港史文本 - HK In Texts: Daily Information Bulletin - 1990s - 1993 - JAN

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

FRIDAY, JANUARY 1, 1993

CONTENTS

PAGE NO

GOVERNOR OFFERS CONDOLENCES TO FAMILIES OF LAN KWAI FONG VICTIMS ..........................................

INQUIRY ON LAN KWAI FONG TRAGEDY .............................

JUSTICE BOKHARY HEADS LAN KWAI FONG INQUIRY ..................

POLICE COMMISSIONER SADDENED BY LAN KWAI FONG EVENT

NEW POSTAGE LABEL FOR COCK YEAR ..............................

RESIDENTS URGED TO SPEAK OUT ON POLITICAL REFORMS ............

FACTORY FINED FOR BREAKING REST DAY RULE .....................

FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL FOR EASTERN RESIDENTS

FRIDAY, JANUARY 1, 1993

GOVERNOR OFFERS CONDOLENCES *

TO FAMILIES OF LAN KWAI FONG VICTIMS

t i * *

THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN OFFERED HIS CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILIES AND FRIENDS OF ALL THE VICTIMS OF THE INCIDENT AT LAN KWAI FONG, CENTRAL EARLY THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING.

SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER VISITING THE INJURED AT QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL, THE GOVERNOR THANKED THE POLICE FOR COPING VERY SWIFTLY WITH THE DISASTER AND THE EMERGENCY AND MEDICAL STAFF WHO HAD ALSO BEEN WORKING HARD.

"THERE WILL BE OBVIOUSLY MANY OPPORTUNITIES IN THE COMING DAYS AND WEEKS FOR THINKING ABOUT THE REASONS FOR THE DISASTER," HE SAID.

"AT THE MOMENT ALL I’D LIKE TO DO IS TO OFFER MY CONDOLENCES AND TO THANK THE MEDICAL STAFF AND THE EMERGENCY SERVICES WHO COPED SO WELL WITH THE DISASTER."

AFTER VISITING THE VICTIMS AT QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL AND TANG SHJU KIN HOSPITAL, THE GOVERNOR ALSO WENT TO LAN KWAI FONG TO ENQUIRE ABOUT THE SITUATION.

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INQUIRY ON LAN KWAI FONG TRAGEDY * * * * *

"EVERYONE IN HONG KONG WILL JOIN ME IN EXTENDING OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE RELATIVES AND ERIENDS OE THOSE WHO DIED OR WERE INJURED IN THE TRAGEDY EARLIER TODAY," THE GOVERNOR THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN SAID THIS MORNING.

MR PATTEN AND HIS WIEE VISITED POLICE HEADQUARTERS, THE QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL, THE TANG SHIU KIN HOSPITAL, AND THE SCENE OE THE DISASTER DURING THE NIGHT. MR PATTEN EXPRESSED THE COMMUNITY’S GRATITUDE TO THE POLICE, MEDICAL AND EMERGENCY SERVICES.

THIS MORNING THE GOVERNOR MET tTHE CH I EE SECRETARY, ATTORNEY GENERAL, SECRETARY EOR SECURITY AND COMMISSIONER OE POLICE. THE POLICE HAVE PUT IN HAND AN INVESTIGATION TO SER, AMONG OTHER THINGS, WHAT IMMEDIATE LESSONS CAN BE LEARNED FROM THIS TRAGEDY ABOUT CROWD CONTROL. THE POLICE WILL HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE LATER TODAY.

THE GOVERNOR ANNOUNCED THAT THERE WILL BE AN INDEPENDENT INQUIRY CONDUCTED BY MR JUSTICE BOKHARY. THE TERMS OF REFERENCE WILL BE ANNOUNCED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

THE INTENTION IS THAT THE INQUIRY SHOULD BEGIN WORK STRAIGHTAWAY WITH THE AIM OF PRODUCING SOME INTERIM CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS BEFORE THE CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS. THE RESULTS OF THE INQUIRY WILL, OF COURSE, BE MADE PUBLIC.

THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAS ARRANGED TO OFFER ASSISTANCE AND COUNSELLING TO THE BEREAVED, AND OFFERED A TELEPHONE HOTLINE FOR THIS PURPOSE.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 1, 1993

JUSTICE BOKHARY HEADS LAN KWAI FONG INQUIRY

*****

MR JUSTICE BOKHARY SAID THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON THAT HE RECOGNISED AND ACCEPTED THE HEAVY RESPONSIBILITY OF HAVING BEEN APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR TO INQUIRE INTO THE TRAGEDY AT LAN KWAI FONG IN THE EARLY HOURS OF THIS MORNING WHEN 20 PERSONS LOST THEIR LIVES AND MANY MORE WERE INJURED.

’’OVER THE WEEKEND, MY TERMS OF REFERENCE WILL BE FINALISED, SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE MADE, AND THE GATHERING OF MATERIAL WILL START.

’’THE INQUIRY WILL BEGIN ON MONDAY MORNING. ITS OBJECT WILL BE TO FIND OUT EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED AND WHY IT HAPPENED, AND TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS AS TO HOW THE DANGER OF A RECURRENCE CAN BE REMOVED OR REDUCED.

’’THE MATTER IS URGENT. THIS TRAGEDY, HAVING OCCURRED DURING ONE CELEBRATION, AN INTERIM REPORT IS NEEDED BEFORE THE NEXT. AND IT WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNOR BEFORE THE LUNAR NEW YEAR.”

MR JUSTICE BOKHARY SAID THAT IT WAS DIFFICULT TO SAY AT THIS STAGE PRECISELY WHAT FORM THE INQUIRY WILL TAKE; BUT THAT HE EXPECTED TO STUDY DOCUMENTS, PHOTOGRAPHS, VIDEO TAPES IF ANY, AND PLANS; AND THAT HE WOULD VISIT THE SCENE AND HEAR FROM WITNESSES.

THE PRELIMINARY REPORT WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNOR, WHO HAS ALREADY INDICATED THAT IT WILL BE MADE PUBLIC.

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POLICE COMMISSIONER SADDENED BY LAN KWAI FONG EVENT

*****

THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR LI KWAN-HA, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT HE WAS VERY SADDENED BY THE WHOLE ACCIDENT AND EXPRESSED HIS SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILIES OF THOSE KILLED OR INJURED BY THE TRAGIC EVENT IN LAN KWAI FONG.

AT A PRESS CONFERENCE HELD AT POLICE HEADQUARTERS, MR LI POINTED OUT THAT THE POLICE HAD STARTED AN ENQUIRY COVERING ALL ASPECTS OF THE INCIDENT AND WERE COMPILING A REPORT FOR THE CORONOR.

’’AMONG OTHER THINGS WE ARE ALSO LOOKING INTO AREAS WHETHER THERE ARE LESSONS TO BE LEARNED FOR THE FUTURE," MR LI SAID.

MR LI STRESSED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS SETTING UP AN INDEPENDENT ENQUIRY TO BE HEADED BY A HIGH COURT JUDGE AND THE POLICE WOULD GIVE EVERY ASSISTANCE.

MR LI NOTED THAT THE POLICE HAD A DIFFICULT TASK TO PERFORM BECAUSE OF THE SHEER NUMBER OF PEOPLE INVOLVED.

/’’POLICE ACTED .........

FRIDAY, JANUARY 1, 1993

"POLICE ACTED CORRECTLY AND SPEEDILY AND DONE ALL THEIR BEST TO MAKE SURE AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE ARE RESCUED FROM THE SCENE," MR LI SAID.

HE PRAISED ALL THE POLICE OFFICERS INVOLVED IN THE OPERATION AT THE TIME AND TO ALL EMERGENCY SERVICES INCLUDING THE FIRE SERVICES, THE AMBULANCE SERVICE AS WELL AS THE MEDICAL AND NURSING STAFF.

"THE INITIAL ENQUIRIES INDICATED THAT WHAT WE HAVE DONE IS COMMENSURATE WITH THE COMMITMENT. ANY OTHER CONCLUSION DRAWN WILL BE PREMATURE," MR LI ADDED.

THE COMMISSIONER SAID OVER 120 POLICE OFFICERS WERE ON DUTY IN THE LAN KWAI FONG AREA AND A REINFORCEMENT OF OVER 100 OFFICERS WERE DESPATCHED TO THE SCENE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE INCIDENT.

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NEW POSTAGE LABEL FOR COCK YEAR *****

THE LABEL PAPER AND MACHINE DIE PLATE IMPRESSION OF THE ELECTRONIC POSTAGE LABEL (FRAMA LABEL) VENDING MACHINE AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE AND TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE WILL BE CHANGED FROM THE MONKEY DESIGN TO THE COCK DESIGN ON FEBRUARY 10.

ANNOUNCING THE CHANGE TODAY (FRIDAY), THE ACTING POSTMASTER GENERAL, MRS DORIS HO, SAID NO OFFICIAL FIRST DAY COVERS WOULD BE ISSUED IN CONNECTION WITH THE CHANGE.

HOWEVER, FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF CUSTOMERS, AN ADVANCE ORDER SERVICE FOR PRE-PACKAGED SETS OF FRAMA LABELS BEARING MACHINE CODES ’01’ AND ’02’ WILL BE AVAILABLE AS FOLLOWS:

* BETWEEN 10 CENTS AND $2.30;

* BETWEEN $2.40 AND $5; AND

* THE MOST COMMON POSTAGE RATES OF 10 CENTS, 80 CENTS, 90 CENTS, $1.70, $1.80, $2.30 AND $5.

A LIMITED QUANTITY OF PRE-PACKAGED FRAMA LABELS, BEARING THE MOST COMMON POSTAGE (10 CENTS, 80 CENTS, 90 CENTS, $1.70, $1.80, $2.30 AND $5), WILL BE ON SALE ON FEBRUARY 10 AT THE FOLLOWING SIX PHILATELIC OFFICES:

BEACONSFIELD HOUSE POST OFFICE

GENERAL POST OFFICE

GRANVILLE ROAD POST OFFICE

PEAK POST OFFICE

SHA TIN CENTRAL POST OFFICE

TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE

/ADVANCE ORDERS .......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 1, 1993

ADVANCE ORDERS WILL BE ACCEPTED AT ANY POST OFFICE (EXCEPT THE AIRPORT POST OFFICE) DURING THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 4 TO 14.

CUSTOMERS MAY COLLECT THE LABELS ON FEBRUARY 10 FROM THE POST OFFICE WHERE THEY PLACE THEIR ORDER.

A HAND-BACK SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED AT ALL POST OFFICES (EXCEPT THE AIRPORT POST OFFICE) ON THAT DAY FOR PRIVATELY MADE COVERS BEARING THE "FIRST DAY” INDICATION.

- - - - 0 -----

RESIDENTS URGED TO SPEAK OUT ON POLITICAL REFORMS * * * * *

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE URGED TO GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON THE PROPOSED POLITICAL REFORMS AND TO PUT FORWARD CONCRETE PROPOSALS SO AS TO HELP BRING ABOUT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE POLITICAL SYSTEM THAT ARE "FAIR, OPEN AND ACCEPTABLE TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG”.

THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR HERMAN CHO, MADE THE APPEAL AT THE SHEUNG WAN NEW YEAR CARNIVAL TODAY (FRIDAY).

MR CHO NOTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT DECIDED TO SUBMIT RELEVANT VIEWS AND PROPOSALS FROM THE COMMUNITY AND VARIOUS ORGANISATIONS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR REFERENCE WHEN LEGISLATION RELATING TO THE GOVERNOR’S CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM PACKAGE IS INTRODUCED INTO THE COUNCIL IN FEBRUARY.

MR CHO SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSALS WERE BASED ON HONG KONG PEOPLE’S GENERAL WISHES FOR A GRADUAL APPROACH IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF A REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT.

HE SAID THESE PROPOSALS AIM TO ENABLE MORE PEOPLE TO TAKE PART IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS SO THAT THE "HONG KONG PEOPLE RUNNING HONG KONG" CONCEPT CAN BE TAKEN FORWARD.

THE SHEUNG WAN NEW YEAR CARNIVAL WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE SHEUNG WAN AREA COMMITTEE.

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FACTORY FINED FOR BREAKING REST DAY RULE

*****

FEMALE WORKERS IN INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS MUST BE GIVEN A DAY OFF ON THEIR SCHEDULED REST DAYS AS REQUIRED BY LAW.

THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT GAVE THE ADVICE FOLLOWING A RECENT CASE IN WHICH THE JEAN MACHINE LIMITED IN WANG LUNG STREET WAS IMPOSED THE MAXIMUM FINE OF $10,000 BY A TSUEN WAN MAGISTRATE FOR EMPLOYING WOMEN TO WORK ON THEIR REST DAY.

/LABOUR INSPECTORS .......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 1, 1993

LABOUR INSPECTORS DETECTED THE OFFENCE DURING A VISIT TO THE COMPANY WHICH EMPLOYED 39 FEMALE WORKERS ON THE REST DAY SPECIFIED IN A PRESCRIBED NOTICE.

UNDER THE WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS (INDUSTRY) REGULATIONS♦ AN EMPLOYER MUST NOT ENGAGE ANY WOMEN TO WORK IN AN INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKING ON THEIR REST DAYS, OR CHANGE THEIR REST DAYS WITHOUT NOTIFYING THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TWO DaYS BEFORE THE CHANGE TAKES EFFECT.

"THE LAW ALSO REQUIRES AN EMPLOYER TO DISPLAY IN A CONSPICUOUS PLACE IN THE FACTORY A PRESCRIBED NOTICE SETTING OUT THE PERIOD OF EMPLOYMENT, INTERVALS FOR MEAL OR REST, AND REST DAYS FOR WOMEN WORKERS," SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER (PROSECUTIONS), MR JOHN SUNG, SAID.

ANY EMPLOYER WHO BREACHES THE PROVISION IS LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $10,000, HE ADDED.

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FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL * *

FOR EASTERN RESIDENTS * * *

THE ANNUAL EASTERN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL WILL BE HELD IN VICTORIA PARK ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 3).

THE EVENT IS CO-ORGANISED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE AND THE DISTRICT POLICE HEADQUARTERS WITH HELP FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE.

IT IS THE LARGEST IN A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES HELD IN THE YEAR TO CALL ON RESIDENTS TO JOIN HANDS WITH THE POLICE TO COMBAT CRIME.

THE CARNIVAL WILL BE HELD FROM 2.30 PM TO 5 PM. THERE WILL BE A DISPLAY OF POLICE VEHICLES, BICYCLE PERFORMANCES BY THE CIVIL AID SERVICES AND EXHIBITIONS OF FIGHT CRIMI? AND ANTI-CORRUPTION MATERIAL.

POPULAR SINGERS WILL GIVE PERFORMANCE AND JUNIOR POLICE CALI) MEMBERS WILL DEMONSTRATE MARTIAL ARTS.

EIGHT RESIDENTS WHO HAVE BEEN NOMINATED FOR THE GOOD CITIZEN AWARDS WILL BE PRESENTED WITH CERTIFICATES AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.

IN ADDITION, THERE WILL BE SEVEN STALL GAMES AND CHILDREN'S "PLAYHOUSES".

OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEVE BARCLAY; THE ACTING POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR LEE CHI-YUEN AND THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR SHUM CHOI-SANG.

/THE ACTIVITY .......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 1, 1993

THE ACTIVITY IS SPONSORED BY THE EASTERN THE ICAC ISLAND EAST REGIONAL OFFICE.

DISTRICT BOARD AND

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EASTERN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 3) AT THE VICTORIA PARK FOOTBALL PITCHES NOS. 1 TO 3. THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

SATURDAY, JANUARY 2, 1993

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

24 7 VR'S RESETTLED LAST MONTH ...................... 1

BRIEFING SESSIONS FOR FOREIGN WORKERS .................. 1

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .............................................. 2

SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 1993

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

MORE FOSTER PARENTS NEEDED ................................. 1

PUBLIC SHOULD EXPRESS VIEWS ON POLITICAL REFORMS ........... 2

PUBLIC ASKED TO STUDY GOVERNOR'S PROPOSALS ................. 2

COMMUNITY BODIES' CONTRIBUTIONS RECOGNISED ................. 3

LUNAR NEW YEAR CAR NUMBER AUCTION .......................... 4

SATURDAY, JANUARY 2, 1993

247 VR’S RESETTLED LAST MONTH *****

A TOTAL OF 247 VIETNAMESE REFUGEES LEFT HONG KONG FOR RESETTLEMENT OVERSEAS LAST MONTH (DECEMBER).

OF THOSE WHO LEFT FOR OVERSEAS RESETTLEMENT, 16 DEPARTED FOR AUSTRALIA, 43 FOR CANADA, FIVE FOR FINLAND, 30 FOR FRANCE, 46 FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM AND 23 FOR U.S.A.

MEANWHILE, A TOTAL OF 84 REFUGEES LEFT FOR THE REGIONAL TRANSIT CENTRE TN THE PHILIPPINES, AWAITING RESETTLEMENT OVERSEAS.

0 - -

BRIEFING SESSIONS FOR FOREIGN WORKERS *******

THREE BRIEFING SESSIONS ARE BEING ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT THIS MONTH TO HELP FOREIGN WORKERS FAMILIARISE THEMSELVES WITH THE RELEVANT ORDINANCES, REQUIREMENTS AND CONTRACTUAL LIABILITIES WHILE WORKING IN HONG KONG.

"THE SESSIONS ARE LINED UP AS MORE FOREIGN WORKERS HAVE ARRIVED UNDER THE CURRENT GENERAL LABOUR IMPORTATION SCHEME," SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER MR FUNG HOI-PING SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).

"SIXTEEN SESSIONS HAD ALREADY BEEN HELD SO FAR AND MORE THAN 1,600 WORKERS HAD BEEN TOLD OF THEIR STATUTORY RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS," HE SAID.

NOTING THAT THE SESSIONS ARE CONDUCTED IN BOTH CANTONESE AND PUTONGHUA, AND NO PRIOR ENROLMENT IS NECESSARY, MR FUNG SAID: "WE HOPE FOREIGN WORKERS COULD ATTEND THE EARLIEST POSSIBLE SESSION UPON THEIR ARRIVAL FOR THEIR OWN BENEFIT." *

"EMPLOYERS SHOULD MAKE SUITABLE ARRANGEMENTS FOR WORKERS TO ATTEND," HE STRESSED.

MR FUNG POINTED OUT THAT DURING THE BRIEFING SESSIONS, LABOUR OFFICERS WILL EXPLAIN TO THE WORKERS THEIR RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE AND THE TERMS OF THE STANDARD CONTRACT.

"THEY WILL ALSO BE TOLD OF THE GENERAL LABOUR MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN HONG KONG AS WELL AS CHANNELS FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES AND COMPLAINTS REGARDING DOUBTS ABOUT THEIR TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT AND CONDITION OF STAY," MR FUNG SAID, ADDING THAT A HANDY INFORMATION CARD WITH COMPLAINT HOTLINE NUMBERS WILL BE GIVEN AWAY TO THE WORKERS.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 2, 1993

- 2 -

HE NOTED THAT COPIES OF AN INFORMATION LEAFLET ENTITLED "WHAT AN IMPORTED WORKER SHOULD KNOW" AND PRINTED IN SIMPLIFIED CHINESE CHARACTERS ARE DISTRIBUTED TO WORKERS AT THEIR POINTS OF ENTRY.

"IN ADDITION, THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS OPERATING A 24-HOUR HOTLINE (815 2200) FOR FOREIGN WORKERS TO MAKE ENQUIRIES OR COMPLAINTS," HE SAID.

"ALL INFORMATION GIVEN TO US IS KEPT STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL," MR FUNG ADDED.

DETAILS OF THE BRIEFING SESSIONS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

DATE TIME VENUE

JANUARY 7 10 AM AND TSIM SHA TSUI KAIFONG WELFARE

(THURSDAY) 11.30 AM ASSOCIATION, 131A NATHAN ROAD

JANUARY 8 7 PM WONG TAI SIN COMMUNITY CENTRE

(FRIDAY) 104 CHING TAK STREET

ENQUIRIES ON THE BRIEFING SESSIONS CAN BE MADE ON 852 3506.

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HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS

$ MILLION

OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,480

REVERSAL OF LAF +20

BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 1,500

NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL

EFFECT OF LAF TODAY ~100

CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,400

LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER

SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 1993

MORE FOSTER PARENTS NEEDED *****

THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ROSE GOODSTADT, TODAY (SUNDAY) APPEALED TO ELIGIBLE COUPLES TO JOIN THE TEAM OF FOSTER PARENTS.

ADDRESSING THE FOSTER FAMILY SERVICE AWARDS PRESENTATION CEREMONY CUM FOSTER FAMILY GAMES DAY, MRS GOODSTADT SAID THE EXISTING 240 FOSTER CARE PLACES PROVIDED BY SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS WOULD BE INCREASED TO 320 FROM THIS MONTH.

THE FOSTER PLACES WOULD BE INCREASED IN PHASES TO 600 IN THE COMING FOUR YEARS, SHE ADDED.

THE IDEAL FOSTER PARENTS SHOULD BE MARRIED COUPLES AGED BETWEEN 25 AND 60, AND ARE CARING TO CHILDREN.

"REFERRING TO THE OBJECTIVE OF CHILD WELFARE SERVICE IN THE 1990’S, PRIORITY WOULD BE GIVEN TO FOSTER CARE AND SMALL GROUP HOMES INSTEAD OF INSTITUTIONAL CARE," SHE SAID.

"FOSTER CARE IS A FORM OF RESIDENTIAL CHILD CARE SERVICE WHICH AIMS TO PROVIDE A TEMPORARY ALTERNATIVE FAMILY FOR ORPHANS OR CHILDREN WHO LACK ADEQUATE FAMILY CARE BECAUSE OF NEGLECT, ILLNESS OF PARENTS OR OTHER SOCIAL PROBLEMS."

"THROUGH FOSTERING, CHILDREN CAN GROW IN A FAMILY SETTING AND THEIR BASIC NEEDS WOULD BE MET," SHE SAID.

THE DEPARTMENT’S CENTRAL FOSTER CARE UNIT HAD RECRUITED MORE THAN 600 FOSTER FAMILIES IN THE PAST 10 YEARS.

SHE STRESSED THAT THE PLANNED INCREASE OF FOSTER CARE PLACES WOULD REQUIRE NOT ONLY COMMITMENT AND FUNDING FROM THE GOVERNMENT, BUT ALSO THE SUPPORT OF THE COMMUNITY.

AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY,, 4 0 COUPLES WHO ARE FOSTER PARENTS FOR MORE THAN FIVE OR 10 YEARS, RECEIVED AN AWARD FOR THEIR SERVICES TO THE NEEDY CHILDREN.

/ 2 ...................

SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 1993

PUBLIC SHOULD EXPRESS VIEWS ON POLITICAL REFORMS

*****

THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEVE BARCLAY, TODAY (SUNDAY) CALLED ON RESIDENTS TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE POLITICAL REFORM PACKAGE PROPOSED BY THE GOVERNOR.

SPEAKING AT THE EASTERN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL HELD AT THE VICTORIA PARK, HE SAID DECISIONS WOULD BE TAKEN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN THE COMING MONTHS ON THE NEXT STEP IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TERRITORY'S SYSTEM OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT.

"TO ENSURE THAT THESE DECISIONS ARE ACCEPTABLE TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU EXPRESS YOUR VIEWS,” HE SAID.

TURNING TO THE EASTERN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE WHICH ORGANISED THE EVENT, MR BARCLAY SAID IT HAD PROVIDED A FORUM WHERE LOCAL LAW AND ORDER. PROBLEMS WERE DISCUSSED AND ACTION TAKEN TO DEAL WITH THEM.

HE PAID TRIBUTE TO MEMBERS FOR WORKING HARD AND EFFECTIVELY IN STAGING ACTIVITIES AND PROMOTING FIGHT CRIME MESSAGES IN THE DISTRICT.

MOREOVER, HE URGED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO REPORT CRIME AND COME FORWARD AS WITNESSES ASIDE FROM TAKING MEASURES TO PREVENT CRIME.

HE SAID ASSISTANCE FROM THE PUBLIC WAS INDISPENSABLE IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME.

AT THE CARNIVAL, EIGHT CIVIC-MINDED RESIDENTS, ALL MALES AGED BETWEEN 17 AND 61, WERE PRESENTED WITH GOOD CITIZEN AWARDS.

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PUBLIC ASKED TO STUDY GOVERNOR’S PROPOSALS

*****

THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER, NR PETER LEUNG, TODAY (SUNDAY) CALLED ON MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO STUDY CAREFULLY THE GOVERNOR’S CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM PROPOSALS.

MR LEUNG MADE THE REMARKS AT THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICES’ (AMS) TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG DISTRICT ANNIVERSARY PARADE.

HE SAID PEOPLE SHOULD EXERCISE THEIR CIVIC RESPONSIBILITIES BY SPEAKING OUT ON THE REFORM PACKAGE BEFORE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DISCUSSES THE RELEVANT LEGISLATION IN FEBRUARY.

THEY COULD PLAY A PART IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF A SYSTEM OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT THAT IS FAIR, OPEN AND ACCEPTABLE TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, HE SAID.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 1993

THE GOVERNMENT, MR LEUNG SAID, HAS REVIEWED REGULARLY THE COMPOSITION OF DISTRICT BOARDS, MUNICIPAL COUNCILS AND THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SINCE THE LAUNCH OF THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME IN THE EARLY 1980’S TO CATER FOR THE NEEDS OF SOCIETY.

HE ADDED THAT AS THE CONCEPTS OF "ONE-COUNTRY, TWO-SYSTEMS" AND "HONG KONG PEOPLE RUNNING HONG KONG" AFTER 1997 ARE ENSHRINED IN THE BASIC LAW, THERE SHOULD NOW BE FURTHER TRANSFORMATION OF THE POLITICAL SYSTEM TO ACCOMMODATE THE PENDING CHANGES.

MR LEUNG SAID THE REFORM PACKAGE WAS BASED ON A STEP-BY-STEP APPROACH DERIVED FROM PAST EXPERIENCE AND WOULD PROVIDE A BASIS FOR FURTHER PUBLIC DISCUSSIONS.

TURNING TO THE AMS, MR LEUNG SAID SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 1950, THE AUXILIARY FORCE HAI) PROVIDED VALUABLE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY AND THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS IN THE PAST 30 YEARS WERE THERE FOR EVERYONE TO RECOGNISE.

HE POINTED OUT THAT ALL THE AMS MEMBERS WERE VOLUNTEERS WHO SPENT THEIR SPARE TIME TO RECEIVE BASIC MEDICAL TRAINING AND IN SERVING THE PUBLIC.

HE NOTED THAT IN TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG, THE AMS WAS INVOLVED IN THE RUNNING OF TWO METHADONE CLINICS, PROVIDING ROUND-THE-CLOCK MEDICAL CARE IN THE SHEK KONG DETENTION CENTRE AND OFFERING FIRST-AID SERVICE IN NUMEROUS MAJOR DISTRICT EVENTS.

THE DISTRICT OFFICER ALSO SPOKE HIGHLY OF THE ENTHUSIASM AND DEDICATION OF 17 AMS MEMBERS WHO WERE COMMENDED TODAY FOR THEIR EXEMPLARY WORK DURING THE SHEK KONG DETENTION CENTRE RIOTS IN THE LAST LUNAR NEW YEAR.

COMMUNITY BODIES’ CONTRIBUTIONS RECOGNISED

*****

MORE THAN 1,000 RESIDENTS PARTICIPATED IN THE KOWLOON CITY FAMILY HEALTH FUN DAY THIS (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON.

THE EVENT, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT RESIDENT ASSOCIATION AND THE ST JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADE, WAS AIMED AT ENHANCING PEOPLE’S AWARENESS OF HEALTH CARE AND HOME SAFETY.

THE ACTIVITIES INCLUDED CHECKS FOR THE ELDERLY, LION SINGING AND GAME STALLS.

FIRST-AID DEMONSTRATIONS, MEDICAL DANCES, MARTIAL ART PERFORMANCES,

OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILLIAM YAP, PRAISED THE TWO SPONSORS FOR ORGANISING RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR RESIDENTS AND ENCOURAGING COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT.

/4 .............

SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 1993

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, HAD STATED IN HIS POLICY ADDRESS THAT THE BEST GUARANTEE FOR HONG KONG’S PROSPERITY WAS TO PROTECT THE WAY OF LIFE HERE.

AS A RESULT OF ITS SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC PROGRESS, HONG KONG HAD ALSO STARTED A NEW ERA IN ITS CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT, HE SAID.

THEREFORE, IF RESIDENTS CAN GIVE MORE VIEWS ON THE TERRITORY’S POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT, THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE ABLE TO HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THEIR. WISHES AND THEN FORMULATE A REFORM PACKAGE THAT IS FAIR, OPEN AND ACCEPTABLE TO THEM, MR YAP ADDED.

HE ALSO URGED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO PUT FORWARD MORE PROPOSALS ON THE ISSUE.

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LUNAR NEW YEAR CAR NUMBER AUCTION *****

A TOTAL OF 20 CAR REGISTRATION NUMBERS ARE TO BE PUT UP FOR SALE AT A LUNAR NEW YEAR "LUCKY" VEHICLE NUMBER AUCTION ON SATURDAY (JANUARY 9).

CAR OWNERS WHO WISH TO GRACE THEIR VEHICLES WITH SPECIAL LUCKY NUMBERS TO GREET THE YEAR OF THE COCK SHOULD NOT MISS THIS AUCTION ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.

THE NUMBERS ARE:

286 CN8 5 900

AC9 3383 DC88 HK12

883 HK90 289 AA3

CF33 48 HK818 AB38

AA2 AE1 CL28 119

THE NUMBERS ARE NOT TRANSFERRABLE.

WITH AN EXPECTED LARGE TURNOUT, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD THIS AUCTION AT THE CITY HALL THEATRE AT 10 AM.

PREVIOUS LUNAR NEW YEAR AUCTIONS SAW THE AUSPICIOUS NUMBER "8" FETCHED A RECORD HIGH OF $5 MILLION IN 1988 AND "7" WAS SOLD FOR $4.8 MILLION THE FOLLOWING YEAR.

SINCE MAY 1973, A TOTAL OF 184 AUCTIONS HAVE BEEN HELD BY THE DEPARTMENT, RAISING ABOUT $154 MILLION FOR THE LOTTERIES FUND.

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 1993

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVERNOR MET LEADERS OF POLITICAL GROUPS ............................. 1

CALL FOR INFORMATION ON LAN KWAI FONG EVENT .......................... 2

TERMS OF REFERENCE OF LAN KWAI FONG INQUIRY ANNOUNCED ................ 2

CONTRACTS FOR SEWAGE TREATMENT FACILITIES SIGNED ..................... 3

RESTAURANT RECEIPTS AND PURCHASES FIGURES FOR THIRD QUARTER .......... 4

WATER STORAGE FIGURE ................................................. 7

MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 1993

GOVERNOR MET LEADERS OF POLITICAL GROUPS

* * * * *

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE GOVERNOR’S MEETING WITH LEADERS OF THE UNITED DEMOCRATS OF HONG KONG (UDHK) WAS THE FIRST MEETING OF HIS THIRD ROUND OF CONSULTATIONS WITH POLITICAL GROUPS AND PARTIES.

THE GOVERNOR WILL ALSO BE MEETING LEADERS OF FIVE OTHER GROUPS DURING THE NEXT 10 DAYS.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE GOVERNOR AND THE UDHK LEADERS EXCHANGED VIEWS ON THE FINAL FORM OF THE LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS FOR THE 1995 ELECTIONS WHICH WILL BE PUT TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN FEBRUARY.

MR PATTEN EXPLAINED THAT IN ADDITION TO THE LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS, HE WILL PRESENT MEMBERS WITH A COMPENDIUM LISTING THE MANY OTHER PROPOSALS WHICH HAVE NOW BEEN PRESENTED.

HE HOPES THAT THIS WILL HELP MEMBERS IN THEIR DISCUSSIONS OF THE VARIOUS PROPOSALS BEFORE THE COUNCIL.

IN RESPONDING 'I’O THE UDHK ’ S RENEWED CALL FOR A REFERENDUM, MR PATTEN SAID HE REMAINED OF THE VIEW THAT A REFERENDUM WOULD BE DIVISIVE AND THAT IT WOULD NOT ALTER THE FACT THAT THE FINAL DECISION ON THE LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS IS A MATTER FOR. LEGCO.

MR PATTEN SAID:

"I VALUE THESE CONSULTATIONS WITH GROUPS REPRESENTING THE FULL RANGE OF POLITICAL OPINION IN HONG KONG. THIS PROCESS OF CONSULTATION IS ESSENTIAL IF WE ARE TO ASSESS CORRECTLY THE POINT OF BALANCE IN THE COMMUNITY.

’’THE CONSTRUCTIVE DIALOGUE NOW UNDERWAY IN THE COMMUNITY WILL HELP US GET THE PACKAGE RI GUI’. IT IS A DIALOGUE WHICH 1 HOPE WILL SOON BENEFIT FROM CONTRI BUT IONS FROM PRC OFFICIALS.”

LATER, THE GOVERNOR MET LEADERS OF THE HONG KONG DEMOCRATIC FOUNDAT ION.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THERE WAS A GREAT DEAL OF COMMON GROUND AND THAT THE MEETING HAD BEEN VALUABLE AND CONSTRUCTIVE.

TUI' MAIN ISSUE FOR DISCUSSION WAS THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE 1995 ELECTIONS BUT OTHER ISSUES WERI ALSO I) I SCUSSI I).

ON 'HIE 1995 ELECTIONS, MR PATTEN EXPLAINED THAT THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAD YET TO DEC.’I DE ON THE II NAI FORM OF THE PROPOSALS TO BE PUT TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN FEBRUARY.

BEFORE FINALISING THF PACKAGE, IT IS IMPORTANT TO HAVE THE LATEST VIEWS OF ALL THE MAJOR POLITICAL GROUPS AND PARTIES.

/THIS PROCESS

MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 1993

THIS PROCESS OF DIALOGUE WOULD HELP THE GOVERNMENT AND THE LEGCO TO JUDGE THE POINT OF BALANCE IN THE COMMUNITY.

MR PATTEN

UDHK

ALSO EXPLAINED TO THE HKDF, AS HE DID TO THE

THAT HE WOULD PUBLISH A COMPENDIUM OF ALL ---------------- -.....GROUPS AND

LEADERS EARLIER IN THE DAY, THE OTHER PROPOSALS WHICH HAD BEEN PRESENTED BY VARIOUS

INDIVIDUALS.

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

CALL FOR INFORMATION ON LAN KWAI FONG EVENT

*****

MR JUSTICE BOKHARY TODAY (MONDAY) APPEALED TO PERSONS OR ORGANISATIONS WHO HAVE INFORMATION ON THE LAN KWAI FONG INCIDENT TO COME FORWARD TO HELP IN THE INQUIRY.

THEY MAY CALL 825 4610 OR 825 4410 OR WRITE TO "LAN KWAI FONG INQUIRY", C/O SUPREME COURT, 38 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.

THOSE WHO WISH TO MAKE REPRESENTATIONS MAY ALSO TELEPHONE OR WRITE TO THE OFFICE.

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

TERMS OF REFERENCE OF LAN KWAI FONG INQUIRY ANNOUNCED *****

THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (MONDAY) ANNOUNCED THE TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE INDEPENDENT INQUIRY TO BE CONDUCTED BY MR JUSTICE BOKHARY INTO THE EVENTS WHICH OCCURRED IN THE EARLY HOURS OF JANUARY 1 IN LAN KWAI FONG.

MR JUSTICE BOKHARY’S TERMS OF REFERENCE ARE:

* TO INQUIRE INTO THE CIRCUMSTANCES LEADING TO THE TRAGIC DEATHS AND INJURIES WHICH OCCURRED AROUND MIDNIGHT ON DECEMBER 31, 1992 IN THE AREA KNOWN AS LAN KWAI FONG;

* TO CONSIDER THE CROWD-CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS (INCLUDING THE LEVEL OF POLICE MANPOWER DEPLOYED) IN THE LAN KWAI FONG AREA AT THE TIME, AND THE RESPONSE OF THE POLICE, MEDICAL AND EMERGENCY SERVICES TO THE TRAGEDY; AND TO ADVISE ON THE ADEQUACY OF THOSE ARRANGEMENTS AND RESPONSES;

* TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS AS TO THE MEASURES TO BE ADOPTED TO ATTEMPT TO ENSURE THAT SUCH A TRAGEDY DOES NOT OCCUR AGAIN; AND

* TO REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR WITH PRELIMINARY CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS BY JANUARY 18, 1993, AND WITH A FINAL REPORT AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE THEREAFTER.

/MR JUSTICE .......

MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 1993

MR JUSTICE BOKHARY BEGINS HIS INQUIRY TODAY.

MR PAUL WONG PO-WAH, AN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER, HAS BEEN ASSIGNED TO PROVIDE MR JUSTICE BOKHARY WITH THE NECESSARY SUPPORT FOR THE INQUIRY.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN REITERATED TODAY THAT BOTH THE INTERIM AND FINAL REPORTS WOULD BE MADE PUBLIC.

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

CONTRACTS FOR SEWAGE TREATMENT FACILITIES SIGNED

*****

THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) SIGNED TWO CONTRACTS TOTALLING ABOUT $44.1 MILLION FOR FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS TO THE TERRITORY’S SEWAGE TREATMENT FACILITIES.

THE CONTRACTS WERE SIGNED AT A CEREMONY BY THE DEPARTMENT’S ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (PROJECTS AND DEVELOPMENT), MR CHUNG KWOK-LEUNG, AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE CONTRACTORS, RYODEN ENGINEERING COMPANY AND KWAN TANG CONSTRUCTION COMPANY.

ONE OF THE CONTRACTS, VALUED AT $35.8 MILLION, IS FOR THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT FOR TAI PO SEWAGE PUMPING STATION UNDER STAGE IL OF THE TOLO HARBOUR EFFLUENT EXPORT SCHEME.

THE CONTRACT INVOLVES THE SUPPLY, INSTALLATION, TESTING AND COMM1SSI ON I NG OF FOUR CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS, SWITCHGEAR, TELEMETRY AND I NSTUMENTATION EQUIPMENT, AND ALL ASSOCIATED ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL WORKS.

THE WORKS WILL BEGIN TOMORROW FOR COMPLETION IN MAY

1995 .

WHEN COMPLETED, THE TAI PO SEWAGE 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 A 7.4 KILOMETRES LONG TUNNEL TO KAI TAK NULLAH BEFORE FINALLY DISCHARGED INTO VICTORIA HARBOUR.

THE TOLO HARBOUR EFFLUENT EXPORT SCHEME IS PART OF THE TOLO HARBOUR ACTION PLAN WHICH IS AIMED AT REDUCING POLLUTION CAUSED BY RED TIDES IN THE HARBOUR.

THE OTHER CONTRACT, WORTHS ABOUT $8.3 MILLION, IS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 900-METRE GRAVITY SEWER, A PUMPING STATION AND A 350-METRE RISING MAIN TO PROVIDE A NEW SEWERAGE SYSTEM TO CATER FOR THE OPERATION OF THE PROPOSED LAUNDRY AS WELL AS OTHER EXISTING AND POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS ALONG SHUM WAN ROAD, WONG CHUK HANG.

/THE NEW .......

MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 1993

THE NEW LAUNDRY IN SHUM WAN ROAD WILL SERVE QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL AND ALL CLINICS AND POLYCLINICS LN THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN, AND SOUTHERN DISTRICTS.

WORKS OF THIS CONTRACT WILL BEGIN NEXT WEEK FOR COMPLETION TN MARCH 1994.

UPON COMPLETION, THE GRAVITY SEWER WILL COLLECT AND CONVEY SEWAGE FROM THE NEW LAUNDRY' AND DEVELOPMENTS ALONG SHUM WAN ROAD IO THE PUMPING STATION.

BY MEANS OF CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS, THE PUMPING STATION WILL THEN PUMP THE SEWAGE THROUGH THE RISING MAIN TO AN EXISTING MANHOLE AT THE JUNCTION OF NAM LONG SHAN ROAD AND SHUM WAN ROAD.

THE SEWAGE WILL DISCHARGE INTO THE EXISTING SEWERS LEADING TO THE ABERDEEN SCREENING PLANT FOR TREATMENT BEFORE FINALLY DISCHARGED TO THE EAST LAMMA CHANNEL THROUGH A SUBMARINE OUTFALL.

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

RESTAURANT RECEIPTS AND PURCHASES FIGURES FOR THIRD QUARTER

*****

THE VALUE OF TOTAL RECEIPTS FOR THE RESTAURANT SECTOR IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF LAST YEAR, ESTIMATED AT $12 BILLION, INCREASED BY 21% WHEN COMPARED WITH THE SAME QUARTER OF 1991, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

AFTER DISCOUNTING THE EFFECT OF Ph'ICE CHANGES OVER THE PERIOD, TOTAL RECEIPTS INCREASED BY 9%.

THE VALUE OF TOTAL PURCHASES BY RESTAURANTS IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1992, ESTIMATED AT $4.3 BILLION, WAS 15% HIGHER THAN IN THE SAME QUARTER OF 1991.

THE TOTAL RECEIPTS OF BARS CONTINUED TO INCREASE RAPIDLY IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1992, BY 50% IN VALUE AND 35% IN VOLUME AS COMPARED WITH A YEAR AGO.

THE TOTAL RECEIPTS OF FAST FOOD SHOPS ALSO INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY, BY 25% IN VALUE AND 16% IN VOLUME.

THE VALUE OF TOTAL R EC EI PI'S FOR CHINESE RESTAURANTS AND NONCHINESE RESTAURANTS WENT UP BY 20% AND 18% RESPECTIVELY. IN VOLUME TERMS, ROTH TYPES OF RESTAURANTS REGISTERED AN INCREASE OF 8%.

COMPARING THE FIRST I'HREE QUARTERS OF 1992 WITH THE SANE PERIOD OF 1991, TOTAL RESTAURANT RECEIPTS ROSE BY 20% IN VALUE AND 8% IN VOLUME.

/COMPARING THE .......

MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 1993

COMPARING THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1992 WITH THE PRECEDING QUARTER, AND BEARING IN MINI) THAT THE COMPARISON MAY BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, TOTAL RESTAURANT RECEIPTS REGISTERED AN INCREASE OF 8% IN VALUE AND 6% IN VOLUME.

THE REPORT ON THE QUARTERLY SURVEY OF RESTAURANT RECEIPTS AND PURCHASES FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1992 IS ON SALE AT $1.5 A COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL; AND THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, WAN CHAI.

ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL 802 1258.

/TABLE 1 .......

MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 1993

TABLE 1: TOTAL RESTAURANT RECEIPTS AND PURCHASES

2nd qtr. 1992 3rd qtr. 1992

(Revised figures) (Provisional figures)

Total restaurant receipts (in HKS million) 11 053.9 11 952.0

Total purchases by restaurants (in HKS million) 4 171.6 4 285.9

TABLE 2: VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF TOTAL RESTAURANT RECEIPTS FOR 2ND QUARTER 1992 AND 3RD QUARTER 1992

(Quarterly average of Oct. 89 - Sept. 90 = 100)

Type of restaurant Index of total restaurant receipts 2nd quarter 1992 3rd quarter 1992 3rd qtr. 1992 compared with 2nd qtr. 1992 3rd qtr. 1992 compared with 3rd qtr. 1991 1st-3rd qtr. 1992 compared with 1st-3rd qtr. 1991

(Revised (Provisional Points % points % points %

figures) figures)

Chinese restaurants Value 121.8 129.7 +7.9 +6.4 ♦21.9 ♦20.3 +18.9 ♦17.7

Volume 94.8 98.5 ♦3.8 ♦4.0 ♦7.4 +8.1 +5.3 +5.8

Non-Chinese restaurants Value 125.4 140.2 ♦ 14.8 +11.8 +21.7 + 18.3 +18.2 +16.6

Volume 98.2 108.0 ♦9.8 +10.0 +7.5 ♦7.5 +5.2 ♦5.5

Fast food shops Value 175.7 191.2 ♦ 15.6 ♦8.9 +38.3 ♦25.0 +44.0 +33.5

Volume 142.4 153.7 ♦11.3 +7.9 +20.8 +15.7 ♦26.4 ♦22.7

Bars Value 164.1 203.3 +39.3 ♦23.9 +67.7 +49.9 ♦60.5 ♦52.8

Volume 125.0 153.9 +28.9 +23.1 ♦40.1 +35.2 +34.9 +35.0

Other eating and Value 154.6 149.0 -5.6 -3.6 +8.1 ♦5.7 +23.1 +17.9

drinking places Volume 125.6 120.0 -5.7 -4.5 -2.7 -2.2 ♦9.6 +8.3

All restaurant types Value 128.6 139.1 +10.5 +8.1 ♦24.1 ♦21.0 ♦21.9 +19.9

Volume 100.7 106.8 +6.1 ♦6.0 +9.2 ♦9.4 ♦7.9 +8.3

MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 1993

7 -

WATER STORAGE FIGURE *****

STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 53.7 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 314.991 MILLION CUBIC METRES.

THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 177.089 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 30.2 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

TUESDAY, JANUARY 5, 1993

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

THREE-PRONGED ACTION PLAN OF HIV INFECTION OUTLINED ............ 1

STAR FERRY FARES REVISED ....................................... 3

OUTLINE OF WORK BY OFFICE OF INQUIRY INTO LAN KWAI FONG INCIDENT ..................................................... 4

JEWELLERY SHOPS ADVISED OF SECURITY STANDARDS .................. 4

RETAIL SALES FIGURES FOR OCTOBER ............................... 6

NAFTA AND EUROPEAN SINGLE MARKET GENERATE OPPORTUNITIES ........ 9

BETTER FIRE PROTECTION FOR SHA TIN RESIDENTS .................. 10

MALCOLM RIFKIND VISITS FAR EAST ............................... 11

YANTIAN DELEGATION VISITS MARINE DEPARTMENT ................... 11

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS ............. 12

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS

TUESDAY, JANUARY 5, 1993

THREE-PRONGED ACTION PLAN OF HIV INFECTION OUTLINED *****

THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH HAVE WORKED OUT A THREE-PRONGED ACTION PLAN IN THE LIGHT OF RECENT REPORTS ON A DENTIST IN HONG KONG INFECTED WITH HIV AND ON HIV-INFECTION OF HAEMOPHILIACS THROUGH TRANSFUSION OF BLOOD PRODUCTS, THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, DR S H LEE, SAID.

ANNOUNCING THIS AT THE YEAR-END BRIEFING TODAY (TUESDAY), DR LEE SAID THE THREE LINES OF ACTION COVERED EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY; HIV INFECTION IN HEALTH CARE SETTING; AND THE SETTING UP OF AN AD HOC GROUP ON HIV INFECTION OF HAEMOPHILIACS THROUGH BLOOD PRODUCTS IN HONG KONG.

ON EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY, DR LEE SAID: "I PERSONALLY APPROACHED THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY ON AIDS TO INTENSIFY EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY EFFORTS ON AIDS."

THE COMMITTEE, DR LEE ADDED, AGREED AT YESTERDAY’S MEETING TO MOUNT A MAJOR PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN ON THE PREVENTION OF AIDS THIS YEAR.

AS FOR HIV INFECTION IN HEALTH CARE SETTING, DR LEE PROPOSED, AND THE ADVISORY COUNCIL ON AIDS ENDORSED, THE SETTING UP OF A SPECIAL WORKING GROUP TO FORMULATE GUIDELINES FOR HIV INFECTED HEALTH CARE WORKERS AND TO ADVISE ON STRATEGIES FOR ENSURING THAT HIV INFECTED HEALTH CARE WORKERS ADHERE TO THE GUIDELINES.

IN ADDITION, DR LEE SAID AN AD HOC GROUP ON HIV INFECTION OF HAEMOPHILIACS THROUGH BLOOD PRODUCTS IN HONG KONG HAD BEEN SET UP.

THE TERMS OF REFERENCES OF THIS AD HOC GROUP ARE AS FOLLOWS:

* TO ESTABLISH THE FACTS REGARDING TREATMENT OF BLOOD PRODUCTS TN HONG KONG FOR PREVENTING HIV TRANSMISSION;

* TO EXAMINE THE ADEQUACY OF SUCH TREATMENT, HAVING REGARD TO INTERNATIONALLY ACCEPTED STANDARDS AT THE TIME;

* TO ASSESS THE EXTENT TO WHICH HAEMOPHILIACS TN HONG KONG HAVE BEEN INFECTED BY HIV THROUGH TRANSFUSION OF SUCH PRODUCTS AND IDENTIFY THE SOURCE OF SUCH INFECTION; AND

* IN THE LIGHT OF THE ABOVE, TO RECOMMEND TO THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE ANY SPECIAL COURSE OF ACTION APPROPRIATE TO HONG KONG FOR THE ASSISTANCE OF HAEMOPHILIACS WHO CONTRACTED HIV THROUGH TRANSFUSION OF BLOOD PRODUCTS IN HONG KONG.

DR LEE ALSO OUTLINED THE IMPLEMENTATION THIS YEAR OF SOME OF THE MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS TO GENERAL OUT-PATIENT DEPARTMENT (GOPD) AND FAMILY HEALTH SERVICES (FHS), HEALTH EDUCATION, OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH, ORAL HEALTH AND NEW TARGET GROUPS.

ON GOPD AND FHS, THE DIRECTOR SAID THESE INCLUDED EXTENSION OF INDIVIDUAL MEDICAL RECORD SYSTEM TO GOPD CLINICS AND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PHASE II OF THE PERFORMANCE PLEDGE PROGRAMME.

/MEANWHILE, THE .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 5, 1993

MEANWHILE, THE HEPATITIS B VACCINATION PROGRAMME TO PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN BORN BETWEEN 1986 AND 1988 WILL REACH ITS THIRD STAGE WHILE INFANTS FIRST ATTENDING THE MATERNAL AND HEALTH CENTRES SINCE THIS MONTH WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A NEW CHILD HEALTH RECORD.

DURING THE YEAR, TWO NEW CLINICS AND TWO MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CENTRES, IN TUEN MUN AND TIN SHUI WAI, WOULD COME INTO OPERATION, DR LEE SAID.

ON HEALTH EDUCATION, DR LEE SAID A NEW TSUEN WAN HEALTH EDUCATION CENTRE WOULD BE OPENED, BRINGING THE TOTAL NUMBER TO FOUR.

IN ADDITION TO THE CONTINUED PUBLICITY ON THE "HEALTHY MEMBERS, HAPPY FAMILY" AND THE "ORGAN DONATION" CAMPAIGNS, DR LEE SAID THE THEME FOR THIS YEAR’S HEALTH EDUCATION CAMPAIGN WOULD BE ON "ACCIDENT AND INJURY PREVENTION".

TURNING TO ORAL HEALTH, THE DIRECTOR SAID THIS SERVICE WOULD SEE GREAT AND REMARKABLE CHANGES AND DEVELOPMENTS.

A LARGE-SCALE ORAL HEALTH EDUCATION CAMPAIGN FOR PRE-SCHOOLERS WILL BE LAUNCHED NEXT MONTH, THE THREE-YEAR PROGRAMME ENTITLED "BRIGHTER SMILES FOR THE NEW GENERATION" WILL BE HELD TO AROUSE THE ORAL HEALTH AWARENESS OF PARENTS AND TEACHERS OF PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN.

"A TRANSFER SCHEME FOR CONTINUATION OF DENTAL CARE FOR STUDENTS LEAVING THE SCHOOL DENTAL CARE SERVICE WOULD BE FORMALISED WITH THE HONG KONG DENTAL ASSOCIATION," DR LEE SAID.

A PILOT SCHEME WILL ALSO BE ESTABLISHED TN TUEN MUN HOSPITAL DENTAL UNIT TO PROVIDE CURATIVE SERVICES FOR PATIENTS WITH SPECIAL ORAL HEALTH CARE NEEDS.

IN ADDITION, INFECTION CONTROL PROCEDURES WILL BE STREAMLINED AND STANDARDISED WITH ADDITIONAL RESOURCES BEING PROVIDED TO BACK UP THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT’S INFECTION CONTROL COMMITTEE IN SETTING UP GUIDELINES FOR INFECTION CONTROL IN THE DENTAL CLINICS.

OTHER ASPECTS FEATURE THE ADDITION OF A CONSULTANT IN CHILDREN’S DENTISTRY TO PROVIDE SPECIALIST COVER FOR THE ENTIRE SERVICE; THE REVIEW OF THE OPERATION OF DENTAL CLINICS AND THE INTRODUCTION OF IMPROVEMENT MEASURES; AND THE OPENING OF TWO NEW DENTAL CLINICS IN YAU MA TEI AND TSUEN WAN.

ON OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH, THE DIRECTOR SAID AN OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH CLINIC IN KWUN TONG WOULD BE SET UP IN ACCORDANCE WITH A RECOMMENDATION OF THE EXPERT WORKING GROUP ON OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH.

THIS CLINIC, DR LEE ADDED, WILL PROVIDE MEDICAL CONSULTATIONS AND EXAMINATIONS TO RADIATION WORKERS AND CIVIL SERVANTS IN HAZARDOUS OCCUPATIONS.

IN ANOTHER DEVELOPMENT, DR LEE SAID MIDDLE-AGED WOMEN, ELDERLY AND STUDENTS WOULD BE THE NEW TARGET GROUPS OF THE DEPARTMENT’S SERVICES.

/THESE SERVICES .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 5, 1993

THESE SERVICES INCLUDED THE SETTING UP OE THE FIRST "WELL-WOMAN" CLINIC TARGETED AT WOMEN AGED 45 AND ABOVE AT LAM TIN POLYCLINIC, A STUDY ON THE FEASIBILITY OF SETTING UP HEALTH CENTRES AT STRATEGIC LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY FOR ELDERLY AGED 65 AND ABOVE, AND THE INTRODUCTION OF A NEW STUDENT HEALTH SERVICE.

LOOKING BACK, DR LEE DESCRIBED THE GENERAL LEVEL OF HEALTH IN HONG KONG LAST YEAR AS GOOD.

"THE INFANT MORTALITY RATE HAS STAYED BELOW SEVEN PER 1,000 LIVE BIRTHS FOR THE PAST THREE YEARS WHILE THE AVERAGE LIFE EXPECTANCY AT BIRTH WAS 80.6 YEARS FOR FEMALES AND 75.1 YEARS FOR MALES IN 1991,” DR LEE SAID.

"THESE COMPARED FAVOURABLY WITH MOST DEVELOPED COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD," HE ADDED.

HOWEVER, DR LEE POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG WAS SEEING MORE AND MORE CHRONIC DISEASES LIKE CANCERS, HEART DISEASES, DIABETES, HYPERTENSION AND CHRONIC RESPIRATORY DISEASES WITH THE AGEING POPULATION AND URBANISATION.

"THIS TREND IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE AS THE CHANGE IN DEMOGRAPHY CONTINUED," HE ADDED.

DR LEE SAID VIGILANT ANTI-EPIDEMIC MEASURES AND SURVEILLANCE HAD MANAGED TO KEEP MANY COMMUNICABLE DISEASES LOW IN THE COMMUNITY.

ON VIRAL HEPATITIS AND HIV INFECTION, DR LEE SAID HEPATITIS WAS AN IMPORTANT INFECTIONS DISEASE IN THE TERRITORY WHILE THE INFLUENCE EXERTED BY HIV INFECTION WAS INCREASING WORLDWIDE.

"AS THERE IS YET NO EFFECTIVE VACCINE AGAINST THE VIRUS, HIV INFECTION CONTINUED TO POSE A SERIOUS THREAT," DR LEE ADDED.

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

STAR FERRY FARES REVISED *****

THE GOVERNOR TN COUNCIL HAS APPROVED FARE INCREASES FOR THE STAR FERRY SERVICES TO COVER RISING COSTS.

THE NEW FARES WILL TAKE EFFECT FROM FEBRUARY 15 THIS YEAR.

MOST COMMUTERS WILL PAY AN EXTRA 20 CENTS TO 30 CENTS.

FARES FOR CENTRAL TO TS1M SHA TSUI SERVICE WILL RISE FROM $1 TO $1.20 FOR THE LOWER DECK AND FROM $1.20 TO $1.50 FOR THE UPPER DECK.

FOR THE CENTRAL TO HUNG HOM SERVICE, THE LOWER DECK FARE WILL RISE FROM $1.20 TO $1.50 AND THE UPPER DECK FARE FROM $1.50 TO $1.80.

/FARE FOR .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 5, 1993

FARE FOR WAN CHAI TO TSIM SHA TSUI SERVICE WILL GO UP FROM $1.20 TO $1.50.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (TUESDAY) SAID THE INCREASE WOULD HAVE MINIMAL EFFECT ON INFLATION. IT IS ESTIMATED TO RAISE THE CONSUMER INDEX (A) BY 0.002 PER CENT.

"STAR FERRY’S SERVICES HAVE BEEN CONSISTENTLY OF A GOOD STANDARD, IN TERMS OF BOTH ADEQUACY AND QUALITY. IT HAS TAKEN REASONABLE STEPS TO KEEP COSTS DOWN. AGAINST A TREND OF LIMITED PATRONAGE GROWTH AND RISING COSTS, A GENERAL FARE INCREASE AT THE RATE APPROVED IS CONSIDERED JUSTIFIED," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

- - 0 - -

OUTLINE OF WORK DONE BY OFFICE OF THE INDEPENDENT INQUIRY INTO LAN KWAI FONG INCIDENT UP TO 4.30 PM TODAY *****

THESE INCLUDE:

J. TALKING TO POTENT!AL WITNESSES AND CONCERNED PERSONS;

2. REVIEWING, ANALYSING AND RAISING QUESTIONS ON THE FIRE SERVICES’ PRELIMINARY REPORT;

3. STUDYING THE DISCUSSION PAPER PREPARED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT FOR THE BOARD’S SPECIAL MEETING ON JANUARY 4, 1993, TO DISCUSS THE LAN KWAI FONG TRAGEDY;

4. DRAWING UP QUESTIONNAIRE AND SENDING COPIES OF IT TO HOSPITALS WHICH RECEIVED THE LAN KWAI FONG VICTIMS;

5. WRITING TO ACKNOWLEDGE PERSONS WHO HAVE WRITTEN IN OFFERING HELP;

AND

6. PUBLISHING FORMAL NOTICE TO INVITE PERSONS AND ORGANISATIONS IO PROVIDE INFORMATION AND TO MAKE REPRESENTATIONS ON THE TRAGEDY.

- - 0 - -

JEWELLERY SHOPS ADVISED OF SECURITY STANDARDS

*****

GOLDSMITH AND JEWELLERY SHOPS ARE TO INTRODUCE THE MINIMUM STANDARDS OF SECURITY AND THE EFFECTIVE DEPLOYMENT OF SECURITY PERSONNEL IN PURSUANT TO GUIDANCES FORMALLY ENDORSED BY THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE RECENTLY.

THE MINIMUM STANDARDS OF SECURITY THAT MEMBERS OF THE TRADE SHOULD FOLLOW WILL HAVE DETERRENT EFFECT ON ROBBERY ATTEMPTS AND, IN THE EVENT OF AN ATTACK, WILL HELP REDUCE THE VALUE OF LOSS.

/THESE INCLUDE

TUESDAY, JANUARY 5, 1993

THESE INCLUDE THE USE OF ELECTRONICALLY OPERATED DOORS WHICH CAN ONLY BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE BY A MEMBER OF STAFF TO SERVE AS AN EFFECTIVE CONTROL OF ACCESS TO SHOP PREMISES.

OTHER ASPECTS, OUTLINED IN THE GUIDELINES ARE THE SAFE DISPLAY OF JEWELLERY AND VALUABLE ORNAMENTS, THE BEST MEANS OF SURVEILLANCE, THE INSTALLATION OF SAFES AND PROPER ALARMS SYSTEM, AND THE EFFECTIVE DEPLOYMENT OF SECURITY PERSONNEL.

THESE MINIMUM STANDARDS OF SECURITY WERE PART OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS CONTAINED IN A FINAL REPORT OF THE WORKING GROUP ON THE SECURITY OF GOLDSMITH AND JEWELLERY SHOPS.

THE WORKING GROUP CHAIRED BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR (CRIME) MR TSANG YAM-PUI WAS FORMED IN MAY LAST YEAR IN RESPONSE TO A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF ROBBERY ATTACKS ON GOLDSMITH AND JEWELLERY SHOPS IN THE PERIOD FROM 1989 TO THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1992.

IN THE COURSE OF ITS DELIBERATIONS, THE GROUP WITNESSED A SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION IN THE NUMBER OF ROBBERIES FROM 17 CASES IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1992 TO ONLY FIVE CASES IN THE THIRD QUARTER.

THIS REDUCTION WAS ACHIEVED BY ENHANCED POLICE OPERATIONAL DEPLOYMENTS, UTILISATION OF INCREASED INTELLIGENCE ON CRIMINAL GANGS, AND IMPROVEMENT IN LIAISON WITH MAINLAND AUTHORITIES.

THE FORCE WILL CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN AND, WHERE POSSIBLE, MAKE IMPROVEMENTS TO THE AREAS OF LIAISON WITH THE MAINLAND AUTHORITIES, COLLATION AND UTILISATION OF CRIMINAL INTELLIGENCE, AND STRATEGIES ON OPERATIONAL DEPLOYMENT.

THE GROUP WAS PLEASED TO NOTE THAT SINCE 1984, THERE HAS BEEN A SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT IN THE SECURITY OF GOLDSMITH AND JEWELLERY SHOPS, AND SUCH IMPROVEMENT IS INDICATIVE OF AN INCREASED AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF SECURITY, COUPLED WITH THE ENHANCED ABILITY AND THE WILLINGNESS TO IMPLEMENT APPROPRIATE SECURITY MEASURES.

HOWEVER, THE WORKING GROUP WAS OF THE OPINION THAT THE INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION TO REGULATE THE SECURITY STANDARDS IN THE TRADE WAS UNWARRANTED AND INAPPROPRIATE AS IT WOULD REQUIRE MASSIVE USE OF RESOURCES, CONSIDERING THE VAST NUMBER OF GOLDSMITH AND GOLD WORKSHOPS IN THE TERRITORY.

INSTEAD, THE WORKING GROUP HAD CONCLUDED THAT THE VARIOUS SECURITY MEASURES IDENTIFIED SHOULD BEST BE CARRIED OUT ON A SELF-REGULATORY BASIS THROUGH A "SECURITY MEASURE GROUP" ALREADY ESTABLISHED BY THE TWO TRADE ASSOCIATIONS WITH REGARD TO THE LIAISON, PROMOTION AND MONITORING OF THE PROGRESS OF IMPLEMENTATION AMONG THEIR MEMBERS.

THE WORK OF THE "SECURITY MEASURE GROUP" WILL BE MONITORED AND REVIEWED BY WAYS OF PERIODICAL REPORTS SUBMITTED TO THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE BY THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE EVERY SIX MONTHS, COMMENCING IN MID-1993.

/AT PRESENT .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 5, 1993

AT PRESENT, THE TWO TRADE ASSOCIATIONS REPRESENT SOME 90 PER CENT OF MEMBER OPERATORS, OPERATING THE MAJORITY OF THE GOLDSMITH AND JEWELLERY SHOPS IN HONG KONO.

FOR THE MINORITY IN THE TRADE WHICH DO NOT BELONG TO EITHER OF THE TWO TRADE ASSOCIATIONS, THE WORKING GROUP SUGGESTED THAT CRIME PREVENTION OFFICERS SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE DEPLOYED TO VISIT GOLDSMITH AND JEWELLERY SHOPS ON A BROAD SCALE WHEREBY SMALL BUSINESSES ARE TO BE COVERED, TO ADVISE OPERATORS OF MATTERS OF SECURITY.

RETAIL SALES FIGURES FOR OCTOBER » ♦ I t »

THE VALUE OF TOTAL RETAIL SALES IN OCTOBER 1992, ESTIMATED AT 913.5 BILLION, INCREASED BY 15% WHEN COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH IN 1991, ACCORDING To THE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

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

AFTER DISCOUNTING THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES OVER THE PERIOD, TOTAL RETAIL SALES INCREASED BY 10% IN VOLUME TERMS.

STRONG GROWTH WAS SEEN IN THE SPENDING ON CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR, FUELS, MOTOR VEHICLES, CONSUMER DURABLES AND JEWELLERY.

SALES OF CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS REGISTERED THE LARGEST YEAR-ON-YEAR INCREASE IN OCTOBER, BY 30% IN VALUE AND 1R% IN VOLUME.

SALES OF FUELS WENT Up MARKEDLY BY 22% IN VALUE AND 15% IN VOLUMF, WHILE THOSE OF MOTOR VEHICLES ALSO RECORDED A SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE OF 20% IN VALUE AND 11% IN VOLUME.

SALES OF CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY BY 11% IN BOTH VALID' AND VOLUMF TERNS.

THOSE OF JEWELLERY, WATCHES, CLOCKS AND VALUABLE GIFTS WENT UP BY 15% IN VALUE AND 17% IN VOLUME. THE LARGER INCREASE IN VOLUME WAS A RESULT OF THE FALL IN THE PRICES OF JEWELLERY ITEMS.

IN COMPARISON, SALES IN DEPARTMENT STORES INCREASED MORE MODERATELY BY’ 12% IN VALUE ANU 3% IN VOLUME, WHILE SALES IN SUPERMARKETS WENT UP BY 8% IN VAI.UE YND 1% IN VOLUME.

ON Till' OTHER HAND, SALES 01' OTHER FOODSTUFFS REGISTERED A 2% DECREASE IN VALUE AND A 6% DECREASE IN VOLUME.

COMPARING THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY TO OCTOBER 1992 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1991, TOTAL RETAIL SALES ROSE BY 19% IN VALUE AND 13% IN VOLUME.

/COMPARING WITH .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 5, 1993

COMPARING WITH .SEPTEMBER 1992, AND BEARING IN MINI) THAT THIS COMPARISON MAY BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, TOTAL RETAIL SALES IN OCTOBER 1992 DECREASED BY 3% IN VALLE \ND 1% IN VOLUME.

CHANGES IN THE VOLUME ON THE VALUE OF RETAIL SALES

OF RETAIL SALES ARE DERIVED FROM FIGURES \FTER HAVING ADJUSTED FOR PRICE CHANGES.

THE RELEVANT COMPONENTS OF THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX ARE USED AS INDICATORS OF PRICE CHANGES.

THE REPORT CONTAINING THE ANALYSIS OF THE OCTOBER 1992 RESULTS IS NOW ON SALE AT $1.5 A COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL; AND THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAl TOWER, WAN CHAI.

ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL S02 125B.

/TABLE 1 .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 5, 1993

TABLE 1 : TOTAL RETAIL SALES

Total Retail Sales for October 1992 (Provisional Figure) = HK$13,492.9 million

for September 1992 (Revised Figure) = HK$13,927.8 million

TABLE 2 : VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF RETAIL SALES FOR SEPTEMBER 1992 AND OCTOBER 1992

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

Item Index of Retai I Sales September 1992 October 1992 October 1992 compared with September 1992 October 1992 compared with October 1991 Jan-Oct 1992 compared with

Jan-Oct 1991

(A) FOR ALL RETAIL OUTLETS (Revised figures) (Provisional figures) Points X Points X Points X

Value 148.3 143.7 -4.6 -3.1 ♦19.2 +15.4 ♦21.7 +18.5

(B) BY TYPE OF RETAIL OUTLET Volume 129.5 124.8 -4.6 -3.6 ♦11.5 +10.1 ♦13.6 +12.5

Foodstuffs, alcoholic Value 123.3 121.2 -2.1 -1.7 -2.0 -1.6 ♦4.7 ♦4.1

drinks and tobacco (other than supermarkets) Volume 99.5 101.5 ♦2.1 +2.1 -6.7 -6.2 -3.0 -3.0

Supermarkets Value 136.8 124.5 -12.3 -9.0 +9.2 +8.0 +11.9 ♦10.3

Volume 110.5 100.2 -10.4 -9.4 +0.7 +0.8 ♦1.9 ♦1.9

Fuels Value 150.4 162.4 +12.0 +8.0 +29.7 +22.4 ♦ 13.5 ♦11.0

Volume 115.2 124.7 +9.6 +8.3 +16.3 +15.1 ♦3.8 +3.7

Clothing, footwear and Value 149.7 160.2 ♦10.6 +7.1 +37.2 +30.2 ♦30.1 ♦25.2

allied products Volume 123.9 130.8 ♦6.9 +5.6 +20.3 +18.4 ♦15.4 ♦13.9

Consumer durable goods * Value 182.8 162.4 -20.4 -11.2 ♦25.4 +18.5 ♦38.8 +31.4

Volume 162.8 145.6 -17.2 -10.6 +19.2 +15.2 ♦30.4 ♦26.3

- Motor vehicles Value 234.2 182.8 -51.3 -21.9 ♦30.3 +19.8 +69.5 +57.0

and parts Volume 196.1 152.9 -43.3 -22.1 ♦18.3 +13.6 ♦52.7 +48.0

- Consumer durable Value 145.7 147.7 ♦2.0 +1.4 +21.8 +17.4 +16.6 ♦ 13.3

goods other than motor vehicles and parts Volume 138.7 140.4 ♦1.6 +1.2 ♦19.8 +16.5 + 14.3 ♦11.9

Department stores Value 125.0 129.9 ♦4.9 +3.9 ♦13.5 +11.6 ♦ 17.4 ♦15.7

Volume 105.0 107.5 ♦2.5 +2.4 ♦3.1 +3.0 ♦6.4 +6.2

Jewellery, watches Value 146.6 135.7 -10.9 -7.4 ♦17.5 +14.8 ♦21.0 ♦ 18.3

and clocks, and valuable gifts Volume 153.9 140.5 -13.4 -8.7 +20.0 +16.6 ♦26.0 ♦22.9

Other consumer goods Value 158.6 157.7 -0.9 -0.6 +28.2 +21.8 ♦23.1 *19.0

not elsewhere classified Volume 135.6 134.2 -1.4 -1.1 ♦17.1 +14.6 ♦11.4 +9.9

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

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

/9 ........

TUESDAY, JANUARY 5, 1993

- 9

NAFTA AND EUROPEAN SINGLE MARKET GENERATE OPPORTUNITIES *****

THE IMMINENT ESTABLISHMENT OF THE NORTH AMERICAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT (NAFTA) AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SINGLE EUROPEAN MARKET ARE SEEN AS ’’OPPORTUNITIES, AND NOT AS OBSTACLES TO FREE TRADE” BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR ALAN LAI.

SPEAKING AT A SEMINAR ORGANISED BY THE CHINESE GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TODA\ (TUESDAY), MR LAI SAID HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT BUSINESSMEN IN HONG KONG, WHO WERE KNOWN FOR THEIR FLEXIBILITY AND INGENUITY, WOULD BE ABLE TO OPTIMISE ON THESE CHANGES.

HE SAID CONCERNS THAT THESE REGIONAL ARRANGEMENTS MIGHT LEAD TO TRADE AND INVESTMENT DIVERSION WERE LEGITIMATE.

"NO ONE COULD CLAIM THAT REGIONAL TRADE ARRANGEMENTS WOULD NOT IN ANY WAY ALTER EXISTING TRADE PATTERNS. HOWEVER, THE INCOME-GENERATING EFFECT OF SUCH ARRANGEMENT CANNOT BE IGNORED.

"INCREASED INVESTMENT AND TRADE OPPORTUNITIES ARISING AS A RESULT OF RATIONALISED PRODUCTION AND ENHANCED MARKETS WILL MORE THAN OFFSET ANY LOSSES ATTRIBUTABLE '1'0 TRADE AND INVESTMENT DIVERSIONS," MR LAI SAID.

AS IN THE CASE OF NAFTA, PRELIMINARY STUDIES CONDUCTED BY THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL SUGGESTED THAT 'THERE WOULD BE AMPLE OPPORTUNITIES FOR HONG KONG FI RMS BOTH IN TERMS OF A MORE PROSPEROUS MARKET FOR HONG KONG CONSUMER GOODS AND THE PROSPECTS OF MANUFACTURING IN LOW-COST MEXICO TO ACCESS NOT ONLY THE GROWING MEXICAN MARKET, BUT ALSO THE U.S. AND CANADA.

ACCORD I NG TO TRADE DEPARTMENT’S PRELI M I NARY ANALYSIS, THERE WAS POTENTIAL FOR TRADE DIVERSION FROM HONG KONG IN SPECIFIC PRODUCTS AS A RESULT OF TARIFF PHASE-OUTS IN THE LONGER TERM, BUT IT SHOULD NOT BE SIGNIFICANT IN THE SHORTER TERM.

"FOR EXAMPLE, IN RESPECT OF TOYS AND CONSUMER ELECTRON ICS, SIGNIFICANT AND IMMEDIATE TRADE DIVERSION WILL UNLIKELY OCCUR, SINCE MOST OF THESE PRODUCTS NOW ENTER THE U.S. AT LOW TARIFF RATES," MR LAI SAID.

NAFTA PROVIDED FOR TEXTILE AND APPAREL MANUFACTURED IN MEXICO TO BE ENTITLED TO PREFERENTIAL TARIFF TREATMENT AND ITS RULE OF ORIGIN REQUIRED MOST TEXTILE AND APPAREL GOODS BE PRODUCED FROM YARN MADE IN A NAFTA COUNTRY.

"THESE ARRANGEMENT AND REQUIREMENTS APPEAR TO HAVE A RESTRAINING EFFECT ON IMPORT, BUT GIVEN THE EXISTING PRODUCTION CAPABILITY IN NORTH AMERICA, OUR INITIAL ASSESSMENT IS THAT THIS WILL UNLIKELY RESULT IN SIGNIFICANT TRADE DIVERSION IN THE TEXTILE AND APPAREL SECTOR.

"DEMAND FOR TEXTILE AND APPAREL IMPORTS FROM HONG KONG FIRMS SHOULD CONTINUE," HE SAID.

/AS REGARDS .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 5, 1993

AS REGARDS THE SINGLE EUROPEAN MARKET, MR LAI SAID: ’’LIKE NAFTA, WE HOLD A CAUTIOUS VIEW OF ITS RELATIONS WITH NON-COMMUNITY ECONOMIES."

"IT APPEARS THAT THERE ARE STILL PROMISING SIGNS OF TRADE AND INVESTMENT CREATION," HE SAID.

HONG KONG BUSINESSMEN WERE ENCOURAGED TO TRY TO REAP THE BENEFITS FLOWING FROM THE OPPORTUNITIES OF THE SINGLE MARKET.

MR LAI ASSURED THEM THAT HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WOULD BE DILIGENT IN MAKING SURE THAT ANY FREE TRADE AGREEMENT WOULD CONFORM FULLY WITH THE RELEVANT GENERAL AGREEMENT OF TARIFFS AND TRADE (GATT) PROVISIONS, AND WERE NOT PURSUED AS A PROTECTIONIST MEASURE.

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

BETTER FIRE PROTECTION FOR SHA TIN RESIDENTS *****

THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO DO ITS BEST TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY BY IMPROVING ITS SERVICES.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE CHIEF FIRE OFFICER (HEADQUARTERS), MR TSANG KWONG-YU, WHEN OFFICIALLY OPENING THE STU LEK YUEN FIRE STATION TODAY (TUESDAY).

HE SAID FIREMEN THERE HAI) RESPONDED TO MORE THEN 500 FIRE CALLS IN THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS SINCE THE STATION OPENED IN LAST MAY.

THEY MANAGED TO REACH WITHIN THE TARGET RESPONSE TIME 84 PER CENT OF THE CALLS WHICH IS HIGHER THAN THE OVERALL RESPONSE PERCENTAGE OF PAST YEARS.

"SUCH REMARKABLE PERFORMANCE WILL HELP THE DEPARTMENT MEET THE NEW TARGET OF 85 PER CENT," MR TSANG SAID.

HE PRAISED THE STAFF OF THE STATION FOR THEIR EFFICIENCY WHICH NOT ONLY BRING MERIT TO THE DEPARTMENT, BUT ALSO ASSURE THE PUBLIC OF A SAFE ENVIRONMENT.

SHA TIN, HE SAID, HAD DEVELOPED RAPIDLY OVER THE PAST 20 YEARS FROM A RURAL TOWNSHIP TO A MAJOR NEW TOWN WHICH WOULD HAVE A POPULATION OF MORE THAN 600,000 WHEN FULLY DEVELOPED.

TO COPE WITH THE EXPANSION, THE NEW FIRE STATION WAS BUILT TO PROVIDE THE APPROVED STANDARD OF FIRE SERVICES TO AREAS FALLING OUTSIDE THE COVERAGE OF THE EXISTING STATIONS, HE ADDED.

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

/Il........

TUESDAY, JANUARY 5, 1993

MALCOLM RIFKIND VISITS FAR EAST *****

MR MALCOLM RIFKIND LEAVES LONDON TODAY FOR HIS FIRST VISIT AS SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DEFENCE TO HONG KONG, SINGAPORE AND MALAYSIA.

HONG KONG WILL BE THE FIRST STOP ON HIS TOUR AND WHILE HERE HE WILL HAVE TALKS WITH THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN.

HE WILL ALSO VISIT UNITS OF THE HONG KONG GARRISON AND MEET MEMBERS OF ALL THREE ARMED SERVICES.

FROM HONG KONG MR RIFKIND WILL FLY TO SINGAPORE AND THEN ON TO MALAYSIA. IN BOTH COUNTRIES HE WILL HAVE DISCUSSIONS WITH SENIOR GOVERNMENT MINISTERS.

DURING HIS VISITS TO HONG KONG UNITS ON THURSDAY AND FRIDAY (JANUARY 7 AND 8), MR RIFKIND WILL BE WINCHED DOWN FROM A ROYAL AIR FORCE WESSEX HELICOPTER ON TO A ROYAL NAVY PATROL CRAFT (HMS STARLING) DEPLOYED ON ANTI-SMUGGLING DUTIES.

HE WILL ALSO LOOK AT THE GARRISON’S ARMY AND RAF HELICOPTER SQUADRONS AT SEK KONG) VISIT A GURKHA BATTALION ON A LIVE-FIRING EXERCISE ON CASTLE PEAK TRAINING AREA; SEE THE NEW ROYAL NAVY BASE ON STONECUTTERS ISLAND; AND THE HONG KONG MILITARY SERVICE CORPS.

BEFORE LEAVING FOR HONG KONG, MR RIFKIND SAID:

"I AM DELIGHTED TO HAVE THIS FIRST OPPORTUNITY OF VISITING HONG KONG AS DEFENCE SECRETARY AND MEETING SOME OF OUR SERVICEMEN STATIONED THERE.

"SINGAPORE AND MALAYSIA ARE COUNTRIES WITH WHICH WE HAVE HAD CLOSE DEFENCE LINKS OVER MANY YEARS, PARTICULARLY THROUGH THE FIVE POWER DEFENCE ARRANGEMENT, AND MY DISCUSSIONS THERE WILL HELP BUILD ON THOSE RELATIONSHIPS."

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

YANTIAN DELEGATION VISITS MARINE DEPARTMENT

*****

A SIX-MEMBER DELEGATION OF THE SHENZHEN DONG PENG INDUSTRIAL COMPANY LIMITED FROM YANTIAN THIS (TUESDAY) MORNING PAID A COURTESY CALL ON THE MARINE DEPARTMENT.

LED BY THE COMPANY’S GENERAL MANAGER, MR CHENG YUK-HANG, THE DELEGATION WAS RECEIVED BY THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR TONY MILLER AND SENIOR OFFICERS OF THE DIRECTORATE AT MARINE DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS.

THE GROUP WAS BRIEFED ON THE PORT'S OPERATION, THE DEPARTMENT’S HANDLING OF FOREIGN SHIPS ENTERING AND CLEARING PROCEDURES, CARGO 1MPORT/EXPORT PROCEDURES, INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS WHICH APPLIED TO THE PORT OF HONG KONG, AND THE DEPARTMENT’S ORGANISATION.

/IN RETURN

TUESDAY, JANUARY 5, 1993

IN RETURN, THE DELEGATION TOLD HONG KONG OFFICIALS THE COMPANY’S RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE YANTIAN PORT WHICH HAS BEEN IN OPERATION SINCE NOVEMBER LAST YEAR.

THE GROUP ALSO TOURED THE DEPARTMENT’S VESSEL TRAFFIC CENTRE AND THE MARITIME RESCUE CO-ORDINATION CENTRE.

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

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

TENDER RESULTS

* * * * *

TENDER DATE 5 JANUARY 93 5 JANUARY 93

PAPER ON OFFER EE BILLS EE BILLS

ISSUE NUMBER Q301 H355

AMOUNT APPLIED HKD 2,955MN HKD l,110MN

AMOUNT ALLOTTED HKD 800MN HKD 300MN

AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED 3.69 PCT 3.92 PCT

HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED 3.70 PCT 3.95 PCT

PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 65 PCT ABOUT 36 PCT

AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 3.75 PCT 3.98 PCT

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE EUND

TENDERS TO BE HELD IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 11 JANUARY 93 -

TENDER DATE 12 JANUARY 93

PAPER ON OFFER EE BILLS

ISSUE NUMBER Q302

ISSUE DATE 13 JANUARY 93

MATURITY DATE 14 APRIL 93

TENOR 91 DAYS

AMOUNT ON OFFER HKD 800+160 MN

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

/13 ........

TUESDAY, JANUARY 5, 1993

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

$ MILLION

OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,500 REVERSAL OF LAF NIL BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 1,500 NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL EFFECT OF LAF TODAY -330 CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,170

LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 114.6 *+0.2* 5.1.1993

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS

TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD

1 WEEK 3.11 PCT 13 MONTHS 2402 5.50 101.14 4.49

1 MONTH 3.39 PCT 16 MONTHS 2405 5.50 100.99 4.80

3 MONTHS 3.65 PCT 19 MONTHS 2408 4.375 98.96 5.11

6 MONTHS 3.84 PCT 22 MONTHS 2411 4.625 98.92 5.30

12 MONTHS 4.42 PCT

TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 9,810 MN

CLOSED 4 JANUARY 1993

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 1993

CONTENTS PAGE NO*

GOVERNOR OFFERS CONDOLENCES TO ROBBERY VICTIM .................. 1

MEETING WITH POLITICAL GROUP LEADERS VALUABLE .................. 2

GOVERNOR VISITS NORTH DISTRICT ................................. 3

OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES ORDINANCE TO TAKE EFFECT IN

MID-1993 ..................................................... 3

TOLLS TO RISE FOR THREE GOVERNMENT TUNNELS ..................... 6

KWAI CHUNG ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT COMPLETED .................. 6

LAN KWAI FONG INQUIRY ....................................... . 8

USA TO BE BRIEFED ON MFN IMPACT ON HK .......................... g

CUSTOMS QUADRANGULAR FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT ....................... 9

245 VIETNAMESE GO HOME ..............................

FRESH WATER CUT IN KWAI CHUNG ................................

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .. 11

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 1993

GOVERNOR OFFERS CONDOLENCES TO ROBBERY VICTIM

*****

THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) OFFERED HIS CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF THE WOMAN VICTIM WHO WAS SHOT DEAD IN A YAU MA TEI ROBBERY EARLIER IN THE DAY.

"LIKE THE REST OF THE COMMUNITY, I WAS EXTREMELY CONCERNED TO HEAR ABOUT THE SHOOTING TODAY AND THE ARMED ROBBERY, AND THE DEATH OF AN INNOCENT BY-STANDER," MR PATTEN TOLD REPORTERS AFTER TOURING THE NORTH DISTRICT.

"I WOULD LIKE TO OFFER MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF THE WOMAN WHO IS SO TRAGICALLY KILLED. ALL OF US, I’M SURE, OFFER OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS TO HER FAMILY."

HE ALSO HAS A MESSAGE TO GO OUT TO ANYONE CONTEMPLATING CRIME:

"WE WILL NOT HESITATE IN OUR EFFORT TO ROOT OUT VIOLENT CRIME SUCH AS WE’VE SEEN TODAY. THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, THE WHOLE POLICE FORCE ARE DETERMINED TO FIGHT CRIME AS VIGOROUSLY AS WE POSSIBLY CAN AND THEY HAVE THE WHOLE-HEARTED SUPPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE IN THAT."

THE GOVERNOR SAID MORE POLICE WERE BEING PUT ON THE STREET IN ORDER TO PREVEN" THE SORT OF CRIME THAT OCCURRED TODAY.

"SO TODAY AND IN THE FUTURE WE WILL BE VIGILANT IN TRYING TO STEM OUT THAT SENSELESS VIOLENT CRIME.

"I KNOW IT’S CONDEMNED BY THE WHOLE COMMUNITY, A COMMUNITY WHICH IS ONE OF THE FEW IN THE WORLD THAT CAN SPEAK OF A FALL IN THE OVERALL CRIME RATE.

"BUT THAT’S OF NO COMFORT WHEN ONE HAS TO SEE A CRIME LIKE THE ONE THAT WAS PERPETRATED TODAY," HE SAID.

ASKED ABOUT THE FORTHCOMING VISIT OF CO-OPERATIVE RESOURCES CENTRE (CRC) MEMBERS TO LONDON, MR PATTEN SAID THE PRIME MINISTER, MR JOHN MAJOR, WILL BE SEEING CRC LEADER MR ALLEN LEE AND HIS GROUP.

"I'M SURE THAT HE’LL BE INTERESTED IN LISTENING TO WHAT MR LEE AND HIS COLLEAGUES HAVE TO SAY, AND IN PARTICULAR TO HEARING WHETHER THEY HAVE ANY PROPOSALS TO PUT FORWARD ABOUT THE POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG, BECAUSE MANY MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY HAVE DONE SO ALREADY, MOST OF THE GROUPS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAVE DONE SO."

HE ALSO SAID THE PRIME MINISTER, THE FOREIGN SECRETARY AND THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS WITH SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR HONG KONG MET LEGISLATORS WHENEVER THEY COULD WHEN THEY WERE VISITING LONDON.

ON MEETINGS BETWEEN THE FOREIGN MINISTERS OF BRITAIN AND CHINA, THE GOVERNOR SAID:

"I WOULD ANTICIPATE THAT SEQUENCE OF MEETINGS WOULD CONTINUE INTO THE FUTURE BECAUSE IT’S CERTAINLY VERY USEFUL FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM AND THE PRC AND THEREFORE IT’S USEFUL FOR HONG KONG AS WELL."

/IN REPLY .......

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 1993

- 2 -

IN REPLY TO A QUESTION ON HIS POLITICAL PROPOSALS, MR PATTEN SAID THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WOULD GIVE HIM AND THE GOVERNMENT ITS ADVICE IN THE COMING WEEKS ABOUT THE PRECISE LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS THAT SHOULD BE PUT TO THE LEGCO AFTER THE CHINESE NEW YEAR.

"THEY’VE ALREADY AGREED THAT WE SHOULD AT THE SAME TIME, OR PERHAPS BEFORE WE PUT LEGISLATION BEFORE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THAT WE SHOULD PUT FORWARD A COMPENDIUM OF ALL THE PROPOSALS THAT HAVE BEEN MADE BY INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS WITHIN THE COMMUNITY ABOUT THE POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG.”

------q-------

MEETING WITH POLITICAL GROUP LEADERS VALUABLE

*****

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SAID THAT THE GOVERNOR’S MEETING WITH LEADERS OF THE CO-OPERATIVE RESOURCES CENTRE (CRC) HAD BEEN VALUABLE AND CONSTRUCTIVE.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE ISSUES DISCUSSED WERE POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT, THE FORTHCOMING BUDGET, LOCALISATION OF THE CIVIL SERVICE AND THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTAINING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION.

THE CRC LEADERS PRESENTED THEIR POSITION PAPER ON CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND EXPLAINED THAT AT THIS STAGE THEY WERE FOCUSING ON BROAD PRINCIPLES.

THEY SAID THEY WOULD BE PRESENTING THE DOCUMENT TO THE PRIME MINISTER WHEN THEY MET HIM ON JANUARY 19.

THE GOVERNOR SAID, IF THE CRC HAD DIFFICULTIES WITH WHAT HE HAD PROPOSED, HE HOPED THAT THEY WOULD DEVELOP THEIR OWN THINKING FROM THE LEVEL OF GENERAL PRINCIPLES TO SPECIFIC PROPOSALS ON ISSUES SUCH AS THE FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES AND THE ELECTION COMMITTEE.

HE BELIEVED THAT THE PRIME MINISTER WOULD ASK THE CRC IF THEY HAD ANY ALTERNATIVE PROPOSALS IF THEY DID NOT AGREE WITH THE ONES WHICH THE GOVERNOR HAD PUT FORWARD.

ON THE ELECTION COMMITTEE, THE GOVERNOR REPEATED THE POINTS HE MADE IN HIS ADDRESS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 7, THAT IS, THAT THE ELECTORS OF THE ELECTION COMMITTEE SHOULD THEMSELVES HAVE BEEN ELECTED AND THAT THE SIMPLEST AND MOST EFFECTIVE WAY OF ACHIEVING THIS WOULD BE TO DRAW MOST IF NOT ALL OF THE MEMBERS FROM THE DIRECTLY ELECTED DISTRICT BOARDS.

HOWEVER, HE DID NOT PRECLUDE DRAWING SOME MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE FROM OTHER SOURCES, PROVIDED THEY TOO WERE ELECTED.

/3 ........

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 1993

3 -

GOVERNOR VISITS NORTH DISTRICT

*****

THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, VISITED NORTH DISTRICT THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON.

ACCOMPANIED BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR ALBERT LAM; THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER, MR TIMOTHY TONG, AND THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR PANG HANG-YIN, THE GOVERNOR FIRST TOURED A RURAL PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE IN SHA TAU KOK.

HOUSING 3,300 PEOPLE, THE ESTATE WAS BUILT IN 1991, AND ITS BUILDINGS WERE MODELLED ON UK TOWNHOUSE DESIGN, BUT WITH LOCAL ADAPTATIONS.

HE ALSO VISITED SHA TAU KOK CENTRAL PRIMARY SCHOOL, WHICH WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1988 TO REPLACE FIVE SUB-STANDARD VILLAGE PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND TO PROVIDE A MUCH IMPROVED STUDY ENVIRONMENT AND EDUCATIONAL SERVICES TO STUDENTS IN THE FRONTIER AREA.

THEN HE PROCEEDED TO VISIT FUNG YING SEEN KOON TEMPLE IN FANLING, AND ALSO TOOK A WALK AT SHEK WU HUI TOWN - A MARKET TOWNSHIP IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

BEFORE CONCLUDING HIS VISIT, THE GOVERNOR MET DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND DISTRICT PERSONALITIES AT THE COMMUNITY HALL IN CHEUNG WAH ESTATE.

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

OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES ORDINANCE TO TAKE EFFECT IN MID-1993 *****

THE OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES ORDINANCE, WHICH WILL PROVIDE A FRAMEWORK FOR THE REGULATION OF PRIVATE RETIREMENT SCHEMES IN HONG KONG, WILL COME INTO OPERATION IN MID-1993, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THE ORDINANCE, TO BE GAZETTED THIS FRIDAY (JANUARY 8), WILL GIVE A MUCH GREATER DEGREE OF ASSURANCE THAT RETIREMENT BENEFITS PROMISED BY EMPLOYERS WILL BE PAID TO THE EMPLOYEES WHEN THEY FALL DUE.

"THE INTRODUCTION OF THE REGULATORY FRAMEWORK WILL BE A POSITIVE CONTRIBUTION TO THE PROTECTION OF RETIREMENT BENEFITS IN HONG KONG," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES BILL WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN APRIL LAST YEAR. THEREAFTER, A LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AD HOC GROUP EXAMINED THE BILL IN DETAIL AND HELD DETAILED DISCUSSIONS WITH THE ADMINISTRATION.

/"THE ORDINANCE .......

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 1993

"THE ORDINANCE IS THE PRODUCT OF THIS SCRUTINY AND TAKES INTO ACCOUNT COMMENTS FROM THE PROFESSIONAL BODIES AS WELL AS THE EMPLOYERS’ AND EMPLOYEES’ ORGANISATIONS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE ORDINANCE ESTABLISHES A REGISTRATION SYSTEM FOR ALL OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES OPERATING IN HONG KONG. ON COMMENCEMENT OF THE ORDINANCE, ALL RETIREMENT SCHEMES ARE REQUIRED TO BE REGISTERED WITH THE GOVERNMENT; EXEMPTION WILL BE GRANTED TO PARTICULAR CATEGORIES.

"RETIREMENT SCHEMES WHICH ARE IN OPERATION PRIOR TO THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE ORDINANCE MUST APPLY FOR REGISTRATION OR EXEMPTION WITHIN TWO YEARS FROM THE DATE THE LEGISLATION IS BROUGHT INTO EFFECT," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

"ALL APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR OF OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES WHICH WILL ASSUME THE RESPONSIBILITIES FOR ADMINISTERING THE ORDINANCE," HE SAID.

THE KEY PROVISIONS OF THE REGULATORY FRAMEWORK ARE AS FOLLOWS:

t THE ASSETS OF A REGISTERED SCHEME MUST BE KEPT SEPARATE FROM THOSE OF THE EMPLOYER OR SCHEME ADMINISTRATOR AND FREE FROM ENCUMBRANCES AT ALL TIMES;

* ALL SCHEMES MUST HAVE ADEQUATE ASSETS TO MEET THEIR AGGREGATE VESTED LIABILITIES;

* INDEPENDENT AUDIT ON COMPLIANCE WITH THE STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS; AND

* DISCLOSURE OF ESSENTIAL INFORMATION RELATING TO THE RETIREMENT SCHEME TO THE SCHEME MEMBERS.

"ALTHOUGH THE MAJOR GUIDING PRINCIPLES AS SET OUT ABOVE HAVE NOT BEEN ALTERED, WE HAVE MADE A CONSIDERABLE NUMBER OF AMENDMENTS TO THE OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES BILL IN THE LIGHT OF DISCUSSIONS WITH THE LEGCO AD HOC GROUP AND OF COMMENTS RECEIVED ON THE BILL WHICH WE CONSIDERED TO BE REASONABLE AND APPROPRIATE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

"ONE OF THESE RELATES TO ANTI-AVOTDANCE PROVISIONS. ON COMMENCEMENT OF THE ORDINANCE, ANY PROMISE MADE BY THE EMPLOYER TO PROVIDE RETIREMENT PROTECTION WOULD BE REGARDED AS AMOUNTING TO OPERATING A RETIREMENT SCHEME AND, THEREFORE, SUBJECT TO THE STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS," THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.

THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT A NUMBER OF MEASURES HAD ALSO BEEN INCLUDED IN THE ORDINANCE TO ENHANCE PROTECTION FOR SCHEME MEMBERS.

THE OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES BILL WHEN GAZETTED LAST YEAR PROVIDED THAT ONLY A SCHEME MEMBER WHO WAS A HONG KONG PERMANENT RESIDENT OR WHO SATISFIED CERTAIN RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS MIGHT APPLY TO THE HONG KONG COURT FOR JUDGEMENT AGAINST THE EMPLOYER IN THE EVENT OF ANY SHORTFALL ON TERMINATION OF THE SCHEME BETWEEN HIS ENTITLEMENT AND THE BENEFIT HE RECEIVED.

/"TO ENSURE

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 1993

"TO ENSURE THAT ALL MEMBERS OF A RETIREMENT SCHEME WHICH IS SUBJECT TO THE LOCAL REGULATORY AUTHORITY WILL BE GIVEN ADEQUATE PROTECTION, THE ORDINANCE NOW ALSO ALLOWS OVERSEAS MEMBERS THE RIGHT TO APPLY TO THE HONG KONG COURT FOR JUDGEMENT," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT, IN APPLYING FOR REGISTRATION, A SCHEME WILL NEED TO SUBMIT STATEMENTS BY A SOLICITOR AND AN ACCOUNTANT STATING, RESPECTIVELY, WHETHER THE SCHEME IS SET UP AS A TRUST OR AN INSURANCE ARRANGEMENT, WHETHER IT IS GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF HONG KONG AND WHETHER PROPER ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS ARE BEING KEPT.

AN ACTUARIAL CERTIFICATE WILL BE REQUIRED IN THE CASE OF A DEFINED BENEFIT SCHEME.

"IN THE LIGHT OF THE SIGNIFICANT ROLE PLAYED BY THE PROFESSIONALS IN THE REGULATORY FRAMEWORK, THE ORDINANCE HAS ALSO INCORPORATED REVISIONS IN ORDER THAT THE QUALIFICATIONS AND INDEPENDENCE OF THE PROFESSIONALS CAN BE BETTER ASSURED," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

"WE HAVE ALSO TAKEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO REVISE THE PROVISIONS ON APPEALS AGAINST DECISIONS MADE BY THE REGISTRAR," HE SAID.

"WE HAVE NOW PROVIDED FOR AN APPEAL PANEL, INDEPENDENT OF THE CIVIL SERVICE HIERARCHY, WHICH WILL BE CHAIRED BY A QUALIFIED LEGAL PROFESSIONAL."

THE PENALTY FOR THE OPERATION OF AN ILLEGAL SCHEME HAS ALSO BEEN RAISED FROM A FINE OF $100,000 TO A HYBRID OFFENCE COMPRISING EITHER:

* A FINE OF $100,000 AND AN ADDITIONAL DAILY FINE OF $5,000 ON SUMMARY CONVICTION; OR

* A FINE OF $500,000; AN ADDITIONAL DAILY FINE OF $10,000 AND TWO YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT UPON CONVICTION ON INDICTMENT.

"IN VIEW OF THE RELIANCE OF THE REGISTRATION SYSTEM ON PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION, A DELIBERATELY FALSE STATEMENT OR CERTIFICATION WILL ALSO CONSTITUTE AN OFFENCE LIABLE TO THE SAME LEVEL OF PENALTY AS CITED ABOVE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

"EMPLOYERS ARE THEREFORE ADVISED TO BEGIN TO FAMILIARISE THEMSELVES WITH THE REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS ARISING OUT OF THE ENACTMENT OF THE OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES LEGISLATION," HE SAID.

TO FACILITATE COMPLIANCE BY EMPLOYERS, INFORMATION PAMPHLETS WILL BE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC PRIOR TO THE COMMENCEMENT DATE.

THESE WILL CONTAIN ESSENTIAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE EMPLOYERS’ OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE ORDINANCE, HOW THEY MAY APPLY FOR THE COMPANY’S RETIREMENT SCHEME TO BE REGISTERED, AS WELL AS THE CRITERIA FOR REGISTRATION OR EXEMPTION.

/"APPLICATIONS FOR .......

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 1993

"APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION WILL NEED TO BE SUBMITTED IN PRESCRIBED FORMS AND THESE TOGETHER WITH THE GUIDANCE NOTES AND OTHER DOCUMENTATION RELATING TO THE SCHEME, WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE BEFORE COMMENCEMENT OF THE ORDINANCE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

ALL ENQUIRIES RELATING TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE MAY BE ADDRESSED TO THE OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR OF OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES ON 21ST FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, HONG KONG.

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

TOLLS TO RISE FOR THREE GOVERNMENT TUNNELS

* * * * *

TOLLS FOR VEHICLES USING THE ABERDEEN, SHING MUN AND TSEUNG KWAN 0 TUNNELS WILL BE INCREASED BY $1 WITH EFFECT FROM SUNDAY (JANUARY 10).

THIS MEANS TOLLS AT THE ABERDEEN AND SHING MUN TUNNELS WILL BE RAISED FROM $5 TO $6 WHILE THAT OF TSEUNG KWAN 0 TUNNEL WILL GO UP FROM $3 TO $4.

TOLLS AT THE LION ROCK TUNNEL WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED AT $6.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED THAT THE TOLL INCREASE WAS NOT RELATED TO CONTRACTING OUT THE MANAGEMENT OF THE FOUR GOVERNMENT TUNNELS IN EARLY 1993.

HE SAID THE INCREASE WOULD HAVE MINIMAL EFFECT ON INFLATION AS IT WOULD ONLY INCREASE THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) BY LESS THAN 0.04 PERCENTAGE POINT.

THE TOLL INCREASE IS COVERED IN THE ROAD TUNNELS (GOVERNMENT) (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1993 TO BE GAZETTED ON FRIDAY.

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

KWAI CHUNG ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT COMPLETED

*****

TRAFFIC CONDITION ON KWAI CHUNG ROAD SOUTH AND CONTAINER PORT ROAD HAS BEEN FURTHER IMPROVED WITH THE RECENT COMPLETION OF IMPROVEMENT WORKS FOR THE ROADS.

KWAI CHUNG ROAD SOUTH HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO A DUAL FIVE-LANE CARRIAGEWAY.

THE IMPROVEMENTS WERE ANNOUNCED BY THE DIRECTOR OF TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT, MR CHOW CHE-KING, THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING AT A CEREMONY MARKING THE COMPLETION OF THE $450 MILLION WORKS.

/HE SAID

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 1993

7 -

HE SAID THE WORKS ALSO MARKED THE COMPLETION OF THE $700 MILLION PLUS COMPREHENSIVE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT FOR THE KWAI CHUNG ROAD CORRIDOR WHICH WAS THE MAIN ARTERY OF THE KWAI CHUNG DISTRICT ROAD NETWORK AS WELL AS AN IMPORTANT LINK BETWEEN WEST KOWLOON AND NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES.

WORKS FOR THE LAST PHASE OF THE PROJECT BEGAN IN AUGUST 1989.

MR CHOW NOTED THAT SOME OF THE MAJOR WORKS FOR THE LAST PHASE OF THE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, INCLUDING THE MODIFIED PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL INTERCHANGE AND THE NEW CHING CHEUNG SLIP ROAD, WERE COMPLETED LAST YEAR AND HAS BROUGHT SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENTS TO THE TRAFFIC CONDITION IN THE BUSY CONTAINER PORT AREA.

IMPROVEMENT WORKS FOR KWAI CHUNG ROAD SOUTH AND CONTAINER PORT ROAD FORMED ONE OF THE FOUR CONTRACTS LET BY THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT BETWEEN 1987 AND 1989.

THE OTHER THREE CONTRACTS FOR THE NORTHERN PORTION OF THE KWAI CHUNG ROAD CORRIDOR WERE ALL COMPLETED IN 1991.

NOTICEABLE IMPROVEMENT TO BOTH VEHICULAR AND PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC HAS BEEN ACHIEVED WITH THE OPENINGS OF NEW FLYOVERS AND FOOTBRIDGE SYSTEMS IN STAGES SINCE APRIL 1990.

MR CHOW SAID APART FROM IMPROVEMENTS TO KWAI CHUNG ROAD CORRIDOR, HIS DEPARTMENT WAS ALSO CARRYING OUT OTHER MAJOR ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS IN THE VICINITY.

THESE INCLUDED THE $200 MILLION IMPROVEMENT SCHEMES FOR HING FONG ROAD AND TEXACO ROAD, WHICH ARE SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION IN 1994.

"BY EARLY 1994, THE ROAD CAPACITY OF HING FONG ROAD WILL BE GREATLY INCREASED WITH THE PROVISION OF A FOOTBRIDGE SYSTEM CONNECTING KWAI CHUNG PARK, AND THE EXISTING KWAI TSING ROUNDABOUT WILL BE CONVERTED TO A SIGNALISED JUNCTION.

"WITH THE COMPLETION OF THE TFXACO ROAD PHASE IJ IMPROVEMENT BY THE END OF 1994, THE TRAFFIC CONGESTION AT THE TSUEN TSING INTERCHANGE WILL BE RELIEVED WITH THE COMPLETION OF A NEW FLYOVER AND AN AT-GRADE SLIP ROAD SYSTEM," MR CHOW ADDED.

/8 ........

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 1993

LAN KWAI FONG INQUIRY

OUTLINE OF WORK DONE ON WEDNESDAY, (JANUARY 6) UP TO 4.30 PM *****

MORNING

1. INTERVIEWING WITNESSES.

2. STUDYING HOSPITAL RECORDS.

3. STUDYING PHOTOGRAPHS.

4. CORRESPONDENCE.

AFTERNOON

5. VISIT QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL.

6. MEETING POLICE REPRESENTATIVES TO DISCUSS THE MATERIALS SUBMITTED BY THE FORCE.

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

USA TO BE BRIEFED ON MEN IMPACT ON HK

*****

THE GOVERNMENT WILL DO EVERYTHING IT CAN TO ENSURE THAT THE CASE FOR UNCONDITIONAL RENEWAL OF CHINA’S MOST-FAVOURED-NATION (MFN) STATUS IS VERY CLEARLY UNDERSTOOD IN THE UNITED STATES, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T H CHAU, SAID TONIGHT (WEDNESDAY).

SPEAKING AT AN ANNUAL DINNER OF THE TOYS COUNCIL, MR CHAU SAID THE ACTION WOULD INCLUDE PATIENT AND CAREFUL BRIEFING OF U.S. POLITICIANS, OFFICIALS AND OPINION-FORMERS.

HE STRESSED THAT WITHDRAWAL OR CONDITIONING OF MFN WAS THE WRONG TOOL TO DEAL WITH U.S. CONCERNS ABOUT POLITICAL OR NON-TRADE ISSUES.

"IT IS A HEAVY AND BLUNT INSTRUMENT WHOSE USE WOULD HARM HONG KONG AS WELL AS CHINA - AND WITHIN CHINA, WOULD DAMAGE MOST THOSE REGIONS WHICH ARE FURTHEST AHEAD IN TERMS OF ECONOMIC REFORM AND IN WHICH HONG KONG ENTREPRENEURS HAVE MADE VERY SUBSTANTIAL INVESTMENTS,” HE SAID.

NOTING THAT SOME COMMENTATORS HAVE EXPRESSED CONCERN ABOUT THE TREND TOWARDS OFF-SHORE PRODUCTION AND THE FUTURE OF WHAT THEY SEE AS A "HOLLOWED OUT" SEGMENT OF THE TOY INDUSTRY, MR CHAU SAID HE SAW THE TREND IN A POSITIVE LIGHT.

/•'MOVING LABOUR

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 1993

"MOVING LABOUR-INTENSIVE PRODUCTION PROCESSES OUT OF HONG KONG HAS ENABLED MANUFACTURERS TO MAINTAIN SOUND GROWTH RATES AND STRONG MARKET SHARES IN THE FACE OF TOUGH COMPETITION FROM OVERSEAS," HE SAID.

MR CHAU POINTED OUT THAT THE HONG KONG CONTRIBUTION IN TOY MANUFACTURING WAS A VITAL ONE.

"WITH THEIR FINGERS ON THE PULSE OF THE OVERSEAS MARKET, HONG KONG COMPANIES ARE ABLE TO STAY AHEAD OF THE COMPETITION.

"THEY ARE PROVIDING THE TECHNOLOGY AND THE QUALITY MANAGEMENT EXPERTISE TO ENSURE THAT PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED OFFSHORE ARE UP TO THE MARK IN TERMS OF QUALITY AS WELL AS OF COST," HE SAID.

MR CHAU SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S INDUSTRY SUPPORT PROGRAMME WAS THERE TO HELP TOY MANUFACTURERS FACE THE CHALLENGE OF FINDING OUT NEW WAYS TO ADD VALUE.

"THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL AND ITS DESIGN SUBSIDIARY PROVIDE SERVICES FOR MANUFACTURERS WHO WANT TO UPGRADE THEIR PRODUCTS OR PROCESSES.

"AND THE HONG KONG PLASTICS TECHNOLOGY CENTRE PROVIDES A RANGE OF SERVICES AND SUPPORT TO THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY," MR CHAU SAID.

- - 0 - -

CUSTOMS QUADRANGULAR FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT * * * * *

THE FIRST GUANGDONG, THAI, MACAO AND HONG KONG CUSTOMS QUADRANGULAR FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT WILL TAKE PLACE ON FRIDAY (JANUARY 8) AT THE SOUTH CHINA ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION STADIUM, CAROLINE HILL ROAD, SO KON PO, HONG KONG.

MR ZHAO YUANXING, DEPUTY DIRECTOR, GUANGDONG BRANCH OF THE CUSTOMS GENERAL ADMINISTRATION OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE KICK-OFF CEREMONY AT 9 AM. THE OPENING MATCH WILL BE PLAYED BETWEEN ROYAL THAI CUSTOMS AND GUANGDONG CUSTOMS.

THE CHAMPION MATCH WILL TAKE PLACE AT 11 AM ON SATURDAY (JANUARY 9).

COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, MR CLIVE OXLEY, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE KICK-OFF CEREMONY AND PRESENT TROPHY TO THE CHAMPION TEAM.

THE QUADRANGULAR FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT IS ONE IN A SERIES OF SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE SPORTS AND RECREATION CLUB OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT TO CELEBRATE THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CUSTOMS CO-OPERATION COUNCIL.

/HONG KONG

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 1993

1987.

HONG KONG JOINED THE CUSTOMS CO-OPERATION COUNCIL ON JULY 1,

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENTS.

245 VIETNAMESE GO HOME *****

A GROUP OF 245 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE UNHCR’S VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME.

COMPRISING 101 MEN, 68 WOMEN, 38 BOYS AND 38 GIRLS, THEY WERE THE FIRST BATCH TO GO BACK THIS YEAR AND THE 141ST UNDER THE PROGRAMME.

THE GROUP BRINGS TO 26,557 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN MARCH 1989.

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

FRESH WATER CUT IN KWAI CHUNG *****

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN KWAI CHUNG WILL GO OFF FROM 11 PM ON FRIDAY (JANUARY 8) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE WASTE DETECTION WORK ON WATER MAINS.

THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL THE PREMISES AT KWAI LUEN ROAD, BLOCKS 12 TO 14 OF KWAI SHING EAST ESTATE AND BLOCKS 6 TO 10 OF KWAI SHING WEST ESTATE.

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

/Il........

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 1993

- 11 -

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS

*****

$ MILLION

OPENING BALANCE TN THE ACCOUNT REVERSAL OF LAF BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 1,170 + 330 1,500

NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL

EFFECT OF LAF TODAY -400

CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,100

LAF RATE 2 .00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 114.3 *-0. 3* 6.1. 93

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS

TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD

1 WEEK 2.97 PCT 13 MONTHS 2402 5.50 101.03 4.59

1 MONTH 3.42 PCT 16 MONTHS 2405 5.50 100.88 4.88

3 MONTHS 3.66 PCT 19 MONTHS 2408 4.375 98.87 5.18

6 MONTHS 3.89 PCT 22 MONTHS 2411 4.625 98.83 5.36

12 MONTHS 4.55 PCT

TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 14.232MN

CLOSED 6 JANUARY 1993

- - 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 1993

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVERNOR UNDERLINES MAMMOTH TASKS AHEAD OF HA ..................... 1

CSB STATEMENT ON LOCALISATION ..................................... 2

ECONOMIC LINK FOR MUTUAL BENEFIT .................................. 2

MORE SAFEGUARDS FOR MEMBERS OF PRIVATE RETIREMENT SCHEMES ......... 3

NEW ZEALAND IMPOSES FINAL ANTI-DUMPING DUTIES ON CERTAIN FOOTWEAR FROM CHINA .......................................................... 5

SANDWICH CLASS FLATS TO GO ON SALE IN AUG/SEPT .................... 6

ELDERLY SERVICE TARGETS WILL BE FULLY MET ......................... 7

CONTRACTING OUT OF PARKING METER MANAGEMENT ....................... 8

COMPANIES ALERTED TO IMPOSTORS .................................... 9

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR TWO-YEAR MATRICULATION COURSE .................... 10

LAN KWAI FONG INQUIRY ............................................. 11

FINANCE COMMITTEE TO MEET TOMORROW ................................ 11

ORDERLY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME FLIGHT TOMORROW .................... 11

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ........ 12

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 1993

GOVERNOR UNDERLINES MAMMOTH TASKS AHEAD OF HA ♦ ♦ » ♦ *

TO MEET THE RISING EXPECTATIONS OF THE COMMUNITY IN HEALTH CARE SERVICES, A MORE EFFICIENT SYSTEM AND AN EFFECTIVE USE OF RESOURCES WILL BE NEEDED, THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

MR PATTEN ALSO SAID THE REFORMS THAT THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY (HA) WERE INTRODUCING WOULD PREVENT HONG KONG FROM FALLING INTO SOME OF THE PITFALLS ENCOUNTERED BY OTHER HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS RIGHT AROUND THE WORLD.

THESE SYSTEMS ARE NOW WISHING THAT THEY HAD ACTED EARLIER TO HALT INEFFICIENCY AND TO HALT GROWING WASTE, HE ADDED.

THE GOVERNOR WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY CONVENTION 1993.

"PROPER FORWARD PLANNING IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF PROPER MANAGEMENT OF OUR HOSPITAL SERVICES AND I AM DELIGHTED, THEREFORE, TO SEE THE WORK THAT THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY HAS DONE IN THIS AREA," HE SAID.

MR PATTEN SAID THE HA’S COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE DEMAND AND THE SUPPLY OF HOSPITAL BEDS FOR THE DECADE UP TO THE YEAR 2000 WOULD ENSURE THAT HOSPITAL SERVICES COULD MEET THE COMMUNITY’S CHANGING NEEDS.

ALSO, THE HA HAD TAKEN ON A MAMMOTH TASK TO PAVE THE WAY FOR A RADICAL EVOLUTION IN THE CULTURE OF HONG KONG’S HOSPITAL MANAGEMENT.

"OF COURSE IT WILL TAKE TIME, AND OF COURSE IT WILL TAKE A GOOD DEAL OF PATIENCE AND UNDERSTANDING FROM EVERYONE CONCERNED, TO MAKE SURE THAT IT ALL BEDS DOWN SATISFACTORILY," HE SAID.

THE GOAL UNDERLINING THE SERVICES, HE SAID, IS TO TREAT PATIENTS.

"WHAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT AT THE END OF THE DAY IS PUTTING THE PATIENT FIRST. THAT’S THE MOTIVATION, I’M SURE, OF ALL OF YOU, OF ALL THE DEDICATED MEN AND WOMEN WHO WORK IN OUR FIRST CLASS HEALTH CARE PROFESSION, THAT’S YOUR MOTIVATION IN THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY.”

HE ALSO ASSURED THE COMMUNITY THAT HE AND THE GOVERNMENT ARE BEHIND THE FORMIDABLE TASKS THAT LIE AHEAD OF THE HA.

/2 ........

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 1993

CSB STATEMENT ON LOCALISATION ♦ ♦ * * *

IN RESPONSE TO MEDIA ENQUIRIES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH SAID:

”AS THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE MR STUART HARBINSON SAID YESTERDAY, A REVIEW IS BEING CONDUCTED ON THE DEFINITIONS USED FOR LOCAL AND OVERSEAS TERMS OF APPOINTMENT. THIS REVIEW WILL NEED TO CONSIDER FACTORS SUCH AS RESIDENTIAL STATUS AND TIES WITH HONG KONG.

ANY CHANGES WHICH MIGHT BE PROPOSED AS A RESULT OF THIS REVIEW WOULD RELATE SOLELY TO CANDIDATES’ ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT ON LOCAL OR OVERSEAS TERMS. THE REVIEW IS EXPECTED TO TAKE SEVERAL MONTHS.

THIS REVIEW HAS NO EFFECT ON QUALIFICATIONS FOR FUTURE PRINCIPAL OFFICIAL POSTS AS SPECIFIED IN THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW. THESE POSTS MAY ONLY BE FILLED BY PERMANENT RESIDENTS OF CHINESE NATIONALITY WITHOUT FOREIGN RIGHT OF ABODE.

AS MR HARBINSON ALSO SAID YESTERDAY, THE GOVERNMENT IS NOW DEVELOPING THE MOMENTUM OF LOCALISATION BY DEVELOPING A RESERVOIR OF LOCAL TALENT AT SENIOR LEVELS UPON WHICH TO DRAW TN FUTURE IN ORDER TO FILL POSTS AT THE PRINCIPAL OFFICIAL LEVEL.”

- - 0 - -

ECONOMIC LINK FOR MUTUAL BENEFIT *****

THE ECONOMIC INTERDEPENDENCE BETWEEN HONG KONG AND SOUTHERN CHINA IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE TO GROW TO THE MUTUAL BENEFIT OF THE TWO PLACES, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE TOYS AND GAMES FAIR ’93, MRS CHAN SAID THE TOY INDUSTRY, ALONG WITH OTHER MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, WERE TRANSFERRING THEIR LABOUR-INTENSIVE PROCESSES TO CHINA TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF CHEAPER LAND AND LABOUR.

"AS A RESULT, WE ARE SEEING A GRADUAL SHIFT IN HONG KONG’S ROLE IN THE PRODUCTION PROCESS AWAY FROM MANUFACTURE TOWARDS QUALITY CONTROL, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, PRODUCT DESIGN, PLANNING AND SHIPPING FUNCTIONS," SHE SAID.

MRS CHAN SAID THE TOY INDUSTRY HAD MADE IMPRESSIVE STRIDES OVER THE YEARS.

"WE HAVE PROGRESSED FROM THE MANUFACTURE OF SIMPLE PLASTIC TOYS TO PRODUCING PRODUCTS WHICH RANGE FROM THE TRADITIONAL TO SOPHISTICATED, INNOVATIVE AND NOVELTY ITEMS CATERING FOR DIFFERENT MARKETS.

/"AN INTERESTING

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 1993

"AN INTERESTING AND ENCOURAGING TREND IS THAT HONG KONG IS NOW GRADUALLY MOVING TOWARDS DESIGNING AND MARKETING MORE OF ITS OWN TOYS RATHER THAN SOLELY RELYING ON LICENSING AND CONTRACT MANUFACTURING FOR OVERSEAS MANUFACTURERS," SHE SAID.

AT PRESENT, TOY EXPORTS REPRESENT 5.9 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL EXPORT.

IN 1991, TOTAL EXPORTS GREW BY 20 PER CENT TO NEARLY $44 BILLION.

THE U.S. MARKET REGISTERED A 13 PER CENT INCREASE IN 1991 WHILE MANY EUROPEAN MARKETS INCLUDING GERMANY, FRANCE, ITALY, NETHERLANDS AND BELGIUM POSTED IMPRESSIVE GROWTHS FROM 32 PER CENT TO 42 PER CENT.

NOTING THAT THE ASIAN ECONOMY IS THRIVING , MRS CHAN REMINDED TOY MANUFACTURERS NOT TO OVERLOOK THE OPPORTUNITIES PROVIDED BY THIS MARKET.

"IN RECENT YEARS WE HAVE SEEN RAPID GROWTH IN THE ECONOMIC STRENGTH OF COUNTRIES IN THE REGION.

"WITH INCREASING PERSONAL WEALTH COMES THE ABILITY TO SPEND MOP ON CONSUMER PRODUCTS, SO THE PROSPECTS ARE BRIGHT FOR INCREASING SALES TN THE ASIAN MARKET," SHE SAID.

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

MORE SAFEGUARDS FOR MEMBERS OF PRIVATE RETIREMENT SCHEMES *****

THE OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES ORDINANCE WILL GIVE A BASIC CRITERION FOR THE ACCEPTABILITY OF OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES AND MAKE CLEAR THAT THE SCHEME MEMBERS ARE THE ULTIMATE BENEFICIARIES OF THE ASSETS OF SUCH SCHEMES, THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE, MR NIGEL SHIPMAN, SAID.

SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE Y’S MEN’S CLUB OF HONG KONG THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON, MR SHIPMAN URGED SCHEME MEMBERS TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO SAFEGUARD THEIR FUTURE RETIREMENT BENEFITS.

"WE ARE AFTER ALL THE BEST JUDGES AND THE BEST DEFENDERS OF OUR OWN INTERESTS," HE SAID.

MR SHIPMAN SAID THE ORDINANCE CONFERRED ON SCHEME MEMBERS THE RIGHT TO GIVE ADVICE AND TO BE KEPT INFORMED, AND TO FORM CONSULTATIVE MACHINERY FOR THAT PURPOSE.

