Received by PRO
on_________________
- 3 SEP 1993
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1993
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
GOVT TRIES HARD TO FIND LORRY PARKING SITES ..................... 1
BILINGUAL LAW DATABASE FOR PUBLIC USE ........................... 3
NEW ORGAN DONATION CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED ............................ 4
HONG KONG SUCCESSFUL IN JEWELLERY TRADE ......................... 5
IMPORTANCE ATTACHED TO PROTECTION OF MANGROVE ................... 6
SECRETARY FOR WORKS ATTENDS SINGAPORE CONFERENCE ................ 7
EIGHT MORE HIV-INFECTED CASES CONFIRMED ......................... 8
TRADER PUNISHED FOR EXPORTING FRAUDULENTLY DESCRIBED GARMENTS 8
KWAI CHUNG LAND TO LET .......................................... 9
KWUN TONG DB MEMBERS VISIT HEALTH CENTRE ....................... 10
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ..
11
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1993
- 1 -
GOVT TRIES HARD TO FIND LORRY PARKING SITES
*****
THE GOVERNMENT IS TRYING VERY HARD TO FIND ALTERNATIVE PARKING SITES FOR LORRIES AFFECTED BY THE WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING PROJECT ON THE WESTERN RECLAMATION.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID OWING TO THE COMMENCEMENT OF WORKS FOR THE WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING, ONE OF THE TWO TEMPORARY VEHICLE PARKS ON WESTERN RECLAMATION WAS CLOSED ON AUGUST 1 THIS YEAR.
THE OTHER VEHICLE PARK IS DUE TO BE CLOSED BY MID-SEPTEMBER.
THE VEHICLE PARKS PROVIDE SOME 500 GOODS VEHICLE PARKING SPACES. IN VIEW OF THE IMMINENT NEED, TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, IN COOPERATION WITH THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT, MARINE DEPARTMENT AND OTHER PARTIES CONCERNED, HAVE BEEN ACTIVELY LOOKING FOR SUITABLE ALTERNATIVE SITES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID SEVERAL MEETINGS HAD BEEN HELD AMONG GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND THE DRIVER REPRESENTATIVES.
AT THE MEETINGS, DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND THE DRIVERS SUGGESTED A NUMBER OF SITES FOR INVESTIGATION.
ALTOGETHER, SOME 20 LOCATIONS ON HONG KONG ISLAND HAVE BEEN LOOKED INTO OVER THE PAST FEW WEEKS IN AN ATTEMPT TO IDENTIFY TEMPORARY SITES THAT MAY BE SUITABLE FOR GOODS VEHICLE PARKING.
THE SEARCH COVERS VACANT GOVERNMENT LAND, NEWLY RECLAIMED LAND, PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREAS, FUTURE AND PRESENT OPEN SPACES AND KERBSIDE SPACES.
"SINCE THE END OF JULY 1993, SOME 200 GOODS VEHICLE ON-STREET PARKING SPACES HAVE BEEN PROVIDED FOR IMMEDIATE USE, OF WHICH 95 ARE FOR NIGHT-TIME PARKING ONLY. THE SPACES ARE LOCATED ALONG DES VOEUX ROAD WEST, KENNEDY TOWN PRAYA, HEUNG YIP ROAD, WESTERN PARK ROAD AND FUNG MAT STREET," HE SAID.
ANOTHER 220 OFF-STREET PARKING SPACES ARE EXPECTED TO BE AVAIL'RLE BEFORE MID-SEPTEMBER, OF WHICH ABOUT 90 ARE FOR NIGHT-TIME PARKING ONLY.
THE SPACES ARE PROVIDED AT A SITE IN SIU SAI WAN, WITHIN PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREAS AT SAI WAN AND SHEUNG WAN AND AT A SITE NEXT TO THE WATERFRONT POLICE STATION.
"IN THE MEDIUM TERM, IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT OVER 200 OFF-STREET PARKING SPACES WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE IN QUARRY BAY AND BELCHER BAY BY AUGUST/SEPTEMBBR 1994," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/"ANOTHER 180 .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1993
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"ANOTHER 180 OFF-STREET PARKING SPACES WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE KENNEDY TOWN VEGETABLE WHOLESALE MARKET AND THE SITE NEXT TO THE CHINA MOTOR BUS DEPOT AFTER RELOCATION OF THE WHOLESALE MARKET TO THE WESTERN WATERFRONT IN MAY 1994," HE ADDED.
THE SITE AT TEI,EGRAPH BAY AN ACCESS ROAD.
RECLAMATION IS NOW VACANT BUT WITHOUT
TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, IN CONJUNCTION WITH HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT AND OTHER CONCERNED PARTIES, IS NOW EXAMINING THE PROVISION OF A TEMPORARY ACCESS TO THE SITE FOR GOODS VEHICLE PARKING.
AVAILABILITY OF FURTHER SITES ARE BEING ACTIVELY PURSUED.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THERE WERE OTHER SITES WHICH HAD BEEN INVESTIGATED BUT WERE FOUND NOT FEASIBLE FOR GOODS VEHICLE PARKING.
TO OPEN UP THE PIER AREA INSIDE THE WESTERN WHOLESALE FOOD MARKET FOR OVERNIGHT GOODS VEHICLE PARKING WILL BE RESTRICTED BY THE LOADING LIMITATION IN THE PIER AREA, SHORTAGE OF CAR PARKING PROVISION INSIDE THE MARKET, POSSIBLE TRAFFIC CONGESTION, SECURITY AND SAFETY PROBLEMS WHICH WILL AFFECT THE EFFICIENT FUNCTIONING OF THE WHOLESALE MARKET.
THE WHOLESALE FISH MARKET AT CADOGAN STREET HAS ALREADY BEEN TAKEN UP BY THE VEGETABLE TRADE CONTAINERS.
THE PLANT DEMOLITION CONTRACT AT THE KENNEDY TOWN INCINERATOR SITE WILL START SOON, TO BE FOLLOWED BY STRUCTURES DEMOLITION IN JULY 1994.
CONSTRUCTION WORKS WILL START ON THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION’S SITES AT WING LOK STREET AND JUBILEE STREET AT THE END OF SEPTEMBER. AT PRESENT, SITE CLEARANCE IS IN PROGRESS.
THROUGH THIS JOINT EFFORT OF THE GOVERNMENT, DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND GOODS VEHICLE DRIVERS, IT HAS NOW BEEN POSSIBLE TO PROVIDE A TOTAL OF 420 PARKING SPACES WHEN THE SECOND VEHICLE PARK IS DUE TO BE CLOSED.
AN ADDITIONAL 380 OFF-STREET PARKING SPACES ARE EXPECTED TO BE AVAILABLE BY THE MIDDLE OF NEXT YEAR.
EVEN SO, THE GOVERNMENT IS STILL DISCUSSING WITH THE WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING CONTRACTOR THE FEASIBILITY OF EXTENDING THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE SECOND VEHICLE PARK AS FAR BEYOND MID-SEPTEMBER AS POSSIBLE WHILE RECOGNISING THE NEED FOR THE WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING PROJECT TO PROCEED WITHOUT DELAY.
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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1993
- 3 -
BILINGUAL LAW DATABASE FOR PUBLIC USE
*****
ARRANGEMENTS ARE NOW IN PLACE FOR THE LEGAL PROFESSION, THE PUBLIC AND VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TO HAVE ACCESS TO THE FIRST BILINGUAL LAW INFORMATION DATABASE IN HONG KONG.
A LEGAL DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT A CONTRACT HAD BEEN GRANTED TO WANG PACIFIC LIMITED TO PROVIDE PUBLIC ACCESS TO THE BILINGUAL LEGISLATION INFORMATION SYSTEM (BLIS). THE LAUNCH WAS PLANNED FOR THE MIDDLE OF NEXT MONTH.
THE BLIS OFFERS ACCESS TO THE COMPLETE AND UP-TO-DATE TEXT OF HONG KONG ORDINANCES AND SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION, IN BOTH LANGUAGES, AS WELL AS A GLOSSARY OF BILINGUAL TERMS USED IN LEGISLATION.
BY PERMISSION OF THE LAW FACULTY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, ACCESS IS ALSO AVAILABLE TO THE JUDGMENTS OF HONG KONG SUPERIOR COURTS, INCLUDING PRIVY COUNCIL DECISIONS, FROM 1980 ONWARDS.
"LEGISLATION IS NORMALLY UP-DATED WITHIN THREE WEEKS OF GAZETTE PUBLICATION WHILE JUDGMENTS ARE USUALLY UPDATED WITHIN TWO MONTHS OF THE PRONOUNCEMENT," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"ALL THAT IS REQUIRED BY PEOPLE WISHING TO ENTER THE BLIS IS A PERSONAL COMPUTER AND A TELEPHONE LINE.
"USERS CAN SEARCH BY WORD OR COMBINATION OF WORDS. SEARCHES OF JUDGMENTS CAN BE RESTRICTED TO ANY SUPERIOR COURT OF THE USERS’ CHOICE.
"ADDITIONALLY, INFORMATION RETRIEVED CAN BE COPIED TO THE USER’S PERSONAL COMPUTER OR PRINTED FROM THE SCREEN," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THE INITIAL COST TO SUBSCRIBERS OF BLIS WILL INCLUDE FEES FOR REGISTRATION, INSTALLATION, TRAINING AND SOFTWARE. THEREAFTER, COSTS ARE BASED ON USAGE LN ADDITION TO A NOMINAL MONTHLY FEE.
"THE AGREED FEES HAVE BEEN DELIBERATELY LOW SO AS TO ENCOURAGE PUBLIC USF OF THIS ENHANCED RESEARCH TOOL," THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
ANYONE INTERESTED IN OBTAINING FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE SYSTEM MAY CONTACT WANG PACIFIC ON TEL 880 4999, FAX 590 9614, OR
WRITE 1’0:
THE INFO/LAW MARKETING EXECUTIVE WANG PACIFIC LTD 15TII FLOOR SOMERSET HOUSE TAI KOO PLACE 979 KING’S ROAD QUARRY BAY HONG KONG
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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1993
4
NEW ORGAN DONATION CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED
*****
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAN NOW OBTAIN ORGAN DONATION CARDS THROUGH A WIDER DISTRIBUTION NETWORK WHICH CONSISTS OF A LARGE NUMBER OF GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE SECTOR OUTLETS.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (WEDNESDAY), SENIOR MEDICAL AND HEALTH OFFICER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH’S CENTRAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT, DR C Y MOK, URGED THE PUBLIC TO SUPPORT THE ’’GIFT OF LIFE” ORGAN DONATION CAMPAIGN.
DR MOK SAID ALTHOUGH THE NUMBER OF CASES OF ORGAN TRANSPLANT WAS ON THE RISE, THE DEMAND FOR HUMAN ORGANS STILL EXCEEDED SUPPLY.
WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR, ORGAN DONATION CARDS ARE AVAILABLE THIS MONTH FROM ALL WELLCOME SUPERMARKETS, THE TWO CUSTOMER CENTRES OF THE HONGKONG ELECTRIC COMPANY, THE MAIN STORE AND TWO BRANCH STORES OF JUSCO AND EIGHT TRAVEL SERVICES CENTRES OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY.
SOME MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG MEDICAL ASSOCIATION WILL ALSO HELP AND DISTRIBUTE ORGAN DONATION CARDS AT THEIR CLINICS.
ORGAN DONATION CARDS WILL CONTINUE TO BE AVAILABLE AT THE INDOOR GAMES HALLS, SWIMMING POOLS, PUBLIC LIBRARIES AND CIVIC CENTRES OF THE URBAN SERVICES AND REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENTS AFTER THE CAMPAIGN ENDS LATER THIS MONTH.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAN ALSO PICK UP ORGAN DONATION CARDS FROM THE REGULAR DISTRIBUTION POINTS WHICH INCLUDE MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CLINICS AND GENERAL OUTPATIENT CLINICS OF DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, DISTRICT OFFICES, TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S LICENSING OFFICES, HONG KONG RED (’ROSS TRANSFUSION SERVICES DONOR CENTRES, HOSPITAL AUTHORITY’S INSTITUTIONS, WING ON DEPARTMENT STORES AND TAKE YOUR CARD COMPANY’S DISPENSING OUTLETS.
DR MOK EXPLAINED THAT THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE CAMPAIGN WAS AN EXHIBITION JOINTLY ORGANISED WITH LION ROCK JAYCEES AT METROPLAZA, KWAI FONG THIS WEEKEND.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO VISIT THE EXHIBITION AND SUPPORT THE CAMPAIGN BY SIGNING IN ORGAN DONATION CARDS. THE PYHTRTTION IS SPONSORED BY THE CITIBANK.
DR MOK SAID A SPECIAL TELEPHONE HOTLINE 838 3232 HAD BEEN SET UP TO DISSEMINATE PRE-RECORDED MESSAGE ON ORGAN DONATION.
HE ADDED THAT ONE SET OF NEW EXHIBITION BOARDS ON ORGAN D: ATION HAD ALSO BEEN PRODUCED AND ORGANISATIONS INTERESTED TO MAKE USE OF THESE BOARDS IN PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES COULD CONTACT THE ^^TPAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT ON TEL 572 1 476.
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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1993
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HONG KONG SUCCESSFUL IN JEWELLERY TRADE
*****
HONG KONG OWES ITS LEADING POSITION IN THE JEWELLERY TRADE TO BOTH ITS ENTERPRISING BUSINESSMEN AND ITS QUALITY WORKFORCE, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 1993 HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL JEWELLERY SHOW, MR LEUNG SAID A KEY REASON WHY HONG KONG LED IN THE EXPORT OF FINE JEWELLERY WAS THAT DESIGN WAS TAKEN VERY SERIOUSLY.
"HONG KONG’S JEWELLERY DESIGN HAS IMPROVED SIGNIFICANTLY OVER THE PAST DECADE," HE SAID.
"TODAY, THE HIGH STANDARD OF THE TERRITORY’S DESIGN IS ACKNOWLEDGED WORLDWIDE," HE ADDED.
"HONG KONG EMPLOYERS AND THEIR ASSOCIATIONS HAVE PLAYED A KEY ROLE IN FOSTERING THE TALENT OF OUR NEW GENERATION OF JEWELLERY DESIGNERS."
MR LEUNG NOTED THAT VARIOUS TRADE ASSOCIATIONS ORGANISED INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS REGULARLY TO STIMULATE AND PROMOTE ORIGINALITY.
"HONG KONG’S DESIGNERS HAVE DONE VERY WELL IN THESE COMPETITIONS," HE ADDED.
"FOR EXAMPLE, IN LAST YEAR’S DIAMOND DESIGN COMPETITION, THE LEADING JEWELLERY DESIGN CONTEST IN SOUTHEAST ASIA ORGANISED BY THE DIAMOND IMPORTERS ASSOCIATION, 13 OF THE 19 WINNERS WERE FROM HONG KONG," THE SECRETARY SAID.
HE ATTRIBUTED HONG KONG’S SUCCESS TO THE FORESIGHT OF THE TRADE ASSOCIATIONS AS WELL AS TO THE EAGERNESS OF HONG KONG’S DESIGNERS AND CRAFTSMEN TO STRENGTHEN THEIR SKILLS.
MR LEUNG POINTED OUT THAT THE QUEST FOR EXCELLENCE THROUGH EDUCATION AND TRAINING WAS A STRONG DRIVING FORCE FOR HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC SUCCESS.
HE NOTED THAT JEWELLERY WAS ONE OF HONG KONG’S MAJOR EXPORTS, AMOUNTING IN VALUE TERMS TO $5 BILLION LAST YEAR.
"HONG KONG IS THE WORLD'S THIRD LARGEST EXPORTER. OF PRECIOUS METAL JEWELLERY AND THE FOURTH LARGEST IMPORTER OF LOOSE DIAMONDS," MR LEUNG ADDED.
/6........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1993
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IMPORTANCE ATTACHED TO PROTECTION OF MANGROVE * * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT ATTACHED GREAT IMPORTANCE TO THE PROTECTION OF HONG KONG’S MANGROVE HABITATS, THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE, SAID THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING.
DR LEE WAS SPEAKING AT THE ASIA-PACIFIC SYMPOSIUM ON MANGROVE ECOSYSTEM HELD AT THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY.
CITING THE EXAMPLE OF THE MAI PO MARSHES, THE MOST IMPORTANT MANGROVE STAND IN THE TERRITORY, DR LEE SAID THE SITE WAS LISTED AS A RESTRICTED AREA UNDER THE WILD ANIMALS PROTECTION ORDINANCE IN 1975.
"A YEAR LATER, IT WAS RECOGNISED AS A SITE OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST TO ENSURE AWARENESS OF ITS SCIENTIFIC IMPORTANCE AND THAT CONSERVATION CONSIDERATION IS GIVEN WHEN DEVELOPMENTS IN OR NEAR THE AREA ARE PROPOSED."
AT THE RECENT CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES TO THE RAMSAR CONVENTION, THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALSO ANNOUNCED ITS ACCEPTANCE IN PRINCIPLE THAT MAI PO MARSHES CAN BE CONSIDERED SUITABLE FOR DESIGNATION AS A WETLAND OF INTERNATIONAL IMPORTANCE UNDER THE CONVENTION.
DR LEE SAID AN INTERNAL STUDY ON THE IMPLICATIONS WAS IN PROGRESS AND PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON THE PROPOSAL WOULD BE CARRIED OUT AT A LATER STAGE.
DR LEE HOPED THAT FORMAL DESIGNATION WOULD BE ACHIEVED AROUND THE END OF NEXT YEAR.
HE STRESSED THAT THE LONG-TERM SUCCESS OF MANGROVE CONSERVATION DEPENDED MUCH ON THE SUPPORT OF THE COMMUNITY.
TO THIS END, THE GOVERNMENT IS WORKING CLOSELY WITH THE WORLD WIDE FUND FOR NATURE HONG KONG (WWF) IN THE MANAGEMENT OF MAI PO MARSHES AND IN PROMOTING WETLAND AND MANGROVE CONSERVATION, HE SAID.
A WILDLIFE EDUCATION CENTRE, A FIELD STUDIES CENTRE AND A CAPTIVE WATERFOWL COLLECTION WERE ESTABLISHED BY THE WWF AT THE MAI PO MARSHES AND EVERY YEAR THEY OFFER NUMEROUS EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
ON THE IMPORTANCE OF THE MAJ PO MARSHES, DR LEE POINTED OUT THAT ACCORDING TO A RESEARCH STUDY, THE AREA PRODUCED MORE THAN 12 TONS DRY WEIGHT OF BIOMASS PER HECTARE PER YEAR WHICH SUPPORTED A DIVERSE FAUNAL COMMUNITY INCLUDING AVIAN, ARBOREAL INSECTS, AMPHIBIANS, REPTILES AND OTHER BENTHIC, SURFACE DWELLING AND PELAGIC ORGANISMS.
ABOUT A DOZEN INVERTEBRATE SPECIES NEW TO SCIENCE HAVE BEEN DISCOVERED IN THIS WETLAND ECOSYSTEM, HE SAID.
/OF PARTICULAR .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1993
1
OF PARTICULAR IMPORTANCE IS THAT MAI PO MARSHES SUPPORT THE LARGEST POPULATION OF BIRDS, ESPECIALLY WATERFOWLS IN HONG KONG.
SOME 260 SPECIES HAVE BEEN RECORDED. ABOUT 20 PER CENT OF THEM ARE RESIDENT AND THE REST ARE MIGRANTS.
"EACH YEAR THOUSANDS OF MIGRATORY BIRDS USE MAI PO MARSHES AS A STOP-OVER AND REFUELING STATION. ANNUAL BIRD COUNTS TN DEEP BAY AREA TN THE PAST DECADE INDICATE AN INCREASING TREND WITH THE RECENT FIGURE OF OVER 50,000 BIRDS.”
TURNING TO ANOTHER PROJECT IN LANTAU, DR LEE SAID AN OFF-SITE MITIGATION MEASURE FOR THE CREATION OF A NEW MANGROVE STAND ON THE DISUSED SALT PANS AT TAI O ON WESTERN LANTAU WAS UNDERWAY.
THIS IS TO MINIMISE THE IMPACT OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW AIRPORT AT CHEE LAP KOK IN NORTH LANTAU WHICH WILL INEVITABLY HAVE AN IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT, INCLUDING THE LOSS OF PATCHES OF MANGROVES ON THE ISLAND AND ALONG NORTH LANTAU SHORES, HE ADDED.
FUTHERMORE, THE GOVERNMENT WAS GOING TO COMMISSION AN ECOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE MANGROVES IN HONG KONG WITH A VIEW TO DEVELOPING AN EFFECTIVE CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT PLANT, HE SAID.
THE STUDY WILL INCLUDE A COMPREHENSIVE ECOLOGICAL SURVEY OF EXISTING MANGROVES IN HONG KONG AND AN EVALUATION SCHEME TO ASSIGN DIFFERENT LEVELS OF CONSERVATION VALUES TO EACH STAND WILL BE DEVELOPED.
FOR THOSE WITH HIGH CONSERVATION VALUES, CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT PLANS WILL BE DRAWN UP HAVING REGARD TO OPERATIONAL FEASIB1LITY AND RESOUCES IMPLICATIONS.
DR LEE WAS PLEASED THAT IN A SMALL TERRITORY SUCH AS HONG KONG WITH CLOSE TO SIX MILLION POPULATION, THE GOVERNMENT WAS STILL ABLE TO MAINTAIN A DIVERSITY OF IMPORTANT ECOLOGICAL HABITATS INCLUDING MANGROVES AND WETLANDS.
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SECRETARY FOR WORKS ATTENDS SINGAPORE CONFERENCE
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE, WILL ATTEND A CONFERENCE IN SINGAPORE ON CITY PLANNING, TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS AND URBAN INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT ON SEPTEMBER 2 AND 3.
THE CITY TRANS ASIA '93 CONFERENCE WILL FEATURE TALKS BY SPECIALISTS IN INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT, PRESENTATIONS BY DELEGATES AND VISITS TO PROJECT SITES IN SINGAPORE.
MR BLAKE WILL PRESENT A PAPER ON HONG KONG’S INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT AT A PLENARY SESSION TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
HE WILL TALK ABOUT THE LATEST PROGRESS IN PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT AND THE STRATEGY TO DEVELOP AN EFFICIENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM IN HONG KONG.
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/8........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1993
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EIGHT MORE HIV-INFECTED CASES CONFIRMED * * * * *
EIGHT MEN WERE FOUND TO BE POSITIVE FOR THE HIV ANTIBODY TEST IN JULY THIS YEAR, THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE FIGURE BRINGS THE TOTAL NUMBER OF HIV-INFECTED PERSONS IN HONG KONG TO 389.
THREE AIDS CASES WERE REPORTED DURING THE MONTH.
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF CONFIRMED AIDS CASES IS 89 WITH 57 DEATHS. THE 32 OTHERS ARE EITHER UNDER COUNSELLING OR HAVE LEFT THE TERRITORY.
OF THE 389 PERSONS INFECTED, 283 GOT THE INFECTION SEXUALLY, EIGHT WERE INTRAVENOUS DRUG-USERS, AND 65 GOT THE INFECTION THROUGH CONTAMINATED BLOOD OR BLOOD PRODUCTS BEFORE 1985 WHEN HIV ANTIBODY TEST AND SAFE HEAT-TREATED CLOTTING CONCENTRATES WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
FOR THE REMAINING 33, THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE WAS INADEQUATE FOR CLASSIFICATION.
UNDER THE HIV SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME WHICH STARTED IN 1985, A TOTAL OF 278,843 BLOOD SPECIMENS HAVE BEEN TESTED FOR THE HIV ANTIBODY.
THE HONG KONG RED CROSS BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE HAS ALSO SCREENED ALL BLOOD DONORS FOR HIV INFECTION.
UP TO JULY THIS YEAR, 1,279,423 UNITS OF BLOOD HAVE BEEN TESTED AND 27 DONORS WERE FOUND POSITIVE.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
FROM THIS MONTH ONWARDS, THE MEDIA BRIEFING ON AIDS SITUATION BY THE CONSULTANT (SPECIAL PREVENTIVE PROGRAMME), DR S S LEE WILL BE CONDUCTED FROM MONTHLY TO QUARTERLY. DR LEE WILL BRIEF THE MEDIA ON THE AIDS SITUATION FOR THE THIRD QUARTER THIS YEAR NEXT MONTH.
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TRADER PUNISHED FOR EXPORTING FRAUDULENTLY DESCRIBED GARMENTS *****
A TRADER WAS FINED $840,000 AND GIVEN SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT SUSPENDED FOR TWO YEARS FOR EXPORTING $10 MILLION WORTH OF FRAUDULENTLY DESCRIBED GARMENTS AT THE SOUTH KOWLOON MAGISTRACY TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE GARMENTS WERE DESCRIBED AS METAL OFFICE FURNITURE WHEN EXPORTED FROM HONG KONG TO THE U.S.
/CHAN PUI-MUI, ........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1993
- 9 -
CHAN PUT-MUI, PETER, THE SOLE PROPRIETOR OE RAYSON TRADING COMPANY AND THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF GOLD POWER ENGINEERING LIMITED, PLEADED GUILTY TO 41 COUNTS OF EXPORTING 647,900 PIECES OF FRAUDULENTLY DESCRIBED GARMENTS.
ACTING ON INFORMATION FROM THE U.S. CUSTOMS, HONG KONG CUSTOMS OFFICERS RAIDED THE OFFICE OF RAYSON TRADING COMPANY AND GOLD POWER ENGINEERING LIMITED ON JUNE 9 THIS YEAR. SOME DOCUMENTS AND A RETURNED SHIPMENT OF 166,968 PIECES OF MEN’S T-SHIRTS LABELLED ’’MADE IN CHINA” WERE SEIZED.
INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT RAYSON AND GOLD POWER HAD EXPORTED 13 SHIPMENTS OF CHINA-ORIGIN MEN’S AND BOYS’ SWEAT-SHIRTS, T-SHIRTS, PANTS, SHORTS AND JACKETS WHICH WERE FRAUDULENTLY DESCRIBED AS METAL OFFICE FURNITURE ON TRADE DOCUMENTS FROM SEPTEMBER 2 TO DECEMBER 15, 1991 .
ALL SHIPMENTS HAD BEEN IMPORTED INTO THE U.S. EXCEPT TWO. ONE SHIPMENT WAS SEIZED BY THE U.S. CUSTOMS UPON ARRIVAL IN THE U.S. WHILE THE OTHER WAS SEIZED BY THE HONG KONG CUSTOMS DURING THE INVESTIGATION.
THE HEAD OF CUSTOMS TRADING STANDARDS INVESTIGATION BUREAU, MR ANDREW WONG, SAID THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT WOULD CONTINUE ITS EFFORT TO DETER ILLEGAL TRANSHIPMENT OF TEXTILE TO HONG KONG’S TRADING PARTNERS INCLUDING THE U.S.
"IT WOULD HAVE SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES IF HONG KONG WAS VIEWED BY ITS TRADING PARTNERS AS A FAVOURED PORT FOR RE-EXPORT OF TEXTILES CONNECTED WITH TRANSHIPMENT FRAUD,” HE ADDED.
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KWAI CHUNG LAND TO LET *****
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT-TERM TENANCY OF A PIECE OF GOVERNMENT LAND AT AREA 10B, KWAI SHING CIRCUIT, KWAI CHUNG.
THE 2,450-SQUARE-METRE LOT IS INTENDED FOR OPEN STORAGE PURPOSES, EXCLUDING STORAGE OF CONTAINERS, CONTAINER TRACTORS, LICENSED MOTOR VEHICLES, OFFENSIVE GOODS, DANGEROUS GOODS AND CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS..
THE TENANCY IS FOR THREE YEARS, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY.
CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON SEPTEMBER 17.
FORMS OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICES AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM :
* THE KWAI TS1NG DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, 10TH FLOOR, TSUEN WAN
STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN;
/* THE LANDS ........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1993
- 10 -
* THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD; AND
* THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES KOWLOON, 1OTH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.
THE TENDER PLAN CAN BE INSPECTED AT THESE OFFICES.
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KWUN TONG DB MEMBERS VISIT HEALTH CENTRE *****
MEMBERS OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD AND SOME OF ITS AREA COMMITTEES VISITED THE KWUN TONG JOCKEY CLUB HEALTH CENTRE AND THE ATTACHED METHADONE CLINIC THIS (WEDNESDAY) EVENING.
THE VISIT, ORGANISED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE, THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND THE GOVERNMENT PROPERTY AGENCY, PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE MEMBERS TO SEE FOR THEMSELVES THE EXISTING FACILITIES OF THE HEALTH CENTRE.
THE HEALTH CENTRE WAS BUILT IN THE SIXTIES. IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THE FACILITIES CANNOT MATCH TODAY’S STANDARD.
THE VISIT IS MEANT TO ADDRESS CONCERN ABOUT THE REPROVISIONING OF THE HEALTH CENTRE EXPRESSED B'S MEMBERS OF THE BOARD AND AREA COMMITTEES.
MEMBERS WERE SHOWN AROUND BY DR P L MA OF THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND MR WONG FAY-PANG OF THE GOVERNMENT PROPERTY AGENCY.
MR WONG POINTED OUT THAI’ THE REPROVISIONING OF THE HEALTH CENTRE AND THE METHADONE CLINIC ALLOWED FOR A MORE THOROUGH UPGRADING OF THE FACILITIES.
DR MA ADDED THAT THE REPROVISIONED HEALTH CENTRE WILL BE PATIENT-FRIENDLY, EFFICIENT AND FULLY AIR-CONDITIONED.
THE NEW HEALTH CENTRE WILL INCLUDE A GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINIC, A MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CENTRE, A DENTAL CLINIC AND A NEW OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH CLINIC.
THE KWUN TONG METHADONE CLINIC WILL MOVE TO THE CAR PARK OF THE KOWLOON EAST GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING WHICH IS VERY ACCESSIBLE RUT SEPARATED FROM RESIDENTIAL BLOCKS BY ROAD.
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/Il .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1993
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HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,200
REVERSAL OF LAF _200
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 2,000
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY +180
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,180
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 112.5 *+0.2» 1.9.93
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 2.75 PCT 14 MONTHS 2411 4.625 101.45 3.41
1 MONTH 2.78 PCT 17 MONTHS 2502 4.75 101.67 3.59
3 MONTHS 2.82 PCT 20 MONTHS 2505 4.75 99.87 3.86
6 MONTHS 3.03 PCT 23 MONTHS 2508 4.625 101.16 4.04
12 MONTHS 3.27 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 12,468 MN
CLOSED SEPTEMBER 1, 1993
- - 0----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1993
STATEMENT ON HAN DONGFANG ....................................... 1
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT FOR CIVIL SERVANTS .......................... 1
WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING PROJECT AGREEMENT AND CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT SIGNED ............................................... 2
GOVT LAB GEARS UP TO MORE WORK .................................. 3
RETAIL SALES FIGURES FOR JUNE ................................... 4
SHA BRIEFS DB CHAIRMEN ON EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES GREEN PAPER .. 7
GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT INDUSTRY .................... 8
BRAVE FIREMEN COMMENDED ......................................... 9
CS VISITS LABOUR DEPARTMENT .................................... 10
"KNOW MORE ABOUT FOOD SAFETY" EXHIBITION ....................... 10
WATER CUTS IN AP LEI CHAU ...................................... 11
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
11
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1993
1 STATEMENT ON HAN DONGFANG * * * * *
THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT IS ISSUED IN RESPONSE TO MEDIA ENQUIRIES ABOUT HONG KONG GOVERNMENT COMMENTS ON THE HAN DONGFANG CASE:
"THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY THAT IN COMMENTING ON THE HAN DONGFANG CASE, HE AND OTHER OFFICIALS WERE REFLECTING THE WIDESPREAD ANXIETIES OF THE COMMUNITY, AS EXPRESSED TN PUBLIC STATEMENTS AND MEDIA COMMENTARY.
"THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT THE HONG KONG PEOPLE VIEW FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT, AS ENSHRINED IN THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW, AS FUNDAMENTAL TO THEIR FUTURE, AND IN THE LIGHT OF THE WAY IN WHICH MR HAN’S CASE WAS HANDLED IT IS ONLY RIGHT FOR THE CHIEF SECRETARY, AND THE ACTING GOVERNOR, TO BRING THESE CONCERNS TO THE ATTENTION OF THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES.
"THE COMMUNITY WOULD EXPECT NO LESS OF US."
-----0-------
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT FOR CIVIL SERVANTS
*****
IN RESPONSE TO MEDIA ENQUIRIES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN MADE THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT TODAY (THURSDAY):
"WE ARE PLEASED TO NOTE THAT THE ASSOCIATION OF EXPATRIATE CIVIL SERVANTS OF HONG KONG SUPPORTS THE GOVERNMENT’S VIEW THAT THERE SHOULD BE A COMMON SET OF TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT FOR ALL CIVIL SERVANTS, ALTHOUGH THE TIMING WILL DEPEND ON CONSULTATION WITH THE STAFF SIDE AND REACHING AGREEMENT WITH CHINA.
"ON THE ASSOCIATION’S REQUEST FOR EXPLANATION FOR THE FAILURE OF SOME APPLICATIONS FOR TRANSFER TO LOCAL TERMS, IT HAS NEVER BEEN THE GOVERNMENT’S PRACTICE TO DISCUSS INDIVIDUAL CASES PUBLICLY, AND IT WOULD BE WRONG TO DO SO NOW.
"THE ASSOCIATION HAS CALLED FOR A MEETING WITH CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH AND REPRESENTATIVES OF LOCAL CIVIL SERVANTS’ UNIONS. THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALWAYS FAVOURED DIALOGUE WITH THE STAFF AS THE BEST MEANS OF RESOLVING ISSUES, AND REMAINS READY TO MEET THE STAFF ASSOCIATIONS AND LISTEN TO THEIR VIEWS.
"SERVICE NEED IS ONE OF THE CRITERIA WHEN CONSIDERING AN APPLICATION FOR TRANSFER TO LOCAL TERMS. SERVICE NEED VARIES FROM POST TO POST AND IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO GIVE AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST.
"SOME EXAMPLES ARE WHETHER THE EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE OF THE OFFICER CONCERNED IS STILL REQUIRED AND WHETHER THE ORIGINAL JOB OR PROJECT FOR WHICH THE OFFICER WAS FIRST APPOINTED HAS BEEN COMPLETED."
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/2 ........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1993 '
- 2 -
WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING PROJECT AGREEMENT AND CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT SIGNED *****
THE PROJECT AGREEMENT FOR THE WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING FRANCHISE WAS SIGNED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE GOVERNMENT AND THE FRANCHISEE, WESTERN HARBOUR TUNNEL COMPANY LIMITED.
THE GOVERNMENT AND THE FRANCHISEE ALSO SIGNED A DOCUMENT UNDER WHICH THE FRANCHISEE’S SHAREHOLDERS GUARANTEE THAT THEY WILL COMPLETE THE PROJECT WITHIN 48 MONTHS, AND THAT THEY WILL BEAR ANY COST OVERRUNS.
IN A SEPARATE CEREMONY, THE FRANCHISEE SIGNED A $5.7 BILLION CONTRACT WITH ITS CONTRACTOR, NISHIMATSU KUMAGAI JOINT VENTURE. THE CONTRACTOR TOOK POSSESSION OF THE SITE A MONTH AGO AND HAS STARTED PREPARATORY WORK.
THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR K Y YEUNG, SAID: "THIS IS AN IMPORTANT STEP FORWARD IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE."
"THE WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING WILL PROVIDE HONG KONG WITH AN ESSENTIAL THIRD HARBOUR TUNNEL, OFFERING MUCH-NEEDED RELIEF TO OUR EXISTING TUNNELS. IT WILL ALSO FORM A CRUCIAL PART OF THE HIGHWAYS FROM HONG KONG ISLAND TO THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK.
"THE PROJECT AGREEMENT AND THE GUARANTEE AGREEMENT ARE RESULTS OF TOUGH NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE CONSORTIUM. THEY HAVE LED TO AN AGREEMENT THAT IS FAIR AND REASONABLE FOR BOTH PARTIES AND, MOST IMPORTANTLY, FOR THE PUBLIC.
"THE TERMS OF THE FRANCHISE, AND THE GUARANTEES ON COMPLETION AND COST OVERRUNS, PROTECT THE PUBLIC INTEREST WITH A STABLE TOLL REGIME. THEY ALSO PROVIDE PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTORS WITH THE NECESSARY CONTINUITY AND STABILITY.
"THE FRANCHISEE IS COMMITTED TO COMPLETION WITHIN 48 MONTHS, AND I AM CONFIDENT THAT THE CONTRACTOR WILL DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO ENABLE THE TUNNEL TO BE OPENED ON SCHEDULE IN MID-1997."
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE WESTERN HARBOUR TUNNEL COMPANY LIMITED, MR GERRY HIGGINSON, SAID: "WE ARE DELIGHTED THAT THE LONG TIME SPENT IN NEGOTIATING THE TERMS OF THIS CONTRACT HAS REACHED FRUITION BY THE PROJECT AGREEMENT TODAY BEING SIGNED BY THE COMPANY AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT."
"THE COMPANY IS CONFIDENT THAT IT WILL BE ABLE TO CONSTRUCT THE TUNNEL WITHIN THE 48-MONTH PERIOD PROVIDED FOR IN THE PROJECT AGREEMENT, AND THAT THE NEW TUNNEL WILL FORM AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THE INFRASTRUCTURE OF WHICH HONG KONG WILL BE PROUD OF FOR MANY YEARS TO COME."
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID: "THE AWARD OF THE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR THE WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING BRINGS TO A TOTAL OF $44 BILLION THE VALUE OF CONTRACTS AWARDED ON THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME (ACP) BY THE GOVERNMENT, THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY (PAA), AND THE WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING (WHC) FRANCHISEE."
/"THAT AMOUNTS .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1993
3
"THAT AMOUNTS TO 54 PER CENT OF THE $81 BILLION WORTH OF CONTRACTS TO BE LET BY THE GOVERNMENT, THE PAA AND THE WHC FRANCHISEE. ALL THESE CONTRACTS HAVE BEEN AWARDED WITHIN BUDGET.
"WITH THE START OF CONSTRUCTION WORK ON THIS PROJECT, HIGHWAY CONTRACTS WORTH $25 BILLION ARE NOW UNDER WAY ON THE ACP. THIS AMOUNTS TO JUST OVER 85 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL $29 BILLION OF ACP HIGHWAY WORK, AND DEMONSTRATES THE EXCELLENT PROGRESS BEING MADE ON THE CORE PROJECTS.
"ON THE WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING, THE FRANCHISEE IS NOW CARRYING OUT DETAILED DESIGN AND SITE INVESTIGATIONS, AND IS CLEARING THE SITE. THE GOVERNMENT IS MONITORING PROGRESS CLOSELY TO ENSURE THAT WORKS ARE CARRIED OUT ON TIME AND TO REQUIRED STANDARDS."
------0-------
GOVT LAB GEARS UP TO MORE WORK
*****
THE GOVERNMENT LABORATORY IS SET TO HANDLE MORE WORK FROM BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS AS IT MOVES INTO ITS PERMANENT HOME IN HO MAN TIN.
LAST YEAR, THE LABORATORY CONDUCTED A TOTAL OF 477,187 LABORATORY EXAMINATIONS AND INVESTIGATIONS, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 12.4 PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABORATORY SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT WITH AN ANNUAL BUDGET OF SOME $100 MILLION THE CURRENT YEAR SHOULD SEE A SIMILAR INCREASE IN WORKLOAD.
THE LABORATORY IS AN INDEPENDENT AGENCY OF GOVERNMENT WHICH PROVIDES ANALYTICAL, INVESTIGATORY AND ADVISORY SERVICES TO ANY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT WHICH REQUIRES SCIENTIFIC SUPPORT, AND OFFERS SIMILAR SERVICES TO OTHER STATUTORY BODIES AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR ON A FEE-PAYING BASIS.
THIS YEAR IS THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LABORATORY AND IT HAS FINALLY FOUND A HOME, RATHER THAN FITTING ITSELF INTO PREMISES WHICH HAD BEEN BUILT FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
IT NOW OCCUPIES THE TOP FIVE FLOORS AND OVER 8,000 SQUARE METRES OF FLOOR SPACE IN THE GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING IN HO MAN TIN.
"THE NEW LABORATORY HAS BEEN DESIGNED WITH CONSIDERATIONS FOR SECURITY OF OPERATION, FLEXIBILITY FOR FUTURE CHANGING NEEDS, AND EXCELLENCE OF WORKING ENVIRONMENT CONDUCIVE TO CREATING THE PROPER ATMOSPHERE FOR STAFF TO DISPLAY THEIR VARIED SPECIALIST TALENTS FOR MANY YEARS TO COME," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
TO CELEBRATE THE OCCASION, THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, WILL UNVEIL A PLAQUE IN THE NEW PREMISES ON SEPTEMBER 8.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE LABORATORY WAS AT PRESENT FORMULATING PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS AND TARGETS IN ORDER TO ENSURE EVER GREATER LEVELS OF EFFICIENCY IN THE FUTURE.
/"SUCH PARAMETERS .....
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1993
4
"SUCH PARAMETERS AND TARGETS WILL SEEK TO BEST UTILISE RESOURCES BY PROVIDING VALUE-FOR-MONEY ANALYSIS WITH REALISTIC CASE TURNAROUND TIMES," HE SAID.
THE LABORATORY HAS A STAFFING ESTABLISHMENT OF 311 AND IS HEADED BY THE GOVERNMENT CHEMIST. IT HAS TWO ANALYTICAL DIVISIONS -THE ANALYTICAL AND ADVISORY. SERVICES DIVISION (AASD) AND THE FORENSIC SCIENCE DIVISION (FSD).
THE WORK PROGRAMME OF AASD IS RELATED TO THE PROTECTION OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT AS WELL AS CONSUMER PROTECTION IN TERMS OF TRADE DESCRIPTION LEGISLATION, WEIGHTS AND MEASURES, PRODUCT SAFETY AND SO ON.
THE FSD PROVIDES AN IMPARTIAL SCIENTIFIC SERVICE TO THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM BOTH IN ANALYTICAL FACT AND INFORMED SCIENTIFIC OPINION.
WHILE THE PRIMARY OBLIGATION IS TO SERVE ALL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED WITH LAW AND ORDER, THE SPOKESMAN SAID INCREASINGLY THE PRIVATE SECTOR SOUGHT THE SPECIALIST SCIENTIFIC EXPERTISE WHICH EXISTS IN THE DIVISION AND SUCH WORK IS ENTERTAINED WHERE IT IS IN THE INTERESTS OF PUBLIC JUSTICE TO DO SO.
IN THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, OVER 50 CASES INVOLVING 700 ITEMS WERE EXAMINED FOR THE PRIVATE SECTOR, CONCERNING COMMERCIAL DOCUMENT FRAUD, TRAFFIC ACCIDENT RECONSTRUCTION, PATERNITY TESTING AND DRUG ANALYSIS. A TOTAL OF 51 CASES WERE HANDLED LAST YEAR.
THE LABORATORY’S FACILITIES ARE INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED. THE UNITED NATIONS DRUG CONTROL BOARD HAS APPOINTED THE LABORATORY AS A REGIONAL TRAINING CENTRE FOR THE ANALYSIS OF SEIZED DRUGS AND DRUGS IN BIOLOGICAL FLUIDS.
THREE TO SIX UN FELLOWSHIPS ARE TO BE AWARDED ANNUALLY AND PRESENTLY THREE ANALYTICAL CHEMISTS FROM BEIJING ARE FELLOWSHIP HOLDERS AND RECEIVING ADVANCED DRUGS TRAINING IN THE LABORATORY.
-----0-------
RETAIL SALES FIGURES FOR JUNE
*****
THE VALUE OF TOTAL RETAIL SALES IN JUNE THIS YEAR, ESTIMATED AT $14.7 BILLION, INCREASED 12% WHEN COMPARED WITH JUNE LAST YEAR, ACCORDING TO THE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
AFTER DISCOUNTING THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES OVER THE SAME PERIOD, TOTAL RETAIL SALES ROSE BY 6% IN VOLUME TERMS.
THE INCREASE WAS MAINLY ATTRIBUTED TO GROWTH IN SPENDING ON CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR AND CONSUMER DURABLE GOODS OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES.
/SALES OF .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1993
5
SALES OF CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR REGISTERED THE LARGEST INCREASE IN JUNE 1993 COMPARED WITH A YEAR AGO, 26% IN VALUE AND 16% IN VOLUME.
SALES OF CONSUMER DURABLE GOODS OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES INCREASED 14% IN VALUE AND 13% IN VOLUME.
MODERATE INCREASES WERE RECORDED FOR SALES OF FUELS, 11% IN VALUE AND 5% TN VOLUME; SALES OF SUPERMARKETS, 10% IN VALUE AND 2% IN VOLUME; SALES OF DEPARTMENT STORES, 9% IN VALUE AND 2% IN VOLUME; SALES OF OTHER FOODSTUFFS, 8% IN VALUE AND 1% IN VOLUME; AND SALES OF JEWELLERY AND WATCHES, 7% IN VALUE AND VIRTUALLY NO CHANGE IN VOLUME.
ON THE OTHER HAND, SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES DECREASED BY 5% IN VALUE AND 13% IN VOLUME.
COMPARING THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THIS YEAR WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, TOTAL RETAIL SALES ROSE BY 13% IN VALUE AND 8% IN VOLUME.
COMPARED WITH MAY 1993, AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON MAY BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, TOTAL RETAIL SALES IN JUNE 1993 DECREASED BY 2% IN VALUE AND 3% IN VOLUME.
THE VOLUME OF RETAIL SALES IS DERIVED FROM THE VALUE OF RETAIL SALES AFTER ADJUSTING FOR PRICE CHANGES. THE RELEVANT COMPONENTS OF THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX ARE USED AS DEFLATORS.
THE REPORT CONTAINING THE ANALYSIS OF THE JUNE 1993 RESULTS IS NOW ON SALE AT $2 A COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL; AND THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE 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 PRESENTS THE REVISED TOTAL RETAIL SALES FIGURE FOR MAY 1993 AND THE PROVISIONAL FIGURE FOR JUNE 1993.
TABLE 2 SHOWS THE VALUE AND VOLUME INDICES OF RETAIL SALES IN MAY AND JUNE 1993 FOR ALL RETAIL OUTLETS AND BY TYPE OF RETAIL OUTLET, WITH AVERAGE RETAIL SALES FROM OCTOBER 1989 TO SEPTEMBER 1990 TAKEN AS 100.
COMPARISONS OF THE JUNE 1993 RESULTS WITH THOSE FOR MAY 1993 AND WITH THOSE FOR JUNE 1992, AS WELL AS COMPARISONS OF RETAIL SALES TN THE FIRST HALF OF 1993 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1992 ARE ALSO GIVEN.
/TABLE 1 .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1993
6
TABLE 1 ; TOTAL RETAIL SALES
Total Retail Sales for June 1993 (Provisional Figure) « HK$14,665.3 million
for May 1993 (Revised Figure) ■ HK$14,944.6 million
TABLE 2 : VALUE AND VOLUME INDICES OF RETAIL SALES FOR MAY 1993 AND JUNE 1993
(Monthly average of Oct. 89 - Sept. 90 ■ 100)
Item Index of Retail Sales May 1993 June 1993 June compan May 1993 ?d with 1993 June compar June 1993 ed with 1992 Jan-Jun. 1993 compared with Jan-Jun. 1992
(Revised figures) (Provisional figures) Points % Points % Points X
(A) FOR ALL RETAIL OUTLETS ♦16.9 *12.7
Value 159.1 156.2 •3.0 -1.9 ♦16.7 ♦12.0
Volume 132.8 128.8 -4.0 -3.0 ♦6.7 ♦5.5 ♦9.6 +8.1
(B) BY TYPE OF RETAIL OUTLET
Foodstuffs, alcoholic Value 117.2 122.0 ♦4.8 ♦4.1 ♦8.6 ♦7.6 ♦5.3 +4.6
drinks and tobacco Volume 94.3 94.1 -0.3 -0.3 ♦0.7 ♦0.7 ♦0.3 +0.3
(other than supermarkets)
Supermarkets 0 Value 139.4 146.9 ♦7.6 ♦5.4 ♦ 13.0 +9.7 +11.1 +8.8
Volume 107.4 112.3 ♦5.0 ♦4.6 ♦2.7 +2.4 ♦1.8 +1.8
Fuels Value 144.0 150.9 ♦6.9 ♦4.8 ♦ 15.4 ♦11.3 ♦8.8 *7.0
Volume 105.0 110.1 ♦5.1 ♦4.8 ♦5.6 ♦5.3 ♦1.7 +1.7
Clothing, footwear and Value 215.6 185.5 -30.1 -14.0 ♦38.1 ♦25.8 ♦44.3 +31.0
allied products Volume 160.3 138.9 -21.4 -13.3 ♦ 19.4 ♦ 16.2 ♦25.4 +20.8
Consumer durable goods * Value 174.5 183.2 ♦8.7 ♦5.0 ♦8.0 +4.6 ♦14.8 +9.5
Volume 153.1 158.9 ♦5.8 ♦3.8 ♦1.7 ♦1.1 ♦9.1 +6.5
- Motor vehicles Value 159.9 190.9 ♦31.0 ♦19.4 -10.9 -5.4 -6.4 -3.5
and parts Volume 124.9 148.8 ♦23.8 ♦ 19.1 -21.6 -12.7 -15.5 -9.9
- Consumer durable Value 185.0 177.6 -7.4 -4.0 ♦21.7 ♦ 13.9 ♦30.1 +22.5
goods other than Volume 173.4 166.2 -7.2 -4.2 ♦ 18.5 ♦12.6 ♦27.0 +21.2
motor vehicles and parts
Department stores Value 143.7 129.7 -14.0 -9.7 ♦ 10.3 ♦8.6 ♦13.6 *11.0
Volume 110.6 100.5 -10.1 -9.2 ♦ 1.6 ♦ 1.6 ♦3.8 +3.6
Jewellery, watches Value 169.6 151.5 -18.1 -10.7 ♦9.8 ♦6.9 ♦18.0 +13.8
and clocks, and Volume 171.8 149.1 -22.7 -13.2 +0.4 ♦0.3 +20.5 +15.3
valuable gifts
Other consumer goods Value 157.0 170.2 ♦ 13.2 ♦8.4 ♦37.2 ♦28.0 ♦18.4 +13.7
not elsewhere Volline 129.0 139.8 ♦10.8 ♦8.4 ♦25.2 ♦22.0 ♦8.8 *7.5
classified
NOTES : 0 Not including supermarkets operating in department stores.
* This covers both “Motor vehicles and parts" and "Consumer durable goods other than motor vehicles and parts".
0-----------
/7........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1993
- 7 -
SHA BRIEFS DB CHAIRMEN ON EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES GREEN PAPER *****
THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, TODAY (THURSDAY) BRIEFED DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMEN ON THE NEWLY PUBLISHED GREEN PAPER ON EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN AND MEN.
ALSO ATTENDING THE BRIEFING SESSION WERE CHAIRMEN OF COMMUNITY BUILDING AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEES UNDER THE DISTRICT BOARDS.
MR SUEN EXPLAINED TO THEM THAT THE PURPOSE OF THE GREEN PAPER WAS TO SEEK PUBLIC VIEWS ON THE NEED FOR ACTION TO FURTHER ENHANCE EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR BOTH SEXES, AND THE ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN.
"IN THIS RESPECT, THE DISTRICT BOARDS ARE WELL-PLACED TO STIMULATE PUBLIC DISCUSSIONS AND TO GATHER AND REFLECT PUBLIC OPINION ON THIS IMPORTANT SUBJECT," HE SAID.
MR SUEN ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT WAS THE FIRST COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE POSITION OF WOMEN IN HONG KONG.
IT CARRIED WITH IT A SIGNIFICANT EDUCATIONAL VALUE IN FOSTERING AMONG THE PUBLIC A POSITIVE ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE QUESTION OF EQUAL OPPORTUNTIES AND EQUALITY BETWEEN THE SEXES, HE ADDED.
STRESSING THE BALANCED ATTITUDE OF THE GOVERNMENT IN PREPARING THE GREEN PAPER, MR SUEN SAID: "WE HAVE AN OPEN MIND AND IT IS NOT OUR INTENTION TO INFLUENCE OR STEER PUBLIC OPINION IN A PARTICULAR DIRECTION."
MEANWHILE, LETTERS AND COPIES OF THE GREEN PAPER HAVE BEEN SENT TO WOMEN’S GROUPS, EMPLOYERS’ ASSOCIATIONS, EMPLOYEES’ ASSOCIATIONS, AND RELEVANT ORGANISATIONS TO SOLICIT THEIR VIEWS.
VIEWS FROM THESE ORGANISATIONS, MR SUEN STRESSED, WERE VERY IMPORTANT IN HELPING THE GOVERNMENT TO DEVELOP ITS FUTURE COURSE OF ACTION ON THIS IMPORTANT ISSUE.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE ALSO WELCOME TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS BY WRITING TO THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, 31ST FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
COPIES OF THE GREEN PAPER CAN BE OBTAINED FROM ALL DISTRICT OFFICES AND WORK GROUP UNITS OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
CONSULTATION WILL LAST UNTIL THE END OF THIS YEAR.
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/8.........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1993
- 8 -
GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT INDUSTRY
*****
THE GOVERNMENT IS KEEN TO ENSURE THAT INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG GETS THE SUPPORT IT NEEDS TO CONTINUE TO THRIVE, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T H CHAU, SAID TONIGHT (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY CEREMONY OF THE HONG KONG WOOLLEN AND SYNTHETIC KNITTING MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION, MR CHAU SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS WORKING HARD TO ASSIST MANUFACTURERS TO UPGRADE THEIR OPERATIONS.
"WE HAVE BEEN DEVELOPING A COMPREHENSIVE QUALITY INFRASTRUCTURE TO ASSIST MANUFACTURERS IN MOVING UP THE VALUE-ADDED LADDER," HE SAID.
"MORE SPECIFIC TO THE TEXTILE AND CLOTHING INDUSTRY, THERE ARE FUNDS EARMARKED BY VARIOUS TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS FOR TEXTILES AND CLOTHING RESEARCH PROJECTS.
"WE ARE ALSO CONSIDERING A SERIES OF SUPPORT SERVICES RECOMMENDED BY THE CONSULTANTS IN THE RECENTLY COMPLETED TECHNO-ECONOMIC AND MARKET RESEARCH STUDY ON HONG KONG’S TEXTILES AND CLOTHING INDUSTRIES," HE ADDED.
MR CHAU SAID THE PAST 30 YEARS HAD BEEN VERY SUCCESSFUL FOR THE KNITWEAR INDUSTRY.
HONG KONG’S KNITWEAR EXPORTS HAVE INCREASED FROM $432 MILLION IN 1963 TO $34,637 MILLION IN 1992.
THE INDUSTRY NOW ACCOUNTS FOR 15 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN VALUE TERMS.
IN RESPONSE TO THE PROBLEM OF RISING LAND AND LABOUR COSTS IN HONG KONG, MANY LOCAL KNITWEAR MANUFACTURERS HAVE AUTOMATED LABOUR-INTENSIVE PROCESSES TO IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY AND ADDED VALUE TO THEIR PRODUCTS THROUGH PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND QUALITY MANAGEMENT, MR CHAU NOTED.
IN 1991, WE RECORDED AN IMPORT OF $13 BILLION WORTH OF INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY TO BE USED IN HONG KONG WHICH REPRESENTED A 180 PER CENT INCREASE IN REAL TERMS OVER 1982.
"PRODUCTIVITY IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR HAS RISEN BY AN AVERAGE OF 10 PER CENT A YEAR OVER THE LAST DECADE.
"WE CAN SEE FROM THESE STATISTICS THAT THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY, INCLUDING OUR KNITWEAR MANUFACTURERS, HAVE FOUND THE KEY TO OVERCOME THE CHALLENGE POSED BY THE 90’S," MR CHAU SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD ENSURE THAT MAXIMUM SUPPORT WAS PROVIDED TO ASSIST THE INDUSTRY’S EFFORTS TO IMPROVE ITS EFFICIENCY AND QUALITY IN THE YEARS TO COME.
/9.........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1993
- 9 -
BRAVE FIREMEN COMMENDED *****
SIX MEMBERS OF THE FIRE SERVICES WERE TODAY (THURSDAY) COMMENDED FOR A JOB WELL DONE DURING A NO. 4 ALARM FIRE IN A CHAI WAN GARMENT FACTORY TWO WEEKS AGO.
NINE PERSONS WERE RESCUED AND THE FIRE WAS SWIFTLY PUT OUT.
AT A COMMENDATION-PRESENTATION CEREMONY, ACTING DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, MR PETER CHEUNG, PRAISED THEM FOR THEIR EXEMPLARY LEADERSHIP, PROFESSIONALISM AND DEVOTION TO DUTY.
AT THE HEIGHT OF THE BLAZE, TWO MEN WERE SPOTTED ON THE ROOF OF THE 11-STOREY INDUSTRIAL BUILDING WITH FIRE CLOSELY BEHIND THEM.
THE 37-METRE TURNTABLE LADDER AT THE SCENE WAS UNABLE TO REACH THE ROOF.
WHILE WAITING FOR A LONGER TURNTABLE LADDER FROM SHEUNG WAN, THE FIRE OFFICERS TOOK THE INITIATIVE TO HOOK A SHORT LADDER TO THE TOP OF THE AVAILABLE TURNTABLE LADDER TO EXTEND ITS MAXIMUM WORKING HEIGHT.
BY DOING THIS, THE TWO MEN MANAGED TO ESCAPE ONE BY ONE DOWN THE LADDER. SOON AFTER THEIR ESCAPE, THE PLACE WAS ENGULFED IN FIRE.
MR CHEUNG SAID THE RESCUE OPERATION WAS SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED WITHIN EIGHT MINUTES.
THE FIRE BROKE OUT ON THE 10TH FLOOR OF THE BUILDING AT 26 LEE CHUNG STREET AT 6.16 PM. FIREMEN ARRIVED THERE IN THREE MINUTES.
THE BLAZE WAS UPGRADED TO NO. 3 ALARM AT 6.27 PM AND TO NO. 4 ALARM AT 7 PM. IT WAS BROUGHT UNDER CONTROL AT 10.06 PM AND WAS PUT OUT SHORTLY BEFORE MIDNIGHT.
AWARDED THE COMMENDATIONS WERE SENIOR DIVISIONAL OFFICER CHOI KING-SANG, ASSISTANT DIVISIONAL OFFICER LAW HUNG, SENIOR STATION OFFICER TAI KEI-WAI, PRINCIPAL FIREMAN LO PING-LAM, AND FIREMEN LUK BING-KEUNG AND WONG NAI-KWAN.
MR CHEUNG SAID TWO OTHER MEMBERS WHO HAD DONE WELL IN THE RESCUE OPERATION HAD BEEN RECOMMENDED FOR A HIGHER HONOUR.
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/10........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1993
10
CS VISITS LABOUR DEPARTMENT *****
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, VISITED THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MRS KATHERINE FOK, SIR DAVID TOURED THE DEPARTMENT’S NEWLY RELOCATED BRANCH OFFICES AT THE TSUEN WAN GOVERNMENT OFFICES AND DISCUSSED WITH STAFF THE WORK OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
DURING HIS VISIT TO THE LABOUR INSPECTION DIVISION, THE CHIEF SECRETARY WAS BRIEFED ON THE WORK OF THE SPECIAL ENFORCEMENT TEAM WHOSE MAIN RESPONSIBILITY WAS TO INSPECT WORKPLACES AND ACCOMMODATION OF FOREIGN WORKERS TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF LABOUR LAW AND EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS.
HE ALSO TRIED TO MAKE ENQUIRIES AND OBTAIN FACSIMILE TRANSMISSION OF INFORMATION SHEETS THROUGH THE ENHANCED GENERAL ENQUIRY TELEPHONE SERVICE (GETS) WHICH WAS EQUIPPED WITH A COMPUTER SYSTEM TO PROVIDE PRE-RECORDED INFORMATION ON LABOUR LAW AND FACSIMILE TRANSMISSION OF INFORMATION ROUND THE CLOCK.
SIR DAVID WAS TOLD THAT STAFF OF THE GETS WOULD ANSWER FURTHER QUESTIONS OR TRANSFER THE CALLS TO RELEVANT DIVISIONS FOR SPECIFIC INFORMATION OR ASSISTANCE DURING OFFICE HOURS.
ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY, THE CHIEF SECRETARY WAS BRIEFED THAT A NEW AIRPORT AND RAILWAYS OFFICE HAS BEEN SET UP IN THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE DIVISION IN JUNE THIS YEAR TO ENSURE WORKERS’ SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE IN CONSTRUCTION WORKS RELATING TO THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS.
HE THEN VISITED THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE WHERE HE SAW FOR HIMSELF THE FREE ASSISTANCE PROVIDED FOR BOTH EMPLOYERS AND JOB-SEEKERS, THE SPECIAL COUNTER FOR RETRAINEES AND VACANCIES INFORMATION FOR JOB-SEEKERS.
SIR DAVID ALSO VISITED THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT DIVISION WHICH PROVIDES FREE PERSONALISED EMPLOYMENT SERVICE TO DISABLED JOB-SEEKERS.
------0--------
’’KNOW MORE ABOUT FOOD SAFETY” EXHIBITION ♦ * * * *
AN EXHIBITION ENTITLED ’’KNOW MORE ABOUT FOOD SAFETY" WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO PROMOTE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF FOOD SAFETY AND THE FOOD CONTROL SYSTEM IN HONG KONG.
THE FOUR-DAY EXHIBITION, ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, AND SPONSORED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, WILL BE HELD ON THE THIRD FLOOR, SHUN TAK CENTRE, CENTRAL, FROM TOMORROW TILL MONDAY (SEPTEMBER 6).
/INFORMATION ON .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1993
11
INFORMATION ON THE FOOD CONTROL SYSTEM IN HONG KONG, FOOD HYGIENE EDUCATION AND FOOD SAFETY WILL BE DISPLAYED AT THE VENUE.
THE EXHIBITION IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 2 PM TO 5.30 PM TOMORROW AND FROM 10 AM TO 5.30 PM FROM SEPTEMBER 4 TO 6.
ADMISSION IS FREE.
-----0------
WATER CUTS IN AP LEI CHAU
*****
OWING TO WATER MAINS CONNECTION WORK, FRESH AND SALT WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN AP LEI CHAU WILL GO OFF ON SATURDAY (SEPTEMBER 4).
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT THE POWER STATION, ALL THE PREMISES IN AP LEI CHAU ESTATE, SOUTH HORIZONS, THE RECLAMATION AREA AS WELL AS THOSE AT AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE ROAD, LEE NAM ROAD, LEE CHI ROAD AND MAIN STREET, AP LEI CHAU.
THE SALT WATER CUT WILL LAST FROM 10 AM TO 4 PM.
THE FRESH WATER SUPPLY WILL BE CUT OFF FROM 11 PM TO 6 AM THE
------0-------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,180
REVERSAL OF LAF _180
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 2,000
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY ‘+175
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,175
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 112.4 «-0.1* 2.9.93
/HONG KONG .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1993
- 12 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 2.68 PCT 14 MONTHS 2411 4.625 101.48 3.38
1 MONTH 2.75 PCT 17 MONTHS 2502 4.75 101.68 3.58
3 MONTHS 2.81 PCT 20 MONTHS 2505 4.75 99.93 3.83
6 MONTHS 3.00 PCT 23 12 MONTHS 3.25 PCT MONTHS 2508 4.625 101.24 4.00
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 9,387 MN
CLOSED SEPTEMBER 2, 1993
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1993
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR SPEAKS TO THE PRESS ............................ 1
GOVERNMENT TO GO COMPUTERISED ........................... 9
109 EX-CHINA VIETNAMESE REPATRIATED ..................... 9
CONTAINER TERMINAL 8 OPENS .............................. 9
ALTERNATIVE LORRY PARKING SPACES FOUND .................. 10
LEGAL DEPARTMENT INVITES APPLICATIONS FOR COUNSEL POSTS .... 12
ENTERPRISES URGED TO TRAIN SKILLED PERSONNEL ............ 13
NEW ROADS AND DRAINS FOR SIU SAI WAN .................... 14
HK AND THAILAND SHARE FIRE-FIGHTING EXPERIENCE .......... 14
HOI HONG STREET TO BE REPAIRED .......................... 15
ROAD WORK TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC CIRCULATION ................ 16
APPOINTMENTS TO CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL .......... 17
TENDERS INVITED FOR TAI PO SEWAGE WORKS ................. 18
RADIO SERIES TO PROMOTE HARMONIOUS FAMILY LIFE .......... 19
TOWN PLANNING BOARD TO REVIEW OUTLINE ZONING PLANS ...... 19
ZONINGS IN DRAFT MONG KOK PLAN REVIVED .................. 20
FEES REVISED FOR PROCESSING BUILDING PLANS .............. 20
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .
21
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1993
1
GOVERNOR SPEAKS TO THE PRESS
*****
GOOD AFTERNOON. WHEN I CAME BACK FROM LEAVE ON TUESDAY EVENING, I SAID TO THOSE OF YOU WHO HAD VERY KINDLY AND COURTEOUSLY COME OUT TO THE AIRPORT TO WELCOME ME HOME, THAT 1 WOULD GIVE YOU AN EARLY OPPORTUNITY TO FIRE A FEW QUESTIONS AT ME, AND HERE IT IS. BUT JUST BEFORE I ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE, PERHAPS I CAN MAKE ONE OR TWO REMARKS COVERING, I SUSPECT, AT LEAST SOME OF THE SUBJECTS WHICH YOU MAY WANT TO FOLLOW UP FOR 20 MINUTES OR SO THEREAFTER.
FIRST OF ALL, I COME BACK WITH, AT THE TOP OF MY IN-TRAY, THE TASK OF PREPARING MY SECOND SPEECH TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WHICH I WILL BE MAKING AT THE BEGINNING OF OCTOBER. IN THAT SPEECH, CLEARLY, I WILL WANT TO REPORT THE PROGRESS THAT WE HAVE MADE IN IMPLEMENTING THE FIVE YEAR AGENDA THAT I SET OUT ON SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC POLICY IN MY FIRST SPEECH LAST AUTUMN BUT I HOPE THAT I’LL ALSO HAVE THE CHANCE OF TAKING ONE OR TWO OTHER INITIATIVES, AND IN ORDER TO COME TO A FINAL VIEW ABOUT WHAT EXACTLY THEY SHOULD BE, I WILL WANT TO TAKE AS BROAD SOUNDINGS IN THE COMMUNITY AS POSSIBLE. SO I WILL BE MEETING IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS, THE MAIN POLITICAL GROUPS AND INDEPENDENT LEGISLATORS, TO HEAR FROM THEM WHAT THEY THINK THE GOVERNMENT’S PRIORITY SHOULD BE, AND HOW THEY THINK WE SHOULD BUILD ON THE PROGRESS THAT WE HAVE MADE IN THE LAST YEAR TOWARDS THE TARGETS THAT WE SET FOR OURSELVES IN 1992.
SECONDLY, I WILL ALSO, OBVIOUSLY, BE REVIEWING PROGRESS IN THE TALKS THAT ARK TAKING PLACE BETWEEN CHINA AND BRITAIN ON THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE 1994 AND 1995 ELECTIONS, ELECTIONS WHICH TAKE PLACE WHILE BRITAIN REMAINS THE SOVEREIGN POWER. WE’VE HAD NINE ROUNDS OF TALKS SO FAR OVER THE LAST FOUR MONTHS OR SO, THE TENTH ROUND STARTS TOMORROW. THAT REPRESENTS 80 HOURS OF DISCUSSIONS WHICH HAVE TAKEN PLACE, I THINK IN AN AMIABLE ATMOSPHERE, THOUGH I DON’T THINK THAT ANYBODY WHO HAS TAKEN PART IN THE TALKS, CERTAINLY I DON’T THINK THAT ANY MEMBERS OF THE BRITISH TEAM, WOULD ARGUE THAT THE PROGRESS THAT HAS BEEN MADE HAS BEEN AT A BREAKNECK OR RECKLESS PACE.
THE TALKS HAVE BEEN VERY USEFUL BUT THERE IS STILL A GREAT DEAL TO DO AND A GREAT DEAL TO ACCOMPLISH. WE HAVE APPROACHED THE TALKS IN AS CONSTRUCTIVE A WAY AS POSSIBLE. WE’VE TRIED TO THROW PLANKS OVER THE DIVIDE BETWEEN BRITAIN AND CHINA ON THESE MATTERS, AND I HOPE THAT IT IS STILL POSSIBLE TO BUILD A BRIDGE ON WHICH WE CAN ALL HAPPILY STAND. BUT THE CLOCK TICKS ON. THAT IS NOT A PLOT BY THE GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG OR THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT, IT’S A STATEMENT OF THE OBVIOUS, AND SOONER OR LATER, WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TO MAKE THE NECESSARY LEGISLATIVE AND ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR 1994 AND 1995. I HOPE, I REPEAT, THAT WE CAN REACH AGREEMENT ON THOSE MATTERS WHICH ARE STILL, ALAS, OUTSTANDING, AND 1 WOULD JUST LIKE TO REMIND YOU KHAT ARE FOR US THE ABSOLUTELY KEY ISSUES.
/SOMETIMES PEOPLE .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1993
2
SOMETIMES PEOPLE GET THE NATURE OF THE ARGUMENT OR THE DEBATE RATHER WRONG. THEY SUGGEST THAT IT'S ABOUT THE PACE OF DEMOCRAT!SATION IN HONG KONG, AND OF COURSE THERE ARE THOSE WHO THINK THAT THE ARGUMENT SHOULD BE ABOUT THAT. THERE ARE A NUMBER OF LEGISLATORS WHO ARGUE THAT THAT IS WHAT WE SHOULD BE IN DEBATE ABOUT. BUT THE DISCUSSION ISN'T ACTUALLY ABOUT THAT, IT’S ABOUT WHETHER THE DEMOCRATISATION WHICH HAS ALREADY BEEN AGREED SHOULD BE CREDIBLE AND FAIR, SHOULD PROVIDE US WITH A LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND IN DUE COURSE WHICH IS CREDIBLE, OR SHOULD BE DESIGNED TO PRODUCE A LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WHICH IS MERELY A PUPPET. NOW, I KNOW WHICH OF THOSE IS IMPORTANT IF WE'RE SERIOUS ABOUT MAINTAINING THE RULE OF LAW, AS WE SHOULD BE, IF WE'RE SERIOUS ABOUT IMPLEMENTING THE JOINT DECLARATION, AS WE SHOULD BE, IF WE'RE SERIOUS, FOR INSTANCE, ABOUT PREVENTING THE GROWTH OF CORRUPTION IN HONG KONG, AS WE SHOULD BE. SO MY FIRST POINT IS THAT OUR OBJECTIVE IN THESE TALKS IS TO SECURE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE 1994/95 ELECTIONS WHICH ARE CLEAN AND FAIR.
SECONDLY, AS WE'VE SAID AGAIN AND AGAIN, IT DOESN’T MAKE ALL THAT MUCH SENSE TO AGREE WITH CHINA ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE '94 AND '95 ELECTIONS, IF WE HAVEN’T ALSO GOT FROM CHINA CLEAR AND OBJECTIVE CRITERIA ON THE SO-CALLED THROUGH TRAIN. THERE IS A PARALLELISM, THERE IS AN EQUATION BETWEEN THOSE TWO POINTS WHICH I THINK IS OBVIOUS TO THE WHOLE COMMUNITY, SO I REPEAT AGAIN WHAT OUR OBJECTIVES ARE IN THOSE TALKS. THE FOREIGN MINISTERS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM AND CHINA HAD A HELPFUL MEETING IN THE SUMMER, AND I HOPE THAT CAN PRODUCE THE SORT OF PROGRESS THIS AUTUMN WHICH I BELIEVE ALL OF US SHOULD WANT TO SEE.
THE THIRD POINT I’D LIKE TO MAKE, MORE BRIEFLY, IS THAT OVER THE LAST FEW WEEKS THERE HAS BEEN A CONSIDERABLE CONTROVERSY BUT I THINK IT IS NOW, I HOPE IT IS NOW, STARTING TO EBB AWAY TO SOME EXTENT, ABOUT THE LOCALISATION POLICY WHICH WE HAVE BEEN PURSUING WITH ENTHUSIASM AND ENERGY, AND THE REQUIREMENT THAT THAT LOCALISATION POLICY SHOULD BE IMPLEMENTED IN A WAY WHICH IS COMPATIBLE WITH THE BILL OF RIGHTS AND THE LAW OF THE LAND. I WANT TO STATE ONCE AGAIN, UNEQUIVOCALLY, OUR COMMITMENT TO LOCALISATION, WHICH MAKES SENSE FOR HONG KONG AND MAKES SENSE FOR THE PUBLIC SERVICE IN HONG KONG. WE’VE MADE CONSIDERABLE PROGRESS BUT THERE ARE STILL SOME PROBLEMS TO TACKLE. I THINK THERE ARE 10 DEPARTMENTS TN PARTICULAR, OUT OF 73, WHERE THERE ARE PARTICULAR ISSUES THAT WE NEED TO CRACK AND WHERE WE NEED TO WORK PARTICULARLY HARD TO MAKE SURE THAT WE GET ON TOP OF I HEM.
BUT THAT POLICY ON LOCALISATION HAS TO BE PURSUED, I REPEAT, IN A WAY WHICH IS IN LINE WITH THE BILL OF RIGHTS. GOVERNMENT IS FULL OF DIFFICULT DECISIONS AND THE DECISIONS THAT WE ANNOUNCED AT THE END OF JULY/BEGINNING OF AUGUST, TO ENSURE THAT OUR LOCALISATION POLICY WAS IN LINE WITH THE BILL OF RIGHTS, THOSE WEREN'T EASY DECISIONS, BUT 1 BELIEVE THAT WE WERE RIGHT TO TAKE THEM. WHAT THEY AMOUNTED TO WAS AN INTERIM MEASURE, BECAUSE THE LONG TERM ISSUE IS ONE WHICH I BELIEVE THE ASSOCIATION OF EXPATRIATE CIVIL SERVANTS IDENTIFIED IN THE STATEMENT THAT THEY MADE YESTERDAY, AND IT’S A STATEMENT THAT I WELCOME. I THINK WE WANT TO GET ON NOW WITH THE TASK OF FINDING A PERMANENT LONG TERM SOLUTION, WHICH 1 HOPE WILL EMBRACE REMOVING THE DISTINCTIONS BETWEEN LOCAL AND OVERSEAS TERMS IN OUR PUBLIC SERVICE.
/NOW, THAT..........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1993
3
NOW, THAT IS A QUESTION WHICH WE HAVE TO DISCUSS NOT ONLY WITH ALL THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE HERE IN HONG KONG, WITH THE LOCAL CIVIL SERVICE UNIONS, BUT IT’S ALSO OBVIOUSLY AN ISSUE THAT WE WILL NEED TO ADDRESS, I HOPE IN A CONSTRUCTIVE WAY, WITH OUR COLLEAGUES IN THE PRC THROUGH THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP IN DUE COURSE, AND SO ON, BECAUSE ANY ARRANGEMENTS THAT WE COME TO WILL HAVE IMPLICATIONS FOR AFTER 1997. THE INTERIM PROPOSAL WHICH WE ANNOUNCED A FEW WEEKS AGO DOESN’T HAVE IMPLICATIONS FOR AFTER 1997 BECAUSE WE’RE ONLY TALKING ABOUT TWO-AND-A-HALF YEAR CONTRACTS.
I’VE ASKED THE STAFF SIDE OF THE SENIOR CIVIL SERVICE COUNCIL TO COME AND MEET ME LATER ON THIS MONTH AND I HOPE THAT WE CAN START A SERIOUS DIALOGUE ABOUT THE ISSUE AT THAT MEETING, AND I HOPE THAT THAT CAN BEGIN A PROCESS WHICH I HOPE WILL LEAD TO A CONCLUSION WHICH IS SATISFACTORY - SATISFACTORY FOR THE PUBLIC SERVICE IN HONG KONG AND SATISFACTORY AS WELL FOR ALL THOSE TAXPAYERS WHO PAY FOR THE PUBLIC SERVICE HERE IN HONG KONG.
NOW, IF THERE ARE ANY QUESTIONS? IF NOT, I’LL GO AND HAVE SOME TEA.
QUESTIONS: MR PATTEN, DO YOU EXPECT THE SINO-BRITISH TALKS CAN BE
CONCLUDED AFTER THE 12TH ROUND OF TALKS?
GOVERNOR: WELL, THEY ARE ABOUT TO EMBARK ON THE TENTH ROUND IN PEKING TOMORROW AND SUBSEQUENT ROUNDS - I’M AFRAID - I HOPE WILL BE SUCCESSFUL. BUT I PREFER TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS IN THE TENTH ROUND BEFORE SPECULATING ABOUT HOW MUCH PROGRESS WE CAN MAKE IN FUTURE ROUNDS. I THINK, AS YOU KNOW, THERE IS A GENERAL HOPE AS I MENTIONED EARLIER, THAT THE MEETING BETWEEN THE FOREIGN MINISTERS THAT WAS HELD IN JULY WILL GIVE THE TALKS THIS AUTUMN MUCH MORE OF AN IMPULSE SO THAT WE CAN ARRIVE AT A SATISFACTORY CONCLUSION BUT EACH ROUND OF TALKS IS IMPORTANT AND MY CONCERN AT THE MOMENT IS THAT THE TENTH ROUND SHOULD BE AS SUCCESSFUL AS POSSIBLE.
QUESTION: IN THE CHINESE NEWS SERVICE COMMENTARY TODAY, IT WAS QUOTED AS SAYING THAT THERE HAVE BEEN NO .... PROGRESS WHATSOEVER IN THE TALKS. WE’VE GOT THE 10TH ROUND TOMORROW. YOU REALLY THINK THERE IS ANY POINT IN CONTINUING. ARE THE CHINESE REALLY SINCERE ABOUT REACHING A COMPROMISE OR ANY AGREEMENT?
/GOVERNOR .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1993
4
GOVERNOR: WELL, CHARGES ABOUT SINCERITY OR LACK OF SINCERITY ARE PART OF THE RHETORIC OF THE NCNA AND I THINK I’D LIKE TO LEAVE THEM THERE. ALL I WILL SAY IS THAT WE ARE SINCERE IN TRYING TO SECURE AN OUTCOME. WE WANT TO SEE PROGRESS BUT WE WANT TO SEE PROGRESS THAT ACCOMPLISHES THE TWO OBJECTIVES THAT I’VE MENTIONED AND WHICH I THINK PEOPLE IN HONG KONG FEEL PARTICULARLY STRONGLY ABOUT NOT LEAST BECAUSE OF AN INCIDENT THAT’S TAKEN PLACE IN THE LAST FEW WEEKS HERE IN HONG KONG. 1 HOPE WE CAN SEE PROGRESS. THERE WAS ANOTHER REMARK MADE IN THAT COMMENTARY BY THE CNA TO THE EFFECT THAT WHAT ALL THESE DISCUSSIONS AND DEBATES WERE ABOUT WERE AN ATTEMPT TO PROLONG BRITISH INFLUENCE AFTER 1997. I DO THINK THAT’S ONE OF THE SILLIER CRITICISMS THAT I’VE HEARD. WHAT WE ARE ACTUALLY TRYING TO DO AND I AM SURE THAT WHOEVER WROTE THOSE REMARKS FOR THE CNA SHOULD HAVE RECOGNISED IT. WHAT WE ARE ACTUALLY TRYING TO DO IS TO ENSURE THAT THE JOINT DECLARATION IS IMPLEMENTED AFTER 1997 TO THE LETTER AND I HOPE TO THE SPIRIT AS WELL FOR FIFTY YEARS AFTER 1997. IT’S GOT NOTHING TO DO WITH PROLONGING BRITISH INFLUENCE AND EVERYTHING TO DO WITH BRITAIN AND CHINA LIVING UP TO THEIR TREATY OBLIGATIONS IN THE INTERESTS OF THE WELL-BEING AND PROSPERITY OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
QUESTION: ARE YOU PREPARED TO WAIT UNTIL DECEMBER TO DECIDE WHETHER YOU ARE GOING TO INTRODUCE YOUR REVISED POSITION TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL?
GOVERNOR: I’VE STUDIOUSLY - DESPITE ALL YOUR CHARMING ATTEMPTS TO GET ME TO DO OTHERWISE - AVOIDED RINGING DATES IN THE CALENDAR. THAT REMAINS MY OBJECTIVE. BUT AS I’VE SAID TO YOU BEFORE ’TICK-TOCK’ GOES THE CLOCK.
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, THE SAR GOVERNMENT PREPARATORY COMMITTEE IS HAVING THEIR MEETING IN BEIJING. DO YOU REGARD THEIR WORK AS SOME KIND OF INTERFERENCE TO HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S POLICY?
GOVERNOR: NO. THEY HAVE TOLD US ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS THAT THAT ISN’T THE INTENTION. CHINESE OFFICIALS HAVE TOLD US ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS THAT ISN’T THE INTENTION. I DON’T THINK THAT THEIR WORK WILL HAVE ANY EFFECT ON THE DISCHARGE OF OUR RESPONSIBILITIES BEFORE 1997, THOUGH I HOPE THAT IT HELPS THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT BEHAVE IN A WAY WHICH ENSURES THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE JOINT DECLARATION AFTER 1997. I DARE SAY THAT THE MEMBERS OF THAT COMMITTEE WOULD SPEAK WITH EVEN MORE RESONANCE ON BEHALF OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG IF MORE OF THEM HAD A MANDATE FROM THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, NOT JUST FROM THE HONG KONG AND MACAU AFFAIRS OFFICE. BUT THEY ARE OF COURSE DISTINGUISHED CITIZENS, MANY OF THEM, AND I HOPE THAT THEY GIVE GOOD ADVICE TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PRC.
/QUESTION .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1993
5
’’QUESTION : REGARDING MR. HAN’S CASE, THE CHINESE SIDE CRITICISED YOU, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT FOR HAVING A HAND IN............... SO WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THAT ?
GOVERNOR: I DON’T KNOW HOW ANYONE WHO UNDERSTANDS HONG KONG, WHO UNDERSTANDS THE ASPIRATIONS AND CONCERNS OF PEOPLE OF HONG KONG COULD POSSIBLY ARGUE THAT WHAT HAS HAPPENED IN MR. HAN’S CASE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, THAT IT’S ENTIRELY A MATTER FOR INTERNAL POLITICS IN CHINA AND THAT WE SHOULD MIND OUR OWN BUSINESS. I THINK THAT TO SUGGEST THAT SUGGESTS A WOEFUL MISUNDERSTANDING BOTH OF THE VALUES WHICH ARE IMPORTANT TO HONG KONG AND OF THE SORT OF FUTURE THAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WANT FOR THEMSELVES AND THEIR FAMILIES.
LET ME MAKE THE POINTS MORE EXPLICITLY THAN THAT. WHAT HAS HAPPENED IN MR. HAN’S CASE IS THAT HE HAS BEEN PUSHED INTO OUR TERRITORY IN FLAGRANT CONTRADICTION - IT HAS TO BE SAID - OF THE INTERNATIONAL RULE OF LAW AND OF OTHER- INTERNATIONAL PRECEDENCE. THERE IS NO DISPUTE ABOUT THAT. HE HAS BEEN PUSHED INTO HONG KONG WHERE I KNOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE TRIED TO MAKE HIM AS WELCOME A GUEST AS POSSIBLE. SECONDLY, WHAT IS FUNDAMENTAL TO THE JOINT DECLARATION, WHAT IS FUNDAMENTAL TO OUR PROSPERITY, WHAT IS FUNDAMENTAL TO OUR VALUES HERE TN HONG KONG IS THE RULE OF LAW. AND WHEN PEOPLE SEE WHAT HAS HAPPENED IN MR. HAN’S CASE, THEY INEVITABLY ASK THEMSELVES QUESTIONS ABOUT THE ATTACHMENT OF THOSE WHO MADE THESE DECISIONS TO THE RULE OF LAW. THE RULE OF LAW DOESN’T ALLOW OFFICIALS, DOESN’T ALLOW GOVERNMENTS TO TRAMPLE ALL OVER THE LAW WHENEVER THEY THINK IT SUITS THEM. THE RULE OF LAW IS ABOUT TREATING INDIVIDUALS FAIRLY, TREATING THEM WITHIN THE LAW. SO IT’S NOT SURPRISING THAT PEOPLE HERE IN HONG KONG SHOULD FIND THEMSELVES CONCERNED BY WHAT HAS HAPPENED IN THIS ONE VERY STRIKING INDIVIDUAL CASE. I HOPE THAT MEMBERS OF THOSE ADVISORY GROUPS WHICH HAVE BEEN SET UP TO HELP CHINA PLAN FOR 1997, I HOPE MEMBERS OF THE PWC, I HOPE MEMBERS OF THE NPC WHO COME FROM HONG KONG WILL ALL OF THEM TAKE UP THIS CASE IN THE INTERESTS OF THE PEOPLE OF THIS COMMUNITY. THE BASIC LAW IS ABSOLUTELY CLEAR IN WHAT IT SAYS ABOUT FREEDOM OF TRAVEL. WHAT PEOPLE ARE ASKING THEMSELVES IS WHETHER THEY CAN ACTUALLY BELIEVE THAT IN THIS CASE. AND THAT’S A QUESTION WHICH HAS TO BE PUT AND A QUESTION WHICH HAS TO BE ANSWERED.
ONE OTHER THING. IF WE SWEEP CASES LIKE THIS, AND ISSUES LIKE THIS, UNDER THE CARPET, IF WE SIMPLY IGNORE CASES LIKE THIS, THEN I THINK ISSUES LIKE THIS WILL COME BACK AND HAUNT HONG KONG IN THE FUTURE. SO IT IS RIGHT TO ADDRESS THESE ISSUES SQUARELY, IT’S NOT PROVOCATIVE TO DO SO, IT IS A REFLECTION OF THE REAL WORRY, THE REAL CONCERNS OF THE PEOPLE OF THIS COMMUNITY.
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, ON THIS QUESTION OF LOCALISATION, DO YOU NOT THINK THE GOVERNMENT MADE THE MISTAKE BY NOT CONSULTING THE LOCAL STAFF IN THE FIRST PLACE AND THE SITUATION WAS AGGRAVATED BY YOU PERSONALLY NOT RECEIVING THE PETITION FROM THE LOCAL ASSOCIATION?
GOVERNOR:
NO, I DON’T THINK THAT EITHER OF THOSE THINGS APPLY BUT
LET ME DEAL WITH THEM IN ORDER.
THERE WERE THREE COURSES OF ACTION THAT I SUPPOSE WE COULD HAVE TAKEN ONCE WE’D RECEIVED UNEQUIVOCAL ADVICE FROM TWO INDEPENDENT LEGAL SOURCES ABOUT THE INCOMPATIBILITY OF OUR EXISTING POLICY WITH THE BILL
/OF RIGHTS .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1993
6
OF RIGHTS AND 1 JUST SAY - IN PARENTHESIS - THAT WHEN TWO OR THREE YEARS AGO PRE-PATTEN, IT WAS SUGGESTED THAT OUR POSITION ON CENSORSHIP WAS INCOMPATIBLE WITH THE BILL OF RIGHTS NOBODY THEN SAID ’WELL, HANG ABOUT A BIT, WAIT UNTIL YOU ARE TAKEN TO COURT’. PEOPLE SAID, QUITE RIGHTLY, ’YOU MUST ACT NOW AND BRING YOUR LAWS ON CENSORSHIP INTO LINE WITH THE BILL OF RIGHTS’. BUT THERE WERE THREE COURSES OF ACTION THAT WE COULD HAVE TAKEN.
THE FIRST WAS TO WAIT UNTIL WE WERE TAKEN TO COURT AND ALLOW THE COURTS TO DECIDE THE MATTER FOR US. I DON’T THINK THAT IS A VERY HONOURABLE WAY OF BEHAVING AND 1 DON’T THINK THAT IT IS A VERY SENSIBLE WAY IN AN EXECUTIVE-LED GOVERNMENT WHERE THE EXECUTIVE HAS TO BE ACCOUNTABLE TO THE LEGISLATURE AND OPERATE WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF THE RULE OF LAW.
SECONDLY, SOME PEOPLE SAY ’WELL, YOU SHOULD HAVE HAD A CONSULTATION PERIOD’. IN ORDER TO DO THAT WE WOULD HAVE EITHER HAVE HAD TO HAVE HAD A MORATORIUM ON OUR LOCALISATION POLICY WHICH WOULD HAVE, OF COURSE, 1 THINK ANNOYED SOME OF THE UNIONS WHO’VE ANYWAY BEEN ANNOYED OR, SECONDLY, WE WOULD HAVE GONE AHEAD WITH OUR LOCALISATION POLICY AS IT WAS AND STILL AS LIKE AS NOT GOT TAKEN TO COURT. THE ISSUE HAS BEEN IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN. IT’S BEEN ADDRESSED SINCE LAST JANUARY. WE WERE WELL AWARE OF THE SORT OF ATTITUDES THAT PEOPLE WOULD TAKE. SO WE CONCLUDED THAT THE RIGHT COURSE OF ACTION WAS THE THIRD AND IT’S THE ONE WE TOOK, NAMELY, TO GO FOR AN INTERIM SOLUTION WHILE WE LOOKED FOR A LONG TERM SOLUTION WITH OUR COLLEAGUES IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE UNIONS AND WITH OUR COLLEAGUES IN THE PRC. I THINK THAT’S THE RIGHT WAY TO PROCEED BUT GOVERNMENT, AS I SAID EARLIER, IS TO A CONSIDERABLE EXTENT ABOUT TAKING TOUGH DECISIONS WHEN ALL THE AVAILABLE COURSES OF ACTION LOOK PRETTY HAIRY, LOOK PRETTY DIFFICULT.
AS FOR TAKING THE PETITION, YOU WILL KNOW THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE FETCH UP AT THE GATES HERE OR FETCH UP AT THE AIRPORT WITH A PETITION AND I DON’T TAKE THEM. I THINK 1 TOOK ONE RIGHT AT THE OUTSET. IF I WAS TO TAKE EVERY PETITION ONE OF THE THINGS THAT IT WOULD DO WOULD BE TO PERMANENTLY CLOSE THE ROAD OUT THERE OR THE ROAD DOWN THERE. AS A MATTER OF, I HOPE STABILITY WHEN I GO DOWN TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETINGS, TO THE GOVERNMENT OFFICES BELOW AND THERE’S SOMEBODY WAITING WITH A PETITION I OR MY ADC OR ONE OF MY POLICE COLLEAGUES TAKE IT BUT I CERTAINLY HAVEN’T MADE A PRACTICE OF STOPPING THE CAR WHENEVER ANYBODY SHAKES AN ENVELOPE AT ME. BUT I REPEAT WHAT I SAID EARLIER, I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO HAVING A MEETING WITH CIVIL SERVICE LEADERS LATER THIS MONTH, AND IF INDIVIDUAL GROUPS OF CIVIL SERVANTS, IF INDIVIDUAL UNIONS, WISH TO SEE ME THEY SHOULD WRITE IN AND WE WILL SEE WHAT WE CAN DO, THOUGH MY DIARY HAS FEWER HOLES IN IT THAN I MIGHT LIKE.
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, YOU’VE STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF A CREDIBLE LEGISLATURE AND THE ELECTIONS SHOULD BE CLEAN AND FAIR. IS IT TRUE THAT IT IS THE MAIN DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BOTH SIDES? AND IF FINALLY WE CANNOT REACH THE TWO TARGETS, THE TWO OBJECTIVES YOU’VE MENTIONED, WILL THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT GO ALONE WITHOUT ANY AGREEMENT WITH CH INA?
/GOVERNOR .......
7
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1993
GOVERNOR: WELL, I’VE SAID BEFORE, AND I THINK IT’S A POINT WHICH HAS BEEN BOTH IMPLICITLY AND EXPLICITLY RECOGNISED BY MR QIAN QICHEN AND OTHER CHINESE OFFICIALS, THAT IF WE CAN’T GET AN AGREEMENT, WE WILL HAVE TO DISCHARGE OUR RESPONSIBILITIES BEFORE 1997 IN AS EFFICIENT AND COMPETENT AND FAIR A FASHION AS POSSIBLE. AGAIN, A STATEMENT WHICH ISN’T PROVOCATIVE BUT WHICH IS OBVIOUS, AND I THINK IS RECOGNISED BY THE CHINESE. BUT WE WOULDN’T HAVE SPENT 80 HOURS IN, I HOPE, HARMONIOUS DIALOGUE WITH MR JIANG ENZHU AND OTHERS, IF WE HADN’T BEEN VERY KEEN ON ARRIVING AT A SETTLEMENT, IF ONE IS TO BE POSSIBLE.
QUESTION: I KNOW YOU HATE TO TALK ABOUT THAT NOW BUT YOU SAID THAT YOU WILL SOONER OR LATER TABLE THE BILL OF THE ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS TO LEGCO AND SOME LEGCO MEMBERS SAID THAT IT WOULD BE TOO LATE IF YOU DON’T TABLE IT IN EARLY OCTOBER PROVIDED THAT THERE IS NO SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS OF THE SINO-BRITISH TALKS. DO YOU THINK SO?
GOVERNOR: WELL, WHAT I THINK IS THAT MY DISCUSSIONS WITH POLITICAL GROUPS OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS WILL ENABLE ME TO HEAR THEIR VIEWS ABOUT HOW MUCH TIME THEY THINK THEY’LL NEED FOR THE LEGISLATION, AS WELL AS TO HEAR THEIR VIEWS ABOUT OTHER MATTERS AS WELL. BUT ALL OF US WANT TO ENSURE THAT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAVE ENOUGH TIME TO DISCUSS THESE IMPORTANT MATTERS WITH THE ATTENTION AND DETAIL WHICH THEY WILL DESERVE, AND ALL OF US ALSO HAVE TO ENSURE THAT AFTER THAT LEGISLATION IS PASSED, WE’VE STILL GOT ENOUGH TIME TO MAKE ALL THE ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS. BUT I THINK YOU RECOGNISE THAT WHILE QUESTIONS ABOUT DEADLINES ARE FAIR SPORT, IT WOULDN’T BE VERY SENSIBLE FOR ME TO ANSWER THEM AS EXPLICITLY AS I HOPE I’VE ANSWERED SOME OF YOUR OTHER QUESTIONS THIS AFTERNOON.
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, JUST GOING BACK TO LOCALISATION. YOU KNOW.... IN LEGCO HAS PLEDGED TO INITIATE PRIVATE MEMBER’S BILL TO STOP, YOU KNOW, YOUR NEW POLICY. MY QUESTION IS UNDER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES WILL YOU PREPARE TO SHELVE OR CHANGE YOUR POLICY?
GOVERNOR: I’VE STATED WHAT OUR POLICY IS AND THAT’S OUR POLICY NOW AND WILL REMAIN OUR POLICY. 1 DON’T THINK YOU CAN LEGISLATE TO DO THINGS WHICH ARE ILLEGAL. IT’S A POINT ON WHICH THE ROYAL INSTRUCTIONS AND LETTERS PATENT - WITH WHICH ALL OF YOU, I KNOW, ARE TERRIFICALLY FAMILIAR - ARE ABSOLUTELY CLEAR. THEY MAKE IT CLEAR THAT WE CAN’T LEGISLATE TN A WAY WHICH IS IN CONTRAVENTION OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS. SO WHAT WE HAVE TO DO, ALL OF US, IS TO SIT DOWN AND WORK OUT A LONG TERM PERMANENT SOLUTION. IT’S NOT EASY, BUT THAT MUST BE THE CONSTRUCTIVE WAY FORWARD. IT’S ONLY A FEW WEEKS AGO THAT I WAS BEING PRESSED BY A NUMBER OF LEGISLATORS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, FROM RIGHT ACROSS THE POLITICAL SPECTRUM, LET IT BE SAID, TO ESTABLISH A HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT THE BILL OF RIGHTS WAS IMPLEMENTED AS RIGOROUSLY AS POSSIBLE. WELL IF THAT IS THE VIEW OF THOSE LEGISLATORS, THEY CAN’T BE SURPRISED WHEN I TRY TO ABIDE BY THE BILL OF RIGHTS IN THIS PARTICULAR CASE. - TWO MORE QUESTIONS.
QUESTION: GOVERNOR, IT’S BEEN 10 MONTHS SINCE, FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSE, YOU GAZETTED PROPOSALS. JUST HOW UNHAPPY ARE YOU THAT YOU’RE GOING TO HAVE TO STAND BEFORE THE LEGISLATORS AND SAY: ’’LOOK, IT’S BEEN A LONG TIME THAT I TALKS ABOUT THIS, AS MUCH AS A YEAR AGO. AND I’M STANDING HERE AND I DON’T HAVE ANYTHING TO TELL YOU GUYS EXCEPT THAT I HOPE THAT WE CAN DO SOMETHING IN A COUPLE OF MONTHS."
/GOVERNOR .......
8
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1993
GOVERNOR: TWO POINTS. FIRST OF ALL, IT WOULD BE WRONG OF ME TO MAKE ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT PROGRESS OR LACK OF PROGRESS IN THE TENTH, THE ELEVENTH, THE TWELFTH AND ANY OTHER ROUNDS THAT MAY TAKE PLACE BEFORE MY LEGCO SPEECH JUST AS IT WOULD BE WRONG OF ME TO MAKE ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT WHAT MAY OR MAY NOT BE AGREED AT THE MEETING BETWEEN FOREIGN MINISTERS WHICH I HOPE WILL TAKE PLACE ABOUT THE TIME OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY THIS AUTUMN. SO I CAN’T MAKE THOSE ASSUMPTIONS. SECONDLY, WHEN I DO SPEAK TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL I WILL HAVE TO SET OUT FOR THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN MORE THAN TELEGRAMATIC FORM WHERE WE NOW STAND IN THE DEBATE ON THE ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR 1994/1995. THAT IS NOT TO STATE A DEADLINE, IT IS TO STATE, ONCE AGAIN, WHAT EVERYBODY I THINK RECOGNISES AS MY RESPONSIBILITY. I THINK THE COMMUNITY HAS ALWAYS TAKEN THE VIEW THAT WE SHOULD LEAN OVER BACKWARDS TO TRY TO GET A FAIR AND ACCEPTABLE SETTLEMENT. SO I THINK THE COMMUNITY WILL RECOGNISE WHY WE HAVE PATIENTLY SPENT EIGHT MONTHS TRYING TO ARRIVE AT AN AGREEMENT. I THINK THE COMMUNITY WANTS US TO LEAN OVER BACKWARDS. I DON’T THINK IT WANTS US TO FALL OVER BACKWARDS. I DON’T THINK IT WANTS US TO FALL FOR ANYTHING. I THINK IT WANTS AN AGREEMENT WHICH IS DECENT AND SENSIBLE AND IF DESPITE MONTHS AND MONTHS AND HOURS AND HOURS OF TALKS, IF DESPITE ALL THOSE MILES OF AIRLINE TRAVEL WHICH THE MEMBERS OF OUR TEAM HAVE CLOCKED UP IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS, IF DESPITE ALL THAT, DESPITE THE BEST EFFORTS OF SIR ROBIN MCLAREN AND HIS TEAM, WE HAVEN’T GOT AN AGREEMENT, THEN WE SHALL HAVE TO TAKE OUR RESPONSIBILITIES AS I DESCRIBED EARLIER.
QUESTION: HOW GOOD IS YOUR HOLIDAY? .... WHAT DO YOU THINK OF... THE SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST .... MR MURDOCH ?
GOVERNOR: I HAD AN EXTREMELY ENJOYABLE HOLIDAY. I WAS KEPT IN TOUCH WITH DEVELOPMENTS IN HONG KONG ON A REGULAR BASIS BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY BY TELEPHONE. I WAS ABLE TO HAVE A MEETING IN ITALY WITH THE FOREIGN SECRETARY SINCE WE WERE BOTH HOLIDAYING IN THAT COUNTRY AND 1 HAD A USEFUL DISCUSSION WITH HIM. IT WAS A GOOD HOLIDAY.
I’VE COME BACK, AS I HOPE YOU SEE, REFRESHED AND ENTHUSIASTIC NOT LEAST ENTHUSIASTIC TO CONTINUE TO READ IN THE SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST AND IN WAH KIU YAT PO THE SAME HIGH STANDARDS OF JOURNALISM, I AM SURE WRITTEN AS INDEPENDENTLY AND WITH AS MUCH INTEGRITY AS EVER. AND IF THAT HASN’T DONE ME ANY GOOD WITH THE NEW MANAGEMENT I’M NOT SURE WHAT WILL HAVE DONE, IF THERE IS ANY NEW MANAGEMENT. I’VE SEEN THE REPORTS TODAY AND, SO FAR AS I CAN JUDGE, THIS IS PURELY A COMMERCIAL MATTER AND DOESN’T IN ANY WAY BREACH ANY OF OUR LAWS. SO IT’S NOT REALLY A MATTER INTO WHICH I THINK I SHOULD GET INVOLVED, BUT I REPEAT THAT I AM SURE THAT WHOEVER OWNS THESE TWO DISTINGUISHED NEWSPAPERS, THOSE WHO RUN THEM AND THOSE WHO WRITE THEM WILL CONTINUE TO SHOW THOSE SAME HIGH STANDARDS OF JOURNALISTIC INDEPENDENCE WHICH ARE THE CRUCIAL PART OF FREEDOM OF THE PRESS IN A FREE SOCIETY. THAT’S MEANT VERY SERIOUSLY AND IF THAT DOESN’T HAPPEN THEN HONG KONG WOULD BE ALL THE POORER.
THE VALUES WHICH ARE EXPLICITLY STATED IN THE JOINT DECLARATION, THE VALUES WHICH HAVE CREATED ALL THIS, ARE THE SORT OF VALUES WHICH INCREASING NUMBERS OF PEOPLE ARE GOING TO TURN TO OVER THE NEXT DECADES. HONG KONG AND WHAT HONG KONG STANDS FOR IS A VISION OF THE FUTURE, NOT A BLAST FROM THE PAST AND THAT VERY MUCH INCLUDES FRFEDOM OF THE PRESS.
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/9 ........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1993
- 9 -
GOVERNMENT TO GO COMPUTERISED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT EXPECTS TO SPEND MORE THAN $1 BILLION OVER THE NEXT THREE YEARS ON COMPUTERISATION, THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR DONALD TSANG, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY WEEK ROADSHOW, MR TSANG SAID THE SCHEME INCLUDED MAJOR PROJECTS FOR THE POLICE, INLAND REVENUE, IMMIGRATION AND EDUCATION DEPARTMENTS.
IT ALSO INCI,UDES THE ELECTRONIC DATA INTERCHANGE SYSTEM WHICH WILL ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT TO ACCEPT ELECTRONIC SUBMISSIONS OF EXPORT LICENCES AND TRADE DECLARATIONS FROM TRADERS.
HE ADDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS ALSO LAUNCHING A MAJOR INITIATIVE ON OFFICE AUTOMATION WHICH HAD EXCITING POSSIBILITIES.
------0-------
109 EX-CHINA VIETNAMESE REPATRIATED
*****
A TOTAL OF 109 EX-CHINA VIETNAMESE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS (ECVII’S) WERE REPATRIATED TO CHINA TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE GROUP COMPRISED 42 MEN, 29 WOMEN AND 38 MINORS UNDER 16 YEARS OF AGE.
THIS WAS THE FIRST BATCH OF ECVII’S RETURNED TO CHINA UNDER AN AGREEMENT REACHED BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINESE OFFICIALS AT A MEETING IN GUANGZHOU ON AUGUST 23.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE SECOND BATCH WILL BE REPATRIATED WITHIN ONE TO TWO WEEKS.
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CONTAINER TERMINAL 8 OPENS
*****
THE OPENING OF THE NEW CONTAINER TERMINAL NUMBER 8 MARKS AN IMPORTANT MILESTONE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF CONTAINER PORT FACILITIES IN HONG KONG, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR GORDON SIU, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE NEW TERMINAL, MR SIU SAID IT ADDED 58 HECTARES OF LAND TO THE CONTAINER PORT AND WOULD INCREASE TERMINAL CAPACITY BY 1.8 MILLION TEU’S A YEAR, LIFTING THE TERRITORY’S TOTAL TERMINAL CAPACITY TO 7.2 MILLION TEU’S.
"TO ALL OF US, THIS ADDITIONAL CAPACITY MEANS ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR BUSINESS," HE SAID.
MR SIU SAID TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL CAPACITY TO MEET ANTICIPATED GROWTH IN DEMAND TERMINAL 9 WOULD BE BUILT ON TSING YI ISLAND, ADDING THAT DEVELOPMENT AFTER TERMINAL 9 WOULD TAKE PLACE ON LANTAU ISLAND.
/"AS WE .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1993
10
’’AS WE DID IN PAST CASES, THE GOVERNMENT WILL PROVIDE THE NECESSARY INFRASTRUCTURE AND INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS WHICH BEST SUIT THE DEVELOPMENT NEEDS OF HONG KONG AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR WILL BUILD AND OPERATE THE NEW TERMINAL FACILITIES.
’’EXPERIENCE HAS SHOWN THAT IN THE HONG KONG CONTEXT, THIS ARRANGEMENT WORKS WELL. OUR ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE CONFIRMS THE VALUE OF THE GOVERNMENT’S PARTNERSHIP WITH THE PRIVATE SECTOR,” HE SAID.
MR SIU SAID HONG KONG WAS NOW THE WORLD’S 10TH LARGEST TRADING ENTITY AND CONTINUED TO BE THE WORLD’S LARGEST PORT IN TERMS OF THE NUMBER OF CONTAINERS HANDLED.
’’GROWTH CONTINUES TO BE STRONG. THE MOST RECENT FIGURES SUGGEST A GROWTH IN THROUGHPUT IN THE ORDER OF 18 PER CENT BY YEAR’S END,” HE SAID.
"BUT IT DOESN’T END THERE,” HE ADDED. "WE EXPECT OUR ECONOMY TO CONTINUE TO GROW AS WILL OUR TRADE. REGIONAL BUSINESS WILL CONTINUE TO GO TO LOCATIONS WITH EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT FACILITIES."
”WE MUST THEREFORE NOT SIT ON OUR LAURELS. WE MUST MAINTAIN THE PUSH TO IMPROVE OUR FACILITIES AND STANDARDS TO MEET THE NEW AND EVERCHANGING DEMANDS AND TO MAINTAIN OUR COMPETITIVE EDGE,” HE SAID.
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ALTERNATIVE LORRY PARKING SPACES FOUND
*****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS MADE ITS BEST ENDEAVOURS TO FIND ALTERNATIVE SITES FOR LORRY PARKING IN THE WESTERN DISTRICT IN THE PAST TWO MONTHS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE NUMBER OF GOODS VEHICLES USING THE 200-SPACE VEHICLE PARK WHICH WAS CLOSED AT THE END OF JULY WAS ABOUT 150.
AT PRESENT, UP TO ABOUT 330 LORRIES, INCLUDING ABOUT 30 DANGEROUS GOODS VEHICLES, ARE USING THE 400 SPACES OF ANOTHER VEHICLE PARK THAT IS DUE TO CLOSE BY MID-SEPTEMBER TO MAKE WAY FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE PROJECT CONSORTIUM HAD ALREADY GEARED UP TO START WORK AND WAS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE PROJECT WITHIN 48 MONTHS.
ANY FURTHER DELAYS CAUSED BY A DEFERRED HANDING OVER OF THE VEHICLE PARK WOULD AFFECT THE COMPLETION OF THIS IMPORTANT TRANSPORT FACILITY.
SINCE THE END OF JULY, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAS, IN CO-ORDINATION WITH OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND DRIVERS’ REPRESENTATIVES, IDENTIFIED ABOUT 490 PARKING SPACES WHICH ARE SUITABLE FOR USE BY LORRIES.
/ALL OF .......
11
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1993
ALL OF THEM WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE BY MID-SEPTEMBER. THEY INCLUDE 220 OFF-STREET SPACES AND 270 ON-STREET SPACES, SPREADING OVER WESTERN DISTRICT AND SIU SAI WAN, CHAI WAN.
THIS SHOULD ALSO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT AND SUITABLE SPACES FOR THE PARKING OF DANGEROUS GOODS VEHICLES.
BY THE MIDDLE OF NEXT YEAR, ABOUT 400 MORE SPACES ARE EXPECTED TO BE MADE AVAILABLE IN WESTERN DISTRICT AND QUARRY BAY.
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAS HELD MEETINGS WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF LORRY DRIVERS AND SOME DISTRICT BdARD MEMBERS. THE NEW PARKING SPACES HAVE BEEN EXPLAINED AND OFFERED TO THEM.
IT IS REGRETTABLE THAT THE DRIVERS’ REPRESENTATIVES WERE NOT SATISFIED WITH THE OFFER.
THEY INDICATED THEIR PREFERENCE TO STAY IN THE EXISTING VEHICLE PARK FOR SO LONG AS OTHER LARGE OFF-STREET PARKING SPACES IN WESTERN DISTRICT WOULD BE AVAILABLE.
TO EXPRESS THEIR DISSATISFACTION, THEY PETITIONED LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS AND HAVE APPLIED TO THE POLICE FOR STAGING A SLOW DRIVE TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
THE DEPARTMENT HAS ATTENDED A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL AND WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON. THE PROPOSED ALTERNATIVE PARKING SPACES WERE EXPLAINED TO MEMBERS AT THE MEETING.
AFTER THE MEETING, ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR C C CHAN, SAID THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAD ALSO HELD DISCUSSIONS WITH THE WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING CONSORTIUM AND CONTRACTORS.
IT HAD BEEN CONFIRMED BY NOON TODAY THAT IN ORDER TO COMPLETE THE PROJECT, IT WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE TO INDEFINITELY DEFER THE TAKING OVER OF THE VEHICLE PARK.
HOWEVER, IN VIEW OF THE SUGGESTIONS MADE BY ALL CONCERNED, INCLUDING SOME LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS, DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND DRIVERS’ REPRESENTATIVES, THE CONSORTIUM HAS CRITICALLY REVIEWED THE WORKS PROGRAMME AND HAS PREPARED, AS A LAST RESORT AND EXPRESSION OF GOODWILL, TO RE-OPEN THE FORMER VEHICLE PARK UNTIL THE END OF SEPTEMBER, WHICH HAS ALREADY BEEN CLOSED TO VEHICLE PARKING AT THE END OF JULY.
"IT IS EXPECTED THAT THIS SITE, WHICH CAN ACCOMMODATE 200 LORRIES, WOULD BE MADE AVAILABLE FROM MONDAY (SEPTEMBER 6)," MR CHAN SAID.
HE STRESSED THAT NO MORE DEFERMENTS COULD BE MADE WITHOUT CAUSING DELAYS TO THE COMPLETION OF THE PROJECT.
MR CHAN APPEALED TO THE LORRY DRIVERS TO ABANDON THE PROPOSED SLOW DRIVE TOMORROW IN THE INTEREST OF THE TRAVELLING PUBLIC.
TOGETHER WITH PARTIES CONCERNED, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO TRY TO MAKE AVAILABLE MORE ALTERNATIVE PARKING SPACES FOR LORRIES IN THE LONGER TERM.
/ONE POSSIBILITY .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1993
12
ONE POSSIBILITY IS THE SITE ON TELEGRAPH BAY RECLAMATION. IN ORDER TO MAKE IT AVAILABLE FOR PARKING, AN ACCESS ROAD IS REQUIRED.
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT IS WORKING TOGETHER WITH THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT TO STUDY THE FEASIBILITY.
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LEGAL DEPARTMENT INVITES APPLICATIONS FOR COUNSEL POSTS * * * * *
THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT INVITES LEGAL PROFESSIONALS TO JOIN THE FAMILY OF GOVERNMENT LAWYERS, BE A CROWN COUNSEL AND TAKE UP A CHALLENGING JOB WHICH IS OF REAL VALUE TO THE HONG KONG COMMUNITY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT WAS FULLY COMMITTED TO A PROGRAMME OF LOCALISATION, AND PREFERENCE WOULD BE GIVEN TO LOCAL APPLICANTS.
”IT HAS BEEN THE AIM OF THIS DEPARTMENT TO HAVE SUFFICIENT LOCAL OFFICERS TO FILL MOST OF THE SENIOR POSTS BY 1995/96.
’’THE DEPARTMENT’S EXISTING LOCALISATION MEASURES, WITH THE AIM OF GROOMING LOCAL CROWN COUNSEL WITH POTENTIAL TO SENIOR CROWN COUNSEL AND FOR FUTURE PROMOTION TO FILL DIRECTORATE POSTS, ARE SERVING THEIR PURPOSE,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
AT PRESENT, AT THE NON-DIRECTORATE LEVEL, OVER 55 PER CENT OF THE CROWN COUNSEL ARE LOCALS.
A CROWN COUNSEL DEPLOYED IN THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS WILL UNDERTAKE CRIMINAL ADVOCACY, CIVIL LITIGATION, LEGAL ADVISORY WORK, LEGISLATIVE DRAFTING (INCLUDING BILINGUAL LEGISLATION), COMMERCIAL LAW AND LEGAL POLICY WORK.
A NEWLY APPOINTED CROWN COUNSEL WILL NORMALLY BE POSTED IN THE FIRST INSTANCE TO THE CIVIL DIVISION, THE LAW DRAFTING DIVISION OR THE PROSECUTIONS DIVISION. HE OR SHE MAY BE SUBSEQUENTLY POSTED TO OTHER DIVISIONS FOR CAREER DEVELOPMENT PURPOSES.
THE PAY SCALE FOR A CROWN COUNSEL IS $30,150 TO $50,230 A MONTH, THE ENTRY PAY DEPENDS ON EXPERIENCE.
AS REGARDS ENTRY REQUIREMENTS, CANDIDATES SHOULD BE:
* ADMITTED AS SOLICITORS IN A RECOGNISED JURISDICTION AS STIPULATED UNDER THE LEGAL OFFICERS ORDINANCE AND SCHEDULE 1 TO LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE; OR
* BARRISTERS WITH TWO YEARS’ PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE SINCE CALL TO THE BAR IN A RECOGNISED JURISDICTION AS STIPULATED UNDER THE LEGAL OFFICERS ORDINANCE AND SCHEDULE 1 TO LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE.
BARRISTERS WITH THE RIGHT TO PRACTISE BUT WHO DO NOT POSSESS TWO YEARS’ PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE SINCE CALL MAY ALSO APPLY.
/IF SELECTED .......
13
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1993
IF SELECTED, THEY MAY ENTER AT AN APPROPRIATE POINT BELOW THE MINIMUM OF THE CROWN COUNSEL PAY SCALE.
CANDIDATES WHO WILL COMPLETE THEIR TRAINING AS A TRAINEE SOLICITOR OR PUPILLAGE ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 30 THIS YEAR MAY ALSO APPLY.
THEIR APPOINTMENT, HOWEVER, WILL BE SUBJECT TO THEIR ADMISSION AS A SOLICITOR OR SATISFACTORY COMPLETION OF PUPILLAGE.
CANDIDATES SHOULD APPLY IN WRITING WITH A COMPLETED APPLICATION FORM (G.F. 340 (REV. 5/90)), WHICH IS OBTAINABLE FROM DISTRICT OFFICES, CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, AND A FULL C.V. TO THE SECRETARY, PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION, SIXTH FLOOR, ST JOHN’S BUILDING, 33 GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG BY SEPTEMBER 25 THIS YEAR (ENQUIRIES 867 2276 ) .
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ENTERPRISES URGED TO TRAIN SKILLED PERSONNEL
*****
LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR MR STEVEN POON TODAY (FRIDAY) URGED INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISES TO ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN THE TRAINING OF SKILLED PERSONNEL.
"ONLY BY DOING SO CAN SOCIETY GET A CONTINUOUS SUPPLY OF SKILLED MANPOWER," HE STRESSED.
MR POON MADE THE PLEA AT THE GRADUATION CEREMONY FOR APPRENTICES OF THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (EMSD).
POINTING OUT THAT MANPOWER WAS ONE OF THE MOST ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF ECONOMY, HE SAID THIS WAS ESPECIALLY TRUE FOR THE SERVICE TRADE WHICH HAD SURPASSED THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY, RESULTING IN AN EVER-INCREASING DEMAND FOR QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
"IT IS A BLESSING THAT IN HONG KONG, THE WHOLE SOCIETY, INCLUDING THE GOVERNMENT, SEES THE TREND AND IS WILLING TO SPEND LOTS OF MANPOWER AND RESOURCES IN PROMOTING VARIOUS PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL TRAINING," HE SAID.
SINCE 1969, MORE THAN 2,700 PERSONS HAVE BEEN TRAINED UNDER THE CRAFT AND TECHNICIAN APPRENTICE SCHEME ORGANISED BY EMSD.
