DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, JUNE 1, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
DOMESTIC EXPORT STATISTICS 1ST QUARTER 1992 ........................... 1
HK POPULATION PROJECTIONS 1992 - 2011 ............................... 4
NEW DEFINITIVE STAMPS TO GO ON SALE.................................... 4
PLANNING PROCESS FOR NT EXPLAINED ..................................... 7
ACTIVITIES TO SUPPORT WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY ........................... 8
MARINE DEPT OFFICES WILL OPEN IN TUEN NG HOLIDAYS...................... 9
LEGCO TO MEET ON WEDNESDAY ........................................... 10
YOUNG CELLIST TO ATTEND USA MUSIC CAMP ............................... 11
WATER STORAGE FIGURE.................................................. 12
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS............ 12
MONDAY, JUNE 1, 1992
1
DOMESTIC EXPORT STATISTICS 1ST QUARTER 1992 * * * * *
THE THREE LEADING MAJOR INDUSTRY GROUPS IN TERMS OF VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR WERE WEARING APPAREL EXCEPT FOOTWEAR; TEXTILES INCLUDING KNITTING; AND CONSUMER ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS.
THESE ARE SHOWN IN THE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
IN THE QUARTER, DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF TEXTILES AMOUNTED TO $9.2 BILLION, REPRESENTING A 6% INCREASE OVER THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1991.
ON THE OTHER HAND, DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF WEARING APPAREL ($9.4 BILLION) AND CONSUMER ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS ($8.3 BILLION) RECORDED DECREASES OF 5% AND 9% RESPECTIVELY.
MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES RECORDING THE LARGEST INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1992 OVER THE SAME QUARTER OF 1991 WERE TEXTILES, INCLUDING KNITTING (+$530 MILLION OR +6%); MACHINERY, EQUIPMENT, APPARATUS, PARTS AND COMPONENTS (+$350 MILLION OR +7%); CHEMICALS AND CHEMICAL PRODUCTS (+$260 MILLION OR +22%); AND PAPER AND PAPER PRODUCTS, PRINTING AND PUBLISHING (+$240 MILLION OR +18%).
ON THE OTHER HAND, SOME MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES RECORDED DECLINES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1992 AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME QUARTER OF 1991.
THEY INCLUDED CONSUMER ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS (-$830 MILLION OR -9%); PROFESSIONAL AND OPTICAL EQUIPMENT (-$600 MILLION OR -13%); WEARING APPAREL, EXCEPT FOOTWEAR (-$490 MILLION OR -5%); AND TOBACCO MANUFACTURES (-$240 MILLION OR -35%).
THE STATISTICS ON DOMESTIC EXPORTS ANALYSED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN ARE DERIVED BY RE-GROUPING THE MERCHANDISE EXPORT ITEMS 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 USED IN THE REGULAR TRADE STATISTICS REPORTS IN THAT THE FORMER IS MORE RELATED TO PRODUCTION PROCESSES WHEREAS THE LATTER IS MORE GEARED TO END USES OF PRODUCTS.
CAUTION SHOULD BE TAKEN WHEN REFERRING TO THESE DOMESTIC EXPORT STATISTICS CLASSIFIED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN.
CERTAIN MERCHANDISE EXPORT ITEMS MAY INTERMEDIATE PROCESSING STAGES IN THEIR PRODUCTION.
REQUIRE SEVERAL
/HOWEVER, IN ........
MONDAY, JUNE 1, 1992
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HOWEVER, IN COMPILING THE ABOVE STATISTICS, THE TOTAL VALUE OF THE ITEM HAS BEEN WHOLLY ALLOCATED TO THE INDUSTRY IN WHICH THE ITEM IS FINALLY PRODUCED.
BESIDES, DOMESTIC EXPORT STATISTICS OF A PARTICULAR INDUSTRY MAY INCLUDE PRODUCTS THAT ARE PRODUCED AS SECONDARY PRODUCTS BY ESTABLISHMENTS CLASSIFIED UNDER OTHER INDUSTRIES.
A TABLE GIVING DETAILS OF MERCHANDISE DOMESTIC EXPORT STATISTICS CLASSIFIED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN IS OBTAINABLE FROM THE INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT (TEL 839 3250).
A TABLE SHOWING BREAKDOWNS OF SIMILAR STATISTICS FOR MAJOR MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES IS ALSO INCLUDED IN THE REPORT, "HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE, MARCH 1992".
/DOMESTIC EXPORTS .......
3 MONDAY, JUNE 1, 1992
Domestic exports classified by industrial origin in the manufacturing industries for the first quarter of 1992
(Value in HKS’OOO)
Industrial origin of the commodities exported Merchandise domestic exports
1992 1st qtr. 1991 1st qtr. Value change % change
Food 490,188 474,219 + 15,969 +3.4
Beverages 59,519 68,830 -9,311 -13.5
Tobacco manufactures 434,107 670,497 -236,390 -35.3
Textiles (including knitting) 9,218,649 8,690,733 +527,916 ♦6.1
Wearing apparel, except footwear 9,374,119 9,865,995 -491,876 -5.0
Leather and leather products, except footwear and wearing apparel 378,104 310,027 -68,077 +22.0
Footwear, except rubber, plastic and wooden footwear 108,620 156,781 -48,161 -30.7
j Wood and cork products, furniture and fixtures 125,719 126,604 -885 -0.7
Paper and paper products, printing and publishing 1,586,174 1,349,319 +236,855 + 17.6
Chemicals and chemical products 1.465,281 1,201,774 +263,506 +21.9
Products of petroleum and coal 2.881 1.574 + 1,30? +83.0
I Rubber products 28,066 29.216 -1,150 -3.9
Plastic products 1,693.244 1.586,388 +106,856 +6.7
Non-metallic mineral products, except products of petroleum and coal 120,350 92,602 +27,748 +30.0
Basic metals and fabricated metal products 2,191,710 2,070,125 +121,584 +5.9 1 I
Machinery, equipment, apparatus, parts and components 5.253.414 4,901,710 +351,704 47.2 1
Consumer electrical and electronic products 8.250,781 9,081,947 -831,166 -9.2
| Transport equipment 52,279 28,169 +24,111 ♦85.6
Professional and optical equipment 4,001,011 4,596,114 -595.103 -12.9
Other manufacturing industries 3.361.914 2,857,991 +503.923 ♦ 17.6
Total 48,196.129 48,160,614 +35,514 1 +0.1
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 (S1TC 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 uot be strictly comparable with those published for earlier years due to the change in trade classification.
Industrial Research Section, Census & Statistics Department, Hong Kong.
Tel. : 839 3250
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/4 ........
MONDAY, JUNE 1, 1992
4
HK POPULATION PROJECTIONS 1992 - 2011 * * * * *
THE POPULATION IS PROJECTED TO INCREASE AT AN AVERAGE ANNUAL RATE OF 0.66% FROM 5.69 MILLION IN MID-1991 TO 6.48 MILLION IN MID-2011.
ONE OF THE PROMINENT TRENDS IN THE PROJECTION IS THE CONTINUAL AGEING OF THE POPULATION.
THE MEDIAN AGE OF THE POPULATION IS EXPECTED TO INCREASE FROM 32 IN 1991 TO 37 IN 2001 AND FURTHER TO 41 IN 2011.
IN 1991, 21% OF THE POPULATION WERE AGED UNDER 15; THIS PROPORTION IS PROJECTED TO DECREASE TO 16% IN 2001 AND 15% IN 2011.
IN CONTRAST, THE PROPORTION OF THOSE AGED 65 AND OVER IS EXPECTED TO RISE FROM 9% IN 1991 TO 12% IN 2001 AND TO REMAIN AT THAT LEVEL TILL 2011.
THE POPULATION PROJECTIONS ARE PREPARED ON THE BASIS OF THE 1991 POPULATION CENSUS RESULTS AND THE LATEST AVAILABLE VITAL STATISTICS REVEALING THE LATEST DEMOGRAPHIC SITUATION.
DETAILS OF THE PROJECTED POPULATION SIZE AND AGE-SEX STRUCTURE ARE CONTAINED IN THE REPORT "HONG KONG POPULATION PROJECTIONS 1992 -2011" PUBLISHED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY).
APART FROM PROJECTION RESULTS, THE REPORT ALSO PRESENTS A DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE METHODOLOGIES AND ASSUMPTIONS USED.
COPIES OF THE REPORT ARE NOW AVAILABLE, AT HK$23 PER COPY, AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
IT MAY ALSO BE PURCHASED AT THE PUBLICATIONS OFFICE OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AT 19/F, WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
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NEW DEFINITIVE STAMPS TO GO ON SALE ******
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR M. PAGLIARI, ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE CURRENT SET OF DEFINITIVE STAMPS SHOWING THE QUEEN’S HEAD WOULD BE WITHDRAWN FROM SALE AT CLOSE OF BUSINESS ON JUNE 12.
A NEW SET OF DEFINITIVE STAMPS ALSO FEATURING THE QUEEN’S HEAD WILL GO ON SALE ON JUNE 16 (TUESDAY).
/THE NEW
MONDAY, JUNE 1, 1992
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THE NEW SET COMPRISES 16 DENOMINATIONS - 10 CENTS, 50 CENTS, 60 CENTS, 70 CENTS, 80 CENTS, 90 CENTS, $1, $1.2, $1.7, $1.8, $2, $2.3, $5, $10, $20, AND $50.
THEY WERE DESIGNED BY MR IAN LEUNG AND PRINTED BY JOH ENSCHEDE OF HOLLAND.
THE STAMPS HAVE BEEN DISPLAYED FOR PUBLIC INFORMATION AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE AND SHA TIN CENTRAL POST OFFICE FROM TODAY.
TO MARK THE WITHDRAWAL OF THE CURRENT DEFINITIVE STAMPS, "LAST DAY OF SALE" SOUVENIR COVERS HAVE BEEN PUT ON SALE AT ALL POST OFFICES FROM TODAY AT $2 EACH.
A "HAND-BACK" SERVICE WILL BE GIVEN ON JUNE 12 AT ALL POST OFFICES TO OFFICIAL AND PRIVATELY MADE COVERS BEARING THE "LAST DAY" OR SIMILAR INDICATION.
DURING THE PERIOD FROM JUNE 13 TO 15 THE PRESENT REEL STAMPS WILL CONTINUE TO BE AVAILABLE FROM STAMP VENDING MACHINES, BUT THESE WILL BE REPLACED BY THE NEW DEFINITIVE STAMPS ON JUNE 16.
THE SMALLER FORMAT OF THE NEW DEFINITIVE STAMP MAKES THEM SUITABLE FOR USE IN THE VENDING MACHINES.
OFFICIAL FIRST-DAY COVERS FOR THE NEW DEFINITIVE STAMPS WILL ALSO GO ON SALE AT ALL POST OFFICES FROM TODAY AT $2 EACH.
ADVANCE ORDERS FOR SERVICED FIRST-DAY COVERS ARE AVAILABLE FROM NOW UNTIL JUNE 6. THE MINIMUM NUMBER OF COVERS PER ORDER IS FIVE.
FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF CUSTOMERS, FIRST-DAY COVERS PRE-AFFIXED WITH 13 LOW-VALUE STAMPS (10 CENTS TO $5) WILL BE AVAILABLE AT $25.60 AT THE FOLLOWING 28 POST OFFICES ON JUNE 16:
HONG KONG ISLAND
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE POST OFFICE CAUSEWAY BAY POST OFFICE GENERAL POST OFFICE HENNESSY ROAD POST OFFICE KING’S ROAD POST OFFICE PEAK POST OFFICE QUEEN’S ROAD POST OFFICE SAI YING PUN POST OFFICE TSAT TSZ MUI POST OFFICE
/KOWLOON .......
MONDAY, JUNE 1, 1992
KOWLOON
AIRPORT POST OFFICE
CHEUNG SHA WAN POST OFFICE GRANVILLE ROAD POST OFFICE KOWLOON BAY POST OFFICE KOWLOON CENTRAL POST OFFICE KWUN TONG POST OFFICE
KWONG WAH STREET POST OFFICE LOK FU POST OFFICE
MONGKOK POST OFFICE
NGAU TAU KOK POST OFFICE 01 MAN POST OFFICE
TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE
NEW TERRITORIES
SHA TIN CENTRAL POST OFFICE SHEK WU HUI POST OFFICE TAI PO POST OFFICE TSUEN WAN POST OFFICE TSUEN WING STREET POST OFFICE TUEN MUN CENTRAL POST OFFICE YUEN LONG POST OFFICE
THESE SERVICED COVERS WILL NOT BE DATESTAMPED WITH THE FIRST-DAY-OF-ISSUE POSTMARK TO FACILITATE COLLECTORS TO AFFIX THE THREE HIGH-VALUE STAMPS TO MAKE UP A COMPLETE SET IF THEY SO WISH.
A "HAND-BACK" SERVICE WILL BE GIVEN AT ALL POST OFFICES TO COVERS BEARING THE "FIRST DAY" INDICATION OF JUNE 16.
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MONDAY, JUNE 1,
1992
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PLANNING PROCESS FOR NT EXPLAINED ♦ * * * *
THE EXTENSION OF THE STATUTORY PLANNING PROCESS INTO PARTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES OUTSIDE NEW TOWNS IS INTENDED AS A MEANS TO GUIDE AND PERMIT ACCEPTABLE DEVELOPMENT.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, TONIGHT (MONDAY) AT A DINNER MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF NEW TERRITORIES.
ALTHOUGH IMPRESSION ON THE SCHEME SO FAR MIGHT BE THAT CONTROL AND PREVENTION WAS THE MAIN OBJECTIVE, MR EASON WAS CONFIDENT THAT THE OPPORTUNITIES AND THE GREATER CERTAINTY THE SCHEME WOULD PROVIDE WOULD BE WELCOME BY WOULD-BE DEVELOPERS WHEN THEY BECAME MORE FAMILIAR WITH IT.
HE SAID THE MOST DIFFICULT PROBLEM ENCOUNTERED IN IMPLEMENTING THE SMALL HOUSE POLICY WAS THAT DEMAND FOR VILLAGE HOUSE SITES OFTEN EXCEEDED THE AMOUNT OF LAND AVAILABLE.
IT IS ESTIMATED THAT THERE IS A DEMAND FOR OVER 5,000 MORE HOUSES - OF WHICH ONLY ABOUT 1,600 CAN BE MET BY BUILDING LICENCES.
THE REMAINDER WILL REQUIRE SUITABLE SITES ON GOVERNMENT LAND TO BE IDENTIFIED.
ONE OF THE WAYS OF EASING THE LAND SUPPLY PROBLEM WAS THE INTRODUCTION OF THE DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREA PLAN SCHEME IN 1981 UNDER WHICH LAND WITHIN VILLAGES COULD BE RESUMED TO PROVIDE VILLAGE EXPANSION AREAS.
MR EASON SAID THIS APPROACH HAD TWO SIGNIFICANT ADVANTAGES.
FIRST, THE EXPANSION AREAS OBVIOUSLY INCREASE THE SUPPLY OF LAND AVAILABLE FOR SMALL HOUSE GRANTS TO INDIGENOUS VILLAGERS.
SECOND, THE RESUMPTION OF LAND IN VILLAGE AREAS MEANS LARGER SITES CAN BE ASSEMBLED THAN WOULD BE THE CASE IF ONLY ISOLATED GOVERNMENT LAND SITES WERE MADE AVAILABLE.
"THIS ALLOWS VILLAGE EXPANSION AREAS TO BE PLANNED AND INTERNAL ROADS AND PATHS, DRAINAGE AND UTILITIES TO BE PROVIDED.
"IT ALSO MEANS A SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT IN ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS AND THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN VILLAGES," HE SAID.
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MONDAY, JUNE 1, 1992
8
ACTIVITIES TO SUPPORT WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY
******
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE, MRS PEGGY LAM, TODAY (MONDAY) APPEALED TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND INDUSTRIALISTS TO TAKE AN ACTIVE ROLE IN CURBING POLLUTION TO THE SEAS.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE COMMITTEE IN SUPPORT OF THE UNITED NATIONS WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY (WED) ON JUNE 5, MRS LAM SAID THE ACTIVITIES WOULD CENTRE ON THE THEME "SAVE OUR SEAS".
SHE POINTED OUT THAT A TOTAL OF 6,286 TONNES OF FLOATING REFUSE WERE COLLECTED LAST YEAR AND MORE THAN 2 MILLION TONNES OF SEWAGE, INCLUDING INDUSTRIAL SEWAGE, WERE DISCHARGED INTO THE HARBOUR EVERYDAY, OF WHICH, 50% WAS NOT TREATED.
"OUR HARBOUR IS ONE OF OUR SCARCE NATURAL RESOURCES, WE SHOULD DO OUR BEST TO PRESERVE IT," MRS LAM SAID.
SHE SAID SOME MODERN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS HAD EQUIPPED WITH HIGH-STANDARD SEWAGE TREATMENT FACILITIES BUT THEY WERE NEVER USED.
MRS LAM URGED BUILDING OWNERS, RESIDENTS’ ORGANISATIONS AND BUILDING MANAGEMENT STAFF TO CHECK IF THE SEWAGE PIPES OF THEIR BUILDINGS WERE PROPERLY MAINTAINED AND TO ENSURE THAT THERE WAS NO LEAKAGE FROM THE PIPES TO STORM-WATER DRAINS.
"INDUSTRIALISTS MUST ENSURE THAT SEWAGE FROM THEIR PLANTS IS PROPERLY CONNECTED. ILLEGAL CONNECTION TO STORM-WATER DRAINS WILL RESULT IN RAW INDUSTRIAL EFFLUENT BEING FLUSHED INTO THE HARBOUR," MRS LAM SAID.
OUTLINING THE LAND AND SEA ACTIVITIES FOR WED, THE CONVENOR OF THE COMMITTEE’S WED PROGRAMME ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR VINCENT WONG, SAID THE HIGHLIGHTS WOULD INCLUDE HARBOUR CRUISES FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ON BOARD A FERRY WHERE DEAN OF SCIENCE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, DR JOHN HODGKISS, AND SENIOR LECTURER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF APPLIED SCIENCE OF THE CITY POLYTECHNIC, DR RICHARD CHEUNG, WOULD CARRY OUT WATER QUALITY TESTS.
THE TRIPS, EACH LASTS 45 MINUTES , WILL START OFF AT 11.30 AM, 2 PM AND 3 PM FROM THE EDINBURGH PLACE EAST PIER, CENTRAL.
PUBLIC CAN OBTAIN FREE ADMISSION TICKETS FROM THE COMMITTEE SECRETARIAT BY TELEPHONING 835 1594.
A CEREMONY TO LAUNCH THE WED WILL BE OFFICIATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, AT EDINBURGH PLACE AT 11 AM ON JUNE 5.
MOVIE STARS MISS DO DO CHENG AND MR CHOW YUN-FAT WILL BE GUESTS OF HONOUR AT THE CEREMONY. COMMERCIAL RADIO 1 WILL STAGE A TALK SHOW "SOS". S
/AFTER THE .......
MONDAY, JUNE 1, 1992
9
AFTER THE CEREMONY, AN EXHIBITION AND GAME STALLS WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AT EDINBURGH PLACE. ADMISSIONS ARE FREE.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE, A COMMITTEE MEMBER, MR NIGEL WATT, THANKED THE FRIENDS OF THE EARTH, GREEN POWER AND WORLD WIDE FUND FOR NATURE FOR THEIR PARTICIPATION IN AND SUPPORT FOR THE ACTIVITIES.
"WE EACH HAVE OUR OWN TASK BUT WE SHARE A COMMON AIM TO SAVE OUR PLANET. WE SHOULD BE THINKING OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NOT ONLY ON ONE DAY A YEAR BUT EVERYDAY OF OUR LIVES," HE SAID.
IN ADDITION TO THE WED, A DELEGATE FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE IS ATTENDING THE EARTH SUMMIT ORGANISED BY THE UNITED NATIONS IN RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL FROM JUNE 1 TO 12.
THE AIM OF THE CONFERENCE IS TO ESTABLISH THE BASIS FOR A SUSTAINABLE WAY OF LIFE ON THE PLANET.
THE WED IS DESIGNATED BY THE UNITED NATIONS AS A YEARLY REMINDER TO EVERY NATION TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT AND TO FIGHT POLLUTION SINCE ITS FIRST CONFERENCE ON THE HUMAN ENVIRONMENT IN 1972.
THE ENVIRONMENTAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE IS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR TO PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, INCLUDING PLANNING AND ORGANISING ACTIVITIES FOR THE WED.
SPONSORS OF THE WED 1992 ACTIVITIES ARE: THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, SCHWARZKOPF BONA-CURE, CALTEX GREEN FUND, ATLANTA SPORTSWEAR LTD, THE HK FERRY HOLDINGS CO LTD, RECKITT & COLMAN TRADING LTD, CANON HK TRADING CO LTD AND SINO UNITED PUBLISHING HOLDINGS LTD.
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MARINE DEPT OFFICES WILL OPEN IN TUEN NG HOLIDAYS *****
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT ALL PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREAS WILL CONTINUE TO BE OPEN FROM 7 AM TO 9 PM DAILY ON THE DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL DAY (JUNE 5), AND ON JUNE 13 AND 15 (SATURDAY AND MONDAY) WHICH ARE GENERAL HOLIDAYS.
THE SENIOR MARINE OFFICER (CENTRAL REGION) OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT, MR LEUNG LAI-KIT, SAID: "THE PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREAS ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT ARE AT THE WESTERN DISTRICT, SHEUNG WAN, WAN CHAI, CHAI WAN, SHAM SHUI PO, YAU MA TEI, KWUN TONG, CHA KWO LING, TSUEN WAN AND RAMBLER CHANNEL."
"IN ADDITION, THE TUEN MUN WATERFRONT WILL ALSO BE OPEN FROM 7 AM TO 9 PM ON THESE THREE DAYS."
/DURING THE
MONDAY, JUNE 1, 1992
DURING THE HOLIDAY PERIOD, THE MACAU FERRY TERMINAL WILL REMAIN OPEN 24 HOURS DAILY, AND THE CHINA FERRY TERMINAL IN TSIM SHA TSUI WILL BE OPEN AS NORMAL BETWEEN 6 AM AND 10 PM DAILY.
BOTH THE VICTORIA MARINE OFFICE AND PORT FORMALITIES OFFICE AT ROOM 314 AND 318 RESPECTIVELY ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF THE HARBOUR BUILDING AT 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, WILL BE OPEN FROM 9 AM TO 11 AM ON JUNE 14 (SUNDAY) TO FACILITATE ENTRY AND OUTWARD CLEARANCE FOR SHIPS, AND TO HANDLE APPLICATION FOR PERMITS.
MEANWHILE, AS THE HONG KONG DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL RACES WILL TAKE PLACE OFF THE TSIM SHA TSUI WATERFRONT BETWEEN HUNG HOM RAILWAY PIER AND THE NEW WORLD CENTRE ON JUNE 13 (SATURDAY) FROM 1 PM TO 6 PM AND ON JUNE 14 (SUNDAY) FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM, MOORING BUOYS MARKING THE SOUTHERN LIMIT OF THE RACE AREA HAVE ALREADY BEEN LAID ABOUT 325 METRES SOUTH OF THE SEAWALL AND WILL REMAIN IN PLACE UNTIL JUNE 17 (WEDNESDAY).
"THROUGHOUT THE EVENT, LIGHTERS, FERRIES AND LAUNCHES WILL BE FASTENED TO THE BUOYS TO ENCLOSE THE RACE AREA," SAID THE SENIOR MARINE OFFICER (WESTERN REGION), MR FUNG KWOK-MING.
"OTHER THAN PARTICIPATING CRAFT, NO VESSEL WILL BE PERMITTED TO ENTER THE RACE AREA. DRAGON BOATS MAY PRACTICE WITHIN THE AREA DURING DAYTIME UNTIL JUNE 13."
HE ALSO REMINDED ALL VESSELS NAVIGATING IN THE VICINITY TO PAY PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO MARINE SAFETY AND PROCEED WITH CAUTION.
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LEGCO TO MEET ON WEDNESDAY
******
MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL ASK A TOTAL OF 20 QUESTIONS AND CONSIDER FIVE BILLS AT THE COUNCIL’S MEETING ON WEDNESDAY (JUNE 3).
OF THE FIVE BILLS, TWO WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. DEBATES ON THEM ARE DUE TO BE ADJOURNED.
THEY ARE LINGNAM COLLEGE BILL AND LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992.
DEBATES ON THREE BILLS WILL BE RESUMED AND THEY ARE DUE TO GO THROUGH THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND BE GIVEN A THIRD READING.
THEY ARE POST OFFICE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992, INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1992 AND IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992.
/IN ADDITION
MONDAY, JUNE 1, 1992
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IN ADDITION, THE HON STEVEN POON WILL MOVE A MOTION ON THE FORMULATION OF LONG-TERM TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY.
DR THE HON YEUNG SUM WILL ALSO MOVE A MOTION ON THE REVIEW OF MUNICIPAL COUNCILS AND DISTRICT BOARDS.
THE HON MIRIAM LAU WILL RAISE AN ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON ’’TRAFFIC CONGESTION AT CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL”.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WILL TABLE TO THE COUNCIL THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 1991/92.
IN ADDITION, THE SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS WILL TABLE THE REGIONAL COUNCIL’S REVISED ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE 1991/92.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO OBSERVE THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNCIL MEETING FROM THE PUBLIC GALLERIES. THEY MAY MAKE RESERVATIONS BY CALLING 869 9492.
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YOUNG CELLIST TO ATTEND USA MUSIC CAMP
*****
THE MUSIC OFFICE WILL SEND A CELLIST, MISS ANNA KWAN TON-AN, TO THE NATIONAL MUSIC CAMP AT INTERLOCHEN IN MICHIGAN, USA THIS SUMMER FOR AN EIGHT-WEEK INTENSIVE TRAINING IN MUSIC.
THE MUSIC CAMP IS AN ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL EVENT AIMED AT PROMOTING FRIENDSHIP THROUGH MUSIC. THE 1992 SEASON OF THE CAMP WILL BE HELD FROM JUNE 21 TO AUGUST 17.
IT TAKES IN ONLY HIGHLY QUALIFIED YOUNG MUSICIANS AGED BETWEEN 14 AND 18. THE HIGHEST HONOUR FOR A PARTICIPANT IS TO BE SELECTED AS MEMBERS OF THE CAMP’S WORLD YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA.
TRAINING WILL INCLUDE MASTERCLASSES AND WORKSHOPS WITH THE WORLD’S RENOWNED MUSICIANS.
IN ADDITION, RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES SUCH AS SING-A-SONG ROUND CAMP FIRES, CANOEING AND SWIMMING ARE AVAILABLE.
THE 14-YEAR-OLD MISS KWAN HAS BEEN SELECTED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE IN AN OPEN AUDITION.
SHE IS A FORM TWO STUDENT OF MARYMOUNT SECONDARY SCHOOL AND THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL OF THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA OF THE MUSIC OFFICE.
/SHE HAS .......
MONDAY, JUNE 1, 1992
12
SHE HAS BEEN ACTIVELY PARTICIPATING IN MANY MUSIC ACTIVITIES INCLUDING THE HONG KONG YOUTH MUSIC CAMP.
"I AM VERY HAPPY AND EXCITED THAT I CAN HAVE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO BROADEN MY MUSICAL KNOWLEDGE AND TO MEET SO MANY YOUNG MUSICIANS FROM DIFFERENT COUNTRIES,” SHE SAID, ADDING THAT SHE WOULD DO HER BEST TO INTRODUCE HONG KONG TO OTHER CAMPERS.
SHE WILL LEAVE HONG KONG ON JUNE 19 AND IS EXPECTED TO RETURN IN LATE AUGUST.
THE CAMP FEE WILL BE MET BY ORGANISERS WHILE THE ROUND-TRIP AIR PASSAGE WILL BE JOINTLY SPONSORED BY CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB MUSIC FUND.
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WATER STORAGE FIGURE * * * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 57.4% OF CAPACITY OR 336.326 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 133.588 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 22.8% OF CAPACITY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT ADVISED THE PUBLIC TO DO EVERYTHING THEY COULD TO CONSERVE WATER AND AVOID WASTAGE.
------0--------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
DATE CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 30.5.92 EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 1.6.92 EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON » O/N ASSISTANCE TO BE REVERSED -700MN OTHER FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED -45MN TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 111.2 *-0.2» 1.6.92 $ MILLION 1,688 -745* + 45 NEUTRAL /HONG KONG
MONDAY, JUNE 1, 1992
- 13 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 2.88 PCT 18 MONTHS 2311 6.25 102.42 4.57
1 MONTH 2.74 PCT 21 MONTHS 2402 5.50 101.15 4.84
3 MONTHS 2.76 PCT 24 MONTHS 2405 5.50 100.85 5.10
6 MONTHS 3.26 PCT
12 MONTHS 3.93 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 5,629 MN
CLOSED 1 JUNE 1992
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FRANCHISED BUS SERVICES ON HK ISLAND .................................. 1
CONTRACT AWARD FOR FIRST SECTION OF NORTH LANTAU EXPRESSWAY ........... 2
Pl CENTRAL ALLOCATION RESULTS OUT ON SATURDAY ......................... 4
APPLICATIONS FOR 10 RETRAINING COURSES INVITED ........................ 5
PROVISIONAL RETAIL SALES FIGURES FOR MARCH RELEASED ................... 6
GOVT DEVOTED TO TACKLING ILLICIT TRADE PRACTICE ....................... 9
HK BENEFITS FROM ASIA-PACIFIC GROWTH .................................. 12
37 INMATES PASS PUBLIC EXAMS .......................................... 13
TWO GOVT PRIMARY SCHOOLS INVITE ENROLMENT ............................. 14
OUT-PATIENT CLINICS TO CLOSE ON TUEN NG DAY ........................... 14
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS ..................... 14
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............ 15
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 1992
- 1 -
FRANCHISED BUS SERVICES ON HK ISLAND
*****
THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS APPROVED THAT A NEW FRANCHISE SHOULD BE OFFERED TO THE CHINA MOTOR BUS COMPANY (CMB) TO OPERATE A REDUCED NETWORK OF 90 ROUTES REQUIRING ABOUT 780 BUSES FOR TWO YEARS WITH EFFECT FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 1993.
TO PROMOTE HEALTHY COMPETITION IN THE PROVISION OF BUS SERVICES, TENDERS WILL BE INVITED FOR A THREE-YEAR FRANCHISE COMMENCING SEPTEMBER 1, 1993 TO OPERATE 26 ROUTES REQUIRING ABOUT 200 BUSES ON HONG KONG ISLAND.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THE DECISION HAD TAKEN FULL ACCOUNT OF THE OUTCOME OF A DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN JANUARY, EXTENSIVE PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS AS WELL AS THE ADCICE OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
"THE PUBLIC IN GENERAL ACCEPT THAT A FRANCHISING SYSTEM SHOULD STAY AS FULL DEREGULATION MAY LEAD TO TRAFFIC CHAOS IN UK’S CROWDED ENVIRONMENT. THIS WILL ALSO ENSURE THAT LOSS-INCURRING BUT SOCIALLY DESIRABLE SERVICES COULD BE MAINTAINED."
UNDER THE NEW FRANCHISE, CMB’S EXISTING PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME WILL BE DISCONTINUED UPON EXPIRY ON AUGUST 31, 1993.
THE NEW FRANCHISE WILL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS TO STRENGTHEN THE MONITORING OF CMB’S OPERATIONS, TO EASE TRANSITION AND TO CATER FOR THE FUTURE EXISTENCE OF TWO MAIN BUS OPERATORS ON HK ISLAND :
* CMB SHOULD ESTABLISH PASSENGER LIAISON GROUPS TO INTERACT WITH THE PUBLIC FOR THE PURPOSE OF ASSESSING AND IMPROVING ITS SERVICE STANDARDS;
* CMB SHOULD PROVIDE A COMPUTER TERMINAL TO ENABLE THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT TO OBTAIN UP-TO-DATE
OPERATIONAL INFORMATION ON ITS SERVICES, SUCH AS
AVAILABILITY AND DEPLOYMENT OF BUSES ON EACH ROUTE;
♦ ANY PENSION FUND HELD BY CMB SHOULD BE CONTROLLED BY AN
INDEPENDENT PROFESSIONAL TRUSTEE;
* CMB IS REQUIRED TO DISCLOSE ITS ASSETS AND SHOULD NOT
DISPOSE OF SUCH ASSETS WITHOUT THE CONSENT OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT;
* ON EXPIRY OF THE PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME, THE BALANCE OF THE DEVELOPMENT FUND SHOULD BELONG TO PASSENGERS AND ANY REMAINING CREDIT BALANCE MUST BENEFIT PASSENGERS RATHER THAN CMB SHAREHOLDERS;
* THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT HAS THE POWER TO DIRECT CMB TO SHARE THE USE OF BUS STOPS, TERMINI AND THE FACILITIES WITH ANOTHER OPERATOR.
/THE SPOKESMAN .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 1992
- 2 -
THE SPOKESMAN SAID: "IN DETERMINING THE SIZE AND COMPOSITION OF CMB’S NETWORK UNDER THE NEW FRANCHISE, THE GOVERNMENT HAS TAKEN FULL ACCOUNT OF THE NEED TO GIVE CMB A BALANCED AND FINANCIALLY VIABLE PACKAGE OF ROUTES, INCLUDING A DETAILED EXAMINATION OF CMB’S ACTUAL REVENUE AND COST DATA, THE PROFITABILITY OF EACH ROUTE, THE FAVOURABLE IMPACT OF FUEL TAX EXEMPTION, POSSIBLE SAVINGS IN OVERHEAD COSTS AND THE REDUCTION OF MAINTENANCE COSTS BROUGHT ABOUT BY THE RETIREMENT OF OLD BUSES.
"THE MAIN TERMS OF THE NEW FRANCHISE, NAMELY A REDUCED NETWORK AND THE ABOLITION OF THE PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME, HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED BY THE CMB," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"HOWEVER, CMB HAS EXPRESSED CERTAIN RESERVATIONS ON THE PACKAGING OF ROUTES IN THEIR WRITTEN REPRESENTATIONS TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. THESE HAVE BEEN TAKEN FULLY INTO ACCOUNT IN THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL’S DECISION.
"CMB HAS BEEN ASKED TO CONFIRM ACCEPTANCE BEFORE JULY 2.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO SAID THE ROUTES TO BE TENDERED OUT AS A PACKAGE COMPRISED TWO CROSS-HARBOUR ROUTES, 16 ROUTES FOR SOUTHERN DISTRICT, FIVE ROUTES FOR CENTRAL AND WESTERN AND THREE ROUTES FOR WAN CHAI.
"THE PROPOSED PACKAGE SHOULD BE ATTRACTIVE TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS, HAVING REGARD TO PROFITABILITY, OPPORTUNITIES FOR SERVICE EXPANSION AND PRODUCTIVITY IMPROVEMENTS AND THE LEVEL OF INITIAL INVESTMENT, " THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
A GAZETTE NOTICE WILL BE ISSUED ON SATURDAY (JUNE 6) TO INVITE TENDERS. THE CLOSING DATE WILL BE JULY 18.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE SUCCESSFUL TENDERER WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN SEPTEMBER TO PROVIDE ENOUGH TIME FOR LINING UP THE NECESSARY BUSES AND SUPPORT FACILITIES FOR THE OPERATION TO COMMENCE IN SEPTEMBER 1993.
---------0-----------
CONTRACT AWARD FOR FIRST SECTION OF NORTH LANTAU EXPRESSWAY
******
THE GOVERNMENT HAS AWARDED A $3,503 MILLION FIXED PRICE LUMP SUM CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TAI HO SECTION OF THE NORTH LANTAU EXPRESSWAY TO LANTAU EXPRESSWAY JOINT VENTURE, A CONSORTIUM OF SIX COMPANIES FROM CHINA, NEW ZEALAND, AUSTRALIA, THE UNITED KINGDOM AND HONG KONG.
THE TAI HO SECTION OF THE NORTH LANTAU EXPRESSWAY WILL BE MAINLY BUILT ON RECLAIMED LAND ALONG THE LANTAU COAST.
/IT RUNS .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 1992
- 3 -
IT RUNS BETWEEN TA PANG PO AND KEI TAU KOK, AND WILL FORM AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE ROAD TRANSPORT LINKS BETWEEN THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK AND THE URBAN AREAS OF HONG KONG.
THE CONTRACT PRICE OF $3,503 MILLION, IN MONEY OF THE DAY FIGURES, INCLUDES SITE FORMATION FOR THE AIRPORT RAILWAY AT A PRICE OF $444 MILLION, WHICH WILL GO AHEAD AFTER AN AGREEMENT HAS BEEN REACHED BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION (MTRC) FOR THE AIRPORT RAILWAY, AND WILL BE PAID FOR BY THE MTRC.
THE FIXED PRICE CONTRACT SUM FOR THE GOVERNMENT WORKS IS $3,059 MILLION.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THIS WAS WITHIN THE SUM SET ASIDE FOR THE TAI HO CONTRACT IN THE OVERALL APPROVED PROJECT ESTIMATE FOR THE NORTH LANTAU EXPRESSWAY OF $5,431 MILLION, WHICH INCLUDED THE YAM 0 SECTION OF THE PROJECT.
THE $5,431 MILLION IS IN MONEY OF THE DAY AND INCLUDES ESTIMATES FOR INFLATION DURING THE PERIOD OF THE FIXED PRICE CONTRACT AND IS BASED ON AN ORIGINAL ESTIMATE OF $3,793 MILLION IN MARCH 1991 PRICES.
THE CONTRACT AWARD WAS APPROVED BY THE CENTRAL TENDER BOARD ON MAY 28. IT IS TO BE SIGNED ON JUNE 11.
WORKS WILL START NEXT WEEK AND BE COMPLETED IN FOUR-AND-A-HALF YEARS.
LANTAU EXPRESSWAY JOINT VENTURE SUBMITTED THE LOWEST OF SEVEN TENDERS RECEIVED BY THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT.
THE TENDER SUMS RANGED FROM ITS PRICE OF $3,503 MILLION UP TO $5,399 MILLION.
THE JOINT VENTURE COMPRISES:
* CHINA FUJIAN CORPORATION FOR INTERNATIONAL TECHNO-ECONOMIC COOPERATION (PRC)
■ * DOWNER AND COMPANY LIMITED (NEW ZEALAND)
* AMEC INTERNATIONAL CONSTRUCTION LTD (UK)
* ELTIN LIMITED (AUSTRALIA)
* CHINA INTERNATIONAL WATER & ELECTRIC CORPORATION (PRC)
* UNIVERSAL DOCKYARD LIMITED (HONG KONG).
---------0-----------
/4 ........
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 1992
4
Pl CENTRAL ALLOCATION RESULTS OUT ON SATURDAY
******
RESULTS OF THE CENTRAL ALLOCATION OF PRIMARY ONE PLACES WILL BE RELEASED ON SATURDAY (JUNE 6).
ANNOUNCING THE DETAILS TODAY (TUESDAY), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID 17,088 CHILDREN OUT OF A TOTAL OF 24,308 REGISTERED FOR CENTRAL ALLOCATION WOULD BE ALLOCATED PLACES IN SCHOOLS OF THEIR PARENTS’ FIRST THREE CHOICES.
HE SAID PARENTS SHOULD RETURN TO THEIR OWN DISTRIBUTION-COLLECTION CENTRE ON SATURDAY OR SUNDAY (JUNE 7) FROM 9.30 AM TO 12.30 PM AND 1.30 PM TO 4.30 PM TO COLLECT AN ALLOCATION SLIP SHOWING THE NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE SCHOOL TO WHICH THEIR CHILD HAS BEEN ALLOCATED, TOGETHER WITH THE DATES FOR REGISTRATION AND GUIDANCE NOTES.
THEY SHOULD COMPLETE REGISTRATION FORMALITIES ON JUNE 10 OR 11.
REGISTRATION HOURS FOR AM SCHOOLS ARE FROM 9 AM TO NOON AND FOR PM SCHOOLS FROM 2 PM TO 5 PM. FOR WHOLE-DAY SCHOOLS, THE REGISTRATION HOURS ARE FROM 9 AM TO NOON AND FROM 2 PM TO 4 PM.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID PARENTS WHO FOR PERSONAL REASONS COULD NOT REGISTER THEIR CHILD MUST CONTACT THE SCHOOL DIRECT OR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT BEFOREHAND FOR ALTERNATIVE ARRANGEMENTS.
"PARENTS FAILING TO REGISTER THEIR CHILD ON THE SPECIFIED DATES WITHOUT MAKING PRIOR ARRANGEMENTS WOULD BE DEEMED TO HAVE GIVEN UP THE ALLOCATION," HE SAID.
"UPON REGISTRATION, THE ALLOCATION SLIP SHOULD BE SURRENDERED TO THE SCHOOL AND PARENTS MUST NOTE THAT ALL PLACES ALLOCATED ARE FINAL AND NO RE-ALLOCATION IS POSSIBLE."
PARENTS WHO HAVE SPECIAL DIFFICULTIES, SUCH AS HAVING MOVED TO ANOTHER DISTRICT RESULTING IN THEIR SCHOOL BEING TOO FAR FROM THEIR NEW HOME, ARE ADVISED TO CALL AT THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT AT 269 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI, TO SEEK HELP.
THEY SHOULD BRING ALONG THE ORIGINAL AND COPIES OF SUPPORTING DOCUMENTARY PROOF SUCH AS RENTAL RECEIPTS, RATES DEMAND NOTES, WATER AND ELECTRICITY BILLS BEARING THE NAME OF THE PARENT OR THE GUARDIAN OF THE CHILD.
"IF THEIR REQUEST IS JUSTIFIED, THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT WILL TRY TO FIND ANOTHER PLACE FOR THEIR CHILD AT A SCHOOL NEARER TO THEIR NEW HOME," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/"SHOULD PARENTS .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 1992
- 5 -
SHOULD PARENTS FIND IT NECESSARY TO CHANGE SCHOOL AFTER REGISTRATION, THEY ARE ADVISED TO OBTAIN ASSURANCE OF ACCEPTANCE FROM ANOTHER SCHOOL BEFORE RETRIEVING THE ALLOCATION SLIP FROM THE ORIGINAL SCHOOL TO CANCEL THE ORIGINAL ALLOCATION.”
PARENTS OF CHILDREN WHO HAVE SECURED A DISCRETIONARY PLACE AND HAVE ALREADY REGISTERED WITH A SCHOOL LATE LAST YEAR NEED NOT REPEAT THE REGISTRATION FORMALITIES, HE ADDED.
PARENTS WHO HAVE FURTHER ENQUIRIES MAY CONTACT THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT ON TEL 572 4383. THE ENQUIRY SERVICE WILL REMAIN OPEN FROM 9 AM TO 12.30 PM AND FROM 1.30 PM TO 4.30 PM ON BOTH SATURDAY AND SUNDAY (JUNE 6 AND 7).
---------0------------
APPLICATIONS FOR 10 RETRAINING COURSES INVITED
*****
APPLICATIONS FOR ENROLMENT INDUSTRIES WITH A LARGE NUMBER OF IMPORTED LABOUR WILL START TOMORROW
IN 10 RETRAINING COURSES VACANCIES AND A HIGH DEMAND (WEDNESDAY).
FOR
FOR
IN
THE COURSES, DUE TO BEGIN IN JULY, ARE ORGANISED COLLABORATION WITH THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL, THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY AND THE HONG KONG COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY.
THEY INCLUDE:
* HOTEL HOUSEKEEPING AND CLEANING SERVICES;
* BASIC RETAIL SALES TECHNIQUE;
* PRINT FINISHING;
♦ COMPUTERISED CHINESE TYPESETTING;
* SHIPPING AND DOCUMENTATION FOR CLOTHING INDUSTRY;
* PREPARATION OF PRODUCTION ORDER;
* SAMPLE MAKING;
* IN-LINE Q.C. INSPECTION;
♦ GARMENT FITTING ALTERATION; AND
* CHINESE DATA ENTRY.
LOCAL WORKERS WHO MEET THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA MAY APPLY FOR THE
* HONG KONG PERMANENT RESIDENTS AGED ABOVE 30;
/* HAVE BEEN ...
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 1992
- 6 -
* HAVE BEEN WITH THE SAME EMPLOYER OR INDUSTRY FOR AT LEAST TWO YEARS AND HAVE LOST THEIR JOB OR ARE ABOUT TO LOSE THEIR JOB BECAUSE THEIR PLANT OR BUSINESS HAS CLOSED DOWN OR MOVED OR THEIR POSITION OR SHIFT HAS BEEN ABOLISHED, OR NOT ENOUGH WORK IS AVAILABLE FOR THEM TO DO, OR THAT THEY WISH TO ACQUIRE A NEW SKILL OR UPGRADE THEIR EXISTING SKILLS; AND
* HAVE THE NECESSARY APTITUDE, EDUCATION AND PHYSIQUE REQUIRED BY THE RELEVANT RETRAINING PROGRAMMES.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT DISTRICT OFFICES, BRANCH OFFICES OF LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE (LES), THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL, THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY AND THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY.
"AN ALLOWANCE OF $2,800 PER MONTH WILL BE GIVEN TO WORKERS UNDERGOING RETRAINING TO MEET THEIR BASIC NEEDS," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
"THE LES WILL HELP WORKERS WHO HAVE COMPLETED RETRAINING TO FIND JOB.
"EMPLOYERS WHO WISH TO EMPLOY RETRAINED WORKERS MAY ALSO APPROACH LES FOR HELP," HE ADDED.
FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE RETRAINING COURSES CAN BE OBTAINED FROM LES ON TEL 606 2145.
------0--------
PROVISIONAL RETAIL SALES FIGURES FOR MARCH RELEASED
******
THE VALUE OF TOTAL RETAIL SALES IN MARCH THIS YEAR, ESTIMATED AT $12 BILLION, INCREASED BY 20% WHEN COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
AFTER DISCOUNTING THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES OVER THE PERIOD, TOTAL RETAIL SALES INCREASED BY 13% IN VOLUME TERMS.
THE INCREASE WAS MAINLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE CONTINUED GROWTH IN CONSUMER SPENDING ON MOTOR VEHICLES, JEWELLERY, WATCHES AND CLOTHING.
SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES IN MARCH CONTINUED TO REGISTER THE LARGEST INCREASE OVER THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR, BY 69% IN VALUE AND 57% IN VOLUME.
SALES OF CONSUMER DURABLE GOODS OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES WENT UP BY 19% IN VALUE AND 16% IN VOLUME OVER A YEAR AGO.
SALES OF CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS WENT UP 17% IN VALUE AND 6% IN VOLUME AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR.
/SALES OF .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 1992
SALES OF JEWELLERY, WATCHES, CLOCKS AND VALUABLE GIFTS IN MARCH RECORDED AN INCREASE OF 34% IN VALUE AND 38% IN VOLUME. THE RAPID YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH IN THE SALES OF THESE ITEMS WAS PARTLY DUE TO A CONTINUED LOW LEVEL OF GOLD PRICES.
SALES IN SUPERMARKETS AND OTHER FOODSTUFF OUTLETS IN MARCH BOTH INCREASED BY 8% IN VALUE BUT DROPPED SLIGHTLY BY 1% AND 2% RESPECTIVELY IN VOLUME, OVER A YEAR AGO.
COMPARING THE PERIOD JANUARY TO MARCH THIS YEAR WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, TOTAL RETAIL SALES ROSE BY 20% IN VALUE AND 14% IN VOLUME.
COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1992, AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON MAY BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, TOTAL RETAIL SALES IN MARCH 1992 INCREASED BY 6% IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS.
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.
A REPORT ANALYSING THE MARCH 1992 RESULTS IS ON SALE AT $1.5 PER COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL; AND THE PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER OF CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19/F, WANCHAI TOWER I, WAN CHAI.
ENQUIRIES 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 1 PRESENTS THE REVISED TOTAL RETAIL SALES FIGURE FOR FEBRUARY 1992 AND THE PROVISIONAL FIGURE FOR MARCH 1992.
TABLE 2 SHOWS THE VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF RETAIL SALES IN FEBRUARY AND MARCH 1992 FOR ALL RETAIL OUTLETS AND BY TYPE OF RETAIL OUTLET, WITH AVERAGE RETAIL SALES FROM OCTOBER 1989 TO SEPTEMBER 1990 TAKEN AS 100. COMPARISONS OF MARCH 1992 RESULTS WITH THOSE FOR FEBRUARY 1992 AND MARCH 1991, AND COMPARISONS OF RETAIL SALES IN THE PERIOD JANUARY TO MARCH OF 1992 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1991 ARE ALSO GIVEN.
/TABLE 1 : .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 1992
- 8 -
TABL8 1 : TOTAL IETAIL SALES
Total Retail Sales for March 1992 (Provisional Figure) = HXS12,041.1 lillion
for February 1992 devised Figure) = HS11J32.2 lillion
TABLE 2 : VALUE AXD V0LUM8 IMDBX8S OF RETAIL SALES FOI FEBRUARY 1992 AXD MUCH 1992
(Monthly average of Oct. 89 - Sept. 90 = 100)
1 Index of 1 March 1992 1 March 1992 1 Jan.-Mar. 1992 1
1 Itei * 1 Retail 1 February March coipared with 1 coipared with 1 coipared with 1
1 1 Sales 1 1992 1992 February 1992 1 March 1991 1 Jan.-Mar. 1991 1
1 (Revised (Provisional Points A 1 Points t 1 Points 8 1
1 1 (A) FOR ALL RETAIL OUTLETS figures) figures) 1 1 1 1 1 1
1 1 * । 1
1 1 Value 1 120.7 128.2 ♦7.5 ♦6.3 1 ♦21.6 ♦20.2 1 ♦22.6 ♦20.4 1
1 1 Volute 1 107.7 113.8 ♦6.1 ♦5.6 1 ♦13.5 ♦13.4 1 ♦14.6 ♦13.9 1
1 (B) BY TYPE OF IETAIL OUTLET) 1 l 1 1 1 1 1
1 1
1 Foodstuffs, alcoholic 1 Value 1 99.1 115.5 ♦15.7 ♦15.7 1 ♦8.2 ♦7.7 1 ♦9.7 ♦9.2 1
1 drinks and tobacco 1 Voluie 1 11.0 95.9 ♦15.0 ♦11.5 1 -2.0 -2.0 1 -2.1 -2.1 1
1 (other than 1 1 1
1 superiarkets) I 1 । 1 i J I
1 Supersarkets 1 Value 1 121.1 122.1 -6.3 -4.9 1 ♦8.7 ♦7.7 1 ♦13.8 ♦12.4 1
1 । I- Voluie 1 101.1 101.1 -6.3 -5.1 1 -0.5 -0.5 J ♦3.5 ♦3.4 1
1 Fuels 1 Value 1 107.1 127.8 ♦20.7 ♦19.3 1 ’ H.O ♦3.2 1 ♦4.8 ♦ 4.1 I
1 1 Yoluie 1 84.1 99.9 ♦15.1 ♦18.1 1 -2.3 -2.3 1 -0.8 -0.8 1
i 1 Clothing, footwear and 1 Value 1 123.5 111.0 -5.5 -4.5 1 ♦17.5 ♦17.4 1 ♦23.7 1 ♦19.9 1
1 allied products i 1 Yoluie 1 110.5 104.4 -6.4 -5.1 1 । ♦6.2 ♦6.3 1 । ♦11.8 ♦10.2 1
1 Consuier durable goods* 1 Value 1 133.1 150.1 ♦17.0 ♦12.7 1 ♦42.3 ♦39.2 1 ♦43.9 ♦42.6 1
1 1 Voluie 1 120.2 134.8 ♦14.6 ♦12.2 1 ♦32.9 ♦32.3 1 i ♦34.8 ♦35.) 1
1 - Motor vehicles 1 Value 1 180.3 177.0 -3.3 । -1.8 1 ♦72.0 I ♦68.6 1 ♦95.4 ♦107.2 1
1 and parts I 1 Voluie 1 155.2 151.1 -3.3 -2.1 1 । ♦55.1 ♦56.9 1 ♦76.) ♦92.0 1 ।
1 - Consuier durable 1 Value 1 99.0 130.6 ♦31.6 ♦31.9 1 ♦20.7 ♦11.9 1 ♦6.7 ♦5.9 1
1 goods other than 1 Voluie 1 94.9 122.5 ♦27.6 ♦29.1 1 ♦16.9 ♦16.0 1 ♦4.7 ♦4.3 1
1 • lotor vehicles 1 1 1
1 and parts 1 1 • 1 । 1 । 1 I
1 Departient stores 1 Value 1 119.4 107.9 -11.5 -9.6 1 ♦16.9 ♦18.6 1 ♦19.3 ♦17.’4 1
1 i 1 Voluie 1 107.1 94.4 -12.8 -11.9 1 । ♦6.5 ♦7.4 1 । ♦8.8 ♦1.2 1 i
i 1 Jewellery, watches 1 Value 1 114.2 145.9 ♦31.7 ♦27.7 1 ♦36.6 ♦33.5 1 ♦30.5 i ♦30.0 1
1 and clocks, and 1 Voluie 1 114.3 145.4 ♦31.1 ♦27.2 1 ♦40.3 ♦38.3 1 ♦36.0 ♦36.6 1
1 valuable gifts 1 । 1 । 1 ।
1 Other consuier goods 1 Value 1 127.9 125.8 -2.0 -1.6 1 ♦13.2 ♦11.7 1 ♦12.4 ♦9.7 1
1 not elsewhere 1 Voluie 1 114.3 109.5 -4.8 -4.2 1 ♦1.1 ♦1.0 1 ♦0.9 ♦0.8 1
1 classified 1 1 1
NOTB : 1 This covers both ’Motor vehicles and parts’ and ’Consuier durable goods other than lotor vehicles and parts’.
---------0-----------
/9.........
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 1992
- 9 -
GOVT DEVOTED TO TACKLING ILLICIT TRADE PRACTICE
*****
THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR DONALD TSANG, SAID THE TRADE DEPARTMENT MAY HAVE TO TAKE MUCH STRONGER MEDICINE TO TACKLE ANY ILLICIT TRADE PRACTICE SO AS TO PROTECT HONG KONG’S GOOD NAME.
ADDRESSING A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE CITY LIONS CLUB TODAY (TUESDAY), HE SAID HE WOULD, IF NECESSARY, SEEK ADDITIONAL LEGAL POWERS AND RESOURCES TO ATTACK THE PROBLEM OF ILLEGAL TRANSHIPMENT.
HE ALSO CALLED ON TRADERS TO REPORT ANY ORIGIN OR TRANSHIPMENT FRAUD.
MR TSANG SAID TRANSHIPMENT FRAUD OF A DIFFERENT KIND WAS DISCOVERED RECENTLY.
THERE HAD BEEN CASES OF TEXTILE PRODUCTS PASSING THROUGH HONG KONG WITH THE INTENTION OF CHEATING THE IMPORTING COUNTRY BY FRAUDULENT ORIGIN DECLARATIONS EXECUTED OUTSIDE HONG KONG.
THE PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY FOR COMBATTING ILLEGAL TRANSHIPMENT OF THIS SORT LAY WITH THE THIRD COUNTRY UNDER WHOSE QUOTA THE GOODS WERE EXPORTED TO THE MARKET.
’’NEVERTHELESS, TO THE EXTENT WE CAN, WE WILL WISH TO STOP HONG KONG BEING INVOLVED IN SUCH ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES,” MR TSANG SAID.
"OUR TRADING PARTNERS HAVE ALSO SHOWN INCREASING CONCERN THAT HONG KONG MIGHT BECOME A FAVOURABLE PORT FOR SUCH ILLEGALLY TRANSHIPPED GOODS.
"IN PARTICULAR, THERE HAVE BEEN ALLEGATIONS OF HONG KONG PEOPLE ACTING AS THE MIDDLEMEN OR MASTERMINDS BEHIND ILLEGAL TRANSHIPMENTS.
"TO PROTECT HONG KONG’S GOOD NAME, THE TRADE DEPARTMENT WILL ATTACK THIS PROBLEM OF ILLEGAL TRANSHIPMENT. IF NECESSARY, I SHALL SEEK ADDITIONAL LEGAL POWERS AND RESOURCES FOR THE PURPOSE," MR TSANG SAID.
.WHILST NO SYSTEM WAS PERFECT, MR TSANG WAS PROUD OF HONG KONG’S TEXTILE EXPORT CONTROL SYSTEM WHICH HAD BEEN RECOGNISED WORLDWIDE TO BE ONE OF THE BEST.
NOT SO LONG AGO, AT A FORMAL HEARING IN THE U.S. CONGRESS ON TEXTILE FRAUD, HONG KONG WAS PRAISED FOR PROVIDING THE BEST CO-OPERATION IN THE WORLD TO THE U.S. CUSTOMS IN STAMPING OUT TEXTILE FRAUD.
"TO PROTECT OUR TRADE WE MAY HAVE TO TAKE MUCH STRONGER MEDICINE.
"MY COLLEAGUES AND I ARE EXAMINING WHETHER WE CAN FURTHER TIGHTEN OUR CONTROL SYSTEM AND THE CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH IT OPERATES.
/"WE MAY .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 1992
- 10 -
"WE MAY HAVE TO CONSIDER IMPOSING ORIGIN MARKING REQUIREMENT AND CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN REQUIREMENT EVEN FOR TRANSHIPPED GOODS OR RE-EXPORTS,” MR TSANG SAID.
HE ADDED THAT HE WAS ALWAYS CONSCIOUS NOT TO CAUSE INCONVENIENCE TO OR IMPOSE ADDITIONAL BURDEN ON THE HONEST TRADER.
"MUCH WILL DEPEND ON HOW SUCCESSFUL WE WILL CONTINUE TO BE IN FIGHTING AGAINST FRAUDULENT ACTIVITIES IN THE TEXTILE TRADE AND HOW THIS SUCCESS IS PERCEIVED ELSEWHERE."
HE URGED LOCAL TRADERS TO CO-OPERATE AS THEY WERE IN THE BEST POSITION TO KNOW WHETHER ANY OF THEIR COMPETITORS WERE FLOUTING OUR CONTROLS.
"IF THEY METICULOUSLY REPORT ANY ORIGIN OR TRANSHIPMENT FRAUD THEY WILL NOT ONLY HELP TO PROTECT HONG KONG’S GOOD NAME, THEY WILL HELP THEMSELVES BY REDUCING UNFAIR COMPETITION AND THE NEED TO RESORT TO ANY DRASTIC CONTROL MEASURES AFFECTING THE WHOLE TRADE," HE SAID.
MR TSANG CLARIFIED IT WAS NOT THAT THE ILLEGAL TRANSHIPMENT PROBLEM HAD RUN OUT OF CONTROL, AS UNFOUNDED ALLEGATIONS IN SOME NEWSPAPERS MIGHT HAVE REPORTED.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT TOOK A VERY SERIOUS ATTITUDE TOWARDS ANY MALPRACTICE RELATING TO THE IMPORT AND EXPORT OF GOODS.
"THE INTEGRITY OF OUR SYSTEM IS PARAMOUNT. THE RELEVANT PROVISIONS IN THE LAW HAVE PROVIDED A POWERFUL MEANS TO COMBAT ORIGIN FRAUD.
"OFFENCES RELATING TO LICENSING AND ORIGIN CERTIFICATION ARE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM PENALTY OF HK$0.5 MILLION AND TWO YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT. FOR LABELING OFFENCES, THE MAXIMUM PENALTY IS HK$0.5 MILLION AND IMPRISONMENT UP TO FIVE YEARS.
"PROSECUTIONS RELATING TO TEXTILES ORIGIN FRAUD AND FALSE LABELING IN 1991 RESULTED IN TOTAL FINES OF $30 MILLION. IMPRISONMENT SENTENCES OF UP TO 18 MONTHS HAVE ALSO BEEN IMPOSED.
"IN ADDITION TO PROSECUTION, THE TRADE DEPARTMENT TAKES ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION TOWARDS LICENSING AND QUOTA MALPRACTICES. COMPANIES ARE NORMALLY REQUIRED TO SURRENDER TO THE DEPARTMENT THE AMOUNT OF ANY QUOTAS MISUSED," MR TSANG SAID.
HE ADMITTED THAT HONG KONG’S STRATEGIC POSITION AS A CONVENIENT TRANSPORT CENTRE HAD ITS GREAT BLESSINGS BUT ALSO ITS PROBLEMS.
"AT THE VERY EARLY DAYS OF OUR TEXTILES EXPORT CONTROL EXPERIENCE WE HAD THE PROBLEM OF HONG KONG TEXTILE GOODS DISGUISING AS GOODS OF A DIFFERENT ORIGIN IN ORDER TO BY-PASS THE QUOTA REQUIREMENT FOR EXPORT.
"RELENTLESS GOVERNMENT ENFORCEMENT WORK AND THE RISING LABOUR COST IN HONG KONG HAVE CURED THIS PROBLEM. WHAT THEN TOOK ITS PLACE WAS THE PROBLEM OF NON-HONG KONG GOODS TRYING TO USE OUR QUOTA FOR EXPORT.
/"TO DEAL .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 1992
11 -
"TO DEAL EFFECTIVELY WITH THIS PROBLEM, WE HAVE IN PLACE A WELL ESTABLISHED TEXTILE EXPORT CONTROL SYSTEM WHICH IS BACKED UP BY LAW AND VIGOROUSLY ENFORCED BY THE HONG KONG CUSTOMS," MR TSANG SAID.
HE EXPLAINED THAT UNDER THE SYSTEM, EXPORTERS AND IMPORTERS WERE REQUIRED TO BE REGISTERED WITH THE TRADE DEPARTMENT AND TOOK OUT EXPORT AND IMPORT LICENCES FOR ALMOST ALL EXPORTS, IMPORTS AS WELL AS RE-EXPORTS OF TEXTILES PRODUCTS.
WHERE HONG KONG QUOTAS WERE USED TO COVER DOMESTIC EXPORTS, THE MANUFACTURER WAS REQUIRED TO ENSURE THAT THE GOODS WERE OF HONG KONG ORIGIN AND THERE WERE EFFECTIVE SANCTIONS AGAINST ANY MISUSE OF QUOTAS.
FOR CERTAIN MARKETS SUCH AS THE USA AND THE EEC, TRADERS WERE FURTHER REQUIRED TO TAKE OUT CERTIFICATES OF ORIGIN FOR THE PURPOSE OF ASCERTAINING THE ORIGIN OF THE GOODS.
BESIDES, THE LAW ALSO MADE IT AN OFFENCE IN HONG KONG TO ARRANGE FOR FALSE LABELING, EVEN IF THE ACTUAL LABELING WAS CARRIED OUT OUTSIDE HONG KONG.
"ALTHOUGH THE HONG KONG TEXTILES AND GARMENT INDUSTRIES ARE NOWADAYS ASSUMING GRADUALLY LESS IMPORTANCE THAN TWO OR THREE DECADES AGO, THEY ARE STILL OUR LARGEST INDUSTRIAL SECTORS WITH ROUGHLY 300,000 IN THEIR WORKFORCE.
"THERE ARE OVER 12,000 TEXTILE FACTORIES AND THEY ARE VERY MUCH ALIVE. ACTUAL MANUFACTURING IS TAKING PLACE HERE EVERY DAY, AND NOT JUST DESIGNING, PRODUCTION PLANNING AND QUALITY CONTROL OF THE TEXTILE GOODS AS SOME HAVE SUGGESTED.
"OUR FACTORIES POSSESS MORE THAN ADEQUATE AND MODERN MANUFACTURING CAPACITY TO SUSTAIN THE PRESENT LEVEL OF TEXTILE EXPORTS AND ARE MAKING GOOD USE OF IT. OF COURSE, WHERE NO QUOTA OR ORIGIN REQUIREMENT IS INVOLVED, A MANUFACTURER IS FREE TO CHOOSE THE MOST PROFITABLE PLACE TO PRODUCE HIS GOODS.
"THIS LATTER POINT IS NOT ALWAYS CLEARLY UNDERSTOOD AND HAS GIVEN RISE TO UNHELPFUL SPECULATION," HE SAID.
. LASTLY, MR TSANG CONCLUDED BY SAYING THAT HE TOOK IT AS HIS FIRST DUTY TO MONITOR HONG KONG’S TEXTILE CONTROL SYSTEM VIGILANTLY AND IMPROVE UPON IT AS NEEDED.
"WE WOULD NOT LET OUR SYSTEM TO BE EVEN THE SECOND BEST IN THE WORLD," HE SAID.
- - 0---------
/12 .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 1992
- 12 -
HK BENEFITS FROM ASIA-PACIFIC GROWTH *****
HONG KONG HAS BEEN ABLE TO ACHIEVE IMPRESSIVE ECONOMIC PROGRESS BY TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE FAST ECONOMIC GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION AND ITS INTIMATE AND COMPLEMENTARY ECONOMIC RELATIONSHIP WITH CHINA.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MR T.H. BARMA, WHEN HE SPOKE ON ’’INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR JAPANESE BUSINESSES” AT AN INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT PROMOTION SEMINAR IN TOKYO TODAY (TUESDAY).
MR BARMA SAID ASIA-PACIFIC WAS RECKONED TO BE THE FASTEST GROWING AND MOST DYNAMIC REGION IN THE WORLD, ACCOUNTING FOR HALF OF THE WORLD’S GROSS NATIONAL PRODUCT AND ONE-THIRD OF WORLD TRADE.
"IN THE LAST DECADE, ASIAN-PACIFIC ECONOMIES GREW AT AN AVERAGE OF 8% A YEAR OVERALL. FOR THOSE WHICH HAVE BEEN DUBBED NEWLY INDUSTRIALISED ECONOMIES OR DYNAMIC ASIAN ECONOMIES, THE GROWTH WAS EVEN FASTER, AT 12% PER ANNUM," HE SAID.
HE SAID AN AVERAGE GROWTH RATE OF MORE THAN 6% A YEAR WAS PREDICTED FOR THE DEVELOPING ECONOMIES IN THE REGION IN THE NEXT DECADE, WHICH WAS MORE THAN DOUBLE THAT OF THE EXPECTED GROWTH FOR COUNTRIES IN THE ORGANISATION FOR ECONOMIC COOPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT.
MR BARMA SAID HONG KONG WAS NOW THE 10TH LARGEST TRADING ENTITY IN THE WORLD.
"AMONG HONG KONG’S TOP 20 TRADING PARTNERS, 12 ARE FROM THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION," HE SAID.
"IN 1991, THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION ACCOUNTED FOR 78% OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL TRADE. OUR EXPORTS TO THE REGION GREW AT AN AVERAGE ANNUAL RATE OF 14% DURING THE LAST DECADE TO REACH A TOTAL OF US$20 BILLION IN 1991," HE ADDED.
ON HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC RELATIONSHIP WITH CHINA, MR BARMA SAID THE ADVANTAGES OF HAVING SOUTHERN CHINA SUPPORTING HONG KONG WERE SIGNIFICANT.
FIRSTLY, HE SAID, THE AVAILABILITY OF A VAST INDUSTRIAL HINTERLAND ALLEVIATED SOME OF THE CONSTRAINTS ON INDUSTRIAL GROWTH IN HONG KONG.
"SECONDLY, 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 SERVICES BUT ALSO IN THE SUPPLY OF MATERIALS, PARTS, COMPONENTS AND TOOLING.
"THIS REINFORCES THE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR LINKAGE INDUSTRIES," HE SAID.
/THIRDLY, THE ........
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 1992
- 13 -
THIRDLY, THE RELOCATION PROCESS HAD ENABLED HONG KONG MANUFACTURERS AND THEIR WORKFORCE TO CONCENTRATE ON THE MORE SKILL-INTENSIVE ACTIVITIES LOCALLY, THEREBY CONTRIBUTING DIRECTLY TO THE SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT IN LABOUR PRODUCTIVITY IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR.
"FOR EXAMPLE THE RATIO OF THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION INDEX TO THE MANUFACTURING EMPLOYMENT INDEX IN 1991 ROSE BY 12% OVER 1990, FOLLOWING AN INCREASE OF 9% FOR 1990," HE SAID.
MR BARMA SAID AN IMPORTANT PART OF HONG KONG’S EVOLUTION WAS THAT IT RECOGNISED THAT IT COULD NOT COMPETE WITH THE LOW-COST LABOUR OF NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES IN SOUTH EAST ASIA AND CHINA.
"TO MOVE INTO THE 21ST CENTURY WITH CONTINUED VIGOUR, WE NEED TO UPGRADE OUR TECHNOLOGY BASE," HE SAID.
"WE NEED TO ANTICIPATE FUTURE TECHNOLOGY NEEDS AND OPPORTUNITIES, AND TRY AND PUT THE NECESSARY TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE INTO PLACE NOW IF WE ARE TO BECOME A PREMIER CENTRE IN ASIA IN THESE AREAS,” HE SAID.
--------0-----------
37 INMATES PASS PUBLIC EXAMS *****
THIRTY-SEVEN INMATES FROM THE CAPE COLLINSON CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION, LAI KING TRAINING CENTRE AND TAI TAM GAP CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION RECEIVED CERTIFICATES THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON FOR PASSING PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS.
THEY OBTAINED A TOTAL OF 13 DISTINCTIONS, TWO CREDITS AND 42 PASSES IN PITMAN EXAMINATIONS, LONDON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY EXAMINATIONS AND CITY AND GUILDS OF LONDON INSTITUTE EXAMINATIONS.
THE HONORARY SECRETARY OF THE DUTY FREE SHOPPERS CHARITABLE TRUST COMMITTEE, MR J. ROGER THOMAS, PRESENTED CERTIFICATES TO THEM AT A CEREMONY HELD AT CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE.
MR THOMAS ALSO PRESENTED A CHEQUE FOR $50,000 FROM THE DUTY FREE SHOPPERS CHARITABLE TRUST TO THE DEPARTMENT’S PRISONERS EDUCATION TRUST FUND.
THE FUND WAS SET UP TO SUBSIDISE COURSE FEES, EXAMINATION FEES AND THE PURCHASE OF BOOKS FOR PRISONERS WITH FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES.
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/14 ........
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 1992
- 14 -
TWO GOVT PRIMARY SCHOOLS INVITE ENROLMENT ******
TWO GOVERNMENT PRIMARY 2 TO 6 PLACES
PRIMARY SCHOOLS WILL MAKE AVAILABLE A NUMBER FOR CHILDREN IN THE NEXT ACADEMIC YEAR.
OF
CHILDREN AGED SIX YEARS AND EIGHT MONTHS OR OVER ON SEPTEMBER 1 THIS YEAR CAN APPLY FOR ADMISSION TO THE KAI TAK SCHOOL IN HONG KEUNG STREET, SAN PO KONG AND KOWLOON DOCKS MEMORIAL SCHOOL IN TSING CHAU STREET, HUNG HOM.
BOTH SCHOOLS WILL OPERATE WHOLE-DAY CLASSES IN SEPTEMBER.
AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID APPLICATION FORMS WOULD BE AVAILABLE FROM THE TWO SCHOOLS FROM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY), ADDING THAT COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE SCHOOLS BY JUNE 10.
OUT-PATIENT CLINICS TO CLOSE ON TUEN NG DAY * * * *
THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TODAY (TUESDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT THERE WILL BE NO HOLIDAY AND EVENING GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINIC SERVICES ON JUNE 5 (FRIDAY) WHICH IS THE TUEN NG FESTIVAL.
--------0-----------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS *****
TENDER DATE 2 JUNE 92
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q223
AMOUNT APPLIED HKD 2,050 MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED HKD 500 MN
AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED 2.92 PCT
HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED 2.93 PCT
PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 57 PCT
AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 3.00 PCT
/HONG KONG .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 1992
- 15 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
TENDER TO BE HELD IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 8 JUNE 1992 -
TENDER DATE 9 JUNE 92 9 JUNE 92
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q224 H266
ISSUE DATE 10 JUNE 92 10 JUNE 92
MATURITY DATE 9 SEPT 92 9 DEC 92
TENOR 91 DAYS 182 DAYS
AMOUNT ON OFFER HK$500 + 100 MN HKS200 + 60 MN
0
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
MONEY MARKET OPERA TIONS
***** DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 1.6.92 988
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING 2.6.92 -60 + 60
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 111.5 *+0.3* 2.6.92 HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND NEUTRAL
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 2.92 PCT 18 MONTHS 2311 6.25 102.43 4.57
1 MONTH 2.85 PCT 21 MONTHS 2402 5.50 101.15 4.84
3 MONTHS 2.89 PCT 24 MONTHS 2405 5.50 6 MONTHS 3.25 PCT 12 MONTHS 3.94 PCT TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 13.652MN 100.85 5.10
CLOSED 2 JUNE 1992
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING:
CONSUMERS TO BENEFIT FROM NEW TELEPHONE TARIFF DEAL............ 1
REVIEW OF DBS AND MUNICIPAL COUNCILS BEFORE NEXT ELECTIONS .... 3
TUNNEL CONGESTION INCURS HIGH COST ............................ 5
RENT DECONTROL WILL ONLY AFFECT SOME PEOPLE ................... 6
LINGNAN TO BE CONFERRED TERTIARY STATUS ....................... 7
WORK OF SFC PRAISED............................................ 8
ABOLITION OF DEATH PENALTY KEPT UNDER REVIEW .................. 9
MAJORITY OF AMBULANCE CALLS MET WITHIN TARGET TIME............. 10
MATURE DEBT MARKET HELPS RAISE PAD FUNDING .................... 11
INTEREST RATE HAS LITTLE DIRECT EFFECT ON COST OF LIVING....... 11
GUIDANCE ON SECURING GOODS ON VEHICLES ........................ 13
RELOCATION WORK OF NAVAL BASE WELL IN PROGRESS ................ 13
NEW RULES TO CURB WORKING IIS EFFECTIVE ....................... 14
DATA PROTECTION LAW UNDER STUDY ............................... 15
LOCAL REHOUSING FOR CLEARED SQUATTERS IMPOSSIBLE .............. 16
SALARIES AND PROFITS TAX CONTRIBUTION EXPLAINED ............... 16
WAITING TIME FOR INSTALLING VILLAGE LAMPS IMPROVING ........... 17
EXCO TO EXAMINE MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS BILL SOON .............. 18
LIQUIDITY ADJUSTMENT FACILITY TO BE INTRODUCED................. 18
EVENING CLINICS CLOSED FOR PATIENTS’ SAFETY ................... 19
COMPLAINTS AGAINST VESSEL NOISE................................ 19
GROUNDS FOR REFUSED ENTRY LISTED .............................. 20
DRAINAGE SYSTEM IN NEW TYPHOON SHELTER SOUND .................. 21
REMUNERATION AND FRINGE BENEFIT OF CLINICAL TEACHERS .......... 22
MORE ELIGIBLE FOR TIN SHUI WAI PUBLIC HOUSING FLATS ........... 22
•
/DISTRIBUTION OF .....
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
DISTRIBUTION OF FIRST-YEAR, FIRST-DEGREE PLACES BEING WORKED OUT .. 23
MOTION ON TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY PASSED........................... 24
AIRPORT FINANCE PLAN UNLIKELY ON PMS' AGENDA .......................... 26
STI WELCOMES DECISION ON CHINA’S MFN STATUS ........................... 27
GOVERNOR TOURS YUEN LONG............................................... 27
WESTERN WHOLESALE MARKET PHASE II CONTRACT AWARDED .................... 28
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............ 29
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 1992
- 1 -
CONSUMERS TO BENEFIT FROM NEW TELEPHONE TARIFF DEAL
******
THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ELIZABETH BOSHER, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS REACHED A BROAD MEASURE OF AGREEMENT WITH THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY AND HONG KONG TELECOM INTERNATIONAL ON A NUMBER OF MAJOR REGULATORY ISSUES.
THESE INCLUDE THE BROAD PARAMETERS FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF GREATER LIBERALISATION BOTH AT THE LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL LEVEL, ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LOCAL TARIFFS REPLACING THE FORMER SCHEME OF CONTROL AGREEMENT WHICH HAS LAPSED, AND SUBSTANTIAL REDUCTIONS IN IDD CHARGES.
WINDING UP A MOTION DEBATE ON TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MRS BOSHER SAID IT WAS AT PRESENT THE GOVERNMENT’S WISH TO BUILD ON THE BROAD PARAMETERS THAT HAD BEEN AGREED WITH THE HELP OF THE VIEWS OF MEMBERS AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES.
ON THE REGULATION OF LOCAL TARIFFS, SHE SAID AGREEMENT HAD BEEN REACHED IN PRINCIPLE FOR LOCAL TELEPHONE CHARGES TO BE HELD AT FOUR PERCENTAGE POINTS BELOW INFLATION FROM 1992/93 TO 1994/95.
UNDER THIS SYSTEM OF INCENTIVE REGULATION KNOWN AS PRICECAPPING, CONSUMERS WILL BE ABLE TO ENJOY A REDUCTION IN CHARGES IN REAL TERMS BECAUSE THE WEIGHTED AVERAGE ANNUAL INCREASE OF TELEPHONE SERVICE CHARGES WOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO EXCEED THE PREVAILING ANNUAL INFLATION RATE MINUS AN "X" PERCENTAGE.
"FOLLOWING DISCUSSION WITH THE COMPANY WE HAVE AGREED IN PRINCIPLE THAT THE LEVEL OF "X" SHOULD BE FIXED AT 4% FOR THE REMAINING THREE YEARS OF ITS EXISTING FRANCHISE, WITH A FURTHER REVIEW IN 1994/95.
"WE BELIEVE THIS IS A GOOD DEAL FOR CONSUMERS," MRS BOSHER SAID, POINTING OUT THAT THIS SYSTEM WOULD RESULT IN LOCAL TELEPHONE CHARGES RISING BY SOME 1.5 PER CENT PER ANNUM LESS THAN THE HISTORIC TREND.
OVER THE LAST 10 YEARS UNDER THE PREVIOUS SCHEME OF CONTROL, TELEPHONE CHARGES HAD INCREASED AT AN AVERAGE ANNUAL RATE OF CPI(A) MINUS 2.5 PER CENT, SHE POINTED OUT.
THIS SYSTEM WOULD ALSO PROVIDE A REASONABLE DEGREE OF INCENTIVE FOR THE COMPANY TO CONTINUE TO INVEST AND IMPROVE ITS EFFICIENCY OVER THE LIFE OF THE PRICE-CAP, SHE SAID.
"THE DETERMINATION OF THE VALUE OF "X" IS AN IMPORTANT FIRST STEP, BUT THE DETAIL NEEDS TO BE PAINTED IN BEFORE THE PICTURE IS COMPLETE.
/"FOR EXAMPLE .......
2
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 1992
"FOR EXAMPLE, WE ENVISAGE THE NEED FOR ONE OR MORE SUB-CAPS, WITHIN THE OVERALL PRICE CAP, TO ENSURE THAT CRUCIAL CHARGES, SUCH AS THE RENTAL FEE FOR A RESIDENTIAL LINE, ARE NOT INCREASED EXCESSIVELY TO OFFSET REDUCTIONS IN THE PRICES OF OTHER SERVICES," SHE ADDED.
ON THE CHARGES LEVIED BY HONG KONG TELECOM INTERNATIONAL FOR INTERNATIONAL TELEPHONE SERVICES, MRS BOSHER SAID AFTER INTENSIVE NEGOTIATION WITH THE COMPANY, THE GOVERNMENT HAD SECURED AGREEMENT IN PRINCIPLE FOR IDD CHARGES TO BE REDUCED BY AN AVERAGE OF ABOUT 12% OVER THREE YEARS: COMMENCING WITH AN 8% REDUCTION IN 1992/93; AND FOLLOWED BY FURTHER REDUCTIONS OF 2% IN 1993/94; AND 2% IN 1994/95.
THESE REDUCTIONS WOULD BE IMPLEMENTED IN TANDEM WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCAL TARIFFS.
ADDRESSING MEMBERS’ SUPPORT FOR INTRODUCING LOCAL NETWORK COMPETITION, MRS BOSHER AFFIRMED THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION TO REPLACE THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY’S EXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE OVER THE LOCAL TELEPHONE SERVICE WITH A NON-EXCLUSIVE LICENCE WHEN THE FRANCHISE EXPIRES IN 1995.
"THIS WILL PAVE THE WAY FOR COMPETING NETWORKS TO PROVIDE LOCAL FIXED-LINK VOICE TELEPHONE SERVICES, JUST AS WE ALREADY HAVE COMPETITION IN MOBILE TELEPHONE SERVICES."
SHE ALSO ASSURED MEMBERS THAT THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY’S NON-EXCLUSIVE LICENCE WOULD INCLUDE A UNIVERSAL SERVICE OBLIGATION; MEANING THAT THE COMPANY WOULD BE OBLIGED, AS AT PRESENT, TO PROVIDE TELEPHONE SERVICE TO ANYONE WHO REQUIRED IT, REGARDLESS OF WHERE THEY LIVE.
"IN THE SHORT TERM, BEFORE EXPIRY OF THE FRANCHISE, WE WOULD BE PREPARED TO LICENSE COMPETITIVE NETWORKS WISHING TO PROVIDE NONFRANCHISED SERVICES SUCH AS DATA AND FACSIMILE," SHE SAID.
ON COMPETING NETWORKS, MRS BOSHER STRESSED THAT NO DECISIONS HAD YET BEEN TAKEN ON HOW THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD GO ABOUT LICENSING NEW LOCAL NETWORKS AND WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT, RATHER THAN THE MARKET, SHOULD IMPOSE A LIMIT ON THE NUMBER THAT SHOULD BE LICENSED.
"THE MAIN CHOICE HERE IS BETWEEN A TENDER TYPE LICENSING PROCESS, IN WHICH GOVERNMENT SELECTS ONE OR MORE BIDDERS TO PROVIDE A COMPETING NETWORK OR NETWORKS OR AN OPEN LICENSING REGIME -- SUCH AS HAS BEEN ADOPTED IN THE UK," SHE SAID.
SHE ADDED THAT THE VIEWS OF LEGCO MEMBERS AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES ON THE APPROACH TO LICENSING WOULD BE MOST HELPFUL TO THE GOVERNMENT IN FINALISING THE PROPOSALS.
"FOR THERE TO BE EFFECTIVE COMPETITION, IT WILL BE NECESSARY FOR A NEW COMPETING LOCAL NETWORK TO INTERCONNECT WITH THE EXISTING FIXED-LINK TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE OF THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY AND HONG KONG TELECOM INTERNATIONAL.
SHE ALSO BRIEFED MEMBERS ON THE BROAD PRINCIPLES THAT WOULD APPLY TO NETWORK INTERCONNECTION, A COMMON VIEW ON WHICH HAD BEEN REACHED WITH THE COMPANIES.
/MRS BOSHER .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 1992
3
MRS BOSHER EMPHASISED THAT NO DECISIONS HAD BEEN TAKEN ON THE DETAILS AND VIEWS EXPRESSED BY MEMBERS ON THE ISSUE OF INTERCONNECTION WOULD GREATLY HELP THE GOVERNMENT’S DELIBERATIONS ON THE DETAILED ARRANGEMENTS.
THE GOVERNMENT IS ALSO LOOKING FORWARD TO RECEIVING FURTHER VIEWS ON THIS ISSUE FROM INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVES AND CONSUMERS.
’’FURTHER LIBERALISATION IN INTERNATIONAL SERVICES IS OF COURSE CONSTRAINED BY THE TERMS OF HONG KONG TELECOM INTERNATIONAL’S LICENCE * WHICH DOES NOT EXPIRE UNTIL 2006.
J "THERE IS, HOWEVER, IN OUR VIEW STILL SOME ROOM FOR FURTHER
LIBERALISATION IN INTERNATIONAL SERVICES WITHOUT INFRINGING THE h EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS GRANTED UNDER THAT LICENCE.
"IN PARTICULAR, WE BELIEVE THAT CURRENT RESTRICTIONS ON THE USE OF INTERNATIONAL PRIVATE LEASED CIRCUITS TO PROVIDE COMPETING VALUE-ADDED SERVICES COULD BE RELAXED FURTHER," SHE SAID.
IN ADDITION, COMPANIES AND ORGANISATIONS COULD BE AUTHORISED TO PROVIDE THEIR OWN INTERNATIONAL PRIVATE CIRCUITS BY, FOR EXAMPLE, DIRECTLY LEASING SATELLITE CAPACITY, SHE SAID.
---------0-----------
REVIEW OF DBS AND MUNICIPAL COUNCILS BEFORE NEXT ELECTIONS
******
THE GOVERNMENT IS ABOUT TO START A REVIEW ON THE
CONSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS, INCLUDING THE APPOINTED AND EX-OFFICIO • MEMBERSHIP OF DISTRICT BOARDS AND THE TWO MUNICIPAL COUNCILS, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE t COUNCIL THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON.
' WINDING UP A MOTION DEBATE ON THE REVIEW OF "DISTRICT BOARDS
AND MUNICIPAL COUNCILS", MR SUEN SAID THE ADMINISTRATION AIMED TO 1. COMPLETE THE REVIEW WITHIN 12 MONTHS IN TIME FOR THE NEXT ROUND OF ELECTIONS IN 1994-95.
MR SUEN SAID TWO REVIEWS HAD ALREADY BEEN CONDUCTED ON THE FUNCTIONS OF DISTRICT BOARDS IN 1984 AND 1987.
"BOTH REVIEWS HIGHLIGHTED THE IMPORTANCE OF DISTRICT BOARDS AS DISTRICT CONSULTATIVE ORGANS AND VEHICLES OF DISTRICT COMMUNITY BUILDING," HE SAID.
AND THIS HAD BEEN FURTHER BACKED UP BY THE 1988 WHITE PAPER ON "DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT: THE WAY FORWARD" WHICH CONCLUDED THAT THERE WAS NO DEMAND FOR FUNDAMENTAL CHANGES TO THEIR PRESENT ROLE.
/THE REPORT .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 1992
THE REPORT, HOWEVER, STATED THAT THERE WAS CLEAR SUPPORT FOR DEVELOPING THEIR ADVISORY ROLE.
ON THE CURRENT COMPOSITION OF DISTRICT BOARDS, MR SUEN SAID IT PROVIDED FOR A MIXED BAG OF MEMBERSHIP WITH A MAJORITY OF ELECTED MEMBERS AND CHANGES HAD BEEN INTRODUCED OVER THE YEARS WITH THE OBJECTIVE OF ENSURING THAT THE DISTRICT BOARDS REMAINED AS REPRESENTATIVE AS POSSIBLE OF THE COMMUNITY IN WHICH THEY SERVED.
’’INSOFAR AS THE CURRENT SYSTEM GOES, EXPERIENCE HAS SHOWN THAT IT HAS WORKED TO THE SATISFACTION OF MOST, IF NOT ALL, OF THOSE CONCERNED.
’’THE QUALITY AND THE RANGE OF ADVICE WE GET FROM DISTRICT BOARDS OWES MUCH TO THE FULL SPECTRUM OF INTERESTS REPRESENTED ON DISTRICT BOARDS,” HE SAID.
BUT MR SUEN CONCEDED THAT THE ADMINISTRATION HAD NO FIXED VIEW ON HOW DISTRICT BOARDS MIGHT DEVELOP IN THE FUTURE.
TURNING TO THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS, MR SUEN SAID THE INCEPTION OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL IN 1986 HAD PUT THE FINAL PIECE OF JIGSAW IN PLACE TO MARK THE COMPLETION OF THE THREE-TIER REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT.
AS TO THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS AND DISTRICT BOARDS, MR SUEN SAID ALTHOUGH THE PRESENT SYSTEM OF PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE LINK BETWEEN THE TWO WAS WORKING REASONABLY WELL, ANY SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER IMPROVEMENT WOULD BE VERY CAREFULLY CONSIDERED.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE, WITH CHANGES TO THE COMPOSITION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL NOT JUST IN 1995 BUT ALSO IN 1999 AND 2003, MR SUEN SAID IT WAS THEREFORE A QUESTION OF FUNDAMENTAL IMPORTANCE WHETHER THE EXISTING SYSTEM OF DISTRICT BOARDS AND MUNICIPAL COUNCILS CALLED FOR FURTHER MAJOR CHANGES.
"I WOULD HOWEVER AGREE WITH THE VIEWS PUT FORTH BY MOST MEMBERS SPEAKING ON THE MOTION TODAY THAT WE SHOULD KEEP AN OPEN MIND IN THIS RESPECT,” MR SUEN SAID.
HE SAID HE HAD LISTENED VERY CAREFULLY TO THEIR VIEWS AND ASSURED THE COUNCILLORS THAT THESE WOULD BE TAKEN INTO FULL ACCOUNT DURING THE FORTHCOMING REVIEW.
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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 1992
5
TUNNEL CONGESTION INCURS HIGH COST
*****
THE EXTRA COST TO THE COMMUNITY IN TERMS OF TRAVEL TIME WASTED DUE TO TRAFFIC CONGESTION AT THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL COULD AMOUNT TO AT LEAST $350 MILLION A YEAR.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, AT THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON TRAFFIC CONGESTION AT CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR LEUNG SAID SINCE THE CROSS HARBOUR TRAFFIC WAS CONTINUING TO INCREASE BY ABOUT 4 PER CENT EACH YEAR, CONGESTION AT THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL WOULD THEREFORE DETERIORATE FURTHER UNTIL THE WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING OPENS IN 1997.
"THE PROBLEM MUST BE ADDRESSED. TO DO NOTHING WOULD BE IRRESPONSIBLE. IT WOULD RESULT IN EVEN GREATER CONGESTION, INCONVENIENCE THOSE WHO RELY ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT, AND INCREASE FUEL CONSUMPTION AND HENCE AIR POLLUTION.
MR LEUNG SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD TAKEN ALL POSSIBLE STEPS TO DEAL WITH THE CONGESTION PROBLEM.
THESE INCLUDE THE OPENING OF THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING IN 1989, AND THE KWUN TONG BYPASS AND TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL IN 1991; NUMEROUS TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES IMPLEMENTED IN THE APPROACH ROADS TO THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL; AND TO ENCOURAGE GREATER USE OF THE VEHICULAR FERRY SERVICE WHICH DOES HAVE SPARE CAPACITY.
MR LEUNG SAID IN PARALLEL, EFFORTS TO PROMOTE THE USE OF EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING CONTINUED. OVER 170 ADDITIONAL DIRECTIONAL SIGNS HAD BEEN INSTALLED AND ROUTE MAPS HAD BEEN DISTRIBUTED. THE TUNNEL COMPANY HAD JUST INTRODUCED A DISCOUNT TICKET SCHEME TO ATTRACT MORE REGULAR USERS.
MR LEUNG SAID THERE HAD BEEN PROPOSAL TO ENCOURAGE CAR POOLING, BY BANNING ONE PERSON VEHICLES FROM USING THE TUNNEL OR IMPOSING A HIGHER TOLL ON THEM AS A SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM.
"HOWEVER, THE RESULT WOULD BE TO SLOW DOWN THE PASSAGE OF CARS THROUGH THE TOLL BOOTHS, TO CONSTRAIN THE DEVELOPMENT OF AUTOTOLL AND TO FAVOUR THOSE WHO HAVE CHAUFFEUR DRIVER CARS. A SIMILAR SCHEME HAS BEEN TRIED BUT DROPPED IN SINGAPORE.”
ON THE SUGGESTION TO ALLOW VEHICLES WITH ODD AND EVEN REGISTRATION NUMBERS TO USE THE TUNNEL ON ALTERNATE DAYS, MR LEUNG SAID THIS WOULD ALSO SLOW DOWN PASSAGE THROUGH THE TOLL BOOTHS, FAVOUR OWNERS WITH MORE THAN ONE VEHICLE, AND INTERFERE WITH THE ACTIVITIES OF ESSENTIAL TUNNEL USERS.
MR LEUNG SAID THE SUGGESTION OF ALLOWING GOODS VEHICLES TO USE THE TUNNEL ONLY OUTSIDE PEAK HOURS, OR BE DIVERTED TO THE OTHER TUNNEL WOULD CREATE NEW CONGESTION PEAKS DIFFICULT TO JUSTIFY IN VIEW OF ITS EFFECT ON BUSINESSES.
/"THE GOODS
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 1992
6
"THE GOODS VEHICLE TRADE HAS ALREADY RAISED STRONG OBJECTIONS TO GOVERNMENT GIVING PRIORITY TO PRIVATE CARS WHILST DISCRIMINATING AGAINST GOODS VEHICLES WHICH ARE ESSENTIAL TO THE ECONOMY.
"ON THE OTHER HAND, LIMITING HEAVY GOODS TRAFFIC TO CERTAIN ROADS AT CERTAIN TIMES IS NOT UNCOMMON ON TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT GROUNDS, AND WE SHALL RE-EXAMINE THIS OPTION IN MORE DETAIL.
MR LEUNG SAID THE GOVERNMENT INTEND TO AMEND THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO REMOVE THE ANOMALY OF BEING CHEAPER FOR GOODS VEHICLE OVER 24 TONNES OR WITH MORE THAN TWO AXLES TO USE THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL RATHER THAN EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING.
MR LEUNG STRESSED THAT IT WOULD BE A LAST RESORT THAT ONLY AFTER ALL OTHER MEASURES HAD BEEN TRIED SHOULD RAISING THE PASSAGE TAX AT THE TUNNEL BE CONSIDERED.
"DESPITE ITS UNPOPULARITY, THE INTRODUCTION OF THIS TAX IN 1984 EFFECTIVELY REDUCED TUNNEL TRAFFIC FOR ABOUT THREE YEARS, AND THERE WAS ONLY ONE TUNNEL AT THAT TIME.
"IF THE PASSAGE TAX FOR PRIVATE CARS WERE RAISED FROM $5 TO $15 DURING PEAK HOURS AND IF GOODS VEHICLES WERE RE-CLASSIFIED, WE ESTIMATE SOME 19,000 VEHICLES PER DAY WOULD STOP USING THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL. OF THIS NUMBER, ABOUT 12,000 WOULD DIVERT TO THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING.
TO FACILITATE PUBLIC TRANSPORT, MR LEUNG SAID THE GOVERNMENT IS ALSO CONSIDERING REMOVING THE PASSAGE TAX COMPLETELY FROM BUSES AND MINI-BUSES.
- - 0 - -
RENT DECONTROL WILL ONLY AFFECT SOME PEOPLE *****
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PREMISES TO BE AFFECTED BY THE PHASING OUT OF RENT CONTROL BY THE END OF 1994 WILL CONSTITUTE ONLY ABOUT 4% OF ALL PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL FLATS, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992, MR SUEN SAID THE IMPACT OF THE PROPOSED CHANGES ON THE CONSUMER PRICE INFLATION WOULD BE INSIGNIFICANT.
"WE DO NOT CONSIDER THAT THE DECONTROL OF RENTS WILL AFFECT THE LOCAL RENTAL MARKET IN ANY SIGNIFICANT WAY," HE ADDED.
THE BILL PROVIDES FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF A SERIES OF GRADATED STATUTORY RENT CEILINGS WHICH WILL ENABLE PERMITTED RENTS TO BE BROUGHT CLOSE TO PREVAILING MARKET RENTS BY THE END OF 1994 AT WHICH TIME RENT CONTROLS WILL LAPSE.
/BUT MR
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 1992
7
BUT MR SUEN DID ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE PROPERTY MARKET COULD BE VOLATILE.
’’FOR THIS REASON, WE HAVE INCLUDED IN THE BILL PROVISIONS TO ADJUST BOTH THE LEVELS OF INCREASES AND THEIR TIME FRAME SO AS TO MINIMISE THE IMPACT OF ANY UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES RESULTING FROM THE ADVERSE MARKET FORCES WHICH MAY REQUIRE INTERVENTION.
"WE WILL BE MONITORING THE SITUATION CONTINUOUSLY AND CAREFULLY," HE SAID.
WITH REGARD TO THE STATUTORY COMPENSATION PAYABLE TO THOSE TENANTS DISPOSSESSED BY REDEVELOPMENT, HE SAID IT WAS ACCEPTED THAT A CURRENT RATE OF TWICE THE 1983 RATEABLE VALUE OF THE PROPERTY PLUS REMOVAL EXPENDITURE AND RECOMPENSE FOR FITTINGS WAS "OUTDATED AND INADEQUATE".
IN THIS CONNECTION, MR SUEN SAID, THE BILL PROPOSED TO AMEND THE STATUTORY BASIS FOR COMPENSATION TO A MULTIPLE OF 1.3 OF THE CURRENT RATEABLE VALUE.
THIS WOULD ROUGHLY DOUBLE THE LEVEL OF STATUTORY COMPENSATION AND ALLOW A DISPOSSESSED TENANT TO RENT SIMILAR ACCOMMODATION FOR ABOUT SIX MONTHS.
AT PRESENT, THERE ARE 38,500 POST-WAR UNITS UNDER RENT CONTROL. HOWEVER, THIS FIGURE IS DIMINISHING AT THE RATE OF 5,000 A YEAR.
HE ALSO SAID BY RESTORING RENTS TO MARKET LEVELS, IT WOULD PROVIDE INCENTIVES TO LANDLORDS TO UNDERTAKE A MORE ACTIVE ROLE IN REFURBISHING AND MAINTAINING THEIR PROPERTIES.
---------0-----------
LINGNAN TO BE CONFERRED TERTIARY STATUS ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦
LINGNAN COLLEGE WHICH HAS BEEN FUNDED BY THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE (UPGC) SINCE LAST JULY, PLANS TO PROVIDE 2,000 STUDENT PLACES INCLUDING 690 FIRST-YEAR, FIRST-DEGREE (FYFD) PLACES BY 1994-95.
THIS FOLLOWS THE RECOMMENDATION OF UPGC TO UPGRADE THE COLLEGE TO A DEGREE-GRANTING INSTITUTION IN THE CONTEXT OF THE CURRENT TERTIARY EXPANSION PROGRAMME TO PROVIDE FYFD PLACES FOR 18% OF THE RELEVANT AGE GROUP BY 1994-95.
A BILL THAT SEEKS TO PROVIDE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT, FUNCTIONS AND GOVERNANCE OF THE COLLEGE AS A DEGREE-AWARDING BODY WAS INTRODUCED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF LINGNAN COLLEGE BILL, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, SAID IT PROVIDED THE COLLEGE WITH A NEW FORM OF GOVERNANCE COMMENSURATE WITH ITS STATUS AS A PUBLICLY-FUNDED TERTIARY INSTITUTION.
/UNDER THE .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 1992
8
UNDER THE PROPOSED BILL, A BOARD OF GOVERNORS WITH 40 MEMBERS WILL BE SET UP AS THE SUPREME GOVERNING BODY OF THE COLLEGE.
A 27-MEMBER COUNCIL WILL ALSO BE SET UP TO SERVE AS THE EXECUTIVE BODY OF THE COLLEGE AND BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ITS MANAGEMENT AND OPERATION.
THE COUNCIL WILL BE EMPOWERED TO APPOINT AN ACADEMIC BOARD TO REVIEW AND DEVELOP ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES AND SUPERVISE TEACHING, RESEARCH, ADMISSIONS AND EXAMINATIONS.
APART FROM SUBMITTING ITS ESTIMATES AND PROGRAMMES OF ACTIVITIES TO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE UPGC, THE COLLEGE IS ALSO REQUIRED TO SUBMIT ANNUAL REPORTS ON ITS FINANCES AND GENERAL ACTIVITIES TO THE GOVERNOR.
LINGNAN COLLEGE IN HONG KONG WAS FOUNDED IN 1967 BY A GROUP OF ALUMNI OF THE FORMER LINGNAN UNIVERSITY IN CHINA.
IT WAS FIRST REGISTERED AS A SCHOOL AND BECAME AN APPROVED POST-SECONDARY COLLEGE IN 1978.
FOLLOWING A REVIEW ON THE COLLEGE BY THE UNITED KINGDOM COUNCIL FOR NATIONAL ACADEMIC AWARDS, IT WAS CONCLUDED THAT THE COURSES IT OFFERED WERE EQUIVALENT IN STANDARD TO THOSE OFFERED BY SOME TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS FUNDED BY THE UPGC.
"THE UPGRADING OF THE COLLEGE MAY BE SEEN AS A RECOGNITION OF THE REMARKABLE WORK OF ITS FOUNDERS AND SUCCESSIVE GENERATIONS OF STAFF AND STUDENTS," MR CHAN SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
- - 0 - -
WORK OF SFC PRAISED
*****
THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION (SFC) HAS ACHIEVED MUCH SINCE IT WAS ESTABLISHED IN MAY 1989, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
TABLING THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION 1991/92 ANNUAL REPORT, MR MACLEOD SAID IT WAS LARGELY THANKS TO ITS EFFORTS THAT WE HAD IN PLACE AN EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT REGULATORY FRAMEWORK WHICH WAS FULLY UP TO THE STANDARDS EXPECTED OF AN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE.
HE SAID AS IN PREVIOUS YEARS, MUCH OF THE WORK OF SFC FOCUSED ON REFINEMENTS TO THE REGULATORY FRAMEWORK OF THE SECURITIES MARKETS.
/"THE MOST
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 1992
9
"THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES INCLUDED THE CONSTITUTIONAL REFORMS TO THE GOVERNING STRUCTURE OF THE STOCK EXCHANGE OF HONG KONG, THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW SECURITIES CLEARING AND SETTLEMENT SYSTEM, AND COMPLETION OF THE TRANSFER OF FULL RESPONSIBILITY TO THE STOCK EXCHANGE FOR ALL DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONAL AND REGULATORY MATTERS IN RELATION TO LISTINGS," HE SAID.
TURNING TO MORE RECENT DEVELOPMENTS, MR MACLEOD SAID THE HONG KONG SECURITIES CLEARING COMPANY, HAVING RECEIVED THE NECESSARY RECOGNITION FROM THE SFC HAD OPENED ITS DEPOSITORY YESTERDAY.
THE COMPANY WOULD START OPERATING ON A TRADE-FOR-TRADE BASIS LATER THIS MONTH.
"IT IS IMPORTANT FOR THE COMPANY TO PROCEED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO A CONTINUOUS NET SETTLEMENT BASIS IN WHICH IT ACTS AS THE COUNTER PARTY AND SETTLEMENT GUARANTOR OF TRANSACTIONS.
"SUCH A MOVE WILL ENABLE HONG KONG INVESTORS TO BENEFIT FROM THE SETTLEMENT OF TRANSACTIONS ON A FULLY NETTED AND GUARANTEED BASIS," MR MACLEOD SAID.
AS THE ESSENTIAL PRE-CONDITION FOR THIS WAS THE ENACTMENT OF THE SECURITIES {CLEARING HOUSES) BILL MR MACLEOD HOPED IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE FOR THE BILL TO BE ENACTED BEFORE THE END OF THE SESSION.
MR MACLEOD ALSO MENTIONED OTHER IMPORTANT MATTERS DEALT WITH BY SFC DURING THE YEAR.
THESE INCLUDED THE ISSUE OF A REVISED UNIT TRUST CODE AND A TAKEOVERS AND SHARE REPURCHASES CODE, AND THE ISSUE OF A CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT ON FINANCIAL RESOURCE REQUIREMENTS FOR SECURITIES AND FUTURES DEALERS.
IN ADDITION TO THESE WERE THE APPROVAL OF NEW LISTING RULES TO PERMIT SECONDARY LISTINGS FOR COMPANIES WHICH HAD A PRIMARY LISTING ON A RECOGNISED OVERSEAS EXCHANGE, BUT WHERE THE MAJORITY OF TRADING REMAINED IN HONG KONG.
- - 0 - -
ABOLITION OF DEATH PENALTY KEPT UNDER REVIEW
*****
THE GOVERNMENT WILL KEEP UNDER REVIEW THE ABOLITION OF DEATH PENALTY AND INTRODUCE THE NECESSARY LEGISLATION TO ABOLISH CAPITAL PUNISHMENT IN DUE COURSE.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR IAN STRACHAN, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY PROF THE HON FELICE LIEH MAK IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE GOVERNMENT BELIEVED THAT CAPITAL PUNISHMENT SHOULD BE ABOLISHED IN HONG KONG AT AN APPROPRIATE TIME, MR STRACHAN NOTED.
/HOWEVER, GIVEN
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 1992
10
HOWEVER, GIVEN THE CURRENT WIDESPREAD PUBLIC CONCERN OVER LAW AND ORDER IN THE WAKE OF RECENT HIGH PROFILE VIOLENT CRIMES, THE ADMINISTRATION BELIEVED THAT IT WOULD BE INSENSITIVE TO PURSUE ABOLITION AT THIS STAGE.
FURTHERMORE IT MIGHT SEND THE WRONG MESSAGE TO CRIMINAL ELEMENTS, MR STRACHAN ADDED.
-------------------------0------- MAJORITY OF AMBULANCE CALLS MET WITHIN TARGET TIME *****
THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR IAN STRACHAN, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT LAST YEAR 91.1% OF EMERGENCY CALLS FOR AMBULANCES WERE MET WITHIN THE 10-MINUTE TARGET TIME.
HE SAID THE PERCENTAGE CAN BE IMPROVED WHEN PLANNED AMBULANCE DEPOTS ARE OPENED.
THE CURRENT STANDARD RESPONSE TIME WAS SET BY THE GOVERNMENT IN APRIL 1987, FOLLOWING A CONSULTANCY STUDY BY THE HEALTH OPERATIONAL RESEARCH UNIT OF THE UNITED KINGDOM.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON CONRAD LAM, MR STRACHAN SAID THE OBJECTIVE WAS TO ATTEND TO 95% OF THE EMERGENCY CALLS WITHIN A 10-MINUTE TRAVEL TIME ULTIMATELY.
HE SAID THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAD NO SHORTAGE OF EITHER AMBULANCEMEN OR AMBULANCES.
THE DEPARTMENT HAS 208 OPERATIONAL AMBULANCES AND 49 AMBULANCES FOR TRAINING AND MAINTENANCE RESERVE.
THE AMBULANCEMAN ESTABLISHMENT IS 2,024 AND THERE ARE NO VACANCIES AT PRESENT.
AMBULANCES ARE DESPATCHED TO THE SCENE INITIALLY ON THE BASIS OF INFORMATION RECEIVED BY THE FIRE SERVICES COMMUNICATION CENTRE (FSCC).
WHEN THE OFFICER-IN-CHARGE OF THE INCIDENT ARRIVES AT THE SCENE, HE WILL APPRAISE THE SITUATION AND WHERE NECESSARY, REQUEST THE FSCC TO DESPATCH ADDITIONAL AMBULANCES TO THE SCENE.
IN THE EVENT OF A SERIOUS INCIDENT WHERE MORE THAN FOUR AMBULANCES HAVE BEEN TURNED OUT OR UPON REQUEST OF THE
OFFICER-IN-CHARGE, MR STRACHAN SAID A MOBILE CASUALTY TREATMENT
CENTRE (MCTC) WILL BE DESPATCHED TO THE INCIDENT.
THE MCTC IS EQUIPPED WITH ADDITIONAL AMBULANCE AID EQUIPMENT TO TREAT AND STABILISE THE CASUALTIES AT SCENE BEFORE CONVEYING THEM TO HOSPITAL.
SHOULD THE SITUATION SO WARRANT, MEDICAL TEAMS WOULD BE SUMMONED TO THE SCENE TO TREAT CASUALTIES.
------0-------
/Il......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 1992
11
MATURE DEBT MARKET HELPS RAISE PAD FUNDING
*****
A MATURE AND WELL-DEVELOPED DEBT MARKET WILL FACILITATE FUND RAISING ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING THOSE FOR THE PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS, THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, MR DAVID NENDICK, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON DAVID LI, MR NENDICK ALSO SAID WITH THE BONDS DENOMINATED IN THE LOCAL CURRENCY AND MATURING WELL PAST 1997, THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK’S ISSUE OF SEVEN-YEAR HONG KONG DOLLAR BONDS HERE IN APRIL WAS A VOTE OF CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG’S FUTURE AND ITS CURRENCY.
"THE VERY ENTHUSIASTIC RESPONSE FROM THE MARKET INDICATES A SUBSTANTIAL DEMAND FOR FIRST-CLASS HONG KONG DOLLAR PAPER.
"THE ISSUE ALSO HELPS TO PROVIDE A BENCHMARK FOR MEDIUM-TERM MONEY IN HONG KONG,” MR NENDICK SAID.
THE SECRETARY SAID THE ADB ISSUE SHOULD PROVIDE A USEFUL GUIDE FOR OTHER BORROWERS WHEN CONSIDERING THEIR FUNDING NEEDS IN THE MARKET.
MR NENDICK SAID BOND ISSUES LAUNCHED IN HONG KONG BY PRESTIGIOUS MULTILATERAL ORGANISATIONS WITH TOP CREDIT RATINGS, SUCH AS THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK, BROUGHT SIGNIFICANT BENEFITS TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S CAPITAL MARKETS.
SHOULD THE ADB WISH TO MAKE ANY FURTHER ISSUES HERE IT WOULD CONSULT THE ADMINISTRATION WITH RESPECT TO AN APPROPRIATE TIMING, SO AS TO ENSURE THERE WAS NO CLASH WITH THE PLANS OF OTHER PROSPECTIVE ISSUERS.
- - 0 - -
INTEREST RATE HAS LITTLE DIRECT EFFECT ON COST OF LIVING
*****
THE LEVEL OF INTEREST RATES SHOULD HAVE LITTLE DIRECT EFFECT ON
THE COST OF LIVING IN GENERAL BECAUSE THE GREAT MAJORITY OF EXPENDITURE ITEMS COVERED BY THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX ARE NOT SENSITIVE TO INTEREST RATE MOVEMENTS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, MR DAVID NENDICK, IN A REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON CONRAD LAM IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE SAID IT WAS ARGUABLE THAT NEGATIVE REAL INTEREST RATE MIGHT AFFECT INVESTMENT DECISIONS, THEREBY LEADING TO INVESTMENT OR OVERINVESTMENT IN CERTAIN ECONOMIC SECTORS SUCH AS THE PROPERTY SECTOR.
/IN ORDER
12
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 1992
IN ORDER TO AVOID SO FAR AS POSSIBLE THE RE-EMERGENCE OF OVERHEATING IN THE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MARKET, MR NENDICK SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD EXTENDED THE AMBIT OF LIABILITY TO STAMP DUTY AND THE BANKS HAD BEEN ADHERING TO A TIGHT POLICY IN RESPECT OF RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOANS.
ALSO, IN ANNOUNCING THE RECENT CHANGES IN DEPOSIT RATES, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS (HKAB) MADE IT CLEAR THAT NO RELAXATION OF THE PRESENT CRITERIA FOR SUCH LOANS WAS CONTEMPLATED.
A WORKING GROUP CHAIRED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS IS LOOKING AT POSSIBILITIES OF ADDRESSING THE HOUSING NEEDS OF THE MIDDLE INCOME GROUP.
MR NENDICK SAID LATEST STATISTICS REVEALED THAT INFLATIONARY PRESSURES HAD BEEN MODERATING AND IT WAS HOPED THAT THE RATE OF INFLATION FOR THIS YEAR WOULD BE CONSIDERABLY LOWER THAN IN 1991.
HE SAID INFLATIONARY PRESSURES IN RECENT YEARS HAD ARISEN FROM A STRUCTURAL CHANGE IN HONG KONG’S ECONOMY INTO A SERVICE-ORIENTED ECONOMY.
THE GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN TACKLING INFLATION BY ADDRESSING THE SUPPLY SIDE CONSTRAINTS SUCH AS LAND AND LABOUR, HE SAID.
ON THE GOVERNMENT’S INTEREST RATES POLICY, MR NENDICK SAID IT WAS CENTRED AROUND THE MONETARY OBJECTIVE OF MAINTAINING EXCHANGE RATE STABILITY NEAR TO 7.80 UNDER THE LINKED EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEM.
"WHEN IT IS FELT APPROPRIATE TO DO SO, GOVERNMENT WILL TAKE ACTION TO INFLUENCE INTEREST RATES WITH THIS OBJECTIVE IN MIND,” MR NENDICK SAID.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD NORMALLY EXERT ITS INFLUENCE, THROUGH MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS, ON INTERBANK INTEREST RATES.
"BUT AS RETAIL DEPOSIT INTEREST RATES CANNOT FOR LONG BE SIGNIFICANTLY OUT OF LINE WITH INTERBANK RATES, AS THIS WOULD RESULT IN THE BANKS’ SUFFERING LOSSES OR MAKING UNDUE PROFITS,' THE (HKAB) NEED TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE INTERBANK RATES WHEN SETTING DEPOSIT INTEREST RATES.
"IT IS THROUGH THIS INDIRECT MARKET-RELATED PROCESS THAT GOVERNMENT EXERCISES ITS INFLUENCE OVER DEPOSIT INTEREST RATES SET BY THE ASSOCIATION," HE SAID.
MOREOVER, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS ORDINANCE AND THE ASSOCIATION’S RULES ON INTEREST RATES AND DEPOSIT CHARGES, THE COMMITTEE OF THE ASSOCIATION HAS A STATUTORY OBLIGATION TO CONSULT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ON THE MAXIMUM INTEREST RATES IT SETS ON THE HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS GOVERNED BY THE INTEREST RATES RULES.
THIS CONSULTATION IS CARRIED OUT BETWEEN THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ASSOCIATION AND THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, UNDER DELEGATED AUTHORITY OF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, BEFORE THE ASSOCIATION’S WEEKLY COMMITTEE MEETING ON FRIDAYS.
/13........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 1992
13
GUIDANCE ON SECURING GOODS ON VEHICLES
*****
THE CODE OF PRACTICE FOR LOADING VEHICLES PROVIDES GUIDANCE TO DRIVERS ON HOW TO SECURE GOODS VEHICLE LOADS, AND COPIES ARE AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE FROM THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HUANG CHEN-YA IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, SAID THE ROAD TRAFFIC (TRAFFIC CONTROL) REGULATIONS REQUIRED DRIVERS TO ENSURE THAT THE LOADS OF THEIR GOODS VEHICLES WERE PROPERLY SECURED.
MR LEUNG SAID CONTRAVENTION COULD ATTRACT A MAXIMUM FINE OF $5,000 AND THREE MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT ON FIRST CONVICTION, AND A MAXIMUM FINE OF $10,000 AND SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT ON SUBSEQUENT CONVICTION.
HE POINTED OUT THAT A TOTAL OF 7,626 PROSECUTIONS WERE TAKEN OUT FOR FAILURE TO SECURE GOODS VEHICLE LOADS BETWEEN MAY LAST YEAR AND APRIL THIS YEAR.
LAST YEAR, THERE WERE 8,417 PROSECUTIONS, OF WHICH 8,105 WERE SUCCESSFUL.
- - 0 - -
RELOCATION WORK OF NAVAL BASE WELL IN PROGRESS
*****
WORK TO RELOCATE THE NAVAL BASE FROM HMS TAMAR TO THE NORTH SHORE OF STONECUTTERS ISLAND IS PROCEEDING WELL, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR IAN STRACHAN, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON SAMUEL WONG, MR STRACHAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT ANTICIPATED COMPLETION BY MARCH NEXT YEAR.
HE SAID AFTER THE ROYAL NAVY HAD MOVED FROM HMS TAMAR, THE NAVAL BASIN WOULD BE FILLED IN AND THE LAND THUS FORMED WOULD BE DISPOSED OF FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT.
THE RELOCATION PROJECT WAS ANNOUNCED BY THE GOVERNOR IN HIS POLICY ADDRESS TO THE LEGCO IN OCTOBER 1989. THE CONTRACT FOR THESE WORKS WAS LET ON OCTOBER 24,1991 AND WORK BEGAN ON SITE ON NOVEMBER 17 LAST YEAR.
- - 0 - -
/14
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 1992
14
NEW RULES TO CURB WORKING IIS EFFECTIVE *****
TOUGH NEW MEASURES AGAINST EMPLOYMENT OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS (IIS) ARE PROVING EFFECTIVE AS IS EVIDENCED BY THE DROP IN THE PERCENTAGE FIGURES OF THOSE CAUGHT WORKING.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR IAN STRACHAN, WHEN REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON GILBERT LEUNG KAM-HO IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR STRACHAN SAID SOME 25,400 IIS WERE ARRESTED THROUGHOUT HONG KONG IN 1991. 27,800 WERE ARRESTED IN 1990.
OF THOSE ARRESTED IN 1991, SOME 1,400 (UNDER 6%) WERE ARRESTED AT PLACES OF WORK. THE FIGURE FOR 1990 WAS ABOUT 3,300 (ABOUT 12%).
TOUGH NEW IMMIGRATION LAW AIMED AT THOSE EMPLOYING IIS WAS INTRODUCED IN NOVEMBER 1990. THE MAXIMUM PENALTY WAS INCREASED FROM A $50,000 FINE AND ONE YEAR’S IMPRISONMENT TO $250,000 FINE AND THREE-YEAR IMPRISONMENT.
MORE, MAIN CONTRACTORS WILL BE FINED A MAXIMUM OF $250,000 IF IIS ARE CAUGHT ON SITES UNDER THEIR CONTROL.
HE SAID GOVERNMENT STATISTICS SHOWED ONLY BETWEEN THOSE WHO WERE CAUGHT AT PLACES OF WORK AND THOSE WHO WERE NOT.
’’THOSE CAUGHT IN THE VICINITY OF A PLACE OF WORK ARE NOT NOW PROSECUTED UNLESS THEY ARE ENGAGED IN CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES AND SO ARE NOT COUNTED SEPARATELY,” HE SAID.
MR STRACHAN ALSO SAID THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION HAD PROPOSED, SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY OF RESOURCES, TO SET UP A TASK FORCE OF ABOUT 100 OFFICERS TO ENHANCE THE PRESENT OPERATIONS AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION AND EMPLOYMENT.
HE SAID THE GOVERNOR OF GUANGDONG RECENTLY REAFFIRMED THAT THE GUANGDONG PROVINCIAL AUTHORITIES WOULD CONTINUE THEIR VIGILANCE AGAINST IIS TRYING TO ENTER HONG KONG.
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/15
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 1992
- 15 -
DATA PROTECTION LAW UNDER STUDY
*****
THE GOVERNMENT IS NOW IN THE PROCESS OF DELIBERATING THE BASIC FEATURES OF AN APPROPRIATE APPROACH TO DATA PROTECTION AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION IN HONG KONG, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON PETER WONG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR SUEN SAID PARTICULAR ATTENTION WOULD BE PAID TO THE SCOPE AND CONTENT OF SUCH LEGISLATION, AS WELL AS THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT OF THE PROTECTION SCHEME.
IN THE INTERIM, HE SAID, THE WORKING GROUP ON DATA PROTECTION LEGISLATION HAS ESTABLISHED A SET OF PRINCIPLES AND GUIDELINES WHICH HAVE BEEN ISSUED TO BOTH THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS, INVITING THEIR ADHERENCE TO THE PRINCIPLES AND COMPLIANCE WITH THE GUIDELINES ON A VOLUNTARY BASIS.
"THESE PRINCIPLES WERE BASED ON THOSE WHICH HAVE BEEN ADOPTED IN THE UNITED KINGDOM UNDER THE DATA PROTECTION ACT 1984," HE SAID.
MR SUEN ALSO TOLD THE COUNCIL THAT SINCE MARCH 1990, A PRIVACY SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION HAS BEEN EXAMINING THE PROTECTION OF PERSONAL DATA IN RECORDED FORM.
"ITS TERMS OF REFERENCE ARE MUCH BROADER THAN THOSE OF THE WORKING GROUP, NOT BEING RESTRICTED TO AUTOMATED DATA.
"THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE IS CORRESPONDINGLY BROADER, WITH ONLY A MINORITY BEING ELECTRONIC DATA PROCESSING SPECIALISTS," HE SAID.
IN ORDER THAT BOTH PARTIES COULD BE MUTUALLY ACQUAINTED WITH THE PATH TAKEN BY THE OTHER, MR SUEN SAID ARRANGEMENTS HAD BEEN MADE FOR CROSS-MEMBERSHIP AND EXCHANGE OF MINUTES.
HOWEVER, MR SUEN SAID THESE MEASURES HAVE MINIMISED BUT NOT TOTALLY ELIMINATED THE POTENTIALITY OF THE TWO GROUPS ADOPTING DIFFERENT APPROACHES TO THE SAME SUBJECT MATTER.
"TO OVERCOME THIS PROBLEM, WE INTEND TO USE THE OCCASION OF THE PUBLICATION OF THE PRIVACY SUB-COMMITTEE’S COMPREHENSIVE REPORT ON ITS FINDINGS FOR PUBLIC CIRCULATION LATER THIS YEAR, TO COLLECT GENERAL PUBLIC FEEDBACKS ON THE WIDER QUESTION OF THE PROTECTION OF THE 'PRIVACY OF PERSONAL DATA," HE SAID.
MR SUEN SAID THE NEXT STEP WILL VERY MUCH BE GUIDED BY THE PUBLIC FEEDBACK.
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/16........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 1992
16
LOCAL REHOUSING FOR CLEARED SQUATTERS IMPOSSIBLE
*****
IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO OFFER LOCAL REHOUSING IN NEW ESTATES TO ALL SQUATTERS AFFECTED BY CLEARANCES, PARTICULARLY IN THE MAIN URBAN AREA, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LI WAH-MING, HE EXPLAINED THAT SUCH REHOUSING IS PROVIDED ON THE BASIS OF THE AVAILABILITY OF RECEPTION ACCOMMODATION.
SINCE 1987 THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HAS USED THE SUPPLY OF PUBLIC HOUSING IN THE EXTENDED URBAN AREAS, SUCH AS TSING YI, TSUEN WAN, SHA TIN AND TSEUNG KWAN 0, TO MEET SOME OF THE DEMAND ARISING FROM CLEARANCES IN KOWLOON.
"THESE AREAS ARE WELL SERVED BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND HAVE PROVED TO BE ACCEPTABLE TO MOST PROSPECTIVE TENANTS," MR EASON SAID.
ON HONG KONG ISLAND, HE SAID IT HAD BEEN POSSIBLE TO OFFER RECEPTION ACCOMMODATION ON THE ISLAND TO MEET CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS.
"THESE REHOUSING ARRANGEMENTS ARE EXPECTED TO CONTINUE IN THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE," HE ADDED.
THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HAS BEEN OFFERING CASUAL VACANCIES IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES TO SQUATTERS CLEARED IN THE MAIN URBAN AREA.
BUT MR EASON SAID URBAN TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS WOULD NOT BE USED FOR THIS PURPOSE BECAUSE THEY WOULD BE CLEARED EVENTUALLY.
IN THE CASE OF LING NAM UPPER VILLAGE, NEW RECEPTION ACCOMMODATION WILL BE AVAILABLE IN KING LAM ESTATE IN TSUENG KWAN 0 FOR ALL HOUSEHOLD SIZES, OR TAK TIN ESTATE IN LAM TIN FOR THREE TO FOUR-PERSON HOUSEHOLDS.
THERE WOULD ALSO BE CASUAL VACANCIES FOR SOME IN VARIOUS KOWLOON ESTATES, MR EASON SAID.
------0----------
SALARIES AND PROFITS TAX CONTRIBUTION EXPLAINED
*****
WHILE THE GOVERNMENT IS CONCERNED TO ENSURE THAT SALARY EARNERS DO NOT SHOULDER AN INEQUITABLE SHARE OF THE TAX BURDEN, A SIMPLE FORMULA CANNOT BE APPLIED TO DETERMINE THE PROPORTIONS OF TOTAL REVENUE TO BE PAID BY SALARY EARNERS AND CORPORATIONS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR K.C. KWONG, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HOWARD YOUNG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
/MR KWONG .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 1992
17
MR KWONG SAID THE RATIOS BETWEEN EMPLOYEES COMPENSATION AND GDP ON THE ONE HAND, AND BETWEEN GROSS OPERATING SURPLUS AND GDP ON THE OTHER, WERE FAIRLY STABLE, WITH A SLIGHT TREND IN FAVOUR OF EMPLOYEES COMPENSATION.
IN VIEW OF A PROGRESSIVE TAXATION SYSTEM FOR SALARY EARNERS AND A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN SALARIES IN BOTH MONEY AND REAL TERMS IN RECENT YEARS, HE SAID IT WAS NOT SURPRISING THAT THE PROPORTION OF REVENUE CONTRIBUTED BY SALARIES TAX HAD INCREASED.
FOR THE PAST THREE FISCAL YEARS, THE RATIOS OF REVENUES FROM PROFITS TAX TO REVENUES FROM SALARIES TAX WERE 2.03:1, 1.62:1 AND
1.45:1 RESPECTIVELY. I
THE RATIO OF EMPLOYEES COMPENSATION (LABOUR INCOME) TO THE GDP HAS BEEN EDGING UP IN RECENT YEARS, FROM ABOUT 50% IN 1988 TO 51% IN 1989 AND FURTHER TO SLIGHTLY ABOVE 53% IN 1990.
BY CONTRAST, THE RATIO OF GROSS OPERATING SURPLUS TO GDP DECREASED FROM ABOUT 50% IN 1988 TO 49% IN 1989 AND FURTHER TO SLIGHTLY UNDER 47% IN 1990.
THE GROSS OPERATING SURPLUS REPRESENTS THAT PART OF THE VALUE ADDED NOT PERTAINING TO EMPLOYEES COMPENSATION, AND THUS COVERS COMPANY PROFITS AND DEPRECIATION OF FIXED ASSETS.
MR KWONG SAID IT WAS DIFFICULT TO MAKE MEANINGFUL STATISTICAL COMPARISONS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND OVERSEAS ADMINISTRATIONS BECAUSE OF DIFFERENT TAXATION SYSTEM.
- - 0 - -
WAITING TIME FOR INSTALLING VILLAGE LAMPS IMPROVING
*****
THE WAITING TIME FOR INSTALLING VILLAGE STREET LAMPS IS IMPROVING STEADILY AS THE ANNUAL QUOTA OF STREET LAMPS INSTALLED IS CURRENTLY GREATER THAN THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS BEING RECEIVED.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON WONG WAI-YIN, MR BLAKE SAID AT PRESENT THE AVERAGE WAITING TIME REQUIRED FOR AN APPLICATION WAS TWO TO THREE YEARS.
HE EXPLAINED THAT SUPPLY AND DEMAND WAS THE MAIN REASON FOR THE OUTSTANDING APPLICATIONS FROM EARLIER YEARS, WHEN THE ANNUAL QUOTA WAS INSUFFICIENT TO MEET ALL REQUESTS.
"CONSEQUENTLY, VILLAGES WITH LARGER POPULATIONS OR LOCATIONS CONSIDERED TO BE CRIME OR TRAFFIC BLACK SPOTS HAVE BEEN NORMALLY ACCORDED HIGHER PRIORITY.
/"LOWER PRIORITY
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 1992
18
"LOWER PRIORITY HAS BEEN GIVEN TO VILLAGES WITH ENVISAGED PROBLEMS SUCH AS LACK OF ELECTRICITY SUPPLY AND DIFFICULTY IN GETTING LANDOWNERS’ CONSENT TO WORKS," MR BLAKE SAID.
HE SAID THE IMPROVED ANNUAL QUOTA OF 1,000 VILLAGE STREET LAMPS SINCE 1987/88 HAD BEEN SUFFICIENT, FOLLOWING THE SAME PRIORITIES, TO COVER MOST NEW APPLICATIONS AND TO REDUCE THE BACKLOG.
THE NUMBER OF VILLAGE LIGHTING POINTS INSTALLED IN THE NEW TERRITORIES OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS WERE 994, 892 AND 1,170 RESPECTIVELY.
AT PRESENT THERE ARE A TOTAL OF 970 OUTSTANDING APPLICATIONS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
"THE ESTIMATED TIME REQUIRED TO PROCESS THE EXISTING STOCK OF OUTSTANDING APPLICATIONS IS TWO TO THREE YEARS," MR BLAKE SAID.
- - 0 - -
EXCO TO EXAMINE MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS BILL SOON * * * *
THE DRAFT MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS (OWNERS INCORPORATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1922 WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR CONSIDERATION SOON.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LEE WING-TAT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IF APPROVED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, THE BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TOWARDS THE END OF THE CURRENT SESSION, MR SUEN SAID.
- - 0 - -
LIQUIDITY ADJUSTMENT FACILITY TO BE INTRODUCED
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, MR DAVID NENDICK, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT THE LIQUIDITY ADJUSTMENT FACILITY WILL BE INTRODUCED WITH EFFECT FROM NEXT MONDAY (JUNE 8).
THIS FOLLOWS CONSULTATION WITH THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS, HE SAID. -
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON DAVID LI TODAY (WEDNESDAY), HE SAID ALL LICENSED BANKS HAD BEEN NOTIFIED INDIVIDUALLY BY THE OFFICE OF THE EXCHANGE FUND .
