港史文本 - HK In Texts: Daily Information Bulletin - 1990s - 1992 - DEC

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1992

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVERNOR BRIEFS LEGCO ON OVERSEAS VISITS ..................... 1

DOMESTIC EXPORT STATISTICS CLASSIFIED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN FOR 3RD QUARTER 1992 .......................................... 15

$78 BILLION EARMARKED FOR PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME ............. 17

GOVT COMMITTED TO IMPROVING ELDERLY SERVICES ................. 17

TWO DEBATES IN LEGCO ......................................... 18

YOUTHS URGED TO TAKE PART IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES ............ 19

POSITIVE APPROACH ON AIDS URGED .............................. 20

HK YOUTH SYMPHONIC BAND RECRUITS MEMBERS ..................... 20

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS ........... 21

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .. 22

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1,

1992

GOVERNOR BRIEFS LEGCO ON OVERSEAS VISITS *****

THE FOLLOWING IS A TRANSCRIPT OF THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, BRIEFING LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS ON HIS RECENT OVERSEAS VISITS TODAY (TUESDAY).

HONOURABLE MEMBERS, I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A STATEMENT ON MY RECENT VISITS TO CANADA, THE UNITED KINGDOM AND JAPAN. I VISITED CANADA FROM THE 11TH-14TH NOVEMBER. THIS WAS THE FIRST OVERSEAS VISIT THAT I’VE MADE SINCE BECOMING GOVERNOR, APART FROM MY VISIT TO PEKING IN OCTOBER.

CANADA IS A TRUE AND STAUNCH FRIEND OF HONG KONG. OUR TRADE LINKS ACROSS THE OCEAN ARE ALREADY VERY SUBSTANTIAL AND THEY ARE GROWING ALL THE TIME. I WANTED TO MAKE CLEAR, PERSONALLY, HOW MUCH HONG KONG APPRECIATED CANADA’S SUPPORT AS A FRIEND AND AS A PARTNER. ON THE FIRST DAY OF MY VISIT TO CANADA, I OFFICIALLY CLOSED THE HONG KONG FESTIVAL IN CANADA, WHICH WAS ITSELF AN OUTSTANDING DEMONSTRATION OF THE STRONG LINKS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CANADA. I’D LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO THANK ALL THOSE WHO HELPED TO MAKE THE FESTIVAL SUCH A SUCCESS, ESPECIALLY THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE AND HIS TEAM, AND CANADA’S EXCELLENT COMMISSIONER IN HONG KONG, MR JOHN HIGGINBOTHAM.

WHILE IN CANADA I HELD DISCUSSIONS WITH THE CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER, BRIAN MULRONEY, AND THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, BARBARA MCDOUGALL. I TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO BRIEF THE PRIME MINISTER AND THE SECRETARY OF STATE ON DEVELOPMENTS IN HONG KONG.

DURING MY FOUR DAYS IN CANADA I MET MANY HONG KONG CANADIANS. I WAS DEEPLY IMPRESSED BY THE ADMIRATION AND GOODWILL THAT I FOUND FOR HONG KONG, AND FOR ITS PEOPLE, AND I SHOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY, PUBLICLY, TO THANK THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA FOR THE VERY WARM RECEPTION WHICH THEY EXTENDED.

I VISITED LONDON FROM THE 16TH-20TH NOVEMBER, WHERE I HAD MEETINGS WITH THE PRIME MINISTER, THE FOREIGN SECRETARY AND OTHER MINISTERS AS WELL AS WITH OFFICIALS. I ALSO SPOKE AT A VERY SUCCESSFUL TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL DINNER, ADDRESSED THE BRITISH HONG KONG PARLIAMENTARY GROUP, AND HAD MEETINGS WITH OTHER PARLIAMENTARIANS AND WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY.

LET ME SAY A FEW WORDS ON THE POLICY OF THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT. THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT REMAINS FULLY COMMITTED TO THE FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CONCEPT OF ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS, WHICH WAS SET OUT IN THE JOINT DECLARATION OF 1984. THAT POLICY WAS REAFFIRMED IN THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY’S MANIFESTO EARLIER THIS YEAR. IN CASE THERE SHOULD BE ANY DOUBT IN THE MINDS OF ANYONE IN THIS COUNCIL, OR OUTSIDE IT, LET ME CLEARLY STATE THIS AFTERNOON THAT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT STANDS FOURSQUARE BEHIND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSALS ON CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO. BOTH THE PRIME MINISTER AND THE FOREIGN SECRETARY REPEATED THAT SUPPORT PUBLICLY AND EXPLICITLY DURING MY VISIT.

/THE BRITISH .......

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1992

THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT RESOLUTELY SUPPORTS THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S POSITION THAT THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE 1995 ELECTIONS SHOULD BE FAIR, SHOULD BE OPEN, AND SHOULD BE ACCEPTABLE TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG. THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT RESOLUTELY SUPPORTS THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S FIRM CONVICTION THAT OUR PROPOSALS ARE FAIR AND OPEN. THEY HAVE BEEN WELL RECEIVED IN HONG KONG. AND THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT ALSO BELIEVES, AS I DO, THAT IF ANYONE ELSE HAS ANY BETTER PROPOSALS THAT ARE FAIR, OPEN AND ACCEPTABLE TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, THEN THEY SHOULD PUT THEM FORWARD. I HAPPEN TO BELIEVE THAT MY PROPOSALS ARE GOOD ONES. I WILL ARGUE FOR THEM ON THEIR MERITS. BUT IF ANYONE HAS ANY BETTER ARGUMENTS, OR BETTER PROPOSALS, THEN I’M WILLING TO CONSIDER THEM CAREFULLY AND SINCERELY, AND SO TOO, I IMAGINE, IS THIS COUNCIL.

IT IS A MATTER BOTH OF FACT AND PRINCIPLE THAT MY PROPOSALS WILL ULTIMATELY BE DECIDED UPON HERE IN HONG KONG. IT IS A MATTER OF FACT BECAUSE THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE 1995 ELECTIONS WILL REQUIRE LEGISLATION AND IT IS ONLY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WHICH CAN PASS SUCH LEGISLATION. IT IS A MATTER OF PRINCIPLE BECAUSE THE CABINET BELIEVES, JUST AS I DO, THAT IT MUST SUPPORT THE ASPIRATIONS OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AS REFLECTED BY THIS COUNCIL.

I VISITED JAPAN FROM THE 25TH-28TH NOVEMBER. THERE I MET THE PRIME MINISTER MR MIYAZAWA, THE FOREIGN MINISTER MR WATANABE AND OTHER SENIOR POLITICAL LEADERS. I ALSO ATTENDED THE OPENING SESSION OF THE JAPAN-HONG KONG BUSINESS CO-OPERATION COMMITTEE AND MET A LARGE NUMBER OF JAPANESE BUSINESS LEADERS. TRADE LINKS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND JAPAN ARE STRONG AND GROWING AND I WAS DELIGHTED THAT MANY DISTINGUISHED HONG KONG BUSINESS AMBASSADORS ATTENDED THE JAPANHONG KONG BUSINESS CO-OPERATION COMMITTEE MEETING.

JAPAN AND HONG KONG HAVE SIMILAR. PERSPECTIVES ON VITAL ISSUES SUCH AS FREE TRADE AND MEN STATUS FOR CHINA. WE’RE BOTH CONCERNED ABOUT THE POLITICISATION OF TRADE. I BRIEFED MY JAPANESE HOSTS ON HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT.

MY VISITS ABROAD HAVE LEFT ME IN NO DOUBT HOW MANY FRIENDS HONG KONG HAS AROUND THE WORLD. THOSE FRIENDS ADMIRE HONG KONG’S ACHIEVEMENTS AND THEY WISH US WELL.

I AM PLEASED THAT IN MY ABSENCE THE REQUEST FOR FUNDING TO ENABLE THE AIRPORT SITE PREPARATION CONTRACT TO PROCEED WAS APPROVED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE LAST FRIDAY AFTER AN INTENSIVE AND LENGTHY DEBATE. THIS WAS A VITAL DECISION. IT ENABLES US TO TAKE AN IMPORTANT STEP FORWARD IN HONG KONG’S AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME AND TO CONTINUE TO MEET OUR OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING. THE DECISION ALSO GIVES US MORE TIME TO SEEK AGREEMENT WITH CHINA ON THE OVERALL FINANCING PLAN; REACHING THAT AGREEMENT HAS ALWAYS BEEN OUR PRIME AIM.

/ON CONSTITUTIONAL .......

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1992

- 3

ON CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT, MEMBERS KNOW THAT I PROPOSE TO PUT LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AFTER THE CHINESE NEW YEAR BREAK, WHICH IS LIKELY TO MEAN BEFORE THE END OF FEBRUARY. THE PRECISE SHAPE AND DETAIL OF THE DRAFT LEGISLATION WILL BE DECIDED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. I AM, OF COURSE, AWARE THAT MANY MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL HAVE COME UNDER CONSIDERABLE PERSONAL PRESSURE OVER THESE AND RELATED MATTERS. I KNOW THAT MEMBERS WILL CONTINUE TO BE GUIDED BY THEIR OWN JUDGMENT OF WHAT IS BEST FOR HONG KONG AND THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG. THAT IS HOW IT SHOULD BE.

I’M DISAPPOINTED THAT THE CHINESE SIDE HAVE THUS FAR BEEN UNWILLING TO ACCEPT MY OFFER OF DISCUSSIONS, OR TO PUT FORWARD THEIR OWN IDEAS. MANY PEOPLE ARE CALLING FOR A RETURN TO SENSIBLE, RATIONAL DIALOGUE. 1 HEARTILY ENDORSE THAT CALL. I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO ENCOURAGE THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT TO DO JUST THAT. THERE IS CERTAINLY NO UNWILLINGNESS ON MY PART TO ENTER SUCH A DIALOGUE.

AT THE END OF THE DAY, VIEWED FROM THE OUTSIDE WORLD, IT IS PLAIN THAT HONG KONG AND THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION ARE VIRTUALLY

THE ONLY GROWTH AREAS IN THE WORLD TODAY. THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO DO ALL IT CAN TO MAINTAIN BOTH THIS GROWTH AND THE PROSPERITY AND STABILITY OF THIS TERRITORY. WE LOOK FORWARD To SUPPORT FROM THIS COUNCIL AS WE CONTINUE OUR ENDEAVOURS ON BEHALF OF THE PEOPLE WHOM WE ALL SERVE.

I’M SURE THAT HONOURABLE MEMBERS MAY HAVE QUESTIONS ON WHAT I HAVE JUST SAID, OR CONCEIVABLY ON OTHER MATTERS.

CH IM PUI-CHUNG: MR PRES IDENT, COULD I ASK YOU TO CHANGE THE WAY YOU ALLOW MEMBERS TO ASK QUESTIONS, SO THAT ALL MEMBERS SITTING HERE WOULD HAVE A CHANCE TO ASK QUESTIONS? THIS IS THE SPIRIT OF DEMOCRACY.

GOVERNOR: I’M DELIGHTED TO ENCOURAGE THE HONOURABLE MEMBER TO THE CLUB. I’M AWARE OF THE FACT THAT THE PRECISE ARRANGEMENTS FOR QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSIONS SUCH AS THIS WILL NEED TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF CHANGES TO STANDING ORDERS WHICH 1 HOPE WILL BE SECURED VERY SOON. I HAVE TO SAY THAT 1 DON’T, MYSELF, REGARD IT AS DESIRABLE THAT THE PERSON WHO ANSWERS THE QUESTIONS SHOULD CHOOSE WHO ASKS THE QUESTIONS AND I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT WHEN THE COUNCIL CONSIDERS ITS REVISION OF STANDING ORDERS, IT WILL ENSURE THAT THAT ONEROUS RESPONSIBILITY IS LIFTED FROM THE SHOULDERS OF THE GOVERNOR. THIS IS THE LAST TIME THAT I’LL BE ANSWERING QUESTIONS THIS YEAR - I IMAGINE. I HOPE THAT IN THE NEW YEAR WE’LL HAVE NEW STANDING ORDERS, OR SHORTLY AFTER THE NEW YEAR, AND THAT THOSE ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE SATISFACTORY TO ALL HONOURABLE MEMBERS, INCLUDING THE HONOURABLE MEMBER WHO PUT THAT POINT OF ORDER. I DON’T HAVE, I’M AFRAID, THE WHOLE OF THE AFTERNOON, BUT I WILL ATTEMPT AS I HAVE BEFORE, TO SPEND FOUR TIMES AS LONG ANSWERING QUESTIONS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AS THE PRIME MINISTER WOULD IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS.

LEONG CHE-HUNG: THANK YOU, GOVERNOR. AS I’M GIVEN THE FIRST CHANCE TO ASK A QUESTION I HAVE'TO SAY THAT I’M SURE MY COLLEAGUES WILL AGREE WITH ME THAT IF IT IS YOUR CHOICE, YOU WILL BE MORE THAN WELCOME TO ANSWER QUESTIONS AGAIN WITHIN THIS YEAR.

/SIR, IN ........

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1992

SIR, IN THE LAST FEW DAYS, AS YOU HAVE MENTIONED JUST NOW YOURSELF THAT THERE ARE A LOT OF SHARP WORDS, OR ’WAR’ WORDS, MAINLY FROM THE CHINESE SIDE, DOES THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OR THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT HAVE ANY PLANS TO THAW THE ICE, AS IT WERE?

GOVERNOR: I THINK IT’S FAIR TO SAY TO THE HONOURABLE MEMBER, IN RESPONSE TO A QUESTION WHICH IS ON MANY PEOPLE’S LIPS, THAT THOUGH THERE HAVE BEEN SOME SHARP WORDS, THERE HAVE BEEN NO SHARP WORDS FROM THE GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG OR FROM THE GOVERNMENT OF HONG KONG. I REMAIN RESOLUTELY DETERMINED TO BE CALM AND RATIONAL, AND TO SET OUT FOR THE COMMUNITY WHAT THE PROPER ARRANGEMENTS ARE FOR CONSIDERING, AS WE MUST, HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE 1995 ELECTIONS. I CONTINUE TO SAY, AND TO MEAN, THAT I BELIEVE MY PROPOSALS ARE FAIR AND OPEN, THAT I BELIEVE THEY’VE RECEIVED A GOOD WELCOME IN HONG KONG, AND I CONTINUE TO SAY THAT IF THERE ARE THOSE WHO HAVE PROPOSALS WHICH THEY REGARD AS BEING MORE FAIR AND MORE OPEN AND MORE ACCEPTABLE, THEN I HOPE , THAT THEY WILL PUT THEM FORWARD.

I HONESTLY DON’T BELIEVE THAT THE RIGHT WAY FOR ME TO RESPOND IN PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES, IS TO ABANDON A POSITION WHICH I BELIEVE TO BE RATIONAL, TO ABANDON A POSITION WHICH HAS COMMENDED ITSELF TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION, BUT I REPEAT THAT I REMAIN KEEN ON DIALOGUE, KEEN ON RATIONAL DISCUSSION, AND KEEN ON MOBILISING AS MUCH CONSENT AS POSSIBLE FOR THE ARRANGEMENTS THAT WILL NEED TO BE IN PLACE FOR 1995. THE GOVERNMENT OF HONG KONG, THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT, HAVEN'T, EITHER OF THEM, IMAGINED THE NECESSITY OF PUTTING IN PLACE ARRANGEMENTS FOR 1995, SINCE NO SUCH ARRANGEMENTS AT PRESENT EXIST.

TAM YIU-CHUNG: THANK YOU, GOVERNOR. THE QUESTION THAT I’M GOING TO

RAISE IS NOT A POLITICAL ISSUE BUT IT’S RELATED TO PEOPLE’S LIVELIHOOD. BEFORE I CAME TO THIS MEETING TODAY I HAD A YOUNG FRIEND WHO ASKED FOR MY HELP. HE HOPED THAT THROUGH ME HE WOULD BE ABLE TO RAISE A QUESTION WITH YOU, GOVERNOR. TODAY AND YESTERDAY, UP TO THIS MORNING, THE STOCK MARKET HAS PLUMMETED BY 500 POINTS AND HE HAS LOST A MAJOR PART OF THE MONEY THAT HE WOULD HAVE SPENT ON HIS WEDDING AND THEREFORE HE IS VERY UNHAPPY. GOVERNOR, COULD YOU IN ANY WAY TRY AND MAKE HIM HAPPIER AND PUT HIS HEART AT EASE.

GOVERNOR: I WOULD VERY MUCH LIKE TO PUT ANYBODY’S HEART AT EASE,

WHETHER SOMEBODY ABOUT TO GET MARRIED AND CONCERNED ABOUT LOOKING AFTER HIS NEW FAMILY PROPERLY, OR ANYONE EL.SE WHO IS INVESTING ON THE STOCK MARKET. I WOULD POINT OUT TO ANYONE IN THAT POSITION THAT STOCK MARKETS DO HAVE A HABIT OF GOING UP, AND INDEED DOWN. THAT THE HANG SENG INDEX, I BELIEVE I’M RIGHT IN SAYING, STANDS ABOUT THREE TIMES AS HIGH TODAY AS IT DID THREE YEARS AGO, AND THAT THAT REPRESENTS THE UNDERLYING STRENGTH OF THE HONG KONG ECONOMY. I DON’T THINK IT WOULD BE SENSIBLE FOR THE GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG TO ATTEMPT TO TAKE CREDIT WHEN THE HANG SENG INDEX WENT UP, AS IT HAS BEEN OVER THIS YEAR, I THINK BY A VERY SUBSTANTIAL MARGIN SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR. I THINK THAT IT’S UNWISE TO COMMENT ON MOVEMENTS UP AND DOWN IN THE HANG SENG INDEX BUT I DO BELIEVE THAT THE FUNDAMENTALS OF THE HONG KONG ECONOMY ARE AS SOUND AS THOSE OF ANY ECONOMY IN THE WORLD AND THAT THE HONOURABLE MEMBER'S YOUNG FRIEND WILL FIND, AS WILL OTHERS, THAT INVESTING IN HONG KONG IS PROBABLY BETTER THAN INVESTING ANYWHERE ELSE TN THE WORLD.

/MARTIN LEE: .......

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1992

MARTIN LEE: MR PRESIDENT, DO YOU FEEL THAT WE SHOULD STAND UP TO

ASK OUR QUESTIONS OR WOULD YOU MUCH RATHER WE SIT DOWN?

GOVERNOR:

IN A MANNER OF SPEAKING, IN YOUR HANDS.

MARTIN LEE: USUALLY, A BARRISTER THINKS MORE CLEARLY WHEN HE’S STANDING UP, THEREFORE I WILL ASK MY QUESTION STANDING UP.

SINCE 1991, DEMOCRACY WAS ONE OF THE MAJOR ISSUES AND AT THAT ELECTION THOSE WHO ARE FOR. DEMOCRACY WON. AND HERE, OUT OF THE 18 PEOPLE IN THE DEMOCRACTIC CAMP, 17 SUPPORT YOUR PROPOSALS. SO COULD YOU THEREFORE GUARANTEE TO US THAT SHOULD MOST OF THE DIRECTLY ELECTED MEMBERS CONTINUE TO SUPPORT YOU, YOU WILL NOT BACK-PEDAL OR ABANDON YOUR ORIGINAL PROPOSALS?

GOVERNOR: MY POSITION REMAINS AS I DESCRIBED IT EARLIER. I THINK THE PROPOSALS THAT I PUT FORWARD ARE GOOD ONES. THE PROPOSALS I PUT FORWARD HAVE THE SUPPORT OF THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT. THE PROPOSALS THAT I’VE PUT FORWARD HAVE BEEN, I THINK SO FAR, WELL RECEIVED IN HONG KONG. I REMAIN OPEN TO DISCUSS PROPOSALS WHICH ANYBODY ELSE PUTS FORWARD WHICH THEY REGARD AS BETTER THAN MINE. BY BETTER I MEAN MORE OPEN, MORE FAIR AND MORE ACCEPTABLE TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG. BUT I HAVEN’T BEEN OVERWHELMED THUS FAR BY SUCH PROPOSALS, THOUGH I’M DELIGHTED THAT, I THINK THREE OR FOUR, HONOURABLE MEMBERS HAVE BEGUN TO PUT FORWARD THEIR OWN IDEAS.

LET ME THEN TURN TO THE POINT WHICH THE HONOURABLE MEMBER MADE ABOUT THE DIFFERENT SORTS OF MANDATE IN THIS COUNCIL. THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IS AS IT IS. IT WOULD BE WRONG OF ME TO MAKE DISTINCTIONS BETWEEN DIFFERENT HONOURABLE MEMBERS. THE COMMUNITY KNOWS WHAT HAPPENED IN THE ELECTIONS IN 1991 AND DOUBTLESS THE COMMUNITY MAKES CERTAIN JUDGMENTS AS A RESULT OF THOSE ELECTION RESULTS. BUT IT WOULD BE WHOLLY WRONG OF ME TO MAKE DISTINCTIONS BETWEEN HONOURABLE MEMBERS, ACCORDING TO THE BACKGROUNDS FROM WHICH THEY CAME. THOSE BACKGROUNDS WILL OF COURSE CHANGE TN 1995, 1999 AND IN SUBSEQUENT ELECTIONS TO THE COUNCIL.

ELSIE TU: SIR, AS A TEACHER, I WOULD LIKE TO STAND UP. I HAVE CORRESPONDENCE HERE TO PROVE THAT IN 1978, BRITAIN REFUSED TO BEGIN GRADUAL PROGRESS TOWARDS DEMOCRACY IN HONG KONG ON THE GROUNDS THAT CHINA WAS OPPOSED TO IT AND THAT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT’S OVERRIDING CONCERN WAS TO MAINTAIN STABILITY AND PROSPERITY IN HONG KONG. SINCE YOUR GOVERNMENT WOULD NOT DE-STABILISE HONG KONG UNDER BRITISH ADMINISTRATION, WHY IS Cl' PREPARED TO SEE HONG KONG DESTABILISED BY A FASTER PACE OF DEMOCRACY NOW THAT THE BRITISH ARE LEAVING?

/GOVERNOR: WELL

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1992

GOVERNOR: WELL, I’M SURE THAT THE HONOURABLE LADY WOULD FIRST OF ALL WANT TO CONFIRM THAT WHATEVER I MAY BE RESPONSIBLE FOR, WHAT MINISTERS SAID IN 1978, OR WHAT OTHERS SAID IN 1978, OR WHAT GOVERNORS SAID IN 1978, ISN’T ENTIRELY MY RESPONSIBILITY. IF THE HONOURABLE LADY IS SAYING THAT IT HAS BEEN ARGUED IN THE PAST THAT THERE COULD BE NO GREATER PROGRESS TO DEMOCRACY BECAUSE CHINA WOULD OBJECT TO THAT, THEN I’M INTERESTED TO HEAR HER. PUTTING THAT ARGUMENT. IT’S PERFECTLY CLEAR UNDER THE JOINT DECLARATION THAT THERE SHOULD BE ORDERLY PROGRESS TOWARDS GREATER DEMOCRACY. THAT IS PLAIN IN THE JOINT DECLARATION. IT’S ALSO PERFECTLY CLEAR THAT YOU CANNOT FIND IN THE BASIC LAW, ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONS WHICH I HAVE TRIED TO TACKLE IN THE PROPOSALS THAT I’VE PUT FORWARD FOR THE 1995 ELECTIONS. BOTH THOSE PROPOSITIONS ARE CLEAR, AND I THINK THAT THE HONOURABLE LADY WOULD REGARD ME AS FAILING IN MY DUTY IF I DIDN’T PUT FORWARD MY OWN PROPOSALS. I ASSUME THAT THE HONOURABLE LADY REGARDS THE CRITERIA THAT I’VE SET OUT AS BEING ACCEPTABLE ONES.

WELL, THE CRITERIA, THE HONOURABLE LADY WILL RECALL, ARE THAT THE ELECTIONS SHOULD BE FAIR AND OPEN AND ACCEPTABLE TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG. I THINK IT’S DIFFICULT TO PUT AN ARGUMENT FOR THE CONTRARY PROPOSITIONS. SO I’VE DONE WHAT I’M OBLIGED TO DO SINCE THERE ARE GAPS IN THE PRESENT ARRANGEMENTS, AND I’VE DONE SO IN A WAY WHICH I THINK RECOGNISES NOT WHAT EVERY POLITICAL GROUP OR COMMUNITY GROUP HAS BEEN PRESSING FOR IN THE COMMUNITY, BECAUSE THE POSITION WHEN I CAME WAS THAT PEOPLE WERE PRESSING FOR A GREAT DEAL MORE DEMOCRACY THAN THE MODEST STEPS ALLOWED FOR IN MY PROPOSALS.

JIMMY MCGREGOR: GOVERNOR, YOU WILL COME TO A POSITION, I’M SURE QUITE SOON, WHEN YOU’LL BE ABLE TO ASSESS WHAT KIND OF SUPPORT YOU HAVE FOR YOUR PROPOSALS EXTENSIVELY ACROSS THE COMMUNITY AND AT THE SAME TIME WHERE THE DISAGREEMENT WITH YOUR PROPOSALS WILL ALSO RISE. I’M SORRY TO SAY THAT IN BUSINESS THERE IS AN INCREASING CONCERN WITH THE ATTITUDE TAKEN BY CHINA AND A VERY SUBSTANTIAL CONCERN WITH THE CONTINUATION OF DIALOGUE WITH CHINA. AT SOME POINT FAIRLY SOON, AND BEFORE YOUR LEGISLATION COMES BEFORE THIS COUNCIL, WHEN REALLY YOU’VE REACHED A POINT ALMOST OF NO RETURN I WOULD THINK, AT LEAST YOU’RE PUTTING INTO THE COUNCIL DECISIONS AT THAT STAGE WHICH COULD POSSIBLY HAVE BEEN MADE BEFORE THE LEGISLATION IS ACTUALLY DRAFTED - THE DRAFTING PROCESS HAS FINISHED. DO YOU HAVE A SITUATION WHERE YOU ARE WILLING TO CONSIDER SUBSTANTIAL CHANGE TO ANY OF THE PRINCIPAL PROPOSALS THAT YOU HAVE MADE - AND I REALLY REFER TO THE TWO WHICH ARE CAUSING THE GREATEST SINGLE CONCERN IN HONG KONG, AND IN CHINA - ARE YOU IN A SITUATION WHERE THE GOVERNMENT IS WILLING TO DISCUSS WITH THIS COUNCIL BEFORE LEGISLATION GOES FORWARD, IS DRAFTED, CHANGES WHICH MIGHT BE MADE TO THE PRINCIPAL PROPOSALS?

GOVERNOR: THERE ARE TWO POINTS TO THAT QUESTION.

FIRST OF ALL THE HONOURABLE MEMBER IS, I THINK, ENTIRELY RIGHT IN SAYING THAT OF THE SEVEN PROPOSALS THAT 1 PUT IN MY LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SPEECH IN EARLY OCTOBER, CONTROVERSY FOCUSES PRINCIPALLY ON TWO. AND I WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THAT EVEN THOUGH THERE WOULD BE ARGUMENT IN THE COUNCIL ABOUT SOME OF THE OTHERS, AS THERE HAS BEEN IN THE PAST, THAT THAT ARGUMENT WOULD BE - HOW CAN I PUT IT? - EASILY CONTAINED WITHIN THE BOUNDS OF DECORUM.

/AS FOR ........

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1992

AS FOR THE OTHER TWO PROPOSALS, I CAN ONLY REPEAT WHAT I’VE SAID EARLIER, IF PROPOSALS COME FORWARD FROM THIS COUNCIL, OR IF PROPOSALS COME FORWARD FROM ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE COMMUNITY, WHICH IN MY JUDGMENT, AND IN THE COUNCIL’S, ARE MORE FAIR, ARE BETTER, ARE BASED ON BETTER PREMISES THAN THE PROPOSALS THAT I’VE MADE, I REMAIN OPEN-MINDED AND I REMAIN READY TO CONSIDER THEM. IF I HADN’T BEEN IN THAT STATE OF MIND, WHEN I SPOKE TO THE COUNCIL ON THE 7TH OCTOBER I WOULD HAVE ANNOUNCED THE DECISIONS THAT I WAS MAKING, NOT THE PROPOSALS THAT I WAS PROPOSING. SO I HOPE THAT WITHOUT COMPLICATING MATTERS TOO MUCH, THE POSITION IS CLEAR TO THE HONOURABLE MEMBER AND TO OTHER HONOURABLE MEMBERS.

I WOULD ONLY ADD THIS. THERE HAVE, I THINK, BEEN TWO SUBSTANTIVE DEBATES ON THE PROPOSALS THAT I PUT FORWARD IN OCTOBER. IN BOTH THOSE DEBATES THERE WERE FAIRLY SUBSTANTIAL MAJORITIES FOR THE GENERAL APPROACH WHICH I HAD TAKEN. AND I’M SURE THAT IN CONSIDERING PROPOSALS AND THAT TN CONSIDERING THE WAY FORWARD, HONOURABLE MEMBERS WOULD WANT TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THAT.

SELINA CHOW: SIR, GIVEN THE LATEST TURN OF EVENTS AND THE BREAKDOWN OF DIALOGUE BETWEEN YOUR GOOD SELF AND THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT, WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO TO ENSURE THAT AS WELL AS THE "ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS" CONCEPT WHICH YOU’VE MENTIONED EARLIER, THAT THE SMOOTH TRANSITION PROMISED TO THE HONG KONG PEOPLE IN THE JOINT DECLARATION BY THE TWO GOVERNMENTS WILL BE ACHIEVED?

GOVERNOR: THE SMOOTH TRANSITION ISN’T, I WOULD ARGUE, BEING THREATENED BY AN ATTEMPT TO HAVE A RATIONAL DIALOGUE. I CAN’T DO MORE THAN HOLD MYSELF READY TO TALK TO ANYBODY OR TO CONSIDER ANY REASONABLE IDEAS. IT’S EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO KNOW WHAT OTHER POSTURE THAT ONE SHOULD GET INTO. IF IRRATIONAL THINGS ARE SAID BY OTHERS, SHOULD ONE RESPOND BY BEING IRRATIONAL ONESELF? IT DOESN’T SEEM TO ME THAT THERE IS VERY MUCH OF A CASE FOR THAT. BUT I’M AS CONCERNED AS THE HONOURABLE MEMBER THAT WE SHOULD HAVE THE SMOOTH TRANSITION. I’M NOT SURE THAT WE WOULD HAVE A SMOOTH TRANSITION, FOR EXAMPLE, IF I WAS TO PUT FORWARD PROPOSALS TO THIS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR THE 1995 ELECTIONS W|| I ( II WERE REGARDED AS BEING UNFAIR BY THE COUNCIL.

LET ME GIVE THE HONOURABLE MEMBER AN EXAMPLE OF THE SORT OF THING 1 MEAN. THERE WERE NEGOTIATIONS ON THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL. THE OUTCOME OF THOSE NEGOTIATIONS CAME TO THIS COUNCIL. THIS COUNCIL HAD A GOOD DEAL OF DIFFICULTY WITH THE OUTCOME OF THOSE NEGOTIATIONS. IT’S COMMON TO ALL OF US THAT WE WANT A COURT OF FINAL APPEAL, BUT THUS FAR THIS COUNCIL HAS HAD SOME DIFFICULTY WITH THE ARRANGEMENTS THAT WERE PUT FORWARD. I WOULD NOT LIKE TO BE IN THAT POSITION OVER THE ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR 1995, AND I DON’T THINK THAT IF I WERE, IT WOULD BE GOOD FOR THE POLITICAL STABILITY OF HONG KONG OR FOR A SMOOTH TRANSITION.

/RONALD ARCULLI: ........

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1992

RONALD ARCULLI: SIR, YOU’VE STATED ON MANY OCCASIONS THAT YOUR PROPOSALS FOR CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM WILL HAVE TO BE DECIDED IN THIS COUNCIL. WOULD IT THEREFORE NOT BE FAIR AND ACCEPTABLE TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG THAT WHEN THAT HAPPENS, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SHOULD ABSTAIN FROM VOTING ON YOUR PROPOSALS, SO THAT WHETHER OR NOT SUCH PROPOSALS ARE PASSED WILL IN FACT BE DECIDED BY THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AND NOT BY CIVIL SERVANTS? PARTICULARLY, WOULD IT NOT BE GROSSLY UNFAIR TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG IF THOSE PROPOSALS WERE PASSED BY THREE OR LESS VOTES?

GOVERNOR: FIRST OF ALL, I WOULD CERTAINLY TAKE ISSUE WITH THE SUGGESTION THAT CIVIL SERVANTS WEREN’T THE SAME AS THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, PARTICULARLY WHEN ONE IS TALKING ABOUT CIVIL SERVANTS WHO’VE DEDICATED THEIR LIVES TO THE SERVICE OF THE COMMUNITY. SECONDLY, WE GO STRAIGHT BACK TO THE POINT THAT I WAS ANSWERING IN RESPONSE TO AN EARLIER MEMBER. IF I WERE TO TAKE THE HONOURABLE MEMBER’S ADVICE, HOW WOULD I RESIST THE PROPOSAL WHICH WOULD DOUBTLESS COME FROM OTHER HONOURABLE MEMBERS SHORTLY AFTERWARDS, THAT I SHOULD SOMEHOW DEVALUE THE VOTE OF THOSE WHO WERE APPOINTED RATHER THAN ELECTED TO THE COUNCIL? EXACTLY THE SAME SORT OF ARGUMENTS WOULD BE APPLIED, AND I DON’T THINK THAT WOULD BE SENSIBLE, I DON’T THINK IT WOULD GIVE THIS HONOURABLE BODY THE CREDIT WHICH IS ITS DUE. SO I’M CERTAINLY NOT GOING TO PUT MYSELF IN A POSITION IN WHICH I DISTINGUISH BETWEEN ONE SORT OF HONOURABLE MEMBER AND ANOTHER.

BUT OBVIOUSLY, I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT WE CAN HAVE AS BROAD A BASE OF SUPPORT FOR THE POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG AS IS POSSIBLE. THAT IS MY INTENTION, THAT HAS BEEN MY INTENTION. I’M GLAD THAT ON, I THINK THE 11TH NOVEMBER, THE BODY OF SUPPORT SEEMED PRETTY BROAD, EVEN WITHOUT I THINK THE CHIEF SECRETARY’S VOTE, AND 1 HOPE THAT WHATEVER IS FINALLY AGREED BY THIS COUNCIL CAN HAVE AS MUCH SUPPORT IN THIS COUNCIL AS POSSIBLE, AND CAN BE A FOUNDATION FOR THIS COUNCIL WORKING MORE SUCCESSFULLY TOGETHER IN THE FUTURE. I DON’T THINK IT’S SURPRISING THAT THESE ISSUES AROUSE PASSIONS IN THIS COUNCIL, THEY’RE EXTREMELY IMPORTANT ISSUES AND IT WOULD BE SURPRISING IF THEY WEREN’T DEBATED PASSIONATELY. BUT WE DO HAVE TO LOOK TO, NOT JUST THE NEXT FOUR-AND-A-HALF YEARS BUT THE NEXT F1FTY-FOUR-AND-A-HALF YEARS, AND HOPE THAT OUT OF ALL THIS CAN COME NOT ONLY A MORE MATURE AND MORE SELF-CONFIDENT LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, BUT ALSO ONE WHICH DEVELOPS THE HABIT, WHEREVER POSSIBLE, OF WORKING CO-OPERATIVELY IN THE INTERESTS OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.

MR GILBERT LEUNG' GOVERNOR, ABOUT THE POLITICAL PACKAGE IN YOUR POLICY ADDRESS, THEY HAVE BEEN CRITICISED BY MANY PEOPLE. THE l.'DHK OPPOSES RETAINING THE EX-OFFICIO SEATS IN THE DB’S AND THE UC, RC. THE DB MEMBERS ARE AGAINST SCRAPPING THE APPOINTED SEATS. AS FOR THE DEFINITIONS OF THE FUNCTIONAL CONST 1TUENC1ES AND THE FORMATION OF THE ELECTION COMMITTEE, THERE: ARE VARIOUS VIEWS. NOW, MR GOVERNOR, CAN YOU CONSIDER PROMPTLY RETRACTING YOUR POLITICAL PACKAGE SO THAT YOU CAN RECONSIDER THE VIEWS OF ALL SECTORS, THEN YOU CAN NEGOTIATE WITH THE CHINESE FRANKLY AND OPENLY SO THAT YOU CAN REACH A PACKAGE ACCEPTABLE TO HONG KONG PEOPLE?

/GOVERNOR: I .........

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1992

GOVERNOR: I THINK THIS COUNCIL WOULD BE

SURPRISED IF PROPOSALS WHICH IT GAVE BROAD APPROVAL TO ONLY A FEW WEEKS AGO, WERE SUDDENLY WHIPPED OFF THE TABLE. I THINK THE COUNCIL WOULD FIND THAT AN ASTONISHING PIECE OF BEHAVIOUR BY THE GOVERNMENT. WHAT, ON THE OTHER HAND, I THINK THIS COUNCIL WOULD EXPECT THE GOVERNOR AND THE GOVERNMENT TO DO IS TO LISTEN INTENTLY IN CASE THERE ARE ANY BETTER PROPOSALS AVAILABLE. I HAVE TO SAY ONCE AGAIN THAT SO FAR J HAVEN'T BEEN KNOCKED-OVER IN A STAMPEDE OF PEOPLE COMING FORWARD WITH PROPOSALS WHICH THEY THOUGHT WERE BETTER. IN MY EXPERIENCE, WHEN PEOPLE THINK THEY HAVE PROPOSALS WHICH ARE BETTER THAN ONES THAT ONE HAS PUT FORWARD ONESELF, WHEN PEOPLE THINK THEY HAVE PROPOSALS WHICH THEY THINK MAY BE MORE POPULAR THAN ONES THAT ONE HAS PUT FORWARD ONESELF, THEY’RE NOT ON THE WHOLE, BA' AND LARGE, UNWILLING TO SUGGEST WHAT THOSE PROPOSALS MIGHT BE. AND THAT, I FANCY, IS THE POSITION WE’RE IN AT THE MOMENT.

MISS CHRISTINE LOH: ... THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT DELIVERED A.

FORMAL ULTIMATUM TO THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT ON THE REFORM PROPOSALS, ACCOMPANIED BY A SPECIFIC DECLARATION OF INTENDED RETRIBUTIVE ACTION?

GOVERNOR: NO, THAT HASN’T BEEN DONE - HASN’T BEEN DONE IN PUBLIC, HASN’T BEEN DONE IN PRIVATE. THE LATEST STATEMENT THAT WAS MADE WAS THE ONE MADE YESTERDAY EVENING BY THE HONG KONG AND MACAU AFFAIRS OFFICE. A STATEMENT WAS PUT OUT BY THE GOVERNMENT YESTERDAY EVENING ABOUT THAT. AS THE HONOURABLE MEMBER WILL DOUBTLESS ENOW, CONTRACTS WHI ( II ARE VALIDLY LEGALLY ENTERED INTO BEFORE 1997 UNDER OUR COMMON LAW, ACCORDING TO BOTH THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW, SURVIVE THE TRANSITION TO 1997, PROVIDED THAT THEY DON’T CONTRAVENE THE BASIC LAW, AND IT’S RATHER DIFFICULT TO IMAGINE A CONTRACT THAT WOULD CONTRAVENE THE BASIC LAW. WE’VE BEEN PURSUING THAT PERFECTLY, SENSIBLY AND CONSTRUCTIVELY OURSELVES BY HAVING REGULAR DISCUSSIONS IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP ABOUT FRANCHISES WHICH MIGHT COVER 1997, AND WE’LL CONTINUE TO DO SO. IN DOING SO, WE’LL TAKE ACCOUNT OF WHAT THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT SAID YESTERDAY, WHEN IT REMARKED AT THE. END OF ITS STATEMENT THAT IT WOULD TAKE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE IN EXAMINING AND APPROVING CONTRACTS. IT SAID THAT IT WANTED TO MAINTAIN AND DEVELOP LONG TERM PROSPERITY AND STABILITY IN HONG KONG. PERHAPS I SHOULD UNDERLINE THOSE WORDS. THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT REITERATED THAT INVESTMENTS IN HONG KONG BY PRIVATE CAPITAL FROM BOTH CHINESE AND FOREIGNERS SOURCES REMAINS WELCOME. I ENDORSE THAT AS WELL. BUT APART FROM THAT STATEMENT, WE HAVEN’T RECEIVED ANY OTHER COMMUNICATION IN THE LAST FEW DAYS, SUCH AS THE HONOURABLE LADY WAS REFERRING TO.

MR MARTIN BARROW:

OVERSEAS VISITS TN 1993, AND WOULD YOU CONSIDER INVITING A WASHINGTON FOR A JOINT EFFORT

SIR, ( OULD YOU OUTLINE ANY PLANS FOR IN PARTICULAR TO THE UNITED STATES, AND FEW HONG KONG BUSINESSMEN TO JOIN YOU IN ON MEN RENEWAL?

/GOVERNOR: THIS .........

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1992

GOVERNOR: THIS IS A SUBJECT WHICH I’VE BEGUN TO DISCUSS WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY, I TOUCHED ON IT BRIEFLY WITH MY BUSINESS COUNCIL AT ITS FIRST MEETING. I DISCUSSED IT BRIEFLY WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE YESTERDAY. I HOPE TO BE ABLE TO VISIT WASHINGTON AND THE UNITED STATES IN THE NEW YEAR, AS SOON AS A NEW ADMINISTRATION HAS SHAKEN DOWN AND AS SOON AS A NEW ADMINISTRATION HAS THE TIME TO SEE THE GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG IN THE GAPS AVAILABLE FROM CONFIRMATION HEARINGS AND SO ON. WHAT I WILL WANT TO SAY, AND IT’S AN ARGUMENT THAT I THINK WILL BE ALL THE STRONGER IF I CAN BE SUPPORTED IN SAYING IT BY REPRESENTATIVES OF THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY IN HONG KONG, IS THAT THE POLITICISATION OF TRADE IS ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS, DAMAGING. THAT IT IS IN THE INTERESTS OF HONG KONG TO HAVE THE FREEST MOST OPEN TRADE BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND CHINA, THAT I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT TRADE FRICTION WOULD DO OTHER THAN UNDERMINE GROWTH, DESTROY JOBS AND PUT UP PRICES. THAT’S AN ARGUMENT THAT I WILL BE PUTTING AND I WILL BE TRYING TO APPLY THE PRINCIPLES AND THE IMPLICATIONS FOR HONG KONG, AND IN CONTACTS WITH A NEW US ADMINISTRATION. BUT I REPEAT THAT I’LL WANT TO DISCUSS WITH THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY HOW WE CAN BEST COORDINATE OUR ACTIVITIES. IT’S EXTREMELY IMPORTANT, WHEN WE PUT THOSE ARGUMENTS IN WASHINGTON AND ELSEWHERE, THAT WE HAVE AS MUCH CREDIBILITY AS POSSIBLE.

MR EDWARD HO: SIR, AS AN ARCHITECT IT WOULD BE NEGLIGENT OF MF IF I DRAW UP A PLAN WITHOUT THINKING OF THE STRUCTURE. YOUR PROPOSAL IS A PLAN WHICH MAY BE BEAUTIFUL TO SOME PEOPLE, BUT IT LACKS STRUCTURE, THE STRUCTURE BEING THE BASIC LAW WHICH IS TO BECOME EFFECTIVE AFTER 1997. AND I THINK THAT YOU HAVE NOT EMPHASISED THIS POINT TO BOTH THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AND TO THE WESTERN COMMUNITY, THAT IS, THE EXISTENCE OF THE BASIC LAW. OF COURSE, YOU HAVE SAID THAT YOUR PROPOSALS ARE CONSISTENT WITH THE BASIC LAW. IF IT IS SO, THEN THERE IS NO PROBLEM OF CONVERGENCE. BUT ON THE OTHER HAND, GOVERNMENT MEMBERS IN THIS COUNCIL HAVE VOTED AGAINST AN AMENDMENT TO MISS CHRISTINE LOH’S MOTION WHICH BROUGHT IN THE ELEMENT OF CONVERGENCE. IN OTHER WORDS, GOVERNMENT BY ITS VOTE, HAS INDICATED THAT CONVERGENCE IS NOT AN IMPORTANT ELEMENT. I WOULD HOPE THAT YOU CAN CLARIFY THAT.

GOVERNOR: I'D BE DELIGHTED TO CLARIFY THAT - AND

PERHAPS OTHER HONOURABLE MEMBERS WILL EXCUSE MF, IF I DO THIS - I'LL DO THE CLARIFICATION IF THE HONOURABLE MEMBER WILL TELL ME WHERE MY PROPOSALS BREACH THE BASIC LAW.

EDWARD HO: 1 THINK SIR, 1 DON’T WANT TO OPEN A DEBATE. I THINK IT WILL TAKE A LONG TIME TO DEBATE WHERE THE BASIC LAW AND YOUR PROPOSAL WOULD OR WOULD NOT BE CONSISTENT. MY POINT IS IF YOU THINK

THAT IT IS CONSISTENT WITH THE BASIC LAW THEN YOU CAN SUPPORT

CONVERGENCE. WHAT HAPPENED WAS THAI' GOVERNMENT DID NOT SUPPORT

CONVERGENCE BECAUSE WHEN (.HIM PUI-CHUNG PUT UP AN AMENDMENT TO MISS CHRISTINE LOH’S MOTION ALL HE BROUGHT IN WAS THE ELEMENT OF

CONVERGENCE AND GOVERNMENT MEMBERS WERE AGAINST IT.

/GOVERNOR: I .........

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1992

GOVERNOR: I AM IN FAVOUR OF AS SMOOTH A TRANSITION THROUGH 1997 AS POSSIBLE. I’M ALSO IN FAVOUR OF ARRANGEMENTS FOR EXAMPLE FOR THE 1995 ELECTIONS WHICH ARE DECENT, WHICH ARE ACCEPTABLE TO THE COMMUNITY. I SUPPOSE THAT THE HONOURABLE MEMBER COULD CONCEIVE OF ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE 1995 ELECTIONS WHICH MIGHT TRANSFER SMOOTHLY THROUGH 1997 BUT WOULD NOT BE ACCEPTABLE TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG. I CERTAINLY COULD. SO THE PROBLEM WE HAVE TO ADDRESS IS ONE OF BALANCE, THAT'S WHAT I TRIED TO ADDRESS IN THE PROPOSALS THAT I BROUGHT FORWARD ON THE 7TH OF OCTOBER, AFTER, DESPITE WHAT I THINK ONE OR TWO HONOURABLE MEMBERS HAVE SAID, AFTER PROTRACTED DISCUSSIONS WITH LARGE NUMBERS OF MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL AND WITH OTHERS OUTSIDE AS WELL. SMOOTH TRANSITION CERTAINLY, BUT SMOOTH TRANSITION OF ARRANGEMENTS WHICH ARE FAIR AND OPEN AND ACCEPTABLE.

TIK CHI-YUEN: MR GOVERNOR, YOU MENTIONED TIME AND AGAIN THAT YOU WANT A SENSIBLE, RATIONAL DIALOGUE WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES TO SOLVE THE PROBLEMS. FROM NOW TILL THE BEGINNING OF NEXT YEAR, DO YOU HAVE ANY CONCRETE PLANS IN THE PIPELINE TO EFFECT SENSIBLE RATIONAL DIALOGUE AND DO YOU ENVISAGE ANY DIFFICULTIES IN TRYING TO DO SO?

GOVERNOR: I DON’T HAVE ANY DIFFICULTIES IN DOING SO. WHEN I WAS IN PEKING ONE OF THE SUGGESTIONS THAT WAS PUT FORWARD WAS THAT THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP COULD PROVIDE A FORUM FOR DISCUSSIONS. I’VE MADE IT PERFECTLY CLEAR, OUR AMBASSADOR TO THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP HAS MADE IT PERFECTLY CLEAR THAT THAT IS ABSOLUTELY FINE BY US. WE THINK THAT WOULD BE A PERFECTLY SENSIBLE WAY TO MOVE FORWARD. IF CHINESE OFFICIALS HAVE ANY OTHER PROPOSALS I WILL BE VERY HAPPY TO CONSIDER THEM BECAUSE I’VE MADE IT PLAIN THAT I WILL GO ANYWHERE AT ANY TIME TO TALK TO ANY ONE IN THE HOPE THAT WE CAN HAVE AS SENSIBLE AND CALM DISCUSSIONS OF THESE MATTERS AS POSSIBLE, BUT PERHAPS I CAN JUST REITERATE ONE THING AGAIN. SOMETIMES PEOPLE SUGGEST THAT FOR ME TO GO ON SAYING THAT 1 AM VERY’ HAPPY’ TO HAVE A RATIONAL DIALOGUE IS SOMEHOW BANGING MY HEAD AGAINST A BRICK WALL. THE POINT WAS MADE ALMOST IN THOSE TERMS IN ONE OF OUR NEWSPAPERS THIS MORNING. BUT WHAT IS MORE SENSIBLE THAN ASKING FOR A SENSIBLE DIALOGUE? I’M NOT SURE WHAT IS. I REPEAT ONCE AGAIN, AND MEAN ONCE AGAIN, THAT IF THERE ARE ANY' BETTER PROPOSALS FROM ANYWHERE I WILL BE VERY HAPPY TO SEE THEM.

EMILY LAU: GOVERNOR, WHEN YOU WIRE IN JAPAN LAST WEEK YOU SPOKE ABOUT BRITAIN’S MORAL RESPONSIBILITY I OR. THE HONG KONG PEOPLE AFTER 1997, YOU SAID, FOR A FEW YEARS. YESTERDAY YOUR REMARKS WERE CRITICISED BY A VICE DIRECTOR OF XIN HUA NEWS AGENCY WHO SAID BRITAIN SHOULD NOT HAVE ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE HONG KONG PEOPLE AFTER 1997. MY VIEW IS EXACTLY THE OPPOSITE. 1 THINK BRITAIN IS MORALLY, FIRMLY, MORALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR US FOR FIFTY YEARS AFTER 1997, THE PERIOD COVERED BY THE JOINT DECLARATION. SO WILL YOU PLEASE TELL US, AND THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, WHAT EXACTLY DO YOU MEAN WHEN YOU SAY BRITAIN IS MORALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR US AFTER 1997, AND HOW MANY YEARS THAT RESPONSIBILITY EXTENDS?

/GOVERNOR: WELL, .........

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1992

GOVERNOR: WELL, I WAS SURPRISED BY THE REMARKS OF THE VICE

DIRECTOR OF THE NCNA SINCE THEY SEEMED TO OVERLOOK THE FACT THAT THE JOINT DECLARATION WAS SIGNED BY THE UNITED KINGDOM AS WELL AS CHINA, AND WAS AN EXPLICIT AFFIRMATION OF OUR CONTINUING CONCERN FOR FIFTY YEARS FOR THE SYSTEM IN HONG KONG WHICH IS PART OF ONE COUNTRY TWO SYSTEMS. AS I’VE SAID ON OTHER OCCASIONS, NOT ONE COUNTRY ONE-AND-A-HALF SYSTEMS, OR ONE COUNTRY ONE-AND-A-QUARTER SYSTEMS BUT ONE COUNTRY TWO SYSTEMS. OUR WAY OF LIFE IN HONG KONG, OUR PROSPERITY AND STABILITY AND THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THOSE THINGS AND THE FREEDOMS THAT WE CHERISH, WHETHER FREEDOM OF SPEECH OR FREEDOM OF ASSEMBLY OR OTHER SORTS OF FREEDOM, THOSE THINGS ARE SET OUT IN THE GREATEST DETAIL IN THE JOINT DECLARATION. THEY WERE PART OF AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN BRITAIN AND CHINA AND AN AGREEMENT WHICH IS BINDING FOR FIFTY’ YEARS. SO, I REALLY CAN’T UNDERSTAND HOW ANYBODY CAN SAY THAT OUR INTEREST IN, OR COMMITMENT TO HONG KONG ENDS ON THE 30TH OF JUNE 1997, WHEN THE 28TH BRITISH GOVERNOR TAKES HIS LEAVE. THE BEST WAY, OR ONE OF THE BEST WAYS IN MY JUDGEMENT IN WHICH WE CAN ENSURE THAT WE DISCHARGE THAT RESPONSIBILITY IS BY GOVERNING HONG KONG IN THE NEXT 4-1/2 YEARS AS WELL AS POSSIBLE. AND, BY TRYING TO ENSURE THERE ARE ARRANGEMENTS IN PLACE IN HONG KONG, ARRANGEMENTS WHICH ARE IN LINE WITH THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW, ARRANGEMENTS WHICH HELP TO SECURE HONG KONG’S WAY OF LIFE AFTER 1997, BECAUSE UNLESS WE ARE PREPARED TO TRY TO SECURE HONG KONG’S WAY OF LIFE AFTER 1997 BEFORE 1997, IT IS RATHER GOING TO BE RATHER. MORE DIFFICULT TO DO SO AFTER 1997 .

SIMON IP: GOVERNOR, WHEN YOU CAME TO HONG KONG, IN YOUR INAUGURAL SPEECH YOU SAID THAT THE MOST IMPORTANT TASK YOU HAVE TO FACE IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS IS TO BUILD TRUST AND UNDERSTANDING WITH CHINA. CLEARLY, TRUST AND UNDERSTANDING ARE TWO COMMODITIES WHICH ARE

IN VERY SHORT SUPPLY AT I’llE MOMENT AND WE’VE SEEN A VERY GREAT DETERIORATION OF RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CHINA AND HONG KONG AND CHINA AND BRITAIN. HOW DO YOU AIM TO RESTORE OR BUILD TRUST AND UNDERSTANDING AND, ARE YOU WILLING TO SACRIFICE TRUST AND UNDERSTANDING FOR YOUR POLITICAL REFORM PACKAGE?

GOVERNOR: I SUSPECT THAT IT WAS ALWAYS GOING TO BE DIFFICULT TO AGREE ON ARRANGEMENTS FOR Till- 1995 ELECTIONS WHICH WERE REGARDED AS WIDELY ACCEPTABLE TO PEKING, TO LONDON AND TO HONG KONG. I SUSPECT IF THERE HADN’T BEEN ,\ PROBLEM IT WOULD HAVE BEEN ONE THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN TACKLED SUCCESSFULLY AND BEFORE JULY THIS YEAR. WHAT I DON’T THINK WOULD BE AN ACCEPTABLE BASIS FOR TRUST AND UNDERSTANDING WITH ANYONE WAS IF THE PRICE THAT THE GOVERNMENT OF HONG KONG HAD TO PAY WAS SACRIFICING THE TRUST \ND UNDERSTANDING OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT WHAT I HAVE TO SEEK 'IO DO IS TO RECONCILE THE TRUST AND UNDERSTANDING OF Till PF.OPLI OF HONG KONG WITH A BETTER WORKING RELATIONSHIP WITH PIKING AND CHINESE OFFICIALS AND 1 VERY MUCH HOPE THAT AS WE MOVE I’HROUGH THESE PERHAPS INEVITABLY CHOPPY WATERS WE’LL FIND THAT THERE IS SMOOTHER SAILING THE OTHER SIDE, BUT UNLESS ONE WAS TO RUN THE RISK OF SACRIFICING TRUST \NI) UNDERSTANDING IN HONG KONG I SUSPECT THAT ONE WAS GOING TO FIND ONESELF WITH AN ARGUMENT SIMILAR TO THIS SOME TIME OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS WHENEVER ONE ADDRESSED THE PROBLEM OF HOW BEST TO ORGANISE THE 1995 ELECTIONS.

/HOWARD YOUNG: .......

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1992

HOWARD YOUNG: SIR, BEFORE I ASK MY QUESTION I WOULD JUST LIKE TO MENTION THAT YOUR QUESTION DIRECTED TO MY COLLEAGUE K, CRC, HONOURABLE EDWARD HO, ON YOUR PACKAGE AND THE BASIC LAW, I DID MENTION TO YOU MY VIEWS ON THE 13TH OF OCTOBER WHEN WE SPOKE PRIVATELY AND ALSO 14TH AND 22ND OCTOBER AND THEN CULMINATING ON THE 5TH NOVEMBER IN A LETTER TO YOU AND I SHALL NOT ELABORATE. SIR, 1 WOULD LIKE TO ASK WHY DO YOU THINK IT IS NECESSARY TO SOLICIT SUPPORT FROM UNITED STATES, CANADA, AUSTRALIA AND EVEN JAPAN FAR AWAY FOR THE CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM PACKAGE, WHICH AT THE LEAST A DOMESTIC ISSUE, OR AT THE MOST IS AN ISSUE BETWEEN CHINA AND BRITAIN? BECAUSE, YOURSELF SIR, BEING A GREAT SCHOLAR OF HISTORY, BEARING IN MIND THE HISTORY OF HOW HONG KONG CAME ABOUT, WOULD IT NOT RISK UNNECESSARILY AROUSING NATIONALISTIC SENTIMENT WHICH WILL BE DIVISIBLE IN HONG KONG AND ALSO DIVISIVE BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA?

GOVERNOR: I THINK THAT WITH RESPECT TO THE HONOURABLE MEMBER WHICH 1 MEAN, I THINK THAT ONE SHOULDN’T NECESSARILY BELIEVE THAT THE ATTACKS ON THE GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG FOR DOING THIS OR THAT ARE ALWAYS ACCURATE. I HAVEN’T ATTEMPTED TO SOLICIT SUPPORT; I HAVE FOUND AROUND THE WORLD A GREAT DEAL OF INTEREST IN WHAT IS HAPPENING IN HONG KONG, BUT THE COUNTRIES WHICH I HAVE RECENTLY VISITED, CANADA AND JAPAN, I ASSUME THE HONOURABLE MEMBER WOULD LEAVE THE UNITED KINGDOM OUT OF THE PICTURE BECAUSE THAT, AFTER ALL, IS THE PRESENT SOVEREIGN POWER. IN CANADA AND JAPAN, THE GOVERNMENTS RECOGNISE THAT THE SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE JOINT DECLARATION IS ABOVE ALL A MATTER FOR HONG KONG, FOR CHINA AND FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM. BUT THEY ARE ACTUALLY INTERESTED IN THAT SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION. WHEN I WAS IN JAPAN, 1 WAS ASKED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS BY JOURNALISTS WHETHER I WAS DISAPPOINTED THAT JAPAN HADN’T ENDORSED MY PACKAGE. I POINTED OUT THAT BEFORE I WENT TO JAPAN 1 HAD SAID THAT I DIDN’T EXPECT THAT FROM JAPAN OR SEEK THAT FROM JAPAN. SO, IF YOU HAVEN’T EXPECTED SOMETHING TO HAPPEN OR ASKED FOR SOMETHING TO HAPPEN YOU CAN’T BE DISAPPOINTED THAT IT DIDN’T HAPPEN, IF THE HONOURABLE MEMBER SEES WHAT I MEAN. I DON’T SEEK TO SOLICIT SUPPORT FROM THE OUTSIDE WORLD FOR THE PROPOSALS WHICH THE GOVERNMENT OF HONG KONG HAS PUT FORWARD, BUT I’M NOT SURPRISED THAT THERE IS INTEREST IN THE OUTSIDE WORLD IN WHAT IS HAPPENING IN HONG KONG SINCE HONG KONG IS ONE OF THE GREATEST INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL CENTRES IN THE WORLD, AND SINCE IT’S IN THE INTERESTS OF THE WORLD THAT HONG KONG SHOULD REMAIN PRECISELY LIKE THAT AND WHAT 1)0 I THINK OF THE MAIN CONDITIONS FOR HONG KONG REMAINING LIKE THAT? I’Ll. TILL THE HONOURABLE MEMBER. I THINK THAT THE MAIN CONDITIONS ARE TO RETAIN AN OPEN MARKET ECONOMY AND THE RULE OF LAW AND THOSE ARE MY' MAIN OBJECTIVES.

PETER WONG: J WISH TO FOLLOW UP YOUR ANSWER TO THE HONOURABLE COLLEAGUE’S QUESTION ON THE VOTING THE THREE OFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL. EACH OF US, THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS, ARE FREE TO VOTE ACCORDING TO OUR OWN WISH OR CONSCIENCE. WE ACCORD THE SAME FREEDOM TO THE THREE OFFIl LALS SO THEY CAN VOTE ACCORDING TO THEIR OWN CONSCIENCE.

GOVERNOR: OF COURSE, BUT LT Wol LI) BE SURPRISING IF MEMBERS,

OFFICIAL MEMBERS OF Illi HONG KONG EXECUTIVE, DIDN’T AGREE WITH THE HONG KONG EXECUTIVE’S POLICH'S. So, I FIND IT A SLIGHTLY CURIOUS QUESTION, BUT MY SENIOR OFFICIALS HAVE, LIKE THE HONOURABLE MEMBERS, PRINCIPLES TO WHICH I HEY ADHERE VERY STRONGLY. I THINK THAT BETTER BE THE LAST ONE, I’M SORRY.

/S T TANG: SIR

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1992

S T TANG: SIR, IN THE PRESENT CONFUSED SITUATION ABOUT HONG KONG’S POLITICAL REFORMS, DO YOU THINK THAT YOUR PRESENTATION OVERSEAS CAN HELP THE FOREIGNERS OF HAVE A FAIR EVALUATION AND UNDERSTANDING OF HONG KONG WITHOUT KNOWING CHINA’S POSITION?

GOVERNOR: IN MY EXPERIENCE CHINA HAS NOT BEEN SLOW TO MAKE HER POSITION CLEAR. J HAVE THE DISTINCT IMPRESSION BEFORE EACH OF MY VISITS THAT CHINESE OFFICIALS, AS IS DOUBTLESS THEIR JOB, HAVE BEEN DOING THAT VERY VIGOROUSLY. LAST QUESTION.

SZETO WAH: MR GOVERNOR, WHEN YOU WERE IN LONDON YOU SAID, YOU TALKED ABOUT EMPTY THREATS AND IT LED TO SOME MISUNDERSTANDING. AT THAT TIME, WHY DID YOU USE THE TERM EMPTY THREATS, BECAUSE IN THE LAST TWO DAYS IF YOU WERE TO USE ANOTHER ADJECTIVE, WOULD YOU USE ANOTHER ADJECTIVE? IF SO, WHAT WILL THAT NEW ADJECTIVE BE?

GOVERNOR: THE CONFUSION TO WHICH THE HONOURABLE MEMBER REFERS IS SOMETHING THAT PERHAPS I COULD EXPLAIN TO THOSE MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL WHO AREN’T AWARE OF IT. 1 USED THE WORD EMPTY THREATS, ACTUALLY I THINK I USED IT IN CANADA, NOT IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, AFTER A STATEMENT HAD BEEN MADE DENOUNCING THIS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR HAVING THE TEMERITY TO DO WHAT IT’S SUPPOSED TO DO UNDER THE BASIC LAW. THAT IS, TO VOTE ON LEGISLATIVE ARRANGEMENTS. I USED THE WORD EMPTY THREATS IN RELATION TO THE STATEMENT THAT WAS MADE I THINK BY THE NCNA ABOUT THAT VOTE AND IT WAS TRANSLATED BY ONE OF THE AGENCIES, MAKING I’M SURE A RARE ERROR, AS BEING EMPTY-HEADED RATHER THAN EMPTY THREATS. I WOULDN’T OF COURSE ACCUSE ANYONE FOR BEING EMPTY-HEADED UNDER ANY CONCEIVABLE CIRCUMSTANCES, BECAUSE AS THE HONOURABLE MEMBER WILL KNOW, I AM A MAN OF GREAT FORBEARANCE. THAT WAS THE CONFUSION AND EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS THE REACTION TO WHICH THE HONOURABLE MEMBER REFERRED, IT WAS ROOTED IN WHAT THE AGENCY SAID RATHER THAN WHAT THE GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG SAID. I DON’T WANT TO USE ADJECTIVES, THERE ARE A LOT OF ADJECTIVES BEING USED AT THE MOMENT, THEY ARE NOT BEING USED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF HONG KONG. WHAT I WILL SAY IS JUST THIS. THOSE WHO TALK, AS WE ALL DO, ABOUT SECURING THE PROSPERITY AND STABILITY OF HONG KONG SHOULD IN MY JUDGEMENT MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ACHIEVE THAT OBJECTIVE AND SHOULD BE MINDFUL OF THE EFFECT THAT WORDS SOMETIMES HAVE IN A CONTRARY DIRECTION. 1 HOPE THAT WE CAN ALL WORK FOR THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG. I THINK THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG DESERVE BETTER THAN TO HAVE ANYTHING SAID ABOUT THEIR PROSPECTS WHICH MIGHT UNDERMINE THEIR PROSPERITY AND STABILITY. THERE IS EVERY REASON TO BE ENORMOUSLY CONFIDENT ABOUT THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG AND THAT WAS, IS, AND REMAINS MY POSITION AND I’M SURE THAT THAT WILL BE THE BASIS ON WHICH THIS COUNCIL AFTER, AS I SAID EARLIER, AN INEVITABLY HEATED DEBATE WILL BE ABLE TO WORK TOGETHER IN THE FUTURE.

IN ACCORDANCE WITH STANDING ORDERS MAY I NOW ADJOURN THE COUNCIL UNTIL 2.30 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY, 2ND OF DECEMBER 1992.

/15 ........

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1992

DOMESTIC EXPORT STATISTICS CLASSIFIED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN FOR 3RD QUARTER 1992 *****

IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1992, THE THREE MAJOR INDUSTRY GROUPS OF TEXTILES, WEARING APPAREL AND CONSUMER ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS TOGETHER ACCOUNTED FOR 59% OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF MANUFACTURED GOODS, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF TEXTILES INCREASED BY 6% TO $15.6 BILLION IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1992 AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME QUARTER LAST YEAR. THIS INCREASE WAS MAINLY DUE TO A GROWTH IN THE DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF KNITTED WEARS.

ON THE OTHER HAND, DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF WEARING APPAREL DECREASED BY 2% TO $11.7 BILLION IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1992. DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF CONSUMER ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS ALSO DROPPED BY 5% TO $9.8 BILLION.

AS FOR THE OTHER MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE RECORDED IN THE INDUSTRY GROUPS OF MACHINERY, EQUIPMENT, APPARATUS, PARTS AND COMPONENTS (+$844 MILLION OR +14%); PAPER AND PAPER PRODUCTS, PRINTING AND PUBLISHING (+$301 MILLION OR +16%); AND TOBACCO MANUFACTURES (+$136 MILLION OR +26%).

ON THE OTHER HAND, SIGNIFICANT DECLINES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE REGISTERED IN PLASTIC PRODUCTS (-$446 MILLION OR -20%); NON-METALLIC MINERAL PRODUCTS (-$44 MILLION OR -31%); AND FOOTWEAR (-$37 MILLION OR -24%).

THE ABOVE STATISTICS ON DOMESTIC EXPORTS ANALYSED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN ARE DERIVED BY RE-GROUPING THE MERCHANDISE EXPORT ITEMS ORIGINALLY GROUPED UNDER THE EXTERNAL TRADE CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM ACCORDING TO THE INDUSTRIES IN WHICH THESE MERCHANDISE ITEMS ARE NORMALLY PRODUCED. TRANSACTIONS IN GOLD AND SPECIE ARE EXCLUDED.

THE INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION USED IS THE HONG KONG STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION (HSIC). THE HSIC IS TO BE DISTINGUISHED FROM THE UNITED NATIONS STANDARD INTERNATIONAL TRADE CLASSIFICATION (SITC) USED IN THE REGULAR TRADE STATISTICS REPORTS.

IN COMPARISON, THE HSIC IS MORE RELATED TO PRODUCTION PROCESSES WHEREAS THE SITC IS MORE GEARED TO END USES OF PRODUCTS.

CAUTION SHOULD BE TAKEN WHEN REFERRING TO THESE DOMESTIC EXPORT STATISTICS CLASSIFIED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN. THERE MAY BE SEVERAL INTERMEDIATE PROCESSING STAGES IN THE PRODUCTION OF CERTAIN MERCHANDISE EXPORT ITEMS.

IN COMPILING THE ABOVE STATISTICS, THE TOTAL VALUE OF SUCH AN ITEM HAS HOWEVER BEEN WHOLLY RELATED TO THE INDUSTRY IN WHICH THE ITEM IS FINALLY PRODUCED.

DOMESTIC EXPORT STATISTICS OF A PARTICULAR INDUSTRY PRODUCED ABOVE MAY INCLUDE PRODUCTS WHICH ARE PRODUCED AS SECONDARY PRODUCTS BY ESTABLISHMENTS BELONGING TO OTHER INDUSTRIES.

/16 ........

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1992

Domestic exports of manufactured goods classified by industrial origin for the third quarter of 1992

(Value in HKS’OOO)

Industrial origin of the commodities exported Merchandise domestic exports

1992 3rd qtr. 1991 3rd qtr. Value change % change

Food 538,525 509,969 +28,556 +5.6

Beverages 132,153 115,608 +16,545 +14.3

Tobacco manufactures 661,712 526,208 +135,504 +25.8

Textiles (including knitting) 15,573,067 14,632,326 +940,741 +6.4

Wearing apparel, except footwear 11,698,486 11,916,493 -218,008 -1.8

Leather and leather products, except footwear and wearing apparel 430,037 384,735 +45,302 +11.8

Footwear, except rubber, plastic and wooden footwear 116,703 153,530 -36,827 -24.0

Wood and cork products, furniture and fixtures 120,288 117,320 +2,968 +2.5

Paper and paper products, printing and publishing 2,134,612 1,834,012 +300,600 +16.4

Chemicals and chemical products 1,695,053 1,718,779 -23,726 -1.4

Products of petroleum and coal 3,654 5,432 -1,778 -32.7

Rubber products 29,503 26,761 +2,742 + 10.2

Plastic products 1,782,231 2,228,529 -446,297 -20.0

Non-metallic mineral products, except products of petroleum and coal 98,112 142,284 -44,172 -31.0

Basic metals and fabricated metal products 2,469,584 2,425,864 +43,720 +1.8

Machinery, equipment, apparatus, parts and components 6,834,432 5,990,903 +843,529 + 14.1

Consumer electrical and electronic products 9,769,359 10,305,361 -536,002 -5.2

Transport equipment 62,331 52,230 +10,101 +19.3

Professional and optical equipment 4,805,611 4,840,823 -35,212 -0.7

Other manufacturing industries 3,620,857 3,589,938 +30,919 +0.9

Total 62,576,310 61,517,105 +1,059,205 +1.7

Notes : 1. Individual entries of a column may not add up exactly to the corresponding total due to rounding. All percentage changes are calculated from unrounded figures.

2. The above statistics are derived by re-grouping the merchandise export items under the external trade classification system according to the industries in which these items are normally produced. As from 1992, the Third Revision of the Standard International Trade Classification (SITC R3) has been adopted in place of the Second Revision (SITC R2) for the classification of trade statistics. To facilitate year-on-year comparison, statistics for the same period in 1991 have been re-compiled in terms of SITC R3 as far as possible. The above statistics may not be strictly comparable with those published for earlier years due to the change in trade classification.

-----0------

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1992

$78 BILLION EARMARKED FOR PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME *****

HONG KONG HAS EMBARKED UPON A SERIES OF MAJOR PROGRAMMES OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT WITH $78 BILLION AT MARCH 1992 PRICES ALREADY EARMARKED FOR PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

THIS IS IN ADDITION TO $43 BILLION AT MARCH 1991 PRICES, FOR THE SEVEN GOVERNMENT-FUNDED AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME PROJECTS, AND REPRESENTS A 44 PER CENT GROWTH IN REAL TERMS OVER SPENDING ON PUBLIC WORKS DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS.

ADDRESSING THE 1992 COMPLETION CEREMONY OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY TODAY (TUESDAY), MR BLAKE SAID: ’’WITHOUT MODERN AIRPORT AND PORT FACILITIES, HIGHWAYS AND TRANSPORTATION, COMMUNICATION AND INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT, WE COULD NOT MAINTAIN OUR STATUS AS THE BUSINESS HUB OF ASIA.”

”IN BUILDING FOR OUR FUTURE, THERE IS ALWAYS SCOPE FOR PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION IN MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS, SUCH AS THOSE RELATED TO THE PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT.”

MR BLAKE SAID THE LARGE-SCALE GOVERNMENT PROJECTS, TOGETHER WITH DEVELOPMENTS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR, WOULD PLACE A STRONG DEMAND ON THE CONSTRUCTION WORK FORCE OF MORE THAN 60,000 SKILLED AND SEMI-SKILLED WORKERS.

APART FROM ACTIVELY PROMOTING THE TRAINING OF ITS TECHNICIANS AND PROFESSIONALS, MR BLAKE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS ALSO STRONGLY ENCOURAGING CONTRACTORS TO PROVIDE THE NECESSARY TRAINING TO THEIR EMPLOYEES THROUGH LEGISLATION AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES.

-----0------

GOVT COMMITTED TO IMPROVING ELDERLY SERVICES

******

THE SPENDING OF $445 MILLION ON ELDERLY BILLION ON THE PAYMENT OF OLI) AGE ALLOWANCES AND THE ELDERLY THIS FINANCIAL YEAR INDICATES THE COMMITMENT TO FURTHER IMPROVING ELDERLY SERVICES

SERVICES, AND $3.38 PUBLIC ASSISTANCE TO GOVERNMENT’S STRONG

SOCIAL OF THE

THIS WAS STATED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE DEPUTY WELFARE, MRS ROSE GOODSTADT, WHEN ADDRESSING A ARTISTE TRAINING ALUMNI ASSOCIATION.

DIRECTOR OF

CHARITY NIGHT

”IT IS ENCOURAGING TO TAKE NOTE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES,” SHE SAID.

DEVELOPMENTS OF LOCAL

THE WHITE PAPER ON SOCIAL WELFARE PUBLISHED PROPOSALS FOR THE WAY AHEAD AND POLICIES IN FUTURE,

IN 1991 SET OUT SHE SAID.

/THE GOVERNOR .......

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1992

THE GOVERNOR ANNOUNCED AT THE OPENING OE THE CURRENT SESSION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD MAKE AN IMMEDIATE CAPITAL INJECTION OF $2.3 BILLION INTO THE LOTTERIES FUND TO IMPLEMENT KEY TARGETS SET OUT IN THE DOCUMENT, SHE ADDED.

FOLLOWING THE GOVERNMENT’S FINANCIAL SUPPORT, MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY SHOULD REACT POSITIVELY BY ACTIVELY TAKING PART IN VOLUNTEER SERVICES.

"IN DOING SO, WE CAN JOIN ANY WELFARE ESTABLISHMENTS, OR SIMPLY DONATE FUNDS FOR CHARITY. WE MAY ALSO FOLLOW THE GOOD EXAMPLE OF ARTISTE TRAINING ALUMNI ASSOCIATION TO HOLD CHARITY FUNCTIONS SO AS TO BUILD A CARING COMMUNITY,” SHE ADDED.

--------0 -----------

TWO DEBATES IN LEGCO *****

THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL HAVE TWO DEBATES AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).

THE HON PETER WONG WILL MOVE A MOTION URGING THE ADMINISTRATION TO REVIEW THE PRIORITIES OF ITS ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION PROGRAMMES AND TO DRAW UP A COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION POLICY WITH A TARGET TOWARDS ACHIEVING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT.

DR THE HON C H LEONG WILL MOVE AN AMENDMENT TO HIS MOTION.

THE HON TIK CHI-YUEN WILL MOVE AN ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE OBJECTIVE OF SCHOOL EDUCATION.

MEMBERS WILL ALSO ASK A TOTAL OF 20 QUESTIONS AND CONSIDER FIVE FILLS.

THE BILLS ARE SUPREME COURT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992, TRUSTEE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992, PENSIONS MODIFICATION BILL 1992, PENSIONS ORDINANCES AND REGULATIONS (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) BILL 1992 AND HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY CENTRE CORPORATION BILL.

THEY WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. DEBATES ON THEM ARE DUE TO BE ADJOURNED.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO OBSERVE THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE MEETING FROM THE PUBLIC GALLERIES OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER. THEY MAY RESERVE SEATS BY CALLING 869 9492.

/19 ........

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1992

YOUTHS URGED TO TAKE PART IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

*****

THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR NEW TERRITORIES, MR ALBERT LAM, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT IT WAS OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE THAT YOUNG PEOPLE BE WELL-INFORMED, SENSIBLE AND RESPONSIBLE WITH HIGH SOCIAL AWARENESS AND THE ABILITY TO DISTINGUISH RIGHT FROM WRONG.

SPEAKING AT THE SPEECH DAY OF KIANGSU-CHEKIANG COLLEGE IN SHA TIN, MR LAM SAID YOUNG PEOPLE WERE THE FUTURE PILLARS OF SOCIETY. THE WAY THEY DEVELOP WOULD, TO A LARGE EXTENT, SHAPE THE FUTURE OF THE TERRITORY.

THEREFORE, HE SAID IT WAS IMPORTANT FOR THEM TO PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES.

HE SAID THESE ACTIVITIES WILL ENABLE THEM TO LEARN THE WAYS TO GET ALONG WITH OTHER PEOPLE AND DEVELOP TEAM SPIRIT.

THESE ACTIVITIES CAN ALSO HELP TO BUILD UP YOUNG PEOPLE’S CONFIDENCE AND A SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY, HE ADDED.

MR LAM SAID YOUTHS WERE PROVIDED WITH ABUNDANT OPPORTUNITIES TO DEVELOP THEMSELVES.

APART FROM THOSE SCHOOL CLUBS, SOCIETIES AND INTEREST GROUPS, THEY MAY ALSO JOIN SOCIAL SERVICE BODIES SUCH AS BOY SCOUTS AND GIRL GUIDES, JUNIOR POLICE CALL, COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB, THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD SCHEME AND THE ROAD SAFETY PATROL.

"THESE BODIES GIVE PARTICIPANTS A CHANCE TO LEARN ABOUT DISCIPLINE AND TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY."

FOR EXAMPLE, HE SAID THE STUDENT FIGHT CRIME AMBASSADORS SCHEME LAUNCHED BY THE SHA TIN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE HELPS YOUNG PEOPLE DEVELOP CIVIC AWARENESS AND COMMUNITY SPIRIT.

HE BELIEVED THAT ALL THESE ACTIVITIES WOULD HELP YOUNG PEOPLE ORGANISE EVENTS, BROADEN THEIR HORIZONS, AND BETTER UNDERSTAND THE NEEDS OF THE PEOPLE.

MR LAM SAID SOCIETY GAVE YOUNG PEOPLE A CHANCE TO RECEIVE GOOD EDUCATION.

"YOU CERTAINLY OWE SOCIETY YOUR EFFORTS FOR ITS WELL-BEING WITH WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED, AND TO MAKE YOUR CONTRIBUTION," HE SAID.

ON PEOPLE’S LIVELIHOOD, MR LAM SAID HONG KONG ENJOYED A HIGHER STANDARD OF LIVING FOLLOWING AN IMPRESSIVE ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE WHICH MADE IT POSSIBLE TO HAVE BIG INCREASES IN GOVERNMENT SPENDING ON EDUCATION, SOCIAL WELFARE AND HOUSING.

"IN FACT, HONG KONG OWES ITS SUCCESS TO THE HARD WORK OF ITS PEOPLE.

"THEREFORE, IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EACH AND EVERYONE OF US TO SEE TO IT THAT STABILITY AND PROSPERITY CAN AND WILL BE MAINTAINED," HE SAID.

------o-------

/20 .....

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1992

POSITIVE APPROACH ON AIDS URGED

*****

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE THE INITIATIVE AND ADOPT A POSITIVE APPROACH IN DEALING WITH AIDS.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE AIDS FOUNDATION’S EDUCATION AND SERVICE CENTRE AT THE SHAU KEI WAN JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC TODAY (TUESDAY), THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WONG, SAID THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN ACTIVELY EDUCATING THE PUBLIC ON AIDS SINCE 1983.

THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, TOGETHER WITH THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT, HAD ALSO BEEN PROMOTING ANTI-AIDS EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS.

"HOWEVER, WE HAVE TO MOBILISE COMMUNITY SUPPORT TO COUNTERACT THE DAMAGE WHICH IS BEING DONE TO US AND OUR NEXT GENERATIONS BY THE DEADLY DISEASE," HE SAID.

THE NEWLY OPENED EDUCATION AND SERVICE CENTRE HAS A WIDE COLLECTION OF INFORMATION AND EQUIPMENT FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSE. IT ALSO PROVIDES COUNSELLING SERVICES AND RUNS TRAINING COURSES.

MR WONG URGED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, PARTICULARLY STUDENTS AND YOUTHS, TO MAKE FULL USE OF THE CENTRE.

HK YOUTH SYMPHONIC BAND RECRUITS MEMBERS

*****

THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONIC BAND (HKYSB) OF THE MUSIC OFFICE IS RECRUITING NEW MEMBERS FOR NEXT YEAR.

THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONIC BAND WAS FORMED IN 1978 WITH THE PRINCIPAL AIM OF PROVIDING TRAINEES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE WITH SYMPHONIC BAND TRAINING SO AS TO CREATE A WIDER INTEREST AND RECEPTION OF BAND MUSIC IN HONG KONG.

OVER THE YEARS, THE HKYSB HAS HELD REGULAR CONCERTS IN HONG KONG, AS WELL AS PERFORMING OVERSEAS SUCH AS IN JAPAN AND HAWAII.

THE BAND ALSO HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF PERFORMING WITH A NUMBER OF DISTINGUISHED GUEST MUSICIANS AND RANDS BOTH LOCALLY AND IN OTHER COUNTRIES.

APPLICANTS SHOULD BE UNDER 25 YEARS OF AGE AND HAVE ATTAINED GRADE SIX OR ABOVE IN THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC EXAMINATION, OR EQUIVALENT.

DURING THE TRAINING, REHEARSAL WILL BE HELD EVERY FRIDAY FROM 5 PM TO 8 PM AT YAU MA TEI MUSIC CENTRE.

/THE DEADLINE

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1992

THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION IS DECEMBER 15 AND QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL BE INVITED TO ATTEND AN AUDITION AT A LATER STAGE.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT HONG KONG AND YAU MA TEI MUSIC CENTRES OF THE MUSK' OFFICE. COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO HONG KONG MUSIC CENTRE, HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE, 2 HARBOUR ROAD, NINTH FLOOR, WAN CHAI.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 802 0657.

----0------

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS *****

TENDER DATE 1 DEC 92 1 DEC 92

PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS

ISSUE NUMBER Q249 Y297

AMOUNT APPLIED HKD 1,495 MN HKD 270 MN

AMOUNT ALLOTTED HKD 800 MN HKD 200 MN

AV PRICE (YIELD) ACCEPTED 4.26 PCT 5.20 PCT

LOWEST PRICE (YIELD) ACCEPTED 4.27 PCT 5.20 PCT

PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 98 PCT ABOUT 86 PCT

AV TENDER PRICE (YIELD) 4.32 PCT 5.25 PCT

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

TENDERS TO BE HELD IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 7 DECEMBER

1992 -

TENDER DATE 8 DEC 92 8 DEC 92

PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS

ISSUE NUMBER H279 Q250

ISSUE DATE 9 DEC 92 9 DEC 92

MATURITY DATE 9 JUN 93 10 MAR 93

TENOR 182 DAYS 91 DAYS

AMOUNT ON OFFER HKD 300+60 MN HKD 800+160 MN

--------0------------

/22 ........

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1992

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****

$ MILLION

OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,500

REVERSAL OF LAF NIL

BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 1,500

NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL

EFFECT OF LAF TODAY NIL

CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,500

LAF RATE 2.00 B1D/4.00 OFFER TWI 113.8 *-0.2* 1.12.92

EF TERMS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND BONDS YIELD

BILLS HONG ISSUE KONG GOVERNMENT

YIELD TERM COUPON PRICE

1 WEEK 4.30 PCT 15 MONTHS 2402 5.50 99.86 5.69

1 MONTH 4.44 PCT 18 MONTHS 2405 5.50 99.81 5.71

3 MONTHS 4.49 PCT 21 MONTHS 2408 4.375 97.86 5.78

6 MONTHS 4.63 PCT 24 MONTHS 24 11 4.625 97.86 5.88

12 MONTHS 5.43 PCT

TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 8.065MN

CLOSED 1 DECEMBER 1992

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 842 8777

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1992

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING:

GOVT MODERNISES PENSION PROVISIONS ......................... 1

BILL TO ESTABLISH INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY CENTRE ............. 2

SUPREME COURT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992 INTRODUCED ............. 3

REGULATION OF TRUST COMPANIES TO BE ENHANCED ............... 3

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CANCER AND ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD INCONCLUSIVE ................................................. 5

192 AGREEMENTS TO SURRENDER TENANCIES IN THRFF YEARS ....... 5

PERFORMANCE PLEDGE PROGRAMME TO BE EXTENDED ................ 6

DIRECTOR'S ATTENTION DRAWN TO BREACH OF REGULATIONS ........ 7

NEW SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEME NEXT JULY ....................... 8

DANGEROUS GOODS EVACUATION PLAN NOT NECESSARY .............. 8

CONSUMER COUNCIL MONITORS PROPERTY SALE AND PURCHASE ....... 9

RESTAURANT LICENSING PROCEDURE UNDER STUDY ................. 10

NO NEED FOR SPECIFIC LAW ON POLITICAL ORGANISATIONS ........ 1]

COMMUNICATION FACILITIES AVAILABLE AT COUNTRY PARKS ........ 11

REMEDIAL MEASURES IMPLEMENTED AT TRAFFIC BLACK SPOTS ....... 12

AIR QUALITY STANDARDS FOR TRANSPORT INTERCHANGES ........... 12

BUSINESS COUNCIL SEEKS DIFFERENT VIEWS ..................... 13

/NUMBER OF

NUMBER OF PREGNANT WOMEN ARRIVING FROM CHINA INCREASING ...

PUBLIC PROCESSION INFORMATION READILY AVAILABLE .............. 14

NO NEED FOR NEW LAW ON LEGCO REPORTING ....................... 15

MORE THERAPISTS NEEDED FOR NEW SERVICES ...................... 15

DETERMINATION OF CONSULTANCY FEES EXPLAINED .................. 16

NO PLANS TO EXTEND JOINT FUNDING SCHEME ...................... 16

LITTLE VALUATION EFFECT ON DEPOSITS .......................... 17

AMENDED MOTION ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION CARRIED ......... ' IB

GOVERNOR COMMENDS POLICE FOR BRAVERY ................'.......... 19

GOVERNOR VISITS TAI PO ......................................... 20

POLICE PRAISED FOR ACTION AGAINST GANGSTERS .................... 20

TOUGHER PENALTIES FOR STEALING CARS PROPOSED ................... 21

41,000 Pl DISCRETIONARY PLACES TAKEN ........................... 22

GOVT HAS CLEAR DUTY TO MAINTAIN SAFETY TN PORT ................. 23

PROGRAMME TO EDUCATE PUBLIC ON ELECTRICITY UPGRADING ........... 25

HK MUST KEEP ITS PEOPLE COMPETITIVE ............................ 26

MOBILE EYE STATION AND NEW DENTAL VAN IN SERVICE ............... 27

BETTER FIRE PROTECTION SERVICE FOR TIN SHUT WAT ................ 28

WATER SUPPLY TO SOUTHWEST KOWLOON TURNS WEAK ................... 29

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .. 29

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1992

GOVT MODERNISES PENSION PROVISIONS

*****

THE GOVERNMENT IS TO MODERNISE PENSION SCHEMES FOR CIVIL SERVANTS TO MEET PRESENT DAY NEEDS, THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE PENSIONS MODIFICATION BILL 1992 AND THE PENSIONS ORDINANCES AND REGULATIONS (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) BILL 1992, MR WIGGHAM SAID THE BILLS AIMED TO MODERNISE THE DEPENDANT PENSIONS AND SERVICE PENSIONS SCHEMES FOR CIVIL SERVANTS TO MEET PRESENT DAY NEEDS AND TO REMOVE ANOMALIES AND DISCRIMINATORY PROVISIONS.

THE PENSIONS MODIFICATION BILL 1992 WILL MAKE MEMBERSHIP OF THE WIDOWS AND ORPHANS PENSION SCHEME AND THE WIDOWS’ AND CHILDREN’S PENSIONS SCHEME VOLUNTARY ON AN APPOINTED DAY.

"EXISTING MEMBERS MAY ELECT TO CEASE TO MAKE CONTRIBUTIONS WITHIN SIX MONTHS FROM THE APPOINTED DAY," MR WIGGHAM SAID.

"UNMARRIED OFFICERS WILL RECEIVE A REFUND OF THEIR PAST CONTRIBUTIONS WITH INTEREST WHEN THEY CEASE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE SCHEME.

"MARRIED OFFICERS WILL HAVE THEIR ACCRUED BENEFITS PRESERVED, AND THEIR DEPENDANTS WILL CONTINUE TO ENJOY A CONTINGENT DEPENDANT PENSION FROZEN AT THE LEVEL WHEN THEY LEAVE THE SCHEME."

OTHER PROPOSALS CONTAINED IN THE BILL INCLUDE:

* TO EXTEND THE VOLUNTARY WIDOWS’ AND CHILDREN’S PENSIONS SCHEME TO FEMALE OFFICERS, MODEL SCALE I STAFF AND CERTAIN JUNIOR DISCIPLINED SERVICES OFFICERS;

* TO STANDARDISE THE PENSIONABLE AGE LIMIT FOR CHILDREN AT 18, IRRESPECTIVE OF SEX;

* TO REPEAL THE PROVISION MAKING A HUSBAND’S ENTITLEMENT TO A DEPENDANT PENSION SUBJECT TO FINANCIAL DEPENDENCY ON HIS WIFE; AND

* TO PROVIDE PENSION RIGHTS FOR ILLEGITIMATE CHILDREN UNDER THE DEPENDANT PENSION AND SERVICE PENSION SCHEMES.

MR WIGGHAM SAID ANOTHER MAJOR CHANGE CONTAINED IN THE PENSIONS MODIFICATION BILL WAS TO MAKE ANNUAL PENSION INCREASES AS OF RIGHT, SO AS TO MAINTAIN THE ORIGINAL PURCHASING POWER OF PENSIONS.

"ADJUSTMENTS WILL BE MADE ANNUALLY ON THE BASIS OF THE MOVEMENT OF THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A)," HE SAID.

"IN EFFECT, THIS FORMALISES THE CURRENT PRACTICE FOR PENSION

ADJUSTMENTS BY EMBODYING IT IN LEGISLATION.”

/AS REGARDS .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1992

AS REGARDS THE PENSION ORDINANCES AND REGULATIONS (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) BILL 1992, MR WIGGHAM SAID IT AIMED TO IMPROVE AND CLARIFY PENSIONS LEGISLATION BY REMOVING ANOMALIES AND INCONSISTENCIES.

THE MAJOR CHANGES ARE: TO STANDARDISE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE COUNTING OF SERVICE BELOW THE AGE OF 18 AS PENSIONABLE SERVICE; AND TO INTRODUCE A MORE FLEXIBLE DEFINITION FOR PENSIONABLE EMOLUMENTS TO CATER FOR EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES.

DEBATES ON THE TWO BILLS WERE ADJOURNED.

---------0-----------

BILL TO ESTABLISH INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY CENTRE *****

THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY CENTRE CORPORATION BILL INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SOUGHT TO ESTABLISH THE INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY CENTRE AS A STATUTORY CORPORATION.

MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T H CHAU, SAID THE PURPOSE WAS TO GIVE THE CENTRE AN APPROPRIATE STATUS IN LINE WITH THAT OF OTHER MAJOR INDUSTRY SUPPORT ORGANISATIONS.

THE BILL ALSO PROPOSES TO ALLOW IT FLEXIBILITY IN ITS OPERATIONS WHILE PROVIDING A PROPER MEANS OF GOVERNMENT CONTROL.

THE OBJECT OF THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY CENTRE CORPORATION IS TO PROMOTE TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AND THE APPLICATION OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES IN INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG.

“TO FURTHER THIS OBJECT, THE INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY CENTRE, NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION, WILL PROVIDE ACCOMMODATION, * INCUBATION9 , TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND OTHER SUPPORT SERVICES FOR TECHNOLOGY-BASED COMPANIES,” HE SAID.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

--------0-----------

/3 ........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2,

1992

SUPREME COURT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992 INTRODUCED ♦ ♦ ♦ t ♦

THE SUPREME COURT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992 WOULD EXTEND THE JURISDICTION OF THE COURT OF APPEAL AND PROVIDE THAT A PARTY MIGHT APPEAL AS OF RIGHT FROM A DECISION UPON JUDICIAL REVIEW IN A CRIMINAL CAUSE OR MATTER, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JEREMY MATHEWS, SAID.

MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), MR MATHEWS SAID IT WAS MADE CLEAR THAT THE NEW JURISDICTION WOULD ONLY APPLY IN RESPECT OF JUDGEMENTS GIVEN OR ORDERS MADE AFTER THE DATE OF ENACTMENT.

HE EXPLAINED THAT A PARTY TO PROCEEDINGS IN THE MAGISTRACY, OR ANY OTHER INFERIOR COURT, MIGHT APPLY TO THE HIGH COURT FOR JUDICIAL REVIEW OF THE COURT’S DECISION.

IF THE PROCEEDINGS RELATED TO A CIVIL CAUSE OR MATTER, AN APPEAL FROM THAT JUDICIAL REVIEW WOULD LIE TO THE COURT OF APPEAL AS OF RIGHT.

HOWEVER, IF THE PROCEEDINGS RELATED TO A CRIMINAL CAUSE OR MATTER, THE COURT OF APPEAL HAD NO JURISDICTION TO HEAR AN APPEAL FROM THE JUDICIAL REVIEW.

A PARTY WHO WISHED TO APPEAL MIGHT ONLY DO SO BY APPLYING, WITH LEAVE, TO THE PRIVY COUNCIL IN LONDON.

MR MATHEWS SAID: "THIS DISTINCTION BETWEEN CIVIL AND CRIMINAL MATTERS FOR THE PURPOSE OF APPEALS IS ARTIFICIAL AND SERVES NO USEFUL PURPOSE.

"IT IS NOT IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST THAT THE COURT OF APPEAL SHOULD BE UNABLE TO MAKE RULINGS ON ISSUES OF POTENTIAL SIGNIFICANCE."

HE SAID THE BILL HAD THE SUPPORT OF THE LEGAL PROFESSION.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

- - 0 - -

REGULATION OF TRUST COMPANIES TO BE ENHANCED ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

THE TRUSTEE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992 PROPOSING TO UPDATE THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF TRUST COMPANIES AND STREAMLINE THE REGULATION PROCEDURES HAS BEEN INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, MR DAVID NENDICK, EXPLAINED THAT A COMPANY WAS ELIGIBLE TO BE REGISTERED AS A TRUST COMPANY IF IT MET THE STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE TRUSTEE ORDINANCE.

/AT PRESENT

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1992

AT PRESENT, ONE OF THESE REQUIREMENTS IS THAT THE COMPANY MUST HAVE A MINIMUM ISSUED AND FULLY PAID-UP SHARE CAPITAL OF $1 MILLION AND DEPOSIT CERTAIN INVESTMENTS WITH THE DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES TO A VALUE OF NOT LESS THAN $500,000.

HE SAID THE BILL PROPOSED TO ADJUST THE FIGURES TO $3 MILLION AND $1.5 MILLION RESPECTIVELY.

TURNING TO THE REGULATION OF TRUST COMPANIES, MR NENDICK SAID IT HAD BEEN DIFFICULT FOR THE REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES TO TAKE EFFECTIVE ENFORCEMENT ACTION BECAUSE OF THE LACK OF SUITABLE SANCTIONS AGAINST BREACHES OF A NUMBER OF PROVISIONS.

EXAMPLES INCLUDE SECTION 81, WHICH RESTRICTS THE OBJECTS OF A TRUST COMPANY, SECTION 92, WHICH PROHIBITS LOANS TO A DIRECTOR OR OFFICERS OF A TRUST COMPANY, AND SECTION 93, WHICH RESTRICTS THE BORROWING OF MONEY BY A TRUST COMPANY.

HE ADDED THAT THE ONLY SANCTIONS WHICH WERE CURRENTLY AVAILABLE, INVOLVING THE APPOINTMENT OF AN INSPECTOR TO CARRY OUT AN INVESTIGATION OR SEEKING COURT CONSENT FOR A TRUST COMPANY WOUND UP, WERE CONSIDERED TOO DRACONIAN IN MOST CIRCUMSTANCES.

’’THE BILL INTRODUCES MORE PRAGMATIC AND FLEXIBLE FORMS OF SANCTION, NAMELY DEFAULT FINES COMPARABLE TO THOSE PROVIDED FOR IN THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE.

”WE PROPOSE, IN ADDITION, TO TRANSFER CERTAIN FUNCTIONS FROM THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL TO THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WHERE BASICALLY TECHNICAL AND FINANCIAL, RATHER THAN POLICY, CONSIDERATIONS ARE INVOLVED," HE SAID.

THESE FUNCTIONS INCLUDE THE SPECIFICATION UNDER SECTION 4(3) OF INVESTMENTS IN WHICH A COMPANY MAY INVEST TRUST FUNDS, APPROVAL UNDER SECTION 91(1)(B) OF SECURITIES IN OR UPON WHICH A TRUST COMPANY MAY INVEST, AND EXTENSION UNDER SECTION 91(3) OF THE THREE-YEAR LIMIT WITHIN WHICH ANY LAND ACQUIRED BY A TRUST COMPANY MUST BE SOLD.

IT IS ALSO PROPOSED THAT THE POWER UNDER SECTION 95 TO APPOINT AN INSPECTOR TO INVESTIGATE THE AFFAIRS OF A TRUST COMPANY SHOULD BE TRANSFERRED TO THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY.

"THIS IS IN LINE WITH SIMILAR POWERS WHICH THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY MAY EXERCISE UNDER SECTIONS 142 AND 143 OF THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE IN RESPECT OF THE INVESTIGATION OF COMPANIES GENERALLY," MR NENDICK SAID.

THE BILL DEFINES MORE CLEARLY CERTAIN PARTICULAR GROUNDS UPON WHICH AN INSPECTOR MAY BE APPOINTED TO INVESTIGATE THE AFFAIRS OF A TRUST COMPANY, HE SAID.

THE HONG KONG TRUSTEES* ASSOCIATION HAS BEEN CONSULTED AND SUPPORTS THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

- - 0 - -

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1992

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CANCER AND * *

ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD INCONCLUSIVE * * *

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CANCER AND ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD REMAINS INCONCLUSIVE, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG,SAID, QUOTING THE INTERNATIONAL RADIATION PROTECTION ASSOCIATION.

IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LAU WONG-FAT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), MRS WONG SAID TWO STUDIES CARRIED OUT IN SWEDEN SUGGESTED THAT EXPOSURE TO ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS GENERATED BY HIGH VOLTAGE POWER LINES MIGHT INCREASE CANCER INCIDENCE.

THERE HAVE ALSO BEEN A NUMBER OF OTHER STUDIES ON THE SUBJECT WHICH HAVE COME TO DIFFERENT CONCLUSIONS, SHE ADDED.

MRS WONG SAID THE DIRECTOR OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES HAD OBTAINED THE TWO SWEDISH REPORTS IN RESPONSE TO A REQUEST FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

"APART FROM THE TWO SWEDISH REPORTS, WE ARE AWARE THAT MANY LEADING AUTHORITIES, SUCH AS THE INTERNATIONAL RADIATION PROTECTION ASSOCIATION, THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION, THE UK RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION BOARD AND THE U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY HAVE CONDUCTED STUDIES.

"WE INTEND TO TAKE REFERENCE FROM THESE AUTHORITIES.

"WE ARE ALSO AWARE THAT THE ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE WILL BE EXAMINING THIS MATTER," MRS WONG NOTED.

192 AGREEMENTS TO SURRENDER TENANCIES IN THREE YEARS *****

THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION HAS RECEIVED 192 AGREEMENTS TO SURRENDER TENANCIES UNDER SECTION 18 IN PART I OF THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) ORDINANCE OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, WHEN REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON JAMES TO IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MR SUEN SAID WHEN THE COMMISSIONER RECEIVED AN APPLICATION FOR HIS ENDORSEMENT OF AN AGREEMENT TO SURRENDER OR TERMINATE A TENANCY, HE WOULD SEND A LETTER TO THE CONCERNED TENANT OR SUB-TENANT INVITING HIM TO ATTEND AN INTERVIEW.

/AT THE .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1992

AT THE INTERVIEW, A RENT OFFICER WOULD EXPLAIN THE MEANING AND EFFECT OF THE SURRENDER PROVISIONS AND ASK THE TENANT OR SUB-TENANT IF THERE WERE ANY UNDUE PRESSURE OR INFLUENCE.

"THE TENANT OR SUB-TENANT IS ALSO REMINDED THAT HE NEED NOT MOVE OUT OF THE PREMISES IF HE DOES NOT WISH TO,” MR SUEN ADDED.

HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT IF THE RENT OFFICER HAD ANY DOUBTS AS TO THE PARTICULARS OF THE PROPOSED AGREEMENT HE WOULD CLARIFY THEM WITH THE LANDLORD.

’’THE TENANT OR SUB-TENANT IS THEN INVITED TO SIGN THAT HE UNDERSTANDS THE EFFECT OF THE AGREEMENT AND THAT HE HAS NOT BEEN SUBJECT TO ANY UNDUE PRESSURE OR INFLUENCE.

’’THE COMMISSIONER WILL THEN ENDORSE THE AGREEMENT.”

IN THE PAST THREE YEARS THE COMMISSIONER RECEIVED ONLY ONE COMPLAINT INVOLVING FOUR SUB-TENANTS WHO CLAIMED THEY WERE FORCED TO VACATE THEIR HOMES.

THE CASE HAS BEEN INVESTIGATED BY OFFICERS FROM THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT AND IS CURRENTLY THE SUBJECT OF COURT ACTION, HE SAID.

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PERFORMANCE PLEDGE PROGRAMME TO BE EXTENDED ♦ * * ♦ »

THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO EXTEND THE PERFORMANCE PLEDGE PROGRAMME TO STATUTORY AUTHORITIES WHICH PROVIDE SERVICES DIRECTLY TO THE PUBLIC, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID FORD, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HUI YIN-FAT TODAY (WEDNESDAY), SIR DAVID SAID: ”WE INTEND TO DISCUSS THE PROGRAMME WITH THE HOUSING AUTHORITY EARLY NEXT YEAR.

THEIR PLEDGE COULD INCLUDE, FOR EXAMPLE, STANDARDS FOR HOUSING ALLOCATION MATTERS SUCH AS INTERVIEWS WITHIN SPECIFIED TIMES ON APPLICATIONS FOR HOUSING; FOR PROCESSING OF TENANCY MATTERS SUCH AS REQUESTS FOR TRANSFER; AND FOR DEALING WITH ESTATE MANAGEMENT MATTERS.

AS FOR THE URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS, HE SAID: ”WE ARE CONSIDERING WHAT PLEDGES THEY MIGHT MAKE IN EARLY 1993, AND ARE DISCUSSING THESE WITH THEM.”

"AT THAT TIME WE PLAN TO DISCUSS THE PROGRAMME WITH THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION, WHICH IS THE OTHER AUTHORITY WITH A SUBSTANTIAL INTERFACE WITH THE PUBLIC.”

"WE WILL THEN CONSIDER HOW THE PROGRAMME MAY BE APPLIED TO OTHER AUTHORITIES," HE SAID.

/THERE ARE .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1992

THERE ARE OTHER NON-GOVERNMENT PUBLIC ORGANISATIONS ALREADY ADOPTING THEIR OWN PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.

THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION IS COMMITTED TO ITS CUSTOMER SERVICE PROGRAMME AND ALREADY PUBLISHES PERFORMANCE ON PUNCTUALITY OF TRAINS, AND RELIABILITY OF TICKETS AND ESCALATORS.

THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY’S BUSINESS PLAN ALREADY SETS TARGET WAITING TIMES, WHICH THE AUTHORITY IS MEETING DURING THIS YEAR, FOR TREATMENT AT ALL ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS AND SELECTED SPECIALIST CLINICS.

--------0-----------

DIRECTOR’S ATTENTION DRAWN TO BREACH OF REGULATIONS

*****

ALL 13 DIRECTORATE STAFF OF THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT TOOK LEAVE ON THE AFTERNOON OF OCTOBER 30 THIS YEAR, THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, SAID.

IT IS CLEAR THAT THE CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS IN RELATION TO THE GRANT OF LEAVE WAS NOT COMPLIED WITH ON THIS OCCASION, HE ADDED.

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON LAM KUI-CHUN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), MR WIGGHAM SAID OF THE OFFICERS WHO TOOK LEAVE, TWO WERE TAKING PART IN "TRAILWALKER 92" ORGANISED BY OXFAM HONG KONG WHILE THE REMAINING 11 VISITED MACAU TO ATTEND A FAREWELL GATHERING FOR THE DEPARTMENT’S OUTGOING DIRECTOR.

HE SAID THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT, LIKE ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS, WAS REQUIRED TO COMPLY WITH THE CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS.

"THE RELEVANT REGULATION STATES THAT LEAVE, OTHER THAN SICK LEAVE AND MATERNITY LEAVE, IS GRANTED SUBJECT TO THE EXIGENCIES OF THE SERVICE," HE EXPLAINED.

"WHILE OFFICERS SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO TAKE THEIR EARNED LEAVE, THE NECESSITY TO MAINTAIN AN EVEN SUPPLY OF OFFICERS FOR DUTY MUST BE THE FIRST CONSIDERATION."

THE ATTENTION OF THE DIRECTOR WAS DRAWN TO THIS BREACH OF CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS.

MR WIGGHAM SAID HE WAS ASSURED THAT PROPER REGARD WOULD BE PAID TO THEM IN FUTURE.

------0--------

/8.........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1992

NEW SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEME NEXT JULY *****

THE GOVERNMENT WILL INTRODUCE A NEW COMPREHENSIVE SOCIAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE SCHEME ON JULY 1 NEXT YEAR TO REPLACE THE EXISTING PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON JIMMY MCGREGOR, MRS WONG SAID THE NEW SCHEME WOULD EMBRACE DIFFERENT "STANDARD" RATES TO MEET THE GENERAL NEEDS OF BROAD CATEGORIES OF CLIENTS AND A RANGE OF "SPECIAL SUBSIDIES" TO MEET THE PERSONAL NEEDS OF INDIVIDUAL CLIENTS.

UNDER THE NEW SCHEME, SHE SAID, EVERYONE WOULD BE BETTER OFF.

"FOR INSTANCE, AN ELDERLY PERSON AGED 60 NOW RECEIVES A BASIC RATE PLUS SUPPLEMENTS MAKING A TOTAL OF $1,620 A MONTH, BUT HE WILL RECEIVE $1,800 A MONTH UNDER THE NEW SCHEME," MRS WONG SAID.

"AN ELDERLY COUPLE BOTH AGED 60 NOW RECEIVE $2,790 A MONTH, BUT THEY WILL RECEIVE $3,090 UNDER THE NEW SCHEME."

THE SECRETARY SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE UPDATING THE VARIOUS TARGETS IN SOCIAL WELFARE REGULARLY TO ENSURE THAT THEY MATCH THE CHANGING NEEDS AND CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE VARIOUS GROUPS OF CLIENTS.

ADDITIONAL TO THE SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM, MRS WONG SAID, THE GOVERNMENT WAS AT PRESENT CONSULTING THE PUBLIC ON PROPOSALS FOR A RETIREMENT PROTECTION SYSTEM BASED ON STATUTORY CONTRIBUTIONS FROM EMPLOYERS AND WORKERS.

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DANGEROUS GOODS EVACUATION PLAN NOT NECESSARY

*****

THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT HAVE A CONTINGENCY PLAN FOR EVACUATING AREAS CLOSE TO DANGEROUS GOODS ANCHORAGES (DGA), AS IT DOES NOT CONSIDER THIS IS NECESSARY, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

NONE OF THE SEVEN DGA’S DESIGNATED IN HONG KONG WATERS ARE CLOSE TO RESIDENTIAL AREAS EXCEPT THE TSUEN WAN DGA, HE SAID.

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ALBERT CHAN WAI-YIP IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR ASPREY SAID THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE WAS UNDERTAKING A CONSULTANCY STUDY ON HAZARD ASSESSMENT FOR THE TSUEN WAN DGA.

THE STUDY IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY JULY NEXT YEAR.

"POSSIBLE RELOCATION OF THIS DGA WOULD BE CONSIDERED ONLY WHEN THAT CONSULTANCY STUDY IS COMPLETED," MR ASPREY SAID.

/HE ADDED .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1992

HE ADDED THAT THERE HAD NOT BEEN ANY ACCIDENTS INVOLVING DANGEROUS GOODS IN THE TSUEN WAN DGA AND THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ANCHORAGE WERE CONSIDERED TO BE INSIGNIFICANT.

THE ONLY PRODUCTS ALLOWED TO BE CONTAINED IN VESSELS BERTHED THERE ARE CERTAIN TYPES OF FUEL OIL.

THIS TYPE OF DANGEROUS GOODS IS OF LOW INHERENT DANGER AND THERE IS NEGLIGIBLE EXPLOSION RISK.

MR ASPREY SAID POTENTIALLY EXPLOSIVE OR HIGHLY INFLAMMABLE SUBSTANCES WERE REQUIRED TO BE HANDLED AT MORE REMOTE AND ISOLATED ANCHORAGES.

DANGEROUS GOODS ARE ONLY PERMITTED TO BE HELD IN VESSELS BERTHED THERE; NO HANDLING OR TRANSFER OF THE GOODS FROM ONE VESSEL TO ANOTHER IS PERMITTED AT THIS ANCHORAGE, HE ADDED.

"WE BELIEVE THAT THE SEPARATION DISTANCE BETWEEN VESSELS CONTAINING DANGEROUS GOODS AND RESIDENTIAL BLOCKS IS ENTIRELY ADEQUATE IN TERMS OF SAFETY," HE SAID.

------0----------

CONSUMER COUNCIL MONITORS PROPERTY SALE AND PURCHASE

*****

THE CONSUMER COUNCIL HAS NO STATUTORY POWERS TO REGULATE THE SALE AND PURCHASE OF PRIVATE PROPERTIES ON THE MARKET.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T H CHAU, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON FUNG KIN-KEE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

HOWEVER, THE COUNCIL, WHEN CARRYING OUT ITS STATUTORY FUNCTION OF PROTECTING AND PROMOTING THE INTERESTS OF CONSUMERS, MONITORS THE SALE AND PURCHASE OF PRIVATE PROPERTIES IN A NUMBER OF WAYS.

THESE INCLUDE:

* COLLECTING AND DISSEMINATING INFORMATION: THE COUNCIL’S 16 CONSUMER ADVICE CENTRES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY ANSWER QUERIES AND ORGANISE TALKS ON PURCHASE OF PROPERTIES. THE COUNCIL IS CURRENTLY EXAMINING THE QUESTION OF LIABILITY OF DEFECTS IN NEW BUILDINGS;

* HANDLING COMPLAINTS: THE COUNCIL HANDLES COMPLAINTS FROM CONSUMERS RELATING TO ESTATE AGENTS AND PROPERTIES. ITS WORK IN THIS AREA LED TO THE PUBLIC CENSURE OF THREE DEVELOPERS AND THEIR SALES AGENTS BY THE COUNCIL IN MARCH 1992;

/♦ADVISING THE .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1992

- 10 -

* ADVISING THE GOVERNMENT: THE COUNCIL FROM TIME TO TIME TENDERS ADVICE TO RELEVANT GOVERNMENT OFFICES ON HOW TO BETTER REGULATE THE PROPERTY MARKET. IT HAS ALSO COMMENTED ON THE SALE AND PURCHASE AGREEMENT CURRENTLY BEING REVIEWED JOINTLY BY THE LAW SOCIETY AND GOVERNMENT AND MADE PROPOSALS TO THE GOVERNMENT AND RELEVANT TRADE BODIES ON THE NEED FOR FULL DISCLOSURE OF LAYOUT PLANS BEFORE SALE; AND

* ENCOURAGING TRADE BODIES TO ESTABLISH CODES OF PRACTICE: THE COUNCIL HAS ACTIVELY PROMOTED THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CODE OF PRACTICE BY ESTATE AGENT REPRESENTATIVE ORGANISATIONS. IT HAS ALSO PLAYED A KEY ROLE IN URGING THE LAW SOCIETY TO REQUIRE MANDATORY SEPARATE LEGAL REPRESENTATION IN THE CONVEYANCING OF COMPLETED UNITS.

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RESTAURANT LICENSING PROCEDURE UNDER STUDY

*****

THE URBAN SERVICES AND REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENTS HAVE RECENTLY SET UP A SENIOR INTER-DEPARTMENTAL WORKING GROUP TO REVIEW AND, WHERE POSSIBLE, STREAMLINE THE LICENSING PROCEDURES FOR FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHIM PUI-CHUNG, MRS WONG SAID THE TWO MUNICIPAL COUNCILS REGULARLY REVIEW THEIR PROCEDURES AND LICENSING CONFERENCES AT THE WORKING LEVEL ARE HELD WITH RELEVANT DEPARTMENTS TO EXAMINE OUTSTANDING CASES TO EXPEDITE PROCESSING.

SHE ALSO SAID WITHIN THE URBAN COUNCIL AREA, THERE WERE 1,388 UNLICENSED FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS, OF WHICH APPLICATIONS FROM 987 WERE BEING PROCESSED WHILE THE REMAINING 401 HAD NEVER APPLIED FOR A LICENCE.

WITHIN THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AREA, THERE ARE 523 UNLICENSED FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS. OF THESE, APPLICATIONS FROM 439 ARE BEING PROCESSED AND THE REMAINING 84 HAVE NEVER APPLIED FOR A LICENCE.

SO FAR THIS YEAR, 6,416 PROSECUTIONS HAVE BEEN BROUGHT AGAINST UNLICENSED FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS: 3,534 IN THE URBAN COUNCIL AREA AND 2,882 IN THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AREA.

------0-------

/Il .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1992

NO NEED FOR SPECIFIC LAW ON POLITICAL ORGANISATIONS

*****

THE ADMINISTRATION DO NOT SEE THE NEED, AND THEREFORE HAVE NO PLANS TO INTRODUCE SPECIFIC LEGISLATION TO DEAL WITH THE LEGAL STATUS OF POLITICAL ORGANISATIONS AND ANCILLARY MATTERS.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR PETER LAI, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO DR THE HON LEONG CHE-HUNG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MR LAI SAID THE NEED FOR SUCH LEGISLATION ELSEWHERE STEMMED FROM CONSIDERATIONS WHICH WERE NOT APPLICABLE TO HONG KONG’S PRESENT STAGE OF POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT.

HE SAID UNDER CURRENT ARRANGEMENTS, POLITICAL ORGANISATIONS IN HONG KONG WERE EITHER REGISTERED UNDER THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE OR NOTIFIED UNDER THE SOCIETIES ORDINANCE.

HE ADDED THAT THE SUMMARY OFFENCES ORDINANCE REGULATED ANY APPLICATIONS, FROM POLITICAL ORGANISATIONS OR ANY OTHER BODIES, TO RAISE FUND FOR A NON-CHARITABLE PURPOSE IN CONFINED PUBLIC PLACES.

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COMMUNICATION FACILITIES AVAILABLE AT COUNTRY PARKS

*****

THE PUBLIC CAN SEEK HELP IN CASE OF EMERGENCY FROM THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT’S 25 MANAGEMENT CENTRES AND 20 PARK WARDEN POSTS LOCATED AT STRATEGIC LOCATIONS IN THE COUNTRY PARKS.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MRS PEGGY LAM IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

APART FROM PARK WARDENS AND THE POLICE WHO ROUTINELY PATROL COUNTRY PARKS, MEMBERS OF THE CIVIL AID SERVICES AND AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICES PERSONNEL WITH AMBULANCES ARE ALSO STATIONED IN COUNTRY PARKS DURING SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, MR EASON SAID.

IN ADDITION, 31 EMERGENCY HELPLINES, LINKED TO THE 999 POLICE COMMAND CONTROL CENTRE AND THE NEAREST POLICE STATIONS, AND 10 PUBLIC PAYPHONES WERE INSTALLED AT POPULAR RECREATION SITES IN OR NEAR COUNTRY PARKS.

"MORE SUCH FACILITIES WILL BE INSTALLED AT SUITABLE LOCATIONS AS PART OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT’S ONGOING WORK TO IMPROVE THE SITUATION FURTHER,” HE ADDED.

/12 ........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1992

REMEDIAL MEASURES IMPLEMENTED AT TRAFFIC BLACK SPOTS ♦ » » ♦ ♦

REMEDIAL MEASURES ARE IMPLEMENTED AS FAR AS POSSIBLE TO MINIMISE THE OCCURRENCE OF ACCIDENTS AT TRAFFIC BLACK SPOTS, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR JOHN TELFORD, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MIRIAM LAU, HE SAID THESE MEASURES INCLUDED THE INSTALLATION OF PEDESTRIAN RAILINGS, TRAFFIC LIGHTS, CRASH BARRIERS AND TRAFFIC SIGNS.

’’WHERE NECESSARY, CHANGES TO THE ROAD CONFIGURATION AND LANE MARKINGS ARE ALSO CONSIDERED,” HE SAID.

THERE ARE CURRENTLY 146 LOCATIONS IN THE TERRITORY THAT ARE REGARDED AS TRAFFIC BLACK SPOTS. THESE LOCATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO DETAILED EXAMINATION BY TRAFFIC ENGINEERS, INCLUDING AN ANALYSIS OF THE REASONS WHY THE ACCIDENTS OCCUR.

’’THE POLICE ARE INFORMED OF THE SPECIFIC LOCATIONS AND THE REASONS WHY ACCIDENTS ARE OCCURRING. THEY THEN TARGET THEIR ROAD SAFETY AND LAW ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS ACCORDINGLY,” MR TELFORD SAID.

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AIR QUALITY STANDARDS FOR TRANSPORT INTERCHANGES

*****

THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) PLANS TO CONDUCT MEASUREMENTS TO FORMULATE AIR QUALITY STANDARDS FOR TRANSPORT INTERCHANGES AT THE CHINA FERRY TERMINAL STARTING FROM THE MIDDLE OF NEXT YEAR.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON STEVEN POON IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MR EASON SAID ANY STEPS NECESSARY TO ENSURE THAT VENTILATION IN FUTURE TRANSPORT INTERCHANGES WAS ACCEPTABLE WOULD DEPEND PARTLY ON THE OUTCOME OF THIS MEASUREMENT WORK.

"AFTER THE ASSESSMENT, EPD MAY NEED TO PREPARE PRACTICE NOTES TO ASSIST DESIGNERS AND OPERATORS OF SUCH FACILITIES TO MEET ANY NEW STANDARDS ESTABLISHED.

"PROFESSIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WILL BE CONSULTED IN THE PREPARATION OF ANY PRACTICE NOTES REQUIRED,” HE SAID.

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/13 .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1992

BUSINESS COUNCIL SEEKS DIFFERENT VIEWS

*****

THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T H CHAU, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ASSURED MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT VIEWS OF OTHER RELEVANT ORGANISATIONS, SUCH AS THE CONSUMER COUNCIL, WOULD BE SOUGHT AND TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT WHEN THE GOVERNOR’S BUSINESS COUNCIL FORMULATED THE COMPETITION POLICY.

IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON EMILY LAU WAI-HING, MR CHAU SAID MEMBERS OF THE BUSINESS COUNCIL WERE PROMINENT BUSINESSMEN WHOSE BUSINESS INTERESTS WERE WELL-KNOWN TO THE GOVERNMENT.

"THUS THE VIEWS OFFERED BY INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS ON COMPETITION CAN BE SEEN IN PERSPECTIVE, AND ANY CONFLICT OF INTEREST CAN BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN THE POLICY FORMULATION PROCESS," HE SAID.

- - 0 - -

NUMBER OF PREGNANT WOMEN ARRIVING FROM CHINA INCREASING * * * * *

THE NUMBER OF PREGNANT WOMEN ARRIVING IN HONG KONG ON TWO-WAY PERMITS HAS BEEN INCREASING RECENTLY, AND THIS IS CAUSING THE GOVERNMENT SOME CONCERN.

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, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MR ASPREY SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD ALREADY ASKED THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES NOT TO ISSUE PERMITS TO WOMEN AT AN ADVANCED STAGE OF PREGNANCY, AS IT APPEARED THAT THIS MIGHT BE AN ABUSE OF THE SYSTEM.

"WE ARE MONITORING THE SITUATION; IF THERE IS INCREASING ABUSE OF THIS APPARENT LOOPHOLE, WE MAY NEED TO INTRODUCE FURTHER CONTROLS," MR ASPREY SAID.

MR ASPREY SAID THE NUMBER OF BABIES REGISTERED AS BORN TO TWO-WAY PERMIT HOLDERS IN HONG KONG IN THE PAST THREE YEARS WAS: 1,746 IN 1990; 2,750 IN 1991 AND 3,527 IN THE FIRST 10 MONTHS OF THIS YEAR.

HE ADDED THAT THE NUMBER OF TWO-WAY PERMIT HOLDERS VISITING HONG KONG OVER THE SAME PERIOD WAS 133,021 IN 1990, 140,378 IN 1991, AND 131,067 IN THE FIRST 10 MONTHS OF 1992.

HE SAID IF THE FATHER OF A BABY BORN IN HONG KONG HAD PERMANENT RESIDENT STATUS IN HONG KONG, THE BABY WOULD ALSO HAVE THAT STATUS, AND THEREFORE THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG.

/THE NUMBER

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1992

THE NUMBER OF BABIES BORN TO TWO-WAY PERMIT HOLDERS WHO ACQUIRED THIS STATUS WAS 1,606 IN 1990, 2,553 IN 1991, AND 3,256 IN THE FIRST 10 MONTHS OF THIS YEAR.

MR ASPREY SAID: "WE ALLOW TWO-WAY PERMIT VISITORS TO OVERSTAY THEIR PERMITS ONLY WHERE THERE ARE VERY SPECIAL OR EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES, THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE PREGNANCY."

BUT IF A PERSON WAS PHYSICALLY UNFIT TO TRAVEL BACK TO CHINA, INCLUDING BECAUSE OF A VERY ADVANCED STAGE OF PREGNANCY, AN APPLICATION FOR EXTENSION OF STAY WOULD BE GRANTED, HE ADDED.

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PUBLIC PROCESSION INFORMATION READILY AVAILABLE * * * * *

INFORMATION LEAFLETS ON HOW TO APPLY FOR A PUBLIC PROCESSION LICENCE OR TO NOTIFY THE POLICE OF A PUBLIC MEETING ARE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC AT DISTRICT OFFICES, POLICE STATIONS AND THE POLICE LICENSING OFFICE.

THE ADVICE WAS GIVEN TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LEE WING-TAT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY ALSO APPROACH OFFICERS AT POLICE STATIONS OR THE POLICE LICENSING OFFICE TO MAKE ENQUIRIES.

AS WITH OTHER FORMS AND PROCEDURES, MR ASPREY SAID: "WE HAVE KEPT THOSE FOR PUBLIC ASSEMBLIES UNDER REVIEW TO ENSURE THAT THEY ARE AS USER-FRIENDLY AS POSSIBLE."

AT PRESENT, THE GOVERNMENT IS REVIEWING PART III OF THE PUBLIC ORDER ORDINANCE WHICH CONCERNS THE REGULATION OF PUBLIC MEETINGS, PROCESSIONS AND GATHERINGS.

"I EXPECT THAT PROCEDURES FOR SUCH EVENTS WILL BE SIMPLIFIED AS A RESULT OF THIS REVIEW,” MR ASPREY SAID.

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/15 .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1992

NO NEED FOR NEW LAW ON LEGCO REPORTING

*****

THE GOVERNMENT SEES NO NEED FOR ANY CHANGE OR REDECLARATION OF THE EXISTING LAW PROTECTING THE MEDIA IN FAITHFUL LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL REPORTING.

IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LI KA-CHEUNG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID FORD, SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS COMPLETELY SATISFIED THAT THE EXISTING LAW SUFFICIENTLY PROTECTS THE MEDIA IN FAITHFULLY REPORTING OR QUOTING LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS’ COMMENTS IN LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SITTINGS AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, EVEN WHERE THE REMARKS HAVE BEEN DEFAMATORY, OR ABUSIVE, OR AMOUNT TO PERSONAL ATTACKS.

"IN THE ABSENCE OF MALICE ON THE PART OF THE MEDIA, MEDIA REPORTS OF THE PROCEEDINGS IN THE LEGISLATURE ARE PRIVILEGED IF THEY ARE FAIR AND ACCURATE.

"IN ADDITION, HONEST AND FAIR COMMENT IN ANY ARTICLE OR EDITORIAL FOUNDED UPON WHAT HAS BEEN SAID, EITHER IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OR IN A COMMITTEE MEETING OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, IS SIMILARLY PRIVILEGED," SIR DAVID ADDED.

------0 - - - -

MORE THERAPISTS NEEDED FOR NEW SERVICES * * * *

THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY WILL REQUIRE ABOUT 40 ADDITIONAL OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS IN EACH OF THE NEXT FIVE YEARS TO COPE WITH MANPOWER REQUIREMENTS ARISING FROM THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW SERVICES AND WASTAGE, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HUANG CHEN-YA, MRS WONG SAID THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH HAD REQUIREMENTS FOR ADDITIONAL OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS TO FILL VACANCIES ARISING FROM WASTAGE.

"FURTHERMORE, EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS EXIST BOTH IN AIDED SPECIAL SCHOOLS AND IN WELFARE INSTITUTIONS," SHE SAID.

SHE NOTED THAT AS AT NOVEMBER 1, A TOTAL OF 217 OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS WERE WORKING IN PUBLIC MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS.

------0-------

/16........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1992

- 16 -

DETERMINATION OF CONSULTANCY FEES EXPLAINED

*****

THE LEVEL OF CONSULTANCY FEE FOR THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS IS DETERMINED BY COMPETITIVE BIDDING ONCE THE GOVERNMENT IS SATISFIED WITH THE TECHNICAL COMPETENCE OF THE CONSULTANTS THAT HAVE BEEN SHORTLISTED.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MR BLAKE SAID THE GOVERNMENT INTRODUCED A NEW SYSTEM IN JUNE LAST YEAR TO PROVIDE AN ELEMENT OF FEE COMPETITION IN THE SELECTION PROCESS WHICH WAS AIMED AT BASING THE REMUNERATION OF CONSULTANTS ON A FIXED LUMP SUM FEE AND INDEPENDENT OF THE COST OF THE WORKS.

SINCE THEN, SHORTLISTED ENGINEERING AND ASSOCIATED CONSULTANTS WERE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT SEPARATE TECHNICAL PROPOSALS AND FEE PROPOSALS IN BIDDING FOR ANY PARTICULAR CONSULTANCY PROJECT.

’’THESE PROPOSALS ARE OPENED BY THE PROJECT DEPARTMENT, AND AN ASSESSMENT OF THE TECHNICAL COMPETENCE OF THE CONSULTANTS IS MADE ACCORDING TO A MARKING SYSTEM PREVIOUSLY APPROVED BY THE ENGINEERING AND ASSOCIATED CONSULTANTS SELECTION BOARD (EACSB) AND MADE KNOWN TO THE CONSULTANTS SHORTLISTED.

’’AN OVERALL ASSESSMENT OF THE CONSULTANTS’ COMBINED TECHNICAL AND FEE PROPOSALS IS THEN MADE, BASED ON PRE-DETERMINED WEIGHTING OF TECHNICAL COMPETENCE AGAINST FEE PROPOSALS,” HE SAID.

MR BLAKE SAID THERE HAD BEEN NO EVIDENCE TO DATE THAT THE CRITERIA FOR DETERMINING THE FEES WERE ABUSED AS THESE CONSULTANCY PROJECTS WERE APPROVED BY THE EACSB, THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY OR THE MTRC BOARD WHOSE COMPOSITION HELPED TO ENSURE THAT FAIR AND REASONABLE ASSESSMENTS WERE ALWAYS CARRIED OUT.

--------0------------

NO PLANS TO EXTEND JOINT FUNDING SCHEME *****

AN ANNUAL AVERAGE OF 5,200 HONG KONG STUDENTS WERE ON FIRST-DEGREE AND SUB-DEGREE COURSES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM FROM THE YEARS 1983/84 TO 1991/92.

DURING THE SAME NINE-YEAR PERIOD, THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS RECEIVED FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IN TERMS OF GRANTS OR LOANS FROM THE UK/HK GOVERNMENT JOINT FUNDING SCHEME (JFS) AVERAGED 1,490 A YEAR.

THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF GRANTS AND LOANS PROVIDED TO HONG KONG STUDENTS IN THE SAME PERIOD WAS $409.83 MILLION AND $80.63 MILLION RESPECTIVELY.

/THESE STATISTICS .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1992

THESE STATISTICS WERE PROVIDED BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHEUNG MAN-KWONG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MR CHAN SAID THE JFS WAS THE ONLY SCHEME WHICH WAS FINANCED BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT JOINTLY WITH ANOTHER GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO NEEDY LOCAL STUDENTS STUDYING OVERSEAS.

"THE GOVERNMENT HAS NO PLANS TO INTRODUCE NEW SCHEMES OR EXTEND THE SCOPE OF THE EXISTING ONE," HE SAID.

MR CHAN ALSO SAID BOTH THE JFS AND THE LOCAL STUDENT FINANCE SCHEME (LSFS) WERE MEANS-TESTED SCHEMES BUT THEIR MAXIMUM LEVELS OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WERE DETERMINED ON A DIFFERENT BASIS.

THE MAXIMUM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE UNDER THE JFS IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OVERSEAS FEES PAID BY HONG KONG STUDENTS AND THE NOTIONAL HOME FEES CHARGED BY UK INSTITUTIONS.

UNDER THE LSFS, THE MAXIMUM GRANT IS THE ACTUAL TUITION FEES AND ACADEMIC EXPENSES WHILE THE MAXIMUM LOAN IS THE STUDENTS' LIVING EXPENSES.

"APPLICATIONS UNDER THE TWO SCHEMES ARE OTHERWISE PROCESSED IN A BROADLY SIMILAR MANNER," MR CHAN SAID.

"ALL STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE IN THEIR ANNUAL APPLICATIONS DETAILED INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE ON THEIR FAMILY CIRCUMSTANCES."

STATISTICS PROVIDED BY MR CHAN ALSO SHOWED THAT THERE WERE 69,110 HONG KONG STUDENTS ATTENDING FIRST DEGREE AND SUB-DEGREE COURSES IN THE UK AND THE THREE OTHER MOST POPULAR COUNTRIES FROM 1989/90 TO 1991/92.

OF THE TOTAL, 26,010 STUDIED IN THE USA, 17,550 IN CANADA, 15,900 IN THE UK AND 9,650 IN AUSTRALIA.

- - 0 - -

LITTLE VALUATION EFFECT ON DEPOSITS *****

THERE IS PRESENTLY NO PLAN TO COLLECT INFORMATION TO DETERMINE VALUATION EFFECTS ON STATISTICS ON DEPOSITS.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, MR DAVID NENDICK, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ROGER LUK KOOM-HOO, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

OF TOTAL CUSTOMER DEPOSITS, ABOUT 46 PER CENT ARE IN HK DOLLARS AND 24 PER CENT IN U.S. DOLLARS.

/"GIVEN THE

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1992

"GIVEN THE STABLE U.S. DOLLAR EXCHANGE RATE UNDER THE LINKED EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEM, THERE IS THUS LITTLE VALUATION EFFECT IN RESPECT OF 70 PER CENT OF DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS," MR NENDICK SAID.

WHILE THE BALANCE OF SOME 30 PER CENT IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO VALUATION EFFECTS DEPENDING ON THE VOLATILITY OF EXCHANGE RATES, IT IS NOT CLEAR THAT THE BENEFIT OF HAVING SUCH ADDITIONAL INFORMATION WOULD CURRENTLY JUSTIFY THE ADDITIONAL COST OF REPORTING AND COLLATING THE DATA, HE ADDED.

HOWEVER, HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD KEEP THE MATTER UNDER REVIEW IN THE LIGHT OF FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS.

- - 0 - -

AMENDED MOTION ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION CARRIED

*****

THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) DEBATED FOR MORE THAN TWO HOURS ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.

EIGHTEEN LEGISLATORS TOOK TURN TO SPEAK. THE MOTION AS AMENDED BY DR THE HON LEONG CHE-HUNG WAS CARRIED.

THE AMENDED MOTION READ: "THAT THIS COUNCIL URGES THE ADMINISTRATION TO REVIEW THE PRIORITIES OF ITS ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION PROGRAMMES, TO ADOPT THE TWO CONVENTIONS ENDORSED IN THE EARTH SUMMIT 1992, AND TO DRAW UP A COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION POLICY WITH A TARGET TOWARDS ACHIEVING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT."

AN ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE OBJECTIVE OF SCHOOL EDUCATION DID NOT TAKE PLACE BECAUSE OF A LACK OF QUORUM.

FIVE BILLS - SUPREME COURT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992, TRUSTEE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992, PENSIONS MODIFICATION BILL 1992, PENSIONS ORDINANCES AND REGULATIONS (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) BILL 1992 AND HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY CENTRE CORPORATION BILL - WERE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS.

DEBATES ON THEM WERE ADJOURNED.

- - 0 - -

/19

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1992

GOVERNOR COMMENDS POLICE EOR BRAVERY

******

THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, COMMENDED THE POLICE FOR THEIR BRAVERY AND COMPETENCE IN TWO SUCCESSFUL OPERATIONS IN TSUEN WAN AND KOWLOON CITY TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER VISITING TAI PO DISTRICT, THE GOVERNOR SAID: ”WE KNOW THAT IN HONG KONG WE HAVE ONE OF THE FINEST POLICE FORCES IN THE WORLD AND THAT’S BEEN CONFIRMED TODAY.

"I JUST WANT TO MAKE IT ABUNDANTLY PLAIN THAT THE GOVERNMENT OF HONG KONG STANDS FOURSQUARE BEHIND OUR POLICE IN THE WORK THEY HAVE TO DO.

"WE WILL CONTINUE TO MAKE LAW AND ORDER ONE OF OUR TOP PRIORITIES. THAT’S WHY WE’RE GOING TO PUT MORE POLICE ON THE BEAT, ON THE STREET, AND THAT’S WHY WE WANT TO GO ON PUTTING MORE RESOURCES INTO IMPROVING POLICE EQUIPMENT.

"WE HAVE A GREAT POLICE FORCE AND WE’RE GOING TO MAKE SURE THAT IT CONTINUES TO DEAL WITH CRIME TOUGHLY AND COMPETENTLY AND DECISIVELY."

"THEY HAVE THE TOTAL SUPPORT OF THE COMMUNITY IN WHAT THEY HAVE DONE," HE ADDED.

THE GOVERNOR ALSO WISHED THE POLICE OFFICERS AND RESIDENTS INJURED IN THE INCIDENTS A SPEEDY RECOVERY.

ASKED ABOUT CO-OPERATION BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA IN TACKLING CRIME, THE GOVERNOR SAID: "I DON’T THINK THAT THAT IS REMOTELY AFFECTED BY THE DEBATE WHICH IS GOING ON ABOUT POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT. IT’S IN CHINA’S INTEREST AND IN HONG KONG’S INTEREST TO CO-OPERATE SUCCESSFULLY IN DEALING WITH CRIME.

"I VERY MUCH WELCOME THE HELP WHICH CHINA HAS GIVEN US IN THE PAST. I WELCOME THE DECISION TO PLACE LIAISON OFFICERS IN HONG KONG.

"WE HAVE A GREAT DEAL OF COMMON INTEREST IN DEALING WITH CRIMINALS WHATEVER SIDE OF THE BORDER THEY ACT ON AND I HAVE NO DOUBT AT ALL THAT OUR CO-OPERATION WILL CONTINUE AND BE EVER MORE SUCCESSFUL."

- - 0 - -

/20

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1992

20 -

GOVERNOR VISITS TAI PO * ♦ ♦ »

THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, TOURED TAI PO THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON TO FAMILIARISE HIMSELF WITH THE LATEST DEVELOPMENT AND THE INDIGENOUS SETTLEMENTS IN THE DISTRICT.

ACCOMPANIED BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR ALBERT LAM, AND THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR HO YUNG-SANG, THE GOVERNOR FIRST VISITED THE SHOPPING ARCADE OF UPTOWN PLAZA, ONE OF THE LATEST PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE AREA.

MR PATTEN TOOK A PANORAMIC VIEW OF THE AREA FROM A ROOF TOP Ofc THE BUILDING BEFORE VISITING A FAMILY THERE.

HE THEN WENT TO LAM TSUEN - A COLLECTIVE NAME FOR THE 25 VILLAGES IN VALLEYS IRRIGATED BY THE LAM TSUEN RIVER IN NORTHERN TAI PO.

WHILE THERE, THE GOVERNOR VISITED LAM TSUEN VALLEY COMMITTEE OFFICE, LAM TSUEN FIRST PUBLIC SCHOOL, AND A 250-YEAR-OLD TIN HAU TEMPLE.

BEFORE CONCLUDING HIS TOUR, MR PATTEN MET DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS AT A RESTAURANT IN TAI WO ESTATE.

------0-------

POLICE PRAISED FOR ACTION AGAINST GANGSTERS *****

THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, HAS PRAISED THE POLICE FOR THEIR COURAGEOUS ACTION IN ARRESTING ARMED GANGSTERS IN TSUEN WAN AND SENT CONDOLENCES TO THE OFFICERS INJURED IN THE INCIDENT.

’’THIS WAS AN OUTSTANDING EXAMPLE OF POLICE BRAVERY IN THE FACE OF HEAVILY ARMED CRIMINALS, WHICH RESULTED IN ALL THE SUSPECTS BEING APPREHENDED,” HE SAID.

”1 WAS DEEPLY SHOCKED TO HEAR OF THE INJURIES SUFFERED IN THE GRENADE EXPLOSION, PARTICULARLY TO THE SERGEANT WHO HAS SERIOUS EYE DAMAGE. OUR SYMPATHY GOES OUT TO THEIR FAMILIES AND WE WISH THEM ALL A SPEEDY RECOVERY,” HE ADDED.

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/21 ........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1992

- 21 -

TOUGHER PENALTIES FOR STEALING CARS PROPOSED * t t * *

THE GOVERNMENT HAS PROPOSED TOUGHER PENALTIES FOR THE OFFENCE OF "TAKING CONVEYANCE WITHOUT AUTHORITY" (TCWA) IN A BID TO OVERCOME THE INCREASING PROBLEM OF MISSING VEHICLES.

THE THEFT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992 WHICH WILL BE GAZETTED ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 4) SEEKS TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR THE OFFENCE OF TCWA TO SEVEN YEARS OF IMPRISONMENT FROM THE EXISTING MAXIMUM OF THREE YEARS.

THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, SAID TOUGHER PENALTIES WERE NEEDED IN VIEW OF THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE PROBLEM WHICH SAW THE NUMBER OF MISSING VEHICLES RISE FROM ABOUT 4,400 CASES IN 1989 TO AN ESTIMATED 7,000 CASES THIS YEAR.

