IN THE SUBJECTS COVERED BY THE COMMITTEE’S REPORT ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT THEIR COMMENTS IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, 1802 ADMIRALTY CENTRE, TOWER I, 18 HARCOURT ROAD, HONG KONG NO LATER THAN JUNE 22, 1992," HE ADDED.
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THREE LOTS IN NEW TERRITORIES TO LET BY TENDER
******
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT-TERM TENANCIES ON THREE PIECES OF GOVERNMENT LAND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE FIRST SITE, AT MA ON SHAN ROAD, AREA 92, MA ON SHAN, SHA TIN, HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 1.15 HECTARES.
IT IS INTENDED FOR A FEE-PAYING PUBLIC VEHICLE PARK FOR PRIVATE CARS, LIGHT VANS, LORRIES, BUSES AND TRACTORS LICENSED UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE (EXCLUDING CONTAINERS AND TRAILERS).
THE TENANCY IS FOR 21 MONTHS AND QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
THE SECOND SITE, AT AREA 39, TUEN MUN, HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 3,000 SQUARE METRES.
/IT IS
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 1992
7
IT IS DESIGNATED FOR A FEE-PAYING PUBLIC VEHICLE PARK FOR PRIVATE CARS AND LIGHT VANS LICENSED UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE (EXCLUDING CONTAINER TRACTORS AND TRAILERS, MEDIUM AND HEAVY GOODS VEHICLES).
THE TENANCY IS FOR ONE YEAR AND QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
THE REMAINING SITE IS AT WING YIP STREET, KWAI CHUNG.
IT HAS AN AREA OF 4,725 SQUARE METRES AND IS INTENDED FOR A FEE-PAYING PUBLIC CARPARK FOR GOODS VEHICLES, CONTAINER TRACTORS AND TRAILERS.
THE TENANCY IS FOR THREE YEARS AND QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
TENDERS WILL CLOSE AT NOON ON MAY 8.
FORMS OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICES AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND TENDER PLANS OF THE SITES INSPECTED AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; THE KOWLOON DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES, 1OTH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON; AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES IN THE RESPECTIVE DISTRICTS.
ADDRESSES OF THE THREE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES ARE:
SHA TIN: 2 TUNG LO WAN HILL ROAD, SHA TIN.
TUEN MUN: TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES, SIXTH FLOOR, 1 TUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN. J KWAI TSING: TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 10TH AND 11TH FLOORS, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN.
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MARINE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR TIN HAU FESTIVAL
******
SPECIAL MARINE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WOULD BE IMPLEMENTED ON SATURDAY (APRIL 25) TO FACILITATE WORSHIPPERS GOING TO TIN HAU TEMPLE AT JOSS HOUSE BAY TO CELEBRATE THE TIN HAU FESTIVAL.
SENIOR MARINE OFFICER (EAST REGION), MR KHIN HLA, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR EMBARKATION AND DISEMBARKATION WOULD BE MADE AT THE PIER ON THE EASTERN SIDE OF THE BAY.
OFFICERS FROM THE MARINE DEPARTMENT AND MARINE POLICE WILL BE ON SPECIAL PATROL TO HELP OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF LOCAL CRAFT FERRYING WORSHIPPERS.
/MR HLA ........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 1992
8
MR HLA URGED ALL OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF LOCAL CRAFT HEADING FOR THE BAY TO PAY PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO MARINE SAFETY AND NOT TO OVERLOAD THEIR VESSELS.
"THEY SHOULD EXERCISE SELF-DISCIPLINE AND BE CONSIDERATE TO OTHER USERS," HE SAID.
WORSHIPPERS SHOULD ALSO TAKE CARE WHEN BOARDING AND ALIGHTING FROM VESSELS.
SPECIAL HONG KONG AND YAU MA TEI COMPANY FERRIES WOULD OPERATE BETWEEN JOSS HOUSE BAY AND NORTH POINT ON FRIDAY (APRIL 24) AND SATURDAY (APRIL 25).
MR HLA ALSO ADVISED MASTERS OF OCEAN-GOING SHIPS NAVIGATING THROUGH TATHONG CHANNEL ON SATURDAY TO PROCEED WITH CAUTION AS MANY LOCAL CRAFT ARE EXPECTED TO SAIL THROUGH LEI YUE MUN TO THE BAY.
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CLOSURE OF POST OFFICE * * * ♦ ♦
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR DOMINIC S.W. WONG, ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE TUEN MUN SAN HUI POST OFFICE, AT 131 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, WILL BE CLOSED AFTER BUSINESS ON APRIL 30 OWING TO SITE REDEVELOPMENT.
CUSTOMERS WHO CONDUCT POSTAL BUSINESS AT THAT POST OFFICE SHOULD USE THE FACILITIES AT EITHER THE TUEN MUN CENTRAL POST OFFICE, ON THE PODIUM LEVEL OF THE LIBRARY AND POST OFFICE BUILDING AT 1 TUEN HI ROAD, OR THE TAI HING POST OFFICE, AT SHOP 63, COMMERCIAL COMPLEX, TAI HING ESTATE.
A SPECIAL HAND-BACK SERVICE WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE TUEN MUN SAN HUI POST OFFICE FOR LOCAL PHILATELISTS ON APRIL 30.
UNREGISTERED LAST-DAY COVERS PREPARED PRIVATELY BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, BEARING A LOCAL ADDRESS AND WITH FULL POSTAGE PREPAID, WILL BE ACCEPTED OVER THE COUNTER, IMPRESSED WITH THE NORMAL POST OFFICE DATESTAMP AND HANDED BACK TO THE PERSON PRESENTING THEM.
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/9.........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 1992
9
FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME *****
VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN WONG TAI SIN ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR FUNDS FROM THE DISTRICT’S SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE TO ORGANISE YOUTH ACTIVITIES THIS SUMMER.
"THE ANNUAL PROGRAMME AIMS AT ENCOURAGING LOCAL ORGANISATIONS TO HOLD RECREATIONAL, SPORTS AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES FOR PEOPLE AGED BETWEEN SIX AND 25, DURING THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS," A COMMITTEE. SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE SAID THE ACTIVITIES SHOULD FOCUS ON THE THEME OF THIS YEAR’S PROGRAMME - "SHARE THE FUN, SERVE THE COMMUNITY".
"IT IS HOPED THAT YOUNG PEOPLE WILL DEVELOP A SENSE OF COMMITMENT AND RESPONSIBILITY TO THE COMMUNITY AND SHARE THE FUN OF PARTICIPATION IN THE ACTIVITIES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
INTERESTED PARTIES SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS TO THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE’S SAN PO KONG SUB-OFFICE AT THE GROUND FLOOR OF SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, KING FUK STREET, BEFORE MAY 15.
"AS IN PREVIOUS YEARS, APPLICATIONS FROM AREA COMMITTEES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OWNERS CORPORATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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FC MEETING ON FRIDAY * * * » ♦
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE (FC) WILL HOLD A MEETING ON FRIDAY (APRIL 24) IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER. IT WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO OBSERVE THE COMMITTEE’S PROCEEDINGS FROM THE CHAMBER’S PUBLIC GALLERIES AND THEY MAY MAKE RESERVATIONS BY TELEPHONING 869 9492.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
FC PAPERS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR ADVANCE READING FROM 2.30 PM ON THURSDAY AT THE OMELCO INFORMATION UNIT. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CONTENT OF THE PAPERS WILL BE EMBARGOED FOR USE UNTIL AFTER THE FC MEETING.
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/10 ........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 1992
- 10 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 21.4.92 1,200
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 22.4.92 -913 *
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING +413
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
♦ O/N ASSISTANCE TO BE REVERSED -500 MN
OTHER FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED -413 MN
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 113.2 *+0.0* 22.4.92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.09 PCT 19 MONTHS 2311 6.25 101.43 5.36
1 3 6 12 MONTH MONTHS MONTHS MONTHS 3.95 3.94 4.06 4.66 PCT PCT PCT PCT 22 MONTHS 2402 5.50 99.71 5.74
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 8,915 MN
CLOSED 22 APRIL 1992
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 1992
CC23TEIITS ’ PAGE HO*
LORD WILSON HOPES FOR ANKOUNCSCTT OF NEK GOVERNOR SOON ............... 1
NO DELAY TO CHEK LAP KCK PROJECT t CS ................................
GOVT STATEMENT OK ALTERNATIVE AIRPORT RAILWAY PROPOSAL ...............
GOVERNOR VISITS KWUN TONG............................................. 4
GOVT WELOOT-SS 1OOTH FLIGHT TO TAKE VIETS HOT'S....................... 5
AU TAU WATER TREATMENT T.ORKS CC:NNTSSTO:~D........................... 5
EK IMBUES KITH SHARING AND GIVING SPIRIT .............................
AERIAL ROPEWAYS (SAFETY) (AMENDMENT) RILL 1992........................ 7
MATCHING GRANT SCHEME STIMULATES BUSINESS SPONSORSHIP IN ARTS......... 8
EXHIBITION CN CONTAINER INDUSTRY .....................................
WHO MEETING ON CONTROL OF COIOTNICABLE DISEASES ......................
PUBLICATION ON 1991 HK EXTERNAL TRADE OK SALE......................... 11
HONG KONG GOVERNMETTT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .......... 13
THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 1992
1
LORD WILSON HOPES FOR ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEW GOVERNOR SOON * ♦ * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, LORD WILSON, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) HE HOPED THERE WOULD BE A DECISION BY THE PRIME MINISTER AND AN ANNOUNCEMENT SOON ON THE APPOINTMENT OF THE NEW GOVERNOR.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER VISITING KWUN TONG DISTRICT, LORD WILSON SAID HE KNEW THAT THE PRIME MINISTER WAS VERY ANXIOUS THAT THE DECISION SHOULD BE TAKEN SOON.
"THAT WAS ONE OF THE THINGS I DISCUSSED WITH HIM WHEN I WAS LAST IN LONDON, AND HE ASSURED ME THEN THAT IF HE WAS SUCCESSFUL IN THE ELECTIONS, AND HE HAS BEEN, THAT HE WOULD WANT TO MOVE ON TO THE DECISION ON WHO THE NEXT GOVERNOR SHOULD BE AS SOON AS HE COULD AFTER THE ELECTION," HE SAID.
"BUT ONCE THE APPOINTMENT IS MADE, IN ONE WAY OR ANOTHER, I WILL WISH TO GO AND TALK TO THE PERSON WHO IS APPOINTED TO SUCCEED ME," HE ADDED.
TURNING TO HIS FORTHCOMING VISIT TO LONDON, LORD WILSON SAID THIS WAS ONE OF HIS REGULAR VISITS. HE SAID HE WOULD BE TALKING ABOUT EVERYTHING THAT WAS HAPPENING IN HONG KONG AS WELL AS HIS RECENT VISIT TO GUANGDONG.
ASKED ABOUT THE SUGGESTION OF APPOINTING A DEPUTY GOVERNOR IN HONG KONG, LORD WILSON SAID THAT WAS SOMETHING THAT WOULD HAVE TO BE DECIDED BY HIS SUCCESSOR.
"THE QUESTION THAT CAME FORWARD AT ONE STAGE WAS THERE SHOULD BE A DEPUTY GOVERNOR WHO WOULD GO STRAIGHT THROUGH 1997; AND THAT, IF YOU COULD DO IT, THERE’S AN ARGUMENT FOR IT BUT FOR THE MOMENT THERE IS NO REASON TO BELIEVE THAT YOU COULD HAVE A DEPUTY GOVERNOR JUST GOING STRAIGHT THROUGH 1997," HE SAID.
LORD WILSON POINTED OUT THAT WHILE HE HAD NO RIGID VIEWS ON ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE, HE SAW A GREAT ADVANTAGE IN THE DIRECT WORKING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HIMSELF AND THE CIVIL SERVICE.
TURNING TO THE RECENT INCREASE IN ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION, THE GOVERNOR SAID THE POLICE HAD BEEN VERY ACTIVE IN THIS AREA SINCE TAKING OVER ALL THE RESPONSIBILITIES ON THE BORDER.
LORD WILSON SAID IT WAS CERTAINLY NOT THE CASE THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WAS DOING NOTHING ABOUT IT. "THE GOVERNMENT IS DETERMINED TO GO ON DEALING WITH THE PROBLEM OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION IN EVERY WAY WE CAN; AND IN PARTICULAR TO TRY TO MAKE IT AS DIFFICULT AS POSSIBLE FOR PEOPLE TO EMPLOY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS."
"THE BLAME MUST LIE, NOT JUST ON THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS THEMSELVES, BUT ON THE PEOPLE WHO KNOWINGLY EMPLOY SOMEBODY WHO IS AN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT. SO WE’RE TRYING TO DEAL WITH THE EMPLOYERS AS WELL AS WITH THOSE PEOPLE WHO ARE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS," HE SAID.
/asjcsd TC ........
THURSDAY, Arm 23, 1992
2
ASKED TO COMMENT ON RECENT ARMED ROBBERIES, LORD WILSON SAID EFFORTS MUST BE MADE TO TRY TO BUILD UP AND STRENGTHEN THE DIALOGUE WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES BECAUSE THIS WAS A PROBLEM WHICH COULD ONLY PROPERLY TACKLED TOGETHER.
"WE’VE GOT TO WORK ON CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES AND THEN MAKE SURE THAT CO-OPERATION IS MAINTAINED; THAT WE DON’T JUST HAVE A SUDDEN SPURT OF ACTIVITY TO DEAL WITH THE PROBLEM AND THEN EVERYBODY RELAX."
"WE’VE GOT CONSISTENT EFFORT TO DEAL WITH THE PROBLEM ON BOTH SIDES. I THINK WE ARE MAKING PROGRESS BUT WE’VE STILL GOT QUITE A LONG WAY TO GO YET," LORD WILSON SAID.
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NO DELAY TO CHEK LAP KOK PROJECT : CS *******
THE GOVERNMENT WILL NOT ALLOW THE CHEK LAP KOK PROJECT TO CAUSE ANY DELAY AND WILL MAKE SURE THAT THE RECLAMATION CONTRACT COMES AS CLOSE TO THE BUDGET AS POSSIBLE, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER VISITING THE REPLACEMENT AIRPORT SITE AT CHEK LAP KOK, SIR DAVID SAID : "WE ARE LOOKING NOW AT ALTERNATIVE WAYS OF MAKING SURE IT DOES COME WITHIN BUDGET BY EXTENDING THE TIME AND BY LOOKING FOR ALTERNATIVE SOURCES OF FILL. BUT NONE OF THAT WILL AFFECT THE COMPLETION DATE.
"WE ARE QUITE CONVINCED THAT WE CAN MAKE ADJUSTMENT AND STILL KEEP IT WITHIN THE TIME SCALE THAT WE ENVISAGE FOR THE PROJECT.”
ASKED ABOUT PUBLIC CRITICISM THAT BRITISH COMPANIES HAD BEEN FAVOURED WHEN GOVERNMENT AWARDED CONTRACTS, SIR DAVID SAID : "WE HAVE HEARD THAT CRITICISM, BUT WE DO NOT ACCEPT IT.
"WE HAVE A VERY STRONG TRADITION IN HONG KONG OF MAKING THE JUDGEMENTS TO THE INTEREST OF THE PROJECT AS A WHOLE, AND NOT FAVOURING ANY PARTICULAR COUNTRY. WE WILL CONTINUE TO DO JUST THAT.
"THE PEOPLE WHO WILL WIN CONTRACTS WILL BE THE PEOPLE WHO DO BEST, WHO CAN PRODUCE THE BEST WORK IN THE BEST TIME AND AT THE BEST PRICE. THE COUNTRY OF ORIGIN IS NOT A FACTOR THAT WE TAKE INTO ACCOUNT.
"IT HAS NEVER BEEN SO IN HONG KONG AND IT WILL NOT BE SO IN THE FUTURE EITHER."
ON THE TSING MA BRIDGE, SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT INTENDED THAT THE CONTRACT SHOULD BE AWARDED IN MAY AND IT WAS IN THE FINAL STAGE OF CONSIDERATION.
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/3.......
THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 1992
GOVT STATEMENT ON ALTERNATIVE AIRPORT RAILWAY PROPOSAL
******
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THE IDEA TO BUILD A SHORTENED RAILWAY LINE FROM CENTRAL TO TSING YI IN PLACE OF A FULL AIRPORT RAILWAY IS MOST UNDESIRABLE.
"FIRST, MOST OF THE AIRPORT RAILWAY REVENUE GENERATED BY THE AIRPORT EXPRESS LINE WILL BE LOST IF THE LINE TERMINATED AT TSING YI. FOR EXAMPLE, IT IS ESTIMATED THAT IN 2001, THE AIRPORT EXPRESS LINE WILL GENERATE ABOUT $600 MILLION AS AGAINST $400 MILLION RETURN FROM THE LANTAU LINE.
"SECONDLY, IT WOULD NOT SAVE MUCH BY TERMINATING THE LINE AT TSING YI BECAUSE A SIGNIFICANT PART OF THE COST WOULD GO TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE CROSS-HARBOUR RAILWAY TUNNEL, TUNNELING WORKS REQUIRED FOR THE WEST KOWLOON SECTION, STATIONS AT TSING YI, LAI KING, TAI KOK TSUI, WEST KOWLOON AND CENTRAL, PLUS THE BRIDGE ACROSS THE RAMBLER CHANNEL.
"THIRDLY, IT WOULD BE NECESSARY TO RESITE THE LAND-INTENSIVE RAILWAY DEPOT FROM TAI HO WAN IN NORTH LANTAU TO A LARGE AND VALUABLE SITE IN WEST KOWLOON, THUS REDUCING SUBSTANTIALLY THE GOVERNMENT’S REVENUE FROM LAND PREMIUM BY STERILISING A PRIME DEVELOPMENT SITE. IT WOULD ALSO CAUSE A GREAT DEAL OF NUISANCE AND INCONVENIENCE TO THE PUBLIC TO BUILD A RAILWAY DEPOT IN THE URBAN AREA.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO EMPHASISED THAT THE AIRPORT RAILWAY IS DESIGNED NOT ONLY TO SERVE THE NEW AIRPORT, BUT ALSO TO FACILITATE DEVELOPMENT AT NORTH LANTAU AND TO RELIEVE CONGESTION OF THE EXISTING TSUEN WAN LINE WHICH IS NOW OPERATING CLOSE TO ITS ACCEPTABLE LIMIT BEYOND WHICH SAFETY WILL BE COMPROMISED.
WITH REGARD TO ANOTHER IDEA THAT THE AIRPORT RAILWAY CAN BE REPLACED BY PUTTING MORE BUSES ON THE ROAD, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE IDEA IS HIGHLY UNDESIRABLE BECAUSE THE ADDITIONAL BUSES WOULD CAUSE MORE TRAFFIC CONGESTION AND AIR POLLUTION.
"IT IS WRONG TO ASSUME THAT BUS IS A TOTAL SUBSTITUTE OF THE RAILWAY BECAUSE WITHOUT THE AIRPORT RAILWAY, MANY MORE PEOPLE WOULD TRAVEL TO THE NEW AIRPORT BY TAXIS AND PRIVATE CARS. THIS WOULD FURTHER AGGRAVATE ROAD CONGESTION.
"MOREOVER, TO OPERATE A LARGE NUMBER OF BUS ROUTES INVOLVING MANY BUS STATIONS IN THE URBAN AREA WOULD NOT BE A PRACTICABLE IDEA," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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/4
THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 1992
4
GOVERNOR VISITS KWUN TONG
******
THE GOVERNOR, LORD WILSON, THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON VISITED KWUN TONG TO SEE THE HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES THERE.
LORD WILSON FIRST VISITED THE LAM TIN POLYCLINIC, ONE OF THE SIX INSTITUTIONS UNDER THE RECENTLY INTRODUCED PILOT DISTRICT HEALTH SYSTEM IN KWUN TONG.
HE WAS MET BY THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, DR S.H. LEE, AND WAS BRIEFED ON THE OPERATION OF THE SCHEME UNDER WHICH HONG KONG WOULD BE DIVIDED INTO A NUMBER OF PRIMARY HEALTH CARE DISTRICTS.
THERE WOULD BE A NETWORK OF CLINICS IN EACH DISTRICT PROVIDING A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF PREVENTIVE, PROMOTIVE, CURATIVE AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES.
THE OBJECT OF THE SCHEME IS TO PROVIDE SERVICES MOST RELEVANT TO THE NEEDS OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY BY INVOLVING HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS IN BOTH THE PUBLIC AND THE PRIVATE SECTORS AS WELL AS REPRESENTATIVES OF THE COMMUNITY.
LORD WILSON THEN VISITED THE FAMILY HEALTH SERVICE, THE SCHOOL DENTAL CLINIC AND THE GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINIC BEFORE LEAVING FOR THE LOK WAH NORTH ESTATE.
AT LOK WAH, THE GOVERNOR WALKED AROUND THE MARKET AND VISITED THE PO LEUNG KUK LOK WAH SMALL GROUP HOME FOR CHILDREN FROM PROBLEM FAMILIES.
”IT IS ENCOURAGING TO SEE HOW PEOPLE WITH PROBLEMS CAN RECEIVE HELP THROUGH A SYSTEM INVOLVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITY, THE GOVERNMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES,” LORD WILSON SAID.
’’THIS DEMONSTRATES GOOD COMMUNITY SPIRIT AS WELL AS THE DETERMINATION OF THE GOVERNMENT, WORKING TOGETHER WITH VOLUNTARY AGENCIES; TO LOOK AFTER THE HEALTH AND WELFARE OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG,” HE SAID.
AT THE END OF THE VISIT, THE GOVERNOR MET KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND LOCAL COMMUNITY LEADERS AT A TEA RECEPTION IN THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE.
LORD WILSON WAS ACCOMPANIED ON THE VISIT BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR PAUL WONG; KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WONG HON-HO, AND KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR LAM HANG-FAI.
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THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 1992
5
GOVT WELCOMES 100TH FLIGHT TO TAKE VIETS HOME ******
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) WELCOMED THE 100TH FLIGHT ORGANISED BY THE UNHCR UNDER ITS VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME FOR VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS.
’’THIS IS A MAJOR LANDMARK IN THE VOLUNTARY PROGRAMME,” THE REFUGEE CO-ORDINATOR, MR CLINTON LEEKS, SAID.
’’OVER 17,000 PEOPLE HAVE NOW GONE HOME SAFELY TO VIETNAM FROM HONG KONG. WHEN COMBINED WITH THE 6,000 WHO HAVE GONE BACK FROM ELSEWHERE IN THE REGION, THIS MEANS THAT OVER 23,000 PEOPLE ARE NOW BACK HOME WITH GUARANTEES, INTERNATIONAL MONITORING AND ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE,” HE SAID.
”IT IS ALSO SIGNIFICANT THAT THIS 100TH FLIGHT IS TO HO CHI MINH CITY. THE SCHEME INITIALLY OPERATED TO HANOI ONLY, BUT SINCE THE START OF THIS YEAR WE HAVE HAD FIVE FLIGHTS DIRECT TO THE SOUTH. THIS MEANS THAT WE NOW HAVE ARRANGEMENTS IN PLACE TO RETURN SOUTHERN AS WELL AS NORTHERN VIETNAMESE DIRECT TO THEIR OWN HOMES," HE ADDED.
TODAY’S GROUP OF 126 COMPRISES 44 MEN, 33 WOMEN, 29 BOYS AND 20 GIRLS.
THE GROUP BROUGHT TO 3,487 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAVE RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 17,466 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN MARCH 1989.
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AU TAU WATER TREATMENT WORKS COMMISSIONED ******
THE INCEPTION OF THE AU TAU TREATMENT WORKS HAS MARKED A NOTABLE STEP FORWARD IN THE GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS TO MEET THE GROWING NEEDS OF WATER SUPPLY FOR COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE WESTERN NEW TERRITORIES.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, MR WONG KWOK-LAI, AT THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF THE STAGE I WORKS OF THE TREATMENT PLANT IN YUEN LONG.
"THE FAST PACE OF DEVELOPMENT IN RECENT YEARS HAS TRANSFORMED THE ONCE RURAL AREAS OF YUEN LONG AND TUEN MUN DISTRICTS INTO VIBRANT PLACES TO LIVE AND WORK AND HAS RESULTED IN A STEADY INCREASE IN THE DEMAND FOR TREATED WATER," MR WONG SAID.
IT IS ENVISAGED THAT THE TUEN MUN TREATMENT WORKS AND THE YUEN LONG TREATMENT WORKS, THE CURRENT SOURCES OF SUPPLY FOR THE DISTRICT, WILL REACH THEIR DESIGNED CAPACITIES IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
/’’TIT
THURSDAY, ATRTL 23, 1992
6
"IN ORDER TO MEET THE CHALLENGE OF PROVIDING WATER TO A RAPIDLY DEVELOPING AREA, THE DEPARTMENT HAS UNDERTAKEN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AU TAU TREATMENT WORKS PROJECT," MR WONG SAID.
THE STAGE I WORKS, VALUED AT $425 MILLION, HAVE A DAILY CAPACITY OF 110,000 CUBIC METRES.
FOR 10 MONTHS OF EACH YEAR, THE SOURCE OF RAW WATER FOR THE TREATMENT PLANT WILL BE COMING FROM CHINA VIA THE MUK WU PUMPING STATION, WITH THE REMAINING SHUT-DOWN PERIOD, FROM THE PLOVER COVE RESERVOIR.
THE PROJECT INVOLVES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A TREATMENT WORKS, A PRIMARY SERVICE RESERVOIR WITH AN INITIAL CAPACITY OF 30,000 CUBIC METRES, AN ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO THE RESERVOIR PLATFORM, A TRIPLET-CELL CULVERT AND WATER MAINS RANGING IN DIAMETER FROM 600 TO 1,200 MILLIMETRES.
STAGE II OF THE PROJECT SCHEDULED TO BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF 1994 WILL EXTEND THE DAILY CAPACITY OF THE TREATMENT PLANT TO 330,000 CUBIC METRES.
THE CAPACITY OF THE SERVICE RESERVOIR WILL ALSO BE INCREASED TO 102,000 CUBIC METRES.
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HK IMBUES WITH SHARING AND GIVING SPIRIT
******
HONG KONG IS A CARING AND SERVING COMMUNITY WHERE PEOPLE ARE MOTIVATED BY A SPIRIT OF SHARING AND GIVING, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE HONG KONG RED CROSS BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE ANNUAL AWARD CEREMONY, SIR DAVID SAID THIS WAS DESPITE HONG KONG WAS OFTEN DESCRIBED AS A HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL CAPITALIST SOCIETY AND A TOUGH BUSINESS ORIENTATED PLACE WHERE MATERIALISM WAS RIPE.
HE SAID OPPORTUNITIES FOR VOLUNTEER SERVICE WERE VARIED AND EXCITING.
"AND ARE OF COURSE MUCH APPRECIATED," HE ADDED.
THE SERVICE IS NOT SIMPLY DONATING MONEY TO HELP THE POOR OR GIVING ESSENTIAL ASSISTANCE IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS. IT HAS MANY FACETS.
FOR EXAMPLE, IT PROVIDES DIRECT SERVICES TO VARIOUS GROUPS, VISITS SICK CHILDREN IN HOSPITALS AND ELDERLY PERSONS IN HOMES FOR THE AGED AND REACHES OUT TO PERSONS WHO ARE LONELY AND DESPERATE.
PROM
THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 1992
APART FROM TAKING PART IN SOCIAL SERVICES PROGRAMMES, THERE ARE ALSO MANY "VOLUNTEERS" SITTING ON THE BOARDS OF CHARITABLE, NON-PROFIT MAKING ORGANISATIONS, HELPING THE FULL-TIME PROFESSIONALS TO RUN PROJECTS THAT BENEFIT THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE.
HE SAID WHAT THESE PEOPLE WERE IN COMMON WAS THAT ALL OF THEM WERE WILLING TO GIVE SOMETHING OF THEMSELVES FREELY TO SERVE OTHERS AND TO BUILD A BETTER COMMUNITY.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID THE THING THAT IMPRESSED HIM MOST TODAY WAS THE NUMBER OF AWARD DONORS - ALL OF WHOM HAD GIVEN BLOOD AT LEAST 25 TIMES AND SEVERAL HAD DONATED BLOOD 75 TIMES AND OVER.
'"THE FACT THAT OTHER PEOPLES’ LIVES ARE SAVED IS THE GREATEST REWARD AND SATISFACTION OF BEING A BLOOD DONOR,” SIR DAVID SAID.
"I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT MORE ARE GOING TO SHARE THIS SATISFACTION AND MANY MORE AWARDS ARE GOING TO BE GIVEN IN THE YEARS AHEAD," HE ADDED.
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AERIAL ROPEWAYS (SAFETY) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992 *****
THE GOVERNMENT WILL TOMORROW (FRIDAY) GAZETTE THE AERIAL ROPEWAYS (SAFETY) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992.
IT PROPOSES TO SUBSTITUTE THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS FOR THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AS THE AUTHORITY FOR APPROVING PLANS, DESIGN, MAINTENANCE STANDARDS AND APPLICATION FORMS RELATING TO THE CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF AERIAL ROPEWAYS.
THE PROPOSAL WOULD RELIEVE THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL OF THE BURDEN OF DEALING WITH ROUTINE AND MINOR BUSINESS, AND ALLOW SUCH MATTERS TO BE DEALT WITH MORE EFFICIENTLY IN THE ADMINISTRATION.
THE GOVERNOR MENTIONED IN HIS POLICY ADDRESS LAST OCTOBER OF THE NEED TO STREAMLINE THE PROCEDURES OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND TO REDUCE THE VOLUME OF ROUTINE BUSINESS BEING REFERRED TO THE COUNCIL.
THE OBJECTIVE IS TO GIVE MEMBERS MORE TIME TO CONCENTRATE ON IMPORTANT ISSUES OF THE DAY.
THE AERIAL ROPEWAYS (SAFETY) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992 IS ONE SUCH PROPOSAL.
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/8......
THURSDAY, fcPRTT. 23, 1992
8
MATCHING GRANT SCHEME STIMULATES BUSINESS SPONSORSHIP IN ARTS
******
THE MATCHING GRANT SCHEME OE THE COUNCIL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS (CFPA) HAS GENERATED SOME $2.4 MILLION OF BUSINESS SPONSORSHIP OF THE ARTS SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 1990.
SPEAKING AT A RECEPTION BEFORE PRESENTING COMMEMORATIVE CERTIFICATES TO SPONSORS TODAY (THURSDAY), THE COUNCIL CHAIRMAN, PROFESSOR WANG GUNGWU, SAID 24 SPONSORS SUPPORTED THE ARTS UNDER THE SCHEME LAST YEAR, THREE TIMES THE NUMBER FOR THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
”1 AM PARTICULARLY PLEASED THAT THREE OF THE SPONSORS IN 1990-91 CONTINUED THEIR SUPPORT FOR THE SCHEME LAST YEAR,” PROFESSOR WANG SAID.
THE CHAIRMAN SAID SIMPLIER ARRANGEMENTS WERE MADE TO THE SCHEME FOR BUSINESS SPONSORS.
THESE CHANGES INCLUDE:
* STREAMLINING THE PAPERWORK;
* SPONSORSHIP IN KIND, WHICH HAS ALWAYS BEEN IMPORTANT TO ARTS GROUPS, IS ELIGIBLE FOR MATCHING GRANTS;
* BUSINESS SPONSORS WILL DETERMINE THE BENEFITS OF SPONSORSHIP, AND THE WAY IN WHICH THE MATCHING GRANTS WILL BE SPENT SHALL NOT BE SPECIFIED;
* THE COUNCIL WILL ISSUE LETTERS OF ELIGIBILITY TO ARTS GROUPS WITH A TRACK RECORD TO HELP THEM IN THEIR APPROACHES TO POTENTIAL SPONSORS.
ALSO ADDRESSING AT THE CEREMONY WAS THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR JAMES SO, WHO STRESSED THAT NEITHER THE GOVERNMENT NOR THE COUNCIL SAW BUSINESS SPONSORSHIP AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR PUBLIC FUNDING OF THE ARTS.
THE SECRETARY SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR THE ARTS HAD RISEN SHARPLY OVER THE YEARS.
’’THE COUNCIL’S BUDGET ROSE BY 134 PER CENT FROM 1985-86 TO 1990-91,” MR SO SAID.
’’THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE SIGNIFICANT SUPPORT TO THE ARTS, PARTICULARLY NEW AND EMERGING GROUPS, THEREBY COMPLEMENTING THE MAJOR CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS.”
MR SO SAID WITH THE COMPLETION OF A SUBSTANTIAL PROGRAMME OF INVESTMENT IN THE INFRASTRUCTURE OF HONG KONG’S CULTURAL SCENE, THE TIME WAS RIPE FOR A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS TO DEVELOP THE UNIQUE E,XPRESS1ON FOR HONG KONG’S IDENTITY WHICH THE PERFORMING ARTS PROVIDED.
TTnnsD.vf, \mi. 23, 1992
9
’’BUSINESS SPONSORS ALREADY CONTRIBUTE TO THE DIVERSITY OF OUR CULTURAL SCENE BY FACILITATING THE APPEARANCE OF WORLD CLASS ARTISTS.
’’THE NEXT GREAT TASK WHICH FACES US IS TO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR HONG KONG’S TALENTED YOUNG PERFORMERS TO SHOW THEIR METTLE,’’ MR SO ADDED.
THE 24 SPONSORS WHO RECEIVED COMMEMORATIVE CERTIFICATES TODAY FROM THE COUNCIL CHAIRMAN AND THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE WERE:
CARLSBERG BREWERY (HK) LTD SAN MIGUEL BREWERY LTD ESSO (HK) LTD CALTEX OIL (HK) LTD ELITE MODELLING PRODUCTIONS LTD MIKRO KOSMOS MUSIC CENTRE UNICORN JEWELLERY CO. LTD EDDY PIANO COMPANY & MUSICAL INSTITUTE 4 IB STORE HO & WONG LO FUNG MUSIC CENTRE STRAND LIGHTING ASIA LTD CROWN PACIFIC LTD DHL INTERNATIONAL LTD OLIVER’S FINE FOOD LTD SECURITY PACIFIC ASIA BANK LTD SHING HING PLASTIC FACTORY UNITED AIRLINES LI FINE ARTS PRODUCTION CO. LTD PROSPERITY LAMPS & COMPONENTS LTD TRINITY ENGINEERING LTD YAU HANG GINSENG & MEDICINE CO. ROCKSON PIANO COMPANY HING KEUNG STAGE PROPS PRODUCTION CO.
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EXHIBITION ON CONTAINER INDUSTRY
******
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO A FOUR-DAY EXHIBITION ON CONTAINER INDUSTRY TO BE HELD FROM SATURDAY (APRIL 25) AT THE METROPLAZA NEAR THE KWAI FONG MTR STATION.
THE EXHIBITION, ORGANISED BY THE KWAI TSING YOUTH CLUB, WILL BE OPEN FROM 2.30 PM TO 7 PM ON SATURDAY AND FROM 9 AM TO 7 PM ON THE OTHER DAYS. ADMISSION IS FREE.
SPONSORED BY THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUND AND THE PARTICIPATING EXHIBITORS, THE EXHIBITION AIMS AT BETTERING PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING ON THE CURRENT DEVELOPMENT OF THE CONTAINER INDUSTRY, THE DIFFICULTIES IT FACES AND THE ACHIEVEMENTS IT MAKES.
/TT3 ^niTIOTT
THURSDAY, '.rm 53 > 1992
10
THE EXHIBITION WILL ALSO ENHANCE THE LINKS OF VARIOUS COMPANIES IN THE INDUSTRY FOR BETTER CO-OPERATION.
THE SIX EXHIBITORS TAKING PART WILL SHOW, THROUGH THE DISPLAY, HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE INDUSTRY, INTERACTION BETWEEN CHINA AND HONG KONG OVER CONTAINER TRANSPORTATION, THE LIFE AND HEALTH PROBLEMS OF CONTAINER TRUCK DRIVERS, AND THE DEVELOPMENT FORECAST OF THE INDUSTRY.
AN OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 2.30 PM ON SATURDAY AND THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS AGNES ALLCOCK, AND THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR LEUNG KWONG-CHEONG, WILL BE THE OFFICIATING GUESTS.
THE KWAI TSING YOUTH CLUB, THE ORGANISER OF THE EXHIBITION, IS FORMED BY A GROUP OF LOCAL YOUTHS WITH SPECIAL TIES TO THE DISTRICT. IT IS FORMED UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE.
THE CLUB, ESTABLISHED IN LAST DECEMBER, HAS PUBLISHED A JOURNAL ON CONTAINER TRANSPORT.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
NEWS MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EXHIBITION.
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WHO MEETING ON CONTROL OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES ******
HEALTH OFFICIALS FROM CHINA, HONG KONG AND MACAU ARE TO MEET HERE NEXT MONDAY (APRIL 27) TO DISCUSS THE CONTROL OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES IN THE THREE TERRITORIES.
THE BIENNIAL MEETING, HOSTED BY HONG KONG FOR THE FIRST TIME, WILL BE THE THIRD CONVENED BY THE REGIONAL OFFICE FOR THE WESTERN PACIFIC OF THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION.
THE OBJECTIVES OF THE MEETING ARE:
* TO REVIEW THE PROGRESS MADE IN SURVEILLANCE, INFORMATION SHARING AND REPORTING ON THE CONTROL OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES DURING THE PAST YEARS;
* TO DISCUSS THE IMPORTANCE AND USE OF HEALTH INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY RELATING TO THE CONTROL OF
COMMUNICABLE DISEASES; AND
* TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ON FURTHER STRENGTHENING THE SURVEILLANCE OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES.
THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 1?92
THE THREE-DAY MEETING IS EXPECTED TO BE ATTENDED BY SOME 50 HEALTH OFFICIALS FROM THE PARTICIPATING AREAS.
TOPICS TO BE DISCUSSED WILL INCLUDE CHOLERA, AIDS AND THE STRENGTHENING OF POSSIBLE CO-OPERATION IN SURVEILLANCE AND CONTROL OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES, PARTICULARLY IN THE EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION.
PROGRESS REPORTS WILL BE MADE BY CHINA, HONG KONG AND MACAU ON THE EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SURVEILLANCE AND CONTROL OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES IN THEIR RESPECTIVE AREA.
- - 0 - -
PUBLICATION ON 1991 HK EXTERNAL TRADE ON SALE
******
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAS PRODUCED A PUBLICATION GIVING AN OVERALL PICTURE OF HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE PERFORMANCE LAST YEAR.
THE ”ANNUAL REVIEW OF HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE, 1991” PRESENTS A SUMMARY OF THE SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN THE DIRECTION AND COMPOSITION OF THE EXTERNAL TRADE IN 1991 WITH COMPARATIVE FIGURES FOR EARLIER YEARS.
THE VALUE OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE AMOUNTED TO $1,545 BILLION IN 1991, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 20 PER CENT OVER 1990.
RE-EXPORTS CONTINUED TO RISE RAPIDLY. IN 1991, THEY TOTALLED $535 BILLION, CONSTITUTING ABOUT 70 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL EXPORTS.
ALSO INCLUDED IN THE REVIEW ARE STATISTICS ON DOMESTIC EXPORTS, RE-EXPORTS AND IMPORTS ANALYSED BY COUNTRY (AS MARKET FOR HONG KONG’S EXPORTS AND AS SUPPLIER FOR HONG KONG’S IMPORTS) AND BY COMMODITY.
ON IMPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS, STATISTICS ANALYSED BY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN AND END-USE CATEGORY ARE ALSO AVAILABLE. THE LATTER REFERS TO THE GROUPING OF COMMODITIES INTO BROAD CATEGORIES SUCH AS RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES, CONSUMER GOODS AND CAPITAL GOODS WHICH ARE USEFUL FOR RESEARCH.
SEPARATE STATISTICS ON AIRBORNE TRADE AND SEABORNE TRADE ARE SET OUT TO HELP ANALYSIS OF HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE BY DIFFERENT MODES OF TRANSPORT.
IN 1991, THE VALUES OF SEABORNE TRADE AND AIRBORNE TRADE, ACCOUNTING FOR 52 PER CENT AND 18 PER CENT OF TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE RESPECTIVELY, RECORDED INCREASES OF 21 PER CENT AND 9 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY OVER 1990.
THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 1992
12 -
DETAILED BREAKDOWNS BY COUNTRY AND BY COMMODITY ARE AVAILABLE IN THE REVIEW.
APART FROM EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS IN VALUE TERMS, THE REVIEW DESCRIBES MOVEMENTS IN THE PRICE AND VOLUME OF HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE AS REFLECTED BY THE UNIT VALUE INDEXES AND QUANTUM INDEXES.
IN ADDITION, THE REVIEW CONTAINS A SUMMARY OF EXCHANGE RATES OF HONG KONG DOLLAR AGAINST PRINCIPAL FOREIGN CURRENCIES AND THE EFFECTIVE EXCHANGE RATE INDEX.
THE PUBLICATION CONTAINS TABLES SHOWING HONG KONG’S POSITION AMONG THE WORLD’S LEADING EXPORTERS.
IN 1990, HONG KONG WAS THE WORLD’S SECOND LARGEST EXPORTER OF CLOTHING (FOLLOWING ITALY), COMPLETE WATCHES (FOLLOWING SWITZERLAND) AND IMITATION JEWELLERY (FOLLOWING THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA).
HONG KONG RANKED FOURTH IN THE EXPORTS OF JEWELLERY OF PRECIOUS METAL (FOLLOWING ITALY, SWITZERLAND AND THE UNITED KINGDOM) AND CAMERAS (FOLLOWING JAPAN, TAIWAN AND THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF. GERMANY).
THERE IS ALSO A TABLE SHOWING HONG KONG’S EXPORT AND IMPORT VALUES AS FAR BACK AS 1964, WHEREAS MOST OTHER TABLES PRESENT STATISTICS FROM 1989 TO 1991.
THE REVIEW, CONTAINING 13 CHARTS AND 45 STATISTICAL TABLES, IS NOW ON SALE AT $28 PER COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE ON THE GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AND THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION *OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON THE 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE PUBLICATION MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TELEPHONE 582 4915.