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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 1992
- 19 -
EVENING CLINICS CLOSED FOR PATIENTS’ SAFETY
*****
SAFETY OF PATIENTS IS THE KEY CONSIDERATION WHEN DECIDING WHETHER EVENING PUBLIC CLINICS SHOULD BE CLOSED DURING RAINSTORMS OR OTHER NATURAL DISASTERS, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
NORMALLY, GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINICS WERE CLOSED ON THE HOISTING OF NO. 8 TYPHOON SIGNAL AND IN INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON YEUNG SUM, MRS WONG EXPLAINED THAT THE SUSPENSION OF THE EVENING OUT-PATIENT SERVICE AT ABERDEEN JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC ON MAY 8 THIS YEAR- WAS DUE TO EXTREMELY INCLEMENT WEATHER AND SEVERE THUNDERSTORM.
’’EVEN DURING THE DAY, ATTENDANCE WAS BARELY HALF THE USUAL NUMBERS,’’ SHE SAID.
’’ALL 19 EVENING GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINICS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH WERE SUSPENDED THAT EVENING.”
SHE NOTED THAT THE ARRANGEMENT WAS ANNOUNCED THROUGH RADIO AND TELEVISION BROADCASTS AND BY NOTICES AT CLINICS.
PATIENTS REQUIRING EMERGENCY TREATMENT HAVE RECOURSE TO THE ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT IN HOSPITALS, SHE ADDED.
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COMPLAINTS AGAINST VESSEL NOISE
*****
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT HAS RECEIVED 50 COMPLAINTS OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS OF RESIDENTIAL PREMISES AFFECTED BY NOISE ASSOCIATED WITH THE OPERATION OF VESSELS AT PUBLIC CARGO HANDLING SITES AND COMMERCIAL PIERS.
THE FIGURE WAS REVEALED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LEE WING-TAT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT HAS ALSO RECEIVED THREE MORE COMPLAINTS ASSOCIATED WITH VESSELS BERTHING AT COMMERCIAL PIERS.
OF THESE 53 COMPLAINTS, 33 HAVE BEEN REFERRED TO THE POLICE FOR ENFORCEMENT UNDER THE NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE.
THE POLICE INITIATED PROSECUTION IN THREE OF THESE CASES, AND ISSUED VERBAL WARNINGS FOR THE OTHERS.
/ON THE ........
20
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 1992
ON THE REMAINING 20 CASES, THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT HAS LIAISED WITH THE VESSEL OPERATORS TO WORK OUT MEASURES, SUCH AS LIMITING OPERATION HOURS, TO MITIGATE THE NOISE DISTURBANCE.
THE POLICE IS EMPOWERED TO ENFORCE PROVISIONS CONTROLLING NOISE EMANATING FROM MOVING VESSELS, INCLUDING THE USE OF LOUDSPEAKERS ON BOARD.
ON NOISE FROM VESSELS BERTHED AT COMMERCIAL PIERS, THE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION DEPARTMENT IS EMPOWERED TO ISSUE NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICES TO REQUIRE APPROPRIATE ACTION TO BE TAKEN BY VESSEL OPERATORS TO ABATE THE NOISE NUISANCE.
----0------
GROUNDS FOR REFUSED ENTRY LISTED
******
THE GOVERNMENT DOES MAINTAIN A MONITORING SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFYING INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE NOT ALLOWED TO ENTER HONG KONG.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR IAN STRACHAN, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MARTIN LEE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"THE IMMIGRATION AUTHORITIES NEED TO DECIDE WHETHER A PARTICULAR TRAVELLER IS SUBJECT TO IMMIGRATION CONTROL AND WHETHER HE OR SHE IS A BONA FIDE TRAVELLER," HE SAID.
TRAVELLERS MAY BE REFUSED ENTRY IF THEY DO NOT HAVE VALID TRAVEL DOCUMENTS. IF THEY NEED A VISA TO COME HERE, THEY MAY BE REFUSED ENTRY IF THEY ARRIVE WITHOUT ONE.
"PEOPLE WITH VALID VISAS MAY BE REFUSED ENTRY IF WE DISCOVER THAT FALSE REPRESENTATIONS WERE EMPLOYED OR MATERIAL FACTS WITHHELD FOR THE PURPOSE OF OBTAINING THE VISAS," MR STRACHAN SAID.
HE ADDED THAT PEOPLE HOLDING VALID VISAS MAY ALSO BE REFUSED ENTRY IF A CHANGE OF CIRCUMSTANCES SINCE THE VISAS WERE ISSUED HAD REMOVED THE BASIS OF THE TRAVELLERS’ CLAIMS TO ADMISSION.
IN ADDITION, TRAVELLERS MAY ALSO BE REFUSED ENTRY ON GROUNDS OF RESTRICTED RETURNABILITY; ON MEDICAL GROUNDS; ON GROUNDS”" OF CRIMINAL RECORD; BECAUSE EXCLUSION WOULD BE CONDUCIVE TO THE PUBLIC GOOD; OR WHERE IT IS LIKELY THAT A TRAVELLER WILL BECOME A BURDEN ON HONG KONG.
HOWEVER, HE SAID THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT DID NOT ENTER INTO DISCUSSIONS ON INDIVIDUAL CASES WITH THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT OR ITS REPRESENTATIVES IN HONG KONG.
THE TOTAL NUMBERS REFUSED ENTRY WERE ABOUT 42,800 IN 1989, 34,500 IN 1990, AND 26,400 IN 1991.
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- 21 -
DRAINAGE SYSTEM IN NEW * * *
TYPHOON SHELTER SOUND * *
THE DESIGN AND LAYOUT OF THE DRAINAGE SYSTEM IN THE NEW YAU MA TEI TYPHOON SHELTER WOULD NOT RESULT IN THE ACCUMULATION OF SEWAGE IN THE SHELTER AREAS.
AND THE GOVERNMENT HAS NO PLAN AT THIS STAGE TO MODIFY THEM.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON GILBERT LEUNG KAM-HO IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR BLAKE SAID 12 DRY WEATHER FLOW (DWF) INTERCEPTORS WOULD BE COMPLETED IN THE NEAR FUTURE AFTER WHICH THE QUALITY OF DISCHARGES INTO THE SHELTER WOULD BE GREATLY IMPROVED.
OF THEM, TWO WILL BE COMPLETED IN MID NEXT YEAR AND THE OTHERS IN 1995. THE ESTIMATED COST OF THE DWF INTERCEPTOR SCHEME IS $28 MILLION.
THESE INTERCEPTORS WILL DIVERT THE DWF FROM THE STORM DRAINAGE SYSTEM TO THE FOUL SEWERAGE SYSTEM DURING DRY WEATHER.
v
THE DWF IS THE MAJOR POLLUTANT CARRIER AS IT COMPRISES, MAINLY, THE FLOWS FROM ILLEGAL CONNECTIONS INTO THE STORM DRAINAGE SYSTEM.
’’THE DWF INTERCEPTORS, WHILE NOT COMPLETELY PREVENTING POLLUTANTS FROM ENTERING THE TYPHOON SHELTER, WILL REDUCE THEM TO AN ACCEPTABLE LEVEL THAT WILL NOT CAUSE SERIOUS POLLUTION IN THE SHELTER,” HE SAID.
THE ENVIRONMENTAL GUIDELINES UNDER THE HONG KONG PLANNING STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES IS THAT NO NEW SEWER OR STORMWATER DRAIN SHOULD DISCHARGE INTO ANY NEW TYPHOON SHELTER, MARINA OR BOAT PARK.
THE PLANNING STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES ALLOW A DEGREE OF FLEXIBILITY IN APPLICATION, HAVING REGARD TO LAND USE DEMANDS, LOCAL CONDITIONS, DEVELOPMENT CONSTRAINTS AND RESOURCE AVAILABILITY.
THE SECRETARY SAID THE DECISION TO DEVIATE THE DRAINAGE SYSTEM FROM THIS GUIDELINE IN THE NEW TYPHOON SHELTER WAS TAKEN ONLY AFTER CAREFUL CONSIDERATION OF WHAT COULD BE DONE TO PREVENT POLLUTANTS FROM ENTERING THE STORMWATER OUTFALL AND THE LIKELY RESULTANT WATER QUALITY THERE.
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/22.........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 1992
- 22 -
REMUNERATION AND FRINGE BENEFIT OF CLINICAL TEACHERS ******
THE BASIC SALARIES PAYABLE TO CLINICAL STAFF OF THE TWO MEDICAL SCHOOLS ARE SIMILAR TO THOSE OF THEIR COUNTERPARTS EMPLOYED BY THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY (HA), THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HOWEVER, HE ADDED, THE FRINGE BENEFIT PACKAGES ENJOYED BY THE TWO GROUPS OF STAFF WERE DIFFERENTLY STRUCTURED.
IN A REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HUANG CHEN-YA, MR CHAN SAID THE HA PACKAGE WAS GENERALLY CONSIDERED TO BE MORE FLEXIBLE THOUGH, ON INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCES, SOME STAFF WERE LIKELY TO FIND THE UNIVERSITIES’ PACKAGE MORE ATTRACTIVE.
HE SAID IN RESPONSE TO REPRESENTATIONS FROM THE UNIVERSITY MEDICAL DOCTORS’ ASSOCIATION AND THE TWO UNIVERSITIES, THE GOVERNMENT HAD UNDERTAKEN TO CONSIDER THE CASE FOR OFFERING UNIVERSITY CLINICAL TEACHERS THE OPTION TO CHOOSE BETWEEN REMAINING ON THEIR EXISTING TERMS OR CHANGING OVER TO TERMS SIMILAR TO THOSE OF HA.
”AT THIS STAGE, WE ARE CONSULTING THE UNIVERSITIES ON THE SEVERITY OF THE MORALE AND WASTAGE PROBLEMS THAT THE ABSENCE OF SUCH AN OPTION WAS SAID TO HAVE CAUSED, AND ALSO ON THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS INVOLVED IN OFFERING SUCH AN OPTION.
’’THESE ARE IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS BECAUSE RESOURCES ARE NECESSARILY LIMITED AND THERE ARE MANY OTHER COMPETING CLAIMS,” MR CHAN SAID.
MORE ELIGIBLE FOR TIN SHU1 WAI PUBLIC HOUSING FLATS ******
UNDER A SPECIAL ALLOCATION POLICY TO ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS TO MOVE TO TIN SHUI WAI RENTAL ESTATES, TWO ADDITIONAL CATEGORIES OF HOUSEHOLDS ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ELSIE TU, MR EASON SAID THE FIRST INCLUDED HOUSEHOLDS BELOW THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME INCOME LIMIT OF $18,000 PER MONTH.
THE SECOND INCLUDED HOUSEHOLDS WITH INCOMES UP TO TWICE THE LIMIT FOR WAITING LIST APPLICANTS, SUBJECT TO A CEILING OF $22,000 A MONTH FOR A HOUSEHOLD OF FIVE PERSONS OR MORE.
/IT ALSO........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 1992
23
IT ALSO INCLUDED THOSE AFFECTED BY CLEARANCES, RESIDENTS OF TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA AND WAITING LIST APPLICANTS WHO HAVE LIVED IN HONG KONG FOR AT LEAST THREE YEARS BUT LESS THAN SEVEN YEARS.
UP TO MID-MAY, MR EASON SAID A TOTAL OF 1,630 PUBLIC HOUSING FLATS IN TIN SHUI WAI HAD BEEN COMPLETED.
"ALL OF THESE ARE FOR RENTING, WITH 630 TO MEET CLEARANCE AND OTHER OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND THE REMAINING 1,000 FOR ELIGIBLE WAITING LIST APPLICANTS.
AS AT MID-MAY, A TOTAL OF 1,225 FLATS HAD BEEN LET TO APPLICANTS WHO MEET THE NORMAL REHOUSING ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA.
OF THEM, 755 WERE FROM THE GENERAL WAITING LIST AND 470 FROM CLEARANCE AND OTHER CATEGORIES.
MR EASON SAID A TOTAL OF 8,961 PUBLIC RENTAL HOUSING FLATS AND 1,824 HOS FLATS WERE PROGRAMMED FOR COMPLETION AT TIN SHUI WAI BY THE END OF THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR ADDING THAT THE ALLOCATION CRITERIA WOULD BE THE SAME AS THOSE DESCRIBED ABOVE.
--------0-----------
DISTRIBUTION OF FIRST-YEAR, FIRST-DEGREE PLACES BEING WORKED OUT ******
THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE (UPGC) AND THE SEVEN TERTIARY EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS TO WHICH IT PROVIDES FUNDING ARE NOW WORKING OUT THE DETAILS OF HOW THE REVISED PLANNING TARGET OF FIRST-YEAR, FIRST-DEGREE PLACES SHOULD BE PHASED IN OVER THE NEXT THREE ACADEMIC YEARS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR CHAN SAID THE PLANNING TARGET OF 15,000 FIRST YEAR, FIRST DEGREE PLACES FOR 18 PER CENT OF THE 17-20 AGE GROUP BY 1994-95 HAD BEEN REVISED TO 14,500 FOLLOWING THE RELEASE EARLY THIS YEAR OF NEW DEMOGRAPHIC DATA FROM THE 1991 CENSUS.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. TIK CHI-YUEN, MR CHAN SAID THE NUMBER OF FIRST-YEAR, FIRST-DEGREE PLACES AND THEIR DISTRIBUTION BETWEEN INSTITUTIONS FROM 1992-93 TO 1994-95 WERE THE SUBJECT OF DISCUSSION BETWEEN THE UPGC AND THE INSTITUTIONS, IN THE CONTEXT OF THE LATTER’S ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS FOR THE 1992-95 TRIENNIUM.
"BECAUSE DISCUSSIONS ARE ON-GOING, IT IS NEITHER POSSIBLE NOR APPROPRIATE FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO ANTICIPATE WHAT EFFECT THE ADJUSTMENT OF THE PLANNING TARGET WOULD HAVE ON ACADEMIC PLANNING, STAFFING OR STUDENT ENROLMENT," HE SAID.
/"THE TASK .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 1992
24
"THE TASK OF ACCOMMODATING THE NEW PLANNING TARGETS FALLS ON THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS THEMSELVES AND I AM CONFIDENT OF THEIR CAPABILITY TO TAKE THE NECESSARY MANAGEMENT DECISIONS EFFECTIVELY."
MR CHAN SAID HE WAS ASSURED THAT THE UPGC WAS PREPARED TO GIVE THE INSTITUTIONS ALL THE NECESSARY ADVICE AND HELP AND TO CONSIDER SYMPATHETICALLY ANY PRACTICAL CONSTRAINTS WHICH MIGHT ARISE AND WHICH WERE DRAWN TO ITS ATTENTION.
THE UPGC WILL BE EXAMINING THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE REVISED ACADEMIC PLANS SUBMITTED BY THE INSTITUTIONS AT ITS NEXT MEETING IN SEPTEMBER.
ANY FUNDS WHICH MIGHT BECOME "SURPLUS" TO REQUIREMENTS AS A RESULT OF THE DOWNWARD ADJUSTMENT TO STUDENT NUMBER TARGETS WOULD BE RETURNED TO THE GOVERNMENT.
"THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONSIDER THE BEST USE FOR THESE FUNDS, TAKING FULLY INTO ACCOUNT THE REQUIREMENTS OF DIFFERENT SECTORS OF EDUCATION," THE SECRETARY ADDED.
--------0-----------
MOTION ON TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY PASSED * ♦ * * »
A MOTION ON THE FORMULATION OF LONG-TERM TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY WAS PASSED AFTER A TWO-HOUR DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TONIGHT (WEDNESDAY).
SIXTEEN LEGISLATORS SPOKE ON THE MOTION MOVED BY THE HON STEVEN POON. THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ELIZABETH BOSHER, SPOKE ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT.
AN AMENDMENT MOTION MOVED BY THE HON ANDREW WONG ON THE REVIEW OF MUNICIPAL COUNCILS AND DISTRICT BOARDS WAS PASSED. THE ORIGINAL MOTION MOVED BY DR THE HON YEUNG SUM WAS DEFEATED.
A TOTAL OF 22 MEMBERS SPOKE IN THE DEBATE WHICH LASTED MORE THAN TWO-AND-A-HALF HOURS. THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, SPOKE ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT.
IN ADDITION, SEVEN MEMBERS SPOKE IN THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE RAISED BY THE HON MIRIAM LAU ON TRAFFIC CONGESTION AT CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL. THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, REPLIED FOR THE GOVERNMENT.
MEANWHILE, THREE BILLS WERE PASSED BY THE COUNCIL.
OF THEM, POST OFFICE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992 WAS PASSED WITHOUT AMENDMENT.
/THE INLAND .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 1992
25
THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1992 AND IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992 WERE PASSED WITH AMENDMENTS.
MEANWHILE, LINGNAM COLLEGE BILL AND LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992 WERE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. DEBATE ON THEM WERE ADJOURNED.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON HAMISH MACLEOD, TABLED THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 1991/92.
THE SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SZE, TABLED THE REGIONAL COUNCIL’S REVISED ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE 1991/92.
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/26 .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 1992
- 26 -
AIRPORT FINANCE PLAN UNLIKELY ON PMS’ AGENDA
******
THE GOVERNOR, LORD WILSON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT HE WOULD NOT EXPECT THE PRIME MINISTERS OF BRITAIN AND CHINA TO BE DISCUSSING IN RIO DE JANEIRO DETAILED MATTERS LIKE THE FINANCIAL PLAN FOR THE NEW AIRPORT IN HONG KONG.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER VISITING YUEN LONG, THE GOVERNOR SAID THOSE WERE THE SORTS OF THINGS WHICH SHOULD BE SORTED OUT AT A MUCH LOWER LEVEL THAN PRIME MINISTERIAL LEVEL.
"THE TWO PRIME MINISTERS ARE MEETING AT RIO WHERE THE EARTH SUMMIT IS GOING ON. IT WILL BE A VERY SHORT MEETING," HE SAID.
"I EXPECT THAT THEY ARE GOING TO BE DISCUSSING A LOT OF WORLD ISSUES. IT WOULDN’T BE SURPRISING IF THEY WANTED TO KNOW WHAT HAD HAPPENED ON THE AIRPORT BECAUSE AFTER ALL THEY HAVE BOTH SIGNED THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WHICH GIVES APPROVAL TO THE AIRPORT GOING AHEAD AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE."
ASKED ABOUT HIS COMING VISIT TO BEIJING, THE GOVERNOR SAID: "THE ESSENTIAL PURPOSE IS FOR GOING TO BID FAREWELL TO A NUMBER OF PEOPLE I HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH SINCE I HAVE BEEN GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG.
"SO I AM NOT GOING THERE TO NEGOTIATE THINGS BUT I WILL EXPECT TO USE IT REALLY TO TRY TO SUM UP THE EXPERIENCE OF OUR RELATION OVER THE LAST FIVE YEARS AND TO LOOK AHEAD TO LESSONS WHICH WE MIGHT TRY TO LEARN FOR THE FUTURE.
"I EXPECT TO TOUCH ON ANY SUBJECTS WHICH ARE CURRENT AT THE MOMENT AND I HAVE NO DOUBT AT ALL THAT WE’LL TOUCH ON THE AIRPORT BUT AS I SAY IT’S NOT TO GO THERE TO NEGOTIATE."
EXPANDING ON THE FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENT FOR THE AIRPORT, LORD WILSON SAID : "WE ARE COMMITTED UNDER THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING TO BUILD AS MUCH THE AIRPORT AS WE CAN BEFORE 1997 AND THAT’S WHAT WE WANT-TO DO.
"A KEY PART OF GETTING ON WITH THAT ON PROGRAMME IN TIME IS MAKING SURE THAT WE HAVE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES ON THE FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENT SO WE CAN THEN GO TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND PUT IN THE BID TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE FOR THE MONEY WE NEED."
- - 0---------
/27........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 1992
- 27 -
STI WELCOMES DECISION ON CHINA’S MFN STATUS *****
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T.H. CHAU, WELCOMES U.S. PRESIDENT MR GEORGE BUSH’S DECISION TO EXTEND CHINA’S MOST-FAVOURED-NATION (MFN) TRADE STATUS FOR ANOTHER YEAR.
PRESIDENT BUSH HAS INFORMED THE U.S. CONGRESS YESTERDAY (JUNE 2) THAT HE PLANS TO EXTEND CHINA’S MFN TRADE STATUS FOR ANOTHER YEAR.
COMMENTING ON PRESIDENT BUSH’S ACTION, MR CHAU SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY): "THIS IS A GOOD NEWS FOR HONG KONG."
"WE CANNOT AFFORD TO BE COMPLACENT, HOWEVER. IT IS LIKELY THAT THE U.S. CONGRESS WILL AGAIN ATTEMPT TO OVERTURN THE PRESIDENT’S DECISION OR IMPOSE CONDITIONS ON THE RENEWAL OF MFN.
"THE MFN BATTLE IS THEREFORE FAR FROM OVER. THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ENSURE THAT HONG KONG’S CASE IS UNDERSTOOD AND GIVEN DUE WEIGHT BY BOTH THE U.S. ADMINISTRATION AND CONGRESS," HE ADDED.
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GOVERNOR TOURS YUEN LONG
*****
THE GOVERNOR, LORD WILSON, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) VISITED YUEN LONG DISTRICT TO SEE THE PROGRESS OF VARIOUS CONSERVATION, HOUSING AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS.
LORD WILSON FIRST VISITED THE RECENTLY RENOVATED KUN TING STUDY HALL AND THE TANG ANCESTRAL HALL IN PING SHAN, BOTH OF WHICH WILL FORM PART OF HONG KONG’S FIRST HERITAGE TRAIL WHICH IS DUE TO OPEN NEXT YEAR.
"I AM DELIGHTED TO SEE THE PROGRESS MADE WITH THIS EXCITING PROJECT.
"THE PRESERVATION OF HONG KONG’S HERITAGE IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE IT REMINDS THE COMMUNITY OF THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF EARLIER GENERATIONS.
"THE PACE OF CHANGE IN HONG KONG IS SO RAPID, PRESERVING SOMETHING OF THE PAST HELPS US TO KEEP OUR BEARINGS," HE SAID.
THE GOVERNOR WAS BRIEFED ON PROGRESS WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TIN SHUI WAI NEW TOWN FROM A ROOF TOP IN THE TIN YIU ESTATE.
/HE VISITED .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 1992
- 28 -
HE VISITED A FAMILY WHO HAVE RECENTLY MOVED TO YIU MAN HOUSE AND HEARD THEIR VIEWS ABOUT THE QUALITY OF LIFE ON THE ESTATE.
THE GOVERNOR THEN VISITED WANG CHAU WHERE A $135 MILLION ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT IS NEARING COMPLETION.
THIS AMBITIOUS PROJECT WILL REDUCE THE LEVELS OF POLLUTION IN THE YUEN LONG NULLAH WHICH FLOWS THROUGH THE CENTRE OF THE TOWN.
YUEN LONG WAS THE FIRST DISTRICT HE VISITED AFTER ARRIVAL AS GOVERNOR IN 1987.
"WHEN I VISITED YUEN LONG IN 1987, THE NULLAH WAS IN A DREADFUL STATE. I SAID THEN THAT SOMETHING HAD TO BE DONE TO CLEAN IT UP. THE IMPROVEMENT IS REMARKABLE AND I AM SURE VERY WELCOME TO EVERYONE LIVING IN YUEN LONG," LORD WILSON SAID.
HE WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THE ACTING REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR FRED TING, AND THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ROBIN IP.
BEFORE CONCLUDING HIS VISIT, LORD WILSON ATTENDED A TEA RECEPTION WHERE HE MET DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS.
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WESTERN WHOLESALE MARKET PHASE II CONTRACT AWARDED
******
THE WESTERN WHOLESALE MARKET IN KENNEDY TOWN WILL BE OPERATING IN FULL SWING BY EARLY 1994 AFTER THE COMPLETION OF THE BUILDING WORK ON PHASE II.
THE WHOLESALE MARKET, DESIGNED TO CATER FOR FIVE DIFFERENT TYPES OF FRESH PRODUCE WITHIN A SINGLE MULTI-LEVEL COMPLEX, IS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN THE WORLD.
WORK FOR CONSTRUCTION OF PHASE II WILL START SOON FOLLOWING THE SIGNING OF A $152 MILLION CONTRACT BY THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
OCCUPYING AN AREA OF MORE THAN 16,500 SQUARE METRES ALONG THE SEAFRONT, THE PHASE II WORK WILL HOUSE 207 STALLS AND 14 MAIN STALLS FOR THE SALE OF VEGETABLES AND POULTRY RESPECTIVELY.
THE NEW EXTENSION WILL BE SERVED BY TWO PIERS, EACH INSTALLED WITH PURPOSE-DESIGNED MECHANISED EQUIPMENT FOR LOADING AND UNLOADING OF PRODUCE.
OVER 120 LORRY PARKING SPACES WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE ON BOTH LEVELS OF THE MARKET COMPLEX.
/THE BUILDING .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 1992
29
THE BUILDING HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO MAXIMISE ON THE USE OF NATURAL LIGHTING AND VENTILATION TO REDUCE OPERATING COSTS.
DUE CONSIDERATION HAS ALSO BEEN GIVEN TO THE TREATMENT OF VARIOUS TYPES OF LIQUID AND SOLID WASTE FROM DIFFERENT TRADES.
PHASE I OF THE WHOLESALE MARKET WHICH CATERS FOR THE SALE OF FISH, FRUIT AND EGGS HAS BEEN IN OPERATION SINCE EARLY THIS YEAR.
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HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 2.6.92 988
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED Oft 3.6.92 -631
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING + 631
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 111.4 *-0.1* 3.6.92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 2.80 PCT 18 MONTHS 2311 6.25 102.45 4.54
1 MONTH 2.81 PCT 21 MONTHS 2402 5.50 101.14 4.85
3 MONTHS 2.86 PCT 24 MONTHS 2405 5.50 100.87 5.09
6 MONTHS 3.23 PCT
12 MONTHS 3.95 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 9,038 MN
CLOSED 3 JUNE 1992
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, JONE 4, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TENDERS SUBMITTED FOR KAP SHUI MUN BRIDGE AND MA WAN VIADUCT .......... 1
RESULTS OF 1990 SURVEY OF BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE SECTORS ................................................................. 2
BILL TO GIVE LEGAL RIGHTS TO ILLEGITIMATE CHILDREN .................... 4
REGULATIONS TO STRENGTHEN FIRE PROTECTION IN BUILDINGS ................ 5
TWO NEW MERCHANT SHIPPING REGULATIONS GAZETTED ........................ 6
NEW REFUGEE CO-ORDINATOR APPOINTED .................................... 7
VIETNAMESE DETENTION CENTRE RULES AMENDED ............................. 8
MORE ANIMALS COME UNDER PROTECTION .................................... 8
RECLAMATION WORK IN TSEUNG KWAN 0...................................... 9
LAND IN NORTH DISTRICT TO BE RESUMED .................................. 10
TENDERS INVITED FOR TAI PO LAND FORMATION WORKS ....................... 10
SERVICE RESERVIOR TO BE BUILT IN MA ON SHAN ........................... 11
ROAD CLOSURE IN CENTRAL PROPOSED ...................................... 11
CROWN RENT DUE ON JUNE 24 ............................................. 12
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............ 14
THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 1992
- 1 -
TENDERS SUBMITTED FOR KAP SHUI MUN BRIDGE AND MA WAN VIADUCT *****
THE CENTRAL TENDER BOARD TODAY (THURSDAY) RECEIVED TENDERS FROM THREE PRE-QUALIFIED CONSORTIA FOR THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE KAP SHUI MUN BRIDGE AND THE MA WAN VIADUCT ON THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING, WHICH FORMS PART OF THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME.
THE THREE TENDERERS ARE:
* ANGLO JAPANESE CONSTRUCTION LIMITED
TRAFALGAR HOUSE CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT LTD COSTATN E & C LTD MITSUI & CO LTD
* HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL CONSORTIUM
BOUYGUES GROUP HOCHTIEF GROUP AMERICAN BRIDGE CO IMPREGTLO SPA SHUI ON CIVIL CONTRACTOR LTD CHINA STATE CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING CORPORATION DRAGAGES ET TRAVAUX PUBLICS LEIGHTON CONTRACTORS PTY LTD FRANKI KIER LTD KIER HONG KONG LTD
* KUMAGAI-MAEDA-YOKOGAWA-HITACHI JOINT VENTURE
KUMAGAI GUMI (HK) LTD MAEDA CORP YOKOGAWA BRIDGE WORKS LTD HITACHI ZOSEN CORP '
KAP SHUT MUN WILL BE A CABLE SUPPORTED BRIDGE WITH A 500-METRE MAIN SPAN, PROVIDING A CROSSING BETWEEN THE ISLANDS OF MA WAN AND LANTAU.
THE VIADUCT WILL CROSS MA WAN, CONNECTING THE KAP SHUI MUN BRIDGE TO THE TSING MA SUSPENSION BRIDGE.
THESE STRUCTURES WILL CARRY A DUAL THREE-LANE EXPRESSWAY ON AN UPPER DECK.
TWO SINGLE-LANE SHELTERED CARRIAGEWAYS, TOGETHER WITH TWO RAILWAY TRACKS, WILL BE ON THE LOWER DECK.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE CONTRACT IS SCHEDULED TO BE AWARDED IN NOVEMBER THIS YEAR ON A FIXED PRICE LUMP SUM BASIS, FOR COMPLETION IN MAY 1997.
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/2 ........
THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 1992
- 2 -
RESULTS OF 1990 SURVEY OF BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE SECTORS *****
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) THE RESULTS OF THE 1990 SURVEY OF BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE SECTORS WHICH WAS CONDUCTED FROM APRIL LAST YEAR TO EARLY THIS YEAR.
THE RESULTS INDICATED THAT 13,500 CONSTRUCTION ESTABLISHMENTS HAD OPERATED IN 1990.
THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY THESE ESTABLISHMENTS DURING 1990 AMOUNTED TO $99.8 BILLION, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 16% OVER 1989.
ALL VALUE FIGURES ARE EXPRESSED IN CURRENT PRICE TERMS. THE PERCENTAGE CHANGES DERIVED FROM THESE FIGURES HAVE NOT BEEN ADJUSTED FOR PRICE INCREASES. CAUTION SHOULD THEREFORE BE TAKEN IN INTERPRETING THE SURVEY RESULTS.
FROM THE 1990 ROUND OF THE SURVEY, THE HONG KONG STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION (HSIC) WAS ADOPTED FOR THE CLASSIFICATION OF ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES COVERED BY THE SURVEY.
BEFORE THE 1990 SURVEY, THE INTERNATIONAL STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION (ISIC) WAS USED.
THE HSIC IS A NEW STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION WHICH WILL BE USED IN ALL ECONOMIC SURVEYS CONDUCTED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
IT ENHANCES THE COMPARABILITY OF STATISTICS PRODUCED FROM THE ECONOMIC SURVEYS. TO FACILITATE COMPARISON, RESULTS OF THE 1989 SURVEY HAVE BEEN REVISED BASED ON THIS NEW CLASSIFICATION.
IN 1990, THE TOTAL EXPENDITURE INCURRED BY THE CONSTRUCTION ESTABLISHMENTS WAS $96.6 BILLION.
THIS INCLUDED $24.5 BILLION ON COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES AND PAYMENTS TO LABOUR-ONLY SUB-CONTRACTORS; $25 BILLION ON CONSUMPTION OF MATERIALS, SUPPLIES, AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES; $40.8 BILLION ON PAYMENTS FOR SUB-CONTRACT WORK RENDERED BY FEE SUB-CONTRACTORS; AND $6.4 BILLION ON MISCELLANEOUS OPERATING EXPENSES.
THE TOTAL VALUE ADDED OF THESE ESTABLISHMENTS, WHICH IS A MEASURE OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY’S CONTRIBUTION TO HONG KONG’S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT, AMOUNTED TO $29.8 BILLION IN 1990. THIS REPRESENTED AN INCREASE OF 20% OVER 1989.
SOME 38% OF THE CONSTRUCTION ESTABLISHMENTS WERE ENGAGED IN DECORATION, REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE OF ERECTED BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES.
HOWEVER, THEY ACCOUNTED FOR ONLY 11% OF THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED.
/ON THE ........
THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 1992
- 3 -
ON THE OTHER HAND, THE GENERAL TRADE CONTRACTORS OPERATING ON CONSTRUCTION SITES REPRESENTED ABOUT 7% OF THE NUMBER OF ESTABLISHMENTS, BUT ACCOUNTED FOR $64.5 BILLION OR 65% OF THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED.
THE REST OF THE CONSTRUCTION ESTABLISHMENTS CONSISTED MOSTLY OF SPECIAL TRADE CONTRACTORS, SUCH AS CONTRACTORS SPECIALISING IN ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL FITTINGS.
THESE CONTRACTORS CONSTITUTED 55% OF THE ESTABLISHMENTS IN THIS INDUSTRIAL SECTOR, BUT ACCOUNTED FOR ONLY 24% OF THE GROSS -VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED.
THE SURVEY DID NOT COVER LABOUR-ONLY SUB-CONTRACTORS WHO MAINLY SUPPLIED LABOUR TO WORK ON A JOB-TO-JOB BASIS.
HOWEVER, THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY THESE SUB-CONTRACTORS WAS ALREADY INCLUDED IN THAT OF CONTRACTORS COMMISSIONING THEIR SERVICES.
APART FROM CONSTRUCTION ESTABLISHMENTS, THE SURVEY ALSO ENUMERATED ESTABLISHMENTS ENGAGED IN REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT, LEASING, BROKERAGE AND MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT SERVICES, AND ARCHITECTURAL, SURVEYING AND PROJECT ENGINEERING SERVICES.
ACCORDING TO THE SURVEY, 6,400 ESTABLISHMENTS ENGAGED IN REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT, LEASING, BROKERAGE AND MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT SERVICES HAD OPERATED DURING 1990.
THEIR GROSS OUTPUT IN 1990 WAS $52.7 BILLION (+16% COMPARED WITH 1989) WHICH INCLUDED $26.6 BILLION FROM SERVICE AND RENTAL INCOME, $25.4 BILLION FROM GROSS MARGIN OF REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS (EXCLUDING LAND PRICE APPRECIATION) AND $0.7 BILLION FROM OTHER INCOME.
THEIR TOTAL EXPENDITURE WAS $15.2 BILLION.
THE TOTAL VALUE ADDED OF THESE ESTABLISHMENTS, AT $45.8 BILLION, WAS 15% MORE THAN THAT IN 1989.
THESE FIGURES DID NOT INCLUDE ESTABLISHMENTS WHICH DEVELOPED REAL ESTATE PROJECTS FOR THEIR OWN OCCUPATION OR THOSE WHICH OWNED LAND WITHOUT DEVELOPING IT DURING THE REFERENCE YEAR.
ALSO EXCLUDED WERE REAL ESTATE LEASING AND OTHER ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN BY SELF-EMPLOYED PERSONS OR HOUSEHOLDS.
FOR ESTABLISHMENTS ENGAGED IN ARCHITECTURAL, SURVEYING AND PROJECT ENGINEERING SERVICES, THE SURVEY INDICATED THAT SOME 730 SUCH ESTABLISHMENTS HAD OPERATED IN 1990.
THEIR TOTAL BUSINESS RECEIPTS STOOD AT $4.9 BILLION (+16% WHEN COMPARED WITH 1989), WHILE THEIR TOTAL EXPENDITURE WAS $4.1 BILLION (+19% WHEN COMPARED WITH 1989), OF WHICH $2.3 BILLION WAS ON COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES.
/THE TOTAL .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 1992
- 4
THE TOTAL VALUE ADDED OF THESE ESTABLISHMENTS WAS $3 BILLION, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 13% OVER 1989.
FOR REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS, THE VALUE ACCRUED TO PRIVATE SECTOR PROJECTS DURING 1990 WAS $51.3 BILLION, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 13% OVER THE CORRESPONDING VALUE IN 1989.
THE INCREASE WAS LARGELY DUE TO INCREASED WORK DONE IN RESIDENTIAL PREMISES.
THE TOTAL PROJECT OUTLAYS AMOUNTED TO $30.7 BILLION WHICH INCLUDED, FOR INSTANCE, PAYMENTS TO CONTRACTORS AND INTEREST’PAYMENTS.
SUMMARY STATISTICS FOR THE 1990 SURVEY OF BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE SECTORS WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE APRIL 1992 ISSUE OF THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS PUBLISHED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
DETAILED RESULTS WILL BE GIVEN IN A FULL REPORT TO BE PUBLISHED AROUND JULY.
ENQUIRIES ON THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TELEPHONE 839 3204.
BILL TO GIVE LEGAL RIGHTS TO ILLEGITIMATE CHILDREN
******
LEGISLATION WILL BE PROPOSED TO GIVE ILLEGITIMATE LEGAL RIGHTS THAT AT PRESENT ARE NOT AVAILABLE TO THEM.
CHILDREN
THE PARENT AND CHILD BILL, WHICH WILL IMPLEMENT THE MAIN RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION IN ITS RFPORT ON ILLEGITIMACY, WILL REMOVE AS FAR AS IS PRACTICABLE THE EXISTING DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE WAY IN WHICH THE LAW TREATS LEGITIMATE AND ILLEGITIMATE CHILDREN.
ILLEGITIMATE CHILDREN ARE DISADVANTAGED BY THE EXISTING LAW IN A NUMBER OF WAYS. xoujxtr daw
IN SUCCESSION, FOR INSTANCE, THE RIGHTS OF ILLEGITIMATE CHILDREN DIFFER FROM THOSE OF LEGITIMATE CHILDREN.
AN ILLEGITIMATE CHILD AT PRESENT HAS TO SEEK MAINTENANCE UNDER A SPECIFIC PROCEDURE WHICH DOES NOT APPLY TO LEGITIMATE CHILDREN AND THE RANGE OF MAINTENANCE ORDERS AVAILABLE IS MORE LIMITED.
THE ILLEGITIMATE CHILD’S ABILITY TO BENEFIT FROM HIS FATHER’S PENSION RIGHTS IS MORE RESTRICTIVE THAN THAT OF THE LEGITIMATE CHILD.
/SECRETARY OF .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 1992
- 5 -
SECRETARY OF THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION, MR STUART STOKER, SAID IN THE COURSE OF ITS DELIBERATIONS THE COMMISSION HAD FOUND BROAD PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR THE PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE LAW TO ENSURE THAT ILLEGITIMATE CHILDREN WERE NO LONGER PLACED AT A LEGAL DISADVANTAGE.
THE BILL SETS OUT A BASIC RULE THAT WORDS IN ALL LEGISLATION IMPLYING A FAMILY RELATIONSHIP, SUCH AS "SON" AND "CHILD", ARE TO INCLUDE ILLEGITIMATE PERSONS UNLESS A CONTRARY INTENTION IS SHOWN.
THE BILL ALSO CONTAINS PROVISIONS MAKING IT CLEAR WHO IS TO BE TREATED AT LAW AS THE FATHER OF A CHILD, INCLUDING THE SITUATION WHERE THE CHILD’S BIRTH HAS RESULTED FROM ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION OR OTHER SCIENTIFICALLY ASSISTED METHODS.
OTHER KEY PROVISIONS INCLUDE THE INTRODUCTION OF A NEW PROCEDURE TO ALLOW A PERSON TO APPLY TO COURT FOR AN ORDER AS TO HIS OR HER PATERNITY OR LEGITIMACY.
IN ADDITION, THE EXISTING LAW WHICH GIVES THE MOTHER OF AN ILLEGITIMATE CHILD EXCLUSIVE PARENTAL RIGHTS IS TO BE CHANGED TO ENABLE THE FATHER OF AN ILLEGITIMATE CHILD TO BE GRANTED PARENTAL RIGHTS BY THE COURT.
THE EFFECT IS THAT THE MOTHER WILL AUTOMATICALLY HAVE PARENTAL RIGHTS IN RESPECT OF HER CHILD BUT THE FATHER WILL ONLY HAVE THOSE RIGHTS IF HE IS MARRIED TO THE MOTHER OR HAS BEEN GRANTED THEM BY A COURT.
THE BILL MAKES PROVISION FOR SURROGACY, WHICH IS NOT ADDRESSED BY THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION.
IT INTRODUCES A PROCEDURE TO ENABLE THE "COMMISSIONING PARENTS", WHO DO NOT CARRY THE CHILD, IN A SURROGACY ARRANGEMENT TO APPLY TO COURT FOR AN ORDER THAT THE CHILD BORN OF THE SURROGATE PREGNANCY BE TREATED IN LAW AS THEIR CHILD.
IF SUCH AN ORDER WAS NOT AVAILABLE, THE SURROGATE MOTHER AND HER HUSBAND WOULD BE TREATED IN LAW AS THE CHILD’S PARENTS.
THE BILL WILL BE GAZETTED ON JUNE 12 AND WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JUNE 24.
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REGULATIONS TO STRENGTHEN FIRE PROTECTION IN BUILDINGS *****
NEW REGULATIONS TO PROVIDE BETTER FIRE PROTECTION FOR BUILDINGS WERE GAZETTED TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE BUILDING (PLANNING) (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) REGULATION 1992 EMPOWERS THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TO REQUIRE THAT ADEQUATE MEANS OF ACCESS BE PROVIDED IN NEW BUILDINGS.
/SUCH MEANS .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 1992
- 6 -
SUCH MEANS OF ACCESS INCLUDE BETTER FIREMEN’S LIFTS, SPECIALLY DESIGNED ACCESS STAIRCASES AND RESCUE STAIRCASES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE SAID IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE, IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT FIREMEN COULD SPEEDILY AND SAFELY GAIN ACCESS TO A FIRE SCENE FOR THE PURPOSE OF FIRE-FIGHTING AND RESCUE.
"AT PRESENT, FIREMEN CAN ONLY RELY ON A FIREMEN’S LIFT INSTALLED IN A BUILDING OF MORE THAN EIGHT STOREYS OR EXCEEDING 24 METRES IN HEIGHT.
"THIS IS INADEQUATE FOR PRESENT DAY CIRCUMSTANCES WHERE THE HEIGHT, SIZE OR STRUCTURAL COMPLEXITY, OR USE OF SOME BUILDINGS POSE A GREATER FIRE HAZARD OR DIFFICULTIES IN FIRE-FIGHTING," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE AMENDMENT REGULATION ALSO AIMS TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT DANGEROUS TRADES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO OPERATE IN DOMESTIC BUILDINGS.
THESE ACTIVITIES INCLUDE THE STORAGE OF DANGEROUS GOODS, MOTOR REPAIR AND PAINTING, VULCANISING, PAINT MIXING OR MANUFACTURING AND DRY CLEANING.
THE NEW REGULATIONS WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON JUNE 25, 1992.
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TWO NEW MERCHANT SHIPPING REGULATIONS GAZETTED » * * * *
TWO NEW REGULATIONS, THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (SAFETY) (MINIMUM SAFE MANNING CERTIFICATE) REGULATION AND MERCHANT SHIPPING (PREVENTION OF OIL POLLUTION) (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1992, CAME INTO FORCE TODAY (JUNE 4).
THE TWO WERE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY.
THE PRINCIPAL SURVEYOR (MULTI-LATERAL POLICY) OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT, MR DUNCAN DRUMMOND SAID: "THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (SAFETY) (MINIMUM SAFE MANNING CERTIFICATE) REGULATION GIVES EFFECT TO A NEW PROVISION OF THE SOLAS CONVENTION (INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION FOR THE SAFETY OF LIFE AT SEA).
"THIS REQUIRES HONG KONG REGISTERED SHIPS TO CARRY A MINIMUM SAFE MANNING CERTIFICATE. THE CERTIFICATE LISTS THE MINIMUM NUMBER AND GRADE OF PERSONNEL WHICH THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE CONSIDERS ARE REQUIRED TO MAN A SHIP, AND IS REQUIRED ON ALL HONG KONG REGISTERED SHIPS OVER 500 TONS.
THE REGULATION ALSO APPLIES TO FOREIGN SHIPS WHEN WITHIN HONG KONG WATERS.
BUT IT DOES NOT APPLY TO FISHING VESSELS AND PLEASURE VESSELS.
/MINIMUM SAFE .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 1992
MINIMUM SAFE MANNING CERTIFICATES HAVE ALREADY BEEN ISSUED TO HONG KONG SHIPS ON A VOLUNTARY BASIS, AND SUCH SHIPS ALREADY COMPLY WITH THE REGULATION.
THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (PREVENTION OF OIL POLLUTION) (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1992 GIVES EFFECT ON AN AMENDMENT TO THE MARPOL CONVENTION (INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION FOR THE PREVENTION OF POLLUTION FROM SHIPS).
MR DRUMMOND SAID: "THE AMENDMENT DESIGNATES ANTARTICA AS A SPECIAL AREA PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE TO OIL POLLUTION, AND PROHIBITS THE DISCHARGE OF ANY OIL OR OILY WATER INTO ANTARTIC WATERS FROM HONG KONG REGISTERED SHIPS.
SHIPS ENTERING THIS AREA ARE ALSO REQUIRED TO BE FITTED WITH ADEQUATE STORAGE TANKS ENABLING THEM TO RETAIN ALL OIL OR OILY WATER ON BOARD WHEN IN THIS AREA.
SIMILAR RESTRICTIONS ARE PLACED ON OTHER SHIPS WHOSE GOVERNMENT HAVE ACCEPTED THE MARPOL CONVENTION.
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NEW REFUGEE CO-ORDINATOR APPOINTED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT MR BRIAN BRESNIHAN, AT PRESENT AN ASSISTANT FINANCIAL SECRETARY IN THE FINANCE BRANCH, WILL JOIN THE SECURITY BRANCH ON JUNE 18 WITH A VIEW TO SUCCEED MR CLINTON LEEKS AS REFUGEE CO-ORDINATOR.
MR LEEKS WILL PROCEED ON LEAVE ON JULY 18 THIS YEAR.
MR BRESNIHAN, AGED 45, JOINED THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE AS ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER IN 1980 AFTER SERVING 10 YEARS AS ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER IN NEW HEBRIDES.
HE ROSE TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE C IN 1987.
DURING THE PAST YEARS, MR BRESNIHAN SERVED IN THE THEN ENVIRONMENT BRANCH AND LANDS AND WORKS BRANCH, THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH AND THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT.
HE TOOK UP HIS PRESENT APPOINTMENT AS ASSISTANT FINANCIAL SECRETARY IN APRIL 1988.
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/8.........
THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 1992
8
VIETNAMESE DETENTION CENTRE RULES AMENDED
*****
SEVERAL AMENDMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO THE RULES GOVERNING DETENTION CENTRES FOR VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS.
THE AMENDMENTS WERE GAZETTED TODAY (THURSDAY).
’’THESE AMENDMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE IN THE LIGHT OF OUR OPERATIONAL EXPERIENCE OF RUNNING THESE CENTRES OVER SEVERAL YEARS,” A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
’’THEY INCLUDE A NEW PROVISION TO FACILITATE ARRANGEMENTS FOR DETAINEES TO MEET WITH THEIR LEGAL ADVISERS.
’’EXISTING DETENTION CENTRE RULES MAKE NO PROVISIONS FOR LEGAL VISITS, ALTHOUGH SUCH VISITS ARE COMMON,” HE ADDED.
ANOTHER NEW PROVISION IS THAT EXCEPT FOR GOOD CAUSE, OR AT THE REQUEST OF A DETAINEE, A CAMP SUPERINTENDENT MAY NOT REFUSE PERMISSION TO ANY PERSON WISHING TO VISIT A DETAINEE.
SUCH PRIVATE VISITS ARE VERY COMMON, AND THIS CHANGE IS INTENDED ONLY TO CLARIFY THE POSITION.
THE OTHER AMENDMENTS ARE MOSTLY TECHNICAL IN NATURE, INVOLVING MAINLY CHANGES FOR CLARIFICATION PURPOSES.
AT PRESENT MORE THAN 51,000 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS ARE ACCOMMODATED IN NINE DETENTION CENTRES IN HONG KONG, OF WHOM SOME 23,000 HAVE BEEN FOUND TO BE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS AND ARE AWAITING REPATRIATION TO VIETNAM.
- - 0 - -
MORE ANIMALS COME UNDER PROTECTION *****
MORE LOCAL ANIMALS WERE TODAY (THURSDAY) ADDED ONTO THE LIST OF PROTECTED WILD ANIMALS UNDER THE SECOND SCHEDULE OF THE WILD ANIMALS PROTECTION ORDINANCE.
THEY ARE THE MONGOOSES, WATER MONITOR, HONG KONG NEWT, KONG KONG CASCADE FROG AND ROMER’S TREE FROG.
THESE SPECIES ARE NATIVE AND RARE IN HONG KONG AND THEREFORE REQUIRED MORE PROTECTION, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES SAID.
THE AMENDMENTS MADE TO THE SECOND SCHEDULE OF THE WILD ANIMALS PROTECTION ORDINANCE WERE GAZETTED TODAY.
/THE SECOND
THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 1992
- 9 -
•
THE SECOND SCHEDULE WILL NOW INCLUDE MOST OF THE LOCAL WILD MAMMALS SUCH AS BATS, MONKEYS, CHINESE PANGOLIN, CHINESE PORCUPINE, SQUIRRELS, CETACEANS (DOLPHINS, WHALES, PORPOISES), COMMON RED FOX, MONGOOSES, CIVET CATS, OTTER, CHINESE FERRET BADGER, LEOPARD CAT, DUGONGS AND BARKING DEER.
ALSO LISTED UNDER THE SCHEDULE ARE ALL KINDS OF WILD BIRDS; REPTILES SUCH AS CHELONIANS (TURTLES, TERRAPINS, TORTOISES), BURMESE PYTHON AND WATER MONITOR; AMPHIBIANS SUCH AS HONG KONG NEWT, HONG KONG CASCADE FROG AND ROMER’S TREE FROG AND THE BIRDWING BUTTERFLY.
UNDER THE ORDINANCE, IT IS AN OFFENCE FOR ANYONE TO HUNT, BUY OR SELL, POSSESS OR EXPORT THESE LOCAL ANIMALS IN HONG KONG WITHOUT A PERMIT ISSUED BY THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
OFFENDERS WILL BE LIABLE TO PROSECUTION AND SUBJECT TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $5,000, HE ADDED.
------0--------
RECLAMATION WORK IN TSEUNG KWAN 0 * * * ♦ ♦ *
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO CARRY OUT A PROJECT THAT COMPRISES DREDGING OF SEABED, CONSTRUCTION OF SEAWALLS AND RECLAMATION WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 97 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED AT TSEUNG KWAN O TOWN CENTRE.
THIS IS TO PROVIDE LAND FOR COMMERCIAL, RESIDENTIAL, GOVERNMENT, INSTITUTION AND COMMUNITY PURPOSES, ALL PART OF THE CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT OF TSEUNG KWAN 0.
THE FIRST STAGE OF THE PROJECT WILL START IN MID-1992 AND WILL BE COMPLETED IN ABOUT 24 MONTHS.
THE SECOND STAGE OF THE PROJECT WILL CONTINUE IN MID-1994 FOR COMPLETION OF THE REMAINING SEAWALL CONSTRUCTION AND RECLAMATION.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREAS AFFECTED IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE 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 UNDERTAKING MAY DELIVER TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS A WRITTEN CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION ON OR BEFORE JUNE 3, 1993.
THE NOTICE (IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE) TOGETHER WITH ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE INSPECTED AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14/F, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG (WHERE COPIES CAN BE PURCHASED ON ORDER); AT THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, 2/F, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 34 CHAN MAN STREET, SAI KUNG, NEW TERRITORIES, AND AT THE TSEUNG KWAN O SUB-OFFICE, SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, ROOM 121-122, G/F, PO NING HOUSE, PO LAM ESTATE, TSEUNG KWAN O, SAI KUNG, NEW TERRITORIES.
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/10 .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 1992
LAND IN NORTH DISTRICT TO BE RESUMED * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO RESUME LAND IN NORTH DISTRICT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PORTIONS OF AQUEDUCTS TO FACILITATE WATER SUPPLY FROM CHINA.
THE LOTS IN MAN KAM TO, LO WU AND SHEUNG SHUT OCCUPY A TOTAL AREA OF ABOUT 21,461 SQUARE METRES OF PRIVATE AGRICULTURAL LAND.
THE LAND WILL BE REVERTED TO THE GOVERNMENT ON THE EXPIRY OF THREE MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF POSTING OF NOTICES ON THE LOTS.
DETAILS OF THE RESUMPTION WERE GAZETTED TODAY (THURSDAY).
- - 0 - -
TENDERS INVITED FOR TAI PO LAND FORMATION WORKS
******
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR ANOTHER PROJECT AS PART OF THE CONTINUING PROGRAMME OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF TAI PO NEW TOWN.
THE WORKS COMPRISE THE FORMATION OF LAND FOR A VILLAGE DEVELOPMENT AREA, CONSTRUCTION OF ROAD AND DRAINAGE WORKS IN AREAS 31 IN TAI PO NEW TOWN, AND A PROMENADE AND PAVILION AT TAI MEI TUK.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START THIS AUGUST AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 15 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE ENGINEERS FOR THE WORK ARE MAUNSELL CONSULTANTS ASIA LTD WHO WILL SUPERVISE CONSTRUCTION ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT.
FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE OFFICE OF THE CONSULTING FIRM AT 4 FUNG WO LANE, WO CHE, SHA TIN, NEW TERRITORIES.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS IS NOON ON JULY 3.
- - 0 - -
/Il
THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 1992
11
SERVICE RESERVIOR TO BE BUILT IN MA ON SHAN
*****
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE MA ON SHAN SALT WATER SERVICE RESERVIOR IN SHA TIN, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.
THE SERVICE RESERVIOR, WITH A CAPACITY OF 3,500 CUBIC METRES, WILL TAKE ABOUT 15 MONTHS TO BUILD.
THE CONTRACT ALSO INCLUDES SITE FORMATION WORKS AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF DRAINAGE CHANNELS, VALVE CHAMBERS AND PIPEWORKS.
WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START THIS SEPTEMBER.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING OF TENDERS IS NOON ON JUNE 26.
--------0-----------
ROAD CLOSURE IN CENTRAL PROPOSED * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO CLOSE PERMANENTLY THE WHOLE OF WAI SAN LANE AND PART OF GILMAN STREET, WING ON STREET, TUNG MAN STREET AND HING LUNG STREET IN CENTRAL TO FACILITATE AN URBAN RENEWAL PROJECT.
THE DEVELOPMENT WILL INCLUDE A DAY NURSERY AND URBAN COUNCIL FACILITIES IN ADDITION TO THE COMMERCIAL ACCOMMODATION.
IN CONNECTION WITH THE DEVELOPMENT, A LANDSCAPED OPEN SPACE WILL BE CONSTRUCTED FOR PUBLIC USE.
AS PART OF THE DEVELOPMENT, A NEW PEDESTRIAN AND VEHICULAR ACCESS WILL BE PROVIDED.
A NOTICE ON THE PROPOSED ROAD CLOSURE WAS GAZETTED TODAY (THURSDAY).
A PLAN OF THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE SEEN DURING OFFICE HOURS AT THE FOLLOWING GOVERNMENT OFFICES:
* CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY
SERVICE CENTRE, G/F, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD,
CENTRAL; AND
* DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE/HONG KONG WEST, 19/F, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, HONG KONG.
ANY PERSON OBJECTING TO THE PROPOSAL MUST SEND HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, 2/F, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, CENTRAL NO LATER THAN AUGUST 3, 1992, DESCRIBING HIS INTEREST AND MANNER IN WHICH HE ALLEGES HE WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE PROPOSAL.
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/12 ........
THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 1992
12
CROWN RENT DUE ON JUNE 24 *****
THE TREASURY TODAY (THURSDAY) REMINDED PAYERS OF CROWN RENT EXCEEDS $100 A YEAR THAT DEMAND NOTES HAVE BEEN ISSUED FOR THE HALF YEAR ENDING JUNE 24, 1992.
NON-RECEIPT OF THE DEMAND NOTE DOES NOT LATER THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE CROWN RENTS MUST BE PAID BY JUNE 24.
PAYMENT MAY BE MADE BY POST TO THE DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES, P.O. BOX 8000, G.P.O., HONG KONG, OR IN PERSON, AT:
♦ THE TREASURY HEADQUARTERS COLLECTION AND PAYMENT OFFICE, WANCHAI TOWER II, 1/F, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, HONG KONG;
» THE CENTRAL SUB-TREASURY, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES 11 ICE HOUSE STREET, HONG KONG;
* THE NORTH POINT SUB-TREASURY, ODEON BUILDING, 1/F, 28 SHU KUK STREET, HONG KONG;
* THE SAI WAN HO SUB-TREASURY, EASTERN LAW COURTS BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, 29 TAI ON STREET, SAI WAN HO, HONG KONG;
* THE YAU MA TEI SUB-TREASURY, 4/F, 405 NATHAN ROAD (MARKET STREET ENTRANCE), KOWLOON;
* THE KOWLOON CITY SUB-TREASURY, MAN SANG COMMERCIAL BUILDING, 1/F, 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 TSING.
THOSE WHO HAVE NOT RECEIVED THEIR DEMAND NOTES MAY BRING A PREVIOUS ONE AND MAKE PAYMENT AT ANY OF THE TREASURY COLLECTION OFFICES.
IF THEY CANNOT PRODUCE A DEMAND NOTE FOR ANY PREVIOUS PERIOD, THEY SHOULD INQUIRE AT THE CROWN RENT UNIT OF THE TREASURY AT WANCHAI TOWER II, 30/F, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, HONG KONG.
THESE WHO HAVE SUBMITTED A VALID DIRECT DEBIT AUTHORISATION SHOULD NOT THAT IF THE WORDING "PAYMENT TO BE MADE BY AUTOPAY’’ IS SHOWN ON THE NOTES, PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY DIRECT DEBIT TO THEIR BANK ACCOUNTS ON JUNE 24.
THEY SHOULDMAKE ENSURE THAT THEIR BANK ACCOUNTS HAVE THE NECESSARY FUNDS ON THAT DATE.
/IF THE ........
THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 1992
13
IF THE ABOVE WORDING IS NOT SHOWN CROWN RENT PAYERS SHOULD MAKE PAYMENTS ACCORDING TO THE INSTRUCTIONS SET OUT IN THE DEMAND NOTES.
TO AVOID QUEUEING, 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.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TREASURY URGED CROWN RENT PAYERS . TO NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
* TO AVOID LEGAL ACTION FOR RE-ENTRY OF A PROPERTY THE OWNER FOR THE TIME BEING TOF THAT PROPERTY IS OBLIGED TO PAY CROWN RENT INCLUDING ANY ARREARS AS DEMANDED.
* THE CROWN RENT PAYABLE UNDER A LEASE OF A PROPERTY THAT HAS BEEN RENEWED UNDER THE CROWN LEASES ORDINANCE AND REDEVELOPED, WILL BE 3% OF THE RATEABLE VALUE OF THAT PROPERTY AS ASSESSED FOLLOWING THE DEVELOPMENT.
PENDING COMPLETION OF THE ASSESSMENT AND OTHER RELATED PROCEDURES, CROWN RENT DEMANDS WILL BE BASED UPON THE PREREDEVELOPMENT RATEABLE VALUE.
IN DUE COURSE, CROWN RENT FOR THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE RENT BASED UPON PRE AND POST-REDEVELOPMENT RATEABLE VALUES WILL BE DEMANDED AND THE OWNER FOR THE TIME BEING IS OBLIGED TO PAY THE RENT AS DEMANDED.
IF HE DOES NOT, LEGAL ACTION FOR RE-ENTRY OF THE PROPERTY MAY BE INSTITUTED.
HE ADVISED PROPERTY PURCHASERS TO INSTRUCT THEIR SOLICITORS TO ENSURE THAT AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE THE CROWN RENT IS PAID UP TO DATE.
IF A PROPERTY IS SUBJECT TO THE CROWN LEASES ORDINANCE AND HAS BEEN REDEVELOPED BUT THE RENTAL PAID UP TO THE DATE OF THE PURCHASE IS NOT BASED UPON AN ASSESSMENT OF THE RATEABLE VALUE OF THE PROPERTY SINCE ITS REDEVELOPMENT, APPROPRIATE STEPS SHOULD BE TAKEN BY THE PURCHASER OR HIS SOLICITORS TO PROTECT THE PURCHASER.
ENQUIRIES ON OUTSTANDING ACCOUNTS MAY BE ADDRESSED TO THE DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES : THE FEE IS $45 FOR EACH ENQUIRY PER PROPERTY.
- - 0 - -
/14 ........
THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 1992
14
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
♦ * * ♦
*
EFFECT
EFFECT
EFFECT
CLOSING
DATE $ MILLION
BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 3.6.92 988
OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 4.6.92 NEUTRAL
OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING NEUTRAL
OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON + 80 *
ASSISTANCE TO BE REVERSED ON 8
JUNE
* O/N
TRADE
WEIGHTED INDEX 111.4 *+0.0* 4.6.92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.04 PCT 18 MONTHS 2311 6.25 102.38 4.58
1 MONTH 2.89 PCT 21 MONTHS 2402 5.50 101.10 4.87
3 MONTHS 2.92 PCT 6 MONTHS 3.30 PCT 12 MONTHS 3.95 PCT 24 MONTHS 2405 5.50 100.78 5.14
1,857MN
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS
CLOSED 4 JUNE 1992
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
UN SANCTIONS AGAINST SERBIA & MONTENEGRO..................!............... 1
TENDERS INVITED FOR 26 FRANCHISED BUS ROUTES ...................'......... 2
HK CELEBRATES WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY ...................................... 3
TREE-PLANTING EXERCISE IN WONG TAI SIN ................................... 4
SEMINARS ON PAINT SAFETY FOR TEACHERS .................................... 5
WATER CUT IN YUEN LONG.................................................... 5
EARLY WELFARE PAYMENT .................................................... 6
FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 1992
UN SANCTIONS AGAINST SERBIA & MONTENEGRO * * * * *
ON MAY 30 THE UN SECURITY COUNCIL ADOPTED RESOLUTION 757 IMPOSING A RANGE OF SANCTIONS ON SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO.
THESE HAVE BEEN EXTENDED TO HONG KONG BY TWO UK ORDERS IN COUNCIL TO COME INTO FORCE FROM 7 AM (HONG KONG TIME) ON JUNE 5.
THE FIRST ORDER IN COUNCIL PROHIBITS ANY AIRCRAFT FROM TAKING OFF FROM, LANDING IN OR OVERFLYING THE TERRITORY IF THEY ARE ' DESTINED FOR, OR HAVE TAKEN OFF FROM, SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO.
THE SECOND ORDER IN COUNCIL:
* PROHIBITS THE SUPPLY AND EXPORT OF GOODS TO SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO AND PERSONS CONNECTED THEREWITH, AND THE IMPORT OF GOODS THEREFROM;
* PROHIBITS CERTAIN RELATED ACTIVITIES INCLUDING THE CARRIAGE OF PROHIBITED GOODS IN SHIPS AND AIRCRAFT;
* PROHIBITS THE SERVICING AND INSURING OF AIRCRAFT OF SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO;
* PROHIBITS THE MAKING OF PAYMENTS UNDER ANY BOND IN RESPECT OF A CONTRACT THE PERFORMANCE OF WHICH IS UNLAWFUL BY VIRTUE OF THIS ORDER AND PROHIBITS THE MAKING OR OBTAINING PAYMENTS UNDER CERTAIN INDEMNITIES IN RESPECT OF SUCH BONDS;
* IMPOSES RESTRICTIONS ON CERTAIN ACTIONS MAKING AVAILABLE OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRING FUNDS OR OTHER FINANCIAL OR ECONOMIC RESOURCES TO, OR FOR THE BENEFIT OF, PERSONS CONNECTED WITH SERBIA OR MONTENEGRO.
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WILL TAKE ALL MEASURES NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT FULLY ITS OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE ORDERS IN COUNCIL.
GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS RESPONSIBLE WILL BE ISSUING GUIDANCE TO THOSE CONCERNED ON THE PRACTICAL EFFECT OF THESE REQUIREMENTS.
ENQUIRIES ON THE SUBJECT SHOULD BE DIRECTED TOWARDS RESPECTIVE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AS FOLLOWS:
GENERAL & PRESS ENQUIRIES:
DUTY OFFICER,
GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES
(TEL NO.: 842 8747)
FLIGHTS & AVIATION RELATION MATTERS:
AIR SERVICES DIVISION, CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT (TEL NO.: 867 4210)
/SHIPPING MATTERS .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 1992
- 2 -
SHIPPING MATTERS
MULTILATERAL POLICY DIVISION, MARINE DEPARTMENT (TEL NO.: 852 4408)
TRADE RELATED MATTERS:
TRADE LICENSING (NON-TEXTILES) BRANCH TRADE DEPARTMENT (TEL NO.: 398 5556)
MATTERS RELATING TO INSURANCE, CONTRACTS, BONDS AND INDEMNITIES: MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH (TEL NO.: 528 1890)
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TENDERS INVITED FOR 26 FRANCHISED BUS ROUTES
******
THE GOVERNMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE FRANCHISE TO OPERATE A PUBLIC BUS SERVICE ON 24 HONG KONG ISLAND ROUTES AND TWO CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL ROUTES.
DETAILS OF THE TENDER WILL BE CONTAINED IN THE EXTRAORDINARY GAZETTE PUBLISHED TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AND WILL BE REPEATED IN THE GAZETTE NEXT FRIDAY (JUNE 12).
THE ROUTES INCLUDED 16 SOUTHERN DISTRICT ROUTES, FIVE CENTRAL AND WESTERN ROUTES, THREE WAN CHAI ROUTES AND TWO CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL ROUTES, LINKING KOWLOON BAY AND ABERDEEN AND SHA TIN KCR STATION AND WAH FU RESPECTIVELY.
TENDER DOCUMENTS CAN BE OBTAINED ON THE PRODUCTION OF A COMPANY LETTER INDICATING INTEREST IN TENDERING FOR THE FRANCHISE.
THESE CAN BE COLLECTED FROM THE BUS DEVELOPMENT BRANCH OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, 40/F, WANCHAI TOWER II, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI, DURING OFFICE HOURS.
COMPLETED TENDERS MUST BE PLACED IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT TENDER BOX SITUATED ON THE LOWER GROUND FLOOR OF THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (EAST WING), LOWER ALBERT ROAD, CENTRAL BEFORE NOON ON JULY 17.
ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE TO THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ON TEL 829 5321, 829 5304 OR 829 5302.
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/3.........
FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 1992
3
HK CELEBRATES WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY
*****
HONG KONG TODAY (FRIDAY) CELEBRATED THE UNITED NATIONS WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY (WED) WITH A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES TO PROMOTE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE NEED TO PROTECT THE SEAS AGAINST POLLUTION.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE WED ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE (ECO AT THE EDINBURGH PLACE, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, SAID. "SAVE OUR SEAS" WAS AN APPROPRIATE THEME,
THIS WAS BECAUSE MAINTAINING HONG KONG’S MARINE ENVIRONMENT AND ITS MAGNIFICENT HARBOUR IN GOOD CONDITION WERE ESSENTIAL TO HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC WELL-BEING AND THE HEALTH OF ITS PEOPLE, HE SAID.
"IMPROVEMENT OF THE QUALITY OF THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT IN HONG KONG DESERVES A VERY HIGH PRIORITY AMONG OUR ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMMES," MR EASON SAID.
OUTLINING MAJOR STEPS TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT, MR EASON SAID LIKE MANY OTHER MAJOR CITIES, HONG KONG WAS FINDING ADEQUATE SEWAGE SERVICES DID NOT COME CHEAP.
HE SAID ALTHOUGH SUBSTANTIAL SUMS HAD ALREADY BEEN MADE AVAILABLE, MORE WOULD NEED TO BE SPENT.
"WE ARE THEREFORE CONSIDERING VARIOUS WAYS OF PAYING FOR THE COMPLETION OF THIS BADLY NEEDED PART OF OUR INFRASTRUCTURE.
"THIS IS ESSENTIAL IF WE ARE TO CLEAN UP OUR HARBOUR AND OUR MARINE ENVIRONMENT AND PROTECT AND KEEP THESE VALUABLE COMMUNITY ASSETS FOR OUR USE," HE SAID.
MR EASON POINTED OUT THAT IN MANY MODERN CITIES, USERS, COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY AND ORDINARY RESIDENTS, PAID REASONABLE CHARGES FOR THESE SERVICE AND THE HONG KONG COMMUNITY TOO SHOULD THINK ABOUT THIS.
"BETTER THAT WE ALL START TO PAY MODEST AMOUNTS NOW THAN WAIT UNTIL THE PRICE BECOMES TOO HIGH TO BE AFFORDABLE AND THE PROBLEM UNMANAGEABLE," MR EASON SAID.
HE REFUTED SUGGESTIONS THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD SHELVED THE OVERALL SEWAGE STRATEGY. "IT HAS NOT BEEN SHELVED AND WE HAVE NO INTENTION OF SHELVING IT," HE ADDED.
"MUCH PRELIMINARY WORK, BOTH IN TERMS OF THE PHYSICAL CONSTRUCTION OF SYSTEMS WHICH NEED TO BE PUT IN PLACE BEFORE THE MAJOR ENGINEERING WORK IS DONE AND THE PLANNING AND OTHER PREPARATORY WORK NEEDED AHEAD OF THE MAJOR PROJECT - IS BEHIND US OR NOW BEING DONE.
"WE MUST GET ON WITH IT AND WE INTEND TO," HE ADDED.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE, MRS PEGGY LAM, RENEWED HER APPEAL TO THE PUBLIC AND INDUSTRIALISTS TO JOIN HANDS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST SEA POLLUTION.
/SHE URGED .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 1992
SHE URGED TENANTS, BUILDING OWNERS, BUILDING MANAGEMENT AND INDUSTRIALISTS TO CHECK IF THEIR SEWAGE PIPES WERE PROPERLY CONNECTED AND MAINTAINED.
AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, MOVIE STARS, MISS DO DO CHENG AND MR CHOW YUN-FAT TOGETHER WITH OTHER ARTISTS, TOOK PART IN A DRAMA PERFORMANCE ”SOS” STAGED BY COMMERCIAL RADIO 1 IN SUPPORT OF THE WED.
MR EASON, MRS LAM AND OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS TOURED THE EXHIBITION AND GAME STALLS BEFORE BOARDING A FERRY FOR A CRUISE AROUND THE HARBOUR.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WED ACTIVITIES INCLUDED FREE FERRY CRUISES FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC. DR JOHN HODC-KISS, DEAN OF SCIENCE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND DR RICHARD CHEUNG, SENIOR LECTURER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF APPLIED SCIENCE OF THE CITY POLYTECHNIC CONDUCTED WATER QUALITY TESTS ON BOARD.
A RESEARCH STUDENT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ZOOLOGY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, MR MICHAEL LAU, GAVE A TALK ON THE CONSERVATION OF ENDEMIC ROMER’S TREE FROGS AND STUDENTS FROM CARMEL BUNNAN TONG SECONDARY SCHOOL TALKED ABOUT THE PROJECT ON THE CONSERVATION OF TUEN MUN RIVER DURING THE FERRY CRUISES.
THE CONVENER OF THE ECC WED ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR VINCENT WONG, THANKED SPONSORS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF THE EVENT.
MAJOR SPONSORS INCLUDED THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, SCHWARZKOPF BONA-CURE, CALTEX GREEN FUND, ATLANTA SPORTSWEAR LTD, THE HONG KONG FERRY HOLDINGS LTD, RECKITT AND COLMAN TRADING LTD, CANON HONG KONG TRADING CO. LTD AND SINO PUBLISHING HOLDINGS LTD.
--------0 - -
TREE-PLANTING EXERCISE IN WONG TAI SIN
******
A GROUP OF WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL JOIN 80 OTHER LOCAL YOUNGSTERS IN A TREE-PLANTING EXERCISE IN THE DISTRICT TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
THEY WILL PLANT SOME 70 TREES ALONG WING CHUK STREET AND CHUI CHUK STREET NEAR CHUK YUEN NORTH ESTATE.
THE YOUNGSTERS CAME FROM LOCAL VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS INCLUDING BOY SCOUTS, JUNIOR POLICE CALL, AREA COMMITTEES, THE GIRLS BRIGADE AND LOCAL RESIDENTS.
THE ACTIVITY, WHICH AIMS AT BEAUTIFYING WONG TAI SIN AND COMMEMORATING THE WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY, IS THE THIRD PHASE OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE.
/MORE THAN .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 1992
- 5 -
MORE THAN 5,000 TREES HAD BEEN PLANTED IN OTHER PARTS OF THE DISTRICT SINCE THE SCHEME WAS LAUNCHED IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
NEWS MEDIA MEMBERS ARE INVITED TO COVER THE WONG TAI SIN TREE-PLANTING EXERCISE WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT WING CHUK STREET AND CHUI CHUK STREET NEAR CHUK YUEN NORTH ESTATE.
A SOUVENIR PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT THE SITE AROUND 3.30 PM.
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SEMINARS ON PAINT SAFETY FOR TEACHERS ******
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL ORGANISE FOUR SEMINARS FOR TEACHERS OF ART, DESIGN AND CRAFT IN JUNE AND JULY TO PROMOTE SAFE USE OF PAINTS IN SCHOOLS.
THE SEMINARS ARE ORGANISED IN VIEW OF CONCERN OVER TOXIC SUBSTANCES SUCH AS LEAD IN PAINTS.
SPEAKERS WILL BE AN OCCUPATIONAL HYGIENIST FROM THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE CONSUMER COUNCIL.
TWO SEMINARS WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE CULTURAL CRAFTS CENTRE AT 4 PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT ON JUNE 20 AND 27.
ANOTHER TWO WILL BE HELD ON JULY 7 AT THE TEACHER’S CENTRE IN NORTH POINT.
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WATER CUT IN YUEN LONG ******
FRESH AND FLUSHING WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN YUEN LONG IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 9 AM TO 8 PM ON SUNDAY (JUNE 7) TO FACILITATE CONNECTION WORK ON WATER MAINS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES IN TUNG TAU INDUSTRIAL AREA, WANG LOK STREET, WANG YIP STREET SOUTH, KWAN LOK SAN TSUEN, SHAN PUI CHUNG HAU TSUEN, LONG YIP STREET AND YUEN LONG LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT TERMINUS.
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/6 ........
FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 1992
- 6 -
EARLY WELFARE PAYMENT *****
RECIPIENTS OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE HOLDING CASH ORDER BOOK COUPONS MAY RECEIVE THEIR WELFARE PAYMENT EARLIER IF THEIR PAY-DAY FALL ON PUBLIC HOLIDAYS NEXT WEEK.
A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (FRIDAY) SAID PAYMENT SCHEDULED ON JUNE 13 TO 15 WOULD BE ADVANCED TO JUNE 10 TO 12 RESPECTIVELY.
ARRANGEMENTS HAD BEEN MADE FOR RECIPIENTS TO COLLECT THEIR WELFARE PAYMENT AT THE DESIGNATED POST OFFICES AND TREASURY SUB-OFFICES, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
ORGANISED CRIME BILL REVISED ........................................ 1
APPLY FOR TRAVEL DOCUMENT NOW TO AVOID RUSH ......................... 4
HK HEALTH TEAM TO VISIT GUANGDONG.................................... 5
BLITZ ON SHIPYARDS TO IMPROVE SAFETY ................................ 5
COUNTRY PARK CONSERVATION WORK PRAISED............................... 6
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .......... 7
SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 1992
ORGANISED CRIME BILL REVISED
******
TOUGH NEW LEGISLATION PROPOSED IN THE 1991 WHITE BILL ON ORGANISED CRIME HAS BEEN REVISED TO INCLUDE NEW INVESTIGATIVE POWERS.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (SATURDAY), A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE NEW MEASURES WERE AMONG SEVERAL CHANGES MADE TO REFLECT VIEWS AND COMMENTS GATHERED DURING THE CONSULTATION PERIOD HELD TOWARDS THE END OF LAST YEAR ON THE 1991 WHITE BILL.
"WHILE THERE WAS GENERAL SUPPORT FOR THE PROPOSALS TO IMPOSE HEAVIER PENALTIES, INTRODUCE A MONEY LAUNDERING OFFENCE AND PROVIDE FOR CONFISCATION OF THE PROCEEDS OF CRIME, THERE WERE DOUBTS THAT SOME NEW OFFENCES COULD BE PROSECUTED SUCCESSFULLY,” HE SAID.
ALSO, PROVING MEMBERSHIP OF AN ORGANISED CRIME GROUP RELIED ON CERTAIN PRESUMPTIONS WHICH MIGHT BE CHALLENGED AS CONTRARY TO THE BILL OF RIGHTS, HE ADDED.
THE WHITE BILL DEFINED AN ORGANISED CRIME GROUP AS A TRIAD SOCIETY OR TWO OR MORE INDIVIDUALS ASSOCIATED TOGETHER SOLELY OR PARTLY FOR THE PURPOSE OF REPEATEDLY COMMITTING OFFENCES SUCH AS ILLEGAL GAMBLING, PROSTITUTION, DRUG TRAFFICKING, EXTORTION AND BLACKMAIL.
AS A RESULT OF THE CONCERNS, THE REVISED BILL WILL EXCLUDE PROVISIONS WHICH INVOLVE PROVING THAT A PERSON WAS A MEMBER OF AN ORGANISED CRIME GROUP WHEN HE COMMITTED A SPECIFIED OFFENCE.
"RECENT EXPERIENCE WITH VIOLENT CRIME HAS DEMONSTRATED THAT EVEN A SINGLE CRIME CAN HAVE A GRAVE IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITY, AND MAY WARRANT THE APPLICATION OF POWERS PROPOSED IN THE BILL,” HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT EVEN IF THE TARGETS FOR THE BILL WERE ACTS OF ORGANISED CRIME GROUPS, IT WAS NOT ALWAYS POSSIBLE TO KNOW, AT THE START OF AN INVESTIGATION, WHETHER THE OFFENDERS HAVE REPEATEDLY COMMITTED OFFENCES.
"WE WILL ACHIEVE OUR AIMS BY FOCUSING THE BILL ON ORGANISED CRIMES COMMITTED BY TWO OR MORE INDIVIDUALS, EVEN ON A ONE-OFF BASIS," HE SAID.
ORGANISED CRIME WILL BE DEFINED AS TWO OR MORE PERSONS COMMITTING A SPECIFIED OFFENCE, OR ONE, OR MORE THAN ONE, PERSON INCITING ANOTHER TO COMMIT AN OFFENCE.
"THIS DEFINITION, WHICH INCLUDES ONE-OFF OFFENCES COMMITTED BY MORE THAN ONE PERSON, WILL ENCOMPASS MOST OF THE OFFENCES COMMITTED BY TRIAD SOCIETIES," SAID THE SPOKESMAN.
HOWEVER, HE SAID THAT NO AMOUNT OF NEW LEGISLATION WOULD REDUCE THE TRIAD MENACE UNLESS THE POLICE HAI) ADEQUATE POWERS TO INVESTIGATE ORGANISED CRIME.
/"POLICE OFTEN .......
SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 1992
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"POLICE OFTEN FACE A WALL OF SILENCE BECAUSE WITNESSES FEAR REPRISAL OR ARE WILLINGLY INVOLVED IN OFFENCES SUCH AS ILLEGAL GAMBLING," HE SAID.
"PRESENT INVESTIGATIVE POWERS ARE INADEQUATE TO IDENTIFY THE ORGANISERS WHO OFTEN DO NOT PARTICIPATE DIRECTLY IN THE COMMISSION OF CRIMES," HE ADDED.
IN AN EFFORT TO OVERCOME THESE PROBLEMS, THE REVISED BILL PROPOSES TO GIVE THE POLICE SPECIAL INVESTIGATIVE POWERS TO REQUIRE A PERSON TO ANSWER QUESTIONS AND OTHERWISE FURNISH INFORMATION' RELEVANT TO THE INVESTIGATION.
ADDITIONALLY, A PERSON HAVING POSSESSION OR CONTROL OF MATERIALS RELEVANT TO THE INVESTIGATION WILL BE REQUIRED TO PRODUCE THESE MATERIALS OR TO GIVE THE POLICE ACCESS TO THEM.
"THESE POWERS WILL BE SUBJECT TO MANY SAFEGUARDS," SAID THE SPOKESMAN.
"FIRST, WE PROPOSE THAT THE POWERS SHOULD ONLY BE AVAILABLE IF AUTHORISED BY THE HIGH COURT, AND ALL APPLICATIONS WILL BE MADE BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OR THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS.
"SECOND, WE PROPOSE THAT THE HIGH COURT SHOULD ONLY GRANT AN APPLICATION FOR THE USE OF SUCH POWERS IF IT IS SATISFIED THAT IT IS IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST," HE ADDED.
A PERSON NOTIFIED TO ATTEND AN INTERVIEW TO ANSWER QUESTIONS OR TO PRODUCE MATERIAL WOULD COMMIT AN OFFENCE IF HE REFUSES OR FAIL TO ATTEND, REFUSES TO PROVIDE INFORMATION OR PRODUCE MATERIAL, PROVIDES OR PRODUCES FALSE OR MISLEADING INFORMATION OR MATERIAL, OR DESTROYS, FALSIFIES, CONCEALS OR DISPOSES OF MATERIALS.
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT A PERSON’S ANSWERS WOULD NOT BE ADMISSABLE AGAINST HIM EXCEPT IN PROCEEDINGS FOR GIVING FALSE OR MISLEADING INFORMATION.
UNDER THE POWERS, THE HIGH COURT COULD ORDER BANK AND THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT TO PRODUCE RELEVANT INFORMATION.
"WE BELIEVE THESE SPECIAL INVESTIGATIVE POWERS, WHICH ALREADY EXIST IN A NUMBER OF JURISDICTIONS, ADDRESS THE PUBLIC CONCERN THAT THE POLICE SHOULD BE GIVEN ADEQUATE TOOLS TO COMBAT CRIME," HE SAID.
"THE POWER TO COMPEL DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION WILL BE OF SIGNIFICANT BENEFIT TO THE POLICE IDENTIFYING PEOPLE INVOLVED IN ORGANISED CRIMES AND TO DEVELOP A PROSECUTABLE CASE AGAINST THEM."
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS MINDFUL OF HUMAN RIGHTS CONSIDERATIONS AND WAS PREPARING THE PROPOSED MEASURES IN ORDER THAT THEY WERE CONSISTENT WITH THE BILL OF RIGHTS.
ANOTHER PROPOSED NEW PROVISION IS TO ABOLISH THE NEED FOR THE JUDGE TO WARN THE JURY ABOUT EVIDENCE GIVEN BY ACCOMPLICES.
/"THE NATURE .......
SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 1992
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"THE NATURE OE THE WARNING AND ITS APPLICATION ARE EXTREMELY COMPLICATED AND THE LAW AND PRACTICE HAVE BEEN CRITICISED WIDELY," HE SAID.
"WE HAVE DECIDED TO FOLLOW THE LEAD OF THE ENGLISH LAW COMMISSION WHICH RECENTLY CALLED FOR ITS ABOLITION THERE, IN LINE WITH OTHER COMMON LAW JURISDICTIONS."
THE ENGLISH LAW COMMISSION HAS ALSO BEEN CONSIDERING HOW THE OFFENCE OF CONSPIRACY COULD BE BROADENED TO HELP PROSECUTE PEOPLE ON THE FRINGES OF CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES.
THEIR RECOMMENDATION THAT THE OFFENCE OF AIDING, ABETTING, COUNSELLING AND PROCURING A CONSPIRACY BE INCLUDED IN ITS PROPOSED CRIMINAL CODE IS TO BE ADOPTED HERE IN THE REVISED BI LI,.
"SUCH AN OFFENCE WILL MAKE IT EASIER TO PROSECUTE THE HEAD OF AN ORGANISED CRIME GROUP WHO INSTIGATES THE CONSPIRACY WHERE THERE IS INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE TO PROVE THAT HE WAS A MEMBER OF THE •CONSPIRACY," SAID THE SPOKESMAN.
PROVISION WILL BE MADE TO ALLOW THE PROSECUTION TO INFORM THE COURT DURING THE SENTENCING HEARING ON MATTERS WHICH COULD EFFECT THE SEVERITY OF PUNISHMENT.
SUCH INFORMATION COULD INCLUDE THE PREVALENCE OF THE OFFENCE, ITS FINANCIAL REWARDS, ITS IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITY OR VICTIMS, AND WHETHER THE DEFENDANT HAS BEEN INVOLVED WITH ORGANISED CRIME INCLUDING TRIADS.
"THIS ENABLES THE COURT TO BE INFORMED OF THE BROADER PICTURE SURROUNDING THE PRESENT CONVICTION BEFORE DECIDING UPON AN APPROPRIATE SENTENCE, BUT WITHOUT PREJUDICING A FAIR TRIAL," HE SAID.
ANOTHER MEASURE IN THE WHITE BILL THAT HAS BEEN EXTENDED BEYOND THE CONFINES OF ORGANISED CRIME IS THAT RELATING TO CONFISCATION AND MONEY LAUNDERING.
"THE PROPOSAL WOULD XLLOW THE COURT TO CONFISCATE ALL PROCEEDS OF CRIME RECEIVED BY THE CONVICTED PERSON IN CONNECTION WITH THE COMMISSION OF ANY OFFENCE," SAID THE SPOKESMAN.
"WE ALSO PROPOSE THE INTRODUCTION OF A GENERAL MONEY LAUNDERING OFFENCE COVERING THE PROCEEDS OF ALL CRIME," HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID DRAFTING OF THE REVISED LEGISLATION WAS NEARING COMPLETION AND IT WAS HOPED THAT IT COULD BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
TO TRULY REFLECT THF NATURE AND CONTENT OF THE REVISED PROPOSALS, THE LEGISLATION WILL BE RENAMED ORGANISED AND SERIOUS CRIMES BILL 1992.
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SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 1992
4
APPLY FOR TRAVEL DOCUMENT NOW TO AVOID RUSH
* * ♦ t *
ANYONE INTENDING TO TRAVEL ABROAD DURING THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS SHOULD APPLY EOR TRAVEL DOCUMENT NOW.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SATURDAY):
"THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE TRAVELLING OUTSIDE HONG KONG WILL IN NORMAL CAGE GREATLY INCREASE DURING THIS TINE OF THE YEAR. IN ORDER TO AVOID LAST MINUTE RUSH, PEOPLE ARE ADVISED TO APPLY FOR.PASSPORT AND CERTIFICATE OF IDENTITY WELL IN ADVANCE OF THE DATE ON WHICH THEY INTEND TO TRAVEL."
FOR FIRST-TIME APPLICATIONS, IT MAY REQUIRE 20 WORKING DAYS (I.E. ABOUT FOUR WEEKS) TO ISSUE A BRITISH HONG KONG PASSPORT AM) 15 WORKING DAYS (I.E. ABOUT THREE WEEKS) TO ISSUE A HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF IDENTITY.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO ARE IN HONG KONG AND ARE AGED 18 OR OXER MAX SEND THEIR APPLICATIONS BY POST FOR REPLACEMENT OF THEIR HONG KONG BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZEN PASSPORTS, BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORTS OR HONG KONG CERTIFICATES OF IDENTITY.
"FOR APPLICATIONS MADE BY POST OK DEPOSITED IN A DROP-IN BOX AT OUR HEADQUARTERS, IT WILL NORMALLA' TAKE 10 WORKING DAYS FROM THE DATE OF RECFIPT OF APPLICATION TO ISSUE A NEW PASSPORT OR CERTIFICATE OF IDENTITY."
FOR APPLICATIONS DEPOSITED IN A DROP-JN BOX AT AN IMMIGRATION BRANCH OFFICE, IT hl Li. TAKE ABOUT 15 WORK J NG DAYS.
APPLICANTS WILL BE INFORMED BY LETTER OF THE DATE AND OFFICE TO COLLECT THEIR NEW TRAVEL DOCUMENTS.
THOSE WHO WISH TO MAKE USE OF THESE NEW SERVICES MAY CALL THE INFORMATION OFFICE ON TEI.. 824 61 1 1 FOR FURTHER DETAILS.
RE-ENTRY PERMIT AND DOCUMENT OF IDENTITY FOR VISA PURPOSES ARE NORMALLY ISSUED ON THE SAME DAY BUT DELAY IS LIKELY JF THERE ARE TOO MANY .APPLICANTS COMING AT THE SAME TINE, FOR EXAMPLE, ON SATURDAY IN WHICH WE COULD ONLY PROVIDE A LIMITED SERVICE WITH HALF STRENGTH.
"THE PERIOD BEFORE THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS IS ONE OF THE BUSIEST TIME OF THE YEAR. BX APPLYING EARLX, IT WILL NOT ONLY SPREAD THE WORKLOAD OF THE DEPARTMENT BUT WILL ALSO GIVE APPLICANTS EXTRA TIME TO MEET ANX FURTHER VISA PROCESSING REQUIREMENTS WHERE NECESSARY,” THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 1992
5
HK HEALTH TEAM TO VISIT GUANGDONG * * * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, DR S.H. LEE, WILL LEAVE FOR GUANGZHOU TOMORROW (SUNDAY) MORNING FOR AN EIGHT-DAY VISIT, AT THE INVITATION OF TUI DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC HEALTH BUREAU OF GUANGDONG PROVINCE.
DR LEE WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY TWO COMMUNITY PHYSICIANS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, DR T.H. LEUNG AND DR MONICA WONG.
DR LEE SAID THE VISIT WOULD PROVIDE THEM WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO FOSTER CLOSER TIE BETWEEN THE TWO PLACES AND TO EXCHANGE EXPERIENCE AND VIEWS ON HEALTH SERVICES.
THE DELEGATION WILL VISIT HEALTH FACILITIES IN GUANGZHOU AND NEARBY AREAS AND WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ON JUNE 14.
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BLITZ ON SHIPYARDS TO IMPROVE SAFETY
******
FACTORY INSPECTORS FROM THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ARE CURRENTLY TAKING VIGOROUS ENFORCEMENT ACTION ON SHIPBUILDING AND REPAIRING ESTABLISHMENTS IN A BID TO FURTHER REDUCE THE NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS IN THE INDUSTRY.
UNDER A MONTH-LONG SPECIAL INSPECTION CAMPAIGN STARTED ON JUNE 1, FACTORY INSPECTORS ARE VISITING ALL SHIPYARDS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY TO ENSURE THAT PROPRIETORS COMPLY WITH INDUSTRIAL SAFETY LAWS.
"DURING THE VISITS, SPECIAL ATTENTION IS PAID TO PROBLEM AREAS LIKELY TO CAUSE SERIOUS ACCIDENTS, SUCH AS THE FALL OF PERSONS FROM A HEIGHT AND INJURIES BY UNGUARDED MACHINERY," DEPUTY CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR KAN HON-SANG SAID.
"SHIPYARD PROPRIETORS ARE ALSO REMINDED OF THEIR GENERAL DUTY UNDER THE LAW TO MAINTAIN SAFETY AT WORK AND OF THE NEED TO ADOPT A SAFE WORK SYSTEM APPROPRIATE TO THEIR INDUSTRY," MR KAN ADDED.
"PROSECUTION ACTION MAY BE TAKEN OUT AGAINST BLATANT OFFENDERS DURING THE OPERATION," HE SAID, NOTING THAT THE INDUSTRY RECORDED 857 ACCIDENTS LAST YEAR.
WITH 117 ACCIDENTS PER THOUSAND WORKERS, MR KAN SAID THE INDUSTRY WAS THE SECOND MOST DANGEROUS TRADE, AFTER THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY.
MOST SERIOUS ACCIDENTS IN SHIPYARDS ARE CAUSED BY UNGUARDED MACHINERY AND FALL OF PERSONS FROM A HEIGHT, WHILE ABOUT HALF OF ALL ACCIDENTS IN THE INDUSTRY ARE CAUSED BY STEPPING ON OR STRIKING AGAINST OBJECTS AND MANUAL LIFTING OF WEIGHTS.
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SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 1992
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COUNTRY PARK CONSERVATION WORK PRAISED ♦ * ♦ *
THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE, TODAY (SATURDAY) PRAISED THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB (CYC) MEMBERS FOR THEIR EFFORTS IN HELPING THE CONSERVATION OF COUNTRY PARKS.
OFFICIATING AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE 1991-92 CYC COUNTRY PARKS ADOPTION SCHEME, DR LEE SAID:
"DURING THE PAST SEVEN MONTHS, CYC MEMBERS FROM 50 SCHOOLS WHO JOINED THE SCHEME CARRIED OUT A VARIETY OF COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT JOBS IN 10 COUNTRY PARKS."
"SINCE THE LAUNCHING OF THE SCHEME IN 1989, CYC MEMBERS HAVE BEEN ACTIVELY PARTICIPATING AND TAKING THE LEAD IN VARIOUS ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES IN COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION.
"I AM IMPRESSED BY THEIR HIGH SENSE OF SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY -ND COMMUNITY SERVICE," HE SAID.
DR LEE ALSO THANKED AND APPRECIATED THE LIONS CLUBS FOR THEIR GENEROUS SPONSORSHIP TO THIS YEAR’S SCHEME.
HE ALSO PAID TRIBUTE TO PRINCIPALS AND TEACHERS OF PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS FOR THEIR FULL SUPPORT IN MOBILISING STUDENTS TO TAKE PART IN THIS SCHEME.
"THEIR. ENTHUSIASM AND FULL SUPPORT TO THE SCHEME ARE EXTREMELY IMPORTANT IN GIVING THE NECESSARY ENCOURAGEMENT AND MOMENTUM FOR THEIR STUDENTS TO TAKE PART IN THE HARD BUT MEANINGFUL COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION ACTIVITIES," HE SAID.
THE SCHEME, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT (AFD) AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, AIMS AT PROMOTING THE SENSE OF COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION AMONG PARTICIPATING STUDENTS THROUGH VOLUNTARY WORK IN COUNTRY PARKS.
TO ENABLE THE STUDENTS TO CARRY OUT THEIR WORK PROPERLY AND SMOOTHLY, BASIC TRAINING HAD BEEN PROVIDED BY THE AFD ON PRACTICAL COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION TO SOME OF THEM. ON-SITE GUIDANCE HAD ALSO BEEN GIVEN TO THEM BY PARK WARDENS.
THE VOLUNTARY COUNTRY PARK MANAGEMENT WORK DONE BY THE PARTICIPANTS THIS YEAR INCLUDED TREE Pt,ANTING AND TENDING, APPLYING FERTILISER, WEEDING, PATH MAINTENANCE AND LITTER COLLECTION.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT TODAY’S CLOSING CEREMONY .WERE THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR LI YUET-T1NG AND THE DISTRICT GOVERNOR, LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT 303, MR Al,BERT WONG.
/MR LI .......
SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 1992
7
MR LI SHARED THE VIEW THAT THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF THE SCHEME WAS TO MAKE YOUNG PARTICIPANTS MORE AWARE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSERVING THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT.
’’THROUGH PARTICIPATION IN THE SCHEME, CYC MEMBERS HAVE ALSO BEEN ENCOURAGED TO PLAY A MORE ACTIVE PART IN COMMUNITY SERVICE.
"THEY ALSO SET GOOD EXAMPLES FOR OTHER COUNTRY PARKS USERS," HE SAID.
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HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ******
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 4.6.92 1,068 *
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 6.6.92 NEUTRAL
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING NEUTRAL
* INCLUDES 80 MN O/N ASSISTANCE
TO BE REVERSED ON 8 JUNE
t
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUNDAY, JUNE 7, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR’S FAREWELL VISIT TO CHINA ................................... 1
DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS TO VISIT BEIJING .............................. 1
HEALTH COURSE FOR TEACHERS ........................................... 2
SEARCH ON FOR VOLUNTEERS TO HELP PROBATIONERS ........................ 2
TIME IS RIPE TO VISIT NATURE EDUCATION CENTRE ........................ 3
BUILDING CONTROL BOOKLET ON SALE ..................................... 4
FUNDS FOR CIVIC EDUCATION ACTIVITIES ................................. 5
SUNDAY। JUNE 7, 1992
GOVERNOR’S FAREWELL VISIT TO CHINA
******
THE GOVERNOR, LORD WILSON, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) HIS VISIT TO BEIJING WAS A CHANCE TO SAY FAREWELL TO A NUMBER OF THE PEOPLE THAT HE HAD BEEN DEALING WITH OVER HONG KONG AFFAIRS FOR THE PAST FEW YEARS.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE AIRPORT BEFORE HIS DEPARTURE, LORD WILSON SAID HE WAS ALSO LOOKING FORWARD TO SAILING DOWN THE YANGTZE RIVER DURING A PRIVATE VISIT.
ASKED WHETHER HE WOULD DISCUSS THE AIRPORT ISSUE WITH CHINESE OFFICIALS, LORD WILSON SAID HE HOPED TO DEAL IN A GENERAL WAY WITH ANY ISSUES THAT ARE CURRENT AT THE MOMENT.
"THE AIRPORT IS SOMETHING THAT WE WANT TO GET ON WITH AS QUICKLY AS WE CAN; THERE IS A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES WHICH SAYS THAT WE SHOULD BE GETTING ON WITH IT," HE SAID.
THE GOVERNOR SAID DETAILED ISSUES OF THE AIPORT SHOULD BE DISCUSSED IN BODIES LIKE THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE.
"I THINK THERE IS A DEGREE OF URGENCY IN GETTING ON WITH THE WHOLE PROJECT IF WE’RE GOING TO CARRY OUT OUR OBLIGATION, WHICH IS TO COMPLETE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE BEFORE 1997; THAT’S WHAT WE WANT TO DO AND IN ORDER TO GET AHEAD WITH THAT, WE WANT REASONABLY SOON TO HAVE GOTTEN AGREEMENT ON THE GENERAL FINANCIAL FRAMEWORK FOR IT,” HE SAID.
ASKED WHETHER HE WOULD DISCUSS THE 1995 ELECTIONS, LORD WILSON SAID: "WE'VE SAID THAT WE WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS IT WITH THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT AT THE RIGHT TIME, BECAUSE WE WANT TO SEE THAT WE CAN GET THE MAXIMUM OF CONTINUITY THROUGH 1997."
"BUT THAT IS SOMETHING THAT’S GOING TO COME UP LATER; THAT’S NOT SOMETHING FOR ME TO DISCUSS DURING THIS PARTICULAR VISIT," HE ADDED.
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DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS TO VISIT BEIJING
**»»»»
A SHAM SHU1 PO DISTRICT BOARD DELEGATION LEFT FOR BEIJING AND GUANGDONG THIS (SUNDAY) MORNING ON AN EIGHT-DAY STUDY TOUR.
LED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHOY WAI-SHEK, AND ACCOMPANIED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALAN FUNG, THE DELEGATION COMPRISES 11 DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS.
/"THE OBJECTIVE .......
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SUNDAY, JUNE 7, 1992
"THE OBJECTIVE OF THE TOUR IS TO EXCHANGE VIEWS WITH CHINESE OFFICIALS ON HONG KONG’S DISTRICT CONSULTATIVE BODIES, POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT, LAW AND ORDER, AS WELL AS ECONOMIC AND TRADE DEVELOPMENTS.
"IT IS HOPED THAT THE VISIT WILL ENABLE MEMBERS TO UNDERSTAND MORE ABOUT THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN BEIJING AND GUANGZHOU," MR CHOY SAID.
IN BEIJING, THE DELEGATION WILL MEET OFFICIALS OF THE HONG KONG AND MACAU AFFAIRS OFFICE.
THE PARTY WILL ALSO VISIT THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN ECONOMIC RELATIONS AND TRADE, THE PEOPLE’S CONGRESS AND PEOPLE’S POLITICAL CONSULTATIVE CONFERENCE IN CHAO YANG DISTRICT.
ON JUNE 12, THE DELEGATION WILL ARRIVE AT GUANGZHOU WHERE THEY WILL MEET OFFICIALS OF THE GUANGDONG PROVINCIAL PEOPLE'S GOVERNMENT.
THE DELEGATION WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ON JUNE 14 (SUNDAY).
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HEALTH COURSE FOR TEACHERS
BIOLOGY AND HUMAN BIOLOGY TEACHERS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND A FIVE HALF-DAY TRAINING COURSE ON HEALTH MATTERS INCLUDING AIDS, DRUG ABUSE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH.
IT IS HOPED THAT THE COURSE, TO BE HELD FROM JUNE 22 TO 26, WILL HELP TEACHERS ORGANISE PROMOTION ACTIVITIES ON HEALTH EDUCATION.
AIMED AT UPDATING AND BROADENING TEACHERS’ KNOWLEDGE ON HEALTH AND DISEASES, THE COURSE IS ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH.
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SEARCH ON FOR VOLUNTEERS TO HELP PROBATIONERS ♦ * * * *
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) REMINDED RESIDENTS INTERESTED TO HELP IN THE REHABILITATION OF OFFENDERS TO JOIN THE VOLUNTEER SCHEME FOR PROBATIONERS.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO JUNE 20.
THE VOLUNTEER SCHEME WAS SET UP IN 1976 TO ENCOURAGE THE PUBLIC TO HELP OFFENDERS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
/"THE VOLUNTEERS
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SUNDAY, JUNE 7, 1992
’’THE VOLUNTEERS ARE EXPECTED TO HELP PROBATIONERS IN ACTIVITIES THAT REQUIRE NO PROFESSIONAL SKILLS,” HE SAID.
THE RANGE OF SERVICES INCLUDE HELPING PROBATIONERS IN SCHOOL WORK, GUIDING THEM IN THE PROPER USE OF LEISURE TIME AND DIRECTING THEIR INTEREST INTO WHOLESOME SOCIAL, CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES.
THE VOLUNTEERS ALSO CULTIVATE FRIENDSHIP WITH PROBATIONERS WHO LACK FAMILY SUPPORT, AND SHARE EXPERIENCE WITH THEM.
THE VOLUNTEERS SHOULD PREFERABLY BE AT LEAST 21 YEARS OLD, OF SECONDARY SCHOOL EDUCATION LEVEL AND MATURE IN PERSONALITY.
’’NEWLY RECRUITED VOLUNTEERS WILL BE TRAINED BEFORE STARTING THEIR SERVICES,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
FORMER PARTICIPANTS OF THE SCHEME ARE WELCOME TO APPLY AGAIN.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE • CENTRE FOR THE SCHEME ON 19/F, WORLD TRADE CENTRE, 280 GLOUCESTER ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY; PROBATION OFFICES ATTACHED TO THE MAGISTRACIES; COMMUNITY CENTRES AND CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SCHEME CAN BE MADE ON TEL 895 4190.
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TIME IS RIPE TO VISIT NATURE EDUCATION CENTRE ******
FOR NATURE LOVERS, THE ORCHARDS OF THE LIONS NATURE EDUCATION CENTRE IN SAI KUNG ARE AT THEIR VERY BEST SETTING TO GREET THEM THIS TIME OF THE YEARS.
VISITORS WILL BE ABLE TO SEE HOW THE TREES COME INTO BLOOM AND YIELD FRUITS. THEY CAN ALSO FEEL THE FRAGRANCE OF NATURE WHILE STROLLING ABOUT IN THE CITROUS ORCHARD, THE LYCHEE ORCHARD AND BANANA GROVES.
LOCATED ON A 16.5-HECTARE SITE IN TSIU HANG, SAI KUNG, THE EDUCATION CENTRE, RUN BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, WILL CELEBRATE ITS FIRST ANNIVERSARY TOMORROW (JUNE 8).
’’MORE THAN 316,000 VISITORS HAVE VISITED THE CENTRE DURING THE FIRST YEAR," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
"WITH ITS NUMBEROUS ATTRACTIONS INCLUDING THREE EXHIBITION HALLS ON FISHERIES, AGRICULTURE AND COUNTRY PARKS; AND ARBORETUM; PLENTIFUL SPECIES OF FRUIT TREES IN THE ORCHARDS; AND CHINESE HERBAL GARDEN AND A WIDE SELECTION OF FIELD CROPS, THE CENTRE PROVES TO BE A VERY POPULAR PLACE FOR PEOPLE OF ALL AGES.
/"IT IS .......
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SUNDAY, JUNE 7, 1992
"IT IS PARTICULARLY INTERESTING TO YOUTHS AND STUDENTS BECAUSE OF ITS EDUCATIONAL VALUE," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THE CENTRE IS UNIQUE IN HONG KONG AS IT PROMOTES NATURE EDUCATION, FIELD STUDIES, A MORE POSITIVE ATTITUDE TOWARDS ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION AND A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF HONG KONG’S WILDLIFE, VEGETATION, NATURAL RESOURCES AND THE EVOLUTION OF THE PRIMARY INDUSTRIES IN THE TERRITORY.
BUILDING ON A SITE FORMERLY USED AS A GOVERNMENT FARM SET UP IN THE 50S FOR DEMONSTRATING FARMING AND FRUIT GROWING TECHNIQUES TO FARMERS, THE CENTRE WAS DESIGNATED AS A SPECIAL AREA IN 1987 FOR ITS CONSERVATION VALUE AND POTENTIAL IN NATURE EDUCATION.
FACILITIES IN THE FARM WERE UPGRADED AND NEW FACILITIES ADDED IN AFTER ITS OFFICIAL OPENING IN JUNE 1991.
NATURE LOVERS WHO VISIT THE CENTRE DURING THIS SEASON WILL FIND OVER 40 SPECIES OF TREES AND SHRUBS INCLUDING LOCAL CAMELLIAS AND RHODODENDRONS WHICH ARE PLANTS FIRST DISCOVERED IN HONG KONG.
IN THE ORCHARDS ARE A WIDE VARIETY OF FRUITS INCLUDING JACK-FRUIT, SAPODILLA, PERISMMON, AND WHITE OLIVE.
IN THE PAST YEAR, TWO ATTRACTIONS WERE ADDED INTO THE CENTRE. THEY WERE THE INTERESTING PLANT CORNERS AND THE GRASSES CORNER.
OTHER FACILITIES BEING PLANNED ARE A CAFETERIA AND AN INSECTARIUM.
THE CENTRE IS OPEN DAILY FROM 9.30 AM TO 5 PM EXCEPT TUESDAY. NO ADVANCE BOOKING IS REQUIRED.
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BUILDING CONTROL BOOKLET ON SALE
A FULL-COLOUR PUBLICATION, "BUILDING CONTROL IN HONG KONG", PREPARED BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS ON SALE AGAIN AFTER THE FIRST BATCH WAS SOLD OUT RECENTLY.
THE BILINGUAL BOOKLET PROVIDES THE PROFESSIONALS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WITH AN OVERALL PICTURE OF THE BUILDING CONTROL SYSTEM IN HONG KONG AND THE ROLE OF THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE AS THE EXECUTOR OF THE SYSTEM.
TO BETTER SERVE BUYERS, THE RE-PRINTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT $40 PER COPY FROM TWO MORE OUTLETS IN ADDITION TO THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
THEY ARE THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14/F, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; AND THE KOWLOON MAP SALES SECTION, 382 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
/5 ........
SUNDAY, JUNE 7, 1992
- 5 -
FUNDS FOR CIVIC EDUCATION ACTIVITIES ******
THE NORTH DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION COMMITTEE WILL PROVIDE FUNDING FOR LOCAL COMMUNITY BODIES TO ORGANISE CIVIC ' EDUCATION ACTIVITIES THIS YEAR, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMITTEE SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE SPOKESMAN SAID UP TO $4,000 WOULD BE GRANTED TO EACH PROJECT, DEPENDING ON THE SIZE, STYLE AND CONTENT.
HOWEVER, APPLICATION FOR MORE FUNDING WOULD BE CONSIDERED, HE SAID.
THIS YEAR, THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD HAS ALLOCATED A TOTAL OF $55,000 FOR THE CIVIC EDUCATION ASSISTANCE SCHEME.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE SCHEME HAD PROVED TO BE SUCCESSFUL LAST YEAR, WITH A TOTAL OF $35,000 SPENT ON 12 ACTIVITIES.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE NORTH DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION COMMITTEE ON 3/F, NORTH DISTRICT GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 3 PIK FUNG ROAD, FANLING.
THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION IS JULY 6.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL 675 1584.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, JUNE 8, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HK HOSTS FIRST WORLD HPB SURGERY CONGRESS ............................ 1
SOUTH-EAST KOWLOON DEVELOPMENT STUDY CONTRACT ........................ 2
WOMEN STATUS IN HK.................................................... 3
REGISTRATION OF RESTRICTED LICENCE BANK REVOKED ...................... 4
REGISTRATION FORMS AVAILABLE TO OVERSEAS UK ELECTORS ................. 4
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ................................................. 5
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ........... 5
MONDAY, JUNE 8, 1992
1
HK HOSTS FIRST WORLD HPB SURGERY CONGRESS
*****
HONG KONG IS FORTUNATE TO BE THE FIRST VENUE OF THE WORLD CONGRESS ON HEPATO-PANCREATO-BILIARY (HPB) SURGERY OUTSIDE EUROPE AND TO HAVE AN ASSEMBLY OF SO MANY DISTINGUISHED EXPERTS IN THE FIELD, THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE WORLD ASSOCIATION OF HPB SURGERY FOURTH WORLD CONGRESS, SIR DAVID SAID THE CONFERENCE COINCIDED WITH A TIME OF IMPORTANT CHANGES IN HONG KONG'S MEDICAL SECTOR.
FIRST, HE SAID HONG KONG HAD AT PRESENT ESTABLISHED A NEW INDEPENDENT STATUTORY HOSPITAL AUTHORITY AND 36 PUBLIC HOSPITALS HAD RECENTLY BEEN BROUGHT UNDER ITS CARE.
SECONDLY, PRIMARY HEALTH CARE WAS TO BE GIVEN GREATER EMPHASIS AND IMPROVEMENTS MADE IN PREVENTIVE, PROMOTIVE AND HEALTH EDUCATION SERVICES TO ENHANCE COMMUNITY HEALTH AND REDUCE OTHER MEDICAL EXPENDITURE IN THE LONGER TERM.
THIRDLY, HE ADDED, AN ACADEMY OF MEDICINE WAS ABOUT TO BE ESTABLISHED FOR SPECIALIST TRAINING AND CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR LOCAL MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS.
"THESE ARE MAJOR MILESTONES IN OUR MEDICAL HISTORY - AS IS THE WORLD ASSOCIATION’S DECISION TO HOLD ITS 1992 WORLD CONGRESS HERE IN HONG KONG," SIR DAVID SAID.
"I AM SURE YOU WILL FIND THAT WE DO HAVE SOMETHING TO OFFER," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID APART FROM IMPROVING SERVICES AND FACILITIES, HONG KONG HAD COME A LONG WAY IN DEVELOPING NEW TREATMENTS FOR LIVER AND BILIARY DISEASES.
NASO-BILIARY DRAINAGE PIONEERED BY HONG KONG SURGEONS HAS GAINED WIDE ACCEPTANCE IN SOUTH EAST ASIA TO OBVIATE THE NEED FOR EMERGENCY OPERATIONS.
HE SAID SELECTIVE INTERNAL RADIATION THERAPY, DEVELOPED IN HONG KONG, AT PRESENT GAVE HOPE TO MANY PATIENTS WITH INOPERABLE LIVER CANCERS.
LAPROSCOPIC SURGERY IS CARRIED OUT REGULARLY IN HONG KONG, THIS REDUCES PAIN TO PATIENTS AND SPEEDS UP THEIR RECOVERY.
HE SAID LIVER TRANSPLANT HAD ALSO BEEN SUCCESSFULLY PERFORMED TO BRING NEW LIFE TO MANY WITH PREVIOUSLY INCURABLE LIVER DISEASES.
SIR DAVID SAID THE WORLD CONGRESS EXEMPLIFIED THE INCREASED INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION ON TREATMENTS FOR HPB DISEASES.
/"IT ALSO .......
2
MONDAY, JUNE 8, 1992
"IT ALSO UNDERLINES THE IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTION MADE BY ASIAN TERRITORIES TO THIS FIELD," HE SAID.
"I KNOW THAT OUR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS WILL TREASURE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE WITH YOU OUR KNOWLEDGE, OUR IDEAS AND OUR EXPERIENCE," HE SAID.
HE ALSO CONGRATULATED THE WORLD ASSOCIATION OF HPB SURGERY ON ITS EFFORTS IN BRINGING THE WORLD CONGRESS HERE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
A PHOTOGRAPH OF SIR DAVID AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE BOXED WHILE THE FULL TEXT OF HIS SPEECH, IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE, WILL BE FAXED.
- - 0 - -
SOUTH-EAST KOWLOON DEVELOPMENT STUDY CONTRACT
******
AN $11 MILLION PLANNING STUDY ON THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF SOUTH-EAST KOWLOON, INCLUDING THE SITE OF THE EXISTING HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, WILL BE COMMISSIONED TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THE DIRECTOR OF PLANNING, DR PETER PUN, WILL SIGN A CONTRACT WITH A GROUP OF CONSULTANTS, LED BY LLEWELYN-DAVIES LIMITED HONG KONG, FOR THE STUDY WHICH WILL TRANSLATE THE METROPLAN CONCEPT FOR SOUTH-EAST KOWLOON INTO A COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT STATEMENT.
THE STUDY WILL COVER A TOTAL POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT AREA OF ABOUT 530 HECTARES INCLUDING THE EXISTING AIRPORT SITE OF ABOUT 230 HECTARES AND THE ADJOINING AREAS OF RECLAMATION AT KOWLOON BAY.
IT WILL TAKE FORWARD THE METROPLAN’S OUTLINE PROPOSALS AND DESIGN PARAMETERS TO PRODUCE FOR THE AREA AN OPTIMAL PATTERN OF LAND USE AND AN ATTRACTIVE ENVIRONMENT.
IT WILL ALSO IDENTIFY PACKAGES FOR NEW DEVELOPMENT WITH ASSOCIATED MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURAL SYSTEMS (INCLUDING TRANSPORTATION, STORM WATER DRAINAGE, SEWAGE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL FACILITIES) AND THE BROAD SEQUENCE OF WORKS.
THE DEVELOPMENT STATEMENT WILL TAKE ABOUT A YEAR TO COMPLETE.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
NEWS MEDIA MEMBERS ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CONTRACT SIGNING CEREMONY WHICH WILL BE HELD AT GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, 5/F, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, CENTRAL AT 3 PM, TUESDAY (JUNE 9).
- - 0 - -
MONDAY, JUNE 8, 1992
- 3 -
WOMEN STATUS IN HK ******
WOMEN IN HONG KONG ENJOY A HIGHER SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS THAN IN MOST ASIAN COUNTRIES, THE SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SZE, SAID TODAY (MONDAY),
SPEAKING AT THE INSTALLATION OF ZONTA CLUB HONG KONG EAST, HE SAID EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT FOR WOMEN IN HONG KONG HAD BEEN IMPROVING MUCH FASTER THAN FOR MEN.
’’THE NUMBER OF FEMALE STUDENTS ENROLLED IN UPPER FORMS IN SECONDARY EDUCATION CURRENTLY EXCEEDS THAT OF MALE STUDENTS. THIS IS DESPITE THE FACT THAT THERE ARE MORE MALES IN THAT AGE GROUP," HE SAID.
AMONG STUDENTS RECEIVING TERTIARY EDUCATION, 20,000 OR 37% ARE FEMALE.
MR SZE SAID THE NUMBER OF WORKING WOMEN HAD INCREASED BY 20.7% DURING THE LAST DECADE AND NOW COMPRISED 38% OF THE WORKFORCE.
THE MOST SIGNIFICANT INCREASE WAS IN THE 20-29 AGE GROUP WHERE OVER 80% WERE EMPLOYED.
"HOWEVER, IT IS IN THE FIELD OF EMPLOYMENT THAT WE SUSPECT THAT DISCRIMINATION BASED ON SEX EXISTS AND GOVERNMENT ATTENTION IS REQUIRED," HE SAID.
"IN RECOGNITION OF THIS, THE GOVERNMENT HAS ESTABLISHED A WORKING GROUP UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF JOHN CHAN, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, TO LOOK INTO THE PROBLEM AND TO IDENTIFY SOLUTIONS," MR SZE SAID.
"OTHER MATTERS THAT ARE DESIRABLE BUT ITS ACHIEVEMENT DOES NOT HINGE ON GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION MUST THEREFORE BE ACCORDED LOWER PRIORITY," MR SZE ADDED.
MR SZE ADMITTED, HOWEVER, THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN CAUTIOUS IN ITS RESPONSE TO CALLS TO ACCEDE TO THE CONVENTION FOR THE ELIMINATION OF ALL FORMS OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN AND THE SETTING UP OF A WOMEN’S COMMISSION.
THIS WAS BECAUSE WOMEN IN HONG KONG ALREADY ENJOYED A HIGHER DE FACTO STATUS THAN WOMEN IN MOST ASIAN COUNTRIES AND GOVERNMENT RESOURCES MUST BE CONCENTRATED ON IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION TO ENSURE THAT THE WAY OF LIFE REMAINED UNCHANGED.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD TAKEN THE LEAD IN EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES BY PROVIDING EQUAL TERMS OF APPOINTMENT AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE FOR WOMEN AND MEN.
"PARITY OF PAY WAS ACHIEVED TOTALLY IN 1973 AND EQUAL ELIGIBILITY FOR ALL BENEFITS IN 1981,” HE SAID.
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/4 ........
MONDAY, JUNE 8, 1992
REGISTRATION OF RESTRICTED LICENCE BANK REVOKED
*****
THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE REGISTRATION OF MIDDLE EAST BANK LIMITED AS A RESTRICTED LICENCE BANK HAS BEEN REVOKED AT THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS ON JUNE 2, 1992 AT ITS OWN REQUEST UNDER SECTION 32(2) OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE.
- - 0 - -
REGISTRATION FORMS AVAILABLE TO OVERSEAS UK ELECTORS
*****
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION • DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT FORMS AND EXPLANATORY LEAFLETS FOR REGISTRATION AS AN OVERSEAS ELECTOR IN UK PARLIAMENTARY AND EUROPEAN PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE HONG KONG IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT.
"BRITISH CITIZENS LIVING IN HONG KONG MAY CONTACT THE INFORMATION OFFICE OF THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT AT 2ND FLOOR, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG BY WRITING OR IN PERSON TO OBTAIN THE FORMS AND EXPLANATORY LEAFLETS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
UNDER THE REPRESENTATION OF THE PEOPLE ACT OF 1989, THE QUALIFYING PERIOD FOR THE RIGHT TO VOTE FOR PEOPLE LIVING ABROAD HAS BEEN EXTENDED FROM FIVE TO TWENTY YEARS.
THAT MEANS IF A BRITISH CITIZEN LEFT THE UK AS LONG AGO AS OCTOBER 1972, HE CAN STILL VOTE.
HE IS NO LONGER REQUIRED TO DECLARE AN INTENTION TO RETURN TO THE UK AND THE VOTE WILL BE CAST IN THE CONSTITUENCY IN WHICH HE OR HIS FAMILY WERE REGISTERED BEFORE LEAVING THE UK.
PEOPLE WHO LEFT THE UK BEFORE THEY WERE OLD ENOUGH TO BE INCLUDED ON THE ELECTORAL REGISTER MAY REGISTER AS OVERSEAS ELECTORS.
"IN ORDER TO QUALIFY, POTENTIAL ELECTORS WILL HAVE TO FILL IN AN APPLICATION FORM AND RETURN IT DIRECT TO THEIR ELECTORAL REGISTRATION OFFICE BY OCTOBER 10, 1992 (SEPTEMBER 15 IF THEY WERE PREVIOUSLY RESIDENTS IN NORTHERN IRELAND)," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE ALSO APPEALED TO BRITISH CITIZENS FOR HELP IN INFORMING ANYONE THEY KNOW LIVING ABROAD ABOUT THIS.
- - 0 - -
MONDAY, JUNE 8, 1992
5
WATER STORAGE FIGURE * * * * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AT 60.8% OF CAPACITY OR 356.027 MILLION CUBIC
AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 129.090 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER', REPRESENTING 22% OF CAPACITY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT ADVISED THE PUBLIC TO DO EVERYTHING THEY COULD TO CONSERVE WATER AND AVOID WASTAGE.
--------0-----------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
* t * * *
8 JUNE 1992
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,068 MN
REVERSAL OF LAF -80 MN ♦
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 988 MN
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY NIL
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 988 MN
* LATE O/N ASST PROVIDED ON 4/6
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 111.2 *-0.1* 8.6.92
/HONG KONG
MONDAY, JUNE 8, 1992
6
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS
TERMS YIELD TERM
1 WEEK 2.99 PCT 18 MONTHS
1 MONTH 2.90 PCT 21 MONTHS
3 MONTHS 2.91 PCT 24 MONTHS
6 MONTHS 3.27 PCT
12 MONTHS 3.96 PCT
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
2311 6.25 102.36 4.59
2402 5.50 101.06 4.89
2405 5.50 100.81 5.12
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS
CLOSED 8 JUNE 1992
- 6,536 MN
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LIBERALISATION OF OFFICIAL SECRETS ACT ............................ 1
CIVIL SERVANTS OFFERED 11.17% TO 11.60% PAY RISE .................. 2
CONSTRUCTION SAFETY FOR PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACTS .................... 3
PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE IN MARCH ............. 4
HK'S ROLE AS A REGIONAL CENTRE WILL BECOME MORE PROMINENT: STI .... 9
SOUTH-EAST KOWLOON DEVELOPMENT STUDY CONTRACT AWARDED ............. 10
MONITORING DEVICE INTRODUCED TO REGULATE MARINE DUMPING ........... 11
FLYOVER TO ALLEVIATE TRAFFIC CONGESTION ........................... 12
HOLIDAY CLINIC SERVICES ........................................... 12
TRAINING COURSE FOR HEALTH WORKERS ................................ 13
CAREERS INFORMATION CENTRE IN SHA TIN CLOSED ...................... 14
COURTESY CALL ON SWD............................................... 15
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS ................. 15
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ........ 16
TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 1992
LIBERALISATION OF OFFICIAL SECRETS ACT t * * * *
EXISTING LEGISLATION GOVERNING THE DISCLOSURE OF OFFICIAL INFORMATION WILL BE LIBERALISED WITH EFFECT FROM JUNE 30 THIS YEAR FOLLOWING THE EXTENSION OF THE OFFICIAL SECRETS ACT 1989 TO HONG KONG BY ORDER OF THE PRIVY COUNCIL.
THE EFFECT OF THE ORDER IS THAT IT REPEALS SECTION 2 OF THE UK ACT OF 1911 WHICH COVERED ALL OFFICIAL INFORMATION AND PROVIDED FOR PENALTIES FOR THE MERE RECEIPT AND RETENTION OF INFORMATION, HOWEVER RECEIVED, BY ANY PERSON.
THE NEW LEGISLATION REMOVES FROM CRIMINAL SANCTION THE UNAUTHORISED DISCLOSURE OF THE GREAT MAJORITY OF OFFICIAL INFORMATION, INCLUDING DISCLOSURES WHICH MIGHT EMBARRASS OR INCONVENIENCE THE GOVERNMENT.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE NEW ACT RESTRICTED CRIMINAL SANCTIONS ONLY TO THE FOLLOWING AREAS:
SECURITY AND INTELLIGENCE;
DEFENCE;
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS;
INFORMATION OBTAINED IN CONFIDENCE FROM OTHER STATES OR FROM INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS;
INFORMATION LIKELY TO RESULT IN AN OFFENCE OR OTHER RELATED CONSEQUENCES;
SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS UNDER STATUTORY WARRANT.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE NEW LEGISLATION FOCUSED NOT ON THE ACT OF DISCLOSURE ALONE BUT ON THE NATURE OF THE INFORMATION DISCLOSED AND THE DAMAGE ARISING FROM THAT DISCLOSURE.
IN ADDITION TO REDUCING THE SCOPE OF EXISTING LEGISLATION, THE 1989 ACT SETS OUT PRECISELY THE TYPES OF INFORMATION THAT CANNOT BE DISCLOSED WITHOUT AUTHORISATION, THE PERSONS TO WHOM THESE RESTRICTIONS APPLY AND THE CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH THEY APPLY.
HE ADDED THAT THE ACT PROVIDED FOR DAMAGE TESTS AND IT WOULD BE FOR A COURT ALONE TO DETERMINE WHETHER AN OFFENCE HAD BEEN COMMITTED.
THE PROSECUTION WOULD HAVE TO SATISFY SPECIFIC TESTS OF DAMAGE FOR CASES INVOLVING UNAUTHORISED DISCLOSURE BY MOST PEOPLE.
/THESE TESTS .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 1992
2
THESE TESTS INVOLVE SHOWING THAT THE DEFENDANT KNEW OR HAD GOOD REASON TO KNOW THAT THE SPECIFIED DAMAGE WAS LIKELY TO HAVE BEEN CAUSED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR OFFENCES UNDER THE ACT IS IMPRISONMENT FOR TWO YEARS AND/OR A FINE OF $500,000.
THE 1989 ACT DOES NOT AFFECT SECTION 1 OF THE 1911 ACT WHICH PROTECTS INFORMATION USEFUL TO AN ENEMY. THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR OFFENCES UNDER THE 1911 ACT, SECTION 1, IS 14 YEAR’S IMPRISONMENT.
■--------------------------------------o-------------------------------------------------
CIVIL SERVANTS OFFERED 11.17% TO 11.60% PAY RISE
*****
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS DECIDED ON A PAY OFFER OF 11.17% FOR THE UPPER SALARY BAND OF THE NON-DIRECTORATE CIVIL SERVICE AND 11.60% FOR THE MIDDLE AND LOWER BANDS, WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 1 THIS YEAR.
DIRECTORATE STAFF ARE TO RECEIVE THE SAME PERCENTAGE INCREASE AS THAT FOR THE UPPER SALARY BAND OF THE NON-DIRECTORATE CIVIL SERVICE.
THE OFFER WAS MADE TODAY (TUESDAY) TO THE STAFF SIDES OF THE CIVIL SERVICE CENTRAL CONSULTATIVE COUNCILS BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM.
”IT HAS NOT BEEN AN EASY DECISION, BUT WE BELIEVE THAT THE OFFER PROVIDES A FAIR BALANCE,” SAID MR WIGGHAM.
"IN ADDITION TO CONSIDERING THE RESULTS OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR PAY TREND SURVEY, WHICH COVERED THE PERIOD APRIL 2, 1991 TO APRIL 1, 1992, AND THE PAY CLAIMS SUBMITTED BY STAFF REPRESENTATIVES, THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ALSO TOOK INTO ACCOUNT THE STATE OF THE ECONOMY AND THE BUDGETARY POSITION OF THE GOVERNMENT,” HE ADDED.
THE OFFER OF A 11.17% INCREASE IS MADE TO CIVIL SERVANTS WHOSE MONTHLY SALARIES EXCEED $25,566; WHILE CIVIL SERVANTS WHO EARN UP TO $25,565 PER MONTH ARE OFFERED A SLIGHTLY HIGHER INCREASE OF 11.60%.
MR WIGGHAM SAID THE 11.17% INCREASE FOR THE UPPER BAND WAS IN LINE WITH PAY INCREASES GIVEN TO PRIVATE SECTOR EMPLOYEES EARNING SIMILAR SALARIES.
THE ADJUSTMENT PROVIDES FOR A REAL INCREASE IN SALARIES AS IT IS SLIGHTLY HIGHER THAN THE INCREASE IN THE HANG SENG CONSUMER PRICE INDEX OF 10.58% FOR 1991/92.
THE 11.60% INCREASE FOR THE MIDDLE AND LOWER BANDS WAS SLIGHTLY ABOVE THE FINDINGS OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR SURVEY AND IS CLOSE TO THE INCREASE IN THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) OF 11.54% FOR 1991/92.
/"STAFF AT .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 1992
3
’’STAFF AT THE LOWER AND END OF THE SCALE ARE THE MOST HARD-HIT BY INFLATION,” MR WIGGHAM EXPLAINED.
"AGAINST THE BACKGROUND OF TWO YEARS OF WAGE RESTRAINT, WE CONSIDER IT REASONABLE, AFTER TAKING INTO ACCOUNT BUDGETARY AND ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS, TO OFFER A PAY RISE HIGHER THAN THE PAY TREND INDICATORS FOR LOWER PAID CIVIL SERVANTS, SO AS TO RESTORE THE REAL VALUE OF THEIR SALARIES.
"IN DECIDING ON THE SIZE OF THE PAY OFFER, THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAD TO BALANCE CAREFULLY THE GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO CIVIL SERVANTS AS THEIR EMPLOYER AND ITS WIDER RESPONSIBILITY TO THE REST OF THE COMMUNITY."
FOLLOWING CONSULTATIONS WITH STAFF, THE PROPOSED PAY AWARD WILL BE CONSIDERED AGAIN BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL BEFORE A FINAL DECISION IS MADE.
IF APPROVED, THE PROPOSED PAY AWARD WILL COST AN ADDITIONAL $5.5 BILLION A YEAR, INCLUDING THE PROVISION FOR SUBVENTED ORGANISATIONS.