THE ANNUAL RATE OF RECOVERY HAS DROPPED FROM 83.2 PER CENT IN 1989 TO 57 PER CENT THIS YEAR.

MR ASPREY SAID AT PRESENT, ALL CASES OF MISSING VEHICLES WERE INITIALLY CLASSIFIED AS TCWA — AN OFFENCE ORIGINALLY DESIGNED TO COVER 'JOYRIDERS’ WHO ONLY USE THE VEHICLE FOR A LIMITED PERIOD.

"IF THERE IS EVIDENCE TO PROVE THAT THE OFFENDER HAS A CRIMINAL INTENTION OF PERMANENTLY DEPRIVING THE OWNER OF HIS VEHICLE, HE WILL BE CHARGED WITH THE OFFENCE OF THEFT, WHICH CARRIES A MAXIMUM PENALTY OF 10 YEARS' IMPRISONMENT," HE SAID.

HOWEVER, THE DIFFICULTY IN SECURING THE NECESSARY EVIDENCE TO PROVE THIS CRIMINAL INTENTION HAS BEEN A MAJOR BARRIER FOR THE POLICE TO PROSECUTE UNDER THE OFFENCE OF THEFT.

THIS WAS THE REASON WHY THE OFFENCE OF TCWA WAS CREATED FIRST IN UK AND LATER IN HK.

"SINCE THE PROOF FOR THEFT MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE EVEN IN CASES WHERE A PERSON IS CAUGHT TRYING TO BREAK INTO A CAR OR IS ACTUALLY DRIVING THE MISSING CAR, THE POLICE HAVE TO RESORT TO THE LESSER OFFENCE OF TCWA IN MANY CASES," MR ASPREY EXPLAINED.

FROM 1989 TO JUNE THIS YEAR, ONLY 37 PEOPLE INVOLVED IN CASES OF MISSING VEHICLES WERE CONVICTED OF "THEFT OF VEHICLES". ONLY 10 WERE IMPRISONED.

DURING THE SAME PERIOD, ABOUT 740 PEOPLE WERE CONVICTED OF TCWA, AND ONLY 58 OF THEM WERE JAILED. THE MOST COMMON PENALTY FOR THOSE CONVICTED OF TCWA WAS A FINE OF $500 TO $1,000.

MR ASPREY SAID THE ATTORNEY GENERAL WAS TRYING TO IDENTIFY SUITABLE CASES TO MAKE AN APPLICATION TO THE COURT OF APPEAL TO REVIEW THE LEVEL OF SENTENCES.

/"IT IS .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1992

"IT IS ENCOURAGING TO NOTE THAT IN A RECENT COURT OF APPEAL CASE, THE COURT STATED THAT IN ORDER TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC, SUBSTANTIAL PRISON SENTENCES SHOULD BE IMPOSED ON THOSE WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE THEFT AND DISPOSAL OF VEHICLES," HE ADDED.

THE PHENOMENON OF REPEATED OFFENDERS WAS ALSO WORRYING. LAST YEAR, ABOUT 32 PER CENT OF DEFENDANTS CONNECTED WITH MISSING VEHICLES CASES JUMPED BAIL.

THIS YEAR, A NUMBER OF ARRESTED SUSPECTS WHO WERE GRANTED BAIL COMMITTED THE SAME OFFENCE A SECOND TIME DURING THE BAIL PERIOD OR SHORTLY AFTER RELEASE FROM BAIL.

HE ADDED THAT IT WAS AGAINST THIS BACKGROUND OF RISING NUMBER OF MISSING VEHICLES, THE UNSATISFACTORY PROSECUTION RESULTS, THE POLICE OPERATIONAL DIFFICULTIES IN PROSECUTING OFFENDERS, THE AGGRAVATED SITUATION OF REPEATED OFFENDERS AND THE LIMITED SUCCESS IN RECOVERING MISSING VEHICLES, THAT THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSED TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR THE OFFENCE OF TCWA IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE A GREATER DETERRENT EFFECT.

THE BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON DECEMBER 16.

- - 0 - -

41,000 Pl DISCRETIONARY PLACES TAKEN ♦ ♦ » » »

RESULTS OF ALLOCATION OF DISCRETIONARY PLACES UNDER THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION SYSTEM FOR THE 1992 SCHOOL YEAR WILL BE RELEASED ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 4) BY ALL GOVERNMENT AND AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID ABOUT 41,000 OUT OF 66,000 APPLICANTS WILL BE OFFERED A DISCRETIONARY PLACg,

PARENTS ARE ADVISED, WHETHER THEIR CHILDREN HAVE BEEN INTERVIEWED BY THE SCHOOL OR NOT, TO GO BACK TO THE SCHOOL WHICH THEY HAVE APPLIED FOR A PRIMARY 1 PLACE ON FRIDAY BETWEEN 9 AM AND 5 PM OR ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER. 5) BETWEEN 9 AM AND NOON TO FIND OtlT THE RESULTS OF THEIR APPLICATION.

REGISTRATION OF SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL TAKE PLACE ON DECEMBER 7 AND 8 (MONDAY AND TUESDAY) DURING SCHOOL HOURS.

FOR PARENTS WHOSE CHILDREN HAVE BEEN OFFERED A PRIMARY PLACE, THEY ARE ADVISED TO NOTE CAREFULLY THE REGISTRATION PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS OF INDIVIDUAL SCHOOLS, SUCH AS PARENT’S COPY OF THE APPLICATION FORM AND THE NUMBER OF PHOTOGRAPHS TO BE BROUGHT ALONG TO THE SCHOOL FOR REGISTRATION.

/PARENTS WHO

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1992

PARENTS WHO CANNOT REGISTER THEIR CHILD WITH THE SCHOOL WITHIN THE SPECIFIED PERIOD SHOULD NOTIFY THE SCHOOL OR THROUGH THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT (TEL NO. 572 4383) TO MAKE ALTERNATIVE ARRANGEMENTS - THEY WOULD BE DEEMED TO HAVE GIVEN UP THE DISCRETIONARY PLACE IF THEY FAILED TO DO SO.

REGISTRATION OF THE CHILD WITH THE SCHOOL WILL BE REGARDED AS BINDING ON BOTH THE SCHOOL AND THE PARENT.

THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT UNDER THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION SYSTEM, A GOVERNMENT OR AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOL CAN ACCEPT CHILDREN TO FILL UP TO A MAXIMUM OF 65 PER CENT OF ITS TOTAL PRIMARY 1 PLACES AS DISCRETIONARY PLACES.

THE REMAINING 35 PER CENT WILL BE RESERVED FOR CENTRAL ALLOCATION AT A LATER STAGE.

AS SOME SCHOOLS ARE OVER-SUBSCRIBED FOR THEIR DISCRETIONARY PLACES. IT IS NATURAL THAT SOME CHILDREN MAY NOT BE ABLE TO SECURE A PRIMARY ONE PLACE AT THIS STAGE.

PARENTS OF THESE CHILDREN, TOGETHER WITH THOSE WHO ONLY INTENDED TO TAKE PART IN THE CENTRAL ALLOCATION, WILL BE INFORMED BY LETTER SOME TIME IN MARCH NEXT YEAR TO GO TO A DISTRIBUTION/COLLECTION CENTRE IN THEIR HOME DISTRICT FOR CHOICE OF SCHOOLS.

"THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL THEN ALLOCATED A PRIMARY 1 PLACE TO THEIR CHILDREN WITHIN THEIR HOME DISTRICT, AS FAR AS POSSIBLE, IN ACCORDANCE WITH PARENTAL CHOICES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

DETAILED PROCEDURES OF THE CENTRAL ALLOCATION WILL BE ANNOUNCED LATER.

- - 0 - -

GOVT HAS CLEAR DUTY TO MAINTAIN SAFETY IN PORT * * * * *

THE PORT OF HONG KONG HAS A GOOD SAFETY RECORD AND THE GOVERNMENT HAS A CLEAR DUTY OF CARE IN MAINTAINING MARINE SAFETY FOR VESSELS IN HONG KONG WATERS AND ON THE HONG KONG SHIPPING REGISTER, THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR TONY MILLER, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

ADDRESSING THE ROTARY CLUB OF HONG KONG ISLAND EAST LUNCHEON MEETING, MR MILLER SAID: "WE ARE PROUD OF THAT RECORD, BUT WE ARE BY NO MEANS COMPLACENT. WE WANT AND FULLY INTEND TO MAKE IT BOTH SAFER AND MORE EFFICIENT. THE TWO MUST GO HAND IN HAND."

THE MARINE DEPARTMENT DEALS WITH VARIOUS AREAS OF MARINE SAFETY UNDER FIVE BROAD HEADINGS:

* THE COMPETENCE OF SEAFARERS

/*THE CONSTRUCTION

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1992

* THE CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF VESSELS

* NAVIGATION AND TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

* THE TRANSPORTATION OF DANGEROUS GOODS

* CARGO-HANDLING AND INDUSTRIAL SAFETY

ON THE CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF VESSELS, MR MILLER SAID: "OUR DUTY OF CARE IS TO ENSURE THAT VESSELS IN HONG KONG WATERS OR ON THE HONG KONG SHIPPING REGISTER ARE CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE RELEVANT INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS, LOCAL LEGISLATION AND COMMON PRUDENCE."

"PORT STATE CONTROL AND HIGH SPEED FERRIES ARE USEFUL EXAMPLES TO ILLUSTRATE THE MARINE DEPARTMENT’S APPROACH TO THIS AREA."

THE INTENTION OF PORT STATE CONTROL IS TO ACT AS A BACKSTOP IN PROTECTING THE LIVES OF SHIP CREWS AND THE SAFETY OF THE PORT AND THE ENVIRONMENT, TO PREVENT OWNERS AND OPERATORS, AND THEIR CLASSIFICATION SOCIETIES AND INSURANCE COMPANIES ALLOWING THE CONDITION OF A SHIP TO SLIP BELOW SAFE LIMITS.

"IT CANNOT BE, NOR SHOULD IT BE, A SUBSTITUTE FOR RESPONSIBLE MANAGEMENT BY OWNERS AND OPERATORS.

"IN HONG KONG WE TAKE THIS RESPONSIBILITY CAREFULLY. GIVEN THE NUMBER OF SHIPS CALLING, WE ARE OBLIGED TO DO A DEGREE OF TARGETING. THIS YEAR HAS SEEN SOME INTERESTING RESULTS.

"ON THE CARGO SIDE, THREE RUST-BUCKETS LEFT THE PORT HEADING FOR THE SCRAP YARDS, AFTER A FOURTH, A BULKER, WAS ARRESTED AND DECLARED LAID-UP PENDING THE OWNER CARRYING OUT SUBSTANTIAL REPAIRS. HE GAVE IN AFTER A MONTH AND SOLD THE VESSEL FOR SCRAP," SAID MR MILLER.

HE STRESSED THAT HONG KONG CHECKED ITS OWN FLAG VESSELS WITH PARTICULAR CARE.

MR MILLER SAID: "HONG KONG IS THE CENTRE OF WHAT IS PROBABLY THE WORLD’S BIGGEST HIGH-SPEED FERRY OPERATION, COMPRISING HYDROFOILS, SIDE-WALL HOVERCRAFT AND CATAMARANS OF ALL SHAPES AND SIZES.

"WE ARE PIONEERS IN THE FIELD AND WE HAVE HAD OUR SHARE OF ACCIDENTS. EACH ONE HAS BEEN ANALYSED WITH SCRUPULOUS CARE AND THE RESULTS SHARED WITH OWNERS, OPERATORS, BUILDERS AND THE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANISATION."

AS A RESULT, HONG KONG IS PLAYING A KEY ROLE IN RE-WRITING THE INTERNATIONAL RULE BOOK IN THIS AREA.

"THE EMPHASIS, THE GOVERNMENT'S DUTY OF CARE LIES WITH PREVENTION NOT CURE, WITH SAFE CODES OF CONSTRUCTION AND SAFE OPERATION. THE ONUS TO ENSURE PROPER MAINTENANCE AND SAFE PRACTICE LIES WITH THE OPERATORS. THERE CAN BE NO SUBSTITUTE FOR THIS."

- - 0----------

/25 ........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1992

PROGRAMME TO EDUCATE PUBLIC ON

ELECTRICITY UPGRADING

* * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT WILL LAUNCH A PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO EXPLAIN TO THE PUBLIC THE VOLTAGE UPGRADING PROGRAMME TO BE CARRIED OUT OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS.

UNDER THE CONVERSION PROGRAMME, THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY VOLTAGES IN HONG KONG WILL BE UPGRADED FROM THE EXISTING 200 VOLTS AND 346 VOLTS TO 220 VOLTS AND 380 VOLTS RESPECTIVELY.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (WEDNESDAY) POINTED OUT THAT THE UPGRADING PROGRAMME WOULD BRING HONG KONG INTO LINE WITH THE SYSTEM WHICH WAS MOSTLY USED THROUGHOUT THE WORLD.

"THIS CAREFULLY CONTROLLED PROGRAMME WOULD CAUSE AS LITTLE INCONVENIENCE AS POSSIBLE," HE ADDED.

THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT NO ONE WOULD NEED TO ENTER HOMES TO CARRY OUT THE CONVERSION AND THE CHANGEOVER WOULD COST ELECTRICITY CONSUMERS NOTHING.

HE POINTED OUT THAT AFTER THE CONVERSION, THE FIRST THING CONSUMERS WOULD NOTICE WAS THAT LIGHT BULBS WOULD GIVE OUT MORE LIGHT.

"MOST HOUSEHOLD EQUIPMENT IS ALREADY RATED AT 220 VOLTS, SO IT WILL OPERATE AT PEAK EFFICIENCY."

"AFTER THE CHANGE, IT WILL BE WORKING AS IT WAS DESIGNED TO -AND WILL ALSO GIVE A BETTER PERFORMANCE," HE EXPLAINED, ADDING THAT BECAUSE OF THE OVERALL BETTER PERFORMANCE, CONSUMERS SHOULD NOT NOTICE ANY SIGNIFICANT CHANGE IN ELECTRICITY BILLS.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID EXISTING HOUSEHOLDS’ WIRING WAS ADEQUATE FOR THE UPGRADED VOLTAGE.

"IF YOUR APPLIANCES AND WIRING OPERATE SAFELY AT THE EXISTING VOLTAGE, THERE SHOULD BE NO PROBLEM WHATSOEVER. BUT IF YOU HAVE ANY DOUBTS, YOU SHOULD CONSULT A REGISTERED ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR," HE SAID.

REGARDING OLDER APPLIANCES RATED AT 200 VOLTS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THEY WOULD STILL FUNCTION SAFELY AND SATISFACTORILY.

HE SAID THE INCREASE IN VOLTAGE WOULD NOT POSE ANY ADDITIONAL DANGER PROVIDED THAT ALL THE USUAL PRECAUTIONS WERE TAKEN.

"IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT, YOUR FUSES AND OTHER PROTECTIVE DEVICES WILL WORK JUST AS BEFORE,” HE SAID.

"NO ADDITIONAL SUPPLY CUTOFF WILL BE REQUIRED FOR THE CONVERSION TO TAKE PLACE SINCE THE VOLTAGE UPGRADING WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT, AS FAR AS POSSIBLE, TOGETHER WITH THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY COMPANY’S ROUTINE MAINTENANCE PROGRAMME," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

/THE TWO .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1992

- 26 -

THE TWO POWER COMPANIES HAVE SET UP THE FOLLOWING 24-HOUR HOTLINES TO ANSWER QUERIES FROM THE PUBLIC:

360 6498 (ENGLISH/CANTONESE) (CHINA LIGHT AND POWER CO, LTD)

555 4999 (CANTONESE) (THE HONG KONG ELECTRIC CO, LTD)

555 4000 (ENGLISH)

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAN OBTAIN A FREE LEAFLET FROM THE FOLLOWING OUTLETS:

♦ DISTRICT OFFICES

♦ HOUSING AUTHORITY ESTATE OFFICES

♦ THE CONSUMER COUNCIL

♦ CHINA LIGHT AND POWER CO, LTD CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTRES

♦ THE HONG KONG ELECTRIC CO, LTD CUSTOMER CENTRE AND PAY-IN CENTRES

---------0-----------

HK MUST KEEP ITS PEOPLE COMPETITIVE * * * * *

THE KEY INGREDIENT TO HONG KONG’S COMPETITIVENESS IS ITS REMARKABLE PEOPLE, AND TO REMAIN COMPETITIVE, HONG KONG MUST KEEP ITS PEOPLE HERE, SAID DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR CHRISTOPHER JACKSON.

ADDRESSING AN AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LUNCHEON MEETING TODAY (WEDNESDAY), MR JACKSON SAID:

”IT IS QUITE CLEAR TO ME THAT, IF HONG KONG IS TO REALISE ITS POTENTIAL, IT MUST HAVE AN EVER-INCREASING SUPPLY OF WELL-TRAINED, ARTICULATE, YOUNG GRADUATES; MORE LOCAL PROFESSIONALS; MORE IMAGINATIVE, FREE-THINKING INNOVATORS AND TECHNOCRATS. THAT IS THE WAY FORWARD.

"AND SOMEHOW, TO REMAIN COMPETITIVE, HONG KONG MUST KEEP THESE PEOPLE HERE, EXCITED BY HONG KONG AND THE PROSPECTS IT OFFERS; INVOLVED IN THE LIFE OF THE COMMUNITY; WITH A SENSE THAT THEY HAVE SOME SAY IN ITS RUNNING,” HE SAID.

MR JACKSON PAID TRIBUTE NOT ONLY TO BUSINESSMEN, BUT ALSO WORKERS, SMALL ENTREPRENEURS, STUDENTS AND PROFESSIONALS IN THE TERRITORY.

THE GOVERNMENT RECOGNISED THE IMPORTANCE OF A WELL-TRAINED WORKFORCE, AND ’’THAT IS WHY THE NUMBER OF FIRST-DEGREE UNIVERSITY PLACES IS BEING DOUBLED BETWEEN 1991 AND 1995; THAT IS WHY THE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OPENED ITS DOORS LAST YEAR; AND THAT IS WHY A SPECIAL RETRAINING FUND HAS BEEN SET UP WITH AN IMMEDIATE INJECTION OF $300 MILLION, ANNOUNCED BY THE GOVERNOR IN HIS RECENT LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ADDRESS.

/’’IT IS...........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1992

"IT IS ALSO WHY THE GOVERNOR ANNOUNCED A 20 PER CENT INCREASE IN THE FUNDS TO BE ALLOCATED BY THE RESEARCH GRANTS COUNCIL FOR STAFF AND GRADUATE STUDENTS TO UNDERTAKE RESEARCH PROJECTS," HE ADDED.

TURNING TO THE SUBJECT THAT CHINA’S MOST FAVOURED-NATION (MFN) TRADING STATUS MIGHT BE WITHDRAWN OR MADE CONDITIONAL BY THE UNITED STATES, MR JACKSON DESCRIBED THE PROSPECT AS "WORRISOME".

MANY BUSINESSES IN CHINA AND HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORT TRADE WOULD SUFFER SERIOUSLY. HONG KONG HAS RECOVERED FROM MANY REVERSALS SOME EQUALLY AS GREAT, SOME GREATER. BUT IT WOULD BE A HEAVY BLOW AT A CRITICAL PERIOD IN HONG KONG’S DEVELOPMENT.

"MFN WITHDRAWAL WOULD BE A SERIOUS SETBACK FOR THE FORCES OF ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT IN WHICH THE UNITED STATES HAS SUCH A STRONG INTEREST.

"I AM SURE THAT PRESIDENT-ELECT BILL CLINTON AND HIS SUPPORTERS WILL WISH TO AVOID DAMAGING THE HONG KONG ECONOMY AND ITS VITAL ROLE IN DEVELOPING AND OPENING UP CHINA’S ECONOMY.

"BUT WE CAN NO LONGER RELY ON A PRESIDENTIAL VETO AND WORK TO SUSTAIN THAT VETO IN THE SENATE. WE NEED TO MAKE OUR MESSAGE COUNT WITH ALL SENATORS AND CONGRESSMEN," MR JACKSON SAID.

HE TOLD AMERICAN BUSINESSMEN IN HONG KONG THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WAS ADVANCING ITS CASE ONCE AGAIN IN WASHINGTON, AND IN LITTLE ROCK.

"WE MUST FINE-TUNE EXISTING STRATEGIES AND DEVELOP NEW ONES TO MAKE QUITE SURE THAT THE HONG KONG MESSAGE GETS ACROSS TO VERY WIDE AUDIENCE, NOT ONLY IN WASHINGTON, BUT IN KEY STATES AND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS.

"WE MUST WORK TO KEEP MFN IN PLACE, AN IMPORTANT RETAINING HONG KONG’S COMPETITIVENESS," MR JACKSON SAID.

ELEMENT

---------0------------

MOBILE EYE STATION AND NEW DENTAL VAN IN SERVICE *****

THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE IMPLEMENTING A TERRITORY-WIDE ORAL HEALTH EDUCATION EARLY NEXT YEAR TO PROMOTE DENTAL HEALTH AMONG CHILDREN OF SCHOOL AGE, THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, DR S H LEE, SAID.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY FOR THE EYE STATION AND DENTAL VAN PROJECT CONCERN HONG KONG TODAY (WEDNESDAY), DR LEE SAID THE OCCASION MARKED THE IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW FACILITIES TO PROMOTE PRIMARY HEALTH CARE (PHC) TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC.

HE NOTED THAT THE ORGANISATION’S COMMITMENT TO THE PROVISION OF BETTER PHC SERVICES WAS REALISED IN STAGES BY PUTTING THE INNOVATIVE MOBILE EYE STATION AND THE NEW DENTAL VAN WITH X-RAY FACILITY INTO SERVICE.

/DR LEE ........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1992

DR LEE SAID: "PHC IS PARTICIPATORY CARE AND THE GOVERNMENT ALWAYS TREASURES COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN THE PROVISION OF PHC SERVICES TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG."

THE MOBILE EYE STATION, THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN HONG KONG, WILL BE USED FOR THE PROVISION OF PROMOTIONAL, PREVENTIVE AND CURATIVE EYE SERVICES FOR THE SPECIAL-NEED GROUPS SUCH AS THE ELDERLY, PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN AND THE DISABLED.

ON DENTAL SERVICE, DR LEE SAID THE PROJECT CONCERN HONG KONG HAD STEADILY EXPANDED THE SERVICE TO BENEFIT LARGER POPULATION REQUIRING HELP SINCE THE 1980’S.

"THIS NEW DENTAL VAN WITH X-RAY FACILITY WILL DEFINITELY IMPROVE THE SCOPE AND QUALITY OF YOUR DENTAL SERVICES," DR LEE SAID.

THE NEW VAN WILL NOT ONLY INCLUDE BASIC DENTAL CARE TO PEOPLE REQUIRING HELP SUCH AS THE DISABLED AND THE NON-AMBULATORY GROUPS BUT ALSO WILL PROVIDE DENTAL SCREENING AND HEALTH EDUCATION FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC.

DR LEE SAID THE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE ORGANISATION AND THE GOVERNMENT WAS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION.

DR LEE ALSO SPOKE HIGHLY OF THE ORGANISATION FOR ITS DEDICATION, DEVOTION AND COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY SERVICES DURING THE PAST THREE DECADES.

HE LOOKED FORWARD TO A CONTINUED "PARTNERSHIP IN HEALTH" IN THE FUTURE.

- - 0 - -

BETTER FIRE PROTECTION SERVICE FOR TIN SHUI WAI t t ♦ t ♦

RESIDENTS OF THE FAST DEVELOPING TIN SHUI WAI TOWN AND THE NEARBY AREAS IN YUEN LONG WILL BE PROVIDED WITH BETTER FIRE PROTECTION AND EMERGENCY RESCUE SERVICES WITH THE COMMISSIONING OF A NEW FIRE STATION AND AN AMBULANCE DEPOT.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF TIN SHUI WAI FIRE STATION AND AMBULANCE DEPOT TODAY (WEDNESDAY), CHIEF FIRE OFFICER MR WONG MAN-CHIU SAID THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN OFFERING EFFICIENT SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY THROUGH MAXIMISING THE RESOURCES ALLOCATED.

"IN THE PAST 30 YEARS, WE HAVE SUCCEEDED IN POSITIONING FIRE STATIONS AND AMBULANCE DEPOTS STRATEGICALLY, MODERNISING THE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, ACQUIRING ADDITIONAL APPLIANCES AND EQUIPMENT, AND IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF SERVICE FOR THE PUBLIC,” HE SAID.

/“MEMBERS OF

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1992

’’MEMBERS OF THE DEPARTMENT, IRRESPECTIVE OF FIREMEN OR AMBULANCEMEN, ARE FULLY AWARE OF THEIR DUTY TO SAVE AND PROTECT LIVES AND PROPERTIES,’’ HE ADDED.

HE ENCOURAGED THE OFFICERS TO KEEP PHYSICALLY FIT, TO HAVE A CLEAR MIND, AND BE RESOURCEFUL AND BRAVE TO HANDLE VARIOUS KINDS OF JOBS.

FIREMEN WERE ALSO TOLD TO MAKE THE MOST OF THE TRAINING FACILITIES AT THE NEW FIRE STATION AND AMBULANCE DEPOT.

TIN SHUI WAI DISTRICT COVERS AN AREA OF 5,000 HECTARES AND WILL HAVE A POPULATION OF 140,000 WHEN FULLY DEVELOPED.

--------0-----------

WATER SUPPLY TO SOUTHWEST KOWLOON TURNS WEAK

*****

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN SOUTHWEST KOWLOON WILL TURN WEAK FROM MIDNIGHT TO 6 AM ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 4) BECAUSE OF CONNECTION WORK ON WATER MAINS.

THE AFFECTED PREMISES INCLUDE THOSE IN MONG KOK, YAU MA TEI, MAN FUK ROAD, MAN WAN ROAD, HO MAN TIN STREET AS WELL AS THE AREA BOUNDED BY BOUNDARY STREET, LA SALLE ROAD, PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST AND WATERLOO ROAD.

---------0-----------

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****

$ MILLION

OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,500

REVERSAL OF LAF NIL

BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 1,500

NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL

EFFECT OF LAF TODAY +230

CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,730

LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 113.5 *-0.3* 2.12.92

/HONG KONG .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1992

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS

TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD

1 WEEK 4.20 PCT 15 MONTHS 2402 5.50 100.09 5.49

1 MONTH 4.35 PCT 18 MONTHS 2405 5.50 99.95 5.61

3 MONTHS 4.44 PCT 21 MONTHS 2408 4.375 97.95 5.73

6 MONTHS 4.57 PCT 24 MONTHS 2411 4.625 97.95 5.83

12 MONTHS 5.26 PCT

TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 11,796MN

CLOSED 2 DECEMBER 1992

- - 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1992

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

HK'S SUCCESS STORY TOLD ...................................... t

HK'S ECONOMIC BASE IS VERY STRONG: GOVERNOR .................. 2

PROVISIONAL FIGURES ON RETAIL SALES FOR SEPTEMBER ............ 2

AIRPORT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE MEETS NEXT MONDAY ............. 5

NEED FOR SCIENCE PARK EXPLORED ............................... 5

GOVT ACTIVELY UPGRADES TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE ............. 6

19 RETRAINING COURSES OPEN FOR APPLICATION ................... 8

ELECTION OF LAB EMPLOYEES' REPRESENTATIVES ................... 9

VEHICLE MARKS UP FOR AUCTION ............................... 10

CIVIC EDUCATION DAY ACTIVITIES ...............................

CROWN RENT PAYMENT ....................

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .. 14

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1992

1 - 9

HK’S SUCCESS STORY TOLD

* * * ♦

HONG KONG, AT THE HEART OF ASIA AND THE HUB OF THE ASIAN ECONOMY, IS HELPING TO DRIVE THE ECONOMIC GROWTH IN THE REGION AND TO SPREAD PROSPERITY EVER MORE WIDELY, THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

ADDRESSING THE OPENING OF THE BUSINESS WEEK ASIA SYMPOSIUM OF CHIEF EXECUTIVES, MR PATTEN SAID HONG KONG TODAY WAS PLACED MUCH AS NEW YORK MUST HAVE BEEN AT THE TURN OF THE CENTURY.

"THE SAME DRIVE, THE SAME CONFIDENCE, THE SAME ENERGY AND THE SAME GUT-FELT DETERMINATION TO SUCCEED."

HOWEVER, HE NOTED THAT THERE WERE CLOUDS ON THE HORIZON FOR ASIA.

THE MOST DANGEROUS THREATS TO ASIA’S CONTINUED PROSPERITY WERE GLOBAL THREATS TO FREE TRADE, WHICH BOILED DOWN TO SEVEN LETTERS -"MFN" (MOST FAVOURED NATION) AND "GATT", HE SAID.

MR PATTEN WAS DELIGHTED THAT THE UNITED STATES AND THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY APPEARED TO HAVE REACHED AGREEMENT ON THE MAJOR ELEMENTS BLOCKING THE URUGUAY ROUND.

"I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT NEGOTIATIONS IN GENEVA CAN BE CONCLUDED AS SWIFTLY AS POSSIBLE, AND I HOPE AS WELL THAT THOSE MEMBER STATES OF THE COMMUNITY WHO MAY BE HAVING SECOND THOUGHTS, WILL THINK OF THEIR OWN FUTURE AND ALL OUR LONG-TERM FUTURES."

NOTING THAT CHINA AND THE UNITED STATES WERE HONG KONG’S LARGEST PARTNERS IN COMMERCE, MR PATTEN POINTED OUT ALSO THAT IF CHINA LOST ITS MFN STATUS HONG KONG WOULD SUFFER.

"OUR GROWTH COULD BE CUT BY TWO-AND-A-HALF PER CENT, 60,000 JOBS COULD, ACCORDING TO THE ECONOMISTS, BE LOST," HE ADDED.

MR PATTEN SAID HONG KONG WAS THE MOST BUSINESS-FRIENDLY COMMUNITY, IN WHICH EVERYONE SEEMED TO UNDERSTAND WHAT REALLY MADE THE ECONOMY TICK.

"WE’RE A VIBRANT, SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE MARKET ECONOMY WHICH EMBRACES CHANGE TN EVERY SECTOR RATHER THAN REJECTS IT.

"I’M DETERMINED THAT WE SHOULD STAY THAT WAY," HE ADDED.

--------0 -----------

/2 ........

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1992

HK’S ECONOMIC BASE IS VERY STRONG: GOVERNOR ♦ » ♦ ♦ ♦

THE ECONOMIC FUNDAMENTALS IN HONG KONG ARE PROBABLY SOUNDER THAN IN ANY OTHER COMMUNITY IN THE WORLD, THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

SPEAKING TO REPORTERS BEFORE PRESIDING AT THE HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE GRADUATION CEREMONY, MR PATTEN SAID HONG KONG HAD A STRONG ECONOMY AND A STRONG COMMUNITY.

COMMENTING ON THE STOCK MARKET SLIP, MR PATTEN SAID: ”1 HAVEN’T DONE ANYTHING TO AFFECT WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE MARKET THIS WEEK. I HAVE SAID NOTHING WHICH HAS HAD ANY EFFECTS ON THE MARKET.”

HE SAID HE DID NOT THINK IT WAS SENSIBLE TO COMMENT ON DAY-TO-DAY MOVEMENTS IN THE STOCK MARKET.

’’WHAT I DO THINK IT’S SENSIBLE FOR ME TO SAY IS THAT THE UNDERLYING STRENGTH OF THE HONG KONG ECONOMY AND THE UNDERLYING STRENGTH OF FIRMS IN HONG KONG ARE THERE FOR EVERYONE TO SEE.”

-----0------

PROVISIONAL FIGURES ON RETAIL SALES FOR SEPTEMBER * * * * *

THE VALUE OF TOTAL RETAIL SALES IN SEPTEMBER, ESTIMATED AT $13.9 BILLION, INCREASED BY 18% WHEN COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR, ACCORDING TO THE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

THE INCREASE IN RETAIL SALES REFLECTED A CONTINUED GROWTH IN SPENDING BY BOTH LOCAL CONSUMERS AND TOURISTS.

AFTER DISCOUNTING THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES OVER THE PERIOD, TOTAL RETAIL SALES INCREASED BY 11% IN VOLUME TERMS.

THE INCREASE WAS MAINLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE GROWTH IN SPENDING ON MOTOR VEHICLES, CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR.

SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES IN SEPTEMBER CONTINUED TO REGISTER A LARGE YEAR-ON-YEAR INCREASE, BY 50% IN VALUE AND 42% IN VOLUME.

SALES OF CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS ALSO ROSE SUBSTANTIALLY, BY 33% IN VALUE AND 20% IN VOLUME.

RELATIVELY MORE MODERATE INCREASES WERE RECORDED FOR SALES OF FUELS (BY 19% IN VALUE AND 11% IN VOLUME); SALES IN DEPARTMENT STORES (14% AND 4%); SUPERMARKETS (11% AND 3%); JEWELLERY, WATCHES, CLOCKS AND VALUABLE GIFTS (8% AND 10% ); AND CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR CARS (8% AND 7%).

/THE LARGER .......

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1992

- 3

THE LARGER INCREASE LN VOLUME TERMS FOR JEWELLERY ITEMS WAS DUE TO A FALL IN PRICES.

ON THE OTHER HAND, SALES OF OTHER FOODSTUFFS RECORDED A 4% INCREASE IN VALUE BUT A 3% DECREASE IN VOLUME, AFTER TAKING IN TO ACCOUNT THE PRICE CHANGES.

COMPARING THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, TOTAL RETAIL SALES ROSE BY 19% IN VALUE AND 13% TN VOLUME.

COMPARING WITH AUGUST 1992, AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON MAY BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, TOTAL RETAIL SALES IN SEPTEMBER DECREASED BY 4% IN VALUE AND 5% 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 RELEVANT COMPONENTS OF THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX ARE USED AS INDICATORS OF PRICE CHANGES.

THE REPORT CONTAINING THE ANALYSIS OF THE SEPTEMBER RESULTS IS NOW ON SALE AT $1.5 A COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL; AND THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, I9TH 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.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

TABLE I PRESENTS CHE REVISED TOTAL RETAIL SALES FIGURE FOR AUGUST AND THF PROVISIONAL FIGURE FOR SEPTEMBER.

TABLE 2 SHOWS THE VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF RETAIL SALES LN AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER FOR ALL RETAIL OUTLETS AND BY TYPE OF RETAIL OUTLET, WITH AVERAGE RETAIL SALES FROM OCTOBER 1989 TO SEPTEMBER 1990 TAKEN AS 100.

COMPARISONS OF SEPTEMBER. 1992 RESULTS WITH THOSE FOR AUGUST 1992 AND WITH THOSE FOR SEPTEMBER 1991, AND COMPARISONS OF RETAIL SALES LN THF PERIOD JANUARY TO SEPTEMBER OF 1 992 WITH THF SAME PERIOD IN 1991 ARE ALSO GIVEN.

/TABLE 1 ; .......

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1992

TABLE 1 : TOTAL RETAIL SALES

Total Retail Sates for September 1992 (Provisional Figure) - HK$13,941.4 million

for August 1992 (Revised Figure) « HK$14,483.2 million

JAB_LE._2.-VALUE. AND VOLUME INDEXES OF RETA_IL_$ALES FOR AUGUST 1992 AND SEPTEMBER 1992

(Monthly average of Oct. 89 - Sept. 90 * 100)

item Index of Retail Sales August 1992 September 1992 September 1992 compared with September 1992 coffpared with September 1991 Jan-Sep 1992 compared with

August 1992 Jan-Sej 1991

(A) FOR ALL RETAIL OUTLETS (Revised figures) (Provisional figures), Points % Points % Points %

Value 154.2 148.5 -5.8 -3.7 +22.3 ♦17.7 ♦22.0 ♦18.9

(B) BY TYPE OF RETAIL OUTLET Volume 136.0 129.6 -6.4 -4.7 + 13.1 ♦11.3 ♦13.9 +12.8

Foodstuffs, alcoholic Value 120.8 123.3 +2.5 +2.1 +5.2 ♦4.4 +5.4 +4.8

drinks and tobacco (other than supermarkets) Volume 102.7 99.5 -3.2 -3.2 -2.7 -2.7 -2.6 -2.6

Supermarkets Value 133.0 136.8 +3.9 ♦2.9 +13.0 +10.5 +12.2 + 10.5

Volume 107.8 110.5 +2.8 ♦2.6 +2.7 ♦2.5 ♦2.1 +2.0

Fuels Value 146.2 151.0 +4.8 ♦3.3 +23.7 +18.6 +11.7 +9.6

Volume 111.8 115.6 +3.8 +3.4 +11.3 ♦10.8 ♦2.4 ♦2.4

Clothing, footwear and Value 173.6 149.7 -23.9 -13.8 +37.2 ♦33.1 +29.4 +24.7

allied products Volume 145.8 123.9 -21.9 -15.0 ♦20.3 +19.6 + 14.9 ♦13.4

Consumer durable goods * Value 183.5 182.8 -0.7 -0.4 +38.7 +26.9 ♦40.3 +33.0

Volume 165.8 162.8 -3.0 -1.8 ♦29.3 +22.0 ♦31.7 ♦27.6

- Motor vehicles Value 204.4 234.2 ♦29.8 ♦14.6 ♦77.8 +49.7 ♦73.8 +62.3

and parts Volume 172.4 196.1 ♦23.8 ♦13.8 +57.8 +41.8 +56.5 ♦52.8

- Consumer durable Value 168.4 145.7 -22.8 -13.5 + 10.4 +7.7 +16.0 +12.8

goods other than motor vehicles and parts Volume 161.0 138.7 -22.3 -13.8 +8.7 ♦6.7 +13.7 ♦11.4

Department stores Value 149.4 125.0 -24.4 -16.3 +15.0 ♦ 13.6 ♦17.8 ♦16.2

Volume 128.3 105.0 -23.3 -18.2 +3.6 +3.6 ♦6.8 +6.6

Jewellery, watches Value 146.0 146.6 ♦0.6 ♦0.4 ♦ 10.8 +8.0 ♦21.4 ♦ 18.7

and clocks, and valuable gifts Volume 150.4 153.9 +3.5 ♦2.3 +13.7 +9.8 ♦26.7 +23.6

Other consumer goods Value 162.9 159.4 -3.5 -2.1 ♦30.9 +24.0 +22.6 +18.8

not elsewhere classified Volume 141.0 136.4 -4.7 -3.3 :• + 18.4 + 15.6 +10.8 +9.5

NOTE : * This covers both "Motor vehicles and parts" and "Consumer durable goods other than motor vehicles and parts".

- 0 -

/5 ........

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1992

AIRPORT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE MEETS NEXT MONDAY

*****

THE SEVENTH PLENARY MEETING OF THE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE ON THE NEW AIRPORT AND RELATED PROJECTS WILL BE HELD AT 2.30 PM NEXT MONDAY (DECEMBER 7).

THE MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT CONFERENCE HALL, FIRST FLOOR, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, MAIN WING (NEW ANNEXE).

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO OBSERVE THE PROCEEDINGS ARE REQUESTED TO RESERVE A SEAT BY TELEPHONING MS LEUNG WING-CHONG ON 829 6745 DURING OFFICE HOURS.

AS SEATING IS LIMITED, BOOKINGS WILL BE FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING.

-----o------

NEED FOR SCIENCE PARK EXPLORED * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT WILL SOON CONSIDER THE FINDINGS OF A CONSULTANCY STUDY ON THE NEED FOR A SCIENCE PARK IN HONG KONG, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T H CHAU, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE PARK CONFERENCE, HE SAID HONG KONG HAD TO CONSIDER VERY CAREFULLY THE NEED TO MAINTAIN ITS COMPETITIVE EDGE IN THE FACE OF RAPID GROWTH OF THE NEIGHBOURING ECONOMIES IN ASIA.

HE SAID MANY COUNTRIES HAI) EXPLORED THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SCIENCE PARKS TO SECURE THE TECHNOLOGICAL HIGH GROUND IN THE SEARCH FOR A NEW COMPETITIVE EDGE.

HONG KONG WAS AWARE OF THE POSSIBLE ROLE A SCIENCE PARK COULD PLAY IN THE TECHNOLOGICAL GROWTH OF AN ECONOMY, MR CHAU SAJI).

IN MANY COUNTRIES A SCIENCE PARK HAD BEEN SHOWN TO SERVE AS A FOCUS, BOTH DOMESTICALLY AND GLOBALLY, AROUND WHICH FIRMS SEEKING TO BENEFIT MORE FROM TECHNOLOGY COULD ESTABLISH THEMSELVES, HE POINTED OUT.

"THEY CAN MAKE USE OF SHARED FACILITIES AND HAVE ACCESS TO THE SKILLED AND TRAINED LABOUR FORCE ATTRACTED TO THE GOOD WORKING ENVIRONMENT OF A SCIENCE PARK.

/"CUSTOMERS AND .......

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1992

’’CUSTOMERS AND SUPPLIERS, TOO, ARE ATTRACTED TO SCIENCE PARKS FOR THEIR OWN SPECIALISED NEEDS,” HE SAID.

’’ONE OF THE MOST INNOVATIVE FEATURES OF ANY SCIENCE PARK IS THE LINKS IT CAN PROVIDE TO THE WELL EDUCATED AND TRAINED STAFF AND STUDENTS IN UNIVERSITIES AND POLYTECHNICS.

’’THIS IS A UNIVERSAL FEATURE OF SCIENCE PARKS AND IN ITSELF PROVIDES A NEW CHALLENGE TO HIGHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTES AND INDUSTRY TO DEVELOP A NEW UNDERSTANDING OF THE OPPORTUNITIES THIS BRINGS,” HE ADDED.

--------0

GOVT ACTIVELY UPGRADES TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE

*****

THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MR T H BARMA, TODAY (THURSDAY) OUTLINED THE RANGE OF INITIATIVES BEING TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT IN UPGRADING THE TECHNOLOGICAL INFRASTRUCTURE OF HONG KONG.

SPEAKING ON "GOVERNMENT AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT” AT A LUNCH TALK OF THE ASIA-PACIFIC SCIENCE PARK CONFERENCE, MR BARMA SAID THE LATEST INITIATIVE CONCERNED THE DEVELOPMENT OF A SCIENCE PARK IN HONG KONG.

”WE IN HONG KONG ARE VERY MUCH AWARE THAT WE DO NOT HAVE ONE AND THIS IS WHY WE HAVE COMMISSIONED A STUDY TO EXAMINE THE NEED FOR A SCIENCE PARK IN HONG KONG," HE SAID.

"THE SIX-MONTH STUDY HAS ONLY THIS WEEK BEEN COMPLETED AND WE ARE NOW EXAMINING ITS CONCLUSIONS,” HE ADDED.

MR BARMA SAID THE STUDY RECOMMENDED THAT HONG KONG NEEDED A SCIENCE PARK AND SHOWED THAT THERE WAS A DEMAND FOR ONE IN HONG KONG.

’’HOWEVER, WE ARE VERY CLEARLY OF THE VIEW THAT A SCIENCE PARK IN HONG KONG IS SOMETHING THAT CANNOT BE CREATED BY GOVERNMENT ALONE.”

IT CAN ONLY BE SUCCESSFULLY DEVELOPED IN CLOSE PARTNERSHIP AND WITH THE ACTIVE SUPPORT OF MANY OTHER INTERESTED BODIES: THE TERTIARY EDUCATION INSTITUTES IN HONG KONG, COMPANIES INVOLVED IN TECHNOLOGY, BOTH BIG AND SMALL AND, NOT LEAST, THE BANKS WHOSE CONTRIBUTION TO THE SUCCESS OF ANY NEWLY EMERGING COMPANY TRYING TO DEVELOP AND COMMERCIALISE A NEW IDEA IS LIKELY TO BE CRUCIAL, MR BARMA SAID.

"THIS IS WHY, FIRST OF ALL, WE WILL BE ACTIVELY SEEKING THE VIEWS AND COMMENTS OF THOSE WHO WOULD BE INVOLVED IN THE PLANNING AND OPERATION OF A SCIENCE PARK.

"WE WOULD ALSO BE SEEKING THE VIEWS OF OUR MAIN ADVISORY BODY, THE INDUSTRY- AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL.

/"WE WILL .......

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1992

"WE WILL THEN BE IN A BETTER POSITION TO DECIDE WHETHER TO ACCEPT THE REPORT’S RECOMMENDATIONS AND CARRY OUT FURTHER DETAILED STUDIES ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A SCIENCE PARK IN HONG KONG,” HE SAID.

THE GOVERNMENT HAD ESTABLISHED, AT THE BEGINNING OF THIS YEAR, THE INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL TO ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT ON THE SUPPORT HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIES NEEDED IN RESPONSE TO TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS AROUND THE WORLD.

THE INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL HAS UNDER IT, FIVE SPECIALIST COMMITTEES: THE ELECTRONICS COMMITTEE, THE PLASTICS COMMITTEE, THE METALS COMMITTEE, THE TEXTILES AND CLOTHING COMMITTEE AND THE TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE.

THE TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE IS IN TURN UNDERPINNED BY THE BIOTECHNOLOGY SUB-COMMITTEE AND THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SUB-COMMITTEE TO ADVISE ON THE NEEDS OF SPECIFIC TECHNOLOGY SECTORS.

MR BARMA SAID THERE W\S ALSO A COMMITTEE ON THE APPLIED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT SCHEME WHICH PROVIDED ADVICE ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE GOVERNMENT’S APPLIED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT SCHEME.

UNDER THE SCHEME, THE GOVERNMENT PROVIDES $200 MILLION TO COMPANIES IN THE FORM OF MATCHING INVESTMENTS IN RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS.

THE OVERALL OBJECTIVE OF THE SCHEME IS TO ENCOURAGE A HIGHER LEVEL OF PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT IN APPLIED INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.

"THIS SEEKS TO ENCOURAGE THE INCREASE OF HONG KONG MANUFACTURERS’ TECHNOLOGICAL CAPABILITY AND THEREBY HELP THEM BECOME MORE COMPETITIVE IN A RANGE OF MORE HIGHER VALUE-ADDED PRODUCTS,” HE SAID.

MR BARMA POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG HAD BENEFITED FROM THE IMPORT OF TECHNOLOGY IN THE PAST, AND WAS BOUND TO CONTINUE TO NEED EXTERNAL NOURISHMENT FOR ITS FUTURE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT.

’’THROUGH THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT’S INWARD INVESTMENT PROGRAMME, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT STRIVES TO ATTRACT OVERSEAS INVESTORS WHO CAN BRING IN NEW AND IMPROVED PROCESSES AND TECHNOLOGIES TO HONG KONG.”

THE PROGRAMME, WHICH IS SUPPORTED BY A NETWORK OF INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION UNITS OVERSEAS, TAKES A PROACTIVE APPROACH TO COMPANIES IN A RANGE OF TARGETED INDUSTRIES.

THE TARGETS ARE IDENTIFIED AND REVIEWED REGULARLY HAVING REGARD TO THE FINDINGS OF HONG KONG’S TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS, FEEDBACK FROM INDUSTRY, RECOMMENDATIONS Ob' INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT’S OWN TECHNO-ECONOMIC STUDIES AND THE ASSESSMENT OF PROJECT OFFICERS ON THE GROUND.

’’THE CONTINUED FLOW OF OVERSEAS INVESTMENTS INTO HONG KONG

SUGGESTS BOTH THAT THE PROGRAMME IS CONTINUES TO HAVE MUCH TO OFFER TO

SUCCESSFUL AND THAT NEW AND DIVERSIFIED

HONG KONG

INDUSTRIAL

PROJECTS FROM OVERSEAS,” HE SAID.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1992

19 RETRAINING COURSES OPEN FOR APPLICATION *****

NINETEEN RETRAINING COURSES IN VARIOUS SECTORS WITH A LARGE NUMBER OF VACANCIES AND A HIGH DEMAND FOR IMPORTED LABOUR ARE NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATION, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EMPLOYEES RETRAINING BOARD SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

THE COURSES ARE:

* SERVICE SECTOR

WAITER/WAITRESS IN CHINESE RESTAURANTS, JUNIOR COOK (ROASTED FOOD), HOTEL HOUSEKEEPING, BASIC RETAIL SALES TECHNIQUES, BASIC STOCKKEEPING;

* COMPUTER AND OFFICE WORK

COMPUTERISED CHINESE TYPESETTING, OFFICE ASSISTANT TRAINING;

* CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

DECORATIVE JOINERY, DECORATIVE PAINTING, DECORATIVE MARBLE WORK, CONSTRUCTION PURCHASER AND STOREKEEPER, CONSTRUCTION SITE CLERK; AND

* CLOTHING INDUSTRY

SHIPPING AND DOCUMENTATION, SAMPLE MAKING, GARMENT FITTING ALTERATION, OFFSHORE QUALITY CONTROL, SAMPLING FOR KNITWEAR AND CLOTHING MATERIALS PLANNING AND PURCHASING, COMPUTER AIDED SKETCHING, GRADING AND MARKER LAYING.

THE COURSES ARE ORGANISED IN COLLABORATION WITH THE ASSOCIATION OF RESTAURANT MANAGERS, VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL, HONG KONG CHRISTIAN AID, CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY, CLOTHING INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY AND THE CARITAS ADULT AND HIGHER EDUCATION SERVICE.

"DURATION OF THE COURSES RANGE FROM TWO TO 20 WEEKS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID. "TWO OF THEM WILL START ON DECEMBER 8 AND THE REST EARLY NEXT YEAR."

PERMANENT HONG KONG RESIDENTS WHO HAVE BEEN WITH THE SAME EMPLOYER OR IN THE SAME INDUSTRY FOR AT LEAST TWO YEARS MAY APPLY FOR THE COURSES.

"PREFERENCE WILL BE GIVEN TO WORKERS WHO ARE AGED 30 OR ABOVE AND WHO ARE OUT OF WORK OR DOES NOT HAVE ENOUGH WORK TO DO," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT BRANCH OFFICES OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE.

AN ALLOWANCE OF $2,800 A MONTH WILL BE GIVEN TO WORKERS UNDERGOING RETRAINING TO MEET THEIR BASIC NEEDS.

FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE COURSES CAN BE OBTAINED FROM OFFICES OF THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE ON TEL 606 2145.

/9 ..........

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1992

ELECTION OE LAB EMPLOYEES’ REPRESENTATIVES

*******

EIGHT CANDIDATES NOMINATED BY REGISTERED EMPLOYEES’ TRADE UNIONS WILL BE COMPETING EOR FIVE EMPLOYEES’ REPRESENTATIVE SEATS ON THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD (LAB) ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 5).

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL BE APPOINTED TO THE BOARD FOR A TERM OF TWO YEARS STARTING FROM JANUARY NEXT YEAR.

A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT 260 EMPLOYEES’ TRADE UNIONS HAD REGISTERED AS ELECTORS IN THE LAB ELECTION TO BE HELD AT WAH YAN COLLEGE, KOWLOON AT WATERLOO ROAD, YAU MA TEI.

"AUTHORISED UNION REPRESENTATIVES ARE REQUIRED TO ARRIVE AT THE SCHOOL BEFORE 2.30 PM ON THE ELECTION DAY," HE SAID.

"THEY MUST PRODUCE THEIR HONG KONG IDENTITY CARDS FOR INSPECTION BEFORE BEING ADMITTED TO THE ELECTION HALL," HE ADDED.

REPRESENTATIVES OF THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER AND REGISTRAR OF TRADE UNIONS WILL BE PRESENT TO SUPERVISE THE COUNTING OF VOTES. AN ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR MAK SAI-YIU, WILL ACT AS THE RETURNING OFFICER.

THE LAB IS A TRIPARTITE CONSULTATIVE BODY WHICH ADVISES THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR ON LABOUR MATTERS INCLUDING LEGISLATION AND THE APPLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR CONVENTION AND RECOMMENDATIONS.

IT WAS SET UP IN 1927 WITHOUT WORKERS’ REPRESENTATIVES.

THE BOARD BECAME TRIPARTITE IN 1946 WITH THREE MEMBERS REPRESENTING WORKERS OF MAJOR COMPANIES.

IN 1950, THE BOARD WAS RE-CONSTITUTED AND ELECTED ELEMENTS WERE INTRODUCED FOR THE FIRST TIME.

THE LAB AT THAT TIME CONSISTED OF EIGHT MEMBERS, INCLUDING TWO ELECTED AND TWO APPOINTED EMPLOYEES’ REPRESENTATIVES.

IN 1977, THE BOARD’S MEMBERSHIP WAS INCREASED TO 12 WITH THREE ELECTED AND THREE APPOINTED MEMBERS REPRESENTING EMPLOYEES.

THE TERM OF OFFICE OF THE LAB WAS EXTENDED FROM ONE YEAR TO TWO YEARS IN 1985 AND THE NUMBER OF ELECTED EMPLOYEES’ REPRESENTATIVES WAS INCREASED FROM THREE TO FOUR.

/THE STRUCTURE .......

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1992

THE STRUCTURE OF THE EXISTING LAB, WHICH TOOK EFFECT FROM JANUARY 1989, COMPRISES 12 MEMBERS, FIVE ELECTED BY REGISTERED EMPLOYEES* TRADE UNIONS, FIVE NOMINATED BY MAJOR EMPLOYERS’ ASSOCIATIONS AND TWO APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR TO REPRESENT EMPLOYEES AND EMPLOYERS RESPECTIVELY.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE LAB ELECTION ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 5).

THEY SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE ASSEMBLY HALL OF WAH YAN COLLEGE, KOWLOON AT 2.30 PM SHARP.

REPRESENTATIVES WILL BE ABLE TO COVER THE OPENING SESSION OF THE ELECTION AND THE INITIAL CHECKING OF BALLOT PAPERS AT THE END OF VOTING IN THE ELECTION HALL.

ARRANGEMENTS WILL ALSO BE MADE FOR THEM TO COVER THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE ELECTION RESULTS AND TO INTERVIEW SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES.

REPRESENTATIVES WILL BE REQUIRED TO LEAVE THE WHILE VOTING AND COUNTING OF VOTES ARE IN PROGRESS.

PHOTOGRAPHERS ARE ADVISED TO USE TELE-LENSES CREWS SHOULD BRING THEIR OWN POWER SUPPLY.

ELECTION HALL

WHILE

FILMING

INFORMATION OFFICERS OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL BE ON

HAND

TO HELP.

-----0------

VEHICLE MARKS UP FOR AUCTION

*****

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL PUT UP 40 REGISTRATION MARKS FOR AUCTION AT 10 AM ON SATURDAY THE CITY HALL RECITAL HALL.

LUCKY VEHICLE (DECEMBER 5) AT

THE MARKS ARE:

FA897 FA3338 FAI 12 FA120

BB8183 ♦EB888 *EA2 AC2389

FA1200 FA532 FA832 FA6618

FB363 FA6638 EXI 17 ♦FF4000

FA988 ♦EE1000 ♦FD8833 FA997

CH7603 FA887 FA396 AT713

FA2280 FAI 168 FA8818 FA912

2727 *9109 *DN7557 ♦FF1991

FA718 AA2111 FAI 368 FA350

FA1328 FA 10 1 8 FA7O4 FA2803

* SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK (NOT TRANSFERABLE)

/SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS .......

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1992

SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS MUST PAY BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT REMINDED BIDDERS THAT THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK WOULD BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO A VEHICLE REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE AUCTION.

THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION MUST BE PRODUCED IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE AUCTION IF THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK IS TO BE REGISTERED UNDER THE NAME OF BODY CORPORATE.

PROCEEDS OF THE AUCTION, AFTER DEDUCTION OF EXPENSES INCURRED, WILL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND.

THE AUCTION WILL HAVE BEEN THE 184TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973.

-----0------

CIVIC EDUCATION DAY ACTIVITIES

* * * *

A HOST OF ACTIVITIES WILL BE STAGED IN NINE DISTRICTS OVER THE WEEKEND (DECEMBER 5 AND 6) TO PROMOTE HUMAN RIGHTS AND THE RULE OF LAW.

ACTIVITIES, ORGANISED BY DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION GROUPS, WILL INCLUDE DEBATES, PUBLIC FORUMS, EXHIBITIONS, VARIETY SHOWS AND STALL GAMES.

DISTRICT OFFICERS, MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION (CPCE) AND THE DISTRICT BOARDS WILL OFFICIATE AT THESE ACTIVITIES.

A CIVIC EDUCATION QUIZ CONTEST AMONG LOCAL SCHOOL STUDENTS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES REPRESENTATIVES WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT 4 PM AT THE YUEN LONG TOWN HALL.

ADMISSION TO ALL THESE ACTIVITIES IS CAN CONTACT THE VARIOUS DISTRICT OFFICES FOR CALL THE CENTRAL TELEPHONE HOTLINE 835 2500.

FREE. THOSE INTERESTED

FURTHER INFORMATION OR

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE VARIOUS DISTRICT ’’CIVIC EDUCATION DAY” ACTIVITIES.

DETAILS OF THESE ACTIVITIES WILL BE FAXED.

/12 ........

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1992

CROWN RENT PAYMENT * * * *

DEMAND NOTES HAVE BEEN ISSUED FOR CROWN RENTS EXCEEDING $100 A YEAR FOR THE HALF YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 25.

PAYMENT MAY BE MADE BY POST ADDRESSED TO THE DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES, P O BOX 800, GPO, HONG KONG, OR, IN PERSON, AT:

* THE TREASURY HEADQUARTERS COLLECTION AND PAYMENT OFFICE, WANCHAI TOWER II, FIRST FLOOR, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, HONG KONG;

* THE CENTRAL SUB-TREASURY, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING), 11 ICE HOUSE STREET, HONG KONG;

* THE SAI WAN HO SUB-TREASURY, EASTERN LAW COURTS BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, 29 TAI ON STREET, SAT WAN HO, HONG KONG;

♦ THE YAU MA TEI SUB-TREASRUY, FOURTH FLOOR, 405 NATHAN ROAD (MARKET STREET ENTRANCE), KOWLOON;

* THE KOWLOON CITY SUB-TREASRUY, MAN SANG COMMERCIAL BUILDING, FIRST FLOOR, 348-352 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD (CORNER OF PRINCE EDWARD ROAD AND JUNCTION ROAD), KOWLOON;

* THE DISTRICT OFFICES AT SAI KUNG, SHA TIN, TAI PO, NORTH, YUEN LONG, TUEN MUN, TSUEN WAN OR KWAI TSI NG.

CROWN RENT PAYERS WHO HAVE NOT RECEIVED THEIR DEMAND NOTES SHOULD BRING ALONG COPIES OF DEMAND NOTES FOR ANY PREVIOUS PREIOD TO ANY OF THE ABOVE OFFICES. DUPLICATE COPIES WILL BE ISSUED TO THEM.

PAYMENT CAN THEN BE MADE AT ANY OF THE OFFICES.

IF THE PAYERS CANNOT PRODUCE CROWN RENT DEMAND NOTES FOR ANY PREVIOUS PERIOD, THEY SHOULD INQUIRE AT THE CROWN RENT UNIT OF THE TREASURY AT WANCHAI TOWER 2, 30TH FLOOR, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, HONG KONG.

NON-RECEIPT OF THE DEMAND NOTE DOES NOT ALTER THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE CROWN RENTS MUST BE PAID BY DECEMBER 25.

CROWN RENT PAYER.S WHO HAVE SUBMITTED A VALID DIRECT DEBIT AUTHORISATION SHOULD NOTE THAT IF THE WORDING "PAYMENT TO BE MADE BY AUTOPAY" IS SHOWN ON THE DEMAND NOTES, PAYMENT OF CROWN RENT WILL BE MADE BY DIRECT DEBIT TO THEIR BANK ACCOUNTS ON DECEMBER 25.

THEY SHOULD THEN ENSURE THAT THEIR BANK ACCOUNTS CONTAIN THE NECESSARY FUNDS ON THAT DATE.

/IF THE ........

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1992

IF THE ABOVE WORDING IS NOT SHOWN ON THE DEMAND NOTES, CROWN RENT PAYERS SHOULD MAKE PAYMENTS ACCORDING TO THE PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS AS STIPULATED IN THE DEMAND NOTES.

TO AVOID QUEUEING, CROWN RENT PAYERS ARE URGED TO PAY BY CHEQUE OR MONEY ORDER SENT BY POST OR BY EARLY PERSONAL ATTENDANCE AT ANY OF THE OFFICES LISTED ON THE BACK OF THE DEMAND NOTE.

CROWN RENT PAYERS SHOULD NOTE THE FOLLOWING POINTS:

* TO AVOID LEGAL ACTION FOR RE-ENTRY OF A PROPERTY THE OWNER FOR THE TIME BEING OF THAT PROPERTY IS OBLIGED TO PAY CROWN RENT INCLUDING ANY ARREARS AS DEMANDED.

♦ THE CROWN RENT PAYABLE UNDER A LEASE OF A PROPERTY WHICH HAS BEEN RENEWED UNDER THE CROWN LEASES ORDINANCE AND RE-DEVELOPED, WILL BE 3 PER CENT OF THE RATEABLE VALUE OF THAT PROPERTY AS ASSESSED FOLLOWING THE REDEVELOPMENT. PENDING COMPLETION OF THE ASSESSMENT AND OTHER RELATED PROCEDURES, CROWN RENT DEMANDS WILL BE BASED UPON THE PRE-REDEVELOPMENT RATEABLE VALUE. TN DUE COURSE, CROWN RENT FOR THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE RENT BASED UPON PRE AND POSTREDEVELOPMENT RATEABLE VALUES WILL BE DEMANDED AND THE OWNER FOR THE TIME BEING IS OBLIGED TO PAY THE RENT AS DEMANDED. IF HE DOES NOT, LEGAL ACTION FOR RE-ENTRY OF THE PROPERTY MAY BE INSTITUTED.

PROPERTY BUYERS ARE ADVISED TO INSTRUCT THEIR SOLICITORS TO ENSURE THAT AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE THE CROWN RENT IS PAID UP-TO-DATE.

IF A PROPERTY IS SUBJECT TO THE CROWN LEASES ORDINANCE AND HAS BEEN RE-DEVELOPED BUT THE RENTAL PAID UP TO THE DATE OF THE PURCHASE IS NOT BASED UPON AN ASSESSMENT OF THE RATEABLE VALUE OF THE PROPERTY SINCE ITS REDEVELOPMENT, APPROPRIATE STEPS SHOULD BE TAKEN BY THE BUYER OR HIS SOLICITORS TO PROTECT THE BUYER.

ENQUIRIES ON OUTSTANDING ACCOUNTS IN RESPECT OF CROWN RENT MAY BE ADDRESSED TO THE DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES: THE FEE IS $45 FOR EACH ENQUIRY PER PROPERTY.

--------0 -----------

/14 ........

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1992

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****

$ MILLION

OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,730

REVERSAL OF LAF -230

BALANCE AFTER REVERSL OF LAF 1,500

NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL

EFFECT OF LAF TODAY +260

CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,760

LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 113.60 *+0.1* 3.12.1992

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

EF TERMS BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS YIELD

YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE

1 WEEK 3.88 PCT 15 MONTHS 2402 5.50 100.02 5.55

1 MONTH 4.32 PCT 18 MONTHS 2405 5.50 99.93 5.63

3 MONTHS 4.55 PCT 21 MONTHS 2408 4.375 97.97 5.71

6 MONTHS 4.73 PCT 24 MONTHS 24 11 4.625 97.98 5.81

12 MONTHS 5.41 PCT

TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 4,913 MN

CLOSED 3 DECEMBER 1992

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1992

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

TELECOM REVIEW LEGISLATION GAZETTED ............................. 1

YAM EXPLAINS ROLE OF MONETARY AUTHORITY ......................... 2

JOINT LIAISON GROUP 25TH MEETING ................................ 3

SCS BRIEFS STAFF COUNCILS ON PENSION SAFEGUARDS ................. 4

SPECIAL WORKING GROUP ON HIV GUIDELINES ......................... 4

DRUG-RELATED MONEY FROZEN ....................................... 5

BILL TO UPDATE HK EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY PROVISIONS ............. 5

COMMUNITY CENTRES MEET NEEDS OF COMMUNITY ....................... 6

TIME TO REVIEW OPERATION OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES .......... 7

DRAFT SOUTHWEST KOWLOON OUTLINE ZONING PLAN GAZETTED ............ 8

CROWN SERVANTS' PERMISSIBLE VALUE OF ACCEPTABLE ADVANTAGES REVISED ....................................................... 9

ROAD LINKS WITH WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION PROPOSED .............. 10

CHANGES TO INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES ORDINANCE ........ 11

ROADWORKS ANCILLARY TO DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT WORKS PROPOSED .. 11

SCHEME TO ENHANCE AUSTIN ROAD TRAFFIC FLOW ..................... 12

CIVIC EDUCATION DAY IN NORTH DISTRICT .......................... 13

CIVIL AID SERVICES HOLDS GRAND REVIEW ON SUNDAY ................ 14

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ..

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1992

TELECOM REVIEW LEGISLATION GAZETTED ******

AMENDMENTS TO THE TELEPHONE AND TELECOMMUNICATION ORDINANCES NECESSARY FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF KEY ASPECTS OF THE OUTCOME OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY REVIEW WERE GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).

THE AMENDING LEGISLATION WILL FACILITATE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF TWO KEY POLICY INITIATIVES ANNOUNCED EARLIER THIS YEAR - A PRICECAPPING SCHEME FOR LOCAL TELEPHONE CHARGES AND THE INTRODUCTION OF LOCAL FIXED NETWORK COMPETITION.

’’TO IMPLEMENT THE PRICE-CAPPING SCHEME, WE ARE PROPOSING TO AMEND THE TELEPHONE ORDINANCE TO ENABLE THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES TO MAKE REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE MANNER IN WHICH REVISIONS TO THE COMPANY’S LOCAL TELEPHONE CHARGES MAY BE SPECIFIED BY THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY,” A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.

AS PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED, THE PRICE-CAPPING SCHEME TO BE PROVIDED FOR IN SUCH REGULATIONS WILL LIMIT THE ANNUAL AVERAGE INCREASE IN LOCAL TELEPHONE CHARGES TO A MAXIMUM OF 4 PER CENT BELOW THE INFLATION RATE, MEASURED BY REFERENCE TO THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) .

AT THE SAME TIME AS THE PRICE-CAPPING SCHEME IS IMPLEMENTED, IDD CHARGES WILL BE REDUCED BY AN AVERAGE OF 8 PER CENT AND BY 2 PER CENT IN EACH OF THE FOLLOWING TWO YEARS.

’’FURTHER, IN ORDER TO PROTECT THE INTERESTS OF RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS, TWO ’SUB-CAPS’ HAVE BEEN AGREED WITH THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY THAT WILL ENSURE THAT THE REBALANCING OF CHARGES TO REMOVE CURRENT CROSS-SUBSIDIES TAKES PLACE GRADUALLY AND THAT THE CHARGES FOR RESIDENTIAL TELEPHONE SERVICES ARE NOT INCREASED AT AN UNREASONABLY RAPID RATE.

’’THE SUB-CAPS WILL LIMIT INCREASES IN THE CHARGE FOR TELEPHONE LINE CONNECTION TO 4 PER CENT BELOW THE LEVEL OF INFLATION OR LESS AND INCREASES IN THE RESIDENTIAL TELEPHONE LINE RENTAL CHARGE TO THE RATE OF INFLATION OR LESS,” THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

AT AROUND THE CURRENT LEVEL OF INFLATION, THE SUB-CAP ON THE RENTAL CHARGE FOR A RESIDENTIAL TELEPHONE LINE WOULD RESTRICT THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY TO A MAXIMUM INCREASE OF $5.5 PER MONTH (FROM $56 TO $61.5 PER MONTH) IN THE FIRST YEAR OF OPERATION OF THE PRICECAP.

THIS CHARGE HAS NOT BEEN INCREASED SINCE JANUARY 1991.

THE SUB-CAPS, LIKE THE OVERALL PRICE-CAP, WILL BE PROVIDED FOR IN REGULATIONS TO BE MADE UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE TELEPHONE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992 WHICH IS GAZETTED TODAY.

”A DRAFT OF THE REGULATIONS HAS BEEN PREPARED IN ANTICIPATION OF THE ENACTMENT OF THE BILL AND THEY WOULD BE BROUGHT INTO EFFECT ONCE THE BILL IS PASSED,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

/THE AMENDING .......

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1992

THE AMENDING LEGISLATION WOULD ALSO REMOVE THE CURRENT SYSTEM UNDER THE TELEPHONE ORDINANCE WHEREBY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL APPROVES THE MAXIMUM LEVEL OF INDIVIDUAL LOCAL TELEPHONE CHARGES.

’’CONTINUATION OF THE SYSTEM OF APPROVING INDIVIDUAL CHARGES WOULD BE INCOMPATIBLE WITH THE PRICE-CAPPING SYSTEM. THIS IS BECAUSE A MAJOR AIM OF PRICE-CAPPING IS TO ALLOW THE REGULATED COMPANY A REASONABLE DEGREE OF FREEDOM TO ADJUST THE RELATIVE LEVELS OF ITS CHARGES WITHIN THE CONSTRAINT OF THE OVERALL PRICE-CAP,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE BILLS GAZETTED TODAY ALSO INCORPORATE IMPORTANT PROVISIONS REQUIRED FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF LOCAL NETWORK COMPETITION.

’’THEY PROVIDE THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY WITH BROAD NEW POWERS TO REQUIRE INTERCONNECTION BETWEEN COMPETING NETWORKS ON FAIR TERMS, UNIVERSALLY RECOGNISED AS AN ESSENTIAL PRE-CONDITION OF SUCCESSFUL NETWORK COMPETITION,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

NUMBERING, ANOTHER KEY AREA IN PAVING THE WAY FOR COMPETITION, IS ADDRESSED IN THE TELEPHONE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992, WHICH PROVIDES FOR THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY TO GIVE DIRECTIONS TO THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY TO ENSURE THAT ITS NUMBERING PLAN PROVIDES FOR A FAIR AND EQUITABLE ALLOCATION OF NUMBERS TO ALL OPERATORS.

’’FINALLY, TO PREVENT THE EMERGENCE OF MONOPOLIES OR CARTELS IN INDIVIDUAL SERVICE SECTORS, THE TELECOMMUNICATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992 CONTAINS ENABLING POWERS FOR THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL TO MAKE REGULATIONS PROVIDING FOR CROSS-OWNERSHIP RESTRICTIONS TO BE INCLUDED IN FUTURE TELECOMMUNICATIONS LICENCES.

”HONG KONG WILL SHORTLY HAVE ONE OF THE MOST OPEN AND LIBERAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS REGIMES IN THE WORLD.

’’THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION GIVES GOVERNMENT THE POWERS NEEDED TO PROTECT CONSUMER INTERESTS, TO ALLOW COMPETITION TO ENTER THE MARKET ON FAIR AND EQUITABLE TERMS, AND TO PROTECT HONG KONG’S POSITION AS THE PRE-EMINENT TELECOMMUNI (’AT ION HUB IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION,” THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

- - 0 - -

YAM EXPLAINS ROLE OF MONETARY AUTHORITY

*****

mur SETTING UP of THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY, INVOLVING

THE MERGING OF THE OFFICE OF THE EXCHANGE FUND AND THE OFFICE OF COMMISSIONER OF BANKING. IS TO ENSURE A HTC.M FW.Dir nv tmtttmv

PROFESSIONALISM (DESIGNATE) OF

__ ____ __vj THE

BANKING, IS TO ENSURE A HIGH DEGREE OF CONTINUITY AND IN WHAT WE HAVE BEEN DOING, THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY, MR JOSEPH YAM, SAID

TODAY

(FRIDAY).

SPEAKING

BANKS, WOULD

oatt. AT the ANNUAL DINNER OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF HE SAID THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE EXCHANGE FUND ORDINANCE ArnnTDT^VL^HE M0NETARY AUTHORITY A HIGHER DEGREE OF FLEXIBILITY IN existS t™ off?ceIAnowPROFESSIONA4' SKILLS THAN THAT accorded to the

/HE SAID .......

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1992

HE SAID THERE SHOULD BE SUITABLE CHECKS AND BALANCES.

CURRENTLY, ALL MAJOR POLICY AND OPERATIONAL ISSUES ARE CONSIDERED BY THE EXCHANGE FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE CHAIRED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY.

’’WITH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY INTENDS ADDITIONALLY TO SUBMIT THE BUDGETS OF THE AUTHORITY TO THE COMMITTEE FOR ITS CONSIDERATION," MR YAM SAID.

"THERE WILL ALSO BE CLOSE GUIDANCE AND MONITORING BY THE COMMITTEE THROUGH MONTHLY INSTEAD OF QUARTERLY MEETINGS," HE SAID.

"MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO BE SUITABLY EXPANDED. MORE EXPERTS IN THE FINANCIAL SECTOR WILL BE APPOINTED TO THE COMMITTEE. THE COMMITTEE WILL IN EFFECT OPERATE AS A MANAGING BOARD," HE ADDED.

THE AUTHORITY WILL ALSO PUBLISH AN ANNUAL REPORT ON ITS ACTIVITIES AND THE REPORT WILL BE LAID BEFORE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

"I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A CLEAR COMMITMENT TO CONDUCTING THE AFFAIRS OF THE AUTHORITY IN AS OPEN AND FAIR A MANNER AS POSSIBLE. OUR MARKET OPERATIONS WILL ALSO BE AS TRANSPARENT AS POSSIBLE, AS LONG AS THEIR EFFECTIVENESS WOULD NOT BE UNDERMINED," MR YAM SAID.

HE ALSO MADE IT CLEAR THAT THERE WAS NO INTENTION WHATSOEVER FOR THE CENTRAL BANK ROLES THAT WERE NOT CURRENTLY PERFORMED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO BE ASSUMED BY THE MONETARY AUTHORITY.

TURNING TO MONETARY POLICY, MR YAM ARGUED STRONGLY FOR MAINTAINING THE LINKED EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEM.

HE STRESSED THAT THE POLICY OBJECTIVE SHOULD BE EXCHANGE RATE STABILITY AGAINST A CURRENCY THAT WE ALL KNEW AND IN WHICH THE MAJORITY OF OUR EXTERNAL TRADES WERE DENOMINATED, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, SO AS TO ENABLE HONG KONG TO MAXIMISE THE OPPORTUNITIES AND MINIMISE THE RISKS.

- - 0 - -

JOINT LIAISON GROUP 25TII MEETING ******

THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE ANNOUNCED THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING THAT THE 25TII MEETING OF THE STNO-BRJTISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP ON HONG KONG WILL TAKE PLACE IN HONG KONG FROM DECEMBER 8 TO 10.

THE BRITISH TEAM WILL RE LED BY THE SENIOR REPRESENTATIVE, MR

ANTHONY GALSWORTHY.

THE OTHER MEMBER.S OF THE BRITISH TEAM WILL BE MR MICHAEL SZE (SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, HONG KONG), MR ALAN PAUL (COUNSELLOR, OFFICE OF THE BRITISH SENIOR REPRESENTATIVE, STNO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP, HONG KONG), AND MR WILLIAM EHRMAN (POLITICAL ADVISER, HONG KONG).

- - 0 - -

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1992

SCS BRIEFS STAFF COUNCILS ON PENSION SAFEGUARDS ♦ ♦ * * *

THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, TODAY (FRIDAY) MET THE FOUR CENTRAL CIVIL SERVICE STAFF COUNCILS TO INFORM THEM THAT:

* APART FROM PARTIAL FUNDING, THE OTHER PENSION SAFEGUARD PROPOSALS ARE EITHER NOT FEASIBLE OR DO NOT PROVIDE A PENSION SAFEGUARD AND SHOULD NOT BE PURSUED FURTHER;

* THE ADMINISTRATION NEEDS TO LOOK MORE CLOSELY AT THE PARTIAL FUNDING PROPOSAL INCLUDING SUCH MATTERS AS THE SIZE, SCOPE AND MEANS OF OPERATION OF THE PROPOSED PENSION RESERVE FUND AND THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS ON THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND THE FUTURE SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION GOVERNMENT. THIS FURTHER PROCESS OF CONSIDERATION WILL INVOLVE DISCUSSION WITH THE CHINESE SIDE IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP CONTEXT;

* THE ADMINISTRATION THEREFORE WILL REVIEW THE SITUATION AND TAKE A DECISION ON A PENSION RESERVE FUND IN 1994/95; AND

» IN THE MEANTIME, THE NEW PENSION SCHEME OPTION DEADLINE WILL BE EXTENDED BY THREF YEARS UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 1995.

"THE EXTENSION OF THE DEADLINE IS IN RECOGNITION OF THE FACT THAT MANY STAFF ARE STILE UNCERTAIN AS TO WHETHER TO OPT FOR THE NEW PENSION SCHEME AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW THE OUTCOME OF THE PENSION SAFEGUARD STI IO BEFORE THEY EXERCISE THEIR OPTION," MR WIGGHAM SAID.

- - 0 - -

SPECIAL WORKING GROUP ON HIV GUIDELINES

* * * * *

A SPECIAL WORKING GROUP WILL BE FORMED TO SET UP GUIDELINES FOR HIV-INFECTED HEALTH CARE WORKERS.

IN ASSOCIATION WITH REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE MEDICAL AND DENTAL PROFESSIONS, THE ADVISORY COUNCIL ON AIDS ENDORSED THE FORMATION OF THE WORKING GROUP AI A MEETING THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON.

THE ATTENDING MEMBERS AGREED THAT UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS WAS THE BEST MEANS OF PREVENTING HIV TRANSMISSION IN THE HEALTH CARE SETTING IN ACCORDANCE WITH GUIDE!INES ISSUED PREVIOUSLY BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND OTHER PROFESSIONAL BODIES.

THE SPECIAL WORKING GROUP WILL RECOMMEND TO THE ADVISORY COUNCIL ON AIDS THE GUIDELINES FOR HTV INFECTED HEALTH CARE WORKERS AND STRATEGIES FOR ENSURING THAT THESE WORKERS ADHERE TO THE GUIDELINES.

MEMBERS OF THE WORKING GROUP WILL INCLUDE REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE MEDICAL, DENTAL, AND THE LEGAL PROFESSIONS.

THEY WILL HOLD THE FIRST MEETING AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND ARE EXPECTED TO SUBMIT THEIR FIRST REPORT IN THREE MONTHS’ TIME.

- - 0 - -

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1992

- 5

DRUG-RELATED MONEY FROZEN ♦ * * *

HONG KONG CUSTOMS TODAY (FRIDAY) HAS OBTAINED A RESTRAINT ORDER FROM THE HIGH COURT TO FREEZE OVER HK$13 MILLION OF CASH IN SIX LOCAL BANK ACCOUNTS.

THE MONIES ARE BELIEVED TO BE THE PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF DRUGS IN THE UNITED STATES.

THE FREEZING ACTION IS THE RESULT GF A YEAR-LONG INVESTIGATION INTO THE ASSETS OF AN INTERNATIONAL DRUG TRAFFICKING SYNDICATE.

THREE PERSONS WERE ARRESTED IN THE U.S. IN 1989 AND TWO TONS OF MARIJUANA WERE SEIZED.

INVESTIGATION REVEALS THAT THE SYNDICATE HAS OPERATED A NUMBER OF BANK ACCOUNTS TN HONG KONG TO HANDLE DRUG PROCEEDS.

FREEZING IN HONG KONG IS MADE UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE DRUG TRAFFICKING (RECOVERY OF PROCEEDS) (DESIGNATED COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES) ORDER 1991.

SO FAR THE GOVERNMENT HAS SIGNED BILATERAL AGREEMENTS WITH 10 JURISDICTIONS TO IMPLEMENT THE ORDER AND TO STRENGTHEN INTERNATIONAL ACTIONS IN ATTACKING DRUG TRAFFICKING PROCEEDS.

SINCE THE SIGNING OF BILATERAL AGREEMENT WITH THE U.S. GOVERNMENT IN EARLY LAST YEAR, HONG KONG CUSTOMS HAS CO-OPERATED WITH U.S. LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES IN THE FREEZING OF OVER HK$48 MILLION WORTH ASSETS IN HONG KONG BELIEVED TO BE DERIVED FROM THE PROCEEDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING.

--------0------------

BILL TO UPDATE HK EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY PROVISIONS

*****

A BILL THAT SEEKS TO REVISE THE COMPOSITION OF THE HONG KONG EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY (HKEA) TO ACCOMMODATE CHANGED CIRCUMSTANCES IN THE EDUCATION SECTOR WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).

UNDER THE HONG KONG EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992, THE EXISTING DOUBLE REPRESENTATION BY THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY AND THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG WILL BE REMOVED.

IT IS PROPOSED THAT ONLY THE VICE-CHANCELLOR OR HIS REPRESENTATIVE IN THE RESPECTIVE UNIVERSITY WILL BE APPOINTED.

AS THE LI NGNAN COLLEGE HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO THE STATUS OF A DEGREE-GRANTING INSTITUTION UNDER ITS OWN STATUTE, THE PRESIDENT OF THE COLLEGE SHOULD BE INCLUDED AS AN EX-OFFICIO MEMBER ON A PAR WITH OTHER TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS.

/THE CHAIRMAN .......

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1992

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL AND THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL WHO ARE NOW SERVING IN THEIR PERSONAL CAPACITIES AS GOVERNOR-APPOINTED MEMBERS, SHOULD ALSO BECOME EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS.

THE BILL FURTHER PROPOSES TO INCLUDE DETAILS OF THE HKEA COMPOSITION IN A NEW SCHEDULE TO THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE WHICH MAY BE AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL.

THE HONG KONG EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992 WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON DECEMBER 16.

ALSO PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY WAS THE HONG KONG EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY ORDINANCE (AMENDMENT OF SCHEDULE) ORDER 1992.

THE ORDER SEEKS TO DELETE THE HONG KONG HIGHER LEVEL EXAMINATION (HKHL) FROM THE LIST OF EXAMINATIONS SPECIFIED IN THE SCHEDULE TO THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE.

THE HKHL EXAMINATION CEASED TO BE HELD FROM MAY THIS YEAR FOLLOWING IMPLEMENTATION OF THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO UNIFY THE ENGLISH (TWO-YEAR) AND CHINESE (ONE-YEAR) STREAMS OF SIXTH FORM EDUCATION INTO A STANDARD TWO-YEAR MODEL.

- - 0

COMMUNITY CENTRES MEET NEEDS OF COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY BUILDING IS ACHIEVED THROUGH THE COMBINED EFFORTS OF GOVERNMENT, NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).

COMMUNITY BUILDING, MR SUEN SAID, MEANS WORKING TO DEVELOP A COHESIVE SOCIETY BASED ON MUTUAL CARE AND RESPONSIBILITY.

SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE FAMILY PLANNING ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG, MR SUEN SAID THE DEVELOPMENT OF HOUSING ESTATES IN THE 60’S GAVE RISE TO AN AWARENESS OF THE NEED TO HELP NEW TENANTS TO BUILD FRIENDSHIP AND TO BECOME A COHESIVE COMMUNITY.

COMMUNITY CENTRES WERE THEREFORE SET UP TO PROVIDE A FOCAL POINT FOR ORGANISATIONS TO PROVIDE SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES FOR PEOPLE TN THE ESTATES, HE SAID.

’’SINCE 1985, THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HAS BEEN MONITORING THE USE OF THESE FACILITIES CLOSELY,” MR SUEN SAID.

THE 38 COMMUNITY CENTRES AND 34 COMMUNITY HALLS, HE ADDED, WERE GENERALLY WELL USED AND DID MEET THE NEEDS OF LOCAL RESIDENTS.

HOWEVER, HE POINTED OUT THAT IT HAS BECOME CLEAR THAT, WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF SIMILAR FACILITIES BY THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS, THESE CENTRES WERE FACING INCREASING COMPETITION.

/'•WE HAVE

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1992

"WE HAVE REACHED THE STAGE WHERE GREATER INVOLVEMENT BY THE LOCAL COMMUNITY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THESE FAC I LIT IES WILL ENSURE THAT THEY ARE OPERATED IN A MANNER BEST SUITED TO THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY.

"ONLY BY ENCOURAGING LOCAL INTEREST IN THESE FACILITIES WILL THEY CONTINUE TO PROVIDE A USEFUL AND VALUED SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY," HE SAID.

A TRIAL SCHEME WAS INITIATED LAST YEAR TO ALLOW NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS TO TAKE OVER COMMUNITY HALLS UNDER A THREE-YEAR TENANCY AGREEMENT.

SAID.

INITIAL PROGRESS WITH THE TRIAL SCHEME HAD BEEN POSITIVE, HE

"COMMUNITY HALLS INCLUDED IN THIS SCHEME ARE BECOMING POPULAR FOR A WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES, AND HAVE USAGE RATES WHICH COMPARE VERY FAVOURABLY WITH CNTA-RUN CENTRES."

HE SAID NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS HAD ALSO BEEN ENCOURAGED TO HELP IN THE DAY-TO-DAY OPERATION OF OLDER COMMUNITY FACILITIES.

"PARTICULAR EMPHASIS HAS BEEN PLACED ON ENCOURAGING LOCAL GROUPS TO BECOME INVOLVED IN THIS SCHEME."

AS TO THE RECENT PROPOSAL THAT MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES FOR COMMUNITY HALLS BE TRANSFERRED TO DISTRICT BOARDS, MR SUEN SAID A DECISION WOULD BE TAKEN AFTER CONSULTATION WITH THE BOARDS.

TURNING TO THE FAMILY PLANNING ASSOCIATION, MR SUEN SAID IT HAD A SIGNIFICANT ROLE TO PLAY IN COMMUNITY BUILDING AND EXPRESSED CONFIDENCE THAT IT WOULD CONTINUE TO BE IN THE FOREFRONT OF THESE EFFORTS.

- - 0 - -

TIME TO REVIEW OPERATION OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES ♦ ♦♦♦♦♦

LT IS NOW AN OPPORTUNE TIME TO REVIEW THE OPERATION OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES IN THE LIGHT OF THE CHANG I NG NEEDS AND EXPECTATIONS OF YOUNG PEOPLE, AS WELL AS SOCIAL AND DEMOGRAPHIC CHANGES, MRS PATTEN SAID.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ CLUBS ASSOCIATION’S PO ON ROAD CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRE TODAY (FRIDAY), SHE SAID A WORKING PARTY WAS FORMED IN MARCH THIS YEAR TO REVIEW THE POLICY ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES IN ORDER TO MAXIMISE THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF YOUNG PEOPLE.

IT HAS BEEN TWO DECADES SINCE THE GOVERNMENT’S INITIAL POLICY ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES WAS SET.

/SHE SAID

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1992

SHE SAID THE WORKING PARTY WOULD REPORT ITS FINDINGS AND DELIBERATIONS SHORTLY.

"YOUTH IS A CRITICAL STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT IN LIFE," SHE SAID. "IT IS IMPORTANT THAT DURING THIS PERIOD YOUNG PEOPLE (’AN FIND SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE, AND THE FREEDOM TO PURSUE THEIR INTERESTS \ND DEVELOP THEIR PERSONALITIES."

HONG KONG IS SUCH A VIBRANT AND HEC TH CITY THAT SOME YOUNG PEOPLE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO GET THE AMOUNT OF ATTENTION ALT) (’ARE THEA NEED AND WANT FROM PARENTS AND OTHER GROWN-UPS, SHE SAID.

THERE IS PRESSURE TO SUCCEED AT SCHOOL AND POSSIBLE CONFLICT AS WESTERN CULTURE AND VALUES CONTINUE TO CHALLENGE TRADITIONAL VALUES AND CONCEPTS.

"YOUNG PEOPLE NEED ADVICE IN DEVELOPING A PROPER PERSPECTIVE ON LIFE. CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES (’AN PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE OVERALL DEVELOPMENT OF THE YOUNG," MRS PATTEN NOTED.

------0--------

DRAFT SOUTHWEST KOWLOON OUTLINE ZONING PLAN GAZETTED

THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED 1111- GAZETTING OF A NEW DRAFT SOUTHWEST KOWLOON OUTLINE ZONING PLAN (OZP) \ND HIE AMENDMENTS TO FOUR DRAFT PLANS FOR TSIM SHA TSU I , YAU MA TEI, MONG KOK AND CHEUNG SHA WAN.

THE DRAFT SOUTHWEST KOWLOON OZP HAS BEEN PREPARED TO ILLUSTRATE THE BROAD PRINCIPLES IN DEVELOPING Till RECLAMATION AREA IN SOUTHWEST KOWLOON NOT YET COVERED BY THE EXISTING OZPS.

THE PLANNING SCHEME AREA (OVERS A TOTAL LAND AREA OF 323.2 HECTARES AND 70.7 HECTARES OF TYPHOON SHELTER.

IT IS BOUNDED IN THE NORTH AND EAST BY TS IM SILA TSUI, YAU MA IEI, MONG KOK AND SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICTS, FOLLOWING BROADLY THE EXISTING WATERFRONT AND EXTENDING INLAND To (HEUNG SHA WAN TO INCLUDE THE AREA SOUTH OF TUNG CHAU STREET.

THE WESTERN AND SOUTHERN BOUNDARIES FOLLOW THE PROPOSED RECLAMATION LIMIT TO INCLUDE THE NEW TYPHOON SHELTER. THE WESTERN EXTREMITY OF THE BOUNDARY RUNS PARALLEL TO TUI- ROAD EXTENDING SOUTH OF THE BUTTERFLY VALLEY ROAD.

ROAD AND TRANSPORT RESERVES ACCOUNT FOR 38 PER CENT OF THE LAND USE BUDGET WHEREAS RESIDENTIAL USE INCLUDING COMPREHENSI\ I DEVELOPMENT AREAS TAKES UP 18 PER (’ENT OF THE LAND.

FOURTEEN AND EIGH T PER ('ENT OF THE LAND ARE ALLOf VIED l-OR OPEN SPACE AND GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNIT\ USES RESPECTIVELY. ABOUT SIX PER CENT IS AVAILABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL USE.

/TO ACCORD .......

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1992

TO ACCORD WITH THE PLANNING SCHEME BOUNDARY OF THE PLAN, THE PLANNING SCHEME BOUNDARIES OF DRAFT TSIM SHA TSUI OZP NO. S/Kl/5, DRAFT YAU MA TEI OZP NO. S/K2/4, DRAFT MONG KOK OZP NO. S/K3/6 AND DRAFT CHEUNG SHA WAN OZP NO. S/K5/8 HAVE BEEN ADJUSTED.

MEANWHILE, DRAFT CHEUNG SHA WAN OZP NO. S/K5/7 HAS ALSO BEEN AMENDED BY REZONING THE FORMER CARLTON HOTEL SITE AT TAI PO ROAD FROM RESIDENTIAL (GROUP C) TO A COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT AREA.

DEVELOPMENT OR REDEVELOPMENT IN THE AREA SHOULD NOT EXCEED A PLOT RATIO OF THREE, A SITE (’OVERAGE OF 40 PER CENT AS WELL AS A BUILDING HEIGHT OF 111.5 MITRES PRINCIPAL DATUM AND THREE STOREYS ABOVE THE MEAN LEVEL OF THE PORTION OF TAI PO ROAD ABUTTING THE LOT.

THE FOUR DRAFT PLANS SHOWING THE CHANGED BOUNDARIES TOGETHER WITH THE NEW DRAFT SOUTHWEST KOWLOON OZP ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION AT THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT, 1GTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD AND KOWLOON DISTRICT PLANNING OFFICE, I1TH FLOOR, LEIGHTON CENTRE, 77 LEIGHTON ROAD, HONG KONG UNTIL DECEMBER 28 THIS YEAR AND FEBRUARY 4 NEXT YEAR RESPECTIVELY.

OBJECTION TO THE DRAFT PLANS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/O PLANNING DEPARTMENT, 13TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING ON OR BEFORE THE ABOVE TWO DATES.

MEMBERS OF THE PI BLU CAN ALSO INSPECT THE PLANS AT THE RESPECTIVE DISTR ICT OFFICES AND BUY (OPIES FROM THF SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, Ill'll FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING OR THE KOWLOON MAP SALES SECTION, 3R2 NATHAN ROAD.

- - 0 - -

CROWN SERVANTS’ PERMISSIBLE VALUE OF ACCEPTABLE ADVANTAGES REVISED t * * ♦ ♦

THE VALUE OF ADVANI’AGES THAT A CROWN SERVANT IS ALLOWED TO ACCEPT FROM CLOSE PERSONAL FRIENDS AND OTHER PERSONS HAS BEEN AMENDED TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF INFLATION IN THE PAST 11 YEARS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CI VIL SERVICE BRANCH SAID, HOWEVER, THE BASIC SPIRIT OF THE REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE ACCEPTANCE OF ADVANTAGES BY CROWN SERVANTS REMAINED UNCHANGED, THAT IS, Cl’ WOULD BE AN OFFENCE FOR CROWN SERVANTS TO SOLICIT OR ACCEPT ADVANTAGES THAT WERE OFFERED ON ACCOUNT OF THEIR OFFICIAL POSITION OR DUTIES.

THE MAJOR AMENDMENTS ARE CONTAINED IN THE ACCEPTANCE OF ADVANTAGES (GOVERNOR’S PERMISSION) NOTICE 1992 WHI CH IS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY) TO REPLACE A SIMILAR NOTICE ISSUED IN 1981.

UNDER THE 1992 NOTICE, THE NEW PERMISSIBLE VALUE OF LOAN OF MONEY SOLICITED OR ACCEPTED ON ANY ONE OCCASION FROM CLOSE PERSONAL FRIENDS AND IS REPAID WITHIN 14 DAYS IS INCREASED TO $2,000 FROM $1,000, WHILE THAT FROM OTHER PERSONS IS INCREASED TO $1,000 FROM $500.

/FOR GIFTS

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1992

FOR GIFTS OR PASSAGES ACCEPTED FROM CLOSE PERSONAL FRIENDS ON SPECIAL OCCASIONS SUCH AS THE CROWN SERVANT’S BIRTHDAY, WEDDING, WEDDING ANNIVERSARY, ENGAGEMENT, BAPTISM OR ANY OTHER OCCASION WHEN GIFTS ARE TRADITIONALLY GIVEN OR EXCHANGED, THE TOTAL PERMISSIBLE VALUE IS INCREASED TO $2,000 FROM $1,000.

THE TOTAL VALUE OF SUCH GIFTS RECEIVED FROM OTHER PERSONS IS LIKEWISE INCREASED TO $1,000 FROM $500.

AS FOR THE VALUE OF GIFTS OR PASSAGES ACCEPTED FROM CLOSE PERSONAL FRIENDS ON OCCASIONS OTHER THAN THOSE MENTIONED ABOVE, THE TOTAL PERMISSIBLE VALUE IS INCREASED TO $400 AS COMPARED WITH $200 ALLOWED PREVIOUSLY.

THE NOTICE ALSO ALLOWS A CROWN SERVANT TO ACCEPT ADVANTAGES FROM A DONOR WHO HAS NO OFFICIAL DEALINGS WITH HIM PERSONALLY.

PREVIOUSLY, A CROWN SERVANT WAS PREVENTED FROM ACCEPTING ADVANTAGES FROM ANY DONOR WHO HAD OFFICIAL DEALINGS WITH THE DEPARTMENT IN WHICH HE WORKED.

- - 0 - -

ROAD LINKS WITH WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION PROPOSED * * * * *

THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT PLANS TO CONSTRUCT AN UNDERPASS AT CHERRY STREET AND ASSOCIATED ROADS TO PROVIDE A LINK BETWEEN THE TAI KOK TSUI AREA AND THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION.

UNDER THE PROJECT, WHICH FORMS PART OF THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION PROJECT, CHERRY STREET WILL BE EXTENDED AND AN UNDERPASS TRAVERSING THE TAI KOK TSU I STATION OF THE FUTURE AIRPORT RAILWAY LINK AND THE WEST KOWLOON EXPRESSWAY’ WILL BE BUI LT ALONG THE EXTENDED CHERRY STREET.

THE ASSOCIATED ROAD WORKS INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN

ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO THE NEW PUBLIC' (’ARGO WORKING AREA ON THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATI ON AND THF RECONSTRUCTION OF Till- JUNCTION OF CHERRY STREET AND TAI KOK TSUI ROAD.

THE WORKS ALSO INVOLVE THE CONSTRI ICT I ON OF FOOTPATHS, MINOR. ROADSIDE AMENITY AREAS, ANCILLARY ROAD WORKS AND DRAINAGE WORKS.

THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO START IN LATE 1993.

A NOTICE OF THE PROPOSED WORKS IS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).

THF PLAN OF THE WORKS (’AN BF SEEN AT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY

SERVICE CENTRE OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL; DI STR I CT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON WEST, I0TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI (’AR PARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON; AND MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, MONG KOK GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 30 LUEN WAN STREET, KOWLOON.

- - 0 - -

/Il

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1992

CHANGES TO INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES ORDINANCE * * * * *

A BILL PROPOSING TO MAKE A NUMBER OF TECHNICAL CHANGES TO THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES ORDINANCE AND TO REMOVE SOME OUTDATED REFERENCES TO PRACTICES IS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).

THE CHANGES ARISE OUT OF A REVIEW OF THE ORDINANCE BY THE LAW DRAFTING DIVISION OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS.

THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL IN ITS PRESENT FORM IN 1966. THE LAW REVIEW THAT A NUMBER OF PROVISIONS TN WITH CURRENT PRACTICES.

CLAUSES ORDINANCE WAS ENACTED DRAFTING DIVISION FOUND IN ITS THE ORDINANCE WERE INCONSISTENT

ONE OF THE CHANGES PROPOSED IN THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992 IS THAT FROM JANUARY 1, 1994 THE

REFERENCES TO UNITED KINGDOM LEGISLATION IN THE LAWS OF HONG KONG WILL NOT BE AFFECTED BY ANY FURTHER CHANGES TO UNITED KINGDOM LEGISLATION.

UNDER THE CURRENT LAW, SOME ORDINANCES IN HONG KONG CONTAIN REFERENCES TO UK LEGISLATION. IF THE RELEVANT UK LEGISLATION IS AMENDED, THE AMENDED VERSION WILL AUTOMATICALLY APPLY TO THOSE REFERENCES IN THE HONG KONG ORDINANCES.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS SAID THE RETENTION OF REFERENTIAL UK LEGISLATION IN HONG KONG LAWS WAS NOT DESIRABLE BECAUSE UK LEGISLATION WAS NOT READILY ACCESSIBLE TN HONG KONG AND ALSO AUTOMATIC APPLICATION OF UK LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS MIGHT CONFLICT WITH THE NEEDS OF HONG KONG.

THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT AS THE LAWS OF HONG KONG WERE PUBLISHED EVERY YEAR IN JANUARY, THE PROPOSED ’’CUT-OFF” DATE OF JANUARY 1, 1994 WOULD BE THE NEXT CONVENIENT DATE AFTER THE BILL WAS PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE AMENDMENTS HAD THE SUPPORT OF THE LEGAL PROFESSION.

THE BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO DECEMBER 16.

THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON

ROADWORKS ANCILLARY TO DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT WORKS PROPOSED *****

THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HAS PROPOSED TO CARRY OUT ROADWORKS ANCILLARY TO THE DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT WORKS FOR THE SECTION OF THE SHAN PU1 RIVER FROM CHUNG HAU TSUEN TO INNER DEEP BAY IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THE WORKS INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW MAINTENANCE PURPOSES AND THE RECONSTRUCTION OF A SECTION ROAD AND FOOTPATH AT CHUNG HAU TSUEN TO IMPROVE ACCESS.

ROADS FOR

OF EXISTING

/IN CARRYING .......

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1992

IN CARRYING OUT THE WORKS, SOME EXISTING PEDESTRIAN BRIDGES, A BORDER ROAD AND TRACKS WILL BE CLOSED.

HOWEVER, PEDESTRIAN AND VEHICULAR ACCESS WILL BE MAINTAINED DURING CONSTRUCTION PERIOD.

DETAILS OF THE PROPOSAL WERE PUBLISHED IN A NOTICE GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).

THE NOTICE HAS BEEN POSTED ON THE NOTICE BOARDS NEAR THE SITE OF THE PROPOSED WORKS.

PLANS OF THE PROPOSED WORKS SHOWING THE AREAS AND THE EXISTING PEDESTRIAN BRIDGES AND ROADS TO BE AFFECTED CAN BE INSPECTED AT:

♦ THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL;

* YUEN LONG DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, YUEN LONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, NINTH TO 11 TH FLOORS, 2 KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG, NEW TERRITORIES; AND

t YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE, YUEN LONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, 269 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, YUEN LONG.

OBJECTION TO THE PROPOSAL SHOULD BE SENT TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT IN WRITING NOT LATER THAN FEBRUARY 2, NEXT YEAR.

------0--------

SCHEME TO ENHANCE AUSTIN ROAD TRAFFIC FLOW ♦ ♦ * * t

THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS APPROVED ROAD IMPROVEMENT AND TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEMES ON AUSTIN ROAD IN TSIM SHA TSUI TO ENHANCE VEHICULAR AND PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENTS.

WORKS INCLUDE:

* RECONSTRUCTION OF A SECTION OF AUSTIN ROAD BETWEEN NATHAN ROAD AND AUSTIN AVENUE, AND A SECTION OF COX’S ROAD BETWEEN AUSTIN ROAD AND TAK SHING STREET;

* WIDENING OF THE SECTION OF ('OX’S ROAD TO THREE LANES AT ITS JUNCTION WITH AUSTIN ROAD;

* REALIGNMENT OF KERBLINES AND RECONSTRUCTION OF ROAD PAVEMENTS TO IMPROVE THE ROAD .JUNCTION OF AUSTIN ROAD AND AUSTIN AVENUE;

* RECONSTRUCTION OF ASSOCIATED FOOTPATHS AND AMENITY AREAS; AND

/*REPROVISIONING OF .......

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1992

- 13 -

* REPROVTSION I NG OF FENCES, GATES AND ACCESS ROAD FOR THE KOWLOON BOWLING GREEN CLUB AND COX’S ROAD CHILDREN PLAYGROUND.

CONSTRUCTION WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN JANUARY 1994 AND WILL BE COMPLETED IN MID-1995.

--------0-----------

CIVIC EDUCATION DAY IN NORTH DISTRICT * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

THE NORTH DISTRICT’S CI V I( EDUCATION COMMITTEE WILL ORGANISE A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES THIS SUNDAY (DECEMBER 6) TO PUBLICISE THE CONCEPT OF HUMAN RIGHTS.

KICKING OFF THE ACTIVITIES WILL BE AN OPEN FORUM ON THE TIES BETWEEN HUMAN RIGHTS AND RULE OF LAW.

IT WILL BE HELD AT 11 AM AT THE NORTH DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE ON LUNG SUM AVENUE IN FANLING.

SPEAKERS WILL INCLUDE \ LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MR TIK CHI-YUEN, AND MEMBERS OF 'HIE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION, MR CHAN KAR-LOK AND MR MAK HOI-WAH.

AT 2 PM, THERE WILL BE AN OPEN DEBATE BETWEEN THE NORTH DISTRICT JAYCEES AND THE HONG KONG TAOIST ASSOCIATION TANG HIN MEMORIAL SECONDARY SCHOOL ON "ALL DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS SHOULD BE RETURNED BY DIRECT ELECTIONS."

THERE WILL ALSO BE \N EXHIBITION ON LAWS AND \ VARIETY OF STALL GAMES FROM 11 AM TO 3 PM.

ALSO, A VARIETY SHOW WILL BEGIN AT 7.30 PM AT THE NORTH DISTR I CT TOWN HALL.

OFFICIATING GUESTS WILL INCLUDE HIE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR PANG HANG-YIN, AND THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD OFFICER, MR TIMOTHY TONG.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

MEDI A REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COYER Till- ACTIVITIES.

------0-------

/14 ........

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1992

CIVIL AID SERVICES HOLDS GRAND REVIEW ON SUNDAY * * * ♦ ♦

MORE THAN 1,200 OFFICERS AND VOLUNTEERS WILL PARTICIPATE IN A GRAND REVIEW OF THE CIVIL AID SERVICES (CAS) TO MARK THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ORGANISATION THip SUNDAY (DECEMBER 6), BEGINNING AT 11 AM AT VICTORIA PARK, CAUSEWAY BAY.

THE REVIEW WILL BE INSPECTED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CAS, SIR ROGER LOBO, FOLLOWED BY PERFORMANCES OF THE CAS BAND AND CAS MOTORCYCLE DEMONSTRATION TEAM.

SIR ROGER WILL ALSO PRESENT AWARDS OF CIVIL DEFENCE LONG SERVICE SECOND CLASPS TO FOUR CAS OFFICERS AND MEMBERS WHO HAVE SERVED FOR OVER 39 YEARS.

ON THE SAME OCCASION, CAS WILL BID FAREWELL TO SIR ROGER WHO IS RETIRING LATER THIS MONTH AFTER HAVING SERVED IN THE ORGANISATION FOR 37 YEARS.

------0-------

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ***** $ MILLION

OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT

REVERSAL OF LAF

BALANCE AFTER REVERSL OF LAF

NET INJECTION/W1THDRAWAL TODAY

EFFECT OF LAF TODAY

CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT

LAF RATE 2.00 B1D/4.00 OFFER TWI

1,760

-260

1,500

NIL

1,500

1 13.90 * + 0.3* 4. 12.1992

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

EF TERMS BILLS ISSUE HONG KONG COUPON GOVERNMENT BONDS

YIELD TERM PRICE YIELD

1 WEEK 3.81 PCT 15 MONTHS 2402 5.50 100.18 5.41

1 MONTH 4.25 PCT 18 MONTHS 2405 5.50 100.02 5.56

3 MONTHS 4.44 PCT 21 MONTHS 2408 4.375 98.08 5.65

6 MONTHS 12 MONTHS 4.55 PCT 5.22 PCT 24 MONTHS 24 1 1 4.625 98.08 5.76

TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 6,211 MN

CLOSED 4 DECEMBER 1992

------0--------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1992

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

STATEMENT ON OTB ............................................... 1

WINTER PRECAUTION WELL UNDERWAY ................................ 1

WOMEN VULNERABLE TO AIDS INFECTION ............................. 2

FIVE EMPLOYEES' REPRESENTATIVES ELECTED TO LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD ......................................................... 4

LUCKY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS SOLD IN AUCTION ............... 5

CIVIC EDUCATION CARNIVAL TOMORROW .............................. 6

KWAI TSING ARTS FESTIVAL ................................... 6

ASD ACKNOWLEDGES CONTRACTORS' PERFORMANCE ...................... 7

ECLIPSE OF MOON ................................................ 8

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1992

STATEMENT ON OTB

*****

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS AFTER TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE ADVICE OF JARDINE FLEMING SECURITIES LTD, DECIDED TO PROCEED WITH THE DISPOSAL OF GOVERNMENT’S INTEREST IN OVERSEAS TRUST BANK LTD (OTB) TO A SINGLE PARTY OR A CONSORTIUM OF PARTIES.

THE SELECTION PROCESS TO DETERMINE THE ULTIMATE BUYER OF OTB WILL BEGIN SHORTLY.

THOSE POTENTIAL BUYERS WHO HAVE NOT REGISTERED THEIR INTEREST PREVIOUSLY ARE INVITED TO WRITE TO EITHER MR RAYMOND LI, C/0 THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH, 18TH FLOOR, ADMIRALTY TOWER 1, 18 HARCOURT ROAD, HONG KONG, OR MP ALAN SMITH, C/0 JARDINE FLEMING SECURITIES LTD, 46TH FLOOR JARDINE HOUSE, CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG.

-----o------

WINTER PRECAUTION WELL UNDERWAY *****

THE SECOND PHASE OF THE FORCE ’’WINTER PRECAUTION” DRIVE IS WELL UNDERWAY AND THE FESTIVE SEASONS ANTI-CRIME CAMPAIGN WILL REACH ITS PEAK BY THE MIDDLE OF THIS MONTH, ACCORDING TO THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR LI KWAN-HA.

BY THEN THE FORCE WOULD HAVE DEPLOYED THE MAXIMUM NUMBER POSSIBLE OF POLICE OFFICERS ONTO THE STREETS ON ANTI-CRIME DUTIES.

THE COMMISSIONER MADE THE REMARKS AFTER RECEIVING 30 ’’THANK YOU” CARDS FROM REPRESENTATIVES OF A SECONDARY SCHOOL IN TAI PO IN APPRECIATION OF THE GALLANT EFFORTS PUT IN BY POLICE OFFICERS DURING THE TSUEN WAN OPERATION AND THE KOWLOON CITY JEWELLERY SHOP HOLDUP ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 2).

MR LI SAID THE WINTER ANTI-CRIME DRIVE HAD COMMENCED FROM THE MIDDLE OF NOVEMBER WHEN STREET PATROLS BOTH BY PLAIN-CLOTHES AND UNIFORMED OFFICERS WERE STEPPED UP, IN ADDITION TO INCREASED CAR PATROLS IN HIGH-RISK AREAS.

AT THE SAME TIME, MR LI SAID ANTI-CRIME PUBLICITY URGING MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION IN SAFEGUARD THEIR PROPERTY WAS ALSO BE STRENGTHENED.

"THE SECOND PHASE OF THE WINTER PRECAUTION DRIVE HAS JUST BEGUN AND THE CAMPAIGN WILL REACH ITS PEAK BY THE MIDDLE OF THIS MONTH WHEN THE OPTIMAL NUMBER OF POLICE OFFICERS WILL BE DEPLOYED ONTO THE STREETS. ALL THINGS THAT ARE NOT URGENT WILL HAVE TO WAIT,” MR LI SAID.

/COMMENTING ON .......

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1992

COMMENTING ON THREATENING CALLS MADE TO THE POLICE, THE COMMISSIONER SAID THESE CALLS WOULD HAVE NO IMPACT ON POLICE OFFICERS.

"ANYONE WHO WANTS TO COMMIT CRIME WOULD HAVE TO FACE ONE OF THE WORLD’S FINEST POLICE FORCES. THESE CALLS DO NOT BOTHER ME AT ALL," HE SAID.

EARLIER, THE "THANK YOU" CARDS WERE PRESENTED BY FOUR STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE TAI PO SECONDARY SCHOOL, HEADED BY THE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL, MR POON CHUN-KAU, DURING A CEREMONY AT THE WANCHAI POLICE HEADQUARTERS.

OF THE CARDS, 29 WERE FROM THE 29 CLASSES OF THE SCHOOL WHILE THE REMAINING ONE FROM TEACHERS AND STAFF FROM THE SCHOOL.

WHILE EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TOWARDS THE COMMENDABLE EFFORTS OF THE POLICE OFFICERS INVOLVED AND THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS, THE CARDS ALSO CONTAIN GET-WELL-SOON WISHES TO ALL THE INJURED OFFICERS.

IN RETURN, THE COMMISSIONER PRESENTED THE SCHOOL REPRESENTATIVES A FORCE PLAQUE AS A TOKEN OF THANKS.

"I AM DEEPLY MOVED BY THE SUPPORT. THIS GESTURE IS ENCOURAGING BECAUSE WITHOUT THE SUPPORT OF THE PUBLIC, WE CAN NOT BE AS EFFECTIVE AS WE ARE NOW IN COMBATING CRIMES.

"CRIMINALS ARE GROWINGLY VIOLENT AND VICIOUS BUT WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE COMMUNITY, THE POLICE FORCE IS DETERMINED TO FACE UP, TO ACCEPT AND TO WIN OVER CHALLENGES POSED BY THEM," MR LI SAID.

--------o------------

WOMEN VULNERABLE TO AIDS INFECTION *****

AIDS CONCERNS EVERYBODY FOR ITS VIRUS (HIV) AFFECTS THOSE WHO PRACTISE AND THOSE WHO ARE NOT PRACTISING HIGH-RISK BEHAVIOUR.

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ADVISORY COUNCIL ON AIDS, DR S H LEE, WHEN ADDRESSING THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE AIDS EDUCATION EXHIBITION POINTED OUT THAT SOME 13 MILLION PEOPLE WORLDWIDE HAD ALREADY BEEN AFFECTED BY HIV AND SOME 1.7 MILLION PEOPLE HAD BECOME AIDS PATIENTS.

"THEY INCLUDE NOT ONLY MEN BUT WOMEN, NOT JUST ADULTS BUT ALSO CHILDREN .

"HIV AFFECTS PEOPLE WHO PRACTISE HIGH-RISK BEHAVIOUR LIKE UNSAFE SEX AND INTRAVENOUS DRUG USE.

"WE SHOULD, HOWEVER, NOT FORGET THAT HIV/AIDS ALSO AFFECTS THOSE WHO ARE NOT PRACTISING HIGH-RISK BEHAVIOUR, LIKE THE HEMOPHILIAC, THE WOMEN WHO WERE INFECTED THROUGH THE HUSBAND, AND THE CHILDREN FROM THEIR INFECTED MOTHERS," DR LEE SAID.

/LOOKING AT .......

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1992

LOOKING AT AIDS IN ITS PROPER PERSPECTIVE, DR LEE SAID HIV/AIDS AFFECTED THE SOCIETY IN GENERAL, NOT JUST PEOPLE WHO WERE AT RISK OF INFECTION.

"I AM REFERRING TO THE ECONOMIC LOSS WHEN YOUNG PEOPLE BECOME SICK; TO THE STRESS ON THE FAMILY WHEN SOMEONE SUFFERS FROM A STIGMATISED DISEASE; TO THE ANXIETY FELT BY THE COMMUNITY BECAUSE OF MISCONCEPTION ABOUT AIDS; AND TO THE GENERAL RESISTANCE OF THE SOCIETY IN RESPONDING TO A DISEASE LINKED TO BEHAVIOUR,” DR LEE SAID.

HE SAID THE EXHIBITION WAS ORGANISED WITH THOSE THOUGHTS IN MIND, ADDING THAT THE EXHIBITION WAS NOT JUST MEANT FOR THOSE WHO WERE WORRIED ABOUT INFECTION BUT PRACTICALLY EVERYONE IN HONG KONG.

"THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION HAS TIMELY ANNOUNCED THAT THE THEME OF THE 1992 WORLD AIDS DAY AS 'AIDS - A COMMUNITY COMMITMENT’.

"TODAY IS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF WHAT COMMUNITY COMMITMENT MEANS AND HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO HAVE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN THE FIGHT AGAINST AIDS," HE SAID.

ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WERE FILM STAR MISS DODO CHENG; CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY ON AIDS, MR HO SAI-CHU; CONVENOR OF THE PUBLICITY WORKING GROUP ON AIDS, MISS CARLYE TSUI; AND ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES, MR PETER MOSS.

MISS CHENG HAS BEEN CAST IN A PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT PRODUCED BY THE GOVERNMENT ADVISING WOMEN TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS AGAINST AIDS.

"WOMEN CAN ALSO BE AFFECTED BY THE AIDS VIRUS, THAT IS WHY I AM TAKING THE OPPORTUNITY TO APPEAL TO ALL WOMEN IN HONG KONG. WE SHOULD UNDERSTAND THE THREATS OF THE DISEASE, AND SHOULD SERIOUSLY CONSIDER MEASURES TO GUARD OURSELVES AGAINST AIDS," MISS CHENG SAID AT THE CEREMONY.

PRIZES WERE ALSO PRESENTED TO WINNERS OF THE AIDS CALENDAR CARD DESIGN COMPETITION AND AIDS PHOTOGRAPH AND SLOGAN COMPETITION.

THE EXHIBITION, ORGANISED BY THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY ON AIDS (CEPAIDS), WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC UNTIL DECEMBER 8. THE EXHIBITION WILL BE MOUNTED IN MACAU IN MID-DECEMBER AND SOME OF THE EXHIBITS WILL BE ON DISPLAY IN EIGHT TERTIARY INSTITUTES IN HONG KONG EARLY NEXT YEAR.

THE EXHIBITION FEATURES COMPREHENSIVE INFORMATION ON AIDS AND HOW OTHER COUNTRIES ARE RESPONDING TO THE THREAT OF AIDS.

ALSO ON DISPLAY ARE THE WINNING ENTRIES OF THE CALENDAR CARD DESIGN COMPETITION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS AND THE PHOTOGRAPH AND SLOGAN COMPETITION FOR TERTIARY STUDENTS.

’DIAL & ASK’ AND ’AIDS QUESTION TIME’ ARE THE UNIQUE PROGRAMMES OF THE EXHIBITION OVER THE WEEKEND.

/VISITORS CAN .......

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1992

VISITORS CAN MAKE USE OF TWO TELEPHONE LINES INSTALLED INSIDE THE EXHIBITION HALL TO ASK QUESTIONS ON AIDS ON A PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL BASIS. THIS SPECIAL SERVICE IS PROVIDED BY AIDS COUNSELLING & HEALTH EDUCATION SERVICE.

THE CONSULTANT OF THE AIDS COUNSELLING & HEALTH EDUCATION SERVICE, DR S S LEE, TOGETHER WITH DISC JOCKEYS FROM COMMERCIAL RADIO, WILL HOLD TWO OPEN SESSIONS TO ANSWER QUESTIONS CONCERNING AIDS RAISED BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AT THE EXHIBITION.

THE SESSIONS WILL BE HELD BETWEEN 2.30 PM AND 3.30 PM TODAY AND TOMORROW.

VIDEO SHOW AND COMPUTER GAMES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE TO HELP PROMOTE VISITORS’ AWARENESS OF THE DISEASE. FREE EDUCATION AND INFORMATION LEAFLETS AND SOUVENIRS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO VISITORS.

FIVE EMPLOYEES’ REPRESENTATIVES ELECTED TO LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD *****

FIVE EMPLOYEES’ REPRESENTATIVES NOMINATED BY REGISTERED TRADE UNIONS WERE TODAY (SATURDAY) ELECTED TO THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD FOR TWO YEARS WITH EFFECT FROM JANUARY NEXT YEAR.

THEY WERE:

* MR LEUNG FU-WAH (175 VOTES)

HONG KONG AND KOWLOON RUBBER AND PLASTIC WORKERS GENERAL UNION

* MR CHEUNG KWOK-BUI, FELIX (166 VOTES)

HONG KONG CIVIL SERVANTS GENERAL UNION

♦ MS LI FUNG-YING (143 VOTES)

HONG KONG AND KOWLOON ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY EMPLOYEES’ GENERAL UNION

* MR CHU MING (123 VOTES)

HONG KONG PROSTHETISTS AND ORTHOTISTS ASSOCIATION

* MR LEUNG TSZ-LEUNG (133 VOTES)

HONG KONG BUILDING CONSTRUCTION WORKERS GENERAL UNION

AT TODAY’S ELECTION AT WAH YAN COLLEGE, KOWLOON, 237 REGISTERED EMPLOYEES’ TRADE UNIONS TURNED OUT TO VOTE, WHILE 236 VOTES CAST WERE DECLARED VALID.

THE ELECTION WAS SUPERVISED BY ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR MAK SAI-YIU, WHO ACTED AS THE RETURNING OFFICER.

THE VOTES WERE COUNTED IN THE PRESENCE OF MR VINCENT LIU REPRESENTING THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, AND MISS TANG YIN-FUN REPRESENTING THE REGISTRAR OF TRADE UNIONS.

MEANWHILE NOMINATIONS OF EMPLOYERS’ REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE LAB CLOSED AT NOON TODAY AND THE RESULTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT A LATER DATE.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1992

LUCKY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS SOLD IN AUCTION

******

FORTY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS WERE SOLD IN AN AUCTION THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING FOR A TOTAL OF $1,623,000.

THE SUM WILL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY AFTER DEDUCTION OF EXPENSES INCURRED.

THE AUCTION, HELD AT THE RECITAL HALL OF THE CITY HALL, SAW THE REGISTRATION MARK EB888 FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE OF $400,000.

ANOTHER REGISTRATION MARK EA2 WAS SOLD AT THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE OF $330,000 WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS $2,000 EACH FOR FA704, FA2803 AND FA532.

FOLLOWING ARE THE RESULTS OF THE AUCTION: $

$ $ $

FA897 15,000 FA3338 23,000 FA112 31,000 FA120 15,000

BB8183 15,000 *EB888 400,000 *EA2 330,000 AC2389 13,000

FA1200 6,000 FA532 2,000 FA832 26,000 FA6618 19,000

♦FB363 18,000 FA6638 14,000 EX117 25,000 *FF4000 22,000

FA988 20,000 *EE1000 100,000 ♦FD8833 35,000 FA997 10,000

CH7603 4,000 FA887 24,000 FA396 7,000 AT713 10,000

FA2280 6,000 FA1168 16,000 FA8818 31,000 FA912 9,000

♦ 2727 130,000 *9109 50,000 ♦DN7557 4,000 *FF1991 32,000

FA718 6,000 AA2111 98,000 FA1368 23,000 FA350 9,000

FA1328 16,000 FAI 018 5,000 FA704 2,000 FA2803 2,000

* SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK (NOT TRANSFERABLE)

SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO PAY BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.

THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS WILL BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE DATE OF AUCTION.

THE SALE, THE 184TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY REALISED SO FAR TO $154,113,905.

--------o------------

/6 ........

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1992

CIVIC EDUCATION CARNIVAL TOMORROW

*****

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE OPERATION OF THE GOVERNMENT ARE INVITED TO A CIVIC EDUCATION CARNIVAL TO BE HELD IN THE EDINBURGH PLACE, CENTRAL, TOMORROW (SUNDAY), BEGINNING AT 2 PM.

THE EVENT TOOK CENTRAL STAGE THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL AND IS AIMED AT PROMOTING PUBLIC’S CIVIC-MINDEDNESS.

DEPARTMENTS SUCH AS THE FIRE SERVICES, POLICE, BUILDINGS AND LANDS, HEALTH, URBAN SERVICES, HOUSING AND SOCIAL WELFARE WILL PUT UP EXHIBITIONS AT THE VENUE.

REPRESENTATIVES OF THE DEPARTMENTS WILL ALSO BE PRESENT TO EXPLAIN THEIR WORK TO INTERESTED PEOPLE.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WILL ALSO BE ABLE TO OBTAIN FREE LEGAL AND BUILDING SAFETY ADVICES.

THERE WILL ALSO BE A VARIETY OF STALL GAMES AND ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES.

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CIVIC EDUCATION COMMITTEE, DR DANIEL TSE, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER.

------0-------

KWAI TSING ARTS FESTIVAL * * * ♦

RESIDENTS OF KWAI TSING WILL BE ABLE TO ENJOY AN AFTERNOON OF FREE ENTERTAINMENT TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT AN ART FAIR TO BE HELD AT METRO PLAZA, KWAI FONG.

THE EVENT IS A HIGHLIGHT OF THIS YEAR’S DISTRICT ARTS FESTIVAL.

JOINTLY PRESENTED BY VARIOUS LOCAL SCHOOLS AND ORGANISATIONS, THE FAIR, WHICH WILL LAST FROM 11 AM TO 5 PM, WILL FEATURE 27 KINDS OF WORKS OF ART AND HANDICRAFTS.

THERE WILL ALSO BE PERFORMANCES BY A CHILDREN’S CHOIR, AND ACROBATIC AND MAGIC TROUPES.

THE PROGRAMMES OF THE FESTIVAL INCLUDE CANTONESE OPERA SINGING, CANTONESE OPERA, AS WELL AS SINGING AND DANCING SHOWS.

/ADMISSION IS .......

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1992

ADMISSION IS FREE AND TICKETS ARE OFFICE’S PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICES COUNTER, AND CENTRES.

AVAILABLE AT THE DISTRICT AND LOCAL COMMUNITY HALLS

ENQUIRIES ON THE PROGRAMMES CAN BE MADE ON TEL 427 7271.

THE TWO-WEEK EVENT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE AND THE KWAI CHUNG AND TSING YI DISTRICT CULTURE AND ARTS CO-ORDINATING ASSOCIATION.

IT IS SPONSORED BY THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, WILL OFFICIATE AT A CEREMONY WHICH WILL BE HELD AT 2 PM TOMORROW AT METRO PLAZA, KWAI FONG.

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.

--------0 -----------

ASD ACKNOWLEDGES CONTRACTORS’ PERFORMANCE * * » » *

THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS RECENTLY PRESENTED THE ”1992 DIRECTOR’S ANNUAL CONTRACTORS’ PERFORMANCE AWARDS” TO THREE CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES WHICH HAVE COMPETED THEIR CONTRACTS WTTH THE DEPARTMENT SMOOTHLY AND EFFICFNTLY.

’THE AWARDS WERE INTRODUCED IN 1988 AS A POSITIVE INCENTIVE TO IMPROVE aND REWARD GOOD CONTRACT PERFORMANCE,” DIRECTOR OF ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES, MR PAUL CORSER SAID.

THIS YEAR’S WINNERS ARE:

* HAZAMA CORPORATION COMMISSIONED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT TRAINING SCHOOL AND PUBLIC LIBRARY AT LAI CHI KOK;

* GAMMON CONSTRUCTION CO LTD FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE FORMER LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER SITE AS AN EXTENSION OF THE MAIN WING, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES; AND

* YAN LEE CONSTRUCTION CO FOR THE RESTORATION OF KUN TING STUDY HALL AT PING SHAN.

- - 0 ---------------

/8 .........

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1992

- 8

ECLIPSE OF MOON ♦ ♦ * ♦

A TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE MOON WILL OCCUR FROM 7 .07 AM TO 8*22 AM

ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 10) WITH THE MOON STARTING TO BE ECLIPSED

FrOM 5.59 AM. A

THE EVENT, OCCURRING DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS IN HONG KONG, WOULD

BE DIFFICULT TO BE OBSERVED LOCALLY.

FOR THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED, DETAILS OF THE ECLIPSE ARE AS

FOLLOWS: HONG KONG AZIMUTH ELEVATION

TIME DIRECTION (DEGREE)

MOON ENTERS PENUMBRA 0456 WEST-NORTHWEST 26

MOON ENTERS UMBRA 0559 WEST-NORTHWEST 11

SUNRISE 0652

TOTAL ECLIPSE BEGINS 0707 WEST-NORTHWEST -3

MIDDLE OF ECLIPSE 0744 WEST-NORTHWEST -10

TOTAL ECLIPSE ENDS 0822 WEST-NORTHWEST -17

MOON LEAVES UMBRA 0929 NORTHWEST -28

MOON LEAVES PENUMBRA 1033 NORTH-NORTHWEST -37

THE NEXT LUNAR ECLIPSE OBSERVABLE IN HONG KONG WILL BE ON JUNE 4, 1993.

------0 - - - -

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS * * * * *

$ MILLION

OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,500

REVERSAL OF LAF NIL

BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 1,500

NET INJHECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL

EFFECT OF LAF TODAY +70

CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,570

LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI ----------------------------------0--------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1992

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

HK PLEDGES USS50,000 TO ESCAP TO HELP DISABLED ................. 1

JAPAN URGED TO SET UP BASES IN HK .............................. 2

HK TO HOST INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON WATER SUPPLIES .......... 3

CAMPAIGN ON CONSTRUCTION SITES A SUCCESS ....................... 4

NEW APPLICATION ARRANGEMENT FOR DUMPING LICENCES ............... 5

FRESH WATER CUT IN SAI KUNG .................................... c

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1992

HK PLEDGES US$50,000 TO ESCAP TO HELP DISABLED *****

HONG KONG HAS PLEDGED US$50,000 TO THE UNITED NATIONS’ ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMISSION FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC (ESCAP) TO HELP PROMOTE THE WELL-BEING OF DISABLED PERSONS IN THE REGION.

THE PLEDGE WAS MADE BY DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MISS JACQUELINE WILLIS, WHEN ATTENDING A MEETING IN BEIJING LAST WEEK TO LAUNCH THE ASIAN AND PACIFIC DECADE OF DISABLED PERSONS 1993-2002.

MISS WILLIS TOLD THE MEETING THAT THE PLEDGE ALSO SHOWED THE GOVERNMENT’S SUPPORT TO ESCAP.

’’CONTRIBUTIONS FROM MEMBERS AND ASSOCIATE MEMBERS WILL NOT ONLY HELP FUND THE MANY WORTHY PROJECTS TO BE HELD IN THE DECADE BUT ALSO UNDERLINE OUR JOINT EFFORT AND CONVICTION TOWARDS OUR COMMON GOAL,” SHE SAID.

SPEAKING UNDER ANOTHER AGENDA ITEM AT THE MEETING, MISS WILLIS SAID THE UNITED NATIONS DECADE OF DISABLED PERSONS 1983-1992 HAD BEEN A VERY FRUITFUL DECADE FOR REHABILITATION SERVICES IN HONG KONG WHERE THERE WAS A VERY COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEM OF PREVENTION AND IDENTIFICATION OF DISABILITIES.

’’PRIMARY HEALTH CARE SERVICES ARE MAINLY PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT THROUGH A NETWORK OF CLINICS AND IN 46 MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CENTRES COVERING 370,000 WOMEN AND BABIES EACH YEAR," SHE SAID, ADDING THAT THIS REPRESENTS 90 PER CENT COVERAGE OF ALL NEW BORN BABIES IN HONG KONG.

THERE IS ALSO PERINATAL CARE AVAILABLE FOR PREGNANT WOMEN AT RISK, WHICH PLAYS AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE PREVENTION OF PERINATAL DISORDERS THAT MAY LEAD TO MENTAL HANDICAP, CEREBRAL PALSY AND OTHER DISABILITIES.

"FOR INFANTS AND CHILDREN, IMMUNISATION PROGRAMMES ARE PROVIDED TO PREVENT COMMON COMMUNICABLE DISEASES," SHE SAID.

SHE ALSO DESCRIBED THE NEONATAL EXAMINATIONS AND SCREENING TESTS FOR ALL NEW BORN BABIES TO ENSURE THAT DISABILITIES WERE IDENTIFIED EARLY.

TO CATER FOR THE NEEDS OF DISABLED PERSONS, MISS WILLIS SAID SPECIAL CENTRES HAD BEEN SET UP TO PROVIDE CARE AND TRAINING TO DISABLED CHILDREN BEFORE THEY REACHED SCHOOL AGE.

LIKE ALL OTHER CHILDREN IN HONG KONG, DISABLED CHILDREN CAN RECEIVE NINE YEARS OF EDUCATION, EITHER IN SPECIAL SCHOOLS OR IN ORDINARY SCHOOLS WITH SUPPORT SERVICES.

DISABLED SCHOOL LEAVERS, IF NECESSARY, ARE PROVIDED WITH JOB SKILLS TRAINING IN SPECIALLY DESIGNED COURSES.

/’’TRAINED OFFICERS .........

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1992

’’TRAINED OFFICERS ARE PROVIDED TO ASSIST GRADUATES FROM THESE COURSES AND OTHER DISABLED PERSONS IN SEEKING EMPLOYMENT,” MISS WILLIS SAID.

"FOR THOSE WHO ARE NOT YET READY FOR OPEN EMPLOYMENT, THERE IS SHELTERED AND SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT TO ENABLE THEM TO FULLY DEVELOP THEIR POTENTIAL," SHE SAID.

ON A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW CONDUCTED BY THE GOVERNMENT LAST YEAR ON HONG KONG’S REHABILITATION SERVICES AND POLICIES, MISS WILLIS SAID THERE WERE STILL SHORTFALLS IN CERTAIN AREAS, PARTICULARLY ON RESIDENTIAL AND TRAINING FACILITIES FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED.

"TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF DISABLED PERSONS AND TO RELIEVE THEIR PARENTS OR CARERS OF THE BURDEN OF LOOKING AFTER THEM AT HOME, THE GOVERNOR HAS RECENTLY PLEDGED THE NECESSARY FUNDS TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL PLACES TO MEET THE DEMAND OVER THE NEXT FOUR YEARS," SHE SAID.

MISS WILLIS ALSO SAID HONG KONG WOULD CONTINUE TO BE FIRMLY COMMITTED TO ENHANCING ITS REHABILITATION SERVICES.

--------0 -----------

JAPAN URGED TO SET UP BASES IN HK ******

JAPANESE COMPANIES SEEKING TO EXPAND THE SCOPE OF THEIR OPERATIONS IN CHINA HAVE BEEN URGED TO IMMEDIATELY SET UP A FOOTHOLD IN HONG KONG.

THE ADVICE WAS GIVEN BY THE PRINCIPAL HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE REPRESENTATIVE IN TOKYO, MR DAVID LAN, IN A KEYNOTE SPEECH TO THE KEIZEI DOYUKAI (JAPAN ASSOCIATION OF CORPORATE EXECUTIVES).

HE TOLD THE BUSINESSMEN THAT HONG KONG WAS THE "BEST GATEWAY AND SPRINGBOARD TO CHINA” AND THERE WAS EVERY REASON TO BE OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THE FUTURE.

MR LAN SAID THERE WERE A NUMBER OF REASONS FOR THIS OPTIMISM. THEY INCLUDED:

* CHINA’S EXTRAORDINARY GROWTH RATES WHICH HAD HELPED TO PROTECT HONG KONG AGAINST RECESSIONARY CONDITIONS THAT HAD AFFECTED MUCH OF THE WESTERN WORLD IN RECENT YEARS;

* THE RECENT SATISFACTORY CONCLUSION TO THE SECTION 301 NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN CHINA AND THE UNITED STATES; AND

/* THE HONG ........

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1992

* THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT-ORIENTED POLICY OF FACILITATING ECONOMIC GROWTH BY ENSURING ADEQUATE PROVISION OF PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND HUMAN RESOURCES.

MR LAN DESCRIBED THE GOVERNOR’S RECENT VISIT TO JAPAN AS A GREAT SUCCESS AND SAID THE MEETINGS HE HAD WITH THE JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER, OTHER SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND BUSINESS LEADERS HAD BEEN FRUITFUL.

HK TO HOST INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON WATER SUPPLIES

******

HONG KONG’S ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE FIELD OF WATER SUPPLIES WILL COME UNDER THE LIMELIGHT AT AN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE IN 1996.

WATER HONG KONG ’96 - THE 10TH ASIA-PACIFIC REGIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE INTERNATIONAL WATER SUPPLIES ASSOCIATION (IWSA) - HAS BEEN SCHEDULED TO TAKE PLACE IN THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE FROM OCTOBER 27 TO 31, 1996.

THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY TECHNICAL VISITS AND POST-CONFERENCE

TOURS.

HONG KONG HAS BEEN CHOSEN BY THE IWSA AS THE VENUE FOR THE CONFERENCE AS A RESULT OF BIDDING MADE BY A DELEGATION OF THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT AT THE ASIA-PACIFIC GROUP BOARD MEETING OF THE IWSA IN KUALA LUMPUR IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR.

AT THE MEETING, THE HONG KONG DELEGATION HEADED BY THE DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, MR M S HU, MADE A MOST CONVINCING PRESENTATION IN COMPETITION WITH BIDDING BY DELEGATIONS FROM BEIJING AND SYDNEY.

BEFORE HIS DEPARTURE FOR KUALA LUMPUR, MR HU WAS PLEDGED SUPPORT FOR HIS BIDDING BY MANY PROFESSIONAL INSTITUTIONS, UNIVERSITIES AND TERTIARY EDUCATION BODIES, CONSULTING ENGINEERS AND CONTRACTORS, AIRLINES, HOTELS AND TRAVEL AGENCIES.

THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, HAS CONGRATULATED MR HU ON HIS SUCCESSFUL BIDDING.

IT IS EXPECTED THAT 600 OR MORE DELEGATES FROM OVER 20 COUNTRIES WILL ATTEND THE 10TH ASIA-PACIFIC REGIONAL CONFERENCE, WHICH IS ONE OF THE MAJOR EVENTS IN THE WATER SUPPLIES INDUSTRY.

THE PROGRAMME WILL PRIMARILY INCLUDE TECHNICAL SESSIONS AND VISITS COVERING SUBJECTS ON WATER RESOURCES, WATER TREATMENT, AND PLANNING, OPERATION AND MANAGEMENT OF WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS.

AN EXHIBITION BY CONSULTANTS, CONTRACTORS, SUPPLIERS AND MANUFACTURERS RELATED TO THE WATER SUPPLIES INDUSTRY WILL BE HELD CONCURRENTLY WITH THE CONFERENCE.

/MR HU,

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1992

MR HU, VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE ASIA-PACIFIC BOARD OF THE IWSA, POINTED OUT THAT THE EVENT WOULD PROVIDE THE OPPORTUNITY FOR AN EXCHANGE OF VALUABLE KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE IN ALL ASPECTS OF WATER SUPPLY.

IT WILL FOSTER GOOD RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE WATER EXPERTS AMONG COUNTRY MEMBERS OF THE IWSA, HE ADDED.

OUTSIDE THE PURVIEW OF WATER SUPPLY, THE EVENT WOULD ALSO ENHANCE THE PROFILE OF HONG KONG AS AN INTERNATIONAL CITY.

IN JANUARY THIS YEAR, THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT, IN COLLABORATION WITH THE IWSA, HOSTED THE INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP ON "ALUMINIUM IN DRINKING WATER".

"THIS EVENT, ALTHOUGH OF A MUCH SMALLER SCALE THAN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGIONAL CONFERENCE, HAS PROVIDED THE DEPARTMENT WITH VALUABLE EXPERIENCE IN HOSTING AN INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRY-RELATED GATHERING," HE SAID.

-----0------

CAMPAIGN ON CONSTRUCTION SITES A SUCCESS *******

THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAS COMPLETED A SPECIAL CAMPAIGN ON CONSTRUCTION SITES TO REMIND EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE NEED FOR IMPROVEMENT IN SITE SAFETY TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS.

LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S DEPUTY CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR MR KAN HON-SANG SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) DURING THE TWO-PHASE CAMPAIGN MOUNTED BETWEEN APRIL AND JULY, AND BETWEEN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER, FACTORY INSPECTORS INSPECTED A TOTAL OF 422 CONSTRUCTION SITES INCLUDING 39 CAISSON SITES.

DURING THE INSPECTIONS, FACTORY INSPECTORS CONCENTRATED ON HIGH RISK AREAS SUCH AS PLACES WHICH MAY CAUSE FALLS OF PERSONS AND CAISSON WORK.

THE USE OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT AS WELL AS THE SAFE OPERATION OF LIFTING EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY, ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS, AND HOUSE-KEEPING WERE ALSO LOOKED AT, MR KAN SAID.

MR KAN SAID ENFORCEMENT ACTION WAS TAKEN OUT AGAINST 224 SITES FOR SERIOUS BREACHES OF SAFETY REGULATIONS RESULTING IN THE ISSUING OF 475 SUMMONSES, INCLUDING 30 SUMMONSES AGAINST 19 CAISSON SITES.

AMONG THE SUMMONSES, 256 WERE OFFENCES RELATED TO FALL FROM A HEIGHT, 67 RELATED TO THE SAFE USE OF PLANT AND EQUIPMENT AND 49 ON ELECTRICAL SAFETY.

THERE IS ALSO ONE SUMMONS AGAINST A WORKER FOR NOT WEARING PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT PROVIDED BY THE CONTRACTOR, HE ADDED.

/UNDER THE .......