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THURSDAY, Arm 23, 1992
13
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 22.4.92 700
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 23.4.92 . +190
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING -190
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 113.1 *-0.1» 23.4.92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.20 PCT 19 MONTHS 2311 6.25 101.40 5.38
1 MONTH 3.94 PCT 22 MONTHS 2402 5.50 99.71 5.75
3 MONTHS 3.93 PCT
6 MONTHS 4.03 PCT
12 MONTHS 4.67 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 4,990 MN
CLOSED 23 APRIL 1992
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LORD WILSON WELCOMES MR PATTEN AS NEW GOVERNOR ....................... 1
SHOOTING INCIDENT APPALLED ........................................... 1
BILL TO STREAMLINE DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES FOR LEGAL PROFESSION ...... 1
CHANGE TO ATTORNEY GENERAL'S POWER TO ENTER A NOLLE PROSEQUI PROPOSED 3 QUARTERLY CRIME FIGURES RELEASED ..................................... 4
NO DECISION ON 1992 CIVIL SERVICE PAY ADJUSTMENT ..................... 5
ARGYLE STREET DETENTION CENTRE TO BE CLOSED NEXT MONTH ............... 6
CS PRAISES WORK OF CAS ............................................... 7
INSURANCE AGREEMENT FOR AIRPORT PROJECTS SIGNED ...................... 8
ZHAO JIHUA TO VISIT HK ............................................... 9
GOVT LAND FOR SALE BY AUCTION ........................................ 10
TRIAL TRAFFIC SCHEME AT CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL KOWLOON EXIT ............ 10
JOINT ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION OPERATION MOUNTED ..................... 12
RESUMPTION OF JUBILEE STREET/QUEEN'S ROAD CENTRAL .................... 13
DETAILS OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME EXPLAINED ........................ 14
EXTENSION OF MARINE SPOIL GROUND OFF CHEUNG CHAU ..................... 15
217 RETURN TO VIETNAM ................................................ 16
BANKING LICENCE REVOKED .............................................. 16
ROAD IMPROVEMENT WORKS IN KENNEDY TOWN PROPOSED ...................... 17
WORKS TO UPGRADE CHILDREN'S PLAYGROUND ............................... 17
FIRING PRACTICE IN MAY ............................................... 18
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ........... 19
FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 1992
- 1 -
LORD WILSON WELCOMES MR PATTEN AS NEW GOVERNOR
*****
THE GOVERNOR, LORD WILSON, TODAY (FRIDAY) WELCOMED THE APPOINTMENT OF MR CHRISTOPHER PATTEN TO SUCCEED HIM AS GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG.
THE GOVERNOR SAID:
"I HAVE KNOWN MR PATTEN FOR MANY YEARS, HE WILL BE AN EXCELLENT GOVERNOR FOR A MOST IMPORTANT PERIOD IN HONG KONG’S HISTORY. HE HAS A FINE REPUTATION AS AN IMMENSELY ABLE PERSON WITH A GREAT DEAL OF POLITICAL EXPERIENCE AT THE HIGHEST LEVELS. I LOOK FORWARD TO HAVING THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET WITH MR PATTEN WHEN I AM IN LONDON NEXT WEEK.”
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SHOOTING INCIDENT APPALLED * * ♦ ♦ »
COMMENTING ON THE SHOOTING INCIDENT IN KOWLOON TODAY (FRIDAY), THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, SAID HE WAS APPALLED AT THE INDISCRIMINATE USE OF FIREARMS, ENDANGERING INNOCENT LIVES.
"I AM SADDENED AT THE INJURIES TO BOTH INNOCENT CIVILIANS AND POLICE OFFICERS. I AM CONFIDENT THAT THE POLICE WILL DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO ARREST AND BRING TO JUSTICE THOSE RESPONSIBLE," HE SAID.
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BILL TO STREAMLINE DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES FOR LEGAL PROFESSION ******
DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES OF
BARRISTERS
STREAMLINED UNDER PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN
AND
THE
, -------- --------- LEGAL
(AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1992 WHICH IS GAZETTED TODAY.
SOLICITORS WILL BE
PRACTITIONERS
THE BILL CONTAINS NEW DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES FOR BOTH SOLICITORS AND BARRISTERS.
UNDER THE PROPOSED PROCEDURES FOR SOLICITORS, THE CHIEF JUSTICE WILL APPOINT A SOLICITORS DISCIPLINARY TRIBUNAL PANEL CONSISTING OF NOT MORE THAN 30 PRACTISING SOLICITORS OF AT LEAST 10 YEARS’ STANDING AND 10 LAY PERSONS.
/IT IS .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 1992
- 2 -
IT IS ALSO PROPOSED THAT THE LAW SOCIETY COUNCIL BE EMPOWERED TO REQUIRE PRODUCTION OF DOCUMENTS WHEN INVESTIGATING A SOLICITOR’S FITNESS TO PRACTISE.
IF THE COUNCIL CONSIDERS THAT THE SOLICITOR MAY BE UNFIT TO PRACTISE, IT SHALL REFER THE MATTER TO THE TRIBUNAL AND MAY SUSPEND THE SOLICITOR FROM PRACTICE PENDING A DECISION OF THE SOLICITORS DISCIPLINARY TRIBUNAL.
WHERE THE COUNCIL RECEIVES A COMPLAINT AND CONSIDERS THAT THE CONDUCT OF A SOLICITOR SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED, THE COUNCIL SHALL SUBMIT THE COMPLAINT TO THE TRIBUNAL.
IF THE COUNCIL DOES NOT SO REFER THE COMPLAINT, THE COMPLAINANT MAY APPLY TO THE CHIEF JUSTICE TO SUBMIT THE MATTER TO THE TRIBUNAL.
WHEN THE TRIBUNAL RECEIVES A COMPLAINT FROM THE COUNCIL OR THE CHIEF JUSTICE, A SOLICITORS DISCIPLINARY TRIBUNAL CONSISTING OF TWO SOLICITORS AND ONE LAY PERSON SHALL BE APPOINTED TO INVESTIGATE THE COMPLAINT.
AFTER COMPLETING ITS INVESTIGATION, THE TRIBUNAL WILL HAVE: POWER, IN ADDITION TO EXISTING POWERS TO SUSPEND OR STRIKE OFF, TO ALLOW THE SOLICITOR TO PRACTISE SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS.
THE MAXIMUM PENALTY THAT THE TRIBUNAL CAN IMPOSE WILL BE INCREASED TO $500,000 FROM $50,000.
THE TRIBUNAL WILL HAVE THE POWER TO ORDER THE SOLICITOR TO REPAY THE FEES AND EXPENSES CHARGED TO THE COMPLAINANT.
THERE ARE PROVISIONS FOR AN APPEAL FROM A DECISION OF THE TRIBUNAL TO BE HEARD IN OPEN COURT BY THE COURT OF APPEAL.
SIMILAR DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES FOR BARRISTERS HAVE BEEN PROPOSED.
THE CHIEF JUSTICE WILL APPOINT A BARRISTERS DISCIPLINARY TRIBUNAL PANEL CONSISTING OF NOT MORE THAN SIX QUEEN’S COUNSEL, SIX PRACTISING BARRISTERS, AND FIVE LAY PERSONS.
WHEN THE TRIBUNAL RECEIVES A COMPLAINT FROM THE BAR COUNCIL OR CHIEF JUSTICE, A BARRISTERS DISCIPLINARY TRIBUNAL CONSISTING OF ONE QUEEN’S COUNSEL, A BARRISTER AND A LAY PERSON, SHALL BE APPOINTED TO INQUIRE INTO THE COMPLAINT.
THE BARRISTERS DISCIPLINARY TRIBUNAL WILL HAVE POWERS TO IMPOSE A MAXIMUM PENALTY OF $500,000 AND ORDER THE PAYMENT TO THE COMPLAINANT OF THE AMOUNT PAID TO THE BARRISTER IN RELATION TO THE COMPLAINANT’S MATTERS IN DISPUTE.
AN APPEAL FROM TRIBUNAL SHALL BE HEARD
A DECISION OF IN OPEN COURT BY
THE
THE
BARRISTERS DISCIPLINARY COURT OF APPEAL.
THE BILL WILL BE MAY 6 THIS YEAR.
INTRODUCED INTO
THE
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON
- - 0----------
/3 ........
FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 1992
3 -
CHANGE TO ATTORNEY GENERAL’S POWER TO ENTER A NOLLE PROSEQUI PROPOSED ******
THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) BILL 1992 GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY) PROPOSES THE ABOLITION OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S POWER TO ENTER A NOLLE PROSEQUI IN PURELY SUMMARY CASES AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A STATUTORY PROCEDURE FOR CHANGING VENUE OF CRIMINAL TRIAL.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL HAS A COMMON LAW RIGHT TO DISCONTINUE ANY CRIMINAL PROSECUTION BY ENTERING A NOLLE PROSEQUI.
THE EFFECT OF ENTERING A NOLLE PROSEQUI IS TO TERMINATE CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS, WITHOUT PREJUDICE TO THE PROSECUTION’S RIGHT TO REINSTITUTE THEM AT A LATER DATE.
A NOLLE PROSEQUI MAY BE ENTERED, FOR EXAMPLE, WHERE A DEFENDANT IS UNFIT TO STAND TRIAL THROUGH MENTAL OR PHYSICAL INCAPACITY.
IN THE ABSENCE OF STATUTORY PROVISIONS, THE NOLLE PROSEQUI HAS ALSO BEEN USED TO CHANGE THE VENUE OF TRIAL.
ON OCCASION FOLLOWING TRANSFER OF A CASE TO THE DISTRICT COURT OR COMMITTAL TO THE HIGH COURT CIRCUMSTANCES HAVE BEEN DISCOVERED RENDERING AN ALLEGED OFFENCE OF GREATER OR LESSER SERIOUSNESS THAN ORIGINALLY ESTIMATED.
THE SCHEDULED COURT HAS THUS BECOME INAPPROPRIATE FOR THE PROCEEDINGS AND IT HAS BEEN NECESSARY TO ENTER A NOLLE PROSEQUI WITH A VIEW TO RECOMMENCING THE PROSECUTION AFRESH.
FOLLOWING A REVIEW CARRIED OUT AT THE END OF 1988, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL DECIDED THAT THE POWER TO ENTER A NOLLE PROSEQUI IN PURELY SUMMARY PROCEEDINGS SHOULD BE ABOLISHED AS BEING UNNECESSARY AND THAT THERE SHOULD BE A STATUTORY PROCEDURE FOR CHANGING THE VENUE OF TRIAL.
THE BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON MAY 6.
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/4 ........
FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 1992
4
QUARTERLY CRIME FIGURES RELEASED
*****
A TOTAL OF 174 SUCCESSFUL ANTI-TRIAD OPERATIONS WERE MOUNTED BY POLICE DURING THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR, RESULTING IN THE ARREST OF 237 PERSONS FOR VARIOUS OFFENCES.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE ON QUARTERLY CRIME STATISTICS TODAY (FRIDAY), THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR, CRIME, MR TSANG YAM-PUI, SAID THESE SUCCESSFUL OPERATIONS WERE THE RESULT OF A GREATER WILLINGNESS ON THE PART OF THE VICTIMS, THROUGH PERSUASION BY POLICE, TO COME FORWARD TO ACT AS WITNESSES.
HE SAID THAT DURING THE PERIOD, A TOTAL OF 20,049 CRIME REPORTS WERE RECEIVED BY THE POLICE, WHICH WAS 10.49 PER CENT LESS THAN THE PRECEDING QUARTER AND 1.43 PER CENT LESS THAN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1991.
"DETECTION RATE WAS 43.8 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH 41.9 PER CENT IN THE PRECEDING QUARTER AND 44.2 PER CENT IN THE SAME QUARTER LAST YEAR.
"VIOLENT CRIME TOTALLED 4,418 CASES, WHICH WAS 8.76 PER CENT LESS THAN THE PRECEDING QUARTER BUT 4.2 PER CENT MORE THAN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1991."
MR TSANG ALSO NOTED THAT THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ALL KINDS OF ROBBERIES IN THE PERIOD WAS 2,199, WHICH WAS 2.7 PER CENT LESS THAN THE PRECEDING QUARTER BUT 10 PER CENT MORE THAN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1991 .
HE SAID THAT THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF THE YEAR, HOWEVER, WAS CHARACTERISED BY A SPATE OF RATHER VIOLENT ROBBERIES INVOLVING THE USE OF GENUINE FIREARMS OR HAND GRENADES. THERE WERE A TOTAL OF 18 OF THESE CASES COMPARED WITH 17 IN THE PRECEDING QUARTER AND NINE CASES IN THE FIRST QUARTER LAST YEAR.
AS A RESULT OF THE COURAGEOUS AND RESOLUTE POLICE ACTION AGAINST THE CULPRITS INVOLVED, 29 PEOPLE WERE ARRESTED, FIVE FIREARMS SEIZED AND FIVE POLICE OFFICERS INJURED, HE SAID.
"THREE OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT OF THESE ROBBERIES ARE BELIEVED TO BE THE WORK OF ONE CRIMINAL GANG. A FEW MEMBERS OF THIS GANG HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED AND WE HOPE TO BE ABLE TO APPREHEND THEM IN THE NEAR FUTURE," HE ADDED.
MR TSANG ALSO STRESSED THAT THE GREATER AVAILABILITY OF ILLEGAL FIREARMS IN HONG KONG CONTINUED TO BE A CAUSE FOR CONCERN AND WAS RECEIVING PRIORITY POLICE ATTENTION.
HE FURTHER POINTED OUT THAT THE INCREASED POLICE ACTION AGAINST TRIADS APPEARED TO HAVE HAD AN IMPACT ON CASES OF WOUNDING AND ASSAULT, WHICH SHOWED A WELCOME DECLINE COMPARED WITH BOTH LAST QUARTER AND THE FIRST QUARTER LAST YEAR.
/REFERRING TO .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 1992
5
REFERRING TO BURGLARY FIGURES IN THE PERIOD, MR TSANG SAID THAT THEY SHOWED A SEVEN PER CENT DECREASE COMPARED WITH THE LAST QUARTER AND A 10 PER CENT INCREASE COMPARED WITH THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1991.
COMMENTING ON THE VEHICLE CRIMES, HE TOLD THE PRESS THAT THEFT OF LUXURY CARS CONTINUED TO BE A MATTER FOR CONCERN. HE NOTED THAT A TOTAL OF 294 OF THESE CARS WERE STOLEN DURING THE PERIOD, COMPARED WITH 232 IN THE PRECEDING QUARTER AND 308 IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1991 .
"DURING THIS QUARTER, 16 PERSONS WERE ARRESTED FOR THE THEFT AND HANDLING OF THIS TYPE OF CAR AND 83 LUXURY CARS WERE RECOVERED.
"TAKING CONVEYANCE WITHOUT AUTHORITY CASES DECREASED BY 23.8 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING QUARTER, AND 1.2 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1991," HE SAID.
MR TSANG NOTED THAT GENERAL CRIME FIGURES HAD REMAINED STABLE IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1992.
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NO DECISION
ON 1992 CIVIL SERVICE PAY ADJUSTMENT *»***»
THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, TODAY (FRIDAY) MET STAFF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE SENIOR CIVIL SERVICE COUNCIL, THE MODEL SCALE I STAFF CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL AND THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL TO HEAR THEIR VIEWS ON THIS YEAR’S CIVIL SERVICE PAY ADJUSTMENT.
MR WIGGHAM TOLD THE REPRESENTATIVES THAT NO DECISION WOULD BE TAKEN ON THE SIZE OF THE PAY ADJUSTMENT THIS YEAR UNTIL THE PAY TREND SURVEY RESULTS ARE KNOWN.
"THE PAY TREND SURVEY IS IN PROGRESS AND THE FINDINGS ARE EXPECTED TO BE AVAILABLE IN MID-MAY,” HE SAID.
"STAFF WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY THEN TO PUT THEIR CLAIM TO THE GOVERNMENT.
"THIS WILL BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT, ALONG WITH OTHER CONSIDERATIONS, SUCH AS THE PAY TREND INDICATORS AND FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC SITUATION, IN DECIDING ON THE SIZE OF PAY ADJUSTMENT."
MR WIGGHAM NOTED THAT AS IN LAST YEAR, A DCISION WOULD BE MADE IN JUNE AND THE SALARY ADJUSTMENT WOULD TAKE RETROSPECTIVE EFFECT FROM APRIL 1.
HOWEVER, HE EMPHASISED THAT EACH YEAR’S PAY ADJUSTMENT IS AN INDEPENDENT EXERCISE.
"THERE IS NO QUESTION OF THE GOVERNMENT BEING UNDER ANY OBLIGATION TO PAY BACK ANY SHORTFALL FROM PREVIOUS YEARS," HE ADDED.
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/6.........
FRIDAY, APRIL 24,
1992
- 6 -
ARGYLE STREET DETENTION CENTRE TO BE CLOSED NEXT MONTH
******
THE ARGYLE STREET DETENTION CENTRE, UNTIL RECENTLY USED TO ACCOMMODATE UP TO 1,000 VIETNAMESE DETAINEES INCLUDING PREGNANT VIETNAMESE WOMEN TRANSFERRED FROM OTHER CAMPS, WILL BE CLOSED NEXT MONTH.
THIS FOLLOWS THE GRADUAL REDUCTION IN THE OVERALL VIETNAMESE MIGRANT POPULATION IN HONG KONG AND THE OPENING OF A NEW SECTION IN THE KAI TAK VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE DEPARTURE CENTRE FOR VIETNAMESE WOMEN AWAITING TRANSFER TO URBAN HOSPITALS.
ANNOUNCING THE CLOSURE TODAY (FRIDAY), THE REFUGEE COORDINATOR, MR CLINTON LEEKS, SAID THIS WAS THE FIRST CENTRE TO CLOSE SINCE THE SIGNATURE OF THE ORDERLY REPATRIATION AGREEMENT WITH VIETNAM LAST OCTOBER.
"THIS REFLECTS THE DROP IN THE SIZE OF THE NON-REFUGEE POPULATION BY ABOUT 8,000 SINCE THEN," HE SAID.
"WITH THIS REDUCTION, AND WITH THE OPENING OF A NEW SECTION FOR PREGNANT WOMEN AT THE KAI TAK CENTRE, THE ARGYLE CENTRE CAN BE CLOSED, THUS RELEASING ABOUT 60 POLICEMEN FOR NORMAL LAW AND ORDER DUTIES," HE ADDED.
CURRENTLY, PREGNANT VIETNAMESE WOMEN ARE TRANSFERRED TO THE ARGYLE CENTRE AT ABOUT 28 WEEKS OF PREGNANCY TO REDUCE THE RISK OF EMERGENCY TRANSFER BY SEA OR AIR AND TO RELIEVE SOME OF THE PRESSURE ON THE MATERNITY FACILITIES IN THE PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL IN SHA TIN.
THE KAI TAK DEPARTURE CENTRE HAS UNTIL NOW BEEN USED TO ACCOMMODATE VIETNAMESE REFUGEES IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THEIR DEPARTURE FOR OVERSEAS RESETTLEMENT.
THIS DEPARTURE FACILITY FOR REFUGEES WILL NOW BE MOVED TO THE ADJACENT FORMER NEW HORIZONS SCHOOL BUILDING, RENAMED THE NEW HORIZONS VIETNAMESE REFUGEE DEPARTURE CENTRE.
"THERE HAS BEEN A VIETNAMESE CENTRE OF SOME KIND AT ARGYLE FOR OVER A DECADE," MR LEEKS SAID.
"THE FACILITIES THERE ARE NOW VERY OLD AND GIVEN ITS CAPACITY OF ONLY ABOUT 1,000, TO KEEP THE CENTRE OPEN WILL NOT HELP TO THIN OUT THE POPULATION AT OTHER DETENTION CENTRES AND IS CERTAINLY NOT THE MOST COST-EFFECTIVE WAY OF USING OUR RESOURCES."
THE CIVIL AID SERVICES, WHO HAVE BEEN RUNNING THE ARGYLE CENTRE SINCE 1988 AND THE KAI TAK DEPARTURE CENTRE SINCE 1990, WILL NOW REDEPLOY THEIR MANPOWER TO CONTINUE RUNNING KAI TAK AND ALSO TO TAKE ON THE MANAGEMENT OF THE ADJACENT NEW HORIZONS DEPARTURE CENTRE.
THE EXISTING KAI TAK DEPARTURE CENTRE WILL BE RENAMED THE KAI TAK VIETNAMESE MIGRANT TRANSIT CENTRE.
/APART FROM .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 1992
APART FROM ITS NEW PREGNANT WOMEN’S SECTION, THE TRANSIT CENTRE WILL CONTINUE TO BE USED AS ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION FOR RETURNEES UNDER THE VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME WHO CANNOT BE ACCOMMODATED IN THE EXISTING LO WU OR SHEK KONG VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION CENTRES.
"WE ALSO INTEND TO USE THE CENTRE IN DUE COURSE TO ACCOMMODATE SMALL NUMBERS OF RETURNEES UNDER THE ORDERLY RETURN PROGRAMME PRIOR TO THEIR RETURN TO VIETNAM," MR LEEKS ADDED.
"THE CLOSENESS OF THE CENTRE TO THE AIRPORT WILL HELP ENSURE THAT RETURNEES CAN BE TRANSFERRED TO THE AIRPORT WITH MINIMUM DISRUPTION TO NORMAL AIRPORT ACTIVITIES," HE SAID.
-----0-----
CS PRAISES WORK OF CAS
*****
THE GOVERNMENT CAN DEPEND ON THE CIVIL AID SERVICES (CAS) TO RESPOND PROMPTLY AND ENTHUSIASTICALLY TO A WIDE RANGE OF EMERGENCY SITUATIONS IN TIMES OF DISASTER, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
ADDRESSING THE CAS 40TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER, SIR DAVID SAID THE CAS CONTINUED TO -PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN SUPPORT OF THE EMERGENCY SERVICES.
HE SAID THE HONG KONG PEOPLE WERE INDEED FORTUNATE TO HAVE SUCH AN EFFICIENT AND DEDICATED SERVICE WORKING FOR THEM.
ON THE MANAGEMENT OF VIETNAMESE ASYLUM SEEKERS, SIR DAVID SAID HE WAS AWARE THAT THE CAS HAD BEEN EMPLOYED CONTINUOUSLY IN THIS DIFFICULT BUT NECESSARY TASK AT THE ARGYLE STREET AND KAI TAK CENTRES.
"THAT YOU HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DO SO IS SURELY A TRIBUTE TO THE DETERMINATION AND DEVOTION OF ALL THOSE INVOLVED.
"WE FULLY APPRECIATE THE SUSTAINED EFFORT REQUIRED OF AN AUXILIARY SERVICE TO MANAGE TWO CENTRES, DAY IN AND DAY OUT, FOR THIS LENGTH OF TIME," HE SAID.
HE ALSO SAID THE CAS WOULD SHORTLY TAKE OVER THE RUNNING OF THE FORMER NEW HORIZON SCHOOL REFUGEE RECEPTION CENTRE WHEN THE ARGYLE STREET CAMP FINALLY CLOSED IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE.
CLEARLY ITS WORK IN THIS FIELD WAS NOT YET DONE, HOWEVER, SIR DAVID ASSURED THAT ITS EFFORTS WERE'MUCH VALUED AND APPRECIATED.
SIR DAVID ALSO SAID IT WAS ENCOURAGING TO SEE THAT SO MANY PEOPLE WERE WILLING TO CARRY ON THE FINE TRADITION OF VOLUNTARY SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY THROUGH THE CAS.
/"ON BEHALF .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 1992
- 8
"ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, I WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL OF' YOU, " HE SAID.
• "I FEEL SURE THAT WE CAN CONTINUE TO RELY ON YOU IN THE YEARS
AHEAD AS THERE WILL BE AN IMPORTANT ROLE FOR YOU TO PLAY AND IN THIS CONTEXT."
SIR DAVID SAID IT WAS PLEASING TO SEE THAT THE QUALITIES OF DEDICATION, ENTHUSIASM AND LOYALTY WERE STILL SO STRONG IN THE CAS.
-----0-------
INSURANCE AGREEMENT FOR AIRPORT PROJECTS SIGNED
******
THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS CO-ORDINATION OFFICE (NAPCO) TODAY (FRIDAY) SIGNED AN $18.5 MILLION AGREEMENT WITH GILMAN SWIRE WILLIS LTD TO ARRANGE INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR SIX GOVERNMENT-FUNDED PROJECTS IN THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME (ACP).
AS THE GOVERNMENT’S CONSULTANT INSURANCE BROKER FOR THE ACP, THE COMPANY WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ESTABLISHING THE GOVERNMENT’S OWNER CONTROLLED INSURANCE PROGRAMME (OCIP) COVERING SIX OF THE GOVERNMENT-FUNDED PROJECTS.
THESE SIX PROJECTS ARE: THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING, TUNG CHUNG DEVELOPMENT PHASE I, NORTH LANTAU EXPRESSWAY, ROUTE THREE (ACP PART), WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION (PARTS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN CONTRACTUALLY COMMITTED), AND THE WEST KOWLOON EXPRESSWAY.
THE AGREEMENT REQUIRES APPROACHING THE WORLD INSURANCE MARKET TO OBTAIN THE MOST FAVOURABLE TERMS, PLACING THE INSURANCE AND ADMINISTERING THE OCIP FOR THE DURATION OF THE CONSTRUCTION AND STATED MAINTENANCE PERIOD.
THE AGREEMENT WAS SIGNED BY THE PROJECT MANAGER OF NAPCO, MR S. S. LEE, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF GILMAN SWIRE WILLIS LTD, MR ANDREW YOUNG.
A SPOKESMAN FOR NAPCO SAID THE ACP INVOLVES A SERIES OF LARGE CONTRACTS, MOST OF WHICH ARE INTERLINKED WITH EACH OTHER IN PHYSICAL AND SCHEDULING TERMS.
THE GOVERNMENT’S USUAL PRACTICE CONCERNING INSURANCE OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS IS TO REQUIRE CONTRACTORS TO ARRANGE THEIR OWN LIMITED INSURANCE.
THE PREMIUM, PLUS THE CONTRACTOR’S ON-COSTS AND PROFITS, ARE THEN PASSED BACK TO THE GOVERNMENT IN THE CONTRACT PRICE.
BUT IN THE CASE OF THESE PROJECTS IN THE ACP, THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED THAT INSTEAD OF RELYING ON THE CONVENTIONAL CONTRACTOR-BORNE INSURANCE ON A CONTRACT-BY-CONTRACT BASIS, TOTAL PROJECT INSURANCE COULD BE BETTER EFFECTED UNDER AN OCIP.
/THIS IS .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 1992
9
THIS IS A SINGLE INSURANCE PROGRAMME COVERING ALL PARTIES AND ALL CONTRACTS JOINTLY.
IT WOULD ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT TO RETAIN CONTROL OVER THE EXTENT AND COST OF THE INSURANCE PROTECTION AND HAS THE ADVANTAGE OF BETTER CONTROL AND CO-ORDINATION, TIMELY SETTLEMENT OF CLAIMS AND REINSTATEMENT OF DAMAGED WORKS AS WELL AS SUBSTANTIAL COST SAVINGS.
IT ALSO PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY TO SEEK INSURANCE COVERAGE IN AREAS THAT ARE NOT NORMALLY AVAILABLE UNDER THE CONTRACTOR-CONTROLLED POLICIES.
THE OCIP FOR THE SIX ACP PROJECTS COVER CONTRACTORS’ RISKS INCLUDING PHYSICAL LOSS OR DAMAGE TO THE WORKS BY WEATHER, ACCIDENT OR THEFT TOGETHER WITH THIRD-PARTY INSURANCE.
FOLLOWING A MARKETING EXERCISE BOTH LOCALLY AND OVERSEAS, A MAJOR PART OF THE INSURANCE PROGRAMME HAS BEEN PLACED.
THE TOTAL PREMIUMS FOR INSURANCE POLICIES ALREADY PLACED STAND AT ABOUT $240 MILLION.
IN TERMS OF VALUE, THE LARGEST PORTION HAS BEEN PLACED IN GERMANY (24 PER CENT), JAPAN (20 PER CENT), FRANCE (15 PER CENT) AND HONG KONG (13 PER CENT).
THE REST HAS BEEN PLACED IN CHINA (8 PER CENT), THE UNITED KINGDOM (2.5 PER CENT) AND OTHER COUNTRIES.
IN ADDITION TO CONTRACTOR-RELATED INSURANCES, THE GOVERNMENT, TOGETHER WITH THE CONSULTANT BROKER, IS INVESTIGATING OTHER TYPES OF INSURANCE COVER INCLUDING DELAY INSURANCES AND PROFESSIONAL INDEMNITY EXCESS.
THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY, THE PROPOSED AIRPORT RAILWAY OPERATOR (MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION), AND THE WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING FRANCHISEE WILL MAKE THEIR OWN INSURANCE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THEIR RESPECTIVE PROJECTS IN THE ACP.
- - 0 - -
ZHAO JIHUA TO VISIT HK t » * * *
AT THE INVITATION OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, MR ZHAO JIHUA, DIRECTOR, HONG KONG AND MACAO AFFAIRS OFFICE, CHINESE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, WILL VISIT HONG KONG FROM APRIL 26 TO MAY 2.
MR ZHAO, ACCOMPANIED BY TWO OF HIS ASSISTANTS FROM THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, WILL BE BRIEFED BY SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS ON GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE, THE ECONOMIC AND MONETARY SYSTEMS AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENTS.
- - 0 - -
/10
FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 1992
- 10 -
GOVT LAND FOR SALE BY AUCTION *****
TWO LOTS OF GOVERNMENT LAND WILL BE UP FOR SALE IN A PUBLIC AUCTION TO BE HELD IN THE CITY HALL THEATRE ON MAY 18.
THE AUCTION WILL START AT 2.30 PM.
THE FIRST LOT IS LOCATED AT ON CHUEN STREET, ON LOK TSUEN, FANLING, NEW TERRITORIES.
WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 471 SQUARE METRES, THE SITE IS INTENDED FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES (EXCLUDING OFFENSIVE TRADE AND ANY GODOWN FOR DANGEROUS GOODS).
ACCORDING TO THE BUILDING COVNEANT, THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 1,415 SQUARE METRES ON OR BEFORE JUNE 30, 1996.
THE SECOND SITE IS LOCATED AT AREA 30, TAI PO, NEW TERRITORIES.
THE SITE HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 14,540 SQUARE METRES AND IS EARMARKED FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES, RETAIL SHOPS, A SUPERMARKET AND A PUBLIC CARPARK AND SUCH ANCILLARY USES.
THE BUILDING COVENANT STIPULATES THAT THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 13,894 SQUARE METRES ON OR BEFORE JUNE 30, 1996.
FULL PARTICULARS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM AND SALES PLANS INSPECTED AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES, KOWLOON, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.
CONDITIONS OF SALE WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES OF SHA TIN, TUEN MUN, YUEN LONG, TSUEN WAN, KWAI TSING, TAI PO, NORTH, SAI KUNG AND ISLANDS.
------0-------
TRIAL TRAFFIC SCHEME AT CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL KOWLOON EXIT *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL IMPLEMENT FROM TUESDAY (APRIL 28) A PILOT SCHEME OF USING TRAFFIC SIGNALS TO REGULATE TRAFFIC ON HONG CHONG ROAD OUTSIDE THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL TOLL PLAZA IN KOWLOON.
THE TRIAL SCHEME AIMS TO IMPROVE THE TRAFFIC FLOW FROM THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL AND REDUCE THE ACCIDENT RISK ARISING FROM THE HEAVY CROSS-WEAVING TRAFFIC MOVEMENT CURRENTLY OUTSIDE THE TUNNEL TOLL PLAZA.
/A SPOKESMAN .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 1992
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE TRIAL SCHEME WOULD LAST FOR THREE WEEKS DURING WHICH TRAFFIC LIGHTS WOULD BE INSTALLED ON HONG CHONG ROAD NEAR HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC.
THE TRAFFIC SIGNAL WILL REGULATE TRAFFIC FLOWS FROM SALISBURY ROAD AND THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL AND ALLOW THEM TO CROSS-WEAVE IN AN ORDERLY AND SYSTEMATIC WAY.
UNDER THE TRIAL SCHEME, THE TWO LEFT-HAND LANES NORTH OF THE TOLL PLAZA WILL BE SIGNAL-CONTROLLED AND SHOULD BE USED FOR TRAFFIC HEADING FOR KWAI CHUNG, MONG KOK OR TSIM SHA TSUI.
THE TWO RIGHT-HAND LANES WILL REMAIN FREE-FLOWING AND SHOULD BE USED FOR TRAFFIC HEADING FOR SHA TIN AND KWUN TONG.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL IS A MAJOR LINK BETWEEN HONG KONG AND KOWLOON WITH AN AVERAGE DAILY TRAFFIC FLOW OF MORE THAN 120,000 VEHICLES BOTH DIRECTIONS, AND A PEAK-HOUR FLOW OF ABOUT 3,250 VEHICLES IN EACH DIRECTION.
THIS VERY HEAVY DAILY TRAFFIC FLOW OF 120,000 VEHICLES WELL EXCEEDS THE DESIGN CAPACITY OF 80,000 AND IS THE MAXIMUM CAPACITY OF THE TUNNEL.
"IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THIS MAXIMUN CAPACITY SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRICTED IN ANY WAY BY TRAFFIC CONGESTION AT THE APPROACH ROADS OR EXIT ROADS OF THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE TRIAL WOULD BE CLOSELY MONITORED ON SITE BY THE POLICE AND TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AND APPROPRIATE MEASURES WOULD BE PROMPTLY TAKEN IN CASE OF TRAFFIC CONGESTION AFFECTING THE SURROUNDING ROAD NETWORKS.
MOTORISTS ARE REMINDED TO SELECT THE APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC LANES AND TOLL BOOTHS WHEN THEY COME OUT OF THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL ON THE KOWLOON SIDE.
ADDITIONAL SIGNS AND MARKINGS WILL BE INSTALLED TO GUIDE MOTORISTS AT THE TUNNEL EXIT.
IF THE TRIAL SCHEME PROVED TO BE SUCCESSFUL, THE SPOKESMAN SAID IT WOULD BE TURNED INTO A PERMANENT SCHEME WITH HONG CHONG ROAD BEING WIDENED TO BECOME A THREE-LANE CARRIAGEWAY OUTSIDE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC.
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FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 1992
- 12 -
JOINT ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION OPERATION MOUNTED
******
A TERRITORY-WIDE ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION OPERATION JOINTLY MOUNTED BY THE POLICE, THE LABOUR AND IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENTS RECENTLY HAS RESULTED IN THE ARRESTS OF 137 PERSONS.
THE OPERATION WAS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S CONTINUOUS EFFORT TO FLUSH OUT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
OF THE ARRESTED PERSONS, 53 WERE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS CAUGHT AT THE BORDER. THEY HAVE BEEN SENT TO SAN UK LING FOR REPATRIATION.
THE REMAINING 84 HAVE BEEN REFERRED TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION. THOSE FOUND TO BE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WILL BE REPATRIATED.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN REITERATED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THERE WAS NO QUESTION OF ANY AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
"OUR LATEST OPERATION SHOULD DRIVE HOME THE POINT THAT THERE WILL BE NO CHANGE TO THIS POLICY. ANYONE FOOLISH ENOUGH TO BELIEVE OTHERWISE IS ONLY CHEATING HIMSELF,” HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT APART FROM CONTINUOUS CHECKS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY, THERE WAS NO LET-UP IN ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION EFFORTS AT THE BORDER.
"A HIGH STATE OF VIGILANCE WILL CONTINUE TO BE MAINTAINED BY THE POLICE AND THE SECURITY FORCES BOTH AT THE LAND AND SEA BORDERS,” HE SAID.
DURING THE JOINT OPERATION, WHICH BEGAN AT 5 AM YESTERDAY AND ENDED AT 5 AM TODAY, THE POLICE HAD STEPPED UP THEIR IDENTIFICATION SPOT CHECKS IN PUBLIC PLACES AND CARRIED OUT CHECKS AT SUSPICIOUS LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
AS A RESULT, A TOTAL OF 13,750 PERSONS, 1,364 VEHICLES AND 267 VESSELS WERE STOPPED FOR IDENTIFICATION CHECKS.
ON THE LABOUR FRONT, INSPECTORS OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT VISITED 2,708 ESTABLISHMENTS TO WEED OUT ANY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WHO MAY BE WORKING, AND TO CHECK THAT EMPLOYERS FULFIL THEIR LEGAL OBLIGATION OF KEEPING PROPER RECORDS OF THEIR EMPLOYEES.
A TOTAL OF 9,302 EMPLOYEES HAD THEIR PROOF OF IDENTITY CHECKED DURING THE OPERATION.
THIRTY-FOUR ESTABLISHMENTS WERE FOUND NOT ABLE TO PROVIDE FOR INSPECTION A RECORD OF EMPLOYEES.
THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT THEY COULD BE FINED UP TO $50,000 AND JAILED FOR UP TO A YEAR IF THEY WERE FOUND TO BE EMPLOYING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
----0----
/13 .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 1992
- 13 -
RESUMPTION OF JUBILEE STREET/QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL »♦*»**
THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY) THE RESUMPTION OF LAND AT JUBILEE STREET/QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL UNDER THE CROWN LANDS RESUMPTION ORDINANCE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A REDEVELOPMENT SCHEME BY THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (LDC).
THE PROPOSED REDEVELOPMENT WILL FEATURE A MULTI-STOREY COMMERCIAL BUILDING, IN WHICH 95,800 SQUARE METRES OF OFFICE SPACE AND 6,900 SQUARE METRES OF RETAIL AREA WILL BE PROVIDED.
UNDERNEATH THE BUILDING, THERE WILL BE FOUR BASEMENTS.
THE FIRST ONE, WHICH IS 3,700 SQUARE METRES IN AREA, WILL BE USED FOR GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY FACILITIES, INCLUDING A HAWKER BAZAAR, A COOKED FOOD CENTRE AND A DAY NURSERY.
THE OTHER THREE WILL BE USED AS CAR PARKS AND SERVICING AREAS.
IN ADDITION TO A LANDSCAPED PUBLIC OPEN SPACE OF ABOUT 1,500 SQUARE METRES AT GROUND LEVEL, THERE WILL BE PEDESTRIAN LINKAGES WITH NEARBY STREETS, INCLUDING THE CENTRAL/MID-LEVELS ESCALATOR WHICH IS NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
SCHEDULED TO BE COMPLETED IN 1996, THE SCHEME WILL BRING SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AND PROVIDE UPGRADED FACILITIES FOR THE SURROUNDING AREA.
IN RECOMMENDING RESUMPTION, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS CONFIRMED THAT HE WAS SATISFIED THAT THE CORPORATION HAD TAKEN ALL REASONABLE STEPS TO ACQUIRE THESE INTERESTS ON TERMS THAT WERE FAIR AND REASONABLE, AS REQUIRED BY THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION ORDINANCE.
REVISED OFFERS TAKING ACCOUNT OF CHANGES IN MARKET VALUES HAD BEEN MADE AT VARIOUS TIMES, MOST RECENTLY IN THE PAST FEW WEEKS.
ABOUT 59 LOTS IN JUBILEE STREET, HING LUNG STREET, TUNG MAN STREET, WING ON STREET, GILMAN STREET, GILMAN’S BAZAAR AND QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL ARE AFFECTED BY THE RESUMPTION AND WILL REVERT TO THE GOVERNMENT FOLLOWING THE EXPIRATION OF THE RESUMPTION NOTICE THREE MONTHS FROM TODAY.
SOME 155 DOMESTIC OCCUPIERS ARE AFFECTED BY THE PROJECT AND ELIGIBLE OCCUPIERS WILL BE OFFERED CASH COMPENSATION OR APPROPRIATE REHOUSING BY THE LDC.
REHOUSING WILL BE IN PROPERTIES ALREADY PURCHASED BY THE CORPORATION IN HONG KONG AND KOWLOON.
OWNERS OF DOMESTIC PROPERTIES, APART FROM THEIR ENTITLEMENT FOR STATUTORY COMPENSATION, WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR A HOME PURCHASE ALLOWANCE.
/OWNERS AND .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 1992
14
OWNERS AND TENANTS AFFECTED BY THE RESUMPTION MAY MAKE STATUTORY CLAIMS UNDER THE CROWN LANDS RESUMPTION ORDINANCE AND, IF THE CLAIMS CANNOT BE SETTLED BY AGREEMENT, MAY APPLY TO THE LANDS TRIBUNAL FOR ADJUDICATION.
ELDERLY SINGLETONS AND DOUBLETONS WILL BE OFFERED ACCOMMODATION IN CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY TO BE PROVIDED BY THE CORPORATION AND RUN BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
OTHER SINGLETONS AND DOUBLETONS NOT ACCEPTING CASH COMPENSATION MAY BE OFFERED SPACE IN DORMITORY ACCOMMODATION TO BE PROVIDED BY THE CORPORATION.
UPON COMPLETION OF THE RESUMPTION AND CLEARANCE, THE LAND FOR THE PROJECT, WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 8,400 SQUARE METRES, WILL BE GRANTED BY LAND EXCHANGE TO THE LDC FOR REDEVELOPMENT.
- - 0 - -
DETAILS OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME EXPLAINED ******
AN IMPORTANT FEATURE OF THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SYSTEM IS THAT THE BASIC RATE IS THE FOUNDATION ON WHICH ADDITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS AND SPECIAL GRANTS ARE MADE SO AS TO TAILOR ASSISTANCE TO MEET THE CLIENTS’ PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ROSE GOODSTADT, AT A MEETING OF THE OMELCO STANDING PANEL ON WELFARE SERVICES TODAY (FRIDAY).
"A COMMON MISCONCEPTION IS THAT THE BASIC RATE IS ESSENTIALLY WHAT THE MAJORITY OF CLIENTS RECEIVES,” MRS GOODSTADT SAID.
IN FACT, THE AVERAGE PAYMENT IS MORE THAN DOUBLE THE RATE SINCE ABOUT 98 PER CENT OF THE CLIENTS ALSO RECEIVED RENT ALLOWANCE, SUPPLEMENTS AND SPECIAL GRANTS.
