DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, AUGUST 1, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
RISK MANAGEMENT OF FINANCIAL DERIVATIVE ACTIVITIES......... 1
415 NOMINATIONS FOR DB ELECTIONS RECEIVED.................. 2
MANUFACTURING SECTOR REMAINS IMPORTANT TO HK ECONOMY.... 2
RESULTS ON WHOLESALE ACTIVITIES STUDY ANNOUNCED............ 3
HK AND CANADA: EXTENDED BILATERAL AGREEMENT TO COMBAT 5
DRUG TRAFFICKING........................................
TIES BETWEEN HK AND CANADA REINFORCED...................... 5
TRADERS FINED FOR SUPPLYING UNSAFE BABIES’ DUMMIES......... 7
WATER STORAGE FIGURE....................................... 7
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .... 8
MONDAY, AUGUST 1, 1994
1
RISK MANAGEMENT OF FINANCIAL DERIVATIVE ACTIVITIES *****
THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TODAY (MONDAY) ISSUED TO THE TWO INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS FOR COMMENT A GUIDANCE PAPER PRODUCED BY THE BASLE COMMITTEE OF BANKING SUPERVISION ON THE MANAGEMENT OF RISKS INVOLVED IN FINANCIAL DERIVATIVE ACTIVITIES.
THE BASLE COMMITTEE BELIEVES THAT THE ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF A SOUND RISK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM SHOULD INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
* AWARENESS AND PROPER UNDERSTANDING BY MANAGEMENT OF THE MARKET AND CREDIT RISKS INVOLVED IN DERIVATIVES.
* APPROPRIATE OVERSIGHT BY BOARDS OF DIRECTORS AND SENIOR
MANAGEMENT.
* CONTINUOUS MONITORING, REVIEW AND CONTROL OF THE RISKS
INVOLVED.
* RELIABLE MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS WHICH PROVIDE TIMELY REPORTING TO SENIOR MANAGEMENT; AND
* COMPREHENSIVE INTERNAL CONTROL AND AUDIT PROCEDURES.
"THE BASLE PAPER, AND A SIMILAR PAPER ISSUED BY THE INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATION OF SECURITIES COMMISSION, REPRESENT A GLOBAL CO-ORDINATED INITIATIVE BY BANKING AND SECURITIES SUPERVISORS TO PROMOTE BETTER RISK MANAGEMENT OF FINANCIAL DERIVATIVE ACTIVITIES," THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (BANKING SUPERVISION), MR ALBERT CHEOK, SAID.
"RECENT YEARS HAVE SEEN BANKS IN HONG KONG BECOMING MORE ACTIVE IN FINANCIAL DERIVATIVE ACTIVITIES, SUCH AS FUTURES, SWAPS AND OPTIONS.
"WHILE FINANCIAL DERIVATIVE ACTIVITIES COULD PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL TOOL FOR HEDGING RISKS AS WELL AS PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL SOURCE OF BUSINESS, IT COULD ALSO BRING ADDED RISKS TO BANKS.
"THE GUIDANCE OFFERED BY BASLE PROVIDES AN INDICATION OF THE MINIMUM STANDARDS WHICH BANKS SHOULD MEET IN THE MANAGEMENT OF RISK EXPOSURES ARISING FROM FINANCIAL DERIVATIVE ACTIVITIES," MR CHEOK SAID.
THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS AND THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ASSOCIATION HAVE BEEN ASKED TO COMMENT BY SEPTEMBER 15.
REFLECTING A COMMON SUPERVISORY INTEREST, THE MONETARY AUTHORITY WILL ALSO BE CONSULTING WITH THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION.
FOLLOWING THESE CONSULTATIONS, THE MONETARY AUTHORITY WILL CONSIDER HOW AND TO WHAT EXTENT THE BASLE PAPER SHOULD FORM THE BASIS FOR FORMAL GUIDELINES FOR AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS ON THE RISK MANAGEMENT OF THEIR FINANCIAL DERIVATIVE BUSINESS.
/COPIES OF .......
MONDAY, AUGUST 1, 1994
2
COPIES OF THE BASLE COMMITTEE PAPER ARE AVAILABLE AT HKMA’S RECEPTION COUNTER ON 30TH FLOOR, 3 GARDEN ROAD. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THIS SUBJECT, PLEASE CONTACT MS JULIA LEUNG ON TEL 878 8246 OR MR OSBERT LAM ON TEL 878 1687.
---------------------0-------- 415 NOMINATIONS FOR DB ELECTIONS RECEIVED *****
THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE HAS RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 415 NOMINATIONS OF CANDIDATES FOR THE SEPTEMBER DB ELECTIONS TODAY (MONDAY).
TODAY IS THE FIRST DAY OF THE NOMINATION PERIOD WHICH WILL CLOSE ON AUGUST 15 (MONDAY).
THE BREAKDOWN OF NOMINATIONS BY DISTRICTS IS AS FOLLOWS:
DISTRICT NOMINATIONS RECEIVED
CENTRAL AND WESTERN 21
WAN CHAI 12
EASTERN 40
SOUTHERN 14
YAU TSIM MONG 27
SHAM SHUI PO 24
KOWLOON CITY 16
WONG TAI SIN 24
KWUN TONG 44
TSUEN WAN 9
TUEN MUN 37
YUEN LONG 23
NORTH 9
TAI PO 23
SAI KUNG 17
SHA TIN 46
KWAI TSING 26
ISLANDS 3
TOTAL 415
0
MANUFACTURING SECTOR REMAINS IMPORTANT TO HK ECONOMY *****
THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR WILL REMAIN AN EXTREMELY IMPORTANT PART OF HONG KONG'S ECONOMY IN THE YEARS AHEAD AS IT CONSTANTLY RENEWS ITSELF IN THE LIGHT OF CHANGING MARKET CONDITIONS, THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MISS DENISE YUE, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE MOTOROLA QUST (QUALITY, SPEED AND TEAMWORK) WEEK, MISS YUE SAID FOR SOME TIME NOW, HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIES HAD MOVED AWAY FROM SIMPLE ASSEMBLY-TYPE PRODUCTION TO HIGHER VALUE-ADDED MANUFACTURING AND TO PROVIDING SUPPORT SERVICES FOR MANUFACTURING ELSEWHERE IN THE REGION.
/"IN THE .......
MONDAY, AUGUST 1, 1994
3
"IN THE PROGRESSION TOWARDS HIGHER VALUE-ADDED AND INTELLIGENCE-INTENSIVE ACTIVITIES, CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT IN QUALITY AND SPEED OF EXECUTION ARE ASSUMING INCREASING IMPORTANCE.
"WHILE EFFORTS ON THESE FRONTS MUST REMAIN WITH THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, THE GOVERNMENT IS WILLING TO HELP THOSE READY TO HELP THEMSELVES,” MISS YUE SAID.
SOME OF THE MEASURES TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT IN THE QUALITY AREA INCLUDE THE SETTING UP OF THE STANDARDS AND CALIBRATION LABORATORY, THE INTRODUCTION OF THE HONG KONG LABORATORY ACCREDITATION SCHEME (HOKLAS) AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PRODUCT STANDARDS INFORMATION BUREAU.
OTHERS INCLUDE THE LAUNCHING OF AN ON-GOING QUALITY AWARENESS CAMPAIGN TO RAISE THE LEVEL OF QUALITY AWARENESS AND THE APPLICATION OF THE QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS, THE SETTING UP OF THE HONG KONG QUALITY ASSURANCE AGENCY TO PROVIDE ISO 9000 CERTIFICATION SERVICE AND THE INTRODUCTION OF THE QUALITY CATEGORY IN THE ANNUAL GOVERNOR’S AWARD FOR INDUSTRY.
MISS YUE NOTED THAT IN THE AREA OF EXECUTION, MORE AND MORE MANUFACTURERS IN HONG KONG WERE ADOPTING VARIOUS "QUICK RESPONSE" OR • "JUST-IN-TIME" SYSTEMS THROUGH THE USE OF CONCURRENT ENGINEERING AND OTHER TECHNOLOGIES.
"SUCH DEVELOPMENT IS VITAL TO THE WELL-BEING OF THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR AS THE SHELF LIFE OF PRODUCTS IS BECOMING SHORTER AND SHORTER," SHE SAID.
"FOR THIS REASON, A NUMBER OF PROJECTS FUNDED BY THE GOVERNMENT ARE NOW BEING UNDERTAKEN BY THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL AND OTHER. INDUSTRIAL BODIES TO ASSIST SPECIFIC INDUSTRIAL SECTORS TO SHORTEN THE WHOLE MANUFACTURING CYCLE, FROM ORDERING OF MATERIALS TO DESIGN AND PROTOTYPE OR SAMPLE MAKING, MANUFACTURING AND DELIVERY OF THE FINISHED PRODUCTS TO THE SPECIFIED DESTINATIONS," SHE ADDED.
------0-------
RESULTS ON WHOLESALE ACTIVITIES STUDY ANNOUNCED
*****
THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) ANNOUNCED THE COMPLETION OF A STUDY ON WHOLESALE ACTIVITIES.
COMMISSIONED IN FEBRUARY 1993, THE CONSULTANCY STUDY EXAMINED THE CHARACTERISTICS, LOCATIONAL AND OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS OF WHOLESALE ACTIVITIES AND ASSESSED THE IMPACTS GENERATED BY WHOLESALE ESTABLISHMENTS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THIS WAS A TERRITORY-WIDE STUDY COVERING WHOLESALE ESTABLISHMENTS IN INDUSTRIAL, RESIDENTIAL AND COMMMERCIAL/OFFICE BUILDINGS.
ACCORDING TO THE EXTENSIVE FIELD SURVEY UNDERTAKEN, THE NUMBER OF WHOLESALE ESTABLISHMENTS WAS ESTIMATED TO BE 14,318 LAST YEAR.
/THE TOTAL ......
MONDAY, AUGUST 1, 1994
4
THE TOTAL FLOOR AREAS TAKEN UP WERE ESTIMATED TO BE 1.73 MILLION SQUARE METRES AT AN AVERAGE OF 121 SQUARE METRES PER ESTABLISHMENT; AND THE TOTAL WORKFORCE OF THE WHOLESALE INDUSTRY WAS ESTIMATED TO BE AROUND 96,000 AT AN AVERAGE OF 6.7 PERSONS ENGAGED PER ESTABLISHMENT.
THE FOUR LARGEST INDUSTRY GROUPS UNDER THE WHOLESALE BUSINESS SECTOR ARE CONSUMER GOODS; CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS; FOODSTUFFS; AND RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES.
IT IS FOUND THAT WHOLESALE ESTABLISHMENTS ARE NOT CAUSING ANY MAJOR UNDESIRABLE IMPACTS ON THE NEIGHBOURHOOD.
THE MOST COMMON IMPACTS ARE OBSTRUCTION TO COMMON AREAS IN BUILDINGS AND INTERNAL CIRCULATION SPACE, OBSTRUCT‘ON TO PEDWAY, POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD AND SOLID WASTE ACCUMULATION.
HOWEVER, ONLY IN LESS THAN 20 PER CENT OF THE CASES ARE THESE IMPACTS CONSIDERED SEVERE OR MODERATE.
GENERALLY SPEAKING, THE WHOLESALE INDUSTRY IS OPERATING SATISFACTORILY IN THE PRESENT MANNER IN LOCATIONAL TERMS.’
THERE APPEARS TO BE NO IMMINENT PLANNING NEED TO CONFINE WHOLESALERS TO ONE OR PARTICULAR DISTRICT EXCEPT FOR THE FRESH FOODSTUFFS GROUP WHICH IS OPERATING UNDER A DIFFERENT INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK.
THE MULTI-FUNCTIONAL NATURE OF WHOLESALE OPERATIONS AND THE DIVERSITY OF ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN POINT TO THE FACT THAT WHOLESALING SHOULD NOT BE TREATED AS A SINGLE DISCRETE LAND USE PER SE BUT A RANGE OF BUSINESS ACTIVITIES.
A VARIETY OF ACCOMMODATION TYPES ARE, THEREFORE, REQUIRED TO MEET THE DEMANDS OF INDIVIDUAL SPECIFIC OPERATIONS.
WHOLESALE ESTABLISHMENTS ARE ALSO CATEGORISED INTO TWO BROAD TYPES, NAMELY WHOLESALE-INDUSTRIAL AND WHOLESALE-COMMERCIAL.
APPROPRIATE PARKING AND LOADING/UNLOADING REQUIREMENTS ARE RECOMMENDED TO HELP RELIEVE THE PROBLEMS OF ON-STREET PARKING AND LOADING/UNLOADJ NG ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATED WITH WHOLESALE ESTABLISHMENTS.
HAVING REVIEWED THE EXISTING STATUTORY ZONINGS AND POLICIES, IT IS CONCLUDED THAT WHOLESALE ESTABLISHMENTS ARE QUITE WELL CATERED FOR UNDER THE EXISTING PLANNING FRAMEWORK.
THE CURRENT LAND USE ZONINGS HAVE CLEARLY ALLOWED FOR A HIGH DEGREE OF FLEXIBILITY IN TERMS OF ACCOMMODATING THE VARIOUS FORMS OF WHOLESALE ESTABLISHMENTS.
---------0 - -
MONDAY, AUGUST 1, 1994
5
HK AND CANADA:
EXTENDED BILATERAL AGREEMENT TO COMBAT DRUG TRAFFICKING *****
THE HONG KONG AND CANADIAN GOVERNMENTS TODAY (MONDAY) EXCHANGED LETTERS FOR THE EXTENSION OF THEIR BILATERAL AGREEMENT TO CONTINUE MUTUAL CO-OPERATION IN THE SUPPRESSION OF DRUG TRAFFICKING.
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, AND THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF CANADA, MR ANDRE OUELLET, SIGNED AND EXCHANGED LETTERS AT A BRIEF CEREMONY HELD AT THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT.
MR ASPREY SAID AT THE CEREMONY THAT THE EXTENSION OF THE AGREEMENT WAS A FURTHER EXAMPLE OF THE SUPPORT WHICH CANADA HAD GIVEN TO HONG KONG.
"THE AGREEMENT WILL BE OF BENEFIT TO' THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES OF BOTH CANADA AND HONG KONG. AND WILL ENABLE US TO CONTINUE CO-OPERATION IN THE COMMON FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS," HE SAID.
"THE AGREEMENT, FIRST SIGNED IN 1990 AND ENTERED INTO FORCE IN 1991, PROVIDES FOR MUTUAL ASSISTANCE IN THE INVESTIGATION AND PROSECUTION OF DRUG TRAFFICKING OFFENCES," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NARCOTICS DIVISION SAID.
"IT IS VALID FOR AN INITIAL DURATION OF THREE YEARS, THEREAFTER EXTENDABLE ANNUALLY BY MUTUAL CONSENT. THE LATEST EXTENSION ENABBLED THE AGREEMENT TO CONTINUE FOR A FURTHER YEAR FROM FEBRUARY 17, 1995."
------0-------
TIES BETWEEN HK AND CANADA REINFORCED
*****
THE SIGNING OF THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) ON CULTURAL CO-OPERATION BY THE GOVERNMENTS OF HONG KONG AND CANADA WILL REINFORCE THE ALREADY VERY SPECIAL AND STRONG TIES BETWEEN THE TWO PLACES, THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR JAMES SO, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
MR SO WAS SPEAKING BEFORE HE SIGNED THE MOU ON BEHALF OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WITH THE CANADIAN MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, MR ANDRE OUELLET, IN THE SECRETARIAT CONFERENCE HALL.
MR SO SAID: "BUSINESS AND MIGRATION HAVE FORGED LINKS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CANADA FOR OVER A CENTURY.
• ' 31/ ’
’’CANADIAN TRADERS HELPED HONG KONG INDUSTRIES EXPAND THEIR ACTIVITIES INTO NORTH AMERICA.