IT IS THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION THAT THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE WILL BE APPOINTED AS THE REGISTRAR OF OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES.

HE WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR EFFECTING THE REGISTRATION OF RETIREMENT SCHEMES AND FOR MONITORING HOW THE FUNCTIONS AND OBLIGATIONS PROVIDED BY THE ORDINANCE ARE CARRIED OUT.

/MR SHIPMAN .......

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 1993

MR SHIPMAN SAID THE REGISTRAR WAS NOT IN A POSITION TO ENSURE THAT THE ASSETS OF RETIREMENT SCHEMES WERE WELL MANAGED AND THAT THE SCHEMES REMAIN SOLVENT.

"HE WILL HAVE NEITHER THE POWERS NOR SUFFICIENT STAFF TO UNDERTAKE THE INVESTIGATIONS THAT WOULD BE NECESSARY TO ACHIEVE THAT OBJECTIVE," HE SAID.

THE ORDINANCE DOES NOT PROVIDE THE REGISTRAR WITH PERVASIVE POWERS OF REGULATION, SIMILAR TO THOSE WHICH THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE MAY WIELD.

"HIS ROLE WILL ESSENTIALLY BE WHAT THE TITLE WOULD SUGGEST, NAMELY TO MAINTAIN THE REGISTER OF RETIREMENT SCHEMES AND TO CHECK WHETHER CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS HAVE BEEN MET.

"HE WILL NOT BE EMPOWERED TO DIRECT HOW A RETIREMENT SCHEME SHOULD BE MANAGED. HIS ULTIMATE SANCTION WILL BE TO REMOVE A SCHEME FROM THE REGISTER, IN WHICH EVENT THE SCHEME WOULD HAVE TO BE WOUND UP AND THE AVAILABLE ASSETS DISTRIBUTED AMONG THE MEMBERS.

THE OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES ORDINANCE WAS PASSED INTO LAW BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL LAST MONTH. THE ORDINANCE WILL COME INTO EFFECT IN JULY THIS YEAR.

PRIVATE SECTOR RETIREMENT SCHEMES ARE NOT AT PRESENT REGULATED BY ANY GOVERNMENT AUTHORITY. THERE ARE ABOUT 12,000 SUCH SCHEMES WHICH HAVE BEEN REGISTERED WITH THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT FOR TAX EXEMPTION, BUT THE TOTAL NUMBER OF SUCH SCHEMES IS RECKONED TO BE CLOSER TO 22,000.

"WHETHER THIS IS SUFFICIENT TO ENSURE THE SOLVENCY OF SUCH SCHEMES WILL DEPEND ON THE PRUDENCE AND INTEGRITY OF THE EMPLOYER AND THE PERSON WHOM HE APPOINTS AS THE SCHEME ADMINISTRATOR, ON THE VIGILANCE AND PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE OF AUDITORS AND ACTUARIES AND, PERHAPS MOST OF ALL, ON THE VIGILANCE OF SCHEME MEMBERS.

"WE WOULD NOT, HOWEVER, CLAIM THAT THE ORDINANCE WILL PREVENT FRAUD OR INSOLVENCY FROM OCCURRING IN THE MANAGEMENT OF RETIREMENT SCHEMES IN FUTURE," MR SHIPMAN SAID.

THE LEGISLATION REQUIRES CERTAIN SAFEGUARDS TO BE IN PLACE BEFORE A SCHEME WOULD QUALIFY FOR REGISTRATION AND FOR CERTAIN PROCEDURES TO BE FOLLOWED THEREAFTER.

"WHILE THESE SAFEGUARDS SHOULD MAKE FRAUD OR MISMANAGEMENT MORE DIFFICULT, THEY CANNOT PREVENT THEM FROM OCCURRING, AND SCHEME MEMBERS SHOULD BE VIGILANT IN THEIR OWN PROTECTION," HE SAID.

MR SHIPMAN POINTED OUT THAT THIS LEGISLATION IS NOT SEEN TO BE THE FINAL ANSWER OR THE FINAL REGULATORY STEP.

"IT WAS ACKNOWLEDGED TO BE ONLY ’A REASONABLE AND PRACTICABLE FIRST STEP’. EXPERIENCE WILL NO DOUBT POINT TO AREAS WHERE ADDITIONAL SAFEGUARDS AND CONTROLS ARE NEEDED.

/"MOREOVER, THE ........

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 1993

’’MOREOVER, THE FUTURE DIRECTION HAS ALREADY BEEN INDICATED, IN THAT THE GOVERNMENT . HAS PROPOSED IN A CONSULTATION PAPER THAT IT SHOULD BE MANDATORY FOR FULL TIME EMPLOYEES UNDER THE AGE OF 65 TO BE COVERED BY A RETIREMENT SCHEME.”

THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS MEASURE WOULD BE EXTENSIVE, AND THOSE WHO HAVE VIEWS ON IT ARE INVITED TO PUT THEM FORWARD TO THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BY THE END OF THIS MONTH, HE SAID.

’’PROPER REGULATION OF RETIREMENT SCHEMES IS CLEARLY NECESSARY BEFORE ANY MANDATORY SYSTEM COULD BE INSTITUTED. BUT THE SPECIAL NEEDS OF A MANDATORY SYSTEM OF COMMUNITY-WIDE RETIREMENT SCHEMES WILL INFLUENCE THE APPROPRIATE SYSTEM OF REGULATION, AND CHANGES TO THE PRESENT LEGISLATION MAY BE EXPECTED ON THAT ACCOUNT.”

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

NEW ZEALAND IMPOSES FINAL ANTI-DUMPING DUTIES ON CERTAIN FOOTWEAR FROM CHINA *****

THE NEW ZEALAND GOVERNMENT HAS IMPOSED FINAL ANTI-DUMPING DUTIES ON THE IMPORTS OF CERTAIN NON-LEATHER WOMEN’S FOOTWEAR FROM CHINA, ACCORDING TO A COMMERCIAL INFORMATION CIRCULAR PUBLISHD BY THE TRADE DEPARTEMNT TODAY (THURSDAY).

THE AMOUNT OF DUTY TO BE PAID IS THE AMOUNT BY WHICH THE “NORMAL VALUE” (VALUE OF DUTY EQUIVALENT) EXCEEDS THE VALUE OF DUTY OF THE GOODS WHEN ENTERING NEW ZEALAND FOR LOCAL CONSUMPTION.

THE NORMAL VALUES SET BY THE NEW ARE AS FOLLOWS:

ZEALAND MINISTRY

OF COMMERCE

SHOE TYPE NORMAL VALUE OTHER SUPPLIERS

DIRECT SUPPLIERS $NZ

FLAT SHOE

SLING-BACK 8.38 9.11

SANDAL/SL1P-ON 8.05 8.75

CLOSED UPPER 8.55 9.29

MOCCASIN 8.81 9.58

LACE-UP 9.85 10.70

SCUFF 7.48 8.13

WEDGE SHOE

SLING-BACK 8.66 9.41

SANDAL 7.90 8.59

CLOSED UPPER 8.50 9.24

HEEL SHOE

SLING-BACK 8.71 9.47

SANDAL 8.54 9.28

CLOSED UPPER 9.78 10.63

/THE NEW .......

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 1993

THE NEW ZEALAND MINISTRY OF COMMERCE INITIATED THE ANTI-DUMPING INVESTIGATION ON CERTAIN NON-LEATHER WOMEN’S FOOTWEAR FROM CHINA IN MAY LAST YEAR.

THE PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION WAS COMPLETED TN JULY, SINCE THEN, PROVISIONAL DUTIES WERE IMPOSED.

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

SANDWICH CLASS FLATS TO GO ON SALE IN AUG/SEPT

******

GOOD PROGRESS IS BEING MADE TOWARDS THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SANDWICH CLASS HOUSING SCHEME AND THE FIRST BATCH OF 1,000 FLATS FOR THE FAST START SCHEME WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE IN AUGUST/SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, IN HIS SESSION WITH THE MEDIA TODAY.

MR EASON SAID: "SITES ARE BEING IDENTIFIED FOR THE LONG-TERM SCHEME TO ENABLE THE HOUSING SOCIETY TO PRODUCE AN ANNUAL QUOTA OF 5,000 FLATS FROM 1995/96 ONWARDS TO BE SOLD AT CONCESSIONARY PRICES.

"DETAILS OF IMPLEMENTATION, SUCH AS APPLICATION PROCEDURES, ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA, RESALE RESTRICTIONS AND HOW APPLICATIONS WILL BE PROCESSED ARE BEING WORKED OUT WITH THE SOCIETY."

MR EASON SAID THE SCHEME WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN PARALLEL WITH SUFFICIENT LAND SUPPLY TO THE MARKET TO ENABLE A STEADY SUPPLY OF NEW FLATS TO MEET DEMAND.

IT IS ESTIMATED THAT IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS THERE WILL BE A GOOD SUPPLY OF FLATS IN THE REGION OF 70,000 - 75,000 PER YEAR CONSISTING OF 40,000 FROM PUBLIC SECTOR AND 30,000 - 35,000 FROM PRIVATE SECTOR.

MR EASON WAS GLAD TO SEE A CONSIDERABLE REDUCTION IN SPECULATIVE ACTIVITY IN THE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MARKET WITH RESIDENTIAL PRICES EASING BY ABOUT FIVE - 10 PER CENT.

"THIS CLEARLY DEMONSTRATES THAT THE ANTI-SPECULATION MEASURES TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT ARE HAVING AN EFFECT." HE SAID.

MR EASON HOPED THAT THE BANKING AND PROPERTY SECTORS CONTINUED TO CO-OPERATE BY MAINTAINING THE 70 PER CENT LOAN TO VALUATION RATIO.

ON THE SEWAGE STRATEGY, MR EASON SAID PRELIMINARY DESIGN OF THE FIRST STAGE OF THE STRATEGIC SEWAGE DISPOSAL SCHEME IS SUBSTANTIALLY COMPLETED AND DETAILED DESIGN WILL BEGIN THIS YEAR.

PRIORITY IS BEING GIVEN TO SEWAGE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR KOWLOON AND EASTERN HONG KONG ISLAND IN THE HIGH PRIORITY PROGRAMME DUE FOR COMPLETION IN 1997.

/IN PARALLEL

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 1993

IN PARALLEL WITH THE HIGH PRIORITY SCHEME, WORK IS BEING CARRIED OUT ON A NUMBER OE NEW SEWAGE PROJECTS IN OTHER PARTS OF HONG KONG.

THESE INCLUDE THE HONG KONG ISLAND SOUTH SEWAGE SCHEME, TOLO HARBOUR EFFLUENT EXPORT SCHEME, TOLO HARBOUR SEWAGE MASTER PLAN AND NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT SEWERAGE SCHEME.

”BY ANY STANDARD, WE ARE BUILDING AND PLANNING A MAJOR SEWERAGE INFRASTRUCTURAL NETWORK, WHICH WILL GET US BACK OUR FRAGRANT HARBOUR,” MR EASON SAID.

HE ALSO REVEALED THAT A CHARGING SCHEME FOR THE SEWAGE SERVICES IS BEING FINALISED FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION SOON.

THE CHARGES WILL BE MODEST AND AFFORDABLE AND WILL BE BASED ON THE POLLUTER-PAYS PRINCIPLE WITH NO ONE SUBSIDISING ANYONE ELSE OR PAYING MORE THAN THEIR FAIR SHARE.

IT IS EXPECTED THAT CHARGING WILL BEGIN IN 1994.

MR EASON NOTED THAT THE NEXT BIENNIAL REVIEW OF THE 1989 WHITE PAPER ON ENVIRONMENT IS DUE IN JUNE 1993.

"THE REVIEW WILL PRODUCE A SUBSTANTIAL DOCUMENT SETTING ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES OUT FAR MORE COMPREHENSIVELY THAN IN THE PAST.”

ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED IN THE REVIEW WILL INCLUDE ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION, HONG KONG’S POSITION TOWARDS THE EARTH SUMMIT IN RIO DE JANEIRO LAST JUNE, SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENT, GLOBAL WARMING, ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION.

MR EASON ALSO TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO THANK VARIOUS ORGANISATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS WHO HAD CONTRIBUTED TO BETTER ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION LAST YEAR.

THESE INCLUDE THE ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE, THE ENVIRONMENTAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE, THE PRIVATE SECTOR COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT, THE LEGCO ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS PANEL AND VARIOUS GREEN GROUPS.

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

ELDERLY SERVICE TARGETS WILL BE FULLY MET

* t * t t

THE KEY PLANNING TARGETS OF ELDERLY SERVICES, INCLUDING BOTH COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES AND RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES, WILL BE FULLY MET IN THE NEXT FOUR YEARS, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR TAN STRACHAN, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

MR STRACHAN WAS ADDRESSING THE OPENING OF TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS PO CHUNG CHUEN YING HOME FOR THE ELDERLY. IT WAS THE FIRST CEREMONY THAT HE PERFORMED IN THE CAPACITY OF DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE.

/”IN Hib ......

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 1993

"IN HIS ADDRESS AT THE OPENING OF THE 1992/93 SESSION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL LAST OCTOBER, THE GOVERNOR PLEDGED TO ACHIEVE ALL THE KEY TARGETS IN THE WHITE PAPER FOR 1997," HE SAID.

SOCIAL WELFARE PROGRAMME WOULD BE EXPANDED AND IMPROVED, MR STRACHAN SAID, ADDING THAT SENIOR CITIZENS WOULD BE GIVEN A PRIORITY.

"MORE FACILITIES FOR THE ELDERLY WILL BE PROVIDED, INCLUDING 5,000 ADDITIONAL PLACES IN CARE-AND-ATTENTION HOMES AND HOMES FOR THE AGED AS WELL AS 14 MORE MULTI-SERVICE CENTRES AND 70 SOCIAL CENTRES," HE SAID.

MR STRACHAN POINTED OUT THAT THE ACHIEVEMENT SIGNIFIED THE GOVERNMENT’S DETERMINATION TO HONOUR ITS OBLIGATION TO SENIOR CITIZENS WHO, DURING THEIR WORKING LIVES, MADE HONG KONG THE SUCCESS IT WAS TODAY.

HE SAID TUNG WAH DEVOTED AN INCREASING PORTION OF ITS RESOURCES TO THE CARE OF THE ELDERLY, APART FROM DEVELOPING ITS MEDICAL, EDUCATION AND SOCIAL SERVICES.

"I AM ALSO GRATEFUL THAT MADAM PO CHUNG CHUEN-YING HAS MADE A HANDSOME DONATION TO MEET PART OF THE CAPITAL COSTS OF THIS HOME FOR THE ELDERLY," MR STRACHAN ADDED.

- - 0 - -

CONTRACTING OUT OF PARKING METER MANAGEMENT

******

THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS APPROVED IN PRINCIPLE OF CONTRACTING OUT THE MANAGEMENT, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF PARKING METERS.

THE PREQUALIFICATION OF TENDERERS IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN MARCH AND TENDERS WILL BE INVITED IN JUNE, WITH THE SUCCESSFUL TENDERER TAKING OVER BY THE END OF THIS YEAR.

A THREE-YEAR CONTRACT WILL BE AWARDED.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (THURSDAY) SAID THE CONTRACTING OUT OF PARKING METERS WOULD BRING ABOUT HIGHER EFFICIENCY AND BETTER STANDARDS OF SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC THROUGH INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNCTIONS NOW BEING CARRIED OUT BY SEVERAL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.

"IN ADDITION, THE CONTRACT WILL PROVIDE AN INCENTIVE FOR THE OPERATOR TO INTRODUCE NEW PARKING METER TECHNOLOGY," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

UNDER THE MANAGEMENT CONTRACT, THE GOVERNMENT WILL MONITOR PERFORMANCE STANDARDS AND EXERCISE CONTROL OVER THE CONTRACTOR.

THE GOVERNMENT WILL ALSO RETAIN CONTROL OVER APPROVING PARKING METER TYPES, SETTING CHARGES, METER LOCATIONS AND THE RIGHT TO REMOVE OR SUSPEND METERS.

/THE POLICE

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 1993

THE POLICE WILL REMAIN RESPONSIBLE FOR ENFORCEMENT ACTION AGAINST PARKING OFFENCES AS AT PRESENT.

ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY STAFF MEMBERS IN TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AND SEVEN IN ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL BE AFFECTED.

THEY ARE BEING CONSULTED ON THEIR JOB FUTURE AND EVERY HELP WILL BE GIVEN TO THEM IN SEEKING ALTERNATIVE EMPLOYMENT WITHIN THE CIVIL SERVICE OR WITH THE FUTURE OPERATOR.

ANYONE WHO IS MADE REDUNDANT WILL BE COMPENSATED IN ACCORDANCE WITH NORMAL CIVIL SERVICE PRACTICES.

AT PRESENT, THERE ARE ABOUT 13,000 PARKING METERS IN THE TERRITORY, INSTALLED AND MANAGED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT. THEY ARE MAINTAINED BY THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT.

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

COMPANIES ALERTED TO IMPOSTORS

*******

THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) ADVISED COMPANY OWNERS TO BE WATCHFUL FOR PEOPLE IMPERSONATING AS OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID A NUMBER OF COMPANIES HAD RECENTLY BEEN APPROACHED BY PEOPLE CLAIMING TO BE LABOUR OFFICERS AND ASKING FOR PARTICULARS OF THE COMPANIES.

HE EXPLAINED THAT DEPARTMENTAL OFFICERS MAKING ENQUIRIES WOULD ALWAYS MAKE KNOWN THEIR NAMES AND THE NAMES OF THEIR OFFICES.

“OFFICERS CONDUCTING SITE INSPECTIONS HAVE BEEN INSTRUCTED TO IDENTIFY THEMSELVES BY PRODUCING THEIR WARRANT CARDS,” HE SAID.

“IF PROPRIETORS HAVE ANY DOUBT ABOUT A CALLER’S IDENTITY, THEY SHOULD ASK FOR HIS CONTACT TELEPHONE NUMBER OR ADDRESS FOR IDENTIFICATION PURPOSES,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

"THEY SHOULD ALSO CHECK WITH THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT OR REPORT IMMEDIATELY TO THE NEAREST POLICE STATION IF THEY HAVE FURTHER DOUBTS," HE ADDED.

/10 .......

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 1993

- 10 -

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR TWO-YEAR MATRICULATION COURSE

*****

SEVERAL SCHOLARSHIPS ARE TO BE OFFERED TO LOCAL STUDENTS FOR A TWO-YEAR MATRICULATION COURSE OF THE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE CURRICULUM AT FIVE CO-EDUCATIONAL RESIDENTIAL UNITED WORLD COLLEGES IN UNITED KINGDOM, CANADA, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ITALY AND HONG KONG THIS SEPTEMBER.

THE INSTITUTES ARE THE UNITED WORLD COLLEGE OF THE ATLANTIC IN UK, LESTER B PEARSON COLLEGE OF THE PACIFIC IN CANADA, THE ARMAND HAMMER UNITED WORLD COLLEGE OF THE AMERICAN WEST IN USA, UNITED WORLD COLLEGE OF THE ADRIATIC IN ITALY AND LI PO CHUN UNITED WORLD COLLEGE OF HONG KONG.

THE COURSE IS RECOGNISED FOR UNIVERSITY ENTRY PURPOSES IN HONG KONG AND IN MOST OTHER COUNTRIES.

APPLICANTS MUST BE PERMANENT RESIDENTS OF HONG KONG WITH AT LEAST SEVEN YEARS’ RESIDENCE IN THE TERRITORY; AGED OVER 16 AND UNDER 18; AND POSSESS (OR HAVE A GOOD CHANCE OF OBTAINING) A HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION (OR GCE EQUIVALENT) WITH AT LEAST FIVE SUBJECTS AT GRADE C OR ABOVE, INCLUDING ENGLISH LANGUAGE.

APPLICATIONS HAVE TO BE SUBMITTED THROUGH SCHOOL PRINCIPALS. SHORT-LISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE INVITED TO ATTEND AN INTERVIEW BY A SELECTION COMMITTEE.

THE SCHOLARSHIPS, DONATED BY SOME LOCAL LEADING ORGANISATIONS, WOULD NORMALLY COVER THE TUITION AND BOARDING FEES FOR THE TWO YEARS.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE OBTAINABLE BY POST OR IN PERSON FROM THE LI PO CHUN UNITED WORLD COLLEGE OF HONG KONG, 10 LOK WO SHA LANE, SHA TIN, NEW TERRITORIES, HONG KONG OR. THE STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AGENCY, FIFTH FLOOR, CLUB LUSITANO BUILDING, 16 ICE HOUSE STREET, CENTRAL, HONG KONG.

COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS WITH SUPPORTING PAPERS MUST BE RETURNED TO EITHER ONE OF THE ABOVE OFFICES THROUGH THE SCHOOL PRINCIPALS BEFORE FEBRUARY 22. LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

ENQUIRIES MAY BE DIRECTED ON TEL 640 0441.

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

/Il........

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 1993

LAN KWAI FONG INQUIRY

OUTLINE OF WORK DONE ON THURSDAY (JANUARY 7) UP TO 4.30 PM *****

1. READING 51 WITNESS STATEMENTS AND COMPUTERISED INCIDENT LOG PROVIDED BY THE POLICE.

2. STUDYING 193 PHOTOGRAPHS PROVIDED BY THE FIRE SERVICES AND 70 PHOTOGRAPHS PROVIDED BY THE POLICE.

3. REVIEWING REPORT PROVIDED BY THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY.

4. STUDYING MATERIALS COMING IN FROM THE PUBLIC.

5. INTERVIEWING WITNESSES.

6. MAKING CONTACTS WITH POTENTIAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION. -----------------------------------u-------

FINANCE COMMITTEE TO MEET TOMORROW ♦ * * * ♦

THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL HOLD A MEETING AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER.

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

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

THE COMMITTEE’S PAPERS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR ADVANCE READING FROM 2.30 PM TODAY (THURSDAY) AT THE PRESS ROOM OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BUILDING. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE PAPERS WILL BE EMBARGOED FOR USE UNTIL THE MEETING ENDS.

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

ORDERLY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME FLIGHT TOMORROW

*****

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT A GROUP OF ABOUT 60 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS SCREENED OUT AS NON-REFUGEES WILL RETURN TO VIETNAM TOMORROW ON THE EIGHTH FLIGHT UNDER THE ORDERLY REPATRIAT I ON PROGRAMME.

A TOTAL OF 336 NON-REFUGEES HAVE SO FAR BEEN RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THIS PROGRAMME.

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

/12 .......

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7,

1993

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

$ MILLION

OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,100

REVERSAL OF LAF +400

BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 1,500

NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL

EFFECT OF LAF TODAY NIL

CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,500

LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 114.5 *+0.2* 7.1.93

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS

TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD

1 WEEK 3.03 PCT 13 MONTHS 2402 5.50 100.91 4.70

1 MONTH 3.43 PCT 16 MONTHS 2405 5.50 100.76 4.97

3 MONTHS 3.75 PCT 19 MONTHS 2408 4.375 98.75 5.26

6 MONTHS 3.99 PCT 22 MONTHS 2411 4.625 98.74 5.41

12 MONTHS 4.66 PCT

TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 1O.422MN

CLOSED 7 JANUARY 1993

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 1993 CONTENTS

GOOD TRADE PERFORMANCE IN 1992 ..........................

VOLUME AND PRICE MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE IN OCTOBER .

NEW LAW TO REGULATE SUBSCRIPTION TV ...................

SMOOTH RETURN OF VIETNAMESE WELCOMED ....................

LO WU TERMINAL STAGE III EXTENSION PROJECT AWARDED ......

CEREMONIAL OPENING OF 1993 LEGAL YEAR ...................

TENDERS INVITED FOR OPERATION AND MANAGEMENT OF GOVT CAR PARKS .................................

HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT INVITES TERM CONTRACTS TWO SITES FOR AUCTION .......

TUEN MUN FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN ...........................

CHAI WAN ROAD UPGRADING WORKS ...........................

TENDERS INVITED FOR POLICE HEADQUARTERS COMPLEX .........

( HA KWO LING/YAU TONG/LEI YUE MUN ZONING PLAN AMENDED BUILDING SAFETY EXHIBITION ....................

TENDERS INVITED FOR MAINTENANCE WORKS AT AIRPORT TENDERS FOR SPECIAL SCHOOL IN TIN SHUT WAI INVITED CHLORINE HOUSE EXTENSION WORKS .....................

LAN KWAI FONG INQUIRY ..................

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS

PAGE NO,

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 1993

GOOD TRADE PERFORMANCE IN 1992 *****

THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T H CHAU, TODAY (FRIDAY) OUTLINED THE OUTSTANDING TRADE PERFORMANCE OF HONG KONG IN 1992.

SPEAKING AT A MEET-THE-MEDIA SESSION, HE SAID IN THE FIRST 11 MONTHS OF 1992, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXTERNAL TRADE AMOUNTED TO OVER $1,700 BILLION, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 22 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1991.

HE NOTED THAT MUCH OF THIS INCREASE WAS DUE TO A 30 PER CENT INCREASE TN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS, PARTICULARLY RE-EXPORTS INVOLVING CHINA.

"THIS UNDERLINES THE ENORMOUS IMPORTANCE OF OUR TRADE WITH CHINA TO HONG KONG’S ECONOMY. IN THE FIRST 11 MONTHS OF 1992, THAT TRADE INCREASED BY 26 PER CENT AND ACCOUNTED FOR 33 PER CENT OF OUR TOTAL TRADE.

"THIS HAS MEANT THAT DESPITE THE POOR ECONOMIC CONDITIONS IN OUR MAJOR MARKETS, OUR TOTAL EXPORTS HAVE CONTINUED TO ACHIEVE A SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH RATE," HE SAID.

IN 1992, FIGURES PUBLISHED BY THE GATT SHOWED THAT, ON THE BASIS OF 1991 TRADE STATISTICS, HONG KONG HAD MOVED UP IN THE WORLD LEAGUE OF TRADING ENTITIES FROM 11TH TO BECOME THE 10TH LARGEST TRADING ENTITY IN THE WORLD, MR CHAU POINTED OUT.

THIS WAS A TRULY AMAZING ACHIEVEMENT, HE SAID , ADDING THAT THIS WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE WITHOUT "OUR CHINA TRADE".

HOWEVER, HE NOTED THAT CHINA AT THE SAME TIME HAD BENEFITED FROM INVESTMENTS THROUGH HONG KONG.

"THIS IS A RELATIONSHIP OF MUTUAL BENEFIT AND THE ECONOMIC INTERDEPENDENCE LOOKS SET TO CONTINUE,” HE SAID.

ON OTHER SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS IN 1992, MR CHAU POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG, THROUGH THE JOINT EFFORTS OF THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR, HAD SUCCESSFULLY PUT ACROSS TO THE UNITED STATES THE DAMAGE THAT WOULD BE DONE TO HONG KONG’S ECONOMY IF CHINA’S MOSTFAVOURED-NATION (MFN) STATUS WERE WITHDRAWN OR RENEWED WITH CONDITIONS.

HOWEVER, HE CAUTIONED THAT UNTIL THE RELEVANT U.S. LAW WAS CHANGED, THE MFN ISSUE WOULD REMAIN AN ANNUAL BATTLE FOR HONG KONG.

"THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IS REVIEWING ITS LOBBYING STRATEGY AS WELL AS RESOURCES, WITH A VIEW TO STRENGTHENING THE HONG KONG TEAM IN WASHINGTON AND TO ENSURING THAT IT IS EQUIPPED FOR THE NEW POLITICAL SCENE IN THE U.S.," HE SAID.

TURNING TO OTHER AREAS, MR CHAU NOTED THAT IN DECEMBER 1992, THE GOVERNMENT BECAME A SHAREHOLDER OF TRADELTNK WHICH WOULD START PROVIDING A COMMUNITY ELECTRONIC TRADING SERVICE (CETS) IN 1994/95.

/MR CHAU .......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 1993

2 -

MR CHAU ALSO SAID HE WAS PLEASED WITH THE PROGRESS OF THE NEGOTIATION PROGRAMME ON INVESTMENT PROMOTION AND PROTECTION AGREEMENTS (IPPA) WHICH STARTED IN LATE 1991.

"IN ABOUT A YEAR’S TIME, WE HAVE SIGNED AN AGREEMENT WITH THE NETHERLANDS, AND INITIALLED SEVEN OTHER AGREEMENTS WITH CANADA, AUSTRALIA, SWEDEN, DENMARK, SWITZERLAND, GERMANY AND ITALY,” HE SAID.

IN THE AREA OF CONSUMER PROTECTION, 1992 SAW THE ENACTMENT OF LEGISLATION TO PROVIDE FOR MINIMUM SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR TOYS AND CHILDREN PRODUCTS IN NOVEMBER WHICH WOULD BE BROUGHT INTO EFFECT IN JULY 1993, MR CHAU SAID.

MEANWHILE, A REVIEW OF THE REGULATION OF THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG HAD BEEN COMPLETED, AND A TRAVEL AGENTS (AMENDMENT) BILL TO GIVE EFFECT TO THE REVIEW RECOMMENDATIONS WAS NOW UNDER CONSIDERATION BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, HE SAID.

LOOKING AHEAD, MR CHAU SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO WORK CLOSELY WITH THE CONSUMER COUNCIL TO PROMOTE COMPETITION.

"ADDITIONAL RESOURCES HAVE BEEN GRANTED TO THE CONSUMER COUNCIL FOR CONDUCTING SECTOR-SPECIFIC STUDIES WITH ADVICE AND INPUT FROM RELEVANT GOVERNMENT BRANCHES AND DEPARTMENTS WHERE NECESSARY," HE SAID.

HE ADDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT ALSO PLANNED TO INTRODUCE LEGISLATION ON CONSUMER PRODUCTS SAFETY IN THE CURRENT LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

ONE VERY SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENT IN 1992 WAS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE GOVERNOR’S BUSINESS COUNCIL, HE SAID.

"THE PURPOSE OF THE GOVERNOR’S BUSINESS COUNCIL IS TO MOBILISE THE VERY BEST TALENT AND EXPERIENCE THAT HONG KONG HAS TO OFFER TO ADVISE THE GOVERNOR. ON HOW BEST HONG KONG CAN SUSTAIN ITS ECONOMIC GROWTH, NOW AND INTO THE NEXT CENTURY," HE SAID.

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

VOLUME AND PRICE MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE IN OCTOBER ******

IN THE FIRST 10 MONTHS OF LAST YEAR, THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 1% AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1991, WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 30%, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

TAKING DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 21%. IMPORTS INCREASED BY 23% IN VOLUME.

THE GROWTH IN THE VOLUME OF TRADE IS DERIVED FROM THE GROWTH IN TRADE VALUES WITH THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES BEING DISCOUNTED.

/AS REGARDS .......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 1993

AS REGARDS PRICE CHANGES OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON. THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS BOTH INCREASED BY 1%. IMPORT PRICES REMAINED VIRTUALLY UNCHANGED.

PRICE CHANGES ARE REFLECTED BY CHANGES IN UNIT VALUE INDEXES, WHICH ARE COMPILED BASED ON AVERAGE UNIT VALUES OR, FOR CERTAIN COMMODITIES, BASED ON SPECIFIC PRICE DATA.

THE TERMS OF TRADE INDEX, DEFINED AS THE RATTO OF TOTAL EXPORT PRICE INDEX TO IMPORT PRICE INDEX, INCREASED BY 1% IN THE FIRST 10 MONTHS OF 1992 AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.

COMPARING OCTOBER 1992 WITH OCTOBER 1991, THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 1% WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY’ 32%. THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 23%. THE VOLUME OF IMPORT.S INCREASED BY 29%.

OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 2%, WHILE THOSE OF RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 1%. IMPORT PRICES REMAINED VIRTUALLY UNCHANGED.

THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY PRINCIPAL COMMODITY GROUP ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.

COMPARING OCTOBER 1992 WITH OCTOBER 1991, COMMODITY GROUPS WHICH RECORDED SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES IN THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCLUDED METAL ORES AND SCRAP (+20%); ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (+19%)‘ AND RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (+11%).

ON THE OTHER HAND, CONSIDERABLE DECREASES IN THE VOLUME OF DOMES’! IC EXPORTS WERE RECORDED FOR DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (-35%); TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES(-17%)I AND FOOTWEAR (-15%).

AS REGARDS DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES, COMMODITY GROUPS WHICH RECORDED SIGNIFICANT INCREASES INCLUDED CLOTHING (+6%); FOOTWEAR (+5%); AND TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (+5%).

ON THE OTHER HAND, THE DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES OF RADIOS OF ALL KINDS; AND ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS DECLINED BY 6% AND 4% RESPECTIVELY.

THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 2.

THE IMPORT VOLUME OF FOODSTUFFS INCREASED BY 14% IN OCTOBER 1992 AS COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1991.

SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED FOR. THE IMPORT VOLUME OF SOYA BEAN OIL, PEANUT OIL, VEGETABLE Oil. AND LARD; WHEAT AND FLOUR; FR.UII; AND ANIMALS OF THE BOVINE SPECIES. HOWEVER, CONSIDERABLE DECREASES WERE RECORDED FOR THE IMPORT VOLUME OF RICE; AND l/JVF POULTRY.

OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED BY 30%.

/COMMODITY ITEMS .......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 1993

COMMODITY ITEMS WITH CONSIDERABLE INCREASES TN IMPORT VOLUME INCLUDED PASSENGER MOTOR CARS; FOOTWEAR: AND CLOTHING. ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES WERE RECORDED FOR. THE IMPORT VOLUME OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; AND CAMERAS, FLASHLIGHT APPARATUS AND SUPPLIES FOR PHOTOGRAPHY.

THE IMPORT VOLUME OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES INCREASED BY 22% IN OCTOBER 1992 AS COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1991.

SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE NOTED FOR BASE METALS (OTHER THAN IRON AND STEEL); WOOL AND OTHER ANIMAL HAIR; AND WOVEN FABRICS OF WOOL AND MIXTURES.

HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED FOR THE IMPORT COTTON YARN AND THREAD; AND WATCH AND CLOCK MOVEMENTS,

VOLUME OF

CASES AND

PARTS.

IMPORTS OF FUELS INCREASED BY 76% IN VOLUME IN OCTOBER 1992 AS COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1991.

AS REGARDS CAPITAL GOODS, THE IMPORT VOLUME INCREASED BY 44% TN OCTOBER 1992 OVER OCTOBER 1991.

NOTABLE INCREASES WERE RECORDED FOR THE IMPORT VOLUME OF CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY: TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT: OTHER INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY (OTHER THAN TEXTILE MACHINERY AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY); OFFICE MACHINES; AND TEXTILE MACHINERY.

THE IMPORT PRICES OF MOST END-USE CATEGORIES INCREASED IN OCTOBER 1992 OVER OCTOBER 1991 : CAPITAL GOODS (+3%); CONSUMER GOODS (+3%); AND FUELS (+2%). HOWEVER, THE IMPORT PRICES OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES; AND FOODSTUFFS DECREASED BY 3% AND 1% RESPECTIVELY.

THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 3.

THE VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS OF FUELS AND CAPITAL GOODS INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY BY 62% AND 41% RESPECTIVELY IN OCTOBER 1992 AS COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1991.

THAT OF FOODSTUFFS; CONSUMER GOODS; AND RAW MATERIALS AND SEMIMANUFACTURES REGISTERED INCREASES OF 13%, 30% AND 30% RESPECTIVELY.

OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OE' RE-EXPORTS OF FUELS, CAPITAL GOODS AND CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED BY 4%, 2% AND 2% RESPECTIVELY.

THE RE-EXPORT PRICES OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES; AND FOODSTUFFS DECREASED BY 3% AND 2% RESPECTIVELY.

DETAILS OF THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE PUBLISHED IN THE OCTOBER 1992 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG TRADE INDEX NUMBERS".

/THE REPORT .......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 1993

THE REPORT WILL BE AVAILABLE ON SALE AROUND JANUARY 14 AT $6 A COPY 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, 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: 842 8802) AND ENQUIRIES ON TRADE INDEXES TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL: 582 4918).

TABLE 1 : CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY PRINCIPAL COMMODITY GROUP

COMMODITY GROUP COMPARING OCT 1992 WITH OCT 1991 COMPARING JAN-OCT 1992 WITH JAN-OCT 1991

VALUE % UNIT VALUE VOLUME VALUE % UNIT VALUE VOLUME

% % % %

CLOTHING 9 6 3 4 4 *

TEXTILE FABRICS -1 ♦ -1 1 1 *

TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD -1 -2 1 -7 -3 -4

TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES 11 5 6 -18 6 -23

RADIOS OF ALL KINDS 3 -6 11 -28 -3 -27

ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS 13 -4 19 20 -5 25

FOOTWEAR -11 5 -15 -24 4 -27

METAL MANUFACTURES -4 1 -5 6 3 2

METAL ORES AND SCRAP 17 -2 20 2 -4 6

WATCHES AND CLOCKS -3 1 -4 -9 ♦ -9

TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES -16 1 -17 -2 1 -3

DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES -33 2 -35 -35 1 -36

ALL COMMODITIES 3 2 1 2 1 1

* LESS THAN 0.5%

/TABLE 2 .......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 1993

- 6 -

TABLE 2 : CHANGES IN IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY

COMPARING OCT 1992 COMPARING JAN-OCT 1992

WITH OCT 1991 WITH JAN-OCT 1991

UNIT UNIT

END-USE CATEGORY VALUE % VALUE % VOLUME % VALUE % VALUE % VOLUME %

FOODSTUFFS 13 -1 14 9 1 8

CONSUMER GOODS 33 3 30 30 3 27

RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES 19 -3 22 14 -2 16

FUELS 80 2 76 9 -9 20

CAPITAL GOODS 48 3 44 38 2 35

ALL COMMODITIES 30 ♦ 29 24 ♦ 23

* LESS THAN 0.5%

TABLE 3 : CHANGES IN RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY

END-USE CATEGORY COMPARING OCT 1992 WITH OCT 1991 COMPARING JAN-OCT 1992 WITH JAN-OCT 1991

VALUE % UNIT VALUE VOLUME VALUE % UNIT VALUE VOLUME

% % % %

FOODSTUFFS 30 -2 33 9 1 8

CONSUMER GOODS 33 2 30 33 3 29

RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES 26 -3 30 21 -2 24

FUELS 69 4 62 12 -6 19

CAPITAL GOODS 44 2 41 50 1 48

ALL COMMODITIES 33 1 32 31 1 30

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

/7........

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 1993

- 7 -

NEW LAW TO REGULATE SUBSCRIPTION TV

*****

THE TELEVISION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1993 PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY) SEEKS TO SET DOWN IN LEGISLATION A REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR SUBSCRIPTION TELEVISION.

THE BILL PROPOSES TO SET TERMS ON WHICH SUBSCRIPTION TELEVISION BROADCASTING LICENCES MAY BE GRANTED AND TO PROVIDE FOR SUCH LICENCES TO INCLUDE SPECIFIC CONDITIONS BINDING A LICENSEE TO DELIVER THE ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF THE SERVICE IT HAS PROMISED.

ANOTHER OBJECTIVE OF THE BILL IS TO RELAX CERTAIN PROGRAMMING AND ADVERTISING REQUIREMENTS AS WELL AS SHAREHOLDING RESTRICTIONS CURRENTLY APPLIED TO TELEVISION LICENSEES.

THE BILL ALSO PROVIDES FOR A REDUCTION IN THE ROYALTY PAYABLE BY ATV AND TVB.

THESE AMENDMENTS WILL ALLOW THE POLICY DECISIONS TAKEN UPON COMPLETION OF THE TELEVISION REVIEW IN MID-1992 TO BE IMPLEMENTED.

A THIRD OBJECTIVE OF THE BILL IS TO REMOVE OR MODIFY PROVISIONS IN THE TELEVISION ORDINANCE WHICH ARE CONSIDERED NO LONGER NECESSARY OR WHICH GIVE EXCESSIVE POWERS TO THE REGULATORY AUTHORITIES.

THE BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL NEXT WEDNESDAY (JANUARY 13).

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

SMOOTH RETURN OF VIETNAMESE WELCOMED

*****

THE REFUGEE CO-ORDINATOR, MR BRIAN BRESNIHAN, TODAY (FRIDAY) WELCOMED THE SMOOTH REPATRIATION OF 60 VIETNAMESE NON-REFUGEES UNDER THE ORDERLY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME (ORP).

’’TODAY’S FLIGHT, WHICH IS THE FIRST IN 1993 AND THE EIGTH FLIGHT SINCE THE SIGNING OF THE ORP AGREEMENT ON OCTOBER 29, 1991, HAS AGAIN BEEN UNEVENTFUL.

"WE EXPECT REGULAR ORP FLIGHTS WILL CONTINUE TO BE MAINTAINED AT INTERVALS SIMILAR TO THAT OF LAST YEAR,” HE SAID.

TODAY’S GROUP OF 60 NON-REFUGEES COMPRISED 24 MEN, 24 WOMEN, FIVE BOYS AND SEVEN GIRLS.

OF THESE 50 WERE FORMER INMATES OF THE NEI KWU CHAU AND CHI MA WAN (LOWER) DETENTION CENTRES WHO ARRIVED IN HONG KONG BEFORE OCTOBER 29, 1991 AND THE REMAINING 10 WERE CRIMINAL OFFENDERS BEING DEPORTED TO VIETNAM. ALL HAD BEEN SCREENED OUT AS NON-REFUGEES.

"LAST YEAR SAW A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE JOINING THE UNHCR VOLUNTARY PROGRAMME, WHICH REMAINS OUR PREFERRED MEANS FOR PEOPLE TO RETURN HOME," HE SAID.

/HAVING REACHED .......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 1993

HAVING REACHED, A MONTHLY PEAK OF OVER 1,400 RETURNEES IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VOLUNTARY RETURNEES FOR THE WHOLE OF LAST YEAR WAS OVER 12,000.

THESE ARE THE HIGHEST MONTHLY AND YEARLY FIGURES ACHIEVED SINCE THE INTRODUCTION OF THE VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME IN 1989.

’’MORE THAN EVER BEFORE, THESE FIGURES UNDERLINE THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTAINING REGULAR ORP FLIGHTS TO COMPLEMENT THE UNHCR’S VOLUNTARY PROGRAMME,” HE ADDED.

"IN VIEW OF THE CONTINUING DECLINE IN OUR CAMP POPULATION, WE NOW AIM TO CLOSE DOWN THE LAST REMAINING SECTION OF THE SHEK KONG DETENTION CENTRE BY THE MIDDLE OF THIS MONTH.

"IF THE PRESENT RATE OF VOLUNTARY RETURN IS MAINTAINED, WE HOPE TO SEE MORE CAMP CLOSURES BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR," MR BRESNIHAN SAID.

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

LO WU TERMINAL STAGE III EXTENSION PROJECT AWARDED

*****

THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED A $198 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE LO WU TERMINAL STAGE III EXTENSION WHICH WILL ALMOST DOUBLE THE PRESENT FACILITIES THERE AFTER ITS COMPLETION IN TWO YEARS.

THE CONTRACT WAS SIGNED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF HIGHWAYS, MR YEUNG KIM-CHOY AND REPRESENTATIVES OF LEIGHTON CONTRACTORS PTY LTD.

"LO WU IS ONE OF THE BUSIEST CROSSING POINTS IN THE WORLD AND WE NEED TO MATCH THE FAST GROWING DEMAND WITH BIGGER FACILITIES. A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.

THE LO WU TERMINAL STAGE III EXTENSION WILL INCREASE THE TWO-WAY PROCESSING CAPACITY TO ABOUT 24,000 PERSONS PER HOUR COMPARED WITH THE PRESENT CAPACITY OF 13,200 PER HOUR, HE ADDED.

WORKS INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SOUTH AND AN EAST EXTENSION, MODIFICATONS TO THE EXISTING STATION BUILDING AND ASSOCIATED BUILDING SERVICES AND ANCILLARY WORKS.

CONSTRUCTION WORK WILL START IMMEDIATELY AND WILL TAKE 25 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

ON COMPLETION, THE NEW EXTENSION WILL PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL 24 DEPARTURE COUNTERS AND 48 ARRIVAL COUNTERS FOR IMMIGRATION PROCESSING.

CUSTOMS COUNTERS WILL ALSO BE INCREASED BY SIX AND 24 ON THE DEPARTURE AND ARRIVAL SIDES RESPECTIVELY.

/THE NEW .......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 1993

THE NEW EXTENSION WILL ALSO PROVIDE FOR IMMIGRATION, CUSTOMS AND THE POLICE EXPANDING THE EXISTING RAILWAY CONCOURSE.

THE WORKS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED AND SUPERVISED BY MAUNSELL CONSULTANTS ASIA ON DIVISION OF THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT.

ADDITIONAL OFFICE SPACE AS WELL AS SPACE FOR

CONSTRUCTION WILL BE BEHALF OF THE RAILWAY

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

CEREMONIAL OPENING OF 1993 LEGAL YEAR *****

THE CEREMONIAL OPENING OF THE 1993 LEGAL YEAR WILL TAKE PLACE ON NEXT MONDAY (JANUARY 11).

THE CEREMONY ORGANISED BY THE JUDICIARY WILL BE DIVIDED INTO THREE PARTS.

IT WILL BEGIN WITH A CHURCH SERVICE AT 3.30 PM IN THE CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL AT CAINE ROAD.

AT 5 PM, THE CHIEF JUSTICE, SIR TI LIANG YANG, WILL INSPECT A MILITARY GUARD OF HONOUR AT THE EDINBURGH PLACE.

FOLLOWING THIS, THERE WILL BE ADDRESSES IN THE CONCERT HALL OF THE CITY HALL WHICH WILL START AT 5.15 PM. THE FOUR SPEAKERS WILL BE THE CHIEF JUSTICE, SIR TI LIANG YANG; THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR JEREMY MATHEWS; THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG BAR ASSOCIATION, MISS JACQUELINE LEONG; AND THE PRESIDENT OF THE LAW SOCIETY OF HONG KONG MR AMBROSE LAU.

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CEREMONY. THERE WILL BE PRESS POSITIONS AT ALL VENUES - ONE AT CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL ONE IN EDINBURGH PLACE AND TWO TN THE CONCERT HALL.

PRESS ASSEMBLE TIME:

CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL 3.15 PM

EDINBURGH PLACE 4.45 PM

CONCERT HALL

5 PM

THE PARADE WOULD LAST ABOUT FIVE MINUTES. PHOTOGRAPHERS ARE ADVISED TO BRING ALONG TELEPHOTO LENSES. AFTER THE PARADE, THE PRESS WOULD BE ESCORTED UP TO THE RIGHT BOX OF THE CONCERT HALL.

--------0 - -

/10 ........

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8,

1993

TENDERS INVITED FOR OPERATION AND MANAGEMENT OF GOVT CAR PARKS

*****

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THREE CONTRACTS FOR THE OPERATION AND MANAGEMENT OF 14 GOVERNMENT MULTI-STOREY CAR PARKS AND THE PRODUCTION, MARKETING AND SALE OF GOVERNMENT TUNNEL TICKETS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THE CONTRACTS WERE EACH FOR A PERIOD OF FOUR YEARS.

THERE WAS AN OPTION FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO EXTEND FOR A FURTHER PERIOD OF UP TO SIX MONTHS AND THEREAFTER MIGHT BE RENEWED AT THE SOLE DISCRETION OF THE GOVERNMENT ON TERMS AND CONDITIONS TO BE AGREED WITH THE SUCCESSFUL TENDERER(S).

’’THE CONTRACTS SHALL START ON A DATE TO BE SPECIFIED BY THE GOVERNMENT WHICH SHALL NOT BE EARLIER THAN MAY 1 OR LATER THAN JUNE 30,” HE SAID.

DETAILS OF THE TENDER ARE PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.

IN ORDER TO BE ELIGIBLE TO TENDER AND AS A PLEDGE OR THEIR BONA FIDES, EACH TENDERER IS REQUIRED TO MAKE A TENDER DEPOSIT OF $100,000 WITH THE GOVERNMENT.

TENDER DEPOSITS CAN BE LODGED WITH THE TREASURY FROM 9 AM TO 4 PM FROM MONDAYS TO FRIDAYS AND FROM 9 AM TO NOON ON SATURDAYS AT ANY ONE OF THE FOLLOWING OFFICES:

* THE TREASURY HEADQUARTERS COLLECTION AND PAYMENT OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, IMMIGRATION TOWER, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI;

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

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

* THE YAU MA TEI SUB-TREASURY, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, FOURTH FLOOR, 405 NATHAN ROAD, YAU MA TEI; AND

* THE KOWLOON CITY SUB-TREASURY, MAN SANG COMMERCIAL BUILDING, FIRST FLOOR, 348-352 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, KOWLOON CITY.

TENDER DOCUMENTS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS AT 41ST FLOOR, IMMIGRATION TOWER, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, HONG KONG.

A FEE OF $1,000 WILL BE CHARGED FOR EACH SET OF TENDER DOCUMENTS TO COVER THE COST OF THE TENDER DOCUMENTS. THIS PAYMENT WILL NOT BE REFUNDABLE.

/SEALED TENDERS .......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 1993

SEALED TENDERS MUST BE CLEARLY MARKED AND PLACED IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT TENDER BOX AT THE LIFT LOBBY ON THE LOWER GROUND FLOOR OF THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (EAST WING), LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG BEFORE NOON ON FRIDAY (FEBRUARY 19).

LATE TENDERS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE TO THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ON TEL 829 5333, 829 5271, 829 5332 AND 829 5495.

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

HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT INVITES TERM CONTRACTS * * * * *

THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TERM CONTRACTS FOR THE EASTERN AND SOUTHERN DISTRICTS OF HONG KONG TS1.AND, KOWLOON WEST AND NEW TERRITORIES EAST FOR 1993 TO 1985.

TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS FOR THE CONTRACTS FOR HONG KONG REGION ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE CHIEF HIGHWAY ENG1NEER/HONG KONG, HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT, NINTH FLOOR, HENNESSY CENTRE, 500 HENNESSY ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL 895 8448.

FOR KOWLOON REGION, TENDER FORMS AND DETAILS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM CHIEF HIGHWAY ENGINEER/KOWLOON, HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT, FIFTH FLOOR, FARM ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, II FARM ROAD, KOWLOON. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL 760 5458.

FOR NEW TERRITORIES REGION, TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE CHIEF HIGHWAY ENGINEER (DISTRICT AND MAINTENANCE)/NEW TERRITORIES, HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT, SECOND FLOOR, HO MAN TIN GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 88 CHUNG HAU STREET, HO MAN TIN, KOWLOON. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL 762 3901.

DETAILS OF THE TENDERS HAVE BEEN GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).

TENDERS MUST BE PLACED IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT TENDER BOX AT THE LIFT LOBBY ON THE LOWER GROUND FLOOR OF THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (EAST WING), LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG, BEFORE NOON ON FEBRUARY 5. LATE TENDERS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

ONLY CONTRACTORS ON THE APPROVED CONTRACTORS FOR

LIST I GROUP C FOR ROADS AND DRAINAGE WORKS WILL BE

TENDER.

CONTRACTORS WILL BE LIABLE TO HAVE THEIR NAMES THE LIST OF APPROVED CONTRACTORS IF THEY FAIL OR REFUSE AN ACCEPTED TENDER.

PUBLIC WORKS

PERMITTED TO

REMOVED FROM

TO IMPLEMENT

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

/12 ........

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 1993

TWO SITES FOR AUCTION

* * * ♦

TWO LOTS OF GOVERNMENT LAND WILL BE OFFERED FOR SALE IN A PUBLIC AUCTION ON FEBRUARY 3.

THE AUCTION WILL RE HELD AT 2.30 PM IN THE JADE BALLROOM OF HOTEL FURAMA KEMPINSKI, CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL.

THE FIRST LOT IS IN AREA 30A, SHEUNG SHUI, NEW TERRITORIES. HAVING AN AREA OF ABOUT 12,020 SQUARE METRES, IT IS INTENDED FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES (EXCLUDING ANY GODOWN FOR DANGEROUS GOODS).

ACCORDING TO THE BUILDING COVENANT, THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 18,030 SQUARE METRES ON OR BEFORE MARCH 31, 1997.

THE SECOND LOT IS IN LUNG POON STREET, DIAMOND HILL, KOWLOON. WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 26.060 SQUARE METRES, IT IS EARMARKED FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL (EXCLUDING GODOWN. HOTEL AND PETROL FILLING STATION) PURPOSES, INCLUDING A PUBLIC TRANSPORT TERMINUS AND A PUBLIC TOILET.

THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR. AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 95,000 SQUARE METRES ON OR BEFORE MARCH 31, 1997.

FULL PARTICULARS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES KOWLOON, YAO MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 1OTH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET. KOWLOON.

THE SALE PLANS ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION TN THESE OFFICES.

CONDITIONS OF SALE ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES OF SHA TIN, THEN MUN, YUEN LONG, TSUEN WAN, KWAI TS1NG, TAI PO, NORTH, SAI KUNG AMD ISLANDS.

- - 0 - -

TUEN MUN FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN *****

TUEN MUN RESIDENTS ARE URGED TODAY (FRIDAY) TO STEP UP THEIR EFFORTS TO PREVENT CRIME AS THE LUNAR NEW YEAR APPROACHES.

SPEAKING AT AN OPENING CEREMONY OF THE TUEN MUN LUNAR-YEAR-END FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT’S FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE (DFCC), MR CHAN WU-CHING. SAID IT WAS ONE OF THE COMMITTEE’S AIMS FOR THE YEAR TO PREVENT TRIAD ACTIVITIES AND DETER CRIME.

’’FOR THIS PURPOSE, THE DFCC ’ S FIGHT CRIME LIAISON SUB-COMMITTEE AND PUBLICITY SUB-COMMITTEE HAVE ORGANISED VISITS TO LOCAL COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES," MR CHAN SAID.

/"WE HAVE

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 1993

"WE HAVE ALSO DISTRIBUTED COPIES OF A LEAFLET ON CRIME PREVENTION AT PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES."

"MOREOVER, WE HAVE WRITTEN TO THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY AND THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT TO REQUEST FOR THE INSTALLATION OF PUBLIC TELEPHONES IN THE NEIGHBOURING AREAS OF THE ESTATES, SO THAT RESIDENTS COULD CALL UP THEIR FAMILY FOR ESCORTS IF THEY RETURN HOME AT A LATE HOUR."

"IF THE NEED ARISES, THEY COULD ALSO MAKE USE OF THE TELEPHONES TO CALL THE POLICE," HE SAID.

MR CHAN ADDED THAT THE COMMITTEE HAD ALSO ASKED THE POLICE TO INCREASE VEHICULAR PATROL IN ORDER TO DETER CRIME.

TURNING TO THE PREVENTION OF YOUTH CRIME -- ANOTHER MAJOR TARGET OF THE DFCC FOR THE YEAR, MR CHAN SAID THE COMMITTEE’S YOUTH SUB-COMMITTEE AND SCHOOLS LIAISON SUB-COMMITTEE HAVE ORGANISED A FULL RANGE OF SPECIALLY DESIGNED ACTIVITIES.

THESE INCLUDED A MACAU STUDY TOUR BY MEMBERS OF THE HEALTHY YOUTH SCHEME, A CRIME PREVENTION QUIZ AND CROSSWORD PUZZLE COMPETITION, SEMINARS ON YOUTH CRIME AND MEETINGS BETWEEN THE DFCC AND LOCAL SCHOOL PRINCIPALS.

ALSO PARTICIPATED TN THIS MORNING’S ACTIVITY WERE THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PETER LEUNG AND THE DISTRICT COMMANDER OF POLICE, MR IAN NICHOLSON.

MEANWHILE, THE INTERNATIONAL MISS CHINA TOWN 1992, MISS ROSEMARY CHAN AND TVB ARTISTES MISS FUNG HIU-MAN AND MR WONG CHAK-MAN, AS WELL AS A NUMBER OF DFCC MEMBER.S AND AN "ANTI-CRIME LION" WERE ALSO PRESENT TO HELP SPREAD FIGHT CRIME MESSAGES.

- - 0 - -

CHAI WAN ROAD UPGRADING WORKS * * * * *

THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE REHABILITATION OF THE SECTION OF CHAI WAN ROAD BETWEEN SHAU KEI WAN ROAD AND WING TAI ROAD.

WORKS INCLUDE THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE CARRIAGEWAYS AND FOOTWAYS ALONG CHAI WAN ROAD FROM SHAU KEI WAN ROAD TO WING TAI ROAD AND THE NECESSARY UPGRADING OF THE STORMWATER DRAINAGE SYSTEM, SEWERAGE SYSTEM, ROAD PAVEMENT DRAINAGE SYSTEM, ROADSIDE SLOPE DRAINAGE SYSTEM AND IMPROVEMENT TO ROADSIDE LANDSCAPING.

CONSTRUCTION WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START IN APRIL AND WILL BE COMPLETED IN LATE 1995.

DETAILS OF THE TENDER HAVE BEEN GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).

/FORMS OF

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 1993

FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM PETER FRAENKEL BMT (ASIA) LIMITED, SEVENTH FLOOR, SWIRE AND MACLAINE HOUSE, 21 AUSTIN AVENUE, KOWLOON, WHO MAY BE CONTACTED ON IELEPHONE 369 0175.

TENDERS SHOULD BE PLACED IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT TENDER BOX IN THE LIFT LOBBY ON THE LOWER GROUND FLOOR OF THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (EAST WING), LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG, BEFORE NOON ON FEBRUARY 12.

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

TENDERS INVITED FOR POLICE HEADQUARTERS COMPLEX

*****

THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR PHASE II WORKS OF THE NEW POLICE HEADQUARTERS COMPLEX AT ARSENAL STREET, WAN CHAI.

CONTRACT WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN JUNE, INVOLVING THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 33-STOREY BUILDING WITH ABOUT 48,000 SQUARE METRES OF FLOOR AREA.

UPON COMPLETION OF THE WORKS BY MID-1995, THE COMPLEX CAN PROVIDE SPECIALISED ACCOMMODATION FOR THE MAJORITY OF POLICE HEADQUARTERS UNITS CURRENTLY LOCATED ON LEASED PREMISES.

FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 34TH FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.

THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS IS NOON ON FEBRUARY 19.

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

CHA KWO LING/YAU TONG/LEI YUE MUN ZONING PLAN AMENDED ♦ * ♦ ♦ »

THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED AMENDMENTS TO THE DRAFT CHA KWO LING/YAU TONG/LEI YUE MUN OUTLINE ZONING PLAN (NO. S/K15/5).

ONE OF THE AMENDMENTS IS THE REZONTNG OF THE YAU TONG MARINE LOTS AT CHA KWO LING ROAD AND KO FAI ROAD FROM ’’INDUSTRIAL” AND ’’GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY” TO ’’COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT AREA”.

THEIR ADJOINING BAY IS ALSO INCLUDED IN THE PLAN AND ZONED AS "COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT AREA”.

ANOTHER AMENDMENT IS THE REZONING OF AN AREA AT CHA KWO LING WATERFRONT FROM ’’INDUSTRIAL”, "OTHER SPECIFIED USES" AND "ROAD” TO "OTHER SPECIFIED USES", "GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNTTY”, "OPEN SPACE” AND ’’ROAD".

/THE ADJOINING .......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 1993

THE ADJOINING PROPOSED RECLAMATION AREA IS ALSO INCORPORATED INTO THE PLAN AND ZONED AS ’’OTHER SPECIFIED USES".

IT IS PROPOSED TO DEVELOP THE RECLAIMED LAND INTO A SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT, A MARINE REFUSE COLLECTION POINT, A CARGO WORKING AREA, OPEN SPACE, A NEW ROAD, ROAD E AND A "GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY" SITE FOR FUTURE GOVERNMENT USE.

MEANWHILE, "COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT AREA" IS ADDED TO THE LIST OF USE ZONES IN THE NOTES ATTACHED TO THE PLAN, SETTING OUT USES THAT MAY BE PERMITTED AND THE NECESSITY OF SUBMITTING A MASTER LAYOUT PLAN TO THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD FOR APPROVAL UNDER THE TOWN PLANNING ORDINANCE.

OTHER AMENDMENTS TO THE NOTES OF THE PLAN HAVE ALSO BEEN MADE.

DETAILS MAY BE INSPECTED AT:

* PLANNING DEPARTMENT, 16TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG;

* KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, TUNG YAN STREET, KOWLOON; AND

* KOWLOON DISTRICT PLANNING OFFICE, UTH FLOOR, LEIGHTON CENTRE, 77 LEIGHTON ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG.

ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENTS MAY SUBMIT OBJECTIONS IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/O PLANNING DEPARTMENT, 13TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD ON OR BEFORE MARCH 8.

COPIES OF THE AMENDMENT PLAN (NO. S/K15/6) ARE ON SALE AT THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, OR AT THE KOWLOON MAP SALES SECTION, 382 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.

- - 0 - -

BUILDING SAFETY EXHIBITION

*****

A TWO-DAY EXHIBITION ON BUILDING SAFETY WILL BE HELD IN KWUN TONG MTR STATION, STARTING TOMORROW (SATURDAY).

THE EXHIBITION IS PART OF THE PUBLICITY PROGRAMME FOR THE BUILDING SAFETY CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR BY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE (BOO) OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT.

SINCE THEN IT HAS BEEN STAGED IN SHA TIN, KWAI CHUNG, AND CAUSEWAY BAY.

/THE CAMPAIGN

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 1993

THE CAMPAIGN TAKES ON AN EDUCATIONAL APPROACH BY STRESSING THAT IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF OWNERS TO MAINTAIN THEIR PROPERTIES IN GOOD CONDITION.

THE EXHIBITION WILL OPEN FROM 10 AM TO 6 PM ON SATURDAY (JANUARY 9) AND FROM 10 AM TO 3 PM THE FOLLOWING DAY.

BOO STAFF WILL BE THERE TO HELP THE PUBLIC WITH ENQUIRIES ON BUILDING SAFETY AND MAINTENANCE.

MEANWHILE, THE BOO IS OPERATING A 24-HOUR HOTLINE - 848 2222 TO PROVIDE AN ENQUIRY SERVICE ON BUILDING SAFETY.

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

TENDERS INVITED FOR MAINTENANCE WORKS AT AIRPORT *****

THE CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE MAINTENANCE AND CONSTRUCTION OF MINOR CIVIL ENGINEERING WORKS AT THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.

THESE INCLUDE ROUTINE MAINTENANCE OF AIRCRAFT PAVEMENTS, MARKINGS, ROADS, BRIDGES, CAR PARKS, DRAINAGE AND ASSOCIATED MISCELLANEOUS WORKS WITHIN THE AIRPORT BOUNDARY, AS WELL AS CONSTRUCTION OF MINOR CIVIL ENGINEERING WORKS WHICH MAY BE REQUIRED FROM TIME TO TIME.

THE MAINTENANCE CONTRACT IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN MAY FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS.

THE WORKS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTION WILL BE SUPERVISED BY THE DEVELOPMENT AND AIRPORT DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT’S CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE.

FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE CHIEF ENGINEER, DEVELOPMENT AND AIRPORT DIVISION, CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE, CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT, SECOND FLOOR, CIVIL ENGINEERING BUILDING, 101 PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD, HO MAN TIN, KOWLOON.

THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS IS NOON ON JANUARY 29.

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

TENDERS FOR SPECIAL SCHOOL IN TIN SHUI WAT INVITED

*****

THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SPECIAL SCHOOL IN TIN SHUI WAI, NEW TERRITORIES FOR MILDLY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN.

OCCUPYING A SITE OF ABOUT 3,462 SQUARE METRES, THE FOUR-STOREY

SCHOOL WILL ACCOMMODATE 200 STUDENTS.

/THE SCHOOL .......

17 - FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 1993

THE SCHOOL PREMISES WILL COMPRISE 10 GENERAL CLASSROOMS, SEVEN SPECIAL CLASSROOMS AND THREE PARAMEDICAL ROOMS IN ADDITION TO STAFF FACILITIES.

A COVERED PLAYGROUND WILL AI.SO BE PROVIDED ON THE GROUND LEVEL.

WORKS ARE SCHEDULED TO START IN APRIL AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 14 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

TENDER OFFERS WILL CLOSE AT NOON ON JANUARY 29.

FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAI BE OBTAINED FROM THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT. 34TH FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.

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

CHLORINE HOUSE EXTENSION WORKS

*****

THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CIVIL ENGINEERING WORKS FOR THE EXTENSION OF THE PRECHLORINATION HOUSE AT TAI LAM CHUNG WATER TREATMENT WORKS.

A HAZARD ASSESSMENT CONSULTANCY STUDY REPORT HAS RECOMMENDED THAT CHLORINE FACILITIES AT THE HOUSE BE IMPROVED.

CONTRACT WORKS INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A CHLORINE ABSORBER TOWER, AN EXTENSION TO THE EXISTING BUILDING AND OTHER ASSOCIATED WORKS.

WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START IN APRIL FOR COMPLETION IN SIX MONTHS.

FORMS OF TENDERS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT, IMMIGRATION TOWER, 44TH FLOOR, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.

TENDER OFFER WILL CLOSE AT NOON ON JANUARY 29.

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

LAN KWAI FONG INQUIRY

OUTLINE OF WORK DONE ON FRIDAY (JANUARY ft) UP TO 4.30 PM *****

1. INTERVIEWING WITNESSES:

2. STUDYING VARIOUS REPORTS;

3. RE-VISITING LAN KWAI FONG: GENERAL TOUR AND HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT TEST OF ROAD SURFACE FOR SL1PPI NESS WITH SIMILAR SUBSTANCES AT THE TIME OF THE TRAGEDY;

4. VISITING TANG SH1U KIN HOSPITAL; AND

5. LIAISON WITH POTENTIAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION.

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

/18 .....

FRIDAY. JANUARY 8, 1993

- 18 -

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

$ MILLION

OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT

REVERSAL OF LAF

BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF

NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY

EFFECT OF LAF TODAY

CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT

LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWT

1,500

NIL 1,500

NIL

NIL 1,500

114.7 *+0.2* 8.1.1993

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

EF TERMS BILLS YIELD TERM ISSUE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS

COUPON PRICE YIELD

1 WEEK 3.10 PCT 13 MONTHS 2402 5.50 100.74 4.86

1 MONTH 3.52 PCT 16 MONTHS 2405 5.50 100.59 5.10

3 MONTHS 3.89 PCT 19 MONTHS 2408 4.375 98.61 5.36

6 MONTHS 4.18 PCT 22 MONTHS 24 1 I 4.625 98.54 5.54

12 MONTHS 4.79 PCT

TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 11,466 MN

CLOSED 8 JANUARY 1993

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 1993

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

VEHICLE MARKS AUCTION FOR CHARITY ............................ 1

ANTI-RABIES INOCULATION DRIVE FOR FISHERMEN .................. 1

RED PACKETS AND NEW YEAR POSTERS FOR EASTERN RESIDENTS ....... 2

QUEEN'S PIER CLOSURE FOR LEGAL YEAR CEREMONY ................. 3

ANTI-CRIME ACTIVITIES IN TSUEN WAN ........................... 3

SALT WATER CUT IN KOWLOON TONG ............................... 4

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .. 4

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 1993

VEHICLE MARKS AUCTION FOR CHARITY

*****

TWENTY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS WERE SOLD IN AN AUCTION THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING FOR A TOTAL OF $9,950,000.

THE SUM WILL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY AFTER DEDUCTION OF EXPENSES INCURRED.

THE AUCTION, HELD AT THE CITY HALL THEATRE, SAW THE REGISTRATION MARK 5 FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE OF $2,500,000.

ANOTHER REGISTRATION MARK HK12 WAS SOLD AT THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE OF $720,000 WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS $150,000 FOR CF33.

FOLLOWING ARE THE RESULTS OF THE AUCTION:

$ $ $ $

286 250,000 CN8 320,000 5 2,500,000 900 610,000

AC9 180,000 3383 410,000 DC88 460,000 HK12 721,000

883 300,000 HK90 310,000 289 350,000 AA3 580,000

CF33 150,000 48 610,000 HK818 320,000 AB38 380,000

AA2 310,000 AE1 400,000 CL28 330,000 119 460,000

ALL THE ABOVE MARKS ARE NOT TRANSFERABLE.

SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO PAY BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.

THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS AUCTIONED WILL BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE DATE OF AUCTION.

TODAY’S SALE, THE 186TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, BRINGS THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY REALISED SO FAR TO $167,890,905.

------q--------

ANTI-RABIES INOCULATION DRIVE FOR FISHERMEN

******

THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT WILL LAUNCH A SPECIAL DOG INOCULATION DRIVE IN FISHING PORTS OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS SO THAT FISHERMEN CAN HAVE THEIR DOGS IMMUNISED AGAINST RABIES.

THE DRIVE, A REGULAR EXERCISE SINCE 1980, IS INTENDED TO HELP FISHERMEN WHO CANNOT SPARE TIME TO TAKE THEIR DOGS TO AN INOCULATION CENTRE OR A GOVERNMENT KENNEL FOR INOCULATION.

STARTING FROM MONDAY (JANUARY 11), THE DEPARTMENT’S MOBILE DOG INOCULATION TEAMS WILL GO TO SEVEN FISHING PORTS AND MAKE BOAT-TO-BOAT VISITS BETWEEN 10 AM AND 4 PM DAILY.

/THE WHOLE .......

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 1993

- 2 -

THE WHOLE OPERATION IS EXPECTED TO LAST SEVEN WORKING DAYS UNTIL JANUARY 19.

THEY WILL VISIT THE FISHING PORTS IN SHA TAU KOK ON JANUARY 11;

SHAM MUN CHAI AND ABERDEEN ON JANUARY 12 AND 13; CASTLE PEAK BAY AND SHAU KEI WAM ON JANUARY 14 AND 15; AS WELL AS CHEUNG CHAU AND SAI KUNG ON JANUARY 18 AND 19.

THE DEPARTMENT’S SENIOR VETERINARY OFFICER, DR K K LIU, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT THE DRIVE WAS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S CONTINUING EFFORTS TO PREVENT THE OUTBREAK OF RABIES IN HONG KONG.

"THE TERRITORY REGAINED THE RABIES-FREE AREA STATUS ON JULY 10, 1989 BY HAVING SUCCESSFULLY PREVENTED THE OUTBREAK OF ANY INDIGENOUS RABIES CASE SINCE JULY 10, 1987," HE SAID.

NEVERTHELESS, HE STRESSED THAT RABIES WAS A DEADLY DISEASE TRANSMISSIBLE FROM ANIMALS TO HUMAN.

DOGS ON FISHING VESSELS ARE PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE BECAUSE OF THEIR POSSIBLE CONTACTS WITH OTHER ANIMALS OUTSIDE HONG KONG.

"IT IS, THEREFORE, IMPORTANT THAT FISHERMEN’S DOGS ARE INOCULATED AGAINST THE DISEASE AT LEAST EVERY THREE YEARS TO KEEP UP THEIR IMMUNITY," DR LIU ADDED.

HE CALLED ON FISHERMEN WHO OWN DOGS TO MAKE FULL USE OF THE SPECIAL INOCULATION SERVICE.

"SINCE THE DRIVE WAS LAUNCHED TN 1980, A TOTAL OF 4,645 DOGS OWNED BY FISHERMEN HAD BEEN INOCULATED," HE SAID.

UNDER THE DOGS AND CATS ORDINANCE, ALL DOGS OVER FIVE MONTHS OLD ARE REQUIRED TO BE LICENSED AND INOCULATED AGAINST RABIES. FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RENDER THE OWNER LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $5,000 AND SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT.

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

RED PACKETS AND NEW YEAR POSTERS FOR EASTERN RESIDENTS

*****

A BATCH OF "KUNG HET FAT CHOY" POSTERS AND RED PACKETS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO THE PUBLIC BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE ON MONDAY (JANUARY 11) AT ITS PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE ON GROUND FLOOR, EASTERN LAW COURTS BUILDING, 29 TAI ON STREET, SAI WAN HO.

THE DISTRIBUTION OF FESTIVAL SOUVENIRS IS ONE OF THE SERVICES BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S WORKING GROUP ON LUNAR NEW YEAR LIGHTS TO HERALD THE YEAR OF THE COCK.

EACH PERSON MAY GET AT MOST TWO POSTERS AND 20 LAISEE PACKETS.

/A NUMBER .......

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 1993

A NUMBER OF RED PACKETS WILL BE HANDED OUT AT THE DISTRICT’S LUNAR NEW YEAR LIGHTS SWITCHING-ON CEREMONY IN VICTORIA PARK ON JANUARY 20.

FOR ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CALL 886 6531-2.

- - 0 - -

QUEEN’S PIER CLOSURE FOR LEGAL YEAR CEREMONY

*****

THE MARINE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT QUEEN’S PIER IN CENTRAL WILL BE CLOSED TO MARINE TRAFFIC FOR TWO HOURS IN THE AFTERNOON ON MONDAY (JANUARY 11) TO FACILITATE THE CEREMONIAL OPENING OF THE 1993 LEGAL YEAR AT EDINBURGH PLACE.

THE CLOSURE WILL BEGIN AT 4 PM AND LAST UNTIL 6 PM, A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

’’OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF SMALL CRAFT ARE ADVISED TO USE BLAKE PIER INSTEAD OF QUEEN’S PIER DURING THE CLOSURE PERIOD, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

- - 0 - -

ANTI-CRIME ACTIVITIES IN TSUEN WAN *****

A NUMBER OF ANTI-CRIME PUBLICITY ACTIVITIES WILL BE HELD IN TSUEN WAN TOMORROW (SUNDAY).

AIMED TO PUBLICISE ANTI-CRIME MESSAGES DURING THE LUNAR YEAR, A CRUISING BROADCASTING VAN WILL SPREAD SUCH MESSAGES IN THE MORNING.

IN THE AFTERNOON, ’’LUNAR YEAR-END CRIME PREVENTION" PAMPHLETS AND CARDS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO SHOP OWNERS AND PASSERS-BY ON CHUNG ON STREET, A BUSY COMMERCIAL AND SHOPPING AREA OF THE DISTRICT.

A LUNAR YEAR-END ANTI-CRIME SEMINAR ON THE DO’S AND DON’T’S OF CRIME PREVENTION WILL BE HELD AT 2.30 PM AT TSUEN WAN TOWN SQUARE, SAI LAU KOK ROAD.

A QUIZ OFFERING DELIGHTFUL PRIZES WILL BE HELD AFTER THE SEMINAR.

MORE, THE POLICE’S MOBILE EXHIBITION CENTRE WILL STAGE A CRIME PREVENTION EXHIBITION ON THE PODIUM OF THE ADJOINING LUK YEUNG SUN TSUEN.

THE ANTI-CRIME ACTIVITIES ARE JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, THE DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION COMMITTEE AND THE TSUEN WAN POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICE.

/ATTENTION NEWS

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 1993

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

CHAU HOW-CHEN, COMMANDER OF THE AT THE OPENING PM AT THE TSUEN

THE CHAIRMAN OF TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD, MR DISTRICT OFFICER, MR RAYMOND YOUNG, AND THE DISTRICT POLICE, MR LAI KWOK-LEUNG, WILL JOINTLY OFFICIATE CEREMONY OF THE ACTIVITIES TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT 2.15 WAN TOWN SQUARE, SAI LAU KOK ROAD, TSUEN WAN.

THEY WILL THEN GO TO CHUNG ON STREET TO DISTRIBUTE CRIME PREVENTION PAMPHLETS.

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER.

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

SALT WATER CUT IN KOWLOON TONG

*****

SALT WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN KOWLOON TONG WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 3 PM ON MONDAY (JANUARY 11) TO 3 PM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE CONNECTION WORK ON WATER MAINS.

THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL THE PREMISES AT CHAK ON ESTATE, CORNWALL STREET, BEACON HILL ROAD. BROADCAST DRIVE, EDE ROAD, FESSENDEN ROAD, MARCONI ROAD AND TAK CHI YUEN OF THE CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG.

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

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

$ MILLION

OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,500

REVERSAL OF LAF NIL

BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 1,500

NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL

EFFECT OF LAF TODAY NIL

CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,500

LAF RATE 2.00 BTD/4.00 OFFER

- - 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 1993

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

HEAVY FINES FOR UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS .................. 1

GOVT LAND FOR SALE BY AUCTION ................................ 2

REFORMS A STEP FORWARD IN REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT .......... 2

GOVT WELCOMES ALTERNATIVE PROPOSALS .......................... 3

POLITICAL REFORMS COMPATIBLE WITH JOINT DECLARATION .......... 4

REFORMS ENCOURAGE COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION .................... 4

FUTURE MANAGEMENT OF COMMUNITY CENTRES LIES WITH DBS ......... 5

YOUTH VOLUNTEERS RECOGNISED .................................. 6

WELFARE STAFF CARRY NAME TAG ................................. 7

PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION, EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH ON MOVE ........................................................... 8

WATER CUTS IN KOWLOON AND TUEN MUN ........................... 8

SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 1993

HEAVY FINES FOR UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS *****

THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TODAY (SUNDAY) REITERATED THAT ANYONE WHO CARRIED OUT UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS MIGHT FACE HEFTY FINES.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE (BOO) OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT SAID APART FROM PAYING THE FINES, THE OWNER WOULD HAVE TO REMOVE THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES CONCERNED.

THE REMINDER FOLLOWED A RECENT COURT CASE IN WHICH A FLAT OWNER WAS CONVICTED TWICE AND FINED A TOTAL OF $22,560 FOR HAVING CARRIED OUT BUILDING WORKS WITHOUT AUTHORITY AND FAILED TWICE TO COMPLY WITH A REMOVAL ORDER.

THE DEFENDANT, MR KONG FUK-SHING, WAS FIRST CONVICTED AND FINED $6,360 IN MARCH LAST YEAR FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH AN ORDER TO REMOVE AN ILLEGAL STRUCTURE ERECTED ON THE FLAT-ROOF ADJOINING HIS FLAT IN HORSE SHOE LANE, KOWLOON.

HE WAS TAKEN TO COURT AGAIN LAST MONTH AND WAS FINED $16,200 AFTER BOO STAFF FOUND THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURE HAI) NOT YET BEEN DEMOLISHED.

THE CASE CAME TO LIGHT IN JUNE 1991 WHEN BOO STAFF FOUND DURING AN INSPECTION THAT AN ILLEGAL STRUCTURE WAS BUILT ON THE FLAT-ROOF ADJOINING THE DEFENDANT’S FLAT ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF LAI YUE BUILDING AT 3 HORSE SHOE LANE, KOWLOON.

THE UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS WAS A METAL FRAME STRUCTURE COVERED BY CANVAS ON THE PARAPET WALLS. THE AREA COVERED BY THE STRUCTURE WAS ABOUT 20 SQUARE METRES.

A REMOVAL ORDER WAS ISSUED TO THE DEFENDANT IN OCTOBER THAT YEAR REQUIRING HIM TO REMOVE THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURE WITHIN 27 DAYS. THE REMOVAL ORDER EXPIRED ON NOVEMBER IS, 1991.

THE DEFENDANT WAS CONVICTED ON MARCH 10 LAST YEAR AT THE KWUN TONG MAGISTRACY FOR NOT COMPLYING WITH THE REMOVAL ORDER AND WAS FINED $3,000 PLUS A DAILY FINE OF $30 FOR EACH OF THE 112 DAYS SINCE THE EXPIRY OF THE STATUTORY ORDER.

HE WAS TAKEN TO COURT AGAIN NINE MONTHS LATER WHEN BOO STAFF FOUND THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURE CONCERNED HAD NOT YET BEEN REMOVED. THE COURT HEARD THAT BOO STAFF INSPECTED THE BUILDING ON JUNE 17 AND SEPTEMBER 30 AND FOUND THAT THE REMOVAL ORDER HAD NOT YET BEEN COMPLIED WITH.

THIS TIME, HE WAS FINED $6,000 PLUS A DAILY FINE OF $50 FOR EACH OF THE 204 DAYS SINCE HIS LAST CONVICTION FOR THE OFFENCE.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID RECENT INSPECTION OF THE BUILDING REVEALED THAT WORKS HAD ALREADY BEEN STARTED TO DEMOLISH THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURE CONCERNED.

HE EMPHASISED THAT HAD SUCH REMOVAL WORKS NOT BEEN STARTED, ARRANGEMENTS WOULD HAVE BEEN MADE FOR THE GOVERNMENT CONTRACTOR TO CARRY OUT THE WORKS WITH THE COSTS TO BE RECOVERED FROM THE OWNER.

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

/2 ........

SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 1993

GOVT LAND FOR SALE BY AUCTION *****

FOUR LOTS OF GOVERNMENT LAND WILL BE OFFERED FOR SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION ON TUESDAY (JANUARY 12).

THE AUCTION WILL BE HELD IN THE THEATRE OF THE CITY HALL AT 2.30 PM.

THE FIRST LOT IS LOCATED IN COX’S ROAD, KOWLOON.

WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 1,395 SQUARE METRES, IT IS INTENDED FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES.

THE SECOND LOT IS LOCATED AT THE JUNCTION OF SHUNG LING STREET AND YI LUN STREET, SAN PO KONG, KOWLOON. IT HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 3,093 SQUARE METRES EARMARKED FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL (EXCLUDING GODOWN, HOTEL AND PETROL FILLING STATION) PURPOSES.

THE THIRD LOT IS LOCATED IN AREA 29A, TAI LIN PAI ROAD, KWAI CHUNG, NEW TERRITORIES.

WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 916 SQUARE METRES, IT IS DESIGNATED FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES.

THE REMAINING LOT, LOCATED IN TOWN PARK ROAD SOUTH, YUEN LONG, NEW TERRITORIES, HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 10,500 SQUARE METRES AND IS EARMARKED FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE AUCTION.

A PRESS AREA WILL BE DESIGNATED AT THE VENUE. PHOTOGRAPHERS ARE ADVISED TO BRING ALONG TELEPHOTO LENSES.

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REFORMS A STEP FORWARD IN REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT

*****

THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WONG HON-HO, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE GOVERNOR’S PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL REFORMS REPRESENTED A STEP FORWARD IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TERRITORY’S REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT.

MR WONG MADE THESE REMARKS AT THE DISTRICT’S FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL ON THE HONG NING ROAD PLAYGROUND.

SINCE THE PUBLICATION IN 1981 OF THE WHITE PAPER ON THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION IN HONG KONG, THE GOVERNMENT HAD ALL ALONG BEEN ACTIVELY PROMOTING THE AWARENESS OF, AND PARTICIPATION IN, COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AMONG PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE, HE SAID.

/SUBSEQUENTLY, THE.........

SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 1993

SUBSEQUENTLY, THE GOVERNMENT ISSUED TWO OTHER WHITE PAPERS IN 1984 AND 1988 TO OUTLINE THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT.

NOW, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC HAVE MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO AIR THEIR VIEWS AND INFLUENCE THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICIES, MR WONG SAID.

HE ADDED THAT ONE OF THE PRIME OBJECTIVES OF THE GOVERNOR’S CONSTITUTIONAL PROPOSALS WAS TO FURTHER ENCOURAGE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS.

HE STRESSED THAT CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENTS WERE CLOSELY RELATED TO THE INTERESTS OF HONG KONG PEOPLE.

"THEREFORE, RESIDENTS SHOULD GRASP THE PRESENT OPPORTUNITY TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE GOVERNOR’S PROPOSALS.

"THE GOVERNMENT WELCOMES BOTH THE SUPPORTIVE AND OPPOSITE VIEWS OR EVEN SUGGESTIONS FOR AMENDMENTS,” MR WONG SAID.

THE FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT’S FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE KWUN TONG AND SAU MAU PING POLICE DISTRICTS.

A HOST OF GAME STALLS AND ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES WERE FEATURED IN THE CARNIVAL, ATTRACTING MORE THAN 2,000 PARTICIPANTS.

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

GOVT WELCOMES ALTERNATIVE PROPOSALS * * ♦ t *

THE GOVERNMENT IS GENUINELY INTERESTED IN AND WELCOMES ALTERNATIVE PROPOSALS ON THE GOVERNOR’S POLITICAL REFORM PACKAGE FROM ANY INTERESTED PARTIES, EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEVE BARCLAY, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE EASTERN DISTRICT ARTS CARNIVAL IN VICTORIA PARK, HE SAID MANY OF THE COUNTER-PROPOSALS THAT HAD BEEN PUT FORWARD WERE IN BROAD AND NON-SPECIFIC TERMS.

”IT WOULD BE VERY HELPFUL IF ANY ALTERNATIVE PROPOSALS COULD BE STATED IN CLEAR AND SPECIFIC TERMS,” HE SAID.

TURNING TO THE ORGANISER - THE EASTERN DISTRICT ARTS COUNCIL, MR BARCLAY SAID IT HAD DEVOTED ITSELF TO PROMOTING ARTS AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 1985.

THESE ACTIVITIES AND THE MANY TRAINING CLASSES WHICH THE COUNCIL ORGANISED HAVE BENEFITED PEOPLE OF ALL AGES AND GREATLY ENCOURAGED PEOPLE’S PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS, HE NOTED.

/ON THE

SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 1993

ON THE RECENT RELOCATION OF THE COUNCIL’S HEADQUARTERS TO YUE WAN COMMUNITY HALL IN CHAI WAN, HE SAID THE AVAILABILITY OF MORE FACILITIES AND SPACE WOULD ENSURE THAT ITS EXCELLENT WORK WOULD CONTINUE FOR MANY YEARS TO COME.

ALSO SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, CHAIRMAN OF THE ARTS COUNCIL, MS CHRISTINA TING, SAID MORE NON-PROFIT MAKING INTEREST CLASSES WOULD BE HELD TO PROMOTE ARTS.

THE COUNCIL IS TO HOLD A LARGE-SCALE ARTS FESTIVAL WHICH FEATURES A CHINESE ORCHESTRAL CONCERT FROM FEBRUARY 19 TO MARCH 7, SHE ADDED.

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POLITICAL REFORMS COMPATIBLE WITH JOINT DECLARATION * * * * *

THE GOVERNOR’S CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS ARE COMPATIBLE WITH THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW, THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS LINDA LAI, SAID THIS (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON.

OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF A BUILDING MANAGEMENT CARNIVAL, MISS LAI SAID THE PACKAGE WOULD ENSURE MODERATE DEVELOPMENT IN THE TERRITORY’S POLITICAL SYSTEM.

SHE STRESSED THAT THIS WAS FORMULATED IN ACCORDANCE TO THE WISHES OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC.

"WE HOPE THAT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THESE PROPOSALS WILL ENCOURAGE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AND STRENGTHEN HONG KONG’S RULE OF LAW AND PEOPLE’S SCRUTINY ON THE GOVERNMENT.

"AND THESE ARE THE PREREQUISITES TO THE STABILITY AND PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG," MISS LAI SAID.

SHE ALSO URGED THE PUBLIC TO EXERCISE THEIR CIVIC DUTY BY EXPRESSING THEIR VIEWS ON THE POLITICAL REFORM PACKAGE THROUGH VARIOUS CHANNELS.

- - - - U------

REFORMS ENCOURAGE COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION *****

THE GOVERNOR’S PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL PACKAGE AIMS TO ALLOW HONG KONG PEOPLE TO PARTICIPATE MORE IN RUNNING THEIR OWN AFFAIRS, THE YAU TSIM AND MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BART IRELAND, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF YAU TSIM DISTRICT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN, MR IRELAND SAID THE PROPOSALS WOULD CERTAINLY BE TO HONG KONG’S BENEFIT.

/"THE COMMUNITY .......

SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 1993

"THE COMMUNITY HAS SAID THAT XT WANTS A GREATER MEASURE OF DEMOCRACY; OUR PROPOSED PACKAGE W ILL, WE ARE CONVINCED, GIVE YOU WHAT YOU WANTED," HE CONTINUED.

"IT IS IMPORTANT, OF COURSE, THAT WHAT YOU ENJOY NOW YOU WOULD STILL ENJOY IN FUTURE, AFTER 1997 - THERE SHOULD BE A SMOOTH TRANSITION."

MR IRELAND BELIEVED THAT THE GOVERNOR'S PROPOSALS WOULD ALLOW HONG KONG TO ACHIEVE A SMOOTH TRANSITION IN 1997 AND WOULD CONTRIBUTE TO THE TERRITORY’S CONTINUED PROSPERITY AND STABILITY.

NOTING THAT MANY SUCH PROPOSALS EXPRESSED WERE JUST BROAD PRINCIPLES, HE URGED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS AND PUT FORWARD ALTERNATIVE PROPOSALS IN MORE SPECIFIC TERMS.

THE ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN, JOINTLY FUNDED BY THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD AND THE URBAN COUNCIL, AIMS TO MAKE THE DISTRICT A CLEANER, HEALTHIER AND MORE ATTRACTIVE PLACE TO LIVE AND WORK.

THIS YEAR'S PROGRAMME INCLUDED CLEAN-UPS IN STREETS, BACK-LANES BUILDINGS AND MARKETS, TREE-PLANTING, EXHIBITIONS AND A POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION.

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

FUTURE MANAGEMENT OF COMMUNITY CENTRES LIES WITH DBS

*****

THE MANAGEMENT OF COMMUNITY CENTRES MAY LIE WITH BOARD RATHER THAN THE GOVERNMENT IN THE FUTURE, SHA OFFICER, MR DAVID BROWNING, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).

THE DISTRICT

TIN DISTRICT

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF HIN KENG COMMUNITY CENTRE (NCC) IN SHA TIN, MR BROWNING SAID ARRANGEMENTS ARE BEING WORKED OUT.

NEIGHBOURHOOD

DETAILS OF THE

CURRENTLY, THE BOOKING AND MANAGEMENT OF COMMUNITY UNDER THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE.

CENTRE

ARE

FOR HIN KENG NCC, THE POK 01 DAILY MANAGEMENT OF THE CENTRE.

HOSPITAL GROUP IS PROVIDING

THE

MR BROWNING POINTED OUT THAT THE PURPOSE OF THIS CENTRE IS TO PROVIDE A VENUE FOR LOCAL SOCIAL ACTIVITIES.

"THROUGH THOSE ACTIVITIES, A COMMUNITY SPIRIT AND AN IDENTIFICATION WITH THE NEIGHBOURHOOD Will, BE ENHANCED AND RESIDENTS WILL COME TO KNOW EACH OTHER BETTER.

'THE REAL AIM IS THEREFORE TO BUILD UP A SENSE OF BELONGING IN THE COMMUNITY," MR BROWNING SAID.

ON CONSTITUTIONAL PROPOSALS, MR BROWNING SAID HE WAS ENCOURAGED TO SEE ALTERNATIVES TO PROPOSALS COMING FORWARD.

/HE BELIEVED

SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 1993

HE BELIEVED THAT THE ALTERNATIVES WOULD BE STUDIED CAREFULLY AND WOULD BE HELPFUL WHEN THE DEBATE TAKE PLACE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE PROPOSALS REPRESENTED A VERY MODEST STEP IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT. THEY ARE ALSO A LOGICAL STEP TOWARDS A FULLY ELECTED LEGISLATURE.

THE PROPOSALS ARE COMPLYING WITH THE JOIN'!’ DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW AND MADE IN RESPONSE TO THE COMMUNITY’S ASPIRATIONS, HE SAID.

’’THEY WILL HELP HONG KONG PEOPLE TO PARTICIPATE MORE FULLY IN RUNNING THEIR OWN AFFAIRS AND WILL ENSURE THE CONTINUITY OF AN ACCOUNTABLE ADMINISTRATION AND THE RULE OF LAW.

"WE ARE ALL COMMITTED TO THE CONTINUED PROSPERITY AND STABILITY OF HONG KONG AND TO THE 'ONE COUNTRY AND TWO SYSTEMS' CONCEPT," MR BROWNING SAID.

MR BROWNING ALSO PAID TRIBUTE TO THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD FOR CONTINUOUSLY PUTTING FORWARD THE VIEWS OF LOCAL RESIDENTS, IMPROVING THE LIVELIHOOD OF THE RESIDENTS AND MAINTAINING THE HIGHEST POSSIBLE STANDARD OF SERVICE.

----... 0-----

YOUTH VOLUNTEERS RECOGNISED

*****

PARTICIPATION IN VOLUNTARY SERVICES PROVIDES OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO CULTIVATE THEIR RELATIONS WITH THE COMMUNITY AND TO SHOW THEIR CARE FOR THE UNDER-PRIVILEGED, THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF YOUTH GROUPS, MS ROSANNA WONG, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE 1992 SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME (SYP) SCHOLARSHIPS PRESENTATION CEREMONY, MS WONG SAJI) TAKING PART IN VOLUNTARY WORK WAS A REWARDING LEARNING PROCESS WHERE YOUNG PEOPLE DERIVED GREAT SATISFACTION THROUGH SERVING OTHERS.

SHE SAID THROUGH COMMUNITY SERVICE, YOUNG PEOPLE WOULD BUILD UP THEIR SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY AND BELONGING TOWARDS THE SOCIETY.

"IT IS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT AT A TIME WHEN HONG KONG NEEDS MORE YOUTHS TO TAKE PART IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS," MS WONG SAID.

SHE PAID TRIBUTE TO THE YOUTH VOLUNTEERS FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TOWARDS THE 1992 SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME WHICH ORGANISED MORE THAN 13,000 EVENTS FOR MORE THAN 1.36 MILLION YOUTHS.

AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY, A TOTAL OF 22 YOUNG PEOPLE WERE AWARDED SCHOLARSHIPS BY THE SYP COMMITTEE TN RECOGNITION OF THEIR VOLUNTARY SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY.

/THE SCHOLARSHIPS

SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 1993

THE SCHOLARSHIPS SPONSORED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB ARE FOR THE LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING COURSES PROVIDED BY THE HONG KONG OUTWARD BOUND SCHOOL.

A SYP COMMITTEE SPOKESMAN SAID: ’’FOUR OF THE AWARD RECIPIENTS WILL GO ON A 18-DAY INTERNATIONAL COURSE TO JAPAN, SEVEN WILL ATTEND A 18-DAY SEA/LAND DIPLOMA COURSE AND THE OTHERS WILL ATTEND A 10-DAY COURSE IN HONG KONG”.

A RECORD NUMBER OF 70 NOMINATIONS WERE RECEIVED BY THE SCHOLARSHIP SELECTION BOARD FROM MEMBER ORGANISATIONS INVOLVED IN THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME ACTIVITIES.

’’THE BOARD FOUND IT VERY DIFFICULT TO SELECT THE WINNERS BECAUSE ALL NOMINEES ARE OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEERS FROM THEIR ORGANISATIONS,” HE ADDED.

THE '18 NOMINEES WHO WERE NOT AWARDED WITH THE SCHOLARSHIPS WERE PRESENTED WITH A CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION AT THE CEREMONY.

\LSO ATTENDING THE CEREMONY ARE CHAIRMAN OF SYP COMMITTEE, MR PETER LEE, (’HAIRMAN OF THE SCHOLARSHIP SELECTION BOARD, MR KWOK KA-MING AND PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY (YOUTH), MISS SUSIE HO.

- - 0 - -

WELFARE STAFF CARRY NAME TAG

*****

ALL STAFF MEMBERS WORKING IN SERVICE UNITS OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT ARE NOW CARRYING NAME TAG FOR EASY IDENTIFICATION BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).

"IT IS ONE OF OUR MEASURES TO IMPROVE PUBLIC SERVICE,” THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

HOWEVER, HE STRESSED THAT THE NAME TAG SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS REPLACEMENTS FOR GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARDS.

LIKE OTHER CIVIL SERVANTS, OFFICERS OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WERE ISSUED WITH A GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARD, HE SAID.

"OUR STAFF DOING HOME VISITS ARE REQUIRED TO DISCLOSE THEIR IDENTITIES BY SHOWING THEIR GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARDS,” THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

- - 0 - -

SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 1993

- 8

PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION, EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH ON MOVE * * * * *

THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION AND THE EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH WILL BE RELOCATED TO FACILITATE RENOVATION WORK AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING).

THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION WILL OPERATE FROM THE SIXTH, SEVENTH AND EIGHTH FLOORS OF ST JOHN’S BUILDING, 33 GARDEN ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG FROM WEDNESDAY (JANUARY 13).

THE NEW TELEPHONE NUMBER FOR ENQUIRIES IS 523 5755.

THE EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH WILL MOVE TO THE 38TH FLOOR, EXCHANGE SQUARE II, 8 CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG ON JANUARY 18 (MONDAY).

THE NEW TELEPHONE NUMBER FOR ENQUIRIES IS 537 2352 WHILE THE

FACSIMILE NUMBER (868 5916) REMAINS UNCHANGED.

THE RELOCATION OF BOTH OFFICES WILL BE FOR ABOUT ONE YEAR.

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WATER CUTS IN KOWLOON AND TUEN MUN

*****

SALT WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN EAST KOWLOON WILL GO OFF FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (JANUARY 12) TO 10 AM ON FRIDAY (JANUARY 15) TO FACILITATE CONNECTION WORK ON WATER MAINS.

THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT CHOI WAN ESTATE, SHUN LEE ESTATE, SHUN LEE TSUEN THA, SHUN CHI COURT, SHUM ON ESTATE AND SHUN TIN ESTATE AS WELL AS ALL THE PREMISES IN SAU MAU PING AND LAM TIN.

IN ADDITION, FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN KWUN TONG WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 PM ON WEDNESDAY (JANUARY 13) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE WASTE DETECTION WORK ON WATER MAINS.

THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL THE PREMISES AT HONG LEE ROAD, THOSE AT ODD NUMBERS OF 21-55 AND AT EVEN NUMBERS OF 38-44 KUNG LOK ROAD.

ON THURSDAY (JANUARY 14), SALT WATER SUPPLY TO ALL PREMISES IN TUEN MUN WILL BE CUT OFF FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM TO ALLOW FOR REPAIR WORKS.

/ 4 JM 1993

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 1993

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

WAITING TIME FOR HIGH COURT CRIMINAL TRIALS REDUCED .......... 1

LEGAL SYSTEM SHOULD BE MORE RESPONSIBLE TO COMMUNITY NEEDS .. 4

OMBUDSMAN'S ROLE TO BE STRENGTHENED .......................... 7

COMMITMENT TO BETTER PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES ............... 9

APPOINTMENT OF TELECOMS CONSULTANT ........................... 11

TAC BRIEFED ON UPDATED TRANSPORT STUDY ....................... 12

GOVERNOR TO ADDRESS LEGCO MEMBERS ............................ 13

DEVELOPMENT AND NATURE CONSERVATION CAN PROCEED IN TANDEM ... 14

SMALL INCREASE IN NUMBER OF COURT INSOLVENCIES ............... 16

HK - LEADING FUND MANAGEMENT CENTRE IN SE ASIA ............... 17

GOVT OFFICIALS VISIT BROADCASTING AUTHORITIES IN CHINA ....... 17

MEXICO STOPS ANTI-DUMPING INVESTIGATION ON COTTON WOVEN FABRICS ...................................................... 18

SHENZHEN DELEGATION VISITS MARINE DEPARTMENT ................. 18

LAN KWAI FONG INQUIRY ........................................... 19

LEGCO MEETS ON WEDNESDAY ........................................ 20

POST OFFICE INTRODUCES NEW LETTER SCALES ........................ 21

45 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN OCTOBER ....................... 21

RATES FOR FIRST QUARTER DUE THIS MONTH .......................... 22

MORE WOULD VOTE IN ELECTIONS .................................... 24

WATER STORAGE FIGURE ............................................ 24

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ..

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 1993

WAITING TIME FOR HIGH COURT CRIMINAL TRIALS REDUCED

*****

DESPITE THE GREAT INCREASE IN CRIMINAL CASES IN HIGH COURT, THE JUDICIARY HAD REDUCED THE WAITING TIME FOR TRIAL FROM 12 TO EIGHT-AND-A-HALF MONTHS SINCE THE MIDDLE OF LAST YEAR, THE CHIEF JUSTICE, SIR TT LIANG YANG, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

ADDRESSING THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 1993 LEGAL YEAR HELD AT THE CITY HALL, SIR Tl LIANG SAID THE INCREASING TIME BETWEEN THE FILING OF CRIMINAL INDICTMENTS IN THE HIGH COURT AND THE FIRST DAY OF TRIAL HAD ATTRACTED CONSIDERABLE ATTENTION IN THE LAST TWO YEARS.

"THERE HAS BEEN, AND CONTINUES TO BE, A CONSIDERABLE INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF CRIMINAL INDICTMENTS FILED IN EVERY YEAR.

"IN 1987, 234 INDICTMENTS WERE FILED AND IN 1992 THE NUMBER HAS RISEN TO OVER 100. IN EACH YEAR THE INCREASE HAS BEEN IN THE ORDER OF 15 PER CENT OVER THE YEAR BEFORE," HE SAID.

SIR TI LIANG MAINTAINED THAT THE REDUCTION OF WAITING TIME FROM 12 TO EIGHT-AND-A-HALF MONTHS WAS STILL NOT SATISFACTORY, BUT HUS WAS THE BEST THE JUDICIARY COULD DO AT THE MOMENT.

"BECAUSE OF THE NEED TO MOVE DISTRICT JUDGES TO SIT IN THE HIGH COURT AND MAGISTRATES TO SIT IN THE DISTRICT COURT, WAITING TIMES FOR CIVIL CASES IN THE HIGH COURT, AND FOR CASES IN THE COURT OF APPEAL, DISTRICT COURT, MAGISTRATES COURTS AND THE TRIBUNALS HAVE GONE UP SOMEWHAT BUT ARE STILL ACCEPTABLE BY INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS,” HE SAID.

THE CHIEF JUSTICE POINTED OUT THAT IN THE COURSE OF LAST YEAR, THE JUDICIARY WAS ABLE TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF SUBSTANTIVE JUDGES BY TWO FROM 20 TO 22, AND ONE SUPERNUMERARY.

HOWEVER, AS THE INCREASE IN WORE HAD CONTINUED, THAT NUMBER WAS CLEARLY INSUFFICIENT NOW AND APPLICATION WOULD BE MADE TO THE ADMINISTRATION FOR MORE POSTS TO Bl CREATED.

"THE INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF JUDGES LAST YEAR WAS THE FIRST SINCE THE YEAR 1981 WHEN THE NUMBER WAS INCREASED FROM 15 TO 20," HE EMPHASISED.

SIR Tl LIANG THEN ELABORATED ON THE MEASURES THAT HAD BEEN DECIDED ON OR IMPLEMENTED IN THE JUDICIARY'S LISTING SYSTEM SO AS TO ACHIEVE A MORE EFFICIENT USE OF COURT TIME.

"WE NOW HAVE A RUNNING LISI FOR SHORT CRIMINAL CASES WHERE THE ACCUSED IS REPRESEN TED BY 'I HF DIRECTOR OF LEGAL AID. IBIS IS DESIGNED SO THAT SUCH CASES MAY BE DISPOSED OF EXPEDITIOUSLY AND DO NOT HAVE TO WAIT BEHIND LONG TRIALS.

"TRE SYSTEM OF PRE-TRIAL REVIEW FOR CRIMINAL CASES APPEARS TO BE WORKING WELL. THIS SERVES TO TRIM OFF MANY SIDE OR PRELIMINARY ISSUES BEFORE THE ACTUAL TRIAL COMES ON. WE ARE NOW CONSIDERING THE FEASIBILITY' OF PRE-TRIAL REVIEWS FOR CIVIL CASES.

/"WHILST WE .......

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 1993

’’WHILST WE HAVE FOR MANY YEARS A SYSTEM OF APPOINTING LAWYERS IN PRIVATE PRACTICE SITTING AS DEPUTY JUDGES OR TEMPORARY MAGISTRATES, WE HOPE TO INSTITUTE A RECORDERSHIP SCHEME IN ORDER TO ATTRACT A NUMBER OF LAWYERS IN PRIVATE PRACTICE TO COMMIT THEMSELVES TO SEVERAL WEEKS EACH YEAR HEARING CASES AS DEPUTY JUDGES,” HE SAID.

THE CHIEF JUSTICE REVEALED THAT HE KEPT A TIGHT WATCH ON THE STATE OF THE HIGH COURT AND COURT OF APPEAL DIARIES WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE REGISTRAR AND THE LISTING MASTER.

’’EACH FRIDAY, WE MEET WITH THE LISTING CLERKS TO KEEP OURSELVES ABREAST OF DEVELOPMENT AND TO DEAL WITH ANY PROBLEMS THAT MAY ARISE,” HE ADDED.

ON THE BILL OF RIGHTS ORDINANCE, SIR T1 LIANG SAID THE PASSING INTO LAW OF THE ORDINANCE HAD INEVITABLY INCREASED THE WORK OF THE JUD I ('I ARY AT ALL LEVELS.

"IT HAS BEEN NECESSARY, ON OCCASION, TO GIVE PRIORITY TO APPELLATE MATTERS INVOLVING BILL OF RIGHTS POINTS, AS, VERY OFTEN, DECISION IS NEEDED URGENTLY NOT ONLY FOR THE PURPOSES OF THE LOWER COURTS BUT ALSO FOR THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES,” HE EXPLAINED.

AS THE ORDINANCE ALSO PROVIDED THE IMPETUS TO THE ADMINISTRATION TO EXTEND THE DUTY LAWYER SCHEME IN THE MAGISTRACIES COVERING ALL OFFENCES AND NOT SIMPLY THE RESTRICTED OFFENCES EMBRACED IN 'HIE PREVIOUS SCHEME, THE WORKLOAD OF THE MAGISTRACIES HAD I NCREASED.

”1 WOULD LIKE TO PAY SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO THE MAGISTRATES WHO, WITH NO INCREASE IN NUMBERS, HAVE ABSORBED THIS EXTRA WORK WITHOUT ANY SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN WAITING TIMES.

’’WITH THE HELP AND CO-OPERATION OF THE MAGISTRATES AND THE DUTY LAWYERS, THE COURT DIARIES HAVE NOT BEEN SERIOUSLY AFFECTED,” THE CHIEF JUSTICE SAID.

TURNING TO INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, SIR TJ. LIANG STATED THAT THE CONSULTANTS ENGAGED TO ADVISE ON THE INTRODUCTION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TO IMPROVE THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE JUDICIARY COMPLETED THEIR REPORT.

HAVING ACCEPTED THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS AS AN IMPORTANT STEP ”IN GETTING AWAY FROM OUR OLD-FASHIONED LABOUR INTENSIVE SYSTEMS AND FOR MOVING INTO A NEW ERA”, THE REPORT HAD BEEN SUBMITTED TO THE ADMINISTRATION, ACCORDING TO THE CHIEF .JUSTICE.

"THIS YEAR HAS ALSO SEEN THE INTRODUCTION INTO THE MAGISTRACIES OF THE CASEMAN SYSTEM FOR THE ISSUE AND PROCESSING OF SUMMONSES AND CHARGES WHERE PROCEEDINGS ARE INITIATED BY EITHER THE POLICE, CUSTOMS AND EXCISE OR ONE OF THE OTHER RELEVANT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS,” HE ADDED.

THE CASEMAN SYSTEM ENABLES THE PROSECUTING AUTHORITIES TO FEED IN THE SUMMONSES AND CHARGES FROM THEIR OWN TERMINAL AND FOR THAT PROCESS TO BE ISSUED AUTOMATICALLY IM THE MAGISTRACY.

/SERVICE AND .......

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 1993

SERVICE AND FOLLOW-UP, AFTER ANY SUBSEQUENT CONVICTION, ARE ALSO DEALT WITH BY THE COMPUTER SYSTEM AND THOSE WHO HAVE INCURRED FINES MAY NOW PAY THEM AT ANY MAGISTRACY BUILDING AND DO NOT HAVE TO GO TO THE ONE i'HAT IMPOSED THE PENALTY,

IN HIS SPEECH, THE CHIEF JUSTICE AI,SO TOUCHED ON THE ISSUE OF "LOCALS".

"MUCH HAS BEEN SAID OF THE DESIRABILITY OF INCREASING THE NUMBER OF LOCAL PEOPLE IN THE JUDICIARY, MUCH HAS BEEN DONE IN THAT REGARD AND IT IS WORTH NOTING THAT IN 1987, 45 NUMBERS OF THE JUDICIARY WERE EMPLOYED ON LOCAL TERMS BUT TODAY THE NUMBER IS 61.

"THIS SHOWS AN INCREASE, IN PERCENTAGE TERMS, OF FROM 30 PER CENT TO 38,61 PER CENT," HE SAID.

SIR TI LIANG STRESSED: "ALTHOUGH LOCAI.S OF ABILITY AND INTEGRITY OUGHT TO BE GIVEN FIRST PRIORITY WHEN RECRUITED, ONCE INSIDE THE JUDICIARY, BOTH LOCALS AND EXPATRIATES SHOULD BE TREATED EQUALLY, PARTICULARLY IN TERMS OF CAREER ADVANCEMENT. WITH FAVOURABLE CONSIDERATION BEING GIVEN FOR A KNOWLEDGE OF THE CHINESE LANGUAGE AND OF LOCAL CONDITIONS.

"IN THIS REGARD, I HAVE PLACED, AND WILL CONTINUE TO PLACE, GREAT EMPHASIS ON THE THREE CRITERIA BY WHICH I BELIEVE MEMBERS OF THE JUDICIARY ARE PROPERLY JUDGED.

"THE OFTEN REPEATED CRITERIA ARE COMPETENCE IN LAW, JUDICIAL TEMPERAMENT AND PROPRIETY OF CONDUCT.

"FOR CAREER ADVANCEMENT, IT IS THESE CRITERIA WHICH I REGARD AS VITAL AND NOT WHETHER A PERSON IS, OR IS NOT, REGARDED AS A LOCAL."

NOTING THAT THERE WAS NOW MUCH LOCAL INTEREST FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN THE MAGISTRACY AND SUPREME COURT BENCH, THE CHIEF JUSTICE HOPED THAT THE JUDICIARY, IN FUTURE, WOULD NO LONGER NEED TO LOOK TO ENGLAND FOR APPOINTMENTS TO THE MAGISTRATES COURTS.

"1 AM ALSO MUCH ENCOURAGED BY THE INTEREST SHOWN BY A NUMBER OF QUEEN’S COUNSEL FOR THE SUPREME COURT AND HOPE THAT SOME MORE LOCAL APPOINTMENTS MAY BE MADE FOR FUTURE VACANCIES," HE SAID.

EARLIER, SIR TI LIANG ACKNOWLEDGED IN HIS SPEECH THE RETIREMENT OF MR JUSTICE (LOUGH FROM THE COURT OF APPEAL AND MR JUSTICE HOOPER FROM THE HIGH COURT WHO HAD MADE IMMENSE CONTRIBUTION TO THE JUDICIARY.

HE ALSO REFERRED TO THE IMPENDING DEPARTURE OF THREE HIGHLY RESPECTED COURT OF APPEAL JUDGES - SIR DEREK CONS, MR JUSTICE FUAD AND MR JUSTICE KEMPSTER.

ALSO SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY WERE THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR JEREMY MATHEWS; THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG BAR ASSOCIATION, MISS JACQUELINE LEONG; AND THE PRESIDENT OF THE LAW SOCIETY OF HONG KONG, MR AMBROSE LAU.

/THE CEREMONIAL .......

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 1993

THE CEREMONIAL OPENING OE THE LEGAL YEAR, WHICH WAS ORGANISED BY THE JUDICIARY, BEGAN WITH A CHURCH SERVICE AT THE CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL, CAINE ROAD, AT 3.30 PM.

THE CHIEF JUSTICE INSPECTED A GUARD OF HONOUR PROVIDED BY THE DRAGON COMPANY OF HONG KONG MILITARY SERVICE CORPS WITH MUSIC BY THE BAND OF THE BRIGADE OF GURKHAS AT THE EDINBURGH PLACE LATER IN THE AFTERNOON.

THE INSPECTION WAS FOLLOWED BY ADDRESSES IN THE CONCERT HALL OF CITY HALL. THE AUDIENCE COMPRISED JUDGES, MEMBERS OF THE LEGAL PROFESSION, HEADS OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND OTHER DIGNITARIES.

------q--------

LEGAL SYSTEM SHOULD BE MORE RESPONSIBLE TO COMMUNITY NEEDS

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR JEREMY MATHEWS, RAISED SOME THOUGHTS ON HOW LAWYERS COULD HELP TO MAKE HONG KONG’S LEGAL SYSTEM MORE RESPONSIVE TO THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY.

MR MATHEWS ASKED WHETHER THE LAW HAD ITSELF IN MANY RESPECTS TAKEN A PATH THAT LED IT AWAY FROM THE NEEDS AND THE SERVICE OF THE COMMUNITY AND BECAME AN END IN ITSELF TO LAWYERS - EITHER AS A GOOD COMFORTABLE BUSINESS TO BE IN OR A STIMULATING AND SATISFYING INTELLECTUAL HOBBY.

OPENING THE LEGAL YEAR TODAY (MONDAY), HE SAID:

"WE MUST ADDRESS IN A SERIOUS WAY ANY PERCEPTION THAT THE LAW IS SOMETHING ALIEN TO THE NEEDS AND ASPIRATION OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.

"IT IS INCUMBENT UPON US COLLECTIVELY AND INDIVIDUALLY TO EXERT ALL OUR EFFORTS TO MAKE THE LAW ACCESSIBLE TO THOSE WHOM WE SERVE - TO MAKE THE LAW ’USER FRIENDLY’."

MR MATHEWS SAID MUCH HAD ALREADY BEEN DONE IN THIS AREA. FOR EXAMPLE, THE LAW SOCIETY’S HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL "LAW WEEK" SERVED TO BRING THE LAW INTO THE COMMUNITY AND HEIGHTEN AWARENESS OF THE BENEFITS OF THE LAW TO THE SOCIETY.

THE BILINGUAL LAWS PROGRAMME WAS MAKING z\ SIGNIFICANT AND GROWING CONTRIBUTION TO THIS PROCESS.

BUT MUCH MORE NEEDED TO BE DONE, HE SAID.

MR MATHEWS SAID: "UNFORTUNATELY, I SEE A MAJOR OBSTACLE POSED BY THE VERY COST OF MAINTAINING THE LEGAL SYSTEM."

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE PROPER ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE WAS LABOUR INTENSIVE AND THAT THE LAW ULTIMATELY DEPENDED ON HUMAN BEINGS: JUDGES, LAWYERS, TEACHERS OF LAW, THOSE ENGAGED IN LEGAL RESEARCH AND A LARGE NUMBER. OF OTHERS WHO HELPED TO SERVE THE LEGAL MACHINE.

/THE TOTAL

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 1993

THE TOTAL COST TO THE COMMUNITY IN ONE FORM OR ANOTHER OF MAINTAINING THE LEGAL SYSTEM WAS ENORMOUS AND CONTINUED TO GROW.

"WE MUST BE AWARE AND BE EVER VIGILANT AGAINST A SITUATION DEVELOPING WHERE THE LAW AND LAWYERS SIMPLY PRICE THEMSELVES OUT OF THE REACH OF THE GROWING NUMBER OF OUR CITIZENS.

"WE MUST BEWARE LEST THE LAW BECOMES THE SERVANT OF ONLY THE VERY RICH - THE MILLIONAIRES OR THE BIG POWERFUL CORPORATIONS THAT CAN ENGAGE IN LONG AND EXPENSIVE LITIGATION, DRYING UP THE VALUABLE RESOURCES OF THE COURTS IN DISPUTES THAT ARE FREQUENTLY ABOUT ON WHICH SIDE OF A BALANCE SHEET A PARTICULAR FIGURE SHOULD APPEAR,” HE SAID.

HE BELIEVED IT TO BE A MATTER OF SOME CONGRATULATION THAT THE AMOUNT OF MONEY MADE AVAILABLE BY THE GOVERNMENT FOR LEGAL AID HAD IN RECENT YEARS INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY.

BUT NO LEGAL AID SYSTEM COULD EVER PROVIDE A COMPLETE LEGAL COVER WITHOUT THE COST BEING PROHIBITIVE, HE SAID.

"THE TIME HAS COME," HE SAID, "I WOULD SUGGEST, FOR US TO GIVE. ANXIOUS CONSIDERATION TO WAYS IN WHICH LEGAL SERVICES CAN BE PROVIDED TO THE COMMUNITY IN A SIMPLE, INEXPENSIVE AND ACCESSIBLE FORM."

MR MATHEWS SAID INFORMAL TRIBUNALS HAD A ROLE TO PLAY IN THIS RESPECT.

TRIBUNALS SUCH AS THE LABOUR TRIBUNAL AND THE SMALL CLAIMS TRIBUNAL WERE NOT INTENDED TO FUNCTION LIKE NORMAL COURTS AND WERE INTENDED TO BE INFORMAL TRIBUNALS WHERE LAWYERS WERE NOT PERMITTED TO APPEAR, AND WHERE FINANCIAL DISPUTES COULD BE RESOLVED SWIFTLY AND INFORMALLY.

"PERHAPS THE TIME HAS COME FOR THESE TRIBUNALS TO BE LOOKED AT AGAIN, TO ENSURE THAT THEY ARE INDEED COMMUNITY TRIBUNALS TO WHICH PEOPLE CAN TURN WITH THE READY ASSURANCE THAT THERE WILL BE QUICK AND INFORMAL DETERMINATION OF THEIR DISPUTES.

"WE SHOULD ALSO BE LOOKING AT OTHER WAYS IN WHICH CASES WHICH CURRENTLY MUST GO TO THE COURTS CAN BE DEALT WITH.

"WE SHOULD LOOK IMAGINATIVELY FOR POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS TO THE QUESTIONS OF COST AND THE ANCILLARY PROBLEM OF DELAYS."

HE BELIEVED THAT THERE WAS A GOOD CASE FOR PROVIDING AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE COURTS IN RESOLVING A GREAT MANY OF THE ROUTINE CASES THAT CURRENTLY WENT TO THE COURTS AND WHICH HAD TO GO TO THE COURTS BECAUSE THERE WAS NO OTHER AVENUE FOR REDRESS.

HE BELIEVED THAT MEDIATION AND OTHER FORMS OF DISPUTE RESOLUTION COULD BE APPLIED TO MANY ORDINARY PROBLEMS OF THE CITIZENS AND THAT THESE FORMS OF DISPUTE RESOLUTION COULD BE SWIFT AND INEXPENSIVE.

/"I SEE ........

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 1993

"I SEE AS A SIDE BENEFIT TO THIS THE FREEING-UP OF THE COURTS, WHICH COULD DEVOTE THEIR RESOURCES TO THOSE MATTERS THAT MUST CONTINUE TO BE DEALT WITH BY THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM - FOR EXAMPLE THE HEARING OF CRIMINAL CASES, THE DEVELOPMENT OF PUBLIC LAW AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF JURISPRUDENCE IN SUCH AREAS AS THE BILL OF RIGHTS."

MR MATHEWS SAID THERE WERE ENCOURAGING SIGNS THAT AWARENESS OF ALTERNATIVE FORMS OF DISPUTE RESOLUTION IS GROWING IN HONG KONG.

ALL AIRPORT CORE PROJECT CONTRACTS, FOR EXAMPLE, CONTAINED A PROVISION FOR MANDATORY ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION WHICH, IT WAS HOPED, WOULD REDUCE THE LIKELIHOOD OF LONG-DRAWN-OUT COURT PROCEEDINGS IN RESPECT OF THESE CONTRACTS. SIMILAR PROVISIONS WERE NOW BEING ADOPTED IN OTHER GOVERNMENT CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS.

HE SAID THE CONSUMER COUNCIL WAS ENCOURAGING ORGANISATIONS TO SET UP THEIR OWN SYSTEMS TO INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS AGAINST THEIR MEMBERS, AND MEDIATION WAS ONE OF THE APPROACHES RECOMMENDED BY THE COUNCIL.

THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAD PROPOSED THAT LABOUR DISPUTES INVOLVING SMALL AMOUNTS BE SUBJECT TO ARBITRATION BY SENIOR LABOUR OFFICERS.

"I WELCOME THESE INITIATIVES TO PROVIDE QUICK AND INEXPENSIVE WAYS OF RESOLVING DISPUTES AND HOPE THEY WILL ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO DEVELOP SIMILAR IDEAS,” MR MATHEWS SAID.

HE SAID IT WAS NOT ONLY IN THE AREA OF LITIGATION THAT THE LAW WAS IN DANGER OF PRICING ITSELF, IF NOT OUT OF EXISTENCE, THEN OUT OF THE REACH OF MANY OF THE COMMUNITY.

IN NON-CONTENT I OUS AREAS, HE BELIEVED THAT THERE WAS MUCH THAT COULD BE DONE TO REDUCE THE COST OF THE LAW.

FOR EXAMPLE, HE SAID, THERE MIGHT BE A CASE FOR LOOKING AT THE COST OF BUYING AND SELLING A FLAT.

”JN HONG KONG THE FEES TO BE CHARGED ARE GEARED STRICTLY TO THE VALUE OF THE TRANSACTION, RATHER THAN TO THE VALUE OF THE SERVICES BEING PROVIDED BY THE LAWYER INVOLVED IN THE TRANSACTION.

"HAS THE TIME COME FOR US TO LOOK AGAIN AT THE WAY IN WHICH SUCH FEES ARE CALCULATED? IS THERE A CASE FOR CHARGING, AS OTHER PROFESSIONALS DO, FOR THE VALUE OF THE SERVICE?

"THAT MAY, OF COURSE, MEAN THAT FOR SOME PARTICULAR TRANSACTIONS FEES WOULD RISE, BUT EXPERIENCE ELSEWHERE HAS SHOWN THAT OVERALL FEES TEND TO DROP. IT ALSO INTRODUCES A HEALTHY DEGREE OF COMPETITION AND THAT SUREIA CAN BE NO BAD THING."

HE SAID ANOTHER WAY IN WHICH THE COST OF' THE LAW COULD BE REDUCED WOULD BE TO ELIMINATE THE COMMISSIONS THAT WERE IMPROPERLY PAID BY SOME LAWYERS TO TOUTS AND MIDDLEMEN WHO INTRODUCED WORK TO THEM.

/"I KNOW .......

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 1993

"I KNOW THAT THE BAR ASSOCIATION AND LAW SOCIETY ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND THAT STEPS ARE BEING TAKEN TO DEAL WITH COMMISSION-TAKING IN RELATION TO CRIMINAL MATTERS. I HOPE THAT THERE WILL SOON BE A DETERMINED EEFORT TO DEAL WITH COMMISSION-TAKING IN RESPECT OF CONVEYANCING.”

MR MATHEWS SAID HE HAD THE THOUGHTS, NOT BECAUSE HE WISHED TO LAUNCH AN ATTACK UPON LAWYERS’ RICE BOWLS.

’’NONE OF THESE THOUGHTS, IF FOLLOWED THROUGH, WOULD RESULT IN LAWYERS BEING OUT OF WORK OR IMPECUNIOUS AND 1 AM, OF COURSE, ACUTELY CONSCIOUS OF, AND GLAD TO REAFFIRM PUBLICLY, THE VERY LARGE NUMBER OF SERVICES THAT ARE PROVIDED TO THE COMMUNITY BY LAWYERS IN HONG KONG AT NO COST AT ALL.

”HONG KONG LAWYERS HAVE A FINE RECORD OF PRO BONO WORK TO THE GREAT BENEFIT OF ALL IN HONG KONG AND LONG MAY THAT TRADITION CONTINUE.

"BUT I DO BELIEVE THAT WE MUST HARKEN TO THE WARNING BELLS AND NOT ALLOW OURSELVES AS A PROFESSION TO BECOME COMPLACENT ABOUT THE LEGAL SYSTEM OR TO ASSUME THAT HIGH LEGAL FEES WILL ALWAYS BE TOLERATED BY THE COMMUNITY.

"WK MUST REMEMBER AND REAFFIRM THE IDEALISM WHICH BROUGHT US INTO THE LAW IN THE FIRST PLACE - A WISH TO SERVE. WE MUST NEVER LOSE SIGHT OF THAT.

"WE MUST RE-EXAMINE THE STATE OF THE LEGAL SYSTEM AND ITS COST TO THE COMMUNITY AND ASK OURSELVES WHETHER THE SYSTEM IS RESPONSIVE TO THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY AND CAN BE REACHED AND USED BY ALL MEMBERS - RICH AND POOR ALIKE," HE SAID.

- - 0 - -

OMBUDSMAN’S ROLE TO BE STRENGTHENED

*****

THE ROLE OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS (COMAC) IS TO BE STRENGTHENED UNDER A PACKAGE OF PROPOSALS ENDORSED BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL, THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODA’i (MONDAY).

THE PROPOSED CHANGES, WHICH AIM TO PROVIDE A MORE EFFECTIVE SAFEGUARD AGAINST GOVERNMENT MALADMINISTRATION, ARE:

* THE EXISTING SYSTEM FOR LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS TO REFER CASES TO THE COMAC SHOULD BE CHANGED TO ENABLE THE PUBLIC TO TAKE THEIR COMPLAINTS DIRECTLY TO THE

COMMISSIONER;

* THE COMMISSIONER’S JURISDICTION SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO INCLUDE MAJOR STATUTORY BODIES ESTABLISHED BY THE GOVERNMENT; AND

/* THE COMMISSIONER

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 1993

* THE COMMISSIONER SHOULD BE ABLE TO PUBLICISE INVESTIGATION REPORTS WITH THE NAMES OE THE INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED IN THE COMPLAINTS BEING ANONYMISED To ENSURE PRIVACY.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THESE CHANGES, FIRST PROPOSED BY THE GOVERNOR IN HIS POLICY ADDRESS IN OCTOBER, WERE BASED ON A DETAILED REVIEW OF THE ROLE OF THE COMAC OFFICE IN THE LIGHT OF OPERATIONAL EXPERIENCE.

"THE PROPOSED CHANGES REFLECT THE GENERAL PUBLIC OPINION AND ARE SUPPORTED BY THE COMMISSIONER, WHO HAS BEEN CONSULTED," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

UNDER THE PROPOSAL, THE PUBLIC WOULD BE ABLE TO TAKE THEIR COMPLAINTS TO THE COMMISSIONER WITHOUT THE NEED FOR REFERRAL BY A NONOFFICIAL LEGCO MEMBER.

MEMBERS OF LEGCO, THE TWO MUNICIPAL COUNCILS AND DISTRICT BOARDS CAN STILL REFER CASES TO THE COMMISSIONER IN FUTURE, PROVIDED IT IS WITH THE CONSENT OF THE COMPLAINANT.

ON THE EXTENSION OF COMAC’S JURISDICTION TO MAJOR STATUTORY BODIES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT CHANGE WOULD UNDERLINE THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY OF STATUTORY BODIES.

"PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY, MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION, KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION, URBAN COUNCIL, REGIONAL COUNCIL, AND THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION.

"THESE STATUTORY BODIES PROVIDE AN IMPORTANT PUBLIC SERVICE AND HAVE CLOSE DEALINGS WITH THE PUBLIC. OTHER STATUTORY BODIES WILL BE BROUGHT UNDER THE COMMISSIONER’S JURISDICTION WHEN RESOURCES PERMIT," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

ON THE PROPOSAL TO ENABLE THE COMMISSIONER TO PUBLICISE HIS INVESTIGATION REPORTS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE CHANGE WOULD PROMOTE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE COMAC SYSTEM AND ENHANCE PUBLIC CONFIDENCE IN IT.

THE COMAC OFFICE CAME INTO OPERATION IN MARCH 1989 AND CURRENTLY HAS AN ESTABLISHMENT OF 26 STAFF MEMBERS.

THE NUMBERS OF CASES IT RECEIVED IN THE PAST THREE YEARS WERE RESPECTIVELY 167, 197 AND 150.

THE SPOKESMAN ESTIMATED THAT THE PROPOSED CHANGES WOULD INCREASE THE CASELOAD OF THE COMAC OFFICE BY 50 PER CENT EACH YEAR. THE ADDITIONAL STAFF COST IS ESTIMATED TO BE ABOUT $10.8 MILLION A YEAR.

AMENDMENTS TO THE COMAC ORDINANCE TO EFFECT THE CHANGES WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS AND, IF PASSED, WOULD BE PUT INTO EFFECT IN THE SECOND HALF OF THIS YEAR.

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

/9 ........

MONDAY, JANUARY It, 1993

COMMITMENT TO BETTER PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ *

THE GOVERNMENT IS COMMITTED TO FURTHER IMPROVING THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES, REDUCING ROAD HAZARDS AND INVESTING IN TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL LEUNG TODAY (MONDAY) IN A SESSION WITH THE MEDIA WHICH WAS ALSO ATTENDED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR RAFAEL HUI, AND THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF HIGHWAYS, MR K C YEUNG.

ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT IMPROVEMENT, MR LEUNG SAID UNDER THEIR FIVE-YEAR DEVELOPMENT PLANS, THE FRANCHISED BUS COMPANIES WILL INCREASE THEIR CARRYING CAPACITY BY 12 PER CENT BY 1997 WITH MORE EXPRESS ROUTES TO THE NEW TOWNS AND MORE AIR-CONDITIONED BUSES.

MR LEUNG SAID: "WE WILL ALSO KEEP IN VIEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR INTRODUCING MORE HEALTHY COMPETITION IN PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES FOLLOWING THE INTRODUCTION OF A SECOND FRANCHISED BUS OPERATOR ON HONG KONG ISLAND."

TO ENABLE PUBLIC TRANSPORT OPERATORS TO BE DIRECTLY ACCOUNTABLE TO THEIR CUSTOMERS, MR LEUNG SAID BOTH KOWLOON MOTOR BUS CO (KMB) AND CHINA MOTOR BUS CO (CMB) WILL SET UP THEIR PASSENGER LIAISON GROUPS THIS YEAR.

THIS FOLLOWED THE SUCCESS BY THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORP (MTRC) AND KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORP (KCRC) AND HONGKONG YAUMATEI FERRY IN ESTABLISHING THEIR OWN PASSENGER LIAISON GROUPS.

MR LEUNG NOTED THE SUCCESS IN KEEPING THE PEAK HOUR PASSENGER FLOW ALONG THE MTR NATHAN ROAD CORRIDOR BELOW THE ACCEPTABLE LEVEL OF 75,000 LAST YEAR, BY INTRODUCING 13 NEW EXPRESS BUS ROUTES, MORE RESIDENTIAL COACH SERVICES AND NEW TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES.

AS A FURTHER MEASURE, MTRC WILL BE UPGRADING ITS SIGNALLING, VENTILATION AND POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM SO THAT AN ADDITIONAL SOUTH-BOUND TRAIN WILL BE OPERATED EACH HOUR DURING THE MORNING PEAK PERIOD LATER THIS YEAR, AND A FURTHER TRAIN NEXT YEAR.

OTHER NEW MEASURES TO IMPROVE THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES INCLUDE A PLAN BY THE YAUMATEI FERRY TO COMMISSION TWO 300-SEAT FAST VESSELS IN AUGUST THIS YEAR ON THE TUEN MUN-CENTRAL ROUTE.

"IT IS ALSO OUR INTENTION TO START A NEW HOVER FERRY SERVICE BETWEEN TUEN MUN AND WAN CHAI AS SOON AS POSSIBLE," MR LEUNG SAID.

ON ROAD SAFETY, MR LEUNG SAID THE GOVERNMENT REMAINED COMMITTED TO FURTHER REDUCING SAFETY HAZARDS ON THE ROADS.

LEGISLATION WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS WEEK TO TACKLE THE OVERLOADING OF GOODS VEHICLES.

/THERE ARE

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 1993

THERE ARE Pl,ANS TO EXTEND THE WEARING OF SEAT BELTS TO REAR SEAT PASSENGERS IN NEW PRIVATE CARS BY NEXT YEAR AND TO REDUCE HAZARDS ON STEEP ROADS BY INSTALLING MORE CRASH BARRIERS, LAYING ANTI-SKID MATERIAL AND THROUGH TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES.

"WE ARE ALSO CONSIDERING MAKING MEDICAL CHECK-UP COMPULSORY FOR BUS DRIVERS."

WITH REGARD TO TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE, MR LEUNG SAID EXPENDITURE ON ROAD PROJECTS INCLUDING THOSE LINKING THE NEW AIRPORT WILL INCREASE SUBSTANTIALLY FROM $1,556 MILLION IN 1991/92 TO $3,790 MILLION IN 1992/93.

THE FIGURE WILL RISE FURTHER TO $6,493 MILLION IN 1993/94.

"NEW TRANSPORT PROJECTS, SUCH AS THE WEST KOWLOON EXPRESSWAY AND ROUTE 3 (KWAI CHUNG - THING YI SECTION) ARE NOT ONLY TO SERVE THE NEW AIRPORT. THEY WILL BENEFIT THE TERRITORY AS A WHOLE," HE SAID.

MR LEUNG ALSO PLEDGED TO MAINTAIN THE MOMENTUM IN BUILDING MORE NEW ROADS AND IMPROVING EXISTING ONES TO MEET THE GROWING TRANSPORT NEEDS.

HE NOTED THAT MAJOR ROAD PROJECTS COMPLETED LAST YEAR INCLUDED THE RECONSTRUCTION OF KING’S ROAD, THE YUEN LONG WEST LINK TO TIN SHU1 WAI AND THE FINAL SECTION OF THE NT CIRCULAR ROAD BETWEEN AU TAU AND FAN KAM ROAD WHICH WILL BE OPEN TO TRAFFIC ON SATURDAY (JANUARY 16).

PROJECTS DUE FOR COMPLETION THIS YEAR INCLUDE THE HILLSIDE ESCALATOR LINKING CENTRAL AND THE MID-LEVELS AND THE TUEN MUN-YUEN LONG EASTERN CORRIDOR.

PROJECTS DUE TO START THIS YEAR INCLUDE THE WEST KOWLOON CORRIDOR AND THE SECOND TSING

THE YAUMATEI SECTION OF YJ SOUTH BRIDGE.

FOR LONG-TERM DEVELOPMENT, MR LEUNG SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD CARRIED OUT A NUMBER OF STRATEGIC STUDIES.

IN PARTICULAR, THE UPDATING OF THE SECOND COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORT STUDY (CTS-2) IS NEARING COMPLETION.

"THE UPDATE EXTENDS THE TRANSPORT PLANNING HORIZON UP TO 2011, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT, PORT, AIRPORT AND OTHER NEW LAND-USE DEVELOPMENTS," HE ADDED.

HE SAID THE AVERAGE TRAVELLING TIME HAD BEEN SHORTENED BY 10-15 PER CENT DURING 1986 TO 1991, DUE LARGELY TO A SUBSTANTIAL ROAD BUILDING PROGRAMME AND IMPROVEMENT IN THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM.

"THE IMPROVEMENT IS PARTICULARLY SIGNIFICANT WHEN ONE CONSIDERS THAT THERE HAS BEEN AN ANNUAL VEHICLE GROWTH OF 7.5 PER CENT IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS AND THAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG ARE TRAVELLING MORE WITH AN AVERAGE OF ABOUT 10.3 MILLION TRIPS MADE A DAY IN 1992, REPRESENTING A 24 PER CENT RISE COMPARED TO 1981," MR LEUNG SAID.

/THE CTS-2 .......

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 1993

THE CTS-2 UPDATE RECOMMENDS THE CONSTRUCTION OF 12 MAJOR NEW ROADS OVER THE PERIOD 1998 TO 2011 AS FOLLOWS:

* ROUTE 3 (COUNTRY PARK SECTION) AND TING KAU BRIDGE,

* HUNG HOM BYPASS AND PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD LINK,

* ROUTE 16 LINKING SHA TIN WITH LAI CHI KOK,

* MA WAN - SHAM TSENG LINK,

* CENTRAL AND WANCHAI BYPASS,

* CENTRAL KOWLOON ROUTE,

* HUNG HOM - KAI TAK LINK,

♦ ADDITIONAL TAI PO - SHA TIN LINK,

* GREEN ISLAND LINK,

* ROUTE 3 (TSING YI - STONECUTTERS SECTION), t ROUTE 7 FROM KENNEDY TOWN TO ABERDEEN AND

* A NEW NORTH-SOUTH ROAD IN THE NT.

MR LEUNG EMPHASISED THAT THE CTS-2 UPDATE WAS A STRATEGIC STUDY AND THAT IMPLEMENTATION OF ITS RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEW INFRASTRUCTURE WOULD DEPEND ON THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS.

MR LEUNG ALSO SAID THE STUDY ENVISAGED THAT GROWTH IN THE PRIVATE CAR FLEET WOULD BE LIMITED TO FIVE PER CENT PER ANNUM, COMPARED WITH THE PRESENT RATE OF 10 PER CENT PER ANNUM.

IF GROWTH CONTINUED AT PRESENT LEVELS, CONSIDERATION WOULD HAVE TO BE GIVEN TO FURTHER MEANS OF CONSTRAINING PRIVATE CAR GROWTH OR USAGE.

REFERRING TO ANOTHER STRATEGIC STUDY - THE RAILWAY DEVELOPMENT STUDY, MR LEUNG SAID THE FINAL DRAFT REPORT SHOULD BE READY FOR PUBLIC COMMENT BY MARCH.

THE STUDY WILL PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE RAIL SERVICES UP TO 2011, INCLUDING LINKS TO THE NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES.

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

APPOINTMENT OF TELECOMS CONSULTANT

*****

THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THE APPOINTMENT OF MR ALEXANDER ARENA TO THE POST OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT TO THE GOVERNMENT, PENDING ESTABLISHMENT’ OF THE NEW OFFICE OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY (OFTA).

THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID: "THE INTENTION IS To APPOINT MR ARENA TO HEAD THE NEW OFTA WHEN IT IS ESTABLISHED, SUBJECT TO OBTAINING THE NECESSARY APPROVALS. WE HOPE THE NEW OFFICE WILL BE OPERATIONAL EARLY IN THE SECOND QUARTER."

MR ARENA IS CURRENTLY7 ONE OF THE THREE MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNING BOARD OF AUSTEL, THE AUSTRALIAN TELECOMMUNICATIONS REGULATORY BODY.

/HE WAS

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 1993

HE WAS DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OP’ AUSTEL AND HAS EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE IN DEALING WITH THE REGULATORY ISSUES WHICH ARISE DURING THE PROCESS OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS MARKET LIBERALISATION.

HE HAS PARTICULAR INTERESTS IN THE ECONOMIC, FINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL ISSUES WHICH ARISE IN MULTI-CARRIER ENVIRONMENTS.

’’EMBARKING AS WE ARE ON THE OPENING UP OF THE LOCAL FIXED TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORK MARKET TO COMPETITION WE ARE VERY FORTUNATE TO HAVE OBTAINED THE SERVICES OF A REGULATOR OF MR ARENA’S HIGH STANDING AND TRACK RECORD.

"HIS APPOINTMENT UNDERSCORES OUR COMMITMENT TO THE SUCCESSFUL INTRODUCTION OF FIXED NETWORK COMPETITION," MRS CHAN SAID.

MR ARENA IS EXPECTED TO ARRIVE IN HONG KONG SHORTLY AFTER CHINESE NEW YEAR. INITIALLY, HE WILL BE WORKING IN ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH ADVISING MAINLY ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE OFFICE OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY.

MR ARENA IS 41 YEARS OLD, MARRIED WITH TWO CHILDREN. HE HAS A DEGREE IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING (COMMUNI CATTONS) AND HOLDS A MASTER’S DEGREE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION.

HE HAS WORKED FOR. THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT SINCE 1970 AND WAS APPOINTED AS MEMBER OF AUSTEL IN 1989.

PRIOR TO THIS, HE CO-ORDINATED THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT’S EXERCISE TO REFORM STATE ENTERPRISES IN THE TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATIONS SECTORS AND SERVED IN A NUMBER OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND AVIATION POLICY POSITIONS.

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

TAC BRIEFED ON UPDATED TRANSPORT STUDY

*****

THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC) AT ITS MEETING TODAY (MONDAY) NOTED THE MAIN FINDINGS OF THE DRAFT REPORT ON UPDATING THE SECOND COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORT STUDY (CTS-2).

TAC MEMBERS WERE ALSO INFORMED OF THE PROGRESS OF THE CURRENT PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON THE TAX I POLICY REVIEW.

AT THE MEETING, MEMBERS WERE BRIEFED ON THE CTS-2 UPDATE WHICH PROPOSED A CONSOLIDATED TRANSPORT STRATEGY FOR THE PERIOD UP TO 2011. TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE PORT, AIRPORT AND OTHER NEW LAND USE DEVELOPMENT.

THE DRAFT REPORT CONTAINED RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEW ROAD AND RAIL PROJECTS.

CTS-2 PRODUCED A TRANSPORT POLICY FOR HONG KONG UP TO THE YEAR 2001 UNDER THE SCENARIO THAT KAI TAK AIRPORT WOULD NOT BE REPLACED.

/THE UPDATING ......

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 1993

THE UPDATING BEGAN IN THE LIGHT OE THE PUBLICATION OE THE PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY STUDY AND OTHER TRANSPORT PLANNING STUDIES WHICH PROVIDED TRAFFIC PROJECTIONS UP TO THE YEAR 2011.

AT THE MEETING, MEMBERS RESOLVED TO SET UP A WORKING GROUP TO EXAMINE THE REPORT IN DETAIL WHICH WILL HAVE WIDE POLICY IMPLICATIONS IN TRANSPORT PLANNING.

THE WORKING GROUP WILL BE (HAIRED BY THE TAC CHAIRMAN PROFESSOR C K LEUNG AND THE MEMBERS ARE MR NG SHUI-LAI, MR LEUNG KONG-YUI, MR CLEMENT TAO AND MR LAM HO I-HAM. THEY MM TO REPORT BACK TO THE FULL COMMITTEE IN ABOUT TWO MONTHS.

ON THE PROGRESS OF THE TAXI POLICY REVIEW, MEMBERS WERE TOLD THAT UP TO DECEMBER 25 LAST YEAR, A TOTAL OF 43 WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS AND 201 TELEPHONE CALLS HAD BEEN RECEIVED SINCE THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION EXERCISE BEGAN ON OCTOBER. 30.

IN ADDITION, TAC MEMBERS HAD ATTENDED 17 MEETINGS, SEMINARS, RADIO INTERVIEWS AND TELEVISION PROGRAMMES INCLUDING NINE MEETINGS WITH THE DISTRICT BOARDS IN THE PROCESS OF CANVASSING PUBLIC OPINION.

TWELVE FURTHER MEETINGS HAVE BEEN SCHEDULED BEFORE THE CONSULTATION ENDS ON FEBRUARY 28 THIS YEAR.

A DETAILED ANALYSIS OF THE VIEWS RECEIVED IN THE CONSULTATION WILL BE AVAILABLE IN APRIL/MAY THIS YEAR.

- - 0 - -

GOVERNOR TO ADDRESS LEGCO MEMBERS * * * * *

, THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, WILL ADDRESS MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AT A SITTING OF THE COUNCIL AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY).

HE WILL ALSO INVITE AND ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS ON MATTERS ARISING THEREFROM.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO OBSERVE HIE PROCEEDING OF THE MEETING FROM THE PUBLIC GALLERY OF THE LEGCO CHAMBER.

THEY MAY RESERVE SEATS BY CALLING 869 9492.

- - 0 - -

/14

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 1993

DEVELOPMENT AND NATURE CONSERVATION CAN PROCEED IN TANDEM

**»*»*

THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE,SAID WITH PROPER PLANNING AND CAREFUL EXECUTION, THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TERRITORY’S PRIMARY INDUSTRIES AND NATURE CONSERVATION CAN PROCEED IN TANDEM.

SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL MEET-THE-MEDIA SESSION AT THE TAI MO SHAN COUNTRY PARK VISITOR CENTRE THIS (MONDAY) AFTERNOON, DR LEE SAID UIS DEPARTMENT, WHILE ON ONE HAND PROMOTED THE DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, ON THE OTHER TOOK CARE OF THE ENVIRONMENT.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE NAME AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DID NOT FULLY REFLECT THE DEPARTMENT’S MAIN AREAS OF WORK, AS IT HAD DEPLOYED MORE THAN 50 PER CENT OF ITS RESOURCES ON NATURE CONSERVATION AND COUNTRY PARKS-RELATED WORK.

THE DEPARTMENT WAS ALSO THE ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY OF SOME 20 PIECES OF LEGISLATION, RANGING FROM THE PROMOTION OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT OF COUNTRY PARKS, PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES AND WILD ANIMALS TO THE SAFE USE AND TRADING OF PESTICIDES AS WELL AS CONCERN OVER ANIMAL WELFARE.

ON NATURE CONSERVATION, DR LEE SAID THROUGH THE MANAGEMENT OF 21 COUNTRY PARKS AND 14 SPECIAL AREAS, THE DEPARTMENT HAD ALL ALONG BEEN TAKING ACTIVE STEPS TO CONSERVE THE TERRITORY'S FLORA, FAUNA AND NATURAL HABITATS.

"IT HAS ALSO MANAGED TO REHABILITATE A NUMBER OF DEGRADED ECOSYSTEMS IN COUNTRY PARKS AND TO PROMOTE THE RECOVERY OF THREATENED SPECIES.

"DURING THE YEAR, THE WILD ANIMALS PROTECTION ORDINANCE HAS BEEN AMENDED TO EXTEND PROTECTION TO COVER THE RARE LOCAL WILD ANIMAL SPECIES OF ROMER’S TREE FROG, HONG KONG CASCADE FROG, WATER MONITOR AND ALL MONGOOSES.

"A BILL HAS ALSO BEEN INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO AMEND THE FORESTS AND COUNTRYSIDE ORDINANCE FOR GREATER PROTECTION OF FORESTS AND PLANTS IN HIE COUNTRYSIDE," HF SAID.

ON THE EDUCATION SIDE, THE DEPARTMENT HAI) SET UP 10 TREE WALKS IN COUNTRY PARKS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY IN ADDITION TO ITS MANY PUBLICITY AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES ORGANISED TO ENHANCE THE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION.

TO FURTHER ACHIEVE THE OBJECTIVES OF NATURE CONSERVATION, THE AFI) IS ACTIVELY CONSIDERING EXTENDING SOME COUNTRY PARKS, DEVELOPING MARINE PARKS AND A MARINE RESERVE AS WELL AS EXTENDING THE RESTRICTED AREA AT INNER DEEP BAY, HE SAID.

AREAS BEING CONSIDERED FOR INCORPORATION INTO COUNTRY PARKS INCLUDED THE WAN TSAI PENINSULA NEAR HOI HA WAN IN SAI KUNG AND TAI TONG WEST.

/DETAILS OF .......

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 1993

DETAILS OF THE PROPOSALS WILL BE CIRCULATED TO RELEVANT DEPARTMENTS AND THE COUNTRY PARKS BOARD FOR CONSIDERATION, HE ADDED.

THE PUBLIC WILL ALSO BE CONSULTED IN DUE COURSE.

’’SUBJECT TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S APPROVAL, NEW LEGISLATION WILL BE INTRODUCED TO SET UP A MARINE PARKS AUTHORITY To PROVIDE FOR THE DESIGNATION, MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT OF MARINE PARKS AND MARINE RESERVES, AND TO MAKE REGULATIONS FOR THE CONTROL OF \( T1VI TIES IN THESE AREAS.”

DR LEE POINTED OUT THAT THE DEPARTMENT WAS ALSO INVOLVED IN THE PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF OFF-SITE ECOLOGICAL MITIGATION MEASURES FOR THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK AND OTHER AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME PROJECTS LAST YEAR.

APART FROM A CURRENT ECOLOGICAL STUDY ON THE CONSERVATION OF THE ROMER’S TREE FROG, THREE OTHER STUDIES FOR THE ENHANCED PROTECTION OF MANGROVE HABITATS, SEAGRASS COMMUNITIES AND FRESHWATER WETLAND HABITATS ARE ALSO BEING PURSUED, HE SAID.

TURNING TO FISHERIES, DR LEE SAID THE DEPARTMENT, WHILE RECOGNISING THE NECESSITY OF MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE TERRITORY, WORKED VERY HARD TO SAFEGUARD THE INTERESTS OF THE FISHING COMMUNITY WHOSE LIVELIHOOD WAS AFFECTED BY THE UNPRECEDENTED LARGE-SCALE DREDGING AND DUMPING XCTI\ IT IES AT THE FORESHORE AND SEABED.

"TO THIS END, A FISHERMEN LIAISON GROUP MEETING, AIMED TO IMPROVE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE FISHING COMMUNITY, HAD BEEN SET UP AND CHAIRED BY THE DEPARTMENT.’ HE SAID.

TO MITIGATE AGAINST THE ADVERSE IMPACT ON THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT, HE SAID THE DEPARTMENT HAD INTENSIFIED ITS EFFORTS IN PURSUING THE DEPLOYMENT OF AN ARTIFICIAL REEF WITH A VIEW TO ENHANCING FISH RESOURCES AND CONSERVING MARINE LIFE.

A FEASIBILITY STUDY ON THE PROJECT, TO BE CONDUCTED IN CAPE D’AGUI LAR, WAS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY MID-1996.

ON THE AGRICULTURAL FRONT, DR LEE SAID WHILE THE DEPARTMENT CONTINUED TO DEVELOP THE PRODUCTION OF LOCAL FRESH FOOD, IT HAD ALSO BEEN ACTIVE IN EXPLORING AND PROMOTING ENVIRONMENTALLY ACCEPTABLE FARMING TECHNIQUES LAST YEAR.

APART FROM THE CONTINUED EXPLORATION OF SUITABLE EXOTIC VARIETIES OF HIGH-VALUE VEGETABLES, DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY PRODUCTION SYSTEMS, INCLUDING SOILLESS CULTURE OR HYDROPONICS, ARE BEING DEVELOPED AND INTRODUCED TO GROWERS, HE SAID.

OTHER ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY MEASURES PURSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT LAST YEAR INCLUDED THE PROMOTION OF THE EFFLUENT-FREE "PIG-ON-LITTER” RAISING METHOD, CONTROLS OVER THE USE OF PESTICIDES AND THE FURTHER EXPANSION OF THE AGRICULTURAI LAND REHABILITATION SCHEME.

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

/16 ........

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 1993

SMALL INCREASE IN NUMBER OF COURT INSOLVENCIES

******

THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER, MR ROBIN HEARDER, SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT 1992 SHOWED ONLY A SMALL INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF NEW INSOLVENCIES REACHING THE COURTS.

THERE WERE 342 NEW COMPULSORY COMPANY LTQI 1DAT1ONS AND 295 NEW PERSONAL BANKRUPTCIES COMPARED WITH CORRESPONDING FIGURES OF 346 AND 283 IN 1991, AN INCREASE OF 1.27%.

HOWEVER, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF NEW CASES AT 637 WAS ONLY 91% OF THE HIGHEST EVER TOTAL FIGURE OF 699 CASES WHICH WAS RECORDED IN 1985.

THE BUSINESSES MAINLY AFFECTED BY COMPULSORY COMPANY LIQUIDATIONS AND BANKRUPTCIES INCLUDED GARMENT AND KNITTING MANUFACTURING, RESTAURANTS AND CANTEENS, IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS, AND COMPANY DIRECTORS GIVING PERSONAL GUARANTEES.

PETITIONS WERE FILED BY THE DIRECTOR OF LEGAL AID (41%), TRADE CREDITORS (46%), RANKS AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS (12%) AND OTHERS (1%) .

OTHER THAN BANK OF CREDIT AND COMMERCE HONG KONG LIMITED AND BCCI FINANCE INTERNATIONAL LIMITED IN WHICH SPECIAL MANAGERS WERE APPOINTED WITH THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER AS LIQUIDATOR, MORE COMPLICATED OR SIGNIFICANT INSOLVENCIES DURING THE YEAR WERE HW SECURITIES COMPANY LIMITED, UNJ TEX LIMITED, W L SHIPPING COMPANY LIMITED GROUP, YUN J1P AUTO SERVICE LIMITED, BIRDCAGE WALK LIMITED, OCEAN STORY LIMITED, HING FUNG TEXTILES LIMITED, NG YAT CHI AND CHEN TAI HWA.

FIFTY-FIVE SUMMONSES WERE ISSUED AGAINST DIRECTORS OF COMPULSORILY WOUND-UP COMPANIES FOR FAILURE TO SUBMIT STATEMENT OF AFFAIRS TO THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER, OF WHOM 45 WIRE CONVICTED AND THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF FINES IMPOSED BY THE COURT WAS $298,390.

TOTAL DIVIDENDS DECLARED BY HIE OFFICIAL RECEIVER LAST YEAR AMOUNTED TO $221.36 MILLION IN 207 INSOLVENCIES, AS AGAINST $91.7 MILLION IN 242 INSOLVENCIES IN 1991, AN INCREASE OF 141%.

THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ACTIVE INSOLVENCY CASES BEING HANDLED BY THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER’S OFFICE AT 'HIE END OF THE YEAR WAS 1,903, REPRESENTING 1,145 COMPULSORY COMPANY LIQUIDATIONS AND 758 PERSONAL BANKRUPTCIES, AS AGAINST A TOTAL Oh 1,793 AT THE END Oh 1991.

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

/17........

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 1993

HK - LEADING FUND MANAGEMENT CENTRE IN SE ASIA *****

HONG KONG HAS ADOPTED A FLEXIBLE APPROACH TO MARKET REGULATION FOR THE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT INDUSTRY, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

"THIS FLEXIBLE REGULATORY APPROACH, COMBINED WITH OUR EXCELLENT INFRASTRUCTURE AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AS WELL AS OUR GEOGRAPHIC POSITION AMONG THE EMERGING MARKETS OF THIS REGION, HAS MADE US THE LEADING FUND MANAGEMENT CENTRE IN SOUTHEAST ASIA, " HE SAID.

MR MACLEOD WAS SPEAKING AT A CEREMONY TO PRESENT THE FUND MANAGER OF THE YEAR AWARDS ORGANISED BY THE SUNDAY MORNING POST.

CITING AN EXAMPLE OF THE FLEXIBLE APPROACH, MR MACLEOD NOTED THAT THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION HAD AGREED TO STREAMLINE APPLICATION PROCEDURES \ND ALLOW WARRANT FUNDS, LEVERAGE FUNDS, AND FUNDS INVESTING IN FUTURES AND OPTIONS TO BE MARKETED TO THE PUBLIC IN HONG KONG.

HE ADDED: ‘WHILE THE PROVISION OF AN EFFECTIVE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THE INDUSTRY IS OF PRIMARY IMPORTANCE, THE QUALITY OF THE PLAYERS INVOLVED IS EQUALLY SIGNIFICANT."

THE INTRODUCTION OF THIS FUND MANAGER AWARD WAS A USEFUL STEP FORWARD IN ENCOURAGING MARKET PARTICIPANTS, AND INFORMING THE PUBLIC ABOUT THIS IMPORTANT SECTOR, HE SAID.

GOVT OFFICIALS VISIT BROADCASTING AUTHORITIES IN (HINA

*****

A GOVERNMENT DELEGATION LED BY THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MRS RACHEL (ARTLAND, VISITED THE RADIO AND TELEVISION BUREAU OF GUANGDONG PROVINCE AND RADIO AND TELEVISION STATIONS IN GUANGZHOU AND SHENZHEN OVER TWO DAYS LAST WEEK.

THE DELEGATION COMPRISED THE PRINCIPAL \SSISTANT SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR PETER HARRISON; ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING, MISS MARIA WAN, AND ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR WILLIAM KWAN.

ON RETURN TO HONG KONG, MRS ('ARTLAND SAID HER DELEGATION HAD BEEN WARMLY RECEIVED IN CHINA AND THERE HAD BEEN A MOST USEFUL AND CONSTRUCTIVE EXCHANGE OF VIEWS.

"WHILST CLEARLY THERE ARE DIFFERENCES, NEVERTHELESS WE WERE STRUCK BY THE MANY SIMILARITIES IN OUR APPROACH TO BROADCASTING," MRS CARTLAND SAID.

SHE SAID: "WHILE RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AND HONG KONG’S COMMERCIAL BROADCASTERS HAVE ALREADY DEVELOPED VERY GOOD RELATIONS WITH BROADCAST I NG ORGANISATIONS ACROSS THE BORDER, THIS WAS THE FIRST EXCHANGE AT POLICY-MAKING LEVEL."

/"THERE IS

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 1993

’’THERE IS NOW A BASIS FOR INCREASED CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE MAINLAND AND HONG KONG IN THE BROADCASTING FIELD: IN PARTICULAR, REFLECTING THE CLOSE ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL TIES BETWEEN SOUTH CHINA AND HONG KONG.

’’EACH SIDE NOW HAS A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF HOW THE OTHER’S BROADCASTING SYSTEMS OPERATE AND ARE REGULATED. THE CHINESE WERE PARTICULARLY KEEN TO KNOW MORE ABOUT NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN BROADCASTING IN HONG KONG.

"WE HAD A GOOD EXCHANGE OF VIEWS AND WE SHALL CERTAINLY BUILD ON THIS FOUNDATION TO ESTABLISH BITTER CO-OPERATION WITH CHINA IN THE BROADCASTING FIELD."

------g--------

MEXICO STOPS ANTl-DUMPI NG INVESTIGATION ON COTTON WOVEN FABRICS ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

THE MEXICAN GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED TO TERMINATE ITS ANTI-DUMPING INVESTIGATION ON IMPORTS OF COTTON WOVEN FABRICS, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF DENIM, FROM HONG KONG, ARGENTINA, BRAZIL, COLOMBIA, SOUTH KOREA, THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF (HINA, TAIWAN AND PAKISTAN.

A COMMERCIAL INFORMATION CIRCULAR PUBLISHED BY THE TRADE DEPARTMENT SAID THE MEXICAN MINISTRY OF TRADE AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT (MCTD) FOUND THAT THERE WERE INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE TO ESTABLISH THE EXISTENCE OF DUMPING.

THE COMPLAINT AGAINST DUMPING WAS LODGED BY THE NATIONAL TEXTILE INDUSTRY CHAMBER OF MEXICO AND INVESTIGATION BY THE MCID WAS INITIATED LAST JUNE.

SINCE THEN, THE TRADE DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN WORKING CLOSELY WITH HONG KONG COMPANIES ENGAGED IN EXPORTING THE PRODUCTS IN QUESTION TO MEXICO TO PROVIDE PROCEDURAL ADVICE.

ACCORDING TO TRADE STATISTICS, DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS OF WOVEN FABRICS OF COTTON TO MEXICO, EXCLUDING DENIM, AMOUNTED TO HK$17.1 MILLION AND HK$36.2 MILLION RESPECT IVELY IN 1991.

-----U-------

SHENZHEN DELEGATION VISITS MARINE DEPARTMENT

*****

THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR TONY MILLER, TODAY (MONDAY) MET A SEVEN-MEMBER DELEGATION OF THE HARBOUR SUPER INTENDENCY BUREAU IN SHENZHEN WHO ARE NOW ON A FAMILIARISATION VISIT IN HONG KONG.

THE DELEGATES HOPED TO ACHIEVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE OPERATION OF THE HONG KONG PORI' AND THE FUTURE PLANS OF THE PORT’S DEVELOPMENT THROUGH A VISIT TO THE MARINE: DEPARTMENT.

/LED BY .......

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 1993

LED BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR, SHENZHEN HARBOUR ADMINI STRATION BUREAU, MR ZHANG WEI-ZHONG, THE GROUP WAS RECEIVED BY MR MILLER AND SENIOR OFFICIALS AT THE DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS IN CENTRAL THIS AFTERNOON.

THEY WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED ON A WIDE SPECTRUM OF TOPICS. THE BRIEFING WILL LAST TWO DAYS.

THE TOPICS INCLUDED THE DIFFERENT STAGES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE HONG KONG PORT, PORT OPERATIONS, SHIP INSPECTIONS AND PROCEDURES, THE FORMULATION OF PORT DEVELOPMENT POLICIES, THE PROCEDURES OF SETTING UP FAIRWAY, ANCHORAGE, FIRE-FIGHTING AT SEA, SEARCH AND RESCUE, AND THE PROTECTION OF MARINE ENVIRONMENT.

THE PARTY WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED ON THE GOVERNMENT’S INVOLVEMENT IN SHIPPING AGENCIES, SHIPPERS AND PILOTAGE, THE ORGANISATIONAL SET-UP OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT, AND THE PORT DEVELOPMENT BOARD WITH REGARD TO THEIR OPERATIONAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES.

BOTH PARTIES EXCHANGED VIEWS AND SHARED THEIR EXPERIENCE OF MARINE MATTERS.

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

LAN KWAI FONG INQUIRY

OUTLINE OF WORK DONE ON MONDAY (JANUARY 11) UP TO 4.30 PM * * * * *

1. REVIEWING FURTHER STATEMENTS.

2. INTERVIEWING WITNESSES.

3. STUDYING COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRES FROM THE HOSPITALS.

4. ARRANGING FOR WITNESSES AND REPRESENTATIONS IN "OPEN" SESSION TOMORROW AND WEDNESDAY (COURT NO. 10, SIXTH FLOOR, SUPREME COURT, 38 OUEENSWAY. HONG KONG).

5. VISIT TO LAN KWAI FONG TO OBSERVE THE SAME AFTER DARK.

NOTE:

OVER THE WEEKEND, THE PRINCIPAL WORK CONSISTED OF ANALYSING MATERIAL GATHERED SO FAR.

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/20 ........

MONDAY. JANUARY 11. 1993

- 20 -

LEGCO MEETS ON WEDNESDAY *****

LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, DR THE HON PHILIP WONG. WILL MOVE A MOTION ON WEDNESDAY (JANUARY 13) AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING NOT TO INTRODUCE THE GOVERNOR'S POLITICAL PROPOSALS.

THE MOTION READS: "THAT THIS COUNCIL URGES THE GOVERNMENT NOT TO INTRODUCE THE CONSTITUTIONAL PACKAGE AS OUTLINED IN THE GOVERNOR'S POLICY ADDRESS MADE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON 7 OCTOBER 1992."

MEMBERS WILL ALSO ASK A TOTAL 20 QUESTIONS AND CONSIDER 14 BILLS AT THE MEETING.

OF THE 12 BILLS, TWO WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. DEBATES ON THEM WILL BE ADJOURNED.

THEY ARE ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) (NO. 4) BILL 1992 AND TELEVISION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1993.

DEBATES ON THE OTHER BILLS WILL BE RESUMED. THEY ARE DUE TO GO THROUGH THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND BE GIVEN A THIRD READING.

THEY ARE DISTRICT COURT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992, SUPREME COURT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992, PENSIONS MODIFICATION BILL 1992, PENSIONS ORDINANCE AND REGULATIONS (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENT) BILL 1992, MERCHANT SHIPPING (SAFETY) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992, HONG KONG EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992, THEFT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992, REGISTRAR GENERAL (ESTABLISHMENT) (TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS AND REPEAL) BILL, TRUSTEE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992 AND COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992.

IN ADDITION, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL WILL MOVE FOUR MOTIONS UNDER THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGES ORDINANCE.

THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY WILL MOVE A MOTION UNDER DRUG TRAFFICKING (RECOVERY OF PROCEEDS) ORDINANCE.

THE HON ELSIE TU WILL RAISE AN ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE AVAILABILITY OF RENTAL PUBLIC HOUSING.

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

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

/21 .......

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 1993

POST OFFICE INTRODUCES NEW LETTER SCALES

*****

A NEW TYPE OF ELECTRONIC TODAY (MONDAY) FOR USE INITIALLY THE GENERAL POST OFFICE AND TS1M

LETTER SCALE HAS BEEN AT 15 BUSIEST POST OFFICES SHA TSUI POST OFFICE.

INTRODUCED

INCLUDING

EXPLAINING DETAILS OF THE MACHINE, THE ACTING GENERAL, MRS DORIS HO, SAID THE NEW ELECTRONIC AUTOMATICALLY CALCULATE THE POSTAGE REQUIRED FOR POSTING A TO A PARTICULAR COUNTRY.

POSTMASTER

SCALE CAN

MAIL ITEM

CUSTOMERS WILL BE ABLE TO SEE THE POSTAGE REQUIRED PHROUGH A REMOTE LIGHT EMITTING DIODE DISPLAY PANEL INSTALLED AT THE COUNTER TOP, SHE SAID.

’’THESE NEW SCALES WILL HELP TO REDUCE THE TRANSACTION TIME, ENSURE THE COLLECTION OF THE CORRECT POSTAGE AND IMPROVE THE OVERALL EFFICIENCY OF THE POST OFFICE COUNTER SERVICE.

’’THE PLAN IS TO PROVIDE ALL POST OFFICES WITH THESE NEW SCALES WITHIN THE NEXT FEW YEARS,” SHE SAID.

THE NEW ELECTRONIC SCALE IS ONE Ob SEVERAL AUTOMATION THAT THE POST OFFICE HAS PLANNED TO IN I'RODUI E IN ORDER TO SERVICES TO ITS CUSTOMERS AND TO IMPROVE OVERALL EFFICIENCY.

PROJECTS ENHANCE

OTHER PROJECTS INCLUDE. SELF SERVICE AUTO-MAILING EQUIPMENT AND A COMPUTERISED SPEEDPOST ACCEPTANCE SYSTEM.

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

45 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN OCTOBER *****

THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT APPROVED 45 NEW BUILDING PLANS IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR.

OF THESE, 21 WERE FOR HONG KONG, 12 FOR KOWLOON AND 12 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THE APPROVED PLANS INCLUDED 22 FOR APARTMENT, APARTMENT/COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS, 10 FOR COMMERI CAL DEVELOPMENTS AND ONE FOR FACTORY AND INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES.

DURING THE MONTH, THE OFFICE GAVE CONSENT FOR WORK TO START ON 41 PROJECTS, INVOLVING 128,112 SQUARE METRES OF USABLE DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA AND 63,619 SQUARE METRES OF USABLE NON-DOMEST I (’ FLOOR AREA.

THE TOTAL DECLARED COST OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED DURING THE MONTH WAS ABOUT $3,283 MILLION.

USABLE FLOOR AREAS FOR DOMESTIC AND NON-DOMESTIC USES WERE ABOUT 173,768 SQUARE METRES AND ABOUT 151,394 SQUARE METRES RESPECT!VELY.

/IN OCTOBER .......

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 1993

IN OCTOBER, THE OFFICE ISSUED 39 OCCUPATION PERMITS, 15 FOR HONG KONG ISLAND, 10 FOR KOWLOON AND 14 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.

IN ADDITION, 24 DEMOLITION CONSENTS AFFECTING 47 BUILDING WERE

ISSUED.

THE OFFICE’S CONTROL AND ENFORCEMENT DIVISION RECEIVED 627 COMPLAINTS ON ILLEGAL BUILDING WORKS, CARRIED OUT 1,746 INSPECTIONS AND ISSUED 273 REMOVAL ORDERS.

THE DANGEROUS BUILDING SECTION INSPECTED 700 BUILDINGS AND OBTAINED TWO EMERGENCY CLOSURE ORDERS.

- - 0 - -

RATES FOR FIRST QUARTER DUE THIS MONTH * * * * *

THE TREASURY REMINDS RATEPAYERS THAT RATES FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR ARE DUE ON JANUARY 30.

PAYMENT MAY BE MADE BY POST ADDRESSED TO THE DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES, PO BOX 8000, GPO, HONG KONG OR IN PERSON AT ANY OF THE FOLLOWING OFFICES:

* THE TREASURY HEADQUARTERS COLLECTION AND PAYMENT OFFICE, IMMIGRATION TOWER, FIRST FLOOR, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG;

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

♦ THE NORTH POINT SUB-TREASURY, MAX SHARE CENTRE, FIRST FLOOR, 373 KING’S ROAD, HONG KONG (OPEN FROM JANUARY 18);

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

* THE YAU MA TEI SUB-TREASURY, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, FOURTH FLOOR, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON;

* THE KOWLOON CITY SUB-TREASURY, MAN SANG COMMERCIAL BUILDING, FIRST FLOOR, 348-352 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, KOWLOON; AND

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

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TREASURY SAID RATES DEMAND NOTES FOR THE FIRST QUARTER. HAD BEEN ISSUED.

RATEPAYERS WHO HAVE NOT RECEIVED Till1: NOTES SHOULD BRING ALONG THOSE FOR ANY PREVIOUS QUARTER TO ANY OF THE TREASURY COLLECTION OFFICES AND DUPLICATE DEMAND NOTES WILL BE ISSUED TO THEM, HE SAID.

/IF THE

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 1993

IF THE RATEPAYERS CANNOT PRODUCE RATES DEMAND NOTES FOR ANY PREVIOUS QUARTER, THEY SHOULD INQUIRE AT THE TREASURY RATES SECTION, IMMIGRATION TOWER, 30TH FLOOR, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, HONG KONG.

NON-RECEIPT OF THE DEMAND NOTES DOES NOT ALTER THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE RATES MUST BE PAID BY NOON ON JANUARY 30.

UNLESS SO PAID, RATEPAYERS MAY BE SUBJECT TO A SURCHARGE OF 5 PER CEM UNDER THE RATING ORDINANCE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

A FURTHER SURCHARGE OF 10 PER CENT MAY BE ADDED TO ACCOUNTS (INCLUDING THE NORMAL 5 PER CENT SURCHARGE) WHICH REMAIN UNPAID SIX MONTHS AFTER THE DUE DATE, HE ADDED.

RATEPAYERS WHO HAVE SUBMITTED A VALID DIRECT DEBIT AUTHORISATION SHOULD NOTE THAT PAYMENT SHOULD STILL BE MADE BY POST OR IN PERSON UNLESS THE WORDING "PAYMENT TO BE MADE BY AUTOPAY" IS SHOWN IN THE DEMAND NOTE.

IN THIS CASE THEIR PAYMENT OF RATES WILL BE MADE BY DIRECT DEBIT TO THEIR BANK ACCOUNTS ON JANUARY 30. RATEPAYERS SHOULD ENSURE THAT THEIR BANK ACCOUNTS CONTAIN THE NECESSARY FUNDS ON THAI’ DATE.

RATES ARE PAYABLE ON VACANT PROPERTIES BUT ARE REFUNDABLE UNDER THE CONDITIONS SPECIFIED IN SECTION 30 OF THE ORDINANCE.

UNDER SECTIONS 3O(1A) AND (2A) , HOWEVER, NO REFUNDS WILL BE MADE IN THE CASE OF A VACANT TENEMENT LAST USED OR. INTENDED TO BE USED WHOLLY OR PRIMARILY FOR DOMESTIC PURPOSES OR FOR THE PARKING OF VEHICLES (UNLESS VACANT BY REASON OF AN ORDER OF ’THE GOVERNMENT).

TO SAVE QUEUING TIME, THE SPOKESMAN URGED RATEPAYERS TO PAY BY CHEQUE OR MONEY' ORDER. SENT BY POST OR. BY EARLY PERSONAL ATTENDANCE AT A COLLECTION OFFICE.

HOWEVER, HE SAID THE MOST CONVENIENT PAYMENT METHOD WAS AUTOPAY' UNDER WHICH RATEPAYERS’ BANK ACCOUNTS WOULD BE DEBITED ON RATES DUE DATES.

APPLICATION FORMS FOR AUTOPAY ARE OBTAINABLE FROM TREASURY COLLECTION OFFICES, DISTRICT OFFICES AND ALL MAJOR BANKS IN HONG KONG OR BY TELEPHONING 829 5019.

- - 0 - -

/24 ......

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 1993

MORE WOULD VOTE IN ELECTIONS * * * *

WITH POLITICAL AWARENESS HEIGHTENED IN THE COMMUNITY, MORE PEOPLE WOULD VOTE IE ELECTIONS WERE TO BE HELD NOW, WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PETER MANN, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

SPEAKING AT A ROTARY LUNCHEON, HE DESCRIBED THE DISTRICT OFFICE AS A BRIDGE BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PEOPLE AND ALSO THE PRIVATE SECTOR.

"WE WANT TO INVOLVE BOTH RESIDENTS AND COMMERCIAL ORGANISATIONS IN DISTRICT AFFAIRS,” HE SAID.

AS AN EXAMPLE, MR MANN SAID HIS OFFICE HAD ORGANISED NUMEROUS COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES, SUCH AS THE RECENT WAN CHAI FESTIVAL, AND HELPED TO CO-ORDINATE THE WORK OF OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS IN THE DISTRICT.

ON ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT, HE SAID ABOUT 600 TREES HAD BEEN PLANTED OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS UNDER THE DISTRICT BOARD’S "GREEN WAN CHAI" CAMPAIGN.

FURTHERMORE, HE SAID HE HAD ENCOURAGED THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A WAN CHAI TENANTS ASSOCIATION TO HELP PROMOTE DISTRICT AFFAIRS.

- - 0 - -

WATER STORAGE FIGURE ♦ * * *

STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 53.6 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 314.413 MILLION CUBIC METRES.

THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 177.881 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 30.4 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.

- - 0 - -

/25

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 1993

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

$ MILLION

OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT REVERSAL OF LAF BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF NET TNJECTTON/WITHDRAWAL TODAY EFFECT OF LAF TODAY CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT IAF RATE 2.00 BlD/4.00 OFFER TW1 114.G *-0. 1,500 NIL 1 , 500 NIL -150 1 ,350 1* 11.1. .93

EF HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BILLS HONG EXCHANGE FUND KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS

TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD

1 WEEK 3.06 PCT 13 MONTHS 2402 5.50 100.95 4.65

1 MONTH 3.45 PCT 16 MONTHS 2405 5.50 100.83 4.91

3 MONTHS 3.78 PCT 19 MONTHS 2408 4.375 98.87 5.18

6 MONTHS 4.02 PCT 22 MONTHS 241 1 4.625 98.83 5.37

12 MONTHS 4.60 PCT TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 11,451 MN

CLOSED 11 JANUARY 1993

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1993

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVERNOR ADDRESSES LEGCO ........................................ 1

BANK OF CHINA TO ISSUE RANK NOTES .............................. )5

EXCO DISCUSSES CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT ...................... 16

PROPOSAL ON BANK DEPOSIT PROTECTION ............................ |6

COMMISSION OF INQUIRY APPOINTED ................................ 18

VIOLENT CRIMES DOWN TN 1992 .................................... 19

MORE PRIORITY ACCORDED TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ............. 22

I,AN KWAI FONG INQUIRY ......................................... 24

FOUR SITES SOLD FOR $1,510 MILLION ............................. 24

HK'S EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS FOR NOVEMBER .................... 25

NUMBER OF FLAT SALE DROPS LAST YEAR ............................ 33

ILLEGALLY IMPORTED CORAL SEIZED ................................ 35

NEW ACAN SETUP ANNOUNCED ....................................... 36

SECRETARY FOR WORKS VISITS EUROPE .............................. 37

SEMINAR TO PROMOTE WORK-BASED CHILD CARE CENTRES ............... 38

NEW CLINIC FOR YUEN CHAU KOK .................................. .38

FIRE PREVENTION MESSAGE FOR FLOATING POPULATION ................ 39

PHOTO CONTEST TO PROMOTE HEALTHY LIFESTYLE ..................... 39

131 VM'S RETURNED HOME TODAY ................................... 40

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

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .. 41

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1993

THE GOVERNOR THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN’S ADDRESS TO LEGCO MEMBERS

ON TUESDAY, 12TH JANUARY 1993

*******

HONOURABLE MEMBERS,

IT IS JUST OVER THREE MONTHS SINCE MY ADDRESS TO THIS COUNCIL SETTING OUT A POLICY AGENDA FOR HONG KONG BETWEEN NOW AND 1997. I’M GLAD TO SAY THAT THIS HAS GENERATED A GOOD DEAL OF DISCUSSION AND DEBATE SINCE OCTOBER 7TH, ALTHOUGH IF YOU RELIED SOLELY ON THE MEDIA FOR WHAT HAS BEEN SAID YOU COULD BE FORGIVEN FOR THINKING THAT THE ADDRESS CONCENTRATED ENTIRELY ON CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUES AND VERY LITTLE ELSE.

THIS IS NOT, PERHAPS, SURPRISING. THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE 1995 LEGCO ELECTIONS, THE LAST BEFORE HONG KONG’S CHANGE OF SOVEREIGNTY, ARE OF GREAT SIGNIFICANCE TO THE COMMUNITY. THIS IS AN ISSUE ON WHICH THERE ARE STRONG VIEWS AND GENUINE DIFFERENCES BOTH WITHIN THE COMMUNITY ITSELF AND BETWEEN THE PRESENT AND FUTURE SOVEREIGN POWERS.

THE PROPOSALS THAT I PUT FORWARD ON THE 7TH OCTOBER SOUGHT TO FIND A POINT OF BALANCE BETWEEN THOSE DIFFERING POSITIONS. IT’S NATURAL, INDEED IT IS FURTHER PROOF OF THE MATURE AND SOPHISTICATED SOCIETY THAT HONG KONG IS, THAT THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN SUCH AN ACTIVE DEBATE ON WHETHER THE BALANCE THAT 1 SOUGHT WAS THE RIGHT ONE OR WHETHER MORE WEIGHTS WERE NEEDED AT ONE END OF THE SCALE OR THE OTHER.

THE NEXT STAGE OF THAT DEBATE WILL BE STARTING IN A FEW WEEKS’

TIME IN THIS CHAMBER WHEN DRAFT LEGISLATION ON THESE CONSTITUTIONAL

MATTERS, THE TERMS OF WHICH ARE PRESENTLY BEING EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, WHEN THAT LEGISLATION WILL BE DEBATE WILL BRING WITH IT HEAVY RESPONSIBILITIES. TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE REASONABLE ASPIRATIONS OF

DISCUSSED BY INTRODUCED.

MEMBERS WILL

THE PEOPLE OF

THE

THE HAVE HONG

KONG FOR A GREATER SAY IN THEIR OWN AFFAIRS ON THE ONE HAND, AND THEIR DESIRE FOR STABILITY AND CONTINUITY ON THE OTHER.

THESE MATTERS ARE WEIGHTY AND IMPORTANT, IT’S NATURAL THAT THEY SHOULD OCCUPY A GREAT DEAL OF OUR ATTENTION. THAT WILL NO DOUBT CONTINUE TO BE THE CASE FOR SOME MONTHS TO COME, BUT LIFE GOES ON AND IT WOULD BE A MISTAKE IF WE ALLOWED POLITICAL ISSUES TO DOMINATE ALL OUR THINKING WHILE NEGLECTING ENTIRELY THE REST OF THE GOVERNMENT’S PROGRAMMES AND ACTIVITIES. THAT IS WHY MUCH OF MY SPEECH IN OCTOBER CONCENTRATED ON A RANGE OF OTHER ISSUES AFFECTING THE LIVELIHOOD AND THE WELL-BEING OF HONG KONG CITIZENS.

/I GAVE .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1993

1 GAVE MANY UNDERTAKINGS IN MY SPEECH, ON THESE ISSUES. I WAS

KEEN THAT THEY SHOULD NOT BE SIMPLY PAPER PROMISES; I WANTED TO BE TN A POSITION TO COME BACK TO YOU AFTER A YEAR AND TELL YOU WHERE WE WERE

MAKING PROGRESS AND, IF THERE WERE AREAS WHERE PROGRESS WAS NOT GOOD ENOUGH, TO TELL YOU WHAT WE WERE DOING ABOUT IT. SO I’VE SET UP A DETAILED SYSTEM OF PROGRESS-CHASING UNDER WHICH THE RELEVANT BRANCHES AND DEPARTMENTS ACROSS THE CIVIL SERVICE HAVE BEEN ASKED TO REPORT TO ME AT REGULAR INTERVALS HOW THEY ARE DOING IN MEETING THE SPECIFIC

TARGETS AND UNDERTAKINGS IN THE POLICY ADDRESS FOR WHICH RESPONSIBLE. I’VE RECENTLY RECEIVED THE FIRST ROUND OF OF COURSE WE STILL HAVE PLENTY OF WORK TO DO. REMEMBER

THEY ARE FEEDBACK.

THAT THE

AGENIM SET OUT IN THE

ADDRESS WAS A FIVE YEAR PROGRAMME SO THIS IS

TIME ior COMPLACENCY. BUT I AM PLEASED WITH THE RESULTS SO FAR AND

LET ME GIVE YOU JUST A FEW EXAMPLES.

IN THE HEALTH SECTOR, WE REMAIN ON TARGET FOR PROVIDING 4,200 ADDITIONAL HOSPITAL BEDS, OPENING 13 NEW CLINICS AND EXPANDING 11 EXISTING CLINICS BY 1997. WE SET OURSELVES SOME INTERNAL TARGETS TO BE MET BY DECEMBER 1992. I AM PLEASED TO SAY THAT WE MET THEM. THEY INCLUDED INTRODUCING AN ADVANCE APPOINTMENT SYSTEM FOR CHRONIC PATIENTS IN 49 GENERAL CLINICS, AND INSTALLING INDIVIDUAL MEDICAL RECORD SYSTEMS IN 26 OUT-PATIENT CLINICS. WE ALSO COMPLETED TWO NEW CLINICS DURING THIS PERIOD.

ON THE SOCIAL WELFARE SIDE, AGAIN WE ARE ON TARGET FOR MEETING ALL THE MAJOR UNDERTAKINGS IN THE ADDRESS BY 1997. 3,930 EXTRA RESIDENTIAL PLACES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, 3,760 ADDITIONAL WORKSHOP AND DAY-CENTRE PLACES FOR THE MENTALLY-HANDICAPPED, 44 ADDITIONAL HOME-HELP TEAMS, AND SO ON. SINCE OCTOBER, PREMISES HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED FOR ADDITIONAL SOCIAL SERVICE CENTRES AND VERY PRODUCTIVE DISCUSSIONS HAVE TAKEN PLACE WITH SERVICE DELIVERY AGENCIES TO ENSURE THAT THE ADDITIONAL SERVICES WE HAVE PROMISED WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE.

I KNOW THAT A NUMBER OF YOU WISH TO ASK QUESTIONS ABOUT THE HOUSING AND ENVIRONMENT SECTORS TODAY. ON HOUSING, WE ARE MAKING GOOD PROGRESS TOWARDS ACHIEVING OUR TARGETS FOR NEW PUBLIC SECTOR FLATS. SOME 2,800 HAVE BEEN COMPLETED SINCE THE BEGINNING OF NOVEMBER. WE ARE ON TARGET TO MEET OUR UNDERTAKING TO BUILD AN AVERAGE OF MORE THAN A HUNDRED FLATS A DAY BETWEEN NOW AND 1997. WE ARE ALSO ON TARGET FOR RE-HOUSING. BY 1997, THREE-QUARTERS OF THOSE IN EXISTING TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS; 3,500 HAVE BEEN RE-HOUSED ALREADY SINCE APRIL LAST YEAR. ON SANDWICH-CLASS HOUSING, SITES FOR THE FIRST YEAR OF THE INTERIM SCHEME HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED.

ON ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES, CONTROLS ON MAJOR CHEMICAL WASTE HAVE BEEN BROUGHT INTO FORCE SINCE NOVEMBER. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENTS ARE NOW BEING PROVIDED FOR ALL RELEVANT PAPERS PUT BEFORE EXCO. THE PRELIMINARY DESIGN OF STAGES ONE TO FOUR OF THE STRATEGIC SEWAGE DISPOSAL SCHEME HAS BEEN COMPLETED.

I COULD REPORT EQUALLY ENCOURAGING PROGRESS IN OTHER AREAS, SUCH AS EDUCATION, LAW AND ORDER, AND PERFORMANCE PLEDGES, BUT RATHER THAN USE UP MORE OF YOUR QUESTION TIME, I WILL LEAVE IT TO YOU TO ASK ME ABOUT THESE, IF YOU WISH.

/I WOULD .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1993

I WOULD JUST LIKE TO END WITH SOME WORDS ABOUT THE ECONOMY. SOME OF YOU MAY HAVE HEARD OR READ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S YEAR-ENDER REVIEW OF THE ECONOMY ON THE 30TH DECEMBER. IT WAS A RECORD OF WHICH HONG KONG CAN JUSTIFIABLY BE PROUD. REAL ECONOMIC GROWTH OF FIVE PER CENT, FULL EMPLOYMENT, A REAL INCREASE OF 20 PER CENT IN OUR TOTAL EXPORTS OVER A YEAR EARLIER, HONG KONG DISPLACING SINGAPORE AS THE WORLD’S BUSIEST CONTAINER PORT, THE HANG SENG INDEX UP 28 PER CENT OVER THE YEAR DESPITE RECENT FLUCTUATIONS, CONTINUING LOW AND PREDICTABLE TAXES. THE LIST GOES ON, ALTHOUGH I WILL NOT. BUT WHEN MUCH OF THE WORLD IS IN THE ECONOMIC DOLDRUMS IT IS SALUTARY TO REMIND OURSELVES FROM TIME TO TIME, JUST WHAT A THRIVING AND SUCCESSFUL PLACE HONG KONG TRULY IS.

1 UNDERSTAND THAT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAS AGREED - WHICH SAVES ME THE BURDEN - AN ORDER OF QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS WHO HAVEN’T BEEN PREVIOUSLY FORTUNATE IN CATCHING THE PRESIDENT’S EYE. SO PERHAPS I CAN TAKE THAT ORDER AS REPRESENTING ONCE AGAIN A HISTORIC CONSENSUS IN THIS COUNCIL, A CONSENSUS WHICH I’M SURE WILL OBTAIN TOMORROW AND IN THE WEEKS AND MONTHS THAT LIE AHEAD. CAN I BEGIN WITH MR STEPHEN POON.

MR STEPHEN POON: MR GOVERNOR, IN OCTOBER 1992, THE

SECRETARY FOR SECURITY CLAIMED THAT THE DECLINE IN VIOLENT SHOOTING INCIDENTS DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS OF LAST YEAR WAS A CLEAR INDICATION THAT THE POLICE HAD CORKED THE PROBLEM. THE EVENTS IN THE LAST WEEK, HOWEVER, HAVE PROVED VIOLENT SHOOTINGS TO BE A RECURRENT PROBLEM. WOULD THE GOVERNOR INFORM THIS COUNCIL WHAT MEASURES ARE BEING TAKEN TO DEAL WITH THIS ALARMING PROBLEM AND IN PARTICULAR, WHAT STEPS ARE BEING TAKEN TO PROTECT THE INNOCENT BYSTANDERS FROM THE THREAT OF JEWELLERY SHOP ROBBERIES, AND WHETHER THE PARTICIPATION OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA IN VIOLENT CRIMES IS ON THE RISE, AND IF SO, WHAT IS BEING DONE TO COUNTERACT THIS DISTURBING TREND?

THE GOVERNOR: I THINK THAT THE HONOURABLE MEMBER IS RIGHT TO ARGUE THAT EVENTS SHOW THAT ONE CAN NEVER BE COMPLACENT WHEN TALKING ABOUT LAW AND ORDER AND THE THREAT TO CIVILISED LIVING. HOWEVER, I AM SURE THE HONOURABLE MEMBER WOULD WISH TO RECOGNISE THAT WHATEVER THE APPALLING OCCASIONAL INCIDENCE OF VIOLENT CRIME, THIS IS ONE OF THE VERY FEW COMMUNITIES IN THE WORLD WHERE CRIME AS A WHOLE, AND VIOLENT CRIME IN PARTICULAR, ARE ACTUALLY FALLING. I SAW FIGURES PROVIDED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE THIS MORNING COMPARING CRIME LAST YEAR WITH CRIME THE YEAR BEFORE, AND I DOUBT WHETHER THERE ARE MANY CHIEF POLICE OFFICERS IN A SIMILAR POSITION TO POINT TO A FALL IN VIOLENT CRIME AND A FALL IN THE SORT OF CRIMES WHICH HAVE CAUSED THE COMMUNITY SO MUCH GENUINE CONCERN. WHY HAS THAT HAPPENED AND WHAT FURTHER SHOULD WE DO ABOUT IT?

1 THINK WE SHOULD COMMEND THE POLICE ON IMPROVED INTELLIGENCE AND ON THEIR IMPROVED STRENGTH ON THE STREET BECAUSE I THINK THE BEST WAY OF DETERRING THE SORT OF CRIMES WHICH CONCERN US ALL, IS BY AN ACTIVE PHYSICAL POLICE PRESENCE WHEREVER POSSIBLE. I THINK THAT IT IS ALSO TRUE THAT INDIVIDUAL SHOP OWNERS, SOME OF THE SHOPS THAT ARE PARTICULARLY HIT AT THIS TIME OF YEAR, CAN DO A GOOD DEAL TO HELP THEMSELVES AND I COMMEND WHAT THE FIGHT-CRIME COMMITTEE HAVE DONE AND SAID TO ENCOURAGE BETTER SECURITY PRECAUTIONS IN, FOR EXAMPLE, JEWELLERS SHOPS.

/BUT ALL .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1993

BUT ALL THAT SAID, NOTHING CAN EXCUSE THE CRIMES THAT WE HAVE SEEN AND IT IS WHOLLY UNDERSTANDABLE THAT THE COMMUNITY SHOULD BE AS CONCERNED AS IT IS ABOUT THEM, WHEN INNOCENT CITIZENS ARE GUNNED-DOWN ACCIDENTALLY IN THE STREETS IN WHICH THEY ARE SHOPPING IN BROAD DAYLIGHT. THE POLICE WILL, I KNOW, CONTINUE TO GIVE THIS MATTER THE GREATEST PRIORITY. THEY WILL CONTINUE TO SEEK THE IMPROVED COOPERATION WHICH WE ARE STARTING, IN MY VIEW, TO SEE, WITH THE AUTHORITIES IN THE PRC - AND I COMMEND THE AUTHORITIES IN THE PRC FOR THE HELP WHICH THEY HAVE GIVEN US. I HOPE THAT WE CAN CONTINUE TO TAKE EFFECTIVE MEASURES TO DEAL WJTH Il’S, AND I AM PLEASED THAT THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY' HAS BEEN TALKING VERY HELPFULLY' TO US ABOUT WHAT MORE CAN BE DONE, FOR EXAMPLE, TO DEAL WITH THE EMPLOYMENT OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS. THERE ARE A NUMBER OF AREAS THAT WE HAVE TO DEAL WITH.

I’M SURE, FINALLY, THAT THE POLICE WILL ALWAYS BE VERY CAREFUL ABOUT THE USE OF FIREARMS TN THE STREET, AND I DON’T BELIEVE THAT THE POLICE WANT TO GET INVOLVED IN AN ARMS-RACE WITH CRIMINALS. BUT ON THE OTHER HAND, I THINK THE COMMUNITY WOULD EXPECT THE POLICE TO DEAL IN AN APPROPRIATE WAY WITH VIOLENCE WHEN IT OCCURS, AND ALAS, FROM TIME TO TIME THAT DOES INVOLVE THE USE OF FIREARMS.

MR JAMES TO: MR GOVERNOR, IF WE DO NOT HAVE DEMOCRACY WE WILL NOT HAVE A GOOD LIVELIHOOD FOR OUR PEOPLE, SO I WOULD STILL GO BACK TO DEMOCRATIC REFORMS. NOW, YOU HAVE BEEN TALKING RECENTLY TO A LOT OF POLITICAL GROUPS AND FROM THE MASS MEDIA WE HAVE COME TO UNDERSTAND CERTAIN THINGS; THEY HAVE QUOTED WHAT YOU HAVE SAID. IT SEEMS AS IF YOUR DETERMINATION IN CARRYING FORWARD YOUR POLITICAL PACKAGE SEEMS TO BE WEAKENING. ARE YOU INTENDING TO BACK-PADDLE IN THIS AREA?

THE GOVERNOR: WHAT I AM INTENDING TO DO OVER THE COMING WEEKS, IS TO TAKE THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WHO WILL, I’M SURE, HAVE NOTED THEN THE VIEWS EXPRESSED OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT, AND THE VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE. 1 AM INTENDING TO TAKE THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND IN DUE COURSE PUT BEFORE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL PROPOSALS WHICH AGAIN, IN MY JUDGMENT, REPRESENT THE BEST POINT OF BALANCE WITHIN THE COMMUNITY ON ALL THESE MATTERS. I THINK THAT WHAT ALL OF US WANT TO SEE ARE CLEAN AND FAIR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE ELECTIONS IN 1991/95. J THINK WHAT ALL OF US SHOULD ALSO WANT TO SEE IS AS CREDIBLE A LEGISLATURE AFTER 1995 AS POSSIBLE TO WHICH THE EXECUTIVE CAN BE PROPERLY ACCOUNTABLE. THOSE REMAIN MY OBJECTIVES.

THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS BEEN DISCUSSING THESE MATTERS, THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS AGREED TODAY ON THE PUBLICATION OF A COMPENDIUM OF ALL THE VARIOUS PROPOSALS ON POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT, INCLUDING A NUMBER PUT BY INDIVIDUAL LEGISLATORS, SO THAT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND THE COMMUNITY CAN BE AWARE OF THE RANGE OF VIEWS THAT HAVE BEEN EXPRESSED. THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS ALSO AGREED, TODAY, ON THE GAZETTING OF A BILL ON AN ELECTORAL BOUNDARY COMMISSION, WHICH IS OF COURSE ESSENTIAL TO FAIR AND STRAIGHTFORWARD ELECTIONS, AND IN DUE COURSE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL HAVE TO CONSIDER THAT.

/LATER ON .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1993

LATER ON, AFTER THE CHINESE NEW YEAR, WE WILL BE PUTTING FURTHER PROPOSALS ON OTHER MATTERS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND IT WILL BE MY HOPE, FIRST OF ALL THAT WE CAN HAVE AS BROAD A BASE AS POSSIBLE IN THIS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR THE PROPOSALS FOR POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT, AND I ALSO HOPE THAT AT THE END OF THE DAY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL AGREE TO PROPOSALS WHICH ARE ACCEPTABLE TO THE COMMUNITY AND WHICH ARE ACCEPTABLE TO BOTH THE PRESENT AND THE FUTURE SOVEREIGN POWERS. THOSE MUST BE OUR OBJECTIVES AND I WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THEY SHOULD BE BEYOND CONTROVERSY. BUT SOONER OR LATER, THIS COUNCIL AND THIS COMMUNITY HAVE TO DEAL WITH THESE MATTERS, HAVE TO DEAL WITH THEM CONSTRUCTIVELY, AND I AM SURE WILL DEAL WITH THEM IN THE MATURE AND RESPONSIBLE WAY WHICH THE COMMUNITY HAS SHOWN ITSELF CAPABLE OF IN SO MANY OTHER AREAS.

DR. CONRAD LAM: MR GOVERNOR, THIS MORNING, LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS HELD A MEETING WITH GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS. GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS MADE SOME COMMENTS ON THE WAY EXCO MEMBERS ARE CONDUCTING THEMSELVES. I HOPE THAT YOU WILL RESPOND TO THIS. RECENTLY, OVER ONE HUNDRED HOUSEHOLDS FROM TO EWA WAN, SIXTH STREET, HAVE COME TO COMPLAIN ABOUT A CERTAIN CASE; THEY ARE SAYING THAT THE SHOPS SHOULD BE MORE EXPENSIVE THAN RESIDENTIAL UNITS, AND YET THEY HAVE TO PAY MORE RATES, BUT AS FAR AS COMPENSATION IS CONCERNED THE SHOPS ARE GETTING LESS THAN RESIDENTIAL UNITS. YET FROM THE OFFICIALS, THEY WERE TOLD THAT IT’S NOT THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS NOT FAIR TO THEM BUT RATHER THE EXCO MEMBERS ARE MUCH TOO GENEROUS WITH THE RESIDENTIAL UNITS. NOW, IF WHAT WE HAVE HEARD IS CORRECT, I HOPE THAT YOU, MR GOVERNOR, WILL ANSWER THE FOLLOWING THREE QUESTIONS.

FIRSTLY, WHY IS IT THAT THE EXCO MEMBERS ARE NOT TREATING EVERYBODY IN AN EQUAL MANNER? IN OTHER WORDS, MORE GENEROUS TO THE RESIDENTIAL UNITS BUT LESS GENEROUS TO THE SHOPS ON THE GROUND FLOOR.

SECONDLY, IS THERE AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS?

A LACK OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN EXCO MEMBERS

AND THIRDLY, EVER SINCE YOUR TAKING OFFICE, MR GOVERNOR, ARE THERE OFFICIALS WHO HAVE MADE SUGGESTIONS TO YOU SAYING THAT CERTAIN POLICIES THAT ARE OUT OF DATE SHOULD BE AMENDED?

THE GOVERNOR: FIRST OF ALL, ON THE WHOLE I THINK MOST MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, AND PERHAPS MOST MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, WOULD BE PLEASED IF THE MOST SERIOUS CHARGE MADE AGAINST THEM FROM TIME TO TIME WAS AN EXCESS OF GENEROSITY. BUT PUTTING THAT ON ONE SIDE, I THINK THAT WHAT THE HONOURABLE MEMBER IS ASKING ME ABOUT IS THE DIFFERENT PROCEDURES FOR TREATING RESIDENTIAL AND BUSINESS PROPERTIES IN THE CASE OF RESUMPTIONS. AS 1 RECALL, THE POSITION IS THAT BUSINESS PROPERTY IS COMPENSATED FOR THE LOSS OF VALUE OF THE BUSINESS AND THE LOSS OF VALUE OF THE PROPERTY; THAT RESIDENTIAL OWNERS ARE GIVEN ENOUGH COMPENSATION TO PURCHASE A SIMILAR RESIDENCE IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD. I THINK THAT IS, BROADLY SPEAKING, THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE POSITION OF RESIDENTIAL OWNERS AND BUSINESS OWNERS. AS 1 UNDERSTAND IT, THOSE ARRANGEMENTS HAVE EXISTED FOR SOME TIME AND THERE IS THOUGHT TO BE A REASON FOR THAT DIFFERENT TREATMENT.

/I AM ........

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1993

I AM NOT AWARE, MYSELF, OF OFFICIALS HAVING PUT TO ME PROPOSALS FOR CHANGES BUT I WILL CERTAINLY LOOK INTO THAT TO SEE IF IT IS THE CASE. I UNDERSTAND THAT THE PROCEDURES ARE LIKELY TO BE REVIEWED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE YEAR AND I AM SURE THAT THE DISTINCTION WHICH IS MADE BETWEEN RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES AND BUSINESS PROPERTIES CAN BE CONSIDERED AT THAT TIME.

MR PANG CHUN-HOI: IN YOUR POLICY ADDRESS, MR GOVERNOR,

YOU HAVE PUT IN $300 MILLION FOR THE RE-TRAINING FUND AND THIS SHOWS THE CONCERN OF THE GOVERNMENT FOR THOSE WHO ARE LOSING THEIR JOBS. AND YET AT THIS POINT REGARDING THE EMPLOYERS’ NEEDS, REGARDING SEX, ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS AND AGE, THERE SEEM TO BE CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS. THE GOVERNMENT IS ALSO IMPORTING LABOUR AND THEREFORE THE MIDDLE-AGED WORKERS WHO ARE BEING RE-TRAINED ARE AFFECTED. THEY HAVE A VERY LOW EDUCATION STANDARD TOO, AND THEREFORE THEY CAN’T REALLY BENEFIT FROM THE EXISTING RE-TRAINING SCHEME.

SO MY QUESTION IS: WHAT PLANS DOES THE GOVERNMENT HAVE IN ORDER TO HELP THOSE WHO ARE MIDDLE-AGED AND WHO HAVE VERY LOW EDUCATION STANDARDS, BECAUSE THEY ARE IN A VERY DIRE POSITION? AND AT THE SAME TIME, WOULD YOU CONSIDER AN AD HOC GROUP TO CO-ORDINATE THE DEPLOYMENT OF MANPOWER? WILL THE GOVERNMENT REVIEW THE IMPORTATION OF LABOUR SCHEME, AND WILL THE GOVERNMENT SET UP A COMPREHENSIVE LONG-TERM LABOUR POLICY?

THE GOVERNOR: I THINK THAT IT IS IMPORTANT IN ANSWERING A QUESTION LIKE THAT, WHICH IS OF VERY CONSIDERABLE SIGNIFICANCE FOR HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND FOR ISSUES LIKE THE ABATEMENT OF INFLATION. TO REMEMBER SOME OF THE ECONOMIC FACTS, I THINK I AM RIGHT IN SAYING THAT THE NUMBER OF VACANCIES IN THE LABOUR MARKET CONSIDERABLY EXCEEDS THE NUMBER OF THOSE WHO ARE AT PRESENT WITHOUT WORK. I Til I NK I AM ALSO RIGHT IN SAYING THAT THE NUMBER OF WORKERS BROUGHT IN UNDER THE LABOUR IMPORTATION SCHEME IS ALMOST CERTAINLY LOWER THAN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE NUMBER UNEMPLOYED AND THE NUMBER OF VACANCIES. THE NUMBER WHO ARE BROUGHT IN UNDER THE LABOUR IMPORTATION SCHEME REPRESENTS, I THINK, ABOUT ONE PER CENT OF THE TOTAL WORKFORCE IN HONG KONG. SO IN MY OWN VIEW, WE NEED TO KEEP IN MIND THOSE FACTS WHEN WE ADDRESS THE COMMUNITY’S CONCERNS ABOUT LABOUR MARKET ISSUES.

I HAVE GOT NO DOUBT AT ALL THAT IN ORDER TO STAY AS COMPETITIVE

AS WE NEED TO BE, AND IN ORDER TO COPE WITH INFLATION AS SUCCESSFULLY

AS WE WANT TO COPE WITH IT, AND IN ORDER TO PREVENT TOO BEING EXPORTED ELSEWHERE, WE HAVE TO USE OUR LABOUR EFFECTIVELY AS POSSIBLE. AND OF COURSE THE HONOURABLE

MANY JOBS

SUPPLY AS

MEMBER IS

RIGHT TO SAY THAT THAT INCLUDES THOSE WHO ARE OLDER AND MORE MATURE AS

WELL AS THOSE WHO ARE YOUNGER. MANY OF US, EVEN IN ADVANCE MIDDLE-AGE LIKE MYSELF, DON’T THINK WE ARE ENTIRELY PAST IT AND WOULD HOPE TO BE ABLE TO DEVELOP PERHAPS NEW SKILLS IN THE FUTURE.

/I DO..........

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1993

I DO THINK THAT THE RE-TRAINING SCHEME IS A VITAL PART OF HONG KONG'S ECONOMY. I AM PLEASED THAT THE COUNCIL SUPPORTED THE COMMITMENT OF AN EXTRA $300 MILLION TO RE-TRAINING. WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO RE-TRAIN ABOUT 10,000 PEOPLE A YEAR. BUT IF YOU LOOK AT OUR OVERALL NEEDS, THE COUNCIL MAY WELL REGARD THAT AS NOT BEING SUFFICIENT AND THE COUNCIL MAY ALSO BELIEVE THAT THERE ARE ADDITIONAL THINGS THAT WE SHOULD BE DOING. THEREFORE, I HOPE THAT THE RETRAINING FUND BOARD AND ALL THOSE INVOLVED IN THEIR TRAINING, WILL KEEP THE GOVERNMENT AND THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CLOSELY INFORMED ABOUT THEIR VIEWS AS TO HOW WE CAN MAKE INCREASINGLY GOOD USE OF OUR LABOUR MARKET, OF OUR WORKFORCE - MALE, FEMALE, OLDER, MIDDLE-AGED, YOUNGER -WE NEED TO MAKE USE OF ALL OUR TALENTS IF WE ARE GOING TO CONTINUE TO GROW AS WE HAVE IN THE LAST FEW YEARS, AND IF WE ARE GOING TO CONTINUE TO GENERATE THE WEALTH WHICH THE COMMUNITY NEEDS IN ORDER TO MEET ITS SOCIAL ASPIRATIONS.

MR DAVID LI: SIR, WILL THE ADMINISTRATION INFORM THIS COUNCIL WHAT FURTHER ACTION WILL BE TAKEN TO CONTROL THE USE OF TOBACCO IN PUBLIC PLACES IN VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL AGENCY’S RECENT CONCLUSION THAT SECONDHAND SMOKE REPRESENTS A SERIOUS HEALTH RISK TO NON-SMOKERS, PARTICULARLY TO CHILDREN?

TH1. GOVERNOR: I COME TO THIS ISSUE, LIKE A NUMBER OF OTHER HONOURABLE MEMBERS, WITH THE VIRTUOUS TREAD OF AN EX-SMOKER. I APOLOGISE TO ALL THOSE WHO IN THE PAST MAY HAVE HAD TO ENDURE MY SECONDARY SMOKING AND I SAY TO ALL THOSE WHOSE SMOKE I HAVE TO ENDURE TODAY, THAT I HOPE THEY WILL BE MINDFUL OF THE AMERICAN REPORT. I WOULD LIKE TO GIVE A MORE DETAILED REPLY TO THE HONOURABLE MEMBER AFTER CONSULTING THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE BUT PERHAPS I CAN MAKE ONE GENERAL POINT. I THINK THIS IS AN AREA WHERE IT IS IMPORTANT TO BALANCE REGULATION AND PERSUASION. I THINK, FOR EXAMPLE IN THE WORKPLACE, IT IS INVARIABLY SENSIBLE TO WORK WITH THE GRAIN WHEN DEALING WITH MATTERS LIKE THIS, RATHER THAN AGAINST. IN AREAS OF WORK FOR WHICH I HAVE BEEN RESPONSIBLE FROM TIME TO TIME IN THE PAST, LIKE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, I HAVE THEREFORE, RATHER THAN LAID DOWN INSTRUCTIONS ABOUT SMOKING IN OFFICES, GIVEN THE WORKFORCE THE ABILITY TO VOTE FROM OFFICE TO OFFICE ABOUT WHETHER THEY ALLOW SMOKING AND WHERE THEY ALLOW IT. I THINK THAT IS SOMETIMES THE BEST WAY OF DEALING WITH THESE MATTERS. BUT OBVIOUSLY THERE ARE A NUMBER OF UTILITY PROVIDERS, FOR EXAMPLE, WHO ARE INVOLVED. WE NEED TO CONSULT PUBLIC TRANSPORT OPERATORS, WE NEED TO CONSULT THOSE WHO RUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WE NEED TO CONSULT OTHERS, SO THAT WE CAN LIMIT THE AMOUNT OF SECONDHAND SMOKING AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. THE SMOKING MAY BE SECONDHAND BUT THE DEATH IS FIRSTHAND.

MR K.K. FUNG: MR GOVERNOR, MY QUESTION ITSELF IS VERY SIMPLE BUT BEFORE I ASK YOU A QUESTION I WILL CITE SOME DATE FOR YOUR REFERENCE AND HOPE THAT THIS CAN HELP YOU TO CONSIDER MY QUESTION. MY QUESTION IS THIS: NOW, IS THE GOVERNMENT CONFIDENT SO THAT FOR THE LONG TERM HOUSING POLICY PROPOSED IN 1988, IT CAN BE COMPLETED IN 2001? NOW, I HAVE THE FOLLOWING DATA FOR YOU.

IN 1988 .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1993

IN 1988 THE CENTRA!, GOVERNMENT ENDORSED A LONG TERM HOUSING STRATEGY, HOPING THAT BY 2001, WITH ADEQUATE PUBLIC HOUSING, TO RESOLVE THE HOUSING PROBLEMS FOR HONG KONG, AND $26 BILLION HAVE BEEN LOANED TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY FOR THIS SCHEME. HOWEVER, THE HA EVERY YEAR HAS TO PAY FIVE PER CENT OF THE INTEREST AND FOR THE NONDOMESTIC SURPLUS OF THE HA THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT HAS TO SHARE THE SURPLUS WITH THE HA. I AM AN HA MEMBER. ACCORDING TO THE ESTIMATES OF THE HA, BY 2001 THE HA WILL HAVE PAID $31.1 BILLION TO THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT, THAT IS APART FROM THE GOVERNMENT LOAN, THE GOVERNMENT CAN ACTUALLY GET THE EXTRA INTEREST BACK, AND UP TO NOW, FOR PUBLIC HOUSING, OR YOU CAN SAY THAT BY 2001 WE’LI, STILL LACK 54 HECTARES OF LAND.

FOR THIS FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENT NOW, FOR THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY, FOR THE AIRPORT’S RAILWAY, FOR THE URBAN COUNCIL, THEY HAVE DIFFERENT ARRANGEMENTS - NOT LIKE THE HOUSING AUTHORITY. NOW, CAN THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT GIVE A GUARANTEE TO THE PUBLIC SO THAT FOR THIS 54 HECTARES OF LAND IT CAN BE PROVIDED TO THE HA ON TIME? SECONDLY, FOR THESE 54 HECTARES, WILL THEY BE EVENLY DISTRIBUTED AT THE URBAN AND THE NEW TERRITORIES AREAS? AND THEN THIRDLY, CAN THE GOVERNMENT ALLOW THE MONEY GENERATED FROM PUBLIC HOUSING TO BE PLOUGHED BACK TOTALLY INTO PUBLIC HOUSING SO THAT NO PROFITEERING OR PROFIT-MAKING IS INVOLVED? THANK YOU.

THE GOVERNOR: AS I RECALL - I WAS TRYING TO LOOK UP THE FIGURES WHEN THE HONOURABLE MEMBER WAS SPEAKING - BUT AS I RECALL,

THE COST OF THE HOUSING STRATEGY OVER THE PERIOD TO 2001, TO MEET THE AIMS THAT THE COMMUNITY HAS SET FOR ITSELF, RUNS AT ABOUT HK$107 BILLION. THAT IS A VERY SUBSTANTIAL COMMITMENT OF RESOURCES. THE HOUSING AUTHORITY SAW A RESTRUCTURING OF ITS FINANCIAL BASE A FEW YEARS AGO, AND I AM NOT SURE THAT I WOULD WANT TO UNDO THE DECISIONS THAT WERE MADE AT THAT TIME. SOME OF THE COMPARISONS THAT ARE MADE AND SOME OF THE ARGUMENTS THAT AKE PUT ABOUT THE FINANCIAL FLOWS BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND THE HOUSING AUTHORITY AREN’T, I THINK, ENTIRELY FAIR, BECAUSE THEY DON’T, FOR EXAMPLE, TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE PROVISION OF LAND TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY, NOR THE PROVISION OF INFRASTRUCTURE TO MAKE NEW HOUSING POSSIBLE. SO I DON’T WHOLLY ACCEPT THE HONOURABLE MEMBER'S PROPOSITION \BOUT THE FINANCIAL FLOWS.

I THINK, MYSELF, THAT WE FACE LARGER PROBLEMS IN RELATION TO LANI) SUPPLY THAN IN RELATION TO CASH SUPPLY, AND ONE OF THE REASONS WHY WE HAVE TO INVEST IN INFRASTRUCTURE, AND IN PARTICULAR SOME OF THE NEW ROADS WHICH THE COMMUNITY’ IS INTERESTED IN, IS IN ORDER TO MAKE SURE THAT WE OPEN UP THE LAND THAI’ WE REQUIRE IN ORDER TO CARRY THROUGH THE LONG-TERM HOUSING STRATEGY. THAT IS A POINT THAT 1 WAS DISCUSSING LAST WEEK Will! THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY WHEN REVIEWING THE HOUSING STRATEGY WITH HIM. IT'S A POINT WHICH I KNOW HE FEELS STRONGLY ABOUT AND THAT THE HOUSING AUTHORITY AS A WHOLE FEELS STRONGLY ABOUT, AND I HOPE THAT WE CAN DEVELOP A CONSTRUCTIVE DIALOGUE WITH THE HOUS I NG AUTHORITY ABOUT HOW WE < AN MAKE CERTAIN THAT INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPS AT A PACE WHICH ALLOWS US TO DEVELOP THE LAND WHICH IS REQUIRED BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY.

/ BELIEVE .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1993

] BELIEVE THAT WE CAN MEET OUR COMMITMENTS TO PUBLIC SECTOR HOUSING, AND I HOPE THAT WE CAN FROM TIME TO TIME REVIEW INDIVIDUAL TARGETS. I AM PARTICULARLY INTERESTED, FOR EXAMPLE, TN THE PROGRESS WE MAKE IN DEALING WITH TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS. I KNOW THAT IN A NUMBER OF THOSE TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS THE FACILITIES FOR FAMILIES, THE ACCOMMODATION, IS A GREAT DEAL LESS ATTRACTIVE THAN ANY OF US WOULD LIKE TO SEE. THERE ARE DIFFICULTIES OF COURSE, BUT THE MORE RAPIDLY WE CAN MAKE PROGRESS IN DEALING WITH THEM THE BETTER. WE HAVE SET OURSELVES A TARGET OF ELIMINATING ABOUT 70 PERCENT - JUST OVER 70 PERCENT - BY 1997, AND I WILL WANT TO LOOK FROM TIME TO TIME AT WHETHER WE CAN MAKE MORE RAPID PROGRESS THAN THAT.

MR ZACHERY WONG: MR PRESIDENT, IN YOUR OPENING REMARKS YOU TALK ABOUT A NUMBER OF ISSUES IN RELATION TO PEOPLE'S LIVELIHOOD AND YET YOU SEEM TO HAVE IGNORED THE TRANSPORT PROBLEM - AS I BROUGHT IT UP WITH YOU WHEN I MET YOU IN PERSON, AND YOU ALSO TOLD ME THAT YOU WILL BE SPEAKING ON THE ISSUE LATER. WE HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THAT PIECE OF GOOD NEWS TO COME OUR WAY FOR QUITE SOME TIME AND YET BEFORE THAT CAME, WE’VE HEARD A PIECE OF BAD NEWS, THAT IS THE BUILDING OF CT9 AND ITS EFFECT AND MID-STREAM HANDLING OF CARGO HAS BEEN EFFECTED AND WE ANTICIPATE AN INCREASE OF 2,000 LORRY TRIPS PER DAY AND THAT WILL DEFINITELY ADVERSELY AFFECT TRAFFIC CONDITIONS IN TUEN MUN. NOT TOO LONG AGO LEGCO CARRIED A MOTION ASKING THE GOVERNMENT TO IMPROVE THE TRAFFIC SITUATION IN NT-WEST AND IT SEEMS AS IF WE ARE STILL WAITING FOR PLANS TO BE IMPLEMENTED AND IF MID-STREAM HANDLING OF CARGO IS TO BE MOVED TO TUEN MUN THAT AGAIN WILL AFFECT THE SITUATION. SO I HOPE THAT YOU, MR PRESIDENT, WILL TAKE THAT INTO CONSIDERATION AND VETO THE PROPOSAL TO USE AREA 16 FOR THAT PURPOSE.

AND THEN WHAT IS MORE IMPORTANT IS THAT WE HOPE THAT YOU WILL PAY GREAT ATTENTION TO TRAFFIC CONDITIONS IN NT-WEST AND COME UP WITH SPECIFIC PLANS. WE HOPE THAT THE WAIT WILL NOT GO ON ANYMORE, WE

HOPE TO BE ABLE TO HEAR SOMETHING CONCRETE FROM YOU TODAY, AND I AM SURE THAT WILL BE A PIECE OF GOOD NEWS TO THE 600,000 NOW IN NT-WEST AND TOGETHER WITH TIN SHUI WAI THAT WILL HIT THE ONE MILLION MARK THAT WILL BE AN ADDITIONAL 100,000 - AND I HOPE THAT WE WILL GET THIS NEW YEAR GIFT FROM YOU.

THE GOVERNOR: I AM ALWAYS, OF COURSE, ANXIOUS TO RESPOND AS POSITIVELY AS POSSIBLE TO PEOPLE WHO WANT ME TO MAKE MORE SPEECHES. THE HONOURABLE MEMBER IS CORRECT IN SWING THAT I HAVE SAID TO HIM AND OTHERS IN THE PAST, THAT I HOPEI) SHORTLY TO BE ABLE TO MAKE A FAIRLY COMPREHENSIVE SPEECH ABOUT TRANSPORT STRATEGY. I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT I WILL BE ABLE TO DO THAT AFTER THE BUDGET AND AFTER STRATEGIC DECISIONS HAVE BEEN MADE ABOUT PUBLIC EXPENDITURE AND RELATED MATTERS FOR THE CONING YEAR, BECAUSE I RECOGNISE THAT IT WAS ONE OF THE GAPS IN MY LEGISLATIVE COUNC1L SPEECH IN OCTOBER, AND A GAP WHICH MANY PEOPLE WOULD LIKE ME TO FILL. 1 WAS STRUCK BY THE NUMBER OF QUESTIONS THAT I HAD ON TRANSPORT AT MY PUBLIC MEETINGS AND PERHAPS NOT SURPRISED THAT SO MANY OF THE QUESTIONS THAT I RECEIVED WERE ABOUT IMPROVING TRANSPORT IN THE NORTH-WEST NEW TERRITORIES, IMPROVING THE LINKS BETWEEN THOSE WHO LIVE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND THEIR WORKPLACES, VERY OFTEN IN THE DOWNTOWN INNER CITY AREAS.

/WE HAVE .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1993

WE HAVE BEEN DOING A CERTAIN AMOUNT, IMPROVING, FOR EXAMPLE, BUS AND FERRY SERVICES, BUT WE NEED TO DO MORE, AND THE TWO CRUCIAL ISSUES THAT WE SHALL NEED TO RESOLVE ARE, FIRST OF ALL THE QUESTION OF ROUTE THREE, AND SECONDLY THE ISSUE OF THE IMPROVEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT OF RAIL SERVICES BETWEEN THE NORTH-WEST NEW TERRITORIES AND THE CITY. SO I HOPE THAT I CAN SATISFY THE HONOURABLE MEMBER, IN DUE COURSE, WITH A SPEECH, AND I HOPE THE SPEECH SAYS AT LEAST SOME OF WHAT HE WOULD LIKE IT TO SAY.

ON CONTAINER TERMINAL NINE, ALL I FEEL IT NECESSARY TO SAY AT THIS POINT IS THAT THE PROCEDURES FOR CT9 HAVE BEEN THE SAME AS THE PROCEDURES FOR CT8 , WE HAVEN'T IN ANY WAY CHANGED THE PROCEDURES IN THE LAND COMMISSION, AND I HOPE THAT IN DUE COURSE THAT IMPORTANT PROJECT WILL GO FORWARD SMOOTHLY. AS THE HONOURABLE MEMBER WILL KNOW, HONG KONG’S PORT INCREASES ITS CAPACITY YEAR ON YEAR BY ABOUT THE SAME AMOUNT AS, SAY, OAKLAND OR SEATTLE. IT’S AN INDICATION OF WHAT A HUGE PORT WE HAVE AND HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO OUR ECONOMIC WELLBEING.

REV. FUNG CH I-WOOD: MR GOVERNOR, NOW YOU HAVE REPEATEDLY SAID THAT YOU WILL ABIDE BY THE VOTE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON THE ISSUE OF THE 1995 ELECTIONS. IF YOU GO BY THE SAME PRINCIPLE, TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE FACT THAT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAS ENDORSED THE MOTION TO ABOLISH THE DOUBLE-RENT POLICY, WILL YOU, THEREFORE, ACT ACCORDINGLY? IF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY CONTINUES TO MAINTAIN THIS POLICY, WILL YOU USE YOUR POWER AS GOVERNOR TO VETO THEIR DECISION? AND IF THE POLICY IS TO CONTINUE, WOULD YOU, THEREFORE, THINK THAT THERE WILL BE AN ADVERSE EFFECT IN THE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THIS COUNCIL?

THE GOVERNOR: I THINK THAT THE COUNCIL WOULD BE SURPRISED IF I WERE TO SAY THAT AS GOVERNOR I WOULD REJECT WHATEVER PROPOSALS THE COUNCIL EVENTUALLY AGREED ON THE 1994/95 ELECTIONS. I THINK THE COUNCIL WOULD REGARD THAT AS UNREASONABLE BEHAVIOUR ON MY PART. I THINK THE COUNCIL WOULD BE EQUALLY SURPRISED IF I SAID THAT BECAUSE I TOOK THAT VIEW, I ALSO TOOK THE VIEW THAT WHATEVER THE COUNCIL DECIDED AT ANY MOMENT, WOULD BE ACCEPTED BY THE EXECUTIVE. I DON’T THINK THAT WOULD NECESSARILY BE THE BASIS FOR GOOD GOVERNMENT, OMNISCIENT AS THE COUNCIL DOUBTLESS IS FOR MUCH OF THE TIME.

IN RELATION TO DOUBLE-RENT POLICY, THE HONOURABLE MEMBER WILL KNOW THAT THE MAIN JUSTIFICATION FOR THAT POLICY ISN’T AN INCREASE IN FUNDS TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY BUT IS SENSIBLE ALLOCATION OF HOUSING AND FAIRNESS. I THINK I AM RIGHT IN SAYING THAT MOST OF THOSE WHO ARE PAYING A DOUBLE RENT ARE PAYING ABOUT FIVE PER CENT OF THE INCOME GOING INTO THE HOUSEHOLD, WHICH DOESN’T SFEM, I THINK, EXCESSIVE TO MANY PEOPLE. NEVERTHELESS, I UNDERSTAND THAT THE HOUSING AUTHORITY WILL BE REVIEWING THE POLICY LATER IN THE YEAR AND I AM SURE THAT THEY WILL TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY' THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. I AM ALSO SURE THAT THEY WILL TARE ACCOUNT OF THE FACT THAT IF SOME PEOPLE, WHEN THEY REACHED A CERTAIN LEVEL OF' INCOME WEREN’T ENCOURAGED TO BECOME HOME OWNERS OR FLAT OWNERS, THAT THERE WOULD THEN BE FEWER HOUSES OR FEWER FLATS IN THE HOUSING AUTHORITY TO ALLOCATE TO OTHERS WHO ARE ON THE WAITING LIST.

/DR. PHILIP .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1993

DR. PHILIP WONG: MR PRESIDENT, WITH DUE RESPECT, DO YOU HAVE ANY REASON TO BELIEVE THAT (’HINA DID NOT MEAN WHAT SHE SAID IN REGARD TO YOUR PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL PACKAGE?

THE GOVERNOR: J IMAGINE THAT THE HONOURABLE MEMBER WILL HAVE MORE TO SAY ON THAT PARTICULAR SUBJECT TOMORROW, WHEN I AM SURE THAT THE WHOLE COUNCIL WILL LISTEN TO HIM WITH THE ATTENTION WHICH HE DESERVES. AS FOR WHAT CHINESE OFFICIALS HAVE SAID FROM TIME TO TIME ABOUT THE PROPOSALS WHICH THE GOVERNMENT PUT TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN OCTOBER, I THINK 1 COULD HONESTLY REPLY BY SAYING, IT DEPENDS WHAT THE HONOURABLE MEMBER IS REFERRING TO, AND I SUPPOSE IT DEPENDS ON WHICH OFFICIALS THE HONOURABLE MEMBER IS REFERRING TO. THOSE OFFICIALS AND THOSE STATEMENTS WHICH HAVE COMMITTED THEMSELVES TO PROMOTING THE STABILITY AND PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG, ARE STATEMENTS AND OFFICIALS WITH WHICH I CAN READILY IDENTIFY. NONE OF THE STATEMENTS THAT I HAVE MADE ON POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS HAVE, FOR EXAMPLE, BEEN CONDEMNED BY THE BAR COUNCIL OF HONG KONG AS BEING VIOLATIONS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW.

I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT THOSE EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST IN COOPERATION WILL FORM THE BASIS FOR OUR WAY FORWARD IN HONG KONG. I SAY, TODAY, WHAT I HAVE SAID IN THE PAST AND WHAT I WILL CONTINUE TO SAY, THAT I WOULD BE VERY HAPPY AT ANYTIME TO TALK ABOUT THE POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG WITH CHINESE OFFICIALS. I HAVE NO PRECONDITIONS WHATSOEVER FOR ANY TALKS, I WANT A DIALOGUE AND A CONSTRUCTIVE DIALOGUE, AND I AM SURE THAT THERE IS A GENERAL CONCERN THAT WE SHOULD ALL WORK TOWARDS A POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC FUTURE FOR HONG KONG WHICH MAKES CERTAIN THAT HONG KONG IS A WORLD-CLASS CITY.

MR ALBERT CHAN: MR GOVERNOR, IN YOUR POLICY ADDRESS, YOU TALKED ABOUT POLITICAL REFORMS AND ALSO PEOPLE’S LIVELIHOOD, AND IT GIVES US HOPE. BUT WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT THE AIRPORT PROJECTS, IT SEEMS AS IF IT’S A LITTLE BIT PESSIMISTIC. RECENTLY, DEVELOPMENTS IN THAT AREA ALSO SHOWED US THAT YOUR FEELINGS WERE QUITE CORRECT AT THAT TIME. REGARDING THE FUNDING OF THE PROJECTS, THE TWO GOVERNMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO COME TO AN AGREEMENT AND THEREFORE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE AIRPORT AND THE RAILWAY MIGHT BE DELAYED, AND THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES HAVE REFUSED TO GIVE COUNTER PROPOSALS. COULD THE COUNCIL BE INFORMED OF THE FOLLOWING.

HAS THE GOVERNMENT CONSIDERED MEASURES OR PLANS TO BREAK THE IMPASSE? AND ARE YOU CONSIDERING AMENDING THE FUNDING PROPOSALS, PARTICULARLY IN RELATION TO CONTINGENT LIABILITIES, SO THAT THE TWO GOVERNMENTS CAN RATIONALLY CONSIDER THE ISSUE AND TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION THE LONG TERM INTERESTS OF HONG KONG AND COME TO A NEW AGREEMENT?

THE GOVERNOR: I TH 1INK THAT THERE IS AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND CHINESE OFFICIALS ABOUT A NUMBER OF ASPECTS CONCERNING THE AIRPORT, AND I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT TO UNDERLINE THOSE AGREEMENTS AND T THINK IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THE POSITIVE REMARKS WHICH CHINESE OFFICIALS HAVE MADE, WHICH I GREATLY WELCOME, IN RECENT DAYS AND WEEKS ABOUT THE AIRPORT.

/FIRST OF .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1993

FIRST OF ALL, WE ALL AGREE THAT HONG KONG NEEDS A NEW AIRPORT AND WILL GET A NEW AIRPORT. SECONDLY, WE ALL, I IMAGINE, AGREE THAT THAT AIRPORT NEEDS TO BE CONSTRUCTED TN THE MOST COST-EFFECTIVE WAY POSSIBLE. THIRDLY, 1 HOPE WE ALL AGREE THAT THE SOONER WE CAN COMPLETE THAT AIRPORT, THE BETTER FOR HONG KONG AND THE REGION, NOT LEAST THE BETTER FOR THE SAR GOVERNMENT. J THINK THOSE ARE ALL POINTS THAT WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO AGREE ABOUT.

WE HAVE PUT IN THE PAST, AND MUCH OF THIS DEBATE PRE-DATED MY ARRIVAL IN HONG KONG, A NUMBER OF PROPOSALS TO CHINESE OFFICIALS ABOUT FINANCING THE AIRPORT. THE MOST RECENT PROPOSALS INVOLVED, FOR EXAMPLE, SCRAPPING ANY IDEA OF CALLABLE EQUITY FALLING DUE AFTER 1997. THAT WAS, I HOPE, A CONSTRUCTIVE ATTEMPT TO MEET WHAT WE UNDERSTOOD TO BE CHINESE CONCERNS. I WILL BE VERY HAPPY TO BUILD ON THAT PROPOSAL OR PREVIOUS PROPOSALS THAT WE PUT, IN ORDER TO TRY TO FIND A WAY IN WHICH WE CAN AGREE A COMPREHENSIVE FINANCING PACKAGE FOR AN INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT WHICH ALL OF US ARE COMMITTED TO AND WHICH ALL OF US WANT TO SEE COMPLETED.

CHINESE OFFICIALS ARE WHOLLY RIGHT WHEN THEY SAY THAT WE MUST DO THIS IN THE MOST COST-EFFECTIVE WAY POSSIBLE. I THINK, IN RESPONSE, WE CAN LEGITIMATELY SAY IN HONG KONG, THAT VERY FEW COMMUNITIES HAVE A BETTER RECORD OF CARRYING THROUGH INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS IN A COST-EFFECTIVE WAY THAN THIS ONE. IT’S NO CREDIT TO THE GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG, IT’S EVERY CREDIT TO MY PREDECESSORS AND TO ALL THOSE WHO HAVE WORKED ON THESE PROJECTS. IT IS ALSO, I THINK, WHOLLY REASONABLE FOR CHINESE OFFICIALS TO SAY THAT THEY DON’T WANT TO SEE THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, IN THE FUTURE, SADDLED WITH EXCESSIVE DEBTS. I DON’T WANT TO SEE PEOPLE IN FUTURE SADDLED WITH EXCESSIVE DEBTS, NOR DO I WANT TO SEE PEOPLE IN THE FUTURE MISSING OUT ON THE ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF COMPLETING AN AIRPORT AS RAPIDLY AS WE CAN POSSIBLY COMPLETE IT.

SO I DO HOPE THAT IN THAT SPIRIT, BEFORE TOO LONG WE CAN AGREE ON AN OVERALL FINANCIAL PACKAGE FOR THE AIRPORT. AN AIRPORT, I REPEAT, WHICH IT IS IN EVERYONE’S INTEREST TO SEE COMPLETE. AN AIRPORT WHICH WOULD BE GOOD FOR HONG KONG AND GOOD, IN MY JUDGMENT, FOR SOUTHERN CHINA.

MISS ANNA WU, WHOM I CONGRATULATE.

MISS ANNA WU: THANK YOU, SIR. GOVERNOR, IN YOUR POLICY ADDRESS, YOU REFER TO YOUR COMMITMENT TO DEFEND FREE MARKETS AND TO ESTABLISH A COMPREHENSIVE COMPETITION POLICY FOR HONG KONG. MAY I ASK WHAT STEPS YOU HAVE TAKEN SINCE YOUR POLICY ADDRESS, TO SAFEGUARD CONSUMER 1NTERESTS AND TO BREAK UP CARTELS, IF ANY -POLITICAL CARTELS BEING EXCLUDED, SIR?

/THE GOVERNOR .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1993

THE GOVERNOR: J VERY MUCH ENJOYED, THE OTHER DAY, OPENING THE NEW HEADQUARTERS OE THE CONSUMER COUNCIL, CHAIRED, OF COURSE, BY A FORMER DISTINGUISHED MEMBER OF THIS COUNCIL. IT IS AN ORGANISATION WHICH HAS AN ENORMOUSLY IMPORTANT ROLE IN OUR COMMUNITY

AND I AM PLEASED TO SEE IT EXTENDING THE SCOPE OF ITS WORK AND

BECOMING INCREASINGLY INVOLVED IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS. THE COUNCIL MAY KNOW THAT WE ARE HELPING TO FUND PROJECTS WHICH THE CONSUMER COUNCIL ARE UNDERTAKING, TO THE TUNE OF, I THINK, ABOUT 8800,000, TO SEE HOW COMPETITION CAN BE DEVELOPED IN A NUMBER OF PARTICULAR SECTORS, AND I HOPE THAT THE WORK OF THE CONSUMER COUNCIL WILL PUSH BACK THE

FRONTIERS IN THOSE AREAS WHERE IT PROVES NECESSARY. WE HAVE ALSO HAD THE FIRST OF, I’M SURE, A NUMBER OF USEFUL DISCUSSIONS IN THE BUSINESS COUNCIL, WHICH I ANNOUNCED IN MY LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ADDRESS, AND WHICH HAS NOW MET ON TWO OCCASIONS. WE HAVE HAD USEFUL DISCUSSION THERE ON COMPETITION POLICY AND I AM SURE THAT WE WILL HAVE FURTHER USEFUL DISCUSSIONS IN THE FUTURE. I THINK IT’S AN AREA WHERE WE NEED TO ASSERT GENERAL PRINCIPLES AND THEN TRY TO TAKE PRACTICAL MEASURES IN INDIVIDUAL SECTORS, AND THAT IS WHERE WE NEED TO WORK VERY CLOSELY WITH THE CONSUMER COUNCIL.

MR ROGER LUK: MR GOVERNOR, FOLLOWING YOUR POLICY ADDRESS LAST OCTOBER, MANY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS HAVF ALREADY LAID DOWN THEIR SERVICE PLEDGES. WHAT TANGIBLE MEASURES ARE BEING TAKEN TO, FIRST, PREVENT THESE PLEDGES FROM BECOMING NO MORE THAN PROMISES? AND SECOND, INCREASE THE AWARENESS TO SERVE IN THE CIVIL SERVICE9 THANK YOU.

THE GOVERNOR: THE HONOURABLE MEMBER IS OF COURSE RIGHT TO SAY THAT IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT WE ESTABLISH A SYSTEM IN WHICH WE CAN, FIRST OF ALL, CHECK THAT PERFORMANCE PLEDGES ARE MET, SECONDLY, ENSURE THAT THE PURPOSE OF THEN IS UNDERSTOOD WIDELY IN THE CIVIL SERVICE AND THAT THEY ARE IMPLEMENTED VIGOROUSLY' IN THE CIVIL SERVICE. I THINK THAT THE HONOURABLE MEMBER COULD HAVE ADDED A POINT, WHICH I THINK HAS BEEN MADE IN ONE OR TWO NEWSPAPERS, THAT WE SHOULD ALSO MAKE SURE THAT THE PERFORMANCE PLEDGES THAT WE SET OURSELVES IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR AREN’T MERELY' STATEMENTS OF WHAT WE ALREADY DO OR CAN EASILY ACHIEVE, BUT ARE STATEMENTS OF REASONABLE OBJECTIVES FOR IMPROVING PUBLIC SERVICE.

I’VE BEEN IMPRESSED BY THE EFFORTS TH VI HAVE BEEN MADE IN A

NUMBER OF AREAS TO GET THE PERFORMANCE PLEDGES EXERCISE OFF THE GROUND. I’VE BEEN IMPRESSED, FOR EXAMPLE, BY WHAT I’VE SEEN OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY’S EFFORTS TO IMPROVE SERVICE TO PATIENTS, TO PUT PATIENTS FIRST. IT'S GOING TO BE A JOB FOR THE EFFICIENCY UNIT OF

GOVERNMENT TO CHECK THE PROGRESS WF MAKE AND THE EXTENT TO WHICH WE CAN EXTEND PERFORMANCE PLEDGES INTO DEPARTMENTS WHERE THEY DON’T YET OPERATE. I HOPE IT’S AN YREA WHICH THIS COUNCIL WILL TAKE AN ACTIVE INTEREST IN AND I HOPE THAT I’LL GET FURTHER QUESTIONS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF PERFORMANCE PLEDGES IN THE MONTHS AND YEARS AHEAD. IT’S NOT, I THINK, AN AREA WHERE NEWSPAPERS OR LEGISLATORS OR GOVERNORS SHOULD THINK THEY CAN HARRY CIVIL SERVANTS WHO ARE ALREADY CARRYING, IN MANY CASES, VERY' HEAVY BURDENS. IT MEANS THAT WE HAVE TO WORK TOGETHER WITH CIVIL SERVANTS TO DO WHAT THE BEST CIVIL SERVANTS, WHAT I'M SURE MOST CIVIL SERVANTS, ALREADY WISH TO DO, WHICH IS TO PROVIDE THE BEST POSSIBLE SERVICE TO THE TAXPAYERS AND TO THEIR

CLIENTS.

/I THINK .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1993

- 14 -

I THINK I’VE GOT TIME FOR THE LAST QUESTIONER AT THE TOP OF MY SHEET, MR MICHAEL HO.

MR MICHAEL HO: MR GOVERNOR, 1 WOULD ALSO LIKE TO TALK ABOUT PEOPLE’S LIVELIHOOD. LAST MONTH I WROTE A LETTER TO YOU ASKING YOU TO HELP ON THE PROBLEM OF THE SHORTAGE OF NURSES. FROM THE REPLY I COULD SEE THAT YOU DIDN’T HAVE A GOOD GRASP OF OUR PROBLEMS. ACTUALLY, IN MANY DIFFERENT DISTRICTS BECAUSE OF THE SHORTAGE OF NURSES MANY HOSPITALS CANNOT BE COMMISSIONED FULLY, LIKE THE TUEN MUN HOSPITAL, THAT’S A VERY GOOD EXAMPLE. THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, IN THIS COUNCIL, ADMITTED THE EXISTENCE OF THESE SORT OF PROBLEMS. IN ORDER TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM, THAT INVOLVES POLICIES, TRAINING, CIVIL SERVANTS, AND FUNDING, THAT’S WHY I HOPE THAT YOU CAN CONSIDER SETTING UP AN INTER-DEPARTMENTAL WORKING GROUP. SO ARE YOU PREPARED TO TACKLE THIS PROBLEM OF THE SHORTAGE OF NURSES? AS THE GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG, WHAT WILL YOU DO TO COPE WITH THIS PROBLEM?

THE GOVERNOR: I WILL CERTAINLY LOOK AT THE ISSUE AGAIN IF THE HONOURABLE MEMBER WAS DISSATISFIED WITH MY REPLY, BECAUSE OF COURSE HE IS RIGHT TO SAY THAT IT IS NOT ENOUGH MERELY TO PUT INVESTMENT IN NEW HOSPITALS OR CLINICS UNLESS ONE HAS ADEQUATE MEDICAL PERSONNEL TO RUN THOSE UNITS SATISFACTORILY. WE ARE COMMITTED, FOR EXAMPLE, NEXT YEAR, IN PURSUIT OF OUR PLEDGES ON HOSPITAL BUILDING, TO PROVIDE, I THINK, ANOTHER 950 HOSPITAL BEDS. THAT WILL REQUIRE MORE NURSING SUPPORT, AS THE HONOURABLE MEMBER IS ENTITLED TO POINT OUT, SO IF THE HONOURABLE MEMBER DOESN’T THINK THAT WE ARE TAKING THE ISSUE SUFFICIENTLY SERIOUSLY, THAT IS SOMETHING WHICH MUST CONCERN ME AND I HOPE I CAN RESPOND MORE POSITIVELY TO THE HONOURABLE MEMBER THAN HE THINKS I HAVE RESPONDED SO FAR.

I AM MUCH OBLIGED TO THE COUNCIL. I THINK THE COUNCIL PROBABLY KNOWS THAT THE PRIVY COUNCIL HAVE NOW APPROVED THE AMENDMENTS TO THE LETTERS PATENT AND ROYAL INSTRUCTIONS WHICH ENABLE, OR WILL ENABLE IN DUE COURSE, THE COUNCIL TO DISPOSE OF MY SERVICES AS PRESIDENT AND ELECT ITS OWN PRESIDENT. THE ADMINISTRATION IS, I KNOW, WORKING CLOSELY WITH THE COUNCIL ON THE NECESSARY DRAFT STANDING ORDERS. I HOPE THOSE CAN BE AGREED BEFORE TOO LONG AND THAT IN DUE COURSE THESE SESSIONS WILL BE UNDER THE BENIGN AND INTELLIGENT CHAIRMANSHIP OF WHOEVER IT IS THAT YOU ELECT TO PRESIDE OVER YOUR MEETINGS.

IN ACCORDANCE WITH STANDING ORDERS I NOW ADJOURN THE COUNCIL UNTIL 2:30 PM ON WEDNESDAY, 1.3TH JANUARY 1993.

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/15

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1993

- 15 -

BANK OF CHINA TO ISSUE BANK NOTES *****

THE BANK OF CHINA (BOC) IS EXPECTED TO BECOME THE THIRD NOTEISSUING BANK IN HONG KONG IN 1994, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY).

THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS DECIDED THAT APPROVAL SHOULD BE GIVEN FOR THE BOC TO START ISSUING BANK NOTES FROM MAY 1994, SUBJECT TO THE ENACTMENT OF NECESSARY LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID: "AFTER THE BOC EXPRESSED AN INTEREST TO BECOME A NOTE-ISSUER, THE OFFICE OF EXCHANGE FUND HELD A SERIES OF TECHNICAL DISCUSSIONS WITH THE BOC TO ASSESS WHETHER THE LATTER WAS CAPABLE OF MEETING ALL THE REQUIREMENTS TO BE MET BY A NOTE-ISSUING BANK.

"THE GOVERNMENT IS SATISFIED THAT THE BOC IS PREPARED AND ABLE TO MEET THE TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS TO BECOME A NOTE-ISSUING BANK, AND THAT HONG KONG CAN ACCOMMODATE AN ADDITIONAL BANK NOTE-ISSUER WITHOUT CAUSING CONFUSION IN THE CURRENCY."

THE SPOKESMAN SAID TO ENABLE THE BOC TO BECOME A NOTE-ISSUER, IT WOULD BE NECESSARY TO AMEND THE BANK NOTES ISSUE ORDINANCE AND THE EXCHANGE FUND ORDINANCE.

HE SAID THE BOC HAD ESTIMATED THAT, AFTER ALLOWING FOR TIME TO SECURE THE NECESSARY LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS, IT COULD COMPLETE THE NECESSARY ADMINISTRATIVE AND LOGISTICAL ARRANGEMENTS AND THE DESIGN AND PRODUCTION OF THE NOTES FOR NOTE-ISSUE TO BEGIN IN MAY 1994.

IT IS THE PLAN OF THE BOC TO ISSUE IN 1994 SOME $6 BILLION BANK NOTES (ABOUT 10 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF TOTAL BANK NOTES IN CIRCULATION), AND TO INCREASE THE AMOUNT GRADUALLY TO ABOUT $10 BILLION BY 1996.

THE SPOKESMAN FURTHER NOTED THAT THE BOC WOULD SUBMIT THE DESIGN FOR ITS BANK NOTES TO THE GOVERNMENT FOR APPROVAL. HOWEVER, THE SIZE AND COLOUR OF ITS BANK NOTES WOULD BE SIMILAR TO THOSE ISSUED BY THE EXISTING NOTE-ISSUING BANKS.

THE BOC GROUP CURRENTLY OPERATES OVER 300 BRANCHES AND 250 AUTOMATIC TELLER MACHINES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.

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/16 ........

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1993

EXCO DISCUSSES CONSTITUTIONAL, DEVELOPMENT *****

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT AT ITS MEETING THIS MORNING, THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL BEGAN ITS DETAILED CONSIDERATION OF THE PROPOSALS TO BE PUT TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE 1994/5 ELECTIONS.

IT WILL TAKE SEVERAL MEETINGS TO COMPLETE THIS WORK, ALTHOUGH THE COUNCIL HAS APPROVED A DRAFT BILL TO ESTABLISH A BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION AND AGREED ON THE PUBLICATION OF A COMPENDIUM OF ALTERNATIVE PROPOSALS.

- - 0 - -

PROPOSAL ON BANK DEPOSIT PROTECTION ******

THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS AGREED IN PRINCIPLE TO A PROPOSAL TO INTRODUCE LEGISLATION WHEREBY SMALL DEPOSITORS WILL BE AFFORDED PRIORITY CLAIMS IN THE EVENT OF THE LIQUIDATION OF A BANK, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

THE SPOKESMAN SAID FOLLOWING CAREFUL ANALYSIS OF THE PROS AND CONS FOR A DEPOSIT PROTECTION SCHEME (DPS) AND TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE VIEWS COLLECTED DURING THE CONSULTATION EXERCISE ON THE MATTER, A DECISION HAD BEEN TAKEN NOT TO INTRODUCE A DPS.

EXPLAINING THE BACKGROUND TO THE DECISION, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE CONSULTATION PAPER ON A DEPOSIT PROTECTION SCHEME HAD BEEN PUBLISHED IN FEBRUARY 1992 TO GAUGE THE STRENGTH OF SUPPORT FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF SUCH A SCHEME.

DURING THE CONSULTATION PERIOD, PUBLIC VIEWS WERE COLLECTED FROM VARIOUS SOURCES, INCLUDING DIRECT SUBMISSIONS, A DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND DISCUSSIONS IN DISTRICT BOARDS. COMMENTS IN THE MASS MEDIA WERE ALSO MONITORED.

"IN ALL, A TOTAL OF 53 DIRECT SUBMISSIONS WERE RECEIVED FROM THE GENERAL PUBLIC, LEGCO MEMBERS, ACADEMICS, AND COMMERCIAL AND PROFESSIONAL BODIES," HE SAID.

"WHILE THE CONSULTATION EXERCISE GENERATED CONSIDERABLE DEBATE IN THE MEDIA, THERE WAS ONLY A MODEST RESPONSE FROM THE GENERAL PUBLIC AS EVIDENCED BY THE SMALL NUMBER OF SUBMISSIONS RECEIVED."

HE NOTED THAT CONTRARY TO A WIDESPREAD ASSUMPTION THAT SMALL DEPOSITORS WOULD BE IN FAVOUR OF A DPS, A MAJORITY OF THE SUBMISSIONS RECEIVED FROM INDIVIDUALS OR GROUPS OF INDIVIDUALS WERE IN FACT AGAINST SUCH SCHEMES.

"THIS IS PERHAPS BECAUSE DEPOSITORS OF THE LARGEST BANKING GROUPS SAW LITTLE ADVANTAGE IN A PROPOSAL WHICH, AS THE CONSULTATION PAPER MADE CLEAR, WOULD BE OF LITTLE DIRECT BENEFIT TO THEM," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

/"WE BELIEVE

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1993

"WE BELIEVE, HOWEVER, THAT THERE ARE VALID ARGUMENTS FOR PROVIDING A FURTHER MEASURE OF PROTECTION TO SMALL DEPOSITORS, IF THIS CAN BE DONE IN A WAY WHICH IS WIDELY ACCEPTABLE AND WHICH DOES NOT JEOPARDISE THE INTEGRITY OF THE BANKING SYSTEM," HE ADDED.

"WE HAVE THEREFORE EXPLORED A PROPOSAL FOR GIVING PRIORITY TO SMALL DEPOSITORS IN THE EVENT OF THE WINDING UP OF A BANK," HE SAID.

THIS CONCEPT HAS BEEN EXAMINED BY THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON COMPANY LAW REFORM AND IT HAS GIVEN ITS SUPPORT.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE PROPOSAL HAD CERTAIN ADVANTAGES COMPARED WITH A DPS ON THE LINES SET OUT IN THE GOVERNMENT’S CONSULTATION PAPER, INCLUDING THE AVOIDANCE OF THE ARBITRARINESS AND INEQUITY INEVITABLE IN A PREMIUM LEVYING SYSTEM, AND LESS LIKELIHOOD OF DISTORTIONS TO THE PRESENT WAY IN WHICH BANKS CONDUCTED THEIR BUSINESS.

FURTHERMORE, THERE WOULD BE NO SIGNIFICANT ONGOING

ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS.

HE ADDED THAT THE ARRANGEMENT WOULD HAVE TO GO HAND IN HAND WITH A CONTINUING EFFECTIVE SUPERVISORY SYSTEM.

"OUR SUPERVISORY SYSTEM BEARS FAVOURABLE COMPARISON WITH THAT IN OTHER MAJOR FINANCIAL CENTRES AND WAS EFFECTIVE IN MAINTAINING A RELATIVELY HIGH ASSET QUALITY AND LIQUIDITY IN THE CASE OF BANK OF CREDIT AND COMMERCE HONG KONG.

"THIS CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCEPTABILITY TO THE VAST MAJORITY OF THE LARGE CREDITORS IN THAT LIQUIDATION OF THE SCHEME OF ARRANGEMENT GIVING PRIORITY TO SMALLER DEPOSITORS.

"THE SUPERVISORY SYSTEM WILL CONTINUE TO BE KEPT UNDER REGULAR REVIEW AND REFINEMENTS MADE AS AND WHEN THE NEED ARISES," HE SAID.

HE EMPHASISED THAT BEFORE PUTTING FORWARD LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS WITH REGARD TO THE PRIORITY SCHEME, THERE WOULD HAVE TO BE CAREFUL ANALYSIS AND STUDY ON A NUMBER OF ISSUES SUCH AS THE DEFINITION OF SMALL DEPOSITORS AND THE LEGAL IMPLICATIONS ON THE LIQUIDATION PROCESS.

"IT WAS HOPED, HOWEVER, TO INTRODUCE LEGISLATION DURING THE NEXT LEGISLATIVE SESSION," HE SAID.

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/18 .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1993

COMMISSION OF INQUIRY APPOINTED

*****

THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS APPOINTED MR JUSTICE MICHAEL KEMPSTER TO CONDUCT AN INQUIRY INTO THE CIRCUMSTANCES LEADING TO THE DECISION BY THE PROSECUTION TO OFFER NO EVIDENCE IN A RECENT MURDER TRIAL, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY).

THE COMMISSION, APPOINTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 2 OF THE COMMISSIONS OF INQUIRY ORDINANCE, WILL ALSO INQUIRE INTO THE WITNESS PROTECTION OFFERED TO THE KEY WITNESS IN THAT PARTICULAR CASE AND THE EXISTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE PROTECTION OF PROSECUTION WITNESS GENERALLY.

THE COMMISSION WILL INQUIRE WHY THE PROSECUTION, INSTEAD OF DECIDING TO OFFER NO EVIDENCE, DID NOT ENTER A NOLLE PROSEQUI.

“UNDER SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES, A NOLLE PROSEQUI MAY BE ENTERED BY THE PROSECUTION TO TERMINATE CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS, BUT IT DOES NOT OPERATE AS AN ACQUITTAL AND PROCEEDINGS MAY BE RECOMMENCED AFRESH FOR THE SAME OFFENCE. TO OFFER NO EVIDENCE IN A TRIAL WILL RESULT IN ACQUITTAL OF AN ACCUSED, AND PROCEEDINGS CANNOT BE RECOMMENCED,” THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.

MR JUSTICE KEMPSTER*S TERMS OF REFERENCE ARE:

(A) TO INQUIRE INTO THE CIRCUMSTANCES LEADING TO THE DECISION TO OFFER NO EVIDENCE IN THE CASE OF R V NGUYEN VAN-BAU (HIGH COURT CRIMINAL CASE NO. 291 OF 1991) AND, IN PARTICULAR -

(I) TO INQUIRE WHY, INSTEAD OF DECIDING TO OFFER NO EVIDENCE, THE PROSECUTION DID NOT ENTER A NOLLE PROSEQUI OR DID NOT MAKE FURTHER ATTEMPTS TO ADJOURN THE CASE;

(II) TO INQUIRE INTO THE ADEQUACY OR OTHERWISE OF THE WITNESS PROTECTION ARRANGEMENTS MADE OR OFFERED TO THE WITNESS BUI VAN-XUAN AND, IF APPROPRIATE, TO DESCRIBE OTHER ARRANGEMENTS THAT MIGHT REASONABLY HAVE BEEN MADE OR OFFERED TO HIM; AND

(B) TO INQUIRE INTO THE ADEQUACY OR OTHERWISE OF EXISTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE PROTECTION OF PROSECUTION WITNESSES AND, IF APPROPRIATE, TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS AS TO HOW SUCH ARRANGEMENTS SHOULD BE IMPROVED.

THE COMMISSION IS REQUIRED TO REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR ON THE MATTERS SET OUT IN PARAGRAPH (A) ABOVE WITHIN EIGHT WEEKS OF THE DATE OF APPOINTMENT, AND ON THE MATTERS SET IN PARAGRAPH (B) ABOVE WITHIN FOUR MONTHS OF THE DATE OF APPOINTMENT.

MR JUSTICE KEMPSTER, WHO DURING FEBRUARY AND MARCH 1992 CONDUCTED AN ENQUIRY INTO AN INCIDENT AT THE SHEK KONG DETENTION CENTRE FOR VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS, WILL BEGIN HIS INQUIRY ON FEBRUARY 1, 1993.

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/19

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1993

VIOLENT CRIMES DOWN IN 1992 * * * * *

UNRELENTING AND RESOLUTE POLICE ACTION HAS BROUGHT ABOUT A SIGNIFICANT DROP IN VIOLENT CRIMES LAST YEAR, REVERSING A RISING TREND FOR THE FIRST TIME IN FIVE YEARS, THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR LI KWAN-HA, ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY).

REVIEWING THE CRIME SITUATION OF 1992, THE COMMISSIONER SAID HE WAS HEARTENED TO NOTE THAT THE WELCOME 5.1 PER CENT DIP IN VIOLENT CRIMES WAS LARGELY DUE TO REDUCTION IN HIGH-PROFILE CRIMES SUCH AS ROBBERIES, WOUNDING AND SERIOUS ASSAULT CASES.

IN 1992, THE NUMBER OF ROBBERIES WAS DOWN 744 TO 8,394 CASES OR 8.1 PER CENT, WHILE WOUNDING AND SERIOUS ASSAULTS DECLINED BY 617 CASES TO 5,764 OR 9.7 PER CENT LESS THAN LAST YEAR.

WITH 18,567 VIOLENT CRIME CASES REPORTED LAST YEAR, THE VIOLENT CRIME RATE PER 100,000 OF POPULATION WAS REDUCED TO 319.5, A DECREASE OF SIX PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH 339.9 IN 1991.

VIOLENT CRIMES REFER TO MURDER, WOUNDING, SERIOUS ASSAULT, RAPE, INDECENT ASSAULT, CRUELTY TO CHILDREN, KIDNAP, BLACKMAIL, INTIMIDATION, ROBBERY AND ARSON, WHICH ACCOUNTED FOR 22.1 PER CENT OF OVERALL CRIMES.

GOING INTO SPECIFICS, MR LI SAID OF THE ROBBERY CASES RECORDED LAST YEAR, 46 INVOLVED THE USE OF GENUINE FIREARMS, THE SAME AS IN 1991 .

HOWEVER, THE NUMBER OF ROBBERIES INVOLVING THE USE OF PISTOL-LIKE OBJECTS PLUNGED A SIGNIFICANT 25.8 PER CENT FROM 501 CASES IN 1991 TO 307 CASES LAST YEAR AND COULD PARTLY BE ATTRIBUTED TO STRENGTHENED POLICE PRESENCE IN THE STREETS, THE COMMISSIONER NOTED.

RAIDS ON GOLDSMITH AND JEWELLERY SHOPS DIVED TO 39 CASES IN 1992 FROM 135 CASES THE PREVIOUS YEAR, BANK ROBBERIES WERE REDUCED TO 94 FROM 147 AND WATCH SHOP HOLDUPS TO THREE FROM 18 IN THE SAME PERIOD.

PROPERTY LOST TO ROBBERY GANGS WAS REDUCED TO $421 MILLION FROM $612 MILLION IN 1991.

COUPLED WITH DECREASES IN OTHER CATEGORIES OF CRIMES, MR LI SAID THE NUMBER OF OVERALL CRIMES REPORTED TO THE POLICE HAD DECREASED TO 84,056 CASES LAST YEAR FROM 88,659 IN 1991, A DECLINE OF 5.2 PER CENT.

THIS BROUGHT THE GENERAL CRIME RATE PER 100,000 OF POPULATION TO 1,446.4 IN 1992 FROM 1,540.6 THE PREVIOUS YEAR, A DROP OF 5.2 PER CEN! AND RY NO MEANS A SMALL FEAT WHEN COMPARED WITH OTHER. COSMOPOLITAN CITIES IN THE WORLD, MR LI POINTED OUT.

/THE DETECTION .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1993

THE DETECTION RATE WAS MAINTAINED AT A HIGH 45.2 PER CENT LAST YEAR, THE SAME AS IN 1991, THANKS TO DETERMINDED POLICE ACTION BEEFED UP BY EVER BROADENED CRIMINAL INTELLIGENCE WORK, THE COMMISSIONER SAID.

MR LI SAID, HOWEVER, MOTOR VEHICLE CRIME REMAINED A CAUSE FOR CONCERN WITH 6,918 VEHICLES REPORTD MISSING IN THE WHOLE OF 1992, 8.9 PER CENT MORE THAN THE 1991 FIGURE OF 6,352 VEHICLES.

A TOTAL OF 1,052 MERCEDES BENZ CARS, 649 BMWS AND 330 TOYOTA CROWNS WERE REPORTED MISSING LAST YEAR, WHILE THE CORRESPONDING FIGURES FOR THE PREVIOUS YEAR STOOD AT 244, 135 AND 288 RESPECTIVELY.

THE COMMISSIONER ASSURED THE PUBLIC THAT THE FORCE WOULD CONTINUE TO COUNTER THE PROBLEM HEAD-ON WITH OPTIMAL POLICE RESOURCES AND WOULD CONTINUE TO SEEK ASSISTANCE FROM THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES TO CRACK DOWN ON CROSS-BORDER CAR STEALING SYNDICATES.

"I AM OPTIMISTIC THAT THE FORCE WILL EVENTUALLY GAIN THE UPPER HAND IN THIS BATTLE WITH FULL CO-OPERATION FROM THE MOTORING PUBLIC IN ADOPTING APPRORIATE ANTI-THEFT MEASURES,” MR LI SAID.

STATISTICS ON OTHER MAJOR CRIMES ARE:

HOMICIDE

THERE WERE 108 HOMICIDES RECORDED IN 1992, COMPARED WITH 92 IN 1991. TWENTY-FOUR OF THE 1992 HOMICIDES RESULTED FROM THE SHEK KONG CAMP INCIDENT IN FEBRUARY 1992.

WOUNDING AND SERIOUS ASSAULT

THERE WAS A DECREASE OF 9.7 PER CENT IN WOUND INGS AND SERIOUS ASSAULTS, FROM 6,381 IN 1991 TO 5,764 IN 1992.

INDECENT ASSAULT ON FEMALE AND RAPE

THERE WERE 116 RAPES REPORTED IN 1992, COMPARED WITH 111 IN 1991. THE TOTAL NUMBER OF INDECENT ASSUALTS ON FEMALES WAS 1,099, A MARGINAL DROP OF 0.2 PER CENT FROM 1991.

BLACKMAIL AND I NTIMIDATION

THERE WAS AN WELCOME INCREASE OF 22.8 PER CENT IN BLACKMAIL TO 883 CASES, FROM 719 IN 1991. CRIMINAL INTIMIDATION CASES TOTALLED 519, A RISE OF 26.6 PER CENT OVER 1991.

/BURGLARY .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1993

- 21 -

BURGLARY

A TOTAL OF 13,596 BURGLARIES WERE REPORTED IN 1992, A DECREASE OF 2.2 PER CENT COMPARED WITH 13,898 RECORDED IN 1991. OF THESE FIGURES, 53.8 PER CENT AND 56.7 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY WERE BURGLARIES AGAINST DOMESTICE PREMISES.

THE VICTIMS OF BURGLARIES SUFFERED PROPERTY LOSSES AMOUNTING TO HK$400 MILLION, COMPARED WITH HKS353 MILLION IN 1991.

TRIAD RELATED CRIME

THERE WERE 4,015 CRIMES REPORTED IN 1992 WHICH WERE BELIEVED TO BE TRIAD-RELATED, COMPARED WITH 3,340 IN 1991. MOST OF THESE CASES RELATED TO UNLAWFUL SOCIETIES, WOUND1NGS, SERIOUS ASSAULTS, BLACKMAIL AND INTIMIDATION.

SHOPTHEFT

THERE WERE 6,362 SHOPTHEFTS REPORTED, A RISE OF 5.9 PER CEN?

OVER 1991.

SNATCHING

A TOTAL OF 1,685 SNATCHINGS WERE RECORDED IN 1992, A FALL OF 15.5 PER CENT FROM 1991.

PICKPOCKETING

THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PICKPOCKETING CASES WAS 675, A DECREASE OF 13.4 PER CENT FROM 1991.

JUVENILES AND YOUNG OFFENDERS

THERE WERE 6,533 JUVENILES (UNDER 16 YEARS OLD) AND 7,656 YOUNG PERSONS (16 AND UNDER 21 YEARS OLD) ARRESTED FOR CRIMES IN 1992. THESE FIGURES COMPARE WITH 7,044 AND 8,165 RESPECTIVELY IN 1991.

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/22 .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1993

MORE PRIORITY ACCORDED TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

THE GOVERNMENT’S INCREASED PRIORITY ACCORDED TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION IN RECENT YEARS BODES WELL FOR THE FUTURE WELL-BEING OF THE TERRITORY IN TERMS OF HEALTH AND AN AGREEABLE PLACE TO LIVE, AS WELL AS PROVIDING A BASIS FOR ECONOMIC PROSPERITY.

THIS WAS STATED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, DR STUART REED, AT A MEET-THE-MEDIA SESSION TO REVIEW PROGRESS OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMMES LAST YEAR.

DR REED SAID MUCH STILL REMAINED TO BE DONE, ADDING THAT SUCCESSES ACHIEVED SINCE THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1986 PROVED THAT "IT IS POSSIBLE TO ARREST ENVIRONMENTAL DETERIORATION, AND TO TURN THE TIDE".

"THE ENVIRONMENTAL SITUATION IN HONG KONG AT THE BEGINNING OF 1993 IS A FAR CRY FROM WHAT IT WAS ONLY TWO OR THREE YEARS AGO," HE SAID.

"THE RESULTS OF SEVEN YEARS’ PLANNING, INVESTIGATING AND MONITORING IS NOW BEING TURNED INTO CONCRETE ACTION WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PROJECTS TO PROVIDE INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE SEWAGE AND THE WASTE DISPOSAL PROGRAMMES, AS WELL AS ENFORCEMENT OF THE LEGISLATION TO CONTROL AIR AND WATER POLLUTION, NOISE AND CHEMICAL WASTE," DR REED SAID.

"APART FROM THE PROGRESS MADE TN IMPLEMENTING THE CONCLUSIONS OF THE VARIOUS SEWERAGE MASTER PLANS, THE MAJOR CHEMICAL WASTE TREATMENT CENTRE ON TSI NG Yl ISLAND WAS MECHANICALLY COMPLETED BY THE END OF 1992 AND IS NOW BEING COMMISSIONED," HE SAID.

THE PROGRESS ON IMPLEMENTING THE SEWAGE AND SOLID WASTE PROGRAMMES IS REFLECTED IN THE EXPENDITURE ON ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE, WHICH HAS RISEN FROM UNDER $500 MILLION AT THE TIME EPD BECAME RESPONSIBLE FOR THOSE PROGRAMMES, TO OVER $2,000 MILLION IN 1992, A FOURFOLD INCREASE.

"THIS SURELY IS CLEAR ENOUGH EVIDENCE OF THE SHIFT THAT HAS TAKEN PLACE IN THE ADMINISTRATION’S PRIORITIES," DR REED SAID.

ON POLLUTION CONTROL, DR REED SAID: "LEGISLATION AND REGULATIONS HAVE BEEN TAKEN OFF THE PAPER AND TURNED INTO ACTION IN 1992."

"THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE IS BEING SUCCESSFULLY ENFORCED IN SEVEN OUT OF 10 WATER CONTROL ZONES (WCZs), PICKING UP AND CORRECTING THOUSANDS OF POLLUTING DISCHARGES WHICH AMOUNT, IN TOTAL, TO DIVERTING THE RAW SEWAGE PRODUCED BY NEARLY A QUARTER OF A MILLION PEOPLE."

THE LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL PROGRAMME HAS BEEN EVEN MORE SUCCESSFUL. IN 1992 ALONE, DR REED SAID, THE PROGRAMME REMOVED THE EQUIVALENT OF THE RAW SEWAGE FROM NEARLY 300,000 PEOPLE FROM VARIOUS STREAMS AND WATER COURSES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.

/'■WE HOPE...........

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1993

"WE HOPE TO EXTEND THESE EFFORTS TO REDUCE WATER POLLUTION IN 1993 BY DECLARING TWO MORE WCZr IN JUNE, WHICH WILL COVER THE FRINGES OF VICTORIA HARBOUR.

"WE WILL START PREPARING IN LATE 1993 FOR DECLARING THE FIRST PHASE OF THE VICTORIA HARBOUR WCZ," DR REED SAID.

SINCE THE BEGINNING OF 1992 ALL NEW LIGHT DUTY VEHICLES AND PASSENGER CARS HAVE BEEN REQUIRED TO MEET STRINGENT EXHAUST EMISSION STANDARDS WHICH ARE COMPARABLE WITH THOSE IN THE U.S. AND JAPAN.

"TOGETHER WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF UNLEADED PETROL IN APRIL 1991, THIS PUTS IN PLACE ONE IMPORTANT ELEMENT OF OUR STRATEGY TO REDUCE MOTOR VEHICLE EMISSIONS," DR REED SAID.

"WE MUST NOW MOVE ON TO TACKLE VIGOROUSLY THE KNOTTY PROBLEM OF DIESEL ENGINE EMISSIONS," HE ADDED.

NEW NOISE LIMITS FOR ALL COMPRESSORS AND PNEUMATIC DRILLS WERE INTRODUCED IN 1992.

"NO ONE CAN DISPUTE THAT HONG KONG IS STILL A NOISY PLACE, BUT THERE CAN BE NO DOUBT EITHER THAT IT IS A GREAT DEAL LESS NOISY THAN IT WOULD HAVE BEEN WITHOUT THE CONTROLS WE ARE NOW ENFORCING ON PILING NOISE, CONSTRUCTION NOISE IN GENERAL AND COMPRESSORS AND DRILLS IN PARTICULAR, AS WELL AS CONTROLS ON VENTILATION SYSTEM NOISE," DR REED SAID.

HE STRESSED THAT DESPITE THE EMPHASIS ON IMPLEMENTATION AND ENFORCEMENT, WORK MUST CONTINUE UNABATED ON DEVELOPING PLANS, PROGRAMMES AND THE LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK.

"IN 1992, WE HAVE SEEN THE INTRODUCTION OF REGULATIONS TO CONTROL CHEMICAL WASTE, AMENDMENT BILLS FOR THE WATER POLLUTION AND THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE, A REVAMPING OF THE LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL SCHEME, DEVELOPMENT OF DRAFTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR A DUMPING AT SEA BILL, FORMULATION OF REGULATIONS TO FURTHER CONTROL SUBSTANCES THAT CHANGE THE OZONE LAYER AND DRAFTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR AN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT BILL," HE ADDED.

"ANOTHER WELCOME DEVELOPMENT IS THAT THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PROCESS HAS FINALLY BECOME GENERALLY ACCEPTED DURING 1992 AS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS," DR REED SAID.

THE GOVERNOR, IN HIS POLICY ADDRESS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL LAST OCTOBER, INTRODUCED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT ALSO INTO THE POLICY MAKING PROCESS, WITH THE REQUIREMENT THAT ALL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL PAPERS MUST CONTAIN A "GREEN PARAGRAPH" ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE ISSUE UNDER DISCUSSION.

"THIS WAS COMPLEMENTED IN NOVEMBER WITH A REQUIREMENT THAT ALL PUBLIC WORKS SUB-COMMITTEE PAPERS SHOULD CONTAIN A GREEN PARAGRAPH," DR REED ADDED.

/"THE GREATER .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1993

"THE GREATER ACCEPTABILITY AND APPLICATION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PROCESS SHOULD BE VIEWED AS A GREAT STEP FORWARD, ESPECIALLY SINCE THERE ARE NOW ARRANGEMENTS IN PLACE THAT ALLOW MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE RESULTS OF THE ASSESSMENT," HE POINTED OUT.

"THIS IS IN LINE WITH THE TREND TOWARDS MORE OPENNESS AND MORE ACCOUNTABILITY IN THE GOVERNMENT,” DR REED CONCLUDED.

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

LAN KWAI FONG INQUIRY

OUTLINE OF WORK DONE ON TUESDAY (JANUARY 12) UP TO 4.30 PM * * * * *

1. HEARING AT COURT NO. 10 IN THE SUPREME COURT BY MR JUSTICE BOKHARY.

(NOTE: SIX WITNESSES WERE EXAMINED. FOUR OF THEM WERE EXAMINED IN ’’OPEN” SESSION. TWO OF THEM WERE, IN CONFORMITY WITH THEIR WISHES, EXAMINED IN "CLOSED" SESSION. A SEVENTH WITNESS WILL BE EXAMINED IN "OPEN" SESSION STARTING AT 5.10 PM.)

2. FURTHER FACT-FINDING WORK FOR THE INTERIM REPORT.

-----0-----

FOUR SITES SOLD FOR $1,510 MILLION

*****

FOUR LOTS OF GOVERNMENT LAND WERE SOLD FOR A TOTAL OF $1,510 MILLION IN A PUBLIC AUCTION BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON.

THE FIRST LOT IS AT THE JUNCTION OF SHUNG LING STREET AND YI LUN STREET, SAN PO KONG, KOWLOON. IT WAS BOUGHT BY BRIGHT SUCCESS INVESTMENT LTD AT $705 MILLION, WITH BIDDING OPENED AT $550 MILLION.

THE LOT, WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 3,093 SQUARE METRES, IS INTENDED FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL (EXCLUDING GODOWN, HOTEL AND PETROL-FILLING STATION) PURPOSES.

ACCORDING TO THE BUILDING COVENANT, THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 30,000 SQUARE METRES ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 30, 1996.

THE SECOND LOT, IN COX’S ROAD, KOWLOON, WAS SOLD TO AMAZING WAVE INVESTMENT AT $360 MILLION. BIDDING OPENED AT $210 MILLION.

WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 1,395 SQUARE METRES, THE LOT IS EARMARKED FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES. THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 5,270 SQUARE METRES ON OR BEFORE MARCH 31, 1996.

/THE THIRD ......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1993

THE THIRD LOT, IN TOWN PARK ROAD SOUTH, YUEN LONG, NEW TERRITORIES, WAS BOUGHT BY GOODFAITH LTD AT $345 MILLION WITH BIDDING OPENED AT $320 MILLION.

THE LOT HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 10,500 SQUARE METRES FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES. A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 18,900 SQUARE METRES HAS TO BE COMPLETED ON OR BEFORE MARCH 31, 1997.

THE REMAINING LOT, IN AREA 29A, TAI LIN PAI ROAD, KWAI CHUNG, NEW TERRITORIES, WAS SOLD TO CHINABEST PACIFIC LTD AT $100 MILLION. BIDDING OPENED AT $45 MILLION.

HAVING AN AREA OF ABOUT 916 SQUARE METRES, THE LOT IS EARMARKED FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES. THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 5,220 SQUARE METRES ON OR BEFORE MARCH 31, 1996.

THE AUCTION WAS HELD IN THE THEATRE OF THE CITY HALL AND CONDUCTED BY GOVERNMENT LAND AGENT, MR JAMES HUGHES.

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

UK’S EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS FOR NOVEMBER

*****

TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR, AT $168,739 MILLION, INCREASED BY 18% IN VALUE AS COMPARED WITH NOVEMBER 1991, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECREASED BY 1% TO $20,327 MILLION WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 21% TO $63,305 MILLION.

TAKING DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 15% TO $83,632 MILLION.

MEANWHILE, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY 20% TO $85,107 MILLION.

THE VALUE OF TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE IN THE FIRST 11 MONTHS OF 1992, AT $1,704 BILLION, INCREASED BY 22% AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1991.

OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 2% TO $212 BILLION WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 30% TO $627 BILLION.

THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 21% TO $839 BILLION WHILE THAT OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY 23% TO $865 BILLION.

THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.

/COMPARING NOVEMBER .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1993

COMPARING NOVEMBER 1992 WITH NOVEMBER 1991, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO SINGAPORE (+45%), CHINA (+12%), TAIWAN (+5%) AND THE NETHERLANDS (+2%).

HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO JAPAN (-17%), THE UNITED KINGDOM (-12%), FRANCE (-11%), CANADA (-9%), THE UNITED STATES (-8%) AND GERMANY (-4%).

COMPARING THE FIRST 11 MONTHS OF 1992 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1991, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO SINGAPORE, CHINA, TAIWAN, THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA INCREASED BY 17%, 15%, 7%, 5% AND 2% RESPECTIVELY.

HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO GERMANY, FRANCE, THE UNITED KINGDOM, THE NETHERLANDS AND JAPAN DECREASED, BY 20%, 16%, 9%, 9% AND 5% RESPECTIVELY.

TABLE 2 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF THE 10 MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.

COMPARING THE FIRST 11 MONTHS OF 1992 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1991, INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE REGISTERED FOR CLOTHING (BY $2,034 MILLION OR 3%); OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES (BY $1,897 MILLION OR 11%); AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS (BY $838 MILLION OR 5%).

HOWEVER, DECREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE RECORDED FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $2,126 MILLION OR 15%); AND MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES CONSISTING OF MAINLY JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES (BY $1,117 MILLION OR 5%).

THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM THE 10 MAJOR SUPPLIERS ARE SUMMARISED IN TABLE 3.

COMPARING NOVEMBER 1992 WITH NOVEMBER 1991, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM ALL THE MAJOR SUPPLIERS: MALAYSIA (+49%), SINGAPORE (+35%), JAPAN (+33%), THE UNITED STATES (+30%), GERMANY (+26%), THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+25%), ITALY (+19%), THE UNITED KINGDOM (+18%), TAIWAN (+16%) AND CHINA (+12%).

COMPARING THE FIRST J1 MONTHS OF 1992 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1991, THE INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM THE MAJOR SUPPLIERS WERE: GERMANY (+32%), JAPAN (+30%), MALAYSIA (+30%), THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+27%), ITALY (+26%), SINGAPORE (+23%), CHINA (+22%), THE UNITED STATES (+19%), TAIWAN (+18%) AND THE UNITED KINGDOM (+16%).

TABLE 4 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS OF THE 10 MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.

/COMPARING THE .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1993

COMPARING THE FIRST 11 MONTHS OF 1992 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1991, INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS WERE REGISTERED FOR ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS (BY $16,189 MILLION OR 23%); MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES CONSISTING OF MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $15,157 MILLION OR 30%); ROAD VEHICLES (BY $14,232 MILLION OR 97%); TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $13,989 MILLION OR 26%); CLOTHING (BY $13,903 MILLION OR 23%); AND TEXTILES (BY $8,206 MILLION OR 10%).

THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAJOR COUNTRIES OF DESTINATION ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 5.

COMPARING NOVEMBER 1992 WITH NOVEMBER 1991, THE VALUE OF REEXPORTS TO CHINA, THE UNITED KINGDOM AND FRANCE INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY, BY 39%, 35% AND 21% RESPECTIVELY.

THAT TO GERMANY, THE UNITED STATES, JAPAN, SINGAPORE AND CANADA ALSO INCREASED, BY 10%, 10%, 9%, 8% AND 3% RESPECTIVELY.

HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA AND TAIWAN DECREASED, BY 9% AND 5% RESPECTIVELY.

COMPARING THE FIRST 11 MONTHS OF 1992 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1991, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM, CHINA, THE UNITED STATES, CANADA, JAPAN, FRANCE AND SINGAPORE INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY, BY 41%, 38%, 36%, 32%, 29%, 22% AND 13% RESPECTIVELY.

THAT TO TAIWAN AND GERMANY ALSO INCREASED, BY 7% AND 2% RESPECTIVELY.

HOWEVER, THE DECREASED BY 8%.

VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO THE REPUBLIC

OF KOREA

TABLE 6 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS OF THE 10 MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.

COMPARING THE FIRST 11 MONTHS OF 1992 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1991, INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS WERE REGISTERED FOR MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES CONSISTING OF MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $23,660 MILLION OR 36%); CLOTHING (BY $14,704 MILLION OR 26%); ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS (BY $11,593 MILLION OR 31%); TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $9,846 MILLION OR 24%); FOOTWEAR (BY $9,518 MILLION OR 42%); AND TEXTILES (BY $9,087 MILLION OR 17%).

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 NOVEMBER 1992 WILL BE RELEASED IN EARLY FEBRUARY.

/DETAILED TRADE .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1993

- 28 -

DETAILED TRADE STATISTICS ANALYSED BY COMMODITY AND BY COUNTRY ARE PUBLISHED IN TRADE STATISTICS REPORTS.

THE NOVEMBER 1992 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE" WITH DETAILED ANALYSES ON THE PERFORMANCE OF HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE IN NOVEMBER 1992 WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT $52 A COPY AROUND JANUARY 18.

THE REPORT CAN BE PURCHASED AT: THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, OR THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER , 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.

ENQUIRIES REGARDING REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION TO THE REPORT MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, HONG KONG (TEL 842 8802) AND ENQUIRIES ON TRADE STATISTICS TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL 582 4915 ) .

TABLE 1 : DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAJOR MARKETS

NOV NOV 92 JAN-NOV JAN-NOV 92

MAJOR MARKET 1992 OVER 1992 OVER

NOV 91 JAN-NOV 91

(HKD MN) ( % ) (HKD MN) ( % )

UNITED STATES 5,673 - 8 59,251 + 5

CHINA 5,523 + 12 56,079 + 15

GERMANY 1,384 - 4 13,976 - 20

UNITED KINGDOM 978 - 12 11,210 - 9

JAPAN 853 - 17 10,146 - 5

SINGAPORE 981 + 45 9,360 + 17

TAIWAN 628 + 5 5,897 + 7

CANADA 378 - 9 4,582 + 2

NETHERLANDS 385 + 2 4,328 - 9

FRANCE 258 11 2,826 — 16

/TABLE 2 .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1993

- 29 -

TABLE 2 : DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF THE 10 MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS

NOV NOV 92 JAN-NOV JAN-NOV 92

COMMODITY DIVISION 1992 OVER 1992 OVER

NOV 91 JAN-NOV 91

(HKD MN) ( % ) (HKD MN) ( % )

ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 6,425 - 6 69,317 + 3

MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES) 1,811 — 18 20,424 5

OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES 2,158 + 38 18,580 + 11

ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 1,895 + 14 18,322 4- 5

PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 1,659 — 4 17,228 — 6

TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 1,515 - 11 15,721 — 2

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 1 , 105 — 8 11,859 15

MANUFACTURES OF METALS 365 - 18 4,390 - 2

PLASTICS IN PRIMARY FORMS 253 - 11 3,093 - 3

MACHINERY SPECIALIZED FOR PARTICULAR INDUSTRIES 352 + 68 2,918 + 29

/TABLE 3 .

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1993

TABLE 3 : IMPORTS FROM THE 10 MAJOR SUPPLIERS JAN-NOV OVER JAN-NOV 92 91

MAJOR SUPPLIER NOV 1992 (HKD MN) NOV 92 OVER NOV 91 JAN-NOV 1992 (HKD MN)

( % ) ( % )

CHINA 31,042 + 12 322,578 + 22

JAPAN 15,128 + 33 149,416 + 30

TAIWAN 7,911 + 16 78,917 18

UNITED STATES 6,326 + 30 62,996 + 19

REPUBLIC OF KOREA 3,754 + 25 40,292 + 27

SINGAPORE 3,518 + 35 35,187 + 23

GERMANY 1,915 + 26 19,823 + 32

UNITED KINGDOM 1,736 + 18 17,416 + 16

ITALY 1,339 + 19 13,308 26

MALAYSIA 1,175 + 49 11,634 30

IMPORTS OF THE 10 MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS

TABLE 4 :

NOV NOV 92 JAN-NOV JAN-NOV 92

COMMODITY DIVISION 1992 OVER 1992 OVER

NOV 91 JAN-NOV 91

(HKD MN) ( % ) (HKD MN) ( % )

TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP

ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 8,554 i 92,783 + 10

ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 9,235 + 35 86,504 + 23

ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 7,026 + 15 73,104 + 23

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 7,399 + 37 68,444 + 26

MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 6,415 + 20 65,884 30

/PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1993

- 31 -

PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS,

WATCHES AND CLOCKS 3,822 + 11 41,315 + 18

OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES 3,370 + 35 30,691 + 44

ROAD VEHICLES 4,058 + 158 28,900 + 97

FOOTWEAR 2,763 + 21 28,563 + 42

NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES 2,508 + 6 26,857 + 23

* DENOTES LESS THAN 0.5%

10 MAJOR COUNTRIES OF DESTINATION

TABLE 5 : RE-EXPORTS TO THE

NOV NOV 92 JAN-NOV JAN-NOV 92

MAJOR COUNTRY OF 1992 OVER 1992 OVER

DESTINATION NOV 91 JAN-NOV 91

(HKD MN) ( % ) (HKD MN) ( % )

CHINA 20,642 + 39 189,669 + 38

UNITED STATES 12,740 + 10 136,688 + 36

JAPAN 3,469 + 9 34,343 + 29

GERMANY 3,035 + 10 29,661 + 2

TAIWAN 2,355 - 5 23,978 + 7

UNITED KINGDOM 1,943 + 35 18,731 + 41

REPUBLIC OF KOREA 1,125 - 9 12,433 - 8

SINGAPORE 1,268 + 8 12,406 + 13

CANADA 827 + 3 10,201 + 32

FRANCE 948 + 21 9,985 + 22

/TABLE 6 .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1993

TABLE 6 : RE-EXPORTS OF THE 10 MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS

COMMODITY DIVISION ( NOV 1992 HKD MN) NOV 92 OVER NOV 91 ( % ) JAN-NOV 1992 (HKD MN) JAN-NOV 92 OVER JAN-NOV 91 ( % )

MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 8,219 + 12 89,545 + 36

ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 6,685 + 15 71,392 + 26

TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 6,057 + 5 61,620 + 17

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 5,790 + 26 50,702 + 24

ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 5,466 + 37 48,725 + 31

FOOTWEAR 2,978 + 22 32,003 + 42

PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 2,758 + 30 26,778 + 39

TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR CONTAINERS 1,785 - 5 21,689 + 21

OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES 2,468 + 34 19,660 4- 41

GENERAL INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT, AND MACHINE PARTS 1,419 + 62 15,243 + 68

- - 0------

/33

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1993

- 33 -

NUMBER OE FLAT SALE DROPS LAST YEAR * * * * *

REPORTING ON HIS DEPARTMENT'S FIGURES (INCLUDING THE NEW TERRITORIES) FOR 1992, THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, MR NOEL GLEESON, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE TOTAL NUMBER OF SALE AND PURCHASE AGREEMENTS OF FLATS REGISTERED IN THE LAND OFFICE DECREASED BY 23.5 PER CENT COMPARED WITH 1991.

IN ALL, 135,261 SUCH AGREEMENTS WERE REGISTERED DURING 1992.

THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF THE CONSIDERATIONS IN THESE AGREEMENTS INCREASED BY 13.1 PER CENT FROM $285.24 BILLION IN 1991 TO $322.50 BILLION IN 1992.

DURING 1992, 157,920 ASSIGNMENTS OF UNITS IN COMPLETED BUILDINGS, THE MAJORITY RESIDENTIAL, WERE REGISTERED, COMPARED WITH 182,997 DURING 1991, SHOWING A DECREASE OF 13.7 PER CENT.

THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF CONSIDERATIONS IN ASSIGNMENTS OF FLATS INCREASED BY 30.4 PER CENT FROM $227.01 BILLION IN 1991 TO $296.06 BILLION.

THERE WERE 10,249 ASSIGNMENTS OF LOTS AND SECTIONS. THIS WAS 52.9 PER CENT MORE THAN IN 1991.

THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF THE CONSIDERATIONS IN THESE ASSIGNMENTS INCREASED BY 41.8 PER CENT FROM $41.07 BILLION IN 1991 TO $58.23 BILLION.

A TOTAL OF 117 BUILDING MORTGAGES AND 168,478 OTHER MORTGAGES WERE REGISTERED DURING 1992, COMPARED WITH 156 AND 213,081 RESPECTIVELY IN 1991.

THE TOTAL AMOUNT SECURED UNDER BUILDING MORTGAGES REGISTERED DURING 1992 DECREASED BY 35.3 PER CENT FROM $8.96 BILLION IN 1991 TO $5.79 BILLION.

THE TOTAL AMOUNT SECURED UNDER MORTGAGES OTHER THAN BUILDING MORTGAGES DECREASED BY 3.9 PER CENT FROM $92.11 BILLION IN 1991 TO $88.54 BILLION.

MR GLEESON CAUTIONED THAT THE TOTAL AMOUNT ACTUALLY DRAWN DOWN ON THESE MORTGAGES AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME MAY BE SIGNIFICANTLY LESS THAN THE TOTAL AMOUNT SECURED.

REPAYMENTS UNDER MORTGAGES OF ALL KINDS, AS EVIDENCED BY DISCHARGES AND MORTGAGEE’S RECEIPTS, INCREASED BY 11.6 PER CENT FROM $40.47 BILLION IN 1991 TO $45.16 BILLION.

SEARCHES BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC DURING 1992 TOTALLED 3,207,280, UP 1.2 PER CENT COMPARED WITH 1991.

/FROM JANUARY .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1993

FROM JANUARY TO NOVEMBER 1992:

* A TOTAL OF 2,584 ASSIGNMENTS OF FLATS WERE COMPLETED BY HIS DEPARTMENT ON BEHALF OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY UNDER THE GOVERNMENT HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME;

* THERE WERE 1,136 SURRENDERS AND RESUMPTIONS OF LAND WITH A TOTAL COMPENSATION OF $1.17 BILLION PAID ON BOTH THE URBAN AREA AND THE NEW TERRITORIES;

t A TOTAL OF 1,367 GOVERNMENT LAND TRANSACTIONS WERE COMPLETED, INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING MORE SIGNIFICANT ONES:

(A) SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION ON JANUARY 15, 1992 OF A

5,535-SQUARE METRE SITE (KOWLOON INLAND LOT NO. 10999) IN TSIM SHA TSUI, KOWLOON TO TERRIFIC INVESTMENT LIMITED AT A PREMIUM OF $1,250,000,000 FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL (INCLUDING A MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK BUT EXCLUDING GODOWN, HOTEL, RESIDENTIAL AND PETROL-FILLING STATION) PURPOSES;

(B) SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION ON FEBRUARY 25, 1992 OF A 21,060-

SQUARE METRE SITE (TAI PO TOWN LOT NO. 124) IN AREA 15,

TAI PO TO STYLE GIANT LIMITED AT A PREMIUM OF

$800,000,000 FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES;

8,811-SQUARE METRE SITE (KOWLOON INLAND LOT NO. 11002) IN WYLIE ROAD, KOWLOON TO EASTLIGHT LIMITED AT A PREMIUM OF $1,190,000,000 FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES;

(D) SALE BY PUBLIC TENDER ON MARCH 13, 1992 OF A

37,550-SQUARE METRE SITE (TUEN MUN TOWN LOT NO. 360) IN AREA 44, TUEN MUN TO BRICHWOOD COMPANY LIMITED AT A PREMIUM OF $700,300,000 FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL (EXCLUDING HOTEL, CINEMA AND GODOWN) PURPOSES UNDER THE HOME OWNERSHIP (PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION) SCHEME;

(E) SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION ON MARCH 13, 1992 OF A

19,830-SQUARE METRE SITE (TAI PO TOWN LOT NO. 123) IN AREA 15, SHUI WAI, TAI PO TO PROMAX LIMITED AT A PREMIUM OF $900,000,000 FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES;

(F) SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION ON APRIL 28, 1992 OF A

24,630-SQUARE METRE SITE (TAI PO TOWN LOT NO. 115) IN AREA 30, TAI PO TO SAMOVER COMPANY LIMITED AT A PREMIUM OF $930,000,000 FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES;

(G) SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION ON MAY 18, 1992 OF A

14,540-SQUARE METRE SITE (TAI PO TOWN LOT NO. 116) IN AREA 30, TAI PO TO TIME BANK LIMITED AT A PREMIUM OF $533,000,000 FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL, RETAIL SHOPS, SUPERMARKET AND PUBLIC CAR PARK PURPOSES; AND

/(H) GRANT ON ........

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1993

(H) GRANT ON OCTOBER 1, 1992 OF A 37,520-SQUARE METRE SITE (FANT ING SHEUNG SHUT TOWN LOT NO. 36) IN TIN PING, SHEUNG SHUT TO MARVEL FUNDS COMPANY LIMITED BY WAY OF INSITU EXCHANGE AT A PREMIUM OF $633,420,000 FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES.

THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PROPERTY OWNERS ROSE BY FOUR PER CENT FROM 1,447,391 IN DECEMBER 1991 TO 1,505,003 IN DECEMBER 1992, AN INTERESTING SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC INDICATOR.

- - 0 - -

ILLEGALLY IMPORTED CORAL SEIZED

*****

THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT (AFD), IN A JOINT OPERATION WITH THE MARINE POLICE YESTERDAY (MONDAY), SEIZED A LARGE AMOUNT OF STONY CORALS AND GIANT CLAMS SUSPECTED TO BE ILLEGALLY IMPORTED INTO HONG KONG.

SENIOR CONSERVATION OFFICER OF AFD, MR CHEUNG MAN-KWONG, SAID STONY CORAL AND GIANT CLAM WERE ENDANGERED SPECIES, THE IMPORT AND EXPORT OF WHICH WERE CONTROLLED UNDER THE ANIMALS AND PLANTS (PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES) ORDINANCE.

"ANYONE WHO WISHES TO IMPORT AND EXPORT THESE ITEMS FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES OR AS PERSONAL EFFECT MUST APPLY FOR A LICENCE IN ADVANCE FROM THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT."

THE OPERATION YESTERDAY TOOK PLACE AROUND 5 PM.

IN A SEARCH CONDUCTED ON BOARD A CARGO JUNK OFF SAI KUNG, AFD OFFICERS FOUND 70 CARTONS OF STONY CORALS AND TWO CARTONS OF GIANT CLAMS WITH NO IMPORT LICENCE.

"THIS IS THE GREATEST SEIZURE OF SUCH ITEMS MADE BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT SINCE THE CONTROL CAME INTO EFFECT IN 1989," MR CHEUNG SAID.

THE STONY CORALS SEIZED WERE ABOUT 300 PIECES, WEIGHING 1,500 KILOGRAMS, AFTER TREATMENT, THE SEIZED GOODS WOULD HAVE A MARKET PRICE OF ABOUT $60,000.

THREE PERSONS CONNECTED WITH THE CASE MIGHT BE CHARGED WITH ILLEGAL IMPORTATION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES LATER.

MR CHEUNG REMINDED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC VISITING OVERSEAS COUNTRIES DURING THE COMING LUNAR NEW YEAR NOT TO BRING BACK ANY ENDANGERED SPECIES ON THEIR RETURN TO HONG KONG.

"ANYONE WHO TRIES TO ILLEGALLY BRING IN ANY ENDANGERED SPECIES, INCLUDING LIVE AND STUFFED SPECIMENS AS WELL AS PARTS AND DERIVATIVES, WILL BE PROSECUTED."

/HE SAID

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1993

HE SAID THERE WERE A TOTAL OF 297 SEIZURES IN CONNECTION WITH ILLEGAL IMPORT AND POSSESSION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES LAST YEAR, OF WHICH 38 WERE RELATED TO ILLEGAL IMPORT OF STONY CORALS.

OTHER ENDANGERED SPECIES INVOLVED WERE MAINLY PARROTS, BIRD-WINGED BUTTERFLIES, STUFFED SEA TURTLES, CROCODILES (STUFFED SPECIMENS AND THEIR MEAT), PANGOLINS, OWLS, BIRDS OF PREY, SLOW LORIS, GIANT SALAMANDER, WILD ORCHIDS AND IVORY.

ON CONVICTION, OFFENDERS ARE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $25,000 ON FIRST OFFENCE AND $50,000 PLUS SIX MONTH’S IMPRISONMENT FOR A REPEATED OFFENCE.

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

NEW ACAN SETUP ANNOUNCED *****

THE ACTING COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MS ANISSA (TUESDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT THE GOVERNOR HAD APPOINTED AND

WONG, TODAY

RE-APPOINTED

10 MEMBERS TO THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN), THE ADVISORY BODY ON ANTI-DRUG POLICY AND PROGRAMMES IN HONG KONG.

THE APPOINTMENTS AND RE-APPPOINTMENTS TAKE EFFECT FROM

.JANUARY 1 THIS YEAR FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS.

THE NEWLY APPOINTED MEMBERS ARE THE HON JAMES TO KUN-SUN; MR JUSTEIN WONG; AND MI? EDWARD PONG CHONG.

THE RE-APPOINTED MEMBERS ARE MRS PEGGY LAM PEI YU-DJA; DR EDWARD LEONG CHE-HUNG; MR ALBERT CHAN WAI-YIP; PROFESSOR CHEN CHAR-NE1; MR LUKE YIP JING-PING; MISS JOYCE CHANG SAU-HAN; AND MRS EVA KO LI BIK-CHI.

ACAN WILL ALSO BE MODIFIED THIS YEAR TO COMPRISE LARGELY NON-OFFIC.IAL MEMBERS, AND ALL OF THE OFFICIAL MEMBERS, EXCEPT THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS AND DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, WILL BE WITHDRAWN FROM ACAN AS FROM JANUARY THIS YEAR.

OTHER OFFICIALS WILL ATTEND THE ACAN WHEN REQUIRED.

UNDER THE NEW STRUCTURE, ACAN WILL HAVE THREE SUB-COMMITTEES, NAMELY, TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION; PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY; AND RESEARCH -- A NEW SUB-COMMITTEE TO CO-ORDINATE RESEARCH INTO DRUG-RELATED MATTERS.

IN ADDITION, A COMMITTEE, UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, CALLED DRUG CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, IS TO BE FORMED.

IT WILL PROVIDE A FORUM FOR REGULAR MEETINGS WITH ALL OF THOSE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WHO ARE INVOLVED IN TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION, RESEARCH AND PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND TO REFLECT THEIR VIEWS TO ACAN OR ONE OF ITS SUB-COMMITTEES.

/PROFESSOR CHEN .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1993

PROFESSOR CHEN CHAR-NEI IS APPOINTED TO REPLACE DR GERALD CHOA AS CHAIRMAN OF THE ACAN WITH EFFECT FROM JANUARY 1 THIS YEAR. DR CHOA WHO HAVE SERVED FOR 10 YEARS IS TO RETIRE FROM THE COMMITTEE.

AS REGARDS CHAIRMEN FOR THE THREE SUB-COMMITTEES, MR ALBERT CHAN WAI-YIP IS APPOINTED TO BE CHAIRMAN OF THE TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION SUB-COMMITTEE; MRS EVA KO LI BIK-CHI IS APPOINTED TO BE CHAIRMAN OF THE RESEARCH SUB-COMMITTEE; AND MR LUKE YIP JING-PING IS APPOINTED TO REPLACE MR PAO PING-WING AS CHAIRMAN OF PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY SUB-COMMITTEE.

MR PAO WILL STEP DOWN AFTER SERVING THE COMMITTEE FOR SIX YEARS.

ACAN WAS FIRST FORMED IN 1965 TO ADVISE THE GOVERNOR ON ALL MATTERS RELATING TO DRUG ABUSE AND TRAFFICKING.

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

SECRETARY FOR WORKS VISITS EUROPE

*****

THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE, LEFT HONG KONG LAST (MONDAY) NIGHT FOR A VISIT TO EUROPE WHICH WILL TAKE HIM TO ENGLAND, COLOGNE AND BRUSSELS.

IN ENGLAND, MR BLAKE WILL SEE PROGRESS ON WORK FOR THE TSING MA BRIDGE SUPERSTRUCTURE, NOW BEING UNDERTAKEN BY SPECIALIST MANUFACTURERS.

HE WILL BE IN NORTH ENGLAND TO SEE STEELWORK FABRICATION AND MANUFACTURING OF STEEL WIRE FOR THE BRIDGE CABLES.

WHEN COMPLETED, TSING MA WILL BE THE WORLD’S LARGEST ROAD AND RAIL SUSPENSION BRIDGE.

HIS PROGRAMME IN ENGLAND INCLUDES A BRIEFING ON MANAGEMENT ASPECTS OF THE EUROTUNNEL PROJECT.

HE WILL ALSO DELIVER AN ADDRESS AT THE INSTITUTION OF CIVIL

ENGINEERS, DESCRIBING INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG

INCLUDING THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME.

MR BLAKE WILL TRAVEL TO COLOGNE IN GERMANY ON JANUARY 26 TO

MEET MEMBERS OF THE COLOGNE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY AND WILL

SPEAK AT A DINNER OF THE GERMAN-CHINESE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION.

HE WILL THEN TRAVEL TO BRUSSELS TO ADDRESS THE BELGIUM-HONG KONG SOCIETY.

AT EACH OF THESE SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS, MR BLAKE WILL BE DESCRIBING IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME, WHICH UNDERPINS HONG KONG’S CONTINUING ECONOMIC GROWTH INTO THE NEXT CENTURY.

KEEN INTEREST IS BEING SHOWN IN WHAT WILL BE ONE OF THE BIGGEST INFRASTRUCTURAL PROGRAMMES ATTEMPTED ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD.

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

/38 .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1993

SEMINAR TO PROMOTE WORK-BASED CHILD CARE CENTRES *♦♦♦*♦

THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD A SEMINAR NEXT MONTH TO FURTHER PROMOTE THE CONCEPT OF WORK-BASED CHILD CARE CENTRES IN HONG KONG.

THIS WAS ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR IAN STRACHAN, WHEN ADDRESSING THE OPENING OF PO LEUNG KUK KWAI FONG NURSERY.

A WORK-BASED CHILD CARE CENTRE IS AN EMPLOYER-SPONSORED CHILD CARE CENTRE, SET UP FOR THE USE OF EMPLOYEES.

OVERSEAS EXPERIENCES INDICATED THAT THESE CENTRES HAD IMPROVED STAFF MORALE, REDUCED STAFF TURNOVER AND ATTRACTED MORE PEOPLE TO JOIN THE ORGANISATIONS, WHICH IN TURN ENHANCED THEIR EFFECTIVENESS AND PRODUCTIVITY, MR STRACHAN SAID.

’’THIS CONCEPT OF WORK-BASED CHILD CARE CENTRE IS NOT NEW IN HONG KONG.

’’THE HONG KONG BANK IS THE LOCAL PIONEER. ITS CHILD CARE CENTRE HAS ENABLED IT TO RETAIN STAFF, INCREASE STAFF RECRUITMENT, ENHANCE MORALE AND BOOST THE IMAGE OF THE ORGANISATION,” HE SAID.

ATTENDING THE SEMINAR WILL BE AN EXPERT FROM SINGAPORE WHO WILL DELIVER A SPEECH AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE HONG KONG BANK AND THE HONG KONG CHRISTIAN SERVICE WHO WILL SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCES IN PROVIDING AND RUNNING THE SERVICE.

’’THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF CHILD CARE SERVICES IN THE TERRITORY DEPENDED ON OUR ACTIVE PARTICIPATION AND SUPPORT,” MR STRACHAN STRESSED, ADDING THAT PO LEUNG KUK HAI) BEEN ACTIVE IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES.

THE ORGANISATION WOULD CONTINUE TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE PARENTS AND GAIN SUPPORT FROM THE COMMUNITY WITH THEIR EXPERIENCE IN CHILD CARE SERVICES AND DEDICATION IN SERVING THE COMMUNITY, MR STRACHAN SAID.

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

NEW CLINIC FOR YUEN CHAU KOK

*****

THE NEW YUEN CHAU KOK CLINIC AT 29 CHAP WAI KON STREET IN SHA TIN WILL BEGIN OPERATION FROM JANUARY 28.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE CLINIC WOULD PROVIDE GENERAL OUT-PATIENT SERVICE TO LOCAL RESIDENTS.

IT WILL OPEN FROM 9 AM TO 1 PM AND FROM 2 PM TO 5 PM DURING WEEKDAYS AND FROM 9 AM TO 1 PM ON SATURDAYS.

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

/39 .....

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1993

FIRE PREVENTION MESSAGE FOR FLOATING POPULATION *****

THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS LAUNCHED A FIRE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN IN TYPHOON SHELTERS FOR MEMBERS OF THE FISHING COMMUNITY AND BOAT DWELLERS WITH THE APPROACH OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR.

FIRE OFFICERS OF THE MARINE DIVISION HAVE BEEN, SINCE YESTERDAY (MONDAY), VISITING TYPHOON SHELTERS IN ABERDEEN, SHAU KEI WAN, CHAI WAN, CAUSEWAY BAY, YAU MA TEI, CHEUNG CHAU AND TUEN MUN ON FIREBOATS TO CONVEY THE FIRE PREVENTION MESSAGE THROUGH BROADCAST AND THE DISTRIBUTION OF BOOKLETS.

THE COMPA1GN WILL LAST UNTIL JANUARY 29.

"WE CHOOSE THIS TIME BECAUSE MOST FISHERMEN ARE RETURNING TO CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR AND THAT THE NUMBER OF FISHING BOATS IS EXPECTED TO INCREASE FIVE TIMES THAN THE NORMAL DAYS IN THE TYPHOON SHELTERS," SENIOR DIVISIONAL OFFICER (MARINE), MR SUNG SAU-MAN, SAID.

THE ANNUAL EXERCISE IS TO ADVISE THEM HOW TO PREVENT FIRE OUTBREAK AND THE PROCEDURE TO BE TAKEN DURING AN EMERGENCY.

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

PHOTO CONTEST TO PROMOTE HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

*****

THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT HEALTH COMMITTEE IS INVITING ENTRIES TO A PHOTO CONTEST THAT PROMOTES HEALTH CONSCIOUSNESS.

ENTITLED "HEALTHY LIFESTYLE", THE CONTEST IS OPEN TO PEOPLE WHO STUDY, WORK OR LIVE IN KWUN TONG.

THERE WILL BE NO LIMIT TO THE NUMBER OF ENTRIES SUBMITTED BY AN INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPANT.

THE CONTEST COMPRISES TWO SECTIONS: PUBLIC AND STUDENT. THE STUDENT SECTION WILL BE SUB-DIVIDED INTO JUNIOR (SECONDARY 1 TO 3) AND SENIOR (SECONDARY 4 TO 7) SECTIONS.

ALL ENTRIES MUST BE OF 3R-S1ZE AND UNMOUNTED. NEGATIVES ARE ALSO REQUIRED.

EACH ENTRY SHOULD BE ACCOMPANIED WITH A TITLE OF NO MORE THAN 20 WORDS. THE PHOTOGRAPHS SHOULD NOT BE PUBLISHED BEFORE MARCH 7 THIS YEAR.

THE THREE WINNERS OF EACH GROUP WILL EACH RECEIVE A CAMERA AND CASH TOTALLING $300 TO $1,000. THERE WILL ALSO BE TWO MERITORIOUS PRIZES.

WINNING ENTRIES WILL BE PUT ON DISPLAY AT A PRIZE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY IN MARCH.

/ALL ENTRIES .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1993

ALL ENTRIES MUST BE SENT IN PERSON OR BY MAIL TO THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT HEALTH SYSTEM HEADQUARTERS, LG1, NGAU TAU KOK JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC, 60 TING ON STREET, NGAU TAU KOK NO LATER THAN FEBRUARY 7.

THE PHOTO CONTEST IS SUPPORTED BY SHUN LEE YIN NGAI SOCIETY। KWUN TONG COMMUNITY HEALTH PROJECT, LIONS CLUB OF KWUN TONG, KWUN TONG SCHOOL LIAISON COMMITTEE AND KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD SOCIAL SERVICE COMMITTEE.

IT IS SPONSORED BY MINOLTA HONG KONG LIMITED AND HONG KONG BANK FOUNDATION, DISTRICT COMMUNITY PROGRAMME.

FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 753 8094.

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

131 VM'S RETURNED HOME TODAY

*****

A QROUP OF 131 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (TUESDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE UNHCR’S VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME.

COMPRISING 53 MEN, 31 WOMEN, 27 BOYS AND 20 GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 142ND BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.

THE GROUP BRINGS TO 376 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAVE RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 26,688 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN MARCH 1989.

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

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

TENDER RESULTS

*****

TENDER DATE

PAPER ON OFFER

ISSUE NUMBER

AMOUNT APPLIED

AMOUNT ALLOTTED

AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED

HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED

PRO RATA RATIO

AVERAGE TENDER YIELD

12 JANUARY 1993

EF BILLS

Q302

HKD 3,444MN

HKD 800MN

3.77 PCT

ABOUT 61 PCT

3.80 PCT

/HONG KONG .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1993

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

TENDERS TO BE HELD IN THE

WEEK BEGINNING 18 JANUARY 1993-

TENDER DATE

PAPER ON OFFER

ISSUE NUMBER

ISSUE DATE

MATURITY DATE

TENOR

AMOUNT ON OFFER

19 JANUARY 1993

EF BILLS

Q303

20 JANUARY 1993

21 APRIL 1993

91 DAYS

HKD 800+160MN

19 JANUARY 1993

EF BILLS

H356

20 JANUARY 1993

21 JULY 1993

182 DAYS

HKD 300+60MN

--------0 - -

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS

***** $ MILLION

OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1 ,350

REVERSAL OF LAF + 150

BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 1,500

NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL

EFFECT OF LAF TODAY NIL

CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,500

LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 114.4 *-0.2* 12.1.93

/HONG KONG

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1993

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

EF BILLS TERM HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS

TERMS YIELD ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD

1 WEEK 3.03 PCT 13 MONTHS 2402 5.50 100.97 4.63

1 MONTH 3.33 PCT 16 MONTHS 2405 5.50 100.90 4.85

3 MONTHS 3.74 PCT 19 MONTHS 2408 4.375 98.94 5.14

6 MONTHS 3.99 PCT 22 MONTHS 2411 4.625 98.87 5.34

12 MONTHS 4.56 PCT

TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS ; AND BONDS - 10,986 MN

CLOSED 12 JANUARY 1993

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1993

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL:

MICHAEL SZE REPLIES ON CONSTITUTIONAL PACKAGE .............. 1

BILL PROVIDES FOR INTRODUCTION OF PAY TV ................... 2

BILL TO TACKLE OVERLOADED GOODS VEHICLES INTRODUCED ........ 4

HK, MALAYSIA JOIN FORCES TO FIGHT DRUG TRAFFICKING ......... 5

POLICE PLANNING ON NEW YEAR'S DAY TRAGEDY EXPLAINED ....... 5

MACHINERY THERE TO MONITOR HANDLING OF COURT CASES ........ 6

CLOSED ROAD PERMIT SYSTEM WORKS WELI........................ 7

IMPROVEMENTS AT CHATER ROAD PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT ........... 8

NO AIDS VICTIMS TURNED AWAY ............................... g

STUDIES ON ANTI-COMPETITIVE TRADE PRACTICES ................ 9

EXCHANGE FUND NOT FOR NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS ................. 10

1,680 ADMITTED TO HOSPITALS ON SUICIDE BIDS ................ 10

NO PLAN TO LOWER MARK SIX BETTING DUTY .................. 10

/AIR-CONDITIONED .......

eceived by PRO

1 5 JAN 1993

AIR-CONDITIONED BUS FARES EXPLAINED .......................... 11

PROVISION OF LOCKABLE DESKS IN SCHOOLS NOT PRACTICAL ......... 11

DIRECTIONAL SIGNS AT AIRPORT WILL BE INSTALLED ............... 12

EFFORTS TO HELP ACCUSED UNDERSTAND CHARGES ................... 13

BALANCE SHEET OF EXCHANGE FUND PUBLISHED ANNUALLY ............ 13

ACTION UNDER WAY TO EXEMPT LOW-TRANSMITTING POWER DEVICES FROM LICENSING .............................................. 14

COLLABORATION IN CONTRACT RESEARCH DEPENDS ON ACCEPTABILITY . OF COMPANIES ............................................... 14

COMPENSATION FOR INJURIES IN EXTRA-CURRICULAR EVENTS ......... 15

INCREASING LOAN RATIO HAS NO IMPACT ON ECONOMIC GROWTH .... 16

PROCEDURE FOR ROAD REINSTATEMENT TO BE CHANGED ............... 16

FATAL WORK ACCIDENTS STATISTICS .............................. 17

CHANGES TO APPROVED ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE TABLED .......... 17

MOTION TO WITHDRAW GOVERNOR'S POLITICAL PROPOSALS DEFEATED 18

POLITICAL ARGUMENTS COULD BE RESOLVED: GOVERNOR ................ 19

GOVERNOR VISITS WAN CHAI ....................................... 19

LAN KWAI FONG INQUIRY .......................................... 20

AIR QUALITY REPORT FOR DECEMBER ................................ 20

NEEDY FAMILIES GIVEN RED PACKETS ............................... 22

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .. 22

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1993

MICHAEL SZE REPLIES ON CONSTITUTIONAL PACKAGE

*****

THE FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THE SPEECH BY THE SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SZE, IN THE MOTION DEBATE ON THE FUTURE CONSTITUTIONAL PACKAGE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SITTING TODAY (WEDNESDAY):

MR DEPUTY PRESIDENT,

ON 7 OCTOBER 1992 THE GOVERNOR ANNOUNCED IN THIS COUNCIL PROPOSALS FOR THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MUNICIPAL COUNCIL AND DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS IN 1994-95. THESE PROPOSALS REPRESENTED THE ADMINISTRATION’S BEST JUDGEMENT OF THE OPTIMUM BALANCE BETWEEN THE CLEARLY EXPRESSED DESIRE OF THE COMMUNITY FOR A GREATER SAY IN RUNNING THEIR OWN AFFAIRS ON THE ONE HAND, AND ON THE OTHER THE WISH TO SEE ARRANGEMENTS BEING PUT IN PLACE WHICH ARE WITHIN THE TERMS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW, AND THUS CAPABLE OF TRANSCENDING 1997.

THE ADMINISTRATION’S PROPOSALS HAVE ATTRACTED EXTENSIVE DISCUSSION IN THE PAST FEW MONTHS. AND I AM PLEASED TO SEE THAT THERE IS CONTINUING PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR THE PACKAGE, AS REFLECTED IN THE SERIES OF INDEPENDENT OPINION SURVEYS DURING THIS PERIOD. IN TWO MOTION DEBATES ON 17 OCTOBER AND 11 NOVEMBER LAST YEAR, THIS COUNCIL ALSO GAVE ITS GENERAL SUPPORT TO THE PACKAGE AS A WHOLE, AND TO THE PROPOSED COMPOSITION OF THE ELECTION COMMITTEE IN PARTICULAR.

DESPITE THIS GENERAL SUPPORT, SOME OF OUR CRITICS INCLUDING A FEW OF THE SPEAKERS TODAY, HAVE SUGGESTED THAT THE ADMINISTRATION SHOULD NOW WITHDRAW ITS PROPOSALS. THEIR ARGUMENT IS THAT THE PROPOSALS SOMEHOW VIOLATED THE JOINT DECLARATION, THE BASIC LAW AND THE UNDERSTANDING REACHED BETWEEN THE BRITISH AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS IN EARLY 1990.

I DO NOT WISH TO PROLONG THIS DEBATE BY REHEARSING OUR WELL-KNOWN POSITION EXCEPT TO SAY THAT NONE OF THE ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT OF THESE ACCUSATIONS BEAR EXAMINATION.

MR. DEPUTY PRESIDENT, IT REMAINS THE ADMINISTRATION’S FIRM AND SINCERE BELIEF THAT OUR PROPOSALS ARE IN THE OVERALL LONG-TERM INTEREST OF HONG KONG, ARE WITHIN THE TERMS OF THE BASIC LAW, AND ARE CONDUCIVE TO HONG KONG’S CONTINUED PROSPERITY AND STABILITY. WE CANNOT THEREFORE SEE ANY REASON WHY THE PROPOSALS SHOULD NOT BE INTRODUCED FOR CONSIDERATION BY THIS COUNCIL. INDEED, WE WOULD THINK THAT MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC EXPECT THE PROPOSALS TO BE EXAMINED IN A DETAILED MANNER AND DECIDED UPON AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

/ACCORDINGLY, SUBJECT ........

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1993

ACCORDINGLY, SUBJECT TO THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, IT IS OUR PLAN TO INTRODUCE INTO THIS COUNCIL, SOME TIME IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR, DRAFT LEGISLATION WHICH SEEK TO GIVE EFFECT TO THE VARIOUS PROPOSALS. TO FACILITATE MEMBERS’ CONSIDERATION, WE WILL PUBLISH, IN PARALLEL WITH OR JUST BEFORE THE INTRODUCTION OF THE BILLS, WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS WHICH WE HAVE RECEIVED SO FAR. MEMBERS WILL THEN BE ABLE TO SCRUTINIZE THE PROPOSALS IN DETAIL, ALONG WITH THE RANGE OF ALTERNATIVE PROPOSALS WHICH HAVE EMERGED FROM WITHIN THE COMMUNITY IN THE PAST THREE MONTHS OR SO. THE BILLS, LIKE ANY OTHER BILLS, WILL BE OPEN TO AMENDMENTS BY MEMBERS. ULTIMATELY, THEREFORE, IT WILL BE THIS COUNCIL WHO WILL DECIDE ON THE FINAL SHAPE OF THE ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR 1994-95. I HAVE EVERY FAITH THAT MEMBERS WILL TAKE INTO FULL ACCOUNT WISHES OF THE PUBLIC, AND ARRIVE AT A FINAL PACKAGE WHICH CAN COMMAND THEIR CONFIDENCE AND SUPPORT.

FOR THESE REASONS, THE THREE EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS WILL VOTE AGAINST MR. WONG’S MOTION.

-------------------0------- BILL PROVIDES FOR INTRODUCTION OF PAY TV *****

THE TELEVISION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1993 TABLED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PROVIDES FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF SUBSCRIPTION TELEVISION IN HONG KONG.

MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR JAMES SO, SAID ONE OF THE OBJECTIVES OF THE BILL WAS TO ENSHRINE A REGULATORY FRAMEWORK IN LEGISLATION WHICH WOULD ENABLE EXISTING AND NEW TELEVISION SERVICES TO CO-EXIST AND COMPETE IN A HEALTHY AND EQUITABLE MANNER.

IT ALSO SEEKS TO AMEND THE TELEVISION ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE GENERAL REGULATORY PARAMETERS FOR SUBSCRIPTION TELEVISION.

IT ALSO SETS OUT THE TERMS ON WHICH SUBSCRIPTION TELEVISION BROADCASTING LICENCES MAY BE GRANTED.

THESE TERMS WILL INCLUDE SPECIFIC CONDITIONS WHICH WILL BIND THE LICENSEE TO DELIVER THE ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF THE SERVICE IT HAS PROMISED, BUT WHICH, AT THE SAME TIME, WILL GUARD AGAINST TOO MUCH RIGIDITY SO THAT IT CANNOT RESPOND PROMPTLY TO MARKET FEEDBACK.

"THE BILL THEREFORE PROVIDES THE FIRST SUBSCRIPTION TELEVISION OPERATOR AN EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO PROVIDE A SUBSCRIPTION BROADCASTING SERVICE FOR THREE YEARS FROM THE DATE OF LICENCE," MR SO SAID.

THE LICENSEE, HOWEVER, IS TO BE REQUIRED TO BROADCAST SUBSCRIPTION TELEVISION PROGRAMMES SUPPLIED TO IT BY HUTCHVISION DURING THIS EXCLUSIVITY PERIOD.

THE DETAILED ARRANGEMENTS FOR THIS WILL NEED TO BE NEGOTIATED BY THE TWO PARTIES. IF THEY FAIL TO DO THIS, THERE IS PROVISION FOR DETERMINATION BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL, HE SAID.

/TO FACILITATE

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1993

TO FACILITATE EARLY LAUNCH OF A SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE, MR SO SAID THE GOVERNMENT MIGHT NEED TO ISSUE A "TRANSITIONAL" LICENCE BEFORE THE ENACTMENT OF THE BILL.

PROVISION IS INCLUDED IN THE BILL VALIDATION TO ANY SUCH LICENCE GRANTED AS A UNDER THE TELECOMMUNICATION ORDINANCE.

TO GIVE RETROSPECTIVE "TRANSITIONAL" LICENCE

ANOTHER OBJECTIVE OF THE BILL IS TO RELAX CERTAIN PROGRAMMING AND ADVERTISING REQUIREMENTS AS WELL AS TO REDUCE THE ROYALTY PAYABLE BY ASIA TELEVISION LTD AND TELEVISION BROADCASTS LTD.

IT ALSO EFFECTS RELAXATION OF SHAREHOLDING RESTRICTIONS CURRENTLY APPLIED TO TELEVISION LICENSEES.

UNDER THE BILL, A LICENSEE MAY BE ALLOWED TO OWN OR CONTROL SHARES IN ANY LOCAL OR OVERSEAS COMPANY DIRECTLY CONNECTED WITH BROADCASTING WITHOUT THE EXISTING REQUIREMENT THAT THE LICENSEE SHOULD HAVE A CONTROLLING INTEREST IN THOSE COMPANIES.

"THE ONLY RESTRICTION AS REGARDS INVESTMENT IN SUCH COMPANIES WILL BE ON A LICENSEE’S HOLDING OF OVER 15 PER CENT OF THE SHARE CAPITAL IN THOSE ’MAJOR’ BROADCASTING COMPANIES SPECIFIED IN THE BILL," MR SO EXPLAINED.

"THIS IS TO PREVENT ANY ONE COMPANY FROM HAVING TOO MUCH INFLUENCE ON HONG KONG’S BROADCASTING,” HE SAID.

ANTI-AVOIDANCE PROVISIONS ARE INCLUDED IN THE BILL TO TARGET CIRCUMVENTION OF THE 15 PER CENT LIMIT BY CONNECTED PERSONS ON SUCH INVESTMENTS, HE ADDED.

THE BILL ALSO PROPOSES THAT, WITH THE PRIOR APPROVAL OF THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY, AN OVERSEAS PARTNER OF A LICENSEE MAY HOLD, ACQUIRE OR EXERCISE OVER 10 PER CENT IN AGGREGATE OF THE TOTAL VOTING CONTROL OF THE LICENSEE. THE 49 PER CENT CEILING REMAINS UNTOUCHED HOWEVER.

ONE FINAL OBJECTIVE OF THE BILL IS TO REMOVE OR MODIFY PROVISIONS IN THE TELEVISION ORDINANCE WHICH ARE UNNECESSARY OR WHICH GIVE THE GOVERNMENT UNLIMITED OR WIDE DISCRETIONARY POWERS IN REGULATING THE TELEVISION INDUSTRY.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

/4 ........

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1993

BILL TO TACKLE OVERLOADED GOODS VEHICLES INTRODUCED

******

A BILL SEEKING TO PROVIDE MORE STRINGENT MEASURES AGAINST TRE OWNERS OF OVERLOADED GOODS VEHICLES WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE ROAD TRAFFIC (.AMENDMENT) (NO. 4) BILL 1992, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, SAID DESPITE VIGOROUS ENFORCEMENT ACTION BY THE POLICE, THE NUMBER OF OVERLOADING OFFENCES INVOLVING GOODS VEHICLES HAD INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY IN RECENT YEARS, FROM AN AVERAGE OF 1,820 A MONTH IN 1989 TO 2,770 A MONTH IN THE FIRST HALF OF LAST YEAR.

’’OVERLOADING POSES A SERIOUS RISK TO ROAD SAFETY AND SEVERELY DAMAGES ROAD SURFACES THUS SHORTENING THEIR LIFE SPAN.

"SO FAR ONLY DRIVERS HAVE BEEN PROSECUTED FOR OVERLOADING OFFENCES, BUT SOME DRIVERS CLAIM THAT THEY ARE FORCED BY GOODS VEHICLE OWNERS TO COMMIT THE OFFENCE,” HE SAID.

THE BILL EMPOWERS THE GOVERNOR TN COUNCIL TO MAKE REGULATIONS IMPOSING STRICT LIABILITY ON OWNERS OF OVERLOADED GOODS VEHICLES UNLESS THEY CAN PROVE THAT THE OFFENCE WAS COMMITTED WITHOUT THEIR CONSENT AND THAT THEY HAD TAKEN REASONABLE MEASURES TO PREVENT THE OVERLOADING.

MR LEUNG SAID IT WAS ALSO INTENDED TO INCREASE THE FIXED PENALTY FINE FOR VEHICLE OVERLOADING FROM $450 TO $1,000 BY A RESOLUTION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

THE BILL ALSO EMPOWERS THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL TO MAKE REGULATIONS REQUIRING THE DISPLAY OF DRIVERS’ IDENTITY PLATES IN PUBLIC SERVICE VEHICLES SUCH AS PUBLIC BUSES, PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES AND TAXIS.

"INITIALLY, IT IS INTENDED THAT ONLY TAXIS SHOULD BE SUBJECT TO THIS REQUIREMENT SO AS TO HELP CURB THE RISING TREND OF COMPLAINTS AGAINST TAXI DRIVER MALPRACTICES AND TO ENCOURAGE GREATER SELFDISCIPLINE IN THE TAXI TRADE,” HE SAID.

THE IDENTITY PLATES WOULD BE IN A SPECIFIED FORM, BEARING THE NAME AND PHOTOGRAPH OF THE TAXI DRIVER.

THE BILL INCLUDES TWO AMENDMENTS THAT SEEK TO DELEGATE FROM THE GOVERNOR TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT THE AUTHORITY TO SPECIFY THE AGE OF VEHICLES TO BE EXAMINED BEFORE LICENSING AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE EXAMINATION OF VEHICLE TRAILERS TO ENSURE THEIR ROADWORTHINESS.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

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

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1993

HE, MALAYSIA JOIN FORCES TO FIGHT DRUG TRAFFICKING

******

THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) APPROVED AN AMENDMENT ORDER TO DESIGNATE MALAYSIA UNDER THE DRUG TRAFFICKING (RECOVERY OF PROCEEDS) ORDINANCE.

MOVING A MOTION TO SEEK APPROVAL OF THE ORDER, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD RECENTLY INITIALLED AN AGREEMENT WITH MALAYSIA CONCERNING MUTUAL ASSISTANCE IN THE SUPPRESSION OF DRUG TRAFFICKING.

THE AGREEMENT WILL COME INTO EFFECT WHEN IT IS SIGNED BY BOTH GOVERNMENTS AFTER THEY HAVE NOTIFIED EACH OTHER THAT THEY HAVE COMPLIED WITH THE REQUIREMENTS FOR ITS ENTRY INTO FORCE.

HONG KONG HAS ALREADY CONCLUDED 10 AGREEMENTS AND ARRANGEMENTS WITH OTHER JURISDICTIONS.

’’DRUG TRAFFICKING IS AN INTERNATIONAL PROBLEM AND CO-OPERATION AMONG GOVERNMENTS IN CONFISCATING THE PROCEEDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING ACTS AS A MAJOR DETERRENT,” MR ASPREY SAID;

AS A RESULT OF THIS BILATERAL CO-OPERATION, ABOUT $280 MILLION WORTH OF ASSETS HAVE BEEN SEIZED IN HONG KONG.

MR ASPREY SAID THE ORDINANCE HAD STRENGTHENED THE GOVERNMENT’S ABILITY TO COMBAT DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL DRUG TRAFFICKING BY PROVIDING THE MEANS TO TRACE, RESTRAIN AND CONFISCATE THE PROCEEDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING.

THE DRUG TRAFFICKING (RECOVERY OF PROCEEDS) (DESIGNATED COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES) (AMENDMENT) ORDER 1992 WAS MADE BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL ON DECEMBER 8 LAST YEAR..

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

POLICE PLANNING ON NEW YEAR’S DAY TRAGEDY EXPLAINED

*****

THE POLICE HAS TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN THEIR PLANNING THE PLANNED TELEVISION AND RADIO BROADCASTS FROM LAN KWAI FONG ON THE NEW YEAR’S DAY, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HOWARD YOUNG, MR ASPREY SAID THE LIVE RADIO BROADCAST AT LAN KWAI FONG ON THE NIGHT OF THE TRAGEDY WAS ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG COMMERCIAL BROADCASTING CO LTD.

A LICENCE AND A PERMIT WERE GRANTED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINING LICENSING AUTHORITY RESPECTIVELY.

HE SAID THE TELEVISION COMPANIES DID NOT ORGANISE ANY PERFORMANCES OR ACTIVITIES, BUT HAI) NEWS TEAMS REPORTING LIVE FROM THE SCENE.

/"THIS DOES .......

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1993

THIS DOES NOT REQUIRE ANY LICENCE OR PERMIT,” MR ASPREY SAID.

THE SECRETARY ALSO SAID A TOTAL OF 146 POLICE OFFICERS WERE DEPLOYED IN THE LAN KWAI FONG AREA AND ITS VICINITY BEFORE THE TRAGEDY HAPPENED.

NO OTHER DISCIPLINED SERVICES PERSONNEL WERE DEPLOYED IN THE AREA BEFORE THE INCIDENT OCCURRED.

HE SAID THE POLICE EXPECTED A CROWD OF UP TO 20,000 PEOPLE AND THEIR PLANNING TOOK THIS INTO ACCOUNT.

THE CROWD WAS LARGER THAN ON NEW YEAR’S EVE AND CHRISTMAS EVE IN 1990 AND 1991. IN 1990, ONLY A FEW THOUSAND PEOPLE WERE THERE ON NEW YEAR’S EVE AND CHRISTMAS EVE. IN 1991, THE CROWD TURNOUT ON EACH OCCASION WAS ESTIMATED TO BE ABOUT 20 PER CENT LESS THAN LAST YEAR.

- - 0 - -

MACHINERY THERE TO MONITOR HANDLING OF COURT CASES

*****

MACHINERY IS IN PLACE WITHIN THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT TO MONITOR THE WAY IN WHICH COURT CASES ARE HANDLED, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MARVIN CHEUNG, MR MACLEOD SAID THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT’S JOB WOULD BE TO ENSURE THAT SUCH MONITORING MACHINERY WAS ADEQUATE FOR THE PURPOSE AND WAS IMPLEMENTED EFFECTIVELY.

HE SAID IF A MAJOR PROSECUTION RESULTED IN AN ACQUITTAL, THE CASE WOULD BE REVIEWED BY A SENIOR OFFICER IN THE DEPARTMENT TO ENSURE THAT IT WAS PROPERLY BROUGHT AND CONDUCTED.

ANY SERIOUS DEFICIENCIES IN THESE AREAS WOULD BE LIABLE TO ATTRACT ADVERSE COMMENT FROM THE BENCH.

TO DATE, THE AUDIT OF LEGAL COSTS HAS BEEN CONFINED TO REGULARITY AUDIT TO SEE THAT PAYMENTS WERE IN ORDER AND PROPERLY AUTHORISED.

NO VALUE FOR MONEY AUDIT HAS BEEN CONDUCTED OF SUCH PAYMENTS.

REGULARITY AUDIT IS CONCERNED WITH PROVIDING THE LEGCO WITH AN OVERALL ASSURANCE THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S FINANCIAL AND ACCOUNTING TRANSACTIONS ARE PROPER, AND THAT THEY CONFORM WITH ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS.

VALUE FOR MONEY AUDIT IS AN EXAMINATION INTO THE ECONOMY, EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS WITH WHICH A DEPARTMENT HAS DISCHARGED ITS FUNCTIONS.

/MR MACLEOD

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1993

MR MACLEOD SAID IF A VALUE FOR MONEY AUDIT ON LEGAL COSTS WERE TO BE CONDUCTED BY THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT, HE WOULD EXAMINE THE PROCEDURES TAKEN BY THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT TO SEE WHETHER THEY WERE ADEQUATE AND WHETHER THERE WAS ANY FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THEM.

HE SAID THE AUDIT DEPARTMENT DID NOT HAVE THE EXPERTISE TO ESTABLISH WHETHER LOSSES OF COURT CASES RESULTED FROM ERRORS OR FAILURES OF A LEGAL NATURE*

CLOSED ROAD PERMIT SYSTEM WORKS WELL

* I t t *

THE CLOSED ROAD PERMIT SYSTEM AT THE THREE BORDER CROSSINGS ALLOWS THE GOVERNMENT TO SPECIFY WHICH CROSSING POINT SHOULD BE USED BY A PARTICULAR VEHICLE, THUS HELPING TO SPREAD THE TRAFFIC LOAD.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON SAMUEL WONG, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MR LEUNG SAID THE PRESENT PERMIT SYSTEM WAS ALREADY QUITE SIMPLE AND THERE WAS NO NEED TO CHANGE IT IN ANTICIPATION OF THE OPENING OF THE GUANGZHOU/SHENZHEN SUPERHIGHWAY.

HE SAID THE OPENING HOURS OF THE BORDER CROSSING POINTS WERE ADJUSTED TO MEET CHANGING TRAFFIC DEMANDS, SUBJECT TO AGREEMENT WITH THE CHINESE SIDE AND THE AVAILABILITY OF THE NECESSARY RESOURCES.

HE SAID THE RECENT ARRANGEMENT OF ADVANCING THE OPENING TIME OF ALL BORDER. CROSSINGS TO 7 AM AND EXTENDING THE CLOSING TIME AT MAN KAM TO AND LOK MA CHAU TO 10 PM HAD HELPED TO SPREAD TRAFFIC DEMAND AND TO REDUCE CONGESTION, PARTICULARLY TN THE EARLY MORNING.

’’TRAFFIC DEMANDS ARE KEPT UNDER CONSTANT REVIEW AND WHEN THE SITUATION WARRANTS IT, FOR EXAMPLE BEFORE THE OPENING OF THE GUANGZHOU/SHENZHEN HIGHWAY, WE WILL CONSIDER WHETHER AND HOW TO EXTEND FURTHER THE OPENING HOURS,'1 HE SAID.

ON PLANS TO INCREASE THE THROUGHPUT OF THE THREE VEHICLE BORDER CROSSINGS, MR LEUNG SAID MAN KAM TO AND SHA TAU KOK CROSSING POINTS WERE ALREADY OPERATING AT CAPACITY.

'SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY OF RESOURCES AND AGREEMENT WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES, MORE PROCESSING KIOSKS CAN BE BROUGHT INTO USE AT LOK MA CHAU TO INCREASE ITS THROUGHPUT STILL FURTHER," HE SAID.

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

/6 ........

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1993

IMPROVEMENTS AT CHATER ROAD PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT * * * * *

THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS TAKEN STEPS TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENTAL AND HYGIENE CONDITIONS IN THE CHATER ROAD PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT AND ITS SURROUNDNG AREAS ON SUNDAYS.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY EOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, TN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON YEUNG SUM, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THESE MEASURES INCLUDED PLACING A LARGE NUMBER OF 240 LITRE BULK LITTER CONTAINERS THROUGHOUT THE AREA AND TWO LARGE SKIPS FOR THE TEMPORARY STORAGE OF WASTE; DEPLOYING A LARGE FORCE OF CLEANSING AND OTHER STAFF IN THE AREA AND INCREASED ENFORCEMENT AGAINST LITTERING AND OTHER OFFENCES SUCH AS ILLEGAL HAWKING.

MR EASON SAID THERE HAD BEEN NOTICEABLE IMPROVEMENT OVER THE PAST FEW MONTHS AND THE AREA WAS BEING KEPT AS CLEAN AS POSSIBLE HAVING REGARD TO ITS HEAVY USE.

IN ADDITION, HE SAID DIFFERENT METHODS WERE BEING USED TO INCREASE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE PROBLEM BY DEPLOYING A BROADCASTING VAN AND ERECTING NOTICE BOARDS WITH ANTI-LITTER MESSAGES IN SEVERAL LANGUAGES AND MOBILISING A NUMBER OF VOLUNTARY GROUPS TO GIVE OUT PUBLICITY MATERIALS.

- - 0 - -

NO AIDS VICTIMS TURNED AWAY *****

THERE HAS BEEN NO REPORTED INCIDENT OF LICENSED FUNERAL PARLOURS REJECTING REQUESTS FOR FUNERAL SERVICE, OR OF HOSPITALS TURNING AWAY PATIENTS WHO ARE AIDS VICTIMS, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

, IN REPLY T0 A QUESTION BY DR THE HON CONRAD LAM, MRS WONG SAID THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS EVER READY TO GIVE NECESSARY ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE TO THE LICENSED FUNERAL PARLOURS AND UNDERTAKERS ON THE PROPER WAY AND THE REQUIRED SPECIAL PROCEDURE FOR DEALING WITH THE BODIES OF THOSE WHO DIED OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES.

GUIDELINES ON THE PROPER HANDLING OF PATIENTS WITH HIV INFECTION HAVE ALSO BEEN ISSUED TO ALL HOSPITAL MANAGEMENT, SHE SAID. ADDING THAT REFUSAL BY MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS TO TREAT SUCH PATIENTS IS A BREACH OF THE CODE OF PRACTICE AND COULD LEAD TO DISCIPLINARY

MRS WONG SAID PUBLIC EDUCATION WAS AN EFFECTIVE TOOL TO DISPEL MISCONCEPTION, TO REMOVE PREJUDICE AND TO AWAKEN COMMUNITY

CONSCIENCE

/"ACCORDINGLY, WE

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1993

’’ACCORDINGLY, WE HAVE DESIGNATED AIDS AS THE FOCUS OF A MAJOR CAMPAIGN IN 1993 AND WILL CONTINUE TO STEP UP OUR EFFORTS IN THE YEARS TO COME,” SHE SAID.

"AT THE SAME TIME, WE ARE CONSIDERING HOW BEST TO PROVIDE FURTHER ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT SERVICES FOR HIV-INFECTED PATIENTS, HAVING REGARD TO SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES OF INDIVIDUALS CONCERNED AND TAKING REFERENCE FROM OVERSEAS PRACTICES,” SHE ADDED.

- - 0 - -

STUDIES ON ANTI-COMPETITIVE TRADE PRACTICES

THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALLOCATED ADDITIONAL FUNDS TO THE CONSUMER COUNCIL FOR CONDUCTING A SERIES OF STUDIES TO ASCERTAIN WHAT ANTICOMPETITIVE TRADE PRACTICES EXIST TN MAJOR BUSINESS SECTORS THAT AFFECT THE DAILY LIFE OF RESIDENTS.

THIS WAS STATED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T H CHAU, WHEN HE REPLIED TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LI WAH-MING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

MR CHAU SAID THE DECISION TO ALLOCATE FUNDS WAS TAKEN AFTER DISCUSSION BY THE GOVERNOR’S BUSINESS COUNCIL.

THE FINDINGS OF THE STUDIES WILL BE REFERRED TO THE COUNCIL FOR A FURTHER DISCUSSION.

"WE HOPE THAT THE FINDINGS OF THESE STUDIES WOULD HELP US CONSIDER THE MOST EFFECTIVE APPROACH TO PROMOTE COMPETITION IN THE MAJOR BUSINESS SECTORS CONCERNED,” HE SAID.

IN THIS PROCESS, THE GOVERNMENT WILL ENSURE THAT THE PUBLIC AND THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ARE ADEQUATELY CONSULTED ON ANY LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS, MR CHAU SAID.

IN CONDUCTING THE SECTOR-SPECIFIC STUDIES, THE CONSUMER COUNCIL WILL HAVE REGARD FOR ANY VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE PUBLIC, THE CONCERNED BUSINESS SECTOR AND OTHER RELEVANT SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY, HE ADDED.

ON THE GOVERNMENT’S PART, MR CHAU SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD COOPERATE WITH THE CONSUMER COUNCIL.

- - 0 - -

/10

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13,

1993

EXCHANGE FUND NOT FOR NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS

*****

THE GOVERNMENT HAS NO PLANS TO USE THE EXCHANGE FUND TO BUILD THE CHEK LAP KOK AIRPORT OR ITS RELATED PROJECTS, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID.

IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON PHILIP WONG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), MR MACLEOD SAID THE EXCHANGE FUND WAS PRIMARILY FOR THE PURPOSE OF STABILISING THE EXCHANGE RATE OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR.

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

1,680 ADMITTED TO HOSPITALS ON SUICIDE BIDS

*****

A TOTAL OF 1,681 PERSONS WERE ADMITTED INTO PRIVATE AND PUBLIC HOSPITALS AS A RESULT OF ATTEMPTED SUICIDE OR SELF-INFLICTED INJURIES IN 1991, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, TOLD HIE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THIS COMPARED WITH 1,829 IN 1990 AND 1,4 10 IN 1989, SHE ADDED.

IN \ WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON LEONG CHE-HUNG, MRS WONG SAID Of THOSE ADMITTED, 33 DIED IN 1991, 39 IN 1990 AND 46 IN 1989.

SHE ALSO SAID THE NUMBERS OF DEATHS ARISING FROM ATTEMPTED SUICIDE OR SELF-INFLICTED INJURIES WERE 748 IN 1991, 679 IN 1990 AND 604 IN 1989.

STATISTICS AVAILABLE FROM EIGHT PUBLIC HOSPITALS SHOW THAT THERE WERE FAR MORE WOMEN ATTEMPTING SUICIDE THAN MEN AND THAT MOST OF THOSE WHO ATTEMPTED SUICIDE WERE IN THE 15-24 AND 25-64 AGE GROUPS.

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

NO PLAN TO LOWER MARK SIX BETTING DUTY

*****

THE GOVERNMENT DO NOT CONSIDER IT NECESSARY TO REDUCE THE LEVEL OF BETTING DUTY ON THE PROCEEDS OF THE MARK SIX LOTTERY, THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR K Y YEUNG, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HUI YIN-FAT, MR YEUNG SAID THE FINANCE COMMITTEE HAD APPROVED THE INJECTION OF $2.3 BILLION INTO THE LOTTERIES FUND.

THUS, THE FUND SHOULD BE ABLE TO MEET ITS REQUIREMENTS UP TO 1996/97, HE ADDED.

THESE ADDITIONAL FUNDS WILL MAKE IT POSSIBLE TO ACHIEVE THE KEY TARGETS FOR 1996/97 SET OUT IN THE WHITE PAPER ON SOCIAL WELFARE AND THE GREEN PAPER ON REHABILITATION, MR YEUNG SAID.

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

/Il .......

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1993

AIR-CONDITIONED BUS FARES EXPLAINED

******

FARE SCALES FOR AIR-CONDITIONED BUS SERVICES OPERATED BY THE FRANCHISED BUS COMPANIES ARE APPROVED BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL AT LEVELS AIMED TO ACHIEVE SELF-FINANCING, WITHOUT THE NEED FOR CROSS SUBSIDISATION FROM THE ORDINARY BUS SERVICES.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MRMICHAEL LEUNG, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO THE HON ALBERT CHAN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

’’WITHIN THE APPROVED FARE SCALE, THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT DETERMINES THE ACTUAL FARE POINT CHARGED FOR A PARTICULAR ROUTE,” HE SAID.

IN THE DETERMINATION PROCESS, THE COMMISSIONER WOULD TAKE FULL ACCOUNT OF THE TYPE OF AIR-CONDITIONED BUSES USED, PASSENGER EXPECTATIONS AND AFFORDABILITY, AVAILABLE ALTERNATIVE AIR-CONDITIONED PUBLIC TRANSPORT MODES, FORECAST PATRONAGE AND REVENUE, FARES CHARGED ON ORDINARY BUS SERVICE IN THE SAME ROUTE OR COMPARABLE ROUTES AND OTHER RELEVANT TRANSPORT CONSIDERATIONS.

"ON THE AVERAGE, THE ACTUAL FARE CHARGED IS 40 PER CENT BELOW THE PERMITTED CEILING," HE SAID.

MR LEUNG SAID FARES FOR AIR-CONDITIONED BUS SERVICES WERE REVIEWED REGULARLY TO ENSURE THEIR REASONABLENESS, HAVING FULL REGARD TO PASSENGER FEEDBACK INCLUDING COMPLAINTS AGAINST HIGH FARES ON CERTAIN ROUTES.

"THE MOST RECENT REVIEW COMPLETED IN MID-1992 CONFIRMS THAT THE PRACTICE OF FLEXIBLE PRICING WITHIN THE APPROVED FARE SCALES SHOULD BE MAINTAINED," HE SAID, ADDING THAT THE CONCLUSIONS WERE SUPPORTED BY THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

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

PROVISION OF LOCKABLE DESKS IN SCHOOLS NOT PRACTICAL

*****

THE PROVISION OF LOCKABLE DESKS AND BOOKCASES IN SCHOOLS IS NOT CONSIDERED APPROPRIATE SINCE PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS ARE REQUIRED TO REFER TO THEIR TEXTBOOKS WHEN WORKING AT HOME.

IN ADDITION, THERE ARE PRACTICAL DIFFICULTIES IN SETTING ASIDE SUCH PRIVATE STORAGE SPACE IN SCHOOLS FOR INDIVIDUAL STUDENTS AS THE MAJORITY OF PRIMARY SCHOOL CLASSES ARE RUN IN TWO SESSIONS AND THE SCHOOLS ARE MADE AVAILABLE FOR OTHER USES OUTSIDE NORMAL SCHOOLING HOURS.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO THE HON ERIC LI KA-CHEUNG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

/MR CHAN .......

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1993

MR CHAN NOTED THAT TEXTBOOK PUBLISHERS WERE AWARE OE THE NEED TO AVOID PUBLICATION OF THICK TEXTBOOKS AS FAR AS POSSIBLE.

"TEXTBOOKS FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS ARE NORMALLY PUBLISHED IN TWO VOLUMES, ONE FOR THE FIRST TERM AND ANOTHER. FOR THE SECOND TERM, AT EACH LEVEL," HE SAID.

MR CHAN ALSO NOTED THAT SO FAR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAD NOT RECEIVED ANY COMPLAINT FROM PARENTS CONCERNING EXCESSIVELY HEAVY SCHOOLBAGS CARRIED BY THEIR CHILDREN.

IF SUCH COMPLAINTS WERE RECEIVED, THE DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICER CONCERNED WOULD VISIT THE SCHOOL IN QUESTION AND INVESTIGATE THE COMPLAINT.

AND IF THERE ARE VALID GROUNDS TO SUPPORT THE COMPLAINTS, THE HEAD OF THE SCHOOL WOULD BE ADVISED TO IMPROVE THE SITUATION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S GUIDELINES ON REDUCING THE WEIGHT OF SCHOOLBAGS.

"GIVEN THE VERY CLEAR GUIDELINES ON THE SUBJECT AND IN THE ABSENCE OF COMPLAINTS, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT CONSIDERS IT UNNECESSARY TO CONDUCT FURTHER REGULAR SURVEYS AT THIS STAGE," MR CHAN SAID.

- - 0 - -

DIRECTIONAL SIGNS AT AIRPORT WILL BE INSTALLED

******

ARRANGEMENTS FOR INSTALLING DIRECTIONAL SIGNS GUIDING DEPARTING PASSENGERS AT THE AIRPORT HAD BEEN FINALISED BY THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MRS PEGGY LAM, MRS CHAN SAID SUCH ARRANGEMENTS WOULD BE IMPLEMENTED IN OR AROUND APRIL AFTER THE COMPLETION OF NECESSARY RENOVATION WORKS.

THESE INCLUDE:

*) THE ERECTION OF SIGNBOARDS ALONG THE MAIN APPROACH ROAD TO THE DEPARTURE HALL WHI CH WILL INDICATE WHICH CHECK-IN AREAS ARE DESIGNATED TO WHICH AIRLINE; AND

*) THE INSTALLATION OF SIGNS ALONG THE FRONTAGE OF THE DEPARTURE HALL INDICATING THE LOCATIONS OF THE 12 CHECK-IN AREAS.

THESE ARRANGEMENTS WERE MADE UNDER THE ADVICE FROM THE TRANSPORT AND ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENTS.

- - 0 - -

/13

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1993

EFFORTS TO HELP ACCUSED UNDERSTAND CHARGES

*****

THE GOVERNMENT IS CONSIDERING THE INTRODUCTION OF BILINGUAL CHARGE SHEETS FOR ACCUSED PERSONS, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON SIMON IP SIK-ON TODAY (WEDNESDAY), MR ASPREY SAID IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT AN ACCUSED PERSON SHOULD UNDERSTAND FULLY THE MATTER WITH WHICH HE WAS CHARGED.

"THERE ARE PRACTICAL DIFFICULTIES TO BE OVERCOME, IN PARTICULAR THE PREPARATION OF PRECISE AND ACCURATE TRANSLATION OF CHARGES IN THE ABSENCE OF A CHINESE VERSION OF ALL THE LAWS OF HONG KONG.

"HOWEVER, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS ARE PROGRESSING WITH THE BILINGUAL LEGISLATION PROGRAMME AND WILL CONTINUE TO ACCORD PRIORITY TO THIS IMPORTANT TASK," HE SAID.

AT PRESENT, CHARGE SHEETS ARE PREPARED BY THE POLICE IN ENGLISH.

FOR AN ACCUSED PERSON WHO DOES NOT UNDERSTAND ENGLISH, AN INTERPRETER IS ALWAYS AVAILABLE TO EXPLAIN THE CHARGE TO HIM IN A LANGUAGE WHICH HE UNDERSTANDS.

THE POLICE HAVE A DUTY TO ENSURE THAT THE ACCUSED UNDERSTANDS THE CHARGE, MR ASPREY SAID.

- - 0 - -

BALANCE SHEET OF EXCHANGE FUND PUBLISHED ANNUALLY

*****

THE ADMINISTRATION CONSIDERED NOT NECESSARY FOR THE ANNUAL ACCOUNTS OF THE EXCHANGE FUND TO BE INCLUDED IN THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT’S REPORT TABLED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, MR DAVID NENDICK, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON PETER WONG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MR NENDICK SAID THE ANNUAL ACCOUNTS OF THE EXCHANGE FUND WERE AUDITED BY THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT AND A BALANCE SHEET OF THE EXCHANGE FUND WAS PUBLISHED ANNUALLY.

THE BALANCE SHEET OF THE EXCHANGE FUND SHOWED THE OVERALL SIZE OF THE FUND, THE AMOUNT OF FOREIGN CURRENCY RESERVES HELD, THE LIABILITIES AND THE ACCUMULATED EARNINGS OF THE FUND.

- - 0 - -

/14

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1993

ACTION UNDER WAY TO EXEMPT LOW-TRANSMITTING POWER DEVICES FROM LICENSING *****

THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE ADMINISTRATION AGREED THAT IT WOULD BE SENSIBLE TO EXEMPT LOW-TRANSMITTING POWER DEVICES, SUCH AS CORDLESS MICROPHONES, FROM THE CURRENT LICENSING REQUIREMENT.

IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON TIMOTHY HA WING-HO, MRS CHAN SAID ACTION TO ACHIEVE THE EXEMPTION WAS ALREADY IN HAND.

SHE SAID TO EFFECT THIS CHANGE REQUIRED AN EXEMPTION FROM LICENSING ORDER TO BE MADE BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL UNDER THE TELECOMMUNICATION ORDINANCE.

"WE ARE CURRENTLY PREPARING SUCH AN ORDER COVERING NOT ONLY CORDLESS MICROPHONES, WHICH MEET REQUIRED SPECIFICATIONS, BUT ALSO OTHER LOW POWER DEVICES, SUCH AS CERTAIN TYPES OF WIRELESS OFFICE COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT," SHE SAID.

MRS CHAN SAID THE ADMINISTRATION INTENDED TO SUBMIT THIS ORDER TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR CONSIDERATION IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR.

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

COLLABORATION IN CONTRACT RESEARCH DEPENDS ON ACCEPTABILITY OF COMPANIES ******

THE SCOPE FOR COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY R AND D CORPORATION LTD AND LOCAL INDUSTRY IN THE CASE OF CONTRACT RESEARCH WILL DEPEND ON WHETHER IT IS ACCEPTABLE TO THE COMPANIES COMMISSIONING THE PROJECTS, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN^SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

LIKEWISE, THE POSSIBILITY OF JOINT EXPLOITATION OF RESEARCH RESULTS WOULD DEPEND ON SATISFACTORY ARRANGEMENTS BEING MADE WITH REGARD TO THE RELEVANT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS, HE ADDED.

IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON NGA I SHIU-KIT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR CHAN SAID THE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY R AND D CORPORATION LTD WAS REGISTERED AS A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE ON DECEMBER 8 LAST YEAR.

HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS AWARE OF THE INITIAL ORGANISATION AND POSSIBLE FUNCTIONS OF THE CORPORATION, BUT AS THESE HAVE YET TO BE DEVELOPED INTO SPECIFIC ORGANISATIONAL PLANS, IT WAS TOO EARLY TO SAY WHETHER, AND HOW, THE GOVERNMENT’S ASSISTANCE MIGHT BE REQUIRED.

"WE UNDERSTAND THAT THE CORPORATION INTENDS TO CO-OPERATE WITH OTHER EDUCATIONAL, RESEARCH, INDUSTRIAL, BUSINESS AND GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS, BOTH LOCALLY AND OVERSEAS," MR CHAN SAID.

/"THE GOVERNMENT .......

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1993

"THE GOVERNMENT WILL ENCOURAGE THE CORPORATION TO LIAISE CLOSELY WITH SIMILAR UNDERTAKINGS SET UP BY THF OTHER LOCAL TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS."

THE RESEARCH GRANTS COUNCIL, WHICH APPROVES AWARDS FROM FUNDS MADE AVAILABLE BY THE GOVERNMENT FOR RESEARCH UNDERTAKEN BY THE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION, ALSO ENCOURAGES GREATER COLLABORATION BETWEEN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS AND INDUSTRY, HE ADDED.

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

COMPENSATION FOR INJURIES IN EXTRA-CURRICULAR EVENTS

*****

SCHOOL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES ARE LIABLE AT COMMON LAW FOR ANY PERSONAL INJURIES SUSTAINED BY TEACHERS, STUDENTS AND OTHER PERSONS PARTICIPATING IN EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THEIR SCHOOLS IF THEY WERE FOUND TO HAVE BEEN NEGLIGENT.

AND IN THE CASE OF GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS, THE GOVERNMENT IS RESPONSIBLE.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON TIK CHI-YUEN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MR CHAN SAID AS EMPLOYERS, BOTH THE SCHOOL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES AND THE GOVERNMENT ARE LI ABLE TO PAY COMPENSATION UNDER THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE TO EMPLOYEES WHO SUFFER PERSONAL INJURIES BY ACCIDENT IN THE COURSE OF THEIR EMPLOYMENT.

THE OWNERS OR OCCUPIERS OF PREMISES IN WHICH THE EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES ARE CONDUCTED ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE REASONABLE STEPS TO SEE THAT ALL USERS WILL BE REASONABLY SAFE IN USING THE PREMISES UNDER THE OCCUPIERS LIABILITY ORDINANCE.

"THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS ISSUED A BOOKLET TO ALL SCHOOLS TO HELP THEM ORGANISE SPORTING AND EXTRA-CURRICULAR EVENTS SAFELY," MR CHAN SAID.

"SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS ARE FURTHER REMINDED THROUGH REGULAR SCHOOL CIRCULARS OF THE NEED TO OBSERVE THESE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS."

AS REGARDS COMPENSATION, THE GOVERNMENT HAS GRANTED $208,000 TO ONE STUDENT IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS IN CONNECTION WITH AN ACCIDENT WHICH AROSE DURING EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES. THERE WAS NO CASE INVOLVING STAFF.

IN THE CASE OF AIDED SCHOOLS, THERE WERE FOUR CASES INVOLVING COMPENSATION IN 1989/90, ONE IN 1990/91 AND THREE IN 1991/92. THE AMOUNT OF COMPENSATION PAID RANGED FROM $300 TO $28,081 IN 1989/90, $1,550 IN 1990/91, AND FROM $68 TO $39,000 IN 1991/92.

/THE EDUCATION .......

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1993

THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ALSO RECORDED AN ADDITIONAL 223 INCIDENTS IN AIDED SCHOOLS WHERE CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION COULD HAVE BEEN MADE - 37 IN 1988/89, 67 IN 1989/90, 55 TN 1990/91 AND 64 IN 1991/92.

"NO COMPENSATION WAS PAID FOR THESE POTENTIAL CLAIMS, EITHER BECAUSE NO CLAIM WAS ACTUALLY LODGED OR, WHERE CLAIMS WERE LODGED, THEY WERE FOUND TO BE UNJUSTIFIED,” MR CHAN SAID.

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

INCREASING LOAN RATIO HAS NO IMPACT ON ECONOMIC GROWTH * * * * *

THE INCREASING HONG KONG DOLLAR LOAN TO DEPOSIT RATIO IS NOT LIKELY TO CREATE ANY NEGATIVE IMPACT ON ECONOMIC GROWTH IN THE TERRITORY OR ON MAJOR LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS.

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

MR NENDICK SAID THE INCREASE IN THE RATIO WAS A REFLECTION OF THE DIVERSIFICATION BY HONG KONG BANKING SECTOR OF ITS SOURCE OF FUNDING FOR ADDITIONAL LOAN BUSINESS.

’’THIS WAS MADE POSSIBLE BY AN INFLOW OF FUNDS INTO HONG KONG DOLLARS, PARTICULARLY FROM CHINA,” HE SAID.

ALTHOUGH THERE ARE NO STATISTICS TO CONFIRM THIS, IT IS BELIEVED THAT A SIGNIFICANT PART OF THE INCREASE. IN LOAN BUSINESS WAS FOR FINANCING INVESTMENT AND ECONOMIC ACTIVITY OF HONG KONG BUSINESSES IN CHINA.

’’THIS IS A PHENOMENON REFLECTING THE CLOSE ECONOMIC LINKS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA.

’’HONG KONG DOLLAR BANKING BUSINESS CAN NO LONGER BE SEEN IN GEOGRAPHIC ISOLATION,” MR NENDICK SAID.

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

PROCEDURE FOR ROAD REINSTATEMENT TO BE CHANGED

*****

THE GOVERNMENT IS CONTINUING DISCUSSIONS WITH UTILITY COMPANIES WITH A VIEW TO HANDING OVER MORE RESPONSIBILITY TO THEM IN FUTURE FOR PERMANENT REINSTATEMENT IN BOTH FOOTWAYS AND CARRIAGEWAYS.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR S K KWEI, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HENRY TANG, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

/AT PRESENT .......

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1993

AT PRESENT, PERMANENT ROAD REINSTATEMENT IS BEING UNDERTAKEN BY THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT TO REPLACE TEMPORARY REINSTATEMENT AFTER COMPLETION OF UTILITY OPENINGS.

MR KWEI SAID THIS HAD OFTEN GIVEN THE IMPRESSION THAT THE ROAD WAS RE-OPENED AGAIN.

"CURRENTLY SOME UTILITY COMPANIES AND GOVERNMENT UTILITY DEPARTMENTS HAVE ALREADY AGREED TO CARRY OUT PERMANENT REINSTATEMENT IN FOOTWAYS. THIS ACCOUNTS FOR ABOUT 40 PER CENT OF ALL UTILITY OPENINGS," HE SAID.

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

FATAL WORK ACCIDENTS STATISTICS

*****

THERE WERE THREE FATAL ACCIDENTS INVOLVING WORKERS FALLING THROUGH LIFT SHAFTS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES LAST YEAR, COMPARED WITH FIVE SUCH ACCIDENTS EACH IN 1990 AND 1991.

IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LAU CHIN-SHEK IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, SAID THERE WAS ONE FATAL ACCIDENT INVOLVING BULLDOZERS AND EXCAVATORS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES IN EACH OF THE PAST THREE YEARS.

IN ADDITION, THERE WAS ONE FATAL ACCIDENT CAUSED BY ACCIDENTAL CUTTING OF CABLES AND GAS PIPES DURING ROAD WORKS IN 1990. THE FOLLOWING TWO YEARS SAW NO SUCH ACCIDENT.

IN 1990 AND 1991, THERE WAS ONE ACCIDENT EACH INVOLVING THE COLLAPSE OF TOWER CRANES.

THE ACCIDENT IN 1990 RESULTED IN ONE WORKER BEING KILLED AND THREE OTHERS BEING INJURED. NO INJURY WAS REPORTED IN THE 1991 INCIDENT, MR CHAN ADDED.

CHANGES TO APPROVED ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE TABLED

*****

A SUMMARY OF ALL CHANGES TO THE APPROVED ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1992/93 WAS TABLED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

EXPLAINING THE CHANGES, THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR K Y YEUNG, SAID SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION OF $181.9 MILLION WAS APPROVED.

HE SAID IT WAS FULLY OFFSET, EITHER BY SAVINGS UNDER THE SAME OR OTHER HEADS OF EXPENDITURE, OR BY THE DELETION OF FUNDS UNDER THE ADDITIONAL COMMITMENTS SUBHEADS.

/DURING THE .......

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1993

DURING THE PERIOD, NON-RECURRENT COMMITMENTS WERE INCREASED BY $4.8 MILLION, NEW NON-RECURRENT COMMITMENTS OF $69.1 MILLION WERE APPROVED, AND APPROVED NON-RECURRENT COMMITMENTS OF $67.6 MILLION WERE REVOTED.

A NET DECREASE OF 1,574 POSTS WAS APPROVED.

“THIS WAS MAINLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE DELETION OF POSTS AS A RESULT OF CIVIL SERVANTS HAVING OPTED FOR SERVICE WITH THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY,” HE SAID.

MR YEUNG SAID ITEMS LN THE SUMMARY HAD BEEN APPROVED EITHER BY FINANCE COMMITTEE OR UNDER DELEGATED AUTHORITY.

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

MOTION TO WITHDRAW GOVERNOR’S POLITICAL PROPOSALS DEFEATED * * * * *

A MOTION MOVED BY DR THE HON PHILIP WONG NOT TO INTRODUCE THE GOVERNOR’S POLITICAL PROPOSALS WAS DEFEATED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

A TOTAL OF 14 MEMBERS SPOKE IN THE DEBATE WHICH LASTED MORE THAN ONE HOUR. THE SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SZE, SPOKE ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT.

THERE WAS ALSO AN ADJOURNMENT DEBATE RAISED BY THE HON ELSIE TU ON THE AVAILABILITY OF RENTAL HOUSING. TWELVE MEMBERS SPOKE. THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, REPLIED FOR THE GOVERNMENT.

A TOTAL OF 10 BILLS WERE PASSED BY THE COUNCIL.

OF THEM, FOUR WERE PASSED WITH AMENDMENTS.

THEY WERE PENSIONS MODIFICATION BILL 1992, PENSIONS ORDINANCE AND REGULATIONS (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) BILL 1992, REGISTRAR GENERAL (ESTABLISHMENT) (TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS AND REPEAL) BILL AND COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992.

SIX OTHER BILLS WERE PASSED WITHOUT AMENDMENT.

THEY WERE DISTRICT COURT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992, SUPREME COURT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992, MERCHANT SHIPPING (SAFETY) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992, HONG KONG EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992, THEFT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992 AND TRUSTEE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992.

FOUR MOTIONS UNDER THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGES ORDINANCE MOVED BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND ONE MOTION UNDER THE DRUG TRAFFICKING (RECOVERY OF PROCEEDS) ORDINANCE BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY WERE PASSED.

IN ADDITION, TWO BILLS WERE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. DEBATES ON THEM WERE ADJOURNED.

THEY WERE ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) (NO.4) BILL 1992 AND TELEVISION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1993.

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

/19

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1993

- 19 -

POLITICAL ARGUMENTS COULD BE RESOLVED: GOVERNOR ******

THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, IS CONFIDENT THAT IN HONG KONG AND WITH GOOD WILL IN LONDON AND PEKING, THE SERIOUS AND IMPORTANT ARGUMENTS ON POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT COULD BE RESOLVED IN THE INTEREST OF THE COMMUNITY.

SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER VISITING WAN CHAI DISTRICT, HE SAID THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WOULD IN DUE COURSE HAVE TO CONSIDER LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS PUT TO IT BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.

"I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT THAT WILL LEAD TO AN OUTCOME WHICH IS ACCEPTABLE TO EVERYONE,” HE SAID.

’’THIS IS A POINT I MADE IN MY LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SPEECH LAST OCTOBER, NOT JUST A POINT I MADE YESTERDAY.

"IT WOULD BE VERY CURIOUS TO START ON THIS ARGUMENT HOPING THAT ONE WOULD FINISH UP WITH AN OUTCOME WHICH IS UNACCEPTABLE TO HONG KONG, OR TO THE PRESENT OR FUTURE SOVEREIGN POWERS," HE ADDED.