MRS GOODSTADT EXPLAINED THAT THE OBJECTIVE OF THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME WAS TO PROVIDE CASH ASSISTANCE TO ENSURE THE CLIENTS HAD SUFFICIENT MONEY TO MEET THEIR PERSONAL NEEDS IN EVERYDAY LIFE.
"ALTHOUGH NO ATTEMPT WAS MADE TO CATEGORISE THE PAYMENT IN TERMS OF SOME THEORETICAL BASKET, A BROADBRUSH APPROACH HAD BEEN ADOPTED TO TAILOR THE LEVEL OF PAYMENTS TO THE DIFFERENT NEEDS OF THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF CLIENTS BY BUILDING SEVERAL COMPONENTS INTO THE SCHEME," SHE SAID.
THE COMPONENTS ARE:
* BASIC RATE - TO COVER ESSENTIAL NEEDS, INCLUDING FOOD, FUEL AND CLOTHING, CURRENTLY AT $825 FOR A SINGLE PERSON;
/* SUPPLEMENTS - TO
FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 1992
- 15 -
♦ SUPPLEMENTS - TO COVER PERSONAL NEEDS ARISING OUT OF THE CLIENT’S PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES: WHETHER CHILDREN, ELDERLY, DISABLED, OR ON LONG-TERM PUBLIC ASSISTANCE. CHILD
SUPPLEMENT IS AT 25 PER CENT OF THE BASIC RATE AND THOSE FOR THE ELDERLY AND DISABLED ARE AT 50 PER CENT. HOWEVER, IF DISABILITY IS SEVERE, PAYMENT WILL BE INCREASED, UNDER SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE, TO 100 PER CENT OR 200 PER CENT;
♦ RENT ALLOWANCE - TO COVER ACTUAL RENT UP TO A PRESCRIBED CEILING ($743 FOR A SINGLE PERSON, $1,718 FOR A FAMILY OF THREE TO FOUR MEMBERS, AND SO ON);
* SPECIAL GRANTS - TO COVER VARIOUS NEEDS ON INDIVIDUAL CASE BASIS, SUCH AS ESSENTIAL TRAVELLING. SCHOOL FEES, TEXT-BOOKS AND STATIONERY, SCHOOL UNIFORMS (INCLUDING TWO PAIRS OF SHOES), SPECTACLES, SPECIAL DIET ($270-$525), DENTURES AND SO ON EXCEPT FOR SPECIAL DIETS, ALL ARE PAID ACCORDING TO THE ACTUAL COST REQUIRED BY THE CLIENTS.
’’THE COMBINATION OF A BASIC SUM FOR ALL, PLUS SPECIAL GRANTS FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF CLIENTS, MEANS THAT THE SYSTEM CAN BE BOTH EFFICIENT AS WELL AS SENSITIVE ENOUGH TO MEET VARIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES,” SHE ADDED.
IN THE MEETING, MRS GOODSTADT ALSO OUTLINED THE HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENTS AND IMPROVEMENTS TO THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS.
--------0-----------
EXTENSION OF MARINE SPOIL GROUND OFF CHEUNG CHAU ♦ * * * *
THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS AUTHORISED THE EXTENSION OF THE EXISTING MARINE SPOIL GROUND SOUTH OF CHEUNG CHAU IN ORDER TO ACCOMMODATE THE MARINE MUD TO BE DREDGED FROM VARIOUS RECLAMATION PROJECTS, IN PARTICULAR, THE NEW AIRPORT AND ITS CORE PROJECTS.
THE EXISTING SPOIL GROUND HAS BEEN IN OPERATION SINCE 1988. AT THE PRESENT RATE OF DUMPING IT WILL SOON REACH ITS FULL DISPOSAL CAPACITY.
IN ORDER TO MAKE PROVISION FOR FORECAST DUMPING NEEDS AND ALSO TO ALLOW GOVERNMENT FLEXIBILITY IN ITS PLANNING OF DUMPING ACTIVITIES, THE EXISTING SPOIL GROUND HAS TO BE EXTENDED.
THE EXTENDED MARINE SPOIL GROUND WILL INVOLVE ABOUT 1,380 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED TO THE WEST OF THE EXISTING SPOIL GROUND.
ALTHOUGH THE EXTENSION WILL ENLARGE THE GAZETTED AREA, IT IS NOT INTENDED THAT THE WHOLE AREA WILL BE USED FOR DUMPING AT ANY ONE TIME.
/UNDER CONTROLS .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 1992
- 16 -
UNDER CONTROLS THROUGH LICENSING CONDITIONS, DISPOSAL WITHIN THE GAZETTED AREA WILL BE RESTRICTED TO UNCONTAMINATED DREDGED SPOIL AND EXCAVATED MATERIALS, AND LESS THAN 30 PER CENT OF THE AREA WILL BE USED FOR DUMPING AT ANY GIVEN TIME, THUS MINIMISING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AND ALLOWING EARLY RECOVERY OF DISTURBED SECTIONS OF THE SEABED.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED WAS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE OF AUTHORISATION GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HIS INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED WILL BE AFFECTED BY SUCH UNDERTAKING MAY DELIVER TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS A WRITTEN CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION ON OR BEFORE APRIL 23, 1993.
THE NOTICE (IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE) TOGETHER WITH ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE INSPECTED AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, WHERE COPIES CAN BE PURCHASED ON ORDER.
THEY CAN ALSO BE INSPECTED AT THE ISLAND DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES ON CHEUNG CHAU AND IN MUI WO, LANTAU ISLAND.
--------0---------
217 RETURN TO VIETNAM * * * *
A GROUP OF 217 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (FRIDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE UNHCR’S VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME.
COMPRISING 85 MEN, 53 WOMEN, 44 BOYS AND 35 GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 101ST BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.
THIS GROUP BROUGHT TO 3,704 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAVE RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 17,683 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN MARCH 1989.
------0-------
BANKING LICENCE REVOKED
*****
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE BANKING LICENCE OF SECURITY PACIFIC NATIONAL BANK (SPNB) HAS BEEN REVOKED AT THE REQUEST OF THE BANK.
SPNB MERGED WITH THE BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL TRUST AND SAVING ASSOCIATION ON APRIL 22, 1992, AS A RESULT OF A MERGER AGREEMENT BETWEEN THEIR RESPECTIVE HOLDING COMPANIES, SECURITY PACIFIC CORPORATION AND BANKAMERICA CORPORATION, IN THE UNITED STATES.
AFTER THE REVOCATION, THERE ARE 161 LICENSED BANKS IN HONG KONG, OF WHICH 131 ARE INCORPORATED OUTSIDE HONG KONG.
------0-------
/17........
FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 1992
- 17 -
ROAD IMPROVEMENT‘WORKS IN KENNEDY TOWN PROPOSED * * * * * *
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO CARRY OUT A RANGE OF ROAD WORKS TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC IN KENNEDY TOWN, HONG KONG ISLAND.
THE PROPOSED ROAD WORKS CONSISTS OF TWO PARTS.
THE FIRST PART IS TO EXTEND THE EXISTING ROCK HILL STREET TO PROVIDE AN ONE-WAY-TWO-LANE CARRIAGEWAY CONNECTING SANDS STREET AND SMITHFIELD ROAD.
THE SECOND PART IS TO RECONSTRUCT CATCHICK STREET AND PARTS OF CADOGAN STREET, DAVIS STREET, SMITHFIELD, NORTH STREET, BELCHER’S STREET AND SANDS STREET.
THE TRAM TRACKS ALONG CATCHICK STREET, CADOGAN STREET AND DAVIS STREET WILL ALSO BE REALIGNED AS PART OF THE ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT.
DETAILS OF THE PROPOSAL ARE GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE PLAN AND SCHEME SHOWING THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE SEEN AT THE FOLLOWING GOVERNMENT OFFICES DURING OFFICE HOURS:
* CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL;
» DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, HONG KONG WEST, 19TH FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI.
ANY PERSON OBJECTING TO THE PROPOSAL MUST SEND HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, CENTRAL NO LATER THAN JUNE 23 THIS YEAR, DESCRIBING HIS INTEREST AND MANNER IN WHICH HE ALLEGES HE WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE PROPOSAL.
--------0-----------
WORKS TO UPGRADE CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND
*****
THE ARCHITECTURAL IMPROVEMENT WORKS TO THE KOWLOON.
SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS TONG MEI ROAD CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND
FOR IN
THE CONTRACT INVOLVES RENOVATION TO THE EXISTING AREA, THE CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND AND THE TOILET BLOCK.
SITTING-OUT
/WORKS ARE .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 1992
- 18 -
WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START IN JULY AND BE COMPLETED NEXT MARCH.
CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON, MAY 15.
FORM OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 34TH FLOOR, QUEENSWAV GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.
- - 0----------
FIRING PRACTICE IN MAY * * * » ♦
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE RANGE ON 21 DAYS NEXT MONTH. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED NOT TO RED FLAGS ARE HOISTED. FOLLOWING ARE THE DATES AND TIMES OF THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK WHEN
ENTER FIRING THE AREA PRACTICE:
DATE TIME
MAY 4 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
MAY 5 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
MAY 6 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
MAY 7 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
MAY 8 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 11.59 PM
MAY 9 (SATURDAY) 0.01 AM - 5 PM
MAY 11 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
MAY 12 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
MAY 13 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
MAY 14 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
MAY 15 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
MAY 16 (SATURDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
MAY 18 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
MAY 19 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
MAY 20 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
MAY 21 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
MAY 22 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
MAY 25 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
MAY 26 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
MAY 28 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
MAY 29 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
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/19 ........
FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 1992
- 19 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 23.4.92 700
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 24.4.92 -40
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING + 40
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON + 700*
* O/N ASSISTANCE TO BE REVERSED ON 25.4.92
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 113.1 *+0.0* 24.4.92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.25 PCT 19 MONTHS 2311 6.25 101.50 5.30
1 MONTH 4.00 PCT 22 MONTHS 2402 5.50 99.80 5.69
3 MONTHS 3.94 PCT
6 MONTHS 4.05 PCT
12 MONTHS 4.59 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 4,920 MN
CLOSED 24 APRIL 1992
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LORD WILSON TO HAVE LONG TALK WITH SUCCESSOR ........................ 1
HK MORE SELF-RELIANT ON SUPPLY OF CORNEAL TISSUES ................... 1
HK TAKES PART IN INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION IN PEKING ................. 2
COMMUNITY URGED TO FIGHT AIDS ....................................... 3
FOUR MORE HIV CARRIERS FOUND......................................... 4
CASH AID TO DEPENDENT OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIM .................... 6
YAU TSIM OUTSTANDING STUDENTS HONOURED .............................. 6
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MCNEY MARKET OPERATIONS .......... 7
SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 1992
LORD WILSON TO HAVE LONG TALK WITH SUCCESSOR
******
THE GOVERNOR, LORD WILSON SAID TONIGHT (SATURDAY) THAT HE WILL HAVE A VERY LONG TALK WITH HIS SUCCESSOR, MR CHRISTOPHER PATTEN DURING HIS VISIT TO LONDON.
SPEAKING TO THE PRESS AT THE AIRPORT ON HIS DEPARTURE, LORD WILSON SAID: "THE TIMING OF THE VISIT HAS WORKED OUT VERY WELL BECAUSE IN ADDITION NOW TO SEEING THE PRIME MINISTER, THE FOREIGN SECRETARY, MR ALISTAIR GOODLAD, AS NEW MINISTER WITH SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR HONG KONG; I NOW HAVE THE CHANCE TO TALK TO MR CHRIS PATTEN WHO WILL BE SUCCEEDING ME AS GOVERNOR.”
"ANYBODY HERE KNOWS IT’S NOT A SIMPLE JOB; IT’S NOT A CEREMONIAL JOB; IT’S A VERY HARD-WORKING JOB, AND I WILL BE GOING THROUGH A LOT OF THE DETAIL OF THE POLICY ISSUES, ALL THE OPPORTUNITIES OF HONG KONG, HOW INTERESTING THE JOB IS AS WELL AS WHAT THE PROBLEMS ARE," HE SAID.
ASKED HOW HE WOULD TELL HIS SUCCESSOR NOT TO UPSET CHINA AND AT THE SAME TIME SATISFY THE LIBERALS, THE GOVERNOR SAID: "I WILL EXPECT HIM TO MAKE HIS OWN DECISIONS ON HOW TO DO THAT SORT OF THING. HE IS A MAN OF GREAT POLITICAL SKILL, A LOT OF PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE; I’M SURE HE’LL FIND HIS OWN WAY OF ACHIEVING JUST PRECISELY THAT BALANCE."
WHEN ASKED IF HE THOUGHT HONG KONG’S INTERESTS WOULD BE OVERLOOKED IN TIME OF CONFLICT BECAUSE OF HIS SUCCESSOR’S CLOSE RELATIONSHIP WITH BRITAIN, LORD WILSON SAID: "NO, I DON’T. .1 THINK THE RESPONSIBILITY, THE TASK AND THE PLEASURE OF A GOVERNOR IS TO LOOK AFTER THE INTEREST OF HONG KONG. THAT IS HIS RESPONSIBILITY."
HE SAID MR PATTEN PUT A LOT OF EMPHASIS ON THAT WHEN HE GAVE HIS PRESS CONFERENCE YESTERDAY.
"THAT IS THE ROLE CARRIED OUT BY ANY GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG; HIS JOB IS TO LOOK AFTER HONG KONG AND HONG KONG’S AFFAIRS," HE ADDED.
- - 0 - -
HK MORE SELF-RELIANT ON SUPPLY OF CORNEAL TISSUES *****
HONG KONG WILL TAKE A MORE ACTIVE ROLE IN PROMOTING AND PROCESSING LOCAL EYE DONATION, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF THE KUNG WAH LEE EYE TISSUE LABORATORY OF THE HONG KONG EYE BANK AND RESEARCH FOUNDATION, MRS WONG SAID: "WE HAVE BEEN RELYING HEAVILY ON THE SRI LANKA -EYE BANK FOR OUR SUPPLY OF CORNEAL TISSUES.
/"WITH THE
SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 1992
2
’’WITH THE SETTING UP OF THE NEW EYE TISSUE LABORATORY, THE HONG KONG EYE BANK AND RESEARCH FOUNDATION, WE IN HONG KONG CAN BE MORE SELF-RELIANT.”
SHE PRAISED HONG KONG PEOPLE FOR THEIR GENEROSITY TOWARDS THE VULNERABLE AND LESS FORTUNATE.
AT PRESENT, 9,832 PERSONS HAVE REGISTERED WITH THE HONG KONG EYE BANK TO DONATE THEIR CORNEA AFTER DEATH AND TO GIVE LIGHT TO THOSE IN NEED.
THESE DONORS JUSTIFY GOVERNMENT’S OPTIMISM AND CONFIDENCE IN PROMOTING AND ENCOURAGING ORGAN DONATION.
IN THIS RESPECT, THE GOVERNMENT LAUNCHED A TERRITORY-WIDE MULTI-MEDIA CAMPAIGN TWO WEEKS AGO TO STEP UP PUBLIC EDUCATION ON ORGAN DONATION AND TO MOTIVATE MORE POSITIVE SIGNING OF DONORS CARDS, SHE SAID.
EXHIBITIONS AND TELEVISION PROGRAMMES HAVE BEEN ORGANISED TO DISSEMINATE INFORMATION AND DISPEL MISCONCEPTIONS ON ORGAN DONATION.
PUBLICITY LEAFLETS AND DONORS CARDS ARE SENT TO INDIVIDUAL HOUSEHOLDS. THESE DONORS CARDS ARE ALSO DISTRIBUTED AT BANKS, SUPERMARKETS, DEPARTMENT STORES AND MTR STATIONS.
--------0-----------
HK TAKES PART IN INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION IN PEKING
******
A DELEGATION OF SIX OFFICIALS FROM THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, LED BY DIRECTOR OF DRAINAGE SERVICES MR SIU CHUEN, RETURNED TODAY (SATURDAY) AFTER TAKING PART IN AN ONE-WEEK INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXHIBITION IN PEKING.
HONG KONG WAS AMONG THE 928 PARTICIPANTS IN THE EXHIBITION.
THERE WERE ABOUT 30 OVERSEAS PARTICIPANTS COMING FROM UNITED KINGDOM, AUSTRALIA, USA, FINLAND, JAPAN AND SINGAPORE.
THE THIRD INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION EXHIBITION CUM NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION INDUSTRY EXHIBITION WAS ORGANISED BY CHINA’S NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY. IT WAS HELD AT THE BEIJING EXHIBITION CENTRE FROM APRIL 20 TO 24.
’’THE PURPOSE OF OUR PARTICIPATION IN THE EXHIBITION WAS TO SHARE EXPERIENCE AND EXCHANGE VIEWS WITH OUR COUNTERPARTS IN CHINA AND OTHER COUNTRIES," MR SIU SAID.
THE HONG KONG EXHIBITION STAND MAINLY INTRODUCED THE GOVERNMENT’S WORK ON ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, PLANNING, LEGISLATIVE CONTROL, SEWAGE STRATEGY, ENVIRONMENTAL PUBLICITY AND PUBLIC EDUCATION.
/THE HONG .......
SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 1992
3
THE HONG KONG EXHIBITS FEATURED COMPUTER DEMONSTRATIONS ON AIR AND NOISE MODELLING, WASTE MANAGEMENT DATA, AND WATER QUALITY AND HYDRAULIC MODELLING, AND ATTRACTED A LOT OF’ VISITORS AT THE EXHIBITION.
THE SIX MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG DELEGATION CAME FROM THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT AND PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS BRANCH.
A RECEPTION FOR THE CHINESE OFFICIALS WAS HELD DURING THE EXHIBITION AT WHICH OPPORTUNITY WAS TAKEN TO INTRODUCE BRIEFLY THE ENVIRONMENTAL WORK BEING CARRIED OUT IN HONG KONG, PARTICULARLY THE JOINT HONG KONG-GUANGDONG ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION LIAISON GROUP AND THE SEWAGE STRATEGY THAT WAS BEING DISCUSSED BY THE LIAISON GROUP.
- - 0 - -
COMMUNITY URGED TO FIGHT AIDS * * * * *
THE HONG KONG COMMUNITY AT LARGE SHOULD JOIN IN THE WAR AGAINST THE KILLER DISEASE, AIDS, A HEALTH OFFICIAL SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH’S CONSULTANT PHYSICIAN (SPECIAL PREVENTIVE PROGRAMMES), DR LEE SHUI-SHAN, SAID AIDS IS NO LONGER JUST A MEDICAL ISSUE. IT HAS BECOME A SOCIAL PROBLEM.
DR LEE WAS SPEAKING AT A CEREMONY AT WHICH FOUR YOUTH GROUPS THAT HAD EARLIER PLANNED AND ORGANISED EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY ACTIVITIES ON AIDS WERE PRESENTED WITH PRIZES FOR THEIR PROJECTS.
THE YOUTH GROUPS RECEIVED FUNDS FOR THEIR PROJECTS FROM THE YOUTH FUNDING SCHEME ON AIDS OF THE WORKING GROUP ON YOUTH UNDER THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY ON AIDS.
THE SCHEME PROVIDES FUNDS FOR YOUTH GROUPS OR ORGANISATIONS TO PLAN AND ORGANISE EDUCATION ACTIVITIES ON AIDS IN A BID TO AROUSE THEIR AWARENESS OF THE KILLER DISEASE.
DR LEE SAID THIS YEAR THE SCHEME WOULD PROVIDE FUNDS FOR 10 YOUTH GROUPS OR ORGANISATIONS FOR THEIR PROJECTS WHICH IS SIX MORE THAN THE NUMBER LAST YEAR.
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW INVITED AND EACH SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT CAN GET A MAXIMUM FUNDING OF $8,000.
THE APPROVED PROJECTS SHOULD BE ORGANISED AND IMPLEMENTED BETWEEN SEPTEMBER AND DECEMBER THIS YEAR.
AT THE SAME CEREMONY, THE CONVENER OF THE WORKING GROUP ON YOUTH, MRS JOYCE FUNG, SAID THE MOST EFFECTIVE METHOD TO COMBAT THE PROBLEM WAS TO EDUCATE THE YOUNGER GENERATION TO ADOPT A HEALTHY AND POSITIVE LIFE STYLE.
/SHE WAS
SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 1992
4
SHE WAS DELIGHTED TO LEARN THAT MANY YOUNG PEOPLE, THROUGH PARTICIPATION IN THE PROJECTS WITH SUBSIDIES FROM THE SCHEME, HAD ENHANCED THEIR AWARENESS OF THE KILLER DISEASE AND BECOME ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN DISSEMINATING HEALTH MESSAGES ON AIDS.
AT TODAY’S CEREMONY, THE FOUR YOUTH GROUPS HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO BRIEFLY INTRODUCE THEIR PROJECTS.
THEY ARE THE MEI LAM YOUTH CENTRE OF THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF YOUTH GROUPS AND THE TAK TIN, SHEK TONG TSUI AND SHA TIN CENTRES OF THE CARITAS CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRE.
THE ACTIVITIES THEY HAD PLANNED AND ORGANISED INCLUDED YOUTH FORUM, SEMINAR, TALK, EXHIBITIONS, VIDEO SHOWS, GAME STALLS AND QUIZ.
THE CONVENOR OF THE WORKING GROUP, REV ALFRED J. DEIGNAN; AND THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, DR S.H. LEE, PRESENTED PRIZES TO THE YOUTH GROUPS.
--------0-----------
FOUR MORE HIV CARRIERS FOUND ♦ * ♦ * * *
FOUR MORE MEN WERE FOUND TO BE POSITIVE FOR THE HIV ANTIBODY TEST LAST MONTH, BRINGING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF HIV INFECTED PERSONS IN HONG KONG TO 276.
REVIEWING THE LATEST AIDS SITUATION, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SAID NO NEW AIDS CASE WAS REPORTED DURING THE PERIOD AND THE NUMBER OF CONFIRMED AIDS CASES REMAINED AT 61.
SO FAR, 40 AIDS PATIENTS HAVE DIED AND 21 OTHERS ARE EITHER UNDER COUNSELLING AND TREATMENT OR HAVE LEFT THE TERRITORY.
OF THE 276 HIV-INFECTED, 60 WERE HAEMOPHILIACS, 183 ACQUIRED THE.INFECTION SEXUALLY, FIVE WERE DRUG ABUSERS AND THREE ACQUIRED THE INFECTION THROUGH BLOOD TRANSFUSION.
FOR THE REMAINING 25, THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE WAS INADEQUATE FOR CLASSIFICATION, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
UNDER THE HIV SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME STARTED IN 1985, A TOTAL OF 229,771 BLOOD SPECIMENS HAVE BEEN TESTED FOR THE HIV ANTIBODY.
THE HONG KONG RED CROSS BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE HAS ALSO SCREENED ALL DONORS FOR AIDS.
UP TO LAST MONTH, 1,055,296 UNITS OF BLOOD HAD BEEN TESTED AND 18 DONORS WERE FOUND POSITIVE.
/AIDS VIRUS .......
SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 1992
5
AIDS, Virus (HIV) Antibody .Ml D.pS&Sw
Testing
Health
..Apr 85-Feb 92 Mai u. • r 93 No. ♦ve • i 2 « 1 . 0 0 0 0 Total No. NO. tested* +ve
Referrals from Public hospitals and clinics w. K.<0 Referrals from private practitioners ' , • ’ _ , «j 4 h A *o t w w Attendances at social . hygiene‘clinics • Haei^&Haes^ J* . j . „ iMieafch'*’ IV orug abusers Planning Association 27410 1885 189146 589 - 6518 240 1109 110 53 ’ 47“ 60 1 0 0 383 6 2346" •20 84 0 35 27793 1891 191492 609 6602 240 1144 112 • 54 48 1 0 0
* This indicates the number of specimens are repeated for certain individuals. 271 2874 , 4 229771 and not persons as tests * 275
Hong Kong Red Cross Blood transfusion Service
Aug 85-Jan 92 Feb 92 Total
NO. No. No. No. No. No.
tested +ve tested +ve tested +ve
1038767 18 16529 0 1055296 18
Department of Health April 1992
---------o-----------
/6.........
SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 1992
- 6 -
CASH AID TO DEPENDENT OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIM
*****
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TODAY (SATURDAY) APPROVED $56,860 FROM THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE (TAVA) FUND TO THE DEPENDENT OF A CARETAKER WHO WAS KILLED IN A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT ON MARCH 7.
THE 64-YEAR-OLD CARETAKER, MR TSANG LAU-HOI, WAS KILLED IN A TRAFFIC MISHAP ON CASTLE PEAK ROAD NEAR NAI WAI. HE WAS SURVIVED BY HIS WIFE.
THE TAVA SCHEME PROVIDES QUICK FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS OR THEIR DEPENDENTS WITHOUT TAKING REGARD OF THE MEANS OF A FAMILY OR THE FAULT ELEMENT IN THE ACCIDENT.
BENEFICIARIES UNDER THE SCHEME WILL RETAIN THE RIGHT TO MAKE CLAIMS FOR LEGAL DAMAGES OR COMPENSATION FROM OTHER SOURCES IN THE USUAL WAY.
HOWEVER, THOSE WHO RECEIVE OTHER DAMAGES OR COMPENSATION RELATING TO THE SAME ACCIDENT ARE REQUIRED TO REPAY THE AMOUNT OF ASSISTANCE ALREADY RECEIVED FROM THE SCHEME.
BUT IN ANY CASE, THE AMOUNT REPAID WILL NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNT OF DAMAGES OR COMPENSATION AWARDED.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT APPLICATIONS UNDER THE SCHEME MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE DEPARTMENT’S TAVA SECTION AT 15 WATSON ROAD, VICTORIA CENTRE, FIRST FLOOR, CAUSEWAY BAY OR ON TEL. 570 2410.
---------0----------
YAU TSIM OUTSTANDING STUDENTS HONOURED
******
TEN STUDENTS IN THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT WERE PRESENTED WITH "OUTSTANDING STUDENTS AWARD” AT A CEREMONY TODAY (SATURDAY).
THE STUDENTS - THREE BOYS AND SEVEN GIRLS - HAVE BEEN CHOSEN FROM 32 NOMINEES FROM PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS FOR THEIR DISTINGUISHED ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS, CONDUCT, AND PARTICIPATION IN EXTRA-CURRICULAR AND SOCIAL SERVICE ACTIVITIES.
COMPRISING FIVE SECONDARY AND FIVE PRIMARY STUDENTS, THEY WERE EACH PRESENTED WITH A TROPHY, A CERTIFICATE AND A BOOK COUPON.
SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR VINCENT TANG, SAID THE ANNUAL AWARD SCHEME NOT ONLY NURTURED AND ENCOURAGED STUDENTS IN ACADEMIC PURSUIT, BUT ALSO EHHANCED THEIR CIVIC AWARENESS AND ENTHUSIASM IN SOCIAL ACTIVITIES.
/HE ALSO ......
SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 1992
HE ALSO PRAISED THE ORGANISER, THE SCHOOL LIAISON COMMITTEE, FOR ITS CONTRIBUTION TO THE PROMOTION OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AND LIAISON AMONG SCHOOLS THROUGH ACTIVITIES SUCH AS SEMINARS, TALKS, VISITS AND EXHIBITIONS.
THE AWARD SCHEME WAS SPONSORED BY THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD.
OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS AT THE CEREMONY INCLUDED PRINCIPAL EDUCATION OFFICER (KOWLOON), MR KWAN SHU-TSUN; CHAIRMAN OF YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE, MR NG KIN-SUN; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE YAU MA TEI AND TSIM SHA TSUI CULTURE AND ARTS ASSOCIATION, MR YANG TZE-KIANG.
- - 0----------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ******
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 24.4.92 1,400
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 25.4.92 -700 »
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING NEUTRAL
♦ O/N ASSISTANCE TO BE REVERSED ON 25.4.92
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NEW TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS APPOINTED ........................... 1
CALL FOR ELDERLY CONCESSIONARY FARES .................................... 1
FUN DAY WINDS UP CLEAN AND GREEN SCHEME ................................. 2
STUDENTS SHOW FRIENDSHIP TO CANADA IN POSTCARDS ......................... 3
FUNDS FOR SUMMER YOUTH ACTIVITIES IN KWAI TSING.......................... 3
MORE CHAPTERS OF TOWN-PLANNING MANUAL ON SALE ........................... 4
THREE GOVT LOTS UP FOR AUCTION .......................................... 5
SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 1992
NEW TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS APPOINTED ******
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY) THE APPOINTMENT OF FOUR NEW NON-OFFICIAL MEMBERS AND RE-APPOINTMENT OF 13 SERVING NON-OFFICIAL MEMBERS TO THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD (TEXTAB) FOR THE PERIOD APRIL 1 THIS YEAR TO MARCH 31 NEXT YEAR.
THE NEW TEXTAB MEMBERS ARE: MR HERBERT LIANG OF THE WIDER ENTERPRISES LTD; MR PETER LAW OF PINE LINK KNITTING FACTORY LTD; MR KENNETH FANG OF FANG BROTHERS KNITTING LTD; AND MR YU JER-HUAN OF PROSPERITY TEXTILES LTD.
CHAIRED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T.H. CHAU, TEXTAB IS FORMED TO ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT ON MATTERS, OTHER THAN LABOUR MATTER, AFFECTING THE TEXTILE AND GARMENT INDUSTRIES.
THERE ARE THREE EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS ON TEXTAB. THEY ARE THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MR T.H. BARMA; DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR DONALD TSANG, AND COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, MR CLIVE OXLEY.
SERVING MEMBERS OF THE TEXTAB BEING RE-APPOINTED INCLUDE MR CHAN WING-KEE; MR CLEMENT CHEN; MR CHRISTOPHER CHENG; MR STEPHEN CHEONG; MR DAVID CHU; MR WILLIAM FUNG; DR HARRY LEE; MRS SOPHIE LEUNG; MR HENRY TANG; MR JAMES TIEN; DR KENNETH K.K. WANG; DR JAMES WONG AND MR JUSTIN K.H. YUE.
- - - - 0------
CALL FOR ELDERLY CONCESSIONARY FARES * * * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, CALLED ON MORE PUBLIC TRANSPORT COMPANIES TO FOLLOW THE LEAD OF THE TWO RAILWAY COMPANIES TO OFFER CONCESSIONARY FARES TO SENIOR CITIZENS IN HONG KONG.
SPEAKING AT A CEREMONY TO LAUNCH THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY SENIOR CITIZEN COMMON STORED VALUE TICKET THIS (SUNDAY) MORNING, MRS WONG SAID WELFARE FOR THE ELDERLY IS DRAWING MORE AND MORE CONCERN NOWADAYS.
’’APART FROM THE CONTINUED EFFORT OF THE GOVERNMENT TO CATER FOR THE NEEDS OF THE SENIOR CITIZENS, IT IS INDEED PLEASING TO SEE THE RAILWAY COMPANIES TAKING THE LEAD TO PROVIDE CONCESSIONARY FARES FOR THEM.
’’THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY IS NOW AN INDISPENSABLE TRANSPORT MODE FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
’’WITH THE PROVISION OF CONCESSIONARY FARES, SENIOR CITIZENS CAN ENJOY THIS FAST AND RELIABLE TRANSPORT SERVICE AT A MUCH CHEAPER FARE,” SHE SAID.
THE SENIOR CITIZEN COMMON STORED VALUE TICKET WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM FRIDAY (MAY 1).
------0--------
/2 .....
SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 1992
2
FUN DAY WINDS UP CLEAN AND GREEN SCHEME
*****
THE 1991/92 CLEAN AND GREEN SCHEME ENDED TODAY (SUNDAY) WITH A FUN DAY AT THE SCENIC SAI KUNG EAST COUNTRY PARK FOR MORE THAN 500 YOUNG PEOPLE WHO HAD TAKEN PART IN VARIOUS ACTIVITIES UNDER THE SCHEME.
OFFICIATING AT THE FUN DAY CUM PRIZE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY WERE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE OF THE COUNTRY PARKS BOARD, MR GEORGE TAN; AN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, MR FRANK LAU, AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE SCHEME’S SPONSORS, MR CHARLES PANG OF TIMBERLAND.
SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, MR TAN SAID IT WAS YET ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL YEAR FOR THE SCHEME AS SOME 11,000 PARTICIPANTS HAD TAKEN PART IN' VARIOUS ACTIVITIES.
. A TOTAL OF 11,600 PEOPLE TOOK PART IN LITTER COLLECTION AND TREE TENDING WORK IN COUNTRY PARKS ON WEEKDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS • SINCE THIS YEAR’S SCHEME WAS LAUNCHED LAST DECEMBER.
MEANWHILE, A ’’SCENIC ROUTE DESIGN” COMPETITION AND A "KNOW YOUR COUNTRYSIDE TREES" QUIZ ATTRACTED 18 AND 1,060 ENTRIES RESPECTIVELY.
TEN WINNING ENTRIES WERE SELECTED FOR THE "SCENIC ROUTE DESIGN" COMPETITION BY A PANEL OF JUDGES ON APRIL 7.
MR TAN POINTED OUT THAT APART FROM THE CLEAN AND GREEN SCHEME, THE COUNTRY PARKS AUTHORITY HAD ORGANISED A WIDE RANGE OF COUNTRYSIDE EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES SUCH AS THE COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING SCHEME, FORESTRY WORK CAMPS AND FOREST ADOPTION PROJECT.
THESE AIMED TO ENCOURAGE ALL SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY, ESPECIALLY THE YOUNGER GENERATION, TO PARTICIPATE IN COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION WORK.
"THE RESULT IS VERY ENCOURAGING. OVER 20,000 JOINED THE VARIOUS TREE PLANTING ACTIVITIES LAST YEAR AND PLANTED SOME 30,000 TREES IN OUR COUNTRY PARKS," MR TAN SAID.
AT THE CEREMONY, COMMENDATION CERTIFICATES WERE PRESENTED TO SHUN TAK FRATERNAL ASSOCIATION LEUNG KAU KUI COLLEGE AND TSUEN WAN PUBLIC HO CHUEN YIN MEMORIAL COLLEGE FOR PARTICIPATING IN THE FOREST ADOPTION SCHEME FOR FIVE YEARS.
MR TAN ALSO THANKED TIMBERLAND FOR SPONSORING THE SCHEME, WHICH IS AN ANNUAL EDUCATIONAL AND PUBLICITY PROGRAMME ORGANISED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT. THIS YEAR MARKED THE NINTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SCHEME.
SUNDAY, APRIL 26,
1992
STUDENTS SHOW FRIENDSHIP TO CANADA IN POSTCARDS
******
STUDENTS FROM ABOUT 400 SCHOOLS WILL IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS BE FILLING IN POSTCARDS BEARING THE FESTIVAL HONG KONG '92 LOGO, SENDING GREETINGS TO RESIDENTS IN FIVE CANADIAN CITIES.
AS ONE OF THE PRELUDES TO FESTIVAL HONG KONG '92, THE ’’OPERATION POSTCARD” IS CO-ORGANISED BY THE FESTIVAL OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH AND THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB (CYC) OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
’’RESPONSE FROM SCHOOLS TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS MEANINGFUL PROJECT HAS BEEN QUITE ENCOURAGING. BATCHES OF POSTCARDS TOTALLING 60,000 HAVE BEEN DISPATCHED TO THE SCHOOLS LAST WEEK," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH SAID.
THE ACTIVITY AIMS TO PROMOTE THE THEME OF THE FESTIVAL, "HONG KONG AND CANADA: BRIDGE ACROSS THE PACIFIC" AND TO FOSTER FRIENDSHIP AMONG THE YOUTH IN HONG KONG AND CANADA.
"THE IDEA IS TO INVITE HONG KONG YOUNGSTERS TO WRITE MESSAGES OR PRODUCE DRAWINGS ON PRE-PRINTED POSTCARDS WHICH WILL SERVE AS A PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE GREETING," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
"COMPLETED POSTCARDS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND STUDENTS IN VANCOUVER, CALGARY, TORONTO, MONTREAL AND OTTAWA WHERE THE FESTIVAL WILL BE HELD."
COMPLETED CARDS SELECTED BY INDIVIDUAL SCHOOLS SHOULD BE RETURNED IN BULK TO THE CYC BEFORE JUNE 1.
SOUVENIRS HAVE BEEN PROVIDED TO EACH SCHOOL AS PRIZES FOR OUTSTANDING ENTRIES.
FESTIVAL HONG KONG '92, HONG KONG'S BIGGEST-EVER OVERSEAS PROMOTION, WILL BE LAUNCHED THIS SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER TO SHOW CANADIANS THE CULTURE, ACHIEVEMENTS AND ENERGY OF HONG KONG PEOPLE.
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FUNDS FOR SUMMER YOUTH ACTIVITIES IN KWAI TSING * * * * *
ORGANISATIONS, SCHOOLS AND YOUTH CENTRES IN KWAI TSING DISTRICT MAY NOW APPLY FOR FUNDS TO ORGANISE ACTIVITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE THIS SUMMER.
WITH A THEME OF "SHARE THE FUN, SERVE THE COMMUNITY", ACTIVITIES MAY INCLUDE RECREATIONAL EVENTS, SPORTS, EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES.
/EACH APPLICATION
SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 1992
4
EACH APPLICATION MAY BE ALLOCATED UP TO $3>000.
FUNDED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, THE APPLICATIONS WILL BE VETTED BY THE KWAI TSING SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME ORGANISING COMMITTEE. APPLICATION WILL CLOSE ON MAY 15.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE, ROOM 1003, 10TH FLOOR, KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, NEAR THE KWAI HING MTR STATION.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 425 4602.
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MORE CHAPTERS OF TOWN-PLANNING MANUAL ON SALE * * * * *
TWO MORE CHAPTERS OF THE ’’HONG KONG PLANNING STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES’’, A COMPREHENSIVE TOWN-PLANNING MANUAL PREPARED BY THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT, ARE NOW ON SALE.
THE PUBLICATIONS, IN A SERIES OF 11 CHAPTERS EACH DEVOTED TO A PARTICULAR ASPECT OF LAND USES OR FACILITIES, ARE SOLD ON AN INDIVIDUAL CHAPTER BASIS.
CHAPTER 4, ENTITLED ’’RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE”, PROVIDES PLANNING STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES ON THE PROVISION OF OPEN SPACE AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES.
CHAPTER 11 - ’’MISCELLANEOUS PLANNING STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES" - DEALS WITH LAND USES OR FACILITIES THAT DO NOT FALL WITHIN THE PURVIEW OF OTHER CHAPTERS IN THE SERIES.
ITS TOPICS INCLUDE UNDERGROUND ROCK CAVERN DEVELOPMENTS AND PETROL FILLING STATIONS.
TOGETHER WITH THE THREE CHAPTERS PUBLISHED EARLIER, NAMELY "INTRODUCTION", "RESIDENTIAL DENSITIES" AND "COMMUNITY FACILITIES", FIVE CHAPTERS ARE NOW ON SALE .
THE TWO CHAPTERS, AT $18 AND $15 A COPY RESPECTIVELY, CAN BE BOUGHT FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE.
CHAPTER ONE, "INTRODUCTION", IS PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE TO BUYERS OF OTHER CHAPTERS.
THE REMAINING CHAPTERS, COVERING TOPICS ON INDUSTRY, RETAIL FACILITIES, UTILITY SERVICES, INTERNAL TRANSPORT FACILITIES, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDSCAPE AND CONSERVATION, WILL GO ON SALE LATER THIS YEAR.
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/5.........
SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 1992
- 5 -
THREE GOVT LOTS UP FOR AUCTION
*****
THREE LOTS OF GOVERNMENT LAND WILL BE OFFERED FOR SALE IN A PUBLIC AUCTION BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT TO BE HELD IN THE CITY HALL THEATRE ON TUESDAY (APRIL 28).
THE AUCTION WILL START AT 2.30 PM.
THE FIRST LOT IS LOCATED AT AP LEI CHAU WEST, HONG KONG.
WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 5,538 SQUARE METRES, THE SITE IS INTENDED FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES (EXCLUDING OFFENSIVE TRADES).
THE SECOND LOT IS LOCATED AT AREA 11, ON LAI STREET, SHA TIN, NEW TERRITORIES.
THE SITE HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 2,869 SQUARE METRES AND IS EARMARKED FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES (EXCLUDING DANGEROUS GOODS GODOWN).
THE REMAINING LOT IS LOCATED AT AREA 30, TAI PO, NEW TERRITORIES.
WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 24,630 SQUARE METRES, THE SITE IS INTENDED FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE AUCTION.
A DESIGNATED PRESS AREA WILL BE ALLOCATED AT THE VENUE.
IT IS ADVISABLE FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS TO BRING ALONG TELEPHOTO LENSES.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVT REFUTES CLAIMS BY EDUCATION ACTION GROUP .......................... 1
WHC MEETING ON CONTROL OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES ........................ 5
HONG KONG REMAINS COMPETITIVE IN LEATHER TRADE: STI .................... 6
MECHANICAL CONTRACT FOR TRANSFERRING WATER FROM CHINA AWARDED .......... 7
MANAGEMENT SEMINAR FOR SENIOR OFFICIALS ................................ 7
APPLICATION BY POST TO REPLACE HK BRITISH PASSPORTS .................... 8
TRIAL TRAFFIC SIGNAL SCHEME AT CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL KOWLOON EXIT ....... 9
MOTION DEBATES ON BROADCASTING POLICY AND HOSPITAL FEES ................ 9
WATER STORAGE FIGURE.................................................... 10
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............. 11
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1992
GOVT REFUTES CLAIMS BY EDUCATION ACTION GROUP
*****
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (MONDAY) REFUTED CLAIMS MADE BY THE EDUCATION ACTION GROUP RECENTLY THAT MANY RECOMMENDATIONS MADE IN EDUCATION COMMISSION REPORTS HAD NOT BEEN IMPLEMENTED.