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1992

UNDER THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE AND CONSTRUCTION SITES (SAFETY) REGULATIONS, IT IS THE DUTY OF THE EMPLOYERS TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF WORKERS BY PROVIDING AND MAINTAINING A SAFE WORKING PLACE.

MR KAN REITERATED THAT WORKERS MUST ALSO CO-OPERATE WITH EMPLOYERS AND USE THE REQUIRED SAFETY EQUIPMENT TO AVOID BEING INJURED.

”OUR INSPECTORS WILL CONTINUE TO KEEP A CLOSE WATCH ON THE SITUATION AND WILL MOUNT MORE OPERATIONS, IF NECESSARY, TO SEE TO IT THE SAFETY LAW IS BEING OBSERVED," HE SAID.

HE SAID UNSCRUPULOUS CONTRACTORS AND WORKERS WHO CHOSE TO TURN A BLIND EYE TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE LAW WOULD BE PROSECUTED.

--------0------------

NEW APPLICATION ARRANGEMENT FOR DUMPING LICENCES

*****

THE CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY) A NEW ARRANGEMENT FOR PROCESSING APPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC DUMPING LICENCES.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE, ALL APPLICATIONS FOR DUMPING LICENCES FOR NEXT YEAR SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE CHIEF ENGINEER, PORT WORKS, FIFTH FLOOR, CIVIL ENGINEERING BUILDING, 101 PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD, KOWLOON.

UNDER THE CROWN LAND ORDINANCE, A LICENCE IS REQUIRED FOR DUMPING ON CROWN LAND ON HONG KONG ISLAND, IN KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THE SPOKESMAN ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT PUBLIC DUMPING LICENCE CONDITIONS HAD RECENTLY BEEN RELAXED TO PERMIT THE DISPOSAL OF BROKEN ROCK AND CONCRETE OVER 250 MILLIMETRES IN SIZE AND SMALL QUANTITIES OF TIMBER AT THE DESIGNATED SITES.

THE OTHER MATERIALS ALLOWED UNDER A DUMPING LICENCE ARE EARTH AND BUILDING DEBRIS FREE FROM MARINE MUD, HOUSEHOLD REFUSE, PLASTIC, METAL, INDUSTRIAL AND CHEMICAL WASTE, ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE MATTER, AND OTHER UNSUITABLE MATERIALS.

--------0-----------

/6 .........

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1992

6 FRESH WATER CUT IN SAI KUNG ******

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN SAI KUNG WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 10 PM ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 8) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE CONNECTION WORK ON WATER MAINS.

THE AFFECTED PREMISES INCLUDE THOSE AT PO TUNG ROAD, SAI KUNG YEE KUK STREET, TAK LUNG BACK STREET, TAK LUNG FRONT STREET, SAI KUNG TAI STREET, WANG STREET, SAI KUNG MAIN STREET, SAI KUNG ROAD, SEE CHEUNG STREET, SAI KUNG HOI PONG STREET, TAN CHEUNG, YAU MA PO AND FUI YIU HA.

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1992

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVERNOR PRESENTS INSIGNIA AND COMMENDATIONS TO 110 .............. 1

HK ATTRACTIVE FOR OVERSEAS INVESTMENT ........................ 6

REQUEST FOR COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY REJECTED .................... 8

ACTION PLANS FOR METROPLAN STRATEGY UNDER STUDY .............. 9

PIG FARMERS ASSURED OF VACCINE SUPPLY ........................ 10

CHRISTMAS - TIME TO REMEMBER LESS FORTUNATE CHILDREN ......... 12

CALL TO JOIN HANDS TO HELP DISABLED .......................... 12

150 EDUCATIONISTS TO ATTEND LANGUAGE CONFERENCE .............. 13

WATER CUTS IN MONG KOK AND CAUSEWAY BAY ...................... 14

WATER STORAGE FIGURE ......................................... 15

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .. 15

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1992

GOVERNOR PRESENTS INSIGNIA AND COMMENDATIONS TO 110 * * t * i

THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, PRESENTED INSIGNIA AND COMMENDATIONS TO 110 PEOPLE AT A CEREMONY AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE TODAY (MONDAY).

OF THEM, 86 RECIPIENTS WERE DECORATED OR COMMENDED BY THE QUEEN FOR SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC, WHILE SIX WERE AWARDED THE GOVERNOR’S COMMENDATIONS.

IN ADDITION, 18 MEMBERS OF THE ST JOHN AMBULANCE ASSOCIATION AND BRIGADE WHOSE COMMUNITY WORK HAS BEEN RECOGNISED BY THE QUEEN, THE SOVEREIGN HEAD OF THE MOST VENERABLE ORDER OF THE HOSPITAL OF ST JOHN OF JERUSALEM, WERE PRESENTED THEIR ST JOHN INSIGNIA BY THE GOVERNOR.

FOLLOWING IS THE LIST OF RECIPIENTS:

CBE

MR DAVID ANTHONY GLEDHILL

OBE

MRS MIRIAM LAU KIN-YEE

DR EDWARD LEONG CHE-HUNG

MR LAURENCE LEUNG MING-YIN

MR FREDERIC SAMUEL MCCOSH

ISO

MISS CHEUNG MAN-YEE

DR COLIN CHARLES GREENFIELD

MR KWEI SEE-KAN

MR ANTHONY ROBERT SCOTT

/MBE .......

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1992

MBE

MR PETER CHAN FUK-SING

MR JOHN DUNN NAI-BUN

PROFESSOR DAVID WILLIAM GW I LT

MR LAM SUI-FAN

MRS MARGARET LI WONG MAN-WAN

MR LO CHI-YUEN

MR GEORGE CHARLES MELEADY STRACHAN

HONORARY MBE

MR CHUNG WAI-MING

MR IRA DAN KAYE

MR TANG PONG

BEM

MISS CHOY CHIU-NGAN

MR CHUNG WOON-MING

MR FUNG KAI-CHUEN

MR KWOK KENG-KWAN

MR KWOK LA I-LEE

MF? LI KWAN-YAU

MR LO CHUK-MING

MR NG PUT-LAM

MR POON KWOK-CHING

MRS TAM CHAN YIN-MING

MR HAROLD WONG HO-CHING

MRS WONG O’YOUNG CHING

MR WOO YUK-SHIU

MR WVAN MA-KAN

/BEM (MIL)

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1992

- 3

BEM (MIL)

SERGEANT PADAMBAHADUR RAI

SERGEANT SIMON PAUL WAGSTAFF

QPM

MR JOHN BRIAN GOULDSMITH

MR LAU TO-YEE

QFSM

MR PETER CHEUNG

ISM

MR LEUNG YUN-KAN

MR LI KAM

MR MA TAM-LOI

MR NG PUT

MR SUEN KAI-CHUEN

CPM

MR LAI KWOK-LEUNG

MR ALBERT KWOK CHO-KUEN

MR NG WAL-KIT

MR DAVID GORDON RONALD

MR GRAEME MCDONALD SUTHERLAND

MR ROY TAYLOR

MR JEFFREY ALAN RICHARDS

MR DAVID GODFREY WEAVER

MR ABDUR RAHMAN

/MR TSUNG .......

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1992

MR TSUNG PUI-YU

MR MA CHAK-WA

MRS LI CHAN SIU-MUI

MR LAM KAM-LING

MR TSE CHI-YUEN

MR YAU WING-HONG

MR PIK Y1NG-KEUNG

MR CHU PING-WAH

MR LEUNG SHIU-KWAN

MR CHIN KING-CHEUNG

QUEEN’S COMMENDATION FOR BRAVE CONDUCT

MR LAM KONG

MR TAM TING-KAI

MR TANG YAU-KEUNG

CHIEF PETTY OFFICER ANDREW RICHARD HARRISON

LEADING SEAMAN JOHN JAMIESON OBERG STODDART

QUEEN’S COMMENDATION FOR VALUABLE SERVICE IN THE AIR

FLIGHT LIEUTENANT FRANK JAMES PILKINGTON

FLIGHT SERGEANT EDWARD HO DICK-SANG

SERGEANT ROSS LAW SIU-HING

SERGEANT ELTON TANG S1NG-CHUNG

BADGE OF HONOUR

MR CHAN MOW-FAT

MR DAVID CHENG CHUNG-YIN

MR CHEUNG WAI-CHUNG

MR BERNARD FUNG SUN-KWAN

MR LAM HO I-HAM

/MR ROGER ......

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1992

MR ROGER LAU KWAN-MING MR LEE CHI-FUNG MADAM LEUNG FU-WING

MR NORMAN LO KAM-WAH

MR MIU KAM-TOA

REVEREND PETER NEWBERY

MR OR SHING-MOK

MR WONG WAN-CHUNG

MR YIU SIU-SING

MR YUEN SIU-FAI GOVERNOR’S COMMENDATIONS

MR IP LAU-CHUEN

MISS LAM MAN-SAI

MR TAM CHUNG-LAM

MR CHENG KWAI-FAT

MR HO WING-FU

MR SO KON-MING

ST JOHN

KNIGHT OF ST JOHN

DR GEORGE CHOA COMMANDER SISTER

MISS SALLY AW SIAN SERVING SIS T E R/BROT 11ER

MISS YU KWOK-YAN

MISS CHU KIT-BING

MISS WONG YUEN-YAU

/MISS LAM

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7. 1992

MISS LAM PIK-YEE

MISS LI YIN-EUN

MR MO DICK-KEUNG

DR CHAN BING-FUN

MR RICHARD KO

MR NG WlNG-KEE

MR LYON LEE

MR AU KWOK-HUNG

MR TAM PO-YU

MR AU YEUNG CHUNG-FAT

MR HO HON-CHEUNG

MR LAU CHI-YUEN

MR YEOH TAI-WAI

-----0------

HK ATTRACTIVE FOR OVERSEAS INVESTMENT

*****

HONG KONG REMAINS AN ATTRACTIVE LOCATION FOR OVERSEAS INVESTMENT IN MANUFACTURING, THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MR T H BARMA, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

MR BARMA WAS COMMENTING ON THE FINDINGS OF THE LATEST SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT ON OVERSEAS INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.

SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TO PRESENT THE SURVEY RESULTS, MR BARMA SAID THE TOTAL VALUE OF OVERSEAS INVESTMENT AT THE END OF 1991 WAS £34.4 BILLION, $3.5 BILLION (OR 11 PER CENT) HIGHER THAN IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR, AND MORE THAN THREE TIMES THE 1984 FIGURE OF $11.4 BILLION WHEN THE FIRST SUCH SURVEY WAS CONDUCTED.

MR BARMA NOTED THAT THE STOCK OF FIXED ASSETS, AT $21.1 BILLION, WAS FIVE PER CENT HIGHER THAN 1990.

’’THIS SIGNIFIES THAT THERE HAS BEEN A CONTINUING INCREASE IN NEW INVESTMENT AND REINVESTMENT IN HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES DESPITE THE FACT THAT SOME OVERSEAS COMPANIES RELOCATED PART OF THEIR OPERATIONS TO LOWER COST PRODUCTION CENTRES SUCH AS CHINA AND SOUTHEAST ASIA,” HE SAID.

/MR BARMA .......

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1992

MR BARMA SAID JAPAN CONTINUED TO BE THE LEADING SOURCE OF INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, ACCOUNTING FOR 32 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL,

"THE UNITED STATES (28 PER CENT OF TOTAL) AND CHINA (11 PER CENT) WERE THE SECOND AND THIRD LARGEST OVERSEAS INVESTORS RESPECTIVELY. AUSTRALIA (6 PER CENT) JUMPED TO THE FOURTH PLACE FROM THE SEVENTH IN 1990," HE SAID.

MR BARMA SAID INVESTMENTS FROM THESE "BIG FOUR" HAD ALL INCREASED IN 1991 COMPARED WITH 1990 THOUGH THE RATE OF INCREASE VARIED FROM COUNTRY TO COUNTRY.

"THE ELECTRONICS, ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS, TEXTILES AND CLOTHING AND TOBACCO INDUSTRIES TOGETHER ACCOUNTED FOR 60 PER CENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENT LAST YEAR," HE SAID.

MR BARMA SAID THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT WAS ALSO INTERESTED IN THE QUALITY OF SUCH INVESTMENT.

"WE BELIEVE THAT HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURERS MUST UPGRADE THEIR PRODUCTIVITY AND THE QUALITY OF THEIR PRODUCTS TO REMAIN COMPETITIVE, AND THE AIM OF THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT’S INWARD INVESTMENT PROMOTION PROGRAMME IS TO ENCOURAGE OVERSEAS INVESTORS TO INTRODUCE TO HONG KONG, THROUGH THEIR INVESTMENTS, NEW OR IMPROVED PRODUCTS, TECHNOLOGY,. DESIGNS AND MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES," HE SAID.

MR BARMA SAID ABOUT 40 PER CENT OF THE 536 COMPANIES WITH AN OVERSEAS INTEREST WERE JOINT VENTURES WITH LOCAL PARTNERS, A FORM OF CO-OPERATION WHICH PROVIDED A GOOD OPPORTUNITY FOR TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER.

"IN ABOUT THE SAME PROPORTION OF COMPANIES, STAFF HAVE BEEN DEPLOYED FROM THE OVERSEAS PARENT COMPANY TO PROVIDE GUIDANCE OR ASSISTANCE IN AREAS SUCH AS COMPANY MANAGEMENT, OPERATIONS. AND RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.

"319 COMPANIES (60 PER CENT) REPORTED THAT THEY EITHER HAD LICENSING ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE OVERSEAS PARENT COMPANY, OR HAD RECEIVED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE OR HELP IN ACQUIRING MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT FROM THEM.

"MOREOVER, 90 COMPANIES (17 PER CENT), ESPECIALLY THOSE IN THE ELECTRONICS AND ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES, REPORTED THAT OVERSEAS INVESTORS HAD BEEN INVOLVED IN THE TRANSFER OF ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY.

"CLEARLY, THEREFORE, OVERSEAS INVESTMENT PLAYS AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN ASSISTING THE LOCAL MANUFACTURING SECTOR TO UPGRADE ITS PRODUCTION CAPABILITIES AND THE QUALITY OF ITS PRODUCTS," HE SAID.

MR BARMA SAID THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT ALSO TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO SEEK THE VIEWS OF OVERSEAS INVESTORS ON THE ATTRACTIVENESS OF HONG KONG AS A MANUFACTURING BASE.

/WHEN ASKED .......

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1992

WHEN ASKED TO COMMENT ON THE FAVOURABILITY OF A LIST OF 12 FACTORS WHICH, BY AND LARGE, MADE UP THE OVERALL INVESTMENT ENVIRONMENT OF HONG KONG AS A MANUFACTURING BASE, NINE OUT OF THE 12 FACTORS WERE CONSIDERED BY MORE THAN HALF OF THE RESPONDENTS TO BE FAVOURABLE.

’’BANKING AND FINANCIAL FACILITIES, INFRASTRUCTURE, HONG KONG'S REGIONAL LOCATION AND GOVERNMENT ECONOMIC POLICY WERE THE KEY FACTORS SEEN AS MOST FAVOURABLE.

’’THE SURVEY ALSO CONFIRMED SEVERAL COMMONLY RECOGNISED FACTORS AS CAUSING CONCERN, SUCH AS LABOUR COST, AND THE COST OF FACTORY AND OFFICE SPACE,” HE SAID.

MR BARMA ADDED THAT 60 PER CENT OF THE RESPONDENTS CONSIDERED THAT THE OVERALL MANUFACTURING ENVIRONMENT IN HONG KONG WAS FAVOURABLE.

’’THIS IS ENCOURAGING. 169 COMPANIES - 32 PER CENT - ALSO INDICATED PLANS FOR EXPANSION IN HONG KONG.’’

WHEN ASKED WHAT SORT OF BUSINESS THEY WOULD EXPECT IN THE COMING FEW YEARS, THE MAJORITY OF THE COMPANIES, SOME 350 COMPANIES OR 66 PER CENT, EXPECTED BUSINESS IN 1992 TO BE SATISFACTORY TO GOOD.

A TOTAL OF 280 COMPANIES -

ABOUT BUSINESS PROSPECTS IN 1993.

53 PER CENT - FELT THE SAME

--------0 -----------

REQUEST FOR COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY REJECTED * * * * *

THE GOVERNOR TODAY (MONDAY) REJECTED THE REQUEST FROM THE STAFF SIDE OF THE SENIOR CIVIL SERVICE COUNCIL (SCSC) FOR A COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY TO REVIEW THE 1992 PAY ADJUSTMENT.

THE DECISION WAS CONVEYED IN A LETTER FROM THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, TO THE STAFF SIDE CHAIRMAN OF THE SCSC.

IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, THE STAFF SIDE OF THE SCSC PUT FORTH A FORMAL REQUEST FOR A COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY TO ADJUDICATE ON CIVIL SERVANTS’ DEMAND FOR A SUPPLEMENTARY PAY AWARD OF 3.52 PER CENT, PURPORTED TO BE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE NET PAY TREND INDICATORS AND THE ACTUAL PAY AWARDS IN 1990 AND 1991.

IN HIS REPLY, SIR DAVID REITERATED THAT "IT IS A MATTER OF SETTLED PUBLIC POLICY THAT EACH PAY ADJUSTMENT IS A SEPARATE AND INDEPENDENT EXERCISE BASED ON CONSIDERATIONS PERTAINING TO THE PREVAILING CIRCUMSTANCES".

HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT "IN DETERMINING THE SIZE OF EACH YEAR’S PAY ADJUSTMENT, THE RESULTS OF THE PAY TREND SURVEY TOGETHER WITH OTHER FACTORS SUCH AS INCREASES IN THE COST OF LIVING, THE STATE OF THE ECONOMY AND BUDGETARY CONSTRAINTS ARE ALSO TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT".

/THE 1992 .......

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1992

THE 1992 PAY ADJUSTMENT FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE FULLY REFLECTED THE PAY TREND INDICATORS.

IN ADDITION, CIVIL SERVANTS IN THE MIDDLE AND LOWER PAY BANDS WERE GIVEN A HIGHER PAY AWARD TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF STAFF ASPIRATION AND THE RATE OF INFLATION IN THE PREVIOUS 12 MONTHS.

SINCE THE PAY ADJUSTMENT HAS BEEN DETERMINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ESTABLISHED POLICY, THE GOVERNOR HAS RULED THAT THERE IS NO CASE FOR REVIEW BY A COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY.

----u----

ACTION PLANS FOR METROPLAN STRATEGY UNDER STUDY

*****

THE GOVERNMENT IS UNDERTAKING MORE DETAILED STUDIES TO TURN THE METROPLAN SELECTED STRATEGY INTO ACTION PLANS, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

SPEAKING AT A CONFERENCE ON HIGH CONCENTRATION DEVELOPMENT, MR EASON SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD ALSO SEEK TO PROVIDE NEW DEVELOPMENT AREAS TO FACILITATE RESTRUCTURING OF THE OLDER CONGESTED URBAN DISTRICTS IN DRAWING UP THESE ACTION PLANS.

MR EASON SAID IN A PLACE LIKE HONG KONG WHERE HIGH CONCENTRATION DEVELOPMENT WAS UNAVOIDABLE, IT WAS NO EASY TASK TO STRIKE A BALANCE BETWEEN ECONOMICAL USE OF LAND AND A PROBLEM-FREE ENVIRONMENT.

HE SAID A MORE COMPREHENSIVE DENSITY CONTROL STRATEGY HAD BEEN FURTHER SUGGESTED IN THE METROPLAN STRATEGY SO THAT DEVELOPMENT DENSITIES COULD BE PLANNED TO ENSURE THAT THE CAPACITY OF TRANSPORT SYSTEMS, UTILITIES AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES FOR THE AMOUNT OF ACTIVITY GENERATED COULD FUNCTION EFFICIENTLY.

"THIS ALSO AIMS TO ACHIEVE A CONCENTRATION OF DEVELOPMENT WHICH WILL NOT PRODUCE A HIGH LEVEL OF CONGESTION AND DETERIORATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS," HE SAID.

MR EASON ALSO OUTLINED THE GENERAL PRINCIPLES FOR THE DENSITY CONTROL STRATEGY. THESE WERE:

* ACCEPT HIGH DENSITIES OF PEOPLE AND JOBS CLOSE TO HIGH

CAPACITY TRANSPORT SYSTEMS;

* CONVERSELY, LIMIT DENSITIES IN AREAS NOT WELL SERVED BY

HIGH CAPACITY TRANSPORT SYSTEMS;

* REDUCE DENSITIES IN HIGHLY CONGESTED DISTRICTS WHICH

ARE EXPERIENCING WIDESPREAD ENVIRONMENTAL AND OPERATIONAL PROBLEMS; AND

* LIMIT DENSITIES IN AREAS WHERE THE VISUAL IMPACT OF

DEVELOPMENT IS A PRIME CONCERN.

------ 0 - - - -

/10 ........

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1992

PIG FARMERS ASSURED OF VACCINE SUPPLY

*****

PIG FARMERS WERE TODAY (MONDAY) ASSURED THAT THE CURRENT SUPPLY OF VACCINE FOR ANIMAL FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE (FMD) WAS SUFFICIENT AND THE RECENT OUTBREAK OF THE DISEASE WAS UNDER CONTROL.

IN A MEETING WITH PIG FARMERS, AN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, MISS VERA SO, TOLD THEM THAT THE DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN MONITORING THE SITUATION.

VIRUS SAMPLES WERE SENT TO THE FMD WORLD REFERENCE LABORATORY FOR TYPING TO ASCERTAIN THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE VACCINE USED BY LOCAL FARMERS.

SHE SAID THE DEPARTMENT HAD RECEIVED CONFIRMATION FROM LOCAL VACCINE AGENTS THAT SOME 180,000 DOSES OF THE VACCINE WERE CURRENTLY AVAILABLE.

AS THE VACCINE HAS A SHORT SHELF LIFE OF ABOUT 10 MONTHS, THE SUPPLIERS EMPHASISED THAT ONLY ADVANCE FIRM ORDERS COULD AVOID UNNECESSARY DELAY OR INTERRUPTION OF SUPPLY.

FARMERS WERE ADVISED THAT THE VACCINE REQUIRED SOME 12 WEEKS FOR MANUFACTURING AND ANOTHER FOUR WEEKS FOR DELIVERY.

AT TODAY’S MEETING, THE DEPARTMENT AGREED TO SECURE VACCINE SUPPLY FOR FARMERS FOR USE IN THE FIRST FEW MONTHS OF NEXT YEAR AS A SHORT-TERM ASSISTANCE MEASURE.

IN THE LONG RUN, THE FEDERATION OF PIG RAISERS CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES (FEDERATION), WHICH REPRESENTED MANY LOCAL PIG FARMERS, PROMISED TO LOOK INTO THE POSSIBILITY OF IMPORTING THE VACCINE DIRECT THEMSELVES.

ON THE CONTROL OF OUTBREAK OF THE DISEASE, MISS SO REITERATED THAT THERE WAS NO KNOWN CURES AND THE MOST EFFECTIVE CONTROL WAS PREVENTIVE VACCINATION ADMINISTERED BY PIG FARMERS THEMSELVES.

MISS SO EXPLAINED THAT SINCE THE DEPARTMENT STOPPED THE FREE VACCINATION SERVICE IN APRIL 1990, THE PIG FARMERS EXPERIENCED NO DIFFICULTY IN GETTING THE VACCINE.

AFTER LEARNING THAT SUPPLY MIGHT BE INTERRUPTED BECAUSE THE FRENCH MANUFACTURER RELOCATED THE PRODUCTION FACILITIES IN JANUARY THIS YEAR, THE DEPARTMENT IMMEDIATELY CLARIFIED WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS AFFIRMED THAT MORE THAN 200,000 DOSES WOULD BE AVAILABLE IN THE HONG KONG MARKET IN FEBRUARY.

’’CLOSE LIAISON WAS ALSO MAINTAINED WITH OVERSEAS MANUFACTURERS CURRENTLY SUPPLYING THE VACCINE TO THE TERRITORY,” MISS SO SAID.

IN EARLY OCTOBER, THE DEPARTMENT MET THE PIG FARMERS AGAIN TO DISCUSS THE SUPPLY PROBLEM OF THE VACCINE. THEN ENQUIRIES WERE MADE OF A NUMBER OF OVERSEAS COUNTRIES ON THE POSSIBILITY OF MANUFACTURING THE] VACCINE IN HONG KONG WITH A VIEW TO EXPLORE ALTERNATIVE CHEAPER SUPPLIES OF VACCINE.

/A MEETING ......

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1992

A MEETING WAS HELD LAST WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 2) WITH AN EXPERT FROM THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION FOR THE CONTROL OF FMD, UNITED NATION’S FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANISATION, AIMING TO SECURE CHEAPER AND EFFECTIVE VACCINE FROM THAILAND.

IN A FURTHER STEP TO HELP THE LIVESTOCK KEEPERS, THE DEPARTMENT PROVIDED IN OCTOBER INFORMATION FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO THE FEDERATION ON HOW TO REGISTER AS A VACCINE IMPORTER.

’’THIS IS A BETTER WAY TO SECURE CONSISTENT AND REGULAR SUPPLY OF THE VACCINE TO MEMBERS OF THE FEDERATION,” SHE SAID.

’’ALSO AS AN IMPORTER, THE PRICE WOULD BE FREE FROM CURRENCY FLUCTUATION WHEN PLACING ADVANCE ORDERS.”

THE RETAIL PRICE OF THE VACCINE HAS BEEN INCREASED FROM $60 PER 20 DOSES IN 1983 TO THE CURRENT PRICE OF $98.

ON THE RECENT OUTBREAK OF THE DISEASE’, MISS SO SAID FIELD STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT HAD VISITED 79 FARMS IN THE PAST TWO MONTHS.

THEY CONCLUDED THAT THE OUTBREAK WAS FAIRLY MILD EXCEPT IN INDIVIDUAL FARMS AT SAP PAT HEUNG AND SAN TIN AREAS. THE NORTH DISTRICT APPEARED TO HAVE BEEN SPARED OF THE ATTACK.

SHE ADDED THAT THE DEATH RATE OF THE DISEASE WAS USUALLY LOW, PARTICULARLY IF AFFECTED PIGS WERE ISOLATED AND GIVEN PROPER HUSBANDRY CARE.

THE DEPARTMENT RECENTLY COMPLETED A SURVEY OF PIG FARMS. BASED ON THE SURVEY RESULTS AND THE REPORTS RECEIVED FROM FARMERS, IT WAS BELIEVED THAT SOME 30,000 PIGS WERE AFFECTED AND 4,200 PIGS HAD DIED.

IN ADDITION, 80 PER. CENT OF THE FARMERS CONTACTED REPORTED THAT THEY EXPERIENCED NO OR LITTLE DIFFICULTIES IN BUYING THE VACCINE.

AS REGARDS THE FARMERS’ REQUEST FOR MONITORING THE QUALITY AND VIABILITY OF THE VACCINE BY THE DEPARTMENT, MISS SO EXPLAINED THAT THIS WAS NEITHER ADVISABLE NOR PRACTICAL SINCE THIS REQUIRED THE CULTURING OF LIVE VIRUSES FOR TESTING WHICH MIGHT THREATEN THE PIG INDUSTRY BY TRIGGERING OUTBREAKS OF THE DISEASE IN THE TERRITORY.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1992

CHRISTMAS - TIME TO REMEMBER LESS FORTUNATE CHILDREN *****

CHRISTMAS IS A TIME TO REMEMBER CHILDREN, NOT JUST CHILDREN HERE IN HONG KONG, BUT THE MILLIONS OF CHILDREN AROUND THE WORLD WHO ARE LESS FORTUNATE THAN THE CHILDREN HERE AND WHO ARE IN NEED, MRS PATTEN SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE ’FESTIVAL OF TREES 1992’ ORGANISED BY THE SAVE THE CHILDREN FUND, SHE SAID MANY CHILDREN WERE HOMELESS, STARVING, LACKING OF BASIC HEALTH CARE AND PROPER SCHOOLING WHO COULD ONLY DREAM OF THE JOYS OF CHRISTMAS.

MRS PATTEN PRAISED SAVE THE CHILDREN FUND FOR ITS DEDICATION AND STRENUOUS EFFORTS IN HELPING NEEDY CHILDREN EVERYWHERE.

SHE WAS IMPRESSED BY THE VIGOUR AND ORGANISATIONAL ABILITY WHICH IT HAD SHOWN IN LAUNCHING RELIEF PROJECTS IN REMOTE REGIONS AROUND THE WORLD WHICH WERE AFFECTED BY NATURAL DISASTERS OF FAMINE.

SHE SAID: ’’THE FESTIVAL OF TREES IS AN EXCELLENT REMINDER DURING THE CHRISTMAS SEASON THAT MANY CHILDREN AROUND THE WORLD NEED OUR HELP IN ORDER TO HAVE A CHANCE IN LIFE.”

-----0--------

CALL TO JOIN HANDS TO HELP DISABLED

*****

TO ACHIEVE THE GOAL OF FULL INTEGRATION INTO THE COMMUNITY, IT IS VITALLY IMPORTANT FOR DISABLED PERSONS TO TAKE AN ACTIVE ROLE IN SOCIETY AND TO GAIN PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR THEIR CAUSE, MRS PATTEN SAID.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE NEW HEADQUARTERS AND ACTIVITY CENTRE OF HONG KONG FEDERATION OF HANDICAPPED YOUTH TODAY (MONDAY), MRS PATTEN SAID AS USERS OF SERVICES, DISABLED PERSONS COULD CONTRIBUTE POSITIVELY AND SIGNIFICANTLY TO THEIR OWN REHABILITATION.

’’THEY UNDERSTAND THEIR NEEDS BEST.

THEY CAN HELP GOVERNMENT FORMULATE AND IMPLEMENT REHABILITATION PLANS.

’’THEY CAN ALSO ADVISE GOVERNMENT AS TO HOW POLICIES COULD BE IMPROVED TO BEST MEET THEIR NEEDS,” SHE SAID.

MRS PATTEN SAID DISABLED PERSONS IN HONG KONG HAD BEEN DOING AN EXCELLENT JOB IN THIS AREA.

APART FROM ADVISING THE GOVERNMENT ON REHABILITATION MATTERS, SELF-HELP ORGANISATIONS LIKE THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF HANDICAPPED YOUTH ALSO PROVIDE VALUABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE FOR DISABLED PERSONS.

/’’THEY CAN .........

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1992

"THEY CAN HELP DISABLED PERSONS TO DEVELOP CONFIDENCE, TO ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEMSELVES, TO ACQUIRE LEADERSHIP SKILLS, AND TO DEVELOP THEIR POTENTIAL, IN ORDER THAT THEY CAN PROGRESS FROM BEING PASSIVE RECIPIENTS OF SERVICES TO ACTIVE AND CONTRIBUTING MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY," SHE SAID.

SHE STRESSED THAT SUCCESSFUL REHABILITATION PROGRAMMES ALSO REQUIRED THE ACTIVE SUPPORT OF THE WHOLE COMMUNITY.

MRS PATTEN SAID INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL SECTORS COULD PROVIDE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR DISABLED PERSONS.

BUILDING DEVELOPERS COULD PROVIDE BETTER ACCESS FACILITIES.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC COULD ADOPT A MORE POSITIVE ATTITUDE TOWARDS DISABLED PERSONS AND ACCEPTED THEM AS FRIENDS AND NEIGHBOURS.

"IT IS THROUGH THE CONCERTED EFFORT OF ALL OF US THAT THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF OUR FELLOW DISABLED CITIZENS CAN BE IMPROVED.

"I APPEAL TO EVERYONE IN THE COMMUNITY TO JOIN HANDS AND WORK TOWARDS THIS GOAL," MRS PATTEN SAID.

MRS PATTEN ALSO EXPRESSED HER APPRECIATION OF THE OUTSTANDING WORK OF THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF HANDICAPPED YOUTH AND ITS SUPPORTERS AND CONGRATULATED EVERYONE INVOLVED IN BRINGING THE BUILDING PROJECT TO FRUITION.

-----o--------

150 EDUCATIONISTS TO ATTEND LANGUAGE CONFERENCE

******

ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY LANGUAGE EDUCATIONISTS WILL PRESENT PAPERS AT THE FOUR-DAY INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE WHICH WILL START NEXT TUESDAY (DECEMBER 15) AT THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE, WAN CHAI.

ABOUT 350 PARTICIPANTS FROM ABOUT 16 COUNTRIES WILL ATTEND THE EIGHTH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE.

THE KEY ISSUES TO BE DISCUSSED WILL INCLUDE:

* THE CONTENT OF MOTHER-TONGUE CHINESE TEACHING AND OF ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE TEACHING;

* LANGUAGE AND CONTENT IN TARGETS AND TARGET-RELATED ASSESSMENT;

* THE EFFECTIVE USE OF CHINESE AS A MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION;

* THE EFFECTIVE USE OF ENGLISH AS A MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION;

* BRIDGING COURSES;

* CHILDREN’S LITERATURE;

/ASSESSMENT OF ......

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1992

* ASSESSMENT OF LANGUAGE AND CONTENT;

* THE CONTENT OF COURSES TO PREPARE STUDENTS FOR USING ENGLISH IN THE WORKPLACE;

* LANGUAGE ENHANCEMENT AT TERTIARY LEVEL; AND

* THE CONTENT OF TEACHER EDUCATION FOR LANGUAGE TEACHERS

PLENARY SPEAKERS WILL INCLUDE PROF BERNARD MOHAN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LANGUAGE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA; DR CHEN CHUNG-YU, THE DIRECTOR OF THE CHINESE LANGUAGE RESEARCH CENTRE OF THE NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE; PROF KATHERINE PERERA OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LINGUISTICS, UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER, ENGLAND; PROF CHEUNG YAT-SING, THE HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CHINESE AND TRANSLATION OF THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC; PROF YU BING-LONG OF THE FACULTY OF CHINESE, NANJING NORMAL UNIVERSITY, CHINA; AND PROF CHRISTOPHER EDELHOFF OF THE HESSISCHES INSTITUT FUR LEHRERFORTBILDUNG. GERMANY.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID THE CONFERENCE WOULD COMPRISE PLENARY SESSIONS, PARALLEL SESSIONS, WORKSHOPS, PANEL DISCUSSIONS AND DISCUSSION GROUPS.

------0-------

WATER CUTS IN MONG KOK AND CAUSEWAY BAY * * * * *

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN MONG KOK AND CAUSEWAY BAY WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 PM ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 9) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE WASTE DETECTION WORK ON WATER MAINS.

THE AFFECTED PREMISES INCLUDE THOSE AT YIM PO FONG STREET, DUNDAS STREET, SOY STREET, SAI YEUNG CHOI STREET, TUNG CHOI STREET, FA YUEN STREET, YIN CHONG STREET AND KWONG WA STREET IN MONG KOK.

IN CAUSEWAY BAY, THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT THOSE PREMISES AT 121, 123 AND THE EVEN NUMBERS OF 32-180 TUNG LO WAN ROAD, 120 CAUSEWAY BAY, LAI YIN STREET, JONES STREET, WARREN STREET, BROWN STREET, ORMSBY STREET, WUN SHA STREET, SCHOOL STREET, KING STREET, SECOND LANE, SHEPHERD STREET, SUN CHUN STREET, ILLUMINATION TERRACE, LILY STREET, LIN FA KUNG STREET WEST, LIN FA KUNG STREET EAST AND LAI YIN LANE.

FLUSHING WATER SUPPLY TO THESE AREAS WILL BE CUT AT THE SAME TIME.

-----0------

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1992

WATER STORAGE FIGURE * * * *

STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 64.0 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 374.913 MILLION CUBIC METRES.

THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 225.092 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 38.4 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.

------0-------

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****

$ MILLION

OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1 ,570 -70

REVERSAL OF LAF

BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY EFFECT OF LAF TODAY CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,500 NIL NIL 1 ,500

LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 114. t+0 HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE .0* 7.12.92 FUND

EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS

TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD

1 WEEK 3.50 PCT 15 MONTHS 2402 5.50 100.18 5.41

1 MONTH 4.08 PCT 18 MONTHS 2405 5.50 100.06 5.53

3 MONTHS 4.31 PCT 21 MONTHS 2408 4.375 98.18 5.59

6 MONTHS 4.52 PCT 24 MONTHS 2411 12 MONTHS 5.07 PCT 4.625 98.16 5.72

TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 7,146MN

CLOSED 7 DECEMBER 1992

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 842 8777

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1992

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

STATEMENT ON DEBT RATINGS ....................................... 1

MORE SENIOR CIVIL SERVICE POSTINGS ANNOUNCED .................... 1

NUMBER OF CRIME HAS DROPPED ..................................... 3

VOLUME AND PRICE MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE IN SEPTEMBER ... 5

ROOM FOR NURTURING PRIMARY RESOURCE INDUSTRIES ................. 10

FIVE EMPLOYERS' REPRESENTATIVES NOMINATED TO LAB ............... 11

CHINESE ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICIALS ATTEND SEMINAR ................. 12

244 VM'S RETURNED .............................................. 13

SALT WATER CUTS IN WESTERN DISTRICT & SOUTHEAST KOWLOON ........ 13

LEGCO TO MEET TOMORROW ......................................... 13

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS .............. 14

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ..

TUESDAY. DECEMBER 8, 1992

STATEMENT ON DEBT RATINGS

*****

IN ANSWER TO QUESTIONS ON THE STANDARD AND POOR’S (S&P) ANNOUNCEMENT, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID I’ODAY (TUESDAY) THAT HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC FUNDAMENTALS WERE STRONG AND WERE NOT IN' ANY WAY UNDERMINED BY S&P’S DECISION TO PLACE HONG KONG’S LONG-TERM DEBT RATINGS ON CREDIT-WATCH.

"THE DECISION ONLY APPLIES TO LONG-TERM DEBT, NOT SHORT-TERM DEBT, AND IT DOES NOT INVOLVE ANY IMMEDIATE DOWNGRADING OF HONG KONG’S RATING.

"THIS IS AN ’IMPLIED’ RATING IN THAT IT HAS BEEN PREPARED AT SAP’S INITIATIVE, NOT AT THE REQUEST Ol IHI HONG KONG GOVERNMENT.

"NO DE( IS1ON WILL Bl TAKEN ON DOWNGRADING UNTIL YFTER SAP’S ANNUAL REVIEW, DUE EARLY NEXT YEAR, WHEN THE GOVERNMENT HOPES THAT THE AGENCY WILL REAFFIRM ITS CONFIDENCE IN THE LONG-TERM STABILITY OF THE TERRITORY."

THE SPOKESMAN SAID EVEN IE SAP WERL TO DOWNGRADE THE RATING, HONG KONG WOULD REMAIN WITHIN THE PREMIER INVESTMENT GRADE CATEGORIES FAVOURED B\ INTERNATIONA! INSTITUTIONAL INVESTORS.

"HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC FUNDAMENT\LS ARE FIRMLY BASED WITH ANNUAL GDP GROWTH RUNNING AT ABOUT 5 PER (ENT. THIS IS CLOSELY LINKED TO THE ECONOMA OF SOUTH CHINA Will ('ll HAS \ DOUBLE-DIGIT GROWTH RATE.

"HONG KONG ALSO HAS THE WORLD’S I 2TH LARGEST FOREIGN CURRENCY RESERVES AND A STRONG AND STXBLI CURRENCY.

"DESPITE RF( ENT SHORT-TERM VOLATILITY IN Till- STOCK MARKET, THE HANG SENG INDEX IS STANDING ABOUT 22 PER ( ENT ABOVE ITS LEVEL. AT THE BEGINNING OF THIS YEAR," HF SAID.

-----0------

MORE SENIOR CIVIL SERVICE POSTINGS ANNOUNCED

*****

THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THE FOLLOWING SENIOR POSTINGS

* MR MICHAEL CARTLAND, DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, WILL TAKE OVER FROM MR DAVID NENDTCK, THE CURRENT SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, IN MID-JANUARY 1993. ON THE CREATION OF THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY, THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH WILL BE RETITLED AS THE FINANCIAL SERVICES AND ECONOMIC ANALYSIS BRANCH. MR CARTLAND WILL BECOME THE SECRETARY FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES AND ECONOMIC ANALYSIS;

/* MRS ROSE GOODSTADT, .........

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1992

* MRS ROSE GOODSTADT, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, WILL SUCCEED MR KEITH SHIPLEY ON HIS RETIREMENT TN FEBRUARY 1993 TO HEAD THE HOSPITAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT; AND

* MR IAN STRACHAN, DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, WILL TAKE OVER FROM MR CARTLAND AS DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE IN LATE DECEMBER 1992.

THIS COMPLETES THE ROUND OF POSTINGS BEGAN BY THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE POSTING OF MR JOSEPH YAM AS CHIEF EXECUTIVE (DESIGNATE) OF THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE FOLLOWING ARE BRIEF BIOGRAPHICAL DETAILS OF THE ABOVE OFFICERS:

MR MICHAEL D CARTLAND, JP

AGED 47, MR CARTLAND FIRST JOINED THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE IN 1972 AS AN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER. HE ROSE TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE A IN JANUARY 1991.

DURING THE EARLY YEARS OF HIS CAREER, MR CARTLAND SERVED IN THE THEN SOCIAL SERVICES BRANCH, GOVERNMENT HOUSE, THE THEN NEW. TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND THE SECURITY BRANCH.

MORE RECENTLY, HE WAS DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF TRADE FROM 1982 TO 1984, COUNSELLOR (GENEVA) FROM 1984 TO 1988 AND DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY FROM 1988 TO 1989. HE BECAME DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE IN JANUARY 1990.

MRS ROSE GOODSTADT, JP

AGED 56, MRS GOODSTADT JOINED THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE AS A SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER II IN 1962.

THROUGH A SERIES OF PROMOTION, SHE ROSE TO THE RANK OF ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE IN 1984 AND DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE IN 1989.

MRS GOODSTADT HAS VAST EXPERIENCE IN SOCIAL ADMINISTRATION. HER CAREER IN SOCIAL WELFARE WAS DEVOTED TO REHABILITATION WORK FOR THE DISABLED AND SOCIAL SECURITY.

SHE HAS ALSO WORKED IN THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH AS PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY DEALING WITH POLICIES ON MEDICAL SERVICES.

MR IAN R STRACHAN, JP

AGED 48, MR STRACHAN FIRST JOINED THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE IN 1965 AND WAS APPOINTED TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE IN 1971. HE ROSE TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE Bl IN 1989.

/DURING THE .......

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1992

DURING THE EARLY YEARS OF HIS CAREER, MR STRACHAN SERVED IN THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, THE THEN HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT, THE THEN SOCIAL SERVICES BRANCH, THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND THE FINANCE BRANCH.

MORE RECENTLY, HE WAS DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF HOUSING FROM 1986 TO 1987, PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT FINANCIAL SECRETARY FROM 1987 TO 1988 AND DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MARINE FROM 1988 TO 1990.

HE BECAME DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR SECURITY IN MAY 1990.

------0-------

NUMBER OF CRIME HAS DROPPED * * * *

THE NUMBER OF ROBBERIES UP TO NOVEMBER THIS YEAR HAS DROPPED BY ABOUT SIX PER CENT AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, THE DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, MR EDDIE HUI KEI-ON SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

SPEAKING AFTER THE PRESENTATION OF THE GOOD CITIZEN AWARDS CEREMONY HELD AT THE METROPLAZA CRYSTAL ATRIUM IN KWAI FONG, MR HUI ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE TOTAL NUMBER OF CRIME FOR THE PAST 11 MONTHS HAD DROPPED BY 4.8 PER CENT OVER THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.

HE SAID THAT GOLDSMITH SHOP ROBBERIES HAD DECREASED FROM 145 CASES LAST YEAR TO 38 THIS YEAR.

MR HUI ATTRIBUTED THE DECLINE OF CRIME, IN PARTICULAR ROBBERIES TO SEVERAL FACTORS INCLUDING IMPROVED INTELLIGENCE NETWORK, PUBLIC SUPPORT AND EFFECTIVE DEPLOYMENT OF POLICE RESOURCES, NEWLY INSTALLED COMPUTERISED TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND THE CLOSE WORKING RELATIONSHIP WITH THE CHINESE COUNTERPARTS.

HE CITED AN EXAMPLE WHEREBY TWO ROBBERS WERE ARRESTED MINUTES AFTER THEY ROBBED OFF ALMOST A MILLION DOLLAR OF GOLD ORNAMENTS FROM A MAN IN A RAILWAY STATION IN HUNG HOM YESTERDAY (MONDAY). THE ROBBERS WERE ARRESTED IN WONG TAI SIN BY TWO PATROLLING BEAT CONSTABLES.

STRESSING THE IMPORTANCE OF RELATIONS WITH THE CHINESE COUNTERPARTS, MR HUI NOTED THAT CHINA HAS RETURNED A TOTAL OF 15 WANTED PERSONS TO HONG KONG SO FAR THIS YEAR.

COMMENTING ON THE UPGRADING OF POLICE EQUIPMENT, MR HUI SAID THAT NEW POLICE REVOLVERS AND RELATED EQUIPMENT WOULD ARRIVE SOON. ' HE IS HOPEFUL THAT OFFICERS WILL BE FULLY EQUIPPED WITH NEW FIREARMS BY MIDDLE OF NEXT YEAR.

IN REPLY TO A QUESTION ON IMPROVEMENT TO EQUIPMENT USED BY THE SPECIAL DUTIES UNIT (SDU), MR HUI SAID THEY GOT THE FINEST ACCOUTREMENTS IN THE WORLD.

ON STOLEN CARS AND ANTI-SMUGGLING, MR HUI POINTED OUT THAT A LARGE SCALE OPERATION WAS MOUNTED JOINTLY BY THE ANTI-SMUGGLING TASK FORCE, MARINE POLICE AND THE ROYAL NAVY DURING THE PAST TWO WEEKS.

/HE SAID .......

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1992

HE SAID THE OPERATION AIMED AT DENYING THE ENTRY OF "TAI FEIS", (HIGH POWERED SPEEDBOATS) INTO HONG KONG WAS SUCCESSFUL AND THE NUMBER OF ENTRIES HAD BEEN REDUCED.

ALTHOUGH THE NUMBER OF STOLEN CARS WAS ON THE DECLINE DURING THE ANTI-SMUGGLING OPERATION, THERE ARE STILL REPORTS OF VEHICLES BEING STOLEN, MR HUI ADDED.

"WE BELIEVED THAT A LOT OF VEHICLES ARE STILL BEING HIDDEN INSIDE PUBLIC OR PRIVATE CARPARKS.

"I THEREFORE CALL UPON ATTENDANTS OF CAR PARKS TO CALL THE POLICE IF THEY SPOT ANY SUSPECTED STOLEN VEHICLES," MR HUI APPEALED.

ALSO SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, A MEMBER OF THE CENTRAL FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MR JUSTEIN WONG, SAID PUBLIC SUPPORT AND CO-OPERATION WAS AN ESSENTIAL ELEMENT TO THE SUCCESS OF OUR EFFORTS TO FIGHT CRIME AND MAINTAIN LAW AND ORDER.

"IT IS THUS THE CENTRAL FIGHT CREME COMMITTEE HAS ADOPTED THE THEME OF THE FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN 1992/93 TO BE "JOIN FORCES AGAINST CRIME," MR WONG SAID.

"IN THIS CONTEXT, WE ENCOURAGE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO REPORT CRIME INFORMATION, AND I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO APPEAL TO YOU ALL TO JOIN US IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME AND TO FOLLOW THE GOOD EXAMPLE SET BY THOSE WHO WILL RECEIVE THE AWARDS TODAY,” HE ADDED.

THE GOOD CITIZEN AWARD SCHEME WAS INTRODUCED IN 1973 AND HAS SINCE BECOME A MACHINERY THROUGH WHICH MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO HAVE GIVEN POSITIVE AND VALUABLE SUPPORT IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME ARE GIVEN DUE RESPECT AND RECOGNITION.

AT TODAY’S PRESENTATION CEREMONY, A TOTAL OF 46 PUBLIC-MINDED CITIZENS WERE PRESENTED THE GOOD CITIZEN AWARD AND THEY WILL ADD TO A LIST OF 2,128 OTHERS WHO HAVE RECEIVED THE AWARDS SINCE 1973.

"BY THEIR GOOD DEEDS, THEY HAVE DEMONSTRATED GOOD INITIATIVE AND COMMON SENSE IN PREVENTION OR DETECTION OF CRIME, OR IN APPREHENSION OF CRIMINALS. THEIR BRAVERY ACTS AND RESOURCEFULNESS ARE MOST EXEMPLARY TO US,” MR WONG SAID.

JOINTLY LAUNCHED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE AND THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, THE GOOD CITIZEN AWARD SCHEME WAS INTRODUCED TO PAY TRIBUTE TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO HAVE PLAYED A POSITIVE AND ACTIVE ROLE IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME.

AMONG TODAY’S AWARDEES, THE ELDEST IS AND THE YOUNGEST IS A 12-YEAR-OLD STUDENT WHILE RANGES FROM HOMICIDE, ARMED ROBBERY, THEFT, POSSESSION OF DANGEROUS DRUGS TO PICKPOCKETING.

A 73-YEAR-OLD MAN THE CASES INVOLVED INDECENT ASSAULT,

/5 ........

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1992

VOLUME AND PRICE MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE IN SEPTEMBER * * * * *

THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR INCREASED BY 1% AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 29%, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

TAKING DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 21%. IMPORTS INCREASED BY 22% IN VOLUME.

THE GROWTH IN THE VOLUME OF TRADE IS DERIVED FROM THE GROWTH IN TRADE VALUES WITH THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES BEING DISCOUNTED.

AS REGARDS PRICE CHANGES OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS BOTH INCREASED BY 1%. IMPORT PRICES REMAINED VIRTUALLY UNCHANGED.

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.

THE TERMS OF TRADE INDEX, DEFINED AS THE RATTO OF TOTAL EXPORT PRICE INDEX TO IMPORT PRICE INDEX, INCREASED BY 1% TN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.

COMPARING SEPTEMBER 1992 WITH SEPTEMBER 1991, THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 1% WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 27%. THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 20%. THE VOLUME OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY 23%.

OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 2%, WHILE THOSE OF RE-EXPORTS AND IMPORTS BOTH ROSE BY 1%.

COMPARING SEPTEMBER 1992 WITH SEPTEMBER 1991, COMMODITY GROUPS WHICH RECORDED SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES IN THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCLUDED METAL ORES AND SCRAP (+50%); AND ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (+43%).

ON THE OTHER HAND, CONSIDERABLE DECREASES IN THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERl RECORDED FOR TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (-10%); DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (-38%); FOOTWEAR (-26%); AND TEXTILF YARN AND THREAD (-19%).

AS REGARDS DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES, COMMODITY GROUPS WHICH RECORDED SIGNIFICANT INCREASES INCLUDED TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (+8%); CLOTHING (+6%); METAL MANUFACTURES (+4%); AND FOOTWEAR (+4%).

ON THE OTHER HAND, THE DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES OF RADIOS OF ALL KINDS; ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS; AND TEXTILE FABRICS DECLINED BY G%, 4% AND 3% RESPECTIVELY.

/THE IMPORT .......

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1992

THE IMPORT VOLUME OF FOODSTUFFS INCREASED BY 3% IN SEPTEMBER

1992 AS COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1991.

SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED FOR THE IMPORT VOLUME OF TEA AND COFFEE; WHEAT AND FLOUR; AND ANIMALS OF THE BOVINE SPECIES. HOWEVER, CONSIDERABLE DECREASES WERE RECORDED FOR THE IMPORT VOLUME OF SOYA BEAN OIL, PEANUT OIL, VEGETABLE OIL AND LARD; SUGAR; AND VEGETABLES.

OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED BY 31%.

COMMODITY ITEMS WITH CONSIDERABLE INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME INCLUDED PASSENGER MOTOR CARS; WATCHES; TOBACCO MANUFACTURES; AND RADIOS, TELEVISION SETS, GRAMOPHONES, RECORDS, TAPE RECORDERS AND AMPLIFIERS.

THE IMPORT VOLUME OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES INCREASED BY 12% IN SEPTEMBER 1992 AS COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1991.

SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE NOTED FOR BASE METALS (OTHER THAN IRON AND STEEL); THERMIONIC CATHODE VALVES AND TUBES, DIODES, TRANSISTORS AND ELECTRICAL MICROCIRCUITS; WOVEN FABRICS OF WOOL AND MIXTURES; AND IRON AND STEEL.

HOWEVER, CONSIDERABLE DECREASES WERE RECORDED FOR THE IMPORT VOLUME OF RAW COTTON; SILK FABRICS; MAN-MADE FIBRES; AND YARN OF WOOL AND MIXTURES.

IMPORTS OF FUELS DECREASED BY 7% IN VOLUME IN SEPTEMBER 1992 AS COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1991.

AS REGARDS CAPITAL GOODS, THE IMPORT VOLUME INCREASED BY 39% IN SEPTEMBER 1992 OVER SEPTEMBER 1991.

NOTABLE INCREASES WERE RECORDED FOR THE IMPORT VOLUME OF CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY; OFFICE MACHINES; AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT.

THE IMPORT PRICES OF MOST END-USE CATEGORIES INCREASED IN SEPTEMBER 1992 OVER SEPTEMBER 1991 : CAPITAL GOODS (+3%); CONSUMER GOODS (+2%); FUELS (+2%); AND FOODSTUFFS (+1%).

HOWEVER, THE IMPORT PRICES OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMIMANUFACTURES DECREASED BY 2%.

THE VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS OF CAPITAL GOODS INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY BY 46% IN SEPTEMBER 1992 COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1991. THAT OF CONSUMER GOODS; FUELS; RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES; AND FOODSTUFFS REGISTERED INCREASES OF 29%, 19%, 16%, AND 12% RESPECTIVELY.

OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF RE-EXPORTS OF FUELS, CAPITAL GOODS AND CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED BY 3%, 3% AND 2% RESPECTIVELY.

/THE RE-EXPORT .......

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1992

THE RE-EXPORT PRICES OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES; AND FOODSTUFFS BOTH DECREASED BY 3%.

DETAILS OF THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE PUBLISHED IN THE SEPTEMBER 1992 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG TRADE INDEX NUMBERS".

THE REPORT WILL BE ON SALE AROUND NEXT MONDAY (DECEMBER 14) AT HK$6 A COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE ON THE GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL; AND AT THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON THE 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER 1, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.

ENQUIRIES ABOUT REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION TO THE REPORT MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, HONG KONG (TEL 842 8802) AND ENQUIRIES ON TRADE INDEXES TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL 582 4918).

NOTE TO EDITORS:

THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY PRINCIPAL COMMODITY GROUP ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.

THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 2.

THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY ARE SHOWN LN TABLE 3.

/Table 1 : .......

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1992

•, • t ' 8

Table 1 : Changes in domestic exports by principal commodity group

Commodity group Comparing SEP 1992 with SEP 1991 Comparing JAN-SEP with JAN-SEP 1992 1991 >lume %

Value % Unit Value Volume Value % Unit Value Vc %

% %

Clothing 2 6 -4 3 3 ♦

Textile fabrics -9 -3 -6 1 1 *

Textile yarn and thread -20 -2 -19 -7 -3 -5

Textile made-ups and related articles -35 8 -40 -22 7 -26

Radios of all kinds 11 -6 19 -31 -2 -30

Electronic components 37 -4 43 20 -5 26

Footwear -23 4 -26 -25 4 -28

Metal manufactures -3 4 -7 7 4 3

Metal ores and scrap 52 1 50 ♦ -4 5

Watches and clocks -2 1 -4 -10 -1 -9

Travel goods, handbags and similar articles -3 ♦ -4 * 1 -2

Domestic electrical appliances -39 -2 -38 -35 1 -36

ALL COMMODITIES 3 2 1 2 1 1

♦ less than 0.5%

/Table 2 : .......

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1992

Table 2 : Changes in imports by end-use category

End-use category Comparing SEP 1992 with SEP 1991 Comparing JAN-SEP 1992 with JAN-SEP 1991

Value % Unit Value V< % jlume % Value % Unit Value V< % >lume %

Foodstuffs 3 1 3 9 1 8

Consumer goods 34 2 31 30 3 27

Raw materials and semi-manufactures 9 -2 12 13 -2 15

Fuels -6 2 -7 3 -10 15

Capital goods 43 3 39 37 2 34

ALL COMMODITIES 24 1 23 23 * 22

♦ less than 0.5%

Table 3 : Changes in re-exports by end-use category

End-use category Comparing SEP 1992 with SEP 1991 Comparing JAN-SEP 1992 with JAN-SEP 1991

Value % Unit Value V( % )lume % Value X Unit Value V< X >lume X

Foodstuffs 8 -3 12 6 1 5

Consumer goods 32 2 29 33 3 29

Raw Materials and semi-manufactures 13 -3 16 21 -2 23

Fuels 23 3 19 7 -7 14

Capital goods 50 3 46 50 1 48

ALL COMMODITIES 28 1 27 31 1 29

o -

/10 ........

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1992

ROOM FOR NURTURING PRIMARY RESOURCE INDUSTRIES ♦ t * ♦ ♦

WITH THE CURRENT ECONOMIC GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG, THERE IS STELL ROOM TO NURTURE LOCAL PRIMARY RESOURCE INDUSTRIES, THE VIABILITY OF WHICH DEPENDS ON MAINTAINING AN OFTEN FRAGILE ENVIRONMENTAL BALANCE.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS E M BOSHER, WHEN ADDRESSING THE OPENING OF THE FOURTH GOVERNING COUNCIL MEETING OF THE NETWORK OF AQUACULTURE CENTRES IN ASIA PACIFIC (NACA) THIS (TUESDAY) MORNING.

ON ONE OF THE TERRITORY’S PRIMARY RESOURCE AQUACULTURE, MRS BOSHER POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS VULNERABLE TO THE POTENTIALLY ADVERSE EFFECTS ON

INDUSTRIES -

PARTICULARLY

THE AQUATIC

ENVIRONMENT OF THE MANY FORMS OF WATER POLLUTION THAT SO OFTEN WENT

WITH RAPID DEVELOPMENT.

"WE IN HONG KONG ARE TRYING TO ENSURE AS FAR AS POSSIBLE THAT THE MASSIVE INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT IS ACHIEVED WITH THE MINIMUM POSSIBLE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT.

"WE HAVE PASSED LEGISLATION UNDER WHICH WE ARE ABLE TO SET WATER QUALITY OBJECTIVES ACCORDING TO THE USE TO WHICH WATER IS PUT," SHE SAID.

MRS BOSHER BELIEVED THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS TO CONTROL

POLLUTION IN LOCAL WATERS AND TO MANAGE

DEVELOPMENT WERE CRUCI AL TO MA INTA1NI NG

THE IMPACTS OF CURRENT A THRIVING AQUACULTURE

INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG.

SHE WAS ALSO PLEASED TO NOTE THAT SINCE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF MARTCULTURE ZONES IN 1982, IN (’AREFULLY SELECTED AREAS, PRODUCTION HAD INCREASED MORE THAN THREE-FOLD FROM LESS THAN 1,200 TONNES TO SOME 4,000 TONNES LAST YEAR.

ON THE TERRITORY’S FRESHWATER POND FISH INDUSTRY, MRS BOSHER SAID THERE WAS A PRODUCTION AREA OF 1,350 HECTARES IN THE NORTH WESTERN NEW TERRITORIES AND THE CENTRE OF THIS AREA WAS THE INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED MAI PO MARSHES NATURE RESERVE, RICH IN MANGROVE COMMUNITIES AND A VITAL FEEDING STATION FOR MIGRATORY BIRDS IN THE REGION.

SHE SAID WITHIN THE RESERVE, TRADITIONAL AQUACULTURE PRACTICE OF USING ’TAMBAKS’ KNOWN LOCALLY AS ’GAE WAIS’ WERE ENCOURAGED TO ACT AS A BUFFER TO PROTECT THE RESERVE FROM URBAN ENCROACHMENT.

"THE PLANNING STRATEGY FOR THE AREA, IS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF THE WAY TO FIND THE RIGHT BALANCE BETWEEN PRESSURES FOR URBAN AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT, THE NEEDS OF THE LOCAL ECONOMY AND ENV1RONMENTAL PROTECTION."

/TURNING TO .......

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1992

TURNING TO NACA, AN INTER-GOVERNMENTAL BODY SET UP TO PROMOTE TECHNICAL CO-OPERATION IN AQUACULTURE AMONG DEVELOPING COUNTRIES, THE DEPUTY SECRETARY SAID SINCE ITS OFFICIAL ESTABLISHMENT IN JANUARY 1990, IT HAD PROVIDED GREATLY ENHANCED OPPORTUNITIES FOR INCREASED AND MORE DIVERSIFIED AQUACULTURE DEVELOPMENT, TO THE BENEFIT OF LOCAL EMPLOYMENT AND EXPORT EARNING IN MEMBER COUNTRIES.

AN INDICATOR OF THE SUCCESS OF NACA WAS THAT IT HAD GROWN RAPIDLY FROM ITS ORIGINAL FIVE MEMBERS TO THE PRESENT 12, THEREBY EXPANDING SUBSTANTIALLY THE RANGE GF EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE ON WHICH MEMBERS COULD DRAW AND THE SCOPE FOR TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER, SHE SAID.

IN HIS WELCOMING SPEECH, THE DIRECTOR 01- AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE SAID THE FORMATION OF NACA HAD PROVIDED AN EXCELLENT FRAMEWORK FOR INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL CO-OPERATION AMONG ITS MEMBER GOVERNMENTS.

"HONG KONG IS ALSO LOOKING TO NACA FOR ASSISTANCE AND COLLABORATION IN TRAINING, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENTS AIMED AT RESOLVING PROBLEMS OF POLLUTION AND FISH HEALTH," DR LEE SAID.

ON THE LOCAL FISHERIES SIDE, DR LEE NOTED THAT THE POSSIBILITY OF OPEN SEA CAGE CULTURE WAS BEING EXPLORED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT.

IN RESPONSE TO OUTBREAKS OF FISH KILLS, DR LEE SAID HIS DEPARTMENT WAS CONSIDERING STRENGTHENING ITS STAFF’S TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE TO TACKLE PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH FISH DISEASES.

THE FOUR-DAY NACA GOVERNING COUNCIL MEETING HOSTED BY HONG KONG BETWEEN TODAY AND FRIDAY (DECEMBER 11) AT THE ROYAL PACIFIC HOTEL WILL COVER MAJOR AGENDA ITEMS INCLUDING THE CO-OPERATIVE AGREEMENT WITH UNITED NATIONS’ FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ASSOCIATION, THE REVIEW OF ITS ACTIVITIES AND FUTURE PROGRAMMES AND OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCIAL ISSUES.

MORE THAN 30 REPRESENTATIVES AT THE MINISTER OR DIRECTOR LEVEL FROM 17 ASIAN AND PACIFIC COUNTRIES OR TERRITORIES, INCLUDING CHINA, INDONESIA, THAILAND, PHILIPPINES, MALAYSIA, KOREA AND VIETNAM TOOK PART IN THE CONFERENCE.

-----o------

FIVE EMPLOYERS’ REPRESENTATIVES NOMINATED TO LAB * t »

THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE FOLLOWING NOMINATIONS FROM FIVE MAJOR EMPLOYERS’ ORGANISATIONS FOR EMPLOYERS' REPRESENTATIVES TO SERVE ON THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD HAVE BEEN RECEIVED.

THEY ARE:

* MR HO SAI-CHU 01 THE CHINESE GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

/* DR LUI MING-WAH ........

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1992

♦ DR LUI MING-WAH OF THE ( III NESI- HANOI ACTURERS ’ ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG

t MR ANDREW LEUNG OF I’HE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES

* NR MICHAEL SOMERVILLE OF THE EMPLOYERS’ FEDERATION OF HONG KONG

♦ MISS ANGELA KOO OF THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

IN ADDITION, ONE EMPLOYER AND ONE EMPLOYEE MEMBERS WILL BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO SIT ON THE BOARD.

THEIR APPOINTMENTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT A LATER DATE.

ALL MEMBERS OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD WILL SERVE FOR A NEW TERM OF TWO YEARS STARTING FROM JANUARY NEXT YEAR.

----0----

CHINESE ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICALS ATTEND SEMINAR * * ♦ * *

A FIVE-MEMBER DELEGATION FROM CHINA NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING CENTRE (CNEMC) IS IN HONG KONG TO ATTEND A SEMINAR ON QUALITY ASSURANCE IN ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING ORGANISED BY THE GOVERNMENT LABORATORY FROM TODAY (TUESDAY) TO WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 9).

THE CHINESE DELEGATION WAS LED BY MR CHAI WENQI, HEAD OF CNEMC IN BEIJING WHICH IS THE HIGHEST AUTHORITY FOR STANDARDS USED IN ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING WORK THROUGHOUT CHINA.

THE GOVERNMENT CHEMIST, MR LEE NAM-SANG, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE GOVERNMENT LABORATORY’S WORKING RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE CENTRE DATED BACK TO 1986.

IT STARTED WITH EXCHANGES OF TECHNICAL INFORMATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE IN AREAS OF MUTUAL INTEREST AND THAT THE SEMINAR. WOULD ENHANCE FURTHER CO-OPERATION WITH THE CENTRE TO THE BENEFITS OF BOTH PARTIES CONCERNED.

TOPICS DELIVERED BY ENV I RON.MENTAL MONITOR I NG IN DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICATIONS

EXPERTS FROM

CHINA AND ITS

THE CENTRE

INCLUDE

FUTURE

DEVELOPMENT,

OF STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIALS AND

QUALITY ASSURANCE SYSTEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING IN CHINA.

ON THE HONG KONG SIDE, THE GOVERNMENT LABORATORY PRESENTS TOPICS ON QUALITY ASSURANCE IN WATER ANALYSIS, QUALITY ASSURANCE FOR MEASUREMENTS OF AIR POLLUTANTS AND RELATED SUBSTANCES AND QUALITY ASSURANCE IN ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING LABORATORIES.

REPRESENTATIVES FROM LOCAL UNI VERS ITTES AND INSTITUTIONS, OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND LOCAL TESTING LABORATORIES IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR HAVE ALSO BEEN INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SEMINAR.

--------0 ---------

/13 ........

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1992

244 VM’S RETURNED * ♦ *

A GROUP OF 244 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (TUESDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE UNHCR1S VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME.

COMPRISING 92 MEN, 65 WOMEN, 44 BOYS AND 43 GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 137TH BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.

THIS GROUP BROUGHT TO 11,639 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAVE RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 25,619 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN MARCH 1989.

----0------

SALT WATER CUTS IN WESTERN DISTRICT ft SOUTHEAST KOWLOON

♦ * * * *

SALT WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN THE WESTERN DISTRICT WILL GO OFF FROM 10.30 PM ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 10) TO 7 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE PUMPING STATION IMPROVEMENT WORKS.

THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL THE PREMISES AT KOTEWALL ROAD, CONDUIT ROAD, LYTTELTON ROAD, BONHAM ROAD, ROBINSON ROAD, SEYMOUR ROAD, CASTLE ROAD, PEEL STREET, SHELLEY STREET, MACDONNELL ROAD, KENNEDY ROAD, OAKLANDS PATH, WESTERN END PATH, PARK ROAD, MOSQUE STREET, MOSQUE JUNCTION AND BOWEN ROAD.

TO ALLOW FOR CONNECTION WORK ON WATER MAINS, SALT WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN SOUTHEAST KOWLOON WILL ALSO BE SUSPENDED FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 11) TO 10 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.

ALL PREMISES IN HUNG HOM, TO KWA WAN, KOWLOON CITY, LOK FU, WANG TAU HOM, KOWLOON TONG, TUNG TAU, CHUK YUEN, WONG TAI SIN, TSZ WAN SHAN, SAN PO KONG, KAI TAK, CHOI HUNG, HAMMER HILL AS WELL AS THOSE BOUNDED BY ARGYLE STREET, WATERLOO ROAD AND PEACE AVENUE WILL BE AFFECTED.

----o------

LEGCO TO MEET TOMORROW * * * *

MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL ASK A TOTAL OF 19 QUESTIONS AND CONSIDER FOUR BILLS AT THE COUNCIL’S MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).

OF THE FOUR BILLS, TWO WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READING. DEBATES ON THEM ARE DUE TO BE ADJOURNED.

THEY ARE HOUSING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992 AND WATER POLLUTION CONTROL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992.

DEBATES ON TWO BILLS WILL BE RESUMED AND THEY ARE DUE TO GO THROUGH THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND BE GIVEN A THIRD READING.

/THEY ARE .......

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1992

- 14

THEY ARE EXCHANGE FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992 AND ROAD (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1992.

TRAFFIC

THE HON LEE WING-TAT AND JAMES TO WILL HOUSING SUBSIDY POLICY AND APPOINTMENT RESPECTIVELY.

MOVE MOTIONS ON THE

OF SELECT COMMITTEE

THE HON MARTIN LEE KONG’S ECONOMIC STABILITY

WILL ALSO MOVE AN ADJOURMENT DEBATE ON AND DEMOCRATIC DEVELOPMENT”.

’’HONG

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO OBSERVE THE COUN1CL MEETING FROM THE PUBLIC GALLERIES. RESERVATIONS BY CALLING 869 9492.

THE PRODCEEDINGS

THEY MAY MAKE

--------0 ---------

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS *****

TENDER DATE PAPER ON OFFER ISSUE NUMBER AMOUNT APPLIED 8 DEC 92 EF BILLS H279 HKD 520 MN 8 DEC 92 EF BILLS Q25O HKD 1,710 MN

AMOUNT ALLOTTED HKD 300 MN HKD 800 MN

AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED 4.56 PCT 4.36 PCT

HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED 4.60 PCT 4.42 PCT

PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 50 PCT ABOUT 83 PCT

AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 1.61 PCT HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND 4.43 PCT

TENDERS TO BE HELD IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 14 DECEMBER TENDER DATE 15 DEC 92 PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS ISSUE NUMBER Q251 ISSUE DATE 16 DEC 92 MATURITY DATE 17 MAR 93 TENOR 91 DAYS AMOUNT ON OFFER HKD 800+IGO MN 1992 -

-----0------

/15 ........

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1992

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS

* * t * *

OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT

REVERSAL OF LAF

BALANCE AFTER REVERSE OF LAI-

NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY

EFFECT OF LAF TODAY-

CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT

LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 113.7 *-0.3* 8.12.1992

S MILLION

1,500 NIL

1,500 NIL NIL

1 , 500

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

EF TERMS BILLS HONG KONG COUPON GOVERNMENT PRICE BONDS YIELD

YIELD TERM ISSUE

1 WEEK 3.22 PCT 15 MONTHS 2402 5.50 100.37 5.24

1 MONTH 3.90 PCT 18 MONTHS 2405 5.50 100.30 5.35

3 MONTHS 4.26 PCT 21 MONTHS 2408 4.375 98.34 5.48

6 MONTHS 4.43 PCT 24 MONTHS 24 1 1 4.625 98.37 5.60

12 MONTHS 4.88 PCT

TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 3,751 MN

CLOSED 8 DECEMBER 1992

---------o ----------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1992

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING:

SPEECH BY FINANCIAL SECRETARY AT ADJOURNMENT DEBATE IN LEGCO ON HK'S ECONOMIC STABILITY AND DEMOCRATIC DEVELOPMENT 1

INQUIRY PROPOSED OVER PROSECUTION WITNESSES .................. 3

INITIATIVES TO IMPROVE CIVIL SERVICE EFFICIENCY .............. 4

LAWS IN FORCE SHALL BE MAINTAINED ............................ 5

MORE POLICE ON BEAT TO FIGHT CRIME ........................... 5

COMPLAINTS AGAINST PUBLIC HOSPITALS AND DOCTORS CLOSELY MONITORED ................................................... 6

CALL TO DEVELOP PATIENT-ORIENTED CULTURE ..................... 7

REVIEW OF STRATEGIC COMMODITIES SCHEDULE COMPLETED ........... 8

DRIVERS DETERRED FROM SLOW-DRIVE DEMONSTRATIONS .............. 9

HIGH PRIORITY TO CURB LOANSHARKING ACTIVITIES ................ 9

MEASURES TO REDUCE NOISE LEVELS ............................. 10

APPLICATION PROCEDURES FOR IMPORTED WORKERS SIMPLIFIED .... 11

SCHOOLS ISSUED WITH TEXTBOOK GUIDELINES ..................... 12

POLICE STEP UP COVERAGE ON SOUTH LANTAU ..................... 13

TRADE DOCUMENTARY CREDITS FIGURES NOT NEEDED ................ 14

ACTION IN HAND TO ABATE VESSEL NOISE ........................ 14

FIXED PENALTY FOR ILLEGAL PARKING IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES 15

/ACTION AGAINST ........

ACTION AGAINST ILLEGAL RADIO EQUIPMENT EFFECTIVE ............. 15

INSURANCE PREMIUMS SHOULD BE SET BY MARKET FORCES ............ 16

WOMEN'S COMMISSION UNDER CONSIDERATION ....................... 17

CDI DEVELOPS COHERENT CURRICULUM ............................. 17

NO PLAN TO REDUCE CHLORINE CONTENT OF POTABLE WATER .......... 18

MORE EFFECTIVE CONTROL ON WASTEWATER DISCHARGE ............... 19

MOTION TO FURTHER DEAL WITH SMUGGLING PASSED ................ 19

MOTION ON HOUSING SUBSIDY POLICY PASSED ..................... 20

UNCONDITIONAL MFN RENEWAL VITAL TO HK, CHINA ................... 22

GROUP TO STUDY WAYS TO IMPROVE TUEN MUN TRAFFIC FLOW .......... 23

GOVERNOR TOURS WONG TAI SIN ................................... 23

SECONDARY SCHOOLS TO GET NEW COMPUTERS ......................... 24

STUDY TO EXPLORE POTENTIAL OF FIVE GOVT SITES .................. 25

FIVE COMPANIES RECEIVE GOVERNOR'S AWARD FOR INDUSTRY ........... 26

NON-GOVT ORGANISATIONS PLAY MAJOR WELFARE ROLE ................. 27

CFPA APPROVES GRANTS TO LOCAL ARTS GROUPS ...................... 28

THREE SALARIES COMMISSION MEMBERS REAPPOINTED .................. 29

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ..

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1992 - 1 -

SPEECH BY FINANCIAL SECRETARY AT ADJOURNMENT DEBATE IN LEGCO ON HK’S ECONOMIC STABILITY AND DEMOCRATIC DEVELOPMENT

♦ * * ♦ ♦

MR DEPUTY PRESIDENT,

THE PERFORMANCE OF THE LOCAL STOCK MARKET OVER THE PAST WEEK OR SO, AND THE DETERIORATION IN RELATIONS WITH CHINA WHICH UNDERLIES THE MARKET’S DROP, HAS UNDERSTANDABLY SPARKED NERVOUSNESS AND CONCERN.

BUT THE FALL SHOULD BE SEEN AGAINST A RISE OF SOME 40 PERCENT OF THE HANG SENG INDEX OVER THE LAST YEAR. THE INDEX HAD BEEN GROWING RAPIDLY THIS YEAR AND HIT AN ALL-TIME HIGH OF 6447 POINTS ON L2 NOVEMBER. THE MARKET IS STILL WELL AHEAD OF ITS JANUARY-FEBRUARY LEVEL THIS YEAR. OUR INDEX HAS ALWAYS BEEN FAIRLY VOLATILE. INVESTORS SHOULD BE CALM AND MAINTAIN A SENSE OF PROPORTION.

IT IS IMPORTANT MORE GENERALLY THAT WE KEEP MATTERS IN PERSPECTIVE. AS A SPEAKER HAS ALREADY SAID, THE FUNDAMENTALS UNDERLYING OUR ECONOMY CONTINUE TO BE STRONG AND SOUND. OUR CONTINUING GROWTH IS FIRMLY BASED, BRINGING INCREASING PROSPERITY TO OUR COMMUNITY. WHILST MUCH OF THE REST OF THE WORLD SUFFERS THE MISERIES AND PERSONAL HARDSHIPS OF RECESSION AND UNEMPLOYMENT, WE IN HONG KONG ARE THRIVING. WE ARE CONFIDENT OF ACHIEVING A FIVE PERCENT GROWTH IN REAL TERMS FOR OUR ECONOMY THIS YEAR, AND INDEED, AN AVERAGE OF 5% GROWTH RIGHT UP TO L997. THIS ASSESSMENT OF FUTURE GROWTH IS SHARED BY MANY ECONOMISTS AND OTHER EXPERTS. INDEED, THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK FORECASTS OUR GROWTH TO BE SOMEWHAT HIGHER, AT 6% FOR THIS AND THE FOLLOWING YEAR.

THIS GROWTH IS INCREASING THE WELL-BEING OF OUR COMMUNITY. OUR PER CAPITA GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT IS NOW OVER US$L6,000 - THE THIRD HIGHEST IN ASIA AFTER JAPAN AND THE OIL STATE OF BRUNEI. OUR TOTAL EXPORTS HAVE CONTINUED TO GROW STRONGLY. AND PROSPECTS ARE GENERALLY BRIGHT, WITH RISING INTRA-REGIONAL TRADE, AND MORE HOPE TOO OF AN ECONOMIC RECOVERY IN THE US. CHINA OF COURSE CONTINUES TO BE A KEY FACTOR BOTH AS A GROWING MARKET AND AS AN EXPANDING PRODUCTION BASE FOR HONG KONG INVESTORS. THE RESULT HAS BEEN A MARKED INCREASE IN OUR RETAINED IMPORTS, REFLECTING BUOYANT DOMESTIC DEMAND.

WE HAVE MUCH TO BE PROUD OF. LET US NOT FORGET THAT THIS SMALL PLACE IS THE TENTH LARGEST TRADING ENTITY AND NUMBER ONE CONTAINER PORT IN THE WORLD. OUR AIRPORT IS THE FOURTH BUSIEST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT ON EARTH. AND WE EVEN USE MORE MOBILE TELEPHONES PER HEAD THAN I BELIEVE ANYWHERE ELSE! WE HAVE ENJOYED SPECTACULAR ECONOMIC GROWTH OVER THE YEARS - GROWTH WHICH HAS IN TURN GREATLY BENEFITTED HONG KONG PEOPLE.

/MR DEPUTY .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1992

- 2 -

MR DEPUTY PRESIDENT, HONG KONG’S PROSPERITY IS ROOTED IN A STABLE COMMUNITY WHOSE PEOPLE IDENTIFY THEMSELVES WITH ITS WAY OF LIFE AND WHO PARTICIPATE ACTIVELY IN THE CONDUCT OF ITS AFFAIRS. WE ARE INVESTING HEAVILY IN OUR COMMUNITY, OUR PEOPLE AND OUR FUTURE - FROM UPGRADING OUR INFRASTRUCTURE (THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME BEING A CASE IN POINT), TO IMPROVING HEALTH CARE, WIDER EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES, MORE SUPPORT FOR THE DISADVANTAGED AND CLEANING UP OUR ENVIRONMENT. THE PROPOSALS FOR CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT ANNOUNCED BY THE GOVERNOR IN THIS COUNCIL ON 7 OCTOBER FORM A DISTINCT PART OF THIS LONG-TERM INVESTMENT - AN INVESTMENT THAT WILL ENABLE MORE HONG KONG PEOPLE TO PARTICIPATE IN PUBLIC LIFE AND HAVE A GREATER SAY IN MANAGING THEIR OWN AFFAIRS. AND TO HAVE CONFIDENCE THAT ’’ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS” CAN REALLY BE MADE TO WORK.

THESE ARE MODEST CONSTITUTIONAL PROPOSALS. THEY ARE DESIGNED TO TAKE A MODEST FURTHER STEP TOWARDS MORE DEMOCRACY WHILST BEING FULLY COMPATIBLE WITH THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW. WE ARE NOT SEEKING CONFRONTATION. ON THE CONTRARY, WE ARE TRYING TO ENSURE A STABLE AND PROSPEROUS TRANSITION.

SOME CRITICISE OUR PROPOSALS AS RUNNING COUNTER TO THE BASIC LAW - OR THE SPIRIT OF THE BASIC LAW - AND THEREFORE AS BEING NOT CONDUCIVE TO STABILITY AND PROSPERITY. THE FACTS, HOWEVER, SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES. WHAT WE HAVE PROPOSED IS ENTIRELY WITHIN THE TERMS OF THE BASIC LAW. IT IS A FACT THAT THE BASIC LAW DOES NOT PROVIDE ALL THE ANSWERS ON HOW THE L995 ELECTIONS ARE TO BE CONDUCTED. FOR EXAMPLE, IT IS SILENT ON HOW THE NINE ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES ARE TO BE DELINEATED. IT HAS NOT SPECIFIED THE COMPOSITION OF THE FIRST ELECTION COMMITTEE. SO SUCH POINTS HAVE TO BE FLESHED OUT, AND OUR PROPOSALS SEEK TO DO PRECISELY THAT. IN FORMULATING THE PROPOSALS, WE HAVE TAKEN CARE TO FOLLOW THE PRINCIPLES OF GRADUAL AND ORDERLY PROGRESS, AND OF OPENNESS AND DEMOCRACY ENSHRINED IN THE BASIC LAW.

LET ME REITERATE WHAT THE GOVERNOR HAS SAID REPEATEDLY: OUR PROPOSALS ARE PROPOSALS, NOT DECISIONS. THEY ARE INTENDED FOR DISCUSSION BOTH WITHIN THE COMMUNITY AND WITH CHINA. WE WELCOME SPECIFIC ALTERNATIVES WHICH CAN MEET THE THREE CRITERIA OF OPENNESS, FAIRNESS, AND ACCEPTABILITY TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG. I AM PLEASED TO SEE THAT ALTERNATIVE PROPOSALS ARE NOW EMERGING, INCLUDING SOME BY MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL. I WOULD ASSURE YOU THAT THEY WILL BE STUDIED WITH THE GREATEST CARE - BY THIS ADMINISTRATION, BUT HOPEFULLY ALSO BY THE WIDER COMMUNITY TOO - LEADING 1’0 RATIONAL DEBATE.

/IT IS .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1992

IT IS ONLY NATURAL THAT ON A MATTER AS IMPORTANT AS THIS, THERE SHOULD BE DIFFERENT OPINIONS IN THE COMMUNITY. BUT IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE SHOULD SEEK TO RECONCILE THESE DIVERGENT VIEWS THROUGH DISCUSSIONS CONDUCTED IN A CALM, RESPONSIBLE AND RATIONAL MANNER. I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT INCREASING NUMBERS OF PEOPLE WILL COME TO REALIZE THAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG ARE SOPHISTICATED, MATURE AND SENSIBLE ENOUGH TO LOOK AFTER A RATHER GREATER SHARE OF THEIR OWN DESTINY. AND THAT THEY WILL DO SO IN A WAY WHICH THREATENS NO ONE, BUT THAT DOES ENSURE THAT HONG KONG BECOMES MORE STABLE, MORE PROSPEROUS, AND MORE CAPABLE OF MAKING A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO DEVELOPMENTS IN CHINA AND IN THE REGION.

MR DEPUTY PRESIDENT, ECONOMIC GROWTH AND POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT ARE VITAL TO OUR FUTURE WELL-BEING. NEW AND CONSTRUCTIVE ENERGIES ARE UNLEASHED IN A SOCIETY WHERE THE LEGITIMATE ASPIRATIONS OF THE PUBLIC TO HAVE A GREATER SAY IN THE CONDUCT OF THEIR AFFAIRS CAN BE MET. AND CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE IS INCREASED. I HOPE MEMBERS, AND THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE, AND INDEED ALL THOSE INVOLVED, WILL LOOK AT THE CONSTITUTIONAL PROPOSALS DISPASSIONATELY AND WITH A LONG-TERM VISION, AND WORK TOGETHER CALMLY AND RATIONALLY.

------0-------

INQUIRY PROPOSED OVER PROSECUTION WITNESSES

*****

THE ADMINISTRATION IS PREPARED TO RECOMMEND TO THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A COMMISSION OF INQUIRY IN THE LIGHT OF CONCERNS ABOUT THE ACQUITTAL WITHOUT TRIAL OF THE DEFENDANT IN A RECENT MURDER CASE.

THIS WAS ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID FORD IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

THE COMMISSION IS PROPOSED TO BE SET UP UNDER THE COMMISSIONS OF INQUIRY ORDINANCE.

SIR DAVID SAID THE ADMINISTRATION WAS PREPARED TO GIVE ANY SUCH COMMISSION ITS FULL CO-OPERATION IN THE INQUIRY.

THE SPECIFIC CONCERNS RELATE TO THE REFUSAL OF THE KEY WITNESS TO TESTIFY IN COURT, AND THE DECISION TO OFFER NO EVIDENCE IN THAT CASE.

A MAIN GENERAL CONCERN IS WHETHER PROSECUTION WITNESSES ARE GIVEN ADEQUATE PROTECTION WHERE THIS IS APPROPRIATE.

------0-----------

/4 ........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1992

INITIATIVES TO IMPROVE CIVIL SERVICE EFFICIENCY

*****

THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID FORD, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) OUTLINED INITIATIVES THAT SEEK TO CHANGE THE ATTITUDE AND APPROACH TO THE SPENDING OF PUBLIC MONEY.

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON PETER WONG HONG-YUEN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SIR DAVID SAID THE OBJECTIVE WAS TO ENABLE CIVIL SERVANTS TO CONTINUE TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY AND GIVE A BETTER SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC.

HE EXPLAINED THAT THE EFFICIENCY UNIT WAS ESTABLISHED IN MAY TO GIVE ADDED IMPETUS TO THE PUBLIC SECTOR REFORM PROGRAMME.

SINCE THEN THE UNIT HAS CONCENTRATED ON THE FOLLOWING THREE AREAS:

* PERFORMANCE PLEDGES INITIATIVE:

THE PLEDGES WILL ENABLE THE PUBLIC TO UNDERSTAND MORE CLEARLY THE LEVELS AND QUALITY OF SERVICE THEY ARE ENTITLED TO EXPECT AND ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT TO MONITOR THAT IT IS MEETING THE TARGETS.

THE FIRST SEVEN PLEDGES WILL BE MADE BY THE END OF THE YEAR.

* DEVELOPMENT OF STRUCTURED PROGRAMMES:

THESE WILL HELP TO DEFINE CLEARLY A DEPARTMENT’S ACTIVITIES AND ENABLE COSTS TO BE ALLOCATED TO EACH ACTIVITY.

THE UNIT IS SEEKING TO INTRODUCE THESE, WITH PERFORMANCE MEASURES, ACROSS THE MAIN APPROPRIATE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS BY APRIL NEXT YEAR.

THIS INITIATIVE WILL FACILITATE THE FURTHER DEVOLUTION OF RESPONSIBILITY TO POLICY SECRETARIES AND TO DEPARTMENTS, THUS ENABLING THEM TO BE MORE PRO-ACTIVE WHEN EXAMINING THE BENEFITS OBTAINED FROM A GIVEN LEVEL OF RESOURCES;

* DEVELOPMENT OF DRAFT LEGISLATION FOR TRADING FUNDS:

A TRADING FUND WILL PROVIDE CERTAIN DEPARTMENTS WITH GREATER FLEXIBILITY TO BRING ABOUT EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENTS.

THE TRADING FUNDS BILL WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 18.

IN ADDITION, STR DAVID SAID THE MANAGEMENT SERVICES GRADE WOULD CONTINUE TO CARRY OUT VALUE FOR MONEY AND TOP-DOWN REVIEWS IN DEPARTMENTS.

/THIS WILL .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1992

THIS WILL HELP ACHIEVE SPECIFIC SAVINGS ON RECURRENT EXPENDITURE, HE SAID.

OVER THE LAST THREE YEARS 73 VALUE FOR MONEY STUDIES AND 16 TOP-DOWN REVIEWS HAVE LED TO SAVINGS OF SOME 2,900 POSTS.

------0--------

LAWS IN FORCE SHALL BE MAINTAINED ♦ * * * *

THE JOINT DECLARATION MAKES CLEAR THAT AFTER THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION, THE LAWS PREVIOUSLY IN FORCE IN HONG KONG, WHICH INCLUDE THE LAW OF CONTRACT, SHALL BE MAINTAINED, SAVE FOR ANY THAT CONTRAVENE THE BASIC LAW AND SUBJECT TO ANY AMENDMENT BY THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION LEGISLATURE.

THIS WAS STATED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JEREMY MATHEWS, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AS HE REPLIED TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HENRY TANG.

ACCORDING TO THE BASIC LAW, CONTRACTS WHICH ARE VALID UNDER HONG KONG’S EXISTING LAWS WILL CONTINUE TO BE VALID AND RECOGNISED AND PROTECTED BY THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION, PROVIDED THAT THEY DO NOT CONTRAVENE THE BASIC LAW, MR MATHEWS SAID.

"FOLLOWING AN UNDERSTANDING REACHED AT THE 17TH MEETING OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP IN DECEMBER 1990, WE HAVE DISCUSSED MAJOR GOVERNMENT FRANCHISES STRADDLING 1997 IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP.

"THESE DISCUSSIONS HAVE BEEN PRODUCTIVE AND WE ARE GLAD TO NOTE THAT THE CHINESE SIDE INTEND IN FUTURE TO TAKE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE TO POST-1997 INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG," HE SAID.

------0--------

MORE POLICE ON BEAT TO FIGHT CRIME

******

THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE GOVERNMENT BELIEVED PUTTING MORE POLICEMEN ONTO THE STREETS WAS MORE EFFECTIVE TO FIGHT AND PREVENT CRIME.

IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG, MR ASPREY SAID IN GENERAL, NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE UNITS WERE THUS NOT MANNED ON A CONTINUAL BASIS.

"POLICE OFFICERS HOWEVER, DO FREQUENTLY VISIT NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE UNITS WHILE ON PATROL DUTY," HE SAID.

HE SAID THE MANPOWER SITUATION OF THE POLICE HAD BEEN IMPROVING STEADILY SINCE AUGUST.

/"THE FORCE .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1992

’’THE FORCE CONTINUES TO BE ABLE TO PUT EXTRA POLICEMEN ONTO THE STREETS,” HE ADDED.

IN LINE WITH THIS POLICY, A MAXIMUM OF 850 AUXILIARY POLICE OFFICERS EACH DAY ARE DEPLOYED TO VARIOUS POLICE FORMATIONS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY TO COMPLEMENT REGULAR POLICE PATROLS AND OPERATIONS.

’’DEPLOYMENT IS CONCENTRATED IN AREAS MORE PRONE TO CRIME, ” MR ASPREY SAID.

THE TOTAL NUMBER OF REPORTED CRIME CASES IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES WAS 14,160 IN 1990, 13,327 IN 1991 AND 5,867 IN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS THIS YEAR.

THESE COMPARE WITH THE TERRITORIAL TOTALS OF 88,300 IN 1990, 88,659 IN 1991 AND 40,621 IN THE FIRST HALF-YEAR OF THIS YEAR.

NOTING THAT ABOUT HALF OF THE TOTAL POPULATION IN HONG KONG RESIDES IN PUBLIC HOUSING, MR ASPREY SAID THE RATIO WAS NOT REFLECTED IN THE NUMBER OF CRIMES REPORTED TO THE POLICE.

--------0-----------

COMPLAINTS AGAINST PUBLIC HOSPITALS AND DOCTORS CLOSE!Y MONITORED

*****

COMPLAINTS LODGED BY PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES ON PUBLIC HOSPITALS AND DOCTORS ARE DEALT WITH AT SEVERAL LEVELS, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON EMILY LAU WAI-HING, MRS WONG SAID AT THE HOSPITAL LEVEL, PUBLIC COMPLAINTS WERE HANDLED BY THE HOSPITAL CHIEF EXECUTIVE OR MEDICAL SUPERINTENDENT WHO WERE ASSISTED BY A PATIENT RELATIONS OFFICER.

AT THE HEAD OFFICE LEVEL, APPEAL CASES AND REFERRALS FROM OMELCO OR THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS ARE HANDLED BY A PUBLIC COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE SET UP UNDER THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY BOARD.

THIS COMMITTEE IS CHAIRED BY A CIVILIAN AND COMPRISING MAINLY NON-OFFICIALS.

ITS MEMBERSHIP HAS RECENTLY BEEN EXPANDED TO INCLUDE TWO MEMBERS OUTSIDE THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY BOARD TO ENSURE THAT COMPLAINTS ARE INVESTIGATED IN AN OPEN AND OBJECTIVE MANNER.

MRS WONG SAID THE TRENDS OF COMPLAINTS RELATING TO INDIVIdUAL HOSPITALS OR SPECIALTIES WOULD BE MONITORED BY THE PATIENT AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE COMPRISING A MAJORITY OF NON-OFFICIALS SO AS TO DETECT ANY UNDERLYING PROBLEMS.

/THE .HEALTH .

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1992

THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH WILL SCRUTINISE THE QUARTERLY REPORTS PREPARED BY THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY IN CASE OF COMPLAINTS OR EXPRESSIONS OF APPRECIATION.

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE ALSO VISIT PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALS EVERY MONTH AND OTHER HOSPITALS EVERY THREE MONTHS. ’’THEIR COMMENTS AND OBSERVATIONS WILL BE TAKEN UP BY HOSPITAL AUTHORITY AND MONITORED BY THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH FOR NECESSARY IMPROVEMENTS,” MRS WONG ADDED.

- 0

CALL TO DEVELOP PATIENT-ORIENTED CULTURE

*****

THE

CALLED ON

SECTORS TO

SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONGt PROVIDERS OF MEDICAL SERVICES IN BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE DEVELOP A MORE PATIENT-ORIENTED CULTURE SO AS TO PROVIDE

IMPROVED SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY.

SHE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD MADE A START BY UNDERTAKING TO REDUCE WAITING TIMES AT ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY UNITS AND AT GENERAL CLINICS.

’’WE ARE ALSO TAKING THE INITIATIVE TO IMPROVE MEDICAL RECORDKEEPING AND EXTEND THE LABELLING OF PRESCRIBED DRUGS TO ALL PUBLIC HOSPITALS AND SPECIALIST CLINICS," SHE ADDED.

MRS WONG WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION ON PATIENTS’ RIGHTS BY THE HON TIK CHI-YUEN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SHE TOLD THE COUNCIL THAT THERE WAS A FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE ENSHRINED IN THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY ORDINANCE THAT NO PERSON SHOULD BE PREVENTED, THROUGH LACK OF MEANS, FROM OBTAINING ADEQUATE MEDICAL TREATMENT IN HONG KONG.

THIS MEANS THAT SERVICES SHOULD BE AVAILABLE ON THE BASIS OF CLINICAL NEED IRRESPECTIVE OF ONE’S ABILITY TO PAY.

"THIS IS SAFEGUARDED BY GOVERNMENT’S POLICY OF PROVIDING HEAVILY SUBSIDISED HEALTH AND HOSPITAL SERVICES, UNIVERSALLY ACCESSIBLE AND GENERALLY AFFORDABLE," SHE SAID.

ADDITIONALLY, ALL PRIVATE HOSPITALS AND CLINICS ARE SUBJECT TO REGISTRATION UNDER SECTION 3 OF THE HOSPITALS, NURSING HOMES AND MATErNITY HOMES REGISTRATION ORDINANCE AND SECTION 5 OF THE MEDICAL ClINICS ORDINANCE.

TO FURTHER PROTECT PATIENTS’ INTEREST, MRS WONG SAID THE QUALITY AND STANDARD OF HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS WERE SET BY THEIR RESPECTIVE REGISTRATION ORDINANCES AND THE RELEVANT CODES OF PRACTICE.

THESE ARE REGULATED AND ENFORCED BY THE RELEVANT PROFESSIONAL BOARDS AND COUNCILS, TO WHOM THE MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS ARE ACCOUNTABLE AS REGARDS MATTERS OF ETHICS, GOOD PRACTICE AND DISCIPLINE.

/THE CONSUMER .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1992

THE CONSUMER COUNCIL. AbSO PERFORMS ITS FUNCTION OF PROTECTING AND PROMOTING THE INTERESTS OF CONSUMERS OF MEDICAL SERVICES IN MANY WAYS.

FOR EXAMPLE, IT COLLECTS AND DISSEMINATES INFORMATION, ANSWERS ENQUIRIES ON THE RIGHTS OF PATIENTS AND REDRESS CHANNELS, PUBLISHES ARTICLES ON GENERAL HEALTH AND MEDICAL MATTERS IN ITS MONTHLY MAGAZINE, ADVISES ON CODES OF PRACTICE AND ON WAYS TO PROTECT CONSUMERS, AND REFERS COMPLAINTS RELATING TO MEDICAL SERVICES TO THE RELEVANT BOARDS, COUNCILS AND AUTHORITIES FOR ACTION.

- - 0 - -

REVIEW OF STRATEGIC COMMODITIES SCHEDULE COMPLETED

*****

THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE HAS JUST COMPLETED A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OP THE SCHEDULE TO THE IMPORT AND EXPORT (STRATEGIC COMMODITIES) REGULATIONS WITH THE AIM OF REFLECTING IN HONG KONG LEGISLATION THE CHANGES AGREED BY THE CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE FOR MULTILATERAL EXPORT CONTROLS (COCOM).

THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T H CHAU, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HUANG CHEN-YA IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY),

MR CHAU SAID THE NECESSARY AMENDMENTS TO THE SCHEDULE, WHICH WOULD BE PROMULGATED SHORTLY, WOULD APPLY TO CHINA AS WELL AS OTHER EXPORT DESTINATIONS.

THE GOVERNMENT MAINTAINS EXPORT CONTROL ON HIGH-TECH PRODUCTS THROUGH THE IMPORT AND EXPORT ORDINANCE.

MR CHAU SAID CONTROL WAS EXERCISED IN LINE WITH VARIOUS INTERNATIONAL SECURITY' EXPORT CONTROL REGIMES, INCLUDING THAT OF COCOM.

THE LIST OF CONTROLLED COMMODITIES IS PUBLISHED AS A SCHEDULE TO THE IMPORT AND EXPORT (STRATEGIC COMMODITIES) REGULATIONS.

"THE SCHEDULE IS REGULARLY' UPDATED TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT CHANGES IN INTERNATIONAL PRACTICE," MR CHAU SAID.

COCOM LAST YEAR AGREED ON MAJOR REVISIONS TO ITS EMBARGO LISTS.

THESE INVOLVED SIGNIFICANT LIBERALISATION IN MANY AREAS, WITH THE NUMBER OF DUAL-USE ITEMS UNDER CONTROL BEING MUCH REDUCED.

"MAJOR REVISIONS TO THE SCHEDULE NECESSARILY TAKE TIME BECAUSE OF THE COMPLEXITY AND TECHNICAL NATURE OF THE CONTROL LISTS.

"HOWEVER, APART FROM MAJOR REVISIONS, CHANGES INTRODUCED IN THE INTERNATIONAL SECURITY EXPORT CONTROL REGIMES ARE IMPLEMENTED BY THE GOVERNMENT AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE," MR CHAU SAID.

/HE SAID

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1992

HE SAID THE LEGAL PROCEDURES WERE DESIGNED WITH THIS IN MIND.

THE IMPORT AND EXPORT (STRATEGIC COMMODITIES) REGULATIONS PROVIDE THAT THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE MAY, BY ORDER PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE, PROMULGATE AMENDMENTS TO THE LIST OF CONTROLLED COMMODITIES.

------0--------

DRIVERS DETERRED FROM SLOW-DRIVE DEMONSTRATIONS ******

WHEN GROUPS OF DRIVERS INTEND TO AIR GRIEVANCES BY DRIVING SLOWLY OR PARKING IN PROHIBITED AREAS, THE ADMINSTRATION WOULD TRY TO PERSUADE THE ORGANISERS TO SETTLE THEIR PROBLEMS THROUGH DISCUSSION WITHOUT CAUSING INCONVENIENCE TO THE PUBLIC.

THIS WAS STATED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, WHEN REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON VINCENT CHENG HOI-CHUEN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

IF DRIVERS TAKE PART IN SLOW-DRIVES IN LARGE NUMBERS, THE POLICE WOULD MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO MINIMISE THE DISRUPTION CAUSED, MR ASPREY SAID.

THEY WILL ALSO ENSURE THAT THE EVENT DOES NOT POSE A DANGER TO OTHER ROAD USERS OR THE PUBLIC IN GENERAL.

THEY WILL DO THIS BY CONTAINING THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES INVOLVED, AND BY DIVERTING THEM TO LOCALITIES WHERE THERE WILL BE LESS IMPACT ON TRAFFIC.

’’THE PUBLIC ORDER ORDINANCE AND THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE CONTAIN POWERS TO ENABLE THE POLICE TO DEAL WITH SUCH SITUATIONS EFFECTIVELY," MR ASPREY SAID.

PART III OF THE PUBLIC ORDER ORDINANCE, WHICH DEALS WITH THE CONTROL OF MEETINGS, PROCESSIONS AND GATHERINGS, IS BEING REVIEWED TO ENSURE THAT ITS PROVISIONS ARE EFFECTIVE AND IN LINE WITH PRESENT DAY CIRCUMSTANCES.

------0-------

HIGH PRIORITY TO CURB LOANSHARKING ACTIVITIES

*****

THE POLICE GIVE HIGH PRIORITY TO THE PREVENTION AND INVESTIGATION OF LOANSHARKING ACTIVITIES.

AND A BILL WHICH SEEKS TO ENHANCE POLICE POWERS TO CURB SUCH ACTIVITIES AND OTHER ASSOCIATED CRIMINAL ACTS OF DEBT COLLECTION IS IN THE PIPELINE.

/IN A........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1992

- 10

IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LI KA-CHEUNG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY SAID MANY LOANSHARKING ACTIVITIES WERE OPERATED BY ORGANISED CRIME SYNDICATES.

THUS A SECTION OF THE MONEY LENDERS ORDINANCE IS INCLUDED IN THE ORGANISED AND SERIOUS CRIMES BILL SO THAT THE ENHANCED SPECIAL INVESTIGATIVE POWERS PROPOSED IN THE BILL CAN APPLY TO THIS OFFENCE.

THE INCLUSION MAY ALSO ENABLE THE ADMINISTRATION TO CONFISCATE THE PROCEEDS OF A CONVICTED OF THIS OFFENCE AND CAN ALLOW THE PROSECUTION TO PRESENT INFORMATION TO THE COURT TO ARGUE FOR A HEAVIER SENTENCE.

MR ASPREY SAID PUBLICITY EMPHASISED THE ADVICE TO THE PUBLIC NOT TO BORROW MONEY FROM LOANSHARKS.

THE POLICE ALSO ENCOURAGE THE PUBLIC TO REPORT SUSPECTED LOANSHARKING ACTIVITIES AND TO BE WILLING TO GIVE EVIDENCE IN COURT AGAINST OFFENDERS.

"THE POLICE INVESTIGATE THOROUGHLY ALL REPORTS ON ASSOCIATED CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES TO DEMAND DEBTS,” HE SAID.

------0--------

MEASURES TO REDUCE NOISE LEVELS * * * * *

PROVISIONS HAVE BEEN MADE TO REDUCE THE STIPULATED NOISE LEVELS UNDER THE NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE TO CONTROL INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL NOISES IN ANTICIPATION OF A RISING PUBLIC EXPECTATION OF A QUIETER ENVIRONMENT.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY REV THE HON FUNG CHIWOOD, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MR EASON SAID THE REVISED ACCEPTABLE NOISE LEVELS SPECIFIED IN THE TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM UNDER THE ORDINANCE WERE INTRODUCED ON NOVEMBER. 1 THIS YEAR.

IN 1990 AND 1991, THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 8,835 COMPLAINTS ON NOISE NUISANCE, OF WHICH 4,002 WERE ON INDUSTRIAL/COMMERCIAL NOISE.

MR EASON SAID ACTION IN THE FORMS OF ADVICE, WARNING OR THE SERVICE OF NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICES WAS REQUIRED IN 1,515 OR 38 PER CENT OF THE 4,002 CASES BECAUSE THE NOISE LEVELS EXCEEDED THE STIPULATED LIMITS.

THE REMAINING 2,487 OR 62 PER CENT WERE FOUND TO BE WITHIN THE NOISE LIMITS.

/MR EASON .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1992

- 11 -

MR EASON SAID THERE WAS AT PRESENT NO SPECIFIC STATUTORY CONTROL ON TRAFFIC NOISE APART FROM THE REQUIREMENT TO FIX EXHAUST SILENCERS UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC (CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF VEHICLES) REGULATION.

HOWEVER, THE COUNCIL WOULD DEBATE ON A BILL TO AMEND THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE TO ENABLE TRAFFIC TO BE CONTROLLED UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES TO ALLEVIATE TRAFFIC NOISE IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS TODAY, HE ADDED.

------0-------

APPLICATION PROCEDURES FOR IMPORTED WORKERS SIMPLIFIED * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

THE PROCEDURES TAKEN IN PROCESSING APPLICATIONS FOR IMPORTED LABOUR AND IN RENEWING SUCH APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN SIMPLIFIED AND STREAMLINED WHEREVER POSSIBLE, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, SAID.

FOR EXAMPLE, THE GOVERNMENT HAS COMBINED IN ONE FORM THE APPLICATIONS FOR QUOTAS TO IMPORT WORKERS WITH THE NOTIFICATION OF VACANCIES WHICH APPLICANTS ARE REQUIRED, AS A CONDITION OF THE GENERAL LABOUR IMPORTATION SCHEME, TO THE LABOUR EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.

THE GOVERNMENT IS ALSO STUDYING THE FEASIBILITY OF ALLOWING IMPORTED WORKERS ALREADY WORKING IN HONG KONG, AND WHO ARE RE-EMPLOYED BY THEIR EXISTING EMPLOYERS WHO ARE ALLOCATED WITH FRESH QUOTAS, TO COMPLETE THEIR RE-ENTRY PROCESS IN HONG KONG BEFORE TAKING THEIR HOME LEAVE.

"WHETHER OR NOT THESE WORKERS CAN DO SO WOULD DEPEND ON THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE RESPECTIVE COUNTRIES FROM WHICH THEY CAME TO HONG KONG," MR CHAN SAID.

"A GAP IN PRODUCTION IS UNAVOIDABLE SINCE EMPLOYERS ARE OBLIGED TO ARRANGE FOR IMPORTED WORKERS TO RETURN TO THEIR PLACE OF ORIGIN ON THE EXPIRY OF AN EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT."

IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HOWARD YOUNG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), MR CHAN POINTED OUT THAT UNDER THE GENERAL LABOUR IMPORTATION SCHEME ANNOUNCED ON NOVEMBER 18 THIS YEAR, EMPLOYERS WERE GIVEN THREE WEEKS TO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS.

THE APPLICATIONS WILL BE VETTED BY THE EMPLOYMENT VISA COORDINATING COMMITTEE BEFORE SUBMISSION TO THE STEERING GROUP ON IMPORTATION OF LABOUR FOR APPROVAL, WHICH WILL NORMALLY TAKE FIVE TO SIX WEEKS.

SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE ALLOWED FOUR MONTHS IN WHICH TO RECRUIT WORKERS.

/MR CHAN .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1992

MR CHAN ALSO NOTED THAT THE RECRUITED WORKERS WOULD NORMALLY SUBMIT FORMAL VISA APPLICATIONS TO THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION THROUGH THE NEAREST BRITISH VISA POST.

IN THE CASE OF NATIONALS OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA (PRC), THE APPLICATIONS WILL BE SUBMITTED VIA THE PRC’S VISA OFFICE OF THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS IN HONG KONG.

-----0-------

SCHOOLS ISSUED WITH TEXTBOOK GUIDELINES

*****

THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT REGULARLY REMINDS SCHOOLS OF THE NEED TO MINIMISE OPPORTUNITIES FOR CORRUPTION RELATING TO THE SELECTION OF TEXTBOOKS, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, SAID.

THE ADVICE WAS LAST UPDATED TN APRIL THIS YEAR AFTER THE ICAC’S CORRUPTION PREVENTION DEPARTMENT HAD CONDUCTED AN IN-DEPTH REVIEW OF TEXTBOOK SELECTION PROCESSES BY SCHOOLS, HE ADDED.

MR CHAN SAID: "IF THESE GUIDELINES ARE ADHERED TO, TEXTBOOKS WOULD BE SELECTED BY COLLECTIVE DECISION, BASED ON THE ASSESSMENT OF INDIVIDUAL TEACHERS, WITH DEVIATIONS BACKED UP BY DOCUMENTED REASONS TO PROTECT AGAINST ALLEGATIONS OF UNFAIRNESS OR IMPROPRIETY.

"HEADMASTERS CONSIDER THESE GUIDELINES TO BE CLEAR AND HELPFUL. MOREOVER, ICAC STAFF REGULARLY VISIT SCHOOLS TO EXPLAIN THE PREVENTION OF BRIBERY ORDINANCE AND TO OFFER ADVICE AS APPROPRIATE."

IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MAN SAI-CHEONG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), MR CHAN SAID THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAD ISSUED GUIDELINES ON THE SELECTION OF TEXTBOOKS TO SCHOOLS.

THEY HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT TEXTBOOKS SHOULD NOT BE CHANGED UNNECESSARILY TO AVOID UNDUE FINANCIAL BURDEN UPON PARENTS AND THAT CHANGES SHOULD BE MADE ONLY IF THE CURRENT TEXTBOOKS ARE JUDGED TO BE UNSUITABLE.

ANY PROPOSAL TO REPLACE A BOOK ON THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S RECOMMENDED LISTS BY ANOTHER BOOK WHICH IS NOT ON THOSE LISTS SHOULD BE SUPPORTED BY GOOD EDUCATIONAL REASONS.

TO HELP PARENTS DECIDE WHETHER TO BUY NEW OR SECOND-HAND BOOKS, SCHOOLS SHOULD GIVE FULL DETAILS OF ALL TEXTBOOKS REQUIRED FOR THE NEW TERM IN THEIR BOOK LISTS; AND THE SELECTION OF TEXTBOOKS AND INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIAL IS A MATTER REQUIRING CARE AND THOUGHT.

"THE GUIDING PRINCIPLE SHOULD BE THE SPECIFIC EDUCATIONAL NEEDS OF THE PUPILS.

/"WORKBOOKS, SUPPLEMENTARY

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1992

’’WORKBOOKS, SUPPLEMENTARY EXERCISES AND TESTS WHICH BEAR LITTLE OR NO RELEVANCE TO THE CURRICULUM AND TEACHING PROGRAMMES SHOULD NOT BE RECOMMENDED FOR USE,” MR CHAN SAID.

HE ALSO TOLD THE COUNCIL THAT IN RESPONSE TO A RECENT EDUCATION DEPARTMENT INITIATIVE, PUBLISHERS HAD AGREED TO THE FOLLOWING:

♦ A TITLE ONCE PUT ON THE RECOMMENDED LISTS WILL NOT NORMALLY BE REVIEWED AGAIN FOR THREE YEARS, EXCEPT FOR JUSTIFIABLE REASONS;

♦ REVISIONS TO AND NEW EDITIONS OF RECOMMENDED TEXTBOOKS MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT FOR REVIEW;

* ANY REPRINTS INVOLVING MINOR AMENDMENTS OTHER THAN

TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS MUST HAVE THE DEPARTMENT’S PRIOR AGREEMENT; AND

* TITLES INVOLVING UNNECESSARY AMENDMENTS WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE RECOMMENDED LISTS.

MR CHAN BELIEVED THAT THESE MEASURES, TOGETHER WITH THE GUIDELINES ISSUED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, WERE SUFFICIENT TO PROTECT THE INTERESTS OF PARENTS.

- - 0 - -

POLICE STEP UP COVERAGE ON SOUTH LANTAU ******

POLICE COVERAGE ON LAND AND SEA HAS BEEN STEPPED UP TO PREVENT CRIME IN VARIOUS VILLAGES IN THE SOUTHERN PART OF LANTAU, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

TO PROVIDE A PROMPT AND EFFECTIVE RESPONSE TO ANY FURTHER OUTBREAK OF CRIME IN THE AREA, HE SAID A CO-ORDINATED OPERATIONAL PLAN INVOLVING LOCAL POLICE CRIME UNITS, NEIGHBOURING DIVISIONS OF MARINE POLICE AND THE POLICE TACTICAL UNIT HAD BEEN FORMULATED.

FROM JULY 1 TO DECEMBER TWO CASES OF THEFT, 14 BURGLARIES AND FOUR ROBBERTES WERE REPORTED IN THE AREA.

IN A WRITTEN PEPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LAU WONG-FAT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR ASPREY SAID THESE OFFENCES WERE SUSPECTED TO HAVE BEEN COMMITTED BY CRIMINALS WHO ARRIVED BY SEA.

THE LATEST REPORT OF A BURGLARY WAS MADE ON OCTOBER 5. THE SITUATION OVER THE PAST TWO MONTHS HAS BEEN RELATIVELY QUIET.

’’THE POLICE CONDUCTED FULL INVESTIGATIONS IN ALL THESE REPORTED CASES. NO ARRESTS HAVE YET BEEN MADE BUT ENQUIRIES CONTINUE,” MR ASPREY SAID.

- - 0 - -

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1992

TRADE DOCUMENTARY CREDITS FIGURES NOT NEEDED ******

THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT INTEND AT THIS STAGE TO REQUEST AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS TO PROVIDE STATISTICS ON DOCUMENTARY CREDITS FOR IMPORTS AND EXPORTS WITH A VIEW TO COMPLEMENTING THE ORDERS-ON-HAND STATISTICS.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T H CHAU, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ROGER LUK KOON-HOO IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

IN SO FAR SUCH STATISTICS CAN BE REGARDED AS INDICATORS OF HONG KONG’S GENERAL ECONOMIC AND TRADE CONDITIONS, THE AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS ARE ALREADY SUPPLYING TO THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION ON LOANS TO FINANCE HONG KONG’S VISIBLE TRADE AND TO THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR.

MR CHAU SAID SUMMARY FIGURES ON THESE LOANS WERE PUBLISHED PERIODICALLY.

THESE FIGURES HAVE A WIDER COVERAGE THAN THOSE ON DOCUMENTARY CREDITS FOR IMPORTS AND EXPORTS, HE SAID.

ALSO, THE REPORTING OF THE FIGURES ON DOCUMENTARY CREDITS FOR IMPORTS AND EXPORTS WOULD MEAN ADDITIONAL WORK FOR THE AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS, HE ADDED.

- - 0 - -

ACTION IN HAND TO ABATE VESSEL NOISE ******

A NUMBER OF MEASURES ARE BEING TAKEN TO ABATE NOISE CAUSED BY VESSELS USING WATERS NEAR RESIDENTIAL AREAS IN NORTH TSING YI AND WEST TSUEN WAN.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHAN WAI-YIP IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

APART FROM MORE EMPHASIS ON SUMMONS ACTION BY THE POLICE, MR EASON SAID THE MARINE DEPARTMENT WAS ADVISING TUG OPERATORS TO AVOID MAKING UNNECESSARY NOISE, ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT.

THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE WAS ARRANGING A MEETING WITH THE RELEVANT TRADE ASSOCIATIONS TO URGE SELF-DISCIPLINE AMONG THEIR MEMBERS WHEN USING LOUD-HAILERS.

’’CONSIDERATION IS ALSO BEING GIVEN TO TIGHTENING UP CONTROL ON THE USE OF LOUD-HAILERS AND LOUDSPEAKERS AT NIGHT, AND TO REQUIRING THAT THE OWNERS OF VESSELS INSTALL MORE SOPHISTICATED COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT,” MR EASON SAID.

/HE SfTD .

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1992

HE SAID OF THE 44 COMPLAINTS OF NOISE FROM VESSELS RECEIVED THE PAST YEAR', SIX WERE FROM RESIDENTS OF NORTH TS1NG YI AND WEST TSUEN WAN.

"THREE SUMMONSES HAVE BEEN ISSUED AND ONE PROSECUTION HAS BEEN COMPLETED WITH A FINE OF $5,000 BEING IMPOSED," MR EASON SAID.

------0--------

FIXED PENALTY FOR ILLEGAL PARKING IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES *****

A BILL THAT SEEKS TO DEAL WITH ILLEGAL PARKING IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES MORE EFFECTIVELY WAS INTRODUCED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE HOUSING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, SAID THE BILL WOULD EMPOWER THE HOUSING AUTHORITY TO MAKE BY-LAWS FOR THE ISSUE OF FIXED PENALTY PARKING TICKETS TO CONTROL PARKING OFFENCES ON ESTATE ROADS.

"UNDER THE FIXED PENALTY (TRAFFIC CONTRAVENTIONS) ORDINANCE, THE FIXED PENALTY TICKET SYSTEM HAS PROVED TO BE A VERY EFFECTIVE MEANS TO DETER INDISCRIMINATE PARKING ON PUBLIC ROADS," MR EASON SAID.

"THE HOUSING AUTHORITY PROPOSES TO INTRODUCE A SIMILAR SYSTEM FOR MORE EFFECTIVE CONTROL OVER ESTATE ROADS."

THE BILL ALSO SOUGHT TO ENABLE THE HOUSING AUTHORITY TO DELEGATE SOME OF ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS TO OTHER PERSONS IN RELATION TO THE CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT OF COMMERCIAL FACILITIES AND CAR PARKS.

HOWEVER, THE POWERS TO PROSECUTE OFFENDING MOTORISTS AND TO ISSUE FIXED PENALTY PARKING TICKETS WOULD CONTINUE TO BE EXERCISED BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY, MR EASON SAID.

FOR THE AVOIDANCE OF DOUBT, THE BILL WOULD ALSO GIVE EXPRESS POWER TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY TO APPOINT TRIBUNALS FROM A PANEL TO HEAR TENANCY APPEALS, HE ADDED.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

------0--------

ACTION AGAINST ILLEGAL RADIO EQUIPMENT EFFECTIVE *****

LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTION AGAINST THE INSTALLATION OF ILLEGAL RADIOCOMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT IN TAXIS IS ALREADY EFFECTIVE, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

"THE FREQUENCY OF SPOT CHECKS CARRIED OUT BY THE POST OFFICE IN COLLABORATION WITH THE POLICE WILL BE STEPPED UP FURTHER AS RESOURCES PERMIT,” SHE SAID.

/IN A

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1992

IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MRS PEGGY LAM, MRS CHAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS REVIEWING THE LEVEL OF FINES THROUGHOUT THE TELECOMMUNICATION ORDINANCE.

THE ADMINISTRATION INTENDS TO PUT FORWARD DRAFT LEGISLATION WHICH PROPOSES AN INCREASE IN FINES OF UP TO 10 TIMES, SHE ADDED.

AT PRESENT, THE ORDINANCE PROVIDES FOR A MAXIMUM FINE OF $5,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR TWO YEARS FOR THE ILLEGAL POSSESSION OR USE OF RADIOCOMMUNICATION APPARATUS.

IN THE PAST THREE YEARS, 395 CASES INVOLVING THE INSTALLATION OF ILLEGAL RADIOCOMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT IN TAXIS HAVE BEEN DETECTED.

TO DATE THERE HAVE BEEN 295 PROSECUTIONS IN RESPECT OF THESE CASES, ALL OF WHICH HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL.

- - 0 - -

INSURANCE PREMIUMS SHOULD BE SET BY MARKET FORCES * * * * *

BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAVE FELT THAT THE PROPER LEVEL OF MOTOR VEHICLE INSURANCE PREMIUMS SHOULD BEST BE ACHIEVED THROUGH MARKET FORCES, THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, MR DAVID NENDICK, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MOTORISTS MAY COMPARE THE POLICIES AND TERMS OFFERED BY ANY OF THE 86 COMPANIES THAT ARE AUTHORISED TO WRITE MOTOR VEHICLE INSURANCE BEFORE CHOOSING THE ONE THAT IS BEST SUITED TO THEIR NEEDS, HE SAID.

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON TANG SIU-TONG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR NENDICK SAID THERE WERE ALSO MANY INSURANCE BROKERS WHO CAN GIVE PROFESSIONAL ADVICE.

"THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR INSURANCE COMPANIES, AND CONTINUE TO KEEP ITS ARRANGEMENTS FOR MONITORING THEM UNDER REVIEW,” HE SAID.

THE MONITORING ARRANGEMENTS ARE DIRECTED AT ENSURING THAT INSURANCE COMPANIES ARE CONTROLLED AND MANAGED BY FIT AND PROPER PERSONS AND ARE FINANCIALLY CAPABLE OF MEETING THEIR LIABILITIES.

THE STATUTORY POWERS GRANTED TO THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE TO OBTAIN INFORMATION AND TO IMPOSE REQUIREMENTS SPECIFICALLY PREVENT HIM FROM REQUIRING AN INSURER TO AMEND THE PREMIUMS PAYABLE IN RESPECT OF ANY POLICY OR CLASS OF POLICY.

MR NENDICK ADVISED CONSUMERS WHO FEEL THAT THE GENERAL POLICY TERMS AND LEVELS OF PREMIA OFFERED WERE TOO HIGH TO APPROACH THE CONSUMER COUNCIL.

IF THE COMPLAINT RELATES TO AN INSURANCE CLAIM, THE INSURANCE CLAIMS COMPLAINTS BUREAU, WHICH, IN THE LIGHT OF THE INDUSTRY’S CODES OF PRACTICE, ADJUDICATES COMPLAINTS RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLE CLAIMS OF UP TO $250,000, CAN BE APPROACHED.

- - 0 - -

/17

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9,

1992

WOMEN’S COMMISSION UNDER CONSIDERATION » » * * *

THE SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SZE, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE ADMINISTRATION HAD BEEN EXAMINING THE PROPOSAL FOR A WOMEN’S COMMISSION.

IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON FUNG KIN-KEE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR SZE SAID DECISION ON THE MATTER WOULD BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY.

-----0-------

CDI DEVELOPS COHERENT CURRICULUM

*****

THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE (CDI) SEEKS TO DEVELOP A COHERENT, BROAD AND BALANCED SCHOOL CURRICULUM FOR DIFFERENT LEVELS, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHEUNG MAN-KWONG, MR CHAN SAID THE CDI ALSO ENDEAVOURED TO KEEP THE CURRICULUM UNDER CONSTANT REVIEW, ENGAGE IN RESEARCH AND EVALUATION, DEVELOP RESOURCE MATERIALS, TRAIN TEACHERS AND TENDER ADVICE BOTH GENERALLY AND IN SPECIFIC CASES.

IN ADDITION TO ITS ON-GOING TASKS, MR CHAN NOTED, THE CDI HAD COMPLETED THE BULK OF ITS WORK SCHEDULES FOR 1992/93.

AT THIS STAGE, THE SPECIFIC WORK SCHEDULES DRAWN UP BY THE CDI FOR 1993/94 ARE:

* TO CONTINUE DEVELOPMENT OF THE FOUR NEW CURRICULUM PROJECTS RECOMMENDED TN EDUCATION COMMISSION REPORT NO. 4 (ECR4), THAT IS, FURTHER INTEGRATION OF SUBJECTS AT PRIMARY AND JUNIOR SECONDARY LEVELS, INTRODUCTION OF A MODULAR CURRICULUM AT JUNIOR SECONDARY LEVEL, DEVELOPMENT OF CURRICULA FOR BOTH ENDS OF THE ABILITY RANGE, AND THE FEASIBILITY OF INTRODUCING A MASTERY LEARNING PROGRAMME;

* TO FINALISE THE CURRICULUM GUIDES FOR DIFFERENT LEVELS OF EDUCATION IN THE LIGHT OF COMMENTS FROM SCHOOLS;

* TO REVIEW THE GUIDE TO THE CURRICULUM FOR MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN;

* TO FURTHER DEVELOP, EVALUATE AND REVIEW THE TARGET AND TARGFT-RELATED ASSESSMENT (TTRA) LEARNING TARGETS, PROGRAMMES OF STUDY AND ASSESSMENT GUIDELINES AND TO EXTEND THEM TO PRIMARY 1-3; AND

* TO BROADEN THE EXPERTISE OF THE CDI BY RECRUITING MORE NON-CIVIL SERVANTS.

/MR CHAN .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1992

- 18 -

MR CHAN SAID IN DRAWING UP ITS WORK SCHEDULES, THE CDI HAD BEEN GUIDED BY THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (CDC) AND THE PRIORITIES SPECIFIED IN ECR4.

HE SAID ABOUT 1,000 PERSONS WERE INVOLVED DIRECTLY IN THE WORK OF THE CDC WHICH OPERATED THROUGH A SYSTEM OF CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEES AND SUBJECT COMMITTEES.

"BESIDES EXPERTISE WITHIN THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THEY COMPRISE HEADS OF SCHOOLS, PRACTISING TEACHERS, ACADEMICS FROM TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS, REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE HONG KONG EXAMINATION AUTHORITY, PARENTS AND EMPLOYERS," MR CHAN SAID.

--------0-----------

NO PLAN TO REDUCE CHLORINE CONTENT OF POTABLE WATER

*****

THERE IS NO PLAN TO REDUCE THE CHLORINE CONTENT OF POTABLE WATER WHICH IS VERY MUCH LOWER THAN THE LEVEL THAT WILL CAUSE ADVERSE EFFECTS TO HEALTH.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY REV THE HON FUNG CHI-WOOD IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MR BLAKE SAID THE AVERAGE FREE RESIDUAL CHLORINE CONTENT OF THE FINAL TREATED WATER UPON LEAVING TREATMENT WORKS WAS 0.9MG/L.

THIS MIGHT VARY TO CATER FOR VARIATIONS IN WATER QUALITY, SEASONAL VARIATIONS AND OTHER SPECIAL SITUATIONS.

AS INDICATED BY PREVIOUS SAMPLES TAKEN, THE AVERAGE RESIDUAL CHLORINE CONTENT AT THE TAP LEVEL IS NORMALLY WITHIN 0.2 TO 0.5 MG/L WHICH IS THE DESIRABLE CHLORINE CONCENTRATION AS RECOMMENDED BY THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION, HE SAID.

MR BLAKE SAID THERE WAS NO NEED TO TAKE ANY ACTION AT THIS STAGE TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC ON WAYS TO REDUCE THE EFFECTS OF CHLORINE IN POTABLE WATER ON THEIR HEALTH.

"THIS SUBJECT, HOWEVER, WILL BE KEPT UNDER REVIEW, IN THE LIGHT OF THE FINDINGS OF LATEST RESEARCHES," HE ADDED.

---------0-----------

/19........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1992

MORE EFFECTIVE CONTROL ON WASTEWATER DISCHARGE

******

A BILL WHICH SEEKS TO IMPROVE LEGAL CONTROL ON WATER POLLUTION WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL (AMENDMENT) BILL, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, SAID THE BILL WOULD ENABLE THE DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TO REQUIRE THE CONNECTION OF WASTEWATER TO PUBLIC SEWERAGE.

"UNDER REGULATIONS TO BE MADE UNDER THE BILL, THE DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MAY SERVE NOTICE AND REQUIRE PROPERTY OWNERS TO CONVEY THEIR WASTEWATER TO A TERMINAL MANHOLE," MR EASON SAID.

THE GOVERNMENT MAY THEN CONNECT UP THE TERMINAL MANHOLE TO NEW PUBLIC SEWERAGE.

THE BILL ALSO SEEKS TO REQUIRE OWNERS OF PRIVATE WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITIES TO ENSURE PROPER OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF THEIR FACILITIES.

"TO PROTECT OUR SEWERAGE INFRASTRUCTURE FURTHER, A SEPARATE OFFENCE WILL BE CREATED FOR DISCHARGING POISONOUS AND NOXIOUS MATTERS INTO COMMUAL SEWERS OR DRAINS," MR EASON SAID.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

------0-------

MOTION TO FURTHER DEAL WITH SMUGGLING PASSED *****

THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PASSED A MOTION TO EXTEND SECTION 18(3) AND PARTS VIIA AND VIIB OF THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE FOR A FURTHER ONE YEAR TO DEAL WITH A SMUGGLING PROBLEM.

MOVING THE MOTION, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, SAID SECTION 18(3) REMOVED THE LIMIT OF TWO MONTHS DURING WHICH AN IMMIGRATION OFFICER MIGHT REMOVE A PERSON REFUSED PERMISSION TO LAND IN HONG KONG, IF IT APPEARED TO THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION THAT THAT PERSON WAS PREVIOUSLY RESIDENT IN VIETNAM.

HE SAID THIS SUBSECTION HAD BEEN RE-ENACTED ANNUALLY AND WOULD EXPIRE ON DECEMBER 31 THIS YEAR UNLESS EXTENDED BY RESOLUTION OF THIS COUNCIL.

MR ASPREY SAID PARTS VIIA AND VIIB OF THE ORDINANCE WERE ENACTED IN 1979 TO PROVIDE MORE EFFECTIVE SANCTIONS AGAINST THE TRAFFICKING IN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.

UNDER THESE PROVISIONS, ANY PERSON WHO HELPED ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ENTER HONG KONG COMMITTED AN OFFENCE.

"OFFENDERS ARE LIABLE ON CONVICTION TO A FINE OF UP TO $5 MILLION AND TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT.

/"THE SHIPS .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1992

’’THE SHIPS AND OTHER PROPERTY INVOLVED ARE LIABLE TO FORFEITURE,” MR ASPREY SAID.

HE SAID THESE TWO PARTS HAD ALSO BEEN RE-ENACTED ANNUALLY AND WOULD EXPIRE ON DECEMBER 31 UNLESS EXTENDED.

”1 BELIEVE THAT THESE PROVISIONS ARE STILL NECESSARY,” MR ASPREY SAID.

HE SAID IN THE FIRST 11 MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, ONLY 12 ASYLUM-SEEKERS FROM VIETNAM HAD COME TO HONG KONG.

OVER THE SAME PERIOD THE NUMBER RETURNING TO VIETNAM UNDER THE ORDERLY RETURN PROGRAMME AND THE UNHCR’S VOLUNTARY PROGRAMME WAS IN AVERAGE OVER 1,000 A MONTH.

BUT IT WILL BE SOME CONSIDERABLE TIME BEFORE ALL MIGRANTS, OF WHOM THERE REMAIN OVER 43,000, ARE REPATRIATED, HE SAID.

THEREFORE, THE GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO RETAIN SECTION 18(3).

MR ASPREY SAID ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION FROM CHINA ALSO REMAINED A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM.

IN THE FIRST 11 MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, THERE WERE 32,427 ARRESTS: NEARLY 40 PER CENT UP ON THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.

HE SAID THE MAIN CAUSE HAD BEEN THE ILLUSION OF JOBS ON THE NEW AIRPORT SITE AND OTHER MAJOR PROJECTS, ENCOURAGED AS ALWAYS BY DELIBERATE MISREPRESENTATION AND FALSE RUMOURS SPREAD BY THE ’’SNAKEHEADS" WHO TRAFFICKED IN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.

"IT IS NECESSARY TO RETAIN STRONG SANCTIONS PROVIDED BY PARTS V1IA AND VI IB OF THE ORDINANCE AGAINST THOSE WHO ENGAGE IN THIS TRADE," MR ASPREY SAID.

------0-------

MOTION ON HOUSING SUBSIDY POLICY PASSED

*****

THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PASSED A MOTION URGING THE REVOCATION OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S HOUSING SUBSIDY POLICY AFTER A TWO-AND-A-HALF HOUR DEBATE AT ITS WEEKLY MEETING.

TWENTY-FOUR MEMBERS SPOKE ON THE MOTION PROPOSED BY THE HON LEE WING-TAT. THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, REPLIED FOR THE GOVERNMENT.

IN ADDITION, 18 MEMBERS SPOKE IN THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE ECONOMIC STABILITY AND DEMOCRATIC DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG.

THE DEBATE WAS RAISED BY THE HON MARTIN LEE. THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON HAMISH MACLEOD, WINDED UP THE DEBATE.

/ALSO PASSED .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1992

ALSO PASSED WAS A MOTION MOVED BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, UNDER THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE.

TWO BILLS WERE PASSED AT THE MEETING. THEY WERE EXCHANGE FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992 AND ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1992.

TWO BILLS - HOUSING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992 AND WATER POLLUTION CONTROL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992 - WERE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. DEBATES ON THEM WERE ADJOURNED.

THE HON JAMES TO WITHDREW A MOTION ON THE PROTECTION OF PROSECUTION WITNESSES.

--------0-----------

/22........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1992

22 -

UNCONDITIONAL MFN RENEWAL VITAL TO HK, CHINA

*****

IT IS IN HONG KONG’S INTERESTS AS WELL AS IN CHINA’S INTERESTS THAT MOST FAVOURED NATION (MFN) STATUS FOR CHINA IS RENEWED UNCONDITIONALLY, THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER VISITING WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT, THE GOVERNOR SAID HE WOULD NEED TO CAMPAIGN VIGOROUSLY AND ENTHUSIASTICALLY FOR THE UNCONDITIONAL RENEWAL.

"I SAID THAT I INTENDED TO DO THAT IN THE PAST AND I SHALL CERTAINLY BE DOING IT IN THE FUTURE AND I HOPE TO HAVE THE SUPPORT OF THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY WHEN J DO THAT IN WASHINGTON AND ELSEWHERE," HE ADDED.

HE SAID AT A MEETING WITH THE BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONALS FEDERATION EARLIER TODAY THEY TOTALLY AGREED ON THE IMPERATIVE IMPORTANCE FOR HONG KONG OF UNCONDITIONAL RENEWAL OF MFN FOR CHINA.

ASKED ABOUT U.S. PRESIDENT-ELECT MR CLINTON'S REMARKS THIS MORNING, THE GOVERNOR SAID: "IT'S NOT SURPRISING THAT OTHER PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD ARE INTERESTED IN HOW WE SUCCEED IN IMPLEMENTING THE JOINT DECLARATION BECAUSE HONG KONG IS A GREAT INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY.

"THERE ARE 250,000 EXPATRIATES LIVING IN HONG KONG. HONG KONG IS A PART OF THE WORLD THAT EVERYBODY LOOKS TO AND EVERYBODY WILL BE INTERESTED IN HOW WE SUCCEED IN IMPLEMENTING THE JOINT DECLARATION AND GUARANTEEING FOR. THE FUTURE NOT ONLY HONG KONG’S PROSPERITY AND STABILITY, BUT ALSO HONG KONG’S WAY OF LIFE."

ASKED HOW HE WOULD DISCUSS HIS PROPOSALS WITH THE CHINESE SIDE, THE GOVERNOR SAID: "WHEN I WAS IN PEKING THE FOREIGN MINISTER SUGGESTED THAT THE JLG (JOINT LIAISON GROUP) WAS ONE OF THE CHANNELS THROUGH WHICH WE COULD CONTINUE TO TALK ABOUT POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT AND ABOUT OTHER MATTERS, AND THAT IS OF COURSE STILL THE POSITION.

"I’VE SAID REPEATEDLY THAT I’M PREPARED TO GO ANYWHERE AND TALK TO ANYBODY ABOUT POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT, BUT WHAT IS OF COURSE ALWAYS DIFFICULT IS TO BE IN A SITUATION IN WHICH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT PUTS FORWARD PROPOSALS FOR DISCUSSION BUT OTHERS ARE LESS WILLING TO DO SO. "

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/23

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1992

GROUP TO STUDY WAYS TO IMPROVE TUEN MUN TRAFFIC FLOW

*****

THE GOVERNMENT HAS SET UP A GOVERNMENT/DISTRICT BOARDS WORKING GROUP TO STUDY WAYS TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOWS IN THE TUEN MUN-TSUEN WAN CORRIDOR IN THE SHORT TERM, PENDING THE COMPLETION OF THE MAJOR ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS.

THE GROUP - THE GOVERNMENT/DISTRICT BOARDS WORKING GROUP ON TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE TUEN MUN-TSUEN WAN CORRIDOR - WILL RECOMMEND TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES WITH REFERENCE TO TRAFFIC REGULATION, ROAD MAINTENANCE PROGRAMMING, ACCIDENT MANAGEMENT, VEHICLE BREAKDOWNS AND OTHER INCIDENTS; PUBLIC TRANSPORT IMPROVEMENTS; HANDLING OF OVERLOADED GOODS VEHICLES; AND DISSEMINATION OF TRAFFIC INFORMATION.

THE GROUP IS CHAIRED BY THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT/NEW TERRITORIES, MR ALAN LUI. MEMBERS INCLUDE LEGISLATIVE COUNCILORS, MEMBERS OF YUEN LONG, TUEN MUN, TSUEN WAN AND KWAI TSING T1STRICT BOARDS AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENTS, POLICE, AND THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.

IT WILL HOLD ITS FIRST MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD CONFERENCE ROOM, SIXTH FLOOR, MONG KOK GOVERNMENT OFFICE, 30 LUEN WAN STREET, KOWLOON AT 2.30 PM.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

THERE WILL BE A FIVE-MINUTE PHOTO CALL BEFORE THE FIRST MEETING OF THE WORKING GROUP STARTS. THE CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING GROUP, MR ALAN LUI, WILL BRIEF THE MEDIA AFTER THE MEETING, AROUND 4.30 PM.

- - 0 - -

GOVERNOR TOURS WONG TAI SIN *****

THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, VISITED WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

HE TOURED THE CHOI CHUK TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA TO GET A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE LIVING CONDITIONS IN THESE PUBLIC HOUSING RESETTLEMENTS.

A RESIDENT, MR CHENG CHI-YAU, WHO HAD EXPRESSED HIS CONCERN ABOUT TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS DURING THE GOVERNOR'S EARLIER MEET-THE-PUBLIC SESSION AT THE CITY HALL, WAS INVITED TO JOIN THE TOUR.

THE GOVERNOR LATER WENT TO CHUK YUEN SOUTH ESTATE TO VISIT THE CHINESE YMCA CHUK YUEN CENTRE WHICH OFFERS CHILDREN AND YOUTH WITH A WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES.

/HE THEN

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1992

HE THEN VISITED THE WONG TAI SIN TEMPLE WHERE HE SAW THE MAIN ALTAR HALL AND TOURED THE JOSS STICK ARCADE AND THE ADJACENT GOOD WISH GARDEN.

BEFORE WINDING UP HIS VISIT, HE MET WITH DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AT A TEA RECEPTION IN THE TEMPLE’S FUNG MING HALL.

THE GOVERNOR WAS ACCOMPANIED ON HIS VISIT BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR PAUL WONG, AND THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALDAN KWOK.

------0-------

SECONDARY SCHOOLS TO GET NEW COMPUTERS *****

THE GOVERNMENT IS TO BUY 3,465 COMPUTERS COSTING ABOUT $26 MILLION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS.

THE 386SX MODELS REPLACING THE OUTDATED ONES HAVE FASTER PROCESSING SPEED, ADVANCED GRAPHICS, LARGER STORAGE AND USER-FRIENDLY SOFTWARE, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WONG, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE CONTRACT-SIGNING CEREMONY OF THE SUPPLY OF MICROCOMPUTER SYSTEMS TO THE DEPARTMENT, MR WONG SAID 315 GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SCHOOLS WOULD EACH BE GIVEN 11 SETS OF IBM MICROCOMPUTERS AND THE ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT OF ANOTHER 22 SECONDARY SCHOOLS WOULD ALSO BE UPGRADED.