"I EARNESTLY URGE OTHER INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISES TO FOLLOW THE GOVERNMENT’S EXAMPLE AND ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN THE TRAINING OF SKILLED PERSONNEL," HE SAID.
GRADUATING TODAY WERE 52 TECHNICIAN APPRENTICES AND CRAFT APPRENTICES WHO HAVE SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED A FOUR-YEAR TRAINING PROGRAMME.
/THEIR THEORETICAL ......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1993
14
THEIR THEORETICAL KNOWLEDGE WAS OBTAINED FROM STUDY AT TECHNICAL INSTITUTES, WHILE PRACTICAL SKILLS WERE ACQUIRED THROUGH A SIX-MONTH BASIC TRAINING AT THE APPRENTICE TRAINING CENTRE, FOLLOWED BY A THREE-YEAR ON-THE-JOB TRAINING IN VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE PARTICIPATING DEPARTMENTS.
ALSO PRESENT AT THE CEREMONY WERE THE DIRECTOR OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES, MR KWOK PING-KI, STAFF INVOLVED TN THE TRAINING PROGRAMME AND PARENTS OF THE GRADUATES.
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NEW ROADS AND DRAINS FOR SIU SAI WAN
*****
THE CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS AND DRAINS UNDER STAGE 111 OF SIU SAI WAN DEVELOPMENT.
THE PROJECT COMPRISES CONSTRUCTION OF 1,900 METRES OF ROADS AND FOOTPATHS TOGETHER WITH ASSOCIATED STORMWATER DRAINS AND SEWERS.
THE EXISTING BOX CULVERTS AT THE RECLAMATION AREA IN SIU SAI WAN WILL ALSO BE EXTENDED.
THE WORKS ALSO INCLUDE FILLING THE EXISTING TEMPORARY OPEN CHANNELS TO PROVIDE SITES FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT IN THE AREA.
CONSTRUCTION IS EXPECTED TO START IN NOVEMBER AND WILL TAKE 24 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS IS NOON ON SEPTEMBER 24.
FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DEVELOPMENT AND AIRPORT DIVISION, CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE, CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT, SECOND FLOOR, 101 PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD, HO MAN TIN, KOWLOON.
THE WORKS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTION WILL BE SUPERVISED BY THE DEVELOPMENT AND AIRPORT DIVISION OF THE CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE.
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UK AND THAILAND SHARE FIRE-FIGHTING EXPERIENCE
*****
ELEVEN THAI FIRE OFFICERS WHO HAVE COMPLETED A TWO-WEEK ATTACHMENT WITH THE HONG KONG FIRE SERVICES WERE TODAY (FRIDAY) PRESENTED WITH CERTIFICATES.
SPEAKING AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY, THE ACTING DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, MR TSANG KWONG-YU, SAID THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE THAILAND FIRE BRIGADE HAD ESTABLISHED A LONG AND AMICABLE WORKING RELATIONSHIP OVER THE YEARS.
/OFFICERS OF .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1993
15
’’OFFICERS OF THE TWO BRIGADES HAVE EXCHANGED VISITS TO SHARE EXPERIENCES AND TO DISCUSS DIFFICULTIES ENCOUNTERED,” HE SAID.
’’THROUGH THE EXCHANGE OF IDEAS, BOTH SIDES HAVE GAINED A LOT AND IN TURN THE COMMUNITIES CAN BE BETTER SERVED,” HE ADDED.
MR TSANG TOLD THE THAI OFFICERS THAT OWING TO DIFFERENCES IN THE TWO GOVERNMENTS, WHAT THEY LEARNED HERE MIGHT NOT BE APPLIED AT THEIR HOME WITHOUT MODIFICATIONS.
DURING THEIR ATTACHMENT, THE OFFICERS STUDIED LOCAL FIRE PROTECTION PRACTICES, INCLUDING LAW, POLICY, SYSTEM AND SAFETY MEASURES, AND VISITED FACTORIES.
- - 0 - -
HOI HONG STREET TO BE REPAIRED ******
THE GOVERNMENT HAS PROPOSED TO AMEND THE SCHEME FOR THE RESUMPTION AND REPAIR OF HOI HONG STREET AND REAR LANE IN THE EASTERN DISTRICT TO ENSURE ITS PROPER MAINTENANCE AND USE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST.
THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT WORKS ARE TO RECONSTRUCT THE STREET AND REAR LANE AND TO PROVIDE PROPER CARRIAGEWAY AND FOOTWAY.
THE ORIGINAL SCHEME WAS SET OUT IN NOTICES GAZETTED ON MARCH 28 AND APRIL 4, 1991.
AT PRESENT, HOI HONG STREET AND REAR LANE IS UNDER PRIVATE MULTIPLE OWNERSHIPS AND IS NOT PROPERLY MANAGED OR MAINTAINED.
AS A RESULT THE ROAD IS IN POOR CONDITION AND PARTLY OCCUPIED BY STALLS THAT OBSTRUCT PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENT, GIVING RISE TO CONSIDERABLE ENVIRONMENTAL AND TRAFFIC PROBLEMS.
THE RESUMPTION WILL ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT TO CLEAR THE STALLS AND TO REPAIR THE STREET TO A PROPER STANDARD FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START BY NOVEMBER 1995.
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED WORKS IS GAZETTED TODAY
THE AMENDED PLAN AND SCHEME SHOWING THE PROPOSED WORKS AND LAND RESUMPTION CAN BE SEEN AT:
* THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG;
♦ THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, 29 TAI ON STREET, GROUND FLOOR, EASTERN LAW COURTS BUILDING, SAT WAN HO, HONG KONG; AND
/* THE DISTRICT
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1993
16
*
THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, HONG KONG EAST, 19TH FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAT, HONG KONG.
ANY PERSON OBJECTING TO THE PROPOSAL MUST SEND HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, NO LATER THAN NOVEMBER 2, 1993 DESCRIBING HIS INTEREST AND THE MANNER IN WHICH HE ALLEGES WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE WORKS OR USE.
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ROAD WORK TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC CIRCULATION *****
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO EXTEND CHOI HA ROAD SOUTHWARDS TO JOIN CHUN WAH ROAD IN A BID TO IMPROVE THE TRAFFIC CIRCULATION IN THE AREA.
A 70-METRE-LONG CARRIAGEWAY OF WIDTHS OF NINE TO 12 METRES AND WITH FOOTWAYS ON BOTH SIDE IS TO BE CONSTRUCTED FROM THE SOUTHERN END OF CHOI HA ROAD TO CHUN WAH ROAD.
AN 80-METRE-LONG SECTION OF CHOI HA ROAD LEADING TO THE NEW ROAD WILL ALSO BE WIDENED AND RECONSTRUCTED, INCLUDING ITS JUNCTION WITH JORDAN VALLEY NORTH ROAD.
THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY EARLY 1995.
A NOTICE GIVING DETAILS OF THE PROPOSED WORKS HAS BEEN GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
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, HONG KONG;
♦ THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE/KOWLOON EAST, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON; AND
* THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE, KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, TUNG YAN STREET, THIRD FLOOR, KOWLOON.
ANY PERSON WHO WISHES TO OBJECT TO THE PROPOSAL MAY ADDRESS HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, NO LATER THAN NOVEMBER 2, 1993, DESCRIBING HIS INTEREST AND THE MANNER IN WHICH HE WILL BF. AFFECTED BY THE PROPOSAL.
/17........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1993
17 -
APPOINTMENTS TO CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL *****
THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT MR ANDREW SO KWOK-WING HAD BEEN REAPPOINTED AS CHAIRMAN OF THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL.
MR SO IS THE INTERNATIONAL VICE-PRESIDENT OF CUNA MUTUAL INSURANCE GROUP AND HAS ALSO RECENTLY BEEN APPOINTED AS CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION.
MR LEUNG ALSO ANNOUNCED THE APPOINTMENTS OF THE FOLLOWING NEW MEMBERS TO THE COUNCIL:
* MISS FUNG PIK-YEE, A TEACHER IN HEEP WOH PRIMARY SCHOOL;
♦ MRS ALICE CHENG YAU SHUK-KI, PRINCIPAL OF NORTHCOTE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION;
♦ MR LI SHIU-TSANG, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF LI PO CHUN ESTATES LTD;
♦ MR SEID SUN-NG, A TEACHER IN LINGNAN SECONDARY SCHOOL.
IN ADDITION, THE FOLLOWING SERVING MEMBERS HAVE BEEN REAPPOINTED:
♦ MR AU PAK-KUEN, A TEACHER IN SHAU KEI WAN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL;
» DR JACK CHAN CHAM-KIT, DIRECTOR, CENTRE FOR EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT, HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE;
♦ MR CHAN KAI-YEEN, PRINCIPAL OF BISHOP WALSH SCHOOL;
* MR FRANK NG HAK-TSUN, PRINCIPAL OF BISHOP HALL MEMORIAL PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL;
» MR DAVID TO CHI-SHANG, PRINCIPAL OF UNITED CHRISTIAN
COLLEGE;
♦ DR LEUNG YAT-MING, A LECTURER IN THE DEPARTMENT OF
CURRICULUM STUDIES, FACULTY OF EDUCATION, UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG;
* MR CHOI CHEE-CHEONG, SECRETARY OF HONG KONG EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY;
* MRS ESTHER FUNG YUEN YAU-KIT, CHAIRMAN OF THE KWUN TONG GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATION;
♦ MS LEE WAI-LING, PRINCIPAL OF PO LEUNG KUK NG TOR TAI KINDERGARTEN;
* MRS LAURA LING LAU YUET-FUN, PRINCIPAL OF SHA TIN PUBLIC SCHOOL;
/* MR KENNETH .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1993
18
* MR KENNETH TING WOO-SHOU, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF KADER
INDUSTRIAL LTD;
♦ MRS EUNICE WONG LAM YUEN-CHING, PRINCIPAL OF ST CLARE’S
GIRLS’ SCHOOL;
* MR WU SIU-WAI, A TEACHER IN SHENG KUNG HUI KEI TAK PRIMARY
SCHOOL;
* MR YUNG HO-KOON, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (TECHNICAL EDUCATION) OF VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL.
THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE (CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE) OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO SERVE AS THE VICE-CHAIRMAN IN HIS EX-OFFICIO CAPACITY.
ALL APPOINTMENTS ARE FOR A PERIOD OF ONE YEAR, WITH EFFECT FROM SEPTEMBER 1 THIS YEAR.
- 0 - -
TENDERS INVITED FOR TAI PO SEWAGE WORKS ♦ * t ♦ *
THE NORTH EAST NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CIVIL ENGINEERING WORKS OF STAGE IVB OF TAI PO SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS.
THE WORKS, WHICH FORM PART OF THE CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR THE TAI PO NEW TOWN, INCLUDE THE BUILDING OF A TANKING SYSTEM AND ASSOCIATED DRAINS.
OTHER MAJOR ITEMS INVOLVE THE INSTALLATION OF DIFFUSERS, PUMPS, PIPE WORK, CHEMICAL DOSING SYSTEMS AND ELECTRONIC MONITORING EQUIPMENT; PROVISION OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL FACILITIES AND ASSOCIATED PIPE WORK FOR THE AERATION PROCESS; AS WELL AS PROVISION OF INTERNAL ROADS AND LIGHTING AND FOAMING CONTROL FACILITIES.
THE WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN NOVEMBER FOR COMPLETION IN TWO YEARS.
A NOTICE OF THE TENDER INVITATION WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM BALFOURS INTERNATIONAL (ASIA) CONSULTANT ENGINEERS LIMITED, 10TH FLOOR, 1 KOWLOON PARK DRIVE, TSIM SHA TSUI.
THE TENDER CLOSING DATE IS NOON ON OCTOBER 15.
- - 0 - -
/19
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1993
19
RADIO SERIES TO PROMOTE HARMONIOUS FAMILY LIFE
*****
THE FIRST EPISODE OF A SERIES ON FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION WILL BE ON AIR ON RTHK RADIO 5 AT 11 AM TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
JOINTLY PRODUCED BY RTHK AND THE COMMITTEE ON FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN, THE HOUR-LONG PROGRAMME IS TO BE BROADCAST LIVE THROUGH AM 783 FOR 13 WEEKENDS.
’’BECAUSE OF GOOD RESPONSE FROM THE AUDIENCE TO THE PREVIOUS SERIES WHICH ENDED IN JULY, THE SECOND SERIES WERE PRODUCED,” THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE, MISS CHUNG WOON-CHEUNG, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
ENTITLED “HARMONIOUS LIFE", THE PROGRAMME WILL FOCUS ON WAYS TO ENHANCE EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION AMONG FAMILY MEMBERS.
TELEVISION ARTISTE CHAN MAN-YEE AND AN EXPERIENCED SOCIAL WORKER WILL BE PRESENT ON EVERY SHOW.
AUDIENCE ARE WELCOME TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS BY PHONING IN OR WRITING TO THE PROGRAMME. THEY WILL ALSO HAVE A CHANCE TO WIN FABULOUS PRIZES.
TOWN PLANNING BOARD TO REVIEW OUTLINE ZONING PLANS *****
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS REFERRED FIVE OUTLINE ZONING PLANS (OZP) TO THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION AND AMENDMENTS TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES, THE GAZETTE ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE PLANS ARE SHEK KIP MEI OZP NO. S/K4/3, HO MAN TIN OZP NO. S/K7/4, WANG TAU HOM AND TUNG TAU OZP NO. S/K8/6, MA TAU KOK OZP NO. S/K10/6 AND KOWLOON TONG OZP NO. LK18/10A.
THEY WERE APPROVED BY THE BOARD BETWEEN MAY 1982 AND DECEMBER 1989.
"THE BOARD WILL REVISE THE PLANS, WHICH, AFTER INCORPORATING THE LATEST AMENDMENTS, WILL BE EXHIBITED FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION IN DUE COURSE," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD SAID.
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/20 .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1993
ZONINGS IN DRAFT MONG KOK PLAN REVIVED
*****
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD HAS REFUSED TO APPROVE THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION’S DEVELOPMENT SCHEME PLAN FOR SHAMCHUN STREET, MONG KOK (NO. S/K3/LDC2/1) TN THE LIGHT OF OBJECTIONS RECEIVED.
THE BOARD’S DECISION HAS BEEN ENDORSED BY THE EXECUTIVE
COUNCIL.
A 0.35-HECTARE AREA BOUNDED BY ARGYLE STREET, CANTON ROAD, NELSON STREET AND SHAMCHUN STREET HAS BEEN ZONED ’’COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT AREA” ON THE CORPORATION’S DEVELOPMENT SCHEME PLAN.
AS A RESULT OF THE DECISION, THE ORIGINAL ZONINGS ’’GOVERNMENT/1NST1 TUT ION/COMMUN ITY " , ” RES I DENT I AL ( GROUP A ) ” AND
’’ROAD” - AS SHOWN ON THE REVISED DRAFT MONG KOK OUTLINE ZONING PLAN NO. S/K3/7 HAVE BEEN REVIVED.
COPIES OF THE REVISED OUTLINE ZONING PLAN ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; AND AT THE KOWLOON MAP SALES SECTION, 382 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
- - 0 - -
FEES REVISED FOR PROCESSING BUILDING PLANS
*****
FEES FOR PROCESSING BUILDING PLANS HAVE BEEN REVISED TO BRING THEM UP TO COST-RECOVERY LEVEL.
PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE FEE REVISION ARE CONTAINED IN THE BUILDING (ADMINISTRATION) (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) REGULATION 1993 GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE AMENDMENT REGULATION WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON SEPTEMBER 24,
1993.
A BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID: ’’THE FEE REVISION REPRESENTS THE FINAL PHASE OF THE PLAN TO RECOVER THE FULL COST OF PROCESSING BUILDING PLANS. THEREAFTER, WE AIM TO ADJUST THE FERS ANNUALLY IN LINE WITH ANY INCREASE IN COST IN FUTURE.”
FEES FOR PROCESSING BUILDING PLANS WERE FIRST INTRODUCED IN 1991 AT A RATE OF 25 PER CENT OF THE FULL COST. THE FEES WERE ADJUSTED TO 50 PER CENT OF THE FULL COST IN 1992 BEFORE BEING BROUGHT UP TO FULL COST NOW.
IT IS ESTIMATED THAT THE FEES AT THE NEW RATE WILL YIELD MORE THAN $200 MILLION IN REVENUE A YEAR, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
- - 0 - -
Z21
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1993
21
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 2,175 -175 2,000 NIL -275 1 ,725
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 112.5 HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE *+0.1» 3.9.93 FUND
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 2.73 PCT 14 MONTHS 2411 4.625 101.48 3.38
1 MONTH 2.78 PCT 17 MONTHS 2502 4.75 101.71 3.55
3 MONTHS 2.82 PCT 20 MONTHS 2505 4.75 99.97 3.80
6 MONTHS 3.01 PCT 12 MONTHS 3.25 PCT 23 MONTHS 2508 4.625 101.31 3.96
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 10,273 MN
CLOSED SEPTEMBER 3, 1993
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1993
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
STATEMENT ON LU'S REMARKS ...................................... 1
TIDAL FLOW SCHEME AT LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD ..................... 1
OFFICIALS BRIEFED ON AIRPORT WORKS ............................. 2
ORGAN DONATION EXHIBITION OPENS ................................ 3
HEALTH WORKERS INVITED TO JOIN COURSE .......................... 4
RESIDENTS GO ON GREEN TOUR ................................... ‘ 5
50 CAR MARKS SOLD FOR CHARITY .................................. 5
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ..
6
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1993
- 1
STATEMENT ON LU’S REMARKS
*****
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT THERE WERE NO PLANS TO CHANGE THE RULES GOVERNING THE PARTICIPATION OF CIVIL SERVANTS IN POLITICAL ACTIVITIES.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO SAID HE WAS SURPRISED AT THE REPORTED REMARKS BY THE DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG AND MACAO AFFAIRS OFFICE LU PING ON THE SINO-BRITISH DISCUSSIONS ON THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE 1994/95 ELECTIONS.
’’THE TWO SIDES HAVE AGREED THAT THE CONTENT OF THE TALKS SHOULD BE CONFIDENTIAL WHILE THEY ARE TAKING PLACE. SELECTIVE AND DISTORTED LEAKING DOES NOTHING TO MAXIMISE THE CHANCES OF SUCCESS IN THE TALKS.
”IF THE CHINESE SIDE NOW BELIEVES THAT IT WOULD BE HELPFUL TO MAKE PUBLIC THE PROPOSALS MADE BY THE TWO SIDES, THEN THAT IS A MATTER THEY SHOULD RAISE IN THE TALKS,” HE SAID.
------0-------
TIDAL FLOW SCHEME AT LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD
*****
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT WILL IMPLEMENT THE TIDAL FLOW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT SCHEME AT THE LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD FROM MONDAY (SEPTEMBER 6).
THE SCHEME IS TO FACILITATE STAGE I OF THE RECONSTRUCTION WORK OF THE LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD FROM THE HUNG MUI KUK INTERCHANGE TO SHA TIN ROAD.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID A TRIAL SCHEME WAS HELD BETWEEN AUGUST 29 AND 31 AND WAS FOUND TO BE SUCCESSFUL.
DURING THE RECONSTRUCTION PERIOD, ONE TRAFFIC LANE AT ANY ONE TIME WILL HAVE TO BE CLOSED FOR THE WORK. THEREFORE IT IS NECESSARY TO INTRODUCE THE TIDAL SCHEME.
UNDER THE SCHEME, THERE WILL BE TWO KOWLOON-BOUND LANES AND ONE NEW TERRITORIES-BOUND LANE BETWEEN 6 AM AND 4 PM ON DAYS OTHER THAN SATURDAYS AND DAYS WITH DAYTIME HORSE-RACING.
FROM 4 PM TO MIDNIGHT, THE MIDDLE LANE WILL BE REVERTED SO THAT THERE WILL BE TWO NEW TERRITORIES-BOUND LANES AND ONE KOWLOON-BOUND LANE.
ONLY ONE LANE WILL BE OPEN FOR EACH DIRECTION BETWEEN MIDNIGHT AND 6 AM FOR SAFER TRAFFIC.
/ON SATURDAYS .......
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1993
- 2 -
ON SATURDAYS AND DAYS WITH DAYTIME HORSE-RACING, THE TIME FOR REVERTING TO THE MIDDLE LANE TRAFFIC WILL BE ADVANCED FROM 4 PM TO 11.30 AM.
THIS ARRANGEMENT WILL LAST FOR ABOUT SEVEN MONTHS.
ANY MAJOR CHANGES TO THESE ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE FURTHER ANNOUNCED.
IN ADDITION, A 24-HOUR ON-SITE COMPLAINT TELEPHONE HOTLINE IS NOW AVAILABLE. THE NUMBER IS 9029 7146.
---------0-----------
OFFICIALS BRIEFED ON AIRPORT WORKS * * * * *
ABOUT 150 SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS WERE BRIEFED TODAY (SATURDAY) ON CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS OF THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME.
DURING A FOUR-HOUR BOAT TOUR OF THE PROJECTS, THEY SAW WORK ON THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION, THE TSING MA AND KAP SHUI MUN BRIDGES, THE NORTH LANTAU EXPRESSWAY, RECLAMATION FOR TUNG CHUNG NEW TOWN, AND THE AIRPORT SITE ITSELF AT CHEK LAP KOK.
THEY WERE ADDRESSED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, OTHER GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY AND MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION.
SIR DAVID SAID: "WE ARE MAKING EXCELLENT PROGRESS ON THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME WITH CONTRACTS WORTH OVER $44 BILLION WELL UNDER WAY. PROJECTS SUCH AS THE TSING MA BRIDGE, WITH ITS DRAMATIC TOWERS, ARE BECOMING IMPRESSIVE CONSTRUCTION SPECTACLES."
"NOW THAT WORK IS WELL UNDER WAY, WE DECIDED TO TAKE SENIOR OFFICIALS ON A FOUR-HOUR BOAT TOUR OF THE PROJECTS SO THAT THEY COULD SEE THE WORK AT FIRST HAND.
"MANY OF THEM HAVE IMPORTANT ROLES, EITHER DIRECT OR INDIRECT, IN TURNING THIS EXCITING PROGRAMME INTO REALITY, AND IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THEY SHOULD SEE FOR THEMSELVES WHAT IS BEING DONE," HE SAID.
"THEY WERE IMPRESSED WITH WHAT THEY SAW AND WE SHOULD ALL BE PROUD OF WHAT IS BEING ACHIEVED. WE ARE SHOWING WHAT HONG KONG DOES BEST BECAUSE WE ARE BUILDING ONE OF THE WORLD’S BIGGEST INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAMMES IN RECORD TIME.
"NO ONE WHO SEES WHAT IS HAPPENING ON THE CONSTRUCTION SITES CAN BE IN ANY DOUBT THAT THE AIRPORT ITSELF AND THE ENTIRE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME ARE INDEED BEING BUILT."
0
/3.........
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1993
- 3 -
ORGAN DONATION EXHIBITION OPENS ♦ * * * *
ORGAN TRANSPLANT IS THE ONLY HOPE OF RECOVERY FOR THOUSANDS OF PATIENTS WHO ARE SUFFERING FROM SERIOUS ILLNESSES IN THE TERRITORY.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF AN ORGAN DONATION EXHIBITION TODAY (SATURDAY), THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, DR S H LEE , URGED HONG KONG PEOPLE TO HELP THESE PATIENTS BY ACTIVELY SUPPORTING THE ORGAN DONATION CAMPAIGN AND SIGNING UP.
DE LEE FELT THAT HONG KONG PEOPLE HAD ALWAYS BEEN GENEROUS AND CARING.
HE URGED THE PEOPLE TO SUPPORT THE CAUSE AS A NEW ORGAN WOULD MEAN A GIFT OF LIFE FOR THESE PATIENTS.
HE SAID ALTHOUGH THE NUMBER OF ORGAN TRANSPLANT CASES HAD INCREASED IN THE PAST FEW YEARS, THE NUMBER STILL COULD NOT MEET PATIENTS’ ACTUAL DEMAND.
DR LEE HOPED THAT MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC COULD LEARN MORE ABOUT ORGAN DONATION THROUGH THIS YEAR’S CAMPAIGN AND WOULD COME FORWARD AND BECOME DONORS.
HE WAS PLEASED THAT THE ORGAN DONATION CAMPAIGN RECEIVED THE SUPPORT OF MANY PRIVATE ORGANISATIONS AND MEDICAL DOCTORS IN PRIVATE PRACTICE.
THE TWO-DAY ’’GIFT OF LIFE” ORGAN DONATION SIGNING CAMPAIGN AND EXHIBITION, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH’S CENTRAL EDUCATION UNIT AND LION ROCK JAYCEES, IS HELD AT THE CRYSTAL ATRIUM ON LEVEL 3 OF METROPLAZA, KWAI FONG THIS WEEKEND.
DR LEE PAID TRIBUTE TO THE CO-ORGANISER OF THE EVENT AND SAID HE APPRECIATED THE ENTHUSIASM AND DEDICATION LION ROCK JAYCEES MEMBERS DISPLAYED IN STAGING THE EXHIBITION.
OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS PRESENT AT THE CEREMONY INCLUDED LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR DR LAM KUI-CHUN, MISS HONG KONG 1993 MOK HO-YAN, CITIBANK VICE-PRESIDENT MS DAISY SHAM, AND HONG KONG JUNIOR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NATIONAL PRESIDENT MR GEORGE LUNG.
THE EXHIBITION, SPONSORED BY THE CITIBANK, WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 10 AM TO 6 PM TOMORROW (SUNDAY). MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE INVITED TO VISIT THE EXHIBITION AND SIGN ORGAN DONATION CARDS AT THE VENUE.
HEALTH PROFESSIONALS WILL BE ON HAND TO ANSWER QUERIES THE PUBLIC MIGHT HAVE ON ORGAN DONATION. SOUVENIRS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO VISITORS.
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/4
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1993
4
HEALTH WORKERS INVITED TO JOIN COURSE * * * * *
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IS INVITING SERVING HEALTH WORKERS IN PRIVATE HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY WHO HAVE NOT RECEIVED NURSING OR MEDICAL TRAINING IN HONG KONG TO APPLY FOR ENROLMENT ON AN 11-WEEK TRAINING COURSE.
SCHEDULED TO START ON NOVEMBER 1, THE COURSE AIMS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF SERVICE OF STAFF IN PRIVATE HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY.
"LEGISLATION TO CONTROL RESIDENTIAL CARE HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY, INCLUDING THOSE IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR, IS TO BE INTRODUCED SOON," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
UNDER THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION, NO ONE SHALL BE QUALIFIED TO REGISTER AS A HEALTH WORKER FOR THE PURPOSE OF EMPLOYMENT AT A RESIDENTIAL CARE HOME WITHOUT HAVING COMPLETED A COURSE OF TRAINING APPROVED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE.
THE COURSE IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE COLLEGE OF NURSING, HONG KONG, AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
IT COVERS BASIC SKILLS IN LOOKING AFTER THE ELDERLY, INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS AND BASIC PRINCIPLES IN RUNNING A HOME FOR THE ELDERLY.
APPLICANTS ARE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTARY PROOF OF THEIR QUALIFICATIONS. THOSE RECOMMENDED BY THE ELDERLY HOMES WHICH THEY ARE SERVING WILL BE GIVEN PRIORITY.
INVITATION LETTERS HAVE ALREADY BEEN SENT TO PRIVATE HOME OPERATORS INVITING THEM TO RECOMMEND SUITABLE CANDIDATES FOR THE COURSE.
INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE INTERESTED TO TAKE UP A JOB IN THESE HOMES MAY ALSO FORWARD THEIR APPLICATIONS TO THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S REGISTRATION OFFICE OF PRIVATE HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY, SEVENTH FLOOR, WU CHUNG HOUSE, 213 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI.
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS SEPTEMBER 23.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL 834 7414 OR 892 5187.
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/5 ........
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1993
5
RESIDENTS GO ON GREEN TOUR ♦ ♦ * ♦ *
MORE THAN 40 CITY DWELLERS AND STUDENTS HAD A TASTE OF FARM LIFE IN FANLING TODAY (SATURDAY) BY TRYING THEIR HANDS IN PLANTING SEEDS.
AT THE EXPERIMENTAL FARM ’’PRODUCE GREEN”, THEY LEARNT IRRIGATION, FERTILISATION AND ORGANIC CULTIVATION.
THE TOUR WAS ARRANGED BY THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE.
IN VIEW OF THE GOOD RESPONSE, THE ORGANISERS ARE PLANNING MORE SUCH ACTIVITIES IN THE COMING MONTHS.
TODAY’S ACTIVITY IS AN EXTENSION OF THE WONG TAI SIN’S GREEN PLANT PROJECT WHICH WAS LAUNCHED IN 1989.
THR PROJECT ALSO INCLUDED HORTICULTURAL SEMINARS AND TREE PLANTING ACTIVITIES. MORE THAN 10,000 TREES HAVE ALREADY BEEN PLANTED IN THE DISTRICT.
------0-------
50 CAR MARKS SOLD FOR CHARITY
*****
FIFTY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS WERE SOLD IN AN AUCTION THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING FOR A TOTAL OF $1,624,000 WHICH WILL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY AFTER DEDUCTION OF EXPENSES.
THE AUCTION, HELD AT THE LECTURE HALL OF THE SHEUNG WAN CIVIC CENTRE, SAW THE REGISTRATION MARK FN1 FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE OF $350,000.
ANOTHER REGISTRATION MARK AJ88 WAS SOLD AT THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE OF $250,000 WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS $1,000 EACH FOR FH2948, CF547 AND FH9700.
FOLLOWING ARE THE RESULTS OF THE AUCTION:
$ $ $ $
FH3889 7,000 FH366 18,000 FH783 8,000 FH193 6,000
FH1138 11,000 BC288 64,000 FF8838 30,000 FH213 16,000
♦FR100 30,000 *FC20 50,000 *FP2 100,000 *FN1 350,000
AA3303 72,000 FJ223 22,000 AL633 30,000 AZ1682 26,000
FH8283 18,000 ED280 58,000 FH8868 16,000 FH802 15,000
FJ325 18,000 FH2328 20,000 FG8978 2,000 CD2389 14,000
FH886 29,000 FH119 22,000 FH66 18 16,000 FH830 10,000
*FM300 34,000 *FP9000 20,000 ♦ AJ88 250,000 ♦FN4433 12,000
FH892 14,000 AF107 40,000 FH5551 4,000 FH6818 10,000
FH6628 32,000 FH822 28,000 FH108 52,000 FH2866 4,000
FH3213 5,000 BM3972 3,000 *FP1991 10,000 FH2948 1,000
CF547 1,000 FH2330 7,000 DR8669 2,000 *CM1414 5,000
FH9700 1,000 FH735 11,000
* SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK (NOT TRANSFERABLE)
/SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS .......
SATURDAY, SPETMBER 4, 1993
- 6 -
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 WIIH1N 12 MONTHS OF THE DATE OF AUCTION.
TODAY’S SALE, THE 201ST ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY REALISED SO FAR TO $212,825,905.
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HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,725
REVERSAL OF LAF +250
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 1,975
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY -530
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,445
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 112.1 *-0.4* 4.9.93
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Received by PPQ '-Z-SMSS
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1993
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
BRITAIN AND CHINA TO HOLD 11TH ROUND OF TALKS 1
APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR Pl PLACES IN 1994 x
LIAISON GROUP FOR COUNTRY PARKS VISITORS TO BE SET UP 3
AWARDS FOR OUTSTANDING SCRIPT WRITERS
4
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1993
1
BRITAIN AND CHINA TO HOLD 11TH ROUND OF TALKS *****
THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT WAS ISSUED BY THE BRITISH EMBASSY IN BEIJING AT 1600 HOURS TODAY (SUNDAY):
THE BRITISH SIDE AND THE CHINESE SIDE HAVE AGREED THAT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE, SIR ROBIN MCLAREN, BRITISH AMBASSADOR TO CHINA, AND THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE, MR JIANG ENZHU, VICE FOREIGN MINISTER OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA, WILL HOLD THEIR ELEVENTH ROUND OF TALKS IN BEIJING ON 8 AND 9 SEPTEMBER 1993 ON THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE 1994/95 ELECTIONS IN HONG KONG IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION, THE PRINCIPLE OF CONVERGENCE WITH THE BASIC LAW AND THE RELEVANT AGREEMENTS AND UNDERSTANDINGS REACHED BETWEEN BRITAIN AND CHINA.
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APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR Pl PLACES IN 1994
*****
PARENTS WHO WISH TO APPLY FOR A PRIMARY ONE PLACE IN PUBLIC-SECTOR SCHOOLS FOR THEIR CHILDREN IN SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR UNDER THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION SYSTEM CAN OBTAIN APPLICATION FORMS FROM TOMORROW UNTIL SEPTEMBER 24, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID APPLICATIONS FOR ADMISSION TO PRIMARY ONE ARE OPEN TO ALL HONG KONG BELONGING CHILDREN WHO WERE BORN ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 1988 AND WHO ARE NOT STUDYING IN A PRIMARY SCHOOL.
HE SAID PARENTS OF CHILDREN WHO ARE ATTENDING KINDERGARTENS CAN OBTAIN THE APPLICATION FORMS, INFORMATION LEAFLETS AND EXPLANATORY NOTES ON HOW TO COMPLETE THE FORM FROM THEIR KINDERGARTENS.
FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN NOT ATTENDING KINDERGARTENS, THE FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FROM DISTRICT OFFICES AND OFFICES OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS TOGETHER WITH ALL RELEVANT DOCUMENTS SHOULD BE RETURNED DURING OFFICE HOURS FROM SEPTEMBER 20 TO 24 DIRECT TO A GOVERNMENT OR AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOL IN WHICH THE PARENT WISHES TO APPLY FOR A DISCRETIONARY PLACE.
THE SCHOOL MAY EITHER BE WITHIN OR OUTSIDE THE DISTRICT IN WHICH THE CHILD LIVES.
THE SPOKESMAN ADVISED PARENTS TO SELECT A NEIGHBOURHOOD SCHOOL IN ORDER TO REDUCE UNNECESSARY TRANSPORT PROBLEMS AND TO TAKE THE "POINT SYSTEM" INTO CONSIDERATION IN SELECTING THE SCHOOL.
HE EMPHASISED THAT ONLY ONE APPLICATION FORM SHOULD BE RETURNED IN RESPECT OF ANY ONE CHILD.
/"IF PARENTS
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1993
- 2 -
”IF PARENTS ARE FOUND TO HAVE APPLIED TO MORE THAN ONE GOVERNMENT OR AIDED SCHOOL, THEIR APPLICATION WILL BE RENDERED VOID AND ALLOCATION OF A DISCRETIONARY PLACE MADE ON THE BASIS OF SUCH APPLICATION WILL BE WITHDRAWN,” HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO REQUESTED PARENTS OF THOSE CHILDREN WHO CANNOT USE CHINESE AS A LEARNING MEDIUM TO SEEK ADVICE FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT AT 269 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG (TEL 572 4383), BEFORE SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FORM.
HE REMARKED THAT SCHOOLS RECEIVING TOO FEW APPLICATIONS FOR DISCRETIONARY PLACES MIGHT NOT BE ALLOWED TO OPERATE PRIMARY ONE CLASSES.
IN SUCH CASES, CHILDREN ALREADY ACCEPTED BY THESE SCHOOLS FOR DISCRETIONARY PLACES WILL HAVE TO BE SUBSEQUENTLY RE-ALLOCATED TO SOME OTHER SCHOOLS THAT HAVE VACANCIES.
IF PARENTS ONLY WISH TO APPLY FOR CENTRAL ALLOCATION, THEY SHOULD SEND IN THE COMPLETED APPLICATION FORM WITH RELEVANT DOCUMENTS TO ONE OF THE FOLLOWING COLLECTION CENTRES WITHIN OFFICE HOURS DURING THE SAME PERIOD:
» PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT,
LUI KEE EDUCATION SERVICES CENTRE, 269 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, 1/F, HONG KONG
♦ EDUCATION DEPARTMENT KOWLOON SUB-OFFICE, ROOM 706, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON
* SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, 1/F, KCR HOUSE, SHATIN STATION, NT
♦ TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, TAI PO GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, G/F, TING KOK ROAD, TAI PO, NT
♦ TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 1/F, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN, NT
* TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, 2/F, TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 1 TUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN, NT
* YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, G/F, YUEN LONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICE BUILDING, 269 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, YUEN LONG, NT
* NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, FANLING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, G/F, 3 PIK FUNG ROAD, FANLING, NT
/PARENTS WHO........
3
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1993
PARENTS WHO WISH THEIR CHILDREN TO ATTEND PRIVATE PRIMARY SCHOOLS OR PRIMARY SCHOOLS OF ENGLISH SCHOOLS FOUNDATION SHOULD APPLY TO THE SCHOOLS DIRECT SINCE THEY ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION SYSTEM.
FOR UPDATED INFORMATION REGARDING THE DIFFERENT STAGES OF PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION PROCEDURES, PARENTS ARE WELCOME TO DIAL THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S AUTOMATIC TELEPHONE ENQUIRY SERVICE: 891 0088.
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LIAISON GROUP FOR COUNTRY PARKS VISITORS TO BE SET UP
*****
COUNTRY PARK VISITORS WHO WISH TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS OR TO MAKE SUGGESTIONS ON THE SERVICES PROVIDED ARE WELCOME TO JOIN A LIAISON GROUP TO BE SET UP BY THE COUNTRY PARKS AUTHORITY.
ANNOUNCING THE SCHEME, SENIOR COUNTRY PARKS OFFICER OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT (AFD), MR LAI CHING-WAI , SAID TODAY (SUNDAY)THE AIM OF SETTING UP A COUNTRY PARKS VISITOR LIAISON GROUP WAS TO PROVIDE A CHANNEL FOR DIRECT EXCHANGE OF VIEWS BETWEEN THE VISITORS AND THE COUNTRY PARKS AUTHORITY. “
"WE BELIEVE THAT THROUGH THIS INTERACTION, WE CAN KNOW MORE ABOUT PUBLIC’S EXPECTATION OF SERVICES IN THE COUNTRY PARKS SO THAT IMPROVEMENTS CAN BE MADE WHERE POSSIBLE."
HE SAID THIS WAS ALSO A KIND OF "CUSTOMERS RELATIONS SERVICE" LAUNCHED BY THE DEPARTMENT TO TIE IN WITH ITS PERFORMANCE PLEDGES OF PROVIDING QUALITY SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC.
THE LIAISON GROUP WILL MEET TWO TO THREE TIMES A YEAR TO DISCUSS WITH STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT ON VARIOUS MATTERS CONCERNING COUNTRY PARKS AND SPECIAL AREAS.
THE FIRST MEETING IS SCHEDULED FOR NOVEMBER 14 AT THE TAI MO SHAN COUNTRY PARK VISITOR CENTRE.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO JOIN THE GROUP ARE REQUESTED TO COMPLETE A FORM WHICH WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY) AT ALL COUNTRY PARKS VISITOR CENTRES, THE LION NATURE EDUCATION CENTRE, VARIOUS COUNTRY PARK WARDEN POSTS, AND THE ENQUIRY COUNTER OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT ON 12TH FLOOR, CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 393 CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON.
AS THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS FOR EACH GROUP IS LIMITED, SELECTION BY LOT MAY BE NECESSARY IF THERE ARE TOO MANY APPLICANTS.
THERE ARE AT PRESENT 21 COUNTRY PARKS AND 14 SPECIAL AREAS IN HONG KONG WITH A TOTAL AREA OF 41,320 HECTARES.
THESE LEISURE AREAS ATTRACTED OVER 10 MILLION VISITORS EACH YEAR. THE VISITORS’ ACTIVITIES INCLUDE LEISURE WALKING, MORNING EXERCISE, HIKING, BARBECUING, CAMPING TO SCHOOL FIELD STUDIES AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH.
/FACILITIES PROVIDED .......
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1993
4
FACILITIES PROVIDED IN THE PARKS INCLUDE PICNIC SITES WITH TABLES AND BENCHES, BARBECUE PITS, LITTER BINS, CHILDREN’S PLAY APPARATUS, SHELTERS, CAMPSITES AND TOILETS - ALL CAREFULLY DESIGNED TO BLEND WITH THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT.
IN ADDITION, FOOTPATHS, FAMILY WALKS AND NATURE TRAILS PROVIDE EASY ACCESS TO THE HILLS AND THE WOODLANDS FOR VISITORS TO ENJOY THE SCENIC BEAUTY OF THESE AREAS.
AS A MEASURE TO PROMOTE CONSERVATION AND EDUCATION, THE DEPARTMENT HAS SET UP SIX VISITOR CENTRES AT ABERDEEN, TAI MEI TUK, PAK TAM CHUNG, TAJ HANG TUN, SHING MUN AND TAI MO SHAN.
EFFORTS ARE BEING MADE BY THE DEPARTMENT IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THESE AREAS WHICH INCLUDE HILL FIRE FIGHTING, TREE PLANTING AND THE REMOVAL OF MORE THAN 3,500 TONNES OF LITTER A YEAR.
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AWARDS FOR OUTSTANDING SCRIPT WRITERS » » » » ♦
LOCAL SCRIPT WRITERS ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT THEIR WORKS TO THE COUNCIL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS (CFPA) TO COMPETE FOR AWARDS FOR OUTSTANDING ORIGINAL SCRIPTS 1993.
LAUNCHED IN 1990, THE SCHEME AIMS TO ENCOURAGE AND SUPPORT YOUNG AND UP-AND-COMING PLAYWRIGHTS.
IT ALSO ENCOURAGES WRITERS TO TAKE PART IN COMPETITIONS ORGANISED BY VARIOUS BODIES TO PROMOTE ORIGINAL DRAMA SCRIPT WRITING.
THE AWARD SCHEME IS DIVIDED INTO SECONDARY SCHOOL AND OPEN SECTIONS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR CFPA TODAY (SUNDAY) SAID ELIGIBLE ENTRIES WERE NOT RESTRICTED TO ORIGINAL SCRIPTS IN CHINESE WHICH HAD ONLY WON PRIZES IN HONG KONG THIS YEAR.
"ORIGINAL SCRIPTS WHICH ARE PERFORMED FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 1993 WILL ALSO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE AWARDS," HE SAID.
ALL ENTRIES HAVE TO BE NOMINATED BY EITHER THE ORGANISER OF THE DRAMA COMPETITION CONCERNED, OR A MEMBER OF THE DRAMA COMMITTEE OF CFPA OR AN ASSESSOR OF THE COUNCIL’S REPORT WRITING SCHEME.
THERE WILL BE SIX PRIZES IN THE OPEN SECTION AND THREE IN THE SECONDARY SCHOOL SECTION.
CASH PRIZES OF $15,000, $10,000 AND $7,000 WILL BE AWARDED TO WINNERS OF FULL-LENGTH PLAYS WHILE PRIZES OF $10,000, $7,000 AND $5,000 WILL BE AWARDED TO WINNERS OF ONE-ACT PLAYS/SHORTER WORKS IN THE OPEN SECTION.
CASH PRIZES OF $7,000, $5,000 AND $2,000 WILL BE AWARDED TO WINNERS OF THE SECONDARY SCHOOL SECTION.
/THE DEADLINE .......
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1993
5 -
THE DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IS THE END OF DECEMBER BE ANNOUNCED BEFORE MARCH 31 NEXT YEAR.
NOMINATION FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE CFPA 40TH FLOOR, REVENUE TOWER, 5 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI
FOR ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CALL 594 5624.
RESULTS WILL
SECRETARIAT ON HONG KONG.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1993
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
MARINE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES PERFORMANCE PLEDGES ................. 1
SOUND LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK NEEDED FOR BROADCASTING DEVELOPMENT ................................................... 3
SWD'S PRIORITIES ON DIRECT SERVICES IN 1994 ..................... 4
SECOND REPRESENTATION ON 3.5" DISCS SUBMITTED TO EC ............. 6
TIDE TABLES ON SALE ............................................. 7
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ............................................ 7
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS . 7
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1993
1
MARINE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES PERFORMANCE PLEDGES
*****
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT’S MISSION IS TO SERVE THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG BY ENHANCING ITS NATURAL ROLE AS ONE OF THE WORLD’S GREAT PORTS, THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR ALLAN PYRKE, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
ANNOUNCING THE PERFORMANCE PLEDGES OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT, MR PYRKE SAID:
’’THE PORT IS VITAL TO HONG KONG’S ECONOMY, THE MARINE DEPARTMENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ITS SAFE AND EFFICIENT OPERATION, AND FOR MANAGEMENT OF THE SURROUNDING WATERS. THESE ARE SOME OF THE BUSIEST WATERS IN THE WORLD.”
HONG KONG IS THE LARGEST CONTAINER PORT IN THE WORLD AND IN 1992 IT HANDLED ALMOST EIGHT MILLION TEUs (TWENTY-FOOT EQUIVALENT UNITS) OF CONTAINERISED CARGO.
IN THE SAME YEAR SOME 23,000 OCEAN-GOING VESSELS AND 56,000 COASTAL AND RIVER CRAFT, AIDED BY 15,000 LOCAL CRAFT MOVED ALMOST 100 MILLION TONNES OF CARGO THROUGH THE PORT.
NINETY MILLION PEOPLE CROSSED THE HARBOUR ON DOMESTIC FERRIES AND 13 MILLION PASSENGERS TRAVELLED ON 150,000 INTERNATIONAL FERRY MOVEMENTS TO AND FROM THE TERRITORY.
MR PYRKE SAID CUSTOMERS OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT RANGE FROM THE GENERAL PUBLIC, BARGE OPERATORS AND PLEASURE BOAT OWNERS, FISHERMEN AND FINANCIERS TO SHIPOWNERS AND STEVEDORES.
PLEDGES TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC ARE:
* SAFETY OF LIFE AT SEA - TO DEVOTE OUR PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND TECHNICAL EXPERTISE TO PROTECTING THE LIVES OF THOSE WHO WORK ON SHIPS OR TRAVEL BY SEA
* SEARCH AND RESCUE - ATMS AT INITIATING MOBILISATION OF AVAILABLE ASSISTANCE WITHIN 97 MINUTES IN RESPONSE TO DISTRESS MESSAGES IN HONG KONG SEARCH AND RESCUE REGION (ABOUT 500,000 SQUARE MILES OF THE SOUTH CHINA SEA)
♦ INTERNATIONAL FERRY TERMINALS - IN CONJUNCTION WITH STAFF OF THE IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENTS, PORT HEALTH AND THE POLICE, TO RUN THE CHINA AND MACAU FERRY TERMINALS SMOOTHLY AND EFFICIENTLY WITH DUE ALLOWANCE FOR RUSH HOURS
* POLLUTION CONTROL - AIMS AT DESPATCHING THE POLLUTION CONTROL UNIT TEAMS TO REACH THE SCENE OF ANY COMBATABLE OIL SPILT INCIDENT INSIDE PORT LIMITS WITHIN TWO HOURS OF NOTIFICATION AND PROVIDING DAILY (EXCEPT DURING THE CHINESE NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS) COLLECTION OF REFUSE/GARBAGE AT TYPHOON SHELTERS
/PLEDGES TO .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1993
- 2 -
PLEDGES TO THE SHIPPING AND PORT SERVICES COMMUNITY ARE:
* FOR LICENSING, REGISTRATION AND OTHER DOCUMENTATION - AIMS AT ACHIEVING STANDARDS FROM 30 MINUTES TO SIX HOURS. PORT FORMALITIES (1.5 HOURS), REGISTRATION OF SEAMEN (30
MINUTES), RECORD SEARCH ISSUE OF HONG KONG SEAMEN’S SERVICE RECORD (1 HOUR), CHANGE OF (CREW) ARTICLES OF AGREEMENT (30 MINUTES PLUS 10 MINUTES FOR EACH ADDITIONAL SEAMAN), PLEASURE VESSEL LICENSING AND RENEWAL (45 MINUTES), OTHER LOCAL VESSEL LICENSING EXCLUDING INSPECTION (30 MINUTES), MISCELLANEOUS PERMITS (30 MINUTES), COMPLETE SHIP REGISTRATION (6 HOURS), REGISTRATION OF A MORTGAGE OR TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP (3 HOURS) AND OTHER SHIPPING REGISTRY TRANSACTIONS (1 HOUR)
» FOR WORK IN CONNECTION WITH SHIP INSPECTIONS OR SURVEYS -MAKES PLEDGES FROM WITHIN 15 MINUTES TO 10 WORKING DAYS NOTICE. REGISTRY SURVEYS (10 WORKING DAYS NOTICE IF OVERSEAS; 3 WORKING DAYS IF IN HONG KONG), LOCAL CRAFT SURVEYS OUTSIDE HONG KONG (5 WORKING DAYS NOTICE), OTHER SURVEYS AND INSPECTIONS WITHIN HONG KONG (1 WORKING DAY NOTICE) AND ISSUE OF VESSEL REPAIR PERMIT (WITHIN 15 MINUTES)
MR PYRKE SAID THE MARINE DEPARTMENT PERFORMANCE PLEDGES ARE PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S OVERALL OBJECTIVES INTENDED TO LEAD TOWARDS "GREATER TRANSPARENCY AND A BETTER SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC."
MR PYRKE SAID: "WE WELCOME COMMENTS OR SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT IN THE WAY WE PROVIDE THESE SERVICES. WE ARE CONFIDENT WE CAN ACHIEVE THE PLEDGED STANDARDS."
DETAILS OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT PERFORMANCE PLEDGES ARE PUBLISHED IN A COLOUR PAMPHLET AND COPIES OF WHICH ARE OBTAINABLE FREE OF CHARGE FROM THE MARINE DEPARTMENT’S PORT FORMALITIES OFFICE AND VICTORIA MARINE OFFICE BOTH LOCATED ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
COPIES OF THE PAMPHLET ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT OFFICES AND MARINE DEPARTMENT’S MARINE DISTRICT OFFICES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
THE PAMPHLET CARRIES THE NEW LOGO OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT WHICH IS DEVELOPED FROM THE CHINESE CHARACTER "HOI" (WHICH MEANS SEA) AND SYMBOLISES THE SAFETY AND EFFI CIENCY OF THE PORT.
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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1993
3
SOUND LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK NEEDED FOR BROADCAST1 NG DEVELOPMENT
* * * * *
THE BEST THING THAT THE GOVERNMENT CAN DO TO PROVIDE FOR THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF BROADCASTING IN HONG KONG IS TO PROVIDE A SOUND AND DURABLE LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK, THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MRS RACHEL CARTLAND, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF VICTORIA, MRS CARTLAND SAID THE ADMINISTRATION INTENDED TO INTRODUCE A COMPREHENSIVE BROADCASTING BILL WHICH WOULD CONSOLIDATE LEGISLATION CURRENTLY SCATTERED AMONG SEVERAL ORDINANCES TO PROVIDE EFFECTIVE AND UP-TO-DATE LEGAL MACHINERY FOR THE LICENSING AND REGULATION OF BROADCASTING IN THE COMING LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SESSION.
WHILE ASSURING THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO MAKE THE CHANGES NECESSARY TO ENSURE THAT THE COMMUNITY COULD CONTINUE TO BENEFIT FROM ADVANCES IN BROADCASTING, MRS CARTLAND SAID THE BASIC AIM OF THE BROADCASTING POLICY WAS THE ENRICHING OF THE LIFE OF THE AVERAGE CITIZEN OF HONG KONG - THE ORDINARY VIEWER AND LISTENER.
"IN ITS SIMPLEST FORM WE BELIEVE THAT THIS MEANS INCREASING THE CHOICES OPEN TO HIM OR HER," SHE ADDED.
MRS CARTLAND NOTED THAT WITHIN A PERIOD OF ABOUT TWO-AND-A-HALF YEARS FROM END-1990 TO MID-1993 THE GOVERNMENT HAD DOUBLED THE NUMBER OF HONG KONG’S BROADCASTING LICENSEES BY ADDING METRO, STAR AND WHARF CABLE TO THE PREVIOUS COMMERCIAL RADIO, TVB AND ATV.
WHEN WHARF CABLE OPENED UP AND DEVELOPED ITS SERVICE AT THE END OF NEXT MONTH, MRS CARTLAND SAID, VIEWERS INITIALLY WOULD HAVE AN ADDITION OF 12 CHANNELS TO THE EXISTING FOUR TERRESTRIAL AND FIVE SATELLITE.
THE 12 WAS LIKELY TO EXPAND TO 22 BY THE MIDDLE OF NEXT YEAR, SHE SAID.
"THE COMMUNITY WILL THEN PROBABLY HAVE A GREATER CHOICE OF LOCALLY-MADE AND LOCALLY-TARGETED TV PROGRAMMING THAN ANY COMMUNITY OF COMPARABLE SIZE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD," MRS CARTLAND SAID.
ON THE GOVERNMENT’S CONTRIBUTION TO THE CREATIVE ACHIEVEMENTS OF COMMERCIAL FILM-MAKERS AND BROADCASTERS, MRS CARTLAND SAID, THE GOVERNMENT DID NOT DIRECTLY CONTRIBUTE TO THIS AREA.
BUT AN IMPORTANT INDIRECT CONTRIBUTION HAD BEEN THROUGH THE CREATION OF A SOCIETY IN WHICH PEOPLE WERE ABLE TO EXPRESS THEMSELVES FREELY WITHOUT CONCERN THAT THEY WOULD FALL VICTIM TO OVERLY RESTRICTIVE CENSORSHIP LAWS OR, INDEED, TO REPRESSIVE SOCIAL NORMS WHICH STIFLED NEW WAYS OF THOUGHT.
ANOTHER INDIRECT CONTRIBUTION THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAD MADE WAS THROUGH THE WORK OF RTHK, THE PUBLIC SERVICE BROADCASTER, MRS CARTLAND SAID.
SHE EXPLAINED THAT RTHK HAD COMPLETE EDITORIAL FREEDOM AND A MISSION TO COMPLEMENT THE SERVICES OF THE COMMERCIAL BROADCASTERS AND TO PROVIDE SOMETHING DIFFERENT.
/ON TELEVISION .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1993
4
ON TELEVISION CENSORSHIP, MRS CARTLAND SAID THE GOVERNMENT BELIEVED THAT THERE WERE MORE DISADVANTAGES THAN ADVANTAGES IN PRESCRIBING TO THE BROADCASTERS WHAT PROGRAMMES AND WHAT PROGRAMME TYPES TO PUT ON.
"I THINK THAT ALL THOSE WHO CHERISH FREEDOM OF SPEECH WOULD
AGREE," SHE ADDED.
MRS CARTLAND STRESSED THAT THE GOODWILL OF THE BROADCASTERS MUST BE RELIED ON TO USE THEIR IMAGINATIONS AND NOT JUST TO PRODUCE THE SAME OLD THING IN EVER SHINIER PACKAGES.
HONG KONG
AND ASIA ARE THE NEW WORLD OF THE LATE TWENTIETH
CENTURY AND THE DAWN OF THE NEXT MILLENNIUM SO LET US DO SOMETHING NEW AND WORTHWHILE IN THE FIELD OF TELEVISION BROADCASTING," SHE ADDED.
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SWD’S PRIORITIES ON DIRECT SERVICES IN 1994 ♦ * * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR IAN STRACHAN, TODAY (MONDAY) SAID HE WOULD REGARD DIRECT SERVICE AS HIS MAJOR PRIORITY FOR THE COMING YEAR AS IT WOULD BENEFIT MORE PEOPLE.
WHETHER OR NOT ANY ADDITIONAL MONEY COULD BE AVAILABLE WAS A MATTER FOR THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY IN HIS NEXT YEAR’S BUDGET.
MR STRACHAN WAS RESPONDING TO PROPOSALS TO INCREASE THE CHILDREN ALLOWANCE UNDER THE NEW COMPREHENSIVE SOCIAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE SCHEME.
MR STRACHAN SAID $5 BILLION WOULD BE SPENT THIS YEAR ON SOCIAL SECURITY, MAKING UP FOUR PER CENT OF THE GOVERNMENT’S ENTIRE BUDGET.
HI SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD MADE SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES IN 1993/94, TWICE IN APRIL AND JULY RESPECTIVELY, WITH LIVING COSTS ADJUSTMENTS OF NINE PER CENT AND INTRODUCTION OF COMPREHENSIVE SOCIAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE SCHEME (CSSA) WITH REAL IMPROVEMENT RANGING FROM FOUR TO 37 PER CENT.
HE SAID THUS HIS PRIORITIES FOR 1994 WERE DIRECT SERVICES, NOT SOCIAL SECURITY.
"HAVING MADE THOSE INCREASES LAST YEAR WE CAN HELP PEOPLE ACROSS THE BOARD, WHO INDEED INCLUDE SOCIAL SECURITY CUSTOMERS. WE WILL CONCENTRATE ON THE FAMILY ACTION PLAN FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF SERVICES FOR THE FAMILY TO SERVE MEMBERS, OLD PEOPLE AND YOUNG CHILDREN ALIKE," HE SAID.
MR STRACHAN SAID HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF SOCIAL WORKERS WORKING WITH THE FAMILIES IN NEED AND SERVING THEIR MEMBERS THROUGH THE PROVISION OF IMPROVED SERVICES IN CHILDREN CENTRES AND ELDERLY HOMES.
HE SAID A REPORT ON SOCIAL SECURITY WHICH THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE HAD ENGAGED THE CITY POLYTECHNIC TO PRODUCE WOULD BE COMPLETED IN A YEAR’S TIME.
/THE GOVERNMENT
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1993
5
THE GOVERNMENT WOULD EXAMINE THE REVIEW FINDINGS IN DUE COURSE.
IT WOULD BE MUCH BETTER TO LOOK AT IMPROVEMENTS AS A WHOLE PACKAGE RATHER THAN TRYING TO MAKE AD HOC IMPROVEMENTS NOW FOR CHILDREN, HE SAID.
HE ALSO REFUTED CRITICISMS THAT CHILDREN ALLOWANCE UNDER THE NEW CSSA SCHEME WAS INADEQUATE.
HE SAID HONG KONG’S SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM, UNLIKE MANY COUNTRIES, WERE BASED ON NEED.
HE ADDED THAT SOCIAL SECURITY INDEX OF PRICES, WAS UPDATED EVERY MONTH AND STANDARD RATES WERE REVIEWED ANNUALLY WITH A VIEW TO CATCHING UP THE INFLATION COST SO AS TO RESTORE THE PURCHASING POWER OF THE PAYMENTS.
A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF EXPENDITURE IN FAMILIES RECEIVING SOCIAL SECURITY IS CONDUCTED EVERY FIVE YEARS.
HE GAVE AN EXAMPLE THAT A FAMILY OF FOUR RECEIVED ASSISTANCE UNDER THE NEW SCHEME OF $5,800 A MONTH WHICH WAS 92 PER CENT OF THE AVERAGE MANUFACTURING WAGE.
HE SAID WITH PAYMENTS FOR CHILDREN ONE SHOULD NOT JUST LOOK AT THE STANDARD RATE OF $995 ALONE. ONE HAD TO CONSIDER THE "ADD-ONS" THAT A CHILD COULD RECEIVE ON SPECIAL GRANTS.
"FOR EXAMPLE A CHILD WHO IS AT SCHOOL IS GETTING CONSIDERABLE "ADD-ONS” FOR SCHOOL FEES, TRANSPORT, CLUB FEES, AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMMES, MEALS TAKEN AWAY FROM HOMES, BOOKS, STATIONERY, UNIFORMS AND SO ON," HE SAID.
MR STRACHAN ALSO ADDED THAT A CHILD IN A FAMILY COULD RECEIVE ABOUT $810 EXTRA EACH MONTH IN ADDITION TO THE BASIC SOCIAL SECURITY PAYMENT OF $995.
HE ADDED THAT WITH EFFECT FROM THIS SCHOOL YEAR, THE DEPARTMENT WAS PROVIDING AN ADVANCED SUM FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY STUDENTS TO MEET EXPENSES IN THE TEXT BOOKS, UNIFORMS, STATIONERY AND SO ON FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR.
"FOR A PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILD IT’S $750 AND $1,400 FOR A SECONDARY SCHOOL CHILD. IT IS NOT NECESSARY FOR THE CHILD OR HIS PARENTS TO MAKE A REQUEST," HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE ACTUAL EDUCATIONAL EXPENSES WOULD BE REIMBURSED UNDER THE CSSA SCHEME.
HF SAID THE DEPARTMENT DID PROVIDE FAMILIES ON SOCIAL SECURITY WITH TELEPHONES IF THERE WAS 4 GENUINE NEED FOR THEM.
"CLEARLY WHERE A FAMILY WITH CHILDREN WE WILL NORMALLY PROVIDE TELEPHONE WITH THE OBVIOUS REASON THAT CHILDREN NEED TO BE SOCIALLY ACTIVE WITH THEIR FRIENDS," III' SAID.
HE STRESSED THAT THE BASIC AND SPECIAL NEEDS OF CHILDREN WOULD NOT BE DEPRIVED UNDER THE CSSA SCHEME.
"THERE IS NO REASON WHY A CHILD ON SOCIAL SECURITY WILL BE DEPRIVED OF ANY BASIC NEED IN LIFE," MR STRACHAN CONCLUDED.
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/6......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1993
6
SECOND REPRESENTATION ON 3.5” DISCS SUBMITTED TO EC
*****
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAD SUBMITTED A SECOND REPRESENTATION
TO THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY ON SEPTEMBER 2 ELABORATING FURTHER ON WHY THE ANTI-DUMPING PROCEEDING AGAINST 3.5” MAGNETIC DISCS ORIGINATING IN HONG KONG SHOULD BE TERMINATED.
IN ITS SECOND REPRESENTATION, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT POINTED OUT THAT THE COMMUNITY INDUSTRY HAD NOT SUPPLIED COMPLETE AND MEANINGFUL NON-CONFIDENTIAL ECONOMIC DATA TO ENABLE HONG KONG TO DEFEND ITS INTEREST.
FURTHERMORE, THE DATA SUPPLIED, EVEN INCOMPLETE AS THEY ARE, SHOWED POSITIVE GROWTH FOR THE COMMUNITY INDUSTRY IN AREAS SUCH AS EMPLOYMENT, PRODUCTION, PRODUCTION CAPACITY INSTALLED, CAPACITY UTILISATION AND SALES TURNOVER AND SO ON AND DID NOT SUPPORT THE CLAIM OF MATERIAL INJURY BY THE COMMUNITY INDUSTRY.
IN VIEW OF THE LACK OF SATISFACTORY RESPONSE FROM THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION TO THE FIRST REPRESENTATION, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAS CONTINUING DOUBT AS TO THE REPRESENTATIVENESS OF THE COMPLAINANTS AND WHETHER THERE IS SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE TO JUSTIFY THE INITIATION OF THE CURRENT PROCEEDING.
"WE ARE DETERMINED TO PURSUE THE MATTER FURTHER WITH THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION TO ENSURE THAT HONG KONG COMPANIES ARE NOT BEING UNFAIRLY TREATED," ASSISTANT DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MS MARIA KWAN SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
"APART FROM THESE BILATERAL REPRESENTATIONS, WE HAVE RAISED OUR CONCERN IN THE MULTILATERAL FORUM. WE WILL NOT HESITATE TO PURSUE THE MATTER FURTHER BOTH BILATERALLY AND MULTILATERALLY IF IT SO WARRANTS," MS KWAN ADDED.
THE PROCEEDING AGAINST 3.5" MAGNETIC DISCS ORIGINATING IN HONG KONG WAS INITIATED BY THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION ON SEPTEMBER 18, LAST YEAR.
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SUBMITTED ITS FIRST REPRESENTATION TO THE COMMISSION IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR.
INVESTIGATIONS ARE UNDERWAY AND FOUR LOCAL COMPANIES HAVE RESPONDED TO THE COMMISSION’S QUESTIONNAIRE.
ON-SITE VERIFICATIONS IN HONG KONG WILL BE CARRIED OUT THIS MONTH. HONG KONG EXPORTED AROUND HK$124 MILLION OF UNRECORDED MAGNETIC DISCS AND SO ON TO THE EC IN 1992, THAT IS AROUND 63% OF EXPORTS IN 1991.
IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR, EXPORTS OF UNRECORDED MAGNETIC DISCS REACHED HK$136 MILLION.
THE INCREASE MAY BE RELATED TO THE IMPOSITION OF PROVISIONAL ANTI-DUMPING DUTIES ON OTHER SUPPLIERS. IT REMAINS TO BE SEEN WHETHER THE TREND WOULD BE SUSTAINED.
-------0----------
/7........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1993
7
TIDE TABLES ON SALE *****
THE "1994 TIDE TABLES FOR HONG KONG" IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, MARINE DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS AND ROYAL OBSERVATORY HEADQUARTERS.
LISTED IN THE TABLES ARE PREDICTED HEIGHTS AND TIMES OF DAILY HIGH AND LOW WATERS FOR NEXT YEAR AT THE EIGHT LOCATIONS IN CHI MA WAN, KO LAU WAN, LOK ON PAI, QUARRY BAY, TAI O, TAI PO KAU, TSIM BEI TSUI AND WAGLAN.
PHASES OF THE MOON ARE ALSO SET OUT.
AT $10 A COPY, ANGLERS, WATER SPORTS ENTHUSIASTS AS WELL AS OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF SHIPS AND SMALL CRAFT WILL FIND THE TABLES GOOD VALUE FOR MONEY.
------0--------
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ♦ * * * *
STORAGE TN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 79.1 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 463.697 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 498.603 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 85.1 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
------0--------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE JN THE ACCOUNT 1,445
REVERSAL OF LAF +555
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 2,000
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY NIL
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,000
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 112.0 *-0.1* 6.9.93
/HONG KONG .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1993
8
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 2.78 PCT 14 MONTHS 2411 4.625 101.57 3.30
1 MONTH 2.77 PCT 17 MONTHS 2502 4.75 101.87 3.44
3 MONTHS 2.80 PCT 20 MONTHS 2505 4.75 100.13 3.70
6 MONTHS 2.96 PCT 23 MONTHS 2508 4.625 101.52 3.84
12 MONTHS 3.21 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 11,641 MN
CLOSED 6 SEPTEMBER, 1993
--------0-----------
Received by PRq
OH _ Q Prri v.nn
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1993
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CIVIL SERVICE WILL REMAIN POLITICALLY NEUTRAL ................... 1
CIVIL SERVANTS' PARTICIPATION IN POLITICS ....................... 1
COURT OF APPEAL RULING ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT SMUGGLERS ........... 3
AGREEMENT ON SURRENDER OF FUGITIVE OFFENDERS .................... 3
INSURANCE OFFERS PATIENTS GREATER CHOICE ........................ 4
WORKS START ON SECOND TOWER OF TSING MA ......................... 6
HK-U.S. OFFICIALS MEET ON ILLEGAL TEXTILE TRANSHIPMENT .......... 7
RIVER AND MARINE WATER QUALITY REPORTS PUBLISHED ................ 7
JOB BAZAARS IN SHEUNG WAN ....................................... 9
HEALTH STAFF RECOGNISED FOR LONG SERVICE ....................... 10
217 VM’S RETURNED TODAY ......................................... H
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS .......... 11
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS . 12
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1993
1
CIVIL SERVICE WILL REMAIN POLITICALLY NEUTRAL * * * * »
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, REITERATED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE, BEING ONE OF THE BEST IN THE WORLD, IS POLITICALLY NEUTRAL AND WILL REMAIN POLITICALLY NEUTRAL.
SPEAKING TO THE MEDIA AFTER THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING, MR PATTEN SAID EXCO MEMBERS WERE SURPRISED OF THE ALLEGATIONS WHICH HAD BEEN MADE OVER THE WEEKEND ABOUT THE POLITICISATION OF THE CIVIL SERVICE.
HE NOTED THAT THESE ALLEGATIONS APPEARED TO BE BASED ON TWO RATHER SURPRISING PROPOSITIONS.
"FIRST OF ALL, THERE WAS AN ARGUMENT THAT WE WERE NOW SUDDENLY TAKING A DECISION TO ALLOW CIVIL SERVANTS TO TAKE PART IN POLITICAL ACTIVITIES AND A DOCUMENT WAS CITED TO THAT EFFECT.
"THE TRUTH OF THE MATTER IS THAT THE DOCUMENT WHICH WAS ATTACKED WAS ISSUED IN OCTOBER 1990 BEFORE THE 1991 ELECTIONS AS PUBLIC GUIDANCE, AGREED BY THE EXCO, FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE.
"IF IT WAS ALL RIGHT FOR THE 1991 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS WHY IS IT SUDDENLY BEING ATTACKED TODAY.
"SECONDLY, THERE IS A SUGGESTION THAT SOMEHOW IT WOULD BE CURIOUS FOR CIVIL SERVANTS TO VOTE IN FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY SEATS.
"AGAIN THE TRUTH IS THAT UNDER PRESENT ARRANGEMENTS, EIGHT OF THE 21 FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES HAVE CIVIL SERVANTS VOTING IN THEM. IN TWO CASES, MORE THAN 50 PER CENT OF THOSE ENTITLED TO VOTE IN THE FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES CONCERNED, MORE THAN 50 PER CENT ARE CIVIL SERVANTS.
"SO AGAIN, THERE’S NOT SOME NEW PRINCIPLE BEING BREACHED," THE GOVERNOR SAID.
------0-------
CIVIL SERVANTS’ PARTICIPATION IN POLITICS
THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT IS ISSUED IN RESPONSE TO MEDIA INQUIRIES CONCERNING CIVIL SERVANTS’ PARTICIPATION IN POLITICS:
THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR STUART HARBINSON, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT CIVIL SERVANTS HAD BEEN ACTIVELY PARTICIPATING IN POLITICAL ACTIVITIES FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS IN HONG KONG WITHOUT COMPROMISING THE NEUTRALITY OF THE CIVIL SERVICE.
HE SAID THE GUIDELINES FOR CIVIL SERVANTS WISHING TO JOIN POLITICAL ORGANISATIONS AND PARTICIPATE IN POLITICAL ACTIVITIES WERE WELL UNDERSTOOD IN THE SERVICE, AND WERE GOVERNED BY A CIRCULAR ISSUED BY THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH IN OCTOBER 1990.
/THE BASIC .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1993
2
THE BASIC PRINCIPLE UNDERLYING THE CIRCULAR WAS THAT THE CIVIL SERVICE SHOULD REMAIN POLITICALLY NEUTRAL IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT GOVERNMENT BUSINESS WAS, AND WAS SEEN TO BE, CONDUCTED IMPARTIALLY.
"THERE IS NO EVIDENCE TO SUGGEST THAT THE INVOLVEMENT OE CIVIL SERVANTS IN POLITICS HAS LED TO ANY COMPROMISE WITH THIS FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE OF CIVIL SERVICE POLITICAL NEUTRALITY," MR HARBINSON SAID.
HE NOTED THAT UNDER THE ELECTORAL PROVISIONS ORDINANCE, CIVIL SERVANTS WERE DISQUALIFIED FROM SEEKING ELECTION TO DISTRICT BOARDS, THE URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS, AND THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
ADDITIONALLY, UNDER CIVIL SERVICE GUIDELINES, ALL DIRECTORATE OFFICERS, ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS AND INFORMATION OFFICERS WERE PROHIBITED FROM TAKING PART IN POLITICAL ACTIVITIES. THIS WAS BECAUSE THE NATURE OF THEIR JOBS MIGHT MAKE THEM SUSCEPTIBLE TO ACCUSATIONS OF BIAS.
OTHERWISE, CIVIL SERVANTS WERE FREE TO PARTICIPATE IN POLITICAL ACTIVITIES, PROVIDED THIS DID NOT GIVE RISE TO ANY CONFLICT OF INTEREST WITH THEIR OFFICIAL DUTIES.
THESE ACTIVITIES INCLUDED:
* SUPPORTING OR PARTICIPATING IN POLITICAL ORGANISATIONS, AND CANVASSING OR CAMPAIGNING ON THEIR BEHALF.
* DISTRIBUTING POLITICAL PUBLICATIONS AND PROMOTING OR ADVOCATING POLITICAL VIEWS OR THE ELECTIONEERING PLATFORM OF ANY CANDIDATE.
* SPEAKING PUBLICLY ON POLITICAL ISSUES OUTSIDE OF THEIR OFFICIAL DUTIES.
MR HARBINSON ADDED THAT ONE SIGNIFICANT WAY IN WHICH CIVIL SERVANTS HAD PARTICIPATED IN POLITICS IN RECENT YEARS WAS THROUGH THE FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY SEATS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
HE NOTED THAT CIVIL SERVANTS ACCOUNTED FOR MORE THAN 12 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL POTENTIAL ELECTORATE IN EIGHT LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES.
IN TWO OF THEM - ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURAL, SURVEYING AND PLANNING - THEY ACCOUNTED FOR MORE THAN HALF OF THE ELECTORATES. THEY ALSO ACCOUNT FOR 35 PER CENT OF THE ELECTORATE IN THE TWO LABOUR SEATS, 18 PER CENT IN THE LEGAL AND 15 PER CENT IN ACCOUNTANCY.
"AS THE LARGEST SINGLE GROUP OF EMPLOYEES IN HONG KONG, AND THE LARGEST SINGLE GROUP OF TAXPAYERS, WE BELIEVE CIVIL SERVANTS HAVE AS MUCH RIGHT AS ANY OTHER SECTOR OF THE COMMUNITY TO TAKE PART IN THE POLITICAL PROCESSES THAT GOVERN THEIR LIVES AND THOSE OF THEIR FAMILIES, WHILE STILL MAINTAINING THE INTEGRITY AND NEUTRALITY OF THE SERVICE," MR HARBINSON ADDED.
- - 0----------
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1993
3
COURT OF APPEAL RULING ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT SMUGGLERS
*****
THE COURT OF APPEAL HELD IN CRIMINAL APPEALS NO. 538 AND 287 OF 1992 TODAY THAT THE DISTRICT COURT WAS JURISDICTIONALLY INCOMPETENT TO HEAR THE PROCEEDINGS AND THAT THE PROCEEDINGS WERE A NULLITY BECAUSE THE GOVERNOR’S CONSENT WAS REQUIRED UNDER SECTION 23C OF CRIMES ORDINANCE, FOR PROSECUTIONS UNDER VII A OF THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT SAID THE CROWN WOULD NOT SEEK TO RESTART PROCEEDINGS AGAINST THE APPELLANTS, LEUNG KWOK-SING AND FOUR OTHERS, AS THEY HAD SERVED ALMOST HALF OF THEIR SENTENCES.
FOR THE OTHER PERSONS CONVICTED UNDER PART VII A OF THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE WHO ARE ENTITLED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF TODAY’S RULING AND WHO HAVE NOT ALREADY LODGED APPEALS, THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT IS CONSIDERING HAVING THEIR CASES REFERRED TO THE COURT OF APPEAL.
THE GOVERNOR’S CONSENT IS NOW ALWAYS GIVEN TO PROSECUTIONS UNDER PART VII A OF THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE.
THE COURT OF APPEAL RULED THAT THE GOVERNOR’S APPROVAL MUST BE SOUGHT BEFORE CHARGES WERE LAID AGAINST FOREIGN NATIONALS WHO HAD COMMITTED CRIME IN HONG KONG WATERS.
BASED ON THIS RULING, FIVE MAINLAND CREWMEN WHO HAD BEEN SENTENCED TO JAIL FOR SMUGGLING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WERE RELEASED BY THE COURT OF APPEAL.
- - 0 - -
AGREEMENT ON SURRENDER OF FUGITIVE OFFENDERS
*****
AN AGREEMENT ON THE SURRENDER OF FUGITIVE OFFENDERS THAT WILL REMAIN IN FORCE AFTER 1997 WAS SIGNED BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CANADA TODAY (TUESDAY).
THIS IS THE SECOND AGREEMENT WHICH HONG KONG HAS SIGNED IN THIS'IMPORTANT AREA OF CRIMINAL CO-OPERATION.
THE FIRST AGREEMENT, WITH THE NETHERLANDS, WAS SIGNED IN NOVEMBER 1992.
THE AGREEMENT SETS OUT THE CONDITIONS FOR THE SURRENDER OF FUGITIVE OFFENDERS BETWEEN THE TWO PLACES BOTH BEFORE AND AFTER 1997.
SIGNING THE AGREEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WAS SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY. THE COMMISSIONER FOR CANADA, MR JOHN HIGGINBOTHAM, SIGNED ON BEHALF OF CANADA.
MR ASPREY NOTED THAT HONG KONG’S PRESENT ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE SURRENDER OF FUGITIVE OFFENDERS CAME UNDER A SCHEME WHICH IS ONLY APPLICABLE TO COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES AND WOULD THEREFORE COME TO AN END IN 1997.
/'•THAT IS
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1993
4
"THAT IS WHY WE ARE NOW - WITH THE AGREEMENT OF BOTH THE BRITISH AND THE CHINESE GOVERNMENTS - NEGOTIATING A NEW NETWORK OF BILATERAL AGREEMENTS ON THE SURRENDER OF FUGITIVE OFFENDERS.
"THE NEW AGREEMENTS WILL REMAIN IN FORCE BEYOND 1997. THEY WILL HELP TO BOLSTER HONG KONG’S REPUTATION AS A PLACE WHERE THE RULE OF LAW PREVAILS - WHICH WILL IN TURN SUPPORT OUR STATUS AS A MAJOR INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR TRADE AND FINANCE," MR ASPREY SAID.
THE AGREEMENT WITH CANADA CONTAINS SAFEGUARDS WHICH ARE NORMALLY FOUND IN AGREEMENTS GOVERNING THE SURRENDER OF FUGITIVE OFFENDERS:
* THE DOUBLE CRIMINALITY RULE: THE ACT IN RESPECT OF WHICH A FUGITIVE’S RETURN IS REQUESTED MUST CONSTITUTE A CRIME IN BOTH JURISDICTIONS AT THE TIME IT WAS COMMITTED;
* THE PRIMA FACIE RULE: THERE MUST BE A PRIMA FACIE CASE AGAINST A PERSON WHOSE RETURN IS REQUESTED;
* THE SPECIALITY RULE: A RETURNED FUGITIVE SHOULD NOT BE TRIED FOR OFFENCES OTHER THAN THOSE FOR WHICH HE WAS SURRENDERED; AND
* THE POLITICAL OFFENCES RULE: RETURN MAY BE REFUSED IF THE OFFENCE IN QUESTION IS A POLITICAL OFFENCE.
THE CHINESE SIDE IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP HAVE BEEN CONSULTED ON THE TEXT AND HAVE INDICATED THAT THEY ARE CONTENT WITH IT.
THE AGREEMENT WILL COME INTO FORCE AFTER THE ENACTMENT IN HONG KONG OF A NEW FUGITIVE OFFENDERS ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE LEGISLATIVE BACKING FOR IT.
IT IS HOPED THAT, FOLLOWING CONSULTATION WITH THE CHINESE SIDE IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP, THE BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL NEXT YEAR.
------0-------
INSURANCE OFFERS PATIENTS GREATER CHOICE
*****
ONE OF THE WAYS THAT THE GOVERNMENT SEEKS TO PROMOTE GREATER CHOICE FOR PATIENTS IS THROUGH THE DEVELOPMENT OF MEDICAL INSURANCE, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE SECOND INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC MEETING OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF OBSTETRICIANS AND GYNAECOLOGISTS, MRS WONG NOTED THAT ONLY ABOUT 14 PER CENT OF HONG KONG PEOPLE HAVE MEDICAL INSURANCE.
"INSURANCE GIVES THESE PEOPLE GREATER CHOICE BY PROVIDING COVERAGE WHICH MAKES TREATMENT BY PRIVATE DOCTORS AND AT PRIVATE HOSPITALS ACCESSIBLE TO THEM," SHE SAID.
/MRS WONG .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1993
5
MRS WONG ALSO TOUCHED ON THE CO-ORDINATED VOLUNTARY INSURANCE APPROACH WHICH WAS DISCUSSED IN THE CONSULTATION DOCUMENT ’’TOWARDS BETTER HEALTH”.
THIS OPTION PROPOSES THAT MEDICAL INSURANCE SCHEMES WHOSE COVERAGE INCLUDES THE PUBLIC SECTOR SHOULD BE SUBJECT TO APPROVAL BY A DESIGNATED BODY.
"BY SCRUTINISING SCHEMES TO ENSURE THAT THEIR COVERAGE WAS ADEQUATE, THE BODY WOULD ENHANCE GREATER TRANSPARENCY AMONG INSURANCE SCHEMES," THE SECRETARY SAID.
"COMPANIES WOULD BE PREVENTED FROM INCLUDING ’FINE PRINT’ WHICH COULD DEPRIVE A POLICY-HOLDER OF BENEFITS WHICH ONE WOULD EXPECT TO RECEIVE.
"THIS WOULD PROTECT CONSUMERS’ RIGHTS AND ENHANCE THEIR CHOICE OF WHICH POLICY TO BUY, KNOWING THAT ALL WOULD HAVE TO PROVIDE A GIVEN MINIMUM LEVEL OF BENEFITS," MRS WONG SAID.
ANOTHER OPTION DISCUSSED IN THE CONSULTATION DOCUMENT IS TO INTRODUCE A CLASS OF ROOM IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS TO FACILITATE BETTER CHOICE.
AT PRESENT, PUBLIC HOSPITALS CONTAIN ESSENTIALLY ONE CLASS OF PUBLIC HOSPITAL BED -- THE GENERAL WARD.
"IF A PATIENT DESIRES GREATER PRIVACY OR MORE PERSONAL COMFORT, THIS IS NOT AVAILABLE AS A CHOICE, EVEN THOUGH SOME MAY BE PREPARED TO PAY SOMETHING EXTRA FOR IT," MRS WONG SAID.
SHE ALSO SPOKE OF DEVELOPING A PATIENT-ORIENTED CULTURE OF SERVICE AS A WAY TO HEED THE NEEDS OF PATIENTS AS INDIVIDUALS.
BOTH THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY AND THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ARE COMMITTED TO A RANGE OF IMPROVEMENTS TO MAKE PUBLIC SECTOR SERVICES AND FACILITIES MORE USER-FRIENDLY.
MRS WONG SAID: "THIS IS EXEMPLIFIED IN THEIR PROMULGATION OF PATIENTS’ CHARTERS WHICH WILL STATE THE STANDARDS OF SERVICE WHICH PATIENTS CAN EXPECT TO RECEIVE.
"THE MEDICAL PROFESSION HAS ALSO RESPONDED TO THE CALL TO BE MORE PATIENT-ORIENTED, WITH THE HONG KONG MEDICAL ASSOCIATION PUBLISHING A PAMPHLET ENTITLED ’PATIENTS’ RIGHTS’."
SHE NOTED THAT THIS ADVOCATED THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EVERY DOCTOR TO INFORM THE PATIENT TN GOOD TIME ABOUT HER CONDITION, HER TREATMENT OPTIONS, WHAT MEDICINE WAS BEING PRESCRIBED AND THE FEES TO BE CHARGED, SO THAT SHE COULD MAKE AN INFORMED CHOICE ABOUT HOW TO PROCEED.
MRS WONG REITERATED THAT WHILE THE CONSULTATION DOCUMENT HAD OFFERED OPTIONS FOR REFORM TO BRING MANY BENEFITS AND IMPROVEMENTS, IT WAS UP TO THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE TO CHOOSE WHETHER REFORM SHOULD PROCEED AND, IF SO, WHICH OPTIONS SHOULD BE PURSUED AND HOW.
/"IT IS .......
6
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1993
"IT IS NOT UP TO ME AS A HEALTH CARE POLICY-MAKER TO IMPOSE CHANGE AND I HAVE NO PRECONCEIVED PLANS OR VIEWS," SHE STRESSED.
"IF THE COMMUNITY DOES NOT SUPPORT CHANGE, AS THE DOCUMENT EXPLAINS, THIS WILL HAVE UNDESIRABLE CONSEQUENCES FOR THE FUTURE, AS RISING MEDICAL COSTS AND AN AGEING POPULATION IMPOSE INCREASING PRESSURE ON THE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM.
"IT IS THE INDIVIDUAL PATIENT AND THE PATIENT OF THE FUTURE WHO WILL BE DISADVANTAGED," MRS WONG ADDED.
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WORKS START ON SECOND TOWER OF TSING MA
*****
THE SECOND OF THE GIANT CONCRETE TOWERS OF THE TSING MA BRIDGE HAS STARTED TO RISE UP FROM A MAN-MADE ISLAND OFF MA WAN.
USING A PROCESS CALLED SLIPFORMING, CONSTRUCTION OF THE MA WAN TOWER BEGAN ON AUGUST 28. SO FAR 19 METRES OF THE TOWER BASE HAS BEEN CAST.
SLIPFORMING IS A FASTER METHOD OF CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION THAN MORE CONVENTIONAL METHODS.
CONSTRUCTION IS EXPECTED TO TAKE JUST FOUR MONTHS BY WHICH TIME THE TWO TOWER LEGS WILL REACH THEIR FULL HEIGHT OF 190 METRES. WITH THE ADDITION OF SADDLES AT THE TOP, THE HEIGHT OF THE TOWER WILL BE 206 METRES, THE SAME AS THE ONE ON TSING YI.
SLIPFORMING OF THE OTHER BRIDGE TOWER ON TSING YI STARTED IN EARLY JUNE AND WILL BE COMPLETED LATER THIS MONTH. THE TOWER HAS NOW REACHED A HEIGHT OF OVER 170 METRES.
BY SPRING NEXT YEAR, THE SHAPE OF THE TSING MA BRIDGE, WHICH WILL BE ONE OF THE WORLD'S LONGEST SUSPENSION BRIDGES, WILL START TO EMERGE WHEN WORK BEGINS ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TEMPORARY CATWALKS, FROM WHICH THE MAIN CABLES WILL BE CONSTRUCTED USING A PROCESS KNOWN AS AERIAL WIRE SPINNING.
THE TSING MA BRIDGE, PART OF THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING, IS A KEY ELEMENT OF THE TRANSPORT NETWORK IN THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME LINKING NORTH LANTAU AND THE AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK TO THE REST OF HONG KONG.
FOUNDATION WORK FOR THE MA WAN TOWER STARTED WITH EXCAVATION DOWN TO SOLID SEABED ROCK LEVEL, FOLLOWED BY THE CASTING OF TWO GIANT CAISSONS IN APRIL THIS YEAR.
THE BOTTOM SECTIONS OF THE HUGE CAISSONS WERE SEALED WITH A SPECIAL CONCRETE FOR UNDERWATER USE AND THE ROCK BELOW THE CAISSONS WAS GROUTED.
WATER WAS THEN PUMPED OUT FROM THE CAISSONS, WHICH WERE FILLED IN WITH CONCRETE. THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE REINFORCED CONCRETE TOWER. BASES WHICH OCCUPY THE UPPER LEVEL OF THE HOLLOW CAISSONS.
/STEEL TRUSSES .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1993
7
STEEL TRUSSES WEIGHING UP TO 185 TONNES EACH WILL BE INSTALLED TO BRACE THE TWO TOWER LEGS AS CONCRETE WORK PROCEEDS.
THE TRUSSES WILL EVENTUALLY BE ENCASED IN REINFORCED CONCRETE AND PRESTRESSED TO THE TOWER LEGS.
REINFORCED CONCRETE PLINTHS WILL BE CONSTRUCTED ON TOP OF THE TOWER AFTER THE SLIPFORMING OPERATION. STEEL SADDLES WILL THEN BE ERECTED ON THE PLINTHS TO CARRY THE MAIN SUSPENSION BRIDGE CABLES.
THE TSI NG MA BRIDGE IS BEING CONSTRUCTED UNDER A $7.14 BILLION CONTRACT AWARDED IN MAY 1992 TO THE ANGLO-JAPANESE CONSTRUCTION JOINT VENTURE.
------0--------
HK-U.S. OFFICIALS MEET ON ILLEGAL TEXTILE TRANSHIPMENT
* * * * *
THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE MR TONY MILLER AND OFFICIALS OF THE DEPARTMENT MET REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES LED BY THE CHIEF TEXTILES NEGOTIATOR, MS JENNIFER HILLMAN TODAY (TUESDAY). FOLLOWING IS A JOINT STATEMENT ISSUED AFTER THE MEETING:
’’REPRESENTATIVES OF THE GOVERNMENT OF HONG KONG AND THE UNITED STATES MET ON SEPTEMBER 7 TO DISCUSS BILATERAL AND INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION TO CONTROL AND ELIMINATE ILLEGAL TEXTILE TRANSHIPMENT. MUTUAL EFFORTS TO DEAL WITH THIS PROBLEM WERE REVIEWED.
THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES RECOGNISES AND APPRECIATES THE EFFORTS CURRENTLY BEING MADE BY THE GOVERNMENT OF HONG KONG TO ADDRESS THE TEXTILE TRANSHIPMENT PROBLEM.
THE CURRENT STATE OF CO-OPERATION TO DEAL WITH THE TRANSHIPMENT ISSUE, NEW PROCEDURES RECENTLY IMPLEMENTED TO ASSIST IN THESE EFFORTS WERE REVIEWED AND AN ON-SITE VISIT TO BORDER INSPECTION FACILITIES ASSISTED IN THESE EFFORTS.
THE TWO SIDES ACKNOWLEDGE THAT TRANSHIPMENT CONTINUES TO BE A SIGNIFICANT INTERNATIONAL PROBLEM AND BOTH GOVERNMENTS AGREE TO CONTINUE THEIR MUTUAL EFFORTS TO ADDRESS THE TEXTILES TRANSHIPMENT PROBLEM.”
------0--------
RIVER AND MARINE WATER QUALITY REPORTS PUBLISHED ♦ * * * ♦
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) HAS PUBLISHED TWO REPORTS TO GIVE A COMPREHENSIVE ACCOUNT OF THE RESULTS OF ITS MARINE AND RIVER WATER QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAMMES IN 1991.
THE 71-PAGE ’’RIVER WATER QUALITY IN HONG KONG FOR 1991” REVIEWS THE STATE OF RIVER WATER QUALITY OF 12 PRIORITY RIVERS AND 17 MINOR STREAMS IN THE TERRITORY.
/MEANWHILE, THE ........
8
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1993
MEANWHILE, THE 114-PAGE ’’MARINE WATER QUALITY IN HONG KONG FOR 1991” REVIEWS THE STATE OF MARINE WATER AND BOTTOM SEDIMENT QUALITY OF HONG KONG’S TERRITORIAL WATERS DURING THE YEAR.
AN EPD SPOKESMAN SAID: "THE DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN CONDUCTING WATER QUALITY SURVEYS SINCE 1986 TO PROVIDE A BASIS FOR PLANNING AND ASSESSING PROGRESS IN ACHIEVING AND MAINTAINING WATER QUAL11V OBJECTIVES.
"ON MARINE WATER, THE MONITORING PROGRAMME HELPS IDENTIFY, PLAN AND IMPLEMENT COST-EFFECTIVE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MEASURES TO PROTECT THE SEA.
"LIKEWISE, FOR RIVER WATER, THE PROGRAMME GIVES AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE PRESENT STATE OF RIVER WATER QUALITY AND ENABLES AN ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE VARIOUS POLLUTION ABATEMENT MEASURES," HE SAID.
THE WATER MONITORING PROGRAMMES IN 1991 COVERED A TOTAL OF 75 RIVER AND 101 MARINE SAMPLING STATIONS.
AT EACH LOCATION, A WIDE RANGE OF PHYSICO-CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS HAVE BEEN MEASURED TO PROVIDE COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE OF ESSENTIAL INFORMATION ON WATER AND SEDIMENT QUALITY.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID: "THE RIVER REPORT SHOWS THAT THE WATER QUALITY OF SOME RIVERS, WHERE LEGISLATIVE CONTROLS HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL, HAVE IMPROVED.
"HOWEVER, FOR THOSE RIVERS WHICH ARE STILL HEAVILY POLLUTED, PARTICULARLY THOSE IN THE NORTH AND NORTHWEST OF THE TERRITORY, IT IS UNLIKELY TO HAVE MUCH IMPROVEMENT UNTIL EFFECTIVE CONTROL OVER LIVESTOCK WASTE DISPOSAL IS POSSIBLE AND PLANNED NEW SEWERAGE WORKS ARE COMPLETED," HE ADDED.
HE SAID THE MARINE REPORT HIGHLIGHTED THE CONTINUED AND SERIOUS WATER POLLUTION PROBLEMS IN VICTORIA HARBOUR AND OTHER AREAS WHICH RECEIVED SIGNIFICANT INPUTS OF LIQUID WASTES FROM NEARBY POPULATION CENTRES.
"INDUSTRIAL POLLUTION IN VICTORIA HARBOUR IS EVIDENT FROM THE HIGH LEVELS OF CHEMICAL POLLUTANTS AND HEAVY METALS PRESENT IN THE SEDIMENT," HE NOTED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID: "SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENTS IN MARINE WATER QUALITY WILL ONLY COME ABOUT WITH THE FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SEWERAGE MASTER PLANS AND THE STRATEGIC SEWAGE DISPOSAL SCHEME, COUPLED WITH EFFECTIVE LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL AND COMPREHENSIVE ENFORCEMENT OF THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL LEGISLATION IN ALL 10 WATER CONTROL ZONES IN HONG KONG."
THE REPORTS CONTAIN USEFUL INFORMATION FOR PROFESSIONALS SUCH AS SCIENTISTS, ENGINEERS AND TOWN PLANNERS WHOSE WORK RELATES TO THE WATER ENVIRONMENT.
THEY ALSO SERVE AS A USEFUL REFERENCE FOR RESEARCHERS, TEACHERS AND STUDENTS AS WELL AS THE PUBLIC WHO ARE INTERESTED IN WATER POLLUTION PROBLEMS.
/THE TWO .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1993
9
THE TWO REPORTS, BOTH COMPILED IN ENGLISH, ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT THE GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL.
THE RIVER WATER QUALITY REPORT IS SOLD AT $32 A COPY WHILE THE MARINE WATER QUALITY REPORT AT $42 A COPY.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE DIRECTED TO EPD’S PRIJJCIpAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER (WATER POLICY), DR MALCOLM BROOM ON TEL 835 1234.
- - 0 - -
JOB BAZAARS IN SHEUNG WAN *****
A LARGE-SCALE JOB BAZAAR WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) IN SHEUNG WAN TO HELP WORKERS AND LOCAL RESIDENTS LOOK FOR JOBS UNDER THE ON-THE-JOB TRAINING SCHEME (OJT) SET UP BY THE EMPLOYEES RETRAINING BOARD (ERB).
ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE (LES) AND SPONSORED BY THE ERB, THE BAZAAR WILL BE THE THIRD IN A SERIES WHICH AIMED AT PROVIDING AN OPPORTUNITY FOR EMPLOYERS AND POTENTIAL EMPLOYEES TO MAKE DIRECT CONTACT AND DISCUSS ABOUT JOB VACANCIES AND EMPLOYMENT.
SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER (EMPLOYMENT SERVICE), MR RAYMOND CHAN, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY):
"IT IS MOST ENCOURAGING THAT THE FIRST TWO JOB BAZAARS HELD IN TSUEN WAN AND SHA TIN RECENTLY ATTRACTED MORE THAN 2,700 JOB-SEEKERS RESULTING IN ABOUT 1,500 REFERRALS BEING MADE ON THE SPOT," MR CHAN SAID.
IT ALSO SHOWED THAT SIMILAR BAZAARS WILL BE HELPFUL TO JOB-SEEKERS WISHING TO SECURE EMPLOYMENT UNDER THE OJT AND THOSE WHO WISH TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE SCHEME, HE SAID.
THE BAZAAR WILL BE HELD FROM 11 AM TO 6 PM AT THE EXHIBITION HALL OF THE SHEUNG WAN CIVIC CENTRE. 18 EMPLOYERS PARTICIPATING COME FROM VARIOUS TRADES INCLUDING CATERING, FAST FOOD, HOTEL, SUPERMARKETS, PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, SECURITY, LAUNDRY, BANKING AND RETAIL SALES.
THE EMPLOYER REPRESENTATIVES WILL ALSO GIVE BRIEFING TO INTERESTED PEOPLE ABOUT THEIR TRADES AND CONDUCT ON-THE-SPOT INTERVIEWS OR ARRANGE INTERVIEWS AT OTHER DATES.
MEANWHILE, VACANCIES OF THE 230 EMPLOYERS PARTICIPATING IN OJT WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE BY LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S LES STAFF TO HELP JOB-SEEKERS SELECT THEIR PREFERRED JOBS.
/•'SOME EMPLOYEES
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1993
10
’’SOME EMPLOYERS WILL ALSO GIVE TALKS ON RELATED TRADES TO ACQUAINT JOB-SEEKERS WITH INFORMATION ON JOB OPPORTUNITIES.
"LES STAFF WILL CONDUCT GROUP COUNSELLING SESSION FOR THE POTENTIAL RETRAINEES,” HE ADDED.
MR CHAN SAID APPLICANTS FOR THE OJT SHOULD BE HONG KONG RESIDENTS, INCLUDING HOUSEWIVES, WHO ARE 30 YEARS OLD OR ABOVE, AND HAVE WORKED IN A PARTICULAR TRADE FOR NOT LESS THAN TWO YEARS.
HE ALSO NOTED THAT ANOTHER BAZAAR OF A SIMILAR NATURE IS SCHEDULED TO BE HELD FROM 11 AM TO 6 PM ON SEPTEMBER 21 AT THE EXHIBITION GALLERY OF THE HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE.
EMPLOYERS WHO ARE INTERESTED TO PARTICIPATE CAN CONTACT THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ON TEL 399 2230, 345 2832 OR 338 9943 FOR DETAILS.
------0-------
HEALTH STAFF RECOGNISED FOR LONG SERVICE ♦ ♦ * * *
A RECORD NUMBER OF 233 STAFF MEMBERS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH WERE TODAY (TUESDAY) AWARDED CERTIFICATES FOR THEIR LONG AND MERITORIOUS SERVICE IN THE GOVERNMENT.
ANOTHER 144 STAFF MEMBERS WHO WILL RETIRE THIS YEAR AFTER 20 YEARS OF SERVICE WERE PRESENTED PEWTER PLATES AS SOUVENIRS.
THEY INCLUDED DOCTORS, NURSES AND OTHER SUPPORTING STAFF.
AT A PRESENTATION CEREMONY, THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, DR S H LEE, THANKED THE RECIPIENTS FOR THEIR DEDICATED AND LOYAL SERVICE, NOTING THAT THEIR HARD WORK HAD CONTRIBUTED TO THE PROVISION OF QUALITY MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES AND THE LOW LEVEL OF NOTIFICATION OF THE MAJOR COMMUNICABLE DISEASES.
DR LEE SAID HE WAS IMPRESSED BY THEIR ENTHUSIASM AND DEDICATION DURING HIS VISITS TO CLINICS INCLUDED IN THE FIRST PHASE OF THE DEPARTMENT’S PERFORMANCE PLEDGE PROGRAMME.
"THE SECOND PHASE OF THE PROGRAMME WHICH INCLUDES ANOTHER 13 GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINICS HAS BEEN LAUNCHED IN LATE AUGUST.
"I FIRMLY BELIEVE ALL COLLEAGUES, WITH THEIR CONTINUOUS OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE, WILL HELP TO FURTHER DEVELOP THIS PROGRAMME," HE SAID.
NOTING THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH WAS A CARING DEPARTMENT, DR LEE URGED HIS COLLEAGUES TO EXTEND THIS CARING SPIRIT TO EVERY PATIENT BY STRENGTHENING COMMUNICATION WITH THE PUBLIC.
UNDER THE LONG AND MERITORIOUS SERVICE CERTIFICATE AWARD SCHEME, CERTIFICATES ARE AWARDED TO CIVILIAN STAFF WHO HAVE SERVED THE GOVERNMENT FOR 20 OR 30 YEARS AND WHO HAVE RECEIVED GOOD APPRAISAL REPORTS IN THE PAST 10 YEARS.
/Il........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1993
11
217 VM’S RETURNED TODAY *****
A GROUP OF 217 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (TUESDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE UNHCR’S VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME.
COMPRISING 85 MEN, 57 WOMEN, 38 BOYS AND 37 GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 162ND BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.
THIS GROUP BROUGHT TO 5,383 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAVE RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 31,695 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN MARCH 1989.
------0-------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS * ♦ * * *
TENDER DATE 7 SEPT 93 7 SEPT 93
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q336 Y393
AMOUNT APPLIED HKD 2,850 MN HKD 1,630 MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED HKD 1,000 MN HKD 300 MN
AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED 2.89 PCT 3.29 PCT
HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED 2.90 PCT 3.31 PCT
PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 88 PCT ABOUT 14 PCT
AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 2.94 PCT 3.39 PCT
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
TENDERS TO BE HELD IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 13 SEPT 1993 -
TENDER DATE 14 SEPT 93 14 SEPT 93
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q337 H373
ISSUE DATE 15 SEPT 93 15 SEPT 93
MATURITY DATE 15 DEC 93 16 MAR 94
TENOR 91 DAYS 182 DAYS
AMOUNT ON OFFER HKD 1,000 + 200 MN HKD 400 + 80 MN
- - 0 - -
/12........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1993
12
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,000
REVERSAL OF LAF NIL
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 2,000
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY +200
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,200
LAF RATE 2.00 B1D/4.00 OFFER TWI 112.0 *+0.0* 7.9.93
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.01 PCT 14 MONTHS 2411 4.625 101.47 3.38
1 MONTH 2.90 PCT 17 MONTHS 2502 4.75 101.68 3.57
3 MONTHS 2.87 PCT 20 MONTHS 2505 4.75 98.98 3.80
6 MONTHS 3.00 PCT 23 MONTHS 2508 4.625 101.40 3.91
12 MONTHS 3.26 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 14,157 MN
CLOSED SEPTEMBER 7, 1993
- - 0 - -
Received by ppg on 0 SEP 1993
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1993
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
JOINT LIAISON GROUP 27TH MEETING ................................ 1
LANTAU BUS FARE INCREASE APPROVED ............................... 1
STANDARD AND POOR’S HK CREDIT RATING ............................ 2
BANKING TRANSACTIONS WITH CHINA ................................. 3
GOVERNOR PRAISES GOVT LAB'S SERVICES ............................ 4
PUBLIC VIEWS ON LEGCO MEMBERS REMUNERATION PACKAGE INVITED . 5
PROJECTS GALORE TO IMPROVE LIFE IN NEW TERRITORIES .............. 6
METRICATION WIDELY ADOPTED IN HK ................................ 7
CONTRACT SIGNED FOR WEST KOWLOON DRAINS ......................... 8
EXHIBITION ON HK'S DEVELOPMENT .................................. 9
SIX LOTS OF LAND TO LET ......................................... 9
CHEST CLINIC IN FULL SWING ..................................... 10
FAMILIES OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS GET CASH AID .............. 10
REPORTS ON 1991 ANNUAL ECONOMIC SURVEYS ON SALE ................ 11
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
12
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1993
1
JOINT LIAISON GROUP 27TH MEETING *****
THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE ANNOUNCED THIS MORNING THAT THE TWENTY-SEVENTH MEETING OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP ON HONG KONG WILL TAKE PLACE IN PEKING FROM SEPTEMBER 14 TO 16. THE BRITISH TEAM WILL BE LED BY THE SENIOR REPRESENTATIVE, MR ANTHONY GALSWORTHY. THE OTHER MEMBERS OF THE BRITISH TEAM WILL BE MR MICHAEL SZE (SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, HONG KONG), MR ALAN PAUL (COUNSELLOR, OFFICE OF THE BRITISH SENIOR REPRESENTATIVE, SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP, HONG KONG), MR ROBERT PEIRCE (POLITICAL ADVISER, HONG KONG).
- - 0 - -
LANTAU BUS FARE INCREASE APPROVED *****
THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS APPROVED AN AVERAGE 10.5 PER CENT FARE INCREASE FOR THE NEW LANTAO BUS COMPANY (NLB) WITH EFFECT FROM SATURDAY (SEPTEMBER 11) TO MEET RISING OPERATING COSTS AND CONTINUE SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE FARE INCREASE WAS BELOW THE ESTIMATED 11 PER CENT IN INFLATION RATE BETWEEN NLB’S LAST FARE REVISION IN AUGUST 1992 AND SEPTEMBER 1993. IMPACT OF THE INCREASE ON GENERAL INFLATION WOULD BE NEGLIGIBLE.
THE SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED THAT NLB’S SERVICES HAD IMPROVED IN TERMS OF AVAILABILITY, MAINTENANCE AND SAFETY STANDARDS IN RECENT YEARS. NLB HAD ALSO STREAMLINED ITS OPERATION TO REDUCE COSTS.
ALSO WITH EFFECT FROM SATURDAY, NLB WILL EXTEND ITS EXISTING SCHEME OF CONCESSIONARY FARE FOR THE ELDERLY AGED 65 AND ABOVE TO ALL SERVICES FROM MONDAY TO SATURDAY.
THIS IS TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF GOVERNMENT’S ASSISTANCE IN THE FORM OF EXEMPTION FROM ANNUAL VEHICLE LICENCE FEES AND RENTALS.
APART FROM ACTIVELY PREPARING FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF PASSENGER LIAISON GROUPS TO ENHANCE COMMUNICATION WITH PASSENGERS, THE COMPANY IS ALSO PLANNING TO INTRODUCE FOUR NEW ROUTES IN THE COMING TWO YEARS TO MEET PASSENGER DEMAND.
THE EFFECTS OF THE NEW FARES ON PASSENGERS ARE:
ON WEEKDAYS
* 50.7 PER CENT OF PASSENGERS WOULD PAY 10 TO 50 CENTS MORE
PER TRIP;
* 48.5 PER CENT 60 TO 70 CENTS MORE; AND
* 0.8 PER CENT 80 CENTS TO $1.3 MORE;
/ON SUNDAYS
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 199 J
ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
♦ 19.9 PER CENT WOULD PAY 10 TO 50 CENTS MORE;
* 54 PER CENT 60 TO $1.0 MORE;
* 24.2 PER CENT $1.1 TO $1.5 MORE; AND
» 1.9 PER CENT $1.6 TO $2.0 MORE.
DETAILS OF THE NEW FARE STRUCTURE WILL BE GAZETTED ON FRIDAY (SEPTEMBER 10). -----------------------------------0--------
STANDARD AND POOR’S HK CREDIT RATING
» » * » ♦
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WELCOMED STANDARD AND POOR'S ANNOUNCEMENT THAT IT HAD AFFIRMED HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S IMPLIED SINGLE-A LONG-TERM CREDIT RATING.
’’THIS HAS REMOVED THE UNCERTAINTY CAUSED BY THE AGENCY PLACING HONG KONG ON CREDITWATCH IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR,” HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT ALTHOUGH STANDARD AND POOR’S RATINGS OUTLOOK FOR HONG KONG WAS STILL NEGATIVE, HE WAS GLAD THAT THE CREDITWATCH HAD BEEN REMOVED, THUS IMPLYING A MORE STABLE SITUATION.
’’THE COST OF BORROWING FOR HONG KONG COMPANIES COULD BE SOMEWHAT LOWER AS A RESULT,” HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN AGREED WITH STANDARD AND POOR’S OBSERVATION THAT ANY DELAYS IN THE NEW AIRPORT PROGRAMME WOULD AFFECT HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC GROWTH POTENTIAL.
BUT HE POINTED OUT THAT THERE HAD BEEN PROGRESS IN TALKS ON THE AIRPORT, AS REFLECTED IN CHINA'S RECENT CONSENT TO TWO MAJOR AIRPORT-RELATED PROJECTS.
"ALTHOUGH WE WOULD HAVE LIKED TO SEE A FASTER RATE OF PROGRESS, WE REMAIN OPTIMISTIC THAT AN AGREEMENT CAN BE REACHED ON THE OVERALL AIRPORT FINANCING PLAN," HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN WELCOMED STANDARD AND POOR’S RECOGNITION THAT HONG KONG’S RATINGS WERE SUPPORTED BY ITS STRONG NET INTERNATIONAL CREDITOR POSITION, ITS DYNAMIC ECONOMY, THE AUTONOMY PROVIDED BY THE BASIC LAW, AND CHINA’S ECONOMIC SELF-INTEREST IN PRESERVING HONG KONG’S VITALITY.
"WE ALSO WELCOME STANDARD AND POOR’S CONFIRMATION THAT HONG KONG’S CREDITWORTHINESS COULD CONTINUE TO BE ASSESSED SEPARATELY FROM THAT OF CHINA AFTER 1997," HE SAID.
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/3.........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1993
- 3 -
BANKING TRANSACTIONS WITH CHINA *****
THERE DOES NOT APPEAR TO HAVE BEEN ANY SIGNIFICANT REPATRIATION OF FUNDS TO CHINA IN JULY, ACCORDING TO A RECENT SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY (HKMA).
THE SURVEY COVERS 24 AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS WITH SIGNIFICANT BUSINESS WITH CHINA.
IT INCLUDES INFORMATION ABOUT DEPOSITS FROM, AND LENDING TO, CHINESE BANKS AND NON-BANKS.
IT ALSO COVERS LOANS TO LOCAL AND FOREIGN INSTITUTIONS FOR USE IN CHINA.
GIVEN THAT THIS IS A NEW SURVEY AND THAT THE REPORTING IS NOT COMPLETE, IT IS NOT APPROPRIATE TO QUOTE PRECISE FIGURES. HOWEVER, THE MAIN POINTS TO EMERGE FROM THE SURVEY ARE:
» DEPOSITS BY CHINESE BANKS WITH THE SURVEYED INSTITUTIONS FELL SLIGHTLY IN JULY AFTER THE SHARP RISE IN THE SECOND QUARTER;
* BORROWING BY CHINESE BANKS FROM THE SURVEYED INSTITUTIONS ROSE MARGINALLY; AND
* DEPOSITS BY CHINESE NON-BANK ENTITIES ACTUALLY ROSE IN JULY THOUGH THERE WERE SIGNS THAT THESE ENTITIES ALSO INCREASED THEIR BORROWING FROM THE SURVEYED INSTITUTIONS.
"THE RESULTS OF THE SURVEY NEED TO BE TREATED WITH CAUTION," THE ACTING CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE HKMA, MR DAVID CARSE, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"BUT THE RESULTS DO NOT INDICATE THAT THE TIGHTENING MEASURES ANNOUNCED IN CHINA AT THE BEGINNING OF JULY HAVE SO FAR RESULTED IN ANY MARKED OUTFLOW OF FUNDS FROM HONG KONG."
"THIS IS CONSISTENT WITH THE STABLE PERFORMANCE OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR SINCE THE BEGINNING OF JULY AND THE RECENT STRENGTH OF THE STOCK MARKET AND PROPERTY MARKET," MR CARSE ADDED.
HE NOTED, HOWEVER, THAT THE MEASURES BY THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES WOULD TAKE SOME TIME TO SHOW THEIR FULL EFFECTS AND THAT THE HKMA WOULD CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE IMPACT ON THE FINANCIAL SYSTEM IN HONG KONG, INCLUDING THROUGH THE CONTINUED USE OF ITS MONTHLY SURVEY.
------0----------
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1993
4
GOVERNOR PRAISES GOVT LAB’S SERVICES *****
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) GAVE HIS PERSONAL RECOGNITION TO THE SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT LABORATORY TO THE COMMUNITY.
OPENING THE NEW GOVERNMENT LABORATORY IN HO MAN TIN, MR PATTEN SAID:
"THE SERVICES THAT THE GOVERNMENT LABORATORY PROVIDES ARE VITAL IN HELPING TO ENSURE THE QUALITY AND THE SAFETY OF THE FOOD WE EAT, THE AIR WE BREATHE, THE MEDICINES WE USE AND EVEN THE TOYS THAT OUR CHILDREN PLAY WITH."
HE ALSO SAID THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE NEW LABORATORY DEMONSTRATED THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO ENHANCE WORK AND STANDARD ON THIS FRONT.
THE GOVERNOR WAS CONFIDENT THAT BY BRINGING TOGETHER THE DIFFERENT SECTIONS UNDER ONE ROOF, THE DEPARTMENT WOULD GREATLY ADVANCE ITS ORGANISATION AND MANAGEMENT.
"I AM SURE THAT IT WILL HELP TO STRENGTHEN WORKING RELATIONSHIPS, AS WELL AS HELPING THE DEPARTMENT TO MEET THE GOAL SHARED BY THE WHOLE CIVIL SERVICE, THAT OF PROVIDING PROMPT, COST-EFFECTIVE SERVICES TO CLIENTS," MR PATTEN SAID.
AFTER THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE GOVERNOR TOURED THE DEPARTMENT TO SEE THE NEW FACILITY AND SOPHISTICATED EQUIPMENT THERE.
THE LABORATORY IS AN INDEPENDENT AGENCY OF GOVERNMENT WHICH PROVIDES ANALYTICAL, INVESTIGATORY AND ADVISORY SERVICES TO ANY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT WHICH REQUIRES SCIENTIFIC SUPPORT. IT ALSO OFFERS SIMILAR SERVICES TO OTHER STATUTORY BODIES AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR ON A FEE-PAYING BASIS.
THE DEPARTMENT CELEBRATED ITS 80TH ANNIVERSARY THIS YEAR. IT NOW OCCUPIES THE TOP FIVE FLOORS AND OVER 8,000 SQUARE METRES OF FLOOR SPACE IN THE GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING IN HO MAN TIN.
/5........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1993
- 5 -
PUBLIC VIEWS ON LEGCO MEMBERS REMUNERATION PACKAGE INVITED
* * ♦ ♦ »
THE COMMISSION ON REMUNERATION FOR MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAS STARTED ITS REVIEW OF THE REMUNERATION PACKAGE FOR THE COUNCIL MEMBERS AND INVITED VIEWS FROM THE PUBLIC.
"IN REVIEWING THE REMUNERATION PACKAGE, THE COMMISSION, CHAIRED BY PROFESSOR WANG GUNGWU, WILL TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE NEEDS OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS AS WELL AS THE WIDER COMMUNITY INTERESTS," SECRETARY OF THE COMMISSION, MR GARY YEUNG SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) AFTER THE COMMISSION’S FIRST MEETING.
"THE COMMISSION WELCOMES MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO FORWARD THEIR VIEWS ON AREAS SUCH AS COVERAGE OF THE REMUNERATION PACKAGE, THE LEVEL OF PROVISION, THE REVIEW MECHANISM AND FREQUENCY OF ADJUSTMENT," MR YEUNG ADDED.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAN SEND THEIR VIEWS IN WRITING TO THE COMMISSION BEFORE THE END OF OCTOBER.
ALL SUBMISSIONS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO MR GARY YEUNG, SECRETARY OF THE COMMISSION ON REMUNERATION FOR MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, C/O CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS BRANCH, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, THIRD FLOOR, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
AT PRESENT, LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS RECEIVE A MONTHLY SALARY OF $39,400 ($43,250 WITH EFFECT FROM OCTOBER 1, 1993) AND A MONTHLY GENERAL EXPENSES ALLOWANCE OF $73,000 AS REIMBURSEMENT FOR OFFICE, STAFF, TRAVELLING AND ENTERTAINMENT EXPENSES RELATING TO THEIR WORK AS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS.
IN ADDITION, A LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBER MAY, UNDER SPECIFIED CONDITIONS, CLAIM AN ALLOWANCE OF UP TO $100,000 TO SET UP AN OFFICE AND AN ALLOWANCE OF UP TO $73,000 TO WIND-UP HIS/HER BUSINESS WHEN HE/ SHE CEASES TO BE A MEMBER AND FOR REASONS OUTSIDE HIS/HER CONTROL.
THE COMMISSION WAS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR IN JULY THIS YEAR. THE OTHER FOUR MEMBERS ARE MR CHENG HON-KWAN, MR ANDREW SO KWOK-WING, MR CHRISTOPHER CHENG WAI-CHEE AND DR THOMAS LEUNG KWOK-FAI.
FOLLOWING ARE ITS TERMS OF REFERENCE:
(1) HAVING REGARD TO THE PRESENT REMUNERATION PACKAGE AND THE WIDER COMMUNITY INTERESTS, TO RECOMMEND TO THE GOVERNOR A SYSTEM OF REMUNERATION FOR MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, INCLUDING THE LEVEL OF PROVISION, THE SYSTEM FOR REVIEW AND THE METHOD OF ADJUSTMENTS BETWEEN REVIEWS;
(2) IN THE LIGHT OF (1), TO ADVISE THE GOVERNOR ON THE
APPROPRIATENESS OF THE CURRENT REMUNERATION PACKAGE FOR NON-OFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WHICH WAS INTRODUCED FROM MAY 1, 1993 AND RECOMMEND WHETHER ADJUSTMENT DURING THE CURRENT TERM OF THE LEGISLATURE IS NECESSARY.
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/6.........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1993
6
PROJECTS GALORE TO IMPROVE LIFE IN NEW TERRITORIES * * * ♦ ♦
IN THE TWO YEARS FROM 1991 TO 1993, THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION (CNTA) COMPLETED A STAGGERING 979 WORKS PROJECTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AT A COST OF $78.6 MILLION.