REFERRING TO REPORTS IN CHINESE NEWSPAPERS OF THE GROUP’S SPECIFIC ALLEGATIONS, THE SPOKESMAN GAVE THE FOLLOWING EXPLANATION:
(A) REPORT NO. 4
(1) FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF WHOLE DAY PRIMARY SCHOOLING:
THIS IS NOT AMONG THE COMMISSION’S RECOMMENDATIONS. THE COMMISSION PROPOSED A WORK SCHEDULE TO BRING ABOUT MIXED-MODE SCHOOLING AS AN INTERIM MEASURE. THIS PROPOSAL HAS MET WITH OPPOSITION FROM THE EDUCATIONAL COMMUNITY AND THE GOVERNMENT WILL DECIDE ON WHAT TO DO SHORTLY.
(2) STRENGTHENING COUNSELLING SERVICES IN SCHOOLS:
IMPROVEMENT MEASURES COSTING $47 MILLION FOR THE THREE YEARS 1992/93 TO 1994/95 WILL BE INTRODUCED AS FROM THE SCHOOL YEAR STARTING SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.
(3) PROVIDING VARIOUS LANGUAGE BRIDGING COURSES:
WORK TO PREPARE COURSES AT VARIOUS LEVELS HAS STARTED. FOR EXAMPLE, THE PRIMARY 6 - SECONDARY 1 BRIDGING COURSE IS WELL UNDER WAY AND LANGUAGE MODULES TO PREPARE SCHOOL LEAVERS FOR EMPLOYMENT ARE BEING DEVELOPED BY THE WORKING PARTY ON VOCATIONAL ENGLISH. BRIDGING COURSES AT S6 AND S7 TO HELP STUDENTS LEARNING IN THE CHINESE MEDIUM TO MEET THE USE OF ENGLISH REQUIREMENT HAVE BEEN DEVELOPED. RECOGNITION FROM THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IS BEING OBTAINED.
(4) ESTABLISHMENT OF ATTAINMENT TARGETS AND RELATED ASSESSMENTS:
FORMULATION OF THE TEACHING TARGETS AND ASSESSMENT INSTRUMENTS IS PROGRESSING SMOOTHLY. TRAINING OF TEACHERS WILL START IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR IN STAGES. TARGETS AND RELATED ASSESSMENTS (TTRA) WILL BE INTRODUCED IN P.4 IN APRIL/MAY 1993, ON COURSE FOR THE FIRST TARGET RELATED ASSESSMENT AT P.6 IN 1994.
(5) IMPLEMENTATION OF POLICY ON MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION IN SCHOOLS:
THE RECOMMENDATION TO PROVIDE THREE MODES OF OPERATION (ENGLISH, CHINESE OR A MIX OF CLASSES OPERATING IN EITHER CHINESE OR ENGLISH) HAS BEEN ACCEPTED AS POLICY. IMPLEMENTATION IS SCHEDULED FOR 1994 WHEN TTRA RESULTS (SEE (4) ABOVE) WILL HELP SCHOOLS AND PARENTS TO DECIDE ON MEDIUM TO BE ADOPTED.
/(6) START WITH .......
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1992
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(6) START WITH TRANSFER OF STUDENTS TO PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS:
THIS POLICY ENVISAGES A PILOT PROJECT TO BE CARRIED OUT. THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL START ON THE PILOT SCHEME IN MID-1992.
(7) SETTING UP PRACTICAL SCHOOLS:
FUNDING FOR CONVERSION OF ONE ORDINARY SCHOOL TO A PRACTICAL SCHOOL AND CONSTRUCTION OF TWO NEW ONES HAS BEEN PROVIDED UNDER THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME, WITH START DATES IN 1992/93.
APART FROM (1), THE POLICY FOR WHICH WILL BE DECIDED SHORTLY, FUNDING FOR ALL THE OTHER ITEMS HAS BEEN PROVIDED TO ENABLE WORK TO PROCEED AS SOON AS PRACTICAL ARRANGEMENTS CAN BE MADE. THE NECESSARY FUNDS HAVE BEEN PROVIDED OUTSIDE OF THE 1992/93 ESTIMATES. THEY WILL COME FROM THE ADDITIONAL ALLOCATION OF $300 MILLION AS ANNOUNCED BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON APRIL 1, THIS YEAR.
(B) REPORT NO. 3
(1) IMPROVING CURRICULUM AND TEACHING IN SCHOOLS:
THE EDUCATION COMMISSION DID NOT MAKE ANY SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS ON THESE ISSUES WHICH HAVE, HOWEVER, BEEN COVERED EXTENSIVELY IN EDUCATION COMMISSION REPORT NO. 4 (ECR4).
(2) IMPROVING QUALITY OF PRIVATE SCHOOLS, INCLUDING:
(A) THE INTRODUCTION OF THE DIRECT SUBSIDY SCHEME:
THIS SCHEME HAS BEEN INTRODUCED AND NINE SCHOOLS HAVE JOINED SINCE LAST YEAR, WITH ONE MORE TO JOIN IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.
(B) CONVERSION OF BOUGHT PLACE SCHOOL (BPS) TO WHOLE DAY OPERATION BY 1993:
TWENTY OUT OF THE 22 BPS SCHOOLS HAVE SIGNED FIVE YEAR CONTRACTS WITH THE GOVERNMENT LAST YEAR TO UPGRADE THEMSELVES TO AIDED SCHOOL STANDARD. THIS INCLUDES GRADUAL CONVERSION TO WHOLE DAY OPERATION.
(C) IMPROVEMENTS TO QUALITY OF TEACHERS IN BPS:
THE UPGRADING PROGRAMME SET OUT AT (B) WILL RESULT IN IMPROVED TEACHER TRAINING. PROVISIONS HAVE BEEN MADE FOR UNTRAINED TEACHERS IN BPS TO ATTEND IN-SERVICE COURSE FOR TEACHER TRAINING.
(D) IMPROVEMENTS TO CLASS STRUCTURE, EQUIPMENT AND CLASS SIZE:
AS SET OUT AT (B) ABOVE, ALMOST ALL BPS SCHOOLS ARE PRESENTLY UNDERGOING A PROCESS OF UPGRADING TO AIDED SCHOOL STANDARD IN RESPECT OF CLASS STRUCTURE, EQUIPMENT AND CLASS SIZE. MOREOVER, THE GOVERNMENT IS PROVIDING LOANS FOR ALL THESE SCHOOLS TO PURCHASE THEIR PREMISES.
/(C) REPORT NO. 2 .......
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1992
3
(C) REPORT NO. 2
(1) UNIFICATION OF STANDARDS BETWEEN KINDERGARTENS AND CHILD CARE CENTRES:
THE EDUCATION COMMISSION RECOMMENDED THIS AS A LONG-TERM GOAL THE ACHIEVEMENT OF WHICH REQUIRES STEADY IMPROVEMENTS TO KINDERGARTENS IN A NUMBER OF AREAS IN THE FIRST INSTANCE. THESE ARE STILL PROCEEDING.
(2) NUMBERS OF TRAINED KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS:
THE EDUCATION COMMISSION RECOMMENDED AN INTERIM TARGET OF 85% TRAINED KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS AND REGULATIONS TO PROVIDE 40% TRAINED TEACHERS BY 1990 AND 60% BY 1994. IN THE EVENT, THE GOVERNMENT DECIDED NOT TO PURSUE THE LEGISLATIVE OPTION. INSTEAD, THE FEE REMISSION SCHEME WAS INTRODUCED TO MAKE IT POSSIBLE FOR KINDERGARTEN OPERATION TO CHARGE HIGHER FEES TO IMPROVE THE MIX OF TRAINED TEACHERS. IN 1990/91, 25.5% OF KINDERGARTENS HAVE REACHED OR EXCEEDED THE 85% TARGET FOR TRAINED TEACHERS. THIS ROSE TO 28.9% IN 1991/92. FURTHER MEASURES TO ENSURE THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THE RECOMMENDED TARGET ARE BEING CONSIDERED (ALSO SEE (3) BELOW). •
(3) IMPROVEMENTS IN SALARIES FOR KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS:
A SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN MONTHLY SALARIES HAS BEEN RECORDED BETWEEN 1989/90 AND 1990/91, 54% FOR QUALIFIED KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS, 43% FOR QUALIFIED ASSISTANT KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS AND 44% FOR UNQUALIFIED KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS. IN 1991/92, FURTHER INCREASES OF 19.5%, 14% AND 5.1% RESPECTIVELY WERE RECORDED. FURTHER MEASURES TO ENCOURAGE KINDERGARTEN OPERATORS TO IMPROVE THE RATIO AND PAY OF QUALIFIED STAFF AND FOR UNTRAINED TEACHERS TO COME FORWARD FOR TRAINING ARE BEING CONSIDERED BY THE WORKING PARTY ON KINDERGARTEN EDUCATION, WHICH WAS FORMED ON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE EDUCATION COMMISSION.
(4) DISPARITY BETWEEN KINDERGARTEN FEE REMISSION SCHEME AND IMPROVEMENTS RECOMMENDED FOR THE OLD FEE ASSISTANCE SCHEME:
A POLICY DECISION WAS TAKEN TO INTRODUCE THE FEE REMISSION SCHEME IN FAVOUR OF MAINTAINING THE FEE ASSISTANCE SCHEME, THE KEY REASONS BEING THE SPEED WITH WHICH SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENTS COULD BE MADE WITH THE FORMER. $10.1 MILLION WAS DISBURSED UNDER THE FEE REMISSION SCHEME IN 1990/91, COMPARED TO $6.5 MILLION IN 1989/90 UNDER THE FEE ASSISTANCE SCHEME. THIS WAS INCREASED TO $20.7 MILLION FOR 1991-92, AND $25.56 MILLION IN 1992/93. OVER 10,300 FAMILIES ARE NOW RECEIVING FEE REMISSIONS NOW, COMPARED TO ONLY 3,400 IN MARCH 1990.
(5) PROVISION OF SUBSIDISED S6 PLACES FOR ONE-THIRD OF S4 ENROLMENT:
WITH THE RAPID EXPANSION OF OVER 3,000 PLACES EACH IN 1991/92 AND 1992/93, THIS TARGET WILL BE ACHIEVED BY SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR WHEN 22,500 S6 PLACES WILL BE PROVIDED.
/(6) BROADENING OF .......
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1992
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(6) BROADENING OF SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM AND PROVISION OF NEW SUBJECTS IN DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY, ART AND DESIGN AND HOME ECONOMICS:
THE SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM HAS BEEN BROADENED CONSIDERABLY THROUGH THE INTRODUCTION OF ADVANCED SUPPLEMENTARY (AS) LEVEL SUBJECTS THIS YEAR. ART AND DESIGN IS ALREADY AVAILABLE AT ADVANCED-LEVEL AND AS-LEVEL, DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY WILL BE AVAILABLE AT AS-LEVEL IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR. HOME ECONOMICS WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR INTRODUCTION IN 1994.
(7) PROPORTION OF TRAINED GRADUATE TEACHER TO REACH 72% BY THIS YEAR:
THE EDUCATION COMMISSION’S RECOMMENDATION WAS TO EXPAND THE CAPACITY OF THE POST-GRADUATE DIPLOMA AND CERTIFICATE IN EDUCATION COURSES AT UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG TO ENABLE 80% OF GRADUATE TEACHERS TO BE FULLY TRAINED BY 1994. THE NECESSARY NUMBER OF PLACES ARE BEING PROVIDED IN THE 1992/95 TRIENNIUM. PRESENT RATIO IS 69.5% BUT IT IS TOO EARLY TO SAY THAT THE TARGET CANNOT BE MET.
(8) INTRODUCTION OF PART-TIME DEGREE COURSES ON PRACTICAL, TECHNICAL AND CULTURAL SUBJECTS:
THE CUHK AND THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC NOW OFFER PART-TIME DEGREE COURSES IN MUSIC AND ART & DESIGN. A COURSE IN DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY IS UNDER CONSIDERATION.
(D) REPORT NO. 1
ALTHOUGH A NEW COLLEGE OF EDUCATION WAS PROPOSED, NO FIRM TIMING WAS SPECIFIED. THE GOVERNMENT AT THAT TIME TOOK THE VIEW THAT THE NEED FOR AN ADDITIONAL COLLEGE SHOULD BE ASSESSED TAKING INTO ACCOUNT DEMOGRAPHIC TRENDS AND THE RESULTANT DEMAND FOR FEWER TEACHERS. THIS QUESTION WILL BE COVERED IN THE EDUCATION COMMISSION’S FIFTH REPORT.
IN THE LIGHT OF THESE FACTS, THE GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN DESCRIBED THE EDUCATION ACTION GROUP’S ALLEGATIONS AS MISLEADING AND OVER-SIMPLISTIC.
HE HOPED THAT THOSE WHO WORK IN EDUCATION AND THE WIDER COMMUNITY WOULD BE AWARE OF WHAT PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE ON IMPROVEMENTS RECOMMENDED BY THE EDUCATION COMMISSION.
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MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1992
- 5 -
WHO MEETING ON CONTROL OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
******
THE EMPHASIS ON THE CONTROL OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES IS NOW ON EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SURVEILLANCE ON AN INTERNATIONAL BASIS, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
THIS WAS STATED IN HER WELCOMING ADDRESS WHICH WAS DELIVERED ON HER BEHALF BY THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, DR S.H. LEE, AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION (WHO) THIRD MEETING ON THE CONTROL OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES IN CHINA, HONG KONG AND MACAU.
"THE OLD PRINCIPLE OF CORDONS SANITARIES HAS BEEN FOUND TO BE NOT AN EFFECTIVE MEASURE OF CONTROL IN THE PREVENTION OF THE INTRODUCTION OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES," SHE ADDED.
"THE CONVENIENCE AND SPEED OF MODERN TRAVEL HAVE THEIR DOWN-SIDE: COMMUNICABLE DISEASES CAN TRAVEL AND SPREAD JUST AS EASILY," MRS WONG STATED.
"THIS IS PARTICULARLY PERTINENT WHEN WE FACE SUCH AN ENORMOUS VOLUME CROSS-BORDER TRADE AND TRAVEL NOWADAYS."
MRS WONG NOTED THAT THE CONTROL OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES WAS ONE OF THE ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE.
HOWEVER, SHE SAID, EFFORTS FROM AN INDIVIDUAL GOVERNMENT ALONE WERE NOT ENOUGH.
THE KEY TO SUCCESSFUL CONTROL OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES, SHE SAID, WAS CLOSE COLLABORATION AND PROMPT DISSEMINATION OF EPIDEMIOLOGICAL INFORMATION AMONG HEALTH AUTHORITIES.
THESE, MRS WONG SAID, HAD ENABLED TIMELY PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES AND FACILITATED PREVENTION OF POSSIBLE OUTBREAKS.
THE SECRETARY WAS CONFIDENT THAT THE LIAISON SO FAR ESTABLISHED WOULD STRENGTHEN AND DELEGATES TO THE MEETING WILL STAND TOGETHER IN READINESS TO PROMOTE BETTER HEALTH FOR THEIR COMMUNITIES.
THE BIENNIAL MEETING, HOSTED BY HONG KONG FOR THE FIRST TIME, IS CONVENED BY THE REGIONAL OFFICE FOR THE WESTERN PACIFIC OF THE WHO.
SOME 50 HEALTH OFFICIALS FROM THE PARTICIPATING AREAS WILL BE ATTENDING THE THREE-DAY MEETING.
THEY WILL DISCUSS TOPICS SUCH AS CHOLERA, AIDS AND THE STRENGTHENING OF POSSIBLE CO-OPERATION IN SURVEILLANCE AND CONTROL OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES, PARTICULARLY IN THE EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION.
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/6 .......
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1992
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HONG KONG REMAINS COMPETITIVE IN LEATHER TRADE: STI
******
HONG KONG IS NOW A WELL-ESTABLISHED SOURCE OF QUALITY LEATHER PRODUCTS, SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T.H. CHAU, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL LEATHER FAIR 92, MR CHAU SAID THE GROWTH IN HONG KONG’S TOTAL EXPORTS OF LEATHER GOODS IN 1991 WAS AS HIGH AS 47 PER CENT.
REFERRING TO THE LEATHER SECTOR, MR CHAU SAID HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS HAVE DROPPED SOMEWHAT RECENTLY BUT ITS RE-EXPORTS HAVE BEEN DOING VERY WELL.
"OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, MANY OF OUR MANUFACTURERS HAVE MOVED THE LABOUR INTENSIVE PROCESSES TO SOUTHERN CHINA WHILST KEEPING THE HIGHER VALUE-ADDED OPERATIONS IN HONG KONG.
"THEY HAVE ALSO IMPROVED THEIR PRODUCT DESIGN, MARKETING AND SALE SERVICES," MR CHAU SAID.
HONG KONG REMAINS COMPETITIVE THROUGH THESE EFFORTS, HE ADDED.
MR CHAU NOTED THAT HONG KONG IS AT THE SAME TIME AN IMPORTER OF LEATHER GOODS.
"WE HAVE BEEN IMPORTING AN INCREASING VOLUME OF LEATHER AND LEATHERWARE.
"WE WELCOME IMPORTS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD.
"WITHOUT ANY IMPORT BARRIERS OR TARIFFS, HONG KONG IS AN OPEN MARKET FOR ALL," MR CHAU SAID.
HE CONGRATULATED THE SUCCESS OF LEATHER FAIR 92 WHICH PROVIDES A SHOWCASE FOR AN EXTENSIVE RANGE OF LEATHER GOODS.
THE LARGE TURNOUT OF EXHIBITORS AND BUYERS, MANY OF WHOM HAVE COME FROM OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD, TESTIFIES TO THE IMMENSE POPULARITY OF THE FAIR, MR CHAU SAID.
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/7........
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1992
MECHANICAL CONTRACT FOR TRANSFERRING WATER FROM CHINA AWARDED *****
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) AWARDED A $90 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF MECHANICAL FACILITIES FOR THE MUK WU ’O’ PUMPING STATION IN TA KWU LING, A KEY INSTALLATION NEAR THE BORDER FOR RECEIVING AND DISTRIBUTING ADDITIONAL WATER SUPPLY FROM CHINA.
WITH AN ULTIMATE INSTALLED PUMPING CAPACITY OF 2.3 MILLION CUBIC METRES PER DAY, THE PUMPING STATION, THE SECOND LARGEST YET FOR HONG KONG, IS PART OF A $2.1 BILLION PROJECT TO EXPAND THE FACILITIES FOR TRANSFERRING WATER FROM CHINA.
UNDER THE CONTRACT, 10 ELECTRIC PUMPSETS, VALVES, STATION PIPEWORKS, SURGE SUPPRESSION VESSELS AND OTHER RELATED EQUIPMENT WILL BE SUPPLIED AND INSTALLED AT THE STATION.
UPON ITS COMPLETION BY THE END OF 1994, THE TOTAL PUMPING CAPACITY OF THE SYSTEM TO PROVIDE WATER TO HONG KONG WILL BE INCREASED FROM THE EXISTING DESIGNED MAXIMUM CAPACITY OF 620 MILLION CUBIC METRES TO 1,100 MILLION CUBIC METRES PER YEAR.
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, MR HU MAN-SHIU, SIGNED THE CONTRACT ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT .
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MANAGEMENT SEMINAR FOR SENIOR OFFICIALS ♦ *♦«»»
THIRTY POLICY SECRETARIES AND SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS TODAY (MONDAY) ATTENDED A MANAGEMENT SEMINAR HELD AT VICTORIA HOUSE, THE CHIEF SECRETARY’S RESIDENCE.
OPENED BY THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID FORD, THE ONE-DAY SEMINAR WAS ORGANISED BY THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH FOR PARTICIPANTS TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON MANAGEMENT REFORM IN THE CIVIL SERVICE.
IT ALSO AIMED TO IDENTIFY ISSUES AND POSSIBILITIES THAT CAN BE FURTHER STUDIED BY THE EFFICIENCY UNIT DUE TO BE SET UP NEXT MONTH, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BRANCH SAID.
"IN THE PAST FEW YEARS THERE HAVE SEEN SOME MAJOR CHANGES IN THE WAY THE GOVERNMENT ORGANISES ITS WORK, INCLUDING VARIOUS PUBLIC SECTOR REFORM INITIATIVES AND THE DEVOLUTION OF MANAGEMENT FUNCTION TO DEPARTMENTS. SUCH REFORM EFFORTS WILL CONTINUE.
"AT THE SAME TIME, THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN CONSCIOUS THAT MOST OF THESE CHANGES CONCERN STRUCTURES AND METHODS, WHICH SHOULD BE COMPLEMENTED BY CORRESPONDING CHANGES IN ITS MANAGEMENT CULTURE,” THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
/ONE OBJECTIVE ......
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1992
- 8 -
ONE OBJECTIVE OF THE SEMINAR WAS TO IDENTIFY THE NECESSARY CHANGES.
THE SEMINAR WAS CHAIRED BY SIR ANGUS FRASER, FORMERLY HEAD OF THE EFFICIENCY UNIT OF THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT.
CONSULTANTS WITH EXPERIENCE IN MANAGEMENT REFORMS IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE ORGANISATIONS BOTH IN THE UK AND HONG KONG ALSO GAVE BRIEFINGS AND ASSISTED IN DISCUSSIONS.
--------0-----------
APPLICATION BY POST TO REPLACE HK BRITISH PASSPORTS
******
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT REMINDED THE PUBLIC THAT FROM FRIDAY (MAY 1) THEY MAY APPLY FOR REPLACEMENT OF HONG KONG BRITISH PASSPORTS BY POST.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC IN HONG KONG WHO ARE AGED 18 OR OVER MAY MAIL THEIR APPLICATIONS FOR REPLACEMENT OF HONG KONG BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZEN PASSPORTS OR BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORTS TO THE TRAVEL DOCUMENTS (PASSPORT) SECTION, IMMIGRATION HEADQUARTERS, THIRD FLOOR, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
THEY MAY ALSO PUT THEIR APPLICATIONS INTO THE DROP-IN BOXES INSTALLED AT THE TRAVEL DOCUMENTS (PASSPORT) SECTION OR AT ANY IMMIGRATION BRANCH OFFICES.
HOWEVER, APPLICANTS WHO PREFER TO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS IN PERSON MAY CONTINUE TO DO SO.
WHEN POSTING APPLICATIONS, APPLICANTS SHOULD ENSURE THAT THEY HAVE ENCLOSED A PHOTOCOPY OF THEIR PASSPORT AND HONG KONG PERMANENT IDENTITY CARD, TWO IDENTICAL RECENT PHOTOGRAPHS AND A CROSSED CHEQUE OR POSTAL ORDER FOR PAYMENT OF PASSPORT FEES.
FOR APPLICATIONS MADE BY POST OR DEPOSITING AT THE TRAVEL DOCUMENTS (PASSPORT) SECTION, IT WILL NORMALLY TAKE 10 WORKING DAYS TO ISSUE A NEW PASSPORT FROM THE DATE OF RECEIPT OF APPLICATION.
FOR APPLICATIONS DEPOSITED AT AN IMMIGRATION BRANCH OFFICE, IT WILL TAKE ABOUT 15 WORKING DAYS.
APPLICANTS WILL BE INFORMED BY LETTER THE DATE AND OFFICE TO COLLECT THEIR NEW PASSPORTS.
THEY SHOULD COLLECT THEIR NEW PASSPORTS IN PERSON AND BRING ALONG THEIR PREVIOUS PASSPORTS FOR CANCELLATION.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THERE WOULD BE NO CHANGE IN THE PROCEDURES FOR OTHER PASSPORT SERVICES.
/"APPLICANTS FOR .......
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1992
’’APPLICANTS FOR FIRST PASSPORTS SHOULD CONTINUE TO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS IN PERSON.
’’APPLICANTS WHO HAVE LOST THEIR PREVIOUS PASSPORTS OR WHO NEED PASSPORTS FOR URGENT TRAVEL SHOULD ALSO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS IN PERSON,” HE SAID.
FOR ENQUIRIES, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY CALL THE INFORMATION OFFICE ON 824 6111.
- - 0 - -
TRIAL TRAFFIC SIGNAL SCHEME AT CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL KOWLOON EXIT
* * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT REMINDS THAT FROM 7 AM TOMORROW (TUESDAY), A TRIAL TRAFFIC SIGNAL SCHEME AT THE KOWLOON EXIT OF THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL WILL BE IMPLEMENTED FOR THREE WEEKS TO ASSESS THE EFFECT OF USING TRAFFIC SIGNALS TO REGULATE CROSS-WEAVING VEHICULAR MOVEMENTS ON HONG CHONG ROAD NORTHBOUND OUTSIDE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC.
DURING THE TRIAL PERIOD, MOTORISTS FROM THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL ON KOWLOON SIDE WILL HAVE TO SELECT IN ADVANCE THE APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC LANES/TOLL BOOTHS TO GO TO THEIR RESPECTIVE DESTINATIONS.
THE TWO LEFT-HAND LANES WILL BE SIGNAL-CONTROLLED FOR TRAFFIC HEADING FOR KWAI CHUNG, MONG KOK OR TSIM SHA TSUI WHILE THE TWO RIGHTHAND LANES WILL REMAIN FREE FLOWING FOR TRAFFIC HEADING FOR SHA TIN AND KWUN TONG.
- - 0 - -
MOTION DEBATES ON BROADCASTING POLICY AND HOSPITAL FEES
* » * * *
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL HOLD MOTION DEBATES ON THE BROADCASTING POLICY AS WELL AS FEE CHARGING FOR HOSPITAL AND HEALTH CARE SERVICES AT ITS MEETING THIS WEDNESDAY (APRIL 29).
THE MOTION ON BROADCASTING POLICY WILL BE MOVED BY THE HON MAN SAI-CHEONG. THE OTHER ON HOSPITAL FEES WILL BE MOVED BY THE HON PETER
WONG
IN ADDITION, THE HON ELSIE TU AND THE HON RONALD ARCULLI WILL MOVE MOTIONS ON THE STANDING ORDERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND ON THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES ORDINANCE RESPECTIVELY.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO ASK 20 QUESTIONS AND CONSIDER 14 BILLS.
OF THE 14 BILLS, FOUR WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. DEBATES ON THEM WILL BE ADJOURNED.
/THEY ARE
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1992
- 10 -
THEY ARE THE BANKING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992, OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES BILL, ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) NO. 2 BILL 1992 AND TOYS AND CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS SAFETY BILL.
TEN BILLS THAT ARE DUE TO GO THROUGH THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND BE GIVEN A THIRD READING ARE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1991, COMMODITIES TRADING (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL 1991, SECURITIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1991, PEAK TRAMWAY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992, EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1992, FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992, EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1992, FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1992 AND CONTRACTS FOR EMPLOYMENT OUTSIDE HONG KONG (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992.
MEANWHILE, THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT’S REPORT ON THE RESULTS OF VALUE FOR MONEY AUDITS COMPLETED BETWEEN OCTOBER LAST YEAR AND FEBRUARY THIS YEAR WILL BE TABLED. THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE WILL HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE REPORT IN LATE MAY.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WILL ADDRESS THE COUNCIL ON THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 1991.
THE REPORT OF THE SPECIAL MEETINGS OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE ON THE DRAFT ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE 1992-93 WILL ALSO BE TABLED.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO OBSERVE THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE MEETING FROM THE PUBLIC GALLERIES. THEY MAY MAKE RESERVATIONS BY CALLING 869 9492.
---------0-----------
WATER STORAGE FIGURE * * * * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 47.1 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 275.957 MILLION CUBIC METRES. /
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 144.221 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 24.6 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT ADVISED THE PUBLIC TO DO EVERYTHING THEY COULD TO CONSERVE WATER AND AVOID WASTAGE.
------0----------
/II........
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1992
11
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 25.4.92 700
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 27.4.92 -128
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING + 128
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 113.0 *-0.1* 27.4.92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.40 PCT 19 MONTHS 2311 6.25 101.63 5.21
1 MONTH 4.00 PCT 22 MONTHS 2402 5.50 99.96 5.59
3 MONTHS 3.95 PCT
6 MONTHS 4.05 PCT
12 MONTHS 4.50 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 7,029 MN
CLOSED 27 APRIL 1992
_ _ 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CONSUMER PRICE INDICES FOR MARCH ....................................... 1
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR MARCH 1992 ............................... 7
GOVT FETCHES $1,325 MILLION IN AUCTION ................................. 9
CS COMMENDS POLICE FOR TREMENDOUS OPERATION ........................... 10
WORKING GROUP MEETS TO DISCUSS SANDWICH CLASS HOUSING ................. 11
APPOINTMENT OF NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS OF SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION ............................................................ 12
MORE HOSTELS FOR BEDSPACE TENANTS ..................................... 12
UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS IN WAN CHAI TO BE CLOSED................... 13
INTEGRATING PROJECT FOR PROBATIONERS AND DISABLED ..................... 14
SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TO YOUNG MUSICIANS AND DANCERS ................... 14
CLOSURE OF TAI PO REGISTRY ............................................ 15
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS ..................... 16
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............ 17
TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 1992 1
CONSUMER PRICE INDICES FOR MARCH ******
THE INFLATION RATE FOR MARCH THIS YEAR DROPPED SIGNIFICANTLY TO A SINGLE DIGIT FIGURE OF 9.5% IN TERMS OF THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A).
THIS COMPARES WITH 10.4% RECORDED FOR FEBRUARY.
THE CPI(B) AND THE HANG SENG CPI IN MARCH 1992 WERE HIGHER BY 9.7% AND 10.1% RESPECTIVELY THAN IN MARCH LAST YEAR.
THEIR CORRESPONDING INCREASES IN FEBRUARY WERE 10.1% AND 9.8%.
THE COMPOSITE CPI, WHICH WAS COMPILED BASED ON THE COMBINED EXPENDITURE PATTERN OF HOUSEHOLDS COVERED BY THE THREE CPIS, SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 9.7% IN MARCH 1992 OVER THE SAME MONTH IN 1991.
THE CORRESPONDING INCREASE IN FEBRUARY WAS 10.1%.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WELCOMED THE LATEST CPI FIGURES, NOTING THAT ALTHOUGH THE ANNUAL RATE OF INFLATION AT THE CONSUMER LEVEL WAS STILL HIGH, IT HAD DECLINED SIGNIFICANTLY FROM THE PEAK OF 13.9% IN APRIL 1991.
ACCORDING TO THE FIGURES RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, THE SIGNIFICANT MODERATION IN THE YEAR-ON-YEAR RATES OF INCREASE IN THE CPI(A) AND CPI(B) IN MARCH 1992 WAS LARGELY DUE TO LOWER PRICES OF FRESH FRUIT AND A SLOWER INCREASE IN CHARGES FOR MEALS AT RESTAURANTS.
IN ADDITION, THE RELATIVELY HIGH BASE OF COMPARISON IN MARCH 1991 WAS ALSO AN IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTING FACTOR.
THE YEAR-ON-YEAR RATE OF INCREASE IN THE HANG SENG CPI WAS, HOWEVER, HIGHER IN MARCH 1992.
THIS WAS LARGELY ATTRIBUTABLE TO INCREASES IN RENTALS FOR PRIVATE HOUSING AND IN THE PRICES OF FRESH VEGETABLES AND OUTERCLOTHING.
FURTHERMORE, THE EFFECT OF SLOWER PRICE INCREASES IN OTHER ITEMS ON THE HANG SENG CPI WAS LESS SIGNIFICANT THAN ON THE CPI(A) AND CPI(B).
COMPARING MARCH 1992 WITH MARCH 1991, THE PRICES OF ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO REGISTERED DECREASES (-5.3% IN CPI(A) AND -1.8% IN CPI(B)).
RELATIVELY SLOWER INCREASES IN PRICES WERE RECORDED FOR FUEL AND LIGHT (3.1% AND 3.0%); DURABLE GOODS (4.1% AND 4.3%); MISCELLANEOUS GOODS (7.6% AND 7.0%); CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR (7.9% AND 7.8%); AND FOOD (EXCLUDING RESTAURANT MEALS) (9.3% AND 8.8%).
/ON THE .......
2
TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 1992
ON THE OTHER HAND, RELATIVELY FASTER INCREASES IN PRICES WERE RECORDED FOR TRANSPORT (10.5% IN CPI(A) AND 9.2% IN CPI(B)); SERVICES (11.0% AND 10.7%); MEALS AT RESTAURANTS (11.1% IN BOTH CPIS); AND HOUSING (12.5% IN BOTH CPIS).
COMPARING MARCH 1992 WITH FEBRUARY 1992, THE CPI(A) WAS HIGHER BY 0.6%, THE CPI(B) BY 0.5%, AND THE HANG SENG CPI BY 0.7%.
THIS COMPARISON WAS, HOWEVER, AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS.
THE INCREASES IN THE INDICES WERE MAINLY DUE TO HIGHER RENT FOR SOME PRIVATE AND PUBLIC HOUSING UNITS, HIGHER PRICES OF CIGARETTES AND FRESH VEGETABLES, AND HIGHER CHARGES FOR MEALS AT RESTAURANTS.
ON THE OTHER HAND, THE RETAIL PRICES OF FRESH SEA PRODUCTS AND FRESH FRUIT RECORDED DECREASES.
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 1992, THE CPI(A) WAS, ON AVERAGE, HIGHER BY 10.1% THAN IN THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 1991. THE CORRESPONDING FIGURE WAS 10.0% FOR THE CPI(B).
FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED MARCH 1992, THE CPI(A) WAS, ON AVERAGE, HIGHER BY 11.5% THAN IN THE PRECEDING 12-MONTH PERIOD, THE CORRESPONDING FIGURE WAS 11.2% FOR THE CPI(B).
ON A SEASONALLY ADJUSTED BASIS, THE CPI(A) AND CPI(B) INCREASED AT AN AVERAGE RATE OF 1.1% AND 1.0% RESPECTIVELY PER MONTH DURING THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 1992.
THESE WERE HIGHER THAN THE CORRESPONDING RATES OF INCREASE RECORDED DURING THE THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 1991, AT 0.6% FOR THE CPI(A) AND 0.7% FOR THE CPI(B).
THIS RISE WAS MAINLY DUE TO FASTER MONTHLY INCREASES IN CHARGES FOR MEALS AT RESTAURANTS AND IN THE PRICES OF FRESH VEGETABLES.
FURTHER DETAILS ARE SHOWN IN TABLES 1 AND 2.
THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT
MORE DETAILS ARE GIVEN IN THE ’’CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT” FOR MARCH THIS YEAR, WHICH IS AVAILABLE AT $9 PER COPY FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, HONG KONG; OR FROM THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER 1, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG; OR FROM THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, HONG KONG FOR LOCAL AND OVERSEAS MAILINGS.
FOR ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE INDICES, PLEASE CALL THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 805 6403.
DETAILS REGARDING THE HANG SENG CPI ARE CONTAINED IN THE HANG SENG CPI REPORT ISSUED BY THE ECONOMIC RESEARCH DEPARTMENT OF HANG SENG BANK LTD.
/TABLE 1 .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 1992
3
Table 1 Consumer Price Indices and Rates of Increase tor March 1992 (Oct. 89 - Sep. 90 - 100)
Component CPI (A) CPI(B) Hang Seng CPI composite CPI
Index for Rar.n % change over Mar.91 Index for Mar.92 % change over Mar.91 Index for Mar.92 % change over Mar.91 Index for Mar.92 % change over .Mau?!..,
Food 123.0 ♦10.2 123.6 +10.2 121.8 +9.6 123.0 +10.1
Meals bought away from home 126.9 ♦11.1 126.7 +11.1 122.6 +9.9 125.9 ♦10.8
Food, excluding meals bought away from home 119.1 +9.3 119.4 +8.8 120.4 +8.9 119.4 •s. ♦9.0
Housing 126.4 +12.5 126.1 +12.5 127.3 +11.8 126.6 +12.3
Fuel and light 114.4 +3.1 113.8 +3.0 114.0 +2.9 114.1 ♦3.0
Alcoholic drinks and tobacco 157.1 -5.3 148.9 -1.8 145.0 +0.4 152.5 -3.4
Clothing and footwear 110.5 +7.9 110.7 +7.8 119.2 +16.9 113.6 ♦10.9
Durable goods 108.5 +4.1 108.4 +4.3 110.9 +6.4 109.2 ♦4.9
Miscellaneous goods 114.7 +7.6 113.5 +7.0 113.0 +6.3 113.8 ♦7.0
Transport 121.8 +10.5 122.0 +9.2 123.1 +7.8 122.2 +9.3
Services 124.3 +11.0 122.6 +10.7 119.1 +9.0 122.1 ♦10.3
All items 122.5 +9.5 121.9 +9.7 121.8 +10.1. 122.1 ♦9.7
The 1989/90-based consumer price indices are based on the expenditure patterns derived from the 1989/90 Household Expenditure Survey, rhe CPI(A) is based on the expenditure pattern of about 50% of urban households in Hong Kong, which had an average monthly expenditure of $2,500-59,999 a month in 1989/90. The CPI(B) is based on the expenditure pattern of the next 30% of urban households, which had an average monthly expenditure of $10,000-517,499 in the same period. The Hang Seng CPI is based on the expenditure pattern of the next 10% of urban households, which had an average monthly expenditure of $17,500-837,499 in 1989/90.
Whereas the CPI(A), CPI(B) and Hang Seng CPI are based on the expenditure patterns of groups of households with different magnitudes of household expenditure, the Composite CPI is compiled based on the expenditure pattern of all these households taken together. Thus, while the CPI(A), CPI(B) and Hang Seng CPI show the impact of consumer price changes on different groups of households, the Composite CPI shows the impact of consumer price changes on the household sector generally.
/TABLE 2 .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 1992
4
Table 2 Consumer Price Indices for October 1990 - March 1992 (Oct. 89 - Sep. 90 * 100)
Year/month CPI(B) Hang Seng CPI Composite CPI
1990 October 105.8 105.9 106.7 106.1
November 106.5 106.7 107.8 106.9
December 107.4 107.6 108.1 101.7
1991 January 108.3 108.4 108.6 108.4
February 110.3 110.1 110.2 110.2
March 111.9 111.1 110.7 111.3
April 113.9 113.0 112.0 113.1
May 114.0 113.6 113.4 113.7
June 114.6 114.1 113.9 114.2
July 115.4 114.8 % 113.9 114.8
August 116.0 115.3 114.6 115.4
September 416.8 116.1 115.8 116.3
October 117.2 116.8 117.4 117.1
November 117.7 117.6 118.7 117.9
December 118.1 118.3 118.5 118.3
1992 January 119.7 119.3 119.4 119.5
February 121.8 121.2 121.0 121.4
Ma rch 122.5 121.9 121.8 122.1
/CHART 1 .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 1992
- 5 -
Chart 1 Year-on-year Rates of Increase In CPI(A)
Chart 2 Year-on-year Rates of Increase in CPI(B)
- - 0---------
/6
TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 1992
Chart 3 Year-on-year Rates of Increase In Hang Seng CPI
Chart 4 Year-on-year Rates of Increase in Composite CPI
TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 1992
7
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR MARCH 1992 ******
DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN MARCH THIS YEAR INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY OVER A YEAR EARLIER, BUT A MUCH FASTER INCREASE WAS RECORDED FOR REEXPORTS .
THESE ARE SHOWN IN THE PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS ROSE SHARPLY, BY $17,344 MILLION OR 51.2% OVER A YEAR EARLIER TO $51,222 MILLION IN MARCH.
THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS ALSO SHOWED A MARKED INCREASE, BY $2,074 MILLION OR 13.8% OVER THE SAME PERIOD TO $17,052 MILLION IN MARCH.
TAKING RE-EXPORTS AND DOMESTIC EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS, AT $68,274 MILLION IN MARCH 1992, WAS $19,418 MILLION OR 39.7% HIGHER THAN A YEAR EARLIER.
THE VALUE OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY $16,867 MILLION OR 29.6% TO $73,873 MILLION.
AS THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS WAS SMALLER THAN THAT OF TOTAL IMPORTS, A VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF $5,599 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 7.6% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED IN MARCH 1992.
THIS WAS SMALLER THAN THE DEFICIT OF $8,150 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 14.3% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, RECORDED IN MARCH 1991.
GIVEN THE SEASONAL PATTERN OF TRADE, A DEFICIT WAS USUALLY RECORDED IN THE EARLY PART OF THE YEAR.
IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1992, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS AMOUNTED TO $139,611 MILLION, $35,251 MILLION OR 33.8% HIGHER THAN A YEAR EARLIER.
THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY $207 MILLION OR 0.4% OVER THE SAME PERIOD TO $48,707 MILLION IN THE FIRST QUARTER.
TAKING RE-EXPORTS AND DOMESTIC EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1992, AT $188,318 MILLION, WAS $35,458 MILLION OR 23.2% HIGHER THAN A YEAR EARLIER.
THE VALUE OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY $35,281 MILLION OR 21.7% TO $197,956 MILLION.
A VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF $9,638 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 4.9% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1992. THIS WAS SMALLER THAN THE DEFICIT OF $9,815 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 6.0% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, RECORDED IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1991.
/A GOVERNMENT ......
TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 1992
- 8 -
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT RE-EXPORTS REMAINED ROBUST IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR, EVEN THOUGH DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE RELATIVELY STATIC.
THERE WAS A SUBSTANTIAL PICK-UP IN BOTH EXPORT AND IMPORT TRADE IN FEBRUARY AND MARCH, AFTER THE TEMPORARY DECLINE IN JANUARY.
AS RE-EXPORTS CONTINUED TO INCREASE FASTER THAN DOMESTIC EXPORTS, THEIR SHARE IN THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS ROSE FROM 68% IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1991 TO 74% IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1992.
IMPORTS RETAINED FOR LOCAL USE INCREASED FURTHER, BY 6.8% IN VALUE TERMS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1992 OVER A YEAR EARLIER.
THE FOLLOWING TABLE PRESENTS THE PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR MARCH 1992:
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAS RELEASED THE FOLLOWING PROVISIONAL MERCHANDISE TRADE FIGURES FOR MARCH:
MERCHANDISE: DOMESTIC EXPORTS : $17,052 MILLION
RE-EXPORTS : $51,222 MILLION
TOTAL EXPORTS. : $68,274 MILLION
IMPORTS : $73,873 MILLION
TRADE BALANCE : $5,599 MILLION (IN DEFICIT)
COMPARATIVE FIGURES JAN 91 TO MAR 91 HK$ MN. INCREASE
LATEST 3 MONTHS JAN 92 TO MAR 92 HK$ MN.
HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 48,707 (25.9%) 48,500 (31.7%) 207 0.4
RE-EXPORTS 139,611 104,360 35,251 33.8
TOTAL EXPORTS 188,318 152,860 35,458 23.2
IMPORTS 197,956 162,675 35,281 21.7
TRADE BALANCE -9,638 -9,815 177
SAME MONTH LAST YEAR MARCH 1992 MARCH 1991 INCREASE
HK$ MN. HK$ MN. HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 17,052 (25.0%) 14,978 (30.7%) 2,074 13.8
RE-EXPORTS 51,222 33,878 17,344 51.2
TOTAL EXPORTS 68,274 48,856 19,418 39.7
IMPORTS 73,873 57,006 16,867 29.6
TRADE BALANCE -5,599 -8,150 2,551
/LAST MONTH .......
9
TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 1992
LAST MONTH MARCH 1992 HK$ MN. FEBRUARY 1992 HK$ MN. INCREASE
HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 17,052 (25.0%) 17,490 (26.2%) -438 -2.5
RE-EXPORTS 51,222 49,381 1,841 3.7
TOTAL EXPORTS 68,274 66,871 1,403 2.1
IMPORTS 73,873 68,175 5,698 8.4
TRADE BALANCE -5,599 -1,304 -4,295
LAST 12 MONTHS APR 91 TO MAR 92 APR 90 TO MAR 91 INCREASE
HK$ MN. HK$ MN. HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 231,252 227,916 3,336 1.5
RE-EXPORTS 570,092 435,210 134,882 31.0
TOTAL EXPORTS 801,344 663,126 138,218 20.8
IMPORTS 814,263 672,524 141,739 21.1
TRADE BALANCE -12,919 -9,398 -3,521
--------0 - -
GOVT FETCHES $1,325 MILLION IN AUCTION
IN THE FIRST PUBLIC AUCTION BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT FOR THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR, THREE PIECES OF GOVERNMENT LAND WERE SOLD FOR A TOTAL OF $1,325 MILLION THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON.
TOPPING THE LIST IS THE SITE LOCATED AT AREA 30, TAI PO, NEW TERRITORIES.
THE SITE WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 24,630 SQUARE METRES IS EARMARKED FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSE.
IT WAS BOUGHT BY SAMOVER COMPANY LTD. AT $930 MILLION. BIDDING OPENED AT $700 MILLION.
ACCORDING TO THE BUILDING COVENANT, THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NO LESS THAN 26,600 SQUARE METRES ON OR BEFORE JUNE 30, 1996.
THE SECOND SITE, WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 2,869 SQUARE METRES, IS LOCATED AT AREA 11, ON LAI STREET, SHA TIN, NEW TERRITORIES. IT IS FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES (EXCLUDING DANGEROUS GOODS GODOWN).
IT WAS SOLD TO REALTY KINGDOM LTD. AT $175 MILLION WITH BIDDING OPENED AT $85 MILLION.
THE BUILDING COVENANT STIPULATES THAT THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NO LESS THAN 16,353 SQUARE METRES ON OR BEFORE MARCH 31, 1996.
/THE REMAINING .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 1992
10
THE REMAINING LOT IS LOCATED AT AP LEI CHAU WEST, HONG KONG.
WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 5,538 SQUARE METRES, THE SITE IS FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES (EXCLUDING OFFENSIVE TRADES).
IT WAS BOUGHT BY TENDO LTD. AT $220 MILLION WITH BIDDING OPENED AT $85 MILLION.
ACCORDING TO THE BUILDING COVENANT, THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NO LESS THAN 31,567 SQUARE METRES ON OR BEFORE APRIL 28, 1996.
THE AUCTION WAS HELD IN THE CITY HALL THEATRE AND WAS CONDUCTED BY GOVERNMENT LAND AGENT, MR ROGER NISSIM.
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CS COMMENDS POLICE FOR TREMENDOUS OPERATION ******
THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID FORD, TODAY (TUESDAY) COMMENDED THE POLICE FORCE IN APPREHENDING A NUMBER OF SUSPECTS OVER THE WEEKEND IN CONNECTION WITH A RECENT MAJOR ROBBERY.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER A MEETING OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, SIR DAVID SAID: "1 THINK THEIR REACTION TO THAT ROBBERY AND THE WAY IN WHICH THEY HAVE MOUNTED SUCH A TREMENDOUS OPERATION AT SUCH SPEED AND WITH SUCH GOOD RESULTS IS A TREMENDOUS TRIBUTE TO THEM AND A GREAT ENCOURAGEMENT TO US ALL."
HE SAID THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE’S VISIT TO BEIJING EMPHASISED AGAIN THE HEART OF THE PROBLEM WAS THAT THESE PEOPLE WERE COMING ACROSS THE BORDER TO CARRY OUT THESE ROBBERIES.
"IT’S CLEAR NOW THAT MANY OF THESE GANGS ARE COMING ACROSS THE BORDER," HE ADDED.
"THE COMMISSIONER IS GOING TO DISCUSS THE WHOLE QUESTION OF THE MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE AND GUNS ACROSS THE BORDER; BOTH IN BEIJING AND ALSO IN GUANGDONG.
"HE WILL BE DEALING ALSO WITH CO-OPERATION ON SMUGGLING TO ENSURE THAT WE CAN CUT DOWN ON SMUGGLING, WHICH IS SO MUCH PART OF THIS PROBLEM; AND I THINK EVERYTHING IS BEING DONE TO TACKLE THIS PROBLEM BOTH AT ITS ROOT, IN CHINA, AND HERE IN HONG KONG," SIR DAVID SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE CO-OPERATION OF THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES WAS NEEDED TO HELP SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF FIREARMS BEING SMUGGLED INTO HONG KONG.
/"THEY HAVE .......
11
TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 1992
"THEY HAVE BEEN VERY CO-OPERATIVE UP TO NOW. THEY’VE PUT A LOT OF RESOURCES INTO IT AND WE MUST CONTINUE TO CARRY OUT THAT LIAISON TO ENSURE THAT WE DO CUT OFF THE SUPPLY OF BOTH PEOPLE AND WEAPONS COMING INTO HONG KONG TO CARRY OUT THESE TERRIBLE CRIMES HERE," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID A NUMBER OF MEASURES WERE ALREADY IN PLACE TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM: "THE LIAISON WHICH IS GOING ON, IS ON A DAILY AND HOURLY BASIS; THERE IS A VERY QUICK EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION ACROSS THE BORDER WHEN THESE CRIMES HAPPEN."
"THE INVESTIGATION OF CRIMES IN SOUTHERN CHINA HAS BEEN FACILITATED BY THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES; AND OUR DETECTIVES ARE NOW GOING OVER THERE TO FOLLOW UP ON CRIMES AND SO ON. AND SO I THINK THERE IS A HIGH DEGREE OF CO-OPERATION AND I THINK THAT IS THE WAY FORWARD," HE ADDED.
- - 0 - -
WORKING GROUP MEETS TO DISCUSS SANDWICH CLASS HOUSING
******
THE WORKING GROUP ON SANDWICH CLASS HOUSING, CHAIRED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, HELD ITS FIRST MEETING THIS (TUESDAY) MORNING.
THE WORKING GROUP WAS SET UP IN LINE WITH GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO EXAMINE HOUSING-RELATED PROBLEMS OF THE SANDWICH CLASS DURING THE BUDGET DEBATE ON APRIL 1.
THE GROUP COMPRISES REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE FINANCE BRANCH, BUILDING AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, HOUSING DEPARTMENT AND THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
AT THE MEETING, THE WORKING GROUP DECIDED ON THE APPROACH TO TACKLE ITS TASKS AND AGREED ON A PROGRAMME OF WORK.
AS ONE OF ITS FIRST TASKS, THE WORKING GROUP WILL EXAMINE IN DETAIL THE DEFINITION OF THE GROUP TARGETED FOR HOUSING ASSISTANCE AND' THEIR PROBLEMS, AS WELL AS SUGGESTIONS OR SOLUTIONS PUT FORWARD BY VARIOUS INTERESTED PARTIES.
IDEAS TO BE EXPLORED INCLUDE FURTHER HOUSING ASSISTANCE SCHEMES AND MEASURES TO DRAW ON THE CURRENT AMPLE PROPERTY SUPPLY IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
"MEMBERS HAVE TAKEN THESE MATTERS AWAY FOR STUDY AND WILL MEET AGAIN IN MID-MAY FOR FURTHER DETAILED DISCUSSION," MR EASON SAID.
"SUGGESTIONS AND IDEAS FROM OTHER PARTIES WILL BE WELCOME AND OUR INTENTION IS THAT ORGANISATIONS INCLUDING THE HOUSING AUTHORITY AND THE HOUSING SOCIETY SHOULD ALSO BE CONSULTED."
THE WORKING GROUP IS EXPECTED TO COMPLETE ITS WORK BY THIS SEPTEMBER.
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/12
TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 1992
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APPOINTMENT OF NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS OF SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION *****
THE GOVERNOR HAS APPOINTED MR RODERICK CHALMERS, TO SUCCEED MR DENYS CONNOLLY, AS NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION (SFC), AND IN ADDITION TO THAT AS MEMBER OF THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES APPEALS PANEL FOR A PERIOD OF ONE YEAR.
THE GOVERNOR HAS ALSO RE-APPOINTED MESSRS DENIS CHANG KHEN-LEE, DAVID GLEDHILL AND LEE HON-CHIU TO THE COMMISSION AS NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS AND THE PANEL AS MEMBERS, IN EACH CASE FOR A FURTHER TWELVE MONTHS.
UNDER SECTION 5 OF THE SFC ORDINANCE, THE GOVERNOR SHALL APPOINT NOT LESS THAN EIGHT DIRECTORS TO THE SFC, HALF OF WHOM SHOULD BE NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS. AT PRESENT THE COMMISSION IS SERVED BY 10 DIRECTORS.
THE NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS BRING AN INDEPENDENT VIEW TO THE MANAGEMENT AND ORGANISATION OF THE SFC. THEY ARE FULLY INVOLVED IN ITS POLICY DEVELOPMENT.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, PAY TRIBUTE TO MR CONNOLLY FOR HIS HARD WORK AND DEDICATION AS A NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE COMMISSION SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT AND ALSO AS A MEMBER OF THE FORMER SECURITIES COMMISSION.
’’THE SUCCESS OF THE COMMISSION OWES MUCH TO MR CONNOLLY’S CONTRIBUTION AND WISE GUIDANCE," MR MACLEOD SAID.
’’I AM DELIGHTED THAT HE WILL REMAIN ASSOCIATED WITH THE SFC AS A DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF THE TAKEOVERS PANEL," MR MACLEOD ADDED.
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MORE HOSTELS FOR BEDSPACE TENANTS ******
TENANTS IN BEDSPACE APARTMENTS MAY NOW IMPROVE THEIR LIVING CONDITIONS BY MOVING TO BETTER-EQUIPPED AND WELL.-MANAGED SINGLETON HOSTELS SET UP THROUGH EFFORTS OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.
APPLICATIONS ARE BEING INVITED FOR RESIDENCY IN FIVE HOSTELS SET UP TO HOUSE TENANTS IN OVERCROWDED BEDSPACE APARTMENTS.
THREE OF THESE HOSTELS, INCLUDING ONE FOR WOMEN, ARE AT KWUN TONG GARDEN ESTATE ON NGAU TAU KOK ROAD. THE OTHER TWO ARE ON KWUN CHUNG STREET, YAU MA TEI, AND THE TAK NGA HOUSE ON LOCKHART ROAD, WAN CHAI .
/MANAGED BY .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 1992
13
MANAGED BY THE AGENCY FOR VOLUNTEER SERVICE, THE HOSTELS CAN ACCOMMODATE A TOTAL OF 120 PERSONS.
THROUGH THE DONATION OF THE CHINESE TEMPLES COMMITTEE AND ASSISTANCE OF THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS AND THE HOUSING SOCIETY, THESE HOSTELS ARE EQUIPPED WITH SEMI-ENCLOSED SLEEPING COMPARTMENTS WITH BUNK-BEDS, WARDROBE WITH DRAWERS, STORAGE CABINETS AND ELECTRIC FANS.
THERE ARE ALSO COMMUNAL LIVING AND DINING SPACE, KITCHEN, WASHROOMS, AND SHOWER CUBICLES WITH HOT AND COLD WATER SUPPLY.
THE MONTHLY RENTAL FOR THESE HOSTELS RANGES BETWEEN $330 AND $380, INCLUDING WATER, ELECTRICITY AND MISCELLANEOUS FEES.
APPLICANTS MUST BE SINGLE MEN OR WOMEN AGED UNDER 60 AND LODGERS OF EXISTING BEDSPACE APARTMENTS.
THEY ARE REQUESTED TO APPLY IN PERSON TO THE HOUSING SERVICE OFFICE OF THE AGENCY FOR VOLUNTEER SERVICE, GROUND FLOOR, TAK NGA HOUSE, 197 LOCKHART ROAD, WAN CHAI.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE OF THE AGENCY ON TEL. 598 4729.
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UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS IN WAN CHAI TO BE CLOSED
*****
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE THE UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS ON A BUILDING IN WAN CHAI SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS AND THE PUBLIC.
THE UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES ARE LOCATED ON THE ROOF OVER THE FIFTH FLOOR OF 121-123C WAN CHAI ROAD.
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON JULY 28 WAS POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY (TUESDAY).
DEMOLITION WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START AS SOON AS THE CLOSURE ORDER IS ISSUED.
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/14 ........
TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 1992 • >
- 14 -
INTEGRATING PROJECT FOR PROBATIONERS AND DISABLED
*♦*♦♦♦
TWELVE TEENAGERS FROM PUI CHI BOYS* HOME OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) JOINED HANDS WITH SOME DISABLED PEOPLE TO PLANT TREES AT THE QUARRY BAY COUNTRY PARK.
A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE TEENAGERS, AGED BETWEEN 13 AND 14, ALSO TOOK UP THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF TAKING CARE OF THE EIGHT MEDIUM-MENTALLY DISABLED FROM ABERDEEN REHABILITATION CENTRE THROUGHOUT THE DAY.
’’THIS IS THE FIRST TIME FOR BOYS OF PUI CHI HOME TO PARTICIPATE IN SUCH KIND OF COMMUNITY PROJECT IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE DISABLED,’’ HE SAID.
’’THE PROJECT NOT ONLY GIVES THEM A CHANCE TO INVOLVE DISABLED PEOPLE IN COMMUNITY SERVICES, BUT ALSO HELPS THEM REINTEGRATE INTO SOCIETY.
’’RESIDENTS OF PUI CHI BOYS’ HOME HAD BEEN ACTIVELY TAKING PART IN VARIOUS KINDS OF COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES LAST YEAR, INCLUDING A CLEAN BEACH PROJECT, A GAMES DAY FOR A CHILDREN’S CENTRE, AND A VISIT TO AN ELDERLY HOME.
’’THROUGH PARTICIPATION IN THESE COMMUNITY SERVICES, WE INTEND TO HELP THEM ACQUIRE THE ABILITY AND MOTIVATION TO LEAD A LAW-ABIDING LIFE AFTER THEY LEAVE THE HOME," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TO YOUNG MUSICIANS AND DANCERS
******
EIGHT TALENTED YOUNG MUSICIANS AND DANCERS WERE AWARDED SCHOLARSHIPS UNDER THE HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB MUSIC FUND FOR OVERSEAS TRAINING IN BRITAIN AND THE UNITED STATES THIS SUMMER.
THEY ARE MR CHAN NGAT-CHAU, MR TAM TZE-FAI, MR CHANG TAO, MR WONG CHUNG-HON, MISS LAM TUNG-WING, MISS CHUNG WING-YIU, MISS LEE NIM-CHUN, AND MISS CHUNG BIK-HA.
THEY WERE SELECTED FROM A GROUP OF 35 CANDIDATES AFTER AN AUDITION AND AN INTERVIEW EARLIER THIS YEAR.
THE SCHOLARSHIP AIMS TO HELP EXCEPTIONALLY TALENTED YOUNG PEOPLE RECEIVE TRAINING IN POST-DIPLOMA STUDIES AT OVERSEAS INSTITUTES.
MR CHAN NGAT-CHAU, MR TAM TZE-FAI, MR CHANG TAO, MR WONG CHUNG-HON AND MISS LAM TUNG-WING WILL PURSUE THEIR MUSICAL INSTRUMENT COURSES IN THE UNITED STATES.
/MISS CHUNG
TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 1992
15
MISS CHUNG WING-YIU, MISS CHUNG BIK-HA AND MISS LEE NIM-CHUN WILL ATTEND DANCE COURSES IN BRITAIN AND THE UNITED STATES.
THE HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB MUSIC FUND, SET UP IN 1980 WITH A DONATION OF $10 MILLION FROM THE JOCKEY CLUB, IS A NON-STATUTORY TRUST FUND FOR THE PROMOTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF MUSIC, DANCE AND RELATED ACTIVITIES BY WAY OF GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS.
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES IS THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE FUND AND ITS MAJOR RESPONSIBILITY IS TO DECIDE ON THE DISBURSEMENT OF GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS TO SCHOOLS, NON-PROFIT-MAKING DANCE AND MUSIC ORGANISATIONS AS WELL AS TALENTED INDIVIDUALS.
THE MUSIC FUND HAS AWARDED 82 MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS AND 41 DANCE SCHOLARSHIPS TO 45 YOUNG MUSICIANS AND 18 DANCERS FOR OVERSEAS TRAINING SINCE 1980.
- - 0 - -
CLOSURE OF TAI PO REGISTRY ******
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE TAI PO REGISTRY WILL BE CLOSED FROM FRIDAY (MAY 1).
THE CLOSURE IS PART OF ITS EFFORTS TO DEPLOY RESOURCES EFFICIENTLY.
DEMAND FOR THE SERVICE AT THE TAI PO REGISTRY HAS BEEN LOW.
BIRTH AND MARRIAGE REGISTRATIONS HAD A DAILY AVERAGE OF ONE AND FIVE CASES RESPECTIVELY LAST YEAR WHILE THE MAXIMUM HANDLING CAPACITY WAS 12 FOR BOTH TYPES OF REGISTRATIONS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID CLOSING THIS OFFICE WOULD ALLOW THE DEPARTMENT TO REDEPLOY RESOURCES WHERE THEY WERE MOST NEEDED.
"MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY USE ANY OF THE TERRITORY’S REGISTRIES. RESIDENTS OF TAI PO MAY USE EITHER SHA TIN OR FANLING REGISTRIES WHICH ARE NOT FAR AWAY," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
FOR ENQUIRIES, THE PUBLIC MAY CALL 824 6111.
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/16
TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 1992
- 16 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS
* * * * »
TENDER DATE PAPER ON OFFER ISSUE NUMBER AMOUNT APPLIED AMOUNT ALLOTTED AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED PRO RATA RATIO AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 28 APR 92 28 APR 92 EF BILLS EF BILLS Q218 H263 HKD 2,235 MN HKD 720 MN HKD 500 MN HKD 200 MN 3.99 PCT 4.11 PCT 4.00 PCT 4.12 PCT ABOUT 71 PCT 60 PCT 4.04 PCT 4.17 PCT
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
TENDER TO BE HELD IN THE TENDER DATE PAPER ON OFFER ISSUE NUMBER ISSUE DATE MATURITY DATE TENOR AMOUNT ON OFFER WEEK BEGINNING 4 MAY 1992 - 5 MAY 92 EF BILLS Q219 6 MAY 92 5 AUG 92 91 DAYS HK$500 + 100 MN
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4
TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 1992
- 17 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS » » * * »
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 27.4.92 700
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 28.4.92 +39
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING -39
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON +150 *
» INJECTION OF 150 MN
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 113.0 *+0.0* 28.4.92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.47 PCT 19 MONTHS 2311 6.25 101.55 5.26
1 MONTH 4.01 PCT 22 MONTHS 2402 5.50 99.85 5.66
3 MONTHS 3.89 PCT
6 MONTHS 4.02 PCT
12 MONTHS 4.49 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 9,454 MN
CLOSED 28 APRIL 1992
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING:
SRC EXPLAINS BROADCASTING POLICY ................................. 1
MORE PROTECTION FOR LOCAL AND IMPORTED WORKERS ................... 4
SIMPLIFIED OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES BILL INTRODUCED ....... 5
BILL TO PROTECT CHILDREN FROM UNSAFE TOYS INTRODUCED ............. 7
BILL TO PROHIBIT USE OF ADVERTISING VEHICLES ..................... 9
MTRC NETS $67M PROFITS FOR THE FIRST TIME ........................ 10
AIRPORT PROJECTS ON SCHEDULE : SES ............................... 11
NUCLEAR CONTINGENCY PLAN SOUND ................................... 12
COLVIN HOUSE SITE RESERVED FOR BRITISH CONSULATE ................. 13
GUIDELINES ON REFERRING STUDENTS TO SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS
FORMULATED...................................................... 13
MOST OF TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS TO GO BY 1995/96 ................. 14
EMERGENCY CASES HANDLED BY PUBLIC HOSPITALS ...................... 15
DRAINS INSPECTED REGULARLY TO PREVENT FLOODING ................... 15
GAS SAFETY LAW SAFEGUARDS PUBLIC FROM HAZARDS .................... 16
• CIVIL SERVANTS UNLIKELY TO GET MORE PUBLIC HOUSING UNITS......... 17
GOVT REVENUE NOT AFFECTED BY CESSATION OF RATES RELIEF SCHEME .... 18
GOVT PLANNING TAKES INTO ACCOUNT NEEDS OF CHINA IMMIGRANTS ....... 19
LONG SERVICE CERTIFICATES TO 208 WELFARE STAFF ................... 21
LOCAL DIRECTOR OF AUDIT WILL BE APPOINTED BEFORE 1997 ............ 21
STEPS TAKEN TO MEET NEEDS OF WATER INTENSIVE INDUSTRIES .......... 22
FERRY SERVICES TO CONTINUE DURING RECLAMATION .................... 23
RENEWAL OPTIONS FOR DRIVING LICENCES EXPLAINED ................... 23
/FOUR CONSULTANCY
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
FOUR CONSULTANCY STUDIES COMMISSIONED IN PAST 5 YEARS ................ 24
LEGCO MEMBERS REGULARLY BRIEFED BY OFFICIALS ......................... 26
WORK OF COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES EXPLAINED ................ 26
JOCKEY CLUB TO BEAR FULL REDEVELOPMENT COSTS OF HK STADIUM........ 27
NEW DIRECTIONAL SIGNS FOR CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE........ 27_
MOTIONS ON BROADCASTING POLICY AND HOSPITAL FEES PASSED .............. 27
IMPORTATION OF LABOUR QUOTA RELEASED.................................... 29
PROTECTION FOR IMPORTED WORKERS STEPPED UP ............................. 33
APPLICATIONS FOR FLAG DAYS 1993 INVITED................................. 35
TEMPORARY POST OFFICE FOR ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK MEETING................ 36
TWO PIECES OF GOVT LAND TO LET BY TENDER ............................... 37
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS.............. 37
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 1992
SRC EXPLAINS BROADCASTING POLICY * * * * *
THE REVIEW OF THE TELEVISION BROADCASTING POLICY CURRENTLY UNDERTAKEN BY THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH IS PROGRESSING SMOOTHLY AND THE GOVERNMENT IS EXPECTED TO INVITE FORMAL PROPOSALS TO SET UP A SUBSCRIPTION TELEVISION SYSTEM IN HONG KONG THIS SUMMER.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR JAMES SO, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
WINDING UP A MOTION DEBATE ON BROADCASTING POLICY, MR SO SAID: "THE CORNERSTONE OF THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY IS TO PROVIDE THE WIDEST POSSIBLE CHOICE OF QUALITY PROGRAMMES AT REASONABLE AND AFFORDABLE PRICES FOR PUBLIC INFORMATION AND ENTERTAINMENT.”
"OUR CURRENT REVIEW OF THE TELEVISION INDUSTRY COVERS THE FOLLOWING ASPECTS :
* THE EXISTING LICENSING FRAMEWORK OF BOTH THE LOCAL FREE-TO-AIR STATIONS, NAMELY TVB AND ATV, TO ENSURE THAT IT IS ADEQUATE TO COPE WITH THE CHANGING BROADCASTING ENVIRONMENT BROUGHT ON BY NEW COMPETITORS AS WELL AS BY NEW TECHNOLOGY; •
* THE LICENSING CONDITIONS GOVERNING SATELLITE TELEVISION, NAMELY STAR TV, TO SEE WHETHER CHANGES ARE NECESSARY TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE CHANGING BROADCASTING ENVIRONMENT, AND TO ENSURE THAT FAIR AND EQUITABLE COMPETITION EXISTS BETWEEN THIS AND OTHER FORMS OF TELEVISION BROADCASTING;
* THE INTERFACE BETWEEN THE EXISTING TELEVISION BROADCASTERS, BOTH LOCAL FREE-TO-AIR AND SATELLITE FREE-TO-AIR, AND THE PROPOSED PAY-TV SERVICES TO BE INTRODUCED SHORTLY, IN ORDER TO PROVIDE FOR THE CHOICE OF QUALITY PROGRAMMES THAT IS PROMISED UNDER THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY;
* A DETAILED BUT SOUND LICENSING FRAMEWORK FOR PAY-TV THAT WILL ATTRACT SERIOUS AND QUALITY BROADCASTERS, BUT WILL NOT IMPOSE SUCH UNFAIR AND CUT-THROAT COMPETITION THAT COULD LEAD TO A DETERIORATION RATHER THAN AN ENHANCEMENT OF BOTH CHOICE AND QUALITY IN THE TV PROGRAMMES AVAILABLE.
"WE HAVE ENGAGED CONSULTANTS TO ASSIST US IN MAKING DETAILED ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT OF THE ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF SOME OF THE KEY ASPECTS OF THE REVIEW.
"THESE INCLUDE THE LIKELY IMPACT ON THE LOCAL TELEVISION INDUSTRY OF LIFTING THE RESTRICTIONS ON CANTONESE PROGRAMMES FROM STAR TV, THE ECONOMIC IMPACT ON THE TELEVISION INDUSTRY BROUGHT ON BY THE LICENSING OF A PAY-TV SERVICE TN HONG KONG, THE EFFECT OUR EXISTING ROYALTY SYSTEM HAS ON THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TELEVISION INDUSTRY, AND THE ABILITY FOR HONG KONG TO SUSTAIN MORE THAN ONE PAYTV OPERATOR," MR SO SAID.
/AT A........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 1992
2
AT A PRESS BRIEFING IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE DEBATE, THE SECRETARY EXPLAINED THE GOVERNMENT’S POSITION ON A NUMBER OF ISSUES INCLUDING RESTRICTIONS ON CANTONESE PROGRAMMES ON SATELLITE TV, FAIR COMPETITION, TECHNOLOGY, ROYALTY, ADVERTISING, AND OWNERSHIP.
EXPLAINING THE PLACING OF RESTRICTIONS ON THE BROADCASTING OF CANTONESE PROGRAMMES IN THE LICENCE GRANTED TO HUTCHVISION IN DECEMBER 1990, MR SO SAID IT WAS FELT THAT THE UNRESTRICTED BROADCASTING OF CANTONESE ON THE STAR TV SERVICE COULD HAVE AN UNDULY ADVERSE IMPACT UPON THE OPERATIONS OF ATV AND TVB.
IN PARTICULAR, IT WAS FEARED THAT WITH CANTONESE BROADCASTS, STAR TV COULD ATTRACT ADVERTISING AWAY FROM ATV AND TVB, THUS JEOPARDISING THE LATTER’S VIABILITY.
"THE FAILURE OF ONE OR BOTH TV STATIONS COULD RESULT IN THE DETERIORATION IN THE CHOICE AND QUALITY OF FREE-TO-AIR LOCAL CANTONESE LANGUAGE PROGRAMMES AND THIS COULD NOT QUICKLY BE REPLACED BY SATELLITE OR ANY OTHER TELEVISION MEDIUM," HE SAID.
"I BELIEVE THAT IT IS IN THE INTEREST OF HONG KONG VIEWERS THAT NEW FORMS OF BROADCASTING SHOULD COMPLEMENT OUR EXISTING BROADCASTERS, NOT COMPETE HEAD-ON WITH THEM.
"WE MUST ALSO BEAR IN MIND THE NEED TO BE FAIR TO TVB AND ATV WHO ACCEPTED LICENCES IN 1988, INCLUDING SOME OBLIGATIONS, ON THE ASSUMPTION THAT CERTAIN CONDITIONS WOULD PREVAIL THROUGHOUT THE LICENCE PERIOD,” HE ADDED.
THE SECRETARY SAID, HOWEVER, THE RESTRICTIONS WOULD BE EXAMINED IN THE CURRENT REVIEW, AND THAT A DECISION ON WHETHER, AND IF SO, HOW THE RESTRICTIONS SHOULD BE MODIFIED WOULD BE MADE ONCE THE REVIEW WAS COMPLETED.
REFERRING TO CONCERN EXPRESSED BY A FEW LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS OVER RESTRICTIVE AGREEMENTS IMPOSED BY CERTAIN SATELLITE MASTER ANTENNA TELEVISION (SMATV) OPERATORS ON CONSUMERS, MR SO SAID PART OF THE PROBLEM STEMMED FROM THE PUBLIC NOT BEING SUFFICIENTLY AWARE OF THEIR RIGHTS UNDER THE EXISTING SMATV REGULATIONS.
MR SO SAID THE POST OFFICE WOULD SHORTLY BE PUBLISHING A GUIDE TO -THE SMATV REGULATIONS TO INFORM THE PUBLIC OF THEIR CONSUMER RIGHTS .
"THERE ARE NEARLY 80 LICENSED SMATV OPERATORS AND IT IS UP TO THE CONSUMER TO SHOP AROUND TO FIND THE ONE THAT BEST SUITS HIS REQUIREMENTS," HE SAID.
REFERRING TO THE PROBLEM OF "EXCLUSION CLAUSES" RAISED BY SOME MEMBERS, WHICH SOUGHT TO MONOPOLISE ACCESS TO BUILDINGS BY ONE OPERATOR, MR SO SAID: "WE OBVIOUSLY VIEW THESE WITH CONCERN, SINCE THEY COULD FRUSTRATE OUR BROADCASTING POLICY AIM OF PROMOTING COMPETITION AND PROVIDING CHOICE.
"WE ARE EXPLORING WAYS TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM AND I DO NOT RULE OUT THE POSSIBILITY OF INTRODUCING LEGISLATION TO ACHIEVE THIS AIM," HE SAID.
/ON THE .......
3
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 1992
ON THE QUESTION OF THE TECHNOLOGY TO BE USED BY THE FUTURE PAYTV SYSTEM, THE SECRETARY SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS ADOPTING A TECHNOLOGY-NEUTRAL APPROACH.
"WE WILL THEREFORE NOT STIPULATE WHAT TECHNOLOGY SHOULD BE USED IN THE DELIVERY OF THE PAY-TV SERVICE.
"HOWEVER, WE DO HAVE A PREFERENCE FOR CABLE, BECAUSE WE BELIEVE THAT CABLE'S CAPACITY TO CARRY LARGE NUMBERS OF TV CHANNELS,. TO OFFER INTERACTIVE SERVICES AND TO SAVE ON SPECTRUM UTILISATION HAS DEFINITE ADVANTAGES OVER OTHER DELIVERY MEDIA SUCH AS MULTI-CHANNEL MULTI-POINT DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM OR SMATV," HE SAID.
ON THE ISSUE OF THE PROVISION OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES AS PART OF THE FUTURE PAY-TV SYSTEM, MR SO STRESSED THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S CONCERN IN THIS EXERCISE WAS TO ESTABLISH AN EFFECTIVE REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR TELEVISION.
"IF PROVIDERS OF THE PAY-TV SERVICE WISH TO PROVIDE CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES IN ADDITION, THAT IS A SEPARATE MATTER TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY ON TELECOMMUNICATIONS," HE SAID.
"PAY-TV OPERATORS WILL NOT BE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES. THEIR PROPOSALS WILL BE ASSESSED MAINLY ON BROADCASTING GROUNDS," HE ADDED.
TURNING TO THE EXISTING ROYALTY SCHEME ON TELEVISION BROADCASTERS, MR SO EXPLAINED THAT THE BROADCASTING REVIEW BOARD (BRB), IN ITS 1985 REPORT, SET OUT THE FOLLOWING PRINCIPLES ON ROYALTIES :
* ROYALTIES SHOULD BE CHARGED FOR THE GRANT OF A FRANCHISE TO OPERATE A SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC WHERE THE GRANT IS EITHER ON AN EXCLUSIVE BASIS OR WHERE COMPETITION IS RESTRICTED;
* IN THE CASE OF TELEVISION BROADCASTING, ROYALTIES SHOULD BE CHARGED FOR THE PRIVILEGE AND BENEFITS ENJOYED FROM THE ALLOCAI TON OF A COMMUNITY RESOURCE (I.E. AIR-WAVES) AND FROM LIMITED COMPETITION, IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER PROFITS ARE MADE; AND
* THE RATE OF THE ROYALTY CHARGED MUST, HOWEVER, NOT BE SO HIGH AS EITHER TO JEOPARDISE THE SURVIVAL AND DEVELOPMENT OF A LICENSEE.
"HENCE, THE EXISTING ROYALTIES LEVIED ON TVB AND ATV ARE BASED ON REVENUES RATHER THAN ON PROFITS AND HAVE FULL REGARD TO THE PRINCIPLES SET OUT BY THE BRB," HE SAID.
"IN THE COURSE OF THE CURRENT REVIEW WE SHALL BE LOOKING AGAIN AT THESE PRINCIPLES TO SEE WHETHER THE ROYALTY SCHEME IMPOSED ON OUR BROADCASTERS SHOULD BE MODIFIED IN VIEW OF THE CHANGING ENVIRONMENT INCLUDING THE ONSET OF.SATELLITE TELEVISION," HE ADDED.
THE SECRETARY SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD ALSO BE LOOKING AT THE
QUESTION OF ADVERTISING IN THE REVIEW.
/"WE ARE .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 1992
4
"WE ARE AWARE THAT TELEVISION BROADCASTERS ARE CONCERNED ABOUT TELEVISION’S FALLING SHARE OF THE TOTAL ADVERTISING PIE AVAILABLE IN HONG KONG, PARTICULARLY SINCE THEY ARE UNABLE TO TAP THE REVENUE FROM TOBACCO ADVERTISING AND SPONSORSHIP SINCE THE PROHIBITION IMPOSED IN 1990," MR SO SAID.
"IN THE CURRENT REVIEW WE ARE LOOKING AT WAYS THAT MAY HELP TV BROADCASTERS TO INCREASE THEIR ADVERTISING REVENUES, INCLUDING RELAXING SOME ASPECTS OF THE TELEVISION CODE OF PRACTICE ON ADVERTISING STANDARDS TO ALLOW TV STATIONS TO ACCESS A WIDER SOURCE.
"HOWEVER, PROTECTION OF THE CONSUMER WILL REMAIN PARAMOUNT IN ANY CONSIDERATION OF THIS ASPECT," HE SAID.
MR SO SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD ALSO BE LOOKING AT THE OWNERSHIP AND CORPORATE RESTRICTIONS ON BROADCASTING LICENSEES IN THE CURRENT REVIEW WITH A VIEW TO ENCOURAGE WIDER INVESTMENT AND FAIR COMPETITION.
HOWEVER, HE STRESSED THAT TO ENSURE MEDIA DIVERSIFICATION, THE BASIC PRINCIPLES THAT A BROADCASTER SHOULD, AS FAR AS POSSIBLE, BE A FREE-STANDING INDEPENDENT BODY WITH CONTROL RESTING IN LOCAL HANDS WOULD REMAIN UNCHANGED.
"AS WITH MANY OVERSEAS GOVERNMENTS, WE SEE A NEED TO GUARD AGAINST DOMINATION IN BROADCASTING BY INDIVIDUALS OR GROUPS, THEREBY IMPOSING UNIFORMITY AS WELL AS STEREOTYPE PROGRAMMING. THIS CLEARLY RUNS AGAINST THE INTEREST OF FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AND CONSUMERS’ CHOICE," MR SO SAID.
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MORE PROTECTION FOR LOCAL AND IMPORTED WORKERS *****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS EXAMINING THE QUESTION OF COMPENSATION FOR EMPLOYEES WHO ARE DISMISSED BY THEIR EMPLOYERS FOR GIVING EVIDENCE OR INFORMATION CONCERNING BREACHES OF REGULATIONS ON WORK SAFETY.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, IN THE RESUMED SECOND-READING DEBATES ON THE EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL 1992 AND THE EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT)(NO. 3) BILL 1992 AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
’’THE ADMINISTRATION ACCEPTS THAT THERE IS A CASE FOR CONSIDERING APPROPRIATE COMPENSATION,” HE SAID.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR IS NOW EXAMINING THE QUESTION IN DETAIL. FURTHER DISCUSSIONS WITH BOTH THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD AND THE OMELCO MANPOWER PANEL WILL BE NEEDED.
MR CHAN SAID THE ADMINISTRATION WOULD ALSO BE LOOKING AT THE QUESTION OF PROTECTING IMPORTED WORKERS FROM UNFAIR DISMISSAL IN A SEPARATE AND WIDER CONTEXT.
/HE REAFFIRMED .......
5
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 1992
HE REAFFIRMED THAT THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WOULD GIVE EVERY POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE IN FINDING ALTERNATIVE EMPLOYMENT TO THOSE IMPORTED WORKERS WHO WERE DISMISSED AS A RESULT OF LAYING LEGITIMATE COMPLAINTS OR GIVING EVIDENCE AGA.INST THEIR EMPLOYERS FOR MALPRACTICES.
MR CHAN ALSO SPOKE IN THE RESUMED SECOND-READI NG DEBATE ON THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL 1992.
THE BILL SEEKS TO EXTEND SAFETY PROTECTION TO EMPLOYEES WORKING AT SMALL CONTAINER STORAGE YARDS OPERATING ON BARREN LAND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES IN THE SAME WAY AS THOSE WORKING IN CONTAINER DEPOTS.
HE SAID PROPRIETORS WOULD BE REQUIRED TO ENSURE THAT CONTAINERS WERE STACKED ON LEVEL AND FIRM GROUND AND THAT STACKING, UNSTACKING, AND THE HANDLING OF CONTAINERS WERE CARRIED OUT IN A SAFE MANNER AND WITH ADEQUATE SAFETY PRECAUTION.
BUT RECKLESS OPERATION BY ANY EMPLOYEE THAT MAY ENDANGER HIS OWN LIFE OR THOSE OF HIS FELLOW EMPLOYEES MUST ALSO BE DISCOURAGED.
"THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS ALREADY PREPARING DETAILED OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW PROVISIONS AND WILL CONSULT THE INDUSTRY BEFORE FINALISING THEM," MR CHAN SAID.
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SIMPLIFIED OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES BILL INTRODUCED
*»»»»»»
A SIMPLIFIED VERSION OF THE OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES BILL WITH TWO NEW PROVISIONS ON THE REGISTRATION OF "POOLED" RETIREMENT SCHEMES AND MORE FLEXIBLE FUNDING ARRANGEMENTS FOR DEFINED BENEFIT SCHEMES WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE ORIGINAL BILL THAT SOUGHT TO REGULATE PRIVATE RETIREMENT SCHEMES WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE COUNCIL LAST MAY.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, MR DAVID NENDICK, SAID THE NEW BILL RETAINED ALL THE BASIC PRINCIPLES ENDORSED BY A LEGCO AD HOC GROUP LAST YEAR.
THESE PRINCIPLES ARE:
* SEPARATION OF RETIREMENT SCHEME ASSETS FROM THE EMPLOYER’S BUSINESS;
* ADEQUATE FUNDING;
* RESTRICTIONS ON SELF-INVESTMENT;
* PROHIBITION AGAINST LOANS TO THE EMPLOYER AND HIS ASSOCIATES;
* AT LEAST ONE INDEPENDENT TRUSTEE;
* INDEPENDENT ANNUAL AUDIT;
t DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION TO EMPLOYEES AND, WHERE APPROPRIATE;
* PERIODIC ACTUARIAL REVIEW.
/MR NENDICK .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 1992
6
MR NENDICK SAID THE TWO NEW PROVISIONS WERE INCORPORATED INTO THE BILL IN THE LIGHT OF MARKET PRACTICE AND ADVICE FROM PROFESSIONAL BODIES.
ON THE ’’POOLED” RETIREMENT SCHEMES, HE EXPLAINED THAT THESE WERE COVERED BY A MASTER TRUST DEED OR INSURANCE POLICY, WITH THEIR ASSETS POOLED TOGETHER FOR INVESTMENT AND ADMINISTRATION PURPOSES.
HE SAID THERE WERE A CONSIDERABLE NUMBER OF SMALL ESTABLISHMENTS IN HONG KONG.
WHERE THESE HAVE RETIREMENT BENEFITS FOR EMPLOYEES THEY ARE GENERALLY PROVIDED THROUGH ’’POOLED” RETIREMENT SCHEMES.
MR NENDICK SAID A SIMPLIFIED REGISTRATION PROCESS FOR SUCH SCHEMES WOULD THEREFORE BE USEFUL.
THE BILL PROVIDES THAT APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION OF INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPANT SCHEMES WILL ONLY NEED TO BE ACCOMPANIED BY A MASTER STATEMENT FROM THE SOLICITOR AND A MASTER. REPORT FROM THE AUDITOR, SUBJECT TO CONFIRMATION BY THE SCHEME ADMINISTRATOR THAT THE SCHEME IS PART OF THE POOLING AGREEMENT.
ON FUNDING REQUIREMENTS FOR DEFINED BENEFIT SCHEMES, MR NENDICK SAID ACTUARIAL REVIEWS OF THESE SCHEMES WERE CONDUCTED EVERY' THREE YEARS.
”IF UPON REVIEW A SCHEME IS FOUND TO HAVE A SHORTFALL, IT IS A GENERAL RULE THAT THE EMPLOYER MUST TOP UP THE SCHEME SO THAT THE SHORTFALL IS REMOVED WITHIN THREE YEARS FROM THE DATE OF THE REVIEW.