MR WONG SAID THIS INVESTMENT WAS A HUGE ONE. IT ALSO TIED IN WITH THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS IN WHICH HE SAID THE MOST IMPORTANT INVESTMENT THAT ANY COMMUNITY MADE IN ITS FUTURE WAS WHAT IT SPENT ON IMPROVING THE EDUCATION OF ITS CHILDREN.

THE FIRST PHASE OF INSTALLATION IS TO START SHORTLY AND IS SCHEDULED TO BE OPERATIONAL BY THE END OF THIS MONTH. THE OVERALL INSTALLATION IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR.

ALSO SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, THE DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES, MR BILLY LAM, SAID THE CONTRACT HAD BEEN CONCLUDED WITH GREAT SPEED AND EFFICIENCY AND IN A MOST PROFESSIONAL MANNER THROUGH COMPETITIVE BIDDING FROM BOTH LOCAL AND OVERSEAS SUPPLIERS.

"WITH THE GOOD PRICE AND QUALITY PRODUCT WE HAVE ACHIEVED, THIS PURCHASE HAS CERTAINLY, ONCE AGAIN, TESTIFIED TO THE VALUE OF OUR FAIR AND NON-DISCRIMINATORY PUBLIC PROCUREMENT SYSTEM,” MR LAM SAID.

AS AN ENTITY OF THE AGREEMENT ON GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT OF GATT, HE SAID IT WAS THE DUTY OF HIS DEPARTMENT TO ENSURE THAT A FAIR AND TRANSPARENT SYSTEM WAS OPERATED AND THAT A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD WAS MAINTAINED FOR ALL PLAYERS, IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR SOURCE OR ORIGIN.

/"THE FACT .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1992

"THE FACT THAT WE BUY OVER 95 PER CENT OF OUR $3 BILLION ANNUAL SUPPLIES FROM OVER 30 OVERSEAS COUNTRIES IS A GOOD INDICATION OF OUR OPENNESS AND OUR WORLDWIDE EFFORTS IN GETTING ’BEST VALUE FOR MONEY’ IN OUR PURCHASES.

"WE HAVE DONE WELL IN THIS ASPECT IN THE PAST, AGAIN IN THIS CASE, AND WILL NO DOUBT CONTINUE TO DO SO IN FUTURE," HE SAID.

ACTING DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES, MR K H LAU, ALSO SAID THE CONTRACT WOULD BRING ABOUT SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENTS TO COMPUTER TEACHING FACILITIES IN HONG KONG.

HE SAID HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT STUDENTS WOULD BENEFIT FROM HAVING THESE NEW MODELS WHICH WERE MORE EFFECTIVE TOOLS FOR THEIR COMPUTER STUDIES.

"THE NEW SYSTEMS WILL ALSO PROVIDE A FLEXIBLE PLATFORM TO SUPPORT EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S PLANNED ENHANCEMENTS TO THE SYLLABUS," HE ADDED.

-----0------

STUDY TO EXPLORE POTENTIAL OF FIVE GOVT SITES

*****

THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT HAS COMMISSIONED A CONSULTANCY FIRM TO CARRY OUT A PLANNING STUDY TO EXAMINE THE DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL OF FIVE GOVERNMENT SITES.

THE STUDY, ENTITLED "REDEVELOPMENT OF UNDER-DEVELOPED "G" SITES: SCHEME PROPOSAL FOR PRIORITY SITES", WILL TAKE ABOUT SIX MONTHS TO COMPLETE AT A COST OF $1.9 MILLION, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

IT IS A COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING STUDY REQUIRING MULTIDISCIPLINARY INPUTS AND IMPACT ASSESSMENT.

IT WILL MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE OPTIMUM REDEVELOPMENT PARAMETERS AND REDEVELOPMENT SCHEMES FOR EACH OF THEM, HE SAID.

THE CONTRACT FOR THE STUDY WAS SIGNED TODAY BETWEEN PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT TOWN PLANNER/DISTRICT, MR EDMUND LO, AND THE DIRECTOR OF THE PALMER AND TURNER LIMITED, MR B L COURTENAY.

THE FIVE SITES TO BE COVERED BY THE STUDY ARE:

* ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS AND DEPOT IN CAROLINE HILL, CAUSEWAY BAY;

* GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS AND STORE DEPOT AT OIL STREET, NORTH POINT;

* LINGNAN COLLEGE AT STUBBS ROAD, WAN CHAI;

* GOVERNMENT OFFICE, MAGISTRACY AND CLINIC IN SAN PO KONG; AND

* GOVERNMENT QUARTERS AT KING’S PARK RISE, HO MAN TIN.

------0------------

/26 .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1992

FIVE COMPANIES RECEIVE GOVERNOR’S AWARD FOR INDUSTRY

* * ♦ t t

FIVE COMPANIES RECEIVED THE GOVERNOR’S AWARD FOR INDUSTRY THIS (WEDNESDAY) EVENING FOR THEIR EXCELLENCE IN DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF INDUSTRIAL PERFORMANCE.

AT A CEREMONY HELD AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE, THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, PRESENTED EACH OF THE WINNING COMPANIES THE GOVERNOR’S AWARD TROPHY AS A PERMANENT MEMENTO OF THEIR EXCELLENCE.

THEY WERE STAR INDUSTRIAL COMPANY LTD IN THE CONSUMER PRODUCT DESIGN CATEGORY; 3C LIMITED IN THE MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT DESIGN CATEGORY; COMPUTER PRODUCTS ASIA-PACIFIC LIMITED IN THE PRODUCTIVITY AND QUALITY CATEGORIES; FUTURE’S SAFE COMPANY LTD IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE CATEGORY; AND GOLDLION (FAR EAST) LTD IN THE EXPORT MARKETING CATEGORY.

THE WINNERS ARE ALSO ENTITLED TO DISPLAY AN OFFICAL LOGO OF THE AWARD FOR A PERIOD OF THREE YEARS.

INTRODUCED IN 1989, THE GOVERNOR’S AWARD FOR INDUSTRY IS HELD ANNUALLY WITH COMPANIES TAKING PART TN COMPETITIONS RUN BY DIFFERENT ORGANISATIONS IN THEIR RESPECTIVE CATEGORIES.

THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONSUMER PRODUCT DESIGN CATEGORY; THE CHINESE MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG FOR THE MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT DESIGN CATEGORY; THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL FOR THE PRODUCTIVITY CATEGORY; THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT FOR THE QUALITY CATEGORY; THE PRIVATE SECTOR COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE CATEGORY; AND THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL FOR THE EXPORT MARKETING CATEGORY.

THE LAST TWO ARE NEW CATEGORIES WHICH HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED THIS YEAR.

IN ADDITION TO THE GOVERNOR'S AWARD TROPHY WHICH WAS AWARDED TO THE MOST OUTSTANDING ENTRY IN EACH CATEGORY, EACH OF THE ORGANISERS ALSO MADE A NUMBER OF AWARDS IN ITS OWN NAME TO THE BEST ENTRIES IN THE AWARD CATEGORY FOR WHICH IT WAS RESPONSIBLE.

OTHER DESERVING ENTRIES WERE ALSO EACH AWARDED A CERTIFICATE OF MERIT.

AFTER THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY, THE GOVERNOR, ACCOMPANIED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T H CHAU, AND THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MR T H BARMA, TOURED THE EXHIBITION BOOTHS WHERE THE WINNING PRODUCTS OF THE GOVERNOR’S AWARD WERE DISPLAYED.

- - 0----------

/27........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1992

NON-GOVT ORGANISATIONS PLAY MAJOR WELFARE ROLE

*****

NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS (NGOS) PLAY A MORE IMPORTANT ROLE THAN EVER BEFORE AS THE GOVERNMENT IS SET TO INTRODUCE MAJOR IMPROVEMENT IN WELFARE SERVICES, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID.

MRS WONG SAID THE GOVERNOR HAD ANNOUNCED IN HIS RECENT POLICY ADDRESS A CAPITAL INJECTION OF $2.3 BILLION INTO THE LOTTERIES FUND TO MEET THE RECURRENT EXPENDITURE OF NEW WELFARE SERVICES OVER THE NEXT FOUR YEARS.

"THIS IS INDEED VERY ENCOURAGING AS THE FUNDS ENABLE US TO ACHIEVE KEY TARGETS SET OUT IN THE WHITE PAPER ON SOCIAL WELFARE AND THE GREEN PAPER ON REHABILITATION," SHE SAID.

THE IMPROVEMENT MEANS SOME 150 PROJECTS, COSTING NEARLY $140 MILLION FOR 1993/94 ALONE.

"HAVING CHARTED A CLEAR COURSE FOR THE FUTURE AND ACQUIRED THE FUNDS WE NEED, IT IS TIME FOR US TO ROLL UP OUR SLEEVES AND GET DOWN TO THE REAL WORK."

MRS WONG WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE LOCAL CONFERENCE ON THE ROLE OF NGOS ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

NOTING THE "VERY LONG" HISTORY OF NGOS IN HONG KONG, SHE RECALLED THAT THE GOVERNMENT AND NGOS BEGAN TO DEVELOP PARTNERSHIP DURING THE 1950S AND EARLY 1960S WHEN HONG KONG FACED MANY SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC PROBLEMS.

THE PARTNERSHIP BECAME INCREASINGLY CLOSE AND COMPLEX IN THE 1970S WHEN HONG KONG SAW A STEADY DEVELOPMENT TOWARDS AN INCREASINGLY COMPREHENSIVE AND INTEGRATED SYSTEM OF SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES.

THE 1973 WHITE PAPER ON "SOCIAL WELFARE IN HONG KONG - THE WAY AHEAD" FORMALLY RECOGNISED THE IMPORTANCE OF A VIGOROUS AND PROGRESSIVE VOLUNTARY SECTOR AND EMPHASISED THE PRINCIPLE OF COOPERATION ON A "PARTNERSHIP" BASIS.

NOT ONLY DID NGOS RECEIVE SUBVENTIONS FROM THE GOVERNMENT, MRS WONG SAID, BUT THEY WERE ALSO INVITED TO TAKE PART IN THE PLANNING OF WELFARE SERVICES.

THIS RELATIONSHIP ENTERED INTO A NEW STAGE WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF A NEW SUBVENTION SYSTEM IN 1980, UNDER WHICH NECESSARY FINANCIAL RESOURCES WERE GIVEN TO NGOS INVOLVED IN THE PROVISION OF SPECIFIED SERVICES.

MRS WONG SAID: "WITH THE ASSISTANCE FROM NGOS, THE POLICY OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS CAN NOW BE MET MORE EFFECTIVELY."

THE SETTING UP OF SERVICE STANDARDS AND REGULAR REVIEWS FURTHER PROVIDE CHANNELS FOR COMMUNICATION.

/"THE CHANGE .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1992

"THE CHANGE HAS GREATLY STRENGTHENED THE ROLE OF NGOS AS SERVICE PROVIDERS. IT ALSO REFLECTS THE JOINT RESPONSIBILITY AND COMMITMENT OF THE GOVERNMENT AND THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR IN PROVIDING HIGH STANDARD WELFARE SERVICES TO THE HONG KONG PEOPLE."

MRS WONG SAID AFTER ALMOST FOUR DECADES OF DEVELOPMENT, THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND NGOS AT PRESENT REST ON A FOUNDATION OF TRUST AND MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING.

'IT IS NOW AN INDISPENSABLE SERVICE PROVIDER AND A CLOSE PARTNER WITH THE GOVERNMENT," SHE ADDED.

0 - -

CFPA APPROVES GRANTS TO LOCAL ARTS GROUPS *****

TWO PERFORMING ARTS GROUPS IN THE DRAMA FIELD WHICH HAVE SUCCESSFULLY OBTAINED BUSINESS SPONSORSHIP HAVE BEEN AWARDED A TOTAL OF $93,000 BY THE COUNCIL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS (CFPA) UNDER THE MATCHING GRANT SCHEME DURING THE PAST TWO MONTHS.

THEY ARE CARLSBERG WANCHAI THEATRE, SPONSORED BY CARLSBERG BREWERY HONG KONG LTD AND AMERCIAN COMMUNITY THEATRE, SPONSORED BY DHL INTERNATIONAL (HK) LTD, CROWN PACIFIC LTD AND POLYGRAM RECORDS LTD.

THE CFPA HAS ALSO APPROVED 19 PROJECT GRANTS TOTALLING $902,370 TO 16 PERFORMING ARTS ORGANISATIONS.

THEY ARE ZUNI ICOSAHEDRON, THE GAY STEPPERS DANCE TROUPE AND THE CONSENSUS TROUPE IN THE DANCE FJELD.

GRANTS HAVE BEEN APPROVED, IN THE DRAMA FIELD, TO THE PERFORMERS, 105 DRAMA SOCIETY, RED CALF DRAMA CLUB, THE ART KILN MISSION, HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE, FOCUS THEATRE WORKSHOP, ENERGETIC FAMILY, HONG KONG CHRISTIAN YOUTH THEATRE AND ZUNI ICOSAHEDRON.

IN ADDITION, HONG KONG ARTS RESOURCE AND INFORMATION CENTRE HAS BEEN AWARDED A GRANT TO PUBLISH THE CFPA AWARDS FOR OUTSTANDING ORIGINAL SCRIPTS COLLECTION (1991).

IN THE MUSIC FIELD ARE RAINBOW ASSOCIATION OF VOCAL MUSIC, TIEN MA CHORUS AND HONG KONG SINFONIETTA.

IN THE CHINESE OPERA FIELD, A GRANT HAS BEEN AWARDED TO HONG KONG CANTONESE OPERA DEVELOPMENT LTD FOR A PROJECT TO PROMOTE CANTONESE OPERA AT KO SHAN THEATRE.

APPLICATIONS FOR PROJECT AND MATCHING GRANTS CAN BE MADE ANY TIME IN THE YEAR.

THE APPLICANT MUST BE AN APPROVED CHARITABLE INSTITUTION OR A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT-MAKING ORGAN J SATJON.

- - 0 - -

/29

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1992

THREE SALARIES COMMISSION MEMBERS REAPPOINTED *****

THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ANNOUNCED THE REAPPOINTMENT OF PROFESSOR ROBERT I TRICKER, DR WILFRED CHAN SIU-YUEN AND MR ANDREW K W SO, TO THE STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE.

THE PERIOD OF REAPPOINTMENT OF PROFESSOR TRICKER AND DR CHAN WILL BE FROM JANUARY 1, 1993 TO DECEMBER 31, 1993 WHILE THAT FOR MR SO FROM JANUARY 24, 1993 TO JANUARY 23, 1994.

THE STANDING COMMISSION ADVISES THE GOVERNMENT ON THE PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE GOVERNING PAY AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE OF THE NON-DIRECTORATE CIVIL SERVICE OTHER THAN THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES.

------0-------

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****

$ MILLION

OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,500

REVERSAL OF LAF NIL

BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 1,500

NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL

EFFECT OF LAF TODAY +29

CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,529

LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 113.8 *+0.1* 9.12.92

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS

TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD

1 WEEK 3.12 PCT 15 MONTHS 2402 5.50 100.68 4.96

1 MONTH 3.71 PCT 18 MONTHS 2405 5.50 100.58 5.14

3 MONTHS 3.92 PCT 21 MONTHS 2408 4.375 98.66 5.28

6 MONTHS 3.98 PCT 24 MONTHS 2411 4.625 98.71 5.40

12 MONTHS 4.64 PCT

TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 6,900MN

CLOSED 9 DECEMBER 1992

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1992

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

ANNA WU JOINS LEGCO .......................................... 1

YOUNG PEOPLE TO BE RESPONSIBLE MEMBERS OF SOCIETY: CS ........ 1

HK WELCOMES MFA EXTENSION .................................... 3

A PLEDGE OF SERVING COMMUNITY ................................ 3

TRADE AGREEMENT GIVES INVESTORS PROTECTION ................... 5

CONTRACT FOR FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF TSEUNG KWAN O SIGNED .... 6

REVIEW GIVES NEW IDEAS ON ARTS POLICY ........................ 7

BUILDINGS IN KWONG YUEN STREET DECLARED DANGEROUS ............ 8

TWINNING SCHEME FOR SCHOOLS .................................. 9

FESTIVE ILLUMINATIONS IN MONG KOK ............................ 9

EXHIBITION ON EMPLOYMENT LAW IN TUEN MUN ..................... 10

FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETS TOMORROW ............................. 11

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .. 1]

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1992

ANNA WU JOINS LEGCO *****

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS HAS APPROVED THE APPOINTMENT OF MS ANNA WU HUNG-YUK TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

MS WU WILL SERVE FROM JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR UNTIL THE NEXT DISSOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL, WHICH IS EXPECTED TO BE IN 1995.

HER BRIEF PERSONALITY NOTE IS:

AGED 41, SHE IS A PRACTISING SOLICITOR AND A PARTNER OF A LEGAL FIRM.

SHE IS MARRIED WITH ONE CHILI).

MS WU IS A MEMBER OF THE CONSUMER COUNCIL, OF THE COUNCIL OF THE LAW SOCIETY OF HONG KONG AND OF THE LEGAL PRACTITIONERS DISCIPLINARY PANEL.

SHE HAS PREVIOUSLY SERVED ON THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

- - 0 - -

YOUNG PEOPLE TO BE RESPONSIBLE MEMBERS OF SOCIETY: CS *****

GIVEN THE PRESSURES AND TEMPTATIONS THAT FACE YOUNG PEOPLE IN HONG KONG TODAY, IT IS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT THAT THEY SHOULD BE GIVEN THE HELP AND SUPPORT NECESSARY TO AVOID THE DANGERS AND PITFALLS AROUND THEM.

THOSE WHO ARE VULNERABLE NEED GUIDANCE AND HELP AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO PREPARE THEMSELVES TO BE RESPONSIBLE MEMBERS OF SOCIETY.

THIS WAS STATED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORI), WHEN VISITING THE CARITAS CHEUNG HONG CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRE ON TSENG VI.

HE WAS GREETED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR MICHAEL CARTLAND, AND THE PRESIDENT OF CARITAS HONG KONG, REV FRANCIS LERDA.

WHEN TOURING FACILITIES AT THE CENTRE, SIR DAVID WAS ABLE TO WATCH VARIOUS ACTIVITIES OF YOUTH GROUPS AND TALK TO THE YOUNG PEOPLE ABOUT THEIR VIEWS ON THE CENTRE.

”1 AM PLEASED TO NOTE THAT THIS CENTRE IS SENSITIVE TO THE PROBLEM OF YOUTH AT RISK, IN REACHING OUT TO THOSE HANGING AROUND IN THE VICINITY AND BRINGING THEM BACK TO THE CENTRE, INTEGRATING THEM IN THE MAINSTREAM," SIR DAVID SAID.

/"I SEE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1992

- 2 -

"I SEE MUCH VALUE IN SOCIAL WORKERS DIRECTLY ADDRESSING THE PROBLEM OK DISAFFECTED YOUTH, A SOCIAL PROBLEM WHICH APPEARS TO BE ON THE RISE. I CERTAINLY WOULD LIKE TO SEE FAR MORE OF OUR EFFORTS CHANNELLED IN THIS DIRECTION," SIR DAVID SAID.

SIR DAVID SA] I) A WORKING PARTY HAD BEEN FORMED IN MARCH OF THIS YEAR TO REVIEW THE POLICY ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES IN ORDER TO MAXIMISE THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF YOUNG PEOPLE.

"WE MUST CONCENTRATE OUR EFFORTS ON YOUNGSTERS WHO HAVE A GREATER NEED FOR PROFESSIONAL HELP SUCH AS THOSE FACING STRESS, EMOTIONAL UPHEAVALS OR WHO ARE VULNERABLE TO UNDESIRABLE INFLUENCES AS WELL AS THOSE IN DISADVANTAGED CIRCUMSTANCES.

"THESE ARE THE GROUPS WARRANTING OUR SPECIAL ATTENTION," HE SAID.

HE WAS IMPRESSED BY THE WORK THE CENTRE STAFF WAS DOING.

"I AM PARTICULARLY DELIGHTED TO MEET THOSE YOUNG VOLUNTEERS SPENDING THEIR LEISURE TIME TO SERVE OTHERS," HE ADDED.

THE CARITAS CHEUNG HONG CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRE IS AMONG SEVEN SUCH CENTRES LOCATED ON TSI NG YI SERVING MORE THAN 52,000 LOCAL YOUTHS.

EARLIER, SIR DAVID VISITED THE BREAKTHROUGH CENTRE TO SEE FOR HIMSELF ITS MULTI-MEDIA YOUTH SERVICES.

SIR DAVID WAS MET BY ITS GENERAL SECRETARY, DR PHILEMON CHOI.

HE TOURED THE DESIGN OFFICE OF BREAKTHROUGH PUBLISHER, AUDIOVISUAL CENTRE, COUNSELLING AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CENTRE.

BREAKTHROUGH IS A REGISTEREO NON-PROFIT-MAKING YOUTH

ORGANISATION SINCE 1974.

SIR DAVID WAS TOLD THAT DURING THE PAST 19 YEARS, ITS SERVICES HAD BEEN EXPANDED TO MEET THE TREMENDOUS NEEDS OF THE YOUNGER GENERATION OF HONG KONG.

AT PRESENT, THEY PROVIDE A WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES WHICH INCLUDE BOOK AND MAGAZINE PUBL1 CAT IONS. RADIO AND TELEVISION PRODUCTIONS, COUNSELLING SERVICES, YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES, YOUTH-RELATED RESEARCH AND EDUCATION EXTENSION COURSE.

"I AM PLEASED TO NOTE THAT BREAKTHROUGH CONTINUOUSLY CHALLENGE THE YOUNGER GENERATION WITH THE POSITIVE VALUES OF LIFE, AND HELP THEM CULTIVATE THE PASSION FOR LIFE AND CONCERN FOR THE COMMUNITY," SIR DAVID SAID.

------0 - -

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1992

HK WELCOMES MFA EXTENSION » * * *

THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR DONALD TSANG, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT HE WELCOMED THE EXTENSION OF THE MULTI-FIBRE ARRANGEMENT (MFA) AGREED UPON BY EXPORTERS AND IMPORTERS SITTING IN THE GATT TEXTILES COMMITTEE YESTERDAY IN GENEVA.

"THE PROTOCOL OF EXTENSION, ON WHICH HONG KONG AND OTHER KEY EXPORTERS HAD WORKED HARD TO CONCLUDE, WILL RUN FOR 12 MONTHS FROM JANUARY 1, 1993 AND WILL BRING CERTAINTY TO THE TRADE IN HONG KONG,” HE SAID.

THE PROTOCOL, WHICH IS ESSENTIALLY A ROLLOVER OF THE PRESENT ARRANGEMENTS, WILL PROVIDE A MULTILATERAL FRAMEWORK TO COVER ALL EXISTING BILATERAL DEALS INCLUDING THE RECENTLY RE-NEGOTIATED BILATERAL WITH THE EC AND THE AUSTRIAN BILATERAL CURRENTLY BEING NEGOTIATED.

THE EXTENSION IS NECESSARY TO BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN EXPIRY OF THE PRESENT PROTOCOL AND THE COMING INTO EFFECT OF THE TEXTILES AGREEMENT UNDER THE URUGUAY ROUND.

"IT IS TO BE REGRETTED THAT THE URUGUAY ROUND HAS YET TO BE CONCLUDED AS THIS WOULD HAVE REMOVED THE NEED FOR A FURTHER EXTENSION TO THE MFA.

"I SHOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO RE-AFFIRM HONG KONG’S COMMITMENT TO AN EARLY AND SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION TO THE ROUND.

"HONG KONG WILL CONTINUE TO PLAY AN ACTIVE ROLE AND TO POSITIVELY ASSIST IN THE NEGOTIATING PROCESS IN GENEVA", MR TSANG SAID.

MEMBERSHIP OF THE TEXTILES COMMITTEE CONSISTS OF REPRESENTATIVES OF PARTIES TO THE MFA, INCLUDING HONG KONG, MR ARTHUR DUNKEL, DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF THE GATT, IS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TEXTILES COMMITTEE.

------0-------

A PLEDGE OF SERVING COMMUNITY * * ♦ ♦

A ROUND-THE-CLOCK PUBLIC TELEPHONE HOTLINE SERVICE (882 2345) AND A PATIENT RELATIONS UNIT ARE NOW IN SERVICE TO CO-ORDINATE THE INVESTIGATIONS OF COMPLAINTS AND TO ENSURE EXPEDITIOUS REPLIES TO INDIVIDUALS, THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, DR S H LEE, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TO ELABORATE ON THE "SERVING THE COMMUNITY" SCHEME, DR LEE SAID THE PROGRAMME SET OUT THE DEPARTMENT’S PERFORMANCE PLEDGES IN THE DELIVERY OF SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC.

/DR LEE .......

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1992

DR LEE SAID: "THROUGH PERFORMANCE PLEDGES THE PUBLIC WILL KNOW WHAT SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE, WHAT STANDARDS HAVE BEEN SET, WHETHER SUCH STANDARDS HAVE BEEN ACHIEVED, AND WHAT TO DO WHEN THEY ARE NOT."

THE DIRECTOR SAID THE PLEDGES WOULD FIRST START FROM GENERAL OUT-PATIENT (GOP) SERVICE AND THE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS AND TARGETS WOULD BE INTRODUCED IN PHASES.

THE FIRST PHASE OF THE SCHEME WILL COVER 15 GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINICS OUT OF A TOTAL OF 55 AND THIS WILL BE USED TO DEVELOP "BEST PRACTICE" TECHNIQUES WHICH WILL BE APPLIED TO OTHER CLINICS AT' LATER STAGES.

DETAILS OF THE PERFORMANCE PLEDGES ARE LISTED OUT IN A SPECIALLY-PREPARED LEAFLET WHICH ARE NOW AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC.

THE DIRECTOR SAID PREPARATORY WORK INDEED START IN FULL GEAR BEFORE THE LAUNCHING OF THE SCHEME TODAY.

AMONG THEM INCLUDED THE SETTING UP OF A SERVICE IMPROVEMENT TEAM TO WORK OUT DETAILS OF IMPROVEMENT AREAS IN THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT OF THE CLINICS AND SUPPORT SERVICES.

"ANOTHER ASPECT IS TO DEVELOP A USER-FRIENDLY, CLIENT-BASED CULTURE AMONG OUR STAFF," DR LEE SAID.

TO MEET THIS END, DR LEE SAID, TRAINING COURSES HAD BEEN ORGANISED FOR DOCTORS IN CHARGE OF THE 15 TARGETED CLINICS, OTHER MIDDLE MANAGEMENT STAFF AND THE PATIENT RELATIONS OFFICERS OF THESE CLINICS RESPECTIVELY.

"THE DEPARTMENT WILL CONDUCT PUBLIC OPINION SURVEYS OF THE GOP CLINICS TO ASSESS THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THIS SCHEME," DR LEE SAID.

"IN ORDER TO MONITOR OUR ACHIEVEMENTS OF PERFORMANCE STANDARDS WE HAVE OBTAINED AGREEMENT OF THE HEALTH AND MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO ASSUME A THIRD PARTY MONITORING ROLE," HE ADDED.

THE DIRECTOR ATTACHED IMPORTANCE TO THE CONSTRUCTIVE COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC ON THE SERVICES THE DEPARTMENT OFFERED TO MAKE THE SCHEME A SUCCESS.

TO FACILITATE THIS ARRANGEMENT, A PATIENT RELATIONS OFFICER WILL BE AVAILABLE AT EACH OF THE 15 TARGETED CLINICS TO RESPOND TO PUBLIC ENQUIRIES.

DR LEE SAID THE DEPARTMENT WOULD LATER CONSIDER IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH STAFF TO PROMOTE MOTIVATION SCHEME TO GIVE OPEN RECOGNITION TO STAFF FOR THEIR GOOD PERFORMANCE.

"IT WILL ALSO PROVIDE A CHANNEL FOR THE PUBLIC AND OUR PATIENTS TO EXPRESS THEIR APPRECIATION," DR LEE SAID.

/THE DEPARTMENT .......

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1992

THE DEPARTMENT ALSO INTENDED TO EXTEND PROGRESSIVELY THESE PERFORMANCE PLEDGES TO ITS OTHER HEALTH SERVICES.

WHILE NOTING THAI THE DEPARTMENT 01 HEALTH IS A CARING AND COMMUNICATING DEPARTMENT, DR LEE PLEDGED THAT ”WE CARE, WE COMMUNICATE, AND WE ACT FOR BETTER SERVICE.”

------0--------

TRADE AGREEMENT GIVES INVESTORS PROTECTION * t ♦ ♦ ♦

THE INVESTMENT RECENTLY SIGNED BETWEEN SUCH AGREEMENT DESIGNED OVERSEAS INVESTORS, THE SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

PROMOTION AND PROTECTION AGREEMENT (IPPA) HONG KONG AND THE NETHERLANDS IS THE EIRST TO GIVE ADDED ASSURANCES TO HONG KONG’S DIRECTOR-GENERAL OP INDUSTRY, MR T H BARMA,

SPEAKING AT A LUNCH MEETING OF THE MR BARMA SAID THE AGREEMENT WAS PART OF A WAS NEGOTIATING WITH ITS MAJOR TRADING AND

DUTCH BUSINESS ASSOCIATION, NETWORK OF IPPAS HONG KONG INVESTMENT PARTNERS.

MR BARMA SAID SUCH AGREEMENTS FORCE BEYOND 1997.

WERE DESIGNED TO CONTINUE IN

"WE BELIEVE THAT OVERSEAS INVESTORS WILL WELCOME ASSURANCES PROVIDED BY SUCH AGREEMENTS -- AND OF COURSE WE WOULD TO SEE OVERSEAS INVESTORS MAINTAIN AND INCREASE THEIR STAKE IN KONG’S ECONOMY IN THE RUN UP TO 1997 AND BEYOND.

THE LIKE HONG

IN THIS WAY SUCH AGREEMENTS WILL CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS THE CONTINUED ECONOMIC PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG TO WHICH BOTH THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT AND THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT ARE COMMITTED," HE SAID.

MR BARMA SAID THE NETHERLANDS HAD SUBSTANTIAL INVESTMENTS IN HONG KONG.

AND JUST IN HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING 1991, THE NETHERLANDS WAS THE SIXTH LARGEST INVESTMENTS VALUED AT OVER US$170 MILLION.

INDUSTRIES ALONE, OVERSEAS INVESTOR

IN WITH

n»T,o™,.2UTSIDE MANUFACTURING, THE NETHERLANDS HAS ALSO A NOTABLE PRESENCE IN THE FINANCIAL, TRADING AND OTHER. SERVICE SECTORS.

0PERATi;aSI™H0TOIK0"0“ARE ™ERE '™ M°RE T"AN 26° DUTC'"

ACCORDING TO MY DEPARTMENT’S SURVEY LAST YEAR, 47 DUTCH COMPANIES WERE ESTABLISHED HERE AS REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS OR REGIONAL OFFICES AND THEY WERE THE FIFTH LARGEST GROUP IN TERMS OF THEIR NUMBER, AFTER USA, UK, JAPAN AND SWITZERLAND IN THAT ORDER,” HE SAID.

/THE HONG........

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1992

- 6

THE HONG KONG-NETHERLANDS AGREEMENT GUARANTEES FAIR TREATMENT FOR NETHERLANDS INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG AND VICE VERSA, PROPER COMPENSATION IF INVESTMENTS ARE EXPROPRIATED AND THE FREE TRANSFER OF INVESTMENTS AND RETURNS.

IT ALSO PROVIDES FOR INVESTMENT DISPUTES TO BE SETTLED IN ACCORDANCE WITH INTERNATIONALLY ACCEPTED RULES.

MR BARMA SAID THE AGREEMENT WOULD ENTER INTO FORCE ONCE THE NECESSARY REQUIREMENTS OF THE NETHERLANDS HAD BEEN MET.

"IT WILL THEN REMAIN IN FORCE IN 15 YEARS IN THE FIRST INSTANCE AND THEREAFTER FOR CONSECUTIVE PERIODS OF 10 YEARS EACH.

”1 AM CONFIDENT THAT THE COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES OF HONG MONG, WHICH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IS KEEN TO KEEP UP, TOGETHER WITH THE ADDED ASSURANCES GIVEN BY THE 1PPA, WILL BE CONDUCIVE TO GREATER INVESTMENTS FROM THE NETHERLANDS TN THE FUTURE,” HE SAID.

---------0 - - -

CONTRACT FOR FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF TSEUNG KWAN O SIGNED

*****

THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) SIGNED A $283 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE RECLAMATION AND DRAINAGE WORKS IN TSEUNG KWAN O.

THE CONTRACT WAS SIGNED BETWEEN THE PROJECT MANAGER OF THE DEPARTMENT’S SOUTH EAST NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, MR LEUNG MIN-SANG, AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF AOKI CORPORATION, WHICH HAS BEEN AWARDED THE CONTRACT.

THE PROJECT IS PART OF THE CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME OF THE NEW TOWN.

CONTRACT WORKS COMPRISE RECLAMATION IN AREAS 45, 55, 56 AND 57 AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SEAWALL AND TWO BOX CUI.,VERTS.

THE WORKS WILL BEGIN TOMORROW (FRIDAY) FOR COMPLETION IN EARLY

ON COMPLETION, ABOUT 27 HECTARES OF LAND WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR THE PROVISION OF PUBLIC BOUSING AND GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONAL OR COMMUNITY FACILITIES IN THE TOWN CENTRE.

-----0 - -

H....

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1992

REVIEW GIVES NEW IDEAS ON ARTS POLICY *****

GREATER PARTICIPATION BY THE ARTS COMMUNITY IN THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL ARTS AND MORE RELIANCE ON PRIVATE SPONSORSHIP IN FUNDING ARTS ACTIVITIES ARE AMONG A FEW INITIAL VIEWS FROM A GOVERNMENT REVIEW ON ARTS POLICY.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, NR JAMES SO, TODAY (THURSDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE PO LEUNG KUK DIRECTORS’ LUNCHEON MEETING, MR SO SAID THE ADMINISTRATION WOULD SUGGEST IN THE REVIEW, WAYS TO ENABLE THE ARTS COMMUNITY TO HAVE AN EASIER ACCESS TO INFORMATION ON AND A GREATER SAY IN MATTERS AFFECTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ARTS IN HONG KONG.

MR SO ALSO SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD MAINTAIN ITS ROLE AS A CATALYST FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF ARTS. THIS, TO A LARGE EXTENT, HELPED CULTIVATE THE RIGHT SOCIAL AND CREATIVE SETTINGS FOR THE COLOURFUL VARIETY OF ARTISTIC EXPRESSIONS IN THE TERRITORY.

HE ADDED THAT RELEVANT LAWS AND REGULATIONS WERE BEING REVIEWED TO REMOVE ANY ANACHRONISM INCOMPATIBLE WITH THE FREEDOM OF ARTISTIC EXPRESSIONS ENSHRINED IN THE BILL OF RIGHTS.

MR SO ALSO CALLED FOR MORE PATRONAGE AND SPONSORSHIP TO NURTURE THE ESTABLISHED AS WELL AS THE BUDDING ART FORMS AS GOVERNMENT FUNDING FOR ARTS WAS LIMITED.

HE SAID EXTRA SOURCES OF FUNDING HAD BEEN SOUGHT THROUGH DONATION OF VARIOUS CORPORATIONS AND THE PROMOTIONAL EFFORTS OF SUCH ORGANISATIONS AS THE BUSINESS FOR ART AND THE MANY SUPPORT GROUPS SET UP BY THE VARIOUS PROFESSIONAL PERFORMING COMPANIES.

"WE ON OUR PART ARE MAKING IT MORE ATTRACTIVE FOR CORPORATE

AND INDIVIDUAL SPONSORSHIP OF THE ARTS," MR SO SAID.

HE ADDED THAT THE COUNCIL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS (CFPA) HAD SPENT ABOUT $1.7 MILLION UNDER A MATCHING GRANT SCHEME SINCE 1990.

THE SCHEME WAS INITIATED TO HELP PERFORMING ARTS GROUPS FIND ALTERNATIVE SOURCES OF FUNDING. IT ALSO ENCOURAGED PRIVATE SECTOR TO PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN SUPPORT OF ARTS.

MR SO SAID WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE GOVERNMENT AND THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS, SEVEN LOCAL PROFESSIONAL COMPANIES HAD BEEN SET UP. THEY HAD EARNED FOR HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL PRESTIGE.

THE CFPA FUNDS AND SUPPORTS THE DEVELOPMENT AND NURTURING OF A NUMBER OF AMATEUR PERFORMING GROUPS.

HE SAID: "THE CONTINUED MAINTENANCE OF THE PROFESSIONAL PERFORMING COMPANIES AND THE CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT OF AMATEUR GROUPS WITH PUBLIC FUNDS SHOULD REMAIN OUR AIM IN THE 1990S."

/ON THE ........

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1992

ON THE INCREASING PUBLIC INTEREST IN THE VISUAL AND LITERARY ARTS, MR SO SAID SERIOUS CONSIDERATION WAS BEING GIVEN TO THE SUGGESTION OF HAVING AN ORGANISATION SIMILAR TO CFPA TO TAKE CARE OF PROBLEMS OF CONCERN TO THE VISUAL AND LITERARY ARTISTS AND TO CHAMPION THEIR DEVELOPMENT.

MR SO ALSO SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD COMMIT ITSELF TO PROMOTE CULTURE, IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN THE CITY AND MAKING HONG KONG A CULTURAL CENTRE OF ASIA.

------0--------

BUILDINGS IN KWONG YUEN STREET DECLARED DANGEROUS * * * * *

THE BUILDING AUTHORITY HAS DECLARED THE BUILDINGS AT 12 AND 14 KWONG YUEN STREET EAST DANGEROUS AND THE BUILDINGS AT 8, 10 AND 16 OF THE SAME STREET AND 5 KWONG YUEN STREET WEST LIABLE TO BECOME DANGEROUS.

TN A STATEMENT ISSUED THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING, THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR SAID ALL THE BUILDINGS WERE BUILT PRE-WAR. t

NEARLY ALL OF THEM HAI) LOAD-BEARING BRICK PARTY-WALLS AND TIMBER FLOOR AND ROOF JOISTS, HE ADDED.

THE BUILDING AT 5 KWONG YUEN STREET WEST IS A SINGLE-STOREY BUILDING, HAVING BEEN PARTIALLY DEMOLISHED PREVIOUSLY. IT HAS LOAD-BEARING BRICK WALLS, ONE OF WHICH IS SUPPORTED BY RAKING SHORES.

THE LOAD-BEARING PARTY-WALLS WERE DEFECTIVE WITH MANY FRACTURES AND BULGING BRICKWORK, PARTICULARLY IN THE REAR WALLS TO THE KITCHEN BLOCKS WHERE SIGNS OF RECENT MOVEMENT WERE ALSO NOTED.

THE MOST SERIOUS CONDITION WAS AT 14 KWONG YUEN STREET EAST.

THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR POINTED OUT THAT THE OVERALL CONDITION OF THE STRUCTURAL TIMBER MEMBERS IN THE BUILDINGS IN KWONG YUEN STREET EAST WAS POOR WITH DEFECTIVE TIMBERS IN MOST OF THE BUILDINGS.

PARTS OF THE FIRST AND SECOND TIMBER FLOORS IN THE VACANT BUILDING AT 12 KWONG YUEN STREET EAST HAVE ALREADY COLLAPSED.

TN VIEW OF THE EXTENT OF THE DEFECTIVE STRUCTURAL TIMBER MEMBERS AT 12 AND 14 KWONG YUEN STREET EAST, COUPLED WITH THE DANGER OF COLLAPSE OF THE BUILDINGS, SIGNS OF RECENT MOVEMENT AND POOR CONDITION OF THE LOAD-BEARING WALLS, THE BUILDINGS SHOULD BE CLOSED AND DEMOLISHED IN THE INTEREST OF PUBLIC SAFETY.

THE BUILDINGS AT 8, 10 AND 16 KWONG YUEN STREET EAST AND 5 KWONG YUEN STREET WEST, WHICH ARE ALSO IN A POOR CONDITION AND STRUCTURALLY DEPENDENT ON EACH OTHER FOR SUPPORT, COULD NOT SAFELY WITHSTAND THE DEMOLITION OF THE ADJOINING BUILDINGS AND SHOULD BE CLOSED AND DEMOLISHED FOR THE SAME REASON.

/SOME OF .......

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1992

- 9

SOME OF THE BUILDINGS AFFECTED HAVE BEEN RESUMED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT LAND AGENT HAS BEEN ADVISED TO TAKE CONCURRENT ACTION IN RESPECT OF THE BUILDINGS UNDER HIS CONTROL, THAT IS, 8 AND 16 KWONG YUEN STREET EAST AND 5 KWONG YUEN STREET WEST.

NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS IN RESPECT OF 10, 12 AND 14 KWONG YUEN STREET EAST ON FEBRUARY 8 NEXT YEAR WERE POSTED ON THE BUILDINGS TODAY.

-----0------

TWINNING SCHEME FOR SCHOOLS

*****

THERE IS A NEED FOR GREATER TOLERANCE FOR PEOPLE FROM DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS AND POSSIBLY WITH DIFFERENT VALUES AND VIEWS IF HONG KONG IS TO REMAIN FORWARD LOOKING AFTER 1997.

THE SENIOR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (SERVICES AND INSTITUTIONS), MR LUCAS CHAN KWOK-HEI, SAID THIS TODAY (THURSDAY) WHILE LAUNCHING A TWINNING SCHEME IN WHICH 28 LOCAL, INTERNATIONAL AND ENGLISH FOUNDATION SCHOOLS WILL BE TAKING PART.

MR CHAN SAID STUDENTS TAKING PART WOULD STRENGTHEN LINKS WHICH SHOULD RESULT IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF A GREATER UNDERSTANDING OF EACH OTHER’S NATIONAL CULTURE AND A READINESS TO LEARN FROM OTHERS.

’’FOR TEACHERS, ALTHOUGH THE CURRICULA IN THE LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS MAY BE DIFFERENT, THEY CAN STILL LEARN FROM EACH OTHER LATEST CURRICULUM DESIGN AND TEACHING METHODS,” HE SAID.

THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS TAKING PART INCLUDE THE HONG KONG JAPANESE SCHOOL, INDONESIAN SCHOOL AND SHA TIN COLLEGE.

THE INAUGURATION WAS HELD AT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS IN WU CHUNG HOUSE, WAN CHAI, AND WAS ATTENDED BY REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE 28 SCHOOLS.

... _ _ 0------

FESTIVE ILLUMINATIONS IN MONG KOK

♦ * * *

MONG KOK WILL BE DECORATED WITH COLOURFUL TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO GREET CHRISTMAS AND THE NEW YEAR.

THERE WILL BE A SWITCHING-ON CEREMONY.

IT WILL BE OFFICIATED BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY KONG AND KOWLOON, MR PAUL WONG.

ILLUMINATIONS

FOR THE HONG

/LIGHTING DISPLAYS .......

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1992

- 10 -

LIGHTING DISPLAYS WILL BE CONCENTRATED AT THE ARGYLE STREET AND NATHAN ROAD. DISPLAYS WILL ALSO BE ENTRANCES TO MONG KOK MTR AND KCR STATIONS.

JUNCTION

FOUND AT

OF THE

WITH A PRICE-TAG OF MORE THAN $1 MILLION, THE SPONSORED BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD AND ORGANISATIONS.

ATTENTIONS NEWS EDITORS:

YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER CEREMONY WHICH WILL BE HELD AT THE JUNCTION OF ARYGLE STREET AT 6.30 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY).

ILLUMINATIONS ARE

LOCAL COMMERCIAL

THE SWITCHING-ON

NATHAN ROAD AND

THERE WILL BE A COCKTAIL RECEPTION AT THE TOWER HOTEL, 627-641 NATHAN ROAD AT 7 PM.

SIXTH FLOOR,

GRAND

YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE RECEPTION.

---------0-----------

EXHIBITION ON EMPLOYMENT LAW IN TUEN MUN

*****

THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD A THREE-DAY EXHIBITION IN TUEN MUN FROM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) UNTIL SUNDAY (DECEMBER 13) TO PUBLICISE VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF' THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.

ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR RELATIONS PROMOTION UNIT, THE EXHIBITION WILL, IN SIMPLE LANGUAGE AND VIVID ILLUSTRATIONS, HELP EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES UNDERSTAND THEIR RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE ORDINANCE.

SUBJECTS INCLUDE PAID ANNUAL LEAVE, LONG SERVICE AND SEVERANCE PAYMENTS, MATERNITY PROTECTION AND ENTITLEMENT UPON TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT.

LABOUR OFFICERS WILL BE THERE TO ANSWER QUESTIONS AND TO DISTRIBUTE PAMPHLETS.

A QUIZ WILL ALSO BE HELD ON THE SPOT FROM 3 PM TO 4 PM DAILY TO AROUSE PUBLIC INTEREST IN THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE AND LABOUR RELATIONS.

THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN FROM 2 PM TO 6 PM TOMORROW ON THE FIRST FLOOR, TUEN MUN TOWN PLAZA, PHASE 1, 1 TUEN SHUN STREET, AND BETWEEN 10 AM AND 6 PM OVER THE WEEKEND.

-----0 - -

/Il .......

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1992

FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETS TOMORROW * * * * *

THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WIdL HOLD A MEETING AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO OBSERVE THE PROCEEDINGS FROM THE CHAMBER’S PUBLIC GALLERY. THEY MAY RESERVE SEATS BY CALLING 869 9492.

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

MONEY MARKET * * *

OPERATIONS * *

$ MILLION

OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT

1,529

REVERSAL OF LAF

-29

BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF

NET 1NJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY

NII

EFFECT OF LAF TODAY

+ 500

CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT

2,000

1 , 500

LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER

TWI 114.0 *+0.2* 10.12.92

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS

TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD

1 WEEK 2.93 PCT 15 MONTHS 2402 5.50 100.60 5.03

1 MONTH 3.58 PCT 1 8 MONTHS 2405 5.50 100.55 5.16

3 MONTHS 3.87 PCT 21 MONTHS 2408 4.375 98.65 5.29

6 MONTHS 3.98 PCT 24 MONTHS 24 1 1 4.625 98.65 5.44

12 MONTHS 4.66 PCT

TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 3,786MN

CLOSED 10 DECEMBER 1992

---------0-----------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1992

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

SUMMIT MEETING PROPOSED FOR DISABLED ......................... 1

GOVERNOR MEETS TRANSPORT OPERATORS AND DISABLED .............. 2

POLITICAL DEBATE WITHIN BASIC LAW PARAMETERS ................. 3

HK THRIVES ON SOUND ECONOMIC POLICIES ........................ 4

SMOKERS DON'T LOOK MORE MATURE: SHW .......................... 6

EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS FOR OCTOBER ........................ 7

MRS PATTEN VISITS REFUGE FOR BATTERED WOMEN .................. 16

NEW PUMPING STATION FOR TRANSFERRING CHINA WATER ............. 16

DRAFT OZP FOR TSEUNG KWAN O PUBLISHED ........................ 17

TENDERS INVITED FOR WATER MAINS LAYING IN CLEAR WATER BAY ... 18

CONSTRUCTION OF JETTIES ON BROTHER ISLANDS AUTHORISED ........ 19

ROADWORK FOR PAI TAU PROPOSED ................................ 20

TENDERS INVITED FOR CONSTRUCTION OF UC COMPLEX ............... 21

AMENDMENTS TO OZPS FOR STONECUTTERS ISLAND & LAI CHI KOK .... 21

ADOPTION SERVICES EXTENDED TO U.S............................. 23

EXHIBITION OF CURRICULUM PROJECTS ............................ 23

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .. 24

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1992

SUMMIT MEETING PROPOSED FOR DISABLED ♦ * * * ♦

THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, HAS SUGGESTED TO HOLD AN ANNUAL SUMMIT MEETING BETWEEN REPRESENTATIVES OF THE DISABLED, TRANSPORT OPERATORS AND GOVERNMENT.

SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER HIS FIRST MEETING WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE DISABLED AND TRANSPORT OPERATORS, HE SAID TODAY’S MEETING WAS A VALUABLE ONE.

’’EVERYBODY WHO SPOKE HAD GOOD, SIMPLE, CLEAR IDEAS ABOUT WHAT FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS WE COULD MAKE,” HE NOTED.

”1 THINK IT’S ALSO THE CASE THAT THE REPRESENTATIVES OF TRANSPORT OPERATORS WANTED TO DO WHAT THEY CAN TO MAKE PROGRESS TOO.”

THERE ARE SOME PRACTICAL THINGS THAT WE’VE GOT TO DO, MR PATTEN STRESSED.

’’FIRST OF ALL, WE NEED TO PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES ABOUT THE SERVICES THAT ARE AVAILABLE TO THEM ALREADY, AND THEIR GOVERNMENT WILL BE TAKING A LEAD IN THE PRODUCTION OF A BOOKLET FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES ABOUT HOW BEST THEY CAN GET ABOUT HONG KONG.

’’SECONDLY, I THINK THAT WE HAVE THIS AFTERNOON POLITELY REQUESTED THE TRANSPORT OPERATORS TO DO WHAT THEY CAN TO IMPROVE FACILITIES FOR THOSE WITH DISABILITIES.

”IT’S EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THAT IN PLANNING NEW TRANSPORT FACILITIES, WE TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE NEED OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES FROM THE BEGINNING, BECAUSE IT’S MUCH EASIER TO PROVIDE FACILITIES FOR THOSE WITH DISABILITIES IF YOU THINK ABOUT THEM FROM THE OUTSET, RATHER THAN TRY TO ADD ON FACILITIES AFTER YOU’VE COMPLETED AN INFRASTRUCTURE.

’’AND GOVERNMENT HAS RESPONSIBILITIES AS WELL,” HE SAID.

”WE HAVE TO DO MORE, WE ARE COMMITTED TO DO MORE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, AND WE’RE GOING TO MEET ALL THE TARGETS THAT WERE SET OUT IN THE GREEN PAPER ON REHABILITATION.”

MR PATTEN SAID HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE REHABUSES BEING PROVIDED AND THE NUMBER OF BUS ROUTES TO BE INCREASED BY FOUR EVERY YEAR OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS, NOTING THAT THE EXPENDITURE ON REHABUS WOULD BE PUSHED UP FROM ABOUT $7 MILLION TO $17 MILLION.

’’IT’S NOT A TOTAL ANSWER BY ANY MEANS, BUT IT IS A CONTRIBUTION AND ONE WHICH WE’RE DELIGHTED TO MAKE,” HE SAID.

-----0------

/2 ........

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1992

GOVERNOR MEETS TRANSPORT OPERATORS AND DISABLED

*****

THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, TODAY (FRIDAY) HAD SOME USEFUL DISCUSSIONS WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE DISABLED AND TRANSPORT OPERATORS ON HOW PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES COULD BETTER SERVE THE NEEDS OF THE DISABLED.

THIS IS A FOLLOW-UP MEETING TO MR PATTEN’S PUBLIC SESSION ON OCTOBER 9 AT THE SHA TIN TOWN HALL DURING WHICH THE SUBJECT WAS RAISED BY SOME DISABLED PERSONS.

THE MEETING WAS ATTENDED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL LEUNG; THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG AND THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR RAFAEL HUI.

REPRESENTATIVES OF THE DISABLED WERE TOLD THAT SPECIAL TRANSPORT FACILITIES SUCH AS THE REHABUS AND CENTRE-BASED TRANSPORT WERE AVAILABLE TO DISABLED PERSONS OUTSIDE THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM.

THE REHABUS SERVICE WOULD BE EXPANDED BY FOUR ADDITIONAL ROUTES A YEAR OVER THE NEXT FOUR YEARS, BRINGING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ROUTES TO 50 BY 1997.

A NUMBER OF CONCESSIONS ARE ALSO PROVIDED FOR DISABLED DRIVERS INCLUDING EXEMPTION FROM PAYMENT OF A LEARNER’S DRIVING LICENCE FEE, A FULL DRIVING LICENCE FEE, FIRST REGISTRATION TAX AND DUTY ON HYDROCARBON OIL.

ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT, THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY PROVIDED HANDRAILS, RAMPS, LIFTS AND TOILETS FOR THE HANDICAPPED.

OTHER FACILITIES INCLUDED PUSH BUTTONS INSTALLED AT STATION BARRIER GATES TO ALLOW THE DISABLED TO CALL FOR HELP AND AN AUDIO SYSTEM TO WARN ON THE OPENING AND CLOSING OF TRAIN DOORS, SPACES FOR WHEELCHAIRS ON THE TRAIN AND A DISABLED TRAVELLERS' SCHEME.

THE CITYBUS HAD A NUMBER OF BUSES DESIGNED WITH A LOW FLOOR, WIDER GANGWAY, HORIZONTAL HANDRAILS AND SPECIAL "STOP" BUTTONS TO PROVIDE EASIER ACCESS FOR THOSE WITH WALKING DIFFICULTIES.

KMB IS TN THE PROCESS OF FITTING OUT A NUMBER OF BUSES WHICH WILL ENABLE THE HANDICAPPED TO GET IN WITH GREATER EASE.

NEW PIERS ARE PROVIDED WITH TOILETS SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR THE DISABLED AND CONSIDERATION IS BE I NG GIVEN TO PROVIDING SIMILAR TOILET FACILITIES ON FERRIES OPERATING ON LONG-DISTANCE ROUTES.

THE GOVERNOR SAW A DEMONSTRATION OF HOW THE DISABLED GOT ON TO A REHABUS AND TWO FRANCHISED BUSES WITH SPECIAL FACILITIES FOR THE DISABLED SUCH AS NON-SLIPPERY FLOOR, BRIGHT COLOUR AND SOFT-TEXTURE HAND RAILINGS, SIGNAGES FOR THE DEAF AND AN AUDIBLE SYSTEM FOR THE BLIND.

- - - - 0

/3 ........

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11,

1992

POLITICAL DEBATE WITHIN BASIC LAW PARAMETERS

*****

THE DEBATE NOW GOING ON ABOUT HONG KONG’S FUTURE POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT WAS A DEBATE WITHIN THE PARAMETERS OF THE BASIC LAW, AND NOT BEYOND THOSE PARAMETERS, THE SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SZE, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE CONFERENCE ON PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION IN TRANSITION, MR SZE SAID NEITHER HONG KONG NOR CHINA NOR BRITAIN WANTED TO TRANSFORM THE SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT IN HONG KONG OVERNIGHT.

'ALL OF US SUBSCRIBE TO THE PRINCIPLE OF GRADUALISM, WHICH UNDERLIES THE RELEVANT PROVISIONS OF THE BASIC LAW. IT IS THEREFORE A DEBATE WITHIN THE PARAMETERS OF THE BASIC LAW, AND NOT BEYOND THOSE PARAMETERS," HE EXPLAINED.

HE SAID THE FUNDAMENTAL DIRECTION OF HONG KONG’S POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE NEXT FOUR-AND-A-HALF YEARS WAS A MOVE TOWARDS A WHOLLY ELECTED LEGISLATURE, TO WHICH THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH OF THE GOVERNMENT HAD TO BE ACCOUNTABLE.

’’THAT IS ENSHRINED IN THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW. THAT IS ALSO A DIRECTION TO WHICH WE HAVE BEEN MOVING PROGRESSIVELY IN THE PAST DECADE. THIS TRANSFORMATION WAS A GRADUAL ONE,” HE ADDED.

HE NOTED THAT INDIRECT ELECTION WAS FIRST INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN 1985, AND DIRECT ELECTION IN 1991. BY 1995, ALL APPOINTED MEMBERS WOULD BE REPLACED BY NINE ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY MEMBERS AND BY JO MEMBERS TO BE ELECTED BY AN ’’ELECTION COMMITTEE”.

”WE NEED TO DO THIS IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE COMPATIBILITY WITH THE SYSTEM PRESCRIBED IN THE BASIC LAW SO AS TO FACILITATE A SMOOTH TRANSFER OF GOVERNMENT,” HE EXPLAINED.

AS REGARDS HOW PRECISELY THE J9 NEW SEATS WERE TO BE FORMED, MR SZE SAID THE BASK’ LAW WAS SILENT ON THAT QUESTION AND SO IT WAS INCUMBENT ON THE GOVERNMENT TO MAKE PROPOSALS THAT WOULD BE SENSIBLE TO DISCUSS BOTH WITHIN THE COMMUNITY AND WITH THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT.

”IN DRAWING UP OUR PROPOSALS, WE HAVE TO TAKE FULL ACCOUNT OF THOSE VERY MODEST AND REASONABLE ASPIRATIONS OF AN INCREASINGLY AFFLUENT AND SELF-CONFIDENT COMMUNITY FOR A GREATER SAY IN RUNNING THEIR OWN AFFAIRS.

"HENCE, WE PROPOSED THAT THE NINE NEW FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES, TOGETHER WITH THE EXISTING 21, SHOULD BE CAPABLE OF GIVING A VOTE TO ALL WORKERS OF DIFFERENT ECONOMIC DIVISIONS.

"HENCE, WE PROPOSED THAT THE MEMBERS OF THE ELECTION COMMITTEE SHOULD THEMSELVES BE ELECTED, AND THE BEST MEANS OF ACHIEVING THIS IS FOR THAT COMMITTEE TO COMPRISE SOLELY OR MAINLY ELECTED DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS," MR SZE EXPALINED.

/HE EMPHASISED .......

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1992

HE EMPHASISED THAT IF THERE WERE OTHER PROPOSALS WHICH ACHIEVED WHAT THE GOVERNMENT REGARDED AS THE BOTTOM LINE, WHICH WAS TO HAVE AN ELECTORAL SYSTEM FOR 1994/95 THAT WAS OPEN, FAIR AND ACCEPTABLE TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONSIDER THEM SERIOUSLY.

HE SAID NOTHING WOULD BE MORE HARMFUL TO SOCIAL STABILITY AND THEREFORE ECONOMIC PROSPERITY THEN TO BLOCK OFF OR RESIST THE VERY REASONABLE AMBITIONS OF THE COMMUNITY TO PLAY A GREATER PART IN THE MANAGEMENT OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS.

’’STANDING STILL IS NOT AN OPTION,” MR SZE ADDED.

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HK THRIVES ON SOUND ECONOMIC POLICIES * t * * *

THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, TODAY (FRIDAY) STRESSED THAT HONG KONG HAD A SOLID RECORD OF ACHIEVEMENTS AND SOUND ECONOMIC POLICIES THAT SHOULD SERVE ITS PEOPLE WELL IN THE FUTURE.

SPEAKING AT THE GRADUATION CEREMONY OF THE HANG SENG SCHOOL OF COMMERCE, SHE SAID: "OUR ECONOMIC FUNDAMENTALS ARE STRONG AS JUDGED BY THE INDICATORS ON EXTERNAL TRADE, ON LOCAL CONSUMPTION, RETAIL SALES, EMPLOYMENT AND INVESTMENTS.

ALL POINT TO SUSTAINED ECONOMIC GROWTH WHICH SHOULD REACH FIVE PER CENT IN REAL TERMS IN THE SHORT TO MEDIUM TERM.”

SHE SAID IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE INVESTING HEAVILY IN PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE, PORT, AIRPORT AND ROAD NETWORK TO ENSURE THAT THE TERRITORY COULD CONTINUE TO GROW.

EVEN SO, SHE SAID, SPENDING ON AIRPORT-RELATED PROJECTS WOULD ONLY REPRESENT ABOUT 25 PER CENT OF TOTAL GOVERNMENT SPENDING ON CAPITAL WORKS BETWEEN 1992/93 TO 1996/97.

"WE WILL IN ADDITION BE SPENDING $78 BILLION ON OTHER CAPITAL WORKS INCLUDING ROADS, HOUSING, COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND NEW TOWN INFRASTRUCTURE.

"WE ALSO HAVE AN AMBITIOUS PROGRAMME TO IMPROVE OUR ENVIRONMENT, OUR HEALTH, SOCIAL AND EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES.

’’ALL THESE PROGRAMMES STRETCH WELL BEYOND 1997,” SHE SAID.

GIVING AN OVERVIEW OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMY, MRS CHAN SAID HONG KONG’S ECONOMY HAD MORE THAN QUADRUPLED IN SIZE OVER THE PAST TWO DECADES WITH GDP GROWING AT AN AVERAGE ANNUAL RATE OF ABOUT EIGHT PER CENT IN REAL TERMS WHILE LOCAL WORKFORCE CONTINUED TO ENJOY FULL EMPLOYMENT AND RISING INCOMES.

/’’OUR PER..........

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1992

"OUR PER CAPITA GDP IS EXPECTED 1'0 EXCEED US$16,000 Til IS YEAR, LOWER ONIA THAN JAPAN IN THIS REGION BUT ABOUT THE SAME LEVEL AS STNGAPORE.

"WE ARE THE WORLD’S 1OTH LARGEST TRADING ENTITY ALTHOUGH WE ONLY RANE 89TH IN POPULATION SIZE,” SHE SAID.

"OUR PORT IS THE BUSIEST IN THE WORLD \ND OUR AIRPORT THE FOURTH BUSIEST. WE ARE ALSO A MAJOR REGIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE,” SHE ADDED.

SHE POINTED OUT THAI’ HONG KONG WAS FORTUNATE IN FINDING ITSELF POSITIONED BOTH TO CONTRIBUTE TO AND BENEFIT FROM THE DYNAMIC ECONOMIC GROWTH IN SOUTHEAST ASIA.

IN ADDITION, SHE SAID, MUCH OF THE STIMULUS FOR HONG KONG’S GROWTH HAD COME FROM THE INCREASING CLOSE INTERACTION BETWEEN ITS ECONOMY AND THAT OF THE PI ARL RIVER DEI TA IN SOUTHERN GUANGDONG.

TO ILLUSTRATE THE ECONOMIC INTERDEPENDENCE BETWEEN THE TWO AREAS, MRS CHAN SAID HONG KONG COMPANIES OWNED OR OPERATED 19,000 FACTORIES IN GUANGDONG PROVINCI TOGETHER WITH OTHER OVERSEAS INVESTORS, EMPLOYING SONE THREE MILLION MAINLAND WORKERS COMPARED WITH A TOTAL MANUFACTURING LABOUR FORCE Ol ABOUT 70,000 IN HONG KONG.

HONG KONG ALSO CONTRIBUTED ABOUT 80 PER (ENT OF THE TOTAL REALISED FOREIGN INVESTMENTS IN GUANGDONG, SHE ADDED.

EFFECTIVELY HONG KONG II AD Bl IN ABLE TO EXPAND ITS PRODUCTIVE CAPACITY FOURFOLD, SHI- SAID.

ON Till' TRADI FRONT, MRS ( HAN POINTED OUT THAI’ ABOUT 33 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL TRADE WAS AT PRESENT CHINA-RELATED, COMPARED WITH ONIA NINF PER CENT IN 1978.

"NEARLY HALF OF CHINA’S EXPORTS ARE CHANNELLED TO OR THROUGH HONG KONG. WE ARI NOW EACH OTHER'S NUMBER ONI' TRADING PARTNER,” SHE ADDED.

MEANWHILE, THE MAKE-UP ol- HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE HAD CHANGED DRAMATICALLY AS A DIRECT RESULT OF THE PROCESSING RELATIONSH1P WITH SOUTH (HINA, MRS (MIAN SAID.

THFJ VALUE OF HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS TO AND FROM CHINA HAD INCREASED ABOUT 22 TIMES WITHIN Till LAST 10 YEARS.

"IN THE DE( ADI- TO COME, Wl- \I?,F LIKELY TO SEI- IHE BORDER BETWEEN (HINA YND HONG KONG BECOMING IVER NORF POROUS AND OUR ECONOMIC INTERDEPENDENCE GAINING IN STRENGTH.

”WF DEPEND ON EACH OTHER To SUSTAIN GROWTH,'' MRS CHAN SAID.

-----o------

/6 ........

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1992

SMOKERS DON’T LOOK MORE MATURE: SHW

*****

SMOKING DOES NOT MAKE THE YOUNG LOOK MORE MATURE BUT ONLY HERALDS HEALTH HAZARDS AND RISK OF DEATH, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).

MRS WONG GAVE THE ADVICE WHEN SPEAKING AT AN ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE HONG KONG ANTI-CANCER SOCIETY.

SHE DESCRIBED AS "A DISTURBING TREND” THE INCREASING NUMBER OF YOUNG SMOKERS.

WHILE NOTING THE DRAMATIC DECLINE IN THE INCIDENCE OF SMOKING AMONG ADULTS, SHE SAID: ’’THERE HAS BEEN NO SIGNIFICANT CHANGE IN THE INCIDENCE OF MALE SMOKERS IN THE 15 TO 19 AGE RANGE OVER THE LAST 10 YEARS AND THE RATE OF YOUNG FEMALE SMOKERS HAS ACTUALLY INCREASED FROM 0.4 PER CENT TO 1.7 PER CENT DURING THIS TIME.”

’’MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE AMONG THIS AGE GROUP,” SHE STRESSED, ADDING THAT THEY NEED TO BE DISABUSED OF THE DANGEROUS SELF-DELUSION THAT THEY ARE ’IMMORTAL’.”

MRS WONG SAID THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE ITS VIGOROUS THREE-PRONGED APPROACH TO DISCOURAGE SMOKING -- THROUGH PREVENTION, LEGISLATION AND EDUCATION.

”WE HAVE THIS YEAR LEGISLATED FOR THE EXTENSION OF NO-SMOKING AREAS AND STRONGER HEALTH WARNINGS ON CIGARETTE PACKETS AND IN CIGARETTE ADVERTISEMENTS,” SHE RECALLED.

”ON EDUCATION, WE ARE STEPPING UP OUR EFFORTS AND WE WILL DRIVE HOME THE ANTI-SMOKING MESSAGE THROUGH SCHOOLS WHILE PUBLICITY MEASURES WILL BE INTENSIFIED,” SHE ADDED.

MRS WONG ALSO NOTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS RECENTLY COMPLETED A PUBLIC CONSULTATION EXERCISE TO SEEK PUBLIC VIEWS ON FURTHER ANTISMOKING MEASURES, INCLUDING A PROPOSAL TO PROHIBIT THE SALE OF CIGARETTES TO MINORS.

”WE ARE EXAMINING AND ASSESSING THE MANY SUBMISSIONS WE HAVE RECEIVED AND WILL DO OUR LEVEL BEST TO PROMOTE PUBLIC HEALTH WHILE TAKING STOCK OF PUBLIC ATTITUDES AND ASPIRATIONS,” SHE SAID.

MRS WONG SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN ITS EFFORTS TO DISCOURAGE SMOKING AMONG \DULTS, AS FEWER THAN ONE IN FIVE ADULTS IS CURRENTLY A SMOKER.

’’AMONG WOMEN AGED OVER 50, SMOKING HAS DROPPED FROM 13 PER CENT IN 1982 TO ONLY FIVE PER ('ENT NOW,” SHE SAID.

IN 1982, MORE THAN HALF THE MALES AGED OVER 40 USED TO SMOKE; TODAY, ONLY 10 PER CENT DO SO, MRS WONG SAID.

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/7 .........

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1992

EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS FOR OCTOBER *****

TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE IN OCTOBER, AT $179,797 MILLION, INCREASED BY 27% IN VALUE AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 3% TO $21,854 MILLION WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 33% TO $67,923 MILLION.

TAKING DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 24% TO $89,777 MILLION. MEANWHILE, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY 30% TO $90,021 MILLION.

THE VALUE OF TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE IN THE FIRST 10 MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, AT $1,535 BILLION, INCREASED BY 23% AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.

OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 2% TO $192 BILLION WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 31% TO $563 BILLION.

THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 22% TO $755 BILLION WHILE THAT OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY 24% TO $780 BILLION.

COMPARING OCTOBER THIS YEAR WITH OCTOBER LAST YEAR, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO TAIWAN (+16%), CHINA (+11%), SINGAPORE (+10%) AND THE UNITED STATES (+6%).

HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CANADA (-18%), FRANCE (-11%), JAPAN (-10%), THE NETHERLANDS (-9%), THE UNITED KINGDOM (-8%) AND GERMANY (-5%).

COMPARING THE FIRST 10 MONTHS OF THIS YEAR WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR , THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA, SINGAPORE, TAIWAN, THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA INCREASED BY 15%, 14%, 8%, G% AND 3% RESPECTIVELY.

HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO GERMANY, FRANCE, THE NETHERLANDS, THE UNITED KINGDOM AND JAPAN DECREASED, BY 21%, 16%, 9%, 9% AND 4% RESPECTIVELY.

COMPARING THE FIRST 10 MONTHS OF THIS YEAR WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE REGISTERED FOR CLOTHING (BY $2,440 MILLION OR 4%); OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES (BY $1,306 MILLION OR 9%); AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $602 MILLION OR 1%).

/HOWEVER, DECREASES ........

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1992

HOWEVER, DECREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE RECORDED FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $2,030 MILLION OR 16%); AND PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $1,037 MILLION OR 6%).

COMPARING OCTOBER 1992 WITH OCTOBER 1991, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM ALL THE MAJOR SUPPLIERS: THE UNITED STATES (+51%), GERMANY (+49%), THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+43%), SINGAPORE (+38%), JAPAN (+36%), MALAYSIA (+35%), CHINA (+25%), THE UNITED KINGDOM (+21%), TAIWAN (+21%) AND ITALY (+20%).

COMPARING THE FIRST 10 MONTHS OF 1992 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1991, THE INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM THE MAJOR SUPPLIERS WERE: GERMANY (+33%), JAPAN (+30%), MALAYSIA (+28%), THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+28%), ITALY (+27%), CHINA (+23%), SINGAPORE (+22%), THE UNITED STATES (+18%), TAIWAN (+18%) AND THE UNITED KINGDOM (+16%).

COMPARING THE FIRST 10 MONTHS OF 1992 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1991, INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS WERE REGISTERED FOR MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES CONSISTING OF MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $11,101 MILLION OR 31%); ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $13,810 MILLION OR 22%); CLOTHING (BY $12,977 MILLION OR 24%); TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $11,973 MILLION OR 24%); AND TEXTILES (BY $8,184 MILLION OR 11%).

COMPARING OCTOBER 1992 WITH OCTOBER 1991, THE VALUE OF REEXPORTS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM, CHINA, JAPAN, CANADA AND THE UNITED STATES INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY, BY 50%, 45%, 37%, 34% AND 30% RESPECTIVELY. THAT TO GERMANY, FRANCE AND SINGAPORE ALSO INCREASED, BY 16%, 13% AND 12% RESPECTIVELY.

HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA AND TAIWAN DECREASED, BY 2% AND 1% RESPECTIVELY.

COMPARING THE FIRST 10 MONTHS OF 1992 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1991, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM, THE UNITED STATES, CHINA, CANADA, JAPAN, FRANCE AND SINGAPORE INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY, BY 42%, 40%, 38%, 36%, 32%, 22% AND 11% RESPECTIVELY. THAT TO TAIWAN AND GERMANY' ALSO INCREASED, BY 9% AND 1% RESPECTIVELY.

HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA DECREASED BY 7%.

COMPARING THE FIRST 10 MONTHS OF 1992 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1991, INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS WERE REGISTERED FOR MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES CONSISTING OF MAINLY’ BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $22,754 MILLION OR 39%); CLOTHING (BY’ $13,816 MILLION OR 27%); ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $10,116 MILLION OR 31%); FOOTWEAR (BY $8,975 MILLION OR 45%); AND TEXTILES (BY’ $8,790 MILLION OR 19%).

/ALL THE ........

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1992

- 9

ALL THE TRADE STATISTICS DESCRIBED HERE ARE MEASURED AT CURRENT PRICES AND NO ACCOUNT HAS BEEN TAKEN OF THE CHANGES IN PRICES BETWEEN THE PERIODS OF COMPARISON.

A SEPARATE ANALYSIS OF THE PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE IN OCTOBER WILL BE RELEASED IN EARLY JANUARY.

DETAILED TRADE STATISTICS ANALYSED BY COMMODITY AND BY COUNTRY ARE PUBLISHED IN TRADE STATISTICS REPORTS.

THE OCTOBER 1992 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE” WITH DETAILED ANALYSES ON THE PERFORMANCE OF HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE IN OCTOBER WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT $52 A COPY AROUND DECEMBER 18.

THE REPORT IS ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE ON THE GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL AND AT THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON THE 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.

ENQUIRIES ABOUT SUBSCRIPTION TO THE REPORT MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, HONG KONG (TEL 842 8802) AND ENQUIRIES ON TRADE STATISTICS TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL 582 4915).

NOTE TO EDITORS:

THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.

TABLE 2 SHOWS Till- « IIANGES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF THE 10 MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.

THE CHANGES IN THE VALLE OF IMPORTS FROM THE 10 MAJOR SUPPLIERS ARE SUMMARISED IN TABLE 3.

TABLE I SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE 01 IMPORTS OF THE 10 MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.

THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAJOR COUNTRIES OF DESTINATION ARE SHOWN TN TABLE 5.

TABLE 6 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS OF THE 10 MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.

/TABLE 1 : ........

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1992

10 -

TABLE 1 : DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE TEN MAJOR MARKETS

MAJOR MARKET OCT 1992 (HKD Mn.) OCT 92 OVER OCT 91 ( % ) JAN-OCT 1992 (HKD Mn.) JAN-OCT 92 OVER JAN-OCT 91 ( X )

UNITED STATES 7,153 + 6 53,578 + 6

CHINA 5,698 + 11 50,556 + 15

GERMANY 1,232 - 5 12,591 - 21

UNITED KINGDOM 1,020 - 8 10,232 - 9

JAPAN 971 - 10 9,293 - 4

SINGAPORE 905 + 10 8,379 + 14

TAIWAN 596 + 16 5,270 + 8

CANADA 397 - 18 4,204 + 3

NETHERLANDS 318 - 9 3,943 - 9

FRANCE 243 - 11 2,568 - 16

/TABLE 2 : .......

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1992

TABLE 2 : DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF THE TEN MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS

COMMODITY DIVISION OCT 1992 (HKD Mn.) OCT 92 OVER OCT 91 ( % ) JAN-OCT 1992 (HKD Mn.) JAN-OCT 92 OVER JAN-OCT 91 ( % )

ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 7,662 + 9 62,891 + 4

MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES) 2,193 - 8 18,613 4

ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 1,864 + 9 16,427 + 4

OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES 1,661 - 5 16,422 + 9

PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 1,828 * 15,569 — 6

TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 1,522 - 1 14,206 — 1

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 1,231 - 11 10,754 — 16

MANUFACTURES OF METALS 417 - 14 4,025 *

PLASTICS IN PRIMARY FORMS 243 - 31 2,839 - 2

MACHINERY SPECIALIZED FOR PARTICULAR INDUSTRIES 235 ♦ 2,566 + 25

♦ DENOTES LESS THAN 0.5%

/TABLE 3 : .......

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1992

TABLE 3 : IMPORTS FROM THE TEN MAJOR SUPPLIERS

MAJOR SUPPLIER OCT 1992 (HKD Mn.) OCT 92 OVER OCT 91 ( % ) JAN-OCT 1992 (HKD Mn.) JAN-OCT 92 OVER JAN-OCT 91 ( % )

CHINA 34,388 + 25 291,536 + 23

JAPAN 15,707 + 36 134,288 + 30

TAIWAN 7,823 + 21 71,006 + 18

UNITED STATES 6,948 + 51 56,670 + 18

REPUBLIC OF KOREA 3,901 + 43 36,538 + 28

SINGAPORE 3,740 + 38 31,668 + 22

GERMANY 2,222 + 49 17,908 + 33

UNITED KINGDOM 1,642 + 21 15,680 + 16

ITALY 1,267 + 20 11,969 + 27

MALAYSIA 1,157 + 35 10,459 + 28

/TABLE 4 : .......

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1992

TABLE 4 : IMPORTS OF THE TEN MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS

COMMODITY DIVISION OCT 1992 (HKD Mn.) OCT 92 OVER OCT 91 ( % ) JAN-OCT 1992 (HKD Mn.) JAN-OCT 92 OVER JAN-OCT 91 ( X )

TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 9,056 ♦ 15 84,229 + 11

ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS ANO APPLIANCES, ANO ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 8,794 + 24 77,269 + 22

ARTICLES OF APPAREL ANO CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 8,113 + 30 66,079 + 24

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 7,556 + 31 61,044 + 24

MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 7,181 + 23 59,469 + 31

PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 4,087 + 12 37,493 + 19

OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES 2,750 + 28 27,321 + 46

FOOTWEAR 3,139 + 51 25,799 + 45

ROAD VEHICLES 3,520 + 156 24,843 + 90

NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES 2,766 + 35 24,349 + 25

/TABLE 5 : .......

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1992

14 -

TABLE 5 : RE-EXPORTS TO THE TEN MAJOR COUNTRIES OF DESTINATION

MAJOR COUNTRY OF DESTINATION OCT 1992 (HKD Mn.) OCT 92 OVER OCT 91 ( x ) JAN-OCT 1992 (HKD Mn.) JAN-OCT 92 OVER JAN-OCT 91 ( % )

CHINA 19,909 + 45 169,028 + 38

UNITED STATES 15,899 + 30 123,945 + 40

JAPAN 4,141 + 37 30,874 + 32

GERMANY 3,059 + 16 26,626 + 1

TAIWAN 2,215 - 1 21,623 + 9

UNITED KINGDOM 2,259 + 50 16,788 + 42

REPUBLIC OF KOREA 1,189 - 2 11,308 - 7

SINGAPORE 1,242 + 12 11,138 + 14

CANADA 1,109 + 34 9,374 + 36

FRANCE 928 + 13 9,037 + 22

/TABLE 6 .........

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1992

TABLE 6 : RE-EXPORTS OF THE TEN MAJOR COMMODIFY DIVISIONS

COMMODITY DIVISION OCT 1992 (HKD Mn.) OCT 92 OVER OCT 91 ( % ) JAN-OCT 1992 (HKD Mn.) JAN-OCT 92 OVER JAN-OCT 91 ( % )

MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 10,760 4 25 81,326 4 39

ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 7,749 4 34 64,706 4 27

TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 6.174 4 22 55,563 + 19

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS ANO EQUIPMENT 6,245 4 34 44,913 4 24

ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 5,304 4 35 43,259 4 31

FOOTWEAR 3,448 4 51 29,024 4 45

PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 2,700 4 19 24,020 4 40

TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR CONTAINERS 2,196 4 31 19,904 4 24

OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES 1,950 4 19 17,192 4 42

GENERAL INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT, AND MACHINE PARTS 1,412 4 78 13,824 4 69

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/16 ........

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1992

MRS PATTEN VISITS REFUGE FOR BATTERED WOMEN ♦ * * *

MRS PATTEN TODAY (FRIDAY) VISITED HARMONY HOUSE, THE ONLY INDEPENDENT REFUGE FOR BATTERED WOMEN AND THEIR CHILDREN IN HONG KONG.

DURING THE VISIT SHE MET COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND STAFF AS WELL AS WOMEN RESIDENTS AND THEIR CHILDREN.

THE STAFF AND RESIDENTS BRIEFED MRS PATTEN ON THEIR CONCERNS OVER FINANCIAL SUPPORT, SERVICES FOR SINGLE MOTHERS AND THE IMPACT OF THE GOVERNMENT’S HOUSING POLICES.

SHE ALSO MET THE REPRESENTATIVES OF KWAN FOOK WOMEN’S CONCERN GROUP, AN ABUSED WOMEN’S CONCERN GROUP.

HARMONY HOUSE WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1985 TO PROVIDE A SAFE REFUGE FOR WOMEN SUBJECT TO ABUSE FROM THEIR HUSBANDS OR PARTNERS. IT I.S FUNDED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE COMMUNITY CHEST.

AFTER HER VISIT, MRS PATTEN SAID SHE WAS DEEPLY CONCERNED THAT FAMILY VIOLENCE WAS A GROWING PROBLEM IN HONG KONG.

CONGRATULATING THE HARMONY HOUSE TEAM ON THEIR WORK, SHE SAID THEY AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WAI ON CENTRE WERE PROVIDING A VITAL SERVICE FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN DISTRESS.

-----0------

NEW PUMPING STATION FOR TRANSFERRING CHINA WATER * * * ♦ *

THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CIVIL ENGINEERING AND BUILDING WORKS OF AU TAU ’B’ PUMPING STATION IN YUEN LONG.

THIS IS ONE IN A SERIES OF CONTRACTS FOR THE CHINA WATER SUPPLY PROJECT WHICH PROVIDES FOR STAGED EXPANSION OF FACILITIES TO RECEIVE AND TRANSFER ADDITIONAL WATER SUPPLY FROM CHINA.

ON COMPLETION OF THE EXPANSION, THE RECEPTION AND TRANSFER CAPACITY WILL BE INCREASED FROM THE EXISTING 620 MILLION CUBIC METRES A YEAR TO 1,100 MILLION CUBIC METRES.

STAGE I OF THE PROJECT, ESTIMATED TO COST $2,092 MILLION, COVERS ALL THE MAJOR WORKS REQUIRED FOR COMMISSIONING BY JANUARY 1 1995.

MUK WU IS THE FOREMOST POINT IN THE TERRITORY’S CHINA WATER RECEPTION AND TRANSFER SYSTEM WHERE WATER RECEIVED WILL BE TRANSFERRED ALONG THREE MAJOR ROUTES TO THE WESTERN, CENTRAL AND EASTERN PARTS OF THE TERRITORY.

/THE WESTERN

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1992

THE WESTERN ROUTE IS MADE UP OF LARGE DIAMETER PIPELINES AND WATER TUNNELS THAT RUN EROM MUK WU TO TAI LAM CHUNG RESERVOIR.

AU TAU ’B’ PUMPING STATION IS A KEY INSTALLATION ALONG THE WESTERN ROUTE TO AUGMENT THE TRANSFER OP ADDITIONAL CHINA WATER TO TAI LAM CHUNG RESERVOIR.

WHEN OPERATING IN PARALLEL WITH THE EXISTING AU TAU ’A’ PUMPING STATION, THE ULTIMATE COMBINED OUTPUT CAN REACH 1.2 MILLION CUBIC METRES A DAY.

WORKS UNDER THIS CONTRACT INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PUMPING STATION, AN ELECTRICAL SUB-STATION AND OTHER ASSOCIATED WORKS.

WORKS ARE TO START EARLY NEXT YEAR AND TAKE ABOUT 2 1 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

THESE WORKS FORM PART OF STAGE I OE THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME TO RECEIVE AND DISTRIBUTE WATER SUPPLY FROM CHINA BEYOND 1994.

NOTICE OF TENDER IS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).

FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM PHH/SWK WATER CONSULTANTS ON THE THIRD FLOOR, ASIA HOUSE, 1 HENNESSY ROAD, HONG KONG.

TENDER OFFER WILL (LOSE AT NOON ON JANUARY 15 NEXT YEAR.

-----o------

DRAFT OZP FOR TSEUNG KWAN O PUBLISHED

*****

THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY) PUBLISHED THE DRAFT OUTLINE ZONING PLAN (OZP) FOR TSEUNG KWAN O.

THE PLAN ('OVERS AN AREA OF ABOUT 1,716 HECTARES, INCLUDING LAND TO BE RECLAIMED FROM TSEUNG KWAN 0 BAY.

THE AREA IS PLANNED FOR A NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT WITH AN ULTIMATE POPULATION OF \BOUT 115,000.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD SAID THE OBJECTIVE Ol THE PLAN WAS TO ESTABLISH THE BOARD LAND USE ZONING PATTERN AND MAJOR ROAD NETWORK FOR THE PLANNING SCHEME ARE \ WI III IN WHICH THE USF AND DEVELOPMENT Ol LAND COULD BE PUT UNDER STATUTORY PLANNING CONTROL.

TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF Till* TOWN’S MARINE ACCESS, LAND IS RESERVED FOR AN INDUSTRIAL ESTATE AND DEEP WATERFRONT INDUSTRIES.

"OTHER LAND USES ZONED ON THE PLAN INCLUDE RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES,” HE ADDED.

/THE DRAFT

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1992

THE DRAFT OZP IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE FOLLOWING OFFICES UNTIL FEBRUARY 11, NEXT YEAR:

* SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 34 CHAN MAN STREET, SAI KUNG, NEW TERRITORIES;

* PLANNING DEPARTMENT,

16TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; AND

* SAI KUNG & TSEUNG KWAN 0 DISTRICT PLANNING OFFICE, SUITE 1209 & 1212, 12TH FLOOR, CHINACHEM GOLDEN PLAZA, MODY ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI, KOWLOON.

ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE DRAFT PLAN MAY SUBMIT HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/O PLANNING DEPARTMENT, 13TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG ON OR BEFORE FEBRUARY 11, NEXT YEAR.

COPIES OF THE PLAN ARE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY. BUILDING, GARDEN RAOI), AND ITS KOWLOON MAP SALES OFFICE AT 382 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.

------o ------

TENDERS INVITED FOR WATER MAINS LAYING IN CLEAR WATER BAY * * * * *

THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS LAYING OF FRESH WATER MAINS IN SILVERSTRANI), CLEAR WATER BAY IMPROVE WATER SUPPLY TO TSEUNG KWAN O HINTERLAND SOUTH ARFA COPE WITH INCREASING DEMAND IN THE AREA.

FOR THE TO HELP AND TO

WORKS INCLUDE THE LAYING OF ABOUT 2,100 METRES OF PIPES MEASURING 400 MILLIMETRES IN DIAMETER ALONG CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD AH KUNG WAN ROAD, SILVER CREST ROAD AND SILVERSTRAND BEACH ROAD.

THE PROJECT IS SCHEDULED TO START IN APRIL NEXT YEAR TAKE ABOUT A YEAR TO COMPLETE.

AND WILL

TENDER OFFER WILL CLOSE AT NOON ON JANUARY 8 NEXT YEAR.

FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTI ( ULARS CAN THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT, WANCHAI TOWER GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.

BE OBTAINED FROM

2, 44TH FLOOR, 7

-----0_-----

/19 ........

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1992

19 CONSTRUCTION OF JETTIES ON BROTHER ISLANDS AUTHORISED *****

THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS AUTHORISED THE GOVERNMENT TO PERMIT THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY TO CONSTRUCT A TEMPORARY JETTY ON THE EAST AND THE WEST BROTHER ISLANDS, AND TO CONSTRUCT A PERMANENT LANDING PIER ON THE EAST BROTHER ISLAND.

THE WORKS ARE REQUIRED FOR THE EXCAVATION OF THE ISLANDS AND SUBSEQUENT INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE OF ELECTRONIC INSTRUMENTATION WHICH IS NEEDED FOR TRACKING AND CONTROL OF AIRCRAFT LANDINGS AND TAKE-OFFS DURING THE OPERATION OF THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK.

THE AUTHORISED WORKS ARE A MODIFICATION TO THE PREVIOUS SCHEME WHICH WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE ON JANUARY 3 THIS YEAR.

UNDER THE MODIFICATION, THE POSITION OF THE TWO FORESHORE AND SEABED AREAS ON THE EAST BROTHER ISLAND HAVE BEEN SHIFTED FROM THE SOUTHERN TO THE NORTHERN TIP OF THE ISLAND TO REDUCE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ON THE AREA.

HOWEVER, THERE IS NO CHANGE TO THE POSITION AND AREA OF THE FORESHORE AND SEABED OF THE WEST BROTHER ISLAND.

THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED IS 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 THE ABOVE UNDERTAKING MAY DELIVER TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS A WRITTEN CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 10 NEXT YEAR.

THE NOTICE, TOGETHER WITH ITS RELATED PLAN, CAN BE SEEN AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; AT THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE, 20TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG AND AT THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 1 TUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN, NEW TERRITORIES.

COPIES OF THE PLAN CAN ALSO BE PURCHASED ON ORDER FROM THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT.

--------0------------

/20 ........

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1992

ROADWORK FOR PAI TAU PROPOSED ♦ ♦ ♦ * *

THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT CONSTRUCTION OF ROADWORKS IN PAI TAU, SHA TIN, TO VEHICULAR AND PEDESTRIAN ACCESS FOR THE PROPOSED AREA.

IS PLANNING THE

PROVIDE EMERGENCY

DEVELOPMENT IN THE

THE PROPOSED WORKS, WHICH ARE PART OF THE CONTINUING PROGRAMME FOR THE VILLAGE IMPROVEMENT AND EXTENSION SCHEMES IN THE SHA TIN NEW TOWN, INVOLVE:

(i) CONSTRUCTION OF A PARKING AREA ADJACENT TO PAI TAU VILLAGE EXTENSION AREA;

(it) CONSTRUCTION OF AN EMERGENCY VEHICULAR ACCESS ROAD FROM THE PARKING AREA TO THE PAI TAU VILLAGE EXTENSION AREA;

(iii) CLOSURE OF SOME EXISTING FOOTPATHS; AND

(iv) CONSTRUCTION OF FOOTPATHS, CARRIAGEWAY, STAIRS AND AMENITY AREAS.

PERMANENT ALTERNATIVE ACCESS WILL BE PROVIDED TO CATER FOR THE. EXISTING ACCESS THAT HAS TO BE CLOSED IF NECESSARY.

DURING THE CONSTRUCTION PERIOD, NECESSARY ACCESS WILL BE MAINTAINED SO THAT ANY INCONVENIENCE TO THE PUBLIC WILL BE MINIMISED.

A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED WORKS IS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).

THE PLAN AND SCHEME SHOWING THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE SEEN AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG; AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, SHA TIN, 2 TUNG LO WAN HILL ROAD, SHA TIN, NEW TERRITORIES; AND AT THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE, SIXTH FLOOR, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN RAILWAY STATION, NEW TERRITORIES.

THE DEPARTMENT ALSO PROPOSES ROADWORKS ANCILLARY TO THE DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT WORKS FOR THE KAM TIN RIVER FROM CASTLE PEAK ROAD TO INNER DEEP BAY.

THE PROPOSED WORKS INVOLVE CONSTRUCTION OF A SECTION OF CARRIAGEWAY AND A FOOTPATH FROM CASTLE PEAK ROAD TO THE AREA NEXT TO NAM SANG WAI AND NEW ROADS FOR MAINTENANCE PURPOSES.

WHEN THE WORKS ARE CARRIED OUT, SOME EXISTING TRACKS WOULD BE CLOSED. HOWEVER, PEDESTRIAN AND VEHICULAR ACCESS WOULD BE MAINTAINED DURING CONSTRUCTION.

DETAILS OF THE PROPOSED WORKS ARI- ALSO PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE AND A NOTICE HAS BEEN PUT UP NEAR THE SITE OF THE WORKS.

/A COPY .......

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1992

- 21

A COPY OF THE PLANS OF THE PROPOSED WORKS SHOWING THE AREAS AND THE EXISTING TRACKS TO BE AFFECTED CAN RE SEEN AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG ; AT THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, YUEN LONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, NINTH TO 11 TH FLOOR, 2 KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG, NEW TERRITORIES; AND AT THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE, YUEN LONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, 269 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, YUEN LONG, NEW TERRITORIES.

ANY PERSON OBJECTING TO THE ABOVE PROPOSALS MUST SEND HIS OBJECTIONS IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT ON OR BEFORE FEBRUARY 9, NEXT YEAR.

--------0 -----------

TENDERS INVITED FOR CONSTRUCTION

*****

OF UC COMPLEX

THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN URBAN COUNCIL COMPLEX IN HUNG HOM, KOWLOON.

THE COMPLEX IS A SIX-STOREY BUILDING WITH A MARKET,

COOKED-FOOD STALLS, OFFICES AND A LIBRARY.

THE COMPLEX ALSO ACCOMMODATES RECREATIONAL FACILITIES, INCLUDING AN INDOOR GAMES HALL, THREE SQUASH COURTS AND MULTI-PURPOSE ACTIVITY ROOMS.

WORKS ARE SCHEDULED TO START IN MARCH NEXT YEAR AND FOR COMPLETION IN MAY 1995.

THE CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON JANUARY 8, NEXT YEAR.

FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE ARCHITECTURAL SFRVICES DEPARTMENT, 34TH FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.

-----0------

AMENDMENTS TO OZPS FOR STONECUTTERS ISLAND A LAI CHI KOK

*****

THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED AMENDMENTS TO THE DRAFT STONECUTTERS ISLAND OCTLINI ZONING PLAN (OZP) NO. S/SC/1 AND TO THE APPROVED LAI UH I KOK OZP NO. S/KI6/2.

THE MAJOR AMENDMENTS TO Till- STONECUTTERS ISLAND PLAN ARE TO INCORPORATE CONTAINER TERMINAL NOS. 6 AND 7 AND THE CONTAINER PORT BACK-UP AREAS INTO Till- PLAN TO FACILITATE BETTER CO-ORDINATION AND INTEGRATION OF DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS RELATED To 'THE CONTAINER PORT.

/A SPOKESMAN .......

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1992

\ SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD SAID: 'THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF THE PROPOSED CONTAINER PORT DEVELOPMENTS HAVE BEEN CAREFULLY ASSESSED BY CONSULTANTS AND ARE FOUND TO BE WITHIN ACCEPTABLE LIMITS."

OTHER MAJOR AMENDMENTS INCLUDE MAKING PROVISIONS FOR THE RELOCATION OF THE UMS TAMAR NAVAL BASE IN CENTRAL AND THE GOVERNMENT DOCKYARD IN YAU MA TEI, BOTH OF WHICH WILL BE AFFECTED BY RECLAMATION WORKS.

THE PROPOSED ROUTE 3 AND AIRPORT RAILWAY HAVE ALSO BEEN INCORPORATED INTO THE PLAN.

TO ACCORD WITH THE PLANNING SCHEME BOUNDARIES OF THIS PLAN AND THE DRAFT SOUTH WEST KOWLOON OZP GAZETTED EARLIER, THE PLANNING SCHEME BOUNDARY OF THE APPROVED LAI CHI KOK OZP NO. S/K16/2 HAS BEEN ADJUSTED.

OTHER AMENDMENTS INCLUDE THE INCORPORATION OF LAND USE PROPOSALS OF THE RECLAMATION AREA INTO THE APPROVED PLAN.

THE NEWLY RECLAIMED LANDS NEAR MEI FOO SUN LHUEN AND ROUTE 3 HAVE BEEN ZONED FOR DISTRICT OPEN SPACE AND "GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY" USES.

THE AMENDED OZPS FOR STONECUTTERS ISLAND AND LAI CHI KOK CAN

NOW BE INSPECTED UNTIL JANUARY 2 AND FEBRUARY II, NEXT YEAR RESPECTIVELY AT THE FOLLOWING OFFICES:

* SHAM SHUT PO DISTRICT OFFICE, SIXTH FLOOR, 290 UN CHAU

STREET, SHAN SHUT PO, KOWLOON;

* KWAI TSTNG DISTRICT OFFICE, 1OTH FLOOR, KWAI HING

GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 166-174 II I NG FONG ROAD, KWAI ( HUNG, NEW TERRI TOR IES;

* PLANNING DEPARTMENT, 16TII FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG;

* KOWLOON DISTRICT PLANNING OFFICE, 11 TH FLOOR, LEIGHTON CENTRE, 77 LEIGHTON ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG (FOR LAI CHI KOK PLAN ONLY); AND

* TSUEN WAN DISTRICT PLANNING OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, HO FAI COMMERI'! AL CENTRE, BLOCK 2, 222-224 SAI LAP KOK ROAD, TSUEN WAN, NEW TERRITORIES (FOR STONECUTTERS ISLAND PLAN ONLY).

ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENTS MAY SUBMIT HIS OBJECTIONS IN WRITING TO THE SEC RETARA OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/O PLANNING DEPARTMENT, ON OR BEFORE THE ABOVE TWO DATES RESPECTIVELY.

COPIES OF THE PLANS ARE WAILABLE FOR SALE AT Till-. SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, IITH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND ITS KOWLOON MAP SALES OFFICE AT 382 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.

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/23 ........

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1992

ADOPTION SERVICES EXTENDED TO U.S. * t * *

THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IS NOW OPENING UP MORE CHANNELS TO EXPAND ITS ADOPTION SERVICES IN THE UNITED STATES, THANKS TO THE HELP OF A WELL-ESTABLISHED CHILD CARE SERVICES ORGANISATION IN THE STATES.

THIS WAS ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR MICHAEL CARTLAND, AT AN AGREEMENT-SIGNING CEREMONY AT THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS IN WAN CHAI.

AT THE CEREMONY, MR CARTLAND SEALED AN AGREEMENT WITH PRESIDENT OF HOLT INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S SERVICES, MR DAVID KIM, FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS, WHO ARE THE PROVISION OF ADOPTION SERVICES IN THE STATES IN CO-OPERATION WITH MOTHER’S CHOICE OF HONG KONG .

"WE ARE GLAD THAT THE ORGANISATION HAS NOW BEEN AUTHORISED TO PROCEED IMMEDIATELY WITH THE PROCESS 01 LOCATING SUITABLE HOMES IN THE STATES FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS, WHO ARE WARDS OF THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE OF HONG KONG," MR CARTLAND SAID.

A TOTAL OF 36 CHILDREN ARE NOW AWAITING ADOPTION.

THE HOLT INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S SERVICES HAS BEEN SERVING HOMELESS CHILDREN FOR 37 YEARS.

--------0------------

EXHIBITION OF CURRICULUM PROJECTS ♦ * * ♦ t

AN EXHIBITION Ol- S( HOOL-BASEI) CURRICULUM PROJECTS DESIGNED BY TEACHERS TO SUIT THE ABILITY AND SPEC I EH NEEDS OF THEIR STUDENTS WILL BE STAGED AT THE HONG KONG TEACHERS’ CENTRE FROM TOMORROW (SATURDAY).

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC \RE WELCOME TO THE EXHIBITION WHICH (’OVERS THE KINDERGARTEN, PRIMARY AND SECONDARY LEVELS, FROM 11 AM TO 6 PM TOMORROW, AND FROM 9 AM TO 6 PM FROM MONDAY TO WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 14-16).

THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WONG; THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CURRICULUM COUNCIL, MR ANDREW SO KWOK-WING; AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ADVISORY’ COMMITTEE OF Till- SCHOOL-BASED CURRICULUM PROJECT SCHEME, MR TAM MAN-KWAN, WILL OFFICIATE AT Till OPENING CEREMONY.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EXHIBITION AT THE HONG KONG TEACHERS’ CENTRE, I l’AK EUK ROAD, NORTH POINT, AT 10.30 \M TOMORROW (SATURDAY).

------0-------

/24 .........

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1992

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****

$ MILLION

OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,000

REVERSAL OF LAF -500

BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 1,500

NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL

EFFECT OF LAF TODAY NIL

CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,500

LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 111.1 *+0.1* 11.12.92

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS

TERMS Y 1 ELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD

1 WEEK 3.OR PCT 15 MONTHS 2402 5.50 100.43 5.18

1 MONTH 3.58 PCT 18 MONTHS 2405 5.50 100.35 5.31

3 MONTHS 3.97 PCI’ 21 MONTHS 2 108 4.375 98.42 5.44

6 MONTHS 4.07 PCT 24 MONTHS 24 1 1 4.625 98.46 5.55

12 MONTHS 4.75 PCT

TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS \ND BONDS - 2.760MN

CLOSED 11 DECEMBER 1992

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1992

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS TO BE UPGRADED ................... 1

BIG BOOST TO ELDERLY SERVICES ................................ 2

GOVT ROLE IN CHILDREN WELFARE STRESSED ....................... 3

HK, AUSTRIA REACH TEXTILE AGREEMENT .......................... 4

NOVEMBER AIR QUALITY REPORT RELEASED ......................... 5

COUNTRY PARK TREE WALKS OFFICIALLY OPEN ...................... 8

IMPORTANCE OF EYE CARE STRESSED .............................. g

SUPPORT SERVICES OFFERED TO FAMILIES ......................... 9

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR MUSICIANS AND DANCERS ....................... 10

CENTRAL AND WESTERN FESTIVAL ENDS TOMORROW ................... H

FRESH WATER CUT IN SAI KUNG ............... 19

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1992

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS TO BE UPGRADED

THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT WILL UPGRADE AND EXPAND TWO OF ITS MAJOR ELECTRONIC AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS TO COPE WITH THE RAPID INCREASE IN AIR TRAFFIC.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT TODAY (SATURDAY) SAID ONE OF THE SYSTEMS, THE RADAR DATA PROCESSING AND DISPLAY SYSTEM (RDPDS), WAS AN IMPORTANT EQUIPMENT FOR THE AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL CENTRE AT THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.

THE SYSTEM PROCESSES DATA FROM VARIOUS AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL R/'DAR STATIONS AND PRESENTS TO AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS, ON A DISPLAY CONSOLE, A COMPREHENSIVE PICTURE OF THE POSITION, ALTITUDE AND SPEED OF AIRCRAFT IN THE SURROUNDING AIRSPACE.

"TO CATER FOR THE INCREASING NUMBER OF AIRCRAFT MOVEMENTS AND TO MAINTAIN AN EFFICIENT AND SAFE AIR TRAFFIC FLOW, IT IS NECESSARY TO EXPAND THE CAPACITY OF THE EXISTING RDPDS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

"THIS WILL ENSURE THAT EVEN AT TIMES OF GREAT PRESSURE, THE RDPDS WILL HAVE ADEQUATE CAPACITY TO PROCESS THE VAST AMOUNT OF RADAR DATA RECEIVED AND DISPLAY TO THE CONTROLLERS AN ACCURATE TIME PICTURE OF THE TRAFFIC FLOW,"HE ADDED.

TO EXPAND THE SYSTEM, A $22.2 MILLION NON-RECURRENT EXPENDITURE IS REQUIRED.

THE OTHER SYSTEM, A VHF OMNIDIRECTIONAL RADIO RANGE AND DISTANCE MEASURING EQUIPMENT SYSTEM (VOR/DME), IS THE STANDARD INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION ORGANISATION RADIO NAVIGATIONAL AID USED TO PROVIDE BEARING/DISTANCE INFORMATION TO AIRCRAFT.

AT PRESENT, THERE ARE THREE VOR/DME FACILITIES LOCATED AT CHEUNG CHAU, TUNG LUNG PEAK AND TATHONG POINT, SERVING AIRCRAFT IN DIFFERENT PHASES OF FLIGHT.

THE SYSTEM ON CHEUNG CHAU IS A LONG-RANGE NAVIGATIONAL AID. IT IS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT FOR PROVIDING TRACK GUIDANCE IN SUPPORT OF PRIMARY FLIGHT PROCEDURES.

THE EXISTING CHEUNG CHAU SYSTEM WAS COMMISSIONED IN 1974 AND HAS BEEN IN SERVICE FOR OVER 18 YEARS. IT IS INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT AND UNECONOMICAL TO MAINTAIN THE EQUIPMENT, WHICH IS NEARING THE END OF ITS SERVICEABLE LIFE.

THEREFORE, THERE IS A NEED TO REPLACE IT, AT A COST OF $18.7 MILLION, TO ENSURE CONTINUING AVIATION SAFETY.

IN ADDITION, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE DEPARTMENT WILL BUY ANOTHER CRASH FIRE RESCUE VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH A JACKLESS HYDRAULIC RESCUE PLATFORM TO SUPPLEMENT THE VEHICLE FLEET OF THE AIRPORT FIRE CONTINGENT.

/THE NEW ........

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1992

THE NEW VEHICLE WILL BE POSITIONED AT THE SUB-FIRE STATION NEAR THE END OF THE RUNWAY. THE EXISTING ONE IN USE IS STATIONED AT THE MAIN FIRE STATION WHICH IS ABOUT 2.4 KILOMETRES AWAY.

THE SECOND VEHICLE, VALUED AT $6.1 MILLION, IS REQUIRED TO PROVIDE THE REQUIRED RESPONSE UNDER INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION ORGANISATION STANDARDS.

FUNDS FOR THE THREE ITEMS HAVE BEEN APPROVED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE AND WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE DEPARTMENT'S VOTE DURING THE 1993/94 FINANCIAL YEAR.

--------0

BIG BOOST TO ELDERLY SERVICES *****

THE GOVERNMENT WILL PROVIDE ELDERLY CITIZENS WITH AN ADDITIONAL 5,000 PLACES IN CARE-AND-ATTENTION HOMES AND HOMES FOR THE AGED IN THE NEXT FOUR YEARS, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).

SPEAKING AT AN ANNUAL CONGRESS OF GERONTOLOGY AND ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF GERONTOLOGY, MRS WONG SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD ALSO ESTABLISH ANOTHER 14 MULTI-SERVICE CENTRES AND 70 SOCIAL CENTRES.

SHE POINTED OUT THAT IN 20 YEARS1 TIME, 18 PER CENT OF THE POPULATION OR 1.2 MILLION PERSONS, WOULD BE AGED 60 AND ABOVE.

THE GOVERNMENT HAS ACCORDED PRIORITY TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF ELDERLY SERVICES, PARTICULARLY RESIDENTIAL CARE SERVICES, SHE ADDED.

WHILE THE MAIN THRUST OF HONG KONG’S WELFARE SERVICES IS GEARED TOWARDS ENABLING THE ELDERLY PEOPLE TO REMAIN IN THE COMMUNITY FOR AS ALONG AS POSSIBLE IN THE CARE OF THE FAMILY, MRS WONG SAID A MINORITY OF THEM WERE NOT CAPABLE OF LOOKING AFTER THEMSELVES OR MIGHT NOT BE LOOKED AFTER BY THEIR FAMILIES FOR MEDICAL OR OTHER REASONS.

’’ALTHOUGH WE DO NOT SEE INSTITUTIONALISING OUR SENIOR CITIZENS AS THE WAY FORWARD FOR OUR AGING COMMUNITY, THIS TYPE OF CARE MAY BE NECESSARY FOR SOME OF THEM,” SHE SAID.

"THE GOVERNMENT, IN CONJUNCTION WITH NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS, PROVIDES A RANGE OF RESIDENTIAL CARE SERVICES TO CATER FOR THEIR VARYING NEEDS," MRS WONG ADDED, CITING SHELTERED HOUSING, SELF-CARE HOSTELS, HOMES FOR THE AGED AND CARE-AND-ATTENTION HOMES AS EXAMPLES OF SUCH SERVICES.

TO REDUCE THE NEED FOR LONG-TERM INSTITUTIONAL CARE, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT TIMELY AND PROPER CARE IS PROVIDED AT THE ONSET OF AGING.

/’’HENCE, WE..........

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1992

"HENCE, WE HAVE FOCUSED ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF GERIATRIC REHABILITATION IN MEDICAL SETTINGS AND IN THE COMMUNITY," SHE SAID.

THE GERIATRIC REHABILITATIVE NETWORK IN THE COMMUNITY CONSISTS OF MULTI-DISCIPLINARY SERVICES, INCLUDING COMMUNITY NURSING SERVICE, DOMICILIARY OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY, DOMICILIARY PHYSIOTHERAPY AND RECREATIONAL SERVICES.

THE DIRECTION FOR THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THIS TYPE OF NETWORK IS TOWARDS THE FORMATION OF A DISTRICT-BASED NETWORK TO ENSURE THAT CARE AND ASSISTANCE FOR THE ELDERLY PEOPLE ARE READILY AVAILABLE IN A COMMUNITY SETTING NEAR TO THEIR HOMES.

MRS WONG SAID: "TO THIS END, TWO DISTRICT-BASED MULTIDISCIPLINARY GERIATRIC TEAMS HAVE BEEN SET UP IN WAN CHAI AND KWUN TONG THIS YEAR.

A THIRD TEAM WILL BE LAUNCHED SHORTLY IN TSUEN WAN/KWAI TSING.

"LOOKING AHEAD, THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO EXPAND AND IMPROVE SERVICES FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE.

"AT THE SAME TIME, WE WILL EXPLORE AND ENCOURAGE INNOVATIVE MODES OF SERVICE DELIVERY AS WELL AS NEW APPROACH TO CARE.”

. ... 0 ---

GOVT ROLE IN CHILDREN WELFARE STRESSED

t t ♦ * t

MRS PATTEN TODAY (SATURDAY) HIGHLIGHTED THAT THE INTERESTS OF CHILDREN SHOULD BE PROTECTED.

SPEAKING AT A CHILD POLICY SYMPOSIUM ORGANISED BY "AGAINST CHILD ABUSE", SHE SAID THE GOVERNMENT PLAYED A DUAL-ROLE IN ENSURING AND PROMOTING THE WELFARE OF CHILDREN.

THE FIRST ROLE IS TO STRENGTHEN FAMILIES BY THE PROVISION OF SUPPORT SERVICES SO THAT THEY CAN PROVIDE A SUITABLE ENVIRONMENT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THEIR CHILDREN.

THESE SERVICES INCLUDE AIDED CHILD CARE FACILITIES, HOME HELP TEAMS, COUNSELLING SERVICES AND FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PROGRAMMES.

THE SECOND ROLE IS TO OFFER ASSISTANCE TO THOSE VULNERABLE AND DISADVANTAGED CHILDREN WHO CANNOT BE ADEQUATELY CARED FOR BY THEIR FAMILIES, OR WHO ARE BEING MALTREATED OR ABUSED.

"CHILDREN ARE VERY PRECIOUS. THEY ARE OUR FUTURE.

"IT IS SOCIETY’S RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THAT THEY GROW UP IN A HEALTHY, WARM AND STIMULATING ENVIRONMENT," SHE SAID.

/’’THE FAMILY ...........

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1992

"THE FAMILY IS THE BASIC UNIT OF SOCIETY OFFERING SUCH CARE AND SUPPORT," SHE SAID.

UNFORTUNATELY, NOT ALL CHILDREN CAN BE ADEQUATELY LOOKED AFTER BY THEIR FAMILIES, SHE ADDED.

THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE IS EMPOWERED BY THE LAW TO REMOVE THESE CHILDREN TO A SAFE PLACE AND MAKE THEM HIS WARDS.

"ALTHOUGH THIS AREA CAN BE A MORAL AND LEGAL MINEFIELD, IT IS INDISPUTABLE THAT THE INTERESTS OF THE CHILD CONCERNED SHOULD TAKE PRECEDENCE OVER ALL OTHER CONSIDERATIONS - IN ENGLISH WE CALL IT THE 'PARAMOUNT CONSIDERATION’," SHE SAID.

STATING THE IMPORTANCE OF CHILDREN WELFARE, SHE IS MOST IMPRESSED BY THE VIGOUR AND DEDICATION SHOWN BY "AGAINST CHILD ABUSE" IN PROTECTING THE INTERESTS OF CHILDREN.

"AS A RESULT OF THE UNRELENTING EFFORT OF THE ASSOCIATION, COMMUNITY AWARENESS OF THE NEED TO PROTECT CHILDREN THROUGH LEGISLATION AND OTHER MEANS HAS INCREASED," SHE SAID.

-----0------

HK, AUSTRIA REACH TEXTILE AGREEMENT

*****

AN AGREEMENT WAS REACHED AD-REFERENDUM BETWEEN HONG KONG AND AUSTRIA ON CERTAIN TEXTILE EXPORTS TO AUSTRIA ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 10) .

IT WILL RUN FROM FEBRUARY 1 TO DECEMBER 31 NEXT YEAR AND WOULD BE AUTOMATICALLY EXTENDED FOR ANOTHER YEAR UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 1994 UNLESS THE URUGUAY ROUND WAS CONCLUDED AND ITS AGREEMENT ON TEXTILE AND CLOTHING WAS IMPLEMENTED ON JANUARY 1, 1994.

THE TERMS OF THE NEW AGREEMENT RESEMBLE THOSE IN THE EXISTING ONE, WHICH EXPIRES ON JANUARY 31 NEXT YEAR.

THOUGH THE NUMBER OF CATEGORIES SUBJECT TO QUOTA RESTRAINT REMAINS THE SAME, THERE ARE IMPROVEMENTS IN MARKET ACCESS INCLUDING GROWTH RATES.

THERE ARE ALSO UPLIFTS IN RESPECT OF THE RESTRAINT LEVELS OF SOME CATEGORIES.

COMMENTING ON THE AGREEMENT FROM VIENNA, AN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE AND LEADER OF THE HONG KONG DELEGATION, MS MARIA KWAN, SAID: "THIS AGREEMENT WILL PROVIDE CERTAINTY FOR HONG KONG’S TEXTILE TRADE WITH AUSTRIA FOR THE NEXT TWO YEARS, WITH SOME IMPROVEMENT IN ACCESS."

/THE AGREEMENT .......

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1992

THE AGREEMENT WAS REACHED FOLLOWING CONSULTATIONS BETWEEN THE HONG KONG DELEGATION AND THE AUSTRIAN DELEGATION, FROM DECEMBER 9 TO 10.

THE CURRENT HONG KONG/AUSTRIA TEXTILES AGREEMENT COVERS FOUR QUOTA CATEGORIES AND EIGHT EXPORT AUTHORISATION CATEGORIES.

MORE THAN 70 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL EXPORTS OF TEXTILES AND CLOTHING FROM HONG KONG TO AUSTRIA IN 1991 WERE COVERED BY THE CURRENT AGREEMENT.

------o ------

NOVEMBER AIR QUALITY REPORT RELEASED

******

THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT TODAY (SATURDAY) RELEASED AIR QUALITY INFORMATION FOR LAST MONTH.

THIS IS THE 12TH MONTHLY ANNOUNCEMENT MADE BY THE DEPARTMENT.

THE ANNOUNCEMENT NORMALLY CONTAINS MONITORING RESULTS OBTAINED AT ITS MONG KOK, CENTRAL/WESTERN AND KWAI CHUNG MONITORING STATIONS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.

THE REPORTED AIR POLLUTANTS INCLUDE SULPHUR DIOXIDE (SO2) AND NITROGEN DIOXIDE (NO2) WHICH IS MONITORED CONTINUOUSLY ROUND THE CLOCK, AND TOTAL SUSPENDED PARTICULATES (TSP) AND RESPIRABLE SUSPENDED PARTICULATES (RSP) WHICH IS SAMPLED FOR 24 HOURS EVERY SIX DAYS.

THESE AIR POLLUTANTS MAINLY COME FROM THE COMBUSTION OF FUEL IN INDUSTRIAL PLANTS AND IN MOTOR VEHICLE ENGINES. TSP AND RSP IS ALSO GENERATED BY CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES AND SOME MANUFACTURING PROCESSES, AS WELL AS BY NATURAL SOURCES.

IN NOVEMBER THE LEVEL OF ALL POLLUTANTS WAS WITHIN THE AIR QUALITY OBJECTIVES. HOWEVER, LOCAL ACTIVITIES, DRY WEATHER AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY WERE CONTRIBUTORY FACTORS TO RELATIVELY HIGH DUST LEVELS.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE ANNOUNCEMENT SERVED TO MAKE THE PUBLIC MORE AWARE OF THE GENERAL AIR QUALITY LEVELS TO WHICH THEY MIGHT BE EXPOSED.

THE DAILY HONG KONG AIR QUALITY OBJECTIVES OF SO2, 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 PROTECTING THE HEALTH OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC.

HIGH LEVEL OF SO2 CAUSES RESPIRATORY ILLNESS, REDUCES LUNG FUNCTION AND INCREASES MORTALITY RATE.

/N02 CAUSES .......

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1992

N02 CAUSES RESPIRATORY IRRITATION, INCREASES SUSCEPTIBILITY TO RESPIRATORY INFECTION AND IMPAIRS LUNG DEVELOPMENT.

TSP ACTS SYNERGISTICALLY WITH OTHER GASEOUS POLLUTANTS AND RSP CAUSES RESPIRATORY ILLNESS AND REDUCES LUNG FUNCTION. SOME FORMS OF RSP MAY CAUSE CANCER.

THE MONG KOK, CENTRAL/WESTERN AND KWAI CHUNG STATIONS BROADLY REPRESENT AIR QUALITY AT LOCATIONS CLOSE TO ROAD TRAFFIC IN BUILT-UP URBAN DISTRICTS; COMBINED COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS; AND DISTRICTS CLOSE TO INDUSTRIAL AREAS RESPECTIVELY.

CURRENTLY THE DEPARTMENT OPERATES A TOTAL OF 11 FIXED AIR QUALITY MONITORING STATIONS, INCLUDING THE ABOVE THREE.

THE OTHER EIGHT STATIONS ARE AT KWUN TONG, SHAM SHUI PO, TSIM SHA TSUI, TSEUNG KWAN O, TSUEN WAN, HONG KONG SOUTH, TAI PO AND SHA TIN.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

FURTHER ENQUIRY CAN BE DIRECTED TO AN ACTING PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER, MR W S TSUI, ON TEL 594 6401.

H ....

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1992

Hong Kong Air Quality Report for November 1992

-----0------

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1992

COUNTRY PARK TREE WALKS OFFICIALLY OPEN *****

COUNTRY PARK VISITORS ARE NOW ABLE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT TREES DURING THEIR LEISURE COUNTRYSIDE TOUR WITH THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE TERRITORY’S 10 TREE WALKS THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING.

THE TREE WALKS ARE SITUATED RESPECTIVELY IN ABERDEEN, POK FU LAM, QUARRY BAY, TAI TAM, TAI TAN, KAM SHAN, KEI LING HA, TAI TONG, PAR TAM CHUNG AND NAM SHAN COUNTRY PARKS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT (AFD) SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT AS TREE WALKS WERE OF DIFFERENT LENGTHS, VISITORS COULD CHOOSE ACCORDING TO THEIR INTEREST, ACCESSIBILITY AND PHYSICAL CAPABILITY.

ONE CAN TREAD ON THE LONGEST TREE WALK AT POK FU LAM WHICH SPANS A TOTAL OF 2,300 METRES, OR WALK ALONG THE SHORTEST 135-METRE TAI TAM WALK.

THESE WALKS FEATURE AN INTERESTING MIXTURE OF EXOTIC AND INDIGENOUS TREE SPECIES, OFFERING VISITORS AN IDEAL PLACE TO APPRECIATE THE GRACE OF THEIR DIVERSE FORMS AND SHAPES.

SPEAKING AT THE WALKS’ OFFICIAL OPENING CEREMONY AT THE QUARRY BAY TREE WALK, THE COUNTRY PARKS BOARD’S CHAIRMAN, MR CARLOS CHEUNG HON-KAU, SAID THESE TREE-LINED PATHS COULD SERVE BOTH RECREATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES.

VISITORS CAN EASILY OBTAIN USEFUL INFORMATION ABOUT INTERESTING TREE SPECIES FROM INTERPRETATIVE STEEL PLATES INSTALLED ALONG THE WALKS.

’’THEY MAY ALSO BRING ALONG BOOKS ON TREES AND TAKE A SELF-GUIDED TOUR OF THESE WALKS TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR COUNTRYSIDE TREES,” MR CHEUNG SAID.

HE SAID THE COMPLETION BY AFD OF THE TERRITORY’S 10 TREE WALKS, THE FIRST WAS SET UP IN ABERDEEN IN 1990, MARKED ANOTHER BIG STEP FORWARD IN COUNTRYSIDE RECREATION, CONSERVATION AND EDUCATION.

MR CHEUNG SAID A BOOK ON THE TREE WALKS HAD BEEN PRODUCED BY AFD AND DISTRIBUTED TO SCHOOLS. THE PUBLICATION WOULD BE A USEFUL REFERENCE FOR TEACHERS AND STUDENTS TAKING FIELD TRIPS IN THE COUNTRYSIDE.

HE HOPED THAT PEOPLE COULD MAKE FULL USE OF THESE EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES AND TRANSLATE THEIR KNOWLEDGE INTO APPRECIATION, CONCERN AND CARE FOR TREES AND THE ENVIRONMENT.

ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WERE AFD DIRECTOR, DR LAWRENCE LEE, AND OTHER COUNTRY PARKS BOARD MEMBERS.

- 0

/9 .........

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1992

IMPORTANCE OF EYE CARE STRESSED *****

THE LEADING CAUSES CONTRIBUTING TO BLINDNESS HAVE SHIFTED FROM EYE INFECTION AND POOR NUTRITION TO DEGENERATIVE DISEASES, THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, DR S H LEE, SAID THIS (SATURDAY) AFTERNOON.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT EYE-CARING CAMPAIGN FOR THE ELDERLY, DR LEE SAID THE PROVISION OF EYE CARE SERVICES TO THE AGED WAS OF GREAT SIGNIFICANCE.

THIS IS BECAUSE PEOPLE, WHEN ENTERING THE ELDERLY STAGE, WERE MORE VULNERABLE TO THE DEGENERATIVE DISEASES SUCH AS CATARACT, GLAUCOMA AND RETINAL DEFECTS AND DISORDERS.

DR LEE SAID: "TO PROTECT OUR EYES, ENHANCED EDUCATION ON THE IMPORTANCE OF EYF CARE FOR THE PUBLIC IS NECESSARY."

HE APPEALED TO THE PUBLIC TO ADOPT SIMPLE MEASURES TO EYE CARE.

THESE INCLUDE THE ADOPTION OF GOOD HABITS AND HEALTHY LIFE STYLE, TAKING APPROPRIATE MEASURES TO PROTECT EYES, REGULAR CHECK-UPS AND BEING ON THE ALERT OF SYMPTOMS OF EYE DISEASES AT EARLY STAGE.

MEANWHILE, HE ALSO HOPED THAT THE CAMPAIGN WOULD PROMOTE THE AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF EYE CARE IN THE COMMUNITY AND THE AGED.

TODAY’S CAMPAIGN WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS, THE HONG KONG OPTOMETRIC ASSOCIATION, THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD AND THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE.

SUPPORT SERVICES OFFERED TO FAMILIES *****

THE GOVERNMENT’S CHILD WELFARE POLICY IS TO SUPPORT AND STRENGTHEN FAMILIES, PROVIDING CHILDREN WITH A SUITABLE ENVIRONMENT FOR PHYSICAL AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT, AN ACTING ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS KATHERINE SHIN, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).

SHE WAS ADDRESSING THE CHILD POLICY SYMPOSIUM OF THE ’’AGAINST CHILD ABUSE” AT THE DUKE OF WINDSOR SOCIAL SERVICES BUILDING.

WHILE THE PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY FOR CARING CHILDREN RESTS WITH PARENTS, HELP WILL BE GIVEN TO DISADVANTAGED AND VULNERABLE CHILDREN WHOSE PARENTS ARE UNABLE TO LOOK AFTER THEM, SHE SAID.

’’WHEN WE PLAN SERVICES FOR CHILDREN AND PROPOSE CHILD-CARE LAWS, OUR PARAMOUNT CONCERN IS ABOUT A CHILD’S BEST INTERESTS,” MRS SHIN SAID.

/AS CHILDREN

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1992

AS CHILDREN ARE BEST BROUGHT UP IN THEIR OWN FAMILIES, THE GOVERNMENT PROVIDES FAMILIES WITH A RANGE OF SUPPORT SERVICES, SUCH AS FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION AND CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES.

"IF OUT-OF-HOME CARE IS NEEDED AND CARE BY RELATIVES AND FRIENDS IS NOT AVAILABLE, PLACEMENT IN A SUBSTITUTE FAMILY, LIKE SMALL GROUP HOMES OR FOSTER PARENTS, IS ARRANGED," SHE SAID.

ON THE OTHER HAND, MRS SHIN SAID CHILD-CARE ORDINANCES WERE UPDATED CONSTANTLY, AIMING TO MEET THE CHANGING NEEDS OF FAMILIES AND CHILDREN.

THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAS RECENTLY REVIEWED THREE ORDINANCES REGARDING CHILDREN - THE ADOPTION ORDINANCE, PROTECTION OF WOMEN AND JUVENILES ORDINANCE AND CHILD CARE CENTRES ORDINANCE.

TURNING TO THE PRACTICE OF CHILD CARE, SHE SAID EACH CHILD WOULD HAVE AN INDIVIDUAL PLAN PRECEDED BY A COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT OF HIS NEEDS FOR PLACEMENT.

SHE REITERATED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS CONCERNED ABOUT HOW TO PROTECT AND CARE FOR CHILDREN, HELP THEIR DEVELOPMENT, AND SUPPORT THEIR FAMILIES.

-----0------

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR MUSICIANS AND DANCERS

*****

LOCAL YOUNG MUSICIANS AND DANCERS CAN NOW APPLY FOR OVERSEAS SCHOLARSHIPS OFFERED BY THE HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB MUSIC FUND FOR THE YEAR 1993/94.

THE PURPOSE OF THE SCHOLARSHIPS IS TO ENABLE EXCEPTIONALLY TALENTED YOUNG PEOPLE TO RECEIVE MUSIC OR DANCE TRAINING IN POSTDIPLOMA STUDIES AT OVERSEAS INSTITUTIONS.

THE SCOPE OF THE SCHOLARSHIPS IS NOT CONFINED TO INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC STUDIES OR BALLET.

RELATED STUDIES IN MUSIC OR DANCE, PRACTICAL OR ACADEMIC, SUCH AS COMPOSITION, MUSICOLOGY, CHOREOGRAPHY, AND DANCE NOTATION ARE ALSO ELIGIBLE FOR SCHOLARSHIPS.

SELECTION OF SUITABLE CANDIDATES FOR THE SCHOLARSHIPS WILL BE CONDUCTED THROUGH AUDITIONS OR INTERVIEWS TO BE HELD IN FEBRUARY OR MARCH NEXT YEAR.

ALL QUALIFIED APPLICANTS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND THE AUDITION IN PERSON.

THE SCHOLARSHIP WILL COVER TUITION FEE, A TECHNICAL ALLOWANCE AND A RETURN PASSAGE TO THE INTENDED COUNTRY OF STUDY.

A SUBSISTENCE ALLOWANCE MAY BE GRANTED ACCORDING TO INDIVIDUAL NEED.

/AS A ........

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1992

AS A MATTER OF PRINCIPLE, SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL NOT BE AWARDED A SCHOLARSHIP FOR TWO SUCCESSIVE YEARS UNLESS UNDER VERY EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES.

APPLICANTS PLANNING TO PURSUE A COURSE OF MORE THAN ONE YEAR SHOULD BE PREPARED TO LOOK FOR OTHER SOURCES OF FINANCE AFTER THE FIRST YEAR.

CANDIDATES APPLYING FOR MUSIC, MUSIC-RELATED, DANCE OR DANCE-RELATED STUDIES SHOULD PREFERABLY BE UNDER THE AGE OF 23 ON SEPTEMBER 1 NEXT YEAR.

HOWEVER, EXCEPTIONS MAY BE MADE IN THE CASES OF SINGERS, COMPOSERS OR CHOREOGRAPHERS WISHING TO ENTER ADVANCED COURSES.

THE APPLICANTS SHOULD NORMALLY BE GRADUATES OF A RECOGNISED HONG KONG TERTIARY INSTITUTION AND SHOULD BE AT A PERFORMANCE STANDARD EQUIVALENT TO THE ADVANCED DIPLOMA GRANTED BY THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS.

COMPOSERS, MUSICOLOGISTS AND CHOREOGRAPHERS SHOULD BE AT A COMPARABLE ADVANCED STANDARD.

IN ADDITION, ALL APPLICANTS SHOULD HAVE AT LEAST THREE YEARS’ RESIDENCE IN HONG KONG.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB MUSIC FUND SECRETARIAT, CULTURE DIVISION, RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH, 40TH FLOOR WANCHAI TOWER III, 5 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.

COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB MUSIC FUND SECRETARIAT NO LATER THAN JANUARY 15 NEXT YEAR.

FURTHER DETAILS MAY BE OBTAINED ON TEL 594 5620 OR 594 5628.

-----0.-----

CENTRAL AND WESTERN FESTIVAL ENDS TOMORROW

*****

THE THREE-WEEK CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL WILL BE CONCLUDED TOMORROW (SUNDAY) WITH AN ATHLETIC CARNIVAL ON THE FORBES STREET PLAYGROUND, KENNEDY TOWN.

IN THE FIRST OF THE TWO-PART CARNIVAL WHICH BEGINS AT 11 AM, NINE TEAMS FROM OWNERS CORPORATIONS AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES WILL COMPETE IN VARIOUS TELEMATCH GAMES.

THE SECOND PART, WHICH STARTS AT 2 PM, WILL BE A CLOSING CEREMONY FEATURING DEMONSTRATIONS BY TOP ATHLETES IN CHINESE MARTIAL ARTS, SOCCER, CYCLING, TABLE TENNIS AS WELL AS AEROBIC DANCE.

/THE REGIONAL .......

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1992

THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR PAUL WONG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.

ADMISSION TO THE CARNIVAL IS FREE. ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL CLOSING CEREMONY CUM ATHLETIC CARNIVAL TO BE HELD TOMORROW (SUNDAY) ON THE FORBES STREET PLAYGROUND, KENNEDY TOWN.

THE CARNIVAL WILL BEGIN AT 11 AM AND THE CLOSING CEREMONY WILL TAKE PLACE AT 2 PM.

-----0------

FRESH WATER CUT IN SAI KUNG

*****

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO MOST PREMISES IN SAI KUNG WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 10 PM ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 14) TO 7 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE CONNECTION WORK ON WATER MAINS.

THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL THE PREMISES AT HIRAM’S HIGHWAY, HIRAM’S VILLA, TAI PO TSAI UPPER AND LOWER VILLAGES, HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, SHAW’S STUDIO, TELEVISION BROADCASTS LIMITED’S TELEVISION CITY, AH KUNG WAN ROAD, SILVERSTRAND BEACH ROAD AND SILVER CAPE ROAD.

IT WILL ALSO AFFECT HANG HAU VILLAGE, MANG KUNG UK, HANG HAU WING LUNG ROAD, NG FAI TIN, PAN LONG WAN, SHEUNG YEUNG, HA YEUNG, MIU TSAI, MAU PO, TAI AU MUN, LEUNG FAI TIN, SHEUNG SZE WAN, SIU HANG HAU, TAI HANG HAU, LUNG HA WAN ROAD, TSIU WO, TAI WAN TAU, TAI 0 MUN ROAD, SHEUNG LAU WAN, TIN WAN TSAI, TIN HA, TAI WONG KUNG, PO TOI O, TAI MIU AU, CLEAR WATER BAY GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB AS WELL AS TSEUNG KWAN O VILLAGE.

--------0------------

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1992

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS

* * * * * $ MILLION

OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,500

REVERSAL OF LAF NIL

BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 1,500

NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL

EFFECT OF LAF TODAY -20

CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,480

LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1992

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

ROLES OF AUXILIARY SERVICES UNDER REVIEW ............................ 1

GOVT LAND SALE BY AUCTION ........................................... 2

VIEWS ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION PROPOSALS SOUGHT.................... 2

CONTRACT AWARDED TO IMPROVE SEWAGE DISPOSAL ......................... 3

BAND MUSIC TO USHER IN CHRISTMAS .................................... 4

STATUTORY HOLIDAY REMINDER .......................................... 5

PART-TIME COURT INTERPRETERS GET MORE PAY ........................... 5

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1992

\ ROLES OF AUXILIARY SERVICES UNDER REVIEW

*****

CONSULTANTS HAVE BEEN APPOINTED TO REVIEW THE ROLES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICES (AMS) AND THE CIVIL AID SERVICES (CAS) IN AUGMENTING THE REGULAR SERVICES, THE COMMISSIONER OF AMS, DR S H LEE, SAID THIS (SUNDAY) MORNING.

OFFICIATING AT THE AMS COMMISSIONER’S PARADE AT VICTORIA PARK, DR LEE SAID THE PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW WAS TO ENSURE THAT THE SERVICES MEET THE PRESENT NEEDS AND OF HIGH QUALITY.

HE SAID: "WE WELCOME SUCH A REVIEW AND ARE GLAD TO RENDER ANY ASSISTANCE."

"OVER ALL THESE YEARS, MANY CHANGES HAVE TAKEN PLACE IN THE NATURE OF EMERGENCIES AND DISASTERS, AND THE SCOPE OF THE AMS. THE ROLES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE AMS HAVE BEEN EXPANDED TO COVER OTHER ACTIVITIES, SUCH AS MANNING OF ’BOAT PEOPLE CLINICS’."

DR LEE POINTED OUT THAT REGULAR TRAINING WAS HELD TO ENRICH THE AMS MEMBERS WITH THE EXPERTISE.

"IN FUTURE, THE AMS WILL BE ASSIGNED WITH MORE CHALLENGING DUTIES. OUR MEMBERS WILL UNDERGO TRAINING IN ORDER TO PREPARE THEMSELVES TO MEET ANY EMERGENCY ARISING FROM DAYA BAY NUCLEAR PLANT AND AFFECTING THE TERRITORY.

"AMS MEMBERS WILL BE DEPLOYED TO MAN THE ’MONITORING CENTRE’ AND PROVIDE THE NECESSARY SERVICES. THE INVOLVEMENT OF THE AMS IN THIS ACTIVITY IS A DEMONSTRATION OF ITS COMMITMENT TO FACE THE CHALLENGE AND TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY," SAID DR LEE.

MORE THAN 500 AMS MEMBERS FROM 18 DISTRICTS TOOK PART IN THE PARADE WITH ANOTHER 2,000 MEMBERS ATTENDING AS SPECTATORS.

DURING THE PARADE, DR LEE PRESENTED THE COMMISSIONER’S COMMENDATIONS TO TWO MEMBERS FOR THEIR LONG, DEDICATED SERVICE AND EXEMPLARY PERFORMANCE.

DR LEE ALSO PRESENTED THE CIVIL DEFENCE LONG SERVICE MEDALS TO NINE RECIPIENTS AND CIVIL DEFENCE LONG SERVICE FIRST CLASPS TO EIGHT OTHER MEMBERS.

THEY HAVE EACH SERVED THE AMS FOR A CONTINUOUS PERIOD OF 15 OR 27 YEARS.

------0----------

/2 ........

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1992

GOVT LAND SALE BY AUCTION * * * * *

TWO LOTS OF GOVERNMENT LAND WILL BE OFFERED FOR SALE IN A PUBLIC AUCTION TO BE HELD BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 15).

THE AUCTION WILL BE HELD IN THE THEATRE OF THE CITY HALL AT 2.30 PM.

THE FIRST LOT IS LOCATED IN AREA 30A, SHEUNG SHUI, NEW TERRITORIES.

WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 5,871 SQUARE METRES, THE SITE IS INTENDED FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES (EXCLUDING ANY GODOWN FOR DANGEROUS GOODS).

THE SECOND LOT IS LOCATED AT YIP CHEONG STREET, ON LOK TSUEN, FANLING, NEW TERRITORIES.

IT HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 2,935 SQUARE METRES FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/ OR GODOWN PURPOSES (EXCLUDING OFFENSIVE TRADE AND ANY GODOWN FOR DANGEROUS GOODS).

OF THE GROSS FLOOR AREA BUILT, NOT LESS THAN 2,430 SQUARE METRES SHALL BE USED AS MOTOR VEHICLE REPAIR WORKSHOP.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE AUCTION.

A PRESS AREA WILL BE DESIGNATED AT THE VENUE. PHOTOGRAPHERS ARE ADVISED TO BRING ALONG TELEPHOTO LENSES.

- 0 -

VIEWS ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION PROPOSALS SOUGHT * * ♦ *

THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR PAUL WONG, TODAY (SUNDAY) CALLED ON MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO PUT FORWARD THEIR VIEWS ON THE PROPOSED REFORMS FOR THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME.

SPEAKING AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL, MR WONG SAID THIS WOULD ENABLE THE FINALISED BLUEPRINT TO REPRESENT THE MAJORITY VIEW OF THE COMMUNITY.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL MAKE A FINAL DECISION ON THE REFORMS ONLY AFTER TAKING INTO FULL ACCOUNT THE VIEWS OF THE VARIOUS SECTORS.

/HE ADDED

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1992

HE ADDED THAT THE RELEVANT LEGISLATION WOULD BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SOMETIME IN FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR.

THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME WAS LAUNCHED IN 1981. THE SCHEME HAD DEVELOPED OVER A PERIOD OF MORE THAN 10 YEARS TO CATER FOR COMMUNITY NEEDS.

MR WONG ALSO SAID THE GOVERNMENT CONSIDERED IT NECESSARY TO FURTHER DEVELOP THE SCHEME AT THIS POINT IN TIME.

HE EXPLAINED THAT THE MOVE WAS AIMED AT KEEPING UP WITH THE CHANGES IN THE TERRITORY'S POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT AND TO ENABLE MORE PEOPLE TO TAKE PART IN LOCAL AFFAIRS WITH THE GOAL OF ACHIEVING "HONG KONG PEOPLE ADMINISTERING HONG KONG".

THE GOVERNOR HAD ALREADY OUTLINED THE GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSALS IN HIS POLICY ADDRESS.

THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, HAD HELD A SERIES OF MEETINGS WITH INDIVIDUAL DISTRICT BOARDS ON THE GOVERNOR’S PROPOSALS, HE SAID.

THE THREE-WEEK CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL WAS CONCLUDED TODAY WITH A CARNIVAL AT THE FORBES STREET PLAYGROUND.

THE FESTIVAL, WHICH AIMED TO PROMOTE LOCAL RESIDENTS’ SENSE OF BELONGING, HAD OFFERED A HOST OF RECREATIONAL, CULTURAL AND CIVIC EDUCATION ACTIVITIES FOR THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE.

----------------------0------- CONTRACT AWARDED TO IMPROVE SEWAGE DISPOSAL *****

THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS RECENTLY AWARDED A $7 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT REQUIRED FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SHEK O AND REPULSE BAY AREAS SEWERAGE AND SEWAGE DISPOSAL SCHEME.

THE CONTRACT COVERS THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT FOR SEVEN SEWAGE PUMPING STATIONS IN MIDDLE BAY, NAM WAN, CHUNG HOM KOK AND MA HANG AREAS.

CONTRACT WORKS BEGAN EARLIER THIS MONTH FOR COMPLETION IN SEPTEMBER 1994.

ON COMPLETION, THE SEWAGE COLLECTED FROM SHOUSON HILL, DEEP WATER BAY, REPULSE BAY AND MIDDLE BAY AREAS WILL BE PUMPED FROM THESE PUMPING STATIONS TO THE REPULSE BAY MAIN SEWAGE PUMPING STATION FOR SUBSEQUENT PUMPING TO THE EXISTING ABERDEEN SEWAGE SCREENING PLANT FOR PRELIMINARY TREATMENT BEFORE DISCHARGING TO SEA VIA A SUBMARINE OUTFALL.

/THE SHEK .......

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1992

THE SHEK O AND REPULSE BAY AREA SEWERAGE AND SEWAGE DISPOSAL SCHEME IS AIMED AT PROVIDING A COMPREHENSIVE SEWERAGE SYSTEM FOR THE DEVELOPMENTS IN SHEK 0 AND REPULSE BAY AREAS.

IT ALSO INVOLVES IMPROVEMENT WORKS TO THE EXISTING SYSTEM OF SEWERS AS WELL AS THE PROVISION OF PROPER SEWAGE DISPOSAL FACILITIES FOR THE AREAS.

------0-------

i BAND MUSIC TO USHER IN CHRISTMAS ♦ * * * *

A WIDE SELECTION OF BAND MUSIC WILL BE ON OFFER TO THE PUBLIC DURING THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS.

ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE, THE 1992 HONG KONG YOUTH BAND FESTIVAL WILL START ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 20).

DURING THE 11-DAY FESTIVAL, A NUMBER OF CONCERTS AND SYMPHONIC BAND CONTESTS WILL BE HELD THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.