"MANY PEOPLE IN HONG KONG, ESPECIALLY DURING THE PAST DECADE, HAVE MADE CANADA THEIR HOME.
"AS A RESULT, THE BONDS BETWEEN OUR TWO COMMUNITIES HAVE EXTENDED BEYOND COMMERCE INTO OTHER AREAS SUCH AS FAMILY, EDUCATION AND CULTURE."
/THE MOU .......
MONDAY, AUGUST 1, 1994
6
THE MOU FOLLOWS AN EARLIER ONE SIGNED IN 1991, BETWEEN THE TWO GOVERNMENTS ON FILM AND TELEVISION CO-OPERATION.
UNDER THE MOU THE THINGS THAT HONG KONG AND CANADA WILL ENDEAVOUR TO DO WILL INCLUDE:
* FACILITATION OF EXCHANGES OF ARTISTS AND SPORTSMEN IN
CULTURAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES;
* ENCOURAGEMENT OF ORGANISATION OF CULTURAL AND SPORTS
PROGRAMMES TO STRENGTHEN RELATIONS IN THESE FIELDS BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES;
t ENCOURAGEMENT OF EXCHANGES AND CO-OPERATION BETWEEN ARTS AND SPORTS ORGANISATIONS;
* PROMOTION OF THE PROVISION OF SPONSORSHIPS AND SCHOLARSHIPS FOR THE PERFORMANCE, STUDY, TRAINING AND RESEARCH OF ARTS AND SPORTS;
* ENCOURAGEMENT OF TEACHING, RESEARCH AND PUBLICATION IN ARTS, CULTURE AND SPORTS;
* PROVISION OF EASY ACCESS TO EACH OTHER’S CULTURAL VENUES AND
facilities;
* FACILITATION OF CULTURAL AND INTELLECTUAL EXCHANGES BETWEEN
THE APPROPRIATE ORGANISATIONS OF BOTH SIDES THROUGH VARIOUS MEANS;
* PROMOTION OF THE TRANSLATION AND DISSEMINATION OF LITERARY WORKS BUT COPYRIGHTS PROTECTED;
* FACILITATION OF EXCHANGES IN CINEMATOGRAPHY, BROADCASTING AND BOOK PUBLISHING; AND
* ENCOURAGEMENT OF EXCHANGES AND VISITS OF PERSONS ENGAGED IN VARIOUS FORMS OF ARTS AND CULTURAL WORK.
TO CELEBRATE THE SIGNING OF THE MOU, AND TO BID FAREWELL TO THE HONG KONG DELEGATION TO THE XV COMMONWEALTH GAMES, A RECEPTION WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE EXHIBITION HALL OF CITY HALL.
AT THE RECEPTION, THE HONG KONG AMATEUR GYMNASTIC ASSOCIATION WILL GIVE A RHYTHMIC GYMNASTIC PERFORMANCE.
THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY MUSIC TO BE PERFORMED BY STUDENTS OF THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS WHO WILL ALSO PERFORM AT THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES TO BE HELD IN VICTORIA, CANADA LATER THIS MONTH.
------0-------
/7........
MONDAY, AUGUST 1, 1994
7
TRADERS FINED FOR SUPPLYING UNSAFE BABIES’ DUMMIES
* * * * ♦
THREE TRADERS WERE FINED A TOTAL OF $53,000 TODAY (MONDAY) FOR SUPPLYING 15,432 BABIES DUMMIES WHICH FAILED TO MEET THE SAFETY STANDARDS SET OUT IN THE TOY’S AND CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS SAFETY ORDINANCE.
THREE DEFENDANTS, PROPRIETORS OF SUNWAY COMPANY, WINSOME COME LIMITED AND WELFORE COMPANY LIMITED, PLEADED GUILTY IN SHA TIN MAG1STRRACY TODAY (MONDAY). ONE DEFENDANT WAS FINED $33,000 WHILE THE OTHER TWO WERE FINED $10,000 EACH.
THIS IS THE FIRST PROSECUTION INSTITUTED BY THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT AGAINST SUPPLIERS OF BABIES’ DUMMIES UNDER THE TOY’S AND CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS SAFETY ORDINANCE SINCE IT HAS COME INTO OPERATION FROM JULY 1, 1993.
THE COURT HEARD TODAY (MONDAY) THAT ACTING ON INFORMATION, CUSTOMS OFFICERS RAIDED THE BUSINESS PREMISES OF THE THREE DEFENDANTS IN FO TAN IN NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER LAST YEAR AND SEIZED THE GOODS IN QUESTION.
THE BABIES DUMMIES WERE LATER CONFIRMED BY THE GOVERNMENT LABORATORY AS NOT MEETING THE SAFETY STANDARDS SET OUT IN THE TOY’S AND CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS SAFETY ORDINANCE.
THE MAJOR NON-COMPLIANCE OF THE GOODS WAS THAT THE FLANGES WERE TOO SMALL WHICH ALLOWED THE DUMMIES TO BE PULLED THROUGH THE TEMPLATE WHEN TESTED. THE DIAMETER OF THE VENTILATION HOLES IN THE FLANGES WAS ALSO LESS THAN THE STANDARD FIVE MILLIMETRES. THESE WOULD POSE POTENTIAL HAZARDS TO CONSUMERS.
UNDER THE TOY’S AND CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS ORDINANCE, THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR FIRST CONVICTION OF OFFENCES RELATING TO MANUFACTURE, IMPORT OR SUPPLY OF UNSAFE TOYS AND CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS IS A FINE OF $100,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR ONE YEAR, AND THAT FOR SUBSEQUENT CONVICTION IS A FINE OF $500,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR TWO YEARS.
------0-------
WATER STORAGE FIGURE
*****
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 90 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 527.488 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 438.540 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 74.8 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
------0------------
/8........
MONDAY, AUGUST 1, 1994
8
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
* ♦ t » *
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,482 0930 -609
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 3,030 1000 -709
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 -694
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -607 1200 -707
LAF TODAY +1,155 1500 -607
1600 -607
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 122.7 »-0.3* 1.8.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 1 MONTH 3.46 3.79 16 MONTHS 22 MONTHS 2511 2605 4.15 6.35 98.29 100.67 5.60 r? 6.03
3 MONTHS 4. 13 30 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.84 6.54
6 MONTHS 4.55 33 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98.96 6.67
12 MONTHS 5.21 36 MONTHS 3707 6.95 100.64 6.82
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 33,015 MN
CLOSED 1 AUGUST 1994 • > •
—- — — - 0 —
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HK AND CANADA MOU GIVES NEW IMPETUS FOR CO-OPERATION..... 1
478 NOMINATIONS RECEIVED..................................... 1
TWO SITES TO LET............................................. 2
AUCTION OF LUCKY CAR REGISTRATION MARKS...................... 3
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS.................. 4
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
5
TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 1994
1
HK AND CANADA MOU GIVES NEW IMPETUS FOR CO-OPERATION * * * * *
THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) ON CULTURAL CO-OPERATION JUST SIGNED BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CANADA WILL GIVE NEW IMPETUS TO THE TWO COMMUNITIES TO LOOK FOR NEW AREAS OF CO-OPERATION, THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR JAMES SO, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE SIGNING OF THE MOU BY THE TWO GOVERNMENTS YESTERDAY (MONDAY) ’’UNDERLINES THE GROWING SIGNIFICANCE OF THE CULTURAL LINKAGE BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CANADA”, MR SO SAID.
SPEAKING AT A RECEPTION TO CELEBRATE THE SIGNING OF THE MOU AND TO BID FAREWELL TO THE HONG KONG DELEGATION TO THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES TO BE HELD IN VICTORIA, CANADA LATER THIS MONTH, MR SO SAID: ’’THROUGH MORE EXCHANGES AND JOINT PROGRAMMES, OUR STANDARD AND APPRECIATION IN THE FIELDS OF ARTS, CULTURE AND SPORTS WILL BE MUCH ENHANCED.
’’MORE IMPORTANTLY, THIS MEMORANDUM WILL GIVE IMPETUS TO THE TWO COMMUNITIES TO LOOK FOR NEW AREAS OF CO-OPERATION, TAKING FULL ADVANTAGE OF THE UNIQUE BRIDGE THAT HAS ALREADY BEEN BUILT ACROSS THE PACIFIC BETWEEN US.”
MR SO SAID A LARGE PART OF THE SUCCESSFUL EXERCISE OF THE SIGNING OF THE MOU ’’OWES MUCH TO THE INITIATIVE AND CO-OPERATION” RENDERED BY THE CANADIAN COMMISSIONER FOR HONG KONG, MR JOHN HIGGINBOTHAM, AND HIS STAFF.
MR HIGGINBOTHAM WAS THE GUEST OF HONOUR AT THE RECEPTION IN PLACE OF THE CANADIAN MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, MR ANDRE OUELLET, WHO SIGNED THE MOU ON BEHALF OF THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT WITH MR SO ON MONDAY. MR OUELLET LEFT HONG KONG SOON AFTER THE SIGNING.
TURNING TO THE HONG KONG DELEGATION TO THE XV COMMONWEALTH GAMES, MR SO SAID: ”WE HAVE COMPLETE CONFIDENCE THAT ALL MEMBERS OF OUR TEAM ARE IN TOP FORM AND WILL GIVE ABOVE STANDARD PERFORMANCES AT THE GAMES.
"I AM SURE THEIR PERFORMANCES WILL DO HONG KONG PROUD BY SHOWING THE COMMONWEALTH THE RICH MIX OF EAST-WEST CULTURE THAT IS UNIQUE TO HONG KONG.”
AT THE RECEPTION, THE HONG KONG AMATEUR GYMNASTIC ASSOCIATION GAVE A RHYTHMIC GYMNASTIC PERFORMANCE, FOLLOWED BY MUSIC PERFORMED BY STUDENTS OF THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS WHO WILL ALSO PERFORM AT THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES.
------ -------------------------o-------
478 NOMINATIONS RECEIVED
*****
THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE HAS RECEIVED 63 MORE NOMINATIONS OF CANDIDATES TODAY (TUESDAY) FOR THE SEPTEMBER DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF NOMINATIONS RECEIVED SINCE THE STARTING OF THE NOMINATION YESTERDAY WAS 478.
/THE BREAKDOWN .......
TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 1994
2
THE BREAKDOWN OF NOMINATIONS BY DISTRICT IS AS FOLLOWS:
DISTRICT NOMINATIONS RECEIVED
CENTRAL AND WESTERN 22 (1)
WAN CHAI 15 (3)
EASTERN 44 (4)
SOUTHERN 20 (6)
YAU TSIM MONG 34 (7)
SHAM SHUI PO 26 (2)
KOWLOON CITY 28 (12)
WONG TAI SIN 27 (3)
KWUN TONG 49 (5)
TSUEN WAN 12 (3)
TUEN MUN 38 (1)
YUEN LONG 24 (1)
NORTH 10 (1)
TAI PO 25 (2)
SAI KUNG 20 (3)
SHA TIN 48 (2)
KWAI TSING 32 (6)
ISLANDS 4 (1)
TOTAL 478 (63)
() - NUMBER OF NOMINATIONS RECEIVED TODAY.
--------0----------
TWO SITES TO LET » » «
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT-TERM TENANCIES OF TWO LOTS OF GOVERNMENT LAND ON HONG KONG ISLAND.
THE LOT IN SAI SEE STREET, KENNEDY TOWN, HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 2,610 SQUARE METRES FOR A FEE-PAYING PUBLIC CAR PARK FOR GOODS VEHICLES.
THE TENANCY IS FOR TWO YEARS, AND IS RENEWABLE QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
THE SECOND LOT, AT FUNG MAT STREET, WESTERN RECLAMATION, HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 4,792 SQUARE METRES.
THE LOT IS USED AS A FEE-PAYING PUBLIC CAR PARK FOR GOODS VEHICLES, CONTAINER TRACTORS AND TRAILERS AND STUFFING AND DESTUFFING OF GOODS.
THE TENANCY IS FOR TWO YEARS, AND IS RENEWABLE QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
CLOSING DATES FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON, AUGUST 12 (FRIDAY).
TENDER FORMS, NOTICES AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM:
» THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, HONG KONG WEST, 19TH FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, HONG KONG;
/* THE LANDS .......
TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 1994
3
* THE 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, HONG KONG.
TENDER PLANS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT THESE OFFICES.
------0--------
AUCTION OF LUCKY CAR REGISTRATION MARKS
» » t ♦ *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD ANOTHER AUCTION OF LUCKY
CAR REGISTRATION MARKS ON SATURDAY (AUGUST 6) AT THE CITY HALL RECITAL HALL.
A TOTAL OF 50 LUCKY CAR REGISTRATION MARKS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR BIDDING AT 9.30 AM. THEY ARE:
BB926 GA189 GA501 GA683
BK321 GA7890 GA889 FZ560
*FC121 *GA818 *FC33 »CY6
GA1081 BB650 GA182 GB148
GA3339 GA3228 GA288 GA884
GA662 ER228 EW1288 GA2808
BW730 GA479 GA669 GA9910
*GB36 *175 ♦ FY28 ♦EZ6000
GA1963 FB1009 GA8838 GA6811
GA2398 GA9303 GA6881 GA8577
AT1880 GA1993 ♦AH2002 GA307
GA1833 GA1778 GA8768 ♦CC9900
GA8738 DL7787
IN THE AFTERNOON SESSION WHICH WILL START' AT 2.30 PM, ANOTHER
50 LUCKY CAR REGISTRATION MARKS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR BIDDING. THEY ARE:
GA119 GA163 GA2923 GA908
GA321 GA298 FN560 GA518
*DD9900 ♦FH363 *GA88 *61
GA4401 GA2328 AA380 GA1819
GA6003 GA981 GA388 GB923
GB168 EM228 GB129 BC8280
GA2028 CU867 GA1997 GA3669
*FC23 *FY25 ♦ FYI *GA8118
AD1812 GA1880 GA1328 GA7776
GA6029 GA1229 EF4445 GA3817
FX132 AU725 ♦DN2112 GA6880
AL9954 GA1098 GB1031 *GB8787
FN6873 GA6074
* SPECIAL CAR REGISTRATION MARK (NOT TRANSFERABLE)
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS MUST PAY BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN REMINDED BIDDERS THAT THE CAR REGISTRATION MARK WOULD BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO A CAR REGISTERED TN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE AUCTION.
/THE CERTIFICATE .......
TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 1994
4
THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION MUST BE PRODUCED IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE AUCTION IF THE CAR REGISTRATION MARK IS TO BE REGISTERED UNDER THE NAME OF BODY CORPORATE.
PROCEEDS OF THE AUCTION, AFTER DEDUCTION OF EXPENSES INCURRED IN THE CONDUCT THEREOF, WILL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND.
THE COMING AUCTIONS WILL BE THE 234TH AND 235TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973.