”IF IT WERE TO REMAIN INSOLVENT AFTER THE THREE YEARS, IT WOULD BE LIABLE TO DEREGISTRATION,” HE SAID.
SINCE THERE MAY BE FACTORS OUTSIDE THE CONTROL OF THE EMPLOYER THAT PREVENT A SCHEME FROM ATTAINING SOLVENCY WITHIN THE THREE-YEAR PERIOD, THE ACTUARIAL ASSOCIATION SUGGESTED THAT SOME FLEXIBILITY SHOULD BE PROVIDED BEFORE THE PROVISIONS FOR DEREGISTRATION ARE TRIGGERED.
"AS A RESULT, THE BILL NOW ALLOWS A FURTHER PERIOD OF THREE YEARS WHERE A CONTINUING SHORTFALL ARISES FROM FACTORS BEYOND THE CONTROL OF THE EMPLOYER.
"WHERE, HOWEVER, ANY' PART OF THIS SHORTFALL ARISES FROM A FAILURE OF THE EMPLOYER TO IMPLEMENT THE ACTUARY’S RECOMMENDATIONS THE GENERAL RULE WILL APPLY,” MR NENDICK SAID.
THE BILL ALSO HAS OTHER IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDING THE STRENGTHENING OF THE PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE WINDING UP OF A SCHEME.
THE BILL NOW INCLUDES STATUTORY GUIDELINES FOR THE COURT TO ORDER THE WINDING UP OF A SCHEME DOMICILED IN HONG KONG AND GIVE DIRECTIONS ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF ITS ASSETS.
/ON PROVISIONS .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 1992
7
ON PROVISIONS REGARDING PREFERENTIAL CLAIMS ^TATlS RETIREMENT BENEFITS, HE SAID THESE HAD ALSO BEEN MODIFIED T0 HOLD I HE EMPLOYER RESPONSIBLE ONLY FOR ANY UNPAID CONTRIBUTIONS DUE FR )M HIM.
ANY SHORTFALL ARISING FROM NEGLIGENCE OF SCHEME MANAGERS OR OTHER FACTORS WOULD ONLY RANK AS GENERAL CLAIMS, HE SAID.
BEFORE THE LEGISLATION IS PUT PAMPHLETS WILL BE PUBLISHED TO HELP STATUTORY DUTIES.
INTO OPERATION, EXPLANATORY EMPLOYERS UNDERSTAND THEIR
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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BILL TO PROTECT CHILDREN FROM UNSAFE TOYS INTRODUCED *****
THE TOYS AND CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS SAFETY BILL WHICH SOUGHT TO PROTECT CHILDREN FROM UNSAFE TOYS OR CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T.H. CHAU, SAID THE BILL MADE IT AN OFFENCE TO MANUFACTURE FOR CONSUMPTION IN HONG KONG, TO IMPORT INTO HONG KONG OR TO SUPPLY IN HONG KONG TOYS AND CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS WHICH DID NOT MEET PRESCRIBED SAFETY STANDARDS OR A GENERAL SAFETY REQUIREMENT.
THE BILL WOULD BE ENFORCED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE WHO WOULD ACT UPON.
MR CHAU SAID THE BILL WAS BASED LARGELY ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF A WORKING GROUP ON TOY SAFETY, WHICH RECOMMENDED THE ADOPTION OF THE INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTARY TOY SAFETY STANDARD ESTABLISHED BY THE INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE OF TOY INDUSTRIES.
THE STANDARD IS COMPREHENSIVE, INTERNATIONALLY ACCEPTED AND SIMILAR TO THE SAFETY STANDARDS ADOPTED IN THE UNITED STATES, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY, JAPAN AND SOUTH KOREA.
THE BILL PROPOSES THIS STANDARD BE APPLIED TO ALL TOYS SUPPLIED IN HONG KONG.
APART FROM TOYS, MR CHAU SAID THE WORKING GROUP IDENTIFIED CERTAIN CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS THAT SHOULD ALSO BE CONTROLLED UNDER THE BILL.
WHILE THERE ARE NO INTERNATIONAL SAFETY STANDARDS FOR CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS, THE GROUP RECOMMENDED THAT STANDARDS ESTABLISHED BY THE BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION BE ADOPTED AS THEY ARE WIDELY USED AND HIGHLY REGARDED BY THE INTERNATIONAL TRADING COMMUNITY.
THE BILL HAS A GENERAL SAFETY REQUIREMENT THAT IMPOSES A DUTY ON SUPPLIERS TO ENSURE THAT THEIR PRODUCTS ARE REASONABLY SAFE.
/"THIS IS .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 1992
8
"THIS IS TO CATER FOR EMERGENCY SITUATIONS WHERE UNSAFE TOYS OR CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS ARE FOUND, IN RESPECT OF WHICH THERE ARE NO PRESCRIBED SAFETY STANDARDS, AND NEW SAFETY REGULATIONS CANNOT BE MADE SWIFTLY," MR CHAU SAID.
TO FACILITATE COMPLIANCE WITH THE STANDARDS, SUPPLIERS MAY HAVE THEIR PRODUCTS TESTED BY A LABORATORY APPROVED BY THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY.
APPROVED LABORATORIES WILL INCLUDE LABORATORIES ACCREDITED UNDER THE HONG KONG LABORATORY ACCREDITATION SCHEME AND THOSE OVERSEAS LABORATORIES WITH EQUIVALENT STANDING.
TESTING RESULTS SHOWING THAT A PRODUCT COMPLIES WITH THE RELEVANT SAFETY STANDARD WILL CREATE A PRESUMPTION THAT THE PRODUCT IS SAFE AND MAY BE USED BY THE SUPPLIER AS A DEFENCE OF DUE DILIGENCE IN COURT.
AS A TIME GAP MAY EXIST BETWEEN THE DISCOVERY OF UNSAFE TOYS AND CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS AND ANY SUBSEQUENT CONVICTION IN COURT, THE BILL PROVIDES FOR REMEDIAL MEASURES THROUGH A NOTICE SYSTEM TO PROTECT CHILDREN FROM SUSPECTED UNSAFE TOYS OR CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS.
IT ENABLES THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE TO ISSUE A ’NOTICE TO WARN’, REQUIRING SUPPLIERS TO PUBLISH A WARNING THAT A SPECIFIED TOY OR CHILDREN’S PRODUCT MAY BE UNSAFE UNLESS CERTAIN STEPS ARE TAKEN; A ’PROHIBITION NOTICE’ TO STOP THE SALE OF A TOY OR CHILDREN’S PRODUCT; AND, IN EXTREME CASES, A ’RECALL NOTICE’ TO RECALL THOSE PRODUCTS ALREADY SOLD WHICH CONSTITUTE A SIGNIFICANT RISK TO CHILDREN.
MR CHAU SAID IT WOULD BE AN OFFENCE IF A PERSON DID NOT COMPLY WITH ANY SUCH NOTICES SERVED ON HIM.
IN APPEALS AGAINST DECISIONS MADE OR NOTICES ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, HE SAID THESE MAY BE MADE TO AN APPEAL BOARD CHAIRED BY A LEGAL PRACTITIONER.
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD INCLUDE A GENERAL CONSUMER, A SCIENTIST WITH RELEVANT EXPERTISE AND A PERSON FROM THE TOYS OR CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS INDUSTRY.
THE BILL ALSO PROVIDES THAT IF THE GOODS SEIZED OR DETAINED BY THE ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY ARE SUBSEQUENTLY FOUND TO BE SAFE, THE GOVERNMENT MAY BE LIABLE TO COMPENSATE THE GOODS OWNER FOR ANY LOSS SUFFERED BY HIM AS A RESULT OF THE SEIZURE OR DETENTION.
"TO GIVE THE INDUSTRY AND TRADE TIME TO ADJUST, THERE WILL BE A GRACE PERIOD OF ONE YEAR BEFORE THE BILL COMES INTO OPERATION," HE SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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/9 ........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 1992
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BILL TO PROHIBIT USE OF ADVERTISING VEHICLES *******
A BILL TO PROHIBIT THE USE OF VEHICLES USED PREDOMINANTLY FOR DISPLAYING COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1992, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, SAID THE 17 ADVERTISING VEHICLES NOW OPERATING WITH PERMITS SERVED NO TRANSPORT PURPOSE AND COULD AGGRAVATE ROAD CONGESTION.
THE ADVERTISING VEHICLES ARE USUALLY ADAPTED FROM FLAT BED TRUCKS AND CARRYING LARGE BILLBOARDS WHICH ARE COLOURFUL AND OFTEN BRIGHTLY ILLUMINATED BY FLOODLIGHTS OR SPOTLIGHTS WHICH MAY DISTRACT THE ATTENTION OF DRIVERS AND PEDESTRIANS.
TO ACHIEVE MAXIMUM ADVERTISING EFFECT, THEY MAY BE PARKED OR DRIVEN SLOWLY IN DENSELY POPULATED URBAN AREAS WHERE TRAFFIC IS ALREADY HEAVY.
"GIVEN THE INCREASING LEVEL OF CONGESTION ON OUR ROAD SPACE, IT IS CONSIDERED NECESSARY IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST TO PROHIBIT THE USE OF THESE VEHICLES.
"ANY NEED FOR MOBILE COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING IS ALREADY MET BY OTHER FORMS OF TRANSPORT SUCH AS BUSES, TAXIS AND TRAMS," HE SAID.
IT IS PROPOSED HOWEVER THAT PERMISSION MAY BE GIVEN FOR ADVERTISING VEHICLES TO OPERATE IN EXCEPTIONAL CASES WHERE THEY MAY BE NEEDED FOR CERTAIN NON-COMMERCIAL PURPOSES, SUCH AS ELECTION CAMPAIGNS OR APPROVED CHARITY PURPOSES.
THE BILL EMPOWERS THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT TO ISSUE A PERMIT ONLY FOR THE DISPLAY OF NON-COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING AND SUBJECT TO SPECIFIED CONDITIONS.
IT ALSO PROVIDES TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTINUED USE OF PERMITS NOW IN FORCE UNTIL THEY EXPIRE.
MR LEUNG SAID THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE HAD CONSIDERED THE PROPOSAL AND SUPPORTED IT ON TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT GROUNDS. THE OMELCO TRANSPORT PANEL HAD ALSO BEEN BRIEFED AND THE MATTER HAD BEEN DISCUSSED WITH THE TRADE.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS ARE SATISFIED THAT THE LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS IN RESPECT OF THESE VEHICLES ARE CONSISTENT WITH THE BILL OF RIGHTS.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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/10........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 1992
- 10 -
MTRC NETS $67M PROFITS FOR THE FIRST TIME
*****
THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION (MTRC) FOR THE FIRST TIME LAST YEAR REGISTERED A NET PROFIT OF $67 MILLION EVEN WITHOUT ANY CONTRIBUTION FROM PROPERTY DEVELOPMENTS, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR MACLEOD SAID THIS HAD BEEN ACHIEVED TWO YEARS EARLIER THAN PREVIOUSLY FORECAST. THE MTRC RECORDED A NET LOSS OF $108 MILLION IN 1990.
TABLING THE ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS OF THE CORPORATION FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1991, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY POINTED OUT THAT IN 1991, THE MTRC CARRIED ABOUT 726 MILLION PASSENGERS LAST YEAR.
TOTAL REVENUE WAS $3,553 MILLION, 12 PER CENT HIGHER THAN THAT IN 1990. TOTAL OPERATING COSTS ALSO INCREASED BY 12 PER CENT, OWING MAINLY TO RISING WAGES AND RAILWAY MAINTENANCE COSTS.
MR MACLEOD POINTED OUT THAT AT THE END OF 1991, THE CORPORATION’S LOANS AND FINANCE LIABILITIES STOOD AT $18.4 BILLION AND THE YEAR-END DEBT TO EQUITY RATIO WAS 2.7 TO 1.
"DESPITE THE TIGHT FINANCING ENVIRONMENT WORLDWIDE IN 1991, THE MTRC WAS ABLE TO RAISE FUNDS IN LOCAL AND OVERSEAS MARKETS SUCCESSFULLY.
"THIS BEARS TESTIMONY TO THE HIGH REPUTATION THE MTRC CONTINUES TO ENJOY IN THE INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL COMMUNITY," THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID.
NOTING THAT THE CORPORATION’S RESULTS LAST YEAR WERE CONSISTENT WITH ITS LONG-TERM FINANCIAL TARGETS, MR MACLEOD SAID BY THE TURN OF THE CENTURY, MTRC EXPECTED TO BE ABLE TO RETIRE ALL DEBTS ON EXISTING LOANS.
AFTER THE SIGNING OF THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON THE NEW AIRPORT AND RELATED PROJECTS, THE GOVERNMENT ENTERED INTO NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE MTRC ON THE FINANCING, CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF THE AIRPORT RAILWAY.
APART FROM PROVIDING A FAST, EFFICIENT AND CONVENIENT RAIL LINK WITH THE NEW AIRPORT, THE AIRPORT RAILWAY WILL ALSO RELIEVE THE MTR NATHAN ROAD CORRIDOR WHICH IS ALREADY OPERATING CLOSE TO CAPACITY DURING PEAK HOURS.
MR MACLEOD SAID THE FINANCIAL SUPPORT THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSED FOR THE AIRPORT RAILWAY PROJECT SHOULD ENABLE THE CORPORATION TO BORROW ON ACCEPTABLE TERMS THE SUMS NEEDED TO FINANCE THE PROJECT.
THE PRINCIPAL CREDIT RATING AGENCIES HAD ALREADY INDICATED THAT THEY WOULD MAINTAIN THE MTRC’S EXISTING CREDIT RATINGS ON THE BASIS OF THE FINANCIAL SUPPORT PROPOSED, MR MACLEOD SAID.
/"OVER THE .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 1992
11
"OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, THE MTRC HAS BUDGETED TO SPEND $5 BILLION ON MAJOR CAPITAL PROJECTS TO UPGRADE THE EXISTING SYSTEM THROUGH THE PROVISION OF NEW FACILITIES AND APPLICATION OF MODERN TECHNOLOGY.
"THIS UNDERLINES ITS COMMITMENT TO OPERATING AND MAINTAINING A FIRST-CLASS RAILWAY," THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID.
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AIRPORT PROJECTS ON SCHEDULE : SES *****
THERE IS NO CASE FOR RELAXING THE TIMETABLE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME IN ECONOMIC TERMS, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HENRY TANG, THE SECRETARY SAID IT REMAINED THE GOVERNMENT’S VIEW THAT EVEN ONE YEAR OF "SATURATION" AT KAI TAK SHOULD BE AVOIDED IF AT ALL POSSIBLE, LET ALONE THE THREE YEARS NOW EXPECTED.
"EVERY EFFORT WILL CONTINUE TO BE MADE TO IMPLEMENT THE PROGRAMME OF WORKS IN A WAY THAT EASES ANY INFLATIONARY IMPACT THEY MAY HAVE.
"STRINGENT COST CONTROLS AND THE IMPORTATION OF LABOUR ARE IMPORTANT MEASURES WHICH WILL ASSIST IN MEETING THIS OBJECTIVE," SHE SAID.
THE SECRETARY SAID EARLIER PREDICTIONS THAT KAI TAK MIGHT BECOME SATURATED AS EARLY AS 1993 WERE BASED ON THE ASSUMPTION OF A CONTINUING TREND IN GROWTH IN AIR TRAFFIC OF AROUND 10 PER CENT PER ANNUM.
AS A RESULT OF THE GULF WAR AND A-CONTINUING DOWNTURN IN WORLD ECONOMIES LAST YEAR, AIR TRAFFIC VOLUMES WORLDWIDE SLUMPED LAST YEAR AND KAI TAK RECORDED AN INCREASE OF ONLY ABOUT 2.5 PER CENT IN AIR PASSENGERS AND 3.7 PER CENT IN AIRCRAFT MOVEMENTS IN THAT YEAR.
AS A RESULT, MRS CHAN SAID IT WAS SAFE TO ASSUME THAT THE SITUATION AT KAI TAK WAS LIKELY TO BE LESS CRITICAL NEXT YEAR THAN PREVIOUSLY EXPECTED.
NEVERTHELESS, SHE ADDED THAT IT WAS STILL LIKELY THAT, BY MID-1994, SEVERE PROBLEMS WOULD EMERGE AS AIRLINES BECAME UNABLE TO FIND ACCEPTABLE LANDING SLOTS AT KAI TAK.
"PROBLEMS IN THIS RESPECT ARE ALREADY OCCURRING AT KAI TAK; IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF DEGREE.
"BY MID-1994, THE SITUATION IS LIKELY TO HAVE BECOME SO SERIOUS THAT THE ECONOMY AS A WHOLE WILL BEGIN TO SUFFER SIGNIFICANT DISBENEFITS AS IT BECOMES IMPOSSIBLE TO PROVIDE AIRPORT CAPACITY TO MEET GROWING AIR TRAFFIC DEMANDS," SHE ADDED.
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/12 .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 1992
12
NUCLEAR CONTINGENCY PLAN SOUND
*****
EXPERTS FROM THE UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY (IAEA) CONCLUDED THAT HONG KONG’S CONTINGENCY PLAN RELATING TO THE DAYA BAY NUCLEAR POWER PLANT WAS BASICALLY SOUND.
THE DETAILED PLAN WAS PREPARED TO ENSURE THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS THE NECESSARY MACHINERY AND RESOURCES TO COPE WITH ANY ACCIDENT RESULTING IN RADIATION LEAKAGE FROM THE PLANT.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WHILE REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY REV THE HON FUNG CHI-WOOD.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD EXPERT ADVICE FROM A NUMBER OF NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL AGENCIES IN PREPARING THE CONTINGENCY PLAN.
MR ASPREY SAID AN EXERCISE WAS CONDUCTED IN NOVEMBER 1990 TO TEST THE ADEQUACY OF THE PLAN.
EXPERTS FROM IAEA WERE FULLY INVOLVED IN THE EXERCISE AND ITS EVALUATION.
"THEY CONCLUDED THAT THE EXERCISE HAD PROVIDED A COMPREHENSIVE TEST OF ALL THE MAIN FEATURES OF THE PLAN, AND THAT THE PLAN WAS BASICALLY SOUND," HE SAID.
HE SAID SINCE THEN WORK HAD CONTINUED ON REVISING AND IMPROVING THE PLAN IN THE LIGHT OF EXPERIENCE GAINED IN THE EXERCISE AND OF ADVICE FROM THE IAEA.
CLOSE CONTACTS HAVE ALSO BEEN MAINTAINED WITH UK AUTHORITIES, OTHER NUCLEAR REGULATORY AUTHORITIES AND POWER COMPANIES WITH WHICH HAVE PROVIDED INFORMATION, TECHNICAL ADVICE AND TRAINING.
THE GOVERNMENT AIMS TO TEST THE REVISED PLAN IN A FURTHER EXERCISE BEFORE THE COMMISSIONING OF THE DAYA BAY PLANT, NOW SCHEDULED FOR MID TO LATE NEXT YEAR.
THIS IS TO ENSURE THAT THE PLAN MEETS THE HIGHEST INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS. THE GOVERNMENT WILL ALSO INVITE EVALUATION FROM THE IAEA.
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/13
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 1992
13
COLVIN HOUSE SITE RESERVED FOR BRITISH CONSULATE
» » » * « »
THE GOVERNMENT HAS AGREED TO GRANT BY PRIVATE TREATY THE COLVIN HOUSE SITE OF ABOUT 6,500 SQUARE METRES FOR THE POST-1997 BRITISH CONSULATE-GENERAL, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR A.G. EASON, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO THE HON HENRY TANG, MR EASON NOTED THAT THE LEASE WOULD BE FOR A PERIOD UP TO JUNE 30, 2047 AT A PREMIUM OF $1,000.
LAND RENT UP TO JUNE 30, 1997 WILL BE $1,000 A YEAR AND THEREAFTER AT 3 PER CENT OF THE RATEABLE VALUE OF THE LOT.
THE USER WOULD BE RESTRICTED TO THE BRITISH CONSULATE-GENERAL, ANCILLARY ACCOMMODATION AND THE BRITISH COUNCIL, MR EASON ADDED.
- - 0 - -
GUIDELINES ON REFERRING STUDENTS TO SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS FORMULATED »»»«»»
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS FORMULATED GUIDELINES ON REFERRING STUDENTS TO SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS WITH RELEVANT CIRCULARS CIRCULATING TO BOTH TEACHERS AND SCHOOLS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ERIC LI KA-CHEUNG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR CHAN SAID A CIRCULAR ENTITLED "GUIDANCE WORK IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS - A SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR PRINCIPALS AND TEACHERS" WAS ISSUED IN 1986, AND ANOTHER ONE ADDRESSING THE UP-TO-DATE SITUATION ENTITLED "HOW TO HELP PUPILS WITH PROBLEMS" WAS ISSUED ON APRIL 1, THIS YEAR.
HE SAID THE FIRST OF THESE CIRCULARS ADVISED SCHOOLS HOW TO DEPLOY NEW GUIDANCE STAFF ALLOCATED TO THEM AND SET UP A MECHANISM TO COPE WITH CRISIS SITUATIONS AMONG STUDENTS.
"THE SECOND CIRCULAR GIVES DETAILED AND PRACTICAL GUIDANCE TO TEACHERS ON HOW TO DEVELOP A MORE POSITIVE AND PROACTIVE APPROACH TO SOLVING STUDENTS PROBLEMS, PARTICULARLY THOSE THAT MIGHT LEAD TO SUICIDE, BEFORE THEY GET OUT OF HAND.
"IT ALSO INCLUDES SPECIFIC GUIDANCE ON WHEN AND HOW TO REFER STUDENTS FOR PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE," HE SAID.
ON THE NUMBER OF ATTEMPTED SUICIDES BY STUDENTS REPORTED BY SCHOOLS TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THERE WERE 35 REPORTED CASES OF WHICH EIGHT WERE FATAL IN 1987/88 AND IN 1988/89 THERE WERE 25 CASES OF WHICH TWO WERE FATAL.
/THERE WERE
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 1992
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THERE WERE 26 CASES REPORTED OF WHICH ONE WAS FATAL AND 35 CASES OF WHICH THREE WERE FATAL IN 1989/90 AND IN 1990/91 RESPECTIVELY.
SO FAR IN 1991/92, THAT IS, FROM THE BEGINNING OF SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR UNTIL MARCH 31, THIS YEAR, THERE HAVE BEEN 35 REPORTED CASES OF WHICH 12 WERE FATAL.
REGARDING THE NUMBER OF CASES WHERE THE STUDENTS WHO ATTEMPTED TO COMMIT SUICIDE HAD ALREADY BEEN REFERRED BY THEIR TEACHERS TO SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS, SCHOOL DISCIPLINE AND GUIDANCE TEACHERS OR STUDENT GUIDANCE OFFICERS FOR COUNSELLING, THE RECORD SHOWED THAT THERE WERE 13 SUCH CASES IN THE 1990/91 SCHOOL YEAR, AND 15 SUCH CASES SO FAR IN THE 1991/92 SCHOOL YEAR, MR CHAN SAID.
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MOST OF TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS TO GO BY 1995/96
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A HOUSING AUTHORITY PROGRAMME AIMS TO CLEAR ABOUT 90 PER CENT OF THE PRESENT 67,000 RESIDENTS IN TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS (THAS) BY 1995/96, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR A.G. EASON, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"THE REMAINING FEW THOUSAND WILL BE REHOUSED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE THEREAFTER," HE SAID.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON PANG CHUN-HOI, HE SAID THE HOUSING AUTHORITY STARTED THE PROGRAMME IN 1988 WITH A VIEW TO REHOUSING AN AVERAGE OF ABOUT 14,000 RESIDENTS IN THAS EACH
UNDER THIS PROGRAMME, 39 THAS 40,000 RESIDENTS REHOUSED SO FAR.
HAVE BEEN CLEARED AND ABOUT
MR EASON SAID IT IS NOT FEASIBLE TO OFFER LOCAL REHOUSING TO ALL THOSE AFFECTED BY THE CLEARANCES, PARTICULARLY IN THE URBAN AREA WHERE THE SUPPLY OF RECEPTION ACCOMMODATION IS LIMITED.
"THE CURRENT POLICY IS TO REHOUSE THOSE AFFECTED CLEARANCES IN THE URBAN OR EXTENDED URBAN AREAS, SUCH AS TSEUNG KWAN O, TS1''N WAN AND KWAI TSING," MR EASON ADDED.
BY URBAN SHA TIN,
THE SECRETARY ALSO SAID THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE, CLEANSING, SECURITY AND MAINTENANCE OF THAS •
THE MANAGEMENT STAFF REGULARLY INSPECT THE AREAS TO ENSURE THE STRUCTURES AND FACILITIES ARE MAINTAINED TO AN ACCEPTABLE STANDARD.
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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 1992
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EMERGENCY CASES HANDLED BY PUBLIC HOSPITALS *****
THE NUMBER OF TRAUMATIC ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY (A&E) CASES HANDLED BY PUBLIC HOSPITALS BETWEEN 1989 AND LAST YEAR TOTALLED 723,530, RESULTING IN 97,014 PATIENTS BEING ADMITTED TO HOSPITALS, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
OF THE TOTAL A&E FIGURES, 310,823 CASES WERE INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS, 231,795 WERE DOMESTIC ACCIDENTS, 68,803 WERE TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS AND 112,109 OTHERS.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LAU CHIN-SHEK, MRS WONG SAID THE INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS INVOLVED MAINLY HAND, LEG AND FOOT, AND SKULL INJURIES. OTHERS RELATED TO FACE AND NECK, ARM, TRUNK, AND EYE INJURIES.
MRS WONG ALSO NOTED THAT THE NUMBER OF WORK-RELATED ACCIDENTS REPORTED TO THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION DIVISION OF THE LABOUR. DEPARTMENT SHOWED A GRADUAL DECREASE IN THE PAST THREE YEARS - FROM 97,450 IN 1989, 94,938 IN 1990 TO 87,827 LAST YEAR.
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DRAINS INSPECTED REGULARLY TO PREVENT FLOODING ******
THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT OPERATES A PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE PROGRAMME TO INSPECT MAJOR STORMWATER DRAINS, CULVERTS, NULLAHS AND BLOCKAGE BLACKSPOTS REGULARLY, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR A.G. EASON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO THE HON LEE WING-TAT, MR EASON SAID ANY SILTING AND BLOCKAGE INSIDE THE DRAINS WAS CLEARED AND DEFECTS AND DAMAGE WERE REPAIRED BEFORE THE RAINY SEASON TO MINIMISE FLOODING.
LAST YEAR THE DEPARTMENT INSPECTED 300 KILOMETRES OF STORMWATER DRAINS, CULVERTS AND NULLAHS, 90 KILOMETRES OF WHICH WERE SUBSEQUENTLY CLEARED WITH 75,000 CUBIC METRES OF SILT BEING REMOVED.
ON CONSTRUCTION SITES THAT INVOLVED SIGNIFICANT EARTHWORKS, HE SAID WHERE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WERE IN CHARGE OF SITES, THEY WERE RESPONSIBLE TO ENSURE ADEQUATE MEASURES WERE TAKEN TO PREVENT EROSION.
ALSO, THEY WERE RESPONSIBLE FOR CONSTRUCTING TEMPORARY DRAINAGE SYSTEMS TO INTERCEPT SURFACE RUNOFF AND PROVIDING SAND TRAPS AND VEHICLE WASHING FACILITIES TO PREVENT SILT AND DEBRIS FROM FLOWING INTO THE PUBLIC DRAINAGE SYSTEM.
/"SUCH PREVENTIVE .......
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’’SUCH PREVENTIVE WORKS ARE NORMALLY CARRIED OUT BY CONTRACTORS AND ARE SUPERVISED AND INSPECTED REGULARLY BY GOVERNMENT STAFF,” HE SAID.
MR EASON NOTED THAT A STANDING INSTRUCTION WAS PROMULGATED BEFORE EVERY RAINY SEASON TO REMIND ALL RESIDENT SITE STAFF TO ENSURE THAT CONTRACTORS WORKS WERE DESIGNED AND MAINTAINED TO PREVENT FLOODING.
AS REGARDS PRIVATE-SECTOR SITES, MR EASON SAID AUTHORISED PERSONS AND REGISTERED CONTRACTORS WERE RESPONSIBLE FOR SIMILAR PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES.
THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS ALSO SENDS A REMINDER TO ALL AUTHORISED PERSONS AND REGISTERED CONTRACTORS BEFORE THE RAINY SEASON TO THIS EFFECT.
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GAS SAFETY LAW SAFEGUARDS PUBLIC FROM HAZARDS ♦ * * * *
THE INSTALLATIONS OF UNDERGROUND GAS OR LIQUIFIED PETROLEUM PIPING ARE CONTROLLED UNDER THE GAS SAFETY (GAS SUPPLY) REGULATIONS MADE UNDER THE GAS SAFETY ORDINANCE, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON EDWARD HO, MRS CHAN SAID THE HONG KONG AND CHINA GAS COMPANY CONSTRUCTED, TESTED AND MAINTAINED ITS UNDERGROUND PIPING IN ACCORDANCE WITH STANDARDS APPROVED BY THE GAS STANDARDS OFFICE OF THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
SURVEILLANCE OF THE SYSTEM WAS CARRIED OUT BY THE COMPANY USING EXTREMELY SENSITIVE EQUIPMENT FOR DETECTING LEAKAGES, WHILE THE FREQUENCY OF SURVEYS WAS DETERMINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH CRITERIA AGREED WITH THE GAS STANDARDS OFFICE.
’’BUT ALL RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL AREAS ARE SURVEYED AT LEAST TWICE A YEAR,” MRS CHAN SAID.
ON THE PROVISION OF UNDERGROUND PIPIN.G FOR LIQUIFIED PETROLEUM GAS, MRS CHAN SAID IT WAS GENERALLY RESTRICTED TO PRIVATE DEVELOPMENTS THAT COULD PROVIDE THE NECESSARY STORAGE SPACE AND SECURITY.
CONSTRUCTION, REPAIR AND OPERATION OF SUCH INSTALLATIONS REQUIRED THE PRIOR APPROVAL OF THE GAS STANDARDS OFFICE.
’’THE PIPING IS PRESSURE TESTED EVERY THREE YEARS BY THE RELEVANT OIL COMPANY TO ENSURE THAT IT CONTINUES TO BE LEAK FREE,” MRS CHAN SAID.
/ON THE
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ON THE GAS SUPPLY PIPEWORK INSIDE BUILDINGS INCLUDING METERS, VALVES AND APPLIANCES, MRS CHAN SAID IT WAS CONTROLLED UNDER THE GAS SAFETY (INSTALLATION AND USE) REGULATIONS.
THE GAS SAFETY (REGISTRATION OF GAS INSTALLERS AND CONTRACTORS) REGULATIONS REQUIRED THAT ANY PERSON WHO UNDERTOOK WORK ON ANY GAS FITTING INSIDE A BUILDING MUST BE REGISTERED AS A "GAS INSTALLER" AND BE EMPLOYED BY A REGISTERED GAS CONTRACTOR.
ANY UNSAFE INSTALLATION DETECTED BY A REGISTERED GAS INSTALLER WHOSE TECHNICAL COMPETENCE WAS MONITORED BY THE GAS STANDARDS OFFICE, COULD BE MADE SAFE OR SHUT OFF AND LABELLED AGAINST USE.
BESIDES, MRS CHAN SAID THE RUBBER TUBING USED TO CONNECT AN APPLIANCE TO THE GAS SUPPLY HAD TO MEET REQUIREMENTS MORE STRINGENT THAN THE RELEVANT BRITISH STANDARDS BEFORE IT MIGHT BE SOLD IN HONG KONG. '
■ "IT WILL BE APPARENT THAT THE GOVERNMENT, IN SETTING UP THE GAS STANDARDS OFFICE, BACKED BY COMPREHENSIVE GAS SAFETY LEGISLATION, AND THE GAS SUPPLY COMPANIES, IN UNDERTAKING REGULAR SURVEYS OF THEIR PIPING, TAKE THE POTENTIAL HAZARDS POSED BY GAS LEAKS VERY SERIOUSLY AND ARE TAKING EVERY PRACTICABLE MEASURE TO SAFEGUARD THE PUBLIC AGAINST SUCH HAZARDS," MRS CHAN ADDED.
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CIVIL SERVANTS UNLIKELY TO GET MORE PUBLIC HOUSING UNITS
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IN VIEW OF THE OVERALL SUPPLY AND DEMAND SITUATION, THE HOUSING AUTHORITY IS UNLIKELY TO PROVIDE MORE PUBLIC HOUSING UNITS FOR CIVIL SERVANTS IN THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE, THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR BARRIE W1GGHAM, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON GILBERT LEUNG, MR WIGGHAM SAID SINCE 1985/86, THE ANNUAL QUOTA OF PUBLIC HOUSING UNITS FOR CIVIL SERVANTS HAD REMAINED AT 1,700 UNITS.
OF THIS, 600 UNITS UNDER THE SPECIAL QUOTA ARE EARMARKED FOR THE RANK AND FILE OF THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES WHO ARE OCCUPYING DEPARTMENTAL QUARTERS AND ARE WITHIN 10 YEARS OF RETIREMENT.
THE OTHER 1,100 UNITS UNDER THE GENERAL QUOTA ARE ALLOCATED TO ALL CIVIL SERVANTS WITH AT LEAST TWO YEARS OF SERVICE AND WHOSE INCOME DOES NOT EXCEED $1'1,740 PER MONTH (MASTER PAY SCALE POINT 21).
"RANK AND FILE OFFICERS OF THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES WHO HAVE AT LEAST TWO YEARS OF SERVICE AND ARE NOT OCCUPYING DEPARTMENTAL QUARTERS MAY ALSO APPLY UNDER THE GENERAL QUOTA," MR WIGGHAM SAID.
/"DEPENDANTS OF
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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 19*2
"DEPENDANTS OF OFFICERS WHO DIED IN SERVICE WHILST OCCUPYING DEPARTMENTAL QUARTERS ARE GIVEN PRIORITY IN THE ALLOCATION OF FLATS."
ABOUT 7,000 APPLICATIONS ARE RECEIVED EACH YEAR, AND THE CHANCES OF SUCCESS DEPEND MAINLY ON THE LENGTH OF SERVICE OF THE APPLICANT AND THE CHOICE OF HOUSING ESTATE.
THE AVERAGE LENGTH OF SERVICE OF SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS IS NINE YEARS, BUT SOME OFFICERS WITH FIVE YEARS OF SERVICE HAVE ALSO BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN OBTAINING UNITS IN LESS POPULAR ESTATES.
IN RESPONSE TO MR LEUNG’S CONCERN ON THE GOVERNMENT’S ASSISTANCE TO CIVIL SERVANTS, MR WIGGHAM SAID ALL CIVIL SERVANTS WITH AT LEAST 10 YEARS OF PENSIONABLE SERVICE MAY APPLY FOR A HOUSING LOAN EQUIVALENT TO THE MAXIMUM COMMUTED PENSION GRATUITY EARNED AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION.
"THE LOAN IS REPAYABLE OVER A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS WITH INTEREST AT A CONCESSIONARY RATE.
"JUNIOR CIVIL SERVANTS WITH 20 YEARS OF SERVICE MAY ALSO APPLY FOR THE HOME PURCHASE SCHEME WHICH IS SUBJECT TO AN ANNUAL QUOTA OF 1,800 PLACES," HE ADDED.
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GOVT REVENUE NOT AFFECTED BY CESSATION OF RATES RELIEF SCHEME
• *****
THE CESSATION OF THE RATES RELIEF SCHEME ON MARCH 31 THIS YEAR HAD NO DIRECT IMPACT ON THE GOVERNMENT’S REVENUE FORECASTS, THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR K.Y. YEUNG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE EFFECT ON THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) OF NOT EXTENDING THE RELIEF SCHEME WOULD BE MARGINAL : A ’ONE-OFF’ IMPACT OF LESS THAN ONETWENTIETH OF ONE PERCENTAGE POINT, MR YEUNG ADDED.
MR YEUNG SAID THE CESSATION OF THE SCHEME WOULD NOT DIRECTLY AFFECT REVENUE FORECASTS BECAUSE THE SCHEME WAS APPROVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL LAST YEAR AS A TEMPORARY MEASURE ONLY, DESIGNED TO CUSHION RATEPAYERS OF CERTAIN PREMISES FROM THE EFFECT OF THE REVALUATION OF THEIR PROPERTIES.
"IT IS, OF COURSE, LIKELY THAT FUTURE REVALUATIONS WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY SIMILAR SHORT-TERM RELIEF SCHEMES, BUT, IN THE LONG TERM, ALL PREMISES MUST CONTRIBUTE THEIR FAIR SHARE OF THE RATES BURDEN," MR YEUNG SAID, WHEN GIVING A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LI WAH-MING.
MR YEUNG POINTED OUT THAT WERE THE RATES ’CAP’ TO BE EXTENDED FOR ONE MORE YEAR, THE COST TO THE REVENUE WOULD REACH NEARLY $900 MILLION.
/"THIS WOULD .......
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"THIS WOULD CONSIST PARTLY OF LOWER RATES REVENUE FOR THE GOVERNMENT, AND PARTLY OF PAYMENTS TO THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS TO OFFSET THE REDUCTION IN THEIR RATES REVENUE. ONLY ABOUT 6 PER CENT OF DOMESTIC HOUSEHOLDS WOULD BENEFIT FROM SUCH AN EXTENSION," HE SAID.
MR YEUNG SAID IT WAS DIFFICULT TO FORECAST THE HYPOTHETICAL EFFECTS ON GENERAL REVENUE OF EXTENDING THE EXISTING RATES RELIEF SCHEME UNTIL 1996-97.
"THE FORECASTS IN THE BUDGET DOCUMENTS ALREADY ASSUME THE CESSATION OF THE RATES RELIEF SCHEME," MR YEUNG SAID.
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GOVT PLANNING TAKES INTO ACCOUNT NEEDS OF CHINA IMMIGRANTS *****
THE MOST COMMON PROBLEMS FACED BY NEW IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA INCLUDE LANGUAGE, ADJUSTMENT TO THE LOCAL CULTURE AND LIFESTYLE, SCHOOLING OF CHILDREN, AND EMPLOYMENT, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID FORD, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
TO HELP THEM OVERCOME THEIR DIFFICULTIES, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT PROVIDED COUNSELLING SERVICE AND OTHER ASSISTANCE PROGRAMMES THROUGH THE 53 GOVERNMENT-RUN AND SUBVENTED FAMILIES SERVICES CENTRES IN THE TERRITORY, SIR DAVID SAID IN REPLY TO A WRITTEN QUESTION BY DR THE HON CONRAD K.S. LAM.
SPECIAL SERVICES DIRECTED AT NEW CHINESE IMMIGRANTS ARE ALSO PROVIDED THROUGH SUBVENTED AGENCIES. FOR EXAMPLE, THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL SERVICE OFFERS A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF SERVICES TO NEW IMMIGRANTS.
THESE INCLUDE MIGRATION COUNSELLING, BRIEFINGS AND FILM SHOWS TO HELP IMMIGRANTS INTEGRATE INTO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY; CANTONESE AND ENGLISH CLASSES, AND ORIENTATION TUTORIAL GROUPS FOR CHILDREN OF IMMIGRANT FAMILIES; AND A TRAVELLERS’ AID SERVICE COUNTER AT HUNG HOM RAILWAY STATION TO HELP NEW ARRIVALS TO CONTACT THEIR FAMILIES AND RELATIVES, AS WELL AS GIVING GENERAL ADVICE AND HELP.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT, IN PLANNING FUTURE PROVISION OF EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT AND ELDERLY SERVICES, AS WELL AS OTHER SERVICES AND FACILITIES, TOOK INTO ACCOUNT THE IMPACT OF CHINESE IMMIGRANTS ON LOCAL POPULATION PROJECTION AND DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE TO ENSURE THAT THEIR NEEDS WERE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN THE PROJECTED DEMAND FOR SERVICES.
"THE DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE OF THE IMMIGRANTS, THE TYPES OF SERVICES AND ASSISTANCE THEY COMMONLY SEEK FROM GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, AND STATISTICS COLLECTED BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES HELP TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ABOUT THE LIFE AND NEEDS OF NEW IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA," HE SAID.
THERE ARE 81,953 NEW IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA IN THE PAST THREE YEARS.
/DISTRIBUTION OF .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 1992
Distribution of Legal Immigrants from China by Age .•
________and by Sex In 1909f 1990 and 1991______________ ;
(M
Age Croup Sex 1989 1990 1991
Wo. X No. X No. X
Under 15 M 4 492 16,48 4 597 16.43 4 143 15.50
F 3 702 13.58 3 814 13.63 3 442 12.84
15 - 24 M 2 404 8.82 2 4 39 8.72 2 374 8.88
• F ' 2 251 8.26 2 166 7.81 2 180 8.20
25 - 34 H 1 603 5.88 1 579 5.64 1 637 6.13
• F 4 598 16.87 4 985 17.83 4 828 10.07
35 - 44 H 1 098 4.03 1 194 4.27 1 099 4.11
F 3 093 11.35 3 407 12.46 3 369 12.61
45 - 54 H 4GQ 1.69 4 72 1.69 467 1.75
F 1 495 5.49 1W 5.02 1 456 5.45
55+ H 482 1.77 495 • 1.77 448 1.69
P 1 562 5.73 1 303 4.66 1 250 4.70
Unknown M 6 0.02 6 0.02 6 0.02 ’
F 9 0.03 15 0.05 15 0.05
M 10 545 38.69 10 782 38.54 10 174 38.08
Total F 16 710 61.31 17 194 . 61.46 16 548 61.92
T 27 255 100.00 27 9 76 100.00 26 722 ioo.oo
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 1992
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LONG SERVICE CERTIFICATES TO 208 WELFARE STAFF
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A TOTAL OF 208 STAFF MEMBERS OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON GATHERED AT THE DEPARTMENT’S LADY TRENCH TRAINING CENTRE TO RECEIVE FROM THEIR DIRECTOR, MR M.D. CARTLAND, LONG AND MERITORIOUS SERVICE CERTIFICATES.