SEVERAL FREE CONCERTS PRESENTED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE’S DISTRICT BANDS WILL BE HELD ON DECEMBER 24 AND 26 AT WHAMPOA GARDEN FANTASY MUSICAL FOUNTAIN, SHA TIN NEW TOWN PLAZA, KWAI FONG METRO PLAZA EXPO AND TUEN MUN TOWN PLAZA ATRIUM.

IN SUPPORT OF THE FESTIVAL, SYMPHONIC BANDS FROM A NUMBER OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS WILL TAKE PART IN THE SYMPHONIC BAND CONTEST TO BE HELD AT THE SHA TIN TOWN HALL AT 10 AM ON DECEMBER 22.

THE MARCHING BAND CONTEST WILL BE HELD AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM AT 3 PM ON DECEMBER 29.

FREE ADMISSION COUPONS FOR THE MARCHING BAND CONTEST CAN BE OBTAINED AT ALL MUSIC CENTRES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MUSIC OFFICE SAID THE CLIMAX OF THE FESTIVAL WILL BE THE FESTIVAL GALA WHICH WILL BE HELD AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM AT 7.30 PM ON DECEMBER 30 WHEN SIX SYMPHONIC BANDS AND WINNING MARCHING BANDS FOR 1992 WILL GIVE PERFORMANCE.

PIECES PRESENTED WILL INCLUDE ’ALL THE THING YOU AVE', ’SATIN DOLL’, ’I CAN’T GET STARTED’ AND ’WILD THING’.

THE FESTIVAL IS ORGANISED UNDER THE AUSPICES OF TOM LEE MUSIC COMPANY LTD.

TICKETS AT $20 AND $40 EACH FOR THE FESTIVAL GALA ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL URBTIX OUTLETS. HALF-PRICE TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE FOR FULL-TIME STUDENTS AND SENIOR CITIZENS AGED 60 OR ABOVE.

FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 399 2200.

--------0-----------

/5 ........

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1992

- 5 -

STATUTORY HOLIDAY REMINDER

*****

THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) REMINDED EMPLOYERS TO DESIGNATE EITHER THE WINTER SOLSTICE (DECEMBER 21) OR CHRISTMAS DAY (DECEMBER 25) AS ONE OF THE 11 STATUTORY HOLIDAYS FOR EMPLOYEES.

UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, ALL EMPLOYEES, IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR WAGE LEVELS, ARE ENTITLED TO STATUTORY HOLIDAYS AND MUST BE PAID FOR THE DAY OFF IF THEY HAVE WORKED CONTINUOUSLY FOR THE SAME EMPLOYER FOR THREE MONTHS OR LONGER IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.

HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE EQUIVALENT TO AN EMPLOYEE’S EARNINGS ON A FULL WORKING DAY AND SHOULD INCLUDE BASIC WAGES AS WELL AS ALLOWANCES THAT CAN BE EXPRESSED IN MONEY TERMS SUCH AS MEALS AND COST OF LIVING ALLOWANCES.

WHERE THE EARNINGS VARY FROM DAY TO DAY, HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE THE AVERAGE DAILY EARNINGS DURING EVERY COMPLETE WAGE PERIOD, WHICH COULD BE BETWEEN 28 AND 31 DAYS, PRECEDING THE HOLIDAY.

IF AN EMPLOYEE IS REQUIRED TO WORK ON A STATUTORY HOLIDAY, HE MUST BE GIVEN AN ALTERNATIVE DAY OFF WITHIN 60 DAYS BEFORE OR AFTER THAT DAY.

ENQUIRIES ABOUT STATUTORY HOLIDAYS MAY BE MADE AT THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S GENERAL ENQUIRY TELEPHONE SERVICE ON TEL 717 1771.

------0-------

PART-TIME COURT INTERPRETERS GET MORE PAY

*****

THE PAYMENT RATE FOR PART-TIME INTERPRETERS FOR THE JUDICIARY WAS RAISED FROM $130 TO $159 PER HOUR WITH EFFECT FROM DECEMBER 1.

THE MINIMUM PAYMENT FOR THE INTERPRETERS IS $318 PER SESSION, OR FOR TWO HOURS.

THE PAYMENT RATE WAS LAST INCREASED ON NOVEMBER 1, 1990 FROM

$100 TO $130 PER HOUR.

THE JUDICIARY IS LOOKING FOR PART-TIME INTERPRETERS WHO CAN SPEAK YEUNG KONG OR TOI SHAN DIALECTS FOR COURT PROCEEDINGS.

THE CHIEF COURT INTERPRETER, MR DJUNG SAI-HUNG, SAID: "SERVING AS A PART-TIME INTERPRETER IN COURT WILL BE A GREAT SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY AS WELL AS A VALUABLE EXPERIENCE FOR ONESELF."

ANY PERSON INTERESTED SHOULD CONTACT MR DJUNG ON 825 4366 DURING OFFICE HOURS.

---------0-----------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1992

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

ECONOMIC FUNDAMENTALS SECURE HK'S SUCCESS ....................... 1

NO SECRET NEGOTIATIONS: GOVERNOR ................................ 2

TRANSPORT STAFF GEARED UP TO BETTER SERVE THE PUBLIC ............ 2

PLAN TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC LINKS IN NW-NT .......................... 4

HEALTH PROGRAMMES FOR BETTER PATIENT CARE 5

CONTRACT SIGNED FOR AIRPORT IMPROVEMENT PROJECT ................. 6

CAS - THE MUCH APPRECIATED, ADMIRED AND DEPENDABLE SERVICE .. 7

ACTIVITIES CALL FOR LOVE OF COUNTRYSIDE ......................... 8

'IRECTOR OF MARINE'S COMMENDATION ............................... g

■ATER CUTS IN KOWLOON EAST ..................................... 10

WATER STORAGE FIGURE ............................................ n

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .. 11

MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1992

ECONOMIC FUNDAMENTALS SECURE HK’S SUCCESS

*****

ECONOMIC FUNDAMENTALS WILL ENSURE THAT HONG KONG REMAINS ONE OF THE GREAT SUCCESS STORIES AT THE HEART OF ASIA’S OWN SUCCESS STORY, THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

NOTING THAT EXPORTS FROM HONG KONG IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THE YEAR HAD INCREASED BY 21 PER CENT, THE GOVERNOR SAID THE SUCCESS WAS A REMINDER OF THE ENORMOUS UNDERLYING STRENGTH OF THE ECONOMY.

SPEAKING AT A LUNCH OF THE HONG KONG EXPORTERS’ ASSOCIATION, HE ATTRIBUTED THE TERRITORY’S ECONOMIC SUCCESS TO A NUMBER OF REASONS, INCLUDING ITS COMMITMENT TO MARKET ECONOMICS.

"IT’S A COMMITMENT ON THE PART OF GOVERNMENT TO YOU IN BUSINESS THAT WE THINK THAT YOU CAN DO YOUR JOB BETTER THAN WE COULD DO IT FOR YOU. "

ANOTHER REASON IS HONG KONG’S POSITION AT THE GATEWAY OF THE ENORMOUSLY SUCCESSFUL TRANSFORMATION WHICH IS TAKING PLACE WITH CHINA’S ECONOMY.

"ONE WHICH WE CAN HELP, AND ONE FROM WHICH WE CAN CONSIDERABLY BENEFIT AND ARE CONSIDERABLY BENEFITING," HE SAID.

HONG KONG HAD DONE WELL AND WOULD CONTINUE TO DO WELL BECAUSE IT WAS THE BEST POSSIBLE LIVING ECONOMIC EXAMPLE OF FREE TRADE AND ITS BENEFITS, MR PATTEN SAID.

NOTING THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO SPEND A GOOD DEAL OF TIME NEXT YEAR ARGUING UNEQUIVOCALLY THE CASE FOR RENEWAL OF MOST FAVOURED NATION (MFN) STATUS FOR CHINA, MR PATTEN SAID: "I WILL DO THAT BOTH AS AN ISSUE OF PRINCIPLE AND AS AN ISSUE OF COMMERCIAL AND ECONOMIC EXPEDIENCY FOR US IN HONG KONG.

"I HOPE THAT REPRESENTATIVES OF THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY IN HONG KONG WILL BE JOINING US IN THAT ENDEAVOUR, JOINING US IN ARGUING IN WASHINGTON AND ELSEWHERE, THE CASE FOR MFN RENEWAL."

MR PATTEN ALSO CITED THE COMBINATION OF THE NATURAL ENTREPRENEUR!ALISM OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WITH THE RULE OF LAW WHICH HAD GIVEN HONG KONG ITS SYSTEM AND ITS WAY OF LIFE.

--------0

/2 ..........

MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1992

NO SECRET NEGOTIATIONS: GOVERNOR

*****

A PRESS REPORT ABOUT BRITAIN HOLDING SECRET NEGOTIATIONS WITH PEKING IS NOT TRUE, THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER ATTENDING THE HONG KONG EXPORTERS* ASSOCIATION LUNCH, THE GOVERNOR SAID: ’’THERE ARE NO SECRET NEGOTIATIONS.”

HE ADDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD PUT FORWARD PROPOSALS AND OTHER PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WERE STARTING TO PUT FORWARD PROPOSALS AS WELL.

’’IN DUE COURSE, WE'LL HAVE TO PUT PROPOSALS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND THEY WILL BE DEBATED OVER, I GUESS, SEVERAL WEEKS AND MONTHS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL,” HE SAID.

”I’M SURE THAT THE RESULT WHICH COMES OUT AT THE OTHER END WILL BE ONE WHICH REPRESENTS WHAT THE COMMUNITY JUDGES TO BE IN ITS BEST INTEREST.

”I’M SURE THAT THOSE WHO ARE CRITICAL AT THE MOMENT WILL FIND LESS TO CRITICISE WHEN THAT’S HAPPENED. BUT NOTHING HAS HAPPENED WHICH IS AFFECTING OR CHANGING THAT POSITION.

"I’VE SAID CONTINUALLY THAT I’M PREPARED TO GO ANYWHERE AT ANYTIME TO TALK TO ANYONE ABOUT ANY IDEAS THEY MAY HAVE, BUT SO FAR THAT HASN’T PROVED POSSIBLE.”

--------0----------

TRANSPORT STAFF GEARED UP TO * * * ♦

BETTER SERVE THE PUBLIC *

TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT STAFF ARE GEARED UP TO BETTER THEIR SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC.

ANNOUNCING THE DEPARTMENT’S PERFORMANCE PLEDGE SCHEME FOR LICENSING SERVICES AT A BRIEF CEREMONY HELD AT THE HONG KONG LICENSING OFFICE TODAY (MONDAY), THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR RAFAEL HUI, SAID STAFF OF THE FOUR LICENSING OFFICES HAD A LONG TRADITION OF HARD AND DEDICATED SERVICE.

’’DESPITE THE 32 PER CENT INCREASE IN WORKLOAD WITHOUT ANY INCREASE IN STAFF DURING THE PAST SEVEN YEARS, THEY ARE ALWAYS COMMITTED TO SERVING THE PUBLIC,” MR HUI SAID.

”1 KNOW I CAN COUNT ON THEM TO CONTINUE THIS HIGH SPIRIT AND SUPPORT THE PERFORMANCE PLEDGE SCHEME,” HE ADDED.

/MR HUI .......

MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1992

MR HUI SAID THE PLEDGE COVERED FOUR MAIN AREAS OF LICENSING SERVICES. THEY ARE;

* THE FIRST ISSUE AND RENEWAL OF LEARNER’S DRIVING LICENCE;

* THE FIRST ISSUE AND RENEWAL OF FULL DRIVING LICENCE;

* THE RENEWAL OF VEHICLE LICENCE; AND

* THE TRANSFER OF VEHICLE OWNERSHIP.

HE EXPLAINED THAT UNDER THE SCHEME, LISTS OF THE PLEDGED TIME FOR PROCESSING WERE POSTED AT PROMINENT LOCATIONS AT THE FOUR LICENSING OFFICES IN CENTRAL, YAU MA TEI, KWUN TONG AND SHA TIN.

"THIS ENABLES CUSTOMERS TO SELECT THE BEST TIME SLOT WHICH SUITS THEIR PERSONAL NEEDS."

A DROP-IN BOX RECEIVE APPLICATIONS

IS PROVIDED AT EACH OF THE LICENSING OFFICES FROM CUSTOMERS WHO DO NOT WISH TO WAIT.

APPLICATIONS WILL BE PROCESSED AND NEW LICENCES WILL BE SENT BY REGISTERED POST WITHIN 14 WORKING DAYS, MR HUI SAID.

HE ALSO SAID THE PUBLIC TELEPHONE ENQUIRY SERVICE ON LICENSING. WAS BEING UPGRADED.

"WE ARE TRYING OUT A NEW INTERACTIVE VOICE AND FAX RESPONSE SYSTEM WHICH ALLOWS MORE THAN 10 INCOMING CALLS TO BE ANSWERED AT THE SAME TIME. IT WILL ALSO BE ABLE TO PROVIDE APPLICATION FORMS THROUGH THE FAX MACHINE," HE SAID.

TO MEET THE GROWING DEMANDS OF THE PUBLIC, PARTICULARLY DURING PEAK HOURS, THE DEPARTMENT HAS PROPOSED TO MOVE THE HONG KONG LICENSING OFFICE TO A BIGGER PLACE AND AN ALTERNATIVE LOCATION IS BEING HUNTED.

"WE VALUE OUR CUSTOMERS’ SUGGESTIONS AND COMMENTS. SIMPLE QUESTIONS WILL BE ANSWERED ON THE SPOT AND REPLIES TO MORE COMPLEX ONES WILL BE GIVEN WITHIN 10 WORKING DAYS, ' MR HUI SAID.

THE DEPARTMENT IS SERVING ABOUT 460,000 REGISTERED VEHICLE OWNERS AND 1.2 MILLION DRIVERS.

LAST YEAR, THE 160 COUNTER STAFF IN THE FOUR LICENSING OFFICES PROCESSED ABOUT 2.5 MILLION LICENSING CASES.

THESE FIGURES SHOW HOW BUSY THE OFFICES ARE AND EXPLAINED WHY PEOPLE HAVE TO WAIT OVER THE COUNTER, PARTICULARLY DURING PEAK HOURS.

MR HUI POINTED OUT THAT A SERIES OF IMPROVEMENTS HAVE ALREADY BEEN MADE OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS.

A SINGLE-QUEUE ARRANGEMENT HAD BEEN ADOPTED SINCE JANUARY 1990, RESULTING IN MORE ORDERLY QUEUING AND MORE EVEN WAITING TIMES FOR PEOPLE.

/BROADCASTING OF

MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1992

BROADCASTING OF LIGHT MUSIC HAS LICENSING OFFICES.

IN THE SUMMER OF 1991, THE HONG KONG RENOVATED TO GIVE A MORE PLEASANT SETTING.

BEEN INTRODUCED IN ALL

LICENSING OFFICE HAD BEEN

THE DELETION OF THE DRIVER’S PHOTOGRAPH ON THE DRIVING LICENCE IN 1990 HAS ALSO RESULTED IN SHORTENED PROCESSING TIME OF A LICENCE.

IT ALSO MEANS THAT PEOPLE NO LONGER TROUBLE OF PRODUCING PHOTOGRAPHS.

FOLLOWING AN IMPROVEMENT IN COMPUTER DRIVERS AND VEHICLES IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR, LICENCE APPLICATIONS HAS SHORTENED.

NEED TO GO THROUGH THE

SYSTEM FOR LICENSING OF THE PROCESSING TIME FOR

CHINESE CHARACTERS ARE NOW PRINTED ON ENSURING ACCURACY AND REDUCING MANUAL WORK.

DRIVING

LICENCES,

"OUR PLEDGE IS TO GIVE A CLEARER MESSAGE TO OUR CUSTOMERS OF THE APPROXIMATE WAITING TIMES REQUIRED, AND ENSURE THAT THEIR WAITING ENVIRONMENT IS MORE FRIENDLY AND COMFORTABLE, AND THAT THETR SUGGESTIONS AND ENQUIRIES ARE SPEEDILY DEALT WITH," MR HUI SAID.

----0------

PLAN TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC LINKS IN NW-NT

*****

1HE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, AT A MEETING WITH LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR DR TANG SHIU-TONG AND A GROUP OF YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS TODAY (MONDAY), REASSURED THEM THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS FIRMLY COMMITTED TO IMPROVING THE TRAFFIC SITUATION TN THE NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES.

MR LEUNG SAID THERE WERE PLANS TO IMPROVE FERRY AND SERVICES IN THE REGION, TO WIDEN SECTIONS OF THE CASTLE PEAK ROAD TO BUILD ADDITIONAL CLIMBING LANES IN UPHILL SECTIONS OF TUFN HIGHWAY.

BUS AND MUN

WE HAVE ALSO ESTABLISHED A JOINT DISTRICT BOARD/ADMINISTRATION WORKING GROUP TO CONSIDER WHAT SHORT-TERM MEASURES ARE AVAILABLE TO RELIEVE THE PEAK-HOUR CONGESTION OF TUEN MUN HIGHWAY.

"THE WORKING GROUP WILL REPORT TO ME RY NEXT FEBRUARY. WE WILL CONSIDER ITS RECOMMENDATIONS CAREFULLY AND WHERE PRACTICABLE, INCLUDE THEM IN OUR ACTION PLAN.

OF COURSE, THE LONGER-TERM SOLUTION LIES IN THE CONSTRUCTION GF ROUTE 3 (COUNTRY PARK SECTION) AND A POSSIBLE RAIL LINK TO NWNT,"

/PRELIMINARY DESIGN .

MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1992

PRELIMINARY DESIGN WORK FOR ROUTE 3 (COUNTRY PARK SECTION) IS IN HANI) AND THE GOVERNMENT IS CONSIDERING INVITING EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN BUILDING THIS MAJOR TRUNK ROAD, MR LEUNG SAID.

ON THE POSSIBLE RAIL LINK, MR LEUNG SAID THAT WAS BEING CONSIDERED IN THF. RAILWAY DEVELOPMENT STUDY WHICH WAS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED VERY SOON.

"IT REMAINS OUR INTENTION TO RELEASE THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE STUDY FOR PUBLIC COMMENTS EARLY NEXT YEAR," MR LEUNG SAID.

-----o-----

HEALTH PROGRAMMES FOR BETTER PATIENT CARE

*****

EFFECTIVE PREVENTIVE CARE SERVICES SHOULD BE TARGETED TOWARDS SPECIFIC DISEASES AND SPECIAL CLIENT GROUPS, THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, DR S H LEE, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

ADDRESSING A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ASSOCIATION OF CHAIRMEN OF THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS, DR LEE SAID THE NEW TARGET GROUPS FOR ACTION IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS AS RECOMMENDED BY THE WORKING PARTY ON PRIMARY HEALTH CARE WERE STUDENTS, ELDERLY AND WOMEN.

THE DIRECTOR SAID THE DISTINCTIVE ROLE OF THE DEPARTMENT WAS TO PROMOTE THE HEALTH OF THE COMMUNITY THROUGH HEALTH EDUCATION AND DISEASE PREVENTION.

HE SAID: "PREVENTIVE MEASURES ARE KEY CONTRIBUTORS TO OUR IMPRESSIVE HEALTH INDICES."

HE THEN WENT ON TO OUTLINE THE DEPARTMENT’S FUTURE HEALTH CARE PROGRAMMES AIMING AT PROMOTING BETTER PATIENT CARE.

ON CLINIC PROJECTS, THE DIRECTOR SAID TWO NEW CLINICS IN TUEN MUN AND TIN SHUI WAI AND A NEW MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CENTRE IN NORTH DISTRICT WOULD BE OPENED NEXT YEAR.

NEW X-RAY FACILITIES WILL ALSO BE MADE AVAILABLE AT TAI PO JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC AND SERVICES IN 11 EXISTING CLINICS BE ENHANCED, HE ADDED.

A NEW STUDENT HEALTH SERVICE WILL BE INTRODUCED IN 1994, COVERING ALL PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN DURING THE FIRST PHASE OF OPERATION.

HOWEVER, AS HONG KONG IS EXPERIENCING AN AGEING OF POPULATION, DR LEE SAID:

"THE TIMELY INTRODUCTION OF A HEALTH PROMOTION AND PREVENTIVE CARE PROGRAMME FOR THE ELDERLY WOULD FULFIL THE GOALS OF ADDING YEARS TO LIFE AND LIFE TO YEARS."

/HE SAID .......

MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1992

HE SAID THE HEALTH PROGRAMME WOULD BE OFFERED AT HEALTH CENTRES AT STRATEGIC LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY FOR ELDERLY AGED 65 AND ABOVE AND THE FIRST ONE WOULD BE SET UP IN EARLY 1994.

WHILE NOTING THAT THERE WAS PRESENTLY A GAP IN THE PROVISION OF PREVENTIVE CARE SERVICES TO THE MIDDLE-AGED WOMEN, THE DIRECTOR SAID THESE WOMEN WERE VULNERABLE TO DISEASES SUCH AS CANCER OF THE BREAST AND CERVIX.

"WHEN DETECTED THROUGH SCREENING, THESE DISEASES HAVE A BETTER CHANCE OF CURE," DR LEE SAID.

"TO CATER FOR THEIR NEEDS, WE WILL BE SETTING UP WELL-WOMAN CLINICS, TARGETED AT WOMEN AGED 45 AND ABOVE WITH THE FIRST ONE ESTABLISHED AT THE LAM TIN POLYCLINIC BY END 1993."

TURNING TO ORAL HEALTH CARE, DR LEE STRESSED THAT IT WAS AN ESSENTIAL AND INSEPARABLE COMPONENT OF TOTAL HEALTH.

HE SAID A LARGE-SCALE ORAL HEALTH EDUCATION CAMPAIGN FOR PRE-SCHOOLERS WOULD BE LAUNCHED NEXT FEBRUARY.

THE PRESENT SIX SCHOOL DENTAL CLINICS NOW SERVING 400,000 PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN WILL ALSO BE GIVEN ADDITIONAL MANPOWER IN A BID TO PROVIDE BETTER FOLLOW-UP CARE FOR THESE CHILDREN.

IN ADDITION, TO ENSURE CONTINUITY OF CARE AND TO SUSTAIN SCHOOL CHILDREN’S ORAL HEALTH STATUS, DR LEE SAID DISCUSSIONS BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG DENTAL ASSOCIATION WERE UNDER WAY REGARDING THE INTRODUCTION OF A TRANSFER SCHEME FOR STUDENTS LEAVING THE SCHOOL DENTAL CARE SERVICE.

DR LEE ADDED THAT A PILOT SCHEME WOULD BE ESTABLISHED IN ONE OF THE HOSPITAL DENTAL UNITS TO PROVIDE CURATIVE CARE FOR THOSE PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL ORAL HEALTH CARE NEEDS.

------0-------

CONTRACT SIGNED FOR AIRPORT IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

*****

THE CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE OF THE CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) AWARDED A $59.75 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SEAWALL AND FOR RECLAMATION AT CHA KWO LING, ADJACENT TO THE FORMER OIL DEPOT.

THE WORKS INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 720-METRE-LONG VERTICAL SEAWALL AND THE RECLAMATION OF ABOUT FOUR HECTARES OF LAND, WHICH WILL PRIMARILY BE USED AS A PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREA (PCWA).

THE WORKS FORM PART OF THE KAI TAK AIRPORT IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, WHICH WILL PROVIDE ADDITIONAL AIRCRAFT PARKING BAYS TO COPE WITH INCREASING TRAFFIC DEMAND.

THE RECLAMATION WORK CAN PROVIDE LAND FOR THE RELOCATION OF THE PRESENT KOWLOON BAY PCWA TO MAKE WAY FOR AIRCRAFT PARKING BAYS.

/THE CONTRACT .......

MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1992

THE CONTRACT WORKS, WHICH FORM THE FINAL PHASE OF THE REPROVISIONING OF THE PCWA, ARE TO BEGIN LATER THIS MONTH FOR COMPLETION IN ABOUT 18 MONTHS.

GOVERNMENT CIVIL ENGINEER OF THE CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT, MR FRANK LOONG, SIGNED THE CONTRACT ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT WITH THE PENTA-OCEAN CONSTRUCTION CO. LTD.

THE DEPARTMENT’S PORT WORKS DIVISION WILL SUPERVISE THE WORKS

UNDER THIS CONTRACT.

-----0------

CAS - THE MUCH APPRECIATED, ADMIRED AND DEPENDABLE SERVICE * * ★ k k

CIVIL AID SERVICES (CAS) IS NEITHER A PUBLICITY SEEKING SERVICE NOR A POLITICAL FORUM, IT IS A SUPPORT SERVICE, A GROUP OF PEOPLE IN UNIFORM WHO ARE FRIENDLY, RESPECTED, ADMIRED AND DEPENDABLE, SIR ROGER LOBO SAID TONIGHT (MONDAY).

SPEAKING AT A DINNER HOSTED BY CAS TO BID FAREWELL TO HIM AS ITS COMMISSIONER, SIR ROGER RECALLED HIS 37 YEARS OF SERVICE IN CAS.

HE SAID: "DURING MY PERIOD OF SERVICE, I MET MANY PEOPLE, MADE MANY FRIENDS AND I ENJOYED MOMENTS OF GREAT FELLOWSHIP AND FUN.

"BUT I ALSO HAD DIFFICULT TASKS, AMONG WHICH, WAS TO PICK UP DEAD OR DYING BODIES COMING DOWN THE STREAM IN WONG NEI CHUNG DURING HEAVY RAIN AND FLOODING; ENTER COLLAPSED BUILDINGS TO SEARCH FOR INJURED AND TRAPPED PEOPLE."

SIR ROGER JOINED THE CAS ON AUGUST 3, 1955 AS A COMMANDER OF THE ACCOMODATION UNIT WHICH NO LONGER EXISTS TN THE SERVICE.

HIS JOB WAS TO PLAN FOR ALL POSSIBLE EMERGENCIES BUT IN PARTICULAR, MAKE PROVISION TO ACCOMMODATE HOMELESS OR EVACUATE PEOPLE.

HE ALWAYS ATTEMPTED TO IMPROVE THE SERVICE. HE SAID: "I WAS GIVEN UNIFORMS WHICH, UNDER THE RAIN, WOULD MAKE MY BODY ALSO BLUE."

HE THEN HAD OPPORTUNITIES TO MAKE COMPLAINTS ABOUT UNIFORMS AND OTHER. MATTERS.

IN THE PAST 16 YEARS, SIR ROGER PLAYED A ROLE AS A RESPONSIBLE AND CONCERNED LEADER.

TOGETHER WITH CAS HEADQUARTERS AND SENIOR OFFICERS, THEY HAD DEVISED NEW METHODS, CHANGED NEW EQUIPMENT, IMPROVED TRAINING, DEVELOPED MOUNTAIN RESCUE AND INDEED, CONTINUED TO REVIEW ALL ASPECTS OF TRAINING, SAFETY AND EFFICIENCY.

HE SAID: "WE ALSO ENSURED WE WOULD CREATE AND DEVELOP GOOD CADETS FORCE - MALES AND FEMALES."

/PRAISING THE .......

MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1992

PRAISING THE CAS MEMBERS, SIR ROGER SAID: "IT IS YOUR PARTICIPATION, YOUR ENTHUSIASM, YOUR EXEMPLARY AND HARD WORK - THAT HAS MADE CAS ’THE BEST’, THE MUCH APPRECIATED AND THE ADMIRED, DEPENDABLE SERVICE."

SIR ROGER ALSO THANKED THE SPOUSE, THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF THE CAS MEMBERS FOR THEIR SUPPORT AND UNDERSTANDING GIVEN TO THEM.

COMING TO THE END OF HIS CAREER IN CAS, SIR ROGER SAID: "I LEAVE WITH PRIDE, PROUD OF YOU, PROUD OF THE SERVICE AND OUR HEADQUARTERS, AND GRATEFUL FOR THE WORK YOU ARE DOING AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO FOR HONG KONG."

--------0

ACTIVITIES CALL FOR LOVE OF COUNTRYSIDE *****

A SERIES OF EDUCATIONAL AND PUBLICITY ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN LINED UP BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT IN THE COMING MONTHS TO MARK THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE COUNTRY PARKS CLEAN AND GREEN SCHEME.

THIS WAS ANNOUNCED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNTRY PARKS BOARD’S PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE, MR GEORGE TAN, AT A PRESS CONFERENCE HELD AT THE LIONS NATURE EDUCATION CENTRE IN SAI KUNG THIS (MONDAY) AFTERNOON.

MR TAN SAID THE SCHEME, WHICH WAS INTRODUCED 10 YEARS AGO TO PUBLICISE THE MESSAGE OF CONSERVING THE COUNTRY PARKS, HAD ATTRACTED MORE THAN 80,000 COUNTRYSIDE LOVERS TO PARTICIPATE IN ITS MANY ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMMES.

"APART FROM GIVING COUNTRYSIDE VISITORS AN OPPORTUNITY TO ENJOY NATURE, THE SCHEME HAS HELPED TO KEEP COUNTRY PARKS CLEAN AND GREEN," HE SAID.

ON THIS YEAR’S PROGRAMMES, MR TAN POINTED OUT THAT IT WOULD BE LAUNCHED BY A SPECIAL LIVE "ENJOY YOURSELF TONIGHT" SHOW ON TVB JADE CHANNEL ON DECEMBER 18 (FRIDAY).

TWO TERRITORY-WIDE COMPETITIONS, EACH OFFERING ATTRACTIVE PRIZES TO WINNERS, WILL BE HELD IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS TO PROMOTE THE "CLEAN AND GREEN" THEME.

THE PHOTO COMPETITION, TO BE HELD BETWEEN THIS MONTH AND END OF FEBRUARY, IS OPEN TO ALL WHO ARE INTERESTED IN OUTDOOR PHOTOGRAPHY.

IT WILL THEN BE FOLLOWED BY THE "COUNTRYSIDE TREE MATCHING COMPETITION" WHICH CONSISTS OF TWO PHASES - LITTER COLLECTION AND THE MATCHING OF FLOWERS AND FRUITS TO TREES OF THE SAME KINDS.

MR TAN SAID THE ACTIVITIES WOULD BE ROUNDED UP BY A LARGE-SCALE EXHIBITION TOWARDS THE END OF NEXT APRIL.

/HE THANKED .......

MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1992

HE THANKED THE LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT 303 AND FRIENDS OF THE COUNTRY PARKS FOR CO-ORGANISING THIS YEAR’S SCHEME, AND THE KODAK (FAR EAST) LIMITED AND WILTONA ENTERPRISES FOR DONATING THE PRIZES FOR THE COMPETITIONS.

ALSO SPEAKING AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, FRIENDS OF THE COUNTRY PARKS (FCP), DR TAM WING-KUN, SAID THE NEWLY FORMED ASSOCIATION WAS ESTABLISHED TO PROMOTE PROPER CARE FOR COUNTRY PARKS.

DR TAM STRESSED THAT THE ASSOCIATION WOULD BACK UP THE DEPARTMENT’S WORK IN THE COUNTRYSIDE, SUCH AS THE PROVISION OF FACILITIES AND PROMOTION OF NATURE CONSERVATION EDUCATION.

"THE FCP WILL CALL FOR PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR THE PROTECTION OF OUR COUNTRY PARKS. IT WILL ALSO HELP CARRY OUT VARIOUS PROGRAMMES AND PROJECTS THROUGH FUND RAISING," HE SAID.

ALSO PRESENT AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE WERE THE DISTRICT GOVERNOR OF THE LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT 303, MR STEPHEN CHOW AND TVB'S DEPUTY MANAGER (VARIETY), MR LAI MAN-CHEUK.

--------0 -----------

DIRECTOR OF MARINE’S COMMENDATION

*****

SIXTEEN-YEAR-OLD SHEK LUI IS THE YOUNGEST RECIPIENT OF THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE’S COMMENDATION FOR BRAVERY AND PUBLIC SPIRITEDNESS FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS.

ON THE EVENING OF NOVEMBER 4 LAST YEAR, SHEK LUI, THEN 15, JUMPED INTO THE COLD WATER FROM THE TONG SHUI ROAD PUBLIC PIER TO RESCUE A DROWNING ELDERLY WOMAN.

TOGETHER WITH POLICE CONSTABLE TSANG CHI-BUN WHO RESPONDED TO A CALL FOR HELP AND ALSO JUMPED INTO THE SEA, SHEK LUI MANAGED TO RESCUE THE WOMAN FROM THE SEA.

UNFORTUNATELY, THE WOMAN DIED LATER.

THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR TONY MILLER, TODAY (MONDAY) PRESENTED HIS COMMENDATION TO SHEK LUI, POLICE CONSTABLE TSANG CHI-BUN AND 22 OTHER RECIPIENTS IN A CEREMONY AT THE MARINE DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS IN HARBOUR BUILDING, PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.

MR MILLER SAID: "IT IS SOMETIMES SAID THAT HONG KONG IS A CITY OF SELFISH PEOPLE, ONLY INTERESTED IN THEMSELVES AND THEIR IMMEDIATE FAMILIES.

"THE PRESENCE OF THESE BRAVE PEOPLE HERE TODAY, PARTICULARLY 16-YEAR-OLD SHEK LUI, IS A HEARTENING REMINDER THAT THIS IS UNTRUE. EACH ONE HAS RISKED HIS OWN LIFE TO SAVE A COMPLETE STRANGER FROM THE SEA. "

/OTHER RECIPIENTS .......

MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1992

OTHER RECIPIENTS OF THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE’S COMMENDATION ARE 17 STAFF MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG FERRY (HOLDINGS) COMPANY LIMITED.

THEY ARE MESSRS LO YAU-KAN, CHAN MO, MA LOI-SHING, LAW KAM-SHING, CHENG KUM-MUN, KWOK SAI-MING, LEUNG KAU, LO TAI-HE, LEUNG TIK-LUN, WONG CHEUNG, LEE KAM-MOON, LI KAN, WONG LAO, WONG TAI-YAU, SUNG CHIU-WAI, LAM YAU-FOOK AND LO KAU.

APART FROM POLICE CONSTABLE TSANG CHI-BUN, POLICE SERGEANTS CHAN SIU-KAI AND LEUNG KWAN-WAH, AND POLICE CONSTABLES KWAN WING-KWONG AND WONG WAI-MAN ALSO RECEIVED THE COMMENDATION.

THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE’S COMMENDATION HAS A HISTORY OF MORE THAN 30 YEARS OF HONOURING THE GALLANTRY OF PEOPLE WHO RESCUE OTHERS AT THE RISK OF THEIR OWN SAFETY.

-----o------

WATER CUTS IN KOWLOON EAST *****

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN WONG TAI SIN WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 PM ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 16) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE WASTE DETECTION WORK ON WATER MAINS.

THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL THE PREMISES AT LUNG CHEUNG ROAD, CHING TAK STREET, FUNG MO STREET AND WANG TAU HOM NORTH ROAD.

THESE PREMISES INCLUDE MORSE SWIMMING POOL, LUNG ON HOUSE AND LUNG LOK HOUSE OF LOWER WONG TAI SIN ESTATE AS WELL AS WANG HAU HOUSE, WANG CHIU HOUSE, WANG CHUNG HOUSE AND WANG LEUNG HOUSE OF WANG TAU HOM ESTATE.

OWING TO CONNECTION WORK ON WATER MAINS, SALT WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN KOWLOON EAST WILL ALSO GO OFF FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM ON WEDNESDAY.

THE AFFECTED AREAS INCLUDE LAM TIN ESTATE, HONG TIN COURT, HONG WAH COURT, HING TIN ESTATE, SAU MAU PING ESTATE, UNITED CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL, HONG NING ROAD TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA (THA) AND CHEUNG WO COURT.

ALSO AFFECTED WILL BE SHUN TIN ESTATE, SHUN ON ESTATE, SHUN LEE ESTATE, SHUN LEE TSUEN THA, CHOI WAN ESTATE, LOK WAH ESTATE, SHUN CHI COURT AND PREMISES AT KUNG LOK ROAD, HONG LEE ROAD AND HIU KWONG STREET.

-----o------

/Il ........

MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1992

WATER STORAGE FIGURE *****

STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 60.9 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 357.126 MILLION CUBIC METRES.

THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 207.886 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 35.5 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.

-----o------

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS

*****

$ MILLION

OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,480

REVERSAL OF LAF ,9n

BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 1,500

NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL

EFFECT OF LAF TODAY _70

CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT i iqn

LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 114 *+0.0* 14.12.92

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS •

TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD

1 WEEK 3.15 PCT 15 MONTHS 2402 5.50 100.35 5.25

1 MONTH 3.68 PCT 18 MONTHS 2405 5.50 100.24 5.39

3 MONTHS 4.01 PCT 21 MONTHS 2408 4.375 98.34 5.49

6 MONTHS 4.10 PCT 24 MONTHS 2411 4.625 98.39 5.59

12 MONTHS 4.80 PCT

TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 3.281MN

CLOSED 14 DECEMBER 1992

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1992

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT PLEDGES BETTER SERVICE ................ 1

HK - GUANGDONG TO CONTINUE ENVIRONMENTAL CO-OPERATION ON PROTECTION OF DEEP BAY AND ITS CATCHMENTS ...................... 3

COMPULSORY WEARING OF REAR SEAT BELTS FURTHER DISCUSSED ...... 4

SEX DISCRIMINATION NOT SERIOUS IN HK ......................... 5

UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS FOR AUGUST -OCTOBER ........................................................ 6

TWO LOTS OF GOVT LAND FETCH $148 MILLION ..................... 7

HK CONTRIBUTES TO CHINA'S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ............... 7

INT'L CONFERENCE FOR CHINESE AND ENGLISH TEACHERS ............ 9

ROYAL OBSERVATORY CALENDARS GO ON SALE ....................... H

HEARING TESTS FOR WORKERS .................................... 12

OVERSIZED STRUCTURES AT FISH CULTURE ZONES RECTIFIED ......... 12

LEGCO TO DEBATE WOMEN'S RIGHTS ............................... 14

ANTI-POLLUTION PROSECUTION CASES ............................. 15

TWO PRE-WAR BUILDINGS MAY BECOME DANGEROUS ................... 21

227 VM'S RETURN HOME TODAY ................................... 22

DTC LICENCE REVOKED .......................................... 22

ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN SAN PO KONG TO BE CLOSED ............... 22

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS ............ 23

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .. 24

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1992

1 IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT PLEDGES BETTER SERVICE ******

THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) ANNOUNCED THE SERVICES COVERED IN THE FIRST PHASE OF ITS PERFORMANCE PLEDGE PROGRAMME WHICH WILL START ON JANUARY 1.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE DEPARTMENT WAS PLEASED TO HAVE BEEN CHOSEN AS ONE OF THE FORERUNNERS FOR THE PROGRAMME.

"WE ARE CONSCIOUS OF THE NEED TO PROVIDE AN EFFICIENT AND COURTEOUS SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC.

"THIS HAS ALWAYS BEEN AN IMPORTANT PART TN DEPARTMENTAL PHILOSOPHY, ENSHRINED IN THE DEPARTMENT’S POLICY, PROCEDURES AND TRAINING," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

HE ADDED THAT STANDARDS OF VARIOUS SERVICES HAD BEEN SET OVER THE YEARS ALTHOUGH THEY WERE NOT PUBLICISED.

UNDER THE FIRST PHASE OF THE PROGRAMME, THE FOCUS IS ON SERVICES PROVIDED AT IMMIGRATION CONTROL POINTS, BIRTHS, DEATHS AND MARRIAGE REGISTRIES AND TELEPHONE ENQUIRY SERVICE.

"WE ARE ALSO ACTIVELY STUDYING OTHER AREAS THAT MAY BE INCLUDED IN THE NEXT PHASE OF THE PROGRAMME,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

FOLLOWING ARE DETAILS OF THE FIRST PHASE OF THE PERFORMANCE PLEDGES:

IMMIGRATION CLEARANCE AT CONTROL POINTS

THE AVERAGE CLEARANCE TIME AT IMMIGRATION CONTROL POINTS RANGES FROM 20 SECONDS TO 43 SECONDS FOR PERMANENT RESIDENTS AND 45 TO 90 SECONDS FOR VISITORS.

PASSENGERS WILL NOT NORMALLY HAVE TO WAIT FOR LONGER THAN 30 MINUTES FOR IMMIGRATION CLEARANCE. THIS STANDARD MAY NOT BE ACHIEVABLE DURING CERTAIN DAILY PEAK HOURS AND FESTIVE PERIODS. NEXT YEAR, THE DEPARTMENT ATMS TO (’LEAR 92 PER CENT OF TRAVELLERS WITHIN THE WAITING TIME OF 30 MINUTES.

REGISTRATION OF BIRTHS, DEATHS AND MARRIAGES

THE TIME REQUIRED FOR REGISTRATION OF BIRTH OR DEATH OR GIVING NOTICE OF MARRIAGE AT COUNTERS I .S WITHIN 30 MINUTES.

ISSUE OF A CERTIFIED COPY OF BIRTH, DEATH OR MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE TAKES 12 WORKING DAYS.

THE DEPARTMENT WILL POST AT EACH REGISTRY INFORMATION REGARDING ITS CAPACITY AND THE PROCESSING TIME FOR EACH TYPE OF SERVICE.

/”WE WISH ........

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1992

"WE WISH TO ADI) THAT OUR ABILITY TO MEET THE STANDARDS MAY BE AFFECTED BY UNEVEN ARRIVING PATTERN OF APPLICANTS, COMPARATIVE DEMANDS FOR. OTHER SERVICES PROVIDED IN THE REGISTRY, ACTUAL STAFF STRENGTH AND COMPLEXITY OF APPLICATIONS," THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.

"WE SHALL ALSO SEEK TO USE ELECTRONIC DEVICE AT THE REGISTRIES TO SHOW THE QUOTA POSITION AND WAITING TIME," HE ADDED.

TELEPHONE ENQUIRY SERVICE

THE INFORMATION OFFICE OFFERS TELEPHONE ENQUIRY SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC. THE ENQUIRY NUMBER 824 6111 CATERS FOR 40 INCOMING CALLS TO GET THROUGH AT THE SAME TIME.

THE CALLS ARE ANSWERED IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER BY A TEAM OF OFFICERS. DEPENDING ON THE NATURE OF ENQUIRY, THE OFFICERS MAY SWITCH A CALLER TO PRE-RECORDED MESSAGES WHI CH PROVIDE INFORMATION THE CALLER REQUIRES.

"ABOUT 5,000 CALLS ARE RECEIVED DAILY. OWING TO THE HIGH LEVEL OF DEMAND, MANY CALLS CANNOT GET THROUGH AND THE "ABANDONED RATE" IS AS HIGH AS 60 PER CENT," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

"THE DEPARTMENT IS CARRYING OUT A FEASIBILITY STUDY TO EXAMINE WAYS TO IMPROVE THE TELEPHONE ENQUIRY SERVICE," HE SAID.

IN SPITE OF ITS RESOURCE CONSTRAINT, THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT THE DEPARTMENT WAS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING EFFICIENT AND COURTEOUS SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC WHILE AT THE SAME TIME MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE I MM IGRATION CONTROL.

ON MONITORING, HE SAID: "WE WELCOME ANY COMMENTS OR SUGGESTIONS ON OUR SERVICES."

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO ARE NOT SATISFIED WITH THE SERVICES MAY ASK TO SEE THE OFFICER-IN-CHARGE.

THEY MAY ALSO NOTIFY THE CUSTOMER SERVICES UNIT ON 829 1141 OR 829 4142 OR WRITE TO CHIEF IMMIGRATION OFFICER (MANAGEMENT AUDIT) AT 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.

STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT DEALING WITH THE PUBLIC WILL IDENTIFY THEMSELVES BY NAME THROUGH A NAME BADGE OR A NAME PLATE.

THE DIRECTOR OF INMIGRATION WILL MONITOR THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THESE STANDARDS AND PUBLISH THE RESULTS EVERY YEAR.

THE DEPARTMENT IS CONSIDERING THE IDEA OF SETTING UP A USERS’ COMMITTEE TO MONITOR THE PLEDGES. DETAILS WILL BE WORKED OUT EARLY NEXT YEAR.

LEAFLETS CONTAINING DETAILS OF THE PERFORMANCE PLEDGES ARE AVAILABLE AT IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT INFORMATION OFFICE AND ALL BRANCH OFFICES FROM JANUARY 1.

--------0 ----------

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15,

1992

HK - GUANGDONG TO CONTINUE ENVIRONMENTAL CO-OPERATION ON PROTECTION OF DEEP BAY AND ITS CATCHMENTS t * * * *

GROUP, AGREED ISSUES

THE HONG KONG - GUANGDONG ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION LIAISON AT ITS THIRD MEETING IN HONG KONG ON DECEMBER 14 - 15, HAS

TO CONTINUE THEIR CO-OPERATION ON A NUMBER OF ENVIRONMENTAL OF COMMON INTEREST.

THE LIAISON GROUP DISCUSSED AND ENDORSED THE TECHNICAL REPORT COMPILED BY ITS TECHNICAL SUB-GROUP ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OF DEEP BAY AND ITS CATCHMENTS.

IT WAS AGREED THAT THE CO-OPERATION TO DEAL WITH THE POLLUTION PROBLEMS IN DEEP BAY SHOULD CONTINUE.

TO ACHIEVE THE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY OBJECTIVES FOR DEEP BAY, A SET OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION AND DEVELOPMENT CONTROL STRATEGIES WERE AGREED IN PRINCIPLE.

FURTHER DETAILS OF THE IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAMME WILL BE WORKED OUT BY THE TECHNICAL SUB-GROUP FOR THE PROPOSED ACTION PLANS THAT INCLUDE JOINT ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING WORK, AN IN-DEPTH STUDY TO DETERMINE THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENTAL CAPACITY OF DEEP BAY, BETTER COORDINATION TO IMPLEMENT THE DEVELOPMENT CONTROL STRATEGIES AND FURTHER STUDY OF THE OYSTER POLLUTION PROBLEMS.

STAFFING AND RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS OF THE ACTION ITEMS WILL BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN DRAWING UP THE IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAMME. ‘

THE LIAISON GROUP ALSO AGREED THAT BOTH SIDES SHOULD CONTINUE TO EXCHANGE INFORMATION ON ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES THAT WOULD BE OF MUTUAL INTEREST TO BOTH SIDES THROUGH THE ESTABLISHED LIAISON CHANNEL.

AT THE MEETING, THE GUANGDONG SIDE OF THE STRATEGIC SEWAGE DISPOSAL SCHEME.

WAS BRIEFED ON THE

PROGRESS

THE TWO-DAY MEETING WAS CO-CHAIRED ON THE GUANGDONG SIDE BY THE DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION BUREAU OF GUANGDONG PROVINCE, MR QIANG BINGHUAN AND ON THE HONG KONG SIDE BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON.

MEMBERS OF THE GUANGDONG DELEGATION INCLUDE THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF CONSTRUCTION COMMITTEE OF THE GUANGDONG PROVINCE, MR CHEN ZHIQUAN, THE DIRECTOR OF STATE OCEANIC ADMINISTRATION, SOUTH CHINA SEA BRANCH, MR LIANG SONG, ASSISTANT TO MAYOR OF SHENZHEN MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT, MR SUN ZHEN, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF AQUATIC PRODUCTS BUREAU OF GUANGDONG PROVINCE, MR DAI YONGREN, THE DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION BUREAU OF SHENZHEN CITY, MR CHEN TANGY 1 , THE GUANGDONG CHAIRMAN OF THE TECHNICAL SUB-GROUP, MR FAN JUNJUN, THE DEPUTY DIVISION CHIEF OF HONG KONG AND MACAO AFFAIRS DIVISION, OFFICE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF GUANGDONG PROVINCE, MR HU WEI, AND MISS LIANG HUIRONG OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION BUREAU OF GUANGDONG PROVINCE.

MEMBERS OF THE HK TEAM INCLUDE THE DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, DR STUART REED, THE DIRECTOR OF PLANNING, DR K S PUN AND THE DIRECTOR OF DRAINAGE SERVICES, MR SIU CHUEN AND REPRESENTATIVE OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT.

/4 ........

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1992

COMPULSORY WEARING OF REAR SEAT BELTS FURTHER DISCUSSED

*****

THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC) MET TODAY (TUESDAY) TO FURTHER DISCUSS THE FITTING AND WEARING OF REAR SEAT BELTS IN NEW PRIVATE CARS.

MEMBERS WERE ALSO INFORMED OF THE PERFORMANCE OF BUS OPERATORS AND THE PROGRESS OF THE CURRENT PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON THE TAXI POLICY REVIEW.

AT THE MEETING, MEMBERS ENDORSED A PROPOSAL TO INTRODUCE LEGISLATION WHICH WOULD MAKE FITTING AND WEARING OF REAR SEAT BELTS A STATUTORY REQUIREMENT IN ALL NEWLY REGISTERED PRIVATE CARS INCLUDING SEVEN-SEATERS.

THEY ALSO SUPPORTED THAT A SMALL CHILD SHOULD BE SECURED TO A RESTRAINER IN THE BACK SEAT JUST AS IT IS IN THE FRONT SEAT AT PRESENT IF HE IS NOT HELD IN THE ARMS OF AN ADULT.

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL REPORT BACK TO TAC AS TO THE APPROPRIATE AGE BELOW WHICH THE USE OF A CHILD RESTRAINER IS REQUIRED.

MEMBERS GENERALLY FELT THAT AS A LONG-TERM POLICY, THE USE OF REAR SEAT BELTS SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED IN AS MANY TYPES OF VEHICLES AS POSSIBLE.

HOWEVER, DUE TO PRACTICAL DIFFICULTIES, THEY AGREED THAT LEGISLATION AT THIS STAGE SHOULD ONLY COVER NEWLY REGISTERED PRIVATE CARS .

THE CURRENT PLAN IS TO ENACT THE NECESSARY LEGISLATION AND TO LAUNCH A PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN ON THE FITTING AND WEARING OF REAR SEAT BELTS IN JULY NEXT YEAR.

THERE WILL BE A 12-MONTH GRACE PERIOD BEFORE THE NEW STATUTORY REQUIREMENT COMES INTO EFFECT IN JULY 1994.

ON THE PERFORMANCE OF FRANCHISED BUS OPERATORS, MEMBERS WERE BRIEFED ON HOW THE KOWLOON MOTOR BUS, CHINA MOTOR BUS, NEW LANTAU BUS AND CITYBUS FARED DURING THE PERIOD OF JANUARY 1989 TO JUNE 1992 IN THE CONTEXT OF SERVICE AND SAFETY STANDARDS; CUSTOMER FEEDBACK AND LIAISON; FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE AND GENERAL MANAGEMENT.

MEMBERS GENERALLY FELT THAT THE FOUR FRANCHISED BUS COMPANIES SHOULD MAKE MORE EFFORTS TOWARDS ACHIEVING BETTER RELATIONSHIP WITH THEIR CUSTOMERS.

ON THE TAXI POLICY REVIEW, MEMBERS WERE TOLD THAT SINCE THE LAUNCHING OF THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION EXERCISE ON OCTOBER 30, A TOTAL OF 31 WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS AND 167 TELEPHONE CALLS HAD BEEN RECEIVED.

IN ADDITION, TAC MEMBERS HAD ATTENDED EIGHT DISTRICT BOARD/TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND FIVE RADIO AND TELEVISION INTERVIEWS IN THE PROCESS OF CANVASSING PUBLIC OPINION.

THE CONSULTATION WILL END ON FEBRUARY 28 NEXT YEAR.

--------o - - - -

/5 .........

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1992

SEX DISCRIMINATION NOT SERIOUS IN HK

*****

A WORKING GROUP CHAIRED BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER HAS FOUND THAT SEX DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT IS NOT A SERIOUS PROBLEM IN HONG KONG.

"AS THE LABOUR MARKET IS TIGHT AND THERE ARE FEW IMPEDIMENTS TO MOBILITY OF LABOUR, THERE IS LITTLE SCOPE FOR EMPLOYERS TO ADOPT DISCRIMINATORY EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES UNRELATED TO THE WORK CAPACITY OF EMPLOYEES", A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

HE ALSO SAID STATISTICS SHOWED THAT WAGE DIFFERENTIALS BETWEEN MEN AND WOMEN HAD PROGRESSIVELY NARROWED AS A RESULT OF ECONOMIC PROGRESS AND IMPROVEMENT IN EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES.

THE RATIO OF WOMEN’S MEDIAN INCOME TO MEN’S IS ABOUT 78 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH 69 PER CENT IN 1981.

THE CURRENT RATIO IS COMPARABLE TO THOSE IN WESTERN COUNTRIES, FOR EXAMPLE THE UNITED KINGDOM.

THE WORKING GROUP ALSO FOUND 'KHAT ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LEGISLATION MA^ OFFER AVENUES FOR REDRESS TO THOSE WHO HAVE SUFFERED DISCRIMINATION.

IT WOULD GIVE RISE TO RIGIDITIES IN EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES AND WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO ENFORCE.

NOTWITHSTANDING THESE FINDINGS, THE WORKING GROUP HAS RECOMMENDED THAT THE STATUS OF WOMEN IN SOCIETY SHOULD BE FURTHER EXPLORED THROUGH PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON A WIDE BASIS.

PENDING THE OUTCOME OF THE CONSULTATION, THE WORKING GROUP DOES NOT RECOMMEND THE EXTENSION OF THE CONVENTION ON THE ELIMINATION OF ALL FORMS OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN (CEDAW) TO HONG KONG.

"THE EXTENSION OF CEDAW TO HONG KONG WOULD REQUIRE THE ENACTMENT OF MAJOR ANTI-DI SCR 1 MI NAT I ON LEGISLATION IN HONG KONG, WHICH MAY GIVE RISE TO PROBLEMS IN THE EMPLOYMENT FIELD. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE BILL OF RIGHTS ORDINANCE HAS GONE A CONSIDERABLE WAY TOWARDS MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF CEDAW," THE SPOKEMAN SAID.

--------0------------

/6 ........

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1992

UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS FOR AUGUST - OCTOBER

*****

THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST TO OCTOBER WAS 2.0%, AND THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 1.8%, ACCORDING TO THE LATEST LABOUR FORCE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

THE PROVISIONAL SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE AND THE PROVISIONAL UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE FOR THE PERIOD SEPTEMBER TO NOVEMBER WERE BOTH 1.9%.

THE LATEST FIGURES SUGGEST THAT BOTH THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE REMAINED GENERALLY STABLE IN RECENT MONTHS.

DURING THE PERIOD AUGUST - OCTOBER, THE NUMBER OF UNEMPLOYED PERSONS, ADJUSTED FOR VARIATIONS IN THE NUMBER OF FIRST-TIME JOBSEEKERS, WAS ESTIMATED AT 56,700, WHILE THE NUMBER OF UNDEREMPLOYED PERSONS WAS ESTIMATED AT 51,300.

THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS WERE OBTAINED FROM A CONTINUAL GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

THE SURVEY FOR AUGUST - OCTOBER COVERED A QUARTERLY SAMPLE OF SOME 11,900 HOUSEHOLDS OR 41,100 PERSONS, SELECTED SCIENTIFICALLY TO REPRESENT THE LAND-BASED CIVILIAN NON-INSTITUTIONAL POPULATION IN HONG KONG.

RELEVANT DATA WAS OBTAINED BY INTERVIEWING EACH INDIVIDUAL MEMBER AGED 15 AND ABOVE IN THE HOUSEHOLDS SAMPLED.

TN THE SURVEY, THE DEFINITIONS USED IN MEASURING UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT FOLLOW CLOSELY THOSE RECOMMENDED BY THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION.

DETAILED ANALYSIS OF LABOUR. FORCE CHARACTERISTICS IS GIVEN IN THE REPORT ON THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY WHICH IS PUBLISHED QUARTERLY.

THE NEXT REPORT COVERING THE QUARTER ENDING SEPTEMBER WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE AROUND DECEMBER 28 AT $15.50 A COPY.

-----0------

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1992

TWO LOTS OF GOVT LAND FETCH $148 MILLION

*****

TWO LOTS OF GOVERNMENT LAND WERE SOLD FOR A TOTAL OF $148 MILLION IN A PUBLIC AUCTION BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON.

THE FIRST LOT IS LOCATED IN AREA 30A, SHEUNG SHUI , NEW TERRITORIES.

IT WAS BOUGHT BY SHELL FAIR REALTY LTD AT $109 MILLION WITH BIDDING OPENING AT $88 MILLION.

WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 5,871 SQUARE METRES, THE SITE IS INTENDED FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES (EXCLUDING ANY GODOWN FOR DANGEROUS GOODS).

ACCORDING TO THE BUILDING COVENANT, THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 17,613 SQUARE METRES ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 1996.

THE SECOND LOT IS LOCATED AT YIP CHEONG STREET, ON LOK TSUEN, FANLING, NEW TERRITORIES. IT WAS SOLD TO STAR1SE LTD AT $39 MILLION. BIDDING OPENED AT $33 MILLION.

THE LOT HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 2,935 SQUARE METRES AND IS EARMARKED FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES (EXCLUDING OFFENSIVE TRADE AND ANY GODOWN FOR DANGEROUS GOODS).

THE BUILDING COVENANT STIPULATES THAT THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 7,290 SQUARE METRES ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 1996.

OF THE GROSS FLOOR AREA, NOT LESS THAN 2,4 30 SQUARE ME’IRES OF GROSS FLOOR AREA BUILT SHALL BE USED AS MOTOR VEHICLE REPAIR WORKSHOP.

THE AUCTION WAS HELD IN THE THEATRE OF THE CITY HALL AND CONDUCTED BY GOVERNMENT LAND AGENT, MR ROGER NISSIM.

-----0 ------

HK CONTRIBUTES TO CHINA’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

*****

THE VERY CLOSE ECONOMIC RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA HAS PLACED HONG KONG IN A UNIQUE POSITION TO CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS CHINA’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WHILE FURTHERING ITS OWN.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MR RICKY FUNG, AT AN INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT PROMOTION SEMINAR IN OSAKA THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON.

MR FUNG SAID THE OPENING OF CHINA XS A MARKET AND A SOURCE OF LABOUR AND LAND FACILITATED THE FURTHER UPGRADING AND TRANSFORMATION OF HONG KONG’S OWN ECONOMY.

/’’OUTWARD PROCESSING .........

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1992

"OUTWARD PROCESSING ACTIVITIES IN CHINA HAVE HELPED ALLEVIATING SOME OF THE CONSTRAINTS ON INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG DUE TO SHORTAGE OF LAND AND LABOUR, AND ALLOW HONG KONG COMPANIES TO CONCENTRATE THEIR EFFORTS IN MARKETING AND DEVELOPING MORE CAPITAL INTENSIVE, HIGHER TECHNOLOGY, AND HIGHER VALUE-ADDED MANUFACTURING IN HONG KONG AND TO MOVE UP MARKET."

THE SHIFTING OF HONG KONG’S LABOUR INTENSIVE ASSEMBLY OPERATIONS INTO SOUTHERN CHINA HAS CREATED A STRONG DEMAND FOR HONG KONG TO BECOME A SUPPORT BASE NOT ONLY IN PROVIDING A VARIETY OF TECHNOLOGICAL SERVICES BUT ALSO IN THE SUPPLY OF MATERIALS, PARTS, COMPONENTS AND TOOLING, HE SAID.

MR FUNG SAID THE RELOCATION PROCESS HAD ALSO ENABLED HONG KONG MANUFACTURERS AND THEIR WORKFORCE TO CONCENTRATE ON THE MORE SKILL-INTENSIVE ACTIVITI ES LOCALLY, THEREBY CONTRIBUTING DIRECTLY TO THE SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT IN LABOUR PRODUCTIVITY.

"INVESTMENT IN PLANT AND MACHINERY INCREASED BY 17 PER CENT AND LABOUR PRODUCTIVITY BY 11 PER CENT LAST YEAR," HE SAID.

"THUS NOTWITHSTANDING THE CHANGES TO HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC STRUCTURE WHICH HAS SEEN A REDUCED SHARE OF MANUFACTURING TO THE GDP, THE ACTUAL VOLUME OF INDUSTRIAL OUTPUT HAS NOT DECLINED AND THERE STILL EXISTS A VERY STRONG INDUSTRIAL BASE IN HONG KONG," HE ADDED.

THE GEOGRAPHICAL ADVANTAGE OF HONG KONG AS A GATEWAY &ETWEEN CHINA AND OTHER ECONOMIES IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION WAS REFLECTED IN THE STARTLING GROWTH OF ITS RE-EXPORT TRADE.

"LAST YEAR, WE RE-EXPORTED GOODS VALUED AT $382.2 BILLION TO THE REGION.

"GROWTH IN THIS RE-EXPORT TRADE IN THE LAST DECADE AMOUNTED TO 31 PER CENT EACH YEAR AND SHOWS NO SIGNS OF ABATING," MR FUNG SAID.

ON DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE REGION, HE SAID THEY GREW AT AN AVERAGE ANNUAL RATE OF 14 PER CENT DURING THE LAST DECADE TO REACH A TOTAL OF $162.2 BILLION IN 1991.

THE TERRITORY’S IMPORTS FROM THE REGION WERE EQUALLY SIGNIFICANT, GROWING BY AN ANNUAL AVERAGE OF 18 PER CENT DURING THE LAST DECADE.

"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," MR FUNG SAID.

HONG KONG IS ALSO AN IMPORTANT LOCATION FOR FIRMS WITH AN INTEREST IN ASIA-PACIFIC.

"TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR EFFICIENT INFRASTRUCTURE AND CLOSE TIES WITHIN THE REGION, MANY ENTERPRISES CHOOSE TO SET UP THEIR REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS AND REPRESENTATIONAL OFFICES IN HONG KONG."

/AS AT ........

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1992

AS AT THE MIDDLE OF 1991, 890 COMPANIES HAD DONE SO.

AS FAR AS MANUFACTURING IS CONCERNED, TOTAL DIRECT INVESTMENTS IN HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY REACHED $34.3 BILLION AT THE END OF 1991.

JAPAN WAS THE LEADING SOURCE COUNTRY OF OVERSEAS INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT, ACCOUNTING FOR 32 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL VALUE.

’’THE UNITED STATES CAME SECOND WI TH 28 PER CENT, AND CHINA THIRD WITH 11 PER CENT,” HE SAID.

MR FUNG SAID HONG KONG’S STRATEGIC LOCATION IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION HAD HELPED HONG KONG TO PROSPER.

"GREATER ECONOMIC TIES WITH COUNTRIES IN THE REGION AND GREATER REGIONAL ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION WILL IN TURN CONTINUE TO GENERATE SUBSTANTIAL TRADE AND SUSTAIN GROWTH IN THE INDUSTRIAL AND SERVICE SECTORS.

"THIS CONDITION, COUPLED WITH INCREASING PER CAPITA INCOME AND PURCHASING POWER AS A RESULT OF GROWING AFFLUENCE, WILL PROVIDE GOOD INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN HONG KONG ITSELF.

"THE MOMENTUM OF HONG KONG’S PROGRESS WILL BE EXTENDED INTO THE NEXT CENTURY, CARRYING WITH IT MANY CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES," MR FUNG SAID.

--------0------------

INT’L CONFERENCE FOR CHINESE AND ENGLISH TEACHERS

******

THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON LANGUAGE AND CONTENT OFFERS A RARE OPPORTUNITY FOR CHINESE AND ENGLISH TEACHERS IO COME TOGE 1 HER TO SHARE INFORMATION AND EXPERIENCE AND TO EXPLORE ISSUES OF COMMON CONCERN ACROSS DIFFERENT EDUCATIONAL SYSTEMS AND CULTURAL CONTEXTS.

THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WONG, SAID THIS TODAY (TUESDAY) WHEN OPENING THE FOUR-DAY CONFERENCE ORGANISED BY THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE AND EDUCATION (ILE).

"THE CONFERENCE THIS YEAR BRINGS TOGETHER FROM AROUND THE WORLD TEACHERS OF CHINESE IN ITS VARIOUS SPOKEN AND WRITTEN FORMS, AND TEACHERS OF ENGLISH IN DIFFERENT VARIETIES,’’ HE SAID.

HONG KONG, MR WONG SAID, HAD MUCH TO LEARN FROM EXPER1ENCES IN OTHER EDUCATIONAL CONTEXTS AND MUCH TO CONTRIBUTE TO LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION DEBATE AT THIS TIME.

HE SAID HONG KONG WAS CHARTING NEW GROUND THROUGH:

* SETTING OUT A CONSISTENT MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION POLICE, WITH ADVICE BEING GIVEN BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO PARENTS ON WHAT IS CONSIDERED MOST EDUCATIONALLY APPROPRIATE FOR THEIR CHILDREN; AND

/* SEETING STANDARDS

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1992

* SETTING STANDARDS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF INDIVIDUAL LEARNING IN CHINESE, ENGLISH AND MATHEMATICS UNDER THE TARGETS AND TARGET-RELATED ASSESSMENT.

"THESE INITIATIVES FORM PART OF A CONCERTED GOVERNMENT EFFORT TO FURTHER IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION IN HONG KONG, WHICH HAS BEEN OUR CONTINUOUS TASK FOR MANY YEARS," MR WONG SAID.

HE ADDED THAT A MATURE STAGE OF EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT HAD BEEN REACHED - THERE WERE ENOUGH SCHOOL PLACES FOR NINE YEARS OF COMPULSORY EDUCATION FOR ALL, AND FOR 11 YEARS OF SCHOOL EDUCATION FOR NEARLY EVERYONE.

MR WONG SAID THE TARGET OF SIXTH FORM PLACES HAD ALMOST BEEN REACHED, AND TERTIARY EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES HAD INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY.

"BY 1994, AT LEAST 18 PER CENT OF OUR YOUNG PEOPLE OF APPROPRIATE AGE CAN ENTER TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS FOR FIRST DEGREE STUDIES, WITH ANOTHER SIX PER CENT STUDYING FOR NON-DEGREE COURSES," HE SAID.

HONG KONG, MR WONG ADDED, HAD MOVED AWAY FROM THE OLD EDUCATION SYSTEM DESIGNED TO PRODUCE A SMALL ELITE TO FILL POSITIONS OF LEADERSHIP, TOWARDS A SYSTEM DESIGNED TO SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO WORK TOWARDS QUALITY TARGETS AND TO REACH THE HIGHEST LEVELS OF ONE OWN CAPABILITY.

"THE WORLD TODAY SEEMS TO HAVE SHRUNK IN SIZE AS A RESULT OF TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS. GLOBALISATION OF INFORMATION, TRADE AND HUMAN CONTACTS HAS BROUGHT PEOPLE (LOSER TODAY.

"IT IS NOW NECESSARY FOR AS MANY OF US TO BE ABLE TO CROSS LOCAL, NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARIES IN ORDER TO REAP MOST OF THESE BENEFITS," HE SAID.

IN EACH OF THESE AREAS, MR WONG CONTINUED, LANGUAGE PLAYED A MAJOR ROLE AND THOSE ATTENDING THE CONFERENCE, AS LANGUAGE EDUCATORS, HAD AN IMPORTANT RESPONSIBILITY TO DISCHARGE.

HE SAID HE COULD UNDERSTAND WHY EDUCATION SYSTEMS AROUND THE WORLD WERE ALL TRYING AT THIS TIME TO COME TO TERMS WITH THE GLOBALISATION OF KNOWLEDGE, OF THE ECONOMY, AND OF HUMAN CONTACT ACROSS CULTURES AND VALUE SYSTEMS.

IT WAS NOT SURPRISING TO FIND THAT Illi SOLUTIONS BEING PROPOSED IN THE UNITED STATES, CANADA, EUROPE AND IN MANY PARTS OF ASIA, INCLUDING HONG KONG, WERE SIMILAR.

THEY INVOLVED DEVISING WAYS OF ENABLING STUDENTS TO:

* LEARN HOW TO LEARN;

t TO SEARCH OUT AND CONSTRUCT KNOWLEDGE;

* TO THINK LOGICALLY;

/* TO IDENTIFY ........

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1992

♦ TO IDENTIFY AND SOLVE PROBLEMS;

* TO DEVELOP CROSS-CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING AND TOLERANCE TOWARDS OTHERS;

* TO ENHANCE THEIR HUMANITY; AND

* TO COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY BOTH WITHIN THEIR OWN COMMUNITY AND ACROSS CULTURES.

’’LANGUAGE AND CURRICULUM CONTENTS ARE AT THE HEART OF THIS SHIFT OF EMPHASIS," HE SAID.

------0-------

ROYAL OBSERVATORY CALENDARS GO ON SALE * * * *

THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY HAS PUBLISHED A CALENDAR FOR 1993 WHICH CONTAINS CLIMATOLOGICAL INFORMATION AND DETAILS OF TIDES, SUNRISE AND SUNSET, MOONRISE AND MOONSET AND OTHER MAJOR ASTRONOMICAL EVENTS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE BILINGUAL CALENDAR HAD A STYLISH DESIGN AND WAS USEFUL FOR DISPLAY OR AS A SEASONAL GIFT.

IT IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, G.P.O. BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AND AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY HEADQUARTERS, 134A NATHAN ROAD, TSTM SHA TSUI, AT $54 A COPY.

NOTING THAT THE THEME WAS "METEOROLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER", THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT METEOROLOGY WAS A SPECIALISED SUBJECT ON AN ATMOSPHERE SHARED BY ALL HUMAN BEINGS.

"THEREFORE THERE SHOULD BE METEOROLOGY AND WORLD WIDE EFFORTS UNDERSTAND THE ATMOSPHERE," HE SAID.

NO NATIONAL BOUNDARIES IN

ARE REQUIRED TO MONITOR AND

THE THEME SERVES TO HIGHLIGHT THE INFORMATION AND TECHNOLOGY EXCHANGES THAT FREQUENTLY TAKE PLACE AMONG DIFFERENT COUNTRIES, PLACES AND LOCATIONS.

HE POINTED OUT THAT RECENT ADVANCES IN TECHNOLOGY HAD ENABLE THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW INSTRUMENTS TO MEASURE WEATHER PARAMETERS FROM A DISTANCE.

"LOW COST AND MINIATURISED ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS HAVE HELPED CONSIDERABLY IN THE AUTOMATION OF CONVENTIONAL METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.

"COMPUTERS HAVE BECOME MORE AND MORE POWERFUL, ENABLING THE COMPUTATION OF THE EVOLUTION OF THE ATMOSPHERE, PROVIDING VALUABLE GUIDELINES TO WEATHER FORECASTERS," HE SAID.

-----0------

/12 ........

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1992

HEARING TESTS FOR WORKERS ♦ * * *

FACTORY INSPECTORS OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND UNION REPRESENTATIVES TODAY (TUESDAY) LAUNCHED AN INDUSTRY-BASED HEARING CONSERVATION PROGRAMME AMONG WORKERS AT A TUEN MUN FACTORY.

THE PROGRAMME AIMS TO AROUSE THE AWARENESS OF INDUSTRIAL NOISE HAZARDS AMONG WORKERS AND TO PUBLICISE THE NEW ’’NOISE AT WORK” REGULATION WHICH WILL COME INTO OPERATION IN JULY NEXT YEAR.

DURING THE VISIT TO THE YKK HONG KONG LIMITED THIS MORNING, FACTORY INSPECTORS EXPLAINED TO THE MANAGEMENT AND WORKERS THEIR DUTIES UNDER THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (NOISE AT WORK) REGULATION.

UNDER THE NEW REGULATION, INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKING OWNERS ARE REQUIRED TO CONDUCT NOISE LEVEL ASSESSMENTS AND DEMARCATE AREAS AFFECTED BY EXCESSIVE NOISE AS EAR PROTECTION ZONES WHERE EMPLOYEES ATTENDING TO NOISY MACHINES ARE REQUIRED TO WEAR APPROVED EAR PROTECTORS.

FACTORY INSPECTORS ALSO CONDUCTED HEARING TESTS FOR WORKERS TO FIND OUT WHETHER THEY WERE SUFFERING FROM HEARING IMPAIRMENT CAUSED BY MACHINE NOISE.

LEAFLETS ON THE NEW REGULATION AND EAR PROTECTORS WERE DISTRIBUTED TO WORKERS.

THE PROGRAMME IS ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF TRADE UNIONS, WITH HELP FROM THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COUNCIL.

SIXTEEN ESTABLISHMENTS IN METAL, PLASTIC, TEXTILE, CONSTRUCTION, SHIPBUILDING AND REPAR I ING, CATERING AND PRINTING INDUSTRIES WILL TAKE PART TN THE PROGRAMME WHICH WILL LAST UNTIL APRIL.

OVERSIZED STRUCTURES AT FISH CULTURE ZONES RECTIFIED

*****

MEMBERS OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES (ACAF) WERE PLEASED TO NOTE AT A MEETING TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT ILLEGAL OR OVERSIZED STRUCTURES AT FISH CULTURE ZONES (FCZ) WOULD BE RECTIFIED IN A FEW MONTHS’ TIME.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT SAID THE ERECTION OF THESE STRUCTURES, IN SOME CASES AMOUNTING TO DOMESTIC’ DWELLINGS, HAD CAUSED ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS AND DREW COMPLAINTS.

THE DEPARTMENT HAD ISSUED NOTICES TO MARICULTURJ STS EARLIER IN THE YEAR INFORMING THEM THAT THEIR LICENCES WOULD ONLY BE RENEWED SUBJECT TO THEIR COMPLIANCE WITH ALL LICENSING CONDITIONS.

/"SINCE THE

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1992

’’SINCE THE ISSUE OF THE NOTICES, SIX MAR ICULTURI STS IN SHAM WAN AND YIM TIN TSAI FCZS WITH ILLEGAL OR OVERSIZED STRUCTURES HAD RECTIFIED THEIR RAFTS,” HE SAID.

’’WITH THE HELP OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD AND DISTRICT OFFICE, THE OTHER 31 MARICULTURI STS WITH THESE STRUCTURES HAD UNDERTAKEN TO RECTIFY THEIR STRUCTURES BEFORE THE END OF APRIL NEXT YEAR.”

ON AQUACULTURE, THE MEETING WAS INFORMED THAT A REPRESENTATIVE OF HONG KONG HAD BEEN ELECTED AS CHAIRMAN OF THE GOVERNING COUNCIL FOR 1992/93 OF THE NETWORK OF AQUACULTURE CENTRES IN ASIA-PACIFIC (NACA).

THE NACA IS AN INTER-GOVERNMENTAL BODY SET UP TO PROMOTE TECHNICAL CO-OPERATION IN AQUACULTURE AMONG MEMBER COUNTRIES OR TERRITORIES IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION.

IN A RECENT MEETING OF THE GOVERNING COUNCIL OF NACA HELD IN HONG KONG, REPRESENTATIVES OF OFFICE INTERNATIONAL DES EPIZOOTIES (OIE) HAD AGREED TO SUPPORT AND CO-OPERATE WITH NACA ON PROJECTS RELATING TO THE PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF FISH DISEASE.

HONG KONG WOULD STAND TO BENEFIT FROM THESE JOINT

PROJECTS IN

RESPECT OF INFORMATION ON THE

IMPACT OF WATER QUALITY ON FISH HEALTH.

ON THE CAPTURE FISHERIES SIDE, THAT FISHERMEN WOULD BE AFFECTED BY TERRITORY IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS.

ACAF MEMBERS WERE CONCERNED

DREDGING ACTIVITIES IN THE

AN OFFICER OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT REPORTED TO THE MEETING THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD CONDUCTED TWO REGISTRATION EXERCISES FOR FISHERMEM OF SMALL CRAFT WHO CLAIMED TO BE AFFECTED BY DREDGING AT TATHONG CHANNEL AND EAST OF TUNG LUNG CHAU AND BY DUMPING ACTIVITIES AT SOUTH OF CHEUNG CHAU.

THE EXERCISE CONNECTED WITH DREDGING ACTIVITIES HAD REGISTERED 1,300 VESSELS WHILE 319 CLAIMS WERE REGISTERED FOR THE ONE CONDUCTED ON SOUTH CHEUNG CHAU, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

’’THESE CLAIMS WERE BEING PROCESSED AND THE GOVERNMENT WAS REVIEWING THE PRESENT PROVISION OF EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES FOR THE AFFECTED FISHERMEN,” HE ADDED.

THE MEETING WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE MARINE BORROW AREAS

AT MIRS BAY AND WEST OF CHING CHAU HAD BEEN DE-GAZETTED IN VIEW OF

THE LIKELY ADVERSE IMPACT ON ENVIRONMENT AND FISHERIES.

ON THE RECEPTION OF WEATHER INFORMATION AT SEA, THE MEETING NOTED THAT UPON THE DEPARTMENT’S REQUEST, THE HR TELECOM INTERNATIONAL HAD INCREASED THE FREQUENCY OF WEATHER BROADCAST TO FISHERMEN AT SEA FROM TWO TIMES A DAY TO THREE TIMES DURING NORMAL WEATHER CONDITIONS AND FOUR TIMES DAILY DURING TYPHOON.

/REGARDING THE .......

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1992

REGARDING Till HOISTING OF DAYTIME TROPICAL CYCLONE AND STRONG MONSOON VISUAL SIGNALS AT THE CHEUNG CHAU METEOROLOGICAL STATION, THE MEETING WAS INFORMED THAT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY HAD AGREED TO RETAIN THE SERVICE FOR NEXT YEAR.

OTHER MATTERS DISCUSSED AT TODAY’S MEETING INCLUDED PROGRESS OF THE AGRICULTURAL LAND REHABILITATION SCHEME AND THE REVIEW OF THE LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL SCHEME.

-----0------

LEGCO TO DEBATE WOMEN’S RIGHTS * * * *

THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL DEBATE A MOTION ON THE UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON THE ELIMINATION OF ALL FORMS OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).

THE MOTION WILL BE PROPOSED BY THE HON EMILY LAU. THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER WILL MOVE AN AMENDMENT TO HER MOTION.

AT THE MEETING, THE HON TIK CHI-YUEN WILL RAISE AN ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE OBJECTIVE OF SCHOOL EDUCATION.

MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS SOME AMENDMENTS TO THE STANDING ORDERS OF THE COUNCIL.

THEY WILL ASK A TOTAL OF 20 QUESTIONS AND CONSIDER 10 BILLS.

OF THESE, FIVE WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. DEBATES ON THEM ARE DUE TO BE ADJOURNED.

THEY ARE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992, TELEPHONE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992, TELECOMMUNICATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992, HONG KONG EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992 AND THEFT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992.

DEBATES ON THE OTHER FIVE BILLS WILL BE RESUMED AND THEY ARE DUE TO GO THROUGH THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND BE GIVEN A THIRD READING.

THESE INCLUDE EXEMPTIONS FROM REGISTRATION AND TRANSFER OF POWERS (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) BILL, LORD WILSON HERITAGE TRUST BILL, COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1992, SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1992 AND OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES BILL.

IN ADDITION, THE CHIEF SECRETARY WILL TABLE THE ANNUAL ACCOUNTS OF THE HONG KONG HOUSING AUTHORITY FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31 THIS YEAR.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO OBSERVE THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE MEETING FROM THE PUBLIC GALLERIES. THEY MAY RESERVE SEATS BY CALLING 869 9492.

-----o------

/15 ........

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1992

ANTI-POLLUTION PROSECUTION CASES *****

THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) RELEASED A LIST OF COMPANIES THAT HAVE BEEN FOUND GUILTY IN THE COURTS DURING NOVEMBER OF BREACHING ANTI-POLLUTION LEGISLATION CURRENTLY ENFORCED BY THE DEPARTMENT.

SIMILAR ANNOUNCEMENTS WILL BE MADE MONTHLY.

AS THE LEGAL PROCEEDINGS COULD BE TIME CONSUMING, 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 DURING NOVEMBER:

NAME (COMPANY/ PERSON) ADDRESS DATE OF OFFENCE NATURE OF OFFENCE FINES($) RECORD OF OFFENCE COURT

1.WINGS PRINTING FACTORY TEXACO RD, TSUEN WAN 12.6.91- 28.10.91 APCO : UNAUTHORISED INSTALLATION OR ALTERATION OF FURNACES 4,000 1ST TSUEN WAN

2.TEAMFORD LTD CAMERON RD, TS1M SHA TSUI 2.7.91- 11.9.91 APCO : 2,800 1ST SOUTH KOWLOON

3.FAIRWAY LTD SHING WAN RD, TAI WAI 1.10.91- 31.10.91 APCO : 4,600 1ST h

4.VERY NICE FAST FOOD LTD CHEUNG YUE ST, CHEUNG SHA WAN 7.10.91- 23.12.91 APCO : 2,800 1ST KWUN TONG

5.CANSIN DEVELOPMENT LTD WONG CHUK HANG RD, ABERDEEN 13.12.91- 25.3.92 APCO : 1 ,400 1ST it

6 .SHUNING SHING LTD NATHAN RD, MONG KOK 28.3.92- 23.4.92 APCO : 2,600 1ST ti

7.CARRY STRONG DYEING FACTORY LTD HUNG TO RD, KWUN TONG 30.4.92 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 7,000 1ST •t

/8. SHUI YUEN ...........

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1992

8.SHUI YUEN FOODS MANAGEMENT LTD HANOI RD, TSIM SHA TSUI 1.5.92 NCO : 10,000 FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IN A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE 1ST SOUTH KOWLOON

9.LAMMA TRANSPORTATION CO. LTD (WASTE DISPOSAL CONTRACTOR) MAN CHEONG ST, YAU MA TEI 5.5.92 DASO : 5,000 PERMIT DUMPING OF ABOUT 10 CUBIC METRES OF STONY MATERIAL AT SEA OFFSHORE JORDON FERRY PIER WITHOUT A LICENCE 1ST EASTERN

10.YEUNG WING YIU (BARGE SAILOR) YING MING COURT, JUNK BAY 5.5.92 DASO : 5,000 DUMPING OF ABOUT 10 CUBIC METRES OF STONY MATERIAL AT SEA OFFSHORE JORDAN FERRY PIER WITHOUT A LICENCE 1ST EASTERN

11.LAU YU-KWAI AS WAN SAN FOOD FACTORY YAU TAM MEI , YUEN LONG 29.5.92 WPCO : 10,000 DISCHARGED POLLUTING MATTER IN DEEP WATER CONTROL ZONE 1ST FANLING

12.GAMMON CONSTRUCTION LTD TONG CHONG ST, QUARRY BAY 31.5.92 NCO : 10,000 CARRY OUT CONSTRUCTION WORK NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS IN A PERMIT 4TH EASTERN

13.LIE HUA-MING TONG CHONG ST, QUARRY BAY 31.5.92 NCO : 5,000 PERMIT CONSTRUCTTON WORK NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS IN A PERMIT 1ST

14.CHEVALIER (CONSTRUCTION) CO. LTD MA ON SHAN SHA TIN 31.5.92 NCO : 2,000 CARRY OUT CONSTRUCT JON WORK WITHOUT A VALID PERMIT 1ST SHATIN

/15. WONG CHAU- .........

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1992

15.WONG CHAU-SHING OF WONG SAN METAL WO LIN HANG RD, FO TAN 8.6.92 WPCO : 30,000 DISCHARGED POLLUTING MATTER IN THE TOLO HARBOUR AND CHANNEL WATER CONTROL ZONE 1ST SHATIN

16.LEUNG FAI GU1LDFORD I'D, THE PEAK 14.6.92 NCO : 10,000 CARRY OUT CONSTRUCTION WORK WITHOUT A VALID PERMIT 1ST WESTERN

17.CHAN HOI-CHUEN GUILDFORD RD, THE PEAK 14.6.92 NCO : 5,000 PERMIT CONSTRUCTION WORK WITHOUT A VALID PERMIT 1ST WESTERN

18.OLS INTERNATION- AL LTD GLOUCESTER RD, CAUSEWAY BAY 14.6.92 NCO : 5,000 CARRY OUT CONSTRUCTION WORK NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS IN A PERMIT 1ST EASTERN

19.CHAN SHIU GLOUCESTER RD, CAUSEWAY BAY 14.6.92 NCO : 3,000 PERMIT CONSTRUCTION WORK NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS IN A PERMIT 1ST i.

20.MAY JADE CO LTD TING FU ST, NGAU TAU KOK 17.6.92 NCO : 2,000 FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IN A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE 2ND KWUN TONG

21.UNICORN RESTAURANT (KOWLOON) LTD PRAT AVENUE, TSIM SHA TSUI 18.6.92 NCO : ” 12,000 1ST SOUTH KOWLOON

22. TO KAM-LAN YICK YUEN TSUEN, TUEN MUN 18.6.92 WDO : 1,000 CALLS ING LIQUID LIVESTOCK WASTE TO DISCHARGE INTO WATERCOURSE. 1ST TUEN MUN

/23. FRIEND-WILT

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1992

23.FRIENDWILL BLEACHING & DYEING FTY LTD KUNG YIP ST, KWAI CHUNG 19.6.92 APCO : 5,000 EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 1ST TSUEN WAN

24.CHEUK KIN TRADING LTD NATHAN RI), YAU MA TEI 22.6.92 NCO : 30,000 FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IN A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE 3RD SOUTH KOWLOON

25.YAU SANG ELECTROPLATE FACTORY LTD WAN YIP ST, YUEN LONG 26.6.92 WPCO : 20,000 DISCHARGED POLLUTING MATTER IN DEEP BAY WATER CONTROL ZONE 1ST FANLING

26.CHAN KWAN-YING SHANTUNG STREET, MONG KOK 4.7.92 NCO : 5,000 FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IN A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE 1ST NORTH KOWLOON

27.WING YIU IND. CO LTD KWAI FUNG CRESENT, KWAI CHUNG 8.7.92 APCO : 4,500 EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 1ST TSUEN WAN

28.TAK WAH RESTR. LTD TAM KUNG RD, TO KWA WAN 9.7.92 APCO : " 2,000 1ST SAN PO KONG

29.SEE SUN DYEING FINISHING FTY LTD KUNG YIP ST, KWAI CHUNG 10.7.92 APCO : ” 8,000 1ST TSUEN WAN

30.CHAN TAK-TSUNG AS HIP SHING ENAMEL PRODUCTS HUNG SHUI KIU, YUEN LONG 14.7.92 WPCO : 10,000 DISCHARGED POLLUTING MATTER IN DEEP BAY WATER CONTROL ZONE 1ST FANLING

31.CHOW KANG COMPANY LTD HUNG SHUI KIU, YUEN LONG 14.7.92 WPCO : ” 20,000 1ST If

/32. CHEUNG MOON- .........

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1992

32.CHEUNG MOON-WAH KING’S RD, 15.7.92 NORTH POINT NCO : FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IN A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE 10,000 2ND EASTERN

33.KOO KIEN-WOO CARPENTER RD, KOWLOON CITY 21.7.92 NCO : 3,000 1ST SAN PO KONG

34.JACKIE SHARK’S FIN CHIU CHOW RESTAURANT LTD CARNARVON RD, TSIM SHA TSUI 23.7.92 NCO : 20,000 1ST SOUTH KOWLOON

35.ON PO BLEACHING & DYEING FACTORY LTD PING CHE RD, FANLING 23.7.92 WPCO : 10,000 DISCHARGED POLLUTING MATTER IN DEEP BAY WATER CONTROL ZONE 1ST FANLING

36.TAI YU-MAN NAM CHEONG ESTATE, SHAM SHUI PO 24.7.92 NCO : 5,000 CARRY OUT CONSTRUCTION WORK NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH A CNP 1ST EASTERN

37.FIBRE CONCRETE LTD YUEN LONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, YUEN LONG 27.7.92 WPCO : 5,000 DISCHARGED POLLUTING MATTER IN DEEP BAY WATER CONTROL ZONE 1ST FANLING

38.SUN KOON RESTAURANT LAI YIP ST, KWUN TONG 27.7.92 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 3,000 1ST KWUN TONG

39.KWONG YAT-NAM ELGIN STREET, CENTRAL 28.7.92 NCO : FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IN A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE 2,000 2ND WESTERN

40.SURIN LTD QUEEN’S RD WEST, SAI YING PUN 28.7.92 NCO : 7,500 1ST WESTERN

/41. FRIEND-WILL ........

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1992

41.FRIENDWILL BLEACHING & DYEING FTY LTD KUNG YIP ST, KWAI CHUNG 14.8.92 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 5,000 2ND TSUEN WAN

42.EVERICH KNITTING FTY LTD KUNG YIP ST, KWAI CHUNG 3.9.92 APCO : FAILURE TO TAKE MEASURES TO ELIMINATE UNNECESSARY AIR POLLUTANT 4,500 1ST

43.K.H. FOUNDATIONS LTD KIMBERLEY RD, TSIM SHA TSUI 28.9.92 APCO : FAILURE TO ABATE AN AIR POLLUTANT NUISANCE (GENERAL) 3,000 1ST NORTH KOWLOON

NOTE:

APCO : AIR POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE

NCO : NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE

DASO : DUMPING AT SEA ACT 1974 (OVERSEAS TERRITORIES) ORDER

WPCO : WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE

WDO : WASTE DISPOSAL ORDINANCE

NOTE TO EDITORS:

ENQUIRIES ON SPECIFIC CASES CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICERS:

1975

FOLLOWING

APCO : MR FRANKLIN CHUNG TEL 594 6200

NCO : MR STEVEN HO TEL 594 6 500

WPCO : CASE 11,25 DR 30, 31, 35 AND 3 7 ELLEN CHAN TEL 650 6955

CASE 15 DR MICHAEL CHIU TEL 4 17 4101

DASO : MR PATRICK LEI TEL 755 3553

WDO : DR M J BROOM TEL 685 1 133

HOWEVER, ENQUIRIES ON GENERAL ISSUES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE DEPARTMENT'S MEDIA RELATIONS SECTION.

--------0----------

/21 ........

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1992

TWO PRE-WAR BUILDINGS MAY BECOME DANGEROUS

*****

THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TODAY (TUESDAY) DECLARED THE PRE-WAR BUILDINGS AT 1 AND 2 KI LING LANE, WESTERN, LIABLE TO BECOME DANGEROUS.

IN A STATEMENT, THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR SAID THE BUILDINGS HAD LOAD-BEARING BRICK AND STONE WALLS AS WELL AS TIMBER ELOOR AND ROOF JOISTS.

THE REINFORCED CONCRETE FLOORS OF THE BALCONIES AND KITCHENS WERE SHOWING SIGNS OF DILAPIDATION WITH SPALLED CONCRETE.

THE BUILDINGS HAD BEEN UNDER INVESTIGATION FOR SEVERAL MONTHS AND THE OVERALL CONDITION OF THE STRUCTURAL TIMBER MEMBERS WAS FOUND TO BE POOR WITH SUBSTANTIAL NUMBER OF DEFECTIVE TIMBERS ON THE ROOFS OF BOTH BUILDINGS AND ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF 2 KI LING LANE.

IN ADDITION, CRACKS HAD BEEN FOUND IN THE LOAD-BEARING WALLS AT THE JUNCTION OF THE FRONT EXTERNAL WALL WITH THE PARTY WALL BETWEEN 1 AND 2 OF THE LANE.

THE EXTENT OF THE DEFECTIVE STRUCTURAL TIMBER MEMBERS OF THE TWO BUILDINGS GIVES RISE TO CONCERN FOR THE SAFETY OF THE OCCUPANTS, PARTICULARLY IN VIEW OF THE EARLIER COLLAPSE OF THE ROOF AT 4 KI LING LANE WHICH WAS SUBSEQUENTLY CLOSED FOR DEMOLITION TOGETHER WITH 3.

IN VIEW OF THE GENERAL CONDITION AND AGE OF THE BUILDING AT 2 KI LING LANE AND THE NATURE AND EXTENT OF WORKS REQUIRED TO RENDER IT SAFE, IT IS CONSIDERED UNECONOMICAL TO CARRY OUT REPAIR WORKS.

THE BUILDING SHOULD BE CLOSED AND DEMOLISHED.

GIVEN ITS GENERAL CONDITION AND AGE, 1 KI LING LANE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO WITHSTAND THE DEMOLITION OF 2 AND THUS IT TOO SHOULD BE CLOSED AND DEMOLISHED.

NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS IN THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON JANUARY 15 NEXT YEAR AND ORDERS FOR THE DEMOLITION OF THE BUILDINGS WERE POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY.

-----o------

/22 ........

TUESDAY* DECEMBER 15. 1992

- 22 -

227 VM’S RETURN HOME. TODAY

I ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

A GROUP OF 227 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (TUESDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE UNHCR'S VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME.

COMPRISING 111 MEN, 54 WOMEN, 40 BOYS AND 22 GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 138TH BATCH TO GO HACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.

THIS GROUP BROUGHT TO 11,866 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAVE RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 25,846 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN MARCH 1989.

- - - - U - - - •

DTC LICENCE REVOKED

I ♦ ♦ * *

THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE REGISTRATION OF KYOWA FINANCE (HONG KONG) LIMITED AS A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY HAS BEEN REVOKED AT THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS TODAY AT ITS OWN REQUEST UNDER SECTION 31(2) OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE.

- - - - 0 - - - -

ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN SAN PO KONG TO BE CLOSED ♦ * ♦ ♦ *

THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE THE UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS AT A BUILDING IN SAN PO KONG SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPANTS AND THE PUBLIC.

THE UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS ARE AT THE GROUND FLOOR EXIT-ROUTE OF SAN PO KONG MANSION IN YIN HING STREET, SAN PO KONG.

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON FEBRUARY 16 NEXT YEAR WAS POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY (TUESDAY).

IT IS EXPECTED THAT DEMOLITION WORKS WILL START ONCE THE CLOSURE ORDER IS ISSUED.

. ... o - - - -

/23 ........

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1992

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS *****

TENDER DATE PAPER ON OFFER ISSUE NUMBER AMOUNT APPLIED AMOUNT ALLOTTED '■S. AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED PRO RATA RATIO 15 DECEMBER 92 EF BILLS Q251 HKD 2.490MN HKD 800MN 4.08 PCT 4.10 PCT ABOUT 50 PCT

AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 4.13 PCT

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

TENDERS TO BE HELD IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 21 DECEMBER 1992 -

TENDER DATE 22 DECEMBER 92 22 DECEMBER 92

PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS

ISSUE NUMBER Q252 H280

ISSUE DATE 23 DECEMBER 92 23 DECEMBER 92

MATURITY DATE 24 MARCH 93 23 JUNE 93

TENOR 91 DAYS 182 DAYS

AMOUNT ON OFFER HK$800 + 160 MN HKS300 + 60 MN

--------o-----------

/24 .......

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1992

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****

$ MILLION

OPENING BALANCE TN THE ACCOUNT

REVERSAL OF LAF

BALANCE AFTER REVERSL OF LAF

NET INJECTION/WJTHDRAWAL TODAY

EFFECT OF LAF TODAY

CLOSING BALANCE TN THE ACCOUNT

LAF RATE 2.00 BlD/4.00 OFFER TWI

1,430

4-70

1,500

NIL

1,500

1 14.30 * + 0.3* 15.12. 1992

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

EF TERMS BILLS HONG KONG COUPON GOVERNMENT BONDS

YIELD TERM ISSUE PRICE YIELD

1 WEEK 3.06 PCT 15 MONTHS 2402 5.50 100.38 5.22

1 MONTH 3.6-1 PCT 18 MONTHS 2405 5.50 100.31 5.34

3 MONTHS 4.04 PCT 21 MONTHS 2408 4.375 98.36 5.48

6 MONTHS 4.12 PCT 24 MONTHS 24 11 4.625 98.39 5.59

12 MONTHS 4.SO PCT

TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 2,060 MN

CLOSED 15 DECEMBER 1992

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1992

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING;

PUBLIC TO BE CONSULTED ON EXTENT OF SEX DISCRIMINATION TN HK .......................................................... 1

SCA ON WOMEN'S RIGHTS ......................................... 3

SEM ON EDUCATION OBJECTIVE .................................... 5

VEHICLE THIEVES TO FACE HEAVIER PENALTY ...................... 7.

GOVT SETS FOR PRO-COMPETITIVE TELECOMS POLICY ................. 8

INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES (AMENDMENT) BILL INTRODUCED ................................................. 10

CHANGES PROPOSED FOR EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY COMPOSITION ... 11

GOVERNOR TO MEET LEGCO MEMBERS ............................... 11

GOVT COMMITTED TO ACHIEVING AIR QUALITY OBJECTIVES ........... 12

LEGAL AID SERVICES UNDER REVIEW .............................. 12

INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL SHOULD BE MORE PROACTIVE .. 13

OPERATION OF NON-FRANCHISED BUS SERVICE ...................... 13

CHANGE TO PUBLIC ATTITUDE TOWARDS ORGAN DONATION NEEDED ... 14

SPECIAL SECURITIES LEVY PROPOSED TO BE WITHDRAWN ............. 15

NO HAEMOPHILIACS CONTRACT HIV AT PUBLIC HOSPITALS ............ 15

PORK CONSUMERS ASSURED OF SAFETY ............................. 16

MEASURES TO DEAL. WITH JUVENILE CRIME OUTLINED ............... 17

/FUEL GAS .......

FUEL GAS MARKET COMPETITIVE ...........-..................... 17

PLANS IN HAND TO KEEP MA WAN CHANNEL SAFE ................... 18

FAIR AND EQUITABLE ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR VOTERS ACHIEVED ................................................... 19

WORK ACCIDENTS IDENTIFIED EFFECTIVELY ....................... 21

AMPLE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR SCHOOL DROP-OUTS ........ 21

ACCESS TO CLASSIFIED RECORDS BEING STUDIED .................. 22

EDUCATION QUALITY OF KINDERGARTENS CLOSELY MONITORED ........ 23

EXPENDITURE ON SPONSORED VISITORS UNDER CLOSE MONITORING .. 23

MORE THAN 20,000 OPT FOR HOSPITAL AUTHORITY PAY PACKAGE ... 24

950 PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS IN 1991/92 ........................ 25

ACTION AGAINST DOG-KEEPING TN PUBLIC HOUSING ................ 25

MOTION ON WOMEN'S RIGHTS PASSED ............................. 26

ELECTION PROPOSALS WILL BE FORTHCOMING: GOVERNOR ............... 27

GOVERNOR VISITS KWAI TSING ..................................... 27

ESTABLISHMENT OF OFFICE OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY ........ 28

NEGOTIATIONS ON CT9 CONTINUING ................................. 29

APPLICATIONS FOR BN(O) PASSPORTS ............................... 30

GOVT TO MAINTAIN HK'S RECORD OF ACHIEVEMENT .................... 31

NEW POST OFFICE OPENS TN TIN SHUT WAT .......................... 32

STREET SLEEPERS HAVE A WARM NIGHT .............................. 32

SALT WATER CUT IN SOUTH KOWLOON ................................ 33

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ..

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1992

PUBLIC TO BE CONSULTED ON EXTENT OF SEX DISCRIMINATION IN HK *****

THE GOVERNMENT HAS WITHDRAWN ITS AMENDMENT TO A MOTION BY LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, THE HON EMILY LAU, TO EXTEND TO HONG KONG THE UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON THE ELIMINATION OF ALL FORMS OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN (CEDAW).

STATING THIS DURING THE MOTION DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TONIGHT (WEDNESDAY), THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MISS CHRISTINE CHOW, SAID IN SUGGESTING THE AMENDMENT, THE ADMINISTRATION’S ORIGINAL INTENTION WAS TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT IT WISHED TO CONSULT THE PUBLIC ON THIS IMPORTANT SUBJECT.

"ON REFLECTION, WE DO NOT CONSIDER IT NECESSARY TO MAKE AN ISSUE OVER THE PRINCIPLE OF CONSULTATION," MISS CHOW SAID.

SHE SAID THE EXTENSION OF CEDAW TO HONG KONG WOULD NOT, BY ITSELF, BRING ABOUT GENUINE IMPROVEMENTS UNLESS THERE WAS A WIDE SUPPORT IN THE COMMUNITY FOR SUCH ACTION.

IN THIS RESPECT, THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO CONSULT THE PUBLIC SOME TIME NEXT YEAR IN THE FORM OF A GREEN PAPER ON THE NEED FOR ACTION TO ENSURE EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR MEN AND WOMEN IN SOCIETY.

THE DOCUMENT WILL EXPLAIN THE IMPLICATIONS OF EXTENDING CEDAW TO HONG KONG AND THE NATURE OF THE OBLIGATIONS ARISING.

IT WILL ALSO SEEK THE COMMUNITY’S VIEWS ON THE PERCEIVED EXTENT OF SEX DISCRIMINATION IN HONG KONG AND THE NEED TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE.

MISS CHOW TOLD THE COUNCIL THAT THE EXTENSION OF CEDAW TO HONG KONG WOULD GIVE RISE TO SUBSTANTIAL NEW OBLIGATIONS, THE FIRST AND FOREMOST OF WHICH WAS THE REQUIREMENT TO ENACT LEGISLATION AGAINST SEX DISCRIMINATION, INCLUDING IN PARTICULAR EQUAL PAY LEGISLATION.

"SUCH LEGISLATION WOULD HAVE TO APPLY TO BOTH THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTIONS," SHE SAID.

"THIS WOULD INVOLVE A HIGH DEGREE OF GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION IN THE CONDUCT OF RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS ACROSS A WIDE RANGE OF AREAS."

TO CITE AN EXAMPLE OF WHAT THIS MIGHT ENTAIL, MISS CHOW SAID THE UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT, IN SIGNING AND RATIFYING THE CONVENTION, HAD FOUND IT NECESSARY TO ENTER A LARGE NUMBER OF RESERVATIONS COVERING SUCH DIVERSE AREAS AS IMMIGRATION, NATIONALITY, EMPLOYMENT, SOCIAL SECURITY, TAXATION AND THE ADOPTION AND CUSTODY OF CHILDREN.

SECONDLY, MISS CHOW SAID, LEGISLATION NEEDED TO BE ENFORCED IF IT WAS TO BE EFFECTIVE.

BUT THIS IS NOT ALWAYS EASY TN THE CASE OF SEX DISCRIMINATION LEGISLATION SINCE OBJECTIVE EVIDENCE IS LIKELY TO BE DIFFICULT TO ADDUCE IN MANY CASES.

/FOR EXAMPLE .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1992

FOR EXAMPLE, AN EMPLOYEE WHO HAS LOST OUT IN A PROMOTION EXERCISE MAY COMPLAIN OF SEX DISCRIMINATION WHILE THE EMPLOYER MAY ARGUE THAT THE DECISION HAS BEEN BASED SOLELY ON MERIT.

"A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF SUBJECTIVE JUDGEMENT IS LIKELY TO BE INVOLVED ON BOTH SIDES, AND IT WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO ASCERTAIN WHICH PARTY IS AT FAULT.

’’THE RESOURCES REQUIRED TO ADJUDICATE DISPUTES COULD THEREFORE BE CONSIDERABLE.”

MISS CHOW ALSO CONSIDERED THAT IT WAS DEBATABLE THAT THE EXTENSION OF CEDAW AND THE ENACTMENT OF LEGISLATION WERE THE BEST WAYS TO ELIMINATE SEX DISCRIMINATION.

ACCORDING TO STATISTICS IN THE 1991 CENSUS, THE RATIO OF WOMEN’S MEDIAN HOURLY INCOME TO MEN’S IN HONG KONG IS CURRENTLY ABOUT 80 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE RATIO OF 77 PER CENT ATTAINED IN THE UNITED KINGDOM WHERE THE SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT HAS BEEN IN FORCE FOR 17 YEARS.

THE INTER-DEPARTMENTAL WORKING GROUP SET UP BY THE GOVERNMENT IN MARCH THIS YEAR TO EXAMINE THE QUESTION OF SEX DISCRIMINATION HAS ALSO FOUND THAT, WHILE WAGE AND OTHER DIFFERENTIALS DO STILL EXIST BETWEEN MEN AND WOMEN, THESE HAVE NARROWED SIGNIFICANTLY IN RECENT YEARS AND THE PROBLEM IS NOT PARTICULARLY SERIOUS.

’’INDEED, GIVEN THE TIGHT LABOUR MARKET AND HIGH LABOUR MOBILITY, THERE IS LITTLE SCOPE FOR EMPLOYERS TO ADOPT DISCRIMINATORY EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES UNRELATED TO THE WORK CAPACITY OF THE EMPLOYEES," MISS CHOW SAID.

SHE WAS PLEASED TO NOTE THAT THE PERCENTAGE OF WOMEN EMPLOYED AS MANAGERS AND ADMINISTRATORS INCREASED FROM 0.8 PER CENT OF THE FEMALE WORKING POPULATION IN 1981 TO 2.8 PER CENT IN 1991, AND THAT OF WOMEN PROFESSIONALS AND ASSOCIATE PROFESSIONALS ALSO INCREASED FROM 6.7 PER CENT TO 15 PER CENT OVER THE SAME PERIOD.

"WE EXPECT THESE TRENDS TO CONTINUE AS MORE AND MORE WOMEN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES THEY ENJOY AND MOVE INTO JOBS ONCE STEREOTYPED AS BEING FOR MEN ONLY.

"THIS HAS HAPPENED EVEN IF CEDAW HAS NOT BEEN EXTENDED TO THIS TERRITORY.

"CONVERSELY, THE POSITION OF WOMEN IN MANY COUNTRIES WHICH ARE PARTIES TO CEDAW, AND WHICH HAVE ENACTED SOME FORM OF SEX DISCRIMINATION LEGISLATION, IS NOT NECESSARILY BETTER THAN THAT IN HONG KONG," MISS CHOW ADDED.

--------0-----------

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1992

SCA ON WOMEN’S RIGHTS

* * * *

FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THE SPEECH BY SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SZE, WHEN WINDING UP THE MOTION DEBATE ON "CEDAW" IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TONIGHT (WEDNESDAY):

MR DEPUTY PRESIDENT,

TODAY’S DEBATE IS A WELCOME OPPORTUNITY FOR THE ADMINISTRATION TO HEAR VIEWS OF HONOURABLE MEMBERS ON THE COMPLEX ISSUE OF WOMEN’S RIGHTS. ALTHOUGH THE ADMINISTRATION HAS HAD A REGULAR DIALOGUE WITH SOME WOMEN’S GROUPS ON THE QUESTION OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN, WE HAVE YET TO HEAR MUCH FROM OTHER SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY ON THIS VERY IMPORTANT ISSUE. I HOPE THIS DEBATE, WHATEVER THE OUTCOME, WOULD ASSIST IN RAISING PUBLIC AWARENESS ON THIS ISSUE AND RESULT IN THE EMERGENCE OF A WIDER SPECTRUM OF PUBLIC OPINION.

AS REGARDS THE ADMINISTRATION’S VIEWS, LET ME START BY REPEATING WHAT MY COLLEAGUE THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER HAS SAID AT THE BEGINNING OF THIS DEBATE, WHICH IS THAT THE ADMINISTRATION SUBSCRIBES TO THE PRINCIPLE OF EQUALITY OF THE SEXES. CEDAW IS BUT ONE OF THE MEANS OF ACHIEVING THIS. THE ADMINISTRATION, HOWEVER, HAS SERIOUS DOUBTS AS TO WHETHER IT IS THE BEST OR THE MOST EFFECTIVE INSTRUMENT IN ACHIEVING THE OBJECT OF ELIMINATION OF ALL FORMS OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN.

AS THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER HAS EXPLAINED IN SOME DETAIL, THE EXTENSION OF CEDAW WOULD REQUIRE THE ENACTMENT OF LEGISLATION AGAINST SEX DISCRIMINATION APPLICABLE TO BOTH THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS. SUCH LEGISLATION WOULD HAVE TO COVER A WIDE RANGE OF AREAS, AS CEDAW ITSELF STIPULATES STANDARDS IN A WIDE RANGE OF AREAS - ALMOST ALL ASPECTS OF LIFE. IT WOULD INVOLVE A HIGH DEGREE OF GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION IN THE OPERATION OF THE LABOUR MARKET AND GIVE RISE TO RIGIDITIES IN EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES.

MEMBERS ARE AWARE THAT IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO EXERCISE MINIMUM INTERVENTION IN THE LABOUR MARKET AND THAT THIS HAS WORKED WELL FOR HONG KONG AS A WHOLE. THE GOVERNMENT WOULD HESITATE, WITHOUT WIDE CONSULTATION, TO DEPART FROM THE NONINTERVENTIONIST POLICY AND TAKE THE MAJOR STEP OF INTRODUCING ANTIDISCRIMINATION OR EQUAL PAY LEGISLATION AFFECTING THE PRIVATE SECTOR.

MR DEPUTY PRESIDENT, WE WOULD ASK OURSELVES WHETHER THE EXTENSION OF CEDAW, GIVEN ITS FAR-REACHING WIDE IMPLICATIONS, IS PRACTICABLE AND DESIRABLE AT THIS STAGE. IS SEX DISCRIMINATION A SERIOUS PROBLEM IN HONG KONG? IS CEDAW THE ONLY WAY, OR AN EFFECTIVE ONE AT THAT, TO IMPROVING THE LOT OF WOMEN IN SOCIETY? WE HAVE NO CLEAR-CUT ANSWERS TO THESE QUESTIONS YET. THE WORKING GROUP CHAIRED BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER HAS FOUND NO EVIDENCE TO SUGGEST THAT SEX DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT IS A SERIOUS OR WIDESPREAD PROBLEM. IT IS ALSO QUESTIONABLE WHETHER THE STATUS OF WOMEN IN SOME OTHER COUNTRIES WHICH ARE PARTIES TO CEDAW IS HIGHER THAN THAT OF WOMEN IN HONG KONG.

/BEFORE WE .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 19?2

BEFORE WE HAVE SORTED OUT THE ABOVE PROBLEMS AND ARE ABLE TO CONCLUDE THAT THERE ARE OVERALL PRACTICAL BENEFITS TO BE GAINED FROM THE EXTENSION OF CEDAW TO HONG KONG, IT WOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO RECOMMEND THAT CEDAW BE EXTENDED FORTHWITH. ELIMINATION OF DISCRIMINATION IN ITSELF IS A GOOD THING AND IT IS DIFFICULT FOR ANYBODY NOT TO SUPPORT IT. HOWEVER, SUPPORT FOR ELIMINATION OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN IS NOT THE SAME THING AS ACCEDING TO CEDAW.

WE WOULD LIKE TO ASCERTAIN WIDE PUBLIC VIEWS ON THE WHOLE QUESTION OF THE STATUS OF WOMEN IN SOCIETY, AND WOULD LIKE TO INCLUDE DIFFERENT SECTORS AND INTEREST GROUPS IN THE COMMUNITY IN OUR CONSULTATION. WE THEREFORE RECOMMEND THAT A GREEN PAPER EXERCISE SHOULD BE UNDERTAKEN. ON ISSUES WHICH INCLUDE BUT ARE WIDER THAN JUST THE QUESTION OF EXTENSION OF CEDAW TO HONG KONG.

BEFORE I CONCLUDE, I WOULD LIKE TO RESPOND TO SOME OF THE POINTS MADE BY MEMBERS. THE QUESTION OF THE SO-CALLED DISCRIMINATORY PRACTICES IN THE AREA OF SUCCESSION AND ELECTORAL RIGHTS APPLICABLE TO THE NEW TERRITORIES IS NOT AN ISSUE IN OUR CONSIDERATION OF WHETHER CEDAW SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO HONG KONG. TO THE EXTENT THAT THEY ARE BASED ON LAW, THEY FALL UNDER THE REMAINS OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS ORDINANCE. THIS IS, OF COURSE, NOT TO SAY THAT THEY ARE INCOMPATIBLE WITH THE BILL OF RIGHTS. INDEED, THE ADMINISTRATION HAS EXPLAINED ON PREVIOUS OCCASIONS IN THIS COUNCIL THAT WE DID NOT BELIEVE SO. IT IS SIMPLY THAT THEY ARE NOT ISSUES AFFECTING OUR CONSIDERATION OF THE CEDAW QUESTION.

MR DEPUTY PRESIDENT, IT SHOULD BE OBVIOUS FROM WHAT MY COLLEAGUE THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER AND I SAID THAT THE ADMINISTRATION DOUBTS THE WISDOM OF EXTENDING CEDAW TO HONG KONG FOREWITH. THE ADMINISTRATION IS THEREFORE NOT ABLE TO SUPPORT THE HON EMILY LAU’S MOTION. BUT AS WE HAVE REPEATEDLY SAID WE DID NOT TAKE ISSUE WITH THE PRINCIPLE OF EQUALITY BETWEEN WOMEN AND MEN. HOWEVER, LEST THAT THERE SHOULD BE ANY MISUNDERSTANDING ABOUT MY SYMPATHIES ARISING FROM THE HONOURABLE MR MARTIN LEE’S REMARKS, I WISH TO MAKE CLEAR THAT I CERTAINLY SYMPATHISE WITH THE WELL-MEANING OBJECTIVES OF THOSE WHO ADVOCATE EXTENSION OF CEDAW TO HONG KONG.

MR DEPUTY PRESIDENT, WE DO NOT THEREFORE WISH TO TAKE A POSITION WHICH MIGHT BE CONSTRUE AS THE ADMINISTRATION OPPOSING THE ELIMINATION OF ALL FORMS OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN. THE EX-OFFCIO MEMBERS WILL THEREFORE ABSTAIN FROM VOTING.

--------0-----------

/5.........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1992

SEM ON EDUCATION OBJECTIVE ♦ * * *

FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THE SPEECH BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MISS CHRISTINE K T CHOW, WHEN WINDING UP AN ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE OBJECTIVE OF SCHOOL EDUCATION TONIGHT (WEDNESDAY):

MR DEPUTY PRESIDENT,

INTRODUCTION

TODAY’S DEBATE HAS MADE AN IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTION TO THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION EXERCISE ON THE EDUCATION COMMISSION’S DRAFT STATEMENT OF AIMS FOR SCHOOL EDUCATION. I HAVE TAKEN CAREFUL NOTE OF THEIR VIEWS AND WILL CONVEY THEM TO THE COMMISSION. THE COMMISSION WILL TAKE FULL ACCOUNT OF THESE VIEWS, AS WELL AS THOSE RECEIVED FROM THE EDUCATION AND OTHER SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY DURING THE CONSULTATION EXERCISE, WHICH HAS NOW BEEN EXTENDED UNTIL THE END OF THIS MONTH. THE COMMISSION WILL THEN RECOMMEND A FINAL VERSION OF THE AIMS FOR ADOPTION AS A GOVERNMENT POLICY DOCUMENT.

WHAT IS IT

THE DRAFT STATEMENT OF AIMS SETS OUT WHAT THE PUBLIC SECTOR SCHOOL SYSTEM IS EXPECTED TO ACCOMPLISH. ALTHOUGH THERE HAVE BEEN STATEMENTS OF POLICY AIMS IN PAST WHITE PAPERS ON EDUCATION, THESE COVERED SPECIFIC LEVELS AND SUBJECTS AND THEREFORE LACKED COMPLETENESS AND COHESION. FOR THE FIRST TIME, WE ARE DRAWING UP A COMPREHENSIVE AND INTEGRATED SET OF AIMS FOR OUR SCHOOL EDUCATION. WE WILL BE PRODUCING SIMILAR STATEMENTS FOR OTHER SECTORS OF OUR EDUCATION SYSTEM LATER.

WHAT DOES THE STATEMENT TRY TO DO

EDUCATION AS DELIVERED THROUGH SCHOOLS IS A COMPLEX PROCESS. IT INVOLVES TEACHERS, PRINCIPALS, PARENTS, PUPILS AND SCHOOL MANAGERS, EACH GROUP PURSUING ITS RESPECTIVE ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES. TO DO A PROPER JOB OF THAT, THEY SHOULD KNOW, AND BE INVOLVED IN SETTING, THE EXPECTED OUTCOME OF THE EDUCATIONAL PROCESS. THE DRAFT STATEMENT SEEKS TO DO EXACTLY THAT. IT ALSO ANSWERS THE CALL IN THE EDUCATION COMMISSION’S REPORT NO. 4 FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO LAY DOWN AND KEEP UNDER REVIEW THE BASIC AIMS OF EDUCATION AT THE STRATEGIC LEVEL.

/WHY NOW ........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1992

- 6 -

WHY NOW

NOW IS A GOOD TIME TO SET COHERENT AND COMPREHENSIVE AIMS FOR SCHOOLS. FIRST, WE HAVE MET THE BASIC AIMS OF PROVIDING SCHOOL PLACES FOR THE YOUNG POPULATION. WE CAN THEREFORE DISCUSS THE FULL MEANING OF SCHOOLING MORE REALISTICALLY AND CONFIDENTLY. SECONDLY, WE HAVE ALREADY EARMARKED ON A SERIES OF POLICY INITIATIVES TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION INCLUDING A NEW MECHANISM FOR SETTING AND DEVELOPING THE CURRICULUM, MORE AND BETTER TEACHERS, MORE MEANINGFUL ASSESSMENT OF LEARNING AND MORE REALISTIC USE OF THE TEACHING MEDIUM. HAVING CLEAR AIMS WILL FACILITATE THEIR IMPLEMENTATION. THIRDLY, SCHOOLS ARE BEING ENCOURAGED TO ASSUME MORE RESPONSIBILITY FOR EFFECTIVE DELIVERY OF A SOUND EDUCATION. ALL CONCERNED WILL NEED TO BE CLEAR ABOUT WHAT THEY ARE INVOLVED IN.

PRELIMINARY COMMENTS ON SOME OBSERVATIONS

MANY PEOPLE, INCLUDING THE MEMBERS WHO HAVE SPOKEN IN THIS DEBATE, HAVE EXPRESSED THEIR VIEWS ON THE DRAFT STATEMENT OF AIMS. I AM GRATEFUL FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS. AS THE DOCUMENT IS STILL IN THE CONSULTATION MODE, IT IS INAPPROPRIATE FOR ME TO GIVE DETAILED SPECIFIC ANSWERS AT THIS STAGE. BUT I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE JUST TWO POINTS.

FIRST, THE DRAFT STATEMENT IS INTENDED TO BE CONCISE, ALL-EMBRACING AND RELATIVELY TIMELESS, IN ORDER THAT THE COMMUNITY CAN EASILY UNDERSTAND AND IDENTIFY WITH IT. IT MAY NOT THEREFORE CONTAIN THE DEGREE OF SPECIFICITY THAT SOME MAY PREFER TO SEE. THE BREVITY OR EVEN THE ABSENCE OF SPECIFIC MENTION IN THE DOCUMENT DOES NOT HOWEVER, MEAN THAT A CONCEPT OR AN ISSUE IS EXCLUDED. WE HAVE NOT, FOR INSTANCE, OVERLOOKED THE IMPORTANCE OF DEVELOPING OUR STUDENTS’ UNDERSTANDING OF HONG KONG’S POST-1997 STATUS: THIS IS COVERED IN AIM 12 - SOCIAL, POLITICAL AND CIVIC AWARENESS.

SECONDLY, THE PROPOSED AIMS ARE STATEMENTS OF THE EXPECTED OUTCOME AND NOT PROPOSALS FOR IMPLEMENTATION IN THEMSELVES. THE TASK OF MAPPING OUT HOW TO GET TO THE DESIRED OUTCOME WILL HAVE TO BE ASSUMED BY PEOPLE IN THE FIELD WITH THE GOVERNMENT BACKING THEM UP WITH POLICIES AND RESOURCES. ONE EXAMPLE OF THIS IS THE WORK ALREADY DONE BY THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL TO PRODUCE A FAR MORE DETAILED SET OF CURRICULUM AIMS FOR SPECIFIC LEVELS OF SCHOOLING TO GUIDE TEACHERS AND CURRICULUM PLANNERS. THUS THE ABSENCE OF ANY MENTION OF DETAILED IMPLEMENTATION PLANS IS NOT A WEAKNESS OF THE DRAFT DOCUMENT.

WHAT NEXT

THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION PERIOD ON THE DRAFT STATEMENT OF AIMS RUNS UNTIL THE END OF DECEMBER. I HOPE THAT EDUCATORS AND OTHER INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS WILL LET US HAVE THEIR VIEWS BY THEN. ONCE ALL PUBLIC COMMENTS HAVE BEEN ANALYSED, THE COMMISSION WILL REVISE THE DOCUMENT WHERE NECESSARY. THE GOVERNMENT WILL THEN CONSIDER ADOPTING THE STATEMENT AS A FORMAL POLICY DOCUMENT. THANK YOU.

- - 0 - -

n....

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1992

7 -

VEHICLE THIEVES TO FACE HEAVIER PENALTY

*****

A BILL SEEKING TO INCREASE THE LEVEL OF PENALTY TO DETER OFFENDERS FROM STEALING VEHICLES WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR THE OFFENCE OF TAKING A CONVEYANCE WITHOUT AUTHORITY IS PROPOSED TO GO UP FROM THREE YEARS’ TO SEVEN YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT.

MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE THEFT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, SAID: ’’THIS PROPOSAL REFLECTS THE WISH OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT STEPS MUST BE TAKEN TO REDUCE THE PROBLEM OF STOLEN AND MISSING VEHICLES.”

HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT ANTICIPATED THAT SOME 7,000 VEHICLES WOULD HAVE BEEN REPORTED MISSING DURING THIS YEAR,OF WHICH SOME 4,000 WOULD HAVE BEEN RECOVERED.

THIS REPRESENTS A 10 PER CENT INCREASE ON THE PREVIOUS YEAR IN THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VEHICLES MISSING, AND A 10 PER CENT DROP IN THE RECOVERY RATE.

MR ASPREY EXPLAINED THAT IN MOST CASES, THE POLICE HAD TO REPLY ON Till- OFFENCE OF TAKING A CONVEYANCE WITHOUT AUTHORITY TO CHARGE THOSE WHO TOOK AWAY VEHICLES.

BUT THE PENALTIES IMPOSED BY THE COURTS FOR THE OFFENCE HAVE BEEN LOW, HE SAID.

IN THE PAST 18 MONTHS, OUT OF SOME 300 PERSONS CONVICTED OF THE OFFENCE, 34 WERE SENTENCED TO PERIODS OF IMPRISONMENT, NONE EXCEEDING 1R MONTHS.

A FURTHER 131 WERE FINED, THE HIGHEST FINE IMPOSED BEING $4,000.

’’AND THERE HAS BEEN A MARKED INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF DEFENDANTS CHARGED WITH THE OFFENCE WHO HAVE EITHER JUMPED BAIL OR REPEATED THE SAME OFFENCE A SECOND TIME WHILST ON BAIL,” HE SAID.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

/8 ........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1992

GOVT SETS FOR PRO-COMPETITIVE TELECOMS POLICY

*****

TWO BILLS THAT REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATION 1S COMMITMENT TO A PRO-COMPETITIVE TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY WERE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

WHEN PASSED, THE NEW TELECOMMUNICATION ORDINANCE WILL GIVE THE GOVERNMENT KEY POWERS TO PROTECT CONSUMER INTERESTS AND FOSTER THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMPETITIVE MARKET THAT IS VITAL TO MAINTAINING HONG KONG’S POSITION AS A MAJOR REGIONAL FINANCIAL, COMMERCIAL AND SERVICES CENTRE.

INTRODUCING IHE TELEPHONE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992 AND TELECOMMUNICATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992, IHE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID: "I CAN THINK OF FEW BETTER ADVERTISEMENTS FOR ATTRACTING NEW PLAYERS INTO OUR TELECOMMUNICATIONS MARKET THAN THE INTRODUCTION AND PASSAGE Oh THIS LEGISLATION.”

THE TWO BILLS WILL VEST THE TELECOMMUN!CAT(ONS AUTHORITY WITH A NUMBER OF IMPORTANT NEW POWERS ARISING FROM THE INTRODUCTION OF PRICECAPPING AND THE LICENSING OF COMPETITIVE LOCAL FIXED NETWORKS.

"IHIS IS INDICATIVE Oh THE I N( R I- AS I NGLY IMPORTANT ROLE PLAYED BY Till- TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY IN ENSURING FAIR PLAY IN THE MARKET PLAC F, ON WHICH INVESTMENT DECISIONS INVOLVING BILLIONS OF DOLLARS SO CK’UC I ALLY DEPEND.”

Till ADMINISTRATION HAS NOW DECIDED

IMPORTANCE, SC oph AND COMPLEXITY OF THE WORK REGULATION JUST I FY TH I- ESTABLISHMENT OF

TELECOMMUN|( AT IONS AUTHOR ITY WITHIN GOVERNMEN1 ,

THAI’ THE INCREASING OF TELECOMMUNI CATIONS AN OFFICE OF THE

BUT SEPARATE FROM THE

POST OFh lc:E, SHI SAI I).

SUBJECT TO FINANCE COMMITTEE APPROVAL, Till- OFFICE WILL BE A NEW GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT WITH ALL Illi, STAFF CURRENTLY ENGAGED IN TELECOMMUNICATIONS MAT IFRS IN THE POST OFFICE TRANSFERRED TO IT.

MRS CHAN SAID

IHE IMPLEMENTATION OF PRICE-CAPPING SCHEME INTRODUUTION Oh FIXED

Till PURPOSE Ol- THE TWO BILLS WAS TO FACILITATE TWO KEY TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY' INITIATIVES: A FOR LOCAL TELEPHONE SERVICE CHARGES AND THE NETWORK COMPET IT I ON.

IN ORDER ’1’0 INTRODUCE THE PRICE-C \PPJNG SCHEME, A CLAUSE IS PROVIDED IN THE TELEPHONE (AMENDMENT) BILL FOR THE TELECOMMUNJ CATIONS AUTHORITY TO SPECIFY THE CHARGES THAT THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY MAY LEVY FOR ITS SERVICES.

THE CLAUSE ALSO PROVIDES FOR IHE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES TO MAKE REGULATIONS GOY I RNI NG REVISIONS TO THE SPECIFIED CHARGES.

MRS CIIAN SAID I'HE ADMINISTRATION INTENDED TO REVIEW THE LEVELS OF THE OVERALL PRICE-CAP AND THE SUB-CAPS IN THE. THIRD YEAR OF OPERATION OF THE PRICE-CAPPING SYSTEM.

/IN ORDER .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1992

9 -

IN ORDER TO COUNTER ANY TENDENCY THAT THE PRICE-CAPPING SCHEMES MAY CREATE AN INCENTIVE FOR THE REGULATED COMPANY TO CUT SERVICE STANDARDS TO BOOST PROFITABILITY, A CLAUSE OF THE TELEPHONE (AMENDMENT) BILL PROVIDES FOR THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY, AFTER CONSULTATION WITH THE COMPANY, TO ISSUE CODES OF PRACTICE SPECIFYING SERVICE STANDARDS THAT IT MUST FOLLOW.

’’THE USE OF SUCH CODES WILL BE OF PARTICULAR IMPORTANCE IN THOSE SECTORS OF THE MARKET WHERE THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY MAINTAINS, FOR THE TIME BEING AT LEAST, A MONOPOLY POSITION,” SHE SAID.

MRS CHAN ALSO SAID ANOTHER CLAUSE OF THE TELEPHONE (AMENDMENT) BILL WOULD REPEAL THE EXISTING SECTION OF THE TELEPHONE ORDINANCE, WHICH PROVIDED FOR THE COMPANY’S MAXIMUM LEVEL OF CHARGES TO BE SPECIFIED IN THE SCHEDULE TO THE ORDINANCE AND FOR THIS COUNCIL TO APPROVE AMENDMENTS TO THAT SCHEDULE BY RESOLUTION.

IT IS ALSO PROVIDED IN THE BILL FOR SERVICES AND CHARGES TO BE SPECIFIED BY THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY BY NOTICE IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE AND REQUIRES THE COMPANY TO PROVIDE, FREE OF CHARGE, A LIST OF ITS SERVICES PROVIDED UNDER THE ORDINANCE AND THEIR CHARGES TO ANYONE REQUESTING IT.

IT IS PROPOSED IN THE TELEPHONE (AMENDMENT) BILL TO GIVE THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY THE POWER TO GIVE DIRECTIONS TO THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY CONCERNING THE NUMBERING PLAN IN ORDER, IF THESE ARE DEEMED NECESSARY, TO ENSURE A FAIR AND REASONABLE ALLOCATION OF TELEPHONE NUMBERS BETWEEN OPERATORS.

TN OTHER WORDS, DAY-TO-DAY MANAGEMENT OF THE NUMBERING PLAN WOULD BE LEFT WITH THE COMPANY FOR THE TIME BEING.

BUT THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY WOULD HAVE SUFFICIENT POWERS TO ENSURE THAT THIS PRIVILEGE WAS NOT USED IN A WAY WHICH MIGHT PLACE COMPETING OPERATORS AT A DISADVANTAGE, SHE SAID.

REGARDING NETWORK INTERCONNECTION, EACH OF THE BILLS CONTAINED A CLAUSE PROVIDING THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY THE POWER TO DETERMINE THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH THIS TAKES PLACE.

THIS POWER WILL BE USED TO ENSURE THAT SUCH TERMS AND CONDITIONS ARE FAIR TO BOTH PAR JIES TO AN INTERCONNECTION ARRANGEMENT AND ARE NOT ANTI-COMPETITIVE WITH RESPECT TO OTHER OPERATORS, MRS CHAN SAID.

THE LAST MAIN AREA OF RESPECT TO THE SMOOTH TELECOMMUNI CAT IONS MARKET-PLACE

CONCERN ADDRESSED BY THE BILLS WITH FUNCTIONING OF THE COMPETITIVE IS CROSS-OWNERSHIP BETWEEN LICENSEES.

DEBATES ON THE BILLS WERE ADJOURNED.

--------0 - -

/10 ........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1992

INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES (AMENDMENT) BILL INTRODUCED *****

CHANGES PROPOSED IN THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992 ARE OF A TECHNICAL NATURE AND MANY OF THE PROVISIONS WOULD SIMPLY REMOVE OUTDATED REFERENCES TO PRACTICES THAT HAVE CEASED.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE ACTING ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JAMES FINDLAY, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, MR FINDLAY SAID IN ADDITION TO THE TECHNICAL MATTERS, THE RILL INCLUDED AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION 77 OF THE ORDINANCE.

HE SAID: ’’THAT SECTION RELATES TO UNITED KINGDOM ENACTMENTS THAT ARE INCORPORATED IN SOME OF OUR ORDINANCES BY REFERENCE.

’’UNDER SECTION 77 AS 1’1’ NOW STANDS, AMENDMENTS MADE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM TO SUCH ENACTMENTS WILL, AS A GENERAL RULE, APPLY IN HONG KONG.”

"IF THE BILL IS PASSED,” MR FINDLAY SAID, "AMENDMENTS MADE TO SUCH ENACTMENTS ON OR AFTER JANUARY I, 1994 WILL NOT, AS A GENERAL RULE, APPLY IN HONG KONG.

"THIS IS IN KEEPING WITH OUR POLICY OF LOCALISING OUR LAWS BY REMOVING DEPENDENCE ON SOME UNITED KINGDOM LAWS."

MR FINDLAY POINTED OUT THAT THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES ORDINANCE PLAYED A VITAL ROLE IN HONG KONG’S STATUTE BOOK.

THE ORDINANCE CONTAINS PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE CONSTRUCTION, APPLICATION AND INTERPRETATION OF THE LAWS, DEFINES A LARGE NUMBER OF TERMS AND EXPRESSIONS USED IN LAWS AND IN PUBLIC DOCUMENTS.

IT IS WIDELY USED BY JUDGES AND LAWYERS AS AN ESSENTIAL AID IN INTERPRETING THE LAWS.

THE ORDINANCE WAS ENACTED IN ITS PRESENT FORM IN 1966.

TN 1987 THE LAW DRAFTSMAN ESTABLISHED A COMMITTEE WITHIN THE LAW DRAFTING DIVISION OF THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT TO REV I F.W THE DRAFTING STYLES AND PRACTICES IN RELATION TO LEGISLATION.

THIS COMMITTEE FOUND THAT A NUMBER OF PROVISIONS IN THE ORDINANCE WERE INCONSISTENT WITH CURRENT PRACTICES OR WERE NO LONGER NEEDED.

MR FINDLAY SAID Till' BILL HAD THE SUPPORT OF’ THE LEGAL PROFESSION.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

/Il ........

WEDNESDAY, DEC EMBER 16, 1992

CHANGES PROPOSE!) FOR EXAMINATIONS VUTHORITY COMPOSITION * * t ♦ ♦

A BILL THAI AIMS AT (HANGING THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE HONG KONG EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY IN THE LIGHT OF DFVFIOPMENTS IN THE EDUCATION SECTOR WAS INTRODUCED INTO Till LEGISLATIVE: COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MOV ING THE SEC ONI) READING OF I’HE HONG KONG EXAMINATIONS

AUTHORITY ( AMENDMENT) BILE 1992, THE AC I ING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MISS ( HR I ST I NE (HOW, SAID THE BILL PROPOSED TO END THE PRESENT ARRANGEMENT UNDER WHICH THE UNIVERSITY OF" HONG KONG AND THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY II \D IWO REPRESENTATIVES EA< II ON THE AUTHORITY, WHILE ALL THE OTHER TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS HAD ONLY ONT REPRESENTATIVE EACH.

IT ALSO SEEKS TO INCLUDE THE PRESIDENT OE THE LINGNAN COLLEGE

AS AN EX-OFF I( IO MEMBER, FOLLOWING THE RECENT ENACTMENT OF THE LINGNAN COLLEGE ORDINANCE.

IN VIEW OF THE PROGRESSIVE REDUCTION IN THE NUMBER OF

COLLEGES

REGISTERED UNDER THE POST SECONDARY COLLEGES ORDINANCE, MISS CHOW SAID THE BILL PROPOSED TO REPEAL Till PROVISION FOR THE AUTHORITY TO DRAW ONE OF ITS MEMBERS FROM THE PRESIDENTS OF THESE COLLEGES.

EX-OFF IC IO MEMBERSHIP WILL VLSO BE EXTENDED TO THE ( HAIRMAN OF THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL AND THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNC IL, WHO VRE NOW SERA ING ON THE AUTHORITY7 IN TH!IR PERSONAL CAPACITIES AS MEMBERS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR.

TO SIMPLIFY THE PROCEDURES FOR FUTURE AMENDMENTS TO THE

COMPOSITION OF THE AUTHORITY , I’HE EXISTING PROVISIONS RELATING TO SUCH COMPOSITION WILL BE REPEALI I) AND CORRESPONDING PROVISIONS MADE IN A NEW SCHEDULE WHICH MAY BE AMENDED BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL.

MISS CHOW NOTED THAT THE CHANGES PROPOSED IN THE BILL HAD THE FULL SUPPORT OF THE AUTHORITY AND THE AGREEMENT OF THE INSTITUTIONS.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

----------------0------- GOVERNOR TO MEET LEGCO MEMBERS ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PASSED A MOTION TO ENABLE THE GOVERNOR TO HAVE A MEETING WITH THE MEMBERS WHEN THE COUNCIL IS IN SESSION.

MOVING THE MOTION TO SUSPEND STANDING ORDERS II AND 12, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON STR DAVID FORD, SAID IT WAS INDICATED IN THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO MAKE HIMSELF AVAILABLE TO ANSWER MEMBERS’ QUESTIONS AND TO DISCUSS GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND PROPOSALS AT LEAST ONCE A MONTH WHEN THE COUNCIL WAS IN SESSION.

SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNOR, AS PRESIDENT OF THIS COUNCIL, HAI) APPOINTED JANUARY 12 FOR A SITTING FOR THIS PURPOSE.

- - 0 - -

/12

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1992

GOVT COMMITTED TO ACHIEVING

♦ ♦ i

AIR QUALITY OBJECTIVES ♦ ♦

THE GOVERNMENT IS FJRMLA COMMITTED TO ACHIEVING THE STANDARDS SPECIFIED IN THE PROGRAMMES FOR ATTAINMENT OF THE AIR QUALITY OBJECTIVES RELEASED IN LATE NOVEMBER 1992.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, IN REPL\ TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHRISTINE LOH KUNG-WAI IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MF? EASON SAID THE ADMINISTRATION’S OVERALL POLICY OBJECTIVE FOR CONTROLLING AIR POLLUTION WAS TO ACHIEVE AND MAINTAIN ACCEPTABLE AIR QUALITY STANDARDS AIMED AT SAFEGUARDING THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF THE COMMUNITY.

TO ACHIEVE COMPLIANCE WITH A SET OF AIR QUALITY OBJECTIVES FOR MAJOR AIR POLLUTANTS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, THE ADMINISTRATION HAD ADOPTED A NUMBER OF MEASURES TO CONTROL EMISSION OF AIR POLLUTANTS AT SOURCE WITH SOME SUCCESS.

"FOR EXAMPLE, THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL (FUEL RESTRICTION) REGULATIONS IN APRIL 1990 REDUCED THE SULPHUR DIOXIDE LEVELS IN HONG KONG BY 40 PER CENT,” MR EASON SAID.

’’FOR SOME AREAS NEAR INDUSTRIAL CENTRES THE REDUCTION HAS BEEN AS GREAT AS 90 PER CENT.”

FOR OTHER POLLUTANTS, PARTICULARLY NITROGEN DIOXIDE AND TOTAL SUSPENDED PARTICULATES, MR EASON EXPECTED THAT THESE WOULD BE ADDRESSED IN THE CONTEXT OF THE NEXT REVIEW OF THE WHITE PAPER ON THE ENVIRONMENT IN MID-1993.

------0-------

LEGAL AID SERVICES UNDER REVIEW ♦ * * ♦ I

THE GOVERNMENT IS CONDUCTING A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE LAW, POLICY AND PRACTICE GOVERNING THE PROVISION OF LEGAL AID SERVICES, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID FORD, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCT I TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

AN INTER-DEPARTMENTAL WORKING GROUP IS ASSEMBLING THE NECESSARY FACTS AND IDENTIFYING ISSUES AND POSS IBIL1TIES.

HE SAID: "THE GROUP HOPES TO COMPLETE THIS PRELIMINARY STUDY IN MARCH NEXT YEAR.”

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON SIMON IP SIK-ON, SIR DAVID SAID THE LEGAL PROFESSION WOULD BE INVOLVED AND CONSULTED DURING THE REVIEW.

ON THE BASIS OF THE PRELIMINARY FINDINGS OF THE WORKING GROUP, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD START DISCUSSIONS WITH THE LEGAL PROFESSION AND OTHER INTERESTED PUBLIC BODIES.

"THEIR VIEWS WILL BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT BEFORE THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE REVIEW ARE FINALISED," HE SAID.

------0--------

/13......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1992

INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY *

COUNCIL SHOULD BE MORE PROACTIVE * * * * *

MEMBERS OF THE INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL HAVE BROAD AGREEMENT THAT IT SHOULD BECOME MORE PROACTIVE, TAKING ON A STRONG LEADERSHIP ROLE TO HELP CO-ORDINATE THE PROVISION OF SUPPORT FOR INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT.

THIS WAS STATED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T II CHAU, AS HE REPLIED TO A QUESTION BY THE HON NGAI SHIU-K1T IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

"THE ADMINISTRATION IS NOW WRESTLING WITH THE DIFFICULT QUESTION OF HOW BEST TO TAKE THIS MATTER FORWARD, INCLUDING WHETHER THERE SHOULD BE A CHANGE IN THE FUNDING IN THIS IMPORTANT AREA," MR CHAU SAID.