---------0-----------
CONSTRUCTION SAFETY FOR PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACTS
* * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO HAVE THE CONSTRUCTION SAFETY MANUAL BEING PREPARED FOR THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME (ACP) TO BE USED WITH APPROPRIATE CHANGES, FOR OTHER NON-ACP PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACTS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE, AT THE ANNUAL CONSTRUCTION SAFETY CONFERENCE THIS (TUESDAY) EVENING.
MR BLAKE SAID THE MANUAL, WITH ITS COMPREHENSIVE SAFETY PROVISIONS, AIMED AT ZERO FATAL ACCIDENTS AND ZERO DANGEROUS OCCURRENCES IN EVERY ACP CONTRACT.
HE OUTLINED SOME OF THE PROVISIONS WHICH WERE ALREADY APPLICABLE TO PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACTS AS FOLLOWS:
- QUARTERLY REPORTING ON SAFETY PERFORMANCE ON CONTRACTORS AND REGULAR REVIEW OF THEIR SAFETY RECORDS;
- WEEKLY REPORT IN LARGE GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS FOR MONITORING BY SITE STAFF AND THE ENGINEER;
- PROMOTING THE SET UP OF ’SAFETY COMMITTEES’ ON SITE BY THE CONTRACTOR;
- GUIDELINES TO ENSURE THAT ALL SITE STAFF RECEIVE SUITABLE TRAINING AND CONTINUING SAFETY EDUCATION;
/- WORKS BRANCH .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 1992
4
- WORKS BRANCH RECEIVES QUARTERLY RETURNS ON ACCIDENTS AT CONSTRUCTION SITES; AND
- EDUCATION ON WORK SAFETY FOR YOUNG TRAINEE BY CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL.
IN ADDITION, MR BLAKE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS ACTIVELY CONSIDERING THE FOLLOWING PROVISIONS:
- INSPECTION TEAMS TO JUDGE WHETHER THE REQUIRED SAFETY MEASURES ARE BEING ACHIEVED;
- MEANS TO ENSURE CONTRACTORS CLEARLY UNDERSTAND TENDER REQUIREMENTS;
- INTRODUCTION OF INCENTIVES AND PENALTIES;
- INCLUSION OF APPROPRIATE STANDARD MEASURABLE SAFETY ITEMS IN EVERY CONTRACT;
- CONTRACTORS TO HAVE AN APPROVED SAFETY POLICY SO AS TO MAINTAIN THEIR STATUS IN GOVERNMENT APPROVED CONTRACTOR LISTS.
"NOTWITHSTANDING ALL THESE MEASURES, IT IS IMPORTANT NOT TO UNDERESTIMATE THE SCALE ’OF SAFETY PROBLEM IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY," MR BLAKE SAID.
"CONCERTED EFFORTS FROM ALL PARTIES INVOLVED - THE GOVERNMENT, DEVELOPERS, DESIGNERS, CONTRACTORS, SUB-CONTRACTORS AND WORKERS - WILL BE NEEDED TO BRING THE PROBLEM UNDER CONTROL.
"THE GOVERNMENT IN ITS ROLE AS A MAJOR DEVELOPER CAN AND WILL CONTINUE TO PROMOTE THE 'THINK SAFE’ MESSAGE, AND WILL ALSO USE EVERY AVAILABLE MEANS TO INFLUENCE PRIVATE SECTOR DEVELOPERS WHO MUST ALSO PLAY THEIR PART," HE ADDED.
- - 0 - -
PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE IN MARCH ******
THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE FIRST QUARTER THIS YEAR WAS VIRTUALLY UNCHANGED, WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 32% AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME QUARTER LAST YEAR, 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 HAVING BEEN DISCOUNTED.
/AS REGARDS
TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 1992
5
AS REGARDS PRICE CHANGES OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 1% AND 2% RESPECTIVELY, WHILE THOSE OF IMPORTS WERE 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 IS THE RATIO OF TOTAL EXPORT PRICE INDEX TO IMPORT PRICE INDEX. IT INCREASED BY 2% IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1992 AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME QUARTER LAST YEAR.
COMPARING MARCH 1992 WITH MARCH 1991, THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 13% AND 50% RESPECTIVELY. THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 39% WHILE THAT OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY 30%.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS BOTH INCREASED BY 1%. IMPORT PRICES DECREASED BY 1%.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY PRINCIPAL COMMODITY GROUP FOR MARCH 1992 AS COMPARED WITH MARCH 1991 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
COMMODITY GROUPS WHICH RECORDED CONSIDERABLE INCREASE IN VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCLUDED ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (+44%); TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (+37%); METAL MANUFACTURES (+15%); AND CLOTHING (+11%).
ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES IN VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE RECORDED IN DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (-23%); RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (-23%); WATCHES AND CLOCKS (-18%); AND TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (-12%).
THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF MANY COMMODITY GROUPS INCREASED IN MARCH 1992 AS COMPARED WITH MARCH 1991. IN PARTICULAR, TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES RECORDED RELATIVELY LARGER PRICE INCREASE BY 6%.
ON THE OTHER HAND, COMMODITY GROUPS WHICH RECORDED LARGER DECREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES INCLUDED ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (-6%); METAL ORES AND SCRAPS (-6%); AND TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (-5%).
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY FOR MARCH 1992 AS COMPARED WITH MARCH 1991 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 2.
THE IMPORT VOLUME OF FOODSTUFFS DECREASED BY 8% IN MARCH 1992 AS COMPARED WITH MARCH 1991.
SIGNIFICANT DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF ANIMALS OF THE BOVINE SPECIES; AND SWINE.
HOWEVER, SOME INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF TEA AND COFFEE; FISH AND FISH PREPARATIONS; AND FRUIT.
/OVER THE .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 1992
6
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED BY 43%.
COMMODITY ITEMS WITH CONSIDERABLE INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME INCLUDED TOBACCO MANUFACTURES; PASSENGER MOTOR CARS; AND ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES.
THE IMPORT VOLUME OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES INCREASED BY 22% IN MARCH 1992 AS COMPARED WITH MARCH 1991.
SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE NOTED FOR WOOL AND OTHER ANIMAL HAIR; PLASTIC MATERIALS; CRUDE ANIMALS AND VEGETABLE MATERIALS; AND LEATHER AND DRESSED FUR SKINS. HOWEVER, -CONSIDERABLE DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF SILK FABRICS; MAN-MADE FIBRES; AND WOVEN FABRICS OF WOOL AND MIXTURES.
IMPORTS OF FUELS DECREASED BY 12% IN VOLUME IN MARCH 1992 AS COMPARED WITH MARCH 1991.
AS REGARDS CAPITAL GOODS, THE IMPORT VOLUME INCREASED BY 43% IN MARCH 1992 OVER MARCH 1991.
NOTABLE INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY: TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT; OFFICE MACHINERY; AND TEXTILE MACHINERY.
COMPARING MARCH 1992 WITH MARCH 1991, THE IMPORT PRICES OF CONSUMER GOODS AND FOODSTUFFS INCREASED BY 2% AND 1% RESPECTIVELY. THE IMPORT PRICES OF FUELS AND RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES DECREASED BY 25% AND 2% RESPECTIVELY, WHILE THOSE OF CAPITAL GOODS WERE VIRTUALLY UNCHANGED.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY FOR MARCH 1992 AS COMPARED WITH MARCH 1991 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 3.
COMPARING MARCH 1992 WITH MARCH 1991, THE VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS OF ALL END-USE CATEGORIES INCREASED : FUELS (+60%); CAPITAL GOODS (+60%); CONSUMER GOODS (+55%); RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES (+41%); AND FOODSTUFFS (+11%).
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF RE-EXPORTS OF CONSUMER GOODS, FOODSTUFFS AND CAPITAL GOODS INCREASED BY 3%, 2% AND 2% RESPECTIVELY.
THE RE-EXPORT PRICES OF FUELS AND RAW MATERIALS AND SEMIMANUFACTURES DECREASED BY 27% AND 2% RESPECTIVELY.
STARTING FROM JANUARY 1992, THE THIRD REVISION OF THE STANDARD INTERNATIONAL TRADE CLASSIFICATION (SITC REV. 3) HAS BEEN ADOPTED IN HONG KONG IN PLACE OF THE SECOND REVISION FOR THE CLASSIFICATION OF TRADE STATISTICS BY COMMODITY.
TO ACHIEVE COMPARABILITY WITH THE TRADE FIGURES IN 1992, THE CORRESPONDING COMMODITY TRADE STATISTICS IN 1991 HAVE BEEN RECLASSIFIED ACCORDING TO THE NEW SYSTEM.
/DETAILS ARE .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 1992
7
DETAILS ARE PUBLISHED IN THE MARCH 1992 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG TRADE INDEX NUMBERS".
THE REPORT WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AROUND JUNE 15, AT $6.00 PER COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE ON THE GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL; AND THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON THE 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
ENQUIRIES REGARDING REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION TO THIS REPORT MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, HONG KONG (TEL NO. 842 8802) AND ENQUIRIES ON TRADE INDEXES TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL NO. 582 4918 ) .
TABLE 1: CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY PRINCIPAL COMMODITY GROUP
COMMODITY GROUP VALUE % COMPARING MAR 1992 WITH MAR 1991 COMPARING JAN-MAR 1992 WITH JAN-MAR 1991
UNIT VALUE % VOLUME % VALUE % UNIT VALUE VOLUME
% %
CLOTHING 15 3 11 2 3 ♦
TEXTILE FABRICS 4 2 2 -8 2 -10
TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD 4 -5 9 -7 -2 -5
TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES -7 6 -12 -18 6 -22
RADIOS OF ALL KINDS -24 -1 -23 -40 -1 -39
ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS 35 -6 44 8 -4 13
FOOTWEAR -1 3 -4 -26 3 -28
METAL MANUFACTURES 20 4 15 16 4 11
METAL ORES AND SCRAP -5 -6 1 . -21 -4 -17
WATCHES AND CLOCKS -19 -1 -18 -13 -1 -12
TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES 39 2 37 29 3 26
/DOMESTIC .......
8
TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 1992
DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES ALL COMMODITIES -22 14 2 1 -23 13 -25 ♦ 4 1 -28 »
♦ LESS THAN 0.5%
TABLE 2: CHANGES IN IMPORTS BY COMPARING WITH UNIT END-USE MAR 1992 MAR 1991 CATEGORY COMPARING JAN-MAR WITH JAN-MAR UNIT 1992 1991
END-USE CATEGORY VALUE % VALUE % VOLUME % VALUE % VALUE VOLUME % %
FOODSTUFFS -7 1 -8 5 1 4
CONSUMER GOODS 46 2 43 34 2 31
RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES 20 -2 22 14 -1 15
FUELS -34 -25 -12 -32 -27 -6
CAPITAL GOODS 43 43 27 * 26
ALL COMMODITIES 30 -1 30 22 t 22
* LESS THAN 0.5%
TABLE 3: CHANGES IN RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY
END-USE CATEGORY VALUE % COMPARING MAR 1992 WITH MAR 1991 COMPARING JAN-MAR 1992 WITH JAN-MAR 1991
UNIT VALUE % VOLUME % VALUE % UNIT VALUE VOLUME
% %
FOODSTUFFS 14 2 11 8 3 5
CONSUMER GOODS 60 3 55 37 3 33
RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES ’ 38 -2 41 25 -1 26
FUELS 17 -27 60 38 -29 93
CAPITAL GOODS 63 2 60 45 2 42
ALL COMMODITIES 51 1 50 34 2 32
/9 ........
TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 1992
9
UK’S ROLE AS A REGIONAL CENTRE WILL BECOME MORE PROMINENT: STI *****
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T.H. CHAU, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) HE IS CONFIDENT THAT HONG KONG’S ROLE AS A REGIONAL CENTRE WILL BECOME EVEN MORE PROMINENT IN THE YEARS AHEAD. 9
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE ASIAN REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS OF DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORPORATION, MR CHAU SAID THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION COMPRISED SOME OF THE FASTEST GROWING ECONOMIES IN THE WORLD AND HONG KONG OCCUPIED A PIVOTAL POSITION AT THE CENTRE OF THIS REGION.
MR CHAU SAID A RECENT SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT SHOWED THAT MORE THAN 600 FOREIGN COMPANIES HAD LOCATED THEIR REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS IN HONG KONG WHILE ANOTHER 280 FOREIGN COMPANIES HAD ESTABLISHED REGIONAL OFFICES IN THE TERRITORY.
AN AVERAGE OF 21 NEW REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS WERE OPENED EACH YEAR BETWEEN 1980 AND 1984.
THE AVERAGE YEARLY NUMBER INCREASED TO 53 BETWEEN 1985 AND 1990.
THE SURVEY ALSO SHOWS THAT HONG KONG’S GOOD TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATION FACILITIES, ITS EFFICIENT BANKING AND FINANCIAL SERVICES, AND ITS STABLE AND LOW CORPORATE TAX STRUCTURE ARE RATED AS THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTORS UNDERPINNING HONG KONG’S ROLE AS A REGIONAL CENTRE, MR CHAU SAID.
HE DESCRIBED DIGITAL’S . DECISION TO SET UP ITS NEW REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS IN HONG KONG AS A STRONG VOTE OF CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG’S FUTURE.
"DIGITAL’S SUCCESS AND ITS DECISION TO BASE ITS ASIAN REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS HERE REFLECT CLEARLY THE FACT THAT HONG KONG PROVIDES AN EXCELLENT ENVIRONMENT FOR BUSINESS TO PROSPER," MR CHAU SAID.
"THEY ALSO REINFORCE OUR CONVICTION THAT HONG KONG HAS MUCH TO OFFER AS AN IMPORTANT TRADE, FINANCIAL, TRANSPORTATION AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS HUB IN THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION," HE SAID.
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/10........
TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 1992
- 10 -
SOUTH-EAST KOWLOON DEVELOPMENT STUDY CONTRACT AWARDED
AN $11 MILLION PLANNING STUDY ON THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF SOUTH-EAST KOWLOON, INCLUDING THE SITE OF THE EXISTING HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, WAS COMMISSIONED TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE DIRECTOR OF PLANNING, DR PETER PUN, SIGNED A CONTRACT WITH A GROUP OF CONSULTANTS, LED BY LLEWELYN-DAVIES HONG KONG LIMITED, FOR THE STUDY WHICH WILL TRANSLATE THE METROPLAN CONCEPT FOR SOUTH-EAST KOWLOON INTO A COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT STATEMENT.
THE STUDY WILL COVER A TOTAL POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT AREA OF ABOUT 530 HECTARES INCLUDING THE EXISTING AIRPORT SITE OF ABOUT 230 HECTARES AND THE ADJOINING AREAS OF RECLAMATION AT KOWLOON BAY.
IT WILL TAKE FORWARD THE METROPLAN’S OUTLINE PROPOSALS AND DESIGN PARAMETERS TO PRODUCE FOR THE AREA AN OPTIMAL PATTERN OF LAND USE AND AN ATTRACTIVE ENVIRONMENT.
IT WILL ALSO IDENTIFY PACKAGES FOR NEW DEVELOPMENT WITH ASSOCIATED MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURAL SYSTEMS (INCLUDING TRANSPORTATION, STORM WATER DRAINAGE, SEWAGE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL FACILITIES) AND THE BROAD SEQUENCE OF WORKS.
THE DEVELOPMENT STATEMENT WILL TAKE ABOUT A YEAR TO COMPLETE.
THE METROPLAN HAS ALREADY ESTABLISHED FOR THE AREA A BROAD LAND USE FRAMEWORK WHICH ENVISAGED A BALANCED MIX OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOUSING WITH A POTENTIAL POPULATION OF ABOUT 262,000.
THE METROPLAN PLANNING FRAMEWORK ALSO INCLUDES A NUMBER OF COMMERCIAL, OFFICE AND HOTEL AREAS, NEW INDUSTRIAL ZONES FOR HI-TECH MANUFACTURING ACTIVITIES, RESERVATIONS FOR VARIOUS MAJOR COMMUNITY USES SUCH AS A POSSIBLE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PARK AND AN INTER-LINKED SYSTEM OF OPEN SPACES AND WATERFRONT PROMENADES.
IN ORDER TO OPTIMISE THE DEVELOPMENT OF THESE AREAS, IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THE METROPLAN CONCEPT FOR SOUTH-EAST KOWLOON BE TRANSLATED INTO A COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT STATEMENT WITH PRACTICAL OPERATIONAL OBJECTIVES.
THE DEVELOPMENT STATEMENT WILL IDENTIFY SPECIFIC ACTION AREAS FOR WHICH DEVELOPMENT PARAMETERS WILL BE ESTABLISHED SO AS TO ALLOW DETAILED SCHEMES TO PROCEED.
TO ACHIEVE THIS, AN OUTLINE STUDY OF THE PLANNING, TRANSPORT, ENGINEERING AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS OF THE WHOLE SOUTH-EAST KOWLOON IS REQUIRED.
IN THIS CONTEXT, SOUTH-EAST KOWLOON ALSO INCLUDES KOWLOON CITY, MA TAU KOK, TO KWA WAN AND HUNG HOM FOR WHICH THE STUDY WILL EXAMINE THE POTENTIAL FOR REDEVELOPMENT, ESPECIALLY FOLLOWING THE RELOCATION OF THE AIRPORT FROM KAI TAK TO CHEK LAP KOK.
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/Il ........
TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 1992
MONITORING DEVICE INTRODUCED TO REGULATE MARINE DUMPING * » * » »
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) TODAY (TUESDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT AN AUTOMATIC SELF-MONITORING DEVICE (ASMD) WHICH WILL ENABLE CLOSER SURVEILLANCE OF MARINE DUMPING OPERATIONS IN LOCAL WATERS IS TO BE INTRODUCED NEXT YEAR.
EFFECTIVE FROM JANUARY 2, 1993, ALL BARGES AND VESSELS ENGAGED IN MARINE DUMPING OPERATIONS, WILL BE REQUIRED BY LAW TO 'INSTALL THE ASMD EQUIPMENT.
THE NEW REQUIREMENT WILL BE INCLUDED AS A LICENCE CONDITION, AND ONLY THOSE VESSELS EQUIPPED WITH THE ASMD WILL BE AUTHORISED FOR MARINE DUMPING OPERATION.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (WASTE AND WATER CONTROL), MR JOHN BOXALL, SAID THE EQUIPMENT WOULD ENABLE THE EPD TO APPLY MORE COST-EFFECTIVE AND LESS LABOUR INTENSIVE SURVEILLANCE OF MARINE DUMPING AND EVERY DUMPING OPERATION WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY RECORDED.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE COMPANY MANAGEMENT WHICH IS ENGAGED IN MARINE DUMPING OPERATION, CAN MAKE USE OF THE RECORDS PRODUCED BY THE DEVICE TO REVIEW THE PERFORMANCE OF THE BARGE OPERATORS, WHO IN TURN WILL BE ABLE TO LOCATE THE POSITION OF THEIR VESSELS FROM THE EQUIPMENT SIGNALS AND THEREFORE ENSURE THAT THE WASTE IS DUMPED AT THE DESIGNATED SPOIL GROUNDS.
THE DEVICE MAINLY CONSISTS OF A DRAFT SENSOR WHICH MONITORS THE CHANGE IN DRAFT, A GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM TO INDICATE THE TIME, DATE AND LOCATION OF THE VESSEL, AND A DATE RECORDING UNIT.
THE DATE COULD BE RETRIEVED FROM THE DATA RECORDING UNIT AND LOADED ONTO A COMPUTER OR A VIDEO PLOTTER FOR DISPLAY ON THE SCREEN.
THE SOFTWARE WILL ENABLE THE EPD TO QUICKLY REVIEW THE PERFORMANCE OF THE LICENSEE AND INDENTIFY SHORT-DUMPING INCIDENTS.
IN CASE SHORT DUMPING IS IDENTIFIED, THE EPD WILL TAKE FOLLOW-UP ACTION INCLUDING PROSECUTION, LICENCE REVOCATION OR DELISTING OF THE VESSEL.
MR BOXALL SAID: "THE EPD INTENDS TO RETRIEVE THE DATA ON A MONTHLY BASIS, AND IT IS ESTIMATED THAT AROUND 100 BARGES ARE ENGAGED IN MARINE DUMPING OPERATIONS."
UNDER THE DUMPING AT SEA ACT 1974 (OVERSEAS TERRITORIES) ORDER 1975, SUMMARY CONVICTIONS FOR ILLEGAL MARINE DUMPING ACTIVITIES ARE LIABLE FOR A MAXIMUM FINE OF $5,000 AND/OR SIX MONTHS IMPRISONMENT.
SINCE THE EPD TOOK OVER THE ENFORCEMENT ACTION IN APRIL 1986, A TOTAL OF 151 CONVICTED PARTIES HAVE BEEN RECORDED.
------0--------'
/12........
TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 1992
- 12 -
FLYOVER TO ALLEVIATE TRAFFIC' CONGESTION *****
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) AWARDED A $99 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FLYOVER LINKING THE END OF THE WEST KOWLOON CORRIDOR AT TUNG CHAU STREET TO FERRY STREET TO ALLEVIATE TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN MONG KOK.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID WORKS INVOLVED THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 700 METRE TWO-LANE SOUTHBOUND ELEVATED ROAD EXTENDING THE EXISTING WEST KOWLOON CORRIDOR SOUTHWARDS ALONG TONG MI ROAD TO FERRY STREET NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH SOY STREET.
THE CONTRACT ALSO COVERS ROAD RECONSTRUCTION AND KERB REALIGNMENT, RECONSTRUCTION OF DECK NULLAH, CONSTRUCTION OF SINGLE-CELLED BOX CULVERT, MODIFICATIONS TO LAYOUT AND TRAFFIC SIGNALLING AT VARIOUS JUNCTIONS AND ANCILLARY ROAD WORKS, DRAINAGE WORKS AND LANDSCAPING WORKS.
CONSTRUCTION WORK WILL START IMMEDIATELY AND WILL TAKE 30 MONTHS TO COMPLETE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
TO FACILITATE CONSTRUCTION, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED, TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED. ONE TRAFFIC LANE ALONG EACH DIRECTION OF TONG MI ROAD AND FERRY STREET WILL BE CLOSED.
SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC ON THE WEST KOWLOON CORRIDOR WILL BE DIVERTED TO PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST, LAI CHI KOK ROAD AND SHANGHAI STREET.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEMES INCLUDING THE RE-ROUTING OF SHANGHAI STREET TO ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND WILL BE IMPLEMENTED TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW IN MONG KOK, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
------0-----------
HOLIDAY CLINIC SERVICES
*****
THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TODAY (TUESDAY) ANNOUNCED ARRANGEMENTS OF GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINIC SERVICES ON JUNE 13 (THE BIRTHDAY OF HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN) AND JUNE 15 (THE MONDAY FOLLOWING THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY) WHICH ARE PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THERE WOULD BE NO HOLIDAY OUT-PATIENT CLINIC SERVICE ON JUNE 13 (SATURDAY).
HOWEVER, EIGHT GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINICS WILL STAY OPEN ON JUNE 15 (MONDAY).
/THEY ARE .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 1992
13
THEY ARE THE VIOLET PEEL HEALTH CENTRE AND SHAU KEI WAN JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC ON HONG KONG ISLAND; THE KWUN TONG JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC, ROBERT BLACK HEALTH CENTRE AND THE YAU MA TEI JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC IN KOWLOON; AND THE LADY TRENCH POLYCLINIC, SHEK WU HUI JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC AND YUEN LONG JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THESE CLINICS WILL BE OPEN FROM 9 AM TO 1 PM. ALL OTHER OUTPATIENT AND EVENING CLINICS WILL BE CLOSED.
--------0-----------
TRAINING COURSE FOR HEALTH WORKERS * * » *
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IS TO PROVIDE A 10-WEEK TRAINING COURSE FOR HEALTH WORKERS IN PRIVATE HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY WHO DID NOT RECEIVE THEIR NURSING OR MEDICAL TRAINING IN HONG KONG.
THE COURSE, FIFTH OF THE KIND, IS SCHEDULED TO START IN AUGUST TO FURTHER IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF SERVICE IN THESE ELDERLY HOMES.
THE COURSE WILL BE ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG COLLEGE OF NURSING AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE COURSE WILL INCLUDE BASIC SKILLS IN LOOKING AFTER THE ELDERLY, PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PHYSICAL CHANGES IN THE ELDERLY, INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS AND BASIC PRINCIPLES IN RUNNING A HOME FOR THE ELDERLY.
"APPLICANTS ARE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTARY PROOF OF THEIR QUALIFICATION. THOSE RECOMMENDED BY THE ELDERLY HOMES IN WHICH THEY ARE SERVING WILL BE GIVEN PRIORITY," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
COPIES OF INVITATION HAVE ALREADY BEEN SENT TO PRIVATE HOME INVITING THEM TO RECOMMEND SUITABLE CANDIDATE FOR THE COURSE.
INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE INTERESTED TO WORK IN THESE HOMES MAY ALSO FORWARD THEIR APPLICATIONS TO THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S REGISTRATION OFFICE OF PRIVATE HOMES FOR ELDERLY AT ROOM 1105, 11TH FLOOR, WORLD TRADE CENTRE, 280 GLOUCESTER ROAD, HONG KONG.
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION IS JUNE 23.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL 577 4185 OR 894 8040.
--------0-----------
TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 1992
- 14 -
CAREERS INFORMATION CENTRE IN SHA TIN CLOSED * * * * *
THE CAREERS ADVISORY SERVICE (CAS) OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL CLOSE DOWN ITS CAREERS INFORMATION CENTRE IN SHA TIN FROM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
YOUNG PEOPLE WHO WISH TO OBTAIN FREE CAREERS GUIDANCE ARE WELCOME TO VISIT THE INFORMATION CENTRES IN WAN CHAI, MONG KOK AND TUEN MUN.
THE CAS PROVIDES A LARGE VARIETY OF SERVICES THROUGH ITS INFORMATION CENTRES TO HELP YOUNG PEOPLE CHOOSE A CAREER BEST SUITED TO THEIR TALENTS, INTERESTS AND ABILITIES.
EACH CENTRE HAS A REFERENCE LIBRARY CONTAINING PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCE MATERIALS ON CAREERS, VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND FURTHER EDUCATION, WHICH ARE OF PARTICULAR USE TO FORM 5 AND FORM 7 STUDENTS.
OTHER FACILITIES INCLUDE AN AUDIO-VISUAL UNIT WITH SLIDE PRESENTATIONS, CASSETTE RECORDINGS AND VIDEO TAPES ON CAREERS, AS WELL AS A FREE ENQUIRY SERVICE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE SEEKING ADVICE ON CAREERS AND TRAINING.
CAREERS PAMPHLETS ON JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN COMMERCE, INDUSTRY AND THE GOVERNMENT ARE AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE TO VISITORS AT THE CENTRES.
THE THREE CAREERS INFORMATION CENTRES ARE OPEN FROM 9 AM TO 5.30 PM FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY AND FROM 9 AM TO NOON ON SATURDAY (EXCEPT PUBLIC HOLIDAY). THEIR ADDRESSES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
SOUTHORN CENTRE, 16/F,
130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI
TEL. 835 2044
MONG KOK GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 2/F
30 LUEN WAN STREET, MONG KOK
TEL. 399 2241 & 399 2242
TAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 2/F
16 TSUN WEN ROAD, TUEN MUN
TEL. 463 6851 & 463 6855
- - 0----------
/15........
TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 1992
- 15 -
COURTESY CALL ON SWD * ♦ * ♦ *
THE NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF POK 01 HOSPITAL TODAY (TUESDAY) PAID A COURTESY VISIT TO THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR M.D. CARTLAND, AND EXCHANGED VIEWS WITH HIM ON MAJOR WELFARE SERVICES FOR THE YEAR.
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, MR TANG YING-HEI, OUTLINED THE HOSPITAL’S MEDICAL, EDUCATIONAL AND WELFARE SERVICES .AS WELL AS PLANNED PROJECTS TO MR CARTLAND.
"POK 01 WILL ATTACH MORE IMPORTANCE TO ELDERLY SERVICES IN VIEW OF THE AGEING POPULATION," MR TANG SAID.
MR CARTLAND COMMENDED POK 01 HOSPITAL FOR ITS UNFAILING CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY AND ASSURED THE BOARD MEMBERS THAT THE DEPARTMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO GIVE ITS FULLEST SUPPORT TO THEIR PLANS.
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HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS * * * ♦ ♦
TENDER DATE 9 JUNE 92 9 JUNE 92
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q224 H266
AMOUNT APPLIED HKD 2,215 MN HKD 1,280 MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED HKD 500 MN HKD 200 MN
AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED 2.91 PCT 3.24 PCT
HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED 2.93 PCT 3.26 PCT
PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 2 PCT 100 PCT
AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 2.96 PCT 3.32 PCT
/HONG KONG .......
16
TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 1992
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
TENDER TO BE HELD IN
TENDER DATE
PAPER ON OFFER
ISSUE NUMBER
ISSUE DATE
MATURITY DATE
TENOR
AMOUNT ON OFFER
WEEK BEGINNING 15 JUNE
16 JUNE 92
EF BILLS
Q225
17 JUNE 92
16 SEPT 92
91 DAYS
HKD 500 + 100 MN
------0-------
1992 -
16 JUNE 92
EF BILLS
Y291
17 JUNE 92
16 JUNE 93
364 DAYS
HKD 200 + 60 MN
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 988MN
REVERSAL OF LAF NIL
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 988MN
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY -80MN
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 908MN
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 111.2 *+0.0* 9.6.92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1W 2.87 PCT 18M 2311 6.25 102.42 4.54
IM 2.80 PCT 21M 2402 5.50 101.15 4.84
3M 2.87 PCT 24M 2405 5.50 100.87 5.08
6M 3.20 PCT
12M 3.91 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 5,810MN
CLOSED 9 JUNE 1992
------0--------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CS TO MEET NEW GOVERNOR ................................................. 1
PAA CASH FLOWS AND BUSINESS PLAN ........................................ 1
REPORT ON BAGUIO VILLA LANDSLIDE PUBLISHED .............................. 2
BUILDING INDUSTRY REACHED. NEW PEAK IN 1991 ............................. 4
LANDLORD AND TENANT BILL EXPLAINED ...................................... 5
HK AND MALAYSIAN GOVTS CONCLUDE FIRST ROUND OF ANTI-DRUG NEGOTIATIONS 6
FOUR GOVT LOTS TO LET BY TENDER ......................................... 7
NON-GRADUATE TEACHER VACANCIES ESTIMATED AT 2,100 ....................... 8
CULINARY SEMINAR WITH LUNCH FOR 200 SENIOR CITIZENS ..................... 9
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .............. 9
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 1992
1
CS TO MEET NEW GOVERNOR *****
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, WILL PAY A DUTY VISIT TO THE UK FROM JUNE 12 TO 21.
DURING HIS VISIT, THE CHIEF SECRETARY WILL MEET THE GOVERNOR-DESIGNATE, MR CHRIS PATTEN, AND BRIEF HIM ON MATTERS OF INTEREST IN THE TERRITORY.
HE WILL CALL ON THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS OFFICE AND DISCUSS HONG KONG ISSUES WITH OFFICIALS RESPONSIBLE FOR HK AFFAIRS. HE WILL ALSO VISIT THE HK GOVERNMENT OFFICE IN LONDON.
SIR DAVID WILL RETURN TO HK ON JUNE 22.
- - 0 - -
PAA CASH FLOWS AND BUSINESS PLAN *****
THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK WILL OPERATE AS A "VERY ROBUST BUSINESS" WITH REVENUES WHICH WILL MORE THAN COVER ITS OPERATING AND FINANCING COSTS ON AN ANNUAL BASIS FROM ITS FIRST YEAR.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY BY THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY WHEN PAPERS COVERING THE AUTHORITY’S BUSINESS PLAN AND PROJECTED CASH FLOWS WERE TABLED AND DISCUSSED AT A MEETING OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AD HOC GROUP.
THE PAPERS SHOW THE AUTHORITY’S REVENUES WILL RISE STEADILY AND REACH $22.70 BILLION A YEAR (IN MONEY OF THE DAY) IN 2010. THIS IS FORECAST TO PROVIDE A POSITIVE CASH FLOW - OR OPERATING PROFIT - OF $10.39 BILLION AFTER RECURRENT AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURE AND TAX PAYMENTS.
"THIS SHOWS THAT THE AIRPORT PROJECT IS A VERY ATTRACTIVE INVESTMENT FOR THE GOVERNMENT AND FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY.
"CLEARLY THE AIRPORT WILL BE EXTREMELY STRONG ECONOMICALLY, ONCE IT STARTS TO OPERATE IN 1997, AND AFTER THAT IT WILL CERTAINLY NOT NEED GOVERNMENT SUPPORT THROUGH CALLABLE EQUITY”.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS BEING AS TRANSPARENT AS POSSIBLE WITH THE FINANCIAL DETAILS SO AS TO ENSURE THAT THE PUBLIC WAS WELL INFORMED ABOUT THE PLANS.
EXTENSIVE FINANCIAL INFORMATION IS BEING RELEASED TO LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS AND THE PUBLIC, AS WELL AS TO MEMBERS OF AIRPORT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE.
THE FINANCIAL PROJECTIONS SHOW THAT ANNUAL REVENUES WILL PASS $17.32 BILLION IN 2005. THIS WILL BE SUFFICIENT TO COVER ALL THE AUTHORITY’S COSTS AND ENABLE INITIAL PROJECT DEBT OF $37 BILLION TO BE FULLY REPAID BY THAT YEAR.
/DIVIDENDS TOTALLING
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 1992
2
DIVIDENDS TOTALLING ABOUT $56 BILLION (MONEY OF THE DAY) ARE EXPECTED TO HAVE BEEN PAID TO THE GOVERNMENT BY AS EARLY AS 2010, ON A CUMULATIVE BASIS.
THIS RETURN COMPARES WITH AN INVESTMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT OF ONLY $16.6 BILLION EQUITY IN THE PLANNED AIRPORT AUTHORITY.
ON THE BASIS OF THESE FINANCIAL FORECASTS, BANKS AND OTHER COMMERCIAL LENDERS ARE EXPECTED GENERALLY TO ACCEPT THE COMMERCIAL RISKS THEMSELVES ONCE THE AIRPORT OPENS IN 1997, SAID THE SPOKESMAN.
INTRODUCING THE REVENUE FORECASTS TO LEGCO MEMBERS, GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS EXPLAINED THAT THE GROWTH OF KAI TAK AIRPORT WILL BE SEVERELY CONSTRAINED IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS.
THE OPENING OF THE AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK WILL REMOVE BOTTLENECKS AND RELEASE SUPPRESSED DEMAND WHICH WILL BE TRANSLATED INTO STRONG REVENUES IN THE YEARS AFTER THE AIRPORT OPENS.
THE POSITIVE CASH FLOWS - OR OPERATING PROFITS - WILL START IN 1997, THE YEAR THE AIRPORT OPENS, WITH AN EXPECTED LEVEL OF $3.27 BILLION (EXCLUDING FINANCING CHARGES).
REVENUES IN THAT YEAR ARE ESTIMATED AT $5.79 BILLION, INCLUDING THE FIRST INCOME FROM AERONAUTICAL CHARGES, COMMERCIAL REVENUES, AND PASSENGER TERMINAL CHARGES. ----------------------------------0--------
REPORT ON BAGUIO *
VILLA LANDSLIDE PUBLISHED * * * * *
THE GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING OFFICE (GEO) HAS SUBMITTED A REPORT TO THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS CONCERNING ITS INVESTIGATIONS INTO THE LANDSLIDE AT BAGUIO VILLA ON MAY 8.
IN ITS REPORT, THE GEO STATED THAT THE INVESTIGATIONS HAD PROGRESSED SUFFICIENTLY FAR TO BE REASONABLY CERTAIN THAT THE LANDSLIDE WAS TRIGGERED BY THE COLLAPSE OF A VERY OLD MASONRY WALL SUPPORTING A FILL PLATFORM ADJACENT TO THE POKFULAM TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA (THA) DURING AN EXCEPTIONALLY INTENSE RAINSTORM.
THE GEO IS CONTINUING ITS INVESTIGATIONS WITH A VIEW TO ESTABLISHING THE REASONS FOR THE FAILURE OF THE MASONRY WALL, WHICH TOGETHER WITH THE FILL PLATFORM IS KNOWN TO HAVE BEEN THERE SINCE BEFORE 1924.
SO FAR, NO RECORDS HAVE BEEN FOUND OF THE ACTUAL CONSTRUCTION DATE. THE NEARBY TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA WAS BUILT BETWEEN 1988 AND 1990.
THE REPORT ALSO STATED THAT PRELIMINARY WORKS AT THE THA LEVEL TO ELIMINATE ANY IMMEDIATE DANGER WERE COMPLETED ON MAY 20.
/THIS INVOLVED .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 1992
3
THIS INVOLVED REMOVING LOOSE MATERIAL, CUTTING THE SLOPE TO A SAFE ANGLE, APPLYING A PROTECTIVE CONCRETE SURFACING AND DIVERTING SURFACE WATER DRAINAGE.
THE PRELIMINARY WORKS WITHSTOOD THE HEAVY RAINFALL ON JUNE 6 AND 7 SATISFACTORILY.
DESIGN OF PERMANENT SLOPE STABILISATION WORK IS IN HAND.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT WORKS WILL INVOLVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF PROTECTIVE WALLS ADJACENT TO THE SOUTHERN BOUNDARY OF BLOCK 26 AND AT VICTORIA ROAD AS WELL AS THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE DRAINAGE SYSTEM BELOW VICTORIA ROAD.
THE LANDSLIDE SCAR ON THE NATURAL HILLSIDE WILL BE STABILISED BY REMOVING LOOSE MATERIAL AND PROVIDING DRAINAGE AND EROSION PROTECTION MEASURES.
PERMANENT STABILISATION WORK WILL ALSO BE REQUIRED AT THE THA LEVEL.
THE COSTS OF ALL THESE WORKS WILL BE BORNE BY THE GOVERNMENT. I
THE REPORT STATED THAT GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERS HAD EXAMINED THE WHOLE LANDSLIDE SCAR AND CONCLUDED THAT AT TIMES OF EXCEPTIONAL RAINFALL SOME FURTHER SMALL SLIPS COULD OCCUR.
HOWEVER, THESE WOULD NEITHER AFFECT THE STABILITY OF THE BLOCKS WHICH HAVE BEEN REOCCUPIED NOR WOULD THEY POSE SIGNIFICANT RISKS TO RESIDENTS.
PART OF THE NON-RESIDENTIAL AREA OF BLOCK 26 AND A NUMBER OF APPARTMENTS IN BLOCKS 43 AND 44 WILL REMAIN CLOSED UNTIL PROTECTIVE WORKS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED.
THE INVESTIGATIONS SO FAR HAVE CONCENTRATED ON ESTABLISHING THE SEQUENCE OF EVENTS JUST BEFORE AND DURING THE LANDSLIDE.
PHOTOGRAPHS PROVIDED BY THE RESIDENTS OF BAGUIO VILLA ARE PLAYING A CRUCIAL PART IN RECONSTRUCTING THE PRECISE MECHANISM OF COLLAPSE OF THE WALL. ANALYSIS AND FURTHER DOCUMENTATION OF THE GEOTECHNICAL DATA ARE NOW UNDERWAY AND IT IS EXPECTED THAT IT WILL TAKE A FURTHER SIX TO EIGHT WEEKS TO COMPLETE THE STUDY AND PRODUCE A DETAILED REPORT.
------0------------
/4 ........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 1992
BUILDING INDUSTRY REACHED NEW PEAK IN 1991
******
THE BUILDING INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG REACHED A NEW PEAK LAST lYEAR DESPITE A 70% INCREASE IN COSTS, THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS, MR DARWIN CHEN, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE NINTH INTERNATIONAL BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION EXPOSITION, MR CHEN SAID THE BOOM WAS A CLEAR INDICATION OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPERS’ CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG’S FUTURE.
HE SAID THE CURRENT BOOM IN THE BUILDING INDUSTRY WAS EXPECTED TO GO UP EVEN FURTHER IN VIEW OF THE NEW AIRPORT AND OTHER MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS, DEVELOPMENT OF NEW TOWNS AND URBAN RENEWAL PROGRAMMES UNDER THE METROPLAN.
MR CHEN SAID HONG KONG WAS WELL-KNOWN FOR THE CONTINUOUS CHANGES TO ITS SKYLINE THROUGH ITS LARGE NUMBER OF NEW BUILDINGS AND 1991 HAD SEEN A NEW PEAK IN THE ACTIVITIES OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR OF THE BUILDING INDUSTRY.
"IN TERMS OF STATISTICS, THE TOTAL USABLE FLOOR AREAS COMPLETED LAST YEAR EXCEEDED FOUR MILLION SQUARE METRES AND THE COST OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED AMOUNTED TO A HISTORICALLY HIGH FIGURE OF MORE THAN $30 BILLION, t
1 "THIS HAS OCCURRED DURING A PERIOD WHEN MANY OTHER PARTS OF
THE WORLD HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING GENERAL ECONOMIC RECESSION.
"IT IS A CLEAR INDICATION OF THE GREAT CONFIDENCE MOST BUILDING DEVELOPERS HAVE IN HONG KONG’S FUTURE," HE SAID.
MR CHEN SAID THE FACT THAT THE COST OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED REACHED A NEW HIGH IN 1991 INDICATED THAT DEVELOPERS WERE NOW PROVIDING ACCOMMODATION WITH BETTER QUALITY.
"THIS IS BORNE OUT BY THE 70% INCREASE IN THE COST PER SQUARE
METRE OF USABLE FLOOR AREA, FROM $5,850 IN 1990 TO $9,955 DURING THE
YEAR," HE SAID.
WHILE DOUBLE-DIGIT INFLATION AND RAPID RISE IN LABOUR COST NO
DOUBT HAD SIGNIFICANT EFFECTS ON THE COST, MR CHEN SAID, THE POSITION
ALSO REFLECTED THE CHOICE OF CONTRACTORS WITH BETTER MANAGEMENT, THE USE OF HIGH QUALITY MATERIALS AND FINISHES, AND THE ADOPTION OF ADVANCED AND SOPHISTICATED BUILDING TECHNIQUES.
"I EXPECT THIS TREND OF BETTER QUALITY IN BUILDINGS WILL CONTINUE, SINCE LIVING STANDARDS AND EXPECTATIONS FROM END-USERS ARE iALL MOVING UPWARDS," HE SAID.
HOWEVER, MR CHEN SAID, HONG KONG, SIMILAR TO OTHER MAJOR CITIES OF THE WORLD, WAS FACED WITH PROBLEMS ARISING FROM OLDER BUILDINGS, PRIMARILY STEMMING FROM DISREPAIR AND UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES.
/HE SAID .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 1992
- 5 -
HE SAID THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE HAD BEEN ACTIVELY TACKLING THIS PROBLEM IN RECENT MONTHS BY ADJUSTING PRIORITIES, REDEPLOYING STAFF RESOURCES AND SEEKING ADDITIONAL POWERS UNDER THE LAW.
"WE BELIEVE THAT THE CORRECT SOLUTION LIES IN SELF-REGULATION BY THE BUILDINGS’ OWNERS, WITH THE ADVICE OF PROFESSIONALS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
"WE RECENTLY INTRODUCED A BILL FOR AN AMENDMENT TO THE LEGISLATION TO ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT TO SERVE AN INVESTIGATION AND REPAIR ORDER ON THE OWNER OF A BUILDING WHICH HAS SIGNS OF DEFECT.
"WHEN THIS NEW LEGISLATION IS ENACTED, HOPEFULLY IN JULY, WE WILL HAVE TAKEN A GREAT STEP FORWARD IN THE PROPER MAINTENANCE OF BUILDINGS IN DISREPAIR," MR CHEN SAID.
------0--------
LANDLORD AND TENANT BILL EXPLAINED *****
THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION, MR BARRY WOODROFFE, ATTENDED A MEETING OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL’S AD HOC GROUP ON LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992 TODAY (WEDNESDAY) TO BRIEF MEMBERS ON THE MAIN CHANGES PROPOSED IN THE BILL.
HE SAID THE CHANGES ARE:
* ENHANCED COMPENSATION
THE CHANGE TO THE FORMULA FOR STATUTORY COMPENSATION WILL MEAN THAT THE AMOUNT PAYABLE TO DISPOSSESSED TENANTS IN POST-WAR DOMESTIC PREMISES REQUIRED FOR REDEVELOPMENT WILL ON AVERAGE BE DOUBLED. FOR A 600 SQ.FT. FLAT THE COMPENSATION WILL BE ABOUT $65,000 OR 2-1/2-YEARS’ RENT PASSING.
* ADJUSTMENTS TO RENT INCREASE MECHANISMS
PRE-WAR PREMISES
THE PAST PRACTICE OF ANNUALLY INCREASING THE PRE-WAR RENT MULTIPLIER WILL CONTINUE. IN ADDITION, A MINIMUM LEVEL OF PERMITTED RENT WILL BE INTRODUCED TO ENSURE CONTROLLED RENTS DO NOT FALL TOO FAR BELOW THE MARKET LEVEL. THE NEW PROVISION WILL ONLY AFFECT ABOUT 300 PROPERTIES THIS YEAR. THE DEPARTMENT WILL LOOK AT THESE CASES AND GIVE FURTHER INFORMATION TO THE AD HOC GROUP NEXT WEEK.
/POST-WAR .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 1992
6
POST-WAR TENANCIES CREATED BEFORE JUNE 10, 1983
THE ONLY PROPOSAL IS TO INCREASE THE MINIMUM RENT MARGINALLY AS HAS BEEN DONE SEVERAL TIMES IN RECENT YEARS AND THE ADDITIONAL RENT INCREASES ARE VERY MODEST.
THE PROPOSALS, IF FULLY IMPLEMENTED, WILL MEAN THAT EVENTUALLY ALL TENANTS WILL BE SUBJECT TO THE SAME SET OF STATUTORY RULES INSTEAD OF THE THREE DIFFERENT SETS WHICH APPLY NOW.
HOWEVER, THEY WILL STILL ENJOY SECURITY OF TENURE AND BE PROTECTED FROM EXCESSIVE RENT INCREASES.
IF THE CURRENT BILL IS PASSED, CONSIDERATION WILL BE GIVEN TO THE POSSIBILITY OF INTRODUCING PROVISIONS TO THE ORDINANCE TO HELP TENANTS WHEN NEGOTIATING RENEWAL OF THEIR TENANCIES UNDER PART IV.
------0--------
HK AND MALAYSIAN GOVTS CONCLUDE FIRST ROUND OF ANTI-DRUG NEGOTIATIONS *****
THE GOVERNMENTS OF HONG KONG AND MALAYSIA TODAY (WEDNESDAY) CONCLUDED THE FIRST ROUND OF NEGOTIATIONS ON AN AGREEMENT TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE IN INVESTIGATIONS, PROSECUTIONS AND PROCEEDINGS IN RESPECT OF DRUG TRAFFICKING.
A HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE AGREEMENT WOULD EVENTUALLY COVER THE TRACING, SEIZURE, FREEZING AND CONFISCATION OF THE PROCEEDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING.
DURING THE THREE-DAY MEETING HELD IN HONG KONG, THE TWO SIDES DISCUSSED MUTUAL ASSISTANCE IN THIS AREA.
"WE HAVE AGREED ON A LARGE NUMBER OF ISSUES," SAID THE SPOKESMAN.
THE NEXT ROUND OF NEGOTIATIONS WILL BE HELD IN KUALA LUMPUR AT A DATE TO BE ARRANGED.
THE HONG KONG TEAM WAS LED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR K.J. WOODHOUSE, AND THE OTHER MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG TEAM WERE: MR CHRISTOPHER NEWALL, DEPUTY PRINCIPAL CROWN COUNSEL (INTERNATIONAL LAW); MR JOHN CARLSON, SENIOR CROWN COUNSEL (PROSECUTIONS); AND MISS MAUREEN TO, ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR SECURITY (NARCOTICS).
THE MALAYSIAN TEAM WAS LED BY MS LIM YEE LAN, SENIOR FEDERAL COUNSEL, ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS, AND THE OTHER MEMBERS OF THE MALAYSIAN TEAM WERE: MS CHRISTINE LEE 01 KUAN, SENIOR FEDERAL COUNSEL, ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS; MR MOHD. NOOR HAMAT, ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR POLICE, ROYAL POLICE MALAYSIA; MR JAMES GAN, INTERNATIONAL DIVISION, MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS; AND MR WAN AHMAD NAZAM, MALAYSIAN COMMISSION.
------0--------
/7........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 1992
7
FOUR GOVT LOTS TO LET BY TENDER *****
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT-TERM TENANCIES ON FOUR PIECES OF GOVERNMENT LAND.
THE FIRST SITE IS LOCATED AT POKFULAM ROAD AND HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 2,260 SQUARE METRES.
IT IS DESIGNATED FOR OPEN STORAGE OF THE TENANT’S GOODS AND MOTOR VEHICLES (EXCLUDING CONCRETE BATCHING AND STORAGE OF CONTAINERS).
WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 2,900 SQUARE METRES, THE SECOND LOT IS SITUATED AT SUNG ON STREET, HUNG HOM AND IS INTENDED FOR A FEE-PAYING PUBLIC PARKING AREA FOR COACHES AND/OR GOODS VEHICLES LICENSED UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE (EXCLUDING CONTAINER VEHICLES WITH OR WITHOUT TRAILERS).
THE THIRD PIECE OF LAND IS LOCATED AT FUNG TAK ROAD, DIAMOND HILL.
HAVING AN AREA OF ABOUT 5,250 SQUARE METRES, IT IS EARMARKED FOR THE STORAGE OF UNLICENSED MOTOR VEHICLES (EXCLUDING CONTAINER VEHICLES AND TRAILERS).
THE TENANCIES OF THESE THREE LOTS ARE FOR ONE YEAR AND QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
THE REMAINING SITE IS SITUATED AT ON LAI STREET, AREA 11, SHA TIN NEW TOWN, THE NEW TERRITORIES.
OCCUPYING AN AREA OF ABOUT 2,200 SQUARE METRES, THE PIECE OF LAND IS INTENDED FOR THE REPAIR AND/OR MAINTENANCE OF MOTOR VEHICLES EXCLUDING PRIME MOVERSTRAILERS, TRACTORS, CHASSIS, CONTAINERS AND CONTAINERS ON TRAILERS.
THE TENANCY IS FOR 18 MONTHS AND QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
SUBMISSION OF TENDERS WILL BE CLOSED AT NOON ON JUNE 26.
FORMS OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICES AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND TENDER PLANS OF THE FOUR SITES INSPECTED AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14/F, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES KOWLOON, 10/F, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON; AND THE RESPECTIVE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES.
---------0-----------
/8 ........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 1992
- 8
NON-GRADUATE TEACHER VACANCIES ESTIMATED AT 2,100
*****
THERE WILL BE AN ESTIMATED 2,100 NON-GRADUATE TEACHER VACANCIES IN PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN THE 1992-93 SCHOOL YEAR, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE SAID THIS IN ANNOUNCING THE NUMBER OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY CLASSES WHICH WILL BE REDUCED BECAUSE OF THE ABOLITION OF REPETITION ALLOWANCE AT THE PRIMARY 1 AND SECONDARY 1 LEVELS, AND THE NUMBER OF NON-GRADUATE TEACHERS WHO WILL BE AFFECTED.
"SEVENTY-FOUR NON-GRADUATE TEACHERS IN THE PRIMARY SECTOR AND 44 NON-GRADUATE SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS WILL BE AFFECTED," THE SPOKESMAN SAID, ADDING THAT THE TOTAL FOR GRADUATE TEACHERS WAS 102.
ON THE NUMBER OF CLASSES, HE SAID 62 PRIMARY AND 57 SECONDARY CLASSES WOULD BE REDUCED BECAUSE OF THE ABOLITION OF REPETITION ALLOWANCE.
ANOTHER 54 SECONDARY CLASSES WOULD ALSO BE REDUCED TO COMBINE UNDER-ENROLLED SECONDARY 2-3 CLASSES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"EVERY YEAR THERE IS ALSO AN EXERCISE ON COMBINING UNDERENROLLED PRIMARY 2-6 CLASSES AND PHASING OUT SMALL PRIMARY SCHOOLS. FOR THE COMING SCHOOL YEAR, A TOTAL OF 227 PRIMARY CLASSES WILL BE REDUCED AND WILL AFFECT 273 NON-GRADUATE TEACHERS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THIS, HE SAID, WOULD BRING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF AFFECTED NON-GRADUATE TEACHERS TO 391, COMPARED TO THE ESTIMATED 2,100 VACANCIES.
"EVEN IF WE INCLUDE THE TOTAL OUTPUT OF 1,007 GRADUATING FROM THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION THIS YEAR, THERE WILL STILL BE A THEORETICAL SHORTFALL IN NON-GRADUATE TEACHERS OF 702," THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT.
BUT HE SAID THERE WOULD BE 393 NON-GRADUATE BY THE DECLINE OF THE PRIMARY-AGED POPULATION WHICH REDUCTION OF 327 PRIMARY CLASSES.
TEACHERS AFFECTED WOULD RESULT IN A
THIS WOULD REDUCE THE NUMBER OF VACANCIES TO 309, WHICH COULD BE FILLED BY FORMER QUALIFIED TEACHERS REJOINING THE TEACHING PROFESSION AND TEACHERS HOLDING NON-STANDARD QUALIFICATIONS, SUCH AS THOSE WITH APPROVED POST-SECONDARY COLLEGE DIPLOMAS.
---------0-----------
/9 ........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 1992
9 -
CULINARY SEMINAR WITH LUNCH FOR 200 SENIOR CITIZENS
******
THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT WILL HOST A "CULINARY SEMINAR" DURING A 15-COURSE LUNCH FOR 200 ELDERLY RESIDENTS ON FRIDAY (JUNE 12) AT THE HOTEL VICTORIA.
THE EVENT WAS ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE ROTARY CLUB OF CITY NORTH WEST (RCCNW) AND A NUMBER OF Local organisations with the aim to promote "healthy eating among the ELDERLY".
THE menu had been specially prepared by a food and beverage COLUMNIST AND A HOTEL CHEF.
A DIETIAN, MRS MIMI SHUM, WILL GIVE A TALK ON THE IMPORTANCE OF A BALANCED AND NUTRITIOUS DIET.
OFFICIATING GUESTS WILL INCLUDE THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR AMBROSE LAU; THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD’S WORKING GROUP ON ELDERLY WELFARE, MR SAMMY POONE; RCCNW’S PRESIDENT, MR PETER LEUNG; ASSISTANT CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS MARY TSANG; AND DISTRICT SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER, MISS ANGELINA LO.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE LUNCHEON SEMINAR WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 12.15 PM ON FRIDAY (JUNE 12) AT THE BALLROOM OF THE HOTEL VICTORIA, 200 CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL.
NEWS MEDIA MEMBERS WISHING TO JOIN THE LUNCH SHOULD CALL MRS CHRISTINE LI ON TEL 852 3549 FOR RESERVATIONS.
0
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 908MN
REVERSAL OF LAF +80MN
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 988MN
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY +250MN
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1238MN
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 111.3 *+0.1* 10.6.92
/HONG KONG .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10„ 1992
- 10 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1W 2.83 PCT 18M 2311 6.25 102.43 4.48
IM 2.80 PCT 21M 2402 5.50 101.17 4.82
3M 2.87 PCT 24M 2405 5.50 100.91 5.06
6M 3.21 PCT
12M 3.92 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 4,506MN
CLOSED 10 JUNE 1992
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HK'S EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS FOR APRIL RELEASED ................... 1
FOOD HYGIENE CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED ...................................... 8
GOVT FAVOURS ORGAN DONATION BY CHOICE AND CONSCIOUS ACT ............. 9
CAPUT SCHOOLS ....................................................... 10
ED -STATEMENT ON INQUEST............................................. 11
PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION (AMENDMENT) BILL ........................ 12
AMENDMENT TO COMPLAINTS ORDINANCE ................................... 12
TENDERS INVITED FOR PURCHASE OF "RODGERS" ORGAN ..................... 13
TEMPORARY POST OFFICE FOR LIONS CONVENTION .......................... 13
234 VMS RETURNED TODAY .............................................. 14
GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY ...................................... 14
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .......... 19
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 1992
- 1 -
HK’S EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS FOR APRIL RELEASED ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE IN APRIL THIS YEAR, AT $149,598 MILLION, INCREASED BY 19% IN VALUE AS COMPARED WITH APRIL LAST YEAR, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECREASED BY 3% TO $17,718 MILLION WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 28% TO $53,330 MILLION.
TAKING DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 19% TO $71,048 MILLION.
MEANWHILE, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY 19% TO $78,551 MILLION.
THE VALUE OF TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE IN THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS THIS YEAR, AT $535,873 MILLION, INCREASED BY 21% AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECREASED MARGINALLY BY 0.4% TO $66,424 MILLION, WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 32% TO $192,942 MILLION.
THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 22% TO $259,366 MILLION WHILE THAT OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY 21% TO $276,507 MILLION.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
COMPARING APRIL 1992 WITH APRIL 1991, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO TAIWAN (BY 23%), CHINA (BY 13%), SINGAPORE (BY 10%) AND THE UNITED STATES (BY 4%).
HOWEVER, SUBSTANTIAL DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO GERMANY (-43%), FRANCE (-27%), THE NETHERLANDS (-25%), JAPAN (-18%) AND THE UNITED KINGDOM (-16%).
COMPARING THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS IN 1992 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1991, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA, CANADA, SINGAPORE, TAIWAN AND THE UNITED STATES INCREASED BY 15%, 12%, 8%, 5% AND 5% RESPECTIVELY.
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO GERMANY, FRANCE, THE NETHERLANDS, THE UNITED KINGDOM AND JAPAN DECREASED, BY 33%, 17%, 17%, 15% AND 2% RESPECTIVELY.
TABLE 2 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
COMPARING THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS IN 1992 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1991, INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE REGISTERED FOR ELECTRIC CURRENT (BY $222 MILLION OR 85%); MACHINERY SPECIALISED FOR PARTICULAR INDUSTRIES (BY $217 MILLION OR 28%); OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $165 MILLION OR 3%); CLOTHING (BY $111 MILLION OR 1%); AND MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES OF MAINLY JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES (BY $91 MILLION OR 1%).
/HOWEVER, DECREASES ........
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 1992
2
HOWEVER, DECREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE RECORDED IN TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $1,027 MILLION OR 21%); PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $851 MILLION OR 13%); ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $116 MILLION OR 2%); AND TEXTILES (BY $79 MILLION OR 2%).
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM THE 10 MAJOR SUPPLIERS ARE SUMMARISED IN TABLE 3.
COMPARING APRIL 1992 WITH APRIL 1991, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA, JAPAN, GERMANY, CHINA AND SINGAPORE INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY, BY 30%, 30%, 26%, 20% AND 20% RESPECTIVELY.
THOSE FROM TAIWAN, THE UNITED KINGDOM, ITALY AND SWITZERLAND ALSO INCREASED, BY 17%, 15%, 14% AND 8% RESPECTIVELY.
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM THE UNITED STATES DECREASED BY 1%.
COMPARING THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS IN 1992 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1991, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM ALL MAJOR SUPPLIERS: JAPAN (BY 28%), GERMANY (BY 27%), THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (BY 26%), CHINA (BY 25%), ITALY (BY 22%), TAIWAN (BY 20%), THE UNITED KINGDOM (BY 10%), SWITZERLAND (BY 5%), THE UNITED STATES (BY 5%) AND SINGAPORE (BY 4%).
TABLE 4 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
COMPARING THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS IN 1992 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1991, INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS WERE REGISTERED FOR MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES OF MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $4,774 MILLION OR 33%); CLOTHING (BY $4,058 MILLION OR 22%); TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $4,019 MILLION OR 23%); ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $3,773 MILLION OR 17%); AND TEXTILES (BY $3,320 MILLION OR 12%) .
HOWEVER, DECREASES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS WERE RECORDED IN PETROLEUM, PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND RELATED MATERIALS (BY $1,685 MILLION OR 33%); AND OTHER TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT (BY $1,665 MILLION OR 72%).
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 5.
COMPARING APRIL 1992 WITH APRIL 1991, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM, THE UNITED STATES, CHINA, ITALY, TAIWAN AND JAPAN INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY, BY 41%, 39%, 37%, 30%, 27% AND 27%
RESPECTIVELY. THOSE TO-SINGAPORE AND FRANCE ALSO INCREASED, BY 19% AND 12% RESPECTIVELY.
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO GERMANY AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA DECREASED BY 8% AND 2% RESPECTIVELY.
/COMPARING THE .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 1992
3
COMPARING THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS IN 1992 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1991, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO THE UNITED STATES, CHINA, ITALY, THE UNITED KINGDOM, FRANCE AND JAPAN INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY, BY 47%, 41%, 39%, 33%, 30% AND 25% RESPECTIVELY. THOSE TO SINGAPORE AND TAIWAN ALSO INCREASED, BY 18% AND 14% RESPECTIVELY.
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO GERMANY DECREASED BY 6%.
TABLE 6 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
COMPARING THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS IN 1992 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1991, INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS WERE REGISTERED FOR MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES OF MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $7,606 MILLION OR 46%); CLOTHING (BY $4,145 MILLION OR 23%); FOOTWEAR (BY $3,382 MILLION OR 53%); PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $3,205 MILLION OR 58%); AND TEXTILES (BY $3,113MILLION OR 20%).
HOWEVER, DECREASES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS WERE RECORDED IN FISH, CRUSTACEANS, MOLLUSCS AND AQUATIC INVERTEBRATES, AND PREPARATIONS THEREOF (BY $119 MILLION OR 9%); AND OIL SEEDS AND OLEAGINOUS FRUITS (BY $103MILLION OR 56%).
STARTING FROM JANUARY THIS YEAR, THE THIRD REVISION OF THE STANDARD INTERNATIONAL TRADE CLASSIFICATION (SITC REV. 3) HAS BEEN ADOPTED IN HONG KONG IN PLACE OF THE SECOND REVISION FOR THE CLASSIFICATION OF TRADE STATISTICS BY COMMODITY.
TO ACHIEVE COMPARABILITY, THE COMMODITY TRADE STATISTICS FOR 1991 PRESENTED HERE HAVE BEEN RE-CLASSIFIED ACCORDING TO THE NEW SYSTEM.
ALL THE 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 APRIL1992 WILL BE RELEASED IN EARLY JULY.
DETAILED TRADE STATISTICS ANALYSED BY COMMODITY AND BY COUNTRY ARE PUBLISHED IN TRADE STATISTICS REPORTS.
THE APRIL 1992 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE" WITH DETAILED ANALYSES ON THE PERFORMANCE OF HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE IN APRIL 1992 WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT $52.00 PER COPY AROUND JUNE 22.
THE REPORT CAN BE PURCHASED AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE ON THE GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, OR THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON THE 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER 1, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
/ENQUIRIES REGARDING .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 1992
4
ENQUIRIES REGARDING REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION TO THIS REPORT MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, HONG KONG (TEL NO. 842 8802) AND ENQUIRIES ON TRADE STATISTICS TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL NO. 582 4915) .
TABLE 1: DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAJOR MARKETS
APR APR 92 JAN-APR JAN-APR 92
MAJOR MARKET 1992 OVER 1992 OVER
APR 91 JAN-APR 91
(HKD MN.) ( % ) (HKD MN.) ( 5 % )
CHINA 5,363 + 13 17,261 + 15
UNITED STATES 4,420 + 4 16,766 + 5
GERMANY 845 - 43 4,270 - 33
JAPAN 835 - 18 3,566 - 2
UNITED KINGDOM 858 - 16 3,508 - 15
SINGAPORE 805 + 10 3,012 + 8
TAIWAN 674 + 23 2, 106 + 5
NETHERLANDS 343 - 25 1,545 - 17
CANADA 307 - 2 1,509 + 12
FRANCE 243 - 27 1,000 — 17
TABLE 2: DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
APR APR 92 JAN-APR JAN-APR 92
COMMODITY 1992 OVER 1992 OVER
DIVISION APR 91 JAN-APR 91
(HKD MN.) ( % ) (HKD MN.) ( % )
ARTICLES OF APPAREL
AND CLOTHING
ACCESSORIES 4,292 - 5 19,520 + 1
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES) 1,769 - 12 6,915 + 1
/OFFICE MACHINES .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 1992
5
OFFICE MACHINES AND
AUTOMATIC DATA
PROCESSING EQUIPMENT 1,513 ♦ 5,947 + 3
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY,
APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES,
AND ELECTRICAL PARTS
THEREOF 1,676 + 5 5,689 — 2
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS,
WATCHES AND CLOCKS 1,491 - 20 5,621 — 13
TEXTILE YARN,FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND
RELATED PRODUCTS ♦ ’ TABLE 3: IMPORTS 1,790 + 15 5,096 DENOTES LESS THAN 0.5% FROM THE 10 MAJOR SUPPLIERS 2
APR APR 92 JAN-APR JAN-APR 92
MAJOR SUPPLIER 1992 OVER APR 91 1992 OVER JAN-APR 91
(HKD MN.) ( % ) (HKD MN.) ( % . )
CHINA 28,463 + 20 100,760 + 25
JAPAN 13,660 + 30 48,208 + 28
TAIWAN 7,320 + 17 25,221 + 20
UNITED STATES 5,576 - 1 19,533 + 5
REP OF KOREA 4,221 + 30 13,655 + 26
SINGAPORE 2,857 + 20 10,623 + 4
GERMANY 1,795 + 26 6,388 + 27
UNITED KINGDOM 1,755 + 15 6,121 4- 10
ITALY 1,181 + 14 4,319 + 22
SWITZERLAND 1,071 + 8 3,844 + 5
/TABLE 4 .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 1992
6
TABLE 4: IMPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISION (I APR 1992 1KD MN. ) APR 92 OVER APR 91 ( % ) JAN-APR 1992 (HKD MN.) JAN-APR 92 OVER JAN-APR 91
( % ; )
TEXTILE YARN,FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 10,390 + 20 30,358 + 12
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 7,781 + 28 26,422 + 17
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 5,801 + 16 22,360 4- 22
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 6,142 + 20 21,710 + 23
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES,TOYS,GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 4,979 + 15 19,335 + 33
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 3,848 + 14 13,735 + 17
TABLE 5: RE-EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAJOR MARKETS
MAJOR MARKET APR 1992 (HKD MN.) APR 92 OVER APR 91 ( % ) JAN-APR 1992 (HKD MN.) JAN-APR 92 OVER JAN-APR 91
( ‘ % )
CHINA 17,296 + 37 58,379 + 41
UNITED STATES 10,169 + 39 38,639 + 47
JAPAN 2,859 + 27 10,830 + 25
GERMANY 2,381 - 8 9,764 - 6
TAIWAN 2,641 + 27 8,916 + 14
/UNITED KINGDOM .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 1992
7
UNITED KINGDOM 1,397 + 41 4,958 + 33
REP OF KOREA 1,277 - 2 4,484 + 1
SINGAPORE 1,141 + 19 4,197 + 18
FRANCE 892 + 12 3,386 + 30
ITALY 890 + 30 3,334 + 39
TABLE 6: RE-EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISION (H APR 1992 KD MN.) APR 92 OVER APR 91 JAN-APR 1992 (HKD MN.) JAN-APR 92 OVER JAN-APR 91
( % . ) ( % . )
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRI AGES,TOYS,GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 6,328 + 25 24,234 + 46
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 5, 107 + 20 21,851 + 23
TEXTILE YARN,FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 6,233 + 29 18,850 + 20
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 4,266 + 18 14,732 + 21
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 4,158 4- 34 14,646 + 26
FOOTWEAR 2,286 + 4 3 9,797 + 53
/8 ........
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 1992
8
FOOD HYGIENE CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED * * * *
THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TODAY (THURSDAY) LAUNCHED A THREE-MONTH TERRITORY-WIDE FOOD HYGIENE CAMPAIGN TO REMIND PEOPLE IN THE FOOD TRADE AND INDUSTRY TO OBSERVE GOOD FOOD HYGIENE PRACTICES TO SAFEGUARD PUBLIC HEALTH.
ENTITLED "FOOD HYGIENE IS OUR TALKING POINT", THE CAMPAIGN WAS ORGANISED UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE URBAN COUNCIL (UC) AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL (RC) AND WAS ATTENDED BY REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE FOOD TRADE.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE UC’S PUBLIC HEALTH SELECT COMMITTEE, PROFESSOR LEUNG PING-CHUNG, SAID FOOD POISONING AND FOOD-BORNE DISEASES COULD BE PREVENTED IF PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT THE CAUSES AND CHANNELS OF FOOD CONTAMINATION.
"PROPER PREVENTIVE MEASURES CAN BE TAKEN DURING FOOD PREPARATION, THUS BREAKING THE CRUCIAL LINK OF CONTAMINATION AND MAKING THE FOOD MUCH SAFER FOR CONSUMPTION," PROFESSOR LEUNG SAID.
HE SAID THE TWO MUNICIPAL COUNCILS AND THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH HAVE ALL ALONG BEEN MONITORING THE HYGIENE CONDITION OF FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS AND FOOD SAFETY.
THEY HAVE ALSO ACTIVELY EDUCATED THE PUBLIC ON THE GENERAL AND CORRECT KNOWLEDGE IN HYGIENE AND SANITATION, HE ADDED.
LAST YEAR, A TOTAL OF 225 FOOD POISONING CASES AFFECTING 761 PEOPLE, 1,297 CASES OF HEPATITIS A, 442 CASES OF DYSENTERY AND FIVE CASES OF CHOLERA WERE REPORTED.
HOWEVER, PROFESSOR LEUNG SAID MANY OF THESE CASES WERE RESULTED FROM THE CONSUMPTION OF CONTAMINATED AND IMPROPERLY TREATED FOOD.
AT THE SAME CEREMONY, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE RC’S ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE SELECT COMMITTEE, MR YEUNG FUK-KWONG, SAID LEGISLATION HAD BEEN ENACTED ON THE MONITORING OF HYGIENIC CONDITIONS OF FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS AND FOOD SAFETY.
"EFFECTIVE ENFORCEMENT OF LAWS WILL ACT AS A DETERRENT TO IMPROPER PRACTICES SUCH AS RUNNING A FOOD ESTABLISHMENT WITHOUT A LICENCE, ILLEGALLY EXTENDING THE BUSINESS PREMISES TO SOLICIT MORE CUSTOMERS AND ABUSING THE USE OF FOOD ADDITIVES.
MR YEUNG HOPED THAT THE CAMPAIGN WOULD ENABLE PEOPLE TO HAVE A CLEAR UNDERSTANDING ON THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE LEGISLATION AND ENHANCE THE AWARENESS OF GOOD FOOD HYGIENE PRACTICES.
HE CALLED FOR THE CO-OPERATION AND ACTIVE PARTICIPATION OF THE PUBLIC TO JOIN HANDS WITH THE AUTHORITIES TO ENSURE FOOD SAFETY.
DURING THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD, 24 FOOD HYGIENE SEMINARS WILL BE HELD FOR PEOPLE IN THE FOOD TRADE, INCLUDING LICENSEES AND STAFF OF LICENSED FOOD PREMISES, COOKED FOOD STALLS AND CANTEENS AT CONVENIENTLY LOCATED VENUES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
/THE SEMINARS .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 1992
9
THE SEMINARS, WHICH ARE EDUCATIONAL IN NATURE, WILL EACH COMPRISE A TALK, A SLIDE SHOW AND A FILM ON FOOD CONTAMINATION AND ITS PREVENTION, FOLLOWED BY AN OPEN DISCUSSION.
PRINTED EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO SUPPLEMENT THE TALK.
AT THE END OF THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD, EACH PARTICIPANT WILL BE AWARDED A CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE.
WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, FOUR OTHER SEMINARS WILL BE ORGANISED FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS, WHO WILL IN TURN CONVEY THE MESSAGES TO THEIR STUDENTS.
TO DRIVE HOME THE FOOD HYGIENE MESSAGE, A TELEVISION AND RADIO APIS (ANNOUNCEMENTS IN PUBLIC INTEREST) WILL BE SHOWN AND BROADCAST AND A ROUND-THE-CLOCK HEALTH EDUCATON HOTLINE (723 0013) WILL BE SET UP TO ANSWER ENQUIRIES ON FOOD HYGIENE MATTERS.
A BROADCASTING VAN WILL BE DEPLOYED TO STEP UP PUBLICITY AT VARIOUS STRATEGIC LOCALITIES.
ALSO PRESENT AT TODAY’S CEREMONY WAS THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF HEALTH (HYGIENE), DR MAHOMMED BIN ALI.
------0-------
GOVT FAVOURS ORGAN DONATION BY CHOICE AND CONSCIOUS ACT * * * ♦ ♦
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, TONIGHT (THURSDAY) DISMISSED THE ADOPTION OF A STATUTORY "OPTING-OUT" SYSTEM TO SECURE AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF ORGANS FOR TRANSPLANT IN HONG KONG AS ADVOCATED BY SOME PEOPLE.
UNDER THIS SYSTEM, SHE EXPLAINED, ORGANS WOULD BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR TRANSPLANT UPON ONE’S DEATH UNLESS ONE HAD SPECIFICALLY OPTED TO THE CONTRARY.
"WE BELIEVE THIS TO BE AN EVENTUAL GOAL," SHE STATED.
HOWEVER, GIVEN PREVAILING PUBLIC ATTITUDES, SUCH LEGISLATION WAS AT PRESENT SIMPLY NOT ACCEPTABLE, SHE ADDED.
"WE ARE AWARE THAT OFTEN THE NEXT-OF-KIN OF THE DECEASED RESENT THE REMOVAL OF ORGANS FROM THEIR DEAR DEPARTED.
"WE MUST ALWAYS RESPECT THE WISHES OF THE BEREAVED AND NOT ADD TO THE PAIN OF THEIR BEREAVEMENT.
"SO, WE FAVOUR DONATION BY CHOICE AND CONSCIOUS ACT; THEN LATER, THROUGH PUBLIC EDUCATION AND ATTITUDE CHANGE, WE CAN GO FURTHER FORWARD."
/SPEAKING AT .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 1992
10
SPEAKING AT THE LIONS KIDNEY EDUCATIONAL CENTRE AND RESEARCH FOUNDATION DIRECTORS’ DINNER MEETING, MRS WONG SAID 1,124 PEOPLE DIED OF RENAL FAILURE lb) 1990.
AND AT THE END OF FEBRUARY THIS YEAR, SOME 600 PATIENTS WERE ON THE WAITING LIST FOR TRANSPLANT.
THE GOVERNMENT, SHE SAID, WAS ENDEAVOURING TO INCREASE THE SUPPLY OF ORGANS AND TO INTRODUCE SAFEGUARDS AGAINST ABUSE AS WELL AS FOR PATIENT SAFETY.
ON THE SUPPLY OF ORGANS, THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH HAS LAUNCHED A MULTI-MEDIA CAMPAIGN TO MOTIVATE MORE PEOPLE TOWARDS ORGAN DONATION, TO PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION ON THE SUBJECT AND TO REMOVE MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT ORGAN DONATION AND TRANSPLANT.
"MANY HONG KONG PEOPLE IN RECENT MONTHS HAVE DEMONSTRATED A SOCIAL CONSCIENCE AND A BIG CARING HEART OVER, FOR EXAMPLE, LITTLE GORDON OR FLOODS IN CHINA," MRS WONG SAID.
"WE ARE CONVINCED THAT WE CAN WIN OVER MORE AND MORE PEOPLE TO DONATE THEIR ORGANS AND TO SAVE OTHERS."
AS REGARDS LEGISLATION, THE HUMAN ORGAN TRANSPLANT BILL WHICH IS BEING STUDIED BY A LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AD HOC GROUP, SEEKS TO BAN ADVERTISING AND SOLICITATION RELATING TO COMMERCIAL ORGAN TRADING.
IT ALSO AIMS TO CONTROL THE TRANSPLANTING OF ORGANS FROM UNRELATED LIVING DONORS, AND ESTABLISH AN INDEPENDENT STATUTORY BOARD TO CONSIDER SPECIFIC REQUESTS FOR ORGANS TO BE TAKEN FROM UNRELATED LIVING DONORS.
MRS WONG ALSO PAID TRIBUTE TO THE LIONS KIDNEY EDUCATIONAL CENTRE AND RESEARCH FOUNDATION FOR HAVING SET A GOOD EXAMPLE IN REACHING OUT THROUGH EDUCATION, PUBLICITY AND PERSUASION.
SHE BELIEVED THAT THEIR HARD WORK WOULD ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR THOSE WITH RENAI; PROBLEMS.
0--------
CAPUT SCHOOLS * * * * *
"THERE ARE ESTABLISHED RULES GOVERNING PRIVATE NON-PROFIT-MAKING SCHOOLS RECEIVING THE PER CAPUT GRANT UNDER THE BOUGHT PLACES SCHEME.
THE GRANT AIMS MAINLY TO HELP THESE SCHOOLS TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN QUALIFIED TEACHERS BY SUPPLEMENTING THEIR SALARIES TO A LEVEL COMPARABLE TO THOSE IN AIDED SCHOOLS, AND TO HELP IMPROVE FACILITIES OR EQUIPMENT.
/THE RULES .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 1992
- 11 -
THE RULES STIPULATE THAT NOT LESS THAN 65% OF THE GRANT SHOULD BE USED ON SUPPLEMENTING TEACHERS’ SALARIES AND THAT NOT MORE THAN 35% SHOULD BE USED ON IMPROVEMENTS.
CAPUT SCHOOLS ARE REQUIRED, UNDER THE RULES, TO KEEP RECORDS AND ACCOUNTS WHICH ARE MADE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT ANY TIME, AND COPIES ARE SUBMITTED ANNUALLY TOGETHER WITH THE AUDITED ACCOUNTS TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT. THESE ARE CHECKED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
UNLIKE AIDED SCHOOLS WHICH HAVE A CODE OF AID UNDER WHICH THE DISMISSAL OF STAFF FOLLOWS A SET OF PROCEDURES, THE RULES GOVERNING CAPUT SCHOOLS REFER ONLY TO CONDITIONS FOR THE EMPLOYMENT OF TEACHING STAFF.
HOWEVER, SINCE EARLY LAST YEAR CAPUT SCHOOLS HAVE BEEN INFORMED THAT WHEN ADDITIONAL FUNDS ARE PROVIDED TO THEM, PROBABLY IN 1993, TO BRING THEM UP TO AIDED SCHOOL STANDARD, THEY WOULD BE REQUIRED TO FOLLOW THE CODE OF AID PROCEDURES FULLY WHEN APPOINTING AND DISMISSING TEACHERS.
IN TERMS OF LAW, CONTRACTS OF EMPLOYMENT ARE GOVERNED BY THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE. IN DISMISSING TEACHERS, THE EDUCATION REGULATIONS ALSO REQUIRE THE AGREEMENT OF THE MAJORITY OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SCHOOL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.
IT HAS BEEN COMPLIED WITH IN THIS CASE. IN MONITORING THE SCHOOL, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAD ALSO ADVISED THE SUPERVISOR THAT THE SCHOOL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE SHOULD BE STRENGTHENED.”
---------0-----------
ED STATEMENT ON INQUEST * * * ♦
IN REPSONSE TO MEDIA ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THE INQUEST INTO THE DEATH OF A 13-YEAR-OLD STUDENT, AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID:
THE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT INFORMED BEFOREHAND THAT A CORONER’S COURT WOULD BE HELD AND THAT NO SUMMONS FOR AN OFFICER TO APPEAR BEFORE THE COURT YESTERDAY (JUNE 10) WAS RECEIVED.
A SUMMONS WAS RECEIVED ONLY YESTERDAY THAT AN OFFICER SHOULD APPEAR TODAY AND THIS HAS BEEN COMPLIED WITH.
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL NOT COMMENT ON THE DELIBERATIONS OF THE COURT BUT WILL STUDY THE CORONER’S REPORT WHEN IT IS RECEIVED AND WILL GIVE CAREFUL CONSIDERATION TO THE RIDERS CONTAINED THEREIN.
- - 0 -
/12 ........
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 1992
12
PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION (AMENDMENT) BILL
*****
APPROVAL HAS BEEN GIVEN BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992 TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE BILL WAS TO EXCLUDE APPOINTMENTS AND PROMOTIONS OF CIVIL SERVANTS WORKING IN THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY (HA) AND THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL (VTC) FROM THE PURVIEW OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION.
THE VTC AND HA TOOK OVER THE OPERATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING DEPARTMENT (TEITD) AND THE HOSPITAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (HSD) IN AUGUST AND DECEMBER LAST YEAR RESPECTIVELY.
"CIVIL SERVANTS WORKING IN THESE ORGANISATIONS HAVE BEEN ASSURED THAT THEIR PROSPECTS FOR APPOINTMENT OR PROMOTION IN THESE ORGANISATIONS WILL BE PRESERVED," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"ON BEING SELECTED BY THE VTC OR HA FOR APPOINTMENT TO HIGHER RANKS WITHIN THESE ORGANISATIONS, CIVIL SERVANTS WILL BE PROMOTED UNDER A SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE PROMOTION SCHEME WITHIN THE CIVIL SERVICE."
FOLLOWING THE ENACTMENT OF THE BILL, THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION WILL NOT ADVISE ON THE SUITABILITY OF THE CIVIL SERVANTS SELECTED FOR APPOINTMENT UNDER THIS SCHEME AS THE SELECTION IS MADE BY EITHER THE VTC OR HA. '
"THE COMMISSION WILL, HOWEVER, CONTINUE TO ADVISE ON MATTERS RELATING TO CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE IN RESPECT OF CIVIL SERVANTS WORKING IN THESE TWO ORGANISATIONS," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THE BILL WILL BE TABLED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR FIRST AND SECOND READING ON JULY 1.
-----0-------
AMENDMENT TO COMPLAINTS ORDINANCE
*****
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS APPROVED THE INCLUSION OF THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER’S OFFICE AND THE REPLACEMENT OF THE CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES DEPARTMENT BY THE CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT IN THE LIST OF DEPARTMENTS AND ORGANISATIONS TO WHICH THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS ORDINANCE APPLIES.
"FOLLOWING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A SEPARATE OFFICIAL RECEIVER’S OFFICE FROM JUNE 1, 1992 AS PART OF THE REORGANISATION OF THE
REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT, AND THE CHANGE OF THE TITLE OF CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT, THE AMENDMENT TO THE LIST IS NECESSARY TO ENABLE THE COMMISSIONER TO DEAL WITH COMPLAINTS RELATING TO THESE TWO -ORGANISATIONS," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
THE CHANGES WILL BE GAZETTED TOMORROW UNDER THE COMAC ORDINANCE (AMENDMENT OF SCHEDULE 1) ORDER 1992.
------0--------
/13 .....
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 1992
13
TENDERS INVITED FOR PURCHASE OF ’’RODGERS” ORGAN
THE GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PURCHASE OF A "RODGERS” ORGAN MODEL 110E AND ACCESSORIES FROM CITY HALL OF URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THE ORGAN HAS SERVED THE CONCERT HALL OF CITY HALL FOR ABOUT 16 YEARS AND HAS NOW BECOME SURPLUS TO REQUIREMENT.
A TECHNICAL CHECK WAS CONDUCTED AND REVEALED THAT THE INSTRUMENT IS STILL SERVICEABLE AND HAS RESALE VALUE.
TENDER NOTIFICATIONS FOR THIS PURCHASE WILL BE GAZETTED AND PRINTED IN SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST, WAH KIU YAT PO, ECONOMIC JOURNAL AND ECONOMIC TIMES ON FRIDAY (JUNE 12).
TENDER FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT PROCUREMENT DIVISION, 6/F, GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT, OIL STREET, NORTH POINT, HONG KONG.
- - 0 - -
TEMPORARY POST OFFICE FOR LIONS CONVENTION
******
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR M. PAGLIARI, ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT A TEMPORARY POST OFFICE WILL BE SET UP AT LEVEL 1 OF THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE, WAN CHAI FOR THE 75TH LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION FROM JUNE 22 TO 26 TO SERVE DELEGATES ATTENDING THE CONVENTION.
THE OFFICE HOURS OF THE TEMPORARY POST OFFICE WILL BE:
9 AM TO 5 PM (JUNE 22 TO 25)
9 AM TO 3 PM (JUNE 26)
A SET OF FIVE SOUVENIR COVERS ISSUED BY THE ORGANISERS OF THE CONVENTION WILL BE PUT ON SALE AT $30 PER SET AT THE TEMPORARY POST OFFICE FROM JUNE 22 TO 26 AND AT THE FOLLOWING PHILATELIC OFFICES FROM JUNE 18 TO 26:
AIRPORT POST OFFICE
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE POST OFFICE
GENERAL POST OFFICE
GRANVILLE ROAD POST OFFICE
PEAK POST OFFICE
SHA TIN CENTRAL POST OFFICE
TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE
A SPECIAL DATESTAMP WILL BE INTRODUCED.
A HAND-BACK SERVICE USING THE SPECIAL DATESTAMP WILL BE PROVIDED AT THE TEMPORARY POST OFFICE AND THE SEVEN PHILATELIC OFFICES FROM JUNE 22 TO 26 FOR PRIVATELY MADE COVERS BEARING INDICATION OF THE CONVENTION.
/A SOUVENIR
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 1992
14
A SOUVENIR STAMP PACK TO MARK THE OCCASION WILL BE PUT ON SALE AT THE TEMPORARY POST OFFICE AND THE SEVEN PHILATELIC OFFICES AS FROM JUNE 22 AT $47 EACH. THE PACK CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING SETS OF SPECIAL STAMPS:
- YEAR OF THE MONKEY
- HONG KONG PEOPLE
- 100 YEARS OF TRANSPORT IN HONG KONG
- HONG KONG LANDMARKS (ONLY THE $1.70 STAMP WHICH DEPICTS THE
PEAK LIONS CLUB PAVILION)
- 0 -
234 VMS RETURNED TODAY ******
A GROUP OF 234 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (THURSDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE UNHCR’S VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME.
COMPRISING 96 MEN, 55 WOMEN, 47 BOYS AND 36 GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 106TH BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.
THIS GROUP BROUGHT TO 4,683 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAVE RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 18,662 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN MARCH 1989.
- - 0 - -
GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY ******
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED GRADES ON THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF ALL BATHING BEACHES IN HONG KONG.
THE PURPOSE OF THE GRADING SYSTEM IS TO INFORM SWIMMERS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC ABOUT THE STATE OF BACTERIOLOGICAL POLLUTION AT VARIOUS BEACHES.
AN EPD SPOKESMAN SAID THE GRADING WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT BIWEEKLY INTERVALS DURING THE BATHING SEASON, TO COINCIDE WITH THE FREQUENCY AT WHICH BEACH WATERS ARE USUALLY SAMPLED.
THE GRADING IS BASED ON THE MOST RECENT E.COLI DATA OBTAINED BY THE EPD IN ITS ROUTINE MONITORING PROGRAMME.
AS .WITH LAST YEAR, THE GRADING ALSO INCLUDES AN ESTIMATE OF THE RISK OF SUFFERING SOME MINOR SKIN OR GASTROINTESTINAL COMPLAINTS AS A RESULT OF SWIMMING AT A BEACH WHICH HAS SOME DEGREE OF POLLUTION.
THE ESTIMATE IS BASED ON A LARGE BODY OF STATISTICAL INFORMATION GATHERED IN HONG KONG IN RECENT BATHING SEASONS.
/THE GRADING
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 1992
15
THE GRADING OF SOME BEACHES MAY VARY DURING THE SUMMER. THIS REPRESENTS A NATURAL FLUCTUATION IN THE BACTERIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF BATH ING WATERS IN MOST CASES, AS RAIN AND TIDES BRING MORE OR LESS POLLUTION TO THE BEACHES.
HOWEVER, THE GRADES GIVE A GOOD GENERAL PICTURE OF THE WATER QUALITY AT BATHING BEACHES AT THE TIME OF REPORTING AND FORM THE BEST AVAILABLE FORECAST FOR THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE.
"BEACHES WITH HIGHLY DEVELOPED HINTERLANDS ARE LIKELY TO BE MORE POLLUTED THAN THE GRADES SUGGEST DURING AND AFTER HEAVY RAIN. BATHERS SHOULD AVOID SUCH BEACHES FOR TWO OR THREE DAYS AFTER A STORM, LONGER IF THE WEATHER REMAINS OVERCAST OR LESS IF THERE IS STRONG SUNSHINE."
THE SYSTEM FOR GRADING BEACH WATER QUALITY IS AS FOLLOWS:
» GRADE "1" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS GOOD. THE E. COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 24 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED RISK OF MINOR ILLNESS TO SWIMMERS IS UNDETECTABLE.
* GRADE "2" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS FAIR. THE E. . COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 180 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS NO MORE THAN 10 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
* GRADE "3" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS POOR. THE E. COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 610 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS NO MORE THAN 15 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
* GRADE "4" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS VERY POOR. THE E. COLI COUNT IS MORE THAN 610 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS MORE THAN 15 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
THE DECISION ON WHETHER OR NOT TO CLOSE A BEACH TO SWIMMERS IS BASED ON A JUDGEMENT OF WHAT DEGREE OF POLLUTION IS ACCEPTABLE.
NORMALLY, THE CLOSURE OF A BEACH WOULD ONLY BE CONSIDERED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL OR REGIONAL COUNCIL IF A "4" GRADE OCCURRED REPEATEDLY, SO THAT THE AVERAGE HEALTH RISK OVER THE BATHING SEASON EXCEEDED 15 CASES PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
SIMILARLY, THE REOPENING OF A CLOSED BEACH WOULD ONLY BE CONSIDERED IF A "3" GRADE OR BETTER WERE CONSISTENTLY OBTAINED.
AT PRESENT, TWO BATHING BEACHES, NAMELY CASTLE PEAK AND OLD CAFETERIA, HAVE BEEN DECLARED UNSUITABLE FOR SWIMMING PURPOSES, BASED ON THE WATER QUALITY DURING PAST SEASONS.
THEY ARE POLLUTED BY . FAECAL WASTES AND FAIL TO ACHIEVE CONSISTENTLY THE HONG KONG STANDARDS. THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED NOT TO SWIM IN THE WATER AT THESE TWO BEACHES.
/IN ADDITION .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 1992
16
IN ADDITION, ROCKY BAY BEACH HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR SWIMMING PURPOSES BY THE URBAN COUNCIL. THESE THREE BEACHES ARE IDENTIFIED BY AN ”X" IN THE FOLLOWING LIST.
THE GRADES ON THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF VARIOUS BEACHES IN HONG KONG TODAY ARE LISTED BELOW:
BEACH PREVIOUS PRESENT
GRADING GRADING
(AS AT 28.5.92) (AS AT 11.6.92)
HONG KONG SOUTH
BIG WAVE BAY 2 2
CHUNG HOM KOK 2 2
DEEP WATER BAY 1 1
HAIRPIN 1 1
MIDDLE BAY 1 1
REPULSE BAY 1 1
SHEK O 22
SOUTH BAY 1 1
ST. STEPHEN’S 1 1
TURTLE COVE 1 1
STANLEY MAIN , 2 2
ROCKY BAY X X
TO TEI WAN* 1 1
TUEN MUN DISTRICT
OLD CAFETERIA
NEW CAFETERIA
CASTLE PEAK
KADOORIE
BUTTERFLY
X
2
X
3
3
X
2
X
3
2
/SAI KUNG ........
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 1992
17
SAI KUNG DISTRICT
CAMPERS 2
CLEAR WATER BAY 1ST BEACH 2
CLEAR WATER BAY 2ND BEACH 2
HAP MUN BAY 1
KIU TSUI 1
PAK SHA CHAU 1
SILVERSTRAND 3
TRIO (HEBE HAVEN) 2
ISLANDS DISTRICT
CHEUNG SHA UPPER 1
CHEUNG SHA LOWER 2
DISCOVERY BAY* 3
HUNG SHING YEH 2
KWUN YAM WAN 2
TONG FUK 1
LO SO SHING ’ 1
PUI 0 2
SILVERMINE BAY 3
TUNG WAN, CHEUNG CHAU 2
TUNG O* 1
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT
ANGLERS’ 3
APPROACH 3
CASAM 3
2
2
2
1
1
1
3
2
1
2
3
1
2
1
1
1
2
2
1
3
4
4
/GEMINI
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 1992
- 18 -
GEMINI 3 3
HOI MEI WAN 3 4
LIDO 33
TING KAU 4 4
TUNG WAN, MA WAN 2 3
NOTE: "X" THE BEACH HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR SWIMMING PURPOSES.
* NON-GAZETTED BEACHES.
THE FOLLOWING BEACHES HAVE CHANGED GRADING ON THIS OCCASION:
HUNG SHING YEH, PUI O FROM "2" TO "1"; SILVERMINE BAY, BUTTERFLY FROM "3" TO "2"; TUNG WAN, MA WAN FROM "2" TO "3"; APPROACH, CASAM, HOI MEI WAN FROM "3" TO "4".
THE CHANGES ARE WITHIN THE NORMAL RANGE OF FLUCTUATION OF THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF THESE BEACHES.
THE VERY POOR WATER QUALITY AT TING KAU, APPROACH, CASAM AND HOI MEI WAN BEACHES IS DUE TO THE RECENT HEAVY RAINFALL WHICH HAD CAUSED THE POLLUTANTS IN THE BEACH HINTERLAND TO BE FLUSHED INTO THE SEA WATER.
IN ADDITION TO THE ROUTINE MONITORING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY, THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT IN COLLABORATION WITH THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY (DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND FAMILY MEDICINE AND DEPARTMENT OF MICROBIOLOGY) WILL CONDUCT AN EPIDEMIOLOGICAL-MICROBIOLOGICAL STUDY AT REPULSE BAY BEACH AND BUTTERFLY BEACH STARTING JUNE THIS YEAR-.
THE STUDY AIMS TO IDENTIFY AND QUANTIFY THE PATHOGENS THAT MIGHT CAUSE DISEASES AMONG BATHERS SWIMMING IN POLLUTED BEACH WATER, SO THAT APPROPRIATE STANDARD CAN BE USED AND EFFECTIVE POLLUTION CONTROL MEASURES CAN BE DEVISED.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT ACTING PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER (WATER POLICY) OF EPD, MR EDMOND HO, ON TEL 835 1234.
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/19
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 1992
- 19 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
11 JUNE 1992
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,238 MN
REVERSAL OF LAF -250 MN
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 988 MN
NET INJECTION/WTTHDRAWAL TODAY NIL
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY NIL
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 988 MN
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 111.2 *-0.1* 11.6.92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS
TERMS YIELD TERM
1 WEEK 3.29 PCT 18 MONTHS
1 MONTH 2.99 PCT 21 MONTHS
3 MONTHS 6 MONTHS 12 MONTHS 2.93 PCT 3.26 PCT 3.96 PCT 24 MONTHS
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS
CLOSED 11 JUNE 1992
- 5,498 MN
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
2311 6.25 102.27 4.65
2402 5.50 101.03 4.91
2405 5.50 100.74 5.16
0----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 842 8777
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
DEPARTURE OF THE GOVERNOR ....................................... 1
GOVERNOR RETURNS ................................................ 2
ACP COSTS IN MONEY OF THE DAY ................................... 2
POLICE EQUIPMENT IMPROVEMENTS ................................... 4
NEW BILL TO CONTROL AIR POLLUTION ............................... 6
GOVT TO CONSULT PUBLIC ON ANTI-SMOKING MEASURES ................. 7
FULL CONVERSION TO WHOLE-DAY SCHOOLING A LONG TERM GOAL ......... 8
INFORMATION ON SLOPES AND SQUATTER STUDIES OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ... 10
REVIEW OF COMAC OFFICE .......................................... 10
FASTER PROVISION OF REHAB SERVICES FAVOURED ..................... 11
NO REVIEW ON NT TAXIS' BAN ...................................... 12
PROPOSED RECLAMATION AT SIU LANG SHUI ........................... 13
RIGHTS FOR LAWYERS IN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT .......... 14
DRAFT MUI WO FRINGE DPA PLAN PUBLISHED........................... 14
TENDERS INVITED FOR INFRASTRUCTURAL WORKS FOR TIN SHUI WAI ...... 15
REPROVISIONING OF GOVT DOCKYARD AT STONECUTTERS ISLAND .......... 16
STATUTORY EMPLOYEES RETRAINING FUND TO SET UP ................... 16
NEW CHAIRMEN APPOINTED TO TWO SPORTS BODIES ..................... 17
DREDGING OF APPROACH CHANNEL TO TSUEN WAN PERMANENT PIER ........ 18
TENDERS INVITED FOR CONSTRUCTION OF RC MARKET COMPLEX ........... 18
TENDERS INVITED FOR BUILDING REFUSE COLLECTION BUILDING ......... 19
UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS TO BE CLOSED......................... 19
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND .............................. 20
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1992
1
DEPARTURE OF THE GOVERNOR
*****
THE GOVERNOR, LORD WILSON OF TILLYORN, WILL BE GIVEN A FOND FAREWELL ON JULY 3 WHEN HE LEAVES HONG KONG ON COMPLETION OF HIS TERM OF OFFICE.
THE MAIN FOCUS OF THE FAREWELL PROGRAMME WILL BE A COMMUNITY RECEPTION AT THE CITY HALL AND A COLOURFUL PERFORMANCE BY THE YOUNG PEOPLE OF HONG KONG IN EDINBURGH PLACE.
THE GOVERNOR'S FAREWELL PROGRAMME WILL START EARLY IN THE EVENING AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE WHERE LORD WILSON WILL INSPECT A PARADE FORMED BY ALL OF HIS AIDES-DE-CAMP AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ARMED FORCES AND ALL THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES.
THE GOVERNOR AND LADY WILSON WILL THEN SAY GOODBYE TO GOVERNMENT HOUSE STAFF BEFORE PROCEEDING TO THE CITY HALL COMMUNITY RECEPTION. THEY WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY THEIR SONS, PETER AND ANDREW.
SOME 800 PEOPLE FROM A WIDE CROSS-SECTION OF THE COMMUNITY, INCLUDING PROFESSIONAL, BUSINESS, LABOUR, EDUCATIONAL, WELFARE, RELIGIOUS AND MEDIA FIELDS, WILL ATTEND THE FAREWELL RECEPTION IN THE CITY HALL CHINESE RESTAURANT.
ALSO PRESENT WILL BE MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS, SENIOR MEMBERS OF THE CIVIL SERVICE, THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS AND DISTRICT BOARDS.
AFTER THE RECEPTION, LORD WILSON AND HIS FAMILY WILL BE TREATED TO A 20-MINUTE PERFORMANCE OF SONG AND DANCE BY VARIOUS YOUTH GROUPS. SOME 800 YOUNG PEOPLE WILL TAKE PART.
THE PROGRAMME, TO BE PRESENTED BY RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG, WILL FEATURE A CHILDREN’S CHOIR, YOUTH ORCHESTRA, GYMNASTIC DISPLAYS, PARADES, A MIXTURE OF CHINESE AND WESTERN DANCING, AS WELL AS A MULTIMEDIA PRESENTATION ALONG THE THEME OF "A GREEN ENVIRONMENT".
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WILL BE ABLE TO WATCH THE PERFORMANCE AT EDINBURGH PLACE, WHICH WILL START AT 7.30.PM.
FOLLOWING THE PERFORMANCE, LORD WILSON AND HIS FAMILY WILL BOARD "THE LADY MAURINE" AT QUEEN’S PIER TO CROSS THE HARBOUR EN ROUTE TO THE AIRPORT.
THEY WILL BE SEEN OFF AT KAI TAK AIRPORT SHORTLY BEFORE 9 PM BY MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE MADE FOR MEDIA COVERAGE OF THE DEPARTURE OF THE GOVERNOR. DETAILS WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN DUE COURSE.
--------0 -
/2........
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1992
2
GOVERNOR RETURNS ♦ ♦ ♦ » »
THE GOVERNOR, LORD WILSON, TODAY (FRIDAY) RETURNED TO HONG KONG AFTER A WEEK-LONG VISIT TO CHINA.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE AIRPORT, LORD WILSON SAID HE WAS STRUCK BY THE IMMENSE AMOUNT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE PLACES HE HAD VISITED, INCLUDING HUBEI AND SICHUAN.
"I WAS VERY STRUCK IN BOTH PLACES BY THE AMOUNT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND THE ENORMOUS INTEREST THERE IS IN INVESTMENT FROM HONG KONG. BUILDING UP ECONOMIC RELATIONSHIP WITH HONG KONG, OF COURSE, IS SOMETHING THAT I VERY MUCH ENCOURAGE,” HE SAID.
ASKED ABOUT HIS TALKS WITH CHINA ON THE NEW AIRPORT, LORD WILSON SAID THE AIRPORT PROJECT WAS SOMETHING WHICH WAS VERY IMPORTANT AND WE HAD TO GET AHEAD WITH.
”WE WANT TO FULFILL OUR UNDERTAKING UNDER THE THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING TO COMPLETE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE BY 1997 AND WE NEED TO GET ON WITH THAT.”
HE SAID PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT IN THE AIRPORT PROJECT HAD ALWAYS BEEN PART OF THE PLAN AND WAS SOMETHING TO WHICH WE HAD ATTACHED GREAT IMPORTANCE.
WHILE SOME OF THE ESTIMATES HAD CHANGED, THE COST TO THE GOVERNMENT, THAT WAS TO THE PUBLIC, HAD REMAINED VERY CONSTANT, HE ADDED.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION ON THE CHINESE ATTITUDE ON DEVELOPMENT OF PARTY POLITICS IN HONG KONG, LORD WILSON SAID: ’’THERE IS A REALISATION THAT POLITICAL GROUPS ARE FORMING AND THAT IS PART OF THE POLITICAL REALITY HERE. I THINK EVERYBODY SIMPLY RECOGNISES THAT AS A FACT OF LIFE.
”1 AM ALWAYS PLEASED TO SEE CONTACTS BETWEEN POLITICAL LEADERS HERE AND PEOPLE IN CHINA. THAT HELPS TO INCREASE UNDERSTANDING AND I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THOSE ACROSS THE BOARD.”
- - 0 - -
ACP COSTS IN MONEY OF THE DAY *****
THE TOTAL COST OF CONSTRUCTING THE 10 PROJECTS IN HONG KONG’S AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME IS $163.7 BILLION IN MONEY OF THE DAY TERMS.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THIS FIGURE WAS EQUIVALENT TO THE ESTIMATE OF $112.2 BILLION IN MARCH 1991 PRICES, WHICH WAS PUBLISHED TWO MONTHS AGO.
/"THE COST
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1992
3
"THE COST OF THE PROGRAMME HAS NOT CHANGED IN REAL TERMS AND REMAINS THE ESTIMATE FOR COMPLETING AND OPENING THE AIRPORT AND OTHER CORE PROJECTS IN 1997,” SAID THE SPOKESMAN.
"EVEN MORE IMPORTANTLY, THE CONTRIBUTION BY THE GOVERNMENT AND THE TAXPAYER OF HONG KONG OF $59.3 BILLION HAS NOT CHANGED SINCE IT WAS ISSUED IN THE MIDDLE OF 1991. THIS IS EQUIVALENT TO $80.4 BILLION IN MONEY OF THE DAY.
"SO THERE HAS BEEN NO COST ESCALATION IN REAL TERMS ON THESE PROJECTS - AND THE FIRST MAJOR CONTRACT, FOR THE TSING MA BRIDGE, HAS BEEN AWARDED WITHIN OUR ESTIMATES," SAID THE SPOKESMAN.
THE GOVERNMENT’S $80.4 BILLION (MONEY OF THE DAY) CONTRIBUTION COMPRISES, AS WE TOLD LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL LAST WEEK, $60.1 BILLION IN PUBLIC WORKS AND $20.3 BILLION IN EQUITY INJECTIONS INTO THE AIRPORT AUTHORITY AND MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION.
ALL OTHER FUNDING COMES FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR, MUCH OF IT FROM INTERNATIONAL SOURCES. THIS INCLUDES EQUITY INVESTMENTS (FOR EXAMPLE THE WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING AND FRANCHISES AT THE AIRPORT), PLUS COMMERCIAL LENDING FROM BANKS AND OTHER SOURCES.
THIS MEANS THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE MEETING LESS THAN HALF OF THE COST OF THE PROGRAMME WITH TAXPAYERS’ MONEY, AND EVERY DOLLAR OF THIS GOVERNMENT MONEY WILL BE RECOVERED BEFORE 2010 THROUGH LAND SALES REVENUE AND DIVIDENDS, SAID THE SPOKESMAN.
"SO THE GOVERNMENT WILL GET A VERY GOOD RETURN ON ITS INVESTMENTS, IN ADDITION TO ALL THE ECONOMIC BENEFITS FLOWING FROM THE NEW AIRPORT. FOR EXAMPLE, ITS EQUITY CONTRIBUTION OF $16.6 BILLION (MONEY OF THE DAY) IN THE AIRPORT ITSELF WILL YIELD DIVIDENDS OF ABOUT $56 BILLION BY 2010," SAID THE SPOKESMAN.
"THE GOVERNMENT PUBLISHED ITS EARLIER COSTS ESTIMATES IN MARCH 1991 FIGURES. THESE WERE UPDATED TO $112.2 BILLION IN APRIL THIS YEAR, USING THE SAME 1991 BASE IN ORDER TO MAKE IT EASY FOR THE PUBLIC TO COMPARE LIKE WITH LIKE.
"THIS ENLARGES TRANSPARENCY ON THE COSTS OF THE ENTIRE PROGRAMME BECAUSE ANY INCREASES IN REAL COSTS WILL BE INSTANTLY VISIBLE, AND WILL NOT BE OBSCURED BY ALLOWANCES FOR INFLATION.
"BUT MONEY OF THE DAY FIGURES ALSO HAVE TO BE PRODUCED TO SHOW THE ESTIMATED EFFECTS OF INFLATION DURING THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION PERIOD OF THE VARIOUS PROJECTS. THESE FIGURES ARE USED IN FIXED PRICE CONTRACTS AND IN PLANNING BANK BORROWINGS BY THE AIRPORT AUTHORITY AND THE MTRC.
"THE $163.7 BILLION FIGURE IS THE MONEY OF THE DAY EQUIVALENT OF THE $112.2 BILLION OVERALL ESTIMATE IN 1991 PRICES. IN LINE WITH NORMAL PRACTICE, IT DOES NOT INCLUDE FINANCING COSTS (INTEREST ON LOANS AND OTHER CHARGES) ASSOCIATED WITH PRIVATE SECTOR LENDING.
/"IF AVAILABLE .......
4
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1992
"IF AVAILABLE ESTIMATES OF THESE FINANCING CHARGES ARE ADDED IN, THE TOTAL COMES TO AN ESTIMATED $175.3 BILLION. BUT THIS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE ANY INCREASE IN THE BASIC PROJECT ESTIMATES, NOR DOES IT AFFECT THE GOVERNMENT’S AND TAXPAYERS’ CONTRIBUTION," SAID THE SPOKESMAN.
ACP TOTAL COSTS (EXCLUDING FINANCING CHARGES)
HK$ IN MARCH HK$ IN MONEY
1991 FIGURES OF THE DAY
AIRPORT: AA WORKS 33.7 BN 48.2 BN
GOVERNMENT WORKS 3. 1 BN 4.9 BN
PRIVATE SECTOR
FACILITIES 9.5 BN 15.4 BN
TOTAL: 46.3 BN 68.5 BN
AIRPORT RAILWAY 22.1 BN 33.5 BN
WESTERN HARBOUR
CROSSING 4. 1 BN 6.5 BN
GOVERNMENT PUBLIC
WORKS EXCLUDING
FACILITIES AT CLK 39.7 BN ♦ 55.2 BN *
TOTAL 112.2 BN 163.7 BN
* COSTS FOR GOVERNMENT FACILITIES AT CHEK LAP KOK ARE SHOWN AGAINST THE AIRPORT. IF THEY ARE ADDED INTO THE GOVERNMENT WORKS FIGURES, THE GOVERNMENT TOTAL BECOMES $42.8 BILLION IN 1991 PRICES AND $60.1 BILLION IN MONEY OF THE DAY. THE OVERALL GOVERNMENT CONTRIBUTION TO THE PROGRAMME OF $59.3 BILLION IN 1991 PRICES ($80.4 BILLION MONEY OF THE DAY) IS MADE UP OF THESE FIGURES, PLUS EQUITY CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE PAA AND MTRC.
------- 0------
POLICE EQUIPMENT IMPROVEMENTS *****
PLANNED IMPROVEMENTS TO POLICE WEAPONS AND RELATED EQUIPMENT IN A BID TO BEEF UP THE FORCE’S ABILITIES TO FIGHT CRIMES WILL BECOME REALITY SOON NOW THAT THE NECESSARY FUNDS HAVE BEEN APPROVED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE TODAY (FRIDAY).
MEMBERS OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ENDORSED SUBMISSIONS FOR A NON-RECURRENT SUM OFS31.9 MILLION FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF HEAVY-BARRELLED REVOLVERS, NEW HOLSTERS, SPEEDLOADERS AND POUCHES, AND FOR THE MODIFICATIONS OF RADIO HOLDERS AND PLAIN CLOTHES OFFICERS’ REVOLVERS.
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE ALSO APPROVED A RECURRENT COMMITMENT OF $2.1 MILLION A YEAR TO THE FORCE FOR THE PURCHASE OF IMPROVED AMMUNITION.
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1992
5
IN THE SUBMISSIONS, A POLICE WORKING GROUP, WHILE CONCLUDED ’ THAT THE PRESENT POLICE SERVICE REVOLVER WAS STILL THE BEST AND MOST RELIABLE WEAPON, RECOMMENDED THAT A MORE POWERFUL AMMUNITION SEMI-JACKETED HOLLOW POINT - BE USED FOR ITS HIGHER STOPPING POWER.
THE SUPERIOR AMMUNITION, WHICH IS ALSO LESS SUSCEPTIBLE TO RICOCHET, IS NOW BEING USED BY MANY POLICE FORCES AROUND THE WORLD.
TO FACILITATE THE USE OF SUCH AMMUNITION, A HEAVY-BARRELLED VERSION OF THE .38 SMITH AND WESSON REVOLVER WAS RECOMMENDED FOR BEST RESULTS. THE EXISTING REVOLVERS WILL BE TRADED IN WITH THE MANUFACTURER.
REVOLVERS PRESENTLY USED BY PLAIN-CLOTHES POLICE OFFICERS NEED NOT BE REPLACED BUT MOST OF THEM, WHICH ARE FITTED WITH WOODEN GRIPS,HAVE TO BE REFITTED WITH PLASTIC GRIPS FOR BETTER RECOIL ABSORPTION.
AS PART OF THE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME, THE $31.9 MILLION ALLOCATED WOULD ALSO BE USED TO ACQUIRE NEW HOLSTERS, WITH BUILT-IN SECURITY FEATURES TO HOLD THE REVOLVERS, TO ALLOW OFFICERS DRAWING FIREARMS MORE QUICKLY AND SAFELY.
EXCEPT FOR LEFT-HANDERS, THE HOLSTERS WILL BE WORN ON THE RIGHT SIDE.
SPEEDLOADER TO HOLD THE SIX EXTRA ROUNDS NOW ISSUED TO OFFICERS WILL ALSO BE PURCHASED TO BOOST THE RELOADING CAPACITY OF OFFICERS WHEN REQUIRED, POUCHES FOR THESE SPEEDLOADERS WILL ALSO BE BOUGHT.
AS A RESULT OF A CHANGE IN THE POSITION OF THE HOLSTER, THE RADIO HOLDERS USED BY BEAT POLICE OFFICERS HAVE HAD TO BE MODIFIED AT A COST OF $200 PER UNIT.
IN ADDITION, A POLICE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT IT WAS EQUALLY IMPORTANT THAT OFFICERS SHOULD BE GIVEN SUFFICIENT TRAINING IN THE USE OF FIREARMS.
"THIS IS THE ONLY WAY THAT AN OFFICER CAN BECOME EXPERIENCED AND CONFIDENT OF FIRING HIS WEAPONS ACCURATELY TN HOSTILE SITUATIONS," HE SAID.
TO ENHANCE THE FORCE’S TRAINING CAPABILITIES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID PRELIMINARY WORK ON THE CONSTRUCTION A NEW $50 MILLION INDOOR FIRING RANGE AT NGAU TAU KOK HAD BEGUN.
"THIS NEW FACILITY WILL FORM AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THE FORCE’S STRATEGY IN COMBATING VIOLENT CRIME, TO WHICH WE WILL CONTINUE TO GIVE THE HIGHEST PRIORITY," HE SAID.
------0----------
/6 ........
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1992
6 -
NEW BI LU TO CONTROL AIR POLLUTION t * * t * *
THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY) THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992 WHICH SEEKS TO PROVIDE MORE COMPREHENSIVE AND EFFECTIVE CONTROL OF AIR POLLUTION IN HONG KONG.
ACCORDING TO AN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT, MR FRED TROMP, THE BILL PROPOSED A WIDE RANGE OF CHANGES AND ADDITIONS TO THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE WHICH WAS ENACTED IN 1983.
AMONG THE MANY PROPOSALS, THREE MAJOR OBJECTIVES ARE TO CONTROL THE RELEASE OF ASBESTOS, TO REMOVE THE EXEMPTION BEING ENJOYED BY SOME FACTORIES FROM BEING REQUIRED TO HOLD A LICENCE TO OPERATE THE SO-CALLED "SPECIFIED PROCESSES", AND TO ISSUE A TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM TO GUIDE THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT IN THE ABATEMENT OF AIR POLLUTION.
"ASBESTOS IS KNOWN TO CAUSE CANCER BUT THE RELEASE OF IT FROM BUILDING WORKS AND SO FORTH IS NOT CONTROLLED UNDER THE CURRENT ORDINANCE.
"WE HAVE PROPOSED THAT ALL WORKS INVOLVING ASBESTOS MUST BE CARRIED OUT BY REGISTERED QUALIFIED PERSONS WITH THE ADVICE AND UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF REGISTERED CONSULTANTS", MR TROMP SAID.
"IT IS INTENDED THAT HOSPITALS AND SCHOOLS WILL BE REQUIRED TO CARRY OUT SURVEYS TO DETERMINE THE PRESENCE OF ASBESTOS. IN ADDITION, THE IMPORT AND SALE OF THE MOST DANGEROUS BLUE AND BROWN ASBESTOS WILL BE BANNED."
MR TROMP SAID HE HOPED THAT THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT COULD START TO REGISTER QUALIFIED PERSONS AND COMPANIES LATER THIS YEAR.
THE FULL RANGE OF CONTROLS ON ASBESTOS IS AIMED TO COME IN ABOUT ONE YEAR AFTERWARDS.
THE CURRENT ORDINANCE HAS IDENTIFIED 23 TYPES OF THE POTENTIALLY MORE SERIOUS AIR POLLUTING PROCESSES SUCH AS POWER STATIONS, STEEL WORKS AND CEMENT WORKS AND REQUIRES THEM TO BE REGISTERED WITH THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT AS "SPECIFIED PROCESSES".
HOWEVER, MR TROMP POINTED OUT THAT "ONLY SOME OF THESE SPECIFIED PROCESSES WERE PRESENTLY CONTROLLING THEIR EMISSIONS UNDER LICENCES ISSUED BY THE EPD AND MOST WERE, IN FACT, EXEMPTED UNDER THE EXISTING LAW.
MANY OF THESE FACTORIES WERE CONTINUING TO USE OUT-DATED EQUIPMENT AND PROCESSES AND THE TIME HAD COME FOR THEM TO START TO CLEAN UP THEIR ACT.
"THE EXEMPTIONS WOULD BE REMOVED IN PHASES AND IN FULL CONSULTATION WITH THE INDUSTRIES INVOLVED," HE SAID.
/MR TROMP .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1992
7
MR TROMP WENT ON TO SAY THAT THE BILL ALSO PROPOSED TO ADD A FURTHER EIGHT TYPES OF SPECIFIED PROCESSES TO THE 23 EXISTING ONES AND TO WIDEN THE SCOPE OF APPLICATION.
AS A RESULT OF ALL THESE MEASURES A TOTAL OF 250 FACTORIES INCLUDING CONCRETE BATCHING PLANTS, METAL FOUNDRIES AND HOSPITAL INCINERATORS WOULD EVENTUALLY BE REQUIRED TO HOLD LICENCES.
THE THIRD MAJOR OBJECTIVE OF THE BILL IS TO PROVIDE FOR A TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM TO HELP THE EPD IN THE ABATEMENT OF AIR POLLUTION.
’’THE CURRENT ORDINANCE DID NOT SPECIFY PRECISELY HOW AIR POLLUTION SHOULD BE DEFINED AND DETERMINED AND THIS HAD CAUSED DIFFICULTIES IN ABATING AIR POLLUTION EFFICIENTLY AND EFFECTIVELY,” MR TROMP SAID.
’’SOME PEOPLE JUST DID NOT AGREE THAT THEY WERE ACTUALLY CREATING AIR POLLUTION.”
THE TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM WOULD STIPULATE CLEARLY THE METHODS, STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES FOR THE CONTROL AUTHORITY TO FOLLOW IN ISSUING AIR POLLUTION ABATEMENT NOTICES.
THE BILL ALSO PROPOSES TO INCREASE PENALTIES FROM THE CURRENT MAXIMUM OF $50,000 TO $500,000 AND 12 MONTHS IMPRISONMENT FOR SERIOUS OFFENCES.
TO FURTHER INCREASE THE DETERRENT EFFECT, IT ALSO PROPOSES THAT COMPANY DIRECTORS MAY BE HELD PERSONALLY LIABLE FOR POLLUTION OFFENCES.
- - 0 - -
GOVT TO CONSULT PUBLIC ON ANTI-SMOKING MEASURES ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ *
THE GOVERNMENT WILL SOON CONDUCT AN EXERCISE TO CONSULT THE PUBLIC ON FURTHER ANTI-SMOKING MEASURES, THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SIR DAVID SAID THE AMENDMENT OF THE SMOKING (PUBLIC HEALTH) ORDINANCE EARLIER THIS YEAR TO FURTHER RESTRICT THE USE, SALE AND PROMOTION OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS WAS BOTH A CREDIT TO THE HONG KONG COUNCIL ON SMOKING AND HEALTH AND A REFLECTION OF THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO ANTI-SMOKING.
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE COUNCIL’S NEW OFFICE IN WAN CHAI.
LEGISLATION ASIDE, THE GOVERNMENT ALSO DISCOURAGED SMOKING THROUGH EDUCATION AND PREVENTION, WHICH WERE PRIMARILY CARRIED OUT BY THE COUNCIL, HE SAID.
/SIR DAVID
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1992
8
SIR DAVID SAID THE COUNCIL COULD TAKE PRIDE IN ALL THAT IT HAD DONE TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC, PARTICULARLY THE YOUNG, ON THE HEALTH HAZARDS OF SMOKING.
HE ALSO CONGRATULATED THE COUNCIL ON ITS ACHIEVEMENTS IN PROTECTING THE HEALTH OF HONG KONG PEOPLE AGAINST THE HARMFUL EFFECT OF SMOKING.
SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 1987, THE COUNCIL HAS ESTABLISHED ITSELF AS THE FLAGCARRIER OF HONG KONG’S ANTI-SMOKING CAMPAIGN, RECEIVING ATTENTION LOCALLY AND WORLDWIDE.
"THIS COULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE WITHOUT THE DEDICATED EFFORTS OF ALL CONCERNED," HE SAID.
"I KNOW THAT FURTHER INITIATIVES WILL BE FORTHCOMING FROM THE COUNCIL. I CAN ASSURE THE COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENT’S SUPPORT," SIR DAVID SAID.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
A PHOTOGRAPH OF SIR DAVID AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE BOXED. THE FULL TEXT OF HIS SPEECH, IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE, WILL BE FAXED LATER TODAY.
--------0-----------
FULL CONVERSION TO WHOLE-DAY SCHOOLING A LONG TERM GOAL *****
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS ACCEPTED THE EDUCATION COMMISSION'S RECOMMENDATION THAT THE ORIGINAL PLAN TO INTRODUCE MIXED-MODE SCHOOLING SHOULD BE ABANDONED.
UNDER THE PLAN, PRIMARY 5 AND 6 CLASSES WOULD BE OPERATED WHOLE-DAY WHILE THE REST OF THE SCHOOL REMAIN BI-SESSIONAL.
THE COMMISSION CONSIDERS THAT MIXED-MODE SCHOOLING WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO IMPLEMENT PROPERLY GIVEN THE OPPOSITION OF SOME TEACHERS AND HEADMASTERS DURING PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON EDUCATION COMMISSION REPORT NO.4.
ON THE QUESTION OF WHOLE-DAY SCHOOLING, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE EDUCATION COMMISSION HAD CONSIDERED THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF CONVERTING ALL HALF-DAY CLASSES TO WHOLE-DAY OPERATION WITHIN A FIXED TIME FRAME, IN THE CONTEXT OF OTHER COMPETING CLAIMS FOR FUNDS.
"THE COMMISSION HAS RECOMMENDED THAT, WHILE THE CONVERSION OF ALL PRIMARY CLASSES TO WHOLE-DAY OPERATION SHOULD REMAIN A LONG-TERM GOAL, NO SPECIFIC TIME FRAME COULD BE SET FOR ITS IMPLEMENTATION AT THIS STAGE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/"HOWEVER IF ........
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1992
9
"HOWEVER IF A PRIMARY SCHOOL WISHES TO CONVERT TO WHOLE-DAY OPERATION AND IF THIS WOULD NOT LEAD TO A SHORTAGE OF SCHOOL PLACES IN THE DISTRICT CONCERNED, IT SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO DO SO," HE ADDED.
THE GOVERNMENT HAS ACCEPTED THIS RECOMMENDATION.
TO DEMONSTRATE ITS COMMITMENT TO THE GOAL OF WHOLE-DAY SCHOOLING AND TO RECOGNISE THE ADDITIONAL STAFF REQUIREMENTS OF OPERATING WHOLE-DAY CLASSES, THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALSO ACCEPTED THE EDUCATION COMMISSION’S PROPOSAL TO:
* RAISE THE TEACHER/CLASS RATIO FROM THE PRESENT 1.2:1 TO 1.4:1; AND
* IMPROVE THE RATIO OF SENIOR TEACHERS, I.E. ASSISTANT MASTER/MISTRESS (AM), FROM ONE AM FOR EVERY FOUR CLASSES TO ONE AM FOR EVERY THREE CLASSES.
THESE IMPROVED MANNING SCALES WOULD APPLY TO BOTH EXISTING WHOLE-DAY SCHOOLS AND OTHER SCHOOLS WHICH WOULD CONVERT TO WHOLE-DAY OPERATION UNDER THE ARRANGEMENT APPROVED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
AT PRESENT THERE ARE 100 SCHOOLS OPERATING WHOLE-DAY CLASSES. THE ANNUAL COST OF PROVIDING THE IMPROVED MANNING .RATIOS TO THESE SCHOOLS IS ESTIMATED TO BE $29 MILLION. AN ADDITIONAL 133 TEACHERS WILL BE REQUIRED.
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION ALSO ESTIMATES THAT, IF THE RECOMMENDATION TO CONTINUE ALLOWING SCHOOLS TO TURN WHOLE-DAY "NATURALLY" IS ADOPTED, ABOUT 39 ADDITIONAL SCHOOLS COULD DO SO WITHIN FIVE YEARS.
BASED ON THIS ESTIMATE, ANOTHER 123 TEACHERS WILL BE REQUIRED AND THE ADDITIONAL ANNUAL EXPENDITURE WILL RISE TO $46.9 MILLION.
IN ADDITION, NON-RECURRENT EXPENDITURE OF $3.8 MILLION FOR FURNITURE GRANTS TO THE 39 SCHOOLS WILL BE INCURRED.
THE PROPOSALS WILL BE FUNDED BY THE NEW ALLOCATION OF $300 MILLION TO SCHOOLS EDUCATION AS ANNOUNCED BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON APRIL 1, 1992, AND IMPLEMENTED BY PHASES AS SOON AS POSSIBLE SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF FUNDS BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE.
1
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, WILL BRIEF NEWS MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF WHOLE-DAY SCHOOLING AT 3 PM TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE SESSION WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH CONFERENCE ROOM, 12TH FLOOR, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING.
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.
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/ 10.....
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1992
10
INFORMATION ON SLOPES AND SQUATTER STUDIES OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
*****
ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO PROVIDE PUBLIC ACCESS TO INFf’l - \TION CONTAINED IN THE GOVERNMENT CATALOGUE OF SLOPES AND RETAINING WALLS, ALONG WITH THE RESULTS OF GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATIONS OF SQUATTER AREAS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING OFFICE OF THE CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAN OBTAIN INFORMATION FROM THE CATALOGUE BY COMPLETING AN APPLICATION FORM, COPIES OF WHICH WILL BE AVAILABLE AT DISTRICT OFFICES FROM JUNE 16, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ENQUIRING ABOUT SLOPES OR RETAINING WALLS ADJOINING THEIR OWN HOMES.
THE SPOKESMAN REQUESTED THAT RESIDENTS OF THE SAME BUILDING SUBMIT ONLY ONE APPLICATION FORM THROUGH THEIR REPRESENTATIVES INSTEAD OF SUBMITTING SEPARATE APPLICATIONS.
THE CATALOGUE CONSISTS OF DATA SHEETS AND PHOTOGRAPHS OF MORE THAN 10,000 SLOPES. AND RETAINING WALLS.
EACH DATA SHEET INCLUDES INFORMATION ON THE HEIGHT AND STEEPNESS OF EACH SLOPE AND RETAINING WALL, DRAINAGE DETAILS AND THE POSITION OF THE NEAREST STRUCTURE.
ALONG WITH DATA FROM THE CATALOGUE, THE APPLICANT WILL BE GIVEN INFORMATION ABOUT SUBSEQUENT CHANGES OR ACTIONS TAKEN UNDER THE GOVERNMENT’S LONG-TERM PROGRAMME OF GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATIONS AND PREVENTIVE WORKS.
MOST OF THE SQUATTER AREAS ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE CATALOGUE, AND SEPARATE GEOTECHNICAL STUDIES OF SQUATTER AREAS HAVE BEEN UNDERTAKEN BY THE GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING OFFICE IN THE LAST DECADE, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAN OBTAIN INFORMATION ABOUT THE RESULTS OF THE SQUATTER STUDIES UNDERTAKEN BY GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING OFFICE BY TELEPHONING 762 5231 AND THIS SERVICE WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM JUNE 29, 1992.
- - 0 - -
REVIEW OF COMAC OFFICE *****
THE GOVERNMENT WILL REVIEW THE ROLE AND JURISDICTION OF THE OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS (COMAC) TO SEE IF CHANGES ARE NECESSARY.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (FRIDAY), A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE COMAC OFFICE HAD OPERATED FOR MORE THAN THREE YEARS AND A REVIEW WAS THEREFORE CONSIDERED TIMELY.
/"TO FACILITATE
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1992
11
"TO FACILITATE THE REVIEW, VIEWS WILL BE COLLECTED FROM THE PUBLIC UNTIL MID-AUGUST," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED,
HE SAID APART FROM THE ROLE AND JURISDICTION OF THE COMAC, THE REVIEW WOULD ALSO COVER AREAS SUCH AS THE EXISTING REFERRAL SYSTEM UNDER WHICH COMPLAINTS MIGHT ONLY BE REFERRED TO THE COMMISSIONER BY NON-OFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
THE COMAC OFFICE WAS ESTABLISHED IN MARCH 1989 TO SUPPLEMENT AND STRENGTHEN EXISTING CHANNELS FOR THE REDRESS OF GRIEVANCES BUT NOT TO REPLACE THEM.
"IT PROVIDES SOME MEANS WHEREBY AN INDEPENDENT PERSON OUTSIDE THE PUBLIC SERVICE CAN INVESTIGATE AND REPORT ON GRIEVANCES ARISING FROM ADMINISTRATIVE DECISIONS, ACTS,RECOMMENDATIONS OR OMISSIONS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE COMMISSIONER HAS JURISDICTION OVER ALL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS EXCEPT THE POLICE AND THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION.
THERE ARE SEPARATE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THESE TWO ORGANISATIONS AND THE COMMISSIONER IS AN EX-OFFICIO MEMBER OF BOTH THE COMPLAINTS COMMITTEES OF THE POLICE AND THE ICAC.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID PUBLIC CONSULTATION WOULD LAST ABOUT TWO MONTHS AND ALL VIEWS OR PROPOSALS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING TO THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY (ADMINISTRATION) 3, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, 5/F, MAIN WING, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG, BY AUGUST 15, THIS YEAR.