AND DURING A WALKABOUT IN YUEN LONG THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING, THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR ALBERT LAM, REITERATED THAT HIS DEPARTMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO PLAY A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN IMPROVING THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT AND THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF PEOPLE IN THE RURAL AREAS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
FOR INSTANCE, CNTA IS AIMING TO UNDERTAKE 525 MORE PROJECTS AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $74.6 MILLION DURING THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR, MR LAM SAID.
"THIS INCREASE IN OUTPUT IS BEING ACHIEVED AS A RESULT OF MORE MONEY BEING AVAILABLE THIS YEAR," HE ADDED.
THE TYPES OF PROJECTS WILL INCLUDE VILLAGE ACCESS ROADS, FOOTPATHS, DESILTING, PIERS, MINOR WATER SUPPLIES, MINOR DRAINAGE SCHEMES, SITTING-OUT AREAS, PLAYGROUNDS AND FOOTBRIDGES.
THE COST OF THE PROJECTS RANGES FROM A FEW THOUSAND DOLLARS TO BETWEEN $2-3 MILLION.
MR LAM SAID WHERE POSSIBLE, THESE PROJECTS WOULD BE CONSTRUCTED TO STANDARDS TO ALLOW FOR THEIR FUTURE MAINTENANCE TO BE TAKEN OVER BY OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, SUCH AS THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT, DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL.
"ANOTHER IMPORTANT AREA OF CNTA’S RURAL IMPROVEMENT ROLE IS ITS INVOLVEMENT IN VILLAGE WATER SUPPLIES," MR LAM SAID.
"CNTA STAFF WORK CLOSELY WITH THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO IMPLEMENT A COMPREHENSIVE WATER SUPPLIES PROGRAMME FOR REMOTE VILLAGES.
"DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF ALSO CONDUCT SITE INSPECTIONS OF VILLAGES AND ASSIST VILLAGERS IN MAKING WATER SUPPLY APPLICATIONS."
WHERE METERED SUPPLIES OR STANDPIPE FACILITIES CANNOT BE PROVIDED, CNTA WILL PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ALTERNATIVE SOURCES OF WHOLESOME WATER BY CONSTRUCTING DAMS, WATER TANKS OR WELLS.
AT PRESENT, CNTA IS WORKING WITH THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO PROVIDE METERED WATER SUPPLIES TO ABOUT 48 REMOTE VILLAGES.
ANOTHER CNTA RESPONSIBILITY IS IDENTIFYING VILLAGE LIGHTING NEEDS, MR LAM SAID.
WHEN DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF HAVE IDENTIFIED THESE NEEDS, THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT CAN INSTALL UP TO 1,000 LIGHTS A YEAR, HE SAID.
EARLIER MR LAM STRESSED THAT CNTA’S PRESENCE WOULD ALWAYS BE FELT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
/HE EXPLAINED .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1993
7
HE EXPLAINED THAT THIS WAS BECAUSE THE NEW TERRITORIES REGION OF THE CNTA HAD A WORKS SECTION IN EACH OF ITS NINE DISTRICTS, TOGETHER WITH A HEADQUARTERS UNIT WHICH PROVIDED PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT TO DISTRICT-BASED WORKS TEAMS.
EVERY YEAR, THEY UNDERTAKE A LARGE NUMBER OF WORKS PROJECTS WHICH HAVE BEEN SUGGESTED BY LOCAL RESIDENTS, VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVES, RURAL COMMITTEES, AND ENDORSED FOR IMPLEMENTATION BY THE RELEVANT DISTRICT BOARDS.
SUGGESTIONS FOR PROJECTS TO BE UNDERTAKEN BY CNTA MAY ALSO COME FROM DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF OR OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
AS FOR THE FUTURE, MR LAM SAID CNTA WOULD CONTINUE TO WORK CLOSELY WITH DISTRICT BOARDS AND RELEVANT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TO IDENTIFY AND IMPLEMENT LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS IN THE INTERESTS OF REMOTE RURAL VILLAGES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE NEW TERRITORIES REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS, HE ASSERTED, WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE DIRECTIONS AND IMPETUS TO THIS STRATEGY AND PROVIDE DISTRICT OFFICERS WITH THE NECESSARY TECHNICAL SUPPORT.
MR LAM’S TOUR TOOK HIM TO THE LOK MA CHAU BORDER LINK IN SAN TIN, SHUI LAU TIN TSUEN IN PAT HEUNG, LAU FAU SHAN HA TSUEN FOR AN UPDATE ON THE DRAINAGE PROJECTS THERE.
HE WENT TO SHA PO TSUEN IN KAM TIN WHERE A CROSS-ROAD CULVERT AND A VAN TRACK ARE NEARING COMPLETION.
HE ALSO VISITED SHEK KONG IN PAT HEUNG WHERE A $393,000 REPLACEMENT FOOTBRIDGE WAS RECENTLY BUILT FOR THE VILLAGERS.
-----0-----
METRICATION WIDELY ADOPTED IN HK
******
METRICATION HAS BEEN WIDELY ACCEPTED IN HONG KONG SINCE IT WAS LAUNCHED 15 YEARS AGO BUT SOME TRADERS ARE STILL USING THE OLD SYSTEM, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE METRICATION COMMITTEE, MR KENNETH YUHUNG TONGSON. SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
’’THE MAJOR PROBLEM WE ARE FACING INVOLVES THOSE TRADERS SELLING NON-PREPACKED FOOD LIKE FISH AND VEGETABLES,” MR TONGSON SAID.
HE WAS SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TO LAUNCH A LIVE TELEVISION VARIETY SHOW SCHEDULED FOR FRIDAY (SEPTEMBER 10) EVENING ON TVB.
’’TRADITIONS ARE DIFFICULT TO BREAK. THERE ARE PEOPLE STILL USING TAEL, CATTY, POUND AND SO ON,” HE SAID.
’’EVEN CHINA, HONG KONG’S MAJOR TRADING PARTNER, HAS FULLY CONVERTED TO METRIC SYSTEM TWO YEARS AGO,” HE ADDED.
/MR TONGSON .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1993
8
MR TONGSON SAID THE COMMITTEE WOULD CONTINUE EDUCATING THE PUBLIC, TARGETING AT WET MARKETS OPERATED BY THE TWO MUNICIPAL COUNCILS AND THE HOUSING AUTHORITY.
APART FROM THE WET MARKETS, SOME OF THE LOCAL MAJOR SUPERMARKETS AND RETAILERS ARE USING THE OLD SYSTEM.
BUT MR TONGSON SAID THE MAJORITY OF HONG KONG BUSINESSES HAVE ALREADY ADOPTED METRIC SYSTEM.
HE ANNOUNCED THAT BETWEEN OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER, THE METRICATION COMMITTEE WOULD ORGANISE A TERRITORY-WIDE CHINESE ESSAY COMPETITION FOR BOTH PRIMARY AND SECONDARY STUDENTS.
THE THEME WILL BE ON WAYS TO PROMOTE METRICATION WITH SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON SUPPLIERS, RETAILERS AND WHOLESALERS.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE COMMITTEE, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT, WILL INSTALL METRIC SCALE COUNTERS AT VARIOUS WET MARKETS AND SUPERMARKETS TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC, MR TONGSON SAID.
------0-------
CONTRACT SIGNED FOR WEST KOWLOON DRAINS
*****
THE WATER QUALITY IN THE HARBOUR OFF WEST KOWLOON WILL BE FURTHER IMPROVED AFTER DRAINAGE WORKS AT THE RECLAMATION AREA ARE COMPLETED IN EARLY 1996.
THE $188 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE SECOND PACKAGE OF THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION NORTHERN HINTERLAND DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT WORKS WAS SIGNED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT’S PROJECT MANAGER FOR URBAN AREA, MR KEITH AUSTIN, AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE CONTRACTOR, AOKI CORPORATION.
THE WORKS FORM PART OF THE CONTINUING PROGRAMME FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION WHICH IS AN AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME PROJECT.
THE DRAINAGE SYSTEM IN THE HINDERLAND OF WEST KOWLOON BETWEEN ARGYLE STREET IN THE SOUTH AND HING WAH STREET IN THE NORTH WILL BE REBUILT.
MR AUSTIN SAID APART FROM IMPROVING THE CAPACITY OF THE DRAINAGE SYSTEM, THE WORKS WOULD ALSO ENSURE THAT THE RISK OF FLOODING IN WEST KOWLOON WAS NOT INCREASED AS A RESULT OF THE MAJOR DRAINAGE EXTENSION BEING CONSTRUCTED ACROSS THE RECLAMATION.
NEW SEWERS AND DRY WEATHER FLOW INTERCEPTORS WILL BE BUILT TO INTERCEPT THE POLLUTED STORM WATER IN THE EXISTING DRAINAGE SYSTEM.
"WHEN CONSTRUCTION IS COMPLETED, THE WATER QUALITY IN THE HARBOUR OFF WEST KOWLOON WILL BE FURTHER IMPROVED," MR AUSTIN SAID.
THE WORKS WILL BEGIN NEXT WEEK.
/9........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1993
9
EXHIBITION ON HE’S DEVELOPMENT
*****
AN EXHIBITION ON HONG KONG’S DEVELOPMENT AND ITS FUTURE ENTITLED "HONG KONG WINDOWS: PAST. PRESENT. FUTURE" IS NOW BEING HELD IN THE ANTIQUITIES AND MONUMENTS OFFICE (AMO) OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH IN TSIM SHA TSUI, KOWLOON.
THE EXHIBITION INTRODUCES, WITH A LARGE NUMBER OF SLIDES, HISTORICAL ITEMS AND DOCUMENTS, MODELS AND VIDEO TAPES, THE GRADUAL DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG FROM A RUSTIC BACKWATER OF THE CHINA COAST TO ITS POTENT ECONOMIC STATUS TODAY.
IT ALSO OUTLINES THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TERRITORY.
PRODUCED BY THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES, WITH MATERIALS SUPPLIED BY AMO AND OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, THE EXHIBITION WAS ORIGINALLY MOUNTED AS PART OF THE 34TH INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS OF ASIAN AND NORTH AFRICAN STUDIES HOSTED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AT THE END OF LAST MONTH.
THE EXHIBITION WILL GO ON IN THE AMO OFFICE AT 136 NATHAN ROAD, UNTIL THE END OF DECEMBER THIS YEAR.
IT IS OPEN TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND ADMISSION IS FREE.
OPENING HOURS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
MONDAY - FRIDAY 9.30 AM - 12.30 PM
2.00 PM - 4.30 PM
SATURDAY 9.30 AM - NOON
SUNDAY AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS CLOSED
------0-------
SIX LOTS OF LAND TO LET
*****
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT TERM TENANCIES OF SIX LOTS OF GOVERNMENT LAND DESIGNATED FOR VARIOUS USES.
ONE LOT WITH AN AREA OF 2.13 HECTARES IS LOCATED AT THE NORTHWEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION AREA. IT IS INTENDED FOR USE AS A PUBLIC FEE-PAYING CAR PARK FOR CONTAINER TRACTORS AND TRAILERS ONLY.
THE OTHER FIVE LOTS ARE LOCATED AT THE RECLAMATION AREA OFF STONECUTTERS ISLAND. OF THEM, TWO LOTS COVERING AREAS OF 2.23 HECTARES AND 1.82 HECTARES RESPECTIVELY ARE FOR OPEN STORAGE PURPOSES.
THE OTHER TWO LOTS WITH AN AREA OF 1.28 HECTARES EACH ARE FOR USE AS PUBLIC FEE-PAYING CAR PARKS FOR CONTAINER TRACTORS AND TRAILERS ONLY WHILE THE REMAINING 1.28-HECTARE LOT IS FOR REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE OF EMPTY CONTAINERS.
/THE TENANCIES........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1993
10
THE TENANCIES ARE FOR SIX MONTHS, RENEWABLE MONTHLY.
CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON SEPTEMBER 24.
FORMS OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICES AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, 10TH FLOOR, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN; LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD; AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES KOWLOON, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.
THE TENDER PLANS CAN BE INSPECTED AT THE OFFICES.
------0-------
CHEST CLINIC IN FULL SWING * * ♦ * *
YUEN CHAU KOK CHEST CLINIC AT 29 CHAP WAI KON STREET, SHA TIN, CURRENTLY PROVIDING PART-TIME SERVICE WILL BE IN FULL SWING FROM SEPTEMBER 13 (MONDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE CLINIC WOULD BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ON:
* MONDAYS TO FRIDAYS 8.30 AM TO 12.45 PM, AND
1.45 PM TO 4.45 PM
* SATURDAYS 8.30 AM TO 12.45 PM
IT WILL BE CLOSED ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
THE ENQUIRY TELEPHONE NUMBER IS 647 6445.
------0-------
FAMILIES OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS GET CASH AID
*****
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) APPROVED $174,700 FROM THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE (TAVA) FUND TO THE DEPENDENTS OF A TAXI DRIVER AND A PASSENGER WHO DIED IN A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT IN TUNE MUN IN JULY.
BOTH VICTIMS WERE SURVIVED BY THEIR WIFE, TWO CHILDREN AND PARENTS. THE DEPENDANTS OF THE TAXI DRIVER WERE GIVEN $87,850 WHILE THOSE OF THE TAXI PASSENGER RECEIVED $86,850.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE TAVA SCHEME PROVIDED QUICK FINANCIAL HELP TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS OR THEIR DEPENDANTS REGARDLESS OF THE MEANS OF A FAMILY OR THE FAULT ELEMENTS IN THE ACCIDENT.
BENEFICIARIES UNDER THE SCHEME WILL RETAIN THE RIGHT TO MAKE CLAIMS FOR LEGAL DAMAGES OR COMPENSATION FROM OTHER SOURCES IN THE USUAL WAY.
/HOWEVER, THOSE ........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1993
11
HOWEVER, THOSE WHO RECEIVE OTHER DAMAGES OR COMPENSATION RELATING TO THE SAME ACCIDENT ARE REQUIRED TO REPAY THE AMOUNT OF ASSISTANCE ALREADY RECEIVED FROM THE SCHEME,
"BUT IN ANY CASE, THE AMOUNT REPAID WILL NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNT OF DAMAGES OR COMPENSATION AWARDED," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SCHEME MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE TAVA SECTION IN ROOM 942, NINTH FLOOR, WU CHUNG HOUSE, ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI OR ON TEL 892 5526.
DEPARTMENT’S
213 QUEEN’S
--------0 - -
REPORTS ON 1991 ANNUAL ECONOMIC SURVEYS ON SALE
*****
FIVE REPORTS RELATING TO THE 1991 ANNUAL ECONOMIC SURVEYS HAVE RECENTLY BEEN PUBLISHED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AND ARE NOW ON SALE. THEY ARE:
* ANNUAL SURVEY OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION ($36);
* ANNUAL SURVEY OF WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS ($29);
* ANNUAL SURVEY OF BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE SECTORS ($32);
* ANNUAL SURVEY OF TRANSPORT AND RELATED SERVICES ($28); AND
* ANNUAL SURVEY OF STORAGE, COMMUNICATION, FINANCING,
INSURANCE AND BUSINESS SERVICES ($28).
THE REPORTS CONTAIN A WIDE RANGE OF STATISTICS ON THE COST STRUCTURE AND OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS OF VARIOUS ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES FOR 1991, BASED ON DATA COLLECTED FROM ESTABLISHMENTS.
EXAMPLES OF THE STATISTICAL ITEMS INCLUDED ARE:
* NUMBER OF ESTABLISHMENTS, NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED, COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES
* GROSS OUTPUT, BUSINESS RECEIPTS AND OTHER INCOMES
* VALUE ADDED (A MEASURE OF CONTRIBUTION TO GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT) AND GROSS SURPLUS
* CONSUMPTION OF MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES
* OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES
* GROSS ADDITIONS TO FIXED ASSETS
THE REPORTS ALSO CONTAIN SOME SUMMARY RESULTS OF THE ANNUAL ECONOMIC SURVEYS FOR 1989 AND 1990 TO SHOW THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE INDUSTRIES IN RECENT YEARS.
/THE STATISTICS .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1993
12
THE STATISTICS CONTAINED IN THE REPORTS ARE USEFUL TO BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR FOR POLICY FORMULATION, DECISION MAKING, ECONOMIC ANALYSIS AND MARKET RESEARCH.
COPIES OF THE REPORTS MAY BE PURCHASED AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL OR AT THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS SECTION, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI .
------0--------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ***** $ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,200
REVERSAL OF LAF _200
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 2,000
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY _400
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,600
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 112.1 *+0.1* 8.9.93
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.15 PCT 14 MONTHS 2411 4.625 101.48 3.37
1 MONTH 2.96 PCT 17 MONTHS 2502 4.75 101.74 3.53
3 MONTHS 2.88 PCT 20 MONTHS 2505 3.75 100.04 3.76
6 MONTHS 3.00 PCT 23 MONTHS 2508 4.625 101.44 3.88
12 MONTHS 3.27 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 15,449 MN
CLOSED 8 SEPTEMBER 1993
--------0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1993
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
12TH ROUND OF SINO-BRITISH TALKS ........................ 1
FURTHER ANTI-SMOKING MEASURES PROPOSED .................. 1
GOVT'S COMMITMENT TO LOCALISATION REAFFIRMED ............ 3
STATEMENT ON COST OF AIRPORT RAILWAY .................... 5
VOLUME AND PRICE MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE IN JUNE .... 5
BETTER AMBULANCE SERVICE FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS ............ 10
CS VISITS MARINE DEPARTMENT ............................. 10
GURKHAS COMPLETE MERCY MISSION IN NEPAL ................. 11
EIGHT MORE FUND-RAISING ACTIVITIES FOR SEPT ............. 12
BEACH WATER GRADES ...................................... 13
CLOSURE OF UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURE SOUGHT ................ 17
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
17
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1993
12TH ROUND OF SINO-BRITISH TALKS *****
THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT WAS ISSUED BY THE BRITISH EMBASSY IN BEIJING AT 1600 HOURS TODAY (THURSDAY):
THE BRITISH SIDE AND THE CHINESE SIDE HAVE AGREED THAT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE, SIR ROBIN MCLAREN, BRITISH AMBASSADOR TO CHINA, AND THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE, MR JIANG ENZHU, VICE FOREIGN MINISTER OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA, WILL HOLD THEIR TWELFTH ROUND OF TALKS IN BEIJING ON 26 AND 27 SEPTEMBER 1993 ON THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE 1994/95 ELECTIONS IN HONG KONG IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION, THE PRINCIPLE OF CONVERGENCE WITH THE BASIC LAW AND THE RELEVANT AGREEMENTS AND UNDERSTANDINGS REACHED BETWEEN BRITAIN AND CHINA.
- - 0 - -
FURTHER ANTI-SMOKING MEASURES PROPOSED
*****
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS ENDORSED IN PRINCIPLE A NUMBER OF NEW MEASURES TO DISCOURAGE SMOKING, PARTICULARLY AMONG THE YOUNG.
THE NECESSARY DRAFT LEGISLATION, TOGETHER WITH IMPLEMENTATION DETAILS, WOULD BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL NEXT YEAR.
THE PROPOSED MEASURES ARE:
* RESTAURANTS SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO DISPLAY A SIGN STATING WHETHER OR NOT THEY HAVE A NO-SMOKING AREA;
* HEALTH WARNINGS SHOULD BE REQUIRED ON THE PACKAGING AND ADVERTISEMENTS OF ALL TOBACCO PRODUCTS INTENDED FOR SALE LOCALLY;
* EXISTING RESTRICTIONS ON CIGARETTE ADVERTISING SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO ALL TOBACCO PRODUCTS;
* THE SALE OF ALL TOBACCO PRODUCTS TO PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF 18 SHOULD BE PROHIBITED; AND
* THE GIVING OF ANY TOBACCO PRODUCT TO PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF 18 AS PART OF A PROMOTIONAL EXERCISE SHOULD BE
PROHIBITED.
ANNOUNCING THIS AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (THURSDAY), A PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR DEREK GOULD, SAID THE PROPOSALS FOLLOWED A CONSULTATION EXERCISE CONDUCTED BY THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH FROM AUGUST TO OCTOBER LAST YEAR ON NEW ANTI-SMOKING MEASURES APPROPRIATE TO HONG KONG.
/"IN FORMULATING
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1993
- 2 -
"IN FORMULATING THESE PROPOSALS, WE HAVE CAREFULLY EXAMINED PUBLIC VIEWS AS REFLECTED IN THE CONSULTATION.
"THESE PROPOSALS ARE A FURTHER STEP FORWARD IN OUR POLICY TO PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH," HE STRESSED.
ON THE PROPOSALS TO PROHIBIT THE SALE AND PROMOTIONAL GIVING OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS TO PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF 18, MR GOULD SAID PREVENTING YOUNG PEOPLE FROM SMOKING HAD ALWAYS BEEN THE CENTRAL THEME OF GOVERNMENT’S ANTI-SMOKING POLICY AS SMOKING ALMOST ALWAYS STARTED DURING THE TEENAGE YEARS.
HE CITED STATISTICS TO SHOW THAT GOVERNMENT’S ANTI-SMOKING EFFORTS HAD RESULTED IN THE PROPORTION OF DAILY SMOKERS AGED 19 AND ABOVE DECLINING FROM 26 PER CENT IN 1982 TO 17 PER CENT IN 1990.
THIS COMPARES FAVOURABLY WITH MANY DEVELOPED COUNTRIES - 25.5 PER CENT IN THE UNITED STATES, 27.5 PER CENT IN NEW ZEALAND AND 30 PER CENT IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
THE INCIDENCE OF JUVENILE SMOKING, HOWEVER, HAS NOT SIMILARLY DECLINED. THE PREVALENCE RATE AMONG BOYS AGED BETWEEN 15 AND 19 HAS REMAINED AT 7.8 PER CENT SINCE 1982 WHILE THAT FOR GIRLS OF THE SAME AGE GROUP HAS RISEN FROM 0.4 PER CENT IN 1982 TO 1.1 PER CENT IN 1990.
"AS THE LAW ALREADY PROTECTS MINORS FROM THE PUBLICATION OF INDECENT ARTICLES AND EXHIBITION OF CATEGORY III FILMS, WE CONSIDER THAT PROTECTION SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO INCLUDE TOBACCO PRODUCTS BY PROHIBITING THEIR SALE, AND FREE SAMPLES, TO MINORS," SAID MR GOULD.
"HONG KONG WOULD THEN BE IN LINE WITH COUNTRIES SUCH AS THE UNITED KINGDOM, CANADA, AUSTRALIA, JAPAN, TAIWAN, SINGAPORE AND SOME STATES IN THE UNITED STATES."
MR GOULD ACKNOWLEDGED THE PUBLIC CONCERN ABOUT POSSIBLE ENFORCEMENT DIFFICULTIES, BUT WAS NOT CONVINCED THAT THIS NEW REQUIREMENT WOULD PLACE AN UNREASONABLE ENFORCEMENT BURDEN ON RETAILERS.
HE STRESSED THAT FULL COMMUNITY SUPPORT WAS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF ENFORCEMENT.
"TO ENCOURAGE COMPLIANCE BY YOUNG PEOPLE AND RETAILERS, THE HONG KONG COUNCIL ON SMOKING AND HEALTH (COSH) COULD DEDICATE COMMENSURATE EFFORTS ON EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY AND ASSUME A MONITORING ROLE.
"WE WILL CONSULT VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, THAT IS POLICE, LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, ON POSSIBLE WAYS OF ENFORCEMENT.
"WE WILL ALSO ENLIST THE HELP OF THE FILM CENSORSHIP AUTHORITY TO MONITOR CLOSELY SMOKING SCENES IN FILMS AND THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY TO REVIEW ITS CODES OF PRACTICE ON ADVERTISING AND PROGRAMME STANDARDS TO MINIMISE THE INFLUENCE OF SMOKING ON TELEVISION AND RADIO," MR GOULD SAID.
/TURNING TO .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1993
- 3 -
TURNING TO THE PROPOSED REQUIREMENT FOR RESTAURANTS TO DISPLAY A SIGN STATING WHETHER OR NOT THEY HAVE A NO-SMOKING AREA, MR GOULD SAID THIS WOULD ENCOURAGE RESTAURANTS TO SET ASIDE SUCH AN AREA, AS WELL AS RESPECT THEIR CUSTOMERS’ RIGHT TO MAKE AN INFORMED CHOICE ABOUT THEIR EATING PLACE.
"WE CONSIDER THAT THE REQUIREMENT IS REASONABLE," HE SAID.
ON THE PROPOSED CONTROLS OF CIGARS AND PIPE TOBACCO, MR GOULD ACCEPTED THE POINT THAT CIGARS AND PIPE TOBACCO WERE CONSUMED ONLY IN SMALL VOLUME AND MAINLY BY OLDER SMOKERS.
HE POINTED OUT, HOWEVER, THAT THERE WAS NO LOGICAL REASON WHY THIS SHOULD PREVENT USERS FROM BEING ALERTED TO THE HEALTH HAZARDS OF SMOKING AND BEING ABLE TO MAKE AN INFORMED CHOICE.
AS A COROLLARY, HE SAID, THE PRESENT RESTRICTIONS ON CIGARETTE ADVERTISING WOULD BE EXTENDED TO ALL TOBACCO PRODUCT ADVERTISING.
THE GOVERNMENT WILL LIAISE WITH COSH AND THE TOBACCO INSTITUTE OF HONG KONG OVER DETAILS OF THE NEW REQUIREMENTS.
IT WILL ALSO CONTINUE TO REVIEW THE NEED FOR ADDITIONAL MEASURES TO CONTROL TOBACCO ADVERTISING IN THE LIGHT OF CHANGING COMMUNITY ATTITUDES AND INTERNATIONAL TRENDS.
CONCLUDING, MR GOULD ELABORATED THAT THE MAIN THRUST OF THE LATEST PROPOSALS WAS TO DISCOURAGE YOUNG PEOPLE FROM SMOKING AND TO DEVELOP CONSUMER AWARENESS OF THE HAZARDS OF SMOKING.
ALSO PRESENT AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE WAS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF COSH, MR C K CHEUNG.
---------0-----------
GOVT’S COMMITMENT TO LOCALISATION REAFFIRMED
*****
THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR STUART HARB INSON, TODAY (THURSDAY) STRESSED THAT THE GOVERNMENT REMAINED FULLY COMMITTED TO THE LOCALISATION POLICY.
HE SAID THE POLICY RECENTLY ANNOUNCED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF ALLOWING CONDITIONAL TRANSFER TO LOCAL TERMS REMAINED THE ONLY PRACTICAL WAY TO REMOVE UNCERTAINTIES AND IN THE SHORT TERM TO MAKE THE LOCALISATION POLICY COMPATIBLE WITH THE BILL OF RIGHTS.
"WHAT WE HAVE ALREADY ANNOUNCED IS AN INTERIM MEASURE," HE STATED, ADDING THAT ITS EFFECT WOULD BE LIMITED IN TERMS OF NUMBERS.
"THERE WILL BE FULL CONSULTATION ON THE LONGER TERM ARRANGEMENTS. WE ARE PRESSING ON, TRYING TO DEVISE THOSE ARRANGEMENTS AS A BASIS FOR BEGINNING THE PROCESS OF CONSULTATION.
/"IN THE .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1993
"IN THE GOVERNMENT’S VIEW, WE WOULD ALL DO BETTER TO CONSERVE OUR ENERGY AND CONCENTRATE EFFORTS IN THAT AREA. WE NEED TO LOOK TO THE FUTURE."
MR HARBINSON WAS COMMENTING ON THE REVISED DRAFT PRIVATE MEMBER’S BILL PRESENTED BY THE LOCAL CROWN COUNSEL ASSOCIATION DURING THE PUBLIC SERVICE PANEL MEETING THIS MORNING.
HE TOLD MEMBERS THAT THE ATTEMPT TO BLOCK THE INTERIM MEASURE BY WAY OF A PRIVATE MEMBER’S BILL WOULD RESTORE THE OLD POLICY WHICH WAS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE BILL OF RIGHTS.
"FAR FROM LOOKING TO THE FUTURE, THIS IS JUST TURNING THE CLOCK BACK," HE SAID.
UNDER THE BILL OF RIGHTS, PERMANENT RESIDENTS OF HONG KONG SHOULD HAVE ACCESS TO THE PUBLIC SERVICE ON GENERAL TERMS OF EQUALITY.
BUT EQUALITY DOES NOT EXIST IF ONE GROUP OF PERMANENT RESIDENTS IS SUBJECT TO EJECTION FROM THE PUBLIC SERVICE AND REPLACED BY ANOTHER GROUP OF PERMANENT RESIDENTS PURELY ON THE BASIS OF A CATEGORISATION OF TERMS OF APPOINTMENT MADE WHEN THE PERSON CONCERNED FIRST JOINS THE GOVERNMENT.
IN HIS VIEW, THE ONLY CONCEIVABLE WAY IN WHICH THE GOVERNMENT COULD LIVE WITH THE DRAFT BILL, IF IT WERE ENACTED, WOULD BE TO INTRODUCE A MORATORIUM ON THE LOCALISATION OF PERMANENT RESIDENTS SERVING ON OVERSEAS TERMS AND ON ANY OTHER OVERSEAS OFFICERS WHO HAD A CLAIM TO BE OR TO BECOME PERMANENT RESIDENT.
MR HARBINSON SAID: "THE MORATORIUM ROUTE WAS A COURSE OF ACTION WHICH WE CONSIDERED BUT REJECTED SOME TIME AGO.
"IT WOULD AFFECT FAR MORE PEOPLE THAN THE INTERIM MEASURES WE HAVE TAKEN AND WOULD ALSO CREATE ENORMOUS UNCERTAINTY ALL ROUND, BECAUSE ESSENTIALLY THERE WOULD BE NO LOCALISATION POLICY IN FORCE WHILE THE MORATORIUM WAS IN EFFECT.
"THERE WOULD IN OTHER WORDS BE A POLICY VACUUM. FURTHERMORE AT THE END OF THE MORATORIUM A WAY WOULD STILL HAVE TO BE FOUND TO TREAT OVERSEAS OFFICERS WHO ARE PERMANENT RESIDENTS IN A WAY WHICH IS COMPATIBLE WITH THE BILL OF RIGHTS.
"IT IS IN THE GOVERNMENT’S VIEW VERY TELLING THAT NO ONE OTHER THAN OURSELVES HAS SO FAR PUT FORWARD A SOLUTION WHICH MEETS THE BILL OF RIGHTS SITUATION."
THEREFORE, MR HARBINSON REITERATED, THE BILL WAS NOT A SOLUTION, BUT A RECIPE FOR AT BEST A POLICY VACUUM WITH MUCH GREATER RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES THAN EXIST AT PRESENT.
AND AT WORST FOR A CHALLENGE UNDER THE BILL OF RIGHTS, HE ADDED.
MR HARBINSON CALLED ON MEMBERS TO THINK THROUGH THE ISSUE THOROUGHLY AND GIVE THE BILL OF RIGHTS ARGUMENTS DUE WEIGHT.
--------0 - - - -
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1993
- 5 -
STATEMENT ON COST OF AIRPORT RAILWAY
*****
COMMENTING ON A NEWSPAPER REPORT THAT THE ESTIMATED COST OF THE AIRPORT RAILWAY HAD INCREASED BY 30%, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY):
’’THE ESTIMATE FOR THE COST OF THE AIRPORT RAILWAY REMAINS AT THE $22.2 BILLION IN 1991 FIGURES ($33.5 BILLION IN MONEY OF THE DAY) ANNOUNCED IN APRIL LAST YEAR. INDIVIDUAL) ELEMENTS OF THE PROJECT ARE CONTINUALLY UNDER REVIEW AT THE DESIGN STAGE, BUT THE TOTAL ESTIMATE OF THE PROJECT REMAINS UNCHANGED, AND NO NEW ESTIMATE HAS BEEN PREPARED BY EITHER THE GOVERNMENT OR THE MTRC.”
- - 0----------
VOLUME AND PRICE MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE IN JUNE
*****
THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR DECREASED BY 3.8% OVER THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS RECORDED A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE OF 22%, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
TAKING DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 15%. IMPORTS INCREASED BY 15% IN VOLUME.
THE GROWTH IN THE VOLUME OF TRADE IS DERIVED FROM THE GROWTH IN TRADE VALUES WITH THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES BEING DISCOUNTED.
AS REGARDS PRICE CHANGES OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF BOTH DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS REMAINED UNCHANGED. IMPORT PRICES DECREASED BY 0.8%.
PRICE CHANGES ARE REFLECTED BY CHANGES IN UNIT VALUE INDICES, 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 RATIO OF TOTAL EXPORT PRICE INDEX TO IMPORT PRICE INDEX, INCREASED SLIGHTLY BY 0.7% IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
TAKING JUNE 1993 ALONE AND COMPARING WITH JUNE 1992, THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECREASED BY 13% WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 13%. THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 5.9%. THE VOLUME OF IMPORTS GREW BY 5.5%.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 1.0% AND 0.6% RESPECTIVELY. IMPORT PRICES REMAINED UNCHANGED.
/COMPARING JUNE .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1993
- 6 -
COMPARING JUNE 1993 WITH JUNE 1992, THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS FOR ALL COMMODITY GROUPS DECREASED, PARTICULARLY FOOTWEAR (-58%); RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (-52%); TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (-42%); AND DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (-35%).
AS REGARDS DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES, THE PRICE OF FOOTWEAR RECORDED A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE OF 9.5%.
ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES WERE RECORDED FOR RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (-7.6%); AND TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (-5.2%).
THE IMPORT VOLUME OF FOODSTUFFS DECREASED BY 11% IN JUNE 1993 AS COMPARED WITH JUNE 1992.
CONSIDERABLE DECREASES WERE RECORDED FOR THE IMPORT VOLUME OF WHEAT AND FLOUR; LIVE POULTRY; FISH AND FISH PREPARATIONS; AND CEREALS AND CEREAL PREPARATIONS (OTHER THAN RICE, WHEAT AND FLOUR). ON THE OTHER HAND, AN INCREASE WAS RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF FRUITS.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED BY 12%.
COMMODITY ITEMS WITH CONSIDERABLE INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME INCLUDED PASSENGER MOTOR CARS; ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; AND FOOTWEAR. HOWEVER, DECREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE NOTED FOR TOBACCO MANUFACTURES; AND MISCELLANEOUS MADE-UP ARTICLES OF TEXTILE MATERIALS.
THE IMPORT VOLUME OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES INCREASED BY 4.5% IN JUNE 1993 AS COMPARED WITH JUNE 1992.
SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE NOTED FOR IRON AND STEEL; WOOD, LUMBER AND CORK; AND WOOL AND OTHER ANIMAL HAIR. HOWEVER, CONSIDERABLE DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF RAW COTTON; AND INEDIBLE ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE MATERIALS.
IMPORTS OF FUELS DECREASED BY 15% IN VOLUME IN JUNE 1993 AS COMPARED WITH JUNE 1992.
AS REGARDS CAPITAL GOODS, THE IMPORT VOLUME INCREASED BY 1.0%. NOTABLE INCREASES WERE RECORDED FOR THE IMPORT VOLUME OF INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY (OTHER THAN TEXTILE MACHINERY AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY) AND CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY. THE IMPORT VOLUME OF TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT DECLINED.
COMPARING JUNE 1993 WITH JUNE 1992, THE IMPORT PRICES OF CAPITAL GOODS AND CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED BY 4.0% AND 0.6% RESPECTIVELY. THE IMPORT PRICES OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMIMANUFACTURES; FUELS; AND FOODSTUFFS DECREASED BY 2.4%, 1.4% AND 0.6% RESPECTIVELY.
COMPARING JUNE 1993 WITH JUNE 1992, THE VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS OF FUELS GREW SUBSTANTIALLY BY 158%. THAT OF CAPITAL GOODS; RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES; AND CONSUMER GOODS REGISTERED INCREASES OF 19%, 15% AND 9.6% RESPECTIVELY. THE RE-EXPORT VOLUME OF FOODSTUFFS DECREASED BY 10%.
/OVER THE .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1993
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF RE-EXPORTS OF CAPITAL GOODS AND CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED BY 3.6% AND 1.4% RESPECTIVELY. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE RE-EXPORT PRICES OF FUELS; RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES; AND FOODSTUFFS DECREASED BY 4.2%, 2.6% AND 0.6% RESPECTIVELY.
DETAILS OF THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE PUBLISHED IN THE JUNE 1993 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG TRADE INDEX NUMBERS".
THE REPORT WILL BE ON SALE AROUND MID-SEPTEMBER AT $8.5 A COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE ON THE GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL; AND AT THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON THE 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION TO THE REPORT MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, HONG KONG (TEL 842 8802) AND ENQUIRIES ON TRADE INDICES TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL 582 4918).
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY PRINCIPAL COMMODITY GROUP ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 2.
THE CHANGES TN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 3.
/Table 1 : .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1993
- 8 -
Table 1 : Changes in domestic exports by principal commodity group
Comparing JUN 1993 with JUN 1992 Comparing with JAN-JUN 1993 JAN-JUN 1992
Commodity group Value % Unit Value % Volume % Value % Unit Value % Volume %
Clothing -9.0 2.9 -11.6 -8.2 2.6 -10.6
Textile fabrics -15.2 -3.0 -12.6 -2.3 -3.1 0.8
Textile yarn and thread -21.5 -5.2 -17.2 -11.7 -5.7 -6.3
Textile made-ups and related articles -43.5 -2.7 -41.9 -30.7 0.8 -31.3
Radios of all kinds -56.0 -7.6 -52.4 -30.0 -9.0 -23.0
Electronic components -10.6 -0.1 -10.5 13.6 -1.7 15.5
Footwear -54.3 9.5 -58.3 -41.9 7.2 -46.0
Metal manufactures -17.0 -3.1 -14.3 -1.4 -3.1 1.7
Metal ores and scrap -5.6 -0.9 -4.7 4.1 -2.4 6.7
Watches and clocks -22.1 1.5 -23.3 -14.4 0.6 -14.9
Travel goods, handbags and similar articles -18.0 -1.7 -16.5 -27.5 -2.3 -25.7
Domestic electrical appliances -36.5 -1.7 -35.3 -24.4 -3.2 -22.0
ALL COMMODITIES -12.4 1.0 -13.2 -3.5 0.4 -3.8
/Table 2 : .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1993
- 9 -
Table 2 : Changes in imports by end-use category
Comparing JUN 1993 Comparing JAN-JUN 1993
with JUN 1992 with JAN-JUN 1992
End-use category Value % Unit Value % Volume % Value % Unit Value % Volume %
Foodstuffs -11.8 -0.6 -11.2 -4.1 -0.4 -3.7
Consumer goods 12.3 0.6 11.7 18.3 -0.3 18.7
Raw materials and semi-manufactures 1.9 -2.4 4.5 6.3 -3.4 10.1
Fuels -15.7 -1.4 -14.5 12.0 3.2 8.6
Capital goods 4.9 4.0 1.0 28.6 3.3 24.4
ALL COMMODITIES 5.6 * 5.5 14.4 -0.8 15.4
less than 0.05%
Table 3 : Changes in re-exports by end-use category
End-use category Comparing JUN 1993 with JUN 1992 Comparing JAN-JUN 1993 with JAN-JUN 1992
Value % Unit Value Volume Value % Unit Value Volume
% % % %
Foodstuffs -10.7 -0.6 -10.2 -4.1 -1.3 -2.8
Consumer goods 11.3 1.4 9.6 19.8 0.5 19.2
Raw materials and semi-manufactures 11.8 -2.6 14.8 13.8 -3.4 17.7
Fuels 147.6 -4.2 158.4 69.8 0.9 68.4
Capital goods 23.4 3.6 19.1 44.1 2.3 40.8
ALL COMMODITIES 13.4 0.6 12.8 21.5 -0.3 21.9
--------0 - -
/10........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1993
BETTER AMBULANCE SERVICE FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS * * * * *
HONG KONG’S AMBULANCE SERVICE HAS ENTERED INTO A NEW ERA WITH THE LAUNCHING OF A PILOT SCHEME ON PARAMEDIC AMBULANCE SERVICE IN JUNE.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD, MR WONG SIK-KONG, TODAY (THURSDAY) WHEN OPENING THE HO MAN TIN AMBULANCE DEPOT AT CARMEL VILLAGE STREET.
UNDER THE SCHEME, A GROUP OF SELECTED AMBULANCE PERSONNEL WHO HAVE BEEN QUALIFIED AS EMERGENCY MEDICAL ASSISTANT (EMA) LEVEL II ARE DEPLOYED TO MAN THREE EMA AMBULANCE ON A REGIONAL BASIS, STARTING FROM HONG KONG ISLAND.
’’GIVEN THE ADVANCED TECHNIQUES AND SOPHISTICATED EQUIPMENT AND MEDICINES, I AM CONFIDENT THAT THESE EMA II SUPERVISORS WILL PROVIDE A HIGHER STANDARD OF SERVICE TO THE SICK AND INJURED,” MR WONG SAID.
HE DESCRIBED THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT AS A WELL-ORGANISED SERVICE WITH MODERN EQUIPMENT AND HIGH STANDARD OF TRAINING.
"ITS HIGH EFFICIENCY HAS BEEN WELL-APPRECIATED BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC," HE ADDED.
THE DEPOT, WHICH SERVES THE 400,000 RESIDENTS OF KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT, HAS RESPONDED TO 8,500 CALLS AND RENDERED ASSISTANCE TO MORE THAN 9,500 CASUALTIES OR PATIENTS SINCE ITS INCEPTION LAST DECEMBER.
- - 0 - -
CS VISITS MARINE DEPARTMENT *****
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON HAD A FIRST-HAND LOOK AT THE PLANS AND ACTIVITIES OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT.
BRIEFED BY THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR ALLAN PYRKE, SIR DAVID WAS TOLD THAT THE DEPARTMENT WAS TO SET UP A TRADING FUND BY 1995.
MR PYRKE SAID THE MAIN PURPOSES OF WHICH WERE TO ENABLE THE DEPARTMENT TO REACT MORE QUICKLY TO AND EXPAND SERVICES TO CATER TO DEMAND OF THE SHIPPING AND PORT SERVICES COMMUNITY WITH REVENUE GENERATED.
SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE MARINE DEPARTMENT HAVE BEEN GROWING STEADILY. THE NUMBER OF OCEAN-GOING AND RIVER TRADE VESSELS CALLING AT HONG KONG HAS MORE THAN DOUBLED IN THE LAST 10 YEARS, FROM 69,000 IN 1982 TO 149,000 LAST YEAR.
/THE CHIEF
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1993
- 11 -
THE CHIEF SECRETARY WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THE MARINE DEPARTMENT INTENDED TO ADOPT A MORE POSITIVE ROLE IN CONTROLLING, MONITORING AND INSPECTING DANGEROUS GOODS IN HONG KONG.
USING THE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME DANGEROUS GOODS CODE WHICH HAS BEEN RATIFIED BY THE UNITED KINGDOM AND CHINA AMONGST MANY OTHER COUNTRIES, INITIAL ACTIVITIES WILL FOCUS ON THE OCEAN GOING TRADE.
THE CHIEF SECRETRAY FIRST VISITED THE MARINE DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS IN HARBOUR BUILDING, PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
ACCOMPANIED BY MR PYRKE, SIR DAVID THEN BOARDED THE MARINE DEPARTMENT LAUNCH "TIN HAU" FOR STONECUTTERS ISLAND.
SIR DAVID SAW THE $655 MILLION CONSTRUCTION WORKS FOR THE REPROVISIONING OF THE GOVERNMENT DOCKYARD ON THE NORTHEAST OF STONECUTTERS ISLAND WHICH IS SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION IN EARLY 1995.
THE NEW GOVERNMENT DOCKYARD WILL HAVE SEVEN HECTARES OF LAND AREA AND 8.3 HECTARES OF SEA AREA COMPARED WITH THE EXISTING DOCKYARD’S 2.4 HECTARES OF LAND AREA AND 3.6 HECTARES OF SEA AREA.
THE PARTY THEN WENT TO THE EXISTING GOVERNMENT DOCKYARD IN CANTON ROAD WHERE SIR DAVID INSPECTED THE WORKS AREAS AND CHATTED WITH DOCKYARD STAFF.
BEFORE RETURNING TO QUEEN’S PIER, SIR DAVID VIEWED THE CHINA FERRY TERMINAL IN TSIM SHA TSUI.
------0-------
GURKHAS COMPLETE MERCY MISSION IN NEPAL
*****
THE OFFICERS AND MEN OF 68 GURKHA FIELD SQUADRON OF THE QUEENS GURKHA ENGINEERS WILL RETURN FROM NEPAL ON SATURDAY, HAVING COMPLETED POSSIBLY THE MOST DEMANDING BRIDGING TASK EVER ACCOMPLISHED BY MILITARY ENGINEERS IN PEACE TIME.
THE HONG KONG-BASED SQUADRON WAS DEPLOYED ON JULY 31 IN ANSWER TO THE PLEA FROM THE NEPAL GOVERNMENT FOR AID FOLLOWING THE WORST MONSOON IN MEMORY WHICH DEVASTATED LARGE PARTS OF THE COUNTRY.
THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME BRITISH GURKHAS WERE DEPLOYED TO THEIR OWN COUNTRY. THEY WERE TASKED WITH BUILDING THREE BRIDGES ALONG THE VITAL PRITHVI HIGHWAY WHICH LINKED THE CAPITAL, KATHMANDU, WITH THE WESTERN PART OF THE COUNTRY AND THE MAIN TRADE LINK TO INDIA.
THEIR TASK INITIALLY SEEMED STRAIGHTFORWARD AND A BAILEY BRIDGE, FLOWN TO NEPAL FROM HONG KONG BY A GIANT ANTONOV TRANSPORT, THE LARGEST AIRCRAFT TO FLY IN OR OUT OF HONG KONG, WAS CONSTRUCTED IN RECORD TIME.
THE FOLLOWNG DAY, "THE SON OF THE ’MOTHER OF ALL MONSOONS’” STRUCK AND THE NEW BRIDGE WAS WITHIN 18 INCHES OF BEING WASHED AWAY.
/THE PRELIMINARY .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1993
- 12 -
THE PRELIMINARY WORK ON THE OTHER TWO SITES WAS DESTROYED AND THE ENGINEERS HAD TO START OVER AGAIN.
WORKING THROUGHOUT DAYLIGHT HOURS, AND AT NIGHT WHEN FLOOD-LIGHTING WAS AVAILABLE AND THE MONSOON PERMITTED, THE GURKHAS CONSTRUCTED BRIDGES SPANNING OVER 70 METRES EACH. THIS WAS TWICE THE DISTANCE MOST MILITARY ENGINEERS ANYWHERE HAVE EXPERIENCED.
TO COMPLETE SUCH A PROJECT INVOLVED WORKING NON-STOP FOR FIVE WEEKS AND IN THE WORST POSSIBLE CONDITIONS.
THEIR EFFORTS DID NOT GO UNNOTICED AND THEIR RETURN WAS PRECEDED BY A TELEGRAM FROM THE AMBASSADOR IN KATHMANDU WHICH SAID: ’’THE KING HAS ASKED ME TO CONVEY PARTICULAR THANKS TO ALL RANKS CONCERNED IN THE QUEENS GURKHA ENGINEERS.”
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE ARRIVAL OF THE GURKHAS AT KAI TAK ON SATURDAY (SEPTEMBER 11).
THE GURKHA SQUADRON COMMANDER, MAJOR JOHN WHITE ACCOMPANIED BY HIS GURKHA SQUADRON CAPTAIN AND A GURKHA LIEUTENANT WILL SPEAK TO THE PRESS AT THE AIRPORT PRESS ROOM ABOUT 5 PM.
THE TIME FOR THE PRESS CONFERENCE WILL DEPEND ON THE ARRIVAL OF THE AIRCRAFT ETA AT 4.25 PM.
---------0-----------
EIGHT MORE FUND-RAISING ACTIVITIES FOR SEPT *****
EIGHT MORE ORGANISATIONS HAVE BEEN GRANTED PERMISSION TO RAISE FUND LATER THIS MONTH, A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
THESE ORGANISATIONS WILL EITHER SELL FLAGS OR TOKENS OR SIMILIAR ITEMS, OR PLACE DONATION BOXES IN DESIGNATED PUBLIC AREAS.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAN TELEPHONE THE DEPARTMENT’S HOTLINE ON 343 2255 IN CASE OF DOUBT, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN APPEALED TO ORGANISERS TO ADOPT PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES AGAINST ANY POSSIBLE FRAUD.
"THEY SHOULD EXERCISE GREATER CARE IN MONITORING THEIR FUND-RAISING ACTIVITIES,” HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO SAID THE DEPARTMENT ALSO ADVISED THEM TO PREPARE GUIDELINES FOR SELLERS, SETTING OUT THE PLACES AND THE TIME FOR SELLING, AND THE COLLECTION POINTS FOR BAGS.
/ORGANISERS SHOULD .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1993
- 13 -
ORGANISERS SHOULD INFORM THE POLICE IN CASE OF LOSS OF PROPERTY, AND SEEK THEIR ASSISTANCE WHEN FRAUDULENT ACTS, SUCH AS TAMPERING OF COLLECTION BAGS OR MAKING UNAUTHORISED SELLING, ARE FOUND, HE SAID.
THE FUND-RAISING DAYS FOR THE REST OF THE MONTH ARE AS FOLLOWS:
EVENT DATE
ORGANISATIONS
10.9.93, PO LEUNG KUK
12.9.93
10.9.93 - MEDICAL SOCIETY, HKUSU
13.9.93
11.9.93 THE YOUNG MEN’S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF HK
12.9.93, RELIEF AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION ACTION LTD
26.9.93
17.9.93 - HONG KONG COUNCIL OF BUDDHIST SOCIETIES, LTD
19.9.93
18.9.93 HK KIDNEY PATIENTS TRUST FUND
25.9.93 TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS
26.9.93 LAND OF VIRTUE CENTRE LTD
--------0-----------
BEACH WATER GRADES
*****
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED GRADES OF THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF ALL BATHING BEACHES IN HONG KONG.
THE PURPOSE IS TO INFORM SWIMMERS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC ABOUT THE STATE OF BACTERIOLOGICAL POLLUTION AT VARIOUS BEACHES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE GRADING WOULD BE ANNOUNCED BIWEEKLY DURING THE BATHING SEASON TO COINCIDE WITH THE FREQUENCY AT WHICH BEACH WATER WAS USUALLY SAMPLED.
THE GRADING IS BASED ON THE MOST RECENT E.COLI DATA OBTAINED BY THE DEPARTMENT IN ITS ROUTINE MONITORING PROGRAMME.
AS WITH LAST YEAR, THE GRADING ALSO INCLUDES AN ESTIMATE OF THE RISK OF SUFFERING SOME MINOR SKIN DISEASES OR GASTROINTESTINAL COMPLAINTS AS A RESULT OF SWIMMING AT A BEACH THAT HAS SOME DEGREE OF POLLUTION.
/THE ESTIMATE .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1993
- 14 -
THE ESTIMATE IS BASED ON A VERY LARGE BODY OF STATISTICAL INFORMATION GATHERED IN HONG KONG IN RECENT BATHING SEASONS.
THE GRADING OF SOME BEACHES MAY VARY DURING THE SUMMER. THIS REPRESENTS A NATURAL FLUCTUATION IN THE BACTERIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF BATHING WATER IN MOST CASES, AS RAIN AND TIDES BRING MORE OR LESS POLLUTION TO THE BEACHES.
HOWEVER, THE GRADES GIVE A GOOD GENERAL PICTURE OF THE WATER QUALITY AT BATHING BEACHES AT THE TIME OF REPORTING AND FORM THE BEST AVAILABLE FORECAST FOR THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE.
"BEACHES WITH HIGHLY DEVELOPED HINTERLANDS ARE LIKELY TO BE MORE POLLUTED THAN THE GRADES SUGGEST DURING AND AFTER HEAVY RAIN.
"BATHERS SHOULD AVOID SUCH BEACHES FOR TWO OR THREE DAYS AFTER A STORM, LONGER IF THE WEATHER REMAINS OVERCAST OR LESS IF THERE IS STRONG SUNSHINE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SYSTEM FOR GRADING BEACH WATER QUALITY IS:
* GRADE "1" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS GOOD. THE E. COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 24 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED RISK OF MINOR ILLNESS TO SWIMMERS IS UNDETECTABLE.
* GRADE "2" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS FAIR. THE E. COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 180 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS NO MORE THAN 10 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
* GRADE ”3" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS POOR. THE E. COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 610 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS NO MORE THAN 15 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
* GRADE ”4" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS VERY POOR. THE E. COLI COUNT IS MORE THAN 610 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS MORE THAN 15 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
THE DECISION ON WHETHER OR NOT TO CLOSE A BEACH TO SWIMMERS IS BASED ON A JUDGMENT OF WHAT DEGREE OF POLLUTION IS ACCEPTABLE.
NORMALLY, THE CLOSURE OF A BEACH WOULD ONLY BE CONSIDERED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL OR REGIONAL COUNCIL IF A GRADE "4" OCCURRED REPEATEDLY, SO THAT THE AVERAGE HEALTH RISK OVER THE BATHING SEASON EXCEEDED 15 CASES PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
AT PRESENT, TWO BATHING BEACHES, CASTLE PEAK AND OLD CAFETERIA, HAVE BEEN DECLARED UNSUITABLE FOR SWIMMING, BASED ON THE WATER QUALITY DURING PAST SEASONS.
THEY ARE POLLUTED BY FAECAL WASTE. THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED NOT TO SWIM AT THE TWO BEACHES.
/IN ADDITION, .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1993
- 15 -
IN ADDITION, ROCKY BAY BEACH HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR SWIMMING BY THE URBAN COUNCIL. THE THREE BEACHES ARE IDENTIFIED BY AN "X" IN THE FOLLOWING LIST.
THE GRADES ON THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF VARIOUS BEACHES IN HONG KONG TODAY ARE LISTED BELOW:
PREVIOUS PRESENT
BEACH GRADING GRADING
(AS AT 26.8.93) (AS AT 9.9.93)
HONG KONG SOUTH
BIG WAVE BAY CHUNG HOM KOK DEEP WATER BAY HAIRPIN MIDDLE BAY REPULSE BAY SHEK O SOUTH BAY ST. STEPHEN’S TURTLE COVE STANLEY MAIN ROCKY BAY TO TEI WAN*
3 1
2 3
2 1
3 1
1
2 2 X
2
3 1
2 2
2 1
3 1
1
2 2 X
1
TUEN MUN DISTRICT
OLD CAFETERIA NEW CAFETERIA CASTLE PEAK KADOORIE BUTTERFLY
X 3 X
3 4
X 3
X 3
4
SAI KUNG DISTRICT
CAMPERS 1 1
CLEAR WATER BAY 1ST BEACH 1 2
CLEAR WATER BAY 2ND BEACH 2 2
HAP MUN BAY 1 1
KIU TSUI 1 1
PAK SHA CHAU 1 1
SILVERSTRAND 2 2
TRIO (HEBE HAVEN) 1 1
/ISLANDS DISTRICT .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1993
- 16 -
ISLANDS DISTRICT
CHEUNG SHA UPPER CHEUNG SHA LOWER DISCOVERY BAY» HUNG SHING YEH KWUN YAM WAN TONG FUK LO SO SHING PUI O SILVERMINE BAY TUNG WAN, CHEUNG CHAU TUNG O»
1
3
2
1
1
1
1
2
3
1
2
1
2 2
1
1
1
1
2 3
1 1
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT
ANGLERS’ APPROACH CASAM GEMINI HOI MEI WAN LIDO TING KAU
TUNG WAN, MA WAN
4
3
3
3
3
3
4
2
4
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
NOTE : "X" THE BEACH HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR SWIMMING ♦ NON-GAZETTED BEACH
THE FOLLOWING BEACHES HAVE CHANGED GRADING ON THIS OCCASION:
TO TEI WAN AND TUNG O FROM ”2” TO ”1”; HAIRPIN AND CHEUNG SHA LOWER FROM ”3” TO ”2”; TING KAU FROM "4” TO "3"; AND CLEAR WATER BAY 1ST BEACH FROM "1” TO ”2”.
ALL OF THE CHANGES ARE WITHIN THE NORMAL RANGE OF FLUCTUATION OF THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF THE BEACHES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER MR M J BROOM ON TEL 835 1234.
--------0-----------
/17........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1993
- 17 -
CLOSURE OF UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURE SOUGHT ♦ * » * *
THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT IS SEEKING TO CLOSE AN UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURE AT 541 SHANGHAI STREET, MONG KOK, SO THAT IT CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT CAUSING DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS AND THE PUBLIC.
THE SINGLE-STOREY STRUCTURE ERECTED ON A VACANT SITE IS USED AS A SHOP.
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE ON NOVEMBER 9 WAS POSTED ON THE STRUCTURE TODAY (THURSDAY).
DEMOLITION IS EXPECTED TO START AS SOON AS THE CLOSURE ORDER IS ISSUED.
--------0-----------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS $ MILLION
♦ * * ♦ *
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT REVERSAL OF LAF BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY EFFECT OF LAF TODAY CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,600 + 400 2,000 NIL NIL 2,000
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI HONG KONG GOVERNMENT 112.1 EXCHANGE »+0.0* 9. FUND 9.93
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.15 PCT 14 MONTHS 2411 4.625 101.46 3.38
1 MONTH 2.93 PCT 17 MONTHS 2502 4.75 101.73 3.53
3 MONTHS 2.86 PCT 20 MONTHS 2505 3.75 100.04 3.76
6 MONTHS 12 MONTHS 3.00 PCT 3.28 PCT 23 MONTHS 2508 4.625 101.44 3.88
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 8,319 MN
CLOSED SEPTEMBER 9, 1993
- - 0 - -
Received by PRO „„ 1 4 SEP TO
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1993
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVT VIGOROUSLY DEALS WITH CRIME: GOVERNOR .............. 1
IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1993 GAZETTED ...... 2
NEW SENIOR BRITISH TRADE COMMISSIONER ARRIVES ON MONDAY . 2
HK WELL PLACED FOR ACADEMIC EXCHANGES ................... 3
COMMUNITY SHOULD ACCEPT THE MENTALLY ILL ................ 3
THREE PETROLEUM WHARVES DESIGNATED ...................... 5
ELECTRIC ROAD AND JAVA ROAD TO GET FACELIFT ............. 5
CATERING OWNERS ADVISED TO DISCARD ALCOHOL AS FUEL ...... 6
TENDERS INVITED FOR SERVICE RESERVOIR CONSTRUCTION ...... 7
THREE PROJECTS AFFECTING SEABED PROPOSED ................ 7
HO MAN TIN TO GET SOCCER PITCHES ........................ 8
GREENLIGHT FOR MAINLAYING WORKS AT SHAM WAN ............. 8
YOUNGSTERS URGED TO TAKE PART IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS ...... 9
280 VMS RETURN TODAY .................................... 10
CLOSURE OF UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES SOUGHT ............... 10
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
11
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1993
GOVT VIGOROUSLY DEALS WITH CRIME: GOVERNOR
* t * * *
HONG KONG HAS SEEN A FALL IN VIOLENT CRIME, SMALL FALL BUT AN IMPORTANT ONE, THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
COMMENTING ON YESTERDAY’S BANK ROBBERY IN TSIM SHA TSUI, THE GOVERNOR SAID THERE WAS A FALL IN THE NUMBER OF CRIMES COMMITTED WITH RI REARMS.
HE TOLD REPORTERS AFTER OPENING THE TIN KA PING BUILDING IN THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY THAT ANY CRIME LIKE THE ONE YESTERDAY WOULD BE DEALT WITH BY THE GOVERNMENT AS VIGOROUSLY AS THE WHOLE COMMUNITY WOULD WANT IT TO.
"ALL OF US HAVE TO PLAY OUR PART IN MAKING CRIME MORE DIFFICULT RATHER THAN EASIER,” HE SAID, NOTING THAT HONG KONG WAS AS WELL POLICED AS ANY CITY OR COMMUNITY IN THE REGION, OR EVEN IN THE WORLD.
ON SIR ROBIN MCLAREN’S CURRENT VISIT TO HONG KONG AND PROGRESS MADE IN THE PAST 11TH ROUNDS OF ELECTION TALKS IN BEIJING, THE GOVERNOR SAID THERE HAD BEEN PROGRESS, THOUGH THERE WAS STILL A GREAT DEAL TO ACCOMPLISH.
"WHAT WE SHOULD BE TRYING TO DO IS TO BUILD TOWARDS SUCCESS," HE SAID.
"SO WE WILL BE SPENDING OUR TIME IN THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS SEEING WHAT WE CAN DO TO TRY TO ENSURE THAT THESE TALKS COME TO A SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION, DIFFICULT THOUGH THAT ENTERPRISE MAY BE.
"THROUGHOUT WE’VE HAD TWO VERY CLEAR OBJECTIVES. AND WE’VE, I THINK, KEPT HOLD OF THESE OBJECTIVES WHILE RESPONDING TO LEGITIMATE CHINESE CONCERNS DURING THESE TALKS," HE SAID.
"FIRST OF ALL, WE WANT TO HAVE OPEN AND FAIR ELECTIONS IN 1994 AND 1995. AND THAT’S SOMETHING WHICH SHOULD BE COMMON TO EVERYONE.
"SECONDLY, WE WANT TO ACHIEVE THE THROUGH TRAIN. AS I’VE SAID BEFORE, IT DOESN’T MAKE MUCH SENSE TO HAVE AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN BRITAIN AND CHINA ON THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE ELECTIONS IN 1994/95 IF THOSE WHO STAND FOR ELECTION TN 95 AND WERE ELECTED IN 95 DON’T HAVE THE CONFIDENCE THAT THEY CAN TRAVEL THROUGH TO 1999, PROVIDED THAT THEY CAN MEET OBJECTIVE CRITERIA SET OUT IN ADVANCE."
ASKED ABOUT THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR NEXT YEAR’S DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS, MR PATTEN SAID THERE WAS NO EASY SOLUTION BY TRYING TO UNCOUPLE ONE PART OF THE ELECTION ARRANGEMENTS FROM THE OTHERS.
"WE DON’T HAVE MUCH MORE TIME, WE GOT TO GET ON AND TRY TO REACH AN AGREEMENT. IF WE CAN’T REACH AN AGREEMENT, THEN WE SHALL HAVE TO TAKE THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THAT.
"BUT I CAN ASSURE YOU THAT WE’RE DOING ALL WE CAN TO BRING THESE NEGOTIATIONS TO A SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION."
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1993
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IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1993 GAZETTED
*****
A BILL TO AMEND THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE IN A NUMBER OF MINOR RESPECTS WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE MAIN PURPOSE OF THE IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1993 WAS THE REMOVAL, AT THE REQUEST OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, OF THE CUMBERSOME AND INAPPROPRIATE PROCEDURE BY WHICH SOME PARTS HAVE TO BE RENEWED EVERY YEAR BY THEM.
THESE PROVISIONS WERE BROUGHT IN AT THE HEIGHT OF THE VIETNAMESE AND CHINESE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS CRISIS IN 1979. THEY EXPIRE AT THE END OF EVERY CALENDAR YEAR UNLESS EXTENDED BY RESOLUTION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
"WE AGREE THIS PROCEDURE IS OUTDATED. AS PROMISED IN THE LEGCO LAST DECEMBER, WE HAVE REVIEWED THESE PROVISIONS, AND SUGGESTED MAKING SOME PERMANENT, AND DROPPING OR SLIGHTLY AMENDING OTHERS, RATHER THAN BRINGING THEM FORWARD EVERY YEAR IN FUTURE," THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
HE STRESSED THAT THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO CHANGE AT ALL ON GOVERNMENT’S POLICY AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
"AS EVERYONE IS AWARE, THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT PROBLEM ITSELF IS VERY MUCH STILL WITH US, AND WE STILL HAVE TO BE PARTICULARLY TOUGH ON THOSE MAKING MONEY OUT OF IT."
OTHER MINOR AMENDMENTS INCLUDE THE PROPOSED TRANSFER OF THE PRESENT HEAVY CASELOAD OF DEPORTATION CASES FROM THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL TO THE GOVERNOR.
THE BILL ALSO PROPOSED TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM FINE FOR AIRLINES CARRYING PASSENGERS WITHOUT PROPER DOCUMENTATION FROM $1,000 TO $10,000 A CASE, IN LINE WITH WORLD TRENDS.
' "THE FINE HAS NOT BEEN UPDATED FOR MORE THAN TWO DECADES AND IS MUCH TOO SMALL NOW; THE NEW LEVEL SHOULD BE ACCEPTED AS REASONABLE AS IT IS STILL LOWER THAN A NUMBER OF OTHER PLACES."
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NEW SENIOR BRITISH TRADE COMMISSIONER ARRIVES ON MONDAY *****
THE NEW SENIOR BRITISH TRADE COMMISSIONER, MR FRANCIS CORNISH, WILL ARRIVE IN HONG KONG ON MONDAY (SEPTEMBER 13).
THE PRESENT SENIOR BRITISH TRADE COMMISSIONER MR HUGH DAVIES DEPARTS HONG HONG TODAY.
HE WILL RETURN TO THE TERRITORY IN EARLY OCTOBER TO TAKE UP HIS NEW POST AS SENIOR BRITISH REPRESENTATIVE TO THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP.
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1993
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HK WELL PLACED FOR ACADEMIC EXCHANGES * * * * ♦
HONG KONG IS WELL PLACED TO EXPAND ITS ROLE AS A CENTRE FOR ACADEMIC INTERCHANGE IN THE YEARS AHEAD, THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE TIN KA PING BUILDING OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, THE NEW HOME TO THE UNIVERSITIES SERVICE CENTRE, THE HONG KONG-AMERICA CENTRE, THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF ASIA-PACIFIC STUDIES AND THE OFFICE OF ACADEMIC LINKS.
’’JUST AS FREE TRADE IS THE SUREST WAY TO PROMOTE ECONOMIC GROWTH AND TO DRIVE OUT POVERTY, SO THE FREE EXCHANGE OF IDEAS IS THE SUREST WAY TO PROMOTE INTELLECTUAL AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT AND TO DRIVE OUT MISUNDERSTANDING AND FEAR,” HE SAID.
THE UNIVERSITIES SERVICE CENTRE HAS PROVIDED A CENTRE WHERE SCHOLARS AND RESEARCHERS COULD COME TO LEARN ABOUT CHINA.
THE HONG KONG-AMERICA CENTRE WILL PROMOTE EXCHANGES BETWEEN HONG KONG AND THE MAJOR OUTSIDE INVESTOR IN HONG KONG’S ECONOMY AND ACADEMIC LIFE IN THE LAST 40 YEARS.
THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF ASIA-PACIFIC STUDIES WILL DEVELOP UNDERSTANDING AND TIES WITH THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION WHICH WILL BE THE FOCUS OF WORLD INTEREST FOR THE NEXT 50 YEARS AND MORE.
THE OFFICE OF ACADEMIC LINKS WILL PROMOTE GLOBAL CONTACTS AND WILL HELP TO MAINTAIN AND TO RAISE ACADEMIC STANDARDS.
”IT IS CRUCIAL FOR HONG KONG’S FUTURE THAT IT HAS INSTITUTIONS SUCH AS THIS UNIVERSITY, FIRMLY COMMITTED TO THE IDEALS OF ACADEMIC FREEDOM, INTEGRITY AND EXCELLENCE,” MR PATTEN SAID.
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COMMUNITY SHOULD ACCEPT THE MENTALLY ILL
*****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS NO INTENTION OF DISCHARGING MENTAL PATIENTS WITHOUT AN EFFECTIVE NETWORK OF MEDICAL AND SOCIAL SERVICES TO CARE FOR THEM WITHIN THE COMMUNITY.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE COMMUNITY MUST BE BROUGHT TO ACCEPT THAT FOR MOST OF THE MENTALLY ILL, THEIR CONDITIONS CAN BE OVERCOME, MANAGED OR AT LEAST LIVED WITH OUTSIDE A HOSPITAL SETTING EVEN IF THEY CANNOT BE CURED.
THESE ARE THE REMARKS BY THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE HOSPITAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MRS ROSE GOODSTADT WHEN SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG.
/FOR MOST ........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1993
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1 i
FOR MOST PATIENTS, MRS GOODSTADT SAID, THE TRANSITION TO APPROPRIATE CARE WITHIN THE COMMUNITY WAS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THEIR TREATMENT.
IT ALLOWS A MORE COST-EFFECTIVE USE OF RESOURCES TOO.
HOSPITALS MAY HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN HELPING PATIENTS TO RECOVER TO THE EXTENT THAT THEY WERE READY TO RETURN TO THE COMMUNITY.
BUT STATISTICS SHOWED THAT RE-ADMISSIONS HAVE ACCOUNTED FOR ABOUT 55 PER CENT OF TOTAL ADMISSIONS OVER A 20-YEAR PERIOD SINCE 1971. IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS, ANNUAL RE-ADMISSION IS 60 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL ANNUAL ADMISSION.
REASONS FOR THIS INCREASING TREND MIGHT BE THAT THE PATIENTS HAD FAILED TO MAINTAIN RECOVERY PROGRESS OUTSIDE THE HOSPITAL SETTING AND THAT THE COMMUNITY HAD FAILED TO PROVIDE THE TOTAL PACKAGE OF SERVICES AND SUPPORT WHICH THE PATIENTS’ CONTINUED RECOVERY REQUIRED.
MRS GOODSTADT SAID THE COMMUNITY HAD ASSIGNED A LOWER PRIORITY TO THE CARE OF THE MENTALLY ILL THAN IT HAD, FOR EXAMPLE, TO THE CARE OF THE DISABLED CHILDREN.
TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM, SHE SAID SOME FORM OF LONG-TERM SHELTERED ACCOMMODATION WHICH PROVIDED MEDICAL AND SOCIAL SUPERVISION AND SUPPORT, AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF MORE SUPPORT AND SELF-HELP GROUPS WHICH BROUGHT TOGETHER THE CARE, SUPPORT AND CONTRIBUTION OF RELATIVES, FRIENDS, NEIGHBOURS, FORMER PAT TENTS AND PROFESSIONALS WERE NECESSARY.
THE PERSONAL INVOLVEMENT IN HELPING THE PATIENTS THROUGH THE PARTICIPATION IN SUPPORT GROUPS COULD CONVINCE THE COMMUNITY THAT MOST FORMS OF MENTAL ILLNESS POSED NO THREAT TO SOCIETY.
"EVENTUALLY THE MENTALLY ILL PERSON WILL NOT BE STIGMATISED; HE WILL BE JUST ANOTHER MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY WITH A HEALTH PROBLEM," MRS GOODSTADT SAID.
SHE STRESSED THAT CARE IN THE COMMUNITY WAS THE MOST EFFECTIVE MEANS TO ACHIEVE COMMUNITY ACCEPTANCE IN THE LONG RUN AND IT WAS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT TO SOCIETY LIKE HONG KONG WHOSE POPULATION WAS AGING.
THIS IS BECAUSE RISING LIFE EXPECTANCY INEVITABLY BRINGS AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO WILL SUFFER FROM MENTAL ILLNESS AND MENTAL DISORDER.
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1993
THREE PETROLEUM WHARVES DESIGNATED *****
A WHARF AT LOK ON PAI AND TWO WHARVES ON TSING YI ISLAND HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THE LIST OF APPROVED PETROLEUM WHARVES FOR BERTHING TYPE III VESSEL AND TYPE II VESSEL CARRYING CATEGORY 5 DANGEROUS GOODS. ,
THE DESIGNATION WAS SET OUT IN THE DANGEROUS GOODS (SHIPPING) (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1993 GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
TYPE II VESSEL MEANS ANY VESSEL TRADING TO OR FROM HONG KONG AND CONVEYING IN BULK, DANGEROUS GOODS IN CATEGORY 5 - SUBSTANCES THAT GIVE OFF INFLAMMABLE VAPOUR.
TYPE III VESSEL MEANS ANY VESSEL TRADING EXCLUSIVELY WITHIN THE WATERS OF HONG KONG AND REQUIRED TO BE REGISTERED OR LICENSED UNDER MERCHANT SHIPPING ORDINANCE.
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ELECTRIC ROAD AND JAVA ROAD TO GET FACELIFT
*****
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE RECONSTRUCTION OF ELECTRIC ROAD AND JAVA ROAD IN NORTH POINT.
THE CARRIAGEWAY AND FOOTWAYS OF ELECTRIC ROAD AND PART OF JAVA ROAD WILL BE REBUILT AND STORMWATER DRAINS WILL BE UPGRADED.
WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START IN NOVEMBER AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 22 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE WORKS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED AND WILL BE SUPERVISED BY THE HIGHWAYS/HONG KONG REGION OF THE DEPARTMENT.
A NOTICE TO INVITE TENDERS HAS BEEN GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE REGIONAL HIGHWAY ENGINEER/HONG KONG REGION, HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT, EIGHTH FLOOR, HENNESSY CENTRE, 500 HENNESSY ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL 895 8409.
TENDERS MUST BE CLEARLY MARKED AND ADDRESSED TO THE CHAIRMAN, CENTRAL TENDER BOARD, 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 OCTOBER 8. LATE TENDERS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1993
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CATERING OWNERS ADVISED TO DISCARD ALCOHOL AS FUEL
*****
OWNERS OF THE CATERING TRADE ARE ADVISED TO DISCARD ALCOHOL AS A FUEL FOR WARMING FOOD TO ENSURE WORKERS’ SAFETY AT WORK.
REED COMPANY LIMITED, OWNER OF DELICIOUS HOT POT IN WHAMPOA GARDEN, WAS RECENTLY FINED A TOTAL OF $13,000 ON TWO SUMMONSES BY A SAN PO KONG MAGISTRATE FOR FAILING TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK AND FAILING TO PROVIDE INFORMATION, INSTRUCTION, TRAINING AND SUPERVISION.
LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S DEPUTY CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR, MR DOMINIC MAK, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT PROSECUTION WAS TAKEN AGAINST THE RESTAURANT OWNER AFTER A WORKER SUSTAINED SERIOUS BURNS ON HER BODY IN A FIRE WHILE SHE WAS REPLENISHING LIQUID ALCOHOL WHICH WAS USED AS A FUEL FOR WARMING BUFFET FOOD.
"UNDER THE GENERAL DUTIES PROVISIONS OF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE, OWNERS HAVE THE OBLIGATION TO ENSURE THE SAFETY AT WORK OF ALL PERSONS EMPLOYED BY PROVIDING AND MAINTAINING A SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK," HE SAID.
"EMPLOYERS SHOULD ALSO PROVIDE EMPLOYEES WITH INFORMATION ON THE POTENTIAL HAZARDS, INSTRUCTION, TRAINING AND SUPERVISION TO SAFEGUARD WORKERS FROM INJURIES."
MR MAK POINTED OUT THAT USING LIQUID ALCOHOL AS A FUEL IS A DANGEROUS PRACTICE, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE ALCOHOL IS HELD IN PORTABLE CONTAINERS.
"THIS IS BECAUSE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SPILLAGE AND SPLASH, AS WELL AS THE PROXIMITY TO SOURCES OF IGNITION SUCH AS LIGHTED CIGARETTES FROM CUSTOMERS," HE SAID.
"IN ORDER TO ENSURE WORKERS’ SAFETY AND HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE, OWNERS SHOULD DISCARD THE USE OF ALCOHOL AS A FUEL AND ADOPT A SAFER METHOD SUCH AS THE USE OF PROPERLY INSTALLED ELECTRIC HEATERS," HE ADDED.
EMPLOYERS BREACHING THE GENERAL DUTIES PROVISIONS OF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE ARE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $30,000.
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1993
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TENDERS INVITED FOR SERVICE RESERVOIR CONSTRUCTION
*****
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT ARE INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SALT WATER SERVICE RESERVOIR IN PUN CHUN YUEN, TAI PO.
THE WORKS, WHICH FORM PART OF THE PUBLIC WORKS FOR TAI PO WATER SUPPLY, ALSO INCLUDE THE LAYING OF ASSOCIATED WATERMAINS AND DRAINAGE PIPES.
THE CONSTRUCTION WORKS WILL START IN NOVEMBER AND TAKE ABOUT 15 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
UPON COMPLETION, THE SALT WATER SERVICE RESERVOIR WITH A CAPACITY OF 3,200 CUBIC METRES WILL SERVE KWONG FUK ESTATE, TAI PO TOWN CENTRE AND TAI WO ESTATE.
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.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS IS NOON ON OCTOBER 8.
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THREE PROJECTS AFFECTING SEABED PROPOSED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS PROPOSED PERMITTING THREE PROJECTS WHICH WILL AFFECT THE FORESHORE AND SEABED AREAS AT TSING LUNG TAU, SULPHUR CHANNEL AND PAK SHA O.
ONE OF THEM INVOLVES THE DREDGING OF ABOUT 1,670 SQUARE METRES OF SEABED AT TSING LUNG TAU, TSUEN WAN FOR LAYING EFFLUENT DISCHARGE AND SEAWATER INTAKE PIPES.
ANOTHER DREDGING PROJECT IS TO GET MARINE SAND FROM ABOUT 195 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED TO THE WEST OF SULPHUR CHANNEL FOR CONSTRUCTION AND RECLAMATION USES.
THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALSO PROPOSED SETTING UP AN ARTIFICIAL MARINE HABITAT WITH BLOCKS MADE OF COAL ASH AND CEMENT WITHIN ABOUT 400 SQUARE METRES OF SEABED AT PAK SHA O, SAI KUNG FOR STUDYING ITS ENHANCEMENT EFFECT ON FISHERIES RESOURCES, THE COLONISATION PROCESS AND THE LEACHING OF TRACE METALS.
THE WORKS OF THE THREE PROJECTS WILL ALL BE STARTED BY THE END OF THIS YEAR AND BE COMPLETED IN MID-1994, MID-1997 AND BY THE END OF 1996 RESPECTIVELY.
/THE EXTENT ........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1993
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THE EXTENT OF THE AREAS AFFECTED BY THE PROJECTS IS DESRCIBED IN NOTICES PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HE HAS AN INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEABED AREAS INVOLVED MAY SUBMIT A WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS BEFORE NOVEMBER 10 DESCRIBING HIS INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT AND THE MANNER IN WHICH HE WILL BE AFFECTED.
THE RELEVANT NOTICES AND PLANS CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITES.
THE PLANS CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG (WHERE COPIES CAN BE PURCHASED ON ORDER) AND THE RESPECTIVE DISTRICT OFFICES.
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HO MAN TIN TO GET SOCCER PITCHES
*****
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE DECK OF HO MAN TIN EAST SERVICE RESERVOIR.
WORKS INCLUDE CONSTRUCTING TWO RUGBY CUM SOCCER PITCHES OF 110 METRES BY 68 METRES AND ANCILLARY BUILDINGS.
TENDERS ARE ALSO INVITED FOR PROVIDING AN AUTOMATIC IRRIGATION SYSTEM FOR THE PITCHES.
WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN NOVEMBER FOR COMPLETION IN JULY 1994.
FORMS OF TENDERS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 34TH FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.
• TENDER OFFERS WILL CLOSE AT NOON ON OCTOBER 8.
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GREENLIGHT FOR MAINLAYING WORKS AT SHAM WAN * * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT HAS AUTHORISED AN ENGINEERING CONSULTANT FIRM TO CONSTRUCT A PIPELINE AT SHAM WAN/ABERDEEN CHANNEL FOR SUPPLYING FRESH WATER TO TWO FLOATING RESTAURANTS THERE.
THE TWO-MONTH WORKS WILL START SHORTLY.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREAS AFFECTED IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE OF AUTHORISATION GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
/ANY PERSON .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1993
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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 DELIVER A WRITTEN CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION TO THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS BEFORE SEPTEMBER 10 NEXT YEAR.
THE NOTICE TOGETHER WITH ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN OR BOUGHT AT THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
THEY CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT:
♦ THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, HONG KONG SOUTH, 20TH FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG;
♦ THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG AND
* THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE, SHOP 25, GROUND FLOOR, MEI FUNG COURT, ABERDEEN CENTRE, 7-11 NAM NING STREET, ABERDEEN, HONG KONG.
YOUNGSTERS URGED TO TAKE PART IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
*****
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR ALBERT C C LAM, EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT YOUNG PEOPLE WOULD SERVE SOCIETY BY ACTIVELY PARTICIPATING IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS.
SPEAKING AT THE GRADUATION CEREMONY OF THE LUNG KONG WORLD FEDERATION SCHOOL LAU TAK YUNG MEMORIAL PRIMARY SCHOOL TODAY (FRIDAY), MR LAM SAID YOUNGSTERS TAKING PART IN THE ACTIVITIES WOULD BUILD UP A CORRECT SET OF VALUES AND A SENSE OF CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY.
"YOUNGSTERS WITH THESE QUALITIES WILL BECOME PILLARS OF SOCIETY.
"THEY WILL HELP MAINTAIN A STABLE AND PROSPEROUS SOCIETY IN THE NINETIES," HE SAID.
MR LAM ALSO COMMENDED THE LUNG KONG WORLD FEDERATION SCHOOL FOR ITS CONTRIBUTION IN THE FIELD OF EDUCATION.
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/10........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1993
280 VMS RETURN TODAY *****
A GROUP OF 280 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (FRIDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE UNHCR’S VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME.
COMPRISING 90 MEN, 69 WOMEN, 68 BOYS AND 53 GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 163RD BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.
THIS GROUP BROUGHT TO 5,663 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAVE RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 31,975 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN MARCH 1989.
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CLOSURE OF UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES SOUGHT
*****
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE TWO UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES AT A BUILDING IN THE WESTERN DISTRICT SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT CAUSING DANGER TO OCCUPIERS AND THE PUBLIC.
THE UNAUTHORISED SINGLE-STOREY STRUCTURES ARE ERECTED ON THE ROOF OF 18 SECOND STREET FOR DWELLING PURPOSE.
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE ON OCTOBER 12 WAS POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE DEMOLITION WORK IS EXPECTED TO START AS SOON AS THE CLOSURE ORDER IS ISSUED.
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1993
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HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,000
REVERSAL OF LAF NIL
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 2,000
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY -100
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,900 t
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4 .00 OFFER TWI 112.0 *-0.1* 10.9.93
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.17 PCT 14 MONTHS 2411 4.625 101.43 3.40
1 MONTH 2.91 PCT 17 MONTHS 2502 4.75 101.65 3.58
3 MONTHS 2.88 PCT 20 MONTHS 2505 3.75 99.96 3.81
6 MONTHS 3.00 PCT 23 MONTHS 2508 4.625 101.34 3.93
12 MONTHS 3.29 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 18,356 MN
CLOSED SEPTEMBER 10, 1993
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I'e.eKed by PRQ on_jJjEpJ993
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1993
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HANDICAPPED HELP GREEN WONG TAI SIN .......................... 1
KEY-OPERATED ELECTRONIC PARKING METERS ON TRIAL .............. 1
ENTRANTS FOR CULTURAL COMPETITIONS PRAISED ................... 2
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .. 2
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1993
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FIRST MAJOR BUILDING IN AIRPORT PROGRAMME NEAR COMPLETION ... 3
REQUIREMENTS ON DIRECT ISSUE OF DRIVING LICENCES ............. 4
HK MAPPING BOOK WINS TOP UK AWARD ............................ 6
AIDS EXHIBITION BOARDS ON LOAN TO COMPANIES .................. 7
THOUSANDS TAKE PART IN FORESTRY WORK CAMPS ................... 8
NEW DISTRICT OFFICER FOR YUEN LONG ........................... 9
PRE-RETIREMENT SEMINARS FOR CIVIL SERVANTS ................... 9
FRESH WATER CUTS IN CENTRAL AND SHAM SHUI PO ................. 10
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1993
HANDICAPPED HELP GREEN WONG TAI SIN
* » * * *
A GROUP OF MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PEOPLE THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING JOINED HANDS WITH RESIDENTS AND OTHER VOLUNTEERS TO PLANT TREES IN WONG TAI SIN.
MEMBERS FROM A SHELTERED WORKSHOP IN CHUK YUEN ESTATE HELPED PLANT OVER 20 "SUNSHINE TREES" ON THE SLOPE AT THE JUNCTION OF CHUI CHUK STREET AND WING CHUK STREET.
CO-ORDINATED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND WITH THE SUPPORT OF LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, THE EVENT WAS AIMED AT ENHANCING THE PARTICIPATION OF THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED IN COMMUNITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES AND INTEGRATION INTO SOCIETY.
TODAY’S ACTIVITY WAS ONE OF THE MANY COMMUNITY TREE-PLANTING ACTIVITIES LAUNCHED UNDER THE BOARD’S GREEN PLANT PROJECT TO PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION.
MORE THAN 10,000 TREES HAVE ALREADY BEEN PLANTED IN THE DISTRICT DURING THE PAST TWO YEARS.
------0-------
KEY-OPERATED ELECTRONIC PARKING METERS ON TRIAL
*****
KEY-OPERATED ELECTRONIC PARKING METERS WILL BE TESTED AT LO TAK COURT IN TSUEN WAN AS PART OF A GOVERNMENT EXPERIMENT TO ASSESS THE APPLICABILITY OF NEW ON-STREET PARKING DEVICES IN HONG KONG.
STARTING FROM MONDAY (SEPTEMBER 13), 50 COIN-OPERATED METERS AT LO TAK COURT WILL BE CONVERTED TO KEY-OPERATED ELECTRONIC PARKING METERS FOR A THREE-MONTH TRIAL, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
STORED-VALUE PARK KEYS VALUED AT EITHER $200 OR $50 EACH CAN BE PURCHASED FROM THE 7-ELEVEN STORE AT LO TAK COURT, HE SAID.
AN ADDITIONAL $50 IS CHARGED AS DEPOSIT FOR A KEY, HE ADDED.
WHEN THE KEY IS INSERTED, $2 WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE DEBITED FROM IT AND THE DISPLAY WILL SHOW THE REMAINING VALUE OF THE KEY. THE METER THEN SHOWS THE LENGTH OF TIME FOR WHICH PARKING IS ALLOWED.
EACH KEY INSERTION BUYS 30 MINUTES PARKING TIME, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
INSTRUCTIONS ON THEIR USE ARE DISPLAYED ON THE METERS IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE.
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/2 . ......
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1993
- 2 -
ENTRANTS FOR CULTURAL COMPETITIONS PRAISED
*****
PARTICIPANTS IN THE HONG KONG YOUTH CULTURAL AND ARTS COMPETITIONS WERE PRAISED TODAY (SATURDAY) FOR MAKING GOOD USE OF THEIR TIME TO DEVELOP THEIR POTENTIAL AND INTERESTS.
SPEAKING AT A PRIZE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE COMPETITION, THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MISS CHRISTINE CHOW, SAID THE EXPERIENCE WOULD HELP THEIR CAREER DEVELOPMENTS.
SHE SAID ORGANISERS HAD BEEN INTRODUCING NEW CONTEST AREAS WHICH WERE IN LINE WITH THE PRESENT NEEDS OF SOCIETY.
SHE NOTED THAT APART FROM THE TRADITIONAL SUBJECTS OF CALLIGRAPHY, PAINTING, CHESS AND WRITING, YOUNGSTERS WERE ABLE TO TEST THEIR SKILLS IN TRANSLATION AND SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION.
’’THIS HAS APPEALED TO THE NEED OF BILINGUALISM OF THE HONG KONG SOCIETY,” SHE SAID.
THE COMPETITIONS HAVE BEEN HELD FOR THE PAST 18 YEARS. THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS REACHED A RECORD THIS YEAR WITH MORE THAN 9,000 PEOPLE.
---------0----------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ★ ★ * ★ *
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
$ MILLION
1,900
+ 50
1,950
NIL
-940
1,010
TWI 112.0 *+0.0* 11.9.93
---------0 - -
/3.........
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1993
- 3 -
FIRST MAJOR BUILDING IN AIRPORT PROGRAMME NEAR COMPLETION
*****
THE FIRST MAJOR BUILDING ON THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION AND IN THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME WILL BE COMPLETED THIS MONTH, ON TIME AND WITHIN BUDGET, FOLLOWING A TIGHT CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME.
THE HUGE CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE MARKET OCCUPIES A SITE OF SOME 10 HECTARES. THE COMPLEX IS OVER 400 METRES LONG AND HAS A FLOOR AREA OF 70,000 SQUARE METRES.
"IT IS PROBABLY THE FASTEST BUILDING PROJECT EVER COMPLETED IN HONG KONG," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
"THIS AND THE SHEER SIZE OF THE BUILDING THREW UP VARIOUS CHALLENGES AND INVOLVED THE USE OF METERIALS IN VOLUMES RARELY SEEN."
WITH JUST 17 MONTHS TO COMPLETE THE PROJECT, THE CONTRACTOR EMPLOYED A DAILY AVERAGE OF 900 MEN ON SITE.
MORE THAN 1,600 PILES, DOWN TO A DEPTH OF 40 METRES, WERE NEEDED FOR THE COMPLEX.
TO PRODUCE THE LARGE VOLUME OF CONCRETE REQUIRED, BATCHING PLANTS WERE SET UP ON SITE. SOME 100,000 CUBIC METRES OF CONCRETE WERE USED, REPRESENTING 17,000 LORRYLOADS.
THE MARKET IS DESIGNED TO OPERATE ROUND-THE-CLOCK, EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR.
"SPECIAL CONSIDERATION HAD TO BE GIVEN TO THE DESIGN TO ENSURE HIGH STANDARDS OF HYGIENE AND THIS INCLUDED THE PROVISION OF A COMPLETELY INDEPENDENT DRAINAGE SYSTEM, INCORPORATING ALL THE LATEST STRINGENT ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS IN THE TREATMENT OF LIQUID AND SOLID WASTE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE BUILDING HAS ALSO BEEN DESIGNED TO MINIMISE THE MAINTENANCE REQUIRED IN VIEW OF THE HEAVY USAGE OF THE MARKET. MAXIMUM USE HAS BEEN MADE OF NATURAL LIGHTING AND VENTILATION, THEREBY FURTHER REDUCING RUNNING COSTS.
THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW MARKET COMPLEX WAS PART OF AN URBAN RENEWAL PROGRAMME TO HOUSE UNDER ONE ROOF WHOLESALE FACILITIES FOR A WIDE RANGE OF PRODUCE. THIS CONSISTS OF A FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION AUCTION FLOOR AND A TOTAL OF 321 STALLS FOR FRESH WATER AND MARINE FISH, VEGETABLE AND EGGS.
THE MARKET WILL BE ABLE TO HANDLE MORE THAN 1,000 TONNES OF FRESH PRODUCE A DAY. THIS INCLUDES 100,000 FISH AND 3.7 MILLION EGGS.
"THAT IS EQUIVAI,ENT TO ONE EGG FOR EVERY PERSON IN KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES," THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT, "OR ENOUGH TO BAKE A CAKE FIVE TIMES THE SIZE OF THE SUPREME COURT BUILDING IN QUEENSWAY EVERY DAY."
/THE THROUGHPUT ......
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1993
- 4 -
THE THROUGHPUT OF THE MARKET WILL BE THE HIGHEST IN THE WORLD IN TERMS OF VOLUME RELATIVE TO THE SIZE OF THE SITE.
THE MARKET WILL BE SERVED BY FIVE PIERS, EACH INSTALLED WITH PURPOSE-DESIGNED MECHANISED EQUIPMENT FOR LOADING AND UNLOADING PRODUCE.
IT HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO ALLOW EASY ACCESS BY LAND TRANSPORT AND HAS A PARKING AREA WHICH CAN ACCOMMODATE UP TO 700 LORRIES.
THE CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE MARKET, WHICH IS ONLY PHASE I OF THE EVENTUAL COMPLEX, WAS AWARDED TO YAU LEE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LIMITED IN APRIL 1992 AT A PRICE OF $504 MILLION.
PHASE II IS BEING PLANNED. WHEN FULLY DEVELOPED, THE MARKET WILL FORM AN INTEGRATED WHOLESALE FACILITY SERVING A POPULATION OF OVER FOUR MILLION IN KOWLOON, THE NEW TERRITORIES AND PART OF HONG KONG ISLAND UP TO THE YEAR 2011.
------0--------
REQUIREMENTS ON DIRECT ISSUE OF DRIVING LICENCES * * * * *
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS TO SAFEGUARD THE DIRECT ISSUE OF HONG KONG FULL DRIVING LICENCES TO HONG KONG RESIDENTS WITHOUT TEST, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) CLARIFIED THE REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURE TO BE FOLLOWED.
ACCORDING TO THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE, A HONG KONG RESIDENT MAY APPLY FOR THE DIRECT ISSUE OF A FULL HONG KONG DRIVING LICENCE IF HE IS IN POSSESSION OF A FOREIGN DRIVING LICENCE ISSUED BY A COMPETENT AUTHORITY SPECIFIED IN THE FOURTH SCHEDULE TO THE ROAD TRAFFIC (DRIVING LICENCE) REGULATIONS.
THERE ARE A TOTAL OF 36 SUCH COUNTRIES/PLACES, INCLUDING THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA.
"IN APPLYING FOR A FULL LICENCE THROUGH DIRECT ISSUE, ALL APPLICANTS ARE REQUIRED TO FILL IN AN APPLICATION FORM AND PRODUCE THEIR FOREIGN DRIVING LICENCE FOR INSPECTION,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE FORM, TD63A, IS OBTAINABLE FREE-OF-CHARGE AT ALL TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT LICENSING OFFICES, DISTRICT OFFICES AND POST OFFICES.
"IN ADDITION, APPLICANTS HAVE TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE SHOWING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT THE FOREIGN LICENCE WAS ORIGINALLY ISSUED TO THEM ON A DATE DURING A PERIOD OF CONTINUOUS RESIDENCE OF NOT LESS THAN SIX MONTHS IN THE COUNTRY OF ISSUE," HE SAID.
"SO LONG, IN RESPECT OF LICENCES ISSUED IN CHINA, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAS ACCEPTED THE ENTRY AND DEPARTURE DATES SHOWN ON A PRC RE-ENTRY PERMIT OR PASSPORT AS PROOF OF CONTINUOUS RESIDENCE.
/"HOWEVER, IN ........
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1993
- 5 -
"HOWEVER, IN VIEW OF THE RECENT DISCOVERY ABOUT FORGED PRC DRIVING LICENCES AND PRC RE-ENTRY PERMITS BEING USED IN LICENCE APPLICATIONS, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAS INTRODUCED NEW MEASURES IN PROCESSING APPLICATIONS."
APPLICANTS SUPPORTED BY CHINESE DRIVING LICENCES ARE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE AN ORIGINAL COPY OF THE STATEMENT OF TRAVEL RECORDS, OBTAINABLE FROM THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT AT $110 EACH, TO PROVE THEIR PERIOD OF CONTINUOUS RESIDENCE IN CHINA.
"IN ADDITION, THE AUTHENTICITY OF DRIVING LICENCES WILL BE CAREFULLY SCRUTINISED. THIS INCLUDES REFERRING THE LICENCES TO THE ORIGINAL PLACES OF ISSUE, WHERE NECESSARY. IN SUCH CASES, THE PROCESSING PERIODS OF APPLICATIONS MIGHT BE LENGTHENED," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
LAST YEAR, ABOUT 1,840 HONG KONG FULL DRIVING LICENCES HAVE BEEN ISSUED TO APPLICANTS ON THE STRENGTH OF PRC DRIVING LICENCES.
THE LICENSEES INCLUDE NEW IMMIGRANTS WHO CAME TO SETTLE IN HONG KONG, AND CHINESE DRIVERS ENGAGED IN CROSS-BORDER TRANSPORT SERVICES.
CONCERNING THE OPERATION MOUNTED BY THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION (ICAC) ON AUGUST 25 IN RESPECT OF APPLICANTS WHO ATTEMPTED TO OBTAIN A HONG KONG LICENCE BY UTTERING FORGED CHINESE DRIVING LICENCES AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION, THE SPOKESMAN CONFIRMED THAT ALTHOUGH ICAC ENQUIRIES WERE STILL CONTINUING, THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE THAT STAFF OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN INVOLVED.
AND ABSOLUTELY NO STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN REQUESTED TO ASSIST THE ICAC IN THE INVESTIGATIONS, HE SAID.
"TN FACT, IT WAS THE VIGILANT TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT STAFF WHO ALERTED THE AUTHORITIES OF THE PROBLEM THAT LED TO THE CRACKDOWN OF SYNDICATES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"ALL SIMILAR APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AND APPROVED IN THE PAST TWO YEARS ARE BEING RE-EXAMINED, AND SUSPICIOUS CASES WILL BE INVESTIGATED. ALL LICENCES OBTAINED BY FRAUDULENT MEANS WILL, SUBJECT TO THE APPEALS PROCEDURE REQUIRED BY LAW, BE WITHDRAWN AND CANCELLED," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
SO FAR, 192 DRIVING LICENCES HAVE BEEN CANCELLED AND THE LICENSEES HAD BEEN INFORMED IN WRITING.
ACCORDING TO THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE, CONVICTED OFFENDERS WHO USE FORGED DOCUMENTS WITH INTENT TO DECEIVE ARE LIABLE TO A FINE OF $10,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR THREE MONTHS.
/6.........
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1993
- 6 -
HK MAPPING BOOK WINS TOP UK AWARD * * * * *
THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE VOLUME OF HONG KONG MAPS EVER PUBLISHED, TRACING THE CHANGING FACE OF THE TERRITORY FROM ITS EARLIEST DAYS, HAS WON THE PRESTIGIOUS BRITISH CARTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY’S DESIGN AWARD 1993.
THE BOOK, MAPPING HONG KONG — A HISTORICAL ATLAS, WAS A COMBINED EFFORT BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES, WHO EDITED, DESIGNED AND PUBLISHED THE WORK, AND AUTHOR, MR HAL EMPSON, A FORMER SENIOR CARTOGRAPHER WITH THE GOVERNMENT.
IT WAS DESIGNED BY MISS LORRAINE CHOI HON-YU OF THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES.
THE AWARD WAS RECEIVED BY THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICE IN LONDON, MR DAVID TSUI, DURING THE BRITISH CARTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY’S SYMPOSIUM DINNER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SWANSEA LAST NIGHT (SATURDAY).
IT IS GIVEN FOR THE MOST OUTSTANDING MAP, OR APPROVED CARTOGRAPHIC WORK, PRODUCED IN A SPECIFIED YEAR, WHICH DISPLAYS THE HIGHEST QUALITY OF DESIGN IN RELATION TO THE PURPOSE FOR WHICH IT IS INTENDED.
SINCE ITS PUBLICATION EARLIER THIS YEAR, MAPPING HONG KONG --A HISTORICAL ATLAS HAS RECEIVED LAVISH PRAISE FROM BOOK REVIEWERS IN HONG KONG AND IN BRITAIN.
IT HAS BEEN DESCRIBED AS "STUNNING", "A CAPTIVATING PICTORIAL STUDY OF GEOGRAPHICAL AND CULTURAL HISTORY", AND "A MUST FOR HISTORIANS, GEOGRAPHERS, CARTOGRAPHERS, ACADEMICS AND ANYONE INTERESTED IN HONG KONG’S HISTORY AND GROWTH".
COMMENTING ON THE AWARD FROM HIS HOME IN FISHBOURNE, WEST SUSSEX, MR EMPSON SAID THE BRITISH CARTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY MUST HAVE BECOME ACCUSTOMED TO CARTOGRAPHERS FROM HONG KONG’S SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE GAINING AWARDS, WHICH STARTED DURING HIS TENURE, BUT HE HAD "NOT EXPECTED TO BE EVEN MORE INTIMATELY INVOLVED IN GAINING ANOTHER ONE FOR HONG KONG."
"HAVING PLAYED A MAJOR ROLE IN THIS PRODUCT, I TOO AM VERY PROUD OF THE RECOGNITION RECEIVED," HE SAID.
"AFTER WORKING IN HONG KONG MAPPING FOR 22 YEARS, I HAD LITTLE TROUBLE WITH THE HISTORY FROM THE BRITISH POINT OF VIEW, BUT ONCE I DELVED INTO THE OLDER CHINESE AND PORTUGUESE PERSPECTIVES -- AND WAS POINTED IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION BY DR ELIZABETH SINN OF THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY -- I SOON REALISED THAT I HAD LITTLE IDEA OF THE IMMENSITY OF THE TASK."
A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THE PROJECT HAD BEEN IN SELECTING WHICH MAPS TO LEAVE OUT, AS ENOUGH FASCINATING MATERIAL IS IN EXISTENCE FOR THE PUBLICATION OF SEVERAL ATLASES.
/"THE PRE-1840 .......
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1993
7
’’THE PRE-1840 MATERIAL WAS SO MUCH MORE EXTENSIVE AND VARIED THAN HAD BEEN EXPECTED THAT IT BECAME RATHER A LABOUR OF LOVE TO TRACE AND COLLATE THE MANY VERSIONS,” HE SAID.
THIS ENTAILED MANY SESSIONS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND THE BRITISH LIBRARY IN LONDON, EXTENDING OVER FOUR YEARS.
YET, MR EMPSON BELIEVES HE HAS ONLY SCRATCHED THE SURFACE OF THE TOPIC WITH THE 250-PAGE VOLUME, FEATURING NEARLY 170 FULL-PAGE, FULL-COLOUR ILLUSTRATIONS OF RARE AND UNUSUAL MAPS AND CHARTS.
"I WOULD LOVE TO BE ABLE TO RESEARCH FURTHER,” HE SAID. ’’PERHAPS, IN COLLABORATION WITH A CHINESE CARTOGRAPHER, AS THE ABILITY TO READ CHARACTERS IS ESSENTIAL FOR FURTHER QUICK STUDY.”
MAPPING HONG KONG, AT $498, IS AVAILABLE FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING; GIS PUBLICATIONS SALES SECTION, FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, CENTRAL; THE KOWLOON MAP SALES OFFICE, 382 NATHAN ROAD, MONG KOK, AND DISTRICT OFFICES.
--------0------------
AIDS EXHIBITION BOARDS ON LOAN TO COMPANIES
*****
COMPANY EXECUTIVES MAY BORROW A SET OF COMPREHENSIVE EXHIBITION BOARDS FREE OF CHARGE TO PROMOTE AIDS EDUCATION AT WORKPLACES.
PRODUCED BY THE AIDS COUNSELLING AND HEALTH EDUCATION SERVICE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, THE EXHIBITION PANELS CONTAIN UPDATED INFORMATION ON AIDS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) SAID THE EXHIBITION WAS DESIGNED TO CLEAR MISCONCEPTIONS ON AIDS AND FOSTER A SYMPATHETIC AND CARING ATTITUDE FOR INFECTED PERSONS.
THE SPOKESMAN MAINTAINED THAT ABOUT 80 PER CENT OF THE REPORTED HIV-INFECTED POPULATION WERE PEOPLE AGED BETWEEN 25 AND 55 WHO WERE AT WORK.
HE CALLED ON COMPANY EXECUTIVES, PARTICULARLY THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR PERSONNEL, MANAGEMENT, WELFARE AND TRAINING, TO FULLY UTILISE THE SET OF PANELS TO ORGANISE ACTIVITIES FOR THEIR STAFF.
ANY COMPANY OR ORGANISATION INTERESTED TO BORROW THE 17-PIECE EXHIBITION SET, WITH EACH PIECE MEASURING 51 CENTIMETRES BY 76 CENTIMETRES, CAN CONTACT THE SERVICE ON 710 2924.
- - 0----------
/8........
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1993
8
THOUSANDS TAKE PART IN FORESTRY WORK CAMPS
*****
A TOTAL OF 2,370 YOUNG PEOPLE TOOK PART IN THIS SUMMER’S FORESTRY WORK CAMPS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT (AFD) AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
REVIEWING THE ANNUAL OUTDOOR PROGRAMME TODAY (SUNDAY), AN AFD SPOKESMAN SAID IT HAD BEEN SUCCESSFUL WITH 136 WORK CAMPS (99 THREE-DAY AND 37 FIVE-DAY CAMPS) ORGANISED BETWEEN JULY 5 AND AUGUST 20.
LAST YEAR, THERE WERE ONLY 1,978 YOUNGSTERS JOINING 103 WORK CAMPS.
’’THIS SHOWS THAT MORE AND MORE OF OUR YOUNGER GENERATION HAVE BEGUN TO TAKE THE INITIATIVE IN HELPING TO CONSERVE AND MANAGE OUR COUNTRYSIDE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE COMMUNITY," HE SAID.
IN THE CAMPS, PARTICIPANTS PERFORMED DAILY FORESTRY WORK INCLUDING SITE CLEANSING AND MAINTENANCE, TREE PLANTING AND TENDING AS WELL AS PATH MENDING.
THEY ALSO TOOK AN ACTIVE PART IN ORGANISING EDUCATIONAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES APART FROM PROPERLY USING FACILITIES IN COUNTRY PARKS.
THIS YEAR SOME 76 CAMPS FOR VARIOUS GROUPS WERE ARRANGED BY AFD, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE WHILE THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ORGANISED 60 CAMPS FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
CAMPING FACILITIES IN 17 COUNTRY PARK MANAGEMENT CENTRES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, ON LANTAU AND HONG KONG ISLAND WERE WIDELY USED BY THE CAMPERS.
THE SPOKESMAN THANKED RELEVANT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND VARIOUS VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN CO-ORGANIS ING THE SUMMER ACTIVITIES.
SPECIAL TRIBUTE MUST BE PAID TO THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB FOR GENEROUSLY DONATING DAILY ALLOWANCES TO CAMPERS, HE ADDED.
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/9.........
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1993
- 9 -
NEW DISTRICT OFFICER FOR YUEN LONG *****
MR ROBERT CHAN MING-KU1 WILL TAKE UP THE POST OF THE DISTRICT OFFICER OF YUEN LONG TOMORROW (MONDAY).
MR CHAN, AGED 47, JOINED THE GOVERNMENT IN 1972 AND BECAME A SENIOR ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER IN 1988.
HE HAS SERVED IN THE EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH AND THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH.
HIS PREVIOUS POST WAS ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER OF TAI PO.
---------0-----------
PRE-RETIREMENT SEMINARS FOR CIVIL SERVANTS
*****
THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH WILL CONDUCT A SERIES OF SEMINARS FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY) TO PREPARE RETIRING CIVIL SERVANTS TO ADAPT TO LIFE AFTER RETIREMENT.
THE SEMINARS, TWO IN CANTONESE AND ONE IN ENGLISH, ARE DESIGNED TO CATER FOR THE NEEDS OF DIFFERENT GROUPS OF OFFICERS.
EACH LASTING TWO DAYS, THE SEMINAR SERIES IS THE FOURTH OF ITS KIND ORGANISED BY THE BRANCH.
PARTICIPANTS WILL BE GIVEN INFORMATION AND ADVICE ON THE PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF RETIREMENT, HEALTH (’ARE AND NUTRITION, HOUSING, FINANCE, VOLUNTARY SERVICE, SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES AND OPEN LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES.
THE SEMINARS WILL ALSO HELP OFFICERS OVERCOME VARIOUS PROBLEMS AND DEVELOP A POSITIVE AND HEALTHY ATTITUDE TOWARDS RETIREMENT.
A TOTAL OF 1,070 RETIRING OFFICERS WILL BE TAKING PART IN THE SEMINARS.
FOR THE FIRST TIME, STAFF FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG HAVE GIVEN ADVICE AND SUPPORT IN RUNNING THE PROGRAMME.
THE ENGLISH SEMINAR WILL BE HELD IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT CONFERENCE HALL WHILE THE CHINESE SEMINARS WILL BE CONDUCTED IN SAI WAN HO CIVIC CENTRE.
- - 0 - -
/10........
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1993
- 10 -
FRESH WATER CUTS IN CENTRAL AND SHAM SHU1 PO * * * * *
OWING TO WASTE DETECTION WORK ON WATER MAINS, FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN CENTRAL AND SHAM SHUI PO WILL BE AFFECTED NEXT WEEK.
IN CENTRAL, WATER SUPPLY WILL GO OFF FROM 11 PM ON TUESDAY (SEPTEMBER 14) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY. IN SHAM SHUI PO, THE WATER CUT WILL LAST FROM 11 PM ON WEDNESDAY TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT RUMSEY STREET MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK AND ALL THE PREMISES AT PIER ROAD, MAN YEE LANE, ODD NUMBERS OF 67-85 QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, 19-181 AND 54-78 DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, 13-90 CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, 3 DOUGLAS STREET, 2A-4 AND 11-31A POTTINGER STREET, 2-16 QUEEN VICTORIA STREET, 17-19 JUBILEE STREET AND 48-52 GILMAN STREET.
IN SHAM SHUI PO, THE AFFECTED AREAS INCLUDE ALL THE PREMISES BOUNDED BY PO ON ROAD, CHEUNG FAT STREET, CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND CHEUNG WAH STREET.
------0----------
Received by PRO on2_n SFP 1993
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1993
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FS PLEDGES TO KEEP TAX SYSTEM SIMPLE ............................ 1
NEWSPAPER SALE A COMMERCIAL DECISION ............................ 2
RETAILERS URGED TO CO-OPERATE IN MILK PRODUCT RECALL ............ 2
FLIGHT OCCURRENCE REPORT FILED WITH CAD ......................... 3
ANOTHER WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION DRAINAGE CONTRACT AWARDED .. 4
RESIDENTS WILL BE CONSULTED ON WELFARE PROJECTS ................. 5
JUDICIARY LOOKING FOR TOP ADMINISTRATOR ......................... 5
HK’S EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS FOR JULY ......................... 7
DEADLINE FOR VIEWS ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES ............... 15
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ........................................... 15
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ..
16
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1993
FS PLEDGES TO KEEP TAX SYSTEM SIMPLE * » » * »
THE TAXATION SYSTEM PLAYS AN IMPORTANT PART IN ENSURING HONG KONG’S CONTINUED ECONOMIC SUCCESS AND ITS ABILITY TO FUND IMPROVEMENTS TO SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL LUNCHEON OF THE INLAND REVENUE BOARD OF REVIEW, HE NOTED THAT HONG KONG’S TAXATION SYSTEM WAS SIMPLE AND THE EFFECTIVE TAX RATES WERE AMONG THE LOWEST IN THE WORLD.
IN THIS YEAR’S BUDGET, HE SAID, HE TRIED TO SIMPLIFY THE TAXATION SYSTEM FURTHER BY ABOLISHING THE ENTERTAINMENT TAX AND THE DUTY ON COSMETICS.
HE ALSO ANNOUNCED THE INTRODUCTION OF A SYSTEM OF COMPOSITE TAX RETURNS.
ITS PURPOSE WAS TO MAKE LIFE EASIER FOR THE TAXPAYER AND TO ENABLE THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE TO REDEPLOY MORE RESOURCES TO COMBATING TAX AVOIDANCE AND EVASION, HE EXPLAINED.
HE POINTED OUT THAT IMPORTANT PROGRESS HAD BEEN MADE LAST YEAR IN THE CONTINUOUS BATTLE AGAINST TAX AVOIDANCE.
FIRST WAS THROUGH AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION 21A OF THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE.
WITH THIS AMENDMENT, COMPANIES WOULD NO LONGER BE ABLE TO REDUCE ARTIFICIALLY THEIR PROFITS TAX LIABILITIES BY MAKING CERTAIN PAYMENTS, SUCH AS ROYALTIES FOR THE USE OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, TO OVERSEAS ASSOCIATES, HE SAID.
’’SECOND, PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE ISSUE OF STOP ORDERS HAVE BEEN CHANGED SO THAT THEY ARE NOW FULLY CONSISTENT WITH THE BILL OF RIGHTS.
’’STOP ORDERS WILL BE ISSUED BY A DISTRICT COURT JUDGE AND AGGRIEVED PARTIES WILL HAVE THE RIGHT OF APPEAL TO THE HIGH COURT,” HE NOTED.
THE THIRD NEW INITIATIVE WAS THE ISSUE BY THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE OF A COMPREHENSIVE PRACTICE NOTE ON THE LOCALITY OF PROFITS.
MR MACLEOD BELIEVED THE ISSUE OF THE PRACTICE NOTE WOULD HELP TO RESOLVE DISPUTES OVER THE COMPLEX ISSUES INVOLVED.
HE THANKED MEMBERS OF THE REVIEW BOARD FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO SOLVING SOME VERY DIFFICULT AND CONTENTIOUS TAXATION ISSUES.
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/2........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1993
- 2
NEWSPAPER SALE A COMMERCIAL DECISION *****
IN RESPONSE TO MEDIA ENQUIRIES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH TODAY (MONDAY) SAID THE AGREEMENT BY NEWS CORPORATION TO SELL AN INTEREST OF 34.9 PER CENT IN THE SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST (HOLDINGS) LIMITED TO KERRY MEDIA LIMITED WAS ’’PURELY A COMMERCIAL DECISION”.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED: ’’THERE ARE NO REGULATORY IMPLICATIONS."
"THERE IS NO LAW AT PRESENT GOVERNING CROSS-MEDIA OWNERSHIP BETWEEN NEWSPAPERS AND TELEVISION LICENSEES," HE SAID.
---------0-----------
RETAILERS URGED TO CO-OPERATE IN MILK PRODUCT RECALL
*****
THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH HAS CONFIRMED TODAY (MONDAY) WITH THE SOLE AGENT OF FRISOLAC H AND FRISOMEL IN HONG KONG REGARDING THE RECALL OF THEIR PRODUCTS BECAUSE OF THE RISK OF CONTAMINATION BY ALUMINIUM PARTICLES.
THE PRODUCTS WITH THE FOLLOWING SERIAL MARKINGS ARE BEING RECALLED:
DOP MKA A - FRISOLAC H (450 GRAMS)
DOT MKA A - FRISOMEL (450 GRAMS)
DO7 MKA A - FRISOMEL (1,000 GRAMS)
DCM MKA A - FRISOMEL (1,000 GRAMS)
DCM FWA W - FRISOMEL (125 GRAMS)
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT URGED RETAILERS TO CO-OPERATE IN THE RECALL EXERCISE AND RETURN THE AFFECTED PRODUCTS TO THE SOLE AGENT FOR DISPOSAL.
FOOD INSPECTORS OF THE DEPARTMENT VISITED SOME RETAIL OUTLETS IN THE TERRITORY THIS MORNING AND HAD TAKEN SAMPLES OF THE MILK PRODUCTS FOR TESTING.
THE SPOKESMAN ADVISED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC NOT TO CONSUME THE PRODUCTS UNDER RECALL.
PARENTS SHOULD, HOWEVER, CONSULT DOCTORS IF THEIR BABIES HAVE ANY INTESTINAL DISCOMFORT RESULTING FROM THE CONSUMPTION OF SUCH PRODUCTS.
THE SPOKESMAN CONFIRMED THAT ALUMINIUM PARTICLES CONSUMED SHOULD NOT HAVE ANY LONG-TERM HARMFUL EFFECT AS THE PARTICLES WILL BE EXCRETED OUT OF THE BODY.
/3 ........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1993
3 -
FLIGHT OCCURRENCE REPORT FILED WITH CAD *****
IN RESPONSE TO MEDIA ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE RETURNING OF FLIGHT KA330 FROM BEIJING TO HONG KONG ON SATURDAY (SEPTEMBER 11) NIGHT, THE DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION, MR PETER LOK, SAID:
"A MANDATORY OCCURRENCE REPORT HAD BEEN FILED WITH THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE AIR NAVIGATION (OVERSEAS TERRITORIES) ORDER.”
FURTHER INVESTIGATION WILL BE UNDERTAKEN PURSUANT TO THE CIRCUMSTANCES LISTED IN THE ORDER (SCHEDULE 15) WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN INVOLVED DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, HE SAID.
WHILE PROCEEDING TO A HOLDING AREA NEAR BEIJING TO AWAIT WEATHER IMPROVEMENT, THE FLIGHT PASSED BETWEEN THUNDERSTORM CELLS, SEVERE TURBULENCE AND HEAVY RAIN. HAIL WAS ENCOUNTERED FOR ABOUT 15 TO 20 SECONDS.
MR LOK SAID THE DAMAGE TO THE AIRCRAFT, WHICH APPEARED TO HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY HAIL, WERE CONFINED TO THE NOSE RADOME AND THE WINDSHIELD OUTER LAMINATES.
’’BECAUSE OF THE RESTRICTED FORWARD VISIBILITY OUT OF THE FLIGHT DECK, THE PILOT DECIDED TO RETURN TO HONG KONG," HE SAID.
THERE WAS SOME PITTING OF THE AIRFRAME, BUT THERE WAS NO DAMAGE AFFECTING THE STRUCTURAL STRENGTH OR PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE AIRCRAFT WHICH WOULD HAVE WARRANTED INVESTIGATION AS AN ACCIDENT, HE SAID.
THE RADOME DAMAGE WAS SUPERFICIAL AND IT REMAINED STRUCTURALLY INTACT.
"ALTHOUGH THE DAMAGE LOOKED ALARMING, AND WERE PORTRAYED AS SUCH IN SOME MEDIA REPORTS, THE DAMAGE TO THE WINDSCREEN AFFECTED ONLY THE OUTER LAMINATES WHICH PROVIDED RESISTANCE TO ABRASION BUT CARRIED NO STRUCTURAL LOAD.