THE COUNCIL WAS ESTABLISHED EARLY THIS YEAR AS GOVERNMENT’S MAIN CHANNEL OF ADVICE ON THE OVERALL DEVELOPMENT OF INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY IN HONG KONG.

IT HAS DEVOTED PART OF ITS ENERGIES DURING ITS FIRST YEAR TO A REVIEW OF ITS ROLE.

HE SAID THOUGH THE COUNCIL’S ADVICE WAS NOT NORMALLY PUBLISHED, HE WOULD KEEP THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL INFORMED OF FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS IN DUE COURSE.

------0--------

OPERATION OF NON-FRANCHI SEI) BUS SERVICE

*****

A PASSENGER SERVICE LICENCE IS REQUIRED FOR THE OPERATION OF A NON-FRANCH1SED BUS SERVICE UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE AND ITS SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY LEUNG, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL

HON ZACHARY WONG, IN THE

IN CONSIDERING AN APPLICATION FOR SUCH A SERVICE, THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT WAS REQUIRED TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT NOT ONLY THE NEED FOR THE PROPOSED SERVICE, BUT ALSO SUCH OPERATING DETAILS AS STOPPING POINTS, ROUTEING, FARES AND FREQUENCY WHICH WERE SPECIFIED IN THE LICENSING CONDITIONS OF THE LICENCE ISSUED.

THESE OPERATING DETAILS WERE NORMALLY AGREED BETWEEN THE OPERATOR AND THE RESIDENTS CONCERNED AND INCLUDED IN THEIR JOINT APPLICATION FOR THE SERVICE.

"THUS THE FARES, ROUTEING AND OTHER. OPERATING DETAILS INCLUDED IN THE LICENSING CONDITIONS REFLECT THE AGREEMENT BY THE RESIDENTS THEMSELVES OR THEIR AUTHORISED MANAGEMENT AGENT," HE SAID.

/MR LEUNG .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1992

MR LEUNG SAID RESIDENTS MIGHT CHANGE THE OPERATOR IE THEY WERE DISSATISFIED WITH EITHER THE FARES OR THE QUALITY OF SERVICE PROVIDED.

’’FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE LICENSING CONDITIONS MAY ALSO RESULT IN SUSPENSION OR NON-RENEWAL OF THE LICENCE," HE ADDED.

------0-------

CHANGE TO PUBLIC ATTITUDE TOWARDS ORGAN DONATION NEEDED *****

MORE THAN THREE MILLION ORGAN DONATION CARDS HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED SINCE EASTER THIS YEAR THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY AT DISTRICT OFFICES, GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, HOSPITALS AND CLINICS, BANKS, DEPARTMENT STORES AND SUPERMARKETS, OR WHENEVER ANY COMMUNITY GROUP REQUESTS THEM.

INDIVIDUAL CARDS HAVE ALSO BEEN \DDRESSED TO HOUSING AUTHORITY TENANTS AND VIA THE RATING BILLS TO PRIVATE PROPERTY OWNERS.

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HUANG CHEN-YA IN I’HE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID IN PROMOTING COMMUNITY AWARENESS OF ORGAN DONATION, THE GOVERNMENT HAD MOUNTED A MAJOR. PUBLICITY AND PUBLIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN THIS YEAR.

THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH HAS ALSO LAUNCHED A MULTI-MEDIA EFFORT INVOLVING NO LESS THAN ID CAMPAIGNS AND PUBLICITY DRIVES IN CO-OPERATION WITH PROFESSIONAL BODIES, PUBLIC UTILITIES, COMMUNITY GROUPS AND OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.

IN ADDITION, THE DEPARTMENT’S CENTRAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT HOLDS TALKS AND PROVIDES EXHIBITS TO COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS AND OPERATES A 24-HOUR HOTLINE TO OFFER INFORMATION ON ORGAN DONATION.

"INDEED, OUR PAST EFFORTS ARE SHOWING SOME POSITIVE RESULTS," MRS WONG SAID. "FOR EXAMPLE, IN 1989, FOR EVERY 10 POTENTIAL DONORS WE APPROACHED, WE WERE SUCCESSFUL IN GETTING ONLY ONE DONOR.

"THIS YEAR, WE HAVE IMPROVED THE RATE TO ONE IN THREE. BUT THIS IS STILL NOT GOOD ENOUGH.

"WE BELIEVE THE \NSWER LIES IN PUBLIC EDUCATION AND IN ATTITUDE CHANGE," MRS WONG SAID, ADDING THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD INTENSIFY ITS EFFORTS IN CONCERT WITH CONCERNED GROUPS AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS.

ON WHETHER LEGISLATIVE MEASURES WILL BE INTRODUCED TO MEET THE NEED FOR A READY SUPPLY OF TRANSPLANT ORGANS, MRS WONG TOLD COUNCILLORS THAT THE MEDICAL (THERAPY, EDUCATION AND RESEARCH) ORDINANCE ALREADY PROVIDED FOR THE REMOVAL OF A PERSON’S ORGANS TO BE USED FOR TRANSPLANT AFTER HIS DEATH UNDER. PRESCRIBED CIRCUMSTANCES.

/’’IN BRIEF............

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1992

“IN BRIEF,” SHE EXPLAINED, “THESE ARE WHEN A DONOR EITHER CONSENTED IN WRITING AT ANY TIME OR CONSENTED ORALLY IN THE PRESENCE OF TWO OR MORE WITNESSES DURING HIS LAST ILLNESS.

“ALTERNATIVELY, THE NEXT OF KIN OF A DECEASED PERSON MAY CONSENT IN WRITING, AS LONG AS THE DECEASED HAI) NOT INDICATED ANY PREVIOUS OBJECTION TO BEING A DONOR, IE NOT OPTED-OUT, AND HIS SPOUSE, CHILD OR PARENTS DO NOT OBJECT TO THE DONATION.”

MRS WONG ALSO REVEALED THAT AN AD HOC GROUP OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WAS STUDYING THE HUMAN ORGAN TRANSPLANT BILL WHICH PROVIDED, INTER ALTA, FOR ORGAN DONATION BY LIVING RELATIVES AND SPOUSE AND FOR THE SETTING UP OF A HUMAN ORGAN TRANSPLANT BOARD.

------0--------

SPECIAL SECURITIES LEVY PROPOSED TO BE WITHDRAWN

******

THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION IS CONSIDERING THE FORMULATION OF LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS TO RECOMMEND AN ORDERLY WIND-DOWN AND ELIMINATION OF THE SPECIAL LEVY IMPOSED ON SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS.

THIS WAS STATED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, MR TAM WING-PONG, WHEN REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHIM PUI-CHUNG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

MR TAM SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD NO PLANS TO SPEED UP THE RECOVERY OF THE OUTSTANDING CREDIT FACILITIES EXTENDED TO THE THEN HONG KONG FUTURES GUARANTEE CORPORATION LTD AFTER THE 1987 STOCK MARKET CRASH.

THE BULK OF THE LOAN HAS BEEN REPAID AND THE OUTSTANDING AMOUNT WOULD BE FULLY REPAID BY EARLY 1994, DEPENDING ON THE MARKET TURNOVERS.

"THUS WE FEEL THAT THERE DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE A NEED, NOR WOULD IT BE APPROPRIATE, TO TEMPER WITH THE EXISTING STATUTORY STRUCTURE OF THE SPECIAL LEVY TO ARTIFICIALLY ACCELERATE THE LOAN REPAYMENTS," HE SAID.

------0-------

NO HAEMOPHILIACS CONTRACT HIV AT PUBLIC HOSPITALS

*****

THERE IS NO RECORD AS TO WHETHER THE 61 HAEMOPHILIACS TN HONG KONG WHO ARE CONFIRMED TO HAVE BEEN INFECTED BY HIV HAVE CONTRACTED THE DISEASE THROUGH MEDICAL TREATMENT AT PUBLIC HOSPITALS.

THIS WAS STATED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MRS PEGGY LAM TN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

/"THE GOVERNMENT .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1992

- 16 -

"THE GOVERNMENT WOULD ONLY BE LEGALLY LIABLE TO PAY COMPENSATION TO AN INDIVIDUAL WHO HAD CONTRACTED HIV THROUGH THE TRANSFUSION OF CONTAMINATED BLOOD PRODUCTS IF THE INDIVIDUAL WAS ABLE TO ESTABLISH THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN NEGLIGENT OR BREACHED A DUTY OF CARE IN RESPECT OF PREPARING THE BLOOD PRODUCTS FOR TRANSFUSION.

"THE GOVERNMENT ENSURES THAT ALL BLOOD PRODUCTS FOR TRANSFUSION ARE STERILISED ACCORDING TO INTERNATIONALLY ACCEPTED METHODS."

OF THE 61 HAEMOPHILIACS, NINE HAVE DEVELOPED AIDS AND FIVE HAVE DIED FROM THE DISEASE.

MRS WONG ALSO TOLD THE COUNCIL THAT HAEMOPHILIACS ELIGIBLE FOR DISABILITY ALLOWANCE WOULD CONTINUE TO RECEIVE THE APPROPRIATE ALLOWANCE WHILE UNDERGOING TREATMENT IN HOSPITALS.

HOWEVER, THOSE STAYING IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS FOR OVER 29 DAYS WOULD RECEIVE ONLY THE NORMAL DISABILITY ALLOWANCE SINCE THEY ARE ALREADY RECEIVING CONSTANT MEDICAL ATTENTION IN HOSPITALS WHICH ARE HEAVILY SUBSIDISED BY THE GOVERNMENT, SHE SAID.

--------0-----------

PORK CONSUMERS ASSURED OF SAFETY ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

THE LIKELIHOOD OF INFECTED PORK REACHING CONSUMERS IS REMOTE AS PIGS ARE INSPECTED FOR FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE BEFORE THEY ARE SLAUGHTERED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON TANG SIU-TONG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SHE SAID IN THE VERY UNLIKELY EVENT THAT THIS DID HAPPEN, CONSUMPTION OF THE MEAT WOULD HAVE NO EFFECT ON A PERSON’S HEALTH.

THE DISEASE IS ENDEMIC TO HONG KONG AND OTHER PLACES ' IN SOUTHEAST ASIA.

MRS CHAN SAID AN EFFECTIVE AND RELATIVELY INEXPENSIVE VACCINE WAS READILY AVAILABLE AND MANY LOCAL PIG FARMERS HAD VACCINATED THEIR ANIMALS AS A PREVENTIVE MEASURE.

"THE RECENT OUTBREAK OF THE DISEASE WAS DUE MAINLY TO THE FAILURE OF SOME FARMERS TO VACCINATE THEIR PIGS," SHE SAID.

THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT IS HELPING TO CONTROL THE DISEASE BY MAINTAINING CONTACT WITH VACCINE MANUFACTURERS AND THEIR LOCAL AGENTS TO ENSURE SUFFICIENT VACCINE SUPPLY.

THE DEPARTMENT ALSO SENDS SAMPLES OF LOCAL VIRUSES TO THE WORLD REFERENCE LABORATORY FOR FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE FOR TESTING, MRS CHAN SAID.

------0-------

/17........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1992

MEASURES TO DEAL WITH JUVENILE CRIME OUTLINED ♦ * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT HAS NO PLANS TO SET UP A SPECIAL SQUAD DEDICATED SPECIFICALLY TO JUVENILE CRIME AS THIS PROBLEM IS NOT BECOMING INCREASINGLY SERIOUS.

(N A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON JAMES TO KUN-SUN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITYj MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, STATED THAT IN FACT JUVENILE CRIME (THAT IS CRIME BY PERSONS AGED 15 AND UNDER) HAD DECREASED DURING THE PAST THREE YEARS.

HE EXPLAINED THAT THE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED WERE ALREADY PAYING CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE PROBLEM.

’’THE POLICE MAINTAIN CLOSE LIAISON WITH SCHOOLS; THEY VISIT SCHOOLS REGULARLY AND HAVE DEVELOPED A PROGRAMME OF TALKS AND OTHER PUBLICITY IN SCHOOLS TO ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO STAY AWAY FROM CRIME,” MR ASPREY SAID.

THE POLICE ALSO PLAN TO IMPLEMENT ON A TRIAL BASIS THE STUDENT CRIME INFORMATION FORM SCHEME TO ENABLE STUDENTS TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ON CRIME WITHIN SCHOOLS, HE SAID.

THE SETTING UP OF POLICE SCHOOL SUPPORT TEAMS AND THE PROVISION OF TRAINING TO TEACHERS TO IDENTIFY TRIAD INFLUENCE IN SCHOOLS ARE ALSO BEING CONSIDERED, HE SAID.

MR ASPREY ALSO SAID THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON YOUNG OFFENDERS, WHICH REPORTED TO THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, WAS TASKED WITH EXAMINING WAYS TO PREVENT POTENTIAL YOUNG OFFENDERS FROM OFFENDING.

THE COMMITTEE HAS COMMISSIONED A STUDY INTO THE SOCIAL CAUSES OF JUVENILE CRIME AND THIS MAJOR STUDY WILL BE COMPLETED IN EARLY 1994, HE ADDED.

------0-------

FUEL GAS MARKET COMPETITIVE * * * * *

THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD NO INTENTION AT PRESENT TO FORMULATE ARRANGEMENTS TO LIMIT THE PROFIT MARGIN OR CONTROL THE TARIFF INCREASES OF THE HONG KONG AND CHINA GAS COMPANY.

THIS IS BECAUSE THE MARKET FOR THE SUPPLY OF FUEL GAS IS COMPETITIVE, SHE SAID IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LAU CHIN-SHEK IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

"HOWEVER, THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE SITUATION CLOSELY,' SHE ADDED.

MRS CHAN REITERATED THE POLICY OF ENSURING CONSUMERS ENJOY A RELIABLE AND REASONABLY PRICED SUPPLY OF FUEL GAS, AND THAT THE PRIVATE SECTOR WAS ABLE TO PROVIDE SUCH A SUPPLY.

/ONLY IF .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1992

- 18 -

ONLY IF IT WAS EVIDENT THAT A MONOPOLISTIC SITUATION EXISTED IN THE SUPPLY OF FUEL GAS WOULD THE GOVERNMENT CONSIDER WHETHER SOME FORM OF REGULA!ION OR SCHEME OF CONTROL WAS NECESSARY, SHE SAID,

MRS CHAN SAID NO COMPANY HAD A MONOPOLY ON FUEL GAS SUPPLY IN HONG KONG.

ALTHOUGH THE HONG KONG AND CHINA GAS COMPANY IS THE SOLE SUPPLIER OF TOWN GAS AND SYNTHETIC NATURAL. GAS (SNG), LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS (LPG), SUPPLIED BY A NUMBER OF OIL COMPANIES, PROVIDES AN ALTERNATIVE CHOICE OF FUEL GAS, SHE ADDED.

NOTING THAT BOTH TYPES HAD RESPECTABLE MARKET SHARES, SHE SAID THE OIL COMPANIES HAD A 53 PER CENT SHARE OF THE MARKET IN TERMS OF NUMBER OF CUSTOMERS.

BUT IN TERMS OF SALES OF GAS ENERGY, THE MARKET SHARES OF LPG ON THE ONE HAND AND TOWN GAS AND SNG ON THE OTHER ARE ROUGHLY IN THE REGION OF 40:60.

THERE ARE ABOUT 1.78 MILLION FUEL GAS CUSTOMERS, OF WHICH ABOUT 829,000 OR 47 PER CENT USE PIPED TOWN GAS OR SNG, 342,000 OR 19 PER CENT USE PIPED LPG AND 609,000 OR 34 PER CENT USE LPG IN CYLINDERS.

THE HONG KONG AND CHINA GAS COMPANY’S POLICY IN DETERMINING CHARGES IS NOT SUBJECT TO MONITORING BY THE GOVERNMENT.

WITH EFFECT FROM JANUARY 1, THE FIXED MONTHLY SERVICE CHARGE WILL BE $7 PER MONTH PER CUSTOMER AND THE BASIC TARIFF WILL RANGE FROM 15.05 CENTS TO 16.2 CENTS PER MEGAJOULE DEPENDING ON CONSUMPTION.

------0--------

PLANS IN HANI) TO KEEP MA WAN CHANNEL SAFE t * * * i

FURTHER MEASURES TO ENSURE CONTINUING NAVIGATIONAL SAFETY AND EFFICIENCY IN THE USE OF THE MA WAN CHANNEL WILL BE IMPLEMENTED- IN PHASES AS TRAFFIC BUILDS UP.

THIS WAS STATED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HOWARD YOUNG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

SHE SAID THE FIRST PHASE WAS INTENDED TO BEGIN IN 1993/94 SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS.

THIS PHASE INCLUDES :

♦ ESTABLISHING AN IMMIGRATION ANCHORAGE OFF TUEN MUN SO THAT SMALL CRAFT DESTINED FOR WEST OF THE CHANNEL WILL NOT NEED TO BE CLEARED AT THE WESTERN IMMIGRATION ANCHORAGE AS AT PRESENT;

/* ESTABLISHING A

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1992

* ESTABLISHING A MARINE TRAFFIC CONTROL, STATION AT GEMINI POINT AND DEPLOYING A DEDICATED PATROL LAUNCH FOR BETTER CONTROL OF SMALL CRAFT NEAR THE CHANNEL; AND

* COMMISSIONING A RADAR STATION AT KAU YI CHAP TO STRENGTHEN SURVEILLANCE of THE VESSEL TRAFFIC CENTRE OVER THE SOUTHERN APPROACHES OF THE CHANNEL,

MRS CHAN SAID FURTHER MEASURES MIGHT INCLUDE IMPROVEMENTS TO THE LIGHT BEACONS AT THE CHANNEL AND ESTABLISHING A FAIRWAY IN THE CHANNEL TOGETHER WITH HOLDING ANCHORAGES TO RE USED BY SMALL CRAFT WHENEVER A LARGE VESSEL WAS IN TRANSIT.

’’THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THESE MEASURES WILL DEPEND ON THE TRAFFIC GROWTH."

A CONSULTANCY ON PORT DEVELOPMENT PROJECTED THAT BY 2006, SOME lr,000 OCEAN-GOING SHIPS AND 665,000 RIVER TRADE AND SMALL CRAFT WILL USE THE HA WAN CHANNEL.

PERIODIC IN-HOUSE SURVEYS SHOW THAT IN 1988 THERE WERE ABOUT 2,000 OCEAN-GOING SHIP MOVEMENTS AND 200,000 SMALL CRAFT MOVEMENTS THROUGH THE CHANNEL.

THE ESTIMATED FIGURES FOR THIS YEAR ARE 3,000 AND 270,000 RESPECTIVELY.

SHE SAID ADEQUATE AIDS TO NAVIGATION WERE AT PRESENT IN PLACE IN THE CHANNEL AND ITS APPROACHES.

ALSO, RADAR SIMULATION EQUIPMENT AT THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC HAS BEEN PUT TO BENEFICIAL USE IN STUDIES SIMULATING THE BEHAVIOUR OF LARGE SHIPS TRANSITING THE CHANNEL, SHE ADDED.

-----0------

FAIR AND EQUITABLE ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR VOTERS ACHIEVED

*****

THE ADMINISTRATION BELIEVES IT HAS BEEN ABLE OBJECTIVE OF PROVIDING FAIR AND EQUITABLE ELECTORAL VOTERS TO EXERCISE THEIR CHOICE FREELY.

TO ACHIEVE ARRANGEMENTS

ITS

FOR

HOI

THIS

MICHAEL IN THE

WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL SZE, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LEG ISLATIVE COUNC T L TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

AFFAIRS, PANG CHUN-

MR SZE ALSO SAID THE EXISTING ARRANGEMENTS ANNUAL REGISTRATION CAMPAIGNS SHOULD CONTINUE.

FOR CONDUCTING

THE ADMINISTRATION REGISTRATION DRIVES DURING IMPACT, HE ADDED.

WILL ALSO CONTINUE TO ORGANISE MAJOR AN ELECTION YEAR TO PRODUCE THE NECESSARY

/THE SECRETARY .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1992

THE SECRETARY ALSO SAID THE THREE PRONGED APPROACH ADOPTED FOR PREVIOUS REGISTRATION EXERCISES, THAT IS, HOME VISITS, PUBLICITY AND PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES, AND WIDE DISTRIBUTION OF REGISTRATION FORMS, HAD PROVED TO BE EFFECTIVE IN IMPROVING THE REGISTRATION RATE.

AS AT 1992, 52.5% OF ELIGIBLE ELECTORS HAS BEEN REGISTERED, WHICH COMPARES FAVOURABLY WITH A RATE OF 43.9% IN 1989.

AMONG THE VARIOUS ACTIVITIES, "HOME VISITS” HAS PROVED TO BE THE MOST EFFECTIVE.

* X'

OVER 60% OF ALL COMPLETED REGISTRATION FORMS RECEIVED BY THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE WERE COLLECTED THROUGH THIS CHANNEL, MR SZE SAID.

ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF REGISTRATION FORMS, HE SAID THE PRESENT NETWORK WAS ALREADY VERY EXTENSIVE.

THE ADMINISTRATION HAS FURTHER WIDENED THE NETWORK BY DISTRIBUTING REGISTRATION FORMS WITH NOTICES OF INTERIM VALUATION SENT BY THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT TO NEWLY OCCUPIED PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION.

MORE, THE VOTER REGISTER IS REGULARLY CROSS CHECKED WITH THE RECORDS OF VEHICLE DRIVING LICENCE HOLDERS KEPT BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.

REGISTRATION FORMS WILL BE SENT TO LICENCE HOLDERS WHO ARE NOT ALREADY ON THE VOTER REGISTER.

MR. SZE SAID THE VOTER TURNOUT RATE IN ANY PARTICULAR ELECTION IS DEPENDENT ON A NUMBER OF FACTORS, INCLUDING THE NUMBER OF CANDIDATES, TIB- COMPETITIVENESS AMONG THEM, THE ADEQUACY OF POLLING FACILITIES, AND SO ON.

FURTHER TO THE GUIDELINES ON CIVIC EDUCATION TO SCHOOLS PROMULGATED IN 1986, MR SZE SAID THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WOULD ISSUE TO TEACHERS EARLY NEXT YEAR AN ’’ACTION PLAN FOR THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS” TO HELP THEM DESIGN A BETTER CIVIC EDUCATION PROGRAMME TO SUIT THE NEEDS OF THEIR OWN SCHOOLS.

> » /.IN ADDITION, A RESEARCH PROJECT IS BEING CONDUCTED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO EXAMINE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CIVIC EDUCATION /PROGRAMMES IN DEVELOPING CIVIC AWARENESS OF PUPILS TN PRIMARY AND /SECONDARY SCHOOLS.

QUESTIONNAIRES, SURVEYS AND CASE STUDIES ARE BEING CARRIED OUT IN 40 SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND 80 PRIMARY SCHOOLS.

THE FINDINGS, WHICH ARE EXPECTED To BE AVAILABLE BY THE END OF NEXT YEAR, WILL FORM THE BASTS FOR FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS TO THE CURRICULUM AND PROGRAMME FOR. CIVIC EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS.

THE ADM INISTRATI ON ALSO LAUNCHES PROMOTION AND PUBLICITY ACTIVITIES ON A REGULAR BASIS TO ENHANCE THE GENERA!. PUBLIC'S UNDERSTANDING OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT.

---------0----------

/21........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1992.

- 21

WORK ACCIDENTS IDENTIFIED EFFECTIVELY

*****

THE CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM USED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAS ENABLED IT TO IDENTIFY ANY GROWING TREND TN PARTICULAR TYPES OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS AND TO FOCUS ENFORCEMENT AND PREVENTION WORK ACCORDINGLY.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MISS CHRISTINE CHOW, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LAU CHIN-SHEK, MISS CHOW SAID THE SYSTEM USED TN COMPILING INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS STATISTICS LARGELY FOLLOWED THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION’S RECOMMENDATION ON THE METHOD OF CLASSIFICATION OF CAUSES OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS.

ACCORDING TO STATISTICS FOR THE LATE 1980’S PUBLISHED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, ACCIDENTS CAUSED BY MACHINERY WAS A MAJOR AREA OF CONCERN.

"AS A RESULT, MACHINERY SAFETY WAS TARGETED FOR SPECIAL ATTENTION DURING FACTORY INSPECTIONS IN THE PAST TWO YEARS," MISS CHOW SAID, ADDING THAT THE NUMBER OF MACHINERY RELATED ACCIDENTS DROPPED BY 26.5 PER CENT FROM 8,237 IN 1990 TO 6,013 LAST YEAR.

MORE RECENT ACCIDENT STATISTICS HAVE INDICATED A HIGH INCIDENCE OF ACCIDENTS INVOLVING "FALL OF PERSONS".

MISS CHOW SAID THIS WOULD BECOME ONE OF THE PRIORITY AREAS IN NEXT YEAR’S ACCIDENT PREVENTION PROGRAMME AND NEW INITIATIVES WERE BEING WORKED OUT.

------0-------

AMPLE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR SCHOOL DROP-OUTS

*****

AMPLE OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE FOR CHILDREN WHO HAVE "DROPPED OUT" OF SCHOOL INITIALLY TO CONTINUE WITH THEIR EDUCATION, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MISS CHRISTINE CHOW, SAID.

THESE INCLUDE ENROLMENT IN PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS, PRACTICAL SCHOOLS, SKILLS OPPORTUNITY SCHOOLS, APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING SCHEMES AND COURSES OFFERED BY THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL, SHE ADDED.

IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. MRS SELINA CHOW IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), MISS CHOW SAID 5,574 CHILDREN BELOW THE AGE OF 15 "DROPPED OUT" FROM SCHOOL IN THE 1991/92 SCHOOL YEAR.

THIS COMPARES WITH 3,379 CHILDREN "DROPPED OUT" FROM SCHOOL SO FAR IN THE 1992/93 SCHOOL YEAR.

OF THE 1991/92 DROP-OUTS, 2,080 EITHER EMIGRATED OR LEFT HONG KONG FOR STUDIES ABROAD; 1,181 REACHED THE AGE OF 15 SHORTLY AFTER THEIR NON-ATTENDANCE WAS IDENTIFIED; AND 623 WERE SUBSEQUENTLY PLACED IN AN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION.

/OF THE .....

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1992

OF THE REMAINING 1,690 CHILDREN, 392 REQUIRED INTENSIVE COUNSELLING; 11 WERE SUFFERING FROM ILL HEALTH; 115 WERE ABSENT FROM HONG KONG TEMPORARILY OR WERE CHILDREN OF FISHERMEN; 419 WERE AT VARIOUS STAGES OF BEING PROCESSED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT; 563 WERE UNTRACEABLE; AND 190 WERE SENT TO BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ HOMES AFTER HAVING BEEN CONVICTED OF AN OFFENCE.

MISS CHOW NOTED THAT THERE WERE NO DIRECT STATISTICS ON THE PROPORTION OF SCHOOL DROP-OUTS WHO HAD EVENTUALLY BECOME MEMBERS OF JUVENILE GANGS.

"POLICE STATISTICS SHOW THAT, IN ADDITION TO THE 190 CASES INVOLVING BREACHES OF THE LAW, 45 CHILDREN BELOW 15 WHO HAD DROPPED OUT OF SCHOOL WERE ARRESTED DURING THE 1991/92 SCHOOL YEAR FOR MINOR THEFT AND SHOPLIFTING OFFENCES," SHE SAID, ADDING THAT THEY WERE DEALT WITH BY A SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE UNDER THE SUPERINTENDENT DISCRETION SCHEME.

MISS CHOW ALSO SAID THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON YOUNG OFFENDERS HAD RECENTLY COMMISSIONED A CONSULTANCY STUDY ON THE SOCIAL CAUSES OF CRIME AMONGST YOUNG OFFENDERS.

SHE EXPECTED THAT THIS STUDY WOULD PROVIDE SOME MORE DEFINITIVE FIGURES TO DETERMINE THE SCALE OF CRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR AMONG YOUNGSTERS WHO HAD LEFT SCHOOL EARLY.

- - 0 - -

ACCESS TO CLASSIFIED RECORDS BEING STUDIED * * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT IS CONSIDERING WHETHER THE ARRANGEMENT FOR PUBLIC ACCESS TO UNCLASSIFIED RECORDS SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO CLASSIFIED DOCUMENTS, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID FORD, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THE PURPOSE IS TO BRING HONG KONG IN LINE WITH PRACTICE IN OTHER PLACES WHICH ALLOW PUBLIC INSPECTION OF BOTH UNCLASSIFIED AND CLASSIFIED RECORDS AFTER A FIXED PERIOD OF CLOSURE, RANGING USUALLY BETWEEN 20 AND 60 YEARS.

IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ERIC LI KA-CHEUNG, HE SAID THE CURRENT PRACTICE WAS TO ALLOW PUBLIC ACCESS TO UNCLASSIFIED RECORDS OLDER THAN 30 YEARS AND TO CONSIDER REQUESTS FOR ACCESS TO OTHER RECORDS ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS.

- - 0 - -

/23

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1992

- 23 -

EDUCATION QUALITY OF KINDERGARTENS CLOSELY MONITORED

*****

THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION MAY SERVE A NOTICE UNDER THE EDUCATION ORDINANCE DIRECTING KINDERGARTENS (KGS) WHICH ADMIT CHILDREN BELOW THE MINIMUM ADMISSION AGE TO COMPLY WITH THE LAW.

FAILURE TO ACT IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUCH A NOTICE CONSTITUTES AN OFFENCE AND THE SUPERVISOR AND EVERY OTHER MANAGER OF THE KINDERGARTEN WILL BE LIABLE, ON CONVICTION, TO A FINE OF $25,000 AND TO IMPRISONMENT FOR TWO YEARS.

SIMILARLY, FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS ON PUPIL:TEACHER RATIOS CARRIES A FINE OF $5,000 AND ONE YEAR IMPRISONMENT UPON CONVICTION.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MISS CHRISTINE CHOW, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ALBERT CHAN WAI-YIP IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MISS CHOW SAID DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICERS (DEOS) AND ADVISORY INSPECTORS OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT PAID REGULAR INSPECTION VISITS TO KGS TO ENSURE THE RELEVANT REGULATIONS WERE OBSERVED AS WELL AS TO. MONITOR THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION PROVIDED BY THEM.

DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICERS CARRY OUT REGULAR CHECKS ON KGS TO ENSURE THEIR HEADS ARE QUALIFIED KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS OR IN POSSESSION OF EQUIVALENT QUALIFICATIONS AND THAT OTHER REQUIREMENTS CONCERNING THE SAFETY AND HYGIENE OF THE PREMISES ARE ADHERED TO.

AS REGARDS CURRICULUM AND TEACHING METHODS FOR KGS, THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE HAS PRODUCED A MANUAL OF KINDERGARTEN PRACTICE, A GUIDE TO THE KINDERGARTEN CURRICULUM AND OTHER RESOURCE MATERIALS.

IT ALSO CONDUCTS A WIDE-RANGE OF IN-SERVICE TRAINING PROGRAMMES FOR KG TEACHERS.

TO ENABLE KGS TO PAY THEIR TEACHERS THE GOVERNMENT-RECOMMENDED SALARY SCALES, MISS CHOW SAID KG OPERATORS WERE ALLOWED TO INCREASE THE SALARY PORTION OF THEIR SCHOOL FEES.

"THE AIM OF THIS IS TO RETAIN TRAINED TEACHERS IN KGS AND TO ENCOURAGE MORE UNTRAINED TEACHERS TO SEEK TRAINING," SHE ADDED.

------0-------

EXPENDITURE ON SPONSORED VISITORS UNDER CLOSE MONITORING

*****

THE GOVERNMENT IS ALWAYS MINDFUL OF THE NEED TO ENSURE 'I HAT THE EXPENDITURE ON THE SPONSORED VISITORS PROGRAMME IS GOOD VALUE FOR MONEY.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID FORD, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

/"IT IS .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1992

"IT IS IMPORTANT TO BRING UNITED KINGDOM PARLIAMENTARIANS AND OPINION FORMERS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES TO HONG KONG TO SEE FOR THEMSELVES THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS SO THAT THEY HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF HONG KONG," SIR DAVID SAID.

UNDER THE GOVERNMENT’S SPONSORED VISITORS PROGRAMME, A TOTAL OF 72 UNITED KINGDOM PARLIAMENTARIANS ACCEPTED THE INVITATIONS TO VISIT HONG KONG IN THE LAST THREE YEARS.

OF THESE 72 VISITORS, 25 BROUGHT THEIR SPOUSES. THE GOVERNMENT SPENT A TOTAL OF ABOUT $2.5 MILLION ON THESE VISITS.

THE GOVERNMENT HAS SINCE 1985/86 BROADENED THE SCOPE OF THE PROGRAMME TO INCLUDE VISITORS FROM NORTH AMERICA, OTHER EUROPEAN COUNTRIES AND THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION, SIR DAVID SAID.

"WE NOW SPEND ABOUT 40 PER CENT OF OUR FUNDS ON SPONSORED VISITS BY UNITED KINGDOM PARLIAMENTARIANS."

IN ADDITION, UNDER A SEPARATE PROGRAMME THE GOVERNMENT SPONSORS GROUPS OF OFFICIALS FROM CHINA ON 10-DAY VISITS TO FAMILIARISE THEMSELVES WITH HONG KONG.

------0-------

MORE THAN 20,000 OPT FOR HOSPITAL AUTHORITY PAY^ PACKAGE I ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

A TOTAL OF 20,565 EX-GOVERNMENT AND EX-SUBVENTED HOSPITALS STAFF, EXCLUDING GENERAL GRADES STAFF, HAVE OPTED FOR HOSPITAL AUTHORITY (HA) EMPLOYMENT TERMS AS AT THE END OF NOVEMBER I HIS YEAR, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THE FIGURE AMOUNTS TO 61 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ELIGIBLE STAFF WORKING IN THESE HOSPITALS, SHE SAID.

IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON LAM KUT-CHUN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MRS WONG SAID THE HA REMUNERATION PACKAGE WAS BASED ON THE PRINCIPLE OF COMPARABLE COST TO THE EMPLOYER, I.E. THAT IT SHOULD BE SIMILAR LN (OST TO CIVIL SERVICE TERMS.

"ADDITIONAL PROVISION HAS BEEN NECESSARY TO FACILITATE OFFER OF HA TERMS TO EX-SUBVENTED STAFF.

"THE OFFER OF AN OPTION TO ALL ELIGIBLE STAFF IS CONSIDERED AN EQUITABLE ARRANGEMENT, TO SAFEGUARD THEIR LEGITIMATE AND REASONABLE INTERESTS," SHE SAID.

------0------------

/25 .

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1992

950 PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS IN 1991/92

*****

THERE WERE 950 PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS WITH AN APPROVED PROJECT ESTIMATE EXCEEDING $10 MILLION IN THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1991/92.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON EMILY LAU WAI-HING, TN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MR BLAKE SAID OF THE 152 NEW PROJECTS SCHEDULED TO START DURING THE SAME FINANCIAL YEAR, 45 ACTUALLY STARTED AS PROGRAMMED WHILE 38 WERE RESCHEDULED, REPACKAGED OR DROPPED IN THE COURSE OF THE YEAR FOLLOWING REVIEWS BY THE RELEVANT POLICY SECRETARIES OF PRIORITIES AND MATCHING RESOURCES.

’’THIS FLEXIBILITY IS A DISTINCT FEATURE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME IN HONG KONG, AND ALLOWS THE GOVERNMENT TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT CHANGING ASPIRATIONS AND CIRCUMSTANCES,” HE SAID.

MR BLAKE SAID THE REMAINING G9 PROJECTS WERE DELAYED BEYOND 1991/92 FOR REASONS INCLUDING LAND ACQUISITION PROBLEMS, STATUTORY OBJECTIONS, SITE RE-LOCATION, DESIGN AND PHYSICAL PROBLEMS, CHANGES IN < LI ENT’S REQUIREMENTS, ADMINISTRATIVE DELAYS AND FUNDING.

THE ESTIMATED PROJECT COST FOK THESE 69 PROJECTS AMOUNTED TO A TOTAL OF $30.2 BILLION, AND THE PROVISION INCLUDED IN THE 1991/92 EXPENDITURE ESTIMATED WAS $1.8 BILLION, HE ADDED.

ACTION AGAINST DOG-KEEPING TN PUBLIC HOUSING

*****

THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT HAS STEPPED UP PUBLICITY TO DISCOURAGE DOG-KEEPING AND ACTION AGAINST OFFENDERS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES . OR HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME (HOS) FLAT.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY REV THE HON FUNG CHI-WOOD IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

"DOG-KEEPING IS NOT ALLOWED UNDER THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S TENANCY AGREEMENT WITH PUBLIC HOUSING TENANTS AND THE DEED OF MUTUAL COVENANT WITH HOS FLAT OWNERS," MR EASON SAID.

THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT i OULD EV I< T A DOG-KEEPING TENANT BY SERVING A NOTICE-TO-QUIT OR BY WAY OF A COURT INJUNCTION TO BAN AN HOS FLAT OWNER FROM KEEPING DOGS, MR EASON SAID.

MR EASON SAID ABOUT ),000 CASES OF DOG-KEEPING IN PUBLIC HOUSING AND HOS ESTATES WERE DETECTED IN EACH OF THE PAST TWO YEARS WITH THE MAJORITY RESOLVED WITH TENANTS’ AND FLAT OWNERS’ CO-OPERATION.

/SINCE APRIL .

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1992

- 26 -

SINCE APRIL 1 THIS YEAR, FIGHT WARNING LETTERS THREATENING COURT ACTION HAVE BEEN ISSUED: FOUR TO PUBLIC HOUSING TENANTS AND FOUR TO HOS FLAT OWNERS.

"SO FAR, SIX OF THESE CASES HAVE BEEN RESOLVED WITH THE DOGS BEING REMOVED FROM THE PREMISES AND ONE OFFENDER HAS BEEN REQUIRED TO PAY COURT COSTS AMOUNTING TO $6,600," HE ADDED.

------0--------

MOTION ON WOMEN’S RIGHTS PASSED

*****

THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TONIGHT (WEDNESDAY) PASSED A MOTION THAT CALLED ON THE ADMINISTRATION TO SUPPORT THE EXTENSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON THE ELIMINATION OF ALL FORMS OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN TO HONG KONG.

A TOTAL OF 15 MEMBERS SPOKE IN THE TWO-HOUR DEBATE MOVED BY THE HON EMILY LAU.

THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MISS CHRISTINE CHOW, WITHDREW HER AMENDMENT TO THE ORIGINAL MOTION.

A MOTION PROPOSED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID FORD, ON SUSPENSION OF THE STANDING ORDERS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO ENABLE THE GOVERNOR TO ADDRESS THE LEGISLATORS ON JANUARY 12 WAS ALSO PASSED.

ANOTHER MOTION MOVED BY THE HON ELSIE TU UNDER HONG KONG ROYAL INSTRUCTIONS 1917 TO 1991 WAS ALSO PASSED.

IN ADDITION, EIGHT MEMBERS SPOKE IN AN ADJOURNMENT DEBATE RAISED BY THE HON TIK CHI-YUEN ON THE OBJECTIVE OF SCHOOL EDUCATION.

A TOTAL OF FIVE BILLS WERE PASSED BY THE COUNCIL.

FOUR OF THE BILLS WERE PASSED WITH AMENDMENTS.

THEY WERE LORD WILSON HERITAGE TRUST BILL, COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1992, SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) RILL 1992 AND OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES BILL.

THE EXEMPTIONS FROM REGISTRATION AND TRANSFER OF POWERS (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) BILL WAS PASSED WITHOUT AMENDMENT.

FIVE OTHER BILLS WERE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. DEBATES ON THEM WERE ADJOURNED.

THEY WERE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992, TELEPHONE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992, TELECOMMUNICATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992, HONG KONG EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992 AND THEFT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992.

------0------------

/27........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1992

ELECTION PROPOSALS WILL BE FORTHCOMING:

*****

GOVERNOR

TRE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN. SAID TODAv (WEDNESDAY) THAT HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT OUT OF THE PROCESS OF DISCUSSION AND DEBATE WOULD COME PROPOSALS FOR THE 1995 ELECTIONS ACCEPTABLE TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AND AS ACCEPTABLE AS POSSIBLE TO BRITAIN AND CHINA.

SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER VISITING KWAI TSING DISTRICT, THE GOVERNOR SAID IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS WE WOULD SEE THE BEGINNING OF A MUCH MORE EXTENSIVE DEBATE AND MORE PEOPLE PUTTING FORWARD THEIR OWN THOUGHTS ON THE PROPOSALS HE SUGGESTED IN HIS POLICY ADDRESS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

’’THERE ARE SOME PEOPLE, LIKE THE DISTRICT BOARD IN KWAI TSING, WHO THINK I SHOULD GO FURTHER. THERE ARE OTHERS WHO THINK I SHOULD GO LESS FAR,” RE SAID.

“WE’RE TALKING ABOUT VERY MODEST AND LIMITED PROPOSALS FOR ENSURING THAT THE 1995 ELECTIONS ARE AS FAIR AND CLEAN AND OPEN AS POSSIBLE.”

RE REPEATED THAT WHEREVER ANYBODY WANTED HIM TO TALK ABOUT THOSE MATTERS, HE WOULD BE HAPPY TO DO SO.

ASKED ABOUT COMMENTS BY SENIOR MINISTER OF SINGAPORE, MR LEE KUAN YEW ON MONDAY, THE GOVERNOR SAID VISITORS IN HONG KONG WERE VERY WELCOME TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE FREEDOM OF SPEECH PRACTISED HERE.

"I THINK WHAT MATTERS IS THAT WE SHOULD HAVE VIGOROUS AND EFFECTIVE INSTITUTIONS, A GOOD EXECUTIVE STAFFED BY THE VERY BEST CIVIL SERVANTS. I THINK WE NEED A CREDIBLE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

”1 THINK WE NEED GOOD, INDEPENDENT COURTS BECAUSE TN ORDER TO SECURE HONG KONG’S PROSPERITY AND STABILITY FOR THE FUTURE. WK NEED NOT ONLY AN OPEN MARKET ECONOMY, BUT WE ALSO NEED THE RULE OF LAW, THE RULE OF LAW UNDERPINNED BY ALL THOSE THINGS THAT THE JOINT DECLARATION TALKS ABOUT INCLUDING A FREE PRESS AND A CREDIBLE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO WHICH THE EXECUTIVE IS ACCOUNTABLE.”

------0--------

GOVERNOR VISITS KWAI TSING * * * * *

THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON SAW FOR HIMSELF THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE OF THE CONTAINER TERM INAI i N KWAI TS ING.

MR PATTON FIRST ’I OOK A PANORAMIC VIEW OF THE CONTAINER PORT WHICH IS BEING BILLED AS ONE OF THE WORLD’S BUSIEST, AND THE DISTRICT FROM A ROOFTOP OF VIN LAI COURT IN LAI KING, WHERE HE WAS BRIEFED ON LO( AL DEVF,LOPMENTS BY THE. KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS

AGNES ALLUOCE.

/HE THEN

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1992

II!- THEN WENT TO (’HEUNG HANG I STAT I* , THE LATEST PUBLIC HOUSING DEVELOPMENT ON THE TS1NG Yl ISLAND, WHERE HI- CHATTED TO SENIOR CITIZENS AT A SOi I Al. CENTRE I’OR THE ELDERLY RI N BY THE CHRISTIAN AND MISSIONARY ALLIANCE.

ON HIS WAV TO THE CENTRE, MR PATTI'ALSO TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO BROWSE IN SHOPS IN (’HEUNG HANG < OMMER< I AL COMPLEX.

Bj FORE COM LADING HIS VISIT, MJ?. PATTEN MET WITH DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS AT A RECEPTION AT THE METRO PLAZA TN KWAI FONG.

MR PATTEN WAS A< <OMPANIED BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR ALBERT LAM; AND THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS AGNES ALLCOCK.

ESTABLISHMENT OF OFFICE OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY *****

THE ADMINISTRATION HAS DECIDED THAT THE INCREASING SCOPE AND COMPLEXITY OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS REGULATION JUSTIFIED THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A SEPARATE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THE NEW DEPARTMENT WILL BE CALLED THE OFFICE OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY (OFTA).

SHE’ SAID: "THE POSTMASTER GENERAL HAS HITHERTO UNDERTAKEN SIMULTANEOUSLY THE DUTIES OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY AND HEAD OF THE POSTAL SERVICE WITH DEDICATION AND DISTINCTION.

"HOWEVER, THE RAPID EXPANSION OF SERVICES IN RECENT YEARS AND OUR POLICY OF LIBERALISATION HAVE NOT ONLY LED TO A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN WORKLOAD BUT WILL ALSO REQUIRE THE REGULATOR TO TAKE ON NEW POWERS IN RELATION TO NETWORK INTERCONNECTION, TELEPHONE NUMBERING AND PRICE CONTROL.

"IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT WE ENSURE THAT OUR REGULATORY STRUCTURE IS APPROPRIATE TO THESE NEW CHALLENGES."

SHE ADDED THAT SUBJECT TO FINANCE COMMITTEE APPROVAL, OFTA WOULD BE A NEW DEPARTMENT IN THE GOVERNMENT.

ALL THE CURRENT STAFF OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS BRANCH OF THE POST OFFICE WOULD BE TRANSFERRED TO THIS NEW DEPARTMENT AND WOULD REMAIN ON CIVIL SERVICE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE, SHE SAID.

"OUR PROPOSALS WILL REQUIRE THE CREATION OF A NEW POST FOR THE HEAD OF OFTA WHO WILL BE APPOINTED TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY.

"WE WILL ALSO BE SEEKING ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR TELECOMMUNICAT IONS REGULATION.

/"OUR PROPOSALS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1992

- 29 -

"OUR PROPOSALS ARE CURRENTLY BEING FINALISED, PRIOR TO SUBMISSION TO FINANCE COMMITTEE FOR APPROVAL,” MRS CHAN SAID.

ON THE TIMING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF OFTA, SHE SAID THIS WOULD ULTIMATELY DEPEND ON THE TIME TAKEN TO OBTAIN THE NECESSARY APPROVALS FOR POSTS, FUNDING AND APPOINTMENT, WHICH WAS DIFFICULT TO PREDICT WITH CERTAINTY.

’’HOWEVER, SHE INDICATED THAT SHE WOULD BE PUSHING FOR EARLY DECISIONS AND WAS HOPEFUL THAT THE OFFICE COULD BE ESTABLISHED EARLY IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF NEXT YEAR.

"OUR PROPOSALS FOR OFTA, TOGETHER WITH THE LEGISLATION, ARE A PRACTICAL DEMONSTRATION OF GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO ITS PRO-COMPETITIVE TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY.

’’TELECOMMUNICATIONS PROVIDE A VITAL UNDERPINNING TO HONG KONG’S POSITION AS THE PRE-EMINENT FINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL CENTRE IN THE REGION AND COMPETITION ENSURES THAT HONG KONG RETAINS ITS COMPETITIVE EDGE,” MRS CHAN SAID.

SHE SAID THE BILLS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATION COUNCIL TODAY FOLLOWED ON THE MOTION DEBATE ON TELECOMMUNTCAITONS POLICY HELD IN JUNE THIS YEAR.

------0--------

NEGOTIATIONS ON CT9 CONTINUING * * * *

IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT DISCUSSIONS WITH THE THREE CONSORTIA TO WHOM THE LAND GRANT FOR CONTAINER TERMINAL 9 (CT9) HAD BEEN OFFERED WERE CONTINUING.

THESE DISCUSSIONS WERE TECHNICALLY COMPLEX, HE EXPLAINED, BECAUSE OF SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW ROAD AND BRIDGE LINKS TO THE TERMINAL SITE, DETAILED REQUIREMENTS FOR SITE FORMATION AND MEETING ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS AND SO ON.

HE EMPHASISED THAT THE CONSORTIA INVOLVED HAD INDICATED THEIR INTENTION TO PROCEED WITH DISCUSSION ON THE PROPOSED LAND GRANT WHICH WOULD BE PROCESSED IN EXACTLY THE SAME WAY AS EARLIER TERMINALS.

HE ADDED THAT IT WAS ANTICIPATED THAT THE DISCUSSIONS WOULD CONTINUE INTO EARLY NEXT YEAR.

------0------------

/30

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1992

APPLICATIONS FOR BN(O) PASSPORTS ♦ ♦ * *

IN RESPONSE TO QUESTIONS, AN IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN CONFIRMED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THE NEED FOR BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZEN (BDTC) PASSPORTS TO BE EXCHANGED FOR BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) (BN(O)) PASSPORTS WELL BEFORE 1997 IF THE HOLDERS WISHED TO HAVE BN(O) PASSPORTS.

THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THERE WOULD BE SIGNIFICANT ADMINISTRATIVE DIFFICULTIES IF PEOPLE LEAVE IT TOO LATE.

THE DEPARTMENT CONFIRMED THAT IF THE PRESENT TAKE-UP RATE OF BN(0)8 REMAINS UNCHANGED, TO AVOID A LARGE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS COMING IN AT THE SAME TIME CLOSE TO 1997, SOME SORT OF PHASED PROGRAMME SIMILAR TO THE PREVIOUS NEW IDENTITY CARD RE-ISSUE EXERCISE WOULD BE NECESSARY.

A SPOKESMAN REMINDED THE PUBLIC THAT AS AGREED UNDER THE MEMORANDUM ASSOCIATED WITH THE JOINT DECLARATION, HONG KONG BDTCS WILL CEASE TO BE SUCH CITIZENS ON JULY 1, 1997, BUT THEY WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR BN(O) PASSPORTS SO THAT THEY CAN CONTINUE TO TRAVEL ON BRITISH PASSPORTS BEYOND 1997 IF THEY WANT TO.

NO NEW APPLICATION WILL BE POSSIBLE AFTER JUNE 30, 1997.

’’OBVIOUSLY WE CANNOT SIT BACK AND WATT FOR EVERYONE TO TURN UP ON THAT DAY,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

’’EVEN THOUGH WE CAN ASSUME NOT ALL POTENTIAL APPLICANTS WILL APPLY FOR A BN(O) PASSPORT, IF TOO MANY APPLIED TOO CLOSE TO 1997, THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO COPE WITH THE RUSH.

"WE ARE THEREFORE CONSIDERING HOW BEST TO DEAL WITH WHAT COULD BE A MAJOR ADMINISTRATIVE UNDERTAKING."

THE SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED THAT, UNLIKE THE NEW IDENTITY CARD REISSUE EXERCISE, EVEN IF A PHASED PROGRAMME WERE BROUGHT IN, IT WOULD STILL BE ENTIRELY VOLUNTARY.

"NOBODY NEEDS TO TAKE UP A BN(0) PASSPORT AT ALL IF THEY DO NOT WANT TO. MANY PEOPLE DO NOT HOLD EITHER BDTC OR BN(O) PASSPORTS NOW.

’’THOSE WHO ALREADY HAVE A BN(O) PASSPORT NEED NOT OF COURSE COME FORWARD.

"BUT THOSE WHO WISH TO CONTINUE THE FACILITY OF THE BDTC WILL NOT BE ABLE TO DO SO AFTER 1997 AND THEY SHOULD APPLY FOR A BN(O) EARLIER RATHER THAN LATER," HE SAID.

---------0-----------

/31 ........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1992

GOVT TO MAINTAIN HK’S RECORD OF ACHIEVEMENT *****

THE GOVERNMENT WAS DETERMINED TO MAINTAIN THE TERRITORY’S REMARKABLE RECORD OF ACHIEVEMENT AND TO GIVE THE NEW HONG KONG IN 1997 THE GREATEST POSSIBLE CHANCE OF SUCCESS, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF AN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE TO MARK THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CENTRE OF ASIAN STUDIES, UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, MR MACLEOD SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S AIMS IN RELATION TO THE ECONOMY AND THE COMMUNITY OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS WERE CLEAR, AND INCLUDED:

- ENCOURAGING HONG KONG'S PROSPERITY BY MAINTAINING PRUDENT AND SOUND ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL STRATEGIES; AND BY INVESTING HEAVILY IN OUR PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE I

- REMOVING OBSTACLES TO ECONOMIC GROWTH AND TO COMPETITIVENESS;

- ENSURING THAT HONG KONG REMAINS A LEVEL-PLAYING FIELD;

- PROTECTING THE POOR AND VULNERABLE BY IMPROVING STANDARDS THROUGHOUT THE SOCIAL SERVICES; AND

- ENSURING THAT THE GOVERNMENT WORKS FOR THE PEOPLE BY PROVIDING HIGH STANDARDS OF SERVICE IN ALL ITS DEALINGS WITH THE PUBLIC.

MR MACLEOD STRESSED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS DETERMINED TO ENSURE THAT HONG KONG WOULD CONTINUE TO EXCEL IN THE COMING YEARS.

"THAT IS WHY WE ARE MAKING GREAT EFFORTS TO EXPAND TERTIARY EDUCATION, TO FURTHER DEVELOP OUR PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME, TO IMPROVE OUR HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES, TO MAP OUT AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME AND TO DEVELOP OUR POLITICAL INSTITUTIONS.

"THAT IS WHY WE ARE EMBARKING ON MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENTS TO UNDERPIN HONG KONG’S ROLE.

"AND WHY WE ARE EMBARKING ON THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME, BASED AROUND THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK," HE SAID.

LOOKING AHEAD, MR MACLEOD SAID EVERY INDICATOR SUGGESTED THAT HONG KONG WOULD REMAIN A THRIVING ECONOMY AND AN ENGINE FOR DEVELOPMENT IN ASIA DESPITE THE CHANGE IN SOVEREIGNTY IN 1997.

"OUR LOCATION - AT THE GATEWAY TO CHINA AND AT THE CROSSROADS OF ASIA - WILL NEVER CHANGE.

"THIS ENSURES THAT HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC ROLE WILL ALWAYS BE CENTRAL TO ASIA’S PROSPERITY," HE SAID.

/"WE EXPECT .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1992

”WE EXPECT THE ECONOMY TO GROW BY AN AVERAGE FIVE PER CENT IN REAL TERMS ANNUALLY UP TO 1997,” MR MACLEOD SAID.

LOOKING BACK ON THE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE PAST 25 YEARS, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY LISTED AS SOME OF HONG KONG’S ACHIEVEMENTS THE 23 TIMES GROWTH IN PER CAPITA GDP AND THE MAINTENANCE OF UMEMPLOYMENT AT A MERE TWO PER CENT FOR ALMOST SIX CONSECUTIVE YEARS.

------0------------

NEW POST OFFICE OPENS IN TIN SHUI WAI

A NEW BRANCH POST OFFICE OPENED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN TIN SHUI WAI TO SERVE LOCAL RESIDENTS.

THE TIN YIU POST OFFICE IS LOCATED AT UNIT 101, FIRST FLOOR, TIN YIU SHOPPING CENTRE, TIN YIU ESTATE.

IT PROVIDES A NORMAL RANGE OF COUNTER SERVICES. THE BUSINESS HOURS ARE:

MONDAY TO FRIDAY : 9.30 AM TO 1 PM

2.15 PM TO 5 PM

SATURDAY : 9.30 AM TO 1 PM

THE TELEPHONE NUMBER IS 445 9161.

THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR MICHELANGELO PAGLIARI, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD, MR TAT KUEN, AND THE DISTRICT OFFICER (YUEN LONG), MR ROBIN IP MAN-FAI, OFFICIATED AT ITS OPENING CEREMONY THIS MORNING.

THIS BRINGS THE TOTAL NUMBER OF BRANCH POST OFFICES IN THE TERRITORY TO 122.

STREET SLEEPERS HAVE A WARM NIGHT *****

SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT STAFF DISTRIBUTED A BLANKETS TO STREET SLEEPERS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY NIGHT.

TOTAL OF 545

LAST (TUESDAY)

OF THE STREET SLEEPERS, 188 WERE ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 55 IN EAST KOWLOON, 253 IN WEST KOWLOON, 31 IN NEW TERRITORIES EAST AND 18 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WEST.

--------0-----------

/33 .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1992

SALT WATER CUT IN SOUTH KOWLOON

*****

FLUSHING WATER SUPPLY TO ALL PREMISES IN SOUTH KOWLOON WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 PM ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 18) TO 7 AM THE NEXT DAY.

THIS IS BECAUSE OF A SUSPENSION OF ELECTRICITY SUPPLY TO THE KOWLOON SOUTH SALT WATER PUMPING STATION.

THE AFFECTED AREAS INCLUDE ALL THE PREMISES LOCATED TO THE SOUTH OF BOUNDARY STREET, INCLUDING TAI KOK TSUI, MONG KOK, YAU MA TEI AND TSIM SHA TSUI.

------0--------

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦

$ MILLION

OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT • 1,500

REVERSAL OF LAF NIL

BALANCE AFTER REVERSL OF LAF 1,500

NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL

EFFECT OF LAF TODAY NIL

CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,500

LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWJ 114.20 *-0.1* 16.12.1992

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

EF TERMS BILLS HONG KONG COUPON GOVERNMENT BONDS

YIELD TERM ISSUE PRICE YIELD

1 WEEK 3.05 PCT 15 MONTHS 2402 5.50 100.53 5.08

1 MONTH 3.61 PCT 18 MONTHS 2405 5.50 100.40 5.27

3 MONTHS 4.00 PCT 21 MONTHS 2408 4.375 98.42 5.44

6 MONTHS 4.08 PCT 24 MONTHS 2411 4.625 98.42 5.58

12 MONTHS 4.70 PCT

TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 1,233 MN

CLOSED 16 DECEMBER 1992

- - 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1992

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVERNOR REACHES OUT TO PEOPLE .......................'.......... 1

GOVERNOR TO MEET POLITICAL GROUPS IN JANUARY .................... 2

GOVERNOR MEETS DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMEN .......................... 2

GREEN PAPER ON MEDICAL CHARGES IN THE PIPELINE .................. 3

WEST KOWLOON EXPRESSWAY SCHEME AUTHORISED ....................... 4

SPECIAL STAMPS HERALD COCK YEAR ................................. 4

RESIDENTS ALERTED TO FOOD-BORNE DISEASES ........................ 5

OPERATION TO FLUSH OUT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ....................... 6

CALL TO USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT AT CHRISTMAS ....................... 7

VEHICLE MARKS UP FOR AUCTION .................................... 8

WEATHER OF NOVEMBER ............................................. 9

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS ON FOR KWAI TSING RESIDENTS ................... 12

EDUCATION BOARD MEMBERS VISIT PRIMARY SCHOOL ................... 13

FLAG DAY ARRANGEMENT ........................................... 14

EVENING CLINIC SERVICE TO BE SUSPENDED ON MONDAY ............... 14

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .. 15

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1992

GOVERNOR REACHES OUT TO PEOPLE

*****

THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, TODAY (THURSDAY) REACHED OUT TO THE GRASSROOTS PEOPLE AND SAW FOR HIMSELF THEIR PROBLEMS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF THE TERRITORY.

ACCOMPANIED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, MR PATTEN WAS GREETED DURING HIS VISIT BY AMUSED AND DELIGHTFUL PEDESTRIANS, SHOPKEEPERS AND HAWKERS.

THE GOVERNOR STARTED OFF BY WALKING THROUGH A NARROW BACKLANE AT MARBLE ROAD IN NORTH POINT.

ILLEGAL STRUCTURES, SOME DOMESTIC, WERE BUILT ON GAS MAINS AND FLANKED THE PASSAGEWAY, POSING CONSTANT FIRE HAZARD AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS.

HE ALSO SAW HOW THE DRY-GOODS HAWKERS IN MARBLE ROAD DO THEIR BUSINESS.

MR PATTEN THEN WENT TO KOWLOON CITY WHERE HE SAW A NUMBER OF STREET-SLEEPERS AND THEIR MAKE-SHIFT SHANTIES UNDER THE VARIOUS FLYOVERS.

HE ALSO SAW SOME ILLEGAL STRUCTURES ATTACHED TO THE BUILDINGS IN THE AREA BOUNDED BY TO KWA WAN ROAD, MA TAU KOK ROAD, THE WATERFRONT AND THE GAS WORKS. THESE ENVIRONMENTAL WARTS ARE A THREAT TO BUILDING SAFETY.

THE GOVERNOR WAS THEN BRIEFED ON THE PROBLEM OF ILLEGAL "RESERVATION" OF METERED PARKING SPACES IN THE DISTRICT.

HE WAS TOLD THAT METERED PARKING SPACES WERE BLOCKED BY ITEMS SUCH AS BASKETS AND GOODS RESERVED FOR SOME BUSINESSES IN THE LOCALITY.

HE ALSO SAW THE ILLEGAL HAWKING PROBLEM ALONG MA TAU KOK ROAD AND NGA TSIN LONG ROAD AND INSPECTED THE URBAN COUNCIL KOWLOON CITY MARKET COMPLEX.

MR PATTEN THEN WENT TO UN CHAU STREET IN SHAM SHUI PO TO SEE THE PROSTITUTION PROBLEM THERE.

AFTERWARDS, HE ARRIVED AT A "CAGE-HOME" (BEDSPACE APARTMENT) IN KWEILIN STREET WHERE HE WAS TOLD BY SOME OF THE 40 'CAGEMEN’ THERE THEIR PROBLEMS.

THE GOVERNOR CONCLUDED HIS VISIT BY TOURING CHUNG KING MANSION TO SEE OVER-CROWDED GUEST HOUSES AND PROBLEMS CAUSED BY POOR BUILDING MANAGEMENT.

THE MANSION HOUSES MORE THAN 150 GUESTHOUSES, A NUMBER OF CLUBS AND SHOPS.

TODAY’S TOUR IS ONE OF THE GOVERNOR’S REGULAR VISITS TO VARIOUS PARTS OF THE TERRITORY.

--------0

/2 .........

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1992

GOVERNOR TO MEET POLITICAL GROUPS IN JANUARY

******

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE GOVERNOR WILL HOLD A THIRD ROUND OF CONSULTATIONS WITH SIX POLITICAL GROUPS DURING JANUARY.

THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE GOVERNOR FOUND THE FIRST TWO ROUNDS OF CONSULTATIONS VERY VALUABLE AND HE WOULD WELCOME A THIRD ROUND IN JANUARY BEFORE HIS CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM PROPOSALS ARE PUT TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

-----0------

GOVERNOR MEETS DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMEN

******

THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, TODAY (THURSDAY) HELD HIS THIRD MEETING WITH THE CHAIRMEN OF THE DISTRICT BOARDS. EIGHTEEN CHAIRMEN ATTENDED.

THE GOVERNOR SAID HE FOUND THE MEETING VERY CONSTRUCTIVE AND HE UNDERTOOK TO REFLECT ON THEIR VIEWS CONCERNING APPOINTED MEMBERS AND DISTRICT BOUNDARIES.

MR PATTEN MADE IT CLEAR THAT HE WELCOMES THE DEBATE WHICH IS NOW UNDER WAY ON HIS CONSTITUTIONAL PROPOSALS.

HE SAID THE AIM MUST BE TO DEVISE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE 1994/95 ELECTIONS WHICH MEET THE CRITERIA OF OPENNESS, FAIRNESS AND ACCEPTABILITY TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, AND TO THIS END, HE IS HAPPY TO DISCUSS HIS OWN OR OTHER PEOPLE’S PROPOSALS.

IN DUE COURSE, THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WILL DECIDE ON LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS WHICH WILL THEN BE PUT TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

THE GOVERNOR SAID HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT WHAT WILL EMERGE FROM THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL BE ACCEPTABLE TO THE COMMUNITY.

"THE ESSENTIAL POINT IS NOT WHO MAKES THE PROPOSALS BUT WHETHER THEY WOULD LEAD TO OPEN AND FAIR ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS WHICH COMMAND THE SUPPORT OF THE COMMUNITY.”

-----0------

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1992

GREEN PAPER ON MEDICAL CHARGES IN THE PIPELINE

*****

THE GOVERNMENT WILL SHORTLY BE CONSULTING THE PUBLIC WITH A GREEN PAPER CONTAINING PROPOSALS FOR AN IMPROVED FEES AND WAIVER SYSTEM FOR SERVICES PROVIDED BY PUBLIC HOSPITALS, DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS HELEN YU, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF ZONTA CLUB OF HONG KONG EAST, MRS YU SAID AN IMPROVED FEES AND WAIVER SYSTEM WOULD BE EQUITABLE IN TREATMENT AND FINANCING AND WOULD ENSURE THAT SERVICES WERE ACCESSIBLE TO ALL AND GENERALLY AFFORDABLE.

THE SYSTEM WILL CONTAIN ESCALATING HEALTH CARE COSTS, PROVIDE HIGHER QUALITY CARE AND BETTER CHOICE TO PATIENTS, AND BE SIMPLE TO ADMINISTER.

MRS YU ALSO SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD INTRODUCE NEW SERVICES AND ADOPT NEW APPROACHES FOR A NUMBER OF SPECIAL TARGET GROUPS. THESE INCLUDE:

* A HEALTH SERVICE FOR ALL PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS;

♦ A SPECIALIST ORAL HEALTH SERVICE FOR PATIENT GROUPS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS;

* A PILOT OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE FOR WORKERS;

* A GERIATRIC DAY CARE CENTRE FOR ELDERLY PERSONS; AND

* A PSYCHOGERIATRIC SERVICE FOR ELDERLY MENTAL PATIENTS.

"WE AIM TO DEVELOP A CULTURE OF SERVICE, TO BE EVEN MORE PATIENT ORIENTED," SAID MRS YU.

"THIS WILL SEE REDUCED WAITING TIME FOR CONSULTATION AT CLINICS AND QUICKER TREATMENT AT ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS AND THERE WILL BE BETTER MEDICAL RECORD-KEEPING," SHE ADDED.

MRS YU ALSO OUTLINED THE GOVERNMENT’S TASK TO ACHIEVE "HEALTH FOR ALL IN THE YEAR 2000".

TN NUMERICAL TERMS, IT WILL PROVIDE 4,200 ADDITIONAL HOSPITAL BEDS, OPEN 13 NEW CLINICS AND EXPAND 11 EXISTING CLINICS. ESTABLISH SEVEN HEALTH CENTRES FOR SOME 700,000 ELDERLY PERSONS AND THREE WELLWOMAN CLINICS FOR WOMEN ESPECIALLY SOME 320,000 IN MENOPAUSAL PRIME.

THE OVERCROWDING AT CASTLE PEAK HOSPITAL WILL ALSO BE RELIEVED WHILE PSYCHIATRIC BEDS IN OTHER HOSPITALS INCREASED BY OVER 20 PER CENT OVERALL BY 1997, MRS YU ADDED.

/4 .........

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1992

WEST KOWLOON EXPRESSWAY SCHEME AUTHORISED *****

THE GOVERNMENT IS TO GAZETTE TOMORROW (FRIDAY) THE AUTHORISATION OF THE SCHEME TO BUILD THE WEST KOWLOON EXPRESSWAY AFTER THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S DECISION THAT OBJECTIONS TO THE SCHEME SHOULD NOT BE UPHELD.

THIS WILL TAKE THE ROAD PROJECT A FURTHER STEP FORWARD AND FUNDS WILL BE SOUGHT FROM THE FINANCE COMMITTEE IN DUE COURSE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE EXPRESSWAY.

THE DUAL THREE-LANE EXPRESSWAY WILL BE BUILT ON NEW RECLAIMED LAND IN WEST KOWLOON TO PROVIDE A FAST ROAD LINK BETWEEN MEI FOO SUN CHUEN AND THE FUTURE WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING.

IT WILL BE BUILT WITH QUIET ROAD SURFACE MATERIAL AND ROADSIDE BARRIERS TO REDUCE TRAFFIC NOISE.

AS AN ADDITIONAL NOISE MITIGATION MEASURE, THE EXPRESSWAY WILL SET BACK FROM MEI FOO SUN CHUEN, NAM CHEONG ESTATE, FERRY STREET AND MAN CHEONG STREET.

-----o--------

SPECIAL STAMPS HERALD COCK YEAR

*****

THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR MICHELANGELO PAGLIARI, ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT A SET OF SPECIAL STAMPS WOULD BE ISSUED ON JANURAY 7 ON THE THEME OF "YEAR OF THE COCK".

THIS IS THE SEVENTH IN THE CURRENT SERIES OF LUNAR NEW YEAR SPECIAL STAMP ISSUES RELEASED BY THE POST OFFICE SINCE THE YEAR OF THE RABBIT IN 1987.

THERE WILL BE FOUR DENOMINATIONS - 80 CENTS, $1.80, $2.30 AND

$5.

A SOUVENIR SHEET INCORPORATING THE FOUR STAMPS WILL ALSO BE ISSUED.

A STAMP BOOKLET CONTAINING SIX EACH OF THE 80 CENTS AND $2.30 STAMPS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT $18.60 EACH.

THE STAMPS WERE DESIGNED BY MR KAN TAI-KEUNG AND PRINTED BY JOH. ENSCHEDE OF THE NETHERLANDS.

THEY WILL BE PUT UP FOR PUBLIC DISPLAY AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, TSTM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE AND SHA TIN CENTRAL POST OFFICE FROM DECEMBER 28.

OFFICIAL FIRST DAY COVERS WILL BE ON SALE AT ALL POST OFFICES, EXCEPT THE AIRPORT POST OFFICE, FROM DECEMBER 28 AT $1 EACH.

/ADVANCE ORDERS .......

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1992

ADVANCE ORDERS FOR SERVICED FIRST DAY COVERS AND SOUVENIR SHEET COVERS WILL BE ACCEPTED FROM DECEMBER 28 TO 31.

THE MINIMUM NUMBER OF SERVICED FIRST DAY COVERS PER ORDER IS FIVE. THERE IS ALSO A RESTRICTION OF 10 SERVICED SOUVENIR SHEET COVERS PER ORDER.

ON THE FIRST DAY OF ISSUE, EACH CUSTOMER IS ENTITLED TO TWO STAMP BOOKLETS, 10 SOUVENIR SHEETS AND FIVE SHEETS OF STAMPS OF EACH DENOMINATION.

FIRST DAY COVERS PRE-AFFIXED WITH A SET OF STAMPS AND CANCELLED WITH THE FIRST DAY OF ISSUE POSTMARK AT $12.90 EACH WILL ONLY BE AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING SIX PHILATELIC OFFICES:

BEACONSFIELD HOUSE POST OFFICE GENERAL POST OFFICE GRANVILLE ROAD POST OFFICE PEAK POST OFFICE SHA TIN CENTRAL POST OFFICE TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE

CUSTOMERS INTERESTED IN OBTAINING THESE SERVICED FIRST DAY COVERS ARE ADVISED TO PLACE ADVANCE ORDERS.

A HAND-BACK SERVICE WILL BE GIVEN TO ALL OFFICIAL AND PRIVATELY MADE COVERS BEARING THE “FIRST DAY” INDICATION ON JANUARY 7 AT ALL POST OFFICES EXCEPT THE AIRPORT POST OFFICE.

RESIDENTS ALERTED TO FOOD-BORNE DISEASES

*****

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SHOULD ADOPT PROPER FOOD HYGIENE PRACTICES WHEN TUCKING INTO HOTPOTS IN WINTER, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF HEALTH (HYGIENE), DR MAHOMMED BIN ALI. SAID.

MAKING THE APPEAL, DR ALI ALERTED RESIDENTS TO POISONING CAUSED BY FOOD-BORNE DISEASES AND HEPATITIS A.

’’RESTAURANT STAFF SHOULD ALWAYS OBSERVE HYGIENE PRACTICES IN PREPARING FOOD FOR HOTPOTS,” HE SAID.

"CUSTOMERS, ON THE OTHER HAND, SHOULD MAKE SURE THAT THE FOOD IS ADEQUATELY COOKED BEFORE CONSUMPTION.”

RESIDENTS SHOULD Ai,SO TAKE EXTRA CARE WHILE PREPARING HOTPOTS AT HOME.

DR ALI SUGGESTED THE FOLLOWING PREVENTIVE MEASURES:

/FOR SHELLFISH

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1992

FOR SHELLFISH

* USE ONLY WHOLESOME AND PREFERABLY LIVE ONES;

* REMOVE THE DIRT WITH A BRUSH AND RINSE SHELLFISH THOROUGHLY IN CLEAN WATER;

* DISCARD THE INTESTINES AND OTHER DUBIOUS OR INEDIBLE PARTS SUCH AS SHELLS;

t COOK THOROUGHLY BEFORE CONSUMPTION; AND

* KEEP UNDER REFRIGERATION IF NOT FOR IMMEDIATE CONSUMPTION.

FOR VEGETABLES

* DO NOT PATRONISE ILLEGAL HAWKERS;

t DO NOT BUY THOSE WITH A STRANGE SMELL;

* TEAR OFF AND DISCARD THE VEGETABLE LEAVES AT THE PERIPHERY;

t WASH WELL AND DIP IN CLEAN WATER FOR ONE HOUR; AND

* COOK THOROUGHLY.

’’WHOLESOME RAW MATERIALS, PROPER WASHING AND HANDLING, AND THOROUGH COOKING ARE THE BEST MEASURES AGAINST GASTRO-INTESTINAL DISEASES. THESE HYGIENE PRACTICES SHOULD BE ADOPTED AT ALL TIMES,” DR ALT SAID.

------0-------

OPERATION TO FLUSH OUT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS * * * * *

A TERRITORY-WIDE ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION OPERATION JOINTLY MOUNTED BY THE POLICE, THE LABOUR AND IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENTS RECENTLY HAS RESULTED IN THE ARRESTS OF 125 PERSONS.

THE OPERATION WAS PARI’ OF THE GOVERNMENT’S ONGOING EFFORT TO FLUSH OUT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.

OF THE ARRESTED PERSONS, 14 WERE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS CAUGHT AT THE BORDER. THEY HAVE BEEN SENT TO SAN UK LING FOR REPATRIATION.

THE OTHER 111 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 (THURSDAY) THAT THERE WAS NO QUESTION OF ANY AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.

/’’OUR LATEST ..........

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1992

"OUR LATEST OPERATION SHOULD DRIVE HOME THE POINT THAT THERE WILL RE NO CHANGE TO THIS POLICY. ANYONE FOOLISH ENOUGH TO BELIEVE OTHERWISE IS ONLY CHEATING HIMSELF." HE SAID.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID 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 8,422 PERSONS AND 1,979 VEHICLES WERE STOPPED FOR IDENTIFICATION CHECKS.

ON THE LABOUR FRONT, INSPECTORS OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT VISITED 2,696 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 10,533 EMPLOYEES HAD THEIR PROOF OF IDENTITY CHECKED DURING THE OPERATION.

TWENTY-THREE ESTABLISHMENTS WERE FOUND NOT ABLE TO PROVIDE A RECORD OF EMPLOYEES FOR INSPECTION.

THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED EMPLOYERS 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 -----

CALL TO USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT AT CHRISTMAS

*****

THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION TODAY (THURSDAY) CALLED ON THE PUBLIC TO MAKE USE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT WHEN JOURNEYING TO SEE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR LIGHTS.

THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY (HONG KONG AND KOWLOON), MR CHRIS WAN, SAID THIS COULD HELP EASE TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN AREAS WITH DECORATIVE LIGHTS.

AS IN PREVIOUS YEARS, LARGE CROWDS ARE EXPECTED TO GATHER IN CENTRAL AND TSIM SHA TSUI TO ENJOY THE FESTIVE LIGHTS, HE SAID.

"PAST EXPERIENCE HAS SHOWN THAT MOST PEOPLE GO OUT ON CHRISTMAS EVE AND THAT TSIM SHA TSUI ATTRACTED BY FAR THE BIGGEST CROWD.

/"FOR SAFETY'S ......

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1992

’’FOR SAFETY’S SAKE, I ESPECIALLY THOSE GOING OUT WITH CARE AND RESTRAINT IN CONGESTED

WOULD LIKE TO CALL ON RESIDENTS, OLD PEOPLE AND CHILDREN, TO EXERCISE AREAS ON CHRISTMAS EVE.”

MR WAN REMINDED THE PUBLIC THAT MOST LIGHTS WOULD BE ON DISPLAY FOR A LONG TIME AND FOR THIS REASON THEY NEED NOT JOIN IN THE CROWDS ON THAT NIGHT.

’’ONE CAN ENJOY THEM MORE LEISURELY ON OTHER DAYS,” HE ADDED.

MR WAN POINTED OUT THAT APART FROM THE ATTRACTIONS IN TSIM SHA TSUI AND CENTRAL, CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AND ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES SUCH AS SHOWS AND CARNIVALS WOULD ALSO BE AVAILABLE IN OTHER DISTRICTS.

THOSE INTERESTED MAY APPROACH LOCAL DISTRICT OFFICES FOR DETAILS. -----------------------------0-------

VEHICLE MARKS UP FOR AUCTION

******

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD ANOTHER AUCTION OF LUCKY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS AT 10 AM ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 19) AT THE CITY HALL RECITAL HALL.

A TOTAL OF 40 VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR BIDDING. THEY ARE:

FA3218 FA168 FA 149 FA1333

CJ7728 *DX2 *FF1 CC1600

FA2800 FA978 BY143 FA4 90

*FF3366 FAI 138 FA426 *AA1234

FA368 ♦DD888 *FF39 FA1820

BB863 FA813 CR357 FA 1888

FA 11 8 FA6732 FA321 FA6829

*1728 *3888 ♦DP222 *FF232

FA 1997 FA1683 FA1803 FA1386

FA831 EZ8325 FA386 FA8480

* SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK (NOT TRANSFERABLE)

SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS MUST PAY BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT REMINDED BIDDERS THAT THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK WOULD BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO A VEHICLE REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE AUCTION.

THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION MUST BE PRODUCED IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE AUCTION IF THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK IS TO BE REGISTERED UNDER THE NAME OF BODY CORPORATE.

/PROCEEDS OF .......

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1992

PROCEEDS OF THE AUCTION, AFTER DEDUCTION OF EXPENSES INCURRED, WILL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND.

THE COMING AUCTION WILL BE THE I85TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973.

------o-------

WEATHER OF NOVEMBER * * * *

NOVEMBER WAS A MONTH WITH ACTIVE NORTHEAST MONSOON, AS REFLECTED BY THE SECOND HIGHEST NOVEMBER MONTHLY MEAN PRESSURE OF 1,020.1 HECTOPASCALS.

THE DOMINANCE OF THE CONTINENTAL ANTICYCLONE MAINTAINED A SUPPLY OF DRY AND COOL AIR TO THE SOUTH CHINA COASTAL AREAS.

AS A RESULT, THE MONTH’S WEATHER WAS CHARACTERISED BY SUNNY AND CLEAR SKIES. THE MEAN CLOUD AMOUNT OF 31 PER CENT WAS THE FOURTH LOWEST ON RECORD FOR NOVEMBER.

WITH ONLY THREE DAYS OF RAIN TN THE MONTH, RAINFALL AMOUNT WAS WELL BELOW NORMAL. THE MONTHLY TOTAL OF 10.1 MILLIMETRES WAS ONLY ABOUT 29 PER CENT OF THE NOVEMBER NORMAL OF 35.1 MILLIMETRES.

IN FACT, SINCE THE DRY SPELL BEGAN IN AUGUST, THE FOUR-MONTH RAINFALL TOTAL OF 201.8 MILLIMETRES FROM AUGUST TO NOVEMBER THIS YEAR WAS A RECORD LOW, BEATING THE PAST RECORD OF 263.0 MILLIMETRES IN 1966 BY A SIGNIFICANT MARGIN OF OVER 60 MILLIMETRES.

HOWEVER, WHEN RAINFALL FROM THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS WAS INCLUDED, THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF 2,612.4 MILLIMETRES SO FAR IN 1992 WAS STILL 19 PER CENT ABOVE THE NORMAL OF 2,187.0 MILLIMETRES FOR THE SAME PERIOD.

EASTERLY WINDS STRENGTHENED ON THE AFTERNOON OF NOVEMBER 1.

FANNED BY THE STRONG WINDS, TWO HILL FIRES WERE REPORTED IN TSUEN WAN AND LANTAU ISLAND.

FINE WEATHER PREVAILED DURING THIS SURGE OF THE MONSOON, RESULTING IN ONLY A SLIGHT DROP IN TEMPERATURES.

AS THE WINDS MODERATED, TEMPERATURES SOON RECOVERED AND CLIMBED TO THE MONTH’S HIGHEST OF 26.4 DEGREES ON NOVEMBER 5.

EVEN THOUGH THE EASTERLIES FRESHENED AGAIN ON NOVEMBER 7, FINE AND MILD WEATHER PERSISTED, UNTIL THE ARRIVAL OF THE FIRST MAJOR NORTHERLY SURGE THIS WINTER ON NOVEMBER 8.

THE ONSET OF THE SURGE WAS PRECEDED BY AN OUTBREAK OF RAIN THAT AFTERNOON.

/TEMPERATURES STARTED .......

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1992

TEMPERATURES STARTED TO FALL DURING THE EVENING AND NEAR GALE FORCE WINDS WERE EXPERIENCED OFFSHORE BY THE MORNING OF NOVEMBER 9.

MAXIMUM GUSTS REPORTED WERE 94 KILOMETRES PER HOUR AT CHEUNG CHAU.

ROUGH SEA CONDITIONS CAUSED A FREIGHTER TO RUN AGROUND AT TUNG LUNG CHAU. THE ONSLAUGHT OF COOL AIR REACHED ITS CLIMAX ON NOVEMBER 10 WHEN TEMPERATURES AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY PLUNGED TO THE MONTH’S LOWEST OF 13.1 DEGREES.

SOME AREAS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES REMAINED ON THE COLD SIDE FOR SEVERAL MORNINGS AS THE CLEAR NIGHT SKIES ENHANCED NIGHTTIME COOLING.

MEANWHILE. HILL FIRES WERE RAMPANT IN THE COUNTRYSIDE AS A RESULT OF THE FINE AND VERY DRY WEATHER.

THE LOWEST RELATIVE HUMIDITY OF 19 PER CENT WAS RECORDED ON THE AFTERNOON OF NOVEMBER 10 AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY.

ABOUT 70 CASES OF HILL FIRE WERE REPORTED ON NOVEMBER 9 AND 10.

WINDS WERE MODERATE AND TEMPERATURES WERE GENERALLY ON THE RISE BEFORE THE WEATHER DETERIORATED ON NOVEMBER 14.

FRESHENING EASTERLIES THAT MORNING COMBINED WITH AMPLE MOISTURE BROUGHT BY THE UPPER-AIR WINDS RESULTED IN A WET AND MISERABLE WEEKEND. RAIN WAS CONTINUOUS AND PERSISTENT FROM MORNING TILL EVENING.

THE RAIN BECAME LIGHT AND PATCHY ON THE MORNING OF NOVEMBER 15. AND THE SKY BRIGHTENED LATER THAT DAY.

THE REST OF THE MONTH WAS RAIN-FREE AND WAS DOMINATED BY FINE WEATHER.

DURING THIS PERIOD, THERE WERE EPISODES OF VERY DRY CONDITIONS RESULTING FROM TWO BURSTS OF THE WINTER MONSOON.

THE FIRST SURGE ARRIVED WITH A COLD FRONT ON THE MORNING OF NOVEMBER 20. NORTHERLY WINDS BECAME STRONG THAT DAY AND TEMPERATURES DROPPED BY ABOUT 7 DEGREES BETWEEN NOVEMBER 19 AND 21.

WITH THE MEAN RELATIVE HUMIDITY DIPPING RELOW 60 PER CENT. HILL FIRES PROLIFERATED. NEARLY 100 CASES WERE REPORTED FROM NOVEMBER 20 TO 22.

ANOTHER REPLENISHMENT OF DRY AND COOL AIR OCCURRED ON NOVEMBER 25 AS NORTHEASTERLY WINDS FRESHENED.

WINDS SUBSEQUENTLY VEERED EASTERLY THE NEXT DAY AND BECAME STRONG OFFSHORE. THE COOLING EFFECT WAS WEAKER FOR THIS REPLENISHMENT WITH TEMPERATURES FALLING BY 3 TO 4 DEGREES.

ON THE OTHER HAND. THE DRYING EFFECT WAS EVEN MORE PRONOUNCED AS THE MEAN RELATIVE HUMIDITY DROPPED TO 43 PER CENT ON NOVEMBER 26.

/HOWEVER, MOST ........

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1992

HOWEVER, MOST OF THE HILL FIRES OCCURRED ON NOVEMBER 28 AND 29 WHEN OVER 30 CASES WERE REPORTED OVER THE TWO-DAY PERIOD.

THE ATMOSPHERE MOISTENED UP AS WARMER MARITIME AIR AFFECTED THE COASTAL AREAS OF GUANGDONG TOWARDS THE END OF THE MONTH.

THERE WERE FIVE TROPICAL CYCLONES IN NOVEMBER, OF WHICH FOUR SPENT THEIR ENTIRE DURATION OVER THE WATERS OF THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC.

THE REMAINING ONE WAS FORREST WHICH ENTERED THE GULF OF THAILAND AND SUBSEQUENTLY REACHED TYPHOON INTENSITY OVER THE BAY OF BENGAL.

FORREST WAS ALSO ASSOCIATED WITH THE DETERIORATION OF THE OTHERWISE FINE WEATHER IN HONG KONG ON NOVEMBER 14 AND 15.

DETAILS OF THE ISSUE/HOISTING AND CANCELLATION/LOWERING OF VARIOUS WARNINGS/SIGNALS IN THE MONTH ARE SUMMARISED IN TABLE 1.1.

MONTHLY METEOROLOGICAL FIGURES AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL ARE TABULATED IN TABLE 1.2.

TABLE 1.1 WARNINGS AND SIGNALS IN NOVEMBER

WARNINGS / SIGNALS EFFECTIVE DATE & TIME

STRONG MONSOON SIGNALS NOV NOV NOV NOV NOV 1, 8, 16, 19, 26, 1700 1730 2300 2315 2240 - NOV NOV NOV NOV NOV 2, 10, 17, 21 , 27, 1515 0945 0455 0500 0745

FIRE DANGER WARNINGS YELLOW NOV 8, 0600 NOV 8, 1450

NOV 14, 0615 — NOV 14, 0955

NOV 22, 0600 — NOV 26, 0615

NOV 27, 0600 — NOV 29, 0600

NOV 30, 0610 - DEC 1. 0600

RED NOV 2. 0600 NOV 2, 1800

NOV 9 , 0615 — NOV 12, 0600

NOV 13, 0600 — NOV 14, 0615

NOV 20, 0615 — NOV 22, 0600

NOV 26, 0615 — NOV 27, 0600

NOV 29, 0600 — NOV 30, 0610

/TABLE 1.2 .......

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1992

TABLE 1.2 FIGURES AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL - NOVEMBER

TOTAL BRIGHT SUNSHINE 234.4 HOURS ; 52.9 HOURS ABOVE NORMAL

MEAN DAILY GLOBAL SOLAR

RADIATION 14.19 MJ/SQM ; 0.80 MJ/SQM ABOVE NORMAL

TOTAL RAINFALL 10.1 MM ; 25.0 MM BELOW NORMAL

MEAN AMOUNT OF CLOUD 31 % ; 22 % LESS THAN NORMAL

MEAN RELATIVE HUMIDITY 64 % ; 5 % LOWER THAN NORMAL

MEAN DAILY MAXIMUM AIR

TEMPERATURE 23.2 DEGREES CELSIUS ; 1.0 DEGREE CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL

MEAN AIR TEMPERATURE 20.4 DEGREES CELSIUS ; 1.0 DEGREE CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL

MEAN DAILY MINIMUM AIR

TEMPERATURE 18.2 DEGREES CELSIUS ; 1.0 DEGREE CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL

MEAN DEW POINT 12.9 DEGREES CELSIUS ; 2.3 DEGREES CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL

TOTAL EVAPORATION 109.8 MM ; 19.3 MM BELOW NORMAL

--------0------------

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS ON FOR KWAI TSING RESIDENTS

RESIDENTS OF KWAJ TSING WILL RE ABLE TO ENJOY ILLUMINATIONS IN THEIR HOME DISTRICT FOR THE FIRST TIME AT NIGHTFALL TOMORROW (FRIDAY).

THE COLOURED LIGHTS WILL THEN BE TURNED ON FOR SEVEN WEEKS TO ENHANCE THE FESTIVE ATMOSPHERE OF CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR.

LARGE LIGHT BULBS WILL BE PUT UP OPPOSITE THE KWAI HING MTR STATION, AT THE KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING AND THE TSING YI NORTH BRIDGE ROUNDABOUT.

THE FUNDING FOR THE LIGHTS, ESTIMATED AT ABOUT $600,000, WILL BE SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL.

/THE FIRST .......

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1992

THE FIRST KWAI TSING SEASON’S LIGHTING FESTIVAL HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY A CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE FORMED UNDER THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE DISTRICT BOARD.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR ALBERT LAM, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE SWITCH-ON CEREMONY OF THE FESTIVAL AT 6.30 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT THE METREPIAZZA, THIRD FLOOR, METROPLAZA, KWAI FONG.

HE WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS AGNES ALLCOCK, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT BOARD, MR LEUNG KWONG-CHEONG.

YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.

- - - - 0 ----

EDUCATION BOARD MEMBERS VISIT PRIMARY SCHOOL ♦ * * * *

SIX MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION TODAY (THURSDAY) TOOK A FIRST-HAND LOOK AT THE PROGRESS OF THE TARGETS AND TARGET-RELATED ASSESSMENT (TTRA) INITIATIVE AT A PRIMARY SCHOOL.

ACCOMPANIED BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (SCHOOLS), MR TSUI SEE-MING, THE PARTY VISITED KEI WAN PRIMARY SCHOOL IN SAI WAN HO WHICH IS SPONSORED BY THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST IN CHINA AND IS ONE OF THE 20 PRIMARY SCHOOLS THAT JOINED THE TTRA IN SEPTEMBER.

THE VISIT ALSO ENABLED MEMBERS TO HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE SCHEME AND TO FIND OUT THE DIFFICULTIES FACING THE SCHOOLS.

THE GROUP, LED BY THE BOARD’S CHAIRMAN, MR TIMOTHY HA WING-HO, COMPRISED MISS BOW SUI-MAY, MRS MINNIE LAI WEI KIT-LIN, MISS SO YAN-LAP, MR CHAN KIN-HUNG AND MR PETER LEE SHUNG-TAK.

THEY WERE MET ON ARRIVAL AND BRIEFED ON THE SCHOOL’S EXPERIENCE IN IMPLEMENTING THE SCHEME BY THE AM-SESSION HEADTEACHER. MS NANCY CHUNG LEUNG-SZE.

DURING THE VISIT, IDEAS, EXPERIENCE AND VIEWS ON THE TTRA SCHEME WERE EXCHANGED.

THE PARTY ALSO TOURED THE SCHOOL PREMISES AND VISITED FOUR PRIMARY 4 CLASSES WITH ENGLISH, CHINESE AND MATHEMATICS LESSONS BEING CONDUCTED UNDER THE INITIATIVE.

------0-------

Z14 ........

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1992

FLAG DAY ARRANGEMENT ♦ * ♦ * *

THE LAST FLAG DAY FOR THE YEAR WILL BE HELD THIS SATURDAY (DECEMBER 19) AND 51 ORGANISATIONS WILL HOLD FLAG DAYS TO RAISE FUNDS IN THE COMING YEAR, A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

’’WHILE THE FIRST FLAG DAY FOR NEXT YEAR WILL BE ON JANUARY 2, FOUR ORGANISATIONS WILL HOLD FLAG DAYS ON TUESDAY OR WEDNESDAY MORNINGS AS RECOMMENDED BY THE SUBVENTIONS AND LOTTERIES FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE,” HE SAID.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAN CALL THE DEPARTMENT’S HOTLINE 343 2255 TO ENQUIRE ABOUT FUND-RAISING ACTIVITIES BY WELFARE ORGANISATIONS.

THE SPOKESMAN ALSO APPEALED TO ORGANISERS TO ADOPT PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES AGAINST FRAUD.

THEY WERE ADVISED TO PREPARE GUIDELINES FOR SELLERS, SETTING OUT THE PLACES AND THE TIME FOR SELLING, AND THE COLLECTION POINTS FOR BAGS.

’’FLAG-DAY ORGANISERS SHOULD INFORM THE POLICE TN CASE OF LOSS OF FLAGS OR COLLECTION BAGS, AND SEEK HELP WHEN FRAUDULENT ACTS, SUCH AS TAMPERING OF COLLECTION BAGS OR MAKING UNAUTHORISED SELLING, ARE FOUND,” HE SAID.

------0-------

EVENING CLINIC SERVICE TO ♦ * ♦

BE SUSPENDED ON MONDAY * *

THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCES THAT THERE WILL BE NO EVENING GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINIC SERVICE ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 21) WHICH IS THE WINTER SOLSTICE.

--------0 -----------

Z15 ........

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1992 15

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****

$ MILLION

OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,500

REVERSAL OF LAF NIL

BALANCE AFTER REVERSL OF LAF 1,500

NET INJECTION/WTTHDRAWAL TODAY NIL

EFFECT OF LAF TODAY -500

CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,000

LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TW1 114.1 *-0.1* 17.12.1992

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS

TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD

1 WEEK 3.23 PCT 15 MONTHS 2402 5.50 100.53 5.08

1 MONTH 3.75 PCT 18 MONTHS 2405 5.50 100.38 5.28

3 MONTHS 4.01 PCT 21 MONTHS 2408 4.375 98.41 5.45

6 MONTHS 4.10 PCT 24 MONTHS 241 1 4.625 98.42 5.58

12 MONTHS 4.71 PCT

TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 1,590 MN

CLOSED 17 DECEMBER 1992

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1992

GOVERNOR WILL CONTINUE TO WORK FOR HK’S PROSPERITY .............. 1

GOVT COMMITTED TO TACKLING HARBOUR POLLUTION .................... 1

MEASURES TO REDUCE FLOODING RISK ................................ 3

QUEEN STREET DEVELOPMENT PLAN ON SHOW ........................... 3

OCTOBER FIGURES ON ORDERS, EMPLOYMENT AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS 5

JAPANESE BANK GRANTED LICENCE ................................... 9

PREQUALIFICATION INVITED FOR WEST KOWLOON SEWERAGE WORKS .... 9

FOUR SITES UP FOR AUCTION ...................................... 10

NEW CHAIRMAN OF METRICATION COMMITTEE NAMED .................... 11

FESTIVE ILLUMINATIONS FOR SHA TIN .............................. 11

HOTEL LICENCE FEES TO GO UP .................................... 12

KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD ON OVERSEAS VISIT ..................... 13

SHEUNG SHUT FARM LAND TO BE RESUMED ............................ 14

WEST KOWLOON TO GET NEW FERRY PIER ............................. 14

URBAN COUNCIL COMPLEX FOR SHAM SHUT PO RESIDENTS ............... 15

NEW CARRIAGEWAY EASES CASTLE PEAK ROAD JAM ..................... 15

FA HUI PARK TO GET IMPROVEMENT ................................. 16

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .. 16

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1992

GOVERNOR WILL CONTINUE TO WORK FOR UK’S PROSPERITY

*****

THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, TODAY (FRIDAY) SAID HE WOULD CONTINUE WITH THE GOVERNMENT WORKING FOR THE PROSPERITY IN THE LONG TERM AS WELL AS THE SHORT TERM OF HONG KONG AS A VERY SUCCESSFUL COMMUNITY.

MR PATTEN WAS SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER THE OPENING OF THE NEW HEAD OFFICE OF CONSUMER COUNCIL.

HE SAID HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT THE FUNDAMENTAL STRENGTH OF THE ECONOMY, WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, WOULD MAKE CERTAIN A CONTINUOUS PROSPERITY.

HE ALSO REITERATED THAT HE WAS WHOLLY COMMITTED, AND SO WAS THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, IN IMPLEMENTING THE JOINT DECLARATION.

AND ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS IN THE JOINT DECLARATION IS TO SUSTAIN THE STABILITY AND THE PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG, THAT MEANS BEING CONCERNED ABOUT THE WELFARE AND THE LIVING STANDARDS OF ORDINARY FAMILIES HERE IN HONG KONG, HE SAID.

TO ACHIEVE, HE SAID:

"ONE NEEDS TO CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN INVESTORS’ CONFIDENCE, THE INVESTORS’ CONFIDENCE OF LOCAL FIRMS, THE INVESTORS’ CONFIDENCE OF FIRMS AND BANKS AND OTHERS FROM OUTSIDE.

"I WOULD NEVER AND WILL NEVER DO ANYTHING WHICH UNDERMINES THAT CONFIDENCE.

"I WOULD CERTAINLY NEVER ATTACK AN IMPORTANT HONG KONG EMPLOYER, AN EMPLOYER THAT LOOKS AFTER THE WELL-BEING AND LIVING STANDARDS OF MANY INDIVIDUAL FAMILIES AND MANY INDIVIDUALS.”

- - 0 - -

GOVT COMMITTED TO TACKLING HARBOUR POLLUTION

*****

THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, TODAY (FRIDAY) OPENED THE NORTHWEST KOWLOON SEWAGE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL SCHEME ON STONECUTTERS ISLAND.

THE $1.3 PILLION SCHEME PROVIDES A DIRECT SERVICE TO OVER ONE MILLION PEOPLE IN THE VICINITY OF ONE OF THE WORST POLLUTED PARTS OF THE HARBOUR.

IT IS ALSO A KEY ITEM IN THE HIGH PRIORITY PROGRAMME FOR SEWERAGE THAT MR PATTEN ANNOUNCED IN HIS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ADDRESS ON OCTOBER 7.

MR PATTEN SAID THE BIGGEST ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEM THAT HONG KONG PEOPLE HAD TO TACKLE WAS HOW TO DEAL WITH WASTE AND SEWAGE.

/’’THAT IS

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1992

’’THAT IS GOING TO BE THE OBJECT OF HUGE INVESTMENT IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS,” HE SAID.

IN THE HARBOUR AREA ALONE, THE TERRITORY NEEDS TO PROVIDE FOR THE ADEQUATE COLLECTION, TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL OF THE 1.5 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF UNTREATED SEWAGE DUMPED INTO IT EVERYDAY.

HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTRIBUTE NO LESS THAN $3 BILLION TO ENABLE THE TERRITORY’S SEWERAGE PROGRAMME TO GET OFF THE GROUND.

MAJOR SEWAGE SCHEMES UNDERWAY INCLUDE THE NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES SEWERAGE AND DISPOSAL SCHEME; THE TOLO HARBOUR EFFLUENT EXPORT SCHEME; AND THE TSEUNG KWAN O SEWAGE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL SCHEME.

IN ADDITION, THE COMMISSIONING OF THE $1.3 BILLTON CHEMICAL WASTE TREATMENT CENTRE IN TSING YI EARLY NEXT YEAR WILL PROVIDE A PROPER TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL FACILITY FOR TOXIC CHEMICAL WHICH, UNTIL NOW, HAVE BEEN POURED DOWN THE DRAIN AND INTO THE HARBOUR, MR PATTEN SAID.

’’ALL THE PROGRAMMES THAT WE ARE EMBARKING UPON AND ALL THE MONEY THAT WE ARE SPENDING WILL EVENTUALLY ALLOW OUR HARBOUR TO LIVE UP TO ITS NAME ONCE AGAIN, THE FRAGRANT HARBOUR,” THE GOVERNOR SAID.

HE SAID HE HAD NO DOUBT THAT A BETTER SURROUNDINGS AND BETTER ENVIRONMENT CAN GO HAND-IN-HAND WITH SENSIBLE PLANNING, WITH THE USE OF THE MARKET FORCES, WITH PROPER REGULATION AND WITH SUBSTANTIAL INVESTMENT BY THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS.

ALSO SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, THE DIRECTOR OF DRAINAGE SERVICES, MR STU CHURN, SAID THE SCHEME WAS TO IMPROVE WATER QUALITY OFF THE COAST OF NORTHWEST KOWLOON BY COLLECTING SEWAGE FROM TAI KOK TSUI, SHAM SHUT PO AND LAI CHI KOK DISTRICTS, INCLUDING THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION.

HE SAID THIS WOULD BE DONE BY PUMPING THE SEWAGE TO STONECUTTERS ISLAND FOR TREATMENT, PRIOR TO DISPOSAL TO DEEP WATER TO THE SOUTHWEST OF THE ISLAND VIA A SUBMARINE OUTFALL.

THE SCHEME COMPRISES THE CONSTRUCTION OF NINE KILOMETRES OF INTERCEPTOR SEWERS, TWO COARSE SCREENING PLANTS (ONE AT SHAM SHUT PO AND ONE AT CHEUNG SHA WAN), ONE CENTRALISED PUMPING STATION AT CHEUNG SHA WAN, TWIN PUMPING MAINS OF TWO METRES TN DIAMETER ACROSS THE HARBOUR, A TREATMENT WORKS ON STONECUTTERS ISLAND, AND A COASTAL SEWER AND SUBMARINE OUTFALL TO DISCHARGE THE TREATED EFFLUENT.

MR STU SAID CONSTRUCTION OF THE SCHEME BEGAN IN NOVEMBER 1988.

THE FIRST FLOWS WERE RECEIVE TN AUGUST THIS YEAR AND THE WHOLE SCHEME HAS RECENTLY BECOME FULLY OPERATIONAL.

”IT IS INTENDED THAT THE FLOWS FROM THE SCHEME WILL EVENTUALLY BE CONNECTED TO THE DEEP TUNNEL SYSTEM PROPOSED TN THE STRATEGIC SEWAGE DISPOSAL SCHEME,” HE ADDED.

------0--------

/3 .....

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1992

MEASURES TO REDUCE FLOODING RISK

*****

THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL CONSTRUCT STORMWATER DRAINS IN TWO KOWLOON AREAS TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FLOODING BY RELIEVING TWO EXISTING OVERLOADED DRAINAGE SYSTEMS.

NOTICES OF INVITING TENDERS FOR THE WORKS WERE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).

THE FIRST WORKS CONTRACT INCLUDES THE CONSTRUCTION OF ABOUT 240 METRES OF TWIN-PIPE DRAIN AND 40 METRES OF TWIN-CELL BOX CULVERT ALONG LOK SIN ROAD FROM SA PO ROAD TO CHOI HUNG ROAD NULLAH.

THE DRAIN WILL DIVERT THE STORMWATER COLLECTED IN KOWLOON WALLED CITY AND PART OF LOK FU ESTATE FROM THE EXISTING STORMWATER DRAINAGE SYSTEM TO CHOI HUNG ROAD NULLAH.

WHEN THE WORKS COMPLETED, THE RISK OF FLOODING IN KOWLOON CITY AREA WOULD BE REDUCED.

THE OTHER CONTRACT INCLUDES THE CONSTRUCTION OF ABOUT 1,150 METRES OF STORMWATER DRAIN FROM GASCOIGNE ROAD TO CANTON ROAD TO DIVERT THE STORMWATER COLLECTED IN KING’S PARK CATCHMENT AREA FROM THE EXISTING HUNG HOM DRAINAGE SYSTEM TO A NEW OUTFALL AT JORDAN ROAD FERRY PIER TO RELIEVE THE EXISTING OVERLOADED DRAINAGE SYSTEM TN HUNG HOM AREA.

THE WORKS WILL REDUCE THE RISK OF FLOODING IN HUNG HOM AREA.

WORKS OF THE CONTRACTS ARE SCHEDULED TO START IN APRIL NEXT YEAR AND BE COMPLETED IN 22 TO 27 MONTHS.

THE CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON JANUARY 8, NEXT YEAR.

FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE NEW WORKS DIVISION, DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 44TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER 3, 5 GLOUCESTER ROAD, HONG KONG.

--------0-----------

QUEEN STREET DEVELOPMENT PLAN ON SHOW

*****

THE DEVELOPMENT SCHEME PLAN FOR THE QUEEN STREET IN SHEUNG WAN IS NOW ON PUBLIC DISPLAY FOLLOWING APPROVAL BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.

THE PLAN PROVIDES A FRAMEWORK OF REDEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT FOR THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (LDC) TO UNDERTAKE URBAN RENEWAL FOR THE AREA BOUNDED BY QUEEN’S ROAD WEST, PAN KWAI LANE, KO SHING STREET AND BONHAM STRAND WEST IN SHEUNG WAN.

IT COVERS AN AREA OF ABOUT 0.95 HECTARE.

THE AREA IS IN A POOR CONDITION WITH THREE- OR FOUR-STOREY PRE-WAR BUILDINGS AND SIX-STOREY POST-WAR TENEMENT BUILDINGS BEING USED FOR COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES.

/A SIGNIFICANT .......

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1992

A SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF THE AREA IS GOVERNMENT LAND, PART OF WHICH IS USED AS TEMPORARY SITTING-OUT AREAS AND A TEMPORARY COOKED FOOD BAZAAR.

IT COVERS PART OF THE TRADITIONAL CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE TRADING CENTRE IN SHEUNG WAN AND WESTERN DISTRICT.

SOME OF THE BUILDINGS ARE USED FOR STORAGE AND PROCESSING OF HERBAL MEDICINE. THEIR BUSINESS ACTIVITIES, ESPECIALLY LOADING AND UNLOADING, HAVE BEEN CAUSING ENVIRONMENTAL AND TRAFFIC CONGESTION PROBLEMS.

OTHER FACTORS, SUCH AS THE SMALL SIZE OF LOTS, FRAGMENTED OWNERSHIP AND THE LACK OF VEHICULAR ACCESS, HAVE COMPLICATED THE REDEVELOPMENT PROCESS.

ACCORDING TO THE DEVELOPMENT SCHEME PLAN, THE AREA WILL BE DEVELOPED COMPREHENSIVELY TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT AND TO ENSURE MORE EFFICIENT USE OF LAND.

THE AREA, BEING ZONED AS A "COMPERHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT AREA”, WILL PROVIDE PUBLIC OPEN SPACE OF ABOUT 1,200 SQUARE METRES AT THE EASTERN PART.

THE REMAINDER WILL BE MAINLY FOR COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL USES WITH THE PROVISION OF GOVERNMENT, INSTITUTION AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES.

THESE INCLUDE A CARE AND ATTENTION HOME, A MULTI-SERVICE ELDERLY CENTRE, A HOSTEL FOR SINGLE PERSONS, A HOSTEL FOR THE MODERATELY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED, A DAY NURSERY, A COOKED-FOOD CENTRE AND A PUBLIC TOILET.

THE MAJORITY OF THE SOCIAL WEI.FARE FACILITIES WILL BE HOUSED IN A PURPOSE-DESIGNED BUILDING WITHIN THE AREA.

THE DEVELOPMENT SCHEME PLAN WAS FIRST PUT UP BY THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION IN MARCH LAST YEAR.

BEFORE ITS EXHIBITION, THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD WAS CONSULTED ON THE PLAN.

DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS RAISED NO OBJECTION TO THE PLAN, RECOGNISING THAT COMPREHENSIVE REDEVELOPMENT WOULD PROVIDE MUCH-NEEDED GOVERNMENT, INSTITUTION AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND IMPROVEMENT TO THE GENERAL ENVIRONMENT.

THE LDC WILL ACQUIRE AFFECTED PROPERTIES THROUGH NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE PROPERTY OWNERS AND WILL INVITE THEM TO PARTICIPATE IN THE REDEVELOPMENT SCHEME.

THE PLAN CAN BE INSPECTED AT:

♦ DISTRICT OFFICE (CENTRAL AND WESTERN), GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG; AND

/* DISTRICT PLANNING .......

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1992

* DISTRICT PLANNING BRANCH, PLANNING DEPARTMENT, 16TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.

COPIES OF THE APPROVED PLAN ARE ON SALE AT THE MAP AND PLAN SALES SECTIONS OF SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT ON 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN RAOD, HONG KONG AND 382 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON,

------0--------

OCTOBER FIGURES ON ORDERS, EMPLOYMENT AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS * * * * *

THE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND FOR THE 200 LARGEST MANUFACTURERS INCREASED BY 1% IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR OVER THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR, ACCORDING TO A MONTHLY SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

ORDERS POSITION IN THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS AND THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES IMPROVED MODERATELY.

ON THE OTHER HAND, A SIGNIFICANT DECREASE WAS RECORDED IN THE TEXTILES INDUSTRY. SOME DECREASES WERE ALSO SEEN IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS AND WEARING APPAREL INDUSTRIES.

COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING MONTH, ORDERS FOR THE MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE.

SLIGHT INCREASES WERE REPORTED BY THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS AND THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES WHILE MILD DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE TEXTILES, PLASTIC PRODUCTS AND WEARING APPAREL INDUSTRIES.

THE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND IS MEASURED IN TERMS OF THE NUMBER OF MONTHS AND REFERS TO ORDERS OUTSTANDING AS AT THE END OF THE REFERENCE MONTH.

ON EMPLOYMENT, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED BY THE 200 LARGEST MANUFACTURERS DECREASED BY 12% IN OCTOBER 1992 WHEN COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR.

THIS DECLINE IS IN LINE WITH THE RECENT TREND OF RELOCATING PRODUCTION PROCESSES TO SOUTH CHINA.

COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING MONTH, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED BY THE SURVEYED MANUFACTURERS DECREASED BY 2%.

IN OCTOBER 1992, PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN THE MANUFACTURING COMPANIES SURVEYED INCREASED BY 16% IN MONEY TERMS WHEN COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR, BUT ONLY 1% WHEN COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING MONTH.

/THE LARGE

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1992

THE LA1&1E YEAR-ON-YEAR INCREASE WAS PARTLY DUE TO THE ISSUE OF SEVERANCE PAYMENTS BY SOME COMPANIES AS THEY RELOCATED THEIR PRODUCTION PROCESSES ACROSS THE BORDER.

IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE COMPANIES SURVEYED DECREASED MODERATELY IN OCTOBER 1992 WHEN COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR, BUT INCREASED SLIGHTLY WHEN COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING MONTH.

PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN THESE COMPANIES INCREASED MODERATELY OVER THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR AND SLIGHTLY OVER THE PRECEDING MONTH.

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 SERVICES SECTOR, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE COMPANIES SURVEYED INCREASED SLIGHTLY IN OCTOBER 1992 OVER THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR, AND REMAINED ABOUT THE SAME WHEN COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING MONTH.

PER CAPITA EARNINGS TN THESE COMPANIES SURVEYED INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY OVER THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR BUT DECREASED MILDLY WHEN COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING MONTH.

THE SURVEY COVERED A PANEL OF THE 200 LARGEST MANUFACTURERS AND THE 50 LARGEST COMPANIES IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND SERVICE SECTORS, CHOSEN BY REFERENCE TO THEIR EMPLOYMENT SIZES IN SEPTEMBER 1986.

A SPOKESMAN FOR SAMPLE COVERED ONLY THE BE REPRESENTATIVE OF CONSTRUCTION AND THE

THE DEPARTMENT POINTED OUT THAT AS THE SURVEY LARGE COMPANIES, THE SURVEY RESULTS MIGHT NOT THE GENERAL SITUATION OF THE MANUFACTURING, 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 SHORT-TERM DEVELOPMENTS IN THOSE SECTORS, HE SAID.

THE SURVEY REPORT FOR OCTOBER IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PI.ACE, CENTRAL, AND AT THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHA1 TOWER 1, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, AT $4.50 A COPY.

ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE MADE OF THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 805 6441.

/TABLE 1 .......

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1992

Table 1 : Order s-on-hand in manufacturing industries

Ordcrs-on-hand

As at the end of Change when compared with

Industry October 1992 Sep. 92 Oct. 91

(months) (%) («)

All manMfa^gI6_§ury.cY.cd 4.42 a ±1

Wearing apparel 4.64 -2 -4

Textiles 2.04 -4 -13

Plastic products 2.46 -4 -5

Fabricated metal products 4.57 . +1 +9

Electrical and electronic products 5.76 +2 +8

Others 3.95 a -1

* Changes within ±0.5%

Table 2 : Employment

Persons engaged as at the end of October 1992

Indust ry/Services Change when compared with

Sep. 92 Oct. 91

(%) (%)

AU.manufactureys surveyed —2 -12

Food and drinks -1 ♦

Wearing apparel -1 -16

Textiles -5 -20

Plastic products -4 -10

Fabricated metal products ♦ -11

Electrical and electronic products -3 -18

Others a

Construction # • ±1 I

Services ♦ ±1

Banks ♦ -2

Hotels +1 a

Public utilities ♦ +2

Others +1 +4

* Changes within ±0.5%

# Persons engaged cover company employees only; site workers employed by labour-only sub-contractors are not included.

/TABLE 3 .......

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1992

Table 3 : Per capita earnings

Note : Due to the possible inclusion of irregular payments (e.g. backpay or special bonus), "per capita earnings” for a given month may be subject to rather volatile fluctuations from time to time. Therefore, it is particularly advisable, in studying per capita earnings statistics, not to take a given month’s data in isolation, but to make reference to data over a longer period.

Per capita earnings

Industry/Services Average as in October 1992 (HK$) Change when compared with

Sep. 92 (%) Oct. 91 (%)

AU manufacturers surveyed 8.158 +1 +16

Food and drinks 8,538 +1 +12

Wearing apparel 6.050 +5 +12

Textiles 7,390 +2 +12

Plastic products 8.311 -11 +16

Fabricated metal products 7.740 -3 +12

Electrical and electronic products 8,592 +4 +20

Others 10,138 ♦ +16

Conduction I 11,125 +2 ±2

Sgr'icet 12.687 z4 +11

Banks 11.748 +2 +13

Hotels 8.006 ♦ +11

Public utilities 12.974 -10 +8

Others 14.107 -1 +12

* Changes within +0.5%

# Per capita earnings cover company employees only; site workers employed by labour-only sub-contractors are not included.

Note to Tables 1-5 : Unlike "orders-on-hand" and "per capita earnings*, which are average figures amongst the companies surveyed, the total number of persons engaged by the companies surveyed is not meaningful information on its own (because this is a panel survey) and is therefore not shown.

- - 0-----------

/9 ........

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1992

- 9 -

JAPANESE BANK GRANTED LICENCE

*****

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE DAISHI RANK, LTD (DAISHI) HAD BEEN GRANTED A BANKING LICENCE TO CONDUCT BUSINESS IN HONG KONG.

DAISHI IS THE 54TH LARGEST BANK IN JAPAN, AND RANKS 276TH IN THE WORLD IN TERMS OF CAPITAL.

BEFORE THE GRANTING OF THE LICENCE, THE BANK OPERATED A REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE IN HONG KONG. THE REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE WILL BE UPGRADED TO A BRANCH.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE CONTINUING INTEREST OF FOREIGN BANKS IN ENTERING THE LOCAL MARKET REFLECTED HONG KONG’S CONTINUED IMPORTANCE AS A MAJOR INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE.

THE LICENCE FOR DAISHI IS THE FIFTH BANKING LICENCE GRANTED THIS YEAR.

THERE ARE NOW 164 LICENSED RANKS IN HONG KONG, OF WHICH 134 ARE INCORPORATED OUTSIDE THE TERRITORY.

------0-------

PREQUALIFICATION INVITED FOR WEST KOWLOON SEWERAGE WORKS

*****

THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING "REQUALIFICATION SUBMISSIONS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE FIRST PACKAGE F THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION SEWERAGE WORKS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE WORKS WOULD COMPRISE THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO PUMPING STATIONS AND MORE IHAN 1.4 KILOMETRES OF TRUNK SEWERS ON NEWLY RECLAIMED LAND.

’’APART FROM PROVIDING THE NECESSARY SEWERAGE FACILITIES TO SERVE THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION DEVELOPMENT, THE COMPLETED WORKS WILL ALSO SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVE THE WATER QUALITY IN WEST KOWLOON RECEPTION AREA BY RECEIVING POLLUTED FLOW DIVERTED FROM THE EXISTING STORM WATER DRAINAGE SYSTEM IN THE WEST KOWLOON HINTERLAND,” HE SAID.

THE NOTICE INVITING PREQUALIFICATION SUBMISSIONS HAS BEEN GAZETTED TODAY.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE INVITATION WAS ONLY OPEN TO CONTRACTORS ON THE APPROVED CONTRACTORS FOR PUBLIC WORKS LIST I GROUP C FOR ROADS AND DRAINAGE OR ON THE LIST II.

THEY MAY OBTAIN THE PREQUALIFICATTON DOCUMENTS FROM THE PROJECT’S CONSULTANT, MOTT MACDONALD HONG KONG LIMITED, ON 12TH FLOOR, SUN HUNG KAT CENTRE, 30 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.

/COMPLETED SUBMISSION .......

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1992

COMPLETED SUBMISSION SHOULD BE SENT TO THE PROJECT MANAGER, URBAN AREA DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, 12TH FLOOR, LEIGHTON CENTRE, 77 LEIGHTON ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY, BEFORE NOON ON JANUARY 8.

AFTER THE PREQUALIFICATION EXERCISE, TENDERS FROM PREQUALIFIED CONTRACTORS WILL BE INVITED IN MARCH NEXT YEAR.

- U -

FOUR SITES UP FOR AUCTION *****

FOUR LOTS OF GOVERNMENT LAND WILL BE OFFERED FOR SALE IN A PUBLIC AUCTION ON JANUARY 12. DETAILS ARE GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).

THE AUCTION WILL BE HELD AT 2.30 PM IN THE THEATRE OF THE HONG KONG CITY HALL.

THE FIRST LOT IS ON COX’S ROAD, KOWLOON. WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 1,395 SQUARE METRES, IT IS INTENDED FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL USES.

ACCORDING TO THE BUILDING CONVENANT, THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 5,270 SQUARE METRES ON OR BEFORE MARCH 31, 1996.

THE SECOND LOT IS AT THE JUNCTION OF SHUNG LING STREET AND YI LUN STREET, SAN PO KONG, KOWLOON. IT HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 3,093 SQUARE METRES AND IS EARMARKED FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL (EXCLUDING GODOWN, HOTEL AND PETROL-FILLING STATION) PURPOSES.

THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 30,000 SQUARE METRES ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 30, 1996.

THE THIRD LOT IS IN AREA 29A, TAI LIN PAI ROAD, KWAI CHUNG, NEW TERRITORIES. WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 916 SQUARE METRES, IT IS DESIGNATED FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES.

THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 5, 220 SQUARE METRES ON OR BEFORE MARCH 31, 1996.

THE REMAINING LOT, IN TOWN PARK ROAD SOUTH, YUEN LONG, NEW TERRITORIES, HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 10,500 SQUARE METRES AND IS EARMARKED FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES.

A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 18,900 SQUARE METRES HAS TO BE COMPLETED ON OR BEFORE MARCH 31, 1997.

FULL PARTICULARS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES KOWLOON, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON. THE SALE PLANS ARE AVAILABLE IN THESE OFFICES.

CONDITIONS OF SALE ARE ALSO 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 - -

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1992

NEW CHAIRMAN OF METRICATION COMMITTEE NAMED

*****

THE GOVERNMENT HAS APPOINTED MR KENNETH YUHUNG TONG8ON AS CHAIRMAN OF THE METRICATION COMMITTEE FOR A PERIOD OF ONE YEAR WITH EFFECT FROM JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR.

THE APPOINTMENT NOTICE HAS BEEN GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).

"MR TONGSON HAS A LONG RECORD OF PUBLIC SERVICE. HE HAS BEEN SERVING AS A MEMBER OF THE METRICATION COMMITTEE FOR ALMOST 10 YEARS.

"HIS DEVOTION TO, AND EXPERIENCE IN METRICATION MAKES HIM AN INVALUABLE ASSET TO THE COMMITTEE.” A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

ALSO APPOINTED TO THE COMMITTEE IS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. OF THE RETAIL MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION, MR .JOSEPH PATRICK YAP.

HIS TERM OF APPOINTMENT WILL BE FROM JANUARY 1 TO DECEMBER 31.

”THE COMMITTEE WILL CONTINUE TO FOCUS ITS PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES ON THE RETAIL TRADE SECTOR TN 1993,” THE GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ADDED.

"WE LOOK FORWARD TO GREATER PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION IN THESE ACTIVITIES.

”WE HOPE THAT THE INCLUSION OF THE RETAIL MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION IN THE COMMITTEE WILL BRING IT CLOSER TO THE RETAIL TRADE. THIS IS IMPORTANT AS RETAIL TRADE REMAINS THE COMMITTEE’S PRINCIPAL TARGET,” HE SAID.

------0-------

FESTIVE ILLUMINATIONS FOR SHA TIN

*****

THE FESTIVE LIGHTS IN SHA TIN DISTRICT WAS SWITCHED ON THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS AND THE NEW YEAR.

FOLLOWING A CEREMONY OFFICIATED BY A DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SERVICES. MR CANICE MAK, THE WHOLE DISTRICT WAS LIT UP WITH MORE THAN 30,000 DECORATED LIGHT BULBS.

THE ILLUMINATIONS WERE PUT UP ALONG SHING MUN RIVER. ON THE THREE BRIDGES ACROSS THE RIVER, IN SHA TIN CENTRAL PARK, AND ALONG TAI CHUNG KIU ROAD.

LARGE GRAPHIC DECORATIONS CONVEYING GREETING MESSAGES WERE ALSO PUT UP ON THE SANO MARTIN AND BANYAN BRIDGES.

ANOTHER ATTRACTION WAS THE PUTTING UP OF MOVABLE MODEL FIGURES IN SHA TIN CENTRAL PARK, FEATURING A WHITE GOOSE, ANGELS AND RAINBOW -ALL IN COLOURFUL BULBS.

/THE CHAIRMAN

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1992

- 12 -

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FESTIVE LIGHTING ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MRS CHAN LO YIN-BING, SAID THE ILLUMINATIONS COST MORE THAN $800,000* THE COST WAS MET BY THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD, THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND SEVERAL PRIVATE COMPANIES.

SHE HOPED THAT THE ILLUMINATIONS WOULD BRING A JOYFUL HOLIDAY TO RESIDENTS.

THE LIGHTS WILL BE SWITCHED ON DAILY FROM 6 PM TO MIDNIGHT FROM TODAY TO JANUARY 3, AND AGAIN FROM JANUARY 20 TO FEBRUARY 5. THEY WILL BE TURNED ON THROUGHOUT THE NIGHT ON CHRISTMAS EVE AND CHRISTMAS DAY.

ANOTHER SET OF GRAPHIC LIGHTING DESIGN WILL BE PUT UP DURING THE CHINESE NEW YEAR PERIOD.

A PHOTOGRAPH AND A DRAWING CONTEST ON THE LIGHTING DISPLAYS ARE NOW OPEN FOR ENTRIES.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR OF KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN.

THE DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES WILL BE FEBRUARY 8.

ENQUIRIES ON THE CONTEST CAN BE MADE ON TEL 604 8078 EXT 33.

-----0--------

HOTEL LICENCE FEES TO GO UP

*****

FEES FOR LICENCES AND CERTIFICATES OF EXEMPTION FOR HOTELS OR GUESTHOUSES WILL BE ADJUSTED FROM JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR.

ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (FRIDAY), A CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SPOKESMAN SAID UNDER THE HOTEL AND GUESTHOUSE ACCOMMODATION ORDINANCE, OPERATORS OF HOTELS OR GUESTHOUSES WERE REQUIRED TO OBTAIN A LICENCE OR A CERTIFICATE OF EXEMPTION.

’’THE FEES FOR THE ISSUE OR RENEWAL OF THESE DOCUMENTS ARE TO BE REVISED EVERY YEAR SO THAT THE FULL COSTS OF ADMINISTERING THE LICENSING SCHEME COULD BE RECOVERED IN THE LONG RUN," HE SAID.

THE NEW SCALE OF ANNUAL LICENCE FEES ARE AS FOLLOWS:

/NUMBER OF

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1992

NUMBER OF ROOMS IN FEES

HOTEL/GUESTHOUSE $

1 - 10 3,400

11 - 20 6,200

21 - 30 10,100

31 - 40 13,400

41 - 50 17,400

51 AND ABOVE 20,700

THE FEE FOR A CERTIFICATE OF EXEMPTION FOR A PERIOD OF 12 MONTHS WILL BE INCREASED FROM $500 TO $600.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE NEW CHARGES REPRESENTED A 12 PER CENT INCREASE.

THE ADJUSTMENTS, STATED IN THE HOTEL AND GUESTHOUSE ACCOMMODATION (FEES) (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1992, WAS GAZETTED TODAY.

ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE BY CONTACTING THE LICENSING OFFICE ON TELEPHONE 881 7034.

---------0-----------

KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD ON OVERSEAS VIS FT ♦ ♦ * * ♦

A KWUN TONG D[STRICT BOARD DELEGATION DEPARTED FOR AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING ON AN 11-DAY STUDY TOUR.

LED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD’S CHAIRMAN, MR LAM HANG-FAI, AND ACCOMPANIED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WONG HON-HO, THE DELEGATION COMPRISED 19 MEMBERS AND THEIR RELATIVES.

THE OBJECTIVE OF THE TOUR IS TO STUDY THE OPERATION OF THE CITY COUNCILS, PLANNING AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES TN THE TWO COUNTRIES AND TO EXCHANGE VIEWS WITH COUNCILLORS.

"WE WILL ALSO VISIT SOME OF THE CHINESE COMMUNITIES AND GROUPS THERE," MR LAM SAID.

THE PARTY WILL VISIT THE CITY COUNCILS IN SYDNEY AND MELBOURNE, THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN CANBERRA AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES THERE.

THEY WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ON DECEMBER 28.

/14.......

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1992

SHEUNG SHUT FARM LAND TO BE RESUMED ♦ * * *

THE GOVERNMENT TS TO RESUME 10 LOTS OF PRIVATE AGRICULTURAL LAND IN SHEUNG SHUl FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF RIVER TRAINING WORKS.

LOCATED IN AREA 30B, THE LOTS HAVE A TOTAL AREA OF 4,343.9 SQUARE METRES.

THE LAND WILL BE REVERTED TO THE GOVERNMENT THREE MONTHS AFTER THE RESUMPTION NOTICE IS POSTED ON THE LOTS.

DETAILS OF THE RESUMPTION HAVE BEEN GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).

------0-------

WEST KOWLOON TO GET NEW FERRY PIER *****

THE CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT IS INVITING CONTRACTORS TO APPLY FOR PREQUALIFICATION FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PASSENGER FERRY PIER AND ASSOCIATED ROADWORKS AT WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION SOUTHERN AREA.

WORKS INCLUDE A 2.5-HECTARE RECLAMATION AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PASSENGER FERRY PIER, A FERRY CONCOURSE, A 900-METRE-LONG ACCESS ROAD, AN UNDERGROUND SALT WATER PUMPHOUSE AND A 500-METRE-LONG TEMPORARY REVETMENT.

THE CONTRACT WORKS, WHICH ARE EXPECTED TO START IN JULY NEXT YEAR, HAVE BEEN DESIGNED BY THE PORT DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF THE CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT FOR THE URBAN AREA DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF THF TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.

THE PORT DEVELOPMENT OFFICE WILL ALSO SUPERVISE THE CONSTRUCTION.

UPON COMPLETION OF THE WORKS BY MID-1995, THE EXISTING JORDAN ROAD PASSENGER FERRY PIER CAN BE REPROVISIONED TO MAKE WAY FOR RECLAMATION WORKS.

CONTRACTORS ON THE APPROVED CONTRACTORS FOR PUBLIC WORKS LIST 1 IN GROUP C FOR PORT WORKS OR ON THE APPROVED CONTRACTORS FOR PUBLIC WORKS LIST II FOR PORT WORKS ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR PREQUALIFICATTON DOCUMENTS FROM:

CHIEF ENGTNEER/WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION, PORT DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT, THIRD FLOOR, CIVIL ENGINEERING BUILDING, 101 PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD, HO MAN TIN, KOWLOON.

TENDERS FOR THE CONTRACT ARE SCHEDULED TO BE INVITED NEXT APRIL FROM SELECTED CONTRACTORS ESTABLISHED BY THIS PREQUALIFICATION EXERCISE.

COMPLETED PREQUALIFICATION DOCUMENTS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED BEFORE NOON ON JANUARY 15.

--------0-----------

/15........

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1992

URBAN COUNCIL COMPLEX FOR SHAM SHUT PO RESIDENTS

*****

THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 12-STOREY URBAN COUNCIL MINI COMPLEX IN UN CHAU STREET, SHAM SHU I PO.

UPON COMPLETION, THE BUILDING WILL HOUSE A REFUSE COLLECTION POINT, TWO FLOORS OF LIBRARY, THREE FLOORS OF SOCIAL WELFARE FACILITIES AND FOUR FLOORS OF OFFICES. .

WORKS ARE SCHEDULED TO START NEXT MARCH FOR COMPLETION IN SEPTEMBER 1994.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS IS NOON ON JANUARY 8 NEXT YEAR.

FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 34TH FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.

------0-------

NEW CARRIAGEWAY EASES CASTLE PEAK ROAD JAM ♦ ♦ * * *

THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED A $32 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A DUAL TWO-LANE CARRIAGEWAY ALONG THE WATERFRONT AREA ON CASTLE PEAK ROAD IN TSUEN WAN TO EASE TRAFFIC CONGESTION OUTSIDE BELVEDERE GARDEN PHASE II.

THE CONTRACT WAS SIGNED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE REGIONAL HIGHWAY ENGINEER/NEW TERRITORIES, MR CHEUNG TAI-YAN, AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF PAUL Y CO LTD.

WORKS INVOLVED THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 1.2-KILOMETRE CARRIAGEWAY, MAINLY OF DUAL TWO-LANE, ALONG THE WATERFRONT AREA OUTSIDE BELVEDERE GARDEN PHASE UI TO ACT AS A BY-PASS TO THE EXISTING CASTLE PEAK ROAD NEAR MILESTONE 9-1/2.

AT THE EAST END, THE NEW ROAD WILL CONNECT TO HOI HING ROAD. AT THE WEST END, THE NEW ROAD WILL TAPER FROM A DUAL TWO-LANE CARRIAGEWAY INTO A SINGLE TWO-LANE CARRIAGEWAY AND WILL CONNECT TO THE EXISTING CASTLE PEAK ROAD NEAR MILESTONE 10.

UPON COMPLETION OF THE NEW ROAD, THE SECTION OF THE EXISTING CASTLE PEAK ROAD OUTSIDE BELVEDERE GARDEN PHASE 11 WILL BECOME A TWO-WAY LOCAL ACCESS ROAD.

THE SECTION OF THE EXISTING CASTLE PEAK ROAD OUTSIDE BLOSSOM TERRACE WILL BE CONVERTED INTO A ONE-WAY EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY.

CONSTRUCTION WORK IS EXPECTED TO START AT THE END OF THIS YEAR AND WILL TAKE 21 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

------0--------

/16 .....

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1992

FA HUI

PARK TO GET IMPROVEMENT

*****

THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE IMPROVEMENT WORKS AT FA HUI PARK IN KOWLOON.

THE WORKS, WHICH INVOLVE THE UPGRADING OF PLANTERS, ARBOUR, TOILET FACILITIES AND PAVING, ARE EXPECTED TO START NEXT MARCH FOR COMPLETION IN SIX MONTHS.

TENDER OFFER WILL CLOSE AT NOON ON JANUARY 15.

FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 34TH FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.

------0-------

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS

*****

$ MILLION

OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,000

REVERSAL OF LAF + 50°

BALANCE AFTER REVERSL OF LAF 1,500

NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL

EFFECT OF LAF TODAY +230

CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,730

LAF RATE 2.00 B1D/4.00 OFFER TWI 114.0 *-0.1* 18.12.1992

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS

TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD

1 WEEK 3.18 PCT 15 MONTHS 2402 5.50 100.51 5.10

1 MONTH 3.85 PCT 18 MONTHS 2405 5.50 100.33 5.32

3 MONTHS 4.03 PCT 21 MONTHS 2408 4.375 98.38 5.48

6 MONTHS 4.10 PCT 24 MONTHS 2411 4.625 98.41 5.59

12 MONTHS 4.73 PCT

TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 2,730 MN

CLOSED 18 DECEMBER 1992

- - 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1992

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

SALE AND PURCHASE AGREEMENTS OF FLATS IN NOVEMBER ............... 1

VEHICLE MARKS AUCTION FOR CHARITY ............................. 2

STUDENTS TOLD NOT TO WORRY ABOUT FUTURE ......................... 3

FACTORIES ADVISED NOT TO EMPLOY CHILDREN ........................ 4

EARLY WELFARE PAYMENT ........................................ 4

CHEUNG CHAU CIVIC EDUCATION CARNIVAL ............................ 5

NEW POST OFFICE TO OPEN SOON .................................... 5

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ..

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1992

SALE AND PURCHASE AGREEMENTS

* * * * *

OF FLATS IN NOVEMBER

THE TOTAL NUMBER OF SALE AND PURCHASE AGREEMENTS OF FLATS REGISTERED IN THE LAND OFFICE IN THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER DECREASED BY 13.1 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS MONTH AND BY 50 PER CENT COMPARED WITH NOVEMBER LAST YEAR.

IN ALL, 7,168 SUCH AGREEMENTS WERE REGISTERED DURING THE MONTH.

THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF THE CONSIDERATIONS INVOLVED WAS ABOUT $18.01 BILLION.

THESE FIGURES WERE INCLUDED IN THE MONTHLY STATISTICS ON PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS REGISTERED IN THE URBAN AND NEW TERRITORIES LAND REGISTRIES RELEASED TODAY (SATURDAY) BY THE REGISTRAR GENERAL.

THERE WERE FIVE BUILDING MORTGAGES AND 9,797 OTHER MORTGAGES REGISTERED IN THE MONTH, COMPARED TO NINE AND 17,521 RESPECTIVELY IN NOVEMBER, 1991.

THE TOTAL AMOUNT SECURED UNDER NEW BUILDING MORTGAGES IN THE MONTH WAS ABOUT $0.8 BILLION COMPARED WITH ABOUT $0. 65 BILLION IN NOVEMBER, 1991.

THE TOTAL AMOUNT SECURED UNDER NEW MORTGAGES IN THE MONTH OTHER THAN BUILDING MORTGAGES DROPPED BY 26.3 PER CENT FROM ABOUT $6.99 BILLION IN NOVEMBER, 1991 TO ABOUT $5.15 BILLION IN NOVEMBER, 1992.

THE TOTAL AMOUNT ACTUALLY DRAWN DOWN ON BUILDING AND OTHER MORTGAGES AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME MAY BE SIGNIFICANTLY LESS THAN THE TOTAL AMOUNT SECURED.

REPAYMENTS UNDER MORTGAGES OF ALL KINDS, AS EVIDENCED BY DISCHARGES AND MORTGAGEE’S RECEIPTS, DECREASED BY 34.6 PER CENT FROM ABOUT $4.58 BILLION IN NOVEMBER 1991 TO ABOUT $3 BILLION IN NOVEMBER, 1992.

MEANWHILE, DETAILS OF LAND OFFICE CONSENTS GIVEN TO ENTER INTO AGREEMENTS FOR SALES AND PURCHASES OF INCOMPLETED BUILDINGS WERE ALSO RELEASED.

IN NOVEMBER, FOUR SUCH CONSENTS WERE GRANTED INVOLVING 322 UNITS IN THE URBAN AREAS AND 79 UNITS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

-----------o----------------

/2 .........

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1992

2 VEHICLE MARKS AUCTION FOR CHARITY ******

FORTY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS WERE SOLD IN AN AUCTION THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING FOR A TOTAL OF $3,827,000.

THE SUM WILL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY AFTER DEDUCTION OF EXPENSES INCURRED.

THE AUCTION, HELD AT THE CITY HALL, SAW THE REGISTRATION MARK FF1 FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE OF $1,050,000.

ANOTHER REGISTRATION MARK 3,888 WAS SOLD AT THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE OF $510,000 WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS $1,000 EACH FOR FA6732, FA490 and FA8480.

FOLLOWING ARE THE ’ RESULTS OF THE AUCTION;

FA3218 $ 7,000 FA168 $ 130,000 FA149 $ 8,000 FA1333 $ 37,000

CJ7728 8,000 ♦ DX2 300,000 ♦FF1 1, 050,000 CC1600 20,000

FA2800 6,000 FA978 13,000 BY 143 9,000 FA490 1,000

♦FF3366 35,000 FAI 138 25,000 FA426 3,000 ♦AA1234 200,000

FA368 27,000 ♦DD888 400,000 ♦ FF39 160,000 FA1820 4,000

BB863 39,000 FA813 56,000 CR357 7,000 FA1888 68,000

FA 118 69,000 FA6732 1,000 FA321 24,000 FA6829 5,000

♦ 1728 180,000 ♦ 3888 510,000 ♦DP222 250,000 ♦FF232 90,000

FA1997 12,000 FA1683 18,000 FA1803 2,000 FA1386 16,000

FA831 15,000 EZ8325 WITHDRAWN FA386 20,000 FA8480 1,000

* SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK (NOT TRANSFERABLE)

SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO PAY BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.

THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS AUCTIONED WILL BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE DATE OF AUCTION.

TODAY’S SALE, THE 185TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY REALISED SO FAR TO $157,940,905.

THERE WAS NO BIDDER FOR EZ8325, THIS VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK WILL BE ASSIGNED TO THE ORIGINAL APPLICANT.

-----o------

/3 .........

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1992

STUDENTS TOLD NOT TO WORRY ABOUT FUTURE * * * * *

THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WONG, TODAY (SATURDAY) TOLD GRADUATES OF SHUE YAN COLLEGE THAT THEY SHOULD NOT WORRY ABOUT THE FUTURE.

THIS IS BECAUSE THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW GUARANTEED HONG KONG’S OWN SYSTEM OF OPERATIONS, INCLUDING THE DEVELOPMENT OF EDUCATION, THE CONDUCT OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS AND THE CONTINUATION OF HONG KONG’S OWN WAY OF LIFE, MR WONG SAID.

"OUR YOUNG PEOPLE SHOULD BE CONCERNED WITH THE MORE POSITIVE ASPECTS OF LIFE - THEIR PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT, THEIR GOAL IN LIFE, THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO THE FAMILY, THEIR CIVIC DUTY, THEIR EXPRESSION OF VIEWS AND CONSTRUCTIVE SUGGESTIONS ON IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENTS AROUND THEM, AND THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY WHICH HAS DONE SO MUCH TO BRING THEM UP," HE SAID.

APART FROM THEIR PERSONAL AIMS, MR WONG SAID, THEY SHOULD BE MORE AWARE OF THEIR SOCIAL OBLIGATIONS.

"THEY SHOULD PLAY THEIR OWN PART, IN WHICHEVER WAY THEY CAN, IN ORDER TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE STABILITY AND PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG BOTH BEFORE AND AFTER 1997," HE ADDED.

EARLIER, MR WONG SAID HE WAS GLAD THAT MANY SHUE YAN COLLEGE GRADUATES HAD TAKEN UP CAREERS IN THE EDUCATION SECTOR, BY TEACHING IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS, SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND OTHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.

THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THE ENHANCEMENT OF QUANTITY AND QUALITY OF EDUCATION IN HONG KONG WAS INVALUABLE, HE SAID.