"I THINK THAT EVERYONE OUTSIDE RECOGNISES THAT THE SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE JOINT DECLARATION SECURING HONG KONG’S WAY OF LIFE FOR 50 YEARS AFTER 1997 IS AN ISSUE FOR BRITAIN, CHINA AND HONG KONG.

"AND I DON’T THINK THAT PEOPLE WANT TO STRAY OVER THAT BOUNDARY LINE/ HE SAID.

MR PATTEN REITERATED THAT HE DID NOT WANT TO SEE THE SERIOUS ARGUMENT, THE SERIOUS DISCUSSION ABOUT HONG KONG’S POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT CAUGHT UP IN ARGUMENTS ABOUT INTERNATIONAL TRADE.

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

GOVERNOR VISITS WAN CHAI

*****

THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, VISITED WAN CHAT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) TO LOOK AT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS AND OTHER DEVELOPMENTS IN THE AREA.

ACCOMPANIED BY REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR PAUL WONG AND THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PETER MANN, THE GOVERNOR FIRST VISITED ST .JAMES’ SETTLEMENT IN STONE NULLAH LANE.

AFTER A BRIEFING ON THE SETTLEMENT’S SERVICES, HE WENT TO A DAY-CARE ELDERLY CENTRE AND A SHELTERED WORKSHOP FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED.

THE GOVERNOR THEN TOURED THE WAN CHAI TEMPORARY MARKET AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE WET GOODS HAWKERS, WHO USED TO TRADE ALONG WAN CHAI ROAD, CAUSING ENVIRONMENTAL AND TRAFFIC PROBLEMS, HAD BEEN MOVED TO THE MARKET IN APRIL 1991.

/FROM THE .......

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1993

FROM THE TOP OF CENTRAL PLAZA IN HARBOUR ROAD, WHICH COMMANDS A PANORAMIC VIEW OF WAN CHAI, MR PATTEN WAS BRIEFED ON HOW THE DISTRICT HAD EVOLVED FROM AN OLD RESIDENTIAL AREA INTO ONE OF ASIA’S FASTEST GROWING COMMERCIAL CENTRES.

DURING THE TOUR, MR PATTEN WAS BRIEFED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MRS PEGGY LAM, AND THE DISTRICT OFFICER ON THE PROGRESS OF THE VARIOUS PRIVATE AND PUBLIC TREE-PLANTING PROJECTS.

AFTER PLANTING THE BOOTH TREE IN THE DISTRICT AT THE JUNCTION OF JOHNSTON ROAD AND LUARD ROAD, THE GOVERNOR SAID HE WAS IMPRESSED BY WHAT THE DISTRICT BOARD WAS DOING TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT AND HE HOPED MORE OF THAT COULD BE DONE IN THE TERRITORY.

BEFORE ENDING HIS TOUR, MR PATTEN ATTENDED A TEA RECEPTION WHERE HE MET DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND OTHER LOCAL DIGNITARIES.

- - 0 - -

LAN KWAI FONG INQUIRY

OUTLINE OF WORK DONE ON WEDNESDAY (JANUARY 13) UP TO 4.30 PM *****

1. HEARING AT COURT NO. 10 IN THE SUPREME COURT BY MR JUSTICE BOKHARY.

(NOTE: THREE WITNESSES WERE EXAMINED IN "OPEN" SESSION AND ONE IN "/■'I riccn" O r? O O T i ntinTifr, .. ... . ....__

"CLOSED" SESSION DURING THE DAY. IN ADDITION, A REPRESENTATION BY THE LAN KWAI FONG ASSOCIATION WILL BE HEARD IN "OPEN" SESSION STARTING AT 5 PM.)

2. FURTHER FACT-FINDING WORK FOR THE INTERIM REPORT.

- - 0 - -

AIR QUALITY REPORT FOR DECEMBER

*****

THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) RELEASED AIR QUALITY INFORMATION FOR DECEMBER.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE ANNOUNCEMENT SERVED TO MAKE THE PUBLIC MORE AWARE OF THE AIR QUALITY LEVELS TO WHICH THEY MIGHT BE EXPOSED.

THE ANNOUNCEMENT NORMALLY GIVES MONITORING RESULTS OBTAINED AT ITS MONG KOK, CENTRAL/WESTERN AND KWAI CHUNG MONITORING STATIONS.

THESE LOCATIONS ARE TYPICAL OF THREE OF THE IMPORTANT LAND USE TYPES FOUND IN THE TERRITORY -

/*LOCATIONS CLOSE

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1993

t LOCATIONS CLOSE TO ROAD TRAFFIC IN BUILT-UP URBAN DISTRICTS,

* COMBINED COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS, AND

» DISTRICTS CLOSE TO INDUSTRIAL AREAS.

THE REPORTED AIR POLLUTANTS INCLUDE NITROGEN DIOXIDE (NO2), RESPIRABLE SUSPENDED TOTAL SUSPENDED PARTICULATES (TSP).

SULPHUR DIOXIDE (SO2), PARTICULATES (RSP) AND

THE GASEOUS POLLUTANTS ARE MONITORED CONTINUOUSLY WHILE PARTICLE SAMPLES ARE COLLECTED FOR 24 HOURS, ONCE EVERY SIX DAYS.

THE CONCENTRATIONS OF THE GASEOUS SPECIES - 302 AND N02 -

SHOWED SIGNIFICANT INCREASE ON DECEMBER 7 AND BETWEEN 26 AND 29.

ON THESE DAYS THE LOW WINDSPEED CREATED STAGNANT CONDITIONS. THIS INHIBITED THE DISPERSION OF EMITTED S02 AND Ai,LOWED INCREASED FORMATION CF N02.

THE CONCENTRATION OF N02 AT MONG KOK ON DECEMBER 7 ROSE TO JUST ABOVE THE 24-HOUR AIR QUALITY OBJECTIVE VAI,UE OF 150 UG PER CUBIC METER.

ONLY ONE EXCEEDANCE A YEAR IS ALLOWED BY THE AIR QUALITY OBJECTIVES. THIS WAS THE THIRD REPORTED FOR THE SITE.

LEVELS OF RESPIRABLE SUSPENDED PARTICULATES MEASURED DURING THE MONTH REMAIN BELOW THE AIR QUALITY OBJECTIVE VALUE.

AT MONG KOK, THE LEVELS OF TOTAL SUSPENDED PARTICULATES EXCEEDFD THE APPROPRIATE 24-HOUR AIR QUALITY LIMIT OF 260 UG PER CUBIC METER ON DECEMBER 23.

ONLY ONE EXCEEDANCE A YEAR IS ALLOWED BY THE AIR QUALITY OBJECTIVES, THIS WAS THE FOURTH MEASURED.

THE FOUR POLLUTANTS MOSTLY ORIGINATES FROM THE FUELS.

DISCUSSED HAVE DIFFERENT ORIGINS. SO2 COMBUSTION OF SULPHUR CONTAINING FOSSIL

NO2 IS FORMED EITHER DIRECTLY DURING COMBUSTION OR, BY THE ATMOSPHERIC OXIDATION OF NITRIC OXIDE (NO) WHICH IS ALSO PRODUCED DURING COMBUSTION. VEHICLE EXHAUST IS A MAJOR SOURCE OF NO AND NO2.

VEHICLE EXHAUST IS ALSO A MAJOR SOURCE OF AIRBORNE PARTICLES; OTHER SOURCES INCLUDE INDUSTRY, FURNACES AND BOILERS, CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES, THE SEA AND SOIL DUST.

THE DEPARTMENT AT PRESENT MONITORS AIR QUALITY CONTINUOUSLY AT 11 STATIONS, INCLUDING THE THREE MENTIONED ABOVE. SHORT-TERM MEASUREMENT CAMPAIGNS ARE ALSO UNDERTAKEN AS AND WHERE THE NEED ARISES.

0 - -

/22 .

WEDNESDAY, .JANUARY 13, 1993

NEEDY FAMILIES GIVEN RED PACKETS * * * * *

ABOUT 400 SINGLE-PARENT FAMILIES RECEIVING PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND LIVING ON HONG KONG ISLAND TODAY (WEDNESDAY) GOT A $200 RED PACKET FROM THE TANG SHIU-KIN AND HO TIM CHARITABLE FUND.

A FURTHER 3,150 SUCH FAMILIES LIVING IN THE OTHER SIDE OF THE HARBOUR WILL RECEIVE THEIR RED PACKETS IN THE COMING FEW DAYS 4

MORE THAN 850 ELDERLY, COMPRISING PATIENTS OF THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS AND RESIDENTS OF HO’S CLANSMAN ASSOCIATION HOSTEL FOR TRE ELDERLY, WILL RECEIVE A $100 RED PACKET BEFORE THE CHINESE NEW YEAR.

OFFICIATING AT A DISTRIBUTION CEREMONY AT PO LEUNG KUK FOUNDER OI? THE FUND. DR HO TIM; DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, STRACHAN; ACTRESS, MISS MICHELLE KHENG; SONG COMPOSER, MR LAI; AND MEMBERS OF THE FUND’S COMMITTEE.

WERE A MR IAN MICHAEL

THE FUND, WHICH IS ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT, PROVIDES IMMEDIATE FINANCIAL HELP TO FAMILIES IN COPING WITH HARDSHIP BROUGHT ABOUT CIRCUMSTANCES*

SOCIAL WELFARE INDIVIDUALS OR BY UNEXPECTED

GRANTS ARE AVAILABLE; TO GIVE A CHILD EDUCATION, TO BUY SPECIAL EQUIPMENT OR TO MEET HIGH MEDICAL COSTS OR OTHER NEEDS.

PAYMENTS ARE ALSO MADE FOR SPECIAL NEEDS ARISING FROM PHYSICAL OR MENTAL DISABILITY OR CHRONIC ILLNESS. IN PARTICULAR, THE FUND HELPS VICTIMS OF NATURAL DISASTERS.

APPLICATIONS FOR HELP FROM THE FUND CAN BE MADE TO THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS, PO LEUNG KUK OR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT*

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

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

$ MILLION

OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,500

REVERSAL OF LAF NIL

BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 1,500

NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL

EFFECT OF LAF TODAY NIL

CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,500

LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 114.7 *1-0.3* 13.1.1993

/HONG KONG ........

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1993

- 23 -

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

EF BILLS TERM ISSUE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS

TERMS YIELD COUPON PRICE YIELD

1 WEEK 3.22 PCT 13 MONTHS 2402 5.50 100.92 4.68

1 MONTH 3.38 PCT 16 MONTHS 2405 5.50 100.85 4.89

3 MONTHS 3.73 PCT 19 MONTHS 2408 4.375 98.92 5.15

6 MONTHS 3.98 PCT 22 MONTHS 24 11 4.625 98.82 5.37

12 MONTHS 4.57 PCT

TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 12,026 MN

CLOSED 13 JANUARY 1993

- - 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 1993

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

HK - WORLD’S SECOND LARGEST CLOTHING EXPORTER ................ 1

SEA TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR FIREWORKS DISPLAY ............... 1

SEHK TO AUTHORISE PROSPECTUSES REGISTRATION .................. 3

AUTHORITY RELAXES RESTRICTIONS ON TV AND RADIO BROADCASTS ... 4

LAN KWAI FONG INQUIRY INTERIM REPORT BEING PREPARED .......... 5

BUSINESS ACTIVITY UP IN 1992 ................................. 6

EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL FIGURES FOR SEPTEMBER ...... 7

SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING OPENS ........................ 11

SEWERAGE MASTER PLAN STUDY IN NORTH DISTRICT ................. 13

CHALLENGES AND JOB SATISFACTION ABOUND IN CIVIL SERVICE ...... 14

POLITICAL APATHY A THING OF THE PAST ......................... 15

NEW PRIMARY SCHOOL IN TSEUNG KWAN O .......................... 16

APPOINTMENTS TO COUNCIL OF ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS ....... 17

OPENING OF NORTH POINT SUB-TREASURY .......................... 18

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .. 18

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 1993

HK - WORLD’S SECOND LARGEST CLOTHING EXPORTER * * * * »

HONG KONG IS NOW THE WORLD’S SECOND LARGEST CLOTHING EXPORTER AFTER ITALY WITH THE SECTOR ACCOUNTING FOR MORE THAN ONE-THIRD OF ITS TOTAL DOMESTIC EXPORTS, THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

"AND IF YOU ARE COUNTING RE-EXPORTS, WE ACTUALLY COME FIRST," HE SAID.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE HONG KONG FASHION WEEK, MR PATTEN SAID THE FACT THAT THE CLOTHING SECTOR CONTINUED TO BE SO BUOYANT WAS DUE TO THE ADAPTABILITY OF BUSINESSMEN IN THE TERRITORY.

"THEY HAVE CHANGED HONG KONG’S IMAGE FROM THAT OF A LABOUR-INTENSIVE LOW-COST PRODUCTION CENTRE IN 1960’S TO AN UP-TO-DATE UPMARKET FASHION SHOWCASE," HE SAID.

ON TOP OF BEING A MANUFACTURER AND A DESIGNER, MR PATTEN SAID HONG KONG WAS ALSO AN EXCELLENT SOURCING CENTRE.

MANY OF THE BIG AMERICAN, EUROPEAN AND ASIAN NAMES IN THE RETAIL BUSINESS AND MANY WELL-KNOWN INTERNATIONAL DESIGNER COMPANIES HAVE SET UP OFFICES HERE.

"THEY BUY OUR IDEAS AND THEY BUY OUR GOODS. AND WE VERY MUCH WELCOME ALL OF THEM," HE SAID.

HE PRAISED THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL FOR ORGANISING THE FAIR WHICH PROVIDED AN EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY FOR TRADERS TO EXCHANGE EXPERIENCES AND TO CONTRIBUTE DIRECTLY TO HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC SUCCESS.

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

SEA TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR FIREWORKS DISPLAY

*****

THE GOVERNMENT IS TO IMPLEMENT SPECIAL MARINE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN VICTORIA HARBOUR TO FACILITATE THE LUNAR NEW YEAR FIREWORKS DISPLAY ON JANUARY 24 (SUNDAY).

SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (THURSDAY), THE SENIOR MARINE OFFICER (CENTRAL REGION), MR LO KWOK-TAI, SAID: "THE MARINE DEPARTMENT’S ARRANGEMENTS THIS YEAR WOULD BE SIMILAR TO THAT OF LAST YEAR WHICH WAS VERY SUCCESSFUL."

"OWNERS, MASTERS AND OPERATORS OF ALL VESSELS SHOULD CONTINUE TO OBSERVE THE BASIC GUIDELINES AND INSTRUCTIONS, AND PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO MARINE SAFETY."

MR LO SAID: "ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF MARINE SAFETY IS SPEED. THEREFORE, WE ADVISE ALL VESSELS NAVIGATING IN VICTORIA HARBOUR TO PROCEED AT A SAFE SPEED WHICH SHOULD NOT GENERALLY EXCEED FIVE KNOTS BETWEEN 7.45 PM AND 9 PM ON THE NIGHT."

/"THE SAFETY .......

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 1993

"THE SAFETY OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC IN THE HARBOUR IS PARAMOUNT. BUT, AT THE SAME TIME, WE MUST ENABLE THEM TO FULLY ENJOY THE FIREWORKS DISPLAY.

"WE MUST CREATE AN ACCEPTABLE BALANCE BETWEEN THE NEED FOR MARINE SAFETY, AND THE NEED FOR THE PUBLIC TO ENJOY THE EVENT," HE STRESSED.

MR LO APPEALED TO THE MASTERS, OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF ALL VESSELS USING THE HARBOUR TO OBSERVE THE RULES, TAKE ALL NECESSARY SAFETY PRECAUTIONS, EXERCISE SELF-DISCIPLINE AND BE CONSIDERATE TO OTHER BOAT USERS.

"ALTHOUGH THE FIREWORKS DISPLAY IS MEANT FOR ALL TO ENJOY, THEY MUST AT THE SAME TIME PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO MARINE SAFETY AND NOT TO OVERLOAD THEIR BOATS.

"THE MARINE POLICE, MARINE DEPARTMENT AND FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL MAKE SPECIAL PATROLS IN THE CENTRAL HARBOUR AREA TO HELP MASTERS, OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF ALL VESSELS DURING THE EVENING OF JANUARY 24."

MR LO SAID THEY SHOULD COMPLY AT ALL TIMES WITH ANY ADVICE FROM THE OFFICERS OF THE PATROL LAUNCHES.

HE POINTED OUT THAT BETWEEN 7.45 PM AND 8.45 PM ON THAT DAY,. ALL SCHEDULED FERRY SERVICES USING THE CENTRAL HARBOUR WOULD BE SUSPENDED.

DETAILS OF THE SPECIAL MARINE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ON JANUARY 24 HAVE ALREADY BEEN INCORPORATED IN A MARINE DEPARTMENT NOTICE WHICH HAS BEEN PUBLISHED AND SENT TO ALL PARTIES CONCERNED.

THE ARRANGEMENTS ON JANUARY 24 ARE:

* FROM 7.45 PM TO 9 PM ALL VESSELS NAVIGATING IN VICTORIA HARBOUR AREA BETWEEN GREEN ISLAND AND LEI YUE MUN SHALL PROCEED AT A SAFE SPEED WHICH SHOULD NOT GENERALLY EXCEED FIVE KNOTS. EVERY VESSEL SHALL AT ALL TIMES MAINTAIN A PROPER LOOK-OUT.

* FROM 7.45 PM TO 8.45 PM ALL SCHEDULED FERRY SERVICES USING THE CENTRAL HARBOUR WILL BE SUSPENDED.

* A CLOSED AREA ENCOMPASSING THE FIREWORKS DISPLAY BARGES IN CENTRAL HARBOUR WILL BE ESTABLISHED BETWEEN 2 PM AND 9 PM. DURING THE PERIOD, THE AREA WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL MARINE TRAFFIC EXCEPT MARINE POLICE, MARINE DEPARTMENT AND FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT PATROL LAUNCHES, CRAFT DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN THE FIREWORKS DISPLAY AND OTHER VESSELS APPROVED BY THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE.

t MASTERS, OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF SMALL VESSELS, PARTICULARLY VESSELS WITH NO DECKING, ARE RECOMMENDED NOT TO PROCEED INTO OR REMAIN IN THE CENTRAL HARBOUR AREA BETWEEN 7 PM AND 9 PM. IN AREAS OF HIGH TRAFFIC DENSITY SUCH VESSELS ARE VULNERABLE TO THE WASH FROM LARGER VESSELS AND ARE OFTEN NOT EASILY DETECTED FROM LARGER AND HIGHER FREEBOARD VESSELS.

/* PUBLIC PIERS .......

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 1993

* PUBLIC PIERS AND LANDING STEPS IN CENTRAL DISTRICT AND WAN CHAI ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND IN TSIM SHA TSUI IN KOWLOON WILL BE CLOSED TO NORMAL MARINE TRAFFIC FROM 6 PM TO 8.30 PM TO HELP IN LANDWARD CROWD CONTROL MEASURES.

* EXCURSION FERRIES PROVIDING FACILITIES FOR VIEWING THE FIREWORKS DISPLAY WILL BE POSITIONED IN THE AREA WELL TO THE EAST OF THE CLOSED AREA.

» A TEMPORARY UNLIT MOORING BUOY WILL BE LAID ABOUT HALF A NAUTICAL MILE EAST-NORTHEAST OF HMS TAMAR TO FACILITATE THE MOORING OF BARGES FROM WHICH THE FIREWORKS WILL BE DISCHARGED. THE MOORING BUOY WILL BE LAID DURING DAYLtGHt HOURS ON JANUARY 22. VESSELS NAVIGATING IN THIS AREA MUST PROCEED WITH CAUTION.

AS A RESULT OF THE COLLISION INVOLVING A FERRY "MAN LOY" AND A PLEASURE CRAFT "LONG BOAT" IN VICTORIA HARBOUR ON FEBRUARY 18, 1991,

THE MARINE CONTROL WORKING GROUP WAS SET UP TO LOOK INTO THE FEASIBILITY OF INTRODUCING MEASURES FOR THE CONTROL OF VESSELS DURING FUTURE FIREWORKS DISPLAYS AND ANY OTHER OCCASIONS WHEN THERE IS A CONCENTRATION OF PLEASURE VESSELS IN THE HARBOUR.

A NUMBER OF RECOMMENDATIONS WERE MADE BY THE WORKING GROUP IN EARLY DECEMBER LAST YEAR FOR MARINE TRAFFIC CONTROL BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER FUTURE FIREWORKS DISPLAYS WHICH HAD BEEN ACCEPTED BY THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR TONY MILLER.

ALSO ATTENDING THE PRESS CONFERENCE WERE THE DIVISIONAL COMMANDER OF THE MARINE POLICE (HARBOUR), MR LAURENCE KNOX, AND THE DIVISIONAL COMMANDER (MARINE) OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR SUNG SAU-MAN.

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

SEHK TO AUTHORISE PROSPECTUSES REGISTRATION

*****

SUBSIDIARY LAWS ARE TO BE MADE TO ENABLE THE TRANSFER TO THE STOCK EXCHANGE OF HONG KONG LTD (SEHK) OF THE FUNCTION OF AUTHORISING REGISTRATION OF PROSPECTUSES OFFERING SHARES OR DEBENTURES TO BE LISTED ON THE STOCK EXCHANGE.

ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (THURSDAY), THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, MR DAVID NENDICK, SAID THE LAWS WERE THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION (TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS) ORDER AND THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION (FEES) (AMENDMENT) RULES 1993.

THE COMPANIES (REQUIREMENTS FOR DOCUMENTS) REGULATION WILL ALSO BE MADE TO STIPULATE NEW REQUIREMENTS ON DOCUMENTS DELIVERED TO THE REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES TO FACILITATE THE KEEPING OF SUCH DOCUMENTS ON MICROFILM, MR NENDICK SAID.

/THE COMPANIES .......

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 1993

THE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1992 AND THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) ORDINANCE 1992 ENACTED ON DECEMBER 24, 1992 ENABLE THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR VETTING COMPANIES PROSPECTUSES TO BE TRANSFERRED FROM THE REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES TO THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION AND SEHK.

’’SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION IS REQUIRED TO TRANSFER THE RELEVANT FUNCTIONS TO THE SEHK,” MR NENDICK SAID.

HE POINTED OUT THAT UNDER THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS, THE REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES WILL CONTINUE TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REGISTERING PROSPECTUSES, BUT WILL CEASE TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR VETTING THEM PRIOR TO REGISTRATION.

’’THE STATUTORY RESPONSIBILITY FOR AUTHORISING PROSPECTUSES FOR REGISTRATION WILL BE VESTED IN THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION.

’’THE FUNCTION OF AUTHORISING PROSPECTUSES RELATING TO SECURITIES TO BE LISTED ON THE STOCK EXCHANGE WILL BE TRANSFERRED FROM THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION TO THE SEHK,” HE ADDED.

’’THE OPPORTUNITY IS ALSO TAKEN TO PRESCRIBE GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR DOCUMENTS DELIVERED TO THE REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES UNDER THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE TO ENSURE THAT THEY ARE OF STANDARD SIZE, DURABLE AND EASILY LEGIBLE, AND TO FACILITATE THEIR KEEPING ON MICROFILM,” MR NENDICK SAID.

THE SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION WILL BE GAZETTED NEXT THURSDAY (JANUARY 21).

THE REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES WILL ISSUE GUIDELINES TO PROFESSIONAL BODIES REGARDING THE PROCEDURAL CHANGES AND TO TIE IN WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPANIES (REQUIREMENTS FOR DOCUMENTS) REGULATION.

AUTHORITY RELAXES RESTRICTIONS ON TV AND RADIO BROADCASTS

*****

THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY (BA) TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT DURING THE LATTER PART OF 1992 IT AMENDED ITS CODES OF PRACTICE TO RELAX A NUMBER OF RESTRICTIONS ON THE PROGRAMMES AND ADVERTISEMENTS CARRIED BY TELEVISION AND RADIO BROADCASTERS IN HONG KONG, AND IS LOOKING AT FURTHER POSSIBLE RELAXATIONS.

IN THE LIGHT OF EXPERIENCE, AND FOLLOWING THE EARLIER REVIEW OF THE TELEVISION INDUSTRY THAT WAS UNDERTAKEN BY THE ADMINISTRATION IN CONSULTATION WITH THE BA, THE BA HAS IDENTIFIED A NUMBER OF RESTRICTIONS ON THE PROGRAMMING AND ADVERTISING CARRIED BY TELEVISION BROADCASTERS THAT WERE EITHER OUTDATED OR REGULATED EFFECTIVELY BY OTHER LEGISLATION IN HONG KONG.

THE BA HAS RELAXED ITS CODE OF PRACTICE ON PROGRAMME STANDARDS TO ALLOW THE STATIONS GREATER FREEDOM IN EDITING FEATURE FILMS ON TELEVISION AND FOR THE SCHEDULING OF CHILDREN’S PROGRAMMES.

/IT HAS .......

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 1993

IT HAS GIVEN GENERAL APPROVAL FOR THE BROADCAST OF FOREIGN LANGUAGE PROGRAMMES ON THE ENGLISH SERVICES PROVIDING AT LEAST 80 PER CENT OF ALL PROGRAMMES BROADCAST, INCLUDING THE REQUIRED AMOUNTS OF CHILDREN’S AND NEWS PROGRAMMES AND ALL PRIME TIME PROGRAMMES, REMAIN IN ENGLISH.

ON ADVERTISING, LICENSEES HAVE BEEN GIVEN GREATER FLEXIBILITY IN SCHEDULING ADVERTISEMENTS IN CERTAIN PROGRAMMES.

THEY ARE NOW ALLOWED TO CARRY A GREATER VARIETY OF ADVERTISING, INCLUDING ADVERTISEMENTS FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES, PROPERTY, EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND VARIOUS PUBLICATIONS OF GENERAL INTEREST.

WHILST SOME OF THESE ADVERTISEMENTS ARE STILL SUBJECT TO CERTAIN SPECIFIC RESTRICTIONS, AND THE TOTAL TIME ALLOWED FOR ADVERTISING IS STILL LIMITED, THE OVERALL EFFECT IS ONE OF LESS REGULATION AND MORE FREEDOM FOR THE BROADCASTERS AND ADVERTISERS.

HOWEVER, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BA STRESSED THAT THE INTERESTS OF THE VIEWERS REMAIN UPPERMOST IN THE MIND OF THE BA.

HE SAID THESE RELAXATIONS, WHICH HAVE TAKEN EFFECT OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS, WOULD NOT LEAD TO A DETERIORATION IN BROADCASTING STANDARDS.

THE BA’S CODES OF PRACTICE REMAINED COMPREHENSIVE AND STRICT, AND THE BA WOULD CONTINUE TO REVIEW THE CODES IN THE LIGHT OF EXPERIENCE.

ON THE GROUNDS OF EQUITY AMONG ALL HONG KONG BROADCASTERS, THESE RELAXATIONS, WHERE APPROPRIATE, ARE BEING EXTENDED TO RADIO AND SATELLITE TELEVISION AS WELL.

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

LAN KWAI FONG INQUIRY INTERIM REPORT BEING PREPARED *****

MR JUSTICE BOKHARY’S INTERIM REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR ON THE LAN KWAI FONG TRAGEDY IS NOW IN THE PROCESS OF BEING WRITTEN.

IT WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNOR DURING THE COMING WEEKEND OR FIRST THING MONDAY MORNING.

EVERYTHING WHICH THE JUDGE HAS TO SAY AT THIS STAGE WILL BE SAID IN HIS REPORT, WHICH THE GOVERNOR HAS ALREADY SAID WILL BE MADE PUBLIC.

THEREFORE, THE JUDGE DOES NOT PROPOSE TO MAKE ANY PUBLIC STATEMENT, AND WILL ALLOW HIS REPORT TO SPEAK FOR HIM, WHICH HE CONSIDERS THE ONLY PROPER COURSE.

AS HE HAS RECEIVED SO MUCH CO-OPERATION AND UNDERSTANDING FROM THE MEDIA AND THE PUBLIC SO FAR, FOR WHICH HE THANKS THEM, HE HOPES AND TRUSTS THAT THEY WILL UNDERSTAND THE COURSE WHICH HE NOW TAKES AS THE ONLY ONE WHICH HE CONSIDERS PROPER.

- - 0 - -

/6 ........

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 1993

BUSINESS ACTIVITY UP IN 1992

* t * *

COMPANIES REGISTRY FIGURES SHOWED BIG INCREASES OF ACTIVITY IN MOST AREAS FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR 1992 AS COMPARED WITH 1991.

THE TOTAL NUMBER OF COMPANIES NOW REGISTERED UNDER THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE HAD INCREASED BY 18 PER CENT, FROM 304,538 TO 358,129.

THE NUMBER OF NEW COMPANIES REGISTERED DURING THE YEAR HAD INCREASED BY 32 PER CENT, FROM 43,975 TO 58,110.

THE FIGURES WERE RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, MR NOEL GLEESON.

COMMENTING ON THE FIGURES, MR GLEESON SAID THEY REFLECTED INCREASED COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY LOCALLY AND INCREASED INTEREST IN HONG KONG BY OVERSEAS INVESTORS.

THE TOTAL NUMBER OF OVERSEAS COMPANIES WHICH HAD AN ESTABLISHED PLACE OF BUSINESS IN HONG KONG UNDER PART XI OF THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE AT THE END OF THE YEAR INCREASED BY 13 PER CENT, FROM 2,828 TO 3,193.

THE NUMBER OF NEW OVERSEAS COMPANIES ESTABLISHING A PLACE OF BUSINESS IN HONG KONG UNDER PART XI DURING 1992 WAS 550, AN INCREASE OF 37 PER CENT OVER THE NUMBER OF SUCH COMPANIES IN 1991.

EXISTING COMPANIES INCREASED THEIR NOMINAL CAPITAL BY $45,574 MILLION, AN INCREASE OF 59 PER CENT OVER THE INCREASE OF $28,599 MILLION IN 1991, WHILE THE NOMINAL CAPITAL OF NEW COMPANIES INCORPORATED DURING THE YEAR INCREASED BY 27 PER CENT FROM $4,097 MILLION TO $5,208 MILLION.

THE TOTAL AMOUNT SECURED BY CHARGES REGISTERED ON THE ASSETS OF COMPANIES DECREASED BY 22 PER CENT FROM $108,285 MILLION TO $83,940 MILLION WHILE THE AMOUNT REPAID ON CHARGES, AS EVIDENCED BY CERTIFICATES OF SATISFACTION, DECREASED BY 4 PER CENT FROM $9,998 MILLION TO $9,621 MILLION.

DURING THE YEAR A TOTAL OF 192 PROSPECTUSES OF PUBLIC COMPANIES, INCLUDING 66 IN RESPECT OF MUTUAL FUNDS, WERE APPROVED COMPARED WITH 177 PROSPECTUSES, INCLUDING 79 TN RESPECT OF MUTUAL FUNDS, DURING THE PREVIOUS YEAR.

THE TOTAL NUMBER OF DOCUMENTS RECEIVED FOR FILING DURING THE YEAR INCREASED BY 27 PER CENT FROM 967,152 TO 1,229,185.

THE FIGURES FOR 1992 INDICATED THAT IN THE SECOND HALF OF LAST YEAR 31,638 COMPANIES WERE REGISTERED COMPARED WITH 26,472 IN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS.

LAST YEAR THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PROSECUTIONS TAKEN BY THE REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES AGAINST COMPANIES AND THEIR DIRECTORS FOR BREACHES OF THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE, MAINLY FOR FAILURE TO FILE ANNUAL RETURNS WITH ACCOUNTS, WAS 117.

/ANOTHER 50 .......

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 1993

another 50 summonses were outstanding from 1991.

OF THIS 167 SUMMONSES, 107 RESULTED IN CONVICTIONS (COMPARED WITH 85 IN 1991) AND 13 REMAINED TO BE HEARD BY THE COURT.

THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF FINES IMPOSED FOR CONVICTIONS IN 1992 WAS $543,130 COMPARED WITH $309,580 IN 1991.

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

EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL FIGURES FOR SEPTEMBER ******

THERE WAS CONTINUED GROWTH IN EMPLOYMENT IN THE WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR AND THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR OVER A YEAR EARLIER.

THE FINDINGS WERE RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

MEANWHILE EMPLOYMENT IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR AND ON CONSTRUCTION SITES DECLINED FURTHER.

THE FALL IN MANUFACTURING EMPLOYMENT MAINLY REFLECTED THE CONTINUING STRUCTURAL CHANGE IN THE ECONOMY, IN CONNECTION WITH THE RELOCATION OF INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES TO CHINA.

WHILE THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VACANCIES IN ALL MAJOR SECTORS COMBINED DECREASED IN SEPTEMBER 1992 OVER A YEAR EARLIER, VACANCIES IN MOST OF THE SERVICES SECTORS RECORDED INCREASES OF VARIOUS MAGNITUDE.

IN SEPTEMBER 1992, EARNINGS IN ALL MAJOR SECTORS CONTINUED TO SHOW FURTHER INCREASES IN MONEY TERMS OVER A YEAR EARLIER. AFTER ADJUSTING FOR INFLATION, THERE WAS STILL AN INCREASE IN REAL TERMS FOR AVERAGE EARNINGS IN ALL MAJOR SECTORS.

THERE WERE 571,200 PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR IN SEPTEMBER 1992, REPRESENTING A DECREASE OF 12.8% FROM SEPTEMBER 1991 .

EMPLOYMENT IN THE WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR, AT 906,900 IN SEPTEMBER 1992, WAS 3.0% HIGHER THAN IN SEPTEMBER 1991.

EMPLOYMENT IN THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR, AT 307,500, WAS UP BY 6.4%.

EMPLOYMENT ON CONSTRUCTION SITES, AT 63,400, WAS 0.8% LOWER THAN IN SEPTEMBER 1991.

THE EMPLOYMENT FIGURES FOR SEPTEMBER 1992 IN SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS, WITH COMPARISONS WITH THE CORRESPONDING FIGURES FOR SEPTEMBER 1991 AND JUNE 1992, ARE:

/PERSONS ENGAGED .......

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 1993

PERSONS ENGAGED

(EMPLOYMENT) PERCENTAGE CHANGE

SELECTED MAJOR

SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY SEPT 91 JUN 92 SEPT 92 SEPT 92 OVER SEPT 91 SEPT 92 OVER JUN 92

MANUFACTURING 654 700 587 300 571 200 -12.8 -2.7

CONSTRUCTION 63 (MANUAL WORKERS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES ONLY) 900 64 000 63 400 - 0.8 -0.9

WHOLESALE, RETAIL 880 AND TMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS 300 903 600 906 900 + 3.0 + 0.4

FINANCING, 289 INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES 100 305 400 307 500 + 6.4 + 0.7

THE STATISTICS FOR SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY IN

SEPTEMBER 1992 WERE DERIVED FROM THE QUARTERLY SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL AND THE QUARTERLY EMPLOYMENT SURVEY OF CONSTRUCTION SITES CONDUCTED BY THE DEPARTMENT.

THE SURVEY ON THE RETAIL TRADE EXCLUDED HAWKERS AND PERSONS WORKING AT RETAIL PITCHES BUT INCLUDED THOSE WORKING IN MARKET STALLS.

THE TWO SURVEYS ALSO PROVIDE VACANCY STATISTICS FOR SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS. THE VACANCY DATA TOGETHER WITH A COMPARISON WITH THE CORRESPONDING FIGURES FOR SEPTEMBER 1991 AND JUNE 1992 ARE:

/NUMBER OF .......

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 1993

NUMBER OF REPORTED VACANCIES

PERCENTAGE CHANGE

SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY SEPT 91 JUN 92 SEPT 92 SEPT 92 OVER SEPT 92 OVER

SEPT 91 JUN 92

MANUFACTURING 23 300 19 800 19 150 -17.8 - 3.3

CONSTRUCTION (MANUAL WORKERS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES ONLY) 760 500 550 -28.3 + 10.3

WHOLESALE,RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS 28 220 28 130 32 130 + 13.9 + 14.2

FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES 8 480 8 770 9 060 + 6.9 + 3.3

THE TOTAL NUMBER OF REPORTED VACANCIES IN SEPTEMBER 1992, AT ABOUT 79,540, WAS 2.8% LOWER THAN IN SEPTEMBER 1991. THE DECLINE WAS CONCENTRATED MAINLY ON CONSTRUCTION SITES AND THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, WITH DECREASES OF 28.3% AND 17.8% RESPECTIVELY.

VACANCIES IN MOST MAJOR SERVICES SECTORS, HOWEVER, CONTINUED TO INCREASE OVER A YEAR EARLIER.

IN THE WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR AND THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR, THE NUMBER OF VACANCIES INCREASED BY 13.9% AND 6.9% RESPECTIVELY.

COMPARING SEPTEMBER 1992 WITH JUNE 1992, THE NUMBER OF VACANCIES INCREASED IN MOST OF THE MAJOR SECTORS SURVEYED BUT THIS COMPARISON COULD BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS.

THE SEPTEMBER 1992 NOMINAL INDICES OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED BY SELECTED MAJOR SECTOR AND THE CORRESPONDING REAL INDICES (AFTER ALLOWING FOR THE EFFECTS OF PRICE CHANGES) ARE:

/NOMINAL INDEX .......

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 1993

NOMINAL INDEX OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED (MARCH 1991 = 100) PERCENTAGE CHANGE

SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY SEPT 91 SEPT 92 SEPT 92 OVER SEPT 91

MANUFACTURING 105.6 121.0 + 14.6

WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS 106.1 117.8 + 11.0

FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES 97.2 108.8 + 11.9

REAL PAYROLL PER (MARCH INDEX OF PERSON ENGAGED 1991 =100) PERCENTAGE CHANGE

SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY SEPT 91 SEPT 92 SEPT 92 OVER SEPT 91

MANUFACTURING 101.2 105.6 + 4.3

WHOLESALE, RETAIL 101.7 102.8 + 1.1

AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS

FINANCING, 93.2 94.9 +1.8

INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES

BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1991 AND SEPTEMBER 1992, AVERAGE EARNINGS IN ALL MAJOR SECTORS, AS MEASURED BY PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED, RECORDED FURTHER INCREASES IN MONEY TERMS.

AN INCREASE OF 14.6% WAS REGISTERED IN THE NOMINAL INDEX FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR.

FOR THE WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR, THE INCREASE WAS 11.0%.

FOR THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR, THE INCREASE WAS 11.9%.

/AFTER ALLOWING .......

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 1993

AFTER ALLOWING FOR THE INCREASE IN CONSUMER PRICES BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1991 AND SEPTEMBER 1992, THE REAL INDEX OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED IN SEPTEMBER 1992, AS COMPARED WITH THAT IN SEPTEMBER 1991, INCREASED BY 4.3% FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, 1.1% FOR THE WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR, AND 1.8% FOR THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR.

DETAILED BREAKDOWNS OF THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE QUARTERLY REPORT OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL STATISTICS, SEPTEMBER 1992 AND THE QUARTERLY REPORT OF EMPLOYMENT AND VACANCIES ON CONSTRUCTION SITES, SEPTEMBER 1992.

THEY ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT $ 14 A COPY AND $9 A COPY RESPECTIVELY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG AND AT THE SALES COUNTER OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON THE 19TH FLOOR, WAN CHAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.

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

SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING OPENS

*****

PRIMARY HEALTH CARE (PHC), WITH ITS STRONG EMPHASIS ON HEALTH PROMOTION, DISEASES PREVENTION AND HEALTH MAINTENANCE, REQUIRES FROM NURSES KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS MUCH MORE SOPHISTICATED THAN THOSE OFFERED BY BASIC NURSING TRAINING.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING PARTY ON PRIMARY HEALTH CARE, PROFESSOR ROSIE YOUNG, SAID THE OPENING OF THE SCHOOL WAS AN IMPORTANT EVENT FOR BOTH THE NURSING PROFESSION AND FOR THE HEALTH FIELD.

PROFESSOR YOUNG NOTED THAT THE NATURE OF WORK FOR PHC NURSES DIFFERED FROM THAT FOUND IN THE HOSPITAL SETTING.

"AT PRESENT, ALL OUR NURSES UNDERGO BASIC TRAINING IN NURSING SCHOOLS ATTACHED TO HOSPITALS," SHE SAID.

"HOWEVER, AS OUR HEALTH SYSTEM BECOMES MORE SOPHISTICATED IN ORDER TO COMBAT THE GROWING COMPLICATIONS OF HEALTH PROBLEMS, ADVANCED TRAINING HAS ALSO BECOME A MUST FOR OUR HEALTH CARE PERSONNEL."

PROFESSOR YOUNG NOTED THAT THE WORKING PARTY ON PHC FOUND IN ITS REVIEW CONDUCTED TWO YEARS AGO THAT THE POST-BASIC TRAINING IN HEALTH NURSING WAS INSUFFICIENT.

"WE THEREFORE RECOMMENDED THAT THE TRAINING CAPACITY OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING SCHOOL SHOULD BE EXPANDED AS A MATTER OF URGENCY," PROFESSOR YOUNG SAID.

/SHE ADDED .......

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 1993

SHE ADDED THAT AFTER A CENTURY OF DEVELOPMENT, TRAINING IN MANY COUNTRIES WAS NOW PROVIDED FOR PHC NURSES TO TAKE ON A WIDE RANGE OF RESPONSIBILITIES.

"THEY ARE NOT ONLY BEING TRAINED TO ASSIST THE DOCTOR IN RENDERING TREATMENT TO PATIENTS BUT ALSO GIVEN SUFFICIENT CAPACITY TO FUNCTION AS NURSE PRACTITIONERS IN THEIR OWN RIGHT," PROFESSOR YOUNG SAID.

"ON THE PROMOTION SIDE, THEY ARE PROVIDED WITH THE KNOWLEDGE AND TECHNIQUE TO GIVE INDIVIDUALISED HEALTH ADVICE AND COUNSELLING TO PATIENTS IN THE CLINIC OR HOME ENVIRONMENT," SHE ADDED.

PROFESSOR YOUNG FURTHER NOTED THAT THE MOST CRUCIAL ELEMENT OF ANY HEALTH SYSTEM WAS THE HUMAN ELEMENT.

SHE SAID: "THIS IS ESPECIALLY TRUE AT THE PHC LEVEL WHICH IS THE FIRST POINT OF CONTACT INDIVIDUALS AND THE FAMILY HAVE WITH THE HEALTH SYSTEM.

"IMPRESSIVE HEALTH EDUCATION AND EFFECTIVE COUNSELLING ARE OFTEN THE MOST USEFUL MEANS TO PROVIDE HEALTH AND PREVENT DISEASE."

ALSO SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, DR S H

1 LEE, SAID THE SCHOOL WOULD PROVIDE TRAINING TO THE FUTURE GENERATION OF HEALTH NURSES IN A COMMUNITY-BASED PHC SETTING.

DR LEE NOTED THAT PHC SERVICES IN HONG KONG WOULD ASSUME A NEW OUTLOOK IN THE COMING YEARS.

"AS EXPERIENCED IN OTHER COUNTRIES, HEALTH NURSES OR NURSE PRACTITIONERS ARE PLAYING AN INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT ROLE IN PHC," HE SAID.

HE NOTED THAT THE TARGET OF TRAINING FOR THIS YEAR WAS TO ' PROVIDE 280 NURSES WITH LONG AND SHORT COURSES AND 32 PLACES FOR THE DIPLOMA COURSE OF PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING STUDIES.

DR LEE SAID: "FOR 1994, WE PLAN TO INCREASE THE INTAKE TO 60 AND THE TOTAL NUMBER OF NURSES ATTENDING THE COURSES WILL BE OVER 300. "

"THIS INCREASE IN TRAINING CAPACITY REPRESENTS NOT ONLY MORE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR NURSES BUT ALSO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH’S COMMITMENT TO THE PROVISION OF POST-BASIC TRAINING FOR ITS HEALTH CARE PERSONNEL."

HE SAID THE QUALITY OF THE SCHOOL CURRICULUM ON PHC WAS ALSO IMPROVED FOLLOWING A REVIEW CONDUCTED BY TWO NURSING EXPERTS FROM THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION.

i I

THE MODIFIED CURRICULUM WHICH GEARED TOWARDS THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY FOR PHC SERVICES HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED LAST OCTOBER.

/THE DIRECTOR .......

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 1993

THE DIRECTOR THEN THANKED PROFESSOR YOUNG AND MEMBERS OF THE WORKING PARTY ON PHC FOR THEIR SUPPORT AND INTEREST IN PROMOTING THE TRAINING OF HEALTH CARE PERSONNEL.

THE NEW SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING IS ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF THE LAM TIN POLYCLINIC IN KWUN TONG.

SEWERAGE MASTER PLAN STUDY IN NORTH DISTRICT

*****

THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) HAS COMMISSIONED A STUDY TO INVESTIGATE THE POLLUTION PROBLEMS CAUSED BY THE DISCHARGES OF DOMESTIC SEWAGE AND INDUSTRIAL EFFLUENT.

THE STUDY WILL ALSO FORMULATE A MASTER PLAN FOR THE PROVISION OF APPROPRIATE SEWERAGE FACILITIES IN THE NORTH DISTRICT.

THE AREA IS LARGELY UNSEWERED EXCEPT FOR THE NEW TOWNS AT FANLING, SHEUNG SHUI AND SHA TAU KOK.

AT PRESENT, MAJORITY OF THE INLAND WATERCOURSES WITHIN THE AREA ARE GROSSLY POLLUTED BY THE DISCHARGE OF UNTREATED DOMESTIC AND INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATER AND INDISCRIMINATE DISPOSAL OF LIVESTOCK WASTE.

AN EPD SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE STUDY WOULD ASSESS THE ADEQUACY AND PERFORMANCE OF THE EXISTING SEWERAGE FACILITIES AND RECOMMEND REMEDIAL WORKS.

HE SAID: "THE ASSESSMENT WILL TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE NEED FOR IMPROVING AND EXPANDING THE EXISTING FACILITIES TO COPE WITH THE RAPID DEVELOPMENTS BOTH WITHIN AND OUTSIDE THE NEW TOWNS.

THE EXPANSIONS UNDER CONSIDERATION INCLUDE THE UPGRADING OF SHEK WU HUI SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS TO ACCEPT LEACHATE EMANATING FROM THE NORTHEAST NEW TERRITORIES LANDFILL AND THE EXTENSION OF THE SEWERAGE SYSTEM TO THE LARGER POPULATION CENTRES IN THE RURAL AREAS.

THE SPOKESMAN ALSO SAID A SEWERAGE MASTER PLAN WOULD BE DEVELOPED AND A PRIORITISED PROGRAMME FOR PROGRESSIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NECESSARY ENGINEERING WORKS WOULD BE PREPARED.

"EMPHASIS WILL BE GIVEN TO ACHIEVING EARLY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS TO THE INLAND WATERCOURSES AND TO PROTECTING THE WATERS IN THE DEEP BAY AND MIRS BAY WATER CONTROL ZONES," HE ADDED.

THE STUDY, AT A COST OF $8 MILLION, WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN TWO PHASES AND BE COMPLETED IN 18 MONTHS.

- - 0 - -

/14

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 1993

- 14 -

CHALLENGES AND JOB SATISFACTION ABOUND IN CIVIL SERVICE

******

THERE ARE PLENTY PROBLEMS TO SOLVE AND CHALLENGES TO OVERCOME IN THE WORK OF THE CIVIL SERVICE, BUT THERE ARE MANY REWARDS AS WELL IN THE JOB SATISFACTION THAT STANDS TO BE DERIVED FROM GETTING THE RIGHT THINGS DONE.

THE SATISFACTION IS SO MUCH THE GREATER AT THIS PARTICULARLY CRUCIAL TIME IN THE HISTORY OF HONG KONG.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, AT THE OPENING OF THE CIVIL SERVICE CAREERS EXHIBITION AT THE CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG TODAY (THURSDAY).

MR CHAN SAID THE CIVIL SERVICE OFFERED A WIDE RANGE OF JOBS, FROM ADMINISTRATIVE TO SPECIALIST AND PROFESSIONAL.

WHILE THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A TYPICAL CIVIL SERVICE JOB, THE 30-ODD GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TAKING PART IN THE EXHIBITION MAKE ONE THING VERY CLEAR I THE CIVIL SERVICE IS NO PLACE FOR PEOPLE WHO WANT AN EASY LIFE.

"WITH INCREASING AFFLUENCE, THE COMMUNITY’S ASPIRATIONS ARE CONTINUOUSLY RISING," HE SAID.

"NOT ONLY DO PEOPLE WANT CONSTANT IMPROVEMENTS IN THE SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT, BUT THEY ALSO WANT A GREATER SAY IN THE WAY THE GOVERNMENT IS RUN."

"WE ARE RESPONDING TO THIS, AS WE MUST, WITH THE PROGRESSIVE, BUT PRUDENT AND MEASURED, DEVELOPMENT OF DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS AND SYSTEMS," MR CHAN SAID.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT NEEDS CONTINUOUSLY TO REVIEW ITS ORGANISATION, MODERNISE ITS MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS, STREAMLINE ITS OPERATIONS AND ENHANCE ITS EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS.

"INCREASING EMPHASIS HAS TO BE PLACED ON PRODUCTIVITY, COST EFFECTIVENESS, ACCOUNTABILITY AND OPEN GOVERNMENT," HE ADDED.

DESPITE THE ARRESTED GROWTH OF THE CIVIL SERVICE IN RECENT YEARS, MR CHAN NOTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT REMAINED THE LARGEST SINGLE EMPLOYER IN THE TERRITORY.

"TODAY HONG KONG HAS MORE THAN 185,000 CIVIL SERVANTS, WHICH REPRESENTS 3.3 PER CENT OF THE LOCAL POPULATION, OR NEARLY SEVEN PER CENT OF OUR TOTAL WORKFORCE," HE SAID.

"IN 1991, THE GOVERNMENT RECRUITED SOME 10,000 PEOPLE INTO ITS RANKS, INCLUDING MORE THAN 1,000 GRADUATES FROM THE LOCAL TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS," MR CHAN ADDED.

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

/15 .......

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 1993

POLITICAL APATHY A THING OF THE PAST

*****

RECENT HEATED DEBATES ON POLITICAL REFORMS IN HONG KONG CLEARLY INDICATE THAT THE TERM "POLITICAL APATHY" IS A THING OF THE PAST, THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PARRISH NG, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

SPEAKING AT A CEREMONY TO PRESENT RED PACKETS TO 900 ELDERLY, MR NG POINTED OUT THAT OVER THE PAST FEW MONTHS, PEOPLE HAD EXPRESSED DIFFERENT VIEWS ON THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS.

"THE POLITICAL REFORMS, IN PARTICULAR, HAD BECOME A FOCUS FOR DISCUSSION," HE ADDED.

THIS SHOWS THAT LOCAL RESIDENTS ARE REALLY CONCERNED WITH THE TERRITORY’S POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT, AND ARE SEEKING MORE PARTICIPATION IN THE DEMOCRATISATION PROCESS.

HE DESCRIBED AS VERY ENCOURAGING THIS MORE MATURED ATTITUDE TOWARDS POLITICS.

ON THE BOUNDARIES OF DISTRICT BOARDS, MR NG SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD PROPOSED A SERIES OF CHANGES, WHICH INCLUDED MERGING MA ON SHAN WITH SAI KUNG DISTRICT.

BUT AS RESIDENTS AND THE SHA TIN AND SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARDS HAD STRONG RESERVATIONS ON THIS, THE GOVERNMENT HAD DECIDED TO KEEP THE PRESENT BOUNDARIES INTACT.

THIS, HE SAID, PROVES THAT WHEN FORMULATING POLICIES, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD RESPECT THE ASPIRATIONS OF THE PUBLIC, MR NG SAID.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD ALSO PROPOSED EXPANDING THE RESPONSIBILITIES, FUNCTIONS, AND BUDGETARY DECISIONS OF DISTRICT BOARDS, SO THAT THEY COULD EXERT MORE INFLUENCE IN FORMULATING DISTRICT POLICIES.

FOR THIS REASON, MR NG SAID IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT ALL THE BOARD MEMBERS WOULD BE RETURNED BY DIRECT ELECTIONS IN 1994.

"THIS WOULD ENABLE THE BOARDS TO ENJOY A HIGHER DEGREE OF REPRESENTATION, AND TO PROVIDE MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE PUBLIC TO TAKE PART IN LOCAL POLITICS," HE SAID.

AS TO THE GOVERNOR’S POLITICAL BLUEPRINT, MR NG SAID THE PACKAGE WILL BE DISCUSSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL NEXT MONTH.

HE THEREFORE APPEALED TO THE PUBLIC TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE ISSUE.

"THE GOVERNMENT WILL FULLY CONSIDER AND RESPECT YOUR OPINIONS, BECAUSE THE POLITICAL BLUEPRINT WAS FORMULATED IN RESPONSE TO YOUR ASPIRATION TO ENSURE A GRADUAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE DEMOCRATISATION PROCESS," MR NG SAID.

/REGARDING THE .......

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 1993

- 16 -

REGARDING THE WELFARE POLICY FOR THE ELDERLY, MR NG SAID THE GOVERNOR HAD, IN HIS POLICY ADDRESS, GIVEN HIS ASSURANCE THAT THIS WOULD RECEIVE HIGHER PRIORITY IN THE COMING FIVE YEARS.

TODAY’S FUNCTION WAS SPONSORED BY A PRIVATE ORGANISATION WITH AN AMOUNT OF $63,000. THE 900 SENIOR CITIZENS EACH RECEIVE A RED PACKET OF $70.

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

NEW PRIMARY SCHOOL IN TSEUNG KWAN O

*****

THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT A NEW GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL WILL BE OPENED IN A FEW MONTHS’ TIME IN TSEUNG KWAN O.

THIS FOLLOWS TWO YEARS OF PREPARATION, PLANNING AND CONSTRUCTION WORK.

THE SCHOOL, LOCATED AT HAU TAK ESTATE, SAI KUNG, IS A NEW STANDARD DESIGN PRIMARY SCHOOL WITH 30 CLASSROOMS AND FOUR SPECIAL ROOMS, AND IS SCHEDULED TO BE COMPLETED IN MAY.

"IN LINE WITH THE LONG-TERM OBJECTIVE OF WHOLE-DAY SCHOOLING IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS, THE NEW SCHOOL WILL RUN WHOLE-DAY CLASSES WHEN IT OPENS," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.

AT PRESENT, THE AREA HAS A GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL - TSEUNG KWAN O GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL.

THE OPENING OF THE NEW PRIMARY SCHOOL IN THE SAME DISTRICT WILL BROADEN THE CHOICE OF PRIMARY SCHOOLS FOR PARENTS AND MEET THE DEMAND FOR PLACES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

IT WILL ALSO PROVIDE A BETTER FEEDER LINKAGE BETWEEN THE PRIMARY AND THE SECONDARY SCHOOL OPERATED BY THE GOVERNMENT, HE ADDED.

THE NEW PRIMARY SCHOOL WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING KAI TAK GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL IN WONG TAI SIN.

AFTER THE OPENING OF THE NEW SCHOOL, KAI TAK GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL WILL CLOSE IN THE SUMMER OF 1994.

THE VACATED PREMISES WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR ALLOCATION TO A SPONSORING BODY FOR THE OPERATION OF AN AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOL.

"THE PROVISION OF PRIMARY SCHOOL PLACES IN WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT WILL NOT BE AFFECTED," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE OTHER GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL IN WONG TAI SIN - THE WONG TAI SIN GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL - WILL BE CHANGED TO WHOLE-DAY OPERATION FROM THE 1993/94 SCHOOL YEAR.

i ।

/IT IS ....

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 1993

IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE SCHOOL WILL REACH FULL CAPACITY BY RUNNING 24 CLASSES IN THE FIRST YEAR OF WHOLE-DAY OPERATION.

IN LINE WITH OTHER WHOLE-DAY PUBLIC SECTOR SCHOOLS, AN ENHANCED STAFFING RATIO AND AN IMPROVED SENIOR TEACHER RATIO WILL APPLY TO THE NEW PRIMARY SCHOOL IN TSEUNG KWAN O AND WONG TAI SIN GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL.

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

APPOINTMENTS TO COUNCIL OF ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS

*****

THE GOVERNOR HAS RE-APPOINTED DR HELMUT SOHMEN AS CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL OF THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS FROM JANUARY 1, 1993, IT WAS ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).

THE GOVERNOR HAS ALSO RE-APPOINTED 10 MEMBERS AND APPOINTED SIX NEW MEMBERS TO THE COUNCIL FOR A TWO-YEAR TERM STARTING JANUARY 1, 1993.

THE FOLLOWING IS A FULL LIST OF THE MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL:

DR HELMUT SOHMEN (CHAIRMAN)

MR YAO KANG (DEPUTY CHAIRMAN)

MR CHAN SAI-BIU, BENNY (TREASURER)

DR JOHN HOSIER

MR CHENG SING-YIP

MR PETER JAMES THOMPSON

MR HANMER G WEBB-PEPLOE

DR RAYSON HUANG

DR LAM TAI HING

MR TSE WAN-CHUNG, PHILIP

MR VINCENT CHOW WING-SHING

MS HUI ON-WAH, ANNE

MR FONG CHING, EDDY

MR THOMAS T BROWN

MR PHILIP SODEN

SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE

DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION

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

/18 ........

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14,

1993

OPENING OF NORTH POINT SUB-TREASURY

* * * * ♦

THE NORTH POINT SUB-TREASURY ON FIRST FLOOR, MAX SHARE CENTRE, 373 KING’S ROAD WILL START OPERATION NEXT MONDAY (JANUARY 18).

PAYMENT OF ACCOUNTS TO THE GOVERNMENT MAY BE MADE AT THE NEW OFFICE OR OTHER COLLECTION OFFICES PRINTED ON THE DEMAND NOTES.

THE OFFICE OPENS DAILY FROM 9 AM TO 4 PM ON MONDAYS TO FRIDAYS AND FROM 9 AM TO NOON ON SATURDAYS.

FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CALL 566 0081.

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ***** $ MILLION OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,500 REVERSAL OF LAF NIL BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 1,500 NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL EFFECT OF LAF TODAY +400 CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,900

LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 114.5 *-0.2* 14.1.93 HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS

TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD

1 WEEK 3.19 PCT 13 MONTHS 2402 5.50 100.90 4.69

1 MONTH 3.37 PCT 16 MONTHS 2405 5.50 100.80 4.93

3 MONTHS 3.70 PCT 19 MONTHS 2408 4.375 98.94 5.14

6 MONTHS 12 MONTHS 3.99 PCT 22 MONTHS 2411 4.625 98.86 4.58 PCT 5.35

TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 8,541 MN

CLOSED 14 JANUARY 1993

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 1993

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVERNOR OPENS ISLAND EAST REFUSE TRANSFER STATION ........... 1

GOVERNOR ON A CLEANER ENVIRONMENT ............................ 2

STATEMENT ON APPOINTED SEATS ................................. 2

STATEMENT ON GOVT INFORMATION STUDY .......................... 3

LABOUR COMMISSIONER OUTLINES BETTER PLANS FOR WORKERS ........ 3

OZONE-DEPLETING SUBSTANCES TO BE PHASED OUT EARLIER .......... 5

AD HOC GROUP ON HIV INFECTION OF HAEMOPHILIACS MEETS ......... 7

PENSION SCHEMES FOR CIVIL SERVANTS MODERNISED ................ 8

BORDER REVIEW TALKS .......................................... 9

UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS FOR SEPTEMBER -NOVEMBER 1992 .................................................. g

HEAD OF GOVT FLYING SERVICE APPOINTED ........................ 10

NT CIRCULAR ROAD VITAL TO DEVELOPMENT ........................ H

MERCHANT SHIPPING (SAFETY) (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1993 GAZETTED ...................................................... 12

/HEALTH CHIEF

HEALTH CHIEF OUTLINES HEALTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

RECLAMATION FOR NEW POWER STATION AUTHORISED ................... 14

BEST LEGCO DECISION FOR HONG KONG .............................. 15

HIGH STANDARDS OF BRIDGE SUPERSTRUCTURE ASSURED ................ 16

ROAD IMPROVEMENT WORKS PLANNED FOR TUEN MUN .................... 17

1993 HONG KONG FLOWER SHOW SET FOR MARCH ....................... 18

TENDERS INVITED FOR THREE PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS ................ 20

WATER TREATMENT PLANT FOR SHAM TSENG ........................... 21

AESTHETIC AND ARTISTIC DEVELOPMENT VITAL FOR CHILDREN .......... 21

TSUEN WAN WELFARE OFFICES ON MOVE .............................. 22

RESIDENTS COMMENDED FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES ..................... 22

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ..

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 1993

GOVERNOR OPENS ISLAND EAST REFUSE TRANSFER STATION ♦ * ♦ * *

THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, TODAY (FRIDAY) OFFICIALLY OPENED THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT’S ISLAND EAST REFUSE TRANSFER STATION (IETS) - THE FIRST REFUSE TRANSFER STATION ON HONG KONG ISLAND.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID: ’’THE $400 MILLION STATION REPRESENTS THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO IMPROVING THE ENVIRONMENT AND IS A FURTHER STEP TOWARDS IMPLEMENTING ITS LONG-TERM WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY IN HONG KONG."

HE SAID UNDER THIS STRATEGY, A NETWORK OF TRANSFER STATIONS WOULD BE BUILT IN URBAN AREAS TO RECEIVE REFUSE COLLECTED BY THE URBAN SERVICES AND THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENTS.

THE WASTE WOULD BE CONTAINERISED IN THESE STATIONS AND THEN TRANSPORTED IN BULK TO THE LANDFILLS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES IN AN ENVIRONMENTALLY ACCEPTABLE MANNER.

THE IETS IS THE SECOND TRANSFER STATION COMMISSIONED BY THE DEPARTMENT TO PROVIDE WASTE DISPOSAL FACILITIES FOR RESIDENTS ON THE EASTERN PART OF THE ISLAND.

UNLIKE THE FIRST STATION AT KOWLOON BAY, THE IETS TRANSPORTS THE CONTAINERISED WASTE BY SEA INSTEAD OF BY ROAD. TWO PURPOSE-BUILT CONTAINER VESSELS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR BULK TRANSPORTATION.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID: "THIS TYPE OF TRANSPORTATION ARRANGEMENT IS BOTH ENVIRONMENTALLY MORE ACCEPTABLE AND ALSO MORE ECONOMICAL THAN A ROAD-BASED TRANSFER SYSTEM."

"THE COMMISSIONING OF THE IETS WILL ENABLE THE CLOSURE OF THE KENNEDY TOWN INCINERATION PLANT IN MARCH THIS YEAR WHICH HAS LONG BEEN CONSIDERED A MAJOR SOURCE OF AIR POLLUTION TN THE WESTERN PART OF HONG KONG ISLAND," HE ADDED.

ALSO PRESENT AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WERE THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, THE DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, DR STUART REED, AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE IETS CONTRACTORS - CHAIRMAN OF THE SWIRE GROUP IN HONG KONG, MR PETER SUTCH, AND GENERAL MANAGER OF THE SWIRE BFI WASTE SERVICES LTD, MR LIONEL KRIEGER.

DR REED SAID THE IETS WAS ANOTHER MILESTONE IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE GOVERNMENT’S WASTE DISPOSAL PLAN.

HE SAID THE STATION WOULD BE OPERATED TO VERY HIGH ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS WHEREBY ALL AIR AND EFFLUENT EMISSIONS FROM THE FACILITY WOULD BF. PROPERLY TREATED BEFORE DISCHARGE.

THE IETS PROJECT HAS BEEN DEVELOPED UNDER A DESIGN, BUILD AND OPERATE CONTRACT AGREEMENT UNDER WHICH THE CONTRACTOR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL ASPECTS OF THE FACILITY OVER A 15-YEAR OPERATING PERIOD.

/PROVISION IS .......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 1993

2 -

PROVISION IS MADE IN THE CONTRACT TO REDUCE THE PAYMENTS TO THE OPERATORS IF THE ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS FALL BELOW REQUIREMENTS.

THE STATION, WITH A DAILY DESIGN THROUGHPUT OF 1,200 TONNES OF REFUSE, HAS MODERNISED FACILITIES SUCH AS A COMPUTERISED WEIGHBRIDGES SYSTEM, AN EXHAUST VENTILATION SYSTEM, COMPLETE WITH ODOUR REMOVAL UNIT, A WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT, A VEHICLE WASH SYSTEM AND A CONTAINER WASH SYSTEM.

------U-------

GOVERNOR ON A CLEANER ENVIRONMENT

* * * * *

THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, TODAY (FRIDAY) COMMENDED THE ISLAND EAST REFUSE TRANSFER STATION FOR MAKING A REAL STEP ALONG THE ROAD TO A CLEANER ENVIRONMENT.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE REFUSE TRANSFER STATION, MR PATTEN SAID THIS STATION WAS SIGNIFICANT FOR TWO REASONS.

FIRST, IT IS THE FIRST ONE ON THE ISLAND.

SECOND, IT IS THE FIRST ONE WHICH IS GOING TO TAKE THE COMPACTED WASTE BY SHIP TO THE LANDFILL SITES.

“THIS IS AN IMPORTANT DAY IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGY HERE IN HONG KONG,” HE SAID.

HONG KONG PRODUCES ABOUT 7,000 TONNES OF SOLID WASTE EVERYDAY.

’’AND WE’VE GOT A STRATEGY FOR DEALING WITH THAT,” THE GOVERNOR SAID.

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

STATEMENT ON APPOINTED SEATS

*****

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE VIEWS OF DISTRICT BOARD AND MUNICIPAL COUNCIL MEMBERS HAVE BEEN TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN DRAWING UP PROPOSALS FOR THE ABOLITION OF APPOINTED DISTRICT BOARD AND MUNICIPAL COUNCIL SEATS.

HOWEVER, OTHER VIEWS HAVE ALSO BEEN TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT. THE BALANCE OF OPINION IN THE COMMUNITY SEEMS TO BE IN FAVOUR OF ABOLISHING APPOINTED SEATS.

THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE GOVERNOR WOULD BE REPLYING TO THE LETTER FROM 148 DISTRICT BOARD AND MUNICIPAL COUNCIL MEMBERS.

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

/3......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15. 1993

STATEMENT ON GOVT INFORMATION STUDY * $ ♦ ♦ *

IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES ON THE CONSULTANCY STUDY ON THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION MACHINERY, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY):

’’THE CONSULTANCY REPORT HAS BEEN RECEIVED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY* IT IS BEING STUDIED UITHIN TH;-: GOVERNMENT. ALL STAFF CONCERNED WILL BE CONSULTED BEFORE ANY ACTION fS TAKEN TO IMPLEMENT THE RECOMMENDATIONS."

------0 -

LABOUR COMMISSIONER OUTLINES BETTER PLANS FOR WORKERS I » t i * t *

WORKERS WHOSE EMPLOYERS BECOME INSOLVENT WILL BE BETTER PROTECTED IN RESPECT OF ARREARS OF WAGES AND WAGES IN LIEV OF NOTICE IF THE PROTECTION OF WAGES ON INSOLVENCY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1993 13 APPROVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL LATER THIS YEAR, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MRS KATHERINE FOX, SAID TODA'. (FRIDAY).

SPEAKING AT A MEET-CHE-MEDJ A SESSION TO REVIEW THE WORK OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IN THE PAST YEAR, MI?S FOK SAID THE DEPARTMENT HAD PROPOSED TO RAISE THE MAXIMUM LIMIT OF EX-GRATIA PAYMENT ON ARREARS OF WAGES AND WAGES IN LIEU OF NOTICE TO PROVIDE BETTER COVERAGE TO WORKERS.

"UNDER THE PROPOSAL, THE MAXIMUM LIMIT OF EX-GRATIA PAYMENT IN RESPECT OF ARREARS OF WAGES WILL BE INCREASED FROM $3,000 TO $18,000 PER APPLICANT WHILE WAGES IN LIEU OF NOTICE FROM SEVEN DAYS' WAGES UP TO $2,000 TO ONE MONTH’S WAGES UP TO $6,000," SHE SAID.

"IN ADDITION, FUTURE AMENDMENTS TO REVISE THE AMOUNT OF ARREARS OF WAGES TO BE COVERED BY THE PROTECTION OF WAGES ON INSOLVENCY FUND WILL BE SIMPLIFIED.

"THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL BE PROVIDED WITH THE POWER TO AMEND THE LAW BY RESOLUTION," SHF ADDED.

MRS FOK SAID THE PROTECTION OF WAGES ON INSOLVENCY FUND BOARD, THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD AND THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL PANEL ON MANPOWER HAVE BEEN CONSULTED ON TH)1 PROPOSED AMENDMENTS.

THE AMENDMENT BILL HAS RECENTLY BEEN APPROVED RY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND IS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).

IT IS EXPECTED TO BE INTRODUCED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR FIRST AND SECOND READING EARLY NEXT MONTI).

ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE TO THE WAGE SECURITY UNIT OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ON TEL 831 C037.

TO FURTHER IMPROVE THE SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE FOR EMPLOYEES, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR SAID OTHER PROPOSALS WILL BE MADE TO AMEND SOME OF THE EXISTING LABOUR LEGISLATION THIS YEAR.

/"THESE INCLUDE .

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 1993

"THESE INCLUDE ADJUSTING THE MAXIMUM LEVEL OF COMPENSATION UNDER THE EMPLOYEES' COMPENSATION ORDINANCE TO INCREASE THE BENEFITS PAYABLE TO INJURED EMPLOYEES AND DEPENDANTS OF DECEASED WORKERS," MRS FOK SAID.

"EIGHT ADDITIONAL DISEASES ARE ALSO BEING PROPOSED TO BECOME COMPENSABLE UNDER THE EMPLOYEES' COMPENSATION ORDINANCE, MAKING A TOTAL OF 44.

"MEANWHILE, THE OCCUPATIONAL NOISE-INDUCED HEARING LOSS COMPENSATION SCHEME IS ALSO EXPECTED TO BE INTRODUCED LATER THIS YEAR TO PROVIDE COMPENSATION TO THOSE PERSONS WHO SUFFER FROM HEARING LOSS DUE TO THEIR NATURE OF WORK.

"FOR PERSONS SUFFERING FROM PNEUMOCONIOSIS, A BILL UNDER THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS (COMPENSATION) ORDINANCE WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN MARCH PROPOSING MONTHLY PAYMENTS OF COMPENSATION TO BE PAID TO PNEUMOCON IOS IS SUFFERERS UNTIL THEIR DEATH,” SHE ADDED.

IN THE AREA OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY, THE LABOUR COMMISSIONER POINTED OUT THAT AMENDMENTS WILL BE MADE TO THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (SUSPENDED WORK PLATFORMS) REGULATION AND THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (LIFTING APPLIANCES AND LIFTING GEAR) REGULATION TO PROVIDE FOR BETTER STANDARDS ON THE SAFE USE OF SUSPENDED WORK PLATFORMS AND LIFTING APPLIANCES.

MRS FOK NOTED THAT TWO PIECES OF NEW LABOUR LEGISLATION AND 15 PIECES OF AMENDMENT LEGISLATION WERE ENACTED LAST YEAR.

"TO DISCOURAGE EXPLOITATION OF WORKERS, THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR WAGE DEDUCTION AND UNDERPAYMENT OF WAGES UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE WAS INCREASED TENFOLD TO $100,000 AND $200,000 RESPECTIVELY," MRS FOK SAID.

"THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE AND THE FACTORY AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE WERE AMENDED TO PROVIDE FOR PROTECTION AGAINST VICTIMISATION OF WORKERS WHO GIVE INFORMATION OR EVIDENCE ABOUT WORK ACCIDENTS.

"WE ALSO EFFECTED CHANGES TO THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION SYSTEM TO PROVIDE FOR DIRECT SETTLEMENT OF CLAIMS IN MINOR INJURY CASES," SHE ADDED.

REGARDING SERVICES BEING PROVIDED BY THE DEPARTMENT, MRS FOK SAID THE GENERAL ENQUIRY TELEPHONE SERVICE, WHICH WAS ENHANCED LAST YEAR, HANDLED 172,500 PUBLIC ENQUIRIES ON THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE AND ITS SUBSIDIARY REGULATIONS, THE PROTECTION OF WAGES ON INSOLVENCY ORDINANCE, THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE, AND MATTERS RELATING TO THE EMPLOYMENT OF FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS.

"THIS REPRESENTED AN INCREASE OF NEARLY 150 PER CENT OF CALLS HANDLED AS COMPARED WITH 1991," SHE SAID.

/"IN VIEW........

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 1993

"IN VIEW OF INCREASING DEMANDS, THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS CONSIDERING INTRODUCING AN INTERACTIVE VOICE PROCESSING SYSTEM TO FURTHER IMPROVE ITS EFFECTIVENESS AND WILL BE ENHANCING OUR GENERAL PUBLICITY IN AREAS OF GREATEST PUBLIC INTEREST.

ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR SAID THE DEPARTMENT SPARES NO EFFORTS TO IMPROVE WORKERS* SAFETY.

"THIS CAN BE REFLECTED IN THE DROP OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS IN 1992,” MRS FOK SAID.

"UP TO SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR, THERE WERE 56,370 INDUSTRIAL AND NON-INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS WITH 204 FATALITIES.

"COMPARED WITH 72,310 ACCIDENTS AND 214 FATALITIES IN THE SAME PERIOD IN 1991, THE IMPROVEMENT IN THE OVERALL SITUATION IS ENCOURAGING.

"BUT WE NEED TO DO MORE TO ENSURE OUR WORKERS CAN HAVE A BETTER AND SAFER WORKING ENVIRONMENT, PARTICULARLY IN THE CONSTRUCTION 1NDUSTRY," SHE ADDED.

MRS FOK SAID 1993 WOULD LIKELY BE ANOTHER YEAR OF CHALLENGE AND OPPORTUNITY.

"THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS ALWAYS READY FOR CHANGES IN OUR SOCIETY AND ECONOMY WHICH WILL BRING NEW EXPECTATIONS TO THE PEOPLE," SHE SAID.

"IN THIS, WE WILL FURTHER IMPROVE OUR PERFORMANCE AND IS COMMITTED TO MAKING OUR SERVICE WORTHY OF OUR CUSTOMERS,” SHE ADDED.

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

OZONE-DEPLETING SUBSTANCES TO BE PHASED OUT EARLIER

*****

HONG KONG WILL COMPLY FULLY WITH THE GLOBAL PROGRAMME TO ADVANCE THE DATES OF PHASING OUT OZONE-DEPLETING SUBSTANCES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AMENDMENT TO THE MONTREAL PROTOCOL.

UNDER THE NEW SCHEDULE AGREED AT A MEETING IN COPENHAGEN LAST NOVEMBER, HALONS WILL BE COMPLETELY PHASED OUT BY THE YEAR 1994 AND CFCS BY 1996, INSTEAD OF 2000.

ANOTHER OZONE-DEPLETING SUBSTANCE, TRICHOLOROETHANE, WILL NOW BE PHASED OUT BY 1996 INSTEAD OF 2005.

TO ENABLE HONG KONG TO COMPLY WITH THE PHASE-OUT PROGRAMME, THE OZONE LAYER PROTECTION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1993 WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).

/THE BILL

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 1993

I'll BILL AUI CRISES THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL TO MAKE REGULATIONS TO ABLE THE DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TO DETERMINE WHETHER. A COUNTRY OR PLACE COMPLIES WITH THE MONTREAL PROTOCOL, TO DECLARE A SCHEDULED SUBSTANCE AS A CONTROLLED REFRIGERANT, TO APPROVE THE TYPE OF EQUIPMENT TO BE USED FOR RECOVERING OR RECYCLING AN OZONEDEPLETING SUBSTANCE AND TO SPECIFY THE MANNER IN WHICH SUCH EQUIPMENT IS USED.

IN ADDITION, THE OZONE LAYER PROTECTION (CONTROLLED REFRIGERANTS) REGULATION AND THE OZONE LAYER PROTECTION (PRODUCTS CONTAINING SCHEDULED SUBSTANCES) (IMPORT BANNING) REGULATION WILL BE MADE.

THE FORMER IS TO PROHIBIT THE INTENTIONAL VENTING OF CFC-BASED REFRIGERANTS FROM AIR CONDITIONING AND REFRIGERATION PLANTS WHILE THE LAT'I IS TO MEET THE CONTROL REQUIREMENT LAID DOWN IN THE MONTREAL PROTOCOL BY PROHIBITING THE IMPORT OF PRODUCTS CONTAINING CFCS AND HALONS FROM NON-PARTY COUNTRIES AND PLACES.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS BRANCH SAID IMPORT OF CFC SUBSTANCES INTO HONG KONG WILL BE REDUCED TO 25 PER CENT OF THE PRESENT LEVEL BY 1994 BEFORE IT IS PHASED OUT COMPLETELY BY 1996.

"IN VIEW OF THIS, AIR CONDITIONING PLANT OWNERS SHOULD NOW GIVE SERIOUS THOUGHT TO MODIFY THEIR EXISTING PLANTS SO THAT THEY COULD c ATE ON NON-CFC REFRIGERANTS.

"FOR PLANTS WHICH WILL CONTINUE TO USE CFC REFRIGERANTS FOR ONE REASON OR ANOTHER, OWNERS SHOULD TAKE NOTE THAT THEY ARE REQUIRED TO CONSERVE THE REFRIGERANT CHARGE BY PREVENTING THE CFCS FROM ESCAPING INTO THE AIR DURING PLANT OVERHAUL OR MAINTENANCE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

CFCS ARE ALSO USED AS SOLVENTS AND BLOWING AGENTS FOR THE ELECTRONICS AND FOAM PLASTIC MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.

OWING TO THE FORESEEABLE SHORTAGE IN SUPPLY AND POSSIBLY SHARP INCREASE IN CFC PRICES, OWNERS OF THESE INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS ARE ADVISED TO MAKE EARLY PLANNING FOR ALTERNATIVE ARRANGEMENTS.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID SINCE THE IMPORT OF HALON INTO HONG KONG WILL NOT BE ALLOWED FROM JANUARY 1, 1994, OWNERS OF HALON TYPE FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS SHOULD NOW SERIOUSLY CONSIDER REPLACING THEIR SYSTEMS WITH OTHER COMPATIBLE ALTERNATIVES SUCH AS CARBON DIOXIDE, WATER SPRAY AND DRY POWDER.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE AIR CONTROL GROUP OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT WOULD BE HAPPY TO ANSWER ENQUIRIES RELATING TO THE PHASING OUT OF OZONE-DEPLETING SUBSTANCES BY TELEPHONE ON 594 6242 AND 594 6243 OR BY POST ADDRESSED TO THEIR OFFICE ON 33RD FLOOR, REVENUE TOWER, 5 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI.

ENQUIRIES ABOUT FIRE PROTECTION EQUIPMENT CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE FIRE PROTECTION BUREAU OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT ON TEL 733 7666.

/7.........

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 1993

vD HOC GROUT ON HIV INFECTION OF HAEMOPHILIACS MEETS *****

THE RECENTLY-FORMED AD HOC GROUP ON HIV INFECTION OF HAEMOPHILIACS THROUGH BLOOD PRODUCTS IN HONG KONG HELD ITS FIRST MEETING TODAY (FRIDAY).

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE AD HOC GROUP, PROFESSOR M H NG, SAID: "THE PLIGHT OF HAEMOPHILIACS IN OUR SOCIETY DESERVED ALL OUR SUPPORT AND SYMPATHY. FOR THEM, TIMELY ADMINISTRATION OF FACTOR VIII IS A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH. THE REVELATION THAT SOME HAEMOPHILIACS MIGHT HAVE BEEN INADVERTENTLY INFECTED WITH THE HIV VIRUS HAS RAISED PUBLIC CONCERN."

UNDER ITS TERMS OF REFERENCE, THE MAIN TASKS OF THE AD HOC GROUP ARE TO ESTABLISH THE FACTS REGARDING TREATMENT OF BLOOD PRODUCTS IN HONG KONG FOR PREVENTING HIV TRANSMISSION AND TO RECOMMEND ANY SPECIAL COURSE OF ACTION APPROPRIATE TO HONG KONG FOR THE ASSISTANCE OF HAEMOPHILIACS WHO CONTRACTED HIV THROUGH TRANSFUSION OF BLOOD PRODUCTS IN HONG KONG.

THE STUDY GROUP IS REASONABLY ASSURED THAT:

♦ THE UNFORTUNATE INCIDENCE OF INADVERTENT INFECTION OF HAEMOPHILIACS WITH HIV THROUGH BLOOD PRODUCTS ONLY OCCURRED BEFORE 1985;

* SINCE 1985, HOWEVER, HIV SCREENING OF BLOOD AND BLOOD PRODUCTS HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED; AND

* FACTOR VIII USED IN HONG KONG WAS TESTED FOR HIV AT SOURCE AND HAS BEEN RENDERED SAFE FROM HIV CONTAMINATION BY HEAT TREATMENT OR TREATMENT WITH SOLVENT AND DETERGENT.

CONSEQUENTLY, THE COMMITTEE IS OF THE OPINION THAT THE HIV INFECTION OF THE HAEMOPHILIACS IS MOST UNLIKELY TO OCCUR AGAIN IN THE FUTURE.

AS THE FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS, THE STUDY GROUP WOULD FOCUS ON THE PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELL-BEING OF THE GROUP OF 61 INDIVIDUALS WHO WERE INADVERTENTLY INFECTED WITH HIV.

THE GROUP ALSO EXAMINED CURRENT FACILITIES AVAILABLE FOR THE TREATMENT OF HIV INFECTED HAEMOPHILIACS. ITS PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT IS THAT:

* THE MEDICAL FACILITIES ARE GENERALLY ADEQUATE, BUT:

* THEY MAY BE BETTER ORGANISED TO BETTER TAILORED TO THE NEEDS OF THESE INDIVIDUALS;

* THERE MAY BE A NEED TO ENHANCE COUNSELLING SERVICE FOR THE AFFECTED INDIVIDUALS AND THEIR FAMILIES;

* THERE MAY BE A NEED TO BETTER ENSURE THAT SAFE FACTOR VIII IS ACCESSIBLE TO ALL HAEMOPHILIACS IN HONG KONG.

/"IN THIS .......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 1993

”IN THIS LIGHT, OUR. INITIAL VIEW IS THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONSIDER A COMPREHENSIVE PACKAGE* OF SUPPORT AND COUNSELLING FOR PAT]ENTS.

’’THE NETWORK OF SERVICES THROUGHOUT HONG KONG INCLUDING ALL THE PRIMARY AND TERTIARY CARE FACILITIES SHOULD BE STRENGTHENED AND CO-ORDINATED TO PROVIDE TREATMENT, PSYCHOLOGICAL COUNSELLING, HEALTH EDUCATION AND OTHER SUPPORT SERVICE TO THE HIV INFECTED HAEMOPHILIACS AND THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS.

’’THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD ENSURE THE SAFETY OF BLOOD PRODUCTS FOR PATIENTS. WE SHOULD ALSO STEP UP PUBLIC EDUCATION BOTH ON PREVENTION OF AIDS AND TO REMOVE PUBLIC PREJUDICE AGAINST AIDS VICTIMS,” HE SAID.

IN APPRECIATION OF THEIR SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES AND TAKING REFERENCE FROM OVERSEAS PRACTICES, THE GOVERNMENT MAY CONSIDER, ON COMPASSIONATE GROUNDS, GIVING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO HIV INFECTED HAEMOPHI LIACS, HE ADDED.

THE STUDY GROUP EXPECTS TO SUBMIT ITS INITIAL REPORT TO THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE WITHIN TWO MONTHS.

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

PENSION SCHEMES FOR CIVIL SERVANTS MODERNISED

*****

THE PENSIONS MODIFICATION ORDINANCE 1993 GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY) WILL COME INTO FORCE ON FEBRUARY 1 THIS YEAR.

THE ORDINANCE INTRODUCES THE FOLLOWING CHANGES TO MODERNISE PENSION SCHEMES FOR CIVIL SERVANTS, SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF FUNDS BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE:

* THE WIDOWS’ AND CHILDREN’S PENSIONS SCHEME WILL BE RETITLED THE SURVIVING SPOUSES’ AND CHILDREN’S PENSIONS SCHEME;

* MALE PENSIONABLE CIVIL SERVANTS MAY ELECT TO OPT OUT OF THE SURVIVING SPOUSES’ AND CHILDREN’S PENSIONS SCHEME AND THE WIDOWS AND ORPHANS PENSION SCHEME FROM FEBRUARY 1;

* UNMARRIED OFFICERS WHO ELECT TO CEASE CONTRIBUTION TO THE DEPENDANT PENSION SCHEMES WILL RECEIVE A REFUND OF THEIR PAST CONTRIBUTIONS, WITH INTEREST, BEFORE THE APPOINTED DAY;

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

♦ FEMALE OFFICERS, MODEL SCALE I STAFF AND CERTAIN DISCIPLINED SERVICES OFFICERS WHO HAVE PREVIOUSLY BEEN EXCLUDED, WILL HAVE THE OPTION TO JOIN THE VOLUNTARY SURVIVING SPOUSES’ AND CHILDREN’S PENSIONS SCHEME;

/*THE PENSIONABLE .......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 1993

THE PENSIONABLE AGE LIMIT FOR CHILDREN WILL BE STANDARDISED AT THE AGE OF 18 IRRESPECTIVE OF SEX, WHICH WILL BE EXTENDED TO THE AGE OF 23 IF THE CHILD IS IN FULL-TIME EDUCATION;

* THE PROVISIONS MAKING A HUSBAND’S ENTITLEMENT TO A DEPENDANT PENSION SUBJECT TO FINANCIAL DEPENDENCY ON HIS WIFE ARE REPEALED;

* PENSION RIGHTS WILL BE PROVIDED FOR ILLEGITIMATE CHILDREN FOR REASONS OF CONSISTENCY WITH THE BILL OF RIGHTS; AND

* ANNUAL PENSION ADJUSTMENT, ON THE BASIS OF THE MOVEMENT OF THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A), WILL BE MADE A STATUTORY RIGHT.

ALSO GAZETTED TODAY IS THE PENSIONS ORDINANCES AND REGULATIONS (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) ORDINANCE 1993, WHICH TAKES IMMEDIATE EFFECT.

THIS ORDINANCE MAINLY CONTAINS TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS AIMED AT IMPROVING AND CLARIFYING PREVIOUS PENSIONS LEGISLATION.

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

BORDER REVIEW TALKS * * *

AT THE INVITATION OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS OFFICE OF THE GUANGDONG PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT, MR HUANG QUN , A HONG KONG GOVERNMENT DELEGATION LED BY THE POLITICAL ADVISER, MR WILLIAM URMAN, WILL VISIT DONGGUAN, GUANGDONG, FROM JANUARY 17 TO 19 FOR THE 13111 ANNUAL BORDER REVIEW.

TALKS WILL BE HELD ON JANUARY 18 TO REVIEW LIAISON ARRANGEMENTS OVER THE PAST YEAR AND DISCUSS WAYS OF STRENGTHENING THESE ARRANGEMENTS.

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

UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT

STATISTICS FOR SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER 1992

*****

THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR SEPTEMBER -NOVEMBER 1992 WAS 2%, AND THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 1.9%, ACCORDING TO THE LATEST LABOUR FORCE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

THE PROVISIONAL SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR THE PERIOD OCTOBER - DECEMBER 1992 WAS 2.1%, WHILE THE PROVISIONAL UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 2.0%.

/THE LATEST .......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 1993

•”< I VEST 1 IGURES SUGGEST THAT BOTH THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE REMAINED GENERALLY STABLE TN RECENT MONTHS.

DURING THE PERIOD SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER 1992, THE UNEMPLOYED PERSONS, ADJUSTED FOR VARIATIONS IN THE NUMBER TIME JOB-SEEKERS, WAS ESTIMATED AT 55,700, WHILE THE UNDEREMPLOYED PERSONS WAS ESTIMATED AT 53,900.

NUMBER OF OF FIRST-NUMBER OF

THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS WERE OBTAINED FROM A CONTINUOUS GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND S TATIS TIC S D E PA RTMENT.

THE SURVEY FOR SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER 1992 COVERED A QUARTERLY SAMPLE OF SOME 11,900 HOUSEHOLDS OR 41,100 PERSONS, SELECTED SCIENTII I (’ALLY TO REPRESENT THE LAND-BASED CIVILIAN NON-INSTITUTIONAL POPULA'I ON IN HONG KONG.

RELEVANT DATA WAS OBTAINED IN THE SURVEY BY INTERVIEWING EACH INDIVIDUAL MEMBER AGED 15 AND ABOVE IN THE HOUSEHOLDS SAMPLED.

TN THE SURVEY, THE DEFINITIONS USED IN MEASURING UNEMPLOYMENT ’I) UNDEREMPLOYMENT FOLLOW CLOSELY THOSE RECOMMENDED BY THE l TEl'NATIONAb LABOUR ORGANISATION.

DETAILED ANALYSIS OF LABOUR FORCE CHARACTERISTICS IS GIVEN IN TH REPORT ON THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY WHICH IS PUBLISHED FOUR TH S A YEAR.

THE NEXT REPORT COVERING THE QUARTER ENDING DECEMBER 1992 WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL AROUND MARCH 29 AT $15.50 A COPY.

-------------------0-------- HEAD OF GOVT FLYING SERVICE APPOINTED *****

THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED THE APPOINTMENT OF MR BRIAN CLUER AS THE FIRST CONTROLLER OF THE GOVERNMENT FLYING SERVICE (GFS).

MR CLUER, AGED 55, WILL HEAD THE GFS WHEN IT IS ESTABLISHED ON APRIL 1, 1993 AS THE SUCCESSOR ORGANISATION TO THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE (RHKAAF).

HE IS CURRENTLY GENERAL MANAGER OPERATIONAL SERVICES WITH CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS LTD AND WAS SELECTED FROM A LARGE NUMBER OF WELL-QUAL I F I EI) CAND I DATES .

"HE HAS THE RIGHT COMBINATION OF OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE OF CIVIL OPERATING PROCEDURES.

/"I AM ........

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 1993

"I AM CONFIDENT THAT HE WILL DO AN EXCELLENT JOB," THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, SAID, WHEN COMMENTING ON THE APPOINTMENT.

THE RHKAAF WILL BE DISBANDED AT THE END OF MARCH AND ALL ITS FUNCTIONS WILL THEN BE TAKEN OVER BY THE GFS, INCLUDING AIR SUPPORT TO THE POLICE ALONG THE BORDER AND IN ANTI-CRIME OPERATIONS, SEARCH AND RESCUE, EMERGENCY MEDICAL EVACUATION SERVICES, AIR SURVEY WORK AND OTHER FLYING SERVICES TO THE GOVERNMENT.

ON DISBANDMENT OF THE RHKAAF, THE COMMANDING OFFICER, WING COMMANDER P D YIP, WILL STEP DOWN BUT WILL BE HEADING THE VOLUNTEER SECTION IN THE GFS, AND THE CHIEF STAFF OFFICER, SQUADRON LEADER J G SHAWCROSS, WILL RETIRE.

MR ASPREY PAID TRIBUTE TO THE TWO FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTION OVER THE YEARS.

HE NOTED THAT MR SHAWCROSS HAD JOINED THE RHKAAF IN 1962, AND HAD BEEN THE CHIEF STAFF OFFICER SINCE 1981 AND HAD DONE A TREMENDOUS JOB IN BUILDING UP THE RHKAAF AND PREPARING IT FOR ITS NEW CIVILIAN ROLE.

"THIS HAS BEEN A VERY DEMANDING TASK OVER MANY YEARS, INVOLVING THE TAKING ON OF NEW AND EXPANDED OPERATIONAL ROLES, THE BRINGING INTO OPERATION OF 16 NEW AIRCRAFT, THE RECRUITMENT AND TRAINING OF 150 ADDITIONAL STAFF, AND RETRAINING OF EXISTING STAFF.

"WE SHALL ALL MISS HIS ENTHUSIASM AND DEDICATION TO THE JOB," MR ASPREY SAID.

--------------------0------- NT CIRCULAR ROAD VITAL TO DEVELOPMENT *****

THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD IS OF VITAL IMPORTANCE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TERRITORIES AND HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC LINKS WITH CHINA, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD IMPROVEMENTS FROM AU TAU TO FAN KAM ROAD, MR LEUNG SAID THIS ROAD WOULD SERVE THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NORTHERN NEW TOWNS AND FACILITATE THE CONTINUED GROWTH OF CROSS-BORDER TRAFFIC WITH CHINA.

"CONSTRUCTION OF THIS 12-KILOMETRE SECTION OF THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD BETWEEN AU TAU AND FAN KAM ROAD HAS BEEN A MAJOR UNDERTAKING REQUIRING EIGHT YEARS TO COMPLETE, AT A COST OF $1 BILLION," MR LEUNG SAID.

THE ROAD HAS BEEN BUILT TO EXPRESSWAY STANDARDS AND INVOLVED THE CONSTRUCTION OF FIVE MAJOR INTERCHANGES, 15 HIGHWAY BRIDGES AND 12 FOOTBRIDGES.

PARALLEL SERVICE ROADS PROVIDE ACCESS AT THE INTERCHANGES FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIES AND VILLAGES.

/MR LEUNG .......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 1993

MR LEUNG SAID WITH A DESIGN SPEED OF 100 KILOMETRES PER HOUR, THIS NEW SECTION OF THE CIRCULAR ROAD WOULD REDUCE THE AVERAGE JOURNEY TIME FROM YUEN LONG TO SHEUNG SHUI FROM ONE HOUR TO LESS THAN 20 MINUTES AND SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVED TRAFFIC CONDITIONS IN THE NORTHERN PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.

HE ADDED THAT THE NEW ROAD HAD A NEW DIRECT LINK FROM TIN SHUI WAI JOINING WITH CASTLE PEAK ROAD AT SHUI PIN WAI.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE, MR LEUNG SAID THE YUEN LONG/TUEN MUN EASTERN CORRIDOR WAS SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION BY AUGUST THIS YEAR AND THE YUEN LONG SOUTHERN BYPASS IN OCTOBER 1994.

"ALL THESE REPRESENT AN INVESTMENT OF $2.7 BILLION IN ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THE NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES WHICH WILL PROVIDE A CONTINUOUS DUAL CARRIAGEWAY CIRCLING MOST OF THE NEW TERRITORIES," HE SAID.

MR LEUNG WAS JOINED BY LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS, MR LAU WONG-FAT, MR ZACHARY WONG WAI-YIN AND DR TANG SIU-TONG, IN UNVEILING A PLAQUE AT THE CEREMONY. ALSO PRESENT WAS THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF HIGHWAYS, MR YEUNG KIM-CHOY.

CONSTRUCTION OF THE CIRCULAR ROAD BEGAN IN 1984. PHASE I, II AND III OF THE PROJECT WERE COMPLETED IN 1987, 1989 AND 1991 RESPECTIVELY.

THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD AU TAU TO FAN KAM ROAD SECTION HAS BEEN DESIGNED BY BINNIE CONSULTANTS LTD, WILBUR SMITH & ASSOCIATES AND HARRIS & SUTHERLAND (F.E.), CONSULTING ENGINEERS, WHO ALSO SUPERVISED THE WORKS ON BEHALF OF THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT.

THIS LAST PHASE OF THE ROAD WILL BE OPENED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM TOMORROW (SATURDAY). MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO NOTE THE SPEED LIMITS AND OTHER RESTRICTIONS AS DISPLAYED BY APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS.

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

MERCHANT SHIPPING (SAFETY) (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1993 GAZETTED *****

THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (SAFETY) (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1993, WHICH WAS ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON WEDNESDAY, WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).

THIS ORDINANCE ALLOWS SURVEYS TO BE CONDUCTED ON FOREIGN REGISTERED PASSENGER SHIPS ENGAGED IN NON-INTERNATIONAL VOYAGES WHICH BEGIN AND ENI) WITHIN THE WATERS OF HONG KONG WITHOUT CALLING AT ANOTHER PORT.

THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF MARINE (SHIPPING), MR JOHN TSE YAN-CHI, SAID:

/"UNDER INTERNATIONAL .......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 1993

’’UNDER INTERNATIONAL LAW AND PRACTICE, FOREIGN REGISTERED PASSENGER SHIPS VOLUNTARILY ENTER HONG KONG AND USE IT AS THEIR BASE OF OPERATION ARE SUBJECT TO LOCAL LAW.

’’THIS ORDINANCE PUTS BEYOND DOUBT THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE’S POWER TO CONDUCT SURVEYS OF SUCH FOREIGN REGISTERED SHIPS.”

THERE ARE THREE SUCH SHIPS BASED IN HONG KONG.

MR TSE SAID: ’’THE MARINE DEPARTMENT WILL LIAISE WITH THE OWNERS/OPERATORS OF THE THREE SHIPS WITH A VIEW TO REQUIRING THEM TO SUBMIT THEIR SHIPS FOR FULL SURVEYS AS SOON AS CONVENIENT.”

MR TSE STRESSED THAT THE MARINE DEPARTMENT’S MAIN CONCERN WAS SAFETY.

"WE HAVE A CLEAR DUTY OF CARE TOWARDS PASSENGERS WHO GO ON SUCH SHIPS.

"WE MUST BE SATISFIED THAT THESE SHIPS ARE SAFE AND THAT THE OWNERS/OPERATORS ARE COMPILING FULLY WITH THE LAW AND GOOD PRACTICE,” MR TSE SAID.

SURVEYORS OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT HAVE ALREADY INSPECTED TWO OF THE THREE SHIPS DURING ROUTINE PORT STATE INSPECTIONS.

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

HEALTH CHIEF OUTLINES HEALTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME * * * t ♦

THE FIGHTING AGAINST HIV INFECTION IS A TOP PRIORITY IN HONG KONG’S PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAMME AND 1993 IS A YEAR OF MAJOR PUBLICITY AND EDUCATION ACTIVITY ON AIDS AND HIV INFECTION IN THE TERRITORY, THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, DR S H LEE, SAID.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE THIRD ASIAN DERMATOLOGICAL CONGRESS THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING, DR LEE NOTED THAT HIV INFECTION AS SEEN IN OTHER ASIAN COUNTRIES HAD BECOME MORE AND MORE PREVALENT.

"IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS, IT IS EXPECTED THAT THIS DISEASE WILL BECOME A SERIOUS PUBLIC HEALTH PROBLEM IN ASIA UNLESS GREATER EFFORTS ARE SPENT AND MORE RESOURCES ARE MOBILISED IN ITS PREVENTION AND CONTROL," DR LEE SAID.

"OUR COLLEAGUES SPECIALISED IN DERMATOLOGY AND SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES (STD) NO DOUBT HAVE AN IMPORTANT ROLE TO PLAY IN THE PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF HIV INFECTIONS," HE ADDED.

WHILE NOTING THAT THE ORGANISATION OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES IN HONG KONG HAVE UNDERGONE MANY CHANGES SINCE THE FIRST CONGRESS IN 1986, THE DIRECTOR SAID THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH’S SOCIAL HYGIENE AND SPECIAL SKIN SERVICE WHICH WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF STD, LEPROSY AND SKIN DISEASES WAS AN IMPORTANT AREA IN HONG KONG’S HEALTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.

/“THE DEPAnihE'NI ........

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 1993

- 14 -

"THE DEPARTMENT IS COMMITTED TO DEVELOPING FURTHER THIS SERVICE AND DUE EMPHASIS IS ALSO ATTACHED TO STAFF TRAINING AND INSTALLATION OF NEW FACILITIES SO AS TO KEEP PACE WITH ADVANCES IN TECHNOLOGY," DR LEE SAID.

THE DIRECTOR SAID ONE NEW DERMATOLOGY CENTRE WOULD BE OPENED IN CENTRAL KOWLOON LATER THIS YEAR.

HE SAID: ’’NEW AND SOPHISTICATED INSTRUMENTS IN DERMATOLOGY LIKE LASERS, PUVA MACHINES HAVE ALSO BEEN PROVIDED IN DERMATOLOGY CLINICS."

THE DEPARTMENT IS PROVIDING CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION AND SUPERVISED TRAINING PROGRAMME IN FAMILY MEDICINE FOR DOCTORS IN THE GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINICS (GOPD).

DR LEE HOPED THAT THE GOPD DOCTORS WITH IMPROVEMENT IN KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS COULD HELP EASE SOME OF THE WORKLOAD IN THE SKIN CLINICS.

"THIS WILL ALLOW DERMATOLOGISTS TO CONCENTRATE THEIR RESOURCES TO DEVELOP FURTHER THE SPECIALITY AREA," HE ADDED.

ON LEPROSY, DR LEE SAID THERE HAD BEEN A GRADUAL FALL IN THE NUMBER OF INCIDENCE DURING THE LAST THREE DECADES.

THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ATTENDANCES IN THE DEPARTMENT’S SKIN CLINICS WAS MORE THAN 8,000 WITH ONLY 26 NEW LEPROSY CASES REPORTED IN 1991.

THE THREE COMMON SKIN DISEASES ENCOUNTERED IN HONG KONG ARE ECZEMA, VERRUCA AND TINEA.

AS FOR STD, THE DIRECTOR NOTED THAT THERE WERE ABOUT 10,000 NEW CASES DIAGNOSED AT THE DEPARTMENT’S SOCIAL HYGIENE CLINICS IN 1991 .

THE INCIDENCE OF MOST COMMON STD SUCH AS GONORRHOEA, GENITAL WARTS, HERPES GENITALIS AND SYPHILIS HAVE STEADILY DECLINED, HE ADDED.

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

RECLAMATION FOR NEW POWER STATION AUTHORISED

*****

THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS GIVEN AUTHORISATION FOR CHINA LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY TO CARRY OUT RECLAMATION AND DREDGING WORKS AT BLACK POINT, TUEN MUN, FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW THERMAL POWER STATION.

THE AUTHORISATION WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).

/A GOVERNMENT .......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 1993

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE FIGURE OF ABOUT 923 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED REFERRED TO IN THE GAZETTE WAS A PROJECTION BASED ON THE ORIGINAL PROPOSAL FOR A LARGER COAL-FIRED POWER STATION.

HOWEVER, CURRENT PROPOSALS ARE FOR THE STATION TO BE FUELLED BY NATURAL GAB.

AS A RESULT, LARGE COAL STORAGE AREAS AND A MARINE ACCESS CHANNEL ARE NOT NEEDED, AND ONLY 23 HECTARES WILL BE RECLAIMED FOR PHASE 1 OF THE PROJECT.

MORE LAND MAY DE RECLAIMED LATER IF IT IS REQUIRED FOR FURTHER PHASES OF THE PROJECT.

TO ADDRESS CONCERNS ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE NEW POWER STATION, MEASURES WILL BE INCORPORATED IN THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE RELEVANT ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCES, AND TO KEEP THE IMPACT ON NEARBY SURROUNDINGS WITHIN ACCEPTABLE LIMITS.

THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED IS DESCRIBED IN THE AUTHORISATION NOTICE.

ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HIS INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE DEVELOPMENT MAY SEND A WRITTEN CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS WITHIN ONE YEAR FROM THE DATE OF THE GAZETTE NOTICE, THAT IS ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 14, 1994.

THE NOTICE, IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE, TOGETHER WITH THE RELATED PLAN, CAN BE SEEN AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, AND AT THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 1 TUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN, NEW TERRITORIES.

COPIES OF THE NOTICE AND PLAN CAN BE PURCHASED AT THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE.

THE GAZETTE ALSO NOTIFIED THAT 34 LOTS OF PRIVATE AGRICULTURAL LAND WITH A TOTAL AREA OF 22,662.2 SQUARE METRES AND THREE PRIVATE BUILDING LOTS WITH A TOTAL AREA OF 44.3 SQUARE METRES WILL BE RESUMED FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE THERMAL POWER STATION.

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

BEST LEGCO DECISION FOR HONG KONG

*****

RONG KONG'S BEST INTERESTS WILL BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT WHEN LEGISLATORS DEBATE THE GOVERNOR’S POLITICAL BLUEPRINT NEXT MONTH, THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PO PUI-LEONG, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).

SPEAKING AT A NEW YEAR SWITCHING-ON CEREMONY IN TAI PO, MR PO SAID THE PROPOSALS WERE FORMULATED TO ENSURE THE FUTURE PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG.

/THE GOVERNOR .......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 1993

THE GOVERNOR, HE SAID, WILL CONSULT THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL BEFORE PUTTING THEM TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

NOTING THAT THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS IN HONG KONG WAS OPEN, CLEAR AND WELL-TRIED, MR PO SAID IT WOULD BE UP TO THE COUNCIL TO DECIDE WHETHER TO ACCEPT THE PACKAGE, TO AMEND IT, OR TO REJECT IT.

FOR THIS REASON, HE APPEALED TO THE PUBLIC TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE SUBJECT.

"YOUR PARTICIPATION WILL CERTAINLY BE PROPITIOUS TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A MORE DEMOCRATIC POLITICAL SYSTEM, AND WILL ALSO GUARANTEE OUR FUTURE STABILITY AND ECONOMIC SUCCESS,” MR PO SAID.

MR PO ALSO PAID TRIBUTE TO THE DISTRICT PERSONALITIES WHO HAD GENEROUSLY SPONSORED MANY CELEBRATION ACTIVITIES FOR THE LUNAR NEW YEAR.

------q-------

HIGH STANDARDS OF BRIDGE SUPERSTRUCTURE ASSURED

t * * t *

THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE, CURRENTLY ON A DUTY VISIT TO EUROPE, WAS ASSURED BY LEADING BRITISH CONTRACTORS WORKING ON THE TSING MA BRIDGE SUPERSTRUCTURE THAT THEIR WORK WOULD BE "VERY WELL EXECUTED TO THE HIGHEST STANDARDS".

"HONG KONG CAN BE ASSURED THAT THE WORK IS IN VERY PROFESSIONAL HANDS. WE SET GREAT STORE BY THIS PROJECT WHICH WE ARE SURE WILL BE A SUCCESS," SAID MR RICHARD COVILL, COMMERCIAL MANAGER, DAVY INTERNATIONAL, A SUBSIDIARY OF THE BRITISH CONGLOMERATE TRAFALGAR HOUSE -- A LEADING MEMBER OF THE ANGLO-JAPANESE CONSORTIUM WHICH WON THE CONTRACT TO BUILD THE BRIDGE.

MR BLAKE, WHO WAS IN SHEFFIELD YESTERDAY AT THE END OF A TWO-DAY VISIT TO THE NORTH OF ENGLAND, TOURED THE DAVY INTERNATIONAL PLANT WHERE HE SAW THE TOWER SADDLES, WHICH ARE IMPORTANT COMPONENTS TO SUPPORT THE SUSPENSION CABLES FOR THE TSING MA BRIDGE, BEING MANUFACTURED.

HE TOLD SENIOR STAFF AT THE PLANT THAT THE JOB WAS HUGELY CHALLENGING AND HE WAS SURE THAT THEIR PROFESSIONAL PRIDE WOULD BE IN EVIDENCE IN WHATEVER THEY DID.

THE BRIDGE WAS AN IMPORTANT ELEMENT IN THE AIRPORT PROJECT AND WAS VITAL FOR THE ECONOMIC WELL BEING OF HONG KONG. IT WOULD BE LOCATED IN WHAT COULD BE CALLED THE HUB OF ASIA AND WOULD OPEN UP THE WHOLE OF SOUTHERN CHINA, HE SAID.

"WE WILL SHOW THE WORLD THAT WE CAN PUT THIS PROJECT IN PLACE AND IN DOING SO OPEN THE WHOLE OF SOUTHERN CHINA TO PORT AND AIRPORT FACILITIES THAT WOULD BE UNSURPASSED," HE SAID.

/DURING HIS

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 1993

DURING 1113 VISIT, MR BLAKE ALSO TOURED THE STEELWORK FABRICATION PLANT AT CLEVELAND STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING IN DARLINGTON WHERE STEEL-WORKS FOR THE BRIDGE-DECK IS BEING UNDERTAKEN, AND THE BRI DON WORKS IN DONCASTER WHERE THE GALVANISED HIGH TENSION WIRES FOR THE BRIDGE WERE BEING MANUFACTURED.

THE PURPOSE OF THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS’ VISIT TO THE NORTH OF ENGLANI WAS TO MEET CONTRACTORS INVOLVED IN STEEL FABRICATION WORK AND TO OBSERVE THE MANUFACTURE OF COMPONENTS FOR THE BRIDGE.

IT ENABLED HIM TO OBTAIN A FIRST HAND PROGRESS REPORT ON THE WORK BEING CARRIED OUT.

MR BLAKE WAS GIVEN DETAILED BRIEFINGS AT EACH OF THE FACTORIES HE VISITED AND WAS ABLE TO VIEW THE VARIOUS STAGES OF PRODUCTION OF THESE COMPONENTS.

HE EXPRESSED HIS SATISFACTION AT THE DEDICATION OF BOTH THE MANAGEMENT AND THE WORKFORCE TOWARDS THE PROJECTS THAT WERE BEING UNDERTAKEN AND THE IMPORTANCE THAT THEY ATTACHED TO IT.

WHILE IN THE UK, MR BLAKE WILL ALSO DELIVER AN ADDRESS AT THE INSTITUTION OF CIVIL ENGINEERS IN LONDON ON INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG, INCLUDING THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME NEXT WEEK.

----u----

ROAD IMPROVEMENT WORKS PLANNED FOR TUEN MUN * * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES ROAD IMPROVEMENT WORKS TO FU TEI ROAD IN TUEN MUN, IT WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).

THE WORKS INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A THREE-LANE CARRIAGEWAY TO REPLACE AN EXISTING PORTION OF FU TEI ROAD AND TWO FOOTPATHS ON THE SIDES OF THE NEW CARRIAGEWAY, AS WELL AS CONSTRUCTING A TURNABOUT AT THE END OF THE IMPROVED SECTION OF FU TEI ROAD.

A PLAN SHOWING THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE SEEN AT:

♦ THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL;

* THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, TUEN MUN, SIXTH FLOOR, TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES, I TUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN, NEW TERRITORIES; AND

* THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE, GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 1 TUEN HI TERRITORIES.

SECOND FLOOR, TUEN MUN

ROAD, TUEN MUN, NEW

MEANWHILE, THE AMENDED ROAD WORKS FOR THE PROPOSED SALISBURY GARDEN UNDERGROUND SHOPPING ARCADE PEDESTRIAN SUBWAYS WERE ALSO GAZETTED TODAY.

/THE WORKS .......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 1993

THE WORKS INVOLVE CONSTRUCTING THREE PEDESTRIAN SUBWAYS AND WIDENING CERTAIN SECTIONS OF EXISTING FOOTPATHS TO IMPROVE THE PEDESTRIAN CROSSING FACILITIES ON SALISBURY ROAD.

THE PLAN AND SCHEME OF THE WORKS CAN BE INSPECTED AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, AND AT HE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON WEST, 1OTH FLOOR, AU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON; AND THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, MIDDLE ROAD CARPARK BUILDING, 15 MIDDLE ROAD, KOWLOON.

OBJECTION TO BOTH ROAD WORKS SHOULD BE SENT TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD NOT LATER THAN MARCH 16 THIS YEAR.

1993 HONG KONG FLOWER

* * t

SHOW SET FOR MARCH * *

A WIDE VARIETY OF COLOURFUL FLOWERS AND PLANTS WILL BE ON DISPLAY IN MARCH AT THE SHA TIN CENTRAL PARK AND SHA TIN TOWN HALL DURING THE 1993 HONG KONG FLOWER SHOW.

THE SHOW WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED BY MRS PATTEN.

APART FROM SPECIAL FLORAL AND LANDSCAPE DISPLAYS BY LOCAL HORTICULTURAL ORGANISATIONS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, OTHER MAJOR ATTRACTIONS WILL BE UNIQUE EXHIBITS FROM CHINA, SINGAPORE, MALAYSIA, SOUTH AFRICA AND CANADA.

JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE REGIONAL AND THE URBAN COUNCILS, THE 10-DAY FLOWER SHOW WILL BE HELD BETWEEN MARCH 19 AND 28. ADMISSION FEES WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED AT $10 FOR ADULTS AND $5 FOR CHILDREN AND SENIOR CITIZENS.

THE ANNUAL FLOWER SHOW AIMS AT PROMOTING PUBLIC APPRECIATION OF PLANTS AND FLORAL ARTS, AS WELL AS ENHANCING PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF BEAUTIFYING THE ENVIRONMENT.

SPEAKING AT A LAUNCHING CEREMONY TODAY (FRIDAY), THE CHAIRMAN OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, SAID SUPPORT FOR THIS YEAR’S FLOWER SHOW HAD BEEN VERY ENTHUSIASTIC.

"UP TO THE PRESENT MOMENT, MORE THAN 80 LOCAL AND OVERSEAS HORTICULTURAL GROUPS HAVE CONFIRMED THEIR PARTICIPATION IN THE EVENT,” HE SAID.

"THEIR PRESENCE AND ATTRACTIVE, BUT WILL ALSO SHARING AND EXCHANGE OF INTERNATIONAL LEVEL.”

DISPLAYS WILL NOT ONLY MAKE THE SHOW PROVIDE AN UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY FOR THE EXPERIENCE AMONG THESE PEOPLE AT AN

THE YEARS, THE HONG KONG AND HAI) BECOME A MAJOR THE LOCAL COMMUNITY AND

MR CHEUNG POINTED OUT THAT OVER FLOWER SHOW HAD BEEN GROWING IN POPULARITY INTERNATIONAL EVENT OF THE YEAR FOR BOTH

OVERSEAS HORTICULTURAL ORGANISATIONS.

/"LAST YEAR .......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 1993

"LAST YEAR, THE SHOW ATTRACTED MORE THAN 350,000 VISITORS," HE SAID.

"THE THEME FOR THIS YEAR'S FLOWER SHOW IS LIFE’. I HOPE THIS THEME WILL HELP TO FURTHER BEAUTIFYING OUR ENVIRONMENT THROUGH THE PLANTING FLOWERS WHICH WILL MAKE HONG KONG AN EVEN COMFORTABLE PLACE TO LIVE IN."

'FLOWERS ENHANCE YOUR

PROMOTE INTEREST IN OF MORE TREES AND MORE BEAUTIFUL AND

MR CHEUNG SAID IN ORDER TO FACILITATE VISITORS TO THE SHOW, ARRANGEMENTS HAD BEEN MADE WITH THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION (KCR) AND THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION (MTR) FOR THE PRE-SALE OF ADMISSION TICKETS AT THEIR STATIONS.

"THE PRE-SALE SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED FROM MARCH 1 AT ALL THE EIGHT MTR TRAVEL SERVICES CENTRES AND THE TWO KCR CUSTOMER SERVICES CENTRES AT ITS KOWLOON AND SHA TIN STATIONS," HE SAID.

IN ADDITION, SOUVENIR PACKS EACH CONTAINING A KCR SOUVENIR TICKET AND A FLOWER SHOW ADULT TICKET WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AROUND MID-MARCH AT ALL KCR STATIONS EXCEPT LOWU STATION.

MR CHEUNG COMMENDED ALL THE PARTICIPATING ORGANISATIONS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTION AND SUPPORT.

THE THANK-YOU MESSAGE WAS ECHOED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, DR RONALD LEUNG DING-BONG.

ADDRESSING THE LAUNCHING CEREMONY, DR LEUNG SAID APART FROM FLORAL DISPLAYS, 42 COMMERCIAL STALLS WOULD BE SET UP FOR. THE SALE OF FLOWERS, HORTICULTURAL PRODUCTS AND VEGETABLES.

"IN ADDITION, THERE WILL BE FIVE STALLS DISPLAYING THE LATEST MODELS OF HORTICULTURAL MACHINERY AND PRODUCTS," HE SAID.

"VISITORS TO THE FLOWER SHOW WILL ALSO BE ABLE TO ENJOY A FASCINATING DEMONSTRATION AND EXHIBITION OF IKEBANA, THE JANPANESE ART OF FLOWER ARRANGEMENT, BY MRS SENSO ONAKA ON MARCH 21."

APART FROM THE MAJOR ATTRACTIONS, THERE WILL ALSO BE BAND CONCERTS, TALKS AND DEMONSTRATIONS, GROUP VISITS FOR THE ELDERLY AND THE HANDICAPPED, A PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION, AS WELL AS GAMES FOR CHILDREN DURING THE SHOW PERIOD.

DR LEUNG CALLED ON FLORAL ENTHUSIASTS TO TAKE PART IN THE OPEN COMPETITION OF THE FLOWER SHOW.

THE COMPETITION WILL BE CATEGORISED INTO VARIOUS SECTIONS SUCH AS CUT FLOWERS, SCENTED CUT FLOWERS, ORCHIDS, CHINESE CYMBIDIUM, POT PLANTS, AFRICAN VIOLETS, BONSAI-TYPE PLANTS, FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS, SMALL GARDEN PLOT AND POTTED FLOWER GROWING.

ENTRY FORMS FOR THE COMPETITION ARE NOW READY FOR COLLECTION ON THE SIXTH FLOOR OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL BUILDING, 1-3 PAI TAU STREET, SHA TIN.

/THEY WILL .......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 1993

THEY WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE NEXT WEEK AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE REGIONAL SERVICES AND THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENTS, ALL DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, THE URBAN COUNCIL PUBLICATIONS CENTRE IN THE CITY HALL AND THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS AT CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES.

THE CLOSING DATE FOR. SUBMISSION IS FEBRUARY 6.

THE THEME FLOWER CHOSEN FOR THIS YEAR’S FLOWER SHOW IS CATTLEYA, A GENUS OF ORCHID COMPRISING SOME 40 SPECIES NAMED AFTER THE ENGLISH HORTICULTURIST WILLIAM CATTLEYA OF THE 19TH CENTURY-

- - 0 - -

TENDERS INVITED FOR THREE PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS * * * * *

THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM IN PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL, SHA TIN.

THE PROJECT INVOLVES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW CENTRAL AIR-CONDITIONING PLANT BUILDING WITH THREE CHILLERS AND ELECTRICAL AND FIRE SERVICES INSTALLATIONS.

THE CONTRACTOR IS ALSO REQUIRED TO CARRY OUT CONSIDERABLE CONNECTION AND MODIFICATION WORKS TO THE EXISTING CHILLED WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS IN THE HOSPITAL.

WORKS OF THIS PROJECT ARE EXPECTED TO BEGIN TN APRIL FOR COMPLETION IN ABOUT A YEAR.

MEANWHILE, TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND AT FAT HING STREET, CENTRAL.

THE PROJECT, WHICH IS EXPECTED TO START IN MAY FOR COMPLETION IN NOVEMBER, INVOLVES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW PAVILION AND SEATING FACILITIES.

BESIDES, THE DEPARTMENT ALSO CALLS FOR TENDER SUBMISSIONS FOR THE DESIGN, SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF CURTAIN WALLING AND CLADDING FOR PHASE II OF THE NEW POLICE HEADQUARTERS COMPLEX AT ARSENAL STREET. WAN CHAI.

THIS PROJECT WILL START IN EARLY JUNE AND IS EXPECTED TO TAKE 25 MONTHS TO FINISH.

FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 34TH FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS FOR THE FIRST TWO PROJECTS IS NOON ON FEBRUARY 12 WHILE THAT FOR THE THIRD ONE IS NOON ON FEBRUARY 19.

- - 0 - -

/21 ..

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15,

1993

WATER TREATMENT PLANT FOR SHAM TSENG *****

THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CIVIL WORKS OF STAGE I OF SHAM TSENG TREATMENT WORKS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THE CONTRACT IS ONE OF THE SEVERAL CONTRACTS TO BE AWARDED FOR A PROJECT TO PROVIDE TREATED WATER TO TSI NG LUNG TAU AND SHAM TSENG AREAS WHICH ARE RECEIVING A CHLORINATED WATER SUPPLY.