------0-------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
TENDER RESULTS
*****
TENDER DATE 2 AUG 94 2 AUG 94
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q431 H470
AMOUNT APPLIED HK$4,440 MN HK$2,960 MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED HK$l,500 MN HK$800 MN
AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED 4.20 PCT 4.60 PCT
HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED 4.21 PCT 4.61 PCT
PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 44 PCT ABOUT 14 PCT
AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 4.22 PCT 4.62 PCT
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
TENDERS TO BE HELD IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 8 AUG 1994-
TENDER DATE 9 AUG 94 9 AUG 94
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q432 Y492
ISSUE DATE 10 AUG 94 10 AUG 94
MATURITY DATE 9 NOV 94 9 AUG 95
TENOR 91 DAYS 364 DAYS
AMOUNT ON OFFER HK$1,500 + 300 MN HK$500 + 150 MN
• 0
TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 1994
- 5
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS * * * * *
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 3,030 0930 -1,043
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,048 1000 -1,043
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 -847
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -847 1200 -847
LAF TODAY -135 1500 -847
1600 -847
LAF RATE 2.50 B1D/4.5O OFFER TWI 122.9 *+0.2* 2.8.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.76 16 MONTHS 2511 4.15 98.27 5.61
1 MONTH 3.89 22 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100.63 6.06
3 MONTHS 4.20 30 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.86 6.54
6 MONTHS 4.58 33 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98.94 6.68
12 MONTHS 5.25 36 MONTHS 3707 6.95 100.67 6.81
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 20,150 MN
CLOSED 2 AUGUST 1994
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LAND REGISTRY TO LAUNCH DIRECT ACCESS SERVICES............. 1
PROTOTYPE AUTOMATIC MAILING SYSTEM TO BE INSTALLED...... 2
514 NOMINATIONS RECEIVED................................... 3
ACTING CJ OFFERS CONDOLENCES TO JUDGE EVANS’S FAMILY.... 3
TRAINING COURSE FOR HEALTH WORKERS......................... 4
SIR EDWARD YOUDE MEMORIAL FELLOWSHIPS AND SCHOLARSHIPS FOR OVERSEAS STUDIES....................................... 4
FANLING SITE TO LET........................................ 5
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ... 6
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 1994 - 1 -
LAND REGISTRY TO LAUNCH DIRECT ACCESS SERVICES
*****
THE LAND REGISTRAR, MR KENNETH PANG, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ANNOUNCED THE LAUNCHING OF A FULLY COMPUTERISED DIRECT SEARCH FACILITY ON URBAN LAND REGISTERS NEXT MONTH.
THE NEW FACILITY, KNOWN AS THE “DIRECT ACCESS SERVICES", WILL ENABLE CUSTOMERS TO MAKE ON-LINE SEARCHES OF LAND RECORDS THROUGH THEIR OWN COMPUTERS WITHOUT CALLING AT LAND REGISTRY’S OFFICE.
’’THE DIRECT ACCESS SERVICES IS A MAJOR ACHIEVEMENT SINCE LAND REGISTRY COMMENCED TRADING FUND OPERATION ON AUGUST 1 LAST YEAR,” MR PANG SAID.
“WITH THE DIRECT ACCESS SERVICES, CUSTOMERS CAN MAKE ON-LINE SEARCHES OF THE COMPUTERISED URBAN LAND REGISTERS THROUGH COMPUTER TERMINALS AT THEIR OWN OFFICES.
’’ALL THEY HAVE TO DO IS SIMPLY TO KEY IN THE ADDRESS OR LOT NUMBER OF THE PROPERTY THEY WANT TO SEARCH.
“INFORMATION OF THE PROPERTY WILL APPEAR ON THEIR SCREENS AND CAN BE PRINTED FROM THEIR OWN PRINTERS.
“THE NEW SERVICE WILL ALSO ENABLE CUSTOMERS TO PLACE ORDERS FOR COPIES OF LAND RECORDS WITHOUT CALLING AT LAND REGISTRY’S SEARCH COUNTERS IN PERSON.
“ALL THESE WILL BE DONE THROUGH A NETWORK PROVIDED BY IBM - THE IBM INFORMATION NETWORK, “ MR PANG SAID.
LAND REGISTRY AWARDED IBM CHINA/HONG KONG CORPORATION A THRFE-YEAR CONTRACT FOR THE PROVISION OF THE NETWORK SERVICES FOK HIE SEARCH FACILITY AT A COST OF $2 MILLION IN JUNE THIS YEAR.
THE DIRECT ACCESS SERVICES, THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN THE TERRITORY, IS A MAJOR LEAP IN SERVICE UNDER LAND REGISTRY’S ON-GOING EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME.
THE NEW SERVICE CAN PROVIDE CUSTOMERS WITH A HIGHLY CONVENIENT AND SPEEDY ACCESS TO THE LAND REGISTER INFORMATION. IT WILL SAVE MUCH OF THEIR TIME AND EFFORT IN OBTAINING SUCH INFORMATION.
TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEW SERVICE WHICH WILL RF AVAILABLE IN MTD-SEPTEMBER, CUSTOMERS CAN NOW APPLY FOR AN ACCOUNT WITH LAND REGISTRY.
THEY WILL BE REQUIRED TO MAKE THEIR OWN ARRANGEMENTS FOR CONNECTING THEIR COMPUTER TERMINALS AND PRINTER EQUIPMENT TO THE IBM INFORMATION NETWORK.
DETAILS OF THE DIRECT ACCESS SERVICES FACILITIES, CHARGES, EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENT AND APPLICATION PROCEDURE, CAN BE OBTAINED FROM LAND REGISTRY OR IBM.
"WE WILL CONTINUE TO EXPLORE THE LATEST INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN OTHER DIRECTIONS TO FURTHER ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF OUR SERVICES.
“IN PARTICULAR, LAND REGISTRY WILL EXTEND THE DIRECT ACCESS SERVICES TO THE NEW TERRITORIES LAND REGISTRIES, IN PHASES, AS AND WHEN THE LAND RECORDS IN THESE REGISTRIES ARE COMPUTERISED," MR PANG ADDED.
- - 0---------
/2 ........
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 1994
2
PROTOTYPE AUTOMATIC MAILING
t t * *
SYSTEM TO BE INSTALLED *
A
GENERAL (AUGUST
(WEDNESDAY).
PROTOTYPE AUTOMATIC MAILING POST OFFICE FOR TRIAL USE BY 9), THE POSTMASTER GENERAL,
SYSTEM WILL BE INSTALLED AT THE THE PUBLIC AS FROM NEXT TUESDAY MR MIKE PAGLIARI, SAID TODAY
AMONGST THE
MEASURES FUR IMPROVING THE POSTAL
SERVICE, THE
POST OFFICE
WHICH CAN
HAS BEEN LOOKING FOR AN AUTOMATIC
SELF-SERVICE
MACHINE
PROVIDE SPEEDY AND RELIABLE LETTER POSTING
SERVICE TO
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC," MR PAGLIARI SAID.
COUNCIL PURPOSE. COUNCIL’S
THE POST OFFICE HAS COMMISSIONED THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY TO DEVELOP AND PRODUCE AN AUTOMATIC MAILING SYSTEM FOR
THE PROTOTYPE MACHINE TO BE LAUNCHED IS THE PRODUCT OF
INITIAL STUDY.
THIS THE
"A
NECESSARY
DEFINITIVE SYSTEM WILL BE DEVELOPED BY INCORPORATING REFINEMENT IDENTIFIED DURING THE TRIAL PERIOD.
ANY
"IF THE SYSTEM IS PROVED TO BE COST-EFFECTIVE AND BENEFICIAL TO THE PUBLIC, THE POST OFFICE WILL CONSIDER ITS INSTALLATION AT BUSY OFFICES TO FACILITATE THE POSTING OF LETTER MAIL," HE SAID.
THE INNOVATIVE PROTOTYPE AUTOMATIC MAILING SYSTEM HAS MULTIMEDIA FACILITIES INCLUDING A TOUCH-ON SCREEN AND VOICE OPTIONS TO GUIDE CUSTOMERS HOW TO USE THE MACHINE.
CUSTOMERS CAN CHOOSE TO HEAR INSTRUCTIONS IN ENGLISH, CANTONESE OR PUTONGHUA.
IT CAN ACCEPT ALL KINDS OF HONG KONG COINS AND PROVIDE CHANGE.
IT IS CAPABLE OF ACCEPTING BOTH REGISTERED AND ORDINARY LETTERS, POSTCARDS OR PRINTED MATTER, FOR EITHER LOCAL ADDRESSES OR OVERSEAS DESTINATIONS, SENT BY AIR OR BY SURFACE.
THE SYSTEM CAN AUTOMATICALLY ASSESS THE POSTAGE REQUIRED AND PRINT THE AMOUNT OF POSTAGE PAID ONTO THE ENVELOPE.
FOR REGISTERED ITEMS IT CAN ISSUE A CERTIFICATE OF POSTING TO SENDER.
ITEMS SENT THROUGH THE SYSTEM SHOULD BE CONTAINED IN RECTANGULAR ENVELOPES WHICH ARE WHITE OR A LIGHT COLOUR.
THE MAXIMUM SIZE OF THE ENVELOPE ALLOWABLE IS 270 MM LONG BY 155 MM WIDE BY 5 MM THICK, AND THE MINIMUM SIZE IS 140 MM LONG BY 90MM WIDE BY 0.25 MM THICK. THE ITEMS SHOULD NOT EXCEED 500 GRAMMES IN WEIGHT.
IN ORDER TO ENABLE MORE CUSTOMERS TO TRY THE AUTOMATIC MAILING SYSTEM, A RESTRICTION OF ONE ITEM POSTED PER CUSTOMER QUEUING, EITHER BY ORDINARY OR REGISTERED MAIL, WILL BE IMPOSED NEXT TUESDAY WHEN THE MACHINE IS FIRST INTRODUCED TO THE PUBLIC.
------0-------
/3 ......
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 1994
- 3 -
514 NOMINATIONS RECEIVED
*****
THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE HAS RECEIVED 36 MORE NOMINATIONS OF CANDIDATES TODAY (WEDNESDAY) FOR THE SEPTEMBER DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF NOMINATIONS RECEIVED SINCE THE STARTING OF THE NOMINATION ON AUGUST 1 (MONDAY) WAS 514.
THE BREAKDOWN OF NOMINATIONS BY DISTRICT IS AS FOLLOWS:
NOMINATIONS RECEIVED
DISTRICT
CENTRAL AND WESTERN 23 (1)
WAN CHAI 15 (0)
EASTERN 48 (4)
SOUTHERN 24 (4)
YAU TSIM MONG 34 (0)
SHAM SHUI PO 26 (0)
KOWLOON CITY 33 (5)
WONG TAI SIN 29 (2)
KWUN TONG 52 (3)
TSUEN WAN 15 (3)
TUEN MUN 40 (2)
YUEN LONG 24 (0)
NORTH 15 (5)
TAI PO 28 (3)
SAI KUNG 20 (0)
SHA TIN 48 (0)
KWAI TSING 35 (3)
ISLANDS 5 ( 1 )
TOTAL 514 (36)
() - NUMBER OF NOMINATIONS RECEIVED TODAY. ---------------------------0--------
ACTING CJ OFFERS CONDOLENCES TO JUDGE EVANS’S FAMILY
*****
THE ACTING CHIEF JUSTICE, MR JUSTICE SILKE, WAS SADDENED TO HEAR TODAY (WEDNESDAY) OF THE DEATH OF DISTRICT JUDGE IAN ALLAN EVANS.
"I HAVE KNOWN AND WORKED WITH JUDGE EVANS FOR MORE THAN 15 YEARS AND HE WILL BE SADLY MISSED BY ALL HIS BROTHER JUDGES,” MR JUSTICE SILKE SAID.
THE ACTING CHIEF JUSTICE HAS OFFERED HIS DEEP CONDOLENCES ON BEHALF OF THE JUDICIARY TO JUDGE EVANS’S FAMILY.
JUDGE EVANS JOINED THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IN 1967 AS CROWN COUNSEL IN THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT. HE WAS PROMOTED TO SENIOR CROWN COUNSEL IN 1973 AND ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL CROWN COUNSEL IN 1977.
IN 1979, JUDGE EVANS JOINED THE JUDICIARY AS DISTRICT JUDGE.
/4.........
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 1994
4
TRAINING COURSE FOR HEALTH WORKERS *****
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IS INVITING SERVING HEALTH WORKERS WHO HAVE RECEIVED MEDICAL OR NURSING TRAINING OUTSIDE HONG KONG TO APPLY FOR A LOCAL TRAINING COURSE.
THE 11-WEEK TRAINING COURSE, WHICH IS SCHEDULED TO START ON SEPTEMBER 26, AIMS AT IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF SERVICE OF PERSONNEL IN PRIVATE HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY.
"UNDER THE DRAFT RESIDENTIAL CARE HOMES (ELDERLY PERSONS) REGULATION, ALL HEALTH WORKERS ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE TRAINING APPROVED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"THE TRAINING COURSE FOR HEALTH WORKERS IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE COLLEGE OF NURSING, HONG KONG, AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THE COURSE INCLUDES BASIC SKILLS IN RENDERING HEALTH CARE TO THE ELDERLY, WITH EMPHASIS ON THE PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PHYSICAL CHANGES OF 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 REGISTRATION OFFICE OF PRIVATE HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT ON THE SEVENTH FLOOR, WU CHUNG HOUSE, 213 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI.
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION IS AUGUST 15 AND THE COURSE FEE IS $1,600 PER TRAINEE.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL 834 7414 OR 892 5195.
- - 0 - -
SIR EDWARD YOUDE MEMORIAL FELLOWSHIPS AND SCHOLARSHIPS FOR OVERSEAS STUDIES
* * * * t
AT THE SENDING-OFF PARTY FOR THE SIR EDWARD YOUDE MEMORIAL OVERSEAS FELLOWS AND SCHOLARS 1994/95 TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SIR EDWARD YOUDE MEMORIAL FUND COUNCIL, MR RONALD ARCULLI, BID FAREWELL TO AN OUTSTANDING GROUP OF HONG KONG STUDENTS SELECTED FOR THE AWARD, CONGRATULATED THEM AND WISHED THEM THE VERY BEST IN THE FUTURE.
STARTING FROM THIS YEAR, THE SIR EDWARD YOUDE MEMORIAL OVERSEAS SCHOLARSHIPS AND FELLOWSHIPS SCHEME HAS EXTENDED THE AWARDS TO DISABLED STUDENTS UNDERTAKING OVERSEAS STUDIES. ONE DEAF STUDENT HAS BEEN GRANTED THE SCHOLARSHIP TO STUDY IN THE USA.
/THE SIR
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 1994
5
THE SIR EDWARD YOUDE MEMORIAL FUND (SEYMF) WAS ESTABLISHED IN APRIL 1987 WITH PUBLIC DONATION TO COMMEMORATE THE LATE HONG KONG GOVERNOR SIR EDWARD YOUDE.
THE PURPOSE OF THE FUND IS TO PROVIDE FOR AND ENCOURAGE THE EDUCATION OR LEARNING OF, OR RESEARCH BY, THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
SIR EDWARD YOUDE MEMORIAL FELLOWSHIPS AND SCHOLARSHIPS FOR OVERSEAS STUDIES IS ONE OF THE FIVE MAJOR EXISTING AWARD SCHEMES INSTITUTED AND ADMINISTERED BY THE SEYMF COUNCIL.
THE SCHEME AIMS AT ENCOURAGING THE ACHIEVEMENT OF SCHOLASTIC EXCELLENCE BY HONG KONG STUDENTS IN OVERSEAS STUDIES LEADING TO A POSTGRADUATE DEGREE OR UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES LEADING TO A FIRST DEGREE.
TWELVE AWARDS ARE OFFERED EVERY YEAR FOR POSTGRADUATE AND UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES.
DURING THE PERIOD 1987/88 TO 1993/94, A TOTAL OF 25 FELLOWSHIPS AND 33 SCHOLARSHIPS HAVE BEEN GRANTED.
MANY OF THE FELLOWS AND SCHOLARS WHO HAVE STUDIED OVERSEAS HAVE NOW RETURNED TO CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS THE BETTERMENT OF HONG KONG.
THE CHAIRMAN EXTENDED HIS WARM WELCOME TO THE PAST FELLOWS AND SCHOLARS WHO ATTENDED THE PARTY AND WISHED THE ASSOCIATION OF FELLOWS AND SCHOLARS OF THE SEYMF EVERY SUCCESS IN ACHIEVING ITS OBJECTIVES OF FOSTERING SOLIDARITY, SCHOLARSHIP AND SOCIAL AWARENESS AMONG ITS MEMBERS.