"THE INNER LAMINATES WHICH CARRIED THE STRUCTURAL LOAD REMAINED INTACT," MR LOK SAID.
--------0------------
/4.........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1993
- 4 -
ANOTHER WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION DRAINAGE CONTRACT AWARDED
*****
THE CENTRAL TENDER BOARD HAS APPROVED THE AWARD OF ANOTHER AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME CONTRACT, WORTH $139 MILLION, TO IMPROVE THE DRAINAGE SYSTEM IN WEST KOWLOON.
THE CONTRACT, ENTITLED WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION HINTERLAND DRAINAGE PACKAGE 2 (SOUTHERN PORTION), HAS BEEN AWARDED TO WING FAI CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LIMITED OF HONG KONG.
"TOGETHER WITH THE NORTHERN PORTION CONTRACT WHICH WAS AWARDED JUST TWO WEEKS AGO, THE WORKS WILL BRING ABOUT AN IMPROVEMENT IN THE WATER QUALITY IN THE HARBOUR OFF WEST KOWLOON," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS CO-ORDINATION OFFICE SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
THE WORKS WILL INCLUDE THE RECONSTRUCTION AND IMPROVEMENT OF THE EXISTING DRAINAGE SYSTEM IN THE HINTERLAND OF WEST KOWLOON INCLUDING TAI KOK TSUI AND THE AREA BETWEEN ARGYLE STREET AND JORDAN ROAD.
THIS WILL PREVENT FLOODING ARISING FROM THE EXTENSION OF DRAINAGE FROM WEST KOWLOON ACROSS THE NEWLY RECLAIMED LAND.
THE IMPROVEMENT IN THE WATER QUALITY IN THE HARBOUR WILL BE ACHIEVED BY THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW SEWERS AND DRY WEATHER FLOW INTERCEPTORS WHICH WILL INTERCEPT POLLUTED STORM WATER IN THE EXISTING DRAINAGE SYSTEM.
CONSTRUCTION WORK WILL START LATER THIS MONTH AND WILL BE COMPLETED IN EARLY 1996.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID TEMPORARY TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES WOULD BE INTRODUCED IN MONG KOK AND YAU MA TEI TO FACILITATE WORK.
"THESE MEASURES HAVE BEEN CAREFULLY DESIGNED AND WILL BE MONITORED TO ENSURE MINIMAL IMPACT ON TRAFFIC," HE SAID.
THE AWARD OF THIS CONTRACT BRINGS THE TOTAL NUMBER OF AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME (ACP) CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS AWARDED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO 27, WITH A TOTAL VALUE OF NEARLY $29 BILLION.
TOGETHER WITH THE FOUR CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS, VALUED AT $9.7 BILLION, AWARDED BY THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY, AND THE $5.7 BILLION CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AWARDED BY THE WESTERN HARBOUR TUNNEL COMPANY LIMITED, THE TOTAL VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS AWARDED FOR THE ACP, ALL WITHIN BUDGET, IS OVER $44 BILLION.
------0----------
/5........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1993
- 5 -
RESIDENTS WILL BE CONSULTED ON WELFARE PROJECTS
*****
IN RESPONSE TO MEDIA ENQUIRIES, A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (MONDAY) SAID LOCAL RESIDENTS AND ORGANISATIONS WOULD BE CONSULTED, AT A DISTRICT LEVEL, ON THE WELFARE PROJECTS BEING PLANNED.
"IT WAS NOT A PROCESS TO SEEK ENDORSEMENT," HE SAID.
HE SAID THE PURPOSE OF CONSULTATION IN THIS RESPECT WAS NOT A PROCESS TO SEEK RESIDENTS’ APPROVAL FOR THE SETTING UP OF COMMUNITY SERVICES IN THEIR NEIGHBOURHOOD AS IT HAD BEEN THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO SET UP WELFARE FACILITIES IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.
"WE GIVE INFORMATION ON ALL SOCIAL SERVICES, INCLUDING REHABILITATION PROJECTS, AS WE WANT TO BE OPEN AND TRANSPARENT IN OUR MANAGEMENT PROCESS AND RESPECT RESIDENTS’ RIGHT TO KNOW,” HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID PRIOR CONSULTATION WITH LOCAL ORGANISATIONS SUCH AS MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, AREA COMMITTEES AND DISTRICT BOARDS WERE CONDUCTED BY THE DEPARTMENT, WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF HOUSING DEPARTMENT AND CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION’S DISTRICT OFFICES.
HE SAID THE GROUPS WERE BRIEFED ON THE SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED AND THEIR VIEWS WERE LISTENED TO ON HOW SUCH FACILITIES COULD BE FURTHER IMPROVED.
--------0-----------
JUDICIARY LOOKING FOR TOP ADMINISTRATOR
*****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS COMMENCED ITS SEARCH FOR A PERSON OF THE RIGHT CALIBRE TO FILL A TOP POST TO ASSIST THE CHIEF JUSTICE IN THE OVERALL ADMINISTRATION OF THE JUDICIARY.
THIS NEW POST OF JUDICIARY ADMINISTRATOR IS RANKED AT D8 LEVEL OF THE DIRECTORATE PAY SCALE WHICH IS ON A PAR WITH THAT OF A SECRETARY OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE HOLDER OF SUCH A HIGH-RANKING POST WAS EXPECTED TO UNDERTAKE A WIDE RANGE OF DUTIES AS THE ADMINISTRATIVE HEAD OF THE JUDICIARY.
HITHERTO, THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE JUDICIARY HAS BEEN PRIMARILY THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE REGISTRAR, SUPREME COURT WHO ALSO PERFORMS A NUMBER OF JUDICIAL FUNCTIONS.
OVER THE YEARS, THE ACTIVITIES OF THE JUDICIARY HAVE EXPANDED CONSIDERABLY BOTH IN VOLUME AND IN COMPLEXITY AND THE MANAGEMENT TASK DOES NOW BECOME LARGE ENOUGH TO REQUIRE THE ATTENTION OF A FULL-TIME ADMINISTRATOR.
/THIS PROPOSAL .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1993
- 6 -
THIS PROPOSAL FOR A SENIOR JUDICIARY ADMINISTRATOR WAS SUPPORTED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL’S AD HOC GROUP TO STUDY THE ADMINISTRATIVE SYSTEM OF THE JUDICIARY AND RECEIVED THE FUNDING APPROVAL OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE IN JULY.
THE JUDICIARY IS LOOKING FORWARD TO THE EARLY APPOINTMENT OF A SUITABLE PERSON WHO WILL FOSTER A SERVICE-ORIENTED MANAGEMENT CULTURE IN THE JUDICIARY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE GOVERNMENT IS NOW RECRUITING THE JUDICIARY ADMINISTRATOR BY OPEN COMPETITION, WITH THE POST BEING ADVERTISED BOTH LOCALLY AND OVERSEAS.
OUTLINING THE EXPECTED QUALITY OF THE CANDIDATES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID: "WE ARE LOOKING FOR PERSONS WITH CONSIDERABLE MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE, SOLID ADMINISTRATIVE SKILLS AND A PROVEN TRACK RECORD IN RUNNING SIZEABLE OPERATIONS IN EITHER THE PUBLIC OR PRIVATE SECTOR."
THE JUDICIARY ADMINISTRATOR SHOULD ALSO HAVE GOOD COMMUNICATION AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS SINCE HE/SHE WILL BE IN REGULAR LIAISON WITH THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT AND DEPARTMENTS, THE LEGISLATURE, AND THE LEGAL PROFESSION REGARDING POLICY, LEGISLATIVE AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROPOSALS AFFECTING THE JUDICIARY.
CANDIDATES SHOULD POSSESS A DEGREE OR EQUIVALENT. A LEGAL QUALIFICATION IS NOT ESSENTIAL, BUT POSSESSION OF SUCH A QUALIFICATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE AND A GOOD UNDERSTANDING OF THE OPERATION OF THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM IN HONG KONG WOULD BE AN ADVANTAGE.
THE POST WILL BE REMUNERATED AT $130,650 PER MONTH; PLUS FRINGE BENEFITS INCLUDING PAID LEAVE, MEDICAL AND DENTAL BENEFITS, AND EDUCATION AND HOUSING ALLOWANCES.
THE INITIAL THREE-YEAR AGREEMENT, WHICH IS RENEWABLE AT GOVERNMENT’S DISCRETION, ATTRACTS A 25% GRATUITY ON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION. THIS REMUNERATION PACKAGE SHOULD BE ABLE TO ATTRACT CANDIDATES OF THE SUITABLE CALIBRE AND EXPERIENCE.
THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS SEPTEMBER 17. EACH APPLICANT IS REQUIRED TO STATE IN THE APPLICATION LETTER WHY HE/SHE CONSIDERS HIMSELF/HERSELF TO BE SUITABLE FOR THE POST, TOGETHER WITH A FULL CURRICULUM VITAE, TO THE SECRETARY, PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION, SIXTH FLOOR, ST JOHN’S BUILDING, 33 GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
"ALL APPLICATIONS WILL BE SCRUTINISED BY A RECRUITMENT BOARD CHAIRED BY THE CHIEF JUSTICE HIMSELF. THE GOVERNMENT HOPES TO BE ABLE TO MAKE THE FORMAL APPOINTMENT BY THE END OF THIS YEAR," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
ANYONE WHO WANTS TO OBTAIN FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE POST OF JUDICIARY ADMINISTRATOR CAN CALL THE JUDICIARY SECRETARY ON TEL 825 4261.
- - 0----------
/7........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1993
- 7 -
HK’S EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS FOR JULY *****
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) RELEASED DETAILED STATISTICS ON EXTERNAL TRADE WITH BREAKDOWN BY COUNTRY/TERRITORY AND COMMODITY FOR JULY.
THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS IN JULY, AT $76,503 MILLION, SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 26% OVER JULY 1992, WHEREAS THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AT $21,369 MILLION DECREASED MARGINALLY BY 0.1%.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA REGISTERED A VERY SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE OF 39%. SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE ALSO RECORDED FOR THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+32%), SINGAPORE (+32%), CANADA (+31%), FRANCE (+30%), GERMANY (+30%), JAPAN (+28%), THE UNITED STATES (+28%) AND THE UNITED KINGDOM(+21%).
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO TAIWAN DECREASED BY 12%.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAJOR DESTINATIONS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS IN THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS OF 1993 WAS $452,292 MILLION, BEING 22% HIGHER THAN THAT IN THE SAME PERIOD IN 1992.
COMPARING THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS OF 1993 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1992, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO MOST OF THE MAJOR DESTINATIONS : CHINA (+36%), SINGAPORE (+26%), THE UNITED KINGDOM (+24%), GERMANY (+23%), THE UNITED STATES (+23%), FRANCE (+21%), JAPAN (+17%), CANADA (+14%) AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+7.7%).
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO TAIWAN DECREASED BY 17%.
TABLE 2 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS OF THE 10 MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
COMPARING THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS OF 1993 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1992, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS OF ALL MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
MORE NOTABLE INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR ROAD VEHICLES (BY $.2,287 MILLION OR 161%); TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $9,116 MILLION OR 32%); ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $8,724 MILLION OR 31%); FOOTWEAR (BY $7,825 MILLION OR 41%); MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES CONSISTING OF MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $7,194 MILLION OR 15%); CLOTHING (BY $6,297 MILLION OR 15%); AND TEXTILES (BY $1,370 MILLION OR 3.6%).
/AS REGARDS .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1993
- 8 -
AS REGARDS DOMESTIC EXPORTS, INCREASES OF 16% AND 13% IN VALUE WERE RECORDED FOR THOSE TO THE NETHERLANDS AND FRANCE RESPECTIVELY WHEN COMPARING JULY 1993 WITH JULY 1992. FOR THOSE TO SINGAPORE, GERMANY AND CHINA, THE CORRESPONDING INCREASES WERE 6.4%, 6.4% AND 6.2% RESPECTIVELY.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO OTHER MAJOR DESTINATIONS : THE UNITED KINGDOM (-18%), JAPAN (-6.7%), THE UNITED STATES (-5.7%), CANADA (-1.2%) AND TAIWAN (-1.1%).
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAJOR DESTINATIONS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 3.
COMPARING THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS OF 1993 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1992, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO SINGAPORE AND CHINA INCREASED BY 14% AND 7.4% RESPECTIVELY.
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO OTHER MAJOR DESTINATIONS : THE UNITED KINGDOM (-15%), FRANCE (-12%), JAPAN (-11%), THE UNITED STATES (-8.3%), CANADA (-8.2%), TAIWAN (-7.9%), THE NETHERLANDS (-6.6%) AND GERMANY (-5.4%).
FOR ALL DESTINATIONS TAKEN TOGETHER, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS OF 1993, AT $124,551 MILLION, DECREASED BY 2.9% OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1992.
TABLE 4 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF THE 10 MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
COMPARING THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS OF 1993 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1992, INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE REGISTERED FOR ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $1,893 MILLION OR 17%); TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $757 MILLION OR 10%); AND MACHINERY SPECIALIZED FOR PARTICULAR INDUSTRIES (BY $285 MILLION OR 16%).
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, DECREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE RECORDED FOR CLOTHING (BY $2,683 MILLION OR 6.7%); PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $1,407 MILLION OR 13%); MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES CONSISTING OF MAINLY JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES (BY $1,349 MILLION OR 11%); AND OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES (BY $1,293 MILLION OR 11%).
THE VALUE OF IMPORTS IN JULY 1993 WAS $98,690 MILLION, INCREASING BY 16% OVER THAT IN JULY 1992.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM THE 10 MAJOR SUPPLIERS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 5.
COMPARING JULY 1993 WITH JULY 1992, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM ALL OF THE MAJOR SUPPLIERS : GERMANY (+32%), MALAYSIA (+29%), ITALY (+25%), CHINA (+18%), THE UNITED KINGDOM (+17%), THE UNITED STATES (+16%), SINGAPORE (+14%), THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+11%), TAIWAN (+11%) AND JAPAN (+10%).
/COMPARING THE .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1993
9
COMPARING THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS OF 1993 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1992, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM ALL THE MAJOR SUPPLIERS INCREASED : MALAYSIA (+25%), GERMANY (+22%), THE UNITED STATES (+20%), ITALY (+20%), SINGAPORE (+20%), JAPAN(+16%), CHINA (+13%), TAIWAN (+10%), THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+9.0%) AND THE UNITED KINGDOM (+8.5%).
THE VALUE OF IMPORTS IN THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS OF 1993 WAS $605,417 MILLION, AN INCREASE OF 15% OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1992.
TABLE 6 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS OF THE 10 MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
COMPARING THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS OF 1993 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1992, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS OF MOST MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
MORE NOTABLE INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR ROAD VEHICLES (BY $18,824 MILLION OR 122%); ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $11,687 MILLION OR 23%); TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $8,034 MILLION OR 20%); FOOTWEAR (BY $6,369 MILLION OR 37%); CLOTHING (BY $5,842 MILLION OR 14%); AND MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES CONSISTING OF MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $4,982 MILLION OR 13%).
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, A DECREASE IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS WAS RECORDED FOR TEXTILES (BY $1,797 MILLION OR 3.0%).
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 VOLUME AND PRICE MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE FOR JULY 1993 WILL BE RELEASED IN EARLY OCTOBER.
DETAILED TRADE STATISTICS ANALYSED BY COMMODITY AND BY COUNTRY/TERRITORY ARE PUBLISHED IN TRADE STATISTICS REPORTS.
THE JULY 1993 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE" WITH DETAILED ANALYSES ON THE PERFORMANCE OF HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE IN JULY 1993 WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT $68.50 A COPY AROUND SEPTEMBER 17.
THE REPORT CAN BE PURCHASED AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, ON THE GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AND THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 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. NO. 842 8802) AND ENQUIRIES ON TRADE STATISTICS TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL. NO. 582 4915).
/TABLE 1 : .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1993
- 10 -
TABLE 1 : RE-EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAJOR DESTINATIONS
DESTINATION JUL 1993 (HKD MN.) JUL 93 OVER JUL 92 (% CHANGE) JAN-JUL 1993 (HKD MN.) JAN-JUL 93 OVER JAN-JUL 92 (% CHANGE)
CHINA 25,621 + 38.6 154,975 + 36.3
UNITED STATES 17,713 + 27.8 95,793 + 23.2
JAPAN 3,996 + 28.3 22,720 + 16.9
GERMANY 3,689 + 29.7 21,963 + 23.4
TAIWAN 1,869 - 11.6 12,715 - 17.2
UNITED KINGDOM 2,358 + 21.5 / 12,584 + 23.6
SINGAPORE 1,547 + 32.0 9,649 + 26.5
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 1,443 + 32.2 8,604 + 7.7
FRANCE 1,251 + 30.1 7,443 + 20.5
CANADA 1,396 + 30.5 7,067 + 13.7
TABLE 2 : RE-EXPORTS OF THE 10 MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISION JUL 1993 (HKD MN.) JUL 93 OVER JUL 92 (% CHANGE) JAN-JUL 1993 (HKD MN.) JAN-JUL 93 OVER JAN-JUL 92 (% CHANGE)
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 11,026 + 19.5 56,539 + 14.6
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 8,732 + 21.8 47,936 + 15.1
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 6,444 + 12.0 39,839 + 3.6
/TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND .......
MONDAY\ SEPTEMBER 13, 1993
11
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND
REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 6,556 + 41.1 37,381 + 32.2
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 6,274 + 42.2 36,856 + 31.0
FOOTWEAR 4,633 + 35.8 26,807 + 41.2
ROAD VEHICLES 3,174 +131.7 19,908 +161.2
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 3,382 + 21.0 19,874 + 20.8
OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES 2,558 + 34.1 15,320 + 33.4
TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR CONTAINERS 2,465 + 18.7 15,117 + 10.8
TABLE 3 : DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAJOR DESTINATIONS
DESTINATION JUL 1993 (HKD MN.) JUL 93 OVER JUL 92 (% CHANGE) JAN-JUL 1993 (HKD MN.) JAN-JUL 93 OVER JAN-JUL 92 (% CHANGE)
CHINA 5,892 + 6.2 36,552 + 7.4
UNITED STATES 5,757 - 5.7 31,307 - 8.3
GERMANY 1,700 + 6.4 8,030 - 5.4
SINGAPORE 942 + 6.4 6,397 + 13.7
UNITED KINGDOM 1,050 - 18.0 5,890 - 14.5
JAPAN 872 - 6.7 5,627 - 10.7
TAIWAN 457 - 1 . 1 3,332 - 7.9
CANADA 543 - 1.2 2,655 - 8.2
NETHERLANDS 527 + 15.7 2,638 - 6.6
FRANCE 290 + 13.1 1,578 - 12.2
/TABLE 4 : .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1993
12 -
TABLE 4 : DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF THE 10 MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISION JUL 1993 (HKD MN.) JUL 93 OVER JUL 92 (% CHANGE) JAN-JUL 1993 (HKD MN.) JAN-JUL 93 OVER JAN-JUL 92 (% CHANGE)
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 7,926 - 0.2 37,481 — 6.7
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 1,925 + 17.8 12,769 + 17.4
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES) 1,893 0.6 11,284 10.7
OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES 1,309 — 21.4 9,998 11.5
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 1,454 + 2.5 9,595 3.0
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 1,448 14.8 9,154 __ 13.3
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 1,247 + 8.7 7,964 + 10.5
MANUFACTURES OF METALS 434 + 8.7 2,651 - 5.3
MACHINERY SPECIALIZED FOR PARTICULAR INDUSTRIES 360 + 18.5 2,108 + 15.6
PLASTICS IN PRIMARY FORMS 299 + 0.1 2,054 + 1.5
/TABLE 5 : .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1993
- 13 -
TABLE 5 : IMPORTS FROM THE 10 MAJOR SUPPLIERS
SUPPLIER JUL 1993 (HKD MN.) JUL 93 OVER JUL 92 (% CHANGE) JAN-JUL 1993 (HKD MN.) JAN JAN (% -JUL 93 OVER -JUL 92 CHANGE)
CHINA 37,569 + 17.7 218,123 4- 12.8
JAPAN 16,978 4- 10.5 105,139 4- 15.6
TAIWAN 8,594 + 10.6 53,641 4- 10.3
UNITED STATES 6,637 15.7 45,635 4- 20.4
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 4,170 + 10.6 28,196 4- 9.0
SINGAPORE 4,046 + 14.1 26,334 4- 19.9
GERMANY 2,427 + 31.7 14,672 4- 22.3
UNITED KINGDOM 1,956 + 16.7 11,923 4- 8.5
ITALY 1,716 + 24.5 9,639 4- 20.1
MALAYSIA 1,475 4- 28.5 8,956 4- 25.3
TABLE 6 : IMPORTS OF THE 10 MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISION JUL 1993 (HKD MN.) JUL 93 OVER JUL 92 (% CHANGE) JAN-JUL 1993 (HKD MN.) JAN-JUL 93 OVER JAN-JUL 92 (% CHANGE)
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 10,910 4- 28.4 63,316 4- 22.6
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 8,770 4- 3.3 57,779 - 3.0
/TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1993
14
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 8,586 + 33.2 48,297 + 20.0
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 8,521 + 20.3 48,194 + 13.8
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 8,331 + 19.2 43,620 + 12.9
ROAD VEHICLES 4,984 +111.6 34,267 +121.9
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 4,446 + 1.4 27,342 + 5.8
FOOTWEAR 3,960 + 36.7 23,399 + 37.4
GENERAL INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT, AND MACHINE PARTS 2,944 - 0.1 20,298 + 20.9
OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES 3,181 - 5.4 20,156 + 5.8
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/15........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1993
- 15
DEADLINE FOR VIEWS ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES * * * » ♦
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) REMINDED THE PUBLIC THAT THE THREE-MONTH CONSULTATION PERIOD FOR THE DRAFT REPORT ON REVIEW OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRE SERVICES WOULD END ON SEPTEMBER 30.
THE DRAFT REPORT HAS BEEN PREPARED BY A WORKING PARTY SET UP IN MARCH LAST YEAR THAT CONDUCTED A REVIEW OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES TO ENSURE THAT THEY MAXIMISED THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THE OVERALL DEVELOPMENT OF YOUNG PEOPLE.
THE WORKING PARTY, APPOINTED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, COMPRISES 17 MEMBERS FROM YOUTH ORGANISATIONS, ACADEMIC INSTITUTES, SCHOOLS, SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND THE GOVERNMENT.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO COMMENT ON THE PROPOSALS OR SUGGEST ALTERNATIVES ARE INVITED TO WRITE TO THE SECRETARY OF THE WORKING PARTY AT SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, C/O NINTH FLOOR, WU CHUNG HOUSE, 213 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI.
"SINCE THE REPORT WAS PUBLISHED IN JUNE, WE HAVE RECEIVED VERY FAVOURABLE RESPONSE FROM THE PUBLIC," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"AS WE INTEND TO OBTAIN A WIDER COVERAGE OF PUBLIC VIEWS, WE HOPE MORE PEOPLE WILL CONTRIBUTE THEIR OPINIONS BY THE END OF THIS MONTH," HE ADDED.
COPIES OF THE DRAFT REPORT ARE AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE DEPARTMENT.
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WATER STORAGE FIGURE * * * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 79.2 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 463.868 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 504.735 MILLION
CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 86.1 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
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/16........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1993
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HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,010
REVERSAL OF LAF +990
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 2,000
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY NIL
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,000
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 112.1 *+0.1» 13.9.93
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 2.94 PCT 14 MONTHS 2411 4.625 101.51 3.33
1 MONTH 2.87 PCT 17 MONTHS 2502 4.75 101.75 3.51
3 MONTHS 2.86 PCT 20 MONTHS 2505 3.75 100.10 3.72
6 MONTHS 2.97 PCT 23 MONTHS 2508 4.625 101.52 3.83
12 : MONTHS 3.23 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 9.961MN
CLOSED 13 SEPTEMBER 1993
- - 0 - -
Received by PRO „ 1 6 SEP 1393
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1993
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SCS ON PRIVATE MEMBER'S BILL ON CIVIL SERVANTS' CONDITIONS OF SERVICE ....................................................... i
SHA COMMENTS ON NT ORDINANCE .................................... 2
WESTERN RECLAMATION VEHICLE PARK CLOSES ON THURSDAY ............. 2
LEGAL PROFESSION CAPABLE TO RESPOND TO CHANGES .................. 4
UPHOLD RULE OF LAW: MRS PATTEN .................................. 6
HK'S WELFARE SYSTEM HIGHLY DEVELOPED ............................ 7
TRADE DIRECTOR WELCOMES CHINESE MOVES TO CURB INFLATION ......... 8
POPULATION FIGURE UPDATES ...................................... 10
TARIFF DATABASE DEMONSTRATION SESSIONS ......................... 11
ACC MEMBERS BRIEFED ON PROGRESS OF WEST KOWLOON ROAD WORKS .. 11
SPORT DRIVE TO PROMOTE HEALTHY LIFESTYLE FOR STUDENTS .......... 12
MATERNITY PROTECTION FOR FEMALE WORKERS ........................ 13
PROPER LABELLING FOR PREPACKAGED FOOD REQUIRED ................. 15
GOVT TO STRENGTHEN SERVICES IN TA KWU LING ..................... 15
AIR QUALITY REPORT FOR AUGUST .................................. 16
AUCTION OF LUCKY CAR REGISTRATION MARKS ........................ 18
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS .............. 19
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ..
20
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1993
- 1 -
SCS ON PRIVATE MEMBER’S BILL ON CIVIL SERVANTS’ CONDITIONS OF SERVICE *****
THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR STUART HARBINSON, TODAY (TUESDAY) SPELLED OUT THE CONSEQUENCES OF ENACTING THE PROPOSED PRIVATE MEMBER’S BILL THAT SEEKS TO SUSPEND TRANSFERS OF OVERSEAS AGREEMENT OFFICERS FROM OVERSEAS TO LOCAL TERMS.
"THE PROPOSED PRIVATE MEMBER’S BILL PUTS THE GOVERNMENT IN AN IMPOSSIBLE SITUATION," MR HARBINSON SAID.
"IT WOULD PUT US BACK INTO TROUBLE WITH THE BILL OF RIGHTS. THIS IS BECAUSE ITS EFFECT WOULD BE TO DENY SOME PERMANENT RESIDENTS OF HONG KONG CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE."
MR HARBINSON SAID THE ONLY WAY THAT THE GOVERNMENT COULD AVOID THE BILL OF RIGHTS’ IMPLICATIONS WOULD BE TO EXTEND THE CONTRACTS ON OVERSEAS TERMS NOT ONLY OF ANY OVERSEAS CONTRACT OFFICERS WHO ARE ALREADY PERMANENT RESIDENTS BUT ALSO OTHERS WHO CLAIM TO BE INTERESTED IN BECOMING PERMANENT RESIDENTS.
THIS WOULD HAVE A VERY SERIOUS IMPACT ON THE LOCALISATION POLICY, HE SAID.
FURTHERMORE THERE WOULD BE A POLICY VACUUM AND TREMENDOUS UNCERTAINTY WOULD ENSUE FOR BOTH LOCAL AND OVERSEAS OFFICERS.
"THE PUBLIC SERVICE PANEL SEEMS TO BE GIVING US A CHOICE BETWEEN INFRINGING THE BILL OF RIGHTS ON THE ONE HAND AND SERIOUSLY DAMAGING THE LOCALISATION PROCESS ON THE OTHER," MR HARBINSON SAID.
"I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT THIS IS WHAT THEY REALLY WANT OR THAT IT IS IN HONG KONG’S LONG-TERM INTERESTS."
MR HARBINSON ALSO SAID THE MAIN ISSUE AT THE HEART OF THE CURRENT CONTROVERSY WAS WHETHER PERMANENT RESIDENTS HAD THE RIGHT OF EQUAL ACCESS TO EMPLOYMENT IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE, AS LAID DOWN IN THE BILL OF RIGHTS.
"IT IS UNFORTUNATE THAT THE DEBATE HAS NOT REALLY FOCUSSED ON THIS," HE SAID.
"IT IS ALSO DISAPPOINTING THAT MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE PANEL, WITH ONE EXCEPTION, HAVE NOT TAKEN A CLEAR STANCE ON SUCH AN IMPORTANT BILL OF RIGHTS ISSUE, DESPITE DISCUSSING THE SUBJECT SINCE APRIL."
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/2.........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1993
- 2 -
SHA COMMENTS ON NT ORDINANCE * * * * *
IN RESPONSE TO RECENT COMMENTS ON THE APPLICATION OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ORDINANCE (NTO) WITH RESPECT TO SUCCESSION RIGHTS, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THERE HAD NOT BEEN ANY PROBLEMS SINCE THE ENACTMENT OF THE ORDINANCE IN 1910.
"THE LEGAL PROFESSION HAS CERTAINLY NOT SEEN THIS AS A PROBLEM UP TO NOW. THE POSITION IN LAW HAS NOT CHANGED AND THERE IS NO NEED TO BE UNDULY WORRIED ABOUT IT."
"HOWEVER, IN ORDER TO STREAMLINE PROCEDURES AND TO BRING THEM UP TO DATE, WE HAVE BEEN EXAMINING VARIOUS OPTIONS, INCLUDING THE NEED FOR REVIEWING THE NTO," HE SAID.
"BUT BECAUSE OF THE COMPLEXITY OF THE ISSUES INVOLVED, WE HAVE YET TO FINALISE OUR WORK IN THIS CONNECTION."
"NEVERTHELESS WE NOTE THE CONCERN EXPRESSED RECENTLY OVER THE MATTER CONCERNING SUCCESSION RIGHTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, WE RECOGNISE THAT WE WILL NEED TO COME TO A CONCLUSION ON THIS IN THE NEAR FUTURE," HE SAID.
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WESTERN RECLAMATION VEHICLE PARK CLOSES ON THURSDAY
*****
THE TEMPORARY OPEN VEHICLE PARK ON WESTERN RECLAMATION WILL BE CLOSED ON THURSDAY (SEPTEMBER 16) TO MAKE WAY FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
HE SAID THE VEHICLE PARK WAS ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED TO BE HANDED OVER TO THE PROJECT CONTRACTOR ON AUGUST 1, BUT THE HANDING OVER WAS DEFERRED TO SEPTEMBER 1 AND AGAIN TO SEPTEMBER 16, TO ENABLE MORE ALTERNATIVE PARKING SPACES TO BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR GOODS VEHICLES.
AFTER ITS CLOSURE, GOODS VEHICLE DRIVERS ARE ADVISED TO MAKE USE OF PARKING SPACES AT
* DES VOEUX ROAD WEST - WHERE ABOUT 50 SPACES ARE AVAILABLE FOR OVERNIGHT PARKING FROM 8 PM TO 7 AM;
* KENNEDY TOWN PRAYA - WHERE ABOUT 30 SPACES ARE AVAILABLE FOR OVERNIGHT PARKING FROM 9 PM TO 7 AM;
/* HEUNG YIP ........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1993
3 -
* HEUNG YIP ROAD - WHERE 15 SPACES ARE AVAILABLE FOR OVERNIGHT PARKING FROM 9 PM TO 7 AM;
* FUNG MAT STREET - WHERE 78 SPACES ARE AVAILABLE FOR DAY AND NIGHT PARKING;
* WESTERN PARK ROAD - WHERE 97 SPACES ARE AVAILABLE FOR DAY AND NIGHT PARKING;
* PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREA IN SAI WAN - WHERE 23 PARKING
SPACES ARE AVAILABLE FOR OVERNIGHT PARKING FROM 9 PM TO
7 AM;
* PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREA IN SHEUNG WAN - WHERE 62 PARKING
SPACES ARE AVAILABLE FOR OVERNIGHT PARKING FROM 9 PM TO
7 AM;
* THE FORMER OPEN NIGHT CLUB SITE NEXT TO THE WATERFRONT POLICE STATION - WHERE ABOUT 35 SPACES ARE AVAILABLE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE ABOVE LOCATIONS PROVIDED SOME 390 SPACES FOR PARKING OF GOODS VEHICLES.
OTHER AREAS BEING ACTIVELY PURSUED INCLUDE A TEMPORARY OPEN VEHICLE PARK AT SIU SAI WAN FOR MORE THAN 100 GOODS VEHICLES WHICH IS EXPECTED TO BE OPERATIONAL WITHIN A WEEK.
IN ADDITION, THERE IS THE GRASS AREA IN WESTERN PARK PHASE I FOR ABOUT 50 GOODS VEHICLES. THE SITE IS SUBJECT TO THE AGREEMENT OF RELEVANT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND MAY BE AVAILABLE NEXT MONTH.
AS A TEMPORARY MEASURE, THE WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING CONSORTIUM HAS ALSO REOPENED ON SEPTEMBER 7 THE VEHICLE PARK WHICH WAS CLOSED ON AUGUST 1 TO FACILITATE THE PARKING OF GOODS VEHICLES UNTIL THE END OF THIS MONTH.
DRIVERS ARE ALSO ADVISED TO MAKE USE OF THE OPEN VEHICLE PARKS IN QUARRY BAY AND OTHER AREAS WHERE PARKING OF GOODS VEHICLES IS PERMITTED.
THE GOVERNMENT IS STILL LOOKING INTO OTHER POSSIBLE MEANS OF PROVIDING ALTERNATIVE PARKING SPACES FOR GOODS VEHICLES, INCLUDING SOME SHORT- TO MEDIUM-TERM LOCATIONS SUCH AS THE REFUSE COLLECTION VEHICLE DEPOT AND THE VEGETABLE WHOLESALE MARKET IN KENNEDY TOWN.
OTHER LONGER-TERM LOCATIONS INCLUDE THE BELCHER BAY
RECLAMATION AND THE TELEGRAPH BAY RECLAMATION.
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/4 ........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1993
4
LEGAL PROFESSION CAPABLE TO RESPOND TO CHANGES ♦ * * * *
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR JEREMY MATHEWS, TOLD AN INTERNATIONAL LAW CONFERENCE THAT HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT THE PRACTICE OF LAW IN HONG KONG IN THE YEAR 2000 WOULD NOT BE VASTLY DIFFERENT FROM TODAY.
’’THE LEGAL PRACTICE IN HONG KONG TODAY EXHIBITS ALL THE VIGOUR AND STRENGTH OF A TRIED AND TESTED LEGAL SYSTEM, IN WHICH THE RULE OF LAW IS PARAMOUNT, BUT WHICH IS CAPABLE OF CHANGE TO MEET THE NEEDS OF AN ACTIVE, WELL-EDUCATED AND AMBITIOUS SOCIETY.
’’THE LEGAL PROFESSION HAS BEEN ABLE TO RESPOND TO CHANGES IN THE BUSINESS, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT IN HONG KONG, CHINA AND ABROAD.
’’THE TRANSFER OF SOVEREIGNTY IN 1997 WILL BE JUST ANOTHER MATTER FOR THE PROFESSION TO TAKE IN ITS STRIDE,” MR MATHEWS SAID.
HE TOLD PARTICIPANTS OF THE "LAWASIA CONFERENCE” IN SRI LANKA THAT HE FORESAW THE LEGAL PROFESSION IN HONG KONG AFTER 1997 WOULD HAVE TO RESPOND, AS IT HAD DONE IN THE PAST, TO MANY NEW DEMANDS.
’’ONE SIGNIFICANT DEMAND WILL ARISE FROM HONG KONG’S POSITION AS PART OF CHINA.
’’ALTHOUGH THE JOINT DECLARATION GUARANTEES ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS, AND THAT THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION (SAR) WILL ENJOY A HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY, IT MUST BE REMEMBERED THAT HONG KONG WILL BE PART OF CHINA.
’’BUT HONG KONG’S LEGAL SYSTEM WILL BE QUITE DIFFERENT FROM THAT OF THE REST OF CHINA.
’’LEGAL EXCHANGES BETWEEN THE HONG KONG SAR AND THE REST OF CHINA WILL BE THE NORM, AND SO IT IS CRITICAL THAT THERE ARE IN PLACE MECHANISMS AND PROCEDURES FOR MUTUAL ASSISTANCE BETWEEN THE TWO LEGAL SYSTEMS,” MR MATHEWS SAID.
SUCH ASSISTANCE WOULD INCLUDE ARBITRATION AWARDS, THE REGISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT OF JUDGMENTS, AND THE SERVICE OF WITNESS SUMMONS AND OTHER JUDICIAL DOCUMENTS, HE ELABORATED.
MEANWHILE, THE BUSINESS AND SOCIAL TIES BETWEEN THE HONG KONG SAR AND THE REST OF CHINA WOULD BE INEXTRICABLY LINKED. MR MATHEWS ADVISED LAWYERS WISHING TO PARTICIPATE IN THESE DEVELOPMENTS TO BE VERSED IN CHINA LAW.
’’OBVIOUSLY, LAWYERS WORKING IN CHINA LAW WHO ARE BILINGUAL WILL HAVE AN ADVANTAGE,” HE ADDED.
A FURTHER DEMAND FOR THE LEGAL PROFESSION WOULD BE FOR SPECIALISATION.
/MR MATHEWS .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1993
- 5 -
MR MATHEWS PREDICTED THAT THE CONTINUED GROWTH AND SUCCESS OF THE HONG KONG ECONOMY WOULD PRODUCE LEGAL WORK OF AN INCREASINGLY COMPLEX AND SOPHISTICATED NATURE.
’’THIS WILL ENGENDER A NEED FOR A LEGAL PROFESSION THAT HAS A SUFFICIENT RANGE OF EXPERTISE AND TRAINING TO MEET THIS CHALLENGE.
’’THE ABILITY OF THE LEGAL PROFESSION IN HONG KONG TO PROVIDE SERVICES FOR A GROWING INTERNATIONAL AND DOMESTIC CLIENT BASE WILL INEVITABLY REQUIRE ALTERATIONS TO THE STRUCTURE AND PATTERN OF SOME FIRMS IN HONG KONG,” HE SAID.
LOOKING AHEAD, MR MATHEWS SAID IN THE YEAR 2000 LAWYERS AND JUDGES WOULD BE TRAINED IN THE COMMON LAW; THE JUDICIARY WOULD BE INDEPENDENT; THE LAW WOULD BE FAMILIAR AND ACCESSIBLE.
’’LAWYERS WILL BE IMBUED WITH COMMON LAW TRADITIONS AND PRINCIPLES AND WILL PRACTISE IN A COMMON LAW SYSTEM.
’’THE PROFESSION WILL INCLUDE SIGNIFICANT NUMBERS OF FOREIGN LAWYERS WHO WILL BRING THEIR OWN TRADITIONS AND PRACTICES - THIS CAN ONLY BENEFIT THE PROFESSION,” HE SAID.
AT PRESENT, HONG KONG HAS ABOUT 130 JUDGES AND MAGISTRATES, 450 BARRISTERS, 2,700 SOLICITORS, AND 230 LAWYERS IN GOVERNMENT LEGAL SERVICE, 90 LEGAL ACADEMICS IN TWO LAW SCHOOLS, AND 180 FOREIGN LAWYERS AND 26 FOREIGN LAW FIRMS.
’’THE PRESENCE OF SO MANY FOREIGN LAWYERS IS A REFLECTION OF HONG KONG’S POSITION IN THE REGION AS A LEADING FINANCIAL AND BUSINESS CENTRE.
"PRESENTLY, THE ADMISSION OF FOREIGN LAWYERS IS AN ADMINISTRATIVE MATTER, BUT IN MAY OF THIS YEAR, A BILL WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO PROVIDE A STATUTORY FOUNDATION FOR THE ADMISSION AND PRACTICE OF FOREIGN LAWYERS AND FOREIGN LAW FIRMS IN HONG KONG,” MR MATHEWS EXPLAINED.
"THE BILL ALSO PROPOSES TO ESTABLISH AN OBJECTIVE, NON-DISCRIMINATORY SCHEME FOR THE ADMISSION OF NON-HONG KONG QUALIFIED LAWYERS AS SOLICITORS TO PRACTISE HONG KONG LAW.
"FOREIGN LAWYERS ADD TO THE IMPRESSIVE RANGE OF SERVICES OFFERED BY HONG KONG’S LAWYERS AND HAVE HELPED MAKE HONG KONG ONE OF THE LEADING CENTRES FOR LEGAL SERVICES IN THE REGION," HE SAID.
LASTLY, MR MATHEWS REITERATED THAT HE FIRMLY BELIEVED THE TRANSFER OF SOVEREIGNTY OF HONG KONG WOULD BE A SEAMLESS TRANSITION FOR THE LEGAL SYSTEM AND LEGAL PROFESSION.
"THE SPECIFIC GUARANTEES IN THE JOINT DECLARATION AND BASIC LAW RELATING TO THE LEGAL SYSTEM, TOGETHER WITH THE EXERCISE TO LOCALISE AND ADAPT HONG KONG’S LAWS AND TO PRODUCE BILINGUAL LAWS ARE ASSURANCES OF THE CONTINUANCE OF THE COMMON LAW AND STATUTE LAW IN HONG KONG," HE SAID.
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/6........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1993
- 6 -
UPHOLD RULE OF LAW: MRS PATTEN
*****
IT IS PEOPLE WHO GIVE LIFE AND MEANING TO CONSTITUTIONAL
FRAMEWORKS AND IT IS THROUGH PEOPLE THAT CONSTITUTIONAL IDEALS ARE
IMPLEMENTED, MRS PATTEN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY),
SHE SAID ANY SYSTEM, NO MATTER HOW WELL IT WAS DESIGNED, WOULD
FAIL AND WOULD FALL INTO DISUSE IF IT WAS CONSTANTLY ABUSED AND
NEGLECTED BY THE PEOPLE WHO USED IT.
MRS PATTEN WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE ACADEMIC YEAR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LAW OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
SHE SAID FOR HONG KONG TO CONTINUE TO PROSPER AND TO PLAY ITS CENTRAL PART IN THE WORLD ECONOMIC SCENE, IT WAS ESSENTIAL THAT THE LEGAL AND JUDICIAL SYSTEMS BE MAINTAINED.
THIS HAD BEEN PROVIDED FOR IN THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW.
BUT SHE WAS QUICK TO ADD THAT THE PRESERVATION OF THE RULE OF LAW IN ANY COMMUNITY REQUIRED MORE THAN WORDS IN A CONSTITUTION.
"IT ALSO DEPENDS ON A POPULATION THAT UNDERSTANDS AND VALUES THE RULE OF LAW.
"BUT ABOVE ALL IT DEPENDS ON LAWYERS AND JUDGES WHO ARE WILLING TO DEFEND AND UPHOLD THE RULE OF LAW EVEN UNDER THE MOST DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES."
MRS PATTEN ALSO SAID IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT HONG KONG HAD THE ABILITY TO UPHOLD THE RULE OF LAW AND ENSURE THE CONTINUED HEALTH AND VIGOUR OF THE LEGAL AND JUDICIAL SYSTEMS.
"TO ALL OF US WHO HAVE THE INTERESTS OF HONG KONG AT HEART, THAT IS A MESSAGE WHICH CANNOT BE REPEATED TOO OFTEN," SHE SAID.
SHE ALSO HOPED THAT THE MESSAGE WOULD INSPIRE THE LAW STUDENTS TO TACKLE WORK WITH ENERGY AND PRIDE.
"FOR IN A RATHER SPECIAL, DOWN-TO-EARTH WAY, YOU HOLD THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG IN YOUR HANDS," MRS PATTEN ADDED.
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/7........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1993
- 7 -
HK’S WELFARE SYSTEM HIGHLY DEVELOPED ♦ » * * *
HONG KONG’S COMPREHENSIVE SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM PROVIDES A SAFETY NET FOR THE VULNERABLE AND THE NEEDY, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, TOLD AN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE TODAY (TUESDAY).
THIS SYSTEM WHICH IS COMPARABLE TO ANY IN ASIA, HAS DEVELOPED FROM THE PROVISION OF BASIC RELIEF TO PROVIDING A BROAD RANGE OF SERVICES TO THOSE IN NEED OF CARE, PROTECTION AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.
IN ADDITION, SHE SAID, THERE WAS A RANGE OF PREVENTIVE, DEVELOPMENTAL AND SUPPORT SERVICES, AS WELL AS REMEDIAL SERVICES FOR THOSE WHO WERE VULNERABLE AND REQUIRED SUCH ASSISTANCE.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE ASIA REGIONAL CONFERENCE ON SOCIAL SECURITY, MRS WONG SAID THIS WELFARE PROGRAMME WAS COSTING THE GOVERNMENT $9 BILLION IN TERMS OF RECURRENT EXPENDITURE IN 1993/94.
THE SYSTEM HAS THREE KEY ELEMENTS.
CENTRAL TO THIS SYSTEM IS THE COMPREHENSIVE SOCIAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE SCHEME, WHICH WAS ONLY INTRODUCED ON JULY 1 THIS YEAR.
"IT IS NON-CONTRIBUTORY AND IS RELATED TO A FAMILY’S MEANS AND NEEDS," MRS WONG SAID.
"PAYMENTS UNDER THE SCHEME ARE BASED ON A RANGE OF STANDARD RATES AND SPECIAL GRANTS AND SUPPLEMENTS, INCLUDING A RENT ALLOWANCE, FREE MEDICAL TREATMENT, ANNUAL LONG-TERM SUPPLEMENTS, REIMBURSEMENT OF SCHOOL FEES AND RELATED EDUCATIONAL EXPENSES, MEAL ALLOWANCE FOR STUDENTS AND OTHER GRANTS.
"THE AVERAGE PAYMENT FOR A FAMILY OF FOUR IS $5,880 PER MONTH OR 98 PER CENT OF AVERAGE MANUFACTURING WAGE," SHE SAID.
THE SECOND COMPONENT OF THE SYSTEM IS THE SOCIAL SECURITY ALLOWANCE SCHEME UNDER WHICH, THOSE AGED BETWEEN 65 AND 69 RECEIVE AN OLD AGE ALLOWANCE OF $450 PER MONTH WHILE THOSE AGED 70 AND ABOVE GET $510.
ANY PERSON WHO IS SEVERELY DISABLED IS ALSO ELIGIBLE FOR EITHER A NORMAL DISABILITY ALLOWANCE OF $900 PER MONTH OR A HIGHER DISABILITY ALLOWANCE OF $1,800 PER MONTH.
THE THIRD ELEMENT OF THE SYSTEM IS ACCIDENT COMPENSATION AND EMERGENCY RELIEF.
THIS PROVIDES SHORT-TERM ASSISTANCE TO TIDE A FAMILY OR AN INDIVIDUAL OVER A SERIOUS AND UNFORESEEN SETBACK WHICH RESULTED IN REDUCED OR LOST EARNINGS OR ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE.
MRS WONG SAID THE COMPREHENSIVE SOCIAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE SCHEME AND THE SOCIAL SECURITY ALLOWANCE SCHEME WERE BOTH FUNDED ENTIRELY BY THE GOVERNMENT.
/ABOUT 65 .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1993
- 8 -
ABOUT 65 PER CENT OF THE 86,200 COMPREHENSIVE SOCIAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE CASES ARE ELDERLY PERSONS WHILE THE OTHER MAJOR GROUPS INCLUDE THE DISABLED, THE MENTALLY ILL, THE CHRONICALLY ILL AND SINGLE-PARENT FAMILIES.
"IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR, SOCIAL SECURITY PAYMENTS WILL COMPRISE 67 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT," SHE SAID.
"TOTAL PAYMENTS WILL AMOUNT TO $4.9 BILLION."
MRS WONG ALSO NOTED THAT THE GREATEST CHALLENGE TO HONG KONG’S SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM WAS POPULATION AGING.
THE PERCENTAGE OF PERSONS AGED 65 YEARS AND ABOVE IS EXPECTED TO INCREASE FROM 9.4 PER CENT OF TOTAL POPULATION IN 1993 TO 11.8 PER CENT BY 2001, WITH A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF PERSONS AGED 75 AND OVER.
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TRADE DIRECTOR WELCOMES CHINESE MOVES TO CURB INFLATION ♦ » » * *
THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR TONY MILLER, TODAY (TUESDAY) WELCOMED CURRENT EFFORTS TO SLOW PRICE INFLATION IN CHINA.
IN A SPEECH AT A ROTARY CLUB LUNCH, HE SAID SOOTHSAYERS HAD FORETOLD A PROBLEM FOR SOME TIME.
HONG KONG TRADE STATISTICS ALONE SIGNALLED TREMENDOUS INCREASES IN ECONOMIC ACTIVITY: HONG KONG RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA-MADE GOODS UP OVER 30 PER CENT IN 1991, NEARLY 30 PER CENT AGAIN IN 1992.
HE SAID THAT KIND OF GROWTH AND THE INVESTMENT IT EXCITED WERE BOUND TO CREATE STRAINS.
"MANY COUNTRIES MAKING A BID FOR GROWTH HAVE EXPERIENCED HIGH INFLATION RATES; CHINA’S INFLATION STILL LOOKS QUITE MODEST BY COMPARISON TO SOME," MR MILLER SAID.
"ALL CREDIT TO THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT THAT IT HAS TAKEN THE ISSUE SO SERIOUSLY, AND HAS RESPONDED WITH A BROAD RANGE OF STEADY ADJUSTMENTS. JUST HOW SUCCESSFUL THEY WILL BE REMAINS TO BE SEEN."
"WHAT IS CLEAR, IS THE DETERMINATION TO GET THE SITUATION UNDER FIRM CONTROL WITHOUT CAUSING RECESSION. THIS MUST BE GOOD NEWS FOR HONG KONG," HE ADDED.
"IT MAY MEAN A SLIGHT LOWERING IN OUR EXPECTATIONS FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH IN THE SHORT TERM, THOUGH THE TRADE FIGURES SHOW LITTLE EFFECT SO FAR, AND THE GDP GROWTH FORECAST THIS YEAR STILL STANDS AT 5.5 PER CENT."
/"IT CERTAINLY .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1993
- 9 -
"IT CERTAINLY SHOULD MEAN A BETTER CHANCE OF ACHIEVING HONG KONG’S LONG-TERM ANNUAL ECONOMIC GROWTH FORECAST OF 5 PER CENT IN THE YEARS AHEAD, GIVEN STEADIER, MORK CONTROLLED GROWTH ACROSS THE BORDER."
ON CHINA’S MOST FAVOURED NATION STATUS, MR MILLER CAUTIONED THAT 1994 WOULD BE A DIFFICULT YEAR FOR HONG KONG.
HE SAID: ’’PRESIDENT CLINTON’S EXECUTIVE ORDER MAKES THIS MORE OF A BILATERAL ISSUE BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND CHINA THAN EVER BEFORE."
"AS THE ANNUAL JUNE 3 DEADLINE APPROACHES YET AGAIN, AND HONG KONG NERVES BECOME TAUT, THE TEMPTATION TO INDULGE IN HIGH-PROFILE LOBBYING GESTURES WILL INCREASE. BUT THEY RISK HONG KONG BEING ASKED TO SPEAK ON CHINA’S BEHALF, SOMETHING CHINA MIGHT REASONABLY RESENT.
"THERE IS A GOOD DEAL WE MUST DO, QUIETLY TALKING TO U.S. BUSINESSES WITH MUTUAL INTERESTS IN THIS REGION. WE WILL CONTINUE OUR FAR-RANGING EFFORTS TO REMIND U.S. OFFICIALS AND POLITICIANS OF THE POTENTIAL DAMAGE TO HONG KONG. AND HONG KONG BUSINESSMEN WILL BE TALKING TO THEIR CONTACTS TN BEIJING.
"BUT VITAL TO THE SUCCESS OF ALL THESE EFFORTS WILL BE A LOW-PROFILE APPROACH AND A SENSITIVE MESSAGE."
STRESSING THE UNITED STATES’ VITAL ROLE IN THE MULTILATERAL TRADING SYSTEM, MR MILLER SAID PRESIDENT CLINTON HAD PUT A HIGH PRIORITY ON TRADE ISSUES.
"HE IS PUSHING TO DEVELOP THE ASIA-PACIFIC ECONOMIC COOPERATION FORUM; HE HAS INVESTED CONSIDERABLE POLITICAL CAPITAL IN THE NORTH AMERICAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT; AND HE ACHIEVED A STRONG VOTE OF CONGRESSIONAL APPROVAL FOR RENEWING HIS NEGOTIATING AUTHORITY IN THE URUGUAY ROUND."
"HE HAS SAID OF THE URUGUAY ROUND THAT ’WORLD ECONOMIC PROSPERITY DEPENDS UPON IT. IT’S THE FOUNDATION OF THE GLOBAL TRADING SYSTEM.’ HE IS RIGHT. AND WE NEED THE MORAL LEADERSHIP WHICH ONLY THE U.S. SEEMS CAPABLE OF PROVIDING TO PULL OFF THIS AGREEMENT SUCCESSFULLY."
"URUGUAY ROUND FAILURE WOULD BE A SLOW-MOTION DISASTER. NOTHING IMMEDIATE. NO SUDDEN JOB LOSSES. BUT A STEADY BUILD UP IN TRADE DISPUTES, TRADE HARASSMENT, INCREASED PROTECTION AND TRADE RETALIATION, CHOKING-OFF PROSPECTS OF REVIVING THE WORLD’S FLAGGING ECONOMY."
MR MILLER SAID: "THE URUGUAY ROUND IS TEETERING ON A KNIFE-EDGE. THE PROBLEM IS THIS: THE SHORT-TERM POLITICAL COSTS ARE IMMEDIATE AND OBVIOUS; THE BENEFITS WILL TAKE LONGER TO MATERIALISE."
"TO POLITICIANS IN THE WORLD’S DEMOCRACIES THAT IS NOT EASY TO SELL. VAGUELY DEFINED PROMISES OF IMPROVEMENTS BY SOME UNSPECIFIED FUTURE DATE WEIGH LITTLE AGAINST THE PROSPECT OF JOB LOSSES IN PROTECTED INDUSTRIES SUDDENLY FACED WITH DIRECT INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION.
/"THE URUGUAY .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1993
- 10 -
’’THE URUGUAY ROUND IS FACED WITH ITS FIRST REAL DEADLINE,” HE ADDED. "IF THE DETAILS OF AN AGREEMENT ARE NOT REPORTED TO THE U.S. CONGRESS BY DECEMBER 15, THE GAME IS OVER. I SIMPLY CANNOT SEE THE U.S. CONGRESS EXTENDING THE PRESIDENT’S NEGOTIATING AUTHORITY YET AGAIN."
MR MILLER ALSO COMMENTED ON TEXTILES ISSUES.
"OUR TALKS WITH THE VISITING U.S. CHIEF TEXTILE NEGOTIATOR AND HER TEAM LAST WEEK WENT WELL," HE SAID. "WE EMPHASISED OUR COMMITMENT TO COMBATING FRAUDULENT TRANSHIPMENT AND SHOWED THEM OUR SYSTEM. THEY SEEMED IMPRESSED, PARTICULARLY SO BY THE NEW TEXTILES TRADER REGISTRATION SCHEME WE INTRODUCED ON JULY 1."
"THE NEW SCHEME HAS BEEN WELCOMED BY A GREAT MANY TRADERS," MR MILLER ADDED. "ABOUT 18,000 HAVE REGISTERED SO FAR. IT INVOLVES SHIPPERS AND FREIGHT FORWARDERS IN SOME EXTRA WORK. NOT EASY WK KNOW. BUT THE FACT IS, THE NEW SCHEME IS PROVING A VERY VALUABLE ADDITION TO THE DEFENCE OF HONG KONG’S COMMERCIAL INTEGRITY."
MR MILLER ENDED HIS SPEECH ON AN OPTIMISTIC NOTE:
"I HAVE NEVER KNOWN HONG KONG WITHOUT SOME DAUNTING CHALLENGES AHEAD; CERTAINLY NO EXCEPTION TODAY. BUT THE POSSIBILITIES FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH ARE TREMENDOUS.
"A RECENT ARTICLE ON HONG KONG’S PROSPECTS BY THE FORMER EDITOR OF THE TIMES, LORD REES MOGG, REPRODUCED IN THE SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST RANG TRUE FOR ME. AND ITS HEADLINE IS THE THOUGHT I WOULD LIKE TO LEAVE YOU WITH TODAY: ’THIS WILL BE THE RICHEST CITY THE WORLD HAS SEEN’," HE SAID.
--------0-----------
POPULATION FIGURE UPDATES
*****
THE ESTIMATED POPULATION OF HONG KONG AT THE END OF JUNE THIS YEAR WAS 5,919,000, ACCORDING TO FIGURES RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THIS REPRESENTS AN INCREASE OF 107,500 PERSONS OR 1.8 PER CENT OVER MID-1992 WHEN THE ESTIMATED POPULATION WAS 5,811,500.
BETWEEN MID-1992 AND MID-1993, THERE WERE 72,400 BIRTHS AND 29,900 DEATHS IN HONG KONG. THE BALANCE OF BIRTHS AND DEATHS THUS AMOUNTED TO 42,500.
DURING THE SAME PERIOD, THE BALANCE OF TOTAL ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES SHOWED A NET INFLOW OF 65,000 PERSONS.
/Il .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1993
- 11 -TARIFF DATABASE DEMONSTRATION SESSIONS ♦ * * » ♦
THREE DEMONSTRATION SESSIONS OF A TARIFF DATABASE SYSTEM CURRENTLY UNDER CONSIDERATION BY THE ASIA PACIFIC ECONOMIC COOPERATION (APEC) WILL BE ARRANGED LATER THIS WEEK FOR TRADERS AND CIVIL SERVANTS.
THE TARIFF DATABASE HAS BEEN ENDORSED BY APEC SUBJECT TO A VIABILITY STUDY IN ALL 15 MEMBER ECONOMIES. HONG KONG IS A MEMBER OF APEC.
IT IS AN ELECTRONIC NETWORK FOR THE PROVISION OF COMPUTERISED INFORMATION ON TARIFF SCHEDULES OF APEC MEMBERS BASED ON THE HARMONISED COMMODITY DESCRIPTION AND CODING SYSTEM.
SUBJECT TO THE VIABILITY STUDY, THE DATABASE WILL BE OPENED FOR USE BY THE TRADE COMMUNITY, GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS OR OTHER PRIVATE SECTORS THAT HAVE INTERESTS IN THE TARIFF STRUCTURES OF OTHER APEC MEMBER ECONOMIES.
ORGANISED BY THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT, THE DEMONSTRATION SESSIONS WILL BE HELD AT THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT CONFERENCE HALL, NEW ANNEXE TO CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOWER ALBERT ROAD.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE DEMONSTRATION SESSION TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM ON FRIDAY (SEPTEMBER 17) IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT CONFERENCE HALL, NEW ANNEXE TO CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE OF SENIOR INSPECTOR MS LINDA TSUI LOK-YEE ON TEL 852 3503.
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ACC MEMBERS BRIEFED ON PROGRESS OF WEST KOWLOON ROAD WORKS
*****
MEMBERS OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE ON TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT OF THE AIRPORT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE WERE TODAY (TUESDAY) BRIEFED ON THE LATEST PROGRESS OF THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME ROAD WORKS IN WEST KOWLOON, FOLLOWED BY A SITE VISIT THERE.
MEMBERS WERE FIRST BRIEFED BY CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT, MR ROBERT LLOYD, ON THE SCOPE AND ALIGNMENT OF THE FUTURE WEST KOWLOON EXPRESSWAY AND ASSOCIATED TRAFFIC INTERCHANGES.
/THE WEST .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1993
- 12 -
THE WEST KOWLOON EXPRESSWAY, TO BE BUILT ENTIRELY ON THE RECLAIMED LAND OF THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION, WILL LINK THE WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING TOLL PLAZA WITH THE KWAI CHUNG VIADUCT OF ROUTE 3.
MEMBERS NOTED THAT WORKS FOR THE NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN SECTIONS OF THE EXPRESSWAY STARTED ON AUGUST 2 AND AUGUST 31 RESPECTIVELY. BOTH ARE SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION IN LATE 1996.
THE CONTRACTS INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO INTERCHANGES AT YAU MA TEI AND LAI WAN, A DUAL THREE-LANE ROAD RUNNING ALONG THE EXPRESSWAY, AN UNDERPASS AT CHERRY STREET, A RAILWAY TRACK DRAINAGE AND FORMATION, TWO FOOTBRIDGES AND RECLAMATION DRAINAGE CULVERTS.
MEMBERS WERE ALSO TOLD THAT THE WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING, THE OTHER MAJOR ROAD PROJECT ON THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION, STARTED CONSTRUCTION ON AUGUST 2, WITH THE AIM OF COMPLETING THE WORKS WITHIN 47 MONTHS.
AFTER THE BRIEFING, ACC MEMBERS VISITED THE WEST KOWLOON AREA FOR A CLOSE-UP VIEW OF THE ROAD WORKS THERE.
OVERLOOKING THE RECLAMATION AREA FROM A VANTAGE POINT, MEMBERS WERE AGAIN BRIEFED BY MR LLOYD ON FEATURES OF THE FUTURE ROADS AND INTERCHANGES IN RELATION TO THE EXISTING TOPOGRAPHY.
------0--------
SPORT DRIVE TO PROMOTE HEALTHY LIFESTYLE FOR STUDENTS *****
MANY PEOPLE THINK THAT EDUCATION IS ONLY CONCERNED WITH THE ACQUISITION OF ACADEMIC KNOWLEDGE.
IT IS NOT SO SIMPLE, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WONG, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
IN LAUNCHING THE "GO! SPORT" PROGRAMME, MR WONG SAID EDUCATION ALSO PLACED EMPHASIS ON THE PROCESS THROUGH WHICH YOUNG PEOPLE DEVELOPED AS INDIVIDUALS AND LEARNED TO ADAPT TO SOCIETY.
HE SAID THE PROGRAMME WAS AIMED AT PROMOTING A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE AMONG STUDENTS AND ENCOURAGING THEM TO PARTICIPATE IN SPORTS FOR FUN.
SPONSORED BY HONG KONG TELECOM AND ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG SPORTS DEVELOPMENT BOARD, THE PROGRAMME WAS ALSO AIMED AT HELPING STUDENTS RELIEVE LEARNING PRESSURES AND BUILDING UP THEIR CHARACTER.
POINTING OUT THAT SPORT WAS AN INTEGRAL PART OF EDUCATION, MR WONG SAID IT WOULD NOT ONLY PROMOTE HEALTH BUT ALSO TEACH PEOPLE TO:
* WORK AS A TEAM;
/* HONOURABLY ACCEPT ........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1993
» HONOURABLY ACCEPT SUCCESS AND DEFEAT; AND
* LEARN TO APPRECIATE PRAISE AND CRITICISM FROM OTHERS.
"THE SUBJECT OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION IS, THEREFORE, AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THE SCHOOL CURRICULUM AT VARIOUS LEVELS OF SCHOOLING IN HONG KONG," MR WONG SAID.
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, HE SAID, ENCOURAGED A WIDE RANGE OF SPORT ACTIVITIES FOR STUDENTS, AND CASH SUPPORT WAS GIVEN TO SCHOOLS FOR ORGANISING EXTRACURRICULAR SPORT ACTIVITIES.
THE DEPARTMENT ALSO SUBSIDISES THE HONG KONG SCHOOLS SPORTS COUNCIL, THE HONG KONG SPORTS ASSOCIATION AND THE NEW TERRITORIES SCHOOLS SPORTS ASSOCIATION, ALL OF WHICH ORGANISE REGULAR SPORTS PROGRAMMES FOR SCHOOLS.
"WE LIAISE ALSO WITH OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS IN ORDER TO ORGANISE TRAINING COURSES AND COMPETITIONS FOR OUR STUDENTS," HE SAID.
--------0-----------
MATERNITY PROTECTION FOR FEMALE WORKERS *****
A FEMALE WORKER, WHO HAS BEEN EMPLOYED FOR NOT LESS THAN 12 WEEKS, IS PROTECTED UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE (EO) FROM TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT FROM THE DATE SHE GIVES NOTICE OF HER INTENTION TO TAKE MATERNITY LEAVE UNTIL THE DATE SHE RETURNS TO WORK.
TO HELP WORKERS UNDERSTAND IN SIMPLE TERMS THE MATERNITY PROTECTION PROVISIONS OF THE EO, THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAS PREPARED A NEW LEAFLET FOR FREE DISTRIBUTION AT ITS LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE OFFICES.
INCLUDED IN THE LEAFLET WAS A STANDARD FORM OF NOTICE SPECIFYING THE EXPECTED DATE OF CONFINEMENT AND THE DATE ON WHICH THE MATERNITY LEAVE IS TO START, TO HELP EMPLOYEES COMPLY WITH THEIR OBLIGATION UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.
THERE IS ALSO A DECLARATION FORM TO ENABLE FEMALE WORKERS TO MAKE STATUTORY DECLARATION TO VERIFY THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN SHE HAS IN ORDER TO CLAIM MATERNITY LEAVE PAY.
SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER, MR FRANCIS HO, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT UNDER THE EO, A FEMALE EMPLOYEE WHO HAD WORKED FOR THE SAME EMPLOYER UNDER A CONTINUOUS CONTRACT FOR A PERIOD OF NOT LESS THAN 26 WEEKS WAS ENTITLED TO MATERNITY LEAVE.
"IF A FEMALE WORKER HAS WORKED CONTINUOUSLY FOR THE EMPLOYER FOR A PERIOD OF NOT LESS THAN 40 WEEKS BEFORE THE EXPECTED DATE OF HER STARTING THE MATERNITY LEAVE AND SHE HAS NO MORE THAN TWO SURVIVING CHILDREN, SHE IS ALSO ENTITLED TO MATERNITY LEAVE PAY," MR HO SAID.
/THE MATERNITY .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1993
14
THE MATERNITY LEAVE PAY IS CALCULATED AT THE RATE OF TWO THIRDS OF HER MONTHLY SALARY.
IF A FEMALE WORKER IS EMPLOYED ON PIECE RATE OR WHERE HER DAILY WAGES VARY FROM DAY TO DAY, THE RATE IS TWO THIRDS OF HER DAILY AVERAGE WAGE DURING EVERY COMPLETE WAGE PERIOD, COMPRISING NOT LESS THAN 28 DAYS AND NOT MORE THAN 31 DAYS, PRECEDING THE LEAVE.
MR HO REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT THEY WERE NOT ALLOWED TO PAY WAGES IN LIEU OF MATERNITY LEAVE.
"IT IS ALSO AN OFFENCE IF THE EMPLOYER TERMINATES THE FEMALE WORKER’S CONTRACT DURING THE PERIOD FROM THE DATE SHE GIVES NOTICE OF HER INTENTION TO TAKE MATERNITY LEAVE UNTIL THE DATE ON WHICH SHE IS DUE TO RETURN TO WORK," HE SAID.
IN OTHER WORDS, AN EMPLOYEE IS PROTECTED FROM DISMISSAL ONCE THE NOTICE IS GIVEN TO HER EMPLOYER AND THE PROTECTION IS NOT DEPENDENT ON THE IMMEDIATE PROVISION OF A MEDICAL CERTIFICATE.
"THIS IS BECAUSE UNDER THE EO, THERE IS NO REQUIREMENT THAT AT THE TIME THE NOTICE IS LODGED WITH THE EMPLOYER, IT HAS TO BE ACCOMPANIED BY A MEDICAL CERTIFICATE."
NOR DOES THE LAW SET A TIME LIMIT FOR THE EMPLOYEE TO PRODUCE THE CERTIFICATE CERTIFYING THE PREGNANCY AND SPECIFYING THE EXPECTED DATE OF CONFINEMENT, HE ADDED.
EMPLOYERS BREACHING THE PROVISIONS WOULD BE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $10,000.
THE EMPLOYER WILL ALSO HAVE TO PAY THE SUM WHICH WOULD HAVE BEEN PAYABLE IF THE CONTRACT HAS BEEN TERMINATED IN ACCORDANCE WITH ITS TERMS, THE MATERNITY LEAVE PAY FOR 10 WEEKS AND A FURTHER SUM EQUIVALENT TO SEVEN DAYS’ WAGES.
"TO AVOID UNNECESSARY MISUNDERSTANDINGS AND DISPUTES, EMPLOYEES INTENDING TO TAKE MATERNITY LEAVE SHOULD CONSIDER USING THE STANDARD FORM OF NOTICE AS FAR AS PRACTICABLE," HE ADDED.
MR HO ALSO APPEALED TO PREGNANT EMPLOYEES TO MAKE DECLARATION, USING THE ATTACHED FORM IN THE LEAFLET, AT THE 11 LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE OFFICES AS SOON AS POSSIBLE BECAUSE THEY MUST PRODUCE TO THEIR EMPLOYERS A STATUTORY DECLARATION VERIFYING THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN AT THE TIME WHEN THE NOTICE OF INTENTION TO TAKE LEAVE IS SERVED.
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/15........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1993
- 15 -
PROPER LABELLING FOR PREPACKAGED FOOD REQUIRED * * * * «
FOOD WHOLESALERS AND RETAILERS MUST PROPERLY LABEL OR MARK PREPACKAGED FOOD ITEMS, WHETHER COMPLETELY OR PARTIALLY PACKED, AS STIPULATED BY THE THIRD SCHEDULE TO THE FOOD AND DRUGS (COMPOSITION AND LABELLING) REGULATIONS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT OFFENDERS WERE SUBJECT TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $25,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR SIX MONTHS UPON CONVICTION.
THE REMINDER WAS ISSUED FOLLOWING TWO COURT CASES IN WESTERN MAGISTRACY IN WHICH TWO FOOD SHOP OPERATORS IN SHEUNG WAN WERE FINED A TOTAL OF $3,100 AFTER THEY PLEADED GUILTY OF SELLING IMPROPERLY LABELLED PREPACKAGED SWEETENED LOTUS SEED, PRESERVED RAISIN AND PRESERVED MELON.
THE COURT WAS TOLD THAT THE FOOD SOLD BY THE TWO DEFENDANTS WERE NOT MARKED OR LABELLED WITH THE NAME OR DESIGNATION OF THE FOOD, THE LIST OF INGREDIENTS, AN INDICATION OF ITS MINIMUM DURABILITY, NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MANUFACTURER AND THE NUMERICAL COUNT OF THE CONTENTS OR THE NET WEIGHT OF THE FOOD AS REQUIRED BY THE REGULATIONS.
-----0------
GOVT TO STRENGTHEN SERVICES IN TA KWU LING
*****
THE GOVERNMENT WILL STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY, HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES IN TA KWU LING, THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR NEW TERRITORIES, MR ALBERT LAM, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE TA KWU LING RURAL CENTRE GOVERNMENT BUILDING IN NORTH DISTRICT, MR LAM SAID THE NEW STRUCTURE COULD WELL SERVE THIS END AND WAS A SOLID PROOF OF THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO LOCAL COMMUNITY PROJECTS.
THE THREE-STOREY BUILDING WILL PROVIDE A RANGE OF COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES WITH GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS RENDERING WELFARE, MEDICAL AND POSTAL SERVICES, HE SAID.
THE SUB-OFFICE FOR THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION’S NORTH DISTRICT WILL ENHANCE RELATIONS BETWEEN THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE LOCAL COMMUNITY WHILE THE COMMUNITY HALL WILL ENABLE LOCAL GROUPS TO ORGANISE CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES.
APART FROM A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WELFARE SUB-OFFICE, AN OUT-PATIENT CLINIC AND A POST OFFICE, THE BUILDING ALSO ACCOMMODATES A LIBRARY-CUM-READING ROOM AND A JUNIOR POLICE CALL ACTIVITIES CENTRE.
------0-------
/16 .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1993
- 16 -
AIR QUALITY REPORT FOR AUGUST *****
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) RELEASED AIR QUALITY INFORMATION FOR AUGUST.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE PURPOSE OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT WAS TO KEEP THE PUBLIC INFORMED OF THE AIR QUALITY LEVELS IN THE TERRITORY AND TO EXPLAIN THE MEASUREMENTS.
THE ANNOUNCEMENT NORMALLY CONTAINS MONITORING RESULTS OBTAINED AT ITS MONG KOK, CENTRAL/WESTERN AND KWAI CHUNG MONITORING STATIONS.
THE LOCATIONS ARE TYPICAL OF THREE OF THE IMPORTANT LAND USE TYPES FOUND IN THE TERRITORY:
» 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 SULPHUR DIOXIDE (SO2), NITROGEN DIOXIDE (NO2), RESPIRABLE SUSPENDED PARTICULATES (RSP) AND TOTAL SUSPENDED PARTICULATES (TSP).
THE GASEOUS POLLUTANTS ARE MONITORED CONTINUOUSLY WHILE PARTICLE SAMPLES ARE COLLECTED FOR 24 HOURS, NORMALLY ONCE EVERY SIX DAYS.
FOR A PERIOD OF THREE DAYS STARTING FROM AUGUST 24, HONG KONG EXPERIENCED SIGNIFICANT DEGRADATION OF VISIBILITY AND INCREASED AIR POLLUTION LEVELS.
THE VISIBILITY REDUCTION WAS WIDESPREAD, WITH REPORTS FROM AIRCRAFT AND OTHER OBSERVATIONS INDICATING THAT HAZY CONDITIONS PREVAILED OVER COASTAL AREAS MORE THAN 100 KILOMETRES FROM HONG KONG AND UP TO HEIGHTS OF TWO KILOMETRES ABOVE THE SEA.
IN THIS EXTENSIVE AREA OF STAGNATION, CALM WIND CONDITIONS COUPLED WITH A VERY STABLE ATMOSPHERE INHIBITED DISPERSION OF AIR POLLUTANTS AND CAUSED AN AIR POLLUTION EPISODE IN HONG KONG.
ELEMENTAL ANALYSIS OF SAMPLES COLLECTED SHOWED A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF CARBON IN THE PARTICULATES, A RESULT OF DIRECT EMISSION FROM URBAN COMBUSTION SOURCES SUCH AS DIESEL ENGINES.
AN INCREASE IN SULPHATE CONTENT WAS ALSO NOTICED, MAINLY BECAUSE OF THE TRANSFORMATION OF SULPHUR DIOXIDE EMITTED BY FUEL BURNING SOURCES INTO SULPHATE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF VERY STABLE ATMOSPHERIC CONDITIONS.
LOCAL WINDS GRADUALLY PICKED UP ON AUGUST 27 AND BETTER DISPERSION CONDITIONS SUBSEQUENTLY BROUGHT DOWN POLLUTANT LEVELS.
/AT THE .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1993
17 -
AT THE BEGINNING OF THE AIR POLLUTION EPISODE, THE DEPARTMENT TOOK IMMEDIATE ACTION TO ACQUIRE ADDITIONAL PARTICULATE SAMPLES AT SOME SELECTED STATIONS.
ASSOCIATED WITH THE EPISODE, THERE WERE EXCEEDANCES OF THE DAILY NO2 OBJECTIVE OF 150 UG PER CUBIC METER AT MONG KOK AND TSP LIMIT OF 260 UG PER CUBIC METER AT KWAI CHUNG ON AUGUST 25.
AT MONG KOK, A DAILY NITROGEN DIOXIDE CONCENTRATION OF 154 UG PER CUBIC METER WAS RECORDED, WHICH WAS SLIGHTLY ABOVE THE 24-HOUR OBJECTIVE WHILE THE LEVELS AT CENTRAL/WESTERN WERE CLOSE TO THE OBJECTIVE VALUE.
NO OBSERVATION OF NO2 WAS AVAILABLE AT KWAI CHUNG. THE ADDITIONAL PARTICULATE SAMPLE AT KWAI CHUNG ON THAT DAY REVEALED THAT TSP LEVELS EXCEEDED THE DAILY LIMIT BY 23 PER CENT AND RSP VALUES APPROACHED THE OBJECTIVE VALUE.
THE FOUR POLLUTANTS DISCUSSED HAVE DIFFERENT ORIGINS. SO2 MOSTLY ORIGINATES FROM THE COMBUSTION OF SULPHUR CONTAINING FOSSIL FUELS.
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. IT IS ALSO A MAJOR SOURCE OF AIRBORNE PARTICLES, OTHER SOURCES INCLUDE INDUSTRY, FURNACES AND BOILERS, CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES, THE SEA AND SOIL DUST.
THE DEPARTMENT CURRENTLY 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.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE DIRECTED TO PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER, MR RAYMOND LEUNG ON TELEPHONE 594 6401.
--------0-----------
/18........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1993
18 AUCTION OF LUCKY CAR REGISTRATION MARKS *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD ANOTHER AUCTION OF LUCKY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS ON SATURDAY (SEPTEMBER 18) AT 9.30 AM AT THE LECTURE HALL, SHEUNG WAN CIVIC CENTRE, FIFTH FLOOR, URBAN COUNCIL SHEUNG WAN COMPLEX AT 345 QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
A TOTAL OF 50 LUCKY VEHICLE AVAILABLE FOR BIDDING. THEY ARE: REGISTRATION MARKS WILL BE
FJ968 FH911 FJ3228 FJ338 FJ835
FH1038 FJ8288 AW8300 DR2389 FJ106
♦FJ2882 *DL12 ♦DL8888 »FN8 ♦ED1122
AA7428 FJ316 FH228 HK3222 FJ7992
FG822 AR175 BL338 FJ870 FH6783
FK448 FG928 FJ3839 AA4568 FJ744
DF885 XX170 FJ322 FJ7789 FH1966
»FR4 *1230 »FK10 ♦FR400 *FR242
FK163 FJ1112 EB280 FJ1125 FJ594
FJ837 FH8898 FK3283 FH6661 FJ5489
» SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK (NOT 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 202ND ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973.
/19........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1993
- 19 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS *****
TENDER DATE 14 SEPT 93 14 SEPT 93
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q337 H373
AMOUNT APPLIED HKD4,455 MN HKD2,170 MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED HKD1.000 MN HKD400 MN
AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED 2.88 PCT 3.05 PCT
HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED 2.88 PCT 3.05 PCT
PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 100 PCT ABOUT 65 PCT
AVERAGE TENDER YIELD HONG KONG TENDERS TO BE HELD IN THE TENDER DATE PAPER ON OFFER ISSUE NUMBER ISSUE DATE MATURITY DATE TENDOR AMOUNT ON OFFER 2.93 PCT GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND WEEK BEGINNING 20 SEPT 1993- 21 SEPT 93 EF BILLS Q338 22 SEPT 93 22 DEC 93 91 DAYS HKD1,000 + 200 MN 3.08 PCT
---------0-----------
/20 .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1993
- 20 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,000
REVERSAL OF LAF NIL
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 2,000
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY -475
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,525
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 112.1 »+0.0» 14.9.93
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 2.86 PCT 14 MONTHS 2411 4.625 101.47 3.36
1 MONTH 2.83 PCT 17 MONTHS 2502 4.75 101.71 3.53
3 MONTHS 2.85 PCT 20 MONTHS 2505 3.75 100.05 3.75
6 MONTHS 3.00 PCT 23 MONTHS 2508 4.625 101.44 3.88
12 MONTHS 3.27 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 11,206 MN
CLOSED 14 SEPTEMBER 1993
- - 0 - -
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^4^139^
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15z 1993
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HK INVOLVES IN REVOLUTION OF THE CENTURY: GOVERNOR ............. 1
PRIMARY HEALTH CARE NETWORK ON EYES IN THE MAKING .............. 2
HK AND AUSTRALIA SIGN TWO BILATERAL AGREEMENTS ................. 2
26 EX-CHINA VIETNAMESE REPATRIATED ............................. 4
269 VMS RETURN TODAY ........................................... 4
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ..
5
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1993
- 1 -
HK INVOLVES IN REVOLUTION OF THE CENTURY: GOVERNOR * * * * *
HONG KONG CONTRIBUTES AND BENEFITS FROM THE OPENING UP OF CHINA’S ECONOMY - ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT REVOLUTIONS OF THIS CENTURY, THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
ADDRESSING THE OPENING OF THE PENSIONS 2000 CONFERENCE, MR PATTEN SAID IT HAD BEEN AN OPENING-UP IN TWO SENSES.
FIRST, CHINA IS JOINING THE GLOBAL ECONOMY AND OPENING UP ITS HUGE MARKET OF 1.2 BILLION TO THE OUTSIDE WORLD.
SECOND, CHINA IS OPENING UP IN THE SENSE THAT IT IS EMBRACING MARKET ECONOMICS AND FREE ENTERPRISE.
"WE ARE HELPING TO SOW THE SEEDS OF CHANGE IN CHINA AND WE’RE CERTAINLY REAPING THE BENEFIT," THE GOVERNOR SAID.
HE BELIEVED THAT THE FUTURE FOR CHINA AND HONG KONG SHOULD BE EXTREMELY BRIGHT.
"WE IN HONG KONG WILL DO OUR BEST TO MAKE IT BRIGHT BY HOLDING ON TO WHAT I BELIEVE IS OUR WINNING FORMULA - MARKET ECONOMICS PRACTISED WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE RULE OF LAW."
IT HAS BEEN AN UNBEATABLE COMBINATION HERE AND ELSEWHERE, HE SAID.
"IT’S A COMBINATION WHICH PROMISES A PROSPEROUS, A STABLE AND A FREE FUTURE FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG."
HE SAID BRITAIN WAS SOLEMNLY COMMITTED TO ITS IMPLEMENTATION OF THE JOINT DECLARATION WHICH GUARANTEED HONG KONG’S WAY OF LIFE FOR 50 YEARS AFTER 1997.
HE SAID NEITHER HE NOR THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT WAS PROPOSING THE SORT OF DEMOCRACY WHICH MOST COMMUNITIES AS SOPHISTICATED AS HONG KONG TOOK FOR GRANTED.
"NOR ARE WE TALKING ABOUT SPEEDING UP THE ALREADY AGREED PACE OF DEMOCRATISATION.
"WHAT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT, WHAT WE’RE DISCUSSING, WHAT WE’RE EVEN ARGUING ABOUT, IS MAKING THE EXISTING AGREED PROCESS OF GRADUAL DEMOCRATISATION CREDIBLE."
MR PATTEN SAID HE WAS DETERMINED THAT THE FINAL ELECTIONS HERE UNDER BRITISH SOVEREIGNTY SHOULD BE CLEAN ELECTIONS, NOT RIG ELECTIONS.
"THAT MEANS THAT WE NEED ARRANGEMENTS FOR THOSE ELECTIONS WHICH ARE FAIR, WHICH ARE OPEN AND WHICH ARE ACCEPTABLE TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG," HE SAID.
/2 ........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1993
- 2 -
PRIMARY HEALTH CARE NETWORK ON EYES IN THE MAKING * * * * *
THE HONG KONG EYE HOSPITAL AND THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ARE
WORKING TOGETHER TO DEVELOP A PRIMARY HEALTH CARE NETWORK ON SIGHT
CONSERVATION AND EYE DISEASE PREVENTION, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR
DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SIR DAVID WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EYE
HOSPITAL.
HE SAID THE OPENING OF THE HOSPITAL REFLECTED BOTH THE INTERNATIONAL TREND OF INCREASED SPECIALISATION, AND ALSO THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY’S EMPHASIS ON GREATER EFFICIENCY AND COST-EFFECTIVENESS IN THE PROVISION OF SERVICES.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID RAPID ADVANCEMENT OF TECHNOLOGY IN RECENT YEARS HAD LED TO A RETHINK OVER THE WAYS IN WHICH MEDICAL SERVICES SHOULD BE PROVIDED.
"THE HONG KONG EYE HOSPITAL SETS A GOOD EXAMPLE BY PULLING TOGETHER IN A SINGLE LOCATION THE USE OF THE MOST MODERN EQUIPMENT AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE WHICH ENSURE THE PATIENT GETS THE BEST POSSIBLE CARE."
THE HOSPITAL IS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND OFFERING A FULL RANGE OF CARE AND TREATMENT FOR EYE PATIENTS IN HONG KONG.
------0-------
HK AND AUSTRALIA SIGN TWO BILATERAL AGREEMENTS
*****
TWO BILATERAL AGREEMENTS WERE SIGNED BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF HONG KONG AND THE GOVERNMENT OF AUSTRALIA IN HONG KONG TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T H CHAU, SIGNED AN AGREEMENT FOR THE PROMOTION AND PROTECTION OF INVESTMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT OF HONG KONG UNDER THE AUTHORISATION OF THE UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT WHILE SENATOR PETER COOK, MINISTER FOR TRADE, SIGNED ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT OF AUSTRALIA.
AT THE SAME CEREMONY, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR GORDON SIU, SIGNED AN AIR SERVICES AGREEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT OF HONG KONG UNDER THE AUTHORISATION OF THE UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT WHILE SENATOR COOK SIGNED ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT OF AUSTRALIA.
THE HONG KONG/AUSTRALIA INVESTMENT PROMOTION AND PROTECTION AGREEMENT IS THE SECOND SUCH AGREEMENT HONG KONG HAS SIGNED IN THE IMPORTANT AREA OF INVESTMENT PROTECTION. THE FIRST WAS SIGNED WITH THE NETHERLANDS IN NOVEMBER 1992.
/SUCH AGREEMENTS .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1993
- 3 -
SUCH AGREEMENTS ARE BILATERAL INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS BINDING UNDER INTERNATIONAL LAW WHICH AIM TO PROMOTE AND PROTECT, ON A RECIPROCAL BASIS, INVESTMENTS BY INVESTORS OF ONE CONTRACTING PARTY IN THE OTHER’S AREA. THE AGREEMENTS PROVIDE FOR INVESTMENT DISPUTES TO BE SETTLED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AGREED PROCEDURES.
SPEAKING AT THE SIGNING CEREMONY, MR CHAU SAID AUSTRALIA WAS ONE OF HONG KONG’S IMPORTANT INVESTMENT PARTNERS.
"THE AGREEMENT WOULD BOOST AUSTRALIAN INVESTORS’ CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG.”
WITH THE AGREEMENT OF THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT, FOLLOWING CONSIDERATION IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IS NEGOTIATING A NETWORK OF SIMILAR AGREEMENTS WITH ITS MAJOR INVESTMENT PARTNERS, MR CHAU SAID.
THE HONG KONG/AUSTRALIA AIR SERVICES AGREEMENT IS THE 10TH SUCH AGREEMENT SIGNED SPECIFICALLY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION IN MIND. THE OTHER NINE AGREEMENTS WERE SIGNED WITH THE NETHERLANDS, SWITZERLAND, CANADA, BRUNEI, FRANCE, NEW ZEALAND, MALAYSIA, BRAZIL AND SRI LANKA RESPECTIVELY.
CURRENTLY, QANTAS OPERATES A TOTAL OF 21 PASSENGER SERVICES A WEEK BETWEEN HONG KONG AND VARIOUS POINTS IN AUSTRALIA AND CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS RECIPROCATES WITH SERVICES OF SIMILAR CAPACITY.
SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, MR SIU SAID THE NEW AGREEMENT WOULD FORM A FIRM BASIS FOR CARRIERS OF THE TWO SIDES TO CONTINUE TO DEVELOP AND EXPAND THEIR RESPECTIVE SERVICES.
"THESE SERVICES WILL NO DOUBT ALSO BENEFIT THE CONTINUED GROWTH OF LINKS, BOTH ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL, BETWEEN THE TWO PLACES," HE SAID.
BOTH BILATERAL AGREEMENTS HAVE BEEN CONSIDERED BY THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT THROUGH THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP AND HAVE ITS SUPPORT.
ONCE THE INVESTMENT PROMOTION AND PROTECTION AGREEMENT ENTERS INTO FORCE, IT WILL REMAIN EFFECTIVE FOR 15 YEARS IN THE FIRST INSTANCE. THEREAFTER, IT WILL ONLY BE TERMINATED UPON ONE YEAR’S NOTICE BY EITHER CONTRACTING PARTY.
THE AIR SERVICES AGREEMENT ENTERS INTO FORCE UPON SIGNATURE. IT WILL REMAIN EFFECTIVE AFTER 1997 AND WILL ONLY BE TERMINATED UPON ONE YEAR’S NOTICE BY EITHER CONTRACTING PARTY.
------0----------
/4 ........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1993
26 EX-CHINA VIETNAMESE REPATRIATED ♦ * * * *
A TOTAL OF 26 EX-CHINA VIETNAMESE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS (ECVII’S) WERE REPATRIATED TO CHINA TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE GROUP COMPRISED NINE MEN, FIVE WOMEN AND 12 MINORS UNDER 16 YEARS OF AGE.
THIS WAS THE SECOND BATCH OF ECVII’S RETURNED TO CHINA UNDER AN AGREEMENT REACHED BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINESE OFFICIALS AT A MEETING IN GUANGZHOU ON AUGUST 23.
THE THIRD BATCH WILL BE REPATRIATED ON SEPTEMBER 24 (FRIDAY).
- - 0 - -
269 VMS RETURN TODAY *****
A GROUP OF 269 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE UNHCR’S VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME.
COMPRISING 94 MEN, 67 WOMEN, 53 BOYS AND 55 GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 164TH BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.
THIS GROUP BROUGHT TO 5,932 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAVE RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 32,244 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN MARCH 1989.
- - 0 - -
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1993
- 5 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ♦ * » » *
$ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT
REVERSAL OF LAF
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER
1 ,525
+ 475
2,000
NIL
-300
1,700
TWI 112.2 *+0.1* 15.9.93
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM
1 WEEK 2.82 PCT 14 MONTHS
1 MONTH 2.81 PCT 17 MONTHS
3 MONTHS 2.87 PCT 20 MONTHS
6 MONTHS 3.03 PCT 23 MONTHS
12 MONTHS 3.29 PCT
ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
2411 4.625 101.40 3.42
2502 4.75 101.65 3.57
2505 3.75 99.95 3.81
2508 4.625 101.36 3.92
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS
CLOSED 15 SEPTEMBER 1993
- 9,349 MN
---------0-----------
Received by PRO on 2 1 SEP 1993
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 842 8777
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1993
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
JLG 27TH MEETING: JOINT COMMUNIQUE ............................. 1
GOVERNOR VISITS TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT LICENSING OFFICE .......... 2
SHA COMMENTS ON NT PROPERTY SUCCESSION ......................... 4
AIRPORT PROJECT - BIGGEST SINCE BUILDING PYRAMIDS: CS .......• 5
SHA FURTHER EXPOUNDS SEXUAL EQUALITY ........................... 6
CUSTOMER LIAISON GROUP TO BE SET UP ............................ 7
SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT VISITS KCRC ............................ 8
UK HEALTH SECRETARY VISITS BOYS' HOME .......................... 9
UK HEALTH CHIEF VISITS QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL .................... 10
UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS FOR MAY - JULY .. 10
DAYA BAY CONTINGENCY PLAN LEAFLETS FOR PUBLIC ................. 11
ACTION AGAINST UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES IN VILLAGES ............ 11
OPERATION TO STAMP OUT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ..................... 12
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .. 13
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1993
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
EXCO MEMBER APPOINTED .................................. 14
TROPICAL STORM ROUNDUP ........................................ 14
SCAFFOLD SAFETY URGED AFTER TYPHOON ........................... 15
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1993
1
J LG 2 7TH MEETING: JOINT COMMUNIQUE *****
THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP HELD ITS TWENTY-SEVENTH MEETING IN PEKING FROM 14 TO 16 SEPTEMBER 1993.
THE GROUP HAD A FURTHER DISCUSSION ABOUT THE FUTURE OF LANDS WHICH ARE NOW IN USE FOR DEFENCE PURPOSES IN HONG KONG; MATTERS RELATING TO HONG KONG’S INTERNATIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS (IRO); HONG KONG’S AIR SERVICES AGREEMENTS; FRANCHISES AND CONTRACTS EXTENDING BEYOND 1997 AND RELATED MATTERS; INVESTMENT PROMOTION AND PROTECTION AGREEMENTS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND RELEVANT COUNTRIES; SURRENDER OF FUGITIVE OFFENDERS AGREEMENTS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND RELEVANT COUNTRIES; MUTUAL LEGAL ASSISTANCE IN CRIMINAL MATTERS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CERTAIN COUNTRIES; LOCALISATION OF LAWS; ADAPTATION OF LAWS; THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION RELATING TO THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG AFTER 1997; VISA ABOLITION AGREEMENTS; THE RECIPROCAL ENFORCEMENT OF JUDGMENTS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND FOREIGN COUNTRIES; AND CIVIL SERVICE MATTERS.
THE NEXT MEETING OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP WILL TAKE PLACE IN LONDON IN DECEMBER 1993.
MR ANTHONY GALSWORTHY’S OPENING STATEMENT TO THE PRESS:
I RECOGNISE THAT THE AGREED COMMUNIQUE WAS NOT VERY INFORMATIVE, AND WILL TRY TO MAKE UP FOR THAT.
WE HAVE AGREED THAT ONE FURTHER AIR SERVICES AGREEMENT - THAT WITH INDIA - SHOULD BE SIGNED. WE HAVE SIGNED MINUTES RECORDING AGREEMENT ON FOUR FRANCHISES WHICH HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN AGREED. HOWEVER WE MADE NO PROGRESS ON CONTAINER TERMINAL 9, DESPITE THE IMPORTANCE WHICH THIS PROJECT HAS FOR HONG KONG’S ECONOMY.
THE POSITION ON DEFENCE LANDS IS THAT THERE REMAIN SOME GAPS OF IMPORTANCE BETWEEN THE POSITIONS OF THE TWO SIDES, DESPITE THE REAL PROGRESS WHICH HAS BEEN MADE. I THINK THAT WE MAY HAVE MADE A LITTLE PROGRESS AT THIS MEETING IN IDENTIFYING POSSIBLE WAYS TO BRIDGE OUR REMAINING DIFFERENCES: THESE WILL BE FURTHER EXPLORED AT AN EXPERT MEETING NEXT MONTH.
OR IRQ’S, WE AGREED THAT THREE MULTILATERAL INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS IN THE PRIVATE INTERNATIONAL LAW CATEGORY WOULD CONTINUE IN FORCE AFTER 1997. THESE CONVENTIONS ESTABLISHED SYSTEMS UNDER WHICH CERTAIN PUBLIC DOCUMENTS (FOR EXAMPLE JUDICIAL AND NOTARIAL DOCUMENTS) ARE EXEMPT FROM OFFICIAL CERTIFICATION, LEGAL DOCUMENTS ISSUED IN ONE COUNTRY CAN BE SERVED IN ANOTHER AND EVIDENCE FROM ONE COUNTRY REQUIRED IN CIVIL JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS IN ANOTHER CAN BE OBTAINED.
THESE THREE CONVENTIONS PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN ENSURING THAT LEGAL PROCESS AND CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE HONG KONG BUSINESS COMMUNITY AND THEIR TRADING PARTNERS ABROAD MAY BE EFFICIENTLY DISCHARGED.
/TWO OTHER .......
2
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1993
TWO OTHER CONVENTIONS WERE AGREED. ONE, DATING BACK TO THE LATE PART OF THE LAST CENTURY, IS CONCERNED WITH THE PROTECTION OF SUBMARINE CABLES. THE OTHER IS AIMED AT IMPROVING COMMUNICATIONS AT SEA AND THEREBY INCREASING THE SAFETY AND EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF SHIPPING.
ON AGREEMENTS ON MUTUAL LEGAL ASSISTANCE THERE APPEAR TO BE NO FURTHER POINTS OUTSTANDING BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES. HOWEVER THE CHINESE SIDE HAVE STILL WITHHELD FORMAL CONFIRMATION OF THE AGREEMENT REACHED BETWEEN THE DELEGATIONS LAST YEAR. THE CHINESE HAVE AGREED TO THE SIGNATURE OF ONE FURTHER BILATERAL AGREEMENT ON FUGITIVE OFFENDERS AND TWO ON INVESTMENT PROTECTION. HOWEVER, THEY HAVE ALSO EFFECTIVELY BROUGHT THE PROCESS OF NEGOTIATING WITH THIRD COUNTRIES TO A HALT BY REFUSING TO AGREE TO THE NEGOTIATION OF AGREEMENTS WITH ANY FURTHER COUNTRIES.
NO PROGRESS WAS MADE ON LOCALISATION OF LAWS AND ADAPTATION OF LAWS, DESPITE THE FACT THAT PROPOSALS IN BOTH HAVE BEEN ON THE TABLE FOR A VERY LONG TIME. THE LOCALISATION PROGRAMME IS NOW EFFECTIVELY AT A STANDSTILL, WHICH CARRIES SERIOUS RISKS FOR HONG KONG.
WE DISCUSSED CERTAIN QUESTIONS RELATING TO RIGHT OF ABODE AND NATIONALITY. THE CHINESE ARE STILL CONSIDERING PROPOSALS WE HAVE MADE IN THIS REGARD, AND WE HAVE SUGGESTED THERE SHOULD BE EXPERT DISCUSSIONS.
THE CHINESE RAISED SEVERAL MATTERS RELATING TO THE CIVIL SERVICE, INCLUDING THE 1990 CIRCULAR ON POLITICAL ACTIVITY BY CIVIL SERVANTS; AND THE RECENT INTERIM MEASURES ON RENEWAL OF CONTRACT FOR CERTAIN EXPATRIATE OFFICERS. WE EXPLAINED THAT NO MAJOR CHANGES WERE INVOLVED.
THAT CONCLUDES MY 14TH AND LAST SESSION OF THE JLG AS LEADER OF THE BRITISH SIDE. THERE WAS SOME PROGRESS, BUT IT WAS PRETTY THIN, AND THERE ARE SOME QUITE SERIOUS BLOCKAGES IN CERTAIN AREAS. I WISH MY SUCCESSOR BETTER LUCK.
- - 0 - -
GOVERNOR VISITS TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT LICENSING OFFICE
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, TRIED HIS HAND AT PROCESSING AN APPLICATION FOR DRIVING LICENCE WHEN HE VISITED THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S HONG KONG LICENSING OFFICE TODAY (THURSDAY).
HE THEN HANDED A DRIVING LICENCE TO A BEARER MS CHAN LAI-PING.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR RAFAEL HUI, AND ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT (MANAGEMENT AND LICENSING), MR ERNEST LEE, MR PATTEN WAS SHOWN ROUND THE OFFICE TO INSPECT THE PROGRESS OF THE DEPARTMENT’S PERFORMANCE PLEDGE SCHEME.
THE GOVERNOR WAS TOLD THAT THE FOUR LICENSING OFFICES HANDLED MORE THAN 2.1 MILLION TRANSACTIONS IN 1992/93. THE HONG KONG LICENSING OFFICE ALONE HANDLED 42 PER CENT OF THE CASES.
TOTAL REVENUE COLLECTED IN 1992/93 WAS $7,481 MILLION.
/MR PATTEN
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1993
3
MR PATTEN WITNESSED THAT ONE OF THE PROBLEMS THE HONG KONG LICENSING OFFICE FACED WAS THE LIMITED SPACE FOR QUEUING.
TO MAKE IT MORE COMFORTABLE FOR CUSTOMERS, SOME IMPROVEMENT WORKS WERE CARRIED OUT IN 1991.
THEY INCLUDED NEW-DESIGN COUNTERS, IMPROVEMENT TO LIGHTING, NEW FLOOR TILES WITH MATCHING COLOUR SCHEME, AND THE INSTALLATION OF A COIN-OPERATED TELEPHONE AND WATER COOLER.
THE GOVERNOR LEARNED THAT AS A LONG-TERM SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM, ALTERNATIVE PREMISES WOULD BE PROVIDED ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF UNITED CENTRE IN QUEENSWAY.
DESIGN FOR THE NEW OFFICE IS IN HAND. THERE WILL BE MORE USER-FRIENDLY FACILITIES FOR CUSTOMERS AND IMPROVED WORKING AREAS FOR STAFF.
THE GOVERNOR LEARNED THAT THE NEW HONG KONG LICENSING OFFICE WOULD BE ABOUT 40 PER CENT LARGER AND WAS EXPECTED TO BE OPERATIONAL BY JUNE NEXT YEAR.
CENTRALLY LOCATED AND WELL SERVED BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT, THE NEW OFFICE SHOULD BE WELCOME BY THE PUBLIC.
ON THE PERFORMANCE PLEDGE SCHEME INTRODUCED IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR, THE GOVERNOR WAS BRIEFED THAT ON NORMAL DAYS, THE WAITING TIME WAS JUST ABOUT HALF THAT WAS PROMISED.
THE PLEDGED WAITING TIMES RANGED FROM 45 MINUTES TO 135 MINUTES DEPENDING ON INDIVIDUAL LICENSING OFFICES, TYPE OF TRANSACTION AND TIME OF THE DAY.
IF CUSTOMERS COME BETWEEN 9 AM AND 9.30 AM, THE WAITING TIME IS ONLY ABOUT 20 MINUTES.
SINCE THE INTRODUCTION OF THE PERFORMANCE PLEDGE SCHEME, FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS TO THE LICENSING OFFICES HAVE BEEN CARRIED OUT.
THEY INCLUDED NAME PLATES FOR ALL STAFF, ADDITIONAL CHAIRS FOR THE WAITING PUBLIC, NEW SIGNS, DROP-IN BOXES, SUGGESTION BOXES, MORE NOTICE BOARDS AND NEW BOARDS FOR PUBLICISING PLEDGED TIMES.
THE GOVERNOR LEARNED THAT DURING THE PAST NINE MONTHS, NO SPECIFIC PUBLIC REQUESTS OR COMMENTS WERE RECEIVED. HOWEVER, THREE COMPLIMENTARY LETTERS WERE RECEIVED THROUGH THE SUGGESTION BOX. THE OPERATION OF THE SCHEME IS CLOSELY MONITORED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT PERSONALLY.
THE GOVERNOR WAS ALSO BRIEFED ON THE COMPUTERISED TELEPHONE ENQUIRY SYSTEM WHICH HANDLES ENQUIRIES ROUND-THE-CLOCK.
THE SYSTEM WAS INTRODUCED FOR THE FIRST TIME TN THE GOVERNMENT. IT CAN PROCESS 20 TELEPHONE CALLS SIMULTANEOUSLY, HENCE RELIEVING THE TELEPHONE OPERATORS FROM ANSWERING SIMPLE ENQUIRIES ABOUT LICENCE FEES.
/CUSTOMERS CAN .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1993
- 4
CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO OBTAIN LICENCE APPLICATION FORMS BY FAX 24 HOURS DAILY AND SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
MORE PEOPLE ARE NOW USING THE SYSTEM WITH ABOUT 1,300 CALLS A DAY AND EACH CALL LASTING AN AVERAGE OF ABOUT 100 SECONDS.
MOST CALLS ARE MADE DURING OFFICE HOURS. MOST ENQUIRIES ARE ON LICENCE FEES, FOLLOWED BY DRIVING LICENCE MATTERS. AN AVERAGE OF ABOUT 80 LICENSING FORMS A DAY ARE SENT OUT BY FAX.
IN ADDITION TO THE COMPUTERISED TELEPHONE SERVICE, A DEDICATED UNIT FORMED BY FOUR CLERICAL OFFICERS IS AVAILABLE TO ANSWER TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES DURING OFFICE HOURS.
-----0------
SHA COMMENTS ON NT PROPERTY SUCCESSION
*****
ASKED BY MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ABOUT THE APPLICATION OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ORDINANCE (NTO), THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT PROPERTY OWNERSHIP IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, WHETHER HELD BY A WOMAN OR A MAN WAS IN NO WAY AFFECTED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES ORDINANCE.
MR SUEN EMPHASISED THAT THE ORDINANCE WAS IRRELEVANT INSOFAR AS OWNERSHIP WAS CONCERNED; THE FACT THAT A WOMAN WAS THE OWNER WAS IMMATERIAL.
REFERRING TO RECENT PUBLIC CONCERN OVER INHERITANCE OF PROPERTY, HE SAID THE MATTER SHOULD BE SEEN IN ITS PROPER CONTEXT.
AND THIS WOULD NOT BE A MATTER OF PRESSING CONCERN FOR MOST PROPERTY OWNERS.
THE GOVERNMENT WILL COME UP WITH SUITABLE MEASURES TO REMOVE ANY DOUBT WHICH MAY EXIST IN THIS REGARD AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
ACCORDING TO LEGAL ADVICE RECEIVED WITHIN THE GOVERNMENT, THE ORDINANCE ITSELF MAKES NO MENTION OF PRECLUDING FEMALE FAMILY MEMBERS OF PROPERTY OWNERS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES FROM INHERITING.
’’THE NTO PROVIDES FOR CUSTOMARY RULES OF SUCCESSION TO APPLY TO LAND NOT EXEMPTED UNDER THE ORDINANCE UNLESS PROBATE OR LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION ARE OBTAINED WITHIN THREE MONTHS OF THE DEATH OF THE PROPERTY OWNER.”
FOR THOSE WHO HAVE MADE A WILL, SUCCESSION WOULD TAKE PLACE ACCORDING TO THE TERMS OF THE WILL BY FOLLOWING THE PRESCRIBED PROCEDURES.
AS FOR SUCCESSION TO PROPERTIES IN THE ABSENCE OF A WILL, THE PRACTICE IS FOR PRIVATE SOLICITORS TO OBTAIN LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION ON INTESTACY IN THE USUAL WAY.
/"WHEN THE
5
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1993
"WHEN THE PROPERTY IS SOLD, IT IS A MATTER FOR THE PURCHASER'S SOLICITOR TO SATISFY HIMSELF THAT THE TITLE OF THE PROPERTY IS GOOD. I HAVE NO DOUBT PRIVATE SOLICITORS HAVE BEEN DOING THIS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THEIR USUAL HIGH-PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS,” HE SAID.
MR SUEN SAID HE KNEW OF VERY FEW PROBLEMS ARISING FROM THE NTO SINCE ITS ENACTMENT IN 1910 AND PROPERTY OWNERS SHOULD NOT BE UNDULY WORRIED.
IN ANY CASE, THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A SPECIFIC DECISION BY A COURT AS TO WHETHER CUSTOMARY LAW WOULD APPLY TO AN OWNER OF PROPERTY, WHETHER OR NOT HE IS AN INDIGENOUS RESIDENT OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE ONLY AUTHORITATIVE COURT DECISION IN RESPECT OF THE APPLICATION OF CHINESE CUSTOMARY LAW TO LAND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WAS MADE IN 1970 AND THEN IT WAS ONLY MADE IN THE CONTEXT OF LAND HELD BY A TSO - A PARTICULAR CUSTOMARY CHINESE ORGANISATION.
"CERTAINLY, THERE HAS NEVER BEEN ANY DECISION BY THE COURTS ON WHETHER SUCH CUSTOMARY RULES WOULD BE MANDATORY IN THE CASE OF MODERN MULTI-STOREY DEVELOPMENTS,” MR SUEN SAID.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS CONTINUING TO EXAMINE VARIOUS OPTIONS TO ALLAY PUBLIC ANXIETY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
------0-------
AIRPORT PROJECT - BIGGEST SINCE BUILDING PYRAMIDS: CS ♦ » ♦ » *
THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECT IS NO LESS THAN A STRATEGY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S INFRASTRUCTURE INTO THE NEXT CENTURY, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE LUNCHEON OF THE BELGIAM BUSINESS ASSOCIATION, SIR DAVID SAID THE DEVELOPMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE HAD BEEN DESCRIBED AS THE BIGGEST PUBLIC WORKS PROJECT SINCE THE BUILDING OF THE PYRAMIDS.
"IT IS AN ADVENTUROUS PROJECT. BUT IT IS ONE WORTH COMMITTED TO," HE SAID.
TN BUILDING A NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK, A BRAND NEW TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE WILL BE PRODUCED.
THIS INFRASTRUCTURE WILL OPEN UP THE WHOLE OF NORTH LANTAU FOR DEVELOPMENT AND RELIEVE ALL THE CONGESTION ON NATHAN ROAD AS WELL AS PROVIDING NEW LINKS TO CHINA THROUGH THE HUGE PROJECT OF ROUTE THREE.
THE STRATEGY WILL HELP HONG KONG OPEN UP PORT DEVELOPMENT TOO, HE SAID.
THE LAND TO BE RECLAIMED OVER THE NEXT THREE YEARS WILL AMOUNT TO HALF AS MUCH RECLAMATION CREATED IN THE WHOLE OF HONG KONG’S HISTORY.
SIR DAVID ALSO PAID TRIBUTE TO THE EUROPEAN CONTRIBUTION TO THE AIRPORT PROJECT.
/HE SAID .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1993
6
HE SAID EUROPE’S SHARE OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS AMOUNTED TO NO LESS THAN 41 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL BY VALUE WITH COMPANIES COMING FROM FRANCE, BELGIUM, HOLLAND, THE UNITED KINDOM, DENMARK, ITALY AND GERMANY.
"THE IDEA THAT THE UNITED KINGDOM IS GETTING THE LION’S SHARE OF THE WORK IS NOT TRUE," HE SAID.
-----0------
SHA FURTHER EXPOUNDS SEXUAL EQUALITY
*****
IN TERMS OF LABOUR FORCE PARTICIPATION, REMUNERATION AND EDUCATION ATTAINMENT, THE POSITION OF WOMEN IN HONG KONG COMPARES FAVOURABLY WITH THOSE IN ASIAN COUNTRIES, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
HOWEVER, MR SUEN SAID THE PRESENT STATUS OF WOMEN IN HONG KONG WAS NOT A REASON FOR COMPLACENCY.
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ZONTA CLUB OF HONG KONG EAST.
HE SAID IT HAD LONG BEEN THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO PROMOTE EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR MEN AND WOMEN.
"WE HAVE TAKEN THE LEAD TO INTRODUCE EQUAL PAY IN THE CIVIL SERVICE 18 YEARS AGO.
"IN 1989 AMENDMENTS WERE MADE TO THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE FOR SEPARATE TAXATION FOR MARRIED WOMEN, AND GOVERNMENT IS IN THE PROCESS OF REVIEWING OUR LEGISLATION WHICH CURRENTLY PROVIDE FOR DIFFERENT TREATMENTS FOR WOMEN AND MEN."
ON A SUBJECT THAT RELATES STRONGLY TO THE PERCEPTION AND VALUES OF PEOPLE IN SOCIETY, MR SUEN NOTED THE IMPORTANCE OF FOCUSING PUBLIC ATTENTION ON AND DRAWING COMMUNITY-WIDE RECOGNITION OF THE PRINCIPLE OF EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES.
AND AS THE STATUS OF WOMEN IN SOCIETY IS ULTIMATELY DETERMINED BY THE ATTITUDES AND PERCEPTIONS OF ITS MEMBERS, HE BELIEVED THAT IN A FREE SOCIETY THAT TREASURED THE RIGHTS OF AN INDIVIDUAL, IT WAS NOT FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO ENGINEER PERSONAL CHOICES NOR TO PRESCRIBE SOCIAL ATTITUDES OR NORMS.
HOWEVER, THIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD DO.
HENCE THE RECENTLY PUBLISHED GREEN PAPER ON EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN AND MEN SETS OUT A NUMBER OF MEASURES TO FURTHER PROMOTE EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES.
MR SUEN SAID THE ADMINISTRATION WAS KEEN TO HEAR VIEWS ON THE PROPOSALS.
/THESE INCLUDE .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1993
7
THESE INCLUDE STEPPING UP PUBLIC EDUCATION ON THE ROLE OF WOMEN AND THE OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE TO THEM, DEVELOPING A CHARTER FOR WOMEN, INTRODUCING EQUAL PAY AND ANTI-DISCRIMI NATION LEGISLATION, EXTENDING THE UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON THE ELIMINATION OF ALL FORMS OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN TO HONG KONG (CEDAW) OR SETTING UP A WOMEN’S COMMISSION.
IN ORDER TO PRESENT A COMPREHENSIVE OVERVIEW TO THE PUBLIC AND TO FACILITATE PUBLIC DELIBERATION, THE GREEN PAPER ALSO GIVES A FACTUAL DESCRIPTION OF THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE POSSIBLE IMPROVEMENT MEASURES.
FOR EXAMPLE, THE GREEN PAPER POINTED OUT THAT IN PRACTICAL TERMS, HONG KONG SHOULD BE WELL-POSITIONED TO MEET THE AIMS OF CEDAW.
HOWEVER, THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE WIDE-RANGING OBLIGATIONS THAT COME WITH THE EXTENSION OF CEDAW TO THE TERRITORY WILL HAVE TO BE CAREFULLY CONSIDERED.
SUCH NEW OBLIGATIONS INCLUDE, FOR EXAMPLE, THE ELIMINATION OF DISCRIMINATION IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND THIS COULD BE ACHIEVED BY ENACTING LEGISLATION PROHIBITING SEX DISCRIMINATION BY INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANISATIONS.
A MACHINERY TO CO-ORDINATE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CONVENTION WOULD ALSO BE REQUIRED, MR SUEN SAID.
AS TO INTRODUCING EQUAL PAY LEGISLATION, MR SUEN SAID, THIS WOULD OFFER AN AVENUE FOR REDRESS FOR AGGRIEVED FEMALE EMPLOYEES BUT THIS COULD RESULT IN A CERTAIN DEGREE OF GOVERNMENT INVOLVEMENT IN REGULATING THE LABOUR MARKET.
THE CONSULTATION PERIOD ON THE GREEN PAPER WILL LAST UNTIL THE END OF THIS YEAR. MR SUEN SAID HE HOPED TO SEE LIVELY DEBATES.
ALL THE COMMENTS, HE SAID, WOULD BE ANALYSED AND RECOMMENDATIONS WOULD BE MADE TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ON THE WAY FORWARD.
"AFTER A DECISION IS TAKEN BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, WE WILL TAKE THE NECESSARY STEPS TO PUT THE NECESSARY MEASURES IN PLACE," HE CONCLUDED.
------0-------
CUSTOMER LIAISON GROUP TO BE SET UP ♦ * t ♦ ♦
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR M PAGLIARI, ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT A HONG KONG POST OFFICE CUSTOMER LIAISON GROUP WOULD BE SET UP IN NOVEMBER TO PROMOTE BETTER UNDERSTANDING AND COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE POST OFFICE AND ITS CUSTOMERS.
MR PAGLIARI SAID: "THE HONG KONG POST OFFICE IS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING AN EFFICIENT POSTAL SERVICE.
/"THE PURPOSE .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1993
- 8 -
’’THE PURPOSE OF THE GROUP IS TO ASSIST IN THE EFFECTIVE MONITORING OF POST OFFICE PERFORMANCE PLEDGES AND TO PROVIDE FEEDBACKS AND VIEWS ON POSTAL SERVICES SUCH THAT THE POST OFFICE CAN RESPOND BETTER TO THE NEEDS OF CUSTOMERS”
THERE WILL BE THREE REGIONAL SUB-GROUPS NAMELY HONG KONG INCLUDING OUTLYING ISLANDS, KOWLOON AND NEW TERRITORIES.
EACH SUB-GROUP WILL HAVE 20 MEMBERS SELECTED BY BALLOT IF NECESSARY FROM APPLICATIONS RECEIVED FROM THE GENERAL PUBLIC. EACH SUB-GROUP WILL MEET QUARTERLY AND THE MEETINGS WILL BE CHAIRED BY A SENIOR CONTROLLER OF POSTS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE POSTAL SERVICES OF THAT REGION.
A MAIN CUSTOMER LIAISON GROUP COMPRISING THESE THREE SUB-GROUPS WILL MEET ONCE A YEAR.
A MEMBER OF THE DIRECTORATE FROM THE POST OFFICE HEADQUARTERS WILL CHAIR THE MEETING.
LEAFLETS PROVIDING DETAILS OF THE CUSTOMER LIAISON GROUP AND APPLICATION FORMS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM ANY POST OFFICE. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO ARE INTERESTED IN BECOMING A MEMBER CAN APPLY BY COMPLETING AND RETURNING THE APPLICATION FORM ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 22.
------0-------
SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT VISITS KCRC
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR K Y YEUNG, TODAY (THURSDAY) VISITED THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION (KCRC) TO SEE FOR HIMSELF THE OPERATIONS OF BOTH HEAVY AND LIGHT RAILS IN HONG KONG.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE KCRC CHAIRMAN, MR KEVIN HYDE, AND THE ACTING DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT (TRANSPORT SERVICES), MR ISAAC Y N CHOW, MR YEUNG TOOK A RIDE ON A LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT (LRT) VEHICLE AND TOURED THE LRT OPERATIONS CONTROL CENTRE AND DEPOT.
THE PARTY PROCEEDED TO LO WU STATION WHERE MR YEUNG WAS GIVEN A CONDUCTED TOUR OF RAIL FACILITIES THERE AND WAS BRIEFED ON WAYS TO HANDLE THE INCREASING FREIGHT AND PASSENGER TRAFFIC ACROSS THE BORDER.
THEY THEN TRAVELLED BY TRAIN TO SHA TIN STATION TO INSPECT THE STATION IMPROVEMENT WORK BEING UNDERTAKEN BY KCRC FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PASSENGERS.
MR YEUNG WAS PARTICULARLY INTERESTED IN THE OPERATION OF A CUSTOMER SERVICES CENTRE AND LIGHT EMITTING DIODE INFORMATION DISPLAY PANELS.