SINCE IN THE NEXT FOUR YEARS A TOTAL ADDITION OF 2,200 TEACHERS WOULD BE REQUIRED TO BRING ABOUT THE IMPROVEMENT MEASURES ANNOUNCED BY THE GOVERNOR IN HIS POLICY ADDRESS, MR WONG WOULD EXPECT MORE SHUE YAN COLLEGE GRADUATES TO BE INTERESTED IN TAKING UP TEACHING POSTS IN PUBLIC SECTOR SCHOOLS.

THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITY FOR IN-SERVICE TRAINING SO AS TO ENABLE MORE PEOPLE TO ACQUIRE "QUALIFIED TEACHER" STATUS, HE SAID.

-----o------

/A ........

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1992

- 4 -

FACTORIES ADVISED NOT TO EMPLOY CHILDREN

*****

THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (SATURDAY) REMINDED EMPLOYERS NOT TO TAKE ON CHILDREN IN INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS.

THE ADVICE WAS GIVEN FOLLOWING A RECENT CASE AT THE TSUEN WAN MAGISTRACY IN WHICH A SEWING CONTRACTOR OF A GARMENT FACTORY WAS FINED $4,000 FOR EMPLOYING A CHILD ILLEGALLY IN AN INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKING.

THE 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL WAS FOUND OPERATING A SEWING MACHINE ALONG WITH SIX OTHER WORKERS IN THE GOLDEN GARMENT FACTORY IN KWAI CHUNG DURING AN INSPECTION BY LABOUR INSPECTORS.

"UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN REGULATIONS, CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 15 MUST NOT BE EMPLOYED IN ANY INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKING,” SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER (LABOUR INSPECTION), MR CHAN KWOK-KUEN, SAID.

"CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN 13 AND 14 MAY BE EMPLOYED ONLY ON A PART-TIME BASIS IN AN NON-INDUSTR1AI, ESTABLISHMENT SUBJECT TO CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS, BUT SHOULD IN NO CIRCUMSTANCES BE EMPLOYED IN THE KITCHEN OF AN EATING ESTABLISHMENT," MR CHAN EXPLAINED.

"ANY EMPLOYER WHO BREACHES THE PROVISIONS ON THE EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN IN INDUSTRY IS LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $20,000," HE ADDED. ------------------------------------------

EARLY WELFARE PAYMENT

* * * *

RECIPIENTS OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE WHO HOLD CASH ORDER COUPONS MAY RECEIVE THEIR WELFARE PAYMENT EARLIER IF THEIR PAYDAY FALLS ON THE COMING CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS.

A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (SATURDAY) SAID PAYMENT SCHEDULED BETWEEN DECEMBER 25 AND 27 WOULD BE ADVANCED TO DECEMBER 22 TO 24 RESPECTIVELY.

ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE FOR RECIPIENTS TO COLLECT THEIR PAYMENTS AT DESIGNATED POST OFFICES AND TREASURY SUB-OFFICES, HE SAID.

FOR THOSE SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE RECIPIENTS UNDER BANK PAYMENT SYSTEM WHOSE PAYDAY FALLS ON CHRISTMAS DAY, PAYMENT WILL BE ADVANCED ONE DAY EARLIER, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

-----0------

/5 .........

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1992

5 CHEUNG CHAU CIVIC EDUCATION CARNIVAL * * * *

A CIVIC EDUCATION CARNIVAL WILL BE STAGED ON THE CHEUNG CHAU PAK TAI FOOTBALL PLAYGROUND TOMORROW (SUNDAY) FROM NOON TO 4 PM.

ORGANISED BY THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE 1991 ISLANDS DISTRICT OUTSTANDING YOUTHS, THE EVENT HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO PROMOTE THE RULE OF LAW.

A FULL-COLOUR COMIC BOOK, DETAILING A CRIMINAL CASE FROM ITS INVESTIGATION STAGE TO COURT PROCEEDINGS AND THE LEGAL PRINCIPLES APPLIED, WILL BE DISTRIBUTED AT THE VENUE.

THERE WILL BE A COMEDY, A VARIETY SHOW, STALL GAMES AND AN EXHIBITION.

ADMISSION IS FREE.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KIM SALKELD, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT BOARD, MR LAM WAI-KEUNG, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF CHEUNG CHAU RURAL COMMITTEE, MR FUNG PAK-TAI, WILL JOINTLY OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CIVIC EDUCATION CARNIVAL TO BE HELD TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT NOON ON CHEUNG CHAU PAK TAI FOOTBALL PLAYGROUND.

YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.

-----0------

NEW POST OFFICE TO OPEN SOON *****

THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR M PAGLIARI, ANNOUNCED TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT A NEW TSUEN WAN POST OFFICE LOCATED ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF TSUEN WAN GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 38 SAI LAU KOK ROAD, TSUEN WAN, WILL OPEN AT 9 AM ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 28).

THIS OFFICE WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING TSUEN WAN POST OFFICE AT 407 CASTLE PEAK ROAD WHICH WILL CLOSE FOR BUSINESS AT 5 PM ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 24).

THE TELEPHONE NUMBER OF THE NEW OFFICE IS 417 6455 AND THE HOURS OF BUSINESS WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED.

IN ADDITION TO THE PROVISION OF COUNTER SERVICES, THIS MORE SPACIOUS NEW OFFICE WILL PROVIDE 1,200 P O BOXES AND FOUR ADDITIONAL COUNTERS FOR STAMP SALES, METER AND BULK LETTER POSTINGS AND ACCEPTANCE OF PARCELS.

/A SPECIAL .......

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1992

A SPECIAL HANDBACK SERVICE WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE TSUEN WAN POST OFFICE ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 28).

UNREGISTERED FULLY POSTAGE PREPAID "FIRST DAY COVERS" PREPARED PRIVATELY, AND BEARING A LOCAL ADDRESS, WILL BE ACCEPTED OVER THE COUNTER, IMPRESSED WITH THE NORMAL POST OFFICE DATESTAMP AND HANDED BACK TO THE PERSON PRESENTING THEM.

--------- 0

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS

* * * * *

S MILLION

OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,730

REVERSAL OF LAP _230

BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 1,500

NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL

EFFECT OF LAF TODAY NIL

CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,500

LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1992

CONTENTS

PAGE NO

TOWN PLANNING BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 1991 ON SALE CONSULTATION ON EDUCATION AIMS DUE TO END ..................

LOW CRIME RATE IN SAI KUNG .......................

NEW TSUEN WAN OFFICES FOR LABOUR DEPARTMENT POSTMAN MAKES HIS MARK ON CHINA MAIL .................

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1992

TOWN PLANNING BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 1991 ON SALE *****

THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 1991 HAS BEEN PUBLISHED AND IS AVAILABLE FOR SALE.

THE BOARD IS AN INDEPENDENT STATUTORY BODY ESTABLISHED UNDER TOWN PLANNING ORDINANCE.

ITS MAIN FUNCTIONS ARE TO PROMOTE HEALTH, SAFETY AND GENERAL WELFARE OF THE COMMUNITY THROUGH THE SYSTEMATIC PREPARATION OF DRAFT OUTLINE ZONING PLANS AS WELL AS FOR THE TYPES OF BUILDING SUITABLE FOR ERECTION, AND DRAFT DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREA PLANS FOR RURAL AREAS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THE BOARD ALSO CONSIDERS APPLICATIONS FOR PLANNING PERMISSION SUBMITTED UNDER THE TOWN PLANNING ORDINANCE AND IS CHARGED WITH THE FUNCTION OF APPROVING DEVELOPMENT SCHEME PLANS PREPARED BY THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION.

THE PURPOSE OF THE ANNUAL REPORT ARE THREE-FOLD:

* TO GIVE AN ACCOUNT OF THE WORK OF THE BOARD;

* TO INFORM THE PUBLIC, PLANNERS AND PRACTITIONERS IN PLANNING FIELDS ABOUT THE PROGRESS AND DEVELOPMENT IN STATUTORY PLANNING; AND

* TO PROMOTE UNDERSTANDING OF THE STATUTORY PLANNING PRACTICE IN THE GOVERNMENT AND AMONG PROFESSIONAL GROUPS AND INTERESTED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.

THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 1991 IS DIVIDED INTO THREE MAIN PARTS: ITS ESTABLISHMENT AND MAJOR CHANGES, ITS WORK IN 1991 AND SOME SELECTED CASE REPORTS ON PLANNING APPLICATIONS AND OBJECTIONS TO PLANS PREPARED BY THE BOARD.

APART FROM PROVIDING A DESCRIPTION AND SUMMARY STATISTICS OF WHAT HAVE BEEN DONE BY THE BOARD LAST YEAR, THE STATUTORY PLANNING PROCESS IN TERMS OF PLAN-MAKING AND IMPLEMENTATION AND THE PLANNING PERMISSION SYSTEM ARE OUTLINED IN DETAIL IN THE REPORT.

OF PARTICULAR INTEREST ARE THE SELECTED CASE REPORTS ON SEVEN PLANNING APPLICATIONS AND THREE OBJECTIONS TO PLANS PREPARED BY THE BOARD.

THE ANNUAL REPORT, WITH TEXT IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE, CHARTS AND PLANS, IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AT $44 A COPY.

-----0------

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1992

CONSULTATION ON EDUCATION AIMS DUE TO END

*****

THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THEY HAVE 10 MORE DAYS TO SUBMIT THEIR VIEWS ON THE EDUCATION COMMISSION’S DRAFT STATEMENT OF AIMS FOR SCHOOL EDUCATION IN HONG KONG.

THE CONSULTATION PAPER, WHICH ARISES FROM A PROPOSAL IN THE COMMISSION’S FOURTH REPORT THAT THE BASIC AIMS OF EDUCATION AT ALL LEVELS SHOULD BE LAID DOWN AND KEPT UNDER REVIEW, WAS ISSUED ON OCTOBER 1 THIS YEAR.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMISSION SAID THE DRAFT STATEMENT GAVE THE COMMUNITY AN OPPORTUNITY TO DISCUSS, AND TO REACH BROAD AGREEMENT ON, THE ATMS OF SCHOOL EDUCATION.

IT ALSO PROVIDES EDUCATORS WITH A USEFUL FRAMEWORK FOR PLANNING, CONDUCTING AND EVALUATING THEIR EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES.

’‘BASED ON PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE WITH CONSULTATION EXERCISE, WE EXPECT A RUSH OF SUBMISSIONS TOWARDS THE END OF THE CONSULTATION PERIOD,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

"WE HOPE EDUCATORS AND INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS \ND GROUPS WILL LET US HAVE THEIR VIEWS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

’’ONCE ALL PUBLIC COMMENTS HAVE BEEN ANALYSED, THE COMMISSION WILL REVISE THE DOCUMENT WHERE NECESSARY.

’’THE GOVERNMENT WILL THEN CONSIDER ADOPTING THE STATEMENT AS A FORMAL POLICY DOCUMENT,” HE ADDED.

SUBMISSIONS SHOULD BE SENT BEFORE END OF THIS MONTH TO THE SECRETARY OF THE EDUCATION COMMISSION, C/O EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG, OR BY FAX: 868 5916.

--------0 -----------

LOW CRIME RATE TN SAI KUNG * * * *

SAI KUNG IS A NICE LIVING PLACE WITH A LOW CRIME RATE; AND A PLEASANT ENVIRONMENT, A FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE MEMBER. MR JUSTEIN WONG SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY Ob' A FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL TN TANG STU KIN SPORTS GROUND IN SAI KUNG, MR WONG SAID THE OVERALL CRIME RATE OF THE DISTRICT IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR HAD DROPPED 17.2 PER CENT, WHEN COMPARED WITH THE 1991 FIGURE.

ROBBERY CASES WERE DOWN 64.9 PER CENT WHILE BURGLARY DROPPED 16.8 PER CENT.

/MR WONG .......

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1992

MR WONG ALSO SAID THE LONG COASTAL LINE HAD MADE SAI KUNG A POPULAR PLACE FOR SMUGGLING. HE URGED RESIDENTS TO REPORT CRIME TO THE POLICE.

’’REPORTING CRIME TO THE POLICE IS THE BEST WAY OF MAINTAINING A TRANQUIL LIVING ENVIRONMENT," MR WONG SAID.

THE WONG TAI SIN POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR MIKE DOWIE, WHO ALSO ATTENDED, URGED RESIDENTS TO CO-OPERATE WITH THE POLICE BY REPORTING CRIMES AND GIVING EVIDENCE IN COURTS.

HE SAID THE POLICE WOULD STEP UP PATROL AND CONDUCT MORE ANTICRIME OPERATIONS DURING THE CHRISTMAS AND CHINESE NEW YEAR PERIODS.

HE ALSO PRESENTED "GOOD CITIZEN’S AWARD" TO MR PANG YUI-FUN, AND HIS SON MR PAN CHI-YIN.

THEY HELPED THE POLICE IN ARRESTING TWO ROBBERS IN SAI KUNG TOWN IN JANUARY THIS YEAR.

TODAY’S CARNIVAL, FEATURING STALL GAMES, POLICE BAND PERFORMANCES, AN EXHIBITION, AND PARACHUTING DEMONSTRATION, WAS ORGANISED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE.

OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS INCLUDED THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MR CHEUNG CHUN-HOI; THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR WILLIAM WAN, AND THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PARRISH NG.

-----o------

NEW TSUEN WAN OFFICES FOR LABOUR DEPARTMENT

NINE DISTRICT AND REGIONAL OFFICES OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAVE BEEN REPROVISIONED TO NEW PREMISES IN THE TSUEN WAN GOVERNMENT OFFICES AT 38 SAI LAU KOK ROAD, TSUEN WAN, TODAY (SUNDAY).

THEY INCLUDE THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT DIVISION (SPD) NEW TERRITORIES OFFICE, FACTORY INSPECTORATE DIVISION (FID) TSUEN WAN REGIONAL OFFICE, FID BUILDING AND ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION (NEW TERRITORIES WEST) OFFICE, FID BUILDING AND ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION (NEW AIRPORT AND RAILWAY) OFFICE, AND DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE LABOUR INSPECTIONS DIVISION, LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE (LES), LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE (LRS) AND EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION UNIT.

TELEPHONE ENQUIRY NUMBERS AND ADDRESSES OF THE NEW OFFICES ARE:

TELEPHONE

SELECTIVE PLACEMENT DIVISION

NEW TERRITORIES OFFICE 417 6190

FLOOR

SECOND

/LOCAL EMPLOYMENT .......

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1992

LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE

TSUEN WAN OFFICE 417 6197 SECOND

OR 417 6203

FACTORY INSPECTORATE DIVISION

TSUEN WAN (1) REGIONAL OFFICE 417 6220 FIFTH

FACTORY INSPECTORATE DIVISION TSUEN WAN (2) REGIONAL OFFICE 417 6214 FIFTH

FACTORY INSPECTORATE DIVISION BUILDING & ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION (NEW TERRITORIES WEST) 4 17 6211 FIFTH

FACTORY INSPECTORATE DIVISION BUILDING & ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION (NEW AIRPORT & RAILWAY) 417 6208 • FIFTH

LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE

TSUEN WAN OFFICE

9220 3003

FIFTH

LABOUR INSPECTIONS DIVISION TSUEN WAN NORTH OFFICE

417 6230

SIXTH

EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION UNIT TSUEN WAN OFFICE

417 6228

OR 417 6229

SIXTH

THE FID TSUEN WAN (1) REGIONAL OFFICE COVERS AREAS SOUTH OF TAI CHUNG ROAD WHILE THE TSUEN WAN (2) REGIONAL OFFICE COVERS AREAS NORTH OF TAI CHUNG ROAD.

THE LTD TSUEN WAN (NORTH) OFFICE SERVES AREAS WEST OF CASTLE PeAK ROAD TO TAI MO SHAN, AND ALSO MA WAN AND THE NORTH EASTERN PART OF LANTAU ISLAND.

REGARDING EMPLOYMENT SERVICES, THE NEW LES TSUEN WAN OFFICE WILL SERVE JOB-SEEKERS AND EMPLOYERS IN THE TSUEN WAN, KWAI CHUNG (INCLUDING LAI KING, KWAI FONG, KWAI HING, SHEK LET. AND TAI WO HAU) AND TSTNG YT DISTRICTS.

-----0------

/5 ........

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1992

POSTMAN MAKES HIS MARK ON CHINA MAIL

******

HARMONIOUS INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS HAS ALWAYS HELD CENTRE STAGE IN THE CAREER OF LEUNG YUN-KAN - THE POSTMAN WHO SETS A RECORD FOR MAKING DIRECT CONTACT WITH HIS CHINESE COUNTERPARTS FOR MORE THAN A QUARTER OF A CENTURY.

EVERY DAY AT 2 PM, MR LEUNG GETS READY AT THE INTERNATIONAL MAIL CENTRE IN HUNG HOM TO GREET A THROUGH TRAIN FROM GUANGZHOU.

ON BOARD THE TRAIN ARE TWO CHINESE MAIL ESCORTS AND LOADS OF LETTERS, PRINTED PAPERS AND PARCELS SENT FROM DIFFERENT PARTS OF MAINLAND CHINA.

MR LEUNG, BETTER KNOWN AS UNCLE KAN AMONG HIS COLLEAGUES, THEN WASTE NO TIME TO LEAD SIX OTHER POSTMEN TO UNLOAD THE GOODS, IN AVERAGE ABOUT 350 BAGS, FROM THE TRAIN.

THE MAIL IS SORTED AND DELIVERED TO THE RESPECTIVE DESTINATIONS IN THE TERRITORY. A SMAIL PORTION IS FOR TRANSIT TO OVERSEAS PLACES SUCH AS SOME DEVELOPING COUNTRIES IN AFRICA WHICH DO NOT HAVE DIRECT SEA LINKS WITH CHINA.

ALMOST 28 YEARS IN THE SAME JOB, UNCLE KAN HAS DEVELOPED RAPPORT WITH THE FOUR CHINESE MAIL ESCORTS ASSIGNED FOR THE MAIL CONVEYANCE JOB IN ROTATION.

HE SAID: ’’THEY ARE NICE GUYS AND WE SPEAK THE SAME DIALECT.”

"J TREAT THEM AS CLOSE FRIENDS.”

CANDID DISCUSSION HA.S BEEN THE WAY TO SOLVE PROBLEMS THAT ARISE FROM TIME TO TIME, HE DECLARED.

THERE WERE MANY INSTANCES WHEN UNEXPECTEDLY HUGE PILES OF MAIL HAD TO BE LOADED INTO THE TRAIN ON ITS RETURN TRIP TO CHINA THE NEXT MORNING, HE SAID.

”1 TALKED FRANKLY TO THEM ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND SINCERELY SOUGHT THEIR HELP. THEY WERE WILLI NG TO BEND THE RULES, HELPING US SQUEEZE IN THE BAGS TILL THE TRAIN WAS BRIMFUL,” HE SAID.

A TOTAL OF 12.7 MILLION MAIL ITEMS WERE RECEIVED FROM CHINA WHILE 20.5 MILLION WERE DISPATCHED TO CH I NA IN 1991 /92.

THE SENIOR POSTMAN ALSO ENJOYS CORDIAL WORKING RELATIONS WITH HIS COLLEAGUES.

THE KEV IS: ESPRIT DE CORPS.

NOW, AFTER ALMOST FOUR DECADES OF SERVICE IN THE POST OFFICE, 60-YEAR-OLD UNCLE KAN IS BEGINNING HIS PRE-RETIREMENT LEAVE.

HIS DEDICATION TO THE JOB HAS NOT ONLY WON HIMSELF MANY FRIENDS, BUT ALSO A SPECIAL GIFT FROM THE QUEEN.

/EARLIER THIS .......

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1992

EARLIER THIS MONTH AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE, THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, PRESENTED AN IMPERIAL SERVICE MEDAL TO HIM.

PORING OVER THE MEDAL, HE SAID: "I AM OVERJOYED. BUT THE HONOUR OUGHT TO BE SHARED BY EVERY ONE IN MY TEAM.”

”1 HAVE NEVER DREAMED OF ALL THESE. IT’S MY JOB. IT’S MY DUTY TO DO MY LEVEL BEST.”

MR NG WING-HANG, A POSTMAN WHO HAS BEEN WORKING HAND-IN-HAND WITH HIM FOR 18 YEARS, SAID: ’’UNCLE KAN IS AN EXPERT IN STAFF RELATIONS. HE IS A CONSIDERATE BOSS. HE ALWAYS GROOMS THE JUNIORS FOR BIGGER TASKS.”

’HE ALLOCATES DUTIES TO US IN ACCORDANCE WITH OUR MERITS AND ABILITY. EVERY ONE GETS HIS FAIR SHARE,” MR NG ADDED.

ANOTHER JUNIOR POSTMAN, MR WU CHUN-WAH, SAID: ’’UNCLE KAN ACTS AS A BRIDGE BETWEEN OUR TEAM AND THE SENIOR MANAGEMENT. HE DARES TO REFLECT TO THEM OUR VIEWS.”

CHINA MAIL ASIDE, UNCLE KAN SPENT NEARLY 11 YEARS DOING HIS BEAT IN RECLAMATION STREET, YAU MA TFT.

FOR THIS JOB, HE WAS AGAIN GIVEN FULL MARKS.

THOUGH HE DID NOT KNOW A SINGLE ENGLISH WORD AT FIRST, HE SET ANOTHER RECORD FOR RECEIVING NO COMPLAINT ABOUT WRONG DELIVERY.

AND, OVER THE YEARS OF MAKING DOOR-TO-DOOR CALLS, HE MADE MANY FRIENDS TOO.

MUCH TO HIS DELIGHT, UNCLE KAN RECEIVED LOTS OF THANK-YOU LETTERS FROM SATISFIED CLIENTS WHO WERE ABLE TO RECEIVE THEIR LETTERS THOUGH THE ITEMS WERE NOT PROPERLY ADDRESSED.

EVEN BEFORE THE AWARD BY THE QUEEN, UNCLE KAN’S HARD WORK EARNED ITS REWARD IN 1988.

HE WAS AMONG THE 17 POST OFFICE STAFF- OFFERED THE LONG SERVICE TRAVEL AWARD. HE TOOK A 20-DAY FREE TRIP WITH HIS WIFE TO THE UNITED STATES, THANKS TO HIS DISTINGUISHED PERFORMANCE AND LONG SERVICE.

THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR MICHELANGELO PAGLIARI, DESCRIBED UNCLE KAN AS AN OUTSTANDING POSTMAN WHO DEMONSTRATED INITIATIVE AND ENTHUSIASM.

"MR LEUNG HAS SET A WORTHY EXAMPLE TO COLLEAGUES WITH HIS WHOLEHEARTED DEVOTION TO DUTY,” HE SAID.

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1992

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

POLICE PLEDGE FOR BETTER SERVICE ................................ 1

STATEMENT ON TRANSPORT PROJECTS ................................. 2

APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR SECURITY ANNOUNCED .......... 2

INTER-DEPARTMENTAL EFFORTS ON MANHOLE WORK SAFETY ............... 3

MORE FOSTER PARENTS NEEDED ...................................... 4

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY CLINIC SERVICE ................................ 5

SUN ECLIPSE ON CHRISTMAS EVE .................................... 5

WATER STORAGE FIGURE ............................................ 6

MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1992

POLICE PLEDGE FOR BETTER SERVICE * * * * *

THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE WILL STRIVE TO RESPOND TO ALL REAL EMERGENCY 999 CALLS WITHIN AN AVERAGE RESPONSE TIME OF NINE MINUTES IN HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, AND 15 MINUTES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

CHIEF STAFF OFFICER, POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS BRANCH, MR ERIC LOCKEYEAR MADE THIS PLEDGE AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (MONDAY).

"THE RESPONSE TIME IS MEASURED FROM THE TIME A REPORT IS RECEIVED AT THE REGIONAL COMMAND AND CONTROL CENTRE (RCCC) 999 CONSOLE UNTIL A POLICE OFFICER ARRIVES AT THE SCENE.

"REAL EMERGENCY IS ONE WHERE IT IS CONSIDERED THAT A DELAYED RESPONSE WOULD POSE A SERIOUS THREAT TO LIFE, PROPERTY OR THE PUBLIC PEACE," MR LOCKEYEAR SAID.

UP TO THE END OF NOVEMBER, THE POLICE HAVE THIS YEAR RECORDED 318,042 CALLS TO THE THREE RCCCs, GIVING AN AVERAGE OF 953 CALLS A DAY.

THIS IS ALREADY A ONE PER CENT INCREASE OVER THE TOTAL NUMBER OF CALLS RECEIVED IN THE WHOLE OF LAST YEAR.

THE POLICE ALSO MADE A PLEDGE ON THE TIME ONE WILL NEED TO OBTAIN A CERTIFICATE OF NO CRIMINAL CONVICTION (CNCC).

"CERTIFICATES OF CNCC ISSUED BY THE FORCE SOLELY IN CONNECTION WITH A PERSON’S APPLICATION FOR A VISA TO VISIT OR RESIDE IN ANOTHER COUNTRY WILL BE PROVIDED WITHIN FOUR CALENDAR WEEKS AFTER AN APPLICATION IS LODGED," MR LOCKEYEAR SAID.

THESE PLEDGES BY THE POLICE ARE IN LINE WITH A GOVENMENT SCHEME LAUNCHED IN OCTOBER WITH A VIEW TO UPGRADING THE ADMINISTRATION’S SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY.

"THE OBJECTIVE OF OUR PLEDGE IS TO IMPROVE THE SERVICES WE DELIVER TO THE PUBLIC BY ENHANCING OPENNESS AND ACCOUNTABILITY AS WELL AS BY DEVELOPING A CLIENT-BASED CULTURE IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR.

"THROUGH THE PERFORMANCE PLEDGES, THE PUBLIC WILL KNOW WHAT SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE, WHAT STANDARDS HAVE BEEN SET, WHETHER SUCH STANDARDS HAVE BEEN ACHIEVED, AND WHAT TO DO WHEN THEY ARE NOT," MR LOCKEYEAR SAID.

THESE STANDARDS WOULD BE MONITORED INTERNALLY, AND THE RESULTS OF WHICH WOULD BE PUBLISHED ANNUALLY, HE ADDED.

A TOTAL OF 500,000 COPIES OF A LEAFLET IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE OUTLINING THE POLICE’S PLEDGES, WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM TODAY FROM ALL POLICE REPORT ROOMS, NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE OFFICES, POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICES, AND THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION DISTRICT OFFICES.

- - 0 - -

MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1992

- 2 -

STATEMENT ON TRANSPORT PROJECTS *****

IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID IT IS INCORRECT TO SUGGEST THAT MAJOR TRANSPORT PROJECTS HAVE BEEN HELD UP BECAUSE OP THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT ON THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME (ACP).

THERE ARE A NUMBER OF MAJOR NON-ACP TRANSPORT PROJECTS NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION, INCLUDING THE FINAL STAGE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD, THE YUEN LONG-TUEN MUN EASTERN CORRIDOR, AND THE YUEN LONG SOUTHERN BYPASS.

’’PLANNING AND DESIGN ARE ALSO IN HAND FOR MAJOR IMPROVEMENT OF LUNG CHEUNG ROAD AND CHING CHEUNG ROAD, WHICH PROVIDES THE MAIN ROAD LINK BETWEEN EAST AND WEST KOWLOON, AND FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE HUNG HOM BYPASS WHICH WILL IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW IN SOUTH KOWLOON.

’’CLEARLY, IT IS NOT FAIR TO SAY THAT THE TRANSPORT NEEDS OF THE TERRITORY AS A WHOLE HAVE BEEN IGNORED BECAUSE OF THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT ON THE ACP.

"MOREOVER, ONE SHOULD NOT LOSE SIGHT OF THE FACT THAT THE WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING, AND WEST KOWLOON EXPRESSWAY WERE ALREADY CONSIDERED OUR HIGHEST PRIORITY PROJECTS PRIOR TO THE DECISION TO RELOCATE THE AIRPORT AND THEY WILL BENEFIT HONG KONG AS A WHOLE. ALSO, THE WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING WILL RELIEVE CONGESTION AT THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

---------0 - -

APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR SECURITY ANNOUNCED *****

THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (MONDAY) ANNOUNCED THE APPOINTMENT OF MR KEN WOODHOUSE AS DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR SECURITY TO SUCCEED MR TAN STRACHAN.

MR WOODHOUSE ASSUMES OFFICE TODAY.

THE FOLLOWING IS A BRIEF BIOGRAPHY OF MR WOODHOUSE:

AGED 48, MR WOODHOUSE JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE AS AN ENGINEER IN 1973. HE WAS SECONDED TO THE THEN ENVIRONMENT BRANCH IN 1978 AND BECAME SENIOR ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER IN 1980. HE WAS PROMOTED TO ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE C IN 1983 AND BECAME ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES IN 1984. MORE RECENTLY HE WAS SECRETARY-GENERAL OF STANDING COMMISSION ON DISCIPLINED SERVICES TN 1989 AND WAS COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS BEFORE HE ASSUMED THIS NEW POST AS DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR SECURITY.

/3 ........

MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1992 3 -

INTER-DEPARTMENTAL EFFORTS ON MANHOLE WORK SAFETY

*****

THE GOVERNMENT HAS IMPLEMENTED A STRATEGY TO STEP UP CONTROL MEASURES ON MANHOLE WORKS TO FURTHER PROTECT WORKERS FROM POTENTIAL HAZARDS.

THE STRATEGY, MAPPED OUT IN THE WAKE OF FATAL ACCIDENTS INSIDE SEWAGE MANHOLES IN JULY THIS YEAR, WAS RECENTLY ENDORSED BY AN INTER-DEPARTMENTAL WORKING GROUP.

THE WORKING GROUP COMPRISED REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE WORKS BRANCH, THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT AND THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.

A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE FOLLOWING APPROACHES HAD BEEN ADOPTED:

* THE WORKS BRANCH IS PREPARING A GENERAL CONSTRUCTION SITE SAFETY MANUAL INCLUDING GUIDELINES FOR A SAFETY PLAN FOR EACH WORKS CONTRACT;

* DETAILED SAFETY SPECIFICATIONS WILL BE INCORPORATED INTO THE CONTRACT CONDITIONS FOR FUTURE CONTRACTS WHICH INCLUDE:

(i) COMPULSORY WEARING OF APPROVED BREATHING APPARATUS FOR WORKS INVOLVING THE CONNECTION OF NEW DRAINAGE SYSTEMS TO OLD, AND

(ii) NOTIFICATION OF DRAINAGE WORKS BY THE CONTRACTOR WELL IN ADVANCE OF THE WORK COMMENCEMENT DATE, INCLUDING TIME AND LOCATION, TO FACILITATE INSPECTIONS BY SITE STAFF;

♦ APPROVED DRAINAGE CONTRACTORS ARE REMINDED THAT THE POWER TO STOP WORK UNDER THE GENERAL CONDITIONS OF CONTRACT CAN BE INVOKED AT ANY TIME IF DANGEROUS PRACTICES ARE PERSISTING;

* THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS PREPARING A SAFETY MANUAL WHICH INCLUDES THE SAFETY OF WORKING IN MANHOLES/GONF1NED SPACES;

* A GENERAL SAFETY CHECKLIST, COMPILED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND ENDORSED BY THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT, IS AVAILABLE TO HELP

CONTRACTORS AND SITE STAFF TO MAKE CHECKS ON WORK OF THIS NATURE; AND

* THE WORKS BRANCH, THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT AND THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL STEP UP THEIR CO-OPERATION FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT. FLAGRANT OFFENDERS WILL BE REPORTED IMMEDIATELY AND LEGAL ACTION MAY BE TAKEN AGAINST THEM.

EFFORTS HAVE ALSO BEEN MADE BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TO AROUSE EMPLOYERS’ AND WORKERS’ ATTENTION TO THE IMPORTANCE OF SAFETY WHEN WORKING IN CONFINED SPACES.

/THESE INCLUDED .......

MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1992

THESE INCLUDED THE LAUNCHING OF INCREASED PUBLICITY, SEMINARS, A SPECIAL INSPECTION CAMPAIGN AND THE ISSUE OF WARNING LETTERS TO INDIVIDUAL DRAINAGE CONTRACTORS, THE SPOKESMAN NOTED.

HE REMINDED EMPLOYERS OF THEIR STATUTORY OBLIGATION, UNDER THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (CONFINED SPACE) REGULATIONS AND THE GENERAL DUTIES PROVISIONS OF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE, TO ENSURE WORKERS’ SAFETY TN CONFINED SPACES AND THAT WORKERS SHOULD CO-OPERATE WITH EMPLOYERS TO TAKE NECESSARY SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.

’’FACTORY INSPECTORS WILL SPARE NO EFFORTS TO TAKE LEGAL ACTION AGAINST CONTRACTORS AND WORKERS WHO FAIL TO OBSERVE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ON WORKS IN CONFINED SPACES,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

HE ALSO SAID THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT'S INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING CENTRE (ISTC) PROVIDED REGULAR TRAINING COURSES AND PUBLICATIONS ON THIS SUBJECT.

ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT THE ISTC ON THE 13TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG OR ON TEL 852 3562.

---------0-----------

MORE FOSTER PARENTS NEEDED

*****

A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (MONDAY) APPEALED TO COUPLES TO JOIN THE TEAM OF FOSTER PARENTS.

’’WHILE PEOPLE ARE CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS, THERE ARE CHILDREN TN NEED OF PARENTAL LOVE AND CARE,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

FOSTER CARE IS A FORM OF NON-INSTITUTIONAL RESIDENTIAL CHILD-CARE SERVICE WHICH AIMS TO PROVIDE A TEMPORARY ALTERNATIVE FAMILY FOR ORPHANS OR CHILDREN WHO LACK ADEQUATE FAMILY CARE BECAUSE OF NEGLECT, ILLNESS OF PARENTS OR OTHER SOCIAL PROBLEMS.

THROUGH FOSTERING, CHILDREN CAN GROW UNDER A PROPER FAMILY SETTING AND ENJOY HAPPY CHILDHOOD, HE ADDED.

’’FOSTER PARENTS CAN, ON THE ONE HAND, SERVE THE COMMUNITY AND ON THE OTHER, POLISH THEIR PARENTHOOD SKILLS,” HE SAID.

MEANWHILE, THE CENTRAL FOSTER CARE UNIT OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, TOGETHER WITH A NUMBER OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS, WILL HOLD A FOSTER FAMILIES SERVICE AWARD PRESENTATION CEREMONY EARLY NEXT MONTH.

AT THE CEREMONY, 40 COUPLES WHO ARE FOSTER THAN FIVE OR 10 YEARS, WILL RECEIVE A SERVICE AWARD THEIR SERVICES TO I’HE NEEDY CHILDREN, THE SPOKESMAN

PARENTS FOR MORE IN RECOGNITION OF SA I D.

/5 ........

MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1992

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY CLINIC SERVICE ♦ * * * *

EIGHT GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINICS Wild, REMAIN OPEN BETWEEN 9 AM TO 1 PM ON DECEMBER 26, THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY).

THEY ARE THE VIOLET PEEL HEALTH CENTRE AND SHAU KEI CLUB CLINIC’ ON HONG KONG ISLAND; THE KWUN TONG JOCKEY CENTRE, ROBERT BLACK HEALTH CENTRE AND YAU MA TEI JOCKEY IN KOWLOON; THE LADY TRENCH POLYCLINIC, SHEK WU HUI CLINIC AND YUEN LONG JOCKEY CLUB HEALTH CENTRE IN THE NEW

WAN JOCKEY CLUB HEALTH CLUB CLINIC JOCKEY CLUB TERRITORIES.

ON THE OTHER HAND, THERE WILL BE NO HOLIDAY ('LINK SERVICE ON CHRISTMAS DAY (DECEMBER 25).

-----0------

SUN ECLIPSE ON CHRISTMAS EVE

*****

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY SAID A PARTIAL ECLIPSE OF THE SUN WOULD OCCUR ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 24).

THE ECLIPSE WILL BEGIN BEFORE SUNRISE IN HONG KONG AND END AT 7.07 AM.

"AS ONLY 0.1 PER CENT OF THE SUN WILL BE ECLIPSED, IT WILL BE DIFFICULT FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS TO OBSERVE THE EVENT," HE SAID.

DETAILS OF THE EVENT ARE:

* MAGNITUDE OF THE ECLIPSE: 0.001, THAT IS, 0.1 PER CENT OF THE SUN’S DIAMETER WILL BE OBSCURED BY THE MOON AT THE TIME OF MAXIMUM ECLIPSE;

♦ HONG KONG TIME AZIMUTH DIRECTION

SUNRISE 0700 (

MAX I MUM ECLIPSE 0705 i ( EAST-SOUTHEAST /

ECLIPSE ENDS 0707 ( (

THE SPOKESMAN ADVISED RESIDENTS NOT TO SEE THE SUN DIRECTLY WITHOUT FULL PROTECTIVE MEASURES BECAUSE OF THE BLINDING INTENSITY OF ITS RAYS.

- - 0 - -

/6 ..

MONDAY. DECEMBER 21, 1992

WATER STORAGE FIGURE * * * ♦

STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 58 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 339.657 MILLION CUBIC METRES.

THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 190.632 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 32.5 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.

--------0-----------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1992

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

PULSE OF RESIDENTS WILL BE CONSTANTLY MONITORED: SHA ........... 1

DECEMBER SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL STARTS . 4

STUDY ON FO TAN COMMERCIAL FACILITIES COMMISSIONED ............. 5

WELFARE STAFF BID FAREWELL TO DIRECTOR ......................... 5

206 VIETNAMESE SENT HOME ....................................... 6

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS .............. 6

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .. 7

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1992

PULSE OF RESIDENTS WILL BE CONSTANTLY MONITORED: SHA *****

THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION (CNTA) HAS CONTINUED TO ACT AS AN IMPORTANT LINK BETWEEN THE PEOPLE AND THE GOVERNMENT THROUGH THE MANY SERVICES IT PROVIDED UP TO THE YEAR JUST ENDING, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

REVIEWING THE WORK OF THE ADMINISTRATION AT A MEET-THE-MEDIA SESSION, MR SUEN ALSO GAVE HIS ASSURANCE THAT CNTA’S OTHER MAIN ROLE TO CONSTANTLY MONITOR THE “PULSE OF THE PEOPLE” WILL BE ANOTHER PRIORITY.

“THIS IS SO THAT WHATEVER VIEWS AND OPINIONS EXPRESSED OR GATHERED CAN BE IMMEDIATELY ACTED UPON BY THE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS," HE SAID.

COUPLED WITH THE IMPENDING PERFORMANCE PLEDGE EARLY NEXT YEAR, MR SUEN PROMISED THAT SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY WILL BE EVEN MORE EFFICIENT AND FASTER, CERTAINLY MORE ACCOUNTABLE.

“WE WILL ACHIEVE THESE GOALS BY FIRST REQUIRING GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TO BECOME MORE SENSITIVE AND RESPONSIVE TO DISTRICT NEEDS.

"DEPARTMENTS WILL ALSO HAVE TO WORK CLOSELY WITH EACH OTHER AND THE DISTRICT BOARDS ON A CO-ORDINATED BASIS."

AND MR SUEN EMPHASISED THAT DEPARTMENTS WILL BECOME MORE ACCOUNTABLE TO DISTRICT BOARDS ON ANY ACTION PLANS.

AFTER ALL, HE STRESSED, THAT WAS THE ONLY WAY TO MEET THE DEMANDS OF AN INCREASINGLY VOCAL AND AFFLUENT POPULATION.

RECOUNTING 1992’S WORKLOAD, MR SUEN FIRST TURNED TO THE 20 PUBLIC ENQUIRY CENTRES AND REVEALED ANOTHER IMPRESSIVE PERFORMANCE.

UP TO NOVEMBER THIS YEAR, MORE THAN 3 MILLION ENQUIRIES WERE HANDLED BY STAFF AT THESE CENTRES AND OVER 5.5 MILLION FORMS AND INFORMATION PAMPHLETS DISTRIBUTED AT THE SAME TIME.

SOME 422,000 STATUTORY DECLARATIONS WERE ADMINISTERED FOR PRIVATE USE, AND 2,900 CASES OF LEGAL CONSULTATION ARRANGED UNDER THE FREE LEGAL ADVICE SCHEME AS WELL AS 11,000 PEOPLE RECEIVING ADVICE ON RENT AND TENANCY PROBLEMS UNDER THE RENT OFFICER SCHEME.

THE CENTRES ALSO PROVIDED A VALUABLE INTERFACE BETWEEN THE PUBLIC AND THEIR DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS THROUGH THE MEET-THE-PUBLIC SCHEME.

IN ADDITION, A CENTRAL TELEPHONE ENQUIRY CENTRE SET UP SINCE APRIL LAST YEAR HANDLED 140,000 ENQUIRIES DURING THE PERIOD UNDER REVIEW.

/MR SUEN .......

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1992

MR SUEN SAID AS AN IMPORTANT CONDUIT BETWEEN THE PUBLIC AND ’HIE GOVERNMENT, STAFF OF THE PUBLIC ENQUIRIES CENTRES WERE COMMITTED TO FURTHER IMPROVING THEIR SERVICES.

ANO‘HER AREA IN WHICH CNTA PLAYS A VITAL ROLE IS THE CONSULTING OF I’llE PUBLIC ON MAJOR POLICY ISSUES THROUGH DISCUSSIONS IN THE DISTRIC’I BOARDS. THE MARK SIX LOTTERY AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME ARE JUST TWO EXAMPLES.

CLOSE LIAISON IS ?LSO MAINTAINED WITH THE HEUNG YEE KUK - THE GOVERNMENT’S STATUTORY ADVISORY BODY ON NEW TERRITORIES MATTERS. ADVICE OF THE KUK HAS BEEN SOUGHT DURING THE YEAR ON A NUMBER OF POLICY ISSUES AFFECTING THE RURAL POPULATION.

’’FOR INSTANCE, THROUGH CONSULTATION AND CO-OPERATION WITH THE KUK, WE HAVE RATIONALISED THE RATES EXEMPTION POLICY IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, RESULTING IN AN ADDITIONAL REVENUE OI $36 MILLION PER YEAR FOR THE GOVERNMENT.

CO-ORDINATION BY DISTRICT OFFICERS IN CLEARANCE EXERCISES PAVING THE WAY FOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IS ALSO AN IMPORTANT AREA OF THE LINK ROLE, HE POINTED OUT.

IN AUGUST THIS YEAR, CLEARANCE OF THE POOR MEN’S NIGHT CLUB SITE IN CENTRAL WAS CARRIED OUT SMOOTHLY WITH THE STALL OPERATORS II VEN SYMPATHETIC CONSIDERATION OF THEIR REQUESTS FOR COMPENSATION.

THE OPERATORS ACCEPTED THE NEED FOR VACATING THE SITE AFTER A SERIES OF JOINT MEETINGS WITH THE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED CHAIRED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER.

IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR, A DISTRICT OFFICER HELPED DEFUSE A ’OTENTIALLY UGLY SITUATION IN THE HAWKER CLEARANCE AND RE-ORDERING •XERCISE IN CONNECTION WITH THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE SHAM SHUT PO IARKET.

OVER 630 HAWKERS WERE SUBSEQUENTLY RESITED TO TWO TEMPORARY MARKETS, AND AN EQUAL NUMBER OF UNLICENSED HAWKERS WERE EFFECTIVELY7 CLEARED.

IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE DISTRICT OFFICERS OF TSUEN WAN AND ISLANDS HAVE ALSO BEEN CO-ORDINATING THE CLEARANCE OF LOG PONDS AND PROJECTS IN TUNG CHUNG, MA WAN AND NORTH LANTAU.

’’AND SPEAKING OF CLEARANCES, IT WOULD PROBABI A BE A GLARING OMISSION IF KOWLOON WALLED CITY WAS NOT MENTIONED,” MR SUEN SAID.

CLEARANCE OF THE WALLED CITY WAS COMPLETED IN JULY THIS YEAR AND THE SITE WAS HANDED OVER TO THE DEMOLITION CONTRACTOR TN NOVEMBER. DEMOLITION IS EXPECTED TO START EARLY NEXT YEAR AND WILL BE COMPLETED IN MAY 1994.

A TOTAL OF $3.23 BILLION WILL BE PAID OUT AS COMPENSATION TO THOSE DISPLACED AND AN OVERWHELMING MAJORITY OF HOUSEHOLDS AFFECTED HAVE REACHED SETTLEMENT WITH GOVERNMENT OVER PAYMENTS AND REHOUSING CLAIMS.

/CNTA’S ’’’HANITARIAN ..........

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1992

CNTA'S HUMANITARIAN FACE IS ALSO CLEARLY OBVIOUS IN CASES OF FIRES AND OTHER NATURAL DISASTERS. IN SUCH SITUATIONS, IT IS INCUMBENT UPON THE CNTA TO ENSURE THAT VICTIMS ARE PROVIDED WITH EMERGENCY RELIEF AND TEMPORARY SHELTERS. FOLLOW-UP ACTIONS MIGHT ALSO BE NECESSARY WHEN VICTIMS REQUIRE REHOUSING.

THE TRAGIC BAGUIO VILLA LANDSLIDE WHICH OCCURRED AFTER THE TORRENTIAL DOWNPOUR IN MAY SERVES AS AN EXCELLENT EXAMPLE IN WHICH THE DISTRICT OFFICER ACTED AS THE MEDIATOR BETWEEN THE AFFECTED RESIDENTS AND THE GOVERNMENT.

TN OTHER CALAMITIES, SOME 700 VICTIMS OF THE SEVEN FIRES OF DIFFERENT SCALES THAT BROKE OUT IN WONG TAI SIN BETWEEN MARCH AND OCTOBER WERE INITIALLY OFFERED TEMPORARY SHELTER IN THE CHUK YUEN AND CHOI WAN ESTATE COMMUNITY CENTRES. ALL OF THEM HAVE NOW BEEN REHOUSED OR GIVEN REHOUSING OFFERS.

LOOKING AHEAD, MR SUEN SAID THE DEPARTMENTALISATION OF THE LIAISON OFFICER GRADE WOULD BEGIN EARLY NEXT YEAR.

’’UNDER THIS SCHEME, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS PERFORMING LIAISON DUTIES TN THE URBAN REGION WILL BE REPLACED BY SPECIALLY TRAINED LIAISON OFFICERS, ENSURING CONTINUITY WHILE RETAINING EXPERTISE AND EXPERIENCE IN THE DEPARTMENT.

’’IT WILL PROVIDE GREATER FLEXIBILITY TN STAFF DEPLOYMENT AND IMPROVE UNDERSTANDING AND CO-OPERATION BETWEEN LIAISON STAFF IN BOTH REGIONS, ENHANCE STAFF MOTIVATION AND MORALE, WHICH COULD ONLY RESULT TN BETTER SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY.” HE SAID.

IN ORDER TO MINIMISE DISRUPTION IN THE URBAN REGION AND TO ALLOW TIME FOR RECRUITMENT OF SUFFICIENT LIAISON OFFICERS, THE PROCESS WILL TAKE SOME TIME TO COMPLETE.

ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF I) I STR I CT ADMINISTRATION, MR SUEN SAID HE HAD COMPLETED A ROUND OF CONSULTATION WITH THE 19 DISTRICT BOARDS ON THE PROPOSALS OUTLINED BY THE GOVERNOR AND WAS NOW COLLATING THEIR VIEWS COLLECTED.

”IN COMPILING THE REPORT FOR THE GOVERNOR, I WILL BALANCE THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE CHAIRMEN AND MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT BOARDS AND OTHER SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY SO THAT A DECISION CAN BE MADE IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE COMMUNITY,” HE CONCLUDED.

--------0

/4 ........

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1992

- 4 -

DECEMBER SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL STARTS *****

THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAS STARTED TO CONDUCT THE DECEMBER ROUND OF THE SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL IN MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY IN RESPECT OF THE FOURTH QUARTER OF THIS YEAR.

THE QUARTERLY SURVEY RESULTS ARE USEFUL TN PROVIDING SHORT-TERM ECONOMIC INDICATORS AND INFORMATION ON THE STRUCTURAL CHANGES IN THE LABOUR MARKET.

THIS ROUND OF THE SURVEY COVERS ABOUT 40,000 ESTABLISHMENTS WHICH ARE DRAWN FROM VARIOUS SECTORS INCLUDING THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR (MINING AND QUARRYING; MANUFACTURING; ELECTRICITY AND GAS), THE DISTRIBUTIVE TRADES SECTOR (WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS) AND THE SERVICE SECTOR (TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION; FI NANI’I NG, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES; COMMUNITY, SOCIAL AND PERSONAL SERVICES).

INFORMATION ON NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED AND EXISTING VACANCIES ON DECEMBER 31 THIS YEAR WILL BE SOUGHT FROM EACH SELECTED ESTABLISHMENT.

A RANDOM SUB-SAMPLE OF ABOUT 10,000 ESTABLISHMENTS IS SELECTED FROM THE MAIN SAMPLE TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON PAYROLL IN EACH OF THE THREE MONTHS DURING THE REFERENCE PERIOD OF OCTOBER-DECEMBER.

QUESTIONNAIRES ARE BEING MAILED TO THE SAMPLED ESTABLISHMENTS.

IN ACCORDANCE WI'I’ll THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDER 1982, ESTABLISHMENTS RECEIVING QUESTIONNAIRES ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THEM TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WITHIN THE SPECIFIED PERIOD.

SHOULD RESPONDENTS FIND DIFFICULTIES IN COMPLETING THE FORMS, THEY ARE WELCOME TO CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT FOR HELP ON TEL 582 5076.

AS FOR THOSE ESTABLISHMENTS NEWLY INCLUDED INTO THE REGISTER OF ESTABLISHMENTS OF THE DEPARTMENT DURING OCTOBER-DECEMBER, THEY WILL ALSO BE ENUMERATED IN ORDER TO MAKI* THE SURVEY RESULTS COMPLETE.

OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT, EACH BEARING A GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARD, WILL CALL ON THESE ESTABLISHMENTS TO OBTAIN INFORMATION ON NATURE OF BUSINESS, TYPE OF OWNERSHIP, DATE ON WHICH BUSINESS STARTED, NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED AND EXISTING VACANCIES.

TN CASE OF ANY ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE FIELD VISITS, PLEASE CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT ON TEL 582 4782.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1992

STUDY ON FO TAN COMMERCIAL FACILITIES COMMISSIONED

*****

THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) SIGNED A $400,000 AGREEMENT WITH A CONSULTANCY FIRM TO CARRY OUT A PLANNING STUDY ON COMMERCIAL FACILITIES IN THE FO TAN INDUSTRIAL AREA, SHA TIN.

’’THIS IS A COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING STUDY REQUIRING

MULTI-DISCIPLINARY INPUTS,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.

"IT AIMS AT ANALYSING THE DEMAND, SUPPLY AND PROBLEMS OF THE EXISTING PROVISION OF COMMERCIAL FACILITIES IN THE FO TAN INDUSTRIAL AREA," HE ADDED.

THE STUDY, WHICH IS SCHEDULED TO COMPLETE IN ABOUT SIX MONTHS, WILL PROVIDE USEFUL REFERENCE FOR THE REVIEW OF THE PLANNING CONCEPT FOR FO TAN AND OTHER SIMILAR INDUSTRIAL AREAS IN THE TERRITORY.

PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT TOWN PLANNER/DTSTRICT, MR EDMUND LO, SIGNED THE AGREEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT WITH THE DIRECTOR OF YUE CHENG A ASSOCIATES LIMITED, MS CHRISTINA LO.

WELFARE STAFF BID FAREWELL TO DIRECTOR

*****

SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT STAFF TODAY (TUESDAY) HELI) A LUNCH TO BID FAREWELL TO THEIR DIRECTOR, MR MICHAEL CARTLAND, AND TO WELCOME THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE (DESIGNATE), MR TAN STRACHAN.

SPEAKING AT THE LUNCH, MR CARTLAND SAID HE WAS DEEPLY IMPRESSED BY THE GOOD QUALITY OF WORK THE STAFF WERE DOING, AND THEIR DEVOTION TO DUTY.

"HAVING WORKED WITH A TEAM OF ('APABLE STAFF FOR THREE YEARS, I AM A BIT SAD THAT T AM NOW LEAVING.

"NEVERTHELESS, I AM HAPPY TO SEE THAT WE HAVE DEVELOPED THE

POLICIES IN LAST YEAR’S SOCIAL WELFARE WHITE PAPER AND THIS YEAR’S REHABILITATION GREEN PAPER AND THAT FUNDS ARE NOW AVAILABLE TO MEET ALL OUR KEY TARGETS,” HE SAID.

"I HAVE FULL CONFIDENCE THAT MR IAN STRACHAN, MY SUCCESSOR, WILL BENEFIT FROM THE IN-DEPTH KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE OF THE STAFF IN THE WELFARE FIELD IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ALL MAJOR PROJECTS,” HE ADDED.

MR STRACHAN WILL SUCCEED MR CARTLAND AS DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE ON DECEMBER 28 (MONDAY).

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1992

206 VIETNAMESE SENT HOME

*****

A GROUP OF 206 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (TUESDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE UNHCR’S VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME.

COMPRISING 99 MEN, 47 WOMEN, 35 BOYS AND 25 GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 139TH BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.

THE GROUP BROUGHT TO 12,072 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAVE RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 26,052 I’HE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINGE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN MARCH 1989.

-----0-------

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

TENDER RESULTS

*****

TENDER DATE 22 DECEMBER 92 22 DECEMBER 92

PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS

ISSUE NUMBER Q252 H280

AMOUNT APPLIED HKD 1,905MN HKD 690MN

AMOUNT ALLOTTED HKD 800MN HKD 300MN

AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED 4.02 PCT 4.19 PCT

HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED 4.05 PCT 4.20 PCT

PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 100 PCT ABOUT 66 PCT

AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 4.06 PCT 4.22 PCT

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

TENDERS TO BE HELD IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 28 DECEMBER 1992 -

TENDER DATE 29 DECEMBER 92 29 DECEMBER 92

PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS

ISSUE NUMBER Q253 Y298

ISSUE DATE 30 DECEMBER 92 30 DECEMBER 92

MATURITY DATE 31 MARCH 93 29 DECEMBER 93

TENOR 91 DAYS 364 DAYS

AMOUNT ON OFFER HK$800 + 160 MN HKS200 + 60 MN

-----0------

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1992

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****

$ MILLION

OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,800

REVERSAL OF LAF -300

BALANCE AFTER REVERSL OF LAF 1,500

NET 1NJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL

EFFECT OF LAF TODAY +300

CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,800

LAF RATE 2.00 BTD/4.00 OFFER TW1 113.7 *-0.1* 22.12.1992

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS

TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD

1 WEEK 3.16 PCT 15 MONTHS 2402 5.50 100.68 4.94

1 MONTH 3.80 PCT 18 MONTHS 24 05 5.50 100.56 5. 14

3 MONTHS 3.99 PCT 21 MONTHS 2408 4.375 98.58 5.35

6 MONTHS 4.14 PCT 24 MONTHS 24 1 1 4.625 98.56 5.50

12 MONTHS 4.63 PCT

TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 2,903 MN

CLOSED 22 DECEMBER 1992

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1992

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

33 AIRPORT ENGINEERING CONSULTANCIES AWARDED ................... 1

FIRE SAFETY ADVICE ............................................. 2

NEW COINS TO HERALD NEW YEAR ............................ 2

PUBLIC REMINDED NOT TO BRING IN ENDANGERED SPECIES ............. 3

MARINE OFFICES REMAIN OPEN DURING CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR HOLIDAY ..................................................... 4

HOME AFFAIRS SECRETARY PRESENTS CHEQUES TO CHARITIES ........... 4

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .. 5

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1992

33 AIRPORT ENGINEERING CONSULTANCIES AWARDED ******

DETAILS OE 33 GOVERNMENT ENGINEERING AND ASSOCIATED CONSULTANCY AGREEMENTS EOR THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME (ACP) WERE RELEASED IN TABULAR FORM TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS CO-ORDINATION OFFICE (NAPCO).

"WE HAVE PRODUCED THIS CONSULTANCY PERIODS AS WELL AS RESPONSE TO A REQUEST FROM MEMBERS SPOKESMAN FOR NAPCO SAID.

INFORMATION, WITH DETAILS OF ESTIMATES AND AWARD PRICES, IN OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL," A

OUT OF THE 33 CONSULTANCIES AWARDED BY THE GOVERNMENT, 28 WERE AWARDED USING THE PRE-JUNE 1991 SYSTEM OF SELECTION WHERE CONSULTANTS WERE SELECTED PRIMARILY ON THEIR TECHNICAL CAPABILITY.

"FEES WERE NEGOTIATED WITH THE MOST TECHNICALLY COMPETENT CONSULTANT AND WERE BASED MAINLY ON A PERCENTAGE SCALE APPLIED TO THE COST OF THE CONSTRUCTION WORKS." THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE OTHER FIVE WERE SELECTED ON A NEW SYSTEM INTRODUCED IN JUNE 1991 WHICH AIMED AT BASING REMUNERATION ON A FIXED LUMP SUM FEE INDEPENDENT OF THE COST OF THE WORKS AS FAR AS POSSIBLE.

"THE NEW SELECTION METHOD TAKES FULL ACCOUNT OF TECHNICAL CAPABILITY WHILE SEEKING ALSO TO INTRODUCE AN ELEMENT OF FEE COMPETITION. AND THUS HELPS TO CONTROL COSTS," HE SAID.

"WHEN THIS INFORMATION IS TAKEN TOGETHER WITH THAT RELEASED TN MlD-NOVEMBER ON GOVERNMENT WORKS CONTRACTS AWARDED SO FAR, IT SHOWS THAI' LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND THE PUBLIC HAVE BEEN GIVEN A FULL AND UP-TO-DATE PICTURE ON THE POSITION WE HAVE REACHED ON ACP WORKS.

"IN LINE WITH OUR POLICY OF BEING OPEN ABOUT PROGRESS ON THE ACP, WE SHALL CONTINUE TO UPDATE THESE REPORTS FROM TIME TO TIME TO ENSURE THAT LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND THE PUBLIC CAN FOLLOW PROGRESS ON ’HIE ACP IN THE FUTURE," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

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/2 ........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1992

2 EIRE SAFETY ADVICE * * * * *

OPERATORS OF ENTERTAINMENT PREMISES, RESTAURANTS AND DEPARTMENT STORES ARE REMINDED TO TAKE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES TO REDUCE FIRE RISKS DURING THE FESTIVE SEASON.

THE FIRE PROTECTION BUREAU OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS WRITTEN TO MANAGEMENTS OF CINEMAS, THEATRES, NIGHTCLUBS, DISCOTHEQUES, DEPARTMENT STORES AND OTHER PLACES OF PUBLIC ASSEMBLY, ASKING THEM TO TAKE HEED OF SOME FIRE SAFETY RULES. THEY SHOULD:

♦ ENSURE THAT ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS ARE NOT OVERLOADED AND THAT SMOKING IS PROPERLY CONTROLLED TN THE PREMISES SO AS TO REDUCE THE SOURCE OF IGNITION;

* CLEAR THE RUBBISH IN THE PREMISES FREQUENTLY TO REDUCE THE QUANTITY OF COMBUSTIBLES;

* AVOID OVERCROWDING BY PROPERLY CONTROLLING THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE ENTERING THE PREMISES;

* ENSURE THAT THE FIRE SERVICE INSTALLATIONS IN THE BUILDING ARE IN EFFICI ENT WORK I NG ORDER AND THAT STAFF ARE CONVERSANT WITH THE METHODS OF OPERATION; AND

* ENSURE NO OBSTRUCTION IN PASSAGE OR LOCKING OF DOORS OR EXITS.

---------0 -----------

NEW COINS TO HERALD NEW YEAR *****

NEW COINS FEATURING THE DESIGN OF A BAUHINIA FLOWER WILL BE LEGAL TENDER FROM NEW YEAR’S DAY (JANUARY 1), A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAA (WEDNESDAY).

A PROCLAMATION TO THIS EFFECT WILL BE GAZETTED TOMORROW (THURSDAY).

THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE NEW FIVE-DOLLAR AND TWO-DOLLAR COINS WOULD BL PUT INTO CIRCULATION FIRST.

’’THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED SHORTLY BY THE ISSUE OF THE NEW ONE-DOLLAR, FIFTY-CENT AND TWENTY-CENT COINS.

"A 10-DOLLAR COIN IS SCHEDULED TO BE INTRODUCED IN 1994 OR 1995 TO REPLACE THE EXISTING 10-DOLLAR NOTE,'’ HE SAID.

HE ADDED THAT AS THE COIN REPLACEMENT WAS A BIG EXERCISE, A PHASED INTRODUCTION WAS BEING ADOPTED.

/INSTITUTIONS, SUCH .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1992

INSTITUTIONS, SUCH AS PUBLIC UTILITY COMPANIES AND BANKS, WHICH RECEIVE A LARGE NUMBER OF COINS HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED AS POINTS FOR SORTING THE OLD FROM THE NEW FOR WITHDRAWAL.

”IT WILL BE A GRADUAL PROCESS AND WILL BE MONITORED CLOSELY,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE DESIGNS OF THE NEW COINS HAVE BEEN STANDARDISED: THE OBVERSE FEATURES A BAUHINIA FLOWER AND ’HONG KONG” IN CHINESE CHARACTERS AND ENGLISH AND THE REVERSE FEATURES THE DENOMINATION IN CHINESE CHARACTERS AND ENGLISH WITH A LARGE ARABIC NUMERAL IN THE CENTRE AND THE YEAR OF ISSUE IMMEDIATELY BELOW IT.

THE SIZE, WEIGHT AND SHAPE OF THE NEW COINS, HOWEVER, REMAIN THE SAME AS THE EXISTING ONES. THEY ONLY DIFFER IN METAL COMPOSITIONS TO FACILITATE WITHDRAWAL BY MACHINE.

POSTERS WILL BE PUT UP IN BANKING HALLS AND GOVERNMENT POSTER SITES TO FAMILIARISE THE PUBLIC OF THE NEW DESIGN.

-----o-----

PUBLIC REMINDED NOT TO BRING IN ENDANGERED SPECIES

*****

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC VISITING ('HINA AND OVERSEAS COUNTRIES DURING CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR PERIOD ARE REMINDED NOT TO BRING BACK ANY ENDANGERED SPECIES ON THEIR RETURN TO HONG KONG.

THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT’S SENIOR CONSERVATION OFFICER, MR MARTIN LEUNG KA-LOK, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY):

’’BOTH THE CUSTOMS AUTHORITIES AND THE DEPARTMENT HAVE 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 LEUNG SAID THERE HAD BEEN 278 SEIZURES IN CONNECTION WITH ILLEGAL IMPORT AND POSSESSION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES IN . JIF FIRST 11 MONTHS OF THIS YEAR.

THE ENDANGERED SPECIES INVOLVED WERE MA I NIA PARROTS, (ORALS, BIRD-WINGED BUTTERFLIES, STUFFED SEA TURTLES. CROCODILES (STUFFED SPECIMENS \ND THEIR MEAT), PANGOLINS, OWLS, BIRDS OF PREY, SLOW LORIS, GIANT SALAMANDER, WILD ORCHIDS AND IVORY.

IT IS AN OFFENCE UNDER THE ANIMALS AND PLANTS (PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES) ORDINANCE TO IMPORT, EXPORT OR POSSESS ANY 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 FIRS’! OFFENCE AND $50,000 PLUS SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR A REPEATED OFFENCE, MR LEUNG ADDED.

------0-------

/4 .....

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1992

MARINE OFFICES REMAIN OPEN DURING CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS *****

THE MARINE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT ALL PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREAS WILL REMAIN OPEN FROM 7 AM TO 9 PM DAILY ON DECEMBER 25 (FRIDAY), DECEMBER 26 (SATURDAY) AND JANUARY 1 (FRIDAY) WHICH ARE PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.

THE MARINE OFFICER (CENTRAL REGION) OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT, MR LI SHAN-TAI, SAID: ’’THE PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREAS ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT ARE AT THE WESTERN DISTRICT, SHEUNG WAN, WAN CHAI, SHAM SHUI PO. YAU MA TEI, KWUN TONG, CHA KWO LING, TSUEN WAN AND RAMBLER CHANNEL."

’’THE TUFN MUN PUBLIC WATERFRONT WILL ALSO BE OPEN FROM 7 AM TO 9 PM DURING THE HOLIDAYS," HE SAID.

ON THE THREE DAYS, 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 DECEMBER 26 (SATURDAY), 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 INWARD AND OUTWARD CLEARANCE FOR SHIPS.

THE PORT FORMALITIES OFFICE, WHICH IS IN ROOM 318 ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF HARBOUR BUILDING, WILL ALSO BE OPEN ON THAT DAY FROM 9 AM TO I I AM TO HANDLE APPLICATIONS FOR PERMITS NORMALLY ISSUED BY THE OFFICE.

------0-------

HOME AFFAIRS SECRETARY PRESENTS CHEQUES TO CHARITIES *****

THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PRESENTED $8.09 MILLION IN CHEQUES TO 19 LOCAL CHARITY ORGANISATIONS.

THE DONATIONS CAME FROM THE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT OF THE (HINESE PERMANENT CEMETERIES UNDER THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION’S TRUST FUND AND CEMETERIES SECTION. MR SUEN IS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD.

PEOPLE BEING SERVED BY THESE RECIPIENT ORGANISATIONS INCLUDE CHILDREN, THE AGED, THE HANDICAPPED, CANCER PATIENTS AND DRUG ADDICTS.

THE LARGEST AMOUNT WENT TO THE HAVEN OF HOPE HOSPITAL WHICH WILL USE THE $950,000 SUBSIDY TO SET UP A HOSPICE HOME-CARE PROGRAMME.

PO LEUNG KUK, WHICH RECEIVED $800,000, WILL USE THE FUNDS TO FINANCE A HOLIDAY CAMP PROJECT AT TAI TONG, YUEN LONG.

AN EQUAL AMOUNT TO THE HONG KONG ANTI-CANCER SOCIETY WILL ENABLE IT TO CONTINUE ITS HOSPICE SERVICE IN NAM LONG HOSPITAL NEXT YEAR.

------0-------

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1992

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****

$ MILLION

OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1 ,800

REVERSAL OF LAF -300

BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 1,500

NET 1NJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL

EFFECT OF LAF TODAY • NIL

CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1 , 500

LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TW1 114.0 *+0.3* 23.12.92

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS

TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD

1 WEEK 3.05 PCT 15 MONTHS 2402 5.50 100.68 4.94

1 MONTH 3.79 PCT 18 MONTHS 2405 5.50 100.52 5.17

3 MONTHS 3.98 PCT 21 MONTHS 2408 4.375 98.59 5.34

6 MONTHS 4.10 PCT 12 MONTHS 4.65 PCT 24 MONTHS 2411 4.625 98.62 5.47

TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS CLOSED 23 DECEMBER 1992 AND RONDS - 2,719 MN

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1992

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

NEW CROSS-BORDER PROCEDURES TO EASE PASSENGER TRAFFIC ............. 1

EFFORTS TO PREVENT OVERLOADING GOODS VEHICLES ..................... 2

APPOINTMENTS TO CONSUMER COUNCIL .................................. 3

NEW MEMBERS APPOINTED TO LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD .................... 4

LEAFLET ON COUNTRY PARK TREE WALKS ................................ 5

GARMENT TRADERS FINED FOR MAKING FALSE DECLARATIONS ............... 6

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ........ 6

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1992

NEW CROSS-BORDER PROCEDURES TO EASE PASSENGER TRAFFIC *****

NEW ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE MADE FROM JAUNARY 1 AT LO WU CHECK POINT TO FURTHER STREAMLINE CROSS-BORDER PROCEDURES.

AN IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAJI) TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT VISITORS FROM CHINA MAY IN FUTURE COMPLETE DATA FORMS AND PHOTOCOPYING OF THEIR TWO-WAY PERMITS BEFORE ARRIVING AT HONG KONG.

’’THESE CHANGES WILL GO A LONG WAY TO SHORTENING THE PROCESSING TIME IN HONG KONG,

’’THE UNSATISFACTORY SITUATION AT LO WU IS VERY CLOSE TO OUR HEARTS•” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

IN ORDER TO COPE WITH THE ADDITIONAL DEMAND WITHOUT ADDITIONAL MANPOWER, THE DEPARTMENT HAS SINCE 1989 BEEN INTRODUCING A SERIES OF MEASURES SUCH AS STREAMLINING OF PROCEDURES, SEGREGATION OF HONG KONG RESIDENTS FROM OTHER VISITORS AND FLEXIBLE DEPLOYMENT OF STAFF.

’’GIVEN THAT VISITORS FROM CHINA REQUIRE MORE CLEARANCE PROCEDURES, FOR EXAMPLE, COMPLETION OF DATA PHOTOCOPYING OF THEIR TWO-WAY PERMITS, WE HAVE MADE A PROPOSALS TO THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES IN APRIL THIS YEAR.

CUMBERSOME FORMS AND SERIES OF

’THIS WOULD ENABLE VISITORS TO COMPLETE THE RELEVANT FORMS AND COPY THEIR PERMITS BEFORE THEY ARRIVE AT HONG KONG,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

"THE CHINESE SIDE HAS RESPONDED FAVOURABLY LAST WEEK AND WE ARE PLEASED TO CONFIRM THAT THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS WILL START FROM NEW YEAR'S DAY.” HE ADDED.

PRESSURES ON THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT HAVE BEEN PHENOMENAL IN THE LAST FEW YEARS.

PASSENGER TRAFFIC AT LO WU HAS BEEN GROWING RAPIDLY A’I AN ANNUAL RATE OF BETWEEN 10 PER CENT TO 15 PER CENT SINCE 1989.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THIS WAS HOWEVER NOT MATCHED WITH ANY' INCREASES IN MANPOWER AND THE STRENGTH OF ITS LO WU CHECK POINT HAS REMAINED AT ITS 1989 LEVEL.

"THIS I.S DESPITE A MARKED INCREASE IN VISITORS FROM CHINA AND THE EXTENSION OF LO WU' S OPERATING HOURS SINCE .JULY 1 THIS YEAR.

"MANPOWER IS SIMPLY STRETCHED TO ITS LIMIT," HE SAID.

COMMENTING ON AN INCIDENT ON DECEMBER 16 IN WHICH A PRC FILM INDUSTRY DELEGATION WAS HELD HP AT LO WU, HE SAID THAT DAY WAS PARTICULARLY HECTIC AND CLOSE TO 100,000 PASSENGERS PASSED THROUGH LO WU. •

THE NUMBER OF TRANSIENTS FROM CHINA WAS 609 AS COMPARED TO THE DAILY AVERAGE OF 250, HE ADDED.

/THE TOTAL .

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1992

THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ONE-WAY PERMIT HOLDERS AND TWO-WAY PERMIT VISITORS WAS MUCH HIGHER THAN USUAL. FOR THE LATTER, IT WAS DOUBLE THE NORMAL DAILY AVERAGE.

THUS, THE DELEGATION WAS HELD UP FOR ABOUT FIVE TO SIX HOURS.

’’THE PARTY ARRIVED AT LO WU ABOUT 11.30 AM AND CLEARANCE WAS COMPLETED AROUND 5.30 PM.

”WE ENTIRELY AGREE THAT THE SIX HOURS TAKEN IS FAR TOO LONG AND WE APOLOGISE TO THE PERSONS CONCERNED,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT IMMIGRATION OFFICERS WOULD NOT MAKE THINGS DIFFICULT FOR ANY PERSON.

’’EVERYONE MUST BE TREATED COURTEOUSLY AND EQUALLY AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAID-DOWN PROCEDURES. '

"THE INCIDENT IS AN ISOLATED ONE AND IT WAS AN UNFORTUNATE COMBINATION OF HEAVY WORKLOAD AND A CONFUSION IN PROCESSING,” HE SAID.

------0-------

r EFFORTS TO PREVENT OVERLOADING GOODS VEHICLES

*****

THE GOVERNMENT IS TO INCREASE THE FIXED PENALTY FOR OVERLOADING GOODS VEHICLES FROM $450 TO $1,000 AND TO MAKE THE DISPLAY OF IDENTITY PLATES RY TAXI DRIVERS A STATUTORY REQUIREMENT.

IN ORDER TO DEAL MORE EFFECTIVELY WITH THE PROBLEM OF OVERLOADING GOODS VEHICLES, OWNERS OF GOODS VEHICLES WILL ALSO BE MADE LIABLE FOR OVERLOADING THEIR VEHICLES UNLESS THEY CAN PROVE THEY HAVE EXERCISED DUE DILIGENCE AND REASONABLE SUPERVISION.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) DESPITE VIGOROUS ENFORCEMENT ACTION BY THE POLICE, OVERLOADING OF GOODS VEHICLES REMAINED WIDESPREAD.

HE NOTED THAT THE NUMBER OF OVERLOADING OFFENCES INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY FROM 1,820 A MONTH IN 1989 TO 2,770 A MONTH IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR.

’’SOME DRIVERS CLAIM THAT THEY ARE FORCED OR PERSUADED BY THE OWNERS OR OPERATORS OF GOODS VEHICLES TO OVERLOAD THE VEHICLES.

’’THEY ARE, HOWEVER, UNWILLING TO TESTIFY AGAINST SUCH MALPRACTICES FOR FEAR OF LOSING THEIR JOB OR BUSINESS.”

HE SAID OVERLOADING POSED A ROAD SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE OVERLOADED VEHICLES REQUIRED A FAR LONGER STOPPING DISTANCE.

IT ALSO CAUSES SEVERE DAMAGE TO ROAD SURFACES SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCES THE LIFE SPAN OF ROADS.

WHICH

/THE LIABILITY .......

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1992

- 3 -

THE LIABILITY OK GOODS VEHICLE OWNERS FOR OVERLOADING IS COVERED IN THE ROAD TRAFFIC' (AMENDMENT) (NO. 4) BILL GAZETTED TODAY.

THE BILL ALSO REQUIRES TAXI DRIVERS TO DISPLAY AN IDENTITY PLATE IN THE VEHICLE.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE MEASURE AIMED AT IMPROVING THE STANDARD OF TAXI SERVICE AS IT WOULD ENABLE PASSENGERS WHO WISH TO LODGE A COMPLAINT AGAINST MALPRACTICES TO IDENTIFY THE DRIVER.

THE AMENDMENT BILL ALSO SEEKS TO REQUIRE THAT VEHICLE TRAILERS BE EXAMINED FOR ROADWORTHINESS BEFORE THEY ARE REGISTERED AND LICENSED AND TO DELEGATE THE GOVERNOR’S AUTHORITY TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT TO SPECIFY THE AGE OF PRIVATE CARS AND GOODS VEHICLES TO BE SUBJECTED TO ANNUAL INSPECTION FOR ROADWORTHINESS.

IT WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JANUARY 13 NEXT YEAR.

REGARDING THE PROPOSED INCREASE LN FIXED PENALTY FOR OVERLOADING, A RESOLUTION WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGCO TO AMEND THE SCHEDULE TO THE FIXED PENALTY (CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS) ORDINANCE.

APPOINTMENTS TO CONSUMER COUNCIL

* * * * *

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNC ED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE FINANC I AL SECRETARY HAS APPOINTED A NEW MEMBER AND RE-APPOINTED EIGHT EXISTING MEMBERS TO THE CONSUMER COUNCIL FOR A PERIOD OF ONE TO TWO YEARS WITH EFFECT FROM JANUARY I NEXT YEAR.

OF THE El GUI’ INCUMBENT MEMBERS, DR LAW CHEUNG-KWOK AND MR DENNIS LAM HAW-SHUN HAVE BEEN RE-APPOINTED TO THE COUNCIL FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS.

SIX OF THE EXISTING MEMBERS HAVE BEEN RE-APPOINTED FOR A PERIOD OF ONE YEAR. THEY ARE MISS ESTHER CHAN WAI-FONG, MR JOHNNY MOK SIIIU-LUEN, DR ANTHONY NG SUNG-MAN, PROF PETER W CHEUNG, DR WILSON FUNG YEE-LEUNG AND REV JOSEPH LEUNG KWOK-TUNG.

MEANWHILE, A NEW MEMBER DR JOHN IIO DIT-SANG HAS BEEN APPOINTED TO THE COUNCIL FOR A PERIOD OF ONE YEAR.

DR HO IS A SENIOR LECTURER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LAW OF THE CITY POLYTECHNIC' OF HONG KONG.

- - 0-----------

/4 ........

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1992

- 4 -

NEW MEMBERS APPOINTED TO LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD * * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED THE APPOINTMENT OF 12 EMPLOYERS' AND EMPLOYEES’ REPRESENTATIVES TO THE LABOUR. ADVISORY BOARD FOR A TWO-YEAR TERM STARTING ON JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR.

A LIST OF NEW MEMBERS OF THE BOARD WAS GAZETTED TODAY (THURSDAY). THEY INCLUDE:

EMPLOYEES’ REPRESENTATIVES ELECTED BY REG ISTERED EMPLOYEES’ TRADE UNIONS ON DECEMBER 5:

* MR LEUNG EU-WAH

* MR CHEUNG KWOK-BUI, FELIX

* MS LI FUNG-YING

♦ MR LEUNG TSZ-LEUNG

* MR CHU MING

EMPLOYERS’ REPRESENTATIVES NOMINATED BY MAJOR EMPLOYERS1 ASSOC I AT IONS:

♦ MR HO SA I-CHU OF THE CHINESE GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

* DR LUI MING-WAH OF THE CHINESE MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG

* MR ANDREW LEUNG OF THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES

* MR MICHAEL SOMERVILLE OF THE EMPLOYERS’ FEDERATION OF HONG KONG

* MISS ANGELA KOO OF THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

APPOINTED MEMBERS!

* MR (HEUNG WOOD-LUN, REPRESENTING EMPLOYEES

♦ MR (HAN SUI-KAU, REPRESENTING EMPLOYERS

MR ANDREW LEUNG. MR MICHAEL. SOMERVILLE AND MISS ANGELA KOO ARE NEWLY APPOINTED TO THE BOARD, WHILE THE REST ARE ALL INCUMBENT MEMBERS.

THE BOARD IS A TRIPARTITE CONSULTATIVE BODY WHICH ADVISES THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR ON LABOUR MATTERS INCLUDING LEGISLATION AND THE YPPLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR CONVENTION AND RECOMMENDATIONS.

THE NEW BOARD WILL HOLD ITS MUST MEETING NEXT MONTH.

- - 0---------

/5.........

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1992

- 5 -

LEAFLET ON COUNTRY PARK TREE WALKS * * * *

A LEAFLET ON THE TERRITORY’S COUNTRY PARK TREE WALKS PUBLISHED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT IS NOW AVAILABLE FREE TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.

THEY CAN EITHER PICK UP A COPY FROM THE RECEPTION COUNTER OF THE DEPARTMENT ON 12TH FLOOR, CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 393 CANTON ROAD OR THE MANAGEMENT CENTRES OF THE COUNTRY PARKS WHERE THE TREE WALKS ARE LOCATED.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE LEAFLET WOULD PROVIDE AMPLE INFORMATION FOR PEOPLE WHO WISH TO LEARN MORE ABOUT LOCALLY GROWN TREE SPECIES IN THE COUNTRYSIDE.

’’FREQUENT VISI TORS I’O COUNTRY PARKS WILL CERTAINLY FIND THE HANDY LEAFLET USEFUL BECAUSE IT PROVIDES THEM WI TH INFORMATION ON SELF-GUIDED TOUR OF THESE WALKS, WHICH FEATURE AN INTERESTING MIXTURE OF EXOTIC AND INDIGENOUS TREE SPECIES,” HE SAID.

APART FROM AN INTRODUCTION ON Till', TREE WALKS, THE LEAFLET LISTS, IN ROTH SCIENTIFIC AND COMMON NAMES, ALL TREE SPECIES GROWN IN LACH TREE WALK.

A LOCATION MAP OF EACH WALK, WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO THE NEAREST COUNTRY PARK MANAGEMENT CENTRE, AND ITS RELATIVE LENGTH ARE ALSO INCLUDED FOR USERS’ REFERENCE.

AS THESE TREE WALKS ARE ALL LO( \TED INSIDE COUNTRY PARKS, THE LEAFLET ALSO CONTAINS THE COUNTRY CODE WHICH REMINDS VISITORS TO RESPECT THE COUNTRYSIDE AND NOT TO DESTROY OR DAMAGE ANY VEGETATION

AND WILDLIFE INSIDE THE PARKS.

THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE LEAFLET WOULD ALSO BE A USEFUL REFERENCE FOR TEACHERS AND STUDENTS TAKING FIELD TRIPS IN THESE PLACES.

1'HE 10 TREE WALKS WERE ()FFI( I ALLY OPENED BY THE DIRECTOR OF AGRI CULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE AND THE COUNTRY' PARKS BOARD’S CHAIRMAN, MR CARLOS CHEUNG, TWO WEEKS AGO.

THEY ARE SITUATED IN VARIOUS COUNTRY PARKS IN ABERDEEN, POK FU LAM, QUARRY BAY, TAI TAM, TAI IAN, KAM SHAN, KEI LING HA, IAI TONG, PAK 'IAN ('HUNG AND NAM SHAN.

ENQUIRIES ON THESE WALKS CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE EDUCATION SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT’S CONSERVATION AND COUNTRY PARKS BRANCH ON TEL 733 2121.

---------0-----------

/6 ........

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1992

GARMENT TRADERS FINED FOR MAKING FALSE DECLARATIONS

*♦♦♦:♦

FIVE GARMENT EXPORTERS AND MANUFACTURERS WERE FINED AT TUEN MUN MAGISTRACY THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING A TOTAL OF $710,000 ON 38 COUNTS OF FALSELY DECLARING 46,740 PIECES CHINA-PROCESSED ANORAKS AND PANTS AS PRODUCTS OF HONG KONG ORIGIN IN APPLICATIONS FOR EXPORT LICENCES.

ALL OF THE DEFENDANTS PLEADED GUILTY.

THEY WERE MR WONG CHUN-KWOK, MANAGER OF P & H TEXTILES, FINED $150,000; MS NIP KA-MAN, PARTNER OF SUI HONG GARMENT FACTORY, FINED $150,000; SOONCREATIVE LIMITED, FINED $350,000; MS WONG FUNG-KWAN, DIRECTOR OF SOONCREATIVE LIMITED AND PARTNER OF ONTEX GARMENT FACTORY, THREE MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT, SUSPENDED FOR 12 MONTHS AND TO PAY COURT COST $4,000; AND MS KOH YOON-DIN, PARTNER OF SUI HONG GARMENT FACTORY, FINED $60,000.

CUSTOMS’ SENIOR TRADE CONTROL OFFICER, MR CHEUNG KA-KUI, TOLD THE COURT THAT THE DEFENDANTS APPLIED EXPORT LICENCES REGARDING THE ORIGIN OF 46,740 PIECES OF 100 PER CENT NYLON WOVEN ANORAKS AND PANTS VALUED AT $3.27 MILLION.

OF THESE, 24,600 PIECES WERE CUT AND SEWN IN CHINA WHILE THE REMAINING 22,140 PIECES WERE SEWN IN CHINA.

THE DEFENDANTS MADE FALSE DECLARATIONS IN 'HIE APPLICATIONS FOR EXPORT LICENCES THAT THE GOODS WERE OF HONG KONG ORIGIN FOR EXPORT TO THE UNITED KINGDOM AND AUSTRIA UNDER HONG KONG QUOTAS.

ALL THE DEFENDANTS WERE REPRESENTED BY BARR ISTER-AT-LAW MR RONALD MAYNE.

------0--------

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS

* * * * ♦

OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT

REVERSAL OF LAF

BALANCE AFTER REVERSL OF LAF

NET INJECT I ON/W1 TIIDRAWAL TODAY

EFFECT OF LAF TODAY

CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT

LAF RATE 2.00 BID/I.00 OFFER TWI I

$ MILLION

1 ,500

N I L

1 ,500

NIL

L ,500

14.0 *+0.0* 24.12.1992

/HONG KONG .......

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1992

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS

TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD

1 WEEK 3.10 PCT 14 MONTHS 2402 5.50 100.73 4.89

1 MONTH 3.79 PCT 17 MONTHS 2405 5.50 100.56 5. 14

3 MONTHS 3.97 PCT 20 MONTHS 2408 4.375 98.61 5.34

6 MONTHS 4.13 PCT 23 MONTHS 24 1 1 4.625 98.59 5.49

12 MONTHS 4.63 PCT

TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 2,304 MN

CLOSED 24 DECEMBER 1992

---------0-----------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1992

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

UNREPORTED OVERTIME WORK FOR WOMEN BANNED ............................. 1

STUDENTS INVITED TO JOIN INT'L ART EXHIBITION ......................... 1

YOUTH BAND FESTIVAL GALA .............................................. 2

FIRING PRACTICE IN JANUARY ............................................ 3

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1992

UNREPORTED OVERTIME WORK FOR WOMEN BANNED * * * * *

THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) REMINDED FACTORY OWNERS NOT TO ENGAGE WOMEN IN WORK OUTSIDE THEIR NORMAL PERMITTED PERIOD OF EMPLOYMENT.

THE ADVICE WAS GIVEN FOLLOWING A CASE IN WHICH THE EAGLE APPAREL LIMITED IN CHEUNG SHA WAN WAS FINED $8,000 BY A NORTH KOWLOON MAGISTRATE FOR ENGAGING 34 WOMEN IN UNREPORTED OVERTIME WORK.

’IT IS AN OFFENCE UNDER THE WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS (INDUSTRY) REGULATIONS FOR AN EMPLOYER. TO CHANGE THE PRESCRIBED WORKING HOURS OF WOMEN IN INDUSTRY OR TO ENGAGE THEM IN OVERTIME WORK, WITHOUT NOTIFYING THE LABOUR. DEPARTMENT BEFOREHAND,” SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER (LABOUR INSPECTION), MR CHAN KWOK-KUEN, SAID.

"THE LAW ALSO REQUIRES THE EMPLOYER TO DISPLAY IN A CONSPICUOUS PI,ACE IN THE FACTORY A PRESCRIBED NOTICE SETTING OUT THE PERIOD OF EMPLOYMENT, INTERVALS FOR MEALS OR REST, AND REST DAY FOR WOMEN WORKERS,” HE SAID.

EMPLOYERS SHOULD STRICTLY WHERE TO THE PERMISSIBLE HOURS OF WORK SET OUT IN THE PRESCRIBED NOTICE, HE ADDED.

ALSO, YOUNG PERSONS SHOULD NOT BE EMPLOYED TO WORK OVERTIME IN INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS.

------0-------

STUDENTS INVITED TO JOIN INT’L ART EXHIBITION

*****

YOUNG ARTISTS AGED BELOW 18 ARE INVITED TO JOIN THE NINTH INTERNATIONAL ART EXHIBITION FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE IN FINLAND NEXT YEAR.

WORKS CAN BE A DRAWING, PAINTING, PRINT, COLLAGE OR ANY OTHER TWO-DIMENSIONAL WORK BUT SHOULD NOT BE FRAMED.

WINNING PIECES WILL BE DISPLAYED AT THE ART CENTRE FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLES IN HYVINKAA, FINLAND, IN MAY NEXT YEAR,

THE THEME SHOULD BE BASED ON "MY HOME AREA AND ENVIRONMENT -PEOPLE AT WORK, MY FAMILY, MY WORLD" AND SO ON.

THE SUBJECTS CAN BE TREATED FREELY AND WIDELY THROUGH DESCRIBING NATURE, LANDSCAPE, LIFE, WORK AND FESTIVALS BEARING IN MIND ONE’S OWN CULTURAL TRADITION.

THE ART EXHIBITION IS OPEN TO HONG KONG STUDENTS AGED 18 AND BELOW (FULL AGE AS AT JANUARY 5 1993)

/THE EXHIBITION .......

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1992

THE EXHIBITION IS DIVIDED INTO FIVE GROUPS, WITH GROUP 1

FOR STUDENTS AGED BELOW 7; GROUP 2 AGED BETWEEN 7 AND 9; GROUP 3 AGED BETWEEN 10 AND 12; GROUP 4 AGED BETWEEN 13 AND 15; AND GROUP 5 AGED BETWEEN 16 AND 18.

PRIZES INCLUDING MEDALS AND CERTIFICATES WILL BE AWARDED TO ENTRIES SELECTED FOR EXHIBITION IN FINLAND.

ENTRIES FOR LOCAL SELECTION SHOULD REACH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S INSPECTOR (ART), AT PAK FUK ROAD, BEFORE JANUARY 5.

FURTHER INFORMATION AND EQUIRIES MAY BE MADE AT EITHER THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ART SECTION ON TEL 562 1006 AND THE ART AND CRAFT SECTION ON TEL 562 1967.

------0--------

YOUTH BAND FESTIVAL GALA t i t < i

BAND MUSIC LOVERS WILL BE TREATED TO AN EVENING OF MUSIC BY MOLE THAN 500 LOCAL YOUNG MUSICIANS AT THE FESTIVAL GALA TO BE HELD AT QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM IN WAN CHAI NEXT WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 30).

THE PERFORMANCE WILL BE THE EPILOGUE OF THE HONG KONG YOUTH BAND FESTIVAL ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE TO PROVIDE ENTERTAINMENT TO THE PUBLIC DURING THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS.

THE FESTIVAL GALA WILL START AT 7.30 PM. MEMBERS OF SEVEN SYMPHONIC BANDS OF THE MUSIC OFFICE, INCLUDING THE 1992 WINNING MARCHING BAND CONTEST CHAMPION, WILL PRESENT A NUMBER OF CLASSICAL AND POPULAR PIECES.

THE SECRETARY FOR. RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR JAMES SO, WILL PRESENT SOUVENIRS TO REPRESENTATIVES OF THE PARTICIPATING BAND CHAMPIONS IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR SUPPORT FOR THE FESTIVAL.

THE FESTIVAL IS ORGANISED UNDER THE AUSPICES OF TOM LEE MUSIC COMPANY LTD.

A LIMITED AMOUNT OF TICKETS AT $20 AND $10 EACH FOR THE FESTIVAL GALA ARE STILL AVAILABLE AT ALL URBTIX OUTLETS. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL 399 2200.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARI- INVITED TO COVER THE FESTIVAL GALA TO BE HELD AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM AT 7.30 PM ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 30). MUSIC OFFICE STAFF W I LL BE ON HAND ’1'0 HELP.

------0-----------

/3 ........

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1992

FIRING PRACTICE IN JANUARY

*****

FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HA TSUEN - CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON 1.9 DAYS NEXT MONTH (JANUARY).

THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE HOISTED.

FOLLOWING ARE THE DATES AND TIMES FOR THE FIRING PRACTICE:

DATE TIME

— —

JANUARY 4 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

JANUARY 5 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

JANUARY 6 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

JANUARY 7 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

JANUARY 8 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

JANUARY 11 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

JANUARY 12 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

JANUARY 13 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

JANUARY 14 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

JANUARY 15 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

JANUARY 16 (SATURDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

JANUARY 18 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

JANUARY 19 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

JANUARY 20 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

JANUARY 21 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

JANUARY 26 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

JANUARY 27 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

JANUARY 28 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

JANUARY 29 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

------0------------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1992

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

PASSPORT APPLICATION PROCESS SIMPLIFIED ............................... 1

NEW CHILD HEALTH RECORD TO BE DISTRIBUTED IN 1993 ..................... 1

TAI MEI TUK PUMPING STATION TO BE UPRATED ............................. 2

PLEA ON CHILD CARE..................................................... 3

EMPLOYEES MUST BE INSURED.............................................. 4

VOLUNTEERS RECRUITS JUNIOR LEADERS .................................... 5

RECORD NUMBER OF STUDENTS JOIN DANCE FESTIVAL ......................... 5

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1992

PASSPORT APPLICATION PROCESS SIMPLIFIED *****

IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES TODAY (SATURDAY} THAT WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT, PASSPORT APPLICANTS ARE NO LONGER REQUIRED TO SEND IN THEIR ORIGINAL HONG KONG BIRTH CERTIFICATES WHEN THEY SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS BY POST.

ORIGINALLY, APPLICANTS FOR FIRST PASSPORTS WERE REQUIRED TO SEND IN THEIR ORIGINAL HONG KONG BIRTH CERTIFICATES TOGETHER WITH THEIR PASSPORT APPLICATIONS.

’’NOW, AS A FURTHER IMPROVEMENT OF SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC, APPLICANTS MAY CHOOSE TO SEND IN PHOTOSTAT COPIES OF THEIR BIRTH CERTIFICATES INSTEAD.” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.

’’HOWEVER, SAME AS FOR OTHER SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS, THE ORIGINAL BIRTH CERTIFICATES SHOULD BE PRODUCED FOR INSPECTION UPON COLLECTION OF THE NEW PASSPORTS,” HE ADDED.

THE DEPARTMENT HAS SINCE THE MIDDLE OF THIS YEAR STARTED TO ACCEPT APPLICATIONS FOR HONG KONG BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZEN PASSPORTS. BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORTS AND HONG KONG CERTIFICATES OF IDENTITY BY POST.

APPLICATIONS MAY ALSO BE DEPOSITED INTO THE DROP-IN BOXES INSTALLED AT THE IMMIGRATION HEADQUARTERS OR AT ANY IMMIGRATION BRANCH OFFICES.

INFORMATION LEAFLETS ON APPLICATION PROCEDURES AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS REQUIRED ARE ISSUED TOGETHER WITH APPLICATION FORMS WHICH ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL IMMIGRATION OFFICES, DISTRICT OFFICES AND DESIGNATED POST OFFICES.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY ALSO TELEPHONE 824 6111 FOR MORE DETAILS.

- - 0 - -

NEW CHILD HEALTH RECORD TO BE DISTRIBUTED IN 1993 *****

INFANTS BORN ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A NEW CHILD HEALTH RECORD WHEN THEY ATTEND THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH’S MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CENTRES NEXT YEAR.

ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (SATURDAY), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE BOOKLET WAS PREPARED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S FAMILY HEALTH SERVICE WITH AN OBJECTIVE TO ENSURE CONTINUITY OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH CARE OF THE CHILD.

THE BOOKLET IS PREPARED IN TWO DESIGNS FOR EASY DISTINCTION THE BLUE ONE FOR BOYS AND PINK FOR GIRLS.

”IT IS INTENDED TO RECORD THE HEALTH INFORMATION OF A CHILD FROM BIRTH TO 18 YEARS OF AGE AND WILL BE KEPT BY THE PARENTS AT HOME,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

/AS IT

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1992

- 2 -

AS IT IS AN IMPORTANT DOCUMENT, THE SPOKESMAN CALLED ON THE PARENTS TO KEEP THEIR CHILDREN’S BOOKLET WITH DUE CARE, NOTING THAT IT WOULD NOT BE REPLACED WHEN LOST.

"THEY SHOULD PRESENT THE. BOOKLET WHEN THEIR CHILD ATTENDS ANY CLINK OR HOSPITAL FOR REFERENCE AND RECORDING PURPOSES " THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

-----0-------

TAI MEI TUK PUMPING STATION TO BE UPRATED

*****

THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FROM A PREQUALIFIED LIST OF TENDERERS FOR WORKS TO INCREASE THE CAPACITY OF TAI MEI TUK ’A’ PUMPING STATION WITHIN PLOVER COVE RESERVIOR.

BOTH TAI MEI TUK ’A’ AND ’B’ PUMPING STATIONS PUMP WATER FROM THE RESERVOIR TO TAI PO TAU FOR FURTHER DISTRIBUTION DURING THE CHINA WATER ANNUAL SHUTDOWN PERIOD IN NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER.

TAI PO TAU IS A FOCAL POINT IN THE TERRITORY’S RAW WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM FOR RECEIVING BOTH WATER FROM CHINA AND WATER FROM THE PLOVER COVE RESERVOIR DURING THE SHUTDOWN PERIOD,

TO MEET WITH ANTICIPATED DEMAND FOR WATER IN HONG KONG, THE CAPACITY OF TAI MEI TUK ’A’ PUMPING STATION MUST BE INCREASED TO MATCH THAT OF THE PUMPING STATIONS IN TAI PO TAU.

THE SCOPE OF WORKS UNDER THIS CONTRACT COMPRISES MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXISTING STATION FOR INSTALLING SIX NEW PUMPSETS WITH ANCILLARY EQUIPMENT.

THE CONTRACTOR IS ALSO REQUIRED TO LAY 300 METRES OF TWO-METRE DIAMETER STEEL DELIVERY PIPE TO DISCHARGE THE INCREASED QUANTITY OF WATER INTO THE EXISTING TUNNEL BETWEEN TAI MEI TUK AND TAI PO TAU.

OTHER ASSOCIATED WORKS INCLUDE MODIFICATION AND EXTENSION OF THE CONTROL HOUSE AS WELL AS INSTALLATION OF NEW ELECTRICITY SUPPLY AND CONTROL INSTRUMENTATION EQUIPMENT.

WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START NEXT MARCH FOR COMPLETION IN MID-1995.

THESE WORKS FORM PART OF STAGE I OF THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME TO RECEIVE AND DISTRIBUTE WATER SUPPLY FROM CHINA BEYOND 1994.

FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM BINNIE CONSULTANTS LIMITED, 11TH FLOOR, NEW TOWN TOWER, PAK HOK TING STREET, SHA TIN, NEW TERRITORIES.

TENDER OFFER WILL CLOSE AT NOON ON JANUARY 29 NEXT YEAR.

-----0-----------

/3 ........

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1992

- 3 -

PLEA ON CHILD CARE * * *

A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (SATURDAY) APPEALED TO PARENTS TO MAKE THE BEST USE OF OCCASIONAL CHILD CARE SERVICE, INSTEAD OF LEAVING THEIR CHILDREN UNATTENDED AT HOME.

"FOR THE SAFETY OF THE CHILDREN, THEY SHOULD NOT BE LEFT ALONE AT HOME, EVEN FOR A SHORT WHILE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAS PRODUCED ANOTHER SET OF POSTER AND LEAFLET TO SPREAD THE MESSAGE.

THE POSTERS ARE NOW ON DISPLAY AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES AND SERVICE UNITS OF THE DEPARTMENT, PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, DISTRICT OFFICES, GOVERNMENT CLINICS AND HOSPITALS OF HOSPITAL AUTHORITY.

COPIES OF THE LEAFLET FOCUSING ON OCCASIONAL CHILD CARE SERVICE AND PROVIDING A LIST OF CENTRES RUNNING THE SERVICE ARE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM ALL DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE DEPARTMENT.

OCCASIONAL CHILD CARE SERVICE IS AN EXPERIMENTAL PROJECT AIMING AT ELIMINATING THE RISK OF UNATTENDED CHILDREN AT HOME.

HE NOTED THAT 75 CHILD CARE CENTRES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY WERE PARTICIPATING IN THE PROJECT, OFFERING 225 PLACES TO CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN TWO AND SIX.

"A FLEXIBLE MODE OF FEE CHARGING HAS ALSO BEEN ADOPTED FOR PARENTS WHO NEED THE SERVICE FOR A SHORT SPAN OF TIME," HE SAID.

UNDER THE SCHEME, THE CENTRES OFFER SHORT-TERM TEMPORARY CARE ON SESSIONAL BASIS, CHARGING FEE BETWEEN $10 TO $15 PER ADMISSION.

ANOTHER PILOT SCHEME ON OCCASIONAL CHILD CARE FOR DISABLED CHILDREN HAD ALSO BEEN IN OPERATION, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE SCHEME IS A SHORT-TERM DAY CARE SERVICE PROVIDED ON FULL-DAY, HALF-DAY OR SESSIONAL BASIS IN THREE SPECIAL CHILD CARE CENTRES AND ONE EARLY EDUCATION AND TRAINING CENTRES FOR DISABLED CHILDREN, AGED TWO TO SIX.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC INTERESTED IN THE SERVICES MAY CALL THE DEPARTMENT’S HOTLINE 343 2255 OR THE DEPARTMENT’S CHILD CARE CENTRES ADVISORY INSPECTORATE ON TEL 836 3114.

"PARENTS HAVING ANY CH ILDREN-CARE PROBLEMS COULD ALSO SEEK HELP FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S 30 FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES, THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY," HE ADDED.

---------0---------

/4 ........

SATURDAY. DECEMBER 26, 1992

- 4 -

EMPLOYEES MUST BE INSURED ♦ * * *

THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (SATURDAY) ALERTED EMPLOYERS TO THE REQUIREMENT OF TAKING OUT INSURANCE POLICIES FOR THEIR EMPLOYEES UNDER THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE AND TO DISPLAY CONSPICUOUSLY IN THE WORKPLACE A NOTICE OF INSURANCE.

THE ADVICE FOLLOWED RECENT CASES AT THE FANLING AND KWUN TONG MAGISTRACIES IN WHICH FOUR ESTABLISHMENTS WERE FINED A TOTAL OF $35,000 FOR FAILING TO TAKE OUT INSURANCE POLICIES FOR THEIR EMPLOYEES.

ANOTHER COMPANY WAS FINED FOR FAILING TO DISPLAY A NOTICE OF INSURANCE.

SUK IS HAIR SALON IN FANLING WAS FINED $6,000 WHILE GOLD LOOP ELECTROPLATING AND METAL FINISHING COMPANY LIMITED, DONCORP INDUSTRIES LIMITED AND THE GOLDEN GLORY DEVELOPMENT LIMITED IN KWUN TONG WERE FINED $14,000, $9,600 AND $5,400 RESPECTIVELY FOR FAILING TO TAKE OUT INSURANCE POLICIES.

IN ANOTHER CASE, THE OWNER OF WEI FEI TRADING COMPANY IN SAN PO KONG WAS FINED $2,500 BY A KWUN TONG MAGISTRATE FOR FAILING TO DISPLAY A NOTICE OF INSURANCE.

THE OFFENCES WERE DETEI TED B\ LABOUR INSPECTORS DURING ROUTINE VISITS TO THE ESTABLISHMENTS EARLIER THIS YEAR.

’’ALL EMPLOYERS ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE OUT INSURANCE POLICIES TO COVER THEIR FULL LIABILITIES INDER THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE AND UNDER COMMON LAW,” SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER (PROSECUTIONS) MR JOHN SUNG EXPLAINED.

”AN INSURED EMPLOYER IS REQUIRED TO DISPLAY, IN A CONSPICUOUS PLACE OF THE WORKPLACE, A NOTICE SHOWING THF NAME OF THE EMPLOYER AND THE NAME OF THE INSURER,” MR SUNG SAID.

OTHER DET MLS SHOULD INCLUDE THF POLICY NUMBER, THE DATE OF ISSUE OF THE POLICY AND THE’ COMMENCEMENT AND EXPIRY DATES OF THE INSURANCE PERIOD.

THE NOTICE SHOULD ALSO INCLUDE THE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES AND THE EXTENT OF THE LIABILITY INSURED.

THE MAXIMUM PENALTY, ON SUMMARY CONVICTION, FOR FAILURE TO TAKE OUT INSURANCE POLICY FOR EMPLOYEES, IS A FINE OF $20,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR ONE YEAR, MR SING SAID.

FAILING TO DISPLAY A NOTICE OF INSURANCE IS LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $10,000, HE ADDED.

/5.........

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1992

VOLUNTEERS RECRUITS JUNIOR LEADERS

* * * * *

THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS) IS TO RECRUIT 140 JUNIOR LEADERS THIS YEAR.

APPLICANTS MUST BE MALE, BETWEEN THE AGES OE 14 AND 16, PHYSICALLY FIT AND OF GOOD CONDUCT.

THEY MUST BE ABLE TO SPEAK AND WRITE CHINESE AND ENGLISH, WILLING TO OBEY DISCIPLINE AND TRAINING, AND HAVE THEIR PARENTS OR GUARDIANS’ WRITTEN CONSENT TO JOIN THE JUNIOR LEADERS CORPS.

PROGRESSIVE TRAINING COURSE AIMING AT DEVELOPING LEADERSHIP SKILLS AND SELF-RELIANCE AND PROMOTING A SENSE OF COMMUNITY RESPONSIBILITY WILL BE PROVIDED TO SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS.

THE TRAINING INCLUDES FOOT DRILLS, CAMPCRAFT, MAP READING, EXPED ITI ON, OR IENTEER1 NG, FIRST AID, RADIO-COMMUNI CAT ION, SHOOTI NG, SWIMMING, FENCING, BAND, LION DANCE, CANOEING AND LIFE-SAVING.

SOME OF THE JUNIOR LEADERS CORPS’ TRAINING WILL BE LINKED UP WITH THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD S( HEME.

MEMBERS OF THE CORPS ARE PROVIDED WITH UNIFORM AND RATIONS.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS, I SPORTS ROAD, HAPPY VALLEY, HONG KONG OR BY TELEPHONING 576 1371.

THE CLOSING DATE OF APPLICATION IS JANUARY 31 NEXT YEAR.

------0-------

RECORD NUMBER OF STUDENTS JOIN DANCE FESTIVAL

*****

A RECORD NUMBER OF MORE THAN 4.000 STUDENTS HAVE ENTERED THIS YEAR’S 29TH SCHOOLS DANCE FESTIVAL.

THE FESTIVAL -- JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG SCHOOLS SPORTS COUNCIL -- WILL BE HELD AT WONG TAI SHAN MEMORIAL COLLEGE IN NAM (.'I I EONG STREET, SHAM SHUI PO, BETWEEN JANUARY 6 AND IS.

A TOTAL OF 4,078 STUDENTS FROM 22« SCHOOLS FORM 362 TEAMS TO JOIN THE FESTIVAL - 175 ARE FROM SECONDARY SCHOOLS, 165 FROM PRIMARY AND 22 FROM SPECIAL SCHOOLS.

THE COMPETITION IS DIVIDED INTO FOUR CATEGORIES -- WESTERN FOJK, NATIONAL, ORIENTAL, AND MODERN DANCES.

PRIZES WILL BE GIVEN TO THREE SECONDARY AND THREE PRIMARY SCHOOLS Will (’ll OBTAIN Till HIGHEST TOTAL SCORES IN THE I R BEST FOUR DANCES.

THE MOST PROGRESSIVE SCHOOL AWARDS WILL ALSO BE PRESENTED TO ONE SECONDARY AND ONE PRIMARY SCHOOLS, BASED ON THEIR PAST AND (URI ENT PARTICIPATION AND RESULTS.

THE WINNERS’ PERFORMANCE AND PRIZE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT THE HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE AND SHA TIN TOWN HALL IN MARCI AND APRIL.

------0------------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1992

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

ACTION TO REGULATE NT LAND USE GATHERS MOMENTUM ....................... 1

LANTAU FIXED CROSSING - A MAMMOTH HIGHWAY PROJECT ..................... 3

PROCEDURE FOR WAIVER OF MEDICAL CHARGES FOR NEEDY SIMPLIFIED .......... 5

NEW FEES FOR CERTIFICATION SERVICES ................................... 6

AMENDMENTS TO HK l/E CLASSIFICATION LIST (HARMONISED SYSTEM) .......... 6

NEW YEAR'S DAY A STATUTORY HOLIDAY .................................... 7

CAS GETS NEW COMMISSIONER ............................................. 8

PROPER LABELLING FOR PRE-PACKAGED FOOD REQUIRED ....................... 8

CIVIC EDUCATION PROGRAMME DESIGN COMPETITION .......................... 9

CLOSURE OF UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS ............................... 10

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1992

- 1

ACTION TO REGULATE NT LAND USE GATHERS MOMENTUM ******

LAND OWNERS AND OCCUPIERS WHO UNDERTAKE UNAUTHORISED DEVELOPMENT WITHIN A DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREA (DPA) IN THE NEW TERRITORIES MAY FACE A MAXIMUM FINE OF $100,000, A PLANNING DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).

UNAUTHORISED DEVELOPMENT IN THE RURAL AREAS, SUCH AS TURNING AGRICULTURAL LAND INTO CONTAINER STORAGE AND CAR DUMP. OR FILLING UP FISH PONDS FOR OIHIR USES, HAS POSED SERIOUS TRAFFIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS TO THE RESIDENTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES IN RECENT YEARS.

"THE TOWN PLANNING (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE ENACTED IN JANUARY LAST YEAR HAS EXTENDED STATUTORY PLANNING CONTROL TO NON-URBAN AREAS IN AN EFFORT TO ALLEVI ATI THE PROBLEMS CAUSED BY UNREGULATED LAND USE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

UNDER THE ORDINANCE, THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD IS EMPOWERED TO PREPARE PLANS TO DESIGNATE ANY AREA AS A DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREA.

SO FAR, 31 DPA PLANS COVERING A TOTAL OF 14,554 HECTARES OF LAND IN THE RURAL AREAS HAVE BEEN GAZETTED.

"ANYONE WISHING TO CHANGE THE LAND USE OR UNDERTAKE DEVELOPMENT WITHIN A DPA IS REQUIRED TO APPLY TO THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD FOR PERMISSION TO DO SO, UNLESS IT IS AN EXISTING USE OR PERMITTED BY THE DPA PLAN CONCERNED," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

PATROL TEAMS, HE SAID, HAD BEEN ESTABLISHED BY THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT TO CARRY OUT REGULAR PATROL IN THE DPAS TO IDENTIFY SUSPECTED UNAUTHORISED DEVELOPMENT.

"ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS, INCLUDING THE ISSUE OF ENFORCEMENT NOTICES, STOP NOTICES AND REINSTATEMENT NOTICES, WILL BE TAKEN WHEN AN UNAUTHORISED DEVELOPMENT IS DETECTED.

"THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS IS GATHERING MOMENTUM AS A RESULT OF THE DEPARTMENT’S STRENUOUS EFFORT."

THIS HAS BEEN BORNE OUT BY THE NUMBER OF PLANNING APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED TO THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD FOR PERMISSION TO CARRY OUT DEVELOPMENT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AS A RESULT OF THE ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS, HE SAID.

"SINCE THE AMENDED LEGISLATION CAME INTO EFFECT TWO YEARS AGO, A TOTAL OF 58 PLANNING APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED UP TO MIDDECEMBER CONCERNING UNAUTHORISED DEVELOPMENTS FOUND IN AREAS COVERED BY STATUTORY PLANS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

FORTY-SIX OF THESE APPLICATIONS WERE CONSIDERED BY THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD. OF THEM, SEVEN WERE APPROVED WITH OR WITHOUT CONDITIONS.

THE REST WERE REJECTED AND MANY OF THEM HAVE SOUGHT A REVIEW OF THE DECISION OF THE BOARD AND ARE AT VARIOUS STAGES OF BEING PROCESSED, HE SAID.

/EXPLAINING THE .......

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1992

EXPLAINING THE ENFORCEMENT SYSTEM, THE SPOKESMAN SAID WHEN AN UNAUTHORISED DEVELOPMENT WAS DETECTED, A WARNING LETTER WOULD BE SENT TO THE PERSON OR PARTY CONCERNED.

"IF NO EVIDENCE OF AN EXISTING USE OR PLANNING PERMISSION IS PRODUCED REQUIRING WITHIN A CERTAIN PERIOD, AN ENFORCEMENT NOTICE REQUIRING THE DISCONTINUATION OF THE DEVELOPMENT CONCERNED BY A SPECIFIED DATE MW BE ISSUED.

"THE SPECIFIED DAIT WOULD NORMALLY BE THREE MONTHS AFTER THE ENFORCEMENT NOTICE WAS ISSUED, SO THAT THERE WOULD BE SUFFICIENT TIME FOR THE PERSON OR PARTY CONCERNED TO OBTAIN PLANNING PERMISSION," HE SAID.

IF IT IS CONSIDERED THAT THE CONTINUATION OF THE UNAUTHORISED DEVELOPMENT WOULD CONSTITUTE A HEALTH OR SAFETY HAZARD, OR ADVERSELY AFFECT THE ENVIRONMENT, OR MAKE IT IMPRACTICABLE OR UNECONOMIC TO REINSTATE THE LAND, A STOP NOTICE MAY BE ISSUED REQUIRING THE DISCONTINUATION OF THE DEVELOPMENT BY A DATE EARLIER THAN THAT SPECIFIED IN THE ENFORCEMENT NOTICE, HE ADDED.

WHEN AN UNAUTHORISED DEVELOPMENT FAILS TO OBTAIN PLANNING PERMISSION AND WHEN ALL RIGHTS OF REVIEW OR APPEAL HAVE BEEN EXHAUSTED, A REINSTATEMENT NOTICE MA^ BE ISSUED REQUIRING THE PERSON OR PARTY CONCERNED TO REINSTATE THE LAND TO THE DIRECTOR OF PLANNING’S SATISFACTION, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

ANY LAND OWNER OR OCCUPIER WHO FAILS TO COMPLY WITH ANY OF THE ABOVE NOTICES COMMITS AN OFFENCE AND IS LIABLE TO A FINE OF $100,000 AND A DAILY FINE OF $10,000 DURING THE PERIOD OF THE OFFENCE.

THE DIRECTOR IS ALSO EMPOWERED TO ENTER THE LAND AND TAKE NECESSARY STEPS TO ENSURE THE UNAUTHORISED DEVELOPMENT IS DISCONTINUED, TO PREVENT THE ADVERSE EFFECTS OR TO REINSTATE THE LAND WITH EXPENSES RECOVERABLE FROM THE PERSON CONCERNED.

IN ADDITION, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, ANY NOTICE ISSUED AGAINST A SUSPECTED UNAUTHORISED DEVELOPMENT WOULD BE REGISTERED AT THE LAND OFFICE.

SINCE JULY LAST YEAR, PATROL TEAMS HAVE BEEN CARRYING OUT REGULAR PATROL WITHIN THE DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREAS TO IDENTIFY SUSPECTED UNAUTHORISED DEVELOPMENTS.

ON RECEIPT OF PUBLIC COMPLAINTS AND REFERRALS FROM OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, THEY ALSO L’ARRA OUT INDIVIDUAL SITE INSPECTIONS TO ASCERTAIN THE NATURE OF THE SUSPECTED UNAUTHORISED DEVELOPMENTS AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ON APPROPRI ATE ENFORCEMENT ACTION.

UP TO MID-DECEMBER, A TOTAL OF 142 CASES OF SUSPECTED UNAUTHORISED DEVELOPMENTS HAVE BEEN BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE DEPARTMENT.

/AFTER DETAILED .......

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1992

AFTER DETAILED INVESTIGATIONS, WARNING LETTERS HAVE BEEN ISSUED IN RESPECT OF 84 CASES, AND 15 ENFORCEMENT NOTICES AND THREE STOP NOTICES HAVE BEEN SERVED.

OF THE REPORTED CASES OF UNAUTHORISED DEVELOPMENT, 23 HAVE EITHER OBTAINED PLANNING PERMISSION FROM THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD OR HAVE DISCONTINUED.

- - 0 - -

LANTAU FIXED CROSSING - A MAMMOTH HIGHWAY PROJECT

*****

THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING (LFC) IS THE BIGGEST PROJECT EVER UNDERTAKEN BY THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT, ACCORDING TO LFC PROJECT DIRECTOR, MR KWONG HONG-SANG.

’’THERE HAS BEEN NOTHING LIKE THIS IN HONG KONG BEFORE. THE $17 BILLION (MONEY OF THE DAY) PROJECT IS NOT MY FIRST BIG PIONEERING JOB, HOWEVER,” SAID MR KWONG, WHO HEADS THE LFC MANAGEMENT OFFICE WHICH HAS MORE THAN 50 ENGINEERING AND SUPPORT STAFF.

’’WHEN I JOINED THE GOVERNMENT IN 1963 AS AN APPRENTICE ENGINEER, I WENT TO WORK ON THE THEN BIGGEST PROJECT - CONSTRUCTION OF THE SHAT IN APPROACH ROAD TO LION ROCK TUNNEL. THE PROJECT SUM AT THAT TIME WAS $6 MILLION.”

THE FACT THE LFC PROJECT HAS BEEN IN THE PUBLIC SPOTLIGHT DOES NOT CREATE ADDITIONAL PRESSURE FOR THE PROJECT DIRECTOR.

’’WORK IN THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT ALWAYS HAS IIS OWN PRESSURES, SUCH AS IN MAINTAINING SCHEDULES AND SO ON. THIS JOB, IN MY VIEW, WILL BE JUST AS DEMANDING AS THE OTHERS," SAID MR KWONG.

HE RECALLED BEING INVOLVED IN IMPLEMENTING THE TERRITORY’S FIRST BUS PRIORITY SCHEME IN THE 1970’S. A HOTLINE WAS SET UP IN THE FIRST WEEK. HE RECEIVED MORE THAN 300 TELEPHONE COMPLAINTS THAT WEEKEND, WHEN HE WAS ON DUTY.

"BUT THESE DAYS MANY PEOPLE ARE ENJOYING THE BENEFITS OF BUS-ONLY LANES," HE EXCLAIMED WITH A GRIN.

AFTER YEARS OF DEDICATED WORK, MR KWONG NOW LEADS A TEAM OF

OVER 50 IN THE LFC MANAGEMENT OFFK E, 17 01 THEM PROFESSIONALS. MANY OF THESE ENGINEERS ARE EXPERIENCED IN BUILDING BRIDGES IN HONG KONG.

SOME, LIKE MR KWONG, WERE INVOLVED IN '1111' FEASIBILITY STUDY AND DESIGN WORK FOR THE TSI NG MA BRIDGE IN 'HIE EARLY 1980’S WHEN THE GOVERNMENT WAS THEN CONSIDERING BUILDING THE REPLACEMENT AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK.

"TODAY, WE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL THE SIX CONTRACTS UNDER Till’: LFC, WHICH INCORPORATES TWO CABLE SUPPORTED BRIDGES AND A VIADUCT. IT IS A KEY ELEMENT IN THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME,” HE SAID.

/THE TWO

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1992

THE TWO BRIDGES ARE THE TS1NG MA BRIDGE, A SUSPENSION BRIDGE, AND THE KAP SHUT MUN BRIDGE, WHICH WILL BE A CABLE STAYED BRIDGE.

"ONE OF OUR DUTIES HERE IS TO MANAGE THE CONSULTANTS AND CONTRACTORS ON THE PROJECT, TO MONITOR THEIR WORK AND HELP IN SOLVING PROBLEMS SO AS TO ENSURE THAT THE PROJECT WILL BE COMPLETED ON TIME AND WITHIN BUDGET. THIS IS OUR PRIMARY OBJECTIVE.”

CONSTRUCTION OF THE TSING MA BRIDGE WILL COST $7 BILLION. IT WILL BE THE WORLD’S LONGEST SUSPENSION BRIDGE CARRYING BOTH RAIL AND ROAD TRAFFIC ON THE SAME STRUCTURE.

"A SHELTERED LOWER DECK WHICH WILL CARRY ROAD TRAFFIC IN CASE OF INCLEMENT WEATHER WILL BE INCORPORATED INTO THE BRIDGE STRUCTURE.

"THE WORK THEREFORE IS MORE COMPLICATED THAN THAT ON OTHER SUSPENSION BRIDGES, FOR EXAMPLE THE AKASHI-KAIKYO TN JAPAN WHICH, THOUGH LONGER, DOES NOT CARRY RAIL TRAFFIC.

"WITH AN OVERALL LENGTH OF AROUND 2,200 METRES AND A MAIN SPAN OF 1,377 METRES. TSING MA WILL REQUIRE THE LARGEST QUANTITY OF STEEL WHEN COMPARED TO OTHER LONG SUSPENSION BRIDGES," MR KWONG NOTED.

"THE PROJECT IS A CHALLENGE TO ALL OF US IN THIS OFFICE BECAUSE IT IS THE FIRST MAJOR SUSPENSION BRIDGE TO BE BUILT IN HONG KONG. IT IS NEW TO US AND NATURALLY WE HAVE TO WORK VERY HARD TO SEE THAT ITS PROGRESS IS SMOOTH," MR KWONG SAID.

"WE ARE NOW WORKING CLOSELY WITH A GROUP OF SECONDED ENGINEERS WHO ARE EXTREMELY EXPERIENCED IN THE BUILDING OF LONG-SPAN SUSPENSION BRIDGES TN VARIOUS PARTS OF THE WORLD.

"THEY INTEGRATE WITH GOVERNMENT STAFF IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THE TSING MA PROJECT. THEY WILL BE FREQUENTLY ON SITE TO MONITOR THE PROGRESS AND ENSURE THAT CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS ARE MET.

"THEREFORE WE DO NOT ANTICIPATE TOO MANY DIFFICULTIES IN ACHIEVING OUR GOAL,” HE SAID.

BUT MR KWONG IS CONCERNED THAT THERE SHOULD BE WAYS TO RETAIN THE EXPERIENCE GAINED IN THE GOVERNMENT SO AS TO PREPARE IT FOR BUILDING MAJOR BRIDGES IN HONG KONG IN THE FUTURE, FOR EXAMPLE A POSSIBLE LINK BETWEEN SHAM TSENG AND MA WAN AND A FURTHER BRIDGE LINK BETWEEN TSING YT AND STONECUTTERS ISLAND.

"THERE WILL BE SOME YEARS BEFORE THESE ARE CONSTRUCTED. BY THEN, MANY OF US WORKING HERE NOW MAY HAVE RETIRED. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT A PROPER RECORD OF HOW THE BRIDGE IS CONSTRUCTED IS KEPT SO THAT FUTURE ENGINEERS WILL HAVE SOME READY REFERENCE.

"I AM ANXIOUS TO SEE THAT EVERY CRITICAL PART OF THE CONSTRUCTION WORK IS RECORDED CAREFULLY AND THOROUGHLY. FILMING THE PROCESS IS ONE OF THE WAYS TO ACHIEVE THIS.”

/"SITE VISITS .......

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1992

- 5 -

"SITE VISITS FOR OUR ENGINEERS ARE ESSENTIAL AS THEY WILL BE ABLE TO SEE HOW THE ACTUAL CONSTRUCTION IS CARRIED OUT, HOW PROBLEMS MAY ARISE, AND BE SOLVED," MR KWONG SAID.

"SUCH EXPERIENCE WILL ALSO BE IMPORTANT IN FUTURE MAINTENANCE

WORK ON THE LFC," HE ADDED.

THE TIGHT SCHEDULE IN BUILDING THE LFC MEANS THAT ENGINEERS IN THE LFC MANAGEMENT OFFICE HAVE TO WORK HARD, JUST LIKE THEIR COUNTERPARTS IN OTHER AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME PROJECTS.

"NEVERTHELESS, IT IS AN EXPERIENCE THAT HONG KONG PEOPLE CAN BE PROUD OF. EVEN THE UNITED STATES HAS NOT BUILT ANY SUSPENSION BRIDGE OF A COMPARABLE SCALE IN THE LAST 20 YEARS, WHILE OUR ENGINEERS HERE ARE BUILDING ONE OF THE MAJOR LANDMARKS NOT ONLY TN HONG KONG BUT PROBABLY IN SOUTHEAST ASIA AS WELL," MR KWONG SAID.

--------0-----------

PROCEDURE FOR WAIVER OF MEDICAL CHARGES FOR NEEDY SIMPLIFIED ******

A SIMPLIFIED PROCEDURE FOR WAIVER OF MEDICAL CHARGES WILL COME INTO OPERATION FROM THIS WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 30) FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE (PA) RECIPIENTS, A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY).

"THE PRACTICE WILL ENABLE A PA RECIPIENT TO APPLY FOR WAIVER OF MEDICAL CHARGES AT A GOVERNMENT CLINIC OR A HOSPITAL OR SPECIALIST CLINIC UNDER THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

IN DOING SO, THE CLIENT SHOULD ONLY NEED TO PRODUCE A VALID PA CASH ORDER BOOK FOR SINGLE PERSON CASES, OR A CERTIFICATE OF PA RECIPIENTS (FOR MEDICAL WAIVERS) FOR CASES WITH MORE THAN ONE ELIGIBLE MEMBERS, HE ADDED.

CURRENTLY, A PA RECIPIENT HAS TO APPROACH A SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNIT OR A MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKER FOR A FEE-WAIVER CERTIFICATE EACH TIME BEFORE HE SEEKS MEDICAL TREATMENT.

"AS THIS PRACTICE GIVES RISE TO INCONVENIENCE TO OUR CLIENTS, THE SIMPLIFIED PROCEDURE IS THEREFORE TO BE INTRODUCED," HE ADDED.

THE MOVE WILL FACILITATE 100,000 PEOPLE ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE.

- - 0 - -

/6 ........

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1992

NEW FEES FOR CERTIFICATION SERVICES *****

THE TRADE DEPARTMENT REMINDED TRADERS TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT FEES FOR CERTIFICATION SERVICES WILL BE REVISED FROM FRIDAY (JANUARY 1).

UNDER THE IMPORT AND EXPORT (FEES) (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) REGULATIONS 1992, THE REVISION WILL COVER APPLICATION FEES FOR CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN AND GENERALISED PREFERENCE CERTIFICATES.

CHARGES FOR APPLICATION FOR THE ISSUE OF A CERTIFICATE OF HONG KONG ORIGIN, CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN - PROCESSING (FORM TIC 185) OR OF ANY OTHER FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN OTHER THAN GENERALISED PREFERENCE CERTIFICATE WILL BE INCREASED FROM $55 TO $100 WHILE THAT FOR THE ISSUE OF A GENERALISED PREFERENCE CERTIFICATE WILL GO UP TO $135 FROM $75.

A TRADE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT THE INCREASE WAS NECESSARY FOR MAINTAINING AN EFFECTIVE SYSTEM TO PROTECT THE INTEGRITY OF HONG KONG’S CERTIFICATES OF ORIGIN.

- - 0 - -

AMENDMENTS TO HK I/E CLASSIFICATION LIST (HARMONISED SYSTEM)

*****

THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT AMENDMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO THE HONG KONG IMPORTS AND EXPORTS CLASSIFICATION LIST (HARMONISED SYSTEM), 1992 EDITION.

THESE AMENDMENTS, PUBLISHED IN A NOTICE IN THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, WILL TAKE EFFECT FROM JANUARY 1.

IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS ARE REMINDED THAT IMPORT AND EXPORT DECLARATIONS FOR SHIPMENTS ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1 MUST BE COMPLETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AMENDED CLASSIFICATION.

THE AMENDMENTS INVOLVE CHANGES IN COUNTRY DESCRIPTIONS AND CODES MAINLY OF REPUBLICS OF THE FORMER SOVIET UNION AND YUGOSLAVIA, AND CHANGES IN CLASSIFICATION 01 COMMODITIES SUCH AS CERTAIN INORGANIC AC I DS, HALOGENATED DERI VAT IVES OF HYDROCARBONS, AROMATIC KETONES, VEGETABLE ALKALOIDS, SYNTHETIC' MANOFJLAMENT, WOVEN TERRY TOWELLING, CERTAIN KNITTED AND CROCHETED FABRICS, CORDLESS TELEPHONES AND OPTICAL FIBRES.

THESE AMENDMENTS WILL BRING THE CLASSIFICATION UP-TO-DATE BY INTRODUCING MORE APPROPRIATE SUB-CLASSIFICATIONS AS WELL AS UNITS OF QUANTITY AND DELETING UNNECESSARY SUB-CLASSIFICATIONS.

IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS ARE REQUESTED TO ENSURE THAT THEIR STAFF RESPONSIBLE FOR COMPLETING IMPORT AND EXPORT DECLARATIONS SHOULD FAMILIARISE WITH SUCH AMENDMENTS.

/COPIES OF

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1992

COPIES Ob’ THE AMENDMENT LIST ARE NOW OBTAINABLE FREE OF CHARGE AT THE FOLLOWING VENUES:

* GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, HONG KONG,

* CUSTOMS EXCISE DEPARTMENT, COLLECTION OFFICE (HONG KONG), SECOND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG.

* CUSTOMS & EXCISE DEPARTMENT, COLLECT I ON OFF 1CE (KOWLOON) , GROUND FLOOR, MIDDLE ROAD MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK BUILDING, TSIM SHA TSUI, KOWLOON.

* CENSUS & STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, TRADE CLASSIFICATION SECTION, 17TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER 1.

12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHA I. , HONG KONG.

------0--------

NEW YEAR'S DAY A STATUTORY HOLIDAY *****

THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT JANUARY 1 (FRIDAY) IS ONE OH THE 11 STATUTORY HOLIDAYS FOR EMPLOYEES.

UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, ALL EMPLOYEES. IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR WAGE LEVELS, ARE ENTITLED TO THE HOLIDAY AND MUST BE PAID FOR THE DAY OFF IF THEY HAVE WORKED CONTINUOUSLY FOR THE SAME EMPLOYER FOR THREE MONTHS OR LONGER IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.

WHERE THE EARNINGS VARY FROM DAY TO DAY. HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE THE AVERAGE DAILY EARNINGS DURING EVERY COMPLETE WAGE PERIOD, WHICH COULD BE BETWEEN 28 AND 31 DAYS, PRECEDING THE HOLIDAY.

IF AN EMPLOYEE IS REQUIRED TO WORK ON A STATUTORY HOLIDAY, HE MUST BE GIVEN AN ALTERNATIVE DAY OFF WITHIN 60 DAYS BEFORE OR AFTER THAT DAY.

ENQUIRIES ABOUT STATUTORY HOLIDAYS MAY BE MADE AT THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S GENERAL ENQUIRY TELEPHONE SERVICE ON 717 1771.

--------0-----------

/8 ........

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1992

- 8 -

CAS GETS NEW COMMISSIONER ♦ * * * *

THE GOVERNOR HAS APPOINTED MR NORMAN LEUNG AS THE COMMISSIONER OF THE CIVIL AID SERVICES (CAS) TO SUCCEED SIR ROGER LOBO, WHO WILL BE RETIRING FROM CAS ON JANUARY 1.

MR NORMAN LEUNG IS A SOLICITOR AND THE DIRECTOR OF A NUMBER OF COMPANIES.

HE IS CHAIRMAN OF A NUMBER OF GOVERNMENT STATUTORY BODIES SUCH AS THE BOARD OF REVIEW (FILM CENSORSHIP), AND THE HONG KONG HOUSING AUTHORITY'S COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE AND TENANCY APPEALS COMMITTEE.

HE JOINED THE CAS IN 1977 AND HAS BEEN A DEPUTY COMMISSIONER SINCE MARCH 1989.

SIR ROGER IS RETIRING FROM THE CAS AFTER 37 YEARS OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE, THE LAST 15 YEARS AS THE COMMISSIONER.

THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, SAID HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT MR LEUNG WOULD CONTINUE THE INSPIRING LEADERSHIP DISPLAYED BY SIR ROGER AND ENSURE THAT THE CAS CONTINUED ITS FINE TRADITION OF VOLUNTARY SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY.

"STR ROGER HAS MADE A GREAT AND UNIQUE CONTRIBUTION TO THE CAS AND WILL BE MISSED BY BOTH MEMBERS OF CAS AND THOSE OF ASSOCIATED ORGANISATIONS.

"HE IS HIGHLY RESPECTED BY ALL CAS MEMBERS AND HIS PERSONAL COMMITMENT AND WISE LEADERSHIP HAVE MAINTAINED THE CAS AS A MODERN AND EFFICIENT AUXILIARY FORCE," MR ASPREY SAID.

-----0------

PROPER LABELLING FOR PRE-PACKAGED FOOD REQUIRED

*****

FOOD MANUFACTURERS AND RETAILERS MUST PROPERLY LABEL OR MARK PRE-PACKAGED FOOD ITEMS, WHETHER COMPLETELY OR PARTIALLY PACKED, AS STIPULATED BY THE THIRD SCHEDULE OF THE FOOD AND DRUGS (COMPOSITION AND LABELLING) REGULATIONS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT OFFENDERS WHEN CONVICTED WERE SUBJECT TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $25,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR SIX MONTHS.

THE REMINDER WAS ISSUED FOLLOWING THREE RECENT COURT CASES IN WHICH TWO MEDICINE SHOPS, ONE IN WONG TAI SIN AND THE OTHER IN ABERDEEN, AND A FOOD RETAIL SHOP IN YAU MA TEI WERE FOUND GUILTY OF SELLING IMPROPERLY LABELLED PRE-PACKAGED FOOD AND WERE SUBSEQUENTLY FINED A TOTAL OF $2,000.

/THE MEDICINE.......„

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1992

- 9 -

THE MEDICINE SHOPS SOLD A HIGH PROTEIN MILK FOOD WHICH DID NOT HAVE A LIST OF INGREDIENTS, A STATEMENT OF SPECIAL CONDITIONS FOR STORAGE, AND SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE IN ENGLISH OR IN CHINESE OR IN BOTH LANGUAGES.

THE FOOD RETAIL SHOP SOLD JELLY CANDIES WHICH WERE NOT MARKED OR LABELLED WITH ITS NAME OR DESIGNATION, A LIST OF INGREDIENTS. AN INDICATION OF ITS MINIMUM DURABILITY, THE NAME AND THE ADDRESS OF' THE MANUFACTURER OR PACKER AND THE NUMBERICAL COUNT OF THE CONTENTS OR THE NET WEIGHT OF THE FOOD.

--------0-----------

CIVIC EDUCATION PROGRAMME DESIGN COMPETITION * * t i *

THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS INVITING SECONDARY SCHOOLS TO PARTICIPATE IN AN INTER-SCHOOL COMPETITION ON THE DESIGN OF CIVIC EDUCATION PROGRAMMES.

THE THEME IS "IMPLEMENTATION OF CIVIC EDUCATION IN OUR SCHOOL”.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID THE COMPETITION WAS AIMED AT ENCOURAGING SCHOOLS TO ORGANISE EFFECTIVE CIVIC EDUCATION PROGRAMMES AND SHARING EXPERIENCES IN PROMOTING CIVIC EDUCATION.

PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, WERE REQUIRED TO PRESENT THE CIVIC EDUCATION PROGRAMMES WHICH SHOULD BE SUBSTANTIATED BY DETAILED WORK PLANS AND RELEVANT TEACHING AND RESOURCE MATER]ALS.

THE OVERALL LAYOUT OF ENTRY SHOULD COMPRISE THREE PARTS.

PART 1 SHOULD INCLUDE BACKGROUND OF THE SCHOOL; AIMS AND OBJECTIVES IN PROMOTING CIVIC EDUCATION IN THE SCHOOL; APPROACH AND STRATEGY ADOPTED BY THE SCHOOL TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION: AND ORGANISATION SUCH AS STRUCTURE AND COMPOSITION OF THE CIVIC EDUCATION COMMITTEE AND BODY.

PART 2 IS TO GIVE AN OVERALL WORK PLAN OR PROGRAMME OUTLINE TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION IN THE SCHOOL.

PART 3 IS TO PROVIDE NOT MORE THAN FIVE EXAMPLES OF CIVIC EDUCATION PROGRAMMES IN THE SCHOOL.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID ENTRIES COULD BE PRESENTED LN THE FORM OF A FOLIO IN A4-S1ZE PAPER OR A COMBINATION OF FOLIO AND SLIDES AND VIDEO TAPES.

ELEVEN PRIZES WOULD BE PRESENTED PROGRAMME DESIGN AWARD, ACTIVITY DESIGN

TO THREE CATEGORIES -AWARD AND SPECIAL AWARD.

THE

/EACH AWARD

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1992

EACH AWARD WOULD BE PRESENTED WITH BOOK COUPONS RANGING FROM $1,000 TO $5,000 AND A CERTIFICATE OF COMMENDATION, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

SUBMISSIONS SHOULD BE DELIVERED TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S CIVIC EDUCATJON/RELIGIOUS STUDIES SECTION, ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, BEFORE APRIL 30 NEXT YEAR.

FURTHER INFORMATION AND ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE ON TEL 892 6517 OR 892 6514.

- - 0 - -

CLOSURE OF UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS

*****

THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE THE UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS IN A BUILDING IN KOWLOON CITY SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT CAUSING DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS AND THE PUBLIC.

THE UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES ARE LOCATED ON THE CANOPY AND FLAT ROOF AREAS ADJACENT TO FLAT B ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF 77-79 LION ROCK ROAD.

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRIC'l COURT ON FEBRUARY 24 NEXT YEAR HAS BEEN POSTED ON THE PREMISES.

DEMOLITION WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START AS SOON AS THE CLOSURE ORDER IS ISSUED.

- - 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

MONDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1992

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

CONSUMER PRICE INDICES FOR NOVEMBER ............................ 1

PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR NOVEMBER ........................ 5

GOVT FORGES CLOSER TIES WITH CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY ............. 8

CENTRAL/WANCHAI RECLAMATION TENDERS EXTENDED .................. 12

APPOINTMENTS TO EDUCATION COMMISSION ......................... 12

MID-STREAM CARGO HANDLING PLAYS KEY ROLE ...................... 13

NEW DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE TAKES UP OFFICE ................ 15

RESIDENTS URGED TO EXPRESS VIEWS ON POLITICAL REFORMS ......... 16

STAMP PACK 92 ON SALE ......................................... 16

WATER STORAGE FIGURE .......................................... 17

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS

MONDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1992

CONSUMER PRICE INDICES FOR NOVEMBER

*****

FIGURES RELEASED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT SHOWED THAT CONSUMER PRICE INFLATION CONTINUED TO MODERATE IN NOVEMBER.

THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) WAS 9.2% HIGHER IN NOVEMBER THIS YEAR THAN IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR. THIS WAS LOWER THAN THE CORRESPONDING FIGURE OF 9.5% IN OCTOBER.

THE CPI(B) AND THE HANG SENG CPI WERE HIGHER BY 9.6% AND 9.5% RESPECTIVELY IN NOVEMBER THIS YEAR THAN IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR. THE CORRESPONDING INCREASES IN OCTOBER 1992 WERE 10.0% AND 9.5%.

THE COMPOSITE CPI, WHICH WAS COMPILED BASED ON THE COMBINED EXPENDITURE PATTERN OF HOUSEHOLDS COVERED BY THE THREE CPIS, SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 9.4% IN NOVEMBER 1992 OVER THE SAME MONTH IN 1991. THE CORRESPONDING INCREASE IN OCTOBER 1992 WAS 9.7%.

THE SLOWER YEAR-ON-YEAR RATES OF INCREASE IN CPI(A) AND CPI(B) IN NOVEMBER THAN IN OCTOBER WERE MAINLY DUE TO LOWER PRICES OF FRESH VEGETABLES AND MORE MODERATE INCREASES IN THE CHARGES FOR MEALS AT RESTAURANTS.

COMPARING NOVEMBER 1992 WITH NOVEMBER 1991, RELATIVELY SLOWER INCREASES IN PRICES WERE RECORDED FOR DURABLE GOODS (2.0% IN THE CPI(A) AND 1.9% IN THE CPI(B)); FOOD (EXCLUDING MEALS AT RESTAURANTS) (3.6% AND 3.8%); FUEL AND LIGHT (6.2% AND 5.9%); TRANSPORT (6.2% AND 6.8%); MISCELLANEOUS GOODS (6.7% AND 6.4%); AND CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR (9.1% AND 9.0%).

ON THE OTHER HAND, RELATIVELY FASTER INCREASES IN PRICES WERE RECORDED FOR HOUSING (15.0% IN THE CPI(A) AND 15.6% IN THE CPI(B)); ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (14.2% AND 13.0%); SERVICES (12.1% AND 10.9%); AND MEALS AT RESTAURANTS (9.9% IN BOTH CPI(A) AND CPI(B)).

COMPARING NOVEMBER WITH OCTOBER, THE CPI(A) INCREASED BY 0.1%, WHILE THE CPI(B) AND THE HANG SENG CPI INCREASED BY 0.4% AND 1.1% RESPECTIVELY.