------0-------
FANLING SITE TO LET ♦ * » » *
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT-TERM TENANCY OF A PIECE OF GOVERNMENT LAND AT AREA 49A, FANLING, IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
COVERING AN AREA OF ABOUT 13,800 SQUARE METRES, THE LOT IS TO BE USED FOR A CAR PARK, AND STORAGE OF GOODS INCLUDING UNREGISTERED MOTOR VEHICLES, BUT EXCLUDING DUSTY MATERIALS AND DANGEROUS GOODS AS DEFINED IN THE DANGEROUS GOODS ORDINANCE (CAP 295) AND FOR REPAIR OR MAINTENANCE OF MOTOR CARS, PLANT AND MACHINERY.
THE TENANCY IS FOR 18 MONTHS, AND IS RENEWABLE QUARTERLY.
CLOSING DATE FOR TENDERS IS NOON ON AUGUST 19.
TENDER FORMS, NOTICES AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD; THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES KOWLOON, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, NORTH.
TENDER PLAN CAN ALSO BE INSPECTED AT THESE OFFICES.
------0-------
/6........
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 1994
6
■ir • i*.J | A ( pj
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ♦ .♦ * * *,
■ :I ■ . ■ ■ •
CUMULATIVE
M j . : -r .• TIME (HOURS) ($ CHANGE MILLION)
MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN ■ . .. r. -.i- • 'i THE ACCOUNT 2,048 0930 + 129
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,614 1000 + 172
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE : TO : 1100 + 182
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 547 1200 +1,082
LAF TODAY + 19 1500 , ... +852 ‘J • •
1600 + 547
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4 .50 OFFER TWI 123. 1 *+0.2* r • ly 3.8.94 -•.I'-
H f
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY . 'I • • *. • I / *■-
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.86 16 MONTHS 2511 4.15 98.28 5.61
1 MONTH 3.95 22 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100.58 6.09
3 MONTHS 4.24 30 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.85 6.54
6 MONTHS 4.61 33 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98.93 6.69
12 MONTHS 5.25 36 MONTHS 3707 6.95 100.62 6.83
• • • ' (O. «
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS * 21,157 MN
-q .. , . ... / .
CLOSED 3 AUGUST 1994
0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
FINDINGS OF INTERNATIONAL LANDSLIDE EXPERT TO BE PUBLISHED . 1
TRANSCRIPT OF THE ACTING GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION.......... 2
ACTING GOVERNOR VISITS AFD................................. 3
INTERNATIONAL LANDSLIDE EXPERT APPOINTED................... 4
PROPOSALS FOR PROTECTION OF PERSONAL DATA.................. 5
GOVT WELCOMES LRC REPORT ON DATA PROTECTION................ 7
COMPANIES URGED TO APPLY FOR RESEARCH FUNDS................ 8
PRELIMINARY INQUIRY INTO COLLISION BETWEEN CATAMARAN AND SAMPAN..................................................... 9
531 NOMINATIONS RECEIVED................................... 9
39 REO COMPUTER DISCS INFECTED BY VIRUS................... 10
GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY............................ 10
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ...
14
THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 1994
- 1 -
FINDINGS OF INTERNATIONAL LANDSLIDE EXPERT TO BE PUBLISHED *****
THE ACTING GOVERNOR, MRS ANSON CHAN, THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD PUBLISH IN FULL THE FINDINGS OF THE INTERNATIONAL LANDSLIDE EXPERT, DR NORBERT MORGENSTERN, AFTER HIS REVIEW OF THE INVESTIGATION OF THE KWUN LUNG LAU INCIDENT.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS ABOUT THE APPOINTMENT OF DR MORGENSTERN AFTER HER VISIT TO THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT AND THE CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE MARKET, MRS CHAN SAID: "DR MORGENSTERN IS VERY FAMILIAR WITH HONG KONG CIRCUMSTANCES, HAVING BEEN A MEMBER OF THE PANEL THAT WAS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR IN 1976 FOLLOWING THE SAU MUN PING LANDSLIDE.
"WE ARE VERY CONFIDENT THAT WE WILL HAVE THE WORLD’S BEST EXPERT TO ADVISE US ON THE INVESTIGATION AND IN THE LIGHT OF THAT INVESTIGATION, WE WILL DECIDE WHAT FURTHER ACTION WE NEED TO TAKE."
ASKED WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WAS PREPARED TO ACCEPT DR MORGENSTERN’S RECOMMENDATIONS, MRS CHAN SAID SHE DID NOT ANTICIPATE THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD HAVE DIFFICULTY ACCEPTING THE FINDINGS.
"IF WE DO NOT ACCEPT THE FINDINGS, WE WILL HAVE TO HAVE SOME VERY GOOD RESONS," SHE ADDED.
IN RESPONSE TO QUESTIONS ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT’S REACTION FOLLOWING THE KWUN LUNG LAU LANDSLIP, MRS CHAN SAID ALL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS INVOLVED HAD REACTED EXTREMELY QUICKLY TO THIS EMERGENCY.
"OUR EMERGENCY SERVICES AND THE FIRE SERVICES WERE ON THE SCENE WITHIN THREE MINUTES AND WITHIN 20 MINUTES, WE SET UP A COMMAND POST," SHE SAID.
"WE EVACUATED ABOUT 2,500 PEOPLE REALLY WITHIN A VERY, VERY SHORT PERIOD OF TIME AND WE HAD SOMETHING ABOUT 300 STAFF ON THE GROUND TO COPE WITH THE VARIOUS EMERGENCIES."
MRS CHAN SAID SHE DID NOT THINK THAT THERE WAS ANYTHING, TN PARTICULAR, TO CRITICISE, INDEED, EVERYTHING TO COMMEND THE STAFF.
"WE’LL SEE WHAT LESSONS CAN BE LEARNT FROM THIS INCIDENT. IN PARTICULAR, WE NEED TO SEE WHETHER WE CAN PROVIDE CLEARER GUIDANCE TO EMPLOYEES WHEN WE HOIST THE BLACK RAINSTORM WARNING," SHE SAID, ADDING THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS CONDUCTING AN INTERNAL REVIEW ON THIS ISSUE.
------0--------
/2 .......
THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 1994
2
TRANSCRIPT OF THE ACTING GOVERNOR'S MEDIA SESSION * * * * »
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION BY THE ACTING GOVERNOR, MRS ANSON CHAN, AFTER HER VISIT TO THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT AND CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE MARKET THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON:
MRS CHAN: GOOD AFTERNOON, EVERYONE. VERY HAPPY TO SEE YOU ALL HERE. BEFORE YOU START ASKING ME QUESTIONS, I WANT TO SAY A FEW WORDS ABOUT OUR INVESTIGATION INTO THE KWUN LUNG LAU INCIDENT. WE ARE CONTINUING OUR INVESTIGATION AND WE HOPE TO BE IN A POSITION TC PUBLISH A PRELIMINARY REPORT INTO THE CAUSES OF THE COLLAPSE WITHIN THE NEXT FEW DAYS. THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS HAS RECENTLY STATED THAT IT IS OUR INTENTION TO APPOINT AN INTERNATIONAL EXPERT WHO WILL REVIEW ALL ASPECTS OF OUR INVESTIGATION INTO THIS INCIDENT. I AM VERY HAPPY TO BE ABLE TO TELL YOU THAT WE HAVE SECURED THE SERVICES OF DR. NORBERT MORGENSTERN, WHO IS PROFESSOR OF CIVIL ENGINEERING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA, CANADA. DR MORGENSTERN IS AN INTERNATIONAL EXPERT ON GEOTECHNICAL MATTERS. HE’S ALSO VERY FAMILIAR WITH HONG KONG CIRCUMSTANCES, HAVING BEEN A MEMBER OF THE PANEL THAT WAS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR IN 1976 FOLLOWING THE SAU MUN PING LANDSLIDE. AND SO WE ARK VERY CONFIDENT THAT WE WILL HAVE THE WORLD’S BEST EXPERT TO ADVISE US ON THE INVESTIGATION AND IN THE LIGHT OF THAT INVESTIGATION, WE WILL DECIDE WHAT FURTHER ACTION WE NEED TO TAKE. I’D JUST WANT TO EMPHASIS THAT IT IS OUR INTENTION TO GET TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS PARTICULAR INCIDENT TO DETERMINE WHAT ARE THE CAUSES IN ORDER TO BE ABLE TO ASSESS WHAT FURTHER ACTION WE NEED TO TAKE. WHEN THE EXPERT’S REVIEW HAS BEEN COMPLETED, WE WILL, OF COURSE, PUBLISH IN FULL HIS REPORT.
QUESTION: DID THE EXPERT CO-OPERATE WITH THE CONSULTANCY FIRM OF THE HOUSING SOCIETY IN THE PAST?
MRS CHAN: OF COURSE, TO THE EXTENT THAT WE’VE NOW SECURED THE SERVICES OF DR MORGENSTERN, WE HAD TO MAKE SURE THAT THERE IS NO CONFLICT OF INTERESTS AND WE’RE SATISFIED ON THAT ACCOUNT.
QUESTION: HOW CAN YOU GUARANTEE THAT HONG KONG THING FROM HAPPENING AGAIN?
PREVENT THE SAME
/MRS CHAN .....
THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 1994
3
MRS CHAN: I’VE ALREADY SAID THAT THE FIRST THING IS TO ESTABLISH THE FACTS. WE’VE GOT TO ESTABLISH WHAT CAUSED THE COLLAPSE. WE CAN THEN DETERMINE WHAT FURTHER ACTION THE GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO TAKE. I WANT ALSO TO MAKE A POINT ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT’S REACTION FOLLOWING THE COLLAPSE OF THE SLOPE AT KWUN LUNG LAU. I WANT TO POINT OUT THAT ALL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, IN FACT, REACTED EXTREMELY QUICKLY TO THIS EMERGENCY. OUR EMERGENCY SERVICES AND THE FIRE SERVICES WERE ON THE SCENE WITHIN THREE MINUTES AND WITHIN TWENTY MINUTES, WE SET UP A COMMAND POST. WE EVACUATED ABOUT 2 500 PEOPLE REALLY WITHIN A VERY, VERY SHORT PERIOD OF TIME AND WE HAD SOMETHING ABOUT 300 STAFF ON THE GROUND TO COPE WITH THE VARIOUS EMERGENCIES. SO, I THINK THAT WE NEED TO BEAR THIS IN MIND BECAUSE I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE HAS BEEN SOME CRITICISM ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT’S REACTION. ON THE STRAIGHT REACTION SIDE, I DON’T THINK THAT THERE IS ANYTHING, IN PARTICULAR, TO CRITICISE, INDEED, EVERYTHING TO COMMEND THE STAFF. BUT, OF COURSE, EVERY TIME AN INCIDENT LIKE THIS HAPPENS, THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING TO BE LEARNT. I’VE ALREADY MADE IT QUITE CLEAR ON PREVIOUS OCCASIONS THAT WE’LL SEE WHAT LESSONS CAN BE LEARNT FROM THIS INCIDENT. IN PARTICULAR, WE NEED TO SEE WHETHER WE CAN PROVIDE CLEARER GUIDANCE TO EMPLOYEES WHEN WE HOIST THE BLACK RAINSTORM WARNING. BUT WE WILL BE CONDUCTING THIS INTERNAL REVIEW. INDEED, WE ARE CONDUCTING THIS INTERNAL REVIEW AT THE MOMENT.
QUESTION: ARE YOU PREPARED TO ACCEPT DR MORGENSTERN’S FINDINGS EVEN IF IT IS CRITICAL OF THE GOVERNMENT?
MRS CHAN: OF COURSE, I’VE SAID THAT WE WILL PUBLISH IN FULL THE FINDINGS TO THE EXTENT THAT DR MORGENSTERN IS AN EXPERT. OF COURSE, IF WE DO NOT ACCEPT THE FINDINGS, WE WILL HAVE TO HAVE SOME VERY GOOD REASONS. I DO NOT ANTICIPATE THAT WE WILL HAVE DIFFICULTY ACCEPTING THE FINDINGS AND IN THE LIGHT OF THOSE FINDINGS, WE CAN THEN DETERMINE WHAT FURTHER ACTION THE GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO TAKE.
QUESTION: SHOULD THERE BE ANY HUMAN ... SUGGESTED BY DR MORGENSTERN. WILL YOU FIND THE ONE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEM?
MRS CHAN: I THINK WE WILL WAIT FOR THE INVESTIGATION TO BE COMPLETED FIRST AND THEN, I PROMISE YOU, WE WILL FOLLOW UP THE FINDINGS OF THE INVESTIGATION VERY CONSCIENTIOUSLY.
------0--------
ACTING GOVERNOR VISITS AID
*****
THE ACTING GOVERNOR, MRS ANSON CHAN, VISITED THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT (AFD) AND ONE OF ITS MODERN WHOLESALE FOOD MARKETS THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON.
AT THE AFD’S HEADQUARTERS, MRS CHAN WAS BRIEFED ON THE DEPARTMENT’S WORK BY THE DIRECTOR, DR LAWRENCE LEE, AND OTHER DIRECTORATE AND SENIOR OFFICERS.
MRS (’HAN WAS UPDATED, AMONG OTHER THINGS, ON THE ACCREDITED FARM SCHEME, ARTIFICIAL REEF DEPLOYMENT, MARINE PARKS AND RESERVES AS WELL AS CONSERVATION WORK BEING PURSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
/DURING HER .......
THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 1994
DURING HER TOUR OF THE FAUNA CONSERVATION SECTION, THE ACTING GOVERNOR SHOWED MUCH INTEREST IN THE DEPARTMENT’S ENFORCEMENT AND EDUCATIONAL WORK IN RELATION TO THE CONVENTION IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA AND FLORA (CITES). SHE ALSO INSPECTED SAMPLES OF SEIZED ENDANGERED ITEMS.
FOLLOWING HER VISIT TO THE AFD HEADQUARTERS, MRS CHAN PROCEEDED TO THE CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE FOOD MARKET PHASE 1, WHERE SHE INSPECTED NEW AND MODERN FACILITIES IN ONE OF THE REGION’S BEST EQUIPPED WHOLESALE MARKETS.
MRS CHAN WAS ALSO BRIEFED ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF PHASE II OF THE MARKET WHICH WAS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED SOMETIME LN 1997.
THE NEW MARKET WOULD REPROVISION TWO OLD AND DILAPIDATED WHOLESALE MARKETS - THE YAU MA TEI FRUIT MARKET AND THE CHEUNG SHA WAN TEMPORARY POULTRY MARKET.
- - 0 - -
INTERNATIONAL LANDSLIDE EXPERT APPOINTED * * * * *
THE ACTING GOVERNOR, MRS ANSON CHAN, ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT PROFESSOR NORBERT MORGENSTERN OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA, CANADA HAS ACCEPTED APPOINTMENT AS THE INTERNATIONAL EXPERT FOR THE INVESTIGATION OF THE KWUN LUNG LAU LANDSLIP.
PROFESSOR MORGENSTERN WILL BE REVIEWING THE INVESTIGATION OF THE KWUN LUNG LAU LANDSLIP BEING UNDERTAKEN BY THE GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING OFFICE AND REPORTING INDEPENDENTLY TO THE GOVERNMENT. HE IS EXPECTED TO ARRIVE IN HONG KONG WITHIN THE NEXT TWO WEEKS.
PROFESSOR MORGENSTERN IS PROFESSOR OF CIVIL ENGINEERING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA AND THE IMMEDIATE-PAST PRESIDENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR SOI|j MECHANICS AND FOUNDATION ENGINEERING.
PROFESSOR MORGENSTERN IS A DISTINGUISHED ENGINEER WHO HAS ACTED AS AN EXPERT CONSULTANT ON LANDSLIDES TO GOVERNMENTS AND PRIVATE SECTOR BODIES THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. HE HAS BEEN HONOURED IN CANADA BY THE AWARD OF DEGREES OF D.ENG (H.C.) UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO AND D.SC(H.C.) QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY.
HE IS A FELLOW OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA AND OF THE CANADIAN ACADEMY OF ENGINEERING. HE WAS AWARDED THE ALBERTA ORDER OF EXCELLENCE IN 1991.