THROUGHOUT THE VISIT, MR YEUNG WAS BRIEFED BY MR HYDE ON KCRC’S PLANS TO UPGRADE ITS SERVICES WHICH INCLUDED A $900 MILLION PROGRAMME TO REFURBISH AND EXPAND THE KOWLOON STATION TO COPE WITH THE ANTICIPATED GROWTH IN RAIL TRAFFIC.
Z9.........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1993
9
UK HEALTH SECRETARY VISITS BOYS’ HOME » * * * *
UK SECRETARY OF STATE FOR HEALTH, THE RT HON MRS VIRGINIA BOTTOMLEY THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON VISITED THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S PUI CHI BOYS’ HOME, A GAZETTED INSTITUTION UNDER THE PROBATION OF OFFENDERS ORDINANCE FOR YOUNG OFFENDERS.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS LOUISE WONG, MRS BOTTOMLEY TOURED THE THREE-STOREY BUILDING WHERE SHE MET RESIDENTS IN GROUPS LEARNING MUSIC AND COOKING.
MRS WONG TOLD HER THAT THE OBJECTIVE OF PROVIDING SERVICES FOR OFFENDERS WAS TO GIVE EFFECT TO THE DIRECTIONS OF THE COURTS ON THE TREATMENT OF OFFENDERS BY SOCIAL WORK METHODS.
THESE ARE DONE THROUGH PROBATION SUPERVISION, COMMUNITY SERVICE ORDERS, RESIDENTIAL TRAINING AND AFTERCARE SERVICES.
"THE AIM IS TO REINTEGRATE OFFENDERS INTO THE COMMUNITY.’’ MRS WONG ADDED.
INCLUDING THE PUI CHI BOYS’ HOME, RESIDENTIAL TRAINING FOR YOUNG OFFENDERS IS PROVIDED IN SIX INSTITUTIONS, WITH A TOTAL OF 420 PLACES.
RESIDENTIAL PERIODS USUALLY RANGE FROM SIX TO 12 MONTHS. TRAINING PROGRAMMES SUCH AS ACADEMIC STUDIES AND PREVOCATIONAL TRAINING AND SOCIAL WORK PROGRAMMES ARE PROVIDED.
MRS BOTTOMLEY WAS IMPRESSED WHEN SHE MET A GROUP OF BOYS LEARNING COMPUTER-AIDED ENGLISH AND MATHEMATICS, AND A GIRLS’ COMMUNITY SERVICE GROUP PREPARING FOR VISITS TO SICK CHILDREN IN THE PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL.
SHE ALSO WATCHED A VIDEO ON THE HOME’S SERVICE PROJECT IN HELPING SINGLETON OLD PEOPLE. THE BOYS JOINED A GROUP OF MENTALLY HANDICAPPED YOUTH TO CLEAN THE HOMES OF THE ELDERLY AND BROUGHT THEM OUT FOR FUN.
BEFORE WINDING UP THE VISIT, MRS BOTTOMLEY PRAISED THE DEPARTMENT FOR RUNNING A COMPREHENSIVE RESIDENTIAL TRAINING AND PROBATION SERVICE FOR JUVENILE OFFENDERS, AND EMPHASISING ON LINKAGE WITH THE COMMUNITY.
"STAFF AND STUDENTS OF THE HOME WERE ENCOURAGED BY THE SECRETARY’S SUPPORT FOR OUR THERAPEUTIC APPROACH EMPHASISING COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT,’’ MRS WONG NOTED.
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/10 .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1993
- 10 -
UK HEALTH CHIEF VISITS QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL *****
THE VISITING UK SECRETARY OF STATE FOR HEALTH, THE RT HON MRS VIRGINIA BOTTOMLEY, TOURED QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL (QMH) THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING.
MRS BOTTOMLEY WAS GREETED ON ARRIVAL BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG; DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY, DR E K YEOH; AND HOSPITAL CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF QMH, DR VIVIAN WONG.
SHE WAS BRIEFED ON HONG KONG’S HEALTH CARE SYSTEM, THE STRUCTURE OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY AND THE OPERATION OF QMH.
MRS BOTTOMLEY SAID SHE WAS IMPRESSED BY HONG KONG’S HALTH CARE SYSTEM AND PRAISED THE HOSPITA1 FOR THE COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF SERVICES IT PROVIDED AND THE HIGH PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS OF THE STAFF.
--------0-----------
UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS FOR MAY - JULY *****
THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR MAY - JULY 1993 WAS 2.1%, AND THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 1.8%, ACCORDING TO THE LATEST LABOUR FORCE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE PROVISIONAL SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR THE PERIOD JUNE - AUGUST 1993 WAS 2.1%, WHILE THE PROVISIONAL UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 1.5%.
THE LATEST FIGURES SUGGEST THAT THE LABOUR MARKET CONDITIONS SEEMED TO HAVE TIGHTENED UP SLIGHTLY IN THE MORE RECENT MONTHS, AFTER HAVING REMAINED RELATIVELY STABLE IN THE EARLY PART OF THIS YEAR.
DURING THE PERIOD MAY - JULY 1993, THE NUMBER OF UNEMPLOYED PERSONS, ADJUSTED FOR VARIATIONS IN THE NUMBER OF FIRST-TIME JOBSEEKERS, WAS ESTIMATED AT 59,900, WHILE THE NUMBER OF UNDEREMPLOYED PERSONS WAS ESTIMATED AT 49,900.
THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS WERE OBTAINED FROM A CONTINUOUS GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE SURVEY FOR MAY - JULY 1993 COVERED A QUARTERLY SAMPLE OF SOME 11,900 HOUSEHOLDS OR 41,600 PERSONS, SELECTED SCIENTIFICALLY TO REPRESENT THE LAND-BASED CIVILIAN NON-INSTITUTIONAL POPULATION IN HONG KONG.
RELEVANT DATA WAS OBTAINED IN THE SURVEY BY INTERVIEWING EACH INDIVIDUAL MEMBER AGED 15 AND ABOVE IN THE HOUSEHOLDS SAMPLED.
/IN THE ........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1993
11
IN THE SURVEY, THE DEFINITIONS USED IN MEASURING UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT FOLLOW CLOSELY THOSE RECOMMENDED BY THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION.
DETAILED ANALYSIS OF LABOUR FORCE CHARACTERISTICS IS GIVEN IN THE REPORT ON THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY WHICH IS PUBLISHED FOUR TIMES A YEAR. THE NEXT REPORT COVERING THE QUARTER ENDING JUNE 1993 WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GERENAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL BY THE END OF THIS MONTH AT $23.50 A COPY.
-----0-------
DAYA BAY CONTINGENCY PLAN LEAFLETS FOR PUBLIC
*****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS PUBLISHED A BILINGUAL LEAFLET ON THE GUANGDONG DAYA BAY NUCLEAR POWER STATION CONTINGENCY PLAN, WHICH WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO THE PUBLIC THROUGH DISTRICT OFFICES AND PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE OFFICES FROM TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
COPIES ARE ALSO BEING SENT TO SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS THROUGH THEIR SCHOOLS.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE POWER STATION, SCHEDULED TO START OPERATING TOWARDS THE END OF 1993, WAS BUILT IN ACCORDANCE WITH INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS.
THE RISK OF ANY SERIOUS NUCLEAR ACCIDENT WAS EXTREMELY SMALL, HE SAID.
’’NONETHELESS, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAS PREPARED A COMPREHENSIVE CONTINGENCY PLAN, WHICH WOULD IMMEDIATELY COME INTO OPERATION IN THE UNLIKELY EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT AT THE POWER STATION LEADING TO A RELEASE OF RADIOACTIVITY,” HE SAID.
THE LEAFLET EXPLAINS IF THERE EVER WAS AN ACCIDENT, HOW HONG KONG MIGHT BE AFFECTED. IT OUTLINES WHAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WOULD DO, AND WHAT MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SHOULD DO IN SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES.
------0-------
ACTION AGAINST UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES TN VILLAGES
*****
THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT IS TAKING STRONG ACTION TO WEED OUT UNAUTHORISED BUILDINGS IN VILLAGE AREAS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE BUILDINGS HAVE BEEN CONSTRUCTED WITHOUT APPROVAL OR EXEMPTION FROM THE GOVERNMENT, IN BREACH OF THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE (APPLICATION TO THE NEW TERRITORIES).
THE DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) SERVED ORDERS NO THE OWNERS OF TWO SUCH BUILDINGS IN YUEN LONG, REQUIRING THEM TO DEMOLISH THE STRUCTURES WITHIN 60 DAYS.
/THE STRUCTURES .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1993
- 12 -
THE STRUCTURES ARE BUILT ON DEMARCATION DISTRICT LOTS IN WONG NAI TUN TSUEN IN SHAP PAT HEUNG AND FAN TIN TSUEN IN SAN TIN.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID IF THE OWNERS DID NOT COMPLY WITH THE ORDERS, THE DEPARTMENT WOULD ARRANGE FOR A GOVERNMENT CONTRACTOR TO CARRY OUT THE DEMOLITION WORK, AND WOULD RECOVER THE NECESSARY COST INCLUDING SUPERVISION CHARGES FROM THE OWNERS.
HE REMINDED THOSE PLANNING TO CARRY OUT BUILDING WORKS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES TO OBTAIN APPROVAL FROM DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES OR THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID ACTION AGAINST UNAUTHORISED VILLAGE BUILDINGS WOULD CONTINUE.
------0--------
OPERATION TO STAMP OUT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS
* * * » ♦
A 24-HOUR OPERATION AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION JOINTLY MOUNTED BY THE POLICE AND THE LABOUR DEPARTMENTS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY HAS RESULTED IN THE ARRESTS OF 115 PERSONS.
THE OPERATION WAS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S ONGOING EFFORT TO FLUSH OUT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
THE 115 PERSONS ARRESTED BY THE POLICE HAD BEEN REFERRED TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT. THOSE FOUND TO BE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WILL BE REPATRIATED.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN REITERATED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THERE WAS NO QUESTION OF ANY AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
"OUR LATEST OPERATION SHOULD DRIVE HOME THE POINT THAT THERE WILL BE NO CHANGE TO THIS POLICY. ANYONE FOOLISH ENOUGH TO BELIEVE OTHERWISE IS ONLY CHEATING HIMSELF," HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID APART FROM CONTINUOUS CHECKS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY, THERE WAS NO LET-UP IN ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION EFFORTS AT THE BORDER.
"A HIGH STATE OF VIGILANCE WILL CONTINUE TO BE MAINTAINED BY THE POLICE AND THE SECURITY FORCES BOTH AT THE LAND AND SEA BORDERS," HE SAID.
DURING THE JOINT OPERATION, WHICH BEGAN AT 5 AM YESTERDAY (WEDNESDAY) AND ENDED AT 5 AM TODAY (THURSDAY), THE POLICE HAD STEPPED UP THEIR IDENTIFICATION SPOT CHECKS LN PUBLIC PLACES AND CARRIED OUT CHECKS AT SUSPICIOUS LOCATIONS.
AS A RESULT, A TOTAL OF 11,245 PERSONS AND 3,025 VEHICLES STOPPED FOR IDENTIFICATION CHECKS.
WERE
/ON THE ........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1993
13
ON THE LABOUR FRONT, INSPECTORS OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT VISITED 2,459 ESTABLISHMENTS TO WEED OUT ANY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WHO MAY BE WORKING, AND TO CHECK THAT EMPLOYERS FULFIL THEIR LEGAL OBLIGATION OF KEEPING PROPER RECORDS OF THEIR EMPLOYEES.
A TOTAL OF 8,964 EMPLOYEES HAD THEIR PROOF OF IDENTITY DURING THE OPERATION.
CHECKED
SIXTEEN ESTABLISHMENTS WERE FOUND NOT ABLE TO PROVIDE A RECORD OF EMPLOYEES FOR INSPECTION.
THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT THEY COULD BE FINED UP TO $250,000 AND JAILED FOR UP TO THREE YEARS IF THEY WERE FOUND TO BE EMPLOYING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
------0-------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
*****
$ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,700
REVERSAL OF LAF +300
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 2,000
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY -95
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,905
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 111.8 *-0.4* 16.9.93
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS EF NOTES/ HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 2.72 PCT 14 MONTHS 2411 4.625 101.46 3.36
1 MONTH 2.73 PCT 17 MONTHS 2502 4.75 101.72 3.52
3 MONTHS 2.83 PCT 20 MONTHS 2505 3.75 100.01 3.78
6 MONTHS 3.01 PCT 12 MONTHS 3.26 PCT 23 MONTHS 2508 4.625 101.39 3.90
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 9,920MN
CLOSED 16 SEPTEMBER 1993
------0--------
/14 .....................................
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1993
- 14 -
EXCO MEMBER APPOINTED
*****
THE GOVERNOR, THE RIGHT HONOURABLE CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, HAS TODAY (FRIDAY) APPOINTED MR JOHN GRAY, THE CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION, AS A NONOFFICIAL MEMBER OF HIS EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. MR GRAY WILL JOIN THE COUNCIL IMMEDIATELY AND THERE WILL BE NO FIXED TERM FOR HIS APPOINTMENT.
MR GRAY HAS A DISTINGUISHED RECORD OF PUBLIC SERVICE. HE IS CURRENTLY CHAIRMAN OF THE PORT DEVELOPMENT BOARD, A MEMBER OF THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY, A MEMBER OF THE GOVERNOR’S BUSINESS COUNCIL AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG BUSINESS SCHOOL.
IN ANNOUNCING THE APPOINTMENT, THE GOVERNOR SAID: "I AM VERY PLEASED TO WELCOME JOHN GRAY TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. HIS WIDE EXPERIENCE IN BUSINESS AND FINANCE, AND HIS IMPRESSIVE RECORD OF PUBLIC SERVICE, WILL ENABLE HIM TO PROVIDE THE IMPARTIAL AND AUTHORITATIVE ADVICE WHICH IS CHARACTERISTIC OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL."
------0-------
TROPICAL STORM ROUNDUP
*****
PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN HONG KONG IS GRADUALLY RETURNING TO NORMAL WITH THE LOWERING OF THE NO. 8 SIGNAL.
BUS SERVICES ON HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES HAVE LARGELY RESUMED.
AS AT 4.15 PM, MTR WAS OPERATING AT FIVE-MINUTE INTERVALS. THE KCR WAS RUNNING AT SIX-MINUTE INTERVALS.
THE LRT HAS RESUMED SERVICE AND IS OPERATING AT 10 MINUTE INTERVALS. ALL ITS FEEDER BUS ROUTES HAVE RESUMED OPERATION.
TRAMS ON HONG KONG ISLAND WERE OPERATING A LIMITED SERVICE BECAUSE OF OBSTRUCTION AT WHITTY STREET.
THE PEAK TRAM AND FERRY SERVICES OPERATED BY THE STAR FERRY AND YAUMATI FERRY WERE STILL SUSPENDED.
AT THE AIRPORT, A TOTAL OF 14 FLIGHTS - SEVEN INCOMING AND SEVEN OUT-GOING - HAVE BEEN CANCELLED. 39 ARRIVALS AND 44 DEPARTURES WERE DELAYED. FOURTEEN IN-COMING FLIGHTS WERE RE-DIRECTED TO OTHER DESTINATIONS.
A TAXI DRIVER WAS KILLED AND 130 OTHERS THE PASSAGE OF BECKY.
THE 46-YEAR-OLD TAXI DRIVER WAS INVOLVED IN CLEARWATER BAY ABOUT 10.30 AM. HE WAS CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL WHERE HE WAS CERTIFIED DEAD.
WERE INJURED DURING
IN A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT
TAKEN TO THE UNITED
/OF THOSE .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1993
15
OF THOSE INJURED, 33 WERE ADMITTED TO HOSPITALS WHILE 97 WERE TREATED AND DISCHARGED.
AT THE HEIGHT OF THE STORM, A TOTAL OF 123 PEOPLE HAD SOUGHT REFUGE IN THE 47 SHELTERS OPENED BY THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION. SEVENTEEN OF THEM STAYED IN SHELTERS ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 85 IN KOWLOON AND 21 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
- - 0 - -
SCAFFOLD SAFETY URGED AFTER TYPHOON ******
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) REMINDED SITE CONTRACTORS OF THEIR OBLIGATIONS TO ENSURE THAT THEIR SCAFFOLDS ARE IN SAFE WORKING CONDITION IN PARTICULAR BAMBOO SCAFFOLDS AFTER EXPOSURE TO POOR WEATHER CONDITIONS SUCH AS TYPHOON AND RAINSTORM.
’’UNDER THE CONSTRUCTION SITES (SAFETY) REGULATIONS, A CONTRACTOR HAS TO ENSURE THAT HIS SCAFFOLDS ARE OF GOOD CONSTRUCTION, MADE OF STRONG AND SOUND MATERIALS, FREE FROM PATENT DEFECTS AND PROPERLY MAINTAINED, IN ADDITION, THE SCAFFOLDS SHOULD ALSO BE SECURED AND FIXED IN POSITION TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL DISPLACEMENT,” CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR, MR CHAN TAT-KING SAID.
"IT IS ALSO IMPORTANT THAT SCAFFOLDS SHOULD NOT BE USED AFTER EXPOSURE TO ADVERSE WEATHER UNLESS IT HAS BEEN INSPECTED BY A COMPETENT PERSON AND HAS BEEN CERTIFIED TO BE IN SAFE WORKING CONDITION,” MR CHAN ADDED.
HE WENT ON TO URGE ALL CONTRACTORS TO TAKE IMMEDIATE STEPS TO MAKE GOOD ALL THOSE DEFECTIVE SCAFFOLDS IN THEIR SITE AFTER TYPHOON BECKY. MR CHAN WARNED THAT CONTRACTORS SHOULD PERSISTENTLY MAINTAIN THEIR SCAFFOLDS IN THE SAFEST CONDITION AND EXERCISE STRICT SUPERVISION TO ENSURE THAT THE SCAFFOLDS ARE USED SAFELY.
THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE WILL CLOSELY MONITOR THE SITUATION AND WILL TAKE OUT PROSECUTION AGAINST THOSE CONTRACTORS WHO TURN A BLIND EYE TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF SAFETY REGULATIONS, MR CHAN ADDED.
ENQUIRIES RELATING TO SCAFFOLD SAFETY CAN BE MADE TO THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ON 815 0678.
- - 0 - -
^eceived .
"•11® 8®°
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 842 8777
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1993
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
ALLIED GROUP PROBE UPDATES ....................................... j
LAND REGISTRATION FIGURES FOR AUGUST ............................. 2
TWO LOTS FOR AUCTION ............................................. 5
HEALTH CARE SYSTEM NEEDS REFORM: SHW ............................. 5
FANLING SITE FOR PSPS DEVELOPMENT ................................ 9
SECOND CHINA STUDIES COURSE DUE TO START ......................... 9
JETTIES AT LUNG KWU CHAU AND SHA CHAU PROPOSED .................. 10
TEACHERS REQUIRE ADDITIONAL TECHNIQUES .......................... 10
EDUCATION SUNDAY TO MARK NEW SCHOOL YEAR ........................ 1]
CAR MARKS SOLD FOR CHARITY ....................................... H
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .
12
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1993
ALLIED GROUP PROBE UPDATES * * * * *
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) HE HAD SENT COPIES OF THE FULL REPORT, PRODUCED BY THE INSPECTOR APPOINTED TO INVESTIGATE CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS RELATED TO THE ALLIED GROUP, TO ALL THE 27 COMPANIES INVOLVED IN THE INVESTIGATION.
”AN ABRIDGED VERSION OF THE REPORT HAS BEEN PUBLISHED AND IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR SALE TO THE PUBLIC,” HE SAID.
MR MACLEOD SAID THE STANDARDS OF COMMERCIAL AND CORPORATE CONDUCT AS REVEALED IN THE REPORT GAVE CAUSE FOR SERIOUS CONCERN. HE SAID THE REPORT HAD BEEN REFERRED TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AND REGULATORY BODIES.
HE SAID IN DELIVERING THE REPORT TO THE COMPANIES CONCERNED, HE HAD URGED THEIR DIRECTORS TO STUDY ITS CONTENT CAREFULLY AND TO TAKE SUCH ACTION AS IS NECESSARY IN THE SHAREHOLDERS’ INTEREST.
"IN PUBLISHING THE ABRIDGED VERSION OF THE REPORT, OUR AIM IS TO BALANCE THE NEED TO GIVE AS MUCH INFORMATION AS POSSIBLE TO SHAREHOLDERS AS WELL AS THE WIDER COMMUNITY, WHILE AT THE SAME TIME NOT PREJUDICING ANY LEGAL PROCEEDINGS THAT MIGHT BE INITIATED IN FUTURE,” HE SAID.
MR MACLEOD SAID THIS INVESTIGATION UNDERLINED THE GOVERNMENT’S DETERMINATION TO EXPOSE THE FACTS BEHIND ANY APPARENT MALPRACTICES IN THE FINANCIAL MARKET IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN ITS INTEGRITY AND TO ENABLE CONCERNED PARTIES TO TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
"THIS ACTION WILL ENHANCE CONFIDENCE THAT WE ARE SERIOUS ABOUT SAFEGUARDING THE INTEREST OF THE INVESTING PUBLIC,” HE SAID.
THE INSPECTOR, MR NICHOLAS ALLEN OF COOPERS AND LYBRAND, WAS APPOINTED UNDER SECTION 143(1) (C) OF THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE IN AUGUST LAST YEAR TO INVESTIGATE THE AFFAIRS OF THE ALLIED GROUP LIMITED AND FOUR RELATED COMPANIES.
A FURTHER APPOINTMENT WAS MADE IN OCTOBER TO EXTEND THE SCOPE OF THE INSPECTION TO ANOTHER 22 COMPANIES.
THE INSPECTOR SUBMITTED HIS REPORT TO THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ON AUGUST 28 THIS YEAR.
_ - 0 - -
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1993
2
LAND REGISTRATION FIGURES FOR AUGUST * * * * *
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF SALE AND PURCHASE AGREEMENTS OF BUILDING UNITS, MAINLY FLATS, RECEIVED BY THE LAND REGISTRY FOR REGISTRATION LAST MONTH DECREASED BY 22.2 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE TOTAL OF THE PREVIOUS MONTH, BUT INCREASED BY 16.6 PER CENT COMPARED WITH AUGUST LAST YEAR.
IN ALL 14,689 SUCH AGREEMENTS WERE RECEIVED FOR REGISTRATION LAST MONTH. THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF THE CONSIDERATIONS INVOLVED WAS $37.57 BILLION.
THESE FIGURES ARE INCLUDED IN THE MONTHLY STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (SATURDAY) BY THE LAND REGISTRAR ON PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS RECEIVED FOR REGISTRATION IN THE URBAN AND NEW TERRITORIES LAND REGISTRIES.
A TABLE SHOWING THE RELEVANT STATISTICS FOR JULY 1993 AND JULY LAST YEAR WAS ALSO RELEASED.
THERE WERE 11 BUILDING MORTGAGES AND 16,416 OTHER MORTGAGES RECEIVED FOR REGISTRATION LAST MONTH, COMPARED WITH 14 AND 19,559 RESPECTIVELY IN AUGUST LAST YEAR.
THE TOTAL AMOUNT SECURED UNDER NEW BUILDING MORTGAGES IN THE MONTH WAS $2.25 BILLION COMPARED WITH $1.69 BILLION IN AUGUST LAST YEAR.
THE TOTAL AMOUNT SECURED UNDER NEW MORTGAGES OTHER THAN BUILDING MORTGAGES DROPPED BY 13 PER CENT, FROM $7.91 BILLION IN AUGUST 1992 TO $6.88 BILLION IN AUGUST THIS YEAR.
REPAYMENTS UNDER MORTGAGES OF ALL KINDS, AS EVIDENCED BY DISCHARGES AND MORTGAGEE’S RECEIPTS, DECREASED BY 30.3 PER CENT, FROM $5.51 BILLION IN AUGUST LAST YEAR TO $3.84 BILLION IN AUGUST THIS YEAR.
/THE LAND .......
THE LAND REGISTRY
Consolidated ftnthly Statistics in respect of deeds received for registration in the Urban and New Territories District Land Registries
/THE LAND
Month : August 1993
Item Nature of Deeds Number of Deeds received for registration Consideration ($)
Urban New Territories Total Urban New Territories Total
1. Agreements for Sale and 7,760 6,929 14,689
Purchase of Building Units ( 7,910 ) ( 7,030 ) ( 14,940 ) 24,081,708,620.37 13,485,808,120.00 37,567,516,740.37
2. Agreements for Sale and Purchase of Land 44 325 369 2,668,750,000.00 1,465,889,634.80 4,134,639,634.80
Sub-total (1) + (2) 7,804 7,254 15,058 26,750,458,620.37 14,951,697,754.80 41,702,156,375.17
3. Assignments of Building Units 8,978 5,810 14,788
( 9,268 ) ( 5,871 ) ( 15,139 ) 30,205,217,303.37 8,888,283,420.85 39,093,500,724.22
4. Assignments of Land 51 612 663 5,380,455,100.00 1,215,861,404.10 6,596,316,504.10
Sub-total (3) + (4) 9,029 6,422 15,451 35,585,672,403.37 10,104,144,824.95 45,689,817,228.32
5. Building Mortgages/Building legal Charges 11 0 11 2,247,700,000.00 0.00 2,247,700,000.00
6. Other fortgages/Iegal Charges 8,999 7,417 16,416 4,238,047,317.42 2,644,961,390.14 6,883,008,707.56
Sub-total (5) ♦ (6) 9,010 7,417 16,427 6,485,747,317.42 2,644,961,390.14 9,130,708,707.56
7. Receipts/Discharges/Releases 6,677 4,242 10,919 2,932,469,739.93 908,837,308.28 3,841,307,048.21
8. Ijeases/Tenancy Agreements 332 114 446
9. Exclusion Orders 0 0 0
10. Others 3,575 2,468 6,043
Total 36,427 27,917 64,344 71,754,348,081.09 28,609,641,278.17 100,363,989,359.26
Note : Figures in brackets denote number of units involved
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1993
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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1993
5
TWO LOTS FOR AUCTION « * * * *
TWO LOTS OF GOVERNMENT LAND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE OFFERED FOR SALE AT A PUBLIC AUCTION TO BE HELD ON OCTOBER 13, IT WAS GAZETTED YESTERDAY (FRIDAY).
THE AUCTION WILL START AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONCERT HALL OF THE HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE, TSIM SHA TSUI.
THE FIRST LOT IS LOCATED AT AREA 11, AT THE JUNCTION OF ON SUM STREET AND ON YIU STREET, SHA TIN.
WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 4,200 SQUARE METRES, IT IS INTENDED FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN (EXCLUDING DANGEROUS GOODS GODOWN) PURPOSES.
THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 23,940 SQUARE METRES BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 1997.
THE OTHER LOT IS LOCATED IN TAK YIP STREET, TUNG TAU INDUSTRIAL AREA, YUEN LONG, WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 3,555 SQUARE METRES.
IT IS INTENDED FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN (EXCLUDING OFFENSIVE TRADE) PURPOSES, WITH THE FIRST FLOOR TO BE USED FOR REPAIRING MOTOR VEHICLES ONLY.
THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 17,064 SQUARE METRES BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 1996.
FULL PARTICULARS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD; THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES KOWLOON, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.
SALE PLANS CAN BE INSPECTED AT THESE OFFICES.
CONDITIONS OF SALE WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES OF SHA TIN, TUEN MUN, YUEN LONG, TSUEN WAN, SAI KUNG, KWAI TSTNG, TAI PO, NORTH AND ISLANDS.
------0-------
HEALTH CARE SYSTEM NEEDS REFORM: SHW
*****
HONG KONG’S HEALTH CARE SYSTEM NEEDS CHANGE BECAUSE PRESSURE ON IT WILL INCREASE AS MORE AND MORE PATIENTS SEEK HELP WHILE FEWER AND FEWER WORKING-AGE PEOPLE ARE LEFT TO FUND IT, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
AT THE SAME TIME, MEDICAL COSTS ARE SPIRALLING UPWARD.
’’THIS SITUATION IS ALSO AFFECTING OTHER COUNTRIES AND THEY HAVE BEEN REFORMING THEIR HEALTH CARE SYSTEM TO FIND SOLUTIONS,” MRS WONG SAID AT A SEMINAR ON ’’HEALTH CARE SYSTEM IN HONG KONG BEFORE AND AFTER 1997”.
/"THE SYSTEM .......
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1993
6
"THE SYSTEM WILL CERTAINLY EXPERIENCE CHANGE OVER THE NEXT FIVE OR 10 YEARS -- JUST AS IT HAS BEEN CHANGING IN THE PAST FIVE OR 10 YEARS -- BUT THIS CHANGE IS DETERMINED BY COMMUNITY NEED, NOT BY ANY DATE ON A CALENDAR," SHE SAID.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS RECENTLY PUBLISHED A CONSULTATION DOCUMENT SHOWING OPTIONS TO REFORM THE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM.
"OF THE FIVE OPTIONS OUTLINED IN THE CONSULTATION DOCUMENT, THE GOVERNMENT THINKS THAT THREE ARE FEASIBLE AND APPROPRIATE FOR INTRODUCTION IN HONG KONG," THE SECRETARY SAID.
ONE OF THESE IS THE PERCENTAGE SUBSIDY APPROACH, WHICH AIMS TO RATIONALISE THE FEE CHARGING SYSTEM.
SHE REFUTED CRITICISMS THAT THIS PROPOSAL MEANT "PEGGING TO COSTS" AND IMPLIED THAT EACH PATIENT WOULD PAY A PERCENTAGE OF HIS OWN MEDICAL BILL.
"THIS IS NOT WHAT IS PROPOSED," SHE STRESSED.
MRS WONG EXPLAINED THAT THE PROPOSAL WAS FOR THE DAILY FEE FOR EACH TYPE OF HOSPITAL TO BE A FIXED PERCENTAGE OF THAT TYPE OF HOSPITAL’S AVERAGE OPERATING COST.
"THUS PSYCHIATRIC OR CONVALESCENT PATIENTS WILL PAY LESS THAN SOMEONE IN AN ACUTE GENERAL HOSPITAL BECAUSE IT COSTS LESS TO TREAT THEM THERE," SHE SAID.
THE SECOND FEASIBLE OPTION IS THE TARGET GROUP APPROACH WHICH AIMS TO DIRECT GOVERNMENT SUBSIDY MORE ACCURATELY AT THOSE IN NEED SO AS TO ACHIEVE A MORE EQUITABLE USE OF RESOURCES.
MRS WONG NOTED THAT THERE WAS EFFECTIVELY ONLY ONE CLASS OF ACCOMMODATION IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS -- THE GENERAL WARD BED -- BUT MORE THAN ONE CLASS OF PATIENT.
"THERE ARE MANY WHO, WHILE UNABLE OR UNWILLING TO GO TO A PRIVATE HOSPITAL, WOULD LIKE TO HAVE AND ARE PREPARED TO PAY SOMETHING MORE FOR A HIGHER STANDARD OF ACCOMMODATION IN A PUBLIC HOSPITAL," SHE SAID.
AT THE OTHER END OF THE SCALE, THERE ARE MANY POOR PATIENTS ATTENDING PUBLIC HOSPITALS AND CLINICS WHO ARE UNABLE TO PAY THEIR FERS AND THEIR APPLICATIONS FOR WAIVER IS PRESENTLY CONSIDERED INDIVIDUALLY, WHICH IS BOTH INEFFICIENT AND UNCERTAIN.
"THE TARGET GROUP APPROACH PROPOSES A NEW TYPE OF SEMI-PRIVATE ROOM IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS,” MRS WONG SAID, ADDING THAT THIS WOULD GIVE A CHOICE OF GREATER PRIVACY AND COMFORT IN RETURN FOR HIGHER FEES.
THIS OPTION ALSO OUTLINES AN AUTOMATIC WAIVER SYSTEM FOR NEEDY GROUPS OF PATIENTS SO THAT THEY WILL KNOW THEIR ELIGIBILITY FOR FEE REMISSION WITH CERTAINTY.
/"THESE PATIENTS .......
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1993
7
’’THESE PATIENTS WILL THEN BE ABLE TO RECEIVE PUBLIC SECTOR TREATMENT AT A REDUCED FEE, OR IN SOME CASES, FOR FREE," SHE ADDED.
THE THIRD OPTION IS THE CO-ORDINATED VOLUNTARY INSURANCE APPROACH WHICH AIMS TO PROVIDE A FRAMEWORK WHEREBY PRIVATE INSURANCE COMPANIES CAN COMPETE WITH EACH OTHER TO OFFER MEDICAL INSURANCE PLANS WITH GREATER OPENNESS AND TRANSPARENCY.
MRS WONG POINTED OUT THAT PEOPLE WHO WERE PROPERLY INSURED HAVE MORE CHOICE THAN THOSE WHO WERE NOT, BECAUSE INSURANCE ALLOWED THEM ACCESS TO PRIVATE MEDICAL, WHICH MIGHT BE BEYOND THEIR MEANS IF IT WERE NOT FOR INSURANCE.
AT PRESENT, SOME 14 PER CENT OF HONG KONG PEOPLE ARE COVERED BY INSURANCE, AND THE MARKET IS GROWING AT AN ESTIMATED 40 PER CENT PER YEAR.
"HOWEVER, ONE CRITICISM OF INSURANCE IS THAT IT IS OFTEN DIFFICULT FOR THE CONSUMER TO SEE EXACTLY WHAT PROTECTION HE IS BUYING," SHE SAID.
THIS OPTION WILL REQUIRE INSURANCE PLANS TO BE SUBMITTED TO A DESIGNATED BODY FOR APPROVAL.
THE BODY WOULD ONLY APPROVE PLANS WHICH MET CERTAIN CRITERIA FOR ADEQUACY OF COVERAGE AND APPROPRIATENESS OF PREMIUM.
"ONLY PLANS INTENDED TO COVER TREATMENT IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS WOULD REQUIRE APPROVAL AND THE LEVEL OF PAYOUT WOULD HAVE TO BE AT LEAST SUFFICIENT TO COVER THE COST OF TREATMENT IN A SEMI-PRIVATE ROOM," THE SECRETARY SAID.
HOWEVER, INSURANCE COMPANIES WOULD BE FREE TO SUBMIT OTHER PLANS TO THE DESIGNATED BODY TO RECEIVE A SEAL OF APPROVAL IF THEY SO WISHED.
"INDEED, I THINK THAT THIS WOULD GREATLY ENHANCE CONSUMER CONFIDENCE AND STIMULATE THE INSURANCE MARKET," SHE SAID.
TURNING TO THE QUESTION OF PRIMARY HEALTH CARE, MRS WONG SAID THAT WHILE HONG KONG’S HEALTH INDICES WERE AMONG THE BEST IN THE WORLD, THERE WAS NO ROOM FOR COMPLACENCY. "OUR AIM IS TO FURTHER DEVELOP PRIMARY HEALTH CARE AS TRULY PARTICIPATORY CARE, INVOLVING THE ACTIVE PARTICIPATION OF THE INDIVIDUAL, HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS AND THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE," MRS WONG SAID.
IN THIS CONTEXT, THE GOVERNMENT IS INTRODUCING MAJOR NEW INITIATIVES.
THESE INCLUDE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A DISTRICT HEALTH SYSTEM TO PROVIDE AN INTEGRATED NETWORK OF PREVENTIVE, CURATIVE AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES ACROSS BOTH THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS.
COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IS PROVIDED THROUGH A DISTRICT HEALTH COMMITTER, AND A PILOT PROJECT IS IN OPERATION IN KWUN TONG.
/IN ADDITION .......
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1993
8
IN ADDITION, A STUDENT HEALTH SERVICE WILL REPLACE THE PRESENT SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE IN 1995.
THE NEW SERVICE WILL EMPHASISE HEALTH PROMOTION AND PREVENTIVE CARE TO ALL STUDENTS FROM PRIMARY ONE TO FORM SEVEN THROUGH PERIODIC SCREENING AND HEALTH EDUCATION.
THERE ARE ALSO PLANS FOR WELL-WOMAN CLINICS AND ELDERLY CLINICS, WHICH WILL PROVIDE SCREENING FOR SPECIFIC DISEASES AND HEALTH EDUCATION.
’’THE FIRST OF EACH OF THESE CLINICS WILL BE OPEN LATER THIS YEAR,” MRS WONG SAID.
THE SECRETARY ALSO SPOKE OF THE EXISTING SYSTEM OF MEDICAL RECOGNITION WHICH, SHE SAID, WOULD NO LONGER BE APPROPRIATE AFTER 1997.
THE QUALIFICATIONS WHICH ARE PRESENTLY REGISTERABLE IN HONG KONG ARE DERIVED FROM HISTORICAL CONNECTIONS WITH THE MEDICAL REGISTRATION SYSTEM IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
GRADUATES OF MANY FAMOUS OVERSEAS MEDICAL SCHOOLS CANNOT PRACTISE HERE BECAUSE THEY COME FROM A COUNTRY WHICH DID NOT ENJOY RECIPROCITY WITH THE GENERAL MEDICAL COUNCIL OF THE UNITED KINGDOM.
’’THIS IS AN ANOMALY WHICH NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED," MRS WONG SAID.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT WHATEVER MEDICAL REGISTRATION SYSTEM TO REPLACE THE EXISTING ONE, A KEY REQUIREMENT WOULD BE TO ENSURE THAT ALL MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS WORKING HERE MUST MEET A UNIFORM AND CONSISTENTLY HIGH SET OF STANDARD.
"ONLY THEN CAN THE SAFETY AND INTERESTS OF THE PATIENTS BE PROTECTED," SHE STRESSED.
IN CONCLUSION, MRS WONG SAID THERE WAS NO DOUBT THAT THE FUTURE WOULD BE A TIME OF CHANGE AND A TIME OF CHALLENGE FOR THE MEDICAL PROFESSION.
"A NEW PATIENT-ORIENTED CULTURE OF SERVICE IS DEVELOPING, IN WHICH IT IS NOT SUFFICIENT FOR THE DOCTOR JUST TO CURE HIS PATIENT," SHE SAID.
"HE HAS ALSO TO PROVIDE QUALITY SERVICE WHICH RESPECTS THE PATIENT AS AN INDIVIDUAL," MRS WONG ADDED.
- - 0----------
/9 .......
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 18, 1993
9 FANLING SITE FOR PSPS DEVELOPMENT * * * * *
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR A SITE IN FANLING, NEW TERRITORIES, FOR PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME DEVELOPMENT.
THE LOT IN AREA 18, FANLING, COVERING AN AREA OF ABOUT 15,500 SQUARE METRES IS INTENDED FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL (EXCLUDING HOTEL, CINEMA AND GODOWN) PURPOSES.
THE BUILDING COVENANT STIPULATES THAT THE GROSS FLOOR AREA FOR RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES SHOULD NOT EXCEED 76,870 SQUARE METRES AND THE GROSS FLOOR FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES NOT MORE THAN 1,200 SQUARE METRES.
THE NUMBER OF RESIDENTIAL FLATS SHOULD BE BETWEEN 1,350 AND 1,450.
CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON NOVEMBER 12.
FORM OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD; AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES KOWLOON, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.
TENDER PLANS CAN BE INSPECTED AT THESE OFFICES.
TENDER DOCUMENTS WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE AT DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
-----0-----
SECOND CHINA STUDIES COURSE DUE TO START
*****
ANOTHER GROUP OF SENIOR CIVIL SERVANTS WILL LEAVE FOR BEIJING TOMORROW (SUNDAY) TO ATTEND THE SECOND CHINA STUDIES COURSE IN QINGHUA UNIVERSITY.
THE PARTY, LED BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY (NEW TERRITORIES) OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, MR ALBERT LAM, IS MADE UP OF 10 ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS AND 11 DEPARTMENTAL GRADE OFFICERS.
THE COURSE WILL LAST FROM SEPTEMBER 20 TO NOVEMBER 7.
AS WITH THE FIRST COURSE, THE STUDY PROGRAMME INCLUDES LECTURES IN CHINESE HISTORY, LAW, GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE, ECONOMICS, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL ISSUES.
PARTICIPANTS WILL ALSO VISIT AREAS OUTSIDE BEIJING TO COMPARE THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN VARIOUS REGIONS, AND TO STUDY THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE CENTRAL AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS.
/10 .......
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1993
10
JETTIES AT LUNG KWU CHAU AND SHA CHAU PROPOSED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO BUILD TWO JETTIES AT LUNG KWU CHAU AND SHA CHAU TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF CIVIL AVIATION FACILITIES FOR THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK.
THE JETTIES WILL PROVIDE ACCESS FOR BUILDING A NAVIGATIONAL AID FACILITY ON LUNG KWU CHAU AND A RADAR STATION ON SHA CHAU. ABOUT 2.25 AND 1.9 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED OF THE TWO ISLANDS WILL BE AFFECTED RESPECTIVELY.
CONSTRUCTION OF THE JETTIES IS EXPECTED TO START NEXT JUNE FOR COMPLETION AROUND MAY 1995.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREAS AFFECTED BY THE PROJECTS WAS DESCRIBED IN NOTICES PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE YESTERDAY (FRIDAY).
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HE HAS AN INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEABED AREAS INVOLVED MAY SUBMIT A WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS BEFORE NOVEMBER 17 DESCRIBING HIS INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT AND THE MANNER IN WHICH HE WILL BE AFFECTED.
THE RELEVANT NOTICES AND PLANS CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITES.
THE PLANS CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG (WHERE COPIES CAN BE PURCHASED ON ORDER) AND THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 1 TUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN, NEW TERRITORIES.
- - 0 - -
TEACHERS REQUIRE ADDITIONAL TECHNIQUES »»*♦*»
AS HONG KONG UNDERGOES RAPID SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC CHANGES, TEACHERS TODAY ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE ON ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES APART FROM CLASSROOM TEACHING DUTIES, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WONG^SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF REFRESHER TRAINING COURSE FOR 173 SERVING SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, MR WONG SAID THE COURSE WAS TAILORED-MADE FOR SERVING TEACHERS’ NEEDS.
"PARTICIPANTS WILL LEARN TO DEVELOP NEW TECHNIQUES IN CURRICULUM, TEACHING MANAGEMENT, HOME-SCHOOL CO-OPERATION AND COUNSELLING, AND TO DEVELOP LEARNING SKILLS AMONG STUDENTS," MR WONG SAID.
THE AIM AS STIPULATED IN THE WHITE PAPER ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF SENIOR SECONDARY AND TERTIARY EDUCATION PUBLISHED IN 1978 WAS TO UPDATE SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS ON MODERN TEACHING METHODS, HE SAID.
/IN THE
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1993
11
IN THE LAST ACADEMIC YEAR, 408 GRADUATE TEACHERS SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED THE REFRESHER TRAINING COURSES OPERATED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
THIS BRINGS TO 853 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF GRADUATE TEACHERS PARTICIPATE IN THE RETRAINING COURSE OPERATED BY THE TWO UNIVERSITIES.
-----0-------
EDUCATION SUNDAY TO MARK NEW SCHOOL YEAR
*****
SPECIAL CHURCH SERVICES TO MARK THE START OF THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (SUNDAY) WHICH HAS BEEN DESIGNATED EDUCATION SUNDAY.
AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TEACHERS AND STUDENTS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE SERVICES AT THE FOLLOWING CHURCHES:
» CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL CHINESE SERVICE 11 AM
16 CAINE ROAD, MID-LEVELS, HONG KONG.
* ST TERESA’S CHURCH ENGLISH SERVICE 11 AM
258 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, KOWLOON TONG.
♦ ST JOHN’S CATHEDRAL ENGLISH SERVICE 11.30 AM
GARDEN ROAD, CENTRAL HONG KONG.
» HOLY TRINITY CHURCH, CHINESE SERVICE 11 AM
135 MA TA CHUNG ROAD, KOWLOON CITY.
ATTENDING THE SERVICES WILL BE THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WONG (CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL); THE SENIOR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (SERVICES AND INSTITUTES), MR K H CHAN (ST TERESA’S CHURCH); ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (PLANNING AND RESEARCH), MR T F MAN (HOLY TRINITY CHURCH); AND PRINCIPAL EDUCATION OFFICER, MR DAVID PUN (ST JOHN’S CATHEDRAL).
- - 0 - -
FIFTY
AUCTION THIS
CAR MARKS SOLD * * *
FOR CHARITY * *
VEHICLE REGISTRATION
MARKS FETCHED $1,999,000 (SATURDAY) MORNING. THE SUM WILL GO TO THE LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY AFTER DEDUCTION OF EXPENSES.
IN AN
GOVERNMENT
THE AUCTION, HELD AT THE LECTURE HALL OF THE SHEUNG CENTRE, SAW THE REGISTRATION MARK FN8 FETCH THE HIGHEST $420,000.
WAN CIVIC
PRICE OF
ANOTHER REGISTRATION MARK DL8888 WAS SOLD AT THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE OF $240,000 WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS $1,000 EACH FOR FJ7992, FH6783, FJ744 AND FJ594.
/FOLLOWING ARE .......
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1993
12
FOLLOWING ARE RESULTS OF THE AUCTION:
$ $ $ $
FJ968 48,000 FH911 20,000 FJ3228 32,000 FJ338 75,000
FH1038 4,000 FJ8288 26,000 AW8300 11,000 DR2389 17,000
♦FJ2882 18,000 ♦ DL12 130,000 ♦DL8888 240,000 ♦ FN8 420,000
AA7428 26,000 FJ316 2,000 FH228 40,000 HK3222 100,000
FG822 19,000 AR175 8,000 BL338 70,000 FJ870 7,000
FK448 10,000 FG928 32,000 FJ3839 7,000 AA4568 35,000
DF885 2,000 XX170 48,000 FJ322 16,000 FJ7789 8,000
♦ FR4 80,000 *1230 130,000 ♦ FK10 100,000 ♦FR400 25,000
FK163 50,000 FJ1 112 10,000 EB280 20,000 FJ1 125 4,000
FJ837 2,000 FH8898 18,000 FK3283 7,000 FH6661 6,000
FJ835 3,000 FJ106 13,000 ♦ EDI 122 40,000 FJ7992 1,000
FH6783 1,000 FJ744 1,000 FH1966 3,000 ♦FR242 12,000
FJ594 1,000 FJ5489 WITHDRAWN
♦ SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK (NOT TRANSFERABLE)
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO PAY BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.
THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS AUCTIONED WILL BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE DATE OF AUCTION.
TODAY’S SALE, THE 202ND ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY REALISED SO FAR TO $214,824,905.
BECAUSE THERE WERE NO BIDDERS FOR FJ5489, THE REGISTRATION MARK WILL BE ASSIGNED TO THE ORIGINAL APPLICANT.
--------0-----------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
$ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,905
REVERSAL OF LAF +95
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 2,000
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY -50
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,950
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 112.0 *+0.2* 18.9.93
------0--------
Received by pRQ on 2 1 SEP 1993
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1993
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PARENTS REMINDED TO RETURN Pl APPLICATION FORMS ............. 1
STUDY ON METALS AND LIGHT INDUSTRIES BEING EXAMINED ......... 2
AIRPORT & PORT RESOURCE CENTRE TO CLOSE FOR MAINTENANCE .... 3
BOOKLETS ON WELFARE FACILITIES AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC ......... 4
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1993
PARENTS REMINDED TO RETURN Pl APPLICATION FORMS * * * * *
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) REMINDS PARENTS WHO WANT TO APPLY FOR A PRIMARY ONE PLACE FOR THEIR CHILDREN IN GOVERNMENT OR AIDED SCHOOLS IN SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR THAT THEY MUST SEND IN THEIR APPLICATION FORMS BETWEEN TOMORROW AND SEPTEMBER 24.
PARENTS WHO WISH TO APPLY FOR A DISCRETIONARY PLACE IN A PARTICULAR GOVERNMENT OR AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOL SHOULD SEND IN THEIR COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS TOGETHER WITH ALL RELEVANT DOCUMENTS TN THE PERIOD SPECIFIED ABOVE TO THAT SCHOOL DIRECT DURING SCHOOL HOURS.
IF PARENTS ONLY WISH TO APPLY FOR CENTRAL ALLOCATION, THEY SHOULD SEND IN THE COMPLETED APPLICATION FORM WITH RELEVANT DOCUMENTS IN THE SAME PERIOD DURING OFFICE HOURS TO ONE OF THE FOLLOWING COLLECTION CENTRES FOR CENTRAL ALLOCATION BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT:
PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT
LUI KEE EDUCATION SERVICES CENTRE
269 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, FIRST FLOOR, WAN CHAI.
EDUCATION DEPARTMENT KOWLOON SUB-OFFICE
ROOM 706, 405 NATHAN ROAD, SEVENTH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI.
SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE
KCR HOUSE, FIRST FLOOR, SHATIN STATION.
TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE
TAI PO GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING,
TING KOK ROAD, GROUND FLOOR, TAI PO.
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE
TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, FIRST FLOOR, TSUEN WAN. ••
TURN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE
TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, SECOND FLOOR,
1 TUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN.
YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE
YUEN LONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR,
269 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, YUEN LONG.
NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE
FANLING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR,
3 PIK FUNG ROAD, FANLING.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT REMINDED PARENTS THAT THEY SHOULD ONLY HAND IN ONE APPLICATION FORM FOR EACH CHILD.
"IF PARENTS ARE FOUND TO HAVE APPLIED TO MORE THAN ONE GOVERNMENT OR AIDED SCHOOL, THEIR APPLICATION WILL BE RENDERED VOID AND A.., ALLOCATION OF A DISCRETIONARY PLACE MADE ON THE BASIS OF SUCH APPLICATION WILL BE WITHDRAWN," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/2.........
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1993
2
STUDY ON METALS AND LIGHT INDUSTRIES BEING EXAMINED *****
THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT IS EXAMINING THE RECOMMENDATIONS IN ITS SECOND TECHNO-ECONOMIC AND MARKET RESEARCH STUDY ON THE METALS AND LIGHT INDUSTRIES, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MR RICKY FUNG, SAID TONIGHT (SUNDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE 63RD ANNIVERSARY AND INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF THE 49TH COMMITTEE MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG METAL MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION, MR FUNG SAID THE REPORT OF THE STUDY WAS BEING REVIEWED BY THE METALS COMMITTEE OF THE INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (ITDC).
i ।
THE REPORT WAS EXPECTED TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE ITDC AND VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE END OF YEAR, HE SAID.
THE MAIN AREAS OF STUDY INCLUDED METAL PRODUCTS, INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY, LINKAGE INDUSTRIES AND THE IMPORTANCE OF THE APPLICATION OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES.
ON HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT, MR FUNG SAID WITH THE OPENING OF CHINA’S ECONOMY IN RECENT YEARS, HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIES HAD STARTED MOVING NORTHWARDS.
"HOWEVER, THE RELOCATION OF INDUSTRIES TO SOUTH CHINA SHOULD BE REGARDED AS AN EXPANSION OF HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL BASE.
"THE MOVING OF LABOUR-INTENSIVE OPERATIONS INTO CHINA ENABLES LOCAL WORKERS TO ENGAGE IN OTHER EXPANDING INDUSTRIES AND THOSE INDUSTRIES REMAINING IN HONG KONG TO FOCUS ON THE PRODUCTION OF HIGHER VALUE-ADDED AND HIGH QUALITY PRODUCTS," HE SAID.
HONG KONG WILL CONTINUE TO PLAY A MAJOR ROLE IN INVESTMENT, MANAGEMENT, PRODUCT DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT, MARKETING AND RE-EXPORT, MR FUNG SAID.
HE NOTED THAT MANUFACTURERS HAD TO OBTAIN THE NECESSARY TECHNICAL SUPPORT IN ORDER TO DEVELOP IN THE DIRECTION OF HIGH TECHNOLOGY.
FOR THE METALS INDUSTRY, THE ACQUIRING OF ADVANCED METAL CUTTING AND PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY, HEAT TREATMENT TECHNOLOGY AS WELL AS THE UNDERSTANDING OF THE CHARACTERISTICS OF VARIOUS RAW STEEL WERE OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE, MR FUNG SAID.
"AS CHINA’S ECONOMY BOOMS, HONG KONG’S METALS INDUSTRY IS BECOMING IMPORTANT TO CHINA’S INFRASTRUCTURAL AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT," HE ADDED.
---------0-----------
/3........
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1993
- 3 -
AIRPORT & PORT RESOURCE CENTRE TO CLOSE FOR MAINTENANCE
*****
THE AIRPORT AND PORT PROJECTS RESOURCE CENTRE OPERATED BY THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS CO-ORDINATION OFFICE (NAPCO) WILL BE CLOSED TEMPORARILY FOR THREE DAYS FROM THURSDAY (SEPTEMBER 23) FOR ANNUAL MAINTENANCE.
THE RESOURCE CENTRE, SITUATED ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, CENTRAL, WAS OPENED IN AUGUST 1991 TO PROVIDE THE PUBLIC WITH UP-TO-DATE REFERENCE MATERIAL RELATED TO THE AIRPORT AND PORT DEVELOPMENT.
"IT HAS A WIDE COLLECTION OF ABOUT 820 VOLUMES OF REPORTS AND TECHNICAL PAPERS ON THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK AND ITS OTHER INTERDEPENDENT PROJECTS,” SAID A NAPCO SPOKESMAN.
"SINCE ITS OPENING, IT HAS BEEN WELL PATRONISED BY TECHNICAL PROFESSIONALS, CONSULTANTS, JOURNALISTS, STUDENTS AND OTHER COMMUNITY GROUPS," HE ADDED.
THE RESOURCE CENTRE WILL BE RE-OPENED TO THE PUBLIC FROM SEPTEMBER 27.
ITS OPENING HOURS ARE 9 AM TO 1 PM AND 2 PM TO 5 PM ON WEEKDAYS, AND FROM 9 PM TO NOON ON SATURDAYS.
0 - -
/4 ........
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1993
- 4
BOOKLETS ON WELFARE FACILITIES AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC *****
COPIES OF A SET OF BOOKLETS, IN ENGLISH, CONTAINING INFORMATION ON ALL SOCIAL WELFARE FACILITIES IN THE TERRITORY HAVE BEEN PLACED AT DISTRICT OFFICES, AND SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT REGIONAL AND DISTRICT OFFICES FOR PUBLIC VIEWING.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO ARE INTERESTED CAN VISIT ANY OF THESE OFFICES AND ASK TO SEE THESE BOOKLETS WHICH SHOULD BE RETURNED AFTER READING.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT (SWD) SAID IF THEY HAD ANY FURTHER QUERIES, THEY COULD CALL SWD HOTLINE ON TEL 343 2255.
"THE DEPARTMENT GIVES INFORMATION ON ALL SOCIAL SERVICES BECAUSE WE WANT TO BE OPEN AND TRANSPARENT IN OUR MANAGEMENT PROCESS, AND WE RESPECT RESIDENTS’ RIGHT TO KNOW," HE SAID.
"IT HAS BEEN THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO SET UP WELFARE FACILITIES IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.
"HOWEVER, WE WELCOME VIEWS FROM RESIDENTS ON HOW WE CAN FURTHER IMPROVE SOCIAL WELFARE FACILITIES IN THEIR NEIGHBOURHOOD."
THE BOOKLETS CONTAIN THREE PARTS: A GLOSSARY ON THE TYPES OF SOCIAL WELFARE FACILITIES TOGETHER WITH EXPLANATION ABOUT THE SERVICES PROVIDED; EXISTING WELFARE FACILITIES IN THE DISTRICT, INCLUDING THE SERVICES SUBVENTED BY SWD AND NON-SUBVENTED SERVICES KNOWN TO SWD; AND FACILITIES PLANNED IN THE DISTRICT UP TO LAST MONTH.
THE CHINESE VERSION OF THESE BOOKLETS IS BEING PREPARED AND WILL BE AVAILABLE IN ABOUT SIX WEEKS’ TIME.
- - 0-----------
Received by PRO on 2 3 SEP 1993
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1993
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CHARGING SCHEME FOR SEWAGE SERVICES ......................... ]
HK'S CONTAINER THROUGHPUT INCREASES ......................... 3
THREE NEW COINS PUT INTO CIRCULATION ........................ 4
ORDERS-ON-HAND OF MANUFACTURERS IN .JULY .................... 5
EXAM SYSTEM FOR LICENSING PLUMBERS TO BE ABOLISHED .......... 6
LEGCO MEMBERS BRIEFED ON ACP WORKS PROGRESS ................. 7
JOB BAZAAR IN TSIM SHA TSUI ................................. 8
RECRUITMENT OF MUSIC OFFICE TRAINEES STARTS ................. 9
TRAINING COURSE FOR HEALTH WORKERS .......................... 9
SPECIAL REVIEW ARTICLE ON STRUCTURAL CHANGES OF VARIOUS INDUSTRIES .................................................. 10
FINE AND HOT IN AUGUST ...................................... jj
FRESH WATER CUT IN YAU MA TEI ............................... 15
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ........................................ 15
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .
15
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1993
CHARGING SCHEME FOR SEWAGE SERVICES *******
PROPOSALS FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF A SEWAGE SERVICES CHARGING SCHEME, UNDER WHICH USERS WILL CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS THE COSTS OF RAPIDLY IMPROVING SEWAGE SERVICES, WERE ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE GOVERNMENT.
DETAILS OF A PROGRAMME OF SEWAGE IMPROVEMENT SCHEMES COSTING $12 BILLION (ALL FIGURES ARE 1993) WERE ALSO ANNOUNCED, FOR COMPLETION BY 1997.
SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, SAID: "THIS IS AN IMPORTANT STEP FORWARD IN OUR ENVIRONMENTAL CAMPAIGN TO IMPROVE SEWAGE SERVICES AND CLEAN UP THE HARBOUR."
"HONG KONG HAS UNDER-INVESTED IN SEWAGE INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE PAST, AND OUR SEWAGE PROBLEMS ARE NOW CRITICAL. AS MUCH AS 50 PER CENT OF THE TERRITORY’S SEWAGE GOES INTO THE HARBOUR UNTREATED, AND THIS HAS TO STOP.
"OUR IMMEDIATE PLANS WILL RAPIDLY IMPROVE HONG KONG’S SEWAGE SERVICES," HE SAID.
THEY INVOLVE GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE OF ABOUT $12 BILLION ON MAJOR SEWAGE IMPROVEMENTS RY 1997 TO COVER THE FULL COSTS OF AN $8.1 BILLION HIGH PRIORITY PROGRAMME (HPP), WHICH WILL CLEAN UP 70 PER CENT OF THE HARBOUR’S POLLUTION, PLUS $1 BILLION OF PUBLIC WORKS EXPENDITURE ON OTHER ONGOING SEWAGE IMPROVEMENT SCHEMES.
"THE GOVERNMENT’S FUNDS ARE, HOWEVER, NOT UNLIMITED," SAID MR EASON. "WE BELIEVE THAT IT IS RIGHT THAT THE PUBLIC SHOULD BEGIN TO PAY FOR THE SEWAGE SERVICES THEY USE, IN THE SAME WAY THAT THEY PAY FOR OTHER SERVICES SUCH AS WATER.
"WE THEREFORE PLAN TO START APPLYING WHAT IS CALLED THE POLLUTER PAYS PRINCIPLE, WHICH INVOLVES THOSE WHO CAUSE POLLUTION CONTRIBUTING FINANCIALLY TO THE COSTS OF SEWAGE SERVICES.
"CHARGES WILL BE VERY MODEST FOR HOUSEHOLDS, WHICH MAKE ONLY LIMITED USE OF SEWAGE SERVICES. THERE WILL BE A CAREFULLY DEFINED, BUT NOT OPEN ENDED, EXEMPTION SYSTEM, IN LINE WITH ARRANGEMENTS ON WATER CHARGES.
"COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY WILL PAY MORE THROUGH A TRADE EFFLUENT SURCHARGE BECAUSE THEY CREATE MORE POLLUTION, WHICH THEY COULD CURB BY CAREFUL USE OF WATER AND SIMPLE EFFLUENT TREATMENT. WE HOPE THAT THIS WILL ACT AS AN INCENTIVE TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO TAKE REMEDIAL MEASURES.
"THERE IS SUBSTANTIAL PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR THE POLLUTER PAYS PRINCIPLE, INCLUDING THE PROPOSAL THAT HEAVY POLLUTERS TN INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE SHOULD PAY MORE," SAID MR EASON.
"THE PRINCIPLE OF POLLUTERS PAVING HAS ALSO BEEN SUCCESSFULLY INTRODUCED IN MANY PLACES ABROAD, FOR EXAMPLE LOS ANGELES, SINGAPORE AND LONDON.
/"THE GOVERNMENT .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1993
2
"THE GOVERNMENT’S CAPITAL INJECTION, AND REVENUES FROM CHARGES, WILL BE PAID INTO A SPECIALLY CREATED TRADING FUND AND WILL BE USED EXCLUSIVELY FOR SEWAGE SERVICES," HE SAID.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID IT WAS PROPOSED THAT THE CHARGES WOULD TAKE EFFECT FROM AUGUST NEXT YEAR.
CHARGES WOULD BE BASED ON USERS’ WATER METRE READINGS, WHICH WOULD PROVIDE A FAIR ESTIMATE OF WHAT FLOWED OUT INTO THE SEWAGE SYSTEM.
I ILLUSTRATING THE LEVEL OF CHARGES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID PEOPLE LIVING IN PUBLIC HOUSING WERE EXPECTED TO PAY AN AVERAGE OF ONLY ABOUT $15 A MONTH WHEN CHARGES START NEXT YEAR, JUST OVER HALF THEIR COMPARABLE WATER CHARGES.
CHARGES FOR COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL USERS WOULD VARY WIDELY, DEPENDING ON INTENSITY OF WATER USAGE AND THE AMOUNT OF POLLUTION CREATED.
THEY WOULD HAVE ONLY A VERY MODEST IMPACT ON OPERATING COSTS, RANGING FROM 0.02 PER CENT TO 0.5 PER CENT.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID CHARGES WOULD BE LEVIED ON ALL WATER USERS WHO USED SEWAGE SERVICES, APART FROM THOSE WHO USED LESS THAN 13 CUBIC METRES IN A FOUR-MONTH PERIOD (ABOUT 17 PER CENT OF DOMESTIC HOUSEHOLDS) AND WERE CONSEQUENTLY EXEMPTED FROM PAYING WATER CHARGES.
IT WAS EXPECTED THAT THERE WOULD BE ABOUT 1.6 MILLION USER ACCOUNTS.
CHARGES WOULD BE BASED ON THREE COMPONENTS: A FIXED CHARGE RELATING TO FIXED COSTS OF SEWAGE SERVICES; A VARIABLE CHARGE TO RECOVER OPERATING COSTS; AND A TRADE EFFLUENT SURCHARGE FOR INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL USERS TO REFLECT THE ADDITIONAL COSTS OF TREATING THEIR MORE HEAVILY POLLUTED DISCHARGES.
A SEPARATE SEWAGE CHARGE ITEM WOULD BE INCLUDED IN WATER BILLS, AND THE WATER AND SEWAGE CHARGES WOULD BE PAID JOINTLY TO THE DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES. THIS ARRANGEMENT WOULD MINIMISE ADMINISTRATION CHARGES.
FOLLOWING A CONSULTATION PERIOD LASTING TILL MID-NOVEMBER, LEGISLATION WOULD BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO GIVE EFFECT TO THE CHARGING ARRANGEMENTS AND THE BILLING AND COLLECTION SYSTEMS.
IT WAS PROPOSED TO ESTABLISH A TRADING FUND BY RESOLUTION OF THE LEGCO UNDER THE TRADING FUNDS ORDINANCE.
THE SEWAGE CHARGES WOULD BE PAID INTO THE FUND AND WOULD BE USED TO COVER THE PROVISION OF SEWAGE SERVICES.
THE FUND WOULD ALSO HOLD AND MANAGE THE GOVERNMENT’S CAPITAL CONTRIBUTION AND MEET THE CAPITAL EXPENDITURE ON THE HPP PROJECTS.
/THE HPP .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1993
3
THE HPP COMPRISED A DEEP TUNNEL SEWERAGE SYSTEM RUNNING FROM HONG KONG ISLAND EAST TO TSEUNG KWAN O AND TSUEN WAN, WITH TREATMENT WORKS ON STONECUTTERS PLUS IMPROVEMENTS TO ASSOCIATED LOCAL SEWAGE NETWORKS.
THE ONGOING SEWAGE IMPROVEMENT SCHEMES COMPRISED MORE THAN 30 SCHEMES FUNDED UNDER THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME.
HK’S CONTAINER THROUGHPUT INCREASES * * * * *
THE AVERAGE OVERALL GROWTH RATE OF 17.1 PER CENT IN HONG KONG’S CONTAINER THROUGHPUT FOR THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THIS YEAR OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF LAST YEAR INDICATES A LEVELLING OFF OF SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES OVER THE PERIOD MARCH TO JUNE, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR IAN DALE, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
ANNOUNCING THE LATEST CONTAINER THROUGHPUT FIGURES, MR DALE SAID HONG KONG HANDLED 4,177,908 TEUS (TWENTY-FOOT ENQUIVALENT UNITS) IN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, COMPARED TO 3,567,664 OVER THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
KWAI CHUNG TERMINALS SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 13.1 PER CENT, STREAM HANDLING 17.5 PER CENT, AND THE RIVER TRADE 68.3 PER CENT.
COMMENTING ON HONG KONG’S FUTURE CONTAINER HANDLING CAPACITY, MR DALE SAID: "ACTUAL GROWTH RATES WERE GENERALLY IN LINE WITH FORECASTS, WHICH UNDERLINED THE NEED FOR OUR PLANNED TERMINAL DEVELOPMENT TO PROCEED ON SCHEDULE."
TERMINAL 8 CONSTRUCTION IS WELL WITHIN THAT SCHEDULE, WITH ITS FIRST BERTH ALREADY IN OPERATION, BUT ANY FURTHER DELAYS TO THE CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME FOR TERMINAL 9, COULD WELL BE A DISADVANTAGE FOR THE PORT’S FUTURE, HE ADDED.
CONTAINER HANDLING TN THE STREAM HAS THE POTENTIAL TO ABSORB SOME SHORTFALL IN TERMINAL CAPACITY, BUT THIS IS LIMITED BY THE SIZE OF VESSEL THAT CAN UTILISE THIS SYSTEM, AND THE AVAILABILITY OF WATERFRONT LAND TO HANDLE CONTAINER LIGHTERS. IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THE TERMINAL 9 PROJECT GETS UNDERWAY, HE SAID.
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TABLE FOR THE COMPARATIVE CONTAINER STATISTICS IN TEUS:
/FIRST SIX .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1993 4
FIRST SIX MONTHS OF 1992 FIRST SIX MONTHS OF 1993 PERCENTAGE INCREASE
KWAI CHUNG CONTAINER TERMINALS 2,285,123 2,584,398 +13.1%
STREAM AND ELSEWHERE 1,134,810 1,333,380 +17.5%
RIVER TRADE 155,780 262,100 +68.3%
TOTAL 3,567,664 4 , 177,908 + 17. 1%
NOTH’ TO AVOID DOUBLE COUNTING, FIGURES ARE AJUSTED DOWNWARDS BY
8,049 IN 1992 AND 1,970 IN 1993 BEING TEUS HANDLED BY
TERMINAL VESSELS CONTRACTED TO WORK IN THE STREAM.
HONG KONG IS THE BUSIEST CONTAINER PORT IN THE WORLD, HANDLING A RECORD OF 7.97 MILLION TEUS LAST YEAR. IT IS ALSO ONE OF THE BUSIEST IN TERMS OF VESSEL ARRIVALS AND CARGO AND PASSENGER THROUGHPUT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FOR ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CALL INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS SECTION ON TEL 852 4423 AND 852 4425 DURING OFFICE HOURS OR 9493
8262 OUTSIDE OFFICE HOURS.
------0--------
THREE NEW COINS PUT INTO CIRCULATION * * * * *
NEW-DESIGN $1, 50-CENT AND 20-CENT COINS WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO GENERAL CIRCULATION ON OCTOBER 11 TO REPLACE EXISTING COINS.
’’THIS IS PART OF THE PHASED PROGRAMME TO REPLACE AND WITHDRAW FROM CIRCULATION EXISTING COINS BEARING REFERENCES THAT WILL BECOME INAPPROPRIATE TO THE STATUS OF HONG KONG AS A SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA,” A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
LIKE THE NEW $5 AND $2 COINS INTRODUCED IN JANUARY THIS YEAR, THE DESIGNS FEATURE A BAUHINIA FLOWER, AND ’’HONG KONG” IN CHINESE CHARACTERS AND ENGLISH ON THE OBVERSE.
THE REVERSE FEATURES THE DENOMINATION TN CHINESE CHARACTERS AND ENGLISH WITH A LARGE ARABIC NUMERAL IN THE CENTRE AND THE YEAR OF ISSUE IMMEDIATELY BELOW IT.
THE METAL COMPOSITIONS OF THE NEW COINS ARE DIFFERENT FROM THOSE OF THE EXISTING ONES TO FACILITATE SORTING AND WITHDRAWAL OF THE EXISTING COINS BY MACHINE.
/SMALL QUANTITIES .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1993
5
SMALL QUANTITIES OF THE NEW COINS HAVE BEEN ISSUED TO PUBLIC UTILITY AND TRANSPORT COMPANIES AND VARIOUS ORGANISATIONS THAT OPERATE COIN VENDING MACHINES FOR TESTING AND CALIBRATION TO ENSURE THAT THEY CAN BE USED IN THESE MACHINES WITH MINIMAL DISRUPTION.
THE FINAL TYPES OF COINS IN THE SERIES, THE 10-CENT COIN AND THE NEW $10 COIN, ARE LIKELY TO BE INTRODUCED DURING 1994.
’’BECAUSE OF THE OVERWHELMING DEMAND FOR THE 1993 COMMEMORATIVE COIN SETS FEATURING THE NEW-DESIGN COINS FROM 10-CENT TO $10, ADDITIONAL SETS OF THE UNCIRCULATED VERSION WERE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC IN JULY.
’’THESE CAN STILL BE BOUGHT AT THE HONG KONG AND KOWLOON MAIN BRANCHES OF THE OVERSEAS TRUST BANK,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
---------0-----------
ORDERS-ON-HAND OF MANUFACTURERS IN JULY
*****
THE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND FOR THE 200 LARGEST MANUFACTURERS DECREASED SLIGHTLY BY 1% IN JULY THIS YEAR OVER A YEAR EARLIER, ACCORDING TO A MONTHLY SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND IS MEASURED IN TERMS OF THE NUMBER OF MONTHS THAT MANUFACTURERS WILL REQUIRE TO COMPLETE THE ORDERS OUTSTANDING AS AT THE END OF THE REFERENCE MONTH.
COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR, THE ORDERS POSITION IN THE TEXTILES INDUSTRY DECREASED BY 7%. THE WEARING APPAREL AND THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES BOTH REGISTERED A DECREASE OF 4%.
ON THE OTHER HAND, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY (9%) AND THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY (4%).
COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING MONTH, ORDERS FOR ALL THE MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED DECREASED SLIGHTLY BY 2%.
THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY REPORTED A SIGNIFICANT DECREASE OF 14% AND THE TEXTILES INDUSTRY REPORTED A DECREASE OF 6% OVER THE PRECEDING MONTH. SLIGHT DECREASES WERE ALSO RECORDED IN THE WEARING APPAREL AND THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES, BY 3% AND 1% RESPECTIVELY.
MEANWHILE, THE ORDERS POSITION SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE IN THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY.
THE MONTHLY SURVEY OF ORDERS-ON-HAND COVERS A PANEL OF THE 200 LARGEST MANUFACTURERS CHOSEN BY REFERENCE TO THEIR EMPLOYMENT SIZES IN SEPTEMBER 1986.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT POINTED OUT THAT AS THE SURVEY SAMPLE COVERED ONLY THE LARGE COMPANIES, THE SURVEY RESULTS MIGHT NOT BE FULLY REPRESENTATIVE OF THE GENERAL SITUATION OF THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR.
/NEVERTHELESS, THE ........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1993
6
NEVERTHELESS, THE SURVEY RESULTS SHOULD BE ABLE TO PROVIDE A USEFUL INDICATION OF THF DIRECTION OF CHANGE FOR MAKING A QUICK ASSESSMENT OF SHORT-TERM DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SECTOR, HE SAID.
THE SURVEY REPORT FOR JULY 1993, AT $5.5 A COPY, IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AND AT THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS SECTION, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI .
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE MADE OF THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TELEPHONE 805 6441.
THE FOLLOWING TABLE SHOWS THE PERCENTAGE CHANGES IN ORDERS-ON-HAND:
ORDERS-ON-HAND IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES
AS AT THE END OF CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH
INDUSTRY JULY 1993 JUNE 1993 JULY 1992
(MONTHS) (%) (%)
ALL MANUFACTURERS
SURVEYED 4.38 -2 -1
WEARING APPAREL 4.57 -3 -4
TEXTILES 2.02 -6 -7
PLASTIC PRODUCTS 3.30 -14 + 9
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS 4.40 -1 -4
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC
PRODUCTS 5.88 » + 4
OTHERS 3.82 -1 -4
* CHANGES WITHIN +/-0.5X
- - 0----------
EXAM SYSTEM FOR LICENSING PLUMBERS
*****
TO BE ABOLISHED
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT WILL ABOLISH THE EXAMINATION SYSTEM FOR LICENSING PLUMBERS, WITH EFFECT FROM OCTOBER 2, FOLLOWING THE GAZETTING OF THE WATER REGULATIONS (AMENDMENT) 1992 LAST SEPTEMBER.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT SAID A QUALIFICATION SYSTEM, WHICH HAS BEEN OPERATING IN PARALLEL WITH THE EXAMINATION SYSTEM SINCE 1989, WILL BE THE ONLY RECOGNISED SYSTEM IN THE FUTURE, REPLACING THE EXAMINATION SYSTEM.
/UNDER THE .......
7
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1993
UNDER THE QUALIFICATION SYSTEM, ANYONE POSSESSING THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS WILL BE ISSUED A PLUMBER’S LICENCE:
* CRAFT CERTIFICATE IN PLUMBING AND PIPE-FITTING COURSE ISSUED BY THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL AFTER 1987; OR
* PLUMBING CRAFT CERTIFICATE ISSUED BY THE CITY AND GUILDS OF LONDON; OR
* A FELLOW OR MEMBER OF THE INSTITUTION OF PLUMBING OF THE UNITED KINGDOM, AND
» CERTIFICATE IN PLUMBING SERVICES (HONG KONG) COURSES ISSUED BY THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE QUALIFICATION SYSTEM NOT ONLY PROVIDED AN ASSURANCE WITH REGARD TO THE QUALITY AND STANDARD OF THE LICENSED PLUMBERS IN SERVING THE PUBLIC, BUT ALSO MADE THE ADMINISTRATION PROCESS FOR LICENSING FASTER AND SIMPLER.
------0-------
LEGCO MEMBERS BRIEFED ON ACP WORKS PROGRESS
*****
A GROUP OF 14 LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS, INCLUDING MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SUB-COMMITTEE ON THE FINANCING OF THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME (ACP), WERE BRIEFED TODAY (MONDAY) ON THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS ON THE 10 CORE PROJECTS.
DURING A FOUR-HOUR BOAT TOUR, THE MEMBERS SAW THE PROGRESS ON PROJECTS SUCH AS THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION, THE TS1NG MA AND KAP SHUI MUN BRIDGES, THE NORTH LANTAU EXPRESSWAY, THE TUNG CHUNG NEW TOWN RECLAMATION AND THE AIRPORT SITE AT CHECK LAP KOK.
THEY WERE ADDRESSED BY THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE AND BRIEFED ON THE OVERALL PROGRESS OF THE ACP BY THE DIRECTOR OF THE NEW AIRPORT CO-ORDINATION OFFICE, MR BILLY LAM.
THE MEMBERS ALSO VISITED CHEK LAP KOK FOR A CLOSE-UP VIEW OF THE WORKS THERE. THEY WERE BRIEFED ON THE VAST AMOUNT OF EXCAVATION AND RECLAMATION WORKS UNDERWAY ON AND AROUND THE ISLAND BY REPRESENTATIVES OF THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY.
MR BLAKE INFORMED THE MEMBERS THAT CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS WITH A TOTAL VALUE OF OVER $44 BILLION HAD BEEN AWARDED ON THE ACP. THEY INCLUDED 27 MAJOR GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS AT A VALUE OF NEARLY $29 BILLION.
"THIS $29 BILLION REPRESENTS 69 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF ALL GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS FOR THE ACP," HE SAID.
FOUR MAJOR CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS AMOUNTING TO $9.7 BILLION HAVE BEEN LET BY THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY. THE WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING FRANCHISEE HAS AWARDED A MAJOR CONTRACT WORTH $5.7 BILLION.
MR BLAKE SAID ALL THE CONTRACTS WERE WITHIN BUDGET AND WORK WAS PROGRESSING SMOOTHLY.
------0 - -
/8.........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1993
8
JOB BAZAAR TN TSTM SHA TSUI *****
A JOB BAZAAR WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN TSIM SHA TSUI TO HELP WORKERS AND LOCAL RESIDENTS LOOK FOR JOBS UNDER THE ON-THE-JOB TRAINING SCHEME (OJT) SET UP BY THE EMPLOYEES RETRAINING BOARD (ERB).
ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE (LES), THE BAZAAR AIMED AT PROVIDING AN OPPORTUNITY FOR EMPLOYERS AND POTENTIAL EMPLOYEES TO MAKE DIRECT CONTACT AND DISCUSS ABOUT JOB VACANCIES AND EMPLOYMENT.
SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER (EMPLOYMENT SERVICE), MR RAYMOND CHAN, SAID TODAY (MONDAY):
SUCH EVENTS WERE HELPFUL TO JOB-SEEKERS WISHING TO SECURE EMPLOYMENT UNDER THE OJT AND THOSE WHO WISH TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE SCHEME," MR CHAN SAID.
THEY ATTRACTED MORE THAN 3,700 JOB-SEEKERS RESULTING IN ABOUT 1,700 REFERRALS BEING MADE ON THE SPOT.
THE BAZAAR WILL BE HELD FROM 11 AM TO 6 PM AT THE EXHIBITION GALLERY OF THE HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE IN TSIM SHA TSUI.
REPRESENTAIVES FROM 18 PARTICIPATING EMPLOYERS FROM VARIOUS TRADES INCLUDING HOTEL, PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, COMMUNICATION, BANKING, LAUNDRY, TRADING AND RETAIL SALES, WILL BE THERE TO BRIEF INTERESTED PEOPLE ON JOB OPPORTUNITIES.
"THEY WILL BRIEF JOB-SEEKERS ABOUT THEIR TRADES AND CONDUCT ON-THE-SPOT INTERVIEWS OR ARRANGE INTERVIEWS ON OTHER DATES," HE SAID.
SOME EMPLOYERS WILL ALSO GIVE TALKS ON RELATED TRADES.
MEANWHILE, VACANCIES OF THE 242 EMPLOYERS PARTICIPATING IN OJT WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE BY LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S LES STAFF TO HELP JOB-SEEKERS SELECT THEIR PREFERRED JOBS.
"LES STAFF WILL ALSO CONDUCT GROUP COUNSELLING SESSION FOR THE POTENTIAL RETRAINEES," HE ADDED.
MR CHAN SAID APPLICANTS FOR THE OJT SHOULD BE HONG KONG RESIDENTS WHO WERE 30 YEARS OLD OR ABOVE AND HAD WORKED IN A PARTICULAR TRADE FOR NOT LESS THAN TWO YEARS.
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/9 ........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1993
9
RECRUITMENT OF MUSIC OFFICE TRAINEES STARTS * * * * *
THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH TODAY (MONDAY) INVITES YOUNG PEOPLE AGED FROM SIX TO 23 TO ENROL ON ITS INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC TRAINING SCHEME.
THE SCHEME HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE SINCE 1977 WITH THE AIM OF PROMOTING MUSIC IN HONG KONG.
CLASSES OF WESTERN AND CHINESE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS INCLUDING VIOLIN, ER-HU, PIPA, TRUMPET AND FLUTE WILL BE OFFERED.
STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND ONE-HOUR TRAINING SESSIONS WEEKLY IN EITHER THE HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE, KWUN TONG, MONG KOK, SHA TIN OR TSUEN WAN MUSIC CENTRES.
CANDIDATES WITH NO PREVIOUS INSTRUMENTAL TRAINING COULD APPLY FOR THE BEGINNERS’ COURSE AT ELEMENTARY LEVEL WHILE THOSE WITH APPROPRIATE INSTRUMENTAL MUSICAL STANDARD COULD SLOT INTO EXISTING CLASSES.
WHEN REACHING HIGHER GRADES, STUDENTS WOULD ALSO RECEIVE AURAL/ THEORY TRAINING AND ORCHESTRAL/ENSEMBLE TRAINING.
MONTHLY TUITION FEES, FOR THIS YEAR, ARE $100, $150, AND $200 FOR THE ELEMENTARY, INTERMEDIATE, HIGHER LEVELS.
STUDENTS WITH FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES CAN APPLY FOR FEE REMISSION.
APPLICANTS WILL HAVE TO ATTEND A HANDS AND MOUTH INSPECTION EXERCISE AND SIMPLE VOICE TEST IN THE MUSIC CENTRES IN OCTOBER.
APPLICATION FORMS FOR THE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC TRAINING SCHEME ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT ALL REGIONAL MUSIC CENTRES.
COMPLETED APPLICATION FORM SHOULD BE SENT TO RELEVANT MUSIC CENTRES ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 14.
FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CALL 582 5314 (HEADQUARTERS),
802 0657 (HONG KONG), 796 2893 (KWUN TONG), 399 2200 (MONG KOK), 417 6429 (TSUEN WAN) OR 606 5731 (SHA TIN).
------0-------
TRAINING COURSE FOR HEALTH WORKERS
* * * * *
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IS INVITING SERVING HEALTH WORKERS IN PRIVATE HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY WHO HAVE NOT RECEIVED THEIR NURSING OR MEDICAL TRAINING IN HONG KONG TO ENROL ON AN 11-WEEK TRAINING COURSE.
SCHEDULED TO START ON NOVEMBER 1, THE COURSE AIMS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF SERVICE IN THESE HOMES.
/"LEGISLATION TO .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1993
10
’’LEGISLATION TO CONTROL RESIDENTIAL CARE HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY, INCLUDING THOSE IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR, IS TO BE INTRODUCED SOON,’’ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
UNDER THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION, NO ONE SHALL BE QUALIFIED TO BE REGISTERED AS A HEALTH WORKER FOR THE PURPOSE OF EMPLOYMENT AT A RESIDENTIAL CARE HOME WITHOUT HAVING COMPLETED A COURSE OF TRAINING APPROVED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE.
THE COURSE IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE COLLEGE OF NURSING, HONG KONG, AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
IT INCLUDES BASIC SKILLS IN LOOKING AFTER THE ELDERLY, PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PHYSICAL CHANGES OF THE ELDERLY, INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS AND BASIC PRINCIPLES IN RUNNING A HOME FOR THE ELDERLY.
APPLICANTS ARE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTARY PROOF OF THEIR QUALIFICATION. THOSE RECOMMENDED BY THE ELDERLY HOMES IN WHICH THEY ARE SERVING WILL BE GIVEN PRIORITY.
COPIES OF INVITATION HAVE ALREADY BEEN SENT TO PRIVATE HOME OPERATORS INVITING THEM TO RECOMMEND SUITABLE CANDIDATE FOR THE COURSE.
INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE INTERESTED TO TAKE UP A JOB IN THESE HOMES MAY ALSO FORWARD THEIR APPLICATIONS TO THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT'S REGISTRATION OFFICE OF PRIVATE HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY, SEVENTH FLOOR, WU CHUNG HOUSE, 213 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI.
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION IS THURSDAY (SEPTEMBER 23) AND THE COURSE FEE IS $2,000.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL 834 7414 OR 892 5187.
---------0-----------
SPECIAL REVIEW ARTICLE ON STRUCTURAL CHANGES OF VARIOUS INDUSTRIES * * * * »
THE JULY 1993 ISSUE OF THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS CONTAINS A SPECIAL REVIEW ARTICLE ENTITLED ’’THE STRUCTURAL CHANGES OF THE STORAGE, COMMUNICATION, FINANCING, INSURANCE AND BUSINESS SERVICES INDUSTRIES (1987 - 1991)”.
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT CONDUCTS ANNUAL SURVEYS TO COLLECT ECONOMIC STATISTICS ON THE SERVICE INDUSTRIES.
BASED ON THE FINDINGS OF THESE SURVEYS, THE ARTICLE ANALYSES THE RECENT STRUCTURAL CHANGES OF THE SERVICE INDUSTRIES IN TERMS OF DISTRIBUTION BY SIZE OF ESTABLISHMENT; COST STRUCTURE AND PROFITABILITY; OUTPUT PER PERSON ENGAGED AND OUTPUT PER ESTABLISHMENT.
/THE HONG .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1993
11
THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS IS NOW ON SALE AT $48 A COPY.
PURCHASES CAN BE MADE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG AND AT THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
------0-------
FINE AND HOT IN AUGUST
» t * * ♦
AUGUST WAS GENERALLY FINE AND HOT WITH THE MONTHLY MEAN MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 26.8 DEGREES BEING THE FIFTH HIGHEST ON RECORD FOR THE MONTH, ACCORDING TO A MONTHLY WEATHER REPORT RELEASED BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY.
EVEN THOUGH CONDITIONS WERE RATHER HUMID, THE MONTHLY RAINFALL AMOUNTED TO 182.8 MILLIMETRES ONLY, 47 PER CENT OF THE AUGUST NORMAL OF 391.4 MILLIMETRES.
THE MOST SIGNIFICANT EVENT DURING THE MONTH WAS THE APPROACH OF TYPHOON TASHA ON AUGUST 20 WHICH NECESSITATED THE HOISTING OF TROPICAL CYCLONE SIGNAL NO. 8 FOR THE SECOND TIME THIS YEAR.
THE TOTAL RAINFALL SINCE JANUARY 1 WAS 1,439.9 MILLIMETRES, 16 PER CENT BELOW THE NORMAL OF 1,707.4 MILLIMETRES FOR THE SAME PERIOD.
AUGUST BEGAN IN A MIXTURE OF SUNSHINE AND RAIN. FRESH SOUTHERLY WINDS OFFSHORE WERE ACCOMPANIED BY ISOLATED HEAVY SHOWERS ON AUGUST 1 AND 2.
WITH THE ONSET OF A MODERATE SOUTHWESTERLY AIRSTREAM, SHOWERS GRADUALLY CEASED ON AUGUST 3.
SUNNY AND HOT WEATHER PREVAILED FOR THE NEXT FIVE DAYS. WITH LONG PERIODS OF SUNSHINE, TEMPERATURES STEADILY CLIMBED TO THE MONTH’S HIGHEST OF 33.4 DEGREES ON AUGUST 5.
OWING TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF UNSETTLED WEATHER IN THE VICINITY OF HONG KONG, THE WEATHER TURNED CLOUDY ON AUGUST 9. SHOWERS INCREASED THE NEXT DAY AND BECAME HEAVY AND THUNDERY IN THE AFTERNOON WHEN WINDS TURNED SOUTHERLY.
MORE THAN 30 MILLIMETRES OF RAIN FELL WITHIN AN HOUR OVER THE TERRITORY.
AN OUTBREAK OF ISOLATED HEAVY SHOWERS ON THE MORNING OF AUGUST 11 WAS FOLLOWED BY ANOTHER SHOWERY DAY ON AUGUST 13.
AFTER A LULL ON AUGUST 14, SHOWERS INCREASED AGAIN THE NEXT DAY AS AN AREA OF LOW PRESSURE DEVELOPED NEAR BEIBU WAN.
SCATTERED THUNDERY SHOWERS AFFECTED HONG KONG AND THE UNSETTLED WEATHER LASTED TILL AUGUST 17.
/MEANWHILEj A ........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1993
12
MEANWHILE, A TROPICAL CYCLONE NAMED TASHA ENTERED THE SOUTH CHINA SEA ON AUGUST 18. ITS CIRCULATION DREW IN DRY CONTINENTAL AIR FROM THE NORTH. RAIN CEASED AND THE WEATHER BECAME FINE AND HOT.
AS TASHA APPROACHED, WINDS FRESHENED FROM THE NORTHEAST EARLY ON AUGUST 19. CLOUDINESS INCREASED AND INTERMITTENT SQUALLY SHOWERS BEGAN TO AFFECT THE TERRITORY THAT AFTERNOON.
THE WEATHER DETERIORATED FURTHER ON AUGUST 20 AS TASHA MOVED CLOSER.
WIND REACHED GALE FORCE OFFSHORE IN THE AFTERNOON AND THE STORMY WEATHER PERSISTED INTO THE NIGHT.
THE MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 25.0 DEGREES RECORDED ON THE DAY WAS THE LOWEST IN AUGUST.
WINDS GRADUALLY DIED DOWN THE NEXT DAY BUT THE WEATHER REMAINED CLOUDY WITH SQUALLY SHOWERS AND PERIODS OF RAIN. THE PASSAGE OF TASHA BROUGHT ABOUT 40 MILLIMETRES OF RAIN TO THE TERRITORY.,
AS TASHA MOVED OVER LAND AND WEAKENED, THE WEATHER IMPROVED RAPIDLY ON AUGUST 22.
THIS MARKED THE BEGINNING OF A SPELL OF GENERALLY FINE AND HOT WEATHER IN THE LATTER PART OF AUGUST THOUGH THERE WAS AN INCREASE OF CLOUDINESS TOWARDS THE END OF THE MONTH.
DURING THE PERIOD, THERE WERE TIMES WHEN SMOG AND HAZE FORMED AS A RESULT OF LIGHT WINDS. VISIBILITY WAS PARTICULARLY POOR ON AUGUST 25, DROPPING TO 3,500 METRES INSIDE THE HARBOUR.
THERE WERE ALTOGETHER SEVEN TROPICAL CYCLONES OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC AND THE SOUTH CHINA SEA IN AUGUST.
DURING THE MONTH, SEVEN AIRCRAFT WERE DIVERTED BECAUSE OF ADVERSE WEATHER. DETAILS OF THE ISSUANCE/HOISTING AND CANCELLATION/LOWERING OF VARIOUS WARNINGS/SIGNALS IN THE MONTH ARE SUMMARISED IN TABLE 1.1.
MONTHLY METEOROLOGICAL FIGURES AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL FOR AUGUST ARE TABULATED IN TABLE 1.2.
/TABLE 1.1 .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1993
13
TABLE 1.1 WARNINGS AND SIGNALS IN AUGUST 1993
WARNINGS / SIGNALS
EFFECTIVE DATE AND TIME
TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING SIGNALS
NAME SIGNAL NO.
TASHA WINONA 1 3 8 SE 3 1 AUG AUG AUG AUG AUG 18 19 20 21 25 1615 1045 1600 0030 2230 - AUG AUG AUG AUG AUG 19 20 21 21 26 1045 1600 0030 0940 1545
FLOOD WARNING AUG 10 1320 — AUG 10 1500
AUG 16 2300 - AUG 17 0015
THUNDERSTORM WARNINGS JUL 31 2330 — AUG 1 0730
AUG 3 0515 — AUG 3 0715
AUG 8 0945 — AUG 8 1145
AUG 9 0710 — AUG 9 1030
AUG 9 1315 — AUG 9 1615
AUG 10 0205 — AUG 10 0700
AUG 10 1025 — AUG 10 1625
AUG 15 1005 — AUG 15 1205
AUG 17 1505 — AUG 17 1705
AUG 21 1145 — AUG 21 1900
AUG 31 2230 — SEPT 1 0030
/TABLE 1.2 .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1993
14
TABLE 1.2 FIGURES AND DEPARTURES
TOTAL BRIGHT SUNSHINE
MEAN DAILY GLOBAL SOLAR RADIATION
TOTAL RAINFALL
MEAN CLOUD AMOUNT
MEAN RELATIVE HUMIDITY
MEAN DAILY MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE
MEAN AIR TEMPERATURE
MEAN DAILY MINIMUM TEMPERATURE
MEAN DEW POINT
TOTAL EVAPORATION
FROM NORMAL - AUGUST 1993
211.5 HOURS ; 4.5 HOURS ABOVE NORMAL
16.47 MJ/SQM ; 1.14 MJ/SQM BELOW NORMAL
182.8 MM ; 208.6 MM BELOW NORMAL
63 % ; 3 % BELOW NORMAL
82 % ; 1 % ABOVE NORMAL
31.2 DEGREES ; 0.1 DEGREE BELOW NORMAL
28.6 DEGREES ; 0.2 DEGREE ABOVE NORMAL
26.8 DEGREES ; 0.5 DEGREE ABOVE NORMAL
25.1 DEGREES ; 0.3 DEGREE ABOVE NORMAL
123.5 MM ; 33.4 MM BELOW NORMAL
--------0------------
/15........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1993
- 15 -
FRESH WATER CUT IN YAU MA TEI *****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN YAU MA TEI WILL GO OFF FROM 11 PM ON WEDNESDAY (SEPTEMBER 22) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY TO FACILITATE WASTE DETECTION WORK ON WATER MAINS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL THE PREMISES BOUNDED BY SAIGON STREET, SHANGHAI STREET, JORDAN ROAD AND NATHAN ROAD.
---------0-----------
WATER STORAGE FIGURE *****
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 81.0 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 474.845 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 503.212 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 85.9 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
---------0-----------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT
REVERSAL OF LAF
BALANCE AFTER REVERSL OF LAF
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY
CLOSING BALANCE LN THE ACCOUNT
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 112.0 *+0.0* 20.9.93
$ MILLION
1,950
+ 50
2,000
NIL
-120
1,880
/HONG KONG ......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1993
- 16 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 2.70 PCT 14 MONTHS 2411 4.625 101.43 3.38
1 MONTH 2.73 PCT 17 MONTHS 2502 4.75 101.66 3.56
3 MONTHS 2.81 PCT 20 MONTHS 2505 3.75 99.99 3.79
6 MONTHS 2.98 PCT 23 MONTHS 2508 4.625 101.37 3.91
12 MONTHS 3.25 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 6,494 MN
CLOSED 20 SEPTEMBER 1993
- - 0-----------
Received by PRO „„ 2 3 SEP B93
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1993
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
ANSON CHAN APPOINTED CHIEF SECRETARY ............................ 1
SENIOR DIRECTORATE APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCED ....................... 2
STATEMENT BY CHIEF SECRETARY (DESIGNATE), MRS ANSON CHAN ... 4
CONSUMER PRICE INDICES FOR AUGUST ............................... 6
RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE SURVEY RESULTS FOR AUGUST ................. 12
MARKET COMPLEX COMPLETED ON TIME AND WITHIN BUDGET ............. 13
ALL-OUT WAR AGAINST UNLICENSED GUESTHOUSES ..................... 14
SAMPLES OF MILK PRODUCTS TESTED ................................ 15
CONTRACT SIGNED FOR FLOOD ALLEVIATION WORKS .................... 16
COMPANIES FINED FOR POLLUTING ENVIRONMENT ...................... 17
TWO FIREMEN AWARDED GOVERNOR’S COMMENDATION .................... 26
CLOSURE OF UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES SOUGHT ...................... 26
VIETNAMESE GO HOME ............................................. 27
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS .............. 27
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .
28
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1993
- 1 -
ANSON CHAN APPOINTED CHIEF SECRETARY
*****
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT MRS ANSON CHAN, CBE, JP, WILL SUCCEED SIR DAVID FORD AS CHIEF SECRETARY ON NOVEMBER 29, 1993.
MRS CHAN HAS VERY WIDE EXPERIENCE IN THE GOVERNMENT HAVING SERVED IN A VARIETY OF POSTS THROUGHOUT HER CAREER. IN RECENT YEARS SHE HAS BEEN DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES AND, MOST RECENTLY, SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE.
SIR DAVID WILL LEAVE HONG KONG ON NOVEMBER 29. AFTER A PERIOD OF LEAVE, HE WILL TAKE OVER AS COMMISSIONER OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICE IN LONDON AT THE BEGINNING OF 1994.
THE CURRENT COMMISSIONER, MR JOHN YAXLEY, CBE, JP, IS RETIRING IN LATE NOVEMBER 1993.
COMMENTING ON THE ANNOUNCEMENT, THE GOVERNOR SAID: ’’HONG KONG OWES A TREMENDOUS DEBT TO SIR DAVID FORI) FOR HIS OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP OVER THE PAST SIX-AND-A-HALF YEARS.
"HIS ABSOLUTE COMMITMENT TO HONG KONG WAS APPARENT TO ME AS SOON AS I TOOK OFFICE. HE HAS PROVIDED EXEMPLARY LEADERSHIP TO THE CIVIL SERVICE AND DIRECTED THE GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS MOST EFFECTIVELY AND EFFICIENTLY. WE SHALL MISS HIM GREATLY.
"AT THE SAME TIME I FOUND A WORTHY SUCCESSOR. HER ALL-ROUND KNOWLEDGE OF THE GOVERNMENT MACHINE, OF THE SOCIAL FABRIC OF HONG KONG AND OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR, AND HER STERLING PERSONAL QUALITIES, MAKE HER THE IDEAL PERSON TO BE CHIEF SECRETARY.
"I LOOK FORWARD ENORMOUSLY TO WORKING WITH HER.’’
BRIEF BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES ON MRS ANSON CHAN AND SIR DAVID FORD ARE:
THE HONOURABLE MRS ANSON CHAN, CBE, JP
AGED 53. MRS CHAN FIRST JOINED THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE IN 1962 AND ROSE TO HER PRESENT RANK OF SECRETARY IN 1988. SHE HAS SERVED IN A NUMBER OF DEPARTMENTS AND BRANCHES INCLUDING AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, FINANCE BRANCH, THE THEN COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT, THE THEN NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND THE THEN SOCIAL SERVICES BRANCH. SHE WAS DEPUTY DIRECTOR AND LATER DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE DURING THE PERIOD 1979 TO 1987. MORE RECENTLY, MRS CHAN WAS SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES FROM 1987 TO APRIL 1993, WHEN SHE TOOK UP HER PRESENT APPOINTMENT AS SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE.
/THE HONOURABLE .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1993
- 2 -
THE HONOURABLE SIR DAVID FORD, KBE, LVO, JP
AGED 58. SIR DAVID FORD JOINED THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IN 1972 AS DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES, VERY SOON AFTERWARDS BECOMING DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES. HE SUBSEQUENTLY SERVED AS COMMISSIONER, LONDON OFFICE FROM 1980 TO 1982. ON RETURNING TO HONG KONG HE BECAME DIRECTOR OF HOUSING AND LATER SECRETARY FOR HOUSING. HE WAS SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE FROM 1985 TO 1986 AND HAS BEEN CHIEF SECRETARY SINCE EARLY 1987.
------0--------
SENIOR DIRECTORATE APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCED *****
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) A SERIES OF MOVEMENTS OF PERSONNEL AT SENIOR LEVELS OF THE ADMINISTRATION.
MR MICHAEL SZE CHO-CHEUNG, ISO, JP, WILL TAKE OVER AS SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE ON FEBRUARY 1, 1994.
MR NICHOLAS NG WING-FUI, JP, WILL TAKE OVER FROM MR SZE AS SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS ON FEBRUARY 1, 1994.
MR YEUNG KAI-YIN, CBE, JP, HAS RESIGNED FROM THE CIVIL SERVICE AND WILL BE LEAVING THE GOVERNMENT AT THE END OF THE MONTH.
HAVING PREVIOUSLY INDICATED THAT HE INTENDED LEAVING, HE HAS BEEN GIVEN PERMISSION TO TAKE UP AN APPOINTMENT IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR WITH EFFECT FROM DECEMBER 1, 1993.
MR HAIDER II T BARMA, ISO, JP, WILL TAKE OVER FROM MR YEUNG AS SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT ON OCTOBER 1, 1993.
MR ALBERT LAM CHI-CHIU, JP, WILL, ON HIS RETURN FROM THE TRAINING COURSE HE IS CURRENTLY ATTENDING IN BEIJING, TAKE OVER FROM MR BARMA IN M1D-NOVEMBER 1993 AS DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES.
MR RICHARD HOARE, OBE, JP, WILL TAKE OVER FROM MR NICHOLAS NG AS DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION IN JANUARY 1994.
MR PATRICK WILLIAMSON, ISO, JP, WILL BE RETIRING AT THE END OF MARCH 1994.
MR PETER LO YAT-FAI, JP, WILL TAKE OVER FROM MR WILLIAMSON AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE AFFAIRS TO THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY IN BRUSSELS AT THE END OF MARCH 1994.
BRIEF BIOGRAPHICAL DETAILS OF THESE OFFICERS ARE:
/THE HONOURABLE .......
3
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1993
THE HONOURABLE MICHAEL SZE CHO-CHEUNG, ISO, JP
AGED 48. MR SZE FIRST JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE IN 1969 AND ROSE TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF SECRETARY IN MARCH 1993. HE SERVED IN A NUMBER OF BRANCHES AND DEPARTMENTS INCLUDING THE THEN HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT, THE THEN RESETTLEMENT DEPARTMENT AND CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH. MR SZE WAS DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF TRADE FROM 1984 TO 1987, WHEN HE WAS APPOINTED DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE. MORE RECENTLY, HE WAS DIRECTOR OF MARINE FROM 1990 TO OCTOBER 1991 AND HE HAS BEEN SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS SINCE THEN.
MR HAIDER BARMA, ISO, JP
AGED 49. MR BARMA JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE IN 1966 AND ROSE TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE A IN 1989. DURING HIS EARLY YEARS HE SERVED IN A VARIETY OF POSTS IN THE THEN NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT AS WELL AS THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH AND ENVIRONMENT BRANCH. MR BARMA WAS DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF HOUSING FROM 1983 TO 1986 AND DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE FROM 1986 TO 1988. MORE RECENTLY, HE WAS DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SERVICES FROM 1988 TO 1991, WHEN HE TOOK UP HIS PRESENT APPOINTMENT AS DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES.
MR NICHOLAS NG WING-FUI, JP
AGED 46. MR NG FIRST JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE IN 1970 AND WAS APPOINTED TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE IN 1971. HE ROSE TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE A IN JANUARY 1993. DURING THE EARLY YEARS OF HIS CAREER, MR NG SERVED MAINLY IN THE THEN HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND THE STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE. HE HAS ALSO SERVED IN A NUMBER OF BRANCHES INCLUDING THE THEN COUNCILS AND ADMINISTRATION BRANCH, CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH AND TRADE AND INDUSTRY BRANCH. IN 1987 HE WAS APPOINTED DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES. MR NG REJOINED THE STANDING COMMISSION AS THE SECRETARY-GENERAL IN 1989 BEFORE TAKING UP HIS PRESENT APPOINTMENT AS DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION IN 1991.
MR ALBERT LAM CHI-CHIU, JP
AGED 53. MR LAM FIRST JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE IN 1959 AND WAS APPOINTED TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE IN 1966. HE ROSE TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE A IN JANUARY 1993. MR LAM SERVED IN A NUMBER OF DEPARTMENTS AND BRANCHES INCLUDING THE THEN NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT, URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH AND STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE. HE WAS DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY (HONG KONG AND KOWLOON) FROM 1982 TO 1985 AND DEPUTY COMMISSIONER (LONDON) FROM 1985 TO 1988. ON RETURN FROM THE UK IN 1989, MR LAM SERVED AS DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT UNTIL 1991, WHEN HE TOOK UP HIS PRESENT APPOINTMENT AS REGIONAL SECRETARY (NEW TERRITORIES) LN THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.
/MR RICHARD .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1993
MR RICHARD HOARE, OBE, JP
AGED 43. MR HOARE JOINED THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE IN 1972 AND ROSE TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE A IN JANUARY 1993. DURING HIS EARLY YEARS, HE SERVED IN THE THEN HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, THE THEN SOCIAL SERVICES BRANCH, SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH. MR HOARE WAS SECONDED TO THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE FROM 1982 TO 1985. AFTER A SHORT SPELL IN THE THEN GENERAL DUTIES BRANCH, MR HOARE SERVED AS PRIVATE SECRETARY, GOVERNMENT HOUSE FROM 1986 TO 1989, AND AGAIN FROM 1990 TO 1992. MR HOARE IS CURRENTLY ATTENDING A TRAINING COURSE AT THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF DEFENCE STUDIES.
MR PETER LO YAT-FAI, JP
AGED 47. MR PETER LO FIRST JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE IN 1967 AND ROSE TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE Bl IN 1991. IN HIS EARLY YEARS, HE SERVED MAINLY IN THE THEN TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT AND LATER THE TRADE DEPARTMENT. MR LO WAS IN ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH FROM 1982 TO 1984. HE WAS POSTED TO THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE IN WASHINGTON TN 1984 AS COUNSELLOR, AND TOOK UP HIS CURRENT APPOINTMENT AS MINISTER IN 1987.
- - 0---------
STATEMENT BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY (DESIGNATE), MRS ANSON CHAN, AT A PRESS BRIEFING
HELD ON TUESDAY, 21 SEPTEMBER 1993
*****
I HOPE THIS IS GOING TO BE A VERY INFORMAL SESSION AND NOT THE SORT OF USUAL FORMAL PRESS CONFERENCE THAT I AM USED TO HAVING AT WHICH I GET A GREAT DEAL OF GRILLING FROM MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA.
CAN 1 FIRST OF ALL SAY THAT I AM VERY HAPPY TO BE MEETING WITH YOU ALL ON THIS, WHAT TO ME IS A VERY HAPPY OCCASION. YOU MAY OR MAY NOT AGREE BUT I HOPE YOU WILL SHARE MY HAPPINESS. I WANT FIRST OF ALL TO SAY THAT I AM EXTREMELY HAPPY AND GREATLY HONOURED TO BE CHOSEN BY THE GOVERNOR TO SUCCEED SIR DAVID FORD AS THE NEXT CHIEF SECRETARY. AS YOU ALL KNOW, I HAVE WORKED IN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT FOR 31 YEARS. IN FACT, TO BE EXACT, IT IS EXACTLY FOUR DAYS FROM 17 SEPTEMBER, THE DAY ON WHICH I JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE, THAT IS IN 1962.
/SIR DAVID .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1993
5
SIR DAVID, AS YOU KNOW,
FOR THE LAST SIX-AND-A-HALF
SERVING CHIEF SECRETARY AND 1
HAS HELD THE POST OF
YEARS. 1 THINK HE
THINK HIS RECORD AND
CHIEF SECRETARY IS THE LONGEST HIS PERFORMANCE
DURING THESE SIX-AND-A-HALF YEARS YOU ARE ALL VERY FAMILIAR WITH. I HAVE WORKED VERY CLOSELY WITH SIR DAVID AND I THINK HE HAS BEEN A REALLY OUTSTANDING CHIEF SECRETARY. HE HAS SERVED WITH GREAT DISTINCTION AND WITH, I THINK, A GREAT DEAL OF COMMITMENT AND LOVE FOR THE HONG KONG COMMUNITY AND I REALISE VERY WELL, AS I SAID THIS MORNING, THAT HIS WILL BE A VERY DIFFICULT ACT TO FOLLOW. BUT I HAVE ALSO WORKED IN A RANGE OF JOBS IN THE CIVIL SERVICE; I HAVE A GREAT DEAL OF AFFECTION FOR EVERY MEMBER OF THE CIVIL SERVICE. I BELIEVE THAT WE HAVE IN HONG KONG, REALLY, A TOP-NOTCH CIVIL SERVICE SECOND TO NONE. DESPITE SOME VERY DIFFICULT TIMES, WE HAVE A GREAT NUMBER OF VERY DEDICATED, VERY COMMITTED, MEN AND WOMEN WHO ARE PREPARED TO DO THEIR BEST TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY OF HONG KONG, WHO ARE AWARE OF THE NEED TO CHANGE IN RESPONSE TO CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES, AND I CONSIDER IT A GREAT PRIVILEGE TO BE, AS IT WERE, HEAD OF SUCH A FINE CIVIL
SERVICE.
I HOPE THAT YOU WILL JUDGE ME ACCORDING TO MY ACHIEVEMENTS AND RESULTS IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS. WHAT I THINK I CAN PROMISE IS THAT I WILL SERVE WITH MY USUAL ENTHUSIASM AND I WILL DISCHARGE MY RESPONSIBILITIES WITHOUT FF.AR OR FAVOUR AND I HOPE VERY MUCH TO WORK IN CLOSE CO-OPERATION AND WITH THE SUPPORT OF ALL MY COLLEAGUES IN THE CIVIL SERVICE. I REALISE THAT INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS HAVE GOT CERTAIN WORRIES, AND OF COURSE DURING THESE NEXT FEW TRANSITIONAL YEARS THERE WILL OF COURSE BE UNDERSTANDABLY A GREAT DEAL OF UNCERTAINTY. I WILL DO MY BEST TO EASE THE MINDS OF CIVIL SERVANTS. IN THE TWO MONTHS, OR THREE MONTHS ACTUALLY, THAT I HAVE BEEN SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, I HAVE MADE IT A POINT TO MEET WITH AS MANY MEMBERS OF THE CIVIL SERVICE AS I POSSIBLY CAN. I HAVE, FOR EXAMPLE, CHATTED UP ALL THE POLICY SECRETARIES, MET ALL HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS, AND I AM ARRANGING INDIVIDUALLY TO MEET IN RATHER MORE INFORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES WITH MEMBERS OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE AND WITH OTHER PROFESSIONAL OFFICERS, IN ORDER TO HAVE A BETTER FEEL FOR THE SORT OF WORRIES AND CONCERNS THAT CIVIL SERVANTS HAVE AND TO SEE IN WHAT WAY WE CAN TRY AND EASE THEIR MINDS.
1 KNOW THAT THE NEXT FEW YEARS WILL NOT BE EASY, THERE WILL BE MANY CHALLENGES. I, OF COURSE, WELCOME THESE CHALLENGES AND I WILL DO MY BEST TO TRY AND MEET THESE CHALLENGES AND I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT THE CIVIL SERVICE AS A WHOLE WILL BE MORE THAN ABLE TO MEET THESE CHALLENGES SUCCESSFULLY.
ALTHOUGH I WAS NOT BORN IN HONG KONG, I WENT TO SCHOOL HERE, I GOT MARRIED AND RAISED MY FAMILY HERE, SO MY ROOTS ARE VERY MUCH IN HONG KONG AND I HOPE VERY MUCH IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS TO BE ABLE TO SERVE HONG KONG TN WHATEVER CAPACITY MAY BE AVAILABLE TO ME. IN THE 31 YEARS THAT I HAVE SERVED IN THE CIVIL SERVICE, I HAVE OF COURSE SEEN HONG KONG GO THROUGH MANY CRISES, AND IT SEEMS TO ME, EACH AND EVERY CRISIS HAS ONLY RESULTED IN HONG KONG EMERGING STRONGER THAN EVER AND I AM SURE THAT THIS WILL CONTINUE. J PERSONALLY, AM VERY OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG AND 1 HOPE, WITH THE COOPERATION OF MY COLLEAGUES AND WORKING IN CLOSE CO-OPERATION WITH MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THAT WE WILL, TOGETHER, BE ABLE TO MEET THE CHALLENGES AHEAD.
/I AM..........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1993
6
I AM ALSO, OF COURSE, FULLY CONSCIOUS THAT WE WILL NEED TO, AS IT WERE, WORK ALSO IN CLOSE CO-OPERATION WITH THE CHINESE TO ACHIEVE A SMOOTH TRANSITION, AND I HOPE THAT WITH MUTUAL GOODWILL AND COOPERATION, WE WILL TOGETHER BE ABLE TO ENSURE THAT THE NEXT FEW YEARS WILL IN FACT ACHIEVE A SMOOTH TRANSITION AND THAT THE FUTURE FOR HONG KONG AFTER 1997, WILL BE A STABLE AND PROSPEROUS ONE.
FINALLY, LET ME JUST TACKLE ONE PARTICULAR CONCERN. I READ FROM TIME TO TIME IN THE MEDIA THAT MY RELATIONSHIP WITH THE MEDIA SEEMS NOT TO BE All, THAT I WOULD WISH IT TO BE. MAYBE YOU ONLY TEND TO SEE ONE SIDE OF ME, WHICH IS WHEN I COME OUT AND TRY AND DEFEND GOVERNMENT POLICY. I HAVE ALWAYS HELD THE VIEW THAT AS A SENIOR CIVIL SERVANT, YOU HAVE FIRST OF ALL A DUTY TO CONSIDER VERY CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU FORMULATE POLICIES, AND HAVING FORMULATED THOSE POLICIES, TO TRY AND COMMUNICATE AND TO EXPLAIN THESE TO THE PUBLIC AND TO MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND TO DEFEND THEM IN THE BEST WAY THAT YOU POSSIBLY CAN. THAT DOESN'T, OF COURSE, MEAN THAT I AM INTRANSIGENT OR THAT I AM INFLEXIBLE AND REFUSE TO CHANGE MY STANCE. I WOULD LIKE - AND IF I AM NOT DOING THIS, I WILL DO MY BEST TO TRY AND ACHIEVE THAT - I WOULD LIKE YOU TO, IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS - AND I AM SURE THAT IN MY NEW OFFICE I WILL HAVE MORE CONTACTS WITH YOU, I SINCERELY HOPF I WILL - THAT YOU WILL PERHAPS SEE THE SOFTER SIDE OF ME.
------0-------
CONSUMER PRICE INDICES FOR AUGUST » » * * *
THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) IN AUGUST WAS 8.5% HIGHER THAN IN THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR, ACCORDING TO FIGURES RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
ALTHOUGH THIS INCREASE WAS SLIGHTLY FASTER THAN THE INCREASE OF 8.2% TN JULY, IT WAS SIMILAR TO THE INCREASES OF 8.5% TN MAY AND 8.6% IN JUNE.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID CONSUMER PRICE INFLATION REMAINED RELATIVELY STABLE IN RECENT MONTHS.
"THE HIGHER YEAR-ON-YEAR RATE OF INCREASE IN THE CPI(A) TN AUGUST THAN IN JULY WAS MAINLY DUE TO FASTER INCREASES IN THE PRICES OF SALT-WATER FISH AND FRESH VEGETABLES."
"TAKING THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS TOGETHER, THE YEAR-ON-YEAR RATE OF INCREASE IN THE CPI(A) AVERAGED AT 8.5%. THIS IS HALF OF A PERCENTAGE POINT BELOW THE RECENTLY REVISED FORECAST INFLATION RATE OF 9% FOR 1993 AS A WHOLE,” HE ADDED.
THE CPI(B) AND THE HANG SENG CPI WERE HIGHER BY 8.5% AND 9.2% RESPECTIVELY IN AUGUST THAN IN THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR. THESE INCREASES WERE THE SAME AS THOSE IN JULY.
THE COMPOSITE CPI, WHICH IS COMPILED BASED ON THE COMBINED EXPENDITURE PATTERN OF HOUSEHOLDS COVERED BY THE THREE CPI’S, SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 8.7% IN AUGUST OVER THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR. THIS WAS SLIGHTLY HIGHER THAN THE CORRESPONDING INCREASE OF 8.6% IN JULY.
/COMPARING AUGUST .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1993
7
COMPARING AUGUST 1993 WITH AUGUST 1992, RELATIVELY SLOWER INCREASES IN PRICES WERE RECORDED FOR DURABLE GOODS (2.6% IN BOTH CPI(A) AND CPT(B)); FUEL AND LIGHT (4.2% TN BOTH CPIS); FOOD EXCLUDING MEALS AT RESTAURANTS (6.4% TN THE CPI(A) AND 6.2% IN THE CPI(B)); MISCELLANEOUS GOODS (7.1% AND 6.5%); AND CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR (7.1% IN BOTH CPIS).
ON THE OTHER HAND, RELATIVELY FASTER INCREASES IN PRICES WERE RECORDED FOR HOUSING (12.4% IN THE CPI(A) AND 12.5% IN THE CPI(B)); AND ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (9.6% AND 8.8%).
AS FOR MEALS AT RESTAURANTS, TRANSPORT AND MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES, THEIR CORRESPONDING INCREASES WERE 8.6%, 8.6% AND 8.3% IN THE CPI(A) AND 8.6%, 7.8% AND 7.9% IN THE CPI(B).
COMPARING AUGUST 1993 WITH JULY 1993, THE CPI(A) AND CPI(B)
BOTH INCREASED BY 0.4%. HOWEVER, THIS COMPARISON COULD HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS.
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING AUGUST 1993, THE CPI(A) WAS, ON AVERAGE, HIGHER BY 8.4% THAN IN THE THREE MONTHS ENDING AUGUST 1992. THE CORRESPONDING INCREASE FOR THE CPI(B) WAS 8.6%.
FROM JANUARY TO AUGUST 1993, THE CPI(A) AND CPl(B) WERE, ON AVERAGE, HIGHER BY 8.5% AND 8.9% RESPECTIVELY THAN IN THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD IN 1992.
FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDING AUGUST 1993, THE CPI(A) AND CPI(B) WERE, ON AVERAGE, HIGHER BY 8.8% AND 9.2% RESPECTIVELY THAN IN THE PRECEDING 12-MONTH PERIOD.