THE FIRST STAGE OF THE SHAM TSENG TREATMENT WORKS WILL HAVE A CAPACITY OF 23,000 CUBIC METRES PER DAY.

HOWEVER, THE TREATMENT WORKS IS DESIGNED FOR FUTURE EXPANSION TO A FINAL CAPACITY OF 75,000 CUBIC METRES PER DAY.

THE CONTRACT INCLUDES THE CONSTRUCTION OF DISSOLVED AIR FLOTATION TANKS, FILTERS, CHEMICAL HOUSE, WASHWATER RETURN SUMP AND PUMP HOUSE, SLUDGE THICKENING TANK, ANCILLARY STRUCTURES AND BUILDINGS.

WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START IN MARCH FOR COMPLETION IN 22 MONTHS.

FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT, 44TH FLOOR, IMMIGRATION TOWER, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.

TENDER OFFER WILL CLOSE AT NOON ON FEBRUARY 12.

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

AESIHETIC AND ARTISTIC DEVELOPMENT VITAL FOR CHILDREN

******

PATTEN SAWHTODAYA(FR^DAY)T,C DEVEL0PMENT OF Y0UNG ”INDS IS VITAL, MRS

. i OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING OF THE ENGLISH SCHOCH S Fniinhattnu (ESF) FIFTH ART EXHIBITION, MRS PATTEN SAID IN TODAYS HARD ItR^!!NOIjOGICAlj WORLD> WITH ITS INCREASING DEMAND FOR HIGHLY QUALIFIED n°CRATS AND BUSINESS PEOPLE, IT WAS ONLY TOO EASY TO PLACE LESS VALUE ON THE ARTISTIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE YOUNG PEOPLE.

IT IS ESSENTIAL NOT TO GIVE IN TO SUCH COMMEND THE FOUNDATION AND ALL ITS SCHOOLS FOR TAKES IN THIS REGARD,” MRS PATTEN SAID.

PRESSURES AND

THE STRONG STAND

I IT

SHE NOTED THAT THE ESF HAD, OVER MANY EXCELLENT REPUTATION FOR OFFERING A MODERN PROVIDING A GOOD ALL-ROUND EDUCATION.

YEARS, DEVELOPED AN LIBERAL CURRICULUM,

t WHILE EMpHASlS IS QUITE RIGHTLY PLACED ON ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE, * KNOW, AS AN ESF ParkNT, THAT MUCH ATTENTION IS ALSO PLACED ON CREATIVITY, AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ARTISTIC AND INTUITIVE SIDE OF EACH STUDENT’S POTENTIAL,” SHE SAID.

/MRS PATTEN .......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 1993

MRS PATTEN THANKED THE FOUNDATION AND THE TEACHERS INVOLVED IN THE ORGANISATION OF THE ART EXHIBITION AND ALSO CONGRATULATED THE YOUNG ARTISTS WHOSE WORK WAS DISPLAYED IN THE EXHIBITION.

"I HOPE THAT THE SATISFACTION THEY RECEIVE FROM HAVING THEIR WORK EXHIBITED HERE WILL ENCOURAGE THEM TO GO ON TO EVEN GREATER ACHIEVEMENTS,” SHE SAID.

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

TSUEN WAN WELFARE OFFICES ON MOVE

*****

THE NEW TERRITORIES WEST REGIONAL OFFICE, TSUEN WAN FAMILY SERVICES CENTRE AND TSUEN WAN SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNIT OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WILL OPERATE FROM THEIR NEW OFFICES IN TSUEN WAN GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 38 SAI LAU KOK ROAD FROM NEXT MONDAY (JANUARY 18).

ENQUIRY NUMBERS FOR THE FAMILY SERVICES CENTRE AND THE SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNIT WILL BE 417 6313 AND 417 6315 RESPECTIVELY.

THE NEW TERRITORIES WEST REGIONAL OFFICE IS ON THE 10TH FLOOR. THE FAMILY SERVICES CENTRE AND THE SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNIT ARE ON THE 14TH FLOOR.

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

RESIDENTS COMMENDED FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES

*****

FIFTEEN WAN CHAI RESIDENTS WHO HAVE VOLUNTEERED TO SERVE IN THE COMMUNITY WILL BE HONOURED WITH THE OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SERVICES AWARDS AT A CEREMONY TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AFTERNOON.

THE AWARD WINNERS INCLUDE STUDENTS, MERCHANTS, OFFICE WORKERS, TECHNICIANS AND CIVIL SERVANTS. THE ELDEST IS A 75-YEAR-OLD RETIREE.

THE SCHEME, ORGANISED FOR THE FOURTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR BY THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD, AIMS AT GIVING DUE RECOGNITION TO RESIDENTS WHO HAVE MADE SUBSTANTIAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO COMMUNITY SERVICES OR ON THE PROMOTION OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION.

WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PETER MANN AND THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MRS PEGGY LAM, WILL PRESENT THE AWARDS AT THE CEREMONY WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM AT HOPEWELL CITY RESTAURANT, EIGHTH FLOOR, HOPEWELL CENTRE, 183 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST.

THE DISTRICT BOARD’S YEAR-END TEA PARTY WILL ALSO BE HELD AFTER THE CEREMONY.

ATTENTION NEW EDITORS:

YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY CUM YEAR-END CELEBRATION GATHERING.

/23........

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 1993

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

$ MILLION

OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,900 REVERSAL OF LAF -400 BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 1,500 NET INJECTION/W1THDRAWAL TODAY NIL EFFECT OF LAF TODAY +250 CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,750 LAF RATE 2.00 BID/I.00 OFFER TW1 114.6 *+0.1* 15.1.93 HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS

TERMS YIELD TERM 1 SSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD

1 WEEK 3.20 PCT 13 MONTHS 2402 5.50 100.01 4.58

1 MONTH 3.33 PCT 16 MONTHS 2405 5.50 100.87 4.87

3 MONTHS 3.61 PCT 19 MONTHS 2408 4.375 99.04 5.07

6 MONTHS 3.86 PCT 22 MONTHS 12 MONTHS 4.48 PCT TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS 241 1 - 11,558 4.625 MN 98.97 5.29

CLOSED 15 JANUARY 1993

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 1993

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

COMMITMENT TO SAFEGUARD ENVIRONMENT .......................... 1

CS HEADS HIGH-POWERED DELEGATION TO WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM .... 1

MEASURES TO SPEED UP PUBLIC WORKS ............................ 2

TSEUNG KWAN O TUNNEL OPENS ROUND THE CLOCK ................... 3

COMMISSION TO DECIDE ON ELECTORAL BOUNDARIES ................. 3

YOUTH SHOULD TAKE ACTIVE PART IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS ........... 4

REFORMS' GOAL: HONG KONG PEOPLE RUNNING HONG KONG ............ 4

MORE URGED TO TAKE PART IN DISTRICT AFFAIRS .................. 5

STREET SLEEPERS GIVEN BLANKETS ............................... 5

EARLY WELFARE PAYMENT ........................................ 6

EMPLOYERS REMINDED OF LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS ................ 6

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS

SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 1993

COMMITMENT TO SAFEGUARD ENVIRONMENT *****

THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT THE BEST POSSIBLE PROTECTION FOR OUR NATURAL RESERVE WAS THE COMMITMENT OF A NEW GENERATION TO SAFEGUARDING THE ENV IRONMENT.

SPEAKING AT A CEREMONY DEDICATING TWO GE I WAIS TO THE WORLDWILD FUND FOR THE NATURE AT MAI PO, THE GOVERNOR SAID: ’’WE INTEND TO GIVE MORE LEGAL PROTECTION TO THE AREA IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT IT REMAINS THE INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED SITE THAT IT IS.

"BUT I THINK THE BEST PROTECTION THAT WE CAN POSSIBLY PROVIDE IS BY ENSURING THAT MORE AND MORE YOUNG PEOPLE, MORE AND MORE MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY ARE ABLE TO SEE THIS RESERVE AND UNDERSTAND FOR THEMSELVES THE IMPORTANCE OF PROTECTING OUR NATURAL HABITAT, OUR NATURAL ENVIRONMENT.

"THE BEST POSSIBLE PROTECTION IS THE COMMITMENT OF A NEW GENERATION TO SAFEGUARDING THE ENVIRONMENT WHICH IS PART OF THE INHERITANCE, PART OF THE TRUST WHICH ALL OF US WILL IN DUE COURSE PASS ON TO THEM."

THE GOVERNOR POINTED OUT THAT MAJ PO ATTRACTED ABOUT 30,000 VISITORS EVERY YEAR, 10,000 SCHOOL CHILDREN AS WELL AS 100,000 MIGRATORY BIRDS.

HE THANKED WHARF HOLDING FOR MAKING THE DONATION TO ADD A LARGE NUMBER OF HECTARES OF GEI WAIS TO THE NATURE RESERVE.

"I THINK OUR AMBITION IS ALTOGETHER TO ADD ABOUT 115 HECTARES," HE SAID.

"YOU’VE MADE A SPLENDID CONTRIBUTION TO THAT AND IN ADDITION TO YOUR CONTRIBUTION, GOVERNMENT WILL ALSO BE PUTTING IN $16 MILLION TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE RESERVE."

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

CS HEADS HIGH-POWERED DELEGATION TO WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM ******

THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, IS TO HEAD A HIGH-POWERED DELEGATION TO PROMOTE HONG KONG AT THE WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM (WEF) AT DAVOS IN SWITZERLAND.

THE ANNUAL MEETING OF WEF BRINGS TOGETHER SOME OF THE WORLD’S TOP CHIEF EXECUTIVES AND GOVERNMENT LEADERS TO DISCUSS ECONOMIC COOPERATION AND SOCIAL PROGRESS.

HONG KONG WILL HAVE NINE REPRESENTATIVES - SIR DAVID FORD, MR T H CHAU (SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY), MR JOHN BOND (GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE, HSBC HOLDINGS), DR EDGAR CHENG (CHAIRMAN AND MANAGING DIRECTOR, WORLD-WIDE INVESTMENT), DR VICTOR FUNG (CHAIRMAN, TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL), MR MICHAEL GALF (CHIEF EXECUTIVE, HONG KONG TELECOMMUNICATIONS), MR RICHARD LI (DEPUTY CHAIRMAN, HUTCHVISION), MR ROBERT NG (CHAIRMAN, SI NO GROUP) AND MR DAVID WONG (CHAIRMAN, DAH SING FINANCIAL HOLDINGS).

/DURING THE .......

SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 1993

DURING THE CONFERENCE, THE CHIEF SECRETARY WILL BE ONE OF THE SPEAKERS AT A PLENARY SESSION ON ’’CHINA AND THE NEW EAST ASIA CONFIGURATION” AS WELL AS A PARTICIPANT IN A WORLD ECONOMIC ’’BRAINSTORMING” SESSION WITH INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS LEADERS.

THE HONG KONG DELEGATION WILL HOST AN INFORMAL LUNCHEON BILLED AS THE ’’MEET THE BUSINESS LEADERS FROM HONG KONG”.

THE THEME FOR THIS FUNCTION IS ’’WILL HONG KONG LOSE OR INCREASE ITS RELEVANCE AS THE KEY LOCATION FOR DOING BUSINESS IN AND WITH SOUTHERN CHINA”.

THE HONG KONG DELEGATION WILL ALSO HOST TWO DINNERS FOR ABOUT 100 TOP-LEVEL BUSINESSMEN AND ACADEMICS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD. THE CHIEF SECRETARY WILL TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK ON THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN HONG KONG.

STR DAVID SAID THE WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM WAS AN IMPORTANT WORLD STAGE WHERE HONG KONG GAINED VALUABLE EXPOSURE.

’’OUR PRESENCE AT DAVOS IN RECENT YEARS RESULTED IN THE WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM HOLDING THE FIRST-EVER EUROPE-EAST ASIA ECONOMIC FORUM IN HONG KONG LAST YEAR.

’’THIS EVENT FOCUSED ATTENTION ON THE THRIVING ECONOMIES OF THE EAST ASIAN REGION, PARTICULARLY HONG KONG, AND COULD BF. THE PRECURSOR TO SIMILAR HIGH-POWERED MEETINGS IN THE FUTURE,” HE ADDED.

SIR DAVID WILL FLY TO LONDON ON MONDAY (JANUARY 18) ON A DUTY VISIT AND LEAVE BEFORE JOINING THE DELEGATION IN DAVOS FOR THE WEF WHICH WILL BEGIN ON JANUARY 28.

HE WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ON FEBRUARY 1.

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

MEASURES TO SPEED UP PUBLIC WORKS

*****

REFERRING TO ARTICLES IN THE SOUTH (’HINA MORNING POST AND PAO I HIS (SATURDAY) MORNING, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN CONFIRMED INSTRUCTIONS HAD BEEN ISSUED TO THE DIRECTORS OF THE PUBLIC GROUP OF DEPARTMENTS TO SPEED UP APPROVAL AND PAYMENT PROCEDURES PUBLIC WORKS.

MINI

THAT

WORKS

FOR

’’THESE ARRANGEMENTS ARE MAINLY INTENDED TO CUT RED-TAPF RY °ontracts tor

"WE HAVE ASKED THE WORKS GROUP OE DEPARTMENTS TO INVITE TENDERS AND IO SEEK APPROVAL OE FUNDS FROM PUBLIC WORKS SUB-COMMITTEE/FINANCF COMMITTEE IN PARALLEL INSTEAD OF CONSECUTIVELY.

"THIS SHOULD SHORTEN THE PERIOD BETWEEN DESIGN AND THE START OF WORKS BY SOME MONTHS SPEEDIER COMPLETION OF PROJECTS. BUT THERE CIRCUMVENT FINANCE COMMITTEE. NO CONTRACT CAN FINANCE COMMITTEE HAS APPROVED ITS FUNDING.

THE COMPLETION OF

AND SO FACILITATE IS NO INTENTION TO BE LET UNLESS THE

/"WE HAVE .......

SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 1993

"W,- HAVE ALSO TAKEN STEPS TO REMOVE A BOTTLENECK AFFECTING END-OF-THE-YKAR PAYMENTS FOR WORKS. THESE MOVES SHOULD BE WELCOMED BY CONTRACTORS," HE ADDED.

THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THESE MEASURES WERE BEING TRIRD THIS YEAR ON THE ADVICE OF THE WORKS BRANCH TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY AND PERFORMANCE.

IE THEY PROVE SUCCESSFUL, THEY WILL BE IMPLEMENTED ON A PERMANENT BASIS, HE SAID.

----U----

TSEUNG KWAN O TUNNEL OPENS ROUND THE CLOCK

*****

THE OPENING HOURS OF THE TSEUNG KWAN O TUNNEL WILL BE EXTENDED TO 24 HOURS DAILY FROM NEXT MONDAY (JANUARY 18), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SATURDAY).

THE TUNNEL JOINS TSEUNG KWAN O NEW TOWN AND SAU MAU PING.

ON THE SAME DAY, THE MANAGEMENT OF THE TUNNEL WILL BE TAKEN OVER BY THE MACK AND CO TUNNEL MANAGEMENT LTD.

SINCE ITS OPENING IN NOVEMBER 1990, THE TUNNEL HAS BEEN OPERATING BETWEEN 6.30 AM AND 10.30 PM. THE OPENING HOURS HAVE BEEN EMENDED TO MIDNIGHT FROM JULY 1 LAST YEAR.

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

COMMISSION TO DECIDE ON ELECTORAL BOUNDARIES

*****

THE BILL RECENTLY ENDORSED BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL TO SET UP A BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION WILL BE OF CONSIDERABLE INTEREST TO MANY PEOPLE IN THE DISTRICT, EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEVE BARCLAY, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).

HE SAID THIS WAS BECAUSE ONE OF THE COMMISSION’S FIRST TASKS WOULD BE TO DECIDE ON THE CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES FOR THE NEXT DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.

"WHILE IT WOULD BE IMPROPER FOR ME TO PRE-EMPT THE COMMISSION’S WORK, THE NEW STATUTORY POPULATION CRITERIA INCLUDED IN THE BILL WILL LIKELY RESULT IN SIGNIFICANT CHANGES TO THE EXISTING DISTRICT BOARD CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES IN EASTERN DISTRICT," HE SAID.

EARLIER, MR BARCLAY SPOKE HIGHLY OF THE CHAI WAN RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION, WHICH ORGANISED THE DISTRIBUTION OF RICE TO OVER 800 ELDERLY PEOPLE, FOR ITS CONCERN FOR SENIOR CITIZENS.

HE SAID THROUGHOUT THE 23 YEARS OF ITS HISTORY, THE ASSOCIATION HAD DONE MUCH IN THE FIELDS OF YOUTH EDUCATION AND RELIEF FOR THE NEEDY WITH PARTICULAR EMPHASIS ON THE NEEDS OF THE ELDERLY.

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

/4 ........

SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 1993

YOUTH SHOULD TAKE ACTIVE PART IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS

* t * * *

THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILLIAM YAP, TODAY (SATURDAY) URGED YOUNG PEOPLE TO TAKE MORE CARE OF THE COMMUNITY.

ADDRESSING THE 1 5TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF ST TERESA SECONDARY SCHOOL, MR YAP SAID HONG KONG WOULD HAVE TO FACE MORE NEW CHALLENGES AS 1997 APPROACHES.

TO PREPARE FOR THIS, HE SAID, YOUNG PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW THE PLACE WELL AND UNDERSTAND THEIR RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES.

HE ADVISED THEM TO BROADEN THEIR HORIZON BY LEARNING MORE ABOUT THE TERRITORY’S POLITICAL, ECONOMIC AND JUDICIAL SYSTEM, AS WELL AS ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH CHINA.

"THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO KNOW HONG KONG AND THE SIMPLEST IS THROUGH TELEVISION, RADIO, NEWSPAPERS AND MAGAZINES. 1 HOPE YOU WILL ALL ACQUIRE THE GOOD HABIT OF READING NEWSPAPERS DAILY," HE SAID.

"WHEN YOU HAVE GOT A FAIR KNOWLEDGE OF THE COMMUNITY, THEN IT IS TIME FOR YOU TO TAKE AN ACTIVE PART IN IT. THIS CAN BE ACHIEVED BY SHOWING CONCERN, EXPRESSING VIEWS OR BY VOTING IN FLECTIONS."

NOTING THAT HONG KONG HAD ENTERED A NEW ERA IN ITS POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT, MR YAP ALSO APPEALED TO RESIDENTS TO GIVE MORE VIEWS ON CONSTITUTIONAL REFORMS SO AS TO HELP THE GOVERNMENT IN FORMULATING A PACKAGE THAT WAS FAIR, OPEN AND ACCEPTABLE TO THE PEOPLE.

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

REFORMS’ GOAL: HONG KONG PEOPLE RUNNING HONG KONG

*****

THE PRIMARY AIM OF THE GOVERNOR’S POLITICAL REFORM PROPOSAL IS TO ENCOURAGE MORE HONG KONG PEOPLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE TERRITORY.

THIS IS A STEP TOWARDS XCHTEVING THE GOAL OF HONG KONG PEOPLE RUNNING HONG KONG.

SPEAKING AT THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME BUS PARADE TODAY (SATURDAY), DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS ROSANNA URE, SAID THE PROPOSED PACKAGE WAS FORMULATED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ASPIRATIONS OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC.

SHE SAID THIS WAS BECAUSE THE BLUEPRINT WAS BASED ON THE CRITERIA OF OPENNESS, FAIRNESS AND ACCEPTABILITY TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.

SINCE THE INTRODUCTION OF THE GOVERNOR’S PROPOSALS, THEY HAVE ATTRACTED RESOUNDING VIEWS FROM VARIOUS SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY, SHE SAID.

"THESE VIEWS, TOGETHER WITH THE PACKAGE ITSELF, WOULD LATER BE SUBMITTED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR CONSIDERATI ON.

/"I WOULD

SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 1993

”1 WOULD, THEREFORE, CONCRETE IDEAS YOU MAY HAVE

LIKE TO CALL ON YOU ON THIS ISSUE.

PUT FORWARD ANY

"YOUR CONTRIBUTION WOULD GO A LONG WAY TOWARDS A FINAL DECISION THAT WOULD REFLECT THE WISHES OF THE MAJORITY," SHE SAID.

ON THE CRIME RATE IN THE DISTRICT, MRS URE WAS PLEASED TO NOTE THAT THE LAW AND ORDER SITUATION HAD IMPROVED WITH A GENERAL DECLINE IN THE NUMBER OF CRIME CASES RECENTLY.

SHE ATTRIBUTED THIS TO THE PUBLICITY DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE.

DRIVE LAUNCHED BY THE

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

MORE URGED TO TAKE PART IN DISTRICT AFFAIRS * I * * *

MORE PEOPLE ARE EXPECTED TO VOTE IN THE 1994 DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS AND TO PARTICIPATE IN DISTRICT AFFAIRS FOLLOWING RISING POLITICAL AWARENESS, WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PETER MANN, SAID THIS (SATURDAY) AFTERNOON.

MR MANN WAS SPEAKING Al’ A PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE DISTRICT’S OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SERVICES AWARDS.

HE CALLED ON THE RESIDENTS TO JOIN HANDS AND STRIVE FOR A BETTER HONG KONG.

HE ALSO COMMENDED THE 15 AWARDEES FOR THEIR ENTHUSIASM IN SERVING THE DISTRICT AND BUILDING UP THE COMMUNITY.

THE RECIPIENTS, AGED BETWEEN 17 AND 75, AND LN THREE SECTIONS (STUDENTS, YOUTH AND OPEN). EACH RECEIVED A CERTIFICATE AND SOUVENIR.

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

STREET SLEEPERS GIVEN BLANKETS

*****

SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT BLANKETS AND 16 SLEEPING BAGS TERRITORY LAST (FRIDAY) NIGHT.

STAFF DISTRIBUTED A TO STREET SLEEPERS

TOTAL OF

THROUGHOUT

542

THE

THE BLANKETS AND SLEEPING

„ -------- BAGS WERE GIVEN

SLEEPERS ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 37 IN EAST KOWLOON 236 22 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES EAST AND FOUR

TO 170 STREET IN WEST KOWLOON,

IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WEST.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT THE EXERCISE WAS THE SECOND ONE MOUNTED IN THE STREETS.

SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT THIS WINTER TO HELP THE NEEDY

MORE THAN 540 BLANKETS WERE DISTRIBUTED IN THE EXERCISE HELD ON DECEMBER 15 LAST YEAR," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 1993

EARLY WELFARE PAYMENT

* * * * *

RECIPIENTS OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE HOLDING CASH ORDER COUPONS MAY RECEIVE THEIR WELFARE PAYMENT EARLIER IF THEIR PAYDAY FALLS ON THE COMING CHINESE NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS.

A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (SATURDAY) SAID PAYMENTS SCHEDULED BETWEEN JANUARY 22 AND 25 WOULD BE ADVANCED TO JANUARY 18 TO 21 RESPECTIVELY.

ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE FOR RECIPIENTS TO COLLECT THEIR PAYMENTS AT THE DESIGNATED POST OFFICES AND TREASURY SUB-OFFICES, HE SAID.

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

EMPLOYERS REMINDED OF LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS

*****

EMPLOYERS ARE REMINDED THAT THE LUNAR NEW YEAR’S EVE, THE NEW YEAR’S DAY AND THE THIRD DAY OF THE YEAR OF THE COCK ON JANUARY 22, 23 AND 25 RESPECTIVELY ARE STATUTORY HOLIDAYS FOR WORKERS.

AS THE SECOND DAY OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR FALLS ON A SUNDAY, THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE PROVIDES THAT THE LUNAR NEW YEAR’S EVE SHOULD INSTEAD BE MADE A STATUTORY HOLIDAY.

ALL EMPLOYEES, IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR WAGE LEVELS, ARE ENTITLED TO THE HOLIDAYS AND MUST BE PAID FOR THE DAYS OFF IF THEY HAVE WORKED CONTINUOUSLY FOR THE SAME EMPLOYER FOR THREE MONTHS OR LONGER IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE STATUTORY HOLIDAYS.

DAILY HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE EQUIVALENT TO AN EMPLOYEE’S EARNINGS ON A FULL WORKING DAY AND SHOULD INCLUDE BASIC WAGES AS WELL AS ALLOWANCES THAT CAN BE EXPRESSED IN MONEY TERMS SUCH AS MEALS AND COST OF LIVING ALLOWANCES.

WHERE THE EARNINGS VARY FROM DAY TO DAY, THE HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE THE AVERAGE DAILY EARNINGS DURING EVERY COMPLETE WAGE PERIOD, WHICH SHOULD BE BETWEEN 28 DAYS AND 31 DAYS. PRECEDING THE HOLIDAYS.

IF AN EMPLOYEE IS REQUIRED TO WORK ON A STATUTORY HOLIDAY, HE MUST BE GIVEN AN ALTERNATIVE DAY OFF WITHIN 60 DAYS BEFORE OR AFTER THE HOLIDAY.

FURTHER ENQUIRIES ABOUT STATUTORY HOLIDAYS CAN BE MADE ON TEL 717 1771.

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

SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 1993

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

$ MILLION

OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,750

REVERSAL OF LAF -250

BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 1,500

NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL

EFFECT OF LAF TODAY -350

CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,150

LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 1993

CONTENTS

PAGE NO

LEACHATE TREATMENT WORKS CONTRACT AWARDED

PUBLIC URGED TO SUBMIT VIEWS ON RETIREMENT PROTECTION

PUBLIC TRANSPORT GUIDE ON SALE ..............

WIGGHAM TO MEET CHINESE OFFICIALS ON TRAINING COURSE

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 1993

LEACHATE TREATMENT WORKS CONTRACT AWARDED

*****

THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT (DSD) HAS RECENTLY AWARDED A $23 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT REQUIRED FOR THE NORTHEAST NEW TERRITORIES (NENT) LANDFILL LEACHATE TREATMENT WORKS AND THREE PUMPING STATIONS ALONG THE LEACHATE PIPELINE.

THE CONTRACT FORMS PART OF THE WORKS FOR THE NENT LANDFILL LEACHATE TREATMENT AND VILLAGE SEWERAGE SCHEME.

"UNDER THE SCHEME, WORKS WILL BE CARRIED OUT TO PROVIDE FACILITIES FOR TREATMENT OF LEACHATE GENERATED FROM THE NENT LANDFILL FOR SUBSEQUENT TRANSFER TO SHEK WU HUI SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS THROUGH AN 8.6-KILOMETRE-LONG PIPELINE FOR FURTHER TREATMENT," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).

WORKS FOR THE CONTRACT BEGAN EARLIER THIS MONTH FOR COMPLETION IN OCTOBER NEXT YEAR.

THE LEACHATE TREATMENT WORKS, WHICH CONSIST OF OPEN AIR LAGOONS, PUMPING STATIONS AND A CONTROL BUILDING, WILL PRE-TREAT THE LEACHATE GENERATED FROM THE NENT LANDFILL.

"FLOWMETERS WILL BE INSTALLED AT PIPELINE PUMPING STATIONS IN THE NENT LEACHATE TREATMENT WORKS, TA KWU LING AND SHA LING FOR FLOW MEASUREMENT AND LEAK DETECTION PURPOSES," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

- - - - 0-----

PUBLIC URGED TO SUBMIT \IEWS ON RETIREMENT PROTECTION ******

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH TODAY (SUNDAY) REMINDED THE PUBLIC To SEND IN THEIR VIEWS ON THE CONSULTATION PAPER ON "A COMMUNITY-WIDE RETIREMENT PROTECTION SYSTEM" BEFORE THE END OF THIS MONTH.

THE PAPER, WHICH RECOMMENDS THAT ALL EMPLOYEES IN FULL-TIME EMPLOYMENT UNDER THE AGE OF 65 SHOULD Bl REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE IN A RETIREMENT PROTECTION SCHEME, WAS ISSUED FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR.

SO FAR, MORE THAN 40 WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED.

"AS TN THE CASE OF PAST CONSULTATION EXERCISES, WE EXPECT A RUSH OF SUBMISSIONS TOWARDS HIE ENI) OF THE CONSULTATION PERIOD," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

"WE HOPE INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS OR GROUPS WILL LET US HAVE THEIR VIEWS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

/’’ONCE WE .........

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 1993

'’ONCE WE HAVE EXAMINED ALL THE COMMENTS AND COME TO AN AGREED POLICY ON RETIREMENT PROTECTION, THEN STEPS WILL BE TAKEN TO INTRODUCE THIS POLICY THROUGH LEGISLATION AT THE EARLIEST POSSIBLE DATE,” HE ADDED.

SUBMISSIONS SHOULD BE SENT BEFORE END OF THIS MONTH TO THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER (SPECIAL DUTY), 38TH FLOOR, EXCHANGE SQUARE 11, 8 CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG OR BY FACSIMILE 868 5916 OR 810 7235.

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

PUBLIC TRANSPORT GUIDE ON SALE *****

THE PUBLIC WILL BE ABLE TO OBTAIN COMPREHENSIVE INFORMATION ON HONG KONG’S PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES IN A GUIDEBOOK COMPILED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.

ENTITLED "PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN HONG KONG - A GUIDE TO SERVICES 1992", THE GUIDEBOOK IS NOW AVAILABLE IN BOTH CHINESE AND ENGLISH VERSIONS, AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AT $36 A COPY.

THE FIRST PART OF THE GUIDEBOOK CONTAINS INFORMATION ON THE ROUTES, FARES, JOURNEY DISTANCES, FIRST AND LAST DEPARTURE TIMES, FREQUENCY RANGE AND JOURNEY TIME OF ALL SCHEDULED PUBLIC TRANSPORT, INCLUDING TRAM, RAIL, FRANCHISED BUS, MINIBUS, FERRY AND KAITO SERVICES.

TIMETABLES ARE PROVIDED FOR THOSE FERRY OR BUS SERVICES WITH A FREQUENCY OF OVER 60 MINUTES.

THE SECOND PART PROVIDES AN INDEX OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES BY AREA FOR EASY REFERENCE.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT A USER WILL BE ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE MOST CONVENIENT PUBLIC TRANSPORT MODES FOR ANY PARTICULAR JOURNEY BY MAKING CROSS-REFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO PARTS.

"ALTHOUGH THE SERVICES OF TAXIS AND PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES ARE NOT COVERED IN THE GUIDE BECAUSE THEY DO NOT OPERATE ON FIXED ROUTES AND SCHEDULES, A TABLE ON URBAN, NEW TERRITORIES AND LANTAU TAXI FARES IS INCLUDED," HE SAID.

THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE GUIDE INDICATED THE POSITION OF THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT NETWORK IN AUGUST LAST YEAR.

"AS THE NETWORK IS CONSTANTLY CHANGING TO MEET PASSENGER DEMAND, A LIST OF ENQUIRY HOTLINES OF MAJOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT OPERATORS IS PROVIDED IN THE GUIDE TO ENABLE COMMUTERS TO OBTAIN THE LATEST INFORMATION,” HE SAID.

THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE GUIDEBOOK IS THE 1OTH EDITION OF THE SERIES SINCE 1983.

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

/3 ........

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 1993

WIGGHAM TO MEET CHINESE OFFICIALS ON TRAINING COURSE *****

THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, LEFT HONG KONG FOR BEIJING THIS (SUNDAY) MORNING.

HE WAS ACCOMPANIED BY DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MRS FANNY LAW.

THE PURPOSE OF THE VISIT IS TO DISCUSS WITH CHINESE OFFICIALS THE SUGGESTION OF A CHINESE STUDIES COURSE FOR HONG KONG CIVIL SERVANTS IN BEIJING, WHICH THE GOVERNOR FIRST RAISED WITH MR LU PING DURING HIS VISIT TO CHINA IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR.

MR WIGGHAM WILL MEET OFFICIALS FROM THE HONG KONG AND MACAO AFFAIRS OFFICE AND QINGHUA UNIVERSITY WHICH WILL RUN THE COURSE.

HE WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ON THURSDAY (JANUARY 21).

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 1993

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

LAN KWAI FONG INTERIM REPORT RELEASES TOMORROW .................. 1

YOUTH SUICIDE - HOTLINE RECOMMENDED ............................. 1

JOB QUOTAS ALLOCATION ANNOUNCED ................................. 3

GOVT SETS CEILING ON ACP LABOUR IMPORTATION SCHEME .............. 6

LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD ENDORSES CHANGES TO WORK SAFETY LAW ... 7

ASD STRIVES TO ACHIEVE INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENT STANDARD .... 8

RESIDENTS REMINDED NOT TO CUT TREES ............................ 10

MUSIC OFFICE RECRUITS PART-TIME SCORE COPYING STAFF ............ 10

WEATHER OF DECEMBER ............................................ 11

WATER STORAGE FIGURE ........................................... 14

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .. 15

MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 1993

LAN KWAI FONG INTERIM REPORT RELEASES TOMORROW ♦ * * * ♦

THE INTERIM REPORT ON THE LAN KWAI FONG INCIDENT AND THE GOVERNMENT’S IMMEDIATE RESPONSE WILL BE PUBLISHED TOMORROW (TUESDAY) SO THAT SOME MEASURES CAN BE TAKEN BEFORE THE CHINESE NEW YEAR, THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID THIS (MONDAY) MORNING.

SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER RECEIVING THE INTERIM REPORT FROM MR JUSTICE BOKHARY, THE GOVERNOR SAID: "OUR INTENTION, AS YOU KNOW, WAS THAT THERE SHOULD BE INTERIM RECOMMENDATIONS IN ADVANCE OF THE CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS."

HE THANKED MR JUSTICE BOKHARY FOR COMPLETING THE REPORT SWIFTLY.

"ALL OF US IN THE COMMUNITY ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE SENSITIVITY WHICH HE HAS SHOWN IN DEALING WITH EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TRAGIC CIRCUMSTANCES," HE SAID.

THE INTERIM REPORT WILL BE PUBLISHED IN CHINESE AND ENGLISH.

MEANWHILE, MR JUSTICE BOKHARY IHANKEI) ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO HAD RESPONDED TO ENABLE HIS TEAM TO PRODUCE THE INTERIM REPORT.

"MY JOBS REMAIN TO WORK ON HIE FINAL REPORT AND I LOOK FORWARD

TO THE

CO-OPERATION OF THE PUBLIC AND OF THE MEDIA

IN RELATION TO

THAT," HE SAID.

YOUTH SUICIDE - HOTLINE RE(’OMMENDED *****

MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION ON YOUTH HAVE EXPRESSED GRAVE CONCERN OVER THE RECENT SPATE OF \OU I II SUICIDES A l I l'S MEETING TODAY (MONDAY).

SPEAKING AFTER ’THE MEETING, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION, MR ERIC LI , SAID MUCH WORK AND STI DY HAD BEEN CARRIED OUT BY OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND ORGANISATIONS ON THIS TRAGI ( PROBLEM SINCE THE COMMISSION FIRST DISCUSSED THIS IN LATE 1991.

NEVERTHELESS, COMMISSION MEMBERS WERE STI IJ LOOKING INTO MORE WAYS TO PREVENT YOUTH SUICIDES - A PROBLEM THAT APPARENTLY BEGAN TO SWELL SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THIS YEAR.

MEMBERS EMPHASISED THAT A SPECIAL HOTLINE TO YOUNGSTERS IN DISTRESS. THIS COULD \LSO PARENTS AND TEACHERS.

SHOULD BE DEDICATED PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR

IN THIS CONNECTION, HE SAID Till- SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WILL LOOK INTO THIS IN THE HOPE THAT SUCH HOTI. INF MANNED BY PROFESS IONALS WOULD BE AVAILABLE FOR THOSE IN NEED \S Soon AS POSSIBLE.

/"WE WOULD .......

MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 1993

”WE WOULD ALSO LIKE TO KNOW TO WHOM MOST YOUNG PEOPLE WOULD TURN TO WHEN THEY ARE IN DISTRESS AND A STUDY INTO THAT WILL BE UNDERTAKEN BY THE COMMISSION," MR LI SAID.

"IE THAT CAN BE I DENT I FI ED, WE CAN STRENGTHEN Ol'R PUBLICITY IN A MORE SPECIFIED DIRECTION AND TO ENHANCE THE EXISTING SYSTEM OF SUPPORT," HE ADDED.

AS THE MEDIA HAVE AN IMPORTANT INFLUENCE ON YOUTHS, MR LI SAID A SEMINAR WOULD BE ORGANISED TO EXPLORE HOW MEDIA COULD PLAY ROLE IN COUNTERING THE PROBLEM AND TO CULTIVATE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE, AMONG YOUTH, TO LIFE.

AS TO THE PROBLEM OE ALCOHOL ABUSE B\ YOUNG PEOPLE, MEMBERS WERE CAUTIOUS AS TO WHETHER A BAN ON 'HIE S \LE OF THESE DRINKS TO THOSE UNDER 18 SHOULD BE RECOMMENDED.

MR LI SAID: "SO FAR THERE IS VERA LITTLE DATA ON ALCOHOL ABUSE BY YOUNG PEOPLE, ALTHOUGH DRINKING APPEARS TO BE A RISING TREND AMONG YOUNGSTERS.

"IN VIEW OF THIS, THE COMMISSION FEELS THAT A TOTAL BAN ON THE SALE OF ALCOHOL WAS NOT JUSTIFIED \T THIS TINE.

INSTEAD, THE COMMISSION BELIEVES IT WOULD BE MORE APPROPRIATE TO CONDUCT A SURVEY TO ASCERTAIN THE EXTENT OF THE PROBLEM BEFORE PUTTING FORWARD ANY CONCRETE PROPOSALS WHICH WILL CORRESPOND TO THE SIZE OF THE PROBLEM.

IN THE MEANTIME, THE COMMISSION HOPED THAT PUBLICITY TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC ON THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF EXCESSIVE DRINKING WOULD ALSO BE STEPPED UP.

THE COMMISSION SEES MERIT IN ASKING THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS TO UNDERTAKE THIS TASK.

THE COMMISSION WILL ALSO WRITE TO THE JUDICIARY, THE POLICE AND THE TWO MUN I (’I PAL COUNCILS TO REFLECT THE PUBI IC CONCERN OVER THE ISSUE AND TO ASK THEM TO POSITIVELY ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM.

MR LI SAID: "THE COMMISSION WILL MONITOR THE SITUATION CLOSELY AND KEEP THIS UNDER REVIEW."

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

/3 ........

MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 1993

JOB QUOTAS ALLOCATION ANNOUNCED *****

THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (MONDAY) ANNOUNCED THE ALLOCATION OF QUOTAS TO INDIVIDUAL INDUSTRIES TO BRING IN 13,000 IMPORTED WORKERS UNDER THE GENERAL LABOUR IMPORTATION SCHEME.

THESE WORKERS ARE TO REPLACE THE GUEST WORKERS WHO WERE IMPORTED IN 1990 AND WHO ARE DUE TO LEAVE HONG KONG IN BATCHES UPON THE EXPIRY OF THEIR CONTRACTS OF EMPLOYMENT THIS YEAR.

THE OVERALL LIMIT ON THE NUMBER OF IMPORTED WORKERS WHO MAY BE BROUGHT IN AT ANY ONE TIME REMAINS UNCHANGED AT 25,000, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH STRESSED.

IN WORKING OUT THE DISTRIBUTION OF QUOTAS, RELEVANT FACTORS INCLUDING NUMBERS OF VACANCIES, WAGE RATES AND TRENDS, LABOUR UTILISATION AND THE CONTRIBUTION OF INDIVIDUAL I NOUS IRIES TO THE ECONOMY HAVE BEEN TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT.

OF THE 13,000 IMPORTED WORKERS, THE LARGEST SHARE GOES TO THE WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES (3,896); FOLLOWED BY THE CATERING SECTOR (2,714) AND THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY (1,160).

THE QUOTAS ALLOCATED TO OTHER INDUSTRIES/SERVICES INCLUDE:

♦ MACHINE SHOPS - 928

* BANKING AND FINANCE - 403

* CONSTRUCTION WORK SITES - 3R3

* ELECTRONICS - 313

* TRANSPORT (E.G. WATER - 297

TR ANS PORT , AIR TRANS P( )RT ,

COLD STORAGE, GODOWNS)

* PRINTING - 211

* HOTEL - 175

’’THE NUMBER OF IMPORTED WORKERS ALLOWED FOR EACH INDUSTRY OR SERVICE SECTOR REPRESENTS A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS EMPLOYED BY THEM,” THE SPOKESMAN NOTED.

’’THE SPIRIT OF THE SCHEME REMAINS LIMITED AND SELECTIVE,” HE ADDED.

/THE IMMIGRATION .......

MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 1993

THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT WILL ISSUE LETTERS TO SUCCESSFUL EMPLOYERS WHO WILL BE GIVEN SIX MONTHS TO ARRANGE THE IMPORTATION OF WORKERS.

EMPLOYERS WHO DO NOT WISH TO TAKE UP THE QUOTA SHOULD INFORM THE AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE SO THAT THE QUOTA CAN BE REALLOCATED.

"THE GOVERNMENT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO WITHDRAW THE QUOTA IN THE EVENT OF BREACH OF CONDITIONS BY AN EMPLOYER," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

"FURTHERMORE, EMPLOYERS WHO HAVE BREACHED THE CONDITIONS OF THE SCHEME WILL BE DEBARRED FROM TAKING PART IN FUTURE IMPORTATION SCHEMES.”

THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE SITUATION AND ASSIST IMPORTED WORKERS WHO HAVE BEEN EXPLOITED BY THEIR EMPLOYERS TO FIND ALTERNATIVE EMPLOYMENT.

THE SPOKESMAN REITERATED THAT THE LABOUR IMPORTATION SCHEME WILL NOT MEAN AN AMNESTY OR JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.

"ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WILL BE REPATRIATED AS SOON AS THEY ARE APPREHENDED," HE SAID.

/RESULT OF .......

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MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 1993

GOVT SETS CEILING ON ACP LABOUR IMPORTATION SCHEME

*****

THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS APPROVED AN EXTENSION OF THE SPECIAL LABOUR IMPORTATION SCHEME TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW AIRPORT AND RELATED PROJECTS.

THE SPECIAL SCHEME WAS INTRODUCED IN MAY 1990 WITH AN INITIAL QUOTA OF 2,000 CONSTRUCTION WORKERS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS CO-ORDINATION OFFICE SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD DECIDED, ON THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, THAT THE CEILING OF IMPORTED WORKERS PERMITTED TO WORK IN HONG KONG AT ANY ONE TIME UNDER THE SPECIAL LABOUR IMPORTATION SCHEME WOULD BE SET AT 5,500 TO COVER THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME (ACP) PROJECTS FOR WHICH FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS HAD BEEN MADE.

HE SAID FOLLOWING THE PROCESSING OF APPLICATIONS BY CONTRACTORS, THE INITIAL QUOTA OF 2,000 INTENDED TO COVER THE FIRST STAGE OF ACP WORKS HAD BEEN FULLY COMMITTED TO AWARDED CONTRACTS.

THERE IS THEREFORE A NEED TO REVISE THE SPECIAL SCHEME TO COVER THOSE ACP PROJECTS FOR WHICH FINANCIAL COMMITMENT HAD BERN MADE BUT FOR WHICH REQUIREMENTS OF IMPORTED WORKERS HAD NOT BEEN FULLY TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN THE ORIGINAL SCHEME.

THE RELEVANT PROJECTS ARE THE AIRPORT (FIRST RUNWAY AND ASSOCIATED FACILITIES) - SITE PREPARATION CONTRACT, THE NORTH LANTAU EXPRESSWAY, THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION, THE WEST KOWLOON EXPRESSWAY, THE WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING, ROUTE THREE (PART), LANTAU FIXED CROSSING (INCLUDING RAIL PORTION AND ROUTE THREE INTERCHANGE), TUNG CHUNG DEVELOPMENT PHASE I.

THE EXISTING ADMISSION PR()( : El HIRES FOR THE SCHEME WILL BE FOLLOWED. BUT A MONTHLY LEVY OF $100 PER WORKER WOULD BE INTRODUCED FOR THE SPECIAL SCHEME.

’’THE REVENUE GENERATED FROM THE LEVY WILL BE USED FOR THE TRAINING AND RETRAINING OF LOCAL WORKERS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE REST OF THE CONDITIONS WOULD REMAIN UNCHANGED INCLUDING MANDATORY REGISTRATION BY THE EMPLOYER OF VACANCIES WITH THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WHEN SUBMITTING PRELIMINARY APPLICATIONS, NO DISPLACEMENT OF LOCAL WORKERS WI TH IMPORTED WORKERS, FIXED PERMISSIBLE DEDUCTIONS FROM WAGES TO COVER FOOD AND ACCOMMODATION, IAYMENT OF WAGES THROUGH THE BANK AND COMPLETION OF A STANDARD CONTRACT IN RESPECT OF EACH WORKER.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID: "THE NEED FOR IMPORTATION WILL STEM FROM TWO MAIN FACTORS, FIRST, A LACK OF PARTICULAR SKILLS IN THE LOCAL LABOUR MARKET FOR WHICH WORKERS WOULD NEED TO BE IMPORTED IN ANY EVENT, AND SECONDLY A SHORTFALL OF GENERAL LABOUR IN HONG KONG."

--------0

MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 1993

LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD ENDORSES CHANGES TO WORK SAFETY LAW

*******

THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD (LAB) THIS (MONDAY) AFTERNOON ENDORSED A PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE UNDER WHICH AN ENABLING CLAUSE WILL BE INCORPORATED INTO THE LAW TO EMPOWER THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR TO ISSUE CODES OF PRACTICE FOR ENSURING SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK.

AT ITS FIRST MEETING FOR THE 1993/95 TERM, THE BOARD WAS BRIEFED THAT THE TRADITIONAL APPROACH TO SAFETY AND HEALTH LEGISLATION IS BASED ON AN EXTENSIVE SYSTEM OF DETAILED STATUTORY PROVISIONS, RESULTING IN 26 SETS OF SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION UNDER THE ORDINANCE.

BY USING CODES OF PRACTICE TO PROVIDE DETAILED STANDARDS, SPECIFICATION AND GUIDELINES IN SIMPLE LAYMAN TERMS WILL RENDER THE PROCESS SIMPLER AND FASTER.

MEMBERS AGREED ON THE COMPOSITION AND TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE NEW LAB. THEY ALSO AGREED THE COMPOSITION AND TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE BOARD’S FIVE COMMITTEES ON EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION, EMPLOYMENT SERVICES, LABOUR RELATIONS, INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH, AND IMPLEMENTATION OF INTERNATIONAL LABOUR STANDARDS.

DURING THE MEETING CHAIRED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MRS KATHERINE FOK, THE BOARD AGREED TO SEND A DELEGATION TO \TTEND THE 80TH SESSION OF THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR CONFERENCE SCHEDULED FOR OPENING IN GENEVA, SWITZERLAND, ON JUNE 2 THIS YEAR.

A PROGRESS REPORT ON LABOUR LEGISLATION COVERING THE PERIOD BETWEEN JANUARY 1991 AND DECEMBER 1992 WAS TABLED FOR EXAMINATION.

MEMBERS NOTED THAT THE PREVIOUS BOARD WAS CONSULTED ON A TOTAL OF 24 ITEMS OF PROPOSED LABOUR LEGISLATION. OF THESE, SEVEN HAVE BEEN ENACTED WHILE ACTION IS IN PROGRESS ON THE OTHERS.

THE. BOARD THEN NOTED A LIST OF PROPOSED LEGISLATIVE ITEMS WHICH ARE LIKELY TO BE REFERRED TO MEMBERS FOR ADVICE THIS YEAR.

MEMBERS ALSO DISCUSSED ARRANGEMENTS FOR BOARD MEMBERS TO PUT

FORWARD SUGGESTIONS FOR INCLUSION ON THE AGENDA OF FUTURE MEETINGS.

DURING THE MEETING, MRS FOK BRIEFED MEMBERS THE LATEST ALLOCATION OF QUOTAS TO INDIVIDUAL INDUSTRIES TO BRING IN 13,000 IMPORTED WORKERS UNDER THE GENERAL LABOUR IMPORTATION SCHEME.

THE LABOUR COMMJSSI ONER ALSO BRIEFED LAB MEMBERS THAT WITH THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED THAT THE CEILING OF IMPORTED WORKERS PERM ITIED TO WORK IN HONG KONG AT ANY ONE TIME UNDER THE SPECIAL LABOUR IMPORTATION SCHEME FOR THE NEW AIRPORT AND RELATED PROJECTS SHOI LD BE SE'I A’l 5,500 TO (OVER PROJECTS WHICH HAVE ALREADY BEEN COMMITTED.

/MRS FOK .......

MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 1993

MRS FOR TOLD MEMBERS THAT STARTING FROM TODAY (MONDAY), EMPLOYERS WHO ARE GRANTED PERMISSION TO IMPORT WORKERS UNDER THE SPECIAL SCHEME SHOULD PAY A LEVY IN \ LUMP SUM BASED ON A RATE OF $400 A MONTH PER IMPORTED WORKER MULTIPLIED BY THE NUMBER OF MONTHS COVERED IN THE EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT.

REVENUE GENERATED FROM THE LEVY SHOULD BE USED FOR AUGMENTING THE PROVISION OF TRAINING OR RETRAINING FOR LOCAL WORKERS UNDER THE STATUTORY EMPLOYEES RETRAINING SCHEME.

----0----

ASD STRIVES TO ACHIEVE INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENT STANDARD *****

’ THE DIRECTOR OF ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES, MR PAUL CORSER, SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT HIS DEPARTMENT WAS ACTIVE LAST YEAR IN IDENTIFYING POSSIBLE SAVINGS AND IN IMPLEMENTING SYSTEMS THAT WOULD HELP IN ACHIEVING VALUE FOR MONEY AND IMPROVE PERFORMANCES.

IN A MEET-THE-MEDIA SESSION, MR CORSER SAID THESE INCLUDED:

* COMPUTER!SAT1ON PROGRAMME;

* STAFF RESOURCES PLANNING SYSTEM (SRI’S);

* ESTIMATING BY RISK ANALYSIS (ERA);

* ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION; AND

* THE PROPOSED INTRODUCTION OF A QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM TO THE INTERNATIONAL STANDARD OF ISO 9001.

"THE DEPARTMENT HAS TAKEN THE INI'll AT IVE WITHIN WORKS BRANCH TO DECLARE A COMMITMENT TO OBTAINING CERTIFICATION UNDER ISO 9001, THE INTERNATIONAL STANDARD FOR QUALITY ASSURED MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS, WITHIN TWO YEARS," HE SAID.

"THIS WILL PROVIDE A BETTER SERVICE TO CLIENTS, IMPROVE VALUE FOR MONEY FOR ALL ASPECTS OF THE DEPARTMENT’S OPERATIONS, IMPROVE CONTRACTOR’S AND CONSULTANT’S SERVICES AND LAST BUT NOT THE LEAST IT WILL IMPROVE STAFF JOB SATISFACTION AND MORALE," HE ADDED.

ON THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S MAJOR PROJECTS UNDER WAY, THE DIRECTOR SAID THE LARGEST SINGLE PROJECT CURRENTLY BEING UNDERTAKEN WAS PHASE I OF THE CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE MARKET COMPLEX.

"THE MARKET HAS AN EXTREMELY FAST TRACK PROGRAMME BEING ON THE CRITICAL PATH OF THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION," MR CORSER SAID.

HE SAID WORKS STARTED ON SITE IN APRIL 1992 AND THE MARKET WOULD BE COMPLETED AND READY EOF? OCCUPATION IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.

/THE MARKET .......

MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 1993

THE MARKET WILL PROVIDE WHOLESALE FACILITIES FOR THE SALE OF FRESH WATER FISH, VEGETABLES, EGGS AND THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION.

IT WILL REPLACE THE SCATTERED EXISTING MARKETS IN KOWLOON WHICH WOULD BECOME LANDLOCKED WHEN THE NEXT PHASE OF RECLAMATION WORKS PROCEEDED, HE ADDED.

THE DIRECTOR ALSO HIGHLIGHTED THE PAMELA YOUDE HOSPITAL PROJECT, WHICH IS THE LARGEST ONE THAT HIS DEPARTMENT HAS EVER UNDERTAKEN AND HAS JUST BEEN COMPLETED.

HE SAID THE HOSPITAL WAS BUILT WITHIN BUDGET AND WAS BEING HANDED OVER TO THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY FOR COMMISSIONING.

IT WILL PROVIDE 1,750 BEDS AND HAS A POLYCLINIC, MODERN MEDICAL FACILITIES AND STAFF QUARTERS.

APART FROM PUTTING UP BUILDINGS, MR CORSER POINTED OUT THAT AT A COST OF $13R MILLION, THE DEPARTMENT’S PROPERTY SERVICES BRANCH HAD ENGAGED IN REFURBISHING 15,300 SQUARE METRES OF OFFICES AT THE WEST WING OF THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES FOR LONG-TERM USE.

THE PROJECT INCLUDES TWO FLOORS OF OFFICES FOR LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS.

MR CORSER NOTED THAT 1992 WAS A CHALLENGING YEAR FOR HIM AS DIRECTOR AND FOR ARCHI TECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN GENERAL.

OVER 500 CAPITAL PROJECTS WERE INDER STUDY, DESIGN OR CONSTRUCTION IN 1992/93.

THE TOTAL CAPITAL EXPENDITURE IN 1992/93, INCLUDING MINOR WORKS, WILL BE ABOUT $3,300 MILLION.

IN ADDITION TO THIS, THE DEPARTMENT WILL SPEND $1,100 MILLION IN REFURBISHMENT, MAINTENANCE AND MINOR ALTERATION WORKS TO OVER 7,000 GOVERNMENT, URBAN COUNCIL, REGIONAL COUNCIL, HOSPITAL AUTHORITY AND BRITISH FORCES BUILDINGS.

’’THE FUTURE FOR MY SUCCESSOR WILL BE EVEN MORE CHALLENGING,” THE DIRECTOR SAID.

’’THE DEPARTMENT IS RISING TO THE CHALLENGES SET OUT BY THE GOVERNOR IN TERMS OF THE MAJOR PROGRAMME OF WORK FOR THE COMMUNITY TO BE COMPLETED BEFORE 1 997, THE ENHANCED SOI I AL WELFARE PROGRAMME AND THE PERFORMANCE PLEDGES.

"I’HE DEPARTMENT IS ALSO INVOLVED IN PLANNING FACILITIES WITHIN THE AIRPORT COMPLEX AT ( HAP LAP KOK.

GOVERNMENT

"WE HAVE AN INTERESTING AND EXCITING FUTURE PROGRAMME OF WORKS AND THE STAFF Ob THE DEPARTMENT FEEL PRIVILEGED TO BE WORKING FOR THE PUBLIC AT THIS PERIOD OF HONG KONG’S HISTORY," HE CONCLUDED.

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

/J 0

MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 1993

RESIDENTS REMINDED NOT TO CUT TREES *****

THE PUBLIC WERE TODAY (MONDAY) REMINDED NOT TO CUT TREES OR PLANTS IN THE COUNTRYSIDE FOR DECORATIVE USE DURING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR PERIOD.

THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT’S COUNTRY PARKS PROTECTION OFFICER, MR CHAN PING-KWONG, EXPLAINED THAT CUTTING TREES OR PLANTS IN THE COUNTRYSIDE WAS AN OFFENCE UNDER THE FORESTS AND COUNTRYSIDE ORDINANCE.

’’CONTRAVENTIONS TO THE ORDINANCE MAY LEAD TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $2,000 AND ONE YEAR’S IMPRISONMENT.

’’ALTHOUGH THE PUBLIC ARE BECOMING MORE AWARE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSERVING THE COUNTRYSIDE, TWO PERSONS WERE ARRESTED FOR ILLEGALLY CUTTING THE CHINESE NEW YEAR FLOWER, ENKIANTHUS QU1NQUEFLORUS, IN POK FU LAM LAST FRIDAY,” HE SAID.

MR CH^N ALSO REMINDED RESIDENTS WHO INTEND TO WATCH FROST AT TAI MO SHAN IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS NOT TO CUT OR DAMAGE ANY PLANTS THERE.

HE SAID WILD FLOWERS AND TREES WIRE BEST APPRECIATED IN THEIR NATURAL HABITAT AND SHOULD NOT BE PICKED OR CUT.

HE CALLED ON MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ’I’O REPORT TO THE NEAREST COUNTRY PARK MANAGEMENT CENTRE IF THEY SPOT SUCH ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES AT THE COUNTRYSIDE.

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

MUSIC OFFICE RECRUITS PART-TIME SCORE COPYING STAFF *****

THE MUSIC OFFICE IS RECRUITING PART-TIME PROFESSIONAL STAFF FOR SCORE COPYING.

APPLICANTS SHOULD:

♦ POSSESS ASSOCIATION BOARD OF ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC THEORY GRADE VIII OR ABOVE, OR EQUIVALENT;

* HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF SCORE COPYING IN CHINESE MUSIC NUMERICAL SCORE NOTATION AND ETHNIC MUSIC JINSTRUMENTATION; AND

* HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF SCORE COPYING FROM FULL ORCHESTRAL SCORE TO INSTRUMENTAL PART AND VICE VERSA.

SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO COPY DIFFERENT TYPES OF SCORES FOR USE BY THE MUSIC OFFICE’S ORCHESTRAS OE BANDS.

FEES FOR COPYING WILL RANGE FROM $9 TO $19 PER FOOLSCAP-SIZED PAGE.

/NAMES OF .......

MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 1993

NAMES OF SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL BE PUT ON A PART-TIME STAFF LIST OF THE MUSIC OFFICE AND THEIR SERVICE WILL BE CALLED UPON AS AND WHEN REQUIRED.

APPLICATION FROMS (G.F. 340) ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES. COMPLETED FORMS TOGETHER WITH COPIES OF RELEVANT DOCUMENTS AND DIPLOMAS SHOULD REACH THE MUSIC OFFICE ON 25TH FLOOR, WAN CHAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI BY FEBRUARY 20.

FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL 582 5340.

----U----

WEATHER OF DECEMBER * * * * *

THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY’S REPORT SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT THE WINTER MONSOON BECAME SOMEWHAT SUBDUED IN DECEMBER AFTER A MONTH OF ACTIVE DOMINANCE IN NOVEMBER.

THE MONTH THEREFORE TURNED OUT TO BE ONE OF THE WARMEST DECEMBERS ON RECORD.

THERE WERE ONLY TWO MAJOR NORTHERLY SURGES DURING THE MONTH AND THE COLD SPELL IN BOTH CASES WAS RATHER SHORT.

AS A RESULT, THE MONTHLY MEAN MINIMUM TEMPERATURE (17.4 DEGREES), THE MONTHLY MEAN TEMPERATURE (19.2 DEGREES) AND THE MONTHLY MEAN MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE (21.4 DEGREES) WERE RESPECTIVELY THE SECOND, THIRD AND 10TH HIGHEST FOR DECEMBER.

THE MONTH WAS ALSO UNUSUALLY HUM ID WITH MIST OR HAZE OCCURRING ON EIGHT DAYS.

FOG WAS REPORTED INSIDE THE HARBOUR ON THE MORNING OF DECEMBER 28, THE FIRST TIME IN DECEMBER SINCE 1955.

THE MEAN WET BULB TEMPERATURE OF 16.7 DEGREES, MEAN DEW POINT TEMPERATURE OF 14.9 DEGREES, AND MEAN RELATIVE HUMIDITY OF 77 PER CENT RANKED THIRD, SEVENTH AND 10TH HIGHEST FOR DECEMBER RESPECTIVELY.

THE DRY SPELL WHICH STARTED IN AUGUST ENDED AS 66.4 MILLIMETRES OF RAIN FELL DURING THE MONTH.

THE MONTHLY TOTAL WAS NEARLY 2.5 TIMES THE DECEMBER NORMAL OF 27.3 MILLIMETRES, WITH MOST OF THE RAIN FALLING DURING AN UNSEASONAL SPELL OF DAMP AND WET WEATHER AFTER. CHRISTMAS.

THE ANNUAL RAINFALL FOR LAST YEAR AMOUNTED TO 2,678.8 MILLIMETRES, 21 PER CENT ABOVE THE ANNUAL MEAN OF 2,214.3 MILLIMETRES.

APART FROM TRACES OF RAIN ON DECEMBER 2, 7 AND 11 AND SOME MIST OR HAZE ON DECEMBER 7 AND 10, FINE AND MILD WEATHER PREVAILED FOR THE FIRST 12 DAYS OF THE MONTH.

THERE WERE THREE WEAK REPLENISHMENTS OF THE WINTER MONSOON DURING THE PERIOD AS THE EASTERLIES FRESHENED ON DECEMBER 3, 8 AND 11.

/WINDS WERE .......

MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 1993

WINDS WERE MARGINALLY STRONG OFFSHORE ON THE FIRST OCCASION. BUT APART FROM THE WINDIER WEATHER, TEMPERATURE FALLS WERE INSIGNIFICANT ON ALL OCCASIONS.

ONE OF THE WARMEST DAYS TN THE MONTH OCCURRED ON DECEMBER 7 DURING A LULL IN THE EASTERLIES. THE MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE THAT DAY WAS A WARM 25.4 DEGREES.

THE WEATHER TURNED CLOUDY AND MISTY ON DECEMBER 13 AND THE EASTERLIES FRESHENED AGAIN THAT NIGHT.

THIS WAS CLOSELY FOLLOWED BY A MAJOR SURGE OF COLD NORTHERLY WINDS ON THE EVENING OF DECEMBER 14. LIGHT RAIN PERSISTED THROUGHOUT THE NIGHT AND TEMPERATURES STARTED TO FALL.

UNDER A CLOUDY SKY ON DECEMBER 15, COLD AIR FROM THE NORTH CONTINUED TO ADVANCE TOWARDS THE COASTAL AREAS, CULMINATING IN THE MONTH’S LOWEST TEMPERATURE OF 11.7 DEGREES ON THE MORNING OF DECEMBER 16.

BUT AS WINDS TURNED EASTERLY AND THE CLOUDS BROKE, TEMPERATURES ROSE AGAIN QUICKLY.

THE ARRIVAL OF A MOIST MARITIME AIRSTREAM BROUGHT SOME LIGHT RAIN PATCHES AROUND NOON ON DECEMBER 20.

IT WAS ANOTHER WARM DAY ON DECEMBER 21 WHEN THE MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE ONCE AGAIN REACHED THE MONTH’S HIGHEST OF 25.4 DEGREES.

EASTERLY WINDS FRESHENED EARLY ON DECEMBER 22. THE WEATHER TURNED CLOUDIER, WITH MISTS PERSISTING TILL THE NEXT MORNING WHEN THE SECOND NORTHERLY SURGE OF THE MONTH ARRIVED.

WINDS BECAME STRONG OFFSHORE AS A WEEK-LONG CLOUDY SPELL SET IN.

AFTER THE COLD SNAP REACHED ITS CLIMAX ON DECEMBER 24, WINDS GRADUALLY VEERED.

FRESH TO STRONG EASTERLY WINDS GAVE RISE TO A CLOUDY AND WINDY CHRISTMAS DAY WITH PATCHES OF LIGHT RAIN.

AS THE LOWER ATMOSPHERE CONTINUED TO MOISTEN UP, RAIN THICKENED AND BECAME CONTINUOUS ON DECEMBER 26.

THE DAY’S RAINFALL OF 23.0 MILLIMETRES MADE IT THE WETTEST BOXING DAY ON RECORD.

EVEN THOUGH RAIN CEASED EARLS NEXT MORNING, CONDITIONS REMAINED RATHER HUMID WITH MIST AND FOG LINGERING OVER THE COASTAL WATERS FOR TWO DAYS UNDER LIGHT WIND CONDITIONS.

VISIBILITY INSIDE THE HARBOUR WAS DOWN TO 900METRES AT ONE STAGE ON THE MORNING OF DECEMBER 28.

/FRESHENING EASTERLIES .......

MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 1993

FRESHENING EASTERLIES ON DECEMBER 29 EVENTUALLY CLEARED AWAY

THE LOW-LYING MIST BUT PERSISTENT RAIN RETURNED.

RAIN EASED OFF ON DECEMBER 30 AS DRIER AIR ASSOCIATED WITH A MODERATE NORTHEAST MONSOON BROUGHT AN IMPROVEMENT IN WEATHER.

THE NIGHT WAS SLIGHTLY COOLER AS A RESULT, BUT THE RETURN OF SUNNY SKIES ENSURED A MILD DAY ON DECEMBER 31.

NO TROPICAL CYCLONE ACTIVITY WAS OBSERVED IN DECEMBER OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC AND THE SOUTH CHINA SEA FOLLOWING THE DISSIPATION OF TROPICAL DEPRESSION GAY NEAR THE RYUKYU ISLANDS ON THE NIGHT OF NOVEMBER 30.

NO AIRCRAFT WAS DIVERTED IN THE MONTH AS A RESULT OF POOR WEATHER.

DETAILS OF THE ISSUANCE/HOISTI NG AND CANCELLATION/LOWERING OF

VARIOUS WARN1NGS/SIGNALS IN THE MONTH ARE SUMMARISED IN TABLE 1.1. MONTHLY METEOROLOGICAL FIGURES AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL ARE TABULATED IN TABLE 1.2.

TABLE 1.1 WARNINGS AND SIGNALS IN DECEMBER

WARNINGS / SIGNALS EFFECTIVE DATE AND TIME

STRONG MONSOON SIGNALS DEC 3 2300 DEC 4 0630

DEC 23 0800 — DEC 24 0300

DEC 25 0930 - DEC 26 2130

FIRE DANGER WARNINGS

YELLOW DEC 6 0000 DEC 8 2315

DEC 19 0600 — DEC 21 0600

DEC 25 0600 - DEC 25 1800

RED DEC 1 0000 — DEC 2 1645

DEC 24 0625 - DEC 25 0600

/TABLE 1.2 .......

MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 1993

TABLE 1.2 FIGURES AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL - DECEMBER

TOTAL BRIGHT SUNSHINE 151.6 HOURS ; 29 .9 HOURS BELOW NORMAL

MEAN DAILY GLOBAL SOLAR RADIATION 10.00 MJ/SQM ; 2.0 3 MJ/SQM BELOW NORMAL

TOTAL RAINFALL 66.4 MM ; 39.1 MM ABOVE NORMAL

MEAN AMOUNT OF CLOUD 61 PER CENT ; 12 PER CENT ABOVE NORMAL

MEAN RELATIVE HUMIDITY 77 PER CENT ; 9 PER CENT ABOVE NORMAL

MEAN DAILY MAXIMUM AIR TEMPERATURE 21.4 DEGREES ; 0.9 DEGREES ABOVE NORMAL

MEAN AIR TEMPERATURE 19.2 DEGREES; 1.6 DEGREES ABOVE NORMAL

MEAN DAILY MINIMUM AIR TEMPERATURE 17.4 DEGREES; 2.0 DEGREES ABOVE NORMAL

MEAN DEW POINT 14.9 DEGREES; 3.7 DEGREES ABOVE NORMAL

TOTAL EVAPORATION 68.8 MM ; 42.7 MM BELOW NORMAL

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

WATER STORAGE FIGURE ♦ * * *

STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 53.2 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 311.807 MILLION CUBIC METRES.

THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 177.083 MILLION

CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 30.2 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.

---------0

MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 1993

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

$ MILLION

OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,150

REVERSAL OF LAF +350

BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 1,500

NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL

EFFECT OF LAF TODAY NIL

CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,500

LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 114.7 *+0.0* 18.1.1993

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

EF TERMS BILLS YIELD TERM ISSUE HONG KONG COUPON GOVERNMENT PRICE BONDS YIELD

1 WEEK 3.09 PCT 13 MONTHS 2 102 5.50 101.13 4.46

1 MONTH 3.19 PCT 16 MONTHS 2405 5.50 101.08 4.70

3 MONTHS 3.46 PCT 19 MONTHS 2408 1.375 99.18 4.98

6 MONTHS 3.76 PCT 22 MONTHS 24 1 1 4.625 99.12 5.20

12 MONTHS 4.35 PCT

TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 11,399 MN

CLOSED 18 JANUARY 1993

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1993

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

CONSTITUTIONAL PACKAGE IS MODEST AND NOT CONFRONTATIONAL .... 1

AG EXPLAINS ROLE OF PUBLIC PROSECUTOR ....................... 3

GOVT WELCOMES LAN KWAI FONG REPORT .......................... 6

POLICE TEAM ON CROWD CONTROL STUDY APPOINTED ................ 7

SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR AIR TRAVELLERS DURING CHINESE NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS .............................................. 8

ACTION AGAINST UNAUTHORISED NT DEVELOPMENTS GATHERS MOMENTUM 9

BORDER TALKS USEFUL AND PRODUCTIVE ......................... 11

NEW ACCOUNTING SERVICES DIRECTOR APPOINTED ................. 11

ETV SPECIAL ON VALUE OF LIFE ............................... 12

ORDERS, EMPLOYMENT AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS FIGURES FOR

NOVEMBER RELEASED ........................................ 13

MEXICO TO REVIEW ANTI-DUMPING RESOLUTION ON DENIM .......... 18

REVIEW ARTICLE ON MANUFACTURING SECTOR ..................... 19

LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAY CLINIC SERVICES ..................... 19

DO VISITS TSING YI ......................................... 19

ANTI-POLLUTION PROSECUTION CASES FOR DECEMBER ............. 20

LAN KWAI FONG INQUIRY ...................................... 27

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS .......... 28

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .. 29

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1993

CONSTITUTIONAL PACKAGE IS MODEST

AND NOT CONFRONTATIONAL

*****

THE GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM PACKAGE IS MODEST AND IS NOT PROVOCATIVE OR CONFRONTATIONAL, THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR ALBERT LAM CHI-CHIU, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

SPEAKING AT A MEET-THE-MEDIA SESSION TO REVIEW THE WORK OF THE NEW TERRITORIES REGION OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION (CNTA) LAST YEAR, MR LAM STRESSED THAT THE POLITICAL BLUEPRINT WAS ’’WELL WITHIN THE BASIC LAW".

THE REFORMS, HE SAID, WERE NOT JUST IMPORTANT TO THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BUT TO EVERYONE IN THE TERRITORY.

IN THIS CONTEXT, HE SAID THE CNTA OFFICIALS WOULD DO THEIR BEST TO ENCOURAGE THE PUBLIC TO DISCUSS THEM IN A CONSTRUCTIVE, INFORMED AND RESPONSIBLE MANNER.

’’AFTER 11 YEARS OF DEVELOPING THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME, WHICH IS NOW FIRMLY ESTABLISHED, WE BELIEVE THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG ARE READY FOR A GREATER DEGREE OF PARTICIPATION IN THE RUNNING OF THEIR OWN AFFAIRS.

"THIS WILL HELP TO ENSURE THAT THE BEST IN HONG KONG, SUCH AS THE RULE OF LAW AND AN ACCOUNTABLE ADMINISTRATION, IS MAINTAINED," MR LAM SAID.

IN ORDER THAT A MORE OPEN AND ACCOUNTABLE SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT IS PRACTISED, MR LAM SAID AS FROM APRIL, ALL 19 DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMEN WOULD BE INVITED TO SIT ON DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETINGS AS OBSERVERS.

AT THE SAME TIME, DISTRICT OFFICERS WILL CONSULT THEIR RESPECTIVE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN ON ALL DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS.

FURTHERMORE, AT LEAST 50 PER CENT OF THE DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE MEMBERS WILL BE DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS.

ANOTHER IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT MADE BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY IS THE GOVERNMENT’S DECISION NOT TO CHANGE ANY DISTRICT BOARD BOUNDARIES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THIS MEANS THAT THE BOUNDARIES FOR SHA TIN, KWAI TS1NG, TSUEN WAN AND ISLANDS WILL REMAIN INTACT.

"WE HAVE LISTENED CAREFULLY TO VIEWS EXPRESSED BY DISTRICT BOARDS AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES AND ACCEPT THEIR VALIDITY," MR LAM SAID.

TURNING TO DEVELOPMENTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR LAM SAID IN RECENT YEARS, THERE HAD BEEN INCREASING FOCUS ON IMPROVING THE LIVING CONDITIONS OF RURAL DWELLERS.

/’•THE MOST...........

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1993

- 2 -

’’THE MOST IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENT IS THE FORMULATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RURAL PLANNING AND IMPROVEMENT STRATEGY FOR IMPROVEMENTS AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE RURAL AREAS."

IN MONEY TERMS, MR LAM ESTIMATED THAT THIS WOULD AMOUNT TO $68 MILLION FOR THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR - A STAGGERING 37 PER CENT LEAP OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR.

ALL THE PROJECTS WERE AIMED AT IMPROVING THE ENVIRONMENT AND RURAL LIVING CONDITIONS, AND WERE UNDERTAKEN IN RESPONSE TO LOCAL NEEDS, MR LAM SAID.

THESE INCLUDED VAN TRACKS, BRIDGES, DRAINAGE SCHEMES, SITTING-OUT AREAS, CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUNDS, AND OTHERS.

IN ADDITION, NT DISTRICT OFFICERS HAVE ALSO ARRANGED WITH RELEVANT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS FOR THE RE-CONSTRUCTION OF ACCESS ROADS TO YUEN LONG AND SAI KUNG, AND THE PROVISION OF WATER SUPPLY TO MANY REMOTE VILLAGES.

DISTRICT OFFICERS ALSO PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE CO-ORDINATION OF CLEARANCES AND LAND RESUMPTION RELATING TO DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS.

LAST YEAR, THEY WERE SUCCESSFULLY INVOLVED IN VILLAGE CLEARANCES FOR THE YUEN LONG SOUTHERN BYPASS, THE CLEARANCE OF THE YUEN HA TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA AND SEVERAL OTHER PROJECTS.

CNTA STAFF, MR LAM SAID, HAD ALSO MEDIATED AND RESOLVED MANY "FUNG SHUI" DISPUTES.

TURNING TO DEVELOPING NEW TOWNS, MR LAM SAID SPECIAL ATTENTION WOULD CONTINUE TO BE PAID TO TIN SHUI WAI, MA ON SHAN AND TSEUNG KWAN O.

"THE DISTRICT OFFICERS AND CNTA HEADQUARTERS WILL ENSURE THAT THERE IS ADEQUATE AND TIMELY PROVISION OF INFRASTRUCTURAL AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES.

"THEY ALSO LAY THE GROUND WORK FOR COMMUNITY BUILDING IN THE NEW TOWNS. FOR EXAMPLE, THE DISTRICT OFFICER OF SAI KUNG HAS ACCELERATED THE FORMATION OF MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES (MAC) IN TSEUNG KWAN O BY ASSISTING SOME 80 PER CENT OF THE HOUSING BLOCKS TO FORM THEIR OWN MAC’S."

AS REGARDS RURAL HOUSING FOR INDIGENOUS VILLAGERS, MR LAM SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS STREAMLINING PROCEDURES FOR PROCESSING SMALL HOUSE APPLICATIONS WITH A VIEW TO REDUCING PROCESSING TIME.

AT PRESENT, THE AVERAGE TIME FOR PROCESSING A SMALL HOUSE APPLICATION IS 10 MONTHS.

"OUR AIM IS TO REDUCE THIS TO SEVEN MONTHS BY THE END OF 1993,” MR LAM SAID.

/ON COMMUNITY .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1993

ON COMMUNITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES PROMOTED BY CNTA, MR LAM SAID CONTINUED EFFORTS WOULD BE MADE TO ENCOURAGE THE FORMATION OF AREA COMMITTEES AND RURAL COMMITTEES.

ASSISTANCE AND SERVICES WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED TO SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS, ARTS AND CULTURAL ORGANISATIONS, YOUTH GROUPS AND WOMEN’S ORGANISATIONS.

DISTRICT FESTIVALS SUCH AS THE CHEUNG CHAU BUN FESTIVAL, DRAGON BOAT RACES, THE TIN HAU PROCESSION IN YUEN LONG AND TRADITIONAL TA CHIU CEREMONIES WILL ALSO BE PROMOTED TO RETAIN NEW TERRITORIES’ LOCAL FLAVOUR AND CUSTOMS.

AS THE HEUNG YEE KUK - WHICH REPRESENTS ABOUT 350,000 INDIGENOUS VILLAGERS IN THE NT - HAS A VITAL ROLE TO PLAY IN ALL THIS, MR LAM PLEDGED TO CONTINUE TO CLOSELY LIAISE AND MAINTAIN GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH THE KUK.

"WE WILL, OF COURSE, CONTINUE TO CONSULT THE HEUNG YEE KUK ON ALL MAJOR POLICY ISSUES AFFECTING THE NEW TERRITORIES.”

MR LAM STRESSED CNTA’S COMMITMENT TO IMPROVING THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT OF BOTH THE NT NEW TOWNS AND RURAL COMMUNITIES.

- - 0 - -

AG EXPLAINS ROLE OF PUBLIC PROSECUTOR * * * * *

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, AS PUBLIC PROSECUTOR, SERVED THE INTERESTS OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC OF HONG KONG AND WAS NOT THE SERVANT OR THE TOOL OF THE GOVERNMENT, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR JEREMY MATHEWS, SAID.

SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON HOSTED BY THE HONG KONG DEMOCRATIC FOUNDATION TODAY (TUESDAY), MR MATHEWS SAID THIS PRINCIPLE WAS OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE TO THE RULE OF LAW AND THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM IN HONG KONG.

"LT IS A KEY FEATURE AND HAS LONG BEEN SO REGARDED IN OUR LEGAL SYSTEM THAT, AS AN ESSENTIAL SAFEGUARD FOR THE FAIR, UNBIASED ADMINISTRATION OF THE CRIMINAL LAW, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SHOULD NOT BE SUBJECT TO THE DIRECTION AND CONTROL OF THE GOVERNMENT AND MUST JEALOUSLY GUARD THAT INDEPENDENCE TN THE SAME WAY AS THE JUDICIARY,"

HE SAID.

HE POINTED OUT THAT WHEN NEWSPAPERS SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD PROSECUTED SUCH AND SUCH A PERSON, THAT WAS INACCURATE AND MISLEADING.

’’THE GOVERNMENT PROSECUTES NO ONE, FOR IT HAS NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR PROSECUTION. ALL PROSECUTIONS ARE BROUGHT BY OR IN THE NAME OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND ARE BROUGHT QUITE INDEPENDENTLY OF THE GOVERNMENT.

"SO THAT WHEN LT IS CLAIMED THAT A PARTICULAR PROSECUTION HAS BEEN BROUGHT FOR POLITICAL MOTIVES IMPLYING THAI’ THE ATTORNEY GENERAL HAS BEEN TOLD WHOM TO PROSECUTE, I HAVE TO TELL YOU THAT THAT IS COMPLETELY UNTRUE.

/"THIS PRINCIPLE

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1993

"THIS PRINCIPLE IS, I REPEAT, OF FUNDAMENTAL IMPORTANCE TO OUR SYSTEM OF JUSTICE AND THAI' IMPORTANCE HAS BEEN RECOGNISED IN BOTH THE JOINT DECLARATION AND IN THE BASIC LAW, ARTICLE 63 OF WHICH GUARANTEES THAT PROSECUTIONS WILL BE BROUGHT FREE FROM INTERFERENCE,” SAID MR MATHEWS.

HE POINTED OUT THAT DESPITE THE ATTORNEY GENERAL BEING A MEMBER OF THE GOVERNMENT, THE PRINCIPLE OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF HIS ROLE AS THE PUBLIC PROSECUTOR WAS UNIVERSALLY ACCEPTED AND UNDERSTOOD WITHIN THE GOVERNMENT.

A SECOND ASPECT OF INDEPENDENCE, ALSO OF CRUCIAL IMPORTANCE, WAS THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE PROSECUTOR FROM THE POLICE.

THE ROLE OF THE POLICE WAS, AMONG OTHERS, To INVESTIGATE THE COMMISSION OF CRIMINAL OFFENCES AND TO APPREHEND THOSE WHOM THEY THOUGHT WERE WRONG DOERS.

ONCE THE INVESTIGATION BY THE POLICE WAS COMPLETE, THE PROSECUTOR TOOK OVER TO CONDUCT THE PROCEEDINGS, TO REVIEW THE SITUATION AND TO DECIDE WHETHER OR NOT THERE WOULD BE A PROSECUTION AT ALL AND IF SO THEN TO HAVE THE CONDUCT OF IT.

"THE PROSECUTOR IS NOT ACTING ON BEHALF OF THE POLICE IN TAKING THIS DECISION, NOR ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT, BUT ON BEHALF OF THE PUBLIC,” MR MATHEWS SAID.

HE SAID THIS SEPARATION OF FUNCTION WOULD ENSURE THAT THE PROSECUTOR WAS ABLE TO BRING AN INDEPENDENT AND OBJECTIVE EYE TO THE CASE PREPARED BY THE POLICE.

IN DECIDING WHETHER OR NOT TO PROSECUTE IN ANY PARTICULAR CASE, FIRST OF ALL, THERE HAD TO BE ENOUGH EVIDENCE TO PROVE ALL THE ELEMENTS OF AN OFFENCE.

EVEN IF THERE WAS EVIDENCE THAT TENDED TO PROVE THE NECESSARY INGREDIENTS OF AN OFFENCE, A BARE PRIMA FACIE CASE WAS, GENERALLY SPEAKING, NOT ENOUGH TO WARRANT A PROSECUTION.

’’THERE MUST BE A REASONABLE PROSPECT OF SECURING A CONVICTION BECAUSE IT IS NOT IN THE INTERESTS OF PUBLIC JUSTICE, NOR OF THE PUBLIC REVENUE, THAT WEAK OR BORDERLINE CASES SHOULD BE PROSECUTED,” MR MATHEWS SAID.

A "REASONABLE PROSPECT” MEANT THAT THE PROSECUTOR DID NOT NEED TO SATISFY HIMSELF WITH 100 PER CENT CERTAINTY THAT THE ACCUSED WOULD BE CONVI('TED.

THE PROSECUTOR. MADE HIS DECISION TO PROSECUTE BASED ON EVIDENCE PRESENTED BY THE POLICE. THE PROSECUTOR HIMSELF DID NOT INTERVIEW THE WITNESSES EXCEPT HE MIGHT INTERVIEW EXPERT WITNESSES TO GET A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THEIR EVIDENCE.

IT WOULD BE WRONG FOR THE PROSECUTOR TO QUESTION THE WITNESSES BY CONDUCTING SOME SORI’ OF MINI-TRIAL BEFORE HIE PROPER TRIAL BECAUSE ALL TRIALS SHOULD BE HELD IN A COURT OF LAW, WHERE THE GUILT OR INNOCENCE OF AN ACCUSED WOULD BE DETERMINED BY THE JUDGE, OR IN SERIOUS CASES BY A JURY.

/"THE CONSEQUENCES .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1993

"THE CONSEQUENCES OF HAVING A LEGAL SYSTEM WI TH AN I NDEPENDENT JUDICIARY AND WITH THE PROSECUTOR NOT HAVING 'J’O SATISFY HIMSELF OF 100 PER CENT CERTAINTY OF CONVICTION MEANS THAT THERE WILL INEVITABLY BE CASES IN WHICH PROSECUTIONS WILL RESULT IN ACQUITTALS," HE SAID.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THERE MIGHT BE MANY REASONS FOR AN ACQUITTAL. A PROSECUTOR COULD WORE ONI \ ON THE MATERIAL PRESENTED TO HIM AND DURING THE COURSE OF CROSS-FXAMINAT ION THE WITNESS MIGHT DEPART FROM HIS EARLIER TESTIMONY OR MIGHT REVEAL MATTERS WHICH HE HAD NOT DISCLOSED TO THE POLICE.

THERE WERE OCCASIONS WHERE A WITNESS ABSCONDED \ND IF HE WAS A VITAL WITNESS THE CASE WOULD SUFFER.

IF THE PROPOSED PROSECUTION SURVIVED THIS EVIDENTIAL TEST, THE PROSECUTOR THEN HAD TO TURN TO OTHER CRITERIA, GENERALLY KNOWN AS "THE PUBLIC INTEREST CRITERIA".

MR MATHEWS SAID THERE CLEARLY COULD NOT BE HARD AND FAST RULES THAT WOULD DICTATE HOW TO JUDGE THE PUBLIC INTEREST CRITERIA. BUT AMONG SOME OF THE FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED WOULD BE THESE:

♦ WHAT WERE THE SURROUNDING CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE OFFENCE?

♦ HOW SERIOUS WAS IT?

♦ WHAT WERE ITS PRACTICAL EFFECTS?

* WHAT EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES WERE THERE?

* HOW WOULD THE DECISION TO LAUNCH A PROSECUTION AFFECT OTHER PEOPLE?

* HOW SERIOUS A VIEW WOULD A COURT TAKE OF THE OFFENCE IF THERE WERE A CONVICTION?

* WOULD THE CONSEQUENCES OF PROSECUTION BE OUT OF ALL PROPORTION TO THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE OFFENCE OR TO THE PENALTY A COURT WOULD BE LIKELY TO IMPOSE?

* HOW LONG AGO WAS THE OFFENCE COMMITTED AND HAD THE ACCUSED HIMSELF ATTRIBUTED TO THE DELAY?

* WAS THE OFFENDER SO YOUNG, OR SC) OLI) (AND POSSIBLY INFIRM) THAT A PROSECUTION COULD CAUSE DISPROPORTIONATE HARM?

* WAS THERE A SUBSTANTIAL RISK THAT THF STRAIN OF A PROSECUTION WOULD SERIOUSLY AFFECT THE CONDITION OF THE ACCUSED?

* WAS IT REALLY IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST TO PROCEED AGAINST THOSE WHO WERE ONLY ON THE FRINGE OF THE OFFENCE AS WELL AS THE RING LEADERS?

IF, AFTER WEIGHING ALL THESE FACTORS IN THE BALANCE THE CASE BETWEEN PROSECUTION AND NON-PROSECUT I ON REMAINED EVEN, THE FINAL ARBITER HAD TO BE THE COURT, AND THE PROSECUTION SHOULD PROCEED.

/THE PROSECUTOR .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1993

THE PROSECUTOR THUS NEEDED TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF PUBLIC ATTITUDE AND INTERESTS LN A NUMBER OF DIFFFRFN’I WAYS AND AT A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT STAGES IN A PROSEC UTI ON.

IN APPLYING THE EVIDENTIAL TEST SYSTEM, THE PROSECUTOR MIGHT HAVE TO TAKE A VIEW Ob THE PROBABLE REACTION Ob A GROUP OF MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, SITTING AS JURORS, TO A PART I< :ULAR SET OF CIRCUMSTANCES.

"IN OTHER WORDS, IS THERE A REASONABLE PROSPECT OF A CONVICTION BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SELECTED \T RANDOM9

"THEN IN APPLYING THE PUBLIC I NTERES'I CRITERIA, HOW DOES HE ASSESS WHAT THE PUBLIC REALLV EXPECTS OF ITS PROSECUTORS. THIS MAY NOT BE EASY. VERY OFTEN, PUBLIC’ OPINION Is AROUSED QUICKLY AND IRRATIONALLY AND I’HF PROSECUTOR, LOOKING AT THE SITUATION IMPASS1ONATELY AND OBJECTIVELY. SHOULD NO'I NECESSARILY BE SWAYED BY IT," SAID MR MATHEWS.

------------------0-------- GOVT WELCOMES LAN KWAI FONG REPORT * * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) PUBLISHED THE INTERIM REPORT PREPARED BY MR JUSTICE BOKHARY INTO THE CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH LED TO THE DEATHS OF 21 PEOPLE IN LAN KWAI FONG IN THE EARLY HOURS OF JANUARY 1 THIS YEAR.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN WELCOMED THE REPORT, WHOSE RECOMMENDATIONS, HE SAID, WOULD BE CONSIDERED CAREFULLY AND WOULD BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN PLANNING FOR THE FORTHCOMING LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS.

HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT MR. JUSTICE BOKHARY WOULD BE SUBMITTING HIS FINAL REPORT WITHIN THE NEXT MONTH OR SO.

"I AM PLEASED THAT THE PUBLIC, GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS HAVE CO-OPERATED SO FULLY WITH MR JUSTICE BOKHARY," HE SAID.

"A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF EFFORT HAS GONE INTO THE PRODUCTION OF THIS REPORT IN SUCH A SHORT TIME. WE ARE VERY GRATEFUL TO MR JUSTICE BOKHARY."

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE INTERIM REPORT CONTAINED A NUMBER OF RECOMMENDATIONS WHICH WOULD NEED TO BE CONSIDERED BY THE VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS AND ORGANISATIONS CONCERNED.

THIS WOULD BE DONE AS A MATTER OF PRIORITY.

HOWEVER, THERE WERE THREE RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE INTERIM REPORT WHICH CALLED FOR ACTION BEFORE THE LUNAR NEW YEAR. THEY CONCERN THE NEED TO PREVENT OVERCROWDING, PUBLICITY ABOUT CROWD CONTROL MEASURES AND THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE CIVIL AID SERVICES AND THE

AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICES.

/HE POINTED .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1993

HE POINTED OUT THAT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS HAD, FOR THE PAST WEEK, BEEN ADVISING THE PUBLIC OF MEASURES WHICH WOULD BE INTRODUCED TO DEAL WITH CROWDS OVER THE LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS.

THE SPOKESMAN REITERATED THE REQUEST FOR THE PUBLIC TO CO-OPERATE WITH THE AUTHORITIES TO ENABLE THEM TO DEAL WITH LARGE CROWDS OVER THE HOLIDAY PERIOD.

"WE MAY HAVE TO RESTRICT THE MOVEMENT OF PEDESTRIANS OR VEHICLES IN ORDER TO ENSURE SAFETY," HE SAID, "AND WE HOPE THAT THE PUBLIC WILL CO-OPERATE."

HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE CIVIL AID SERVICES AND THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICES WOULD BE DEPLOYED AT A NUMBER OF LOCATIONS OVER THE HOLIDAY PERIOD. THIS FOLLOWED NORMAL PRACTICE.

"THE POLICE HAVE COMPLETED THEIR OWN STUDY INTO THE LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE LAN KWAI FONG INCIDENT AND THESE HAVE BEEN INCORPORATED, WHERE APPROPRIATE, INTO THEIR PLANS FOR THE LUNAR NEW YEAR," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

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

POLICE TEAM ON CROWD CONTROL STUDY APPOINTED

*****

THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE MR LI KWAN-HA TODAY (TUESDAY) CONFIRMED THAT HE HAD RECEIVED A COPY OF THE INTERIM REPORT BY MR JUSTICE BOKHARY ON THE LAN KWAI FONG TRAGEDY.

MR LI SAID A PLANNING GROUP AT POLICE HEADQUARTERS HAD COMPLETED A REVIEW OF ALL POLICE OPERATIONS FOR THE FORTHCOMING LUNAR NEW YEAR FESTIVE CELEBRATIONS AND TAKEN STEPS TO IMPLEMENT NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS.

HE ALSO SAID A HIGH-LEVEL TEAM HAD BEEN APPOINTED TO CARRY OUT A WIDE-RANGING STUDY OF POLICE CROWD CONTROL OPERATIONS AND PROCEDURES.

MR LI SAID THE REPORT BY MR JUSTICE BOKHARY WOULD NOW BE EXAMINED IN ORDER TO IMPLEMENT ANY OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS WHICH APPLIED TO THE POLICE.

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

/8.........

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1993

SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR AIR TRAVELLERS DURING CHINESE NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS * * * * *

SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE MADE BY THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT TO HANDLE THE LARGE VOLUME OF AIR PASSENGERS OVER THE CHINESE NEW YEAR PERIOD.

IN ADDITION TO THE 2,046 SCHEDULED DEPARTING FLIGHTS, AIRLINES WILL BE OPERATING ABOUT 359 ADDITIONAL FLIGHTS TO VARIOUS DESTINATIONS BETWEEN JANUARY 19 AND FEBRUARY 1.

THIS REPRESENTS AN INCREASE OF ABOUT 20 PER CENT IN PASSENGER VOLUME OVER THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.

THE HOLIDAY TRAFFIC IS EXPECTED TO REACH A PEAK DURING JANUARY 21 TO 28 WHEN ABOUT 53,000 PASSENGERS ARE EXPECTED TO DEPART ON MORE THAN 180 FLIGHTS EACH DAY.

THE AIRPORT TERMINAL MANAGER, MR CLARENCE CHOI YOK-LUNG, TODAY (TUESDAY) SAID BECAUSE OF THE INCREASE OF OUTGOING FLIGHTS DURING THIS PERIOD, A SPECIAL CHECK-IN FACILITY WOULD BE PROVIDED TO CATER FOR ALL CHINA-BOUND FLIGHTS AT THE WESTERN END OF THE DEPARTURE HALL OF THE AIRPORT PASSENGER TERMINAL BUILDING.

THIS WILL BE IN OPERATION FROM THURSDAY (JANUARY 21) UNTIL JANUARY 27 WHEN THE NUMBER OF DEPARTING PASSENGERS WILL REACH THE PEAK, MR CHOI SAID.

THE FACILITY, CALLED CHECK-IN AREA "N", COMPRISES 10 CHECK-IN COUNTERS, FIVE WEIGHTSCALES FOR BAGGAGES AND AN X-RAY MACHINE FOR SECURITY SCREENING.

"ALL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES AT THE AIRPORT ASSOCIATED WITH DEPARTURE ACTIVITIES HAVE PLEDGED FULL SUPPORT BY PUTTING UP MAXIMUM MANNING RESOURCES TO HELP PASSENGERS," HE SAID.

TO HELP DEPARTING PASSENGERS TO FIND THE CHECK-IN COUNTERS, ADDITIONAL INFORMATION WILL BE DISPLAYED AT PROMINENT LOCATIONS AT THE DEPARTURE HALL.

AS THE AIRPORT IS EXPECTED TO BE VERY CROWDED DURING THE PERIOD, TRAVELLERS ARE ADVISED TO USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT WHENEVER POSSIBLE AND NOT TO DRIVE TO THE AIRPORT.

TAXI TRADE ASSOCIATIONS HAVE BEEN ADVISED TO SEND MORE TAXIS TO THE AIRPORT TO COPE WITH THE INCREASED DEMAND.

IN ORDER TO AVOID MISSING FLIGHTS, MR CHOI ADVISED DEPARTING PASSENGERS TO ARRIVE AT THE AIRPORT EARLY, PREFERABLY TWO HOURS BEFORE THE FLIGHT DEPARTURE TIME, CHECK IN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND GO IMMEDIATELY TO DEPARTURE IMMIGRATION CONTROL AFTER CHECK-IN.

RESIDENTS WHO WISH TO SEND OFF OR GREET FRIENDS OR RELATIVES ARE ALSO ADVISED NOT TO GO TO THE AIRPORT DURING THE PERIOD.

- - 0 - -

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1993

ACTION AGAINST UNAUTHORISED NT DEVELOPMENTS GATHERS MOMENTUM

*****

ENFORCEMENT ACTION AGAINST UNAUTHORISED DEVELOPMENTS IN THE DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREAS (DPA) IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WAS GATHERING MOMENTUM, THE DIRECTOR OF PLANNING, DR K S PUN, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

AT A MEET-THE-MEDIA SESSION, HE POINTED OUT THAT FOLLOWING ENACTMENT OF THE TOWN PLANNING (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE IN 1991, HIS DEPARTMENT HAD FORMED ENFORCEMENT TEAM TO PATROL THE DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREAS.

"IN 1992, WF, CONSIDERED 88 CASES OF SUSPECTED UNAUTHORISED DEVELOPMENT IN RESPECT OF CONTAINER STORAGE, SITE FORMATION, DUMPING, OPEN STORAGE AND WORKSHOP USES IN THE DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREAS,” HE ADDED.

AFTER INVESTIGATION, 477 WARNING LETTERS, 78 ENFORCEMENT NOTICES AND NINE STOP NOTICES WERE SERVED.

AFTER THE ISSUE OF THE WARNING LETTERS OR NOTICES, 14 CASES OF UNAUTHORISED DEVELOPMENT WERE DISCONTINUED AND FOUR OBTAINED PLANNING PERMISSION FROM THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TO CONTINUE WITH THE DEVELOPMENT.

"WITH THE STEPPING UP OF ENFORCEMENT ACTION, BETTER PUBLICITY AND PUBLIC EDUCATION, WE HOPE THAT PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT CONTROL IN THE RURAL AREAS WOULD BE STRENGTHENED AND A BETTER ENVIRONMENT COULD RESULT."

DR PUN THEN HIGHLIGHTED HIS DEPARTMENT’S OTHER MAJOR TASKS LAST YEAR AND PLANS FOR THIS YEAR. THESE INCLUDED:

* PUBLIC CONSULTATION FOR THE COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE TOWN PLANNING ORDINANCE,

* TERRITORIAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY REVIEW,

* REVIEW OF THE PORT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY,

* REVIEW OF THE SOUTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES AND NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES,

* DEVELOPMENT STATEMENTS FOR WEST KOWLOON AND TSUEN WAN/KWAI TSI NG,

* CONSULTANCY STUDY FOR DEVELOPMENT STATEMENT FOR SOUTHEAST KOWLOON, AND

* TECHNICAL REPORT ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OF DEEP BAY AND ITS CATCHMENTS.

DR PUN ALSO LISTED OTHER STUDIES WHICH ARE BEING UNDERTAKEN BY HIS DEPARTMENT.

/THEY INCLUDE .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1993

THEY INCLUDE REVIEW OF DENSITY GUIDELINES FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL AREAS, COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF SPECIAL CONTROL AREAS, COMMERCIAL FACILITIES IN FO TAN INDUSTRIAL AREA, REDEVELOPMENT OF UNDER-DEVELOPED GOVERNMENT SITES AND PLANNING OF PORT DEVELOPMENTS AT KOWLOON BAY, TSEUNG KWAN 0 AND TUEN MUN.

ELABORATING ON THE MAJOR WORK ITEMS LAST YEAR, DR PUN POINTED OUT THAT THE INITIAL CONCLUSION FOR COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE TOWN PLANNING ORDINANCE WOULD BE PUT INTO THE FORM OF A WHITE BILL FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION LATER THIS YEAR.

THE REPORT ON THE TERRITORIAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY REVIEW WAS EXPECTED TO BE RELEASED FOR PUBLIC INFORMATION IN MID-1993, HE ADDED.

ALSO TO BE RELEASED SHORTLY WILL BE A BILINGUAL "EXECUTIVE SUMMARY" OF THE REVIEW OF THE PORT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY.

AS REGARDS THE REVIEW OF THE SOUTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES AND NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES, DR PUN SAID HE AIMED TO PRODUCE INTERIM RECOMMENDED STRATEGIES BY MID-1993.

"ACCORDING TO CURRENT WORK PROGRAMME, REVIEW OF THE NORTHEAST NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT WILL BEGIN IN MAY THIS YEAR. THESE SUBREGIONAL STRATEGIES WILL HELP PROVIDE A BASIS FOR THE CONVERSION OF DPA PLANS INTO STATUTORY OUTLINE ZONING PLANS," HE SAID.

IN THE MAIN URBAN AREAS, DR PUN SAID DEVELOPMENT STATEMENTS FOR WEST KOWLOON AND TSUEN WAN/KWAI TSING HAD BEEN COMPLETED TO TRANSLATE THE METROPLAN CONCEPTS INTO MORE DETAILED DISTRICT PROPOSALS.

THE CONCERNED DISTRICT BOARDS WOULD BE BRIEFED ON THE KEY ITEMS TO BE TACKLED AND WOULD BE FURTHER BRIEFED ON THE MAJOR PROPOSALS BEFORE THE FINAL REPORTS WERE COMPLETED.

REFERRING TO THE DEVELOPMENT STATEMENT FOR SOUTHEAST KOWLOON (COVERING THE KAI TAK AIRPORT SITE, KOWLOON BAY RECLAMATION AND ADJOINING AREAS OF KOWLOON CITY AND TO KWA WAN), DR PUN SAID A PREFERRED DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT HAD BEEN PRODUCED TO ACCOMMODATE ABOUT 260,000 - 280,000 PEOPLE.

"THE FINAL REPORT SHOULD BE AVAILABLE BY MID-1993. IN ADDITION, GROUND WORK FOR THE PREPARATION OF A DEVELOPMENT STATEMENT FOR HONG KONG ISLAND WEST (THAT IS WESTERN DISTRICT AND THE PROPOSED GREEN ISLAND RECLAMATION) IS UNDER WAY," HE SAID.

DR PUN POINTED OUT THAT THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE TECHNICAL REPORT ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OF DEEP BAY AND ITS CATCHMENTS WOULD PROVIDE A CROSS-BORDER FRAMEWORK WITHIN WHICH AIR AND WATER QUALITY PROBLEMS AND ASSOCIATED LAND USE ISSUES AFFECTING DEEP BAY AND ITS CATCHMENTS COULD BE DEALT WITH.

REFERRING TO THE PERFORMANCE PLEDGE ANNOUNCED BY THE GOVERNOR IN HIS POLICY SPEECH LAST YEAR, DR PUN ASSURED THE PUBLIC THAT ALL PLANNING SERVICES WOULD BE DELIVERED AS EXPEDITIOUSLY AND TIMELY AS RESOURCES PERMIT.

/EARLIER, DR ........

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1993

EARLIER, DR PUN SAID 1992 WAS ALSO A BUSY YEAR FOR THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD.

DURING THE YEAR, THE BOARD CONSIDERED 618 PLANNING APPLICATIONS (AS COMPARED TO 398 IN 1991).

OF THE APPLICATIONS, 309 WERE APPROVED UPON FIRST CONSIDERATION AND 24 APPROVED UPON REVIEW. THE BOARD ALSO CONSIDERED 283 AND HEARD 376 OBJECTIONS.

- - 0 - -

BORDER TALKS USEFUL AND PRODUCTIVE *****

AT THE INVITATION OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS OFFICE OF THE GUANGDONG PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT, MR HUANG QUN, A HONG KONG GOVERNMENT DELEGATION LED BY THE POLITICAL ADVISER, MR WILLIAM EHRMAN, VISITED DONGGUAN, GUANGDONG, FROM JANUARY 17 TO 19 FOR THE 13TH ANNUAL BORDER REVIEW.

THE BORDER LIAISON SYSTEM PROVIDES FOR EXCHANGES OF INFORMATION AND CONTROL AT THE BORDER. BOTH SIDES CONSIDER IT EFFECTIVE AND VALUABLE.

AT TALKS HELD YESTERDAY (MONDAY), THE TWO SIDES REVIEWED LIAISON ARRANGEMENTS OVER THE PAST YEAR. THEY DISCUSSED A NUMBER OF WAYS OF FURTHER STRENGTHENING THESE ARRANGEMENTS. THE TALKS WERE USEFUL AND PRODUCTIVE.

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

NEW ACCOUNTING SERVICES DIRECTOR APPOINTED

*****

THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT MR C F M O’KELLY, DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES, WILL RETIRE ON MARCH 16 THIS YEAR.

HE WILL BE SUCCEEDED BY MR CHIU SZE-HUNG, CURRENTLY DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES.

MR O’KELLY, AGED 59, JOINED THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE AS A TREASURY ACCOUNTANT IN 1967. HE WAS PROMOTED TO DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES IN 1979 AND TO DIRECTOR IN 1983.

ON HIS RETIREMENT, MR O’KELLY WILL HAVE COMPLETED 26 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT.

MR CHIU, AGED 59, JOINED THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AS A TEMPORARY CLERK IN 1952.

HE WAS TRANSFERRED TO THE EXECUTIVE OFFICER GRADE IN 1957 AND SUBSEQUENTLY TO THE TREASURY ACCOUNTANT GRADE IN 1972.

/HE WAS

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1993

- 12 -

HE WAS PROMOTED TO ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES IN

1979 AND TO DEPUTY DIRECTOR IN 1984.

MR CHIU RETIRED IN 1986 ON ATTAINING MAXIMUM PENSION STATUS AND HAS SINCE BEEN RE-EMPLOYED ON AGREEMENT TERMS OF SERVICE.

HE HAS ACTED AS DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES ON PREVIOUS OCCASIONS.

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

ETV SPECIAL ON VALUE OF LIFE *****

A TELEVISION PROGRAMME PRODUCED FOR VIEWING IN THE CLASSROOM TO DISCOURAGE SUICIDE WILL BE BROADCAST PUBLICLY TO ENLIST THE HELP AND CO-OPERATION OF PARENTS.

THE EDUCATION TELEVISION (ETV) SPECIAL, "VALUE OF LIFE", WILL BE SHOWN ON JADE CHANNEL OF TELEVISION BROADCASTS LTD AT 7 PM ON THURSDAY (JANUARY 21).

"PARENTS SHOULD WATCH THIS ETV SPECIAL TOGETHER WITH THEIR CHILDREN SO THAT THEY CAN LATER DISCUSS THE HOME, SCHOOL AND PEER PROBLEMS HIGHLIGHTED IN THE 30-MINUTE PRODUCTION," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

THE SPECIAL WAS JOINTLY PRODUCED BY THE DEPARTMENT AND RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AND WAS BROADCAST TO PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS SINCE DECEMBER 11.

APART FROM VARIOUS SCENARIOS DEPICTING HOME, SCHOOL AND PEER SITUATIONS, THE PROGRAMME ALSO CONTAINS MESSAGES FROM POPULAR PERSONALITIES, INCLUDING TENNIS ACE MICHAEL CHANG, ON THEIR EXPERIENCES IN OVERCOMING SETBACKS IN THE COURSE OF THEIR LIFE.

THE PROGRAMME WOULD ALSO HELP VIEWERS, PARTICULARLY YOUTHS, TO KNOW HOW TO VALUE LIFE AND TO INCREASE COMMUNICATION WITH TEACHERS, PARENTS AND THEIR PEER GROUPS.

"IT IS ALSO HOPED THAT THROUGH WATCHING THE PROGRAMME, PARENTS WOULD UNDERSTAND THE NEED TO COMMUNICATE MORE WITH THEIR CHILDREN," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

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

/13........

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1993

ORDERS, EMPLOYMENT AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS FIGURES FOR NOVEMBER RELEASED * * * * *

THE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND FOR THE 200 LARGEST MANUFACTURERS INCREASED BY 2% IN NOVEMBER 1992 OVER THE SAME MONTH IN 1991, ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS OF A MONTHLY SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

ORDERS POSITION IN THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS AND THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES IMPROVED FAIRLY SIGNIFICANTLY. SLIGHT INCREASE WAS ALSO RECORDED IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY.

ON THE OTHER HAND, ORDERS DECREASED SIGNIFICANTLY IN THE TEXTILES INDUSTRY AND SLIGHTLY IN THE WEARING APPAREL INDUSTRY.

COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING MONTH, ORDERS FOR THE MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED INCREASED BY 1%. ORDERS IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS AND THE TEXTILES INDUSTRIES INCREASED MODERATELY.

SOME INCREASES WERE ALSO RECORDED IN THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS AND THE WEARING APPAREL INDUSTRIES. THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY 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.

ON EMPLOYMENT, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED BY THE 200 LARGEST MANUFACTURERS DECREASED BY 12% IN NOVEMBER 1992 WHEN COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH LAST IN 1991. THIS DECLINE IS IN LINE WITH THE RECENT TREND OF RELOCATING PRODUCTION PROCESSES TO SOUTH CHINA.

COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING MONTH, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED BY THE SURVEYED MANUFACTURERS DECREASED BY 1%.

IN NOVEMBER 1992, PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN THE MANUFACTURING COMPANIES SURVEYED INCREASED BY 16% IN MONEY TERMS WHEN COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH IN 1991, BUT DECREASED BY 2% WHEN COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING MONTH.

THE LARGE YEAR-ON-YEAR INCREASE WAS PARTLY DUE TO THE ISSUE OF SEVERANCE PAYMENTS BY SOME COMPANIES AS THEY RELOCATED THEIR PRODUCTION PROCESSES ACROSS THE BORDER.

IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE COMPANIES SURVEYED DECREASED MODERATELY IN NOVEMBER 1992 WHEN COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH IN 1991, BUT REMAINED STABLE WHEN COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING MONTH.

PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN THESE COMPANIES INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY OVER THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR BUT DECREASED MILDLY OVER THE PRECEDING MONTH.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT FIGURES FOR THIS INDUSTRY COVER COMPANY EMPLOYEES ONLY; SITE WORKERS EMPLOYED BY LABOUR-ONLY SUB-CONTRACTORS ARE NOT INCLUDED.

/IN THE ........

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1993

IN THE SERVICES SECTOR, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE COMPANIES SURVEYED INCREASED SLIGHTLY IN NOVEMBER 1992 OVER THE SAME MONTH IN 1991, AND REMAINED ABOUT THE SAME WHEN COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING MONTH.

PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN THESE COMPANIES SURVEYED INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY OVER THE SAME MONTH IN 1991 BUT DECREASED SLIGHTLY WHEN COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING MONTH.

THE PERCENTAGE CHANGES IN ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS ARE SHOWN IN TABLES 1 TO 3.

THE SURVEY COVERED A PANEL OF THE 200 LARGEST MANUFACTURERS AND THE 50 LARGEST COMPANIES IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND SERVICE SECTORS, CHOSEN BY REFERENCE TO THEIR EMPLOYMENT SIZES IN SEPTEMBER 1986.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT POINTED OUT 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 NOVEMBER 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, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, AT $4.50 A COPY.

ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE MADE TO THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL 805 6441.

/TABLE 1 .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1993

- 15 -

TABLE 1 : ORDERS-ON-HAND IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES

ORDERS-ON-HAND

INDUSTRY

ALL MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED

WEARING APPAREL

TEXTILES

PLASTIC PRODUCTS

FABRICATED METAL

PRODUCTS

ELECTRICAL AND

ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS

OTHERS

AS AT THE END OF NOVEMBER 1992 CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH

OCT. 92 NOV. 91

(MONTHS) (%) (%)

4.47 + 1 + 2

— — — — — —

4.69 + 1 -1

2.17 + 6 -10

2.62 + 7 + 2

4.66 + 2 + 10

5.78 ♦ + 7

3.95 * -1

* CHANGES WITHIN +/- 0.5%

/TABLE 2 .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1993

- 16 -

TABLE 2 : EMPLOYMENT

PERSONS ENGAGED

AS AT THE END OF NOVEMBER 1992

INDUSTRY/SERVICES CHANGE WHEN OCT. COMPARED WITH

92 NOV. 91

(%) (%)

ALL MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED -1 -12

— — — — —

FOOD AND DRINKS + 1 + 3

WEARING APPAREL -2 -17

TEXTILES -2 -21

PLASTIC PRODUCTS -3 -11

FABRICATED METAL t -10

PRODUCTS ELECTRICAL AND -1 -16

ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS OTHERS ♦ ♦

CONSTRUCTION # -5

— — — —

SERVICES * + 2

— — — —

BANKS + 1 -1

HOTELS t -1

PUBLIC UTILITIES * + 3

OTHERS + 1 + 4

♦ CHANGES WITHIN + /- 0.5%

# PERSONS ENGAGED COVER COMPANY EMPLOYEES ONLY; SITE WORKERS EMPLOYED BY LABOUR-ONLY SUB-CONTRACTORS ARE NOT INCLUDED.

/TABLE 3 .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1993

- 17 -

TABLE 3 : PER CAPITA EARNINGS

NOTE : DUE TO THE POSSIBLE INCLUSION OF IRREGULAR PAYMENTS (E.G. BACKPAY OR SPECIAL BONUS), "PER CAPITA EARNINGS" FOR A GIVEN MONTH MAY BE SUBJECT TO RATHER VOLATILE FLUCTUATIONS FROM TIME TO TIME. THEREFORE, IT IS PARTICULARLY ADVISABLE, IN STUDYING PER CAPITA EARNINGS STATISTICS, NOT TO TAKE A GIVEN MONTH’S DATA IN ISOLATION, BUT TO MAKE REFERENCE TO DATA OVER A LONGER PERIOD.

PER CAPITA EARNINGS

INDUSTRY/SERVICES AVERAGE AS IN NOVEMBER 1992 CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH

OCT. 92 NOV. 91

(HK$) (%) (%)

ALL MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED 7,976 -2 + 16

— — — — — — —

FOOD AND DRINKS 8,350 -2 + 14

WEARING APPAREL 6,053 * + 11

TEXTILES 7,005 -5 + 15

PLASTIC PRODUCTS 7,971 -4 + 13

FABRICATED METAL 7,64 3 -1 + 9

PRODUCTS

ELECTRICAL AND 8,357 -3 + 20

ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS

OTHERS 9,914 -2 + 15

CONSTRUCTION # 10,840 -3 + 13

— — —

SERVICES 12,548 -1 + 11

— — —

BANKS 1t,658 -1 + 12

HOTELS 8,003 ♦ + 12

PUBLIC UTILITIES 12,688 -2 + 7

OTHERS 14,083 ♦ + 13

* CHANGES WITHIN + /- 0.5%

# PER CAPITA EARNINGS COVER COMPANY EMPLOYEES ONLY; SITE WORKERS EMPLOYED BY LABOUR-ONLY SUB-CONTRACTORS ARE NOT INCLUDED.

NOTE TO TABLES 1 - 3 :

UNLIKE "ORDERS-ON-HAND" AND "PER CAPITA EARNINGS", WHICH ARE AVERAGE FIGURES 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------------

/18 .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1993

- 18 -

MEXICO TO REVIEW ANTI-DUMPING RESOLUTION ON DENIM *****

THE MEXICAN GOVERNMENT HAS INITIATED A REVIEW ON THE FINAL RESOLUTION MADE IN SEPTEMBER 1991 TO IMPOSE ANTI-DUMPING DUTIES ON IMPORTS FROM HONG KONG OF DENIM OF 85 PERCENT COTTON OR MORE.

THE REVIEW PERIOD COVERS JANUARY 1, 1992 TO JUNE 30, 1992.

A TRADE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN CALLED ON COMPANIES WHO MAY HAVE A LEGITIMATE INTEREST IN THE OUTCOME OF THE REVIEW TO MAKE REPRESENTATIONS TO THE MEXICAN AUTHORITIES.

"AS THE MEXICAN MINISTRY OF COMMERCE HAS NOT ANNOUNCED IN THE OFFICIAL GAZETTE NOTICE THE DEADLINE FOR MAKING THE SUBMISSIONS, THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT HAS SOUGHT CLARIFICATIONS WITH THEM AND WILL INFORM TRADERS OF THE DEADLINE ONCE SUCH INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE.

"TRADERS ARE, HOWEVER, ADVISED THAT IT IS IN THEIR INTERESTS TO FORWARD THEIR SUBMISSIONS TO THE MEXICAN AUTHORITIES AS SOON AS POSSIBLE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

AT PRESENT, IMPORTS FROM HONG KONG OF DENIM OF 85 PERCENT COTTON OR MORE INTO MEXICO ARE SUBJECT TO AN ANTI-DUMPING DUTY OF US$1 A KILOGRAMME UNLESS SUCH IMPORTS ARE SUPPLIED BY COMPANIES SPECIFICALLY EXEMPTED BY THE MEXICAN AUTHORITIES.

ACCORDING TO HONG KONG TRADE STATISTICS, HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF DENIM TO MEXICO AMOUNTED TO HK$59.6 MILLION IN 1991 AND HK$77.1 MILLION IN THE FIRST 10 MONTHS OF 1992.

ON THE OTHER HAND, THE TRADE DEPARTMENT HAS RECEIVED INFORMATION THAT THE MEXICAN AUTHORITIES HAVE ANNOUNCED THE PROVISIONAL RESOLUTION ON ANTI-DUMPING INVESTIGATION ON ELECTRIC CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHT SERIES ORIGINATING FROM CHINA.

WITH EFFECT FROM DECEMBER 9, 1992, THE FOLLOWING ANTI-DUMPING DUTY HAS BEEN IMPOSED:

* US$1.97 PER UNIT FOR 20 LIGHTS SET WITH ACCESSORIES;

» US$7.05 PER UNIT FOR 140 LIGHTS SET WITH ACCESSORIES;

* US$9.44 PER UNIT FOR 200 LIGHTS SET WITH ACCESSORIES; AND

* US$6.15 PER UNIT FOR ALL OTHER TYPES OF SETS.

ACCORDING TO HONG KONG TRADE STATISTICS, HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS TO MEXICO OF CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING SETS ORIGINATING FROM CHINA AMOUNTED TO HK$5.1 MILLION IN 1991 AND HK$9.2 MILLION IN THE FIRST 11 MONTHS IN 1992.

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

/19 .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1993

REVIEW ARTICLE ON MANUFACTURING SECTOR

*****

THE NOVEMBER ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS" CONTAINS A SPECIAL REVIEW ARTICLE ON SALIENT FEATURES OF EMPLOYMENT AND VACANCIES STATISTICS WITHIN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR DURING THE PERIOD 1980-1992.

THE ARTICLE, ENTITLED "EMPLOYMENT AND VACANCIES OF MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES IN HONG KONG, 1980-1992", ALSO ANALYSED THE EMPLOYMENT AND VACANCIES OF THE SECTOR BY DISTRICT AND SIZE OF ESTABLISHMENT.

THE BOOK, AT $48 A COPY, IS ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG AND AT THE PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.

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

LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAY CLINIC SERVICES

*****

THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TODAY (TUESDAY) ANNOUNCED SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS OF GENERAL OUT-PATIENT SERVICES FOR THE COMING LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS.

THERE WILL BE NO CLINIC SERVICE BETWEEN JANUARY 22 AND 24. HOWEVER, EIGHT OUT-PATIENT CLINICS WILL BE OPENED BETWEEN 9 AM AND 1 PM ON JANUARY 25 (MONDAY).

THEY ARE THE VIOLET PEEL HEALTH CENTRE AND SHAU KEI WAN JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC ON HONG KONG ISLAND; THE KWUN TONG JOCKEY CLUB HEALTH CENTRE, THE ROBERT BLACK HEALTH CENTRE AND YAU MA TEI JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC TN KOWLOON; AND THE LADY TRENCH POLYCLINIC, SHEK WU HUI JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC AND YUEN LONG JOCKEY CLUB HEALTH CENTRE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

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

DO VISITS TSING YI

*****

THE DISTRICT OFFICER OF KWAI TSING, MRS AGNES ALLCOCK, THIS (TUESDAY) MORNING VISITED THE GREENFIELD GARDEN ON TSING YI TO FAMILIARISE HERSELF WITH THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT THERE.

LOCATED NEAR THE HONG KONG CEMENT PLANT, THE RESIDENTS OF THE PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE NUISANCE GENERATED BY THE PLANT.

NOTING THE RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS, MRS ALLCOCK SAID THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO RELOCATE THE PLANT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

"IN THE MEANTIME, THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT IS CLOSELY MONITORING THE SITUATION," SHE ADDED.

MRS ALLCOCK WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS OF TSING YI EAST CONSTITUENCY, MR CHAN SIU-MAN.

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

/20........

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1993

20 -

ANTI-POLLUTION PROSECUTION CASES FOR DECEMBER

*****

THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) RELEASED A LIST OF COMPANIES THAT HAVE BEEN FOUND GUILTY IN THE COURTS DURING DECEMBER OF BREACHING ANTI-POLLUTION LEGISLATION CURRENTLY ENFORCED BY THE DEPARTMENT.

SIMILAR ANNOUNCEMENTS WILL BE MADE MONTHLY.

AS THE LEGAL PROCEEDINGS COULD BE VERY TIME CONSUMING, THERE WAS SOMETIMES A LENGTHY TIME GAP BETWEEN THE DATE OF THE OFFENCE AND THE CONVICTION DATE.