THIS COMPARISON WAS, HOWEVER, AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS.

THE INCREASES WERE MAINLY DUE TO HIGHER RENT FOR SOME PRIVATE HOUSING UNITS, HIGHER PRICES OF OUTERCLOTHING, AND A RISE IN THE CHARGES FOR MEALS AT RESTAURANTS.

HOWEVER, THE EFFECT OF THESE INCREASES ON CPI(A) AND CPI(B) WAS OFFSET TO A SIGNIFICANT EXTENT BY THE CONSIDERABLE DECREASE IN THE PRICES OF FRESH VEGETABLES.

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING NOVEMBER, THE CPI(A) WAS, ON AVERAGE, HIGHER BY 9.5% THAN IN THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR. THE CORRESPONDING FIGURE FOR THE CPI(B) WAS 9.9%.

/FOP THE .......

MONDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1992

- 2 -

FOR THE FIRST 11 MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, THE CPI(A) AND THE CPI(B) WERE, ON AVERAGE, HIGHER BY 9.4% AND 9.6% RESPECTIVELY THAN IN THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD LAST YEAR.

FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDING NOVEMBER, THE CPI(A) AND THE CPI(B) WERE, ON AVERAGE, HIGHER BY 9.4% AND 9.7% RESPECTIVELY THAN IN THE PRECEDING 12-MONTH PERIOD.

SEASONALLY ADJUSTED SERIES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR THE INDICES. THE DESEASONALISED CPI(A) AND CPI(B) BOTH INCREASED AT AN AVERAGE RATE OF 0.8% PER MONTH DURING THE THREE MONTHS ENDING NOVEMBER.

MORE DETAILS ARE GIVEN IN THE "CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT" FOR NOVEMBER, WHICH IS AVAILABLE AT $9.0 A COPY FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG; OR FROM THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19/F., WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.

FOR LOCAL AND OVERSEAS MAILINGS, CONTACT SHOULD BE MADE WITH THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, HONG KONG.

FOR ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE INDICES, PLEASE TELEPHONE THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 805 6403.

DETAILS REGARDING THE HANG SENG CPI ARE CONTAINED IN THE HANG SENG CPI REPORT ISSUED BY THE ECONOMIC RESEARCH DEPARTMENT OF HANG SENG BANK LTD.

/TABLE 1 .......

MONDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1992

Table i Consumer Price Indices and Rates of Increase for November 1992 (Oct. 89 - Sep. 90 = 100)

Component CPT(A) CPT(B) Hana Sena CPT Composite CPT

Index for Nov 92 % change over Nov 91 Index for Nov 92 % change over Nov 91 Index for Nov 92 % change over Nov 91 Index for Nov 92 % change over Nov 91

Food 124.5 +6.9 126.3 +7.4 126.4 +7.9 125.6 +7.3

Meals bought away from home 132.6 +9.9 132.7 +9.9 130.7 +9.9 132.2 +9.9

Food, excluding meals bought away from home 116.6 +3.6 117.4 * +3.8 119.1 +4.3 117.3 +3.8

Housing 139.2 +15.0 139.9 +15.6 138.4 +12.7 139.2 +14.5

Fuel and light 116.6 + 6.2 115.8 +5.9 115.2 +5.2 116.1 +5.9

Alcoholic drinks and tobacco 166.6 +14.2 157.9 +13.0 153.9 +12.3 161.8 +13.5

Clothing and footwear 123.9 +9.1 125.0 +9.0 138.7 +10.2 129.4 +9.4

Durable goods 107.4 +2.0 107.2 +1.9 112.2 +4.3 108.8 +2.6

Miscellaneous goods 120.1 +6.7 117.9 +6.4 117.0 +5.8 118.5 +6.4

Transport 126.8 +6.2 126.9 +6.8 127.9 +7.1 127.1 +6.7

Services 136.1 +12.1 132.6 +10.9 127.0 +9.7 132.0 +10.9

All items 128.5 +9.2 129.0 +9.6 129.9 +9.5 129.0 +9.4

The 1989/90-based consumer price indices are based on the expenditure natterns derived from the 1989/90 Household Expenditure Survey. The CPI(A) is based on the expenditure pattern of about. 50% of urban households in Hong Kong, which had an average monthly expenditure of 32,500-59,999 a month in 1989/90. The CPI(B) is based on the expenditure pattern of the next 301* of hi ban households, which had an average monthly expenditure of S10.000-S1 1,499 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 $17,500-537,499 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). CPICB) 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 .......

MONDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1992

Tahlp 2 Consumer Price Indices for October 1990 - November 1992 ” (Oct. 89 - Sep. 90 = 100)

Year/month CPT(A) CPT(B) Hana Sena CPT Composite CPT

1990 October 105.8 105.9 106.7 106.1

November 106.5 106.7 107.8 106.9

December 107.4 107.6 108.1 107.7

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

Anril 113.9 113.0 112.0 113.1

Mav 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

Auaust 116.0 115.3 114.6 115.4

Sent, ember 116.8 116.1 115.8 116.3

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

Februarv 121.8 121.2 121.0 121.4

March 122.5 121.9 121 .8 122.1

Anril 124.0 123.4 122.9 123.5

Mav 124.0 123.8 124.2 124.0

June 125.3 125.1 125.2 125.2

Julv 125.5 125.4 125.4 125.4

August 125.6 125/9 125.8 125.8

Sent, ember 128.3 127.9 127.5 128.0

October 128.4 128.4 128.6 128.5

November 128.5 129.0 129.9 129.0

0 - - _ —

/5 ........

MONDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1992

PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR NOVEMBER

*****

RE-EXPORTS IN NOVEMBER CONTINUED TO SURGE, WHILE DOMESTIC EXPORTS REGISTERED A MARGINAL DECLINE. MEANWHILE, IMPORTS ALSO GREW MARKEDLY.

THESE ARE SHOWN IN THE PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES RELEASED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY #11,005 MILLION OR 21.0% OVER A YEAR EARLIER TO *63,306 MILLION IN NOVEMBER 1992.

THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECREASED BY *129 MILLION OR 0.6% TO $20,327 MILLION.

TAKING RE-EXPORTS AND DOMESTIC EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS IN NOVEMBER GREW BY $10,876 MILLION OR 14.9% OVER A YEAR EARLIER TO $83,632 MILLION.

MEANWHILE, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY $14,392 MILLION OR 20.4% TO $85,107 MILLION.

AS THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS WAS SMALLER THAN THAT OF TOTAL IMPORTS, A VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF $1,475 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 1.7% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED IN NOVEMBER 1992.

THIS COMPARED WITH A SURPLUS OF $2,041 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 2.9% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, RECORDED IN NOVEMBER 1991.

IN THE FIRST 11 MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY $144,192 MILLION OR 29.9% OVER A YEAR EARLIER TO $626,546 MILLION.

THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AMOUNTED TO $212,465 MILLION, $3,719 MILLION OR 1.8% HIGHER THAN IN THE FIRST 11 MONTHS OF LAST YEAR.

TAKING RE-EXPORTS AND DOMESTIC EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS, AT $839,011 MILLION IN THE FIRST 11 MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, WAS $147,911 MILLION OR 21.4% HIGHER THAN A YEAR EARLIER.

THE VALUE OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY $163,055 MILLION OR 23.2% TO $865,063 MILLION.

A VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF $26,052 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 3.0% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED IN THE FIRST 11 MONTHS OF THIS YEAR .

THIS COMPARED WITH A DEFICIT OF $10,908 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 1.6% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, RECORDED IN THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.

/COMMENTING ON .......

MONDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1992

- 6 -

COMMENTING ON THE NOVEMBER TRADE FIGURES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAIL) THE ROBUST PERFORMANCE OF RE-EXPORTS WERE SUPPORTED BY RE-EXPORTS INVOLVING CHINA IN BOTH DIRECTIONS.

DOMESTIC EXPORTS, HOWEVER, REGISTERED A MARGINAL DECLINE, HAVING INCREASED MODESTLY FOR FIVE CONSECUTIVE MONTHS.

FOR THE FIRST 11 MONTHS TAKEN TOGETHER, THERE WAS NEVERTHELESS STILL A SMALL INCREASE OF 1.8%.

REFLECTING A ROBUST DOMESTIC DEMAND, IMPORTS RETAINED FOR LOCAL USE CONTINUED TO RECORD CONSIDERABLE GROWTH, BY 14.174 IN VALUE TERMS IN THE FIRST 11 MONTHS OF THIS YEAR OVER A YEAR EARLIER.

/TRADE FIGURES .......

MONDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1992

TRADE FIGURES FOR NOVEMBER 1992

4 TJie Census and Statistics Department has released the following provisional merchandise trade figures for November

MERCHANDISE: Domestic Exports Re-exports Total Exports Imports Trade balance

COMPARATIVE FIGURES

Latest 3 months

Domestic Exports

Re-exports

Total Exports

Imports

Trade balance

Sep 92 to

Nov 92 HK$ Mn.

63,310 195,589 258,899 258,080 819

November 1992 HK$ Mn.

Same month last year

Domestic Exports (% of Total Exports) Re-exports Total Exports Imports Trade balance 20,327 (24.3%} 63,305 83,632 85,107 -1,475

Last month November 1992 HK$ Mn.

Domestic Exports (% of Total Exports) Re-exports Total Exports Imports Trade balance 20,327 (24.3%) 63,305 83,632 85,107 -1,475

Calendar year to-date Jan-Nov 1992 HK$ Mn.

Domestic Exports (% of Total Exports) Re-exports Total Exports Imports Trade balance 212,465 (25.3%) 626,546 839,011 865,063 -26,052

Last 12 months Dec 91 to .Nov 92 HK$ Mn.

Domestic Exports Re-exports Total Exports Imports Trade balance 234,765 679,032 913,797 942,037 -28,240

20,327 million

63,305 million

83,632 million

85,107 million $1,475 million'

(in deficit)

Sep 91 to Nov 91 HK$ Mn. Increase

HK$ Mn. %

62,279 153,529 1,031 42,060 1.7 27.4

215,808 43,091 20.0

206,950 51,130 24.7

‘ 8,858 -8,039

November Increase

X J J X HK$ Mn. HK$ Mn. %

20,456 -129 -0.6

(28.1%)

52,300 11,005 21.0

72,756 10,876 14.9

70,715 14,392 20.4

2,041 -3,516

October Increase

1992

HK$ Mn. HK$ Mn. %

21,854 (24.3%) -1,527 -7.0

67,923 -4,618 -6.8

89,777 -6,145 -6.8

90,021 -4,914 -5.5

-244 -1,231

Jan-Nov Increase

1991

HK$ Mn. HK$ Mn. %

208,746 3,719 1.8

(30.2%) 482,354 144,192 29.9

691,100 147,911 21.4

702,008 163,055 23.2

-10,908 -15,144

Dec 90 to Increase

Nov 91 HK$ Mn. HK$ Mn. • %

228,958 5,807 2.5

519,115 159,917 30.8

748,073 165,724 22.2

761,366 180,671 23.7

-13,293 -14,947

---------0-----------

/8 ........

MONDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1992

- 8 -

GOVT FORGES CLOSER TIES WITH CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

******

THE GOVERNMENT IS ESTABLISHING CLOSER TIES WITH THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY IN THEIR PARTNERSHIP TO CONTINUE BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG, THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

IN HIS YEAR-END SESSION WITH THE MEDIA, MR BLAKE SAID: "PLANNING IS AT AN ADVANCED STAGE TO ESTABLISH THE CONSTRUCTION ADVISORY BOARD AS THE CENTRAL FORUM FOR THE INDUSTRY TO CONSULT AND ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT ON ISSUES RELATING TO THE INDUSTRY."

THE BOARD WILL INITIALLY BE CHAIRED BY THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS AND MEMBERSHIP WILL INCLUDE REPRESENTATIVES FROM MAJOR BODIES IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AND RELEVANT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.

MR BLAKE SAID THE BOARD WILL REVIEW AND ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT ON CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS, QUALITY MANAGEMENT, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, SAFETY, EDUCATION AND TRAINING, INDUSTRY RESOURCES AND FORMS OF CONTRACT.

TO ENCOURAGE MORE SMALL AND LOCAL CONSULTANCY FIRMS TO UNDERTAKE GOVERNMENT CONSULTANCIES, MR BLAKE SAID NEW PROCEDURES WERE INTRODUCED THIS MONTH IN THE SELECTION OF FIRMS FOR MORE STRAIGHTFORWARD GOVERNMENT CONSULTANCY WORK.

UNDER THE NEW SYSTEM, ONLY SMALL FIRMS WITH FIVE OR LESS PROFESSIONAL STAFF AND LOCAL FIRMS WITH THE MAJORITY OF PROFESSIONAL STAFF HAVING RESIDED IN HK FOR SEVEN YEARS OR MORE WILL BE LONGLISTED FOR THE SELECTION OF GOVERNMENT CONSULTANCIES ESTIMATED TO COST $3 MILLION OR LESS.

MR BLAKE SAID: "THE NEW SYSTEM WILL ENSURE THAT THE STANDARD OF SERVICE RECEIVED BY THE GOVERNMENT IS MAINTAINED WHILE ASSISTING SMALL AND LOCAL FIRMS TO THRIVE IN THE CONSULTANCY SECTOR."

MR BLAKE NOTED THE GOVERNMENT IS ALSO TAKING A LEAD TO FURTHER ENCOURAGE THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TO EMPHASISE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND WORK SITE SAFETY AND SECURITY.

"THE GOVERNMENT RECENTLY ISSUED A TECHNICAL CIRCULAR WHICH WILL STOP THE USE OF TROPICAL HARDWOOD FOR HOARDING AND FOR SHORING OF TRENCHES AND PITS ON PUBLIC WORKS CONSTRUCTION SITES.

"CONSIDERATION IS BEING GIVEN TO EXTENDING THE PROVISIONS OF THIS CIRCULAR TO COVER OTHER TYPES OF TEMPORARY SUPPORT AND FORMWORK ON GOVERNMENT CONSTRUCTION SITES," HE SAID.

AS ANOTHER ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MEASURE, THE WORKS BRANCH IS ENCOURAGING GREATER USE OF PULVERISED FUEL ASH (PFA) IN CONCRETE.

PFA IS A BY-PRODUCT OF COAL-FIRED POWER STATIONS AND ITS USE IN THE PRODUCTION OF CONCRETE CAN PRODUCE IMPROVED MIX DESIGN AND COST SAVING WITHOUT COMPROMISING THE QUALITY.

/MR BLAKE .......

MONDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1992

- 9 -

MR BLAKE SAID CONTRACTORS OF GOVERNMENT PROJECTS ARE NOW GIVEN THE OPTION TO USE PFA CONCRETE AND THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE HAS ISSUED A PRACTICE NOTE ENCOURAGING THE USE IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.

MAJOR BUILDING PROJECTS THAT HAVE USED PFA CONCRETE INCLUDE THE CULTURAL CENTRE, GOVERNMENT’S WANCHAI TOWERS AND THE CENTRAL PLAZA WHICH IS THE TALLEST CONCRETE FRAME BUILDING IN THE WORLD.

MOREOVER, THE GOVERNMENT, IN CO-OPERATION WITH THE TWO POWER COMPANIES, HAVE UNDERTAKEN TO USE SURPLUS PFA FROM THE POWER STATIONS IN RECLAMATION PROJECTS. THIS WILL SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE THE NEED FOR ADDITIONAL PFA STORAGE AREAS.

OTHER NEW PLANS FOR THE WORKS BRANCH IN THE YEAR AHEAD INCLUDE THE PUBLICATION OF A SAFETY MANUAL FOR CONTRACTORS OF PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS AND A WORK SITE SECURITY MANUAL FOR THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY.

TO DEAL WITH THE PROBLEM OF EMPLOYMENT OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES, MR BLAKE SAID: ’’THE WORKS BRANCH IS LOOKING INTO THE MERITS OF SUSPENDING CONTRACTORS QUALIFIED FOR GOVERNMENT WORKS FOR SIX MONTHS IF THEY WERE CONVICTED MORE THAN TWICE WITHIN A YEAR FOR EMPLOYING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.”

VIEWS FROM THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY WILL BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT, HE SAID.

ON THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME, MR BLAKE SAID MORE EFFECTIVE CONTROL AND MONITORING SYSTEMS ARE BEING PUT INTO PLACE NOT ONLY TO ENSURE THAT PROJECTS ARE COMPLETED ON TIME AND WITHIN BUDGET, BUT ALSO TO REALISE THE AMBITIOUS INFRASTRUCTURAL PROGRAMME OUTLINED TN THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DURING THE YEAR.

MR BLAKE SAID: "THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRESS COMMITTEE WAS ESTABLISHED IN EARLY 1992. IT BRINGS TOGETHER THE WORKS DEPARTMENTS AND RESOURCE BRANCHES TO RECEIVE REGULAR REPORTS ON EXPENDITURE AND THE PROGRESS OF NON-ACP PROJECTS, AND TO ENSURE THAT ACTION IS TAKEN, WHEN NECESSARY, TO DEAL WITH ANY DEVIATION FROM PLAN."

"IN THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME THERE ARE ABOUT 1,000 ITEMS UNDER CONSTRUCTION. ANOTHER 1,000 ITEMS ARE AT PLANNING AND DESIGN STAGES.

"PARALLEL ACTIONS ARE IN HAND TO INTRODUCE THE LATEST TECHNIQUE FOR ESTIMATING, RISK ASSESSMENT AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT TO ALL WORKS DEPARTMENTS.

"WHEN FULLY IMPLEMENTED, THIS WILL MEAN BETTER PREDICTIONS OF EXPENDITURE AND IMPROVEMENTS IN CONTROL," HE SAID.

MR BLAKE NOTED THAT THE NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT PRO RAMMF CELEBRATED ITS 20TH ANNIVERSARY THIS YEAR WITH A TOTAL POPULATION NOW STANDING AT 2.3 MILLION.

/THE FIRST .......

MONDAY, DECEMBER 28, 199z

- 10

THE FIRST RESIDENTS MOVED INTO BOTH PRIVATE AND PUBLIC HOUSING IN TIN SHUI WAI AND THERE WAS FURTHER OCCUPANCY AT TSEUNG KWAN O DURING THE YEAR. SITE RECLAMATION HAS STARTED FOR THE NINTH NEW TOWN AT TUNG CHUNG.

MR BLAKE SAID THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS CO-ORDINATION OFFICE HAS CLOSELY CO-ORDINATED AND MONITORED THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME (ACP) WITH 18 MAJOR GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS HAVING BEEN AWARDED.

TOGETHER WITH THE CONTRACTS LET BY THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY, THE TOTAL VALUE OF THE ACP CONTRACTS NOW AMOUNTS TO $30 BILLION.

MR BLAKE SAID: "ALL ACP-RELATED CONTRACTS ARE CURRENTLY PROCEEDING TO PROGRAMME AND ARE WITHIN BUDGET ESTIMATES.

"SAFETY ASPECTS HAVE RECEIVED VERY CLOSE ATTENTION BY WAY OF THE ACP SAFETY MANUAL WHICH IS WIDELY DISTRIBUTED IN BOTH CHINESE AND ENGLISH AND ALSO BY ESTABLISHING AN OVERALL MONITORING COMMITTEE WITH VERY HIGH-LEVEL REPRESENTATION FROM ALL WORKS AGENCIES.

"EACH CONTRACT ALSO HAS ITS SAFETY COMMITTEE AND PROCEDURES IN PLACE.

"QUALITY ASSURANCE HAS BEEN ADVANCED WITH THE ISSUE OF AN UPDATED GENERAL SPECIFICATION FOR CIVIL ENGINEERING WORKS.

"THE INTRODUCTION OF THE LATEST INTERNATIONALLY STANDARDISED PROCEDURES FOR THE ASSURANCE AND CONTROL OF QUALITY OF ALL ASPECTS OF CONSTRUCTION IS BEING CONSIDERED BY THE QUALITY MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE INVOLVING THE WORKS DEPARTMENTS AND THE BRANCH.

"OVERALL 1992 HAS BEEN A SUCCESSFUL YEAR FOR THE WORKS GROUP OF DEPARTMENTS. WE WILL FOCUS IN THE COMING YEAR ON WAYS TO KEEP UP THE MOMENTUM OF THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME IN BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG," MR BLAKE SAID.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF MAJOR NON-ACP PROJECTS FOR THE CALENDAR YEARS OF 1992 AND 1993:

A. MAJOR PROJECTS COMPLETED IN 1992

(a) THE SUPERSTRUCTURE OF THE $2.2 BILLION PAMELA YOUDE HOSPITAL IN CHAI WAN WHICH IS EXPECTED TO RECEIVE ITS FIRST PATIENTS BEFORE THE END OP' NEXT YEAR;

(b) THE $1.3 BILLION NORTHWEST KOWLOON SEWAGE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL SCHEME ON STONECUTTERS ISLAND WHICH WAS RECENTLY OPENED BY THE GOVERNOR;

/(c) THE $780 ........

MONDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1992

(cl THE $780 MILLION WANCHAI TOWER III WHICH PROVIDES MUCH NEEDED OFFICE SPACES FOR GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS; AND

(d) THE $660 MILLION STAGE I OF YAU MA TEI TYPHOON SHELTER RECLAMATION WHICH PROVIDES ADDITIONAL LAND IN WEST KOWLOON FOR DEVELOPMENT.

B. MAJOR PROIECTS NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION

(a) THE $2 BILLTON SCHEME TO EXPAND FACILITIES TO RECEIVE WATER SUPPLY’ FROM CHINA BEYOND 1994 UNDER THE WATER SUPPLY AGREEMENT SIGNED WITH CHINA IN DECEMBER L989;

(b) THE $1.3 BILLION SCHEME TO DEVELOP CHEMICAL WASTE TREATMENT FACILITIES WHICH WILL HANDLE LIQUID CHEMICAL WASTES PRODUCED BY INDUSTRY;

(c) THE $1.3 BILLION SCHEME TO COMPLETE THE OUTSTANDING WORKS ON NORTHWEST KOWLOON SEWAGE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL FACILITIES;

(d) THE $1.2 BILLION ENGINEERING WORKS TO PROVIDE BACK-UP AREA AND INFRASTRUCTURE FOR CONTAINER TERMINAL 8;

(p) THE $1 BILLION PROJECT TO IMPROVE A SECTION OF THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD BETWEEN AU TAU AND FAN KAM ROAD;

AND

( f ) THE $760 MILLION PROJECT TO IMPROVE AND EXTEND THE MAIN HOSPITAL BLOCK AND THE CLINICAL PATHOLOGY BLOCK AT QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL.

C. MAJOR PROJECTS DUE TO START IN 1993

(a) DEVELOPMENT OF TWO STRATEGIC LAND FILLS IN THE NEW

TERRITORIES AT A TOTAL .COST OF $5 BILLION TO MEET HONG KONG’S LONG-TERM NEED FOR DISPOSAL OF SOLID WASTES;

(b) A $2.7 BILLION SCHEME TO PROVIDE BACK-UP AREA AND INFRASTRUCTURE FOR CONTAINER TERMINAL 9;

(c) A $1.1 BILLION SCHEME TO WIDEN AND REALIGN RIVER CHANNELS IN YUEN LONG AND KAM TIN WHICH WILL REDUCE THE RISK OF FLOODING IN LOW-LYING AREAS DURING HEAVY RAIN;

(d) A $780 MILLION SCHEME TO CONSTRUCT THE SECOND TSING YI SOUTH BRIDGE; AND

(e) A $510 MILLION SCHEME TO WIDEN CASTLE PEAK ROAD BETWEEN TSUEN WAN AND SHAM TSENG TO A DUAL TWO-LANE CARRIAGEWAY.

/12 .......

MONDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1992

CENTRAL/WANCHAI RECLAMATION TENDERS EXTENDED *****

IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE TWO LOWEST TENDERERS FOR THE CENTRAL AND WANCHAI RECLAMATION CONTRACT HAVE AGREED TO EXTEND THE VALIDITY OF THEIR TENDERS BEYOND THE CURRENT EXPIRY DATE OF DECEMBER 28 UP TO FEBRUARY 1 NEXT YEAR.

THE RECLAMATION IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE LAND FOR THE AIRPORT RAILWAY TERMINUS, BUT IT IS ALSO IMPORTANT IN TERMS OF EXPANDING THE AREA OF THE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT.

"THE TENDER EXTENSION WILL GIVE US MORE TIME TO DECIDE ON THE BEST COURSE OF ACTION - IT IS ALSO IN LINE WITH OUR STEP BY STEP APPROACH ON THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME PROJECTS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

------0-------

APPOINTMENTS TO EDUCATION COMMISSION

i t t * * *

THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, TODAY (MONDAY) ANNOUNCED APPOINTMENTS TO THE EDUCATION COMMISSION FOR A TWO-YEAR TERM STARTING JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR.

THE NEW CHAIRMAN WILL BE PROFESSOR ROSIE T T YOUNG, A HIGHLY RESPECTED ACADEMIC WITH WIDE EXPERIENCE OF PUBLIC SERVICE.

SHE IS CURRENTLY THE SENIOR PRO-VICE-CHANCELLOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND A PROFESSOR OF THE UNIVERSITY’S DEPARTMENT OF MEDICINE.

PROFESSOR YOUNG IS ALSO A MEMBER OF THE HONG KONG EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY AND THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY.

THREE INCUMBENT MEMBERS HAVE BEEN REAPPOINTED. THEY ARE MRS ANGELA CHEUNG WONG WAN-YIU, EDUCATION SERVICES SECRETARY OF THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS; DR PAUL J T MORRIS, READER IN THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG’S FACULTY OF EDUCATION; AND MR JAMES TIEN PEI-CHUN, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF MANHATTAN GARMENTS (INTERNATIONAL) LTD.

THERE WILL BE FIVE NEW MEMBERS: MR CHEUNG MAN-KWONG, MR CHO YU-FUN, DR ALEXANDER FUNG CHI-WAH, MRS KATHY LEE CHIU KAM-HING AND PROFESSOR ARTHUR K C LI.

MR CHEUNG MAN-KWONG HAS SOME 12 YEARS’ TEACHING EXPERIENCE. HE IS THE ELECTED LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBER OF THE TEACHING CONSTITUENCY AND PRESIDENT OF THE HONG KONG PROFESSIONAL TEACHERS’ UNION.

MR CHO YU-FUN IS AN ENGINEER BY PROFESSION, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL PARENTS-TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION.

/DR ALEXANDER .......

MONDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1992

DR ALEXANDER FUNG CHI-WAH IS PRINCIPAL OF THE LOK SIN TONG KU CHIU MAN SECONDARY SCHOOL. HE IS ALSO A MEMBER OF THE HONG KONG EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY AND VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF HEADS OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS.

MRS KATHY LEE CHIU KAM-HING IS SENIOR VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC NATIONAL BANK OF NEW YORK. SHE IS A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE SIR EDWARD YOUDE MEMORIAL FUND, A MEMBER OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE ON STUDENT FINANCE AND A FORMER CHAIRMAN OF THE PO LEUNG KUK.

PROFESSOR ARTHUR K C LI IS THE DEAN OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG’S FACULTY OF MEDICINE. HE IS ALSO A MEMBER OF THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE AND THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY.

OTHER MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION WILL CONTINUE TO SERVE IN THEIR EX-OFFICIO CAPACITY. THEY ARE:

* MR TIMOTHY HA WING-HO, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF

EDUCATION;

* MR GRAHAM CHENG CHENG-HSUN, CHAIRMAN OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL;

* MR ANDREW LI KWOK-NANG, CHAIRMAN OF THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE; AND

t MR DOMINIC S W WONG, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION.

THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, WILL CONTINUE TO SERVE AS VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION.

-----0-------

MID-STREAM CARGO HANDLING PLAYS KEY ROLE

*****

CARGO THROUGHPUT FORECASTS HAVE INDICATED THAT MUCH OF THE PORT WOULD NEED TO BE TRANSFORMED TO MEET FUTURE CHALLENGES AND THE MID-STREAM HANDLING OF CARGOES WOULD REMAIN A MAJOR AND ESSENTIAL ELEMENT OF THE PORT, THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR TONY MILLER, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

ALTHOUGH THE TRANSFORMATION WOULD MAINLY INVOLVE NEW CONTAINER TERMINALS, MR MILLER STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF THE MID-STREAM OPERATIONS.

"TN ORDER TO ENSURE THIS CAN BE ACHIEVED VARIOUS ELEMENTS OF PORT INFRASTRUCTURE, REGULATIONS AND INSTITUT1ONAL ARRANGEMENTS MUST BE ADAPTED TO SUIT IDENTIFIED FUTURE NEEDS," HE SAID.

/MR MILLER .......

MONDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1992

MR MILLER WAS SPEAKING AT THE 29TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION AND THE 1.6TH INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF THE OFFICE BEARERS OF THE HONG KONG CARGO VESSEL TRADERS’ ASSOCIATION THIS EVENING.

HE TOUCHED ON THREE MAIN FACTORS THAT DIRECTLY AFFECTED THE MID-STREAM INDUSTRY - PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREA (PCWA) OPERATIONS, PRIVATE WATERFRONT LAND AND THE CONTROL OF LOCAL CRAFT.

"THE PRINCIPLES OF MY PROPOSED PCWA REFORMS WILL BE FULLY DISCUSSED THROUGH THE EXISTING CONSULTATION CHANNELS WITH THE INDUSTRY," MR MILLER SAID.

"EACH PCWA WILL BE OFFERED TO A COMMERCIAL COMPANY FORMED BY THE OPERATORS, TO MANAGE AND OPERATE UNDER A FIXED-TERM CONTRACT. THE CONTRACTOR WILL PAY GOVERNMENT THROUGH A TENDER SYSTEM.

"THE GOVERNMENT WILL SEEK TO RECOVER ITS FULL COSTS, AND THE INDUSTRY, THROUGH THE CONTRACTOR, PROVIDE BERTHING FACILITIES FOR ITS OWN NEEDS.

"THE PORT OPERATIONS COMMITTEE HAVE ENDORSED THIS APPROACH IN PRINCIPLE, AND I AM SURE THAT MEMBERS OF THIS ASSOCIATION WILL CONTINUE TO GIVE IT PRACTICAL SUPPORT."

MR MILLER SAID HE WAS AWARE THAT MANY MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION HANDLED THEIR CARGOES ACROSS PRIVATE WATERFRONTS.

"THE LACK OF ADDITIONAL WATERFRONTS BECOMES CRITICAL AS MID-STREAM CARGO VOLUMES INCREASE, PARTICULARLY CONTAINERS. AND, WHEN CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON CONTAINER TERMINAL 9 IN THE NEAR FUTURE, THE SITUATION MAY BECOME WORSE," HE SAID.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE ADMINISTRATION WAS CURRENTLY ATTEMPTING 1’0 PROVIDE BOTH SHORT- AND MEDIUM-TERM SOLUTIONS BY IDENTIFYING AREAS OF WATERFRONT THAT THROUGH OTHER DEVELOPMENTS ARE NOT NEEDED FOR THEIR FINAL PURPOSE FOR THE NEXT FEW YEARS BUT MIGHT BE USED FOR CONTAINER HANDLING IN THE MEANTIME.

"IN THE LONGER TERM LAND FOR THIS PROBLEM.

PURPOSE SHOULD NOT BE A

"PLANS ARE WELL ADVANCED FOR TRADE TERMINAL AT TUEN MUN, TOGETHER NORTH COAST OF LANTAU."

THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE RIVER WITH A SIMILAR FACILITY FOR THE

HE ADDED THAT AFTER 1997, THE DEVELOPMENT OF TSEUNG KWAN 0 AND THE REDEVELOPMENT OF KAT TAK WOULD INCLUDE APPROPRIATE FACILITIES FOR MID-STREAM CARGO HANDLING.

TURNING TO THE CONTROL OF LOCAL CRAFT, MR MILLER SAID THROUGH THE LOCAL CRAFT REVIEW, THE EXISTING SYSTEMS WHICH WERE CONSIDERED OUTDATED WOULD BE CHANGED IN ORDER 1'0 SUIT MODERN OPERATIONAL NEEDS, WITHOUT COMPROMISING SAFETY.

/"OWNERS OF .......

MONDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1992

"OWNERS OF LOCAL CRAFT WILL SOON FIND VESSEL CONTROL SYSTEMS BEING AMENDED TO MAKI' LIFE I AS I ER FOR THEM IN THEIR DEALINGS WITH MY DEPARTMENT, WITHOUT THF NECESSARY SAFETY STANDARDS FALLING,” HE SAID.

’’THE MAIN PRINCIPLE OF THESE CHANGES IS TO CLEARLY STATE WHAT IS REQUIRED, PARTICULARLY ON SAFETY ISSUES, AND MOVE THE RESPONSIBILITY Ol CHECKING THESE STANDARDS FROM THE GOVERNMENT TO THE OWNERS, SO MAINIYINING STANDARDS BUT PROVIDING GREATER FLEXIBILITY IN THE OVERALL SYSTEM.”

------0--------

NEW DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE TAKES UP OFFICE

♦ t * ♦ ♦

THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR IAN STRACHAN, IODAY (MONDAY) TAKES UP HIS OFFICE.

MR STRACHAN SAID HE WAS LOOKING FORWARD TO THE CHALLENGING JOB.

"WE WILI HAVE TO WORK VERY HARD IN ORDER TO IMPLEMENT THE TARGETS IN THE SOCIAL WELEARE WHITE PAPER AND THE GREEN PAPER ON REHABILITATION.

"THIS WILL REQUIRE CO-OPERATION NOT ONLY BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT AND THE NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS BUT ALSO THE VISIBLE PUBLIC SUPPORT OF THE COMMUNITY,’ HE SAID.

MR STRACHAN SAID \ MATURE SOC I E ’EY WAS MEASURED BY THE WAY IN WIIKII IT LOOKED AFTER IIS VILNERABLI GROUPS VND INTERGRATED THEM WITHIN THE COMMUNITY AND THAT THIS WOULD BE A THEME WHICH HE WOULD CONSTANTLY REFER TO.

HE ADDED THAT HE HAD A LONG PERSONAL INVOLVEMENT THE DISABLED IN HONG KONG AND TH AT HF RECOGNISED THAI DISABILITY, MUST BE STRESSED.

WORKING WITH

ABILITY, NOT

"ALL THOSE WHO ARE VULNERABLE IN OUR SOCIETY, SUCH AS THE ELDERLY, THE UNDERPRIVILEGED CHILDREN, THE POOR AND THE HANDICAPPED, MUST KNOW THAT WE WILL PRo\ I DE THEM WITH THE NECESSARY HELP CONCERN SO THAI THEY CAN HAVE A RIGHTFUL AND INTEGRATED ROLE WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY," HE SAID.

MR STRACHAN, AGED 48, FIRST JOINED THF HONG KONG C|VIL_ SERVICE TN 1965 AND WAS APPOINTED '1’0 THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICI- IN 1971.

DURING THE EARLY YEARS OF HIS CAREER, MR STRACHAN SERVED IN THF SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, Till' THEN HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT, THE THEN SOCIAL SERVICES BRANCH, THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES administration and hie FINANCE branch.

more RECENTLY, HE WAS DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF HOUSING FROM 1986 TO 1987, PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT FINANCIAL SECRETARY FROM 19R< 10 1988 AND DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MARINE FROM 1988 TO 1990.

HF BECAME DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR SECURITY IN MAY 1990.

---------0-----------

/16 .......

MONDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1992

- 16 -

RESIDENTS URGED TO EXPRESS VIEWS ON POLITICAL REFORMS ♦ ♦ * * ♦

WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALDAN KWOK, TONIGHT (MONDAY) URGED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG'S POL IT I (’AL SYSTEM.

SPEAKING AT THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF THE WONG TAJ SIN LIONS CLUB, MR KWOK SAID THE COLLECTION OF MORE VIEWS WOULD ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT TO DRAW UP A CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM PACKAGE THAT WAS FAIR, OPEN AND ACCEPTABLE TO THE RESIDENTS.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, HAD STATED IN HIS POLICY ADDRESS THAT THE BEST GUARANTEE OF HONG KONG’S PROSPERITY WAS 1’0 PROTECT THE WAV OF LIFE HERE.

’’THEREFORE, IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO PROMOTE THE TERRITORY’S CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT Will LE WORK ING WITHIN THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW.

’’AND SOME PROPOSALS, FOR INSTANCE THOSE CONCERNING THE LOWERING OF THE VOTING AGE, THE SEPARATION OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS AND THE DEFINING OF FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES, ARE THE VITAL PARTS IN THE GOVERNOR’S REFORM PACKAGE.”

MR KWOK STRESSED THAT THESE WERE JUST PROPOSALS AND THE CO-OPERATION OF (’HINA, BRITAIN AND HONG KONG WAS NEEDED SO AS TO REACH A FINAL DECISION THAT COULD SATISFY \LL PARTIES.

------0-------

STAMP PACK 92 ON SALE ♦ ♦ * ♦ ♦

THE ACTING POSTMASTER GENERAL, MRS DORIS HO, ANNOUNCES TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE ANNUAL STAMP PACK FOR THIS YEAR WILL GO ON SALE FROM WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 30).

THE PACK CONTAINS ALL THE SPECIAL STAMPS ISSUED IN 1992. THEY ARE :

i YEAR OF THE MONKEX

♦ 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF ACCESSION TO THE THRONE OF HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II

♦ 1992 OLYMPIC GAMES

* STAMP COLLECTING

♦ CHINESE OPERA

* GREETINGS STAMPS

MRS HO SAID THE PACK, AT $88, WAS IDEAL XS X GIFT AND FOR PERSONAL COLLECTION.

/IT WILL .......

MONDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1992

- 17 -

IT WILL BE SOLD AT THE FOLLOWING SIX PHILATELIC OFFICES:

» BEACONSFIELD HOUSE POST OFFICE

* GENERAL POST OFFICE

* GRANVILLE ROAD POST OFFICE

* PEAK POST OFFICE

* SHA TIN CENTRAL POST OFFICE

* TS1M SHA TSUI POST OFFICE --------------------------0--------

WATER STORAGE FIGURE * * * *

STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 55.3 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 323.864 MILLION CUBIC METRES.

THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 176.856 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 30.2 PER CENT OF CAPACITY. ----------------------------------0-------

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

MONEY MARKET ♦ * * OPERATIONS * * $ MILLION

OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT REVERSAL OF LAF BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY EFFECT OF LAF TODAY CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER 1,500 NIL I ,500 NIL + 300 1,800 TWI 114.2 *+0.2* 28.12.92 /HONG KONG

MONDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1992

- 18 -

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS

TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD

1 WEEK 3.97 PCT 14 MONTHS 2402 5.50 100.67 4.94

1 MONTH 3.86 PCT 17 MONTHS 2405 5.50 100.55 5.15

3 MONTHS 3.99 PCT 20 MONTHS 2408 4.375 98.58 5.36

6 MONTHS 4.14 PCT 23 MONTHS 12 MONTHS 4.63 PCT TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 2411 2.858MN 4.625 98.55 5.52

CLOSED 28 DECEMBER 1992

- - 0----------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1992

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT MAKES PERFORMANCE PLEDGE TO PUBLIC 1

FOUR MORE MEN INFECTED WITH HIV ................................ 3

EIGHT CLINICS STAY OPEN ON NEW YEAR'S DAY ...................... 3

260 RETURN TO VIETNAM .......................................... 4

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS .............. 4

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .. 5

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1992

INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT MAKES PERFORMANCE PLEDGE TO PUBLIC *****

THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) ANNOUNCED A PERFORMANCE PLEDGE IN RELATION TO THE SERVICES IT PROVIDES TO THE PUBLIC.

THE PLEDGE DETAILS PERFORMANCE TARGETS WHICH HAVE BEEN SET FOR VARIOUS SERVICES CONCERNING ENQUIRIES, ASSESSMENT OF TAX RETURNS, TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES, OBJECTIONS AND TAX HOLDOVER CLAIMS, DOCUMENTS STAMPING AND BUSINESS REGISTRATION.

AN EXPLANATION IS ALSO INCLUDED OF ACTION THAT CAN BE TAKEN IF THE PERFORMANCE TARGETS ARE NOT MET.

THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE, MR ANTHONY AU-YEUNG, SAID IN THE PRESS CONFERENCE THAT BECAUSE HIS DEPARTMENT HAD CONSIDERABLE CONTACT WITH THE PUBLIC IT HAD BEEN SELECTED BY THE GOVERNOR, AS ONE OF SEVEN DEPARTMENTS IN THE FIRST BATCH, TO INTRODUCE THE PERFORMANCE PLEDGE SCHEME.

MR AU-YEUNG SAID HE WAS PARTICULARLY PLEASED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SCHEME AS IT TIED IN WITH THE RECENT EXPANSION OF HIS DEPARTMENT’S ENQUIRY FACILITIES.

THE PERFORMANCE PLEDGE RELATES LARGELY TO SERVICES THAT ARE ENQUIRY ORIENTATED. OWING TO THE NATURE OF THE DEPARTMENT’S ACTIVITIES THERE ARE SEASONAL PEAKS AND TROUGHS WHICH DIRECTLY AFFECT THE LEVEL OF SOME SERVICES PROVIDED.

"FOR THIS REASON THE LEAFLET WHICH SETS OUT THE DEPARTMENT’S PERFORMANCE PLEDGE INDICATES THE SERVICES WHICH ARE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS," MR AU-YEUNG EXPLAINED.

THE PLEDGE ALSO RECOGNISES THAT THE TARGETS FOR ANSWERING CALLS TO THE ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE DEPEND TO SOME EXTENT ON WHETHER OR NOT THE CALLS ARE MADE DURING PEAK TIMES.

ADDITIONAL, STAFF HAVE, HOWEVER, BEEN REDEPLOYED TO THE CENTRE TO IMPROVE THE SERVICE.

MORE, THE DEPARTMENT INTENDS TO INSTALL AN INTERACTIVE VOICE PROCESSING SYSTEM CONNECTED TO THE DEPARTMENT’S PRIME ENQUIRY NUMBER -594 0888.

WITH A SYSTEM OF THIS KIND THE CALLER IS GUIDED BY A RECORDING OF BASIC INSTRUCTIONS TO SELECT THE TYPE OF SERVICE DESIRED, SUCH AS TO LISTEN TO VARIOUS RECORDED INFORMATION MESSAGES, OR TO TALK WITH A MEMBER OF THE ENQUIRY CENTRE STAFF.

MR AU-YEUNG SAID PERSONAL CALLERS TO THE ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE WERE SERVED IN A PURPOSE-BUILT HALL LOCATED ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF THE DEPARTMENT’S NEW OFFICE AT 5 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI.

/MORE THAN

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1992

MORE THAN 20 COUNTERS ARE INSTALLED AND EACH IS EQUIPPED WITH A VISUAL DISPLAY UNIT TO PROVIDE DIRECT ACCESS TO THE DEPARTMENT’S COMPUTER DATABASE.

COPIES OF RETURNS AND NOTICES OF ASSESSMENT CAN BE ISSUED UPON REQUEST. MAIL CAN ALSO BE DELIVERED TO THIS AREA AND RECEIPTS ARE SUPPLIED IF NECESSARY.

FORMS FOR VARIOUS PURPOSES ARE AVAILABLE AND WRITING DESKS ARE PROVIDED. WITH SUCH FACILITIES A "ONE-STOP" SERVICE CAN BE ACHIEVED IN MOST CASES.

"MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE ENCOURAGED TO MAKE SUGGESTIONS AS TO HOW ANY ASPECT OF THE DEPARTMENT’S SERVICES MIGHT BE IMPROVED," MR AU-YEUNG SAID.

TO FACILITATE THIS, A CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER HAS BEEN APPOINTED.

"IF A PERSON WISHES TO COMPLAIN ABOUT ANY OF THE SERVICES PROVIDED, A COMPLAINTS OFFICER IS AVAILABLE AND MAY BE CONTACTED IN PERSON, BY TELEPHONE OR IN WRITING.

"IN THE EVENT THAT THE PERSON IS NOT SATISFIED WITH THE WAY IN WHICH THE COMPLAINT IS DEALT WITH HE SHOULD WRITE DIRECTLY TO THE COMMISSIONER," HE SAID.

THE LEAFLET SETTING OUT THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT’S PERFORMANCE PLEDGE WILL BE DISTRIBUTED THROUGH THE POST AND WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE AT THE DEPARTMENT’S ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE.

THE DEPARTMENT’S PERFORMANCE WILL BE MONITORED BY AN INDEPENDENT USERS’ COMMITTEE WITH MEMBERS PRIMARILY DRAWN FROM THE JOINT LIAISON COMMITTEE ON TAXATION.

FURTHERMORE, A SERVICE STANDARDS COMMITTEE HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT TO HELP THE MONITORING BODY.

UNDER THE PROGRAMME, THE COMMISSIONER WILL PUBLISH EVERY YEAR PERFORMANCE RESULTS AGAINST TARGETS, MR AU-YEUNG SAID.

"THIS IS AN IMPORTANT EXERCISE AND ACTIVE INVOLVEMENT AT ALL LEVELS OF THE DEPARTMENT WILL BE THE KEY TO ITS SUCCESS," HE SAID.

-----0------

/3 ........

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1992

FOUR MORE MEN INFECTED WITH HIV ♦ * * *

FOUR MEN WERE FOUND TO BE POSITIVE FOR THE HIV ANTIBODY TEST LAST MONTH (NOVEMBER), BRINGING THE NUMBER OF HIV-INFECTED PERSONS IN HONG KONG TO 332.

SPEAKING AT A MONTHLY MEDIA BRIEFING, THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH’S CONSULTANT PHYSICIAN (SPECIAL PREVENTIVE PROGRAMME), DR S S LEE, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT TWO HIV-INFECTED PERSONS HAD ALSO BEEN CONFIRMED AS AIDS PATIENTS DURING THE MONTH.

IN ADDITION, TWO AIDS PATIENTS DIED IN THE MONTH.

THIS BRINGS TO 72 CONFIRMED AIDS CASES WITH 47 DEATHS. THE OTHER 25 ARE EITHER UNDER COUNSELLING AND TREATMENT OR HAVE LEFT THE TERRITORY.

OF THE 332 HIV-1NFECTED, 61 WERE HAEMOPHILIACS, 231 ACQUIRED THE INFECTION SEXUALLY, SIX WERE DRUG ABUSERS, AND THREE WERE INFECTED THROUGH BLOOD TRANSFUSION BEFORE 1985 WHEN HIV ANTIBODY TEST WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

FOR THE REMAINING 31, THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE WAS INADEQUATE FOR CLASSIFICATION.

UNDER THE HIV SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME WHICH STARTED IN 1985, A TOTAL OF 254,661 BLOOD SPECIMENS HAVE BEEN TESTED FOR THE HIV ANTIBODY.

THE HONG KONG RED CROSS BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE HAS ALSO SCREENED ALL BLOOD DONORS FOR AIDS.

UP TO LAST MONTH, 1,170,570 UNITS OF BLOOD HAD BEEN TESTED AND 26 DONORS WERE FOUND POSITIVE.

EIGHT CLINICS STAY OPEN ON NEW YEAR’S DAY *****

THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TODAY (TUESDAY) ANNOUNCES THAT EIGHT GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINICS WILL STAY OPEN ON NEW YEAR’S DAY (FRIDAY).

THE EIGHT 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; THE LADY TRENCH POLYCLINIC, SHEK WU HUI JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC AND YUEN LONG JOCKEY CLUB HEALTH CENTRE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THE CLINICS WILL BE OPEN FROM 9 AM TO 1 PM. ALL OTHER GENERAL OUT-PATIENT AND EVENING CLINICS WILL BE CLOSED.

--------0 -----------

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1992

260 RETURN TO VIETNAM

* * * * *

A GROUP OE 260 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (TUESDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE UNHCR’S VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME.

COMPRISING 108 MEN, 61 WOMEN, 43 BOYS AND 48 GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 140TH BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.

THE GROUP BRINGS TO 12,332 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAVE RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 26,312 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN MARCH 1989.

-----0-------

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

TENDER RESULTS

*****

TENDER DATE 29 DECEMBER 1992 29 DECEMBER 1992

PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS

ISSUE NUMBER Q253 Y298

AMOUNT APPLIED HKD l,750MN HKD 850MN

AMOUNT ALLOTTED HKD 800MN HKD 290MN

AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED 4.05 PCT 4.80 PCT

HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED 4.07 PCT 4.80 PCT

PRO RATA RATTO ABOUT 4 PCT ABOUT 68 PCT

AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 4.08 PCT 4.91 PCT

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

TENDERS TO BF HELD IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 4 • JANUARY 1993-

TENDER DATE 5 JANUARY 1993 5 JANUARY 1993

PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS

ISSUE NUMBER Q301 H355

ISSUE DATE 6 JANUARY 1993 6 JANUARY 1993

MATURITY DATE 7 APRIL 1993 7 JULY 1993

TENOR 91 DAYS 182 DAYS

AMOUNT ON OFFER HKD 800+160MN HKD 300+60MN

--------0------------

/5 .........

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29,

1992

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****

$ MILLION

OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,800

REVERSAL OF LAF -300

BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 1,500

NET 1NJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL

EFFECT OF LAF TODAY NIL

CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,500

LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TW1 114.5 *+0.3* 29.12.92

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS

TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD

1 WEEK 4.22 PCT 14 MONTHS 2402 5.50 100.68 4.93

1 MONTH 4.03 PCT 17 MONTHS 2405 5.50 100.51 5.18

3 MONTHS 4.02 PCT 20 MONTHS 2408 4.375 98.56 5.37

6 MONTHS 4.15 PCT 23 MONTHS 241 1 4.625 98.51 5.54

12 MONTHS 4.78 PCT

TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 2.895MN

CLOSED 29 DECEMBER 1992

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1992

CONTENTS PAGE NO,

RESPECTABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH RATE TO CONTINUE ................. ]

SECRETARY RECOUNTS SECURITY MATTERS .......................... 3

MONETARY STATISTICS FOR NOVEMBER ............................. 5

TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE REVIEWS WORK TN 1992 ............ 8

CANADA LOWERS TEXTILE TARIFFS ................................ 9

NEW CHAIRMAN OF SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE APPOINTED . 9

LUNAR NEW YEAR MAIL SERVICE .................................. 10

WANCHAI OFFICES GET NEW NAMES ................................ 10

GURKHA WINS AWARD FOR CYCLONE RELIEF WORK .................... ]]

EXHIBITION TO PROMOTE HEALTHY LIFE ........................... ]2

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPFRATTONS ..

1 3

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1992

RESPECTABLE ECONOMIC

GROWTH RATE '1'0 (’ONT I NUE

♦ * * ♦ ♦

HONG KONG IS ON TARGET EOR A EIVE PER CENT GROWTH IN REAL TERMS EOR THE ECONOMY IN 1992 AND THIS GROWTH RATE IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REVIEWING HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE IN 1992 AT A PRESS BRIEFING, HE SAID OUR ECONOMH FUNDAMENTALS CONTINUED TO BE STRONG AND SOUND, W1 TH THE IMPETUS MAINLY COMING FROM STRONG RE-EXPORT PERFORMANCE AND BUOYANT DOMESTIC DEMAND IN BOTH CONSUMPTION AND INVESTMENT.

"THIS MADE IT POSSIBLE FOR US TO PLAN WITH CONFIDENCE FOR PUBLIC’ SECTOR SPENDING TO INCREASE IN REAL TERMS BY FIVE PER CENT A YEAR AND FOR THE GOVERNOR TO ANNOUNCE AN AMBITIOUS LONG-TERM PROGRAMME IN HIS POLICY ADDRESS," HE SAID.

HE NOTED TUT THIS RESPECTABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH RATE WAS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE ON AVERAGE THROUGH TO 1997, BARRING MAJOR ADVERSE CHANGES SUCH AS CHINA/USA TRADE PROBLEMS.

ON INFLATION, HE SAID HONG KONG WAS AGAIN ON TARGET FOR THE FORECAST 9.5 PER CENT FOR 1992 AND STRESSED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO TACKLE INFLATION AS BEST IT COULD.

AS FOR I'RADF, THE LATEST FIGURES SHOWED REAL INCREASE OF OVER 20 PER (’ENT IN THE TOTAL EXPORTS OVER A YEAR EARLIER.

TURNING TO THE PROPERTY MARKET, THE FINAN! I AL SECRETARY SAID ACTION TAKEN BV THE GOVERNMENT, COUPLED WITH 70 PER CENT CEILING FOR HOME MORTGAGE LENDING, HAD HAD COOLING EFFECT ON DOMESTIC PROPERTY SPECULATION.

HOWEVER, HE STRESSED THAT IT WAS STILL PREMATURE TO TALK ABOUT RELAXING THE LIMIT ALTHOUGH PR I ( ES IX RESIDENTIAI MARKET APPEARED TO HAVE EASED TOWARDS THE END Oh THIS MAR.

THE GOVERNMENT WOULD KEEP THE SITUATION UNDER REVIEW, HE ADDED.

ON THE BUDGET, HE POINTED OUT ’ III AT HI HAD HAD TWO ROUNDS OF INTENSIVE CONSULTATIONS WITH ALL LEGCO MEMBERS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE PREPARATION OF THE 1993 BUDGET, RESULTING IN THE SPENDING PRIORITIES BEING LARGELY REELECTED IN 'I'HF GOVERNOR’S POL If \ \DDRESS.

REVIEWING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE FINANCIAL AND MONETARY SECTORS, MR MACLEOD WAS PLEASED TO NOTE THAT THE COUNCI 1, OF STOCK EXCHANGE WAS NOW MORE REPRESENTATIVE OF I’HF INTEREST OF BROKERS AND MARKET USERS THROUGH V ARIOUS REFORMS AND RES IRLCTURI NG.

THE INTRODUCTION OF I’HF CENTRAI CLEARING \ND SETTLEMENT SYSTEM IN NOVEMBER HAD BEEN A GREAT STEP FORWARD IN DEVELOPING HONG KONG'S SECURITIES MARKET, HF SAID.

/HE ALSO .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1992

HE ALSO NOTED THAT THE 6447 POINTS ON NOVEMBER 12 AND INDEX NOW WAS STILL SOME 25 PER

HANO SENG INDEX HIT ALL-TIME HIGH OF DESPITE SUBSEQUENT FLUCTUATIONS, THE CENT UP ON THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR.

HE DESCRIBED THE AVERAGE DAILY VOLUME OF TRADING, $3 BILLION, AS HEALTHY, ADDING THAT THIS GENERATED EXTRA WELCOME REVENUE FROM STAMP DUTY ON SHARE TRANSACTIONS.

AT AND

ON MONETARY AFFAIRS, MR MACLEOD DECIDED TO SET UI’ THE HONG KONG MONETARY EFFECTIVENESS OF THE GOVERNMENT’S MONETARY INTERNATIONAL CONFIDENCE IN OUR ABILITY’ TO FINANCIAL STAB I 1.1 TY .

SAID THE GOVERNMENT AUTHORITY TO ENHANCE MANAGEMENT AND BOOST MAINTAIN HONG KONG’S

"OUR PLAN IS TO FORMALLY ESTABLISH THE AUTHORITY’ LN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1993,” HE SAID.

OTHER MAJOR EVENTS INCLUDED THE DISCLOSURE OF THE ASSETS AND LIABILITIES OF THE EXCHANGE FUND ON JULY 15.

“THIS HAS ADDED TO THE TRANSPARENT POLICY OF OUR LINKED EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEM WHICH HAS SERVED AS THE LINCHPIN OF FINANCIAL CONFIDENCE AND STABILITY’ IN HONG KONG,” MR MACLEOD SAID.

ON THE AIRPORT PROJECT, HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT TOOK THE IMPORTANT DECISION OF APPROACHING THE FINANCE COMMITTEE ON NOVEMBER 27 FOR FUNDS TO ALLOW THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY TO AWARD THE AIRPORT PLATFORM CONTRACT.

“THIS WAS A VITAL DECISION: IT ENABLED THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT TO TAKE AN IMPORTANT STEP FORWARD ON THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME AND AFFORDED MORE TIME TO SEEK AN AGREEMENT WITH CHINA ON THE OVERALL FINANCING PLAN.

“WE REMAIN COMMITTED TO FULFILLING OUR OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE MOU (MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING). WE WILL CONTINUE TO TAKE SENSIBLE STEP-BY-STEP APPROACH,” HE SAID.

ON HONG KONG’S PORT, HE NOTED THAT IN 1992, TOTAL CONTAINER THROUGHPUT GREW BY 29 PER CENT OVER 1991 WITH HONG KONG REPLACING SINGAPORE AS THE WORLD’S BUSIEST CONTAfNER PORT.

HE ADDED THAT CONSTRUCT1 ON OF CONTAINER TERMINAL S WAS GOING WELL AND THE FIRST BERTH WOULD COME INTO OPERATION IN YUGUST 1993.

’’THE FIRST BERTH OF CONTAINER TERMINAL 9, OFF SOUTHEAST TSING YI, IS REQUIRED BY 1995.

“THE GOVERNMENT IS CURRENTLY NEGOTIATING WITH THE SUCCESSFUL CONSORTIA, AND WE ARE OPTIMISTIC THAT A SATISFACTORY’ ARRANGEMENT WILL BE REACHED,” HE SAID.

LOOKING AHEAD TO THE COMING YEAR, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WAS BASICALLY CONFIDENT ABOUT HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC OUTLOOK IN 1993.

/HE NOTED .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1992

3 -

HE NOTED THAT THERE WERE A NUMBER OF FAVOURABLE FACTORS, INCLUDING THE SATISFACTORY RESOLUTION OF U.S.-CHINA NEGOTIATIONS OVER SECTION 301 OF THE U.S. TRADE ACT, CHINA’S TRADE LIBERALISATION MEASURES LN ITS MOVE TO GAIN GATT MEMBERSHIP, SIGNS OF ECONOMIC RECOVERY IN THE UNITED STATES, CHINA’S CONTINUED ECONOMIC REFORMS AND STRONG ECONOMIC LINKS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA, AND THE DYNAMIC GROWTH IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION.

MEANWHILE, CONTINUED INCREASE IN DOMESTIC DEMAND WAS ALSO EXPECTED IN VIEW OF SUSTAINED FULL EMPLOYMENT AND STEADY INCREASE IN INCOME, CONTINUED INVESTMENT IN MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT AMIDST PROSPECTS FOR GROWTH AND GENERALLY TIGHT LABOUR MARKET AND THE INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN HAND, MR MACLEOD ADDED.

ON THE MOST FAVOURED NATION (MEN) ISSUE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID UNTIL RELEVANT U.S. LAW WAS CHANGED, IT WOULD REMAIN SOMETHING OF AN ANNUAL BATTLE FOR HONG KONG.

"WE ARE REVIEWING OUR LOBBYING RESOURCES TO ENSURE THAT WE ARE BEST EQUIPPED FOR THE NEW U.S. POLITICAL LANDSCAPE.

"WE REMAIN FIRMLY OF THE VIEW THAT MFN IS THE WRONG TOOL FOR OTHER POLICY OBJECTIVES AND SHOULD NOT BE POLITICISED," HE SAID.

------0-------

SECRETARY RECOUNTS SECURITY MATTERS

*****

THREE MAJOR SECURITY-RELATED MATTERS THAT FEATURED PROMINENTLY IN 1992 WERE VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS, LAW AND ORDER, AND ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MR ASPREY SAID 1992 SAW A TURNING POINT ON THE VIETNAMESE MIGRANT ISSUE WITH A DRASTIC DROP IN NEW ARRIVALS AND A RECORD NUMBER OF RETURNEES.

"THE VIETNAMESE POPULATION - NOW STANDING AT 42,500 NONREFUGEES AND 2,500 REFUGEES - IS THE LOWEST SINCE MID-1989," MR ASPREY TOLD AN END-OF-YEAR NEWS CONFERENCE.

HE NOTED THAT THERE HAD BEEN VIRTUALLY NO NEW ARRIVALS IN 1992. VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION HAS BEEN GOING WELL, WITH AN AVERAGE OF OVER 1,000 A MONTH LEAVING HONG KONG OVER THE LAST 18 MONTHS.

IN ADDITION, ABOUT 3,400 REFUGEES HAD LEFT HONG KONG FOR RESETTLEMENT.

THE SUSTAINED DEPARTURES AND THE GREATLY REDUCED ARRIVALS HAD ENABLED THE GOVERNMENT TO CLOSE SOME DETENTION CENTRES.

/THE ARGYLE .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1992

THI« ARGYLE AND SHEK KONG DETENTION CENTRES HAD ALREADY BEEN CLOSED, AND THE GOVERNMENT HOPED TO CLOSE OTHER DETENTION CENTRES DURING 1993.

ON LAW AND ORDER, MR ASPREY NOTED THAT OVERALL CRIME WAS DOWN EIVE PER CENT IN 1992 COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS YEAR.

DESPITE SOME HIGH-PROFILE CRIME INVOLVING THE USE OF HEAVY FIREARMS, VIOLENT CRIME HAS ACTUALLY COME DOWN BY A SIMILAR PERCENTAGE,” HE SAID.

”1 HOPE TO SEE THE EARLY ENACTMENT OF THE ORGANISED AND SERIOUS CRIME BILL, WHICH WOULD GIVE US AN ADDITIONAL WEAPON TO FIGHT CRIME."

HE ALSO PRAISED THE POLICE FOR THEIR GOOD WORK IN DOING A VERY TOUGH JOB, AND POINTED OUT THAT THE PACKAGE OF MEASURES TO IMPROVE RECRUITMENT OF JUNIOR POLICE WAS WORKING, WITH RECRUITMENT UP 44 PER CENT ON THE PREVIOUS YEAR.

MR ASPREY SAID CAR THEFT REMAINED A MAJOR CONCERN.

"THE GOVERNMENT HAS INTRODUCED DRAFT LEGISLATION TO INCREASE rill. MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR CAR THEFT FROM THREE TO SEVEN YEARS. THIS SHOULD PROVIDE A GREATER DETERRENT EFFECT,” HE SAID.

HE ADDED THAT THERE HAD BEEN SOME SUCCESS IN COMBATING SMUGGLING ACTIVITIES, AND LOOKED FORWARD TO FURTHER LIAISON AND CO-OPERATION W|TH CHINA TO COMBAT SMUGGLING.

ANOTHER AREA THAT REMAINED A MAJOR CONCERN WAS ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION, HE SAID.

THE NUMBER OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARRESTED BY THE POLICE HAD GONE UP BY 40 PER CENT IN 1992. THIS HAD RESULTED IN OVERCROWDING IN PR I SONS.

"WE HAVE PUT FORWARD A PACKAGE OF MEASURES TO TACKLE THIS PROBLEM. THESE INCLUDE SUSPENDING EMPLOYERS OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM TENDERING FOR HOUSING AUTHOR ITY CONTRACTS; REQUIRING TIGHTER WORK SITE SECURITY; WIDER PUBLICITY, PARTICULARLY IN CHINA; AND SEEKING THE COOPERATION OF WORKERS IN REPORTING THE PRESENCE OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT WORKERS.

MR ASPREY ALSO HOPED THAT TOUGHER PENALTIES WOULD BE IMPOSED ON EMPLOYERS OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT WORKERS.

------0----------

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1992

- 5 -

MONETARY STATISTICS FOR NOVEMBER

* i ♦ ♦ *

HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS DECREASED SUBSTANTIALLY DURING NOVEMBER, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS PUBLISHED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH.

THIS IS MAINLY DUE TO THE HIGH BASE OF COMPARISON IN OCTOBER AND THE REFUNDING OF SHARES SUBSCRIPTION MONIES.

CONSISTENT WITH THIS, THE BROADEST HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY, M3, FELL IN NOVEMBER. HONG KONG DOLLAR LOANS AND ADVANCES ALSO DECREASED DURING THE MONTH.

DEPOSITS

INFLUENCED BY THE HIGH COMPARISON BASE TN OCTOBER DUE TO A NUMBER OF SHARE FLOTATION EXERCISES, HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS, ADJUSTED TO INCLUDE SWAP DEPOSITS, FELL SHARPLY BY 16.8% IN NOVEMBER FOLLOWING INCREASES OF 2.8% AND 19.1% IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER RESPECTIVELY.

MAINLY DUE TO THE REFUNDING OF SHARES SUBSCRIPTION MONIES OF THE (TUNA TRAVEL INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENT LTD, DEMAND DEPOSITS AND TIME DEPOSITS DECREASED RY 52.9% AND 10.6% RESPECTIVELY WHILE SAVING DEPOSITS INCREASED BY 0.1%.

YEAR-ON-YEAR, TOTAL HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS GREW BY 12.8%.

FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS DECREASED BY 0.5% IN NOVEMBER, AFTER INCREASES OF 1.5% AND 1.0% IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER RESPECTIVELY.

OF THESE DEPOSITS, U.S. DOLLAR DEPOSITS INCREASED BY 0.7% WHILE NON-U.S. DOLLAR DEPOSITS DECREASED BY 1.6%. YEAR-ON-YEAR, TOTAL FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS GREW BY 8.9%.

DURING NOVEMBER, DEPOSITS IN ALL CURRENCIES WITH LICENSED BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES FELL BY 9.1% AND 0.8% RESPECTIVELY WHILE DEPOSITS WITH RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS ROSE BY 6.9%.

YEAR-ON-YEAR, DEPOSITS WITH LICENSED BANKS GREW BY 12.0% WHILE DEPOSITS WITH RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES DECLINED BY 11.0% AND 21.8% RESPECTIVELY.

MONEY SUPPLY

HK$M1, HK$M2 AND HK$M3 DECREASED BY 41.6%, 16.1% AND 15.7% IN

NOVEMBER, COMPARED WITH INCREASES OF 54.2%, 18.3% AND 17.6% IN

OCTOBER.

YEAR-ON-YEAR, THESE MONETARY AGGREGATES INCREASED BY 22.8%, 14.1% AND 13.1% RESPECTIVELY.

/TOTAL Ml .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1992

TOTAL Ml, M2 AND M3 DECREASED BY 38.3%, 8.7% AND 8.3%

RESPECTIVELY IN NOVEMBER.

THESE COMPARED WITH INCREASES OF 49.7%, 9.4% AND 8.9%

RESPECTIVELY IN OCTOBER.

YEAR-ON-YEAR, THESE MONETARY AGGREGATES INCREASED BY 20.9%, 12.1% AND 10.7% RESPECTIVELY.

LOANS AND ADVANCES

TOTAL OUTSTANDING LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS DECREASED BY 5.6% IN NOVEMBER, FOLLOWING INCREASES OF 2.5% AND 3.5% IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER RESPECTIVELY.

AMONG THESE LOANS, HONG KONG DOLLAR LOANS DECREASED BY 14.0% WHILE FOREIGN CURRENCY LOANS DECREASED BY 1.0%.

COMPARED WITH A YEAR EARLIER, THESE LOANS INCREASED BY 13.4% AND 13.7% RESPECTIVELY.

LOANS TO FINANCE VISIBLE TRADE OF HONG KONG DECREASED BY 1.4% IN NOVEMBER, AFTER A DECREASE OF 1.9% IN SEPTEMBER AND AN INCREASE OF 0.04% IN OCTOBER. YEAR-ON-YEAR, SUCH LOANS GREW BY 6.2%.

OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG DECREASED BY 12.3% IN NOVEMBER, FOLLOWING INCREASES OF 2.3% AND 13.7% TN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER RESPECTIVELY. YEAR-ON-YEAR, THESE LOANS INCREASED BY 13.3%.

LOANS FOR USE OUTSIDE HONG KONG DECREASED BY 1.3% TN NOVEMBER, AFTER AN INCREASE OF 3.0% IN SEPTEMBER AND A DECREASE OF 2.5% IN OCTOBER. YEAR-ON-YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 15.0%.

LOANS TO FINANCE TRADE NOT TOUCHING HONG KONG INCREASED BY 3.3% DURING NOVEMBER, AFTER A DECREASE OF 1.8% IN SEPTEMBER AND AN INCREASE OF 2.9% IN OCTOBER. YEAR-ON-YEAR, THESE LOANS INCREASED BY 8.6%.

NUMBER OF REPORTING INSTITUTIONS

THE NUMBER OF REPORTING LICENSED BANKS INCREASED BY ONE TO 160 WHILE THE NUMBER OF RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES REMAINED UNCHANGED AT 55 \ND 147 RESPECTIVELY.

/TABLE 1 .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1992

TABLE : MONETARY STATISTICS - NOVEMBER 1992

(HKSmn)

Nov 1992

Earlier months (% change to Nov 1992)

Money Supply Oct 1992 Aug 1992 Nov 1991

Ml - HKS 134.847 230,705 ( -41.6 ) 128,021 ( 5.3 ) 109,822 ( 22.8 )

Foreign currency I7S866 16,879 ( 5.8 ) 16,469 ( 8.5 ) 16,488 ( 8.4 )

Total 152.713 247,584 ( -38.3 ) 144,490 ( 5.7 ) 126,309 ( 20.9 )

M2 - HKS* 714,330 851,699 ( -16.1 ) 700,939 ( 1.9 ) 625.891 ( 14.1 )

Foreign currency* 783,957 789,850 ( -0.7 ) 766,853 ( 2.2 ) 710.842 ( 10.3 )

Total 1,498,286 1,641,549 ( -8.7 ) 1,467,792 ( 2.1 ) 1,336,733 ( 12.1 )

M3 - HKS* 736,637 873,362 ( -15.7 ) 723,214 ( 1.9 ) 651,596 ( 13.1 )

Foreign currency* 819,174 823,510 ( -0.5 ) 803,141 ( 2.0 )• 753,714 ( 8.7 )

Total 1,555,811 1,696,872 ( -8.3 ) 1,526,355 ( 1.9 ) 1,405,310 ( 10.7 )

Notes and coins in circulation 57,051 56,748 ( 0.5 ) 56,287 ( 1.4 ) 47,512 ( 20.1 )

of which held by public 49,467 49,588 ( -0.2 ) 48,403 ( 2.2 ) 41,355 ( 19.6 )

Total Deposits

Total Demand deposits 103,246 197,996 ( -47.9 ) 96,088 ( 7.4 ) 84.955 ( 21.5 )

Total Savings deposits 351,547 352,604 ( -0.3 ) 349,928 ( 0.5 ) 307,303 ( 14.4 )

Total Time deposits with licensed banks 977,571 1,024,495 ( -4.6 ) 957.085 ( 2.1 ) 887,089 ( 10.2 )

Total Time deposits with restricted licence banks 36.556 34.183 ( 6.9 ) 36,650 ( -0.3 ) 41,068 ( -11.0 )

Total Time deposits with deposit-taking companies 19,031 19,187 ( -0.8 ) 20,088 ( -5.3 ) 24.331 ( -21.8 )

HKS deposits* 673,295 809,604 ( -16.8 ) 661,075 ( 1.8 ) 596.751 ( 12.8 )

USS deposits* 378.418 375.617 ( 0.7 ) 347,278 ( 9.0 ) 302,712 ( 25.0 )

Other foreign currency deposits* 436.238 443,245 ( -1.6 ) 451.486 ( -3.4 ) 445.283 ( -2.0 )

All deposits 1.487.952 1,628,466 ( -8.6 ) 1.459.839 ( 1.9 ) 1.344.746 ( 10.6 )

Foreign currency swap deposits 54,650 52,329 ( 4.4 ) 49.009 ( 11.5 ) 38,957 ( 40.3 )

Total Loans and advances

To finance H.K.’s visible trade 87,976 89,210 ( -L4 ) 90,878 ( -3.2 ) 82,837 ( 6-2 )

To finance merchandising trade not touching H.K. 11,823 11,450 ( 33 ) 11,333 ( 43 ) 10,885 ( 8.6 )

Other loans for use in H.K. 910,269 1,037,830 ( -12.3 ) 892,222 ( 2.0 ) 803,683 ( 13.3 )

Other loans for use outside H.K. 1.415.574 1,434.577 ( -L3 ) 1,427,802 ( -0.9 ) 1.231,048 ( 15.0 )

Other loans where the place of use is not known 37,498 37.266 ( 0.6 ) 38,150 ( -1.7 ) 39,696 ( -5.5 )

Loans in HKS 806,376 937,192 ( -14.0 ) 792.500 ( 18 ) 711,178 ( 13.4 )

Loans in foreign currencies 1,656,765 1.673.141 ( -10 ) 1,667.885 ( -0.7 ) 1.456.971 ( 13.7 )

Total loans and advances 2,463,141 2,610,333 ( -5.6 ) 2,460.384 ( 0.1 ) 2,168.149 ( 13.6 )

♦ Adjusted for foreign currency swap deposits. Starting from April 1991. swap deposits can further be broken down into US dollar and non-US dollar foreign currency swap deposits.

Note : ‘Restricted licence banks' and 'deposit-taking companies’ were known as 'licensed deposit-taking companies' and 'registered deposit-taking companies’ respectively before I February 1990.

------------------------•- 0--------------------------------------------------------

/8 ........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1992

8 -

TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE REVIEWS WORK IN 1992

*****

AT THE REQUEST OE SOME MEDIA ORGANISATIONS, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TRANSPORT ADV[SORA COMMITTEE, PROFESSOR C K LEUNG, ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT AS A REVIEW OF THE COMMITTEE’S WORK IN THE PAST YEAR:

”1992 HAS BEEN A VERY FRUITFUL YEAR FOR THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC) IN FULFILLING ITS ROLE OF ADVISING THE GOVERNMENT ON A WIDE RANGE OF TRANSPORT ISSUES CLOSE TO THE HEART OF THE TRAVELLING PUBLIC.

GIVEN THE SPECIALIST NATURE OF THE COMMITTEE, THE MEMBERS HAVE BEEN ABLE TO LOOK AT TRANSPORT ISSUES OBJECTIVELY AND IN DEPTH, BRINGING THEIR WIDE-RANGING EXPERTISE TO BEAR ON ALL ITS DELIBERATIONS.

IN THE YEAR UNDER REVIEW, TAC SCRUTINISED FARE INCREASES SOUGHT BY THE STAR FERRY, HK YAUMATEI FERRY, AND LANTAO BUS COMPANY IN A FAIR AND EQUITABLE MANNER RESULTING IN A REDUCTION IN THE LEVEL OF FARE INCREASES FINALLY APPROVED.

TAC ALSO CONTRIBUTED TO THE IMPORTANT DECISION OF SUCCESSFULLY INTRODUCING A SECOND FRANCHISED BUS OPERATOR ON HK ISLAND.

THIS WAS A MAJOR STEP FORWARD IN IMPROVING THE STANDARD OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES THROUGH HEALTHY COMPETITION AMONG THE FRANCHISED OPERATORS.

VALUABLE ADVICE WAS ALSO GIVEN IN THE YEAR O\ WAYS TO REDUCE TRAFFIC CONGESTION AT THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL AND TO MINIMISE TRAFFIC DISRUPTION DURING THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD WHICH IS DUE TO COMMENCE TN MID-1993.

IN ADDITION, ’IAC ENDORSED PROPOSALS FOR TACKLING THE PROBLEM OF OVERLOADED GOODS VEHICLES AND FOR EXTENDING THE MANDATORY WEARING OF SEAT BELTS TO REAR-SEAT PASSENGERS IN NEW PRIVATE CARS.

THE YEAR WAS ALSO CHARACTERISED BY THE COMPLETION OF A REVIEW OF THE TAXI POLICY BY A TAC SUB-GROUP RESULTING TN THE PUBLICATION OF A CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT UNTIL THE END OF NEXT FEBRUARY.

TAC MEMBERS ARE NOW ACTIVE IN CANVASSING PUBLIC OPINION ON THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT. NEITHER TAC NOR THE GOVERNMENT HAVE YET TAKEN A VIEW ON THE PROPOSALS TN THE DOCUMENT.

MEMBERS DO NOT CONFINE THEIR ACTIVITIES TO FORMAL MEETINGS. THEY ALSO MAKE REGULAR VISITS TO TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT FACILITIES IN THEIR ENDEAVOUR TO GAIN FIRST-HAND INFORMATION ON IMPORTANT TRANSPORT

ISSUES.

LOOKING AHEAD, TAC WILL PLAY A EVEN MORE ACTIVE ROLE IN 1993 NOT ONLY IN TRANSPORT OPERATION AND MANAGEMENT, BUT ALSO IN TRANSPORT PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT AND ASSESSMENT.

- - 0 - -

/9 ........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1992

- 9 -

CANADA LOWERS TEXTILE TARIFFS

*****

CANADIAN TEXTILE TARIFFS WILL BE REDUCED WITH EFFECT FROM FRIDAY (JANUARY 1). IT WAS ANNOUNCED IN A COMMERCIAL INFORMATION CIRCULAR PUBLISHED BY THE TRADE DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THE REDUCTIONS WILL BE PHASED IN AT A RATE OF 1.5 PERCENTAGE POINTS A YEAR, BEGINNING JANUARY 1.

ONCE FULLY IMPLEMENTED, THE REDUCTIONS WILL LOWER TARIFFS ON TEXTILE FIBRES, YARNS AND FABRICS TO MAXIMUM RATES OF 5 PER CENT, 10 PER CENT AND 16 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.

AT PRESENT, CANADIAN TEXTILE TARIFF RATES ON THESE PRODUCTS ARE 8 PER CENT, 13 PER CENT AND FROM 18 TO 25 PER CENT.

’’THIS REDUCTION WILL BRING THE CANADIAN TEXTILE TARIFFS MORE INTO LINE WITH TEXTILE TARIFFS IN OTHER INDUSTRIALISED ECONOMIES, PARTICULARLY THE UNITED STATES,” A TRADE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

’’THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT EXPECTS THAT THE REDUCTIONS WILL BENEFIT THE CANADIAN ECONOMY BY MAKING CANADA’S APPAREL AND OTHER TEXTILE-USING INDUSTRIES MORE COMPETITIVE.

"IT WILL ALSO BENEFIT CANADIAN CONSUMERS BY LOWERING COSTS OF CLOTHING AND OTHER FINISHED PRODUCTS,” THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

DETAILED TARIFF ITEM NUMBERS AND TARIFF REDUCTION PHASING-IN SCHEDULE ARE CONTAINED TN A NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY THE CANADIAN AUTHORITIES.

INTERESTED PARTIES MAY CONTACT THE NORTH AMERICA (COMMERCIAL RELATIONS) BRANCH OF TRADE DEPARTMENT ON 398 5403 FOR INFORMATION.

------0--------

NEW CHAIRMAN OF SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE APPOINTED * * * ♦ ♦

THE GOVERNOR HAS APPOINTED MR ERIC LI KA-CHEUNG AS CHAIRMAN OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (SWAC) FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS EFFECTIVE FROM DECEMBER 1.

IN ADDITION, THREE NEW MEMBERS HAVE BEEN APPOINTED TO SWAC. THEY ARE DR YEUNG SUM, MRS CATHY CHUANG FONG SHUE-FAI AND MR STEPHEN NG CHI-WING.

TEN INCUMBENT MEMBERS HAVE BEEN REAPPOINTED: MR HUI YIN-FAT, DR LAM KUI-CHUN, MR LI WAH-MING, DR AGNES NG MUNG-CHAN, MR PAUL YOUNG TZE-KONG, MR LINCOLN SOO HUNG-LEUNG, MISS ELSIE LEUNG 01-SEE, MRS CHONG WONG CHOR-SAR, PROFESSOR RANCE LEE PUT-LEUNG AND DR WONG HOI-KWOK.

/THE TERMS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1992

- 10 -

THE TERMS OF REFERENCE OF SWAC ARE:

* TO KEEP SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES UNDER CONTINUOUS REVIEW; AND

* TO ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT, THROUGH THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, ON ALL MATTERS OF SOCIAL WELFARE POLICY.

-----0-------

LUNAR NEW YEAR MAIL SERVICE

*****

THE ACTING POSTMASTER GENERAL, MRS DORIS HO, ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT A SPECIAL MAIL DELIVERY WOULD BE PROVIDED ON LUNAR NEW YEAR’S EVE (JANUARY 22).

NO DEL(VERY WILL BE MADE ON THE FIRST THREE DAYS OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR (JANUARY 23, 24 AND 25), SHE SAID.

ALL POST OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED DURING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS.

-----0------

WANCHAI OFFICES GET NEW NAMES

*****

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCES TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THREE GOVERNMENT OFFICES IN WAN CHAI WILL BE RENAMED FROM FRIDAY (JANUARY 1).

WANCHAI TOWER I WILL BE CALLED WANCHAI TOWER. TOWER II WILL BECOME IMMIGRATION TOWER, WHEREAS TOWER III WILL BE NAMED REVENUE TOWER.

THESE CHANGES ARE DESIGNED TO HELP MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO FIND MORE EASILY THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT AND THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT WHICH ARE VISITED BY LARGE NUMBERS OF PEOPLE EVERY DAY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

--------0-----------

/Il .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1992

- 11 -

GURKHA WINS AWARD FOR CYCLONE RELIEF WORK

* * * * *

A GURKHA SOLDIER SERVING IN HONG KONG HAS BEEN AWARDED THE BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL IN THE NEW YEAR’S HONOURS LIST PUBLISHED TODAY FOR HIS WORK WHILE DEPLOYED ON OPERATION FURTHERANCE, A DISASTER-RELIEF OPERATION IN WESTERN SAMOA FOLLOW[NG A CYCLONE.

LANCE CORPORAL SHLBARAM GURUNG, 31, WAS A MEMBER OF A TROOP FROM THE QUEEN’S GURKHA ENGINEERS BASED AT PEROWNE BARRACKS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WHICH WAS DEPLOYED TO WESTERN SAMOA IN DECEMBER 1991 IN THE WAKE OF CYCLONE VAL WHICH DEVASTATED THE ISLAND.

THE SAPPERS SPENT SEVERAL WEEKS HELPING IN THE RECONSTRUCTION AND RESTORATION OF ESSENTIAL SERVICES.

THEIR WORK CENTRED AROUND THE RECONSTRUCTION OF HOSPITALS, SCHOOLS, ROADS AND OTHER PUBLIC UTILITIES.

CORPORAL GURUNG HAS BEEN IN THE ARMY FOR 12 YEARS. HE IS MARRIED WITH TWO SONS.

OTHER MEMBERS OF THE

HONG KONG GARRISON TO

RECEIVE AWARDS ARE:

MBE

* MAJOR B P (BRIAN) AT CASSINO LINES,

STAFF WITH THE BRITISH UN CONTINGENT IN

CLESHAM, SERVING WITH

NEW TERRITORIES, AND

2ND GURKHA RIFLES FORMERLY CHIEF OF CYPRUS.

BEM

* CORPORAL MOON-CHUEN TSANG, HONG KONG MILITARY SERVICE CORPS, SERVED AS A SWEEP DOG HANDLER WITH THE DEFENCE ANIMAL SUPPORT UNIT SINCE 1979.

* LANCE CORPORAL BHUWANI PARS’AD GURUNG, SERVING WITH 2ND GURKHA RIFLES. FORMERLY SERVED IN THE BATTALION MEDICAL SECTION.

_ _ o----------

/12 ........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1992

- 12 -

EXHIBITION TO PROMOTE HEALTHY LIFE

*****

TWO HEALTH EXHIBITIONS ENTITLED ’’HEALTHY MEMBERS, HAPPY FAMILY” WILL BE HELD AT SHUN TAK CENTRE TN SHEUNG WAN AND TUEN MUN TOWN HALL BETWEEN JANUARY 4 AND 7 AND FROM JANUARY 8 TO 12 RESPECTIVELY.

ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH'S CENTRAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT, THE EXHIBITIONS AIM TO PROMOTE HEALTHY LIFESTYLE.

THE EMPHASIS WILL BE ON THE CAUSES OF SERIOUS HEALTH PROBLEMS SUCH AS HEART DISEASES, CANCERS AND HYPERTENSION AND THEIR PREVENTIVE MEASURES.

BESIDES STATIC DISPLAYS, THERE WILL BE AUDIOVISUAL SHOWS AND BOOTH GAMES.

STAFF FROM THE DEPARTMENT WILL BE ON HAND TO GIVE HEALTH ADVICE AND DISTRIBUTE HEALTH EDUCATION PAMPHLETS.

DETAILS OF THE EXHIBITIONS ARE:

♦ EXHIBITION SQUARE, THIRD FLOOR, SHUN TAK CENTRE, SHEUNG WAN.

JANUARY 4 2 PM TO 6 PM

JANUARY 5 TO 7 10 AM TO 6 PM

* EXHIBITION GALLERY, FIRST FLOOR, TUEN MUN TOWN HALL

JANUARY 8 3 PM TO 6 PM

JANUARY 9 TO 11 10 AM TO 6 PM

JANUARY 12 10 AM TO 4 PM

--------0------------

/13 .

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1992

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS * * * * *

$ MILLION

OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,500

REVERSAL OF LAE NIL

BALANCE AFTER REVERSL OF LAF 1,500

NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL

EFFECT OF LAF TODAY +500

CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,000

LAF RATE 2.00 B1D/4.00 OFFER TW1 114.20 *-0.3* 30.12.1992

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS

TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD

1 WEEK 3.83 PCT 14 MONTHS 2402 5.50 100.70 4.91

1 MONTH 3.78 PCT 17 MONTHS 2405 5.50 100.54 5.15

3 MONTHS 3.93 PCT 20 MONTHS 24 08 4.375 98.58 5.36

6 MONTHS 4.12 PCT 23 MONTHS 24 1 1 4.625 98.53 5.53

12 MONTHS 4.72 PCT

TOTAL TURNOVER OF 1 BILLS AND BONDS - 4, 546 MN

CLOSED 30 DECEMBER 1992

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN - SUPPLEMENT

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1992

EMBARGOED NEWS ITEM:

ATTENTION EDITORS OF

THE FOLLOWING ANNOUNCEMENT ON THE

NEWSPAPERS, NEWS AGENCIES

QUEEN’S NEW YEAR HONOURS LIST WILL BE

AND BROADCASTING STATIONS:

MADE IN LONDON AT 0001 HOUR GMT ON

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31.

PUBLICATION IS PERMITTED IN HONG KONG NEWSPAPERS TOMORROW (THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31), BUT NO NEWS AGENCY OR OVERSEAS RADIO TRANSMISSION OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT MAY CARRY THE INFORMATION WITHOUT THE EMBARGO QUALIFICATION.

THE NEWS MAY BE BROADCAST FROM 6 AM ONWARDS TOMORROW (THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31) OVER THE LOCAL RADIO AND TELEVISION STATIONS.

ON NO ACCOUNT SHOULD ANY OF THE RECIPIENTS OF HONOURS BE CONTACTED FOR INTERVIEWS, OR FOR. INFORMATION RELATED TO THEIR CAREERS, OR BE APPROACHED IN ANY WAY IN CONNECTION WITH THEIR AWARDS BEFORE

THESE HAVE BEEN PUBLICLY ANNOUNCED.

NEW YEAR HONOURS 1993 ♦ * ♦ * t

KNIGHT BACHELOR

(1) THE HONOURABLE WILLIAM PURVES, CBE, DSO, JP

CBE (4) DR VICTOR FUNG KWOK-KING, OBE PROFESSOR CHARLES K KAO THE HONOURABLE ANDREW LI KWOK-NANG, QU, JP MR YEUNG KAI-YIN, JP

OBE (6) MR RICHARD JOHN FREER HOARE, JP THE HONOURABLE MRS PEGGY LAM PEI YU-DJA, MBE, JP MR KEJ TH HARRY LOMAS, QPM, GPM MR CLIVE WILLIAM BAKER OXLEY, ED, JP MR JAMES TIEN PEI-CHUN, JP THE HONOURABLE PETER WONG HONG-YUEN, JP

ISO (3) MR ADOLF HSU IISUNG, JP MR DAVID LAN HONG-TSUNG, JP MR ALLAN CHARLES PYRKE, .JP

MBE MR PETER JOHN BIRKETT

(13) MR ARCHIBALD JOHN CHAN TAI-WING, QPM, CPM

MR HO MAN-FAT

MR ALBERT LAI KWOK-WING

MR LAU CHAK-BUN

MR SIMON LEE KWOK-YIN, JP

MR LI SHIU-TSANG, JP

MR JOHN LOK HSIAO-PE I

MRS VALERIE JEAN MCCOSH

MR MOK YIU-KWONG

MR RALPH PIXTON

MR LAURENCE TAM CHI-SING

MR TAM CHUNG-DING

MBE(MIL) MAJOR MICHAEL IP WING-HUNG

(1)

BEM

(15)

QPM

(2)

QFSM

(1)

MR CHAN SIK-YIU

MR JOHN CHAU SINN-TSUN

MR CHEUNG SHIU-HAY

MR CHEUNG SHUI

MR CHUNG KI-SUM

MR LAU HON-WAH

MRS KIMMY LEUNG CHAN SHUK-YING

MR LO YIU-CHO

MR PANG KEE-KEUNG

WARRANT OFFICER 2 BANDMASTER

TEODULO TOPACIO SARREAL

MR TSUI KUH-BOR

MR TUNG SHTU-BIU

MR WONG KAI-CHTH

MR WONG WAI-MAN

MISS CISSY YEUNG

MR VINCENT FRANCIS DEREK CHAPMAN, CPM

MR HECTOR MACDONALD WHITTON, CPM

MR CHOW WING-CHEONG, CPM

CPM MR CHAN KWONG-CHING

(18) MR CHAN PING-KWONG

MR CHIU KWOK-FAN

MR FUNG KWOK-PING

MR KWOK KWAN-YUNG

MR CLIFFORD LAMBURN

MR LAU KING-WAI

MR LI YUN-LAM

MR LO CH I-YUNG

MR LOONG KONG-LOK

MR JOHN CRICHTON STUART MCDOUALL

MR GERARD ANTHONY MCSTRAVICK

MR AHMAD NAZIR

MR WILLIAM IAN NICHOLSON

MR TAM KWOK-FAI

MR TSO KWOK-MING

MR ROSS CRAWFORD WILLIAMS

MR WONG FU-KWAN

BADGE of honour : MR CHAN BING-WOON

(19) MR CHAN CHUN-FAT MR CHAN KOON-YAU DR WILFRED CHAN SIU-YUEN, JP MR CHEUNG CH]-WING MR CHEUNG CHUN-HOI MR CHOW KEE-WING MRS VIVIEN FUNG MR LAU KONG-WAH MR LAU TIN-FUK MR JOHN LEE KING-CHEUNG MR STEPHEN LIU WING-TING MR LO KWOK-FAJ MR MAK HOI-WAH MR SHING YUEN-HING MR VINCENT TO WA1-KEUNG MR WONG LUNG-TAK MR WONG PING-KUEN MR WONG SIU-KEUNG •

DIPLOMATIC AND OVERSEAS LIST ******

BEM MR MOSES LAM

(1)

MILITARY DIVISION

*****

MBE MAJOR B P CLESHAM OF 2ND KING EDWARD VII’S OWN GURKHA RIFLES

(1)

BEM CORPORAL TSANG MOON-CHUEN OF HONG KONG MILITARY SERVICE

--- CORPS (3)

LANCE CORPORAL BHUWANIPARSAD GURUNG OF 2ND KING EDWARD VII’S OWN GURKHA RIFLES

LANCE CORPORAL SHIBARAM GURUNG OF QUEEN’S GURKHA ENGINEERS

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES ON RECIPIENTS

*****

KNIGHT BACHELOR

THE HONOURABLE SIR WILLIAM PURVES, CBE, DSO, JP

SIR WILLIAM PURVES WAS BORN AND EDUCATED IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. HE SERVED IN THE BRITISH ARMY - THE KING’S OWN SCOTTISH BORDERERS - FROM 1951 TO 1952 AND WON THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORD! L (DSO) DURING THE KOREAN WAR. HE JOINED THE HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION IN 1955 AND HAS WORKED FOR THE BANK IN A NUMB!” OF DIFFERENT COUNTRIES. HE BECAME CHAIRMAN OF THE BANK AND A MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IN 1987. HE IS ALSO ('HAIRMAN OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, A FORMER CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG SPORTS DEVELOPMENT BOARD AND IS INVOLVED IN A WIDE RANGE OF BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY WORK.

COMMANDER OF THE MOST EXCELLENT ORDER

OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE

(CBE)

DR VICTOR FUNG KWOK-KING, CBE

DR FUNG IS CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF PRUDENTIAL ASIA INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND GROUP CHAIRMAN OF LT AND FUNG LIMITED, HONG KONG. HE HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN A WIDE RANGE OF CIVIC AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING MEMBERSHIP OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION SINCE 1980. HE WAS APPOINTED CHAIRMAN OF THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL IN 1991.

PROFESSOR CHARLES K KAO, CBE

PROFESSOR KAO HAS BEEN VICE-CHANCELLOR OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG SINCE 1987. HE HAS CARRIED OUT PIONEERING RESEARCH WORK IN OPTICAL FIBRES FOR COMMUNICATIONS IN EUROPE AND IN THI USA. HE HAS HELD A SENIOR ACADEMIC POST AT YALE UNIVERSITY AND HAS PUBLISHED OVER 100 PAPERS AND RECEIVED SEVERAL PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS.

THE HONOURABLE ANDREW LI KWOK-NANG, CBE, QC, JP

MR LI IS A BARRISTER AND WAS RECENTLY APPOINTED TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. HF. WAS A MEMBER OF THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE FROM 1979 TO 1986, BECOMING DEPUTY CHAIRMAN AND CHAIRMAN SUCCESSIVELY IN 1988 AND 1989. HE HAS SERVED ON A NUMBER OF OTHER IMPORTANT BODIES AND COMMITTEES, INCLUDING THE CENTRAL POLICY UNIT, THE EDUCATION COMMISSION AND THE JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION.

MR YEUNG KAI-YIN, (’BE, JP

MR YEUNG JOINED THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SERVICE IN 1962. HE HAS HELD A NUMBER OF SENIOR APPOINTMENTS INCLUDING DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, COMMISSIONER OF THE HONG KONG EXPORT CREDIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY AND SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER. THE GREATER PART OF MR YEUNG’S CAREER HAS BEEN SPENT IN FINANCE AND ECONOMICS-RELATED POSTS. HE BECAME SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY IN MAY 1991.

OFFICER OF THE MOST EXCELLENT ORDER

OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE

(OBE)

MR RICHARD JOHN FREER HOARE, OBE, JP

MR HOARE HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SERVICE SINCE 1972 AND, WITH ONE SHORT BREAK, HE HAS BEEN PRIVATE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR SINCE 1986. IN THIS CAPACITY HE HAS SERVED THREE GOVERNORS AND ONE ACTING GOVERNOR. HE HAS RECENTLY RELINQUISHED HIS POST AND WILL ATTEND THE 1993 ROYAL COLLEGE OF DEFENCE STUDIES COURSE IN LONDON.

THE HONOURABLE MRS PEGGY LAM PEI YU-DJA, OBE, JP

MRS LAM HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SINCE 1988 AND HAS TAKEN PART IN MANY OMELCO PANELS AND LEGCO AD HOC GROUPS. SHE HAS ALSO BEEN ACTIVE IN A WIDE RANGE OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS OUTSIDE. IHE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL: THESE HAVE INCLUDED (’HAIRMAN OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD, THE ENVIRONMENTAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE AND THE HONG KONG AIDS FOUNDATION.

MR KEITH HARRY LOMAS, OBE, QPM, CPM

MR LOMAS JOINED THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE IN 1957 AND HAS SERVED IN MANY AREAS OF THE FORCE, INCLUDING THE UNIFORM AND SPECIAL BRANCHES. HE BECAME DIRECTOR OF PERSONNEL AND TRAINING IN 1985 AND SUBSEQUENTLY DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF POLICE FOR MANAGEMENT.

MR CLIVE WILLIAM BAKER OXLEY, OBE, ED, JP

MR OXLEY JOINED THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SERVICE IN 1969. DURING HIS CAREER HE HAS BEEN DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING, DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR MUNICIPAL SERVICES AND DEPUTY SECRETARY (LANDS AND PLANNING). HE TOOK UP HIS PRESENT APPOINTMENT AS COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE IN OCTOBER 1990.

MR JAMES TIEN PEI-CHUN, OBE, JP

MR TIEN IS THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF A LARGE GARMENT MANUFACTURING COMPANY. HE HAS BEEN CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL SINCE 1988 AND A MEMBER OF THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD SINCE 1986. HE IS A MEMBER OF A NUMBER OF OTHER TRADE AND INDUSTRY RELATED BODIES AND WAS A LEG ISLATIVE COUNCILLOR FROM 1988 TO 1991 .

/9.........

THE HONOURABLE PETER WONG HONG-YUEN, OBE, JP

MR WONG HAS REPRESENTED THE ACCOUNTANCY FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SINCE 1988 AND IS A MEMBER OF A NUMBER OF THE COUNCIL’S COMMITTEES. IN ADDITION, HE HAS BEEN THE DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF THE OPEN LEARNING INSTITUTE AND THE SOCIETY FOR THE RELIEF OF DISABLED CHILDREN, AND A MEMBER OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY.

COMPANION OF THE IMPERIAL SERVICE ORDER

( ISO)

MR ADOLF HSU HSUNG, ISO, JP

MR HSU JOINED THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SERVICE IN 1958 AND HIS PREVIOUS APPOINTMENTS HAVE INCLUDED DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, COMMISSIONER OF THE SURVEY OFFICE AND REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES. HE TOOK UP HIS PRESENT POST OF DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SERVICES IN 1991.

MR DAVID LAN HONG-TSUNG, ISO, JP

MR LAN HAS BEEN IN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SERVICE FOR 31 YEARS AND HE IS CURRENTLY PRINCIPAL HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE REPRESENTATIVE IN TOKYO. HIS PREVIOUS SENIOR APPOINTMENTS HAVE INCLUDED DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON.

MR ALLAN CHARLES PYRKE, ISO, JP

MR PYRKE JOINED THE MARINE DEPARTMENT AS A SURVEYOR OF SHIPS IN 1966 AND HAS WORKED IN THE DEPARTMENT EVER SINCE. HE WAS APPOINTED SURVEYOR GENERAL OF SHIPS fN 1981 AND DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MARINE IN 1990.

/10........

MEMBER OF THE MOST EXCELLENT ORDER

OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE

(MBE)

MR PETER JOHN BIRKETT, MBE

MR BIRKETT JOINED THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT IN 1978 AFTER SERVICE IN THE ROYAL AIR FORCE AND AS AN AIRLINE PILOT. HIS CURRENT RANK IS ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION, AND MUCH OF HIS WORK HAS BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH AVIATION SAFETY.

MR ARCHIBALD JOHN CHAN TA I-WING, MBE, QPM, CPM

MR CHAN IS THE COMMANDANT OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY POLICE FORCE. HE JOINED THE POLICE RESERVE IN 1953 AND HE WAS APPOINTED COMMANDANT IN 1987. HE IS A SENIOR EXECUTIVE WITH AN OIL COMPANY.

MR HO MAN-FAT, MBE

MR HO IS THE CHAIRMAN AND PUBLISHER OF THE SING PAO NEWSPAPER AND HAS BEEN IN THE NEWSPAPER BUSINESS FOR 60 YEARS. SING PAO PIONEERED THE USE OF SEVERAL NEW TECHNIQUES, SUCH AS OFFSET PRINTING, COLOUR AND COMPUTERISATION.

MR ALBERT LAI KWOK-WING, MBE

MR LAI HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE BOARDS OF DIRECTORS OF THE POK 01 HOSPITAL AND TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS AND WAS CHAIRMAN OF THE TUNG WAH BOARD IN 1989. HE HAS ALSO BEEN CO-CHAIRMAN OF THE TANG SHIU KIN AND HO TIM CHARITABLE FUND AND A MEMBER OF THE GRANTHAM SCHOLARSHIP FUND.

MR LAU CHAK-BUN, MBE

MR LAU HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SINCE 1956 AND WAS APPOINTED PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (PHYSICAL EDUCATION) IN 1991. HE HAS BEEN CLOSELY ASSOCIATED WITH THE SPORT OF BASKETBALL, BOTH AS A PLAYER AND AN ADMINISTRATOR.

MR SIMON LEE KWOK-YIN, MBE, JP

MR LEE IS A BUSINESSMAN. HE HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR THE DEAF SINCE 1974 AND ITS CHAIRMAN SINCE 1978. IN JANUARY 1992 HE BECAME A MEMBER OF THE REHABILITATION DEVELOPMENT COORDINATING COMMITTEE.

/Il ........

MR 1.1 SHIU-TSANG, MBE, JP

MR bl HAS MADE DONATIONS TO A NUMBER OF SCHOOLS AND SCHOLARSHIPS. IN ADDITION, HE IS DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG BOARD OF THE UNITED WORLD COLLEGE AND A MEMBER OF THE LI PO CHUN CHARITABLE TRUST. HE HAS BEEN DEEPLY INVOLVED WITH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE UNITED WORLD COLLEGE IN HONG KONG.

MR JOHN LOK HSIAO-PEI, MBE

MR LOK IS THE CHAIRMAN OF TWO CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES. HE HAS BEEN AN OFFICER OR MEMBER OF A NUMBER OF PROFESSIONAL BODIES RELATED TO THE INDUSTRY AND A MEMBER OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL SINCE 19 8 *1 . HE WAS ALSO A MEMBER OF THE BASIC LAW CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE AND HAS BEEN INVOLVED WITH SEVERAL OTHER

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES.

MRS VALERIE JEAN MCCOSH, MBE

MRS MCCOSH IS THE SENIOR PERSONAL ASSISTANT TO SECRETARY. SHE HAS HELD HER PRESENT POST SINCE 1984 AND THREE SUCCESSIVE CHIEF SECRETARIES.

THE CHIEF

HAS SERVED

MR MOK YIU-KWONG, MBE

MR MOK JOINED THE FORMER RESETTLEMENT DEPARTMENT IN 1954 AND HAS COMPLETED NEARLY 39 YEARS OF SERVICE IN THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT. HE WAS APPOINTED ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF HOUSING IN 1987 AND IN 1989 HE WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR TAKING CHARGE FROM THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES OF TWO VIETNAMESE CAMPS IN TUEN MUN.

MR RALPH PIXTON, MBE

MR PIXTON HAS BEEN A BROADCASTER WITH RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG FOR 30 YEARS. HE IS A REGULAR NEWS READER, HE WAS INVOLVED IN THE ORIGINAL "OPERATION SANTA CLAUS" AND HAS PRESENTED THE OPEN LINE PROGRAMME ALMOST CONTINUOUSLY’ SINCE THE EARLY 1970S.

MR LAURENCE TAM CH I-SING, MBE

MR TAM IS THE CHIEF CURATOR OF THE HONG KONG MUSEUM OF ART AND PLANNED AND MONITORED THE COMMISSION OF THE MUSEUM AND THE HONG KONG VISUAL ART CENTRE. HE HAS PLANNED AND ORGANISED OVER 200 ART EXHIBITIONS AND IS HIMSELF A WELL KNOWN ARTIST.

/12 .......

MR TAM CHUNG-DING, MBE

MR TAM IS THE SENIOR. VICE-PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER (ASIA-PACIFIC OPERATIONS) OF MOTOROLA SEMICONDUCTORS HONG KONG LIMITED. HE HAS SERVED ON VARIOUS BOARDS AND COMMITTEES OF FIVE DEGREE-CONFERRING TERTIARY EDUCATION ESTABLISHMENTS IN HONG KONG AND HAS BEEN CLOSELY ASSOCIATED WITH MANY TRADE AND INDUSTRIAL ORGANISATIONS.

MEMBER OF THE MOST EXCELLENT ORDER

OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE (MILITARY DIVISION)

(MBE)

MAJOR MICHAEL IP WING-HUNG, MBE

MAJOR IP HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS) SINCE 1964. HE HAS HELD A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT POSTS IN THE REGIMENT AND CURRENTLY COMMANDS THE TRAINING SQUADRON.

BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL

( BEN)

MR CHAN SIK-YIU, BEM

MR CHAN HAS BEEN A POLISHER IN THE GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT’S FURNITURE WORKSHOP FOR 40 YEARS.

MR JOHN CHAU SINN-TSUN, BEM

MR CHAU JOINED THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT AS AN AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL ASSISTANT IN 1961. HE NOU ASSISTS WITH THE SELECTION AND TRAINING OF NEW RECRUITS TO AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL DUTIES.

MR CHEUNG SHIU-HAY, BEM

MR CHEUNG IS A SENIOR HOSPITAL FOREMAN. HE HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE SUPERVISORY STAFF OF THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICES FOR 28 YEARS.

/13 ........

MR CHEUNG SHUI, BEM

MR CHEUNG JOINED THE CIVIL AID SERVICES AS A VOLUNTEER IN 1958. HE HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN BOTH TRAINING AND OPERATIONAL DUTIES AND HAS ASSISTED AT MANY MAJOR INCIDENTS.

MR CHUNG KI-SUM, BEM

MR CHUNG IS A PSYCHIATRIC ENROLLED NURSE. HE HAS BEEN IN GOVERNMENT SERVICE FOR 28 YEARS AND HAS WORKED IN A VARIETY OF PSYCHIATRIC ESTABLISHMENTS.

MR LAU HON-WAH, BEM

HAS ALSO INCLUDING

MR LAU IS A VOLUNTEER MEMBER OF BEEN INVOLVED IN A WIDE RANGE LIFE-SAVING TRAINING.

THE CIVIL AID SERVICES. HE

OF OTHER COMMUNITY WORK,

MRS KIMMY LEUNG CHAN SHUK-YING, BEM

MRS LEUNG HAS OVER 31 YEARS IN GOVERNMENT, INITIALLY AS TYPIST AND LATER AS A CONFIDENTIAL ASSISTANT. SHE IS CURRENTLY EMPLOYED IN THE HOSPITAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

MR LO YIU-CHO, BEM

MR LO JOINED THE GOVERNMENT SERVICE PROMOTED TO SENIOR ACCOUNTING OFFICER IN 1982 TREASURY DEPARTMENT.

IN 1952.

AND WORKS

HE WAS

IN THE

MR PANG KEE-KEUNG, BEM

MR PANG IS AN OFFICER IN THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND JOINED THE SERVICES IN 1966. FOR MOST OF HIS CAREER HE HAS WORKED WITH YOUNG OFFENDERS.

WARRANT OFFICER 2 BANDMASTER.

TEODULO TOPACIO SARREAL, BEM

WARRANT OFFICER SARREAL JOINED THE BAND OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS) IN 1966. HF. HAS BEEN THE REGIMENTAL BANDMASTER SINCE 1974.

MR TSUI KUM-BOR, BEM

MR TSUI HAS COMPLETED OVER 31 YEARS SERVICE WITH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT. HE IS CURRENTLY CHIEF HOSPITAL FOREMAN IN CHARGE OF THE SUPPLIES OFFICE AT THE PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL.

/14 .......

MR TUNG SHIU-BIU, BEM

MR TUNG HAS WORKED IN THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT SINCE 1960, PRINCIPALLY WITH RECREATIONAL FACILITIES. FOR THE LAST 10 YEARS HE HAS BEEN EMPLOYED IN LANDSCAPE PLANNING AND DESIGN.

MR WONG KAI-CHIH, BEM

MR WONG IS A SENIOR CLERICAL OFFICER WITH OVER 37 YEARS’ SERVICE IN GOVERNMENT. FOR THE LAST 20 YEARS HE HAS WORKED IN THE FINANCE BRANCH.

MR WONG WAI-MAN, BEM

MR WONG SERVED IN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT FOR 40 YEARS. HE IS NOW RETIRED AND HIS LAST POST WAS IN THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT AS A MOTOR DRIVER.

MISS CISSY YEUNG, BEM

MISS YEUNG HAS BEEN CLOSELY INVOLVED SINCE 1952 WITH THE HONG KONG BRANCH OF THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL COMMITTEE FOR EUROPEAN MIGRATION, NOW KNOWN AS THE INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATION FOR MIGRATION (IOM). THE IOM ASSISTS WITH VIETNAMESE PEOPLE RETURNING TO THEIR COUNTRY UNDER THE UNHCR’S VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME.

QUEEN’S POLICE MEDAL FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICES

(QPM)

MR VINCENT FRANCIS DEREK CHAPMAN, QPM, CPM

MR CHAPMAN HAS BEEN IN THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FOR 32 YEARS AND IS A FORMER COMMANDANT OF THE POLICE TACTICAL UNIT. FOR THE LAST FIVE YEARS HE HAS BEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PREPARATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PLANS FOR THE POLICE TO TAKE OVER BORDER SECURITY DUTIES FROM THE BRITISH ARMY.

MR HECTOR MACDONALD WHITTON, QPM, CPM

MR WHITTON IS CURRENTLY AN ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF POLICE AND DEPUTY DIRECTOR PERSONNEL. HE JOINED THE FORCE IN 1962 AND PREVIOUS SENIOR APPOINTMENTS HAVE INCLUDED CHIEF STAFF OFFICER, STAFF RELATIONS AND DEPUTY REGIONAL COMMANDER, NEW TERRITORIES.

/15........

QUEEN’S FIRE SERVICE MEDAL FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE

(QFSM)

MR CHOW WING-CHEONG, QFSM, CPM

MR CHOW HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE FIRE SERVICES SINCE 1960. HE HAS TAKEN CHARGE OF A NUMBER OF MAJOR OPERATIONS, AND IS AT PRESENT A CHIEF FIRE OFFICER AND HEADS THE FIRE PROTECTION BUREAU.

COLONIAL POLICE MEDAL FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE

(CPM)

MR CHAN KWONG-CHING, CPM

MR CHAN JOINED THE FIRE SERVICES IN 1967 AND BECAME A SENIOR AMBULANCEMAN IN 1974. HE WAS PROMOTED TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF SUPERINTENDENT (AMBULANCE) IN 1989.

MR CHAN PING-KWONG, CPM

MR CHAN IS A CHIEF SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE (AUXILIARY) AND HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY POLICE SINCE 1970. IN CIVILIAN LIFE HE IS A SUPERINTENDENT IN THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

MR CHIU KWOK-FAN, CPM

MR CHIU HAS BEEN WITH THE AMBULANCE SERVICE OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT SINCE 1966. HE WAS PROMOTED TO PRINCIPAL AMBULANCEMAN IN 1976.

MR FUNG KWOK-PING, CPM

MR FUNG HAS SERVED ALMOST EXCLUSIVELY IN THE UNIFORM BRANCH OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE AND IS CURRENTLY A SUPERINTENDENT. HE JOINED THE FORCE IN 1962.

/16 .......

NR KWOK KWAN-YUNG, CPM

MR KWOK ENTERED THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE IN 1959 AND WAS PROMOTED INSPECTOR IN 1983. MUCH OF HIS SERVICE HAS BEEN IN THE HONG KONG ISLAND REGION.

MR CLIFFORD LAMBURN, CPM

MR LAMBURN WAS RECRUITED FROM THE SOUTH WALES CONSTABULARY IN 1981 TO BE OFFICER-IN-CHARGE OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE DOG UNIT. HE HAS BEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FORCE’S OWN DOG BREEDING PROGRAMME.

MR LAU KING-WAI, CPM

MR LAU IS CURRENTLY A CHIEF INSPECTOR AND JOINED THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE IN 1965. HE HAS SERVED IN THE UNIFORM BRANCH AND THE CRIME STREAM.

MR LI YUN-LAM, CPM

MR LI JOINED THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE IN 1961 AFTER SERVICE AS A CONSTABLE (AUXILIARY). HE HAS WORKED IN THE POLICE TACTICAL UNIT AND ON CRIME DUTIES AND WAS PROMOTED TO STATION SERGEANT IN 1977.

MR LO CHI-YUNG, CPM

MR LO HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE FOR 34 YEARS AND WAS PROMOTED TO STATION SERGEANT TN 1973. HE HAS SERVED IN THE UNIFORM AND SPECIAL BRANCHES AND WILL RETIRE IN FEBRUARY 1993.

MR LOONG KONG-LOK, CPM

MR LOONG JOINED THE FIRE SERVICES IN 1960. HE WAS PROMOTED

TO UIS PRESENT RANK OF SENIOR DIVISIONAL OFFICER IN 1990.

MR JOHN CRICHTON STUART MCDOUALL, CPM

MR MCDOUALL HAS 21 YEARS’ SERVICE IN THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE IN A VARIETY OF POSTS INCLUDING UNIFORM BRANCH, CRIME HEADQUARTERS AND THE POLICE TRAINING SCHOOL. HE WAS PROMOTED TO SUPERINTENDENT IN 1985.

/17........

MR GERARD ANTHONY MCSTRAVLCK, CPM

DURING HIS 29 YEARS IN THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE, MR

ilCSTRAVICk HAS SERVED IN THE UNIFORM BRANCH, SPECIAL BRANCH, TRAFFIC, CRIME STREAM \ S) IN ADMINISTRATIVE AND STAFF DUTIES. HE KAS PROMOTED TO SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT IN 198G.

MR AHMAD NAZIR, PM

MR NAZIR JOINED THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE

IN 1961

AND WAS PROMO IM) TO STATION SERGEANT IN 1979. HE HAS SERVED IN UNIFORM BRANCH THROUGHOUT HIS CAREER AND HAS BEEN ACTIVE IN THE PAKISTANI COMMUNITY IN Till. FORCE.

MR WILLIAM IAN NICHOLSON, CPM

MR NICHOLSON HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG

POLICE FORCE SINCE 1969. HE WAS PROMOTED TO CHIEF SUPERINTENDENT IN 1991 AND IS CURRENTLY DISTRICT COMMANDER, TUEN MUN.

MR TAM KWOK-FAI, CPM

MR TAM HAS SERVED IN THE UNIFORM BRANCH AND ON CRIMINAL

INVESTIGATION DUTIES DURING HIS 23 YEARS IN THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE. HE WAS PROMOTED TO STATION SERGEANT IN 1979.

MR TSO KWOK-MING, CPM

MR TSO JOINED THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN 1960 AND

REACHED HIS PRESENT RANK OF PRINCIPAL FIREMAN IN 1978. HE HAS SERVED IN THE OPERATIONAL FIRE COMMANDS AND THE FIRE SERVICES HEADQUARTERS.

MR ROSS CRAWFORD WILLIAMS, CPM

MR WILLIAMS WAS APPOINTED DISTRICT COMMANDER, MONG KOK IN

1990. HE HAS SERVED IN THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE FOR 25 YEARS AND WAS PROMOTED TO SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT IN 1985.

MR WONG FU-KWAN, CPM

DURING HIS 27 YEARS WITH THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE,

MR WONG HAS SERVED IN THE UNIFORM BRANCH, SPECIAL BRANCH AND THE CRIME STREAM. HE WAS PROMOTED TO STATION SERGEANT IN 1988.

/18

BADGE OF HONOUR

MR CHAN BING-WOON

MR CHAN IS A MEMBER OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD AND HAS I.EEN CHAIRMAN OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE SINCE 1986. HE IS \LSO INVOLVED IN OTHER COMMUNITY WORK.

MR CHAN CHUN-FAT

MR ( HAN HAS BEEN \ MEMBER OF THE WONG TA I SIN DISTRICT BOARD SINCE 1985 AND HAS DONE MUCH WELFARE WORK FOR YOUTH AND THE ELDERLY. HI1; IS ALSO A FORMER CHAIRMAN OP THE DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE.

MR ( HAN KOON-YAU

MR CHAN IS A LONG-SERVING COMMUNITY LEADER JN TAI PO AND HAS BEEN A DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER SINCE 1982. HE IS CHAIRMAN OF THE SUMMER. YOUTH PROGRAMME COMMITTEE AND HAS TAKEN A CLOSE INTEREST IN ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS.

DR WILFRED CHAN SIU-YUEN, .IP

THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF A MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCY FIRM, DR CHAN HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE POLK E COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE SINCE 1986. HE WAS MADE A JP IN 1985.

MR CHEUNG CH I-WING

MR CHEUNG HAS BEEN AN ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER SINCE 1985. A RETIRED FISHERMAN, HE IS STILL ACTIVE ON BEHALF OF THE FISHING COMMUNITY.

MR CHEUNG CHUN-HOI

MR CHEUNG HAS BEEN A MEMBEI? OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE SINCE 1985 AND ITS CHAIRMAN SINCE 1987. IN ADDITION, HE HAS BEEN CHAIRMAN OF THE HANG HAU AREA COMMITTEE FOR THREE CONSECUTIVE TERMS.

MR CHOW KEE-WING

MR CHOW HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN COMMUNITY SERVICE IN YUEN LONG SINCE 1984. HE IS A MEMBER OF THE DISTRICT BOARD AND HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN A RANGE OF COMMUNITY WORK, PARTICULARLY IN CONNECTION WITH THE ARTS AND SPORT.

/19 .......

MRS VIVIEN FUNG

MRS FUNG HAS BEEN CHAIRPERSON OF THE HONG KONG TENPIN BOWLING ASSOCIATION FOR SIX YEARS AND HAS HELPED TO RAISE TOP HONG KONG PLAYERS TO INTERNATIONAL STANDARD. SHE HAS ALSO BEEN AN OFFICE BEARER OF THE AMATEUR SPORTS FEDERATION AND OLYMPIC COMMITTEE OF HONG KONG.

MR LAU KONG-WAH

MR LAU HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN COMMUNITY WORK IN SHA TIN FOR 10 YEARS AND IS A MEMBER OF THE DISTRICT BOARD AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL. HE HAS BEEN ACTIVE TN A WIDE RANGE OF PUBLIC AND COMMUNITY SERVICE.

MR LAU TIN-FUK

MR LAU HAS A 20-YEAR RECORD OF COMMUNITY SERVICE AND WAS A VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVE WHEN ONLY 24 YEARS OLD. HE HAS BEEN CHAIRMAN OF THE SHA TAU KOK RURAL COMMITTEE SINCE 1988.

MR JOHN LEE KING-CHEUNG

THE VICE-PRESIDENT OF TOM LEE MUSI(' CO LTD, MR LEE HAS BEEN ACTIVE IN PROMOTING MUSIC AND MUSICAL EDUCATION IN HONG KONG. HE WAS MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS IN 1990 AND 1991.

MR STEPHEN LIU WING-TING

AN ACCOUNTANT, MR LIU HAS SERVED AS AUDITOR AND TREASURER FOR MANY LOCAL NON-PROFIT-MAKING ORGANISATIONS IN WAN CHAI. HE HAS BEEN A DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER SINCE 1991 AND CHAIRED THE 1992 WAN CHAI FESTIVAL COMMITTEE.

MR LO KWOK-FAI

MR LO HAS A LONG RECORD OF COMMUNITY SERVICE IN CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICTS AND HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE MID-LEVELS AREA COMMITTEE SINCE 1982. HE HAS TAKEN A CLOSE INTEREST IN YOUTH ACTIVITIES AND THE ARTS.

MR MAK HOl-WAH

A SOCIAL WORKER, MR MAK HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN 1986. HE HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN A WIDE RANGE OF COMMUNITY WORK SINCE 1979.

/20 .......

MR SHING YUEN-HING

MR SHING HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN COMMUNITY SERVICE IN THE MONG KOK DISTRIC'I SINCE 1 977 AND IS CURRENTLY THE NORTH AREA COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN. HE IS ALSO VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE MONG KOK KAIFONG ASSOCIATION.

MR VINCENT TO WAI-KEUNG

MR TO HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE POKFULAM AREA COMMITTEE SINCE 1985 AND THE CHAIRMAN SINCE 1988. A SOLICITOR, HE ALSO SERVES ON SEVERAL TERRITORY-WIDE COMMITTEES, INCLUDING THE INLAND REVENUE BOARD OF REVIEW.

MR. WONG LUNG-TAK

MR WONG HAS BEEN CHAIRMAN OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR 12 YEARS AND OF THE TOKWAWAN 10 YEARS. HE IS ALSO A MEMBER OF TWO BODIES OF THE KOWLOON WALLED CITY.

MR WONG PING-KUEN

TOKWAWAN KAIFONG WELFARE SOUTH AREA COMMITTEE FOR WORKING ON THE CLEARANCE

MR WONG HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD SINCE 1985 AND CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE SINCE 1988. HE HAS ALSO TAKEN A CLOSE INTEREST IN TRANSPORT, HOUSING AND AREA COMMITTEE MATTERS.

MR WONG SIU-KEUNG

A BUSINESSMAN INVOLVED IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, MR WONG HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE MANAGEMENT BOARD OF YUEN LONG TOWN HALL OR MANY YEARS. THE TOWN HALL NOW PROVIDES A WIDE RANGE OF SOCIAL SERVICES.

DIPLOMATIC AND OVERSEAS LIST

*****

BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL

MR MOSES LAM, BEM

MR LAM HAS BEEN A MOTOR DRIVER WITH THE BRITISH MAIL SERVICE OFFICE IN HONG KONG FOR 26 YEARS. HE WILL APRIL 1993.

DIPLOMATIC

RETIRE IN

/21 ........

EMBARGOED NEWS ITEM:

ATTENTION EDITORS OE NEWSPAPERS, NEWS AGENCIES AND BROADCASTING STATIONS:

THE ABOVE ANNOUNCEMENT ON THE QUEEN’S NEW YEAR HONOURS LIST WILL BE MADE IN LONDON AT 0001 HOUR GMT ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 31).

THE NEWS MAY BE BROADCAST FROM 6 AM ONWARDS TOMORROW (THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31) OVER THE LOCAL RADIO AND TELEVISION STATIONS.

ON NO ACCOUNT SHOULD ANY OF THE RECIPIENTS OF HONOURS BE CONTACTED FOR INTERVIEWS, OR FOR INFORMATION RELATED TO THEIR CAREERS, OR BE APPROACHED IN ANY WAY IN CONNECTION WITH THEIR AWARDS BEFORE THESE HAVE BEEN PUBLICLY ANNOUNCED.

---------0-----------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1992 contents page NO.

NORTH LANTAU TO GET WATER AND GAS SUPPLY .....................

TSING YI DREDGING WORKS AUTHORISED ...........................

CITY HALL TO GET FACE-LIFT ..........................

GUIDELINES FOR UNDERGROUND DEVELOPMENT REVISED LUK KENG ROAD TO BE WIDENED .....................

GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY GOES ON ..................

TENDERS INVITED FOR SHEUNG SHUT WATER TREATMENT WORKS ANTIQUITIES ADVISORY BOARD LINE-UP .....................

SEMINAR ON MENTALLY HANDICAPPED ........................

PNEUMOCONIOSIS COMPENSATION OFFICE ON MOVE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1992

NORTH LANTAU TO GET WATER AND GAS SUPPLY

*****

THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG AND CHINA GAS COMPANY LIMITED PLAN TO CONSTRUCT SUBMARINE PIPELINES FOR SUPPLYING WATER AND GAS TO NORTH LANTAU TO COPE WITH DEMANDS ARISING FROM THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS OF THE AREA.

A 4.4-KILOMETRE-LONG STEEL WATER PIPE MEASURING 1,800 MILLIMETRES IN DIAMETER WILL BE LAID FROM THE NULLAH AT TAT LAM CHUNG TO TA PANG PO ON NORTH LANTAU, WHILE 1.5 KILOMETRES OF GAS PIPELINES WITH A DIAMETER OF 750 MILLIMETRES WILL ALSO RUN FROM TAI LAM CHUNG TO A GAS PIGGING STATION AT SIU LAM KOK, WHICH WILL OCCUPY ABOUT 0.18 HECTARE OF FORESHORE TO BE RECLAIMED.

TWO GAS PIPES OF 300 MILLIMETRES DIAMETER AND LENGTHS OF 4.2 KILOMETRES EACH WILL THEN RUN IN PARELLEL FROM SIU LAM KOK TO TA PANG PO.

TEMPORARY WORKING PLATFORMS HAVE TO BE ERECTED ALONG THE FORESHORE AT SIU LAM KOK AND TAI LAM KOK TO FACILITATE THE PIPE-LAYING WORKS.

ABOUT 227 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED BETWEEN TAI LAM CHUNG AND TA PANG PO WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE WORKS.

THE LAYING OF BOTH WATER AND GAS PIPES IS ANTICIPATED TO BEGIN IN THE LATTER HALF OF NEXT YEAR FOR COMPLETION IN 1995 AND 1996 RESPECTIVELY.

THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE GAZETTED TODAY (THURSDAY).

ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HE HAS AN INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED MAY SUBMIT A WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS ON OR BEFORE FEBRUARY 28.

THE GOVERNMENT NOTICE, IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE, TOGETHER WITH THE PROJECT’S PLAN, CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE.

THE PLAN CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR. MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG (WHERE COPIES CAN BE BOUGHT ON ORDER), AT THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 1 TUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN, NEW TERRITORIES, AND AT THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN, NEW TERRITORIES.

--------0

/2 ........

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1992

TSING YI DREDGING WORKS AUTHORISED

*****

THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS AUTHORISED THE GOVERNMENT TO CARRY OUT DREDGING AND RECLAMATION WORKS WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 19.4 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED ON THE SOUTH COAST OF TSING YI ISLAND.

THIS WILL PROVIDE LAND FOR BULK STORAGE AND DISTRIBUTION OF PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND PETROCHEMICALS AND CONSTRUCTION OF PIERS.

THE WORKS ARE SCHEDULED TO START EARLY NEXT YEAR (1993) AND WILL BE COMPLETED AROUND 1996.

THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE OF AUTHORISATION GAZETTED TODAY (THURSDAY).

ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HIS INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE WORKS MAY SEND A WRITTEN CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 30, 1993.

THE NOTICE, TOGETHER WITH ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN AT THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND AT THE KWAI TSING PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICES CENTRE, KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 166-174 HING FONG ROAD, KWAI CHUNG, NEW TERRITORIES.

COPIES OF THE PLAN CAN ALSO BE BOUGHT FROM THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT.

CITY HALL TO GET FACE-LIFT *****

THE CITY HALL AND MEMORIAL GARDEN IN CENTRAL WILL HAVE A NEW LOOK IN LATE 1994 WHEN REFURBISHMENT AND IMPROVEMENT WORKS ARE COMPLETED.

THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING SUBMISSIONS FOR PREQUALIFICATION OF TENDERS FOR RENOVATING THE CITY HALL LOW BLOCK AND MEMORIAL GARDEN IN PHASES.

THE LOW BLOCK COMPRISES A CONCERT HALL, A THEATRE, FOYERS, EXHIBITION AREAS, OFFICES AND RESTAURANTS.

CONTRACT WORKS, WHICH INVOLVE UPGRADING THE FINISHES, SEATING, FITTINGS AND BUILDING SERVICES, ARE EXPECTED TO BEGIN NEXT JULY FOR COMPLETION IN 15 MONTHS.

/CONTRACTORS ON

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1992

CONTRACTORS ON THE APPROVED CONTRACTORS FOR PUBLIC WORKS LIST 1 TN GROUP C FOR BUILDING WORKS OR ON THE APPROVED CONTRACTORS FOR PUBLIC WORKS LIST II FOR BUILDING WORKS ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR PREQUALIFICATION DOCUMENTS FROM:

SENIOR PROPERTY SERVICES MANAGER/URBAN COUNCIL,

ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT,

SEVENTH FLOOR, APB CENTRE,

9 SUNG PING STREET, TO KWA WAN, KOWLOON.

TENDERS FOR THE CONTRACT ARE SCHEDULED TO BE INVITED NEXT MARCH FOR SELECTED CONTRACTORS ESTABLISHED BY THIS QUALIFICATION EXERCISE.

COMPLETED PREQUALIFICATION DOCUMENTS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED BEFORE NOON ON JANUARY 15.

--------0------------

GUIDELINES FOR UNDERGROUND DEVELOPMENT REVISED

*****

THE REVISED PLANNING GUIDELINES FOR UNDERGROUND COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT HAVE BEEN ENDORSED BY THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD AND ARE NOW AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

THEY WERE INTENDED TO PROVIDE GUIDANCE FOR APPLYING FOR PLANNING PERMISSION FROM THE BOARD FOR UNDERGROUND DEVELOPMENTS, SUCH AS COMMERCIAL OR CAR PARKING FACILITIES BENEATH OPEN SPACE, ROADS OR AREAS ZONED FOR GOVERNMENT, INSTITUTION OR COMMUNITY USES.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE INTRODUCTION OF UNDERGROUND DEVELOPMENT WAS TO ENCOURAGE A MORE EFFICIENT USE OF LAND WITHIN THE URBAN AREAS WITH A HIGH CONCENTRATION OF ACTIVITIES.

"SUCH DEVELOPMENT SHOULD BE IN AREAS WHERE THE PUBLIC WOULD EXPERIENCE SIGNIFICANT PLANNING GAINS, SUCH AS IMPROVEMENT TO TRAFFIC AND PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATIONS, AS WELL AS ENHANCEMENT TO THE QUALITY OF THE SURROUNDING AREAS," HE SAID.

THE REVISED GUIDELINES INDICATE THE AREAS WHERE UNDERGROUND DEVELOPMENTS ARE CONSIDERED TO BE SUITABLE.

IT ALSO SPECIFIES THE MAIN PLANNING CRITERIA FOR ASSESSING THE APPLICATIONS, SUCH AS THE EXTENT OF THE DEVELOPMENT, INTEGRATION WITH NEIGHBOURING USES AND IMPACT ON TRAFFIC AND ENVIRONMENT.

THE GUIDELINES ALSO SET OUT THE TYPES OF SUPPORTING TECHNICAL INFORMATION REQUIRED FOR THE BOARD’S CONSIDERATION.

/THESE INCLUDE .......

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1992

THESE INCLUDE LAYOUT PLAN, MASTER DESIGN, MASTER LANDSCAPE PLAN, ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATION, AND ENGINEERING AND GEOLOGICAL FEASIBILITY OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT.

THE REVISED GUIDELINES ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION AT THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT, 16TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.

-----0------

LUK KENG ROAD TO BE WIDENED * * * *

THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO WIDEN TWO SECTIONS OF LUK KENG ROAD TO IMPROVE THE ALIGNMENT AT TWO SHARP BENDS OF THE ROAD.

THE ROAD, RUNNING FROM SHA TAU KOK ROAD TO BRIDE’S POOL ROAD, IS A SINGLE-LANE CARRIAGEWAY SERVING TWO-WAY TRAFFIC BY PROVIDING SOME PASSING BAYS ALONG THE ROAD.

THE ARRANGEMENT IS UNSATISFACTORY AS THE ALIGNMENT AT THE TWO SHARP BENDS IS TORTUOUS AND THE SIGHT LINES ARE POOR.

PROPOSED WORKS INCLUDE WIDENING OF TWO SECTIONS OF THE ONE-LANE LUK KENG ROAD; REALIGNMENT OF THE WESTERN SECTION OF LUK KENG ROAD; AND CONSTRUCTION OF ASSOCIATED FOOTPATHS, CUTTING OF SLOPE, FORMING OF COASTAL EMBANKMENT AND SOME MINOR DRAINAGE WORKS.

A NOTICE OF THE PROPOSED WORKS IS GAZETTED TODAY (THURSDAY).

A PLAN SHOWING THE EXTENT OF THE WORKS AND A SCHEME DESCRIPTION CAN BE SEEN AT THE FOLLOWING OFFICES:

* THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG;

* DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, NORTH,, SIXTH FLOOR, NORTH DISTRICT GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 3 PIK FUNG ROAD, FANLING, NEW TERRITORIES;

* NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, THIRD AND FOURTH FLOORS, NORTH DISTRICT GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 3 PIK FUNG ROAD, FANLING, NEW TERRITORIES

ANY PERSON WHO WISHES TO OBJECT TO THE WORKS OR THE USE, OR BOTH, IS REQUIRED TO SEND HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, ON OR BEFORE MARCH 1 NEXT YEAR (1993).

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/5 ........

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1992

GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY GOES ON * ♦ * *

THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL CONDUCT A GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY DURING THE QUARTER EROM JANUARY TO MARCH TO COLLECT INFORMATION ON EMPLOYMENT, UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT, AND THE GENERAL SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POPULATION.

THE SURVEY HAS BEEN CONDUCTED REGULARLY SINCE AUGUST 1981.

IN ADDITION, QUESTIONS ON RESIDENTS’ EXPENDITURE ABROAD, DOMESTIC HELPERS, LABOUR MOBILITY, SICK LEAVE AND MATERNITY LEAVE PATTERN OF EMPLOYEES, EXPENDITURE ON LEGAL SERVICE AND HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE ON RENT WILL BE INCLUDED IN THIS ROUND OF THE SURVEY.

EACH QUARTER, ABOUT 11,800 HOUSEHOLDS ARE SELECTED SCIENTIFICALLY FROM EVERY DISTRICT FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE SURVEY.

TO MEASURE MORE ACCURATELY THE CHANGES IN THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POPULATION, THE SURVEY ADOPTS AN OVERLAPPING SAMPLE DESIGN SUCH THAT ABOUT HALF OF THE HOUSEHOLDS ENUMERATED IN A GIVEN QUARTER ARB THE SAME AS THOSE ENUMERATED IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER.

AN OFFICIAL LETTER, IN BOTH CHINESE AND ENGLISH, HAS BEEN SENT TO THE SAMPLED HOUSEHOLDS TO EXPLAIN THE PURPOSE OF THE SURVEY AND TO SEEK THEIR CO-OPERATION IN THE SURVEY.

CENSUS OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT WILL CONTACT THE HOUSEHOLDS TO COLLECT THE REQUIRED INFORMATION.

DURING THE VISIT, THEY WILL CARRY THEIR GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARDS AND CERTIFICATES FOR CONDUCTING THE SURVEY.

THEY WILL MAKE SUCH DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION BY HOUSEHOLDS TO CONFIRM THEIR IDENTITIES.

THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY IS CONDUCTED UNDER PART IIIA OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDINANCE WHICH WAS GAZETTED IN JANUARY’ 1990.

IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE, DATA RELATING TO INDIVIDUAL PERSONS OR HOUSEHOLDS COLLECTED WILL BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL AND WILL NOT BE RELEASED TO THE PUBLIC, ANY PRIVATE ORGANISATIONS OR OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.

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/6 ........

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1992

TENDERS INVITED FOR SHEUNG SHUI WATER TREATMENT WORKS ******

THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CIVIL ENGINEERING WORKS OF A PROJECT TO INCREASE THE CAPACITY OF THE SHEUNG SHUI TREATMENT WORKS.

THE PROJECT IS REQUIRED TO MEET THE INCREASING DEMAND FOR POTABLE WATER ARISING FROM THE CONTINUOUS DEVELOPMENT OF TAI PO, FANLING AND SHEUNG SHUI NEW TOWNS.

ON COMPLETION OF THE PROJECT, THE CAPACITY OF THE EXISTING SHEUNG SHUI TREATMENT WORKS WILL BE INCREASED FROM 100,000 CUBIC METRES TO 200,000 CUBIC METRES PER DAY, WITH PROVISION FOR FURTHER EXPANSION TO AN ULTIMATE CAPACITY OF 250,000 CUBIC METRES.

THE CONTRACT INCLUDES THE CONSTRUCTION OF CLARIFIERS, FILTERS, WATER TANKS, ANCILLARY STRUCTURES AND BUILDINGS, AND MODIFICATION OF THE EXISTING TREATMENT WORKS.

WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START NEXT APRIL FOR COMPLETION IN ABOUT 21 MONTHS.

FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT, 44TH FLOOR, IMMIGRATION TOWER, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, HONG KONG.

TENDER OFFER WILL CLOSE AT NOON ON JANUARY 29.

--------o -----------

ANTIQUITIES ADVISORY BOARD LINE-UP

* * * * *

THE GOVERNOR HAS RE-APPOINTED MR DAVID LUNG PING-YEE AS CHAIRMAN OF THE ANTIQUITIES ADVISORY BOARD FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS WITH EFFECT FROM TOMORROW (JANUARY 1).

HE HAS ALSO RE-APPOINTED 11 MEMBERS AND APPOINTED TWO NEW MEMBERS FOR A TWO-YEAR TERM STARTING TOMORROW.

FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF MEMBERS OF THE ANTIQUITIES ADVISORY BOARD, AS GAZETTED TODAY (THURSDAY):

MR DAVID LUNG PING-YEE (CHAIRMAN)

MR AU KA-FAT

MR STEVEN H K CHAN

MS JANE CHENG CHEE-HING

MR BOSCO H N HO

/MR DOUGLAS KING .......

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1992

MR DOUGLAS KING

DR MICHAEL LAU WAI-MAI

MR GILBERT LEUNG KAM-HO

MR POON HUEN-WAI (NEW MEMBER)

MRS PAMELA ROGERS (NEW MEMBER)

DR ELIZABETH SINN

DR DERIC DANIEL WATERS

MR PAUL YOUNG

MR PAUL YU SHIU-TIN

--------0----------

SEMINAR ON MENTALLY HANDICAPPED ♦ * * *

A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (THURSDAY) RESIDENTS OF TUNG TAU ESTATE TO ATTEND A SEMINAR ON HANDICAPPED AT THE WONG TAI SIN COMMUNITY CENTRE NEXT (JANUARY 7) EVENING.

INVITED MENTALLY THURSDAY

’THE SEMINAR IS PART OF OUR EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOSTERING PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE NEEDS AND RIGHTS OF HANDICAPPED PEOPLE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

AIMED AT

MENTALLY

STAFF OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, HOUSING DEPARTMENT AND CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION DISTRIBUTED EDUCATIONAL MATERIAL DOOR-TO-DOOR TO THE TUNG TAU ESTATE RESIDENTS THIS MORNING.

THE MATERIAL INCLUDED A HANDOUT ON THE NEED TO SET UP A HOSTEL FOR THE SEVERELY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED, A LETTER SEEKING SUPPORT TO THE PROJECT, AND AN INVITATION LETTER FOR THE SEMINAR AND A VISIT TO A HOSTEL FOR THE SEVERELY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED.

THE SPOKESMAN REITERATED THAT THE TUNG TAU AREA COMMITTEE WAS CONSULTED ON MARCH 9 THIS YEAR ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF A REHABILITATION SERVICE UNIT IN THE ESTATE.

--------o -----------

/8 ........

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1992

PNEUMOCONIOSIS COMPENSATION OFFICE ON MOVE

******

THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS COMPENSATION OFFICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAS MOVED TO THE 17TH FLOOR OF HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.

THE OFFICE HANDLES COMPENSATION CLAIMS FROM PNEUMOCONIOSIS SUFFERERS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.

ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 852 4822.

-----0------

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****

$ MILLION

OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT

REVERSAL OF LAF

BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF

NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY

EFFECT OF LAF TODAY

CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT

LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI

2,000

-500

1,500

NIL

-20

1,480

114.2 *+0.0* 31.12.1992

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

EF BILLS .HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS

TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD

1 WEEK 3.57 PCT 14 MONTHS 2402 5.50 100.79 4.82

1 MONTH 3.68 PCT 17 MONTHS 2405 5.50 100.62 5.09

3 MONTHS 3.83 PCT 20 MONTHS 2408 4.375 98.83 5.33

6 MONTHS 4.04 PCT 23 MONTHS 241 1 4.625 98.64 5.47

12 MONTHS 4.68 PCT

TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 3,030 MN

CLOSED 31 DECEMBER 1992

Daily Information Bulletin - 1990s - 1992 - DEC - ENG