SEASONALLY ADJUSTED SERIES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR THE CPI’S. THE DESEASONALISED CPI(A) AND CPI(B) INCREASED AT AN AVERAGE RATE OF 0.4% AND 0.5% RESPECTIVELY PER MONTH DURING THE THREE MONTHS ENDING AUGUST 1993.
THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT
MORE DETAILS ARE GIVEN IN THE ’’CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT” FOR AUGUST 1993, WHICH IS AVAILABLE AT $12 A COPY FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG; OR FROM THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHA1 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 TEL 805 6403. DETAILS OF 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, SEPTEMBER 21, 1993
8
Table i Consumer Price Ind ices and Rates of Increase for August 1993
(Oct. 89 - Sen. 90 = 100)
CPI(A) CPI(B) Hang Seng CPI Gcmoosite CPI
index % chance Index % chance Index % change Index % change
tor over for over for over for over
Ccmoonent Aug 93 Aug 92 Aug 93 Aug 92 Aug 93 Aug 92 Aug 93 Aug 92
Food 133.5 *7.6 135.0 +7.6 134.8 *8.3 134.3 *7.7
Meals bought away frcm heme 142.2 *8.6 142.2 +8.6 139.6 +9.5 141.7 *8.8
Food, excluding meals bought away from heme 124.8 +6.4 125.0 *6.2 126.4 *6.1 125.1 +6.3
Housing 149.2 *12.4 150.6 +12.5 152.2 +13.0 150.7 +12.6
Fuel and light 121.3 *4.2 120.7 +4.2 120.5 +4.1 121.0 +4.2
Alcoholic drinks and tobacco 177.4 +9.6 167.8 +8.8 163.7 +8.6 172.1 +9.2
Clothing and f ootwear 126.1 +7.1 127.2 +7.1 134.1 +11.0 129.3 +8.4
Durable goals 109.2 *2.6 108.3 *2.6 112.7 *3.1 109.9 +2.8
Miscellaneous gads 124.0 +7.1 122.2 +6.5 121.2 +6.4 122.6 +6.7
Transport 136.7 +8.6 135.8 +7.8 136.1 +7.1 136.2 +7.9
Miscellaneous services 140.6 +8.3 137.8 +7.9 131.2 +6.2 136.6 +7.5
All items 136.3 +8.5 136.6 +8.5 137.4 +9.2 136.7 +8.7
The 1989/90-based consuner price indices are based on the expenditure patterns derived Iran the 1989/90 Household Expenditure Survey. The CPI (A) is based on the expenditure pattern of about 50% of urban households in Hong Kona, which had an average monthly expenditure of S2.500-S9.999 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 S10.000-517,499 in the same period. The Hang Sena 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). CPT(B) and Hana Seng CPI are based on the expenditure patterns of groups of households with different magnitudes of household expenditure, the Composite CPI is mailed based on the expenditure pattern of all these households taken together. Thus, while the CPI (A). CPI(R) and Hang Seng CPI show the inpact of consumer price changes on different groups of households, the Composite CPI shows the impact of ccnsirrer price changes on the household sector generally.
/TABLE 2 .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1993
9
Table 2 *>insumer Price Indices tor January 1991 - August 1993 (Oct. 89 - Sep. 90 = 100)
Year/month
CPI1A1
CPT (B) Hang Seno CPI Conyosi t e CP I
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
Anri ] J .1 3.9 113.0 112.0 113.1
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
*pri t 124 - 0 123. 4 122.9 123.5
May- 124.0 123.8 124.2 124.0
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
1993 January 131.8 131.6 131.5 131.7
February 132.4 132.2 132.0 132.2
March 132.0 132.2 133.1 132.4
April 133.5 133.9 134.5 133.9
May- 134.5 134.8 136.3 135.1
June 136.0 135.9 137.1 136.3
July 135.8 136.1 136.9 136.2
August 136.3 136.6 137.4 136.7
/CHART 1 .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1993
- 10 -
Chart 1 Year-on-year Rates of Increase in CPI(A)
Rate ot increaaa (%) 18---------------------
Aug Nov 1991
May Aug 1992
Nov
Feb
May 1993
Aug
Chart 2 Year-on-year Rates of Increase in CPI(B)
/CHART 3 .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1993
11
Chart 3 Year-on-year Rates of Increase in Hang Seng CPI
Rate of Increase (%) 16----------------------------------------------------------------------.
14 -
Chart 4 Year-on-year Rates of Increase in Composite CPI
---------0-----------
/12........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1993
12
RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE SURVEY RESULTS FOR AUGUST * * * * *
RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LENDING IN HONG KONG CONTINUED TO RISE RAPIDLY IN AUGUST BUT THE RATE: OF GROWTH IS EXPECTED TO SLOW IN SEPTEMBER, ACCORDING TO RESULTS OF THE LATEST MONTHLY SURVEY OF THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY (HKMA).
THE LATEST FIGURES SHOWED THAT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF OUTSTANDING LENDING BY THE 28 AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS IN THE SURVEY ROSE BY 2.5 PER CENT IN AUGUST (2.6 PER CENT IN JULY) FROM $193.7 BILLION TO $198.4 BILLION.
’’THE LATEST INCREASE IS WELL ABOVE THE MONTHLY AVERAGE OF 1.3% PER CENT FOR THE PAST 12 MONTHS,” THE ACTING CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE HKMA, MR DAVID CARSE, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE ANNUALISED RATE OF GROWTH IN LENDING OVER THE LAST THREE MONTHS HAS RISEN TO 34 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH 30.2 PER CENT IN THE THREE-MONTH PERIOD TO JULY 1993.
’’THIS IS THE HIGHEST GROWTH RATE SINCE THE END OF 1991,” MR CARSE ADDED.
DESPITE THE RAPID GROWTH IN AUGUST, THERE ARE SIGNS THAT THE PROPERTY MARKET IS COOLING OFF.
THIS REFLECTS THE FURTHER TIGHTENING MEASURES INTRODUCED BY CERTAIN BANKS TOWARDS THE END OF AUGUST AND DETERIORATING AFFORDABILITY FOLLOWING THE RECENT STEEP RISE IN PRICES.
’’JUDGING FROM THE AMOUNT OF NEW LOANS APPROVED BUT NOT YET DRAWN, WHICH FELL SHARPLY IN AUGUST FROM $6.8 BILLION TO $4.3 BILLION, I EXPECT TO SEE A SLOWER GROWTH IN PROPERTY LENDING NEXT MONTH," MR CARSE SAID.
WHILE WELCOMING THIS DEVELOPMENT, MR CARSE HAS ADVISED INSTITUTIONS THAT THEY SHOULD NOT SEE IT AS A SIGNAL TO RELAX THEIR LENDING POLICIES.
AS REGARDS LENDING FOR THE PURCHASE OF PROPERTIES IN CHINA, THE LATEST FIGURES SHOWED THAT SUCH LENDING ROSE BY 2.3 PER CENT IN AUGUST. THIS WAS ENTIRELY DUE TO LOANS FOR THE PURCHASE OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY.
THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF OUTSTANDING LENDING REMAINED LOW AT $3.1 BILLION, OR 0.1 PER CENT OF TOTAL LOANS OF THE INDUSTRY.
REVERSING THE TREND IN JULY, THE AMOUNT OF NEW LOAN APPROVALS ROSE SHARPLY IN AUGUST, FROM $136 MILLION TO $270 MILLION.
"IN THE LIGHT OF THE CURRENT FINANCIAL SITUATION IN CHINA, THIS IS A SOMEWHAT SURPRISING DEVELOPMENT," MR CARSE SAID.
/"HOWEVER IT .......
13
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1993
’’HOWEVER IT SEEMS TO RELATE TO SPECIFIC PROJECTS WHERE THE COMMITMENT BY THE BANKS TO PROVIDE MORTGAGE FINANCE WAS ENTERED INTO SOME TIME AGO.
"IT REMAINS THE HKMA’S VIEW THAT INSTITUTIONS SHOULD BE CAUTIOUS ABOUT ENTERING INTO ADDITIONAL COMMITMENTS IN CHINA AT THIS TIME," HE ADDED.
---------0-----------
MARKET COMPLEX COMPLETED ON TIME AND WITHIN BUDGET
*****
THE CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE MARKET COMPLEX PHASE I WILL COME INTO OPERATION NEXT MONTH AFTER BEING COMPLETED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (ASD) IN RECORD TIME.
STARTING FROM INITIAL DESIGN STAGE TO COMPLETION, THE 70,000-SQUARE-METRE BUILDING TOOK ONLY 30 MONTHS TO FINISH.
A CEREMONY WAS HELD TODAY (TUESDAY) TO MARK THE HANDING-OVER OF THE MARKET BY THE ASD TO THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT WHICH WILL MANAGE THE COMPLEX.
SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE, SAID: "THIS MARKET PROJECT, WHICH IS PROBABLY THE FASTEST-EVER BUILDING PROJECT IN HONG KONG RELATIVE TO ITS SIZE, HAS BEEN COMPLETED ON TIME AND WITHIN BUDGET."
THE MARKET WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING SCATTERED WHOLESALE MARKET FACILITIES IN WEST KOWLOON.
"THE SUCCESS OF THIS PROJECT DEMONSTRATES THE EFFECTIVENESS OF RIGOROUS PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND COST CONTROL SYSTEMS, EMPLOYED IN THIS INSTANCE BY THE ASD AND THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS CO-ORDINATION OFFICE, BUT COMMON TO ALL AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME (ACP) CONTRACTS.
"THE COMPLETION OF THIS PROJECT WILL ENABLE FURTHER RECLAMATION WORK IN WEST KOWLOON TO PROCEED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE WEST KOWLOON EXPRESSWAY AND THE AIRPORT RAILWAY, THE ESSENTIAL TRANSPORTATION LINKS CONNECTING THE NEW AIRPORT IN CHEK LAP KOK TO URBAN AREAS.
"THE AIRPORT RAILWAY, WHOSE CONSTRUCTION WILL BEGIN AS SOON AS WE HAVE REACHED AGREEMENT ON FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS, WILL ALSO HELP TO RELIEVE CROWDING ALONG THE EXISTING MASS TRANSIT ROUTE AS WELL AS SHORTENING THE JOURNEY TIME BETWEEN KOWLOON NORTH (LAI KING STATION) AND CENTRAL," MR BLAKE SAID.
THE DIRECTOR OF ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES, MR PAUL CORSER, SAID EVERY ASPECT OF THE MARKET PROJECT WAS EXCEPTIONAL.
HANDING OVER A SYMBOLIC KEY TO THE MARKET TO THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, MR MICHAEL LEE, MR CORSER SAID NO DELAY COULD BE ACCEPTED ON THE PROJECT.
/THIS WAS .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1993
14
THIS WAS BECAUSE THE EXISTING WHOLESALE MARKETS WOULD LOSE THEIR SEA ACCESS AS THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION PROCEEDED AND THE RECLAMATION COULD NOT BE DELAYED AS RECLAMATION PROGRESS AFFECTED THE CONSTRUCTION OF ROAD AND RAIL LINKS TO THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK.
"FOR THIS REASON THE CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE MARKET WAS DESIGNATED AN ACP PROJECT AND THE CONTRACT WAS LET UNDER THE VERY DEMANDING SPECIAL CONTRACT CONDITIONS USED FOR ACP WORK.
"THESE CONDITIONS HAVE PROVED VERY SUCCESSFUL, ALLOWING A TIGHT CONTROL OF THE COST AND A QUICK SETTLEMENT OF ANY DISPUTES," MR CORSER SAID.
"THE CONSTRUCTION PROCESS SAW UP TO 900 MEN ON SITE. AT ONE STAGE CONCRETE WAS POURED AT A RATE OF 5,000 CUBIC METRES PER WEEK, A RECORD FOR A HONG KONG BUILDING PROJECT," HE SAID.
OTHER GUESTS OF HONOUR WHO OFFICIATED AT THE CEREMONY INCLUDED THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE ON THE NEW AIRPORT AND RELATED PROJECTS (ACC), MR WONG PO-YAN; THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD AND ALSO A MEMBER OF THE ACC, MR CHOY WAI-SHEK; THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE CONTRACTOR YAU LEE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LIMITED, MR WONG IP-KUEN; THE DIRECTOR OF NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS CO-ORDINATION OFFICE, MR BILLY LAM, AND THE DIRECTOR OF TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT, MR CHOW CHE-KING.
THE CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE MARKET COMPLEX, DESIGNED TO OPERATE ROUND THE CLOCK, EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR, WILL BE ABLE TO HANDLE MORE THAN 1,000 TONNES OF FRESH PRODUCE A DAY.
THE SECOND PHASE OF THE MARKET IS BEING PLANNED. WHEN COMPLETED, THE MARKET WILL FORM A FULLY INTEGRATED WHOLESALE MARKET FACILITY SERVING MORE THAN FOUR MILLION PEOPLE IN KOWLOON, THE NEW TERRITORIES AND PART OF HONG KONG ISLAND UP TO THE YEAR 2011.
------0--------
ALL-OUT WAR AGAINST UNLICENSED GUESTHOUSES * * * * *
THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION (CNTA) IS LAUNCHING A FULL-SCALE OPERATION AGAINST UNLICENSED GUESTHOUSES.
IN THE PAST TWO DAYS OFFICERS FROM CNTA’S LICENSING AUTHORITY (LA) MADE SUDDEN INSPECTIONS TO TOURIST ACCOMMODATIONS IN LYTON BUILDING, MIRADOR MANSION AND CHUNGKING MANSIONS TN TSIM SHA TSUI.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (TUESDAY), PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY, MR FRANCIS LO, SAID UNLICENSED OPERATORS WOULD BE DEALT WITH UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE HOTEL AND GUESTHOUSES ACCOMMODATION ORDINANCE.
HE SATD THE NEW ROUND OF INSPECTIONS OF GUESTHOUSES HAD STARTED SINCE SEPTEMBER, ADDING THAT POLICING AND PROSECUTING WOULD BE A LONG-TERM EXERCISE, WITH NO TIME LIMIT AND DID NOT CONFINE TO A PARTICULAR DISTRICT.
/HE SAID .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1993
15
HE SAID THE INSPECTIONS WERE TO GET RID OF ANY POTENTIAL DANGER TO VISITORS AS ’’THEIR SAFETY CANNOT AND MUST NOT BE COMPROMISED.”
AT PRESENT, THERE ARE 164 LICENSED TOURIST GUESTHOUSES.
’’THE HOTEL AND GUESTHOUSE ACCOMMODATION ORDINANCE HAS TO BE STRICTLY ENFORCED TO SAFEGUARD TOURISTS, AND TO UPHOLD HONG KONG’S REPUTATION AS A TOURIST CENTRE,” MR LO STRESSED.
HE INVITED THE PUBLIC TO REPORT ON UNLICENSED GUESTHOUSES BY TELEPHONING 881 7034.
------0--------
SAMPLES OF MILK PRODUCTS TESTED *****
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES ON THE TESTING OF MILK PRODUCT SAMPLES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TODAY (TUESDAY) CONFIRMED THAT MINUTE TRACES OF ALUMINIUM PARTICLES WERE FOUND IN THE SAMPLES TAKEN FROM THE PRODUCTS BEING RECALLED BY THE SOLE AGENT OF FRISOLAC H AND FRISOMEL.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE PARTICLES FOUND WERE BARELY VISIBLE TO HUMAN EYES.
HE SAID TRACE ALUMINIUM PARTICLES CONSUMED SHOULD NOT HAVE ANY LONG-TERM HARMFUL EFFECT AS THE PARTICLES WOULD BE EXCRETED OUT OF THE BODY.
HE FURTHER EXPLAINED THAT STUDIES CARRIED OUT IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, UNITED STATES, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, SINGAPORE AND MALAYSIA HAD FOUND THAT TRACE ALUMINIUM WAS COMMONLY FOUND TN BREAST MILK, SOYA-BASED AND COW-BASED MILK FORMULA.
HE SAID: "THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE RECALL EXERCISE CONDUCTED BY THE SOLE AGENT."
AS ON THE TESTING OF OTHER MILK PRODUCT SAMPLES NOT ON THE RECALL LIST, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE RESULTS FOUND WERE WITHIN THE INTERNATIONALLY ACCEPTABLE STANDARD AND SAFE FOR CONSUMPTION.
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/16........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1993'
- 16
CONTRACT SIGNED POR FLOOD ALLEVIATION WORKS * * * * *
THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT (DSD) WILL START CARRYING OUT FLOOD ALLEVIATION WORKS IN YUEN LONG AND KAM TIN FROM OCTOBER 4.
A CONTRACT WORTH ABOUT $275.5 MILLION FOR THE WORKS WAS SIGNED THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF DRAINAGE SERVICES (PROJECTS AND DEVELOPMENT), MR SIH NAM-SEN, AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE CONTRACTOR, HOI SING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LIMITED.
THE CONTRACT IS THE FIRST ONE FOR A COMPREHENSIVE DRAINAGE PROJECT TO ALLEVIATE FLOODING IN THE AREAS.
MR SIH NOTED THAT THE CONTRACT INVOLVED THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE EXISTING SHAN PUI RIVER FROM THE DOWNSTREAM OF THE YUEN LONG INFLATABLE DAM TO INNER DEEP BAY, WHICH WAS THE MAIN DRAINAGE OUTLET FOR THE YUEN LONG AND KAM TIN CATCHMENTS.
THE WORKS INCLUDE:
* DREDGING OF FOUR KILOMETRES OF NAVIGATION CHANNEL IN DEEP BAY AND ALONG SHAN PUI RIVER;
* WIDENING AND DEEPENING OF THE EXISTING SHAN PUI RIVER;
* CONSTRUCTING THREE KILOMETRES OF FLOOD EMBANKMENT;
* CONCRETE LINING OF A 460-METRE NULLAH;
♦ RECONSTRUCTING THE ACCESS ROAD IN FRONT OF CHUNG HAU TSUEN;
♦ RECONSTRUCTING AND EXTENDING THE BORDER ROAD AND THE BORDER FENCE, AND
* LANDSCAPING AND OTHER ANCILLARY ASSOCIATED WORKS.
THE WORKS WILL BE COMPLETED IN 4 A MONTHS.
MEANWHILE, DSD HAS COMMISSIONED A STUDY ON ASSET INVENTORY IN THE DEPARTMENT.
AN AGREEMENT ON THE STUDY WAS SIGNED TODAY BY ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (TRADING FUND), MR CHUNG KWOK-LEUNG, AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF MONTGOMERY WATSON HONG KONG LIMITED.
MR CHUNG NOTED THAT A COMPREHENSIVE ASSET INVENTORY WAS ESSENTIAL FOR THE EFFECTIVE ASSET MANAGEMENT OF DSD.
ASSETS RELATED TO THE PROVISION OF SEWAGE SERVICES INCLUDE SEWAGE COLLECTION, TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL FACILITIES AS WELL AS TELEMETRY CONTROL SYSTEMS, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND VEHICLES.
’’THE CONSULTANTS WILL HAVE TO SEARCH AND UPDATE EXISTING RECORDS AND DATA, ASSESS THE CONDITIONS OF THE ASSETS, COMPILE AN INVENTORY AND PLACE A REALISTIC VALUE ON THE ASSETS,” HE ADDED.
/THE STUDY .......
17
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1993
THE STUDY, AT A COST OF ABOUT $3 MILLION, WILL BE COMPLETED IN THREE MONTHS.
ON COMPLETION OF THE STUDY, A COMPUTERISED ASSET INVENTORY WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR REPLACEMENT PLANNING, MAINTENANCE PROGRAMMING AND DEPRECIATION CALCULATION OF THE SEWERAGE ASSETS, MR CHUNG SAID.
------0-------
COMPANIES FINED FOR POLLUTING ENVIRONMENT
*****
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) RELEASED A LIST OF COMPANIES THAT HAVE BEEN FOUND GUILTY IN THE COURTS DURING AUGUST OF BREACHING ANTI-POLLUTION LEGISLATION CURRENTLY ENFORCED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
SIMILAR ANNOUNCEMENTS WILL BE MADE MONTHLY.
BECAUSE THE LEGAL PROCEEDINGS COULD BE TIME CONSUMING, THERE WAS SOMETIMES A LENGTHY TIME GAP BETWEEN THE DATE OF THE OFFENCE AND THE CONVICTION DATE.
FOLLOWING IS THE LIST OF PROSECUTION CASES AND THE ASSOCIATED FINES IMPOSED BY THE COURTS DURING AUGUST THIS YEAR:
NAME (COMPANY/ PERSON) ADDRESS DATE OF OFFENCE NATURE OF OFFENCE FINES($) RECORD OF OFFENCJ S COURT
1.CHAOZHOU-PALACE RESTR LTD YUN PING RD, CAUSEWAY BAY 17.03.92- 4.12.92 APCO : 3,000 UNAUTHORISED INSTALLATION OR ALTERATION OF FURNACES 1ST EASTERN
2.LUEN CHEONG TAI CONSTRUCTION CO LTD TAI WAI, SHA TIN 26.3.92 DASO : 200 DUMPING OF ABOUT 750 CUBIC METRES OF MUD AT SEA NEAR CHEUNG CHAU NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE LICENCE CONDITION 1ST it
3.WONG HON-MO MUK MIN 30.7.92 SHAN VILLAGE, SAI KUNG WPCO : 25,000 DISCHARGED POLLUTING MATTER IN THE PORT SHELTER WATER CONTROL ZONE 5TH KWUN TONG
/SHIU TUNG .....
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1993
18
4.SHIU TUNG-TIM HOPEWELL FEATHER WORKS KWAN TEI PAK TSUEN, FANLING 15.10.92 WPCO : 30,000 DISCHARGED POLLUTING MATTER IN THE DEEP BAY WATER CONTROL ZONE 2ND FANLING
5.CHINA HARBOURS ENGINEERING COMPANY KING’S RI), HONG KONG 5.1.93 DASO : 4,000 PERMIT DUMPING OF ABOUT 750 CUBIC METRES OF MUD AT SEA SOUTH OF CHEUNG CHAU NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE LICENCE CONDITION 2ND EASTERN
6.ZHEN HUA ENGINEERING CO LTD ft 5.1.93 DASO : 4,000 DUMPING OF ABOUT 750 CUBIC METRES OF MUD AT SEA SOUTH OF CHEUNG CHAU NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE LICENCE CONDITION 1ST it
7 .THE EXPRESS BUILDERS CO LTD ASHLEY RD, TS1M SHA TSUI 14.1.93 DASO : 4,000 PERMIT DUMPING OF ABOUT 750 CUBIC METRES OF MUD AT SEA NEAR NINEPIN GROUP NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE LICENCE CONDITION 1ST EASTERN
8. ti it DASO : ” 4,000 2ND • 1
9. it DASO : ” 4,000 3RD ft
10. it tt DASO : " 4,000 4TH II
11.FANTA (CFC) CONSTRUCTION CO LTD HOI BUN RD, KWUN TONG 14.1.93 DASO : 4,000 DUMPING OF ABOUT 750 CUBIC METRES OF MUD AT SEA NEAR NINEPIN GROUP NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE LICENCE CONDITION 4TH ••
/12.CHAN .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1993
19
12.CHINA EXPAND CAINE RD, 31 .1.93 MID-LEVELS NCO : 750 PERMIT 1ST WESTERN
CONSTRUCTION LTD CONSTRUCTION WORK WITHOUT A VALID PERMIT
13.CHAN BING-CHUN »» 31.1.93 NCO : " 750 1ST n
14.FAR EAST SEYMOUR WAGNER RD, CONSTRUCTION MID-LEVELS LTD 14.2.93 NCO : 2,500 CARRY OUT CONSTRUCTION WORK WITHOUT A VALID PERMIT 1ST ti
15.CHAN KWOK-CHEUNG 14.2.93 NCO : 2,500 PERMIT CONSTRUCTION WORK WITHOUT A VALID PERMIT 1ST H
16.HSIN CHONG (FOUNDATIONS ASIA LTD LOCKHART RD, ) WAN CHAI 25.2.93 NCO : 5,000 CARRY OUT PERCUSSIVE PILING NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF A PERMIT 1ST EASTERN
17.SIU TAT-FAI LOCKHART RD, WAN CHAI 25.2.93 NCO : 2,000 PERMIT PERCUSSIVE PILING NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF A PERMIT 1ST EASTERN
18.CHU TIM KAM TSTN TSUEN, SHEUNG SHUI 25.2.93 WDO : 1,500 PERMIT DISCHARGING UNTREATED LIQUID LIVESTOCK WASTE INTO WATERCOURSE IN LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL AREA 10 1ST FANLING
19.LEIGHTON CONTRACTORS (ASIA) LTD QUEEN’S RD EAST, WAN CHAI 25.2.93 APCO : 30,000 CONDUCT A SPECIFIED PROCESS WITHOUT LICENCE/ EXEMPTION 1ST TSUEN WAN
/20.LIN .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1993
- 20
20.LIN MARBLE RD, 4.3.93 NCO : 3,000 1ST EASTERN
MAN-WING NORTH POINT FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IN A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE
21.SUN ASIA GLOUCESTER 7.3.93
TRANSPORTAT- RD,
ION WAN CHAI
OLPO : 10,000 1ST
IMPORTING
SCHEDULED
SUBSTANCES WITHOUT
A LICENCE
22.TELLY TA CHUEN 13.3.93
WEAVING & PING ST,
DYEING FACTORY LTD KWAI CHUNG
APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 4,000 1ST FANLING
23.NGAN HEE- TAI HING 17.3.93 WPCO : 10,000 DISCHARGED POLLUTING MATTER IN NORTH WESTERN WATER CONTROL ZONE 1ST TUEN MUN
CHUEN AS WING WAH RESTAURANT ESTATE, TUEN MUN
24.KEYNACE INVESTMENTS LTD KIN SANG ESTATE, TUEN MUN 17.3.93 WPCO : 10,000 DISCHARGED POLLUTING MATTER IN NORTH WESTERN WATER CONTROL ZONE 1ST TUEN MUN
25.MOK YIU- TONG YAN 18.3.93 WPCO : 20,000 1ST FANLING
WAH AS WAH SAN TSUEN, DISCHARGED
KEE BEAN YUEN LONG POLLUTING MATTER
PRODUCT FTY TN DEEP BAY
WATER CONTROL
ZONE
26.KWOK KAI-KO AS TUNG KONG BEAN CURD FTY CASTLE PEAK RD, YUEN LONG 18.3.93 WPCO : " 25,000 2ND
27.THE TIEN CHU VE-TSIN CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES (HONG KONG) LTD PAK TAI ST, MA TAU WAI 19.03.93 APCO : 20,000 CONTRAVENING TERMS OR CONDITIONS OF A SPECIFIED PROCESS LICENCE 1ST TSUEN WAN
/28.SINO .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1993
21
28.SING ESTATE MANAGEMENT LTD HONG KONG GOLD COAST, TURN MUN 23.3.93 WPCO : 15,000 DISCHARGED POLLUTING MATTER IN NORTH WESTERN WATER CONTROL ZONE 1ST TUEN MUN
29.HOP FAT FARM SHAP PAT HEUNG, YUEN LONG 24.3.93 APCO : 7,000 EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 1ST FANLING
30. HO SIU-HOI TAK HING ST, YAU MA TEI 26.3.93 NCO : 5,000 FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IN A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE 1ST SOUTH KOWLOON
3 1 . HO KING-HOI TAK HING ST, YAU MA TEI 26.3.93 NCO : ” 5,000 1ST ••
32.MOON KEE BEANCURD FTY TIN SUM VILLAGE, KAM TIN 30.3.93 APCO : 8,500 EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 1ST FANLING
33.WELFARE FINISHING AND DYEING FACTORY LTD PING YUEN SHAN, LONG 31.3.93 WPCO : 80,000 DISCHARGED POLLUTING MATTER IN DEEP BAY WATER CONTROL ZONE 3RD FANLING
34.HOP HING OIL FACTORY LTD TONG SAN 1 YUEN VAN TSUEN, LONG 31.3.93 WPCO : 15,000 1ST ii
35.CH ING PING SHAN, 31.3.93 WPCO : 40,000 2 RD ii
TAK-SING AS YUEN LONG
SIU CHEUNG
DYEING FTY
36.MODERN YUEN LONG 2.4.93
METAL AND INDUSTRIAL
REFINING LTD ESTATE, YUEN LONG
WPCO : ” 10,000 1ST
/37.NICE .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1993
22
37.NICE DYEING FACTORY LTD KWAI TING RD, KWAI CHUNG 13.4.93 APCO : 3,500 1ST TSUEN WAN
EXCESSIVE DARK
SMOKE EMISSION
38.CHI SHING BLEACHING & DYEING FACTORY LTD CHEUNG TAT RD, TSING YI 14.4.93 APCO : ” 9,000 2ND n
39.SOM WINGTUNG NGAU TAU KOK RD, KWUN TONG 15.4.93 WDO : 2,000 KEEP MORE THAN 10 POULTRY IN LIVESTOCK WASTE PROHIBITION AREA NO. 2 1ST KWUN TONG
40.GOLDEN CUP IND LTD NATHAN RD, TSIM SHA TSUI 16.4.93 NCO : 15,000 FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IN A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE 2ND SOUTH KOWLOON
41.BEST MADE DYEING FTY LTD WING LAP ST, KWAI CHUNG 19.4.93 APCO : 7,500 EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 2ND TSUEN WAN
42.WAI YIP DYEING FTY LTD WING LAP ST, KWAI CHUNG 19.4.93 APCO : " 3,000 1ST ti
43.YUNG KWOK-TUNG HONG NING RD, KWUN TONG 20.4.93 WDO : 1,000 KEEP MORE THAN 10 POULTRY TN LIVESTOCK WASTE PROHIBITION AREA NO. 2 1ST KWUN TONG
44.LINK DYEING WORKS LTD TEXACO RD, TSUEN WAN 22.4.93 APCO : 4,000 EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 1ST TSUEN WAN
45.SANDRON LTD FU HING ST, SHEUNG SHUT 26.4.93 APCO : ” 5,000 1ST FANLING
/46.THE .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1993
23
46.THE DIRECTORS OF THE YOUNG MEN’S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION SALISBURY RD, TS1M SHA TSUI 28.4.93 NCO : 5,000 1ST SOUTH KOWLOON
FAILURE TO
COMPLY WITH THE
REQUIREMENT IN
A NOISE ABATE-
MENT NOTICE
47.SHAMROCK RESTAURANT LTD NATHAN RD, YAU MA TEI 6.5.93 NCO : " 15,000 4TH ii
48. WAI KONG SILK DYEING FACTORY LTD WING LAP ST, KWAI CHUNG 6.5.93 APCO : 4,000 EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 1ST TSUEN WAN
49.LAU CHOI-NGOR SOY ST, MONG KOK 7.5.93 NCO : 7,000 FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IN A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE 1ST NORTH KOWLOON
50.ARTS LAUNDRY CO SHING YIP ST, KWUN TONG 11.5.93 APCO : 2,000 EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 1ST KWUN TONG
51 .EMPIRE LEADER ENTERPRISES LTD QUEEN’S RD WEST, WESTERN 12.5.93 APCO : 1,000 FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH A COURT ORDER ON PROHIBITING THE USE OF FURNACES AND SO ON 2ND EASTERN
52.KONG SUN DYEING WORKS LTD KO FAI RD, YAU TONG BAY 13.5.93 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 3,000 2ND KWUN TONG
53.KWONG HING (SUN DIAMOND NEW 13.5.93 APCO : 3,000 1ST SAN PO KONG
KEE) DYEING VILLAGE, FACTORY HAMMER HILL
RD
/54.NG .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1993
24
54.NG LAI- TONG MI 13. 5.93 NCO : 9,000 1ST NORTH
WING RD, TAI KOK TSUI FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IN A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE KOWLOON
55.01 MAN RESTAURANT LTD 01 MAN 18. ESTATE, HO MAN TIN 5.93 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 2,500 1ST SAN PO KONG
56.WONG KAM-HAY SHAU KEI 19. WAN RD, SHAU KEI WAN 5.93 NCO : 5,000 FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IN A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE 1ST EASTERN
57.B I S TEXTILE COMPANY (H.K.) LTD CHAI WAN 20. KOK ST, TSUEN WAN 5.93 APCO : 10,000 EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 2ND TSUEN WAN
58.HUI WING-WO KING’S RD, 3.6 NORTH POINT .93 NCO : FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IN A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE 3,000 1ST EASTERN
59.HEIR LIGHT FLOCKING & FINISHING FACTORY LTD YEUNG UK 7.6 RD, TSUEN WAN .93 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 3,000 1ST TSUEN WAN
60.LUEN YING WASHING & DYEING FTY LTD TSING YI 8.6 IND CTR, TSING YI .93 APCO : " 3,500 1ST
61.NEW UNION BLEACHING & DYEING FTY SAM CHUK 8.6 ST, SAN PO KONG .93 APCO : 3,000 1ST SAN PO KONG
62.TREND CHOICE PRINTING & DYEING FTY LTD PO YIP ST, 9.6 YUEN LONG .93 APCO : 7,000 1ST FANL1NG
/63.TSUI .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1993
25
63.TSUI MING-KWAN PAK SHA TSUEN, YUEN LONG 21.6.93 WDO : DISCHARGED LIQUID LIVESTOCK WASTE IN LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL AREA 2,000 1ST H
64.NEW UNION BLEACHING &. DYEING FTY SAM CHUK ST, SAN PO KONG 22.6.93 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 3,500 2ND SAN PO KONG
65.HANG CHEONG STEAM LAUNDRY & DRY CLEANING FTY LTD MOK CHEONG ST, MA TAU KOK 5.7.93 APCO : USING AN UNSUITABLE FUEL IN A RELEVANT PLANT 6,000 1ST f!
NOTE :
APCO : AIR POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE
NCO : NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE
WPCO : WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE
DASO : DUMPING AT SEA ACT 1974 (OVERSEAS TERRITORIES) ORDER 1975
WDO : WASTE DISPOSAL ORDINANCE
OLPO : OZONE LAYER PROTECTION ORDINANCE
NOTE TO EDITORS:
ENQUIRIES ABOUT SPECIFIC CASES CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE FOLLOWING PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICERS:
apco : MR FRANKLIN CHUNG TEL 594 6200
NCO : MR STEVEN HO TEL 594 6500
WPCO : CASE 3 MR R C ROOTHAM TEL 755 2200
CASE 4 MR PATRICK LEI TEL 685 1133
CASE 23,24,25,26,28,33,
34,35,36 AND 63 MR MURRAY LUO TEL 417 6133
DASO : MR PAUL HOLMES TEL 755 3553
WDO : CASE 18, 39 AND 43 MR PATRICK LEI TEL 685 1133
CASE 63 MR MURRAY LUO TEL 417 6133
OLPO : MR FRANKLIN CHUNG TEL 594 6200
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/26........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1993
26
TWO FIREMEN AWARDED GOVERNOR’S COMMENDATION *****
TWO FIRE SERVICES MEMBERS HAVE BEEN AWARDED THE GOVERNOR’S COMMENDATION FOR THEIR PROFESSIONALISM IN A RESCUE OPERATION DURING A FACTORY FIRE LAST MONTH.
THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, MR JERRY LAM CHEK-YUEN, TODAY (TUESDAY) PRESENTED A LETTER OF CONGRATULATION FROM THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, TO ASSISTANT DIVISIONAL OFFICER LEUNG KING-LUN AND SENIOR FIREMAN LEE CHI-WAI.
IN THE LETTER, SIR DAVID SAID HE HAD NOTED THE DIRECTOR’S RECOMMENDATION REPORT WITH SATISFACTION, ADDING THAT A CERTIFICATE OF COMMENDATION WOULD BE PRESENTED TO THEM TN DUE COURSE AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE.
THE NO. 4 ALARM FIRE BROKE OUT AT A FACTORY ON THE 10TH FLOOR OF AN 11-STOREY INDUSTRIAL BUILDING AT 26 LEE CHUNG STREET, CHAI WAN, ON AUGUST 15.
AT THE HEIGHT OF THE BLAZE, TWO MEN WERE SEEN FLEEING THE ROOF OF THE BUILDING. THE 37-METRE TURNTABLE LADDER OF A FIRE ENGINE AT THE SCENE COULD NOT REACH THE ROOF.
WHILE WAITING FOR A LONGER TURNTABLE LADDER FROM SHEUNG WAN, MR LEUNG WORKED OUT A NEW IDEA TO INCREASE THE LADDER’S HEIGHT BY FASTENING A SHORT EXTENSION LADDER TO ITS TOP.
MR LEE CARRIED OUT THE SECURING JOB.
BY DOING THIS, THE TWO DISTRESSED MEN WERE ABLE TO ESCAPE.
THE RESCUE OPERATION WAS SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED WITHIN EIGHT MINUTES.
------0-------
CLOSURE OF UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES SOUGHT
*****
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE AN UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURE AT A BUILDING IN MONG KOK, SO THAT IT CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT CAUSING DANGER TO OCCUPIERS AND THE PUBLIC.
THE UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURE IS A PROJECTION FROM A RESIDENTIAL UNIT ON THE FOURTH FLOOR OF A BUILDING AT 639-645 SHANGHAI STREET AND 1H FIFE STREET.
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE ON NOVEMBER 23 WAS POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY (TUESDAY).
DEMOLITION WORK IS EXPECTED TO START AS SOON AS THE CLOSURE ORDER IS ISSUED.
------0----------
/27........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1993
- 27 -
VIETNAMESE GO HOME
*****
A GROUP OF 232 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (TUESDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE UNITED NATION HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES' VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME.
COMPRISING 69 MEN, 63 WOMEN, 50 BOYS AND 50 GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 165TH BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.
THIS GROUP BROUGHT TO 6,164 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAVE RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 32,476 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN MARCH 1989.
------0------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
TENDER RESULTS
*****
TENDER DATE 21 SEPT 93
PAPER ON OFFER FF Bl U.S
ISSUE NUMBER Q338
AMOUNT APPLIED HKD 3,500 MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED HKD 1,000 MN
AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED 2.87 PCT
HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED 2.88 PCT
PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 21 PCT
AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 2.89 PCT
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
TENDER TO BE HELD IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 27 SEPTEMBER 1993 -
TENDER DATE 28 SEPT 93 28 SEPT 93
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q339 H374
ISSUE DATE 29 SEPT 93 29 SEPT 93
MATURITY DATE 29 DEC 93 30 MAR 94
TENOR 91 DAYS 182 DAYS
AMOUNT ON OFFER HKD 1,000+200 MN HKD 400+80 MN
--------0---------
/28.........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1993
28
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS * * * * »
$ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,880
REVERSAL OF LAF +120
BALANCE AFTER REVERSL OF LAF 2,000
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY -730
CLOSING BALANCE TN THE ACCOUNT 1,270
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 112.1 *+0.1* 21.9.93
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF TERMS BILLS YIELD TERM EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
I WEEK 2.68 PCT 14 MONTHS 2411 4.625 101.38 3.42
1 MONTH 2.73 PCT 17 MONTHS 2502 4.75 101.61 3.59
3 MONTHS 2.84 PCT 20 MONTHS 2505 3.75 99.94 3.82
6 MONTHS 3.00 PCT 23 MONTHS 2508 4.625 101.33 3.93
12 MONTHS 3.28 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 8,706 MN
CLOSED 21 SEPTEMBER 1993
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1993
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CORRUPTION MUST BE PREVENTED: GOVERNOR ....................... 1
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON EMERGENCY CO-OPERATION IN DAYA BAY NUCLEAR INCIDENT SIGNED ................................... 2
HK INVITED TO ATTEND APEC CONFERENCE ......................... 3
REPATRIATION OF ECVIIS BY AIR ................................ 3
ATTORNEY GENERAL ASKS FOR TRANSCRIPT OF RAPE TRIAL ........... 4
STATUTORY ARTS BODY TO BE SET UP ............................. 5
CONTRACT AWARD OF NORTH LANTAU EXPRESSWAY TUNG CHUNG SECTION 6
HK TO BAN IMPORT OF OZONE-DEPLETING CHEMICALS ................ 7
NEW HOME OPENS FOR STREET SLEEPERS ........................... 8
CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE BRIEFED ON NEW AIRPORT WORKS .......... 9
TWO NEW TERRITORIES LOTS TO LET .............................. 10
STAMP SHEETLET TO MARK WORLD PHILATELIC EXHIBITION ........... 10
DRAWING CONTEST FOR CENTRAL AND WESTERN CHILDREN ............. 11
POST OFFICES TO CLOSE ON MID-AUTUMN HOLIDAY .................. 12
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .. 12
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1993
CORRUPTION MUST BE PREVENTED: GOVERNOR ♦ * * * ♦
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SAID HE WAS DETERMINED TO DO EVERYTHING TO PREVENT CORRUPTION.
MR PATTEN WAS SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG FOREIGN BANKS REPRESENTATIVES ASSOCIATION.
HE SAID AFTER YEARS OF DECLINE, CORRUPTION WAS INCREASING AGAIN IN HONG KONG.
COMPLAINTS TO THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION IN THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF THIS YEAR ARE UP 44 PER CENT ON THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR. COMPLAINTS ARE UP IN BOTH THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS.
"I AM DETERMINED THAT - WHILE 1 AM GOVERNOR AT LEAST - WE SHOULD DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO PREVENT IT," THE GOVERNOR SAID.
HE WARNED THAT A RETURN TO CORRUPTION, A NEW TOLERANCE OF CORRUPTION WOULD RUIN HONG KONG.
”1 REGARD CORRUPTION AS ONE OF THE MOST SERIOUS THREATS TO HONG KONG’S FUTURE - BEFORE AND AFTER THE TRANSFER OF SOVEREIGNTY.”
THERE IS NOTHING INEVITABLE ABOUT CORRUPTION, MR PATTEN SAID.
"I DO NOT ACCEPT FOR ONE MINUTE THE VIEW THAT JUST BECAUSE HONG KONG IS DOING MORE BUSINESS WITH COMMUNITIES WHERE EVEN THEIR OWN AUTHORITIES ACKNOWLEDGE, THERE ARE FORMIDABLE PROBLEMS WITH CORRUPTION - THAT IT FOLLOWS THAT CORRUPTION IN HONG KONG SHOULD INCREASE," HE SAID.
HE SAID THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO REASON WHY BUSINESSMEN AND WOMEN WORKING AND INVESTING OUTSIDE HONG AGREE TO ENGAGE IN CORRUPT PRACTICES.
"INDEED, THEY WOULD BE VERY FOOLISH IF THEY DID, GIVEN THE TOUGH MEASURES BEING TAKEN ELSEWHERE TO CORRUPT I ON," MR PATTEN SAID.
HONG KONG
KONG SHOULD
PARTICULARLY
DEAL WITH
--------0-----------
/2.........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1993
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON EMERGENCY CO-OPERATION IN DAYA BAY NUCLEAR INCIDENT SIGNED *****
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND THE GUANGDONG AUTHORITIES HELD A SECOND DELEGATION MEETING IN HONG KONG FROM SEPTEMBER 20 TO SEPTEMBER 22 ON THE SUBJECT OF EMERGENCY CO-OPERATION IN THE EVENT OF A NUCLEAR INCIDENT AT THE GUANGDONG NUCLEAR POWER STATION.
THE MEETING WAS CONDUCTED IN A FRIENDLY AND SINCERE ATMOSPHERE.
BOTH SIDES UNANIMOUSLY CONSIDERED DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE GUANGDONG NUCLEAR POWER STATION TO BE AN EXCELLENT EXAMPLE OF SUCCESSFUL CO-OPERATION BETWEEN GUANGDONG AND HONG KONG.
THE COMPLETION AND COMMISSIONING OF THE NUCLEAR POWER STATION WILL GREATLY BOOST ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN GUANGDONG AND HONG KONG.
THE POWER STATION HAS BEEN COMPLETED TO THE HIGHEST INTERNAT1ONAL SAFETY STANDARDS.
HOWEVER, TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF ALL POSSIBLE CONTINGENCIES, BOTH SIDES HAVE TO BE PREPARED TO RESPOND TO NUCLEAR EMERGENCIES. CLOSE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN GUANGDONG AND HONG KONG IS ESSENTIAL IN THIS AREA.
AT THE MEETING, BOTH DELEGATIONS COMMENDED THE EXPERT GROUPS FOR THEIR HARD WORK OVER THE PAST MONTHS IN DISCUSSING VARIOUS TECHNICAL MATTERS.
THE DELEGATIONS ALSO REVIEWED AND FURTHER DISCUSSED THE CONSENSUS PAPERS PREPARED BY THE EXPERT GROUPS.
THESE PAPERS COVERED THE EXCHANGE OF EMERGENCY INFORMATION AND MUTUAL ASSISTANCE IN THE EVENT OF A NUCLEAR INCIDENT HAVING A RADIOLOGICAL IMPACT ON PEOPLE IN THE SURROUNDING AREAS.
THE CONSENSUS PAPERS WERE CONFIRMED IN THE FORM OF A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING SIGNED BY THE TWO SIDES.
UNDER THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING, THE GUANGDONG EMERGENCY COMMITTEE OFFICE WILL NOTIFY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IMMEDIATELY OF ALL OFF-SITE EMERGENCIES, WHETHER OR NOT THEY MAY AFFECT HONG KONG.
BOTH SIDES HAVE ALSO UNDERTAKEN, IN THE EVENT OF AN OFF-SITE EMERGENCY AT THE GUANGDONG NUCLEAR POWER STATION, TO EXCHANGE INFORMATION PROMPTLY ABOUT THE FACILITIES OR ACTIVITIES INVOLVED; THE ESTIMATED OR ESTABLISHED CAUSE AND FORESEEABLE DEVELOPMENTS OF A NUCLEAR ACCIDENT; THE PREVAILING AND FORECAST METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS; THE NATURE OF THE RADIOACTIVE RELEASE; THE RESULTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING; THE OFF-SITE PROTECTIVE MEASURES TAKEN OR PLANNED; AND THE PREDICTED BEHAVIOUR OF THE RADIOACTIVE RELEASE.
/THE MEMORANDUM
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1993
3 -
THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WILL ENSURE THAT HONG KONG IS FULLY INFORMED OF ANY POTENTIALLY THREATENING ACCIDEN1 AND THA EMERGENCY PLANNING WORK CAN BE STARTED WELL IN ADVANCE.
THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WAS SIGNED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR K J WOODHOUSE, ON BEHALF OF THE KONG GOVERNMENT AND BY MR WU XIYUAN, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR 0F ^HE COMMITTEE OF GUANGDONG PROVINCE FOR NUCLEAR POWER ACCIDENT
HONG
EMERGENCY
ON BEHALF OF THE GUANGDONG GOVERNMENT.
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HK INVITED TO ATTEND APEC CONFERENCE
*****
IN RESPONSE TO MEDIA ENQUIRIES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (WEDNESDAY) CONFIRMED THAT HONG KONG HAD RECEIVED AN INVITATION TO ATTEND THE ASIA PACIFIC ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION (APEC) LEADERS ECONOMIC CONFERENCE IN NOVEMBER.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, WILL REPRESENT HONG KONG AT THE CONFERENCE TO BE HELD IN SEATTLE ON NOVEMBER 19 AND 20.
"AS ONE OF THE 15 MEMBERS OF APEC, HONG KONG WILL PARTICIPATE FULLY IN ALL DISCUSSIONS AT THE CONFERENCE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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REPATRIATION OF ECVIIS BY AIR
*****
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT CHINA HAD NOW AGREED TO THE REPATRIATION BY AIR OF EX-CHINA VIETNAMESE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS (ECVIIS) TO HAINAN.
THE REPATRIATION OF SOME 340 ECVIIS BY AIR WILL TAKE PLACE ON THREE CONSECUTIVE DAYS BEGINNING OCTOBER 13.
"WE HAD PREVIOUSLY INTENDED TO REPATRIATE BY SEA THOSE ECVIIS WHO CAME FROM THE GUANGXI AND HAINAN PROVINCES.
"HOWEVER, AFTER INVESTIGATION IN DETAIL THE OPTIONS OF REPATRIATION BY SEA AND BY AIR, WE HAVE COME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT REPATRIATION BY AIR WILL BE QUICKER AND LESS EXPENSIVE."
"CHINA HAS AGREED TO OUR PROPOSAL TO REPATRIATE BY AIR THOSE ECVIIS WHO CAME FROM HAINAN PROVINCE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE COST IS EXPECTED TO BE MUCH LESS THAN A SEA-BORNE OPERATION AS THERE IS NO NEED TO COMMIT CONSIDERABLE POLICE RESOURCES FOR THE ENTIRE DURATION OF THE VOYAGE LASTING FOR ABOUT SIX DAYS."
/DISCUSSIONS ARE .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1993
4
DISCUSSIONS ARE CONTINUING WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES FOR THE CONTINUED REPATRIATION BY AIR OF THOSE ECV1IS WHO CAME FROM GUANGXI PROVINCE, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS :
ARRANGEMENTS FOR
FIRST BATCH OF ECVUS BY
THE MEDIA TO COVER THE REPATRIATION AIR WILE BE ANNOUNCED IN DUE COURSE.
OF THE
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ATTORNEY GENERAL, ASKS FOR TRANSCRIPT OF RAPE TRIAL
*****
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR JEREMY MATHEWS, HAS SOUGHT A FULL TRANSCRIPT OF A RAPE TRIAL HELI) ON SEPTEMBER 15.
DURING THE TRIAL, A HIGH COURT JUDGE DIRECTED THE JURY TO RETURN A NOT GUILTY VERDICT ON ALL CHARGES ON THE GROUND THAT THE VICTIM, WHO WAS DEAF, MUTE AND SLIGHTLY MENTALLY RETARDED, WAS EMOTIONALLY DISTURBED DURING CROSS-EXAMINATION.
HE SAID HE WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE ADEQUACY OF LEGAL PROTECTION OF THE RIGHTS OF THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED.
"THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN WORKING CLOSELY WITH THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WORKING GROUP CONVENED BY MR FRED LI WAH-M1NG TO STUDY SEPARATE LEGISLATION FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED. WE WILL CONTINUE TO GIVE OUR FULLEST CO-OPERATION TO THE WORKING GROUP IN ITS WORK.
"A COPY OF THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF LAST WEEK’S ABORTED RAPE TRIAL WILL BE FORWARDED TO THE WORKING GROUP ONCE READY.
"IT IS THE BEST MEANS TO GIVE MEMBERS A FULL AND ACCURATE ACCOUNT OF WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED IN COURT,” HE SAID.
AS IT IS COMMENT ON ANY APPROPRIATE WAY
THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT’S INDIVIDUAL CASE, IT IS OF EXPLAINING THE FACTS
CONSISTENT POLICY NOT TO CONSIDERED THAT THE MOST OF THE CASE IS FOR THE
WORKING GROUP TO BE PROVIDED WITH A TRANSCRIPT OF THE PROCEEDINGS.
"IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES, THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT CHRONOLOGY OF THE CASE FOR MEMBERS’ INFORMATION, AVAILABILITY OF THE TRANSCRIPT, AND WILL NOT SEND ANY TO ATTEND THE WORKING GROUP MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY) FOR THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT SAID.
WILL TABLE A
PENDING THE REPRESENTATIVE " A SPOKESMAN
/HOWEVER, THE ........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1993
5 -
HOWEVER, THE DEPARTMENT WILL BE HAPPY TO CONTINUE ASSISTING THE WORKING GROUP IN ADDRESSING THE WIDER ISSUES CONCERNING THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED, HE ADDED.
THE DIRECTOR OE PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS, MR JOHN WOOD, HAS BEEN ATTENDING MEETINGS OF THE WORKING GROUP AND HAS GIVEN HIS PROFESSIONAL ADVICE IN HELPING THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED APPEAR IN A CRIMINAL TRIAL.
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STATUTORY ARTS BODY TO BE SET UP
*****
THE GOVERNMENT IS CONSIDERING SETTING UP AN INDEPENDENT STATUTORY BODY WITH EXECUTIVE POWERS FOR THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THE ARTS, THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR JAMES SO, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) AFTER BRIEFING THE LEGCO PANEL ON RECREATION AND CULTURE.
THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH HAD EARLIER BRIEFED THE URBAN COUNCIL ON SEPTEMBER 21 AND WOULD BRIEF THE COUNCIL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL ON SEPTEMBER 29 AND 30 RESPECTIVELY.
MR SO SAID SEVERAL HUNDRED RESPONSES HAD BEEN RECEIVED BY THE BRANCH DURING THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION PERIOD ON THE ARTS POLICY REVIEW AND THAT A CONSENSUS HAD EMERGED IN THE COMMUNITY THAT HONG KONG SHOULD HAVE A NEW STATUTORY BODY RESPONSIBLE FOR ARTS DEVELOPMENT.
HE SAID IN LIGHT OF THE OPINIONS PUT FORWARD, IT WAS CONSIDERED THAT THE BODY SHOULD BE CALLED THE HONG KONG ARTS DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (HKADC).
ITS MEMBERS SHOULD INCLUDE PEOPLE FROM THE ARTS COMMUNITY REPRESENTING A BROAD RANGE OF ARTISTIC INTERESTS AND ACTIVITIES, AS WELL AS COMMUNITY LEADERS INTERESTED IN AND COMMITTED TO THE PROMOTION OF THE ARTS, HE SAID.
MR SO ADDED THAT THE MISSION OF THE FUTURE HKADC WOULD BE TO PLAN AND PROMOTE THE BROAD DEVELOPMENT AND APPRECIATION OF AND PARTICIPATION IN THE ARTS WITH A VIEW TO IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF THE WHOLE COMMUNITY, PLACING PARTICULAR EMPHASIS ON THE PERFORMING, VISUAL AND LITERARY ARTS.
IT WOULD ALSO AIM TO LIAISE AND WORK CLOSELY WITH EXISTING ORGANISATIONS, SUCH AS THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS, THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, THE HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE AND OTHER INDEPENDENT BODIES IN THE PROMOTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE ARTS IN HONG KONG, WHILST RESPECTING AND NOT IMPINGING UPON THEIR AUTONOMOUS STATUS.
/THE NEW .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1993
- 6 -
THE NEW BODY WILL BUILD UPON THE WORK ALREADY BEING DONE BY THESE AND OTHER BODIES. IT AIMS TO ADD TO THE BREADTH AND DEPTH OE DEVELOPMENT AND PROMOTION OE THE ARTS IN HONG KONG AND TO FILL IN GAPS IN EXISTING PROGRAMMES, RATHER THAN TO TAKE OVER OR DUPLICATE THE WORK OF OTHER BODIES.
TO FACILITATE THE PROCESS OF CONSULTATION AND TO ENSURE THAT THE NEW BODY MEETS THE ASPIRATIONS OF THE COMMUNITY, MR SO SAID THE ADMINISTRATION CONSIDERED THAT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE STATUTORY BODY SHOULD PROCEED IN THREE STAGES.
FIRSTLY, A WORKING COMMITTEE WILL BE SET UP TO DRAW UP RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING THE MEMBERSHIP, TERMS OF REFERENCE, OBJECTIVES, AND SO ON THAT THE PROVISIONAL BODY NEEDS TO ENABLE IT TO CARRY OUT ITS MISSION.
"THE WORKING COMMITTEE SHOULD AIM TO COMPLETE ITS WORK AND TO GAIN THE RELEVANT GOVERNMENT APPROVAL BY NO LATER THAN, SAY, MARCH 31 NEXT YEAR," HE ADDED.
AFTER THAT, THE PROVISIONAL BODY WILL BE SET UP AND ITS CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS APPOINTED IN APRIL NEXT YEAR, PROBABLY FOR 12 MONTHS.
"THE PROVISIONAL BODY WILL START WORK ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ARTS, FINE TUNE THE PLANS DRAWN UP BY THE WORKING COMMITTEE TN THE LIGHT OF EXPERIENCE AND HELP THE GOVERNMENT DRAFT THE NECESSARY LEGISLATION TO ESTABLISH THE BODY ON A STATUTORY BASIS SOMETIME IN 1995," MR SO SAID.
THE STATUTORY BODY, ONCE SET UP, WILL TAKE OVER ALL THE POWERS, FUNCTIONS, STAFF, FUNDS AND OTHER RESOURCES OF THE PROVISIONAL BODY.
IT WILL OPERATE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ORDINANCE UNDER WHICH IT IS ESTABLISHED AND BE ABLE TO MANAGE ITS RESOURCES DIRECTLY, MR SO SAID.
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CONTRACT AWARD OF NORTH LANTAU EXPRESSWAY TUNG CHUNG SECTION
*****
THE CENTRAL TENDER BOARD HAS APPROVED ANOTHER HIGHWAY CONTRACT UNDER THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME (ACP) FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TUNG CHUNG SECTION OF THE NORTH LANTAU EXPRESSWAY.
THE CONTRACT, WORTH $969 MILLION, HAS BEEN AWARDED TO CHINA STATE-LF.IGHTON-HOCHTIEF JOINT VENTURE.
THE NORTH LANTAU EXPRESSWAY, ONE OF THE 10 CORE PROJECTS UNDER THE ACP, WILL BE A DUAL THREE-LANE EXPRESSWAY TO BE CONSTRUCTED ALONG THE NORTHERN COAST OF LANTAU, SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS CO-ORDINATION OFFICE TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
/IT WILL .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1993
IT WILL CONNECT WITH THE WESTERN END OF' THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING, FORMING PART OF AN EXTENSIVE TRANSPORT NETWORK LINKING TUNG CHUNG NEW TOWN AND THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK TO THE URBAN ARRAS OF HONG KONG.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID CONSTRUCTION OF THE EXPRESSWAY WAS DIVIDED INTO THREE SECTIONS: YAM O, TAI HO AND TUNG CHUNG.
CONTRACTS FOR THE TAI HO AND YAM O SECTIONS HAVE BEEN AWARDED RESPECTIVELY IN JUNE AND SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR.
THE TUNG CHUNG SECTION OF THE EXPRESSWAY WILL BE BUILT PARTLY ON HILLSIDES AND PARTLY ON RECLAIMED LAND.
THE WORKS WILL ALSO COMPRISE THE FORMATION OF RESERVES FOR THE PROPOSED AIRPORT RAILWAY AND PUBLIC UTILITIES, A SEAWALL AND PRESTRESSED CONCRETE BRIDGES.
TENDERS WERE RECEIVED FROM EIGHT PREQUALIFIED TENDERERS AND THE JOINT VENTURE FORMED BY CHINA STATE CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING CORPORATION, LEIGHTON CONTRACTORS (ASIA) LIMITED OF AUSTRALIA AND HOCHTIEF AG OF GERMANY, SUBMITTED THE LOWEST TENDER OF $969 MILLION.
WORK WILL START LATER THIS MONTH AND BE COMPLETED IN LATE 1996.
THE AWARD OF THIS CONTRACT BRINGS THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ACP CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS AWARDED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO 28, WITH A TOTAL VALUE OF NEARLY $30 BILLION.
TOGETHER WITH THE FOUR CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS, VALUED AT $9.7 BILLION, AWARDED BY THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY, AND THE $5.7 BILLION CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AWARDED BY THE WESTERN HARBOUR TUNNEL COMPANY LIMITED, THE TOTAL VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS AWARDED FOR THE ACP, ALL WITHIN BUDGET, IS OVER $45 BILLION.
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HK TO BAN IMPORT OF OZONE-DEPLETING CHEMICALS *****
HONG KONG WILL IMPOSE A TOTAL BAN ON THE IMPORT OF OZONEDEPLETING CHEMICALS BY JANUARY 1, 1996 UNDER THE OZONE LAYER PROTECTION ORDINANCE, THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MISS DENISE YUE, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SHE WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE ’’NON-OZONE-DEPLETING CHEMICALS SYMPOSIUM: CHLOROFLUOROCARBON ALTERNATIVES AND SOLUTIONS”.
UNDER THE MONTREAL PROTOCOL CONCLUDED IN 1987, THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY WAS COMMITTED TO THE GRADUAL PHASING OUT OF THE USE OF OZONE-DEPLETING CHEMICALS THAT DAMAGE THE ENVIRONMENT, SHE SAID.
/TO FULFIL .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1993
TO FULFIL ITS OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE PROTOCOL, HONG KONG ENACTED THE OZONE LAYER PROTECTION ORDINANCE IN JUNE 1989, SHE SAID.
UNDER THE ORDINANCE, THE MANUFACTURE OF LISTED OZONE-DEPLETING CHEMICALS LOCALLY IS PROHIBITED, AND RETAINED IMPORTS OF SUCH CHEMICALS ARE SUBJECT TO QUOTA CONTROL.
"BY JANUARY 1, 1996 - LESS THAN TWO-AND-A-HALF YEARS AWAY -THE IMPORT OF OZONE-DEPLETING CHEMICALS WILL BE COMPLETELY BANNED, " MISS YUE SAID.
SHE NOTED THAT THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY, WHICH WAS THE PRINCIPAL USER OF THE OZONE-DEPLETING CHEMICAL, CFC-113, WAS HONG KONG’S SECOND LARGEST EXPORTER.
THE INDUSTRY ACCOUNTED FOR 26 PER CENT OF TOTAL DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND EMPLOYED 11 PER CENT OF THE MANUFACTURING WORKFORCE, SHE SAID.
THE SEARCH FOR NON-OZONE-DEPLETING CHEMICALS AND SUBSTITUTION TECHNOLOGY, WHICH WERE BOTH EFFICIENT AND COST COMPETITIVE, WAS THUS OF PARTICULAR IMPORTANCE FOR HONG KONG, SHE ADDED.
"IT IS WITH THIS PURPOSE IN MIND THAT THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT, THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL AND THE HONG KONG ELECTRONICS ASSOCIATION HAVE JOINED FORCES TO ORGANISE TODAY’S SYMPOSIUM," SHE SAID.
THE SYMPOSIUM AIMS TO DISSEMINATE TO MANUFACTURERS THE LATEST INFORMATION ON SUBSTITUTE PRODUCTS AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPED IN OTHER COUNTRIES AND TO ENABLE MANUFACTURERS TO SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCE.
"WE SINCERELY HOPE THAT THIS SYMPOSIUM WILL HELP MANUFACTURERS IN THEIR SEARCH FOR APPROPRIATE NON-OZONE-DEPLETING CHEMICALS AND TECHNOLOGY, AND THEREBY CONTRIBUTE TO THE PROTECTION AND THE GENERAL WELL-BEING OF OUR ENVIRONMENT," MISS YUE SAID.
- - 0 - -
NEW HOME OPENS FOR STREET SLEEPERS *****
STREET SLEEPERS AND THE HOMELESS CAN TAKE SHELTER IN NEW PREMISES IN CHEUNG SHA WAN WITH THE OPENING OF THE SALVATION ARMY YEE ON HOSTEL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
AND THEY CAN GET SUPPORT AND ADVICE FROM THE HOSTEL STAFF TOO.
AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE HOSTEL, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, SAID: "I BELIEVE THE KINDNESS AND CONCERN SHOWN BY THE STAFF HERE TO STREET SLEEPERS WILL ENCOURAGE THEM TO BECOME MORE SELF-RELIANT AND MORE STABLE."
HE SAID THE PROBLEM OF STREET SLEEPERS WAS COMPLEX AND A COMBINED EFFORT BY THE GOVERNMENT, NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS AND THE WHOLE COMMUNITY WAS NEEDED TO HELP THEM.
/HE CALLED
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1993
9
HE CALLED ON MOKE NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS TO DEVOTE TIME AND EEFORT TO HELP THESE NEEDY PEOPLE.
"THEY ARE ALSO MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY AND DESERVE OUR COMPASSION AND UNDERSTANDING," HE SAID.
THE YEE ON HOSTEL IS THE FIRST OF FIVE HOSTELS TO BE SET UP UNDER THE URBAN HOSTEL SCHEME WITH A DONATION FROM THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB.
------------------------0-------- CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE BRIEFED ON NEW AIRPORT WORKS * * * * *
MEMBERS OF THE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE ON THE NEW AIRPORT AND RELATED PROJECTS WERE TODAY (WEDNESDAY) TOLD THAT GOOD PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE WITH THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME (ACP) PROJECTS.
DURING A FOUR-HOUR BOAT TOUR, MEMBERS WERE GIVEN AN OVERVIEW OF THE PROGRESS BY THE DIRECTOR OF NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS CO-ORDINATION OFFICE, MR BILLY LAM, AND THE PROJECT DIRECTOR OF THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING PROJECT MANAGEMENT OFFICE, HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT, MR H S KWONG.
THEY SAW THE WORKS ON THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION, THE TSING MA AND KAP SHUI MUN BRIDGES, THE NORTH LANTAU EXPRESSWAY AND THE TUNG CHUNG NEW TOWN RECLAMATION.
ON THE NEW AIRPORT SITE AT CHEK LAP KOK, THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY, DR HENRY TOWNSEND, TOLD MEMBERS THAT ABOUT 24 PER CENT OF THE AIRPORT SITE HAD BEEN COMPLETED AND MORE THAN 220 HECTARES OF LAND HAD BEEN RECLAIMED.
A TOTAL OF 17 MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE WENT ON THE TOUR. THEY WERE THE CHAIRMAN MR WONG PO-YAN, MRS ENA CHAN YUEN YIN-HUNG, MR LINUS CHEUNG, MR CHOW CHUN-FAI, MR RAYMOND CHOY, MR FUNG SHIU-WING, MR GERRY HIGGINSON, DR RAYMOND HO, MR HO KING-ON, MR AMBROSE LAU, MR DAVID MORRIS, MR SHAO YOU-BAO, MR TAN MAN-KOU, DR LAURIE WAN, DR OWEN WONG, PROFESSOR YEUNG YUE-MAN AND MR. YIP WAII.
- - 0---------
/io........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1993
TWO NEW TERRITORIES LOTS TO LET *****
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT-TERM TENANCY OF TWO LOTS OF GOVERNMENT LAND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE FIRST LOT, IN AREA 10B AT TAI WO HAU ROAD IN KWAI CHUNG, HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 5,750 SQUARE METRES.
IT CAN BE USED FOR LANDSCAPE GARDENING, PLANT NURSERY AND COMMERCIAL GARDENING, INCLUDING GROWING GARDEN PRODUCTS, STORAGE AND SALE OF POTTED PLANTS AND OTHER ANCILLARY GARDEN PRODUCTS.
THE TENANCY IS FOR THREE YEARS, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
THE SECOND LOT IN AREA 39, FANLING, COVERING AN AREA OF ABOUT 14,000 SQUARE METRES, IS INTENDED FOR A FEE-PAYING PUBLIC CAR PARK FOR LICENSED CONTAINER VEHICLES.
THE TENANCY IS FOR 18 MONTHS, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
CLOSING DATE FOR TENDERS IS NOON ON OCTOBER 8.
FORMS OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICES AND CONDITIONS CAN BE OBTAINED
FROM:
* THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, 1OTH FLOOR, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN;
* DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, NORTH, SIXTH FLOOR, NORTH DISTRICT GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 3 P1K FUNG ROAD, FANLING;
♦ LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD;
AND
♦ DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES KOWLOON, 1OTH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.
TENDER PLANS CAN BE INSPECTED AT THE OFFICES.
- - 0 - -
STAMP SHEETLET TO MARK WORLD PHILATELIC EXHIBITION
*****
THE ACTING POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR S K LI, ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT A DEFINITIVE STAMP SHEETLET WOULD BE ISSUED ON OCTOBER 5 TO COMMEMORATE THE PARTICIPATION OF THE POST OFFICE IN THE BANGKOK WORLD PHILATELIC EXHIBITION (BANGKOK 1993).
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD BETWEEN OCTOBER 1 AND 10.
/IT IS
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1993
- 11
IT IS ORGANISED JOINTLY BY THE COMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY OF THAILAND AND THE PHILATELISTS ASSOCIATION OF THAILAND TO CELEBRATE THE 110TH ANNIVERSARY OF THAI POSTAL SERVICES AND THE FIRST ISSUE OF STAMPS BY THE THAI POST OFFICE.
THE EXHIBITION HAS THE FULL SUPPORT OF THE FEDERATION OF INTERNATIONAL PHILATELY AND THE FEDERATION OF INTER-ASIAN PHILATELY.
THE DEFINITIVE STAMP SHEETLET IS DESIGNED BY MR ARDE LAM AND PRINTED BY JOH ENSCHEDE OF THE NETHERLANDS.
FOR ADVANCE INFORMATION OF THE PUBLIC, THE SHEETLET WILL BE DISPLAYED AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE AND SHATIN CENTRAL POST OFFICE FROM SEPTEMBER 28.
THE STAMP SHEETLETS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT $10 EACH. MATCHING SOUVENIR COVERS AT $1 EACH WILL BE ON SALE FROM SEPTEMBER 28.
BOTH ITEMS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT ALL POST OFFICES EXCEPT THE AIRPORT POST OFFICE. THERE WILL BE NO ADVANCE ORDER SERVICE.
ON OCTOBER 5, EACH PERSON IN THE QUEUE MAY BUY ONLY 10 STAMP SHEETLETS.
A HAND-BACK SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED AT ALL POST OFFICES, EXCEPT THE AIRPORT POST OFFICE, FOR OFFICIAL OR PRIVATELY MADE COVERS BEARING AN INDICATION OF THE OCCASION.
A SPECIAL DATESTAMP WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR THE HAND-BACK SERVICE AND A CACHET WILL ALSO BE INTRODUCED FOR GENERAL CANCELLATION PURPOSES.
- - 0---------
DRAWING CONTEST FOR CENTRAL AND WESTERN CHILDREN
*****
CHILDREN LIVING OR STUDYING IN CENTRAL AND WESTERN ARE INVITED TO JOIN IN AN ANNUAL DRAWING CONTEST TO BE HELI) IN THE GARDEN PLAZA OF HONG KONG PARK ON OCTOBER 17.
A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE COMPETITION, WHICH WAS POPULAR AMONG CHILDREN, ATTRACTED MORE THAN 300 PARTICIPANTS EACH YEAR.
HE SAID ENTRIES FOR THIS YEAR’S EVENT WOULD CLOSE AT THE END OF THIS MONTH AND WOULD BE ACCEPTED ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS.
THE CONTEST IS DIVIDED INTO THREE SECTIONS. THE JUNIOR SECTION, FOR CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN FOUR AND NINE, HAS THE THEME ’’NATURAL LANDSCAPES”.
THE SENIOR SECTION, OPEN TO THOSE AGED BETWEEN 10 AND 15, WILL FEATURE THE PRESENT OR FUTURE OUTLOOK OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT.
/A THIRD........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1993
- 12 -
A THIRD SECTION IS INCLUDED IN THIS YEAR’S CONTEST TO ENCOURAGE MORE YOUNG TALENTS FROM THESE TWO GROUPS TO SHOW THEIR PAINTING SKILLS THROUGH GROUP PARTICIPATION.
THE TOP THREE WINNERS IN EACH SECTION WILL BE AWARDED PRIZES INCLUDING TROPHIES, BOOK COUPONS AND GIFTS.
OUTSTANDING ENTRANTS WILL ALSO BE GIVEN SOUVENIRS.
THE COMPETITION IS ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE DISTRICT’S ASSOCIATION FOR CULTURE AND ARTS, THE MID-LEVELS EAST AREA COMMITTEE AND YMCA, WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM PENTEL COMPANY LIMITED AND GUIDEAST LIMITED COMPANY.
ENTRY FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR. BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
FOR ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CALL 852 3485 OR 852 3499.
------0-------
POST OFFICES TO CLOSE ON MID-AUTUMN HOLIDAY
* * * '* *
THE ACTING POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR S K LI, ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THERE WOULD BE NO MAIL DELIVERY ON OCTOBER 1 (THE DAY FOLLOWING THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL).
ALL POST OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED ON THE DAY.
------0-------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
*****
$ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,270
REVERSAL OF LAF +730
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 2,000
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY -65
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,935
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 112.4 *+0.3* 22.9.93
/HONG KONG .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1993
- 13 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 2.58 PCT 14 MONTHS 2411 4.625 101.36 3.43
1 MONTH 2.71 PCT 17 MONTHS 2502 4.75 101.56 3.63
3 MONTHS 2.83 PCT 20 MONTHS 2505 3.75 99.89 3.85
6 MONTHS 3.00 PCT 23 MONTHS 2508 4.625 101.28 3.96
12 MONTHS 3.27 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 5,697 MN
CLOSED SEPTEMBER 22, 1993
- - 0----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1993
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FS TO VISIT U.S................................................... 1
BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE ENVISAGED: GOVERNOR ....................... 2
GOVT COMMITTED TO IMPROVING SOCIAL SERVICES ...................... 2
SIGNING OF SENT LANDFILL CONTRACT ................................ 3
COMMISSION ON YOUTH TO TACKLE UNDERAGE DRINKING .................. 4
NEW TIN SHUI WAI HEALTH CENTRE OPENS ............................. 7
FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING ........................................ 7
SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL ...................... 8
EXHIBITION TO PROMOTE EMPLOYMENT OF DISABLED ..................... 9
BEACH WATER GRADES .............................................. 10
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ..
13
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1993
1
FS TO VISIT U.S. ♦ * * * *
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, WILL LEAVE FOR THE UNITED STATES TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETINGS OF THE INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND/WORLD BANK.
HE WILL ALSO TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO PROMOTE HONG KONG’S ROLE AS AN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL AND BUSINESS CENTRE.
MR MACLEOD WILL FIRST VISIT WASHINGTON FOR THE IMF/WORLD BANK ANNUAL MEETINGS.
DURING HIS STAY THERE, HE WILL BE MEETING KEY PERSONALITIES IN THE FINANCIAL AND BANKING SECTORS.
MR MACLEOD WILL TRAVEL FROM WASHINGTON TO PHILADELPHIA ON SEPTEMBER 29.
HE WILL SPEAK ON THE WAY AHEAD FOR HONG KONG AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WILL GO TO NEW YORK ON SEPTEMBER 30.
IN NEW YORK, HE WILL SPEAK ON HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC PROSPECTS AT A BREAKFAST MEETING TO BE HOSTED BY THE MORGAN STANLEY GROUP AND THE ASIA SOCIETY AND VISIT TWO CREDIT RATING AGENCIES - MOODY’S AND STANDARD & POOR.
HE WILL ALSO TAKE PART IN A PANEL DISCUSSION WITH THE CEO INSTITUTE.
MR MACLEOD WILL ALSO BE MEETING LEADING FINANCIERS AND BUSINESSMEN AT A MEETING HOSTED BY THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE IN NEW YORK AND SPONSORED BY THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK.
HE WILL ALSO TAKE PART IN THE NATIONAL PRESS CLUB’S MORNING NEWSMAKER PROGRAMME, AND APPEAR ON TWO TV PROGRAMMES - CNN’S BUSINESS ASIA AND THE BLOOMBERG FORUM.
IN ADDITION, HE WILL BE GIVING INTERVIEWS TO A NUMBER OF BUSINESS MAGAZINES.
MR MACLEOD WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ON OCTOBER 3.
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/2 ........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1993
- 2 -
BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE ENVISAGED: GOVERNOR * * * * *
THE MAJOR RECLAMATION WORKS CURRENTLY UNDERWAY WILL, OVER THE NEXT 20 YEARS, GIVE HONG KONG THE OPPORTUNITY TO CARRY OUT FUNDAMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS TO THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN THE OLDER URBAN AREAS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, AT THE OPENING CEREMONY FOR FORUM 7 OF ARCASIA THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING.
MR PATTEN SAID THERE HAD BEEN CLEAR AND CONSISTENT COMMITMENT FROM THE GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE THE INFRASTRUCTURE TO SUPPORT DEVELOPMENT.
"THERE HAS ALSO BEEN TREMENDOUS INVESTMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT ITSELF IN BUILDINGS," HE SAID.
OVER SEVERAL DECADES, THE GOVERNMENT HAS REMAINED COMMITTED TO A HIGH LEVEL OF CAPITAL INVESTMENT.
ON AVERAGE, 25 PER CENT OF PUBLIC EXPENDITURE EACH YEAR HAS BEEN ON CAPITAL PROJECTS.
"BY PRUDENT FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT, WE HAVE ACCUMULATED THE RESERVES THAT ALLOW US TO MAINTAIN LEVELS OF INVESTMENT DESPITE ALL THE VAGARIES IN THE ECONOMIC CONDITIONS."
ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, THE GOVERNOR SAID IT WAS NOT ENOUGH JUST TO PLAN TO DEAL WITH THE CONSEQUENCES OF WASTE AFTER IT WAS CREATED.
"MEASURES MUST BE TAKEN TO MINIMISE POLLUTION IN THE FIRST INSTANCE," HE SAID.
------0-------
GOVT COMMITTED TO IMPROVING SOCIAL SERVICES *****
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, TODAY (THURSDAY) PLEDGED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO MAKE FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS IN VARIOUS PROGRAMMES OF SOCIAL SERVICES IN PARTNERSHIP WITH VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
SPEAKING AT THE PO LEUNG KUK DIRECTORS’ LUNCHEON MEETING, MR MACLEOD SAID THE STRENGTH OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMY HAD ENABLED THE GOVERNMENT TO IMPROVE SOCIAL SERVICES TO MEET RISING EXPECTATIONS.
"OUR PRINCIPLE IS TO MAINTAIN AN ECONOMY WHICH CONTINUES TO THRIVE AND PROSPER, GENERATING THE WEALTH REQUIRED TO PROVIDE THE SOCIAL SERVICES TO MEET PUBLIC DEMAND AND TO LET THE COMMUNITY SHARE THE FRUITS OF ECONOMIC GROWTH," HE SAID.
/MR MACLEOD .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1993
- 3 -
MR MACLEOD SAID HONG KONG’S STRONG ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE HAD CONTINUED DESPITE STEPS BEING TAKEN BY CHINA TO DAMPEN ITS ECONOMIC GROWTH AND TO TACKLE ITS INFLATION PROBLEM.
HE POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG’S TOTAL EXPORTS ROSE BY 16 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR.
"OUR GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP) GREW BY 5.3 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1993 AND THE ESTIMATED GROWTH RATE FOR THE WHOLE YEAR WAS MAINTAINED AT 5.5 PER CENT,” HE ADDED.
ON INFLATION, MR MACLEOD WELCOMED THE DOWNWARD TREND WHILE CONCEDING THAT IT WAS STILL A PROBLEM.
THE INFLATION RATE FOR THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR WAS 8.5 PER CENT COMPARED WITH 9.4 PER CENT IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF LAST YEAR.
"THE FORECAST RATE OF INCREASE FOR THE WHOLE YEAR HAS THEREFORE BEEN REVISED DOWNWARDS FROM 9.5 TO 9 PER CENT," HE SAID.
ALTHOUGH THIS WAS A PIECE OF GOOD NEWS, HE CAUTIONED THAT LABOUR AND THE LAND SITUATION WOULD CONTINUE TO BE VERY TIGHT.
HE ADDED THAT HE DID NOT SEE ANY CASE FOR BANKS TO RELAX THEIR RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LENDING GUIDELINE AT THIS STAGE.
IN CLOSING, HE SAID HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN HONG KONG WOULD CONTINUE TO IMPROVE IN THE YEARS TO COME AND HE WOULD DO ALL HE COULD TO ENSURE THIS WOULD HAPPEN.
--------0-----------
SIGNING OF SENT LANDFILL CONTRACT
*****
THE SOUTH-EAST NEW TERRITORIES (SENT) LANDFILL CONTRACT WAS SIGNED TODAY (THURSDAY) BETWEEN THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) AND GREEN VALLEY LANDFILL LIMITED, A CONSORTIUM COMPRISING WASTE MANAGEMENT INTERNATIONAL PLC, CITIC PACIFIC LTD AND SUN HUNG KAI PROPERTIES LTD.
THE LANDFILL IS THE SECOND OF THE THREE STRATEGIC LARGE-CAPACITY LANDFILLS TO BE DEVELOPED UNDER THE LONG-TERM WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY IN HONG KONG.
SPEAKING AT THE CONTRACT SIGNING CEREMONY, EPD’S ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, MR MIKE STOKOE, SAID THE $3.5 BILLION CONTRACT WOULD PROVIDE A NEW REGIONAL LANDFILL SERVING THE MAJOR URBAN AREAS OF HONG KONG ISLAND AND KOWLOON AND WOULD REPLACE THE EXISTING LANDFILL AT TSEUNG KWAN 0.
THE LANDFILL WILL BE ABLE TO RECEIVE A TOTAL OF 39 MILLION TONNES OF WASTE FROM BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE WASTE COLLECTORS AND IS EXPECTED TO START OPERATION IN AUGUST 1994.
/MR STOKOE .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1993
4
MR STOKOE SAID: "LIKE OTHER STRATEGIC LANDFILLS, THE SENT LANDFILL WILL ONLY ACCEPT WASTE WHICH CANNOT OTHERWISE BE RECYCLED OR USED AS FILL."
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE WASTE MINIMISATION PROPOSALS, WHICH WOULD BE INTRODUCED IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS, WOULD LIKELY INCREASE THE LIFE SPAN OF THE SENT LANDFILL BEYOND ITS PROJECTED 13 YEARS OF OPERATION.
ON THE LANDFILL GAS WHICH WILL BE PRODUCED FROM THE DEGRADING OF WASTE, MR STOKOE SAID IT WOULD INITIALLY BE USED TO PRODUCE ENERGY TO POWER ALL ON-SITE EQUIPMENT AND AT A LATER STAGE BE EXPORTED OFF SITE TO THE ADJACENT TSEUNG KWAN O INDUSTRIAL ESTATE.
IT IS ESTIMATED THAT ENOUGH ELECTRICITY TO LIGHT UP TO 5,000 HOMES COULD BE GENERATED DURING THE FIRST FIVE YEARS OF OPERATION.
"AND THIS COULD INCREASE TO 15,000 HOMES WHEN THE ELECTRICITY GENERATING PLANT IS AT FULL CAPACITY," MR STOKOE ADDED.
THE CONTRACT REQUIRES THE CONTRACTOR TO SATISFY VERY STRINGENT ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS FOR BOTH CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF THE LANDFILL, INCLUDING LINING THE SITE WITH AN IMPERMEABLE MEMBRANE AS WELL AS COLLECTING AND TREATING THE POLLUTED LIQUIDS AND LANDFILL GAS PRIOR TO ANY DISCHARGE FROM THE SITE.
IN ADDITION, AIR, NOISE AND WATER QUALITY WILL BE CONTINUOUSLY MONITORED BOTH WITHIN THE LANDFILL AND IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD.
--------0-----------
COMMISSION ON YOUTH TO TACKLE UNDERAGE DRINKING
*****
A WORKING GROUP WILL BE SET UP TO EXAMINE POSSIBLE MEASURES TO TACKLE UNDERAGE DRINKING, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION ON YOUTH, MR ERIC LI KA-CHEUNG, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE, MR LI SAID THE COMMISSION WAS OF THE VIEW THAT POSITIVE ACTION WAS REQUIRED TO CONTROL ALCOHOL ABUSE AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE.
ACCORDING TO A SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE NARCOTICS DIVISION OF THE SECURITY BRANCH, AS HIGH AS 73.1 PER CENT OF THE CHINESE-SPEAKING SECONDARY SCHOOL (INCLUDING GRAMMAR SCHOOLS, TECHNICAL SCHOOLS AND PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS) STUDENTS SURVEYED HAVE CONSUMED BEER AND WINE, WITH 13.6 PER CENT OF WHICH ADMITTING TO DRINKING THESE TYPES OF ALCOHOL JUST FOUR WEEKS BEFORE THE SURVEY.
NEARLY 15 PER CENT OF THOSE WHO HAVE DRUNK ALCOHOL HAD THEIR FIRST TASTE OF BEER AND WINE AT THE AGE OF SIX OR BELOW.
"THE FIGURES CAUSE CONCERN,” MR LI SAID.
/"MANY OF .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1993
5
’’MANY OF THE STUDENTS (60.4 PER CENT) ADMITTED THAT THEY HAD TAKEN THEIR FIRST DRINK OUT OF CURIOSITY. ALTHOUGH WE REALISE THAT IN MANY INSTANCES, DRINKING IS REGARDED AS A SOCIALLY ACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR, EXCESSIVE DRINKING WILL RESULT IN DEPENDENCY,” HE SAID.
THE COMMISSION FIRST DELIBERATED THE PROBLEM IN JANUARY THIS YEAR.
"WE THEN DECIDED TO URGE THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS TO STEP UP PUBLICITY ON THE DANGERS OF ALCOHOL ABUSE AND TO WAIT FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE EXTENT OF THE PROBLEM.
"HAVING REVIEWED THE INITIAL SURVEY RESULTS, THE COMMISSION AGREED THAT A SMALL WORKING GROUP SHOULD BE SET UP TO EXAMINE MEASURES TO TACKLE UNDERAGE DRINKING," MR LI SAID.
POSSIBLE OPTIONS INCLUDED A BAN ON THE SALE OF ALCOHOL TO MINORS AND DEVELOPING A CONTINUOUS AND CO-ORDINATED PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN AGAINST ALCOHOL ABUSE.
MR LI OBSERVED THAT THE BAN ON THE SALE OF ALCOHOL TO MINORS HAD BEEN EFFECTIVELY IMPLEMENTED IN MANY WESTERN COUNTRIES.
BUT HE RECKONED THAT THIS WOULD INVOLVE A CHANGE IN GOVERNMENT POLICY IN HONG KONG.
"FOR THIS REASON, IT IS INCUMBENT UPON THE COMMISSION TO ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT ON A POLICY DECISION."
AT LAST THURSDAY’S MEETING OF THE COMMISSION, MEMBERS ALSO EXAMINED THE GUIDANCE PROVIDED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TO YOUNG SUMMER JOB-SEEKERS.
"THE COMMISSION IS GLAD TO NOTE THAT IN THE COMING YEAR, THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL ORGANISE A NUMBER OF PROGRAMMES FOR THE SCHOOL CAREERS MASTERS."
THESE PROGRAMMES WILL HELP TO EDUCATE SUMMER JOB-SEEKERS, HE SAID.
HOWEVER, MR LI POINTED OUT THAT THERE WAS VIRTUALLY VERY LIMITED INFORMATION ON THE NUMBER AND AGE OF STUDENTS WHO TOOK UP SUMMER JOBS.
"TO ASCERTAIN THE SIZE OF THE SUMMER JOB-SEEKERS, THE COMMISSION WILL ASK THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS TO COVER THIS ASPECT IN THEIR GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY.
AN INDICATION OF THE NUMBER OF THE SUMMER JOB-SEEKERS AND THE AREAS IN WHICH THEY ARE EMPLOYED WILL HELP THE ADMINISTRATION ASSESS WHETHER ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ON SUMMER JOB GUIDANCE IS NECESSARY, MR LI SAID.
"WE ALSO LEARNED THAT THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAS SUBMITTED RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH TO BAN YOUNG PEOPLE UNDER 18 TO WORK ON CONSTRUCTION SITES.
/"THE DEPARTMENT .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1993
- 6 -
"THE DEPARTMENT HAS PUT FORWARD THIS PROPOSAL BECAUSE IT INVOLVES HIGHER RISKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE, PARTICULARLY THOSE WHO HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY FORMAL TRAINING."
WHILE APPRECIATING THE MERITS OF THE PROPOSAL, COMMISSION MEMBERS FELT THAT TOTAL PROHIBITION WOULD AFFECT YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ARE PRESENTLY WORKING ON CONSTRUCTION SITES.
RELAYING THE COMMISSION’S CONCERNS, MR LI SAID CONSIDERATION SHOULD, HOWEVER, BE GIVEN TO ALLOW YOUNG PEOPLE UNDER 18 WHO HAVE RECEIVED PROPER TRAINING TO CONTINUE WORKING ON THESE SITES.
"WE NOTE THAT THE DETAILED LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS HAVE YET TO BE DRAWN UP. WE HAVE REGISTERED OUR INTEREST IN THIS MATTER AND THE COMMISSION HAS MADE A SPECIFIC REQUEST TO BE CONSULTED ON THE LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS," MR LI EMPHASISED.
AT THE MEETING OF THE COMMISSION, MEMBERS WERE ALSO BRIEFED BY THE ACTING DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR ANTHONY CHAN, ON THE PROFILE OF UNDERAGE GIRLS WORKING IN KARAOKE ESTABLISHMENTS.
ACCORDING TO THE QUESTIONNAIRES COLLECTED BY THE DEPARTMENT FROM 120 GIRLS REFERRED BY THE POLICE TO THE MA TAU WEI GIRL’S HOME FOR TEMPORARY CUSTODY, ALL INDICATED THAT THEY WORKED IN THE KARAOKE ESTABLISHMENTS ON THEIR OWN FREE WILL.
THE FACT THAT MANY UNDERAGE GIRLS ARE ATTRACTED TO WORKING IN SUCH ESTABLISHMENTS, NOTWITHSTANDING THE NEGATIVE CONNOTATIONS AND POSSIBLE VICE-RELATED ACTIVITIES, DEMONSTRATES THEIR DESIRE TO MAKE QUICK MONEY, HE SAID.
"WE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE UNDERLYING REASONS FOR SUCH ATTITUDES.
"WE WOULD CERTAINLY SUPPORT MEASURES TO STEP UP THE CONTROL OF KARAOKE ESTABLISHMENTS, HOWEVER WE FEAR THAT THE CURRENT SITUATION IS A MANIFESTATION OF CHANGING SOCIAL VALUES WHICH CANNOT BE ADDRESSED BY CONTROLLING THE OPERATIONS OF KARAOKE ESTABLISHMENTS ALONE.
THESE ESTABLISHMENTS ARE ONLY ONE OF THE CHANNELS FOR YOUNG GIRLS TO MAKE EASY MONEY. THERE COULD WELL BE OTHERS, HE SAID.
"THE COMMISSION FEELS THAT THERE IS A NEED TO RE-EMPHASISE SOCIAL AND MORAL VALUES, WHICH HAS BEEN ERODED BY THE PREVALENCE OF PORNOGRAPHY, GLAMOR1SATION OF CRIME AND TRIAD ACTIVITIES BY FILMS AND TV DRAMAS AND EXAGGERATION OF MATERIALISM," MR LI SAID.
THE COMMISSION FEELS STRONGLY THAT POSITIVE ACTION IS NECESSARY, HE ADDED.
"TOWARDS THIS END, WE WILL SET UP A WORKING GROUP TO EXAMINE THE FUNDAMENTAL ISSUES INVOLVED IN INFLUENCING YOUNG PEOPLE’S ATTITUDES AND SOCIAL VALUES AND TO EXPLORE THE POSSIBLE MEANS TO CONVEY POSITIVE AND PROPER MESSAGES TO YOUNG PEOPLE.
"THE ROLE OF THE MASS MEDIA, WHICH HAS AN IMPORTANT INFLUENCE ON YOUNG PEOPLE’S VALUES AND BELIEFS, WOULD FEATURE STRONGLY IN OUR STUDY," HE SAID.
- - 0------
H....
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1993
7
NEW TIN SHUI WAI HEALTH CENTRE OPENS *****
A NEW HEALTH CENTRE LOCATED AT TIN SHUI ROAD IN TIN SHUI WAI WILL BEGIN OPERATION FROM SETPEMBER 29.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE TIN SHUI WAI HEALTH CENTRE WILL PROVIDE GENERAL OUT-PATIENT SERVICE AND FAMILY HEALTH 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.
THE HEALTH CENTRE’S GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINIC CAN BE CONTACTED ON TEL 447 9188 AND THE MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CENTRE ON TEL 447 9088.
MEANWHILE, THE YUEN LONG TRAVELLING DISPENSARY SERVING LAU FAU SHAN RESIDENTS WILL CEASE OPERATING FROM SEPTEMBER 30.
--------0 - -
FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING * * * » »
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 GALLERY. THEY MAY RESERVE SEATS BY CALLING 869 9492.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING.
ADVANCE COPIES OF THE PAPERS FOR THE MEETING WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM 2.30 PM TODAY (THURSDAY) IN THE PRESS ROOM OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BUILDING, JACKSON ROAD, CENTRAL.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CONTENT OF THE PAPERS ARE NOT FOR USE UNTIL THE MEETING IS OVER.
------0------------
/8 ........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1993
- 8
SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL *****
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAS STARTED THE SEPTEMBER 1993 SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL IN THE MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY IN RESPECT OF THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1993.
THIS SURVEY IS CONDUCTED QUARTERLY AND THE SURVEY RESULTS ARE USEFUL IN PROVIDING SHORT-TERM ECONOMIC INDICATORS AS WELL AS INFORMATION ON THE STRUCTURAL CHANGES IN THE LABOUR MARKET.
THIS ROUND OF THE SURVEY COVERS ABOUT 95,000 ESTABLISHMENTS WHICH ARE DRAWN FROM VARIOUS SECTORS INCLUDING THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR (MINING AND QUARRYING; MANUFACTURING; ELECTRICITY AND GAS), THE DISTRIBUTIVE TRADES SECTOR (WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS) AND THE SERVICES SECTOR (TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION; FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES; COMMUNITY, SOCIAL AND PERSONAL SERVICES).
INFORMATION ON NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED AND EXISTING VACANCIES ON SEPTEMBER 30, 1993 WILL BE SOUGHT FROM EACH SELECTED ESTABLISHMENT.
A RANDOM SUB-SAMPLE OF ABOUT 10,000 ESTABLISHMENTS IS SELECTED FROM THE MAIN SAMPLE TO COLLECT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON PAYROLL IN EACH OF THE THREE MONTHS DURING THE REFERENCE PERIOD OF JULY-SEPTEMBER 1993.
QUESTIONNAIRES ARE BEING MAILED TO THE SAMPLED ESTABLISHMENTS. IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDER 1982, ESTABLISHMENTS RECEIVING QUESTIONNAIRES ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THEM TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WITHIN THE SPECIFIED PERIOD.
SHOULD RESPONDENTS FIND DIFFICULTIES IN COMPLETING THE FORMS, THEY ARE WELCOME TO CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT FOR HELP ON TEL 582 5076.
AS FOR THOSE ESTABLISHMENTS NEWLY INCLUDED IN THE REGISTER OF ESTABLISHMENTS OF THE DEPARTMENT DURING JULY-SEPTEMBER 1993, THEY WILL ALSO BE ENUMERATED TO MAKE THE SURVEY RESULTS COMPLETE.
OFFICERS OF THIS DEPARTMENT, EACH BEARING A GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARD, WILL CALL ON THESE ESTABLISHMENTS TO SOLICIT INFORMATION ON NATURE OF BUSINESS, TYPE OF OWNERSHIP, DATE ON WHICH BUSINESS STARTED, NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED AND EXISTING VACANCIES.
IN CASE OF ANY ENQUIRIES REGARDING THESE FIELD VISITS, PLEASE CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT ON TEL 582 4782.
------0----------
/9 ........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1993
- 9 -
EXHIBITION TO PROMOTE EMPLOYMENT OF DISABLED
*******
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD A THREE-DAY EXHIBITION TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN SHA TIN TO ENHANCE PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORKING ABILITIES OF THE DISABLED AND PUBLICISE VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.
THE EXHIBITION FORMS PART OF THE DEPARTMENT’S CONTINUOUS EFFORTS TO PROMOTE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE DISABLED.
SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER (SELECTIVE PLACEMENT), MRS JENNIE CHOR, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE DEPARTMENT WOULD INTRODUCE FREE PLACEMENT SERVICE TO THE DISABLED AND FREE RECRUITMENT SERVICE TO EMPLOYERS THROUGH VIDEO SHOWS AND DISTRIBUTION OF LEAFLETS.
THERE WILL ALSO BE DISPLAYS ON VARIOUS DISABILITIES TO ENABLE THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO BETTER UNDERSTAND THE WORKING ABILITIES OF THE DISABLED, SHE SAID.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN DAILY FROM 10 AM TO 6 PM AT THE ATRIUM GALLERY ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE NEW TOWN PLAZA PHASE III.
STAFF FROM THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT DIVISION (SPD) WILL BE ON HAND TO RECORD VACANCY INFORMATION FROM PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYERS AND PERSONAL PARTICULARS OF DISABLED JOB-SEEKERS FOR FURTHER CONTACTS.
A PRIZE-WINNING QUIZ WILL BE HELD AT THE VENUE ON THE CONTENTS OF THE EXHIBITION.
AS AN APPRECIATION TO THE SPECIAL EFFORTS MADE BY EMPLOYERS IN EMPLOYING AND ACCOMMODATING DISABLED EMPLOYEES, MRS CHOR SAID A CEREMONY WOULD BE HELD ON OCTOBER 21 TO PRESENT SOUVENIRS TO EMPLOYERS.
SOUVENIR PLAQUES WILL ALSO BE PRESENTED TO THE WINNERS OF THIS YEAR’S OUTSTANDING DISABLED EMPLOYEES AWARD, SHE SAID.
VISITORS TO THE SAME EXHIBITION WILL BE ABLE TO GET INFORMATION ON VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE (EO) INCLUDING PAID ANNUAL LEAVE, LONG SERVICE AND SEVERANCE PAYMENTS, MATERNITY PROTECTION, ENTITLEMENT UPON TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT.
PREPARED BY THE LABOUR RELATIONS PROMOTION UNIT, THE DISPLAYS WILL BE PRESENTED IN SIMPLE LANGUAGE AND VIVID ILLUSTRATIONS TO HELP EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES UNDERSTAND THEIR RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE EO.
LABOUR OFFICERS WILL ALSO BE ON HAND TO ANSWER ENQUIRIES ON LABOUR RELATIONS AND THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.
- - 0 - -
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1993
- 10
BEACH WATER GRADES
*****
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED GRADES OF THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF ALL BATHING BEACHES IN HONG KONG.
THE PURPOSE IS TO INFORM SWIMMERS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC ABOUT THE STATE OF BACTERIOLOGICAL POLLUTION AT VARIOUS BEACHES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE GRADING WOULD BE ANNOUNCED BIWEEKLY DURING THE BATHING SEASON TO COINCIDE WITH THE FREQUENCY AT WHICH BEACH WATER WAS USUALLY SAMPLED.
THE GRADING IS BASED ON THE MOST RECENT E.COLI DATA OBTAINED BY THE DEPARTMENT IN ITS ROUTINE MONITORING PROGRAMME.
AS WITH LAST YEAR, THE GRADING ALSO INCLUDES AN ESTIMATE OF THE RISK OF SUFFERING SOME MINOR SKIN DISEASES OR GASTROINTESTINAL COMPLAINTS AS A RESULT OF SWIMMING AT A BEACH THAT HAS SOME DEGREE OF POLLUTION.
THE ESTIMATE IS BASED ON A VERY LARGE BODY OF STATISTICAL INFORMATION GATHERED IN HONG KONG IN RECENT BATHING SEASONS.
THE GRADING OF SOME BEACHES MAY VARY DURING THE SUMMER. THIS REPRESENTS A NATURAL FLUCTUATION IN THE BACTERIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF BATHING WATER IN MOST CASES, AS RAIN AND TIDES BRING MORE OR LESS POLLUTION TO THE BEACHES.
HOWEVER, THE GRADES GIVE A GOOD GENERAL PICTURE OF THE WATER QUALITY AT BATHING BEACHES AT THE TIME OF REPORTING AND FORM THE BEST AVAILABLE FORECAST FOR THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE.
"BEACHES WITH HIGHLY DEVELOPED HINTERLANDS ARE LIKELY TO BE MORE POLLUTED THAN THE GRADES SUGGEST DURING AND AFTER HEAVY RAIN.
"BATHERS SHOULD AVOID SUCH BEACHES FOR TWO OR THREE DAYS AFTER A STORM, LONGER IF THE WEATHER REMAINS OVERCAST OR LESS IF THERE IS STRONG SUNSHINE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SYSTEM FOR GRADING BEACH WATER QUALITY IS:
♦ GRADE "1" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS GOOD. THE E. COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 24 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED RISK OF MINOR ILLNESS TO SWIMMERS IS UNDETECTABLE.
* GRADE "2" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS FAIR. THE E. COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 180 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS NO MORE THAN 10 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
/* GRADE ”3" ........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1993
- 11 -
» GRADE ”3” INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS POOR. THE E. COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 610 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS NO MORE THAN 15 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
» GRADE "4” INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS VERY POOR. THE E. COLI COUNT IS MORE THAN 610 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS MORE THAN 15 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
THE DECISION ON WHETHER OR NOT TO CLOSE A BEACH TO SWIMMERS IS BASED ON A JUDGMENT OF WHAT DEGREE OF POLLUTION IS ACCEPTABLE.
NORMALLY, THE CLOSURE OF A BEACH WOULD ONLY BE CONSIDERED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL OR REGIONAL COUNCIL IF A GRADE "4” OCCURRED REPEATEDLY, SO THAT THE AVERAGE HEALTH RISK OVER THE BATHING SEASON EXCEEDED 15 CASES PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
AT PRESENT, TWO BATHING BEACHES, CASTLE PEAK AND OLD CAFETERIA, HAVE BEEN DECLARED UNSUITABLE FOR SWIMMING, BASED ON THE WATER QUALITY DURING PAST SEASONS.
THEY ARE POLLUTED BY FAECAL WASTE. THE PUBLIC IS ADVISED NOT TO SWIM AT THE TWO BEACHES.
IN ADDITION, ROCKY BAY BEACH HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR SWIMMING BY THE URBAN COUNCIL. THE THREE BEACHES ARE IDENTIFIED BY AN "X” IN THE FOLLOWING LIST.
THE GRADES ON THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF VARIOUS BEACHES IN HONG KONG TODAY ARE LISTED BELOW:
PREVIOUS PRESENT
. BEACH GRADING GRADING
(AS AT 9.9.93) (AS AT 23.9.93)
HONG KONG SOUTH
BIG WAVE BAY 3 2 CHUNG HOM KOK 1 2 DEEP WATER BAY 2 2 HAIRPIN 2 2
MIDDLE BAY 2 1 REPULSE BAY 1 1
SHEK 03 2 SOUTH BAY 1 1 ST. STEPHEN'S 1 1
TURTLE COVE 2 2 STANLEY MAIN 2 2 ROCKY BAY X X
TO TEI WAN* 1 1
/TUEN MUN DISTRICT .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1993
- 12 -
TUEN MUN DISTRICT
OLD CAFETERIA X
NEW CAFETERIA 3
CASTLE PEAK X
KADOORIE 3
BUTTERFLY 4
SAI KUNG DISTRICT
CAMPERS 1
CLEAR WATER BAY 1ST BEACH 2
CLEAR WATER BAY 2ND BEACH 2
HAP MUN BAY 1
KIU TSUI 1
PAK SHA CHAU 1
SILVERSTRAND 2
TRIO (HEBE HAVEN) 1
ISLANDS DISTRICT
CHEUNG SHA UPPER 1
CHEUNG SHA LOWER 2
DISCOVERY BAY* 2
HUNG SHING YEH 1
KWUN YAM WAN 1
TONG FUK 1
LO SO SHING 1
PUI O 2
SILVERMINE BAY 3
TUNG WAN, CHEUNG CHAU 1
TUNG O» 1
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT
ANGLERS’ 4
APPROACH 3
CASAM 3
GEMINI 3
HOI MEI WAN 3
LIDO 3
TING KAU 3
TUNG WAN, MA WAN 2
NOTE : "X" THE BEACH HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR SWIMMING * NON-GAZETTED BEACH
/THE FOLLOWING .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1993
13
THE FOLLOWING BEACHES HAVE CHANGED GRADING ON THIS OCCASION:
MIDDLE BAY, CLEAR WATER BAY 2ND BEACH AND SILVERSTRAND FROM ”2" TO "1"; BIG WAVE BAY, SHEK O, SILVERMINE BAY, GEMINI, HOI MEI WAN, LIDO AND KADOORIE FROM ”3” TO "2”; CHUNG HOM KOK FROM "1" TO ”2".
ALL OF THE CHANGES ARE WITHIN THE NORMAL RANGE OF FLUCTUATION OF THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF THE BEACHES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT DR M J ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER, ON TEL 835 1234.
BROOM, PRINCIPAL
--------0-----------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT
REVERSAL OF LAF
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT
1,935
+ 65
2,000
NIL
-280
1,720
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER
TWI 112.4 *+0.0* 23.9.93
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 2.60 PCT 14 MONTHS 2411 4.625 101.36 3.43
1 MONTH 2.72 PCT 17 MONTHS 2502 4.75 101.55 3.63
3 MONTHS 2.84 PCT 20 MONTHS 2505 3.75 99.87 3.87
6 MONTHS 3.02 PCT 12 MONTHS 3.28 PCT TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS 23 MONTHS 2508 AND BONDS - 10,190 4.625 101.27 3.96 MN
CLOSED 23 SEPTEMBER 1993
--------0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1993
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR REITERATES DETERMINATION TO MAKE TALKS A SUCCESS ... 1
GOVERNOR CONGRATULATES SYDNEY ON OLYMPICS 2000 ............... 2
LIST OF FOOD COLOURS UPDATED ................................. 2
FEES FOR OFFICIAL SIGNATURES REVISED ......................... 3
NEW YOUTH HOSTEL OPENS AT TAI MEI TUK ........................ 4
TELA STEPS UP ACTION AGAINST INDECENT ARTICLES ............... 4
LAND RESUMPTION FOR PUBLIC HOUSING DEVELOPMENT ............... 5
APEC DEVELOPMENT REFLECTS REGION'S DYNAMIC CHARACTER ......... 6
BOARD AMENDS CHAI WAN OUTLINE ZONING PLAN .................... 8
NEWS VENDORS ADVISED NOT TO DISPLAY INDECENT MATTERS ......... 9
32 EX-CHINA VIETNAMESE SENT BACK ............................. 10
TWO NATURE TRAILS OPEN FOR PUBLIC ENJOYMENT .................. 10
JETTY PLANNED FOR YUEN KONG CHAU ............................. 12
VILLAGE IMPROVEMENT WORKS FOR TAI O PROPOSED ................. 12
ORAL HEALTH PLAYLAND OPENS FOR CHILDREN ...................... 13
MID-AUTUMN HOLIDAY REMINDER .................................. 14
PIER LANDING STEPS TO CLOSE ON SUNDAY ........................ 14
RURAL LAND TO BE RESUMED FOR PUBLIC WORKS .................... 15
PENG CHAU DRAINAGE WORKS ..................................... 15
MORE LEISURE FACILITIES IN NGAU TAU KOK ...................... 16
CENTRAL AND WESTERN SPORTS FESTIVAL STARTS ON SUNDAY ......... 16
257 VIETNAMESE SENT HOME ..................................... 17
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ..
17
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1993
GOVERNOR REITERATES DETERMINATION TO MAKE TALKS A SUCCESS *****
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, TODAY (FRIDAY) SAID THAT THE BRITISH TEAM WAS DETERMINED TO TRY TO MAKE A SUCCESS OF THE TALKS ON POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER OPENING THE TAI MEI TUK YOUTH HOSTEL, THE GOVERNOR SAID: "THAT’S WHAT WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO DO SINCERELY.
"WE ARE GOING TO ENSURE THAT THERE ARE ARRANGEMENTS HERE IN HONG KONG WHICH ARE FAIR AND OPEN, ARRANGEMENTS WHICH HELP TO SUSTAIN THE RULE OF LAW IN HONG KONG.
"I DON’T WANT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG TO HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT SPENDING THE FUTURE LOOKING OVER THEIR SHOULDERS."
ASKED ABOUT THE RELEASE OF A SPEECH MADE BY MR DENG XIAOPING 11 YEARS AGO, MR PATTEN NOTED THAT THE SPEECH PREDATED THE SIGNING OF THE JOINT DECLARATION, THE INTERNATIONAL TREATY WHICH GUARANTEES HONG KONG’S WAY OF LIFE FOR 50 YEARS AFTER 1997.
"I DON’T THINK IT IS A CAUSE OF CONCERN. I DON’T THINK ANYBODY IN HONG KONG WILL BE PARTICULARLY SURPRISED BY ANYTHING IT SAYS," HE SAID.
"WE ALL KNOW THAT BRITAIN IS SOVEREIGN, IS RESPONSIBLE FOR HONG KONG UNTIL 30 JUNE, 1997. WE WILL DO, I HOPE, WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, A VERY GOOD JOB UNTIL THEN AND THEN, I HOPE THAT THE JOINT DECLARATION WILL BE IMPLEMENTED FOR 50 YEARS AFTERWARDS."
IN RESPONSE TO A QUESTION AS TO WHETHER MR DOUGLAS HURD’S EARLIER STATEMENT ABOUT THE OLYMPIC GAMES WILL AFFECT THE MEETING BETWEEN THE TWO FOREIGN MINISTERS, THE GOVERNOR SAID: "CHINESE OFFICIALS HAVE BEEN MAKING IT CLEAR, I THINK, IN THE MARGINS OF THE INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE THAT THEY DON’T THINK THAT SPORT AND POLITICS SHOULD GET IN ONE ANOTHER’S WAY."
"I THINK THAT CHINESE OFFICIALS REACTED AT THE MEETING OF THE INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE WITH CONS IDERABLE DIGNITY. OBVIOUSLY, THEY WERE DISAPPOINTED AS MANY PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WERE DISAPPOINTED.
"THE IMPORTANT THING FOR US TO DO IS TO ENSURE THAT THE OLYMPIC GAMES ARE CARRIED OUT IN THE BEST PLACE IN THE OLYMPIC SPIRIT," HE ADDED.
/2 ........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1993
- 2 -
GOVERNOR CONGRATULATES SYDNEY ON OLYMPICS 2000 ******
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, TODAY (FRIDAY) ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT:
I CONGRATULATE SYDNEY. THERE WILL OF COURSE BE A GOOD DEAL OF DISAPPOINTMENT AMONGST HONG KONG PEOPLE THAT PEKING DID NOT GET THE GAMES THIS TIME. BUT I AM SURE THAT EXCELLENT BIDS WILL HAVE BEEN SUBMITTED BY ALL THE SHORT-LISTED COMPETITORS AND THAT THE DECISION MUST HAVE BEEN VERY CLOSE. I WISH SYDNEY AND THE 2000 OLYMPICS EVERY SUCCESS.
---------0-----------
LIST OF FOOD COLOURS UPDATED *****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS UPDATED THE LIST OF COLOURING MATTERS PERMITTED TO BE USED IN FOOD INTENDED FOR SALE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION IN HONG KONG.
THE LIST IS CONTAINED IN THE COLOURING MATTER IN FOOD (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1993 WHICH WILL COME INTO OPERATION IN SIX MONTHS’ TIME.
’’THE OLD LIST CONTAINED MORE THAN 30 ITEMS WHICH HAVE BECOME OUTDATED FOR COMMERCIAL USE TODAY WHILE SOME FOOD COLOURS NOT ON THE OLD LIST HAVE BECOME ACCEPTABLE FOR USE WORLDWIDE,” A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
’’THE AMENDMENTS UPDATE THE PERMITTED LIST AND REVISE THE NOMENCLATURE TO KEEP PACE WITH INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT.
’’ALTHOUGH NO INCIDENTS HAVE BEEN REPORTED AS A RESULT OF USE OF ITEMS DELETED FROM THE LIST, WE ARE TAKING THIS OPPORTUNITY TO REVISE THE LIST IN THE INTEREST OF PUBLIC SAFETY,” HE ADDED.
THE REVISED LIST CONTAINS COLOURS THAT ARE CURRENTLY RECOGNISED AND ACCEPTED BY THE FOOD INDUSTRY.
--------0-----------
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1993
3
FEES FOR OFFICIAL SIGNATURES REVISED *****
THE FEES FOR OFFICIAL SIGNATURE AND MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES WILL BE REVISED WITH EFFECT FROM OCTOBER 1, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE NEW FEES ARE PRESCRIBED IN THE FEES FOR OFFICIAL SIGNATURES AND MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES (AMENDMENT) NOTICE 1993 GAZETTED TODAY.
THE EXISTING AND NEW FEES ARE:
EXISTING NEW
$ $
♦ SIGNATURES OF THE
(I) GOVERNOR 210 235
(II) CHIEF SECRETARY 180 200
(III) FINANCIAL SECRETARY 180 200
* THE ISSUE OE A DUPLICATE OF 110 125
ANY DOCUMENT BY A PUBLIC OFFICER
» ANY ALTERATION, TRANSFER, 110 125
ENDORSEMENT OR ADDITION TO A DOCUMENT BY A PUBLIC OFFICER
» CERTIFICATION OF A TRUE 110 125
EXTRACT OF ANY DOCUMENT, BOOK, RECORD OR INSTRUMENT BY A PUBLIC OFFICER
”IT IS THE GOVERNMENT POLICY THAT FEES SHOULD BE SET AT LEVELS AT LEAST SUFFICIENT TO RECOVER THE ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS FOR PROVIDING THE SERVICES," HE SAID.
"THE PRESENT REVISION IS AN INFLATTON-RELATED ADJUSTMENT TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE INCREASE IN COSTS SINCE THE LAST FEE REVIEW IN 1992, WHICH IS ABOUT 10 PER CENT," HE ADDED.
--------0-----------
/4 ........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1993
NEW YOUTH HOSTEL OPENS AT TAI MEI TUK *****
LOCAL YOUNG PEOPLE AND OVERSEAS VISITORS CAN NOW FIND REST, FRIENDSHIP AND RECREATION AT A NEW HOSTEL OF THE HONG KONG YOUTH HOSTELS ASSOCIATION AT TAI MEI TUK.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING OF THE BRADBURY LODGE TODAY (FRIDAY), THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, PRAISED THE ASSOCIATION FOR TEACHING YOUNG PEOPLE HOW TO BEST PROTECT THE COUNTRYSIDE.
"THAT’S SOMETHING THAT I WANT TO SAY RATHER MORE ABOUT WHEN I SPEAK TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS’ TIME.
"BUT IF EVERYBODY WAS AS ACTIVE IN PROMOTING THE CONSERVATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT AS YOU, HONG KONG WOULD BE EVEN MORE BEAUTIFUL AND ATTRACTIVE," HE SAID.
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT TOGETHER WITH VOLUNTEERS HAVE PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN PLANTING TREES IN THE COUNTRYSIDE, HE NOTED.
THE ASSOCIATION IS CELEBRATING ITS 20TH ANNIVERSARY THIS YEAR. ITS MEMBERSHIP IS EXPANDING. MORE PEOPLE ARE USING ITS SERVICES WHICH KEEP ON IMPROVING.
- - 0 - -
TELA STEPS UP ACTION AGAINST INDECENT ARTICLES *****
THE TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING AUTHORITY (TELA) AND THE POLICE WILL STEP UP PROSECUTION AGAINST THE PUBLICATION OF INDECENT ARTICLES TO THE UNDERAGE AND THE PUBLIC DISPLAY OF INDECENT MATTERS.
THIS WAS REVEALED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR JAMES SO, FOLLOWING A MEETING OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH AND TELA OFFICIALS WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE MEETING POINT 'I’O DISCUSS THE CONTROL OF OBSCENE AND INDECENT PUBLICATIONS.
MR SO TOLD THE REPRESENTATIVES THAT HE NOTED PUBLIC CONCERN OVER THE INFLUENCE OF INDECENT MATTERS ON YOUNG PEOPLE.
HE SAID JOINT OPERATIONS BY TELA AND THE POLICE WOULD BE MOUNTED TO DRIVE HOME THE MESSAGE OVER PROPER CONTROL OF OBSCENE AND INDECENT ARTICLES.
/PUBLIC EDUCATION
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1993
PUBLIC EDUCATION WILL ALSO BE STRENGTHENED TO ACHIEVE THIS, MR
SO ADDED.
THE STATUTORY PROVISIONS UNDER THE CONTROL OF OBSCENE AND INDECENT ARTICLES ORDINANCE IN REGULATING THE PUBLISHING OF INDECENT AND OBSCENE ARTICLES WERE GENERALLY ADEQUATE.
AT THE MEETING, MR SO ALSO INVITED MEMBERS OF THE MEETING POINT AND OTHERS WHO ARE INTERESTED TO VISIT TELA AND THE OBSCENE ARTICLES TRIBUNAL TO OBTAIN A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THEIR WORK IN ENFORCING THE ORDINANCE AND THE JUDICIAL PROCEDURES.
- - 0 - -
LAND RESUMPTION FOR PUBLIC HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
******
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO RESUME LAND IN MA HANG VILLAGE, STANLEY FOR A PUBLIC HOUSING PROJECT BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY.
A NOTICE OF THE RESUMPTION OF 85 AGRICULTURAL LOTS WITH A TOTAL AREA OF 1.117 HECTARES WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE LAND TO BE RESUMED HAS BEEN ZONED "COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT AREA" ON THE DRAFT STANLEY OUTLINE ZONING PLAN.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LANDS DEPARTMENT SAID THE LAND WAS REQUIRED FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF PHASES II AND III OF A PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE WHICH WOULD EVENTUALLY PROVIDE 2,257 FLATS FOR SOME 8,000 PEOPLE.
CONSTRUCTION OF 1,020 FLATS UNDER PHASE I OF THE PROJECT IS SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION NEXT MONTH.