FOLLOWING IS THE LIST OF PROSECUTION CASES AND THE ASSOCIATED FINES IMPOSED BY THE COURTS DURING DECEMBER LAST YEAR:

NAME (COMPANY/ PERSON) ADDRESS DATE OF OFFENCE NATURE OF OFFENCE FINES!$ ) RECORD OF OFFENCE COURT

1.SANCTOWN LTD CHEONG LOK ST, YAU MA TEI 15.7.91- 28.8.91 APCO : UNAUTHORISED INSTALLATION OR ALTERATION OF FURNACES 2,000 2ND EASTERN

2.EMPIRE LEADER ENTERPRISES LTD QUEEN’S RD EAST, WAN CHAI 1.1.92- 31.1.92 APCO : 1 , 500 1ST »»

3.GOOD TASTE KITCHEN LTD MORRISON HILL RD, WAN CHAI 11.2.92- 7.4.92 APCO : 1,500 1ST

4.SOUTH PACIFIC HOTEL MANAGEMENT LTD 9.3.92- 22.5.92 APCO : 5,000 1ST it

5.MANCROWN LTD CANTON RD, YAU MA TEI 27.3.92- 12.5.92 APCO : 3,000 1ST tt

6.HIP HING CONSTRUCTION CO LTD SHARP ST EAST, CAUSEWAY BAY 12.4.92 NCO : CARRY OUT CONSTRUCTION WORK NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS IN A PERMIT 15,000 1ST it

/7.CHOI HOI- .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1993

7.CHOI HOI-CHUN HUNG WAN ST & PANG CHING ST, TO KWA WAN 23.4.92 NCO : 5,000 FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IN A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE 1ST SAN PO KONG

8.INTERNATIONAL DYEING & BLEACHING FTY LTD PUN SHAN ST, TSUEN WAN 30.4.92- 13.7.92 APCO : 3,000 UNAUTHORISED INSTALLATION OR ALTERATION OF FURNACES 1ST TSUEN WAN

9.LAU CHEONG KEE MARINE ENGINEERING LTD (LICENSEE) NATHAN RD, MONG KOK 13.5.92 DASO : 2,500 DUMPING OF ABOUT 1500 CUBIC METRES OF DREDGED MARINE MUD AT SEA SOUTHSOUTHWEST OF SHEK KWU CHAU NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE LICENCE CONDITION 3RD EASTERN

10.FOK MOON KAM(TUG BOAT MASTER) CANTON RD 13.5.92 DASO : " 2,000 1ST II

11.WONG LEE KWAN (BARGE SAILOR) KWAI CHUNG RD, KWAI CHUNG 13.5.92 DASO : 1,000 DUMPING OF ABOUT 750 CUBIC METRES OF DREDGED MARINE MUD AT SEA SOUTHSOUTHWEST OF SHEK KWU CHAU NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE LICENCE CONDITION 1ST II

12.THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB SPORTS RD, 27.5.92 HAPPY VALLEY APCO : 2,500 UNAUTHORISED INSTALLATION OR ALTERATION OF FURNACES 1ST EASTERN

13.KUMAGAI GUMI (HONG KONG) LTD WAN HOT ST, HUNG HOM 31.5.92 NCO : 20,000 CARRY OUT CONSTRUCTION WORK NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS IN A PERMIT 1ST SOUTH KOWLOON

/I4.LEIGHTON- .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1993

- 22 -

14.LEIGHTON- WAN HOI 31.5.92 NCO : ” 25,000 2ND

BRUCKNER FOUNDATION ENGINEERING LTD ST, HUNG HOM

15.WONG SHI-LAN If 31.5.92 NCO : 5,000 PERMIT CONSTRUCTION WORK NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS IN A PERMIT 1ST n

16.GAMMON CONSTRUCTION LTD QUEEN’S RD EAST, WAN CHAI 2.6.92 WPCO : 10,000 DISCHARGE WASTE MATTER INTO TOLO HARBOUR AND CHANNEL WATER CONTROL ZONE 1ST SHATIN

17. • V 18.6.92 WPCO : " 10,000 2ND •I

18.KAI WO DYEING FTY LAI YIP ST, KWUN TONG 22.6.92 APCO : 3,500 EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 3RD KWUN TONG

19.QUICK VIC CO LTD FU YAN ST, KWUN TONG 23.6.92 NCO : 8,000 1ST FAILURE TO (PLUS A COMPLY WITH DAILY FINE THE REQUIRE- 80 DAYS @ MENT IN A $100=$8,000) NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE SAN PO KONG

20.SOONING CO LTD CHUEN LUNG ST, TSUEN WAN 25.6.92 NCO : " 8,000 2ND TSUEN WAN

21.HOP LIK METAL PROCESSING COMPANY ON LOK TSUEN, FANLING 2.7.92 WPCO : 10,000 DISCHARGED POLLUTING MATTER IN DEEP BAY WATER CONTROL ZONE 1ST FANLING

22.WONG MENG-WAH JORDAN RD, YAU MA TEI 3.7.92 NCO : 25,000 FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IN A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE 1ST SOUTH KOWLOON

/23.SUPER- .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1993

23.SUPERSTYLE TEXTILE PRINTING ETY LTD KWAI TING RD, KWAI CHUNG 9.7.92 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE-EMISSION 4,000 1ST TSUEN WAN

24.TIN FUNG LAUNDRY PING CHE, FANLING 9.7.92 WPCO : DISCHARGED POLLUTING MATTER IN DEEP BAY WATER CONTROL ZONE 15,000 2ND FANLING

25.GOOD VIEW NEW VILLAGE (STP) FANLI NG 10.7.92 wpco : DISCHARGED POLLUTING MATTER IN DEEP BAY WATER CONTROL ZONE 5,000 1ST FANLING

26.CHI SHING BLEACHING & DYEING FTY LTD CHEUNG TAT RD, TSI NG YI 14.7.92 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 4,500 1ST TSUEN WAN

27.YUEN YUEN DAIRY FARM PING CHE, FANLING 15.7.92 WPCO : DISCHARGED POLLUTING MATTER IN DEEP BAY WATER CONTROL ZONE 15,000 1ST FANLING

28.HOP FAT DAIRY PING CHE, FANLING 15.7.92 WPCO : 20,000 1ST fl

29.SHUI FUNG (PING CHE) DAIRY B it 15.7.92 WPCO : 10,000 1ST If

30.LICK SANG KNITTING & DYEING FTY WANG LUNG ST, TSUEN WAN 17.7.92 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 12,000 2ND TSUEN WAN

31 .UNION DYEING WORKS LTD KWAN TEI PAK TSUEN, FANLING 23.7.92 WPCO : DISCHARGED POLLUTING MATTER IN DEEP BAY WATER CONTROL ZONE 40,000 3RD FANLING

32.FAN AH BEAN CURD FACTORY PAT HEUNG, YUEN LONG 27.7.92 WPCO : 15,000 2ND If

/33.SHING .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1993

33.SHING SANG INTERNATIONAL PAPER FACTORS KONG HA WAI , KAM TIN r 27.7.92 WPCO : 20,000 1ST

34.TELLY WEAVING & DYEING FTY LTD KIU TAU WAI , YUEN LONG 29.7.92 WPCO : 20,000 1ST

35.KWONG WO PORK LARD SHOP WING KIN RD, KWAI CHUNG 6.8.92 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 2,500 1ST TSUEN WAN

36.FAT KEE BEAN CURD FTY KWU TUNG VILLAGE, SHEUNG SHUI 11.8.92 WPCO : 15,000 DISCHARGED POLLUTING MATTER IN DEEP BAY WATER CONTROL ZONE 2ND FANLING

37.GOLDEN MONGKOK RESTAURANT LTD NATHAN RD, MONG KOK 11.8.92 NCO : FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IN A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE 10,000 2ND NORTH KOWLOON

38.GLINTAGE LTD KANSU ST, YAU MA TEI 11.8.92 NCO : 20,000 1ST SOUTH KOWLOON

39.TEXKNIT LTD CASTLE PEAK RD, KWAI CHUNG 13.8.92 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 3,000 1ST TSUEN WAN

40.WONDERFUL HONOUR LTD CHAI WAN KOK ST, TSUEN WAN 14.8.92 APCO : 12,000 2ND

41 .CHUNG SHING FINISHING WORKS LTD TS1NG YI IND CTR, TSING YI 18.8.92 APCO : 7,000 2ND

42.SUNFOONG DYEING & BLEACHING FTY KUNG YIP ST, KWAI CHUNG 19.8.92 APCO : 10,000 2ND

43.KONG FUNG IRON & STEEL FTY LTD KWAN TEI, FANLING 20.8.92 APCO : 7,000 USING PROHIBITED FUEL IN THE 3RD FANLING

TERRITORY

/44.MEE CHUN .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1993

44.MEE CHUN PING SHAN, 20.8.92 WPCO : 5,000 1ST FANLING

CANNING COMPANY LTD 45.TAI YICK YUEN LONG HUNG SHUT 20. 8.92 DISCHARGED POLLUTING MATTER IN DEEP BAY WATER CONTROL ZONE WPCO : 5,000 1ST FANLING

FOOD COMPANY 46.CHO KAN K1U, YUEN LONG KWAN TEI 25. 8.92 DISCHARGED POLLUTING MATTER IN DEEP BAY WATER CONTROL ZONE APCO : 2,000 1ST it

CHEUNG 47.YIP LAI- NORTH VILLAGE, FANLING MATHESON 25. 8.92 FAILURE TO TAKE MEASURES TO ELIMINATE UNNECESSARY AIR POLLUTANT NCO : 8,000 2ND EASTERN

CHUEN 48.CHIN HUAY ST, CAUSEWAY BAY KWU TUNG 28. 8.92 FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IN A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE WPCO : 20,000 2ND FANLING

FOODS COMPANY (HK) LTD 49.YUEN HENG VILLAGE, SHEUNG SHUI GIN 1 .9 .92 DISCHARGED POLLUTING MATTER IN DEEP BAY WATER CONTROL ZONE APCO : 5,500 1ST TSUEN

IND LTD 50.WINNER DRINKER’S BAY, KWAI CHUNG GRANVILLE 3.9 .92 EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION APCO : ” 4,000 1ST WAN it

COMPANY (WEAVING) LTD 51.WIDEGUIDE RD, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST WING LAP 4.9 .92 APCO : ” 8,500 2ND ♦i

DYEING CO LTD 52.MAXWELL ST, KWAI CHUNG WU KWONG 22. 9.92 APCO : 2,500 1ST SAN PO

SEAFOOD RESTAURANT LTD ST, HUNG HOM FAILURE TO TAKE MEASURES TO ELIMINATE UNNECESSARY AIR POLLUTANT KONG

/53.CHUN KEE .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1993

53.CHUN KEE ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION CO LTD HARBOUR RD, WAN CHAI 7.10.92 APCO : 4,500 1ST FANLING

54.CHO KAN CHEUNG KWAN TEI NORTH VILLAGE, FANLING 13.10.92 APCO : 2,000 2ND

55.MING KAI DYEING FTY LTD TSING YI IND CTR, TSING YI 14.10.92 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 7,000 1ST TSUEN WAN

56.KAI WO DYEING FTY LAI YIP ST, KWUN TONG 21.10.92 APCO : 3,500 1ST KWUN TONG

57.KAI WO DYEING FTY tr 22. 10.92 APCO : 5,000 2ND it

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

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID DAILY FINE FOR NON-COMPLIANCE OF NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE WAS IMPOSED FOR THE FIRST TIME.

IN CASE (19), THE DEFENDANT WAS FINED A SUM OF $8,000 PLUS A DAILY FINE OF $100 PER DAY FOR 80 DAYS.

IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 13(7) OF THE NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE, THE MAXIMUM DAILY FINE FOR NON-COMPLIANCE OF NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE IS $10,000 PER DAY.

THE SPOKESMAN ALSO SAID A WOMAN WAS PROSECUTED BY THE POLICE FOR CAUSING EXCESSIVE NOISE FROM DOMESTIC PLACE. SHE WAS FINED $300 IN COURT.

/NOTE TO .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1993

- 27 -

NOTE TO EDITORS :

ENQUIRIES ON SPECIFIC CASES CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE FOLLOWING PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICERS:

APCO :

NCO :

WPCO : CASE 21,24 25,27,28,29,31,32 33,34,37,45,46,49

CASE 16,17

DASO :

MR MR DR FRANKLIN CHUNG STEVEN HO ELLEN CHAN TEL 594 6200 TEL 594 6500 TEL 650 6955

DR MICHAEL CHIU TEL 417 4101

MR PATRICK LEI TEL 755 3553

HOWEVER, ENQUIRIES ON GENERAL ISSUES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE DEPARTMENT’S MEDIA RELATIONS SECTION.

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

LAN KWAI FONG INQUIRY

OUTLINE OF WORK DONE ON TUESDAY (JANUARY 19) UP TO 4.30 PM * » * » *

1. STUDYING FURTHER STATEMENTS FROM THE POLICE (RECEIVED YESTERDAY);

2. STUDYING POST-MORTEM REPORTS (RECEIVED YESTERDAY) ON THE 21 LAN KWAI FONG VICTIMS;

3. STUDYING 20 TOXICOLOGY REPORTS (RECEIVED YESTERDAY) ON 20 OF THE VICTIMS;

4. STUDYING THE FIRE SERVICES’ FINAL REPORT ON SPECIAL SERVICES AT LAN KWAI FONG ON JANUARY 1, 1993 (RECEIVED YESTERDAY);

5. CORRESPONDENCE; AND

6. FILING.

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

/28 .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1993

- 28 -

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

TENDER DATE 19 JANUARY 1993 19 JANUARY 1993

PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS

ISSUE NUMBER Q303 H356

AMOUNT APPLIED HKD 3,260MN HKD 1,300MN

AMOUNT ALLOTTED HKD 800MN HKD 300MN

AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED 3.37 PCT 3.65 PCT

HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED 3.40 PCT 3.70 PCT

PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 38 PCT ABOUT 39 PCT

AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 3.43 PCT 3.71 PCT

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

TENDERS TO BE HELD IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 25 JANUARY 1993-

TENDER DATE 26 JANUARY 1993 26 JANUARY 1993

PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS

ISSUE NUMBER Q304 Y385

ISSUE DATE 27 JANUARY 1993 27 JANUARY 1993

MATURITY DATE 28 APRIL 1993 26 JANUARY 1994

TENOR 91 DAYS 364 DAYS

AMOUNT ON OFFER HKD 800+160MN HKD 200+60MN

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

/29 .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1993

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

$ MILLION

OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,500

REVERSAL OF LAF NIL

BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 1,500

NET TNJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL

EFFECT OF LAF TODAY +400

CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,900

LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 114.5 *-0.2* 19.1.93

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS

TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD

1 WEEK 3.04 PCT 13 MONTHS 2402 5.50 101.27 4.32

1 MONTH 3.13 PCT 16 MONTHS 2405 5.50 101.25 4.57

3 MONTHS 3.31 PCT 19 MONTHS 2408 4.375 99.32 4.88

6 MONTHS 3.61 PCT 22 MONTHS 2411 4.625 99.28 5.10

12 MONTHS 4.17 PCT

TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 17,663 MN

CLOSED 19 JANUARY 1993

- - 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1993

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

HK/CHINA TRADE TIES TO GROW AND DEVELOP ......................... 1

PROPERTY TRANSACTION FIGURES FOR DECEMBER ....................... 3

EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD BOUNDARY TO REMAIN INTACT ................ 5

CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT STATISTICS FOR 3RD QUARTER OF 1992 .......... 5

CONTRACT FOR SEWERAGE IMPROVEMENTS SIGNED ....................... 7

FIRE SAFETY IN INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS URGED ....................... 8

MEASURES TO IMPROVE SUBMISSION OF COMPANY ANNUAL RETURNS PROPOSED ....................................................... 9

1992 - A WET YEAR .............................................. 11

SPECIAL CLOSURE ARRANGEMENTS FOR PCWAS DURING LUNAR NEW YEAR 15

LAN KWAI FONG INQUIRY .......................................... 15

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ..

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1993

HK/CHINA TRADE TIES TO GROW AND DEVELOP

*****

THE TRADE DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO MAKE SPECIAL EFFORTS TO STRENGTHEN HONG KONG’S TRADE RELATIONS WITH CHINA THIS YEAR, DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR DONALD TSANG, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REVIEWING THE WORK OF THE DEPARTMENT AT A YEAR-END MEDIA SESSION, MR TSANG SAID A TOTAL OF FIVE MISSIONS WERE SENT TO CHINA LAST YEAR.

USEFUL DISCUSSIONS WERE HELD WITH THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN ECONOMIC RELATIONS AND TRADE AND THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS IN BEIJING, AS WELL AS THE PROVINCIAL AUTHORITIES IN GUANGDONG, FUJIAN AND LIAONING.

"HALF A DOZEN OFFICIAL TRADE DELEGATIONS FROM CHINA VISITED THE TRADE DEPARTMENT IN RECIPROCATION," HE SAID.

"SUBJECTS DISCUSSED WERE WIDE-RANGING, INCLUDING CHINA’S ACCESSION TO THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE, BILATERAL TRADE, ORIGIN RULES, ILLEGAL TRANSHIPMENT AND ENFORCEMENT WORK."

MR TSANG SAID HE BELIEVED THE CURRENT ROW WITH CHINA OVER CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM WAS UNLIKELY TO HURT TRADE IN THE SHORT TERM.

"AS PRODUCTIVITY IN SOUTHERN CHINA REMAINS STRONG, I EXPECT HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORT TRADE TO GROW AT OVER 20 PER CENT IN 1993 AND TOTAL TRADE BY OVER 10 PER CENT.

"HOWEVER, SHOULD THE DISPUTE REMAIN UNRESOLVED, INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG AND SOUTHERN CHINA MIGHT BE AFFECTED," HE SAID.

AS REGARDS CONTACTS WITH CHINESE TAIPEI (TAIWAN), MR TSANG SAID: "OUR COMMERCIAL RELATIONS WITH TAIPEI HAVE BEEN GROWING STEADILY UNDER THE ASIA PACIFIC ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION (APEC), AND THIS TREND IS LIKELY TO CONTINUE AS THE SCOPE OF APEC ACTIVITIES WIDENS."

CHINESE TAIPEI (TAIWAN) IS HONG KONG’S FOURTH LARGEST TRADING PARTNER. CURRENT TRADE AMOUNTS TO HK$100 BILLION A YEAR AND IS GROWING BY 10 PER CENT A YEAR.

TURNING TO THE DEPARTMENT’S ACTIVITIES IN APEC, MR TSANG REPORTED THAT A DIRECTORATE OFFICER WOULD SHORTLY BE SECONDED TO THE APEC SECRETARIAT NOW BEING ESTABLISHED IN SINGAPORE.

HE SAID HE FIRMLY BELIEVED THAT APEC WOULD COMPLEMENT WORK IN THE URUGUAY ROUND (UR) OF TRADE TALKS.

WHEN ASKED ABOUT THE OUTLOOK OF THE UR NEGOTIATIONS, MR TSANG SAID CHANCES WERE SLIM FOR ITS CONCLUSION BEFORE THE CURRENT NEGOTIATING MANDATE OF THE U.S. ADMINISTRATION EXPIRED IN MARCH THIS YEAR.

/BUT HE

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1993

BUT HE SAID HE WAS STILL OPTIMISTIC THAT THE ROUND WOULD BE

SATISFACTORILY COMPLETED ONE DAY.

"THERE IS TOO MUCH TO LOSE IF THE ROUND FAILS," HE SAID. "THE MAJOR TRADING NATIONS AND THE WORLD ECONOMY NEED THIS TRADE AGREEMENT. I AM HOPEFUL THAT GOOD SENSE WILL PREVAIL IN THE END."

HE ADDED THAT HE WAS GLAD THAT HONG KONG HAD SUCCESSFULLY PLAYED A LEADING ROLE IN SECURING AN EXTENSION OF THE MULTIFIBRE ARRANGEMENT AS A "BRIDGE" BEFORE IMPLEMENTATION OF UR TEXTILE AGREEMENT.

"THIS HAS GIVEN THE HONG KONG’S TEXTILES TRADE THE NECESSARY MULTILATERAL FRAMEWORK FOR ANOTHER YEAR," MR TSANG SAID.

IN 1992, HONG KONG CONCLUDED NEW BILATERAL TEXTILE AGREEMENTS OR EXTENDED THE CURRENT AGREEMENTS WITH THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY, NORWAY AND AUSTRIA.

ON BILATERAL TRADE WITH THE UNITED STATES, A SERIES OF ISSUES, INCLUDING SPECIAL SECTION 301 TALKS ABOUT CHINA’S INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PROTECTION RULES, SECTION 301 TALKS ABOUT CHINA’S MARKET ACCESS AND RENEWAL OF CHINA’S MOST FAVOURED NATION (MFN) STATUS, WERE RESOLVED LAST YEAR, THOUGH THE ISSUES WILL REMAIN POINTS OF DISCUSSION THIS YEAR.

"RENEWAL OF CHINA’S MFN STATUS IS THE KEY ISSUE. THE CHALLENGE BEFORE US IS TO MAKE SURE OUR MESSAGE GETS ACROSS CLEARLY AND CONVINCINGLY TO MEMBERS OF PRESIDENT CLINTON’S ADMINISTRATION WHICH ASSUMES OFFICE TODAY, AND TO THE SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES IN THE U.S. CONGRESS.

"WE HAVE STRENGTHENED OUR LOBBYING TEAM. WE MUST NOW COMMUNICATE OUR CONCERNS. WE WILL CONTINUE TO ARGUE FORCEFULLY THAT IT WOULD NOT BE IN THE INTEREST OF THE U.S. AND HONG KONG IF THE RENEWAL OF CHINA’S MFN STATUS WERE TO BE MADE CONDITIONAL.

"WE WILL WORK CLOSELY WITH THE PRIVATE SECTOR ON THIS, AND THE GOVERNOR HAS TAKEN A CLOSE PERSONAL INTEREST IN THIS MATTER," MR TSANG SAID.

CONCLUDING THE MEDIA SESSION, MR TSANG SAID HE WAS VERY PROUD OF THE FACT THAT THE TRADE DEPARTMENT WAS THE FIRST GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT TO ADOPT A PERFORMANCE PLEDGE, MAKING A FIRM COMMITMENT TO ENHANCING THE CULTURE OF SERVICE.

"IT HAS LED TO A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF DEPARTMENTAL PROCEDURES AND PLANS ARE IN AN ADVANCED STAGE TO SIMPLIFY EXISTING LICENSING PROCEDURES FOR CERTAIN TEXTILE PRODUCTS," HE SAID.

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

/2 .........

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1993

PROPERTY TRANSACTION FIGURES FOR DECEMBER

* * * * *

THE TOTAL NUMBER OF SALE AND PURCHASE AGREEMENTS OF FLATS REGISTERED IN THE LAND OFFICE IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR INCREASED BY 11.2 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS MONTH AND DECREASED BY 34.7 PER CENT COMPARED WITH DECEMBER 1991.

IN ALL, 7,970 SUCH AGREEMENTS WERE REGISTERED DURING THE MONTH. THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF THE CONSIDERATIONS INVOLVED WAS ABOUT $20.36 BILLION.

THESE FIGURES WERE INCLUDED IN THE MONTHLY STATISTICS ON PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS REGISTERED IN THE URBAN AND NEW TERRITORIES LAND REGISTRIES RELEASED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE REGISTRAR GENERAL.

THERE WERE NINE BUILDING MORTGAGES AND 11,503 OTHER MORTGAGES REGISTERED IN THE MONTH, COMPARED TO 22 AND 19,150 RESPECTIVELY IN DECEMBER 1991.

THE TOTAL AMOUNT SECURED UNDER NEW BUILDING MORTGAGES IN THE MONTH WAS ABOUT $0.13 BILLION COMPARED WITH ABOUT $0.51 BILLION IN DECEMBER 1991.

THE TOTAL AMOUNT SECURED UNDER NEW MORTGAGES IN THE MONTH OTHER THAN BUILDING MORTGAGES DROPPED BY 20.8 PER CENT FROM ABOUT $9.29 BILLION IN DECEMBER 1991 TO ABOUT $7.36 BILLION IN DECEMBER 1992.

THE TOTAL AMOUNT ACTUALLY DRAWN DOWN ON BUILDING AND OTHER MORTGAGES AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME MAY BE SIGNIFICANTLY LESS THAN THE TOTAL AMOUNT SECURED.

REPAYMENTS UNDER MORTGAGES OF ALL KINDS, AS EVIDENCED BY DISCHARGES AND MORTGAGEE’S RECEIPTS, DECREASED BY 2.4 PER CENT FROM ABOUT $3.06 BILLION IN DECEMBER 1991 TO ABOUT $2.99 BILLION IN DECEMBER 1992.

/REGISTRAR GENERAL .......

REGISTRAR GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT

Consolidated Monthly Statistics in respect of deeds received for registration in the Urban and New Territories District Land Registries

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1993

Month : December 1992

Item Nature of Deeds Number of Deeds received for Registration Consideration ($)

Urban New Territories Total Urban New Territories Total

1. Assignments of undivided shares ( 5,915 6.203 ) ( 4,435 4,493 ) ( 10,350 10,696 ) 14,145.656.315.23 5,444.780.717.07 19.590,437,032.30

2. Assignments of whole lot. section or sub-section 42 830 872 3,904,496,918.48 1.009.247,751.60 4,913,744,670.08

Sub-total (1) + (2) 5.957 5,265 11.222 18.050.153.233.71 6.454.028.468.67 24.504.181.702.38

3. Building Mortgages/Building Legal Charges 4 5 9 96.600,000.00 36.285.000.00 132.885,000.00

4. Mortgages/Legal Charges (other than item 3) — 6,036 5,467 11,503 5,624,123,700.97 1,735.009.994.92 7,359,133,695.89

Sub-total (3) * (4) 6,040 5,472 11,512 5,720.723.700.97 1.771.294.994.92 7,492,018.695.89

5. 1 Agreements for Sale and Purchase of Undivided Shares ( 4.496 4.761 ) ( 3.474 3,519 ) ( 7.970 8,280 ) 15.747.897.557.40 4.611.356.228.30 20.359.253.785.70

I 6. Agreements for Sale and Purchase of Whole Lot, Section or Sub-section 30 368 398 3.734.006.350.00 1.168.874.218.20 4.902.880.568.20 i

Sub-total (5) + (6) 4,526 3,842 8,368 19.481,903,907.40 5.780.230,446.50 25.262,134.353.90 1

7. Receipts/Discharge/Releases 4,618 2,614 7,232 2,350.489.216.68 634.550.443.95 2.985.039,660.63

8. Leases/Tenancy Agreements 372 208 580

9. Exclusion Orders 1 0 1

10. Others 3,756 2,561 6,317

Total 25,270 19,962 45,232 45.603,270,058.76 14,640.104.354.04 60.243,374,412.80

Note : Figures within brackets denote number of units involved

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1993

EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD BOUNDARY TO REMAIN INTACT

*****

THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED NOT TO CHANGE THE DISTRICT BOUNDARY SEPARATING EASTERN AND WAN CHAI, EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEVE BARCLAY, SAID THIS (WEDNESDAY) EVENING.

THE CHANGE WOULD HAVE RESULTED IN CAUSEWAY BAY, BRAEMAR HILL, TIN HAU TEMPLE ROAD AND LAI TAK TSUEN AREAS BEING TRANSFERRED FROM EASTERN TO WAN CHAI.

SPEAKING AT A LUNAR NEW YEAR LIGHTING SWITCH-ON CEREMONY, MR BARCLAY SAID BOARD MEMBERS AND RESIDENTS HAD PRODUCED STRONG AND PERSUASIVE ARGUMENTS AGAINST THE IDEA DURING THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION PERIOD.

"HAVING LISTENED VERY CAREFULLY TO THESE VIEWS, THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED NOT TO PROCEED WITH THE PROPOSAL," HE SAID.

ON THE GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL REFORMS, MR BARCLAY BELIEVED THAT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WOULD AGREE TO A PACKAGE THAT WOULD BE ACCEPTABLE TO THE HONG KONG COMMUNITY, BRITAIN AND CHINA.

"I AM CONFIDENT THAT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL LISTEN TO THE PUBLIC’S VIEWS MOST CAREFULLY," HE SAID.

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

CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT STATISTICS FOR 3RD QUARTER OF 1992 *****

THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY MAIN CONTRACTORS, INCLUDING GENERAL AND SPECIAL TRADE CONTRACTORS, AMOUNTED TO $16.9 BILLION IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1992, WHICH WAS 7.7% HIGHER THAN A YEAR AGO, ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS OF THE QUARTERLY SURVEY OF CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT RELEASED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

THE INCREASE WAS LARGELY DUE TO MORE ACTIVE CONSTRUCTION WORK ON PUBLIC SITES AND A SIGNIFICANT GROWTH IN MISCELLANEOUS NON-SITE CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES.

COMPARED WITH THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1992, THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1992 INCREASED BY 3.9%.

THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED ON PRIVATE SITES TOTALLED $7.9 BILLION AND WAS 1.9% LOWER THAN IN THE SAME QUARTER OF 1991 .

THE DECREASE WAS PARTLY DUE TO THE DROP IN THE WORK DONE IN THE CATEGORY OF COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS. COMPARED WITH THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1992, THE VALUE INCREASED BY 3.6% .

/THE GROSS .......

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1993

THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED ON PUBLIC SITES WAS $4.3 BILLION IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1992, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 16.5% AND 5.3% OVER THE SAME QUARTER OF 1991 AND THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1992 RESPECTIVELY.

THE INCREASE WAS MAINLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE COMMENCEMENT OF WORK ON A NUMBER OF AIRPORT RELATED PROJECTS.

THE GROSS VALUE OF NON-SITE WORK PERFORMED BY GENERAL CONTRACTORS IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1992 WAS $3.5 BILLION, WHICH WAS 19.4% AND 3.7% HIGHER THAN IN THE SAME QUARTER OF 1991 AND THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1992 RESPECTIVELY.

THE TYPES OF WORK PERFORMED INCLUDED MINOR NEW CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION WORKS AT ERECTED BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES.

THE GROSS VALUE OF NON-SITE WORK PERFORMED BY SPECIAL TRADE CONTRACTORS, COMPRISING MAINLY ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL FITTING WORKS, TOTALLED $1.3 BILLION.

THIS WAS 17.7% AND 2.1% HIGHER THAN IN THE SAME QUARTER OF 1991 AND THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1992 RESPECTIVELY.

ANALYSED BY END-USE, RESIDENTIAL BUILDING PROJECTS (INCLUDING COMBINED RESIDENTIAL/NON-RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS) CONTINUED TO ACCOUNT FOR THE GREATEST PORTION OF THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED ON BOTH PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SITES.

THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED IN THESE PROJECTS WAS $5.1 BILLION IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1992, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 4.8% AND 9.7% WHEN COMPARED WITH THE SAME QUARTER OF 1991 AND THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1992 RESPECTIVELY.

COMMERCIAL BUILDING PROJECTS CONTINUED TO FORM THE SECOND LARGEST CATEGORY OF CONSTRUCTION SITE WORK.

THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED IN SUCH PROJECTS TOTALLED $1.6 BILLION IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1992, WHICH WAS 25.0% AND 22.0% LOWER THAN IN THE SAME QUARTER OF 1991 AND THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1992 RESPECTIVELY.

THE DECREASE WAS ACROSS THE BOARD IN THE CATEGORIES OF OFFICE BUILDINGS, HOTELS AND MULTI-PURPOSE COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS.

THE VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED IN TRANSPORT PROJECTS CONTINUED TO INCREASE IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1992, TO A LEVEL COMPARABLE TO THAT OF COMMERCIAL BUILDING PROJECTS, AT $1.6 BILLION. THIS WAS 10.9% AND 14.3% HIGHER THAN IN THE SAME QUARTER OF 1991 AND THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1992 RESPECTIVELY.

AS CONSTRUCTION WORK IN A NUMBER OF TRANSPORT PROJECTS RELATING TO THE NEW AIRPORT HAD JUST STARTED, THIS INCREASING TREND WOULD PROBABLY CONTINUE IN THE COMING QUARTERS.

OWING TO THE WIDESPREAD SUB-CONTRACTING PRACTICES IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, A CONSTRUCTION ESTABLISHMENT CAN BE A MAIN CONTRACTOR FOR ONE CONTRACT AND A SUB-CONTRACTOR FOR ANOTHER CONTRACT AT THE SAME TIME.

/THE GROSS .......

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1993

THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY MAIN CONTRACTORS, INCLUDING BOTH GENERAL AND SPECIAL TRADE CONTRACTORS, COVERS ONLY THOSE PROJECTS IN WHICH THE CONSTRUCTION ESTABLISHMENT TAKES THE ROLE OF A MAIN CONTRACTOR, BUT NOT PROJECTS IN WHICH IT TAKES ONLY THE ROLE OF A SUB-CONTRACTOR.

HOWEVER, SUB-CONTRACTORS’ CONTRIBUTION TO PROJECTS SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY THE MAIN CONTRACTORS FOR WHOM THEY WORKED.

MORE DETAILED STATISTICS ON CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT ARE GIVEN IN THE "REPORT ON THE QUARTERLY SURVEY OF CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT, 3RD QUARTER 1992".

THE REPORT IS NOW ON SALE AT $4 A COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, OR AT THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, WANCHA1 TOWER, 19TH FLOOR, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI. REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION MAY ALSO BE ARRANGED.

ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL 839 3265.

----u----

CONTRACT FOR SEWERAGE IMPROVEMENTS SIGNED ♦ * * * »

THE QUALITY OF SEAWATER IN THE STANLEY AREA WILL BE IMPROVED WHEN WORKS ON A $36.8 MILLION CONTRACT TO UPGRADE THE SEWERAGE SYSTEM IN THE AREA ARE COMPLETED IN JUNE NEXT YEAR.

THE CONTRACT FOR THE IMPROVEMENT WORKS WAS SIGNED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF DRAINAGE SERVICES (PROJECTS AND DEVELOPMENT), MR CHUNG KWOK-LEUNG, AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE AWARDED CONTRACTOR, GAMMON CONSTRUCTION LIMITED.

WORKS FOR THE CONTRACT WILL BEGIN LATER THIS MONTH AND INCLUDE THE RECLAMATION OF THE FORESHORE OF STANLEY BAY, THE LAYING OF A TRUNK SEWER CONNECTING MA HANG AND STANLEY MAIN PUMPING STATION AND OTHER ANCILLARY WORKS.

ABOUT 0.7 HECTARE OF LAND WILL BE RECLAIMED.

’’THE CONFIGURATION OF THE RECLAMATION HAS BEEN DESIGNED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FUTURE PLANNING REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANLEY AREA.

”A SLOPING SEAWALL WITH GRANITE FACING HAS HARMONISE WITH THE EXISTING SEAWALL AND BEACHFRONT SAID.

BEEN SELECTED TO

AREA,” MR CHUNG

THE CONTRACT FORMS PART OF THE STANLEY AREA SEWERAGE AND SEWAGE DISPOSAL SCHEME.

/THE SCHEME .......

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1993

THE SCHEME WILL ALSO BE COMPLETED IN JUNE NEXT YEAR.

BY THEN, MR CHUNG SAID ALL SEWAGE IN THE STANLEY, MA HANG, TAI TAM AND RED HILL AREAS WOULD RECEIVE FULL SECONDARY TREATMENT BEFORE DISPOSAL INTO DEEP SEA THROUGH A SUBMARINE OUTFALL.

STANLEY

’’THIS WILL GREATLY AREA,” HE ADDED.

IMPROVE THE

QUALITY OF SEAWATER IN THE

FIRE SAFETY

IN INDUSTRIAL

BUILDINGS URGED

******

LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR, MR CHAN TAT-KING, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) REMINDED OWNERS OF NOTIFIABLE WORKPLACES THAT THEY SHOULD MAINTAIN IN GOOD WORKING CONDITION AND FREE FROM OBSTRUCTION EVERY DOORWAY, STAIRWAY AND PASSAGEWAY WITHIN THE WORKPLACE WHICH AFFORDS A MEANS OF ESCAPE IN FIRES.

MR CHAN SAID THE OWNERS WOULD COMMIT AN OFFENCE UNDER REGULATION 5 OF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (FIRE PRECAUTIONS IN NOTIFIABLE WORKPLACES) REGULATIONS IF THEY FAILED IN THE MAINTENANCE OF FIRE ESCAPES WITHOUT REASONABLE EXCUSE.

"UPON CONVICTION, OWNERS CONTRAVENING THIS REGULATION ARE LIABLE TO A FINE OF $30,000 AND TO IMPRISONMENT FOR SIX MONTHS," HE ADDED.

MR CHAN ALSO ADVISED OWNERS OF NOTIFIABLE WORKPLACES NOT TO CARRY OUT ANY UNAUTHORISED ALTERATION OR ADDITION TO THE PREMISES OF THE WORKPLACE WHICH MIGHT CREATE A SERIOUS RISK OF THE SPREAD OF FIRE OR SMOKE, OR AN OBSTRUCTION OF FREE PASSAGEWAY TO A MEANS OF FIRE ESCAPES.

HE GAVE THE ADVICE IN THE WAKE OF THE RECENT LAN KWAI FONG TRAGEDY IN WHICH 21 PEOPLE DIED.

"TO PREVENT A DOMINO EFFECT RESULTING FROM A STAMPEDE OF WORKERS ESCAPING FROM A FIRE IN A MULTI-STOREY INDUSTRIAL BUILDING, OWNERS SHOULD TAKE ALL NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS RELATING TO GENERAL FIRE SAFETY FOR THEIR EMPLOYEES AND CARRY OUT REGULAR INSPECTIONS ON STAIRWAYS OF WORKPLACES TO ENSURE THAT THEY ARE FREE FROM OBSTRUCTION.

"GENERALLY, PEOPLE ESCAPING FROM A FIRE TEND TO USE THE WAY THEY ENTER THE WORKPLACE.

"IT IS NOT UNUSUAL TO FIND MANY ESCAPEES FROM A FIRE GOT THEMSELVES TRAPPED AND ENTANGLED UP IN A STAIRWAY BECAUSE THEY ALL HEADED FOR THE SAME ROUTE THEY WERE FAM 11.1AR WITH ONLY TO FIND THAT IT WAS NOT WIDE ENOUGH FOR EVACUATING A LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE COMING OUT AT THE SAME TIME," HE ADDED.

HE CITED A TRAGEDY OCCURRED SOME 25 YEARS AGO WHEN A FIRE BROKE OUT IN A KNITTING FACTORY ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF A TENEMENT BUILDING ON SHUN NING ROAD, SHAM SHUT PO, IN WHICH MOST OF THE OCCUPANTS WERE TRAPPED IN THE FRONT STAIRWAY DURING THEIR ESCAPE.

/"IN A .......

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1993

"IN A PANIC, THE ESCAPEES PILED OVER EACH OTHER ALONG THE STAIRWAY LIKE THE FALL OF DOMINOS, RESULTING IN 18 FATALITIES AND A NUMBER OF OCCUPANTS INJURED.

"ALL WORKERS IN THE WORKPLACE SHOULD BE REMINDED FROM TIME TO TIME TO MAKE FULL USE OF ALL AVAILABLE STAIRWAYS INSTEAD OF USING ONE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY.

"TO AROUSE GREATER AWARENESS OF FIRE SAFETY AMONG WORKERS, FIRST-AID AND FIRE-FIGHTING TEAMS SHOULD BE SET UP WITHIN THE BUILDING AND FIRE DRILLS SHOULD BE ARRANGED FROM TIME TO TIME PARTICULARLY DURING DRY SEASON.

"WHERE NECESSARY ADVICE FROM THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT SHOULD BE SOUGHT," HE ADDED.

HE SAID IF A FIRE BROKE OUT ON THE UPPER FLOOR OF AN INDUSTRIAL BUILDING, WORKERS ON THE LOWER FLOORS SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO GO DOWN THE BUILDING BY MAKING AS MUCH USE OF THE ALTERNATIVE STAIRWAYS AS POSSIBLE.

"IF THE FIRE OCCURS ON A LOW LEVEL, UPPER FLOOR OCCUPANTS SHOULD BE RETREATED TO A PLACE OF SAFETY UPWARD BY USING ALL AVAILABLE STAIRWAYS."

"THEREFORE, IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THAT OWNERS SHOULD MAKE SURE ALL FIRE ESCAPES OF WORKPLACES ARE FREE FROM OBSTRUCTION AND THAT ALL EXITS, STAIRWAYS AND ROOFTOPS, ARE MAINTAINED SERVICEABLE AT ALL TIMES," HE ADDED.

MR CHAN SAID FACTORY INSPECTORS WOULD CONTINUE TO ENFORCE THE LAW ON FIRE PRECAUTIONS IN NOTIFIABLE WORKPLACES AND ALL FIRE PRECAUTION ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE TO VARIOUS REGIONAL OFFICES OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S FACTORY INSPECTORATE. ------------------------------o-------

MEASURES TO IMPROVE SUBMISSION OF COMPANY ANNUAL RETURNS PROPOSED

******

THE GOVERNMENT IS PROPOSING CHANGES FOR THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE TO ENSURE A MORE EVEN FLOW OF ANNUAL RETURNS SUBMITTED BY PRIVATE COMPANIES TO THE REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THE AMENDMENTS ARE CONTAINED IN THE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1993 TO BE GAZETTED TOMORROW (THURSDAY).

"THE CHANGE WILL APPLY ONLY TO PRIVATE COMPANIES. THESE MAKE UP THE OVERWHELMING MAJORITY OF COMPANIES REGISTERED WITH THE COMPANIES REGISTRY," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

UNDER CURRENT REQUIREMENTS, A COMPANY MUST FILE ITS ANNUAL RETURN WITH THE REGISTRAR WITHIN 42 DAYS OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM).

/SINCE MOST .......

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1993

SINCE MOST COMPANIES HOLD THEIR AGMS AROUND THE END OF THE CALENDAR YEAR, COMPLIANCE WITH THIS REQUIREMENT USUALLY LEADS TO A SUDDEN AND HEAVY INFLUX OF ANNUAL RETURNS DURING JANUARY AND FEBRUARY.

"WE NOW PROPOSE THAT PRIVATE COMPANIES SHOULD FILE THEIR ANNUAL RETURNS WITH THE REGISTRAR WITHIN 28 DAYS AFTER THE ANNIVERSARY OF THEIR DATE OF INCORPORATION," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

"THESE ANNIVERSARIES ARE MORE EVENLY SPREAD THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. THIS CHANGE WILL RESULT IN A MORE ORDERLY SUBMISSION OF RETURNS OVER THE PERIOD AND THUS HELP TO REDUCE QUEUING TIMES AND GENERAL INCONVENIENCE TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC," HE SAID.

INTERIM ARRANGEMENTS ARE PROPOSED TO MINIMISE DISRUPTION TO COMPANIES’ FAMILIAR REPORTING CYCLES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

"UNDER THE INTERIM ARRANGEMENTS, COMPANIES WHICH HAVE THEIR ANNIVERSARY WITHIN SIX MONTHS FROM THE DUE DATE OF THEIR ANNUAL RETURN NEED ONLY FILE THEIR NEXT RETURN WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THEIR ANNIVERSARY AFTER NEXT.

"FOR THOSE COMPANIES WHICH HAVE THEIR ANNIVERSARY AFTER SIX MONTHS FROM THE DUE DATE OF THEIR ANNUAL RETURN, THEY WILL HAVE TO FILE THEIR NEXT RETURN AT THEIR NEXT ANNIVERSARY," HE ADDED.

THE OPPORTUNITY IS ALSO BEING TAKEN TO PROVIDE FOR CHANGES IN THE EXISTING LEGISLATION SO AS TO ALLOW PRIVATE CLUBS AND OTHER COMPANIES LIMITED BY GUARANTEE TO PROHIBIT THE APPOINTMENT OF NON-MEMBERS AS PROXIES.

"THESE COMPANIES WILL ALSO BE EXEMPT FROM THE EXISTING PROVISION WHICH PROHIBITS THE APPOINTMENT OF TWO OR MORE DIRECTORS UNDER ONE SINGLE RESOLUTION," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THIS CATEGORY OF COMPANIES ESSENTIALLY COMPRISES NON-TRADING ORGANISATIONS, WHOSE INTERESTS AND MODUS OPERANDI DIFFER FROM COMMERCIAL FIRMS.

"THE BILL WILL ALSO TIGHTEN UP CERTAIN PROCEDURAL ARRANGEMENTS IN REGARD TO THE SPECIAL PROCEDURES FOR VOLUNTARY WINDINGS-UP BY COMPANIES UNDER S228A OF THE ORDINANCE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

CURRENTLY THERE ARE NO RESTRICTIONS ON WHO MAY BE APPOINTED PROVISIONAL LIQUIDATOR UNDER THESE PROCEDURES.

"WE ARE PROPOSING THAT NO PERSON SHALL BE APPOINTED AS PROVISIONAL LIQUIDATOR UNLESS HE IS A SOLICITOR OR A PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANT," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

"THIS IS INTENDED AS A SAFEGUARD AGAINST ABUSE. A PROVISIONAL LIQUIDATOR’S ABILITY TO DISPOSE OF THE ASSETS OF THE COMPANY WILL ALSO BE RESTRICTED AND CERTAIN NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED," HE SAID.

/THE BILL ........

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1993

THE BILL WILL ALSO REQUIRE LISTED COMPANIES TO KEEP REGISTERS OF ALL DIRECTORSHIPS HELD BY THEIR DIRECTORS INCLUDING DIRECTORSHIPS OF COMPANIES INCORPORATED IN HONG KONG AND OVERSEAS COMPANIES REGISTERED UNDER PART XI OF THE ORDINANCE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THIS INFORMATION WILL BE USED BY THE REGISTRAR TO COMPILE AN EXPANDED INDEX OF DIRECTORS.

’’VARIOUS REGULATORY AGENCIES, SUCH AS THE COMMISSIONERS OF BANKING AND INSURANCE, THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION, THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT, 1CAC AND THE POLICE WILL BE ALLOWED ACCESS TO THIS INDEX TO ASSIST THEM TO DISCHARGE THEIR REGULATORY AND ENFORCEMENT DUTIES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

OTHER PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE INCLUDE REVISION TO CERTAIN FEE ITEMS, SUCH AS THE FEE FOR PROVIDING A COPY OF THE COMPANY REGISTER OF MEMBERS.

"THIS FEE HAS REMAINED UNCHANGED SINCE THE 1920’S. IT IS PROPOSED THAT IT BE INCREASED TO $1 PER HUNDRED WORDS FROM THE CURRENT 25 CENTS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

1992 - A WET YEAR *****

A REPORT RELEASED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY SHOWED THAT THE ANNUAL RAINFALL FOR LAST YEAR AMOUNTED TO 2,678.8 MILLIMETRES, 21 PER CENT ABOVE THE ANNUAL MEAN OF 2,214.3 MILLIMETRES.

THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS OF THE YEAR SAW AN EXTREME RAINFALL SURPLUS BUT THERE WAS A CONTRASTING RECORD-DRY SPELL FROM AUGUST TO NOVEMBER.

SEVEN CONSECUTIVE WET MONTHS FROM JANUARY TO JULY PRODUCED A RECORD-BREAKING 2,410.6 MILLIMETRES OF RAINFALL, MORE THAN THE NORMAL AMOUNT FOR THE WHOLE YEAR.

THERE WERE SEVERAL EPISODES OF HEAVY RAIN IN MARCH, APRIL AND MAY. A DISASTROUS RAINSTORM ON MAY 8 LED TO THE INTRODUCTION OF THE NEW RAINSTORM ALERT/WARNI NG SYSTEM.

THE RED AND BLACK RAINSTORM WARNINGS WERE FIRST ISSUED DURING THE HEAVY RAIN BROUGHT BY TROPICAL STORM FAYE ON JULY 18.

JULY WAS A MONTH OF FREQUENT TROPICAL CYCLONE ACTIVITY, WITH TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING SIGNALS BEING RAISED FOR THREE STORMS OVER A PERIOD OF 12 DAYS.

A FOUR-MONTH DROUGHT LASTED FROM AUGUST TO NOVEMBER WITH A RECORD LOW TOTAL RAINFALL OF 201.8 MILLIMETRES DURING THE PERIOD.

TROPICAL CYCLONES WERE CONSPICUOUSLY ABSENT IN THE VICINITY OF HONG KONG. AS A RESULT, TROPICAL CYCLONE RAINFALL IN 1992 WAS ONLY SLIGHTLY MORE THAN HALF OF NORMAL.

THE TENDENCY .......

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1993

THE TENDENCY OF THE TROPICAL CYCLONES TO TRACK NORTHWARDS EAST OF TAIWAN LED TO SOME VERY HOT CONDITIONS IN AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER.

ALTHOUGH JANUARY WAS RELATIVELY SUNNY, THE MONTHLY RAINFALL OF 40.0 MILLIMETRES WAS 70 PER CENT ABOVE THE JANUARY NORMAL OF 23.4 MILLIMETRES.

A SUBSTANTIAL PORTION OF THE MONTH’S RAIN FELL ON JANUARY 5 DURING A SPELL OF ACTIVE WINTER MONSOON.

THE DOMINANCE OF THE WINTER MONSOON WAS REFLECTED BY THE UNUSUALLY HIGH MONTHLY MEAN PRESSURE OF 1,022.2 HPA, THE SIXTH HIGHEST ON RECORD FOR JANUARY.

FEBRUARY WAS GENERALLY GLOOMY AND DAMP. THE ACTIVE WINTER MONSOON, ALTERNATING BETWEEN THE NORTHERLIES AND THE EASTERLIES, BROUGHT A PROLONGED SPELL OF CLOUDS, RAIN AND MIST FOR MOST PART OF THE MONTH.

THE MONTHLY RAINFALL OF 142.8 MILLIMETRES WAS NEARLY THREE TIMES THE FEBRUARY NORMAL OF 48.0 MILLIMETRES AND PRODUCED THE SIXTH WETTEST FEBRUARY ON RECORD.

THE TOTAL DURATION OF SUNSHINE IN FEBRUARY WAS ONLY ABOUT TWO-THIRDS OF NORMAL.

MARCH WAS STILL DAMP AND WET. CLOUDS AND MIST WERE PREVALENT AS MOISTURE CONVERGED UPON THE SOUTH CHINA COASTAL AREAS.

THE MONTHLY MEAN RELATIVE HUMIDITY WAS AS HIGH AS 90 PER CENT, MAKING IT THE MOST HUMID MARCH SINCE 1978.

THE MONTHLY RAINFALL OF 242.4 MILLIMETRES WAS OVER THREE-AND-A-HALF TIMES THE MARCH NORMAL OF 66.9 MILLIMETRES. HALF OF THE MONTH’S RAIN FELL ON MARCH 3 DURING THE APPROACH OF AN ACTIVE COLD FRONT.

IT WAS THE SECOND WETTEST MARCH DAY ON RECORD. THE TOTAL RAINFALL IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THE YEAR WAS THE SECOND HIGHEST ON RECORD.

PROLONGED HEAVY DOWNPOURS AFFECTED HONG KONG IN APRIL AND HAIL WAS REPORTED IN CAUSEWAY BAY AND POKFULAM VILLAGE ON APRIL 4.

WITH A MONTHLY RAINFALL TOTAL OF 492.2 MILLIMETRES, IT WAS THE WETTEST APRIL SINCE OBSERVATIONS BEGAN IN 1884.

RAIN WAS HEAVIEST ON APRIL 10 WITH A DAILY TOTAL OF 160.7 MILLIMETRES - THE SECOND HIGHEST FOR A SINGLE DAY IN APRIL.

AS THE WET ANOMALY PERSISTED, THE ACCUMULATED RAINFALL FINALLY EXCEEDED THE PREVIOUS RECORD BY THE END OF APRIL.

MAY WAS ANOTHER WET AND UNSETTLED MONTH. 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.

/A VERY .......

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1993

A VERY INTENSE AND DISASTROUS RAINSTORM OCCURRED ON MAY 8 OWING TO THE EFFECTS OF AN ACTIVE TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE IN THE VICINITY OF HONG KONG.

THE HOURLY RAINFALL OF 109.9 MILLIMETRES AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY BETWEEN 6 AM AND 7 AM THAT DAY WAS THE HIGHEST EVER RECORDED.

THE DAILY RAINFALL OF 324.1 MILLIMETRES ON MAY 8 MADE IT THE SECOND WETTEST MAY DAY ON RECORD.

THE DELUGE WAS, HOWEVER, A VERY LOCALISED EVENT WITH KOWLOON PENINSULA AND THE NORTHERN PART OF HONG KONG ISLAND BEARING THE BRUNT OF THE RAINSTORM. CASUALTIES WERE REPORTED LN ACCIDENTS BROUGHT ABOUT BY THE HEAVY RAIN.

MOST OF THE MUDSLIPS AND FLOODS OCCURRED ON HONG KONG ISLAND. THE WORST MUDSLIP WAS AT BAGUIO VILLA WHERE BUILDINGS HAD TO BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED, AFFECTING HUNDREDS OF RESIDENTS.

ALTOGETHER, ABOUT 200 CASES OF MUDSLIPS AND AROUND 300 CASES OF FLOODING WERE REPORTED. MANY ROADS ON STEEP SLOPES WERE TURNED INTO TORRENTS AND THE FLOOD WATER PARALYSED ROAD TRAFFIC IN THE URBAN AREAS.

JUNE WAS THE SIXTH CONSECUTIVE MONTH WITH ABOVE-NORMAL RAINFALL. THE MONTHLY TOTAL OF 532.8 MILLIMETRES WAS 42 PER CENT ABOVE THE JUNE NORMAL OF 376.0 MILLIMETRES.

THE FIRST TROPICAL CYCLONE IN THE YEAR TO AFFECT HONG KONG WAS TYPHOON CHUCK WHICH CALLED FOR THE HOISTING OF THE NO. 3 STRONG WIND SIGNAL ON JUNE 27 AND 28.

JULY WAS ALSO WETTER THAN NORMAL. THE MONTHLY RAINFALL OF 358.1 MILLIMETRES WAS 11 PER CENT ABOVE THE NORMAL OF 323.5 MILLIMETRES.

RAIN WAS MOSTLY ASSOCIATED WITH ACTIVE SOUTHWEST MONSOON EARLY IN THE MONTH AND THE SUBSEQUENT PASSAGES OF THREE TROPICAL CYCLONES.

THE NEWLY INTRODUCED RED AND BLACK RAINSTORM WARNINGS WERE ISSUED FOR THE FIRST TIME ON JULY 18 FOR THE HEAVY RAIN BROUGHT BY TROPICAL STORM FAYE.

ON JULY 22, SEVERE TROPICAL STORM GARY PROMPTED THE HOISTING OF THE NO. 8 GALE OR STORM SIGNAL.

IN SHARP CONTRAST TO THE WET ANOMALY WHICH PERSISTED FROM JANUARY TO JULY, AUGUST WAS ONE OF THE DRIEST AND HOTTEST AUGUSTS ON RECORD.

THE MONTHLY RAINFALL WAS ONLY ABOUT ONE-QUARTER OF THE NORMAL OF 391.4 MILLIMETRES, MAKING IT THE DRIEST AUGUST SINCE 1962.

ONE OF THE HOTTEST DAYS EVER EXPERIENCED IN HONG KONG WAS ON AUGUST 30 WHEN THE DAILY MEAN TEMPERATURE WAS A RECORD HIGH OF 32.0 DEGREES.

/THE MINIMUM .......

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1993

THE MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 30.0 DEGREES THAT DAY WAS THE SECOND HIGHEST FOR ALL MONTHS.

THE MONTHLY RELATIVE HUMIDITY OF 77 PER CENT AND MONTHLY RAINFALL OF 97.7 MILLIMETRES WERE BOTH THE THIRD LOWEST RECORDED IN AUGUST.

SEPTEMBER WAS HOT AND SUNNY WITH LITTLE RAIN. THE MEAN DAILY MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 26.8 DEGREES FOR THE MONTH WAS THE HIGHEST ON RECORD FOR SEPTEMBER.

IN RESPECT OF THE DAILY MEAN TEMPERATURE OF 31.1 DEGREES AND THE MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 29.5 DEGREES, SEPTEMBER 1 WAS THE HOTTEST SEPTEMBER DAY ON RECORD.

THE MONTH’S RAINFALL OF 63.1 MILLIMETRES WAS ONLY ABOUT 21 PER CENT OF THE SEPTEMBER NORMAL OF 299.7 MILLIMETRES.

IT WAS THE DRIEST SEPTEMBER SINCE 1966 AND THE FOURTH DRIEST SEPTEMBER ON RECORD.

OCTOBER WAS VERY MUCH DOMINATED BY THE NORTHEAST MONSOON. TEMPERATURES WERE GENERALLY BELOW NORMAL IN A MONTH OF MAINLY FINE AND DRY WEATHER. THE MONTHLY RAINFALL OF 30.9 MILLIMETRES WAS ONLY ABOUT 21 PER CENT OF THE OCTOBER NORMAL OF 144.8 MILLIMETRES.

THE NORTHEAST MONSOON WAS EVEN MORE ACTIVE IN NOVEMBER. THE MONTHLY MEAN PRESSURE OF 1,020.1 HECTOPASCALS WAS THE SECOND HIGHEST FOR NOVEMBER.

UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF THE CONTINENTAL ANTICYCLONE, THE WEATHER WAS CHARACTERISED BY SUNNY AND CLEAR SKIES.

THE RELATIVE HUMIDITY DROPPED TO A MINIMUM OF 19 PER CENT ON THE AFTERNOON OF NOVEMBER 10, THE LOWEST SINCE 1971 FOR NOVEMBER.

ABOUT 70 CASES OF HILL FIRE WERE REPORTED ON NOVEMBER 9 AND 10.

WITH ONLY THREE DAYS OF RAIN IN THE MONTH, THE MONTHLY RAINFALL OF 10.1 MILLIMETRES WAS ONLY ABOUT 29 PER CENT OF THE NOVEMBER NORMAL OF 35.1 MILLIMETRES.

THE WINTER MONSOON MODERATED IN DECEMBER AND IT WAS ONE OF THE WARMEST DECEMBERS ON RECORD. THE MONTHLY MEAN MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 17.4 DEGREES AND THE MONTHLY MEAN TEMPERATURE OF 19.2 DEGREES WERE RESPECTIVELY THE SECOND AND THIRD HIGHEST FOR DECEMBER.

THE DRY SPELL CAME TO AN END AND THE MONTH WAS UNUSUALLY HUMID WITH MIST OR HAZE OCCURRING ON EIGHT DAYS.

FOG WAS REPORTED INSIDE THE HARBOUR ON THE MORNING OF DECEMBER 28 AND THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME IN DECEMBER SINCE 1955.

THE MONTHLY RAINFALL OF 66.4 MILLIMETRES WAS NEARLY TWO-AND-A-HALF TIMES THE DECEMBER NORMAL OF 27.3 MILLIMETRES, WITH MOST OF THE RAIN FALLING DURING AN UNSEASONAL SPELL OF DAMP AND WET WEATHER AFTER CHRISTMAS.

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

/15 ......

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1993

SPECIAL CLOSURE ARRANGEMENTS FOR PCWAS DURING LUNAR NEW YEAR

♦ * ♦ * *

THE MARINE DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ANNOUNCED SPECIAL CLOSURE ARRANGEMENTS ON ALL PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREAS AND PUBLIC WATERFRONTS DURING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS.

THE LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAY PERIOD COVERS FOUR DAYS FROM JANUARY 22 (FRIDAY) TO JANUARY 25 (MONDAY).

THE MARINE OFFICER (CENTRAL REGION) OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT, MR LI SHAN-TAI SAID ALL PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREAS AND PUBLIC WATERFRONTS WOULD BE CLOSED AS FROM 5 PM ON FRIDAY (JANUARY 22), AND WHOLE DAY FOR SATURDAY (JANUARY 23) AND SUNDAY (JANUARY 24).

THEY WILL BE RE-OPEN FOR NORMAL OPERATION STARTING NOON ON MONDAY (JANUARY 25) WHICH IS THE THIRD DAY OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR.

’’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.

’’HOWEVER, 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.”

ON JANUARY 22 (FRIDAY) AND JANUARY 24 (SUNDAY), THE VICTORIA MARINE OFFICE AT ROOM 314 ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF HARBOUR BUILDING AT 38, PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, WILL BE OPEN FROM 9 AM TO 11 AM TO FACILITATE ENTRY AND OUTWARD CLEARANCE FOR SHIPS.

THE PORT FORMALITIES OFFICE, WHICH IS AT ROOM 318 ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF HARBOUR BUILDING WILL ALSO BE OPEN ON JANUARY 24 (SUNDAY) BETWEEN 9 AM AND 11 AM TO HANDLE APPLICATION FOR PERMITS NORMALLY ISSUED BY THE OFFICE.

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

LAN KWAI FONG INQUIRY

OUTLINE OF WORK DONE ON WEDNESDAY (JANUARY 20) UP TO 4.30 PM *****

1. CONTINUING TO STUDY THE FIRE SERVICES’ FINAL REPORT ON SPECIAL SERVICES AT LAN KWAI FONG ON JANUARY 1;

2. STARTING TO STUDY A POLICE REPORT ON THE LAN KWAI FONG INCIDENT (RECEIVED TODAY);

3. REVIEWING PRESS CUTTINGS ON THE INTERIM REPORT;

4. MORE FACT-FINDING WORK; AND

5. CORRESPONDENCE. ---------------------------------0------- /16 ...............................................................

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1993

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ♦ » t ♦ ♦

$ MILLION

OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,900

REVERSAL OF LAF -400

BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 1,500

NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL

EFFECT OF LAF TODAY +300

CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,800

LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 114.3

♦-0.2* 20.1.1993

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

EF TERMS BILLS HONG KONG COUPON GOVERNMENT BONDS

YIELD TERM ISSUE PRICE YIELD

1 WEEK 2.98 PCT 13 MONTHS 2402 5.50 101.20 4.39

1 MONTH 3.14 PCT 16 MONTHS 2405 5.50 101.12 4.67

3 MONTHS 3.28 PCT 19 MONTHS 2408 4.375 99.24 4.94

6 MONTHS 3.63 PCT 22 MONTHS 2411 4.625 99.21 5.15

12 MONTHS 4.23 PCT

TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 15,293 MN

CLOSED 20 JANUARY 1993

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 1993

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS 94/95 : COMPENDIUM OF PROPOSALS ....... 1

YAXLEY TELLS SWEDES OF INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES .............. 2

CRIMES (TORTURE) ORDINANCE TAKES EFFECT ...................... 3

AUDIT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1993 .................................. 4

ANTI-PROBE DEVICE HALTS TAMPERING WITH PARKING METERS ........ 4

WORKS TO EASE YUEN LONG FLOODING APPROVED .................... 5

AIDS INFORMATION KIT IN THE MAKING ........................... 6

SEVEN MORE HIV INFECTED CASES CONFIRMED ...................... 7

FISHERMEN HONOURED FOR BRAVERY ............................... 9

SUBMARINE CABLE AT SHAM WAN PROPOSED ......................... 10

SEA TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR FIREWORKS DISPLAY ............... 11

LAN KWAI FONG INQUIRY ........................................ 13

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ..

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 1993

ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS 94/95 * * *

: COMPENDIUM OF PROPOSALS

t *

THE GOVERNMENT HAS TODAY (THURSDAY) MADE AVAILABLE TO INTERESTED PARTIES A COMPENDIUM OF PROPOSALS THAT INCLUDES 65 WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS RECEIVED ON THE 1994/95 ELECTIONS SINCE THE GOVERNOR DESCRIBED HIS PROPOSALS IN HIS ADDRESS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 7 LAST YEAR.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID COPIES OF THE 400-PAGE COMPENDIUM WOULD BE SENT TO MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

COPIES WOULD ALSO BE SENT TO THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS, THE DISTRICT BOARDS, AND THE AUTHORS OF THE SUBMISSIONS WHICH WERE INCLUDED IN THE COMPENDIUM.

COPIES WILL ALSO BE DEPOSITED WITH DISTRICT OFFICES AND PUBLIC LIBRARIES FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION AFTER THE CHINESE NEW YEAR.

THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT IN HIS ADDRESS, THE GOVERNOR HAD EMPHASISED THAT HE WAS SETTING OUT PROPOSALS, NOT DECISIONS, AND HE HOPED THAT THEY WOULD BE THE BASIS FOR DIALOGUE AND DEBATE.

"SINCE THEN, THE GOVERNOR HAS CONSULTED THE MAIN POLITICAL GROUPS AND PARTIES. AT THE SAME TIME, THE GOVERNMENT HAS RECEIVED WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS CONTAINING VIEWS AND SUGGESTIONS ON VARIOUS ELEMENTS OF THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE 1994/95 ELECTIONS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE UNEDITED TEXTS OF THESE SUBMISSIONS ARE INCLUDED IN THE COMPENDIUM, EXCEPT FOR THOSE FOR WHICH IT HAS NOT BEEN POSSIBLE TO CONFIRM THE AUTHORS’ PERMISSION FOR THEIR SUBMISSIONS TO BE INCLUDED.

DISCUSSIONS ON THE GOVERNOR’S PROPOSALS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS AND DISTRICT BOARDS HAVE NOT BEEN INCLUDED BECAUSE THEY ARE A MATTER OF PUBLIC RECORD AND ARE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION.

ALSO EXCLUDED ARE THOSE MANY COMMENTS AND VIEWS THAT HAVE BEEN PUBLISHED IN NEWSPAPERS AND PERIODICALS, UNLESS THEY HAVE BEEN SEPARATELY SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNMENT.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE PURPOSE OF PUBLISHING THE COMPENDIUM WAS TO PROVIDE A HANDY REFERENCE FOR MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND THE PUBLIC, WHEN THEY EXAMINE THE GOVERNMENT’S DRAFT LEGISLATION FOR THE 1994/95 ELECTIONS.

IT IS EXPECTED THAT THERE WILL BE FURTHER VIEWS AFTER THE PUBLICATION OF THE COMPENDIUM. WITH THE PERMISSION OF THE AUTHORS, THESE WILL BE PRESENTED TO MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WHEN THEY ARE RECEIVED.

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

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 1993

YAXLEY TELLS SWEDES OF INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES

*****

SWEDISH BUSINESSMEN WERE TOLD OF ASIA’S DYNAMIC ECONOMIC GROWTH AND THE OPPORTUNITIES HONG KONG OFFERED TO INVESTORS WHEN THE HONG KONG COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, MR JOHN YAXLEY, ADDRESSED BUSINESSMEN, INDUSTRIALISTS AND BANKERS IN STOCKHOLM TODAY (THURSDAY).

SPEAKING AT AN ASIA-PACIFIC SEMINAR ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, MR YAXLEY SAID THERE WAS MUCH ROOM FOR FURTHERING BILATERAL TRADE BETWEEN SWEDEN AND HONG KONG.

SWEDISH-HONG KONG TRADE DURING THE FIRST 10 MONTHS OF LAST YEAR INCREASED 25% COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1991.

BETWEEN 1981 AND 1991, IMPORTS FROM SWEDEN INTO HONG KONG, MAINLY MECHANICAL GOODS, INCREASED AT AN ANNUAL AVERAGE OF 15%, WHILE APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSSORIES MADE UP 72% OF HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO SWEDEN IN 1991.

MR YAXLEY SAID HONG KONG HAD A MAJOR ROLE TO PLAY IN THE OPENING UP OF CHINA, WHOSE ECONOMY WAS GROWING DRAMATICALLY; HONG KONG IS THE WORLD’S GATEWAY TO CHINA.

"IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1992, CHINA’S INDUSTRIAL OUTPUT GREW BY 18% AND GDP BY 11%. THE COMPARABLE FIGURES FOR GUANGDONG WERE MUCH HIGHER AT 27% AND 13% RESPECTIVELY . . . THE CHINESE ECONOMY IS EXPECTED TO GROW BY 8% TO 9% ANNUALLY OVER THE NEXT DECADE,” HE ADDED.

IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS HONG KONG’S TRADE WITH CHINA INCREASED ON AVERAGE 30% A YEAR. TN THE FIRST HALF OF 1992 THAT TRADE WAS VALUED AT HK$285 BILLION.

STRATEGICALLY SITUATED WITHIN THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION WHOSE ECONOMY GREW AT 6% LAST YEAR, HONG KONG IS WELL PLACED TO BENEFIT FROM THE MOST RAPIDLY INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION THE WORLD HAS EVER SEEN, HE SAID.

"AS A RECENT OECD (ORGANISATION FOR ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT) REPORT PUTS IT, THE FOCUS OF WORLD ECONOMIC POWER WILL SHIFT INEXORABLY AWAY FROM WESTERN EUROPE AND NORTH AMERICA TOWARDS THE FAR EAST OVER THE NEXT HALF CENTURY. AT THE MOMENT THE REGION ACCOUNTS FOR ABOUT ONE QUARTER OF WORLD OUTPUT. BY 2010 IT WILL BE ONE THIRD AND ON ONE OECD PROJECTION WILL BE HALF BY 2040."

IT IS AGAINST THIS PROMISING ECONOMIC BACKGROUND OF EAST ASIA AND CHINA THAT HONG KONG LAUNCHED A MASSIVE INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECT -THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW AIRPORT, SAID MR YAXLEY.

"WE HAVE ALREADY LET CONTRACTS VALUED AT OVER $30 BILLION OR ABOUT ONE THIRD OF THE TOTAL VALUE OF THE PROJECT."

/ON HONG .......

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 1n9J

- 5 -

ON HONG KONG’S POLITICAL FUTURE, THE COMMISSIONER POINTED TO THE ECONOMIC INTERDEPENDENCE BETWEEN CHINA AND THE TERRITORY, AND THE IMPORTANCE OF THE BASIC LAW WHICH GUARANTEES HONG KONG’S CURRENT WAY OF LIFE FOR 50 YEARS AFTER 1997.

DURING HIS TWO-DAY VISIT, MR YAXLEY MET MRS BRITTA KINNEMARK LANDER AT THE SWEDISH MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS (SHE IS THE FORMER CONSUL OF THE CONSULATE GENERAL OF SWEDEN IN HONG KONG); AND ATTENDED THE SWEDEN-HONG KONG SOCIETY CHINESE NEW YEAR DINNER.

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

CRIMES (TORTURE) ORDINANCE TAKES EFFECT »»****

THE CRIMES (TORTURE) ORDINANCE, WHICH GIVES EFFECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION AGAINST TORTURE AND OTHER CRUEL, INHUMAN OR DEGRADING TREATMENT OR PUNISHMENT, IS GAZETTED AND COMES INTO FORCE TODAY (THURSDAY).

ANNOUNCING THIS, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE RELEVANT BILL RECEIVED ITS THIRD READING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON FEBRUARY 19 LAST YEAR BUT ITS ENACTMENT HAS BEEN DEFERRED PENDING THE EXTENSION OF THE CONVENTION TO HONG KONG.

"THE UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT FORMALLY NOTIFIED THE UNITED NATIONS SECRETARY-GENERAL ON DECEMBER 8 LAST YEAR THAT THE CONVENTION SHALL BE EXTENDED TO HONG KONG AND BERMUDA.

"THE CONVENTION ENTERED INTO FORCE FOR THESE TERRITORIES ON JANUARY 7, 1993," HE SAID.

"UNDER THE CRIMES (TORTURE) ORDINANCE, IF ANY PUBLIC OFFICIAL OR PERSON ACTING IN AN OFFICIAL CAPACITY INTENTIONALLY INFLICTS SEVERE PAIN OR SUFFERING ON ANOTHER, WHETHER PHYSICAL OR MENTAL, IN THE PERFORMANCE OR PURPORTED PERFORMANCE OF HIS OFFICIAL DUTIES, HE COMMITS THE OFFENCE OF TORTURE."

"OTHER PERSONS WHO COMMIT ACTS OF TORTURE AT THE INSTIGATION OF OR WITH THE CONSENT OR ACQUIESCENCE OF A PUBLIC OFFICIAL OR PERSON ACTING IN AN OFFICIAL CAPACITY WILL ALSO BE CAUGHT UNDER THE LEGISLATION," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE PROPOSED MAXIMUM PUNISHMENT FOR THE OFFENCE OF TORTURE IS LIFE IMPRISONMENT.

"TO ENSURE THAT PAIN AND SUFFERING INFLICTED BY THE USE OF REASONABLE FORCE BY LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS IN THE COURSE OF MAINTAINING LAW AND ORDER WOULD NOT BE CLASSIFIED AS TORTURE, THE ORDINANCE ALLOWS 'LAWFUL AUTHORITY, JUSTIFICATION, OR EXCUSE’ TO BE CITED AS A DEFENCE AGAINST THE CHARGE OF TORTURE UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES," HE SAID.

THE ORDINANCE ALSO PROVIDES LEGAL CHANNELS FOR THE EXTRADITION OF TORTURERS AND SUSPECTED TORTURERS.

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

......

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 1993

AUDIT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1993 *****

A TECHNICAL AMENDMENT WILL BE MADE TO THE REFERENCES TO "THE GOVERNOR AS PRESIDENT OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL” IN THE AUDIT ORDINANCE, THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID UNDER THE AUDIT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1993 WHICH WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY, THE REFERENCE TO ’’GOVERNOR AS PRESIDENT OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL" WILL BE AMENDED TO "THE PRESIDENT OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL".

SUCH REFERENCES APPEAR IN THE AUDIT ORDINANCE IN RELATION TO THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT’S EXAMINATION AND SUBMISSION OF CERTAIN FINANCIAL REPORTS.

"AS THE GOVERNOR WILL NO LONGER BE THE PRESIDENT OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, IT IS NECESSARY TO AMEND THESE REFERENCES. THE PRINCIPLES AND PHILOSOPHIES CURRENTLY REFLECTED IN THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE REMAIN UNCHANGED," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

A CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENT WOULD BE MADE TO THE EMPLOYEES RETRAINING ORDINANCE WHERE THE REFERENCE TO THE "GOVERNOR AS PRESIDENT OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL" APPEARS IN A SIMILAR CONTEXT.

THE BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON FEBRUARY 10. --------------------------------0--------

ANTI-PROBE DEVICE HALTS TAMPERING WITH PARKING METERS

*****

TAMPERING WITH PARKING METERS BY PROBING IS NOT POSSIBLE ANY MORE, THANKS TO AN ANTI-PROBE DEVICE DESIGNED BY A TRANSPORT CONTROLLER II OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.

RECALLING THE DESIGN PROCESS, MR CHAN BING-MAN, THE OFFICER-IN-CHARGE OF THE METER MAINTENANCE DEPOT OF HONG KONG PARKING SECTION, SAID THE HIGH DAMAGE RECORD OF PARKING METERS WAS THE FACTOR THAT PROMPTED HIM TO LOOK INTO THE MATTER IN GREAT DEPTH.

AFTER CHECKING THESE METERS, HE FOUND THAT THEY HAD BEEN TAMPERED WITH AS THE TIMER HAD ACTIVATED BUT NO REVENUE HAD BEEN COLLECTED.

UNDER NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES, PEOPLE CAN TURN THE TIMER BY INSERTING A COIN INTO THE METER, WHICH IS BASICALLY MADE UP OF A COIN BOX AND A WINDING RING FOR THE TIMER.

HOWEVER, SOME UNRULY ELEMENTS MAY INSERT A SAW PLATE OR OTHER POINTED OBJECTS THROUGH THE COIN SLOT TO TURN THE TIMER.

THIS WILL NOT ONLY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE METER AND INCREASE THE WORKLOAD OF THE MAINTENANCE TEAM BUT ALSO CAUSE INCONVENIENCE TO THE TRAVELLING PUBLIC.

/MR CHAR .......

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 1993

MR CHAN SAID HE THEN EXPERIMENTED WAYS AND MEANS TO PREVENT SUCH FROM HAPPENING.

AFTER TRIAL AND ERROR IN THE WORKSHOP, HE FOUND THAT BY FITTING IN AN ANTI-PROBE RING AND A SPECIALLY DESIGNED METAL SHIELD, WHICH COULD COVER THE TIMER COMPLETELY AND ALLOW NO ROOM FOR PENETRATING BY OTHER OBJECTS INCLUDING SAW PLATES AND THE LIKE, PROBING COULD BE PREVENTED.

THE DEVICE HAD BEEN PUT FORWARD FOR TESTING BY ENGINEERS IN THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND HAD PROVED TO BE EFFECTIVE IN PREVENTING TAMPERING TO THE TIMER AND THE METER.

ALL THE 13,000 ON-STREET PARKING METERS IN THE TERRITORY HAVE NOW BEEN INSTALLED WITH THE ANTI-PROBE DEVICES.

COMMENTING ON MR CHAN’S INVENTION, ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR ERNEST LEE, SAID HIS INITIATIVE AND RESOURCEFULNESS WAS WORTH COMMENDATION AND ENCOURAGEMENT.

’’THEREFORE, THE DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDED HIS DESIGN TO THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH FOR THE STAFF SUGGESTIONS SCHEME AWARD, AND WAS ACCEPTED BY THE BRANCH,” HE SAID.

MR LEE POINTED OUT THAT WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF THE ANTI-PROBE DEVICE SINCE 1991, THE EFFICIENCY OF ALL ON-STREET PARKING METERS HAD BEEN ENHANCED.

THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS RECEIVED ON PARKING METERS IN 1991 HAD DROPPED SIGNIFICANTLY TO 99,000 FROM 142,000 IN 1990.

"ANYBODY WHO INTERFERES PARKING APPARATUS IS LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $5,000 PLUS THREE MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC (PARKING) REGULATIONS," MR LEE SAID.

WORKS TO EASE YUEN LONG FLOODING APPROVED * ♦ * » *

THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS GIVEN AUTHORISATION TO CARRY OUT DRAINAGE CHANNEL WORKS WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 98 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED AT INNER DEEP BAY AND SHAN PUI RIVER.

THE WORKS ARE REQUIRED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NAVIGATION CHANNEL, FLOODWAY AND CONCRETE NULLAH UNDER THE PROJECT OF MAIN DRAINAGE CHANNELS FOR YUEN LONG AND KAM TIN TO ALLEVIATE FLOODING IN THE AREA.

WORKS WILL START IN AUGUST AND WILL BE COMPLETED IN ABOUT FOUR YEARS.

THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE OF AUTHORISATION GAZETTED TODAY (THURSDAY).

/ANY l-’-'.KGON

THUUSLAY, JANUARY 21,

ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HIS INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE WORKS MAY SEND TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS A WRITTEN CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 20 NEXT YEAR.

THE NOTICE, TOGEHTER WITH ITS RELATED PLAN, CAN BE SEEN AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD AND AT THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE* YUEN LONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, 269 CASTLE PEAK ROAD* YUEN LONG, NEW TERRITORIES.

COPIES OF THE PLAN ARE ON SALE AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE.

------O'-------

AIDS INFORMATION KIT IN THE MAKING

*****

THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY ON AIDS (CEPAIDS) WILL COMPILE A COMPREHENSIVE INFORMATION KIT ON AIDS FOR THE REFERENCE OF DECISION-MAKERS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS.

CEPAIDS MEMBER AND PUBLICITY WORKING GROUP CONVENOR, MS TSUI WAI-LING, TODAY (THURSDAY) SAID: "THE INFORMATION KIT WILL BE COMPILED WITH THE AIM TO FACILITATE LOCAL TOP POLICY AND DECISION-MAKERS TO HAVE A BETTER GRASP OF THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS OF AIDS AND ITS IMPACTS ON THE TERRITORY."

"CEPAIDS HAS IN PRINCIPLE DECIDED TO INITIATE A SERIES OF PROGRAMS TO WIN THE SUPPORT OF COMMUNITY LEADERS AND DECISION-MAKERS, BOTH IN THE PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SECTORS, IN THE FIGHT AGAINST THE CHALLENGE OF AIDS."

"THE INFORMATION KIT IS ONLY THE FIRST PART OF CEPAIDS’ PROGRAMS," SHE SAID.

MS TSUI ADDED: "WE HAVE WRITTEN TO INVITE AN INTERNATIONAL RENOWNED EXPERT ON AIDS TO HOLD A SERIES OF TALKS AND BRIEFINGS ON THE MEDICAL ASPECTS AS WELL AS SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF AIDS."

"I BELIEVE THE EXPERIENCE OTHER PEOPLE HAVE IN DEALING WITH AIDS-RELATED PROBLEMS IS OF INVALUABLE REFERENCE TO US," SHE STRESSED.

ON THE PUBLICITY STRATEGY OF CEPAIDS, MS TSUI SAID ITS PUBLICITY WORKING GROUP WOULD CONTINUE TO REACH OUT TO THE PUBLIC BY PARTICIPATING IN CARNIVALS AND EXHIBITIONS ORGANISED THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY IN A BID TO TACKLE THE COMPLACENCY ATTITUDE OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC TOWARDS THE DISEASE.

SHE SAID THE STALL SET UP AT THE LUNAR NEW YEAR FAIR AT VICTORIA PARK WAS AN ATTEMPT TO FOSTER A MORE CARING PUBLIC ATTITUDE TOWARDS AIDS-INFECTED PERSONS, ESPECIALLY DURING THE HAPPY FESTIVE SEASON.

RED PACKETS AND SPRING SCROLLS WHICH CARRIED NEW YEAR BLESSING MESSAGES WITH EMPHASIS ON HEALTH HAD BEEN PRODUCED AS SOUVENIRS FOR FAIR-GOERS.

/MS TSUI .......

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 1993

MS TSUI SAID CEPAIDS WOULD ALSO PARTICIPATE AT THE HEALTH EDUCATION CARNIVAL ORGANISED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL ON FEBRUARY 21.

"IN ORDER TO BETTER INFORM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ABOUT VARIOUS ACTIVITIES RELATED TO AIDS PREVENTION ORGANISED THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY, CEPAIDS WILL LIAISE WITH VARIOUS ORGANISATIONS AND COMPILE AND RELEASE A MASTER DIARY OF EVENTS ON A REGULAR BASIS," SHE SAID.

MS TSUI HOPED THAT THE FIRST ISSUE OF THE MASTER DIARY COULD BE RELEASED IN MAY.

ORGANISATIONS THAT PLAN TO HOLD AIDS PREVENTION RELATED ACTIVITIES THIS YEAR ARE WELCOME TO CONTACT CEPAIDS’ PUBLICITY WORKING GROUP ON 842 8842 TO SUPPLY INFORMATION FOR THE COMPILATION OF THE MASTER DIARY. — — — —

SEVEN MORE HIV INFECTED CASES CONFIRMED *****

A TOTAL OF SEVEN PERSONS, SIX MEN AND ONE WOMAN, WERE FOUND TO BE POSITIVE FOR THE HIV ANTIBODY TEST LAST MONTH (DECEMBER), BRINGING THE NUMBER OF HIV INFECTED PERSONS IN HONG KONG TO 337.

SPEAKING AT A MONTHLY MEDIA SESSION, THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH’S CONSULTANT PHYSICIAN (SPECIAL PREVENTIVE PROGRAMME), DR S S LEE, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT ONE HIV INFECTED PERSON HAD ALSO BEEN CONFIRMED AS AIDS PATIENT DURING THE MONTH.

THIS BRINGS TO 73 CONFIRMED AIDS CASES WITH 47 DEATHS. THE 26 OTHERS ARE EITHER UNDER COUNSELLING AND TREATMENT OR HAVE LEFT THE TERRITORY.

OF THE 337 HIV INFECTED, 61 WERE HAEMOPHILIACS, 236 ACQUIRED THE INFECTION SEXUALLY, SEVEN WERE INTRAVENOUS DRUG USERS, AND THREE ACQUIRED THE INFECTION THROUGH BLOOD TRANSFUSION BEFORE 1985 WHEN HIV ANTIBODY TEST WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

FOR THE REMAINING 30, THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE WAS INADEQUATE FOR CLASSIFICATION.

UNDER THE HIV SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME WHICH STARTED IN 1985, A TOTAL OF 257,433 BLOOD SPECIMENS HAVE BEEN TESTED FOR THE HIV ANTIBODY.

THE HONG KONG RED CROSS BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE HAS ALSO SCREENED ALL BLOOD DONORS FOR AIDS.

UP TO LAST MONTH, 1,185,054 UNITS OF BLOOD HAD BEEN TESTED AND 26 DONORS WERE FOUND POSITIVE.

/AIDS VIRUS .......

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 1993

AIDS Virus (HIV) Antibody Testing

Virus Unit, Department of Health

ft* W W Ufc fa Apr 85-Noy 92 Dec 92 Total

No. tested* No. No. +ve tested* No. +ve No. tested* No. *ve

Referrals from Public hospitals and clinics 32979 140* 478 2 33457 142

i’tvi? HHiH Referrals from private practitioners *)rt. MW) I ft *7 &LK 1963 71 10 2 1973 73

Attendances ^t social

hygiene clinics 210321 56 2146 2 212467 58

Haemophiliacs 638 61 8 0 646 61

IV drug users Referrals from Family 7124 1 64 0 7188 1

Planning Association Health care personnel 244 0 0 0 244 0

1392 0 66 0 1458 0

< tz.

TOTAL 254661 329 2772 6 257433 335

* This indicates the number of specimens and net persons as tests are repeated for certain individuals.

# Adjustment because of previous/double entry.

Hong Kong Red Cross Bleed transfusion Service

Aug 85-Nov 92 Dec 92 Total

No. No. No. No. No. No.

tested +ve tested +ve tested +ve

1170570 26 14484 0 1185054 26

Department of Health January 1993

- - o - -

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 1993

FISHERMEN HONOURED FOR BRAVERY

* * * * *

THREE LOCAL FISHERMEN WHO HAD RESCUED LIVES IN TWO SEPARATE SEA ACCIDENTS LATE LAST YEAR WERE HONOURED BY THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE, THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING.

TWO OF THEM, MR CHAN LIN-YAU (53) AND MR MA TAM-KWAI (55), RISKED THEIR LIVES TO RESCUE FOUR PEOPLE ON BOARD A FISHING BOAT IN DISTRESS ON NOVEMBER 27 LAST YEAR.

AT 7 AM THAT DAY, THE TWO SPOTTED A SINKING FISHING BOAT OFF PO TOI O, SAI KUNG. THEY INSTANTLY DASHED OFF FROM THE SHORE IN TWO MOTORISED SAMPANS TO HELP.

THEY MANAGED TO RESCUE FOUR PEOPLE WITHIN 10 MINUTES FROM THEIR JUNK BEFORE IT SANK.

AROUND 6.30 AM ONE DAY EARLIER, ANOTHER FISHERMAN, 49-YEAR-OLD MR LEUNG SHU-HUNG, WHEN RETURNING TO HONG KONG TO UNLOAD HIS CATCH AFTER FISHING AT THE LADRONE ISLANDS, SAW FIVE MEN ABOARD A STRANDED SAMPAN NEAR MAN MEI CHAU IN CHINESE WATERS.

HE HELPED THEM BOARD HIS SHRIMP TRAWLER.

HE ALSO PICKED UP NINE OTHER CREW MEMBERS WHO HAD EARLIER SWAM TO A NEARBY ISLAND.

AT THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION’S (FMO) ANNUAL PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY, DR LEE PRESENTED THESE FISHERMEN WITH SILVER SHIELDS AND COMMENDED THEM FOR THEIR BRAVERY ACTS.

REVIEWING THE WORK OF FMO IN 1992, DR LEE SAID IT HAD CONTINUED ITS CLOSE CO-OPERATION WITH THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT IN LOCATING NEW FISHING GROUNDS OUTSIDE HONG KONG.

SUCCESSFUL CONTACTS WERE MADE WITH THE VIETNAM AND PHILIPPINES AUTHORITIES TO GET MORE INFORMATION ON LICENSED FISHING IN THEIR WATERS.

THE FMO ALSO ORGANISED A DELEGATION TO SINGAPORE AND NORTHEAST AUSTRALIA IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR TO STUDY THESE COUNTRIES’ MODERN FISHING, PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY AND MARKETING SYSTEMS.

IN 1992, FMO SIMPLIFIED THE SALE PROCEDURES AT ITS MARKETS SO AS TO UPGRADE ITS WHOLESALING SERVICES AND ENLARGE THE SALES NETWORK, HE SAID.

DR LEE SAID THE ORGANISATION MAINTAINED ITS CO-OPERATION WITH THE POLICE TO STAMP OUT ILLEGAL FISH-WHOLESALING ACTIVITIES. 58 PROSECUTIONS WERE SUCCESSFULLY BROUGHT AGAINST THE OFFENDERS IN 1992.

HE ALSO NOTED THAT THE FMO ALSO EXTENDED $14 MILLION LOANS TO FISHERMEN LAST YEAR TO HELP THEM ENHANCE THEIR EFFICIENCY AND OTHER FACILITIES.

/RELEVANT TRAINING .......

THU”,"DAY, JANUARY '’I, 1995

RELEVANT TRAINING COURSES WERE ALSO CONDUCTED DURING THE YEAR TO UPGRADE THEIR TECHNOLOGY AND KNOWLEDGE.

THE EMO’S MARINE EISH SCHOLARSHIP FUND ALSO HELPED 48 SECONDARY AND POST-SECONDARY STUDENTS IN THE FORM OF GRANTS AND BURSARIES, AMOUNTING TO $391,000, LAST YEAR, DR LEE ADDED.

DR LEE ALSO PRESENTED CERTIFICATES TO SIX GRADUATES OF THE FIFTH SEA-FISHING ENGINEER ENDORSEMENT COURSE.

ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY, MRS LEE PRESENTED PRIZES TO 22 FISHERMEN WHO WERE DISTRICT CHAMPIONS OF FISH CATCH FROM THEIR FISHING PORTS LAST YEAR.

SIX OF THEM WERE OVERALL CHAMPIONS OF FISH CATCH BY FISHING METHODS.

- - 0 -

SUBMARINE CABLE AT SHAM WAN PROPOSED

*****

THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO GRANT A LICENCE TO THE HONG KONG ELECTRIC CO LTD TO LAY A SUBMARINE CABLE MEASURING ABOUT 550 METRES LONG AT SHAM WAN/ABERDEEN CHANNEL EOR SUPPLYING ELECTRICITY TO TWO FLOATING RESTAURANTS.

WORK IS SCHEDULED TO START AFTER AUTHORISATION IS GIVEN AND WILL TAKE ABOUT TWO MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE GAZETTED TODAY (THURSDAY).

ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HE HAS AN INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED MAY SUBMIT A WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS ON OR BEFORE

THE OBJECTION SHALL DESCRIBE THE INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT OF THE OBJECTOR AND THE MANNER IN WHICH HE ALLEGES HE WILL BE AFFECTED.

THE NOTICE, IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE, TOGETHER WITH ITS RELATED PLAN NO. MH 4702, CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE.

THE PLAN CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT:

* THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG (WHERE COPIES CAN BE BOUGHT ON ORDER);

* THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, HONG KONG SOUTH, 20TH FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI;

/* PUBLIC

tiivrsday, January 21, 1995

* THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL; AND

* THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE, SHOP 25, GROUND FLOOR, MEI FUNG COURT, ABERDEEN CENTRE, 7-11 NAM NING STREET, ABERDEEN.

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

SEA TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR FIREWORKS DISPLAY

*****

THE GOVERNMENT WILL IMPLEMENT SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN VICTORIA HARBOUR TO FACILITATE THE LUNAR NEW YEAR FIREWORKS DISPLAY ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 24).

THE SENIOR MARINE OFFICER (CENTRAL REGION) OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT, MR LO KWOK-TAI, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY): ’’ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE FIREWORKS DISPLAY THIS YEAR WOULD BE SIMILAR TO LAST YEAR’S WHICH WAS VERY SUCCESSFUL.”

’’OWNERS, MASTERS AND OPERATORS OF ALL VESSELS ARE REMINDED TO OBSERVE THE BASIC GUIDELINES AND INSTRUCTIONS, AND PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO MARINE SAFETY.”

MR LO SAID: "ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF MARINE SAFETY IS SPEED AND WE, THEREFORE, ADVISE THAT ALL VESSELS NAVIGATING IN VICTORIA HARBOUR SHOULD PROCEED AT A SAFE SPEED WHICH SHOULD NOT GENERALLY EXCEED FIVE KNOTS BETWEEN 7.45 PM AND 9 PM ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 24).”

"THE SAFETY OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC IN THE HARBOUR IS PARAMOUNT. BUT, AT THE SAME TIME, WE MUST ALLOW A SITUATION IN WHICH THEY CAN FULLY ENJOY THE FIREWORKS DISPLAY.

"WE MUST CREATE AN ACCEPTABLE BALANCE BETWEEN THE NEED FOR MARINE SAFETY, AND THE NEED FOR THE PUBLIC TO ENJOY THE EVENT," HE STRESSED.

"ALTHOUGH THE FIREWORKS DISPLAY IS MEANT FOR ALL TO ENJOY, THEY MUST AT THE SAME TIME PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO MARINE SAFETY AND NOT TO OVERLOAD THEIR BOATS.

"THE MARINE POLICE, MARINE DEPARTMENT AND FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL HAVE SPECIAL PATROLS IN THE CENTRAL HARBOUR AREA TO ASSIST MASTERS, OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF ALL VESSELS DURING THE EVENING ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 24)."

MR LO SAID THEY SHOULD COMPLY AT ALL TIMES WITH ANY ADVICE FROM THE OFFICERS OF THE PATROL LAUNCHES.

/HE ALSO .......

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21,

12 -

HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT BETWEEN 7.45 PM AND 8.45 PM ON THAT DAY, ALL SCHEDULED FERRY SERVICES USING THE CENTRAL HARBOUR WOULD BE SUSPENDED.

DETAILS OF THE SPECIAL MARINE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR JANUARY 24 HAVE ALREADY BEEN INCORPORATED IN A MARINE DEPARTMENT NOTICE WHICH HAS BEEN PUBLISHED AND SENT TO ALL PARTIES CONCERNED.

THE SPECIAL MARINE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS TO BE IMPLEMENTED ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 24) ARE SUMMARISED AS FOLLOWS:

* FROM 7.45 PM TO 8.45 PM ALL SCHEDULED FERRY SERVICES USING THE CENTRAL HARBOUR WILL BE SUSPENDED.

* A CLOSED AREA ENCOMPASSING THE FIREWORKS DISPLAY BARGES IN CENTRAL HARBOUR WILL BE ESTABLISHED BETWEEN 2 PM AND 9 PM. DURING THIS PERIOD, THE AREA WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL MARINE TRAFFIC EXCEPT MARINE POLICE, MARINE DEPARTMENT AND FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT PATROL LAUNCHES, CRAFT DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN THE FIREWORKS DISPLAY AND OTHER VESSELS APPROVED BY THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE.

* PUBLIC PIERS AND LANDING STEPS IN CENTRAL DISTRICT AND WAN CHAI ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND IN TSIM SHA TSUI IN KOWLOON WILL BE CLOSED TO NORMAL MARINE TRAFFIC STARTING FROM 6 PM TO 8.30 PM TO HELP IN LANDWARD CROWD CONTROL MEASURES.

* EXCURSION FERRIES PROVIDING FACILITIES FOR VIEWING THE FIREWORKS DISPLAY WILL BE POSITIONED IN THE AREA WELL TO THE EAST OF THE CLOSED AREA.

♦ A TEMPORARY UNLIT MOORING BUOY WILL BE LAID ABOUT HALF A NAUTICAL MILE EAST NORTHEAST OF HMS TAMAR TO FACILITATE THE MOORING OF BARGES FROM WHICH THE FIREWORKS WILL BE DISCHARGED. THE MOORING BUOY WILL BE LAID DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS TOMORROW (JANUARY 22), VESSELS NAVIGATING IN THIS AREA MUST PROCEED WITH CAUTION.

/MEANWHILE, AS .......

Thursday, January 21, 1995

- 15 -

MEANWHILE, AS A RESULT OF THE COLLISON INVOLVING A FERRY ’’MAN LOY" AND A PLEASURE CRAFT "LONG BOAT" TN VICTORIA HARBOUR ON FEBRUARY 18, 1991, A WORKING GROUP KNOWN AS THE MARINE CONTROL WORKING GROUP WAS SET UP TO LOOK INTO THE FEASIBILITY OF INTRODUCING MEASURES FOR THE CONTROL OF VESSELS DURING FUTURE FIREWORKS DISPLAYS AND ANY OTHER OCCASIONS WHEN THERE IS A CONCENTRATION OF PLEASURE VESSELS IN THE HARBOUR.

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

LAN KWAI FONG INQUIRY

OUTLINE OF WORK DONE ON THURSDAY (JANUARY 21) UP TO 4.30 PM *****

1. STUDYING FURTHER WITNESS STATEMENTS SUPPLIED BY THE POLICE;

2. STUDYING FILES ON:

* PUBLIC TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS FOR NEW YEAR’S EVE/NEW YEAR’S DAY;

* PREMISES IN LAN KWAI FONG;

3. CONTINUING TO STUDY THE POLICE’S REPORT ON THE INCIDENT ON NEW YEAR’S EVE; AND

4. MAKING PRELIMINARY ARRANGEMENTS FOR FURTHER PUBLIC HEARING.

- - 0

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 1993

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

$ MILLION

OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,800

REVERSAL OF LAF "300

BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 1,500

NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL

EFFECT OF LAF TODAY NIL

CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,500

LAF RATE 2.00 B1D/4.00 OFFER TWI 114.4 *+0.1* 21.1.1993

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS

TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD

1 WEEK 3.16 PCT 13 MONTHS 2402 5.50 101.16 4.42

1 MONTH 3.15 PCT 16 MONTHS 2405 5.50 101.15 4.63

3 MONTHS 3.29 PCT 19 MONTHS 2408 4.375 99.24 4.94

6 MONTHS 3.62 PCT 22 MONTHS 2411 4.625 99.26 5.12

12 MONTHS 4.23 PCT

TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 11,476 MN

CLOSED 21 JANUARY 1993

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 1993

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVERNOR’S LUNAR NEW YEAR MESSAGE - 1993 ........................ 1

STATEMENT BY COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MRS KATHERINE FOK ON STRIKE .......................................................... 3

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 1993

GOVERNOR’S LUNAR NEW YEAR MESSAGE - 1993

******

WE ALL KNOW THAT LIFE IN HONG KONG CAN BE HECTIC. EVERYONE KEEPS UP A FORMIDABLE PACE. THAT IS ONE OF THE REASONS WHY HONG KONG IS SO SUCCESSFUL.

BUT IT’S IMPORTANT TO BE ABLE TO TAKE A BREAK ONCE IN A WHILE. THE LUNAR NEW YEAR FESTIVAL IS A TIME WHEN WE CAN DO JUST THAT. A TIME WHEN WE CAN RELAX TOGETHER AS A COMMUNITY. A TIME FOR REINFORCING THE BONDS OF FAMILIES AND FRIENDS. THE NEW YEAR FESTIVAL IS ALSO A GOOD TIME TO TAKE STOCK. IT OFFERS THE CHANCE TO REFLECT ON THE YEAR THAT IS PAST; AND AN OPPORTUNITY TO SET FRESH GOALS FOR THE YEAR AHEAD.

A PERIOD OF CONTEMPLATION ALLOWS US TO SORT OUT WHAT REALLY MATTERS FROM THE CLUTTER OF OUR EVERYDAY LIVES. I IMAGINE THAT FOR MOST OF YOU - AS FOR ME - THE THING THAT MATTERS MOST OF ALL IS YOUR FAMILY. IT IS WITHIN OUR FAMILIES THAT WE ARE MOST AT HOME AND MOST SECURE. THE INSTITUTION OF THE FAMILY IS, AND ALWAYS WILL BE, AT THE VERY HEART OF OUR COMMUNITY. AND IT IS OUR CHILDREN THAT ARE AT THE HEART OF OUR FAMILIES. SPENDING TIME WITH OUR CHILDREN AT THE NEW YEAR FESTIVAL IS A PARTICULAR PLEASURE. AND THE TIME WE SPEND WITH THEM REINFORCES OUR DETERMINATION TO WORK FOR A BETTER WORLD FOR OUR CHILDREN AND FOR THEIR CHILDREN TO LIVE IN.

IN HONG KONG, WE HAVE PARTICULAR REASON TO BE PROUD OF OUR YOUNG PEOPLE. THEY CARRY HONG KONG’S REPUTATION AROUND THE WORLD. OUR YOUNG ATHLETES AT LAST YEAR’S OLYMPICS IN BARCELONA PERFORMED REALLY SUPERBLY; AS DID THEIR TALENTED COLLEAGUES AT THE PARALYMPICS. I SAW FOR MYSELF THE CONTRIBUTION OUR CHILDREN MADE TO THE HONG KONG FESTIVAL IN CANADA WHERE A YOUNG CHOIR, THAT TRAINED ENTHUSIASTICALLY AT SHA TIN, SANG TO DELIGHTED AUDIENCES. AND IN MY VARIOUS VISITS ABROAD I HAVE SPOKEN TO SOME OF THE STUDENTS, AS I DID IN TORONTO, WHO ACHIEVE OUTSTANDING RESULTS FOR HONG KONG AT COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES AROUND THE WORLD. OUR YOUNG PEOPLE ARE A TRIBUTE TO OUR ENTIRE COMMUNITY.

I HAVE BEEN GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG NOW FOR SIX MONTHS. IF THERE IS ONE THING THAT HAS BEEN BORNE IN ON ME MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE DURING THAT TIME, IT IS THAT SENSE OF COMMUNITY THAT IS ONE OF OUR MOST PRECIOUS AND VALUABLE ASSETS. I SEE THE EVIDENCE OF IT WHEREVER I GO - WHETHER AT LAST SATURDAY’S GALA EVENING TO RAISE MONEY FOR OUR CANCER SERVICES; OR AT THE DAY CARE CENTRE AND THE SHELTERED WORKSHOPS WHICH I VISITED IN WAN CHAI LAST WEEK, WHERE DEDICATED PROFESSIONALS WORK QUIETLY AND STEADILY TO HELP THE ELDERLY AND THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CONTINUE TO MAKE A CONTRIBUTION AS PART OF OUR COMMUNITY.

AT NEW YEAR IT IS RIGHT THAT WE SHOULD MAKE TIME TO REMEMBER THE PLIGHT OF THOSE WHOSE LIVES ARE LESS FORTUNATE THAN OUR OWN; AND TO BE THANKFUL FOR THE EFFORTS OF THOSE WHO CARE TIRELESSLY FOR THEM WHILE WE ARE ENJOYING OURSELVES. MANY OF THOSE PROFESSIONALS AND VOLUNTEERS WILL BE WORKING THROUGH THE NEW YEAR HOLIDAY.

/I SHOULD .......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 1993

- 2 -

I SHOULD ALSO LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TODAY TO PAY A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO ALL THOSE WHO WORK IN OUR PUBLIC SERVICE. HONG KONG IS EXTREMELY LUCKY. WE HAVE A FIRST-CLASS PUBLIC SERVICE DELIVERING A FIRST CLASS SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY. ALL OF THEM DO AN EXCELLENT JOB - WHETHER IT IS CARING FOR THE SICK, EDUCATING HONG KONG’S CHILDREN, OR RUNNING HONG KONG’S ADMINISTRATION. OUR POLICE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES - EVER READY - MAKE A SPECIAL CONTRIBUTION FOR WHICH WE ARE CONSTANTLY GRATEFUL.

FOR HONG KONG, IT HAS BEEN ANOTHER REMARKABLE YEAR. ANOTHER YEAR OF SUCCESSES. 5% GROWTH. THE BUSIEST CONTAINER PORT NOT JUST IN ASIA, BUT IN THE WORLD. MORE JOB VACANCIES THAN PEOPLE LOOKING FOR WORK. HIGHER THAN EXPECTED SURPLUSES, NOT HIGHER THAN EXPECTED DEFICITS.

HOW MANY OTHER PLACES CAN BOAST OF ACHIEVEMENTS LIKE THESE? NOT MANY IN EUROPE, THAT’S FOR SURE. NOR IN NORTH AMERICA, LET ALONE THE THIRD WORLD. BUT HERE IN HONG KONG WE ARE AT THE HEART OF THE BOOMING ASIA-PACIFIC REGION. AS CHINA’S ECONOMY CONTINUES TO GROW SPECTACULARLY, THE PROSPECTS FOR OUR OWN ECONOMY LOOK EVEN BRIGHTER. IT IS AS WELL TO REMEMBER, IN A WORLD BESET BY TROUBLES, JUST HOW FORTUNATE WE ARE - WHATEVER OUR CHALLENGES - HERE IN HONG KONG.

I HAVE BEEN IN OFFICE FOR JUST OVER HALF A YEAR. MY GOAL TODAY REMAINS EXACTLY THE SAME AS IT WAS ON THE DAY I TOOK OFFICE; TO WORK FOR THE BEST LONG-TERM INTERESTS OF YOU, THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG. IT’S BEEN A BUSY BEGINNING. WE ARE ENGAGED IN A HISTORIC ENTERPRISE -AN ENTERPRISE THAT IS ENTIRELY WITHOUT PRECEDENT IN RECENT HISTORY. MUCH OF THE DISCUSSION IN RECENT MONTHS HAS CENTRED ON POLITICS. I HOPE AND AM CONFIDENT THAT IN THE NEW YEAR WE SHALL BE ABLE TO WORK OUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE 1995 ELECTIONS THAT ARE CLEAN, FAIR AND THAT YOU THINK ARE ACCEPTABLE. THIS SHOULD NOT, AT THE END OF THE DAY, PROVE AN IMPOSSIBLE TASK. I SINCERELY HOPE THAT, WITH GOODWILL FROM ALL INVOLVED, WE WILL BE ABLE TO RESOLVE THESE MATTERS IN THE NEW YEAR. AND WHEN WE HAVE DONE SO, WE WILL ALL BE ABLE TO APPROACH WITH NEW VIGOUR THOSE OTHER ISSUES FOR WHICH WE IN GOVERNMENT HAVE RESPONSIBILITY AND WHICH HAVE SUCH A DECISIVE IMPACT ON THE WAY WE ALL LIVE.

THERE IS, AFTER ALL, PLENTY TO BE DONE - TO IMPROVE OUR SCHOOLS, OUR HOSPITALS, OUR WELFARE SERVICES, TO CLEAN UP THE ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH WE LIVE AND ABOUT WHICH WE CARE SO MUCH. NOT THAT WE ARE NEGLECTING THESE AREAS. UNLIKE MANY OTHER COMMUNITIES, HONG KONG HAS GENERATED THE MEANS - THROUGH YOUR HARD WORK - TO MAKE A REAL IMPACT. WE ARE BEGINNING TO DO SO ALREADY. I AM DETERMINED THAT IN THE NEW YEAR WE SHOULD MAKE FURTHER AND FASTER PROGRESS.

LET US LOOK BACK WITH SATISFACTION ON ALL WE HAVE ACHIEVED IN RECENT MONTHS; LET US RE-AFFIRM THE VALUES THAT BIND OUR COMMUNITY TOGETHER AND GIVE IT STRENGTH; AND LET US LOOK FORWARD TO THE NEW YEAR WITH CONFIDENCE AND OPTIMISM.

AS WE WELCOME IN THE YEAR OF THE ROOSTER, I JOIN WITH MY FAMILY IN WISHING YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES A VERY HAPPY AND WELL-DESERVED BREAK AND AN EXTREMELY PROSPEROUS AND SUCCESSFUL NEW YEAR.

SUN LIN FYE LOK.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 1993

STATEMENT BY COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, * * * * *

MRS KATHERINE FOK ON STRIKE

"MY DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN IN CONTACT WITH THE MANAGEMENT OF CATHAY PACIFIC THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING. THEY HAVE OFFERED TO BRING FORWARD THE NEXT ROUND OF DISCUSSIONS FROM 2 PM TO NOON TODAY.

THESE DISCUSSIONS WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE CATHAY PACIFIC ADMINISTRATION BUILDING AT THE AIRPORT.

"I AM PREPARED TO SEE THE LEADERS OF THE FLIGHT ATTENDANTS’ UNION AT 11 AM AT THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS TO LISTEN TO THEIR VIEWS. HOWEVER, THE CROWD HERE (OUTSIDE GOVERNMENT HOUSE) SHOULD FIRST DISPERSE.

"CLEARLY IT IS IN EVERYONE’S INTEREST THAT THIS DISPUTE IS SETTLED QUICKLY. MY DEPARTMENT WILL DO EVERYTHING IT CAN TO HELP THE TWO SIDES TO REACH AGREEMENT."

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

SUNDAY, JANUARY 24, 1993

CONTENTS

61 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN NOVEMBER

SIU-YING'S NEVER-ENDING STORY .............

PAGE NO.

MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 1993

intents page no.

PRESS STATEMENT ON CATHAY PACIFIC STRIKE

FIRE AND CHEMICAL SAFETY CAMPAIGNS LAUNCHED ................... 4

FIRST FLAG DAY ON WEEKDAY WILL BE HELD ............................................................... 5

FIRING PRACTICE IN FEBRUARY

SUNDAY, JANUARY 24, 1993

- 1 -

61 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN NOVEMBER

*****

THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT APPROVED 61 NEW BUILDING PLANS IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR.

OF THESE, 18 WERE FOR HONG KONG, 17 FOR KOWLOON AND 26 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THE APPROVED PLANS INCLUDED 20 FOR APARTMENT AND APARTMENT/COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS, 18 FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS AND SEVEN FOR FACTORY AND INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES.

DURING THE MONTH, THE OFFICE GAVE CONSENT FOR WORK TO START ON 45 PROJECTS, INVOLVING 215,536 SQUARE METRES OF USABLE DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA AND 161,549 SQUARE METRES OF USABLE NON-DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA.

THE TOTAL DECLARED COST OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED DURING THE MONTH WAS ABOUT $1,290 MILLION. USABLE FLOOR AREAS FOR DOMESTIC AND NON-DOMESTIC USES WERE ABOUT 56,769 SQUARE METRES AND ABOUT 40,234 SQUARE METRES RESPECTIVELY.

IN THE MONTH, THE OFFICE ISSUED 38 OCCUPATION PERMITS - 10 FOR HONG KONG ISLAND, SEVEN FOR KOWLOON AND 21 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.

IN ADDITION, 40 DEMOLITION CONSENTS AFFECTING 57 BUILDINGS WERE ISSUED.

THE OFFICE’S CONTROL AND ENFORCEMENT DIVISION RECEIVED 591 COMPLAINTS ON ILLEGAL BUILDING WORKS, CARRIED OUT 1,534 INSPECTIONS AND ISSUED 507 REMOVAL ORDERS.

THE DANGEROUS BUILDINGS SECTION INSPECTED 783 BUILDINGS AND OBTAINED NINE EMERGENCY CLOSURE ORDERS.

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SIU-YING’S NEVER-ENDING STORY ... *****

OCEANS APART ... AND YET FRIENDSHIPS ARE FORGED.

FOR SCHOOLGIRL KWOK SIU-YING, FRIENDSHIP WAS STRUCK WITH AN AUSTRALIAN COUPLE, COURTESY OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION.

SIU-YING, 17, IS A SECONDARY 5 STUDENT OF QUEEN’S COLLEGE OLD BOYS’ ASSOCIATION SCHOOL, TSING Yl.

SHE WAS AMONG THE 28,000 STUDENTS FROM 100 SCHOOLS WHO TOOK PART IN THE "SEE YOU IN HONG KONG" POSTCARD CAMPAIGN.

/DURING THIS .......

SUNDAY, JANUARY 24, 1993

- 2 -

DURING THIS GOODWILL MESSAGE CAMPAIGN THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT REQUESTED THE ENGLISH TEACHERS FROM ABOUT 100 SCHOOLS TO ENCOURAGE THEIR STUDENTS TO WRITE GOODWILL MESSAGES ON POSTCARDS WHICH WERE GIVEN TO TOURISTS VISITING THE INFORMATION AND GIFT CENTRES OF THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION.

ALTHOUGH THE GOODWILL MESSAGE CAMPAIGN HAS ENDED, FRIENDSHIP FORGED BETWEEN THE STUDENTS AND THE TOURISTS HAS CONTINUED.

IT WAS DURING THIS CAMPAIGN THAT FIVE SECONDARY SCHOOLGIRLS MET TWO AUSTRALIAN TOURISTS.

THE GIRLS, DRESSED IN THEIR BLUE AND GREY SCHOOL UNIFORMS, MET MR AND MRS PATRICK MILLER AT THE CENTRAL GIFT CENTRE.

"MY FRIENDS AND I TALKED WITH MR AND MRS MILLER FOR ABOUT 25 MINUTES BEFORE WE GAVE MR MILLER A GOODWILL CARD," MISS KWOK RECALLED.

THE POSTCARD DEPICTED HONG KONG’S WORLD FAMOUS NIGHT SKYLINE, A MAJOR ATTRACTION WHICH HAS BEEN ATTRACTING MILLIONS OF TOURISTS TO SPEND THEIR HOLIDAYS HERE.

BUT WHAT WAS MORE ATTRACTIVE WERE THE SIMPLE MESSAGE WRITTEN ON THE CARD - "STAY AN EXTRA DAY".

IT MUST HAVE IMPRESSED MR MILLER, HE IMMEDIATELY TOOK A GROUP PHOTOGRAPH OF THE GIRLS TO COMMEMORATE THE ENCOUNTER.

THE STORY DOES NOT ENI) HERE...

HAVING GONE BACK TO AUSTRALIA AND SUCCESSFULLY DEVELOPED THE PHOTOGRAPH, THE MILLERS THOUGHT OF CONTINUING THE FRIENDSHIP BY SENDING THE PHOTOGRAPH TO THE GIRL WHO GAVE HIM THE POSTCARD.

THE MILLERS DID JUST THAT, AND MORE - INCLUDED WITH THE PHOTOGRAPH WERE SOME BEAUTIFUL AUSTRALIAN STAMPS, THROUGH THE ADDRESS WRITTEN ON THE GOODWILL CARD.

BUT THE PACKAGE WAS "RETURNED TO SENDER" BY THE HONG KONG POST OFFICE BECAUSE THE ADDRESS WAS INCOMPLETE.

THIS SETBACK DID NOT DETER MR MILLER.

ON A NEW ENVELOPE, A DETERMINED MR MILLER WROTE THE FOLLOWING: MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, HONG KONG.

THE POST OFFICE WAS UNERRING IN DIRECTING THIS MISSIVE - IT ENDED IN THE IN-TRAY OF THE INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS SECTION (IPR) OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IN WU CHUNG HOUSE, WAN CHAI.

AND THE SMALL TEAM OF IPR STAFF TURNED SLEUTHS TO LOCATE THE GIRL OUT OF THE 28,000 STUDENTS WHO HAD PARTICIPATED IN THE SCHEME.

WHERE, AMONG THE THOUSANDS LIVING ON TSING Y1 ISLAND, IS KWOK SIU-YING? WHICH SCHOOL IS SHE STUDYING IN? IPR STAFFERS WERE DETERMINED TO THE ANSWERS TO THESE QUESTIONS.

/THERE WAS .......

SUNDAY, JANUARY 24, 1993

3 -

THERE WAS MENTION OE CHEUNG ON ESTATE IN THE ADDRESS GIVEN BY SIU-YING.

THIS WAS THE FIRST CLUE WHICH LED THE IPR SLEUTHS TO THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT. THE AID OF ALL THE HOUSING STAFF AT CHEUNG ON ESTATE WAS ENLISTED. BUT NONE COULD EXACTLY PINPOINT SIU-YING OR THE KWOK FAMILY. THEY, OF COURSE, COULD NOT BE FAULTED AS EACH HOUSING BLOCK CONTAINED HUNDREDS OF FAMILIES.

HELP, IN FACT, WAS MORE CLOSER TO ’’HOME”.

HOW ABOUT THE DATABANK KEPT BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT?

SIU-YING’S NAME WAS KEYED INTO THE COMPUTER, AND OUT CAME THE ANSWER - SHE IS A STUDENT OF THE QUEEN’S COLLEGE OLD BOYS’ ASSOCIATION SECONDARY SCHOOL ON TS1NG Yl.

A TELEPHONE CALL TO THE PRINCIPAL SIGNALLED THE END OF THE MISSION.

SIU-YING, OF COURSE, WAS SURPRISED, AND SHE WAS MORE SURPRISED WHEN SHE WAS TOLD THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WONG, WOULD PERSONALLY LIKE TO MEET HER AND TO THANK HER FOR MAKING THE GOODWILL MESSAGE CAMPAIGN A SUCCESS.

JUST BEFORE THE YEAR OF THE ROOSTER, SIU-YING AND HER MOTHER, MRS KWOK LEE FUK-TAI, MET MR WONG; THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR ROBERT LO; SENIOR ASSISTANT DIRECTORS, MR LUCAS CHAN AND MR WONG SIK-WAH, AND THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (SCHOOLS), MR TSUI SEE-MING.

MR WONG PRESENTED THE YOUNG GIRL WITH A LETTER OF APPRECIATION AND A SOUVENIR.

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/4.........

MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 1993

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PRESS STATEMENT ON CATHAY PACIFIC STRIKE

*****

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MRS KATHERINE FOK, WILL MAKE ANOTHER ATTEMPT THIS MORNING TO BRING THE TWO SIDES TOGETHER TO RESOLVE THE DISPUTE.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAS CONTACTED BOTH SIDES IN AN ATTEMPT TO CONVENE A FURTHER MEETING LATER TODAY.

THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS NOT PREPARED TO INTERVENE DIRECTLY IN THIS INDUSTRIAL DISPUTE. HOWEVER, THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE WILL CONTINUE ITS CONCILIATION EFFORT TO BRING ABOUT A SETTLEMENT.

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FIRE AND CHEMICAL SAFETY CAMPAIGNS LAUNCHED *****

CONTINUOUS CAMPAIGNS LAUNCHED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAVE PROVED TO BE EFFECTIVE IN MINIMISING FIRE AND CHEMICAL RISKS IN INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS.

THE DEPUTY CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR, MR KAN HON-SANG, SAID THIS TODAY (MONDAY) AFTER A TWO-MONTH FIRE AND CHEMICAL INSPECTION CAMPAIGN WHICH WAS SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED RECENTLY.

"IT IS AN EFFECTIVE MOVE, PARTICULARLY DURING THE DRY SEASON, IN REMINDING OWNERS AND EMPLOYEES OF FIRE AND CHEMICAL RISKS," MR KAN SAID.

"ACCIDENT STATISTICS CONCERNING EXPLOSION AND FIRE IN INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS SHOWED A DOWNWARD TREND AFTER THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT FIRST MOUNTED THE CAMPAIGN FIVE YEARS AGO," HE SAJI).

MR KAN POINTED OUT THAT MORE INSPECTIONS WERE CARRIED OUT DURING THE RECENT CAMPAIGN TO COVER MORE INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS AND TO SPREAD WIDER THE DEPARTMENT’S SAFETY MESSAGE.

"FACTORY INSPECTORS CONDUCTED 10,827 INSPECTIONS DURING THE FIRE SAFETY CAMPAIGN AND 10,503 INSPECTIONS IN THE CHEMICAL SAFETY CAMPAIGN," MR KAN SAID.

"COMPARED WITH SIMILAR CAMPAIGNS IN 1991, THE NUMBER OF INSPECTIONS HAS INCREASED BY ABOUT 16 PER CENT AND 24 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY," HE SAID.

DURING THE OPERATIONS, 10,000 COPIES OF RELEVANT SAFETY PUBLICATIONS WERE DISTRIBUTED TO THE FACTORY MANAGEMENT AND WORKERS.

/THE CAMPAIGNS .......

MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 1993

- 5

THE CAMPAIGNS RESULTED IN A TOTAL OF 436 SUMMONSES ISSUED AGAINST OWNERS.

"AMONG THE SUMMONSES, 287 WERE ISSUED UNDER THE FACTORY AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ( FJRF, PRECAUTION IN NOTIFIABLE WORKPLACE) REGULATION, 20 FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE PROVISIONS UNDER THE FACTORY AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES) REGULATIONS, FIVE FOR FIRE PRECAUTIONS IN A LEGAL NOTICE, AND ANOTHER 121 FOR CONTRAVENING OTHER SAFETY REGULATIONS," MR KAN SAID.