AN INFORMATION NOTE ON THE CURRENT OPERATION OF THE COMAC OFFICE AND THE SCOPE OF THE REVIEW CAN BE OBTAINED AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES.
------0-------
FASTER PROVISION OF REHAB SERVICES FAVOURED *****
COMMUNITY SENTIMENT EXPRESSED DURING THE CONSULTATION PERIOD FOR THE GREEN PAPER ON REHABILITATION POLICIES AND SERVICES FAVOURS A FASTER PACE OF SERVICES, PARTICULARLY THOSE FOR THE SEVERELY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR M.D. CARTLAND, TODAY (FRIDAY) WHEN ADDRESSING THE JOINT SPEECH DAY 1991-92 OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED.
"THE ADMINISTRATION HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THIS PROBLEM AND UNDERTAKEN TO WORK VERY HARD TO TRY TO OVERCOME IT WITHIN FIVE YEARS, MR CARTLAND ADDED.
/NOTING THAT........
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1992
12
NOTING THAT PLACES IN DAY ACTIVITY CENTRES AND RELATED HOSTELS AS WELL AS SHELTERED WORKSHOPS WERE IN SHORT SUPPLY, HE SAID EXISTING PLANS ALREADY PROPOSED 1,240 ADDITIONAL DAY ACTIVITY CENTRE PLACES, 2,080 SHELTERED WORKSHOP PLACES AND 1,700 RESIDENTIAL PLACES BY THE END OF 1996/97.
MR CARTLAND POINTED OUT THAT TO SATISFY THE SERVICE NEEDS OF THE LOW, MODERATE AND SEVERELY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED IN FULL WITHIN FIVE YEARS WOULD CALL FOR AN ADDITIONAL 48 PROJECTS TO PROVIDE ANOTHER 2,400 PLACES.
"DETAILED PLANNING FOR THIS HAS ALREADY COMMENCED AND EFFORTS ARE BEING MADE TO OBTAIN THE NECESSARY RESOURCES," HE ADDED.
IN THE MEANTIME FOR SCHOOL-LEAVERS WHO ARE AWAITING PLACEMENT, THERE ARE HOME-BASED TRAINING PROGRAMMES DESIGNED TO MAINTAIN AND DEVELOP SKILLS WHICH HAVE ALREADY BEEN LEARNT.
MR CARTLAND SAID THERE WERE PRESENTLY FIVE SUCH TEAMS PROVIDING TRAINING FOR A TOTAL OF 400 DISABLED PERSONS IN THEIR OWN HOMES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
A FURTHER MEASURE THAT COULD HELP TO ALLEVIATE THE SITUATION OF FAMILIES WITH DISABLED MEMBERS AWAITING PLACEMENT WAS RESIDENTIAL RESPITE, HE SAID, ADDING THAT IT COULD EFFORT TEMPORARY RELIEF BY TAKING THE DISABLED FAMILY MEMBER INTO RESIDENTIAL CARE FOR A PERIOD OF TWO WEEKS.
"WITH THE EXPANSION OF THE CAPACITY FOR RESPITE LATER IN THE CURRENT YEAR IT WILL BE POSSIBLE TO OFFER THE SERVICE TO COVER 200 FAMILIES PER YEAR," HE ADDED.
MR CARTLAND, IN CONCLUSION, COMMENDED THE EXCELLENT WORK BY THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED, THAT PURSUED ITS OBJECTIVES WITH VIGOUR AND CONSPICUOUS SUCCESS.
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NO REVIEW ON NT TAXIS’ BAN *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAS NO INTENTION TO REVIEW THE EXISTING PROHIBITIONS FOR NEW TERRITORIES TAXIS TO USE THE TAI CHUNG KIU ROAD AND THE SLIP ROAD BETWEEN FO TAN ROAD AND TAI PO ROAD LEADING TO THE SHING MUN TUNNELS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) SAID THERE WERE PRESS REPORTS THAT THESE PROHIBITIONS FOR THE NT TAXIS WILL BE LIFTED ON JUNE 23 THIS YEAR.
HE STRESSED THAT THE OPENING OF THE SHING MUN TUNNELS TO NT TAXIS WOULD ONLY LINK UP THEIR PERMITTED OPERATION POINTS IN SHA TIN AND TSUEN WAN WITHOUT ENLARGING THEIR CATCHMENT AREAS.
/"AS THE
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1992
13
"AS THE OPENING OF THE TUNNELS TO NT TAXIS IS INTENDED TO CATER FOR NT RESIDENTS, SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT ROUTINGS MUST BE DESIGNED FOR NT TAXIS TO AVOID THEM PROVIDING A CHEAPER SERVICE BETWEEN THEIR PERMITTED POINTS IN SHA TIN AND TSUEN WAN THAN THEIR URBAN COUNTERPARTS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE REPORTS WERE PROBABLY ATTRIBUTED TO THE SCHEDULED OPENING OF A SLIP ROAD OFF T6 BRIDGE IN SHA TIN ON JUNE 23, HE ADDED.
TO FACILITATE TRAFFIC FROM MA LIU SHUI TO MA ON SHAN, NT TAXIS ARE PERMITTED TO USE THIS SLIP ROAD ONCE IT IS OPENED.
------0--------
PROPOSED RECLAMATION AT SIU LANG SHUI * * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO PERMIT THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY (PAA) TO RECLAIM LAND AND CONSTRUCT BERTHING FACILITIES WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 20.20 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEA-BED AT SIU LANG SHUI, TUEN MUN.
THE WORK WILL INCLUDE DREDGING, RECLAMATION AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF BERTHS AND BERTHING FACILITIES.
A PORTION OF THIS AREA WILL BE RECLAIMED AT ABOUT THE SAME TIME BY PUBLIC DUMPING TO BE CONTROLLED AND REGULATED BY THE CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT.
THE PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION OF BARGE LOADING FACILITIES IS FOR RECEIVING LAND-BASED FILLING MATERIAL EXCAVATED FROM A BORROW AREA IN CASTLE PEAK.
THE EXCAVATED MATERIAL WILL BE TRANSPORTED FROM THE BORROW SITE TO THIS BERTHING AREA AND LOADED ON TO BARGES FOR TRANSPORTATION TO THE CHEK LAP KOK AIRPORT SITE.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HE HAS AN INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEA-BED INVOLVED MAY SUBMIT A WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 11 THIS YEAR.
THE NOTICE, IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE, TOGETHER WITH ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE.
THE PLAN CAN ALSO BE SEEN OR PURCHASED ON ORDER, AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14/F, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG. IT CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE, 2/F, TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 1 TUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN, NEW TERRITORIES.
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/14 ........
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1992
14
RIGHTS FOR LAWYERS IN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT * * * *
THE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT (CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS) BILL GAZETTED TODAY WILL GIVE LAWYERS WORKING IN THE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT THE SAME RIGHTS AS LEGAL OFFICERS AND LAWYERS IN OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
. BY AMENDING VARIOUS ORDINANCES, THE BILL WILL EXEMPT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT LAWYERS FROM JURY ' DUTY AND ENABLE THEIR LENGTH OF SERVICE IN THE DEPARTMENT TO COUNT TOWARDS ELIGIBILITY FOR APPOINTMENT AS DISTRICT COURT OR SUPREME COURT JUDGES AND FOR ADMISSION AS SOLICITORS.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT LAWYERS WHO ARE SOLICITORS OR QUALIFIED FOR ADMISSION AS SOLICITORS WILL ALSO BE ABLE TO TAKE ON TRAINEE SOLICITORS.
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DRAFT MUI WO FRINGE * * *
DPA PLAN PUBLISHED * *
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD
n,IDIT„.mT T0DAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED
PUBLICATION OF A NEW DRAFT DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREA (DPA) PLAN MUI WO FRINGE.
THE FOR
THE MUI WO FRINGE AREA COVERING ABOUT 243 HECTARES IS LOCATED IMMEDIATELY TO THE WEST AND SOUTH OF THE OLD MUI WO PROPER ON LANTAU ISLAND•
THE AREA CONSISTS OF VAST TRACTS OF EXTENSIVE LOWLAND WHICH IS PREDOMINANTLY RURAL IN CHARACTER.
AGRICULTURAL
VILLAGE SETTLEMENTS CONCENTRATE LARGELY ON THE CENTRAL PARTS OF THE AREA•
THERE IS A GOOD COVERAGE OF MATURE WOODLAND IN THE PERIPHERY OF THE AREA FORMING NATURAL BARRIERS TO THE SETTLEMENTS ON THE PLAIN.
THE PROPOSED LAND USE ZONINGS FOR THE MUI WO FRINGE INCLUDE 12.38 HECTARES OF VILLAGE TYPE DEVELOPMENT. 7.84 HECTARES GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY USE, 1.18 HECTARES OF OPEN 1 37.76 HECTARES OF GREEN BELT AND ’’UNSPECIFIED USE” AREAS HECTARES.
SPACE OF
AREA OF AND
83.84
THE DRAFT DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREA PLAN TOGETHER WITH ITS NOTES AND EXPLANATORY STATEMENT ARE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION FOR A PERIOD OF TWO MONTHS FROM TODAY (JUNE 12) DURING NORMAL OFFICE HOURS AT I
(I) THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE, 20/F, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38
PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG;
/(II) THE PLANNING .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1992
15
(II) THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT, 16/F, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; AND
(III) THE LANTAU & ISLANDS DISTRICT PLANNING OFFICE, 10/F, LEIGHTON CENTRE, 77 LEIGHTON ROAD, HONG KONG.
ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE DRAFT PLAN MAY SEND HIS OBJECTIONS IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY, TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/O PLANNING DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 12, THIS YEAR.
COPIES OF THE DRAFT PLAN CAN BE PURCHASED AT THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT 14/F, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, AND KOWLOON MAP SALES SECTION, 382 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
------0--------
TENDERS INVITED FOR INFRASTRUCTURAL WORKS FOR TIN SHUT WAI
*****
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR SEVERAL PACKAGES OF INFRASTRUCTURAL WORKS IN TIN SHUI WAI, THE NEW TERRITORIES.
ONE OF THE CONTRACTS IS FOR THE TIN SHUI WAI WEST ACCESS WHICH WILL INCLUDE CONSTRUCTION OF ABOUT 1.8 KILOMETRES OF ROAD EMBANKMENT, ROADWORK AND ASSOCIATED DRAINS, A FLYOVER ACROSS CASTLE PEAK ROAD, THREE SUBWAYS AND A TRUMPET INTERCHANGE CONNECTING TO THE YUEN LONG -TUEN MUN EASTERN CORRIDOR.
WHEN COMPLETED, THE PROJECT WILL PROVIDE A DIRECT LINK BETWEEN TIN SHUI WAI AND THE YUEN LONG - TUEN MUN EASTERN CORRIDOR, WHICH IS SCHEDULED TO BE COMPLETED BY MID-1993.
WORKS ON THE PROJECT ARE EXPECTED TO START IN SEPTEMBER AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 36 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
FOR ANOTHER CONTRACT, THE SCOPE OF THE WORKS WILL INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF ABOUT ONE KILOMETRE OF ROAD, TOGETHER WITH THE ASSOCIATED FOOTPATHS AND CYCLE TRACKS AND OTHER ROADWORKS, LANDSCAPING AND DRAINAGE WORKS, AS WELL AS A BUS TERMINUS AT THE TOWN CENTRE.
THESE FACILITIES ARE NEEDED TO FURTHER PROVIDE THE SUPPORT FOR THE GROWTH OF THE PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS OF THE NEW TOWN.
WORKS ON THE PROJECT ARE EXPECTED TO START IN AUGUST AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 24 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
WORKS ON THE TWO CONTRACTS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTION WILL BE SUPERVISED BY BINNIE CONSULTANTS LIMITED FOR THE NORTH WEST NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
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/16 ........
FRIDAY, JUNE 12,
1992
16
REPROVISIONING OF GOVT DOCKYARD AT STONECUTTERS ISLAND * * * * ♦
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO BUILD A SEAWALL AND CARRY OUT RECLAMATION AT STONECUTTERS ISLAND TO PROVIDE LAND AND A TYPHOON SHELTER TO SERVE THE REPLACEMENT GOVERNMENT DOCKYARD.
THE WORK WILL INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF ABOUT 630 METRES OF SEAWALL AND THE RECLAMATION OF ABOUT SIX HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEA-BED INSIDE THE BASIN AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF THE ISLAND.
THE PROJECT WILL BEGIN IN JANUARY 1993 AND BE COMPLETED BY JUNE 1995.
WHEN THE GOVERNMENT DOCKYARD IS COMPLETED, THE BASIN WILL BE JOINTLY USED BY THE BRITISH FORCES AND THE GOVERNMENT FLEET.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HE HAS AN INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEA-BED INVOLVED MAY SUBMIT A WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 11, THIS YEAR.
THE NOTICE, IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE, TOGETHER WITH ITS RELATED PLAN, CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE.
THE PLAN CAN ALSO BE SEEN OR PURCHASED ON ORDER, AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14/F, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND AT THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT. OFFICE, 6/F, WEST COAST INTERNATIONAL BUILDING, 290-296 UN CHAU STREET, SHAM SHUI PO, KOWLOON.
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STATUTORY EMPLOYEES RETRAINING FUND TO SET UP * * * * *
A BILL THAT SEEKS TO ESTABLISH A STATUTORY EMPLOYEES RETRAINING FUND WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE FUND IS FINANCED BY A LEVY IMPOSED ON EMPLOYERS WHO IMPORT WORKERS UNDER THE 1992 IMPORTATION OF LABOUR GENERAL SCHEME AND WILL BE USED TO AUGMENT THE PROVISION OF TRAINING OR RETRAINING FOR LOCAL WORKERS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH SAID UNDER THE PROPOSED EMPLOYEES RETRAINING BILL 1992, THE LEVY COLLECTED COULD BE CHANNELLED DIRECTLY TO THE STATUTORY FUND SPECIFIED FOR RETRAINING.
"WITHOUT SUCH LEGISLATION, THE LEVY COLLECTED WOULD GO INTO THE GENERAL REVENUE AND ITS APPLICATION FOR THE INTENDED PURPOSE WOULD BE SUBJECT TO NORMAL APPROPRIATION PROCEDURES," HE ADDED.
/THE BILL
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1992
17
THE BILL ALSO PROPOSES TO SET UP AN EMPLOYEES RETRAINING BOARD TO TAKE CHARGE OF THE FUND.
THE BOARD WILL COMPRISE REPRESENTATIVES OF EMPLOYERS, EMPLOYEES, TRAINING BODIES AND THE GOVERNMENT, ALL OF WHOM SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR.
IT WILL ALSO CONSIDER THE PROVISION OF RETRAINING COURSES DESIGNED FOR THE BENEFIT OF LOCAL EMPLOYEES IN ADJUSTING TO CHANGES IN THE EMPLOYMENT MARKET AND TO DETERMINE THE AMOUNT OF RETRAINING ALLOWANCES TO BE PAID TO THOSE LOCAL EMPLOYEES UNDERGOING RETRAINING.
UPON ITS ESTABLISHMENT, THE BOARD WILL TAKE OVER THE WORK OF THE PROVISIONAL FUND BOARD WHICH WAS SET UP EARLY THIS YEAR TO ADVISE ON THE PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF PILOT RETRAINING PROGRAMMES.
THE BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR FIRST AND SECOND READING ON JUNE 24.
--------0-----------
NEW CHAIRMEN APPOINTED TO TWO SPORTS BODIES *****
THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR RECREATION SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT BOARD AND THE HONG KONG SPORTS TERM FROM JULY 1, 1992 TO MARCH 31, 1994 GOVERNOR.
AND CULTURE, MR PAUL LEUNG, OF THE HONG KONG SPORTS INSTITUTE BOARD FOR THE HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE
tup pMnTnp Thmp OF APPOINTMENTS OF THE EXISTING BOARDS WILL EXPIRE Inri END Ur JUNE 1992.
AT
"WITH EFFECT FROM JULY 1, 1992. BOTH THE HONG KONG SPORTS DEVELOPMENT BOARD AND THE HONG KONG SPORTS INSTITUTE BOARD WILL HAVE A NEW CHAIRMAN, WITH MR DAVID GLEDHILL TAKING OVER THE CHAIR OF THE FORMER AND MAJOR GENERAL GUY WATKINS, THAT OF THE LATTER," HE SAID.
THE
MR GLEDHILL WAS, UNTIL RECENTLY, CHAIRMAN OF JOHN SWIRE SONS (HK) LTD AND MAJOR GENERAL GUY WATINS IS THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB AS WELL AS CURRENT VICE-CHAIRMAN HONG KONG SPORTS INSTITUTE BOARD.
AND
OF
OF
'SPORTS IN HONG KONG HAVE BENEFITTED ENORMOUSLY OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS UNDER THE OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP OF THE HON WILLIAM PURVES AND MR PAUL CHENG, THE CURRENT CHAIRMEN OF THE HONG KONG SPORTS
DEVELOPMENT BOARD AND THE HONG KONG SPORTS INSTITUTE BOARD
RESPECTIVELY," HE SAID. ovanv
BOTH OF 1’HEM HAVE BEEN ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN THE ESTABLISHMENT
OF THE HONG KONG SPORTS DEVELOPMENT BOARD AND THE HONG KONG SPORTS
INSTITUTE (FORMERLY KNOWN AS THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE), AND HAVE BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN SHAPING THE FUTURE OF SPORTS IN HONG KONG.
/"THEIR CONTRIBUTION .......
18
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1992
iittt x THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF SPORT IN HONG KONG WILL NO DOUBT BE LONG REMEMBERED," MR LEUNG ADDED.
MR LEUNG ALSO SAID THE NEW HONG KONG SPORTS DEVELOPMENT AND HONG KONG SPORTS INSTITUTE BOARD WOULD CONSIST PROPORTION OF COMMON MEMBERSHIP, PENDING THE FORMATION BOARD AS RECOMMENDED BY A RECENT MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCY VIEW TO FURTHER STREAMLINING SPORTS DEVELOPMENT IN HONG
' BOARD
LARGER UNIFIED WITH A
OF A OF A STUDY, KONG.
------0--------
DREDGING OF APPROACH CHANNEL TO TSUEN WAN PERMANENT PIER * * * * *
. 5IHT ST) VO JJIV’ L4, • ' :z•
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO PERMIT AN OIL COMPANY TO CARRY OUT DREDGING WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 5.24 HECTARES OF SEA-BED OFF THE WEST COAST OF TSING YI ISLAND.
THIS IS TO PROVIDE AN APPROACH CHANNEL TO TSUEN WAN PERMANENT PIER NO. 29.
THE WORK WILL START IN AUGUST 1992 AND WILL BE COMPLETED ABOUT JANUARY 1993.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HE HAS AN INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEA-BED INVOLVED MAY SUBMIT A WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 11, 1992.
THE NOTICE, IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE, TOGETHER WITH ITS RELATED PLAN, CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE.
THE PLAN CAN ALSO BE SEEN OR PURCHASED ON ORDER, AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14/F MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
IT CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE KWAI CHUNG AND TSING YI PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICES CENTRE, KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE, 2/F, KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 166-174 HING FONG ROAD, KWAI CHUNG, NEW TERRITORIES.
-----0--------
TENDERS INVITED FOR CONSTRUCTION OF RC MARKET COMPLEX
*****
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FIVE-STOREY REGIONAL COUNCIL MARKET COMPLEX AT AREA 7, FANLING/SHEUNG SHUI, THE NEW TERRITORIES.
UPON COMPLETION, THE COMPLEX WILL COMPRISE AN AIR-CONDITIONED MARKET WITH 79 LARGE STALLS, 293 SMALL STALLS, AN ICE STALL, A NEWSPAPER KIOSK AND EIGHT POULTRY STALLS; 28 COOKED FOOD STALLS AND A DISTRICT LIBRARY.
/IT WILL .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1992
- 19
IT WILL ALSO ACCOMMODATE THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE OF THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THE WORK WILL START IN SEPTEMBER AND BE COMPLETED IN JUNE, 1994 .
SUBMISSION OF TENDERS WILL CLOSE AT NOON ON JULY 3. w
FORMS OF TENDERS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 34TH FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.
------0-------
TENDERS INVITED FOR BUILDING REFUSE COLLECTION BUILDING ♦ * ♦ ♦
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A TWO-STOREY REFUSE COLLECTION BUILDING AT THE JUNCTION OF MONGKOK ROAD AND SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.
THE WORKS, WHICH WILL INVOLVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PUBLIC TOILET AND A REFUSE COLLECTION POINT WITH ANCILLARY FACILITIES, WILL START IN SEPTEMBER AND TAKE ABOUT NINE MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
SUBMISSION OF TENDERS WILL CLOSE AT NOON ON JULY 3.
FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 34/F, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.
----- 0-------
UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS TO BE CLOSED
*****
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE THE UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS ON TWO BUILDINGS IN WAN CHAI AND SHAM SHUI PO SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS AND THE PUBLIC.
THE UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES IN WAN CHAI ARE LOCATED ON THE ROOF OVER FLAT B, 21/F OF KAM KOON BUILDING, 308-312 LOCKHART ROAD.
THE OTHER UNAUTHORISED WORKS TO BE CLOSED ARE FOUND ON THE ROOFS OF FLATS A AND B, FIRST FLOOR OF HOOVER MANSION, 493-497 UN CHAU STREET, SHAM SHUI PO.
NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON AUGUST 6 AND 27 RESPECTIVELY WERE POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY (FRIDAY).
DEMOLITION WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START AS SOON AS THE CLOSURE ORDERS ARE ISSUED.
--------0---------
/20.........
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1992
20 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND *****
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 988MN REVERSAL OF LAF NIL BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 988MN NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL EFFECT OF LAF TODAY +500MN CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1488MN
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 111.0 *-0.2* 12.6.92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1W 3.26 PCT 18M 2311 6.25 102.28 4.63
IM 2.97 PCT 21M 2402 5.50 101.00 4.92
3M 2.93 PCT 24M 2405 5.50 100.73 5.16
6M 3.25 PCT
12M 3.95 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 6, 689MN
CLOSED 12 JUNE 1992
- - 0---------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN - SUPPLEMENT
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1992
EMBARGOED NEWS ITEM:
NOTE TO EDITORS OF NEWSPAPERS, NEWS AGENCIES AND BROADCASTING STATIONS:
THE FOLLOWING ANNOUNCEMENT ON THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY HONOURS LIST WILL BE MADE IN LONDON AT 0001 HOURS GMT ON SATURDAY,
JUNE 13.
PUBLICATION IS PERMITTED IN HONG KONG NEWSPAPERS TOMORROW (SATURDAY, JUNE 13), BUT NO NEWS AGENCY OR OVERSEAS RADIO TRANSMISSION OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT MAY CARRY THE INFORMATION WITHOUT THE EMBARGO QUALIFICATION.
THE NEWS MAY BE BROADCAST FROM 6 AM ONWARDS TOMORROW (SATURDAY, JUNE 13) 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.
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1992
1
BIRTHDAY HONOURS 1992
CBE (COMMANDER OF THE MOST EXCELLENT ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE)
(3)
THE HONOURABLE MRS RITA FAN HSU LAI-TAI, MR IAN FRANCIS CLUNY MACPHERSON, OBE MR DAVID ANTHONY GLEDHILL, JP
OBE, JP
OBE (OFFICER OF THE MOST EXCELLENT ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE)
(6) THE HONOURABLE MRS MIRIAM LAU KIN-YEE, JP DR THE HONOURABLE EDWARD LEONG CHE-HUNG MR LAURENCE LEUNG MING-YIN, JP MR FREDERIC SAMUEL MCCOSH, QPM, CPM, JP MR CECIL ALFRED JOHN SHEPPARD, MBE, QPM, CPM PROFESSOR TAM SHEUNG-WAI, JP
ISO (COMPANION OF THE IMPERIAL SERVICE ORDER)
(4) DR COLIN CHARLES GREENFIELD, JP
MR KWEI SEE-KAN, JP
MR ANTHONY ROBERT SCOTT
MR BARRY JONATHAN CLAYTON WOODROFFE, JP
MBE (MEMBER OF THE MOST EXCELLENT ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE)
(11) MS JENNIFER BEST
MR PETER CHAN FUK-SING
MR CHUNG WAI-MING (HON)
MR JOHN DUNN NAI-BUN, CPM
MR NORMAN JOHN GILLANDERS PROF DAVID WILLIAM GWILT MR IRA DAN KAYE (HON) MR LAM SUI-FAN
MRS MARGARET LI WONG MAN-WAN
MR LO CHI-YUEN
MR GEORGE CHARLES MELEADY STRACHAN
BEM (BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL)
(14) MISS CHOY CHIU-NGAN MR CHUNG WOON-MING MR FUNG RAI-CHVEN MR KWOK KSNG-KWAN MR KWOK LAI-LEE MR LI KWAN-YAU MR LO CHUK-MING MR NG PUI-LAM MR POON KWOK-CHING MRS TAM CHAN YIN-MING MR HAROLD WONG HO-CHING MRS WONG O’YOUNG CHING MR WOO YUK-SHIV MR WVAN MA-KAN
I 2 .........
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1992
2
QPM (THE QUEEN’S POLICE MEDAL)
(2) MR JOHN BRIAN GOULDSMITH, CPM MR LAU TO-YEE, CPM
CPM (COLONIAL POLICE MEDAL)
(20) MR CHIN KING-CHEUNG MR TONY CHIU LUK-KAN MR CHU PING-WAH, BEM MR ALBERT KWOK CHO-KUEN MR LAI KWOK-LEUNG MR LAM KAM-LING MR LEE HING-TSAN MR LEUNG SHIU-KWAN MRS LI CHAN SIU-MUI MR MA CHAK-WA MR NG WAI-KIT MR PIK YING-KEUNG MR ABDUR RAHMAN MR JEFFREY ALAN RICHARDS MR GRAEME MCDONALD SUTHERLAND MR ROY TAYLOR MR TSE CHI-YUEN MR CLIVE GORDON BENN WALKER MR DAVID GODFREY WEAVER MR YAU WING-HONG
BADGE OF HONOUR
(15) MR CHAN MOW-FAT
MR DAVID CHENG CHUNG-YIN MR CHEUNG WAI-CHUNG MR BERNARD FUNG SUN-KWAN MR LAM HOI-HAM 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
OTHER AWARDS TO HONG KONG RESIDENTS
PRIME MINISTER’S LIST
MR STEWART MORRIS JOHN, OBE
/3 ........
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1992
- 3 -
DIPLOMATIC AND OVERSEAS LIST
MBE (HONORARY)
MR TANG PONG, MBE
BIRTHDAY HONOURS 1992 -BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES ON RECIPIENTS
CBE
THE HONOURABLE MRS RITA FAN HSU LAI-TAI, OBE, JP
MRS RITA FAN HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SINCE 1983 AND FOR THE LAST THREE YEARS SHE HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. SHE HAS A LONG RECORD OF PUBLIC SERVICE AND IS CHAIRMAN OF THE EDUCATION COMMISSION. SHE HAS TAKEN A CLOSE INTEREST IN MATTERS CONNECTED WITH THE VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG.
MR IAN FRANCIS CLUNY MACPHERSON, OBE
MR MACPHERSON COMPLETED A FULL CAREER IN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SERVICE. HE HELD MANY KEY APPOINTMENTS, INCLUDING SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT. ON RETIREMENT FROM THE CIVIL SERVICE IN 1986 HE BECAME SECRETARY GENERAL TO THE PLANNING COMMITTEE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY. IN 1988 HE WAS APPOINTED THE NEW UNIVERSITY'S PRO-VICE-CHANCELLOR - ADMINISTRATION AND BUSINESS, A POST.HE STILL HOLDS.
MR DAVID ANTHONY GLEDHILL, JP
MR GLEDHILL JOINED THE SWIRE GROUP OF COMPANIES IN 1988 AND BECAME CHAIRMAN OF THE SWIRE GROUP IN HONG KONG IN 1988. MR GLEDHILL HAS ALSO BEEN MUCH INVOLVED IN PUBLIC SERVICE AND COMMUNITY WORK IN THE TERRITORY. INCLUDING BODIES SUCH AS THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY AND THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION. HE WAS CHAIRMAN OF THE EMPLOYERS FEDERATION OF HONG KONG IN 1989 AND HAS BEEN A BOARD MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY CHEST SINCE 1988.
OBE
/4 ........
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1992
4
THE HONOURABLE MRS MIRIAM LAU KIN-YEE, JP
MRS LAU IS A SOLICITOR AND HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SINCE 1988. SHE HAS SERVED ON A NUMBER OF IMPORTANT COMMITTEES, INCLUDING THE PUBLIC WORKS SUB-COMMITTEE, THREE OMELCO STANDING PANELS AND NINE AD-HOC GROUPS. MRS LAU HAS ALSO BEEN ACTIVE IN A WIDE RANGE OF PUBLIC SERVICE OUTSIDE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
DR THE HONOURABLE EDWARD LEONG CHE-HUNG
DR LEONG HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SINCE 1988. HE IS A MEMBER OF THE ESTABLISHMENT SUB-COMMITTEE, THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE AND A MEMBER OF OTHER STANDING PANELS AND WORKING GROUPS. HE HAS ALSO BEEN INVOLVED IN MANY PUBLIC SERVICE AND COMMUNITY SERVICE ACTIVITIES. MAINLY ASSOCIATED WITH MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES INCLUDING THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY.
MR LAURENCE LEUNG MING-YIN, JP
MR LEUNG JOINED THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE IN 1965 AND HIS ENTIRE CAREER HAS BEEN SPENT IN THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT. HE HAS BEEN CLOSELY INVOLVED IN FORMULATING PLANS AND POLICIES COVERING A WIDE RANGE OF COMPLEX ISSUES. HE WAS APPOINTED DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION IN 1989.
MR FREDERIC SAMUEL MCCOSH, QPM, CPM, JP
MR MCCOSH JOINED THE HONG KONG POLICE IN 1958 AND WAS PROMOTED SENIOR ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF POLICE IN 1988. HE WAS APPOINTED COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES IN NOVEMBER 1990. MR MCCOSH IS A KEEN SPORTSMAN AND HAS PLAYED HOCKEY FOR HONG KONG ON MANY OCCASIONS.
MR CECIL ALFRED JOHN SHEPPARD, MBE, QPM, CPM
FROM 1955 TO 1976 MR SHEPPARD SERVED WITH THE BECHUANALAND/BOTSWANA POLICE AND JOINED THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE IN 1976. HE HAS HELD A NUMBER OF KEY APPOINTMENTS IN THE RHKP, INCLUDING COMMAND OF BOTH HONG KONG ISLAND AND KOWLOON REGIONS. MR SHEPPARD WAS APPOINTED DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF POLICE FOR OPERATIONS IN DECEMBER 1989.
PROFESSOR TAM SHEUNG-WAI, JP
PROFESSOR TAM JOINED THE STAFF OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AS A LECTURER IN 1965. HE IS NOW PRO-VICE-CHANCELLOR AND HAS PUBLISHED MANY PAPERS ON CHEMISTRY. PROFESSOR TAM HAS ALSO BEEN INVOLVED IN A WIDE RANGE OF PUBLIC DUTIES INVOLVING EDUCATION, MEDICAL AND HEALTH MATTERS.
/5 ........
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1992
- 5 -
ISO
DR COLIN CHARLES GREENFIELD, JP
DR GREENFIELD WAS COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS FROM 1978 TO 1986. IN APRIL 1986 HE WAS APPOINTED DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES. HE HAS EXPANDED WHAT WAS A SMALL AGENCY INTO A FULL FLEDGED DEPARTMENT, RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ENTIRE SPECTRUM OF THE GOVERNMENT'S INFORMATION SYSTEMS. HE RETIRES FROM THE PUBLIC SERVICE THIS MONTH.
MR KWEI SEE-KAN, JP
MR KWEI JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE IN 1957. FOR MUCH OF HIS CAREER HE HAS WORKED ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TOWNS, AND HE HAS ALSO BEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR A NUMBER OF PROJECTS CONNECTED WITH THE PLANNING FOR THE NEW PORT AND AIRPORT. HE WAS APPOINTED DIRECTOR OF HIGHWAYS IN 1990.
MR ANTHONY ROBERT SCOTT
MR SCOTT JOINED THE HONG KONG POLICE IN 1963 AND ROSE TO THE RANK OF SUPERINTENDENT. IN 1976 HE WAS TRANSFERRED TO THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION AND IN 1980 HE WAS PROMOTED TO BE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE CORRUPTION PREVENTION DEPARTMENT. IN 1987 HE BECAME DIRECTOR, CORRUPTION PREVENTION.
MR BARRY JONATHAN CLAYTON WOODROFFE, JP
MR WOODROFFE'S GOVERNMENT SERVICE DATES FROM 1966 WHEN HE BECAME RATING AND VALUATION SURVEYOR. HE HEADED THE RENT CONTROL DIVISION OF THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT IN THE 1970S AND WAS APPOINTED COMMISSIONER IN 1989. HE WAS CLOSELY ASSOCIATED WITH THE MAJOR REVISION OF THE RATING ORDINANCE IN THE 1970S.
MBE
MS JENNIFER BEST
MS BEST JOINED THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SERVICE IN 1984. SHE WORKED WITH THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE, IN THE CHIEF SECRETARY'S OFFICE AND AS PERSONAL ASSISTANT TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL UNTIL 1988. SHE WAS THEN POSTED TO GOVERNMENT HOUSE AS SENIOR PERSONAL ASSISTANT TO THE GOVERNOR.
/6.........
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1992
- 6 -
MR PETER CHAN FUK-SING
MR CHAN SUFFERED SPINAL INJURIES IN A ROAD ACCIDENT IN 1973 AND HAS SINCE BEEN CONFINED TO A WHEELCHAIR. OVER THE PAST 15 YEARS HE HAS BEEN VERY ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT OF SERVICES FOR THE DISABLED.
MR CHUNG WAI-MING (HON)
. MR CHUNG HAS BEEN A BROADCASTER FOR OVER 40 YEARS AND HIS VOICE IS WELL KNOWN TO A GENERATION OF LISTENERS. HE HAS SERVED IN A NUMBER OF BROADCASTING ORGANISATIONS, JOINING RTHK IN 1970. HE HAS ALSO BEEN INVOLVED IN COMMUNITY WORK FOR THE ELDERLY.
MR JOHN DUNN NAI-BUN, CPM
MR DUNN FIRST JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE IN 1959 AND IN 1961 HE WAS TRANSFERRED TO THE HONG KONG POLICE. HE WAS SECONDED TO THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICES (AMS) IN 1985 AND IN 1986 HE WAS APPOINTED CHIEF STAFF OFFICER OF THE AMS.
MR NORMAN JOHN GILLANDERS
MR GILLANDERS JOINED THE ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF OF THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY AS A YOUNG MAN OF 22. HE HAS NOW WORKED FOR THE UNIVERSITY FOR NEARLY 40 YEARS, AND IN 1986 HE WAS APPOINTED TO BE THE FIRST HEAD OF THE RESTRUCTURED ADMINISTRATION AS REGISTRAR.
PROFESSOR DAVID WILLIAM GWILT
PROFESSOR GWILT WAS APPOINTED PROFESSOR OF MUSIC AT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG IN 1981. HE IS THE LONGEST SERVING MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL FOR PERFORMING ARTS, WHICH HE JOINED WHEN IT WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1981. PROFESSOR GWILT HAS ALSO BEEN A MEMBER OF THE JOCKEY CLUB MUSIC FUND FOR 11 YEARS.
MR IRA DAN KAYE (HON)
A US CITIZEN, MR KAYE HAS BEEN A BUSINESSMAN IN HONG KONG FOR MANY YEARS AND IS A PAST PRESIDENT OF THE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. HE HAS ALSO BEEN ACTIVE IN A WIDE RANGE OF PUBLIC SERVICE AND COMMUNITY WORK, INCLUDING CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE AND CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR CHILD HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT.
/7........
FRIDAY, JUNE 12,1992
MR LAM SUI-FAN
MR LAM HAS BEEN A VOLUNTEER MEMBER OF THE CIVIL AID SERVICES (CAS) FOR NEARLY 38 YEARS AND HE WAS PROMOTED TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF SENIOR ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER (OPERATIONS) IN 1984. MR LAM HAS SERVED IN MOST CAS OPERATIONAL UNITS AND AS THE COMMANDER IN MANY EMERGENCY OPERATIONS.
MRS MARGARET LI WONG MAN-WAN
MRS LI HAS NEARLY 38 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND THE NURSING PROFESSION. SHE JOINED THE FORMER MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT AS A STUDENT NURSE IN 1954 AND WAS APPOINTED PRINCIPAL NURSING OFFICER IN THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IN 1989.
MR LO CHI-YUEN
MR LO HAS SERVED THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT FOR NEARLY 40 YEARS AND MOST OF THIS TIME HAS BEEN SPENT IN THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT. HE HAS BEEN CLOSELY ASSOCIATED WITH THE REDEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR OLD HOUSING ESTATES.
MR GEORGE CHARLES MELEADY STRACHAN
MR STRACHAN CAME TO HONG KONG IN 1957 AFTER SERVICE IN THE RAF. THE UK POLICE AND THE ROYAL MALAY POLICE. AFTER A PERIOD IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR HE JOINED THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION WHEN IT WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1974. HE IS CURRENTLY A CHIEF INVESTIGATOR AND IS DUE TO RETIRE IN AUGUST.
BEM
MISS CHOY CHIU-NGAN
MISS CHOY JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE IN 1956 AS A CLERK. SHE WAS PROMOTED TO SENIOR CONFIDENTIAL ASSISTANT IN 1979 AND SINCE 1984 SHE HAS WORKED IN THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
MR CHUNG WOON-MING
MR CHUNG HAS WORKED FOR THE GOVERNMENT FOR OVER 33 YEARS AND IS NOW A SENIOR TRANSPORT SUPERVISOR. HE HAS ALSO BEEN ACTIVE IN STAFF WELFARE WORK AND HAS SERVED IN BOTH THE ROYAL NAVAL VOLUNTEER RESERVE AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT.
/8 ........
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1992
- 8 -
MR FUNG KAI-CHUEN
MR FUNG HAS SERVED BRITISH FORCES IN HONG KONG FOR NEARLY 42 YEARS. ON REACHING THE RETIREMENT AGE OF 60, HE CONTINUED TO SERVE AS A CIVIL LABOUR/DESPATCH CLERK, ACCEPTING A REDUCTION IN RANK IN THE PROCESS.
MR KWOK KENG-KWAN
MR KWOK HAS OVER 35 YEARS SERVICE WITH THE HONG KONG POST OFFICE. HE HAS BEEN CLOSELY ASSOCIATED WITH CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND WAS ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR MARKETING THE POST OFFICE’S ’’SPEEDPOST” SERVICE. HE RETIRED IN MAY.
MR KWOK LAI-LEE
MR KWOK HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICE (AMS) FOR OVER 40 YEARS. HE IS CURRENTLY DEPUTY BRANCH COMMANDER OF THE AMS SERVICE TRAINING BRANCH AND IS RESPONSIBLE FOR A WIDE RANGE OF TRAINING COURSES.
MR LI KWAN-YAU
MR LI HAS WORKED IN THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT SINCE 1954 AND IS CURRENTLY AN OVERSEER. HE HAS SERVED IN A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT OFFICES RESPONSIBLE FOR CLEANSING, REFUSE COLLECTION AND OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE DUTIES.
MR LO CHUK-MING
MR LO JOINED THE MARINE DEPARTMENT IN 1955 AS A SEAMAN. HE IS NOW A BOATSWAIN, THE HIGHEST RANK IN HIS GRADE REQUIRING HIM TO SUPERVISE OVER 900 SUBORDINATES.
MR NG PUI-LAM
MR NG RETIRED IN 1991 AFTER 46 YEARS UNBROKEN SERVICE WITH BRITISH FORCES AS A CLERK. SINCE HIS RETIREMENT HE HAS CONTINUED AS A VOLUNTEER TO ASSIST RECRUITS IN THE HONG KONG MILITARY SERVICE CORPS.
MR POON KWOK-CHING
MR POON SERVED IN A VARIETY OF SECTIONS IN THE URBAN AND REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENTS INVOLVING CLEANSING, HAWKERS, MARKETS AND FUNERAL PARLOURS. DURING THE LAST EIGHT YEARS HE WAS EMPLOYED ON HAWKER CONTROL DUTIES UNTIL HIS RETIREMENT IN APRIL.
/9 ........
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FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1992
MRS TAM CHAN YIN-MING
MRS TAM JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE IN 1960 AS A TYPIST AND IN 1977 SHE WAS PROMOTED TO HER PRESENT GRADE OF SENIOR PERSONAL SECRETARY. SHE IS CURRENTLY EMPLOYED IN THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
MR HAROLD WONG HO-CHING
MR WONG HAS WORKED FOR 30 YEARS IN THE FORMER MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND THE PRESENT HOSPITAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT. HE JOINED THE PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL COMMISSIONING UNIT IN 1981 AND HAS WORKED IN THIS HOSPITAL SINCE THAT DATE.
MRS WONG O'YOUNG CHING
MRS WONG HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT FOR 22 YEARS. SHE HAS LONG EXPERIENCE OF WORKING WITH THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED AND IS CURRENTLY A WARD ATTENDANT AT A DAY CENTRE.
MR WOO YUK-SHIU
MR WOO HAS BEEN A VOLUNTEER MEMBER OF THE CIVIL AID SERVICES FOR NEARLY 31 YEARS. HE HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN MANY EMERGENCY SITUATIONS AND HAS ALSO ORGANISED YOUTH TRAINING AND ACTIVITY.
MR WVAN MA-KAN
MR WVAN JOINED THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES IN 1957 AS A WARDER AND BECAME A TECHNICAL INSTRUCTOR (GARDENING) IN 1979. SINCE THAT DATE HE HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN MANY PROGRAMMES TO INSTRUCT AND ENCOURAGE INMATES TO BUILD UP THEIR HORTICULTURAL SKILLS.
QPM
MR JOHN BRIAN GOULDSMITH, CPM
MR GOULDSMITH JOINED THE HONG KONG POLICE IN 1959 AND HAS SERVED IN A NUMBER OF BRANCHES. HE HAS HELD A NUMBER OF KEY APPOINTMENTS, INCLUDING DEPUTY REGIONAL COMMANDER NEW TERRITORIES AND DEPUTY DIRECTOR, SUPPORT. IN 1990 HE WAS APPOINTED DEPUTY DIRECTOR MANAGEMENT SERVICES IN POLICE HEADQUARTERS.
MR LAU TO-YEE, CPM
MR LAU HAS BEEN A POLICE OFFICER FOR OVER 34 YEARS. HE HAS SERVED IN A WIDE VARIETY OF POSTS, SOME OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT BEING CHIEF STAFF OFFICER, OPERATIONS, IN THE KOWLOON REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS AND DEPUTY REGIONAL COMMANDER HONG KONG ISLAND. HE IS CURRENTLY DEPUTY DIRECTOR. SUPPORT IN POLICE HEADQUARTERS.
/10........
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1992
- 10 -
CPM
MR CHIN KING-CHEUNG
MR CHIN HOLDS THE RANK OF PRINCIPAL FIREMAN AND JOINED THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN 1962. HE HAS SERVED AT MANY DIFFERENT FIRE STATIONS AND ATTENDED A LARGE NUMBER OF FIRE AND RESCUE INCIDENTS.
MR TONY CHIU LUK-KAN
MR CHIU JOINED THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE IN 1970 AND WAS PROMOTED TO SUPERINTENDENT IN 1982. HE SERVED IN SPECIAL BRANCH FROM 1980 AND RETIRED FROM THE FORCE IN SEPTEMBER 1991.
MR CHU PING-WAH, BEM
MR CHU HAS OVER 32 YEARS SERVICE IN THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND WAS PROMOTED TO SENIOR DIVISIONAL OFFICER IN 1990. HE WAS AWARDED THE BEM FOR GALLANTRY IN 1969 FOLLOWING A MAJOR FIRE IN KOWLOON.
MR ALBERT KWOK CHO-KUEN
MR KWOK JOINED THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE IN 1967 AND WAS PROMOTED TO SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT IN 1990. HE IS PARTICULARLY EXPERIENCED IN THE CRIME INVESTIGATION FIELD AND IS CURRENTLY SERVING IN THE COMMERCIAL CRIME BUREAU.
MR LAI KWOK-LEUNG
MR LAI HAS SERVED IN A VARIETY OF POSTS DURING HIS 30 YEARS IN THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE. HE WAS PROMOTED TO CHIEF SUPERINTENDENT IN 1990 AND IS CURRENTLY COMMANDER OF TSUEN WAN DISTRICT.
MR LAM KAM-LING
MR LAM JOINED THE HONG KONG POLICE IN 1962 AND HAS SPENT HIS ENTIRE SERVICE IN THE UNIFORM BRANCH. HE HAS HAD THREE TOURS OF DUTY WITH THE POLICE TACTICAL UNIT AND IS CURRENTLY A STATION SERGEANT IN THE CASTLE PEAK DIVISION.
MR LEE HING-TSAN
MR LEE JOINED THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN 1966 AND WAS PROMOTED TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF PRINCIPAL AMBULANCEMAN IN 1973. HE IS NOW ONE OF THE MOST SENIOR AND EXPERIENCED NCOS IN THE AMBULANCE SERVICE.
/Il ........
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1992
11
MR LEUNG SHIU-KWAN
MR LEUNG ENTERED GOVERNMENT SERVICE AS A SEAMAN IN 1957 AND TRANSFERRED TO THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN 1965. HE NOW HOLDS THE RANK OF PRINCIPAL FIREMAN AND HAS BEEN IN CHARGE OF FIREBOATS IN THE MARINE DIVISION FOR THE LAST 11 YEARS.
MRS LI CHAN SIU-MUI
MRS LI HAS SERVED IN THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FOR NEARLY 27 YEARS IN A VARIETY OF POSTS IN THE UNIFORM BRANCH AND IN CRIME INVESTIGATION. SHE WAS PROMOTED TO WOMAN STATION SERGEANT IN 1977 AND IS AT PRESENT IN THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY DISTRICT.
MR MA CHAK-WA
MR MA JOINED THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE IN 1969 AND HAS HAD TOURS OF DUTY IN UNIFORM BRANCH, CRIME INVESTIGATION AND TRAINING ESTABLISHMENTS. HE WAS PROMOTED TO INSPECTOR IN 1986 AND SINCE THAT DATE HE HAS SERVED AT THE POLICE TRAINING SCHOOL.
MR NG WAI-KIT
MR NG HAS SERVED IN A WIDE RANGE OF APPOINTMENTS DURING HIS 26 YEARS IN THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE. HE HAS COMPLETED SEVERAL ATTACHMENTS TO POLICE FORCES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND WAS PROMOTED TO SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT IN 1988.
MR PIK YING-KEUNG
MR PIK HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT SINCE 1966 AND HAS SERVED IN MOST OPERATIONAL COMMANDS AND OTHER ECHELONS. HE WAS PROMOTED TO SENIOR DIVISIONAL OFFICER IN 1989 AND CURRENTLY HEADS THE PLANNING GROUP IN FIRE SERVICES HEADQUARTERS.
MR ABDUR RAHMAN
MR RAHMAN'S 30 YEARS IN THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE HAVE ALL BEEN SPENT IN THE UNIFORM BRANCH AND HE WAS PROMOTED TO CHIEF INSPECTOR IN 1982. HE IS ACTIVE IN COUNSELLING JUNIOR OFFICERS AND ASSISTING MEMBERS OF THE PAKISTANI COMMUNITY IN THE TERRITORY.
MR JEFFREY ALAN RICHARDS
MR RICHARDS HAS SERVED IN THE MARINE REGION AND IN SEVERAL LAND FORMATIONS AFTER JOINING THE RHKP IN 1975. SINCE 1989 HE HAS BEEN DIVISIONAL COMMANDER, NORTH MARINE DIVISION AND IN THE FOREFRONT OF ANTI-SMUGGLING OPERATIONS IN TOLO CHANNEL AND MIRS BAY.
/12 ........
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1992
- 12 -
MR GRAEME MCDONALD SUTHERLAND
MR SUTHERLAND JOINED THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE IN 1973 AFTER SERVING WITH THE METROPOLITAN POLICE IN THE UK. HE HAS HELD A VARIETY OF POSTS IN THE UNIFORM BRANCH AND CRIME INVESTIGATION AND IN 1990 HE TOOK COMMAND OF THE SEK KONG VIETNAMESE DETENTION CENTRE.
MR ROY TAYLOR
MR TAYLOR SERVED IN THE NORTHERN RHODESIA POLICE AND THE BRITISH SOUTH AFRICA POLICE BEFORE JOINING THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE IN 1967. HE HAS BEEN IN THE UNIFORM BRANCH THROUGHOUT HIS SERVICE IN HONG KONG WITH SEVERAL TOURS IN TRAINING POSTS. HE WAS PROMOTED TO SUPERINTENDENT IN 1982.
MR TSE CHI-YUEN
MR TSE HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FOR OVER 27 YEARS AND HAS SERVED EXCLUSIVELY IN THE UNIFORM BRANCH. HE WAS PROMOTED TO STATION SERGEANT IN 1979 AND SINCE 1990 HE HAS BEEN SECOND-IN-COMMAND OF THE CENTRALISED PRISONER ESCORT UNIT.
MR CLIVE GORDON BENN WALKER
THE EARLY YEARS OF MR WALKER'S 23 YEARS SERVICE WITH THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE WERE SPENT IN THE UNIFORM BRANCH. IN 1972 HE WAS TRANSFERRED TO THE SPECIAL BRANCH WHERE HE IS STILL SERVING. HE WAS PROMOTED TO SUPERINTENDENT IN 1983.
MR DAVID GODFREY WEAVER
. MR WEAVER JOINED THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE IN 1969 FOLLOWIN'*. SERVICE IN THE DEVON AND CORNWALL POLICE, UK. HE HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN A NUMBER OF SPECIALIST PROJECTS WITHIN THE FORCE AND WAS PROMOTED 7'1 CHIEF INSPECTOR IN 1979.
MR YAU WING-HONG
MR YAU SERVED INITIALLY IN THE UNIFORM BRANCH AFTER JOINING THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE IN 1970. IN 1976 HE WAS TRANSFERRED TO THE SPECIAL DUTIES UNIT WHERE HE IS STILL SERVING. HE WAS PROMOTED TO STATION SERGEANT IN 1988.
/13 ........
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1992
- 13 -
BADGE OF HONOUR
MR CHAN MOW-FAT
MR CHAN HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD SINCE 1981. HE HAS ALSO BEEN A SUPPORTER OF THE COMMUNITY CHEST AND OF CULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT.
MR DAVID CHENG CHUNG-YIN
MR CHENG HAS BEEN THE COACH FOR THE HONG KONG TABLE TENNIS ASSOCIATION SINCE 1972 AND FOR THE HONG KONG SPORTS ASSOCIATION FOR THE PHYSICALLY DISABLED SINCE 1980.
MR CHEUNG WAI-CHUNG
MR CHEUNG IS HEADMASTER OF THE KWU TUNG PUBLIC OI WAH SCHOOL. HE HAS PROMOTED AND ORGANISED RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN NORTH DISTRICT FOR OVER 20 YEARS.
MR BERNARD FUNG SUN-KWAN
MR FUNG IS A LONG-STANDING SUPPORTER OF SOCIAL WELFARE AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMMES IN KWAI TSING DISTRICT. HE HAS BEEN PARTICULARLY ACTIVE IN SCOUTING ACTIVITIES.
MR LAM HOI-HAM
A CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT, MR LAM HAS BEEN ACTIVE IN SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE ON A TERRITORY-WIDE BASIS. IN PARTICULAR HE HAS HAD A LONG ASSOCIATION WITH THE LIONS CLUB.
MR ROGER LAU KWAN-MING
MR LAU IS A BUSINESSMAN WHO HAS BEEN ACTIVE IN COMMUNITY WORK. HE JOINED THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF YAN CHAI HOSPITAL IN 1987 AND WAS CHAIRMAN FOR THE 1991-92 TERM.
MR LEE CHI-FUNG
MR LEE HAS BEEN VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVE OF SHA LO WAN ON LANTAU ISLAND FOR MANY YEARS. FOR THE LAST TWO TERMS HE HAS BEEN VICE CHAIRMAN OF THE TAI O RURAL COMMITTEE.
/14.......
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1992
14
MADAM LEUNG FU-WING
MADAM LEUNG HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN A WIDE RANGE OF COMMUNITY ACTIVITY. SHE WAS ELECTED A MEMBER OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD IN 1988 AND SERVES ON MANY DIFFERENT COMMITTEES.
MR NORMAN LO KAM-WAH
MR LO HAS BEEN ACTIVE IN COMMUNITY SERVICES, FIRST IN KWAI CHUNG AND SUBSEQUENTLY IN WAN CHAI. HE HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD SINCE 1985 (WHEN HE WAS AGED 29).
MR MIU KAM-TOA
ALTHOUGH MR MIU IS PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED HE HAS BEEN VERY INVOLVED IN COMMUNITY WORK IN SHA TIN. HIS INTERESTS HAVE INCLUDED CIVIC EDUCATION AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT.
REVEREND PETER NEWBERY
FATHER NEWBERY HAS WORKED FOR THE RELIGIOUS WELFARE OF PRISONERS SINCE 1967. AT FIRST HE WAS A VOLUNTEER BUT HE BECAME A FULL TIME PRISON CHAPLAIN IN 1984. HE NOW SERVES IN THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES HEADQUARTERS.
MR OR SHING-MOK
MR OR HAS A LONG RECORD OF COMMUNITY SERVICE IN CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICTS. HE BECAME CHAIRMAN OF THE SHEUNG WAN AREA COMMITTEE IN 1991 AND IS ACTIVE IN THE FIELDS OF ARTS AND CRIME PREVENTION.
MR WONG WAN-CHUNG
MR WONG IS A HEADMASTER AND AN EDUCATIONALIST WHO HAS BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH SCHOOLS IN YUEN LONG FOR MANY YEARS. HE HAS ALSO BEEN INVOLVED IN CULTURAL AND SPORTING ACTIVITIES.
MR YIU SIU-SING
MR YIU HAS BEEN CHAIRMAN OF THE TSZ WAN SHAN AREA COMMITTEE SINCE 1985. HIS ACTIVITIES HAVE INCLUDED WORK FOR THE ELDERLY, IN CRIME PREVENTION AND IN SERVICES FOR YOUTH.
/15 ...........
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1992
MR YUEN SIU-FAI
MR YUEN IS A CANTONESE OPERA ARTIST. HE HAS BEEN A MEMBER AND DIRECTOR OF THE CHINESE ARTISTS' ASSOCIATION AND HAS ALSO ACTED AS AN ADVISOR TO SEVERAL BODIES.
OTHER AWARDS TO HONG KONG RESIDENTS
PRIME MINISTER'S LIST
MR STEWART MORRIS JOHN, OBE
MR JOHN JOINED THE THEN BRITISH OVERSEAS AIRWAY CORPORATION AS AN ENGINEERING APPRENTICE IN 1955. HE JOINED CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS IN 1977, AND WAS APPOINTED ENGINEERING DIRECTOR IN MAY 1980. MR JOHN IS NOW ON THE BOARDS OF SEVERAL SWIRE GROUP COMPANIES, INCLUDING DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF HAECO AND CHAIRMAN OF ASSOCIATED ENGINEERS LIMITED.
DIPLOMATIC AND OVERSEAS LIST
MBE (HONORARY)
MR TANG PONG. MBE
MR TANG HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE TEACHING STAFF AT THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE LANGUAGE SCHOOL SINCE THE SCHOOL OPENED IN 1967. HE NOW INSTRUCTS PART-TIME. HE HAS ALSO BEEN INVOLVED IN MANY PROFESSIONAL LANGUAGE TRAINING ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE THE SCHOOL.
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1992
- 16 -
QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY HONOURS - MILITARY DIVISION * * * * *
LIEUTENANT-GENERAL PETER DUFFELL, WHO LEFT HONG KONG IN LATE MARCH AFTER TWO-AND-A-HALF YEARS AS COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES, HAS RECEIVED A KNIGHTHOOD IN THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY HONOURS ANNOUNCED TODAY (SATURDAY).
GENERAL DUFFELL, NOW SERVING IN ENGLAND AS INSPECTOR GENERAL DOCTRINE AND TRAINING, BECOMES A KNIGHT COMMANDER OF THE BATH (KCB).
DURING HIS TOUR AS CBF, GENERAL DUFFELL HELD THE RANK OF MAJOR-GENERAL. HE WAS PROMOTED ON TAKING UP HIS PRESENT POST.
THERE IS A DOUBLE-HONOUR IN THE LIST FOR THE FIRST BATTALION THE ROYAL REGIMENT OF WALES BASED AT STANLEY FORT.
BANDMASTER WARRANT OFFICER CLASS ONE PHILIP SHANNON BECOMES A MEMBER OF THE ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE (MBE) AND THE BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL (BEM) GOES TO CORPORAL DAVID JOSEPH.
BOTH HAVE BECOME FAMILIAR FIGURES IN THE LAST TWO YEARS, WO I SHANNON AT THE HEAD OF THE BATTALION BAND WHICH HAS UNDERTAKEN MANY AND VARIED APPEARANCES, MANY OF THEM FOR SCHOOLS AND CHARITIES; AND CORPORAL JOSEPH LEADING AN EQUALLY FULL LIFE AS GOAT MAJOR IN CHARGE OF THE REGIMENTAL MASCOT TAFFY III.
TOMORROW THEY WILL BE TAKING PART IN THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY PROGRAMME AT VICTORIA PARK.
OTHER HONG KONG MILITARY RECIPIENTS OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL ARE STAFF SERGEANT PADAMBAHADUR RAI OF 10TH PRINCESS MARY’S OWN GURKHA RIFLES; LANCE CORPORAL TOYBAHADUR THAPA OF SECOND KING EDWARD VII’S OWN GURKHA RIFLES; AND SERGEANT SIMON WAGSTAFF (CORPS OF ROYAL ENGINEERS) FROM THE JOINT SERVICE PARACHUTING CENTRE AT SEK KONG.
0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
SAFETY ADVICE TO SUMMER JOB STUDENTS ................................. 1
SUNDAY, JUNE 14, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
BOARDS PAY $6.77M IN INJURIES COMPENSATION ........................... 2
FREE LEGAL SCHEME FOR 7,061 PEOPLE IN FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF 1992 ...... 2
ROAD SAFETY MESSAGES FOR NURSERY AND KINDERGARTEN CHILDREN ........... 3
PREQUALIFICATION FOR LANDSLIP PREVENTIVE WORKS ....................... 4
WATER SUSPENSION IN KOWLOON WEST...................................... 4
INMATES HELP IN HANDLING PUBLICITY MAIL .............................. 5
SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 1992
1
SAFETY ADVICE TO SUMMER JOB STUDENTS
* * * * *
FACTORY INSPECTORS OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAVE BEEN GIVING TALKS TO SECONDARY STUDENTS SINCE EARLY THIS MONTH ADVISING THEM TO STAY AWAY FROM DANGEROUS WORK PROCESSES WHEN THEY TAKE UP SUMMER JOBS.
CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR CHAN TAT-KING SAID AS MANY STUDENTS TAKE UP TEMPORARY JOBS DURING THE SUMMER VACATION, IT IS IMPORTANT TO EQUIP THEM WITH WORK SAFETY KNOWLEDGE.
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAVE JOINTLY ORGANISED A SERIES OF SAFETY TALKS AT SECONDARY SCHOOLS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY UNTIL MID-JULY.
"DURING THESE TALKS, OUR INSPECTORS EXPLAIN THE TYPES OF DANGEROUS JOBS STUDENTS SHOULD AVOID, THE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS TO BE ADOPTED AND THE GENERAL DUTIES IMPOSED ON PROPRIETORS AND EMPLOYEES TO ENSURE SAFETY AT WORKPLACES," MR CHAN SAID.
IN ADDITION, SAFETY FILMS ARE SHOWN AND INFORMATION LEAFLETS DISTRIBUTED TO STUDENTS.
MR CHAN URGED STUDENTS TO AVOID TAKING UP THE FOLLOWING DANGEROUS JOBS:
* JOBS AT CONSTRUCTION SITES, ESPECIALLY AT HIGH PLACES,
♦ THOSE REQUIRING THE OPERATION OF HEAVY MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT, POWER-DRIVEN MACHINERY, VIGOROUS MANUAL WORK, OR WOODWORKING MACHINES.
♦ THOSE INVOLVING THE HANDLING OF CHEMICALS, TOXIC SUBSTANCES OR FIRE-RELATED PROCESSES,
♦ THOSE INVOLVING ASBESTOS PROCESSES, AND
* THOSE INVOLVING THE OPERATION OF LIFTING APPLIANCES OR GIVING SIGNALS IN LIFTING OPERATION.
"IF IN DOUBT, THEY SHOULD CONSULT THEIR PARENTS, CAREERS TEACHERS OR THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE DIVISION ON TEL 852 3564 FOR ADVICE," MR CHAN SAID.
HE . ALSO CALLED ON EMPLOYERS TO ENSURE THAT ALL SUMMER JOB WORKERS ARE CLOSELY AND PROPERLY SUPERVISED AND ARE NOT GIVEN JOBS WHICH ARE POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS.
•2 .......
SUNDAY, JUNE, 14, 1992
2
BOARDS PAY $6.77M IN INJURIES COMPENSATION *****
THE CRIMINAL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT INJURIES COMPENSATION (CLEIC) BOARDS PAID OUT $6.77 MILLION IN COMPENSATION TO VICTIMS OR THEIR DEPENDENTS IN 1990-91, ACCORDING TO THE BOARDS’ 1990-91 ANNUAL REPORT.
THESE PAYMENTS WERE AWARDED TO 1,021 CRIMINAL INJURIES CASES AND SEVEN LAW ENFORCEMENT INJURIES CASES.
THEY ALSO BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF GRANTS AWARDED SINCE THE INCEPTION OF THE CLEIC SCHEME IN 1973 TO $55.99 MILLION.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARDS, MR ROBERT C. TANG, SAID A TOTAL OF 1,094 APPLICATIONS FOR COMPENSATION WERE RECEIVED IN THE YEAR UNDER REVIEW, REPRESENTING 11.5 % OF THE 9,479 REPORTED CASES OF CRIMINAL INJURIES DURING THE PERIOD.
VICTIMS OF ASSAULT AND WOUNDING, ROBBERY, THEFT AND BURGLARY MADE UP THE MAJORITY OF THE APPLICATIONS. •
OF THE APPLICATIONS RECEIVED DURING THE YEAR, 924 WERE REFERRED BY THE POLICE, 165 SUBMITTED BY THE VICTIMS THEMSELVES OR THEIR FAMILIES, AND THE REST REFERRED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND OTHER ORGANISATIONS, MR TANG SAID.
DURING THE PERIOD UNDER REVIEW, THE HIGHEST SINGLE PAYMENT WAS $71,640, WHICH WAS AWARDED TO FIVE SURVIVING DEPENDENTS OF A DOCTOR WHO WAS KILLED BY AN UNKNOWN GUNMAN. THE LOWEST AWARD WAS $405.
THE CLEIC SCHEME, WHICH DOES NOT INVOLVE A MEANS TEST AND IS NON-CONTRIBUTORY, IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL HELP TO PERSONS, OR TO THE DEPENDENTS OF PERSONS, WHO ARE THE VICTIMS OF CRIMES OF VIOLENCE OR ARE KILLED OR INJURED IN HELPING TO PREVENT CRIME IN HONG KONG.
THE SCHEME ALSO PROVIDES FOR THE PAYMENT OF COMPENSATION WHERE A PERSON IS KILLED OR INJURED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS USING WEAPONS IN THE EXECUTION OF THEIR DUTIES.
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FREE LEGAL SCHEME FOR 7,061 PEOPLE IN FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF 1992 ******
A TOTAL OF 7,061 PEOPLE HAVE MADE USE OF THE FREE LEGAL ADVICE SCHEME IN THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF THIS YEAR AND 772 REFERRALS WERE SUBSEQUENTLY MADE TO THE HONG KONG LAW SOCIETY (HKLS).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION (CNTA) SAID THE MAJORITY OF THE CASES INVOLVED MATRIMONIAL, MONETARY, COMMERCIAL, AND LANDLORD AND TENANT MATTERS.
THE SCHEME, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CNTA AND HKLS SINCE 1978, IS OFFERED TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SEEKING ADVICE ON CIVIL QUESTIONS.
/THE SPOKESMAN .......
SUNDAY, JUNE 14, 1992
3
THE SPOKESMAN SAID ANYONE WISHING TO MAKE USE OF THIS SERVICE MAY APPROACH ANY OF THE CNTA’S 20 PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES (PESCS) WHICH ARE LOCATED THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
"THE APPLICANTS WILL FIRST BE INTERVIEWED BY PESC STAFF WHO WILL IDENTIFY THEIR NEEDS.
"ARRANGEMENTS WILL THEN BE MADE FOR THEM TO SEE DUTY LAWYERS IN FIVE DISTRICT OFFICES," HE ADDED.
THOSE DISTRICT OFFICES ARE LOCATED AT WAN CHAI, YAU TSIM, KWUN TONG, TSUEN WAN AND SHA TIN.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT APPOINTMENTS COULD NORMALLY BE ARRANGED WITHIN TWO WEEKS.
FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE SCHEME MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE PESCS OR BY CALLING THE CENTRAL TELEPHONE ENQUIRY CENTRE HOTLINE ON 835 2500.
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ROAD SAFETY MESSAGES FOR NURSERY AND KINDERGARTEN CHILDREN
*****
ABOUT 180,000 CHILDREN IN 600 KINDERGARTENS AND NURSERIES IN THE TERRITORY WILL BE GIVEN EDUCATIONAL BOOKLETS AND BOOKMARKS FROM TUESDAY (JUNE 16) AS PART OF THE 1992 ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.
PRODUCED BY THE NESTLE CHINA LIMITED, THE BOOKLETS AND BOOKMARKS CONTAINED ROAD SAFETY MESSAGES DESIGNED SPECIALLY FOR CHILDREN.
THE IMPORTANCE OF OBSERVING TRAFFIC SIGNALS WHEN CROSSING ROADS AND THE CORRECT BEHAVIOUR WHEN TRAVELLING IN SCHOOL BUSES ARE EMPHASISED IN THE SAFETY RULES.
THE EDUCATIONAL BOOKLET ALSO CONTAINED A MESSAGE FROM THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR GORDON SIU KWING-CHU:
"IT IS IMPORTANT TO INCULCATE CHILDREN WITH ROAD SAFETY KNOWLEDGE AND THE EARLIER THIS BEGINS, THE BETTER IT WILL BE.
"CHILDREN IN GENERAL ARE LED BY ADULTS WHEN CROSSING THE ROAD. THE RESPONSIBILITIES IN ENSURING THE SAFETY OF CHILDREN ON THE ROAD ARE THEREFORE NORMALLY RESTED WITH PARENTS OR GUARDIANS OF YOUNG CHILDREN.
"SINCE THE AGE OF CHILDREN ATTENDING KINDERGARTEN OR NURSERIES HAS BECOME YOUNGER IN RECENT YEARS, PARENTS SHOULD EXPLAIN CLEARLY TO THEIR YOUNG CHILDREN THE NEED FOR SAFETY WHEN BOARDING AND RIDING ON SCHOOL BUSES," HE ADDED.
/ANOTHER MAIN .......
SUNDAY, JUNE 14, 1992
4
ANOTHER MAIN FEATURE OF THE BOOKLET AND BOOKMARK CONCERNS A SERIES OF DOS AND DON’TS WHICH SHOULD BE OBSERVED BY PEDESTRIANS WHEN CROSSING THE ROAD IN ORDER TO AVOID TRAFFIC ACIDENTS.
THE DEPARTMENT WILL IN THE FOLLOWING MONTHS STEP UP ITS PROMOTION ON ROAD SAFETY BY INTRODUCING TIGHTER CONTROL ON VEHICLE EXAMINATIONS AND RED LIGHT CAMERA TO CRACK DOWN ON TRAFFIC LIGHT JUMPING, APART FROM ENHANCING THE SAFETY AWARENESS OF THE PUBLIC.
------u--------
PREQUALIFICATION FOR LANDSLIP PREVENTIVE WORKS
*****
THE CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT IS INVITING APPROVED CONTRACTORS TO PARTICIPATE IN A PREQUALIFICATION EXERCISE FOR LANDSLIP PREVENTIVE WORKS ON LANTAU AND LAMMA ISLANDS UNDER THE LANDSLIP PREVENTIVE MEASURES PROGRAMME.
UNDER A TWO-YEAR CONTRACT, LANDSLIP PREVENTIVE WORKS WILL INCLUDE SOIL NAILING, CUT BACK, SKIN WALL AND ROCK SLOPE STABILISATION WORKS SUCH AS ROCK DOWEL, ROCK BOLT, CONCRETE BUTTRESS, SPRAYED CONCRETE, SCALING, PROVISION OF SURFACE DRAINAGE CHANNELS AND HYDROSEEDING TO COMPLETED SLOPE PROFILES.
THE PROJECT IS SCHEDULED TO START BY SEPTEMBER.
ONLY CONTRACTORS ON THE APPROVED CONTRACTORS FOR PUBLIC WORKS LIST I IN GROUP B OR C FOR SITE FORMATION AND/OR ROADS AND DRAINAGE WORKS MAY APPLY FOR PREQUALIFICATION.
INTERESTED PARTIES MAY APPLY FOR PREQUALIFICATION DOCUMENTS FROM CHIEF GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER/DESIGN, 10/F, CIVIL ENGINEERING BUILDING, 101 PRCINESS MARGARET ROAD, HO MAN TIN, KOWLOON.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS IS NOON ON JULY 3.
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WATER SUSPENSION IN KOWLOON WEST * * * *
FLUSHING WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN KOWLOON WEST WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM ON TUESDAY (JUNE 16) TO FACILITATE THE ANNUAL CLEANSING OF A SERVICE RESERVOIR.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES IN BEACON HEIGHTS AND THOSE LOCATED AT A SECTION OF LUNG CHEUNG ROAD BETWEEN NAM CHEONG STREET AND LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD.
/MEANWHILE, FRESH.......
SUNDAY, JUNE 14, 1992
- 5 -
MEANWHILE, FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN TAI KOK TSUI WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 PM ON WEDNESDAY (JUNE 17) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE WASTE DETECTION WORK ON WATERMAINS.
ALL PREMISES LOCATED AT CHERRY STREET, TAI KOK TSUI ROAD, LI TAK STREET, KOK CHEUNG STREET, POK MAN STREET, FUK CHAK STREET AND FOO KWAI STREET WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE WATER CUT.
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INMATES HELP IN HANDLING PUBLICITY MAIL
* t * t *
YOUNG INMATES IN HONG KONG’S TRAINING CENTRES HAVE RECENTLY LENT THEIR SUPPORT TO THE COMMUNITY CHEST BY HELPING IT TO HANDLE ITS PUBLICITY MAIL FOR FUND-RAISING DRIVE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (CSD) SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT ABOUT 20 INMATES FROM THE TAI TAM GAP CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION (TGCI), WHO ARE ALSO MEMBERS OF THE CSD’S GIRL GUIDES, HAD UNDERTAKEN THE WORK OF INSERTING THE CHEST’S NEWSLETTERS INTO ENVELOPES AND STICKING MAILING LABELS DURING THEIR SPARE TIME.
THESE PUBLICITY MAIL WOULD BE SENT TO PUBLIC BODIES AND PRIVATE COMPANIES IN HONG KONG AND MACAU FOR FUND-RAISING PURPOSES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE CSD HAD ALL ALONG ENCOURAGE INMATES IN PENAL INSTITUTIONS TO PARTICIPATE IN VARIOUS COMMUNITY SERVICES SO AS TO BUILD UP THEIR SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY TO THE SOCIETY.
APART FROM HANDLING PUBLICITY MAIL, OTHER SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE GIRL GUIDES AT TGCI INCLUDED DOMESTIC SERVICES FOR CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY AND CLEANING OF COUNTRY PARKS DURING WEEKENDS, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, JUNE 15, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CATERERS URGED TO OBSERVE SAFETY RULES ............................... 1
VOLUNTEERS SERVICE - A LIFE-LONG COMMITMENT .......................... 1
NEW POST OFFICE IN CAUSEWAY BAY ...................................... 3
HK-IRISH REPUBLIC MAIL SERVICE RESUMED ............................... 4
EARLY RETURNS FOR PHOTO AND ESSAY CONTESTS REMINDED .................. 4
MONDAY, JUNE 15, 1992
1
CATERERS URGED TO OBSERVE SAFETY RULES * * * * *
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) REMINDED CATERING PROPRIETORS OF THEIR DUTY TO COMPLY WITH INDUSTRIAL SAFETY LAWS AND TO ENSURE THEIR EMPLOYEES’ SAFETY AT WORK.
’’ALL CATERING ESTABLISHMENTS, SUCH AS RESTAURANTS, FAST-FOOD SHOPS AND CANTEENS, HAVE NOW COME UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (F&IU) ORDINANCE AND ITS SUBSIDIARY REGULATIONS SINCE NOVEMBER 1990, AND WILL BE INSPECTED REGULARLY BY FACTORY INSPECTORS," SAID CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR CHAN TAT-KING.
"WE HAVE ORGANISED A NUMBER OF SEMINARS, TRAINING COURSES AND TALKS FOR CATERING PERSONNEL OVER THE YEARS TO ASSIST THEM IN UNDERSTANDING AND MAKING ADJUSTMENT TO COMPLY WITH THE SAFETY LEGISLATION," MR CHAN ADDED.
"IT IS NOW TIME FOR CATERING PROPRIETORS TO TAKE ALL STEPS TO IMPROVE THE SAFETY CONDITIONS IN THEIR ESTABLISHMENTS," HE SAID, ADDING THAT 16,000 WORK ACCIDENTS WERE RECORDED IN THE INDUSTRY LAST YEAR.
"AS A LARGE NUMBER OF STUDENTS WITHOUT WORKING' EXPERIENCE ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE UP SUMMER JOBS IN THE CATERING AND OTHER TRADES, ADEQUATE PRECAUTIONS MUST BE TAKEN TO ENSURE THEIR SAFETY AT WORK," HE SAID.
MR CHAN STRESSED THAT PROSECUTION WILL BE TAKEN OUT AGAINST CATERING PROPRIETORS WHO FAIL TO MEET THE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS.
HE SAID SUMMONSES HAD RECENTLY BEEN LAID AGAINST TWO RESTAURANTS FOR FAILING TO EFFECTIVELY GUARD THE MOVING PARTS OF MEAT MINCING MACHINES AS REQUIRED UNDER THE F&IU (GUARDING AND OPERATION OF MACHINERY) REGULATIONS.
OFFENDERS ARE LIABLE ON CONVICTION TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $30,000.
- - 0 - -
VOLUNTEER SERVICE - A LIFE-LONG COMMITMENT
*****
THIRTY-EIGHT YEARS AGO, FEISTY ANDREW LAM, THEN A FORM FIVE LEAVER, JOINED THE CIVIL AID SERVICES (CAS) AS A VOLUNTEER. FIVE YEARS LATER HE BECAME A PERMANENT STAFF.
NOW, AT 58, AS THE NUMBER TWO GUY IN THE CAS HEADQUARTERS, HE LOOKS TO HIS WORK AS A LIFETIME COMMITMENT.
BUT ONE THING STANDS THE TEST OF TIME - THE SPIRIT OF SERVICE.
"THE WINE OF VOLUNTEER SERVICE NEVER TURNS SOUR," THE CAS STAFF OFFICER SAID.
/•'WHAT HAVEN'T
MONDAY, JUNE 15, 1992
2
"WHAT HAVEN’T CHANGED THROUGHOUT THE YEARS ARE THE READINESS AND EAGERNESS OF ALL OF US HERE TO RESPOND PROMPTLY TO EMERGENCIES, TO GIVE A HELPING HAND TO THOSE WHOSE LIVES ARE AT RISK," HE ADDED.
AS AN ARDENT CLIMBER, HE LIKES TO SCALE NEW HEIGHTS. HE HAS NOT BEEN THWARTED BY ANY HILL IN THE TERRITORY.
IN 1967, THE CAS TOOK OVER FROM THE ROYAL AIR FORCE THE MOUNTAIN RESCUE JOB. HE WAS THE FIRST COMMANDER OF THE MOUNTAIN RESCUE UNIT. IT STARTED WITH A POOL OF 30 RESCUERS.
NOW WITH A 70-MEMBER TEAM OF SKILLED MOUNTAINEERS, THE UNIT IS ALWAYS ON STANDBY DUTY TO SEARCH FOR AND RESCUE MISSING AND INJURED HIKERS.
MR LAM SAID UNIT MEMBERS MAINTAINED STANDBY DUTIES ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, ADDING THAT A RESCUE TEAM CAN BE MOBILISED WITHIN AN HOUR AFTER A CALL WAS RECEIVED.
THE UNIT RESPONDED TO AN AVERAGE OF 16 TO 20 CALLOUT OPERATIONS A YEAR.
FALLEN INTO REMINISCENCE, MR LAM SAID THERE WERE MANY UNFORGETTABLE MEMORIES IN HIS SERVICE.
AND BITTER MEMORIES TOO.
"I REMEMBER HOW WE FOUGHT ALL THE ADVERSITIES TO RESCUE A DESPERATE HIKER WHO WAS TRAPPED IN THE CRACKS OF THE LION ROCK WHICH WERE INACCESSIBLE EVEN TO A HELICOPTER," HE SAID.
RESCUERS TOOK HOURS TO PULL THE INJURED HIKER TO SAFETY AND SPED HIM TO HOSPITAL.
HE WAS CERTIFIED DEAD ON ARRIVAL.
"IT’S INDEED A SAD EPISODE. BUT IT WOULD NOT DAMPEN OUR SPIRIT," HE CONFIDED.
TO KEEP UP WITH TH.i PROFESSIONAL STANDARD OF THE UNIT AND ITS EQUIPMENT, THE ROYAL HONG KONG AIR FORCE SEND AN INSPECTOR OF LAND RESCUE TO APPRAISE ITS PERFORMANCE EVERY TWO YEARS.
LAST YEAR, THERE WAS A FURTHER BOOST IN THE TRAINING EQUIPMENT. A NEW CLIMBING WALL - THE HIGHEST ARTIFICIAL CLIMBING WALL IN HONG KONG - WAS COMMISSIONED AT THE CAS KOWLOON TRAINING CENTRE.
POWERED BY DEVOTION, MR LAM WORKED ALL HIS WAY UP FROM A REVENUE OFFICER TO BECOME THE MAN IN CHARGE OF THREE MAIN DIVISIONS -ADMINISTRATION, OPERATIONS AND TRAINING IN THE CAS HEADQUARTERS.
LOOKING BACK. HE SAID: "IT’S MUCH MORE THAN A JOB OR A SOURCE OF INCOME. IT'S IN FACT THE JOB SATISFACTION, THE SENSE OF BELONGING AND THE DRIVE TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY THAT MAKE ME STAY ON.
/"THE CAS .......
MONDAY, JUNE 15, 1992
3
"THE CAS HAS GIVEN ME OPPORTUNITIES TO DEVELOP WHAT I’M GOOD AT. WITH MY QUALIFICATIONS, I KNOW I WOULD NEVER HAVE A CHANCE LIKE THIS," HE ADDED.
THE CAS IS CELEBRATING ITS 40TH ANNIVERSARY THIS YEAR.
TODAY, THE CAS HAS GROWN INTO A 7,000-STRONG VOLUNTEER EMERGENCY ORGANISATION, INCLUDING THE CADET CORPS.
ITS ROLE HAS CHANGED FROM A CIVIL DEFENSE UNIT TO A BROADBASED VOLUNTEER BODY, FOCUSING ON COUNTER-DISASTER AND RESCUE WORK IN TIMES OF DISASTER.
ITS DIVERSIFIED DUTIES ALSO COVER CROWD CONTROL AT CIVIC FUNCTIONS, MANAGEMENT OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS’ CENTRES AND ANTI-OIL POLLUTION WORK ON SEAS.
DURING THE PAST FOUR DECADES, THE CAS HAD ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN MANY DISASTER RELIEF INCIDENTS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
TWO PHOTOGRAPHS, ONE OF MR LAM AND THE OTHER ON MOUNTAIN RESCUE TRAINING, ARE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION AT GIS NEWSROOM.
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NEW POST OFFICE IN CAUSEWAY BAY *****
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR M. PAGLIARI, ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT A NEW CAUSEWAY BAY POST OFFICE LOCATED AT SHOP G12 ON THE GROUND FLOOR COMMERCIAL PODIUM OF ELIZABETH HOUSE, 250-254 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WILL BE OPENED AT 9.30 AM ON MONDAY, JUNE 22, 1992.
THIS OFFICE WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING CAUSEWAY BAY POST OFFICE AT 57 PATERSON STREET WHICH WILL BE CLOSED FOR BUSINESS AT 1 PM ON SATURDAY, JUNE 20.
FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF RESIDENTS A POSTING BOX WILL BE PROVIDED AT THE LOCATION OF THE EXISTING POST OFFICE.
THE TELEPHONE NUMBER OF THE NEW OFFICE IS 836 0599 AND THE HOURS OF BUSINESS WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED.
THE LARGER SIZE OF THE NEW OFFICE WILL ENABLE THE NUMBER OF P.O. BOXES TO BE INCREASED FROM 900 TO 1,200 AND WILL ALLOW THE PROVISION OF AN ADDITIONAL COUNTER FOR STAMP SALES AND A SEPARATE COUNTER FOR ACCEPTANCE OF SPEEDPOST.
/LOCAL PHILATELISTS .......
MONDAY, JUNE 15, 1992
LOCAL PHILATELISTS WILL WISH TO NOTE THAT A SPECIAL HAND-BACK SERVICE WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE NEW CAUSEWAY BAY POST OFFICE ON MONDAY, JUNE 22.
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 - -
HK-IRISH REPUBLIC MAIL SERVICE RESUMED
*****
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR M. PAGLIARI, ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT LETTER MAIL SERVICE TO AND FROM THE IRISH REPUBLIC, WHICH HAS BEEN SUSPENDED SINCE APRIL 29 THIS YEAR DUE TO INDUSTRIAL ACTION, IS NOW RESUMED.
- - 0 - -
EARLY RETURNS FOR PHOTO AND ESSAY CONTESTS REMINDED *****
ENTRIES FOR A PHOTO AND AN ESSAY COMPETITIONS MARKING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FAMILY HEALTH SERVICES, WILL CLOSE ON JUNE 27, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
FOR THE PHOTO COMPETITION, ONLY 3R PHOTOS WILL BE ACCEPTED. THE THEME OF THE PICTURE SHOULD FEATURE "A HAPPY FAMILY".
FOR PARTICIPANTS OF THE ESSAY COMPETITION, THEIR ENTRIES ON "MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CENTRE AND I" SHOULD NOT BE MORE THAN 2,000 WORDS.
IN ADDITION TO TROPHIES, THREE WINNERS OF EACH COMPETITION WILL RECEIVE GIFT COUPONS RANGING FROM $500 TO $1,000.
COMPLETED ENTRIES AND PHOTOS SHOULD BE SENT EITHER IN PERSON OR BY MAIL TO ANY OF THE MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CENTRES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH OR THE FAMILY HEALTH SERVICES HEADQUARTERS, 2/F, CENTRE POINT, 181 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HIGH-LEVEL MEETING TO BE HELD ON AIRPORT ............................ 1
UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS FOR FEBRUARY - APRIL .... 2
1991 SURVEY OF WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS .. 2
ANTI-POLLUTION PROSECUTION FIGURE RELEASED .......................... 4
ALTERNATIVE EMPLOYMENT OFFERED TO REDUNDANT TUNNEL STAFF ............ 11
THE ROLE OF SPONSORSHIP IN THE ARTS ................................. 12
NOISE MITIGATION MEASURES FOR CHEUNG CHING ESTATE ................... 13
257 VMS RETURNED .................................................... 14
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ................................................ 14
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS ................... 14
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .......... 15
TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 1992
1
HIGH-LEVEL MEETING TO BE HELD ON AIRPORT
*****
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, CONFIRMED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THERE WOULD BE A HIGH-LEVEL MEETING WITH THE CHINESE SIDE ON THE FINANCING OF THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECT.
MR MACLEOD WAS RESPONDING TO QUESTIONS FROM NEWS MEDIA MEMBERS AFTER A TOUR OF THE FUTURES EXCHANGE AND THE STOCK EXCHANGE THIS AFTERNOON.
"I DON’T THINK ANYONE IS YET IN A POSITION TO SAY EXACTLY WHEN IT WILL TAKE PLACE. BUT THERE CERTAINLY IS GOING TO BE ONE," HE SAID.
ASKED TO EXPLAIN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CALLABLE EQUITY AND DEBT, MR MACLEOD SAID WHILE HE DID NOT WANT TO GET INTO A DEBATE OVER THE MEANING OF WORDS, CALLABLE EQUITY WAS A FORM OF EQUITY WHICH ONLY BECAME DUE WHEN CERTAIN THINGS HAPPENED.
"IT’S AN ADDITIONAL ASSURANCE TO LENDERS, THAT IF ADVERSE DEVELOPMENTS TAKE PLACE THEN THE SHAREHOLDER, WHICH IN THIS CASE OF COURSE IS THE GOVERNMENT, WILL PUT SOME MORE MONEY IN.
"IT IS QUITE A SIMPLE CONCEPT, AND OF COURSE IT IS NOT A NEW ONE. IT ALREADY EXISTS WITH THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION," HE SAID.
ON THE STOCK EXCHANGE, MR MACLEOD SAID THE EXCHANGE WAS ON A VERY GOOD BASIS IN TERMS OF REGULATORY MATTERS.
"WHAT IT IS NOW MOVING FORWARD WITH IS THE TECHNOLOGY SIDE, THAT IS TO SAY, THE CLEARING SYSTEM, AND SO ON. THE FIRST STEP WILL BE NEXT WEEK WHEN CENTRAL CLEARING ON A TRADE-FOR-TRADE BASIS WILL BE LAUNCHED."
HE SAID SUBJECT TO SOME LEGISLATION GOING THROUGH THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, CENTRAL CLEARING SHOULD BE FULLY IMPLEMENTED IN THE AUTUMN OF THIS YEAR.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF THE STOCK MARKET TO THE ECONOMY, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID ITS KEY ROLE WAS IN THE FIELD OF NEW ISSUES AND THERE THE STOCK MARKET WAS PLAYING A VERY USEFUL ROLE.
"I GATHER THAT THERE ARE A LARGE NUMBER OF NEW ISSUES COMING UP. SO IT IS PERFORMING THE FUNCTION OF PROVIDING FUNDS FOR COMPANIES WHICH AFTERALL IS A BASIC FUNCTION."
DURING HIS VISIT TO THE HONG KONG FUTURES EXCHANGE, MR MACLEOD WAS BRIEFED BY THE CHAIRMAN, MR EOGHAN MCMILLAN, AND THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE, MR GARY KNIGHT.
HE WAS ACCOMPANIED THROUGHOUT HIS TOUR OF THE STOCK EXCHANGE OF HONG KONG BY THE CHAIRMAN, MR CHARLES LEE.
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/2 ........
TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 1992
2
UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS FOR FEBRUARY - APRIL *****
THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR FEBRUARY - APRIL THIS YEAR WAS 2.5%, AND THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 2.2%, ACCORDING TO THE LATEST LABOUR FORCE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE PROVISIONAL SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR THE PERIOD MARCH - MAY 1992 WAS ALSO 2.5%, WHILE THE PROVISIONAL UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 2.3%.
IT APPEARS THAT THE INCREASES IN THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE AND THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE IN RECENT MONTHS HAVE STABILISED SOMEWHAT LATELY.
DURING THE PERIOD FEBRUARY - APRIL 1992, THE NUMBER OF UNEMPLOYED PERSONS, ADJUSTED FOR VARIATIONS IN THE NUMBER OF FIRSTTIME JOB-SEEKERS, WAS ESTIMATED AT 70,300, WHILE THE NUMBER OF UNDEREMPLOYED PERSONS WAS ESTIMATED AT 62,100.
THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS WERE OBTAINED FROM A CONTINUOUS GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE SURVEY FOR FEBRUARY - APRIL 1992 COVERED A QUARTERLY SAMPLE OF SOME 11,600 HOUSEHOLDS OR 40,400 PERSONS, SELECTED SCIENTIFICALLY TO REPRESENT THE LAND-BASED CIVILIAN NON-INSTITUTIONAL POPULATION IN HONG KONG.
RELEVANT DATA WERE OBTAINED IN THE SURVEY BY INTERVIEWING EACH INDIVIDUAL MEMBER AGED 15 AND ABOVE IN THE HOUSEHOLDS SAMPLED.
IN THE SURVEY, THE DEFINITIONS USED IN MEASURING UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT FOLLOW CLOSELY THOSE RECOMMENDED BY THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION.
DETAILED ANALYSIS OF LABOUR FORCE CHARACTERISTICS IS GIVEN IN THE REPORT ON THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY WHICH IS PUBLISHED FOUR TIMES A YEAR.
THE NEXT REPORT COVERING THE QUARTER ENDING MARCH 1992 WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AROUND JUNE 22, AT $15.50 PER COPY.
-----0------
1991 SURVEY OF WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS
*****
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE SURVEY OF WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS FOR 1991 HAS JUST STARTED.
THE SURVEY IS CONDUCTED ANNUALLY AND REPRESENTS PART OF A CONTINUOUS PROGRAMME IN THE DEPARTMENT TO COMPILE STATISTICS ON THE STRUCTURE AND PERFORMANCE OF VARIOUS ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES IN HONG KONG.
/THE AIMS ........
TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 1992
3
THE AIMS OF THE SURVEY ARE TO OBTAIN UP-TO-DATE DATA FOR EVALUATING THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE DISTRIBUTIVE TRADES, HOTEL AND RESTAURANT SECTORS TO HONG KONG’S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT, AND FOR ASCERTAINING THEIR COST STRUCTURE, OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS AND SALES LEVELS.
RESULTS OF THE SURVEY ARE USEFUL TO BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN FORMULATING POLICIES AND MAKING DECISIONS.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS APPEALED TO THE MANAGEMENTS OF ALL SAMPLED ESTABLISHMENTS TO RETURN THE COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRES PROMPTLY AND TO CO-OPERATE WITH OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT IN THE COURSE OF THE SURVEY, SO AS TO FULFIL THEIR LEGAL AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY.
HE STRESSED THAT INFORMATION RELATING TO INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS WOULD BE TREATED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE UNDER THE PROVISION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDINANCE.
ONLY AGGREGATE INFORMATION, WHICH DOES NOT REVEAL DETAILS OF INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS, WILL BE RELEASED.
THE COMMISSIONER ALSO POINTED OUT THAT AUDITED ACCOUNTS ARE NOT ESSENTIAL FOR THE SUPPLY OF INCOME AND EXPENDITURE DATA REQUIRED IN THE SURVEY.
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ACCEPTS FIGURES BASED ON PRELIMINARY ACCOUNTS OR ESTIMATES WHICH ARE CORRECT TO THE BEST OF THE RESPONDENTS’ KNOWLEDGE AT THE TIME OF SUBMISSION OF THE RETURNS, IF AUDITED ACCOUNTS ARE NOT YET AVAILABLE.
ABOUT 9,300 ESTABLISHMENTS WILL BE ENUMERATED IN THE PRESENT ROUND OF THE SURVEY, COVERING THE FOLLOWING ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES : WHOLESALE; RETAIL; IMPORTS AND EXPORTS; RESTAURANTS; HOTELS AND BOARDING HOUSES.
INFORMATION SOUGHT IN THE SURVEY INCLUDES : TYPE OF OWNERSHIP, FLOOR AREA, EMPLOYMENT, COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES (I.E. WAGES, SALARIES AND OTHER EMPLOYEE BENEFITS), OPERATING EXPENSES, TOTAL VALUE OF PURCHASES OF GOODS FOR SALE, SALES AND OTHER RECEIPTS, AS WELL AS CAPITAL EXPENDITURE AND STOCKS.
THE SURVEY IS BEING CONDUCTED UNDER THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS (ANNUAL SURVEY OF WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS) ORDER 1984, WHICH WAS MADE UNDER THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDINANCE (CHAPTER 316) AND ISSUED AS LEGAL NOTICE NO. 16 IN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE ON JANUARY 13, 1984.
SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRES HAVE BEEN MAILED TO THE ESTABLISHMENTS SAMPLED FOR THE SURVEY.
THESE ESTABLISHMENTS ARE LEGALLY REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THE QUESTIONNAIRES TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT BY JULY 31.
/IF REQUIRED .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 1992
IF REQUIRED, OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT WILL VISIT INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS AND HELP THEM IN COMPLETING THE QUESTIONNAIRES.
THESE OFFICERS WILL CARRY A GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARD AND A CERTIFICATE FOR CONDUCTING THE SURVEY WHILE ON DUTY, WHICH ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION.
ANY ENQUIRIES REGARDING THE SURVEY MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE WHOLESALE/RETAIL TRADE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL 802 1278.
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ANTI-POLLUTION PROSECUTION FIGURE RELEASED ***** /
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) TODAY (TUESDAY) RELEASED A LIST OF COMPANIES THAT HAVE BEEN FOUND GUILTY IN THE COURTS, DURING THE MONTH OF MAY OF BREACHING ANTI-POLLUTION LEGISLATION CURRENTLY ENFORCED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
SIMILAR ANNOUNCEMENTS WILL BE MADE REGULARLY ON A MONTHLY BASIS.
THE LEGAL PROCEEDINGS COULD BE VERY TIME-CONSUMING AND AS A RESULT THERE WAS SOMETIMES A LENGTHY TIME GAP BETWEEN THE DATE OF THE OFFENCE AND THE CONVICTION DATE.
THE ASSOCIATED YEAR: NAME (COMPANY/ PERSON) FOLLOWING IS A FINES IMPOSED BY THE LIST OF PROSECUTION CASES AND THE COURTS DURING THE MONTH OF MAY THIS
ADDRESS DATE OF OFFENCE NATURE OF OFFENCE FINES($ ) RECORD OF OFFENCE COURT
1 .NEW RESTFULL LTD CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL 1.2.90- 1.6.91 APCO : UNAUTHORISED INSTALLATION OR ALTERATION OF FURNACES 1,500 1ST EASTERN
2.TAI YIP DYEING FTY LTD WAI YIP ST, KWUN TONG 30.1.91- 9.1.92 APCO : 2,500 3RD KWUN TONG
3.BEGIN LUCK LTD SHAU KEI WAN RD, SHAU KEI WAN 1.3.91- 31.3.91 APCO : ” 2,000 1ST EASTERN
4.SUN FAI RESTAURANT JAFFE RD, WAN CHAI 1.3.91- 8.3.91 APCO : 1,000 1ST EASTERN
/HONG KONG .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 1992
5
5.HONG KONG TELEPHONE CO LTD HARBOUR RD, WAN CHAI 1.4.91- 30.4.91 APCO . •» 5,000 3RD TSUEN WAN
6.NICE SENCE DEVELOPMENT LTD CASTLE PEAK RD, YUEN LONG 28.4.91 APCO • •• 500 1ST FANLING
7.LSG CATERING HONG KONG LTD WONG CHUK HANG RD, ABERDEEN 1.5.91- 1.8.91 APCO . »• 1,500 1ST EASTERN
8.LUCKYWICK DEVELOPMENT LTD CANTON RD, YAU MA TEI 2.5.91- 8.10.91 APCO . •» 5,000 1ST SOUTH KOWLOON
9.ABERDEEN HSIN KUANG RESTAURANT LTD NAM NING ST, ABERDEEN 1.6.91- 30.6.91 APCO 5,000 1ST EASTERN
10.STRONG TRUTH LTD CASTLE PEAK RD, YUEN LONG 19.6.91- 10.8.91 APCO . •• 5,000 1ST FANLING
11 .THE KOWLOON PANDA HOTEL LTD KWAN MUN HAU ST, TSUEN WAN 21.6.91- 29.9.91 APCO • »• 4,000 1ST TSUEN WAN
12.SOURCE ONE INVESTMENT LTD LUARD RD, WAN CHAI 28.6.91- 21.10.91 APCO • •» 1,500 1ST EASTERN
13.GRANDPOP DEVELOPMENT LTD TING KOK RD, TAI PO 28.6.91- 27.9.91 APCO • 1,200 1ST SHA TIN
14.HONCERT DEVELOPMENT LTD AUSTIN AVENUE, TSIM SHA TSUI 2.7.91- 19.8.91 APCO • •• 5,000 1ST EASTERN
15.TEEMBO INVESTMENT LTD MONG KOK RD, MONG KOK 3.7.91- 18.10.91 APCO • »» 2,000 1ST SOUTH KOWLOON
16.BOND HOLLY LTD CHUNG ON ST, TSUEN WAN 3.7.91- 20.0.91 APCO I 5,000 1ST TSUEN WAN
17.EAGLE ASIA DEVELOPMENT LTD KWAI CHUNG PLAZA, KWAI CHUNG 9.7.91- 7.8.91 APCO . »» • 5,000 1ST TSUEN WAN
/GOLD .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 1992
6
18.GOLD SUCCESS LAND LTD CITY ONE PLAZA, SHA TIN 15.7.91- 27.9.91 APCO : " 2,500 1ST SHA TIN
19.WONG SYI-LAAI GRANVILLE RD, TSIM SHA TSUI 25.7.91 NCO : FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IN A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE 8,000 1ST SOUTH KOWLOON
20.TENSHINE LTD YEE WO ST, 29.7.91- APCO : UNAUTHORISED INSTALLATION OR ALTERATION OF FURNACES 3,000 1ST EASTERN
CAUSEWAY BAY 30.9.91
21.TAI CHEONG LAND AND MARINE ENGINEERING LTD (WASTE DISPOSAL CONTRACTOR) SHANTUNG ST, YAU MA TEI 12.8.91 DASO : PERMIT DUMPING OF ABOUT 800 CUBIC METRES OF PULVERIZED FUEL ASH TO SEA BETWEEN LAMMA ISLAND AND CHEUNG CHAU WITHOUT LICENCE 4,000 1ST EASTERN
22.ORCHARD COURT RESTAURANT LTD HANKOW RD, TSIM SHA TSUI 11.9.91- 29.10.91 APCO : UNAUTHORISED INSTALLATION OR ALTERATION OF FURNACES 5,000 1ST SOUTH KOWLOON
23.TAI CHEONG LAND AND MARINE ENGINEERING LTD (WASTE DISPOSAL CONTRACTOR) SHANTUNG ST, YAU MA TEI 17.9.91 DASO : PERMIT DUMPING OF ABOUT 1,100 CUBIC METRES OF PULVERIZED FUEL ASH AT SEA FROM LAMMA ISLAND TO SOUTH OF TAP SHEK KOK WITHOUT LICENCE 3,500 2ND EASTERN
24.TANG BING-SHU OF CHOI LUI HONG RESTAURANT LUEN WO RD, FANLING 11.10.91 WPCO : . DISCHARGE MATTER POLLUTING INTO THE DEEP BAY WATER CONTROL ZONE 5,000 1ST FANLING
/25.JIM SHUT- .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 1992
7
25.JIM SHUI-CHIU LAM TSUEN SAN TSUEN, TAI PO 22 . 10 .91
26.TSE SIU-MAN LIBERTY AVENUE, HO MAN TIN 7 . 11 . 91
27.TSANG SAU-KEUNG OF CHI SHING MARBLE FACTORY KAM SHEUNG RD, PAT HEUNG 25 .11 .91
28.SOONING CO LTD CHUEN LUNG ST TSUEN WAN 26 . 11 .91
29.HING FUNG PRINTING & DYEING FTY LTD PUN SHAN ST, TSUEN WAN 6 . 12. 91
30.EAGLE ASIA DEVELOPMENT LTD KWAI CHUNG PLAZA, KWAI CHUNG 7. 12. 91
31.LEUNG KEE KING ST, TAI HANG 12 . 12 .91
32.KAU KEE (BEVERLEY) RESTAURANT LTD CHATHAM RD SOUTH, TSIM SHA TSUI 18 .12 .91
WDO : CAUSING TO DISCHARGE LIQUID LIVESTOCK WASTE INTO WATERCOURSE 2,500 1ST SHA TIN
NCO : FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IN A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE 3,000 1ST SAN PO KONG
WPCO : 15,000 DISCHARGE POLLUTING MATTER INTO THE WATERS OF HONG KONG IN DEEP BAY WATER CONTROL ZONE 2ND FANLING
NCO : FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IN A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE 8,000 1ST TSUEN WAN
APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 3,500 1ST TSUEN WAN
APCO : FAILURE TO FURNISH THE REQUIRED INFORMATION TO THE AUTHORITY 5,000 1ST TSUEN WAN
APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 4,000 1ST EASTERN
NCO : FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IN A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE 20,000 3RD SOUTH KOWLOON
/33.HONG NIN .......
8
TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 1992
33.HONG NIN SIZING AND DYEING WORKS LTD HO CHUNG, SAI KUNG 19.12.91 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 2,000 1ST KWUN TONG
34.LEUNG SHU-KAN (TUG BOAT MASTER) LAI KING ESTATE, KWAI CHUNG 23.12.91 DASO : DUMPING OF ABOUT 750 CUBIC METRES OF DREDGED MARINE MUD AT SEA SOUTHEAST OF NAM KWO CHAU NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE LICENCE CONDITION 2,000 1 1ST EASTERN
35.LO KWOK-IU (TUG BOAT MASTER) TAI SAN PRAYA ST, CHEUNG CHAU 23.12.91 i DASO : DUMPING OF ABOUT 750 CUBIC METRES OF EXCAVATED MATERIAL AT SEA SOUTHEAST OF NAM KWO CHAU NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE LICENCE CONDITION 2,000 1ST EASTERN
AND
KONG FOOK-YAU (BARGE OPERATOR) YUE WAN ESTATE, CHAI WAN 23.12.91 DASO : ” 2,000 1ST EASTERN
36.PERFECTA DYEING, PRINTING & WEAVING WORKS LTD WANG WO TSAI ST, TSUEN WAN 6.1.92 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 7,000 1ST TSUEN WAN
37.METTLE- SOME CO LTD LAI CHI KOK RD, SHAM SHUI PO 7.1.92 NCO : FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IN A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE 7,500 2ND NORTH KOWLOON
38.TSUEN FAT ROASTED GREENERY PLAZA, TAI PO 10.1.92 APCO : FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH A 600 1ST SHA TIN
COURT ORDER ON PROHIBITING THE USE OF FURNACES ETC
/39.TWINKLE
TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 1992
9 -
39.TWINKLE SUCCESS DEVELOPMENT LTD KING'S RD, NORTH POINT 10.1.92 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 3,000 1ST EASTERN
40.CHE SUN BLEACHING & DYEING FTY LTD KUNG YIP ST, KWAI CHUNG 15.1.92 APCO : ” 4,000 1ST TSUEN WAN
41.CHENG PING-HEI OF MEI KEI STEAM LAUNDRY CO HIN KENG ESTATE COMMERCIAL COMPLEX, TAI WAI 23.1.92 WPCO : DISCHARGED WASTEWATER INTO WATERS OF TOLO WATER CONTROL ZONE 2,500 1ST SHA TIN
42.CENTRE OCEAN INVESTMENT LTD WING KUT ST, CENTRAL 16.1.92 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 3,000 1ST ♦ EASTERN
43.GOLD-FLEX ELASTIC LTD FUI YIU KOK ST, TSUEN WAN 27.1.92 APCO : ’’ 5,500 1ST TSUEN WAN
44.MAY YOUTH LTD KO FONG ST, KWAI CHUNG 30.1.92 NCO : FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IN A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE 5,000 1ST TSUEN WAN
45.ORIENT RACE INVESTMENT LTD • SHA TSUI RD, TSUEN WAN 31.1.92 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 4,000 1ST TSUEN WAN
46.WINSURE CO LTD NATHAN RD, YAU MA TEI 10.2.92 APCO : 2,000 1ST SOUTH KOWLOON
47.CENTRE OCEAN INVESTMENT LTD WING KUT ST, CENTRAL 14.2.92 APCO : 4,000 2ND EASTERN
48.LAM'S IND CO KUNG YIP ST, KWAI CHUNG 16.3.92 APCO : 4,000 1ST TSUEN WAN
/NOTE: ........
TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 1992
- 10 -
NOTE :
APCO : AIR POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE
NCO : NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE
DASO : DUMPING AT SEA ACT 1974 (OVERSEAS TERRITORIES) ORDER 1975
WPCO : WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE
WDO : WASTE DISPOSAL ORDINANCE
ON THE PROVISION OF NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE RELATING TO CARRYING OUT CONSTRUCTION WORK WITHOUT A VALID CONSTRUCTION NOISE PERMIT, THREE PERSONS WERE PROSECUTED BY THE POLICE AND THE FINES RANGED FROM $1,000 TO $2,000.
ANOTHER PERSON WAS PROSECUTED BY THE POLICE AND FINED $2,000 FOR CAUSING EXCESSIVE NOISE FROM PUBLIC PLACE. ONE PERSON WAS ALSO FINED $200 FOR CAUSING EXCESSIVE NOISE FROM DOMESTIC PLACE AT NIGHT.
AN EPD SPOKESMAN SAID TWO OFFENCES COMMITTED BY TAI CHEONG LAND AND MARINE ENGINEERING LTD IN CASE 21 AND 23 WERE RELATED TO ILLEGAL DUMPING OF COykL ASH IN AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR.
TAI CHEONG WAS SUB-CONTRACTED BY A COMPANY TO SEND THE COAL ASH GENERATED FROM A POWER STATION ON THE HONG KONG ISLAND TO CHINA FOR RE-USE. HOWEVER, TAI CHEONG HAD INSTEAD SHORT-DUMPED THE COAL ASH WITHIN HONG KONG WATERS WITHOUT A LICENCE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID ILLEGAL DISPOSAL OF COAL ASH AT THE SEA WAS DETRIMENTAL TO THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT. POWER COMPANIES SHOULD EXERCISE THEIR CLOSE SUPERVISION TO ENSURE THAT THEIR CONTRACTORS PERFORM IN AN ENVIRONMENTALLY ACCEPTABLE MANNER.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
ENQUIRIES ON SPECIFIC CASE CAN BE ADDRESSED TO THE FOLLOWING PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICERS :
APCO MR FRANKLIN CHUNG TEL NO. 810 2907
NCO MR STEVEN HO TEL NO. 810 2800
WPCO CASE 41 DR MIKE CHIU TEL NO. 417 4101
WPCO CASE 24, 27 DR ELLEN CHAN TEL NO. 650 6955
DASO MR EDDIE LUI TEL NO. 755 3553
WDO DR MALCOLM BROOM TEL NO. 685 1132
HOWEVER, ENQUIRIES ON GENERAL ISSUE SHOULD CONTINUE BE DIRECTED TO EPD’S PUBLIC RELATIONS SECTION.
------0--------
TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 1992
- 11 -
ALTERNATIVE EMPLOYMENT OFFERED TO REDUNDANT TUNNEL STAFF
******
A LARGE NUMBER OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT STAFF WHO WILL BE MADE REDUNDANT BY THE CONTRACTING OUT OF THE MANAGEMENT OF THE FOUR REMAINING GOVERNMENT TUNNELS HAVE SUCCEEDED IN SECURING ALTERNATIVE EMPLOYMENT IN OTHER DEPARTMENTS FOLLOWING SPECIAL INTERVIEWS ARRANGED FOR THEM.
THESE INTERVIEWS, WHICH BEGAN IN MAY, WILL CONTINUE IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS.
SO FAR, ABOUT 40 TUNNEL STAFF HAVE BEEN SELECTED FOR APPOINTMENT AS CLERICAL ASSISTANTS AND OFFICE ASSISTANTS.
MORE OFFERS FOR APPOINTMENT TO THESE TWO GRADES ARE EXPECTED IN SUBSEQUENT BATCHES, A SPOKESMAN OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
OFFERS TO BE MADE SHORTLY ARE FOR FOREMAN POSTS IN THE URBAN. AND REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENTS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
ABOUT 70 OF THE REDUNDANT STAFF ARE SUITABLE FOR APPOINTMENT TO THIS GRADE.
MANY ARE ALSO LIKELY TO BE SUITABLE FOR THE POST OF POSTMAN, THE SELECTION INTERVIEWS ARE IN PROGRESS.
’’THE PROSPECT OF APPOINTMENT TO OTHER POSTS IS ALSO VERY ENCOURAGING.
"ALTHOUGH IN SMALLER NUMBERS THE OFFERS WOULD ADD SUBSTANTIALLY TO THE TOTAL NUMBER OF STAFF WHO CAN BE SUCCESSFULLY REDEPLOYED WITHIN THE CIVIL SERVICE," HE ADDED.
ABOUT 300 STAFF WILL BE AFFECTED UNDER A PLAN TO CONTRACT OUT THE MANAGEMENT AND OPERATION OF THE LION ROCK, AIRPORT, TSEUNG KWAN 0 AND- SHING MUN TUNNELS. THESE STAFF WERE BEING DEPLOYED.
INCLUDING JOB OFFERS FROM THE FUTURE OPERATORS OF THE TUNNELS, THE SPOKESMAN IS HOPEFUL THAT A LARGE NUMBER OF THE REDUNDANT STAFF, APART FROM THOSE WHO HAVE REACHED RETIREMENT AGE, WOULD BE ABLE TO FIND ALTERNATIVE EMPLOYMENT WITH THE HELP OF THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH BEFORE TUNNEL MANAGEMENT IS HANDED OVER TO PRIVATE CONTRACTORS EARLY NEXT YEAR.
------0 - -
/12........
TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 1992
12
THE ROLE OF SPONSORSHIP IN THE ARTS
*****
ARTS SPONSORSHIP WAS A TRIANGULAR BALANCE BETWEEN THE ARTS, BUSINESS, AND THE AUDIENCE, CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL CULTURE. SELECT COMMITTEE, MR MAN SAI-CHEONG SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE ROTARY CLUB OF HONG KONG CITY NORTH LUNCHEON MEETING, MR MAN SAID THAT THE URBAN COUNCIL AND MANY OTHER LOCAL ARTS ORGANISATIONS WERE WISHING TO ENTER INTO PARTNERSHIPS WITH THE BUSINESS SECTOR.
’’THE COUNCIL RECOGNISES THE VALUE OF COMMERCIAL SPONSORSHIP BECAUSE IT CAN SEE THAT ARTS PROVISION IS AN EXPENSIVE BUSINESS,” MR MAN SAID.
NOTING THAT THE URBAN COUNCIL WAS ITSELF ARTS, MR MAN SAID THAT THE COUNCIL WAS ALSO A PROGRAMMES, USING PUBLIC MONEY TO SUBSIDIZE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
A PRESENTER OF THE SPONSOR OF CULTURAL THESE ACTIVITIES TO
"BY POOLING RESOURCES OF THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTOR, IT CAN ENLARGE THE SOURCES OF FUNDING. IT THEN CAN ORGANISE MORE PROGRAMMES, AND ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF ITS PRESENTATIONS AND FACILITIES,” THE COUNCILLOR SAID.
MR MAN POINTED OUT THAT THE BASIS OF ANY BUSINESS/ARTS CO-OPERATION COMPRISED THREE VITAL ELEMENTS: THE MATURITY OF HONG KONG AS AN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL AND TRADE CENTRE; THE AVAILABILITY OF PROGRAMMES, VENUES AND FACILITIES ABLE TO MEET THE EXPECTATION OF SPONSORS; AND THE EXISTENCE OF AN APPRECIATIVE TARGET AUDIENCE.
"MAJOR CORPORATIONS HAVE PROSPERED AND TAKEN ROOT IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY, AND ARE KEEN TO BE ACKNOWLEDGED AS CONTRIBUTORS TO THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF THE COMMUNITY,” THE COUNCILLOR SAID.
"THEY WERE IN A SAME VIEW THAT SPONSORSHIP WAS USED AS A VEHICLE TO CONVEY THE COMPANY’S MESSAGE OF PARTICIPATION IN AND COMMITMENT TO THE SOCIETY IN WHICH IT HAS GROWN," HE CONTINUED.
ALTHOUGH FINANCIAL SUPPORT WAS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION OF A BUSINESS SPONSOR, MR MAN SAID IT NEEDED THE EXPERTISE AND FACILITIES OF THE ARTS IN ORDER TO SUCCESSFULLY PULL OFF A SPONSORSHIP DEAL.
"IN HONG KONG, LOCAL ARTS MANAGERS HAVE, THROUGH YEARS OF HARD WORK AND EXPERIMENTATION, ACQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE IN THIS AREA, THEY ARE READY TO OFFER THEIR EXPERTISE TO MEET THE SPONSORS’ EXPECTATIONS.” •
MEANWHILE, WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG INTO AN AFFLUENT SOCIETY, AND AFTER LOCAL PRESENTERS’ YEARS OF HARD WORK, THERE HAS EMERGED AN AUDIENCE FOR THE ARTS TO WHOM SPONSORS CAN TARGET THEIR MESSAGE OF COMMITMENT TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY.
MR MAN NOTED THAT THE URBAN COUNCIL AND MANY OTHER ARTS ORGANISATIONS HAVE THE EXPERTISE, CONTACTS, VENUES AND OTHER RESOURCES TO PRESENT A VARIETY OF ATTRACTIVE ACTIVITIES FOR SPONSORS WITH DIFFERING REQUIREMENTS.
/“THIS INVOLVES........
TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 1992
- 13 -
"THIS INVOLVES WORKING THROUGH THE DETAILED MARKETING ARRANGEMENTS, REQUIRED ACKNOWLEDGMENTS, HOSPITALITY ARRANGEMENTS, TICKETING AND WHATEVER ELSE THE SPONSOR MAY BE SEEKING IN RETURN FOR ITS SPONSORSHIP," HE SAID.
"IN MANY CASES SPONSORSHIP IN KIND IS ALSO IMPORTANT," MR MAN SAID.
"IN SOME COUNTRIES, THE SPONSOR AND THE SPONSORED COMPANY HAVE ENTERED INTO AN ONGOING RELATIONSHIP WHICH 1 WOULD DESCRIBE AS THE 'MENTOR RELATIONSHIP’. THIS IS WHERE A COMPANY ADOPTS A PATRIARCHAL ROLE TOWARD AN ARTS ORGANISATION.
"IT MAY INCLUDE ACCOUNTANCY OR AUDIT SERVICES, FINANCIAL ADVICE AND THE INTRODUCTION TO OTHER POTENTIAL SPONSORS WITH WHOM THEY DO BUSINESS." /
MR MAN ADDED THAT EXPERIENCE HAD SHOWN THAT WHEN THE PRODUCT AND THE. PRICE WAS RIGHT, THE PRIVATE SECTOR WAS INTERESTED.
"THE END PRODUCT OF EACH COLLABORATION IS A BETTER AND ENHANCED QUALITY OF LIFE THROUGH THE BEAUTY OF THE ARTS," THE COUNCILLOR CONCLUDED.
------0-------
NOISE MITIGATION MEASURES FOR CHEUNG CHING ESTATE
*****
SPECIAL NOISE MITIGATION MEASURES WILL BE PROVIDED FOR RESIDENTS IN CHEUNG CHING ESTATE ON TSING YI ISLAND WHO WILL BE AFFECTED BY TRAFFIC NOISE OF THE ROAD NETWORKS OF THE DUPLICATE TSING YI SOUTH BRIDGE PROJECT.
THE MEASURES, WHICH HAVE BEEN RECOMMENDED BY EPCOM AND APPROVED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, WILL INCLUDE INSULATION OF WINDOWS FROM NOISE AND INSTALLATION OF AIR-CONDITIONERS IN ABOUT 380 UNITS IN CHING TAO HOUSE, CHING PAK HOUSE AND CHING KWAI HOUSE OF CHEUNG CHING ESTATE WHICH ARE CLOSEST TO THE BRIDGES AND ROUNDABOUTS, t
THE TOTAL COST OF THE WORKS IS ESTIMATED AT $10 MILLION.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS BRANCH SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THESE MEASURES ARE TO SUPPLEMENT A PACKAGE OF I DIRECT TECHNICAL REMEDIES RECOMMENDED TO REDUCE NOISE LEVELS IN THE AREA.
"IT IS INTENDED THAT THE NOISE MITIGATION MEASURES WILL BE IN PLACE BEFORE THE NEW ROADS ARE OPEN TO THE TRAFFIC.
"SIMILAR NOISE MITIGATION MEASURES HAD BEEN APPROVED FOR OCCUPANTS OF RESIDENTIAL PREMISES AT CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST WHO ARE TO BE AFFECTED BY THE WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING PROJECT," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
------0-------
/14 .......
14
TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 1992
257 VMS RETURNED
*****
A GROUP OF 257 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (TUESDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE UNHCR’S VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME.
COMPRISING 98 MEN, 58 WOMEN, 53 BOYS AND 48 GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 107TH BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.
THIS GROUP BROUGHT TO 4,940 THE TOTAL NUMBER MIGRANTS WHO HAVE RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED
OF VIETNAMESE
TO 18,919 THE IN MARCH 1989.
OF THOSE
THE HIGHEST
THE USUAL
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT 60% OR 154 REPATRIATED TODAY, HAD BEEN SCREENED OUT. IT IS BY RAR PROPORTION TO RETURN ON A VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION FLIGHT. PROPORTION IS ONLY 5 TO 25 PER CENT.
"THIS LOOKS TO BE A DIRECT RESULT OF THE MAY 12 AGREEMENT, SAID.
---------0-----------
WATER STORAGE FIGURE *****
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (TUESDAY) STOOD AT 70.6% OF CAPACITY OR 414.034 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 156.078 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 26.6% OF CAPACITY.
------0--------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS *****
TENDER DATE 16 JUNE 92 » 16 JUNE 92
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q225 Y291
AMOUNT APPLIED HKD 2,435 MN HKD 1,130 MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED HKD 500 MN HKD 200 MN
AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED 2.90 PCT 3.99 PCT
HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED 2.91 PCT 4.00 PCT
PRO RATA RATIO 80 PCT ABOUT 20 PCT
AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 2.95 PCT 4.04 PCT
/HONG KONG .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 1992
- 15 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
TENDER TO BE HELD IN THE
TENDER DATE PAPER ON OFFER ISSUE NUMBER ISSUE DATE MATURITY DATE TENOR AMOUNT ON OFFER
WEEK BEGINNING 22 JUNE
23 JUNE 92
EF BILLS
Q226
24 JUNE 92
23 SEPT 92
91 DAYS
HKD 500 + 100 MN
------0--------
1992 -
23 JUNE 92
EF BILLS
H267
24 JUNE 92
23 DEC 92
182 DAYS
HKD 200 + 60 MN
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
16 JUNE 1992
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT REVERSAL OF LAF 1,488 MN -500 MN
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 988 MN
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY + 20 MN
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,008 MN
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 111.0 *+0.0* 16.6.92
/HONG KONG .......
4
TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 1992
- 16 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS
TERMS YIELD TERM
1 WEEK 2.82 PCT 18 MONTHS
1 MONTH 2.81 PCT 21 MONTHS
3 MONTHS 2.87 PCT 24 MONTHS
6 MONTHS 3.22 PCT
12 MONTHS 3.96 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
2311 6.25 102.32 4.59
2402 5.50 101.07 4.88
2405 5.50 100.78 5.13
- 5,385 MN
CLOSED 16 JUNE 1992
---------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FS TO BRIEF NEW GOVERNOR ............................................ 1
NEW RAINSTORM WARNING SYSTEM INTRODUCED ............................. 1
SANDWICH CLASS HOUSING PRIORITY DISCUSSED ........................... 4
ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN BUILDING DESIGN PROPOSED ....................... 5
CONTRACTS FOR SEWERAGE IMPROVEMENTS SCHEME AWARDED .................. 5
THE WEATHER OF MAY .................................................. 6
NEW DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF APPOINTED ..................................... 10
UNAUTHORISED BUILDING TO BE CLOSED .................................. 10
GOVT LAND IN TSING YI LET BY TENDER ................................. 10
REPATRIATION FLIGHT DATE SET......................................... 11
AUCTION OF LUCKY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS ......................... 11
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND................................... 12
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 1992 1
FS TO BRIEF NEW GOVERNOR * * * ♦
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, WILL FLY TO LONDON FOR A DUTY VISIT FROM JUNE 20 TO 25.
DURING HIS VISIT, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WILL MEET THE GOVERNOR-DESIGNATE, MR CHRIS PATTEN, AS WELL AS OFFICIALS IN THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE RESPONSIBLE FOR HONG KONG AFFAIRS.
MR MACLEOD WILL ALSO CALL ON THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR MICHAEL HESELTINE, AND THE GOVERNOR OF THE BANK OF ENGLAND, MR ROBERT LEIGH-PEMBERTON.
IN ADDITION, HE WILL MEET SENIOR OFFICIALS AT THE UK TREASURY, INCLUDING THE TWO PERMANENT SECRETARIES, SIR TERENCE BURNS AND SIR NIGEL WICKS.
HE WILL ALSO VISIT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICE IN LONDON.
MR MACLEOD WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ON JUNE 26.
---------- 0------------
NEW RAINSTORM WARNING SYSTEM INTRODUCED ******
A NEW RAINSTORM WARNING SYSTEM IS BEING INTRODUCED TO PROVIDE TIMELY ADVICE TO THE PUBLIC AND TO ENSURE A HIGH STATE OF READINESS IN DEALING WITH EMERGENCIES WHICH MAY ARISE FROM HEAVY RAINSTORMS.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY (SECURITY), MR IAN PETERSEN, SAID THE RAINSTORM WARNING SYSTEM WOULD COME INTO EFFECT IMMEDIATELY AND WILL OPERATE INDEPENDENT OF OTHER SEVERE WEATHER WARNINGS, INCLUDING TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING SIGNALS.
THE NEW RAINSTORM WARNING SYSTEM FOLLOWS A REVIEW OF THE GOVERNMENT’S CONTINGENCY ARRANGEMENTS IN DEALING WITH NATURAL DISASTERS, FOLLOWING THE EXTREMELY HEAVY RAINSTORM OF MAY 8.
’’ALTHOUGH THE INTENSITY AND SEVERITY OF THE MAY 8 RAINSTORM COULD NOT HAVE BEEN FORESEEN, WE DECIDED THAT A SEPARATE WARNING SYSTEM FOR RAINSTORMS WAS NEEDED SO THAT EARLY PRECAUTIONS COULD BE TAKEN TO PROTECT LIFE AND PROPERTY AND MINIMISE DISRUPTION," MR PETERSEN SAID.
’’THE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO HEIGHTEN AWARENESS AND PREPAREDNESS WITHIN THE ESSENTIAL SERVICES AND TO PROVIDE EARLY WARNING TO THE PUBLIC WITH CLEAR ADVICE OF WHAT PRECAUTIONS TO TAKE IN THE EVENT OF RAINSTORMS,” HE SAID.
OUTLINING THE NEW RAINSTORM WARNING SYSTEM, THE ACTING ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY, MR Y.K. CHAN, EXPLAINED THAT FOUR COLOUR-CODED ALERTS WOULD BE USED -- GREEN, AMBER, RED AND BLACK.
/"THE GREEN .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 1992
"THE GREEN AND AMBER ALERTS ARE STANDBY NOTICES INTENDED TO PRIME DEPARTMENTS TO REMAIN VIGILANT AND TO MAKE SURE THAT KEY PERSONNEL ARE READY IN CASE THEY WILL BE NEEDED," HE SAID.
MR CHAN SAID THESE TWO ALERTS WOULD BE TRIGGERED ON THE BASIS OF FORECASTING OF HEAVY RAINSTORMS:
GREEN IS TO INDICATE THAT SIGNIFICANT RAIN IS LIKELY TO AFFECT THE TERRITORY WITHIN THE NEXT 12 HOURS WHICH MAY DEVELOP INTO AN AMBER SITUATION.
AMBER INDICATES THAT 50 MM OF THE RAIN OR MORE IS EXPECTED OVER'HONG KONG DURING THE NEXT SIX HOURS OR SO.
"AS NO IMMEDIATE ACTION WOULD BE REQUIRED FROM THE PUBLIC, THESE STANDBY ALERTS WILL ONLY BE ISSUED TO GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND KEY OUTSIDE BODIES SUCH AS PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND UTILITY COMPANIES, SO AS TO AVOID CAUSING PUBLIC DISQUIET OR DISRUPTING THE DAILY LIFE OF THE COMMUNITY UNNECESSARILY," MR CHAN SAID.
"THERE SHOULD BE ADEQUATE FOREWARNING AS WE WILL BE CONTINUOUSLY MONITORING FOR ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS," HE SAID.
THE RED AND BLACK WARNINGS WILL REQUIRE SPECIFIC ACTION TO BE TAKEN AND WARNINGS, BASED ON ACTUAL RAINFALL RECORDED THROUGHOUT HONG KONG, WILL BE BROADCAST TO THE PUBLIC.
"RED" WARNING - INDICATES THAT 50 MM OF RAINFALL HAS BEEN RECORDED DURING ANY ONE HOUR PERIOD OR LESS. FURTHER HEAVY RAIN COULD CAUSE WIDESPREAD ROAD FLOODING AND TRAFFIC CONGESTION. SCHOOL CHILDREN WILL BE ADVISED TO STAY AT HOME OR REMAIN IN SCHOOL UNTIL IT IS SAFE FOR THEM TO RETURN HOME.
"BLACK” WARNING - THIS MEANS THAT MORE THAN 100 MM OF RAIN HAS FALLEN GENERALLY OVER HONG KONG DURING THE PAST TWO HOURS OR LESS; BECAUSE OF SERIOUSLY FLOODED ROADS AND INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS, RESIDENTS WILL BE ADVISED TO STAY AT HOME OR TAKE SHELTER IN A SAFE PLACE UNTIL THE RAINSTORM HAS PASSED AND TRAFFIC CONDITIONS HAVE IMPROVED.
"THERE IS AS YET NO ABSOLUTELY RELIABLE METHOD ANYWHERE TO ACCURATELY FORECAST THE LEVEL OF RAINFALL, BUT WE CONSIDER THAT BASING THE WARNING SYSTEM ON 50 MM PROVIDES A REASONABLE TRIGGER POINT FOR PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES TO BE PUT INTO EFFECT," MR CHAN SAID.
"TO RULE OUT CASES OF VERY HEAVY BUT LOCALISED AND SHORT-LIVED THUNDER SHOWERS, WE WILL BE BASING OUR CALCULATIONS ON RAINFALL AVERAGED OVER 10 SELECTED URBAN TELEMETERING GAUGES," MR CHAN ADDED.
MR PETERSEN SAID ONCE THE "RED" WARNING WAS ISSUED THE GOVERNMENT’S CONTINGENCY PLAN FOR NATURAL DISASTERS WOULD BE FULLY ACTIVATED AND RELEVANT DEPARTMENTS MOBILISED.
/THE ROYAL .......
3
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 1992
THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY WILL CAREFULLY MONITOR WEATHER CONDITIONS; FREQUENT AND REGULAR PUBLIC ADVISORY BULLETINS WILL BE ISSUED VIA GIS ON WHAT PRECAUTIONS SHOULD BE TAKEN; SCHOOLS WILL BE CLOSED AS WILL SHELTERED WORKSHOPS, DAY CARE CENTRES, NURSERIES, CENTRES FOR THE DISABLED AND SOCIAL CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT COMPANIES WOULD ALREADY HAVE BEEN ALERTED AND TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL LIAISE CLOSELY WITH THEM ON THE WAILABILITY OR REROUTEING OF SERVICES; TEMPORARY SHELTERS WILL BE OPENED IN CASE THEY' MAY BE NEEDED; DRAINAGE TEAMS WILL BE CLEARING BLOCKED DRAINS AND NULLAHS; POLICE WILL BE MONITORING ROAD CONDITIONS AND ADVISING MOTORISTS THROUGH REGULAR TRAFFIC BULLETINS; AND AN EMERGENCY CO-ORDINATION CENTRE WILL OPERATE ROUND-THE-CLOCK IN THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION TO HANDLE PUBLIC ENQUIRIES AND GIVE ADVICE.
THE RED AND BLACK RAINSTORM SYMBOLS WILL ALSO BE DISPLAYED ON TELEVISION SCREENS IN A SIMILAR MANNER TO TROPICAL .CYCLONE WARNING SIGNALS.
AS THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY WOULD BE FULLY ENGAGED, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SHOULD NOT CALL RO. THEY SHOULD TELEPHONE THE CNTA HEADQUARTERS EMERGENCY' CO-ORDINATION CENTRE ON 835 1173, OR LISTEN TO THEIR RADIO OR TELEVISION WHICH WILL BE BROADCASTING REGULAR MESSAGES ON STORM CONDITIONS.