PROFESSOR MORGENSTERN WAS A MEMBER OF THE INDEPENDENT REVIEW PANEL ON FILL SLOPES APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR IN 1976 IN THE WAKE OF THE SAU MAU PING LANDSLIDE.
THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, DR ANDREW MALONE, HAS CONFIRMED THAT BOTH HE AND PROFESSOR MORGENSTERN ARE SATISFIED THAT NO CONFLICT OF INTEREST WILL ARISE FROM HIS APPOINTMENT, RELATING TO THE INVESTIGATION AND HIS PRIOR CONTRACTS WITH WORK IN HONG KONG.
PROFESSOR MORGENSTERN UNDERSTANDS AND WILL BE ABLE TO MEET THE NEED FOR URGENCY IN COMPLETING THE INVESTIGATION.
_ _ 0 - -
THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 1994
5
PROPOSALS FOR PROTECTION OF PERSONAL DATA
*****
THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION HAS PROPOSED THAT Till- COLLECTION AND USE OF INFORMATION ABOUT INDIVIDUALS BE LEGALLY CONTROLLED.
THE COMMISSION’S RECOMMENDATIONS ADDRESS CONCERN OVER THE INCREASING EXTENT TO WHICH PERSONAL INFORMATION IS RECORDED AND PASSED ON.
THERE IS A WORLDWIDE TREND TO INTRODUCE LEGISLATIVE PROTECTION IN THIS AREA. THE COMMISSION’S RECOMMENDATIONS ARI BASED ON THE INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED DATA PROTECTION PRINCIPLES.
THE RECOMMENDATIONS, WHICH ARI CONTAINED IN A REPORT PUBLISHED TODAY (THURSDAY), INCLUDE:
* THE COMMISSION RECOMMENDS HIE APPOINTMENT OF A PRIVACY COMMISSIONER TO OVERSEE THE PROPOSED SCHEME OF DATA PROTECTION. FUNDING WOULD BE PROVIDED BY AN ADDITIONAL LEVY OF NOT MORE THAN $100 ON THOSE SEEKING BUSINESS REGISTRATION.
* THERE SHOULD BE LEGAL REGULATION OF ALL DATA RELATING TO THE INDIVIDUAL, WHETHER FACTUAL OR JUDGMENTAL, TRUE OR FALSE, AND REGARDLESS OF HOW THEY ARE STORED. BOTH AUTOMATED AND NON-AUTOMATED DATA WILL BE COVERED, PROVIDED THAT THE DATA ARE REASONABLY READILY RETRIEVABLE.
♦ ALL PERSONAL DATA, REGARDLESS OF Till- LEVEL OF RETRIEVABILITY, MUST BE PROTECTED BY REASONABLE SECURITY SAFEGUARDS.
* AN INDIVIDUAL SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO OBTAIN COPIES OF, AND CORRECT, PERSONAL DATA ABOUT HIM. IN DOING SO. HE WILL BE HELPED BY THE WRITTEN DECLARATION OF DATA PURPOSES WHICH ALL DATA HOLDERS WILL HAVE TO LODGE WITH THE PRIVACY COMMISSIONER. IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES WHEN THE INDIVIDUAL HAS SUFFERED DAMAGE HF MAY BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION.
* ONLY PERSONAL DATA THAT ARE NECESSARY FOR, OR DIRECTLY RELATED TO, THE FUNCTIONS OF THE DATA COLLECTOR SHOULD BE OBTAINED FROM THE INDIVIDUAL OR A THIRD PARTY. TO ENSURE THAT THE COLLECTION PROCESS IS FAIR, THE INDIVIDUAL SHOULD BE INFORMED AT THE TIME HE PROVIDES THE DATA OF THE USE TO BE MADE OF THE DATA AND THE CLASSES OF PERSONS TO WHOM THE DATA WILL BE DISCLOSED.
* PERSONAL DATA SHOULD NOT BE ISED OR DISCLOSED BY ORGANISATIONS FOR PURPOSES OTHER THAN THOSE SPECIFIED, EXCEPT WITH THE INDIVIDUAL’S CONSENT OR WHERE A STATUTORY
EXCEPTION IS STIPULATED.
* BEFORE AN ADVERSE DECISION IS MADE ON THE BASIS OF DATA RELATING TO AN INDIVIDUAL, HE MUST BE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO CORRECT THE DATA, EXCEPT WHERE THE PROSPECTIVE DECISION RELATES TO A CONTRACT.
/*THE PRIVACY .......
THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 1994
6
* THE PRIVACY COMMISSIONER’S APPROVAL SHOULD BE REQUIRED FOR INVESTIGATIVE DATA MATCHING PROGRAMMES INVOLVING THE COMPARISON OF DATA TO IDENTIFY DISCREPANCIES WITH A VIEW TO TAKING ADVERSE FOLLOW-UP ACTION.
* PERSONAL DATA USED FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES SHOULD BE EXEMPT FROM SOME OR ALL OF THESE REQUIREMENTS. THE ONLY TOTAL EXEMPTION RECOMMENDED IS FOR PERSONAL DATA USED BY AN INDIVIDUAL SOLELY FOR PERSONAL OR DOMESTIC PURPOSES. PARTIAL EXEMPTIONS ARE RECOMMENDED FOR DATA PURPOSES SUCH AS THE DETECTION OF CRIME AND PUBLIC SAFETY.
THE COMMISSION’S REPORT IS THE RESULT OF OVER FOUR YEARS’ WORK BY THE COMMISSION AND A SUB-COMMITTEE CHAIRED BY MR JUSTICE MORTIMER.
THE SUB-COMMITTEE PUBLISHED INITIAL PROPOSALS FOR CONSULTATION IN MARCH 1993.
THE COMMISSION’S REPORT FOLLOWS DETAILED CONSIDERATION OF THE COMMENTS MADE TO THE SUB-COMMITTEE.
COMMENTS WERE RECEIVED FROM A WIDE RANGE OF ORGANISATIONS, INCLUDING GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, BUSINESS CORPORATIONS, PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATIONS AND COMMUNITY GROUPS. INTERNATIONAL EXPERTS ALSO CONTRIBUTED.
ONLY TWO OUT OF OVER 80 SUBMISSIONS OPPOSED A LAW REGULATING PERSONAL DATA.
A PUBLIC OPINION SURVEY CONDUCTED LAST YEAR ON BEHALF OF THE COMMISSION BY HONG KONG UNIVERSITY FOUND THERE WAS GENERAL SUPPORT FOR PROTECTION OF PERSONAL DATA.
THE COMMISSION’S REPORT EMPHASISES THE INCREASING EXTENT OF PERSONAL DATA USE.
MR JUSTICE MORTIMER POINTED OUT THAT A STUDY IN SWEDEN IN 1986 ESTIMATED THAT EACH INDIVIDUAL WAS INCLUDED IN BETWEEN 50 AND 300 PERSONAL REGISTERS.
DECISIONS ARE MADE ON THE BASIS OF THIS RECORDED INFORMATION AND THOSE DECISIONS MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT THE INDIVIDUAL, SUCH AS REFUSAL OF A LOAN OR EVEN UNJUSTIFIED CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION.
THE REPORT SAYS THAT OVERSEAS STUDIES INDICATED THAT MANY OF THE RECORDS OF PERSONAL DATA WERE INACCURATE.
THE CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORDS OF ONE STATE IN THE U.S. WERE FOUND TO BE ACCURATE AND COMPLETE IN ONLY 20 PER CENT OF CASES.
THE COMMISSION’S REPORT ALSO EXPRESSES CONCERN AT MISUSE OF DATA, AND POINTS OUT THAT AN AUSTRALIAN INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE ILLICIT SALE OF COMMERCIALLY VALUABLE CONFIDENTIAL PERSONAL DATA ON A MASSIVE SCALE.
THE COMMISSION ARGUES THAT THERE IS NO REASON TO SUPPOSE THAT THOSE PROBLEMS DO NOT EXIST IN HONG KONG AS THEY WOULD BE COMMON TO ALL COUNTRIES WITH ADVANCED COMPUTER AND TELECOMMUNI CAT IONS SYSTEMS.
/TO COUNTER .......
THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 1994
7
TO COUNTER THESE PROBLEMS, INTERNATIONAL AGENCIES SUCH AS THE ORGANISATION FOR ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT AND THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES COMMISSION HAVE FORMULATED A SET OF STANDARDS TO PROTECT PERSONAL DATA.
IN ESSENCE, THESE STANDARDS AMOUNT TO A CODE OF FAIR INFORMATION PRACTICES INTENDED TO ENSURE THAT THE RIGHT INFORMATION IS PROVIDED TO THE RIGHT PERSON FOR THE RIGHT PURPOSES.
ALREADY 27 JURISDICTIONS HAVE ENACTED LEGISLATION TO LEGALLY ENFORCE THESE STANDARDS.
THE COMMISSION HAS RECOMMENDED THAT HONG KONG JOINS THEIR RANKS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE IN ORDER TO PROVIDE INDIVIDUALS WITH ADEQUATE LEGAL PROTECTION IN RELATION TO COLLECTION AND USE OF DATA ABOUT THEM, AND TO ENSURE THAT HONG KONG IS NOT SHUT OUT OF THE INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE OF PERSONAL DATA.
THE COMMISSION SAYS THAT EXISTING LEGAL CONTROLS ARE LIMITED.
THE HONG KONG BILL OF RIGHTS ORDINANCE PROVIDES SOME PROTECTION AGAINST PUBLIC SECTOR INFRINGEMENTS AND SOME ORDINANCES CONTAIN SECRECY PROVISIONS.
SOME PROTECTION IS ALSO PROVIDED BY THE COMMON LAW DUTY OF CONFIDENCE, BUT THERE IS AT PRESENT NO COMPREHENSIVE LEGAL PROTECTION.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT FROM 1996 THE EUROPEAN UNION WILL REQUIRE ITS MEMBER STATES TO CONTROL THE TRANSFER OF PERSONAL DATA TO COUNTRIES LACKING ADEQUATE LEGAL PROTECTION ON ITS USE.
THE COMMISSION ARGUES THAT IF HONG KONG DOES NOT INTRODUCE THE NECESSARY LEGISLATION, THE TERRITORY’S STATUS AS AN INTERNATIONAL TRADING CENTRE COULD BE AFFECTED.
THE COMMISSION’S REPORT WILL BE PASSED TO THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS FOR CONS 1 DERATION WITH A VIEW TO IMPLEMENTATION.
- - 0 - -
GOVT WELCOMES LRC REPORT ON DATA PROTECTION
*****
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (THURSDAY) WELCOMED THE PUBLICATION OF THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION’S REPORT ON THE PROTECTION OF PERSONAL DATA.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD EXAMINE THE REPORT CAREFULLY OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF MONTHS BEFORE DECIDING ON THE BEST WAY FORWARD FOR DATA PROTECTION LEGISLATION IN HONG KONG.
HE PAID TRIBUTE TO THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION FOR ITS DILIGENCE AND THOROUGHNESS IN PRODUCING A SUBSTANTIAL AND DETAILED REPORT THAT IS FIRMLY BASED ON AN EXTENSIVE PUBLIC CONSULTATION EXERCISE.
- - 0 - -
THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 1994
8
COMPANIES URGED TO APPLY FOR RESEARCH FUNDS *****
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY MR RAYMOND YOUNG TODAY (THURSDAY) URGED COMPANIES WITH BRIGHT IDEAS FOR APPLIED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (R AND D) TO LOSE NO TIME TO APPLY FOR FUNDING SUPPORT UNDER THE APPLIED R AND D SCHEME.
SPEAKING AT THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF KINGSPARK, MR YOUNG.SAID THE SCHEME, SET UP BY THE GOVERNMENT IN 1993, WAS AIMED TO INCREASE THE LIMITED VOLUME OF APPLIED R AND D ACTIVITY IN HONG KONG.
"THE ULTIMATE GOAL IS TO IMPROVE THE TECHNOLOGICAL CAPABILITY AND HENCE THE COMPETITIVENESS OF LOCAL INDUSTRY, THEREBY HELPING TO SUSTAIN HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT," HE SAID.
HE NOTED THAT SO FAR 28 APPLICATIONS HAD BEEN RECEIVED BY THE HONG KONG APPLIED R AND D COMPANY LIMITED WHICH ADMINISTERED THE $200 MILLION SCHEME.
THE NATURE OF THE APPLICATIONS RANGES FROM ELECTRONICS, MACHINERY, TELECOMMUNI CATIONS, SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT TO INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, BIOTECHNOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCTS.
"THREE PROJECTS HAVE ALREADY BEEN APPROVED. THEY ARE THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN X-CAD COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN SOFTWARE PACKAGE, AN ENVIRONMENTAL FRIENDLY AND DEGRADABLE PACKAGING MATERIAL (CL-P) AND SPREAD SPECTRUM INTEGRATED CIRCUITS FOR LONG RANGE CORDLESS PHONES.
"OF THESE, THE X-CAD PROJECT HAS SUCCESSFULLY DEVELOPED ITS FIRST VERSION, WHICH WAS LAUNCHED IN THE UNITED STATES IN JUNE THIS YEAR," MR YOUNG SAID.
HE SAID FOUR OTHER PROJECTS WERE IN THE FINAL STAGE OF NEGOTIATIONS AND THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR FUNDING SUPPORT WERE EXPECTED TO BE FINALISED IN THE NEXT TWO TO THREE MONTHS.
THESE PROJECTS INCLUDE THE DEVELOPMENT OF A SECURITY SYSTEM, A SOFTWARE ON ENVIRONMENTAL RISK ASSESSMENT, AN EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM USING CD-ROM AND MULTI-MEDIA TEACHING AND AN AUTOMATED TESTING EQUIPMENT FOR ELECTRONICS PRODUCTS.
MR YOUNG POINTED OUT THAT ALL COMPANIES INCORPORATED UNDER THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE OR STATUTORY BODIES SET UP UNDER THE LAWS OF HONG KONG WHICH UNDERTOOK RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT LOCALLY WERE ELIGIBLE FOR THE SCHEME.
PROJECT PROPOSALS SUBMITTED BY THE COMPANIES WOULD BE ASSESSED IN TERMS OF THEIR TECHNOLOGICAL MERIT AND POTENTIAL FOR COMMERCIAL EXPLOITATION, HE SAID.
APPROVED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS MIGHT BE FUNDED UP TO HALF OF THE PROJECT COSTS IN THE FORM OF EQUITY PARTICIPATION OR LOAN PROVISION, HE ADDED.
APPLICATION FORMS FOR THE SCHEME CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE HONG KONG APPLIED R AND D FUND COMPANY LIMITED AT ROOM 1445, 14TH FLOOR, OCEAN CENTRE, 5 CANTON ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI, KOWLOON.
COMPLETED FORMS CAN BE RETURNED BY POST OR BY HAND TO THE COMPANY. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL 737 2206.
------0-------
/9......
THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 1994
9
PRELIMINARY INQUIRY INTO COLLISION BETWEEN CATAMARAN AND SAMPAN ♦ * t * *
THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR IAN DALE, HAS ORDERED A PRELIMINARY INQUIRY INTO THE CIRCUMSTANCES ATTENDING ,THE COLLISION BETWEEN A HONG KONG REGISTERED PASSENGER CATAMARAN, "HKF II”, AND A SAMPAN OFF MACAU LAST SUNDAY (JULY 31) NIGHT, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
BASED ON THE FINDINGS OF THE INITIAL INVESTIGATION INTO THE COLLISION CARRIED OUT OVER THE PAST FEW DAYS, THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE APPOINTED MASTER MARINER, MR ADRIAN CHAN FOOK-CHIU, TO CONDUCT A ’’ PRELIMINARY INQUIRY IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 51(1) OF THE MERCHANT SHIPPING ORDINANCE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE COLLISION OCCURRED SHORTLY BEFORE 8.15 PM ON JULY 31 NEAR MACAU TAIPA BRIDGE, MACAU. IT WAS REPORTED THAT THREE MEN ON BOARD THE SAMPAN WERE MISSING AFTER THE COLLISION.