HE SAID AS PART OF THE OVERALL CAMPAIGN, A ONE-DAY SPECIAL BLITZ WAS ALSO LAUNCHED IN NOVEMBER 1992.

"DURING THE SPECIAL ACTION, FACTORY INSPECTORS VISITED 30 MAJOR RENOVATION SITES ON BOTH SIDES OF THE HARBOUR, REMINDING CONTRACTORS AND WORKERS OF THE NEED FOR ADOPTING SAFETY MEASURES CONSTANTLY TO IMPROVE SAFETY," MR KAN SAID.

A TOTAL OF 24 FIRE PRECAUTION NOTICES WERE ISSUED UNDER REGULATION 53 OF THE CONSTRUCTION SITE SAFETY REGULATION REMINDING CONTRACTORS TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS AGAINST FIRE ON THEIR SITES.

TWENTY SUMMONSES WERE ALSO TAKEN OUT AGAINST RENOVATION CONTRACTORS FOR BREACHING SAFETY REGULATIONS. THE SUMMONSES INCLUDED THREE ON OFFENCES RELATED TO THE BREACH OF A LEGAL NOTICE PROHIBITING SMOKING ON SITE AND ONE RELATED TO THE UNSAFE USE OF DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES .

MR KAN IS PLEASED TO NOTE THAT OWNERS AND EMPLOYEES HAVE RESPONDED POSITIVELY TO THE OPERATIONS.

HE ASKS THEM TO KEEP UP THEIR EFFORTS ON THE PREVENTION OF FIRE AND CHEMICAL ACCIDENTS.

"FACTORY INSPECTORS WILL CONTINUE TO ENSURE THAT, AMONG OTHER THINGS, FIRE AND CHEMICAL SAFETY IS BEING LOOKED AFTER IN WORKPLACES AT ALL TIMES," HE ADDED.

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FIRST FLAG DAY ON WEEKDAY WILL BE HELD *****

SELLING FLAGS TO RAISE WELFARE FUND WILL NO LONGER BE HELD ONLY ON SATURDAYS.

THE FIRST FLAG DAY THAT DOES NOT FALL ON A SATURDAY WILL BE HELD THIS WEDNESDAY (JANUARY 27) BY THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND SERVICES LIMITED.

A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (MONDAY) EXPLAINED THAT THIS ARRANGEMENT WAS NECESSARY 'I’O COPE WITH THE INCREASING NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS FOR ORGANISING FLAG DAYS.

/THE SPOKESMAN .......

MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 1993

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THREE OTHER ORGANISATIONS WOULD HOLD THEIR FLAG DAYS ON TUESDAY OR WEDNESDAY MORNINGS LATER THIS YEAR, AS RECOMMENDED BY THE SUBVENTIONS AND LOTTERIES FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE (SLFAC), WHICH IS THE APPROVING AUTHORITY OF FLAG DAY ALLOCATION.

THE FOUR FLAG DAYS WILL BE HELD ON A TRIAL BASIS.

BY CONVENTION, FLAG DAYS ARE ORGANISED ONLY ON SATURDAY MORNINGS.

HOWEVER, THE NUMBER OF ANNUAL APPLICATIONS FOR ORGANISING FLAG DAYS IS ON THE RISE. IN 1991, 47 APPLICATIONS WERE RECEIVED. LAST YEAR, THE NUMBER WAS 63.

A TOTAL OF 44 FLAG DAYS WERE ALLOCATED IN 1991 AND 1992.

THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT CONSIDERS THAT IT IS OPPORTUNE TO CONSIDER EXTENDING FLAG DAYS TO THE OTHER DAYS OF THE WEEK.

"IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THERE IS A NEED TO ALLOCATE MORE FLAG DAYS OR ELSE GENUINELY DESERVING APPLICATIONS WOULD HAVE TO BE REJECTED," HE SAID.

"RESTRICTING THE NUMBER OF FLAG DAYS WILL NOT ONLY DENY FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES TO WORTHY CAUSES BUT WILL ALSO MEAN THAT FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES OF SUCH DAYS CANNOT BE FULLY EXPLOITED," HE ADDED.

THE PROPOSAL FOR EXTENSION WAS ENDORSED BY SLFAC.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAN CONTACT THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT ON TEL 892 5278 OR ITS HOTLINE 343 2255 IN CASE OF DOUBTS ABOUT ANY PARTICULAR WELFARE ORGANISATION HOLDING A FLAG DAY.

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FIRING PRACTICE IN FEBRUARY *****

FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HA TSUEN - CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON 20 DAYS NEXT MONTH (FEBRUARY).

THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE HOISTED.

/FOLLOWING ARE

MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 1993

- 7 -

FOLLOWING ARE THE DATES AND TIMES FOR THE FIRING PRACTICE:

DATE TIME

FEBRUARY 1 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

FEBRUARY 2 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

FEBRUARY 3 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

FEBRUARY 4 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

FEBRUARY 5 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

FEBRUARY 8 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

FEBRUARY 9 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

FEBRUARY 10 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

FEBRUARY 11 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

FEBRUARY 12 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

FEBRUARY 15 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

FEBRUARY 16 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

FEBRUARY 17 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

FEBRUARY 18 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

FEBRUARY 19 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

FEBRUARY 22 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

FEBRUARY 23 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

FEBRUARY 24 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 11.59 PM

FEBRUARY 25 (THURSDAY) 0.01 AM - 5 PM

FEBRUARY 26 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 1993

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

CONSUMER PRICE INDICES FOR DECEMBER 1992 ..................... 1

MORE HEALTH WARNINGS ON CIGARETTE PACKETS, ADVERTISEMENTS ... 7

"NO. 2" UP FOR AUCTION ....................................... 8

DIRECTORY FOR TRADERS PUBLISHED .............................. 9

15 HK CUSTOMS OFFICERS RECEIVED INT’L AWARDS ................. 9

PART-TIME INSTRUCTORS NEEDED FOR MUSIC OFFICE ................ 10

AUCTION OF LUCKY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS .................. 11

WATER STORAGE FIGURE ......................................... 12

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS ............ 12

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ..

TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 1993

CONSUMER PRICE INDICES FOR DECEMBER 1992

*****

THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) WAS 9.4% HIGHER IN DECEMBER 1992 THAN IN DECEMBER 1991, ACCORDING TO THE FIGURES RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

THIS WAS LOWER THAN THE INCREASE OF 9.5% IN OCTOBER, THOUGH HIGHER THAN THE INCREASE OF 9.2% IN NOVEMBER.

THE CPI(B) AND THE HANG SENG CPI WERE BOTH HIGHER BY 9.7% IN DECEMBER 1992 THAN IN DECEMBER 1991. THE CORRESPONDING INCREASES IN OCTOBER WERE 10% AND 9.5%, AND IN NOVEMBER WERE 9.6% AND 9.5%.

THE COMPOSITE CPI, WHICH WAS COMPILED BASED ON THE COMBINED EXPENDITURE PATTERN OF HOUSEHOLDS COVERED BY THE THREE CPIS, SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 9.6% IN DECEMBER 1992 OVER THE SAME MONTH IN 1991. THE CORRESPONDING INCREASE IN OCTOBER WAS 9.7% AND IN NOVEMBER WAS 9.4%.

FOR 1992 AS A WHOLE, CPI(A) AVERAGED AT 9.4%.

COMMENTING ON THE FIGURES, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID IT WAS ENCOURAGING THAT THE INFLATION RATE FOR 1992 WAS ON TARGET AND CONTAINED WITHIN SINGLE DIGIT.

’’INDEED, IT WAS SLIGHTLY BELOW OUR EARLIER FORECAST OF 9.5%. THIS WAS A SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT FROM THE FIGURE OF 12% FOR 1991," HE ADDED.

THE SLIGHTLY HIGHER YEAR-ON-YEAR RATES OF INCREASE IN THE CPIS IN DECEMBER THAN IN NOVEMBER WERE MAINLY DUE TO HIGHER PRICES OF FRESH VEGETABLES AND LIVE POULTRY AND HIGHER RENT FOR SOME PRIVATE AND PUBLIC HOUSING UNITS.

COMPARING DECEMBER 1992 WITH DECEMBER 1991, RELATIVELY SLOWER INCREASES IN PRICES WERE RECORDED FOR DURABLE GOODS (2.2% IN THE CP1(A) AND 2.1% IN THE CPI(B)); FOOD (EXCLUDING MEALS AT RESTAURANTS) (4.3% IN BOTH CPI(A) AND CPI(B)); MISCELLANEOUS GOODS (6.2% IN THE CPI(A) AND 5.8% IN THE CPI(B)); TRANSPORT (6.2% AND 6.9%); FUEL AND LIGHT (6.3% AND 6%); AND CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR (8.9% AND 8.8%).

ON THE OTHER HAND, RELATIVELY FASTER INCREASES IN PRICES WERE RECORDED FOR HOUSING (15.8% IN THE CPI(A) AND 15.7% IN THE CPI(B)); ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (14.5% AND 13.2%); SERVICES (11.9% AND 10.6%); AND MEALS AT RESTAURANTS (9.8% TN BOTH CPI(A) AND CPI(B)).

COMPARING DECEMBER 1992 WITH NOVEMBER 1992, THE CPI(A) AND CPI(B) BOTH INCREASED BY 0.6%, WHILE THE HANG SENG CPI INCREASED BY 0.1%.

THIS COMPARISON WAS, HOWEVER, AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS.

/THE INCREASES .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 1993

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THE INCREASES WERE MAINLY DUE TO HIGHER RENT FOR SOME PRIVATE AND PUBLIC HOUSING UNITS AND A RISE IN THE CHARGES FOR MEALS AT RESTAURANTS.

HOWEVER, IN THE CASE OF THE HANG SENG CPI, THE EFFECT OF THESE INCREASES WAS OFFSET TO A SIGNIFICANT EXTENT BY THE DECREASE IN THE PRICES OF OUTERCLOTHING.

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING DECEMBER 1992, THE CPI(A) WAS, ON AVERAGE, HIGHER BY 9.4% THAN IN THE SAME PERIOD IN 1991. THE CORRESPONDING FIGURE FOR THE CPI(B) WAS 9.8%.

SEASONALLY ADJUSTED SERIES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR THE INDICES. THE DESEASONALISED CPI(A) AND CPI(B) BOTH INCREASED AT AN AVERAGE RATE OF 0.6% PER MONTH DURING THE THREE MONTHS ENDING DECEMBER 1992.

THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT

MORE DETAILS ARE GIVEN IN THE ’’CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT” FOR

DECEMBER 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 THF CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.

FOR LOCAL AND OVERSEAS MAILINGS, CONTACT SHOULD BE MADE WITH THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, HONG KONG.

FOR ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE INDICES, PLEASE TELEPHONE THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 805 6403. DETAILS REGARDING THE HANG SENG CPI ARE CONTAINED IN THE HANG SENG CPI REPORT ISSUED BY THE ECONOMIC RESEARCH DEPARTMENT OF HANG SENG BANK LTD.

/Table 1 .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 1993

Table 1 Consumer Price Indices and Rates of Increase for December 1992

(Oct. 89 - Sep. 90 = 100)

Component CPI(A) CPI(B) Hang Seng CPI Composite CPI

Index for Dec 92 % change over Dec 91 Index for Dec 92 % change over Dec 91 Index for Dec 92 % change over Dec 91 Index for Dec 92 % change over Dec 91

Food 124.9 +7.2 126.7 +7.6 126.7 +7.9 125.9 +7.5

Meals bought away from home 133.0 +9.8 133.1 +9.8 130.8 +9.7 132.5 +9.8

Food, excluding meals bought away from home 116.8 +4.3 117.8 +4.3 119.6 +4.6 117.6 +4.3

Housing 141.3 +15.8 141.8 +15.7 140.5 +13.8 141.2 +15.2

Fuel and light 118.1 +6.3 117.3 +6.0 117.2 +5.4 117.7 +6.0

Alcoholic drinks and tobacco 166.6 +14.5 157.7 +13.2 153.5 +12.3 161.7 +13.7

Clothing and footwear 125.1 +8.9 126.3 +8.8 130.5 +10.7 127.4 +9.5

Durable goods 107.7 +2.2 107.4 +2.1 112.6 +5.1 109.0 +3.0

Miscellaneous goods 120.0 +6.2 117.9 +5.8 116.7 +5.0 118.3 +5.7

Transport 126.9 +6.2 127.1 +6.9 128.4 +7.2 127.4 +6.7

Services 136.6 +11.9 133.3 +10.6 127.6 +8.7 132.6 +10.4

All items 129.3 +9.4 129.8 +9.7 130.0 +9.7 129.7 +9.6

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 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 510,000-517,499 in the same period. The Hang Seng CPI is based on the expenditure pattern of the next 10% of urban households, which had an average monthly expenditure of 517,500-537,499 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, the Composite CPI shows the impact of consumer price changes on the household sector generally.

/Table 2 .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 1993

Table 2

Consumer Price Indices for October 1990 - December 1992

90 = 100)

(Oct. 89 - Sep.

Year/month CPI (A) CPI(B) Hang Seng CPI Composite CPI

1990 October 105.8 105.9 106.7 106.1

November 106.5 106.7 107.8 106.9

December 107.4 107.6 108.1 107.7

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 1 124.2 124.0

June 125.3 125.1 125.2 125.2

July 125.5 125.4 125.4 125.4

August 125.6 125.9 125.8 125.8

September 128.3 127.9 127.5 128.0

October 128.4 128.4 128.6 128.5

November 128.5 129.0 129.9 129.0

December 129.3 129.8 130.0 129.7

/Chart 1 .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 1993

- 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 .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 1993

Chart 3 Year-on-year Rates of Increase in Hang Seng CPI

Chart 4 Year-on-year Rates of Increase

in Composite CPI

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 1993

MORE HEALTH WARNINGS ON CIGARETTE PACKETS, ADVERTISEMENTS *****

THE GOVERNMENT IS TO REQUIRE CIGARETTE PACKETS AND ADVERTISEMENTS TO CARRY MORE PROMINENT AND STRONGER HEALTH WARNINGS IN A STEPPED-UP EFFORT TO DISCOURAGE SMOKING.

FOUR NEW HEALTH WARNINGS WERE PRESCRIBED IN THE SMOKING (PUBLIC HEALTH) (NOTICES) (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) ORDER 1992 PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE ON DECEMBER 31 LAST YEAR. THEY ARE:

♦ SMOKING CAN KILL;

* SMOKING CAN CAUSE CANCER;

* SMOKING HARMS YOURSELF AND OTHERS; AND

* SMOKING CAN CAUSE HEART DISEASE

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH SAID EACH OF THESE HEALTH WARNINGS MUST BE USED ON PACKETS AND CONTAINERS OF CIGARETTES AND TOBACCO WITH EQUAL FREQUENCY.

’’FOR CIGARETTE ADVERTISEMENTS IN PRINTED PUBLICATIONS, THE WARNINGS WILL BE USED IN ROTATION QUARTERLY,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

’’CIGARETTE ADVERTISEMENTS FOR DISPLAY ON SIGNS AND BILLBOARDS, WHEN FIRST PUT UP OR CHANGED BY MORE THAN 25 PER CENT, MUST BEAR THE HEALTH WARNING THEN PREVAILING IN THE PRINT MEDIA.

”TO DRIVE HOME THE MESSAGE MORE EFFECTIVELY, WE HAVE DOUBLED THE REQUIREMENT ON THE SIZE OF THE HEALTH WARNING PANEL SO THAT IT MUST TAKE UP AT LEAST 20 PER CENT OF THE SURFACE OF THE ADVERTISEMENT.”

THE HEALTH WARNING MESSAGE AND THE TAR GROUP DESIGNATION IN TURN MUST FILL UP NO LESS THAN 75 PER CENT OF THE PANEL AND MUST APPEAR IN BOLD TYPEFACE.

THE TOBACCO INDUSTRY HAS BEEN ALLOWED A 12-MONTH GRACE PERIOD TO ADJUST TO THE NEW REQU 1REMENTS.

”WE HAVE ASKED THE TOBACCO INDUSTRY TO ENSURE THAT ALL CIGARETTE PACKETS AND ADVERTISEMENTS COMPLY WITH THE NEW REQUIREMENTS BY JANUARY 1, 1994,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

HE ALSO REMINDED THE INDUSTRY THAT THE GRACE PERIOD FOR CERTAIN ANTI-SMOKING MEASURES INTRODUCED BY THE ENACTMENT OF THE SMOKING (PUBLIC HEALTH) (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1992 WILL EXPIRE AT THE END OF THIS MONTH.

FROM FEBRUARY 1 THIS YEAR, THE SALE OF ANY CIGARETTE WITH A TAR CONTENT OF MORE THAN 20 MILLIGRAMS WILL BE PROHIBITED AND THE DEFINITION OF ’’CIGARETTE ADVERTISEMENT” WILL BECOME MORE RESTRICTIVE.

/UNDER THE .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 1993

- 8 -

UNDER THE NEW DEFINITION, ADVERTISEMENT UNDER THE GUISE OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF SPONSORSHIP BY COMPANIES WHOSE LINE OF BUSINESS INCLUDES TOBACCO PRODUCTS WILL BE RESTRICTED.

"IN ADDITION, ADVERTISING THE NAME OF A COMPANY ASSOCIATED WITH THE TOBACCO INDUSTRY, AND ADVERTISING A NAME IDENTIFIED WITH THE TRADE NAME OR BRAND NAME OF A CIGARETTE OR TOBACCO, AS THE SPONSOR OR CONGRATULATOR OF AN EVENT, COULD AMOUNT TO CIGARETTE ADVERTISEMENT IF THE WORDS ’CIGARETTE’, 'CIGARETTES’, ’SMOKING’, ’TOBACCO’ OR 'TOBACCOS’ ARE MENTIONED OR IF THE TRADE NAME OR BRAND NAME IS NOT USED IN ASSOCIATION WITH A NON-TOBACCO PRODUCT," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

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

"NO. 2" UP FOR AUCTION * * t * *

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD WILL MAKE AVAILABLE FOR AUCTION THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBER ASSIGNED TO HIS OFFICE — NO. 2 -- AS A NEW YEAR GESTURE TO BOOST THE LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY.

NO. 2 WILL BE AMONG OTHER LUCKY NUMBERS TO BE SOLD AT AN AUCTION ON FEBRUARY 27 AT THEATRE ONE OF THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE. THE AUCTION WILL START AT 9.30 AM.

"I HOPE IT WILL FETCH A GOOD PRICE AND BENEFIT MORE PEOPLE," MR MACLEOD SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

"I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY MY COLLEAGUES THAT NO. 2 SOUNDS THE SAME AS ’EASY’ IN CANTONESE. THIS IS MOST AUSPICIOUS AND I AM SURE IT WILL BRING GOOD LUCK TO ITS NEW OWNER.

"THE MORE IMAGINATIVE OF THESE COLLEAGUES ALSO SAY THAT THE FIGURE 2 LOOKS LIKE A ROOSTER.

"ACCORDING TO THE CHINESE HOROSCOPE, THE ROOSTER IS SHARP, PRECISE, DECISIVE, ALERT AND ASTUTE IN HANDLING MONEY," HE SAID.

AS A FURTHER PERSONAL GESTURE, MR MACLEOD HAS DECIDED TO GIVE A SMALL PRESENT TO THE NEW OWNER OF THE LICENCE NUMBER.

THIS GIFT WILL BE A SET OF NEW PROOF COINS WHICH WILL GRADUALLY REPLACE THE OLD COINS IN CIRCULATION.

"THE SET CONTAINS SEVEN COINS -- $10, $5, $2, $1, 50 CENTS, 20 CENTS AND 10 CENTS.

"THEY ADD UP TO $18.80, ANOTHER VERY LUCKY NUMBER IN CHINESE.

"IT ALL ADDS UP TO BE A VERY LUCKY PACKAGE INDEED," HE SAID.

/SINCE 1973.........

TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 1993

- 9 -

SINCE 1973, A TOTAL OF 1B6 AUCTIONS HAVE BEEN HELD BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TO SELL ’’LUCKY" CAR NUMBERS. SINCE SEPTEMBER 1992, AUCTIONS WERE CONDUCTED ONCE EVERY TWO WEEKS.

THESE AUCTIONS HAVE RAISED ABOUT $167 MILLION FOR CHARITY.

THE REGISTRATION MARK "FS" WILL IN FUTURE BE ALLOCATED TO THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S OFFICIAI ('AR.

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

DIRECTORY FOR TRADERS PUBLISHED

*****

THE 1993 EDITION OF "HONG KONG TRADE AND INDUSTRIAL ORGANISATIONS", A DIRECTORY FOR LOCAL TRADERS AND INDUSTRIALISTS IN GOING ABOUT THEIR BUSINESS AS WELL AS A USEFUL REFERENCE GUIDE FOR THE PUBLIC, HAS BEEN PUBLISHED.

COMPILED BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT WITH ASSISTANCE FROM THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT, THIS BILINGUAL ANNUAL PUBLICATION PROVIDES BASIC INFORMATION SUCH AS THE ADDRESSES, TELEPHONE NUMBERS AND NAMES OF KEY OFFICIALS OF MORE THAN 240 TRADE AND INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATIONS IN HONG KONG.

ORGANISATIONS ARE LISTED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER AND THERE IS A CROSS REFERENCE CLASSIFYING ORGANISATIONS BY THE NATURE OF THEIR BUSINESS.

AS AN EXAMPLE, UNDER THE SECTION ”APPAREL AND ACCESSORIES", A TOTAL OF 12 RELATED ORGANISATIONS ARE INCLUDED.

FIRST INTRODUCED IN THE LATE 1970’S, THE PUBLICATION HAS PROVED POPULAR AMONG MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC'.

THOSE WISHING TO OBTAIN A FREE COPY SHOULD WRITE TO THE DATA AND SERVICES DIVISION, INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, OCEAN CENTRE, TSIM SHA TSUI OR TELEPHONE 736 2319.

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

15 HK CUSTOMS OFFICERS RECEIVED INT’L AWARDS *****

FIFTEEN HONG KONG CUSTOMS OFFICERS WERE TODAY (TUESDAY) AWARDED DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CERTIFICATES FROM THE CUSTOMS COOPERATION COUNCIL (CCC) IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR VALUED SERVICES.

THE COUNCIL DECIDED FOR THE FIRST TIME TO PRESENT INTERNATIONAL AWARDS TO SELECTED OUTSTANDING MEMBER OFFICERS TO COINCIDE WITH THE COUNCIL’S 40TH ANNIVERSARY.

/THE PRESENTATION .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 1993

- 10 -

THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WAS HELI) TODAY AT THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT TO MARK INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMS DAY 1993 AND THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CCC.

THE CERTIFICATES WERE PRESENTED BY THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR, MR HAMISH MACLEOD.

THE 15 RECIPIENTS INCLUDED THE \CTJNG COMM ISSI ONEK MR TONG KANG-SING.

THE OTHERS WERE THREE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONERS, MR LI SHU-FAI, MR TONG HIN-YEUNG, AND MR LAI KWOK-HUNG; SENIOR PRINCIPAL TRADE CONTROL OFFICER, MR LEUNG YAU-YAM; TWO SENIOR SUPERINTENDANTS, MR TONG KWAN-SIK AND MR TSANG HING-KAM; SUPERINTENDENT MRS KWOK YOUNG MET-KI; ACTING SUPERINTENDENT MR WONG PU1-SHAM; ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT MRS SZETO LAM LAI-PING; CHIEF TRADE CONTROL OFFICER, MR WONG CHUN-KWONG; SENIOR INSPECTOR MR Wl SIK-WAH; I’WO CHIEF CUSTOMS OFFICERS, MR CHEUNG JAI AND MR TSE KON-SANG AND SENIOR CUSTOMS OFFICER MR WONG HON-CHIU.

HONG KONG BECAME A FULL MEMBER OF THE CUSTOMS COOPERATION COUNCIL IN 1987 AND IT IS THE SIXTH YEAR THAT IT CELEBRATED INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMS DAY.

MORE THAN 300 GUESTS ATTENDED TODAY’S FUNCTION. THEY COMPRISED MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS, SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, CONSULS-GENERAL AND FOREIGN OFFICIALS, AND TOP EXECUTIVES FROM TRADE AND BUSINESS ORGANISATIONS.

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

PART-TIME INSTRUCTORS NEEDED FOR MUSIC OFFICE

*****

LOCAL MUSICIANS ARE NOW OFFERED OPPORTUNITIES TO WORK FOR THE MUSIC OFFICE AS PART-TIME INSTRUCTORS, PERFORMERS FOR BOTH WESTERN AND CHINESE INSTRUMENTS OR PIANO ACCOMPANISTS.

APPLICANTS FOR PART-TIME INSTRUCTORS (WESTERN MUSIC) AND PIANO ACCOMPANISTS SHOULD EITHER BE GRADUATES OF THE HONG KONG CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC OR HAVE A DIPLOMA IN MUSIC FROM THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS OR THE HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE OR POSSESS LRSM, I,RAM, ARCM, LGSM, LTCL, FTCL, DRSAM, GRSM, GRNCM, GTCL, GGSM OR EQUIVALENT OR A DEGREE IN MUSIC FROM A RECOGNISED UNIVERSITY.

THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN APPLYING AS PART-TIME INSTRUCTORS OF CHINESE MUSIC (GEHU AND SHENG) SHOULD HAVE COMPLETED MUSICAL TRAINING IN A RELEVANT INSTRUMENT IN AN ACCEPTABLE INSTITUTION OR HAVE AT LEAST FIVE YEARS’ RELEVANT EXPERIENCE IN AN ACCEPTABLE PROFESSIONAL PERFORMING GROUP OR ACADEMY.

FOR THE POST OF PART-TIME PERFORMER, ALL CANDIDATES SHOULD HAVE AT LEAST FIVE YEARS’ PERFORMING EXPERIENCE IN AN ACCEPTABLE PROFESSIONAL PERFORMING GROUP.

/APPLICATION FORMS, .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 1993

- 11 -

APPLICATION FORMS, (G.F. 340) ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES. COMPLETED FORMS TOGETHER WITH COPIES OF RELEVANT DOCUMENTS AND DIPLOMAS SHOULD REACH THE MUSIC OFFICE, AT 25TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI BY FEBRUARY 27.

CANDIDATES WHO ARE NOT INVITED FOR AN AUDITION OR AN INTERVIEW WITHIN FOUR WEEKS FROM THE CLOSING DATE MAY ASSUME THAT THEIR APPLICATIONS ARE UNSUCCESSFUL.

INTERESTED PERSONS MAY CONTACT THE MUSIC OFFICE ON TEL 582 5340 FOR DETAILS CONCERNING DUTIES AND REMUNERATION OF THE POSTS.

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

AUCTION OF LUCKY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS

*****

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD ANOTHER AUCTION OF LUCKY' VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS ON SATURDAY (JANUAF 30) AT 10 AM AT THE CITY HALL RECITAL HALL.

A TOTAL OF 40 LUCKY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR BIDDING. THEY ARE:

FA1383 FA699 FA928 FA8687

BE557 *345 »DH818 AP2862

FA8892 FA376 FA198 FA3819

♦FF151 FA189 FA750 ♦FF58

FA6388 *AE800 *DB5 FA1323

AA510 FA2283 FA3892 AS2318

FA1329 FA108 FA8863 FA1395

*CK16 *FF7 »DP2222 »FF6006

FA298 AB7960 FA351 FA2030

FA8222 FA701 FA1281 FA8184

* SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK (NO! TRANSFERABLE)

SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS MUST PAY BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.

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

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

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

THE COMING AUCTION WILL BE THE 187TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973.

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

/12 .......

TUESDAY. JANUARY Z6, 1993

- 12 -

WATER STORAGE FIGURE ♦ » * »

STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (TUESDAY) STOOD AT 53.3 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 312.481 MILLION CUBIC METRES.

THIS T I MI LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 175.504 MILLION ' ’TRES OE WATER, REPRESENTING 29.9 PER (ENT OF CAPACITY.

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

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

’’’ENDER DATE 26 JANUARY 1993 26 JANUARY 1993

PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS

ISSUE NUMBER Q3O4 Y385

AMOUNT APPLIED HKD 3.330MN HKD 1,140MN

AMOUNT ALLOTTED HKD KOOMN HKD 2OOMN

AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED 3.19 PCT 3.84 PCT

HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED 3.20 PCT 4.15 PCT

PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 25 PCT ABOUT 100 PCT

AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 3.23 PCT 4.18 PCT

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

TENDERS TO BE HELD IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 1 FEBRUARY 1993-

TENDER DATE 2 FEBRUARY 1993 2 FEBRUARY 1993

PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS

ISSUE NUMBER Q305 H357

ISSUE DATE 3 FEBRUARY 1993 3 FEBRUARY 1993

MATURITY DATE 5 MAY 1993 4 AUGUST 1993

TENOR 91 DAYS 182 DAYS

AMOUNT ON OFFER HKD 800+160MN HKD 3OO+6OMN

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

/13........

TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 1993

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

$ MILLION

OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,500

REVERSAL OF LAF NIL

BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 1,500

NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL

EFFECT OF LAF TODAY

NIL

CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT

1,500

LAF RATE 2.00 B1D/4.00 OFFER TWI 111.0

*-0.1* 26.1.1993

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

EF TERMS BILLS HONG KONG COUPON GOVERNMENT PRICE BONDS YIELD

YIELD TERM ISSUE

1 WEEK 2.99 PCT 13 MONTHS 2402 5.50 101.39 4. 19

1 MONTH 3.08 PCT 16 MONTHS 2405 5.50 101.44 4.40

3 MONTHS 3.16 PCT 19 MONTHS 2408 4.375 99.64 4.67

6 MONTHS 3.47 PCT 22 MONTHS 241 1 4.625 99.66 4.88

12 MONTHS 4.17 PCT

TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 11,958 MN

CLOSED 26 JANUARY 1993

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1993

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION BILL ........................... 1

BLD INTRODUCES MEASURES TO PROTECT PUBLIC AGAINST DANGEROUS BUILDINGS ..................................................... 2

WAGE INDICES FOR SEPTEMBER 1992 ................................. 3

ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION AGAINST TEXTILES ORIGIN ABUSES ........... 7

STATEMENT BY COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MRS KATHERINE FOK, ON CATHAY PACIFIC STRIKE ......................................... 7

REORGANISATION OF REGISTRAR GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT ................ 8

NEW YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICER APPOINTED ........................ 9

LAN KWAI FONG INQUIRY .......................................... 10

FINANCE COMMITTEE TO MEET ON FRIDAY ............................ 10

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ..

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1993

1 BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION RILL ♦ * » * ♦

AN INDEPENDENT THREE-MEMBER COMMISSION WILL BE SET UP TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ON GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES AND OVERSEE THE CONDUCT OE ELECTIONS, THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION BILL, TO BE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE THIS FRIDAY, SETS OUT THE COMPOSITION OF THE COMMISSION, ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, AND THE CRITERIA WHICH THE COMMISSION HAS TO FOLLOW IN MAKING RECOMMENDATIONS ON CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE IMPARTIALITY OF THE ELECTORAL PROCESS WOULD BE FURTHER STRENGTHENED THROUGH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THIS COMMISSION, WHICH WAS ONE OE THE SEVEN MAIN CONSTITUTIONAL PROPOSALS PUT FORWARD BY THE GOVERNOR.

THE INDEPENDENCE AND IMPARTIALITY OF THE COMMISSION WILL BE ACHIEVED THROUGH THE CHECKS AND BALANCES IN THE APPOINTMENT PROCESS AS WELL AS IN THE MAKING OF RECOMMENDATIONS ON CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

"ALL MEMBERS ARE TO BE POLITICALLY NEUTRAL PERSONS AND APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR, ONE OF WHOM WILL BE NOMINATED BY THE ELECTED PRESIDENT OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. TO ENHANCE THE NEUTRALITY OF THE COMMISSION, THE CHAIRMAN WILL BE A HIGH COURT JUDGE." HE SAID.

THE COMMISSION’S RECOMMENDATIONS ON CONSTITUENCY WILL HAVE REGARD TO PRESENTATION FROM THE PUBLIC.

BOUNDARIES

THE RECOMMENDATIONS WILL BE TABLED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WITHIN 30 DAYS AFTER THEY ARE REPORTED TO THE GOVERNOR.

THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL ALSO HAVE OPPORTUNITY TO SCRUTINISE SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION ON THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL’S DECISION RELATING TO CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES.

THE COMMISSION WILL BE GIVEN STATUTORY POWERS TO MAKE REGULATIONS RELATING TO ELECTION ARRANGEMENTS AND PROCEDURES, AND TO APPOINT RETURNING OFFICERS FOR CONDUCTING THE ELECTIONS.

THE COMMISSION WILL PERFORM ITS FUNCTIONS THROUGH A CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER TO BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR AND SERVICED BY THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE, WHICH WILL BE STRENGTHENED FOR THE PURPOSE.

BOTH THE CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER AND THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE WILL REMAIN WITHIN THE CIVIL SERVICE.

THE COMMISSION WILL BE REQUIRED TO FOLLOW STATUTORY CRITERIA IN MAKING ITS RECOMMENDATIONS ON CONST ITUENCY BOUNDARIES.

/ONE OF ........

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1993

ONE OF THE CRITERIA IS THAT AS FAR AS REASONABLY PRACTICABLE THE POPULATION IN EACH CONSTITUENCY SHOULD NOT DIFFER FROM THE AVERAGE POPULATION PER CONSTITUENCY BY MORE THAN 25%.

’’THE COMMISSION IS REQUIRED TO GIVE DUE CONSIDERATIONS TO COMMUNITY IDENTITIES, ADMINISTRATIVE BOUNDARIES AND PHYSICAL FEATURES OF INDIVIDUAL CONSTITUENCIES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE COMMISSION’S PROVISIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS ON CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES WILL BE ANNOUNCED FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION.

THE FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS CONCERNING THE NEXT ROUND OF DISTRICT BOARD AND MUNICIPAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS WOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNOR BEFORE THE END OF 1993, WHILE THOSE CONCERNING THE 1995 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS WOULD BE SUBMITTED BY SEPTEMBER 1994.

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

BLD INTRODUCES MEASURES TO PROTECT PUBLIC AGAINST DANGEROUS BUILDINGS » * * ♦ ♦

FOLLOWING INVESTIGATION INTO THE COLLAPSE OF THE PRE-WAR BUILDINGS AT 28-30 WING ON STREET, CENTRAL, ON OCTOBER 18 LAST YEAR, THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT HAS INTRODUCED SEVERAL MEASURES TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC AGAINST DANGEROUS BUILDINGS.

THE MEASURES, CONTAINED IN A REPORT ON THE INVESTIGATION TO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD, ARE:

* DEMOLITION TO BE ACCORDED HIGH PRIORITY AND TREATED AS A MATTER OF URGENCY;

» ADVICE TO BE GIVEN AT THE EARLIEST POSSIBLE DATE TO OTHER PARTIES INVOLVED REGARDING HIE NEED FOR PRECAUTIONARY AND PREPARATORY WORK;

* INSTRUCTIONS TO BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE’S TERM CONTRACTOR TO BE SPECIFIC IN RESPECT OF THE DATES FOR COMMENCEMENT AND COMPLETION OF DEMOLITION WORKS;

* BUILDINGS CLOSED UNDER CLOSURE ORDERS TO BE KEPT UNDER INTENSIVE SURVEILLANCE;

♦ TIMELY CONSIDERATION TO BE GIVEN TO THE EFFECTS OF WORKS AT CONSTRUCTION SITES IN THE VICINITY OE DANGEROUS BUILDINGS; AND

♦ IN ENFORCING BUILDING SAFETY, GREATER EMPHASIS TO BE PLACED ON THE BUILDING OWNERS’ STATUTORY DUTIES AND LEGAL

LIABILITY.

/AT THE .......

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1993

AT THE TIME OF THE COLLAPSE, THE BUILDINGS HAD BEEN DECLARED DANGEROUS AND CLOSED UNDER A CLOSURE ORDER.

THE REPORT SAYS THAT THE BUI LI) I NILS ORDINANCE OFFICE (BOO) TEAM INVESTIGATING THE COLLAPSE HAD IDENTIFIED AND ANALYSED THE FOLLOWING FACTORS:

* POOR STANDARD OF DESIGN AND CONSTRUCT I ON;

* AGEING AND DETERIORATION OF THE ELEMENTS OF CONSTRUCTION;

* THE DEMOLITION OF NO. 32, WING ON STREET;

* THE FIRE ON JUNE 26, 1991;

* DISTURBANCE CAUSED BY CLOSURE OF THE BUILDINGS;

» DISTURBANCE CAUSED BY THE PREPARATORY WORK FOR THE DEMOLITION;

* MOVEMENT OF FLOOR AND ROOF JOISTS;

» VIBRATION FROM A CONSTRUCTION SITE IN THE AREA; AND

* REMOVAL OF SOME FLOOR JOISTS BY DEMOLITION WORKMEN.

THE REPORT POINTS OUT THAT FROM AVAILABLE EVIDENCE, NO DEFINITIVE CAUSE OF COLLAPSE CAN BE ESTABLISHED.

THE BOO IS, HOWEVER, OF THE OPINION THAT IT IS UNLIKELY THAT ONE FACTOR ALONE COULD HAVE CAUSED THE COLLAPSE THOUGH SOME OF THE IDENTIFIED FACTORS DID HAVE THE EFFECT OF WEAKENING THE BUILDINGS IN VARYING DEGREE.

THE REPORT CONCLUDES THAT THE COLLAPSE "MAY BE EQUATED TO A VERY OLD PERSON SUFFERING FROM A MULTITUDE OF DISEASES PASSING AWAY”.

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

WAGE INDICES FOR SEPTEMBER 1992 *****

THE OVERALL NOMINAL WAGE INDEX FOR SEPTEMBER 1992 WAS 10.2 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN SEPTEMBER 1991, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE CENSUS ft STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

AFTER DISCOUNTING FOR INFLATION, THE OVERALL REAL WAGE INDEX FOR SEPTEMBER 1992 SHOWED A MARGINAL INCREASE OF 0.3 PER CENT OVER SEPTEMBER 1991.

COMPARING SEPTEMBER 1992 WITH MARCH 1992, THE OVERALL WAGE INDEX SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 5.3 PER CENT IN NOMINAL TERMS. AFTER DISCOUNTING FOR INFLATION, THERE WAS A SLIGHT INCREASE OF 0.5 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS.

/ANALYSED BY .......

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1993

ANALYSED BY INDIVIDUAL SECTORS, THE NOMINAL WAGE INDEX IN PERSONAL SERVICES SHOWED THE FASTEST YEAR-ON-YEAR RATE OF INCREASE (12.2%), FOLLOWED BY TRANSPORT SERVICES (12.1%), MANUFACTURING (10.3%), BUSINESS SERVICES (9.8%), AND WHOLESALE, RETAIL, IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS (8.9%).

COMPARED WITH MARCH 1992, AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON COULD BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, THE LARGEST INCREASE WAS RECORDED IN THE TRANSPORT SERVICES (8.7%), FOLLOWED BY MANUFACTURING (5.9%), PERSONAL SERVICES (-1.0%), WHOLESALE, RETAIL, IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS (2.9%), AND BUSINESS SERVICES (1.7%).

THE NOMINAL AND REAL WAGE INDICES FOR THE PERIOD SEPTEMBER 1991 TO SEPTEMBER 1992 FOR SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC’ SECTORS ARE GIVEN IN TABLE 1 AND TABLE 2 RESPECTIVELY. DETAILED BREAKDOWNS OF THE NOMINAL WAGE INDEX FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR ARE GIVEN IN TABLE 3.

THE WAGE INDICES ARE DERIVED FROM TIP RESULTS OF THE HALF-YEARLY SURVEY OF WAGES, SALARIES AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMEN I .

THE SURVEY ('OVERS BOTH MANUAL AND NON-MANUAL WORKERS (EXCLUDING EMPLOYEES AT ADMINISTRATIVE AND PROFESSIONAL LEVELS) IN SELECTED INDUSTRIES IN FIVE MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS. THE RASE PERIOD OF THE WAGE INDICES IS MARCH 1982.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT DREW ATTENTION TO THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN Illi WAGE INDI( ES AND THE INDICES OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED WHICH ARE PUBLISHED AT QUARTERLY INTERVALS.

HE POINTED OUT THAT IN ADDITION TO WAGES WHICH INCLUDE ALL THE REGULAR PAYMENTS, PAYROLL ALSO INCLUDES OVERTIME PAY AND OTHER NONGUARANTEED AND IRREGULAR BONUSES AND ALLOWANCE.

HENCE, STATISTICS ON PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED TEND TO BE SENSITIVE TO CHANGES IN THE NUMBER OF HOURS ACTUALLY WORKED, THE TIMING OF THE PAYMENT OF BONUSES AND BACK-PAY, AND THE COMPOSITION OF THE LABOUR FORCE.

THE SURVEY FINDINGS ARE PUBLISHED IN A REPORT ON HALF-YEARLY SURVEY OF WAGES, SALARIES AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS STATISTICS VOLUME 1, SEPTEMBER 1992 WHICH WILL BE ON SALE SHORTLY AT $10 PER COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICAT1ONS SALES CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, AND AT THE PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER OF CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHA1 TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WANCHA I , HONG KONG.

VOLUME II OF THE REPORT CONTAINING DETAILED OCCUPATIONAL STATISTICS, SUCH AS WAGE RATES, NUMBER OF NORMAL HOURS OF WORK AND NUMBER OF STANDARD WORKING DAYS IS EXPECTED TO BE AVAILABLE IN MIDFEBRUARY 1993.

FOR ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE WAGE INDICES, PLEASE CONTACT THE WAGES AND LABOUR COSTS STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL 582 4744 OR 582 5595.

/TABLE 1: .......

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1993

TABLE 1: NOMINAL WAGE INDICES BY SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS

INDICES (MARCH 1982 = 100)

SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS % CHANGE % SEP. MAR. 1991 1992 CHANGE SEP. 1992 SEP. 1992/ MAR. 1992 SEP. 1992/ SEP. 1991

MANUFACTURING 223.9 233. 1 246.9 + 5.9 + 10.3

WHOLESALE, RETAIL, IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS 221.7 234.7 241.5 + 2.9 + 8.9

TRANSPORT SERVICES 288.2 297. 1 323.0 + 8.7 + 12.1

BUSINESS SERVICES 280.2 302.5 307.7 + 1.7 + 9.8

PERSONAL SERVICES 255.4 275.5 286.6 + 4.0 + 12.2

ALL SECTORS ABOVE 232.5 24 3.3 256. 1 + 5.3 + 10.2

TABLE 2: REAL WAGE IND1( ’ES BY SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS

INDICES (MARCH 1982 = 100)

SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS SEP. 1991 % CHANGE % MAR. SEP. 1992 1992 CHANGE SEP. 1992/ MAR. 1992 SEP. 1992/ SEP. 1991

MANUFACTURING 110.0 109.1 110.4 + 1 .2 + 0.4

WHOLESALE, RETAIL, IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS 108.9 109.9 108.0 -1.7 -0.8

TRANSPORT SERVICES 141.6 139.1 144.4 + 3.8 + 2.0

BUSINESS SERVICES 137.6 14 1.6 137.6 -2.8 0

PERSONAL SERVICES 125.4 129.0 128.1 -0.7 + 2.2

ALL SECTORS ABOVE 114.2 113.9 114.5 + 0.5 + 0.3

/TABLE 3: .......

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1993

TABLE 3: NOMINAL WAGE INDICES FOR MAJOR INDUSTRIES IN THE

MANUFACTURING SECTOR

INDICES (MARCH 1982 = 100 )

SELECTED MAJOR INDUSTRIES SEP. 1991 MAR. 1992 SEP. 1992 % CHANGE SEP. 1992/ MAR. 1992 % CHANGE SEP. 1992/ SEP. 1991

GARMENTS 186.6 189.9 201.1 + 5.9 + 7.8

GLOVES 224.8 226.3 230.5 + 1.9 + 2.5

HANDBAGS 221 .4 237.7 252.3 + 6.1 + 14.0

COTTON SPINNING/ WEAVING 238.3 256.5 260.6 + 1.6 + 9.4

KNITTING 197.6 205.8 216.5 + 5.2 + 9.6

BLEACHING AND DYEING 242.6 254.3 272.9 + 7.3 + 12.5

PRINTING 298.9 313.6 338.8 + 8.0 + 13.3

PLASTIC PRODUCTS 218.7 226.4 24 1.9 + 6.8 + 10.6

METAL PRODUCTS 233.1 242.0 258.3 + 6.7 + 10.8

ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES 276.4 283.9 299.3 + 5.4 + 8.3

ELECTRONICS 278.9 296.7 317.3 + 6.9 + 13.8

WATCHES AND CLOCKS 259.5 270.6 286.9 + 6.0 + 10.6

MANUFACTURING SECTOR 223.9 233. 1 246.9 + 5.9 + 10.3

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

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1993

ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION AGAINST TEXTILES ORIGIN ABUSES

*****

MANUFACTURERS, CONTRACTORS AND QUOTA SUPPLIERS IN THE TEXTILES TRADE ARE ADVISED TO TAKE NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS TO ENSURE THAT THE TEXTILE PRODUCTS EXPORTED OR TO BE EXPORTED TO RESTRAINED MARKETS UNDER HONG KONG QUOTAS ARE OF HONG KONG ORIGIN.

THE TRADE DEPARTMENT, IN A NOTICE TO EXPORTERS ISSUED TODAY (THURSDAY), REMINDS THE TEXTILES TRADE THAT THE GOVERNMENT TAKES A SERIOUS VIEW OF THE INFRINGEMENT OF TEXTILES ORIGIN RULES AND ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION WILL BE IMPOSED ON OFFENDERS.

"HONG KONG TAKES ITS OBLIGATIONS UNDER MULTILATERAL AND BILATERAL AGREEMENTS SERIOUSLY. ON TEXTILES TRADE, HONG KONG HAS PUT IN PLACE A COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAMME OF CONTROL.

"THE TRADE DEPARTMENT WILL TAKE ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION, IN THE FORM OF FORFEITURE OF QUOTA OR WHERE NECESSARY DENIAL OF LICENSING FACILITIES, AGAINST CONTRACTORS, MANUFACTURERS AND EVEN QUOTA SUPPLIERS SHOULD CASES OF TEXTILES ORIGIN ABUSE ARE FOUNDED," A SPOKESMAN OF THE DEPARTMENT SAID.

IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR, MORE THAN 100 ADMINISTRATIVE CASES WERE INITIATED BY THE TRADE DEPARTMENT.

THE SPOKESMAN FURTHER REMINDS TRADERS THAT PROSECUTION UNDER THE IMPORT AND EXPORT ORDINANCE MA1! BE TAKEN IN CASES OF INFRINGEMENT OF TEXTILE ORIGIN RULES APART FROM THE ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION.

THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR OFFENDERS UNDER THE INPORT AND EXPORT ORDINANCE IS A FINE OF $500,000 AND TWO YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT.

THE JUDICIAL GUIDELINE FOR PENALTY ISSUED BY THE HIGH COURT IS 40 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF THE GOODS.

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

STATEMENT BY COMMISSIONFR ON CATHAY *

FOR LABOUR, MRS KATHERINE FOK, PAI IF IC STRIKE ♦ * * *

IN A LABOUR DISPUTE INVOLVING THE PRIVATE SECTOR, THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD STAY NEUTRAL AND LET THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT PERFORM ITS CONCILIATOR ROLE.

THIS IS AN ESTABLISHED POLICY BASED ON PAST EXPERIENCE.

IN THE CATHAY PACIFIC DISPUTE THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE HAS BEEN FROM THE VERY BEGINNING ACTIVELY ASSISTING THE TWO PARTIES TO REACH A SETTLEMENT.

/IN FACT, ........

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1993

IN FACT, LONG BEFORE THE STRIKE BEGAN WE WERE IN CONSTANT CONTACT WITH BOTH PARTIES AND GAVE THEM ASSISTANCE AND ADVICE WHERE NECESSARY TO RESOLVE THE DISPUTE.

SINCE THE STRIKE BEGAN WE HAVE CONDUCTED MANY CONCILIATION MEETINGS AND CONSIDERABLE PROGRESS IIAS BEEN MADE TOWARDS RESOLVING THE DISPUTE.

WE WILL CONTINUE OUR EFFORTS TO BRING ABOUT A SETTLEMENT.

WHILE CONCILIATION IS IN PROGRESS THERE IS NO NEED FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO INTERVENE.

THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT CONSIDERS THE PRESENT LABOUR LAW ON SETTLEMENT OF TRADE DISPUTES ADEQUATE.

HOWEVER, IT IS THE POLIO OF THE DEPARTMENT TO REGULARLY REVIEW ALL LABOUR LAWS IN THE CONTEXT OF CHANGING CI RCI MSTANC’ES .

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

REORGANISATION OF REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT

******

THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT IS UNDERGOING ITS FINAL PHASE OF REORGANISATION TO IMPROVE SERVICES.

UNTIL RECENTLY THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, THROUGH HIS DEPARTMENT, WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR A VERY WIDE RANGE OF STATUTORY AND NON-STATUTORY ACTIVITIES.

THESE INCLUDED:

* AS LAND OFFICER LAND REGISTRATION UNDER THE LAND REGISTRATION ORDINANCE (CAP 128) AND A LEGAL ADVISORY AND CONVEYANCING SERVICE FOR GOVERNMENT LAND TRANSACTIONS (THE LANI) OFFICE) ;

* AS REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE (CAP 32) (THE COMPANIES REGISTRY);

* AS REGISTRAR OF MONEY LENDERS A REGISTRATION SERVICE UNDER THE MONEY LENDERS ORDINANCE (CAP 163) (THE MONEY LENDERS REGISTRY);

* AS OFFICIAL RECEIVER PROVIDING AN INSOLVENCY SERVICE FOR THE PUBLIC UNDER THE BANKRUPTCY ORDINANCE (CAP 6) AND THE WINDING-UP PROVISIONS OF THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE (THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER’S OFFICE);

* AS REGISTRAR OF TRADE MARKS AND PATENTS PROVIDING AN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY REGISTRATION SERVICE UNDER THE TRADE MARKS ORDINANCE (CAP 13) AND THE REGISTRATION OF PATENTS ORDINANCE (CAP 42) (TRADE MARKS AND PATENTS REGISTRIES);

/* AS INSURANCE ........

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1993

♦ AS INSURANCE AUTHORITY THE REGULATION OE THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY UNDER THE INSURANCE COMPANIES ORDINANCE (CAP 41) (THE INSURANCE DIVISION) AS WELL AS THE EUNCTIONS OF THE OFFICIAL SOLICITOR (SUPREME COURT RULES) AND THE OFFICIAL AND JUDICIAL TRUSTEE UNDER THE TRUSTEE ORDINANCE (CAP 29).

OVER THE PAST YEARS THE ACTIVITIES OF THE RGD STEADILY EXPANDED IN LINE WITH THE GROWTH OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMY.

RECENT REVIEWS OF THE DEPARTMENT, INCLUDING AN OUTSIDE CONSULTANCY, CONCLUDED THAT THESE ACTIVITIES WERE DIVERSE AND UNRELATED, THAT THE DEPARTMENT WAS UNABLE TO RESPOND EFFICIENTLY TO RAPID CHANGES IN DEMAND FOR SERVICES BY THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY, AND SHOULD NOT BE ADMINISTERED BY ONE SINGLE DEPARTMENT.

BASED ON THE FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE REVIEWS, THE ADMINISTRATION DECIDED THAT THE RGD SHOULD BE RESTRUCTURED INTO SEPARATE DEPARTMENTS.

IN JUNE 1990, A NEW OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE WAS ESTABLISHED WITHIN THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT TO REPLACE THE FORMER INSURANCE DIVISION IN RGD.

IN JULY 1990, THE TRADE MARKS AND PATENTS REGISTRIES WERE ESTABLISHED AS A NEW INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT UNDER THE POLICY RESPONSIBILITY OF THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY AND IN AUGUST 1991 THE FUNCTIONS OF THE REGISTRAR GENERAL AS THE OFFICIAL SOLICITOR, OFFICIAL TRUSTEE, AND JUDICIAL TRUSTEE WERE TRANSFERRED TO THE DIRECTOR OF LEGAL AID.

IN JUNE 1992 THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER’ OFFICE OF THE RGD WAS ESTABLISHED AS THE NEW OFF I ('I AL RECEIVER’S OFFICE UNDER THE POLICY RESPONSIBILITY OF THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS WHILE IN DECEMBER 1992 THE LEGAL ADVISORY AND CONVEYANCING SECTION OF THE LAND OFFICE WAS MERGED WITH THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT.

THE FINAL PHASE OF THE RE-ORGANISATION OF RGD WILL BE THE ESTABLISHMENT, PROBABLY IN APRIL 1993, OF THE COMPANIES REGISTRY AND THE REGISTRATION SECTION OF THE LAND OFFICE RESPECTIVELY AS A SEPARATE COMPANIES REGISTRY AND LAND REGISTRY AND THE CHANGE FROM VOTE FUNDING OF THE NEW REGISTRIES TO TRADING FUNDING LATER IN THE YEAR.

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

NEW YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICER APPOINTED * * * * *

THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY (ECONOMIC SERVICES) OF THE ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH, MR ROBIN MCLEISH, HAS BEEN APPOINTED DISTRICT OFFICER OF YUEN LONG, TO SUCCEED MR ROBIN IP.

HIS APPOINTMENT WILL TAKE EFFECT FROM TOMORROW (THURSDAY).

MR MCLEISH HAS BEEN WITH THE ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH SINCE JULY 1986.

/HE JOINED .......

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1993

HE JOINED THE GOVERNMENT AS AN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER IN NOVEMBER 1984, AND SERVED IN THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT AFTER A ONE-MONTH ATTACHMENT TO THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE.

MR MCLEISH SPEAKS CANTONESE FLUENTLY AFTER TAKING TWO TRAINING COURSES DURING HIS SERVICE IN THE GOVERNMENT.

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

LAN KWAI FONG INQUIRY

*****

OUTLINE OF WORK DONE DURING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS:

* FRIDAY (JANUARY 22): VIEWING CROWD CONTROL/SAFETY

ARRANGEMENTS FOR VICTORIA PARK FLOWER BAZAAR.

* SUNDAY (JANUARY 24): VIEWING CROWD CONTROL/SAFETY

ARRANGEMENTS FOR TSIM SHA TSUI WATERFRONT DURING FIREWORKS DISPLAY.

* STUDYING BACKGROUND MATERIAL GENERALLY.

OUTLINE OF WORK DONE ON TUESDAY (JANUARY 26) UP TO 4.30 PM:

♦ LIAISING WITH FIRE SERVICES, HOSPITAL AUTHORITY AND POLICE.

* CORRESPONDENCE.

OUTLINE OF WORK DONE ON WEDNESDAY (JANUARY 27) UP TO 4.30 PM:

* STUDYING MATERIAL RECEIVED TODAY’ FROM THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY, THE POLICE AND THE MTRC’S CROWD CONTROL CONSULTANT.

* IDENTIFYING PARTICULAR MATTERS TO BE EXPLORED DURING NEXT WEEK’S OPEN SESSIONS.

-----0-----

FINANCE COMMITTEE TO MEET ON FRIDAY

*****

THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL HOLD A MEETING AT 2.30 PM ON FRIDAY (JANUARY 29) IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO OBSERVE THE PROCEEDINGS FROM THE CHAMBER’S PUBLIC GALLERY. THEY MAY RESERVE SEATS BY CALLING 869 9492.

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

/Il ........

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1993

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

$ MILLION

OPENING BALANCE LN THE ACCOUNT 1,500

REVERSAL OF LAF NIL

BALANCE AFTER REVERSL OF LAF 1,500

NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL

EFFECT OF LAF TODAY NIL

CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,500

LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 114.30 *+0.3* 27.1.1993

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS

TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD

1 WEEK 2.53 PCT 13 MONTHS 2402 5.50 101.64 3.94

1 MONTH 2.71 PCT 16 MONTHS 2 405 5.50 101.65 4.23

3 MONTHS 2.87 PCT 19 MONTHS 2408 4.375 99.80 4.56

6 MONTHS 3.20 PCT 22 MONTHS 2411 4.625 99.79 4.80

12 i MONTHS 3.89 PCT

TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 21,338MN

CLOSED 27 JANUARY 1993

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 1993

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

STATEMENT ON CT 9 ............................................. i

STATEMENT ON CATHAY PACIFIC DISPUTE ............................ 1

GOVT TO REDUCE USE OF HARDWOOD .................................. 2

HONG KONG LEADS WORLD IN TELECOMS SERVICES ...................... 2

OVER 15,000 TENANCY ENQUIRIES HANDLED LAST YEAR ................. 3

WORKS ON LARGEST OPEN SPACE ON TSING YI DUE TO START ............ 4

CHANCE FOR YOUNG MUSICIAN TO ATTEND U.S. MUSIC CAMP ............. 4

LAN KWAI FONG INQUIRY, OUTLINE OF WORK DONE ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 1993, UP TO 4.30 PM ............................... 5

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ..

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 1993

STATEMENT ON CT 9

* * ♦ *'

COMMENTING ON A CHINA NEWS SERVICE REPORT ON CONTAINER TERMINA1 9, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY):

"THE ESTABLISHED FORM FOR ENABLING THE CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF CONTAINER TERMINALS IN HONG KONG IS A LAND GRANT. NO OTHER CONTRACT OR FRANCHISE IS INVOLVED.

"CT 9 IS NO DIFFERENT FROM PREVIOUS CONTAINER TERMINALS WHERE WE HAVE SIMPLY AGREED THE LAND GRANT FOR INCLUSION IN THE LAND DISPOSAL PROGRAMME BY THE LAND COMMISSION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF ANNEX III OF THE JOINT DECLARATION.

"SECTION VIII OF ANNEX I OF THE JOINT DECLARATION ALSO MAKES IT QUITE CLEAR THAT PRIVATE CONTAINER TERMINALS MAY CONTINUE TO OPERATE FREELY AFTER 1997.

"DISCUSSIONS WITH THE PRIVATE CONSORTIA INTERESTED TN DEVELOPING CT 9 ARE PROGRESSING WELL.

"WE ARE ALWAYS READY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTION THAT THE CHINESE SIDE MAY HAVE ON THESE MATTERS."

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

STATEMENT ON CATHAY PACIFIC DISPUTE

*****

THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MRS KATHERINE FOK, SAID TONIGHT (THURSDAY) THE DEPARTMENT IS TRYING TO BRING ABOUT A SETTLEMENT OF THE CATHAY PACIFIC DISPUTE.

THE COMMISSIONER CONSIDERS THAT AT THIS JUNCTURE OF THE DISPUTE, IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO INVOKE THE PROCEDURES IN THE LABOUR RELATIONS ORDINANCE WHICH PROVIDES FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF A SPECIAL CONCILIATOR.

SHE FURTHER EXPLAINED THAT THESE PROCEDURES WERE BASED ON THE PRINCIPLE OF VOLUNTARISM AND THERE WAS NO COMPULSION ON BOTH PARTIES TO COME TO A SETTLEMENT.

THEREFORE, IN THE CURRENT SITUATION THE EFFECT OF APPOINTING A SPECIAL CONCILIATOR WOULD BE NO DIFFERENT FROM THAT OF A VOLUNTARY CONCILIATOR WHO HAD SO FAR ACHIEVED CONSIDERABLE PROGRESS IN THE WHOLE DISPUTE.

A SPECIAL CONCILIATOR CANNOT COMPEL THE PARTIES TO COME TO A SETTLEMENT OF THEIR DIFFERENCES.

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

/2 ........

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 1993

GOVT TO REDUCE USE OF HARDWOOD ♦ * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT WILL LIMIT THE USE OF HARDWOOD AT PUBLIC WORKS CONSTRUCTION SITES AS A MEASURE TO REDUCE TIMBER CONSUMPTION WHICH POSES A THREAT TO TROPICAL RAINFORESTS.

WITH EFFECT FROM MARCH 1, 1993, TENDERS FOR PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACTS WILL BE CALLED WITH AN ADDITIONAL SPECIFICATION THAT THE CURRENT USE OF HARDWOOD FOR TEMPORARY WORKS ON SITE HOARDINGS, FALSEWORK AND SHORING OF TRENCHES AND PITS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE WORKS BRANCH SAID TODAY: "IN TENDERING FOR PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACTS, BIDDERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO PROPOSE MATERIALS AS ALTERNATIVES TO HARDWOOD FOR TEMPORARY WORK OR THEY WILL BE DIRECTED TO USE SPECIFIED MATERIALS."

HE SAID THERE IS A WIDE RANGE OF ALTERNATIVE MATERIALS AVAILABLE ON THE MARKET.

"FOR EXAMPLE, CONTRACTORS CAN USE METAL FRAMES, SOFTWOOD, OR COMPOSITE BOARDS AS SUBSTITUTES FOR HARDWOOD IN SITE HOARDINGS.

"FOR TEMPORARY FORMWORK AND TRENCH SUPPORT, THEY CAN CHOOSE FROM STEEL SHEETING, PRECAST CONCRETE, STEEL SECTIONS, OR SOFTWOOD SECTIONS OR SHEETS.

"THE RESTRICTION ON THE USE OF HARDWOOD WILL BE REVIEWED AND THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY WILL BE CONSULTED AS TO WHETHER THE BAN SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO OTHER TYPES OF WORK AT PUBLIC WORKS SITES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

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

HONG KONG LEADS WORLD IN TELECOMS SERVICES * * * * *

THE POST OFFICE WILL SHORTLY BEGIN THE ASSESSMENT OF BIDS TO OPERATE FIXED WIRELINE TELEPHONE NETWORKS IN COMPETITION WITH THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE CO.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR M PAGLIARI, WHEN SPEAKING AT THE NETWORK LAUNCHING CEREMONY OF SMARTONE MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS LTD TODAY (THURSDAY).

MR PAGLIARI SAID HE SHOULD ALSO CONTINUE TO CARRY OUT ALL THE OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY UNTIL SUCH TIME AS THE NEW OFFICE OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY WAS SET UP.

/THE DECISION .......

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 1993

THE DECISION TO ESTABLISH A NEW GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT TO DEAL EXCLUSIVELY WITH TELECOMS REGULATION DEMONSTRATES THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO ENSURING AN EFFECTIVE REGULATION OF THE TELECOMS INDUSTRY THAT HONG KONG HAS ENJOYED FOR SO MANY YEARS, HE SAID.

HE ALSO SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD INTRODUCED A SENSIBLE SYSTEM OF REGULATION TO DEVELOP A FAIR AND EFFICIENT COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT TO MAKE HONG KONG THE WORLD LEADER IN TELECOMS SERVICES.

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

OVER 15,000 TENANCY ENQUIRIES HANDLED LAST YEAR

* # » * *

MORE THAN 15,000 PUBLIC ENQUIRIES ON TENANCY PROBLEMS WERE HANDLED UNDER THE RENT OFFICER SCHEME LAST YEAR.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT MOST OF THE 15,118 ENQUIRIES WERE RELATED TO LEGAL PROCEEDINGS OF TENANCY DISPUTES, THE RECOVERY OR EVICTION OF PREMISES, AND THE USE OR COMPLETION OF SPECIFIED FORMS.

UNDER THE SCHEME, RENT OFFICERS FROM THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT ARE ON DUTY AT SET TIME EACH WEEK DURING OFFICE HOURS AT 15 DISTRICT OFFICES TO ADVISE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ON TENANCY MATTERS.

THEY ALSO DIRECTLY DEAL WITH CASES REFERRED BY STAFF OF ALL PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES (PESOS) OF THE DISTRICT OFFICES.

THE DISTRICT OFFICES PROVIDING SUCH SERVICES ARE CENTRAL AND WESTERN, EASTERN, SOUTHERN AND WAN CHAI ON HONG KONG ISLAND; KOWLOON CITY, KWUN TONG, MONG KOK, SHAM SHU1 PO, WONG TAI SIN AND YAU TSIM IN KOWLOON; AND KWAI TS1NG, SHA TIN, TSUEN WAN, TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THOSE WHO WISH TO OBTAIN MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SERVICE MAY APPROACH ANY OF THE 20 PESOS OR CALL THE CENTRAL TELEPHONE ENQUIRY CENTRE ON TEL 835 2500 DURING OFFICE HOURS.

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

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 1993

WORKS ON LARGEST OPEN SPACE ON TSI NG YI DUE TO START *****

WORKS FOR THE PROVISION OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AT THE LARGEST OPEN SPACE ON TSING YI ISLAND WILL START AT THE END OF THIS MONTH, FOLLOWING A CONTRACT-SIGNING FOR THE WORKS THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON.

THE $43 MILLION WORKS ON THE "DISTRICT OPEN SPACE, AREA ONE AND TWO" FORMS PART OF THE CONTINUING PROGRAMME FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF TSING YI.

THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT’S PROJECT MANAGER OF THE TSUEN WAN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, MR TANG KWOK-KEE, SIGNED THE CONTRACT WITH A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE CONTRACTOR, HOI SING CONSTRUCTION CO LTD.

THE PROJECT WILL COVER THE TWO SITES WITH A TOTAL AREA OF ABOUT SEVEN HECTARES AT THE TOWN CENTRE OF THE NORTHEASTERN PART OF TSING YI .

THE CONTRACT WORKS WILL INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THREE FLOOD-LIT TENNIS COURTS, CHILDREN’S PLAY AREAS, AN ORNAMENTAL LAKE, A LAKE-SIDE CAFETERIA, A TOILET BLOCK, SITTING-OUT AREAS, LANDSCAPED AREAS AND OTHER ANCILLARY FACILITIES.

THE WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY MID-1995.

UPON COMPLETION, THE PROJECT WILL PROVIDE KEY OPEN SPACES WHICH WILL LINK WITH OTHERS ON TSING YI TO FORM A COMPREHENSIVE NETWORK OF OPEN SPACES FOR THE PUBLIC.

ONE OF THE TWO PROJECT SITES HAS BEEN PLANNED TO LINK UP WITH ANOTHER PROJECT SITE TO FORM THE PROPOSED TSING YI TOWN PARK, WHICH, WITH A VARIETY OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES, WILL BECOME A FOCAL POINT OF THE TSING YI TOWN CENTRE.

THE OPEN SPACES PROVIDED BY THE PROJECT WILL BE LINKED TO THE SURROUNDING MAJOR HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS BY A COMPREHENSIVE FOOTPATH SYSTEM.

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

CHANCE FOR YOUNG MUSICIAN TO ATTEND U.S. MUSIC CAMP *****

A TALENTED YOUNG STRING PLAYER FROM HONG KONG WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO RECEIVE INTENSIVE TRAINING IN SYMPHONIC MUSIC PERFORMANCE BY BECOMING A MEMBER OF THE WORLD YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA IN THE 1993 INTERLOCHEN ARTS CAMP AT INTERLOCHEN IN MICHIGAN, USA.

RECOGNISED AS THE PREMIER FINE ARTS CAMP IN THE WORLD, THE ANNUAL MUSIC CAMP WILL BE HELD FROM JUNE 27 TO AUGUST 23 THIS YEAR.

/PARTICIPANTS WILL .......

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 1993

PARTICIPANTS WILL BE ABLE TO JOIN MASTERCLASSES AND WORKSHOPS TO EXCHANGE THEIR EXPERIENCES AND ENJOY PERFORMANCES BY SOME OF THE MOST RENOWNED ARTISTS IN THE WORLD.

INTERESTED MUSICIANS AGED BETWEEN 14 AND 18 BY JUNE 27, 1993

WHO HAVE RESIDED IN HONG KONG FOR NOT LESS THAN THREE YEARS, AND HAVE ATTAINED GRADE VIII (PRACTICAL) IN THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC EXAMINATION OR EQUIVALENT ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR THE CAMP.

PREFERENCE WILL BE GIVEN TO THOSE WITH ORCHESTRAL EXPERIENCE AND A REASONABLE COMMAND OF ENGLISH.

APPLICANTS WILL HAVE TO ATTEND AN AUDITION ARRANGED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE IN MID-MARCH.

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL BE PROVIDED WITH RETURN AIR PASSAGE DONATED BY CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS LIMITED AND A LOCAL ORGANISATION.

THE FEES FOR THE CAMP WILL BE MET BY THE CAMP ORGANISER.

THE SELECTED CANDIDATE WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR HIS PERSONAL INSURANCE ABROAD, AND TO PLACE A SUM OF US$300 IN HIS PERSONAL ACCOUNT WITH THE INTERLOCHEN ARTS CAMP TO MEET MINOR PERSONAL EXPENSES.

THE FINAL DECISION REGARDING THE SELECTION OF PARTICIPANT RESTS WITH THE MUSIC OFFICE.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT ALL MUSIC CENTRES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE AND SHOULD BE COMPLETED AND RETURNED TO THE HONG KONG MUSIC CENTRE, NINTH FLOOR, HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE, 2 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI BY FEBRUARY 26.

FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL 802 0657.

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

LAN KWAI FONG INQUIRY

OUTLINE OF WORK DONE ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 1993, UP TO 4.30 PM *****

1. LIAISING WITH THE POLICE ON THE LUNAR NEW YEAR CROWD CONTROL MEASURES.

2. LIAISING WITH PARTIES DUE TO GIVE EVIDENCE OR MAKE

REPRESENTATIONS NEXT WEEK.

3. CORRESPONDENCE.

4. STUDYING FURTHER MATERIALS COMING IN.

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

/6 .........

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 1993

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS

* * * * *

$ MILLION

OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,500

REVERSAL OF LAF NIL

BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 1,500

NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL

EFFECT OF LAF TODAY NIL

CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,500

LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 114.30 *+0.0» 28.1.93

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS

TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD

1 WEEK 2.57 PCT 13 MONTHS 2402 5.50 101.69 3.88

1 MONTH 2.70 PCT 16 MONTHS 2405 5.50 101.67 4.21

3 MONTHS 2.86 PCT 19 MONTHS 2408 4.375 99.80 4.56

6 MONTHS 3.20 PCT 12 MONTHS 3.85 PCT 22 MONTHS 2411 4.625 99.78 4.81

TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 22,341 MN

CLOSED 28 JANUARY 1993

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 1993

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVT EXTENDS TENDER AWARD .................................... 1

LABOUR DEPT COMMENDED FOR HARD AND IMPARTIAL WORK TN DISPUTE 1

APPOINTMENT TO SECURITIES AND FUTURES APPEALS PANEL .......... 2

CONTRACT SIGNED FOR TRANSMISSION PIPELINES FOR CHINA WATER .. 2

MONETARY STATISTICS FOR DECEMBER 1992 ........................ 3

PROVISIONAL FIGURES OF EXTERNAI. TRADE FOR DECEMBER 1992 ..... 7

GUIDELINES TO ASSESS CHEMICAL HAZARDS TN WORKING ENVIRONMENT PUBLISHED ...................................................... 9

GOVT WELCOMES MORE VIEWS ON REFORMS .......................... 11

GOVT SUPPORTS MORE WOMEN IN HEUNG YEE KUK .................... 12

PARTY FOR 1,500 SENIOR CITIZENS IN TAT PO .................... 12

LAND SALE BY TENDER .......................................... 13

TENDERS INVITED FOR TWO PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS ................ 13

NEW POST OFFICE IN TSUEN WAN ................................. 14

LAN KWAI FONG INQUIRY ........................................ 14

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .. 15

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 1993

GOVT EXTENDS TENDER AWARD *****

IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE TWO LOWEST TENDERERS FOR THE CENTRAL AND WAN CHAI RECLAMATION CONTRACT HAVE AGREED TO EXTEND THE VALIDITY OF THEIR TENDERS BEYOND THE CURRENT EXPIRY DATE OF FEBRUARY 1 TO MARCH 8, 1993.

THE EXTENSION IS INTENDED TO GIVE THE GOVERNMENT MORE TIME TO CONSIDER ITS OPTIONS ON THE CONTRACT, IN LINE WITH ITS STEP-BY-STEP APPROACH TO DECISIONS ON THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME.

THE RECLAMATION IS PARTLY DESIGNED TO ACCOMMODATE THE TERMINUS OF THE AIRPORT RAILWAY, BUT IT IS ALSO DESIGNED TO PROVIDE NEW LAND FOR EXPANSION OF THE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT.

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

LABOUR DEPT COMMENDED FOR HARD AND IMPARTIAL WORK IN DISPUTE *****

THE ACTING CHIEF SECRE'I’ARY , MR BARRIE W1GGHAM, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE STAFF OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAVE WORKED LONG AND HARD TO BRING ABOUT A SETTLEMENT OF THE (’ATHAY PACIFIC DISPUTE.

THEY HAVE WORKED WITH BOTH SIDES THROUGHOUT AND HAVE DONE SO WITH IMPARTIALITY AND GREAT PROFESSIONALISM.

"THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TEAM HAVE WORKED TIRELESSLY TO BRING THE TWO SIDES TOGETHER. THE FACT THAT MANY OF THE ISSUES HAVE BEEN SETTLED IS DUE IN NO SMALL PART TO THE WORK OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.

"I REJECT ABSOLUTELY THE ALLEGATION THAT THEY HAVE FAVOURED ONE SIDE OR THE OTHER. THEY HAVE BEEN IMPARTIAL THROUGHOUT,” MR WIGGHAM SAID.

HE ADDED THAT LABOUR DISPUTES OF THIS NATURE WERE PRIMARILY A MATTER FOR THE PARTIES INVOLVED.

’THE GOVERNMENT'S ROLE IS TO WORK EVEN-HANDEDLY WITH BOTH SIDES TO HELP THEM SETTLE THEIR DIFFERENCES. THE CONCILIATION SERVICES MUST BE IMPARTIAL BUT IT CAN ONLY SUCCEED IF THE PARTIES TO A DISPUTE WANT IT TO.”

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

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 1993

APPOINTMENT TO SECURITIES AND FUTURES APPEALS PANEL

*****

THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL CARTLAND, ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE GOVERNOR HAD APPOINTED MR DEREK MURPHY, MR JAMES TIEN PEI-CHUN, AND MR RODERICK WOO-BUN TO THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES APPEALS PANEL (SFAP).

SECTION 18 OF THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION (SFC) ORDINANCE PROVIDES FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SFAP TO HEAR APPEALS AGAINST DECISIONS BY THE SFC IN RELATION TO APPLICATION FOR, OR SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF REGISTRATION AND THE EXERCISE OF INTERVENTION POWERS BY THE COMMISSION.

THIS SECTION WAS RECENTLY AMENDED TO EXCLUDE THE NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS (NEDS) OF SFC FROM THE PANEL MEMBERSHIP WHILE INCREASING THE NUMBER OF INDEPENDENT MEMBERS TO NOT LESS THAN FIVE BUT NOT MORE THAN NINE.

’’THE CHANGES ARE INTENDED TO ENSURE THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE PANEL AND THE IMPARTIAL HEARING OF APPEALS,” MR CARTLAND SAID.

AS A RESULT OF THE CHANGES, THE SFAP WILL HAVE A MAXIMUM OF 11 MEMBERS, NAMELY THE CHAIRMAN AND DEPUTY CHAIRMAN, WHO ARE BOTH QUALIFIED IN LAW, AND FIVE TO NINE INDEPENDENT MEMBERS.

EACH APPEAL WILL BE HEARD BY A TRIBUNAL OF THREE CONSISTING OF EITHER THE CHAIRMAN OR THE DEPUTY CHAIRMAN AND TWO OTHER MEMBERS OF THE PANEL.

ALL THE THREE NEW APPOINTMENTS WILL TAKE EFFECT ON FEBRUARY 1, 1993 WHEN THE ABOVE LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS ARE TO COME INTO OPERATION. THEY WILL LAST UNTIL APRIL 30, 1995.

THE NEDS OF THE SFC WILL CEASE TO BE MEMBERS OF THE SFAP ON FEBRUARY 1, 1993 ACCORDINGLY.

"I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE NEDS FOR THEIR SERVICE ON THE PANEL, IN PARTICULAR MR DENIS CHANG KHEN-LEE, WHO HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE PANEL SINCE ITS INCEPTION.”

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

CONTRACT SIGNED FOR TRANSMISSION PIPELINES

*****

FOR CHINA WATER

I HE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE SUPPLY AND LAYING OF LARGE IRANSMISSION PIPELINES BETWEEN MUK WU AND AU TAU TERRITORIES.

SIGNED A

DIAMETER

IN THE

$129

WATER NEW

THIS IS THE NINTH

WATER

IN A SERIES OF CONTRACTS FOR THE CHINA

SUPPLY PROJECT WHICH PROVIDES FOR STAGED EXPANSION OF FACIIITIES TO RECEIVE AND TRANSFER ADDITIONAL WATER SUPPLY FROM CHINA.

/ON COMPLETION .......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 1993

ON COMPLETION OF THE EXPANSION PROGRAMME, THE RECEPTION AND TRANSFER CAPACITY WILL BE INCREASED FROM THE EXISTING 620 MILLION CUBIC METRES TO 1,100 MILLION CUBIC METRES PER YEAR.

STAGE I OF THE PROJECT, AT AN ESTIMATED TOTAL COST OF $2,092 MILLION, COVERS ALL THE MAJOR WORKS REQUIRED FOR COMMISSIONING BY EARLY 1995.

MUK WU IS THE FOREMOST POINT IN THE TERRITORY'S CHINA WATER RECEPTION AND TRANSFER SYSTEM WHERE WATER RECEIVED WILL BE TRANSFERRED ALONG THREE MAJOR ROUTES TO THE WESTERN, CENTRAL AND EASTERN PARTS OF THE TERRITORY.

THE WESTERN ROUTE IS MADE UP OF LARGE DIAMETER PIPELINES AND WATER TUNNELS THAT RUN FROM MUK WU TO TAI LAM CHUNG RESERVIOR VIA AU TAU.

THE PRESENT CONTRACT INCLUDES THE SUPPLY AND LAYING OF 5.4 KILOMETRES OF STEEL PIPELINES MEASURING 2.2 METRES IN DIAMETER.

THE PIPELINES WILL RUN IN PARALLEL WITH THE EXISTING ONES BETWEEN MUK WU AND AU TAU TO AUGMENT THE TRANSFER OF CHINA WATER TO TAI LAM CHUNG RESERVOIR.

WORKS ON THIS CONTRACT WILL TAKE ABOUT 20 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

THE CONTRACT WAS SIGNED BY THE DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, MR HU MAN-SHIU, ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE CHINA STATE CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING CORPORATION.

MONETARY STATISTICS FOR DECEMBER 1992 *****

HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS INCREASED DURING DECEMBER, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS PUBLISHED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH.

CONSISTENT WITH THIS, HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY ON ALL DEFINITIONS ROSE DURING THE MONTH. HONG KONG DOLLAR LOANS AND ADVANCES ALSO INCREASED IN DECEMBER.

DEPOSITS

HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS, ADJUSTED TO INCLUDE SWAP DEPOSITS, ROSE BY 1.6% IN DECEMBER FOLLOWING AN INCREASE OF 19.1% IN OCTOBER AND A DECREASE OF 16.8% IN NOVEMBER.

AMONG THESE DEPOSITS, DEMAND DEPOSITS, SAVINGS DEPOSITS AND TIME DEPOSITS GREW BY 2.3%, 0.1% AND 2.5% RESPECTIVELY DURING DECEMBER.

/YEAR-ON-YEAR

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 1993

YEAR-ON-YEAR, TOTAL HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS REGISTERED AN INCREASE OF 13.2%.

FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS INCREASED BY 0.5% IN DECEMBER, AFTER AN INCREASE OF 1.0% IN OCTOBER AND A DECREASE OF 0.5% IN NOVEMBER.

OF THESE DEPOSITS, U.S. DOLLAR DEPOSITS INCREASED BY 2.5% WHILE NON-U.S. DOLLAR DEPOSITS DECREASED BY 1.2%. YEAR-ON-YEAR, TOTAL FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS INCREASED BY 6.3%.

DURING DECEMBER, DEPOSITS OF ALL CURRENCIES WITH LICENSED BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES GREW BY 1.2% AND 0.4% RESPECTIVELY WHILE DEPOSITS WITH RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS DROPPED BY 5.3%.

YEAR-ON-YEAR, DEPOSITS WITH LICENSED BANKS GREW BY 10.5% WHILE DEPOSITS WITH RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES DECLINED BY 12.7% AND 18.9% RESPECTIVELY.

MONEY SUPPLY

HK$M1, HK$M2 AND HK$M3 INCREASED BY 3.4%, 1.8% AND 1.9% RESPECTIVELY IN DECEMBER. THEIR CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES IN NOVEMBER WERE -41.6%, -16.1% AND -15.7% RESPECTIVELY.

YEAR-ON-YEAR, THESE MONETARY AGGREGATES INCREASED BY 24.8%, 14.3% AND 13.7% RESPECTIVELY.

TOTAL Ml, M2 AND M3 INCREASED BY 1.9%, 1.4% AND 1.2% IN DECEMBER RESPECTIVELY. THEIR CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES IN NOVEMBER WERE -38.3%, -8.7% AND -8.3% RESPECTIVELY.

YEAR-ON-YEAR, THESE MONETARY AGGREGATES GREW BY 21.1%, 10.8% AND 9.5% RESPECTIVELY.

LOANS AND ADVANCES

TOTAL OUTSTANDING LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS INCREASED BY 0.3% IN DECEMBER FOLLOWING AN INCREASE OF 3.5% IN OCTOBER AND A DECREASE OF 5.6% IN NOVEMBER.

AMONG THE TOTAL OUTSTANDING LOANS, THOSE DENOMINATED IN HONG KONG DOLLAR INCREASED BY 0.7% WHILE THOSE DENOMINATED IN FOREIGN CURRENCY' INCREASED BY 0.04%. COMPARED WITH A YEAR EARLIER, THESE LOANS INCREASED BY 12.2% AND 9.0% RESPECTIVELY.

LOANS TO FINANCE VISIBLE TRADE OF HONG KONG INCREASED BY 1.5% IN DECEMBER, AFTER AN INCREASE OF 0.04% IN OCTOBER AND A DECREASE OF 1.4% TN NOVEMBER. YEAR-ON-YEAR, SUCH LOANS GREW BY 8.0%.

OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG DECREASED BY 0.04% IN DECEMBER, FOLLOWING AN INCREASE OF 13.7% IN OCTOBER AND A DECREASE OF 12.3% IN NOVEMBER. YEAR-ON-YEAR, THESE LOANS INCREASED BY 11.4%.

/LOANS FOR .......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 1993

LOANS FOR USE OUTSIDE HONG KONG INCREASED BY 0.4% IN DECEMBER, AFTER DECREASES OF 2.5% AND 1.3% IN OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER. YEAR-ON-YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 9.8%.

LOANS TO FINANCE TRADE NOT TOUCHING HONG KONG INCREASED BY 0.5% DURING DECEMBER, AFTER INCREASES OF 2.9% AND 3.3% IN OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER RESPECTIVELY. YEAR-ON-YEAR, THESE LOANS DECREASED BY 4.0%.

QUARTERLY ANALYSIS OF LOANS AND ADVANCES FOR USE IN HONG KONG BY SECTOR

DURING THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1992, TOTAL LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG (EXCLUDING THOSE FOR TRADE FINANCING) DECREASED BY 0.3%.

OF THESE, LOANS FOR USE IN MANUFACTURING INCREASED BY 5.9%, FOLLOWING INCREASES OF 5.2% AND 0.4% IN THE SECOND AND THIRD QUARTERS OF 1992 RESPECTIVELY. YEAR-ON-YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 16.9%.

LOANS TO BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT SECTOR ROSE BY 5.0% DURING THE FOURTH QUARTER, FOLLOWING INCREASES OF 4.0% AND 2.1% DURING THE PREVIOUS TWO QUARTERS. YEAR-ON-YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 13.1%.

LOANS TO WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE INCREASED BY 1.5% DURING THE FOURTH QUARTER, COMPARED WITH AN INCREASE OF 4.8% AND A DECREASE OF 0.8% DURING THE PRECEDING TWO QUARTERS. YEAR-ON-YEAR, THESE LOANS INCREASED BY 9.5%.

LOANS TO FINANCIAL CONCERNS (EXCLUDING AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS) FELL BY 8.8% THIS QUARTER, FOLLOWING INCREASES OF 0.9% AND 9.2% DURING THE SECOND AND THIRD QUARTERS OF 1992 RESPECTIVELY. YEAR-ON-YEAR, THESE LOANS INCREASED BY 10.1%.

GROWTH IN LOANS TO INDIVIDUALS FOR THE PURCHASE OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY (OTHER THAN FLATS IN THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME) SLOWED DOWN TO 1.1% THIS QUARTER, FOLLOWING INCREASES OF 5.3% AND 3.5% IN THE PRECEDING TWO QUARTERS. YEAR-ON-YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 13.6%.

NUMBER OF REPORTING INSTITUTIONS

THE NUMBER OF REPORTING LICENSED BANKS INCREASED BY ONE TO 161.

THE NUMBER OF RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS REMAINED UNCHANGED AT 55 WHILE THAT OF DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES DECREASED BY ONE TO 146.

/TABLE 1 .......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 1993

TABLE 1 : MONETARY STATISTICS - DECEMBER 1992

(HKSmn)

Dec 1992 Earlier months (% change to Dec 1992)

Nov 1992 Sep 1992 Pec 1991

Money Supply

Ml-HKS 139,479 134,847 ( 3.4 ) 149,595 ( -4.8 ) 111,769 ( 24.8 )

Foreign currency 16,078 17,866 ( -10.0 ) 15,830 ( 1.6 ) 16,728 ( -3.9 )

Total 155,557 152,713 ( 1.9 ) 165,425 ( -6.f ) 128,497 ( 21.1 )

M2 - HKS* 726,992 714,330 ( 1.8 ) 719.965 ( |.O ) 636,042 ( 14.3 )

Foreign currency* 791,785 783,957 ( 1.0 ) 780,254 ( 1.5 ) 734,948 ( 7.7 )

Total 1,518,777 1.498,286 ( 1.4 ) 1,500,219 ( 1.2 ) 1,370,990 ( 10.8 )

M3 - HKS* 750,276 736,637 ( 1.9 ) 742.406 ( 1.1 ) 660,117 ( 13.7)

Foreign currency* 823,989 819.174 ( 0.6 ) 815,111 ( 1.1 ) 777,225 ( 6.0 )

Total 1,574,265 1,555,811 ( 1.2 ) 1.557,518 ( 1.1 ) • 1.437,342 ( 9.5 )

Notes and coins in circulation 61,157 57.051 ( 7.2 ) 56.299 ( 8 6 ) 49,177 ( 24.4 )

of which held by public 52.172 49,467 ( 5.5 ) 48.957 ( 6.6 ) 42.608 ( 22.4 )

Total Deposits

Total Demand deposits 103,385 103.246 ( 0.1 ) 116,468 ( -11.2 ) 85.889 ( 20.4 )

Total Savings deposits 353,878 351.547 ( 0.7 ) 351,317 ( 0.7 ) 314,052 ( 12.7 )

Total Time deposits with licensed banks 992,126 977.571 ( 1.5 ) 967,129 ( 2.6 ) 911,491 ( 8.8 )

Total Time deposits with restricted licence banks 34.611 36,556 ( -5.3 ) 35.543 ( -2.6 ) 39,627 ( -12.7 )

Total Time deposits with deposit-taking companies 19,107 19,031 ( 0.4 ) 19,754 ( -3.3 ) 23,547 ( -18.9 )

HKS deposits* 684,055 673,295 ( 1.6 ) 679.547 ( 0.7 ) 604,162 ( 13.2 )

USS deposits* 387,901 378,418 ( 2.5 ) 367,338 ( 5.6 ) 311,422 ( 24.6 )

Other foreign currency deposits* 431,150 436.238 ( -1.2 ) 443.326 ( -2.7 ) 459,023 ( -6.1 )

All deposits 1.503,107 1,487,952 ( 1.0 ) 1,490.211 ( 0.9 ) 1,374,606 ( 9.3 )

. Foreign currency swap deposits 58,690 54.650 ( 7.4 ) 51.317 ( 14.4 ) 40,235 ( 45.9 )

Total loans and advances

To finance H.K.'s visible trade 89,265 87.976 ( 1.5 ) 89,173 ( 0.1 ) 82,637 ( 8.0 )

To finance merchandising trade not touching H.K. 11,883 11.823 ( 0.5 ) 11.126 ( 6.8 ) 12,384 ( -4.0 )

Other loans for use in H.K. 909,907 910,269 ( -0.0 ) 912,534 ( 4) 3 ) 816,767 ( 11.4 )

Other loans for use outside H.K. 1,420,648 1,415,574 ( 0.4 ) 1.471.180 ( -3.4 ) 1,293,387 ( 9.8 )

Other loans where the place of use is not known 37,855 37,498 ( 1.0 ) 37,440 ( 1.1 ) 38,598 ( -1.9 )

Loans in HKS 812,087 806,376 ( 0.7 ) 809,135 ( 04 ) 723,832 ( 12.2 )

Loans in foreign currencies 1,657,471 1,656,765 ( 0.0 ) 1,712,319 ( -3.2 ) 1,519,940 ( 9.0 )

Total loans and advances 2,469,558 2.463.141 ( 0.3 ) 2,521.453 ( -2.1 ) 2,243,773 ( 10.1 )

* «

• Adjusted for foreign currency swap deposits. : Starling from April 1991, swap deposits can further be broken down into US dollar and non-US

dollar foreign currency swap deposits. r

Note : 'Restricted licence banks' and 'deposit-taking companies’ were known as ’licensed deposit-taking compania<**and ’registered deposit-taking companies’ respectively before 1 February 1990.

- - - - 0 - - - -

/7 .........

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 1993

PROVISIONAL FIGURES OF EXTERNAL TRADE FOR DECEMBER 1992

*****

IN DECEMBER 1992, RE-EXPORTS CONTINUED TO SURGE, WHILE DOMESTIC EXPORTS REGISTERED A SMALL DECLINE, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL FIGURES OF EXTERNAL TRADE RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

MEANWHILE, IMPORTS ALSO GREW MARKEDLY.

THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS IN DECEMBER 1992 ROSE BY $11,797 MILLION OR 22.5% OVER A YEAR EARLIER TO $64,284 MILLION.

THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECREASED BY $641 MILLION OR 2.9% TO $21,658 MILLION.

TAKING RE-EXPORTS AND DOMESTIC EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS IN DECEMBER 1992 GREW BY $11,156 MILLION OR 14.9% OVER A YEAR EARLIER TO $85,942 MILLION.

MEANWHILE, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY $13,258 MILLION OR 17.2% TO $90,232 MILLION.

AS THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS WAS SMALLER THAN THAT OF TOTAL IMPORTS, A VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF $4,290 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 4.8% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED IN DECEMBER 1992.

THIS COMPARED WITH A DEFICIT OF $2,188 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 2.8% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, RECORDED IN DECEMBER 1991.

FOR 1992 AS A WHOLE, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY $155,989 MILLION OR 29.2% OVER 1991 TO $690,829 MILLION. THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AMOUNTED TO $234,123 MILLION, WHICH WERE $3,078 MILLION OR 1.3% HIGHER THAN IN 1991.

TAKING RE-EXPORTS AND DOMESTIC EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS, AT $924,953 MILLION IN 1992, WAS $159,067 MILLION OR 20.8% HIGHER THAN IN 1991.

THE VALUE OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY $176,313 MILLION OR 22.6% TO $955,295 MILLION.

A VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF $30,342 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 3.2% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED IN 1992. THIS COMPARED WITH A DEFICIT OF $13,096 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 1.7% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, RECORDED IN 1991.

COMMENTING ON THE PERFORMANCE OF EXTERNAL TRADE IN 1992, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE RELATIVE SHIFT FROM DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO RE-EXPORTS CONTINUED.

THE ROBUST PERFORMANCE OF RE-EXPORTS WAS SUPPORTED BY THE CONTINUED UPSURGE IN RE-EXPORTS INVOLVING CHINA IN BOTH DIRECTIONS.

/THIS WAS ........

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 1993

THIS WAS MAINLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE CONTINUED EXPANSION IN OUTWARD PROCESSING ACTIVITIES ACROSS THE BORDER AND INCREASED IMPORTS BY CHINA TO MEET ITS DOMESTIC DEMAND.

AFFECTED BY THE ON-GOING STRUCTURAL SHIFT TO RE-EXPORTS AND THE RELATIVELY WEAK DEMAND IN SOME OF THE MAJOR OVERSEAS MARKETS, DOMESTIC EXPORTS REGISTERED ONLY A SMALL INCREASE IN VALUE TERMS IN 1992 OVER 1991.

RETAINED IMPORTS CONTINUED TO RECORD CONSIDERABLE GROWTH, BY 13.7% IN VALUE TERMS IN 1992 OVER 1991, REFLECTING A STRONG DOMESTIC DEMAND.

THE TABLE ANNEXED PRESENTS THE PROVISIONAL FIGURES OF EXTERNAL TRADE FOR DECEMBER 1992.

A SEPARATE ANALYSIS OF HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE BY COMMODITY AND COUNTRY FOR DECEMBER AND THE WHOLE YEAR OF 1992 WILL BE RELEASED IN MID-FEBRUARY 1993.

PROVISIONAL FIGURES OF EXTERNAL TRADE FOR DECEMBER, 1992

MERCHANDISE: DOMESTIC EXPORTS RE-EXPORTS TOTAL EXPORTS IMPORTS TRADE BALANCE $21,658 MILLION $64,284 MILLION $85,942 MILLION $90,232 MILLION -$4,290 MILLION

COMPARATIVE FIGURES LATEST 3 MONTHS OCT 92 TO DEC 92 HK$ MN. OCT 91 TO DEC 91 HK$ MN. INCREASE HK$ MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS RE-EXPORTS TOTAL EXPORTS IMPORTS TRADE BALANCE 63,839 195,512 259,351 265,360 -6,009 64,052 155,885 219,937 216,971 2,966 -213 39,627 39,414 48,389 -8,975 -0.3 25.4 17.9 22.3

SAME MONTH LAST YEAR DECEMBER 1992 HK$ MN. DECEMBER 1991 HK$ MN. INCREASE HK$ MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) RE-EXPORTS TOTAL EXPORTS IMPORTS TRADE BALANCE 21,658 (25.2%) 64,284 85,942 90,232 -4,290 22,299 (29.8%) 52,487 74,786 76,974 -2,188 -641 11,797 11,156 13,258 -2,102 -2.9 22.5 14.9 17.2

/LAST MONTH .......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 1993

LAST MONTH DECEMBER 1992 HK$ MN. NOVEMBER 1992 HK$ MN. INCREASE

HK$ MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 21,658 20,327 1,332 6.6

(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (25.2%) (24.3%)

RE-EXPORTS 64,284 63,305 978 1.5

TOTAL EXPORTS 85,942 83,632 2,310 2.8

IMPORTS 90,232 85,107 5,124 6.0

TRADE BALANCE -4,290 -1 ,476 -2,814

JAN 92 TO JAN 91 TO INCREASE

LAST 12 MONTHS DEC 92 DEC 91

HK$ MN. HK$ MN. HK$ MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 234,123 231,045 3,078 1.3

(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (25.3%) (30.2%)

RE-EXPORTS 690,829 534,841 155,989 29.2

TOTAL EXPORTS 924,953 765,886 159,067 20.8

IMPORTS 955,295 778,982 176,313 22.6

TRADE BALANCE -30,342 -13,096 -17,246

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

I | GUIDELINES TO ASSESS CHEMICAL HAZARDS IN WORKING ENVIRONMENT PUBLISHED

A BOOKLET CONTAINING GUIDELINES TO ASSESS CHEMICAL HAZARDS IN THE WORKING ENVIRONMENT HAS BEEN RECENTLY PUBLISHED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.

THE BOOKLET AIMS TO HELP OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY PRACTITIONERS, EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES IN DESIGNING DEVICES OR TO TAKE APPROPRIATE MEASURES TO PROTECT WORKERS.

”AS MORE AND MORE CHEMICALS ARE BEING USED IN INDUSTRY NOWADAYS, THEY MAY BECOME AIRBORNE IN THE WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND CAUSE DIFFERENT KINDS OF ADVERSE HEALTH EFFECTS ON WORKERS," OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH CONSULTANT OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, DR S Y CHAN, SAID AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (FRIDAY).

"EXPOSURES OF WORKERS TO THESE AIRBORNE CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES SHOULD BE KEPT AS LOW AS POSSIBLE SO THAT MOST WORKERS ARE PROTECTED FROM THE ADVERSE HEALTH EFFECTS ARISING FROM THEIR REPEATED EXPOSURE DAY AFTER DAY," HE SAID.

DR CHAN SAID THE BOOKLET "A REFERENCE NOTE ON OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS FOR CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES IN THE WORKING ENVIRONMENT" PROVIDED A REFERENCE IN THE FORM OF OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELS) TO DETERMINE THE ADEQUACY OF THE CONTROL MEASURES TAKEN FOR SOME CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES WHICH ARE COMMONLY FOUND IN INDUSTRY.

/’’THE OELS ..........

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 1993

"THE OELS REPRESENTED AIRBORNE CONCENTRATIONS OF INDIVIDUAL CHEMICAL SUBSTANCE," HE SAID.

"REFERENCE IS MADE TO AMERICAN CONFERENCE OF GOVERNMENTAL INDUSTRIAL HYGIENISTS’ LIST OF THRESHOLD LIMIT VALUES AND STANDARDS OF OTHER OVERSEAS ORGANISATIONS IN ESTABLISHING THE OELS," HE ADDED.

DR CHAN STRESSED THAT BEFORE APPLYING OR INTERPRETING THE OELS, IT WAS IMPORTANT TO STUDY THOROUGHLY SOME ASPECTS REGARDING THE OELS.

"THE OELS ARE NOT FINE DIVIDING LINES BETWEEN SAFE AND DANGEROUS CONCENTRATIONS, THEY ARE USED AS GUIDELINES TO ASSESS THE WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND TO INDICATE WHETHER ADDITIONAL CONTROL MEASURES ARE REQUIRED," HE POINTED OUT.

"EXPOSURE TO AIRBORNE CHEMICALS SHOULD ALWAYS BE KEPT AS LOW AS REASONABLY PRACTICABLE EVEN THOUGH THE CURRENT OELS ARE NOT EXCEEDED," HE SAID.

DR CHAN SAID ONE OF THE REASONS WAS INDIVIDUAL SUSCEPTIBILITY, AS A SMALL PROPORTION OF WORKERS MIGHT STILL BE AFFECTED BY SOME CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES AT CONCENTRATIONS AROUND OR BELOW THE OELS.

ANOTHER REASON IS THAT MANY OF THE OELS WERE ESTABLISHED ON CURRENT BUT LIMITED SCIENTIFIC TOXICOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE OF THE SUBSTANCES.

HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE EVALUATION OR MONITORING OF HAZARDS OF ATMOSPHERIC CONTAMINANTS IN WORKPLACES WAS OFTEN A COMPLEX TASK.

"IT INVOLVES THOROUGH UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORK PROCESSES, GOOD KNOWLEDGE OF THE TOXIC EFFECTS OF THE CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES, ADOPTION OF APPROPRIATE SAMPLING STRATEGY, SUITABLE CHOICE OF SAMPLING AND ANALYTICAL METHOD, CORRECT USE OF SAMPLING EQUIPMENT AND MANY OTHER FACTORS," HE SAID.

"THEREFORE, IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THOSE APPLYING OR INTERPRETING THE OELS IN SUCH HAZARD EVALUATIONS SHOULD BE SOMEONE WITH APPROPRIATE TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE IN OCCUPATIONAL HYGIENE PRACTICE," HE ADDED.

DR CHAN ALSO SAID IT WAS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT THE OELS ONLY CONSIDERED ABSORPTION OF CHEMICALS BY INHALATION AND WERE VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNIFICANT SKIN ABSORPTION DID NOT OCCUR.

"THEY ARE NOT RELATIVE INDICES OF TOXICITY OF THE CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES AND SHOULD NOT BE USED IN THE EVALUATION OF NON-OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURES SUCH AS EVALUATION OF COMMUNITY AIR QUALITY," HE SAID.

"THE OELS MAY NOT BE APPLICABLE DIRECTLY TO INDOOR AIR POLLUTION PROBLEMS BECAUSE THE EXPOSED POPULATION MAY HAVE THEIR HEALTH STATUS VERY DIFFERENT FROM WORKERS IN INDUSTRY.

/"THEY MAY .......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 1993

"THEY MAY BE AMENDED WHEN NEW TOXICOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE, MEDICAL OR SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE SUPPORTS THE NECESSITY FOR SUCH AN AMENDMENT," HE ADDED.

DR CHAN SAID THE OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH DIVISION WAS ALWAYS READY TO PROVIDE ADVICE ON OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND HYGIENE.

ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE EITHER IN PERSON TO THE OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH DIVISION ON THE 15TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL OR BY TEL ON 852 4041.

GOVT WELCOMES MORE VIEWS ON REFORMS ♦ ♦ * * ♦

THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR ALBERT LAM CHI-CHIU, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE GOVERNMENT WELCOMED MORE VIEWS FROM ALL SECTORS ON THE GOVERNOR’S CONSTITUTIONAL BLUEPRINT.

SPEAKING AT A SPRING RECEPTION HOSTED BY THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION’S NT REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS, MR LAM SAID THERE HAD BEEN A GREAT DEAL OF SPIRITED DISCUSSIONS AMONG PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE SINCE THE CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM PACKAGE WAS ANNOUNCED IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR.

"SOME OF THEM FULLY SUPPORTED THE PACKAGE WHILE OTHERS EXPRESSED RESERVATIONS," HE SAID.

"THOSE DEBATES CLEARLY INDICATE HONG KONG PEOPLE’S EXCELLENT TRADITION OF PAYING ATTENTION TO COMMUNITY AFFAIRS," HE ADDED.

TURNING TO THE FEEDBACKS ON THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS AS A WHOLE, MR LAM SAID MOST PROPOSALS RECEIVED WIDE SUPPORT FROM THE COMMUNITY.

HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT CNTA HAD ALL ALONG ABIDED BY ITS OWN GUIDING PRINCIPLE TO TRUTHFULLY REFLECT PUBLIC VIEWS TO THE GOVERNMENT.

"OUR GOAL IS TO ENSURE THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE ABLE TO TAKE INTO FULL ACCOUNT THE VIEWS OF DIFFERENT SECTORS WHEN IT MAKES A POLICY DECISION.

"THIS IS TO MAKE SURE THAT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF VARIOUS POLICIES IS IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE AND THAT THE RIGHTS OF THE INDIGENOUS RESIDENTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES ARE PROTECTED," HE SAID.

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

[Typographical errors in the original document]

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 1993

LAND SALE BY TENDER

ft ft ft ft

THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SALE OF A PIECE OF GOVERNMENT LAND IN TSEUNG KWAN O, SAI KUNG, NEW TERRITORIES, IT WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).

THE 1,930-SQUARE-METRE LOT, LOCATED IN AREA 10, IS INTENDED FOR A PETROL FILLING AND SERVICING STATION WHICH HAS TO BE COMPLETED FOR OPERATION ON OR BEFORE MARCH 31, 1996.

CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON FEBRUARY 26.

FORM OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM AND TENDER PLAN INSPECTED AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES KOWLOON, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.

TENDER DOCUMENTS WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES OF SHA TIN, TAI PO, NORTH, YUEN LONG, TUEN MUN, TSUEN WAN, KWAI TSING, SAI KUNG AND ISLANDS.

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

TENDERS INVITED FOR TWO PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS ft ft ft ft ft

THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A VILLAGE RESITE IN TSEUNG KWAN O AS PART OF THE SOUTHEAST NEW TERRITORIES LANDFILL ADVANCE WORKS.

THE CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO CONSTRUCT EIGHT UNITS OF VILLAGE RESITE HOUSES IN FOUR PAIRS, A VILLAGE HALL, A ’PAI LAU’ AND COMMON AREAS - ALL OF GOVERNMENT STANDARD DESIGN.

MEANWHILE, THE DEPARTMENT IS ALSO INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONVERSION OF THE SAI WAN HO WEST PIER INTO A PERMANENT MARINE POLICE TRAINING SCHOOL.

THE PROJECT INVOLVES THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN EXTRA FLOOR MEASURING ABOUT 950 SQUARE METRES OVER THE ROOF OF THE PIER TO ACCOMMODATE VARIOUS FACILITIES FOR THE TRAINING SCHOOL.

THE FACILITIES INCLUDE A TOTAL OF SEVEN CLASSROOMS, A STAFF ROOM AND A LIBRARY.

WORKS FOR BOTH PROJECTS ARE EXPECTED TO START IN APRIL FOR COMPLETION IN ABOUT NINE MONTHS AND A YEAR RESPECTIVELY.

TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 34TH FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.

TENDERS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY NOON ON FEBRUARY 19.

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/14

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 1993

NEW POST OFFICE IN TSUEN WAN *****

THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR M PAGLIARI, ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT A NEW TEXACO ROAD POST OFFICE LOCATED AT SHOPS 25-30, GROUND FLOOR, WEALTHY GARDEN, TEXACO ROAD, TSUEN WAN, NEW TERRITORIES WILL OPEN AT 9.30 AM ON MONDAY (FEBRUARY 8).

THIS OFFICE WILL REPLACE THE NEARBY TSUEN WING STREET POST OFFICE AT 18-32 TSUEN WING STREET WHICH WILL CLOSE FOR BUSINESS AT 1 PM ON SATURDAY (FEBRUARY 6).

THE HOURS OF BUSINESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF THE NEW OFFICE WILL BE THE SAME AS THOSE OF THE TSUEN WING STREET POST OFFICE. THERE WILL BE 200 ADDITIONAL P O BOXES MAKING UP A TOTAL OF 1,000 P O BOXES AT THE NEW OFFICE.

LOCAL PHILATELISTS SHOULD NOTE THAT SPECIAL HANDBACK SERVICE WILL BE AVAILABLE ON SATURDAY (FEBRUARY 6) AT THE TSUEN WING STREET POST OFFICE FOR UNREGISTERED FULLY POSTAGE PREPAID "LAST DAY COVERS"; AND ON MONDAY (FEBRUARY 8) AT THE NEW TEXACO ROAD POST OFFICE FOR UNREGISTERED FULLY POSTAGE PREPAID "FIRST DAY COVERS".

THESE PRIVATELY PREPARED COVERS WILL BE ACCEPTED OVER THE COUNTER, IMPRESSED WITH THE NORMAL POST OFFICE DATESTAMP AND HANDED BACK TO THE PERSON PRESENTING THEM.

---------0

LAN KWAI FONG INQUIRY

OUTLINE OF WORK DONE ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, UP TO 4.30 PM *****

1. STUDYING FURTHER STATEMENTS ON THE TRAGEDY RECEIVED FROM THE POLICE YESTERDAY.

2. STUDYING OPERATIONAL ORDERS ON LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS CROWD CONTROL MEASURES RECEIVED FROM THE POLICE YESTERDAY.

3. STUDYING RELEASES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS MADE BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES AND POLICE PUBLIC RELATION BUREAU REGARDING PUBLIC CO-OPERATION FOR SAFETY DURING LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS.

4. FINALISING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULED FOR NEXT MONDAY AND TUESDAY (I.E. FEBRUARY 1 TO 2, 1993).

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/15 ........

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 1993

- 15 -

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

$ MILLION

OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,500

REVERSAL OF LAF NIL

BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 1,500

NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL

EFFECT OF LAF TODAY 1,170

CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,670

LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TW] 114.30 »+0.0+ 29.1.93

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS

TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD

1 WEEK 2.78 PCT 13 MONTHS 2402 5.50 101.63 3.93

1 MONTH 2.84 PCT 16 MONTHS 2405 5.50 101.65 4.22

3 MONTHS 2.97 PCT 19 MONTHS 2408 4.375 99.78 4.57

6 MONTHS 3.29 PCT 22 MONTHS 2411 4.625 99.78 4.81

12 MONTHS 3.94 PCT

TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 20,033 MN

CLOSED 29 JANUARY 1993

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 1993

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

LABOUR DEPARTMENT CONTINUES ITS CONCILIATION ROLE .............. 1

PLEA ON CHILD CARE ............................................. 1

DO URGES SUPPORT FOR CONSTITUTIONAL PROPOSALS .................. 2

AUCTION OF LUCKY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS .................... 2

LAN KWAI FONG INQUIRY HEARINGS IN OPEN SESSION COURT NO. 10, SUPREME COURT, 38 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG ........................ 3

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .. 4

SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 1993

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

MRS PATTEN HIGHLIGHTS IMPORTANCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION . 5

CENTRAL ENQUIRY CENTRE RECEIVES OVER 150,000 CALLS ............. 6

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 1993

- 1 -

LABOUR DEPT CONTINUES ITS CONCILIATION ROLE

*****

THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD RECEIVED A LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HOUSE COMMITTEE CONVEYING THE HOUSE COMMITTEE’S RESOLUTIONS RELATING TO THE CATHAY PACIFIC DISPUTE AND WAS CONSIDERING THE MATTER.

"IN THE MEANTIME, THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE ITS CONCILIATION ROLE AND PROVIDE ITS SERVICES TO BOTH SIDES", MR CHAN SAID.

"THE DEPARTMENT HAS ARRANGED A MEETING BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES THIS AFTERNOON," HE ADDED.

"IN THE PRESENT SITUATION, WE SEE NO NEED TO DEAL WITH THE DISPUTE IN A DIFFERENT WAY," MR CHAN SAID.

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PLEA ON CHILD CARE

* * * *

A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (SATURDAY) APPEALED TO PARENTS TO MAKE THE BEST USE OF OCCASIONAL CHILD CARE SERVICE AND TO AVOID LEAVING THEIR CHILDREN UATTENDEI) AT HOME.

"FOR THEIR SAFETY, CHILDREN SHOULD NOT BE LEFT ALONE AT HOME, EVEN FOR A SHORT WHILE," THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED.

THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAS PRODUCED A CALENDAR CARD TO SPREAD THE MESSAGE.

COPIES OF THE CALENDAR CARD ARE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION AT ALL SERVICE UNITS OF THE DEPARTMENT, SUCH AS FAMILY SERVICE CENTRES AND SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNITS.

OCCASIONAL CHILD CARE SERVICE IS AN EXPERIMENTAL PROJECT AIMING AT ELIMINATING THE RISK OF LEAVING CHILDREN UNATTENDED AT HOME.

HE NOTED THAT 75 CHILD CARE CENTRES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY WERE PARTICIPATING IN THE PROJECT, OFFERING 225 PLACES TO CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN TWO AND SIX.

"A FLEXIBLE MODE OF FEE-CHARGING HAS ALSO BEEN ADOPTED FOR PARENTS WHO NEED THE SERVICE FOR A SHORT SPAN OF TIME," HE SAID.

UNDER THE SCHEME, THE CENTRES OFFER SHORT-TERM TEMPORARY CARE ON SESSIONAL BASIS, CHARGING A FEE OF $10 TO $15 PER ADMISSION.

/ANOTHER PILOT .......

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 1993

ANOTHER PILOT SCHEME ON OCCASIONAL CHILD CARE FOR DISABLED CHILDREN HAD ALSO BEEN IN OPERATION, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE SCHEME IS A SHORT-TERM DAY CARE SERVICE PROVIDED ON FULL-DAY, HALF-DAY OR SESSIONAL BASIS IN THREE SPECIAL CHILD CARE CENTRES AND ONE EARLY EDUCATION AND TRAINING CENTRE FOR DISABLED CHILDREN AGED TWO TO SIX.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC INTERESTED IN THE SERVICES MAY CALL THE DEPARTMENT’S HOTLINE 343 2255 OR THE DEPARTMENT’S CHILD CARE CENTRE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE ON TEL 836 3114.

"PARENTS HAVING ANY CHILD CARE PROBLEMS CAN ALSO SEEK HELP FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S 30 FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY," HE ADDED.

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

DO URGES SUPPORT FOR CONSTITUTIONAL PROPOSALS *****

THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR RAYMOND YOUNG, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT THE CONSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS PROPOSED BY THE GOVERNMENT IS A STEP FORWARD IN THE DEMOCRAT I SAT ION OF THE TERRITORY.

SPEAKING AT THE YUEN YUEN INSTITUTE’S SPRING LANTERNS PRESENTATION CEREMONY, MR YOUNG SAID THE PROPOSAL WAS WORTHY OF SUPPORT.

ON THE PROPOSAL INVOLVING DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR YOUNG SAID EXPANDING THE FUNCTIONS OF DISTRICT BOARDS WILL STEP UP THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMMUNITY.

HE ADDED THAT WITH SUCH PROPOSED CHANGES, IT WOULD BE MORE IMPORTANT FOR LOCAL GROUPS TO PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS.

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AUCTION OF LUCKY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS

*****

FORTY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS WERE PUT UP FOR AUCTION THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING FOR A TOTAL OF $1,128,000.

THE MONEY WILL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY PURPOSES AFTER DEDUCTION OF EXPENSES INCURRED.

THE AUCTION, HELD AT THE RECITAL HALL OF THE CITY HALL, SAW THE REGISTRATION MARK FF7 FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE OF $305,000.

ANOTHER REGISTRATION MARK 345 WAS SOLD AT THE SECOND HIGHEST

PRICE OF $105,000 WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS $1,000 /FOR FA8687.

/FOLLOWING ARE .......

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 1993

FOLLOWING ARE THE RESULTS OF TODAY’S AUCTION:

$ $ $ $

FA1383 24,000 FA699 11,000 FA928 30,000 FA8687 1,000

BE557 21,000 *345 105,000 *DH818 28,000 AP2862 20,000

FA8892 15,000 FA376 8,000 FA198 23,000 FA3819 3,000

*FF151 20,000 FA189 30,000 FA75O 9,000 *FF58 9,000

FA6388 24,000 *AE800 38,000 *DB5 45,000 FA1323 10,000

AA510 27,000 FA2283 8,000 FA3892 8,000 AS2318 16,000

FA1329 17,000 FA108 38,000 FA8863 26,000 FAI 395 WITHDRAW

♦ CK16 50,000 *FF7 305,000 ♦DP2222 50,000 ♦FF6006 11,000

FA298 22,000 AB7960 6,000 FA351 4,000 FA2030 4,000

FA8222 28,000 FA701 27,000 FA 1281 3,000 FA8184 3,000

* SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK (NOT TRANSFERABLE)

SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WERE REQUIRED TO PAY BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.

THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS AUCTIONED WILL BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE DATE OF AUCTION.

TODAY’S SALE, THE 187TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY REALISED SO FAR TO $169,018,905.

THERE WAS NO BIDDER FOR FA 1395, THIS VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK WILL BE ASSIGNED TO THE ORIGINAL APPLICANT.

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LAN KWAI FONG INQUIRY

HEARINGS IN OPEN SESSION COURT NO. 10, SUPREME COURT, 38 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG *****

MONDAY (FEBRUARY 1)

10.30 AM

11.15 AM

CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD (MEMBERS ATTENDING INCLUDING MR CHAN CHIT-KWAI, MR CHAN TAK-CHOR, MR CHANG YAU-HUNG, MR LAM KIN-LAI, MR LEUNG YING-YEUNG, MR YUEN BUN-KEUNG AND MR SAMMY POONE);

MR B T WIGLEY, DEPUTY DIRECTOR (OPERATIONS) AND MR J CUNNINGHAM, DISTRICT COMMANDER (CENTRAL), ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE;

/2.30 PM ........

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 1993

2.30 PM MR K S LIEW, CHIEF TRAFFIC ENGINEER (HONG KONG),

TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT; AND

MR F H YEUNG, CHIEF HIGHWAY ENGINEER (HONG KONG), HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT.

TUESDAY (FEBRUARY 2)

10.30 AM MRS RITA LAU, COMMISSIONER FOR ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING AUTHORITY AND SENIOR STAFF OFFICER (PUBLIC HEALTH), DEPARTMENT; TELEV1S MR S URBAN ION AND N CHAN, SERVICES

NOON MR T THUMB, CHIEF ENGINEER/HONG KONG AND DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT. ISLANDS,

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

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

$ MILLION

OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,670

REVERSAL OF LAF -1,080

BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 1,590

NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL

EFFECT OF LAF TODAY -40

CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,550

LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER

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

SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 1993

MRS PATTEN HIGHLIGHTS IMPORTANCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION *****

MRS PATTEN SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION IS VERY IMPORTANT, PARTICULARLY IN BRINGING UP THE CHILDREN.

OFFICIATING AT THE GREEN SUNDAY 1993 CARNIVAL, MRS PATTEN SAID THE CENTRAL THEME OF THE CARNIVAL - "WE BUILD A GREENER HONG KONG” -WAS BOTH TIMELY AND APPROPRIATE.

SHE SAID TODAY’S PROGRAMME GAVE A GOOD CHANCE FOR CHILDREN TO LEARN ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT AND EXPRESS THEIR CREATIVE ABILITIES.

"THE PAINTING OF DOUBLE-DECKER BUSES COMBINES THE ENVIRONMENTAL MESSAGE OF THE NEED FOR A CLEANER, GREENER HONG KONG WITH PLENTY OF FUN. "

THE CARNIVAL WILL ALSO ACT AS A FUND-RAISER FOR MORE PROGRAMMES OF ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION, SHE ADDED.

MRS PATTEN SAID PEOPLE MUST BE TAUGHT THAT PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT DID NOT INEVITABLY CONFLICT WITH INDUSTRY AND BUSINESS.

SHE EXPLAINED THAT BUSINESS COULD DO BETTER AND MAKE MORE MONEY BY TAKING UP THE CHALLENGE OF CLEAN TECHNOLOGY, WASTE MINIMISATION AND RESOURCE CONSERVATION.

SHE ADDED THAT NOWADAYS A CITY OR COUNTRY’S ABILITY TO DEAL SUCCESSFULLY WITH ITS ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS WAS INCREASINGLY VIEWED BY INVESTORS, AND TOURISTS, AS A SIGNIFICANT FACTOR WHEN THEY WERE MAKING UP THEIR MINDS ABOUT WHERE TO PUT THEIR MONEY OR WHERE TO BOOK THEIR HOTELS.

"AN EQUALLY IMPORTANT PART OF ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION IS TO REMIND AND TEACH THE COMMUNITY THE EFFECT EACH ONE OF US HAS ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND OUR DUTY NOT TO DAMAGE IT," SHE SAID.

MRS PATTEN SAID LITTER WAS A MENACE AND SO WERE THOSE WHO WRECK THE LOVELY COUNTRYSIDE.

"IT IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO PREVENT THE WORLD WE PASS ON TO OUR CHILDREN FROM BEING DEGRADED AND DESTROYED THROUGH OUR OWN NEGLECT AND IGNORANCE," SHE SAID.

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/6 ........

SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 1993

CENTRAL ENQUIRY CENTRE *

RECEIVES OVER 150,000 CALLS t * * *

THE CENTRAL TELEPHONE ENQUIRY CENTRE HANDLED A TOTAL OF 150,652 TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES LAST YEAR.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THESE ENQUIRIES RELATED MAINLY TO THE OPERATION OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, APPLICATION PROCEDURES, STATUTORY DECLARATIONS, GOVERNMENT VACANCIES, FREE LEGAL ADVICE AND RENT OFFICER SCHEMES.

THE CENTRE WAS SET UP IN APRIL 1991 TO BACK UP THE 20 PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES IN VARIOUS DISTRICT OFFICES.

ANYONE WHO WISH TO ASK ABOUT GOVERNMENT SERVICES CAN CALL THE CENTRE’S HOTLINE - 835 2500.

THE SERVICE OPERATES FROM 8.45 AM TO 5.15 PM ON WEEKDAYS AND 9 AM TO NOON ON SATURDAYS, EXCLUDING PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.

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Daily Information Bulletin - 1990s - 1993 - JAN - ENG