"TN A ’BLACK' SITUATION, CONDITIONS WOULD HAVE DETERIORATED TO THE EXTENT WHERE PEOPLE WOULD BE ADVISED TO STAY INDOORS OR SEEK SHELTER IF THEY YRE AWAY FROM HOME. THE ESSENTIAL SERVICES WOULD BE OUT IN FULL FORCE DEALING WITH ANY EMERGENCY THAT MAY’ ARISE," HE SAID.
IN LINE WITH THE NEW RAINSTORM WARNING SYSTEM, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS REVIEWED SCHOOLING ARRANGEMENTS DURING SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONS FOLLOWING CONSULTATION WITH SCHOOL COUNCILS.
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (SCHOOLS), MR LUCAS CHAN, SAID AN ANNOUNCEMENT WOULD BE MADE ON THE CLOSURE OF SCHOOLS WHEN THE RED WARNING IS ISSUED BEFORE 6.15 AM.
IF THE RED WARNING IS ISSUED AFTER 6.15 AM, AN ANNOUNCEMENT WILL BF MADE THAT CLASSES WILL BE SUSPENDED.
HOWEVER, SCHOOLS WILL KEEP THEIR PREMISES OPEN TO RECEIVE CHILDREN WHO ARE ALREADY' ON THEIR WAY TO SCHOOL AND SCHOOL STAFF WILL BE ON HAND TO LOOK AFTER THE CHILDREN UNTIL IT IS SAFE FOR THEM TO RETURN HOME.
AS TO PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS CONDUCTED BY THE HONG KONG EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY' (HKEA1, A SEPARATE ANNOUNCEMENT WOULD BE MADE ON WHETHER THE EXAMINATIONS SCHEDULED FOR THE DAY WOULD BE HELD OR NOT.
MR C.C. CHOI OF THE HKEA POINTED OUT THAT THE CLOSURE OF SCHOOLS DOES NOT NECESSARILY IMPLY POSTPONEMENT OF PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS, YND HE ADVISED CANDIDATES AND EXAMINATIONS CENTRE STAFF TO LISTEN TO RADIO AND TV ANNOUNCEMENTS RIGHT UP TO THE TIME THEY I.FAVE TO ATTEND THE EXAMINATIONS.
/MR PETERSEN .......
4
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 1992
MR PETERSEN STRESSED THAT THE MEDIA, PARTICULARLY RADIO AND TELEVISION STATIONS, HAD A KEY ROLE TO PLAY IN BROADCASTING ADVISORY WARNINGS TO THE PUBLIC, AND HE URGED THEM TO GIVE PRIORITY TO BROADCASTING THE WARNINGS AND ADVISORY NOTICES AND REPEATING THEN AT FREQUENT INTERVALS.
"WE AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC RELY VERY HEAVILY ON THE BROADCASTING MEDIA FOR DISSEMINATING INFORMATION ON WEATHER CONDITIONS," HE SAID.
AN EXPLANATORY LEAFLET ON THE NEW RAINSTORM WARNING SYSTEM DETAILING THE WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES TO TAKE IS NOW BEING PRODUCED AND SHOULD BE AVAILABLE SOON FROM ALL CNTA PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES.
COPIES WILL ALSO BE MADE AVAILABLE AT SCHOOLS, SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT INSTITUTIONS AND HOUSING ESTATES.
------0--------
SANDWICH CLASS HOUSING PRIORITY DISCUSSED It***
THE WORKING GROUP ON SANDWICH CLASS HOUSING HAS DISCUSSED A SET OF GENERAL PRINCIPLES FOR DETERMINING THE PRIORITY FOR HOUSING ASSISTANCE FOR THE SANDWICH CLASS IN ITS LAST MEETING.
CHAIRED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, THE WORKING GROUP CONSIDERED THAT PRIORITY SHOULD BE BASED ON THE NEED FOR HOUSING ASSISTANCE.
"THE PRELIMINARY THINKING IS THAT A HIGHER PRIORITY SHOULD BE GIVEN TO, FOR EXAMPLE, THOSE LIVING IN NON-ASSISTED PRIVATE RENTAL HOUSING, THOSE WITH INCOME JUST ABOVE THE INCOME LIMIT FOR PUBLIC HOUSING, AND FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS," MR EASON SAID.
"NUCLEAR FAMILIES WHOSE MAIN INCOME EARNER IS AGED BETWEEN 30 AND 45 YEARS, AS WELL AS THOSE WITH THE HEAVIEST INCOME TAX BURDEN SHOULD ALSO BE CONSIDERED FOR PRIORITY," HE SAID.
"AS THE EXACT FORM OF ASSISTANCE HAS YET TO BE WORKED OUT, DETAILED ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA WILL BE DECIDED AT A LATER STAGE."
AT THE LAST MEETING, THE WORKING GROUP ALSO DISCUSSED A RANGE OF POSSIBLE PROPOSALS TO HELP THE SANDWICH CLASS.
"IDEAS AS TO HOW TO MAKE USE OF EXISTING AVAILABLE HOUSING STOCK WERE EXPLORED. FINANCING AND LAND IMPLICATIONS ARE COMPLEX ISSUES AND NO FIRM CONCLUSIONS HAVE BEEN REACHED YET," MR EASON SAID.
"DETAILED WORK IS REQUIRED ON THESE ISSUES AS WELL AS OTHER LONGER TERM MEASURES."
BEFORE THE WORKING GROUP NEXT MEET, MORE RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS WILL BE UNDERTAKEN.
------0-------
/5 ........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 1992
5
ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN BUILDING DESIGN PROPOSED *****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS PROPOSED STATUTORY CONTROL OF OVERALL THERMAL TRANSFER VALUE (OTTV) AS A STEP TOWARDS MORE ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN BUILDING DESIGN.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) AT A LUNCHEON OF THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS (HKIA).
MR EASON SAID HE WAS PLEASED TO NOTE THAT THE BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY HAD INDICATED SUPPORT IN PRINCIPLE FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF STATUTORY OTTV CONTROLS.
HE NOTED THAT THE HKIA HAD EXPRESSED CONCERN THAT THE OTTV CONTROLS WERE TOO STRINGENT, PARTICULARLY FOR HOTELS.
’’THE GOVERNMENT HAS THEREFORE AGREED THAT GUIDELINES ON OTTV CALCULATIONS SHOULD BE ISSUED IN THE FORM OF A HANDBOOK FOR THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR TO TRY OUT FOR A REASONABLE PERIOD.
"THIS WILL ENABLE PRACTICABILITY AND REAL-LIFE PROBLEMS TO BE ASSESSED BEFORE ANY STATUTORY CONTROLS ARE FORMULATED," HE SAID.
MR EASON SAID IT WAS ESTIMATED THAT ABOUT $4.9 BILLION WAS WASTED IN ENERGY COSTS IN 1989 OF WHICH ABOUT HALF WAS ACCOUNTED FOR IN ENERGY INEFFICIENT BUILDINGS.
"THERE IS CERTAINLY SCOPE FOR INCREASED EFFICIENCY IN ENERGY CONSUMPTION IN THE COMMERCIAL SECTOR THROUGH ENERGY SAVING SYSTEMS IN EXISTING BUILDINGS AND DESIGNING AND BUILDING MORE ENERGY-EFFICIENT NEW BUILDINGS," HE ADDED.
- - 0 - -
CONTRACTS FOR SEWERAGE IMPROVEMENTS SCHEME AWARDED
*****
THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) AWARDED THREE SEPARATE CONTRACTS FOR THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT AT FIVE SEWAGE PUMPING STATIONS NEWLY BUILT FOR THE EAST KOWLOON SEWERAGE IMPROVEMENT AND POLLUTION CONTROL SCHEME.
WITH A TOTAL VALUE OF $31.8 MILLION, THE CONTRACTS WERE SIGNED BY AN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT, MR FRANKLIN HO, WITH THE RESPECTIVE CONTRACTORS.
UNDER THE EAST KOWLOON SEWERAGE IMPROVEMENT AND POLLUTION CONTROL SCHEME, FIVE PUMPING STATIONS WILL BE CONSTRUCTED AT SAN PO KONG, KOWLOON BAY, NGAU TAU KOK, YAU TONG AND KWUN TONG.
SEWAGE COLLECTED AT THESE PUMPING STATIONS WILL BE CONVEYED TO THE EXISTING KWUN TONG SEWAGE SCREENING PLANT TO BE SCREENED AND DE-GRITTED BEFORE BEING DISCHARGED THROUGH A SUBMARINE OUTFALL.
/THESE PUMPING
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 1992
6
THESE PUMPING STATIONS WILL BE COMMISSIONED BY NOVEMBER NEXT YEAR WITH THE MAXIMUM DESIGN CAPACITY RANGING FROM 6,912 CUBIC METRES TO 596,100 CUBIC METRES PER DAY.
EQUIPPED EITHER WITH SUBMERSIBLE, CENTRIFUGAL OR SCREW PUMPS, THEY ARE STRATEGICALLY LOCATED TO COLLECT BOTH INDUSTRIAL AND DOMESTIC SEWAGE FLOWS IN THE REGION AND TRANSFER THEM TO THE SCREENING PLANT.
-----0-----
.THE WEATHER OF MAY
*****
RIDING ON THE WAVE OF RECORD-BREAKING RAINFALL IN THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF THE YEAR, MAY 1992 WAS YET ANOTHER WET MONTH WITH A VERY INTENSE AND DISASTROUS RAINSTORM ON MAY 8.
THE HOURLY RAINFALL OF 109.9 MILLIMETRES AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY BETWEEN 6 AND 7 AM THAT DAY WAS THE HIGHEST EVER RECORDED SINCE OBSERVATIONS BEGAN IN 1884.
THE DAILY RAINFALL OF 324.1 MILLIMETRES RENDERED MAY 8 THE SECOND WETTEST MAY DAY ON RECORD.
TOTAL RAINFALL FOR THE WHOLE MONTH AMOUNTED TO 602.3 MILLIMETRES, 90 % ABOVE THE MAY NORMAL OF 316.7 MILLIMETRES AND THE 10TH HIGHEST EVER.
THE CUMULATIVE AMOUNT OF 1,519.7 MILLIMETRES SINCE JANUARY 1 WAS NEARLY TWO-AND-A-HALF TIMES THE NORMAL OF 616.5 MILLIMETRES FOR THE SAME PERIOD AND WAS ONLY SECOND TO THE RECORD SET WAY BACK IN THE LAST CENTURY IN 1889.
AGAINST A BACKGROUND OF STORM CLOUDS AND RAIN, THE DURATION Of< BRIGHT SUNSHINE FOR THE WHOLE MONTH WAS A MEAGRE TOTAL OF 93.8 HOURS, THE FIFTH LOWEST EVER FOR MAY.
THE FINE WEATHER TOWARDS THE END OF APRIL CONTINUED INTO THE FIRST DAY OF MAY. IN THE HEAT OF EARLY SUMMER, THE TEMPERATURE THAT DAY EXCEEDED 30 DEGREES CELSIUS FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS YEAR.
THE HEAT WAVERED SLIGHTLY THE FOLLOWING DAY, DOUSED BY SOME MORNING SHOWERS AND PASSING CLOUDS.
AN EASTERLY SURGE OF COOLER CONTINENTAL AIR ARRIVED IN THE SMALL HOURS OF MAY 3, BRINGING STRONG WINDS OFFSHORE AND SOME LIGHT RAIN FOR THE EARLY PART OF THE DAY.
THE WEATHER REMAINED CLOUDY BUT SOME SUNNY INTERVALS DID EMERGE THE NEXT DAY AS THE EASTERLIES GRADUALLY SUBSIDED.
MOIST MARITIME AIR STARTED TO MOVE BACK IN, BRINGING MIST AND DRIZZLE ON THE NIGHT OF MAY 4 WITH FOG HOVERING OFFSHORE.
/OVER THE .......
7
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 1992
OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS, VISIBILITY AT NIGHT AND IN THE EARLY MORNING REMAINED POOR, PARTICULARLY OVER OFFSHORE AREAS.
HOWEVER, THE MIST AND FOG LIFTED DURING DAYTIME TO GIVE FINE AND SUNNY WEATHER.
TEMPERATURES CLIMBED TO A MAXIMUM OF 31.0 DEGREES ON MAY 6, THE HIGHEST FOR THE MONTH AND THE HOTTEST SO FAR THIS YEAR.
MEANWHILE, A TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE HAD FORMED OVER SOUTHERN CHINA AND THE WEATHER SOON BECAME UNSETTLED OVER THE COASTAL AREAS OF GUANGDONG ON MAY 7.
RAIN STARTED TO FALL INTERMITTENTLY THAT MORNING BEFORE A MAJOR OUTBREAK OF SQUALLY THUNDERSTORMS BROUGHT OVER 50 MILLIMETRES OF RAIN IN THE AFTERNOON.
LIGHT RAIN PERSISTED INTO THE EVENING BEFORE A LULL SETTLED IN FOR THE NIGHT. THEN IN THE EARLY MORNING OF MAY 8, FRESH CONVECTIVE DEVELOPMENT TOOK PLACE JUST TO THE NORTHWEST OF HONG KONG AND MOVED STEADILY TOWARDS THE TERRITORY. RAIN RESUMED JUST BEFORE DAYBREAK.
THE MOISTURE-LADEN AIR REVERBERATED WITH CLAPPING THUNDER AND BLINDING LIGHTNING AS THE TERRITORY BORE THE BRUNT OF THE MOST SEVERE ELECTRICAL RAINSTORM SEEN IN YEARS.
RAIN POURED DOWN WITH COMPLETE ABANDON SOON AFTER 6 AM AND THE AMOUNT OF RAIN THAT FELL IN THE NEXT HOUR, TOTALLING ABOUT 110 MILLIMETRES, SHATTERED THE HOURLY RECORD SET 26 YEARS AGO ON JUNE 12 1966.
BY 9 AM THAT MORNING, NEARLY 200 MILLIMETRES OF RAIN HAD FALLEN AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY. THE HAVOC WREAKED BY THE DELUGE WAS WORST OVER HONG KONG ISLAND WHERE OVER 240 MILLIMETRES OF RAIN WERE RECORDED. THE ONRUSH OF RAIN WATER TUMBLED DOWN THE SLOPES OF THE HILLY TERRAIN AND TURNED THE CITY ROADS INTO A NETWORK OF SWOLLEN RIVERS AND RAGING STREAMS.
AFTER A BRIEF RESPITE LATER THAT MORNING, TORRENTIAL RAIN RETURNED IN THE AFTERNOON AS ANOTHER BAND OF RAIN CLOUDS FOLLOWED THROUGH AND SWEPT ACROSS THE TERRITORY.
BY THE END OF A DAY OF STORMY WEATHER AND HEAVY SQUALLS WHICH LASTED TILL EVENING TIME, A TOTAL OF 324.1 MILLIMETRES OF RAIN WAS RECORDED AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY, THE SECOND HIGHEST FOR THE MONTH OF MAY SINCE RECORDS BEGAN IN 1884.
FOUR PEOPLE WERE KILLED AND ONE WAS REPORTED MISSING IN ACCIDENTS BROUGHT ABOUT BY THE HEAVY RAIN.
MORE THAN 200 CASES OF MUDSLIPS WERE REPORTED OVER THE TERRITORY, OF WHICH 150 OCCURRED ON HONG KONG ISLAND. RESIDENTS OF SOME BUILDINGS IN TANNER ROAD, KENNEDY ROAD, BAGUIO VILLA AND HUNG SHING YE VILLAGE IN LAMMA ISLAND HAD TO BE EVACUATED.
/THE DELUGE .......
8
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 1992
THE DELUGE BETWEEN 6 AND 8 AM CAUSED WIDESPREAD FLOODING ON THE MORNING OF MAY 8. UP TO 5 PM THAT AFTERNOON, 191 CASES OF FLOODS WERE REPORTED, OF WHICH 130 OCCURRED ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 34 IN KOWLOON AND 27 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES. THE TOTAL NUMBER OF REPORTED FLOODS ROSE TO AROUND 300 BY THE MORNING THE NEXT DAY.
CONVECTIVE DISTURBANCES CONTINUED TO AFFECT HONG KONG UNTIL THE NIGHT OF MAY 10 EVEN THOUGH THE INTENSITY OF THE RAIN WAS MUCH REDUCED.
MEANWHILE, COOLER AIR NORTH OF THE TROUGH SPREAD ACROSS THE SOUTH CHINA COAST AND BROUGHT BELOW-NORMAL TEMPERATURES.
AS THE EASTERLIES FRESHENED ON MAY 10, TEMPERATURES FELL TO THE MONTH’S LOWEST OF 20.2 DEGREES DURING THE DAY.
THE WEATHER REMAINED CLOUDY ON MAY 11 BUT GAVE WAY TO FINE AND SUNNY SKIES OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS AFTER THE EASTERLIES HAD SUBSIDED.
THE CLOUDS RETURNED ON MAY 14 ALONG WITH SOME INTERMITTENT LIGHT RAIN.
ANOTHER DELUGE ACCOMPANIED BY THUNDER AND SQUALLS BROKE OUT ON THE AFTERNOON OF MAY 15.
ON THIS OCCASION, THE HEAVY RAIN WAS NOT AS PERSISTENT. SEVEN CASES OF FLOODING AND TWO CASES OF LANDSLIPS WERE REPORTED.
THE TRAM SERVICE BETWEEN SHEUNG WAN AND CAUSEWAY BAY WAS DISRUPTED BUT OTHERWISE EFFECTS ON ROAD TRAFFIC WERE MINOR.
LIGHT RAIN PERSISTED ON MAY 16 AND THE RAIN TURNED HEAVIER THE NEXT DAY AS A TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE APPROACHED FROM THE INLAND REGION OF GUANGDONG.
GUSTY SOUTHWESTERLY WINDS AND SQUALLS ASSOCIATED WITH THE THUNDERSTORMS LED TO RATHER WINDY CONDITIONS. THREE PEOPLE WERE INJURED BY FALLING SIGNBOARDS OR LOOSE OBJECTS. A TREE WAS TOPPLED AND A SCAFFOLDING WAS BLOWN ASKEW IN HONG KONG ISLAND.
THE PASSAGE OF THE TROUGH LATER ON MAY 17 BROUGHT SLIGHTLY COOLER AIR FROM THE NORTH.
THERE WERE SOME SUNNY PERIODS THE FOLLOWING DAY BEFORE CLOUDS AND LIGHT RAIN RECURRED EARLY ON MAY 19 AS WINDS TURNED EASTERLY. CLOUDY AND RELATIVELY COOL WEATHER THEN PREVAILED FOR THE NEXT THREE DAYS, WITH ANOTHER RAINY EPISODE OCCURRING ON THE EVENING OF MAY 21.
WINDS WERE LIGHT AND VARIABLE FROM MAY 23 TO 27, AND APART FROM MAY 24, THE WEATHER DURING THE PERIOD WAS MAINLY CLOUDY WITH OCCASIONAL LIGHT SHOWERS AND SOME COASTAL MIST AT NIGHT AND IN THE MORNING.
DESPITE A SLIGHT FRESHENING OF THE EASTERLIES, IT WAS A BRILLIANTLY FINE DAY ON MAY 28. IT CLOUDED UP AGAIN THE NEXT DAY AND RAIN STARTED IN THE AFTERNOON.
/THE WEATHER .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 1992
9
THE WEATHER BECAME EVEN MORE UNSETTLED AS ANOTHER TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE FORMED OVER SOUTHERN CHINA.
HEAVY RAIN AND THUNDERSTORMS AFFECTED THE TERRITORY ON THE AFTERNOON OF MAY 30. THE TROUGH WEAKENED AFTER CROSSING THE SOUTH CHINA COAST AND SOME BRIGHT INTERVALS EMERGED ON MAY 31.
DURING THE MONTH, NO TROPICAL CYCLONES OCCURRED OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC AND THE SOUTH CHINA SEA.
INDEED, MORE THAN THREE MONTHS HAD ELAPSED SINCE THE LAST TROPICAL CYCLONE EKEKA WAS OBSERVED IN FEBRUARY. THERE WERE 21 FLIGHTS DIVERTED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER IN MAY. THUNDERSTORM WARNINGS WERE IN EFFECT ON MAY 2, 7-10, 14-17, 21 AND 29-30. FLOOD WARNINGS WERE ISSUED ON MAY 7-9, 15, 17, AND 30. A LANDSLIP WARNING WAS IN EFFECT ON MAY 8-11.THE STRONG MONSOON SIGNAL WAS HOISTED ONCE
EARLIER IN THE MONTH, WITH DETAILS GIVEN AS FOLLOWS:
WEATHER SYSTEM SIGNAL DATE AND TIME OF HOISTING DATE AND TIME OF LOWERING
WINTER STRONG MAY 3 MAY 3
MONSOON MONSOON 10.30 AM 5 PM
THE MONTH’S FIGURES AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL WERE:
TOTAL BRIGHT SUNSHINE 94.0 HOURS » 59.8 HOURS
BELOW NORMAL
MEAN DAILY GLOBAL 11.38 MJ/SQ.M > 4.74 MJ/SQ.M
SOLAR RADIATION. BELOW NORMAL
TOTAL RAINFALL 602.3 MM > 285.6 MM ABOVE NORMAL
MEAN AMOUNT OF CLOUD 80% > 6% MORE THAN NORMAL
MEAN RELATIVE HUMIDITY 86% 3% HIGHER THAN NORMAL
MEAN DAILY MAXIMUM AIR 271. DEGREES » 1.6 DEGREE CELSIUS
TEMPERATURE CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL
MEAN AIR TEMPERATURE 24.8 DEGREES > 1.1 DEGREE CELSIUS
CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL
MEAN DAILY MINIMUM AIR 23.3 DEGREES ♦ 0.6 DEGREE CELSIUS
TEMPERATURE CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL
MEAN DEW POINT 22.3 DEGREES » 0.3 DEGREE CELSIUS
CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL
TOTAL EVAPORATION 79.8 MM > 57.9 MM BELOW NORMAL
------0----------
/10........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 1992
10
NEW DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF APPOINTED ♦ * * ♦ »
CHIEF FIRE OFFICER, MR PETER CHEUNG, HAS BEEN APPOINTED DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES WITH EFFECT FROM JULY 1 THIS YEAR.
MR CHEUNG WILL SUCCEED MR LAM CHEK-YUEN WHO WILL BE REPLACING MR JOHN MARCH AS DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES FOLLOWING MR MARCH’S RETIREMENT BY THE END OF THIS MONTH.
MR CHEUNG JOINED THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN 1962 AS SUB-OFFICER. HE WAS PROMOTED TO CHIEF FIRE OFFICER IN 1989.
DURING HIS SERVICE, MR CHEUNG HAS SERVED IN THE OPERATION, AMBULANCE, HEADQUARTERS COMMANDS AND FIRE PROTECTION BUREAU.
HE HAS BEEN IN COMMAND OF MANY OPERATIONS AND IS NOW THE CHIEF FIRE OFFICER OF THE HEADQUARTERS COMMAND.
- - 0 - -
UNAUTHORISED BUILDING TO BE CLOSED ♦ * * *
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE AN UNAUTHORISED BUILDING IN YAU MA TEI SO THAT IT CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS AND THE PUBLIC.
THE UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURE IS LOCATED AT THE SIDE LANE OF NEW LUCKY HOUSE, 298-306 NATHAN ROAD AND 13-15 JORDAN ROAD.
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON AUGUST 26 WAS POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
DEMOLITION WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START AS SOON AS THE CLOSURE ORDER IS ISSUED.
- - 0 - -
GOVT LAND IN TSING YI LET BY TENDER *****
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT-TERM TENANCY ON A PIECE OF GOVERNMENT LAND IN TSING YI, THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE LOT IS LOCATED AT AREA 10, LIU TO ROAD, TSING YI. OCCUPYING AN AREA OF ABOUT 2,240 SQUARE METRES, IT IS DESIGNATED FOR A FEE-PAYING CAR PARK FOR GOODS VEHICLES LICENSED UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE (EXCLUDING CONTAINER TRACTORS AND TRAILERS).
THE TENANCY IS FOR THREE YEARS AND QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
/SUBMISSION OF
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 1992
11
SUBMISSION OF TENDERS WILL BE CLOSED AT NOON ON JULY 3.
FORMS OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND TENDER PLAN INSPECTED AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14/F, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES KOWLOON, 10/F, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON; AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KWAI TS1NG, 10/F AND 11/F, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN.
------0--------
REPATRIATION FLIGHT DATE SET I * * * ♦ *
IN REPLY TO PRESS ENQUIRIES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN CONFIRMED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE FOURTH REPATRIATION FLIGHT UNDER THE ORDERLY RETURN PROGRAMME AGREED WITH THE VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT ON OCTOBER 29, 1991 WILL TAKE PLACE ON FRIDAY (JUNE 19) MORNING.
"DETAILED ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEDIA COVERAGE OF THE REPATRIATION WILL BE ANNOUNCED TOMORROW,” THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
----------------------0------- AUCTION OF LUCKY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS ♦ ♦ * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD ANOTHER AUCTION OF LUCKY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS ON SATURDAY (JUNE 20) AT 9.30 AM AT THE ( ITY HALL RECITAL HALL.
A TOTAL OF 10 LUCKY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR BIDDING. THEY ARI.:
EW 13 16 EW 169 EW 136 3 EW866
EV7787 ♦FA727 ♦ BC12 DT968
EW214 EW 1 25 EW930 EW9 1 7
♦CC252 DM4 4 8 AC 104 ♦EZ600
EW198 *EE300 ♦EW1010 EW6208
AB9099 AA2221 BB342 AW1973
EW263 EW9699 EW1628 EW4206
tHK600 *AA17 * BLS88 *EZ123
EW8890 EW71 1 EW388 EW426
EV5351 EW273 EW2080 EW2232
* SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK (NOT TRANSFERABLE)
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS MUST PAY BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE P. I DI) ING.
/A TRANSPORT .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 1992
12
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN REMINDED BIDDERS THAT THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK WOULD ONLY BE ASSIGNED 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 IN THE CONDUCT, WILL AS USUAL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND.
THE COMING AUCTION WILL BE THE 176TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973.
------0-------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND *****
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1008MN REVERSAL OF LAF -20MN BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 988MN NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL EFFECT OF LAF TODAY NIl, CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 988MN LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 1t0.9 *-0.1* 17.6.92 HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
IW 2.89 PCT 17M 2311 6.25 102.37 4.55
IM 2.82 PCT 20M 2402 5.50 101.07 4.88
3M 2.87 PCT 6M 3.22 PCT I2M 3.98 PCT TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS CLOSED 17 JUNE 1992 23M 2405 5.50 AND BONDS - 7.545MN 100.76 5.14
0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR STRESSES NEED FOR DISCUSSION ON 95 ELECTION ................ 1
TWENTY-THIRD MEETING OF SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP COMMUNIQUE . 2
GOVERNOR SEES IMPROVEMENTS IN KOWLOON CITY .......................... 2
CALCULATION ON WHOLE-DAY SCHOOLING RECURRENT EXPENDITURE EXPLAINED .. 3
COMMUNITY CHEST'S SUCCESS - A HK'S SUCCESS .......................... 5
NOISE LEVEL AT CHEUNG CHING ESTATE CLARIFIED ........................ 6
CUSTOMS CHIEF LEAVES FOR INT'L MEETING........‘...................... 7
AIR QUALITY REPORT FOR MAY RELEASED ................................. 7
VOTER REGISTRATION EXERCISE ......................................... 10
COMPANIES CARRYING ON BUSINESS OF MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY OR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ................................................ 14
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .......... 14
THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 1992
1
GOVERNOR STRESSES NEED. FOR DISCUSSION ON 95 ELECTION
******
THE GOVERNOR, LORD WILSON SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THERE MUST BE VERY DETAILED DISCUSSIONS ON THE 1995 ELECTIONS IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE MAXIMUM OF CONTINUITY.
SPEAKING TO THE PRESS AFTER VISITING THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT, THE GOVERNOR SAID: "WE WANT THE 95 ARRANGEMENTS TO WORK IN SUCH A WAY THAT THEY REALLY DO GO THROUGH TO 1999 AS WE HAVE PROVISIONALLY AGREED.
’’THAT MEAN.S DISCUSSION WITH CHINA ON ALL THE ASPECTS OF THE 95 ELECTIONS WITH A VIEW TO ACHIEVING AGREEMENT ON AS MUCH AS WE POSSIBLY CAN SO THAT WE GET THAT CONTINUITY."
HE ADDED THAT ALTHOUGH 1995 SOUNDED A LONG WAY OFF THERE WAS A LOT OF WORK TO BE DONE.
”1 THINK WE NEED TO GET THOSE TALKS GOING WELL BEFORE THE END OF THE THIS YEAR," HE SAID.
ASKED ABOUT BARONESS DUNN’S SPEECH AT THE HOUSE OF LORDS YESTERDAY, LORD WILSON SAID HE THOUGHT LADY DUNN WAS MAKING TWO VERY IMPORTANT POINTS.
"SHE WAS SAYING THAT IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS WE MUST BUILD UP A CO-OPERATIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH CHINA. WE MUST TRY TO GET RID OF SUSPICION BECAUSE FIVE YEARS IS NOT VERY LONG BEFORE THE TRANSFER OF SOVEREIGNTY.
"I THOUGHT THAT’S A VERY IMPORTANT POINT AND I COMPLETELY AGREE WITH IT. SHE WAS ALSO SAYING THAT ON THINGS LIKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE 1995 ELECTIONS THAT THERE IS A COMMITMENT TO TALK TO CHINA ABOUT ALL ASPECTS OF IT.
"THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WHO WISH TO GET ON WITH THAT QUICKLY SO THAT THERE IS CERTAINTY ABOUT THE ARRANGEMENTS AND ONE CAN THEN GET ON WITH OTHER MATTERS," HE SAID.
ASKED ABOUT THE VISIT TO BEIJING BY CRC MEMBERS, LORD WILSON SAID: "I BELIEVED THAT IT’S A VERY GOOD IDEA THAT PEOPLE HERE SHOULD HAVE CONTACT WITH SENIOR OFFICIALS IN BEIJING WHO DEAL WITH HONG KONG AFFAIRS. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE PEOPLE FROM ALL PARTS OF THE POLITICAL SPECTRUM, ALL DIFFERENT POLITICAL GROUPS HAVING THAT SORT OF CONTACT.
"I BELIEVE CONTACT WITH CHINA AND THE CHINESE LEADERSHIP IS VERY IMPORTANT AND BECOMES MORE IMPORTANT IN THESE LAST FIVE YEARS."
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THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 1992
2
TWENTY-THIRD MEETING OF SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP COMMUNIQUE .
* * * *
THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP HELD ITS TWENTY-THIRD MEETING IN PEKING FROM 16 TO 18 JUNE 1992.
THE GROUP HAD A FURTHER DISCUSSION OF THE FUTURE OF LANDS WHICH ARE NOW IN USE FOR DEFENCE PURPOSES IN HONG KONG.
THE GROUP DISCUSSED MATTERS RELATING TO HONG KONG’S INTERNATIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS AND REACHED AGREEMENT ON THE CONTINUED APPLICATION TO HONG KONG AFTER 1997 OF NINE INTERNATIONAL TREATIES IN THE FIELDS OF MARINE POLLUTION, NARCOTIC DRUGS, PRIVATE INTERNATIONAL LAW AND CUSTOMS, AND AGREED SPECIFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE APPLICATION OF ONE OTHER CUSTOMS TREATY.
THE GROUP HAD A FURTHER EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION RELATING TO THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG AFTER 1997.
THE GROUP HAD AN EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ON INVESTMENT PROMOTION AND PROTECTION AGREEMENTS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND RELEVANT COUNTRIES AND MADE PROGRESS.
THE GROUP HAD AN EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ON SURRENDER OF FUGITIVE OFFENDERS AGREEMENTS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND RELEVANT COUNTRIES AND MADE PROGRESS.
THE GROUP HAD A FURTHER DISCUSSION ABOUT MAJOR FRANCHISES EXTENDING BEYOND 1997.
THE NEXT MEETING OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP WILi TAKE PLACE IN LONDON IN SEPTEMBER 1992.
------0-------
GOVERNOR SEES IMPROVEMENTS IN KOWLOON CITY
*****
THE GOVERNOR, LORD WILSON TODAY (THURSDAY) TO LOOK AT THE HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS AND PUBLIC SINCE HIS LAST VISIT IN 1988.
OF TILLYORN, VISITED KOWLOON CITY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS, PRIVATE WORKS PROJECTS CARRIED OUT THERE
LORD WILSON BEGAN HIS VISIT BY TOURING SEVERAL STREETS IN TO KWA WAN, WHICH HAD BEEN SUCCESSFULLY RESUMED UNDER THE GOVERNMENT’S PRIVATE STREET RESUMPTION PROGRAMME FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT.
THE GOVERNOR SAID: "THIS IS MY THIRD VISIT TO KOWLOON CITY AND MY LAST DISTRICT VISIT AS GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG.
"I HAVE BEEN MUCH IMPRESSED BY THE EFFORTS MADE BY ALL DISTRICT BOARDS, DISTRICT OFFICES AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS IN CARRYING OUT THEIR DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS.
/"THERE IS .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 1992
3
’’THERE IS MUCH STILL TO BE DONE; BUT ALREADY THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR MANY RESIDENTS HAS BEEN GREATLY IMPROVED.”
THE GOVERNOR THEN VISITED WHAMPOA GARDEN, THE LARGEST PRIVATE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN THE DISTRICT.
HE WAS BRIEFED ON THE PROGRESS MADE ON THE HUNG HOM BAY RECLAMATION AND MAJOR ROAD WORK PROJECTS IN THE AREA SINCE HIS LAST VISIT.
HE ALSO TOOK A LOOK AT THE COMMUNITY FACILITIES IN WHAMPOA GARDEN AND CHATTED WITH THE RESIDENTS.
THE GOVERNOR NEXT VISITED THE KOWLOON LOK SIN TONG AT LUNG KONG ROAD TO SEE THE MEDICAL SERVICES OFFERED BY THE CHARITABLE ORGANISATION.
FROM THE ROOFTOP OF THE TONG’S BUILDING, THE GOVERNOR WAS BRIEFED ON THE CLEARANCE PROGRAMME OF KOWLOON WALLED CITY.
”1 AM PLEASED TO LEARN THAT THE KOWLOON WALLED CITY CLEARANCE WILL BE COMPLETED SOON AND THAT THE AREA WILL BE TURNED INTO A PUBLIC PARK WHICH WILL INCLUDE SIGNIFICANT PARTS OF THE OLD WALLED CITY SUCH AS THE FORMER YAMEN AND THE TWO CANNONS,” THE GOVERNOR SAID.
BEFORE CONCLUDING HIS VISIT, LORD WILSON ATTENDED A TEA RECEPTION WHERE HE MET MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD AND LOCAL DIGNITARIES.
LORD WILSON WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR PAUL WONG, AND THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILLIAM YAP.
------0--------
CALCULATION ON WHOLE-DAY SCHOOLING RECURRENT EXPENDITURE EXPLAINED
******
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH TODAY (THURSDAY) REFUTED A RECENT ALLEGATION THAT MISLEADING INFORMATION HAD BEEN PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT ON ’’WHOLE-DAY SCHOOLING”.
HE SAID: ’’THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO BASIS FOR ATTRIBUTING THE CALCULATIONS QUOTED IN MR CHEUNG MAN-KWONG’S ARTICLE (MING PAO, JUNE 16) TO THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER.”
AT A PRESS BRIEFING HELD ON JUNE 11 TO EXPLAIN THE RECENT GOVERNMENT DECISION REGARDING WHOLE-DAY SCHOOLING AND MIXED-MODE SCHOOLING, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, SAID THE INTRODUCTION OF WHOLE-DAY SCHOOLING TO ALL PRIMARY SCHOOLS WITHIN A 15-YEAR PERIOD WOULD HAVE COST $2.2 BILLION IN CAPITAL EXPENDITURE AND $565 MILLION A YEAR IN RECURRENT EXPENDITURE "ON FULL IMPLEMENTATION”.
/"THE ESTIMATE .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 1992
4
’’THE ESTIMATE OF $565 MILLION IS BASED ON WHAT IT WOULD HAVE COST TO OPERATE WHOLE-DAY PRIMARY SCHOOLS TERRITORY-WIDE AND NOT JUST IN THE 66 NEW SCHOOLS REQUIRED TO BE BUILT,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
’’THE ADDITIONAL COSTS COVER THE PROVISION OF FIVE MORE TEACHERS PER SCHOOL, A HIGHER PROPORTION OF SENIOR TEACHERS, MORE SUPPORTING STAFF AND AN ENHANCEMENT GRANT OF $950 PER CLASS.”
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO CLARIFIED THAT WHILE IT HAD BEEN POLICY SINCE 1981 TO ENCOURAGE WHOLE-DAY OPERATION WHENEVER POSSIBLE, THE GOVERNMENT NEVER UNDERTOOK TO CONVERT ALL HALF-DAY CLASSES TO WHOLEDAY OPERATION.
IN ITS FOURTH REPORT PUBLISHED IN NOVEMBER 1990, THE EDUCATION COMMISSION PROPOSED A PLAN TO INTRODUCE MIXED-MODE SCHOOLING AS AN ADDITIONAL MEASURE TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION WITHIN SCHOOLS.
"TAKING INTO ACCOUNT PUBLIC VIEWS EXPRESSED IN A WIDE RANGING CONSULTATION EXERCISE, THE GOVERNMENT HAS NOW DECIDED THAT MIXED-MODE SCHOOLING SHOULD NOT BE IMPLEMENTED,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"IN REACHING THIS DECISION, THE GOVERNMENT ALSO CONFIRMED, AFTER CAREFUL CONSIDERATION, THAT NO SPECIFIC TIME FRAME SHOULD BE SET FOR ACHIEVING WHOLE-DAY SCHOOLING.
‘ "THE RECENT GOVERNMENT DECISION TO PROVIDE SUBSTANTIALLY MORE RESOURCES TO CURRENT WHOLE-DAY SCHOOLS AND THOSE WHICH MAY TAKE ADVANTAGE OF DEMOGRAPHIC CHANGES TO CONVERT TO WHOLE-DAY OPERATION IMPROVES ON AN EXISTING POLICY.
"IT WOULD BE WRONG TO DESCRIBE SUCH IMPROVEMENTS AS THE GOVERNMENT RENEGING ON EARLIER UNDERTAKINGS ON WHOLE-DAY SCHOOLING," HE ADDED.
THE METHODOLOGY USED IN CALCULATING THE ANNUAL RECURRENT EXPENDITURE ON FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF WHOLE-DAY SCHOOLING IS AS FOLLOWS:
TEACHING STAFF:
PRESENT NUMBER OF OPERATING CLASSES: 13v 323
LESS 14% POPULATION DECLINE OVER
NEXT 10 YEARS: 11,458
EQUIVALENT TO 477.4 24-CLASS SCHOOLS:
10% GOVERNMENT = 48 SCHOOLS
90% AIDED = 430 SCHOOLS
ADDITIONAL TEACHERS REQUIRED (AT 5 TEACHERS PER
24-CLASS SCHOOLS):
GOVT: 48 SCHOOLS X 5 TEACHERS = 240 TEACHERS
AIDED: 430 SCHOOLS X 5 TEACHERS = 2,150 TEACHERS
AVERAGE SALARY AT $0.28M = 240 X $0.28M = $68M
PER GOVT SCHOOL TEACHER
PER ANNUM
/AVERAGE SALARY .......
5
THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 1992
AVERAGE SALARY AT S0.203M PER AIDED SCHOOL TEACHER PER ANNUM.
CLERICAL STAFF
2,150 X S0.203M = S437M
1 CLERICAL OFFICER II FOR EACH OF BUILT.
AVERAGE SALARY AT $0.1 IM = PER COII PER SCHOOL:
JANITOR
THE 66 NEW SCHOOLS TO BE
66 X $0.1 IM = $7M
9 JANITORS FOR EACH OF THE 66 NEW SCHOOLS TO BE BUILT.
AVERAGE SALARY AT $0.07M = 66 X 9 X S0.07M = $42M
PER JANITOR PER SCHOOL:
ENHANCEMENT GRANT
478 SCHOOLS X 24 CLASS ROOMS X $950t = $11.DOM
TOTAL ANNUAL RECURRENT EXPENDITURE:
SALARY FOR GOVT SCHOOL TEACHERS = $ 68M
SALARY FOR AIDED SCHOOL TEACHERS = S437M
SALARY FOR CLERICAL OFFICERS = $ 7M
SALARY FOR JANITORS = $ 42M
ENHANCEMENT GRANT = $ 1 IM
S565M
--------0------------
COMMUNITY CHEST’S SUCCESS - A HK’S SUCCESS ♦ ♦♦♦♦♦
THE COMMUNITY CHEST OF
PROVISION OF SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES RESPONSIBILITY FALLS ON THE GOVERNMENT.
HONG KONG
PLAYS A KEY ROLE IN
ALTHOUGH THE BULK
THE OF
THIS WAS STATED ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (THURSDAY).
BY LADY WILSON WHEN OFFICIATING OF THE COMMUNITY CHEST OF HONG
AT THE KONG
23RD TODAY
SPEAKING IN HER
WILSON SAID SINCE THi 'lN§EPnorOFA?HEP?HFS?ENIoNCFI<ONeEHAnHEST’ bADY
VERY MUCH WEALTHIER PLACE. CHEST, HONG KONG HAD BECOME A
/"WE CAN .......
6
THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 1992
"WE CAN NOW RECOGNISE EVEN MORE NEEDS FOR SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES, THAT IN THE PAST WE SIMPLY COULD NOT AFFORD.
"THE GOVERNMENT’S ASSISTANCE HAS GROWN, BUT SO HAS THE ABILITY OF AGENCIES TO IDENTIFY FURTHER NEEDS, AND THEREFORE REQUIRE THE CHEST’S HELP TO SUPPLEMENT THEIR INCOME," SHE SAID.
TURNING TO FUND RAISING THIS YEAR, LADY WILSON SAID THE CHEST, WITH THE SUPPORT OF COUNTLESS DONORS, HAD SET A NEW RECORD FOR TOTAL FUNDS DONATED.
"THE TARGET OF $120 MILLION WAS EXCEEDED BY A 16% INCREASE IN DONATIONS OVER LAST YEAR’S TOTAL," SAID LADY WILSON, ADDING THAT THE CHEST IN FACT MANAGED TO RAISE $132 MILLION THIS YEAR.
"WITH SUCH EXCELLENT RESULTS, WE SHALL BE ABLE TO MEET MOST, THOUGH NOT ALL, THE REQUESTS FOR FUNDS FROM MEMBER AGENCIES NOW NUMBERING 120.
PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE CHEST, LADY WILSON SAID ITS SUCCESS CLEARLY REFLECTED THE SUCCESS OF HONG KONG.
"BUT IT ALSO REFLECTS HONG KONG PEOPLE’S INCREASING' GENEROSITY AND UNDERSTANDING THAT WE ALL HAVE A PART TO PLAY IN HELPING THOSE LESS FORTUNATE THAN OURSELVES," SHE CONCLUDED.
-----0------- _
NOISE LEVEL AT CHEUNG CHING ESTATE CLARIFIED
*****
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS BRANCH SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT IT IS GROSSLY UNTRUE THAT THE NOISE LEVEL IN SOME UNITS IN CHEUNG CHING ESTATE, TSING YI SEVERELY AFFECTED BY TRAFFIC NOISE GENERATED FROM DUPLICATE TSING YI SOUTH BRIDGE, WILL STAY ABOVE THE ACCEPTABLE STANDARD AFTER ADDITIONAL MITIGATION MEASURES IN THE FORM OF AIR-CONDITIONERS AND INSULATION OF WINDOWS, ARE PROVIDED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID NOISE ASSESSMENT STUDIES SHOWED THAT SOME OF THE MOST ADVERSELY AFFECTED UNITS COULD STILL BE EXPOSED TO NOISE LEVELS OF 73-78 l)B(A) AFTER DIRECT NOISE MITIGATION MEASURES ARE INSTALLED.
THE NOISE MEASUREMENT IS MADE AT ONE METRE AWAY FROM THE EXTERNAL WALL OF A BUILDING. THIS, IN NO WAY, MEANS THAT THE NOISE LEVEL INSIDE A UNIT WILL BE AT THIS LEXEL.
IN FACT, WITH THE INSTALLATION OF THE AIR-CONDITIONERS AND INSULATION OF WINDOWS, THE NOISE LEVEL INSIDE A UNIT WILL BE GREATLY REDUCED TO BELOW THE ACCEPTABLE STANDARD OF 70 DBIA), AS SET OUT IN THE HONG KONG PLANNING STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE PROJECT MANAGER OF TSUEN WAN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE WOULD CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN A DIALOGUE WITH RESIDENTS ^CHEUNG CHING ESTATE IN RESPECT OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NOISE MITIGATION MEASURES.
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/7
THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 1992
7
CUSTOMS CH I El LEAVES FOR INT’L MEETING
*■♦*•*♦
THF COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, MR CLIVE OXLEY, WILL LEAVE HONG KONG TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO ATTEND THE INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMS CO-OPERATION COUNCIL MEETING IN BRUSSELS, BELGIUM.
AFTER THE MEETING, HE WILL PAY A VISIT TO FRANCE WHERE HE WILL BE MEETING THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF THE FRENCH CUSTOMS FOR DISCUSSIONS ON MATTERS OF MUTUAL INTEREST.
HIE COMMISSIONER WILL THEN FLY TO ITALY WHERE HE WILL ADDRESS THE HONG KONG I TAI A ASSOCIATION IN MILAN.
MR OXLEY IS SCHEDULED TO RETURN TO HONG KONG ON JULY 8.
DURING HIS ABSENCE, THE ‘DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, MR TONG KANG-SING, WILL ACT AS THE COMMISSIONER.
---------0------------
AIR QUALITY REPORT FOK MAY RELEASED t ♦ ♦ * *
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) TODAY (THURSDAY) RI I.I \SED AIR QUALITY INFORMATION FOR LAST MONTH.
THIS IS THE 11TII MONTHLY ANNOUNCEMENT MADE BY THE DEPARTMENT.
THE ANNOUNCEMENT NORMALLY CONTAINS MONITORING RESULTS AS 'BTAINED AT ITS MONG KOK, CENTRAL/WESTERN AND KWAI (HUNG MONITORING STATIONS, AN EPD SPOKESMAN SAID.
NO DMA, HOWEVER, IS AVAILABLE FOR THE CENTRAL/WESTERN STATION, WHERE ALI MONITORING ACTIVITIES HAVE TEMPORARILY BEEN SUSPENDED DUE to construction work there.
THE REPORTED AIR POLLUTANTS I N’ LI DP SULPHUR D1 OX IDE ( SO2 ) AND
NITROGEN DIOXIDE (NO2> WHICH ARE MONITORED CONTINUOUSLY ' LOCK, AND TOTAL SUSPENDED PARTICULATES (TSP) AND SUSPENDED PARTICULATES (RSP) WHICH ARE SAMPLED FOR 24 HOURS
ROUND-THE-
RESP1RABLE
EVERY SIX
DAYS .
THE SPOKESMAN SAID: "THE GENERAL 802 AND NO2 LEVELS IN MAY WERE SIGNIFICANTLY LOWER THAN THOSE IN THE PREVIOUS MONTHS THIS YEAR. TIIPA FOLLOW THE GENERAL REDUCING TREND OF AIR POLLUTION LEVELS DURING Till- SUMMER MONTHS.
"HIGHER DISPERSIVE CAPABILITY OF THE ATMOSPHERE IN SUMMER MONTHS GENERALLY RESULTS TN LOWER AIR POLLUTION LEVELS. THF FACT THAT WE HAD A WET MONTH IN MAY ALSO HELPED TO REDUCE POLLUTION LEVELS, PARTICULARLY TSP AND RSP."
/THE SPOKESMAN .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 1992
8
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE PURPOSE OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT IS TO MAKE THE PUBLIC MORE AWARE OF THE GENERAL AIR QUALITY LEVELS TO WHICH THEY MIGHT BE EXPOSED.
THESE AIR POLLUTANTS MAINLY COME FROM COMBUSTION OF FUEL IN INDUSTRIAL PLANTS AND MOTOR VEHICLES ENGINES.
TSP AND RSP ARE ALSO GENERATED BY CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES AND SOME MANUFACTURING PROCESSES, AS WELL AS NATURAL SOURCES.
THE DAILY HONG KONG AIR QUALITY OBJECTIVES OF SO2 AND NO2, TSP AND RSP ARE 350, 150, 260 AND 180 MICROGRAMS PER CUBIC METER RESPECTIVELY.
THESE OBJECTIVES ARE COMPARABLE TO INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED AIR QUALITY STANDARDS RECOMMENDED FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE GENERAL HEALTH OF THE PUBLIC.
HIGH LEVELS OF SO2 CAUSE RESPIRATORY ILLNESS, REDUCES LUNG FUNCTION AND INCREASE MORTALITY RATE.
NO2 CAUSES RESPIRATORY IRRITATION, INCREASES SUSCEPTIBILITY TO RESPIRATORY INFECTION AND IMPAIRS LUNG DEVELOP.
TSP ACTS SYNERGISTICALLY WITH OTHER GASEOUS POLLUTANTS AND RSP CAUSES RESPIRATORY ILLNESS, REDUCES LUNG FUNCTION AND SOME FORMS OF RSP MAY CAUSE CANCER.
THE MONG KOK, CENTRAL/WESTERN AND KWAI CHUNG STATIONS BROADLY REPRESENT AIR QUALITY RESPECTIVELY AT LOCATIONS CLOSE TO ROAD TRAFFIC IN BUILD-UP URBAN DISTRICT; COMBINED COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS; AND DISTRICT CLOSE TO INDUSTRIAL AREAS.
THE EPD CURRENTLY OPERATES A TOTAL OF 11 FIXED AIR QUALITY MONITORING STATIONS, INCLUDING THE THREE MENTIONED ABOVE.
THE OTHER EIGHT STATIONS ARE AT KWUN TONG, SHAM SHUI PO, TSIM SHA TSUI, TSEUNG KWAN O, TSUEN WAN, HONG KONG SOUTH, TAI PO AND SHA TIN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FURTHER ENQUIRY CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICER MR RAYMOND LEUNG ON TEL 810 3049.
/HONG KONG .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 1992
- 9 -
Hong Kong Air Quality Report for May 1992
May 1992
May 1992
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/10........
THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 1992
10
VOTER REGISTRATION EXERCISE * * * *
A TOTAL OF 12,495 NEW APPLICANTS HAVE BECOME ELECTORS IN THE FIRST PHASE OF THE 1992 VOTER REGISTRATION EXERCISE.
REFERRING TO THE REGISTRATION STATISTICS OF THE PROVISIONAL REGISTER TO BE PUBLISHED TOMORROW (FRIDAY), THE REGISTRATION OFFICER, MR LAI KWAN-TAT, SAID THERE WAS A REDUCTION OF 13,702 ENTRIES DUE TO DEATHS, EMIGRATION, DOUBLE REGISTRATION AND LOSS OF CONTACT, MAKING A NET DECREASE OF 1,207 ENTRIES FROM THE CURRENT REGISTERED ELECTORATE OF 1,916,925.
MR LAI IS OPTIMISTIC THAT THE LOSS WILL BE COVERED BY THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS TO BE RECEIVED UP TO THE CLOSE OF THE SECOND AND LAST PHASE OF THE EXERCISE ON JULY 1.
THE PROVISIONAL REGISTER IS AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION UNTIL JULY 1 AT DISTRICT OFFICES AND THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE.
ANY PERSON WHO HAS ANY OBJECTION ON VALID GROUNDS TO THE INCLUSION IN THE REGISTER OF ANY NAMES MAY LODGE A NOTICE OF OBJECTION ON A SPECIFIED FORM WITH THE REGISTRATION OFFICER NOT LATER THAN JULY 6.
THE PROVISIONAL REGISTER FOR THE FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES, WHICH WILL ALSO BE PUBLISHED TOMORROW, WILL HAVE 69,896 ENTRIES, AN ADDITION OF 720 ENTRIES. OFFSET BY 649 DELETIONS, THE NET INCREASE IS 71 ELECTORS.
REGISTERED ELECTORS ARE ALSO URGED TO REPORT AT ONCE ANY CHANGE OF RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS.
"WHILE POSITIVE STEPS ARE BEING TAKEN TO UPDATE THE ADDRESSES CONTAINED IN THE ELECTORAL REGISTER WITH INFORMATION OBTAINED FROM OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, ELECTORS CAN MAKE THINGS EASY IF THEY CARE TO REPORT ANY SUCH CHANGES," MR LAI ADDED.
REPORT FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL POST OFFICES, DISTRICT OFFICES AND PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE OFFICES.
/Il ........
11
THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 1992
Registration Statistics by Districts
1992 PROVISIONAL REGISTER
District Estimated Population Estimated Potential Electorate No. of Electors in the 1992 Provisional Register Registration Rate
A Islands 53,400 34,349 23,953 69.7%
B North 198,300 127,555 56,634 44.4%
C Sai Kung 140,700 90,505 41,914 46.3%
D Sha Tin 517,700 333,008 159,487 47.9%
E Tai Po 243,500 156,630 67,535 43.1%
F Tsuen Wan 255,900 164,606 84,122 51.1%
G TuenMun 413,400 265,917 124,423 46.8%
H Yuen Long 244,700 157,402 75,814 48.2%
J KwaiTsing 429,200 276,081 139,843 50.7%
Regional Council Area Sub-total 2.496,800 1,606,053 773,725 48.2%
M Central & Western 265,500 170,781 77,569 45.4%
N Wan Chai 194,500 125,111 60,095 48.0%
P Eastern 546,000 351,212 201,461 57.4%
Q Southern 240,500 154,700 93,180 60.2%
R Kowloon City 384,400 247,263 125,813 50.9%
S Kwun Tong 550,900 354,363 214,320 60.5%
T Mong Kok 172,500 110,960 48,445 43.7%
U Sham Shui Po 372,500 239,609 125,177 52.2%
V Wong Tai Sin 368.500 237,036 156,921 67.0%
W Yau Tsim 140,400 90,312 37,012 41.0%
Urban Council Area Sub-total 3,235,700 2,081,347 1,141,993 54.9%
Grand Total * 5,732,500 3,687,400 1,915,718 52.0%
| 1991 FINAL REGISTER 5,827,200 3,696,000 1,916,925 51.9% |
* Excluding 19,600 Marine Population
Registration and Electoral Office, Constitutional Affairs Branch, Government Secretariat.
June 1992
Ref: K2RSDP51
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/12 ........
Changes in the Size of the General Electoral Roll
i । i o I I
I I
District No. of Electors in the 1991 Final Register No. of Deletions No. of Additions Gain/Loss in inter-district movement of electors No. of Electors in the 1992 Provisional Register Net Increase/ Decrease
A Islands 6 North C Sai Kung D Sha Tin E TaiPo F Tsuen Wan G Tuen Mun H Yuen Leng J Kwai Tsing 24,226 56,247 40,113 157,501 65,742 83,966 122,925 75,892 139,853 283 454 257 809 390 463 604 602 991 65 369 426 1,348 385 683 804 666 1,023 -55 472 1,632 1,447 1,798 -64 1,298 -142 -42 23,953 56,634 41,914 159,487 67,535 84,122 124,423 75,814 139,843 -273 -1% 387 1% 1,801 ' 4% 1,986 1% 1,793 3% 156 0% 1,498 1% -78 0% -10 0%
Regional Council Area Sub-total 756,465 4,853 5,769 6,344 773,725 7,260 1%
M Central & Western N Wan Chai P Eastern Q Southern R Kowloon City S Kwun Tong T Mong Kok U Sham Shut Po V Wong Tai Sin W Yau Tam 77,565 60,350 201,223 93,487 126,463 217,117 49,148 126,571 160,910 37,626 488 495 1,279 701 8C6 1,717 380 1,113 1,521 349 682 486 1,381 653 809 978 266 534 692 245 -190 -246 136 -259 -653 -2058 -589 -815 -1160 -510 77,569 60,095 201,461 93,180 125,813 214,320 48,445 125,177 158,921 37,012 4 0% -255 0% 238 0% -307 0% -650 -1% -2797 -1% -703 -1% -1,394 -1% -1989 -1% -614 -2%
Urban Council Area Sub-total 1,150,460 8,849 6,726 -6344 1,141,993 -8467' -1%
Total 1,916,925 13,702 12,495 0 1,915,718 -1,207 0%
Registration and Electoral Office, Constitutional Affairs Branch, Government Secretariat
June 1992
Ref:K2SGER51
i
H M
I
THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 1992
June 1992
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTORAL ROLL 1992 Provisional Register
I I I I o
I
I I
I
Constituency Electoral Division 1991 Final Register 1992 Deletions 1992 Additions, 1992 Change of Constituency 1992 Provisional Register Eligible Electorate 1992 Registration Rate
Commercial Industrial Finance & Financial Services Labour Social Services Tourism Real Estate & Construction First Commercial Second Commercial First Industrial Second Industrial Finance Financial Services 1,609 2,348 460 1,366 234 694 378 181 847 373 119 42 29 136 0 5 0 0 6 0 25 5 17 9 4 10 2 3 13 2 -1 +1 0 -1 0 +1 0 0 0 0 1,514 2,312 448 1,238 238 700 380 184 854 375 2,606 5,560 864 2,293 373 1,160 472 205 1,219 759 58.10% 41.52% 51.85% 5399% 63.81% 60.34% 80.51% 89.76% 70.06% 49.41%
Medical & Health Car® Teaching Legal Engineering, Architectural, Surveying and Planning Accountancy Urban Council Regional Council Rural Medical Health Care Engineering Architectural, Surveying and Planning 4,031 10,636 38,678 1.240 2,848 1,438 2,276 40 36 112 6 74 101 55 62 12 2 0 0 '__o 55 77 ' 217 » ‘ 86 27 62 106 0 0 0 0 0 -2 +2 -48 +48 0 0 0 0 4,080 10,639 38,792 1,273 2,765 1,536 2,380 40 36 112 6,802 18,663 55.346 2,655 3,614 2,197 5,000 40 36 139 59.98% 57.01% 70.09% 47.95% 76.51% 69.91% 47.60% 100.00% 100.00% 80.58%
Functional Constituency Total 69,825 649 720 0 69,896 110,012 63.53%
Registration and Electoral Office
THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 1992
THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 1992
14
COMPANIES CARRYING ON BUSINESS OF MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY OR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ♦ * * * *
UNDER SECTION 26(3) OF THE SUPPLEMENTARY MEDICAL PROFESSIONS ORDINANCE, COMPANIES REGISTERED UNDER THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE CARRYING ON THE BUSINESS OF MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY OR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT PARTICULARS OF THEIR STAFF TO THE RELEVANT STATUTORY BOARD WITHIN 14 DAYS AFTER JULY 1 IN EACH YEAR.
THE INFORMATION SHOULD BE SUBMITTED IN THE PRESCRIBED REPORT FORM. THESE FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE SECRETARIAT OF THE MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGISTS BOARD AND THE OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS BOARD AT 6/F, SUNNING PLAZA, 10 HYSAN AVENUE., CAUSEWAY BAY. THE ENQUIRY TELEPHONE NUMBERS ARE 890 0843 AND 890 0514.
------0-------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 988MN
REVERSAL OF LAF NIL
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 988MN
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY NIL
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 988MN
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 111.2 *+0.3* 18.6.92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1W 2.99 PCT 17M • 2311 6.25 * 102.44 4.50
IM 2.84 PCT 20M 2402 5.50 101.13 4.84
3M 2.86 PCT 23M 2405 5.50 100.80 5. 12
6M 3.22 PCT
12M 3.98 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 2.459MN
CLOSED 18 JUNE 1992
------0--------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
EXCO APPOINTMENT A MATTER FOR THE GOVERNOR .......................... 1
FS EXPLAINS NEW BUDGETARY PLANNING ARRANGEMENTS ..................... 1
ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS FIGURES FOR APRIL RELEASED .............................................................. 2
RULES ON LIMITED REGISTRATION OF OVERSEAS DOCTORS.................... 7
NEW ZEALAND STOPS DUMPING INVESTIGATION ON HK FOOTWEAR IMPORTS ...... 7
COMPANY FINED $200,000 FOR MARINE DUMPING ........................... 8
LAND RESUMPTION FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE .................... 8
JOINT ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION OPERATION MOUNTED .................... 9
LO WU TERMINAL TO BE ENLARGED AND MODIFIED........................... 10
TWO INSHORE PROJECTS GAZETTED ....................................... 11
NEW CURRICULUM CHALLENGING, SOCIALLY RELEVANT ....................... 12
PLANNING GUIDELINES FOR FACTORY/WORKSHOP/WAREHOUSE ISSUED ........... 13
NEW FIRE STATION IN TSIM TUNG ....................................... 13
RESUMPTION AND REPAIR OF NATION STREET .............................. 14
UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS TO BE CLOSED ............................ 15
FERS FOR PROCESSING BUILDING PLANS REVISED .......................... 16
MALAYSIAN DELEGATION VISITS SWD ..................................... 16
OVERSEAS TRIPS FOR OUTSTANDING CYC MEMBERS .......................... 17
WATER CUT IN YUEN LONG............................................... 17
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND .................................. 17
FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 1992
EXCO APPOINTMENT A MATTER FOR THE GOVERNOR
*****
APPOINTMENT TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IS A MATTER ONLY FOR THE GOVERNOR, THE GOVERNOR, LORD WILSON, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER A LUNCHEON MEETING AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BUILDING, LORD WILSON SAID: ’’THAT’S HOW IT WORKS.
"THAT IS CERTAINLY TRUE IN THE PERIOD BETWEEN NOW AND 1997."
NOTING THAT RECENT SPECULATION ABOUT WHAT HIS SUCCESSOR MIGHT OR MIGHT NOT DO WAS UNJUSTIFIED, THE GOVERNOR SAID : "BUT WHO THE GOVERNOR APPOINTS TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MUST BE A MATTER FOR THE GOVERNOR ALONE WITH THE AUTHORISATION OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE."
ASKED ABOUT THE REPATRIATION OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS, LORD WILSON SAID: "IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT WE SHOULD CARRY ON THESE PROGRAMMES SO THAT WE ARE SURE THAT PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT REFUGEES WILL BE SENT BACK TO THEIR HOMES IN VIETNAM IF THEY DO NOT VOLUNTEER.
"WE’VE GOT BACK 18,000 PEOPLE WHO HAVE GONE BACK TO THEIR HOMES AS VOLUNTEERS AND THERE’S BEEN NO PROBLEM WITH THAT.
"I THINK THIS MORNING’S REPATRIATION WILL ENCOURAGE MORE PEOPLE TO VOLUNTEER TO GO BACK.”
-----0------
FS EXPLAINS NEW BUDGETARY PLANNING ARRANGEMENTS
*****
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, BRIEFED LEGISLATORS AT THE OMELCO IN-HOUSE MEETING TODAY (FRIDAY) ON HIS PLANS TO REFORM THE GOVERNMENT’S BUDGETARY PLANNING ARRANGEMENTS.
HE EMPHASISED THAT THE GROWTH IN PUBLIC EXPENDITURE MUST BE KEPT WITHIN THE TREND GROWTH RATE OF GDP BUT EXPLAINED THAT THERE WOULD IN FUTURE BE GREATER FLEXIBILITY.
THESE PLANNED CHANGES HAVE BEEN MISUNDERSTOOD AS AMOUNTING TO A LIFTING OF ALL EXPENDITURE CONTROLS ON GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
MR MACLEOD SAID: "THIS IS ENTIRELY INCORRECT. WE SHALL ADOPT A MORE FLEXIBLE APPROACH TO EXPENDITURE PLANNING AND RESOURCE ALLOCATION. BUT OUR MAIN GUIDELINE THAT EXPENDITURE GROWTH MUST KEEP WITHIN THE TREND GROWTH RATE OF GDP REMAINS IN FORCE." •
"IN GENERAL TERMS, SECRETARIES WILL IN FUTURE BE GIVEN THE FLEXIBILITY TO DEPLOY RESOURCES WITHIN AND BETWEEN THEIR PROGRAMME AREAS.
"ECONOMIES IDENTIFIED WITHIN ONE PROGRAMME AREA COULD IN FUTURE BE RETAINED BY THE SECRETARIES FOR REDEPLOYMENT. THIS APPROACH WILL GIVE SECRETARIES A REAL INCENTIVE TO REASSESS THEIR EXPENDITURE PRIORITIES AND TO ENSURE THAT THEY ACHIEVE THE OPTIMAL ALLOCATION OF THE RESOURCES UNDER THEIR CONTROL.”
/MR MACLEOD .......
2
FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 1992
MR MACLEOD EXPLAINED THAT THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS WOULD BUILD ON THE PRESENT SYSTEM.
“THIS NEW INITIATIVE IS DESIGNED TO INVOLVE SECRETARIES AND THEIR DEPARTMENTS MORE CLOSELY IN THE DEPLOYMENT OF FINANCIAL RESOURCES ALLOCATED TO THEM."
HE ADDED: "UNDER THESE ARRANGEMENTS, IT WILL NO LONGER BE NECESSARY FOR SECRETARIES AND HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS TO DELIVER ACROSS-THE-BOARD SAVINGS TARGETS AS THEY WERE REQUIRED TO LAST YEAR."
MR MACLEOD ALSO BRIEFED LEGISLATORS ON HIS PLANS TO CONSULT THEM DURING THE PREPARATORY STAGE OF HIS FUTURE BUDGETS. HE SAID HE HAD RECENTLY COMPLETED A ROUND OF EXPLORATORY TALKS INVOLVING ALL LEGISLATORS.
"IT IS MY INTENTION TO START SEEKING MEMBERS' VIEWS ON EXPENDITURE PRIORITIES NEXT MONTH. THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY DISCUSSIONS ON REVENUE OPTIONS LATER IN THE YEAR. THE CONSULTATION PROCESS WILL START WITH A SPECIAL BRIEFING FOR MEMBERS IN JULY."
---------0 - -
ORDERS-ON-HAN’D, EMPLOYMENT AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS FIGURES FOR APRIL REI.EASFD
THE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND FOR THE 200 LARGEST MANUFACTURERS IN APRIL THIS YEAR INCREASED BY 2% OVER THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR, ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS OF A MONTHLY SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
MOST INDIVIDUAL INDUSTRIES REPORTED IMPROVEMENT IN ORDERS POSITION OVER A YEAR AGO, WITH THE LARGEST INCREASE IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY.
A SLIGHT DECREASE IN ORDERS, HOWEVER, WAS RECORDED IN THE TEXTILES INDUSTRY.
COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING MONTH, THE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND FOR THE MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE IN APRIL 1992.
ORDERS INCREASED IN THE TEXTILES INDUSTRY BUT DECREASED IN THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY. THE WEARING APPAREL, PLASTIC PRODUCTS AND ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES REPORTED LITTLE CHANGE IN ORDERS.
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.
IN LINE WITH THE RECENT TREND, THE TOTAL WORKFORCE OF THE 200 LARGEST MANUFACTURERS DECREASED B^ 11% IN APRIL 1992 WHEN COMPARED WITH A YEAR AGO. THIS REFLECTS THE CONTINUJ NG TREND OF RELOCATING PRODUCTION PROCESSES TO SOUTH CHINA.
/ALL INDIVIDUAL .......
3
FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 1992
ALL INDIVIDUAL MANUFACTURI NG INDUSTRIES RECORDED DECREASES IN THE NUMBER. OF PERSONS ENGAGED, WITH MORE SIGNIFICANT DECLINES IN THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS, FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS AND PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES.
COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING MONTH, THE TOTAL WORKFORCE OF THE MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED DECREASED BY 1% IN APRIL 1992. DECREASES WERE REPORTED IN MOST INDIVIDUAL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.
IN APRIL 1992, PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN THE MANUFACTURING COMPANIES SURVEYED INCREASED, IN MONEY TERMS, BY 14% OVER I’HE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR.
INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN ALL INDIVIDUAL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, WITH THE LARGEST ONES IN THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS AND PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES.
COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING MONTH, PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN THE MANUFACTURING COMPANIES SURVEYED INCREASED, IN MONEY TERMS, BY 2% IN APRIL 1992.
A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE WAS REPORTED IN THE FOOD AND DRINKS INDUSTRY, DUE '1’0 ISSUE OF BONUSES AND SALARY REVISION. OTHER INDUSTRIES REPORTING INCREASES WERE THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS, TEXTILES AND FI.FUTR1CAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES.
ON THE OTHER HAND, THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY REPORTED A SIGNIFICANT DROP IN PER CAPITA EARNINGS.
THIS IS, HOWEVER, DUE TO COMPARISON WITH A HIGH BASE IN THE PRECEDING MONTH, WHEN SOME OF THE MANUFACTURING COMPANIES SURVEYED I >;« ED BONUSES TO THEIR EMPLOYEES. A DECREASE WAS ALSO RECORDED IN HIE WEARING APPAREL INDUSTRY.
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES SURVEYED CONTINUED TO DECREASE IN APRIL 1992 WHEN COMPARED WITH BOTH THE PRECEDING MONTH AND THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR.
PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN THE CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES SURVEYED INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY IN APRIL 1992 OVER A YEAR AGO. AN INCREASE WAS ALSO RECORDED OVER I’HE PRECEDING MONTH.
IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT FIGURES FOR THIS INDUSTRY COVER COMPANY EMPLOYEES ONLY; SITE WORKERS EMPLOYED DY LABOUR-ONLY SUB-CONTRACTORS ARE NOT INCLUDED.
IN I’HE SERVICE SECTORS, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED IN TUI COMPANIES SURVEYED SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE IN APRIL 1992 WHEN f MPARF.D WITH BOTH A MONTH AND A YEAR AGO.
PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN APRIL 1992 IN THE SERVICE COMPANIES SURVEYED INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY OVER THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR.
AN EVEN SHARPER INCREASE OVER THE PRECEDING MONTH WAS RECORDED, D”l- IO THE ISSUE OF SPECIAL BONUSES BY SOME COMPANIES.
/THE PERCENTAGE .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 1992
4
THE PERCENTAGE CHANGES IN ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS ARE SHOWN IN THE ATTACHED TABLES 1 TO 3.
THE SURVEY COVERED A PANEL OF THE 200 LARGEST MANUFACTURING COMPANIES \ND THE 50 LARGEST COMPANIES IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND SERVICE SECTORS, CHOSEN BY REFERENCE TO THEIR EMPLOYMENT SIZES IN SEPTEMBER 1986.
THE DEPARTMENT CAUTIONED THAT AS THE SURVEY SAMPLE COVERS ONLY THE LARGE COMPANIES, THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY NOT BE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE GENERAL SITUATION OF THE MANUFACTURING, CONSTRUCTION AND THE 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.
THE SURVEY REPORT FOR APRIL 1992 IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AND AT THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER, 19/F, WANCHAI TOW! I? J, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, AT $4.50 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE MADE TO THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL 805 6441.
TABLE 1 : ORDERS-ON-HAND IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES
ORDERS-ON-HAND
INDUS I’RY AS AT THE END OF APRIL 1992 CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH
MAR. 92 APR. 91
(MONTHS) (%) (%)
ALL MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED 4.51 t + 2
WEARING APPAREL 4.87 ♦ + 3
TEXTILES 2.45 + 3 -1
P \ST1C PRODUCTS 3.97 * + 13
I PRICATED METAL 4.39 -1 + 4
PRODUCTS
! ECTRICAL \ND 5.52 * + 3
ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS
OTHERS 3.95 + 1 -4
* cuu'ges WITHIN + /- 0.5%
/TABLE 2 .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 1992
- 5 -
TABLE 2 : EMPLOYMENT
PERSONS’ ENGAGED
AS AT THE END OF APRIL 1992
IND’ STRY/SERVICES
ALL MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED
FOOD AND DRINKS
WEARING APPAREL TEXTILES
I I. A ST IC PRODUCTS
I XBR1CATED METAL PRODUCTS
ELECTRICAL AND
I LCTRONIC PRODUCTS
OTHERS
CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH
MAR. 92 APR. 91
( % ) (% )
-1 -11
• -1 -2
-1 -10
-1 -9
* -13
-1 -14
-2 -18
+ 2 -1
CONSTRUCTION #
SERVICES t
P\NKS
HOTELS
PUBLIC UTILITIES +1
OTHERS t
♦ CHANGES WITHIN +/- 0.5%
# PERSONS ENGAGED COVER COMPANY EMPLOYEES ONLY; SITE WORKERS EMPLOYED BY LABOUR-ONLY SUB-CONTRACTORS ARE NOT INCLUDED.
/TABLE 3 .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 1992
TABLE 3 : PER CAPITA EARNINGS
NOTE : DUE TO THE POSSIBLE INCLUSION OF IRREGULAR PAYMENTS (E.G. BACKPAY OR SPECIAL BONUS), "PER CAPITA EARNINGS" FOR A GIVEN MONTH MAY BE SUBJECT TO RATHER VOLATILE FLUCTUATIONS FROM TIME TO TIME, THEREFORE, IT IS PARTICULAR!A ADVISABLE, IN STUDYING PER CAPITA EARNINGS STATISTICS, NOT TO TAKE A GIVEN MONTH’S DATA IN ISOLATION, BUT TO MAKE REFERENCE TO DATA OVER A LONGER.PERIOD.
PER CAPITA EARNINGS
INDUSTRY/SERVICES AVERAGE AS IN APRIL 1992 CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH
MAR. 92 APR. 91
(HK$) (%) (%)
ALL MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED 7,653 + 2 + 14
FOOD AND DRINKS — _
8,464 + 11 + 8
WEARING APPAREL 5,518 -1 + 10
TEXTILES 6,687 + 3 + 15
PLASTIC PRODUCTS 7,912 + 4 + 20
FABRICATED METAL 7,516 -13 + 21
PRODUCTS
ELECTRICAL AND 8,054 + 3 + 16
ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS
OTHERS 9,84 3 + 3 + 11
CONS!RUCTION # 10,598 + 5 + 10
—
SERVICES 14,972 + 24 + 11
—
BANKS 11,461 + 4 + 10
HOTELS 8,108 + 2 + 14
PUBLIC UTILITIES 12,188 + 4 + 16
OTHERS 23,245 + 62 + 7
# PER CAPITA EARNINGS COVER COMPANY EMPLOYEES ONLY; SITE WORKERS EMPLOYED BY LABOUR-ONLY SUB-CONTRACTORS ARE NOT INCLUDED.
NOTE TO TABLE 1 - 3 :
UNLIKE "ORDERS-ON-HAND" AND "PER CAPITA EARNINGS", WHICH ARE AVERAGE FIGURES AMONGST THE COMPANIES SURVEYED, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED BY THE COMPANIES SURVEYED IS NOT MEANINGFUL INFORMATION ON ITS OWN (BECAUSE THIS IS A PANEL SURVEY) AND IS THEREFORE NOT SHOWN.
------0-------
n....
FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 1992
7
RULES ON LIMITED REGISTRATION OF OVERSEAS DOCTORS
*****
THE MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS (REGISTRATION AND . DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1992 ARE GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE NEW REGULATIONS PRESCRIBE THE FORMS AND FEES IN RESPECT OF LIMITED REGISTRATION AND EMPOWER THE MEDICAL COUNCIL TO REQUIRE APPLICANTS TO SUPPORT THEIR APPLICATIONS WITH DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE.
’’THESE REGULATIONS ARE MADE TO FACILITATE MEDICAL COUNCIL’S ADMINISTRATION OF THE SCHEME FOR LIMITED REGISTRATION INTRODUCED UNDER THE MEDICAL REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1992,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH SAID.
THE MEDICAL REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1992 WAS ENACTED ON MAY 7 THIS YEAR.
THE LIMITED REGISTRATION SCHEME WOULD ENABLE DOCTORS, CURRENTLY UNREGISTRABLE IN HONG KONG, TO BE ADMITTED TO MEET MEDICAL NEEDS AS YET UNMET.
THE MEDICAL COUNCIL HAS BEEN GIVEN DISCRETION TO CONSIDER AND DETERMINE WHERE NEEDS EXIST, WHO COULD BE GRANTED LIMITED REGISTRATION, WHAT CONDITIONS SHOULD BE SPECIFIED FOR PRACTICE AND WHAT SHOULD BE THE PERIOD OF PRACTICE.
- - 0--------
NEW ZEALAND STOPS DUMPING INVESTIGATION
ON HK FOOTWEAR IMPORTS
* * * * *
THE TRADE DEPARTMENT HAS RECEIVED INFORMATION THAT THE NEW ZEALAND MINISTRY OF COMMERCE HAS DECIDED TO TERMINATE THE DUMPING INVESTIGATION IN RESPECT OF IMPORTS OF CERTAIN MEN’S FOOTWEAR FROM HONG KONG.
"WE ARE PLEASED WITH THE DECISION OF THE NEW ZEALAND AUTHORITIES," SAID ASSISTANT DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR JOHN C. TSANG.
"HONG KONG HAS A COMPLETELY OPEN ECONOMY AND FREE MARKET. OUR COMPANIES HAVE NEITHER THE MOTIVES NOR THE MEANS TO DUMP," HE EXPLAINED.
THE INVESTIGATION IN RESPECT OF CERTAIN MEN’S FOOTWEAR WAS INITIATED BY THE NEW ZEALAND AUTHORITIES IN APRIL THIS YEAR.
A TOTAL OF SIX HONG KONG COMPANIES PARTICIPATED IN THE INVESTIGATION.
------0------------
/8.........
FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 1992
COMPANY FINED $200,000 FOR MARINE DUMPING ♦ * ♦ * ♦ ♦
A COMPANY WAS FINED A TOTAL OF $200,000 IN WAN CHAI DISTRICT COURT TODAY (FRIDAY) ON FOUR CHARGES IN RELATION TO ILLEGAL DUMPING OF DREDGED MARINE MUD AND EXCAVATED MATERIAL INTO THE SEA.
IT WAS THE FIRST TIME THAT SUCH CHARGES WERE BROUGHT TO THE DISTRICT COURT TO SEEK FOR A MORE EFFECTIVE DETERENT.
USUALLY, OFFENDERS UNDER THE DUMPING AT SEA ACT ARE BROUGHT TO MAGISTRACIES ON SUMMARY CONVICTION. THE MAXIMUM FINE IS $5,000 AND/OR IMPRISONMENT OF SIX MONTHS.
ANY OFFENDER OF THE DUMPING AT SEA ACT WHO IS FOUND GUILTY IS LIABLE EITHER ON SUMMARY CONVICTION OR ON CONVICTION ON INDICTMENT, WHICH WILL LEAD TO A FINE AND/OR IMPRISONMENT FOR NOT MORE THAN FIVE YEARS.
UNIVERSAL DOCKYARD LIMITED (UDL), WHICH HAS EIGHT PREVIOUS CONVICTIONS UNDER THE DUMPING AT SEA ACT, PLEADED GUILTY IN THE DISTRICT COURT AND WAS FINED $50,000 ON EACH CHARGE. IT HAS TO PAY $12,000 AS PROSECUTION CHARGE.
DESPITE THE EXTRA EFFORT NEEDED ON THE PROSECUTION SIDE, THE EPD SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT SUCH EXTRA EFFORT WAS WORTHWHILE. SIMILAR PROCEEDING WILL BE TAKEN AGAINST OTHER REGULAR OFFENDERS.
THE EPD STAFF SPOTTED THE COMPANY OF COMMITTING THE FOUR ILLEGAL DUMPING OFFENCES IN LAST SUMMER NEAR LAI CHI CHONG IN TOLO CHANNEL, IN MIRS BAY, EAST OF TUNG LUNG CHAU, AND NINEPIN ISLAND.
THE EPD PROVIDED EXPERT WITNESS ON THE DETRIMENTAL EFFECT OF ILLEGALLY DUMPED SUBSTANCE ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH.
THE WITNESS STATED THAT THE ILLEGALLY DUMPED MATERIAL WOULD RETARD THE GROWTH OF LIGHT-SENSITIVE MARINE ORGANISMS AND MICRO-ORGANISMS.
THE OVERALL EFFECT TO ECOLOGY WAS IRREVERSIBLE BECAUSE RE-DREDGING OF THE ILLEGALLY DUMPED MATERIAL WOULD BE EQUALLY DAMAGING TO THE ENVIRONMENT. MORE, THERE WOULD BE SOME IMPACTS ON THE FISHING INDUSTRY.
- - 0 - -
LAND RESUMPTION FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE
*****
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO RESUME LAND IN TAI HOM VILLAGE, WONG TAI SIN TO PROVIDE LAND FOR A PUBLIC TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE AND A COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL CENTRE.
THE CLEARANCE WILL INVOLVE BOTH GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE LAND.
/A TOTAL
FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 1992
9
A TOTAL OF 3,247 PEOPLE FROM 1,078 FAMILIES WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE RESUMPTION.
ELIGIBLE OCCUPIERS WILL BE REHOUSED AND OFFERED EX-GRATIA DOMESTIC REMOVAL ALLOWANCES.
NOTICES OF THE RESUMPTION WERE POSTED TODAY (FRIDAY) ON THE LOTS AFFECTED, GIVING A THREE-MONTH NOTICE BEFORE THE LOTS WILL BE REVERTED TO THE GOVERNMENT ON SEPTEMBER 19.
COMPENSATION TO THE OWNERS OF PRIVATE LAND AFFECTED WILL BE ASSESSED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE CROWN LANDS RESUMPTION ORDINANCE OR BASED ON EX-GRATIA RATE OF COMPENSATION ACCORDING TO CURRENT POLICY.
IN ADDITION, INDIGENOUS VILLAGERS (I.E. OWNERS OF OLD SCHEDULED BUILDING LOTS WHO HAVE OWNED THESE LOTS BEFORE DECEMBER 25, 1941 OR OWNERS WHO HAVE INHERITED THESE LOTS FROM SUCH OWNERS) WILL BE OFFERED AN ADDITIONAL EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE.
AFFECTED OWNERS AND OCCUPIERS OF THE PRIVATE LAND MAY MAKE STATUTORY CLAIMS UNDER THE ORDINANCE AND IF THEIR CLAIMS CANNOT BE SETTLED BY AGREEMENT, THEY MAY APPLY TO THE LANDS TRIBUNAL FOR DETERMINATION.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT SAID THE LAND WAS REQUIRED FOR DEVELOPMENT OF A PUBLIC TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE WITH A PUBLIC PEDESTRIAN WALKWAY AND A COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL CENTRE ABOVE THE PODIUM LEVEL.
UPON COMPLETION OF THE RESUMPTION AND CLEARANCE, HE SAID, THE SITE WILL BE DISPOSED OF THROUGH THE GOVERNMENT’S LAND SALE PROGRAMME TO A PRIVATE DEVELOPER FOR COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT.
"THE TOTAL SITE AREA TO BE DISPOSED OF WILL BE ABOUT 2.6 HECTARES AND THE DEVELOPER WILL BE REQUIRED TO CONSTRUCT TO THE GOVERNMENT’S SATISFACTION AND EXPENSE A PUBLIC TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE AT GROUND LEVEL TOGETHER WITH A PUBLIC PEDESTRIAN WALKWAY AT PODIUM LEVEL,” HE SAID.
--------0-----------
JOINT ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION OPERATION MOUNTED *****
A TERRITORY-WIDE ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION OPERATION JOINTLY MOUNTED BY THE POLICE, AND THE LABOUR AND THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENTS RECENTLY HAS RESULTED IN THE ARRESTS OF 130 PERSONS.
THE OPERATION WAS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S CONTINUED EFFORT TO FLUSH OUT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS AND THOSE FOUND TO BE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WILL BE REPATRIATED.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN REITERATED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THERE WAS NO QUESTION OF ANY AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
/"OUR LATEST........
10
FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 1992
"OUR LATEST OPERATION SHOULD DRIVE HOME THE POINT THAT THERE WILL BE NO CHANGE TO THIS POLICY. ANYONE FOOLISH ENOUGH TO BELIEVE OTHERWISE IS ONLY CHEATING HIMSELF," HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT APART FROM CONTINUOUS CHECKS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY, THERE WAS NO LET-UP IN ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION EFFORTS AT THE BORDER.
"A HIGH STATE OF VIGILANCE WILL CONTINUE TO BE MAINTAINED BY THE POLICE AND THE SECURITY FORCES BOTH AT THE LAND AND SEA BORDERS," HE SAID.
DURING THE JOINT OPERATION, WHICH BEGAN AT 5 AM YESTERDAY AND ENDED AT 5 AM TODAY, THE POLICE HAD STEPPED UP THEIR IDENTIFICATION SPOT CHECKS IN PUBLIC PLACES AND CARRIED OUT CHECKS AT SUSPICIOUS LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
AS A RESULT, 124 SUSPECTED ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WERE ARRESTED AND 1,326 VEHICLES STOPPED FOR IDENTIFICATION CHECKS.
ON THE LABOUR FRONT, INSPECTORS OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT VISITED 2,718 ESTABLISHMENTS TO WEED OUT ANY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WHO MIGHT BE WORKING, AND TO CHECK THAT EMPLOYERS FULFILED THEIR LEGAL OBLIGATION OF KEEPING PROPER RECORDS OF THEIR EMPLOYEES.
A TOTAL OF 10,178 EMPLOYEES HAD THEIR PROOF OF IDENTITY CHECKED DURING THE OPERATION.
THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT THEY COULD BE FINED UP TO $50,000 AND JAILED FOR UP TO A YEAR IF THEY WERE FOUND TO BE EMPLOYING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
- - 0 - -
LO WU TERMINAL TO BE ENLARGED AND MODIFIED
*****
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING APPROVED CONTRACTORS ON IHE PUBLK WORKS LISTS TO APPLY FOR THE PREQUALIFK AT I ON OF TENDERERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW EXTENSION AND MODIFICATIONS TO THF EXISTING TERMINAL BUILDING AT LO WU.
COS I ING ABOUI $205 MILLION, THIS IS THE SECOND CONTRACT OF THF LO WU TERMINAL STAGE III EXTENSION PROJECT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR Till DEPARTMENT TODA! (FRIDAY) SAID THF PILING AND FOUNDATION WORKS FOR IHE EXTENSION OF THE TERMINAL BUILDING WAS BEING CARRIED OUT UNDER THE' FIRST CONTRACT FOR THF PROJECT.
"WORKS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT WILL START AS SOON AS FOUNDATION WORK IS COMPLETED AT THE END OF THIS YEAR,' THE SPOKESMAN
SAID.
/WHEN THE
FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 1992
11
WHEN THE WHOLE PROJECT IS COMPLETED IN EARLY 1995, ADDITIONAL PROCESSING FACILITIES WILL BE PROVIDED TO COPE WITH THE INCREASING CROSS BORDER TRAVELLER TRAFFIC.
THE WORKS TO BE CARRIED OUT UNDER THE SECOND CONTRACT COMPRISE MAINLY THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN EAST AND A SOUTH EXTENSIONS TO THE EXISTING TERMINAL AND THE ALTERATION AND REFURBISHING WORKS WITHIN THE EXISTING TERMINAL, TOGETHER WITH BUILDING SERVICES AND ANCILLARY SERVICES WORKS.
A SHORT EMERGENCY ACCESS WILL ALSO BE CONSTRUCTED UNDER THE CONTRACT.
A NOTICE OF THE PREQUALIFICATION OF TENDERERS IS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS NOON ON FRIDAY, JULY 17 THIS YEAR.
---------0-----------
TWO INSHORE PROJECTS GAZETTED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT IS PLANNING TO BUILD THREE SLIPWAYS FOR LOADING AND UNLOADING YACHTS AT PAK SHA WAN, SAI KUNG.
WORKS FOR THE PROJECT WILL INCLUDE DREDGING AT ABOUT 1,603 SQUARE METRES OF FORESHORE AND SEA-BED IN THE AREA.
THE PROJECT WILL START IN OCTOBER AND BE COMPLETED BY MARCH NEXT YEAR.
MEANWHILE, THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO DREDGE A 90-METRE-WIDE FAIRWAY FROM YUNG LONG TO NIM WAN IN TUEN MUN TO PROVIDE A MARINE ACCESS TO THE WEST NEW TERRITORIES LANDFILL FOR THE ISLAND EAST REFUSE TRANSFER STATION PROJECT.
THE WORK WILL COVER AN AREA OF ABOUT 26.6 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEA-BED AT TUEN MUN. IT WILL START IN SEPTEMBER AND BE COMPLETED BY EARLY NEXT YEAR.
THE EXTENTS OF THE AREAS AFFECTED BY THE TWO PROJECTS ARE DESCRIBED IN SEPARATE NOTICES GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE NOTICES (IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE) TOGETHER WITH THE RELATED PLANS CAN ALSO BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITES.
THE PLANS CAN BE SEEN AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14/F, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG (WHERE COPIES CAN BE PURCHASED ON ORDER) AND AT THE DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE AREAS CONCERNED.
/ANY PERSON .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 1992
12
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HE HAS AN INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEA-BED INVOLVED IN THE PAR SHA WAN PROJECT MAY SUBMIT A WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 18 THIS YEAR.
THE PERSON MAY ALSO DELIVER TO THE DIRECTOR A WRITTEN CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION STATING THE SUM OF MONEY HE IS WILLING TO ACCEPT IN FULL AND FINAL SETTLEMENT OF HIS CLAIM BEFORE JUNE 18, NEXT YEAR IN THE CASE OF THE FAIRWAY PROJECT AT TUEN MUN.
--------0-----------
NEW CURRICULUM CHALLENGING, SOCIALLY RELEVANT
******
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN EXPLORING NEW CURRICULUM AREAS THAT ARE ACADEMICALLY CHALLENGING, SOCIALLY RELEVANT AND AT THE SAME TIME USEFUL IN HELPING STUDENTS IDENTIFY CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN THE WORKING WORLD, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR LI YUET-TING SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT A BREAKFAST RECEPTION TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF THE TRAVEL AND TOURIST PROGRAMME, MR LI SAID A NUMBER OF NEW SUBJECTS HAD BEEN INTRODUCED AT THE SENIOR SECONDARY LEVEL SINCE 1983 SUCH AS HUMAN BIOLOGY, COMPUTER AND SOCIAL STUDIES.
AFTER A SERIES OF DISCUSSIONS AND CONSULTATIONS, IT HAS BEEN DECIDED TO INTRODUCE THE SUBJECT OF TRAVEL AND TOURISM TO THE SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL CURRICULUM," HE SAID.
A PILOT SCHEME - WITH 26 SECONDARY S(HOOLS TAKING PART - WILL BEGIN IN SEPTEMBER 199.3 AND THE FIRST HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION WILL BE HELI) IN 1995.
THE MAJOR OBJECTIVE, MR LI SAID, WAS TO HELP STUDENTS ACQUIRE KNOWLEDGE OF THE GROWING IMPORTANCE OF THE TRAVEL AND TOURISM INDUSTRY IN THE MODERN WORLD.
STUDENTS WOULD ALSO ACQUIRE THE BASIC SKILLS COMMONLY REQUIRED BY THIS INDUSTRY.
MR LI POINTED OUT THAT THE CONTENTS OF THE SUBJECT HAD BEEN CAREFULLY DESIGNED TO CATER FOR A BROAD RANGE OF STUDENT ABILITIES ADDING THAT A DRAFT SYLLABUS OUTLINE WILL SOON BE ISSUED TO SCHOOLS FOR CONSULTATION.
"AT THE SAME TIME, A SUBJECT COMMITTEE HAS BEEN FORMED TO DEVELOP THE DETAILED TEACHING SYLLABUS AND PLAN THE PRODUCTION OF TEACHING MATERIALS," HE SAID.
MR LI SAID TOURISM WAS HONG KONG’S THIRD LARGEST EARNER OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE WHICH AMOUNTED TO MORE THAN $40 BILLION IN 1991 FROM THE SIX MILLION VISITORS WHO CAME TO THE TERRITORY.
/"THE INTRODUCTION .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 1992
13
"THE INTRODUCTION OF TRAVEL AND TOURISM AS A NEW SUBJECT WILL HELP DEVELOP STUDENTS’ AWARENESS OF THE SIGNIFICANT IMPACT OF TOURISM ON HONG KONG’S ECONOMY AND INTERNATIONAL STATUS," HE SAID.
IT WILL, MR LI SAID, ALSO PREPARE STUDENTS FOR FURTHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING IN THIS FIELD.
HE HOPED THAT EVENTUALLY, MORE SCHOOLS WILL OFFER THE SUBJECT TO THEIR SECONDARY 4-5 STUDENTS.
- - 0 - -
PLANNING GUIDELINES FOR FACTORY/WORKSHOP/WAREHOUSE ISSUED
*****
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD HAS APPROVED THE PLANNING APPLICATION GUIDELINES FOR FACTORY/WORKSHOP/WAREHOUSE DEVELOPMENT IN • AREAS ZONED AS "UNSPECIFIED USE AREA" IN DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREA PLANS.
THE GUIDELINES ARE INTENDED FOR GENERAL REFERENCE OF THE PUBLIC IN THE PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION OF PLANNING APPLICATION FOR SUCH DEVELOPMENTS UNDER SECTION 16 OF THE TOWN PLANNING ORDINANCE.
THEY SET OUT THE MAIN PLANNING CRITERIA FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF SUCH APPLICATIONS, INCLUDING ASPECTS SUCH AS THE PLANNING INTENTION OF THE AREA, LAND USE COMPATIBILITY, THE IMPACTS ON INFRASTRUCTURE AND ENVIRONMENT, SITE COVERAGE AND BUILDING HEIGHT.
THESE GUIDELINES ARE SUBJECT TO REVISION.
FREE COPIES OF THE GUIDELINE CAN BE OBTAINED AT THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT, 16/F, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
- - 0 - -
NEW FIRE STATION IN TSIM TUNG
THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL PROVIDE BETTER AMBULANCE SERVICES TO TSIM SHA TSUI RESIDENTS FOLLOWING THE OPENING OF THE TSIM TUNG AMBULANCE DEPOT.
OFFICIATING THE OPENING OF THE DEPOT AT 7 HONG TAT PATH TODAY (FRIDAY) WAS THE MANAGING DIRECTOR AND DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF KUMAGAI GUMI (HK) LTD, MR YU CHING-PO.
THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAD PLANNED TO BUILD A STANDARD AMBULANCE DEPOT IN TSIM SHA TSUI FOR MANY YEARS TO COPE WITH THE INCREASING DEMAND FOR AMBULANCE SERVICES.
THE NEW AMBULANCE DEPOT COULD ACCOMODATE EIGHT AMBULANCES.
/THE DEPOT
FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 1992
14
THE DEPOT, ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF A COMMERCIAL BUILDING, COULD ALLOW ITS FLEET TO ARRIVE AT THE SCENES OF INCIDENTS WITHIN THE SHORTEST TIME, THUS MADE IT POSSIBLE FOR A RAPID PROVISION OF EMERGENCY SERVICE.
THERE IS ALSO AN AMBULANCE-AID MOTOR-CYCLE WHICH COULD, IN CASE OF HEAVY TRAFFIC, RACE TO THE SPOT TO RENDER RESCUE SERVICE TO THE CASUALTIES IN THE FIRST INSTANCE WHILE AWAITING FOR THE ARRIVAL OF AMBULANCE.
AN AVERAGE OF ABOUT 1,600 AMBULANCE CALLS EACH MONTH WERE RECEIVED FROM TSIM SHA TSUI INCLUDING TSIM SHA TSUI EAST LAST YEAR.
TSIM SHA TSUI AND ITS NEIGHBOURING AREA YAU MA TEI HAVE BECOME ONE OF THE MAJOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT AREAS IN KOWLOON SINCE EARLY 70’S.
IN THESE TWENTY YEARS, ITS POPULATION HAS RAPIDLY INCREASED NEARLY 48% FROM 270,000 TO 400,000.
THE EASTERN PART OF TSIM SHA TSUI, ALSO KNOWN AS TSIM TUNG, HAS NOT ONLY TURNED INTO AN IMPORTANT COMMERCIAL CENTRE, BUT ALSO AS AN IDEAL PLACE FOR PROMOTING TOURISM AS IT IS HOME FOR HOTELS, SHOPPING CENTRES, COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AND ALL KINDS OF MODERN FACILITIES.
THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE AMBULANCE DEPOT BROKE THROUGH THE TRADITIONAL ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN.
IT LOCATES RIGHT IN THE BUSY COMMERCIAL COMPLEX, WITH ITS BLACKISH GREEN COLOUR IN COMPLETE HARMONY WITH THE GENERAL APPEARANCE OF THE WHOLE BUILDING.
THE DESIGN OF THE DEPOT IS THE ONLY ONE IN HONG KONG. .
MORE THAN THAT, THE DEPOT IS WELL EQUIPPED WITH ALL THE NECESSARY FACILITIES AND PROVIDES AN EXCELLENT ENVIRONMENT FOR STAND-BY DUTIES.
THE $11-MILLION TSIM TUNG AMBULANCE DEPOT OCCUPIES AN AREA OF 2,380 SQUARE METRES AND WAS COMMISSIONED IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR.
- - 0 - -
RESUMPTION AND REPAIR OF NATION STREET
* * * * *
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO RESUME AND REPAIR NATION STREET IN THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF HONG KONG ISLAND.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) SAID NATION STREET WAS AT PRESENT UNDER PRIVATE MULTIPLE OWNERSHIPS AND WAS NOT PROPERLY MANAGED OR MAINTAINED.
/"AS A
FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 1992
15
"AS A RESULT, THE STREET IS JN POOR CONDITION AND PARTLY OCCUPIED BY STALLS, OBSTRUCTING PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENT AND GIVING RISE TO CONSIDERABLE ENVIRONMENTAL AND TRAFFIC PROBLEMS.
"THE RESUMPTION WILL ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT TO CLEAR THE OBSTRUCTING STALLS AND TO REPAIR THE STREET TO A PROPER STANDARD FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PUBLIC," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
WORKS ON THE PROJECT WILL START IN DECEMBER NEXT YEAR.
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED WORKS IS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE PLAN SHOWING THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE SEEN AT THE FOLLOWING GOVERNMENT OFFICES DURING OFFICE HOURS:
* CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE
CENTRE, G/F, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL;
* EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, 29 TAI ON STREET, G/F, EASTERN LAW COURTS BUILDING, SAI WAN HO; AND
* DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, HONG KONG EAST, 19/F, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI.
ANY PERSON OBJECTING TO THE PROPOSAL MUST SEND HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, 2/F, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, CENTRAL NOT LATER THAN AUGUST 18, 1992, DESCRIBING HIS INTEREST AND MANNER IN WHICH HE ALLEGES HE WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE PROPOSAL.
- - 0 - -
UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS TO BE CLOSED
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE THE UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES AT THE SERVICE LANE OF 15-21A NORTH POINT ROAD AND 5-15 YUET YUEN STREET, NORTH POINT SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS AND THE PUBLIC.
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON OCTOBER 16 WAS POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY (FRIDAY).
DEMOLITION WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START AS SOON AS THE CLOSURE ORDER IS ISSUED.
- - 0 - -
Z16
FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 1992
FEES FOR PROCESSING BUILDING PLANS REVISED *****
FEES FOR PROCESSING BUILDING PLANS SUBMITTED TO THE BUILDING AUTHORITY FOR APPROVAL WILL BE ADJUSTED FROM TODAY (FRIDAY).
UNDER THE BUILDING (ADMINISTRATION) (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1992 GAZETTED TODAY, PHASE II OF AN APPROVED SCHEME TO BRING THE FEE IN STAGES UP TO THE FULL COST-RECOVERY RATE WILL COME INTO EFFECT TODAY.
THIS MEANS THAT THE FEES WILL BE ADJUSTED UPWARD TO 50 % OF THE FULL RATE.
A BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID: "THE CHARGING SCHEME WAS INTRODUCED LAST YEAR WHEN FEES WERE CHARGED AT ONLY 25 % OF THE FULL RATE.
"THERE WILL BE ANOTHER INCREASE NEXT YEAR TO BRING THE FEES TO THE FULL COST RECOVERY RATE. THEREAFTER, THE FEES WOULD BE REVIEWED TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF ANY INCREASE IN COSTS," HE SAID.
THE REGULATION ALSO SIMPLIFIES TfiE CHARGING SYSTEM BY MAKING APPLICANTS PAY A FEE UPON THE INITIAL SUBMISSION OF BUILDING PLANS AND ABOLISHES FEES PAYABLE FOR ALL SUBSEQUENT RE-SUBMISSIONS.
IT ALSO AMENDS THE METHOD OF CALCULATING FEES FOR INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS WHICH HAVE NO ACCOUNTABLE GROSS FLOOR AREA.
'BUILDINGS, WHICH FALL INTO THIS CATEGORY, INCLUDE TRANSFORMER STATIONS, OIL STORAGE INSTALLATIONS AND JETTIES.
"FEES FOR THE PROCESSING OF PLANS FOR SUCH BUILDINGS WILL NOW BE CHARGED ACCORDING TO THE NUMBER AND SIZE OF DRAWINGS SUBMITTED," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
- - 0 - -
MALAYSIAN DELEGATION VISITS SWD * * * *
A THREE-MEMBER DELEGATION FROM MALAYSIA VISITED THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING.
THE PARTY WAS LED BY MR MOHD HASSAN NGAH MAHMUD, THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF THE MALAYSIAN GOVERNMENT’S DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE.
THEY WERE MET BY THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ROSE GOODSTADT.
THE DELEGATION WAS BRIEFED ON VARIOUS ASPECTS OF LOCAL SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES, THE OPERATIONS OF THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE AND COMMUNITY SERVICE ORDERS SCHEMES.
THE VISITORS THEN TOURED THE DEPARTMENT’S WAN CHAI OFFICE TO SEE THE FUNCTIONS OF A FAMILY SERVICES CENTRE AND A SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNIT THERE.
- - 0 - -
/17
FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 1992
17 -
OVERSEAS TRIPS FOR OUTSTANDING CYC MEMBERS
*****
OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB (CYC) MEMBERS WILL BE AWARDED AN OVERSEAS TRIP NEXT MONTH TO EITHER THE UNITED KINGDOM OR SINGAPORE IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE DURING THE PAST YEAR UNDER THE MERIT AWARD SCHEME.
TWENTY-FOUR MEMBERS FROM SECONDARY SCHOOLS WILL LEAVE ON JULY 11 FOR AN EIGHT-DAY VISIT TO THE UK WHILE 19 MEMBERS FROM PRIMARY SCHOOLS WILL DEPART ON THE SAME DAY FOR SINGAPORE FOR A FIVE-DAY TOUR.
DURING THEIR STAY, THEY WILL VISIT SCHOOLS, UNIVERSITIES AND EDUCATIONAL AND SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS.
THE ANNUAL TRIPS WERE FUNDED MAINLY BY THE LAW’S FOUNDATION WHICH HAD DONATED $400,000 FOR THIS YEAR’S CYC ACTIVITIES.
IN A BRIEF CEREMONY TODAY (FRIDAY), THE FOUNDATION’S EXECUTIVE TRUSTEE, MR LAW CHI-SANG, PRESENTED A CHEQUE FOR THAT AMOUNT TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S DEPUTY CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS, MRS C.H. KONG.
---------0-----------
WATER CUT IN YUEN LONG
* * * *
FRESH AND FLUSHING WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN YUEN LONG IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 9 AM TO 8 PM ON SUNDAY (JUNE 21) TO FACILITATE CONNECTION WORK ON WATER MAINS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES IN TUNG TAU INDUSTRIAL AREA, WANG LOK STREET, WANG YIP STREET SOUTH, KWAN LOK SAN TSUEN, SHAN PUI CHUNG HAU TSUEN AND YUEN LONG LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT TERMINUS.
-----0------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
*****
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 988MN
REVERSAL OF LAF NIL
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 988MN
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY +300MN
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,288MN
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 110.9 »-0.3* 19.6.92
/HONG KONG .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 1992
18
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1W 3.02 PCT 17M 2311 6.25 102.43 4.50
IM 2.85 PCT 20M 2402 5.50 101.12 4.84
3M 2.86 PCT 23M 2405 5.50 100.83 5.10
6M 3.23 PCT
12M 3.99 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 5.420MN
CLOSED 19 JUNE 1992
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS TOTALLED 2,005 IN 1ST QUARTER 1992 .............. 1
LUCKY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS SALE BY AUCTION ..................... 2
FRESH WATER CUT IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT ................................. 3
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ........... 4
SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 1992
1
TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS TOTALLED 2,005 IN 1ST QUARTER 1992
* * * » »
DURING THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1992 COVERING THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1 TO MARCH 31 1992, THE TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS UNIT (TCU) OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 2,005 COMPLAINTS, A DROP OF 6 % COMPARED WITH 2,128 COMPLAINTS RECEIVED IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER.
A TCU SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) A SLIGHT DROP IN THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINT CASES WAS RECORDED ON SOME FRONTS.
THESE INCLUDED THE ADEQUACY AND STANDARD OF KMB BUS SERVICES, FERRY SERVICES, TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES AND ROAD MAINTENANCE. *
THE SPOKESMAN SAID A TOTAL OF 152 COMPLAINTS ON THE INADEQUACY OF FRANCHISED BUS SERVICES WERE RECEIVED DURING THE PERIOD, REPRESENTING A DROP OF 14 CASES OR 8% OVER THE PREVIOUS QUARTER.
ON THE STANDARD OF FRANCHISED BUS SERVICE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID. A TOTAL OF 302 COMPLAINTS WERE RECEIVED, REPRESENTING A DECREASE OF 9 % COMPARED WITH 331 IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER.
THESE COMPLAINTS WERE INDIVIDUALLY TAKEN UP WITH THE BUS COMPANIES CONCERNED.
DURING THE PERIOD, THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AGAINST THE FERRY SERVICES ALSO DECREASED FROM 14 TO FIVE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID COMPLAINTS ABOUT TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES DROPPED FROM 183 CASES TO 153, REPRESENTING A DECREASE OF 16 %.
THE MAJOR AREAS OF CONCERN INCLUDED PHASING OF TRAFFIC LIGHTS, TRAFFIC LANE ARRANGEMENT, AND ADDITION OF TRAFFIC SIGNS AND AIDS AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
THERE WERE 79 COMPLAINTS CONCERNING ROAD MAINTENANCE, A DROP OF 50 CASES OR 39 % WHEN COMPARED WITH 129 COMPLAINTS IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER.
THE MAJOR COMPLAINTS WERE DEFECTIVE ROAD SURFACES, FAULTY TRAFFIC LIGHTS AND DAMAGED TRAFFIC SIGNS OR AIDS.
"TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT CASES STAND AT 308, A DROP OF 114 CASES OR 27 % COMPARED WITH FIGURES FOR THE PREVIOUS QUARTER."
"THESE ARE RELATED MAINLY TO ILLEGAL PARKING AND MOTORISTS FAILING TO COMPLY WITH TRAFFIC REGULATIONS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
ON THE OTHER HAND, THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT DURING THE PERIOD, A 36 % INCREASE IN COMPLAINTS AGAINST TAXI SERVICES WERE RECORDED, RISING FROM 487 CASES TO 663 CASES.
/"OF THESE .......
SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 1992
2
"OF THESE, 648 CASES OR 98 % ARE ABOUT TAXI DRIVER MALPRACTICES. TWO MAJOR AREAS OF COMPLAINTS ARE OVERCHARGING (330 CASES) AND MISCONDUCT AND POOR DRIVING MANNER (108 CASES)," HE SAID.
THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS RELATED TO RAIL TRANSPORT SERVICES ALSO ROSE FROM 24 CASES IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER TO 32 CASES THIS QUARTER.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID COMPLAINTS ABOUT ROAD CONGESTION DECREASED FROM 154 CASES TO 115 CASES, 34 ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 23 IN KOWLOON AND 58 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
"FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO ROAD CONGESTION INCLUDED TRAFFIC LIGHT PHASING, VEHICLE OBSTRUCTION, ROAD WORKS, AND SO ON," HE SAID.
--------0-----------
LUCKY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS SALE BY AUCTION
******
FORTY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS WERE PUT UP FOR AUCTION THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING FOR A TOTAL OF $3,784,000 WHICH WILL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY PURPOSES AFTER DEDUCTION OF EXPENSES INCURRED IN THE CONDUCT.
THE AUCTION, HELD AT THE RECITAL HALL OF THE CITY HALL, SAW THE REGISTRATION MARK HK600 FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE OF $1,800,000.
ANOTHER REGISTRATION MARK BL888 WAS SOLD AT THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE OF $420,000 WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS $1,000 EACH FOR EV5351, EW4206, EW426.
FOLLOWING ARE : THE RESULTS OF TODAY'S AUCTION:
• EW1316 $ 3,000 EW169 $ 20,000 EW1363 $ 2,000 EW866 $ 30,000
EV7787 3,000 ♦FA727 30,000 ♦ BC12 210,000 DT968 45,000
EW214 (NOTE) EW125 7,000 EW930 20,Q00 EW917 3,000
♦CC252 23,000 DM448 55,000 AC104 10,000 ♦EZ600 300,000
EW198 40,000 ♦EE300 100,000 ♦EW1010 . 23,000 EW6208 8,000
AB9099 35,000 AA2221 48,000 BB342 8,000 AW1973 6,000
EW263 32,000 EW9699 7,000 EW1628 50,000 EW4206 1,000
♦HK600 1 ,800,000 *AA17 150,000 ♦BL888 420,000 ♦EZ123 180,000
EW8890 6,000 EW711 15,000 EW388 60,000 EW426 1,000
EV5351 1,000 EW273 6,000 EW2080 10,000 EW2232 15,000
* SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK (NOT TRANSFERABLE)
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WERE REQUIRED TO PAY BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.
/THE VEHICLE .......
SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 1992
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 176TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY REALISED SO FAR TO $139,210,105.
NOTE: THERE WERE NO BIDDERS FOR EW214 AND THIS NUMBER WILL BE ASSIGNED TO THE ORIGINAL APPLICANTS.
- - 0 - -
FRESH WATER CUT IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT
******
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 10 PM ON WEDNESDAY (JUNE 24} TO 2 PM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE WATERMAINS CONNECTION WORK.
ALL PREMISES IN THE FOLLOWING AREA WILL BE AFFECTED:
* ALONG MOUNT DAVIS ROAD FROM HOUSE NO. 23 TO ITS JUNCTION WITH POK FU LAM ROAD, INCLUDING HO TUNG SHAN SQUATTER AREA;
* AT BISNEY ROAD, CONSORT RISE AND CROWN TERRACE;
* AT SASSOON ROAD, INCLUDING THE SCHOOL PREMISES OF THE FACULTY OF MEDICINE, THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND ITS STUDENT UNION COMPLEX, THE NORTHCOTE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND TELEGRAPH BAY VILLAGE;
* AT A SECTION OF POK FU LAM ROAD BETWEEN POK FU LAM RESERVOIR ROAD AND VICTORIA ROAD, INCLUDING POK FU LAM VILLAGE, POK FU LAM THA, CHI FU FA YUEN, POKFULAM GARDENS, YAR CHEE VILLAS AND UPPER BAGUIO VILLA;
* POK FU LAM DIVISIONAL FIRE STATION AND AMBULANCE DEPOT; AND
* WAH HING HOUSE, WAH SANG HOUSE, WAH TAI HOUSE AND WAH CHEUNG HOUSE IN WAH FU ESTATE.
- - 0 - -
SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 1992
- 4 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
20 JUNE 1992
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,288MN
REVERSAL OF LAF NIL*
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 1,288MN
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT
* -300MN ON 22/6
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER
------0-------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HK ATTENDS SENIOR OFFICIALS' MEETING OF ASIA-PACIFIC ECONOMIC COOPERATION ............................................................. 1
IMPORTED WORKERS MUST BE INSURED ........................................ 1
GOVT STATEMENT ON MEDICAL INTERN EMPLOYMENT ............................. 2
SURVEYS OF TRANSPORT STORAGE, COMMUNICATION, FINANCING, INSURANCE AND BUSINESS SERVICES .................................................
SPECIAL STAMPS ON "STAMP COLLECTING" .................................... 4
STUDENTS TO COMPETE IN INTERNATIONAL COMPUTER CONTEST ................... 6
PHOTO CONTEST TO PROMOTE HEALTHY LIFESTYLE .............................. 6
BOOK YOUR TICKETS FOR "BEATING RETREAT" PERFORMANCE ..................... 7
SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 1992
- 1 -
HK ATTENDS SENIOR OFFICIALS’ MEETING OF ASIA-PACIFIC ECONOMIC COOPERATION ******
A HONG KONG DELEGATION WAS IN BANGKOK FOR THE SENIOR OFFICIALS’ MEETING OF THE ASIA-PACIFIC ECONOMIC COOPERATION (APEC) WHICH WILL START TOMORROW (MONDAY).
HEADING THE DELEGATION IS DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE AND SENIOR OFFICIAL REPRESENTING HONG KONG ON APEC, MR DONALD TSANG.
’’HONG KONG HAS ALREADY PARTICIPATED IN A MEETING OF THE APEC INFORMAL GROUP ON REGIONAL TRADE LIBERALISATION HERE ON SATURDAY,” MR TSANG SAID IN BANGKOK.
HE ADDED THAT THE MAJOR TASKS OF THE THREE-DAY SENIOR OFFICIALS’ MEETING ARE TO DISCUSS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A SUPPORT MECHANISM AND FUNDING ARRANGEMENTS FOR APEC.
APEC IS AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL FORUM SET UP IN 1989 TO HELP STRENGTHEN THE MULTILATERAL TRADING SYSTEM, TO INCREASE TRADE AND INVESTMENT FLOWS WITHIN THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION AND TO IDENTIFY THE RANGE OF PRACTICAL AND COMMON ECONOMIC INTERESTS.
HONG KONG WAS ADMITTED TO APEC IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR, TOGETHER WITH CHINA AND CHINESE TAIPEI.
APART FROM HONG KONG, THE CURRENT MEMBERSHIP OF APEC COMPRISES THE ASEAN COUNTRIES (I.E. BRUNEI, INDONESIA, MALAYSIA, THE PHILIPPINES, SINGAPORE AND THAILAND), AUSTRALIA, CANADA, CHINA, JAPAN, NEW ZEALAND, SOUTH KOREA, CHINESE TAIPEI AND USA.
THAILAND IS THE HOST OF THE APEC MINISTERIAL AND SENIOR OFFICIALS’ MEETINGS THIS YEAR.
MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG DELEGATION INCLUDE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR JOHN C. TSANG, AND TRADE OFFICER, MRS DOROTHY CHOW.
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IMPORTED WORKERS MUST BE INSURED ♦ * » ♦
IMPORTED WORKERS ARE ENTITLED TO EXACTLY THE SAME PROTECTION AS THEIR LOCAL COUNTERPARTS UNDER THE LABOUR LAW.
SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER (PROSECUTIONS) OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, MR JOHN SUNG, TODAY (SUNDAY) REMINDED EMPLOYERS TO TAKE OUT INSURANCE POLICIES FOR THEIR WORKERS, INCLUDING IMPORTED WORKERS, AS REQUIRED UNDER THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE.
MR SUNG CITED A RECENT CASE IN WHICH A PROPRIETOR, LI TAI-TO OF HAPPY GARDEN NURSING HOME IN CAUSEWAY BAY, WAS FINED $2,000 BY A EASTERN MAGISTRATE FOR FAILING TO INSURE FOR HIS FOUR EMPLOYEES, INCLUDING AN IMPORTED WORKER.
/"ALL EMPLOYERS .......
SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 1992
"ALL EMPLOYERS ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE OUT INSURANCE POLICIES TO COVER THEIR FULL LIABILITIES TO COMPENSATE WORKERS INJURED AT WORK UNDER THE ORDINANCE AND UNDER COMMON LAW,” HE SAID.
"OFFENDERS ARE LIABLE, ON SUMMARY CONVICTION, TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $20,000 AND TO IMPRISONMENT FOR ONE YEAR," MR SUNG SAID.
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GOVT STATEMENT ON MEDICAL INTERN EMPLOYMENT ******
IN SYMPATHY WITH THE MEDICAL INTERNS WHO ARE CONCERNED OVER THEIR EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS, THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH AND THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH JOINTLY ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT:
"WE IN THE .HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH AND THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ARE COMMITTED TO DOING OUR LEVEL BEST TO HELP INDIVIDUAL INTERNS WHO ARE UNABLE TO SECURE IMMEDIATE EMPLOYMENT WITH THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY," THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS HELEN YU, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
"WE UNDERSTAND THAT THERE ARE 17 SUCH INTERNS. WE STAND READY TO ASSIST EACH AND EVERY ONE OF THEM. WE WILL TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THEIR INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCES AND ASPIRATIONS," SHE SAID.
THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, DR S.H. LEE, FULLY SUPPORTED THE BRANCH’S COMMITMENT TO HELP THESE INTERNS. DR LEE FURTHER SAID: "WE HAVE SO FAR THIS YEAR OFFERED EMPLOYMENT TO 23 MEDICAL INTERNS. THIS IS MORE THAN WE HAVE ENGAGED IN PAST YEARS AS WE ARE ENDEAVOURING TO IMPROVE AND DEVELOP SERVICES," DR LEE SAID.
"WE ARE ALSO AWARE THAT SERVICE AGENCIES, SUCH AS UNHCR AND OTHER ORGANISATIONS ARE IN NEED OF DOCTORS. THE INTERNS’ SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY WILL BE VALUED IN WHATEVER CAREER THEY CHOOSE."
THESE INTERNS, HAVING COMPLETED THEIR INTERNSHIP, ARE REGISTRABLE IMMEDIATELY. THEY ARE FREE TO SEEK EMPLOYMENT THEMSELVES OR TO PRACTISE IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
THE HEALTH AND WELFARE- BRANCH IS ALREADY IN DISCUSSION WITH EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH ON MANPOWER PLANNING TO MEET HONG KONG’S CURRENT AND FUTURE NEEDS. THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH WILL BE SEEKING THE ADVICE OF THE HEALTH AND MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE IN THIS REGARD.
THE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, PROFESSOR NATALIS YUEN, COMMENTED: "I ENDORSE THIS APPROACH. MY COMMITTEE WILL CERTAINLY LOOK INTO HONG KONG’S NEEDS FOR HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS, INCLUDING DOCTORS, FOR THE SHORT AND LONGER TERMS."
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SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 1992
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SURVEYS OF TRANSPORT STORAGE, COMMUNICATION, FINANCING, INSURANCE AND BUSINESS SERVICES *****
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE SURVEY OF TRANSPORT AND RELATED SERVICES AND THE SURVEY OF STORAGE, COMMUNICATION, FINANCING, INSURANCE AND BUSINESS SERVICES FOR 1991 HAVE JUST STARTED.
THE SURVEYS ARE CONDUCTED ANNUALLY AND REPRESENT PART OF A CONTINUOUS PROGRAMME IN THE DEPARTMENT TO COMPILE STATISTICS ON THE STRUCTURE AND PERFORMANCE OF VARIOUS ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES IN HONG KONG.
THE AIMS OF THE SURVEYS ARE TO OBTAIN UP-TO-DATE DATA FOR EVALUATING THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE TRANSPORT AND SERVICE SECTORS TO HONG KONG’S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT, AND FOR ASCERTAINING THEIR COST STRUCTURE, OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS AND OUTPUT LEVELS.
RESULTS OF THE SURVEYS ARE USEFUL TO BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN FORMULATING POLICIES AND MAKING DECISIONS.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS APPEALED TO THE MANAGEMENTS OF ALL SAMPLED ESTABLISHMENTS TO RETURN THE COMPLETED QUESTIONNARIES PROMPTLY AND TO CO-OPERATE WITH OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT IN THE COURSE OF THE SURVEYS, SO AS TO FULFIL THEIR LEGAL AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY.
HE STRESSED THAT INFORMATION RELATING TO INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS WOULD BE TREATED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE UNDER THE PROVISION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDINANCE.
ONLY AGGREGATE INFORMATION, WHICH DOES NOT REVEAL DETAILS OF INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS, WILL BE RELEASED.
THE COMMISSIONER ALSO POINTED OUT THAT AUDITED ACCOUNTS ARE NOT ESSENTIAL FOR THE SUPPLY OF INCOME AND EXPENDITURE DATA REQUIRED IN THE SURVEYS.
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ACCEPTS FIGURES BASED ON PRELIMINARY ACCOUNTS OR ESTIMATES WHICH ARE CORRECT TO THE BEST OF THE RESPONDENTS’ KNOWLEDGE AT THE TIME OF SUBMISSION OF THE RETURNS, IF AUDITED ACCOUNTS ARE NOT YET AVAILABLE.
ABOUT 4,000 ESTABLISHMENTS WILL BE ENUMERATED IN THE PRESENT ROUND OF THE SURVEYS, INCLUDING A FULL COVERAGE OF LARGE ESTABLISHMENTS AND A RANDOM SAMPLE OF THE RELATIVELY SMALLER ONES.
THE SURVEY OF TRANSPORT AND RELATED SERVICES COVERS LAND, SEA AND AIR TRANSPORT SERVICES, SUCH AS PUBLIC BUSES, TRAMWAYS, TAXIS, PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES, TRUCKS, FERRIES, SHIPPING COMPANIES AND AIRLINES.
IT ALSO COVERS SUCH TRANSPORT-RELATED SERVICES AS THOSE PROVIDED BY CAR PARKS, TRAVEL AGENTS AND CARGO FORWARDING AGENTS.
THE SURVEY OF STORAGE,. COMMUNICATION, FINANCING, INSURANCE AND BUSINESS SERVICES COVERS STORAGE AND WAREHOUSE, COMMUNICATIONS, FINANCIAL (EXCEPT LICENSED BANKS, RESTRICTED LICENSE BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES) AND INSURANCE.
/IT ALSO.......
SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 1992
4
IT ALSO COVERS BUSINESS SERVICES SUCH AS ACCOUNTING AND AUDITING, ADVERTISING, DATA PROCESSING, EMPLOYMENT AGENCY, EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY RENTAL, LEGAL, NEWS AGENCY, SECRETARIAL AND OTHER BUSINESS SERVICES,
THE SURVEYS ARE BEING CONDUCTED UNDER THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS (ANNUAL SURVEY OP TRANSPORT AND RELATED SERVICES) ORDER 1984 AND THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS (ANNUAL SURVEY OF STORAGE, COMMUNICATION, FINANCING, INSURANCE AND BUSINESS SERVICES) ORDER 1984, WHICH WERE MADE UNDER THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDINANCE (CHAPTER 316).
INFORMATION SOUGHT IN THE SURVEYS INCLUDES : TYPE OF OWNERSHIP, FLOOR AREA, EMPLOYMENT, COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES, OPERATING EXPENSES, BUSINESS RECEIPTS, CAPITAL EXPENDITURE AND OTHER RELATED INFORMATION ON THE BUSINESS OPERATION OF THE ESTABLISHMENTS.
SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRES HAVE BEEN MAILED TO THE ESTABLISHMENTS SAMPLED FOR THE SURVEYS.
THESE ESTABLISHMENTS ARE LEGALLY REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THE QUESTIONNAIRES TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT BY JULY 31 THIS YEAR.
IF REQUIRED, OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT WILL VISIT INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS AND HELP THEM IN COMPLETING THE QUESTIONNAIRES.
THESE OFFICERS WILL CARRY A GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARD AND A CERTIFICATE FOR CONDUCTING THE SURVEYS WHILST ON DUTY, WHICH ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION.
ANY ENQUIRIES REGARDING THE SURVEYS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE TRANSPORT AND SERVICES STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL 802 1262.
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SPECIAL STAMPS- ON "STAMP COLLECTING"
******
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR M. PAGLIARI, ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT A SET OF SPECIAL STAMPS WILL BE ISSUED ON JULY 15 ON THE THEME OF "STAMP COLLECTING".
THERE WILL BE FOUR DENOMINATIONS: $0.8, $1.8, $2.3 AND $5.
THE STAMPS WERE DESIGNED BY MR KAN TAI-KEUNG AND PRINTED BY LEIGH-MARDON PTY. I.TD OF AUSTRALIA.
THE STAMPS WILL BE DISPLAYED FOR ADVANCE INFORMATION OF THE PUBLIC AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE AND SHA TIN CENTRAL POST OFFICE AS FROM JULY 1.
OFFICIAL FIRST DAY COVERS WILL BE PLACED ON SALE AT ALL POST OFFICES AS FROM JULY 1 AT $1 EACH.
/ADVANCE ORDERS .......
SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 1992
5
ADVANCE ORDERS FOR SERVICED FIRST DAY COVERS WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM JULY 1 TO 8. THE MINIMUM NUMBER OF COVERS PER ORDER IS FIVE.
FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF CUSTOMERS, FIRST DAY COVERS PRE-AFFIXED WITH A SET OF STAMPS AND CANCELLED WITH THE FIRST DAY OF ISSUE POSTMAP! WILL BE AVAILABLE AT $12.9 EACH AT THE FOLLOWING 28 POST OFFICES:
HONG KONG ISLAND
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE POST OFFICE
CAUSEWAY BAY POST OFFICE
GENERAL POST OFFICE
HENNESSY ROAD POST OFFICE
KING’S ROAD POST OFFICE
PEAK POST OFFICE
QUEEN’S ROAD POST OFFICE SAI YING PUN POST OFFICE TSAT TSZ MUI POST OFFICE
KOWLOON
AIRPORT POST OFFICE CHEUNG SHA WAN POST OFFICE GRANVILLE ROAD POST OFFICE KOWLOON BAY POST OFFICE KOWLOON CENTRAL POST OFFICE KWONG WAH STREET POST OFFICE KWUN TONG POST OFFICE LOK FU POST OFFICE MONGKOK POST OFFICE NGAU TAU KOK POST OFFICE 01 MAN POST OFFICE TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE
NEW TERRITORIES
SHA TIN CENTRAL POST OFFICE
SHEK WU HUI POST OFFICE
TAI PO POST OFFICE
TSUEN WAN POST OFFICE
TSUEN WING STREET POST OFFICE
TUEN MUN CENTRAL POST OFFICE
YUEN LONG POST OFFICE
A HAND-BACK SERVICE WILL BE GIVEN TO ALL OFFICIAL AND PRIVATELY MADE COVERS BEARING THE "FIRST DAY" INDICATION ON JULY 15.
/6 ........
SUNDAY JUNE 21, 1992
6
STUDENTS TO COMPETE IN INTERNATIONAL COMPUTER CONTEST
*****
SIX HONG KONG SECONDARY STUDENTS WILL COMPETE WITH THEIR COUNTERPARTS FROM ASIAN COUNTRIES IN THE INTERNATIONAL COMPUTER COMPETITION TO BE HELD IN KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA, FROM AUGUST 7 TO 11.
THE EVENT, ORGAINSED BY THE MALAYSIAN COMPUTER SOCIETY, IS DESIGNED TO TEST YOUNG STUDENTS’ COMPUTER PROGRAMMING SKILLS AND TO PROMOTE THE USE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY.
COUNTRIES INCLUDING AUSTRALIA, INDIA, INDONESIA, MALAYSIA, PAKISTAN, THE PHILIPPINES, SINGAPORT, SRI LANKA AND THAILAND, WILL TAKE I'ART.
THE HONG KONG REPRESENTATIVES WERE CHOSEN FROM A SELECTION TEST CONDUCTED RECENTLY AMONG 90 SECONDARY STUDENTS BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE HONG KONG COMPUTER SOCIETY AND THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION FOR COMPUTER EDUCATION, WHICH HAVE BEEN SPONSORING THE LOCAL TEAMS IN THE PAST FEW YEARS.
STUDENTS ARE: LAM HEI-NING (QUEEN’S COLLEGE), LAU KWOK-HUNG (SKH TSANG SH1U-TIM SECONDARY SCHOOL), LEE KIT-LUN (YING WA COLLEGE), LI HON-CHING (LA SALLE COLLEGE), WONG HIM-TING (SALESIAN ENGLISH SCHOOL) AND YAU KA-FAI (TSUEN WAN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL).
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PHOTO CONTEST TO PROMOTE HEALTHY LIFESTYLE ♦ *♦»*♦
ENTRIES ARE INVITED FOR A PHOTO COMPETITION TO PROMOTE HEALTHY LIFESTYLE IN FAMILY.
THE COMPETITION ALSO ENCOURAGES FAMILY MEMBERS TO SUPPORT ONE ANOTHER FOR BETTER HEALTH.
ENTITLED ’’HEALTHY MEMBERS, HAPPY FAMILY”, THE COMPETITION IS ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND IS OPEN TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC OF ALL AGES.
ANNOUNCING DETAILS OF THE COMPETITION, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THERE WOULD BE NO LIMIT TO THE NUMBER OF ENTRIES SUBMITTED BY AN INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPANT.