------0--------
531 NOMINATIONS RECEIVED * * * * *
THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE HAS RECEIVED 17 MORE NOMINATIONS OF CANDIDATES TODAY (THURSDAY) FOR THE SEPTEMBER DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.
: *. /. .1 <
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF NOMINATIONS RECEIVED SINCE THE STARTING OF THE NOMINATION ON AUGUST 1 (MONDAY) WAS 531.
THE BREAKDOWN OF NOMINATIONS BY DISTRICT IS AS FOLLOWS:
DISTRICT NOMINATIONS RECEIVED
CENTRAL AND WESTERN 24 (1)
WAN CHAI 15 (0)
EASTERN 49 (1)
SOUTHERN 25 (1)
YAU TSIM MONG 35 (1)
SHAM SHUI PO 27 (1)
KOWLOON CITY 34 (1)
WONG TAI SIN 29 (0)
KWUN TONG 56 (4)
TSUEN WAN 15 (0)
TUEN MUN 41 ( 1)
YUEN LONG 25 (1)
NORTH 15 (0)
TAI PO 29 (1)
SAI KUNG 21 (1)
SHA TIN 48 (0)
KWAI TSING 38 (3)
ISLANDS 5 (0)
TOTAL 531 (17)
() - NUMBER OF NOMINATIONS RECEIVED TODAY,
---------0-----------
/10........
THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 1994
10
39 REO COMPUTER DISCS INFECTED BY VIRUS *****
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE SAID TONIGHT (THURSDAY) THAT SO FAR 39 COMPUTER DISCS OF REGISTER OF ELECTORS DISTRIBUTED TO CANDIDATES OF THE SEPTEMBER DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS WERE FOUND TO HAVE BEEN INFECTED BY COMPUTER VIRUS - GENB.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID IMMEDIATE REMEDIAL ACTIONS HAVE BEEN TAKEN TO ALERT CANDIDATES AND TO ARRANGE FOR SCANNING AND REPLACEMENT OF THE COMPUTER DISCS.
SITE INSPECTIONS WILL ALSO BE MADE WHERE NECESSARY.
HE SAID APART FROM THE SOFT COPIES, EACH CANDIDATE HAS ALSO RECEIVED A HARD COPY OF THE RELEVANT EXTRACT OF THE FINAL REGISTER OF ELECTORS BASED ON WHICH HE CAN MAKE PREPARATORY ARRANGEMENTS FOR HIS ELECTIONEERING ACTIVITIES.
------0-------
GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY
*****
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED GRADES ON THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF ALL BATHING BEACHES IN HONG KONG.
THE PURPOSE OF THE GRADING SYSTEM IS TO INFORM SWIMMERS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC ABOUT THE STATE OF BACTERIOLOGICAL POLLUTION AT VARIOUS BEACHES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE GRADING WOULD BE ANNOUNCED BI-WEEKLY DURING THE BATHING SEASON TO COINCIDE WITH THE FREQUENCY AT WHICH BEACH WATERS WERE 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 OR GASTROINTESTINAL COMPLAINTS AS A RESULT OF SWIMMING AT A BEACH WHICH HAS SOME DEGREE OF POLLUTION.
THE ESTIMATE IS BASED ON A VERY LARGE BODY OF STATISTICAL INFORMATION GATHERED IN HONG KONG IN RECENT BATHING SEASONS.
THE GRADING OF SOME BEACHES MAY VARY DURING THE SUMMER. THIS REPRESENTS A NATURAL FLUCTUATION IN THE BACTERIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF BATHING WATERS IN MOST CASES, AS RAIN AND TIDES BRING MORE OR LESS POLLUTION TO THE BEACHES.
HOWEVER, THE GRADES GIVE A GOOD GENERAL PICTURE OF THE WATER QUALITY AT BATHING BEACHES AT THE TIME OF REPORTING AND FORM THE BEST AVAILABLE FORECAST FOR THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE.
BEACHES WITH HIGHLY DEVELOPED HINTERLANDS ARE LIKELY TO BE MORE POLLUTED THAN THE GRADES SUGGEST DURING AND AFTER HEAVY RAIN.
/"BATHERS SHOULD .......
THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 1994
11
"BATHERS SHOULD AVOID SUCH BEACHES FOR TWO OR THREE DAYS AFTER A STORM, . LONGER IF THE WEATHER REMAINS OVERCAST OR LESS IF THERE IS STRONG SUNSHINE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SYSTEM
FOR GRADING BEACH WATER
QUALITY IS AS FOLLOWS:
* GRADE "1" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS GOOD. THE E COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 24 PER 100 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 OR REGIONAL COUNCILS 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, FOUR GAZETTED BEACHES - NAMELY ANGLERS’, CASTLE PEAK, OLD CAFETERIA, AND ROCKY BAY, ARE CLOSED TO SWIMMERS. THE DECISION TO CLOSE THE BEACHES HAS BEEN MADE BY THE REGIONAL AND URBAN COUNCILS ON THE BASIS OF RECENT BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING DATA.
THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED NOT TO SWIM AT THESE BEACHES. THEY ARE IDENTIFIED BY AN "X" IN THE FOLLOWING LIST.
THE GRADES OF THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF VARIOUS BEACHES IN HONG KONG TODAY ARE LISTED BELOW:
/BEACH .......
THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 1994
12
BEACH
PREVIOUS GRADING
PRESENT
GRADING
(AS AT 21.7.94)
(AS AT 4.8.94)
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*
2 2
2 2
2
1
2
1 1
2 2 X
3
2
2
2 2
2
1
3
1 1
2 3 X
3
TUEN MUN DISTRICT
OLD CAFETERIA X
NEW CAFETERIA 3
CASTLE PEAK X
KADOORIE 3
BUTTERFLY 4
X 3 X
3
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 3
TRIO (HEBE HAVEN) 2
1
3
2
1
1
1
3
2
ISLANDS DISTRICT
CHEUNG SHA UPPER 1
CHEUNG SHA LOWER 2
DISCOVERY BAY* 2
HUNG SHING YEH 2
KWUN YAM WAN 1
TONG FUK 2
LO SO SHING 1
PUI O 2
SILVERMINE BAY 3
TUNG WAN, CHEUNG CHAU 2
TUNG O* 1
1
2
2
2
2
2
1
2
3
2
1
/TSUEN WAN .......
THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 1994
- 13 -
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT
ANGLERS’ X
APPROACH 4
CASAM 3
GEMINI 3
HOI MEI WAN 3
LIDO 3
TING KAU 4
TUNG WAN, MA WAN 2
X 4
3 4
4
3 4
2
NOTE : "X” THE BEACH HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR SWIMMING PURPOSES.
* NON-GAZETTED BEACHES.
THE FOLLOWING BEACHES HAVE CHANGED GRADING ON THIS OCCASION:
KWUN YAM WAN FROM ”1” TO ”2”; SHEK O, STANLEY MAIN AND CLEAR WATER BAY 1ST BEACH FROM ”2” TO "3"; AND GEMINI AND HOI MEI WAN FROM ”3” TQ „4.. ,
THE CHANGES ARE WITHIN THE NORMAL RANGE OF FLUCTUATION OF THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF THESE BEACHES.
THE GENERAL DETERIORATION OF BEACH WATER QUALITY IS PROBABLY BECAUSE OF THE RECENT HEAVY RAINFALL WHICH WOULD HAVE CAUSED THE POLLUTANTS IN THE BEACH HINTERLAND TO BE FLUSHED INTO THE SEA WATER.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER DR MALCOLM BROOM ON TEL 835 1234.
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/14........
THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 1994
- 14 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ♦ * * * *
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,614 0930 + 35
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,551 1000 + 35
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 -61
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -63 1200 -63
LAF TODAY NIL 1500 -63
1600 -63
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI : 122.9 *-0.2* 4.8.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.68 16 MONTHS 2511 4.15 98.30 5.60
1 MONTH 3.85 22 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100.65 6.04
3 MONTHS 4.21 30 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.92 6.51
6 MONTHS 4.57 33 MONTHS 3704 6.15 99.02 6.65
12 MONTHS 5.22 36 MONTHS 3707 6.95 100.70 6.80
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS 38, 302 MN
CLOSED 4 AUGUST 1994
---------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, AUGUST 5,1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
INTRODUCTION OF HANG SENG CHINA INDEX FAR-SIGHTED STEP. 1
CHINA’S ACCESSION TO GATT “THE MISSING PIECE IN THE JIGSAW
PUZZLE”: D-G OF TRADE.................................. 1
SPECIAL REINTEGRATION ALLOWANCE FOR VM’S............... 4
REO APPEALS TO ELECTORS TO UPDATE PARTICULARS.......... 4
569 NOMINATIONS RECEIVED............................... 5
RIVER FLOODING PREVENTION WORKS........................ 6
TENDERS INVITED FOR CENTRAL RECLAMATION WORKS.......... 6
RECLAMATION FOR NAVAL BASE TO BEGIN IN NOVEMBER........ 7
NT SITE OFFERED TO LETTERS A/B HOLDERS................. 7
SPEL AUTHORISES SEWAGE TUNNEL WORKS.................... 8
SEWERAGE IMPROVEMENT WORKS IN TSUEN WAN................ 8
BRIDGE PROJECTS FOR TAI O AND SHA TIN.................. 9
HENNESSY ROAD TO BE RECONSTRUCTED..................... 10
PROPOSED ROAD CLOSURE FOR HOUSING DEVELOPMENT......... 10
TENDERS INVITED FOR WATER MAINS LAYING IN SHEUNG SHUI.. 11
/SECONDARY 6..
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
SECONDARY 6 ADMISSION BEGINS ON TUESDAY................. 11
KOWLOON CITY WINS THE BEST PESC AWARD................... 13
STAMP TO COMMEMORATE COMMONWEALTH POSTAL CONFERENCE . 14
EXHIBITION ON ACP PROJECTS OPENS IN LOK FU.............. 15
PUBLIC WORKS ON DISPLAY AT FANLING CENTRE............... 16
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS 17
FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 1994
1
INTRODUCTION OF HANG SENG CHINA INDEX FAR-SIGHTED STEP
*****
THE INTRODUCTION OF THE HANG SENG CHINA ENTERPRISES INDEX IS A FAR-SIGHTED STEP FORWARD IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S FINANCIAL MARKET AND REAFFIRMS THE INCREASING SYNERGY BETWEEN THE HONG KONG AND CHINESE ECONOMIES, THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR DONALD TSANG, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE COCKTAIL RECEPTION TO LAUNCH THE NEW INDEX, MR TSANG SAID THE LISTING OF CHINESE STATE-OWNED ENTERPRISES IN THE STOCK EXCHANGE OF HONG KONG WAS AMONG THE MOST SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS OF THE LOCAL MARKET IN RECENT YEARS.
THE IMPLICATIONS OF THESE LISTINGS WERE MANIFOLD, HE SAID.
"FIRST, SUCH LISTINGS INCREASED OUR MARKET CAPITALISATION AND BROADENED THE BASE OF LISTED COMPANIES IN OUR MARKET.
"SECONDLY, THEY HAVE BROUGHT TOGETHER THE REGULATORS AND EXCHANGES ACROSS THE BORDER UNDER A FRAMEWORK WHICH IS AIMED AT PROVIDING SUFFICIENT PROTECTION FOR INVESTORS."
ABOVE ALL, MR TSANG SAID, THESE LISTINGS DEMONSTRATED HONG KONG’S ROLE AS AN EFFECTIVE SPRINGBOARD FOR THE CHINESE STATE-OWNED ENTERPRISE TO TAP OVERSEAS CAPITAL.
"THE PROCESS CREATES A TOTALLY NEW DIMENSION FOR THESE ENTERPRISES AS WELL AS FOR THE LOCAL STOCK MARKET," HE SAID.
WITH MORE "H" SHARES BEING LISTED IN HONG KONG, IT WAS LOGICAL AND OPPORTUNE TO INTRODUCE AN INDICATOR REFLECTING PRICE MOVEMENTS IN THIS RELATIVELY NEW SECTION OF THE LOCAL STOCK MARKET, MR TSANG SAID.
"THE NEW INDEX WILL NO DOUBT GAIN SIMILAR ACCEPTANCE AND STATUS AS THE HANG SENG INDEX LOCALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY.
"APART FROM BEING AN INDICATOR OF THE PRICE MOVEMENTS OF "H" SHARES, I ALSO EXPECT THAT THE ADVANCED MARKET PRACTITIONERS WILL GRASP THE OPPORTUNITY SOON TO USE THE NEW INDEX IN DEVELOPING DERIVATIVE PRODUCTS IN RESPECT OF THE NEW INDEX.
"THIS FITS WELL INTO OUR OVERALL STRATEGY OF ENCOURAGING MARKET DEVELOPMENT AND WILL REINFORCE HONG KONG’S ROLE AS A FINANCIAL CENTRE CATERING FOR THE HUGE POTENTIAL PRESENTED BY THE FAST GROWING CHINESE ECONOMY," MR TSANG ADDED.
------0-------
CHINA’S ACCESSION TO GATT "THE MISSING PIECE IN THE JIGSAW PUZZLE": D-G OF TRADE *****
THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR TONY MILLER, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) HE WAS OPTIMISTIC ABOUT CHINA SHORTLY RE-ENTERING THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE (GATT).
SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE LION’S CLUB OF HONG KONG, MR MILLER SAID CHINA’S ACCESSION TO THE GATT WAS VITAL FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE FUTURE WORLD TRADE ORGANISATION (WTO).
/"WHAT WE .......
FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 1994
2
"WHAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT GOES BEYOND THE IMMEDIATE BENEFITS TO CHINA OR TO ANY INDIVIDUAL GATT CONTRACTING PARTY; WE ARE TALKING ABOUT THE HEALTH AND STRENGTH OF THE WHOLE MULTI-LATERAL TRADING SYSTEM," HE SAID.
MR MILLER SAID HE FOUND IT DIFFICULT TO CONCEIVE OF THE WTO FULFILLING ITS FUNCTIONS ADEQUATELY AND EFFECTIVELY WITHOUT CHINA.
"CHINA IS THE MISSING PIECE IN THE JIG-SAW PUZZLE, CHINA NEEDS TO BE A MEMBER OF THE WTO, BUT THE WTO ALSO NEEDS CHINA AS A MEMBER," HE SAID.
"IT IS UNTHINKABLE THAT A COUNTRY, WHICH ACCOUNTS FOR 20 PER CENT OF THE WORLD’S POPULATION, WHICH HAS TRAVELLED FURTHER AND FASTER DOWN THE ROAD OF MARKET-DRIVEN ECONOMIC REFORM THAN ANY OTHER PREVIOUS COMMAND ECONOMY, AND WHOSE EXPORTS HAVE DOUBLED OVER THE LAST FIVE YEARS AND ARE ESTIMATED TO GROW AT 40 PER CENT OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, SHOULD REMAIN ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE WTO LOOKING IN, NEITHER BENEFITING FROM ITS PRIVILEGES NOR SUBJECT TO ITS RULES AND DISCIPLINES."
MR MILLER NOTED THAT THERE WOULD BE CONSIDERABLE ADVANTAGE TO HONG KONG ONCE CHINA HAD REJOINED THE GATT.
"CHINA IS ONE OF HONG KONG’S MAJOR TRADING PARTNERS. GIVEN THE INCREASING VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS, WHICH PASS THROUGH HONG KONG BOTH INTO AND OUT OF CHINA, WE ARE VULNERABLE TO ANY DISPUTE BETWEEN CHINA AND ITS OTHER TRADING PARTNERS," HE EXPLAINED.
"IT WOULD CLEARLY BE PREFERABLE IF SUCH DISPUTES COULD BE HANDLED WITHIN THE GATT/WTO, IN ACCORDANCE WITH AGREED RULES AND PROCEDURES. TRADE NEEDS CERTAINTY; THE RULE OF LAW IN THE GATT/WTO WILL PROVIDE IT."