THE RECIPIENTS, INCLUDING 71 SOCIAL WORKERS, WHO HAVE CHALKED UP MORE THAN 4,340 YEARS OF SERVICE, HAVE BEEN IN CIVIL SERVICE FOR MORE THAN 20 OR 30 YEARS.
SPEAKING AT A PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE CERTIFICATES, MR CARTLAND SAID THE DEPARTMENT HAD ORGANISED SUCH PRESENTATION SINCE 1989 IN APPRECIATION OF THEIR CONTRIBUTION AND EFFORTS.
”IT IS VALUABLE TO WORK IN A DEPARTMENT OF THIS SIZE, WITH THE DEDICATED STAFF, ESPECIALLY THE PROFESSIONAL SOCIAL WORKERS AND OFFICERS FROM THE SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD, DOING THEIR JOBS SO EFFICIENTLY AND EFFECTIVELY,” MR CARTLAND SAID.
IT WAS IMPORTANT FOR THEM TO MAINTAIN A HIGH LEVEL OF SERVICE TO THE CLIENTS AFTER PROPOSALS IN THE WHITE PAPER ON SOCIAL WELFARE INTO THE 1990S AND BEYOND WERE IMPLEMENTED, HF ADDED.
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LOCAL DIRECTOR OF AUDIT WILL BE APPOINTED BEFORE 1997 *****
THE APPOINTMENT NOW OF AN EXPATRIATE AS THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT WILL NOT PREVENT THE APPOINTMENT OF A LOCAL DIRECTOR BEFORE 1997 SO AS TO SATISFY THE REQUIREMENT IN THE BASIC LAW.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE BASIC LAW STIPULATES THAT A FOREIGN NATIONAL MAY NOT FILL THE POST OF DIRECTOR OF AUDIT.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MR WONG HONG-YUEN, THE SECRETARY SAID THE NEW DIRECTOR WAS A CONTRACT OFFICER AND WOULD BE 57 THIS YEAR.
’’THERE WILL BE AMPLE TIME FOR A LOCAL OFFICER TO SUCCEED HIM WHEN HE RETIRES IN THE NORMAL COURSE IN 1995,” HE SAID.
HE SAID THE POST OF DIRECTOR OF AUDIT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE CIVIL SERVICE ESTABLISHMENT.
”THE APPOINTMENT IS MADE BY THE GOVERNOR, AS REQUIRED BY SECTION 3 OF THE AUDIT ORDINANCE, AND IS NOT SUBJECT TO THE ADVICE OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION.
/"THESE PROCEDURES .......
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"THESE PROCEDURES ARE DIFFERENT FROM THOSE WHICH APPLY TO OTHER HEADS OF DEPARTMENT," HE SAID.
THE SECRETARY SAID THE CRITERIA NORMALLY USED FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF HEADS OF DEPARTMENT WERE TO SELECT THE BEST PERSON FOR THE JOB IN TERMS OF ABILITY, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE.
"IN THIS CASE IT IS NOT NECESSARY FOR THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT TO BE A QUALIFIED ACCOUNTANT. THE PREVIOUS DIRECTOR WAS NOT SO QUALIFIED," HE ADDED.
UNDER THE GOVERNMENT’S LOCALISATION POLICY, HE SAID PREFERENCE WAS GIVEN TO LOCAL CANDIDATES AT THE RECRUITMENT LEVEL, AND IN CONSIDERING WHETHER TO RENEW THE CONTRACT OF AN OVERSEAS OFFICER.
HOWEVER, IN FILLING POSTS AT PROMOTION LEVEL, LOCAL AND OVERSEAS OFFICERS WERE CONSIDERED ON EQUAL TERMS, SINCE THE OVERRIDING AIM WAS TO SELECT THE BEST PERSON AVAILABLE, IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR TERMS OF APPOINTMENT, HE ADDED.
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STEPS TAKEN TO MEET NEEDS OF WATER INTENSIVE INDUSTRIES *****
SEVERAL SITES HAD BEEN SOLD TO HEAVY WATER USERS IN THE LAST FEW YEARS BY THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION, PARTICULARLY IN ITS SECOND INDUSTRIAL ESTATE IN YUEN LONG, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T.H. CHAU, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON NGAI SHIU-KIT, MR CHAU POINTED OUT THAT PROVISION HAD ALSO BEEN MADE FOR THE CORPORATION’S THIRD INDUSTRIAL ESTATE IN TSEUNG KWAN 0 TO HAVE AN INCREASED WATER SUPPLY AND ADEQUATE EFFLUENT TREATMENT FACILITIES TO ALLOW ABOUT 10 TO 15 HECTARES OF LAND TO BE USED BY WATER INTENSIVE INDUSTRIES.
"THE FIRST SITES IN THIS NEW ESTATE SHOULD BE READY FOR SALE IN EARLY 1994," HE ADDED.
MR CHAU SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD EARMARKED 12.5 HECTARES OF LAND FOR HEAVY WATER USERS IN THE NEW INDUSTRIAL ZONE TO BE RECLAIMED AT TUEN MUN ADJACENT TO THE TAP SHEK KOK POWER STATION.
"WE ARE ALSO CONSIDERING PROVIDING MORE LAND FOR WATER INTENSIVE INDUSTRIES IN OTHER NEW INDUSTRIAL AREAS.
"IN ADDITION, THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT HAS RECENTLY COMMISSIONED A CONSULTANCY STUDY TO LOOK AT THE NEED OF HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIES FOR INFRASTRUCTURAL SUPPORT IN THE LIGHT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MEASURES IN HONG KONG.
"THE FINDINGS OF THE STUDY ARE EXPECTED TO BE AVAILABLE IN EARLY 1993," MR CHAU SAID.
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FERRY SERVICES TO CONTINUE DURING RECLAMATION *****
FERRY SERVICES TO OUTLYING ISLANDS AND FINANCIALLY-VIABLE INNER-HARBOUR SERVICES WILL CONTINUE TO OPERATE WHILE WORKS ON THE CENTRAL AND WAN CHAI RECLAMATION ARE IN PROGRESS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ZACHARY WONG WAI-YIN, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR LEUNG SAID THE EXISTING PIERS WHICH PROVIDE BERTHING POINTS FOR THESE SERVICES WOULD REMAIN IN USE UNTIL ALL THE. AFFECTED FERRY SERVICES HAD BEEN RELOCATED, EITHER TO THE NEW PIERS ON THE FIRST STAGE OF THE RECLAMATION OR TO TEMPORARY BERTHS NEARBY.
THE RECLAMATION WAS PLANNED TO START IN SEPTEMBER.
PIERS AFFECTED INCLUDE THE GOVERNMENT PIER NEAR HARBOUR BUILDING, THE OUTLYING DISTRICT FERRY SERVICES PIER, THE CENTRAL HARBOUR FERRY SERVICES PIER, THE JUBILEE STREET FERRY PIER AND THE BLAKE PIER WHICH TOGETHER PROVIDE BERTHING POINTS FOR 13 FERRY SERVICES.
"DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED ARE WORKING OUT THE DETAILED PHASING OF WORKS AND TRANSITIONAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS TO ENSURE THAT THE SAFETY AND OPERATION OF THE FERRY SERVICES IS MAINTAINED AND ANY INCONVENIENCE TO PASSENGERS MINIMISED," MR LEUNG ADDED.
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RENEWAL OPTIONS FOR DRIVING LICENCES EXPLAINED
*****
EXTENDING THE VALIDITY PERIOD OF DRIVING LICENCES WILL MAKE THE RECORD OF ADDRESSES OF MANY DRIVERS OUT OF DATE, THUS CAUSING DIFFICULTIES IN SERVING SUMMONSES AND LEADING TO A GREATER ACCUMULATION OF FINES DUE TO THE GOVERNMENT.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON TIMOTHY HA WING-HO, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR LEUNG SAID IN PRACTICE, MOST DRIVERS REPORTED CHANGES IN ADDRESS ONLY WHEN THEY RENEWED THEIR DRIVING LICENCES.
IN ADDITION, UNDER THE FIXED PENALTY (TRAFFIC CONTRAVENTIONS) AND FIXED PENALTY (CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS) ORDINANCES, THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT MAY REFUSE THE RENEWAL OF A DRIVING LICENCE UNTIL THE HOLDER HAS PAID ALL OUTSTANDING FINES FOR TRAFFIC OFFENCES.
/EXTENSION OF
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 1992
24
EXTENSION OF THE DRIVING LICENCE VALIDITY PERIOD MAY THEREFORE RESULT IN MORE UNPAID FINES DUE TO THE GOVERNMENT, AND HENCE HIGHER LOSS OF REVENUE.
AT PRESENT, FULL DRIVING LICENCES CAN BE RENEWED EITHER FOR A PERIOD OF ONE YEAR OR THREE YEARS.
MR LEUNG SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD ACHIEVE A SMALL SAVING ESTIMATED AT $0.4 MILLION EACH YEAR IF ALL DRIVING LICENCES WERE VALID FOR A PERIOD OF SAY TEN YEARS.
IT WAS UNLIKELY THAT THIS WOULD BE MORE THAN OFFSET BY THE LOSS IN UNPAID FINES.
"AS FOR CONVENIENCE TO DRIVERS, IN 1991, 47 PER CENT OF APPLICATIONS FOR RENEWAL OF A FULL DRIVING LICENCE WERE FOR A PERIOD OF ONE YEAR, WHILE THE REMAINING 53 PER CENT WERE FOR THREE YEARS.
, "THIS SHOWS THAT DESPITE THE GREATER CONVENIENCE OF THE THREE YEAR LICENCE, ALMOST HALF OF MOTORISTS WOULD STILL PREFER TO RENEW FOR ONLY ONE YEAR," HE SAID.
IN 1991, A TOTAL OF 9,466 FIXED PENALTY TICKETS AND 562 SUMMONS WERE SERVED TO PEOPLE FOR DRIVING WITH AN EXPIRED LICENCE.
---------0-----------
FOUR CONSULTANCY STUDIES COMMISSIONED IN PAST 5 YEARS * * * * *
THE ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH HAD COMMISSIONED FOUR CONSULTANCY STUDIES OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON SAMUEL WONG,- MRS CHAN POINTED OUT THAT TWO OF THE CONSULTANCY STUDIES WERE RELATED TO TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND THE OTHER TWO ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS OF THE DAYA BAY NUCLEAR POWER PLANT.
FOR THE STUDIES ON TELECOMMUNICATIONS, ARTHUR D. LITTLE ASIA PACIFIC WAS COMMISSIONED IN 1989 TO UNDERTAKE A TECHNICAL AND FINANCIAL EVALUATION OF PROPOSALS, RECEIVED IN RESPONSE TO A GOVERNMENT INVITATION ISSUED IN 1988, TO PROVIDE A COMBINED CABLE TV AND COMPETING SECOND LOCAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORK.
"THIS EVALUATION WAS REQUIRED TO ASSIST THE GOVERNMENT IN SELECTING A FRANCHISEE TO UNDERTAKE THE PROJECT CONCERNED.
"THE GOVERNMENT’S RECOMMENDATIONS WERE PUT TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IN MID 1989 IN THE CONTEXT OF THE CABLE TV/SECOND TELEVISION NETWORK PROPOSALS WHICH SUBSEQUENTLY LED TO THE SELECTION OF HONG KONG CABLE COMMUNICATIONS LTD TO UNDERTAKE THE PROJECT," MRS CHAN SAID.
A SECOND STUDY IN THE FIELD OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY WAS CONDUCTED LAST YEAR.
/"FURTHER TO........
25
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 1992
"FURTHER TO THE WORK THEY HAD CARRIED OUT IN 1988 UNDER A STUDY COMMISSIONED BY THE POST OFFICE, BOOZ, ALLEN & HAMILTON INC. WAS COMMISSIONED TO PROVIDE AN ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF THE BROAD OPTIONS AVAILABLE FOR THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES IN HONG KONG,” MRS CHAN SAID.
THE STUDY ENCOMPASSED A SURVEY OF REGULATORY TRENDS OVERSEAS AND AN ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPLICATIONS OF TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT FOR FURTHER LIBERALISATION OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS MARKET.
"ITS FINDINGS HAVE MADE AN IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTION TO THE REVIEW OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY WHICH IS NOW BEING UNDERTAKEN BY THE ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH," SHE ADDED.
THE TWO CONSULTANCY STUDIES ON ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS OF THE DAYA BAY NUCLEAR POWER STATION WERE CONDUCTED BY THE UNITED KINGDOM ATOMIC ENERGY AUTHORITY.
THE PURPOSE OF THE FIRST STUDY, CONDUCTED IN 1987, WAS TO PROVIDE ADVICE ON CONTINGENCY PLANNING TO DEAL WITH THE POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES FOR HONG KONG OF A MAJOR NUCLEAR REACTOR ACCIDENT AT DAYA BAY.
"THE STUDY’S RECOMMENDATIONS HAVE FORMED THE BASIS FOR THE CONTINGENCY PLAN CURRENTLY BEING DEVELOPED BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY," MRS CHAN NOTED.
THE PURPOSE OF THE SECOND STUDY, CONDUCTED IN 1990, WAS TO ASSESS THE RISKS TO HONG KONG FROM POSSIBLE ACCIDENTS AT THE DAYA BAY NUCLEAR POWER STATION.
"THE STUDY CONCLUDED THAT THE HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH ACCIDENTS AT DAYA BAY ARE MUCH LOWER, BY A VERY LARGE MARGIN, THAN OTHERS ENCOUNTERED BY HONG KONG PEOPLE IN EVERYDAY LIFE.
"THE ASSESSMENT HAS BEEN NOTED AND TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN OUR CONTINGENCY PLANNING," SHE SAID.
IN ADDITION TO THE ABOVE CONSULTANCIES, THE ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH HAS RECENTLY BEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR STEERING THE AIRPORT FINANCIAL CONSULTANCY COMMISSIONED BY THE FINANCE BRANCH.
"WARDLEY CAPITAL LTD AND A CANADIAN SUB-CONSULTING TEAM: MARSHALL MACKLIN MONAGHAN WERE APPOINTED TO CONDUCT THIS STUDY WHICH COMMENCED IN AUGUST 1990 AND HAS JUST BEEN COMPLETED," MRS CHAN SAID.
THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY WERE TO PROVIDE AN ANALYSIS OF THE FINANCIAL VIABILITY OF THE PROJECT AND TO RECOMMEND AN APPROPRIATE FINANCING STRATEGY.
"ITS RESULTS, TAKEN TOGETHER WITH THE OUTCOME OF DISCUSSIONS WHICH HAVE TAKEN PLACE RECENTLY BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY, HAVE PROVIDED THE BASIS FOR THE FINANCIAL PLAN FOR THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECT ON WHICH MEMBERS OF THE LEGCO AD HOC GROUP TO STUDY THE FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE NEW AIRPORT AND RELATED PROJECTS WILL BE BRIEFED BY THE ADMINISTRATION SHORTLY," SHE ADDED.
THE TOTAL COST OF THE ABOVE CONSULTANCY STUDIES, INCLUDING THE ONE COMMISSIONED BY THE FINANCE BRANCH, IS OF THE ORDER OF $18 MILLION.
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Z26 .....
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 1992
- 26 -
LEGCO MEMBERS REGULARLY BRIEFED BY OFFICIALS ♦ * * * t
ARRANGEMENTS ALREADY EXISTED FOR BRANCH SECRETARIES AND THEIR SENIOR STAFF TO BRIEF LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS REGULARLY ON THEIR RESPECTIVE POLICY AREAS, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID FORD, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WENDESDAY).
HE SAID GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS BRIEFED LEGCO MEMBERS THROUGH MEETINGS OF THE VARIOUS OMELCO PANELS AND AT SPECIAL MEETINGS OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE TO EXAMINE THE ANNUAL ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE.
MOREOVER, POLICY MATTERS COULD BE RAISED AT SITTINGS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DURING QUESTION TIME AND AT THE DEBATES ON THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS AND ON THE BUDGET, SIR DAVID SAID IN REPLY TO A WRITTEN QUESTION BY THE HON J.D. MCGREGOR.
"IF A MAJORITY OF MEMBERS WISHED THESE ARRANGEMENTS TO BE SUPPLEMENTED OR REPLACED BY REGULAR MEETINGS WITH BRANCH SECRETARIES, WE WOULD BE PREPARED TO CONSIDER SUCH A PROPOSAL,” SIR DAVID SAID.
- - 0----------
WORK OF COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES EXPLAINED
* * * * *
THE MAIN TASK OF THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES IS TO DRAW UP WELL IN ADVANCE OF THE BEGINNING OF EACH LEGISLATIVE SESSION A TENTATIVE LEGISLATIVE PROGRAMME FOR THE SESSION, ON THE BASIS OF PROPOSALS FROM BRANCHES AND DEPARTMENTS.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID FORD, IN REPLY TO A WRITTEN QUESTION BY THE HON PETER H.Y. WONG.
"THEREAFTER IT REGULARLY REVIEWS PROGRESS AND MAKES ADJUSTMENTS WHERE APPROPRIATE," THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID.
THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES WAS ESTABLISHED IN AUGUST LAST YEAR WITH THE OBJECTIVE OF CO-ORDINATING AND DETERMINING THE ADMINISTRATION’S LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES.
THE COMMITTEE IS CHAIRED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY AND ITS MEMBERS INCLUDE THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE LAW DRAFTSMAN, THE DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION, THE INFORMATION CO-ORDINATOR AND THE CLERK OF COUNCILS.
------0--------
/27........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 1992
JOCKEY CLUB TO BEAR FULL REDEVELOPMENT COSTS OF HK STADIUM *****
THE COSTS FOR REDEVELOPING THE HONG KONG STADIUM WILL BE BORNE SOLELY BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WILL NOT BE REQUIRED TO MAKE ANY CONTRIBUTIONS.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BY THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR JAMES SO, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHEUNG MAN-KWONG.
MR SO SAID THE NEW STADIUM, WHEN COMPLETED, WOULD BE USED FOR SPORTING AND MASS ENTERTAINMENT ACTIVITIES THAT WOULD ATTRACT LARGE CROWDS AND THE AUTHORITY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF THE NEW STADIUM WOULD HAVE TO BEAR ALL OPERATING COSTS.
- - 0 - -
NEW DIRECTIONAL SIGNS FOR CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE *****
TEN NEW DIRECTIONAL SIGNS WERE INSTALLED RECENTLY TO DIRECT PEDESTRIANS AND VISITORS TO THE CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HOWARD YOUNG, MR LEUNG SAID THESE DIRECTIONAL SIGNS EXTENDED FROM THE WANCHAI MTR STATION TO THE CENTRE, AND SHOULD ASSIST OVERSEAS VISITORS IN PARTICULAR.
- - 0 - -
MOTIONS ON BROADCASTING POLICY AND HOSPITAL FEES PASSED ******
TWO SEPARATE MOTIONS ON BROADCASTING POLICY AND HOSPITAL FEES WERE PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE MOTION ON BROADCASTING POLICY, MOVED BY THE HON MAN SAI-CHEONG, REQUESTED THE GOVERNMENT TO EXPEDITE THE FORMULATION OF AN OVERALL BROADCASTING POLICY SO AS TO PROMOTE THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE BROADCASTING INDUSTRY WITHIN HONG KONG'S FREE MARKET ECONOMY.
FOURTEEN MEMBERS SPOKE IN THE DEBATE WITH THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR JAMES SO, SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT.
/A TOTAL
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 1992
28
A TOTAL OF 14 MEMBERS SPOKE ON THE MOTION MOVED BY THE HON PETER WONG ON FEE CHARGING FOR HOSPITAL AND HEALTH CARE SERVICES. THE SECRETARY' FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SPOKE ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT.
THE MOTION URGED THE ADMINISTRATION TO CONSULT THE PUBLIC IN THE FORM OF A GREEN PAPER BEFORE END OF THIS YEAR ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT’S BASIS OF FUNDING FOR HOSPITAL AND HEALTH CARE SERVICES AND ITS FEE-CHARGING POLICY.
IN ADDITION, TWO OTHER MOTIONS WERE ALSO PASSED. ONE WAS MOVED BY THE HON ELSIE TU ON THE STANDING ORDERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNICL. THE OTHER, MOVED BY THE HON RONALD ARCULL1, WAS ON THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES ORDINANCE.
MEANWHILE, 10 BILLS WERE PASSED BY THE COUNCIL.
OF THEM, EIGHT WERE PASSED WITHOUT AMENDMENTS. THEY WERE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1991, PEAK TRAMWAY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992, EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1992, FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992, EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1992, FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1992 AND CONTRACTS FOR EMPLOYMENT OUTSIDE HONG KONG (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992.
THE COMMODITIES TRADING (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1991 AND SECURITIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1991 WERE PASSED WITH AMENDMENTS.
MEANWHILE, FOUR BILLS - BANKING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992, OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES BILL, ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1992, AND TOYS AND CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS SAFETY BILL - WERE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. DEBATES ON THEM WERE ADJOURNED.
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/29 .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 1992
29
IMPORTATION OF LABOUR QUOTA RELEASED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THE QUOTAS TO BE ALLOCATED TO INDIVIDUAL INDUSTRIES UNDER THE 1992 GENERAL LABOUR IMPORTATION SCHEME.
ALTOGETHER, 12,000 MORE WORKERS AT THE TECHNICIAN, CRAFTSMAN, SUPERVISOR AND OPERATIVE LEVELS ARE EXPECTED TO BE IMPORTED.
"THIS IS IN ADDITION TO SOME 13,000 IMPORTED WORKERS CURRENTLY WORKING IN HONG KONG AND IS IN LINE WITH GOVERNMENT POLICY THAT THE NUMBER OF IMPORTED WORKERS IN HONG KONG AT ANY ONE TIME SHOULD NOT EXCEED 25,000,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH SAID.
HE SAID IN WORKING OUT THE DISTRIBUTION OF QUOTA, RELEVANT FACTORS, INCLUDING UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDER-EMPLOYMENT RATES IN INDIVIDUAL INDUSTRIES, THE NUMBER OF VACANCIES AND OTHER ECONOMIC INDICATORS RELATED TO LABOUR SHORTAGE HAD BEEN GIVEN DUE WEIGHT.
FURTHERMORE, APPLICATIONS INVOLVING SOME 50,000 JOBS HAD BEEN WEEDED OUT ON ACCOUNT OF VARIOUS FACTORS.
AMONG THOSE DISQUALIFIED WERE CASES WHICH DID NOT MEET THE STIPULATED ALLOWABLE WAGE RATE OR LEVEL OF SKILL, CASES WHERE THE EMPLOYER HAD NOT REGISTERED VACANCIES WITH THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, AND CASES WHERE THE EMPLOYER HAD ADVERSE RECORD SUCH AS EXPLOITATION OF LABOUR.
ACCORDING TO THE QUOTA DISTRIBUTION, THE SERVICES SECTOR WILL TAKE UP ABOUT HALF OF THE QUOTA WHILE THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR ABOUT 25 PER CENT, AND THE REST FOR THE OTHER INDUSTRIES.
OF THE 12,000 IMPORTED WORKERS, THE LARGEST SHARES GO TO THE WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES (3,721); AND THE CATERING SECTOR ( 1,628) .
’’HOWEVER, THE NUMBER OF IMPORTED WORKERS ALLOWED FOR EACH INDUSTRY OR SERVICE SECTOR REPRESENTS A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS EMPLOYED BY THEM,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
’’FOR EXAMPLE, THE CURRENT LEVEL OF EMPLOYMENT IN THE WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES IN HONG KONG IS ESTIMATED TO BE 354,832 AND IN THE CATERING SECTOR, 172,285.
’’THE NUMBER OF IMPORTED WORKERS ALLOCATED TO THESE INDUSTRIES THEREFORE REPRESENTS ONLY 1.05% AND 0.94% RESPECTIVELY.
’’THE SPIRIT OF THE SCHEME THEREFORE REMAINS LIMITED AND SELECTIVE,” THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THE CLOTHING AND OTHER INDUSTRIES (E.G. FOOD MANUFACTURING, PAPER AND PAPER PRODUCTS MANUFACTURING, WELFARE INSTITUTIONS, LAUNDRY AND DRY CLEANING, AND SO ON) WILL TAKE UP ANOTHER 1,027 AND 2,909 WORKERS RESPECTIVELY.
/THE SPOKESMAN .......
WEDNESDAY, APRTL 29, 1992
- 30 -
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE QUOTA ALLOCATION ANNOUNCED TODAY HAD BEEN FINE-TUNED AFTER HAVING CONSULTED MEMBERS OF THE OMELCO MANPOWER PANEL AND THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD LAST WEEK.
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT WILL SHORTLY ISSUE LETTERS TO SUCCESSFUL EMPLOYERS WHO WILL BE GIVEN SIX MONTHS TO ARRANGE THE IMPORTATION OF WORKERS.
"EMPLOYERS WHO DO NOT WISH TO TAKE UP THE QUOTA SHOULD INFORM THE AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE SO THAT THE QUOTA CAN BE REALLOCATED," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE GOVERNMENT WILL ALSO RESERVE THE RIGHT TO WITHDRAW THE QUOTA IN THE EVENT OF BREACH OF CONDITIONS BY AN EMPLOYER. FURTHERMORE, EMPLOYERS WHO HAVE BREACHED THE CONDITIONS OF THE SCHEME WILL BE DEBARRED FROM TAKING PART IN FUTURE IMPORTATION SCHEMES.
MEANWHILE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, DEBATE ON THE EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) (NO.3) BILL 1992 WOULD BE RESUMED AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON.
THE BILL SEEKS TO RAISE THE MAXIMUM PENALTIES FOR UNLAWFUL DEDUCTION OF WAGES FROM $10,000 TO $100,000 AND UNDERPAYMENT OF WAGES FROM $20,000 TO $200,000, AND TO 1NTRODUCE FOR BOTH OFFENCES AN ADDITIONAL PENALTY OF IMPRISONMENT FOR ONE YEAR.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID: "CASES OF UNLAWFUL DEDUCTION AND UNDERPAYMENT OF WAGES BY UNSCRUPULOUS EMPLOYERS HAD ARISEN UNDER THE LABOUR IMPORTATION SCHEMES.
"IN ORDER TO DETER SUCH MALPRACTICES, IT IS NECESSARY TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM PENALTIES FOR THESE OFFENCES."
IN ADDITION, FOUR OTHER BILLS ARE ALSO EXPECTED TO BE PASSED THIS AFTERNOON WHICH ARE AIMED AT ENHANCING PROTECTION FOR EMPLOYEES WORKING IN HONG KONG.
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE SITUATION AND HELP IMPORTED WORKERS WHO HAVE BEEN EXPLOITED BY THEIR EMPLOYERS TO FIND ALTERNATIVE EMPLOYMENT.
FINALLY, THE SPOKESMAN REITERATED THAT THE LABOUR IMPORTATION SCHEME WOULD NOT MEAN AN AMNESTY OR JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
"ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WILL BE REPATRIATED AS SOON AS THEY ARE APPREHENDED," HE ADDED.
/PRELIMINARY QUOTA .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 1992
31
Preliminary CLota Allocation by Industries/Services .r # k g &
(Position as at 23.4.92) Z + A H HUT I
Indus tries/Services Quota allocated Rfl^R Share of industry quota in overall quota X1KS tt iWR arjn# V Quota allocation as a percentage of foreign workers applied for RMRH H* A .Hit# XAftftJk? Quota allocation as a percentage of qualified applications EMBtoff r nit 4* Quota allocation as a parcantage of estimated no. of persons engaged ft It
(i) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)
(%) (%) W W
1. Autarobile repairing • IX > tt flf» a 170 1.42 31.19 100.00 1.59
2. Banking and finance 1! tt ?U.1 W ft 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
3. Catering ft# ft 1628 13.57 8.01 12.90 0.94
4. Clothing S *ft 1027 8.56 5.75 12.19 0.59
5. Construction work sites >1 $ fi ft 265 2.21 2.36 6.85 0.61
6. Electrical * 120 1.00 10.17 21.70 0.82
7. Electronics ^J-ft 266 2.22 13.73 23.75 0.46
8. Footwear 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
9. Furniture flUU.W 74 0.62 7.07 20.50 1.37
10. Handbag f-flX 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
11. Hotel 190 1.58 15.31 24.14 0.60
12. Insurance $ # X 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
13. Jewellery 67 0.56 10.97 44.97 0.52
14. Machine shop mm 653 5.44 14.55 39.84 0.68
15. Plastics J? ft! M 111 0.93 5.82 12.83 0.36
16. Printing 280 2.33 21.67 53.85 0.65
17. Shipbuilding and 94 0.78 11.46 23.68 1.57
repairing
18. Textile 226 1.88 7.16 13.53 0.52
19. Tourism KfflM 54 0.45 30.00 80.60 0.20
20. Transport(e.g. water 145 1.21 11.69 39.62 0.37
transportt air
transport, cold storage,
godowns) ifr.« Cibil,
22.
21. Wholesale, retail and 3721 31.01 30.47 97.10 1.05
import/export trades
at ft * ft R ffl A O X M
Sub-total *jqf 9091 75.76 11.12 24.19 0.72
22. Industries/services 2909 24.24 26.68 100.00 0.73
not covered above **
XX/Mttl **
Total 12000 100.00 12.95 29.63 0.72
/NOTES .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 1992
32
Notes : * The autorrobile repairing industry secures a high allocation rate because, apart from the it . vacancy situation, the labour utilization and the wage increase criteria also support a relatively larger allocation to this industry. _ ___________
owtm
** This is a residual category to cater for certain indust ries/services not included in the classification above. Applications were received from conpanies in a variety of businesses, including food manufacturing and other miscellaneous manufacturing industries, construction (other than at building and construction sites), welfare institutions, laundries, and other personal pervices. Taken as a group, application of the prescribed criteria, particularly those of vacancies and labour utilization, again supports a larger allocation. ___________ __ __ ___ ------------
v ATI*,. « ttffl ffi »
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/33 .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 1992
- 33 -
PROTECTION FOR IMPORTED WORKERS STEPPED UP
*****
THE GOVERNMENT WILL TAKE EFFECTIVE MEASURES TO FULLY PROTECT THE STATUTORY AND CONTRACTUAL RIGHTS OF WORKERS BROUGHT IN UNDER THE GENERAL LABOUR IMPORTATION SCHEME.
THE EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1992, WHICH SEEKS TO DRASTICALLY INCREASE THE PENALTY FOR EMPLOYERS WHO UNDERPAY WORKERS, WHETHER LOCAL OR IMPORTED, OR WHO ILLEGALLY DEDUCT THEIR WAGES, WAS PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"AN OFFENDING EMPLOYER WILL, FROM NOW ON, FACE A MAXIMUM FINE OF $100,000 FOR WAGE DEDUCTION, AND $200,000 FOR UNDERPAYMENT OF WAGES, PLUS IMPRISONMENT FOR ONE YEAR," AN ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR MAK SAI-YIU, SAID.
MR MAK STRESSED THAT THE HEAVIER PENALTY SHOULD HAVE ADEQUATE DETERRENT EFFECT ON UNSCRUPULOUS EMPLOYERS AND WILL HELP THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT BETTER PROTECT IMPORTED WORKERS FROM EXPLOITATION.
HE ADDED THAT THE MAXIMUM FINE OF $100,000 PLUS ONE YEAR'S CUSTODIAL SENTENCE WILL APPLY ALSO TO OFFENCES OF WILFULLY OR RECKLESSLY GIVING FALSE INFORMATION, WITHHOLDING INFORMATION REQUIRED' TO BE GIVEN UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE AND FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE DEPARTMENT’S INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS.
"THIS WILL FACILITATE OUR INVESTIGATION AND PROSECUTION FOR WHICH THE AVAILABILITY AND ACCURACY OF WAGE RECORDS AND RELATED DOCUMENTS KEPT BY EMPLOYERS ARE ESSENTIAL EVIDENCE," HE NOTED.
"ALSO DIRECTORS, PARTNERS AND OTHER RESPONSIBLE PERSONS OF A COMPANY WILL BE HELD LIABLE UNDER THE NEW LEGISLATION FOR SUCH OFFENCES IF COMMITTED BY THE COMPANY WITH THEIR CONSENT, OR DUE TO THEIR NEGLIGENCE,” HE SAID.
MEANWHILE, THE GENERAL IMPORTATION OF LABOUR SCHEME ALSO PROVIDES FOR ADEQUATE SAFEGUARDS AGAINST ABUSES BY EMPLOYERS.
"EMPLOYERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO PAY WAGES THROUGH AUTOPAY TO ENSURE THAT IMPORTED WORKERS RECEIVE THEIR WAGES IN FULL," MR MAK SAID.
"EMPLOYERS WHO HAVE BREACHED THE CONDITIONS OF THE SCHEME OR WHO HAVE EXPLOITED THEIR WORKERS WILL HAVE THEIR QUOTAS WITHDRAWN AND WILL BE DEBARRED FROM PARTICIPATING IN FUTURE SCHEMES," HE SAID.
"IN ADDITION, THE LUMP SUM LEVY OF $400 PER MONTH PER WORKER, WHICH THEY HAVE PAID TO ENHANCE THE PROVISION OF RETRAINING FOR LOCAL WORKERS, WILL NOT BE REFUNDED," HE SAID.
MR MAK ALSO NOTED THAT THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT WILL REQUIRE EMPLOYERS TO CERTIFY THAT THEIR IMPORTED WORKERS HAVE RECEIVED THE CONTRACTUAL WAGES WHEN THE WORKERS APPLY FOR AN EXTENSION OF THEIR EMPLOYMENT VISAS ONE YEAR AFTER THEIR FIRST ARRIVAL.
/"EMPLOYERS WHO .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 1992
34
"EMPLOYERS WHO GIVE FALSE STATEMENTS AND MISREPRESENTATION RELATING TO VISA APPLICATION WILL BE SEVERELY DEALT WITH IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE, AND WILL BE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $20,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR TWO YEARS ON SUMMARY CONVICTION," HE SAID.
WHEN AN EMPLOYER IS GIVEN APPROVAL-IN-PRINCIPLE TO IMPORT LABOUR, THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL SEND HIM A WRITTEN REMINDER EXPLAINING TO HIM THE CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT UNDER THE SCHEME AND RELEVANT LABOUR LEGISLATION AS WELL AS THE INCREASED PENALTY FOR BREACHING SUCH REQUIREMENTS.
TO REMIND IMPORTED WORKERS OF THEIR STATUTORY RIGHTS AND CHANNELS TO LODGE COMPLAINTS, MR MAK SAID INFORMATION LEAFLETS PRINTED IN SIMPLIFIED CHINESE CHARACTERS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO WORKERS AT THEIR POINT OF ENTRY INTO HONG KONG.
'"A HANDY INFORMATION CARD CONTAINING THE LABOUR AND IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENTS’ COMPLAINT HOTLINE NUMBERS, AS WELL AS COPIES OF THEIR EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS, WILL ALSO BE GIVEN TO IMPORTED WORKERS DURING VISITS TO THEIR WORKPLACES OR DORMITORIES BY LABOUR INSPECTORS," HE SAID.
"THIS IS TO ENSURE THAT THE WORKERS ARE FULLY INFORMED OF THEIR TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT, INCLUDING THE LEVELS OF WAGES," HE EXPLAINED.
"WE WILL ALSO ARRANGE BRIEFING SESSIONS FOR BOTH IMPORTED WORKERS AND EMPLOYERS ON THEIR RESPECTIVE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE LABOUR LAWS AND CONDITIONS OF THE SCHEME," HE SAID, NOTING THAT THE DEPARTMENT’S COMPLAINT HOTLINE WILL BE WELL-PUBLICISED THROUGH THE MASS MEDIA.
MR MAK GAVE AN ASSURANCE THAT THE DEPARTMENT WILL TAKE VIGOROUS ACTIONS TO ENFORCE THE CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT UNDER THE SCHEME.
"A THIRD SPECIAL ENFORCEMENT TEAM OF SIX LABOUR INSPECTORS WILL BE SET UP TO STRENGTHEN INSPECTION ON PRACTICALLY ALL PLACES OF EMPLOYMENT AND QUARTERS OF IMPORTED WORKERS," HE SAID.
"SUSPECTED CASES OF IRREGULARITIES AND COMPLAINTS CONCERNING PAYMENT OF WAGES AND OTHER MAJOR CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT WILL BE INVESTIGATED BY OUR LABOUR RELATIONS DIVISION WHICH WILL BE GIVEN ADDITIONAL MANPOWER RESOURCES FOR THE PURPOSE," HE ADDED.
MR MAK STRESSED THAT THE DEPARTMENT TAKES A VERY SERIOUS VIEW OF ABUSES BY EMPLOYERS UNDER THE SCHEME AND WILL TAKE OUT PROSECUTION AGAINST OFFENDERS WHENEVER THERE IS EVIDENCE.
"IF AN ■ IMPORTED WORKER IS DISMISSED MAINLY BECAUSE OF COMPLAINT AGAINST HIS EMPLOYER ABOUT EXPLOITATION, HE WILL BE ALLOWED TO FIND ANOTHER JOB IN THE SAME INDUSTRY BY HIMSELF OR WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT," HE SAID.
"WE HOPE THIS WILL ENCOURAGE EXPLOITED WORKERS TO COME FORWARD WITH INFORMATION ABOUT BAD EMPLOYERS," MR MAK SAID.
------0 - -
/35........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 1992
- 35 -
APPLICATIONS FOR FLAG DAYS 1993 INVITED *****
ORGANISATIONS WISHING TO HOLD FUND-RAISING FLAG DAYS NEXT YEAR ARE INVITED TO APPLY TO THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT FROM FRIDAY (MAY 1).
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT APPLICANTS MUST BE BONA-FIDE NON-PROFIT-MAKING ORGANISATIONS REGISTERED UNDER SECTION 88 OF THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE.
ALL APPLICATIONS WOULD BE CONSIDERED BY THE SUBVENTIONS AND LOTTERIES FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON THE MERITS OF THE SERVICES OR SPECIAL PROJECTS FOR WHICH FUND-RAISING THROUGH A FLAG DAY WAS PROPOSED, THE ORGANISATION’S FINANCIAL NEEDS, AND ITS ABILITY TO EXECUTE SUCH FUND-RAISING ACTIVITIES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID ABOUT 40 FLAG DAYS WOULD BE ALLOCATED IN 1993.
"IN THE EVENT THAT APPLICATIONS OUTNUMBER THE FLAG DAYS AVAILABLE, PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO NON-PROFIT-MAKING ORGANISATIONS THAT PROVIDE DIRECT WELFARE SERVICES TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, AND THAT HAVE GREATER FINANCIAL NEEDS.
"ORGANISATIONS THAT HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED A FLAG DAY IN THE PAST MUST NOT ASSUME THAT A FLAG DAY WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE GRANTED IN 1993," HE ADDED.
EXPLAINING THE ALLOCATION CRITERIA, HE POINTED OUT THAT EACH APPLICATION WOULD BE CONSIDERED BASICALLY IN THE FOLLOWING ASPECTS:
* AN ASSESSMENT OF THE MANAGEMENT CAPABILITY OF THE APPLICANT ORGANISATION. THIS IS IMPORTANT SINCE PUBLIC COLLECTION OF MONEY IS INVOLVED;
* THE NATURE OF THE SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE ORGANISATION, AND THE DEMAND FOR SUCH FROM THE COMMUNITY;
* THE FINANCIAL NEED OF THE ORGANISATION BASED ON ITS ANNUAL BUDGET, OPERATING SURPLUS/DEFICITS, AVAILABILITY OF OTHER FUNDING RESOURCES, AND PLANNED PROJECTS; AND
* THE ORGANISATION’S ABILITY TO ORGANISE FUND-RAISING ACTIVITIES AND TO MAXIMISE THE BENEFITS OF A FLAG DAY.
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT EXPENSES IN CONNECTION WITH A FLAG DAY SHOULD NOT EXCEED 10 PER CENT OF THE GROSS RECEIPTS, AND THAT SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS NEED TO OBSERVE THE CONDITIONS FOR HOLDING FLAG DAYS LAID DOWN BY THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE.
APPLICATION FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WORLD TRADE CENTRE, 280 GLOUCESTER ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG FROM FRIDAY (MAY 1), IN PERSON OR BY WRITING.
/THE COMPLETED ......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 1992
36
THE COMPLETED APPLICATION FORM, TOGETHER WITH A COPY OF THE ORGANISATION’S LATEST ANNUAL REPORT AND STATEMENT OF AUDITED ACCOUNTS, MUST REACH THE DEPARTMENT ON OR BEFORE MAY 31 THIS YEAR. LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ENTERTAINED.
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE INFORMED BY THIS OCTOBER. ENQUIRIES ON APPLICATIONS FOR FLAG DAY ACTIVITIES CAN BE MADE ON 576 5922.
- - 0 - -
TEMPORARY POST OFFICE FOR ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK MEETING
*****
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR DOMINIC S.W. WONG, ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT A TEMPORARY POST OFFICE WILL BE SET UP DURING THE 25TH ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK ANNUAL MEETING TO BE HELD ON MAY 4 TO 6 AT THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE IN WAN CHAI TO SERVE DELEGATES ATTENDING THE MEETING.
STAMP SALE, POSTING, REGISTRATION AND PARCEL ACCEPTANCE SERVICES WILL BE PROVIDED.
A SPECIAL DATESTAMP WILL ALSO BE INTRODUCED FOR THE OCCASION.
AS MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE TEMPORARY POST OFFICE, COLLECTORS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN OBTAINING THE IMPRESSION OF THE SPECIAL POSTMARK MAY MAKE USE OF A HAND-BACK SERVICE PROVIDED AT THE FOLLOWING SEVEN PHILATELIC OFFICES FROM MAY 4 TO 6 FOR PRIVATELY MADE COVERS BEARING INDICATION OF THE MEETING:
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
- - 0 - -
/37
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 1992
- 37 -
TWO PIECES OF GOVT LAND TO LET BY TENDER
******
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT-TERM TENANCIES ON TWO PIECES OF GOVERNMENT LAND.
LOCATED AT YUE FUNG STREET, TIN WAN, THE FIRST SITE HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 135 SQUARE METRES. IT IS INTENDED FOR OPEN STORAGE AND/OR CAR REPAIRING.