ALL ENTRIES MUST BE OF 8R-SIZE AND UNMOUNTED. SLIDES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
EACH ENTRY SHOULD BE ACCOMPANIED WITH A TITLE OF NOT MORE THAN 15 WORDS AND SHOULD DEPICT THE THEME ’’HEALTHY MEMBERS, HAPPY FAMILY”.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT PHOTOGRAPHS THAT HAD BEEN OR WOULD BE PUBLISHED BEFORE SEPTEMBER 11 THIS YEAR WOULD NOT BE ACCEPTED.
THE THREE WINNERS OF THE CONTEST WILL EACH RECEIVE AN ATTRACTIVE PRIZE OF A CAMERA. THERE WILL ALSO BE FIVE MERITORIOUS PRIZES.
/WINNING ENTRIES .......
SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 1992
WINNING ENTRIES WILL BE PUT ON DISPLAY AT A PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY IN SEPTEMBER.
Illi' RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE CONTEST ARE NOW OBTAINABLE AT THE DEPARTMENT’S CENTRAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT OFFICES AT THE SOUTHORN CENTRE, 7/F, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI; THE YUNG FUNG SHEE MEMORIAL CENTRE AT CHA KWO LING ROAD; THE LEK YUEN HEALTH CENTRE IN SHA TIN, ALL DISTRICT OFFICES AND SHRIRO (HK) LTD.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRY IS AUGUST 11.
THE CONTEST IS SPONSORED BY SHRIRO {HK) LTD.
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BOOK YOUR TICKETS FOR "BEATING RETREAT” PERFORMANCE ******
SPECTACULAR PERFORMANCES OF "BEATING RETREAT" - A MAJOR ACTIVITY JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (CSD) AND THE HONG KONG ISLAND 221ST SCOUT GROUP, WILL BE STAGED AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM ON JULY 23 AND 24.
THE EVENT IS A CHARITY FUND-RAISING EXERCISE FOR THE COMMUNITY CHEST.
ADMISSION TICKETS AT $15 EACH WILL BE ON SALE FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY) AT ALL URBTIX OUTLETS.
THE MAIN PERFORMERS OF "BEATING RETREAT" ARE A GROUP OF TRAINING CENTRE INMATES OF THE HONG KONG ISLAND 221ST SCOUT GROUP WHO WILL DEMONSTRATE THEIR MUSIC TALENT AND MAGNIFICENT MARCHING DISPLAY.
THERE WILL ALSO BE PERFORMANCES BY THE 141ST ISLAND RANGER GUIDES SERVICE UNIT.
A CSD SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THE DEPARTMENT ALWAYS ENCOURAGES YOUNG INMATES TO TAKE PART IN SCOUTING ACTIVITIES.
"THE INMATES CAN DEVELOP THEIR POTENTIAL, CULTIVATE SELF-CONFIDENCE, AND APPRECIATE THE MEANING OF DISCIPLINE AND TEAMWORK SPIRIT THROUGH SCOUTING MOVEMENT," HE NOTED.
APPEALING FOR PUBLIC SUPPORT TO THE EVENT, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THEIR PRESENCE AT THE PERFORMANCES WOULD NOT ONLY SIGNIFY THEIR SUPPORT TO THE COMMUNITY CHEST, BUT ALSO THEIR ENCOURAGEMENT TO THESE YOUNG PERFORMERS WHO HAVE BEEN MAKING EVERY EFFORT TO PREPARE THEMSELVES FOR THE OCCASION.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, JUNE 22, 1992
CONTENTS , PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR-DESIGNATE WANTS TO KEEP GOVT STRUCTURE INTACT.................... 1
GOVERNOR SADDENED BY NG MING-YUM'S DEATH ................................. 2
BY-ELECTIONS TO FILL STEPHEN NG'S SEATS .................................. 2
FLEXIBLE APPROACH IN IMPLEMENTING HOTEL LAW ............................ 2
TIME ADJUSTMENT FOR ONE SECOND DELAY ..................................... 4
EXHIBITION TO MARK INTERNATIONAL ANTI-DRUG DAY ........................... 5
FRESH WATER CUT IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT...................................... 6
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ..................................................... 7
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............... 7
MONDAY, JUNE 22, 1992
GOVERNOR-DESIGNATE WANTS TO KEEP GOVT STRUCTURE INTACT
******
THE GOVERNOR-DESIGNATE, MR CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, WANTS TO KEEP THE GOVERNMENT ORGANISATION VERY MUCH AS IT IS AND IS LOOKING FORWARD TO WORKING WITH THE CIVIL SERVICE, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS ON HIS RETURN FROM LONDON WHERE HE HAD LONG MEETINGS WITH MR PATTEN, SIR DAVID SAID THEY DISCUSSED ALL THE CURRENT ISSUES. jP ■
,. i i
THESE INCLUDED POLITICAL AND CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUES, THE PRIORITIES AS TO WHERE THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE GOING IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS IN TERMSTOF SOCIAL POLICY AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT.
"MR PATTEN HAS COLLECTED A LOT OF INFORMATION. OBVIOUSLY HE’S BEEN READING A GREAT DEAL; HE’S BEEN TALKING TO A LOT OF PEOPLE. BUT HE VERY MUCH WANTS TO KEEP AN OPEN MIND ON ALL THOSE SUBJECTS AND WHEN HE COMES HERE HE WANTS TO CONTINUE HIS CONVERSATION, CONTINUE HIS READING AND GATHERING INFORMATION BEFORE HE MAKES UP HIS MIND ON ANY OF THE KEY ISSUES AHEAD," SIR DAVID tsAID.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID HIS DISCUSSIONS WITH MR PATTEN ALSO INCLUDED PRACTICAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE GOVERNOR-DESIGNATE’S ARRIVAL I IN HONG KONG AND HIS PROGRAMME FOR HIS FIRST FEW MONTHS.
"WE TALKED ABOUT HIS WORKING STYLE AND OUR WORKING STYLE; WHAT SORT OF MEETINGS HE LIKES TO HAVE AND STAFFING ARRANGEMENTS. AND IN CONNECTION WITH THAT, MR PATTEN MADE IT CLEAR THAT HE DOES NOT INTEND TO BRING ANY MORE STAFF OTHER THAN THE TWO PERSONAL ADVISERS HE’S BRINGING WITH HIM, WHO AS YOU KNOW WILL JOIN THE GOVERNMENT HOUSE STAFF AND BE PART OF THE TEAM," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID HE WAS SADDENED BY THE NEWS OF THE DEATH OF MR NG MING-YUM AND SENT HIS CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY.
"STEPHEN NG WAS A VERY FINE YOUNG POLITICIAN; ONE OF THE NEW BREED WHO WAS MAKING SUCH A GREAT CONTRIBUTION TO HONG KONG AND IT IS VERY SAD THAT HE SHOULD DIE AT SUCH A YOUNG AGE," HE SAID.
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MONDAY, JUNE 22, 1992
GOVERNOR SADDENED BY NG MING-YUM’S DEATH
******
THE GOVERNOR, LORD WILSON OF TILLYORN, TODAY (MONDAY) SAID HE HAD HEARD OF THE NEWS OF THE DEATH OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBER NG MING-YUM WITH GREAT SADNESS.
HE EXPRESSED HIS CONDOLENCES TO MR NG’S FAMILY AND PRAISED HIS RECORD OF PUBLIC SERVICE.
"I WAS GREATLY SADDENED TO HEAR OF MR NG MING-YUM’S DEATH EARLIER TODAY. THIS IS A GREAT TRAGEDY FOR HIS FAMILY AND THEY HAVE MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY."
"IT IS ALSO A GREAT LOSS FOR THE COMMUNITY. DESPITE HIS YOUTH, MR NG MADE A MAJOR CONTRIBUTION TO PUBLIC AFFAIRS BOTH IN TUEN MUN AND IN THE TERRITORY AS A WHOLE. HE WILL BE MISSED BY HIS MANY FRIENDS AND ADMIRERS."
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BY-ELECTIONS TO FILL STEPHEN NG’S SEATS
******
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID BYELECTIONS FOR THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, REGIONAL COUNCIL AND DISTRICT BOARD SEATS HELD BY THE LATE MR STEPHEN NG MING-YUM WOULD BE HELD WITHIN THE NEXT TWO MONTHS.
OFFICIALS ARE DRAWING UP A TIMETABLE THAT ALLOWS SUFFICIENT TIME FOR NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONEERING FOR EACH SEAT TO BE CONTESTED ON DIFFERENT DATES.
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FLEXIBLE APPROACH IN IMPLEMENTING HOTEL LAW
******
THE GOVERNMENT WILL ADOPT A PRACTICAL AND FLEXIBLE APPROACH IN IMPLEMENTING THE HOTEL AND GUESTHOUSE ACCOMMODATION ORDINANCE TO HELP THE HOTEL INDUSTRY TO COMPLY WITH THE LICENSING REQUIREMENTS, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
ADDRESSING A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS’ CHAIRMEN FELLOWSHIP ASSOCIATION, MR SUEN SAID THIS SHOULD HELP DISPEL ANY APPREHENSIONS THAT MEMBERS OF THE INDUSTRY MIGHT HAVE ABOUT THE ORDINANCE.
/HE SAID .......
MONDAY, JUNE 22, 1992
- 3 -
HE SAID SOME MEMBERS WERE WORRIED THAT THE HOTEL INDUSTRY WOULD ENCOUNTER DIFFICULTIES IF THE GOVERNMENT WERE TO RIGIDLY ENFORCE THE LICENSING REQUIREMENTS.
THE OFFICE OF THE LICENSING AUTHORITY (OLA) HAD ALREADY WRITTEN TO ALL HOTELS LAST MONTH, GIVING A COMPREHENSIVE EXPLANATION ON HOW THE ORDINANCE WOULD ACTUALLY BE IMPLEMENTED, MR SUEN SAID.
HE SAID TWO MAIN FACTORS WOULD BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT WHEN ENFORCING THE ORDINANCE.
"ONE IS THE QUESTION OF TIMING. THE GOVERNMENT APPRECIATES THAT HOTELS MAY NOT ALWAYS BE ABLE TO COMPLETE THE REQUIRED IMPROVEMENT WORKS WITHIN THE NORMAL TWO-YEAR EXEMPTION PERIOD.
"SOMETIMES THE IMPROVEMENT WORKS NEED TO FIT IN WITH THE HOTEL’S ANNUAL MAINTENANCE PERIOD.
"THEREFORE, THE OLA IS WILLING TO DISCUSS WITH HOTEL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT TO WORK OUT A REASONABLE WORK* SCHEDULE AND EXEMPTION PERIOD IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF INDIVIDUAL HOTELS," MR SUEN SAID.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE OLA NOTICED THAT SOME HOTEL PREMISES WERE COMPARATIVELY OLD AND MIGHT NOT MEET THE PRESENT FIRE PREVENTION AND STRUCTURAL SAFETY STANDARDS, HE SAID.
HOWEVER, THE OLA WAS PREPARED TO EXPLORE OTHER POSSIBLE OPTIONS, SUCH AS USING A SIMILAR FIRE PREVENTION SYSTEM OR MATERIALS, HE SAID.
NOTING THAT THE OLA WOULD KEEP IN TOUCH WITH PEOPLE IN THE TRADE, MR SUEN APPEALED FOR FULL CO-OPERATION FROM THE HOTEL AND GUESTHOUSE INDUSTRY TO ENSURE THE SMOOTH IMPLEMENTATION OF' THE ORDINANCE FOR THE SAKE OF PROTECTING THE LIFE AND PROPERTY OF THEIR GUESTS AND STAFF.
"THIS WILL HELP ENHANCE HONG KONG’S GOOD REPUTATION IN THE INTERNATIONAL TOURISM INDUSTRY," HE ADDED.
THE ORDINANCE WAS PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN MAY LAST YEAR.
HE SAID ONE OF THE OBJECTIVES WAS TO ENSURE THAT HOTELS AND SIMILAR ESTABLISHMENTS COMPLY WITH THE REQUIRED RELEVANT FIRE PREVENTION AND BUILDING STRUCTURAL SAFETY STANDARDS.
"ANOTHER OBJECTIVE IS TO ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT TO KEEP A REGISTER OF ALL SUCH ACCOMMODATIONS," HE ADDED.
THE SCOPE OF THE ORDINANCE COVERS GUESTHOUSES, HOTELS, APARTMENTS, MOTELS AND HOLIDAY FLATS.
UNDER THE ORDINANCE, ALL HOTELS, GUESTHOUSES AND SIMILAR ACCOMMODATIONS MUST OBTAIN A CERTIFICATE OF EXEMPTION FROM THE OLA FOR THEIR BUSINESS. SO FAR, SOME 2,000 CERTIFICATES HAVE BEEN ISSUED.
/THOSE ESTABLISHMENTS .......
MONDAY, JUNE 22, 1992
THOSE ESTABLISHMENTS ISSUED WITH THE CERTIFICATE CAN BE EXEMPTED FROM LICENSING TEMPORARILY UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
THE LICENSING SCHEME WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN STAGES WITH GUESTHOUSES AND HOTELS FOR TOURISTS COMING UNDER THE FIRST PHASE.
THEY ARE GIVEN, TN PRINCIPLE, A TWO-YEAR EXEMPTION PERIOD TO ENABLE THEM TO UPGRADE THEIR FIRE PREVENTION INSTALLATIONS TO MEET THE LICENSING REQUIREMENTS.
UNDER NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES, THE OLA WILL, UPON THE EXPIRY OF THE EXEMPTION PERIOD IN SEPTEMBER 1993, REQUIRE THESE ESTABLISHMENTS TO COMPLY WITH THE FIRE PREVENTION AND STRUCTURAL SAFETY STANDARDS AS LAID DOWN IN THE ORDINANCE, MR SUEN SAID.
"HOWEVER, EXTENSION OF THE EXEMPTION PERIOD OR FLEXIBLE IMPLEMENTATION OF CERTAIN NEWLY INTRODUCED SAFETY REQUIREMENTS MAY BE CONSIDERED FOR INDIVIDUAL CASES, ESPECIALLY IN CONNECTION WITH HOTELS," HE ADDED.
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TIME ADJUSTMENT FOR ONE SECOND DELAY ♦ * * *
AT 8 AM ON JULY 1, THE USUAL SIX-PIP TIME SIGNAL FROM THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY WILL NOT BE BROADCAST BY RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG.
IT WILL RESUME AT 8.30 AM OR 9 AM DEPENDING ON THE RADIO CHANNEL.
THIS IS TO ENABLE AN ADJUSTMENT TO BE APPLIED WHICH WILL RESULT IN A DELAY OF ONE SECOND TO THE HONG KONG STANDARD TIME.
THIS ADJUSTMENT ARISES FROM THE FACT THAT THE TIME SCALE NOW IN USE, KNOWN AS THE CO-ORDINATED UNIVERSAL TIME (UTC), IS BASED ON THE ATOMIC TIME SCALE WHICH PROVIDES A MORE PRECISE AND UNIFORM SECOND THAN THAT DERIVED BY ASTRONOMICAL MEANS.
IT HAS BEEN INTERNATIONALLY AGREED THAT AN ADJUSTMENT OF ONE SECOND SHOULD BE APPLIED FROM TIME TO TIME SO THAT THE CO-ORDINATED UNIVERSAL TIME WILL NOT DIFFER FROM THE ASTRONOMICAL TIME BY MORE THAN NINE-TENTHS OF A SECOND.
THE LAST ADJUSTMENT WAS MADE ON JANUARY 1, 1991.
THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY OPERATES A HIGH PRECISION ATOMIC CLOCK GIVING CO-ORDINATED UNIVERSAL TIME. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO CARRY OUT TIME CHECKS CAN EITHER LISTEN TO THE TIME SIGNAL BROADCAST BY RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG OR CALL THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY ON TEL 732 9472.
- - 0 - -
MONDAY, JUNE 22, 1992
- 5 -
EXHIBITION TO MARK INTERNATIONAL ANTI-DRUG DAY
******
\ LARGE-SCALE EXHIBITION TO MARK THE ANNUAL "INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST DRUG ABUSE AND ILLICIT TRAFFICKING" WILL BE HELD AT METROPLAZA, KWAI FONG, FROM FRIDAY (JUNE 26).
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, WILL OFFICIATE AT A CEREMONY TO COMMEMORATE THE INTERNATIONAL EVENT DECLARED BY THE UNITED NATIONS, AND TO LAUNCH A BUS PARADE AT NOON.
THE THREE-DAY EXHIBITION IS ORGANISED BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE POLICE, CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, THE SOCIETY FOR THE AID AND REHABILITATION OF DRUG ABUSERS AND PS 33, A COUNSELLING CENTRE FOR PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCE ABUSERS.
ON DISPLAY WILL BE A WIDE RANGE OF PANELS INTRODUCING HONG KONG’S OVERALL ANTI-DRUG WORK AND THE ROLES PLAYED BY THE PARTICIPATING ORGANISATIONS.
THE POLICE AND CUSTOMS WILL ALSO PUT UP DISPLAYS SHOWING MAJOR DRUG TRAFFICKING AND MANUFACTURING CASES SMASHED IN THE PAST FEW YEARS.
A VIDEO WALL WILL BE SET UP TO GIVE AUDIENCE, PARTICULARLY YOUNGSTERS, AN INSIGHT INTO THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF AUBSING PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES.
ALSO ON DISPLAY WILL BE SEIZED DRUGS, DRUG-SMOKING PARAPHERNALIA AND DRUG CONCEALMENT DEVICES FROM BOTH THE POLICE AND CUSTOMS.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN FROM NOON TO 6 PM ON FRIDAY (JUNE 26) AND BETWEEN 10 AM AND 6 PM ON SATURDAY (JUNE 27) AND SUNDAY (JUNE 28) .
PUBLICITY MATERIALS, INCLUDING PAPER CLIPS AND BALLOONS, WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO VISITORS ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS.
FOUR DOUBLE DECKERS, TWO OF WHICH SPONSORED BY THE CHINA MOTOR BUS COMPANY LIMITED, WILL JOIN THE BUS PARADE ON FRIDAY AFTERNOON. THEY WILL TOUR ABOUT 20 LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY AND DISTRIBUTE PUBLICITY MATERIALS TO THE PUBLIC.
MORE THAN 50 VOLUNTEERS, INCLUDING STUDENTS FROM A NUMBER OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS, WILL PARTICIPATE.
/THREE LOCAL .......
MONDAY, JUNE 22, 1992
- 6 -
THREE LOCAL POP SINGERS WILL HELP DISSEMINATE ANTI-DRUG MESSAGE AT A MINI-CONCERT AT 2 PM ON SATURDAY (JUNE 27) AND SUNDAY (JUNE 28) ON THE EXHIBITION SITE.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, WILL OFFICIATE AT A CEREMONY TO COMMEMORATE THE EVENT AT THE CRYSTAL ATRIUM OF METROPLAZA, KWAI FONG, AT NOON ON FRIDAY (JUNE 26).
PRESS COVERAGE IS INVITED.
---------0-----------
FRESH WATER CUT IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 10 PM ON WEDNESDAY (JUNE 24) TO 2 PM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE WATERMAINS CONNECTION WORK.
ALL PREMISES IN THE FOLLOWING AREA WILL BE AFFECTED:
♦ ALONG MOUNT DAVIS ROAD FROM HOUSE NO. 23 TO ITS JUNCTION WITH POK FU LAM ROAD, INCLUDING HO TUNG SHAN SQUATTER AREA;
* AT BISNEY ROAD, CONSORT RISE AND CROWN TERRACE;
♦ AT SASSOON ROAD, INCLUDING THE SCHOOL PREMISES OF THE FACULTY OF MEDICINE, THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND ITS STUDENT UNION COMPLEX, THE NORTHCOTE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND TELEGRAPH BAY VILLAGE;
♦ AT A SECTION OF POK FU LAM ROAD BETWEEN POK FU LAM RESERVOIR ROAD AND VICTORIA ROAD, INCLUDING POK FU LAM VILLAGE, POK FU LAM THA, CHI FU FA YUEN, POKFULAM GARDENS, YAR CHEE VILLAS AND UPPER BAGUIO VILLA;
* POK FU LAM DIVISIONAL FIRE STATION AND AMBULANCE DEPOT; AND
♦ WAH HING HOUSE, WAH SANG HOUSE, WAH TAI HOUSE AND WAH CHEUNG HOUSE IN WAH FU ESTATE.
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/7.........
MONDAY, JUNE 22, 1992
- 7 -
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ♦ ♦»»»»
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY)
STOOD AT 74.3 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OF 453.332 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVIORS CONTAINED 159.903 MILLION
CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 27.3 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
----------0-----------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,288
REVERSAL OF LAF -300
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 988
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY NIL
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 988
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 111.0 »+0.0» 22.6.92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.00 PCT 17 MONTHS 2311 6.25 102.40 4.51
1 MONTH 2.87 PCT 20 MONTHS 2402 5.50 101.08 4.87
3 MONTHS 2.88 PCT 23 MONTHS 2405 5.50 100.78 5.13
6 MONTHS 3.23 PCT
12 MONTHS 3.97 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 5,011 MN
CLOSED 22 JUNE 1992
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HIGH PRODUCTIVITY MAKES HK TICKS: GOVERNOR .......................... 1
ARRIVAL OF THE NEW GOVERNOR ......................................... 1
EDUCATION COMMISSION'S FIFTH REPORT PUBLISHED ....................... 3
POLICE MADE SECOND LARGEST SEIZURE OF HEROIN IN HK .................. 6
CIVIL SERVICE PAY ADJUSTMENT 1992 ................................... 6
NEW DEPUTY COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES TAKES UP OFFICE ................. 7
SHW COMMENTS ON HOSPITAL AUTHORITY'S DECISION ....................... 8
POLITICAL ADVISER TO VISIT SHENZHEN .................................
TAC DISCUSSES WIDE RANGE OF ISSUES .................................. 9
SIMPLIFIED CONTROL ON LEFT HAND VEHICLES ............................ 1°
222 VMS RETURNED .................................................... 11
REPORTS ON 1991 POPULATION CENSUS IN RESPECT OF DISTRICT BOARD
DISTRICTS AND TERTIARY PLANNING UNITS PUBLISHED ................... 12
SEARCH FOR OUTSTANDING DISABLED WORKERS ............................. 13
FRESH WATER CUT IN KWUN TONG ........................................ 13
LEGCO DEBATE ON DEMOCRATIC DEVELOPMENT............................... 13
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS ................... 15
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .......... 16
TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 1992
1
HIGH PRODUCTIVITY MAKES HK TICKS: GOVERNOR *****
HIGH PRODUCTIVITY NOT ONLY MAKES HONG KONG PEOPLE BETTER OFF AS INDIVIDUALS, IT ALSO ENABLES THE COMMUNITY TO AFFORD THE PUBLIC SERVICES WHICH MAKE HONG KONG A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE, THE GOVERNOR, LORD WILSON, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL, LORD WILSON ALSO PRAISED THE COUNCIL FOR PLAYING ITS PART IN FUELING HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC POWERHOUSE BY ENCOURAGING INDUSTRY TO CLIMB THE "VALUE-ADDED LADDER".
THE GOVERNOR SAID PRODUCTIVITY WAS FUNDAMENTAL TO THE STRENGTH OF THE ECONOMY WHICH, IN TURN, WAS THE KEY ELEMENT IN HONG KONG’S ABILITY TO OVERCOME DIFFICULTIES AND TO MOVE FORWARD.
"PEOPLE’S PRODUCTIVITY ULTIMATELY DETERMINES THEIR WAGES. PRODUCTIVITY OF CAPITAL DETERMINES ENTREPRENEURS’ RETURNS," HE SAID.
ON THE COUNCIL’S CONTRIBUTION TO THE ECONOMY, LORD WILSON SAID THERE WERE TWO EXAMPLES OF INITIATIVES TAKEN RECENTLY:
* IN 1990, THE COUNCIL ORGANISED THE FIRST PRODUCTIVITY AWARD IN THE ANNUAL GOVERNOR’S AWARD FOR INDUSTRY; AND
* LAST YEAR, THE COUNCIL DECIDED TO MARKET ITS PRODUCT DESIGN SERVICES IN A NEW WAY - BY INVITING LIKE-MINDED COMPANIES TO POOL THEIR RESOURCES ON PROJECTS WHICH WOULD BE TOO LARGE OR RISKY FOR A SINGLE COMPANY TO TAKE ON ALONE. CONSORTIA HAD AT PRESENT BEEN FORMED TO DEVELOP A PALM TOP COMPUTER, A CORDLESS TELEPHONE AND A NOTEBOOK COMPUTER.
HE SAID INDUSTRY’S RESPONSE HAD BEEN ENTHUSIASTIC - THE COUNCIL’S INCOME FROM FEES CHARGED FOR ITS SERVICES HAD MORE THAN TREBLED IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS.
LORD WILSON SAID THE COUNCIL’S TASK OF INCREASING PRODUCTIVITY IN INDUSTRY WAS AN ESSENTIAL ONE.
"THE COUNCIL IS WELL PLACED TO MEET THE CHALLENGES WHICH LIE AHEAD," HE SAID.
THE GOVERNOR SAID IT HAD A STRONG TRACK RECORD; EXCELLENT FACILITIES WHICH, SINCE LAST YEAR, HAD BEEN HOUSED IN A NEW PURPOSE-BUILT BUILDING; AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, A HIGHLY QUALIFIED, ENERGETIC AND DEDICATED STAFF.
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ARRIVAL OF THE NEW GOVERNOR
THE NEW GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, WILL ARRIVE ON JULY 9 TO TAKE UP HIS OFFICE.
MR PATTEN WILL ARRIVE IN THE EARLY AFTERNOON AT KAI TAK AIRPORT WITH HIS WIFE AND TWO OF THEIR DAUGHTERS, LAURA AND ALICE.
/THEY WILL .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 1992
- 2 -
t
THEY WILL BE GREETED AT THE AIRPORT BY THE ACTING GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID FORD, AND LADY FORD.
THE PARTY WILL THEN DRIVE THROUGH THE HEART OF KOWLOON TO KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER WHERE THEY WILL BOARD "THE LADY MAURINE" TO CROSS THE HARBOUR TO EDINBURGH PLACE.
A FLOTILLA OF ROYAL NAVY, MARINE POLICE, FIRE SERVICES AND MARINE DEPARTMENT VESSELS WILL ESCORT "THE LADY MAURINE" DURING THE CROSSING AND FIRE SERVICES BOATS WILL SPRAY A FOUNTAIN OF WELCOME WITH THEIR WATER JETS.
AS MR PATTEN APPROACHES QUEEN’S PIER, A 17-GUN SALUTE WILL BE FIRED FROM HMS TAMAR AND THERE WILL BE FLYPAST BY ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE, ARMY AND ROYAL AIR FORCE AIRCRAFT AND HELICOPTERS.
AS THEY DISEMBARK AT QUEEN’S PIER MR AND MRS PATTEN WILL BE GREETED BY SENIOR MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG ESTABLISHMENT. MR PATTEN WILL THEN INSPECT A GUARD-OF-HONOUR FORMED BY CONTINGENTS OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE AND THE MILITARY SERVICE CORPS OF THE BRITISH FORCES IN HONG KONG.
AFTER THE INSPECTION, MR AND MRS PATTEN WILL MEET MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS IN THE CITY HALL FOYER WHICH WILL BE LINED BY MEMBERS OF UNIFORMED YOUTH ORGANISATIONS.
MR PATTEN WILL THEN ENTER THE CONCERT HALL FOR THE FORMAL SWEARING-IN CEREMONY WHICH WILL BE ATTENDED BY SOME 800 PEOPLE.
MR PATTEN WILL BE INVITED BY THE CHIEF JUSTICE TO TAKE THE OATH OF ALLEGIANCE, THE OFFICIAL OATH AND THE JUDICIAL OATH AND WILL BE FORMALLY SWORN-IN AS HONG KONG’S 28TH GOVERNOR.
AFTER MR PATTEN HAS SIGNED THE OATHS, SPEECHES OF WELCOME WILL BE MADE BY SIR DAVID AND THE SENIOR MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, BARONESS DUNN. MR PATTEN WILL THEN REPLY.
FOLLOWING THE 40-MINUTE CEREMONY, THE NEW GOVERNOR AND MRS PATTEN WILL ATTEND A RECEPTION AT THE CITY HALL CHINESE RESTAURANT WHERE THEY WILL MEET SOME 800 PEOPLE FROM A WIDE CROSS SECTION OF THE COMMUNITY.
AFTER THE RECEPTION, THEY WILL DEPART FOR GOVERNMENT HOUSE WHERE AN HONOUR GUARD OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS) WILL PRESENT ARMS IN WELCOME.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE MADE FOR MEDIA COVERAGE OF MR PATTEN’S ARRIVAL AND SWEARING-IN. DETAILS OF THE ARRANGEMENTS, AND APPLICATION FORMS FOR ACCREDITATION TO PRESS POSITIONS, WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE IN DUE COURSE.
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/3 ........
TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 1992
3
EDUCATION COMMISSION’S FIFTH REPORT PUBLISHED
******
THE EDUCATION COMMISSION’S FIFTH REPORT (ECR5) IS PUBLISHED TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE REPORT IS THE OUTCOME OF AN 18-MONTH STUDY ON THE TEACHING PROFESSION, UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF MRS RITA FAN HSU LAI-TAI.
INTRODUCING THE REPORT, MRS FAN SAID: "ECR5 AND ITS PREDECESSOR, ECR4, TOGETHER SET OUT A COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGY FOR QUALITY IN TOMORROW’S SCHOOLS - A STRATEGY WHICH IS ALREADY BEGINNING TO BE IMPLEMENTED.”
SHE DESCRIBED ECR5 AS COMPLEX AND WIDE-RANGING, BUT SAID: "THE REPORT HAS A VERY SIMPLE AIM: TO ENSURE THAT THE TEACHERS WHO PREPARE HONG KONG’S STUDENTS FOR LIFE AND WORK IN THE 21ST CENTURY CAN BETTER PROVIDE THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION THE COMMUNITY NEEDS.”
NOTING THAT TEACHERS ARE PROBABLY THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR IN THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS, MRS FAN SAID THE COMMISSION HAS LOOKED IN DETAIL AT THREE MAIN ISSUES, NAMELY TEACHER EDUCATION, TEACHER STATUS, AND TEACHER WORKLOADS.
UNDER TEACHER EDUCATION, THE REPORT RECOMMENDS THAT THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION AND THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION BE UPGRADED INTO A NEW INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION, SEPARATE FROM THE CIVIL SERVICE.
’’THE NEW INSTITUTE SHOULD DEVELOP AND IMPROVE THE PRESENT RANGE OF TEACHER EDUCATION COURSES AT SUB-DEGREE LEVEL, AND SHOULD AIM TO OFFER DEGREE COURSES AS SOON AS POSSIBLE,” SAID MRS FAN.
”TO ENABLE THIS TO HAPPEN, WE RECOMMEND SUBSTANTIAL ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR THE INSTITUTE, AND MEASURES TO UPGRADE THE STAFF.”
TO ENCOURAGE SERVING TEACHERS TO DEVELOP THEIR KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS, THE REPORT COMMENDS THAT A NEW QUALIFICATION, THE ADVANCED TEACHER’S CERTIFICATE, BE DEVELOPED.
"THIS WOULD BE BASED ON THE EXISTING RANGE OF SUB-DEGREE COURSES FOR SERVING TEACHERS, TOGETHER WITH ANY NEW COURSES WHICH MIGHT BE DEVELOPED,” MRS FAN EXPLAINED.
"ALL COURSES WOULD BE FORMALLY ACCREDITED, AND SO COULD COUNT TOWARDS AN EVENTUAL DEGREE.”
THE COMMISSION ALSO RECOMMENDS SETTING UP AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TEACHER EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS, TO IMPROVE CO-ORDINATION IN TEACHER EDUCATION, AND PROVIDE AUTHORITATIVE ADVICE ON TEACHER QUALIFICATIONS GAINED OUTSIDE HONG KONG.
ON TEACHER STATUS, THE REPORT ENDORSES AN ALL-GRADUATE TEACHING PROFESSION AS A LONG-TERM GOAL.
/AS A ........
TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 1992
4
AS A FIRST STEP TOWARDS THAT GOAL, WHICH WILL HELP PRIMARY SCHOOLS TO MEET THE DEMANDS NOW BEING PLACED ON THEM, THE REPORT RECOMMENDS THAT 35 PER CENT OF PRIMARY TEACHERS SHOULD BE UPGRADED TO GRADUATE STATUS WITHIN 15 YEARS.
"THIS WILL ALLOW EVERY SENIOR TEACHER POST AND HEADSHIP POST TO BE FILLED BY A GRADUATE TEACHER," SAID MRS FAN.
"IN ADDITION, IT WILL ALLOW EVERY STANDARD PRIMARY SCHOOL TO APPOINT TWO GRADUATE TEACHERS IN THE BASIC RANK."
MRS FAN POINTED OUT THAT TO ACHIEVE THIS INITIAL GOAL, ABOUT 7,500 PRIMARY TEACHERS WOULD NEED TO ACQUIRE A DEGREE BY THE YEAR 2007.
"WE BELIEVE THAT THE NECESSARY DEGREE PLACES FOR SERVING TEACHERS CAN BEST BE PROVIDED ON SELF-FUNDING PART-TIME COURSES, COMBINING DISTANCE LEARNING WITH FACE TO FACE TUITION," SHE SAID.
"SUITABLE COURSES COULD BE DEVELOPED BY ANY LOCAL TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS. WE RECOMMEND THAT THE GOVERNMENT PROVIDE A COURSE DEVELOPMENT GRANT."
TO ENSURE THAT ABLE SCHOOL-LEAVERS CONTINUE TO BE ATTRACTED INTO PRIMARY TEACHING, THE REPORT RECOMMENDS THAT A PROPORTION OF THOSE ACQUIRING A TEACHER’S CERTIFICATE SHOULD BE ABLE TO PROCEED TO A TWO-YEAR PRE-SERVICE DEGREE COURSE.
THESE FULL-TIME COURSES SHOULD BE OFFERED BY EXISTING TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS AT FIRST BUT COULD BE TRANSFERRED TO THE INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION ONCE IT CAN OFFER DEGREES.
ON THE WORKING ENVIRONMENT IN SCHOOLS, ECR5 RECOMMENDS A WIDE RANGE OF IMPROVEMENT MEASURES.
THESE INCLUDE A SYSTEMATIC INDUCTION PROGRAMME FOR NEW TEACHERS; A NEW COMMITTEE ON HOME-SCHOOL CO-OPERATION TO ENCOURAGE AND HELP SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES TO WORK TOGETHER MORE POSITIVELY IN PROMOTING THE CHILD’S EDUCATION.
OTHERS INCLUDE MEASURES TO IMPROVE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT; ADDITIONAL ROOMS IN SCHOOLS FOR NON-TEACHING PURPOSES, INCLUDING A STAFF COMMON ROOM AND A STUDENT ACTIVITY CENTRE; IMPROVEMENTS TO SUBSTANDARD SCHOOL BUILDINGS; AND IMPROVEMENTS IN THE TEACHER WORKLOAD.
THE REPORT RECOMMENDS THAT THE TEACHER-STUDENT RATIO IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS BE IMPROVED FROM THE PRESENT 1.2 TEACHERS PER CLASS TO 1.3 PER BISESSIONAL CLASS AND 1.5 TEACHERS PER WHOLE DAY CLASS.
IT ALSO RECOMMENDS THAT STANDARD CLASS SIZES BE REDUCED BY FIVE PLACES IN BOTH PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS, TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE DECLINING SCHOOL-AGE POPULATION.
THE REPORT NOTES THAT, BY THEMSELVES, SMALLER CLASSES AND IMPROVED STAFFING RATIOS DO NOT AUTOMATICALLY LEAD TO IMPROVEMENTS IN STUDENT PERFORMANCE.
/"THESE TWO .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 1992
- 5 -
"THESE TWO MEASURES WILL MAKE IT EASIER FOR TEACHERS TO PROVIDE A QUALITY SERVICE," SAID MRS FAN.
"BUT QUALITY IN EDUCATION DEPENDS FIRST AND FOREMOST ON THE EXPERTISE OF THE TEACHERS, AND ON HOW WELL SCHOOL MANAGEMENT DEPLOYS AND DEVELOPS THAT EXPERTISE."
OTHER ISSUES COVERED IN ECR5 INCLUDE MEASURES TO SUSTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN KINDERGARTEN EDUCATION; IMPROVED TRAINING FOR TEACHERS IN SPECIAL EDUCATION; AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF TEACHING AS A PROFESSION.
THE REPORT SETS OUT AREAS WHICH NEED TO BE CLARIFIED BEFORE A STATUTORY GOVERNING BODY FOR THE PROFESSION COULD BE CREATED, AND RECOMMENDS SETTING UP A COUNCIL ON PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT IN EDUCATION.
MRS FAN SAID SOME RECOMMENDATIONS IN ECR5, FOR EXAMPLE THOSE ON INDUCTION AND HOME-SCHOOL CO-OPERATION, COULD BE IMPLEMENTED AS SOON AS A POLICY DECISION WAS REACHED. BUT THE FULL PLANNING PERIOD ENVISAGED BY THE COMMISSION COVERED 15 YEARS.
"IF ALL THE RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE REPORT ARE IMPLEMENTED IN FULL WITHIN THOSE 15 YEARS, THEY WILL REQUIRE AN ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT IN EDUCATION TOTALLING ABOUT $23.5 BILLION DURING THAT PERIOD, IN 1992 PRICES," MRS FAN SAID.
SHE STRESSED THAT THE COMMISSION BELIEVED THIS TO BE FULLY JUSTIFIED.
"THIS LEVEL OF INVESTMENT, IN WELL-CONSIDERED MEASURES WHICH SUPPORT THE EFFORTS OF OUR SCHOOLS TO DELIVER QUALITY EDUCATION, WILL HELP HONG KONG TO DEVELOP THE TALENTS OF ITS PEOPLE AND MEET THE CHALLENGES OF THE 21ST CENTURY," SHE SAID.
THE REPORT HAS BEEN SENT TO ALL PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS, WITH A LETTER FROM MRS FAN URGING ALL TEACHERS AND OTHERS CONCERNED WITH EDUCATION TO COMMENT ON IT.
COPIES ARE AVAILABLE FROM EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OFFICES, DISTRICT OFFICES, AND THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
COMMENTS ON THE REPORT ARE INVITED UNTIL THE CLOSE OF THE THREE-MONTH CONSULTATION PERIOD ON SEPTEMBER 30 THIS YEAR.
THEY SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE SECRETARY, EDUCATION COMMISSION, C/O EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG.
ALL VIEWS WILL BE CONSIDERED BEFORE THE GOVERNMENT MAKES DECISIONS ON ANY OF THE COMMISSION’S RECOMMENDATIONS.
- - 0----------
/6.........
TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 1992
6
POLICE MADE SECOND LARGEST SEIZURE OF HEROIN IN HK
* * * * *
THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR LI KWAN-HA, TODAY (TUESDAY) PRAISED OFFICERS OF THE NARCOTICS BUREAU FOR THEIR EXCELLENT WORK FOLLOWING THE SEIZURE OF HEROIN WORTH $171 MILLION—THE SECOND LARGEST SEIZURE OF ITS KIND IN HONG KONG.
THE 396 KILOGRAMMES OF HEROIN IS ALSO THE FIFTH LARGEST SUCH SEIZURE IN THE WORLD.
MR LI ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, MR EDDIE HUI KI-ON AND DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF CRIME, MR TSANG YAM-PUI, VISITED THE OFFICERS AND COMMENDED THEM FOR A GOOD JOB DONE.
THREE MEN, AGED BETWEEN 22 AND 38, ONE OF THEM BELIEVED TO BE THE OPERATIONS HEAD AND TWO COURIERS, WERE ALSO ARRESTED.
THE OPERATION STARTED TWO YEARS AGO IN 1989 INTO A SYNDICATE ENGAGED IN IMPORTING LARGE QUANTITIES OF HEROIN BY SEA FROM THAILAND.
AFTER EXTENSIVE SURVEILLANCE IN BOTH THAILAND AND HONG KONG, AN OPERATION WAS MOUNTED SHORTLY AFTER 3 AM THIS (TUESDAY) MORNING WITH THE INTERCEPTION OF A VAN IN TIN WAN PRAYA, ABERDEEN.
A TOTAL OF 396 KILOGRAMMES OF HEROIN WERE SEIZED TOGETHER WITH TWO VEHICLES BELIEVED TO BE USED AS ESCORT.
POLICE ALSO FOUND AN ABANDONED SAMPAN WHICH IS BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN USED TO FERRY THE DRUGS FROM A FISHING VESSEL TO THE SHORE.
ONE OF THE SUSPECTS, ON SEEING THE POLICE JUMPED INTO THE SEA WHILE THE TWO TRIED TO ESCAPE ON FOOT BUT ALL WERE EVENTUALLY ARRESTED.
POLICE ENQUIRIES ARE CONTINUING.
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CIVIL SERVICE PAY ADJUSTMENT 1992
*****
SENIOR CIVIL SERVANTS WILL BE GIVEN A PAY RISE OF 11.17 PER CENT, AND THEIR JUNIOR COUNTERPARTS WILL RECEIVE 11.60 PER CENT, BACKDATED TO APRIL 1, 1992.
THIS LEVEL OF ADJUSTMENT WAS DECIDED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL TODAY (TUESDAY) AFTER CONSIDERING THE COUNTER-PROPOSALS MADE BY STAFF REPRESENTATIVES AND OTHER VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE CIVIL SERVICE PAY ADJUSTMENT.
IN ANNOUNCING THE DECISION, THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, SAID: "THE 11.17 PER CENT, WHICH WILL BE GIVEN TO CIVIL SERVANTS CURRENTLY EARNING $25,566 OR MORE PER MONTH, CORRESPONDS WITH THE AVERAGE INCREASE IN SALARIES OVER THE PAST YEAR FOR PRIVATE SECTOR EMPLOYEES WITH SIMILAR SALARIES.
/"THE 11.60 .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 1992
7
’’THE 11.60 PER CENT, WHICH WILL BE AWARDED TO CIVIL SERVANTS EARNING LESS THAN $25,566 PER MONTH, IS IN LINE WITH THE RISE IN THE COST OF LIVING FROM APRIL 1991 TO MARCH 1992, AS MEASURED BY CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A).”
THE STAFF SIDES OF THE FOUR CIVIL SERVICE CONSULTATIVE COUNCILS HAD ASKED FOR PAY INCREASES RANGING FROM 14.34 PER CENT TO 15 PER CENT.
"THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL GAVE CAREFUL CONSIDERATION TO THE ARGUMENTS PUT FORWARD IN SUPPORT OF A HIGHER PAY AWARD,” MR WIGGHAM SAID.
"HOWEVER, AS INFLATION IS STILL RUNNING HIGH, A PAY AWARD IN EXCESS OF THE PAY TREND INDICATORS AND THE INCREASE IN COST OF LIVING WOULD RUN COUNTER TO THE GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS TO CONTROL INFLATION AND MIGHT PROVE DIFFICULT TO FINANCE IN FUTURE YEARS.
"AFTER WEIGHING UP ALL THE FACTORS, THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL CONCLUDED THAT THE PAY OFFER REPRESENTS A FAIR BALANCE BETWEEN THE INTERESTS OF CIVIL SERVANTS AND THE WIDER INTERESTS OF THE COMMUNITY," HE SAID.
SUBJECT TO THE PROVISION OF FUNDS BY FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, CIVIL SERVANTS WILL RECEIVE THE REVISED SALARIES AND BACKPAY AT THE END OF JULY.
------0-------
NEW DEPUTY COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES TAKES UP OFFICE ♦ * * t * *
THE NEW DEPUTY COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES HONG CHRISTOPHER HAMMERBECK TOOK UP HIS APPOINTMENT TODAY
KONG, BRIGADIER (TUESDAY).
HE REPLACES BRIGADIER MIKE CONSTANTINE WHO RETURNS TO A NEW APPOINTMENT IN BRITAIN AFTER NEARLY TWO-AND-A-HALF YEARS IN HONG KONG.
BRIGADIER HAMMERBECK, AGED 49, WAS EDUCATED AT MAYFIELD COLLEGE IN SUSSEX. HE WAS AN ARTICLED CLERK TO A FIRM OF LONDON SOLICITORS BEFORE ATTENDING MONS OFFICER CADET SCHOOL.
IN JANUARY 1965 HE WAS COMMISSIONED INTO THE 2ND ROYAL TANK REGIMENT AND SERVED IN A VARIETY OF TROOP LEADER APPOINTMENTS FROM 1965 TO 1970 IN BOTH THE UK AND WEST GERMANY.
IN 1970 HE JOINED THE PARACHUTE SQUADRON ROYAL ARMOURED CORPS AS THE AIR ADJUTANT/OPERATIONS OFFICER.
HE SERVED WITH 20TH ARMOURED BRIGADE FROM 1972 UNTIL ATTENDING THE ARMY STAFF COURSE AT CAMBERLEY IN 1975.
AFTER THIS, HE TOOK UP A STAFF JOB WITH 12 MECHANISED BRIGADE IN GERMANY AT A TIME THE BRIGADE WAS RESTRUCTURING TO A TASK FORCE.
/FROM 1978 ......
TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 1992
- 8 -
FROM 1978 TO 80 HE COMMANDED A CHIEFTAIN SQUADRON WITH 4TH ROYAL TANK REGIMENT IN MUNSTER, GERMANY, FOLLOWING WHICH CAME A STAFF APPOINTMENT WITH THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE IN LONDON.
IN MAY 1982 HE BECAME A MEMBER OF THE DIRECTING STAFF OF THE STAFF COLLEGE, CAMBERLEY WHERE HE REMAINED UNTIL ASSUMING COMMAND OF THE 2ND ROYAL TANK REGIMENT IN FALLINGBOSTEL, NORTH GERMANY IN DECEMBER 1984.
BRIGADIER HAMMERBECK ATTENDED THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF DEFENCE STUDIES COURSE IN 1989, AND APRIL 1990 FOUND HIM BACK IN MUNSTER AS COMMANDER 4TH ARMOURED BRIGADE.
HE COMMANDED THE BRIGADE DURING THE GULF WAR AND WAS MADE A COMPANION OF THE BATH (CB) FOR HIS SERVICES DURING THE CONFLICT.
BRIGADIER HAMMERBECK AND HIS WIFE, ALISON, HAVE A 15-YEAR-OLD SON AND TWO DAUGHTERS AGED 14 AND SEVEN.
---------0-----------
SHW COMMENTS ON HOSPITAL AUTHORITY’S DECISION
******
IN COMMENTING ON THE DECISION OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY’S EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE TO ENGAGE THE REMAINING INTERNS FOR THE NEXT NINE MONTHS ON TEMPORARY CONTRACT, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID: "THIS IS AT LEAST A FLEXIBLE ARRANGEMENT IN THE INTERIM TO MEET SERVICE NEEDS."
HAVING REGARD TO THE OBJECTIVES BEHIND SETTING UP THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY, THE AUTONOMY ENJOYED BY THE AUTHORITY UNDER THE LAW AND THE FLEXIBILITY WITH WHICH THE AUTHORITY CAN DEPLOY ITS FUNDS, SHE URGED THAT THERE SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE A DEGREE OF MORAL OBLIGATION TOWARDS THE MEDICAL INTERNS.
IN THIS CONTEXT, SHE LOOKED FORWARD TO CONTRIBUTION NOT ONLY FROM THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY, BUT ALSO FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND OTHERS CONCERNED, TO A REALISTIC ASSESSMENT OF THE SERVICE REQUIREMENT FOR MANPOWER OVERALL, THAT IS, THE REQUIREMENT FOR ALL HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS INCLUDING DOCTORS.
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/9 ........
TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 1992
- 9
POLITICAL ADVISER TO VISIT SHENZHEN * * » * *
THE POLITICAL ADVISER, MR WILLIAM EHRMAN, WILL LEAD A DELEGATION OF HONG KONG OFFICIALS TO SHENZHEN TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THE DELEGATION WILL REVIEW THE PROGRESS MADE IN THE 10 YEARS SINCE THE SIGNING OF THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN HONG KONG AND SHENZHEN TO OPEN UP LINKS BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES.
MR EHRMAN, WHO WILL HOLD TALKS WITH NR ZHANG HONGYI, VICE-MAYOR OF SHENZHEN, WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY MR BOWEN LEUNG (DEPUTY SECRETARY, PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS), MR JIM MORRIS (DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR SECURITY), MR JOHN TELFORD (DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT), MS ANNETTE LEE (ASSISTANT POLITICAL ADVISER) AND MS LILY KING (INTERPRETER).
------0----------
TAC DISCUSSES WIDE RANGE OF ISSUES ♦ ♦♦♦♦♦
THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC) TODAY (TUESDAY) CONSIDERED A FARE INCREASE APPLICATION FROM THE NEW LANTAU BUS COMPANY (NLB) AND WAS BRIEFED ON THE FINDINGS OF ITS WORKING GROUP ON TAXI POLICY REVIEW.
IT ALSO EXAMINED ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES TO RELIEVE CONGESTION AT THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL (CHT) AND STAR FERRY’S FORWARD PLANNING PROGRAMME FOR 1992-9(5.
ON NLB’S FARE INCREASE APPLICATION, MEMBERS NOTED THAT THE INCREASE WOULD BE NEEDED BECAUSE OF RISING COST AND A PATRONAGE RATE LOWER THAN EXPECTED SINCE ITS LAST FARE INCREASE IN AUGUST 1990.
THE NLB IS SEEKING A FARE RISE AT A PERCENTAGE CONSIDERABLY LOWER THAN THE INFLATION RATE MEASURED BY THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) SINCE ITS LAST FARE REVISION 22 MONTHS AGO.
MEMBERS ALSO NOTED THAT AS PART OF THE SERVICE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME, NLB PLANNED TO BUY EIGHT AIR-CONDITIONED SINGLE DECKERS TO REPLACE OLD BUSES AND TO INTRODUCE HALF FARE FOR ELDERLY PASSENGERS AGED 65 AND ABOVE ON WEEKDAYS.
THE COMMITTEE ASKED THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TO MONITOR RESIDENTS’ ACCEPTABILITY OF AIR-CONDITIONED BUSES DURING WEEKDAYS.
TAC’S RECOMMENDATION ON NLB’S FARE INCREASE APPLICATION WOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL LATER.
ON TAXI POLICY REVIEW, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TAC WORKING GROUP ON TAXI POLICY REVIEW BRIEFED MEMBERS ON VARIOUS MEASURES RECOMMENDED FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION.
THESE MEASURES AIM AT IMPROVING THE LICENSING SYSTEM, THE TAXI FARE SYSTEM AND THE QUALITY OF SERVICE.
/THE TAC .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 1992
10
THE TAC WILL DISCUSS THE WORKING GROUP’S DRAFT REPORT AT ITS NEXT MEETING.
THE PUBLIC INCLUDING THE TAXI TRADE WILL BE CONSULTED AGAIN IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER BEFORE ANY PROPOSALS WILL BE ADOPTED.
WITH REGARD TO THE CONGESTION AT THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL, MEMBERS DISCUSSED PROPOSALS TO BUILD MORE FLYOVERS AT BOTH THE KOWLOON AND HONG KONG PORTALS OF THE CHT AND THE POSSIBILITY. OF RESTRICTING THE USE OF THE TUNNEL TO CERTAIN CATEGORIES OF VEHICLES DURING PEAK HOURS.
HOWEVER, FURTHER CONSULTATION WITH THE PARTIES AFFECTED WOULD BE UNDERTAKEN.
MEMBERS WERE IN SUPPORT OF A THREE-MONTH TRIAL SCHEME TO BE LAUNCHED BY THE HK AND YAUMATI FERRY CO. TO REDUCE THE VEHICULAR HARBOUR-CROSSING FARE BY 50 CENTS FROM M1D-JULY IN A BID TO PROMOTE GREATER USE OF VEHICULAR FERRIES.
MEMBERS FELT THE EFFECTS OF SOME OF THE MEASURES WOULD ONLY BE MARGINAL.
THEY WOULD IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW AROUND THE PORTAL AREAS BUT THERE WERE DOUBTS AS TO WHETHER THEY COULD SOLVE THE CONGESTION PROBLEM WHICH WAS DUE LARGELY TO THE FACT THAT THE CHT WAS OPERATING 20 PER CENT ABOVE THE PRACTICAL CAPACITY DURING MOST TIME OF THE DAY.
FURTHER DISCUSSIONS WOULD BE NEEDED TO EXAMINE IN DETAIL THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THESE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES.
MEMBERS ALSO NOTED THAT AS PART OF THE PROGRAMME TO IMPROVE ITS SERVICES, THE STAR FERRY IS TO ENTER INTO DISCUSSION WITH THE MTRC WITH A VIEW TO INTRODUCING THE COMMON STORED VALUE TICKETS TO ITS PASSENGERS IN 1994.
IT ALSO PROPOSED TO INTRODUCE A FOUR-DAY TOURIST TICKET FOR OVERSEAS VISITORS VALID FOR UNLIMITED TRAVEL ON STAR FERRY AND TRAMWAYS SERVICES.
------0--------
SIMPLIFIED CONTROL ON LEFT HAND VEHICLES * * * * *
THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) ANNOUNCED A NEW MEASURE TO SIMPLIFY THE EXISTING LICENSING CONTROL PROCEDURES FOR LEFT HAND DRIVE VEHICLES (LHDV).
MAKING THE ANNOUNCEMENT, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID UNDER THE NEW MEASURE', PROPERLY REGISTERED LHDV TRADERS IN HONG KONG COULD APPLY FOR EXEMPTION FROM THE EXISTING CONTROL SCHEME, KNOWN AS THE DIRECTION ORDER CONTROL SCHEME, PROVIDED THAT THEY SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT A MONTHLY RETURN ON THE MOVEMENT OF THEIR VEHICLES.
/"THE SIMPLIFIED .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 1992
11
"THE SIMPLIFIED PROCEDURE IS THE RESULT OF CONSULTATION WITH MOTOR VEHICLE TRADERS ASSOCIATIONS.
"IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE NEW MEASURE WOULD FACILITATE THE TRADERS BY REDUCING THE NUMBER OF DIRECTION ORDERS BY ABOUT 50 PER CENT," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
APPLICATION FORMS FOR REGISTRATION FOR EXEMPTION CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S HONG KONG PERMIT OFFICE IN ROOM 218 OF HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD; OR ITS KOWLOON PERMIT OFFICE ON 10/F OF CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING.
ENQUIRIES ON THE NEW MEASURE MAY BE MADE ON 852 3568.
LICENSING CONTROL ON LHDVS WAS INTRODUCED ON MAY 1 THIS YEAR WHEN ALL IMPORTS, EXPORTS AND CARRIAGE WITHIN HONG KONG WATERS OF THE VEHICLES MUST BE CARRIED OUT IN ACCORDANCE WITH RESPECTIVE LICENCES OR DIRECTION ORDERS.
"UP TO JUNE 20, 4,882 DIRECTION ORDERS HAVE BEEN ISSUED REQUIRING THE IMPORTERS OR BUYERS TO STORE THE VEHICLES IN SPECIFIED PLACES AND NOT TO REMOVE THEM TO OTHER PLACES WITHOUT WRITTEN AUTHORISATIONS ISSUED BY THE CUSTOMS.
"BY DOING SO, THE CUSTOMS ARE ABLE TO MONITOR THE MOVEMENT OF ALL LHDVS. THIS HAS PROVED TO BE EFFECTIVE IN CURBING SMUGGLING OF SUCH VEHICLES," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
- - 0 - -
222 VMS RETURNED *****
A GROUP OF 222 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (TUESDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE UNHCR’S VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME.
COMPRISING 90 MEN, 59 WOMEN, 35 BOYS AND 38 GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 108TH BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.
THIS GROUP BROUGHT TO 5,162 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAVE RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 19,141 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN MARCH 1989.
- - 0 - -
/12
TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 1992
12
REPORTS ON 1991 POPULATION CENSUS TN RESPECT OF DISTRICT BOARD DISTRICTS AND TERTIARY PLANNING UNITS PUBLISHED *****
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLISHED TWO CENSUS REPORTS TODAY (TUESDAY) - "HONG KONG 1991 POPULATION CENSUS - BASIC TABLES FOR DISTRICT BOARD DISTRICTS" AND "HONG KONG 1991 POPULATION CENSUS - BASIC TABLES FOR TERTIARY PLANNING UNITS".
THE FORMER REPORT IS IN A SINGLE VOLUME WHILE THE SECOND REPORT CONSISTS OF THREE SEPARATE VOLUMES COVERING HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON AND NEW KOWLOON, AND THE NEW TERRITORIES RESPECTIVELY.
THESE TWO PUBLICATIONS MADE UP THE SECOND SERIES OF REPORTS ON THE 1991 POPULATION CENSUS.
THEY PRESENT DETAILED INFORMATION ON THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POPULATION AND HOUSEHOLDS IN EACH DISTRICT BOARD DISTRICT AND EACH TERTIARY PLANNING UNIT.
DISTRICT BOARD DISTRICTS ARE DECLARED BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL FOR DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS, WHILE TERTIARY PLANNING UNITS ARE GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS DEFINED BY THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT FOR TOWN PLANNING PURPOSE.
THE MAPS SHOWING THE BOUNDARIES OF THESE GEOGRAPHICAL UNITS WERE PUBLISHED IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR AMONG THE FIRST SERIES OF CENSUS REPORTS.
ALSO INCLUDED IN THE FIRST SERIES OF REPORTS ARE "SUMMARY RESULTS" REPORT WITH SEPARATE ENGLISH AND CHINESE VERSIONS AND FOUR "TABULATIONS" REPORTS.
IN COMPARISON, THE REPORTS CURRENTLY PUBLISHED GIVE MORE DETAILED STATISTICS THAN THOSE REPORTS PUBLISHED PREVIOUSLY.
THE "BASIC TABLES" REPORTS, WHICH ARE BILINGUAL, ARE NOW ON SALE. THE PRICE FOR THE REPORT ON DISTRICT BOARD DISTRICTS IS $30 PER COPY.
FOR THE REPORT ON TERTIARY PLANNING UNITS, THE PRICE IS $48 FOR THE VOLUME ON HONG KONG ISLAND, $52 FOR THE VOLUME ON KOWLOON AND NEW KOWLOON AND $78 FOR THE VOLUME ON THE NEW TERRITORIES.
PURCHASES MAY BE MADE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, G/F, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AND THE PUBLICATIONS OFFICE OF CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 19/F, WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
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/13 .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 1992
13
SEARCH FOR OUTSTANDING DISABLED WORKERS *****
EMPLOYERS ARE INVITED TO NOMINATE DISABLED EMPLOYEES FOR THE OUTSTANDING DISABLED EMPLOYEES AWARD (ODEA) 1992 ORGANISED BY THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
NOW IN ITS FOURTH YEAR, THE AWARD SERVES AS A RECOGNITION OF THE CONTRIBUTION MADE BY DISABLED WORKERS TO SOCIETY THROUGH THEIR JOB PERFORMANCE.
’’THE ODEA ALSO AIMS TO AROUSE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE WORKING ABILITIES OF DISABLED PERSONS AND TO PROMOTE THEIR EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES," SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER MR TANG KONG-KIN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
"NOMINEES WILL BE SELECTED ON A NUMBER OF CRITERIA INCLUDING OVERALL PERFORMANCE, EFFORTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS IN . OVERCOMING DIFFICULTIES, DILIGENCE, DEVOTION AND ACCOMPLISHMENT IN EMPLOYMENT," HE SAID.
RESULTS OF THE ODEA WILL BE ANNOUNCED BY THE END OF JULY.
"SUCCESSFUL NOMINEES AND THEIR RESPECTIVE NOMINATORS WILL BE INVITED TO ATTEND A PRIZE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY ON AUGUST 27," MR TANG ADDED.
NOMINATION WILL CLOSE ON JUNE 30 (TUESDAY) AND ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE ON 755 4850.
----0------
FRESH WATER CUT IN KWUN TONG
******
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN KWUN TONG WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON THURSDAY (JUNE 25) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY TO FACILITATE WASTE DETECTION WORK ON WATER MAINS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES AT A SECTION OF NGAU TAU KOK ROAD BETWEEN ELEGANCE ROAD AND CHUN WAH ROAD, INCLUDING BLOCKS 1-7 IN LOWER NGAU TAU KOK ESTATE AS WELL AS HUNG CHEUK LAU, PAK LING LAU, HAY CHEUK LAU, YIN CHEE LAU AND WAH MEI LAU IN GARDEN ESTATE.
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LEGCO DEBATE ON DEMOCRATIC DEVELOPMENT
******
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL DEBATE TWO SEPARATE MOTIONS - ON DEMOCRATIC DEVELOPMENT AND PRIVATE BUILDING REDEVELOPMENT - AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THE FIRST MOTION IS TO BE MOVED BY THE HON J. D. MCGREGOR AND THE LATTER, BY THE HON JAMES TO.
/THE HON .......
>
TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 1992
- 14 -
I
THE HON FUNG CHI-WOOD WILL RAISE AN ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE
USE AND DEVELOPMENT OF COUNTRY PARKS.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO ASK A TOTAL OF 20 QUESTIONS AND CONSIDER 14 BILLS AT THE MEETING.
OF THE 14 HILLS) FIVE WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. DEBATES OF THEM ARE DUE TO BE ADJOURNED.
THEY ARE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT (CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS) BILL 1992, PARENT AND CHILD BILL, EMPLOYEES RETRAINING BILL AND AIR POLLUTION CONTROL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992 AND A PRIVATE BILL - MIDDLE EAST FINANCE INTERNATIONAL LIMITED (TRANSFER OF UNDERTAKING) BILL.
DEBATES ON THE OTHER BILLS WILL BE RESyMED. THEY 'ARE DUE TO GO THROUGH THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND BE GIVEN A THIRD READING.
THEY ARE CRIMES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1991, INSURANCE . COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, INSURANCE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1991, DANGEROUS DRUGS (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1992, ACETYLATING SUBSTANCES (CONTROL) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992, GOVERNMENT FLYING SERVICE BILL, POLICE FORCE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992, HONG KONG ACADEMY OF MEDICINE BILL AND LAND REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992.
IN ADDITION, THE CHIEF SECRETARY WILL MOVE A MOTION UNDER CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ORDINANCE.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL WILL MOVE TWO MOTIONS UNDER THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES ORDINANCE AND OFFICIAL LANGUAGES ORDINANCE.
ALSO, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE WILL MOVE A MOTION UNDER THE PHARMACY AND POISONS ORDINANCE AND TABLE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE FUND ANNUAL REPORT BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE INCORPORATED FOR THE YEAR FROM APRIL 1 1990 TO MARCH 31, 1991.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO OBSERVE THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE MEETING FROM THE PUBLIC GALLERIES OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER. THEY MAY MAKE RESERVATIONS BY CALLING 869 9492.
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/15........
TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 1992
- 15 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS * ♦ ♦ * *
TENDER' DATE 23 JUNE 92 23 JUNE 92
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q226 H267
AMOUNT APPLIED HKD 2,160MN HKD 1,200MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED HKD 500MN HKD 200MN
AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED 2.91 PCT 3.26 PCT
HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED 2.92 PCT 3.27 PCT
PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 45 PCT ABOUT A5-PCT
AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 2.96 PCT 3.31 PCT
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
TENDERS TO BE HELD IN TENDER DATE PAPER ON OFFER ISSUE NUMBER ISSUE DATE MATURITY DATE TENOR AMOUNT ON OFFER THE WEEK BEGINNING 29 JUNE 30 JUNE 92 EF BILLS Q227 1 JULY 92 30 SEPT 92 91 DAYS HKD 500+100 MN 1992 -
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/16 .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 1992
- 16 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 988
REVERSAL OF LAF NIL
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 988
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY NIE
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 988
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 110.7 *-0.3* 23.6.92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS
TERMS YIELD TERM
1 WEEK 2.91 PCT 17 MONTHS
1 MONTH 2.83 PCT 20 MONTHS
3 MONTHS 2.87 PCT 23 MONTHS
6 MONTHS 3.24 PCT
12 MONTHS 3.97 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS
CLOSED 23 JUNE 1992
- 5,512 MN
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
2311 6.25 102.44 4.48
2402 5.50 101.09 4.86
2405 5.50 100.78 5.13
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING:
GOVT ESTIMATES EXPLAINED ............................................... 1
SCA ON DEMOCRATIC DEVELOPMENT IN LEGCO ................................ 3
INCREASED FAMILIARITY WITH CHINESE GOVT IMPORTANT FOR HK ........... 4
HK SPENDS MORE ON NEW ROADS ........................................ 5
WORK IN PROGRESS TO ELIMINATE DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN ......... 5
MEASURES IN PLACE TO COMBAT CRIME IN NEW HOUSING ESTATES ........... 6
PROPOSED LAW ON FOREIGN LAW FIRMS TO BE READY IN 1992-93 SESSION ... 7
NEW FACILITY FOR THE DEAF TO MAKE EMERGENCY CALLS EXPLORED ......... 8
STRINGENT CONTROL OVER USE OF PESTICIDES ........................... 9
MONITORING OF BUS COMPANIES BEING STRENGTHENED ..................... 10
ORDERS REVISED TO IMPROVE POLICE'S OVERTIME MANAGEMENT ............. 11
WHOLE-DAY SCHOOLING A LONG-TERM GOAL ............................... 12
DISTRICT OFFICES CO-ORDINATES EMERGENCY RELIEF WORK ................ 13
BRITISH OFFICES REGULARLY UPDATED ON VISA REQUIREMENTS ............. 13
SECONDARY 6 ADMISSION PROCEDURE CLOSELY MONITORED .................. 14
MEDICAL CERTIFICATES ISSUED BY UNREGISTRABLE PRACTITIONERS ......... 15
EXTENSIVE CONSULTATION PLEDGED ON MONETARY SYSTEM CHANGES .......... 15
LAWS AGAINST UNAUTHORISED USE OF PAVEMENT UNDER REGULAR REVIEW ..... 15
RAIL PLATFORM SAFETY MEASURES STRENGTHENED ......................... 16
ONE SHIP CORROSION CASE IN THREE YEARS ............................. 17
NO VILLAGE OF SIGNIFICANT POPULATION DENIED ELECTRICITY ............ 17
MORE CONTROLS ON AIR POLLUTION ..................................... 18
CHINESE TEXTS OF LAWS APPROVED ................................. 19
NEW MEANS TEST IN CRIMINAL LEGAL AID CASES ......................... 21
/BILL TO .......
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
BILL TO GIVE ILLEGITIMATE CHILDREN LEGAL RIGHTS ...................... 22
STATUTORY EMPLOYEES RETRAINING FUND TO BE SET UP ..................... 24
RIGHTS FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT LAWYERS .................. 25
FEES FOR VERBATIM RECORD OF PHARMACISTS’ PROCEEDINGS REVISED ......... 25
MOTION ON DEMOCRATIC DEVELOPMENT PASSED............................... 26
GOVERNOR CONFIDENT OF HK'S ECONOMIC STRENGTH AND GROWTH POTENTIAL .... 27
HURD'S STATEMENT ON HK.................................................. 28
OPENING HOURS AT BORDER EXTENDED ....................................... 28
HK AND NORWAY SIGN TEXTILE AGREEMENT.................................... 30
SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL STARTS ..................... 30
$115 MILLION ROAD WORK CONTRACT FOR BETTER TRAFFIC FLOW IN TSUEN WAN 31
RESEARCH GRANTS COUNCIL/IBM PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMME ...................... 32
NEW POST OFFICE OPENS IN TSUEN WAN...................................... 33
FINANCE COMMITTEE TO MEET ON FRIDAY .................................... 34
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............. 34
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1992
1
GOVT ESTIMATES EXPLAINED *****
THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS AND THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY ARE LOOKING AT WAYS TO ENABLE EARLY IDENTIFICATION OF POSSIBLE DEVIATIONS FROM THE ESTIMATES OF RECURRENT IMPROVEMENT, THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR DAVID NENDICK, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR NENDICK SAID THIS WOULD ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT TO DIRECT SUMS LIKELY TO REMAIN UNSPENT IN A FINANCIAL YEAR TO OTHER PROJECTS.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, HE SAID THE DIRECTORS OF THE WORKS GROUP OF DEPARTMENTS HAD BEEN ASKED TO REVIEW THEIR DEPARTMENTS’ MANPOWER RESOURCES AND AVAILABILITY OF SITES MORE CAREFULLY.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS CONSIDERING TO REQUIRE QUARTERLY BREAKDOWNS OF EXPENDITURE FROM THE WORKS GROUP OF DEPARTMENTS SO THAT ACTUAL SPENDING PATTERNS COULD BE MORE CLOSELY MONITORED AND REVIEW GAZETTING PROCEDURES TO IMPROVE THE ACCURACY OF THE ESTIMATED START DATES OF NEW PROJECTS.
HE SAID RECURRENT EXPENDITURE WAS RELATIVELY EASY TO PREDICT, AND THE VARIATION IN 1991-92 BETWEEN THE ACTUAL OPERATING EXPENDITURE AND THE REVISED ESTIMATE WAS LESS THAN 1%.
ESTIMATES OF REVENUE, HOWEVER, INVOLVE JUDGEMENTS ABOUT THE STATE OF THE ECONOMIES OF HONG KONG’S MAJOR TRADING PARTNERS, AS WELL AS BUSINESS CONFIDENCE, INVESTMENT, INTEREST RATE MOVEMENTS AND INFLATION WITHIN THE ECONOMY.
HE SAID APPLYING ECONOMIC FORECASTS TO REVENUE PROJECTIONS BASED ON PAST TRENDS CLEARLY INVOLVED A SIGNIFICANT DEGREE OF SUBJECTIVE JUDGEMENT.
MR NENDICK SAID AGAINST THIS BACKGROUND, THE GOVERNMENT’S ESTIMATES SYSTEM HAD WORKED WELL IN RECENT YEARS.
SINCE 1988-89, THE AMOUNT OF REVENUE ACTUALLY RECEIVED IN A PARTICULAR YEAR HAS VARIED BETWEEN 0.5% BELOW THE REVISED ESTIMATE (IN 1990-91) TO ABOUT 2.5% ABOVE IT (IN 1991-92).
HE EXPLAINED THAT MOST OF THE VARIATIONS IN RESPECT OF THE LAST FINANCIAL YEAR WAS DUE TO CERTAIN SPECIFIC FACTORS.
A RESURGENCE IN THE STOCK MARKET AND A GREATLY INCREASED LEVEL OF STAMPING OF PROPERTY DOCUMENTS IN MARCH 1991, FOR EXAMPLE, PUSHED STAMP DUTY RECEIPTS UP BY ABOUT $700 MILLION.
"THIS COULD NOT REASONABLY HAVE BEEN ANTICIPATED,” HE SAID.
SIMILARLY, THE INCREASE IN REVENUE RECEIVED FROM PROFITS TAX OVER THE REVISED ESTIMATE, THOUGH SMALL IN PERCENTAGE TERMS, AMOUNTED TO SOME $400 MILLION, THE LARGER PART OF WHICH AROSE FROM AN UNANTICIPATED DECREASE IN THE NUMBER OF CLAIMS FOR TAX HOLD-OVER.
/THE VARIATION .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1992
- 2 -
THE VARIATION BETWEEN THE REVISED ESTIMATES AND ACTUAL REVENUE RECEIVED FOR OTHER INTERNAL REVENUE HEADS AND SUBHEADS WAS MINIMAL.
MR NENDICK SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE EXPLORING WHETHER THERE WERE WAYS TO IMPROVE FURTHER BOTH THE PRODUCTION AND PRESENTATION OF THE ESTIMATES IN THE LEAD-UP TO THE NEXT BUDGET.
"BUT WE MUST BEAR IN MIND THAT NO SYSTEM CAN PREDICT ALL CHANGES, LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL, WHICH MAY HAVE A SUDDEN EFFECT ON THE ECONOMY AND, IN CASE OF DOUBT, WE SHOULD ERR ON THE SIDE OF PRUDENCE IN ESTIMATING THE AMOUNT OF REVENUE WE HAVE AVAILABLE," HE SAID.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT FACED A DIFFERENT AND SOMEWHAT MORE SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH RESPECT TO CAPITAL EXPENDITURE. t
LOOKING AT THE PERFORMANCE OF THE CAPITAL WORKS RESERVE FUND OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS, THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE ORIGINAL ESTIMATES AND THE ACTUAL EXPENDITURE AVERAGED AT SOMETHING OVER 6% UP TO 1989-90, BUT INCREASED TO ABOUT 30% IN 1990-91 AND 1991-92.
THE LARGEST ELEMENTS IN THE UNDERSPENDING IN THE LAST TWO FINANCIAL YEARS OCCURRED UNDER HEAD 701 LAND ACQUISITION AND HEAD 702 PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT.
HE SAID IN THE CASE OF LAND ACQUISITION, UNDERSPENDING WAS MAINLY DUE TO PROLONGED ARBITRATION ON CONTESTED CASES AND THE FAILURE OF LANDOWNERS TO COME FORWARD TO COLLECT COMPENSATION.
UNCERTAINTY OVER THE FUTURE OF THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME ALSO CONTRIBUTED TO UNDERSPENDING, AS CONTRACTS AND TENDERS WERE HELD UP UNTIL THE SIGNING OF THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON JUNE 30, 1991.
"THIS WAS, OF COURSE, A MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH, BUT TIME WAS STILL REQUIRED TO MOBILISE RESOURCES AND OBTAIN THE NECESSARY APPROVALS FROM FINANCE COMMITTEE BEFORE THE PROJECTS CONCERNED COULD GO FORWARD AT FULL SPEED," MR NENDICK SAID.
HE SAID HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT THE PADS-RELATED ESTIMATES WOULD BE IMPROVED IN 1992-93.
"PROJECTS WITHIN THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME ARE NOW PROGRESSING STEADILY AND A SERIES OF PORT DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS ARE COMING ON STREAM."
AS FOR HEAD 701, HE SAID FACTORS OUTSIDE THE GOVERNMENT’S CONTROL WOULD ALWAYS MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO PREDICT ACCURATELY EACH YEAR’S EXPENDITURE ON LAND ACQUISITION.
PROLONGED DISCUSSION WITH A MAJOR CLEAREE OR ARBITRATION BY THE LANDS TRIBUNAL CAN, FOR EXAMPLE, RESULT IN SLIPPAGE OF HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN COMPENSATION PAYMENT.
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/3 ........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1992
3
SCA ON DEMOCRATIC DEVELOPMENT IN LEGCO
**;***
FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THE SPEECH BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR PETER LAI, IN THE MOTION DEBATE ON DEMOCRATIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TONIGHT (WEDNESDAY):
MR DEPUTY PRESIDENT,
IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT'S, AND HER MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT'S, WISH TO SEE A STEADY PROGRESS TOWARDS A GREATER DEGREE OF DEMOCRACY IN HONG KONG ON A BASIS THAT CAN BE SUSTAINED AFTER THE TRANSFER OF SOVEREIGNTY IN 1997. IN RESPONSE TO THE EXPRESSED DESIRES OF THE HONG KONG COMMUNITY FOR A MORE RAPID RATE OF PROGRESS IN THIS REGARD, HER MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT DECIDED IN EARLY 1990 AFTER DISCUSSION WITH THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF DIRECTLY ELECTED SEATS IN THIS COUNCIL FROM 10 TO 18 IN 1991, AND TO NOT BELOW 20 IN 1995. AT THE TIME OF ANNOUNCEMENT OF THIS DECISION IN PARLIAMENT, THE SECRETARY OF STATE, MR DOUGLAS HURD SAID : "WE WISH TO ESTABLISH IN HONG KONG, BEFORE 1997, A SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT WHICH INCLUDES FROM THE OUTSET A SUBSTANTIAL ELEMENT OF DEMOCRACY, AND WHICH CAN ENDURE AND FURTHER DEVELOP AFTER 1997." HE ALSO SAID: "WE SHALL CONTINUE TO PRESS THE CASE FOR A FASTER PACE OF DEMOCRATISATION."
HER MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT'S COMMITMENT TO RAISE WITH THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT BEFORE THE 1995 ELECTIONS THE PACE OF DEMOCRATIC DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG HAS SINCE BEEN REAFFIRMED BY MINISTERS WHEN THEY VISITED THE TERRITORY IN APRIL AND SEPTEMBER 1990, AND ALSO BY THE PRIME MINISTER DURING HIS VISIT HERE IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR.
MEMBERS SPEAKING IN THIS DEBATE HAVE EXPRESSED DIFFERENT VIEWS ON THE PACE OF DEMOCRATIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE YEARS AHEAD. THESE VIEWS WILL OF COURSE BE FULLY REFLECTED TO HER MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT. ON THE QUESTION OF TIMING FOR DISCUSSION WITH THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT, THE SECRETARY OF STATE STATED IN PARLIAMENT AS EARLY AS FEBRUARY THIS YEAR THAT THIS WILL NEED TO TAKE PLACE "WHEN THE TIME IS RIGHT". THE NEW GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG WILL ALSO WANT TO CONSIDER THIS IMPORTANT MATTER IN DETAIL AND, IN THIS REGARD, I THINK I CAN DO NO BETTER THAN REPEATING AGAIN THE SECRETARY OF STATE'S WORDS IN PARLIAMENT EARLIER THIS MONTH :
"I DO NOT THINK THAT THE NEW GOVERNOR WILL WANT TO RUSH TO CONCLUSIONS ON THESE MATTERS AS SOON AS HE TAKES OVER. HE WOULD BE WISE TO WANT - I AM SURE THAT HE WILL WANT - TO CONSULT WIDELY AFTER HIS ARRIVAL, TO WEIGH UP ALL THE FACTORS AND THEN TO PUT HIS ADVICE TO US. THAT WILL TAKE TIME. I
/WOULD NOT .......
4
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1992
WOULD NOT EXPECT CONCLUSIONS ON THE KIND OF MATTERS THAT MY RT. HONOURABLE FRIEND MENTIONED TO EMERGE UNTIL THE AUTUMN AT THE EARLIEST. ON THE SPECIFIC POINT CONCERNING THE 1995 LEGCO ELECTIONS, WE HAVE SAID THAT WE SHALL BE DISCUSSING THOSE ELECTIONS WITH THE CHINESE SIDE WITH THE AIM OF ENSURING AS MUCH CONTINUITY AS POSSIBLE. DECISIONS ON ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS WILL NEED TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF SUCH DISCUSSIONS: THEY ARE, I THINK, SOME WAY OFF."
MR DEPUTY PRESIDENT, THE ADMINISTRATION BELIEVES THAT THERE IS NO NEED TO RUSH INTO A CONCLUSION ON THIS IMPORTANT MATTER. THE EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL WILL THEREFORE ABSTAIN FROM VOTING ON MR MCGREGOR'S MOTION, OR ON MR NGAI SHIU-KIT'S AMENDMENT TODAY.
--------0 - -
INCREASED FAMILIARITY WITH CHINESE GOVT IMPORTANT FOR HK
* * * * *
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BELIEVES THAT IT IS IMPORTANT FOR GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TO INCREASE THEIR FAMILIARITY WITH THEIR COUNTERPARTS ON THE MAINLAND.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID FORD,. IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON DAVID LI IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"WE BELIEVE IT BEST FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF ACTUAL WORKING CONTACTS TO PROCEED IN A NATURAL FASHION, AS OPERATIONAL NEEDS DICTATE,” SIR DAVID SAID.
AREAS IN WHICH THESE HAD EXPANDED RECENTLY INCLUDED CROSS-BORDER POLICING, ANTI-CORRUPTION WORK, IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS MATTERS.
"IN ALL OF THESE AREAS THE RESPECTIVE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND SERVICES ARE IN REGULAR CONTACT WITH THEIR COUNTERPARTS OVER THE BORDER," HE SAID.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY POINTED OUT THAT THIS TREND OF INCREASED CONTACTS WAS ENCOURAGED AND PROMOTED BY THE GOVERNMENT, AND WAS CONTINUING.
SO FAR THIS YEAR, OVER 60 DELEGATIONS FROM HONG KONG HAD TRAVELLED TO THE MAINLAND.
SIR DAVID NOTED THAT RECENT YEARS HAD SEEN AN INCREASE IN THE AMOUNT OF CONTACTS BETWEEN HONG KONG GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND THEIR MAINLAND COUNTERPARTS, BOTH IN THE CENTRAL PEOPLE’S GOVERNMENT IN BEIJING AND IN PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENTS, NOTABLY GUANGDONG.
LAST YEAR, 152 DELEGATIONS FROM HONG KONG TRAVELLED TO CHINA. SOME OF THESE WERE FOR THE PURPOSE OF FAMILIARISATION, BUT THE MAJORITY WERE WORKING VISITS.
LIKEWISE, 91 DELEGATIONS CAME TO HONG KONG FROM THE MAINLAND.
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/5........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1992
5
HK SPENDS MORE ON NEW ROADS *****
THE GOVERNMENT ON AVERAGE SPENT $3,200 MILLION A YEAR BETWEEN 1988 AND 1990 ON NEW ROADS IN HONG KONG,.COMPARED WITH $800 MILLION IN SINGAPORE.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON PETER WONG HONG-YUEN, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN THE THREE-YEAR PERIOD FROM 1989 TO 1991, GOVERNMENT
EXPENDITURE ON ROAD CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE WAS AS FOLLOWS:
CONSTRUCTION MAINTENANCE
($ MILLION) ($ MILLION)
1989 3,837 413
1990 3,255 486
1991 2,580 546
MR LEUNG POINTED OUT THAT THE HIGHER EXPENDITURE ON ROAD CONSTRUCTION IN 1989 AND 1990 WAS DUE TO WORK ON SEVERAL MAJOR PROJECTS, INCLUDING THE KWUN TONG BYPASS, SHING MUN TUNNELS AND TSEUNG KWAN O TUNNEL.
HE SAID THE TOTAL ANNUAL EXPENDITURE ON ROAD CONSTRUCTION ACCOUNTED FOR 0.57% OF GDP, COMPARED WITH 0.35% IN SINGAPORE DURING ThE THREE-YEAR PERIOD.
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WORK IN PROGRESS TO ELIMINATE DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN
*****
THE ADMINISTRATION IS EXAMINING WHETHER THE CONVENTION ON THE ELIMINATION OF ALL FORMS OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN (CEDAW) SHOULD BE APPLIED TO HONG KONG, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR PETER LAI, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ANDREW WONG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR LAI SAID CEDAW WENT FURTHER IN OUTLAWING DISCRIMINATION IN THE PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SECTORS.
"IT IS BECAUSE THE CONVENTION, IF IMPLEMENTED, WOULD HAVE SUCH A DIRECT AND POSSIBLY SERIOUS IMPACT ON THE PUBLIC THAT A DETAILED STUDY OF THE ISSUES INVOLVED IS REQUIRED," HE SAID.
THE SECRETARY ADDED:
"WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE THAT HONG KONG CAN COMPLY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE CONVENTION BEFORE WE ARE IN A POSITION TO ASK THE UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT TO EXTEND THE CONVENTION TO HONG KONG."
/THE INTERNATIONAL .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1992
6
THE INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS ARISING FROM THE CONVENTION ARE COMPLEX.
MR LAI SAID IT MIGHT LEAD TO THE ENACTMENT OF ANTIDISCRIMINATION LEGISLATION APPLYING TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR, WHICH MIGHT CREATE PROBLEMS OF ENFORCEMENT AS WELL AS SIGNIFICANT ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL CONSEQUENCES.
HE SAID A MAJOR STEP AGAINST SEX DISCRIMINATION HAD BEEN TAKEN IN JUNE LAST YEAR WITH THE ENACTMENT OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS ORDINANCE.
THAT ORDINANCE, TOGETHER WITH THE RELATED AMENDMENT TO THE LETTERS PATENT, PROHIBITS DISCRIMINATORY PRACTICES AGAINST WOMEN IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR, AS WELL AS DISCRIMINATORY LAWS AGAINST WOMEN.
MR LAI SAID IT WAS STILL PREMATURE FOR HIM TO SAY THE FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS THE INTER-DEPARTMENTAL WORKING GROUP ON SEX DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT WOULD HAVE AS IT WAS STILL IN THE PROCESS OF DELIBERATION.
THE WORKING GROUP, CHAIRED BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, WAS SET UP IN MARCH THIS YEAR WITH AN AIM TO ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT WHETHER, IN SO FAR AS EMPLOYMENT MATTERS ARE CONCERNED, CEDAW SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO HONG KONG.
IT ALSO TRIED TO ASCERTAIN THE EXTENT TO WHICH DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT BASED ON SEX IS A PROBLEM IN HONG KONG AND TO CONSIDER WHAT GOVERNMENT MEASURES SHOULD BE TAKEN TO TACKLE IT.
THE SECRETARY SAID THE WORKING GROUP HAD CONSULTED RELEVANT ACADEMIC STUDIES, ESTABLISHED DIALOGUE WITH INTERESTED WOMEN’S GROUPS AND WAS EXAMINING A NUMBER OF SUBJECTS RELATED TO SEX DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT.
HE ALSO SAID A LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AD HOC GROUP HAD RECENTLY COMPLETED A STUDY ON THE NEED TO ESTABLISH A WOMEN’S COMMISSION IN HONG KONG.
IN A RECENT IN-HOUSE MEETING OF THE COUNCIL, MEMBERS WERE IN FAVOUR OF THE SETTING UP OF AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
HE SAID THE PROPOSAL WAS CONVEYED TO THE ADMINISTRATION IN MAY AND WAS AT PRESENT BEING CAREFULLY STUDIED.
------0-------
MEASURES IN PLACE TO COMBAT CRIME IN NEW HOUSING ESTATES * * * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR- SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT THE POLICE WERE TAKING A NUMBER OF PREVENTIVE MEASURES TO TACKLE TRIAD AND CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES IN NEW PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.
THESE INCLUDE UNDERCOVER OPERATIONS WITH OFFICERS POSING AS TENANTS OR DECORATORS, AND TELEVISION PUBLICITY TO ENCOURAGE AFFECTED TENANTS TO REPORT TO THE POLICE.
/IN A .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1992
7
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON WONG WAI-VIN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), HE SAID THE APPROVED DECORATION CONTRACTOR SYSTEM WAS ANOTHER MEASURE TO COMBAT CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES RELATED TO DECORATION WORKS IN NEW ESTATES.
UNDER THE SYSTEM, THE HOUSING AUTHORITY MAINTAINS AN APPROVED LIST OF DECORATION CONTRACTORS AND ONLY THOSE CONTRACTORS REGISTERED ON THE LIST ARE ALLOWED TO CARRY OUT DECORATION WORKS IN NEWLY COMPLETED RENTAL ESTATES.
AT PRESENT, THERE ARE 87 SUCH APPROVED DECORATION CONTRACTORS.
"THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT MONITORS THE SYSTEM CLOSELY IN RESPECT OF PRICE, WORKMANSHIP AS WELL AS BACKGROUND AND CONDUCT OF THE APPROVED DECORATION CONTRACTORS," HE SAID.
ON TIN YIU ESTATE, MR ASPREY SAID BEFORE IT WAS OCCUPIED, THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT LIAISED CLOSELY WITH THE POLICE WHO STRENGTHENED THEIR PRESENCE IN THE ESTATE TO COUNTER TRIAD AND CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES.
SINCE OCCUPATION IN APRIL THIS YEAR, THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT HAS RECEIVED TWO COMPLAINTS OF NUISANCE CAUSED BY UNAUTHORISED DECORATORS AND ONE ALLEGING ASSAULT.
"ALL THESE HAVE BEEN REFERRED TO THE POLICE FOR INVESTIGATION; NO PROSECUTIONS HAVE YET RESULTED," HE ADDED.
------0--------
PROPOSED LAW ON FOREIGN LAW FIRMS TO BE READY IN 1992-93 SESSION * * » I *
PROPOSED LEGISLATION TO REGULATE THE PRACTICES OF FOREIGN LAW FIRMS IS EXPECTED TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN THE LATTER HALF OF THE 1992-93 SESSION, THE ACTING ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR JAMES FINDLAY, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MARTIN BARROW, MR FINDLAY SAID RECOMMENDATIONS WERE MADE BY THE LAW SOCIETY IN TWO REPOR IS PRODUCED IN OCTOBER 199 1 IN RESPONSE TO THE' GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSALS FOR A REGULATORY FRAMEWORK ON FOREIGN LAW FIRMS.
IT WAS PROPOSED THAT A FOREIGN LAW FIRM WOULD HAVE TO REGISTER WITH THE LAW SOCIETY AND COULD ENTER INTO AN ASSOCIATION WITH A IOCAl LAW FI RM.
THE ASSOCIATION COULD SHARE FEES, PREMISES, RESOURCES AND PERSONNEI BUI THE RATIO OF FOREIGN LAWYERS TO LOCAL LAWYERS IN THF ASSOCIATION COULD NOT EXCEED 1:1.
A REGISTERED FOREIGN LAW FIRM WHICH HAD PRACTISED IN HONG KONG FOR THREE YEARS WOULD BE ABLE TO ESTABLISH A HONG KONG PRACTICE AND COULD PRACTISE HONG KONG LAW’ PROVIDED THAI' THOSE WHO WERE TO PRACTISE HONG KONG LAW WERE QUALIFIED HONG KONG SOLICITORS.
/"SINCE 1971 .
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1992
8
"SINCE 1971, HONG KONG HAS PERMITTED FOREIGN LAW FIRMS TO OPERATE IN THE TERRITORY TO ADVISE ON FOREIGN LAW," MR FINDLAY SAID.
"THERE IS AN INFORMAL PROCEDURE UNDER WHICH THE LAW SOCIETY ISSUES ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDELINES SPECIFYING THE TERMS ON WHICH THESE FIRMS ARE PERMITTED TO PRACTISE IN HONG KONG.
"THE INFORMAL PROCEDURE IS NOT SATISFACTORY TO THE LAW SOCIETY BECAUSE THESE FIRMS ARE NOT SUBJECT TO THEIR RULES REGULATING PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT, ETHICS AND DISCIPLINE.
"FOREIGN LAW FIRMS ARE ALSO DISSATISFIED BECAUSE THERE ARE NO STATUTORY CRITERIA THAT SET OUT THE CONDITIONS FOR ESTABLISHING AND FOR THE REGULATION OF THEIR PRACTICES HERE."
IT WAS PROPOSED THAT THE RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE LAW SOCIETY WHICH WERE APPROVED BY THE GOVERNOR TN COUNCIL IN PRINCIPLE IN JANUARY THIS YEAR BE IMPLEMENTED BY AMENDMENTS TO THE LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE AND BY SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION, SAID MR FINDLAY.
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NEW FACILITY FOR THE DEAF TO MAKE EMERGENCY CALLS EXPLORED
******
THE GOVERNMENT WILL PURSUE THE POSSIBILITY OF INSTALLING FAXLINES FOR MAKING 999 EMERGENCY CALLS BY HEARING-IMPAIRED PERSONS, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LAU CHIN-SHEK IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), MRS WONG SAID AT PRESENT, IF THE DEAF ASKED FOR HELP THROUGH THE 999 EMERGENCY HOTLINE, THEIR MESSAGES WOULD BE ACTED UPON AS NORMAL 999 EMERGENCY CALLS.
"SHOULD THERE BE INDICATIONS THAT THE CALLER WAS UNABLE TO COMMUNICATE OR SHOULD THERE BE OTHER SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES, THE POLICE WILL TAKE AUTOMATIC ACTION TO LOCATE THE CALL, OR ANY OTHER ACTION AS APPROPRIATE," SHE SAID.
"999 EMERGENCY CALLS WILL NOT THUS PRESENT A PROBLEM FOR THE POLICE."
HOWEVER, MRS WONG AGREED THAT SINCE THOSE WITH SERIOUS HEARING PROBLEM DO NOT NORMALLY USE TELEPHONES, THE VERY EXISTENCE OF 999 EMERGENCY CALL FACILITY MIGHT NOT PROVIDE SUFFICIENT ASSURANCE TO THEM AND CATER TO THEIR NEEDS.
ON THE SUGGESTION TO ENACT LEGISLATION TO REQUIRE TELEVISION STATIONS TO PRODUCE SUBTITLES IN CHINESE FOR ALL NEWS BULLETINS AND INFORMATION PROGRAMMES, MRS WONG SAID THE GOVERNMENT FAVOURED A VOLUNTARY APPROACH INSTEAD OF MAKING IT MANDATORY.
SHE SAID RTHK’S NEWS REVIEW BETWEEN 8.30 AM AND 9 AM EVERY SUNDAY WAS PRESENTED WITH SIGN-LANGUAGE AND CAPTIONS.
/SUBTITLING IS .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1992
9
SUBTITLING IS ALSO QUITE COMMON IN OTHER TELEVISION PROGRAMMES, PARTICULARLY ON THE ENGLISH CHANNELS.
’’GOVERNMENT IS SYMPATHETIC TO THE NEEDS OF HEARING-IMPAIRED PERSONS,” SHE STATED.
”WE CONSIDER THAT SUCH SERVICE SHOULD BE EXTENDED. WE URGE THAT RTHK’S PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROGRAMMES BE SO SUBTITLED.
”WE WILL ALSO URGE LOCAL TELEVISION BROADCASTERS TO PROVIDE SUBTITLES OR SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETATION FOR MORE PROGRAMMES AS A COMMUNITY SERVICE.”
MRS WONG ALSO SAID THE GOVERNMENT KEPT A LIST OF SIGN INTERPRETERS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE IN HONG KONG.
GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS REQUIRING SIGN INTERPRETATION SERVICE MAY ASK FOR HELP FROM THESE SIGN INTERPRETERS.
------0-------
STRINGENT CONTROL OVER USE OF PESTICIDES
*****
ALL INSECTICIDES ARE CONTROLLED UNDER THE PESTICIDES ORDINANCE WHICH AIMS AT PROTECTING THE PUBLIC FROM HAZARDS ARISING FROM THE USE OF SUCH PRODUCTS, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID,
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HUANG CHEN-YA IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), MRS WONG SAID ONLY PESTICIDES CONSIDERED SAFE -COULD BE REGISTERED FOR LOCAL USE.
"THEY ARE ALSO REQUIRED TO BE PROPERLY PACKED AND LABELLED,” SHE SAID.
"PERSONS DEALING IN PESTICIDES MUST ALSO BE LICENSED BY THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES."
AT PRESENT, THERE ARE 31 ORGANOPHOSPHATE COMPOUNDS REGISTERED AS PESTICIDES. IN HONG KONG.
OF THESE, ONLY 12 ARE READILY AVAILABLE IN THE LOCAL MARKET, INCLUDING ’CHLORPHRIFOS’.
HOWEVER, MRS WONG POINTED OUT THAT ’CHLORPHRIFOS’ WAS NOT IN COMMON USE OWING TO ITS LIMITED APPLICATION AND THE AVAILABILITY OF OTHER SYNTHETIC PYRETHROID FORMULATIONS.
STAFF OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT CONDUCT REGULAR RANDOM CHECKS AT RETAIL OUTLETS TO ENSURE THAT PESTICIDES ARE PROPERLY PACKED AND LABELLED.
PESTICIDES SAMPLES ARE TAKEN FROM THE LOCAL MARKET FOR CHEMICAL ANALYSIS TO CHECK IF ANY UNREGISTERED PESTICIDE IS BEING OFFERED FOR SALE.
/IN ADDITION .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1992
10
IN ADDITION, THE DEPARTMENT MAINTAINS A CLOSE WATCH ON THE TOXICITY STATUS OF VARIOUS PESTICIDES.
’’SHOULD A REGISTERED PESTICIDE BE FOUND OR REPORTED TO BE DANGEROUS, OR CAUSING HEALTH HAZARDS, THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES CAN ORDER THE CANCELLATION OF THE REGISTRATION OF THE PESTICIDE IN QUESTION.
"SINCE 1983, 15 PESTICIDES HAVE BEEN DEREGISTERED ON HEALTH HAZARD OR ENVIRONMENTAL GROUNDS,” SHE SAID.
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT ALSO PROVIDES FARMERS WHO ARE THE MAJOR USERS OF PESTICIDES WITH LEAFLETS.
IT ALSO HOLDS PERIODIC TECHNICAL SEMINARS AND DISCUSSION MEETINGS WITH THEM ON THE SAFE USE OF PESTICIDES AND EFFECTIVE PEST CONTROL.
FURTHERMORE, FIELD STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT COUNSEL AND REMIND FARMERS ON THE SAFE AND PROPER USE OF PESTICIDES IN THEIR REGULAR CONTACTS WITH THEM.
------0--------
MONITORING OF BUS COMPANIES BEING STRENGTHENED * * * ♦ ♦ *
THE GOVERNMENT IS STRENGTHENING THE SYSTEM TO MONITOR THE PERFORMANCE OF BUS COMPANIES INCLUDING THEIR PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL AND IS MAKING THE SUPPLY OF FRANCHISED BUS SERVICES MORE COMPETITIVE.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ZACHERY WONG, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR LEUNG SAID THE APPRAISAL SYSTEM COVERED SERVICE AVAILABILITY, PUNCTUALITY, MAINTENANCE, SAFETY, PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT, AS WELL AS GENERAL MANAGEMENT.
HE SAID THE RESULTS OF THE APPRAISAL WOULD BE RELEASED FOR PUBLIC INFORMATION AND SCRUTINY. THE OBJECTIVE WAS TO ENCOURAGE THE BUS COMPANIES TO BECOME MORE ACCOUNTABLE TO THEIR CUSTOMERS.
"WE ALSO INTEND TO STRENGTHEN THE PENALTY PROVISIONS IN THE PUBLIC BUS SERVICES ORDINANCE TO PREVENT THE COST OF PENALTIES FROM BEING PASSED ON TO PASSENGERS,” HE SAID.
THIS WILL LEAD TO CLOSER MONITORING AND GREATER TRANSPARENCY IN THE OPERATION OF BUS COMPANIES TO DETER AVOIDABLE COST ESCALATION.
WIDER EXPOSURE TO MARKET FORCES WILL ALSO MAKE THE BUS COMPANIES MORE CUSTOMER-ORIENTED AND RESULT IN BETTER VALUE FOR MONEY FOR PASSENGERS.
/IN CONSIDERING ......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1992
11
IN CONSIDERING THE FARE INCREASE APPLICATIONS BY BUS AND OTHER PUBLIC TRANSPORT OPERATORS NOT GOVERNED BY A PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME, MR LEUNG SAID THE GOVERNMENT NORMALLY ALLOWED THEM TO RECOVER COSTS AND EARN A REASONABLE PROFIT, HAVING REGARD TO FACTORS INCLUDING SERVICE QUALITY, COMMITMENT TO FURTHER INVESTMENTS, PREVIOUS PROFIT LEVELS, CHANGES IN THE OPERATING ENVIRONMENT, INFLATION AND OTHER SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITIONS.
REGARDING SUGGESTIONS TO PHASE OUT THE PROFIT CONTROL SCHEMES OF OTHER PUBLIC TRANSPORT COMPANIES, MR LEUNG SAID WHENEVER A FRANCHISE WAS DUE FOR RENEWAL, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONSIDER CAREFULLY WHETHER EXISTING FRANCHISE TERMS, INCLUDING ANY PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME, SHOULD BE ROLLED FORWARD IN THEIR PRESENT FORM.
MR LEUNG POINTED OUT THAT CHANGES TO STRENGTHEN THE MONITORING MECHANISM FOR THE OPERATION OF CMB WOULD INCLUDE FORMATION OF PASSENGER LIAISON GROUPS, ESTABLISHING A TRUST FOR PENSION FUNDS, A COMPUTER LINK GIVING GOVERNMENT INSTANT ACCESS TO OPERATIONAL INFORMATION, TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS GOVERNING THE DISPOSAL OF ANY SURPLUS IN THE DEVELOPMENT FUND AND OTHER ASSETS, AND THE SHARED USE OF BUS STOPS AND TERMINAL FACILITIES WITH THE FUTURE BUS OPERATOR ON HONG KONG ISLAND.
------0-------
ORDERS REVISED TO IMPROVE POLICE’S OVERTIME MANAGEMENT
*****
THE POLICE HAVE RECENTLY ISSUED REVISED ORDERS TO ACHIEVE BETTER MANAGEMENT OF OVERTIME ACCUMULATED BY POLICE OFFICERS, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THESE ORDERS CLARIFY AND SIMPLIFY THE PROCEDURES FOR RECORDING OVERTIME, AND THE CONDITIONS FOR TIME-OFF IN LIEU OF PAYMENT OF DISCIPLINED SERVICES OVERTIME ALLOWANCE (DSOA).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON JAMES TO, MR ASPREY SAID THEY WERE DESIGNED TO ENSURE THAT ALL OFFICERS RECEIVE PROMPT AND ACCURATE RECOMPENSE FOR ANY OVERTIME WORKED, AND TO PREVENT THE BUILD-UP OF LARGE BALANCES OF UNRECOMPENSED OVERTIME.
NOTING THAT OVERTIME WORK WAS COMPENSATED FOR IN ACCORDANCE WITH CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS, HE SAID COMPENSATION WAS NORMALLY BY WAY OF TIME-OFF WITHIN A REASONABLE PERIOD OF TIME.
"AN INDIVIDUAL POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER WILL TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION THE DEPLOYMENT NEEDS AND MANPOWER SITUATION IN HIS DISTRICT IN GRANTING TIME-OFF," HE SAID.
WHERE TIME-OFF CANNOT BE GRANTED WITHIN A REASONABLE PERIOD OF TIME, DSOA MAY BE PAID FOR HOURS OF OVERTIME WORKED.
MR ASPREY SAID THERE HAD BEEN ONLY ONE CASE OF AN OFFICER KILLED ON DUTY WHO HAD ACCUMULATED OVERTIME HOURS.
/IN THE ........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1992
- 12 -
IN THE CASE, AN EX-GRATIA PAYMENT WAS MADE TO THE ESTATE OF THE OFFICER EQUIVALENT TO THE CASH VALUE OF THE OUTSTANDING ACCUMULATED TIME-OFF HOURS, HE SAID.
AS AT MAY 1 THIS YEAR, 880,127 HOURS OF OVERTIME WORK WERE ACCUMULATED BY SOME 20,000 POLICE OFFICERS, IN ALL RANKS FROM CONSTABLE TO CHIEF INSPECTOR.
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WHOLE-DAY SCHOOLING A LONG-TERM GOAL
******
THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) REITERATED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED TO SET WHOLEDAY SCHOOLING AS A LONG-TERM GOAL.
HE STRESSED THAT THERE HAD NEVER BEEN ANY PLAN FOR WHOLE-DAY PRIMARY SCHOOLING AT NEWLY-BUILT SCHOOLS AND THUS, THERE WAS NO QUESTION OF SHELVING SUCH A PLAN.
"OUR POLICY NOW IS TO WORK TOWARDS THIS GOAL BY ENCOURAGING SCHOOLS TO CONVERT TO WHOLE-DAY OPERATION WHEN DEMOGRAPHIC CHANGES ALLOW.
"THIS ENCOURAGEMENT TAKES THE FORM OF PROVIDING ADDITIONAL TEACHERS FOR THOSE SCHOOLS WHICH ARE ALREADY OPERATING WHOLE-DAY CLASSES OR WHICH MAY TURN WHOLE-DAY FROM NOW ON," HE SAID.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LEE WING-TAT IN TODAY’S LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR CHAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS ALREADY AWARE OF GENERAL PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR THE CONCEPT OF WHOLE-DAY SCHOOLING AND HAD TAKEN FULL ACCOUNT OF THIS SUPPORT IN REACHING ITS DECISION TO ENCOURAGE SCHOOLS TO CONVERT TO WHOLE-DAY OPERATION WHERE POSSIBLE AND TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL TEACHERS FOR SUCH SCHOOLS.
ON THE QUESTION OF COSTS IF WHOLE-DAY SCHOOLING WERE TO BE ACHIEVED IN 14 YEARS FROM 1992-93 SCHOOL YEAR, MR CHAN ESTIMATED THE ANNUAL CAPITAL AND RECURRENT COSTS WOULD HAVE BEEN $140 MILLION IN THE FIRST YEAR RISING PROGRESSIVELY TO $761 MILLION IN THE 14TH YEAR.
THESE WOULD BRING THE TOTAL TO $6.5 BILLION FOR THE 14-YEAR PERIOD AS A WHOLE.
"I SHOULD ADD THAT THE COST ESTIMATE, WHICH WAS PREPARED SOME TIME AGO FOR PLANNING PURPOSES, IS IN RESPECT OF IMPLEMENTING WHOLEDAY SCHOOLING IN ALL PRIMARY SCHOOLS, INCLUDING BOTH NEWLY-BUILT AND EXISTING SCHOOLS," HE NOTED.
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/13
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1992
13
DISTRICT OFFICES CO-ORDINATES EMERGENCY RELIEF WORK
*****
IN NATURAL DISASTERS, DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION WILL CO-ORDINATE EMERGENCY RELIEF WORK BY RELEVANT DEPARTMENTS, INCLUDING THE URGENT REINSTATEMENT OF DISRUPTED SERVICES.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LI WAH-MING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR EASON SAID THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CLEARANCE OF SILT FROM PROPERLY BUILT DRAINS IN SQUATTER AREAS.
THE CLEARANCE OF DRAINS WHICH HAVE BEEN CONSTRUCTED BY SQUATTERS SHOULD NORMALLY BE UNDERTAKEN BY THEM.
HOWEVER, IN EMERGENCIES, THE DEPARTMENT WILL CLEAR SILT FROM DRAINS IN SQUATTER AREAS IF NECESSARY.
THE SECRETARY SAID THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WERE RESPONSIBLE FOR REMOVING REFUSE IN THE URBAN AREA AND THE NEW TERRITORIES RESPECTIVELY.
CLEAN-UP OPERATIONS ARE UNDERTAKEN BY THE TWO DEPARTMENTS JOINTLY WITH OTHERS SUCH AS THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT AND THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT AS SOON AFTER NATURAL DISASTERS AS CONDITIONS PERMIT.
THESE OPERATIONS CAN INCLUDE THE REMOVAL OF SILT AND REFUSE FROM SQUATTER AREAS AND DRAINS.
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BRITISH OFFICES REGULARLY UPDATED ON VISA REQUIREMENTS *****
BRITISH VISA OFFICES RECEIVE REGULAR NOTIFICATION OF ANY CHANGES IN HONG KONG’S VISA REQUIREMENTS WHICH ARE CONSISTENT WITH THE GENERAL POLICY TO WELCOME TOURISTS AND BUSINESS VISITORS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, WHILE REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MARTIN BARROW IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE SAID HONG KONG ADOPTED THIS POLICY AS IT WAS A REGIONAL AND WORLD CENTRE FOR FINANCE, TRADE, MANUFACTURING AND TOURISM.
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/14 ........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24,
1992
- 14 -
SECONDARY 6 ADMISSION PROCEDURE CLOSELY MONITORED
*****
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL ENSURE THAT SCHOOLS COMPLY WITH THE REVISED SECONDARY 6 ADMISSION GUIDELINES BY CLOSELY MONITORING THE SITUATION IN INDIVIDUAL SCHOOLS, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATIION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, SAID.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON TIK CHI-YUEN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), MR CHAN SAID CERTAIN MEASURES HAVE BEEN OR WILL BE INTRODUCED. THESE INCLUDE:
* REQUIRING SCHOOLS TO KEEP RECORDS OF CANDIDATE ACCEPTED OR REJECTED AT ALL THE STAGES OF THE ADMISSION PROCEDURE, AND TO SUBMIT A LIST OF SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES TO THE DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICER FOR INFORMATION AT THE END OF EACH STAGE;
* ADVISING SCHOOLS TO ACCEPT STUDENTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE POINTS SYSTEM AND SUBJECT RELEVANCE. IF, FOR ANY REASON, THIS GUIDELINE IS NOT FOLLOWED, AN EXPLANATION MUST BE RECORDED FOR FUTURE REFERENCE;
♦ ADVISING SCHOOLS NOT TO ADMIT STUDENTS WITHOUT AN ADMISSION SLIP; AND
* STAFF OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT VISITING SCHOOLS THROUGHOUT THE ADMISSION PROCESS TO ENSURE THAT SCHOOL COMPLY WITH THE ADMISSION PROCEDURE.
’’SCHOOLS WHICH FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE GUIDELINES WITHOUT GOOD REASON WILL BE ASKED TO RE-CONSIDER THE CASES OF ANY ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES WHO HAVE BEEN ADVERSELY AFFECTED,’’ MR CHAN POINTED OUT.
MR CHAN SAID SCHOOL COUNCILS HAD BEEN CONSULTED ON THE MEASURES TO ENSURE ACCEPTABILITY AND COMPLIANCE.
LAST YEAR, 23 ALLEGATIONS OF MALPRACTICES WERE RECEIVED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT THROUGHOUT THE ADMISSION PROCESS.
THE MAJOR SUBJECTS OF THE COMPLAINTS RELATED TO SCHOOLS ABUSING THE ADMISSION PROCEDURES SUCH AS BY TAKING IN STUDENTS WITH HIGH SCORES FROM OTHER SCHOOLS AT STAGE I OR ANNOUNCING ADMISSIONS OF STUDENTS ON DAY 2 OF STAGE II RATHER THAN ON DAY 3 AS STIPULATED.
ALL CASES WERE INVESTIGATED AND EIGHT WERE FOUND TO BE SUBSTANTIATED.
ALL CASES WERE RECTIFIED UPON ADVICE GIVEN BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
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/15........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1992
- 15 -
MEDICAL CERTIFICATES ISSUED BY UNREGISTRABLE PRACTITIONERS ******
CIVIL SERVANTS MAY BE GRANTED SICK LEAVE ON THE BASIS OF CERTIFICATES ISSUED BY PRIVATE MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS, THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR WIGGHAM SAID THESE CERTIFICATES INCLUDE THOSE ISSUED BY UNREGISTRABLE PRACTITIONERS WORKING IN EXEMPTED CLINICS.
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EXTENSIVE CONSULTATION PLEDGED ON MONETARY SYSTEM CHANGES
*****
THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO CONSULT EXTENSIVELY WITH INTERESTED PARTIES AT AN APPROPRIATE TIME AND TAKEN CAREFUL ACCOUNT OF THEIR VIEWS BEFORE MAKING ANY SIGNIFICANT CHANGES TO THE MONETARY SYSTEM.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, MR DAVID NENDICK, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON DAVID LI ON A CENTRAL MONETARY AUTHORITY.
HE SAID IT WOULD NOT BE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST TO COMMENT ON WHAT MAY, OR MAY NOT, BE CONTEMPLATED IN RESPECT OF ANY FURTHER CHANGES TO THE MONETARY SYSTEM.
HE SAID IT WAS THE GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THAT THE MONETARY SYSTEM WAS SUFFICIENTLY ROBUST TO MEET FUTURE CHALLENGES.
THE GOVERNMENT WOULD ALSO ENSURE THAT THE INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK, MECHANISM AND THE RESOURCES AVAILABLE FOR MONETARY MANAGEMENT IN HONG KONG WERE ADEQUATE, HE SAID.
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LAWS AGAINST UNAUTHORISED USE OF PAVEMENT UNDER REGULAR REVIEW *****
THE DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED KEEP THE LEGISLATION AGAINST UNAUTHORISED USE OF PAVEMENTS BY SHOP OPERATORS UNDER REGULAR REVIEW TO ENSURE THAT IT CONTINUES TO BE EFFECTIVE.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON TIMOTHY HA IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
/MR ASPREY .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1992
- 16 -
MR ASPREY SAID THE GOVERNMENT CONSIDERED THE PRESENT PENALTIES WERE ADEQUATE.
A NUMBER OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE TO ENFORCE THE LEGISLATION DEPENDING UPON THE NATURE OF THE OFFENCE.
"PRIME RESPONSIBILITY, HOWEVER, LIES WITH THE POLICE, THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT," THE SECRETARY SAID.
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RAIL PLATFORM SAFETY MEASURES STRENGTHENED
*****
RAILWAY SAFETY IS A LEGAL OBLIGATION FOR BOTH THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION (MTRC) AND THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION (KCRC) AND IS CLOSELY MONITORED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHEUNG MAN-KWONG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR LEUNG SAID A CHIEF INSPECTING OFFICER OF RAILWAYS WAS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO MONITOR AND ADVISE ON ALL RAIL SAFETY ISSUES AND BOTH RAILWAY CORPORATIONS WERE FULLY AWARE OF THE NEED TO ENSURE PLATFORM SAFETY.
"MEASURES TO WARN PASSENGERS TO KEEP OFF THE TRACKS INCLUDE MARKING YELLOW LINES ALONG PLATFORM EDGES, SENDING CONSTANT REMINDERS THROUGH THE PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEM AND INTRODUCING PLATFORM QUEUING SCHEMES.
"PLATFORM ASSISTANTS ARE DEPLOYED TO ASSIST BOARDING AND ALIGHTING AND TO ENSURE PASSENGER SAFETY," MR LEUNG SAID.
MORE SPECIFICALLY, MR LEUNG SAID WHITE LINES HAD BEEN PAINTED ON THE EDGE OF CURVED PLATFORMS OF THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT TO ALERT PASSENGERS OF GAPS.
"SAFETY CAMPAIGNS SUCH AS COMMUNITY BRIEFINGS, SCHOOL TALKS AND EXHIBITIONS ARE HELD REGULARLY. SAFETY MESSAGES ARE PRINTED ON POSTERS AND PAMPHLETS TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC," HE SAID.
THE MTRC IS INSTALLING PRESSURE MATS WHICH WILL SET OFF AUDIBLE AND VISUAL ALARMS WHEN SOMEONE DESCENDS TO THE TRACKS. A CAMPAIGN ON PLATFORM SAFETY WILL BE LAUNCHED IN AUGUST.
MR LEUNG SAID THE KCRC WOULD SPEND $344 MILLION TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL PLATFORM ENTRANCES OVER THE NEXT FOUR YEARS TO SPREAD PASSENGERS MORE EVENLY ALONG THE PLATFORMS.
THE SIGNALLING SYSTEM IS ALSO BEING UPGRADED TO INCREASE TRAIN FREQUENCY AND THUS REDUCE OVERCROWDING.
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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24,
1992
- 17
ONE SHIP CORROSION CASE IN THREE YEARS
THERE HAS ONLY BEEN ONE REPORTED CASE OF A HONG KONG REGISTERED SHIP SUFFERING FROM SIGNIFICANT CORROSION AND STRESS PROBLEMS IN THE PAST THREE YEARS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ELIZABETH BOSHER, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HUANG CHEN-YA IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SHE SAID NO CONNECTION HAD BEEN IDENTIFIED BETWEEN THE CASE AND THE CARGO LOADING MECHANISM AT ANY LOCAL TERMINAL.
ON THE MONITORING OF THE SEA WORTHINESS OF HONG KONG VESSELS, SHE EXPLAINED THAT A VESSEL NEEDED TO PASS AN INITIAL SURVEY BEFORE IT COULD BE REGISTERED IN HONG KONG.
THEREAFTER, THE SHIP MUST BE SURVEYED EVERY YEAR, SHE SAID.
THESE SURVEYS MAY BE CONDUCTED BY MARINE DEPARTMENT SURVEYORS OF SHIPS IN ACCORDANCE WITH INTERNATIONAL SAFETY STANDARDS OR BY AUTHORISED INTERNATIONAL CLASSIFICATION SOCIETIES.
IN THE LATTER CASE MARINE DEPARTMENT CONDUCTS AUDIT
INSPECTIONS TO ENSURE STRICT COMPLIANCE WITH THE REQUIRED STANDARDS.
"IN ANY EVENT MARINE DEPARTMENT CONDUCTS A THOROUGH SURVEY OF EACH REGISTERED VESSEL EVERY FIVE YEARS," MRS BOSHER SAID.
SHE SAID THE DEPARTMENT WOULD BE NOTIFIED IF ANY HONG KONG REGISTERED SHIP WAS FOUND BY ANY MARITIME ADMINISTRATION THAT PRACTICES "PORT STATE CONTROL" TO BE DEFICIENT IN MEETING INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS.
FOLLOWING THE LOSS OF A NUMBER OF BULK CARRIERS WORLDWIDE, THE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANISATION AND THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CLASSIFICATION SOCIETIES HAVE DEVELOPED NEW SURVEY AND MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCH SHIPS.
MRS BOSHER SAID THESE STANDARDS HAD BEEN APPLIED TO HONG KONG REGISTERED SHIPS SINCE APRIL THIS YEAR.
-— ------o------- -
NO VILLAGE OF SIGNIFICANT POPULATION DENIED ELECTRICITY *****
AS FAR AS THE GOVERNMENT RECORDS SHOW, NO VILLAGE OF ANY SIGNIFICANT POPULATION IN HONG KONG IS NOW WITHOUT AN ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ELIZABETH BOSHER, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
/IN A
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1992
18
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MRS PEGGY LAM, MRS BOSHER SAID THE ELECTRICITY COMPANIES HAD A STATUTORY RESPONSIBILITY TO SUPPLY ELECTRICITY TO ANY PARTY WHO APPLIED TO BE CONNECTED TO THE SUPPLY, UNLESS THERE WERE GOOD REASONS FOR NOT DOING SO.
SHE SAID IF ANY VILLAGER CONSIDERED THAT HIS VILLAGE SHOULD HAVE SUCH A SUPPLY IN SPITE OF ITS REMOTENESS OR SMALL POPULATION, HE SHOULD CONTACT THE ELECTRICITY COMPANY DIRECT REQUESTING THE CONNECTION OF A SUPPLY.
"AN APPLICANT AGGRIEVED BY REFUSAL OF THE RELEVANT ELECTRICITY COMPANY TO SUPPLY ELECTRICITY MAY APPEAL TO THE DIRECTOR OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES.
"HE MAY ALO SEEK THE ASSISTANCE OF HIS LOCAL DISTRICT OFFICE IF HE ENCOUNTERS ANY DIFFICULTY IN OBTAINING A SUPPLY," MRS BOSHER SAID.
SHE NOTED THAT NO INSTANCES OF SUCH REFUSALS OR APPEALS HAD BEEN RECORDED IN RECENT YEARS.
-----0------
MORE CONTROLS ON AIR POLLUTION
*****
A BILL THAT SEEKS TO CONTROL NEW AIR POLLUTION PROBLEMS SUCH AS THE EMISSION OF ASBESTOS WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF AIR POLLUTION CONTROL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, SAID THE PROPOSED CONTROLS REQUIRE THE OWNERS OF PREMISES WHO INTEND TO CARRY OUT ANY ASBESTOS RELATED WORK TO APPOINT QUALIFIED REGISTERED CONSULTANTS, CONTRACTORS, SUPERVISORS AND LABORATORIES FOR THE PURPOSE.
HE SAID ALL BUILDINGS ACCESSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC OR USED FOR CERTAIN SENSITIVE PURPOSES WOULD BE SURVEYED FOR ASBESTOS IN PHASES, WITH THE FIRST PHASE COVERING SCHOOLS AND HOSPITALS.
HE ADDED THAT THE SALE AND IMPORT FOR USE IN HONG KONG OF TWO HAZARDOUS TYPES OF ASBESTOS, AMOSITE AND CROCIDOLITE, AND PRODUCTS CONTAINING THESE TWO SUBSTANCES WOULD BE BANNED.
ON 23 TYPES OF SPECIFIED PROCESSES HAVING THE POTENTIAL TO CAUSE SERIOUS AIR POLLUTION, MR EASON SAID THEY HAVE BEEN SUBJECT TO LICENSING CONTROL SINCE 1987.
EXEMPTION WAS PROVIDED FOR PREMISES ALREADY IN EXISTENCE AT THAT TIME.
"PROBABLY BECAUSE OF THEIR EXEMPTION, FEW OWNERS OF EXEMPTED PREMISES HAVE SOUGHT TO UPGRADE THEIR FACILITIES," HE SAID.
/IN THE ........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1992
19
IN THE INTERESTS OF PUBLIC HEALTH, THE BILL PROPOSES TO REMOVE THE EXEMPTION FOR SUCH PREMISES.
HOWEVER, MR EASON SAID THIS WILL BE DONE IN PHASES AND IN FULL CONSULTATION WITH THE INDUSTRIES AFFECTED.
IT IS ALSO PROPOSED THAT EIGHT NEW PROCESSES CAPABLE OF CONTRIBUTING TO SERIOUS AIR POLLUTION SHOULD BE INCLUDED AS SPECIFIED PROCESSES IN THE FIRST SCHEDULE TO THE ORDINANCE.
THE BILL ALSO IMPROVES THE PROVISIONS RELATING TO GENERAL CONTROL AND THE APPEAL BOARD, AND TO REVISE THE PENALTIES UNDER THE ORDINANCE TO INCREASE THEIR DETERRENT EFFECT AND BRING THEM IN LINE WITH PENALTIES UNDER OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION.
MR EASON STRESSED THAT THE PROPOSED CONTROLS ON BOTH EXISTING AND NEW SPECIFIED PROCESSES WOULD BE IMPLEMENTED IN PHASES FOLLOWING CONSULTATION WITH THE INDUSTRIES INVOLVED.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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CHINESE TEXTS OF LAWS APPROVED
******
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) APPROVED THE CHINESE TEXTS OF THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES ORDINANCE AND THE SHORT TITLES OF THE LAWS OF HONG KONG.
THE TWO CHINESE TEXTS WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL TO BE DECLARED AUTHENTIC.
MOVING THE TWO RESOLUTIONS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE ACTING ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR JAMES FINDLAY, SAID THIS WAS A SIGNIFICANT MOMENT IN THE HISTORY OF LEGISLATION IN HONG KONG.
"WE MAY EXPECT TO SEE, IN THE NEAR FUTURE, THE FIRST AUTHENTIC CHINESE TEXT OF AN ORDINANCE IN OUR STATUTE BOOK PREPARED UNDER SECTION 4B OF THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGES ORDINANCE, AND HAVE THE ADVANTAGE OF A COMPLETE LIST OF SHORT TITLES OF OUR ORDINANCES IN CHINESE," HE SAID.
MR FINDLAY SAID HE WAS DELIGHTED FOR ALL THOSE WHO HAD TOILED SO HARD AND SO LONG THAT THEY WERE TO SEE SOME CONCRETE RESULTS OF THEIR LABOURS.
"THEY ARE ENTITLED TO FEEL PROUD THAT THEY HAVE PLAYED SUCH A VALUABLE PART IN ATTAINING THE GOAL OF MAKING HONG KONG’S WRITTEN LAWS MORE ACCESSIBLE TO THE VAST MAJORITY OF OUR POPULATION.
"IT DOES NOT REQUIRE ANY ARGUMENT TO CONVINCE THIS COUNCIL THAT THE TASK OF PREPARING AN AUTHENTIC CHINESE TEXT OF AN EXISTING PIECE OF LEGISLATION IS AN EXTREMELY DIFFICULT ONE.
/•'THIS IS .........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1992
20
’’THIS IS ESPECIALLY SO WITH LEGISLATION ENACTED MANY YEARS AGO IN STYLE AND WORDING QUITE DIFFERENT FROM THAT ENACTED TODAY. THE OPPORTUNITY OF ADJUSTING THE LANGUAGE OF THE CHINESE AND ENGLISH VERSIONS OF A NEW LAW DOES NOT EXIST HERE.
"THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ACHIEVEMENTS IN THIS AREA SO FAR HAVE WROUGHT MINOR MIRACLES, AND I SAY THIS BOLDLY IN SPITE OF THE CRITICISMS OF SOME WHO SHOULD KNOW BETTER," SAID MR FINDLAY.
PAYING TRIBUTE TO DR DANIEL TSE AND HIS COLLEAGUES ON THE BILINGUAL LAWS ADVISORY. COMMITTEE, MR FINDLAY SAID 50 ORDINANCES COMPRISING 1,400 PAGES OF LEGISLATION HAD ALREADY BEEN EXAMINED BY THIS COMMITTEE.
HE POINTED OUT THAT CHAPTER 1, THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES ORDINANCE, WAS ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT TO TRANSLATE IN VIEW OF ITS TECHNICAL AND CONCEPTUAL NATURE.
* /
THE BILINGUAL LAWS ADVISORY COMMITTEE WAS NOW OPERATING WITH TWO SEPARATE SUB-COMMITTEES. A THIRD SUB-COMMITTEE WOULD BE FORMED LATER THIS YEAR IN ORDER TO FURTHER ACCELERATE ITS* PROGRESS.
THE 50 ORDINANCES SO FAR EXAMINED BY THE BILINGUAL LAWS ADVISORY COMMITTEE RELATED MAINLY TO LEGISLATION THAT WAS LIKELY TO BE OF USE TO LARGE SECTIONS OF THE PUBLIC AND WHICH WAS MOST FREQUENTLY USED IN THE LOWER COURTS.
IN ADDITION TO THE ORDINANCES ALREADY EXAMINED BY THE BILINGUAL LAWS ADVISORY COMMITTEE, OFFICERS IN THE LAW DRAFTING DIVISION OF THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT WERE HARD AT WORK ON THE CHINESE TEXTS OF ANOTHER 120 ORDINANCES COMPRISING 4,100 PAGES. THESE WERE IN VARIOUS STAGES OF COMPLETION.
IN JULY LAST YEAR, THE LAW DRAFTING DIVISION STARTED A SIX-MONTH PILOT SCHEME FOR PART-TIME LAW TRANSLATION.
UNDER THIS SCHEME, GOVERNMENT CHINESE LANGUAGE OFFICERS WERE INVITED TO ACCEPT ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE TRANSLATION OF THE LESS COMPLEX ORDINANCES OUTSIDE THEIR OFFICE HOURS.
THEIR WORK WAS VETTED BY THE BILINGUAL LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL AND LAW TRANSLATION OFFICERS IN THE LAW DRAFTING DIVISION.
WORK OF A GOOD STANDARD AT A REASONABLE SPEED HAD BEEN PRODUCED.
IT HAD BEEN DECIDED TO CONTINUE WITH THIS PART-TIME LAW TRANSLATION PROJECT ON A LONG-TERM BASIS AND ABOUT 70 CHINESE LANGUAGE OFFICERS HAD BEEN IDENTIFIED AS SUITABLE TO DO THE WORK.
THIS HAD ADDED GREAT IMPETUS TO THE LAW TRANSLATION PROGRAMME.
IT WAS BELIEVED THAT WITH THIS ADDITIONAL HELP, AN ANNUAL PRODUCTION OF ABOUT 4,500 PAGES OF DRAFT CHINESE TEXTS COULD BE ACHIEVED.
. /THE TARGET ......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1992
21
THE TARGET WAS TO HAVE FINAL CHINESE DRAFTS OF ALL EXISTING LEGISLATIONS EXAMINED BY THE BILINGUAL LAWS ADVISORY COMMITTEE BY THE END OF 1995.
MR FINDLAY TOLD THE COUNCIL: "IT WOULD NOT BE RIGHT TO END THIS SPEECH WITHOUT A SPECIAL MENTION OF MR ERIC AU WHO DIED ON MARCH 30, 1992. ERIC WAS THE PRINCIPAL CROWN COUNSEL IN CHARGE OF THE BILINGUAL LAWS PROJECT.
"IT WAS VERY MUCH HIS CHILD, WHICH HE WAS CAREFULLY NURTURING TO MATURITY. HE WILL NOT SEE IT FULLY GROWN, BUT IT WILL STAND AS A PROUD MONUMENT TO HIS MEMORY AND ACHIEVEMENT".
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NEW MEANS TEST IN CRIMINAL LEGAL AID CASES ***** !
A MOTION TO GIVE EFFECT TO A NEW MEANS TEST CALLED THE "FINANCIAL CAPACITY" APPROACH, IN CRIMINAL LEGAL AID CASES, WAS PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE MOTION, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID FORD, SAID THE GOVERNMENT AIMED TO IMPLEMENT THE "FINANCIAL CAPACITY" APPROACH WITH EFFECT FROM JULY 1 THIS YEAR.
TO THIS END, IT WAS NECESSARY TO AMEND THE SUBSIDIARY REGULATIONS APPLYING TO CIVIL CASES AND THE RULES MADE BY THE CHIEF JUSTICE APPLYING TO CRIMINAL CASES.
HE SAID THE AMENDMENTS TO THE LEGAL AID IN CRIMINAL CASES RULES MADE BY THE CHIEF JUSTICE WAS SUBMITTED TO THE LEGCO FOR APPROVAL.
"THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS WILL BRING ABOUT SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENTS TO THE EXISTING CRIMINAL LEGAL AID SYSTEM AND ARE WORTHY OF THE SUPPORT OF THIS COUNCIL," HE SAID.
UNDER THE EXISTING ARRANGEMENTS, AN APPLICANT FOR LEGAL AID IS REQUIRED TO SATISFY THE FINANCIAL LIMITS ON BOTH DISPOSABLE MONTHLY INCOME AND DISPOSABLE CAPITAL.
THIS APPROACH DISADVANTAGES APPLICANTS WHOSE FINANCIAL RESOURCES CONSIST MAINLY OF EITHER INCOME OR CAPITAL.