MR MILLER DESCRIBED CHINA’S ACCESSION AS THE COMPLETION OF THE PROCESS OF NORMALISATION OF CHINA’S RELATIONS WITH THE REST OF. THE WORLD. < ,
"WHAT STARTED IN THE 70S AT THE PING-PONG TABLES MUST BE FINISHED AT THE NEGOTIATING TABLES IN GENEVA AND FINISHED SOON," HE SAID. , ' ’ '
REFERRING TO THE LATEST MEETING OF THE WORKING GROUP OF CHINA'S ACCESSION IN GENEVA, MR MILLER CHARACTERISED THE PROCESS AS A NEGOTIATION OVER PRICE.
"THE ARGUMENT OVER DEVELOPED OR DEVELOPING STATUS IS SOMETHING OF A RED HERRING. THIS IS NOT SIMPLY A TUSSLE BETWEEN DEVELOPED COUNTRY IMPORTERS AND A MAJOR DEVELOPING EXPORTER. ALL PARTIES INVOLVED ARE BOTH IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS. WHAT IS AT ISSUE IS THE DEGREE OF CUSHIONING NEEDED BY ALL PARTIES AS THIS HUGE ECONOMY REJOINS THE MULTI-LATERAL TRADING SYSTEM," HE SAID.
"YES, DEVELOPED COUNTRIES ARE ANXIOUS ABOUT BEING FLOODED BY CHINESE EXPORTS, BUT THEY ARE ALSO ANXIOUS TO GAIN GREATER ACCESS TO CHINA’S MARKETS FOR BOTH GOODS AND SERVICES.
/"YES, CHINA .......
FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 1994
3
"YES, CHINA WANTS TO HAVE BETTER AND MORE CERTAIN ACCESS TO THE WORLD’S MARKETS, BUT IT ALSO WANTS SOME PROTECTION FOR ITS OWN INDUSTRIES, INCLUDING SERVICE INDUSTRIES, WHICH ARE EITHER UNDERDEVELOPED OR OTHERWISE VULNERABLE DURING THE EARLY STAGES OF MARKET REFORMS."
MR MILLER NOTED THAT THESE SO-CALLED "SAFEGUARDS” AGAINST MARKET DISRUPTION WERE NOTHING NEW.
"WITH THE POSSIBLE EXCEPTION OF HONG KONG, NO ONE CAN AFFORD TO TAKE A ’HOLIER THAN THOU’ ATTITUDE IN THESE DISCUSSIONS. EVERYONE HAS SKELETONS IN THE CUPBOARD, THE LITTLE EXCEPTIONS, THE WAIVERS THAT THEY HAVE FELT OBLIGED TO TAKE IN RESPONSE TO SOME SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP BACK HOME," HE SAID.
"EUROPE AND NORTH AMERICA HAVE PROTECTED THEIR TEXTILES AND CLOTHING INDUSTRIES FOR SOME 30 YEARS BOTH WITH RIDICULOUSLY HIGH TARIFFS AND WITH QUANTITATIVE RESTRAINTS.
"AGRICULTURE HAS BEEN ANOTHER EXCEPTION AND IS ONLY JUST BEING BROUGHT UNDER GATT RULES AND DISCIPLINES FOLLOWING THE URUGUAY ROUND.
"ACTION HAS ONLY RECENTLY BEGUN TO STRIP AWAY A WHOLE COMPLEX OF PROTECTIVE RULES AND REGULATIONS FROM THE SERVICES MARKETS OF THE DEVELOPED WORLD. THE ’JONES ACT’ REMAINS A MONUMENT TO THE DIFFICULTY OF WITHDRAWING PROTECTION TO AN INDUSTRY ONCE IT HAS BEEN GRANTED."
NEVERTHELESS, MR MILLER STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF CHINA’S REJOINING THE GATT ON THE RIGHT TERMS, AND HE NOTED THAT THE PARTIES CONCERNED WERE TAKING A POSITIVE ATTITUDE IN THEIR EFFORTS TO FIND A SOLUTION IN GENEVA.
"GETTING CHINA INTO THE GATT/WTO WILL PROVIDE ALL OF CHINA’S TRADING PARTNERS WITH BETTER MARKET ACCESS AND WILL IMPROVE THE TRANSPARENCY OF CURRENTLY COMPLEX AND VARYING RULES AND PROCEDURES. IT WILL ALSO PROVIDE CHINESE EXPORTERS WITH BETTER ACCESS TO OVERSEAS MARKETS," HE SAID.
"BUT JUST AS IMPORTANT AS BOTH OF THESE WILL BE CHINA’S COMMITMENT TO A SYSTEM OF MULTILATERAL TRADING OBLIGATIONS AND THE POSITIVE IMPLICATIONS THIS WOULD HAVE ON THE CONTINUING PROCESS OF REFORM.
"ALL GOVERNMENTS OF ALL GATT CONTRACTING PARTIES HAVE FOUND THAT THE GATT HELPS THEM TO RESIST DOMESTIC DEMANDS FOR PROTECTION. SIMPLY BELONGING TO THE CLUB HELPS KEEP THE PROTECTIONIST AT BAY, AND HELPS KEEP GOVERNMENTS POINTED IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION, TOWARDS FREE TRADE AND OPEN MARKETS."
- - 0----------
/4........
FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 1994
4
SPECIAL REINTEGRATION ALLOWANCE FOR VM’S
*****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED TO PAY A SPECIAL ALLOWANCE OF US$150 (ABOUT HK$1,200) TO ALL VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO VOLUNTEER TO RETURN TO VIETNAM BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
"THE ALLOWANCE IS BEING PAID AS A MEASURE TO BOOST THE VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME. WE ARE HOPEFUL THAT ITS INTRODUCTION WILL ENCOURAGE THE VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TO GO HOME," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE COST OF THE ALLOWANCE WILL BE FUNDED BY THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT.
"WE ARE VERY GRATEFUL TO THE UK GOVERNMENT FOR ASSISTING US IN THIS WAY," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SPECIAL ALLOWANCE WILL BE PAYABLE ONLY TO THOSE WHO ARE CURRENTLY ELIGIBLE FOR UNHCR REINTEGRATION ASSISTANCE, THAT IS, THOSE WHO ARRIVED IN HONG KONG BEFORE SEPTEMBER 27, 1991. THUS, NEW ARRIVALS WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR THESE ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS.
IN RESPONSE TO A REQUEST FROM THE GOVERNMENT, THE UNHCR HAVE AGREED TO DISBURSE THE ALLOWANCE TO THE MIGRANTS PRIOR TO THEIR DEPARTURE FROM HONG KONG.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT THE RECENT REPORT INTO THE EVENTS IN WHITEHEAD ON APRIL 7 HAD SUGGESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONSIDER HOW THE INCENTIVES FOR VOLUNTARY RETURN COULD BE IMPROVED.
"WE HAVE CONCLUDED THAT THE PAYMENT OF THE SPECIAL ALLOWANCE IS A CONCRETE WAY OF TAKING FORWARD THIS SUGGESTION," HE SAID.
"WE APPEAL TO ALL THE SCREENED-OUT VIETNAMESE IN THE DETENTION CENTRES TO AVAIL OF THIS OFFER OF ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE AND TO GIVE URGENT CONSIDERATION TO RETURNING HOME. THERE IS NO FUTURE FOR THEM IN HONG KONG.
"THIS ALLOWANCE IS A ONE-OFF MEASURE TO ASSIST THE VIETNAMESE WITH THEIR REINTEGRATION IN VIETNAM. IT WILL ONLY BE PAYABLE TO THOSE WHO VOLUNTEER BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR," THE SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED.
------0-------
REO APPEALS TO ELECTORS TO UPDATE PARTICULARS
*****
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE (REO) TODAY (FRIDAY) APPEALED TO ALL ELECTORS TO INFORM THE OFFICE IF THEY HAD CHANGED THEIR ADDRESS OR OTHER PERSONAL PARTICULARS.
"THE ACCURACY OF THE REGISTER OF ELECTORS, TO A LARGE EXTENT, DEPENDS ON THE CO-OPERATION OF ELECTORS TO REPORT CHANGES OF PARTICULARS,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE SAID THE REO ALSO UNDERTOOK MATCHING OF RECORDS WITH THOSE MAINTAINED BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AND THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICE TO UPDATE ELECTORS’ PARTICULARS.
/THE SPOKESMAN .......
FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 1994
5
THE SPOKESMAN SAID EVERY YEAR, FROM JANUARY TO MARCH, THE REO CARRIED OUT AN ANNUAL VETTING EXERCISE TO SEND OUT FORMAL INQUIRIES TO ELECTORS WHOSE PARTICULARS WERE KNOWN TO THE REGISTRATION OFFICER TO BE OUTDATED.
THE NAMES OF THE ELECTORS WHO FAIL TO PROVIDE THE REGISTRATION OFFICER WITH UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION MAY BE REMOVED FROM THE REGISTER OF ELECTORS.
"IF MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE AWARE OF CERTAIN INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE FINAL REGISTER BEING INACCURATE, THEY ARE INVITED TO INFORM THE REO," HE SAID.
HE SAID THE REO WOULD SEEK ADDITIONAL RESOURCES IN THE NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR TO COMPLETE ITS EXERCISE OF MATCHING OF RECORD WITH THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICE.
------0-------
569 NOMINATIONS RECEIVED
******
THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE HAS RECEIVED 38 MORE NOMINATIONS OF CANDIDATES TODAY (FRIDAY) FOR THE SEPTEMBER DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF
THE NOMINATION ON AUGUST 1
NOMINATIONS RECEIVED SINCE THE STARTING (MONDAY) WAS 569.
OF
THE BREAKDOWN OF NOMINATIONS BY DISTRICT IS AS FOLLOWS:
NOMINATIONS RECEIVED
DISTRICT
CENTRAL AND WESTERN 26 (2)
WAN CHAI 18 (3)
EASTERN 53 (4)
SOUTHERN 26 (1)
YAU TSIM MONG 41 (6)
SHAM SHUI PO 27 (0)
KOWLOON CITY 37 (3)
WONG TAI SIN 32 (3)
KWUN TONG 58 (2)
TSUEN WAN 17 (2)
TUEN MUN 41 (0)
YUEN LONG 29 (4)
NORTH 16 (1)
TAI PO 32 (3)
SAI KUNG 22 (1)
SHA TIN 48 (0)
KWAI TSING 39 (1)
ISLANDS 7 (2)
TOTAL 569 (38)
() - NUMBER OF NOMINATIONS RECEIVED TODAY.
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/6........
FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 1994
6
RIVER FLOODING PREVENTION WORKS
» * ♦ » *
THE GOVERNMENT WILL CARRY OUT WORKS ON TWO SECTIONS OF SHENZHEN (SHAM CHUN) RIVER TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FLOODING.
IT WILL INVOLVE REALIGNING, DEEPENING AND WIDENING THE RIVER CHANNEL WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 14 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEA-BED AT LOK MA CHAU AND LIU POK.
THE WORK WILL COMMENCE IN APRIL 1995 AND WILL BE COMPLETED IN ABOUT OCTOBER 1997.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED IS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE NOTICE AND ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE.
THE PLAN CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT'S SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, THIRD FLOOR, NORTH DISTRICT GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 3 PIK FUNG ROAD, FANLING, NEW TERRITORIES; DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE (NORTH), SIXTH FLOOR, NORTH DISTRICT GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 3 PIK FUNG ROAD, FANLING, NEW TERRITORIES; YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICES BUILDING, 269 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, YUEN LONG, NEW TERRITORIES AND AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, YUEN LONG, NINTH FLOOR - 11TH FLOOR, YUEN LONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES AND TAI KIU MARKET, 2 KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG, NEW TERRITORIES.
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HE HAS AN INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEA-BED INVOLVED MAY SUBMIT A WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 5.
------0-------
TENDERS INVITED FOR CENTRAL RECLAMATION WORKS * » ♦ ♦ »
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR WORKS UNDER PHASE II OF THE CENTRAL RECLAMATION.
THE WORKS INCLUDE RECLAMATION OF ABOUT 5.3 HECTARES OF SEABED; CONSTRUCTION OF SEAWALL, ACCESS ROADS, AND A FOOTBRIDGE; REPROVISIONING OF COOLING WATER SYSTEMS AND CROSS-HARBOUR WATER MAINS; AND RELOCATION OF THE FENWICK PIER STREET HELIPAD AND ASSOCIATED WORKS.
THE CONTRACT ALSO INVOLVES REPROVISIONING WORKS WITHIN PRINCE OF WALES BARRACKS; CONSTRUCTION AND UPGRADING OF FOUL AND STORM WATER DRAINAGE SYSTEMS; AND LANDSCAPE WORKS.
THE WORKS ARE SCHEDULED TO BEGIN IN DECEMBER AND FOR COMPLETION IN 24 MONTHS.
A NOTICE OF THE TENDER INVITATION WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM MAUNSELL CONSULTANTS ASIA LIMITED, 14TH FLOOR, 1 KOWLOON PARK DRIVE, TSIM SHA TSUI.
THE TENDER WILL CLOSE AT NOON ON SEPTEMBER 16.
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/7......
FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 1994
7
RECLAMATION FOR NAVAL BASE TO BEGIN IN NOVEMBER *****
THE CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT IS INVITING PRE-QUALIFICATION OF TENDERERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF 2,100 METRES OF SEAWALLS AND BREAKWATERS, DREDGING, RECLAMATION OF ABOUT 12 HECTARES OF LAND AND THE BUILDING OF STORM WATER DRAINS FOR THE NAVAL BASE ON STONECUTTERS ISLAND.
THE WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO COMMENCE IN NOVEMBER FOR COMPLETION IN EARLY 1997.
THE DEPARTMENT WILL INVITE TENDERS IN SEPTEMBER OR OCTOBER FROM A SELECTED LIST OF CONTRACTORS ESTABLISHED BY THIS PRE-QUALIFICATION EXERCISE.
CONTRACTORS ON THE APPROVED CONTRACTORS FOR PUBLIC WORKS LIST I GROUP C FOR PORT WORKS (CONFIRMED), OR ON THE APPROVED CONTRACTORS FOR PUBLIC WORKS LIST II FOR PORT WORKS (CONFIRMED) CAN APPLY FOR PREQUALIFICATION DOCUMENTS FROM THE CHIEF ENGINEER/PORT WORKS, CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT, FIFTH FLOOR, CIVIL ENGINEERING BUILDING, 101 PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD, HO MAN TIN, KOWLOON.
COMPLETED PRE-QUALIFICATION DOCUMENTS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED BEFORE NOON ON AUGUST 26.
------0-------
NT SITE OFFERED TO LETTERS A/B HOLDERS *****
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING REGISTERED OWNERS OF LAND EXCHANGE ENTITLEMENTS (LETTERS A/B) FOR THE GRANT IN LIEU OF CASH COMPENSATION OF A SITE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 14,300 SQUARE METRES, THE SITE IS LOCATED IN AREA 37A, TSEUNG KWAN O, SAI KUNG FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL USE, EXCLUDING GODOWNS.
ACCORDING TO THE BUILDINGS COVENANT, A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 72,670 SQUARE METRES HAS TO BE COMPLETED WITHIN 60 MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF AGREEMENT.
APPLICANTS CAN SUBMIT EITHER A "VINTAGE” TENDER OR A "MONETISED LETTER B" TENDER CALCULATED BY REFERENCE TO A LIST OF CURRENCY VALUES PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE PRIOR TO THE CLOSING DATE FOR TENDERS.
A "VINTAGE" TENDER WILL BE GIVEN PRIORITY.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS NOON ON SEPTEMBER 2.