THE TENANCY IS FOR ONE YEAR AND QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
THE SECOND SITE IS AT LAI HONG STREET, CHEUNG SHA WAN RECLAMATION.
IT HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 1,520 SQUARE METRES AND IS DESIGNATED FOR OPEN STORAGE ONLY.
THE TENANCY IS FOR THREE YEARS AND QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
SUBMISSION OF TENDERS WILL BE CLOSED AT NOON ON MAY 15.
FORMS OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICES AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND TENDER PLANS OF THE TWO SITES INSPECTED AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; AND THE KOWLOON DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET.
THOSE FOR THE FIRST SITE ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, HONG KONG SOUTH, 20TH FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI.
---------0------------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 28.4.92 850
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 29.4.92 + 138
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING NEUTRAL
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL *
* INJECTION OF 138 MN
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 112.8 *-0.2* 29.4.92
/HCNG KONG .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 1992
- 38 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.84 PCT 19 MONTHS 2311 6.25 101.93 5.00
1 MONTH 3.75 PCT 22 MONTHS 2402 5.50 100.22 5.44
3 MONTHS 3.74 PCT
6 MONTHS 3.90 PCT
12 MONTHS 4.37 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 13,890 MN
CLOSED 29 APRIL 1992
- 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NEW AIRPORT - THE FINANCIAL PLAN ...................................... 1
PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO LOITERING LAW ................................... 3
CFC CONSUMPTION IN HK REDUCED BY HALF ................................. 4
MEASURES TO RELIEVE MTR PEAK HOUR CONGESTION ANNOUNCED................. 5
DIGITAL PUBLIC MOBILE RADIOTELEPHONE SERVICES ......................... 6
FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE MEMBERS APPOINTED ............................... 7
BUILDING IN QUEEN'S ROAD CENTRAL DECLARED DANGEROUS ................... 7
GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY ANNOUNCED .............................. 8
ONEROUS TASK FOR CSD STAFF ..................•......................... 12
POST OFFICE ORDINANCE TO BE UPDATED..................................... 13
IRELAND MAIL SERVICE SUSPSENDED ....................................... 13
GERMANY POSTAL SERVICE DELAYED BY STRIKE .............................. 13
SERVICES OF PO LEUNG KUK COMMENDED..................................... 14
MORE TELEPHONE LINES FOR LABOUR ENQUIRY SERVICE ....................... 14
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............ 15
THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 1992
NEW AIRPORT - THE FINANCIAL PLAN *****
AGREEMENT HAS BEEN REACHED IN PRINCIPLE BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY ON THE FINANCIAL PLAN FOR HONG KONG’S NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK.
THIS WAS ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, WHEN SHE PRESENTED DETAILS OF THE PLAN TO A LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AD HOC GROUP AND THE AIRPORT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE.
THE PRESENTATION WAS BASED ON THE ESTIMATE OF $46.3 BILLION, (AT MARCH 1991 PRICES) WHICH WAS ANNOUNCED ON APRIL 2, FOR THE TOTAL CAPITAL COST OF COMMISSIONING THE FIRST PHASE OF THE AIRPORT IN 1997.
"WE HAVE A STRATEGY WHICH IS PRUDENT AND ROBUST," MRS CHAN SAID.
"FIVE OVERALL OBJECTIVES HAVE BEEN ADOPTED IN THE PREPARATION OF THE FINANCIAL PLAN. THESE ARE:
"FIRST, TO COMPLETE THE AIRPORT ON TIME AND IN THE MOST COST-EFFECTIVE MANNER CONSISTENT WITH ACHIEVEMENT OF OPERATING STANDARDS . EXPECTED OF A MAJOR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.
"SECOND, TO OPTIMISE THE PRIVATE SECTOR’S FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION, WHICH WILL MINIMISE DIRECT CONTRIBUTIONS FROM PUBLIC FUNDS.
"THIRD, TO ENABLE THE AIRPORT AUTHORITY TO RAISE DEBT WITHOUT GOVERNMENT GUARANTEE.
"FOURTH, TO ENSURE THAT CONTINGENT LIABILITIES ARE KEPT TO A MINIMUM.
"FIFTH, TO ENSURE THAT THE AIRPORT WILL BE ABLE TO OPERATE AS A VIABLE BUSINESS ALONG PRUDENT COMMERCIAL LINES TO THE BENEFIT OF ALL ITS USERS AND THE ECONOMY OF HONG KONG."
OF THE TOTAL $46.3 BILLION, THE AIRPORT AUTHORITY WILL DEVELOP AND -FUND WORKS COSTING $33.7 BILLION THROUGH GOVERNMENT EQUITY AND ITS OWN BORROWINGS.
THE WORKS WILL INCLUDE CONSTRUCTING THE AIRPORT SITE, PASSENGER TERMINALS, AND RUNWAYS.
THE GOVERNMENT WILL FUND AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL, METEOROLOGICAL, POSTAL, CUSTOMS, IMMIGRATION AND OTHER FACILITIES ESTIMATED, SUBJECT TO FINAL REFINEMENTS, TO COST $3.1 BILLION.
IT IS INTENDED THAT MAJOR SUPPORT FACILITIES SUCH AS AIR CARGO TERMINALS, AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE, CATERING AND FUELLING FACILITIES WILL BE DEVELOPED THROUGH DIRECT PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT.
/IT HAS .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 1992
- 2 -
IT HAS BEEN TENTATIVELY ESTIMATED THAT THE COST OF THESE FACILITIES WILL BE $9.5 BILLION, BUT THE ACTUAL COST WILL DEPEND ON THE COMMERCIAL JUDGEMENT OF THE INVESTORS CONCERNED.
MRS CHAN SAID IT WAS INTENDED THAT THE AIRPORT AUTHORITY WOULD INVITE PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTORS TO TENDER FOR THE RIGHT TO DEVELOP AND OPERATE THESE SUPPORT FACILITIES ON AN OPEN AND COMPETITIVE BASIS.
BASED ON CONSERVATIVE PROJECTIONS OF COSTS AND REVENUES AND OTHER ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING INTEREST RATES, ACCEPTABLE DEBT MATURITIES, AND A RE SONABLY FAVOURABLE LENDING ENVIRONMENT, THE GOVERNMENT HAS CONCLUDE THAT THE AIRPORT CAN BE FINANCED EFFECTIVELY WITH $13.6 BILLION OF GOVERNMENT EQUITY, $23.3 BILLION OF INITIAL DEBT, AND $1.29 BILLION OF PRE-COMPLETION LAND REVENUES.
THE TOTAL PROJECT FUNDING OF $38.19 BILLION IS INTENDED TO MEET THE AIRPORT AUTHORITY’S CAPITAL COSTS OF $33.7 BILLION, AND INTEREST PAYMENTS AND ASSOCIATED FINANCING FEES OF ABOUT $4.5 BILLION.
AS ANNOUNCED ON APRIL 2, THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO MAKE AVAILABLE TO THE AIRPORT AUTHORITY ADDITIONAL EQUITY UP TO A TOTAL OF $5.9 BILLION, WHICH COULD BE CALLED UNDER ADVERSE CIRCUMSTANCES.
"I WOULD LIKE TO STRESS THAT THROUGHOUT THE CONSTRUCTION PERIOD THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY WILL BE EXPECTED TO ADOPT RIGOROUS COST CONTROL PROCEDURES WHICH WILL BE MONITORED CLOSELY BY THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS CO-ORDINATION OFFICE," MRS CHAN SAID.
THE NEW AIRPORT WILL RECEIVE REVENUES BY INHERITING KAI TAK’S TRAFFIC FLOWS AND STRONG REVENUE STREAMS.
THESE INCLUDE CHARGES LEVIED ON AIRLINES FOR LANDING AND PARKING, AND REVENUES FROM IN-TERMINAL AND OTHER CONCESSIONS SUCH AS DUTY FREE LIQUOR SHOPS AND AIR CARGO HANDLING FACILITIES.
THE FINANCIAL PLAN ASSUMES THAT, WHEN THE AIRPORT OPENS IN 1997, THERE WILL BE A PASSENGER TERMINAL CHARGE (PTC) EQUIVALENT TO BETWEEN $50 AND $100 AT MARCH 1991 PRICES.
• IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT THE COST TO PASSENGERS IS KEPT WITHIN ACCEPTABLE LIMITS, THIS WILL BE OFFSET BY A REDUCTION IN AIR PASSENGER DEPARTURE TAX (APDT) SO THAT THE TOTAL OF BOTH CHARGES DOES NOT EXCEED THE CURRENT APDT LEVEL OF $150.
THE FINANCIAL PLAN ALSO ASSUMES THAT THE AIRPORT AUTHORITY WILL RECEIVE REVENUES FROM REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT ON THE AIRPORT ISLAND WHICH WILL BE GRANTED TO THE AIRPORT AUTHORITY BY THE GOVERNMENT.
MRS CHAN SAID CONSULTATIONS WERE UNDER WAY WITH THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT, THROUGH THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE, UNDER THE TERMS OF THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING.
--------0-----------
/3.........
THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 1992
- 3 -
PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO LOITERING LAW ******
A BILL SEEKING TO AMEND THE PRESENT LAW ON LOITERING WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON MAY 13.
THE OFFENCE OF LOITERING IS CONTAINED IN THE CRIMES ORDINANCE, WHICH IS ONE OF SIX PIECES OF LAW EXEMPTED FROM THE OPERATION OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS ORDINANCE DURING THE FREEZE PERIOD WHICH EXPIRES IN JUNE.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT FOLLOWING A DETAILED REVIEW OF THE CRIMES ORDINANCE, IT WAS CONCLUDED THAT ONLY THE SECTION DEALING WITH LOITERING REQUIRED IMMEDIATE MODIFICATION BECAUSE IT WAS INCONSISTENT WITH THE BILL OF RIGHTS ORDINANCE.
IT IS PROPOSED THAT THE SECTION BE AMENDED BY THE CRIMES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1992 TO READ : "A PERSON WHO LOITERS IN A PUBLIC PLACE OR IN THE COMMON PARTS OF ANY BUILDING WITH INTENT TO COMMIT AN ARRESTABLE OFFENCE COMMITS AN OFFENCE AND IS LIABLE TO A FINE OF $10,000 AND TO IMPRISONMENT FOR SIX MONTHS.”
THE EXISTING SECTION READS: ’’ANY PERSON WHO LOITERS IN A PUBLIC PLACE OR IN THE COMMON PARTS OF ANY BUILDING SHALL, UNLESS HE GIVES A SATISFACTORY EXPLANATION FOR HIS PRESENCE THERE, BE GUILTY OF AN OFFENCE AND SHALL BE LIABLE ON CONVICTION TO A FINE OF $2,000 AND TO IMPRISONMENT FOR SIX MONTHS.”
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE PRESENT LOITERING OFFENCE WAS SUBJECT TO CRITICISM ON THE GROUNDS THAT IT WAS DRAFTED TOO WIDELY, PROVIDING THE POTENTIAL FOR ABUSE AND DISCRIMINATION, AND HAD RESULTED IN DIFFERING INTERPRETATIONS BY THE COURTS.
"IT IS NECESSARY TO RETAIN THE LOITERING OFFENCE AS A CRIME PREVENTION MEASURE. UNDER THE AMENDMENT, A SUSPECT WILL NOT BE REQUIRED TO GIVE AN EXPLANATION FOR SUSPICIOUS BEHAVIOUR AND THERE WILL BE A NEW REQUIREMENT ON THE PART OF THE PROSECUTION TO PROVE INTENT TO COMMIT AN ARRESTABLE OFFENCE, WHICH IS A NON-TRIVIAL OFFENCE CARRYING A PENALTY OF MORE THAN 12 MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT,” HE EXPLAINED.
ANY FAILURE OF A SUSPECT TO GIVE A SATISFACTORY EXPLANATION OF HIS PRESENCE AND BEHAVIOUR WILL FORM PART OF THE EVIDENCE IN THE CASE. IT WILL NOT, AS IT DOES AT PRESENT, CONSTITUTE A PART OF THE OFFENCE.
"THERE WILL BE NO QUESTION OF THE ACCUSED BEING COMPELLED TO ANSWER QUESTIONS. HE WILL BE CAUTIONED IN THE NORMAL WAY, THAT IS, THAT HE DOES NOT HAVE TO SAY ANYTHING BUT THAT ANYTHING HE DOES SAY MAY BE USED IN EVIDENCE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 1992
CFC CONSUMPTION IN HK REDUCED BY HALF
* * * * *
HONG KONG HAS SUCCEEDED IN REDUCING BY HALF THE CONSUMPTION OF CHLOROFLUOROCARBONS (CFCS) WITHIN THE FIRST TWO YEARS OF THE CONTROL OF THESE SUBSTANCES WHICH CAUSE THE DEPLETION OF THE OZONE LAYER.
DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY COOPER, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY): "WE HAVE WELL EXCEEDED OUR TARGET IN REDUCING THE CONSUMPTION OF CFCS SINCE THE CONTROLS ON THE SCHEDULED CFCS CAME INTO EFFECT ON JULY 1, 1989."
"IN THE FIRST YEAR OF CONTROL, THE CONSUMPTION WAS REDUCED FROM 3,855 TONNES TO 2,126 TONNES AND IN THE SECOND YEAR IT WAS FURTHER REDUCED TO 1,962 TONNES, A TARGET WHICH WE ARE NOT SCHEDULED TO ACHIEVE UNTIL 1995. OUR OBJECTIVE IS TO PHASE OUT CFCS TOTALLY BY 2001," MR COOPER SAID.
HE ALSO NOTED THAT HONG KONG WAS INCLUDED IN UK’S RATIFICATION OF THE MONTREAL PROTOCOL ON SUBSTANCES THAT DEPLETE THE OZONE LAYER WHICH CAME INTO EFFECT ON JANUARY 1, 1989.
”WE HAVE BEEN TAKING EVERY STEP TO IMPLEMENT THE MONTREAL PROTOCOL AND TO FULFIL OUR OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE PROTOCOL," MR COOPER SAID.
"THE GOVERNMENT INTRODUCED THE OZONE LAYER PROTECTION ORDINANCE IN JULY 1989 TO PROHIBIT THE MANUFACTURE OF SUBSTANCES THAT DEPLETE THE OZONE LAYER AND CONTROL THE IMPORT AND EXPORT OF THESE SUBSTANCES THROUGH REGISTRATION AND LICENSING PROVISIONS.
"THE ORDINANCE ALSO PROVIDES THAT THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL MAY MAKE REGULATIONS GENERALLY TO CONTROL SPECIFIED SUBSTANCES," HE ADDED.
IN VIEW OF THE INCREASED CONCERN OVER THE DEPLETION OF THE OZONE LAYER AND POSSIBLE HEALTH EFFECTS OF THIS DEPLETION, MR COOPER SAID: "THE GOVERNMENT IS CONSIDERING HOW CONSUMPTION OF THESE SCHEDULED SUBSTANCES MIGHT BE REDUCED EVEN FURTHER, HOW INCENTIVES MIGHT BE PROVIDED TO RECYCLE OR RECLAIM CFCS, HOW THE VENTING OF CFCS TO THE ATMOSPHERE MIGHT BE PROHIBITED AND HOW USERS OF CFCS MIGHT BE FURTHER ENCOURAGED TO CONSIDER ALTERNATIVES TO CFCS OR BETTER CONSERVE THOSE THEY. ALREADY HAVE."
HE ALSO SAID THE SUBMISSIONS FROM THE FRIENDS OF THE EARTH ON THE SUBJECT WILL BE STUDIED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
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/5.........
THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 1992
- 5 -
MEASURES TO RELIEVE MTR PEAK HOUR CONGESTION ANNOUNCED
*****
A SERIES OF STRATEGIC MEASURES COMBINING NEW BUS ROUTES, FERRY IMPROVEMENT PLANS AND TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEMES WILL BE LAUNCHED IN SUMMER WITH AN AIM TO TACKLE THE CONGESTION PROBLEM ALONG THE MTR NATHAN ROAD CORRIDOR.
THESE MEASURES INCLUDED THE INTRODUCTION OF EXPRESS BUS ROUTES FROM YUEN LONG, TUEN MUN TO TSIM SHA TSUI; NEW CROSS-HARBOUR BUS SERVICES FROM MA ON SHAN AND KWAI CHUNG TO HONG KONG; MORE RESIDENTIAL COACH SERVICES FROM NEW TERRITORIES, AS WELL AS SPECIAL FERRY SERVICES FROM TUEN MUN AND TSUEN WAN TO CENTRAL.
ANNOUNCING THE RELIEVE MEASURES AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (THURSDAY), THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT (BUS DEVELOPMENT), MRS DOROTHY CHAN YUEN TAK-FAI, SAID THE FIRST STAGE OF THE BUS PLAN WOULD BE LAUNCHED ON MAY 18.
TWO NEW AIR-CONDITIONED CROSS-HARBOUR BUS ROUTES WILL BE INTRODUCED BY KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY ON THAT DATE. ONE ROUTE -ROUTE 336 - WILL PLY BETWEEN LEI MUK SHU AND SHEUNG WAN AND THE OTHER - ROUTE 312 - BETWEEN THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL TOLL PLAZA AND TIN HAU.
"THESE SERVICES WILL PROVIDE AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE MTR FOR PASSENGERS FROM TSUEN WAN AND WILL ENCOURAGE KCR PASSENGERS TO INTERCHANGE FOR BUSES AT HUNG HOM INSTEAD OF THE MTR AT KOWLOON TONG," MRS CHAN SAID.
"AT THE SAME TIME, THE FREQUENCY ON ROUTES 300 AND 301 INTRODUCED LAST SUMMER WILL BE ENHANCED TO INCREASE THE CAPACITY WHILE THEY WILL ALSO BE EXTENDED TO SHEUNG WAN SERVING A LARGER CATCHMENT," SHE ADDED.
ALSO EXTENDED TO SHEUNG WAN ARE ROUTES 305, 307, 337 AND 348.
TO ENCOURAGE COMMUTERS TO DIRECT FROM THE MTR TO BUSES, THERE WILL BE A FARE REDUCTION ON ALL '300' SERIES OF SERVICES DURING THE MORNING PEAK HOUR.
TO PROVIDE MORE LOADING AREA FOR CROSS HARBOUR BUSES OUTSIDE THE TOLL PLAZA OF THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL, A NEW BUS STOP FOR FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE DESIGNATED OUTSIDE THE ADMINISTRATION BUILDING OF THE TUNNEL.
ALSO, THERE WILL BE A SHORT SECTION OF BUS LANE AT THE TOLL PLAZA TO HELP BUSES TO BYPASS THE QUEUING TRAFFIC.
MRS CHAN SAID MORE BUS SERVICES WILL BE INTRODUCED IN THE COMING MONTHS IN STAGES WHICH ALTOGETHER WILL PROVIDE AN EXTRA CAPACITY FOR 7,000 COMMUTERS AT THE PEAK HOUR.
INCLUDED IN THE STRATEGY IS A NEW BUS LANE ON WEST KOWLOON CORRIDOR SOUTHBOUND WITH LINKED TRAFFIC SIGNALS WHICH WILL ENABLE NEW TERRITORIES EXPRESS BUSES TO TRAVEL FASTER INTO URBAN KOWLOON.
/NEW FERRIES .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 1992
NEW FERRIES WITH HIGHER SPEED WILL RE USED ON THE TUEN MUN AND TSUEN WAN TO CENTRAL ROUTES.
MRS CHAN SAID THE DEPARTMENT IS WORKING ON THE FINAL. DETAILS OF THESE MEASURES WITH THE CONCERNED PUBLIC TRANSPORT COMPANIES. THESE WILL BE INTRODUCED IN STAGES.
ALSO PRESENT AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE WERE THE GENERAL MANAGER OF KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY, MR CHARLES LUI CHUNG YUEN. AND THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT (URBAN), MR LEE SHU CHEE.
- - 0 - -
DIGITAL PUBLIC MOBILE RADIOTELEPHONE SERVICES
* * k * *
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY, MR DOMINIC S.W. WONG, ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT 10 PROPOSALS HAD BEEN RECEIVED FROM CONSORTIA INTERESTED IN OPERATING DIGITAL PUBLIC MOBILE RADIOTELEPHONE SERVICES IN HONG KONG.
MOST OF THESE CONSORTIA HAD LOCAL AND OVERSEAS PARTNERS.
"I AM PLEASED TO SEE SUCH ENTHUSIASTIC RESPONSE FROM THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY. THIS SHOWS THAT LOCAL AND OVERSEAS INVESTORS HAVE GREAT CONFIDENCE IN THE MARKET POTENTIAL AND THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG,” MR WONG SAID.
"THE PROPOSALS RECEIVED WILL BE EVALUATED CAREFULLY AGAINST A SET OF CRITERIA INCLUDING TECHNICAL COMPETENCE, FINANCIAL CAPABILITY, CORPORATE STRUCTURE, LEVEL OF INVESTMENT, IMPLEMENTATION PLAN, MANAGEMENT AND TECHNICAL EXPERIENCE, AND QUALITY OF SERVICE.
"ALL THE INFORMATION SUPPLIED TO US WILL BE KEPT IN STRICT CONFIDENCE FOR THE TIME BEING," HF SAID.
A FORMAL ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT IS EXPECTED TO. BE MADE IN LATE JULY.
IN JANUARY THIS YEAR THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY ANNOUNCED THE LICENSING ARRANGEMENTS FOR DIGITAL CELLULAR PHONE IN HONG KONG.
APART FROM PERMITTING THE THREE EXISTING OPERATORS (HONG KONG TELECOM CSL LTD, HUTCHISON TEI,EPHONE COMPANY LTD AND PACIFIC LINK COMMUNICATIONS LTD) TO CONVERT THEIR ANALOGUE SYSTEMS INTO DIGITAL ONES, A NEW OPERATOR WILL BE LICENSED TO OPERATE A NEW DIGITAL SYSTEM BASED ON THE EUROPEAN GSM STANDARD.
THERE ARE MORE THAN 200,000 CELLULAR PHONE SUBSCRIBERS IN THE TERRITORY.
HONG KONG HAS THE HIGHEST PENETRATION RATE FOR HAND-HELD PORTABLE PHONES IN ANY SIZEABLE CELLULAR PHONE MARKET IN THE WORLD.
- - 0 - -
THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 1992
7 -
FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE MEMBERS APPOINTED *****
THE GOVERNOR HAS APPOINTED FOUR NEW MEMBERS TO THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS UNTIL MARCH 31, 1994.
THEY ARE MRS RITA FAN HSU LAI-TAI, MR JAMES TO KUN-SUN, MR ROBERT GEORGE KOTEWALL AND MR HUI YUNG-CHUNG.
IN ADDITION, MR JUSTEIN WONG AND MRS MIRIAM LAU HAVE BEEN REAPPOINTED FOR A PERIOD OF TWO AND THREE YEARS RESPECTIVELY AFTER THEIR TERMS EXPIRE AT THE END OF MARCH THIS YEAR.
---------0-----------
BUILDING IN QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL DECLARED DANGEROUS
******
THE BUILDING
QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL
AUTHORITY HAS DECLARED THE IN SHEUNG WAN TO BE DANGEROUS.
BUILDING AT 206
IN A GOVERNMENT FOUR-STOREY LOAD-BEARING ROOF.
STATEMENT ISSUED TODAY (THURSDAY), THE PRINCIPAL BUILDING SURVEYOR (PGBS) SAID THE STRUCTURE WAS A PRE-WAR BUILDING WITH COCKLOFT AND CONSTRUCTED OF WALLS Wl IH '1 IMBER STAIRCASE AND FLOORS AND A CONCRETE
THE BUILDING HAS BEEN UNDER OBSERVATION BUILDINGS SECTION OF THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE TIME AND HAS PREVIOUSLY BEEN ISSUED A REPAIR ORDER.
BY THE DANGEROUS
FOR QUITE SOME
TIMBER SHORING HAS BEEN INSTALLED DURING THE BUILDINGS AT 204 AND 208 ON THE SAME ROAD.
DEMOLITION OF
THE
RECENT INSPECTIONS SHOWED THAT MOVEMENT HAD TAKEN PLACE TO REAR WAL= OF THE BUILDING AS SEEN BY THE BULGING AND FRACTURE OF WALL WHICH ACTS AS A RETAINING WALL TO ON WO LANE. THFRF WAS WATER SEEPAGE ON THE WALL. ' J
THE
THE
ALSO
THE PGBS SAID INSPECTION ALSO SHOWED THAT BUILDING WAS TAKING PLACE IN THE REAR PORTION FRACTURES ON THE STRUCTURE OF THE BUILDING.
MOVEMENT OF THE AND THERE WERE
HE
SAID THERE WAS DANGER OF A COLLAPSE OCCURRING WITHIN THE REAR PORTION OF THE BUILDING AND IN ORDFR TO t LIVES OF THE OCCUPANTS AND THE PUBLIC, THE STRUCTURE SHOULD BE AS BEING DANGEROUS AND BE DEMOLISHED.
PARTICULARLY
PROTECT
THE
CLOSED
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON JUNE 11 WAS POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY.
/8.........
THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 1992
- 8 -
GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY ANNOUNCED
******
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.
AN EPD SPOKESMAN SAID THE GRADING WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT BIWEEKLY INTERVALS DURING THE BATHING SEASON, TO COINCIDE WITH THE FREQUENCY AT WHICH BEACH WATERS ARE USUALLY SAMPLED.
THE GRADING IS BASED ON THE MOST RECENT E.COLI DATA OBTAINED BY THE EPD IN ITS ROUTINE MONITORING PROGRAMME.
AS WITH LAST YEAR, THE GRADING ALSO INCLUDES AN ESTIMATE OF THE RISK OF SUFFERING SOME MINOR SKIN OR GASTROINTESTINAL COMPLAINTS AS A RESULT OF SWIMMING AT A BEACH WHICH HAS SOME DEGREE OF POLLUTION.
THE ESTIMATE IS BASED ON A VERY LARGE BODY OF STATISTICAL INFORMATION GATHERED IN HONG KONG IN RECENT BATHING SEASONS.
THE GRADING OF SOME BEACHES MAY VARY DURING THE SUMMER. THIS REPRESENTS A NATURAL FLUCTUATION IN THE BACTERIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF BATHING WATERS IN MOST CASES, AS RAIN AND TIDES BRING MORE OR LESS POLLUTION TO THE BEACHES.
HOWEVER, THE GRADES GIVE A GOOD GENERAL PICTURE OF THE WATER QUALITY AT BATHING BEACHES AT THE TIME OF REPORTING AND FORM THE BEST AVAILABLE FORECAST FOR THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE.
’’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 "1" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS GOOD. THE E. COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 24 PER 100 MILLILITERS AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED RISK OF MINOR ILLNESS TO SWIMMERS IS UNDETECTABLE.
* GRADE "2" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS FAIR. THE E. COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 180 PER 100 MILLILITERS AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS NO MORE THAN 10 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
/* GRADE "3
THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 1992
- 9 -
* GRADE ”3" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS POOR. THE E. COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 610 PER 100 MILLILITERS AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS NO MORE THAN 15 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
» GRADE ”4” INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS VERY POOR. THE E. COLI COUNT IS MORE THAN 610 PER 100 MILLILITERS AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS MORE THAN 15 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO CLOSE A BEACH TO SWIMMERS IS BASED ON A JUDGEMENT OF WHAT DEGREE OF POLLUTION IS ACCEPTABLE.
NORMALLY, THE CLOSURE OF A BEACH WOULD ONLY BE CONSIDERED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL OR REGIONAL COUNCIL IF A GRADE ”4” OCCURRED REPEATEDLY, SO THAT THE AVERAGE HEALTH RISK OVER THE BATHING SEASON EXCEEDED 15 CASES PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
SIMILARLY, THE REOPENING OF A CLOSED BEACH WOULD ONLY BE CONSIDERED IF A GRADE ”3" OR BETTER WERE CONSISTENTLY OBTAINED.
AT PRESENT, TWO BATHING BEACHES, NAMELY CASTLE PEAK AND OLD CAFETERIA, HAVE BEEN DECLARED UNSUITABLE FOR SWIMMING, BASED ON THE WATER QUALITY DURING PAST SEASONS.
THEY ARE POLLUTED BY FAECAL WASTES AND FAIL TO ACHIEVE CONSISTENTLY THE HONG KONG STANDARDS. THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED NOT TO SWIM IN THE WATER AT THESE TWO BEACHES.
IN ADDITION, ROCKY BAY BEACH HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR SWIMMING PURPOSES BY THE URBAN COUNCIL. THESE THREE BEACHES ARE IDENTIFIED BY AN "X” IN THE FOLLOWING LIST.
THE GRADES ON THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF VARIOUS BEACHES IN HONG KONG TODAY ARE LISTED BELOW :
PREVIOUS PRESENT
BEACH GRADING GRADING
(AS AT 16.4.92) (AS AT 30.4.92)
HONG KONG SOUTH
BIG WAVE BAY 3
CHUNG HOM KOK 2
DEEP WATER BAY 1
HAIRPIN 2
MIDDLE BAY 1
REPULSE BAY 1
SHEK O 2
SOUTH BAY 1
ST. STEPHEN’S 2
TURTLE COVE 2
STANLEY MAIN 2
ROCKY BAY X
TO TEI WAN* 1
3 2
2
2
2
1
2
1
2
2
2 X
1
/TUEN MUN DISTRICT .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 1992
- 10 -
TUEN MUN DISTRICT
OLD CAFETERIA X
NEW CAFETERIA 3
CASTLE PEAK X
KADOORIE 3
BUTTERFLY 3
X 3 X
3 3
SAI KUNG DISTRICT
CAMPERS 1 2
CLEAR WATER BAY 1ST BEACH 2 2
CLEAR WATER BAY 2ND BEACH 1 1
HAP MUN BAY 1 1
KIU TSUI • 1 1
PAK SHA CHAU 1 2
SILVERSTRAND 3 3
TRIO (HEBE HAVEN) 2 2
ISLANDS DISTRICT
CHEUNG SHA UPPER 1 1
CHEUNG SHA LOWER 2 2
DISCOVERY BAY* 3 3
HUNG SHING YEH 1 1
KWUN YAM WAN 2 2
TONG FUK 1 1
LO SO SHING 1 1
PUI 0 1 2
SILVERMINE BAY 4 4
TUNG WAN, CHEUNG CHAU 2 2
TUNG 0* 1 • 1
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT
ANGLERS’ 4 4
APPROACH 3 3
CASAM 3 3
GEMINI 3 3
HOI MEI WAN 3 3
LIDO 3 3
TING KAU 3 3
TUNG WAN, MA WAN 2 3
NOTE : "X" THE BEACH HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR SWIMMING PURPOSES.
* NON-GAZETTED BEACH.
/THE FOLLOWING .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 1992
11
THE FOLLOWING BEACHES HAVE CHANGED GRADING ON THIS OCCASION:
DEEP WATER BAY, MIDDLE BAY, CAMPERS, PAR SHA CHAU AND PUI 0 FROM "1” TO ”2"; TUNG WAN ON MA WAN FROM ”2” TO ”3”.
THE CHANGES ARE WITHIN THE NORMAL RANGE OF FLUCTUATION OF THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF THESE BEACHES.
WHILE THE GRADING OF BEACHES SHOWS THE HEALTH RISKS SWIMMERS MIGHT FACE BECAUSE OF SEWAGE POLLUTION, SOME BEACHES MAY BE AFFECTED BY OTHER PROBLEMS AS WELL.
AT THIS TIME OF YEAR RED TIDES OFTEN OCCUR.
A RED TIDE IS A SUDDEN GROWTH OF MICROSCOPIC PLANT LIFE. RED TIDES OCCUR OFTEN AND WITH GREAT INTENSITY WHERE THERE IS ABUNDANT NUTRIENT POLLUTION FROM THE LAND AND SEWAGE SOURCES, BUT THEY ALSO NEED THE RIGHT TEMPERATURE, AMOUNT OF SUNLIGHT AND OTHER CONDITIONS.
SOME RED TIDES OCCUR IN UNPOLLUTED WATERS.
MOST RED TIDES ARE NOT DIRECTLY HARMFUL TO SWIMMERS, ALTHOUGH THEY CAN BE VERY HARMFUL TO OTHER MARINE LIFE, ESPECIALLY IF THEY OCCUR FREQUENTLY IN A RESTRICTED AREA.
HOWEVER, AS RED TIDES CAN BE UNPLEASANT TO SWIMMERS, AND THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK THAT SOME WOULD SUFFER ALLERGIC OR OTHER ADVERSE REACTIONS TO CONTACT WITH THE RED TIDE, THE BEACH AUTHORITIES USUALLY TAKE THE PRECAUTION OF ADVISING PEOPLE NOT TO SWIM WHERE A BEACH IS AFFECTED.
THE RED FLAG HAS BEEN HOISTED FOR THIS PURPOSE AT SEVERAL BEACHES IN THE LAST FEW DAYS AND THIS MAY BE REPEATED IN THE NEXT COUPLE OF WEEKS.
THE RED TIDE CANNOT BE INCLUDED IN THE ROUTINE BEACH GRADING AS IT IS TRANSIENT.
IN ADDITION TO THE ROUTINE MONITORING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY, THE EPD IN COLLABORATION WITH THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY (DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND FAMILY MEDICINE AND DEPARTMENT OF MICROBIOLOGY) WILL CONDUCT AN EPIDEMIOLOGICAL-MICROBIOLOGICAL STUDY AT REPULSE BAY BEACH AND BUTTERFLY BEACH STARTING JUNE THIS YEAR.
THE STUDY AIMS TO IDENTIFY AND QUANTIFY THE PATHOGENS THAT MIGHT CAUSE DISEASES AMONG BATHERS SWIMMING IN POLLUTED BEACH WATER, SO THAT APPROPRIATE STANDARD CAN BE USED AND EFFECTIVE POLLUTION CONTROL MEASURES CAN BE DEVISED.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT MR PAUL HOLMES, PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER (WATER POLICY) OF EPD, ON TEL. 835 1234.
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/12.........
THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 1992
- 12 -
ONEROUS TASK FOR OSD STAFF
******
THE RECENT UPSURGE IN CRIME PARTICULARLY VIOLENT CRIME HAS MADE THE WORK OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES MORE ONEROUS, A LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MR RONALD ARCULLI, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT A CORRECTIONAL SERVICES PASSING-OUT PARADE IN STANLEY, MR ARCULLI SAID NO DOUBT THIS WOULD ADD STRAINS ON THE DEPARTMENT, BUT IT WOULD ALSO DEMONSTRATE THE VITAL ROLE THE DEPARTMENT PLAYED IN KEEPING GOOD ORDER WITHIN THE SOCIETY.
"THE PRINCIPAL OBJECTIVE OF THE SERVICE IS TO EFFECTIVELY CARRY OUT THE ORDERS OF THE COURTS WHICH INVOLVE CUSTODY OF OFFENDERS IN SECURE HUMANE CONDITIONS BUT AT THE SAME TIME TO PROVIDE PURPOSEFUL TREATMENT AND TRAINING FOR THE REFORMATION AND REHABILITATION OF OFFENDERS,” MR ARCULLI SAID.
"IT IS CLEARLY IN THE INTERESTS OF THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE THAT OFFENDERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO LEAD USEFUL AND PRODUCTIVE LIVES AFTER THEIR RELEASE FROM CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS.”
HE SAID OVERCROWDING IN PENAL INSTITUTIONS AS A RESULT OF INFLUX OF CHINESE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS HAD BEEN PERTURBING.
HE SAID THIS UNDESIRABLE SITUATION WOULD BE IMPROVED WHEN ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION FOR PRISONERS WAS AVAILABLE FOLLOWING THE RESHUFFLE OF RESOURCES IN TUNG TAU CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTE BEFORE THE END OF THIS YEAR.
MOREOVER, MR ARCULLI SAID THERE WAS A PLAN TO CONVERT ONE OF THE DETENTION CENTRES INTO A MEDIUM SECURITY INSTITUTION TO HOUSE 700 PRISONERS OF LOWER SECURITY GRADING.
HE SAID DESPITE THE MAJOR PROBLEMS OF OVERCROWDING AND THE STRAIN ON STAFF RESOURCES, THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAD MAINTAINED A HIGH STANDARD IN ALL ITS AREAS OF OPERATION.
”IT HAS INDEED CONTINUED TO DEVELOP AND IMPROVE ITS PROGRAMMES OF AFTERCARE, EDUCATION AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING, AND HAS ALSO SUCCESSFULLY ACHIEVED GOOD ORDER AND DISCIPLINE WITHIN THE DETENTION CENTRES ACCOMMODATING MORE THAN 35,000 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS,” HE ADDED.
ON PARADE TODAY WERE 201 ASSISTANT OFFICERS WHO HAD JUST COMPLETED 20 WEEKS’ BASIC TRAINING.
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/13........
THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 1992
- 13 -
POST OFFICE ORDINANCE TO BE UPDATED *****
THE POST OFFICE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992, WHICH SEEKS TO AMEND THE OUTDATED PROVISIONS OF THE POST OFFICE ORDINANCE, WILL BE GAZETTED TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
"THE BILL IS BASICALLY A ’TIDYING UP’ EXERCISE, REMEDYING EXISTING DEFICIENCIES IN THE LAW," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
IN PARTICULAR, THE BILL AMENDS OUTDATED PROVISIONS PROHIBITING THE POSTING OF LOTTERY TICKETS OR RELATED INFORMATION, RESTRICTING THEIR APPLICATION TO ILLEGAL LOTTERIES.
"SIMILARLY OUTDATED PROVISION PREVENTING THE POSTING OF COIN OR GOLD OR SILVER BULLION ARE TO BE REPEALED," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE BILL WILL ALSO ALLOW THE POSTMASTER GENERAL TO AUTHORISE DESTRUCTION OF UNDELIVERABLE MAIL, AND ADJUSTS VARIOUS PENALTIES SET FOR OFFENCES UNDER THE POST OFFICE ORDINANCE TO ENSURE THAT THEY ARE CONSISTENT AND THAT THEIR DETERRENT EFFECT IS MAINTAINED.
THE BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON MAY 13.
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IRELAND MAIL SERVICE SUSPENDED
*****
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR DOMINIC S.W. WONG, ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT OWING TO INDUSTRIAL ACTION BY A POSTAL WORKER UNION IN THE IRISH REPUBLIC, LETTER MAIL SERVICES IN IRELAND ARE UNABLE TO OPERATE.
AS A RESULT, SUCH SERVICES TO AND FROM IRELAND HAVE BEEN SUSPENDED WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT.
ANNOUNCEMENT WILL BE MADE WHEN SERVICES ARE RESUMED.
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GERMANY POSTAL SERVICE DELAYED BY STRIKE
******
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR DOMINIC S.W. WONG, ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT LETTERS AND PARCELS POSTED TO OR FROM GERMANY WOULD BE DELAYED BECAUSE SOME AREAS IN GERMANY WERE AFFECTED BY POSTAL WORKERS GOING ON STRIKE.
/14........
THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 1992
- 14
SERVICES OF PO LEUNG KUK COMMENDED ♦ * * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR M.D. CARTLAND, PAID TRIBUTE TO PO LEUNG KUK FOR ITS CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY TODAY (THURSDAY).
MEETING THE NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF PO LEUNG KUK DURING THEIR COURTESY CALL ON THE DEPARTMENT, MR CARTLAND ASSURED THAT THE DEPARTMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO WORK CLOSELY WITH THE KUK.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, MR TSANG SIU-CHUN, OUTLINED THE ORGANISATION’S EXISTING SERVICES AND PROJECTS UNDER PLANNING AND EXPRESSED GRATITUDE TO THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT FOR OFFERING THEM VALUABLE GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT OVER THE YEARS.
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MORE TELEPHONE LINES FOR LABOUR ENQUIRY SERVICE
*****
ADDITIONAL LINES WILL BE ADDED TO THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S GENERAL ENQUIRY TELEPHONE SERVICE (GETS) LATER THIS WEEK TO FURTHER IMPROVE ITS SERVICE ON GENERAL LABOUR MATTERS.
THE GETS WILL START OPERATING ON A NEW TELEPHONE NUMBER --717 1771 (12 LINES) ON SATURDAY (MAY 2) AFTER MOVING TO A NEW OFFICE IN KOWLOON EAST GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING.
BETWEEN MARCH LAST YEAR AND FEBRUARY THIS YEAR, THE SERVICE RECEIVED 74,927 ENQUIRIES, OR A DAILY AVERAGE OF 275.
OF THESE ENQUIRIES, ABOUT 89 PER CENT OR 66,662 IN NUMBER WERE HANDLED DIRECTLY BY LABOUR INSPECTORS. 1.6 PER CENT OR 1,243 CALLS WERE ANSWERED BY A DATAPHONE WHICH PLAYED BACK PRE-RECORDED TAPES ON 29 SELECTED LABOUR TOPICS IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE.
•
THE REMAINING 7,022 ENQUIRIES, WHICH REQUIRED IN-DEPTH ANSWERS OR FOLLOW-UP ACTION, WERE REFERRED TO RELEVANT DIVISIONS OR TO OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
MOST OF THE ENQUIRIES CONCERNED PROVISIONS OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, WHILE THE OTHERS RELATED TO FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS, THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE, WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS (INDUSTRY) AND EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN REGULATIONS AND OTHER LABOUR LAWS.
THE GETS HOTLINE OPERATES DAILY FROM 9 AM TO 5.30 PM FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY AND FROM 9 AM TO NOON ON SATURDAY.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SHOULD CALL BETWEEN 9 AM AND 10 AM, 1 PM AND 2 PM OR AFTER 4 PM FOR EASIER ACCESS.
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/15 .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 1992
- 15 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ♦ * t * *
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 29.4.92 988
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 30.4.92 + 273
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING -273
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 112.8 *+0.0» 30.4.92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.66 PCT 19 MONTHS 2311 6.25 101.87 5.04
1 MONTH 3.68 PCT 22 MONTHS 2402 5.50 100.18 5.46
3 MONTHS 3.71 PCT
6 MONTHS 3.87 PCT
12 MONTHS 4.39 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 7,875 MN
CLOSED 30 APRIL 1992
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