MOREOVER, THE FINANCIAL LIMITS WHICH WERE LAST REVISED IN 1986 LAG BEHIND INCREASES IN EARNINGS OVER THE YEARS AND NEED TO BE UPDATED.
THE "FINANCIAL CAPACITY" APPROACH ASSESSES AN APPLICANT’S MEANS ON THE BASIS OF HIS AGGREGATE "FINANCIAL RESOURCES", INCLUDING DISPOSABLE ANNUAL INCOME AND DISPOSABLE CAPITAL.
MORE APPLICANTS WILL BECOME FINANCIALLY ELIGIBLE FOR LEGAL AID UNDER THIS APPROACH.
/22 .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1992
- 22 - .
BILL TO GIVE ILLEGITIMATE CHILDREN LEGAL RIGHTS ♦ * * * t ♦
THE PARENT AND CHILD BILL 1992 INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SOUGHT TO AMEND THE PRESENT LAW THAT PLACED AN ILLEGITIMATE CHILD AT A LEGAL DISADVANTAGE.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL IN THE COUNCIL, THE ACTING ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR JAMES FINDLAY, SAID THE DISADVANTAGE AROSE FROM THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF HIS BIRTH, CIRCUMSTANCES FOR WHICH THE CHILD HIMSELF COULD CLEARLY HAVE NO RESPONSIBILITY.
"ARTICLE 20(1) OF THE HONG KONG BILL OF RIGHTS ORDINANCE 1991, PROVIDES THAT EVERY CHILD IS ENTITLED TO PROTECTION AS A MINOR, WITHOUT ANY DISCRIMINATION AS TO HIS BIRTH.
"ARTICLE 22 PROVIDES THAT ALL PERSONS ARE ENTITLED TO THE EQUAL PROTECTION OF THE LAW WITHOUT ANY DISCRIMINATION ON THE GROUND OF BIRTH.
"IT IS CLEAR THAT THE EXISTING LAW, IN THIS AREA, IS
INCONSISTENT WITH THE BILL OF RIGHTS," MR FINDLAY SAID.
THE ILLEGITIMATE CHILD WAS DISADVANTAGED BY THE EXISTING LAW IN, FOR INSTANCE, SUCCESSION MATTERS.
UNLIKE A LEGITIMATE CHILD, HE COULD NOT SUCCEED TO HIS FATHER’S ESTATE ON THE FATHER’S DEATH INTESTATE.
WHERE SUPPORT WAS CONCERNED, THE RANGE OF MAINTENANCE ORDERS AVAILABLE TO THE ILLEGITIMATE CHILD WAS MORE LIMITED.
HE HAD TO APPLY TO THE COURT FOR THESE BY WAY OF A SPECIAL PROCEDURE WHICH DID NOT APPLY TO LEGITIMATE CHILDREN.
IN CUSTODY PROCEEDINGS, THE CHILD'S WELFARE WAS NORMALLY THE PARAMOUNT CONSIDERATION FOR THE COURT BUT, WHERE AN ILLEGITIMATE CHILD WAS CONCERNED, THE COURT HAD TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE MOTHER’S SUPERIOR CLAIM TO CUSTODY RATHER THAN THE CHILD’S WELFARE.
THE AIM OF THIS BILL, WHICH IMPLEMENTED THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION, WAS TO ENSURE THAT AN ILLEGITIMATE CHILD WOULD, SO FAR AS IS PRACTICABLE, BE TREATED BY THE LAW IN THE SAME WAY AS A LEGITIMATE CHILD.
MR FINDLAY SAID: "THE NUMBERS OF THOSE AFFECTED BY THE PRESENT LAW MAY BE SMALL BUT IT IS CLEARLY DESIRABLE THAT THE PRESENT DISCRIMINATORY ASPECTS OF THE LAW SHOULD BE RECTIFIED."
THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION FOUND STRONG PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR THEIR PROPOSALS.
IN ANSWER TO ANY SUGGESTION THAT THE PRESENT LAW SERVED TO UPHOLD MORAL STANDARDS AND TO SUPPORT THE INSTITUTION OF MARRIAGE, THE COMMISSION SAID "THE LAW SHOULD PROTECT THE INSTITUTION OF MARRIAGE AND THAT THE FAMILY IS THE FUNDAMENTAL UNIT OF SOCIETY BUT DID NOT BELIEVE THAT THE PRESENT DISCRIMINATION ACHIEVED VERY MUCH IN THAT REGARD".
/AS THE ........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1992
- 23 -
AS THE COMMISSION ARGUED, WHILE A MARRIED RELATIONSHIP SHOULD IN PRINCIPLE BE MORE STABLE THAN AN UNMARRIED ONE, AND SO PROVIDE A BETTER ENVIRONMENT FOR THE CHILD, THAT WAS NOT ALWAYS THE CASE.
MANY MARRIAGES WERE NOT STABLE AND THE COMMISSION SUGGESTED THAT THERE WAS SOME STATISTICAL EVIDENCE THAT A MARRIAGE ENTERED INTO PRIMARILY FOR THE PURPOSE OF ENSURING THAT AN EXPECTED CHILD WOULD NOT BE BORN ILLEGITIMATE WAS ESPECIALLY AT RISK.
THE EFFECT OF THE PRINCIPAL PROVISION OF THE BILL, SET OUT IN CLAUSE 3, WAS THAT IN ALL LEGISLATION, EXISTING AND FUTURE, AND IN ALL FUTURE DOCUMENTS, WORDS IMPLYING A FAMILY RELATIONSHIP SUCH AS "SON" OR "CHILD" WERE TO INCLUDE ILLEGITIMATE PERSONS UNLESS A CONTRARY INTENTION WAS SHOWN.
THUS IT WOULD REMAIN OPEN FOR A TESTATOR TO EXCLUDE HIS ILLEGITIMATE CHILD BY SPECIFYING IN HIS WILL THAT HE WAS TO LEAVE HIS ESTATE TO HIS "LEGITIMATE CHILDREN", BUT A BEQUEST TO "HIS CHILDREN" WOULD INCLUDE AN ILLEGITIMATE CHILD.
CLAUSES 9 TO 12 OF THE BILL RELATED TO SURROGACY AND BIRTHS BROUGHT ABOUT THROUGH ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION OR OTHER SCIENTIFIC MEANS . '
MR FINDLAY SAID HE WAS CONSCIOUS THAT THIS WAS AN AREA WHICH RAISED SENSITIVE AND IMPORTANT QUESTIONS OF ETHICS AND MORALITY.
"I MUST STRESS, HOWEVER, THAT THIS BILL IS NOT CONCERNED WITH WHETHER OR NOT SURROGACY AND SCIENTIFICALLY ASSISTED BIRTH IS DESIRABLE, NOR WITH CONSIDERING THE CONTROLS, IF ANY, WHICH SHOULD BE APPLIED.
"THIS BILL DEALS ONLY WITH MAKING PROVISION TO IDENTIFY THE LEGAL PARENTS WHERE SUCH BIRTHS TAKE PLACE, AND TO PROVIDE A LEGAL MECHANISM FOR PARTIES TO A SURROGACY TO APPLY TO THE COURT FOR AN ORDER AS TO THE CHILD’S PARENTAGE WHICH REFLECTS THE REALITY OF THE SURROGACY ARRANGEMENT.
"THE EXTENT TO WHICH SUCH ARRANGEMENTS SHOULD BE ALLOWED, OR HOW THEY SHOULD BE REGULATED, ARE QUESTIONS WHICH FALL OUTSIDE THE AMBIT OF THIS BILL AND ARE CURRENTLY UNDER CONSIDERATION BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE AS A SEPARATE EXERCISE," HE SAID.
THE DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
/24 ........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1992
- 24 -
STATUTORY EMPLOYEES RETRAINING FUND TO BE SET UP
*****
A BILL INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNEDAY) SOUGHT TO PROVIDE RETRAINING COURSES TO HELP WORKERS WHO WERE DISPLACED AS A RESULT OF THE ECONOMIC RESTRUCTURING PROCESS TO FIND ALTERNATIVE EMPLOYMENT.
THE EMPLOYEES RETRAINING BILL 1992 ALSO SEEKS TO SET UP A STATUTORY RETRAINING FUND FINANCED BY A LEVY IMPOSED ON EMPLOYERS WHO IMPORT WORKERS TO CHANNEL ADDITIONAL RESOURCES TO AUGMENT THE PROVISION OF RETRAINING FOR LOCAL WORKERS.
IT PROPOSES TO ESTABLISH AN EMPLOYEES RETRAINING BOARD TO ADMINISTER THE FUND.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, SAID: "THE BOARD SHALL BE A TRIPARTITE BODY CONSISTING OF REPRESENTATIVES OF EMPLOYERS, EMPLOYEES AND THE GOVERNMENT AS WELL AS EXPERTS IN THE FIELD OF VOCATIONAL TRAINING OR MANPOWER PLANNING.
"APART FROM MANAGING THE EMPLOYEES RETRAINING FUND, THE BOARD SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR CONSIDERING THE PROVISION OF RETRAINING COURSES DESIGNED FOR THE BENEFIT OF LOCAL EMPLOYEES AND DETERMINING THE LEVEL OF RETRAINING ALLOWANCE TO BE PAID TO THOSE EMPLOYEES AS TRAINEES.”
THE BILL FURTHER PROVIDES FOR TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS WHICH ENSURE THAT THE LEVY COLLECTED UNDER THE 1992 GENERAL IMPORTATION SCHEME COULD BE CHANNELLED DIRECTLY TO THE STATUTORY FUND AND THAT THE FUNDS ADVANCED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO FINANCE THE PILOT RETRAINING COURSES BEFORE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE BOARD COULD BE RECOVERED.
PENDING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A STATUTORY FUND, MR CHAN SAID, A PROVISIONAL RETRAINING FUND BOARD WAS ESTABLISHED IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR TO CONSIDER AND PLAN SUITABLE RETRAINING COURSES.
AN ADVANCE OF $50 MILLION HAS BEEN MADE AVAILABLE BY THE GOVERNMENT FOR THE PURPOSE.
TEN NEW PILOT RETRAINING COURSES WILL START EARLY NEXT MONTH.
UPON PASSAGE OF THE BILL, THE EMPLOYEES RETRAINING BOARD WOULD HAVE AN ESTIMATED INCOME OF AT LEAST $120 MILLION IN THE FOLLOWING 12 MONTHS.
MORE RETRAINING COURSES ARE EXPECTED TO BE ORGANISED AS A RESULT, HE ADDED.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
0
/25 .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1992
- 25 -
RIGHTS FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT LAWYERS
******
THE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT (CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS) BILL 1992 WOULD PLACE LAWYERS IN THE DEPARTMENT IN THE SAME POSITION, IN RELATION TO CERTAIN RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES UNDER SOME ORDINANCES, AS OTHER LAWYERS IN GOVERNMENT SERVICE.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE ACTING ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JAMES FINDLAY, SAID THESE RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES INCLUDED THE EXEMPTION FROM JURY SERVICE, THE COUNTING OF SERVICE TOWARDS ELIGIBILITY FOR THE ADMISSION AS A SOLICITOR AND FOR JUDICIAL APPOINTMENT, AND THE ABILITY TO TAKE ON TRAINEE SOLICITORS.
THE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT CAME INTO BEING ON JULY 2, 1990, SERVING AS A FOCAL POINT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY REGIME.
MR FINDLAY POINTED OUT THAT THE WORK PERFORMED BY LAWYERS IN THE DEPARTMENT WAS SIMILAR TO THE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY WORK FORMERLY CARRIED OUT BY LAWYERS IN THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT.
THE BILL ALSO CLASSIFIED MONEY HANDLED BY THE DIRECTOR OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AS PUBLIC MONEY FOR THE PURPOSES OF THE JURISDICTION OF THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
------0--------
FEES FOR VERBATIM RECORD OF PHARMACISTS’ PROCEEDINGS REVISED
******
A RECENT COSTING EXERCISE REVEALS THAT THE ACTUAL COST OF PRODUCING A VERBATIM RECORD OF PHARMACISTS' DISCIPLINARY INQUIRY PROCEEDINGS FOR EACH FOLIO OF 72 WORDS IS $73, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
AT PRESENT, THE FEE FOR EACH FOLIO OF 72 WORDS IS 75 CENTS.
MOVING A MOTION ON THE PHARMACISTS (DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE) (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1992 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MRS WONG SAID THE PRESENT FEE LEVEL WAS SET ABOUT TWO DECADES AGO.
"IT IS SERIOUSLY OUT OF STEP WITH THE ACTUAL COST OF THE SERVICE AND IS THUS CONTRARY TO THE GOVERNMENT POLICY OF RECOVERING THE COST OF SERVICES RENDERED," SHE SAID.
THE PHARMACY AND POISONS BOARD HAS AGREED TO AMEND THE RELEVANT REGULATION TO RECOVER THE FULL COST OF THE SERVICE RENDERED.
SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE BOARD MAY MAKE REGULATIONS PRESCRIBING THIS FEE.
/"THIS PROPOSED .......
WEDNESDAY, J&NE 24, 1992
26
"THIS PROPOSED REVISION IS IN LINE WITH THAT OF SIMILAR FEES CONCERNING DOCTORS, DENTISTS, MIDWIVES AND NURSES RECENTLY EFFECTED BY AMENDMENT TO OTHER SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION MADE BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL," MRS WONG SAID.
UNDER THE PHARMACY AND POISONS ORDINANCE, A DISCIPLINARY BOARD MAY BE APPOINTED BY THE PHARMACY AND POISONS BOARD TO CONDUCT DISCIPLINARY INQUIRIES AGAINST PHARMACISTS.
ANY PARTY MAY, AFTER THE INQUIRY, OBTAIN A VERBATIM RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS.
------0--------
MOTION ON DEMOCRATIC DEVELOPMENT PASSED * * * * *
AN AMENDED MOTION PROPOSED BY THE HON NGAI SHIU-KIT ON DEMOCRATIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WAS PASSED BY THE COUNCIL AFTER A THREE-HOUR DEBATE YESTERDAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE ORIGINAL MOTION MOVED BY THE HON J. D. MCGREGOR WAS DEFEATED. A TOTAL OF 27 MEMBERS SPOKE IN THE DEBATE. THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR.PETER LAI, REPLIED FOR THE GOVERNMENT.
THIRTEEN MEMBERS DEBATED A MOTION ON PRIVATE BUILDINGS' REDEVELOPMENT PROPOSED BY THE HON JAMES TO. VOTING WAS DEFERRED TO THE NEXT SITTING ON JULY 1.
ALSO PASSED WERE FOUR OTHER MOTIONS - ONE WAS MOVED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID FORD. UNDER THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ORDINANCE; TWO WERE MOVED BY THE ACTING ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JAMES FINDLAY, UNDER THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES ORDINANCE AND OFFICIAL LANGUAGES ORDINANCE; THE FOURTH BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, UNDER THE PHARMACY AND POISONS ORDINANCE.
AT THE MEETING, NINE BILLS WERE PASSED BY THE COUNCIL.
OF THEM, CRIMES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1991, ACETYLATING SUBSTANCES (CONTROL) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992, GOVERNMENT FLYING SERVICE BILL AND LAND REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992 WERE PASSED WITHOUT AMENDMENTS.
INSURANCE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 199), INSURANCE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1991, DANGEROUS DRUGS (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1992, POLICE FORCE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992 AND HONG KONG ACADEMY OF MEDICINE BILL WERE PASSED WITH AMENDMENTS.
---------0-----------
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1992
27
GOVERNOR CONFIDENT OF HK’S ECONOMIC STRENGTH AND GROWTH POTENTIAL
*****
THE GOVERNOR, LORD WILSON, BELIEVES THAT 1997 DOES NOT PRESENT HONG KONG WITH INSUPERABLE CHALLENGES.
ADDRESSING THE 75TH LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION AT THE HONG KONG COLISEUM TODAY (WEDNESDAY), LORD WILSON SAID: "MY CONFIDENCE IS BASED TO A CONSIDERABLE EXTENT ON THE STRENGTH OF OUR ECONOMY AND ITS POTENTIAL FOR FURTHER GROWTH."
HE SAID OVERALL INVESTMENT HERE HAD CONTINUED TO INCREASE, REACHING 10% IN REAL TERMS IN 1991.
HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC GROWTH WAS EXPECTED TO RISE FROM 3% IN 1990 TO 5% THIS YEAR.
THE GDP PER CAPITA WOULD EXCEED US$16,000 PER YEAR IN 1992 AND WOULD RANK AMONG THE HIGHEST IN THE REGION.
NOTING THAT HONG KONG HAD BEEN DESCRIBED AS A "BARREN ROCK WITH HARDLY A HOUSE UPON IT" 150 YEARS AGO, THE GOVERNOR SAID HONG KONG AT PRESENT WAS A LEADING INTERNATIONAL TRADING AND FINANCIAL CENTRE.
"UNDERPINNING HONG KONG’S SUCCESS IS THE RESILENCE, INGENUITY AND CAPACITY FOR HARD WORK OF ITS PEOPLE," HE SAID.
"THEIR WISH TO MAKE A SUCCESS OF THEIR OWN LIVES AND TO MAKE HONG KONG A BETTER PLACE FOR THEIR CHILDREN AND THEIR . CHILDREN’S CHILDREN HAS DRIVEN THEM FORWARD.
"AS A RESULT OF THIS DYNAMIC CAPITALIST ENVIRONMENT, HONG KONG CONTINUES TO THRIVE ECONOMICALLY," HE ADDED.
LORD WILSON POINTED OUT THAT MUCH OF HONG KONG’S SUCCESS IN RECENT YEARS COULD BE ATTRIBUTED TO THE MASSIVE GROWTH IN HONG KONG’S TRADE WITH CHINA.
"BELIEVE IT OR NOT, WE ARE NOW EACH OTHERS’ LARGEST TRADING PARTNER. MANY HONG KONG BUSINESSMEN HAVE MOVED THEIR MANUFACTURING BASE TO THE LOW COST ENVIRONMENT OF GUANGDONG PROVINCE.
"HONG KONG WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE GUANGDONG AND THE REST OF CHINA WITH THE CAPITAL, SERVICES AND TECHNICAL KNOW-HOW IT NEEDS TO DRIVE ITS BURGEONING ECONOMY.
"OUR OWN ECONOMY TOO WILL BENEFIT AS A RESULT," THE GOVERNOR SAID.
FOR FEAR THAT PEOPLE WOULD THINK THAT HONG KONG’S ENERGY AND DYNAMISM WERE POURED EXCLUSIVELY INTO BUSINESS AND TRADE, LORD WILSON POINTED OUT THAT THE TERRITORY WAS ALSO A COMMUNITY WHICH CARED.
/CITING EXAMPLES .......
28
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1992
CITING EXAMPLES, THE GOVERNOR SAID OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS, 6,300 EXTRA BEDS HAD BEEN PROVIDED IN HOSPITALS. IN THE SAME PERIOD, THE HONG KONG HOUSING AUTHORITY HAD BUILT ABOUT 120 NEW FLATS EVERY DAY AND BY THE END OF THIS DECADE, IT SHOULD HAVE BUILT 400,000 MORE. MOREOVER, HONG KONG WAS DOUBLING THE NUMBER OF TERTIARY LEVEL FIRST-YEAR AND FIRST-DEGREE PLACES FROM JUST OVER 7,000 IN 1990 TO 14,500 PLACES IN 1995.
BRINGING THIS CARING* CLOSER TO THE LIONS’ HEART, DISTRICT 303 HAD MADE A REAL DIFFERENCE TO PEOPLE’S LIVES THROUGH ITS IMAGINATIVE PROJECTS, THE GOVERNOR SAID.
THESE INCLUDED :
♦ A NATURE EDUCATION CENTRE TO HELP PEOPLE OF ALL AGES APPRECIATE THEIR ENVIRONMENT AND LEARN ABOUT LOCAL
AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES.
♦ A KIDNEY EDUCATION CENTRE TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ON KIDNEY-RELATED DISEASES FOR DOCTORS, KIDNEY PATIENTS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC; AND
* THE RECENTLY INTRODUCED SECONDARY SCHOOL ADOPTION SCHEME, TO PUT 450 OF HONG KONG’S SCHOOLS IN TOUCH WITH SCHOOLS OVERSEAS THROUGH INTERNATIONAL LIONS CLUBS FOR SHARING CULTURAL EXCHANGES.
THE GOVERNOR FELT HONOURED THAT HONG KONG HAD BEEN CHOSEN TO HOST THIS HISTORIC CONVENTION AND BELIEVED THAT THEY COULD NOT HAVE MADE A BETTER CHOICE. WITH OVER 20,000 DELEGATES, THE FUNCTION WAS THE LARGEST CONVENTION EVER HELD IN HONG KONG, THE GOVERNOR SAID.
THE GOVERNOR CONGRATULATED LIONS CLUBS DISTRICT 303 AND THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION ON THEIR EXCELLENT' WORK IN ORGANISING THE CONVENTION.
------0-------
HURD’S STATEMENT ON HK *****
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT RECENT PRESS REPORTS ABOUT A STATEMENT MADE BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, MR DOUGLAS HURD, IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS ON JUNE 3 HAVE BEEN INACCURATE. MR HURD’S STATEMENT CONCERNED APPOINTMENTS TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. IN ORDER TO SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT, THE GOVERNMENT HAS TODAY ISSUED THE TRANSCRIPT OF MR HURD’S STATEMENT.
MR RENTON: LIKE MANY HON MEMBERS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE HOUSE, I WELCOME THE CHOICE OF CHRIS PATTEN AS GOVERNOR. HE IS A FRIEND AND COLLEAGUE OF HON MEMBERS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE HOUSE AND I BELIEVE THAT HE WILL BE AN OUTSTANDING GOVERNOR. FURTHER TO THE ANSWER THAT MY RIGHT HON FRIEND THE FOREIGN SECRETARY HAS JUST GIVEN, CAN HE TELL THE HOUSE A LITTLE MORE ABOUT WHAT DECISIONS HE EXPECTS TO BE TAKEN REGARDING, FOR EXAMPLE, THE FUTURE COMPOSITION OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND THE NUMBER OF ELECTED MEMBERS ON THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN THE RUN-UP TO 1997? OBVIOUSLY, THOSE MATTERS ARE OF CONTINUING AND GREAT INTEREST TO HONG KONG.
/MR HURD .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1992
- 29 -
MR HURD: I DO NOT THINK THAT THE NEW GOVERNOR WILL WANT TO RUSH TO CONCLUSIONS ON THESE MATTERS AS SOON AS HE TAKES OVER. HE WOULD BE WISE TO WANT - I AM SURE THAT HE WILL WANT - TO CONSULT WIDELY AFTER HIS ARRIVAL, TO WEIGHT UP ALL THE FACTORS AND THEN TO PUT HIS ADVICE TO ME. THAT WILL TAKE TIME. I WOULD NOT EXPECT CONCLUSIONS ON THE KIND OF MATTERS THAT MY RIGHT HON FRIEND MENTIONED TO EMERGE UNTIL THE AUTUMN AT THE EARLIEST.
ON THE SPECIFIC POINT CONCERNING THE 1995 LEGCO ELECTIONS, WE HAVE SAID THAT WE SHALL BE DISCUSSING THOSE ELECTIONS WITH THE CHINESE SIDE WITH THE AIM OF ENSURING AS MUCH CONTINUITY AS POSSIBLE. DECISIONS ON ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS WILL NEED TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF SUCH DISCUSSIONS: THEY ARE, I THINK, SOME WAY OFF.
------0-------
OPENING HOURS AT BORDER EXTENDED ******
HONG KONG AND THE SHENZHEN AUTHORITIES HAVE AGREED TO EXTEND THE OPENING HOURS AT BORDER CROSSINGS TO FACILITATE THE GROWING AMOUNT . OF CROSS-BORDER TRAFFIC.
THE AGREEMENT WAS REACHED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) FOLLOWING TALKS IN SHENZHEN BETWEEN THE POLITICAL ADVISER, MR WILLIAM EHRMAN, AND THE VICE MAYOR OF SHENZHEN, MR ZHANG HONGYI.
UNDER THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS, WHICH WILL TAKE EFFECT FROM JULY 1, THE OPENING HOURS AT LO WU WILL BE FROM 7 AM TO 11 PM. FOR MAN KAM TO, THE OPENING HOURS WILL BE FROM 7 AM TO 10 PM FOR GOODS VEHICLES AND 7 AM TO 8 PM FOR PASSENGER VEHICLES.
THE OPENING HOURS AT SHA TAU KOK WILL BE FROM 7 AM TO 6 PM, AND THE OPENING HOURS FOR GOODS AND PASSENGER VEHICLES AT LOK MA CHAU WILL BE FROM 7 AM TO 8 PM.
FOR GOODS VEHICLES, THE OPENING HOUR AT LOK MA CHAU WILL BE FURTHER EXTENDED TO 7 AM - 10 PM FROM DECEMBER 1.
THE TWO SIDES AGREED TO FURTHER STRENGTHEN CO-OPERATION ON ANTI-SMUGGLING AND ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION WORK.
THE TWO SIDES ALSO AGREED THAT THE SHENZHEN RIVER WORKING GROUP SHOULD COMMENCE ITS WORK.
THE WORKING GROUP WILL CONCENTRATE ON THREE AREAS: THE FLOOD CONTROL ENGINEERING WORKS, REVIEWING THE COST OF THE PROJECT, AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES.
THE TWO SIDES EXCHANGED VIEWS ON HOW TO FURTHER STRENGTHEN ECONOMIC LINKS AND AGREED THAT TRADE ORGANISATIONS SUCH AS THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO INCREASE THEIR ECONOMIC LINKS WITH SHENZHEN.
--------0-----------
/30 .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1992
30
HK AND NORWAY SIGN TEXTILE AGREEMENT
* * * ♦
REPRESENTATIVES OF HONG KONG AND NORWAY GOVERNMENTS SIGNED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) A NEW 18-MONTH AGREEMENT THAT WILL GIVE CERTAIN HONG KONG TEXTILE AND CLOTHING PRODUCTS BETTER ACCESS TO THE NORWEGIAN MARKET.
THE NEW AGREEMENT, WHICH WILL COME INTO FORCE ON JULY 1 ON EXPIRY OF THE CURRENT AGREEMENT, WAS SIGNED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T. H. CHAU, AND THE NORWEGIAN CONSUL-GENERAL, MR BJARNE E. SOLHEIM.
THE AGREEMENT REDUCES THE NUMBER OF CATEGORIES SUBJECT TO EXPORT QUOTA FROM THE EXISTING FIVE TO THREE. A NEW CATEGORY WILL BE INCLUDED FOR SURVEILLANCE PURPOSE.
EXISTING QUOTA CATEGORIES OF KNITTED UNDERGARMENTS (CATEGORY 4) AND MEN’S AND BOYS’ WOVEN SHIRTS (CATEGORY 5) WILL BE REMOVED.
THE REMAINING CATEGORIES SUBJECT TO EXPORT QUOTAS INCLUDE WOVEN JACKETS (CAT. 1), WOVEN TROUSERS (CAT. 2), AND BED LINEN (CAT. 7).
UNDER THE NEW AGREEMENT, HONG KONG WILL ALSO PROVIDE NORWAY WITH QUARTERLY EXPORT LICENSING STATISTICS ON THE EXPORTS OF FISHING NETS (CATEGORY 70).
’’THE NEW AGREEMENT, PROVIDING FOR THE REMOVAL OF QUOTAS ON TWO CATEGORIES AND IMPROVED FLEXIBILITY, IS AN IMPROVEMENT OVER THE EXISTING AGREEMENT," MR CHAU SAID.
CONSULTATIONS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND NORWAY ON THE NEW AGREEMENT WERE HELD IN HONG KONG FROM MARCH 24 TO 26.
DETAILS OF THE NEW HONG KONG/NORWAY TEXTILE AGREEMENT AND THE RELATED QUOTA ALLOCATION AND CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS HAVE ALREADY BEEN ANNOUNCED IN THE TRADE DEPARTMENT’S NOTICES TO EXPORTERS SERIES 3 NUMBERS 30/92 AND 55/92.
------0-------
SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL STARTS
******
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAS STARTED A SURVEY IN MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY TO COLLECT INFORMATION ON EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL IN RESPECT OF THE SECOND QUARTER OF THIS YEAR.
THE QUARTERLY SURVEY SERVES TO PROVIDE SHORT-TERM ECONOMIC INDICATORS AND INFORMATION ON THE STRUCTURAL CHANGES IN THE LOCAL LABOUR MARKET.
THE JUNE 1992 ROUND OF THE SURVEY COVERS ABOUT 120,000 ESTABLISHMENTS DRAWN FROM VARIOUS SECTORS INCLUDING THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR (MINING AND QUARRYING; MANUFACTURING; ELECTRICITY AND GAS), THE DISTRIBUTIVE TRADES SECTOR (WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS) AND THE SERVICES SECTOR (TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION; FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES; COMMUNITY, SOCIAL AND PERSONAL SERVICES).
/INFORMATION ON .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1992
31
INFORMATION ON THE NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED AND EXISTING VACANCIES ON JUNE 30 THIS YEAR WILL BE SOUGHT FROM EACH SELECTED ESTABLISHMENT.
SOME 10,000 ESTABLISHMENTS ARE RANDOMLY SELECTED FROM THIS SAMPLE TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON PAYROLL IN EACH OF THE THREE MONTHS DURING THE REFERENCE PERIOD OF APRIL-JUNE 1992.
QUESTIONNAIRES ARE BEING POSTED TO INDIVIDUAL SAMPLE ESTABLISHMENTS. IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDER 1982, ESTABLISHMENTS RECEIVING QUESTIONNAIRES ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THEM TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WITHIN THE SPECIFIED PERIOD.
SHOULD RESPONDENTS FIND DIFFICULTIES IN COMPLETING THE FORMS, THEY ARE WELCOME TO CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT FOR HELP ON 582 5076.
AS FOR THOSE ESTABLISHMENTS KNOWN TO THIS DEPARTMENT DURING APRIL-JUNE 1992, THEY WILL ALSO BE ENUMERATED IN ORDER TO MAKE THE SURVEY RESULTS COMPLETE.
FIELD OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT, EACH BEARING A GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARD, WILL CALL ON THESE ESTABLISHMENTS TO OBTAIN INFORMATION ON THE NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED, EXISTING VACANCIES, TYPE OF OWNERSHIP, NATURE OF BUSINESS AND DATE ON WHICH BUSINESS STARTED.
IN CASE OF ANY ENQUIRIES REGARDING THE FIELD VISITS, PLEASE CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT FOR HELP ON 582 4782.
- - 0 - -
$115 MILLION ROAD WORK CONTRACT FOR BETTER TRAFFIC FLOW IN TSUEN WAN
* * » *
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) AWARDED A $115 MILLION CONTRACT FOR A PACKAGE OF ROAD WORKS TO BE CARRIED OUT TO IMPROVE THE TRAFFIC FLOW IN TSUEN WAN .
THE CONTRACT WAS SIGNED BY THE PROJECT MANAGER OF THE TSUEN WAN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF THE DEPARTMENT, MR TANG KWOK-KEE, WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE CHINA STATE CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING CORPORATION, THE CONTRACTOR FOR THE PROJECT.
THE CONTRACT WILL COVER WORKS ON THE COMPLETION PHASE OF THE TEXACO ROAD/TSUEN WAN BYPASS INTERCHANGE AS WELL AS THE PHASE II IMPROVEMENTS TO TEXACO ROAD.
PRINCIPAL WORKS IN THE CONTRACT COMPRISE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A TWO-WAY VIADUCT OVER TSUEN TSING INTERCHANGE TO CONNECT TEXACO ROAD DIRECT WITH TSING TSUEN ROAD AND AN ELEVATED SINGLE LANE SLIP ROAD TO CONNECT THE PROPOSED VIADUCT WITH TSUEN WAN ROAD.
OTHER WORKS INCLUDE THE PROVISION OF AT-GRADE SLIP ROADS AND RECONSTRUCTION OF THE EXISTING CARRIAGEWAY IN THE INTERCHANGE AREA.
/THE CONSTRUCTION
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1992
32
THE CONSTRUCTION IS SCHEDULED TO START NEXT WEEK AND WILL BE COMPLETED IN 1994.
UPON COMPLETION OF THE CONTRACT, THE TRAFFIC CONDITION AT TSUEN TSING INTERCHANGE WILL BE EASED CONSIDERABLY. IN PARTICULAR, THE TRAFFIC BETWEEN NORTH TSING YI AND TSUEN WAN IS EXPECTED TO BE GREATLY IMPROVED.
--------0----------
RESEARCH GRANTS COUNCIL/IBM PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMME
♦ * * * *
THE RESEARCH GRANTS COUNCIL (RGC) AND IBM CHINA/HONG KONG CORPORATION (IBM) TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ANNOUNCED THE INAUGURATION OF AN RGC/IBM PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMME INVOLVING A DONATION BY IBM OF COMPUTER EQUIPMENT WORTH $1 MILLION OVER A FOUR-YEAR PERIOD.
UNDER THE TERMS OF THIS PROGRAMME, FIVE OF THE TERTIARY EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS FUNDED BY THE UNIVERSITY & POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE (UPGC) WILL EACH RECEIVE IBM-SPONSORED EQUIPMENT WORTH $200,000 FOR USE IN ACADEMIC RESEARCH.
IN ADDITION TO PROVIDING THE HARDWARE, IBM WILL ALSO PROVIDE, FREE OF CHARGE, CONSULTANCY FOR INITIAL EQUIPMENT SET-UP AS WELL AS MAINTENANCE AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT DURING THE FOUR-YEAR CONTRACT PERIOD.
THE FIVE INSTITUTIONS SELECTED BY THE RGC TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROGRAMME ARE THE CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG, HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE, HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
AT A CEREMONY THIS AFTERNOON, REPRESENTATIVES OF THE FIVE INSTITUTIONS SIGNED INITIAL AGREEMENTS WITH IBM CONFIRMING THEIR PARTICIPATION IN THE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMME.
DETAILED ARRANGEMENTS REGARDING THE SCHEDULE OF RESEARCH PROJECTS TO BE SUPPORTED, RESEARCH OBJECTIVES AND TYPES OF EQUIPMENT TO BE SUPPLIED WILL BE WORKED OUT OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS BETWEEN IBM AND THE INDIVIDUAL INSTITUTIONS.
THE TYPE OF MACHINES TO BE SPONSORED WILL DEPEND ON THE NEEDS OF EACH RESEARCH PROJECT.
RESEARCH PROJECTS TO BE SUPPORTED WILL FOCUS ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, REHABILITATION FOR THE DISABLED AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, AMONG OTHER AREAS.
THE IBM EQUIPMENT USED WILL BE DONATED TO THE INSTITUTIONS CONCERNED AT THE END OF THE FOUR-YEAR CONTRACT PERIOD.
ANY INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS RELATING TO THE RESULTS OF THE RESEARG^l PROJECTS WILL BELONG TO THE INSTITUTIONS.
/SPEAKING AFTER .......
33
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1992
SPEAKING AFTER THE INITIAL 1 CONTRACT SIGNING CEREMONY THIS AFTERNOON, CHAIRMAN OF THE RGC, PROFESSOR DAVID TODD, SAID: "I WELCOME THIS GENEROUS DONATION FROM IBM IN SUPPORT OF ACADEMIC RESEARCH."
"I AM DELIGHTED THAT THE RGC HAS BEEN ABLE TO FACILITATE FURTHER COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND ACADEMIA AND THEREBY SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT OF ACADEMIC RESEARCH IN THE UPGC-FUNDED INSTITUTIONS," HE ADDED.
COMMENTING ON THE PROGRAMME, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF IBM CHINA/HONG KONG CORPORATION, ROBERT SAVAGE, SAID: "IBM IS PLEASED TO TEAM UP WITH THE RGC AND THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN THIS INNOVATIVE PROGRAMME."
"WE ARE HOPEFUL THAT, WITH IBM TECHNOLOGY, WE SHALL BE ABLE TO EXPLORE FURTHER INTO AREAS THAT ONE WAY OR ANOTHER AFFECT ALL OF US IN OUR DAILY LIVES," HE SAID.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE INSTITUTIONS SAID: "WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR IBM’S GENEROUS SPONSORSHIP AND THE RGC’S CONTINUING SUPPORT. THE RGC/ IBM PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMME PROVIDES A MOST WELCOMED BOOST TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE."
THE INSTITUTIONS WILL PROVIDE ANNUAL REPORTS TO THE RGC AND IBM ON THE APPLICATION OF THE SPONSORED EQUIPMENT AND THE RESEARCH PROJECTS SUPPORTED BY THE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMME.
THE .RGC FUNCTIONS AS A SEMI-AUTONOMOUS ADVISORY BODY WITHIN THE ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE OF, AND WORKS IN CLOSE PARTNERSHIP WITH, THE UPGC.
------0-------
NEW POST OFFICE OPENS IN TSUEN WAN
*****
THE TSUEN WAN WEST POST OFFICE, A NEW BRANCH POST OFFICE AT BAYVIEW GARDEN, 633 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN, OPENED FOR BUSINESS TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE POST OFFICE PROVIDES GENERAL COUNTER SERVICES. THE TELEPHONE NUMBER IS 417 0467.
THE BUSINESS HOURS ARE:
MONDAY TO FRIDAY : 9.30 AM TO 1 PM
2 PM TO 5 PM
SATURDAY : 9.30 AM TO 1 PM
%
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR MICHELANGELO PAGLIARI; THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD, MR CHAU HOW-CHEN; AND THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR RAYMOND YOUNG, OFFICIATED AT AN OPENING CEREMONY THIS MORNING.
THIS BRINGS TO 119 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF BRANCH POST OFFICES IN HONG KONG.
------0--------
/34 .....
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1992
34
FINANCE COMMITTEE TO MEET ON FRIDAY » * ♦ * ♦
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL HOLD A MEETING AT 2.30 PM ON FRIDAY (JUNE 26) IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO OBSERVE THE COMMITTEE’S PROCEEDINGS FROM THE CHAMBER’S PUBLIC GALLERIES. THEY MAY MAKE RESERVATIONS BY CALLING 869 9492.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
THE COMMITTEE’S PAPERS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR ADVANCE READING FROM 4 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT THE OMELCO PRESS ROOM. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CONTENT OF THE PAPERS WILL BE EMBARGOED FOR USE UNTIL THE MEETING ENDS.
------0--------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 988
REVERSAL OF LAF NIL
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 988
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY NIL
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 988
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 110.8 *+0.1* 24.6.92
/HONG KONG .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1992
35
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1W 2.85 PCT 17M 2311 6.25 102.44 4.48
IM 2.83 PCT 20M . 2402 5.50 101.12 4.84
3M 2.86 PCT 23M 2405 5.50 100.78 5.13
6M 3.23 PCT
12M 3.94 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 5.448MN
CLOSED 24 JUNE 1992
---------0----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR'S VISIT TO MACAU ............................................ 1
GOVT HELPS INDUSTRY TO IMPROVE LONG-TERM COMPETITIVENESS ............. 1
MANUFACTURERS URGED TO NOTE ENVIRONMENTAL TRENDS ..................... 4
RESEARCH GRANTS FOR TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS FOR 1992-93 ................ 5
GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY ....................................... 8
CUSTOMS STATEMENT ON CONTROL POINTS' OPENING-HOUR EXTENSION .......... 11
BUS PARADE TO COMMEMORATE INT'L ANTI-DRUG DAY TOMORROW ............... 11
CALL TO KEEP SERVICE LIFTS PROPERLY MAINTAINED ....................... 13
EDUCATION COLLEGES INVITE ENROLMENT .................................. 14
GRANTS TO LOCAL ARTS GROUPS .......................................... 14
CHINA FLEET CLUB TO CLOSE IN DECEMBER ................................ 15
TENDERS FOR SUPPLY AND MAINTENANCE OF RADIO PAGING RECEIVERS AND PROVISION OF PUBLIC RADIO PAGING SERVICES ........................... 16
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .......... 17
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 1992
GOVERNOR’S VISIT TO MACAU
******
THE GOVERNOR, LORD WILSON OF TILLYORN, WILL VISIT MACAU TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT THE INVITATION OF THE GOVERNOR OF MACAU, GENERAL VASCO DE ROCHA VIEIRA.
THIS WILL BE LORD WILSON’S FAREWELL VISIT TO MACAU AS GOVERNOR.
HE WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY LADY WILSON, HIS PRIVATE SECRETARY, HIS AIDE-DE-CAMP AND THE POLITICAL ADVISER, MR WILLIAM EHRMAN.
LORD WILSON WILL CALL ON THE GOVERNOR OF MACAU AND ATTEND A LUNCH HOSTED IN HIS HONOUR BY THE GOVERNOR AND SENHORA DE ROCHA VIEIRA.
THE GOVERNOR LAST VISITED MACAU IN JANUARY 1989.
- - 0 - -
GOVT HELPS INDUSTRY TO IMPROVE LONG-TERM COMPETITIVENESS *****
THE GOVERNMENT PROVIDES A RANGE OF INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICES DESIGNED TO SUPPORT INDUSTRY’S EFFORTS TO MOVE UP THE TECHNOLOGY LADDER AS IT RECOGNISES THAT IT HAS A ROLE TO PLAY IN HELPING INDUSTRY TO MAKE THE NECESSARY ADJUSTMENT.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T.H. CHAU, IN HIS ADDRESS TO AN ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE CHINESE EXECUTIVES CLUB OF THE HONG KONG MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION.
MR CHAU SAID THE TRANSITION TO AN ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY-INTENSIVE MANUFACTURING ENVIRONMENT IN HONG KONG STILL HAD A LONG WAY TO GO.
"IT REQUIRES NEW AND HIGHER-LEVEL SKILLS, WHICH ARE AT A PREMIUM IN HONG KONG’S TIGHT LABOUR MARKET. AND THE SMALL AND MEDIUMSIZED COMPANIES WHICH COMPRISE THE BULK OF HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIES OFTEN FIND IT HARD TO MAKE SIGNIFICANT LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS IN IMPROVING THEIR TECHNOLOGY CAPABILITY," HE SAID.
RUNNING THROUGH SOME OF THE MAIN ELEMENTS OF GOVERNMENT’S SUPPORT PROGRAMMES, MR CHAU SAID: "WE PROVIDE LAND FOR TECHNOLOGYINTENSIVE INDUSTRIES ON THE INDUSTRIAL ESTATES AT TAI PO AND YUEN LONG. A THIRD ESTATE IS BEING FORMED AT TSEUNG KWAN O TO MEET DEMAND ANTICIPATED THROUGH THE MID-1990S."
"SECOND, WE MAKE A SIZEABLE ANNUAL INVESTMENT IN MANPOWER TRAINING, THROUGH THE UNIVERSITIES AND POLYTECHNICS, THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL AND OTHER BODIES.
"A NEW TECHNOLOGIES TRAINING SCHEME HAS BEEN PUT IN PLACE TO HELP RETRAIN MID-CAREER MANAGERS AND TECHNOLOGISTS IN ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES WHICH ARE IMPORTANT FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT," MR CHAU SAID.
/HE SAID
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 1992
2
HE SAID SUPPORT WAS ALSO CHANNELLED THROUGH A NUMBER OF SPECIALIST AGENCIES, ADDING THAT SOME OF THESE AGENCIES WERE LONG ESTABLISHED.
’’THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL, WHICH PLAYS A KEY ROLE IN TECHNOLOGY ACQUISITION AND DISSEMINATION TO INDUSTRY, IS NOW IN ITS 25TH YEAR.
’’OTHERS, SUCH AS THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY CENTRE, ARE NEW VENTURES. THE CENTRE, WHICH IS SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION IN . 1994 BUT IS ALREADY OFFERING SOME SERVICES, WILL PROVIDE ACCOMMODATION AND SPECIALISED FACILITIES FOR NEW TECHNOLOGY-BASED BUSINESSES.
"ALSO NEWLY ESTABLISHED IS AN APPLIED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT SCHEME, WHICH AIMS TO ENCOURAGE COMPANIES TO INVEST IN INNOVATION.
"UNDER THE SCHEME, GOVERNMENT WILL MAKE AVAILABLE $200 MILLION FOR INVESTMENT IN WORTHWHILE CORPORATE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, INJECTING UP TO 50 PER CENT OF THE COST OF A GIVEN PROJECT," MR CHAU SAID.
THE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CAPABILITY IN THE TERTIARY EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IS ALSO BEING STRENGTHENED, HE SAID.
"GOVERNMENT FUNDING FOR ACADEMIC RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT HAS RISEN SHARPLY IN RECENT YEARS. THE POOL OF RESEARCHERS AND TECHNOLOGISTS WHICH IS NOW BEING BUILT UP WITHIN THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS SHOULD BE WELL PLACED TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF APPLIED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN INDUSTRY," MR CHAU SAID.
TURNING TO GOVERNMENT’S EFFORT IN RAISING THE QUALITY OF THE MANUFACTURING PRODUCTS, MR CHAU SAID IN 1989, THE GOVERNMENT SET UP AN INDEPENDENT AGENCY - THE HONG KONG QUALITY ASSURANCE AGENCY - TO RUN A VOLUNTARY ISO 9000 CERTIFICATION SCHEME.
THE AGENCY HAS RECEIVED 100 APPLICATIONS FOR CERTIFICATION AND ANOTHER 500 COMPANIES HAVE MADE POSITIVE ENQUIRIES.
"LAST YEAR, GOVERNMENT LENT THE AGENCY $20 MILLION TO ENABLE IT TO INCREASE ITS CAPACITY TO MEET THE SURGE IN DEMAND FOR ITS SERVICES," MR CHAU SAID.
"IN 1990, WE LAUNCHED A QUALITY AWARENESS CAMPAIGN. THE CAMPAIGN IS A THREE-YEAR PROGRAMME OF ACTIVITIES DESIGNED TO PROMOTE APPRECIATION OF QUALITY ISSUES AMONG HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURERS.
"ANOTHER IMPORTANT VEHICLE FOR PUTTING ACROSS THE QUALITY MESSAGE IS THE GOVERNOR’S AWARD FOR INDUSTRY," MR CHAU SAID.
"THE ’QUALITY’ CATEGORY OF THE AWARD RECOGNISES AND REWARDS MANUFACTURERS WHO HAVE PRACTISED EFFECTIVE QUALITY MANAGEMENT IN THEIR MANUFACTURING PROCESSES, AND WHOSE PRODUCTS ARE MANUFACTURED TO A HIGH STANDARD OF QUALITY."
MR CHAU SAID GOVERNMENT’S SUPPORT FOR THE DRIVE TOWARDS BETTER QUALITY WAS NOT LIMITED TO ADVICE AND ENCOURAGEMENT.
/"THE INDUSTRY .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 1992
3
"THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT PROVIDES THE TECHNICAL BACK-UP MANUFACTURERS NEED TO MAINTAIN AND IMPROVE PRODUCT STANDARDS," HE SAID.
THAT BACK-UP TAKES THE FORM OF THREE KEY FACILITIES. THE STANDARDS AND CALIBRATION LABORATORY OFFERS COMPREHENSIVE CALIBRATION SERVICES TO ENABLE MANUFACTURERS TO MEET THE MEASUREMENT STANDARDS FOR ENSURING PRODUCT QUALITY.
THE HONG KONG LABORATORY ACCREDITATION SCHEME ACCREDITS COMPETENT LABORATORIES AND PROMOTES ACCEPTANCE OF THEIR TESTING RESULTS.
AND THE PRODUCT STANDARDS INFORMATION BUREAU MAINTAINS A REFERENCE LIBRARY ON THE PRODUCT STANDARDS OF OUR MAJOR EXPORT MARKETS.
TOGETHER, THEY REPRESENT A "QUALITY INFRASTRUCTURE" FOR INDUSTRY.
"THE MOVE TO MORE UP-MARKET PRODUCTION IS ESSENTIALLY MARKET-DRIVEN. OUR AIM IS TO ENCOURAGE AND SUPPORT THE TRANSFORMATION OF INDUSTRY WHICH IS TAKING PLACE AS A RESULT OF COMPETITIVE FORCES.
"CLEARLY, THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE FACILITIES AND SERVICES WE PROVIDE WILL DEPEND ON HOW WELL OUR EFFORTS ARE FOCUSED AND COORDINATED.
"THAT IS WHY WE HAVE RECENTLY ESTABLISHED A NEW INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, TO ADVISE ON HOW WE CAN BEST SUPPORT INDUSTRY. THE COUNCIL WILL BE UNDERPINNED BY A NETWORK OF SPECIALIST COMMITTEES, WITH TECHNOLOGY BEING GIVEN A SPECIAL EMPHASIS.
"THE INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL AND ITS COMMITTEES BRING TOGETHER A FORMIDABLE ARRAY OF EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE FROM THE BUSINESS WORLD.
"SO TOO DO THE BOARDS OF THE VARIOUS INDUSTRY SUPPORT AGENCIES. INDUSTRY’S VIEWS ARE ALSO FED INTO THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS THROUGH A VARIETY OF OTHER CHANNELS: FOR EXAMPLE, THROUGH THE INDUSTRY AND BUSINESS ORGANISATIONS, AND THROUGH THE MANY SURVEYS AND STUDIES CARRIED OUT OR COMMISSIONED BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT."
THE GOVERNMENT RELIES VERY MUCH ON THE INDUSTRIALISTS AND BUSINESSMEN TO HELP SHAPE GOVERNMENT’S POLICIES AND PROGRAMMES IN THIS IMPORTANT AREA, MR CHAU SAID.
IT SEES ITS ROLE AS BEING TO CREATE AN ENVIRONMENT THAT IS CONDUCIVE TO INVESTMENT IN QUALITY AND TECHNOLOGY. THE DECISION ON WHETHER AND HOW TO INVEST RESTS WITH INDIVIDUAL COMPANIES, HE SAID.
"THERE IS CLEAR EVIDENCE THAT INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG HAS ALREADY MADE AND IS CONTINUING TO MAKE SIGNIFICANT MOVES UP THE VALUE-ADDED LADDER. WE WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGE THAT PROCESS," MR CHAU ADDED.
---------0-----------
/4 ........
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 1992
4
MANUFACTURERS URGED TO NOTE ENVIRONMENTAL TRENDS
*****
HONG KONG, AS A MAJOR MANUFACTURING AND EXPORTING ECONOMY, NEEDS TO BE AWARE OF ENVIRONMENTAL TRENDS AFFECTING TRADE, AND TO BE READY TO RESPOND TO THEM.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T.H. CHAU, AT THE DINNER GATHERING OF THE CHINESE MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION TONIGHT (THURSDAY).
MR CHAU SAID TO HELP ASSESS THE IMPLICATIONS OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MEASURES ON LOCAL INDUSTRIES, THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT APPOINTED CONSULTANTS IN MARCH THIS YEAR TO CONDUCT A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY ON THE IMPACT OF SUCH MEASURES ON THE COMPETITIVENESS OF HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURED EXPORTS.
THE STUDY ALSO AIMS TO IDENTIFY ANY DEFICIENCIES IN THE PROVISION OF THE NECESSARY SUPPORT AND TO RECOMMEND HOW THESE DEFICIENCIES MIGHT BE MADE GOOD HAVING REGARD TO THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY OF MINIMUM INTERVENTION, MR CHAU SAID.
"WE ARE CONCERNED THAT INDUSTRIALISTS SHOULD BE FULLY INVOLVED IN THIS EXERCISE,” HE SAID.
MR CHAU SAID THE CONSULTANTS WERE ALSO BEING ASKED TO ASSESS THE FEASIBILITY OF INTRODUCING A CERTIFICATION SCHEME THAT WOULD ENABLE HONG KONG’S EXPORTS, PROVIDED THAT THEY MET CERTAIN CRITERIA, TO BE LABELLED AS ENVIRONMENTAL FRIENDLY.
"SUCH A SCHEME MIGHT HELP TO MAINTAIN LOCAL MANUFACTURERS’ COMPETITIVENESS IN WORLD MARKETS IN THE FACE OF GROWING ENVIRONMENTAL PRESSURES," HE SAID.
IN ADDITION, THE GOVERNMENT IS INTRODUCING A NEW ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE CATEGORY IN THIS YEAR’S GOVERNOR’S AWARD FOR INDUSTRY, MR CHAU SAID.
THE NEW CATEGORY WILL RECOGNISE AND REWARD THOSE MANUFACTURERS WHO HAVE INCORPORATED PRACTICES THAT PROTECT OR ENHANCE THE ENVIRONMENT.
TURNING TO THE LINK BETWEEN TRADE AND THE ENVIRONMENT, MR CHAU SAID THE SUBJECT HAD BEEN UNDER DISCUSSION IN THE GATT, AND WOULD CONTINUE TO BE IN THE FUTURE.
"THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S POSITION ON THIS IS THAT GATT CLEARLY HAS TO BE ALIVE TO ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES; AND THAT MANY TRADE-RESTRICTIVE MEASURES INTRODUCED FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PURPOSES ARE NOT INCONSISTENT WITH GATT’S OBJECTIVES.
"BUT WE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE RISK THAT TRADE PROTECTIONISM MAY SOMETIMES CREEP IN UNDER THE CLOAK OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE.
"THAT IS SOMETHING WHICH WE ARE KEEN TO AVOID, AND WE HAVE MADE OUR VIEWS ON THIS KNOWN IN GATT," HE SAID.
/NOTING THAT .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 1992
- 5 -
NOTING THAT A NUMBER OF LOCAL MANUFACTURERS HAVE ACHIEVED COST SAVINGS BY ADOPTING ENVIRONMENTAL-FRIENDLY PROCESSES, MR CHAU SAID IT SHOWED THAT TAKING ON BOARD ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS COULD MAKE SOUND BUSINESS SENSE.
’’ENVIRONMENTALISM IS HERE TO STAY. LET US NOT REGRET THIS TREND, BUT RATHER SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITIES IT PRESENTS,” HE SAID.
------0--------
RESEARCH GRANTS FOR TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS FOR 1992-93
*****
THE RESEARCH GRANTS COUNCIL (RGC) TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED ITS DECISIONS ON THE ALLOCATION OF $122 MILLION BY THE GOVERNMENT IN 1992-93 FOR ACADEMIC RESEARCH GRANTS TO THE SEVEN INSTITUTIONS FUNDED BY THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE (UPGC)*.
THE RGC DECIDED TO ALLOCATE $36.5 MILLION (30 PER CENT) OF THE TOTAL SUM TO THE INSTITUTIONS DIRECTLY TO SUPPORT PROJECTS EACH COSTING LESS THAN $200,000.
A SUM OF $6 MILLION WAS SET ASIDE FOR CENTRAL ALLOCATION TO STRENGTHEN THE RESEARCH BASE IN THE INSTITUTIONS.
BIDS WILL SHORTLY BE INVITED FROM THE INSTITUTIONS FOR ALLOCATIONS FROM THE FUND TO SUPPORT MAJOR RESEARCH FACILITIES/EQUIPMENT FOR COLLABORATIVE PROJECTS.
THE BALANCE OF $79.5 MILLION WAS ALLOCATED FOR PROJECTS IN RESPONSE TO COMPETITIVE BIDS FROM THE INSTITUTIONS.
THE RGC CONSIDERED 304 APPLICATIONS FOR A TOTAL OF $275 MILLION FOR ACADEMIC RESEARCH PROJECTS IN A WIDE RANGE OF SUBJECT DISCIPLINES.
EACH APPLICATION WAS INITIALLY SCREENED BY ONE OR MORE OF THREE SUBJECT PANELS - PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND ENGINEERING; BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE; AND HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES - WITH THE HELP OF REPORTS FROM SPECIALIST ASSESSORS/REFEREES APPOINTED BY THE COUNCIL.
THE PANELS’ RECOMMENDATIONS WERE THEN CONSIDERED BY THE FULL RGC MEETING ON JUNE 20 THIS YEAR.
DETAILS OF THE PROJECTS SUPPORTED, BY PANEL AND BROAD SUBJECT AREAS, ARE GIVEN BELOW:
/SUBJECT PANEL .......
6
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 1992
SUBJECT PANEL SUBJECT AREA NO OF PROJECTS FUNDING SUPPORTED
$M
PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND ENGINEERING CIVIL ENGINEERING, SURVEYING, BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION 10 4.2
COMPUTING SCIENCE, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY MATHEMATICS & 22 10.1
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING 18 10.2
MECHANICAL, PRODUCTION INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING & 4 2.5
PHYSICAL SCIENCES 33 16.3
SUB-TOTAL 87 43.3
BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES 19 9.4
MEDICINE, DENTISTRY AND HEALTH 33 14.8
SUB-TOTAL 52 24.2
HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES ARTS AND LANGUAGES 13 3.5
ADMINISTRATIVE, BUSINESS AND SOCIAL STUDIES 10 3.6
EDUCATION 8 3.5
LAW, ARCHITECTURE, TOWN PLANNING & OTHER PROFESSIONAL & VOCATIONAL STUDIES 2 1.3
SUB-TOTAL 33 11.9
TOTAL 172 79.4
IN SELECTING THE PROJECTS FOR FUNDING SUPPORT, REGARD HAS BEEN GIVEN TO THEIR ACADEMIC MERIT/INTEGRITY, THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THE ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE INSTITUTIONS AND THEIR RELEVANCE TO THE NEEDS OF THE INSTITUTIONS AND HONG KONG’S OVERALL ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT.
/THIS YEAR .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 1992
7
THIS YEAR, FOR THE FIRST TIME AND ON A TRIAL BASIS, THE COUNCIL DECIDED TO PROVIDE EARMARKED GRANTS TO APPROVED PROJECTS TO ENABLE RESEARCHERS TO ATTEND OVERSEAS CONFERENCE TO PRESENT THEIR RESEARCH FINDINGS IN INTERNATIONAL FORA.
THIS WAS THE SECOND RESEARCH GRANT ALLOCATION EXERCISE UNDERTAKEN BY THE RGC WHICH WAS ESTABLISHED TO REPLACE THE FORMER RESEARCH SUB-COMMITTEE OF UPGC IN JANUARY 1991.
RGC CHAIRMAN, PROF DAVID TODD, SAID: "THE ENHANCED FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR ACADEMIC RESEARCH PROJECTS IN 1992-93 AS COMPARED WITH 1991-92 HAS ENABLED US TO INCREASE THE SUM SET ASIDE FOR DIRECT ALLOCATION, TO MAKE PROVISION AGAIN FOR A CENTRAL ALLOCATION FUND AND SUPPORT, FULLY OR PARTIALLY, 172 PROJECTS AS COMPARED WITH 137 LAST YEAR.
"OUR DECISION TO PROVIDE CONFERENCE GRANTS WAS MADE IN RECOGNITION OF THE NEED TO HELP HONG KONG RESEARCHERS PRESENT THEIR WORK AT INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES AND TO EXCHANGE INFORMATION WITH OTHER INVESTIGATORS.
"THIS WILL HELP TO ENHANCE HONG KONG’S REPUTATION FOR RESEARCH WORLDWIDE.
"THE RGC IS ENCOURAGED BY THE GOVERNMENT’S DECISION FURTHER TO INCREASE THE LEVEL OF RESEARCH FUNDING IN THE PERIOD UP TO 1994-95, THAT IS, FROM $122 MILLION IN 1992-93 TO $144 MILLION IN 1993-94 AND IN 1994-95."
"THE RGC IS LOOKING FORWARD TO FURTHER INCREASES IN THE LEVEL OF FUNDING FOR ACADEMIC RESEARCH IN THE FUTURE. THIS SUPPORT IS NEEDED TO STRENGTHEN THE RESEARCH BASE IN HONG KONG’S HIGHER EDUCATION SECTOR," HE SAID.
APART FROM DISBURSING AND MONITORING GOVERNMENT FUNDING FOR ACADEMIC RESEARCH, THE RGC IS ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR ADVISING THE GOVERNMENT, THROUGH THE UPGC, ON THE NEEDS OF THE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN HONG KONG IN THE FIELD OF ACADEMIC RESEARCH IN ORDER THAT A RESEARCH BASE ADEQUATE FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF ACADEMIC VIGOUR AND PERTINENT TO THE NEEDS OF HONG KONG MAY BE DEVELOPED.
* NOTE: THE SEVEN UPGC-FUNDED INSTITUTIONS ARE:
CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG
HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE
HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC
LINGNAN COLLEGE
THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
- - 0----------
/8 ........
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 1992
- 8 -
GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY
* * * * * *
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED GRADES ON THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF ALL BATHING BEACHES IN HONG KONG.
THE PURPOSE OF THE GRADING SYSTEM IS TO INFORM SWIMMERS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC ABOUT THE STATE OF BACTERIOLOGICAL POLLUTION AT VARIOUS BEACHES.
AN EPD SPOKESMAN SAID THE GRADING WOULD BE ANNOUNCED AT BIWEEKLY INTERVALS DURING THE BATHING SEASON, TO COINCIDE WITH THE FREQUENCY AT WHICH BEACH WATERS ARE USUALLY SAMPLED.
THE GRADING IS BASED ON THE MOST RECENT E.COLI DATA OBTAINED BY THE EPD IN ITS ROUTINE MONITORING PROGRAMME.
AS WITH LAST YEAR, THE GRADING ALSO INCLUDES AN ESTIMATE OF THE RISK OF SUFFERING SOME MINOR SKIN OR GASTROINTESTINAL COMPLAINTS AS A RESULT OF SWIMMING AT A BEACH THAT HAS SOME DEGREE OF POLLUTION.
THE ESTIMATE IS BASED ON A VERY LARGE BODY OF STATISTICAL INFORMATION GATHERED IN HONG KONG IN RECENT BATHING SEASONS.
THE GRADING OF SOME BEACHES MAY VARY DURING THE SUMMER.
THIS REPRESENTS A NATURAL FLUCTUATION IN THE BACTERIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF BATHING WATERS IN MOST CASES, AS RAIN AND TIDES BRING MORE OR LESS POLLUTION TO THE BEACHES.
HOWEVER, THE GRADES GIVE A GOOD GENERAL PICTURE OF THE WATER QUALITY AT BATHING BEACHES AT THE TIME OF REPORTING AND FORM THE BEST AVAILABLE FORECAST FOR THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE.
"BEACHES WITH HIGHLY DEVELOPED HINTERLANDS ARE LIKELY TO BE MORE POLLUTED THAN THE GRADES SUGGEST DURING AND AFTER HEAVY RAIN.
"BATHERS SHOULD AVOID SUCH BEACHES FOR TWO OR THREE DAYS AFTER A STORM, LONGER IF THE WEATHER REMAINS OVERCAST OR LESS IF THERE IS STRONG SUNSHINE."
THE SYSTEM FOR GRADING BEACH WATER QUALITY IS AS FOLLOWS :
* GRADE "1" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS GOOD. THE E. COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 24 PER 100 MILLILITERS AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED RISK OF MINOR ILLNESS TO SWIMMERS IS UNDETECTABLE.
* GRADE ”2" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS FAIR. THE E. COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 180 PER 100 MILLILITERS AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS NO MORE THAN 10 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
* GRADE "3” INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS POOR. THE E. COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 610 PER 100 MILLILITERS AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS NO MORE THAN 15 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
/* GRADE "4"
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 1992
9
* GRADE "4" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS VERY POOR. THE E. COLI COUNT IS MORE THAN 610 PER 100 MILLILITERS AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS MORE THAN 15 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO CLOSE A BEACH TO SWIMMERS IS BASED ON A JUDGEMENT OF WHAT DEGREE OF POLLUTION IS ACCEPTABLE.
NORMALLY, THE CLOSURE OF A BEACH WOULD ONLY BE CONSIDERED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL OR REGIONAL COUNCIL IF A "4" GRADE OCCURRED REPEATEDLY, SO THAT THE AVERAGE HEALTH RISK OVER THE BATHING SEASON EXCEEDED 15 CASES PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
SIMILARLY, THE REOPENING OF A CLOSED BEACH WOULD ONLY BE CONSIDERED IF A ”3" GRADE OR BETTER WERE CONSISTENTLY OBTAINED.
AT PRESENT, TWO BATHING BEACHES, NAMELY CASTLE PEAK AND OLD CAFETERIA, HAVE BEEN DECLARED UNSUITABLE FOR SWIMMING PURPOSES, BASED ON THE WATER QUALITY DURING PAST SEASONS.
THEY ARE POLLUTED BY FAECAL WASTES AND FAIL TO ACHIEVE CONSISTENTLY THE HONG KONG STANDARDS. THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED NOT TO SWIM IN THE WATER AT THESE TWO BEACHES.
IN ADDITION, ROCKY BAY BEACH HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR SWIMMING PURPOSES BY THE URBAN COUNCIL. THESE THREE BEACHES ARE IDENTIFIED BY AN "X" IN THE FOLLOWING LIST.
THE GRADES ON THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF VARIOUS BEACHES IN HONG KONG TODAY ARE LISTED BELOW :
BEACH PREVIOUS GRADING PRESENT GRADING
(AS AT 11.6.92) (AS AT 25.6.92)
HONG KONG SOUTH
BIG WAVE BAY 2 2
CHUNG HOM KOK 2 2
DEEP WATER BAY 1 2
HAIRPIN 1 2
MIDDLE BAY 1 1
REPULSE BAY 1 1
SHEK O 2 2
SOUTH BAY 1 1
ST. STEPHEN’S 1 1
TURTLE COVE 1 1
STANLEY MAIN 2 2
ROCKY BAY X X
TO TEI WAN* 1 2
/TUEN MUN .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 1992
- 10 -
TUEN MUN DISTRICT
OLD CAFETERIA X
NEW CAFETERIA 2
CASTLE PEAK X
KADOORIE 3
BUTTERFLY 2
SAI KUNG DISTRICT
CAMPERS 2
CLEAR WATER BAY 1ST BEACH 2
CLEAR WATER BAY 2ND BEACH 2
HAP MUN BAY 1
KIU TSUI 1
PAK SHA CHAU 1
SILVERSTRAND 3
TRIO (HEBE HAVEN) 2
X 2 X
4 3
2 2
2
1
1
1
3 2
ISLANDS DISTRICT
CHEUNG SHA UPPER 1 1
CHEUNG SHA LOWER 2 2
DISCOVERY BAY* 3 3
HUNG SHING YEH 1 2
KWUN YAM WAN 2 3
TONG FUK 1 2
LO SO SHING 1 1
PUI 0 1 1
SILVERMINE BAY 2 3
TUNG WAN, CHEUNG CHAU 2 2
TUNG O* 1 2
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT
ANGLERS’ 3 4
APPROACH 4 3
CASAM 4 3
GEMINI 3 3
HOI MEI WAN 4 3
LIDO 3 3
TING KAU 4 4
TUNG WAN, MA WAN 3 3
NOTE : ”X" THE BEACH HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR SWIMMING PURPOSES.
* NON-GAZETTED BEACHES.
/THE FOLLOWING .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 1992
11
THE FOLLOWING BEACHES HAVE CHANGED GRADING ON THIS OCCASION:
APPROACH, CASAM AND HOI MEI WAN FROM "4" TO "3"; DEEP WATER BAY, HAIRPIN, TO TEI WAN, HUNG SHING YEH, TONG FUK AND TUNG O FROM "1” TO "2"; KWUN YAM WAN, SILVERMINE BAY AND BUTTERFLY FROM "2" TO "3"; ANGLERS’ AND KADOORIE FROM "3" TO ”4".
THE CHANGES ARE WITHIN THE NORMAL RANGE OF FLUCTUATION OF THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF THESE BEACHES.
- - 0 - -
CUSTOMS STATEMENT ON CONTROL POINTS’ OPENING-HOUR EXTENSION **»»»*
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES ON THE EXTENSION OF THE CONTROL POINTS’ OPENING HOURS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) SAID:
"THE EXTENSION ON JULY 1 DOES NOT CREATE SERIOUS STAFF PROBLEM FOR THE DEPARTMENT. HOWEVER, OFFICERS’ WORKING SCHEDULES WILL NEED TO BE REVISED AND SOME OFFICERS MAY BE REQUIRED TO WORK OVERTIME. THIS WILL INCUR MORE SPENDING ON OVERTIME ALLOWANCE.
"TO COPE WITH THE EXTENSION OF THE OPENING HOURS AT LOK MA CHAU IN DECEMBER, ADDITIONAL STAFF MAY BE REQUIRED. CONSIDERATION WILL BE GIVEN TO REDEPLOYMENT OF OFFICERS FROM OTHER DUTIES."
- - 0 - -
BUS PARADE TO COMMEMORATE INT’L ANTI-DRUG DAY TOMORROW * * * *
TO COMMEMORATE THE ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST DRUG ABUSE AND ILLICIT TRAFFICKING, FOUR DOUBLE-DECKERS CARRYING 50 YOUNG VOLUNTEERS WILL GO AROUND THE TERRITORY TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO DISSEMINATE ANTI-DRUG MESSAGES AND DISTRIBUTE PUBLICITY MATERIALS TO THE PUBLIC.
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, WILL OFFICIATE AT AN ANTI-DRUG EXHIBITION AND KICK OFF A BUS PARADE TO MARK THE EVENT AT NOON AT METROPLAZA, KWAI FONG.
THE FOUR DOUBLE-DECKERS, TWO OF WHICH SPONSORED BY THE CHINA MOTOR BUS COMPANY LIMITED, WILL GO TO EAST AND WEST NEW TERRITORIES, KOWLOON AND HONG KONG ISLAND RESPECTIVELY.
ANTI-DRUG SONGS WILL BE BROADCAST WHILE TRAVELLING.
THE BUSES WILL STOP AT SOME 20 LOCATIONS TO DISTRIBUTE PUBLICITY MATERIALS:
/ROUTE 1
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 1992
12
ROUTE 1 - NEW TERRITORIES EAST
TAI WAI KCR STATION - SHA TIN NEW TOWN PLAZA -TAI PO KCR STATION - FANLING KCR STATION AND CHOI YUEN ESTATE, SHEUNG SHUI.
ROUTE 2 - NEW TERRITORIES WEST
TSUEN WAN PLAZA - BUTTERFLY ESTATE, TUEN MUN -TUEN MUN TOWN PLAZA AND YUEN LONG PLAZA.
ROUTE 3 - KOWLOON AND HONG KONG EAST
WONG TAI SIN ESTATE - NGAU TAU KOK BUS TERMINUS - YUE MAN SQUARE , KWUN TONG - TAI KOO SHING AND PATERSON STREET , CAUSEWAY BAY.
ROUTE 4 - KOWLOON AND HONG KONG ISLAND
MONG KOK ROAD NEAR FA YUEN STREET - PUBLIC
SQUARE STREET, YAU MA TEI - STAR FERRY PIER,
TSIM SHA TSUI - ABERDEEN CENTRE AND CHATER ROAD, CENTRAL.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NARCOTICS DIVISION SAID TODAY (THURSDAY): "WE HOPE THAT THE INTERNATIONAL ANTI-DRUG DAY BUS PARADE, WITH THE PARTICIPATION OF YOUNG PEOPLE, COULD DISSEMINATE ANTI-DRUG MESSAGES TO THE COMMUNITY, THUS AROUSING THE AWARENESS OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC, ESPECIALLY YOUNG PEOPLE, TO THE DRUG PROBLEM AND THE DISASTROUS EFFECTS OF DRUG ABUSE."
THE ANTI-DRUG EXHIBITION IS ORGANISED BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE POLICE, CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, THE SOCIETY FOR THE AID AND REHABILITATION OF DRUG ABUSERS AND PS 33, A COUNSELLING CENTRE FOR PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCE ABUSERS.
IT WILL BE OPEN FROM NOON TO 6 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AND BETWEEN 10 AM AND 6 PM ON SATURDAY (JUNE 27) AND SUNDAY (JUNE 28).
A WIDE RANGE OF PANEL DISPLAYS INTRODUCING HONG KONG’S OVERALL ANTI-DRUG WORK AND THE ROLES PLAYED BY THE PARTICIPATING ORGANISATIONS WILL BE ON STAGE.
THE DISPLAYS OF THE POLICE AND CUSTOMS WILL ALSO HIGHLIGHT A NUMBER OF MAJOR DRUG TRAFFICKING AND MANUFACTURING CASES SMASHED IN THE PAST FEW YEARS.
A VIDEO WALL WILL BE SET UP TO SHOW TO THE AUDIENCE, PARTICULARLY YOUNGSTERS, VIDEOS GIVING AN IN SIGHT INTO THE HARMFUL EFFECTS AND CONSEQUENCES OF ABUSING PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES.
/ALSO ON .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 1992
13
ALSO ON DISPLAY WILL BE SEIZED DRUGS, DRUG-SMOKING PARAPHERNALIA AND DRUG CONCEALMENT DEVICES FROM BOTH THE POLICE AND CUSTOMS.
THREE LOCAL POP SINGERS WILL HELP DISSEMINATE ANTI-DRUG MESSAGE AT A MINI-CONCERT AT 2 PM ON SATURDAY (JUNE 27) AND SUNDAY (JUNE 28) ON THE EXHIBITION SITE.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, WILL OFFICIATE AT A CEREMONY TO COMMEMORATE THE ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST DRUG ABUSE AND ILLICIT TRAFFICKING AT THE CRYSTAL ATRIUM OF METROPLAZA, KWAI FONG, AT NOON TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
PRESS COVERAGE WILL BE WELCOME.
-----0-------
CALL TO KEEP SERVICE LIFTS PROPERLY MAINTAINED
*****
OWNERS OF SERVICE LIFTS ARE REMINDED NOT TO USE OR OPERATE THEIR LIFTS UNLESS THEY ARE PROPERLY MAINTAINED.
FAILURE TO DO SO WOULD MAKE THEM LIABLE TO PROSECUTION AND UPON CONVICTION TO A FINE OF $5,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR SIX MONTHS.
THIS ADVICE WAS GIVEN TODAY (THURSDAY) BY A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (EMSD) FOLLOWING THE CONVICTION LAST WEEK OF AN OWNER OF A SERVICE LIFT IN A PRESERVED SEAFOOD SHOP IN WESTERN DISTRICT.
THE SHOP OWNER WAS FINED THE MAXIMUM OF $5,000 FOR FAILING TO PRODUCE EVIDENCE ON THE PROPER MAINTENANCE OF THE LIFT, WHICH WAS FOUND TO BE IN A DILAPIDATED STATE AND HAD NOT BEEN MAINTAINED FOR AT LEAST FIVE YEARS.
THE OFFENCE WAS BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE DEPARTMENT DURING AN INVESTIGATION OF AN ACCIDENT IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR IN WHICH AN EMPLOYEE OF THE SHOP WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED AS A RESULT OF THE MALFUNCTIONING OF THE LIFT.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT UNDER THE EXISTING LEGISLATION, OWNERS OF SERVICE LIFTS ARE REQUIRED TO ENSURE THAT THEIR LIFTS ARE INSPECTED AND PROPERLY MAINTAINED BY REGISTERED CONTRACTORS AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR.
A LIST OF REGISTERED CONTRACTORS IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE EMSD BY THE PUBLIC. ENQUIRIES CONCERNING SERVICE LIFT SAFETY AND MAINTENANCE CAN ALSO BE MADE BY CALLING THE DEPARTMENT ON TEL 895 8623.
--------0--------
/14 .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 1992
14
EDUCATION COLLEGES INVITE ENROLMENT ******
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) REMINDED SECONDARY FIVE AND SEVEN LEAVERS WISHING TO STUDY AT THE FOUR COLLEGES OF EDUCATION THAT THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS NEXT TUESDAY (JUNE 30).
INTAKE OF STUDENT TEACHERS THIS YEAR TOTALS 1,100.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID STUDENTS WITH HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION (HKCEE) QUALIFICATIONS COULD APPLY FOR ADMISSION TO A THREE-YEAR COURSE AND THOSE WITH HONG KONG ADVANCED LEVEL EXAMINATION (HKAL) QUALIFICATIONS TO A TWO-YEAR COURSE.
’’FOLLOWING THE PUBLICATION OF THE EDUCATION COMMISSION REPORT NO. 5, WHICH RECOMMENDS, AMONG OTHER THINGS, IMPROVEMENTS TO THE WORKING ENVIRONMENT IN SCHOOLS, ENHANCEMENT OF THE TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAMME AND BETTER CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR TEACHERS, WE HOPE MORE YOUNG PEOPLE WILL JOIN THE TEACHING PROFESSION AND WORK TOWARDS THE GOALS OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, ITS KOWLOON SUB-OFFICE, THE FOUR COLLEGES OF EDUCATION (SIR ROBERT BLACK, NORTHCOTE, GRANTHAM, HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE) AND THE DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.
OTHER THAN THOSE WHO HAVE LEFT SCHOOL BEFORE SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR, APPLICANTS SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS THROUGH THEIR SCHOOL PRINCIPAL.
------0--------
GRANTS TO LOCAL ARTS GROUPS *****
THE COUNCIL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS (CFPA) HAS ADVISED THE GOVERNMENT TO AWARD GENERAL SUPPORT GRANTS OF $27.6 MILLION TO FOUR LOCAL PROFESSIONAL PERFORMING ARTS ORGANISATIONS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1992-93.
$11.03 MILLION WILL BE AWARDED TO HONG KONG BALLET LTD, $5,348 MILLION TO CITY CONTEMPORARY DANCE COMPANY, $5.4 MILLION TO CHUNG YING THEATRE COMPANY AND $5.8 MILLION TO HONG KONG ARTS FESTIVAL SOCIETY LTD.
IN ADDITION, THE CFPA HAS APPROVED TWO SEEDING GRANTS OF $3 MILLION AND $1 MILLION TO EXPLORATION THEATRE AND HONG KONG SINFONIETTA RESPECTIVELY TO HELP THEIR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT.
OVER THE PAST TWO MONTHS, TWO PERFORMING ARTS GROUPS IN THE DANCE FIELD, WHICH HAVE SUCCESSFULLY SOLICITED BUSINESS SPONSORSHIP, HAVE BEEN AWARDED A TOTAL OF $162,300 BY THE CFPA UNDER THE MATCHING GRANT SCHEME.
'THEY ARE..........
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 1992
15
THEY ARE CITY CONTEMPORARY DANCE COMPANY, SPONSORED BY PHILIP MORRIS (ASIA) INC. AND HONG KONG BALLET LTD, SPONSORED BY PHILIP MORRIS (ASIA) INC. AND PORTMAN SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, SHANGHAI.
THE CFPA HAS ALSO APPROVED 12 PROJECT GRANTS, TOTALLING $0.32 MILLION TO NINE PERFORMING ARTS ORGANISATIONS.
THEY ARE BIG FIGHT CANTONESE OPERA SOCIETY IN THE CHINESE OPERA FIELD, AND ZUNI ICOSAHEDRON IN THE DANCE AND ARTS SERVICES FIELD.
IN THE DRAMA FIELD ARE ACTORS’ FAMILY, HONG KONG STUDENT DRAMA ASSOCIATION, HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR THE AGED AND RED CALF DRAMA CLUB.
IN THE MUSIC FIELD, GRANTS HAVE BEEN AWARDED TO HONG KONG ORATORIO SOCIETY, HONG KONG JUVENILE AND YOUTH CHINESE CLASSICAL ORCHESTRA AND HONG KONG FESTIVAL FRINGE LTD.
APPLICATIONS FOR PROJECT AND MATCHING GRANTS CAN BE MADE ANY TIME IN THE YEAR.
THE APPLICANT ORGANISATION MUST BE AN APPROVED CHARITABLE INSTITUTION OR A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT-MAKING BODY.
APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED AT LEAST THREE MONTHS BEFORE THE PLANNED PERFORMANCE DATES TO ALLOW TIME FOR ASSESSMENT BY THE CFPA COMMITTEES.
APPLICATION FORMS FOR PROJECT AND MATCHING GRANTS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE CFPA SECRETARIAT ON 25TH FLOOR, SHUI ON CENTRE, 6-8 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI. TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 802 0869.
-------------------0-------- CHINA FLEET CLUB TO CLOSE IN DECEMBER *****
THE CHINA FLEET CLUB IN ARSENAL STREET, WAN CHAI, IS TO CLOSE IN DECEMBER.
ANNOUNCING THE DECISION TO CLOSE THE CLUB FROM DECEMBER 1, THE TRUSTEES SAID ALL SIX FLOORS OF THE CLUB WOULD BE AFFECTED IMMEDIATELY FROM THIS DATE BUT THAT THE SHOPPING FACILITIES RUN BY THE UNITED STATES NAVY CONTRACTING DEPARTMENT ON THE SEVENTH AND EIGHTH FLOORS WOULD CONTINUE AT LEAST IN THE SHORT TERM.
IN THE LONGER TERM, THE FUTURE OF THE SHOPPING FACILITIES ON THESE TWO FLOORS WAS A MATTER BETWEEN THE U.S. NAVY AND THE OWNERS OF THE BUILDING.
FOR THE PAST FEW YEARS, THE CLUB HAS BEEN SELF-FINANCING ON A NO-RENT BASIS, BUT THIS IS NOW COMING TO AN END AND, DESPITE A NUMBER OF ALTERNATIVE MEANS OF FUNDING HAVE BEEN EXPLORED, THE CLUB FACES AN UNSUSTAINABLE LOSS IF IT IS TO CARRY ON. IT IS PURELY AN ECONOMIC DECISION.
--------0-----------
/16
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 1992
- 16 -
TENDERS FOR SUPPLY AND MAINTENANCE OF RADIO PAGING RECEIVERS AND PROVISION OF PUBLIC RADIO PAGING SERVICES *****
THE GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SUPPLY, DELIVERY, COMMISSIONING OF RADIO PAGING RECEIVERS AND PROVISION OF PUBLIC RADIO PAGING SERVICES TO VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
THE TENDER SPECIFIES REQUIREMENTS FOR OVER 1,000 NUMBERS OF PAGERS OF DIFFERENT TYPES, VIZ.: TONE-ONLY PAGERS, NUMERIC DISPLAY PAGERS, ALPHA-NUMERIC DISPLAY PAGERS AND CHINESE CHARACTER DISPLAY PAGERS CATERING FOR NEEDS OF DIFFERENT USERS MAINLY ON-CALL OUTDOOR TECHNICAL/MAINTENANCE STAFF OF DIFFERENT DEPARTMENTS.
UNDER THE TENDER, THE SUCCESSFUL CONTRACTOR, APART FROM RESPONSIBLE FOR SUPPLY OF RADIO PAGING RECEIVERS, IS ALSO REQUIRED TO PROVIDE ONE-YEAR FREE WARRANTY AND THREE-YEAR MAINTENANCE PLUS FOUR-YEAR PUBLIC PAGING SERVICE FOR EACH RADIO PAGER PROCURED.
TRADE-IN SERVICES FOR AROUND 300 OLD PAGERS NOW USED BY GOVERNMENT STAFF SHOULD ALSO BE PROVIDED.
THE NEW CONTRACT WILL LAST FOR 24 MONTHS STARTING IN
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.
ORDERS WILL BE ISSUED FROM VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS ON AN "AS AND WHEN REQUIRED BASIS".
THIS IS THE FOURTH TIME THAT THE GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT INITIATES BULK TENDER FOR THE SUPPLY OF RADIO PAGING RECEIVERS AND RELATED SERVICES.
THE TENDERS CALL FOR THE GREATEST QUANTITY AMONG THE FOUR.
TENDER NOTIFICATIONS WILL BE GAZETTED TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE FIRST OF ITS KIND WAS ISSUED AND CONCLUDED IN 1986 AND AT THAT TIME ONLY 650 PAGERS WERE REQUIRED.
TENDER FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT PROCUREMENT DIVISION, SIXTH FLOOR, GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT, 12 OIL STREET, NORTH POINT, HONG KONG.
---------0-----------
/17........
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 1992
- 17 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
* ♦ ♦ * * $ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE REVERSAL OF LAF ACCOUNT 988 NIL
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 988
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY EFFECT OF LAF TODAY NIL + 600
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,588
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 110.6 ♦-0.2* 25.6.92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS
TERMS YIELD TERM
1 WEEK 2.80 PCT 17 MONTHS
1 MONTH 2.79 PCT 20 MONTHS
3 MONTHS 2.84 PCT 23 MONTHS
6 MONTHS 3.20 PCT
12 ! MONTHS 3.90 PCT
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
2311 6.25 102.53 4.41
2402 5.50 101.17 4.80
2405 5.50 100.89 5.06
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS
CLOSED 25 JUNE 1992
- 3,773 MN
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CONSUMER PRICE INDICES FOR MAY ........................................ 1
DISCUSSIONS WITH GOVERNOR-DESIGNATE USEFUL — FS ....................... 7
MORE TO GET LEGAL AID BENEFITS ........................................ 8
TWO ANTI-DRUG RULES EFFECTIVE TODAY ................................... 9
KOWLOON WALLED CITY CLEAREES URGED TO LEAVE BY TUESDAY ................ 10
REVISED FEES FOR AFD SERVICES ......................................... 1°
SCHOOLS GIVEN MORE FLEXIBILITY AND ROOM FOR INITIATIVE ................ 12
HK FULLY CO-OPERATES IN DRUG FIGHT..................................... 14
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR MAY ..................................... 10
SURVEY FINDINGS ON MEDIA INFLUENCE ON YOUTH RELEASED .................. 18
TWO BOAT CLUB INSHORE PROJECTS GAZETTED ............................... 21
ALBANY ROAD PLAYGROUND TO GET IMPROVEMENTS ............................ 22
TENDERS INVITED FOR SEWAGE PUMPING STATION ............................ 22
EDUCATION GOALS NEED TRIPARTITE PARTNERSHIP ........................... 23
SHEUNG WAN ROADS TO BE CLOSED FOR URBAN RENEWAL ....................... 24
GOVT TO CONDUCT HEALTH MANPOWER SURVEY ................................ 24
PRE-QUALIFIED TENDERERS INVITED TO BID FOR TWO DEMOLITION WORKS ....... 25
TRIPARTITE EFFORTS TO BOOST CHILD CARE SERVICES ....................... 26
NEW TB CASES ON DECLINE ............................................... 27
BANKING LICENCE REVOKED ............................................... 28
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............ 28
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1992
- 1 -
CONSUMER PRICE INDICES FOR MAY
******
CONSUMER PRICE INFLATION CONTINUED TO MODERATE LAST MONTH, ACCORDING TO FIGURES RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) WAS 8.8% HIGHER THAN IN MAY LAST YEAR. THIS COMPARED WITH A SLIGHTLY HIGHER FIGURE OF 8.9% IN THE PRECEDING MONTH, AND THE PEAK FIGURE OF 13.9% IN APRIL LAST YEAR.
THE CPI(B) AND THE HANG SENG CPI SHOWED A SIMILAR TREND. IN MAY 1992, THEY WERE HIGHER BY 9.0% AND 9.5% RESPECTIVELY THAN IN MAY LAST YEAR.
THE CORRESPONDING INCREASES IN THE PRECEDING MONTH WERE 9.2% AND 9.7%.
THE COMPOSITE CPI, WHICH WAS COMPILED BASED ON THE COMBINED EXPENDITURE PATTERN OF HOUSEHOLDS COVERED BY THE THREE CPIS, SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 9.1% IN MAY 1992 OVER THE SAME MONTH IN 1991.
THE CORRESPONDING INCREASE IN THE PRECEDING MONTH WAS 9.2%.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, WELCOMED THE CONTINUING DOWNWARD TREND IN THE INFLATION FIGURES.
THE LESS RAPID INCREASE IN THE CPIS IN MAY 1992 WAS MAINLY DUE TO THE PRICES OF FRESH VEGETABLES, WHICH SHOWED A MUCH SLOWER YEAR-ON-YEAR RATE OF INCREASE.
COMPARING MAY 1992 WITH MAY 1991, THE PRICES OF ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO REGISTERED A DECREASE OF 0.8% IN THE CPI(A) AND AN INCREASE OF 2.0% IN THE CPI(B).
RELATIVELY SLOWER INCREASES IN PRICES WERE RECORDED FOR DURABLE GOODS (2.2% IN THE CPI(A) AND 2.3% IN THE CPI(B)); TRANSPORT (5.8% AND 6.0%); FUEL AND LIGHT (6.3% AND 5.9%); MISCELLANEOUS GOODS (7.0% AND 6.5%); FOOD (EXCLUDING MEALS AT RESTAURANT) (7.4% AND 7.1%); AND CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR (8.2% AND 8.0%).
ON THE OTHER HAND, RELATIVELY FASTER INCREASES IN PRICES WERE RECORDED FOR MEALS AT RESTAURANTS (10.7% IN THE CPI(A) AND 10.6% IN THE CPI(B)); HOUSING (11.5% AND 11.8%); AND SERVICES (12.1% AND 11.5%).
COMPARING MAY 1992 WITH APRIL 1992, THE CPI(A) SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE, WHILE THE CPI(B) AND THE HANG SENG CPI INCREASED BY 0.3% AND 1.1% RESPECTIVELY.
THIS COMPARISON WAS, HOWEVER, AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS. THE RISE WAS LARGELY DUE TO HIGHER RENTS FOR SOME PRIVATE HOUSING UNITS, HIGHER CHARGES FOR MEALS AT RESTAURANTS, AND HIGHER MTR, KCR AND LRT FARES.
/THE EFFECT .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1992
- 2 -
THE EFFECT OF THESE PRICE INCREASES WAS NEVERTHELESS OFFSET TO A SIGNIFICANT EXTENT BY THE CHEAPER PRICES OF FRESH VEGETABLES.
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MAY 1992, THE CPI(A) WAS, ON AVERAGE, HIGHER BY 9.0% THAN IN THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MAY 1991. THE CORRESPONDING FIGURE WAS 9.3% FOR THE CPI(B).
FOR THE PERIOD OF JANUARY TO MAY 1992, BOTH THE CPI(A) AND CPI(B) WERE, ON AVERAGE, HIGHER BY 9.6% THAN IN THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD OF 1991.
FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED MAY 1992, THE CPI(A) WAS, ON AVERAGE, HIGHER BY 10.8% THAN IN THE PRECEDING 12-MONTH PERIOD. THE CORRESPONDING FIGURE WAS 10.6% FOR THE CPI(B).
ON A SEASONALLY ADJUSTED BASIS, BOTH THE CPI(A) AND CPI(B) INCREASED AT AN AVERAGE RATE OF 0.8% PER MONTH DURING THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MAY 1992.
THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT
MORE DETAILS ARE GIVEN IN THE ’’CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT” FOR MAY 1992, WHICH IS AVAILABLE AT $9 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, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG; OR FROM THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, HONG KONG FOR LOCAL AND OVERSEAS MAILINGS.
FOR ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE INDICES, PLEASE 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 .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1992
- 3 -
Table 1 Consumer Price Indices and Rates of Increase for May 1992 (Oct. 89 - Sep. 90 = 100)
Component CPI(A) Index % change for over May 92 May 91 CPI(B) Index % change for over May 92 May 91 Hang Index for May 92 Seng CPI % change over May 91 Composite CPI Index % change for over May 92 May 91
Food 122.7 +9.1 123.8 +9.2 122.6 +9.6 123.1 +9.2
Meals bought away from home 128.5 +10.7 128.4 +10.6 124.8 +10.9 127.7 +10.7
Food, excluding meals bought away from home 117.0 +7.4 117.5 +7.1 118.8 +7.2 117.5 +7.3
Housing 129.1 +11.5 128.6 +11.8 129.9 +11.8 129.2 + 11.7
Fuel and light 115.7 +6.3 115.1 +5.9 114.9 +5.0 115.3 +5.9
Alcoholic drinks and tobacco 161.2 -0.8 153.3 +2.0 149.7 +3.5 156.8 +0.7
Clothing and footwear 120.5 +8.2 121.5 +8.0 129.1 + 11.1 123.9 +9.1
Durable goods 107.2 +2.2 106.9 +2.3 109.4 + 3.7 107.8 +2.6
Miscellaneous goods 114.9 +7.0 113.8 +6.5 113.3 +5.8 114.1 +6.5
Transport 124.9 +5.8 124.6 +6.0 125.0 +6.2 124.8 +6.0
Services 127.0 + 12.1 125.2 +11.5 121.5 +10.1 124.7 +11.3
All items 124.0 +8.8 123.8 +9.0 124.2 +9.5 124.0 +9.1
The 1989/90-based consumer price indices are based on the expenditure patterns derived from the 1989/90 Household Expenditure Survey. The CPI(A) is based on the expenditure pattern of about 50% of urban households in Hong Kong, which had an average monthly expenditure of $2,500-$9,999 a month in 1989/90. The CPI(B) is based on the expenditure pattern of the next 30% of urban households, which had an average monthly expenditure of $10,000-817,499 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), CPI(B) and Hang Seng CPI show the impact of consumer price changes on different groups of households, Die Composite CPI shows the impact of consumer price changes on the household sector generally.
/Table 2 .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1992
Table 2 Year/month Consumer Price Indices for October 1990 - May 1992
(Oct. 89 - Sep. 90 = = 100) Hang Seng CPI Composite CPI
CPI(A) CPI(B)
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
April 113.9 113.0 112.0 113.1
May 114.0 113.6 113.4 113.7
June 114.6 114.1 113.9 114.2
July 115.4 114.8 113.9 114.8
August 116.0 115.3 114.6 115.4
September 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
February 121.8 121.2 121.0 121.4
March 122.5 121.9 121.8 122.1
April 124.0 123.4 122.9 123.5
May 124.0 123.8 124.2 124.0
/Chart 1 .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1992
- 5 -
Chart 1 Year-on-year Rates of Increase in CPI(A)
Chart 2 Year-on-year Rates of Increase in CPI(B)
/Chart 3 .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1992
- 6
Chart 3 Year-on-year Rates of Increase in Hang Seng CPI
Chart 4 Year-on-year Rates of Increase in Composite CPI
/7........
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1992
DISCUSSIONS WITH GOVERNOR-DESIGNATE USEFUL -- FS
******
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT HE HAD A VERY GOOD TRIP TO LONDON AND HAD VERY THOROUGH DISCUSSIONS WITH THE GOVERNOR-DESIGNATE, MR CHRIS PATTEN, ON MOST OF THE KEY ISSUES.
ASKED BY MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA ON HIS RETURN AT KAI TAK ABOUT HIS MEETINGS WITH MR PATTEN, MR MACLEOD SAID THE GOVERNOR-DESIGNATE WAS WELL INFORMED AND EXTREMELY ENTHUSIASTIC TO GET ON AND GRAPPLE WITH THOSE ISSUES.
"I SPENT MONDAY MORNING WITH HIM AND AGAIN WE RESUMED ON TUESDAY MORNING. SO WE HAD A CHANCE FOR A VERY THOROUGH RUN OVER MOST OF THE AREAS WHICH I COVER”.
MR MACLEOD SAID MR PATTEN HAD ALREADY READ BRIEFS FROM HONG KONG AND THEY WERE THEREFORE ABLE TO GET STRAIGHT INTO THE HEART OF ISSUES SUCH AS INFLATION, THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME, HIS EXPERIENCES IN THE LAST BUDGET AND THOUGHTS ABOUT HOW TO HANDLE THE NEXT BUDGET.
MR MACLEOD SAID HE FOUND SUCH CLEAR, DIRECT CONVERSATIONS BETWEEN THE TWO OF THEM EXTREMELY USEFUL.
ASKED TO COMMENT ON THE INFLATION FIGURE FOR THE MONTH OF MAY, MR MACLEOD SAID IT WAS SLIGHTLY DOWN FROM 8.9 PER CENT TO 8.8 PER CENT AND HE WAS ENCOURAGED THAT IT WAS STILL GOING DOWN.
"WE HAD A VERY CONSIDERABLE DOWNWARD TREND SINCE THE 13.9 PER CENT WHICH WAS ONLY ABOUT A YEAR AGO -- APRIL 1991. BUT I AM NOT OF COURSE AT ALL SAYING THAT THE PROBLEM IS OVER. CLEARLY WE ARE CONCERNED THAT IT IS STILL HIGH."
HE SAID IN PARTICULAR, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD KEEP A WATCH ON DOMESTIC PROPERTY PRICES AND THE ECONOMY IN GENERAL.
ASKED WHETHER THERE WAS CONCERN IN LONDON ABOUT THE AIRPORT PROJECT, MR MACLEOD SAID: "CERTAINLY THERE’S A LOT OF INTEREST IN THE AIRPORT PROJECT AND HOW SOON WE CAN GET ON WITH THE TALKS."
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION ON WHEN A FIRM DATE WOULD BE SET FOR THE HIGH LEVEL TALKS, MR MACLEOD SAID HE DID NOT KNOW, BUT HE HOPED THAT IT WOULD BE VERY SOON. "I THINK THERE’S NO DISAGREEMENT ON THAT, THAT WE SHOULD GET ON AND HAVE THOSE TALKS AND TRY TO REACH A SOLUTION FAIRLY SOON."
ON HIS VISIT, MR MACLEOD TOLD REPORTERS THAT HE TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO CALL ON THE GOVERNOR OF THE BANK OF ENGLAND AND SOME OF HIS KEY STAFF. "IT’S QUITE IMPORTANT FOR ME TO KEEP IN TOUCH WITH THE BANK OF ENGLAND WHO ARE VERY HELPFUL TO US IN GIVING US ADVICE AND OCCASIONALLY LENDING US EXPERTS ON MONETARY MATTERS."
HE ALSO MET THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR MICHAEL HESELTINE, TO TALK ABOUT ISSUES OF MUTUAL INTEREST. OTHER SENIOR OFFICIALS WHOM MR MACLEOD MET IN LONDON INCLUDED THE TWO PERMANENT SECRETARIES OF THE UNITED KINGDOM TREASURY.
------0------------
/8........
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1992
8 - , ■ ,
< 4 < » V
MORE TO GET LEGAL AID BENEFITS *****
MORE PEOPLE ARE EXPECTED TO BECOME FINANCIALLY ELIGIBLE FOR LEGAL AID UNDER A NEW MEANS TEST WHICH WILL TAKE EFFECT ON JULY 1.
THE NECESSARY FUNDING FOR THE NEW MEANS TEST, CALLED THE "FINANCIAL CAPACITY" APPROACH, HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE TODAY (FRIDAY).
ANY PERSON APPLYING FOR LEGAL AID HAS TO SATISFY THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA ON BOTH MEANS AND MERITS GROUNDS.
AT PRESENT, AN APPLICANT IS REQUIRED TO SATISFY THE FINANCIAL LIMITS ON BOTH DISPOSABLE MONTHLY INCOME ($2,200) AND DISPOSABLE CAPITAL ($15,000).
THIS APPROACH DISADVANTAGES APPLICANTS WHOSE RESOURCES CONSIST MAINLY OF EITHER INCOME OR CAPITAL.
MOREOVER, THE FINANCIAL LIMITS WHICH WERE LAST REVISED IN 1986 LAG BEHIND INCREASES IN EARNINGS OVER THE YEARS AND NEED TO. BE UPDATED.
THE NEW "FINANCIAL CAPACITY” APPROACH TOWARDS MEANS TESTING REMOVES THE DRAWBACKS OF THE EXISTING SYSTEM FOR ASSESSING MEANS AND BRINGS THE FINANCIAL LIMITS UP TO DATE.
UNDER THIS APPROACH, AN APPLICANT’S MEANS ARE ASSESSED ON THE BASIS OF HIS AGGREGATE "FINANCIAL RESOURCES", INCLUDING DISPOSABLE ANNUAL INCOME AND DISPOSABLE CAPITAL.
THE NEW LIMIT OF THE "FINANCIAL RESOURCES" AT $120,000 WILL ALSO ENABLE MORE APPLICANTS TO BECOME FINANCIALLY ELIGIBLE FOR LEGAL AID.
THE LAWS HAVE ALSO BEEN AMENDED TO GIVE THE DIRECTOR OF LEGAL AID THE DISCRETION TO GRANT LEGAL AI.D IN CRIMINAL CASES TO APPLICANTS WHOSE FINANCIAL RESOURCES EXCEED THE $120,000 LIMIT.
THIS DISCRETION WILL BE EXERCISED WHERE THE APPLICANT CANNOT AFFORD THE COST OF LEGAL REPRESENTATION BUT WHERE PROVISION OF LEGAL ASSISTANCE AT PUBLIC EXPENSE IS DESIRABLE IN THE INTERESTS OF JUSTICE.
THE NECESSARY LEGISLATIVE WORK FOR IMPLEMENTING THE "FINANCIAL CAPACITY" APPROACH HAS BEEN COMPLETED.
RESOURCES HAVE BEEN PROVIDED FOR IMPLEMENTING THE APPROACH IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR.
|< • xp- Z L 0---------
/9.........
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1992
- 9
TWO ANTI-DRUG RULES EFFECTIVE TODAY
******
TWO ANTI-DRUG BILLS PASSED BY THE WEDNESDAY CAME INTO EFFECT TODAY (FRIDAY).
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON
THEY ARE THE DANGEROUS DRUGS (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) ORDINANCE 1992 AND THE ACETYLATING SUBSTANCES (CONTROL) (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1992.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NARCOTICS DIVISION OF GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT SAID AMENDMENTS TO THE ORDINANCES WERE MADE AS A RESULT OF AN APPEAL COURT RULING LAST YEAR THAT CERTAIN PRESUMPTIONS IN THE DANGEROUS DRUGS ORDINANCE HAD BEEN REPEALED BY THE BILL OF RIGHTS ORDINANCE.
"THE OPPORTUNITY HAS ALSO BEEN TAKEN TO UPDATE CERTAIN PROVISIONS TO MAINTAIN AN APPROPRIATE LEVEL OF DETERRENT," HE SAID.
AMENDMENTS TO THE DANGEROUS DRUGS ORDINANCE INCLUDE:
* REMOVING THE SEPARATE OFFENCE OF POSSESSION OF DANGEROUS DRUGS FOR THE PURPOSES OF UNLAWFUL TRAFFICKING AND INCLUDING THIS OFFENCE AS A TRAFFICKING OFFENCE;
* INCREASING THE MAXIMUM PENALTIES FOR POSSESSION OFFENCES ON INDICTMENT TO SEVEN YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT AND A FINE OF $1 MILLION;
* INCREASING THE MAXIMUM FINE FOR POSSESSION OFFENCES ON SUMMARY CONVICTION TO $100,000, WHILE RETAINING THE MAXIMUM TERM OF IMPRISONMENT AT THREE YEARS; AND
* AMENDING AND REPEALING INCOMPATIBLE PRESUMPTIONS, FOR EXAMPLE, THE PRESCRIBED MINIMUM AMOUNTS OF DRUGS FOR THE PURPOSE OF UNLAWFUL TRAFFICKING WERE REPEALED, AND THE SCOPE OF THE PRESUMPTION CONCERNING POSSESSION OF DANGEROUS DRUGS WAS RESTRICTED.
THE ACETYLATING SUBSTANCES (CONTROL) (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1992 HAS MADE SIMILAR AMENDMENTS TO RESTRICT THE SCOPE OF THE PRESUMPTION CONCERNING POSSESSION OF ACETYLATING SUBSTANCES.
--------0-----------
/10........
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1992
- 10 -
KOWLOON WALLED CITY CLEAREES URGED TO LEAVE BY TUESDAY
******
THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS (SPECIAL DUTIES), MR PHILIP CHOK, TODAY (FRIDAY) URGED KOWLOON WALLED CITY CLEAREES STILL REMAINING IN PHASE III OF THE CLEARANCE TO LEAVE BY NEXT TUESDAY (JUNE 30) REGARDLESS OF WHETHER OR NOT THEY HAVE ACCEPTED GOVERNMENT’S COMPENSATION OFFERS.
"THE GOVERNMENT IS DETERMINED TO SEE THIS CLEARANCE THROUGH. IT WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED ON JULY 1," MR CHOK SAID.
AT PRESENT, 232 HOUSEHOLDS REMAIN IN PHASE III. OF THESE, ONLY 86 HAVE YET TO ACCEPT GOVERNMENT’S COMPENSATION OFFERS.
MR CHOK ADDED THAT THOSE PHASE III CLEAREES WHO REMAIN DISSATISFIED WITH GOVERNMENT’S COMPENSATION OFFERS WOULD HAVE UP TO AUGUST 2 EITHER TO SUBMIT DOCUMENTS TO SUBSTANTIATE A CLAIM FOR HIGHER COMPENSATION OR TO APPEAL TO THE ASSESSMENT REVIEW BOARD.
"FURTHERMORE, AUGUST 2 WILL ALSO BE THE DEADLINE FOR APPEALS TO THE APPEALS TRIBUNAL FOR CLEAREES FROM ALL PHASES OF THE WALLED CITY," HE SAID.
WITH THE COMPLETION OF PHASE III CLEARANCE, THE WALLED CITY WILL BE FREE OF INHABITANTS.
THE GOVERNMENT WILL SPEED UP ASBESTOS REMOVAL WORK AND PREPARE FOR THE SITE TO BE HANDED OVER TO THE DEMOLITION CONTRACTOR IN OCTOBER.
THE PROJECT IS ESTIMATED TO COST OVER $3.1 BILLION. SO FAR GOVERNMENT HAS PAID OUT $2.84 BILLION.
--------0-----------
REVISED FEES FOR AFD SERVICES * * * *
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT (AFD) TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT FEES FOR SEVERAL CATEGORIES OF ITS SERVICES WILL BE REVISED FROM JULY 1.
THESE INCLUDE FEES FOR RE-EXPORT CERTIFICATES ISSUED IN RELATION TO THE CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA AND FLORA (CITES); FEES FOR HEALTH CERTIFICATES AND OFFICIAL VETERINARY EXAMINATION OF MAMMALS AND BIRDS; AND FEES FOR THE PURCHASE OF FOREST END ORNAMENTAL TREE SEEDLINGS FROM THE AFD.
FEES FOR CITES RE-EXPORT CERTIFICATES WILL GO UP FROM $110 TO $135, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID, ADDING THAT THE LAST FEE REVISION WAS MADE IN MAY LAST YEAR.
/THESE CERTIFICATES
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1992
THESE CERTIFICATES WERE ISSUED MAINLY FOR THE PURPOSE OF RE-EXPORTING HANDBAGS, SHOES, BELTS AND OTHER MANUFACTURED PRODUCTS MADE FORM SKINS OF SNAKES, LIZARDS AND CROCODILES; ARTIFICIALLY PROPAGATED PLANT MATERIALS AND PRODUCTS SUCH AS AMERICAN GINSENG ROOT; AS WELL AS HIPPO TEETH CARVINGS AND MINK COATS, HE EXPLAINED.
AS FOR THE OFFICIAL VETERINARY EXAMINATION (INCLUDING ISSUE OF HEALTH CERTIFICATES) OF MAMMALS, BIRDS, REPTILES, AMPHIBIANS, FISH, INVERTEBRATES, BEES, ANIMAL BY-PRODUCTS, ANIMAL FEEDING STUFFS AND FOOD CONTAINING ANIMAL OR POULTRY PRODUCTS FOR EXPORT FROM HONG KONG, THE FOLLOWING FEES WILL BE CHARGED:
EXAMINATION FEES $ VISITING FEES $
1. FOR EXAMINATION OF MAMMALS: (A) FOR A SINGLE ANIMAL 145 655
(B) FOR A CONSIGNMENT OF UP TO 50 ANIMALS HEADS OF 350 655
2. (C) FOR A CONSIGNMENT EXCEEDING 50 ANIMALS FOR EXAMINATION OF BIRDS, REPTILES, AMPHIBIANS, FISH AND INVERTEBRATES THAN BEES: (A) FOR A SINGLE ANIMAL HEADS OF OTHER 555 145 655 655
3. (B) FOR A CONSIGNMENT OF UP TO 100 HEADS OF ANIMALS (C) FOR A CONSIGNMENT OF EXCEEDING 100 HEADS OF ANIMALS FOR EXAMINATION OF ANIMAL BY-PRODUCTS AND ANIMAL FEEDING STUFFS: 350 555 655 655
(A) FOR A CONSIGNMENT OF UP TO 10, 000 KGS. 165 295
(B) FOR A CONSIGNMENT EXCEEDING 10 AND UP TO 20,000 KGS. ,000 KGS. 210 295
4 . (C) FOR A CONSIGNMENT EXCEEDING 20 FOR EXAMINATION OF BEES: (A) FOR EACH HIVE (B) FOR EACH ADDITIONAL HIVE ,000 KGS. 275 155 105 295 735
5. FOR EXAMINATION OF FOOD CONTAINING POULTRY PRODUCTS ANIMAL OR 3,800 -
/THE REVISED .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1992
12
THE REVISED FEES ARE CHARGED ON A FULL COST RECOVERY BASIS AND TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE INFLATION RATE SINCE THE FEES WERE LAST SET IN JUNE 1989.
REGARDING THE PURCHASE OF FOREST AND ORNAMENTAL TREE SEEDLINGS FROM THE DEPARTMENT, THE FOLLOWING NEW CHARGES WILL APPLY:
APPROXIMATE HEIGHT
UNIT PRICE
(MM)
($)
150 TO 300
301 TO 600
601 TO 1,750
6.5
13.5
20.0
PREVIOUS FEES FOR THIS SERVICE WERE SET IN SEPTEMBER 1990, SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE
HE ADDED THAT A LIST OF THE SEEDLINGS AVAILABLE INFORMATION ON THE SALE AND ORDERING PROCEDURES MAY BE OBTAINED APPLICATION FROM THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES.
AND ON
(SMI)
THE VARIOUS REVISIONS OF FEES WERE GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
- - 0------
SCHOOLS GIVEN MORE FLEXIBILITY AND ROOM FOR INITIATIVE
*****
THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO EXTEND SCHEME THROUGHOUT PUBLIC SECTOR
THE SCHOOL MANAGEMENT INITIATIVE SCHOOLS WITHIN A FEW YEARS.
AT PRESENT, 21 VOLUNTEER-AIDED SECONDARY SCHOOLS HAVE PART IN THE FIRST PHASE OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS NEW INITIATIVE.
TAKEN
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS SELECTED 10 GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS AND
INVITING MORE AIDED SCHOOLS TO JOIN THE SECOND STAGE OF IMPLEMENTATION WHICH WILL BEGIN IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.
"THE SCHEME WILL BE EXTENDED TO GOVERNMENT AND AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN SEPTEMBER 1993 AND FURTHER TO SPECIAL SCHOOLS IN SEPTEMBER 1994," THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
"INEVITABLY THERE WILL BE TEETHING PROBLEMS IN THE STAGES, BUT WITH GOODWILL AND THE COMMITMENT TO PROVIDE i EDUCATION, IT SHOULD BE POSSIBLE TO EXTEND SMI IN A TRIED MANNER TO ALL OTHER SCHOOLS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR - PRIMARY SECONDARY - WITHIN A FEW YEARS," HE ADDED.
AND
EARLY QUALITY TESTED
AS WELL AS
MR CHAN WAS SPEAKING AT THE PO LEUNG KUK DIRECTORS’ LUNCHEON.
/EXPLAINING THE .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1992
13
EXPLAINING THE BACKGROUND AND AIMS OF THE SMI, MR CHAN SAID IT WAS IN ESSENCE A CO-ORDINATED SET OF PROPOSALS FOR ENABLING SCHOOLS TO MAKE THOSE DECISIONS ABOUT THEIR SERVICES WHICH WERE BEST MADE AT THE SCHOOL LEVEL.
HE SAID SMI ALSO TOUCHED ON A FUNDAMENTAL PROBLEM CONNECTED WITH THE PRESENT FRAMEWORK OF CONTROLS UNDER THE EDUCATION ORDINANCE AND THE CODES OF AID WHICH WERE BASED ON A "POLICING" PHILOSOPHY.
THE LEGISLATION CONTAINS A LARGE NUMBER OF PENALTIES AIMED AT THE CONTROL OF "WRONGDOING" IN SCHOOLS WHILE THE CODES CONTAIN A LOT OF DETAIL AIMED AT CONTROLLING COST.
BUT THERE IS LITTLE IN THE PRESENT FRAMEWORK ABOUT ENCOURAGING EFFECTIVENESS .
"IN DEVOLVING MORE POWER TO SCHOOLS TO RUN THEMSELVES MORE EFFICIENTLY, THEREFORE, SMI SEEKS TO CHANGE THE ROLE OF THE EDUCATION AUTHORITIES FROM ONE OF CONTROL, TO ONE OF SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT FOR SCHOOLS, PROVIDING A FRAMEWORK WHERE EACH SCHOOL HAS MORE FLEXIBILITY AND ROOM FOR INITIATIVE BETTER TO SERVE THE NEEDS OF ITS STUDENTS," MR CHAN SAID.
"IN LINE WITH THIS NEW APPROACH, WE ARE CURRENTLY REVIEWING THE EDUCATION ORDINANCE AND THE CODES OF AID.
BUT MR CHAN WAS QUICK TO DISMISS THE MISUNDERSTANDING AND MISREPRESENTATION OF SOME COMMENTATORS THAT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SMI WAS AN ATTEMPT BY THE GOVERNMENT TO WASH ITS HANDS OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR EDUCATION.
NOR DID HE AGREE THAT IT IS SIMPLY A TRICK TO REDUCE THE FUNDING OF SCHOOLS AND A DEVICE TO FORCE SCHOOLS INTO A STRAITJACKET OF CONTROLS.
HE EXPLAINED: "THE PRESENT EMPHASIS IN THE ARRANGEMENTS WITH THESE SCHOOLS, AS I HAVE ALREADY SAID IS ON OVER-DETAILED CONTROLS, WHICH DO LITTLE TO ENCOURAGE, AND MAY INDEED HAMPER, GOOD MANAGEMENT AND QUALITY SERVICE.
"THE AIM OF SMI IS TO CHANGE THE EMPHASIS, TOWARDS A FRAMEWORK WHERE RESPONSIBILITIES ARE CLEARLY DEFINED; WHERE MORE DECISION-MAKING AUTHORITY IS DEVOLVED TO SCHOOLS; AND WHERE THOSE WHO USE THE SERVICES OF THE SCHOOL CAN BE INFORMED OF ITS ACHIEVEMENTS.
"THE GOVERNMENT WILL RETAIN, UNDER THIS NEW FRAMEWORK, ULTIMATE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE EDUCATION SERVICE, AND WILL CONTINUE TO BACK SCHOOLS UP WITH FUNDING, CENTRAL SUPPORT SERVICES, ADVICE, AND - WHERE NECESSARY - CONTROLS."
AS REGARDS FUNDING, MR CHAN NOTED THAT A SCHOOL JOINING THE SMI WOULD RECEIVE THE SAME FUNDING AS A COMPARABLE SCHOOL NOT IN THE SMI.
THE DIFFERENCE LIES IN THE FLEXIBILITY THE SMI SCHOOL WILL ENJOY IN THE USE OF ITS BLOCK GRANT FOR ITEMS OTHER THAN TEACHER SALARIES.
/"THIS FLEXIBILITY, ........
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1992
- 14
"THIS FLEXIBILITY, ALLIED WITH THE NEW PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES BEING DEVELOPED IN THE SMI SCHOOLS, SHOULD SIGNIFICANTLY ENHANCE THE MOTIVATION AND MORALE OF SCHOOLS AND THEIR STAFF, WITH OBVIOUS BENEFITS TO THE QUALITY OF THEIR SERVICE," HE SAID.
"IT IS TRUE, OF COURSE, THAT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH ARE UNDER CONSTANT PRESSURE TO FIND WAYS TO OBTAIN MORE PRODUCTIVE USE OF THE ENORMOUS RESOURCES DEVOTED TO SCHOOLS.
"THIS IS ESSENTIAL IF WE ARE TO FUND THE MANY IMPORTANT IMPROVEMENT MEASURES WHICH YOU AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SO EAGERLY DESIRE.
"BUT ANY SAVINGS WE IDENTIFY WILL APPLY TO SCHOOLS GENERALLY," HE STRESSED.
--------0-----------
HK FULLY CO-OPERATES IN DRUG FIGHT
HONG KONG CO-OPERATES TO THE FULLEST POSSIBLE EXTENT IN THE INTERNATIONAL FIGHT AGAINST DRUG ABUSE AND DRUG TRAFFICKING.
™IS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, TODAY (FRIDAY) WHEN OFFICIATING AT AN ANTI-DRUG EXHIBITION COMMEMORATE THE ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL DAY
ILLICIT TRAFFICKING.
TO
AND
AGAINST DRUG ABUSE
HE SAID: "WE HAVE ENTERED INTO ASSISTANCE AGREEMENTS WITH 10 OVERSEAS FOREIGN COURT ORDERS TO BE ENFORCED IN HONG
BILATERAL MUTUAL LEGAL JURISDICTIONS TO ENABLE KONG, AND VICE VERSA.
"THIS MEANS THAT WE ARE ABLE TO CONFISCATE THE THOSE WHO BENEFIT FROM DRUG TRAFFICKING.
PROCEEDS OF
ru DECEMBER WE ALSO ASSISTED THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION IN ORGANISING A WORKSHOP ON DRUG ABUSE PREVENTION AND CONTROL IN CHINA, HONG KONG, AND MACAU."
MR ASPREY ADDED THAT AS KONG HAD CONTINUED TO CO-OPERATE TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION.
A RESULT OF THE WORKSHOP, HONG WITH CHINA AND MACAU IN PREVENTION,
"HONG KONG ALSO CONTINUES TO PARTICIPATE ACTIVELY IN THE BUSINESS OF INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS, SUCH AS THE UNITED NATIONS COMMISSION ON NARCOTIC DRUGS, THE FINANCIAL ACTION TASK FORCE AND THF CHEMICAL ACTION TASK FORCE."
/THE SECRETARY .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1992
- 15 -
THE SECRETARY EMPHASISED THAT THE POLICE FORCE AND THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT CONTINUED TO TAKE VIGOROUS ACTION TO RESTRICT THE FLOW OF NARCOTIC DRUGS AND PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES INTO HONG KONG, RESULTING IN A NUMBER OF LARGE SEIZURES OF DRUGS DESTINED FOR HONG KONG, BUT PRINCIPALLY FOR TRANSIT ELSEWHERE.
WHILE TALKING ABOUT TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION PROGRAMMES, MR ASPREY SAID HONG KONG HAD, FOR MANY YEARS, ADOPTED A WIDE RANGE OF MEASURES, AIMED AT PROVIDING HELP TO THOSE WHO HAD FALLEN VICTIMS TO DRUG ABUSE.
HE SAID DRUG ABUSE WAS A CHRONICALLY RELAPSING DISEASE, AND, THEREFORE, IT WAS NOT SURPRISING THAT MANY VICTIMS FOUND THEMSELVES UNABLE TO CONTINUE TREATMENT.
"BUT WE MUST CONTINUE TO TRY TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO COME FORWARD, IN THE HOPE THAT, ONE DAY, THEY WILL BE MOTIVATED SUFFICIENTLY TO STOP TAKING DRUGS AND TO BEGIN TO MAKE A MEANINGFUL CONTRIBUTION TO SOCIETY," HE SAID.
TURNING TO PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN, MR ASPREY SAID: "OUR EFFORTS ARE AIMED AT EXPLAINING THE DANGERS OF DRUG ABUSE AND ENCOURAGING YOUNG PEOPLE, IN PARTICULAR, TO SAY NO TO DRUGS."
"COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IS ESSENTIAL IF PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE DRUG PROBLEM AND OF THE ADVANTAGES OF A DRUG-FREE LIFESTYLE IS TO BE PROMOTED."
HE URGED YOUNG PEOPLE TO HELP CREATE A DRUG-FREE HONG KONG, AND TO HELP OTHERS TO LEAD A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE, FREE FROM THE SCOURGE OF DRUGS.
THE ANTI-DRUG EXHIBITION, ORGANISED BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN), IS HELD AT METROPLAZA, KWAI FONG, UNTIL SUNDAY (JUNE 28).
SUPPLEMENTED BY VIDEOS, A WIDE RANGE OF PANEL DISPLAYS INTRODUCING HONG KONG’S OVERALL ANTI-DRUG WORK ARE ON STAGE.
ALSO ON DISPLAY INCLUDE SEIZED DRUGS, DRUG-SMOKING PARAPHERNALIA AND DRUG CONCEALMENT DEVICES FROM BOTH THE POLICE AND CUSTOMS.
PUBLICITY MATERIALS, INCLUDING PAPER CLIPS AND BALLOONS, ARE DISTRIBUTED TO VISITORS ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS.
THREE LOCAL POP SINGERS WILL HELP DISSEMINATE ANTI-DRUG MESSAGE AT A MINI-CONCERT AT 2 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AND ON SUNDAY AT THE EXHIBITION VENUE.
ALSO ATTENDING THE CEREMONY WERE ACAN CHAIRMAN, DR GERALD CHOA, AND THE ACTING COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MS ANISSA WONG. A BUS PARADE WAS LAUNCHED AT THE MAIN ENTRANCE TO METROPLAZA.
A TOTAL OF FOUR DOUBLE-DECKERS TOOK PART IN THE PARADE AND TRAVELLED AROUND THE TERRITORY WITH 50 YOUNG VOLUNTEERS TO DISSEMINATE ANTI-DRUG MESSAGES AND TO DISTRIBUTE PUBLICITY MATERIALS TO THE PUBLIC.
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/16 .....
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1992
- 16
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR MAY
******
RE-EXPORTS LAST MONTH RECORDED A FURTHER MARKED INCREASE OVER A YEAR EARLIER, WHILE DOMESTIC EXPORTS SHOWED LITTLE CHANGES. IMPORTS CONTINUED TO RISE SIGNIFICANTLY.
THESE ARE SHOWN IN THE PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY $12,252 MILLION OR 27.3% OVER A YEAR EARLIER TO $57,176 MILLION LAST MONTH.
ON THE OTHER HAND, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN MAY, AT $19,406 MILLION, WAS $25 MILLION OR 0.1% LOWER.
TAKING RE-EXPORTS AND DOMESTIC EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS IN MAY GREW BY $12,227 MILLION OR 19.0% OVER A YEAR EARLIER TO $76,582 MILLION.
MEANWHILE, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS IN MAY INCREASED BY $14,380 MILLION OR 21.4% OVER A YEAR EARLIER TO $81,518 MILLION.
AS THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS WAS SMALLER THAN THAT OF TOTAL IMPORTS, A VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF $4,936 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 6.1% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED IN MAY THIS YEAR.
THIS COMPARED WITH THE DEFICIT OF $2,783 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 4.1% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, RECORDED IN MAY LAST YEAR.
IN THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF 1992, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY $59,320 MILLION OR 31.1% OVER A YEAR EARLIER TO $250,118 MILLION.
THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AMOUNTED TO $85,830 MILLION, $283 MILLION OR 0.3% LESS THAN IN THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
TAKING RE-EXPORTS AND DOMESTIC EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS IN THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF 1992, AT $335,948 MILLION, WAS $59,037 MILLION OR 21.3% HIGHER THAN A YEAR EARLIER.
THE VALUE OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY $62,395 MILLION OR 21.1% TO $358,025 MILLION.
A VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF $22,077 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 6.2% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED IN THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF 1992.
THIS COMPARED WITH THE DEFICIT OF $18,719 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 6.3% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, RECORDED IN THE SAME PERIOD IN 1991.
/A GOVERNMENT .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1992
- 17 -
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN COMMENTED THAT APART FROM THE SUSTAINED RAPID GROWTH IN RE-EXPORTS, IMPORTS ALSO ROSE SIGNIFICANTLY IN RECENT MONTHS AND THIS WAS SUPPORTED IN PART BY A CONTINUED GROWTH IN RETAINED IMPORTS, BY 8.6% IN VALUE TERMS IN THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF 1992 OVER A YEAR EARLIER.
THIS SHOULD HAVE FAVOURABLE IMPLICATIONS FOR DOMESTIC DEMAND IN THE COMING MONTHS, HE SAID.
FOLLOWING IS A TABLE PRESENTING THE PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR MAY 1992:
MERCHANDISE: DOMESTIC EXPORTS : $19,406 MILLION $57,176 MILLION $76,582 MILLION $81,518 MILLION $4,936 MILLION (IN DEFICIT)
RE-EXPORTS TOTAL EXPORTS IMPORTS TRADE BALANCE •
COMPARATIVE FIGURES LATEST 3 MONTHS MAR 92 TO MAY 92 HK$ MN. MAR 91 TO MAY 91 HK$ MN. INCREASE HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS RE-EXPORTS TOTAL EXPORTS IMPORTS TRADE BALANCE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR 54,175 161,729 215,904 233,942 -18,038 MAY 1992 HK$ MN. 52,591 120,316 172,907 189,960 -17,053 MAY 1991 HK$ MN. 1,584 3.0 41,413 34.4 42,997 24.9 43,982 23.2 -985 INCREASE HKS MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) RE-EXPORTS TOTAL EXPORTS IMPORTS TRADE BALANCE LAST MONTH 19,406 (25.3%) 57,176 76,582 81,518 -4,936 MAY 1992 HK$ MN. 19,431 (30.2%) 44,924 64,355 67,138 -2,783 APRIL 1992 HK$ MN. -25 -0.1 12,252 27.3 12,227 19.0 14,380 21.4 -2,153 INCREASE HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) RE-EXPORTS TOTAL EXPORTS IMPORTS TRADE BALANCE 19,406 (25.3%) 57,176 76,582 81,518 -4,936 17,718 (24.9%) 53,330 71,048 78,551 -7,503 1,688 3,846 5,534 2,967 2,567 9.5 7.2 7.8 3.8
/CALENDAR YEAR .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1992
- 18 -
JAN-MAY JAN-MAY INCREASE
CALENDAR YEAR TO-DATE 1992 1991
HK$ MN. HK$ MN. HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 85,830 86,113 -283 -0.3
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (25.5%) (31.1%)
RE-EXPORTS 250,118 190,798 59,320 31.1
TOTAL EXPORTS 335,948 276,911 59,037 21.3
IMPORTS 358,025 295,630 62,395 21.1
TRADE BALANCE -22,077 -18,719 -3,358
JUN 91 TO JUN 90 TO INCREASE
LAST 12 MONTHS MAY 92 MAY 91
HK$ MN. HK$ MN. HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 230,762 230,296 466 0.2
RE-EXPORTS 594,161 455,895 138,266 30.3
TOTAL EXPORTS 824,923 686,191 698,348 138,732 20.2
IMPORTS 841,378 143,030 20.5
TRADE BALANCE -16,455 -12,157 -4,298
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SURVEY FINDINGS ON MEDIA INFLUENCE ON YOUTH RELEASED
******
YOUNG PEOPLE ARE KEEN CONSUMERS OF THE MASS MEDIA, ACCORDING TO A SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE COMMISSION ON YOUTH.
THEY SPEND AN AVERAGE OF MORE THAN 21 HOURS WATCHING TELEVISION EVERY WEEK, 7.5 HOURS LISTENING TO THE RADIO AND 3.5 HOURS READING NEWSPAPERS.
ANNOUNCING THE FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (FRIDAY), THE CONVENOR OF THE WORKING GROUP ON THE STUDY ON THE INFLUENCE OF THE MASS MEDIA ON YOUTH, PROFESSOR NELSON CHOW, SAID YOUNG PEOPLE’S CHOICE OF THE MEDIA AND ITS PROGRAMMES OR CONTENTS DEPENDED LARGELY ON HOW MUCH ENTERTAINMENT THEY COULD GET THROUGH THAT PARTICULAR MEDIUM.
FOR EXAMPLE, YOUNG PEOPLE PREFER ENTERTAINING TELEVISION PROGRAMMES AND DRAMA SERIES. THE ENTERTAINMENT PAGE IN NEWSPAPERS IS ALSO POPULAR.
PROFESSOR CHOW SAID: "THE MORE LEISURE TIME THE STUDENTS HAVE, THE HIGHER THEIR PROPENSITY TO WATCH TELEVISION, READ MAGAZINES AND PLAY VIDEO GAMES.
"YET, STUDENTS CAN STILL FIND TIME TO READ NEWSPAPERS EVEN WHEN THEY ARE BUSY. WORKING YOUTH, ON THE OTHER HAND, WOULD READ COMIC BOOKS EVEN IF THEY ARE OCCUPIED.
"IDOL ADORATION IS PREVALENT AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS. ABOUT 40 PER CENT HAVE AN IDOL - POP SINGERS, AND MOVIE OR TELEVISION STARS."
/PROFESSOR CHOW .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1992
- 19 -
PROFESSOR CHOW SAID THE SURVEY ALSO REVEALED THAT 81 PER CENT OF THE YOUNG PEOPLE HAD A VIDEO RECORDER OR LASER DISC PLAYER AT HOME, AND THEY WERE GIVEN A HIGH DEGREE OF FREEDOM IN RENTING VIDEO TAPES OF THEIR CHOICE.
THE SURVEY ALSO AIMED AT SOLICITING YOUNG PEOPLE’S ASSESSMENT ON THE VARIOUS MODES OF MASS MEDIA.
"IN GENERAL, THEY CONSIDER NEWSPAPER A CREDIBLE AND INFORMATION MEDIUM BUT NEITHER IS IT ENTERTAINING NOR SUITING THEIR TASTE," HE SAID.