PHASES II AND III INCLUDE THE BUILDING OF A PRIMARY SCHOOL, A NEIGHBOURHOOD COMMUNITY CENTRE, A SHOPPING CENTRE, A PUBLIC PIER, A NEW ROAD LINKING STANLEY WITH CHUNG HOM KOK AND A BUS/COACH/TAXI TERMINUS.
"THE DEVELOPMENT IS INTENDED PRIMARILY TO REHOUSE ELIGIBLE SQUATTERS IN MA HANG VILLAGE AND OTHER INADEQUATELY HOUSED PEOPLE IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT.
"UPON COMPLETION, THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT OF THE AREA WILL BE IMPROVED," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE OLD MURRAY HOUSE WILL BE REBUILT IN THE AREA AS A COMMERCIAL CENTRE AND A NEW PARK IS ALSO PLANNED.
CLEARANCE IS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN SHORTLY TO MAKE WAY FOR THE CONSTRUCTION IN MAY NEXT YEAR.
/A TOTAL
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1993
- 6 -
A TOTAL OF 2,104 STRUCTURES WITH A POPULATION OF 4,500 PEOPLE WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE PUBLIC HOUSING DEVELOPMENT.
ELIGIBLE OCCUPIERS WILL BE REHOUSED AND OFFERED EX-GRATIA REMOVAL ALLOWANCES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CURRENT GOVERNMENT POLICY.
EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES WILL ALSO BE PAID TO DISPLACED CULTIVATORS WHERE APPROPRIATE.
A PLAN SHOWING THE EXTENT OF THE AREA OF RESUMPTION IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
---------0-----------
APEC DEVELOPMENT REFLECTS REGION’S DYNAMIC CHARACTER * * * * *
THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR TONY MILLER, TODAY (FRIDAY, HAWAII TIME) DESCRIBED THE DEVELOPMENT OF ASIA-PACIFIC ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION (APEC) AS A VIVID REFLECTION OF THE REGION’S DYNAMIC, OUTWARD-LOOK I NG ECONOMIC CHARACTER.
"THE KEY TO THIS NEW CONFIDENCE IS GROWTH. THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION IS GROWING FASTER THAN ANY OTHER REGION IN THE WORLD. TRADE ACROSS THE PACIFIC OVERTOOK TRADE ACROSS THE ATLANTIC A DECADE AGO AND CONTINUES TO SURGE AHEAD," HE SAID.
SPEAKING AT AN APEC SEMINAR, MR MILLER HIGHLIGHTED THE WAYS IN WHICH APEC COULD CONTRIBUTE TO FURTHER GROWTH.
APEC CAN HELP TO ENHANCE AN ALREADY OPEN AND DYNAMIC ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT BY:
* HARMONISING STANDARDS;
* IDENTIFYING AND REMOVING ANY IMPEDIMENTS TO TRADE AND INVESTMENT;
* STREAMLINING CUSTOMS AND OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES;
* IMPROVING AND AUTOMATING THE INTERCHANGE OF OFFICIAL DATA.
"THESE ARE ALL PRACTICAL EXAMPLES OF WAYS OF FACILITATING TRADE AND INVESTMENT FLOWS," HE SAID.
MR MILLER EMPHASISED THAT REGIONAL CO-OPERATION WAS A VITA1 COMPLEMENT TO MULTILATERAL NEGOTIATIONS UNDER THE GATT.
"GATT NEGOTIATIONS ARE ESSENTIAL FOR LIBERALISING WORLD TRADE. FREE TRADE DEPENDS ON MULTILATERAL AGREEMENT ON THE REMOVAL OF TARIFF AND NON-TARIFF BARRIERS.
/"BUT THERE .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1993
’’BUT THERE ARE OTHER PROCEDURAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE IMPEDIMENTS TO TRADE WHICH, ONCE IDENTIFIED, CAN BE REMOVED OR STREAMLINED OR STANDARDISED, AT A REGIONAL LEVEL THROUGH THE LESS FORMAL PROCESS OF CONSULTATION AND CONSENSUS AMONG APEC MEMBERS,” HE SAID.
MR MILLER PRAISED THE BUSINESS SECTOR’S CONTRIBUTION TO APEC WORKING GROUPS.
’’THE PRIVATE SECTOR IS PLAYING AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THIS PROCESS. BUREAUCRATS CAN SOMETIMES BE BLIND TO WHAT IS OBVIOUS TO THE BUSINESSMAN.
"THOSE DOING BUSINESS IN THE REGION ARE BEST PLACED TO IDENTIFY THE IRRITATING LITTLE DIFFERENCES IN PROCEDURES, STANDARDS AND OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS WHICH, ALTHOUGH NOT FORMAL OR DELIBERATE BARRIERS TO TRADE, DO CREATE UNNECESSARY FRICTION AND DELAY.”
MR MILLER NOTED THAT ONCE THESE PROBLEMS WERE IDENTIFIED BY THE BUSINESS SECTOR, OFFICIALS COULD SET ABOUT ADDRESSING AND RESOLVING THEM.
COMPARING APEC WITH THE ORGANISATION FOR ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT (OECD), MR MILLER SAID HE SAW A FUTURE ROLE FOR APEC IN DEVELOPING REGIONAL INITIATIVES FOR WIDER TRADE REFORMS.
"WHEN THE URUGUAY ROUND IS SUCCESSFULLY CONCLUDED AT THE END OF THE YEAR, THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY WILL TURN ITS ATTENTION TO A NEW ROUND AND NEW ISSUES. IN THE SAME WAY THAT THE OECD DID SOME OF THE SEMINAL WORK ON, FOR EXAMPLE, TRADE TN SERVICES, APEC SHOULD BE ABLE IN FUTURE TO DO SOME OF THE GROUNDWORK ON THESE NEW ISSUES.
"INDEED APEC MAY BE BETTER PLACED TO SECURE A BROADER CONSENSUS IN SOME AREAS BECAUSE OF ITS MORE ECONOMICALLY AND CULTURALLY DIVERSE MEMBERSHIP."
NOTING THAT MEDIA COMMENTATORS FREQUENTLY POSED THE QUESTION OF WHETHER APEC WOULD BECOME A REGIONAL TRADE BLOC, MR MILLER SAID SUCH A STEP WAS NEITHER INEVITABLE NOR NECESSARY.
"IT IS NEITHER NECESSARY NOR DESIRABLE THAT APEC BECOME A TRADE BLOG. IT IS NOT NECESSARY FOR APEC, ANY MORE THAN IT HAS PROVED NECESSARY FOR THE OECD IN CONSULTING AMONG ITS MEMBERS ON TRADE AND ECONOMIC ISSUES.
"IT IS NOT DESIRABLE, IN HONG KONG’S VIEW BECAUSE REGIONAL TRADE BLOCS DISTORT TRADE AND INVESTMENT FLOWS AND MAGNIFY RATHER THAN REDUCE FRICTIONS WITH THOSE OUTSIDE THE BLOC."
APEC CURRENTLY COMPRISES 15 MEMBERS: AUSTRALIA, BRUNEI DARUSSALAM, CANADA, THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA, HONG KONG, INDONESIA, JAPAN, THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA, MALAYSIA, NEW ZEALAND, THE PHILIPPINES, SINGAPORE, CHINESE TAIPEI, THAILAND AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
THE SEMINAR IS ORGANISED BY THE EAST-WEST CENTER OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII IN ASSOCIATION WITH A MEETING OF APEC SENIOR OFFICIALS IN HONOLULU.
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/8 ........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1993
- 8 -
BOARD AMENDS CHAI WAN OUTLINE ZONING PLAN * * * * ♦
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) AMENDMENTS TO THE DRAFT CHAI WAN OUTLINE ZONING PLAN.
’’THE AREA IN THE NORTHWESTERN PART OF THE SIU SAI WAN RECLAMATION AREA HAS BEEN REZONED FOR HOUSING, OPEN SPACE AND GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT TWO HOUSING SITES HAD BEEN PROPOSED. THE ONE TO THE NORTH OF SIU SAI WAN ESTATE WOULD BE DEVELOPED FOR A PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME (PSPS) PROJECT, WHILE THE ONE FURTHER NORTH NEAR THE WATERFRONT WOULD BE FOR PRIVATE HOUSING.
TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO SIU SAT WAN, THE SPOKESMAN SAID A PUBLIC TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE, A PUBLIC CAR PARK AND A PIER HAD BEEN PROPOSED FOR THE PRIVATE HOUSING SITE.
TO MERT THE DISTRICT’S RECREATIONAL NEEDS, A SPORTS GROUND HAD BEEN PLANNED ON THE LAND BETWEEN THE TWO HOUSING SITES.
AN INDOOR RECREATIONAL CENTRE AND AN OPEN SPACE HAD BEEN RESERVED WEST OF THE PSPS DEVELOPMENT. IN ADDITION, THE WATERFRONT OF THE RECLAMATION AREA HAD BEEN EARMARKED FOR OPEN SPACE DEVELOPMENT.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT PART OF THE YUE WAN TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA NEAR THE CHAI WAN PARK HAD BEEN CLEARED.
THE CLEARED SITE TOGETHER WITH A SMALL PIECE OF LAND TO ITS SOUTH WOULD BE REDEVELOPED INTO A SECONDARY SCHOOL AND A POLICE RANK-AND-FILE QUARTERS.
THE EASTERN PART OF THE CHAI WAN ESTATE HAD ALSO BEEN REZONED FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A SECONDARY SCHOOL AND AN OPEN SPACE.
OTHER MINOR AMENDMENTS INCLUDE REZONING CHAI WAN SWIMMING POOL FROM "OPEN SPACE" TO "GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY", AND THE CEMETERIES ALONG CAPE COLLINSON ROAD AND TAI TAM ROAD FROM "CEMETERY” TO "OTHER SPECIFIED USES" (ANNOTATED "CEMETERY").
THIS INVOLVES JUST A CHANGE IN ZONING NOMENCLATURE TO COMPLY WITH CURRENT PLANNING PRACTICE.
THE DRAFT AMENDMENT PLAN NO. S/H20/6 AND THE SCHEDULE OF AMENDMENTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION AT THE FOLLOWING OFFICES UNTIL OCTOBER 15:
* HONG KONG DISTRICT PLANNING OFFICE, 11TH FLOOR, LEIGHTON CENTRE, LEIGHTON ROAD, HONG KONG;
* PLANNING DEPARTMENT, 16TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; AND
/* EASTERN DISTRICT ........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1993
* EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, EASTERN LAW COURT BUILDING, 29 TAI ON STREET, SAI WAN HO, HONG KONG.
ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENTS MAY SEND HIS WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/O PLANNING DEPARTMENT, 13TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG BEFORE OCTOBER 15, 1993.
COPIES OF THE AMENDMENT PLAN ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, AND KOWLOON MAP SALES OFFICE, 382 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
- - 0 - -
NEWS VENDORS ADVISED NOT TO DISPLAY INDECENT MATTERS
*****
INSPECTORS OF THE TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING AUTHORITY (TELA) TODAY (FRIDAY) DISTRIBUTED ADVISORY LETTERS TO NEWS VENDORS, REMINDING THEM TO COMPLY WITH THE CONTROL OF OBSCENE AND INDECENT ARTICLES ORDINANCE.
UNDER THE ORDINANCE, IT IS AN OFFENCE TO PUBLISH INDECENT ARTICLES TO MINORS OR WITHOUT THE PRESCRIBED WARNING NOTICE.
PUBLIC DISPLAY OF INDECENT MATTERS IS ALSO PROHIBITED.
ON CONVICTION, THE MAXIMUM PENALTY IS A FINE OF $200,000 AND A 12-MONTH JAIL TERM.
A SPOKESMAN FOR TELA SAID: "WE BELIEVE IT IS HIGH TIME THAT PUBLISHERS AND NEWS VENDORS BE REMINDED AGAIN OF THE GOVERNMENT POLICY TO PROTECT THE YOUNG AND THE CONSEQUENCES THEY FACE IF THEY FAIL TO ABIDE BY THE LAW.
"IF OUR ADVICE IS UNHEEDED, THE GOVERNMENT WILL HAVE TO CONSIDER PROSECUTIONS," HE SAID.
TELA WILL ALSO WRITE TO SCHOOLS TO MAKE THEM BETTER AWARE OF THE SITUATION.
"WE HOPE PARENTS AND TEACHERS CAN PLAY A PART IN GIVING GUIDANCE TO OUR YOUNG PEOPLE ON WHAT IS AND WHAT IS NOT SUITABLE READING MATERIAL," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
A TELEVISION ANNOUNCEMENT IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST WILL ALSO BE SCREENED TO PUBLICISE THE MESSAGE.
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/10
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1993
- 10 -
32 EX-CHINA VIETNAMESE SENT BACK * * ♦ ♦ »
THIRTY-TWO EX-CHINA VIETNAMESE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WERE REPATRIATED TO CHINA TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE GROUP COMPRISED 13 MEN, 10 WOMEN AND NINE MINORS UNDER 16 YEARS OF AGE.
THIS WAS THE THIRD BATCH OF SUCH ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS RETURNED TO CHINA UNDER AN AGREEMENT REACHED BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINESE OFFICIALS AT A MEETING IN GUANGZHOU ON AUGUST 23.
------0--------
TWO NATURE TRAILS OPEN FOR PUBLIC ENJOYMENT *****
COUNTRY PARK VISITORS, PICNICKERS OR HIKERS NOW HAVE MORE CHOICE OF DESTINATIONS TO APPRECIATE NATURE OR TO FLEX THEIR MUSCLES AFTER TWO NEW NATURE TRAILS OPEN IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE TRAILS ARK AT HUNG MUI KUK IN SHA TIN AND TAI TONG IN YUEN LONG. UPGRADING WORKS HAVE JUST BEEN COMPLETED AND THEY ARE NOW OPEN FOR PUBLIC USE.
WITH THE ADDITION OF THE TWO TRAILS, THERE ARE A TOTAL OF NINE NATURE TRAILS IN THE TERRITORY. THE OTHER SEVEN ARE IN ABERDEEN, EAGLE’S NEST, SHING MUN, TAI PO KAU, PAT SIN LENG, BRIDE’S POOL AND PAK TAM CHUNG.
COUNTRY PARK DEVELOPMENT OFFICER OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT (AFD), MR YEUNG KA-MING, SAID EACH OF THE TRAILS HAD ITS UNIQUENESS IN RELATION TO NATURE, HISTORICAL BACKGROUND AND ATTRACTIONS.
THE HUNG MUI KUK NATURE TRAIL, WHICH IS ABOUT 1.3 KILOMETRES LONG, IS LOCATED INSIDE THE LION ROCK COUNTRY PARK. IT IS A CIRCULAR ROUTE AND TAKES A VISITOR ABOUT AN HOUR TO COMPLETE.
MR YEUNG SAID THE AREA HAD A LONG RECREATIONAL HISTORY AND WAS ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR RECREATIONAL AREAS IN THE TERRITORY.
THE NATURE TRAIL BEGINS FROM A POPULAR BARBECUE SITE OFF LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD FROM THE HUNG MUI KUK ROAD. MANY INTERESTING PLANTS CAN BE FOUND ALONG THE TRAIL INCLUDING ’’LICHEN”, A KIND OF POLLUTION INDICATOR, AND ”KAM KAU MAU”, WHICH IS BELIEVED TO POSSESS MEDICINAL VALUES.
IN ADDITION, VISITORS CAN ALSO TAKE A GOOD PANORAMIC VIEW OF SHA TIN FROM THE ROUTE AND A CLOSE-UP LOOK OF THE FAMOUS MONG FU SHEK.
/THE TAI .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1993
THE TAI TONG NATURE TRAIL, WHICH STRETCHES OVER FOUR KILOMETRES, IS THE LONGEST ONE OF ITS KIND IN THE TERRITORY. IT TAKES AN AVERAGE HIKER ABOUT TWO HOURS TO FOLLOW THOROUGHLY.
MR YEUNG POINTED OUT THAT THE TAI TONG AREA WAS FORMERLY A BORROW AREA AND ALMOST ALL THE TREES FOUND IN THE AREAS WERE RESULTS OF AFFORESTATION.
THE NATURE TRAIL, WHICH BEGINS FROM A POPULAR BARBECUE SITE AT TAI TONG ROAD, RUNS THROUGH MANY HEAVILY ERODED PLACES AND IS AN IDEAL LOCATION FOR STUDYING EROSION CONTROL AND AFFORESTATION.
SINCE PART OF THE ROUTE ARE RUGGED AND SLIPPERY, IT IS ONLY SUITABLE FOR THE WELL-PREPARED HIKERS.
MR YEUNG SAID INTERPRETATION LABELS HAD BEEN ERECTED ALONG THE TWO NEW TRAILS TO HELP EASY UNDERSTANDING AND BETTER APPRECIATION OF THE SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE TRAILS.
VISITORS MAY ALSO BRING ALONG OFFICIAL GUIDEBOOKS FOR DETAILED STUDY.
ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF NATURE TRAILS AT COUNTRY PARKS, MR YEUNG SAID THE IDEA DATED BACK TO THE MID-1970’S WHEN THE FIRST NATURE TRAIL, PINEAPPLE DAM, WAS SET UP IN SHING MUN.
THE MAIN OBJECTIVE WAS TO HELP COUNTRY PARK VISITORS UNDERSTAND FLORA AND FAUNA AS WELL AS VILLAGE LIFE.
IT ALSO AIMED AT PROVIDING MORE ENJOYMENT FOR COUNTRY PARK VISITORS AND DEVELOPING A POSITIVE ATTITUDE ON COUNTRYSIDE PROTECTION.
HE SAID NATURE TRAILS WERE BASICALLY SELF-GUIDED WALKS. VISITORS CAN MOVE AT THEIR CHOSEN SPEED AND TAKE AS MUCH TIME AS THEY LIKE AT EACH STOP.
THE NINE NATURE TRAILS TOGETHER OFFER A GREAT VARIETY OF CHOICES FOR VISITORS. EACH ONE IS MARKED BY INDIVIDUAL HIGHLIGHTS, SUCH AS RESERVOIRS AND CATCHMENT AREAS AT ABERDEEN; MONKEYS AND CHANGING LANDSCAPE AT EAGLE’S NEST; WOODLAND AND STREAM AT BRIDE’S POOL AND INTERESTING GEOGRAPHICAL NATURE AT PAT SIN LENG.
ALTERNATIVELY, VISITORS ('AN EXPECT BETTER SUNSHINE SHADE AT THE BEAUTIFUL TAI PO KAU NATURE TRAIL WHICH TAKES LESS THAN AN HOUR TO COMPLETE.
PUBLICATIONS AND PUBLICITY LEAFLETS ON THESE NATURE TRAILS CAN BE BOUGHT OR OBTAINED FROM VISITOR CENTRES AND GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS COUNTERS.
FOR THE ENJOYMENT OF OTHER VISITORS, MR YEUNG REMINDED VISITORS NOT TO COLLECT PLANT SPECIMENS OR NATURAL HABITATS ALONG EACH TRAIL.
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/12........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1993
12
JETTY PLANNED FOR YUEN KONG CHAU
*****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS PLANNED TO CONSTRUCT A JETTY AT YUEN KONG CHAU ON THE SOKO ISLANDS FOR THE INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE OF A WIND PROFILER/RADIO ACOUSTIC SOUNDING SYSTEM FOR THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK.
THE WORKS WILL START IN MAY NEXT YEAR AND BE COMPLETED AROUND MID-1995 .
THE EXTENT OF THE FORESHORE AND SEABED AFFECTED IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HE HAS AN INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED MAY SEND IN A WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS BEFORE NOVEMBER 24, 1993.
THE NOTICE TOGETHER WITH THE RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE.
- THE PLAN CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD; DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, ISLANDS, 19TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL; AND THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE, 20TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING.
THE PLAN IS ON SALE AT THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE OF THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IN MURRAY BUILDING, CENTRAL.
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VILLAGE IMPROVEMENT WORKS FOR TAT O PROPOSED
* * * * *
THE SOUTH WEST NEW TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HAS PROPOSED CARRYING OUT SOME VILLAGE IMPROVEMENT WORKS AT TAI O, LANTAU, NEXT YEAR UNDER THE RURAL PLANNING AND IMPROVEMENT STRATEGY PROGRAMME.
A VAN TRACK AND FOOTPATH WILL BE BUILT, AND ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE AND LANDSCAPING WORKS WILL BE DONE.
THE WORKS HAVE BEEN SCHEDULED TO START IN MARCH NEXT YEAR FOR COMPLETION IN ABOUT 21 MONTHS.
A NOTICE OF THE PROPOSED WORKS ISSUED UNDER THE ROADS (WORKS, USE AND COMPENSATION) ORDINANCE IS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
/THE PLAN .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1993
THE PLAN OF THE WORKS IS AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION AT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, THE ISLANDS DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, AND THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE, ALL LOCATED AT HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
ANY PERSON WISHING TO OBJECT TO THE PROPOSAL SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG, NO LATER THAN NOVEMBER 23, 1993, DESCRIBING HIS INTEREST AND MANNER IN WHICH HE WILL BE AFFECTED.
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ORAL HEALTH PLAYLAND OPENS FOR CHILDREN *****
PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN MAY COME TO APPRECIATE THE SERVICE OF DENTISTS AND DENTAL THERAPISTS THROUGH GAMES IN A COSY ENVIRONMENT DESIGNED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH’S ORAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT.
ON THE "BRIGHTER SMILES PLAYLAND", THEY CAN MEET DENTAL PERSONNEL FACE TO FACE AND LEARN HOW TO CARE FOR THEIR TEETH.
BECAUSE CHILDREN MAY HAVE A RATHER NEGATIVE VIEW ON DENTAL PERSONNEL, THE EDUCATION UNIT HOPES TO CORRECT THEM AT THE PRE-SCHOOL AGE.
LAUNCHING PHASE II OF THE "BRIGHTER SMILES FOR THE NEW GENERATION" PRE-SCHOOL ORAL HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAMME, THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, DR S H LEE, SAID RESPONSE TO THE PROGRAMME WAS GOOD.
MORE THAN 80 PER CENT OF KINDERGARTENS AND NURSERIES HAVE COLLECTED THE TEACHING KITS PRODUCED BY THE UNIT.
"WE BELIEVE ABOUT 200,000 PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN HAD READ OUR STORY BOOKS AT HOME IN THE LAST SUMMER VACATION.
"JUDGING FROM THE RESPONSE TO THE TALKS WE CONDUCTED FOR PARENTS, THERE ARE POSITIVE SIGNS INDICATING A GROWING CONCERN ABOUT PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN’S ORAL HEALTH," HE SAID.
CHILDREN VISITING THE PLAYLAND WILL HAVE AN HOUR GOING THROUGH FIVE CORNERS OF ACTIVITIES.
THEY CAN SEE THEIR OWN PLAGUE AND BRUSH IT OFF IN THE "ANGLES’ CASTLE", EXPLORE A DENTAL CLINIC, AS WELL AS READ AND TELL STORIES AT THE "CLEVER KIDS BOOK ROOM".
THEY CAN ALSO SOLVE PUZZLES AND LEARN TO CHOOSE NON-SUGAR GIFTS FOR FRIENDS IN A MINI SUPERMARKET.
PRE-SCHOOL ORGANISATIONS INTERESTED IN ARRANGING VISITS TO THE PLAYLAND CAN CONTACT THE ORAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT ON TEL 715 8050.
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1993
14
MID-AUTUMN HOLIDAY REMINDER
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT OCTOBER 1 (FRIDAY), THE DAY FOLLOWING THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL, IS ONE OF THE 11 STATUTORY HOLIDAYS.
ALL EMPLOYEES IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR WAGE LEVELS ARE ENTITLED TO THE HOLIDAY AND MUST BE PAID FOR THE DAY OFF IF THEY HAVE WORKED CONTINUOUSLY FOR AN EMPLOYER FOR THREE MONTHS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.
HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE EQUIVALENT TO AN EMPLOYEE’S EARNINGS ON A FULL WORKING DAY AND SHOULD INCLUDE BASIC WAGES AS WELL AS ALLOWANCES THAT CAN BE EXPRESSED IN MONEY TERMS SUCH AS MEALS AND COST OF LIVING ALLOWANCES.
WHERE THE EARNINGS VARY FROM DAY TO DAY, HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE THE AVERAGE DAILY EARNINGS DURING EVERY COMPLETE WAGE PERIOD, WHICH COULD BE BETWEEN 28 AND 31 DAYS, PRECEDING THE HOLIDAY.
IF AN EMPLOYEE IS REQUIRED TO WORK ON A STATUTORY HOLIDAY, HE MUST BE GIVEN AN ALTERNATIVE DAY OFF WITHIN 60 DAYS BEFORE OR AFTER THAT DAY.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT STATUTORY HOLIDAYS MAY BE MADE OF THE GENERAL ENQUIRY TELEPHONE SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ON TEL 717 1771.
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PIER LANDING STEPS TO CLOSE ON SUNDAY * t * ♦ ♦
THE SET OF LANDING STEPS AT THE EASTERN END OF KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER IN TSIM SHA TSUI WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO MARINE TRAFFIC FOR EIGHT HOURS ON SUNDAY (SEPTEMBER 26).
THE CLOSURE IS TO FACILITATE THE OPEN DAY ON BOARD OUTWARD BOUND SCHOOL’S ADVENTURE SHIP M V ’HUAN’, THE MARINE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE CLOSURE PERIOD WILL BE FROM 10 AM TO 6 PM.
"OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF SMALL CRAFT ARE ADVISED TO USE OTHER SETS OF LANDING STEPS AT THE PIER DURING THE PERIOD," A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
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/15
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1993
- 15 -
RURAL LAND TO BE RESUMED FOR PUBLIC WORKS ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ »
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO RESUME PART OF A FISH POND AND SOME AGRICULTURAL LOTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND ON LANTAU ISLAND FOR THREE PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS.
PART OF A FISH POND LOT WITH AN AREA OF 2,872 SQUARE METRES IN YUEN LONG IS REQUIRED FOR LAYING MAIN DRAINAGE CHANNELS.
IN TAI LAM CHUNG, TUEN MUN, ABOUT 2,437 SQUARE METRES OF LAND FROM SEVEN AGRICULTURAL LOTS WILL BE RESUMED FOR LAYING WATER MAINS FrOM TAI LAM CHUNG TO TAI LAM KOK.
THE GOVERNMENT HAS TO RESUME ANOTHER 565 SQUARE METRES OF LAND FROM FIVE AGRICULTURAL LOTS IN TUNG CHUNG FOR BUILDING FRESH AND SALT WATER SERVICE RESERVOIRS.
WORKS OF THE PROJECTS ARE PROGRAMMED TO START LATER THIS YEAR OR EARLY NEXT YEAR.
RESUMPTION NOTICES WERE GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY). THE LAND WILL BE REVERTED TO THE GOVERNMENT THREE MONTHS LATER.
---------0-----------
PENG CHAU DRAINAGE WORKS *****
THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT ON TAI LEI ISLAND NEAR PENG CHAU.
THE WORKS, FORMING PART OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF PENG CHAU, INCLUDE THE BUILDING OF A SEWAGE PUMPING STATION NEAR PENG CHAU FERRY PIER, AN ASSOCIATED TWIN RISING MAIN AND ANCILLARY WORKS.
WORKS WILL BEGIN IN DECEMBER FOR COMPLETION IN 18 MONTHS.
A NOTICE CALLING FOR TENDERS HAS BEEN GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE OFFICE OF CHIEF ENGINEER, NEW WORKS DIVISION, DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 44TH FLOOR, REVENUE TOWER, 5 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI.
CLOSING DATE FOR TENDERS IS NOON ON OCTOBER 15.
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/16........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1993
- 16 -
MORE LEISURE FACILITIES IN NGAU TAU KOK *****
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A RECREATION GROUND AT JORDAN VALLEY, NGAU TAU KOK.
COVERING AN AREA OF 1.05 HECTARES, THE RECREATION GROUND WILL HAVE A LANDSCAPED PARK, CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND, TAI-CHI AREA, EXERCISE AREA, PAVILIONS, OFFICES, PUBLIC TOILETS AND ANCILLARY FACILITIES.
WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO BEGIN AT THE END OF THIS YEAR FOR COMPLETION IN MARCH 1995.
FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 34TH FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.
TENDER OFFER WILL CLOSE AT NOON ON OCTOBER 15.
------0-------
CENTRAL AND WESTERN SPORTS FESTIVAL STARTS ON SUNDAY *****
A VARIETY OF GAMES WILL BE LINED UP FOR CENTRAL AND WESTERN RESIDENTS DURING A TWO-MONTH SPORTS FESTIVAL BEGINNING ON SUNDAY (SEPTEMBER 26) AT THE CHATER ROAD PRECINCT.
THE FESTIVAL, WHICH WILL LAST UNTIL NOVEMBER 28, WILL INCLUDE A DAY CAMP FOR THE ELDERLY, A SWIMMING GALA, A HALLOWEEN MASQUERADE, FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL, VOLLEY BALL, BADMINTON AND A TRACK AND FIELD MEET.
THE EVENT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORT ASSOCIATION, THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD, THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE URBAN COUNCIL.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE THE COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR LEUNG SAI-WAH; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR AMBROSE LAU; DISTRICT OFFICER, MR HERMAN CHO; URBAN COUNCILLOR MR CHAN TAK-CHOR, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE RECREATION AND SPORT ASSOCIATION, MR BILLY LAM.
THERE WILL BE PERFORMANCES BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY POLICE PIPE AND DRUM BAND, THE HA KWOK CHEUNG LION DANCE TEAM, HA TAK KIN MARTIAL ART SOCIETY AND MOK-LAN SONG AND DANCE GROUP.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY CUM CARNIVAL OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN SPORTS FESTIVAL TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY (SEPTEMBER 26) AT THE CHATER ROAD PRECINCT FROM 2 PM TO 5 PM.
- - 0----------
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1993
- 17 -
257 VIETNAMESE SENT HOME
*****
A GROUP OF 257 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (FRIDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER A VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME OF THE UNITED NATION HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES.
COMPRISING 74 MEN, 64 WOMEN, 67 BOYS AND 52 GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 166TH BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.
THE GROUP BROUGHT TO 6,421 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAVE RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 32,733 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN MARCH 1989.
------0-------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,720
REVERSAL OF LAF +280
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 2,000
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY NIL
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,000
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 112.5 *+0.1* 24.9.93
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 2.70 PCT 14 MONTHS 2411 4.625 101.31 3.47
1 MONTH 2.77 PCT 17 MONTHS 2502 4.75 101.46 3.69
3 MONTHS 2.86 PCT 20 MONTHS 2505 3.75 99.73 3.96
6 MONTHS 3.04 PCT 23 MONTHS 2508 4.625 101.08 4.06
12 MONTHS 3.30 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 9,646 MN
CLOSED 24 SEPTEMBER 1993 --------------------------------0--------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1993
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CONFERENCE ON NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT .............................. 1
RETAILERS URGED TO CO-OPERATE TN HORLTCKS RECALI................. 2
KOWLOON CITY TO HOLD LANTERN CARNIVAL ........................... 2
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS . 3
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1993
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR TO MEET THE PUBLIC ON POLICY ADDRESS ................... 4
HONG KONG SUPPORTS WORLD MARITIME DAY ........................... 5
TOWN PLANNING VIDEO WINS INTERNATIONAL AWARD .................... 7
52 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED TN JULY .......................... 7
RESIDENTS INVITED TO JOIN FAMILY GAME CONTEST ................... 8
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1993
CONFERENCE ON NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT *****
HUNDREDS OF DELEGATES FROM 27 COUNTRIES WILL ATTEND A FIVE-DAY CONFERENCE ON NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT DUE TO OPEN TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE.
IT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE GOVERNMENT, LOCAL PROFESSIONALS AND INSTITUTES, AND THE INTERNATIONAL URBAN DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION (INTA).
AMONG THOSE OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING WILL BE THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, AND THE DIRECTOR OF TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT, MR CHOW CHE-KING.
THE CONFERENCE ENABLES DELEGATES TO EXCHANGE EXPERIENCE AND INFORMATION ON NEW TOWN AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT POLICIES.
MR CHOW SAID THE EVENT WOULD ALSO HELP TO PROMOTE INTERNATIONAL UNDERSTANDING AND ENHANCE HONG KONG’S IMAGE.
"BUILDING ON OVER 20 YEARS OF NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT, THE LOCAL REPRESENTATIVES, INCLUDING THOSE FROM GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, CAN CONTRIBUTE TO THE CONFERENCE AND REVIEW THEIR EXPERIENCE ON A GLOBAL LEVEL.
"GIVEN THAT HONG KONG IS AN IMPORTANT ECONOMIC, TRADE AND FINANCIAL CENTRE IN THE REGION, THE CONFERENCE IS LIKELY TO ATTRACT A LOT OF ATTENTION LOCALLY AND OVERSEAS," HE SAID.
SITE TOURS, RECEPTIONS AND SOCIAL GATHERINGS WILL ALSO BE LINED UP.
"BY PARTICIPATING IN THE CONFERENCE, THE GOVERNMENT HAS REAFFIRMED ITS COMMITMENT NOT ONLY TO IMPLEMENTING THE NEW TOWN PROGRAMME BUT ALSO TO MEETING THE ASPIRATION OF RESIDENTS FOR A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE," MR CHOW SAID.
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT (TDD), WHICH IS RESPONSIBLE FOR CO-ORDINATING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW TOWN PROGRAMME, IS AN ACTIVE PARTNER IN PLANNING THE CONFERENCE.
"THE CONFERENCE PROGRAMME WILL BE FULLY PACKED WITH THE WISDOM OF EXPERTS. LOCAL PEOPLE WILL WELCOME THE INITIATIVES TO IMPROVE ON A JOB THAT HAS ALREADY BEEN WELL DONE," MR CHOW SAID.
HELPING TO ORGANISE THE "INTA 17 - NEW TOWN EXPERIENCE JOINT CONFERENCE - HONG KONG" ARE PLANNING DEPARTMENT AND HOUSING DEPARTMENT.
OTHER PRIVATE ORGANISATIONS WHO GIVE SUPPORT INCLUDE THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS, THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF PLANNERS, THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF SURVEYORS, THE ASSOCIATION OF CONSULTING ENGINEERS OF HONG KONG, THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERS, THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF HOUSING AND THE HONG KONG CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION.
/SINCE TDD .......
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1993
2
SINCE TDD WAS SET UP 20 YEARS AGO, EIGHT NEW TOWNS HAVE SPRUNG UP IN THE TERRITORY.
WITH THE NINTH NEW TOWN UNDER CONSTRUCTION, 2.5 MILLION PEOPLE ARE ALREADY ENJOYING WELL-PLANNED NEW LIVING ENVIRONMENT IN MORE THAN 8,000 HECTARES OF DEVELOPMENT AREAS.
---------0-----------
RETAILERS URGED TO CO-OPERATE IN HORLICKS RECALL
*****
THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TODAY (SATURDAY) CONFIRMED WITH THE SMITHKLINE BEECHAM LIMITED REGARDING THE RECALL OF NEW OVAL-SHAPED BOTTLES OF HORLICKS BECAUSE OF THE RISK OF CONTAMINATION OF GLASS CHIP.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT URGED RETAILERS TO CO-OPERATE IN THE RECALL EXERCISE AND RETURN THE AFFECTED PRODUCTS TO THE COMPANY FOR DISPOSAL.
FOOD INSPECTORS OF THE DEPARTMENT WILL VISIT SOME RETAIL OUTLETS LATER TODAY AND TAKE SAMPLES OF THE PRODUCTS FOR TESTING.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO URGED THE PUBLIC NOT TO CONSUME THE PRODUCTS UNDER RECALL. ANY PERSON FEELING UNWELL AFTER CONSUMPTION OF THE PRODUCTS SHOULD CONSULT DOCTORS IMMEDIATELY.
SO FAR, NO COMPLAINTS CONCERNING HORLICKS IN NEW BOTTLES HAVE BEEN RECEIVED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH.
-----0-------
KOWLOON CITY TO HOLD LANTERN CARNIVAL
*****
THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT WILL HOLD A LANTERN CARNIVAL TO CELEBRATE THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL AT THE ARGYLE STREET PLAYGROUND TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
RESIDENTS ARE WELCOME TO JOIN IN THE FUN. ADMISSION IS FREE.
APART FROM A SHOW BY POPULAR SINGERS AND A LANTERN EXHIBITION, THERE WILL BE RIDDLES, WESTERN AND ORIENTAL FOLK DANCES, CHINESE ACROBATICS, PUPPET SHOW, CHINESE HANDICRAFTS DEMONSTRATIONS, PALM-READING, CHESS COMPETITION AS WELL AS CANTONESE OPERA.
GAMES TICKETS AND COUPONS FOR HANDICRAFTS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED AT THE VENUE.
COLOURFUL LANTERNS WILL ALSO BE GIVEN TO CHILDREN ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS.
THE CARNIVAL IS ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT ARTS AND CULTURE COUNCIL, AND THE URBAN COUNCIL.
/OFFICIATING GUESTS .......
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1993
3
OFFICIATING GUESTS WILL INCLUDE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILLIAM YAP, AND THE WORKING GROUP CHAIRMAN OF KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL LANTERN CARNIVAL, MR LEE HOI-SANG.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL LANTERN CARNIVAL WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 7 PM TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT THE ARGYLE STREET PLAYGROUND AT THE JUNCTION OF ARGYLE STREET AND MA TAU CHUNG ROAD. AN OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 8 PM.
--------0-----------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
ft
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
ft ft ft ft ft
$ MILLION
2,000
NIL
2,000
NIL
-395
1,605
TWI 112.4 ft-O.lft 25.9.93
- - 0-------
/4 ........
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1993
4
GOVERNOR TO MEET THE PUBLIC ON POLICY ADDRESS
*****
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WILL BE INVITED TO PUT QUESTIONS TO THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, ON HIS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ADDRESS IN A SERIES OF MEETINGS NEXT MONTH, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE MEETINGS WILL BE OPEN TO EVERYONE AND FREE ADMISSION TICKETS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED THROUGH THE URBTIX SYSTEM FROM THURSDAY (SEPTEMBER 30).
THE FIRST PUBLIC MEETING WILL BE HELD AT THE SHATIN TOWN HALL ON OCTOBER 7 (THURSDAY) AND THE SECOND ONE AT THE CULTURAL CENTRE, TSIM SHA TSUI THE FOLLOWING DAY (OCTOBER 8).
BOTH MEETINGS WILL RUN FROM 5.45 PM TO 7.15 PM. INTERPRETATION FACILITIES WILL BE AVAILABLE.
URBTIX OUTLETS WHERE ADMISSION TICKETS CAN BE OBTAINED ARE:
* HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE
* HONG KONG COLISEUM
* NGAU CHI WAN CIVIC CENTRE
* QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM
* CITY HALL
* SHEUNG WAN CIVIC CENTRE
* SAI WAN HO CIVIC CENTRE
* SHATIN TOWN HALL
* TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL
* TURN MUN TOWN HALL
* HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS
* HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE
* TOM LEE MUSIC COMPANY BRANCHES IN
- CAMERON LANE, TSIM SHA TSUI,
- CITY PLAZA, TAI KOO SHING,
- 521 HENNESSY ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY,
- CITY CENTRE BUILDING, 144-149 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI, AND
- TSUEN WAN TOWN SQUARE.
A SEPARATE SESSION FOR TERTIARY STUDENTS AND STAFF WILL BE HELD AT LOKE YEW HALL, UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG ON OCTOBER 15 (FRIDAY).
THIS SESSION WILL BEGIN AT 6 PM AND WILL LAST UNTIL 7.30 PM.
/FREE ADMISSION .......
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1993
5
EREE ADMISSION TICKETS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED THROUGH THE FOLLOWING INSTITUTIONS:
* THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
* THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
* THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
* THE CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG
* HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC
* HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE
* SHUE YAN COLLEGE
* LINGNAN COLLEGE
* NORTHCOTE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
* SIR ROBERT BLACK COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
* GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
* HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE
» THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS
* THE OPEN LEARNING INSTITUTE OF HONG KONG
--------0-----------
HONG KONG SUPPORTS WORLD MARITIME DAY *****
THE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANISATION (IMO), OF WHICH HONG KONG IS AN ASSOCIATE MEMBER, WILL CELEBRATE THE WORLD MARITIME DAY FROM SEPTEMBER 27 TO OCTOBER 1.
THE ORGANISATION USES THE OCCASION EVERY YEAR TO PUBLICISE ITS WORK. THIS YEAR, THE THEME IS "IMPLEMENTATION OF IMO STANDARDS - THE KEY TO SUCCESS".
IN HIS ANNUAL MESSAGE, THE IMO SECRETARY-GENERAL, MR WILLIAM O’NEIL, ADDRESSES A NUMBER OF ISSUES:
* THE IMO’S MAIN ROLE IS TO DEVELOP INTERNATIONAL SAFETY AND STANDARDS TO IMPROVE THE SAFETY OF LIFE AND PROPERTY AT SEA;
* SINCE 1959, THE IMO HAS ADOPTED MORE THAN 40 CONVENTIONS, MOST OF WHICH HAVE BEEN RATIFIED BY THE MAJORITY OF THE WORLD’S MARITIME NATIONS INVOLVING 96 PER CENT OF THE WORLD’S MERCHANT SHIPS;
* THE MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL THE IMO CONVENTIONS IS THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION FOR THE SAFETY OF LIFE AT SEA, 1974; AND
/* ANOTHER CONVENTION .......
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1993
6
* ANOTHER CONVENTION, GIVEN GREAT IMPORTANCE, IS THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION FOR THE PREVENTION OF POLLUTION FROM SHIPS.
WHILE THE IMO TAKES THE LEAD, PROVIDES THE VENUE AND ENCOURAGES CONCENSUS AMONG MEMBERS, IT IS INDIVIDUAL ADMINISTRATION WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR MAKING SURE THAT IMO CONVENTIONS, ONCE BROUGHT INTO FORCE INTERNATIONALLY, ARE THEN TRANSLATED INTO LOCAL LAWS.
TWO WAYS OF DOING THIS HAVE EVOLVED: FLAG STATE IMPLEMENTATION
AND PORT STATE CONTROL.
FLAG STATE IMPLEMENTATION MEANS THAT A GOVERNMENT’S MARITIME AUTHORITY MUST ENSURE THAT ITS OWN LAWS CONFORM WITH THE STANDARDS OF THE CONVENTION.
THIS MEANS CONSTANT ADAPTATION AND THE WRITING OF NEW LAWS BY PROFESSIONAL OFFICERS OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT WORKING WITH LAW DRAFTSMEN IN THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT.
PORT STATE CONTROL IS A MEANS BY WHICH ONE PORT STATE CAN INSPECT FOREIGN SHIPS CALLING AT ITS PORTS TO ENSURE THAT THE CONVENTION STANDARDS ARE BEING OBSERVED AND, IF NECESSARY, WITHHOLD CLEARANCE FROM THAT SHIP TO SAIL UNTIL IDENTIFIED DEFECTS AND OMISSIONS HAVE BEEN REMEDIED.
THE IMO IS SERIOUSLY CONCERNED THAT THE HARD WORK OF THE ORGANISATION AND MOST OF ITS MEMBERS OVER THE LAST THREE DECADES IS BEING JEOPARDISED BY THE FAILURE OF SOME ADMINISTRATIONS TO DISCHARGE THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER THE CONVENTIONS.
THEREFORE, A NEW SUB-COMMITTEE ON FLAG STATE IMPLEMENTATION MET FOR THE FIRST TIME IN APRIL THIS YEAR. ITS TASK IS TO CONSIDER WAYS TO HELP ADMINISTRATIONS IMPROVE IMPLEMENTATION OF INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS.
THESE AND MANY OTHER MEASURES SHOW THAT THE IMO IS DETERMINED TO KEEP WORKING TOWARDS ITS DUAL OBJECTIVES OF SAFER SHIPPING AND CLEANER SEAS.
BUT ACHIEVEMENT OF THESE OBJECTIVES DEPENDS ON THE FULL COOPERATION OF MEMBER ADMINISTRATIONS.
THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR ALLAN PYRKE, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT HONG KONG, BEING AN ASSOCIATE MEMBER OF THE IMO AND HAVING AN AUTONOMOUS SHIPPING REGISTRY, IS BOUND BY THESE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS.
”1 WHOLEHEARTEDLY SUPPORT THE TARGETS SET BY THE IMO. HONG KONG IS IN THE FOREFRONT OF THOSE ADMINISTRATIONS IMPLEMENTING LOCAL LAWS STEMMING FROM INTERNATIONALLY RATIFIED MARITIME SAFETY CONVENTIONS AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE SO,” MR PYRKE SAID.
”HONG KONG INTENDS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGIONAL CO-OPERATION ON PORT STATE CONTROL. A REGIONAL MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WILL BE FINALISED AT A MEETING IN DECEMBER THIS YEAR IN TOKYO AT WHICH HONG KONG WILL BE REPRESENTED.”
---------0------------
/7........
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1993
7
TOWN PLANNING VIDEO WINS INTERNATIONAL AWARD
* * * * *
A VIDEO ON TOWN PLANNING IN HONG KONG HAS RECENTLY BEEN AWARDED A CERTIFICATE FOR CREATIVE EXCELLENCE IN THE 26TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL AWARDS COMPETITION ORGANISED BY THE U.S. INTERNATIONAL FILM AND VIDEO FESTIVAL.
THE 15-MINUTE VIDEO WAS PRODUCED BY THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT.
IN ENGLISH, CANTONESE AND MANDARIN VERSIONS, IT AIMS TO INTRODUCE THE WORK OF TOWN PLANNING IN HONG KONG AND TO OUTLINE THE GOVERNMENT’S EFFORT IN THIS AREA.
THE VIDEO IS AVAILABLE ON LOAN TO LOCAL EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND OTHER ORGANISATIONS INTERESTED IN TOWN PLANNING.
REQUEST CAN BE MADE TO THE PLANNING INFORMATION AND TECHNICAL ADMINISTRATION UNIT OF THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT ON 16TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, CENTRAL OR ON TELEPHONE 848 2402.
------0--------
52 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN JULY t * * ♦ »
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY APPROVED 52 NEW BUILDING PLANS IN JULY THIS YEAR.
OF THEM, 14 WERE FOR HONG KONG, 12 FOR KOWLOON AND 26 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE APPROVED PLANS INCLUDED 18 FOR APARTMENT, APARTMENT/COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS, EIGHT FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS AND 13 FOR FACTORY AND INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES.
IN THE MONTH, CONSENTS WERE GIVEN FOR WORK TO START ON 40 PROJECTS, INVOLVING 134,442 SQUARE METRES OF USABLE DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA AND 200,887 SQUARE METRES OF USBALE NON-DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA.
THE TOTAL DECLARED COST OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED WAS ABOUT $2,131 MILLION. USABLE FLOOR AREAS OF THE BUILDINGS FOR DOMESTIC AND NON-DOMESTIC USES WERE 206,171 SQUARE METRES AND 68,978 SQUARE METRES RESPECTIVELY.
IN JULY, THE AUTHORITY ISSUED 34 OCCUPATION PERMITS - 17 FOR
HONG KONG ISLAND, NINE FOR KOWLOON, AND EIGHT FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
IN ADDITION, 29 DEMOLITION CONSENTS INVOLVING 64 BUILDINGS WERE ISSUED.
THE CONTROL AND ENFORCEMENT DIVISION RECEIVED 913 COMPLAINTS OF UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS, CARRIED OUT 1,672 INSPECTIONS AND ISSUED 1,301 REMOVAL ORDERS IN RESPECT OF UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS.
THE DANGEROUS BUILDINGS SECTION INSPECTED 864 BUILDINGS AND OBTAINED NINE EMERGENCY CLOSURE ORDERS.
/8.........
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1993
8
RESIDENTS INVITED TO JOIN FAMILY GAME CONTEST
*****
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE INVITED TO ENTER A COMPETITION TO DESIGN GAMES FOR THE FAMILY.
IT IS ONE OF THE ACTIVITIES TO CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF FAMILY (IYF) NEXT YEAR WHICH WAS PROCLAIMED BY THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
THE COMPETITION IS HELD BY THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE ON THE OPENING EVENT OF IYF FORMED UNDER THE CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE ON IYF SET UP BY SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
THE CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE IS MADE UP OF REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE GOVERNMENT AND NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS.
’’THE OBJECTIVES OF THE COMPETITION ARE TO AROUSE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF HARMONIOUS FAMILY RELATIONSHIP AND TO ENHANCE COMMUNICATION AMONG FAMILY MEMBERS THROUGH GAMES,’’ THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MRS WAN LEE LAI-MUI, SAID.
THE COMPETITION IS DIVIDED INTO OPEN AND STUDENT SECTIONS.
THE FIRST THREE WINNERS IN EACH SECTION WILL BE AWARDED CASH OF $5,000, $3,000 AND $2,000 RESPECTIVELY.
ENTRY FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE DEPARTMENT’S GROUP WORK UNITS IN VARIOUS DISTRICTS AND THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE.
ENTRANTS SHOULD SEND THEIR NEW-DESIGN MODEL AND AN APPLICATION FORM TO THE OFFICES BY NOVEMBER 26.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 864 2957.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1993
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
GOVERNOR VISITS SHEUNG SHUI FLOODED AREAS ............... 1
13TH ROUND OF STNO-BRITISH TALKS ........................ 2
EMERGENCY RELIEF FOR FLOOD VICTIMS ...................... 2
GEO RECEIVES 63 REPORTS OF LANDSLIDES ................... 2
’TWO MORE RELIEF CENTRES SET UP TO HELP FARMERS ......... 3
LOWER SHING MUN RESERVOIR IS SAFE ...................... 5
WATER SUPPLY TO NORTH NT RESUMES ........................ 5
URBAN RENEWAL - CHALLENGE OF NEXT TWO DECADES .......... 6
NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT BRINGS SOCIAL COHESION ............. 7
QUANTITY NOT SOLE TARGET IN HEALTH AND WELFARE PLANNING 7
RESTAURANT BUSINESS FIGURES FOR SECOND QUARTER .......... 9
RESIDENTIAL FEES FOR ELDERLY REVERTED ................... 12
WORK IN CONFINED SPACES MUST BE SAFE .................... 13
GOVERNMENT COMMITTED TO SUPPORTING INDUSTRY ............. 15
CIVIL AVIATION VITAL TO HONG KONG SUCCESS ............... 16
MOON MOVEMENT DURING MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL ................ 16
CLINICS TO CLOSE ON MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL ................. 17
WATER STORAGE FIGURE .................................... 17
FRESH WATER CUT TN YUEN LONG ............................ 17
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
18
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1993
1
GOVERNOR VISITS SHEUNG SHUI FLOODED AREAS
» * ♦ * *
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, VISITED HO SHEUNG HEUNG IN SHEUNG SHUI TODAY (MONDAY) TO SEE FOR HIMSELF SOME OF THE EFFECTS OF THE APPALLING FLOODING OVER THE WEEKEND.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER THE VISIT, THE GOVERNOR OFFERED HIS SYMPATHY TO THOSE WHO HAD SUFFERED LOSSES AND NOTED THAT THERE WERE A NUMBER OF LESSONS TO BE LEARNT.
"IN THE MEDIUM TERM, I HOPE THAT WE CAN GET OUR LEGISLATION VERY QUICKLY THROUGH THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SO WE WILL BE ABLE TO GET EASIER ACCESS TO THE BORDER RIVER AND TO OTHER STREAMS AND RIVERS TO MAKE SURE THAT WE CAN HAVE THE WATER MOVING AS RAPIDLY AS POSSIBLE AND NOT FLOODING," HE SAID.
"BUT, THERE IS A LONG-TERM SOLUTION WHICH WE REALLY GOT TO GET ON WITH IN ORDER TO PREVENT THIS SORT OF TRAGEDY HAPPENING AGAIN. AND THAT IS TO DEAL WITH THE FLOOD PREVENTION WORK ON THE BORDER RIVER.
"IT’S BEEN TALKED ABOUT FOR MANY YEARS. I AM PLEASED THAT AT LAST, WE’VE GOT THINGS AT THE PLANNING STAGE AND THE DESIGN STAGE."
HE HOPED THAT WORK ON THE $1.6 BILLION PROJECT COULD START AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
"THE LONG-TERM SOLUTION IS THE ONE WE’VE GOT TO LOOK FOR SO AS TO AVOID THESE VILLAGERS AND THEIR FAMILIES SUFFERING FROM THESE PROBLEMS AGAIN," HE SAID.
THE GOVERNOR SAID ONE OTHER SHORT-TERM ISSUE WHICH WAS OF IMPORTANCE TO MANY PEOPLE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WAS THAT THE EXISTING COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS SHOULD BE APPLIED AS RAPIDLY AS POSSIBLE BECAUSE THERE WERE PEOPLE WHO HAD LOST A GREAT DEAL IN THE WAY OF POULTRY, FOODSTUFFS AND HOUSEHOLD ITEMS.
ASKED ABOUT THE DISCUSSIONS WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITY OVER THE LONG-TERM MEASURE, MR PATTEN SAID: "DISCUSSIONS RESUMED LAST YEAR AND I AM PLEASED TO SAY THAT AS A RESULT OF THAT, THINGS ARE NOW AT THE PLANNING AND DESIGN STAGE."
"THE PRESENT INTENTION IS THAT WORK SHOULD ACTUALLY START IN EARLY 1995. WE ARE GOING TO SEE IF THERE’S ANY POSSIBILITY OF DOING THAT EARLIER BUT OBVIOUSLY, THE FIRST THING THAT WE HAVE TO DO IS TO GET THE PLANNING AND DESIGN WORK PROPERLY DONE."
IN RESPONSE TO A QUESTION ABOUT SUPPORT FROM THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT, THE GOVERNOR SAID: "I AM SURE IT IS A PROJECT ON WHICH WE WILL ALL WANT TO WORK TOGETHER WHATEVER SOME OF THE DIFFICULTIES IN THE PAST ON THIS ISSUE."
"I AM DELIGHTED THAT THINGS ARE NOW GOING AHEAD PERFECTLY ADEQUATELY BUT WE’VE GOT TO MAKE AS MUCH PROGRESS AS WE CAN."
THE GOVERNOR WAS ACCOMPANIED ON THE VISIT BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR FRED TING, AND THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER, MR TIMOTHY TONG.
------0-----------
/2 ........
2
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1993 I
13TH ROUND OF SINO-BRITISH TALKS * * * » *
THE BRITISH SIDE AND THE CHINESE SIDE HAVE AGREED THAT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE, SIR ROBIN MCLAREN, BRITISH AMBASSADOR TO CHINA, AND THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE, MR JIANG ENZHU, VICE FOREIGN MINISTER OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA, WILL HOLD THEIR THIRTEENTH ROUND OF TALKS IN BEIJING ON 11 AND 12 OCTOBER 1993 ON THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE 1994/95 ELECTIONS IN HONG KONG IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION, THE PRINCIPLE OF CONVERGENCE WITH THE BASIC LAW AND THE RELEVANT AGREEMENTS AND UNDERSTANDINGS REACHED BETWEEN BRITAIN AND CHINA.
EMERGENCY RELIEF FOR FLOOD VICTIMS
*****
RELIEF FUNDS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR VILLAGERS IN NORTH DISTRICT WHO ARE AFFECTED BY THE RECENT FLOODINGS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
EACH FAMILY IN THE FLOODED AREAS CAN APPLY, THROUGH THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, FOR A MAXIMUM OF $5,000 FOR EMERGENCY RELIEF.
THIS WILL BE IN ADDITION TO THE NORMAL EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES (SUCH AS FOR THE LOSS OF CROPS AND LIVESTOCK), AND OTHER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE OFFERED BY OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
’’THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER IS WORKING CLOSELY WITH THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN AND THE LOCAL RURAL COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN TO OFFER HELP TO THOSE IN NEED,’’ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
STAFF FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE ARE ALREADY GETTING IN TOUCH WITH THE VICTIMS TO HELP.
”WE ARE ALSO WORKING TOGETHER WITH OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TO PROVIDE TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION AND EMERGENCY RELIEF TO THOSE WHO HAVE .BEEN MADE HOMELESS BY THE FLOODING.”
PEOPLE WHO WISH TO APPLY FOR EMERGENCY RELIEF CAN CONTACT THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE OR CALL 675 1606.
---------0------------
GEO RECEIVES 63 REPORTS OF LANDSLIDES *****
THE GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING OFFICE’S (GEO) EMERGENCY CONTROL CENTRE RECEIVED 63 REPORTS OF LANDSLIDES DURING THE PERIOD FROM 2.50 PM ON SATURDAY (SEPTEMBER 25) WHEN THE LANDSLIP WARNING WAS ISSUED TO 12.30 PM TODAY (MONDAY) WHEN THE WARNING WAS LIFTED.
OF THE INCIDENTS, AROUND 30 HAVE AFFECTED ROADS AND FOOTPATHS, 15 OCCURRED NEXT TO BUILDINGS AND ABOUT 18 HAVE AFFECTED SQUATTERS.
/A SPOKESMAN
3
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1993 ?
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT POINTED OUT THAT RAINFALL ASSOCIATED WITH TYPHOON DOT HAD BEEN AFFECTING THE TERRITORY SINCE LAST FRIDAY (SEPTEMBER 24).
UP TO 10.30 AM THIS MORNING, CLOSE TO 500 MM OF RAINFALL HAD FALLEN OVER MUCH OF THE TERRITORY.
THE WORST AFFECTED AREA WAS THE MID-LEVELS ON HONG KONG ISLAND, WHICH RECEIVED ABOUT 640 MM OF RAIN.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THERE HAD BEEN NO REPORTS OF INJURIES DUE TO LANDSLIPS.
ONLY SEVEN PERSONS WERE EVACUATED FROM A PRIVATE BUILDING, SEVERAL SQUATTERS HAD BEEN TEMPORARILY CLEARED AND A NUMBER OF ROADS HAD BEEN TOTALLY OR PARTIALLY CLOSED. IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE ROADS WILL BE REOPENED SOON.
DURING THE RAINSTORM, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED, THE GEO SET UP ITS EMERGENCY CONTROL CENTRE TO RESPOND TO INCIDENT REPORTS.
THE CENTRE WAS MANNED ROUND THE CLOCK DURING THE LANDSLIP WARNING PERIOD TO PROVIDE SPECIALIST ADVICE.
ABOUT 30 GEO PROFESSIONAL STAFF WERE ON SITE DURING THE RAINSTORM AND ARE CURRENTLY FOLLOWING UP ON SEVERAL INCIDENTS.
NOTING THAT SEVERAL LANDSLIPS HAD AFFECTED PRIVATE BUILDINGS, THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED PRIVATE FLAT OWNERS TO ENSURE THAT THEIR SLOPES WERE PROPERLY MAINTAINED, AND THE DRAINS CARRYING WATER OFF SLOPES WERE CLEAR OF BLOCKAGES AT ALL TIMES.
’’LANDSLIDES ARE SOMETIMES PRECEDED BY FLOODING. THEREFORE PRIVATE OWNERS EXPERIENCING FLOODING SHOULD HAVE THEIR SLOPES INSPECTED IMMEDIATELY. GENERALLY, CLEARING OF BLOCKAGES IS A SIMPLE JOB, BUT IT IS ESSENTIAL IN PREVENTING LANDSLIDES,’’ THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
- - 0 - -
TWO MORE RELIEF CENTRES SET UP TO HELP FARMERS ♦ * * » »
IN VIEW OF THE EXTENSIVE FLOODINGS IN NORTHERN NEW TERRITORIES YESTERDAY (SUNDAY), THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT HAD SET UP TWO SPECIAL REGISTRATION CENTRES AT NORTH AND YUEN LONG DISTRICTS TO HANDLE APPLICATIONS FOR EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND BY LOCAL FARMERS.
THEY ARE IN ADDITION TO ITS THREE EXTENSION OFFICES.
NEEDY FARMERS FROM THE DISTRICTS, INCLUDING FISH FARMERS, WHO ARE AFFECTED BY THE RECENT TYPHOON CAN NOW APPLY FOR GRANTS FROM THE EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND AT THE FOLLOWING FIVE CENTRES:
* ADDITIONAL CENTRES:
TAI LUNG EXPERIMENTAL STATION (TEL:670 1161)
TA KWU LING PIG BREEDING CENTRE (TEL:674 0593)
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1993
4
* EXTENSION OFFICES:
YUEN LONG DISTRICT AGRICULTURAL OFFICE (TEL:476 2424)
KO PO EXTENSION OFFICE (TEL:674 0533)
AU TAU FISHERIES STATION OFFICE (TEL:471 9174)
OTHER EXTENSION OFFICES OF THE DEPARTMENT THAT ARE OPEN FOR REGISTRATION BY FARMERS AT OTHER DISTRICTS ARE SAI KUNG EXTENSION OFFICE (TEL:719 8242), MUI WO EXTENSION OFFICE (TEL: 984 8330) AND TAI PO AGRICULTURAL OFFICE (TEL:657 7111).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID: "THE EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND HELPS SMALL FARMERS WHO HAD GREAT LOSS OR DAMAGES TO THEIR PRODUCES IN TYPHOON OR OTHER NATURAL DISASTER GET OVER THEIR IMMEDIATE FINANCIAL DISTRESS."
"IT IS HOPED THAT THE GRANTS WILL HELP THEM BUY THINGS SUCH AS SEEDS, FERTILISERS, DAY-OLD CHICK AND FISH FRY TO START THEIR BUSINESS AGAIN."
"CROP FARMERS, LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY KEEPERS AS WELL AS POND FISH FARMERS WHO ARE IN NEED CAN ALL APPLY FOR GRANTS UNDER THIS FUND."
TO FACILITATE APPLICATIONS, ALL THE EXTENSION OFFICES AND REGISTRATION CENTRES WILL BE OPEN DURING OFFICE HOURS THROUGHOUT THE COMING LONG WEEKEND, INCLUDING SUNDAY.
LOCAL FARMERS WHO ARE AFFECTED BY THE RECENT TYPHOON ARE URGED TO APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO ENABLE EARLY PAYMENT.
THE FIRST BATCH OF GRANTS CAN BE RELEASED BEFORE THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL AFTER INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN COMPLETED.
THE TWO ADDITIONAL REGISTRATION CENTRES WILL BE OPEN UNTIL OCTOBER 3.
AFTER PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT, THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT ESTIMATED THAT SOME 450 HECTARES OF AGRICULTURE LAND WERE FLOODED YESTERDAY, REPRESENTING ONE-THIRD OF THE TOTAL AGRICULTURAL LAND IN THE TERRITORY.
MORE THAN 2,000 CROP FARMERS AND SOME 50 FISH FARMERS MAY HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY THE FLOODINGS WHICH HAVE CAUSED DAMAGE ESTIMATED AT $80 MILLION TO THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR.
- - 0-----------
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1993
- 5 -
LOWER SHING MUN RESERVOIR IS SAFE *****
THE DAMS OF LOWER SHING MUN RESERVOIR ARE SAFE, A SPOKESMAN FOR WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT STRESSED TODAY (MONDAY).
THE REMARK WAS MADE IN RESPONSE TO NEWSPAPER REPORTS THAT THE LOWER SHING MUN RESERVOIR OVERFLOWED LATE LAST NIGHT, REQUIRING THE EVACUATION OF RESIDENTS AT HEUNG FAN LIU, SHA TIN, FOR FEAR OF DAM COLLAPSES.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT WATERWORKS DAMS WERE REGULARLY CHECKED AND MONITORED BY THE RESERVOIR SAFETY SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT.
IF NECESSARY, EXPERTS FROM OVERSEAS ARE INVITED TO CONDUCT INDEPENDENT CHECKS ON THE SAFETY OF RESERVOIRS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT ALTHOUGH THE LOWER SHING MUN RESERVOIR WAS NOT FULL YESTERDAY, THE PROLONGED HEAVY RAINFALL MIGHT CAUSE AN OVERFLOW, WHICH WOULD BE DISCHARGED TO THE SHING MUN CHANNEL VIA THE BELLMOUTH PROVIDED.
’’THE. OVERFLOW WILL NOT CAUSE ANY FLOODING OR DAMAGE TO ADJACENT VILLAGES. HOWEVER, IF THERE ARE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES OR PEOPLE STAYING IN THE NORMALLY DRY WATER CHANNEL FOR WHATEVER REASONS, THEY MIGHT BE HIT BY AN UNEXPECTED RESERVOIR OVERFLOW.
”IT IS A STANDARD PRACTICE OF THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO INFORM SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE POLICE OF A POSSIBLE OVERFLOW WHENEVER THE WATER IN THE LOWER SHING MUN RESERVOIR REACHES A HIGH LEVEL, SO THAT THEY MIGHT WARN PEOPLE TO KEEP AWAY FROM THE SHING MUN CHANNEL,” THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
------0--------
WATER SUPPLY TO NORTH NT RESUMES
* ♦ » ♦ »
WATER SUPPLY TO ALL AREAS IN NORTH NEW TERRITORIES, INCLUDING LO WU, SHEUNG SHUI, KWU TUNG, FANLING, SHA TAU KOK AND WO HOP SHEK. HAS RESUMED. ’
THE RESUMPTION STARTED GRADUALLY AT 11 AM TODAY (MONDAY) AS ELECTRICITY SUPPLY TO THE SHEUNG SHUI TREATMENT WORKS WAS RESTORED.
THE WATER SUPPLY WAS SUSPENDED AT 9.30 PM YESTERDAY WHEN THE TREATMENT WORKS WAS AFFECTED BY A POWER FAILURE.
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT APOLOGISED FOR THE INCONVENIENCE CAUSED TO CONSUMERS.
---------0-----------
/6.........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1993
URBAN RENEWAL - CHALLENGE OF NEXT TWO DECADES *****
SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT URBAN RENEWAL WOULD BE THE CHALLENGE OF THE NEXT TWO DECADES FOR HONG KONG.
SPEAKING AT THE NEW TOWN EXPERIENCE CONFERENCE, MR EASON SAID! "WE HAVE MADE A START IN THE METROPLAN STUDY WHICH HAS SHOWN US THE KIND OF CITY WE WANT TO BUILD."
"THE NEXT STEP IS IN COMING UP WITH WAYS TO ACHIEVE IT
"NEW RECLAMATIONS AROUND THE HARBOUR AND THE FREEING OF THE EXISTING AIRPORT AREA BY THE CONSTRUCTION OF CHEK LAP KOK WILL CREATE SOLUTION SPACES WHICH WILL RELIEVE SOME OF THE PRESSURE ON THE URBAN AREA," HE SAID.
MR EASON SAID THIS WAS CREATING A WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY THAT HAD TO BE EXPLOITED BUT IN ORDER TO DO SO, SOME VERY DIFFICULT PHYSICAL, INSTITUTIONAL AND SOCIAL PROBLEMS HAD TO BE SOLVED.
PHYSICALLY, MORE SPACE HAD TO BE CREATED SO THE NEW TOWNS PROGRAMME WOULD HAVE TO CONTINUE.
INSTITUTIONALLY, SOLUTION HAD TO BE FOUND FOR THE PROBLEMS OF MULTIPLE OWNERSHIP OF BUILDINGS AND FRAGMENTED LAND TITLE TO ALLOW LAND TO BE ASSEMBLED FOR COMPREHENSIVE REDEVELOPMENT.
THE ONLY • WAY THAT THIS COULD BE DONE WAS BY USING THE GOVERNMENT’S POWERS TO ACQUIRE PROPERTY COMPULSORILY, MR EASON SAID, POINTING OUT THAT THIS IN ITSELF RAISED A WHOLE NEW SET OF LEGAL, POLITICAL AND FINANCIAL QUESTIONS.
HE SAID THE OLDER URBAN AREAS, WHICH PROVIDED SOME OF THE CHEAPEST RENTAL HOUSING AVAILABLE IN HONG KONG, WERE CLOSE TO THE PLACES WHERE MANY RESIDENTS WORKED AND WERE ALSO HOME TO LONG-ESTABLISHED COMMUNITIES.
AS MORE AND MORE OF THE URBAN AREA WAS REDEVELOPED, THERE WAS LESS AND LESS LOW-COST HOUSING FOR THEM TO MOVE TO AND THEIR COMMUNITIES WOULD BREAK UP.
THUS, ONE GREAT CHALLENGE IN URBAN RENEWAL WAS TO FIND WAYS TO IMPROVE THE CITY WITHOUT THE COST FALLING ON THOSE IN THE COMMUNITY WHO WERE LEAST ABLE TO BEAR IT.
"WE HAVE STARTED TO WORK THROUGH SOME OF THE PROBLEMS THROUGH THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION.
"THAT EXPERIENCE IS PROVING INVALUABLE IN SUGGESTING WAYS FORWARD, QUITE APART FROM THE UNDOUBTED IMPORTANCE OF THE PROJECTS THEMSELVES," MR EASON SAID.
"THE TASK IS NOTHING LESS THAN THE CREATION OF CITY THAT WILL CONTINUE TO MEET THE ASPIRATIONS OF ITS PEOPLE WELL INTO THE NEXT CENTURY," MR EASON SAID, STRESSING THAT HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT ANSWERS COULD BE FOUND TO THESE PROBLEMS AND THE SUCCESS OF THE NEW TOWNS PROGRAMME COULD BE REPEATED.
- - 0 - -
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1993
7
NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT BRINGS SOCIAL COHESION *****
HONG KONG HAS ACHIEVED A DEGREE OF SOCIAL COHESION AND A SENSE OF PRIDE IN THE COMMUNITY THROUGH A COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW TOWNS, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
THESE ARE PERHAPS UNIQUE IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF HIGH-RISE HOUSING, HE TOLD DELEGATES ATTENDING A NEW TOWN EXPERIENCE CONFERENCE.
SIR DAVID ATTRIBUTED THE SUCCESS OF THE NEW TOWN PROGRAMME TO A DETERMINATION TO BUILD COMMUNITIES RATHER THAN DORMITORIES.
SIR DAVID SAID CONTINUITY OF POLICY WAS ANOTHER FACTOR CONTRIBUTING TO THE SUCCESS OF THE PROGRAMME.
"WE HAVE SET OUR SIGHTS ON LONG-TERM PROGRAMMES EXTENDING OVER 10 YEARS OR MORE AND GONE FOR THEM.
"WE HAVE BEEN FORTUNATE INDEED TO HAVE HAD THE RESOURCES AND POLITICAL WILL TO SEE THEM ACHIEVED," HE SAID.
TURNING TO THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT OF THOSE LIVING IN THE OLD URBAN AREAS, SIR DAVID SAID A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO URBAN IMPROVEMENT AND RENEWAL TOOK PLACE IN THE 1980’S THROUGH THE METROPLAN DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY, AND VARIOUS URBAN RENEWAL SCHEMES.
"THE BENEFITS AND EXPERIENCE GAINED FROM THE NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT PROVIDE VALUABLE REFERENCES ON WHICH URBAN REDEVELOPMENT CAN BE MODELLED," HE SAID,
------0-------
QUANTITY NOT SOLE TARGET IN HEALTH AND WELFARE PLANNING * » » ♦ ♦
THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT ONLY ADDRESS QUANTITATIVE TARGETS IN THE PLANNING OF HEALTH AND WELFARE FACILITIES BUT ALSO FOCUSES ON MANY FACTORS, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
THESE INCLUDE LIKELY POPULATION MOVEMENT, DEMOGRAPHIC CHANGES, ADVANCES IN TECHNOLOGY AND ANTICIPATED CHANGES.
SPEAKING AT A NEW TOWN EXPERIENCE JOINT CONFERENCE, MRS WONG SAID HONG KONG’S MULTI-BILLION DOLLAR HOSPITAL BUILDING PROGRAMME IN THE NEXT FOUR YEARS WAS AN EXAMPLE OF HOW INNOVATIVE APPROACHES IN PLANNING COULD OVERCOME CONSTRAINTS OF TIME, RIGID PLANNING RATIOS, POLITICAL PRESSURE AND CASH LIMIT.
ACCORDING TO THE SCOPE OF APPROVED PROJECTS IN THE PIPELINE, THERE WILL BE A TOTAL PROVISION OF ABOUT 30,000 HOSPITAL BEDS BY THE END OF THIS DECADE, VERY CLOSE TO THE PROJECTED REQUIREMENT OF 5.09 BEDS PER 1,000 POPULATION.
"HOWEVER, WE ARE NOT CONTENT WITH JUST ACHIEVING THE PLANNING STANDARD IN NUMERICAL TERMS," MRS WONG SAID.
/"OUR APPROACH .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1993
8
"OUR APPROACH HAS THEREFORE BEEN TO FOCUS NOT ONLY ON THE MACRO LEVEL OF GLOBAL PLANNING, BUT ALSO ON THE NATURE OF LOCAL DEMAND AND ACCESS BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC," SHE SAID.
THE ADOPTION OF THIS NEW APPROACH HAS REVEALED AN OVERALL SURPLUS OF HOSPITAL BEDS IN THE URBAN AREAS WHILE RESIDENTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES FACE A SERIOUS SHORTFALL OF ACUTE CARE.
"IN THE LIGHT OF THESE FINDINGS, THE GOVERNMENT RECENTLY ENDORSED THE PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW HOSPITAL IN NORTH DISTRICT AS A ’FAST-TRACK, TURN-KEY’ PROJECT, COMPLEMENTED BY EFFORTS TO REDUCE AND REDESIGNATE SURPLUS BEDS IN URBAN AREAS," MRS WONG SAID.
THIS MEANS THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE HOSPITAL, WITH 600 BEDS, WILL BE COMPLETED WITHIN FOUR YEARS, COMPARED WITH OVER 10 YEARS A HOSPITAL OF THIS SIZE NORMALLY TAKES TO BUILD.
THE GOVERNMENT ALSO ADOPTS THE OPTION OF AWARDING A NON-TRADITIONAL DESIGN-AND-BUILD CONTRACT IN ORDER TO SPEED UP THE WHOLE PROCESS.
"BUT THE FACT THAT IT IS A ’FAST-TRACK’ CONTRACT DOES NOT MEAN THAT IT HAS TO BE CONSTRUCTED AT A HIGH COST," THE SECRETARY SAID.
"WE HAVE QUICKLY PUT IN PLACE A NEW CONTROL AND MONITORING MECHANISM TO FACILITATE EFFECTIVE PLANNING TO ENSURE COMPLETION OF THE PROJECT ON TIME AND TO KEEP COSTS WITHIN THE BUDGET," SHE ADDED.
MRS WONG ALSO SAID THE FOCUS OF HONG KONG’S HEALTH CARE SYSTEM IS CHANGING, WITH GREATER EMPHASIS NOW BEING GIVEN TO HEALTH PROMOTION AND DISEASE PREVENTION.
"ONE OF THE PRINCIPAL WAYS IN WHICH WE IN HONG KONG ARE DEVELOPING THIS CHANGE IN FOCUS TOWARDS PRIMARY HEALTH CARE IS BY THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DISTRICT HEALTH SYSTEM," SHE SAID.
UNDER THIS SCHEME, THE WHOLE TERRITORY WILL BE DIVIDED INTO VARIOUS GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRICTS, WITHIN WHICH ALL THE PRIMARY HEALTH CARE FACILITIES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH WILL BE ORGANISED INTO A NETWORK THROUGH WHICH DIFFERENT TYPES OF PREVENTIVE, PROMOTIVE, CURATIVE AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES WILL BE PROVIDED.
"THE BENEFITS OF THIS SCHEME ARE THAT IN DEVOLVING MUCH OF THE PLANNING PROCESS TO THE DISTRICT LEVEL, WE CAN BETTER PROVIDE A NETWORK OF SERVICES WHICH MEET THE REAL, RATHER THAN THE STATISTICAL, NEEDS OF THE POPULATION," MRS WONG SAID.
AS REGARDS THE DELIVERY OF WELFARE SERVICES, MRS WONG SAID THE GOVERNMENT IS ADVOCATING AN INTEGRATED APPROACH.
"THE DELIVERY OF A COMBINATION OF SERVICES, FOR EXAMPLE, CHILD CARE, FAMILY COUNSELLING, ELDERLY AND YOUTH SERVICES FROM A SINGLE LOCATION WILL PROVIDE OUR CUSTOMERS WITH MORE CONVENIENT ACCESS TO A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF SERVICES," SHE SAID.
"IT WILL ALSO OFFER GREATER COST-EFFECTIVENESS AND FLEXIBILITY TO SERVICE PROVIDERS,” SHE ADDED.
/IN CONCLUSION .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1993
9
IN CONCLUSION, MRS WONG SAID MEETING THE COMMUNITY’S ASPIRATIONS REQUIRES MORE THAN MATCHING STATISTICAL INDICATIONS OF SUPPLY AND DEMAND AT A DISTANCE.
’’PLANNING IS ABOUT MEETING HUMAN NEEDS IN THE WIDEST SENSE,” SHE SAID.
"THIS CAN ONLY BE ACHIEVED THROUGH SENSITIVITY ON THE PART OF THE PLANNER AND HIS CLOSE CONTACT WITH THOSE IN THE COMMUNITY WHOM HIS PLANNING WILL AFFECT," MRS WONG SAID.
--------0---------
RESTAURANT BUSINESS FIGURES FOR SECOND QUARTER ♦ » » ♦ *
THE VALUE OF TOTAL RECEIPTS FOR THE RESTAURANT SECTOR IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF THIS YEAR, ESTIMATED AT $11.2 BILLION, INCREASED BY ONLY 1% OVER THE SAME QUARTER LAST YEAR, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
AFTER DISCOUNTING THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES OVER THE PERIOD, TOTAL RECEIPTS DECREASED BY 7% IN VOLUME TERMS.
THE VALUE OF . TOTAL PURCHASES OF RESTAURANTS IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1993, ESTIMATED AT $4.1 BILLION, WAS 1% LOWER THAN IN THE SAME QUARTER OF 1992.
THE TOTAL RECEIPTS OF BARS INCREASED BY 16% IN VALUE AND 2% IN VOLUME IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1993, AS COMPARED WITH A YEAR AGO; THOSE OF FAST FOOD SHOPS INCREASED BY 12% IN VALUE AND 5% IN VOLUME.
MEANWHILE, THE TOTAL RECEIPTS OF NON-CHINESE RESTAURANTS REGISTERED AN INCREASE OF 10% IN VALUE; BUT THERE WAS VIRTUALLY NO CHANGE IN VOLUME.
ON THE OTHER HAND, THE TOTAL RECEIPTS OF CHINESE RESTAURANTS DECREASED BY 5% IN VALUE AND 13% IN VOLUME.
COMPARING THE FIRST HALF OF 1993 WITH THE SAME PERIOD OF 1992, TOTAL RESTAURANTS RECEIPTS ROSE BY 2% IN VALUE BUT DROPPED BY 7% IN VOLUME.
COMPARING THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1993 WITH THE PRECEDING QUARTER, AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THE COMPARISON MAY BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, TOTAL RESTAURANT RECEIPTS DECREASED BY 1% IN VALUE AND 3% IN VOLUME.
RESTAURANT RECEIPTS IN VOLUME TERMS ARE DERIVED FROM RECEIPTS IN VALUE TERMS AFTER ADJUSTING FOR PRICE CHANGES. THE RELEVANT COMPONENTS OF THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX ARE USED AS DEFLATORS.
/THE REPORT .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1993
10
THE REPORT ON THE QUARTERLY SURVEY OF RESTAURANT RECEIPTS AND PURCHASES FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1993 IS ON SALE AT $2 A COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL; AND AT THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, WAN CHAI.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL 802 1258.
TABLE 1 PRESENTS THE REVISED FIGURES FOR THE TOTAL RECEIPTS AND TOTAL PURCHASES OF THE RESTAURANT SECTOR FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1993 AND THE PROVISIONAL FIGURES FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1993.
TABLE 2 SHOWS THE VALUE AND VOLUME INDICES OF TOTAL RECEIPTS BY TYPE OF RESTAURANT FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1993 AND THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1993, WITH THE QUARTERLY AVERAGE FROM OCTOBER 1989 TO SEPTEMBER 1990 TAKEN AS 100.
ALSO TABULATED ARE COMPARISONS OF THE RESULTS OF THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1993 WITH THOSE OF THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1993 AND THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1992; COMPARISONS OF TOTAL RECEIPTS FOR THE FIRST HALF OF 1993 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1992 ARE ALSO GIVEN.
/TABLE 1 .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1993
11
TABLE 1: TOTAL RESTAURANT RECEIPTS AND PURCHASES
1st qtr 1993 2nd qtr 1993
(Revised figures) (Provisional figures)
Total restaurant receipts (in million) 11 292.5 11 178.9
Total purchases by restaurants (in HK$ million) 4 087.1 4 120.2
TABLE 2: VALUE AND VOLUME INDICES OF TOTAL RESTAURANT RECEIPTS FOR 1st QUARTER 1993 AND 2nd QUARTER 1993
(Quarterly average of Oct. 89 - Sept. 90 = 100)
Type of restaurant Index of total restaurant receipts 1st quarter 1993 2nd quarter 1993 2nd qtr. 1993 compared with 1st qtr. 1993 2nd qtr. 1993 compared with 1st-2nd qtr. 1993 compared with 1st-2nd qtr. 1992
2nd qtr 1992
(Revised (Provisional Points % Points % Points X
figures) figures)
Chinese restaurants Value 124.1 116.3 -7.8 -6.3 -5.6 -4.6 -2.8 -2.3
Volume 89.9 82.7 -7.2 -8.0 -12.0 -12.7 -10.6 -11.0
Non-Chinese restaurants Value 129.5 137.8 ♦8.3 +6.4 ♦ 12.4 ♦9.8 ♦11.9 ♦9.8
Volume 94.9 98.6 ♦3.7 ♦3.9 ♦0.4 +0.4 ♦0.2 ♦0.2
Fast food shops Value 174.5 197.4 ♦22.9 +13.1 ♦21.7 ♦ 12.4 ♦18.3 ♦10.9
Volume 134.0 149.1 +15.1 ♦ 11.2 ♦6.7 ♦4.7 ♦4.4 ♦3.2
Bars Value 191.0 190.5 -0.6 -0.3 +26.4 +16.1 ♦29.9 ♦ 18.6
Volume 138.7 127.7 -11.0 -7.9 ♦2.7 ♦2.2 +8.2 ♦6.5
Other eating and Value 160.2 190.1 ♦29.9 ♦ 18.7 ♦35.5 +23.0 ♦21.5 ♦ 14.0
drinking places Volume 118.7 137.7 ♦ 19.0 ♦ 16.0 ♦ 12.1 ♦9.6 ♦ 1.6 ♦1.3
All restaurant types Value 131.4 130.1 -1.3 -1.0 +1.5 ♦ 1.1 ♦2.9 ♦2.2
Volume 96.2 93.4 -2.8 -2.9 -7.3 -7.3 -6.6 -6.5
/12........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1993
- 12 -
RESIDENTIAL FEES FOR ELDERLY REVERTED
*****
FEES FOR RESIDENTIAL SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY, THE DISABLED AND EX-OFFENDERS WILL BE REVERTED TO THE LEVELS AS AT APRIL 1 WITH EFFECT FROM OCTOBER 1.
THE DECISION HAS BEEN MADE BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT ON THE ADVICE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND SUBVENTIONS AND LOTTERIES FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
AT THE MEETING OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON JULY 19, MEMBERS ADVISED THAT THE FEE FOR RESIDENTIAL SERVICES SHOULD BE REVERTED TO THE APRIL 1 LEVEL SO THAT CLIENTS ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE USING THE SERVICES MAY DIRECTLY BENEFIT FROM THE INCREASE BROUGHT BY IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPREHENSIVE SOCIAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE ON JULY 1.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID UNDER THE PRESENT ARRANGEMENT WHICH CAME INTO EFFECT ON JULY 1, A MAJOR PART OF THE INCREASE IN ASSISTANCE WAS DEDUCTED IN THE FORM OF FEE AND ALLOCATED TO THE HOMES AS ADDITIONAL FOOD ALLOWANCE TO IMPROVE CATERING.
"AS THE MAJORITY OF CLIENTS EXPRESS THE WISH TO HAVE MORE DISPOSABLE INCOME IN THEIR POCKET INSTEAD, THE DEPARTMENT SEES NO OBJECTION TO REVERT THE FEE TO THE APRIL 1 LEVEL," HE ADDED.
HE SAID THE OPERATING AGENCIES THAT WERE CONSULTED ON THE MATTER GAVE SUPPORT TO THE PROPOSAL. MOST OF THEM WERE ALSO OF THE VIEW THAT THE INCREASE IN FOOD COST PROVIDED IN APRIL WAS ALREADY ADEQUATE.
AS A RESULT OF THE FEE REVERSION, AN ELDERLY PERSON USING HOSTEL SERVICES WILL GET AN INCREASE IN POCKET MONEY RANGING FROM $12 TO $142 A MONTH DEPENDING ON WHETHER THE PERSON IS LIVING IN A SELF-CARE PLACE, A MEAL PLACE OR A CARE-AND-ATTENTION PLACE.
"THIS WILL GIVE THE CLIENTS A GREATER CHOICE ON HOW TO USE THEIR INCREASED POCKET MONEY TO MEET THEIR PERSONAL NEEDS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE SAID THE DEPARTMENT HAD ALREADY CONVEYED THIS DECISION TO OPERATING AGENCIES CONCERNED EARLY THIS MONTH SO THAT THEY WOULD HAVE ENOUGH TIME TO PREPARE FOR THE CHANGE.
"THE OTHER SERVICES RECOMMENDED FOR FEE REVERSION WITH EFFECT FROM OCTOBER 1 INCLUDE DAY-CARE CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY, HOME-HELP SERVICES AND REHABILITATION OF EX-OFFENDERS," HE ADDED.
------0----------
/13 .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1993
- 13 -
WORK IN CONFINED SPACES MUST BE SAFE *******
EMPLOYERS AND WORKERS MUST COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS TO ENSURE WORK SAFETY IN CONFINED SPACES, THE CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, MR CHAN TAT-KING, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
REFERRING TO AN INCIDENT IN WHICH TWO WORKERS DIED WHILE WORKING IN A DRAINAGE MANHOLE AT LAGUNA CITY, KWUN TONG, IN THE EARLY HOURS OF SATURDAY (SEPTEMBER 25), MR CHAN SAID THE DEPARTMENT’S FACTORY INSPECTORS WERE STILL INVESTIGATING THE CASE.
"OUR INITIAL ENQUIRIES FOUND THAT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS, SUCH AS THE PROVISION OF AIR TESTING, RESCUE EQUIPMENT AND BREATHING APPARATUS, HAD APPARENTLY NOT BEEN TAKEN BEFORE THE INCIDENT.
"PROSECUTION WILL BE TAKEN IF WE HAVE SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE TO SUGGEST THAT SOMEONE SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE," HE ADDED.
MR CHAN STRESSED THAT MOST INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED IF EMPLOYERS AND WORKERS HAD STRICTLY OBSERVED SAFETY REGULATIONS.
UNDER THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE AND ITS SUBSIDIARY REGULATIONS, EMPLOYERS HAVE THE STATUTORY OBLIGATION TO PROVIDE A SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK, INFORMATION ON POTENTIAL HAZARDS, AS WELL AS SUPERVISION AND TRAINING TO ENSURE WORKERS’ SAFETY.
THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (CONFINED SPACES) REGULATION STATES CLEARLY THAT EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES MUST TAKE APPROPRIATE PRECAUTIONS AGAINST DANGERS RESULTING FROM THE PRESENCE OF NOXIOUS FUMES, TOXIC GAS, OXYGEN DEFICIENCY OR EXCESSIVE HEAT IN CONFINED SPACES.
NOTING THAT CONFINED SPACES INCLUDE SEWERS, CAISSONS, MANHOLES, TANKS, WELLS AND TUNNELS, MR CHAN SAID: "WORKING IN CONFINED SPACES REQUIRES CAREFUL PLANNING BEFOREHAND AND EVERY STEP MUST BE TAKEN TO ENSUftE THE SAFETY OF WORKERS WHEN WORK IS IN PROGRESS."
HE REITERATED THAT THE FOLLOWING MEASURES ARE ESSENTIAL TO SAFEGUARD WORKERS:
* THE CONFINED SPACE MUST BE CLEANED AND PURGED TO REMOVE DANGEROUS FUMES;
* NO WORKER SHOULD ENTER CONFINED SPACES UNLESS SO
AUTHORISED BY THE PROPRIETOR;
« ANY WORKER IN A CONFINED SPACE MUST WEAR APPROVED, SUITABLE BREATHING APPARATUS UNLESS THE SPACE HAS BEEN CERTIFIED TO BE SAFE FOR ENTRY;
* ADEQUATE STEPS MUST BE TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT THERE IS NO INGRESS OF DANGEROUS FUMES, HARMFUL GASES, OR OXYGEN DEFICIENCY IN THE CONFINED SPACE WHILE THE WORKER STAYS THERE;
/*THE WORKER
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1993
14
* THE WORKER SHOULD WEAR A SAFETY BELT ATTACHED TO A SUITABLE LIFELINE WHICH WILL ENABLE A FELLOW WORKER STANDING BY TO PULL HIM OUT OF THE CONFINED SPACE IN CASE OF EMERGENCY;
» A CONFINED SPACE MUST BE ADEQUATELY VENTILATED AND TESTED FOR DANGEROUS FUMES AND MUST HAVE A SUPPLY OF AIR SUITABLE FOR BREATHING;
* THE PROPRIETOR MUST PROVIDE SUFFICIENT, APPROVED BREATHING APPARATUS, SUITABLE REVIVING EQUIPMENT, SAFETY BELTS AND ROPES; AND
« THE PROPRIETOR MUST ENSURE A SUFFICIENT NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HIS EMPLOY WHO ARE COMPETENT IN THE USE OF THE APPROVED BREATHING APPARATUS, REVIVING APPARATUS AND OTHER SAFETY EQUIPMENT.
EMPLOYERS WHO FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE SAFETY PROVISIONS ARE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $50,000 AND 12 MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT WHILE THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR AN OFFENDING EMPLOYEE IS A FINE OF $10,000.
MR CHAN SAID THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAD PUBLISHED TWO BOOKLETS, "SAFETY' GUIDE TO WORKING IN CONFINED SPACES" AND "A GUIDE TO THE FACTORY AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (CONFINED SPACES) REGULATIONS" FOR FREE DISTRIBUTION TO EMPLOYERS AND WORKERS.
IN ADDITION, THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, WITH ASSISTANCE FROM THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, PUBLICISES REGULARLY THROUGH TELEVISION BROADCAST SAFETY MEASURES RELATING TO WORKS IN CONFINED SPACES.
"ON THE OTHER HAND, THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, THE WORKS BRANCH, THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT HAVE IMPLEMENTED A NUMBER OF MEASURES LATE LAST YEAR TO STEP UP CONTROL OF MANHOLE WORKS TO FURTHER PROTECT WORKERS FROM POTENTIAL HAZARDS."
MR CHAN POINTED OUT THAT DESPITE ALL THESE EFFORTS TO IMPROVE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AT CONFINED SPACES, THE MOST IMPORTANT THING WAS FOR ALL EMPLOYERS TO TAKE CARE OF THE SAFETY OF THEIR WORKERS BY TAKING SAFETY MEASURES AS STIPULATED IN THE LAWS.
"OFFICERS OF FACTORY INSPECTORATE DIVISION ARE ALWAYS READY TO OFFER ADVICE ON WORK SAFETY IN CONFINED SPACES," HE SAID.
ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE OF THE DIVISION’S BRANCH OFFICES OR THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING CENTRE ON 13TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
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/15........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1993
15
GOVERNMENT COMMITTED TO SUPPORTING INDUSTRY » « * * *
THE GOVERNMENT IS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING A FAVOURABLE ENVIRONMENT AND THE NECESSARY SUPPORT SERVICES FOR MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY TO PROSPER, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T H CHAU, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES YOUNG INDUSTRIALISTS AWARDS OF HONG KONG 1993, MR CHAU SAID THE GOVERNMENT DID NOT SEEK TO DIRECT WHICH INDUSTRIES SHOULD OR SHOULD NOT BE DEVELOPED.
"IT LEAVES OUR ENTREPRENEURS TO MAKE THEIR OWN DECISIONS," HE SAID, "DECISIONS WHICH HAVE BROUGHT ABOUT HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC SUCCESS."
MR CHAU NOTED THAT THESE DECISIONS WOULD SUSTAIN THAT ASTOUNDING ECONOMIC SUCCESS FOR A LONG TIME TO COME - AN ECONOMIC SUCCESS THAT WILL LAST INTO THE 21ST CENTURY, WHICH WILL BE THE ASIA-PACIFIC CENTURY.
HE SAID THERE WAS ONE THING HE WAS CERTAIN ABOUT THE ASIA-PACIFIC CENTURY. "IT IS THAT HONG KONG WILL CONTINUE IN THAT CENTURY TO BE THE WORLD’S MOST GLORIOUS EXAMPLE OF THE TRIUMPH OF FREE TRADE, OF FREE ENTERPRISE AND OF CAPITALISM."
MR CHAU SAID THE LAST DECADE HAD SEEN A MOST STRIKING STRUCTURAL CHANGE IN HONG KONG’S ECONOMY.
THE CATALYST HAS BEEN THE ADOPTION BY CHINA OF ITS "OPEN DOOR" POLICY AND ECONOMIC REFORMS, MR CHAU SAID.
CHINA’S NEW POLICIES HAD CREATED EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURERS.
THEY HAD PROVIDED THEM WITH A WAY TO GET AROUND HONG KONG’S LIMITED SUPPLIES OF LAND AND MANPOWER, BY INVESTING IN JOINT VENTURES OR OUTWARD PROCESSING OPERATIONS IN CHINA.
MR CHAU SAID THE EMPHASIS OF HONG KONG MANUFACTURING WOULD INEVITABLY SHIFT IN ORDER TO MAKE FULL USE OF THOSE EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITIES.
THE FOCUS WAS INCREASINGLY ON HIGHER-TECHNOLOGY AND HIGHER VALUE-ADDED PRODUCTION, AND ON THE CONTROL, SUPPORT AND SERVICING OF OPERATIONS IN CHINA AND ELSEWHERE IN THE REGION.
"OUR MANUFACTURERS ARE GETTING MORE INVOLVED IN RESEARCHING CUSTOMER NEEDS, IN PRODUCT DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT, AND IN MARKETING THEIR PRODUCTS."
"OUR MANUFACTURERS ARE DOING ALL OF THAT, AND MORE, IN ORDER TO INCREASE THE COMPETITIVENESS OF THEIR PRODUCTS," HE SAID.
THE 1990’S WOULD BE A DECADE IN WHICH HONG KONG’S PROSPERITY WOULD DEPEND TO A SIGNIFICANT DEGREE ON THE ABILITY OF HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURERS TO UPGRADE THEIR PRODUCTS.
- - 0 - -
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1993
CIVIL AVIATION VITAL TO HONG KONG SUCCESS * * * * *
CIVIL AVIATION PLAYS AN IMPORTANT PART IN MAKING HONG KONG SUCH A DYNAMIC AND THRIVING CITY, THE DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION, MR PETER LOK, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
ADDRESSING A WORKING GROUP MEETING ON CONTINUING AIRWORTHINESS ORGANISED BY THE INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION ORGANISATION, HE SAID THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT NOW RANKED FOURTH IN THE WORLD IN TERMS OF INTERNATIONAL PASSENGER THROUGHPUT AND THIRD IN TERMS OF CARGO THROUGHPUT.
’’FROM THE LATEST FIGURES AVAILABLE, OUR AIRPORT HAD A PASSENGER THROUGHPUT OF SOME 2.3 MILLION AND A CARGO THROUGHPUT EXCEEDING A MILLION TONNES OVER A 12-MONTH PERIOD.
’’THIS IS NOT SURPRISING CONSIDERING THAT WE ARE AT THE DOORSTEP OF THE HUGE AND RAPIDLY EXPANDING MARKET THAT CHINA IS.
"OUR TOURISM INDUSTRY, WHICH IS ONE OF OUR MAJOR MONEY EARNERS, IS PARTICULARLY DEPENDENT ON AIR TRANSPORTATION, WITH MORE THAN 5.5 MILLION TOURISTS ARRIVING BY AIR OVER THE PAST 12 MONTHS," HE SAID.
POINTING OUT THAT THERE IS A GENERAL MISCONCEPTION THAT THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT ONLY MANAGES THE AIRPORT AND PROVIDES AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL, AND NOTHING ELSE, MR LOK SAID HIS DEPARTMENT WAS ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR ENFORCING FLIGHT SAFETY, AIRWORTHINESS STANDARD AND THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE AIR SERVICE BILATERALISM.
HE TOLD THE MEETING THAT 51 AIRLINES, INCLUDING HONG KONG’S OWN THREE AIRLINES, OPERATED MORE THAN 125,000 FLIGHTS INTO AND OUT OF HONG KONG OVER THE PAST 12 MONTHS. AND THE THREE HONG KONG AIRLINES OPERATED A TOTAL OF 61 MOSTLY LARGE, WIDE-BODIED AIRCRAFT.
THE WORKING GROUP MEETING, BEING HELD IN HONG KONG BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 28 AND OCTOBER 1, IS ATTENDED BY MORE THAN 20 CIVIL AVIATION EXPERTS FROM NINE COUNTRIES.
- - 0 - -
MOON MOVEMENT DURING MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL
*****
THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THE TIMES OF MOONRISE, TRANSIT AND MOONSET DURING THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVE PERIOD:
WEDNESDAY (SEPTEMBER 29)
MOONRISE
TRANSIT (MERIDIAN PASSAGE) DIRECTION DUE SOUTH ELEVATION 70 DEGREES
5.09 PM
11.20 PM
MOONSET
5.35 AM (NEXT MORNING)
/THURSDAY
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1993
17
THURSDAY (SEPTEMBER 30) (MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL)
MOONRISE
TRANSIT (MERIDIAN PASSAGE) DIRECTION DUE SOUTH ELEVATION 74 DEGREES
MOONSET
FRIDAY (OCTOBER 1)
MOONRISE
TRANSIT (MERIDIAN PASSAGE) DIRECTION DUE SOUTH ELEVATION 78 DEGREES
MOONSET
5.43 0.02 PM AM (NEXT MORNING)
6.24 AM (NEXT MORNING)
6.17 PM
0.44 AM (NEXT MORNING)
7.14 AM (NEXT MORNING)
------0--------
CLINICS TO CLOSE ON MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL *****
EVENING GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINIC SERVICE WILL BE SUSPENDED ON MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL (SEPTEMBER 30), THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ANNOUNCED.
THERE WILL BE NO HOLIDAY CLINIC SERVICE THE NEXT DAY (OCTOBER 1).
------0--------
WATER STORAGE FIGURE
* * * * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 90.6 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 530.737 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 499.671 MILLION
CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 85.3 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
------0---------
FRESH WATER CUT IN YUEN LONG ♦ * * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN YUEN LONG WILL FROM II PM ON WEDNESDAY (SEPTEMBER 29) TO 6 AM THE NEXT FACILITATE WASTE DETECTION WORK ON WATER MAINS
GO OFF
DAY TO
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL THE PREMISES LONG SECTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TUNG LOK STREET ROAD, SAI TAI STREET AND KUK TING STREET.
BOUNDED
YUEN LONG
BY YUEN
ON NING
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/18 .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1993
18
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT j 605
REVERSAL OF LAF xQQK
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 2,000
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY mt,
IN 1 Lj
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY mt,
NIL
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2 000
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 112.4 *+0.0* 27.9.1993
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 2.76 PCT 14 MONTHS 2411 4.625 101.40 3.38
1 MONTH 2.79 PCT 17 MONTHS 2502 4.75 101.65 3.55
3 MONTHS 2.86 PCT 20 MONTHS 2505 3.75 99.92 3.84
6 MONTHS 3.03 PCT 23 MONTHS 2508 4.625 101.31 3.93
12 MONTHS 3.31 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 13,201 MN
CLOSED 27 SEPTEMBER 1993
- - 0 - -
Received by P^O
■ IvB <■- 3 0 SC°-SS
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1993
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
EXCO APPROVES TAXI FARE INCREASES ....................... 1
GOVT COMMITTED TO IMPROVING DIVING ENVIRONMENT .......... 2
TAC DISCUSSES FINANCIAL PENALTIES FOR BUS COMPANIES ..... 3
MORE TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS TN 1992/93 .................... 4
CUSTOMS PROMISE EFFICIENT AND COURTEOUS SERVICES ........ 4
PROVISIONAL FIGURES OF EXTERNAL TRADE FOR AUGUST ........ 6
SAMPLES OF DRINKS TESTED ................................ 9
SIX MORE MEN INFECTED WITH HIV .......................... 9
PROSECUTION PROCEDURES FOR MENTALLY HANDICAPPED UNDER REVIEW 10
SPECIAL GROUP ON MENTALLY HANDICAPPED TN COURT .......... 11
REPORT ON MENTALLY HANDICAPPED COURT REFUTED ............ 11
PUBLIC INVITED TO JOIN EDUCATIONAL LIAISON SUB-COMMITTEE ... 11
INDUSTRIES AND GOVT JOIN HANDS TO KEEP EDGE ............. 12
420 SUMMONSES ISSUED ON MACHINE SAFETY .................. 13
FERRY SERVICE BETWEEN TUF.N MUN AND CENTRAL ............. 14
COMMUNITY CHEST WORKS QUIET WONDERS ..................... 15
CAR MARK AUCTION ........................................ 15
197 RETURN TO VIETNAM ................................... 16
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS ....... 16
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .
17
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1993
EXCO APPROVES TAXI PARE INCREASES **«*»«»
THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS APPROVED PARE INCREASES FOR URBAN AND NEW TERRITORIES (NT) TAXIS WITH EFFECT FROM NOVEMBER 14 THIS YEAR TO COVER INCREASES IN THEIR OPERATING COSTS.
THE FARES WERE LAST REVISED IN JANUARY LAST YEAR.
URBAN TAXIS WILL RECEIVE AN AVERAGE INCREASE OF 17.7 PER CENT, MUCH IN LINE WITH THE ESTIMATED RATE OF INFLATION OF 17 PER CENT DURING THE 22-MONTH PERIOD BETWEEN JANUARY 1992 AND NOVEMBER 1993.
NT TAXIS WILL RECEIVE SLIGHTLY HIGHER INCREASES OF 19.2 PER CENT BECAUSE THEIR OPERATING COSTS ARE ESTIMATED TO HAVE RISEN 22.3 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH 16.2 PER CENT FOR URBAN TAXIS DURING THE SAME PERIOD.
WITH THE INCREASES, AN URBAN TAXI’S FLAGFALL CHARGE WILL GO UP FROM $9 TO $11.5 FOR THE FIRST TWO KILOMETRES AND A NT TAXI’S FROM $8 TO $10.
FOR URBAN TAXIS, THE INCREMENTAL CHARGE FOR EACH SUBSEQUENT 0.2 KM WILL GO UP FROM $0.9 TO $1 AND FOR NT TAXIS, THE RISE WILL BE FROM $0.8 TO $0.9.
OTHER CHARGES ARE REVISED AS FOLLOWS:
EXISTING FARE NEW FARE
URBAN TAXIS
WATTING TIME CHARGE $ 0.9 $ 1.0
FOR EVERY ONE MINUTE
SURCHARGE ON BAGGAGE, $ 4.0 $ 5.0
ANIMALS OR BIRDS/
PER ITEM
SURCHARGE ON DIAL-A- $4.0 $ 5.0
TAXI SERVICE
NT TAXIS
WAITING TIME CHARGE $ 0.8 $ 0.9
FOR EVERY ONE MINUTE
SURCHARGE ON BAGGAGE, $4.0 NO CHANGE
ANIMALS OR BIRDS/
PER ITEM
SURCHARGE ON DIAL-A- $ 2.0 $ 4.0
TAXI SERVICE
/THE FARE .......
2
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1993
THE FARE INCREASES WILL ONLY RESULT IN A MARGINAL RISE OF 0.14 PER CENT IN CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID IN APPROVING THE FARE INCREASES, THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAD TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND VIEWS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TRANSPORT PANEL, TOGETHER WITH CRITERIA IN ASSESSING TAXI FARE INCREASE APPLICATIONS, NAMELY THE FINANCIAL VIABILITY OF TAXI OPERATIONS, AVAILABILITY OF TAXIS, THE FARE DIFFERENTIAL WITH OTHER MODES OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND PUBLIC ACCEPTABILITY.
-----0------
GOVT COMMITTED TO IMPROVING LIVING ENVIRONMENT
*****
THE COMMITMENT TO PROVIDE A BETTER LIVING ENVIRONMENT IS A CENTRAL PART OF GOVERNMENT PROGRAMMES, THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
"IT IS AN ESSENTIAL FEATURE OF THE WORK OF GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND OF THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (LDC) THAT THE NEW DEVELOPMENTS SHOULD BE DESIGNED TO PROVIDE FLEXIBILITY AND OPPORTUNITY WITHIN WHICH PEOPLE HAVE FREEDOM TO DEVELOP THEIR COMMUNITY LIFE AND TO MEET THEIR SOCIAL NEEDS,” HE SAID.
HE WAS OFFICIATING AT A GROUND-BREAKING CEREMONY FOR THE LDC’S REDEVELOPMENTS AT WING LOK STREET AND JUBILEE STREET.
MR PATTEN SAID THE PROCESS OF RE-GENERATING DECAYING PARTS OF THE CITY AREA WAS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT CHALLENGES FACING THE COMMUNITY IF THE GOVERNMENT WAS TO MEET THE GOAL OF MAKING HONG KONG A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE AND WORK IN.
CITING THIS PROJECT AS A SIGNIFICANT STEP IN THAT PROCESS, HE SAID THE LDC AND ITS PARTNERS WOULD CHANGE ONE OF THE OLDEST AND MOST RUN-DOWN AREAS OF THE CITY INTO AN EXTENSION OF THE "STATE-OF-THE-ART CITY CENTRE".
IT WILL BE A "NEW CENTRAL" WITH SPLENDID NEW USER-FRIENDLY COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS, MANY COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND 1,500 SQUARE METRES OF OPEN SPACE.
MR PATTEN POINTED OUT THAT WHILE MAKING GRAND PLANS FOR THE FUTURE, IT WAS NECESSARY TO BE AWARE OF THE EFFECTS THAT THEY WOULD HAVE ON PEOPLE TODAY.
HE WAS GLAD TO NOTE THAT REHOUSING PEOPLE AFFECTED BY REDEVELOPMENT WAS A PRIORITY FOR THE LDC.
TN THIS PROJECT, 19 HOUSEHOLDS HAVE BEEN REHOUSED AND 50 HAVE BEEN PAID CASH COMPENSATION. NONE REMAIN WITHOUT A PLACE TO LIVE.
MR PATTEN MADE IT CLEAR THAT THE GOVERNMENT WHOLEHEARTEDLY SUPPORTED THE WORK OF THE LDC.
THE WORK OF RE-GENERATING AND TRANSFORMING THE CITY WILL CONTINUE, NOT JUST FOR THE NEXT FOUR YEARS, BUT FOR MANY YEARS TO COME, HE ADDED.
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3
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1993
TAC DISCUSSES FINANCIAL PENALTIES FOR BUS COMPANIES *****
THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC) TODAY (TUESDAY) ENDORSED PROPOSALS TO MAKE FRANCHISED BUS OPERATORS MORE RESPONSIVE TO PUBLIC DEMAND FOR BETTER AND MORE EFFICIENT SERVICES.
THE PROPOSALS SEEK TO INTRODUCE AMENDMENTS TO THE PUBLIC BUS SERVICES ORDINANCE TO ENABLE THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL TO IMPOSE FINANCIAL PENALTIES ON A ROUTE-BY-ROUTE BASIS UPON THE FAILURE OF A FRANCHISED OPERATOR TO COMPLY WITH THE ORDINANCE, THE CONDITIONS OF THE FRANCHISE OR ANY GOVERNMENT DIRECTIONS OR REQUIREMENTS.
THE PROPOSALS ALSO SEEK TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT ANY SUCH PENALTIES, IF IMPOSED, CANNOT BE PASSED ON TO BUS PASSENGERS IN THE FORM OF HIGHER FARES.
SUCH FINANCIAL PENALTIES ARE PROVIDED FOR IN THE EXISTING ORDINANCE. THE EXISTING PENALTY IS $10,000 FOR THE FIRST OCCASION, $20,000 FOR THE SECOND OCCASION AND $50,000 FOR THE THIRD AND SUBSEQUENT OCCASIONS REGARDLESS OF THE EXTENT OF SUCH DEFICIENCIES.
MEMBERS WERE INFORMED THAT THE EXISTING ARRANGEMENT TO DEAL WITH SERVICE DEFICIENCIES WORKED EFFECTIVELY AND IN MOST CASES, THE OPERATORS CONCERNED WERE ABLE TO TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION TO RECTIFY ANY DEFICIENCY.
NEVERTHELESS, IT WAS CONSIDERED THAT THE PROPOSAL TO IMPOSE PENALTIES IN PROPORTION TO THE EXTENT OF THE DEFICIENCIES WOULD BE A FAIRER APPROACH AND AT THE SAME TIME WOULD GIVE THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT A MUCH MORE EFFECTIVE TOOL TO DEAL WITH SERIOUS SERVICE DEFICIENCIES OR AN UNCO-OPERATIVE FRANCHISEE TN FUTURE.
IF TAC’S RECOMMENDATION WAS APPROVED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, AN AMENDMENT BILL WOULD BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WITHIN THE 1993/94 LEGISLATIVE SESSION.
AT TODAY’S MEETING THE 1992/93 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS UNIT (TCU) WAS TABLED FOR MEMBERS’ INFORMATION.
DURING THE YEAR, THE UNIT HANDLED A TOTAL OF 10,583 COMPLAINTS, AN INCREASE OF 19.7 PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
COMMENTING ON THE REPORT, THE TAC CHAIRMAN, PROFESSOR LEUNG CHI-KEUNG, SAID: ’’THE INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS IS ATTRIBUTABLE MAINLY TO GREATER PUBLIC AWARENESS OF TCU’S ROLE IN DEALING WITH TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS AND DEMAND FOR BETTER PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES.’’
’’MEMBERS HAVE ALSO ASKED THE ADMINISTRATION TO ENSURE THAT THE COMPLAINTS WOULD BE THOROUGHLY INVESTIGATED AND APPROPRIATE FOLLOW-UP ACTION TAKEN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE," PROFESSOR LEUNG SAID.
MEMBERS ALSO WELCOMED A PROPOSAL TO PUT UP METAL PLATES LISTING TCU’S COMPLAINT HOTLINE AT MAJOR TAXI STANDS, RAILWAY STATIONS, FERRY CONCOURSES AND OTHER TERMINI.
AS REGARDS COMPLAINTS AGAINST TAXIS, MEMBERS HAVE ASKED THE POLICE TO CONTINUE THEIR ACTION AGAINST SUCH MALPRACTICES ON A REGULAR BASTS IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN A DETERRENT EFFECT.
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/4 ........
4
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1993
MORE TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS IN 1992/93 *****
THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AND SUGGESTIONS RECEIVED BY THE TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS UNIT (TCU) OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE IN 1992/93 INCREASED BY 20 PER CENT, TO 10,583, COMPARED WITH 8,843 IN 1991/92.
THE INCREASE IS ATTRIBUTABLE MAINLY TO GREATER PUBLIC AWARENESS OF TCU’S ROLE IN DEALING WITH TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS AND DEMAND FOR BETTER PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES.
THE BREAKDOWN OF THE RETURN OF COMPLAINTS WAS SIMILAR TO THAT OF THE PREVIOUS YEAR. PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES REMAINED THE MAIN AREA OF CONCERN. THIS CATEGORY OF COMPLAINTS ACCOUNTED FOR 55 PER CENT OF ALL THE COMPLAINTS RECEIVED.
THERE WERE MORE COMPLAINTS AGAINST HONG KONG FERRY (+118 PER CENT FROM 51 TO 111); TRAMS (+83 PER CENT FROM 47 TO 86); ROAD MAINTENANCE (+59 PER CENT FROM 473 TO 752); TAXIS (+31 PER CENT FROM 2,009 TO 2,638); CHINA MOTOR BUS (+23 PER CENT FROM 586 TO 718) AND ENFORCEMENT ACTION (+22 PER CENT FROM 1,572 TO 1,913 CASES).
OF THE 111 COMPLAINTS AGAINST HONG KONG FERRY, ABOUT 50 PER CENT WERE ABOUT EITHER IRREGULARITY OR INADEQUACY OF SERVICES.
THE BIG INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AGAINST TRAMS, IN PERCENTAGE TERMS, WAS LARGELY ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE IMPROPER USE OF THE AIR-HORN INTRODUCED IN AUGUST 1992.
THE COMPLAINTS ABOUT ROAD MAINTENANCE WERE MAINLY RELATED TO DEFECTIVE ROAD SURFACES AND MALFUNCTIONING OF TRAFFIC SIGNS AND AIDS.
THERE WERE FEWER COMPLAINTS AGAINST KOWLOON MOTOR BUS (-20 PER CENT FROM 1,283 TO 1,028) AND STAR FERRY (-88 PER CENT FROM EIGHT TO ONE) .
------0-------
CUSTOMS PROMISE EFFICIENT AND COURTEOUS SERVICES » » » » ♦
THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) ANNOUNCED PERFORMANCE PLEDGES IN A WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES FOR THE PUBLIC.
THE SERVICES INCLUDE THE MAKING OF IMPORT AND EXPORT DECLARATIONS, APPLICATIONS FOR LICENCES AND PERMITS, THE CLEARANCE OF DETAINED CARGO AND BORDER-CROSSING VEHICLES, REQUESTS FOR CUSTOMS' ATTENDANCES, REGISTRATION AND CONSIGNMENT INSPECTIONS.
”WE ARE COMMITTED TO PROVIDING AN EFFICIENT, COURTEOUS AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC. OUR INTENTION IS TO DELIVER SERVICES WITHIN THE TARGET STANDARDS SET OUT IN THE PERFORMANCE PLEDGES,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
THE TIME TAKEN TO MAKE IMPORT AND EXPORT DECLARATIONS AND TO PAY AD VALOREM CHARGES AT COLLECTION OFFICES, INCLUDING QUEUING TIME, RANGES FROM HALF AN HOUR TO TWO HOURS, DEPENDING ON THE TIME OF DAY AND THE INDIVIDUAL OFFICE.
/THE SPOKESMAN .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1993
5
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE WAITING TIME WOULD BE LONGER DURING PEAK HOURS AND AT PERIODS IMMEDIATELY BEFORE PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
HE URGED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO RETURN AT ANOTHER TIME IF THEY FOUND THE COLLECTION OFFICE BUSY OR TO MAKE DECLARATIONS (FOR NON-DISKETTE ONLY) BY POST.
REGARDING APPLICATIONS FOR LICENCES AND PERMITS, THE TARGET TIME IS 14 WORKING DAYS FOR NEW IMPORT AND EXPORT LICENCES FOR DUTIABLE COMMODITIES; TWO WORKING DAYS FOR REMOVAL PERMITS FOR DUTIABLE COMMODITIES AND PRESCRIBED ARTICLES LICENCES.
THE CLEARANCE OF DETAINED CARGO WILL TAKE SEVEN WORKING DAYS, FROM THE DATE OF REQUEST BY OWNER.
ON THE CLEARANCE OF BORDER-CROSSING VEHICLES, THE TARGET TIME IS ONE MINUTE, EXCEPT FOR VEHICLES THAT ARE SELECTED FOR SECONDARY EXAMINATION.
REGARDING APPLICATIONS FOR CUSTOMS’ ATTENDANCE IN RESPECT OF BOND OPERATIONS, THE SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED WITHIN THREE WORKING DAYS.
AS FOR THE REGISTRATION AND CONSIGNMENT INSPECTIONS, THE TIME FOR PRE-ISSUE CONSIGNMENT INSPECTIONS RELATING TO TEXTILE LICENCES WILL BE TWO WORKING DAYS.
SEVEN WORKING DAYS WILL BE REQUIRED FOR PRE-ISSUE CONSIGNMENT INSPECTIONS RELATING TO NON-TEXTILE LICENCES; REGISTRATION AND RE-REGISTRATION INSPECTIONS UNDER THE CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN SYSTEM AND THE RESERVED COMMODITIES SYSTEM.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE PUBLIC WAS WELCOME TO COMMENT ON THE WAYS IN WHICH THE SERVICES WERE DELIVERED.
"OUR CUSTOMERS HAVE A RIGHT TO A FULL AND PROMPT EXPLANATION WHEN, DESPITE OUR EFFORTS, THE SERVICES PROVIDED ARE UNABLE TO MATCH THE STANDARDS SET."
SUGGESTIONS OR COMPLAINTS CAN BE RAISED IN PERSON TO THE OFFICE MANAGER ON THE SPOT.