"MAGAZINE RANKS MODERATELY IN TERMS OF ENTERTAINMENT, WHILE COMIC BOOK IS REGARDED AS ENTERTAINING BUT LACKS EDUCATIONAL VALUE.
"FOR THE ELECTRONIC MEDIA, YOUNG PEOPLE FOUND THAT RADIO IS INFORMATIVE WHILE TELEVISION IS WELCOMED BY MOST AS ENTERTAINING, CREDIBLE, MEETING THEIR NEEDS AND TO SOME EXTENT EDUCATIONAL," HE ADDED.
PROFESSOR CHOW SAID THEY ALSO TRIED TO FIND OUT IN THE SURVEY THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MEDIA CONSUMPTION AND CERTAIN ATTITUDES OF YOUTH.
HE SAID: "DIFFERENT MEDIA USES ARE FOUND TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH CERTAIN ATTITUDES.
"FREQUENT TELEVISION, COMIC AND MOVIE CONSUMERS TEND TO ACCEPT THE ’NONSENSE’ SUB-CULTURE.
"THOSE WHO FREQUENTLY READ COMIC BOOKS AND MAGAZINES, OR SEE MOVIES AND VIDEO TAPES TEND TO HAVE A HIGHER DEGREE OF ACCEPTANCE OF BEFRIENDING TRIAD MEMBERS."
MOREOVER, PROFESSOR CHOW SAID IDOL ADMIRATION WAS MORE COMMON AMONG YOUNG FEMALE RESPONDENTS AND POP SINGERS WERE MOST FAVOURED.
THE FINDINGS ALSO INDICATED THAT THE ADORATION OF SINGERS WAS NOT SO MUCH RELATED TO NEWSPAPER USE BUT TELEVISION EXPOSURE.
ON THE KNOWLEDGE OF CURRENT AFFAIRS, THE FINDINGS SHOWED THAT THOSE WHO READ NEWSPAPERS FREQUENTLY WERE MORE KNOWLEDGEABLE.
REFERRING TO THE INITIAL OBSERVATIONS OF THE WORKING GROUP ON THE SURVEY FINDINGS, PROFESSOR CHOW SAID TELEVISION APPEARED TO BE AN OMNIPOTENT MEDIA FOR YOUNG PEOPLE AND MESSAGES PUT ACROSS IN TELEVISION PROGRAMMES WOULD HAVE A GREAT IMPACT ON YOUNG PEOPLE.
"PROGRAMME PRODUCERS SHOULD THEREFORE BE WATCHFUL IN DESIGNING THE CONTENTS OF THEIR PROGRAMMES.
"SINCE YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE A STRONG PREFERENCE FOR ENTERTAINING ELEMENTS, WE FEEL THAT EDUCATIONAL MESSAGES COULD BE MORE EFFECTIVELY CONVEYED TO YOUTH IF THEY ARE PRESENTED IN AN ENTERTAINING MANNER.
"MOREOVER, IT IS DESIRABLE TO EXPLORE WHETHER EDUCATION ON THE CHOICE AND USE OF MEDIA SHOULD BE PROMOTED IN HONG KONG," HE ADDED.
/YOUNG PEOPLE .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1992
- 20 -
YOUNG PEOPLE TEND TO CHOOSE THE MEDIA THAT THEY FAVOUR AND THIS IN TURN IS INFLUENCED BY THE POPULAR TRENDS AND MESSAGES RELAYED THROUGH THE MASS MEDIA.
"MEDIA CHOICE EDUCATION MAY HELP YOUNG PEOPLE BECOME DISCERNING VIEWERS WHO CAN MAKE THE BEST OUT OF THE MEDIA AVAILABLE TO THEM.
"TELEVISION STARS AND POP SINGERS CAN ALSO BE EFFECTIVE AGENTS FOR CONVEYING HEALTHY AND POSITIVE MESSAGES TO YOUNG PEOPLE," PROFESSOR CHOW SAID.
THE SURVEY ALSO FOUND THAT YOUNG PEOPLE WERE NOT A HOMOGENOUS GROUP. DIFFERENT ARCHETYPES OF YOUTH WITHIN A CERTAIN AGE GROUP COULD BE IDENTIFIED.
"EACH GROUP HAS ITS UNIQUE MEDIA CONSUMPTION PATTERN AND SPECIFIC ATTITUDES.
"THE ARCHETYPES OF YOUTH IDENTIFIED IN THIS SURVEY WOULD BE USEFUL TO PEOPLE INVOLVED IN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT WORK, FOR EXAMPLE WE NOW HAVE A CLEARER PICTURE AS TO WHICH MEDIA WE SHOULD USE TO REACH A PARTICULAR ARCHETYPE OF YOUNG PEOPLE MORE EFFECTIVELY," PROFESSOR CHOW EXPLAINED.
ON FOLLOW-UP ACTIONS, PROFESSOR CHOW SAID A SEMINAR TO DISCUSS THE SURVEY FINDINGS WOULD BE HELD LATER THIS YEAR.
THE SECONDARY ANALYSIS OF THE SURVEY WOULD ALSO BE PUBLISHED FOR SALE.
PROFESSOR CHOW ALSO HOPED TO EXPLORE THE POSSIBILITY OF INVITING MEDIA EXPERTS TO WRITE ARTICLES FOR PUBLICATION, BASED ON THE SURVEY FINDINGS.
THE SURVEY WAS CONDUCTED IN JUNE LAST YEAR, WITH THE OBJECTIVES OF IDENTIFYING THE YOUTH’S CONSUMPTION PREFERENCE OF MASS MEDIA; CORRELATING THE YOUTH’S MEDIA EXPOSURE WITH THEIR VALUES, SOCIAL PERCEPTION AND SOCIAL KNOWLEDGE; AND IDENTIFYING THE ARCHETYPES OF YOUTH AND THEIR RESPECTIVE MEDIA BEHAVIOUR.
THIS SURVEY WAS FOLLOWED BY A SECONDARY ANALYSIS OF THE DATA COLLECTED BY A RESEARCHER.
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/21 ........
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1992
21 -
TWO BOAT CLUB INSHORE PROJECTS GAZETTED * * * * *
PERMISSION HAS BEEN GIVEN TO THE ABERDEEN BOAT CLUB TO CARRY OUT RECLAMATION AT THE NORTHERN COAST OF TONG PO CHAU IN REPULSE BAY TO PROVIDE ABOUT 760 SQUARE METRES OF LAND FOR CONSTRUCTING A CLUBHOUSE, BOATSHED AND ADDITIONAL HARDSTANDING.
THIS FOLLOWS THE GRANTING OF AN EXTENSION TO THE CLUB’S EXISTING TENANCY INVOLVING AN AREA OF ABOUT 6,300 SQUARE METRES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED.
THE RECLAMATION WORK WILL BEGIN IN AUGUST AND BE COMPLETED BY APRIL 1993.
MEANWHILE, THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO PERMIT THE AMERICAN CLUB TO BUILD A FLOATING PIER WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 1,160 SQUARE METRES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED AT TAI TAM BAY FOR THE BERTHING OF VESSELS VISITING THE CLUB.
THE PROJECT INCLUDES AN UPGRADED RAMP AND CONCRETE BRIDGE TO THE FLOATING PIER. IT IS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN AFTER AUTHORISATION AND WILL BE COMPLETED IN ABOUT TWO YEARS.
THE EXTENDS OF THE AREAS AFFECTED BY THE TWO PROJECTS ARE DESCRIBED IN SEPARATE NOTICES GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE NOTICES, IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE, TOGETHER WITH THE RELATED PLANS CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS NEAR THE SITES.
THE PLANS CAN ALSO BE SEEN OR PURCHASED ON ORDER, AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
THEY CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE DISTRICT OFFICES AND DISTRICT LAND OFFICES CONCERNED.
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HIS INTEREST IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED IN THE ABERDEEN BOAT CLUB PROJECT WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE UNDERTAKING MAY DELIVER A WRITTEN CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS ON OR BEFORE JUNE 25 NEXT YEAR.
THOSE WHO CONSIDER THAT THEIR INTEREST IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED IN THE AMERICAN CLUB PROJECT WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE PROPOSED WORK MAY SUBMIT A WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE DIRECTOR ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 25 THIS YEAR.
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/22 ........
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1992
22
ALBANY ROAD PLAYGROUND TO GET IMPROVEMENTS
******
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR IMPROVEMENT WORKS FOR ALBANY ROAD CHILDREN PLAYGROUND IN CENTRAL.
THE WORKS, WHICH INVOLVE THE UPGRADING OF PAVING, PLANTERS, ARBOURS AND PLAY EQUIPMENT, ARE EXPECTED TO START IN SEPTEMBER AND TAKE HALF A YEAR TO COMPLETE.
TENDER OFFER WILL CLOSE AT NOON ON JULY 17.
FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 34TH FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.
---------0-----------
TENDERS INVITED FOR SEWAGE PUMPING STATION * * * * *
THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TAI PO SEWAGE PUMPING STATION UNDER THE TOLO HARBOUR EFFLUENT EXPORT SCHEME.
THE WORKS WILL INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A REINFORCED CONCRETE PUMPING STATION AND BALANCING RESERVOIR INSIDE THE TAI PO SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS WITH PIPEWORK AND ASSOCIATED REINFORCED CONCRETE CHAMBERS.
AS PART OF THE TOLO HARBOUR ACTION PLAN, THE TOLO HARBOUR EFFLUENT EXPORT SCHEME IS BEING IMPLEMENTED BY THE GOVERNMENT WITH THE AIM OF REDUCING POLLUTION IN TOLO HARBOUR, ONE MANIFESTATION OF WHICH IS THE FORMATION OF "RED TIDES".
UNDER THE SCHEME, THE PUMPING STATION WILL PUMP TREATED SEWAGE EFFLUENT FROM TAI PO SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS THROUGH A SUBMARINE PIPELINE TO SHA TIN SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS.
THE COMBINED TREATED SEWAGE FROM SHA TIN AND TAI PO WILL THEN BE PUMPED THROUGH A TWIN PUMPING MAIN AND THEN GRAVITATES THROUGH A 7.4-KILOMETRE LONG TUNNEL TO KAI TAK NULLAH AND FINALLY DISCHARGED TO VICTORIA HARBOUR, THUS ELIMINATING THE NUTRIENT-RICH EFFLUENT DISCHARGES INTO THE ENCLOSED WATERS OF TOLO HARBOUR.
WORKS ON THE PUMPING STATION ARE EXPECTED TO START THIS OCTOBER AND BE COMPLETED BY JANUARY 1995.
THE WORKS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTION WILL BE SUPERVISED BY BALFOURS-HASWELL, CONSULTING ENGINEERS, FOR DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
/FORMS OF .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1992
- 23 -
FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM BALFOURS-HASWELL, 10TH FLOOR, 1 KOWLOON PARK DRIVE, KOWLOON. THEY MAY BE CONTACTED ON TELEPHONE 317 5933.
TENDERS SHOULD BE PLACED IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT TENDER BOX, SITUATED IN THE LIFT LOBBY ON THE LOWER GROUND FLOOR OF THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (EAST WING), LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG BEFORE NOON ON AUGUST 7.
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EDUCATION GOALS NEED TRIPARTITE PARTNERSHIP
*****
THERE IS A NEED TO ESTABLISH A GOOD PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN TEACHERS, STUDENTS AND PARENTS TO ACHIEVE EDUCATION GOALS AND TO PROVIDE A GOOD STUDYING ENVIRONMENT FOR CHILDREN, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR LI YUET-TING, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
ADDRESSING A SEMINAR FOR FIRST ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS OF SECONDARY GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS, MR LI SAID CLEAR TARGET AND SOUND RESOURCES REQUIRED THE SUPPORT OF FRONTLINE TEACHERS.
"THEY PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN IMPLEMENTING THESE NEW MEASURES," HE SAID.
NOTING THAT THE RECENTLY ANNOUNCED EDUCATION COMMISSION REPORT NO. 5 RECOMMENDED IMPROVEMENTS TO PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS’ STANDARD, MR LI SAID GOVERNMENT WOULD OFFER DEGREE COURSES FOR COLLEGES OF EDUCATION GRADUATES.
"FUNDS WILL ALSO BE ALLOCATED TO IMPROVE THE TEACHING STANDARD AND FACILITIES OF THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION TO ACHIEVE THE GOAL OF FILLING 35 PER CENT OF PRIMARY TEACHING POSTS BY GRADUATES," HE ADDED.
CREATED IN 1991 AFTER THE RECOMMENDATIONS MADE IN THE CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE REPORT NO. 26, THE POST OF ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL IS TO HELP SCHOOL PRINCIPALS STRENGTHEN ADMINISTRATION, AND SERVE AS A COMMUNICATION LINK BETWEEN PRINCIPALS AND TEACHING STAFF.
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/24 .........
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1992
24
SHEUNG WAN ROADS TO BE CLOSED FOR URBAN RENEWAL *****
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO CLOSE PERMANENTLY KWONG YUEN STREET WEST, KWONG YUEN STREET EAST, WING SING STREET AND THE LANE AT THE REAR OF WING WO STREET TEMPORARY PLAYGROUND IN SHEUNG WAN ON HONG KONG ISLAND TO FACILITATE AN URBAN RENEWAL PROJECT.
THE DEVELOPMENT WILL CONTAIN URBAN COUNCIL FACILITIES AND COMMERCIAL ACCOMMODATION. MOREOVER, A LANDSCAPED OPEN SPACE WILL BE CONSTRUCTED FOR THE USE OF THE PUBLIC.
DETAILS OF THE PROPOSED ROAD CLOSURES WERE GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
A PLAN SHOWING THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE SEEN AT THE FOLLOWING GOVERNMENT OFFICES DURING OFFICE HOURS:
* CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD , CENTRAL; AND
* DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, HONG KONG WEST, 19TH FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI.
ANY PERSON OBJECTING TO THE PROPOSAL MUST SEND HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, CENTRAL NO LATER THAN AUGUST 25, 1992, DESCRIBING HIS INTEREST AND MANNER IN WHICH HE ALLEGES HE WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE PROPOSAL.
--------0-----------
GOVT TO CONDUCT HEALTH MANPOWER SURVEY ******
THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH WILL CONDUCT A HEALTH MANPOWER SURVEY NEXT MONTH (JULY) TO UPDATE INFORMATION ON THE SIZE AND CHARACTERISTICS OF THE WORKFORCE OF THE LOCAL HEALTH INDUSTRY.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (FRIDAY), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE INFORMATION COLLECTED WOULD FORM USEFUL INPUTS FOR THE FORMULATION OF POLICIES ON HEALTH MANPOWER PLANNING AND TRAINING IN HONG KONG.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE SURVEY WOULD COVER THE VARIOUS GRADES OF MEDICAL, DENTAL, NURSING AND OTHER RELATED PROFESSIONS IN DIFFERENT SECTORS OF THE HEALTH CARE INDUSTRY.
/"QUESTIONNAIRES WILL .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1992
- 25 -
"QUESTIONNAIRES WILL BE SENT EARLY NEXT MONTH TO MORE THAN 10,000 INSTITUTIONS IN BOTH THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS REQUESTING THEM TO SUPPLY THE RELEVANT INFORMATION TO THE DEPARTMENT.
"THE INSTITUTIONS INCLUDE HOSPITALS, CLINICS, MATERNITY HOMES, PRIVATE PRACTITIONERS’ OFFICES, DENTAL SURGERIES, MEDICAL, X-RAY AND DENTAL LABORATORIES, DISPENSARIES, ELDERLY HOMES AND OPTICAL SHOPS," HE ADDED.
IT IS HOPED THAT THESE INSTITUTIONS WOULD GIVE THE SURVEY FULL SUPPORT AND RETURN THE COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRES AND FORMS TO THE STATISTICS UNIT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ON OR BEFORE JULY 16 THIS YEAR.
"THEIR PARTICIPATION AND CO-OPERATION ARE EXTREMELY IMPORTANT TO MAKE THE SURVEY A SUCCESS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE STRESSED THAT THE INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY INDIVIDUALS AND INSTITUTIONS WOULD BE TREATED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND USED IN GLOBAL ANALYSIS ONLY.
A SIMILAR HEALTH MANPOWER SURVEY WAS CONDUCTED IN 1990 BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND THE HOSPITAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
- - 0----------
PRE-QUALIFIED TENDERERS INVITED TO BID FOR TWO DEMOLITION WORKS * * * * * * *
THE CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT IS INVITING PRE-QUALIFIED CONTRACTORS TO TENDER FOR THE DEMOLITION WORKS OF THE KOWLOON WALLED CITY AND TWO CHIMNEYS AT THE DISUSED LOK ON PAI DESALTER.
BOTH CONTRACTS WILL PERMIT THE USE OF EXPLOSIVES AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO CONVENTIONAL DEMOLITION METHODS.
THE DEMOLITION OF THE KOWLOON WALLED CITY IS SCHEDULED TO START IN OCTOBER AND TAKES ABOUT 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
IT IS THE LARGEST SINGLE DEMOLITION PROJECT OF ITS KIND IN HONG KONG.
THE HISTORICAL ’YAMEN’ BUILDING, IN THE CENTRE OF THE WALLED CITY, WILL BE PRESERVED DURING THE DEMOLITION.
ABOUT 2.7 HECTARES OF THE SITE WILL BE EARMARKED FOR A PUBLIC PARK, WITH THE YAMEN BUILDING AS THE CENTRAL THEME.
/FOR THE .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1992
26
FOR THE DEMOLITION OF THE LOK ON PAI DESALTER CHIMNEYS, WHICH ARE 126 METRES HIGH, THE CONTRACT PERIOD WILL BE THREE MONTHS STARTING SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.
THE SITE WILL BE USED AS PART OF THE TRANSHIPMENT AREA FOR THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY AFTER THE DEMOLITION WORK IS COMPLETED.
THE DEADLINES FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS FOR THE CONTRACTS ARE JULY 31 AND 17 RESPECTIVELY.
---------0-----------
TRIPARTITE EFFORTS TO BOOST CHILD CARE SERVICES
*****
THE CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT OF STRONG AND HEALTHY CHILD-CARE SERVICES IN HONG KONG IS A MATTER NOT ONLY FOR THE GOVERNMENT BUT ALSO FOR THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE AND THE NON-GOVERNMENTAL WELFARE AGENCIES, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR M. D. CARTLAND, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
ADDRESSING THE OPENING OF THE SALVATION ARMY’S TSUEN WAN DAY NURSERY, HE SAID AT PRESENT THERE WERE MORE THAN 32,600 REGISTERED CHILD-CARE PLACES AVAILABLE FOR CHILDREN AGED BELOW SIX IN DAY NURSERIES, AND A FURTHER 1,100 PLACES FOR CHILDREN IN DAY CRECHES.
"IT IS THE INTENTION TO CONTINUE THE CURRENT EXPANSION OF THE PROVISION OF AIDED NURSERIES BY ADDING 1,400 NEW PLACES PER ANNUM UNTIL THE DEMAND IS FULL MET," HE ADDED.
AS FOR CHILDREN AGED BELOW TWO, MR CARTLAND POINTED OUT THAT DAY CRECHE PLACES WERE PROVIDED BY BOTH NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS AND PRIVATE ESTABLISHMENTS.
"THE PROVISION OF DAY CRECHES WILL BE EXPANDED BY PHASES, PARTICULARLY IN THE NEW TOWNS, AND IT IS THE INTENTION TO TREBLE THE NUMBER OF PLACES CURRENTLY AVAILABLE BY THE END OF THE DECADE," HE SAID.
TO IMPROVE THE SERVICE AND CATER FOR CHANGING NEEDS, NEW APPROACHES IN OPERATING CHILD-CARE CENTRES, INCLUDING FLEXIBLE OPENING HOURS, OCCASIONAL CHILD-CARE SERVICES AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF WORK-BASED CHILD-CARE FACILITIES, WERE BEING DEVELOPED AND IMPLEMENTED TO SUIT THE REQUIREMENTS OF WORKING PARENTS, MR CARTLAND SAID.
- - 0---------
/27........
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1992
- 27 -
NEW TB CASES ON DECLINE * * * * *
THE NUMBER OF NEW TUBERCULOSIS (TB) CASES IN HONG KONG CONTINUES TO DROP OVER THE PAST YEAR, THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, DR S.H. LEE, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING IN HIS CAPACITY AS PRESIDENT OF THE HONG KONG TUBERCULOSIS, CHEST AND HEART DISEASES ASSOCIATION AT ITS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING, HE SAID THERE WAS A TOTAL OF 6,283 NEW TB CASES LAST YEAR WITH A NOTIFICATION RATE OF 109.2 PER 100,000 POPULATION, COMPARED WITH 6,510 CASES AND A NOTIFICATION RATE OF 114.1 IN 1990.
DR LEE SAID A TOTAL OF 409 TB DEATHS WERE REPORTED LAST YEAR, GIVING A RATE OF 7.1 PER 100,000 POPULATION.
TB MORTALITY VARIED SLIGHTLY BUT NOT SIGNIFICANTLY WHEN COMPARED WITH 382 DEATHS AND A RATE OF 6.7 PER 100,000 POPULATION IN 1990.
DURING THE PAST YEAR, DR LEE SAID 281 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WERE FOUND TO HAVE ACTIVE TB AND TREATED.
AS THE INFLUX OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS APPEARED TO HAVE STOPPED, DR LEE HOPED THAT THE IMPACT ON THE TB SITUATION BY THEM WOULD SOON BE GONE.
’’CONSIDERABLE ACHIEVEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE IN OUR FIGHT AGAINST TB, BUT OUR EFFORTS MUST CONTINUE IF WE ARE TO BRING THE TB SITUATION IN HONG KONG TO A STAGE OF NEAR ERADICATION,” HE ADDED.
’’THE IMPACT OF HIV INFECTION ON TB CONTROL PROGRAMME IN MANY COUNTRIES AND THE RISING NUMBER OT TB CASES AMONG THE DUALLY (HIV/TB) INFECTED PERSONS IN THE UNITED STATES, AFRICA AND SOME ASIAN COUNTRIES RECEIVE INCREASING ATTENTION,” DR LEE SAID.
’’FORTUNATELY, HONG KONG HAS NOT BEEN FACING SUCH A SERIOUS PROBLEM.”
HE SAID TWO SURVEYS HAD BEEN CONDUCTED ON 485 TB IN-PATIENTS AND 905 TB OUT-PATIENTS LAST YEAR WITH NO POSITIVE CASES DETECTED.
’’HOWEVER, ALL PREVENTIVE AND CONTROL MEASURES CERTAINLY HAVE TO BE MAINTAINED, AND IF NECESSARY, REINFORCED,” HE SAID.
ON LUNG CANCER DEATHS, DR LEE SAID THE FIGURE DROPPED SLIGHTLY FROM 2,638 IN 1990 TO 2,597 LAST YEAR.
’’THIS UP AND DOWN TREND IS LIKELY TO OCCUR FOR A WHILE BEFORE THE FIGHT AGAINST CIGARETTE SMOKING BECOMES MORE SUCCESSFUL,” HE ADDED.
TURNING TO OCCUPATIONAL LUNG DISEASES, DR LEE SAID 118 CASES OF SILICOSIS AND ONE CASE OF ASBESTOSIS WERE ASSESSED, REPORTED AND COMPENSATED.
/SO FAR.........
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1992
28
SO FAR, A TOTAL OF 3,640 PNEUMOCONIOSIS CASES HAVE BEEN COMPENSATED.
ON HEART DISEASES, DR LEE SAID, IT CLAIMED A TOTAL OF 4,858 LIVES LAST YEAR, 118 LESS THAN IN 1990.
DR LEE EXPRESSED HIS APPRECIATION FOR THE GOOD WORK DONE BY THE CARDIAC MEDICAL AND SURGICAL TEAMS AT GRANTHAM HOSPITAL.
LAST YEAR, A TOTAL OF 1,017 CARDIAC OPERATIONS WERE PERFORMED IN THE HOSPITAL WITH A HIGH SUCCESS RATE.
---------0-----------
BANKING LICENCE REVOKED
*****
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE BANKING LICENCE OF MANUFACTURERS HANOVER TRUST COMPANY (MHT) HAS BEEN REVOKED AT THE REQUEST OF THE BANK.
MHT MERGED WITH CHEMICAL BANK ON JUNE 20, 1992 CONSEQUENT UPON THE MERGER BETWEEN THEIR RESPECTIVE HOLDING COMPANIES, MANUFACTURERS HANOVER CORPORATION AND CHEMICAL BANKING CORPORATION, IN THE UNITED
AFTER THE REVOCATION, THERE ARE 161 LICENSED BANKS IN HONG KONG, OF WHICH 131 ARE INCORPORATED OUTSIDE HONG KONG.
------0--------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
*****
$ MILLION OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,588 REVERSAL OF LAF _600 BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 988 NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL EFFECT OF LAF TODAY +700 CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,688
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 110.4 *-0.2* 26.6.92
/HONG KONG .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1992
- 29 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 2.79 PCT 17 MONTHS 2311 6.25 102.53 4.40
1 MONTH 2.79 PCT 20 MONTHS 2402 5.50 101.21 4.77
3 MONTHS 2.81 PCT 6 MONTHS 3.18 PCT 12 MONTHS 3.90 PCT 23 MONTHS 2405 5.50 100.94 5.03
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 3,280 MN
CLOSED 26 JUNE 1992
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PATIENTS' ROLE IN DIABETES TREATMENT STRESSED......................... 1
70 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN APRIL .............................. 2
CSD LAUNCHES PUBLICITY ON "BEATING RETREAT" .......................... 2
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ........... 3
SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 1992
PATIENTS’ ROLE IN DIABETES TREATMENT STRESSED
* * ♦ * t
PATIENTS’ OWN COMMITMENT AND RESPONSIBILITY ARE ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS FOR AN EFFECTIVE TREATMENT OF DIABETES, THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, DR S.H. LEE, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE "WORLD DIABETES DAY SEMINAR ON MANAGEMENT OF DIABETES: DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS", DR LEE SAID NEEDLESS TO SAY THE ROLES PLAYED BY MEDICAL AND NURSING PERSONNEL AS WELL AS DIETITIANS IN TREATMENT OF DIABETES WERE IMPORTANT.
"HOWEVER, TO ACHIEVE MAXIMUM EFFECTIVENESS, PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES SHOULD CO-OPERATE WITH THE MEDICAL AND NURSING STAFF AND TO EXERCISE SELF-CARE, PARTICULARLY THEIR DIET AND LIFESTYLE."
DR LEE SAID PATIENTS SHOULD FOLLOW THE IMPORTANT RULES ON DIET AND HAVE A BETTER KNOWLEDGE OF THE DISEASE.
HE SAID THE NUMBER OF DIABETICS IN HONG KONG WAS AT PRESENT ESTIMATED AT MORE THAN 200,000 AND MANY OF THEM WERE UNCONSCIOUS OF THE DISEASE.
OF THESE, SOME 10,000 ARE IN HOSPITAL. ALSO ABOUT SIX PER CENT OF THE PEOPLE ATTENDING GOVERNMENT GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINICS HAVE DIABETES.
"THIS IS ONLY SECOND TO HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS," DR LEE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT DIABETES COULD LEAD TO SERIOUS COMPLICATIONS SUCH AS STROKE, HEART DISEASE, KIDNEY DAMAGE AND BLINDNESS.
THEREFORE, HE STRESSED THAT IN THE FIGHT AGAINST DIABETES, PUBLIC EDUCATION WAS MOST IMPORTANT.
HE WAS PLEASED TO LEARN THAT EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES SUCH AS SEMINARS, TALKS AND EXHIBITIONS ORGANISED PREVIOUSLY ON DIABETES WERE WELL RECEIVED BY THE PUBLIC.
"THIS REFLECTS PUBLIC AND DIABETICS’ DESIRE TO HAVE MORE INFORMATION AND KNOWLEDGE ON THE PREVENTION, CONTROL AND TREATMENT OF THE DISEASE."
TODAY’S SEMINAR WAS ORGANISED BY THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LIONS CLUB DISTRICT 303 ---- HONG KONG AND MACAU, DIABETES DIVISION OF THE SOCIETY FOR THE STUDY OF ENDOCRINOLOGY, METABOLISM AND REPRODUCTION, AND THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH’S CENTRAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT.
IT WAS AIMED AT EDUCATING THE PUBLIC AND THE DIABETICS ON THE NEED OF PROPER CARE AND TREATMENT TO AVOID LONG-TERM COMPLICATIONS.
--------0-----------
/2 ........
SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 1992
70 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN APRIL *****
THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT APPROVED 70 NEW BUILDING PLANS IN APRIL THIS YEAR.
OF THESE, 25 WERE FOR HONG KONG, 20 FOR KOWLOON AND 25 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE APPROVED PLANS INCLUDED 36 FOR APARTMENT, APARTMENT/ COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS, 12 FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS AND SEVEN FOR FACTORY AND INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES.
DURING THE MONTH, THE OFFICE GAVE CONSENT FOR WORK TO START ON 49 PROJECTS, INVOLVING 120,346 SQUARE METRES OF USABLE DOMESTIC FLOOR AREAS AND 212,378.5 SQUARE METRES OF USABLE NON-DOMESTIC FLOOR AREAS.
THE TOTAL DECLARED COST OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED DURING THE MONTH WAS ABOUT $1,277 MILLION.
USABLE FLOOR AREAS FOR DOMESTIC AND NON-DOMESTIC USES WERE ABOUT 306,745 SQUARE METRES AND ABOUT 567,676 SQUARE METRES RESPECTIVELY.
IN APRIL, THE OFFICE ISSUED 36 OCCUPATION PERMITS; 16 FOR HONG KONG ISLAND, THREE FOR KOWLOON, AND 17 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
IN ADDITION, 33 DEMOLITION CONSENTS AFFECTING 78 BUILDINGS WERE ISSUED.
THE CONTROL AND ENFORCEMENT DIVISION RECEIVED 604 COMPLAINTS ON ILLEGAL BUILDING WORKS, CARRIED OUT 1,350 INSPECTIONS AND ISSUED 337 REMOVAL ORDERS.
THE DANGEROUS BUILDINGS SECTION INSPECTED 790 BUILDINGS AND OBTAINED 20 EMERGENCY CLOSURE ORDERS.
- - 0 - -
CSD LAUNCHES PUBLICITY ON "BEATING RETREAT
*****
THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (CSD) TODAY (SATURDAY) LAUNCHED A PUBLICITY EXERCISE AT THE SHATIN CENTRE FOR THE CSD SCOUTS’ "BEATING RETREAT" PERFORMANCES NEXT MONTH.
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CSD AND THE HONG KONG ISLAND 221ST SCOUT GROUP, "BEATING RETREAT" WILL BE HELD AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM ON JULY 23 AND 24.
THE EVENT IS TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THE COMMUNITY CHEST.
/THE MAIN
SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 1992
3 -
THE MAIN PERFORMERS OF ’’BEATING RETREAT" ARE TRAINING CENTRE INMATES OF THE HONG KONG ISLAND 221ST SCOUT GROUP WHO WILL DEMONSTRATE THEIR MUSIC TALENT AND MAGNIFICENT MARCHING DISPLAY.
TODAY’S PUBLICITY ACTIVITY INCLUDED A DISPLAY OUTLINING THE SPECIAL FEATURES OF "BEATING RETREAT", HISTORY OF THE HONG KONG ISLAND 221ST SCOUT GROUP, AND VARIOUS SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE SCOUTS.
MEMBERS OF THE SCOUT GROUP WERE ALSO PRESENT TO ENTERTAIN VISITORS WITH THEIR BAND PERFORMANCES.
ADMISSION TICKETS FOR "BEATING RETREAT", AT $ 15 EACH, ARE NOW ON SALE AT ALL URBTIX OUTLETS.
--------0-----------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ******
$ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,688
REVERSAL OF LAF -1,000 *
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 688
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY NIL
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 688
* LAF TO BE REVERSED ON 29.6.92 +300 MN
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER ---------------------------------0--------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUNDAY, JUNE 28, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
COMMITMENT TO ELECTRICITY SAFETY STRESSED ........................... 1
STUDENTS' LOAN FUNDS INVITE APPLICATIONS ............................ 2
ISSUE OF NEW PICTORIAL AEROGRAMMES .................................. 3
OCCUPATION OF UNLEASED CROWN LAND AN OFFENCE ........................ 4
TSEUNG KWAN O TUNNEL OPENING HOURS EXTENDED ......................... 4
BID TO STEP UP SAFETY IN FACTORIES .................................. 5
POSTER PUBLICISING FOSTER CARE SERVICE PRODUCED...................... ■ 5
PRE-QUALIFICATION FOR PUMPING STATION UPRATING....................... 6
WATER CUT IN SAI KUNG AND HO MAN TIN ................................ 7
SUNDAY, JUNE 28, 1992
COMMITMENT TO ELECTRICITY SAFETY STRESSED
******
THE ENACTMENT OF THE ELECTRICITY ORDINANCE AND ITS REGULATIONS DEMONSTRATES THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO PROTECTING ELECTRICITY USERS, THE DIRECTOR OF THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR MIAO CHI, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
IT IS IMPORTANT FOR THE PUBLIC TO BE FULLY AWARE OF THE SAFETY ASPECTS OF THE WIRING INSTALLATION AND THE SELECTION AND USE OF DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES IN ORDER TO MAKE IT A SUCCESS, HE ADDED.
MR MIAO WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE "SAFE USE OF ELECTRICITY CARNIVAL" HELD IN SHAM SHUI PO.
THE CARNIVAL WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG AND KOWLOON ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING AND APPLIANCES TRADE WORKERS UNION, THE SHAM SHUI PO KAI FONG ASSOCIATION AND A PRIVATE COMPANY TO PROMOTE ELECTRICITY SAFETY.
ACCORDING TO THE DEPARTMENT’S STATISTICS, IN 1991 ALONE, THERE WERE NINE CASES OF ELECTROCUTION.
IN ADDITION, OTHER REPORTED INCIDENTS INCLUDED 19 CASES OF ELECTRIC BURN, THREE CASES OF ELECTRIC SHOCK AND FOUR CASES OF FIRE DUE TO ELECTRICITY LEAKAGE.
HE BELIEVED THERE WERE ALSO MANY OTHER UNDETECTED OR UNREPORTED INCIDENTS CAUSING ELECTRIC SHOCK AND FIRE.
IN HONG KONG ELECTRICITY WAS AN INSEPARABLE PART OF THE DAILY LIFE AND WHILE PEOPLE ENJOYED ALL THE BENEFITS AND CONVENIENCE DERIVED FROM IT, ONE SHOULD NOT OVERLOOK ALL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS REQUIRED IN ITS APPLICATION, HE SAID.
IT IS SAD TO LEARN FROM TIME TO TIME THAT ACCIDENTS DO OCCUR BECAUSE OF NEGLIGENCE OR CARELESSNESS IN THE USE OF ELECTRICITY, RESULTING IN LOSS OF PROPERTY, SERIOUS INJURY OR EVEN DEATHS, HE ADDED.
MR MIAO SAID THE NEW ELECTRICITY ORDINANCE WAS ENACTED IN NOVEMBER 1990 WITH THE OBJECTIVE OF ENHANCING PUBLIC SAFETY IN THE USE OF ELECTRICITY.
THE DEPARTMENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE INTRODUCTION AND ENFORCEMENT OF THE ORDINANCE AND ITS SUBSIDIARY REGULATIONS.
HE SAID SINCE NOVEMBER 1990, HIS DEPARTMENT HAD REGISTERED ABOUT 37,000 ELECTRICAL WORKERS AND 3,000 ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS.
/UNDER RELATED
SUNDAY, JUNE 28, 1992
2
UNDER RELATED REGULATIONS AND A COMPULSORY REGISTRATION SYSTEM, FROM JUNE 1 THIS YEAR ONLY REGISTERED WORKERS AND CONTRACTORS COULD BE EMPLOYED TO CARRY OUT ELECTRICAL WORK TO ENSURE WIRING INSTALLATIONS WERE PROPERLY INSTALLED, MAINTAINED, AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS.
IN ADDITION, THE ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS (SAFETY) REGULATIONS, SPECIFYING ALL THE NECESSARY SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS, ARE NOW BEING DRAFTED AND, AFTER CONSULTATION WITH CONCERNED PARTIES, WILL LIKELY TO BE INTRODUCED SOME TIME NEXT YEAR.
- - 0---------
STUDENTS’
LOAN FUNDS INVITE APPLICATIONS
******
NEEDY STUDENTS ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR THE YEAR 1992/93 FROM THE HONG KONG ROTARY CLUB STUDENTS’ LOAN FUND AND THE SING TAO FOUNDATION STUDENTS’ LOAN FUND TO COMPLETE THEIR STUDIES.
THE TWO FUNDS PROVIDE INTEREST-FREE LOANS FOR STUDENTS OF POSTSECONDARY INSTITUTIONS, TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO APPLICANTS WHO ARE COMPLETION OF THEIR STUDIES.
NEARING
APPLICATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED BY A JOINT COMMITTEE FOR BOTH LOAN FUNDS.
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO ENTER INTO A FORMAL UNDERTAKING TO REPAY THEIR LOANS BY INSTALMENTS OF AT LEAST 10 PER CENT OF THEIR MONTHLY SALARY AFTER GRADUATION.
THE LOANS WILL BE PAID DIRECT INTO THEIR PERSONAL ACCOUNTS WITH A LOCAL BANK.
THESE LOANS ARE MADE YEARLY. NEW APPLICANTS, AND PRESENT RECIPIENTS WHO WISH TO APPLY FOR FURTHER LOANS FOR THE COMING ACADEMIC YEAR MUST COMPLETE A PRESCRIBED FORM.
DETAILS OF THE APPLICATION PROCEDURE ARE:
INSTITUTE WHERE
APPLICANT IS OFFICE TO OBTAIN
STUDYING OR AND RETURN CLOSING DATE
INTENDS TO STUDY THE APPLICATION FORM FOR APPLICATION
♦ CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG
* HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE
STUDENT AFFAIRS OFFICE
STUDENT FINANCIAL AID OFFICE
OCTOBER 15
OCTOBER 15
/* HONG KONG .......
SUNDAY, JUNE 28, 1992
3
♦ HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC STUDENT AFFAIRS UNIT OCTOBER 15
♦ LINGNAN COLLEGE STUDENT AFFAIRS OFFICE OCTOBER 15
* THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG ASSISTANT SECRETARY, STUDENT AFFAIRS OCTOBER 15
* THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY STUDENT AFFAIRS OFFICE OCTOBER 15
* THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG DEAN OF STUDENTS OCTOBER 15
♦ OTHER POST-SECONDARY COLLEGES, TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AGENCY, FIFTH FLOOR, CLUB LUSITANO BUILDING, 16 ICE HOUSE STREET, CENTRAL, HONG KONG. SEPTEMBER 14
------0-----------
ISSUE OF NEW PICTORIAL AEROGRAMMES ******
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR MICHELANGELO PAGLIARI, ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT A NEWLY DESIGNED PICTORIAL AEROGRAMME WILL BE ISSUED ON JULY 1 TO REPLACE THE PICTORIAL AND PLAIN AEROGRAMMES CURRENTLY IN USE.
THE DESIGN OF THE AEROGRAMME FEATURES A DRAGON IN FOUR-COLOUR PRINTING.
THE NEW AEROGRAMME, AVAILABLE AT $1.8 EACH, WAS DESIGNED BY MR COLIN TILLYER AND PRINTED BY MCCORQUODALE ENVELOPES LTD OF UK.
CURRENT PLAIN AND PICTORIAL AEROGRAMMES WILL REMAIN AVAILABLE UNTIL STOCKS ARE EXHAUSTED.
TO MEET THE NEEDS OF PHILATELISTS, A HAND-BACK SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED ON JULY 1 AT ALL POST OFFICES FOR NEW AEROGRAMMES BEARING A LOCAL ADDRESS.
AEROGRAMMES TENDERED FOR THE HAND-BACK SERVICE MUST BE FOLDED AND SEALED.
------0------------
/4 ........
SUNDAY, JUNE 28, 1992
OCCUPATION OF UNLEASED CROWN LAND AN OFFENCE
******
THE LAND AUTHORITY REITERATED TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT IT WAS AN OFFENCE TO ILLEGALLY OCCUPY UNLEASED CROWN LAND AND CARRY OUT BUILDING WORKS ON IT.
IN ADDITION, SUCH OFFENDERS WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR THE DEMOLITION OF THE ILLEGAL WORKS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AUTHORITY SAID.
THE ADVICE CAME FOLLOWING A RECENT COURT CASE IN WHICH AN ENGINEERING COMPANY WAS FINED A TOTAL OF $8,500 FOR BUILDING A STEEL BRIDGE OVER A RIVER IN SHA TIN AND THE ILLEGAL OCCUPATION OF THE UNLEASED SITE.
THE COURT WAS TOLD THAT THE BRIDGE HAD SINCE BEEN DEMOLISHED BY THE AUTHORITY AND THE DEMOLITION COST AMOUNTING TO $42,475 WOULD BE RECOVERED FROM THE DEFENDANT.
THE CASE CAME TO LIGHT ON FEBRUARY 24 WHEN A STEEL BRIDGE WAS FOUND BEING BUILT OVER A RIVER DIVIDING THE WONG NAI TAU AND TAI LAM LIU VILLAGES IN SHA TIN. THE SITE CONCERNED WAS FOUND TO BE UNLEASED CROWN LAND.
ENQUIRIES REVEALED THAT THE BRIDGE, MEASURING 27 FEET LONG, 12 FEET WIDE AND SEVEN FEET HIGH, WAS BEING BUILT BY AN ENGINEERING COMPANY IN ORDER TO BRING VEHICLES TO THE TAI LAM LIU VILLAGE FOR SOME CONSTRUCTION WORKS.
A NOTICE REQUIRING THE BUILDER TO DEMOLISH THE BRIDGE WITHIN TWO WEEKS WAS IMMEDIATELY POSTED ON THE SITE, BUT AN INSPECTION MADE BY THE AUTHORITY ON MARCH 9 REVEALED THAT THE BRIDGE WAS STILL THERE.
THE BRIDGE WAS DEMOLISHED BY THE AUTHORITY ON MAY 27.
- - 0 - -
TSEUNG KWAN 0 TUNNEL OPENING HOURS EXTENDED ♦ »♦»»»
THE OPENING HOURS OF THE TSEUNG KWAN 0 TUNNEL, WHICH SERVES BETWEEN TSEUNG KWAN O NEW TOWN AND SAU MAU PING, WILL BE EXTENDED BY ONE-AND-A-HALF HOURS TO MIDNIGHT DAILY FROM NEXT WEDNESDAY (JULY 1), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY).
SINCE ITS OPENING IN NOVEMBER 1990, THE TUNNEL HAS BEEN OPERATING FOR 16 HOURS EACH DAY FROM 6.30 AM TO 10.30 PM.
DURING ITS CLOSURE, VEHICLES CAN USE THE ALTERNATIVE ROUTE VIA PO LAM ROAD, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
IN JUNE, AN AVERAGE OF 12,000 VEHICLES USED THE TUNNEL EACH DAY COMPARED WITH 6,500 VEHICLES DURING THE INITIAL STAGE OF OPENING.
- - 0 - -
SUNDAY, JUNE 28, 1992
5
BID TO STEP UP SAFETY IN FACTORIES ******
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ISSUED 152 SUMMONSES AGAINST FACTORY OWNERS WITH POOR SAFETY RECORDS OR HIGH POTENTIAL HAZARDS DURING A RECENT CAMPAIGN.
"THE TWO-WEEK CAMPAIGN WAS AIMED AT PUTTING ACROSS THE MESSAGE THAT THESE FACTORIES ARE KEPT UNDER OUR CLOSE SURVEILLANCE AND THAT ENFORCEMENT ACTION WILL BE TAKEN OUT AGAINST OFFENDING PROPRIETORS," DEPUTY CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR, MR KAN HON-SANG, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
"HOWEVER, FACTORY OWNERS MUST REALISE THAT IT IS THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO PROVIDE A SAFE WORKING ENVIRONMENT FOR THEIR EMPLOYEES AND THAT THEY SHOULD NOT RELY ON OUR FACTORY INSPECTORS TO CONDUCT SAFETY INSPECTIONS ON THEIR BEHALF," MR KAN STRESSED.
"FACTORY OWNERS SHOULD DEVELOP THEIR OWN IN-PLANT SELF-REGULATORY SAFETY PROGRAMMES AND ADOPT SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK TO ENSURE THAT THEIR WORKERS ARE NOT PUT TO RISK," HE ADDED.
FACTORY INSPECTORS VISITED ABOUT 800 FACTORIES DURING THE CAMPAIGN AND MOST OF THE SUMMONSES WERE ISSUED UNDER THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (FIRE PRECAUTIONS IN NOTIFIABLE WORKPLACES) AND (GUARDING AND OPERATION OF MACHINERY) REGULATIONS.
IN ADDITION, MORE THAN 600 WRITTEN WARNINGS WERE ISSUED TO FACTORY OWNERS REQUIRING THEM TO IMPROVE THEIR WORKING CONDITIONS.
- - 0 - -
POSTER PUBLICISING FOSTER CARE SERVICE PRODUCED
*****
THE CENTRAL FOSTER-CARE UNIT OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAS PRODUCED A POSTER TO PROMOTE FOSTER-CARE SERVICE - A FORM OF NON-INSTITUTIONAL RESIDENTIAL CHILD-CARE SERVICE.
THE SERVICE IS AIMED AT PROVIDING A TEMPORARY ALTERNATIVE FAMILY FOR CHILDREN, WHO CANNOT BE ADEQUATELY LOOKED AFTER BY THEIR FAMILIES BECAUSE OF NEGLIGENCE, ILLNESS OF THE PARENTS OR OTHER SOCIAL PROBLEMS.
"THE POSTERS ARE NOW ON DISPLAY AT THE DEPARTMENT’S BRANCH OFFICES IN ORDER TO REACH MORE POTENTIAL FOSTER PARENTS," A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE POSTERS WILL ALSO BE PUT UP ON GOVERNMENT POSTER SITES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY AND AT PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES LATER.
/HE SAID
SUNDAY, JUNE 28, 1992
6
HE SAID THROUGH FOSTERING, CHILDREN COULD GROW UNDER A NORMAL FAMILY SETTING AND ENJOY A NORMAL CHILDHOOD.
’’FOSTER PARENTS CAN, ON THE ONE HAND, DO THE COMMUNITY A SERVICE AND ON THE OTHER, PUSH UP THEIR ABILITY AS PARENTS,” HE ADDED.
MARRIED COUPLES WHO ARE INTERESTED TO BECOME FOSTER PARENTS CAN APPROACH THE CENTRAL FOSTER-CARE UNIT ON THE FOURTH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
ENQUIRIES ON THE SERVICE COULD BE MADE ON TEL 852 4596 OR 852 4599.
MEANWHILE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE DEPARTMENT WOULD ORGANISE A SERIES OF MOBILE EXHIBITIONS IN THE TERRITORY TO PUBLICISE FOSTERCARE SERVICE, STARTING FROM JULY 11.
------0--------
PRE-QUALIFICATION FOR PUMPING STATION UPRATING ♦ * * * *
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING APPROVED CONTRACTORS TO PARTICIPATE IN A PRE-QUALIFICATION EXERCISE FOR THE UPRATING OF THE TAI MEI TUK *A’ PUMPING STATION WITHIN PLOVER COVE RESERVOIR.
THE DAILY PUMPING CAPACITY OF THE STATION WILL INCREASE FROM THE EXISTING 390,000 CUBIC METRES TO 940,000 CUBIC METRES WHEN THE UPRATING WORK IS COMPLETED IN MID-1995.
THE SCOPE OF WORKS COMPRISES MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXISTING STATION TO ENABLE THE INSTALLATION OF SIX NEW PUMPSETS WITH ANCILLARY EQUIPMENT.
THE CONTRACTOR IS ALSO REQUIRED TO BUILD A TWO-METRE DIAMETER DELIVERY MAIN FROM THE STATION TO AN EXISTING BOX CULVERT, TO SUPPLY AND INSTALL SIX NEW VERTICAL SUSPENDED CASING ELECTRICALLY DRIVEN PUMPSETS AND ELECTRICAL SUPPLY AND CONTROL INSTRUMENTATION EQUIPMENT.
THE PROJECT IS SCHEDULED TO START EARLY NEXT YEAR.
ONLY CONTRACTORS ON THE APPROVED CONTRACTORS FOR PUBLIC WORKS LIST I IN GROUP C FOR WATERWORKS OR ON LIST II FOR WATERWORKS MAY APPLY FOR THE PRE-QUALIFICATION.
COMPLETED PREQUALIFICATION SUBMISSIONS SHOULD BE MADE TO CHIEF ENGINEER/CHINA WATER, WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT, WANCHAI TOWER II, 46TH FLOOR, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, HONG KONG NO LATER THAN NOON ON JULY 24.
------0-------
/7.........
SUNDAY, JUNE 28, 1992
7
WATER CUT IN SAI KUNG AND HO MAN TIN *****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO MOST PREMISES ALONG CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD IN SAI KUNG WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 10 PM ON TUESDAY (JUNE 30) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE THE INSTALLATION OF A WASTE DETECTION METER.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES ALONG A SECTION OF CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD FROM FEI NGO SHAN ROAD TO SHAW’S STUDIO, INCLUDING PIK UK PRISON, CLEAR WATER BAY APARTMENTS AND THOSE AT ANDERSON ROAD AND RAZOR HILL ROAD.
FLUSHING WATER SUPPLY TO ALL PREMISES IN HO MAN TIN WILL ALSO BE SUSPENDED FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM ON TUESDAY TO FACILITATE THE ANNUAL CLEANSING OF A SERVICE RESERVOIR.
THE WATER CUT WILL AFFECT KING GEORGE V SCHOOL, ALL PREMISES AT HO MAN TIN ESTATE, 01 MAN ESTATE, CHUN MAN COURT AND VALLEY ROAD ESTATE AS WELL AS THOSE IN KING’S PARK.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, JUNE 29, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS TO THE JOURNALIST ASSOCIATION AND THE NEWS
EXECUTIVES ASSOCIATION - JOINT LUNCHEON HELD ON MONDAY, 29TH JUNE 1992 ................................................................ 1
SCHOLARSHIP FUND IN HONOUR OF LORD WILSON ......................... 4
OVER A MILLION YOUTHS TO TAKE PART IN SUMMER ACTIVITIES ........... 5
TELA'S STATEMENT ON ADVERTISING MAGAZINE .......................... 6
HEPATITIS B VACCINATION FOR PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN .................. 6
QUARTERLY REPORT ON GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY ON LABOUR FORCE CHARACTERISTICS ..................................................... 7
CAPTAINS AND CREW PRAISED FOR HELP IN SEA PERILS .................. 8
SCHOOL CONTESTS TO PROMOTE POSITIVE ATTITUDE TOWARDS LIFE ......... 9
WATER STORAGE FIGURE .............................................. 9
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ........ 10
MONDAY, JUNE 29. 1992 - 1 -
GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS TO THE JOURNALIST ASSOCIATION AND THE NEWS EXECUTIVES ASSOCIATION - JOINT LUNCHEON HELD ON MONDAY. 29TH JUNE 1992 *****
HE THE GOVERNOR: MR HON, MR TSANG, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THIS IS MY LAST WEEK IN HONG KONG AND WHAT BETTER WAY TO START THAN HAVING LUNCH WITH ALL OF YOU, WHAT BETTER WAY TO END MY PERIOD AS GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG THAN HAVING AN OCCASION WHICH BRINGS TOGETHER THESE TWO ASSOCIATIONS UP THERE ON THE BOARD. MAY YOU HAVE MANY OTHER OCCASIONS WHEN YOU GET TOGETHER IN A SIMILAR WAY.
HONG KONG IS WELL KNOWN FOR HAVING, PROBABLY, MORE NEWSPAPERS PER HEAD OF POPULATION THAN ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD AND CERTAINLY MORE JOURNALISTS PER SQUARE FOOT THAN ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD. SOME OF THOSE SQUARE-FOOTED JOURNALISTS I MEET AS I TRAVEL AROUND. IT’S VERY NICE TO SEE YOU ALL SITTING DOWN PEACEFULLY AND NOT HAVING TO GO ON A DISTRICT VISIT INSTEAD.
I THOUGHT WHAT I WOULD DO WOULD BE JUST TO REFLECT, VERY BRIEFLY, ON SOME OF MY OWN THOUGHTS ABOUT THE LAST FIVE YEARS AND THEN GIVE YOU A CHANCE TO ASK QUESTIONS. AND FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE WAITING TO RELY ON THE HANDED-OUT WRITTEN TEXT, YOU’RE GOING TO WAIT FOR A VERY LONG TIME BECAUSE THERE ISN’T ONE, AND THEREFORE IF YOU WANT TO NOTE WHAT I AM SAYING, YOU WILL SOMEHOW HAVE TO REMEMBER IT.
THESE FIVE YEARS AS GOVERNOR HAVE BEEN ENORMOUSLY EVENTFUL YEARS, 1 DON’T THINK ANYBODY WOULD DOUBT THAT. SOMETIMES PEOPLE SAY TO ME: YOUR GOVERNORSHIP HAS BEEN FILLED WITH MORE SERIES OF PROBLEMS THAN ANYONE ELSE’S. I’M NOT SURE THAT THAT’S TRUE, I SOMETIMES THINK BACK TO ONE PARTICULAR GOVERNOR, SIR MARK YOUNG, WHO ARRIVED HERE IN THE SUMMER OF 1941 AND HE FOUND HIMSELF IN A CONCENTRATION CAMP BY CHRISTMAS DAY. I DON’T HAVE TO PUT UP WITH ANY PROBLEMS LIKE THAT, BUT THEY HAVE BEEN VERY EVENTFUL YEARS AND I’D JUST LIKE TO CHART SOME OF THOSE THINGS AND WHAT WE HAVE DONE ABOUT THEM.
TAKE FOR INSTANCE 1987, MY FIRST YEAR HERE, THE AUTUMN OF 1987, THE ’STOCK MARKET CRASH’ - NOT SOMETHING PRODUCED IN HONG KONG BUT SOMETHING WHICH HAPPENED ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD WE HAD TO DEAL WITH - A GREAT CRISIS. AND WE DEALT WITH IT, AND WE DEALT WITH IT QUICKLY AND WE PUT IN PLACE ARRANGEMENTS WHICH ARE NOW WORKING SO THAT WE HAVE A MUCH BETTER SYSTEM FOR RUNNING OUR STOCK MARKET. AND, AS EVERYBODY KNOWS, THE MARKET HAS RECOVERED, NOT JUST IN THE WAY IT ORGANISES ITSELF BUT AS A MARKET. IT IS NOW OVER 6,000 POINTS, IT REACHED A RECORD HIGH LAST FRIDAY. JUST BEFORE THE CRASH IN OCTOBER 1987 IT WAS SOMEWHERE NEAR 4,000 POINTS. SO THERE IS ONE CRISIS -MET, HANDLED, DEALT WITH, SUCCESSFUL AS A RESULT.
/OR TAKE .......
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MONDAY, JUNE 29, 1992
OR TAKE 1989, THE EVENTS OF MAY AND JUNE, WHICH HAD A TREMENDOUS IMPACT HERE IN HONG KONG, AND I DON’T REMEMBER IN MY PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE OF THE TERRITORY, ANY TIME WHEN PEOPLE GOT SO LOW IN THEIR OWN CONFIDENCE. THERE WAS A REAL SENSE OF GLOOM WHICH LASTED FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. BUT THERE, TOO, WE HAVE COME THROUGH THAT CRISIS OF CONFIDENCE, WE HAVE COME OUT THE OTHER SIDE. YOU CAN SEE WHEN YOU LOOK AT THESE CONFIDENCE INDEXES WHICH I GET PRODUCED BY A CERTAIN ORGANISATION HERE AND I FIND PRETTY ACCURATE, THAT THE GRAPH DIPS DOWN, STARTS COMING UP AGAIN, LEVELS, AND THEN GOES UP EVEN FURTHER. SO WE’RE ROUGHLY BACK WHERE WE WERE BEFORE MAY AND JUNE OF 1989. -- I MIGHT JUST INTERPOLATE A COMMENT: I’M FASCINATED BY THE FACT THAT EVERY TIME I RAISE MY HAND SOMEBODY USES A FLASH-GUN. CLEARLY, GESTURES ARE THE THINGS THAT MATTER! -- BUT WE HAVE COME THROUGH THAT CRISIS. WE’VE COME THROUGH THE PROBLEMS THAT WE HAD WITH CHINA AS A RESULT. WE WENT THROUGH SEVERAL MONTHS - A YEAR OR MORE -WHEN RELATIONS WITH CHINA WERE STRAINED, BUT WE HAVE COME THROUGH IT, WE ARE REPAIRING THOSE RELATIONS, WE’RE GETTING BACK ON TO A SENSIBLE FOOTING AGAIN.
OR TAKE ANOTHER ONE - AND IT IS INTERESTING TO ME HOW THIS ONE HAS DROPPED OUT OF THE NEWS, AND THAT PERHAPS IS ITSELF A MEASURE OF HOW IT’S BEEN DEALT WITH - THE VIETNAMESE MIGRANT PROBLEM. IN THE PERIOD OF 1988-91 WE HAD SOMETHING LIKE 60,000 PEOPLE COMING HERE FROM VIETNAM, BY BOAT OR ACROSS THE MAINLAND, HUGE NUMBERS. WE DIDN’T BEND UNDER THAT PRESSURE, WE MANAGED, WE RETAINED OUR POLICY, ALMOST ALONE IN SOUTH-EAST ASIA, WE MANAGED TO KEEP OUR NERVE AND NOW WE ARE WELL ON THE WAY TO FINDING A SOLUTION TO THAT LONG LASTING PROBLEM WHICH WAS HERE IN 1979 WHEN I WAS DOING A DIFFERENT JOB AS POLITICAL ADVISER. WE’VE HAD SOMETHING LIKE 19,000 PEOPLE VOLUNTEERING TO GO BACK AND THE IMPACT OF THE ARRANGEMENTS NOW PUT IN PLACE FOR NON-REFUGEES TO GO BACK TO THEIR HOMES IN VIETNAM IS SUCH THAT THIS YEAR, INSTEAD OF LAST YEAR’S SEVERAL THOUSAND PEOPLE ARRIVING BY THIS TIME, WE’VE HAD - HOW MANY? - PRECISELY SEVEN PEOPLE COMING HERE THIS YEAR. NOW THAT IS A CONSIDERABLE ACHIEVEMENT.
IT IS THOSE CRISES THAT ALWAYS GRAB THE HEADLINES. NATURALLY YOU WRITE ABOUT THEM, NATURALLY YOU WILL WISH TO GO ON DOING SO. SOME OF THE OTHER THINGS THAT GO ON THE WHOLE TIME DON’T GRAB THE HEADLINES AND I WOULD LIKE JUST TO TOUCH ON A FEW OF THOSE TO SHOW HOW, DESPITE ALL THESE PROBLEMS, AS A SOCIETY WE HAVE CONTINUED TO BUILD OURSELVES UP AND MAKE PROGRESS.
TAKE FOR INSTANCE HOUSING. SOMETHING LIKE 233,000 APARTMENTS HAVE BEEN BUILT HERE SINCE 1987. THAT WORKS OUT AT SOMETHING LIKE 130 NEW FLATS EVERYDAY, EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK, AND THAT’S NOT A BAD ACHIEVEMENT. OR TAKE EDUCATION. IN 1987 THE NUMBER OF FIRST-YEAR FIRST-DEGREE PLACES WAS APPROXIMATELY FIVE-AND-A-HALF THOUSAND, IT’S NOW SOMETHING LIKE TEN THOUSAND. 1995 IT IS GOING UP TO FOURTEEN-AND-A-HALF-THOUSAND. VERY MAJOR SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT, THE GRAPH GOES UPWARDS -- AND THE FLASH-GUNS GO OFF! -- OR THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY: I WENT THE OTHER DAY TO QUEEN ELIZABETH AND AN ASTONISHING SIGHT TO SEE, THAT THE CAMP-BEDS ARE ALMOST ALL GONE AND WE ARE MAKING TREMENDOUS PROGRESS WITH OUR HOSPITALS. IN THE PERIOD BETWEEN 1987 AND NOW SOMETHING LIKE 6,000 NEW HOSPITAL-BEDS HAVE BEEN PROVIDED AND MANY MORE ARE IN THE PIPELINE. OR TAKE THE ENVIRONMENT, WHICH IS A SUBJECT CLOSE TO MY OWN HEART. IN 1987 WE WERE SPENDING SOMETHING LIKE $330 MILLION-A-YEAR ON THE ENVIRONMENT. IN 1992-93 WE WILL BE SPENDING $3.9 BILLION ON THE ENVIRONMENT. I’M NOT SAYING THERE THAT WE HAVE DONE ENOUGH, I’M ONLY SAYING THAT WE HAVE MADE PROGRESS; WE HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO.
MONDAY, JUNE 29, 1992
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NOW WE CAN ACHIEVE ALL THIS BECAUSE OF ONE OTHER FUNDAMENTAL THING: A PLATFORM -- WITH A FLASH-GUN! -- THAT PLATFORM IS THE ECONOMY, AND THE ECONOMY DOING WELL. IF WE DIDN’T HAVE THE ECONOMY DOING WELL, WE WOULDN’T BE ABLE TO ACHIEVE ALL THESE OTHER THINGS. BUT WE HAVE BEEN DOING WELL, WE’VE BEEN GROWING AT SOMETHING LIKE SIX-AND-A-HALF-PERCENT-A-YEAR ON AVERAGE DURING ALL THAT TIME. OUR PER CAPITA GDP, ABOUT THE ONLY MEASURE WE HAVE OF WEALTH, HAS BEEN RISING STEADILY DESPITE INFLATION, THE REAL FIGURE HAS BEEN RISING TOO. WE’RE CLOSE NOW ON US$16,000 PER CAPITA INCOME PER YEAR, AND THAT PUTS US VERY HIGH IN ASIA, IT PUTS US HIGHER THAN MANY COUNTRIES IN THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY, AND THAT IS REALLY THE FOUNDATION OF THE REST OF OUR SUCCESS. THE FOUNDATION OF THAT SUCCESS, THE BASIS FOR THE BASIS, -- (WHICH PRODUCES EVEN MORE FLASHES!) -- THE GROWING ECONOMY OF SOUTHERN-CHINA, THE WAY IN WHICH WE ARE LINKED-IN TO THE ECONOMY OF SOUTHERN-CHINA. THE GROWTH OF THAT ECONOMY, THE WAY WE HAVE BENEFITED FROM IT AND CONTRIBUTED TO IT, THAT I THINK HAS BEEN FUNDAMENTAL TO OUR OWN SUCCESS.
NOW AS ONE LOOKS AHEAD, ONE CAN SEE MANY ISSUES THAT ARE GOING TO HAVE TO BE DEALT WITH. ONE CAN SEE THINGS LIKE SPEED OF POLITICAL EVOLUTION. EXACTLY HOW DO WE MANAGE IT - WORKING OUT THOSE DEBATES, DISCUSSING WITH CHINA WHAT WE DO IN THE 1995 ELECTIONS? YOU CAN SEE MANY ISSUES ARE GOING TO HAVE TO BE TACKLED IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, BUT ONE IMPORTANT THOUGHT WHICH I’D LIKE TO LEAVE WITH YOU IS THAT AS WE FACE THESE ISSUES, WE SHOULDN’T BE DEFEATED BY THE PROBLEMS. WE SHOULDN’T BE DEFEATED EITHER BY A TIMESCALE, WE SHOULD LOOK WELL BEYOND 1997 AND WE SHOULD PLAN AND WE SHOULD WORK NOW, FOR THE SUCCESS OF HONG KONG, AS AN SAR, AFTER 1997. THAT’S THE REASON THAT I PERSONALLY ATTACH SO MUCH IMPORTANCE TO LONG TERM PLANS AND TO GETTING ON WITH THEM NOW, HOWEVER DIFFICULT THAT MAY BE, HOWEVER MUCH ADMINISTRATIVE EFFORT, HOWEVER MUCH RESOURCES THAT MAY REQUIRE. FOR INSTANCE: AIRPORT, OR THE PORT DEVELOPMENT, OR ROAD DEVELOPMENT, OR EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT, OR HOUSING DEVELOPMENT. WE SHOULD NOT ALLOW OURSELVES TO BE TIME-LIMITED, WE SHOULD NOT ALLOW OURSELVES TO BE FRIGHTENED BY PROBLEMS INTO DOING NOTHING. AND IF WE DO THAT, AND IF HONG KONG HAS WHAT IT HAS I BELIEVE NOW, THE CONFIDENCE IN ITSELF, THE DYNAMISM OF THIS SOCIETY WHICH IS ALMOST WITHOUT PARALLEL AROUND THE REST OF THE WORLD, THEN WE WILL SEE THROUGH THOSE DIFFICULTIES AND WE WILL COME OUT SUCCESSFUL.
I LEAVE, MYSELF, ON FRIDAY. I AM PROUD TO HAVE BEEN ASSOCIATED AND INVOLVED WITH THE SUCCESS AND THE OVERCOMING OF DIFFICULTIES WHICH HONG KONG HAS SHOWN IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS. THAT HAS BEEN DONE BY THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG BUT I AM PROUD TO HAVE BEEN GOVERNOR DURING THAT PERIOD OF TIME. THANK YOU.
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MONDAY, JUNE 29, 1992
4
SCHOLARSHIP FUND IN HONOUR OF LORD WILSON * * * *
A TRUST FUND IN HONOUR OF THE GOVERNOR, LORD WILSON, IS TO BE SET UP TO PROVIDE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR HONG KONG STUDENTS ATTENDING THE LI PO CHUN UNITED WORLD COLLEGE WHICH OPENS THIS AUTUMN AS WELL AS FOR HONG KONG STUDENTS ATTENDING UNITED WORLD COLLEGES IN OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD.
"THE LORD WILSON UNITED WORLD COLLEGES SCHOLARSHIP FUND WILL BE ADMINISTERED BY A COUNCIL UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS WHO IS ALREADY THE TRUSTEE OF A NUMBER OF OTHER TRUST FUNDS," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
"OTHER MEMBERS ON THE COUNCIL INCLUDE SIR Q.W. LEE, MR LI SHIU-TSANG, MR LEE CHUNG-KEUNG, MR DAVID W. GAIRNS AND MR LUNG PING-YEE.
SO FAR, A SUM OF $45,275,000 HAS BEEN RAISED FOR THE FUND BY SIR Q.W. LEE IN HIS CAPACITY AS CHAIRMAN OF THE LI PO CHUN UNITED WORLD COLLEGE (LPCUWC).
GIVING SOME BACKGROUND ON THE LPCUWC, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE COLLEGE WAS MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH A GENEROUS GRANT FROM THE LI PO CHUN CHARITABLE TRUST FUND IN MAY 1989 AND WITH SUPPORT FROM THE GOVERNMENT.
THE PROJECT WAS INITIATED BY SIR Q.W. LEE AND MR LI SHIU-TSANG AND GIVEN ENCOURAGEMENT BY LORD WILSON AND THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD.
THE SCHOOL IS EXPECTED TO BE OPERATIONAL IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.
THE TEACHING PROGRAMME, COVERING THE FINAL TWO YEARS OF SECONDARY EDUCATION BEFORE UNIVERSITY ENTRANCE, WILL AIM TO DEVELOP EACH STUDENT’S TOTAL PERSONALITY THROUGH EDUCATION PROVIDING BREADTH, BALANCE AND CHALLENGE WHICH CANNOT BE ACHIEVED IN THE CLASSROOM ALONE.
THE COLLEGE WILL ENROLL A TOTAL OF 250 STUDENTS OVER ITS TWO-YEAR PROGRAMME, 125 FOR EACH YEAR.
ABOUT 40 PER CENT OF THE INTAKE ARE EXPECTED TO COME FROM HONG KONG AND THE OTHERS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES.
THE CHEQUE FOR SETTING UP THE SCHOLARSHIP FUND WAS PRESENTED TO THE GOVERNOR BY SIR Q.W. LEE AND MR LI SHIU-TSANG AT A CEREMONY HELD AT THE GOVERNMENT HOUSE THIS (MONDAY) EVENING.
THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN; THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE LI PO CHUN UNITED WORLD COLLEGE AND DONORS TO THE FUND ALSO ATTENDED THE CEREMONY.
SIR Q.W. SAID HE WAS GRATEFUL THAT THE GOVERNOR AND THE CHIEF SECRETARY HAD GIVEN "POSITIVE ENCOURAGEMENT" FOR THE FORMATION OF A UNITED WORLD COLLEGE IN HONG KONG.
/HE ALSO .......
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MONDAY, JUNE 29, 1992
HE ALSO THANKED THE GOVERNOR FOR HIS ENDORSEMENT OF THE CREATION OF THE SCHOLARSHIP FUND.
"IT IS ENTIRELY DUE TO YOUR PERSONAL PRESTIGE, POPULARITY AND RESPECT IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY THAT THE FUND HAS REACHED THE SIZE IT IS TODAY,” HE SAID.
SIR Q.W. ALSO URGED THE PUBLIC TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE FUND.
’’DONATIONS BY CHEQUE PAYABLE TO ’’SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS INCORPORATED - LORD WILSON UNITED WORLD COLLEGES SCHOLARSHIP FUND” MAY BE MADE TO THE TRUST FUNDS SECTION OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION,” HE SAID.
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OVER A MILLION YOUTHS TO TAKE PART IN SUMMER ACTIVITIES ♦ t * * *
MORE THAN 1.3 MILLION YOUNG PEOPLE ARE EXPECTED TO PARTICIPATE IN A WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES THIS SUMMER THAT WILL GIVE THEM FUN AND OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME COMMITTEE, MR PETER LEE, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
ANNOUNCING DETAILS OF THE PROGRAMME AT A PRESS CONFERENCE, MR LEE SAID ABOUT 13,000 PROGRAMMES AND ACTIVITIES HAD BEEN PLANNED BETWEEN JULY AND SEPTEMBER.
IN LINE WITH THE THEME "SHARE THE FUN, SERVE THE COMMUNITY", THE COMMITTEE, THROUGH FUNDING ARRANGEMENTS, HAD ENCOURAGED PARTICIPATING ORGANISATIONS TO ORGANISE SOCIAL SERVICE ACTIVITIES THAT WOULD OFFER YOUNG PEOPLE OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY, AND AT THE SAME TIME PROVIDING THEM WITH ENJOYABLE RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES.
THE COMMITTEE WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR 10-DAY AND 18-DAY COURSES AT THE OUTWARD BOUND SCHOOL TO ATTRACT VOLUNTEER YOUNGSTERS TO TAKE PART IN PLANNING AND PROMOTING SUMMER ACTIVITIES.
"THE SCHOLARSHIPS WILL BE AWARDED TO THOSE YOUNGSTERS WHO HAVE DISPLAYED OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE IN PROMOTING SUMMER YOUTH ACTIVITIES WHILE WORKING AS VOLUNTEERS," MR LEE SAID.
EXPENDITURE FOR THE SUMMER ACTIVITIES IS ESTIMATED TO BE AT $35 MILLION. THEY WILL BE MET BY A DONATION FROM THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB AMOUNTING TO $12.7 MILLION AND CONTRIBUTIONS FROM VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, DISTRICT BOARDS AND PRIVATE BODIES.
ON BEHALF OF THE COMMITTEE, MR LEE THANKED THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB FOR ITS CONTRIBUTIONS AND SUPPORT SINCE THE INCEPTION OF THE PROGRAMME IN 1969.
THE ASSISTANT INFORMATION SECRETARY OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, MR WILSON CHENG, SAID THE JOCKEY CLUB STRONGLY SUPPORTED THE PROGRAMME NOT ONLY BECAUSE IT OFFERED VARIOUS TYPES OF RECREATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES TO YOUTH IN SUMMER, BUT ALSO BECAUSE IT SERVED TO PROMOTE A SPIRIT OF VOLUNTEERISM AND COMMUNITY SERVICE AMONG THE YOUNGER GENERATION - A SPIRIT THAT THE CLUB CHERISHED DEARLY.
/"WE HOPE .......
MONDAY, JUNE 29, 1992
6
"WE HOPE TO SEE MORE YOUNG PEOPLE PARTICIPATE IN THIS YEAR’S PROGRAMMES, THROUGH WHICH THEY CAN BE GROOMED TO BECOME FINE CITIZENS AND HONG KONG’S FUTURE LEADERS," MR CHENG SAID.
TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE PROGRAMME, A CEREMONY CUM VARIETY SHOW ENTITLED "SWINGING SUMMER" WILL BE STAGED AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM ON JULY 4.
SOME 2,000 PARTICIPANTS WILL BE INVITED TO THE OPENING CEREMONY WHICH WILL BE OPENED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE PROGRAMME MAY BE DIRECTED TO ANY DISTRICT OFFICE.
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TELA’S STATEMENT ON ADVERTISING MAGAZINE ******
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES, THE TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING AUTHORITY (TELA) SAID TODAY (MONDAY) IT HAS REVIEWED THE CONTENTS OF THE "DIRECT COMMUNICATION CHARITY HOTLINE PURCHASE AD MAGAZINE" AND CONCLUDED THAT IT DID NOT BREACH ANY OF THE TELEVISION CODES OF PRACTICE ON PROGRAMME OR ADVERTISING STANDARDS.
TELA IS THE EXECUTIVE ARM OF THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY.
A TELA SPOKESMAN SAID IN THIS CASE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY, WHICH IS THE STATUTORY REGULATORY AUTHORITY FOR TELEVISION, WAS CONFINED TO WHAT WAS ACTUALLY BROADCAST ON TELEVISION.
AS THE CONTENTS OF THE ADVERTISING MAGAZINE, WHICH WAS BROADCAST IN EARLY FEBRUARY, WERE ACCEPTABLE BY THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY’S STANDARDS, TELA WOULD NOT TAKE ANY FURTHER ACTION IN RESPECT OF THE BROADCAST.
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HEPATITIS B VACCINATION FOR PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN
*****
THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH WILL EXPAND ITS HEPATITIS B VACCINATION PROGRAMME ON WEDNESDAY (JULY I) TO COVER PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN BORN BETWEEN 1986 AND 1988.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT SUCH CHILDREN WHO HAD NOT YET BEEN VACCINATED COULD GET THE VACCINE FREE OF CHARGE AT ALL GOVERNMENT MATERNAI, AND CHILD HEALTH CENTRES WITHIN A SCHEDULED PERIOD.
THE EXPANDED PROGRAMME, EXPECTED TO BENEFIT ABOUT 150,000 PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN, WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THREE STAGES.
/STAGE ONE .......
MONDAY, JUNE 29, 1992
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STAGE ONE (FOR CHILDREN BORN IN 1986) WILL BE CARRIED OUT FROM JULY 1 TO OCTOBER 31 AND STAGE TWO (FOR CHILDREN BORN IN 1987) FROM NOVEMBER 1 TO FEBRUARY 28 NEXT YEAR.
STAGE THREE (FOR CHILDREN BORN IN 1988) WILL TAKE PLACE FROM MARCH 1 TO JUNE 30 NEXT YEAR.
TO ACHIEVE MAXIMUM PROTECTION, EACH CHILD SHOULD RECEIVE A FULL COURSE OF THREE DOSES ----- THE FIRST AND SECOND DOSE AT AN ONE-MONTH INTERVAL WHILE THE SECOND AND THE THIRD DOSE AT AN INTERVAL OF TWO TO FOUR MONTHS.
PARENTS ARE ADVISED TO BRING THEIR CHILDREN, TOGETHER WITH THE IMMUNISATION CARDS, BACK TO THEIR RESPECTIVE MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CENTRES DURING THE ASSIGNED VACCINATION PERIOD.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON A TELEPHONE HOTLINE - 838 7428 -DURING OFFICE HOURS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID: ’’PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN ARE PARTICULARLY PRONE TO HEPATITIS B VIRUS INFECTION BECAUSE THEY ARE VERY ACTIVE AND MAY EASILY INJURE THEMSELVES THROUGH ACTIVITIES AND ACCIDENTS. HEPATITIS B VIRUS CAN GAIN ACCESS TO THEIR BODIES THROUGH EVEN MINOR WOUNDS.”
HE ADDED THAT INFECTION BY HEPATITIS B VIRUS MAY RESULT IN DEVELOPING CHRONIC LIVER PROBLEMS SUCH AS LIVER CANCER.
THE VACCINATION PROGRAMME WAS INTRODUCED IN 1984 FOR HEALTH-CARE WORKERS AND BABIES BORN TO CARRIER MOTHERS AND LATER EXPANDED TO COVER ALL NEWBORN BABIES IN NOVEMBER 1988.
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QUARTERLY REPORT ON GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY ON LABOUR FORCE CHARACTERISTICS *****
THE REPORT ON THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY FOR JANUARY - MARCH 1992 IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT $15.5 EACH AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
THE REPORT CONTAINS STATISTICS ON EMPLOYMENT, UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT FOR THE QUARTER.
IT ALSO CONTAINS DETAILED ANALYSTS OF THE CHARACTERISTICS OF MEMBERS OF THE LABOUR FORCE, INCLUDING THEIR AGE AND SEX STRUCTURE, EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT, ACTIVITY STATUS, OCCUPATION, INDUSTRY, HOURS WORKED PER WEEK, MONTHLY EMPLOYMENT EARNINGS AS WELL AS REASONS FOR UNEMPLOYMENT AND DURATION OF UNEMPLOYMENT FOR THE UNEMPLOYED.
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MONDAY, JUNE 29, 1992
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CAPTAINS AND CREW PRAISED FOR HELP IN SEA PERILS
******
THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR TONY MILLER, TODAY (MONDAY) PRAISED THE CAPTAINS AND CREW OF THE HONG KONG SALVAGE AND TOWAGE CO LTD AND THE BRITISH CARGO SHIP "RIZCUN ENTERPRISE" FOR THEIR VALUABLE ASSISTANCE IN THREE MAJOR EMERGENCIES EAST OF HONG KONG IN APRIL THIS YEAR.
IN A CEREMONY AT THE MARINE DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, MR MILLER PRESENTED COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUES TO THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG SALVAGE AND TOWAGE CO LTD, MR ALAN CURTIS, AND THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE UNITED SHIP MANAGEMENT LTD, SHIPMANAGER OF THE BRITISH CARGO SHIP, MR SAMARENDRA BANERJEE.
. MR MILLER THANKED MR CURTIS AND HIS OFFICERS AND CREW FOR THEIR EXPERTISE AND PROFESSIONALISM IN SALVAGING FOUR SHIPS INVOLVED IN THE THREE EMERGENCY RESCUES CO-ORDINATED BY THE MARITIME RESCUE CO-ORDINATION CENTRE (MRCC) OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT.
MR MILLER ALSO THANKED THE CAPTAIN AND CREW OF THE CARGO SHIP "RIZCUN ENTERPRISE" FOR "UPHOLDING THE TRADITIONAL CODE OF CONDUCT AT SEA IN ASSISTING ALL THOSE IN PERIL".
ON APRIL 18, THE I 1,OOO-TONNE RUSSIAN CARGO VESSEL "PSKOV" WAS ON FIRE 150 MILES EAST OF HONG KONG.
TUGS OF HONG KONG SALVAGE RUSHED TO THE SCENE, CONTAINED THE FIRE AND TOWED THE VESSEL SAFELY BACK TO HONG KONG WITH NO LOSS OF LIFE OR INJURIES.
TWO DAYS LATER, THE 30,OOO-TONNE TANKER "SEASTAR" HAD AN EXPLOSION 275 MILES EAST OF HONG KONG. TWO CREW MEMBERS WERE KILLED IN THE INCIDENT.
THE BRITISH CARGO SHIP "RIZCUN ENTERPRISE" WAS IN THE VICINITY AND SUCCESSFULLY RESCUED 26 SURVIVORS FROM THE LIFEBOAT OF THE TANKER.
HONG KONG SALVAGE TUGS ALSO SPED TO THE SCENE, FOUGHT THE FIRE AND TOWED THE "SEASTAR" BACK TO HONG KONG.
ON APRIL 29, A MAJOR COLLISION OCCURRED 180 MILES EAST OF HONG KONG BETWEEN THE GREEK CONTAINER VESSEL "INCHON GLORY" AND GERMAN PASSENGER SHIP "EUROPA" WITH 771 PASSENGERS AND CREW ON BOARD.
ONLY ONE CREW MEMBER WAS SLIGHTLY INJURED.
TUGS FROM THE HONG KONG SALVAGE TOWED THE "EUROPA" TO TAIWAN AND, AFTER STEMMING THE FLOODING, KEEPING THE HOLDS FREE OF WATER AND PATCHING UP CRACKS, TOWED THE CONTAINER VESSEL "INCHON GLORY” TO HONG KONG.
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MONDAY, JUNE 29, 199;
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SCHOOL CONTESTS TO PROMOTE POSITIVE ATTITUDE TOWARDS LIFE ♦ *♦*♦♦
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS ORGANISING TWO INTER-SCHOOL COMPETITIONS TO PROMOTE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE TOWARDS LIFE AMONG STUDENTS.
SECONDARY STUDENTS TAKING PART JN THE PROJECT-MAKING COMPETITION ARE ENCOURAGED TO MAKE USE OF LIBRARIES AND AUDIO-VISUAL RESOURCES SUCH AS SLIDES, VIDEO AND AUDIO TAPES OR PHOTOGRAPHS TO ILLUSTRATE THE THEME.
SUGGESTED TOPICS FOR THE PROJECT INCLUDE: UNDERSTANDING SELF, UNDERSTANDING LIFE: MAINTAINING HARMONIOUS INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIP; AND RELIEVING STRESS AND FACING PERSONAL PROBLEMS.
PRIMARY STUDENTS JOINING THE BOOKMARK COMPETITION ARE REQUIRED TO READ THREE BOOKS FROM DIFFERENT CLASSIFICATIONS AND TO COMPOSE A CHINESE SLOGAN OF NO MORE THAN 24 CHARACTERS WHICH SHOULD REFLECT A POSITIVE ATTITUDE TOWARDS LIFE.
A PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY AND EXHIBITION OF THE SELECTED OR WINNING ENTRIES WILL BE HELD IN THE HONG KONG TEACHERS’ CENTRE, NORTH POINT, IN NOVEMBER.
BOOK COUPONS RANGING FROM $300 TO $500 AND FROM $4,000 TO $7,000 WILL BE AWARDED TO WINNERS IN THE BOOKMARK AND PROJECT COMPETITIONS RESPECTIVELY.
BOTH CONTESTS ARE SPONSORED BY THE SHUN HING EDUCATION AND CHARITY FUND LTD.
------0-----------
WATER STORAGE FIGURE
*****
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 76.4 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 447.529 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 167.013 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 28.5 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
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/10 .......
MONDAY, JUNE 29, 1992
- 10 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
*****
$ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 688
REVERSAL OF LAF +30°
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 988
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY +1,000
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1.988
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TW1 110.2 *-0.2* 29.6.92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF B I LLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1W 2.84 PCT 17M 2311 6.25 102.53 4.39
IM 2.80 PCT 20M 2402 5.50 101.22 4.77
3M 2.82 PCT 23M 2405 5.50 100.92 5.04
6M 3.18 PCT
12M 3.88 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 6.461MN CLOSED 29 JUNE 1992
---------0---------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HERITAGE TRUST TO BE NAMED AFTER LORD WILSON ....................... 1
GOVERNOR GRATEFUL TO EXCO MEMBERS' SUPPORT ......................... 2
WATER RATES TO RISE FROM AUGUST 1 .................................. 2
ONE MORE AIDS CASE CONFIRMED ....................................... 3
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR GOVERNOR'S FAREWELL CEREMONY ...... 6
CUSTOMS STAFF ARRANGEMENTS AT CONTROL POINTS ....................... 6
STEADY PROGRESS IN BRITISH NATIONALITY SELECTION SCHEME ............ 7
1990 INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS RELEASED ..................... 8
GOVERNOR TO BID FAREWELL TO LEGCO .................................. 11
NEW FORM OF HK RE-ENTRY PERMITS AND SIMPLIFIED IMMIGRATION PROCEDURE FOR RESIDENT MINORS ........................................ 12
NORTH DISTRICT - A PLACE WITH IMMENSE DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL ........ 12
INDUSTRY PROMOTION DAY IN NORTH DISTRICT ........................... 13
YI TAI SHU YUEN DECLARED AS MONUMENT................................ 14
MEMENTO TO RETIRING FIRE CHIEF ..................................... 15
GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY UNDER WAY ................................. 15
235 RETURN TO VIETNAM .............................................. 16
DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED ............................................ 17
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS .................. 17
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ......... 18
TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 1992 1
HERITAGE TRUST TO BE NAMED AFTER LORD WILSON
*****
THE GOVERNOR, LORD WILSON, HAS AGREED TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A TRUST IN HIS NAME TO PROMOTE THE HERITAGE OF HONG KONG.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (TUESDAY) TO ANNOUNCE THE LORD WILSON HERITAGE TRUST, BARONESS DUNN SAID SHE SUGGESTED THIS THEME FOR THE TRUST BECAUSE OF LORD WILSON’S PERSONAL INTEREST IN MANY ASPECTS OF HONG KONG’S HERITAGE, BEFORE AND SINCE BECOMING GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG IN 1987.
DURING HIS GOVERNORSHIP, LORD WILSON HAD APPROVED THE DECLARATION OF 20 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS, INCLUDING THE YEUNG HAU TEMPLE, THE GATE HOUSE OF KUN LUNG WAI AND THE LAW FAMILY HOUSE IN CHAI WAN, SEVERAL OF WHICH HAVE SINCE BEEN RESTORED WITH THE HELP OF THE GOVERNMENT AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB.
BARONESS DUNN SAID THE LORD WILSON HERITAGE TRUST WOULD PROVIDE A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY FOR THE COMMUNITY TO APPRECIATE LORD WILSON’S CONTRIBUTION TO HONG KONG AND TO HELP IN PRESERVING LOCAL HERITAGE.
THE TRUST WILL BE ADMINISTERED BY A SPECIAL BOARD TO BE CHAIRED BY BARONESS DUNN. DONATIONS CAN BE MADE AT ANY BRANCH OF THE HONG KONG BANK OR SENT TO P.O. BOX 8800.
"I AM HAPPY TO ANNOUNCE THAT AS OF TO DATE WE HAVE RECEIVED OVER $22 MILLION PLEDGES FROM CORPORATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS INCLUDING $10 MILLION FROM THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB," BARONESS DUNN SAID.
"THE TRUST WOULD HELP TO FUND EDUCATIONAL PROJECTS FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN, THE RESTORATION OF TEMPLES AND OTHER HISTORICAL BUILDINGS, AND EFFORTS TO RECORD OLD LOCAL TRADITIONS WHICH ARE BEING SWEPT AWAY BY CHANGING LIFESTYLES.
"THESE ASPECTS OF HONG KONG’S HERITAGE ARE A UNIQUE FEATURE OF ITS IDENTITY AND IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THEY ARE NOT LOST FOREVER," SHE ADDED.
THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR JAMES SO, WELCOMED THE FORMATION OF THE TRUST AND EMPHASISED THAT IT WOULD NOT REPLACE GOVERNMENT FUNDING FOR THE CONSERVATION OF HONG KONG HERITAGE.
"THE PRESENT PROGRAMME OF RESTORATION AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCAVATIONS WOULD CONTINUE UNABATED," HE SAID.
MR SO HOPED THAT THE TRUST WOULD ENCOURAGE MORE PEOPLE TO PARTICIPATE IN PROTECTING HONG KONG’S HERITAGE, ADDING THAT THE ANTIQUITIES AND MONUMENTS OFFICE WOULD LEND ITS SUPPORT TO THE WORK OF THE TRUST.
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/2........
TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 1992
- 2 -
GOVERNOR GRATEFUL TO EXCO MEMBERS’ SUPPORT
******
THE GOVERNOR, LORD WILSON, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) HE WAS EXTREMELY GRATEFUL TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR THEIR ADVICE AND SUPPORT OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER CHAIRING HIS LAST MEETING OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, LORD WILSON SAID HE ALSO EXPRESSED TO MEMBERS THE IMPORTANCE HE ATTACHED TO THE WORK OF THE COUNCIL.
"IT IS THE BODY IN HONG KONG WHICH TAKES THE DECISIONS ON GENERAL DIRECTIONS OF POLICIES, SO IT IS A VERY CRUCIAL PART OF THE WHOLE ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE OF HONG KONG.
”1 WANTED TO SAY TO MEMBERS, AND THIS WAS VERY HEART-FELT, THAT I AM EXTREMELY GRATEFUL TO ALL OF THEM FOR THE ADVICE AND SUPPORT WHICH THEY’VE GIVEN TO ME OVER THE LAST FIVE YEARS,” HE SAID.
"SOME OF THEM HAVE BEEN THERE FOR FIVE YEARS, SOME HAVE JOINED VERY RECENTLY BUT TO ALL OF THEM I SAID I WAS VERY GRATEFUL INDEED FOR THEIR CAREFUL, THOUGHTFUL ADVICE AND ALL THE SUPPORT THEY HAVE GIVEN ME," LORD WILSON SAID.
------0--------
WATER RATES TO RISE FROM AUGUST 1 ******
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL TODAY (TUESDAY) APPROVED AN INCREASE IN WATER RATES FROM AUGUST 1 THIS YEAR FOLLOWING AN ANNUAL REVIEW OF WATER CHARGES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE WATER AUTHORITY SAID THE RATES FOR DOMESTIC CONSUMERS WOULD INCREASE BY 8.7 PER CENT AND THOSE FOR NON-DOMESTIC CONSUMERS 12.2 PER CENT.
"THE REVISION IS AIMED AT REFLECTING MORE ACCURATELY THE HIGHER OPERATING COSTS DUE MAINLY TO INFLATION AND THE EFFECT OF THE COSTS OF EXPANSION OF THE SUPPLY SYSTEMS IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS TO COPE WITH ANTICIPATED FUTURE DEMAND," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE USUAL PRACTICE IN PREVIOUS YEARS WAS FOR THE INCREASE TO TAKE EFFECT FROM APRIL 1.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE DELAY IN IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS YEAR’S INCREASE WAS IN LINE WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S AIM AS ANNOUNCED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH OF PHASING IN NECESSARY ADJUSTMENTS TO GOVERNMENT FEES AND CHARGES SO AS TO MINIMISE THEIR IMPACT ON CONSUMERS.
UNDER THE NEW RATES, 18 PER CENT OF THE 1.6 MILLION DOMESTIC CONSUMERS WILL CONTINUE TO ENJOY FREE SUPPLY OF WATER, WHILE 64 PER CENT WILL PAY AN EXTRA SUM OF LESS THAN $2 PER WEEK.
/THE REMAINING .......
3
TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 1992
THE REMAINING 18 PER CENT WILL PAY $2 OR MORE PER WEEK. OF
THIS GROUP, ABOUT NINE PER CENT WILL HAVE TO PAY MORE THAN $5 EXTRA
PER WEEK FOR THE WATER BILL.
A COMPARISON OF THE WATER CHARGES PAYABLE BY DOMESTIC
CONSUMERS UNDER THE OLD AND NEW TARIFFS IS SHOWN BELOW •
CONSUMPTION IN UNITS CHARGES PER FOUR -MONTH PERIOD
(1 UNIT: 1 CUBIC METRE) PRESENT ($) NEW ($)
14 AND BELOW FREE FREE
15 - 49 0 - 111.86 3. 58 - 125.30
50 - 70 115.15 - 211.89 130. 85 - 241.85
71 - 120 217.00 - 557.59 249. 63 - 630.85
OVER 120 557.59 PLUS $7. 16 630. 85 PLUS $7.78
PER UNIT OVER PER UNIT OVER
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE PRESENT CHARGES FOR NON-DOMESTIC SUPPLIES WERE BELOW PRODUCTION COSTS.
THE HIGHER INCREASE ON THE RATE FOR THIS CATEGORY OF CONSUMERS, IN COMPARISON WITH THE RATE FOR DOMESTIC CONSUMERS, WAS AIMED AT BRINGING THE CHARGES CLOSER TO THE PRODUCTION COSTS, HE SAID.
THE 12.2 PER CENT INCREASE FOR NON-DOMESTIC SUPPLIES IS UNLIKELY TO HAVE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON BUSINESS OPERATIONS AS WATER CHARGES REPRESENT A SMALL PART OF THE OPERATING COSTS OF MOST FIRMS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"FOR EXAMPLE, THE NEW RATE WILL INCREASE THE PRODUCTION COSTS OF THE BLEACH-DYEING INDUSTRY WHICH IS THE LARGEST CONSUMER OF WATER BY ABOUT 0.33 PER CENT AND THAT OF THE ENTIRE MANUFACTURING SECTOR BY ABOUT 0.18 PER CENT.
"WATER CHARGES FOR OTHER SECTORS REPRESENT AN EVEN SMALLER PROPORTION OF THE TOTAL PRODUCTION COSTS.
"THEREFORE THE INCREASE IN THE CHARGES SHOULD NOT HAVE ANY SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON THEIR OPERATION," HE SAID.
------0--------
ONE MORE AIDS CASE CONFIRMED
* I * * t
ELEVEN MORE PERSONS INCLUDING TWO WOMEN WERE FOUND TO BE POSITIVE FOR THE HIV ANTIBODY TEST LAST MONTH (MAY), BRINGING THE NUMBER OF HIV INFECTED PERSONS IN HONG KONG TO 291.
REVIEWING THE LATEST AIDS SITUATION, THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH’S CONSULTANT (SPECIAL PREVENTIVE PROGRAMME), DR S. S. LEE, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT ONE OF THE NEW HIV INFECTED BATCH HAD ALSO BEEN CONFIRMED AS AN AIDS PATIENT DURING THE MONTH.
THIS BRINGS TO 62 CONFIRMED AIDS CASES WITH 40 DEATHS. THE 22 OTHERS ARE EITHER UNDER COUNSELLING AND TREATMENT OR HAVE LEFT THE TERRITORY.
/OF THE ........
TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 1992
4
OF THE 291 HIV-INFECTED, 60 WERE HAEMOPHILIACS, 196 ACQUIRED THE INFECTION SEXUALLY, FIVE WERE DRUG ABUSERS AND THREE ACQUIRED THE INFECTION THROUGH BLOOD TRANSFUSION.
FOR THE REMAINING 27, THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE WAS INADEQUATE FOR CLASSIFICATION.
UNDER THE HIV SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME STARTED IN 1985, A TOTAL OF 237,125 BLOOD SPECIMENS HAVE BEEN TESTED FOR THE HIV ANTIBODY.
THE HONG KONG RED CROSS BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE HAS ALSO SCREENED ALL DONORS FOR AIDS.
UP TO LAST MONTH, 1,083,831 UNITS OF BLOOD HAVE BEEN TESTED AND 21 DONORS WERE FOUND POSITIVE.
THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (GEOGRAPHY, SOCIAL STUDIES AND HEALTH EDUCATION) OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, MR H. L. LAW, INTRODUCED A NEWLY-DESIGNED "LEARNING PACK ON AIDS FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS".
IT WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO ALL SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN EARLY JULY.
THE LEARNING PACK AIMS TO PROVIDE TEACHERS WITH A GUIDE TO DISCUSS WITH THEIR STUDENTS THE SOCIAL AND MORAL ISSUES RELATED TO AIDS.
MR LAW SAID THE OBJECTIVES OF THE NEW LEARNING PACK WERE:
* TO IDENTIFY SOME MYTHS CONCERNING AIDS AND TO RECOGNISE THE ATTITUDES AND EMOTIONS THAT GIVE RISE TO THEM;
* TO IMPROVE THE STUDENTS’ CRITICAL AND ANALYTICAL SKILLS FOR THE UNDERSTANDING OF THE PSYCHO-SOCIAL AND MORAL ASPECTS OF THE AIDS ISSUE;
* TO DEVELOP UNBIASED AND SYMPATHETIC ATTITUDES TOWARDS HIV CARRIERS AND AIDS PATIENTS; AND
* TO HELP STUDENTS DEVELOP DECISION-MAKING STRATEGIES AND BECOME RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN DECISION.
"WITH UPDATED INFORMATION AND OTHER REFERENCE MATERIALS, THE PACK ALSO SERVES AS A SUPPLEMENT TO THE TEACHING KIT ON AIDS PUBLISHED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IN 1988," MR LAW SAID
THE PACK CONSISTS OF THREE PARTS, NAMELY AN INTRODUCTORY GUIDE, THE LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND SUGGESTED ANSWERS AND DISCUSSION GUIDELINES FOR TEACHERS.
"THE PACK ALLOWS FOR A HIGH FLEXIBILITY IN ITS USAGE AS SCHOOLS MAY SELECT ANY PART OF IT FOR ORGANISING CLASS OR GROUP ACTIVITIES TO SUIT THEIR TIMETABLES AS WELL AS THE LEVEL, NEED AND ABILITY OF THEIR STUDENTS," MR LAW ADDED.
THE PACK WAS PRODUCED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WITH SUPPORT AND HELP FROM THE WORKING GROUP ON SCHOOL/STUDENTS OF THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY ON AIDS AND THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH’S AIDS COUNSELLING AND HEALTH EDUCATION SERVICE.
/AIDS VIRUS .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 1992
5
% ffi fa & # %
AIDS Virus (HIV) Antibody- Testing $9% M I %
Virus Unit, Department of Health
Apr 85-Apr 92 i tested* +ve t Referrals from Public hospitals and clinics 29057 114 ^*47^ & & $ Referrals from private practitioners 1900 56 A A5) i Attendances at social hygiene clinics 193692 48 Haemophiliacs . 61i 60 SW ’ IV drug abusers . _ t. 6677 1 Rexerrals from Family planning Association 240 0 && z % Health care personnel 1162 0 Mav No. ested* 1430 8 2239 2 61 1 25 ’ 92 No. 4ve 6 2 3 0 0 0 0 Tot No. tested* 30487 1908 195931 613 6758 241 1187 al No. +ve 120 58 51 60 1 0 0
w z> #4 &. •£, 1 Mi * This indicates the number of are repeated for certain ipd 23333$ , r£) X * , specimens ividuals. ‘ 279 3786 11 237125 Z* 1 . and not persons as tests 290
Aug 85-A pr 92 May a 12 Tot al
Hong Kong Red Cross B1 ob d'“t r'a n s fusion’ Service No. tested 1069232 No. •Vve t 20 No. ested 14599 No. +ve ■< No. tested 1083831 No. 4ve 21
Department of Health Jun 1992
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/6 ........
TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 1992
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR GOVERNOR’S FAREWELL CEREMONY
*******
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN CENTRAL DISTRICT FROM TODAY (TUESDAY) TO PREPARE FOR AND FACILITATE THE FAREWELL CEREMONY FOR THE GOVERNOR, LORD WILSON.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID EDINBURGH PLACE NORTH WOULD BE CLOSED TO ALL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC FROM 8 PM TODAY TO 6 AM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AND FROM 4 PM TO MIDNIGHT ON THURSDAY (JULY 2).
ON FRIDAY (JULY 3) AFTERNOON WHEN THE CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT EDINBURGH PLACE, EDINBURGH PLACE NORTH BETWEEN QUEEN’S PIER AND H.M.S. TAMAR, AND EDINBURGH PLACE EAST BETWEEN H.M.S. TAMAR AND CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, WILL BE CLOSED FROM 4 PM TO MIDNIGHT TO ALL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC EXCEPT THOSE CARS CARRYING PARKING LABELS AND FLAGS.
VEHICLES FROM THE CITY HALL CARPARK WILL HAVE TO TURN RIGHT FOR ACCESS TO HARCOURT ROAD.
IN LINE WITH THE ARRANGEMENTS, THE GREEN MINIBUS STANDS ON EDINBURGH PLACE EAST FOR GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE NOS. 1, 2, 3 AND 3A WILL BE RELOCATED TO CONNAUGHT PLACE OUTSIDE THE GENERAL POST OFFICE.
- - 0 - -
CUSTOMS STAFF ARRANGEMENTS AT CONTROL POINTS
*****
IN REPLY TO PRESS ENQUIRIES ON THE STAFFING ARRANGEMENTS AT CONTROL POINTS IN RESPONSE TO EXTENDED OPERATING HOURS WITH EFFECT FROM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY), THE ACTING COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, MR TONG KANG-SING, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE FOLLOWING MANAGEMENT MEASURES WILL BE INTRODUCED TO COPE WITH THE SITUATION:
* TRANSPORT WILL BE ARRANGED TO TAKE MORNING-SHIFT STAFF LIVING IN URBAN AREAS TO WORK AT THE BORDER;
* OFFICERS WORKING SHIFTS OF 12 HOURS OR MORE WILL BE PAID A SUBSISTENCE ALLOWANCE RANGING FROM $37 TO $49 PER SHIFT;
* FROM TOMORROW AND UNTIL JULY 5, A TASK FORCE OF 12 OFFICERS
WILL BE DESPATCHED TO MAN KAM TO AND LOK MA CHAU TO
REINFORCE EXISTING STAFF DURING PEAK HOURS;
* FROM MONDAY (JULY 6), 18 OFFICERS WILL BE DRAWN FROM
VARIOUS DIVISIONS FOR TEMPORARY RE-DEPLOYMENT DUTIES AT MAN KAM TO AND LOK MA CHAU;
MR TONG ADDED THAT THE DEPARTMENT IS NOW LOOKING AT THE POSTINGS OF OFFICERS AND WHERE THEY LIVE, AND CONSIDERING POSTING THOSE WHO LIVE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES TO THE BORDER AS TO REDUCE THEIR TRAVELLING TIME BETWEEN HOME AND OFFICE.
THE DEPARTMENT HAS NOT RECEIVED ANY COMPLAINTS FROM STAFF ASSOCIATIONS OR INDIVIDUAL OFFICERS ARISING FROM THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE EXTENDED WORKING HOURS, MR TONG SAID.
- - 0 - -
TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 1992
7 -
STEADY PROGRESS IN BRITISH NATIONALITY SELECTION SCHEME
******
STEADY PROGRESS IS BEING MADE IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE BRITISH NATIONALITY SELECTION SCHEME, WITH 22,251 APPLICANTS AND THEIR DEPENDANTS HAVING BEEN REGISTERED AS BRITISH CITIZENS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
"THESE COMPRISE 7,797 PRINCIPAL BENEFICIARIES AND THEIR 14,454 DEPENDANTS," HE SAID.
"AS AT THE END OF JUNE, A FURTHER 13,000 CANDIDATES WHO MAY BE SUCCESSFUL IN THEIR APPLICATIONS HAVE ALREADY ATTENDED VERIFICATION INTERVIEWS.
"ON SATISFACTORY COMPLETION OF THE INTERVIEW AND CHECKS, THEIR APPLICATIONS WILL BE PUT FORWARD BY THE STEERING COMMITTEE ON THE BRITISH NATIONALITY SCHEME TO THE GOVERNOR WHO, IF SATISFIED, WILL RECOMMEND THEM TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR REGISTRATION AS BRITISH CITIZENS.
"PRACTICALLY ALL THE REMAINDER OF THE POTENTIALLY SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED OF A TENTATIVE DATE OF INTERVIEW. THESE INTERVIEWS WILL TAKE PLACE WITHIN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS," HE SAID.
IN ADDITION, APPLICANTS IN THE GENERAL OCCUPATIONAL CLASS AND THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES CLASS WHOSE PROVISIONAL SCORES WERE VERY CLOSE TO THE QUOTA LINE HAD BEEN INFORMED THAT THEIR APPLICATIONS WERE STILL UNDER CONSIDERATION.
"THESE APPLICANTS MIGHT EVENTUALLY MOVE ABOVE OR BELOW THE QUOTA LINE, DEPENDING ON WHETHER APPLICANTS AHEAD OF THEM CAN SUBSTANTIATE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THEIR APPLICATION FORMS AT THE INTERVIEW STAGE," HE EXPLAINED.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT SO FAR 24,550 APPLICANTS HAD BEEN INFORMED THAT THEIR APPLICATIONS WERE NOT SUCCESSFUL.
APPLICANTS ARE ALSO REMINDED TO KEEP THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT POSTED OF CHANGES IN THEIR ADDRESS.
UNDER THE BRITISH NATIONALITY (HONG KONG I ACT 1990, UP TO 50,000 PRINCIPAL APPLICANTS AND THEIR DEPENDANTS MAY BE REGISTERED AS BRITISH CITIZENS. ABOUT 39,500 PLACES ARE BEING ALLOCATED TO SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS UNDER THE FIRST PHASE OF THE SCHEME.
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/8.........
TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 1992
8
1990 INDUSTRIAL
PRODUCTION STATISTICS RELEASED
*****
THE GROSS OUTPUT OF THE LOCAL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY IN 1990 WAS ESTIMATED TO BE $322.2 BILLION, REPRESENTING A DECREASE OF 1% IN MONEY TERMS OVER THE PRECEDING YEAR.
THIS WAS INDICATED IN SUMMARY STATISTICS COMPILED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT FROM THE 1990 ANNUAL SURVEY OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION.
THE INDUSTRY’S VALUE ADDED, WHICH IS A MEASURE OF INDUSTRY’S CONTRIBUTION TO THE TOTAL GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT, NEVERTHELESS GREW BY 3% FROM $89.6 BILLION IN 1989 TO $92.2 BILLION IN 1990.
THE SURVEY FINDINGS INDICATED THAT ABOUT 51,800 MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS HAD BEEN IN OPERATION DURING 1990. THEY ENGAGED SOME 762,600 WORKERS.
EXPENDITURE OF THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY IN 1990 INCLUDED $201.3 BILLION ON CONSUMPTION OF MATERIALS, SUPPLIES AND INDUSTRIAL WORK/SERVICES, $54.5 BILLION ON COMPENSATION FOR EMPLOYEES, AND $33.4 BILLION ON OTHER EXPENSES.
CONSUMPTION OF MATERIALS, SUPPLIES AND INDUSTRIAL WORK/SERVICES RECORDED A DECREASE OF 4% IN MONEY TERMS WHEN COMPARED WITH 1989, WHILE COMPENSATION FOR EMPLOYEES AND OTHER EXPENSES SHOWED INCREASES OF 3% AND 6% RESPECTIVELY.
GROSS SURPLUS OF THE LOCAL MANUFACTURERS WAS ESTIMATED TO BE $33 BILLION, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 4% IN MONEY TERMS OVER 1989.
ANALYSING GROSS OUTPUT BY COMPONENTS, CONSUMPTION OF MATERIALS, SUPPLIES AND INDUSTRIAL WORK/SERVICES TOOK UP THE LARGEST SHARE, ABOUT 62%; COMPENSATION FOR EMPLOYEES CAME SECOND, ABOUT 17%; OTHER EXPENSES AND GROSS SURPLUS EACH ACCOUNTED FOR 10%.
IN 1990, THE PER CAPITA GROSS OUTPUT AND VALUE ADDED WERE $422,000 AND $121,000 RESPECTIVELY, ABOUT 8% AND 12% HIGHER THAN THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
DISTRICTS WITH HIGH CONCENTRATION OF FACTORIES INCLUDED KWAI TSING, KWUN TONG, SHAM SHUI PO, TSUEN WAN AND KOWLOON CITY.
THEY TOGETHER ACCOUNTED FOR 64% AND 62% RESPECTIVELY OF THE TOTAL GROSS OUTPUT AND VALUE ADDED OF THE ENTIRE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY.
RANKED ACCORDING TO VALUE ADDED, THE FIVE LARGEST BROAD INDUSTRY GROUPS WERE THE BASIC METALS, FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS, MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT INDUSTRY (ACCOUNTING FOR 21% OF THE TOTAL VALUE ADDED OF THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY), THE WEARING APPAREL INDUSTRY (21%), THE TEXTILES INDUSTRY (15%), THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY (12%), AND THE PAPER PRODUCTS, PRINTING AND PUBLISHING INDUSTRY (10%).
/THEY TOGETHER .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 1992
9
THEY TOGETHER ACCOUNTED FOR ABOUT 79% AND 78% OF THE TOTAL GROSS OUTPUT AND VALUE ADDED RESPECTIVELY OF THE ENTIRE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY.
BROAD INDUSTRY GROUPS REGISTERING RAPID GROWTH IN VALUE ADDED IN 1990 OVER THE PRECEDING YEAR WERE THE FOOD, BEVERAGES AND TOBACCO INDUSTRY (+35%), AND THE PAPER PRODUCTS, PRINTING AND PUBLISHING INDUSTRY (+21%).
ON THE OTHER HAND, SIGNIFICANT DECLINES WERE RECORDED IN THE LEATHER, WOOD AND CORK PRODUCTS INDUSTRY (-26%) AND THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY (-13%).
THE 1990 SURVEY OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION WAS ONE IN A SERIES OF ANNUAL ECONOMIC SURVEYS CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT FOR ASCERTAINING THE STRUCTURE AND OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY AND UPDATING THE INDUSTRY’S CONTRIBUTION TO THE TOTAL GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT.
APART FROM THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY, THE SURVEY ALSO COVERED ESTABLISHMENTS ENGAGED IN MINING AND QUARRYING AND IN SUPPLY OF ELECTRICITY, GAS AND WATER.
SUMMARY STATISTICS FOR THE 1990 SURVEY OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE JUNE 1992 ISSUE OF THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS PUBLISHED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
DETAILED RESULTS TOGETHER WITH THE DESCRIPTIONS OF THE BACKGROUND AND METHODOLOGY OF THE SURVEY WILL BE GIVEN IN THE SURVEY REPORT ENTITLED "1990 SURVEY OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION".
IT WILL BE ON SALE IN AUGUST AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, AND AT THE PUBLICATIONS OFFICE OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER 1, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 805 6441.
/SUMMARY RESULTS .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 1992
10
Summary results of the 1990 Survey of Industrial Production ______analysed by broad manufacturing industry group____
Gross
Broad industry group Number of establishments Number of persons engaged Compensation of employees ($ Mn) Consumption of materials, supplies & industrial work/ services ($ Mn) surplus (net of "textile export quota transfer receipts") ($ Mn) Other expenses ($ Mn) Gross output ($ Mn) Value added ($ Mn)
Food, beverages and tobacco 970 (2) 27 299 (10) 2,388 (26) 8,738 (22) 3,648 (41) 2,332 (18) % 17,106 (26) 6,108 (35)
Wearing apparel, except knitwear and footwear 8 938 (-4) 220 901 (-5) 13,765 (3) 39,224 (8) 3,765 (-10) 6.479 (10) 63,232 (6) 18,924 (I)
Leather, wood and cork products 2 642 (-12) 18 833 (-27) 1,083 (-21) 3,845 (-25) 482 (-36) 617 (-22) 6,028 (-25) 1,604 (-26)
Textiles (including knitting) 5 556 (8) 112 598 (-11) 8,810 (1) 32,986 (-10) 4,105 (-6) 5,438 (3) 51,339 (-7) 14,051 (-2)
Paper products, printing and publishing 6 760 (3) 58 755 (1) 4,616 (15) 13,381 (25) 3,838 (32) 2,877 (14) 24,712 (22) 8,988 (21)
Chemicals, rubber & non-melallic mineral products 1 418 (-7) 15 508 (♦) 1,425 (18) 8,085 (1) 1,393 (4) 1,514 (8) 12,416 (4) 2,867 (3)
Plastic products 4 762 (-4) 49 716 (-20) 3,173 (-14) 11,294 (-28) 2,524 (-10) 2,212 (-5) 19,204 (-21) 5,923 (-13)
Basic metals, fabricated metal products, machinery & equipment 16 065 (•) 150 855 (-7) 11,122 (5) 40,750 (-5) 7,400 (6) 6,158 (8) 65,430 (-1) 19,046 (5)
Electrical & electronic products 1 016 (-15) 76 363 (-16) 5,796 (•) 34,660 (-3) 4,846 (6) 4,703 (3) 50,004 (-D 11,361 (1)
Other manufacturing industries 3 697 (-2) 31 773 (-2) 2,320 (8) 8,288 (-24) 1,032 (-18) 1,069 (-4) 12,709 (-18) 3,368 (-2)
Total 51 823 (-D 762 599 (-8) 54,498 (3) 201,251 (-4) 33,033 (4) 33,400 (6) 322,180 (-D 92,241 (3)
Notes : (1) Individual entries may not add up exactly to the respective totals due to rounding.
(2) Figures in brackets represent percentage changes in 1990 compared with 1989.
(3) Value added is a measure of the contribution of an industry to Hong Kong’s Gross Domestic Product.
(4) The "Number of person engaged” are ’full-year equivalent’figures, i.e. for an establishment which operated for only part of 1990, the number of persons engaged as at the end of the quarters during which the establishment operated are summed up and divided by 4.
♦ Changes within +/- 0.5%
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/Il .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 1992
11
GOVERNOR TO BID FAREWELL TO LEGCO ******
THE GOVERNOR, LORD WILSON, WILL DELIVER A FAREWELL MESSAGE TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
MEMBERS WILL DEBATE TWO MOTIONS ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE EXECUTIVE AND THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS AS WELL AS LEGAL AID SERVICES.
THE FIRST MOTION WILL BE PROPOSED BY THE HON SZETO WAH AND THE SECOND BY THE HON WONG WAI-YIN.
REV THE HON FUNG CHI-WOOD AND THE HON HUI YUI-FAT WILL RAISE ADJOURNMENT DEBATES ON THE USE AND DEVELOPMENT OF COUNTRY PARKS AND FRINGE BENEFITS FOR SUBVENTED-SECTOR STAFF RESPECTIVELY.
IN ADDITION, MEMBERS WILL ASK 20 QUESTIONS AND CONSIDER FIVE BILLS.
OF THEM, FOUR WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. DEBATES ON THEM ARE DUE TO BE ADJOURNED.
THEY ARE SUPPLEMENTARY APPROPRIATION (1991-92) BILL 1992, PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992, MARINE FISH (MARKETING) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992 AND MIDDLE EAST FINANCE INTERNATIONAL LIMITED (TRANSFER OF UNDERTAKING) BILL.
DEBATE ON ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1992 WILL BE RESUMED. IT IS DUE TO GO THROUGH THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND BE GIVEN A THIRD READING.
IN ADDITION, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER WILL MOVE A MOTION UNDER THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE.
MEANWHILE, THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY WILL TABLE THE REPORT OF CHANGES TO THE APPROVED ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE APPROVED DURING THE FINAL QUARTER OF 1991-92.
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY WILL PRESENT THE STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS AND REPORT ON THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE TRAVEL AGENTS’ RESERVE FUND FOR 1990-1991.
ALSO, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER WILL PRESENT THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY ANNUAL REPORT 1991 AND THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY ANNUAL REPORT 1991.
DEBATE ON A MOTION ON THE REDEVELOPMENT OF PRIVATE BUILDINGS PROPOSED BY THE HON JAMES TO WILL BE RESUMED.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO OBSERVE THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE MEETING FROM THE PUBLIC GALLERIES OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER. THEY MAY MAKE RESERVATIONS BY CALLING 869 9492.
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/12 .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 1992
12
NEW FORM OF HK RE-ENTRY PERMITS AND SIMPLIFIED IMMIGRATION PROCEDURE FOR RESIDENT MINORS
* * * * * * *
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT WITH EFFECT FROM JULY 1 THIS YEAR, HONG KONG RE-ENTRY PERMITS WILL BE ISSUED IN A NEW FORMAT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE FEES FOR THE NEW PERMITS WERE UNCHANGED, THAT IS, $55 FOR THE MULTIPLE AND $15 FOR THE SINGLE.
THE MULTIPLE PERMIT IS SMALLER IN SIZE AND HAS A SOFT RED COVER.
IT CONTAINS FOUR INSIDE PAGES. BEING THINNER AND SMALLER, THE PERMIT IS EASIER TO CARRY.
A SIMPLIFIED PROCEDURE TO SPEED UP THE CLEARANCE OF TRAVELLERS UNDER THE AGE OF 11 WILL ALSO BE INTRODUCED.
WITH EFFECT FROM THE SAME DATE, THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT WILL FURTHER STREAMLINE ITS CLEARANCE PROCEDURE AT THE CONTROL POINTS.
THE COMPLETION OF ARR1VAL/DEPARTURE CARDS FOR IMMIGRATION CLEARANCE WILL NOT BE REQUIRED FOR THOSE MINORS BELOW THE AGE OF 11 TRAVELLING BY SEA OR LAND ON HONG KONG PASSPORTS, CERTIFICATES OF IDENTITY OR RE-ENTRY PERMITS.
"THIS SIMPLIFIED PROCEDURE, HOWEVER, DOES NOT APPLY TO THOSE WHO TRAVEL THROUGH THE AIRPORT," HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE MEASURE WAS INTRODUCED TO HELP ALLEVIATE CONGESTIONS AT THE CONTROL POINTS AS IT WAS EXPECTED THAT MORE CHILDREN WOULD BE TRAVELLING DURING THE SCHOOL SUMMER HOLIDAYS.
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NORTH DISTRICT - A PLACE WITH IMMENSE DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL
*******
THE ACTING DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MR RICKY FUNG, TODAY (TUESDAY) CALLED ON MANUFACTURERS TO CONSIDER THE NORTH DISTRICT SHOULD THEY PLAN TO SET UP FACTORIES OR EXPAND THEIR BUSINESSES.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE NORTH DISTRICT INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION DAY, MR FUNG SAID THE NORTH DISTRICT WAS A PLACE WITH IMMENSE POTENTIAL FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT.
HE SAID AS NEW TOWNS GRADUALLY MOVED TO THE NORTH IN RECENT YEARS, THERE WAS AN ABUNDANT SUPPLY OF LABOUR IN SHEUNG SHUI AND FANLI NG.
"SECONDLY, THE NORTH DISTRICT IS IN THE PROXIMITY OF CHINA. WITH A SMOOTH TRAFFIC FLOW, IT IS THE IDEAL PLACE FOR THE PROVISION OF INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT SERVICES TO CHINA AND HONG KONG.
/"THIRDLY, THE ........
TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 1992
13
"THIRDLY, THE ON LOK VILLAGE IN FANLING IS A CAREFULLY PLANNED INDUSTRIAL AREA WITH ADEQUATE INFRASTRUCTURAL FACILITIES AND A CHOICE OF MULTI-STOREY AND SPECIAL COTTAGE-TYPE FACTORIES.
"FOURTHLY, THERE ARE ADEQUATE LINKAGE INDUSTRIES SUCH AS ELECTROPLATING FACTORIES AND MOULDING FACTORIES IN THE DISTRICT, WHICH PROVIDE INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT TO THE METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY AND HOUSEHOLD ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES INDUSTRY," HE SAID.
MR FUNG SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD ALWAYS PLAYED AN ACTIVE ROLE IN PROVIDING NEW FACILITIES AND IMPROVING EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE TO SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY.
HE SAID THE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE NORTH DISTRICT HAD BEEN RAPID IN RECENT YEARS, REFLECTING MANUFACTURERS’ VISION AND CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG.
"I BELIEVE THAT THEY HAVE ALREADY REALISED NEW OPPORTUNITIES BROUGHT FORTH BY THE 1990S AND WILL CONTINUE TO GIVE FULL PAY TO THEIR ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT TO ENABLE HONG KONG TO MOVE ON TO EVEN GREATER PROSPERITY IN THE 1990S.
"WE SHOULD THEREFORE LOOK TO" THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NORTH DISTRICT AND THE WHOLE OF HONG KONG WITH CONFIDENCE," HE SAID.
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INDUSTRY PROMOTION DAY IN NORTH DISTRICT
» * * » *
A SIX-DAY EXHIBITION TO PROMOTE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT IN NORTH DISTRICT STARTED TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EXHIBITION, OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR FUNG PING-HAU, SAID THE AIMED AT PUBLICISING THE INDUSTRIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE TO ATTRACT INVESTMENT.
CHAIRMAN
EVENT WAS
DISTRICT
HE SAID ON LOK TSUEN IN FANLING WAS A LARGE INDUSTRIAL AREA WITH A WELL-PLANNED INFRASTRUCTURE AND CONNECTED BY AN EXPRESSWAY NETWORK WITH CHINA AND OTHER PARTS OF THE TERRITORY.
THESE HAVE MADE THE AREA AN IDEAL CARGO TRANSIT AND STORAGE POINT THAT RENDERS VALUABLE SUPPORT TO THE PRODUCTION LINES IN CHINA.
THE EVENT:"PROMOTION DAY FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT IN NORTH DISTRICT" IS ORGANISED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION AND SPONSORED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD AND THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE AND IS BEING HELD AT THE OFFICE OF THE ASSOCIATION ON 10 ON LOK MUN STREET, ON LOK TSUEN, FANLING.
/PHOTOGRAPHS SHOWING .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 1992
14
PHOTOGRAPHS SHOWING THE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTS IN NORTH DISTRICT, INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS AND INDUSTRIAL SAFETY MEASURES WILL BE PUT UP.
OFFICIATING GUESTS ALSO INCLUDED REGIONAL COUNCIL CHAIRMAN, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG; ACTING DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MR RICKY FUNG; AND THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER, MR TIMOTHY TONG.
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YI TAI SHU YUEN DECLARED AS MONUMENT
******
YI TAI SHU YUEN AT SHUI TAU VILLAGE, KAM TIN, NEW TERRITORIES, HAS BEEN DECLARED AS A HISTORICAL BUILDING UNDER THE ANTIQUITIES AND MONUMENTS ORDINANCE.
A NOTICE TO THIS EFFECT WAS GAZETTED LAST FRIDAY (JUNE 26).
YI TAI SHU YUEN WAS BUILT BY THE TANG CLAN OF KAM TIN WHO SETTLED DOWN ON THIS FERTILE PLAIN IN THE 1 1TH CENTURY.
THE BUILDING WAS BELIEVED TO BE CONSTRUCTED IN THE LAST YEARS OF THE REIGN OF DAO GUANG (1821-1850) TO ACCOMMODATE THE TWO IMMORTALS (YI TAI), MAN CHEONG AND KWAN TAI (LITERARY AND MARTIAL GODS ) .
BOTH WERE ORIGINALLY WORSHIPPED IN A FUNG SHUI PAGODA ERECTED NEARBY TO BOOST SCHOLARSHIP. THE PAGODA WAS LATER DEMOLISHED.
LATER, A GROUP OF 16 LOCAL SCHOLAR-GENTRY FORMED A SOCIETY, THE TANG YI TAI WU1, FOR THE CONSTRUCTION AND MANAGEMENT OF A NEW STUDY HALL CALLED THE YI TAI SHU YUEN, WHICH WAS NAMED AFTER THE TWO IMMORTALS.
THE STUDY HALL WAS USED AS A PRIMARY SCHOOL WITH AN INTAKE OF ABOUT 30 STUDENTS EARLY THIS CENTURY.
IT WAS ABANDONED DURING THE JAPANESE OCCUPATION ALTHOUGH THE WORSHIP OF THE LITERARY AND MARTIAL GODS CONTINUED.
STILL THEN, THE BUILDING HAS LOST ITS POPULARITY AND WAS UNATTENDED IN RECENT YEARS.
YI TAI SHU YUEN WAS BUILT SOLELY FOR THE USE OF A STUDY HALL. ITS ARCHITECTURE IS THEREFORE SIMPLE AND FUNCTIONAL.
IT IS A TWO-HALL BUILDING OF GREEN BRICKS WITH AN ENCLOSED COURTYARD.
THE BUILDING IS RECTANGULAR IN PLAN, WITH EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL LOAD-BEARING WALLS.
/THE ROOF .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 1992
15
THE ROOF RIDGES, GABLE WALLS AND WALL FRIEZES ARE DECORATED WITH LEAF AND GEOMETRIC PLASTER MOULDINGS.
THE DILAPIDATED BUILDING NEEDS EMERGENCY REPAIR WHICH WILL BE CARRIED OUT SHORTLY BY THE ANTIQUITIES SECTION OF THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
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MEMENTO TO RETIRING FIRE CHIEF
******
THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES (DESIGNATE), MR LAM CHEK-YUEN, TODAY (TUESDAY) PRESENTED A RETIRING MEMENTO TO THE OUTGOING DIRECTOR, MR JOHN MARCH.
MR LAM WILL SUCCEED MR MARCH AS THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES FROM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
AT A BRIEF FAREWELL PARTY HELD IN THE FIRE SERVICES HEADQUARTERS TODAY, MR LAM, ON BEHALF OF THE DEPARTMENT AND THE STAFF OF THE SERVICES, PRESENTED THE SOUVENIR TO MR MARCH AND WISHED HIM AND MRS MARCH A HAPPY RETIREMENT.
MR LAM PRAISED MR MARCH FOR HIS VALUABLE SERVICE AND CONTRIBUTION TO THE DEPARTMENT DURING HIS 30 YEAR’S SERVICE IN FIRE SERVICES.
MR MARCH JOINED THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE AS A FIRE SERVICE STATION OFFICER IN MAY 1962. HE WAS PROMOTED TO CHIEF FIRE OFFICER IN MARCH 1981, DEPUTY DIRECTOR IN APRIL 1984 AND DIRECTOR IN DECEMBER 1987.
MR MARCH WAS AWARDED ISO IN 1989, QFSM IN 1983 AND CPM IN 1976.
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GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY UNDER WAY ******
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT CONTINUES TO CONDUCT THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY DURING THE QUARTER FROM JULY TO SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.
THE SURVEY, CONDUCTED ON A CONTINUAL BASIS SINCE AUGUST 1981, COLLECTS INFORMATION ON EMPLOYMENT, UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT, AND THE GENERAL SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POPULATION.
/IN ADDITION .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 1992
16
IN ADDITION, QUESTIONS ON HONG KONG RESIDENTS’ EXPENDITURE ABROAD, ORGAN DONATION, SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE, DOCTOR CONSULTATION, HEALTH STATUS OE THE POPULATION IN HONG KONG, EXPENDITURE ON INFREQUENTLY-PURCHASED COMMODITY AND HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE ON RENT WILL ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THIS ROUND OF THE SURVEY.
EACH QUARTER, ABOUT 11,800 HOUSEHOLDS ARE SELECTED SCIENTIFICALLY FROM ALL DISTRICTS 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 ARE THE SAME AS THOSE ENUMERATED IN THE QUARTER BEFORE.
AN OFFICIAL LETTER, IN BOTH CHINESE AND ENGLISH, HAS BEEN SENT TO THE SAMPLED HOUSEHOLDS TO EXPLAIN THE PURPOSE OF THE SURVEY AND TO SEEK THEIR VOLUNTARY CO-OPERATION. s
CENSUS OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT, EACH CARRYING A GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARD AND A CERTIFICATE FOR CONDUCTING THE SURVEY, WILL VISIT THE HOUSEHOLDS TO COLLECT INFORMATION.
THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY IS CONDUCTED UNDER PART IIIA OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDINANCE.
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.
------0--------
235 RETURN TO VIETNAM *****
A GROUP OF 235 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (TUESDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE UNHCR’S VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME.
COMPRISING 90 MEN, 63 WOMEN, 37 BOYS AND 45 GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 109TH BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.
THIS GROUP BROUGHT TO 5,397 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAVE RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 19,376 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN MARCH 1989.
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/17........
TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 1992
- 17 -
DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED *****
THE GOVERNOR, AFTER TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, HAS DECIDED THAT THE DEATH SENTENCE PASSED ON LAI CHI-HONG ON SEPTEMBER 11, 1986 SHOULD BE COMMUTED TO A SENTENCE OF 20 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT.
LAI WAS FOUND GUILTY OF THE MURDER OF FUNG YIU-FAI.
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HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS *****
TENDER DATE PAPER ON OFFER 30 JUNE 92 EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER AMOUNT APPLIED AMOUNT ALLOTTED AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED PRO RATA RATIO AVERAGE TENDER YIELD HONG KONG TENDERS TO BE HELD IN THE Q227 HKD 2.350MN HKD 500MN 2.88 PCT 2.90 PCT ABOUT 10 PCT 2.93 PCT GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND WEEK BEGINNING 6 JULY 1992 -
TENDER DATE PAPER ON OFFER ISSUE NUMBER ISSUE DATE MATURITY DATE TENOR MOUNT ON OFFER 7 JULY 92 7 JULY 92 EF BILLS EF BILLS Q228 H268 8 JULY 92 8 JULY 92 7 OCT 92 6 JAN 93 91 DAYS 182 DAYS HKD 500+100 MN HKD 200+60MN
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/18 .......
>
4
TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 1992
- 18
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,988
REVERSAL OF LAF -1,000
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 988
\
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY +1,200
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,188
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 110.2 ++0.0* 30.6.92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 2.94 PCT 17 MONTHS 231 1 6.25 102.64 4.31
1 MONTH 2.81 PCT 20 MONTHS 2402 5.50 101.34 4.69
3 MONTHS 2.84 PCT 23 MONTHS 2 4 05 5.50 101.05 4.97
6 MONTHS 3.22 PCT
12 MONTHS 3.75 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 8,641 MN
CLOSED 30 JUNE 1992
- - 0 - -