THEY MAY ALSO WRITE TO THE STAFF OFFICER (SERVICE ADMINISTRATION) ON THE EIGHTH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
"ALL COMPLAINTS, WHETHER ORAL OR WRITTEN, WILL BE DEALT WITH QUICKLY. AN INTERIM REPLY WILL BE GIVEN WITHIN 10 DAYS IF INVESTIGATIONS ARE CONTINUING," HE SAID.
IF ANYONE FEELS THAT THEIR CASE HAS NOT BEEN DEALT WITH ADEQUATELY, HE MAY WRITE TO THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE ON THE EIGHTH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE DEPARTMENT WOULD SET UP CUSTOMER LIAISON GROUPS TO MONITOR THE STANDARDS OF ITS SERVICES DELIVERED.
/"REPRESENTATIVES FROM
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1993
6
"REPRESENTATIVES FROM MAJOR TRADES IN WHICH THE DEPARTMENT HAS A FACILITATING ROLE, FOR EXAMPLE THE AIR FREIGHT INDUSTRY, DUTIABLE COMMODITY DEALERS, AND MOTOR VEHICLE DEALERS, WILL BE INVITED TO JOIN AS MEMBERS OF THE GROUPS."
"THE COMMISSIONER WILL PUBLISH THE RESULTS OF THE MONITORING EVERY YEAR," HE SAID.
A BILINGUAL LEAFLET LISTING THE STANDARDS OF THE SERVICES HAS BEEN PUBLISHED AND WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR THE PUBLIC AT ALL CUSTOMS OFFICES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY FROM NEXT MONTH.
------0-------
PROVISIONAL FIGURES OF EXTERNAL TRADE FOR AUGUST
*****
RE-EXPORTS IN AUGUST MAINTAINED A STRONG GROWTH WHILE DOMESTIC EXPORTS CONTINUED TO DECLINE. IMPORTS RECORDED A NOTABLE INCREASE.
THESE ARE SHOWN IN THE PROVISIONAL FIGURES OF EXTERNAL TRADE RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS IN AUGUST 1993 ROSE BY $11,959 MILLION OR 20% OVER A YEAR EARLIER TO $72,903 MILLION.
THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECREASED BY $1,206 MILLION OR 5.8% TO $19,627 MILLION.
TAKING RE-EXPORTS AND DOMESTIC EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS IN AUGUST 1993 GREW BY $10,753 MILLION OR 13% OVER A YEAR EARLIER TO $92,530 MILLION.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY $13,663 MILLION OR 17% TO $93,034 MILLION.
AS THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS WAS SMALLER THAN THAT OF TOTAL IMPORTS, A VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF $504 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 0.5% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED IN AUGUST 1993.
THIS COMPARED WITH A SURPLUS OF $2,406 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 3.0% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, RECORDED IN AUGUST 1992.
IN THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF 1993, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS AMOUNTED TO $525,195 MILLION, WHICH WAS $94,238 MILLION OR 22% HIGHER THAN A YEAR EARLIER.
THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS, AT $144,178 MILLION, WAS $4,976 MILLION OR 3.3% LOWER THAN THAT IN THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
TAKING RE-EXPORTS AND DOMESTIC EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS IN THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF 1993, AT $669,373 MILLION, WAS $89,261 MILLION OR 15% HIGHER THAN A YEAR EARLIER.
/THE VALUE .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1993
7
THE VALUE OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY $91,468 MILLION OR 15% TO $698,451 MILLION.
A TRADE DEFICIT OF $29,078 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 4.2% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED IN THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF 1993. THIS COMPARED WITH A TRADE DEFICIT OF $26,871 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 4.4% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, RECORDED A YEAR EARLIER.
COMMENTING ON THE LATEST TRADE FIGURES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID RE-EXPORTS CONTINUED TO PROVIDE THE MAIN IMPETUS TO GROWTH IN HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE.
’’THE EXPANSION IN RE-EXPORT VALUE SO FAR THIS YEAR HAS BEEN STRONG AND STEADY,” HE SAID.
IN COMPARISON, THE PERFORMANCE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IS LESS IMPRESSIVE, PARTLY OWING TO SLACKENED DEMAND IN THE OVERSEAS MARKETS, AND PARTLY BECAUSE OF THE ONGOING STRUCTURAL SHIFT IN THE COMPOSITION OF HONG KONG’S EXPORTS FROM DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO RE-EXPORTS, HE ADDED.
THE SHARE OF RE-EXPORTS IN THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS THUS ROSE FURTHER, FROM 74% IN THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF 1992 TO 78% IN THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF 1993.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE VALUE OF RETAINED IMPORTS GREW BY 6.4%.
THERE WAS A SIGNIFICANT PICK-UP IN THE GROWTH OF RETAINED IMPORTS IN AUGUST, BY 14% OVER A YEAR EARLIER.
A MORE DETAILED ANALYSIS OF HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE IN AUGUST 1993, BY COMMODITY AND COUNTRY, WILL BE RELEASED IN MIDOCTOBER.
/PROVISIONAL FIGURES .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1993
8
PROVISIONAL FIGURES OF EXTERNAL
TRADE FOR AUGUST 1993
MERCHANDISE: Domestic Exports : $19,627 mill ion
Re-exports : $72,903 mill ion
Total Exports : $92,530 mill ion
Imports : $93,034 mill ion
Trade balance : -$504 million
COMPARATIVE FIGURES
Jun 93 to Jun 92 to Change
Latest 3 months Aug 9 3 Aug 9 2
HKS Mn. HKS Mn. HKS Mn. %
Domestic Exports 59,506 63,325 -3,819 -6.0
(% of Total Exports) (21.6%) (25.9%)
Re-exports 216,447 180,839 +35,608 + 19.7
Total Exports 275,953 244,164 +31,789 + 13.0
Imports 281,019 248,958 +32,061 + 12.9
Trade balance -5,067 -4,794 -272
August August Change
Same month last year 1993 1992
HKS Mn. HKS Mn. HKS Mn. %
Domestic Exports 19,627 20,833- -1,206 -5.8
(% of Total Exports) (21.2%) (25.5%)
Re-exports 72,903 60,943 +11,959 + 19.6
Total Exports 92,530 81 ,777 +10,753 + 13.1
Imports 93,034 79,371 +13,663 + 17.2
Trade balance -504 2,406 -2,910
August July Change
Last month 1993 1993
HKS Mn. HKS Mn. । HKS Mn. %
Domestic Exports 19,627 21 ,369 -1,742 -8.2
(% of Total Exports) (21.2%) (21.8%)
Re-exports 72,903 76,503 -3,600 -4.7
Total Exports 92,530 97,872 -5,342 -5.5
Imports 93,034 98,690 -5,656 -5.7
Trade balance -504 -818, । + 314
Jan-Aug । Jan-Aug Change
Calendar year to-date 1993 1992
HKS Mn. HKS Mn. HKS Mn. %
Domestic Exports 144,178 149,155 -4,976 -3.3
(% of Total Exports) (21.5%) (25.7%)-
Re-exports 525,195 430,957 +94,238 + 21.9
Total Exports 669,373 580,1 12 +89,261 + 15.4
Imports 698,451 606,983 +91,468 + 15.1
Trade balance -29,078 -26,871 -2,206
Sep 92 to Sep 91 to Change
Last 12 months Aug 93 Aug 92
HKS Mn. HKS Mn. HKS Mn. %
Domestic Exports 229,147 233,733 -4,587 -2.0
(% of Total Exports) (22.6%) (26.8%)
Re-exports 785,067 636,973 +148,095 + 23.2
Total Exports 1,014,214 870,706 + 143,508 + 16.5
Imports 1,046,763 890,907 +155,856 + 17.5
Trade balance -32,549 -20,201 -12,348
/9.........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1993
9
SAMPLES OF DRINKS TESTED
*****
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES ON THE TESTING OF HORL1CKS PRODUCT SAMPLES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TODAY (TUESDAY) SAID NO GLASS SPLINTERS WERE FOUND IN THE SAMPLES COLLECTED.
HE SAID THE SAMPLES INCLUDED BOTH OVAL- AND ROUND-SHAPED BOTTLES.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE DEPARTMENT HAD ALSO CONFIRMED WITH THE HEALTH AUTHORITY IN SINGAPORE THAT THE HORLICKS PRODUCTS SUPPLIED BY THE COUNTRY FOR SALE IN HONG KONG WERE SAFE FOR CONSUMPTION.
---------0-----------
SIX MORE MEN INFECTED WITH HIV *****
SIX MEN WERE FOUND TO BE POSITIVE FOR THE HIV ANTIBODY TEST LAST MONTH, THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY).
THIS BRINGS THE TOTAL NUMBER OF HIV-INFECTED PERSONS IN HONG KONG TO 395.
ONE AIDS CASE WAS REPORTED DURING THE MONTH.
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF CONFIRMED AIDS CASES IS 90, WITH 60 DEATHS. THE 30 OTHERS ARE EITHER UNDER COUNSELLING OR HAVE LEFT THE TERRITORY.
OF THE 395 PERSONS INFECTED, 287 GOT THE INFECTION SEXUALLY, NINE WERE INTRAVENOUS DRUG-USERS, AND 65 GOT THE INFECTION THROUGH CONTAMINATED BLOOD OR BLOOD PRODUCTS BEFORE 1985 WHEN HIV ANTIBODY TEST AND SAFE HEAT-TREATED CLOTTING CONCENTRATES WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
FOR THE REMAINING 34, THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE WAS INADEQUATE FOR CLASSIFICATION.
SINCE THE HIV SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME STARTED IN 1985, A TOTAL OF 282,230 BLOOD SPECIMENS HAVE BEEN TESTED FOR THE HIV ANTIBODY.
THE HONG KONG RED CROSS BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE HAS ALSO SCREENED ALL BLOOD DONORS FOR HIV INFECTION.
UP TO AUGUST THIS YEAR, 1,295,605 UNITS OF BLOOD HAVE BEEN TESTED AND 27 DONORS WERE FOUND POSITIVE.
--------0----------
/10........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1993
10
PROSECUTION PROCEDURES FOR MENTALLY HANDICAPPED UNDER REVIEW « * » »
THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT IS FULLY AWARE OF THE NEED FOR SPECIAL ATTENTION AND SENSITIVE HANDLING OF CASES INVOLVING THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED.
IT IS REVIEWING ITS INTERNAL PROSECUTION PROCEDURES TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE SPECIAL NEEDS OF THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED.
THE REMARK WAS MADE BY A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) AFTER A DELEGATION OF 200 REPRESENTATIVES FROM SOCIAL SERVICES GROUPS AND MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CONCERNED GROUPS HANDED IN A PETITION TO THE JUDICIARY, THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT AND THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH, REQUESTING SEPERATE LEGISLATION AND A SPECIAL COURT FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED.
"THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT WILL ALSO STUDY PROSECUTION PROCEDURES USED IN OTHER COUNTRIES," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL WILL CONSIDER VERY CAREFULLY ALL REPRESENTATIONS HE RECEIVES ON THE ISSUE OF LEGAL PROTECTION OF THE RIGHTS OF THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED AND WILL REFLECT THE VIEWS AND WISHES OF CONCERNED GROUPS TO THE JUDICIARY, THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH AND A LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WORKING GROUP.
SINCE FEBRUARY THIS YEAR, THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN WORKING CLOSELY WITH THE WORKING GROUP CONVENED BY MR FRED LI WAH-MING.
THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS, MR JOHN WOOD, WILL CONTINUE TO OFFER ASSISTANCE TO LEGISLATORS IN ADDRESSING THE WIDER ISSUES AFFECTING THE TREATMENT OF THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED IN COURT.
THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT HAS ALSO BEEN ACTIVELY PARTICIPATING IN AN INTER-DEPARTMENTAL WORKING GROUP, CHAIRED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF REHABILITATION, TO DISCUSS PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS TO THE MENTAL HEALTH ORDINANCE.
AS REGARDS THE CHIEF JUSTICE’S SUGGESTION TO SET UP A SPECIAL WORKING GROUP, CHAIRED BY A HIGH COURT JUDGE AND COMPRISING MEMBERS OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND NON-GOVERNMENT GROUPS, TO STUDY POSSIBLE CHANGES TO HELP HANDICAPPED PERSONS WHEN GIVING EVIDENCE IN A TRIAL, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL HAS ALREADY REPLIED TO THE CHIEF JUSTICE TO SHOW HIS SUPPORT IN PRINCIPLE AND HIS EAGERNESS TO CRYSTALISE SUCH A PROPOSAL.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL REITERATED THAT IT HAD BEEN THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT’S CONSISTENT POLICY NOT TO COMMENT ON ANY INDIVIDUAL CASE.
"IT IS NOT APPROPRIATE FOR INDIVIDUAL CASE TO BE DISCUSSED SINCE THAT COULD LEAD INTO A DISCUSSION INTO GUILT OR INNOCENCE. THESE ARE MATTERS FOR THE COURTS, AND THE COURTS ALONE.
"THEREFORE, NO REPRESENTATIVE FROM LEGAL DEPARTMENT WAS SENT TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WORKING GROUP MEETING LAST THURSDAY TO BRIEF MEMBERS OF THE RAPE CASE OF A DEAF, MUTE, YOUNG WOMAN," HE EXPLAINED.
/HOWEVER, THE ........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1993
11
HOWEVER, THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO HELP THE WORKING GROUP BY OFFERING ITS PROFESSIONAL ADVICE IN RESPECT OF THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED APPEARING IN A CRIMINAL TRIAL.
MR JOHN WOOD WROTE TO THE WORKING GROUP IN APRIL TO EXPRESS HIS WILLINGNESS TO ATTEND FURTHER MEETINGS TO DISCUSS THIS IMPORTANT AND COMPLEX MATTER.
-----0-------
SPECIAL GROUP ON MENTALLY HANDICAPPED IN COURT
*****
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE JUDICIARY SAID TODAY ( TUESDAY):
"THE CHIEF JUSTICE, SIR TI LIANG YANG, HAS APPOINTED A HIGH COURT JUDGE, MR JUSTICE MICHAEL WONG KIN-CHOW, TO CHAIR A SPECIAL WORKING GROUP TO LOOK INTO THE PROBLEMS OF MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PEOPLE GIVING EVIDENCE IN COURT.
"THE TERMS OF REFERENCE AND MEMBERSHIP OF THE WORKING GROUP ARE CURRENTLY UNDER CONSIDERATION."
-----0-----
REPORT ON MENTALLY HANDICAPPED COURT REFUTED
*»*♦»♦
A LEGAL DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN REFUTED AN EVENING PAPER REPORT THAT SAID THE DEPARTMENT WAS IN SUPPORT OF THE IDEA OF SETTING UP A SEPARATE COURT FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED.
’’THE MATTER IS FOR THE JUDICIARY TO DECIDE AND THE JUDICIARY HAS EXPRESSED ITS OPINION ON THE ISSUE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
-----0-------
PUBLIC INVITED TO JOIN EDUCATIONAL LIAISON SUB-COMMITTEE
*****
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE INVITED TO JOIN A SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION THAT IS SET UP TO MONITOR THE PERFORMANCE PLEDGES LAUNCHED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
SELECTED MEMBERS MAY HAVE A DIRECT EXCHANGE OF VIEWS WITH THE EDUCATION SERVICES MANAGER OF THE SERVING THE COMMUNITY UNIT OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION FOR IMPROVEMENT OF EDUCATION SERVICES.
A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, MR HERMAN HU SHAO-MING, HAS BEEN APPOINTED THE CHAIRMAN OF THE EDUCATIONAL SERVICES LIAISON SUB-COMMITTEE.
/APART FROM .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1993
12
APART FROM TWO OTHER MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, THE SUB-COMMITTEE INCLUDES 11 MEMBERS REPRESENTING PARENTS, STUDENTS, TEACHERS, SCHOOL AUTHORITIES AND THE PUBLIC. MEMBERS WILL BE APPOINTED FOR TWO YEARS.
THE SUB-COMMITTEE WILL MEET FOUR TIMES A YEAR. THE MEETINGS WILL NORMALLY BE CONDUCTED IN CHINESE.
THE EDUCATION SERVICES MANAGER, MR ANTHONY TONG KAI-HONG, SAID: ’’WITH THE PARTICIPATION OF CUSTOMERS OF EDUCATIONAL SERVICES, THE TRANSPARENCY OF THE EDUCATION SYSTEM AND THE RESPONSIVENESS OF THE EDUCATION AUTHORITIES WOULD BE INCREASED,”
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO JOIN THE SUB-COMMITTEE CAN CONTACT THE SERVING THE COMMUNITY UNIT ON TEL 892 6157 OR BY FAX 893 0718 NEXT MONTH.
THEY CAN ALSO COMPLETE SUGGESTION FORMS AVAILABLE IN ALL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT BRANCH OFFICES.
APPOINTMENT WILL BE DECIDED THROUGH AN OPEN RANDOM SELECTION PROCESS AFTER TAKING INTO ACCOUNT A BALANCED REPRESENTATION OF THE DIFFERENT CUSTOMER GROUPS AND THEIR GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATIONS.
- - 0 - -
INDUSTRIES AND GOVT JOIN HANDS TO KEEP EDGE
*****
BOTH MANUFACTURERS AND THE GOVERNMENT HAVE A ROLE TO PLAY IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN HONG KONG’S COMPETITIVE POSITION, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T H CHAU, SAID THIS (TUESDAY) MORNING.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS FULLY PREPARED TO PLAY ITS ROLE IN PROVIDING THE NECESSARY INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICES TO ENHANCE THE COMPETITIVENESS AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE LOCAL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.
THIS IS IN LINE WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY OF ’’MINIMUM INTERVENTION AND MAXIMUM SUPPORT”, HE ADDED.
MR CHAU WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE "TEXTILE AND GARMENT TECHNOLOGY” SEMINAR ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS THAT ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION LEGISLATION HAD PLACED ON THE TEXTILE AND GARMENT INDUSTRIES, PARTICULARLY THE DYEING AND FINISHING SECTOR.
’’THE IMPACT OF EXISTING AND PROPOSED ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION LEGISLATION ON THE TEXTILE AND CLOTHING SECTOR HAS BEEN EXAMINED IN A RECENTLY COMPLETED CONSULTANCY STUDY ON ’SUPPORT TO INDUSTRY ON ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS’.
"THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT WILL FOLLOW UP ITS RECOMMENDATIONS VIGOROUSLY,” HE SAID.
/TO HELP
13
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1993
TO HELP TRADERS OVERCOME THE TIME-CONSUMING PROCESS OF PREPARING EXPORT DOCUMENTATION, THE TRADE DEPARTMENT WAS COMMITTED TO PROCESSING EXPORT LICENCE APPLICATIONS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS AS EXPEDITIOUSLY AS POSSIBLE WITHOUT COMPROMISING THE INTEGRITY OF THE TRADE CONTROL SYSTEMS, HE ADDED.
IN THE NEAR FUTURE, THE PROCESSING OF EXPORT DOCUMENTS WOULD BE FURTHER FACILITATED THROUGH IMPLEMENTATION OF AN ELECTRONIC DATA INTERCHANGE SYSTEM.
UNDER THE SYSTEM, TRADERS WILL BE ABLE TO COMPLETE EXPORT DOCUMENTATION PROCEDURES THROUGH THE TRANSMISSION OF ELECTRONIC MESSAGES.
MR CHAU PAID TRIBUTE TO THE INVALUABLE CONTRIBUTION OF MEMBERS OF THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD, PAST AND PRESENT.
’’THEY HAVE GIVEN FREELY OF THEIR TIME AND ATTENTION AND WERE PRESENT TO PROVIDE ON-THE-SPOT ADVICE TO OUR NEGOTIATORS IN ALL OUR MAJOR NEGOTIATIONS.
’’THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD IS AN EXCELLENT EXAMPLE OF CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR, IN PURSUIT OF THE GREATER GOOD," HE SAID.
-----0-------
420 SUMMONSES ISSUED ON MACHINE SAFETY
*♦»*♦♦*
FACTORY INSPECTORS OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ISSUED 420 SUMMONSES AGAINST PROPRIETORS FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE LAW SAFEGUARDING WORKERS’ SAFETY, DURING A RECENTLY CONCLUDED MACHINERY AND SUMMER JOB SAFETY CAMPAIGN.
"THE DEPARTMENT IS DETERMINED TO TAKE VIGOROUS ENFORCEMENT ACTION AGAINST UNSCRUPULOUS EMPLOYERS WHO NEGLECTED THEIR STATUTORY OBLIGATION TO PROTECT WORKERS FROM POTENTIAL HAZARDS," DEPUTY CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR, MR KAN HON-SANG, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
"THIS CAN BE REFLECTED BY THE 398 SUMMONSES TAKEN OUT DURING A SIMILAR CAMPAIGN CONDUCTED LAST YEAR," HE SAID.
MR KAN POINTED OUT THAT ALTHOUGH THE NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS RESULTING FROM THE USE OF MACHINERY HAD BEEN DECLINING FROM SOME 8,800 IN 1988 TO ABOUT 4,100 LAST YEAR, EMPLOYERS HAVE THE DUTY TO PROVIDE PROPER MAINTENANCE OF' GUARDS AS WELL AS INFORMATION OF POTENTIAL HAZARDS, SUPERVISION AND TRAINING TO MACHINE OPERATORS.
"IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO LEAVE A MACHINE UNGUARDED OR INADEQUATELY GUARDED. EVEN THE MOST EXPERIENCED OPERATORS CAN MAKE MISTAKES.
"DANGEROUS PARTS OF MACHINES, IF NOT PROPERLY GUARDED, OFTEN CAUSE SERIOUS ACCIDENTS RESULTING IN LOSS OF LIMBS OR EVEN DEATHS," HE SAID.
/SOME MACHINES .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1993
14
SOME MACHINES ARE PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS, SUCH AS POWER PRESSES, GRANULATORS, AND MACHINES USED IN WOODWORK PAPER AND CATERING INDUSTRIES AS WELL AS PRINTING AND PLASTICS FACTORIES.
’’PROPER GUARDING OF MACHINERY CAN HELP AVOID INJURIES AT ALL TIMES AND GIVES CONFIDENCE TO OPERATORS,” HE SAID.
MR KAN SAID DURING THE TWO-MONTH CAMPAIGN WHICH STARTED IN JULY, FACTORY INSPECTORS VISITED MORE THAN 10,000 INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS TO EXPLAIN TO EMPLOYERS AND WORKERS THE IMPORTANCE OF EFFECTIVELY GUARDING THE DANGEROUS PARTS OF MACHINES.
MORE THAN 10,000 PUBLICATIONS, INCLUDING POSTERS, PAMPHLETS AND LEAFLETS, WERE DISTRIBUTED.
’’STUDENTS WITHOUT PROPER TRAINING ARE MORE VULNERABLE TO VARIOUS KINDS OF RISK THAT MAY EXIST IN WORKPLACES AND SITES," HE SAID.
"THEREFORE, FACTORY INSPECTORS WERE CONCERNED ABOUT THE EMPLOYMENT OF SUMMER JOB WORKERS IN THE MANUFACTURING, CATERING AS WELL AS CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRIES DURING THEIR VISITS.
"SPECIAL ATTENTION WAS PAID ON WHETHER LIFTING APPLIANCES AND HEAVY PLANTS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES ARE BEING OPERATED BY PEOPLE UNDER THE AGE OF 18," HE ADDED.
DURING THE INSPECTIONS, 119 INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS WERE FOUND TO HAVE EMPLOYED SUMMER JOB WORKERS.
"BOTH THE PROPRIETORS AND WORKERS WERE REMINDED OF THE IMPORTANCE OF WORK SAFETY, AND LEAFLETS WERE DISTRIBUTED TO SUMMER JOB WORKERS . ’’
MR KAN SAID A SUMMONS WAS ISSUED AGAINST A FACTORY PROPRIETOR FOR ENGAGING A SUMMER JOB WORKER TO OPERATE A DANGEROUS MACHINE.
HE APPEALED TO EMPLOYERS TO PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO ENSURE MACHINERY SAFETY AND URGED WORKERS TO CO-OPERATE WITH EMPLOYERS IN TAKING NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS.
- - 0 - -
FERRY SERVICE BETWEEN TUEN MUN AND CENTRAL
*****
LICENSED CATAMARAN FERRY SERVICE BETWEEN TUEN MUN AND CENTRAL WILL START OPERATION FROM THURSDAY (SEPTEMBER 30), THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED.
THE MAXIMUM SINGLE JOURNEY FARES FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN/HANDICAPPED WILL BE $20 AND $10 RESPECTIVELY.
- - 0 - -
/15
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1993
- 15 -
COMMUNITY CHEST WORKS QUIET WONDERS * * * * ♦
THE HELP OF THE COMMUNITY CHEST AND THE GENEROSITY OF HONG KONG PEOPLE TOGETHER ARE WORKING QUIET WONDERS ALL OVER THE TERRITORY, MRS PATTEN SAID AS SHE LAUNCHED THE CHEST’S 1993/94 FUND-RAISING CAMPAIGN.
ONE GIFT HELPS TO PROVIDE LOVE AND CARE FOR AN ABANDONED BABY, TEACHES A NEW SKILL TO A SPASTIC PERSON, AND RESTORES DIGNITY AND SELF-CONFIDENCE TO A FORMER DRUG ADDICT, SHE SAID.
IT ALSO SUPPORTS A FAMILY IN TIME OF CRISIS AND MAKES AN OLD PERSON FEEL USEFUL AND LOVED, SHE ADDED.
STRESSING THAT A GRANT FROM THE CHEST WAS NOT SIMPLY A GIFT OF MONEY, MRS PATTEN SAID: "IT IS ALSO AN EXPRESSION OF SUPPORT, OF UNDERSTANDING AND CONCERN."
WHEN THE CHEST MAKES A GRANT TO HELP THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED, IT IS SENDING A MESSAGE THAT THE COMMUNITY UNDERSTANDS THE PROBLEMS THESE PEOPLE FACE AND BELIEVES THAT THEY NEED SPECIAL HELP AND SUPPORT, SHE SAID.
HONG KONG PEOPLE HAVE DONATED MORE THAN $965 MILLION TO THE COMMUNITY CHEST. IN THIS 25TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR, THE $1 BILLION MARK WILL BE PASSED.
THIS YEAR A RECORD TARGET OF $150 MILLION HAS BEEN SET, AN INCREASE OF ABOUT NINE PER CENT OVER LAST YEAR’S TARGET.
-----0-----------
CAR MARK AUCTION
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL PUT UP ANOTHER 50 LUCKY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS FOR AUCTION ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 2).
THEY ARE:
FJ1828 AA170 FJ1338 AA748 FK369
FK6899 FH1668 FK821 FJ101 1 FJ3345
♦ FS313 *2890 *FK7 *FP1 *FJ3883
AC978 FH238 AV338 FK3228 AL8300
FK1686 AA3222 FG7662 CK8322 FK265
FJ9288 FH8288 AU3338 FJ8631 FJ6368
FE332 FK668 FK1980 FK8768 FK8854
»DL17 *FS11 ♦ DL88 *FN818 ♦FR525
FK1688 HK2047 FK786 AU2389 FK723
FH832 FK3328 FJ6618 FK2340 FK9483
* SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK (NOT TRANSFERABLE)
THE AUCTION WILL BEGIN AT 9.30 AM AT THE LECTURE HALL, SHEUNG WAN CIVIC CENTRE, FIFTH FLOOR, URBAN COUNCIL SHEUNG WAN COMPLEX AT 345 QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
/SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS .......
16
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1993
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS MUST PAY BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT REMINDED BIDDERS THAT THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK WOULD BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO A VEHICLE REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE AUCTION.
THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION MUST BE PRODUCED IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE AUCTION IF THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK IS TO BE REGISTERED UNDER THE NAME OF BODY CORPORATE.
PROCEEDS OF THE AUCTION, AFTER DEDUCTION OF EXPENSES, WILL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND.
THE COMING AUCTION WILL BE THE 203RD ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973.
------0--------
197 RETURN TO VIETNAM *****
A GROUP OF 197 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (TUESDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER A VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME OF THE UNITED NATION HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES.
COMPRISING 61 MEN, 50 WOMEN, 51 BOYS AND 35 GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 167TH BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.
THIS GROUP BROUGHT TO 6,618 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAVE RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 32,930 THE
TOTAL NUMBER OE RETURNEES SINCE THE PROGRAMME 0 STARTED IN MARCH 1989.
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE TENDER RESULTS ***** FUND
TENDER DATE 28 SEPT 93 28 SEPT 93
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q339 H374
AMOUNT APPLIED HKD 4,350MN HKD 2.450MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED HKD 1,000MN HKD 400MN
AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED 2.88 PCT 3.07 PCT
HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED 2.89 PCT 3.07 PCT
PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 6 PCT ABOUT 36 PCT
AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 2.90 PCT 3.09 PCT
/HONG KONG .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1993
17
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
TENDERS TO BE HELD IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 4 OCT 1993 -
TENDER DATE 5 OCT 93 5 OCT 93
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q340 Y394
ISSUE DATE 6 OCT 93 6 OCT 93
MATURITY DATE 5 JAN 94 5 OCT 94
TENOR 91 DAYS 364 DAYS
AMOUNT ON OFFER HKD l,000+200MN 0 HKD 300+90MN
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ***** $ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,000
REVERSAL OF LAF NIL
BALANCE AFTER REVERSL OF LAF 2,000
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY +460
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,460
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 112.3 *-0.1* 28.9.1993
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 2.75 PCT 14 MONTHS 2411 4.625 101.44 3.34
1 MONTH 2.79 PCT 17 MONTHS 2502 4.75 101.66 3.54
3 MONTHS 2.85 PCT 20 MONTHS 2505 3.75 99.98 3.80
6 MONTHS 3.03 PCT 23 MONTHS 2508 4.625 101.36 3.90
12 MONTHS 3.28 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 8,679 MN
CLOSED 28 SEPTEMBER 1993
------0--------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
-------------rj'-----------------------------
issued by" Government information services
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1993
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR ATTENDS CHINESE NATIONAL DAY RECEPTION ................. 1
POLICY SPEECH TO TOUCH ON ELECTION TALKS ........................ 2
FARMERS TO GET RELIEF GRANTS TOMORROW ........................... 2
MONETARY STATISTICS FOR AUGUST .................................. 3
LEGAL AID SERVICES WILL HE MORE USER-FRIENDLY ................... 7
GOVERNOR GOES WALKABOUT TN MONG KOK ............................. 8
WOMEN'S COALITION GIVES VIEWS ON EQUALITY PAPER ................. 8
APPOINTMENTS TO CONSUMER COUNCTI................................. 9
TWO NEW MEMBERS JOIN CIVIL SERVICE STANDING COMMISSION .......... 9
TICKETS FOR GOVERNOR'S PUBLIC MEETINGS AVAILABLE TOMORROW .. 10
TRADE MARKS FEES TO BE REVISED ................................. 11
VEHICLE PARK AT WESTERN RECLAMATION TO CLOSE ................... 12
SAM KA TSUEN SITE TO LET ....................................... 13
STUDY HALL TN SHA TAU KOK TO REOPEN ............................ 13
CARGO WORKING AREAS REMAIN OPEN ON FRIDAY ...................... 14
NEW CUSTOMS COMMISSIONER VISITS BORDER ......................... 14
FIRE SAFETY ADVICE FOR MID-AUTUMN FEST1VAI...................... 15
SECRETARY FOR SECURITY SEES FIREMEN IN TRAINING ................ 15
TSUEN WAN TAX OFFICE ON MOVE ................................... 16
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS . 16
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1993
1
GOVERNOR ATTENDS CHINESE NATIONAL DAY RECEPTION ******
DIRECTOR, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,
I AM VERY PLEASED TO BE HERE THIS EVENING FOR THE 4 4TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA.
THE PAST YEAR HAS BEEN ANOTHER ONE OF SPECTACULAR ECONOMIC GROWTH IN CHINA. CHINA’S GROWTH IS IMPORTANT NOT ONLY OF COURSE FOR CHINA ITSELF BUT ALSO FOR HONG KONG AND FOR THE WHOLE WORLD. THAT VIEW IS WIDELY SHARED BY BUSINESSMEN EVERYWHERE. HERE IN HONG KONG, WE WERE PERHAPS THE FIRST TO RECOGNISE THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE OPENING UP OF CHINA’S ECONOMY. WE HAVE DEMONSTRATED OUR COMMITMENT TO CHINA’S SUCCESS IN CHARACTERISTICALLY SPECTACULAR HONG KONG FASHION. HONG KONG’S DIRECT INVESTMENT IN CHINA COMES TO ABOUT TWO THIRDS OF TOTAL EXTERNAL INVESTMENT IN CHINA. AND HONG KONG INTERESTS ARE NOW INVOLVED IN 68,000 ENTERPRISES IN CHINA.
WE KNOW FROM THE WORDS AND DEEDS OF YOUR LEADERS, DIRECTOR, THAT CHINA HAS ENCOUNTERED PROBLEMS - SERIOUS PROBLEMS - WITH ITS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. BUT WE APPLAUD THE FACT THAT CHINA’S LEADERS ARE FACING UP TO THESE PROBLEMS AND TAKING STEPS TO TACKLE THEM. THEY ARE CLEARLY THE PROBLEMS OF TRANSITION, WHICH WE ARE CONFIDENT WILL BE OVERCOME. THE LONG TERM PICTURE IS ONE OF GREAT PROMISE.
SO IT IS, I AM SURE, WITH HONG KONG’S OWN RELATIONSHIP WITH CHINA. THERE HAS PERHAPS INEVITABLY BEEN TOO MUCH CONCENTRATION OVER THE PAST YEAR ON OUR OWN PROBLEMS OF TRANSITION. THE EIGHTH CENTURY POET, WANG ZHIHUAN, WAS PROBABLY NOT THINKING ABOUT HONG KONG WHEN HE WROTE - AND I PARAPHRASE - THAT IN ORDER TO GET THE LONG RANGE PICTURE YOU HAVE TO CLIMB HIGHER. BUT HIS WORDS HOLD EXTREMELY GOOD ADVICE. WE MUST CLIMB HIGH, LIFT OUR EYES ABOVE THE PROBLEMS NOW UNDER DISCUSSION BETWEEN BRITAIN AND CHINA - IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP AND LN OTHER TALKS - AND REMIND OURSELVES WHAT WE ARE WORKING FOR. WE ARE WORKING FOR THE RIGOROUS IMPLEMENTATION OF THAT VISIONARY CONCEPT TN THE JOINT DECLARATION - "ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS". IT IS A HISTORIC CHALLENGE, A UNIQUE CHALLENGE, NEVER REALLY TRIED OR ACCOMPLISHED BEFORE. SUCCESS WILL BE GOOD FOR CHINA AND THE WHOLE REGION AND OF COURSE GOOD FOR HONG KONG WHOSE VALUES AND WAY OF LIFE ARE SO PRECIOUS TO US AIL.
BOTH SIDES MUST CLIMB HIGHER, WORK HARDER. I AM SURE THAT IN WHAT OUR FOREIGN MINISTERS WILL BE DOING AND TRYING TO DO LATER THIS WEEK. THERE IS A GREAT DEAL TO DO IN THE REMAINING 45 MONTHS OF TRANSITION. MANY SEPARATE ISSUES TO SOLVE - LEGAL, TECHNICAL, ECONOMIC, AS WELL AS POLITICAL. ALL OF THEM CAN BE SOLVED IF BOTH SIDES SINCERELY WISH TO OVERCOME THEM. ALL OF THEM MUST BE SOLVED IF THE UNPARALLELED PROMISE OF THIS REGION IS TO BE TURNED INTO REALITY.
I NOW LIKE TO PROPOSE TO TOAST TO THE HEALTH OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA.
--------0 - -
/2 ........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1993
- 2 -
POLICY SPEECH TO TOUCH ON ELECTION TALKS
*****
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SAID HE WOULD TRY NEXT WEEK IN HIS POLICY ADDRESS TO LEGCO TO TAKE HONG KONG PEOPLE IN A REASONABLE WAY INTO THE CONFIDENCE WITHOUT RISKING THE TALKS ON THE 1994/95 ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS.
HONG KONG PEOPLE EXPECT ME TO REVIEW THE PROGRESS THAT HAS BEEN MADE IN THE TALKS WITHOUT BREACHING CONFIDENTIALITY, HE SAID.
SPEAKING TO MEDIA MEMBERS AFTER VISITING MONG KOK, HE SAID: ’’THERE IS AS YOU KNOW A LIMITED AMOUNT OF TIME. WE ALL WANT TO MAKE PROGRESS AS RAPIDLY AS POSSIBLE BUT WE CAN’T GO ON FOREVER.”
MR PATTEN SAID HONG KONG PEOPLE HAD SHOWN EXTRAORDINARY PATIENCE AND THAT INDICATED THAT THEY, LIKE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, WOULD LIKE IF POSSIBLE TO SEE AN AGREEMENT IN THE TALKS.
’’THROUGHOUT THESE DISCUSSIONS WE HAVE TRIED TO BE AS COURTEOUS AS POSSIBLE AND TO AVOID RHETORIC AND ABUSE,” HE SAID.
TALKING ABOUT THE BASIS OF THIS DISCUSSION, HE SAID THE ELECTIONS SHOULD BE CONDUCTED FAIRLY.
"AND IF WE DON’T HAVE CREDIBLE ELECTIONS THAT WILL THREATEN THE RULE OF LAW,” HE SAID.
IT WILL MAKE IT MORE DIFFICULT To FIGHT CORRUPTION AND TO SUSTAIN HONG KONG’S VALUES AND WAY OF LIFE, HE ADDED.
THE GOVERNOR SAID THAT WAS THE ISSUE HE HOPED THAT CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER, MR QIAN QICIIEN, WOULD ADDRESS WHEN HE TALKED TO BRITISH FOREIGN SECRETARY, MR DOUGLAS HURD LATER IN THE WEEK.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION ON HIS MEETING WITH DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG AND MACAU AFFAIRS OFFICE, MR LU PING, MR PATTEN SAID HE WOULD BE HAPPY To SEE HIM AT ANY TIME.
IT IS IMPORTANT FOR MEMBERS OF THE OFFICE TO COME TO HONG KONG AS FREQUENTLY AS POSSIBLE, HE SAID.
-------------------0-------- FARMERS TO GET RELIEF GRANTS TOMORROW *****
THE FIRST BATCH OF GRANTS FROM THE EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT WILL BE RELEASED TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO SOME 200 FARMERS AFFECTED BY TYPHOON DOT EARLIER THIS WEEK.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SAID SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WOULD BE INFORMED BY TELEPHONE TO COLLECT THE CHEQUES FROM THE PAYMENT OFFICES FROM TOMORROW.
HE SAID THE DEPARTMENT WAS TRYING ITS BEST TO INVESTIGATE AND ASSESS THE DAMAGE SO THAT EARLY PAYMENT COULD BE MADE TO THE AFFECTED FARMERS BEFORE THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL.
/SO FAR .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1993
3
SO FAR 1,494 APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED.
OF THEM, 1,378 WERE FROM VEGETABLE, CROP, POULTRY AND LIVESTOCK FARMERS WHILE 116 WERE FROM POND FISH FARMERS.
UNTIL NOW, INVESTIGATION OF 524 CASES HAD BEEN COMPLETED.
THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED FARMERS THAT THE TWO ADDITIONAL REGISTRATION CENTRES AND THE THREE EXTENSION OFFICES IN NORTH AND YUEN LONG DISTRICTS WOULD REMAIN OPEN ON THE PUBLIC HOLIDAY THIS FRIDAY AND ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 3), TO FACILITATE THEM TO HAND IN THEIR APPLICATIONS AND TO OBTAIN PAYMENT.
HE URGED THOSE AFFECTED FARMERS WHO HAD NOT HANDED IN THEIR APPLICATIONS TO DO SO IMMEDIATELY.
THE ADDITIONAL REGISTRATION CENTRES AND EXTENSION OFFICES ARE:
YUEN LONG AND NORTH DISTRICTS
ADDITIONAL CENTRES:
TAI LUNG EXPERIMENTAL STATION (TEL: 670 1161)
TA KWU LING PIG BREEDING CENTRE (TEL: 674 0593)
EXTENSION OFFICES:
YUEN LONG DISTRICT AGRICULTURAL OFFICE (TEL: 476 2424)
KO PO EXTENSION OFFICE (TEL: 674 0533)
AU TAU FISHERIES STATION OFFICE (TEL: 471 9174)
OTHER DISTRICTS
SAI KUNG EXTENSION OFFICE (TEL: 719 8242)
MUI WO EXTENSION OFFICE (TEL: 984 8330)
TAI PO AGRICULTURAL OFFICE (TEL: 657 7111)
------0--------
MONETARY STATISTICS FOR AUGUST
*****
HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS DECREASED IN AUGUST MAINLY BECAUSE OF THE HIGH COMPARISON BASE IN JULY AND THE REFUNDING OF SHARE SUBSCRIPTION MONIES.
THIS IS ACCORDING TO STATISTICS PUBLISHED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY.
CONSISTENT WITH THIS, THE BROADEST HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY, M3, FELL TN AUGUST. HONG KONG DOLLAR LOANS AND ADVANCES ALSO DECREASED SLIGHTLY DURING THE MONTH.
/DEPOSITS .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1993
4
DEPOSITS
HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS, ADJUSTED TO INCLUDE SWAP DEPOSITS, FELL BY 0.8% IN AUGUST FOLLOWING A DECREASE OF 0.2% IN JUNE AND AN INCREASE OF 4.5% IN JULY.
AMONG THESE DEPOSITS, DEMAND DEPOSITS AND SAVINGS DEPOSITS INCREASED BY 5.2% AND 1.1% RESPECTIVELY WHILE TIME DEPOSITS DECREASED BY 3.3%.
YEAR-ON-YEAR, TOTAL HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS GREW BY 16.9%.
FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS INCREASED BY 0.5% IN AUGUST, AFTER A DECREASE OF 0.8% IN JUNE AND AN INCREASE OF 0.5% IN JULY RESPECTIVELY.
OF THESE DEPOSITS, U.S. DOLLAR DEPOSITS ROSE BY 2.3% WHILE NONU.S. DOLLAR FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS DECREASED BY 1.1%. YEAR-ON-YEAR, TOTAL FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS GREW BY 8.8%.
DURING AUGUST, DEPOSITS IN ALL CURRENCIES WITH LICENSED BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES DECREASED BY 0.1% AND 0.2% RESPECTIVELY WHILE DEPOSITS WITH RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS INCREASED BY 0.3%.
YEAR-ON-YEAR, DEPOSITS WITH LICENSED BANKS GREW BY 13.8% WHILE DEPOSITS WITH RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES DECLINED BY 23.5% AND 11.3% RESPECTIVELY.
MONEY SUPPLY
HK$M1 INCREASED BY 3.9% TN AUGUST WHILE BOTH HK$M2 AND HK$M3 DECREASED BY 0.5%. THEIR CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES IN JULY WERE -1.8%, 4.3% AND 4.2% RESPECTIVELY.
YEAR-ON-YEAR, THESE MONETARY AGGREGATES INCREASED BY 24.3%, 18.6% AND 17.2% RESPECTIVELY.
TOTAL Ml INCREASED BY 4.3% WHILE BOTH TOTAL M2 AND M3 RECORDED INSIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN AUGUST. THEIR CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES TN JULY WERE -1.7%, 2.4% AND 2.3% RESPECTIVELY.
YEAR-ON-YEAR, THESE MONETARY AGGREGATES INCREASED BY 23.9%, 14.2% AND 13.1% RESPECTIVELY.
LOANS AND ADVANCES
TOTAL OUTSTANDING LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS INCREASED BY 0.9% IN AUGUST, FOLLOWING INCREASES OF 0.7% AND 2.1% TN JUNE AND JULY RESPECTIVELY.
AMONG THESE LOANS, HONG KONG DOLLAR LOANS DECREASED BY 0.2% WHILE FOREIGN CURRENCY LOANS INCREASED BY 1.4%.
/COMPARED WITH .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1993
- 5 -
COMPARED WITH A YEAR EARLIER, THESE LOANS INCREASED BY 16.6% AND 16.1% RESPECTIVELY.
LOANS TO FINANCE VISIBLE TRADE OF HONG KONG INCREASED BY 0.04% IN AUGUST, AFTER INCREASES OF 3.7% AND 1.4% IN JUNE AND JULY RESPECTIVELY. YEAR-ON-YEAR, SUCH LOANS GREW BY 14.3%.
OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG INCREASED BY 0.3% IN AUGUST, FOLLOWING INCREASES OF 0.8% AND 3.6% IN JUNE AND JULY RESPECTIVELY. YEAR-ON-YEAR, THESE LOANS INCREASED BY 16.6%.
LOANS FOR USE OUTSIDE HONG KONG INCREASED BY 1.3% IN AUGUST, AFTER INCREASES OF 0.4% AND 1.4% IN JUNE AND JULY RESPECTIVELY. YEAR-ON- YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 16.4%.
LOANS TO FINANCE TRADE NOT TOUCHING HONG KONG DECREASED BY 2.0% DURING AUGUST, AFTER INCREASES OF 5.1% AND 3.2% IN JUNE AND JULY RESPECTIVELY. YEAR-ON-YEAR, THESE LOANS INCREASED BY 12.6%.
NUMBER OF REPORTING INSTITUTIONS
THE NUMBER OF REPORTING LICENSED BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES INCREASED BY ONE TO 165 AND 143 RESPECTIVELY WHILE THE NUMBER OF RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS REMAINED UNCHANGED AT 55.
/TABLE ........
6
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1993
TABLE : MONETARY STATISTICS - AUG 1993
Money Supply Aug 1993 Jul 1993 Earlier months (7c change to Aug 1993) (HKSmn)
May 1993 Aug 1992
Ml -HKS 159,075 153,130 ( 3.9 ) 148,124 ( 7.4 ) 128,021 ( 24.3 )
Foreign currency 19,935 18,522 ( 7.6 ) 16,412 ( 21.5 ) 16,469 ( 21.0 )
Total 179,010 171,652 ( 4.3 ) 164.536 ( 8.8 ) 144.490 ( 23.9 )
M2 - HKS* 831,582 835,516 ( -0.5 ) 801,659 ( 3.7 ) 700,939 ( 18 6 )
Foreign currency* 844,859 840,879 ( 0.5 ) 843,097 ( 0.2 ) 766,853 ( 10.2 )
Total 1,676,441 1.676,394 ( 0.0 ) 1,644,756 ( 1.9 ) 1,467,792 ( 14.2 )
M3 - HKS* 847,733 852,041 ( -0.5 ) 817,933 ( 3.6 ) 723,214 ( 17.2 )
Foreign currency* 877,884 873,315 ( 0.5 ) 875,062 ( 0.3 ) 803,141 ( 9.3 )
Total 1,725,617 1,725,356 ( 0.0 ) 1,692,995 ( 1.9 ) 1,526,355 ( 13.1 )
Notes and coins in circulation 68,336 66,768 ( 2.3 ) 64,498 ( 6.0 ) 56,287 ( 21.4 )
of which held by public 59,993 58,954 ( 1.8 ) 56,806 ( 5.6 ) 48,403 ( 23.9 )
Total Deposits
Total Demand deposits 119,017 112,699 ( 5.6 ) 107,730 ( 10.5 ) 96,088 ( 23.9 )
Total Savings deposits 391,347 387.498 ( 1.0 ) 383,188 ( 2.1 ) 349,928 ( U-8 )
Total Time deposits with licensed banks 1,085,717 1,097,952 ( -1.1 ) 1,078,859 ( 0.6 ) 957.085 ( 13 4 )
Total Time deposits with restricted licence banks 28,019 27,926 ( 0.3 ) 27,169 ( 3.1 ) 36,650 ( -23.5 )
Total Time deposits with deposit-taking companies 17,819 17,853 ( -0.2 ) 17,970 ( -0.8 ) 20,088 ( -113 )
HKS deposits* 772,974 779,227 ( -0.8 ) 747,215 ( 3.4 ) 661,075 ( 16.9 )
USS deposits* 417,214 407,846 ( 2.3 ) 415,007 ( 0.5 ) 347,278 ( 20.1 )
Other foreign currency deposits* 451,732 456,855 ( -1.1 ) 452,695 ( -0.2 ) 451,486 ( 0.1 )
All deposits 1,641,920 1,643,927 ( -0.1 ) 1,614,917 ( 1.7 ) 1,459,839 ( 125 )
Foreign currency swap deposits 64,062 63,029 ( 1.6 ) 61,199 ( 4.7 ) 49,009 ( 30.7 )
Total Loans and advances
To finance H.K.’s visible trade 103,901 103,856 ( 0.0 ) 98,775 ( 5.2 ) 90,878 ( 14.3 )
To finance merchandising trade not touching H.K. 12,761 13,020 ( -2.0 ) 11,998 ( 6.4 ) 11,333 ( 12.6 )
Other loans for use in H.K. 1,040,149 1,037.321 ( 0.3 ) 992,523 ( 4.8 ) 892,222 ( 16.6 )
Other loans for use outside H.K. 1,662,054 1.641.384 ( 1.3 ) 1,612,918 ( 3.0 ) 1,427.802 ( 16.4 )
Other loans where the place of use is not known 42,639 41.766 ( 2.1 ) 41,856 ( 1.9 ) 38,150 ( U-8 )
Loans in HKS 924,290 926,190 ( -0.2 ) 883,197 ( 4.7 ) 792,500 ( 16.6 )
Loans in foreign currencies 1,937,213 1,911,157 ( 1.4 ) 1,874,874 ( 3.3 ) 1,667,885 ( 16.1 )
Total loans and advances 2,861,503 2.837,347 ( 0.9 ) 2,758,070 ( 3.8 ) 2,460,384 ( 16.3 )
♦ Adjusted for foreign currency swap deposits. Starting from April 1991, swap deposits can further be broken down into US dollar and non-US dollar foreign currency swap deposits.
Note : ’Restricted licence banks’ and ’deposit-taking companies’ were known as ’licensed deposit-taking companies’ and ’registered deposit-taking companies’ respectively before I February 1990.
/7........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1993
- 7 -
LEGAL AID SERVICES WILL BE MORE USER-FRIENDLY *****
SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT WILL BE FURTHER IMPROVED AND MORE USER-FRIENDLY UNDER A PERFORMANCE PLEDGE LAUNCHED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE, THE DIRECTOR OF LEGAL AID, LADY PAULINE CHEUNG, SAID CLIENTS WOULD BE RECEIVED IN AN EFFICIENT AND COURTEOUS MANNER AND IN A CLEAN SERVICE ENVIRONMENT.
"WE ARE COMMITTED TO THE HIGHEST PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS.
"WE WILL ACQUIRE NEW FACILITIES IN THE NEAR FUTURE TO MAKE OUR SERVICES EVEN MORE USER-FRIENDLY," SHE SAID.
THE PLEDGE COVERS THE FOLLOWING MAJOR SERVICES:
* LEGAL AID IN CIVIL MATTERS
AN APPLICANT CAN EXPECT TO COMPLETE APPLICATION FORMALITIES WITHIN AN HOUR FROM HIS ARRIVAL AT THE OFFICE. THE APPLICATION FORM HAS RECENTLY BEEN SIMPLIFIED.
EXCEPT IN EMERGENCIES, A PERSON GRANTED LEGAL AID IN CIVIL CASES CAN EXPECT AN INITIAL APPOINTMENT WITH A LAWYER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND NO LATER THAN 28 WORKING DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THE LEGAL AID CERTIFICATE.
* FAMILY LAW LITIGATION
A FAMILY LAW CLINIC OFFERS A NO-APPOINTMENT WALK-IN SERVICE FOR EXISTING CLIENTS AND NEW APPLICANTS SEEKING URGENT HELP. IN EMERGENCIES, APPLICATIONS CAN BE MADE FOK CLIENTS IN COURT THE SAME DAY.
* LEGAL AID IN CRIMINAL MATTERS
AN APPLICANT CAN EXPECT TO HAVE HIS APPLICATION PROCESSED WITHIN THREE HOURS FROM HIS ARRIVAL.
LADY CHEUNG SAID THE THREE-HOUR PLEDGE WAS OF GREAT HELP TO THOSE ACCUSED WHO APPLIED FOR LEGAL AID JUST A FEW DAYS BEFORE THE DAY SCHEDULED FOR THEIR TRIAL.
REGARDING NEW FACILITIES TO ENHANCE CONVENIENCE FOR CLIENTS, LADY CHEUNG SAID THERE WOULD BE AN INTERACTIVE VOICE PROCESSING SYSTEM TO ANSWER TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES AND AN ELECTRONIC DISPLAY QUEUING SYSTEM TO SERVE WAITING APPLICANTS.
TO MONITOR THE QUALITY OF THE SERVICES, A DEPARTMENTAL TASK FORCE HAS BEEN SET UP.
"WE WILL BE ACTIVELY SEEKING CUSTOMER FEEDBACK TO ENSURE OUR SERVICES WILL CONTINUE TO IMPROVE," SHE SAID.
INFORMATION PAMPHLETS LISTING VARIOUS SERVICES CAN BE OBTAINED AT THE DEPARTMENT OR AT DISTRICT OFFICES, CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, POLICE STATIONS, SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNITS AND HOUSING ESTATE OFFICES.
/8.......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1993
8
GOVERNOR GOES WALKABOUT IN MONG KOK
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, IN ANOTHER ONE OF HIS REGULAR WALKABOUTS TO UPDATE HIMSELF ON LOCAL CONDITIONS AND DEVELOPMENTS, VISITED MONG KOK DISTRICT THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON.
HE FIRST WENT TO THE OPEN LEARNING INSTITUTE OF HONG KONG WHERE HE WAS BRIEFED BY ITS DIRECTOR PROFESSOR G DHANARAJAN ON THE FACILITIES BEFORE MINGLING AND CHATTING WITH SOME OF THE STUDENTS.
THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY A VISIT TO THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN IN PORTLAND STREET - A CENTRE THAT IS CURRENTLY PROVIDING DAY CARE AND RESIDENTIAL SERVICES TO ABOUT 500 CHILDREN.
MR PATTEN THEN PROCEEDED TO THE FA YUEN STREET HAWKER PERMITTED PLACE - SO NAMED BECAUSE ALL THE VENDORS HAVE TO OPERATE FROM FIXED STALLS. THERE ARE 216 OF THEM SELLING FRESH FRUITS, CLOTHES AND OTHER ACCESSORIES.
BEFORE CONCLUDING THE VISIT, HE MET MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS AT A RECEPTION IN THE FA YUEN STREET URBAN COUNCIL COMPLEX.
THE GOVERNOR WAS ACCOMPANIED ON THE TRIP BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MISS CHRISTINE CHOW, AND THE ACTING YAU TSIM/MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICER, MR VINCENT TANG.
------0--------
WOMEN’S COALITION GIVES VIEWS ON EQUALITY PAPER
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, MET REPRESENTATIVES OF THE COALITION OF WOMEN’S ORGANISATIONS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) TO LISTEN TO THEIR VIEWS ON THE GREEN PAPER ON EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN AND MEN.
MR SUEN SAID IT WAS A VERY USEFUL DISCUSSION AND HE WAS GLAD THAT THE COALITION HAD EXPRESSED THEIR VIEWS EXHAUSTIVELY.
"THIS WILL CERTAINLY HELP US CHART THE COURSE OF OUR WAY FORWARD," HE SAID.
EMPHASISING THE GOVERNMENT’S SINCERITY IN PROMOTING EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES BETWEEN THE SEXES, MR SUEN SAID THE MAIN PURPOSE OF THE GREEN PAPER EXERCISE WAS TO AROUSE PUBLIC AWARENESS AND DEBATE ON THE ISSUE.
HE SAID: "FOR THOSE WHO ARE WELL VERSED WITH THIS PARTICULAR SUBJECT, THEY MAY KNOW ALL THE IMPORTANT STATISTICS AND DATA.
"BUT FOR THE ORDINARY PEOPLE IN THE STREET, IT MAY BE DIFFICULT FOR THEM TO OBTAIN ALL THE RELEVANT MATERIAL.
/"IT IS .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1993
9
"IT IS THEREFORE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE GOVERNMENT TO COMPILE A DOCUMENT LISTING OUT ALL THE RELEVANT FACTS AND FIGURES SO THAT THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN THE SUBJECT CAN EASILY GRASP A FULL PICTURE OF THIS IMPORTANT ISSUE.
"THE CONSULTATION EXERCISE IS, IN ITSELF, AN IMPORTANT EDUCATIONAL PROCESS," MR SUEN SAID.
AND, IN THIS CONNECTION, HE CALLED ON THE COMMUNITY TO ACTIVELY RESPOND TO THE PROPOSALS IN THE GREEN PAPER SO THAT AT THE END OF THE CONSULTATION PERIOD, THE GOVERNMENT COULD HAVE GUIDANCE ON THE NEXT STEP FORWARD.
------0-------
APPOINTMENTS TO CONSUMER COUNCIL * * * * ♦
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE GOVERNOR HAD REAPPOINTED PROFESSOR EDWARD CHEN KWAN-YIU CHAIRMAN OF THE CONSUMER COUNCIL.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAD APPOINTED MISS ANNA WU HUNG-YUK VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL TO SUCCEED MR JUSTEIN WONG CHUN, WHO HAS SERVED ON THE COUNCIL SINCE 1987.
BOTH APPOINTMENTS ARE FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS WITH EFFECT FROM OCTOBER 7 THIS YEAR.
"MR WONG HAS MADE A VALUABLE CONTRI BUT I ON TO THE WORK OF THE COUNCIL OVER THE PAST SIX YEARS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"WE BELIEVE THAT THE COUNCIL WILL CONT I NUE TO GROW IN STATURE UNDER THE ABLE LEADERSHIP OF PROFESSOR CHEN AND MISS WU,” HE ADDED.
THE APPOINTMENT NOTICE WILL BE GAZETTED TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
------0-------
TWO NEW MEMBERS JOIN CIVIL SERVICE STANDING COMMISSION
*****
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE GOVERNOR HAD APPOINTED MR DAVID W GAIRNS AND MRS JANIE KAUNG MEMBERS OF THE STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE.
THE APPOINTMENTS ARE EFFECTIVE FROM OCTOBER I, 1993, FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS.
THE STANDING COMMISSION ADVISES THE GOVERNMENT ON THE PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES GOVERNING THE PAY AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE OF THE NON-DIRECTORATE CIVIL SERVICE, OTHER THAN THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES.
--------0-----------
/10........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1993
10
TICKETS FOR GOVERNOR’S PUBLIC MEETINGS AVAILABLE TOMORROW * * * * *
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN REMINDS MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC THAT THEY ARE INVITED TO PUT QUESTIONS TO THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, ON HIS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ADDRESS IN A SERIES OF MEETINGS NEXT MONTH.
THE MEETINGS WILL BE OPEN TO EVERYONE AND FREE ADMISSION TICKETS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED THROUGH THE URBTIX SYSTEM FROM 10 AM TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
THE FIRST PUBLIC MEETING WILL BE HELD AT THE SHATIN TOWN HALL ON OCTOBER 7 (THURSDAY) AND THE SECOND ONE AT THE CULTURAL CENTRE, TSIM SHA TSUI THE FOLLOWING DAY (OCTOBER 8).
BOTH MEETINGS WILL RUN FROM 5.45 PM TO 7.15 PM. INTERPRETATION FACILITIES WILL BE AVAILABLE.
URBTIX OUTLETS WHERE ADMISSION TICKETS CAN BE OBTAINED ARE:
* HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE
* HONG KONG COLISEUM
* NGAU CHI WAN CIVIC CENTRE
* QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM
* CITY HALL
* SHEUNG WAN CIVIC CENTRE
* SAI WAN HO CIVIC CENTRE
* SHATIN TOWN HALL
* TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL
* TUEN MUN TOWN HALL
* HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS
* HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE
* TOM LEE MUSIC COMPANY BRANCHES IN
- CAMERON LANE, TSIM SHA TSUI,
- CITY PLAZA, TATKOO SHING,
- 521 HENNESSY ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY,
- CITY CENTRE BUILDING, 144-149 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI, AND
- TSUEN WAN TOWN SQUARE.
A SEPARATE SESSION FOR TERTIARY STUDENTS AND STAFF WILL BE HELD AT LOKE YEW HALL, UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG ON OCTOBER 15 (FRIDAY).
/THIS SESSION .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1993
11
THIS SESSION WILL BEGIN AT 6 PM AND WILL LAST UNTIL 7.30 PM.
FREE ADMISSION TICKETS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED THROUGH THE FOLLOW I NG INSTITUTIONS:
* THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
* THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
» THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
♦ THE CiTY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG
* HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC
f HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE
♦ SHUE YAN COLLEGE
* LINGNAN COLLEGE
» NORTHCOTE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
* SIR ROBERT BLACK COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
* GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
* HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE
* THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS
♦ THE OPEN LEARNING INSTITUTE OF HONG KONG
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE THREE MEETINGS WILL BE ANNOUNCED LATER THIS WEEK.
------0--------
TRADE MARKS FEES TO BE REVISED * * * * *
CERTAIN FEES AND CHARGES IN RESPECT OF THE REGISTRATIONS AND OIHER MA ITERS RELATING TO TRADE MARKS WILL BE REVISED FROM NOVEMBER 8 A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE TRADE MARKS ORDINANCE PROVIDES FOR A SYSTEM OF REGISTRATION OF TRADE MARKS FOR GOODS AND SERVICES IN HONG KONG.
FEES ARE PRESCRIBED IN THE TRADE MARKS RULES FOR THE PROVISION OF VARIOUS SERVICES AS STIPULATED IN THE RULES.
IT IS THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY THAT FEES SHOULD IN GENERAL BE SET AT LEVELS SUFFICIENT TO RECOVER FULL COSTS IN PROVIDING THE SERVICES,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/THE EXISTING .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1993
12
THE EXISTING EEES UNDER THE TRADE MARKS RULES WERE LAST REVISED IN MARCH 1992.
’’THE REVISED EEES TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE INCREASE IN COST SINCE 1992. ON AVERAGE THEY ARE INCREASED BY ABOUT 10 PER CENT WHICH IS IN LINE WITH THE INFLATION RATE OF 1993 OVER 1992,” HE ADDED.
THE REVISED FEES WILL BE GAZETTED TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
-----0-------
VEHICLE PARK AT WESTERN RECLAMATION TO CLOSE
*****
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) REMINDED LORRY DRIVERS THAT THE TEMPORARY OPEN VEHICLE PARK AT THE WESTERN RECLAMATION WOULD BE CLOSED ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 2).
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE CLOSING DATE SHOULD BE OCTOBER 1. HOWEVER, AS OCTOBER 1 IS A PUBLIC HOLIDAY, THE CLOSURE WILL TAKE EFFECT ON OCTOBER 2.
HE SAID AFTER THE CLOSURE OF THIS VEHICLE PARK, LORRY DRIVERS SHOULD MAKE USE OF ALTERNATIVE PARKING SPACES MAINLY TN THE WESTERN DISTRICT AND SHEUNG WAN.
THE GOVERNMENT HAS, IN THE PAST FEW MONTHS, IDENTIFIED AND MADE AVAILABLE A TOTAL OF 375 PARKING SPACES IN THESE AREAS, INCLUDING DES VOEUX ROAD WEST, KENNEDY TOWN PRAYA, FUNG MAT STREET (INCLUDING 10 SPACES FOR DANGEROUS GOODS VEHICLES), WESTERN PARK ROAD, PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREA IN SAT WAN, PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREA IN SHEUNG WAN AND THE FORMER POOR MAN’S NTGHT CLUB SITE NEXT TO THE WATERFRONT POLICE STATION.
IN ADDITION, 15 SPACES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT HEUNG YIP ROAD IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT WHICH MAY BE USED BY DANGEROUS GOODS VEHICLES, AND A TEMPORARY OPEN VEHICLE PARK AT SIU SAT WAN CAN ACCOMMODATE OVER 100 GOODS VEHICLES.
RELEVANT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS HAVE AGREED TO USE THE GRASS AREA IN WESTERN PARK PHASE I FOR PARKING OF ABOUT 50 GOODS VEHICLES. THIS SITE MAY BE MADE AVAILABLE SHORTLY.
GOODS VEHICLE DRIVERS ARE ALSO ADVISED TO MAKE USE OF THE OPEN VEHICLE PARKS IN QUARRY BAY AND OTHER AREAS WHERE PARKING OF GOODS VEHICLES IS PERMITTED.
’’THE GOVERNMENT IS STILL LOOKING INTO OTHER POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVE PARKING SPACES FOR GOODS VEHICLES, INCLUDING SOME SHORT-TO MEDIUM-TERM LOCATIONS SUCH AS THE REFUSE COLLECTION VEHICLE DEPOT AND THE VEGETABLE WHOLESALE MARKET IN KENNEDY TOWN. OTHER LONGER-TERM LOCATIONS INCLUDE THE BELCHER BAY RECLAMATION AND THE TELEGRAPH BAY RECLAMATION,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/HE STRESSED .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1993
13
HE STRESSED THAT THE EXISTING VEHICLE PARK WAS ORIGINALLY CLOSED ON AUGUST 1 AND RE-OPENED ON SEPTEMBER 7 TO ENABLE PARKING OF GOODS VEHICLES UP TO SEPTEMBER 30 WHEN THE SITE MUST BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING.
THE SPOKESMAN EXTENDED HIS APPRECIATION TO THE LORRY DRIVERS IN THAT WHEN THE OTHER VEHICLE PARK WAS CLOSED ON SEPTEMBER 16, GOODS VEHICLE DRIVERS HAD BEEN VERY CO-OPERATIVE BY VACATING THE PARK PROMPTLY. IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT THEY WILL BE EQUALLY CO-OPERATIVE THIS TIME.
------0--------
SAM KA TSUEN SITE TO LET * * * * *
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT-TERM TENANCY OF A PIECE OF GOVERNMENT LAND AT SHUNG SHUN STREET, SAM KA TSUEN IN KOWLOON.
COVERING AN AREA OF 4,750 SQUARE METRES, THE LOT IS TO BE USED FOR FEE-PAYING PUBLIC CARPARK FOR PRIVATE MOTOR VEHICLES, TAXIS AND GOODS VEHICLES (EXCLUDING CONTAINER VEHICLES WITH THEIR TRAILERS/CHASSIS ATTACHED).
THE TENANCY IS FOR THREE YEARS, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY.
CLOSING DATE FOR TENDERS IS NOON ON OCTOBER 15.
FORMS OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON EAST, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON, AND THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD.
TENDER PLAN CAN ALSO BE INSPECTED AT THE OFFICES.
------0--------
STUDY HALL IN SHA TAU KOK TO REOPEN *****
THE COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR PAUL LEUNG, WILL OFFICIATE AT A REHABILITATION CEREMONY OF KANG YUNG SHU UK OF WO HANG VILLAGE IN SHA TAU KOK ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 2).
FOUNDED BY THE LI CLAN IN THE EARLY 18TH CENTURY, IT IS ONE OF THE FEW STUDY HALLS IN HONG KONG ESTABLISHED PURELY FOR TEACHING PURPOSES.
THE STUDY HALL WAS ORIGINALLY SET UP IN THE FORM OF A 'SISHU' (SMALL PRIVATE SCHOOL) AND WAS REBUILT IN 1872 TO PROVIDE EDUCATION FOR YOUNGSTERS IN THE REGION.
IT WAS FAMOUS FOR ITS ACHIEVEMENTS IN PREPARING PUPILS FOR THE PRELIMINARY EXAMINATIONS OF THE IMPERIAL CIVIL SERVICE TO QUALIFY AS 'X1U-CA1’.
/IN VIEW .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1993
14
IN VIEW OF ITS HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE, THE HALL WAS DECLARED A MONUMENT IN 1991, WITH RESTORATION STARTED IN 1992.
THE PROJECT WAS COMPLETED RECENTLY UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE ANTIQUITIES SECTION OF THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE ANTIQUITIES AND MONUMENTS OFFICE (AMO) OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT WHICH STARTS AT 11 AM ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 2).
A VAN TO TAKE MEDIA MEMBERS TO WO HANG VILLAGE WILL LEAVE THE AMO AT 136 NATHAN ROAD AT 9.30 AM ON SATURDAY.
AMO STAFF WILL BE ON HAND TO HELP.
------0-------
CARGO WORKING AREAS REMAIN OPEN ON FRIDAY * * * * *
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT SAID ALL PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREAS WOULD REMAIN OPEN FROM 7 AM TO 9 PM DAILY ON THE PUBLIC HOLIDAY THIS FRIDAY (OCTOBER 1).
THE PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREAS ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT ARE AT THE WESTERN DISTRICT, SHEUNG WAN, WAN CHAI, SHAM SHUI PO, YAU MA TEI, KWUN TONG, CHA KWO LING, TSUEN WAN, AND RAMBLER CHANNEL.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID: ’’THE TUEN MUN PUBLIC WATERFRONT WILL ALSO BE OPEN FROM 7 AM TO 9 PM DURING THE HOLIDAY."
THE MACAU FERRY TERMINAL WILL REMAIN OPEN 24 HOURS, AND THE CHINA FERRY TERMINAL IN TSTM SHA TSUI WILL BE OPEN AS NORMAL BETWEEN 6 AM AND 10 PM ON THAT DAY.
BOTH THE VICTORIA MARINE OFFICE AND THE PORT FORMALITIES OFFICE IN HARBOUR BUILDING WILL BE CLOSED ON OCTOBER 1.
------0-------
NEW CUSTOMS COMMISSIONER VISITS BORDER
*****
THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE (DESIGNATE), MR DON WATSON, THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING SAW FOR HIMSELF THE WORK OF CUSTOMS OFFICERS AT THE BORDER.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER (OPERATIONS), MR LAI KWOK-HUNG, AND CHIEF SUPERINTENDENT (CONTROL POINTS), MR LI KWAN-KEUNG, MR WATSON VISITED THE CONTROL POINT COMMAND AT FANLING STATION AND LOK MA CHAU CONTROL POINT.
/ON AVERAGE .......
15
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1993
ON AVERAGE, MORE THAN 21,000 INCOMING AND OUTGOING VEHICLES PASSED THROUGH THE THREE CONTROL POINTS AT THE BORDER EACH DAY.
MR WATSON WILL SUCCEED MR CLIVE OXLEY AS THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 1).
FIRE SAFETY ADVICE FOR MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL
* * * * *
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED TO TAKE EXTRA CARE IN HANDLING FIRES WHEN THEY VISIT THE COUNTRYSIDE DURING THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL PERIOD.
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT’S COUNTRY PARKS PROTECTION OFFICER, MR CHAN PING-KWONG, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SAID: ’’VISITORS SHOULD NOT RELEASE ANY HUNG MING LANTERNS. THEY SHOULD BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL WITH BARBECUE FIRE AND HAND-HELD CANDLE-LIT LANTERNS. ’’
ACCORDING TO MR CHAN, THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL IS ONE OF THE HIGH FIRE RISK PERIODS.
HE SAID IT WAS AN OFFENCE UNDER THE FORESTS AND COUNTRYSIDE ORDINANCE AND THE COUNTRY PARKS ORDINANCE TO LIGHT FIRE ILLEGALLY OR TO RELEASE A HUNG MING LANTERN IN A COUNTRY PARK OR AREA OF OPEN COUNTRYSIDE.
”ILLEGAL LIGHTING OF FIRE INSIDE COUNTRY PARKS MAY LEAD TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $5,000 AND ONE YEAR’S IMPRISONMENT,” HE SAID.
THERE WERE FIVE PROSECUTIONS FOR THE ILLEGAL USE OF FIRE IN COUNTRY PARKS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS AND OFFENDERS WERE FINED UP TO $2,500.
-----0------
SECRETARY FOR SECURITY SEES FIREMEN IN TRAINING
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) VISITED THE FIRE SERVICES TRAINING SCHOOL AT PAT HEUNG TO SEE NEW RECRUITS UNDERGO FIRE-FIGHTING AND RESCUE TRAINING.
HE WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, MR PETER CHEUNG,
MR ASPREY WAS BRIEFED ON FIRE AND RESCUE DRILLS, BREATHING APPARATUS TRAINING IN SMOKE TUNNELS, USE OF FOAM EQUIPMENT AND SKILLS TO FIGHT SHIP FIRES.
HE ALSO WATCHED RECRUITS RECEIVE PHYSICAL TRAINING AT THE GYMNASIUM WHICH FORMS AN IMPORTANT PART OF THEIR 26-WEEK BASIC COURSE.
THE SCHOOL ALSO RUNS BASIC FIRE-FIGHTING COURSES FOR OFFICERS OF OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, NON-GOVERNMENT STAFF AND OFFICERS OF OVERSEAS FIRE BRIGADES.
_------0----------
/16........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1993
- 16 -
TSUEN WAN TAX OFFICE ON MOVE * * * * *
THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT WILL MOVE ITS TSUEN WAN INSPECTORATE OFFICE AT TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING TO TSUEN WAN GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 1 Dill FLOOR, 38 SAI LAU KOK ROAD ON OCTOBER 2.
THE NEW TELEPHONE NUMBERS ARE 402 2272 AND 102 2273.
------0--------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE EUNI)
MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS * * * * * $ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT REVERSAL OF LAE BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY EFFECT OF LAF TODAY CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT LAF RATE 2.00 B1D/4.00 OFFER TW 1 112.2 2,460 -460 2,000 N1 L -150 1 ,850 »-0. 1 * 29.9.93
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE 1 WEEK 2.83 PCT 14 MONTHS 2411 1 MONTH 2.81 PCT 17 MONTHS 2502 3 MONTHS 2.87 PCT 20 MONTHS 2505 6 MONTHS 3.04 PCT 23 MONTHS 2508 12 MONTHS 3.29 PCT TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 7,003 MN CLOSED SEPTEMBER 29, 1993 FUND GOVERNMENT BONDS COUPON PRICE 4.625 101.39 1.75 101.59 3.75 99.89 4.625 101.29 YIELD 3.39 3.59 3.8.5 3.94
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1993
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HK WILL HOLD ON WINNING FORMULA: GOVERNOR ................ 1
VIEWS INVITED ON TERRITORIAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY REVIEW ... 2
HK COMMITTED TO FREE TRADE ............................... 4
CASH GRANTS TO FLOOD VICTIMS ............................. 5
GOVERNOR'S PUBLIC MEETING TICKETS GONE TN 5 HOURS ........ 5
LAW GOVERNING SCHOOL ADVERTISEMENTS COMES INTO EFFECT .... 6
NEW TELEPHONE SYSTEM DEALS WITH IMMIGRATION ENQUIRIES .... 7
BANK LICENCE GRANTED TO GUNMA BANK ....................... 7
UN SANCTIONS AGAINST ANGOLA .............................. 8
HEALTH EDUCATION TO PREVENT CHRONIC DISEASES ............. 9
NEW HONORARY COLONEL OF REGIMENT APPOINTED ............... 10
SEK KONG RUNWAY IMPROVEMENT WORKS ........................ 10
MAN JAILED FOR ILLEGAL MEAT IMPORT ....................... 11
FIRING PRACTICE IN OCTOBER ............................... 11
URBAN COUNCIL COMPLEX FOR HAPPY VALLEY RESIDENTS ......... 12
KOWLOON CITY TO HOLD LANTERN CARNTVAI..................... 12
CLOSURE OF UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURE SOUGHT ................. 13
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS . 13
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1993
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CHINA AND HK HAVE CLOSE ECONOMIC TIES .................... 14
$1 MILLION RELIEF FOR FLOODING VICTIMS ................... 15
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1993
HE WILL HOLD ON WINNING FORMULA: GOVERNOR *****
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, TODAY (THURSDAY) SAID HONG KONG WOULD HOLD ON TO ITS WINNING FORMULA - A FREE MARKET WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE RULE OF LAW.
"IT IS AN UNBEATABLE FORMULA FOR IMPROVING CONDITIONS OF LHE FOR EVERYONE IN THE COMMUNITY IN HARMONIOUS AND CIVILISED EXCHANGE.
"IT IS A COMBINATION THAT PROMISES A PROSPEROUS AS WELL \S STABLE FUTURE FOR HONG KONG, AND FOR ANYONE ELSE WHO WISHES FOR THE SAME," HE SAID.
ADDRESSING A CANADIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LUNCH MEETING, MR PATTEN SAID THE COMMUNITY’S ACCEPTANCE OF THE RULE OF LAW MADE HONG KONG DISTINCT.
IT IS A DISTINCTION THAT WAS GUARANTEED IN THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION.
"MAINTAINING THAT DISTINCTIVENESS - IMPLEMENTING THE JOINT DECLARATION FULLY IN SPIRIT AND TO THE LETTER - IS WHAT WE ARE TRYING TO DO.
"WHAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT WITH CHINA IS HOW WE CAN MAKE SURE THAT THE ELECTION PROCESS NEEDED TO IMPLEMENT THE JOINT DECLARATION AND BASIC LAW IS ONE THAT IS OPEN, FAIR, CREDIBLE AND ONE WHICH PEOPLE IN HONG KONG ACCEPT AS SUCH," HE SAID. I
MR PATTEN SAID THERE WAS AN AXIOMATIC RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN A CREDIBLE ELECTORAL SYSTEM AND THE SECURE RULE OF LAW.
HAVE AN ELECTION PROCESS THAT IS NOT RESPECTED BY THE COMMUNITY WOULD WEAKEN RESPECT FOR THE LAWS THAT ARE PASSED, AND WOULD WEAKEN THE WATCH THAT A LEGISLATURE NEEDS TO KEEP OVER THE ENFORCEMENT OF LAW BY THE EXECUTIVE, HE SAID.
"WE ARE DOING OUR VERY BEST TO ENSURE THAT AN AGREEMENT IS REACHED THAT IS ACCEPTABLE TO BRITAIN, TO CHINA, AND TO THE SIX MILLION PEOPLE WHO LIVE HERE."
TURNING TO THE LINKS BETWEEN CANADA AND HONG KONG, MR PATTEN SAID BOTH ENJOYED EXCELLENT AND FLOURISHING TRADE AND ECONOMIC LINKS, ALONGSIDE HUMAN LINKS.
HE ATTRIBUTED THESE LINKS TO THE SHARING OF A COMMITMENT TO FREE TRADE.
RECOGNISING THAT MANY CANADIAN BUSINESSES DO NOT JUST COME TO HONG KONG FOR THE TERRITORY’S OWN SAKE, HE SAID THEY CAME BECAUSE OF THE OPENING UP OF CHINA’S ECONOMY AND BECAUSE HONG KONG WAS AN UNPARALLEL GATEWAY TO CHINA.
HE HOPED THE WORLD WOULD SHOW A LITTLE PATIENCE AND A LOT OF UNDERSTANDING AS CHINA WENT ABOUT THIS NEXT STAGE OF ITS TRANSFORMATION.
/"THE SKILL ........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1993
2
’’THE SKILL THAT CHINA’S LEADERSHIP HAS SHOWN IN THE LAST DECADE IN MANAGING THE SHIFT FROM A COMMAND TO A MARKET ECONOMY GIVES GROUNDS FOR REASONABLE OPTIMISM THAT IT WILL CONTINUE TO MANAGE THE ECONOMY WELL IN FUTURE,” HE SAID.
THE GOVERNOR SAID HE WAS HAPPY TO SEE THAI’ CANADIAN BUSINESSMEN WERE TAKING A LONG-TERM VIEW AND WERE CONTINUING TO INVEST THROUGH HONG KONG.
------0-------
VIEWS INVITED ON TERRITORIAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY REVIEW * * * * *
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE INVITED TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT PATTERN OF HONG KONG.
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) RELEASED A CONSULTATION DIGEST ON ’’TERRITORIAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY REVIEW - DEVELOPMENT OPTIONS” FOR PUBLIC COMMENTS.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE, THE DIRECTOR OF PLANNING, DR PETER K S PUN, EXPLAINED THAT TERRITORIAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY (TDS) WAS THE HIGHEST TIER IN THE HIERARCHY OF TOWN PLANS IN HONG KONG.
THE FIRST TDS WAS PREPARED IN 1984, PROVIDING A COMPREHENSIVE TERRITORIAL LAND USE - TRANSPORT PLANNING FRAMEWORK FOR HONG KONG’S DEVELOPMENT UP TO THE YEAR 200 I .
"SINCE THE COMPLETION OF THE FIRST TDS, A LOT OF SIGNIFICANT CHANGES HAVE TAKEN PLACE TN AND AROUND HONG KONG,” HE SAID.
WITH CHINA’S OPEN DOOR POLICY, THE PEARL RIVER DELTA REGION HAS RAPIDLY DEVELOPED INTO AN IMPORTANT OUTWARD PROCESSING AREA FOR HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIES.
IN RETURN, HONG KONG SERVES AS A MAJOR TRADING OUTLET AND A PRIMARY SOURCE OF INVESTMENT FOR THIS REGION.
”A NUMBER OF IMPORTANT PLANNING DECISIONS HAVE ALSO BEEN MADE IN HONG KONG, INCLUDING THE RELOCATION OF THE AIRPORT TO CHEK LAP KOK, THE EXPANSION OF PORT FACILITIES ON NORTH LANTAU AND IN THE WESTERN HARBOUR AREA, AND THE ADOPTION OF THE METROPLAN.
’’THE TDS THEREFORE NEEDS TO BE REVIEWED TO PROVIDE A LONG-TERM LAND USE-ENVIRONMENT-TRANSPORT PLANNING FRAMEWORK FOR HONG KONG, TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE RECENT STRATEGIC PLANNING DECISIONS AND THE DEVELOPMENT IN THE PEARL RIVER DELTA AS WELL AS OTHER PARTS OF SOU 1'1 CHINA,” DR PUN SAID.
THE TIME FRAME FOR THE PRESENT TDS REVIEW IS UP TO 2011.
DR PUN POINTED OUT THAT IN THE FORMULATION OF THE TDS DEVELOPMENT OPTIONS, TWO DEVELOPMENT SCENARIOS HAVE BEEN POSTULATED TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE DEVELOPMENT IN CHINA.
/SCENARIO A .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1993
3
SCENARIO A ASSUMES THE PEARL RIVER DELTA AREA AS HONG KONG’S PRIMARY ECONOMIC HINTERLAND WHILE SCENARIO B INCLUDES BOTH THE PEARL RIVER DELTA AREA AND SOME INNER PROVINCES OF CHINA AS HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC HINTERLAND.
THE CURRENT TDS REVIEW HAS IDENTIFIED TWO MAJOR DIRECTIONS OF GROWTH IN HONG KONG.
ON ONE HAND, THERE IS THE EAST TO WEST DEVELOPMENT AXIS COMPRISING THE NEW PORT AND AIRPORT FACILITIES ON NORTH LANTAU AND WESTERN HARBOUR, PLUS THE METROPLAN PROPOSALS IN THE METRO AREA.
ON THE OTHER HAND, WITH THE RAPID DEVELOPMENT ALONG THE EAST BAND OF PEARL RIVER AND THE NORTH WEST NEW TERRITORIES, A SOUTHEAST TO NORTHWEST DEVELOPMENT AXIS FROM HONG KONG TO GUANGZHOU IS ALSO GRADUALLY EMERGING.
BASED ON THE BROAD DEVELOPMENT SCENARIOS AND DIRECTIONS OF GROWTH, SIX DEVELOPMENT OPTIONS HAVE BEEN FORMULATED ON THE BASIS OF VARYING RATES OF ECONOMIC GROWTH, VARYING DEMAND AND SUPPLY OF LAND FOR VARIOUS USES, AND VARYING ROLES OF THE PUBLIC AND THE PRIVATE SECTORS AS DEVELOPMENT AGENTS.
DETAILS OF THE PROPOSALS ARE PRESENTED IN THE TDS CONSULTATION DIGEST, COPIES OF WHICH CAN BE OBTAINED FREE OF CHARGE FROM THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT ON 16TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, OR FROM DISTRICT OFFICES.
AS SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS TO THE TDS CONSULTATION DIGEST, TWO REPORTS ARE ALSO RELEASED TODAY.
THE FIRST IS A TDS FOUNDATION REPORT WHICH SUMMARISES THE RESULTS OF DETAILED STUDIES ON MAJOR LAND USES, SUCH AS HOUSING, INDUSTRY, OFFICE, RECREATION AND LANDSCAPE.
THESE STUDIES WERE CARRIED OUT AT THE EARLY STAGE OF TDS REVIEW. BASED ON THE FORECAST DEMAND AND SUPPLY, AND THE CONSTRAINTS AND OPPORTUNITIES IDENTIFIED FOR EACH MAJOR LAND USE, THESE STUDIES PROVIDE REFERENCES AND DIRECTIONS FOR FORMULATING TDS DEVELOPMENT OPTIONS.
AT AN EARLY STAGE OF THE TDS REVIEW, AN ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE STUDY WAS ALSO UNDERTAKEN TO PROVIDE INPUTS FOR DERIVING AND EVALUATING THE TDS DEVELOPMENT OPTIONS.
THE STUDY HAS FORMULATED TERRITORY-WIDE ENVIRONMENTAL PROFILES THAT WOULD HELP DETERMINE THE SUSTAINABLE LEVEL OF DEVELOPMENT FOR EACH SUB-REGION.
FINDINGS OF THE STUDY ARE SET OUT IN A TDS ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE CONDITIONS REPORT WHICH IS ALSO RELEASED TODAY.
COPIES OF THE EXECUTIVE SUMMARIES OF THE TDS FOUNDATION REPORT AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE CONDITIONS REPORT ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE FROM THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT.
THE FULL REPORTS ARE ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE.
/"THE TDS .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1993
4
"THE TDS REVIEW WILL HAVE SIGNIFICANT IMPLICATIONS ON THE FUTURE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG," DR PUN SAID.
"THERE ARE MANY ASPECTS WHICH MAY BE OF CONCERN TO INDIVIDUALS, BUSINESS CONCERNS AND COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS. PUBLIC VIEWS WOULD BE USEFUL IN HELPING GOVERNMENT FINALISE THE STRATEGY FORMULATION.
"THEIR SUGGESTIONS ON THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT DIRECTIONS AND PATTERNS OF HONG KONG OR COMMENTS ON PARTICULAR ASPECTS OF THE STRATEGY REVIEW WOULD ALSO PROVIDE IMPORTANT INPUTS TO THE STUDY PROCESS."
HE SAID PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT OPTIONS WOULD BE MODIFIED AND BROUGHT TOGETHER TO FORM PREFERRED OPTIONS FOR THE TDS FOLLOWING A THREE-MONTH PUBLIC CONSULTATION PERIOD.
"THE AIM IS TO COMPLETE THE TDS REVIEW EXERCISE BY THE MIDDLE OF NEXT YEAR," HE SAID.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE INVITED TO FORWARD THEIR VIEWS ON THE TDS DEVELOPMENT OPTIONS TO THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT BEFORE THE END OF DECEMBER THIS YEAR.
-----------0------- HK COMMITTED TO FREE TRADE
HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC SUCCESS IS DUE TO ITS COMMITMENT TO FREE TRADE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY, U.S. TIME).
SPEAKING AT THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA IN THE UNITED STATES, HE NOTED THAT HONG KONG AND THE U.S. SHARED THE SAME COMMITMENT TO FREE TRADE AND THE SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION OF THE URUGUAY ROUND WOULD BE VITAL FOR HONG KONG, THE U.S. AND THE WORLD.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE ASIA-PACIFIC PRESENTED A MAJOR OPPORTUNITY FOR AMERICAN BUSINESSMEN.
"HONG KONG IMPORTS MORE U.S. GOODS PER CAPITA THAN MOST COUNTRIES. IN TOTAL, HONG KONG IMPORTED US$5 BILLTON WORTH OF GOODS FROM USA IN 1992," HE SAID.
"FURTHERMORE, ABOUT 70 PER CENT OF AMERICAN FIRMS WITH FAR EAST HEADQUARTERS HAVE THEM IN HONG KONG.
"IT IS ALSO INTERESTING TO NOTE THAT MORE THAN 30 PER CENT OF U.S. EXPORTS TO CHINA PASS THROUGH HONG KONG," HE ADDED.
LOOKING AHEAD, MR MACLEOD BELIEVED THAT THE STRENGTH OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMY WOULD CONTINUE.
THE REASONS FOR THIS OPTIMISTIC OUTLOOK, HE SAID, WERE HONG KONG’S STRONG ECONOMIC FUNDAMENTALS; ITS STRONG FOREIGN CURRENCY RESERVES SITUATION; THE MASSIVE INVESTMENT IN THE NEW AIRPORT AND RELATED PROJECTS, AND THE CONTINUATION OF GOVERNMENT’S POLICY OF MINIMUM INTERFERENCE AND MAXIMUM SUPPORT.
/HOWEVER, HE ........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1993
5
HOWEVER, HE NOTED THAT THE INFLATION PROBLEM IN CHINA AND THE TRADE RELATIONS BETWEEN U.S. AND CHINA, ESPECIALLY THE MOST FAVOURED NATION ISSUE, DID POSE DOWNSIDE RISKS TO THIS OPTIMISTIC OUTLOOK.
HE SAID HONG KONG’S FUTURE ECONOMIC SUCCESS ALSO DEPENDED ON THE CONTINUATION OF ITS SEPARATE TRADING AND ECONOMIC SYSTEMS AND ITS STATUS AS A SEPARATE CUSTOMS TERRITORY AFTER 1997, AS ENSHRINED TN THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW.
MR MACLEOD IS CURRENTLY TN THE U.S. VISITING PHILADELPHIA AND NEW YORK TO PROMOTE HONG KONG AS AN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL AND BUSINESS CENTRE AFTER ATTENDING THE IMF/WORLD BANK ANNUAL MEETINGS IN WASHINGTON EARLIER THIS WEEK.
- - 0 - -
CASH GRANTS TO FLOOD VICTIMS *****
THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE HAS SO FAR RECEIVED 300 APPLICATIONS FOR RELIEF GRANTS FROM FLOOD VICTIMS OF TYPHOON DOT.
NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER, MR TIMOTHY TONG, URGED THOSE WHO HAD NOT YET FORWARDED THEIR REQUESTS TO DO SO NOW.
HE GAVE HIS ASSURANCE THAT ALL APPLICATIONS WOULD BE GIVEN DUE CONSIDERATION SPEEDILY.
"OUR OFFICE MAY APPROVE A GRANT OF UP TO $5,000 TO EACH FAMILY IN NEED.”
’’EACH FAMILY MAY SUBMIT ONE APPLICATION. ALL CASES WOULD GO THROUGH A MEANS TEST BEFORE BEING CONSIDERED BY A VETTING COMMITTEE.”
APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF NORTH DISTRICT GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 3 PIK FUNG ROAD, FANLI NG.
A SPECIAL HOTLINE - 675 1606 - HAS ALSO BEEN SET UP TO HELP THE VICTIMS.
- - 0 -
GOVERNOR’S PUBLIC MEETING TICKETS GONE IN 5 HOURS
*****
ALL ADMISSION TICKETS FOR THE TWO PUBLIC MEETINGS ON THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS HAVE BEEN SNATCHED AT VARIOUS URBTIX OUTLETS IN LESS THAN FIVE HOURS AFTER THEY BECAME AVAILABLE AT 10 AM TODAY (THURSDAY).
ALL THE 1,469 TICKETS FOR THE SESSION AT THE HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE ON OCTOBER 8 HAVE GONE BY 1 PM.
SHORTLY BEFORE 3 PM, THE 1,322 TICKETS FOR THE OTHER SESSION AT SHAT IN TOWN HALL ON OCTOBER 7 WFRE ALSO SNATCHED.
/IN VIEW
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1993
6
IN VIEW OF LAST YEAR’S EXPERIENCE THAT SOME TICKET HOLDERS DID NOT TURN UP AT THE PUBLIC MEETINGS, THIS TIME EACH CALLER CAN GET ONLY ONE TICKET. AN ADDITIONAL TICKET WILL BE GIVEN ONLY UPON REQUEST.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO ARE INTERESTED IN THE PROCESS OF THE PUBLIC MEETINGS CAN TUNE IN I’O RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG WHICH WILL BROADCAST THOSE SESSIONS LIVE.
------0--------
LAW GOVERNING SCHOOL ADVERTISEMENTS COMES INTO EFFECT *****
THE NEW PROVISION IN THE EDUCATION (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1993 TO CONTROL MISLEADING SCHOOL ADVERTISEMENTS WILL COME INTO EFFECT TOMORROW (OCTOBER 1), THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
"UNDER THIS PROVISION, OPERATORS WHO PLACE ADVERTISEMENTS IN THE MASS MEDIA WILL BE REQUIRED TO QUOTE THE NUMBER OF SCHOOL REGISTRATION WITH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT. THIS IS TO AVOID UNSCRUPULOUS OPERATORS ADVERTISING PLACES IN UNREGISTERED SCHOOLS," HE SAID.
"ANY PERSON WHO FAILS TO DO SO OR FALSELY CLAIMS TO BE REGISTERED WITH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IN THE SCHOOL ADVERTISEMENTS WILL COMMIT AN OFFENCE AND MAY BE LIABLE ON CONVICTION TO A FINE OF $10,000," HE ADDED.
THE SECRETARY SAID OTHER LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS IN THE AMENDMENT ORDINANCE GOVERNING THE NEW DEFINITION OF SCHOOL, THE POWERS OF SPONSORING BODIES AND THE SIMPLIFICATION OF THE PROCEDURES FOR REGISTRATION OF SCHOOL MANAGERS, WOULD TAKE EFFECT ON JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR TO ALLOW MORE TIME FOR ALL CONCERNED TO MAKE THE NECESSARY PREPARATIONS.
THE NEW DEFINITION OF SCHOOL WILL REQUIRE ANY TEACHING OPERATION PROVIDING EDUCATION TO EIGHT OR MORE STUDENTS AT ANY ONE TIME TO REGISTER WITH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
THIS IS TO ENSURE THAT THEIR PREMISES WILL HAVE TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF REGISTRATION IN TERMS OF SAFETY AND HYGIENE.
THE PRESENT FLEXIBILITY OF ALLOWING OPERATORS TO HAVE A MAXIMUM OF 19 STUDENTS ON ANY ONE DAY, WITHOUT HAVING TO BE REGISTERED, WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED.
THE NEW PROVISIONS GOVERNING SPONSORING BODIES CLEARLY SPELL OUT THE DEFINITION OF THESE BODIES AND THEIR FUNCTIONS IN RELATION TO SCHOOL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES.
THE OTHER PROVISIONS AMEND THE EXISTING EDUCATION ORDINANCE BY RATIONALISING AND SIMPLIFYING THE REGISTRATION PROCEDURES FOR SCHOOL MANAGERS.
ALL OF THE NEW PROVISIONS ARE INCLUDED IN THE EDUCATION (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE WHICH WAS ENACTED ON JUNE 4 THIS YEAR.
- - 0 - -
/7
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1993
NEW TELEPHONE SYSTEM DEALS WITH IMMIGRATION ENQUIRIES *****
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT WILL BE ABLE TO HANDLE MORE TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES NEXT MONDAY (OCTOBER 4) WHEN A NEW INTERACTIVE VOICE RESPONSE SYSTEM IS PUT INTO USE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE SYSTEM WAS OPERATED ROUND THE CLOCK AND WAS COST-EFFECTIVE TO DEAL WITH SIMPLE AND STRAIGHT-FORWARD ENQUIRIES.
A CALLER MAY USE HIS TELEPHONE SET AS A TERMINAL AND GET ACCESS TO A PRE-RECORDED MESSAGE OF HIS CHOICE BY PRESSING DIGITS AS PROMPTED BY THE SYSTEM.
HE MAY ALSO GET FAX COPIES OF THE PRE-RECORDED MESSAGES AT ANY TIME.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT CALLERS USING TOUCH-TONE DIAL TELEPHONES COULD MAKE USE OF THE NEW SERVICE.
HOWEVER, CALLS ON PULSE-DIAL TELEPHONES WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY TRANSFERRED TO IMMIGRATION OFFICERS AT THE INFORMATION OFFICE DURING OFFICE HOURS.
THOSE WHO HAVE MORE COMPLICATED ENQUIRIES MAY ALSO CHOOSE TO SPEAK TO THE OFFICERS DIRECTLY DURING OFFICE HOURS.
MESSAGES OFFERED BY THE SYSTEM COVER VARIOUS TYPES OF SERVICES INCLUDING APPLICATIONS FOR HONG KONG TRAVEL DOCUMENTS, IDENTITY CARDS, VISAS, EXTENSIONS OF STAY, NATURALISATION AS BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZEN, BRITISH NATIONALITY SELECTION SCHEME, ENTRY TO UK, AS WELL AS BIRTHS, DEATHS AND MARRIAGE REGISTRATION.
THE SYSTEM CAN ALSO RESPOND TO REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION MADE TO THE BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORT ENQUIRY HOTLINE - 824 1717 (CHINESE) AND 824 1177 (ENGLISH).
AT PRESENT, THE INFORMATION OFFICE OFFERS TELEPHONE ENQUIRY SERVICE ON ITS HOTLINE 824 6111. EACH DAY ABOUT 5,000 CALLS ARE RECEIVED WHICH ARE ANSWERED IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER.
LEAFLETS ABOUT THE NEW SYSTEM WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE INFORMATION OFFICE ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF THE IMMIGRATION HEADQUARTERS FROM OCTOBER 4.
------0-------
BANK LICENCE GRANTED TO GUNMA BANK
*****
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE GUNMA BANK, LTD (GUNMA) HAD BEEN GRANTED A BANKING LICENCE TO CONDUCT BUSINESS IN HONG KONG.
GUNMA IS THE 32ND LARGEST BANK IN JAPAN, AND RANKS 138TH IN THE WORLD IN TERMS OF CAPITAL.
/PRIOR TO .......
8
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1993
PRIOR TO THE GRANTING OF THE BANKING LICENCE, THE BANK HAS BEEN OPERATING A REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE SINCE 1989.
THE NEW BRANCH WILL ENABLE THE BANK TO OFFER A WIDER RANGE OF BANKING SERVICES TO ITS CUSTOMERS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE CONTINUING INTEREST OF FOREIGN BANKS IN ENTERING THE LOCAL MARKET REFLECTED HONG KONG’S CONTINUED IMPORTANCE AS A MAJOR INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE.
THE LICENCE FOR GUNMA IS THE SIXTH BANKING LICENCE GRANTED THIS YEAR.
THERE ARE NOW 169 LICENSED BANKS TN HONG KONG, OF WHICH 137 ARE INCORPORATED OUTSIDE THE TERRITORY.
------0--------
UN SANCTIONS AGAINST ANGOLA ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦
THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL ADOPTED RESOLUTION 864 ON SEPTEMBER 15, IMPOSING A RANGE OF SANCTIONS AGAINST ANGOLA.
THE RESOLUTION CAME INTO FORCE ON SEPTEMBER 26.
SPECIFIC POWERS FOR THE BETTER IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RESOLUTION BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAVE BEEN PROVIDED IN A UK ORDER IN COUNCIL THAT COMES INTO FORCE ON OCTOBER 1.
THE ORDER IMPOSES RESTRICTIONS ON THE EXPORT TO ANGOLA AND THE SUPPLY TO PERSONS IN ANGOLA OF ARMS AND RELATED MATERIAL, AND PETROLEUM AND PETROLEUM PRODUCTS.
IT ALSO RESTRICTS CERTAIN RELATED ACTIVITIES INCLUDING THE CARRIAGE OF PROHIBITED GOODS IN SHIPS AND AIRCRAFT AND LAND TRANSPORT VEHICLES.
THE GOVERNMENT WILL TAKE ALL NECESSARY MEASURES TO IMPLEMENT FULLY ITS OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE ORDER IN COUNCIL.
ENQUIRIES ON THE SUBJECT SHOULD BE DIRECTED TOWARDS THE RELEVANT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AS FOLLOWS:
* GENERAL AND PRESS ENQUIRIES:
DUTY OFFICER, GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES
(TEL 842 8747)
* TRADE RELATED MATTERS:
TRADE DEPARTMENT (TEL 398 5556 OR 398 5572)
CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT (TEL 852 3303)
* MARINE MATTERS:
MARINE DEPARTMENT (TEL 852 4603 OR 852 4538)
* FLIGHTS AND AVIATION RELATED MATTERS:
CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT (TEL 867 4210 OR 867 4211)
- - 0---------
/9 ........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1993
9
HEALTH EDUCATION TO PREVENT CHRONIC DISEASES
* ♦ * ♦ ♦
THE DEPARTMENT OE HEALTH IS STRENGTHEN IN: PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAMMES ON THE PREVENTION OF CHRONIC DISEASES, THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, DR S H LEE, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF A CLINIC IN SHA TIN, DR LEE SAID: "AS A RESULT OF CHANGING LIFESTYLES, CHRONIC DISEASES ARE AFFECTING THE HEALTH OF OUR POPULATION.
"MANY OF OUR GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINICS HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAMMES FOR OUR CLIENTS DISCUSSIONS ARE ARRANGED TO ALLOW PATIENTS EXPERIENCES," HE SAID.
ARE AND
TO
NOW OFFERING
PEER GROUP
SHARE THEIR
DR LEE SAID PATIENTS, WITH THE GUIDANCE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONALS, WOULD BE ABLE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SELF-CARE AND OFTEN OFFER EMOTIONAL SUPPORT TO EACH OTHER.
THE DEPARTMENT HAD ALREADY SET UP GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINICS.
SUCH PEER GROUPS IN 42
DR LEE STRESSED THAT THE DEPARTMENT WOULD WORK CLOSELY WITH THE PUBLIC TO BUILD UP A CLIENT-ORIENTED SERVICE FOR HONG KONG.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING OF THE CLINIC, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HEALTH AND MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT AND ADVISORY COMMITTEE, PROFESSOR NATALIS YUEN, SAID HE WAS PLEASED TO HAVE WITNESSED THE IMPROVEMENTS MADE BY TIIF DEPARTMENT IN THE GENERAL OUT-PATIENT SERVICE.
HE SAID HF WAS IMPRESSED BY THE YUEN CHAU KOK CLINIC’S INNOVATIVE AND USER-FRIENDLY DESIGN WHICH MADE IT AN EXCEPTIONALLY REFRESHING ENVIRONMENT FOR BOTH PATIENTS AND STAFF.
PROFESSOR YUEN ADDED THAT THIS NEW CLINIC MARKED ANOTHER STEP FORWARD IN THE PROVISION OF QUALITY PRIMARY HEALTH CARE SERVICE FOR SHA TIN, TN LINE WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH’S PLEDGE TO BE A CARING DEPARTMENT.
THE CLINK’ HAS MANY FEATURES OF A MODERN CLINIC DESIGNED WITH SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON A CL I ENT-CENTRED SERVICE.
THE FACILITIES IN THE CLINIC INCLUDE A GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINIC WITH FOUR CONSULTATION ROOMS, TWO TREATMENT ROOMS, A MINOR SURGERY AND A DISPENSARY, AS WELL AS A PURPOSE-BUILT CHEST CLINK’ WITH AN X-RAY UNIT TO SERVE THE NEW TERRITORIES.
---------0-----------
/10........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1993
- 10 -
NEW HONORARY COLONEL OF REGIMENT APPOINTED *****
MAJOR-GENERAL GUY WATKINS WILL SUCCEED CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, AS HONORARY COLONEL OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS) FROM TOMORROW (OCTOBER 1).
THE APPOINTMENT HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, WHO IS COMMANDANT-GENERAL OF THE VOLUNTEERS.
MAJOR-GENERAL WATKINS MOVED TO HONG KONG IN 1986 AFTER A 33-YKAR SERVICE WITH THE BRITISH ARMY, IN THE ROYAL ARTILLERY.
”HIS MOST DIFFICULT TASK WILL BE TO OVERSEE THE DISBANDMENT OF THE VOLUNTEERS IN 1995 AFTER 141 YEARS OF UNBROKEN SERVICE TO THE TERRITORY,” THE COMMANDING OFFICER OF THE VOLUNTEERS, LIEUTENANT COLONEL KESTREL SIMSON, SAID.
AS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB AT 2 SPORTS ROAD, HE IS IDEALLY PLACED FOR THE JOB AS THE VOLUNTEERS HEADQUARTERS IS AT 1 SPORTS ROAD, HE ADDED.
SIR DAVID FORD TOOK UP THE APPOINTMENT AS HONORARY COLONEL OF THE VOLUNTEERS IN LATE 1990.
HE WAS NO STRANGER TO THE MILITARY WAY OF LIFE HAVING SERVED FOR 17 YEARS IN THE BRITISH ARMY AS A ROYAL ARTILLERY OFFICER BEFORE MOVING TO HONG KONG IN 1972.
’’SIR DAVID’S WISE COUNSEL, HIS INTEREST AND ENTHUSIASM FOR THE VOLUNTEERS AS WELL AS HIS DISTINCTIVE GREEN COMMANDO BERET WILL BE MISSED BY EVERYONE TN THE REGIMENT,” LIEUTENANT COLONEL KESTREL SIMSON SAID.
---------------0-------- SEK KONG RUNWAY IMPROVEMENT WORKS *****
THE CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR IMPROVEMENT WORKS FOR THE SEK KONG RUNWAY.
THE WORKS INCLUDE THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE WESTERN HALF OF THE RUNWAY; REPAIRS TO CRACKS ON THE EASTERN HALF; AND RESURFACING OF 23,000 SQUARE METRES OF THE AIRCRAFT PARKING APRON.
THE WORKS ARE SCHEDULED TO START IN DECEMBER THIS YEAR FOR COMPI ' I’lON IN SIX MONTHS.
CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON OCTOBER 22, 1993.
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.
--------0---------
/Il .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1993
11
MAN JAILED FOR ILLEGAL MEAT IMPORT
* * * * *
A MAN WAS CONVICTED AND SENTENCED TO ONE-WEEK IMPRISONMENT IN COURT RECENTLY FOR ILLEGALLY IMPORTING MEAT.
THE 42-YEAR-OLD MAN WAS ARRESTED AT LOK MA CHAU CHECK POINT ON JUNE 16 AFTER HE FAILED TO PRODUCE OFFICIAL MANIFEST AND HEALTH DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE IMPORTATION OF MEAT ON BOARD HIS GOODS VEHICLE.
THE GOODS COMPRISED 1,900 KILOGRAMS OF FRESH PIG CARCASES AND 800 KILOGRAMS OF PORK, BEEF AND OFFALS OF BOVINE.
HE WAS CONVICTED IN FANLING MAGISTRACY ON SEPTEMBER 27.
THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR SIMILAR OFFENCE IS $25,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR SIX MONTHS.
------0-------
FIRING PRACTICE IN OCTOBER
*****
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HA TSUEN - CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON 21 DAYS NEXT MONTH (OCTOBER).
THE PUBLIC IS ADVISED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE HOISTED.
FOLLOWING ARE THE DATES AND TIMES FOR THE FIRING PRACTICE:
DATE TIME
OCTOBER 4 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 11 .59 PM
OCTOBER 5 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
OCTOBER 6 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
OCTOBER 7 (THURSDAY) 5 AM - 11 .59 PM
OCTOBER 8 (FRIDAY) 0.01 AM - 5 PM
OCTOBER 9 (SATURDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
OCTOBER 11 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 11 .59 PM
OCTOBER 12 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
OCTOBER 13 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
OCTOBER 14 (THURSDAY) 5 AM - 1 1 .59 PM
OCTOBER 15 (FRIDAY) 0.01 AM - 5 PM
OCTOBER 16 (SATURDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
OCTOBER 18 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 11 . 59 PM
OCTOBER 19 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
OCTOBER 20 (WEDNESDAY) 5 AM - 1 1 .59 PM
OCTOBER 21 (THURSDAY) 0.01 AM - 5 PM
OCTOBER 25 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
OCTOBER 26 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
OCTOBER 27 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
OCTOBER 28 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
OCTOBER 29 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
/12........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1993
- 12 -
URBAN COUNCIL COMPLEX FOR HAPPY VALLEY RESIDENTS
*****
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN EIGHT-STOREY URBAN COUNCIL COMPLEX AT WONG NAI CHUNG, HAPPY VALLEY.
THE BUILDING WILL HOUSE A MARKET, A COOKED FOOD CENTRE, A LIBRARY, AN INDOOR GAMES HALL, THREE SQUASH COURTS, A MULTI-PURPOSE ACTIVITIES ROOM AND A CHILDREN PLAY ROOM.
WORKS ARE SCHEDULED TO START NEXT JANUARY FOR COMPLETION IN AUGUST 1995.
DEADLINE FOR TENDERS IS NOON ON OCTOBER 22.
FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 34TH FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.
---------0 - -
KOWLOON CITY TO HOLD LANTERN CARNIVAL *****
THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT WILL HOLD A LANTERN CARNIVAL TO CELEBRATE THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL AT THE ARGYLE STREET PLAYGROUND AT 7 PM ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 2).
RESIDENTS ARE WELCOME TO JOIN TN THE FUN. ADMISSION IS FREE.
APART FROM A SHOW BY POPULAR SINGERS AND A LANTERN EXHIBITION, THERE WILL BE RIDDLES, WESTERN AND ORIENTAL FOLK DANCES, CHINESE ACROBATICS, PUPPET SHOW, CHINESE HANDICRAFTS DEMONSTRATIONS, PALM-READING, CHESS COMPETITION AS WELL AS CANTONESE OPERA.
GAMES TICKETS AND COUPONS FOR HANDICRAFTS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED AT THE VENUE.
COLOURFUL LANTERNS WILL ALSO BE GIVEN TO CHILDREN ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED BASTS.
THE CARNIVAL IS ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT ARTS AND CULTURE COUNCIL, AND THE URBAN COUNCIL.
OFFICIATING GUESTS WILL INCLUDE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILLIAM YAP, AND THE WORKING GROUP CHAIRMAN OF KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL LANTERN CARNIVAL, MR LEE HO I-SANG.
--------0-----------
/13........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1993
13
CLOSURE OF UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURE SOUGHT * * * * »
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE AN UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURE AT SHAM SHUI PO SO THAT IT CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT CAUSING DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS AND THE PUBLIC.
THE SINGLE-STOREY STRUCTURE, ERECTED AT THE SIDE LAND ADJACENT TO 189 HAI TAN STREET, IS BEING USED FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSE.
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE ON NOVEMBER 11 WAS POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY (THURSDAY).
DEMOLITION IS EXPECTED TO START AS SOON AS THE CLOSURE ORDER IS ISSUED.
------0-------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,850
REVERSAL OF LAF +150
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 2,000
NET INJECTION/WTTHDRAWAL TODAY NIL
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY -193
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,807
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 112.2 *+0.0* 30.9.93
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 2.92 PCT 14 MONTHS 2411 4.625 101.35 3.42
1 MONTH 2.85 PCT 17 MONTHS 2502 4.75 101.55 3.61
3 MONTHS 2.88 PCT 20 MONTHS 2505 3.75 99.85 3.88
6 MONTHS 3.04 PCT 23 MONTHS 2508 4.625 101.23 3.98
12 MONTHS 3.34 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 10,237 MN
CLOSED 30 SEPTEMBER 1993
--------0----------
/14 ........
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1993
14
CHINA AND HK HAVE CLOSE ECONOMIC TIES » » » » »
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, TODAY (FRIDAY, U.S. TIME) OUTLINED THE CLOSE AND IMPORTANT RELATIONS BETWEEN CHINA AND HONG KONG’S ECONOMIES TO A GATHERING OF PROMINENT FINANCIERS AND BUSINESSMEN IN THE UNITED STATES.
CHINA, HE SAID, HAD BEEN THE REASON FOR MUCH OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC SUCCESS IN RECENT YEARS.
MR MACLEOD WAS SPEAKING AT A BREAKFAST MEETING HOSTED BY THE MORGAN STANLEY GROUP AND THE ASIA SOCIETY IN NEW YORK.
HE SAID CHINA AND HONG KONG WERE NOW EACH OTHER’S LARGEST TRADING PARTNER AND EXTERNAL INVESTOR.
CHINA’S DIRECT INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG AMOUNTS TO OVER US$12 BILLION IN SECTORS INCLUDING REAL ESTATE, CONSTRUCTION, MANUFACTURING, TRADING AND FINANCIAL SERVICES, HE SAID.
ON THE OTHER HAND, HONG KONG ACCOUNTED FOR ABOUT TWO-THIRDS OF FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT IN CHINA AT US$23 BILLION IN PROPERTY, TECHNOLOGY SERVICES, TRANSPORT LINKS AND MANUFACTURING, HE ADDED.
"IN ADDITION TO STRONG LINKS IN TRADE AND INVESTMENT, HONG KONG NOW PLAYS A MAJOR FINANCIAL ROLE IN CHINA’S DEVELOPMENT.
"NINETY PER CENT OF EXTERNALLY SYNDICATED LOANS FOR CHINA ARE ARRANGED IN HONG KONG," HE SAID.
"HONG KONG ALSO PROVIDES THE CAPITAL AND EXPERTISE FOR CHINA’S FINANCIAL MARKET.
"FOUR LEADING STATE-OWNED FIRMS IN CHINA HAVE LISTED THEIR SHARES ON HONG KONG’S STOCK MARKET AND FIVE MORE WILL FOLLOW," HE ADDED.
GIVING AN UPDATE ON HONG KONG’S ECONOMY, MR MACLEOD POINTED OUT THAT THE TERRITORY’S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT GREW BY 5.3 PER CENT IN 1992 AND WAS ESTIMATED TO GROW BY 5.5 PER CENT THIS YEAR.
HE ALSO NOTED THAT THE INFLATION RATE HAD BEEN MODERATING, FROM A HIGH OF 14 PER CENT DOWN TO 9 PER CENT.
MEANWHILE, TOTAL EXPORTS GREW BY 19 PER CENT IN 1992.
HE ALSO TOLD THE AUDIENCE THAT GOOD PROGRESS HAD BEEN MADE IN THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME WITH 33 CONTRACTS WORTH US$5.8 BILLION BEING AWARDED SO FAR.
"IN TOTAL, 12 U.S. FIRMS ARE INVOLVED IN VARIOUS CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS AND CONSULTANCIES, AT A TOTAL COST OF OVER US$1.26 BILLION," HE SAID.
HOWEVER, HE SAID CHINA’S BLESSING ON FINANCING AND LAND WAS NEEDED SOON.
ON THE LONGER-TERM OUTLOOK, MR MACLEOD WAS CONFIDENT THAT THE STRENGTH OF HONG KONG'S ECONOMY WOULD CONTINUE.
/IN ADDITION .......
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1993
15
IN ADDITION TO THE TERRITORY’S STRONG ECONOMIC FUNDAMENTALS, CHINA WAS ALSO AN IMPORTANT FACTOR, HE SAID.
HE NOTED THAT HONG KONG’S FUTURE ECONOMIC SUCCESS ALSO DEPENDED ON THE CONTINUATION OF ITS SEPARATE TRADING AND ECONOMIC SYSTEMS AND ITS STATUS AS A SEPARATE CUSTOMS TERRITORY AFTER 1997, AS ENSHRINED IN THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW.
MR MACLEOD IS CURRENTLY IN THE U.S. PROMOTING HONG KONG AS AN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL AND BUSINESS CENTRE AFTER ATTENDING THE IMF/WORLD BANK ANNUAL MEETINGS IN WASHINGTON EARLIER THIS WEEK.
- - 0 - -
$1 MILLION RELIEF FOR FLOODING VICTIMS
******
THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE TODAY (FRIDAY) BEGAN ISSUING EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND TO VILLAGERS IN NORTH DISTRICT AFFECTED BY THE RECENT FLOODING.
ABOUT $1 MILLION HAS BEEN SET ASIDE FROM THE GENERAL CHINESE CHARITABLE FUND FOR THIS PURPOSE.
THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER, MR TIMOTHY TONG, SAID SO FAR MORE THAN 400 APPLICATIONS FOR THE RELIEF FUND HAD BEEN RECEIVED, AND EACH NEEDY FAMILY COULD OBTAIN $5,000 OR $2,000, DEPENDING ON THE CONDITIONS OF INDIVIDUAL APPLICANTS.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THOSE APPLICATIONS WOULD BE PROCESSED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, AND ALL APPLICANTS WOULD GO THROUGH A SCREENING PROCESS TO DECIDE ON THEIR ELIGIBILITY FOR THE CASH ASSISTANCE.
HE SAID ABOUT 100 FAMILIES HAD RECEIVED THE MONEY TODAY, AND HIS STAFF WILL CONTINUE WORKING DURING THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL HOLIDAY AND OVER THE WEEKEND TO PROCESS OTHER CASES.
"STAFF OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE HAD ALSO VISITED ALL THE FAMILIES IN THE FLOODED AREAS IN THE PAST FEW DAYS TO SEE WHATEVER ASSISTANCE COULD BE PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
"AND WE WILL CONTINUE WORKING TOGETHER WITH OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TO PROVIDE TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION AND EMERGENCY RELIEF TO THOSE AFFECTED BY THE FLOODING," MR TONG SAID.
HE ALSO CALLED ON THE NEEDY FAMILIES TO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS FOR THE CASH RELIEF AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THEY COULD CONTACT THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE ON 675 1606 FOR DETAILS.
- - 0 - -