FURTHER DETAILS AND APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE 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 AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES OF ISLANDS, SAI KUNG, SHA TIN, TAI PO, NORTH, TSUEN WAN, KWAI TSING, TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 1994
8
SPEL AUTHORISES SEWAGE TUNNEL WORKS
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, HAS AUTHORISED THE GOVERNMENT TO EXERCISE RIGHTS ON THE LAND SITUATED ON THE ROUTE OF THE PROPOSED SEWAGE TUNNEL FROM KWUN TONG AND KWAI CHUNG TO STONECUTTERS ISLAND FOR CARRYING OUT SEWAGE TUNNEL WORKS.
THE SEWAGE TUNNEL FORMS PART OF STAGE I OF THE STRATEGIC SEWAGE DISPOSAL SCHEME TO COLLECT AND TREAT SEWAGE FROM KOWLOON BETWEEN TSUEN WAN AND TSEUNG KWAN O AND FROM THE NORTH EASTERN PART OF HONG KONG ISLAND.
THE WORKS WILL BEGIN IN DECEMBER FOR COMPLETION IN 30 MONTHS.
THE LAND WHICH IS AFFECTED IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE OF AUTHORISATION GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HE HAS SUFFERED LOSS OR DAMAGE TO LAND OR PROPERTY SITUATED ON LAND RESULTING FROM THE CREATION OR EXERCISE OF RIGHTS BY THE AUTHORISATION MAY DELIVER TO THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS A WRITTEN CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION WITHIN THE PERIOD SPECIFIED IN THE NOTICE.
------0-------
SEWERAGE IMPROVEMENT WORKS IN TSUEN WAN
*****
THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT PLANS TO START WORKS ON IMPROVING THE SEWERAGE SYSTEM IN TSUEN WAN IN OCTOBER.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE WORKS WOULD INCLUDE THE RECONSTRUCTION OF SEWERAGE SYSTEM, UPGRADING OF THE EXISTING TSUEN WAN SEWAGE PUMPING STATION AND SEWER RECONNECTION FOR FACTORIES TO THE FOUL SEWERAGE SYSTEM.
"THE SIZE OF SEWERS RANGE FROM 750 MM DIAMETER TO 2,100 MM DIAMETER RUNNING MAINLY IN CASTLE PEAK ROAD, CHAI WAN KOK STREET, TAI PA STREET, YEUNG UK ROAD AND TEXACO ROAD.
"WHEN THE WORKS ARE COMPLETED IN 24 MONTHS, THERE WILL BE SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENTS IN BOTH THE HYDRAULIC CAPACITY OF THE SEWERAGE SYSTEM IN TSUEN WAN AND THE WATER QUALITY OF THE RAMBLER CHANNEL," HE SAID.
A NOTICE INVITING TENDERS FOR THE WORKS WAS GAZETTED TODAY.
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM HO TIN AND ASSOCIATES CONSULTING ENGINEERS LIMITED, ROOM 1704, LEIGHTON CENTRE, 77 LEIGHTON ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY.
THE TENDER CLOSING DATE IS NOON ON AUGUST 26.
------0-------
/9 .......
FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 1994
9
BRIDGE PROJECTS FOR TAI O AND SHA TIN *****
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT’S HONG KONG ISLAND AND ISLANDS DEVELOPMENT OFFICE IS PLANNING THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE ACROSS TAI O CREEK IN TAI O, LANTAU.
THE BRIDGE WOULD PROVIDE A SAFE AND THROUGH PASSAGE ACROSS THE CREEK FOR RESIDENTS AND TOURISTS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OFFICE SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
"IT WILL ALSO ALLOW THE PASSAGE OF LARGER VESSELS FOR GOING TO THE SHELTER AT THE UPSTREAM END OF THE CREEK THROUGH THE INTRODUCTION OF A FOLDABLE DECK AT MIDSPAN OF THE BRIDGE," HE ADDED.
A NOTICE OF THE PROPOSAL WAS GAZETTED TODAY.
THE PUBLIC AND SCHEME SHOWING THE EXTENT OF THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE SEEN DURING OFFICE HOURS AT:
* THE PLAN ENQUIRIES SERVICE CENTRE OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL;
* THE ISLANDS DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, 19TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL;
* THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE, 20TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, AND
* THE MUI WO SUB-OFFICE OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, MUI WO GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 2 NGAN KWONG WAN ROAD, MUI WO, LANTAU.
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, CENTRAL, NO LATER THAN OCTOBER 4, DESCRIBING HIS INTEREST AND MANNER IN WHICH HE WILL BE AFFECTED.
MEANWHILE, THE DEPARTMENT’S NEW TERRITORIES EAST DEVELOPMENT OFFICE IS ALSO PLANNING A FOOTBRIDGE SYSTEM AT THE JUNCTION OF CHE KUNG MIU ROAD AND HUNG MUI KOK ROAD IN SHA TIN.
THE PROJECT, WHICH IS PART OF THE CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR THE NEW TOWN, INVOLVES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A COVERED FOOTBRIDGE SYSTEM WITH FOUR ESCALATORS, STAIRS AND RAMPS.
OTHER WORKS INCLUDE CONVERSION OF THE EXISTING SIGNALISED CROSS ROAD JUNCTION WITH PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS TO A ROUNDABOUT; CONSTRUCTION OF ROAD IMPROVEMENT WORKS ON CHE KUNG MIU ROAD, HUNG MUI KOK ROAD AND MEI TIN ROAD; CONSTRUCTION OF ASSOCIATED FOOTPATHS, CYCLE TRACKS, DRAINAGE AND LANDSCAPE WORKS.
THE WORKS ARE SCHEDULED TO BEGIN IN SEPTEMBER FOR COMPLETION IN 27 MONTHS.
A NOTICE OF INVITING TENDERS FOR THE WORKS WAS GAZETTED TODAY.
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE OFFICE OF MAUNSELL CONSULTANTS ASIA LIMITED, 4 FUNG WO LANE, WO CHE, SHA TIN.
THE TENDER CLOSING DATE IS NOON ON SEPTEMBER 2.
------o--------
/10......
FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 1994
10
HENNESSY ROAD TO BE RECONSTRUCTED
*****
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE RECONSTRUCTION OF HENNESSY ROAD SECTION BETWEEN ARSENAL STREET AND CANAL ROAD EAST.
THE WORKS COMPRISE THE RECONSTRUCTION OF EXISTING CARRIAGEWAYS AND FOOTWAYS; TRAFFIC AND LANDSCAPE IMPROVEMENT WORKS; AND STORM WATER DRAINAGE AND SEWERAGE IMPROVEMENT WORKS.
THE WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO COMMENCE IN OCTOBER AND COMPLETE IN LATE 1996.
A NOTICE ON THE TENDER INVITATION HAS BEEN GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
TENDER FORMS AND PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM HO TIN DELCAN JOINT VENTURE, ROOM 1704, LEIGHTON CENTRE, 77 LEIGHTON ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG. THE CONTACT TELEPHONE NUMBER IS 895 2238.
TENDERS MUST BE CLEARLY MARKED AND ADDRESSED TO THE CHAIRMAN, CENTRAL TENDER BOARD, AND PLACED IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRERAR1AT TENDER BOX AT THE LIFT LOBBY ON THE LOWER GROUND FLOOR 01 THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (EAST WING), LOWER ALBERT ROAD (AT ITS JUNCTION WITH GARDEN ROAD), HONG KONG, BEFORE NOON ON AUGUST 26 (FRIDAY).
LATE TENDERS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
THE WORKS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTION WILL BE SUPERVISED BY HO TIN DELCAN JOINT VENTURE FOR HONG KONG REGION OF HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT.
-----------------------0-------- PROPOSED ROAD CLOSURE FOR HOUSING DEVELOPMENT *****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS PROPOSED CLOSING PART OF MAU YIP ROAD IN TSEUNG KWAN O TO FACILITATE THE SANDWICH CLASS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT THERE BY THE HOUSING SOCIETY.
A NOTICE OF THE PROPOSED ROAD CLOSURE WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
A PLAN SHOWING THE PROPOSED ROAD CLOSURE CAN BE SEEN AT:
» PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL;
» SAI KUNG DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, THIRD FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 34 CHAN MAN STREET, SAI KUNG, NEW TERRITORIES; AND
* SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 34 CHAN MAN STREET, SAI KUNG, NEW TERRITORIES.
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, NO LATER THAN SEPTEMBER 27, DESCRIBING HIS INTEREST AND MANNER IN WHICH HE WILL BE AFFECTED.
------0--------
/Il .....
FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 1994
11
TENDERS INVITED FOR WATER MAINS LAYING IN SHEUNG SHUI * * * * *
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE LAYING OF ABOUT 7,925 METRES OF FRESH WATER MAINS IN SHEUNG SHUI, PING CHE AND HO SHEUNG HEUNG TO COPE WITH THE GROWING DEMANDS FOR WATER IN SHEUNG SHUI AND FANLING.
WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START IN NOVEMBER FOR COMPLETION IN MID-1996.
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT, IMMIGRATION TOWER, 44TH FLOOR, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
TENDER OFFERS WILL CLOSE AT NOON ON SEPTEMBER 2.
-----0-----
SECONDARY 6 ADMISSION BEGINS ON TUESDAY
*****
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS READY TO SWING INTO ACTION IN ASSISTING SECONDARY 5 STUDENTS APPLY SECONDARY 6 PLACES WHEN THE RESULTS OF THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION (HKCEEI ARE ANNOUNCED ON TUESDAY (AUGUST 9).
A TOTAL OF ABOUT 23,500 SECONDARY 6 PLACES ARE AVAILABLE IN THE 1994/95 SCHOOL YEAR FOR STUDENTS TO APPLY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (FRIDAY): "FROM AUGUST 9 TO AUGUST 23, A CENTRAL HOTLINE MANNED BY EDUCATION OFFICERS WILL BE SET UP FOR STUDENTS SEEKING ADVICE AND CLARIFICATION ABOUT THE ADMISSION PROCEDURES.
"THE CENTRAL HOTLINE NUMBERS ARE 782 7624-6 (3 LINES) AND 782 7621 WHICH WILL BE MANNED FROM 9 AM TO I PM AND FROM 2 PM TO 5 PM FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY AND 9 AM TO NOON ON SATURDAY.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID A NEWLY DESIGNED ADMISSION PROCEDURES SUMMARY TABLE TOGETHER WITH THE ADMISSION PROCEDURE LEAFLET CONTAINING ADDRESSES AND TELEPHONES OF 19 DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICES HAD BEEN DISTRIBUTED TO STUDENTS IN MARCH THIS YEAR.
HE SAID ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THE LEAFLET AND SUMMARY TABLE WERE AVAILABLE AT THE DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICES.
THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICE HAS RECENTLY MOVED TO SECOND FLOOR, CENTRE POINT, 181-185 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI. THE TELEPHONE NUMBER IS 834 8423.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID IN ORDER TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL CHANNELS FOR STUDENTS TO OBTAIN INFORMATION ABOUT THE ADMISSION PROCEDURES, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMET HAD STARTED A 24-HOUR AUTOMATIC TELEPHONE ENQUIRY SERVICE.
/SIUCENISCAN ........
FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 1994
12
STUDENTS CAN OBTAIN INFORMATION ON THE PROCEDURES BY DIALING 891 0088, CHOOSING 1 OR 2 FOR THE DESIRED LANGUAGE, PRESSING 2 AT THE NEXT PROMPT (STUDENTS RELATED INFORMATION) AND PRESSING 5 WHEN PROMPT TO CHOOSE THE SUBJECT ON THE S6 ALLOCATION SYSTEM.
HE SAID PROCEDURES FOR THIS YEAR WERE BASICALLY THE SAME AS THE PREVIOUS YEAR. THEY ARE DIVIDED INTO THE FOLLOWING FIVE STAGES:
STAGE I
DAY 1 (AUGUST 9):
STUDENTS WITH 14 POINTS OR SITTING) TO APPLY TO OWN OR LINKED
MORE (BEST SIX SUBJECTS
IN ONE
SCHOOL BEFORE 3.30 PM.
STAGE II
DAY 2 (AUGUST 10):
(A) STUDENTS WITH 14 POINTS OR MORE (BEST SIX SUBJECTS IN ONE SITTING) TO APPLY TO OTHER SCHOOLS.
(B) PREVOCATIONAL DAY SCHOOL STUDENTS WHO SATISFY MINIMUM A-LEVEL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS (A GRADE E OR ABOVE IN SIX SUBJECTS, OR GRADE E OR ABOVE IN FIVE SUBJECTS OF NO LESS THAN EIGHT POINTS, IN ONE SITTING AND GRADE E OR ABOVE IN BOTH CHINESE LANGUAGE AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE (SYLLABUS A OR B) IN HKCEE, BUT NOT NECESSARILY IN ONE SITTING) TO APPLY TO OWN OR OTHER PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS.
((') PREVOCATIONAL DAY SCHOOL STUDENTS WITH 14 POINTS OR MORE TO APPLY TO OTHER SCHOOLS.
(D) EVENING SCHOOL STUDENTS AND PRIVATE CANDIDATES WITH 14 POINTS OR MORE TO APPLY TO PLK VICWOOD K T CHONG SIXTH FORM COLLEGE OR ANY OTHER SCHOOL.
DAY 3 (AUGUST 11):
APPLICATION RESULTS OF DAY 2 TO BE DISPLAYED SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES TO REGISTER WITH SCHOOLS.
AT SCHOOLS AND
STAGE I I I
DAY 4 (AUGUST 12):
(A) STUDENTS WHO SATISFY MINIMUM A-LEVEL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY TO OWN OR LINKED SCHOOLS AND SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES TO REGISTER WITH SCHOOLS.
(B) EVENING SCHOOL STUDENTS AND PRIVATE CANDIDATES SATISFYING MINIMUM A-LEVEL ENTRY REQ1 IREMENTS TO APPIO TO I’Ll- VICWOOD K T CHONG SIXTH FORM COLLEGE.
/STAGE IV .......
FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 1994
- 13 -
STAGE IV
DAY 5 (AUGUST 15)
STUDENTS WHO SATISFY MINIMUM A-LEVEL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY TO OTHER SCHOOLS.
DAY 6 (AUGUST 16)
APPLICATION RESULTS OF DAY 5 TO BE DISPLAYED AT SCHOOLS AND SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES TO REGISTER WITH SCHOOLS.
STAGE V
DAY 7 (AUGUST 17):
CURRENT YEAR HKCEE PARTICIPANTS WHO SATISFY MINIMUM A-LEVEL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY FOR CENTRAL ALLOCATION.
DAY 11 (AUGUST 23):
RESULTS OF CENTRAL ALLOCATION TO BE DISPLAYED AT SPECIFIED CENTRES AND SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES TO REGISTER WITH SCHOOLS.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO INTERVIEW AN EDUCATION OFFICER ON S6 ADMISSION PROCEDURES ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE AT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS SECTION AT ROOM 1645, WU CHUNG HOUSE, 16TH FLOOR, 213 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI, AT 3 PM TODAY.
------0-------
KOWLOON CITY WINS THE BEST PESC AWARD *****
THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE HAS WON THE BEST PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE COUNTER AWARD ORGANISED BY THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION THIS YEAR.
PRESENTING THE AWARD AT A CEREMONY TODAY (FRIDAY), THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, SAID THE SCHEME WAS TO ENCOURAGE PESC STAFF TO UPKEEP AND SUSTAIN THE OVERALL STANDARD OF PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE.
"IT IS ALSO A RECOGNITION OF THEIR EFFORT IN SERVING THE COMMUNITY," HE SAID.
AS TO THE PROMULGATION OF CNTA PERFORMANCE PLEDGE LAST YEAR, MR SUEN SAID IT HAD CONFIRMED THE DEPARTMENT’S COMMITMENT TO IMPROVING THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE.
THIS, HE SAID, COULD BE ACHIEVED NOT ONLY BY SETTING AND ACHIEVING THE TARGETS STIPULATED IN THE PLEDGE, BUT ALSO BY DEVELOPING A CLIENT-BASED CULTURE.
/TO MONITOR .......
FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 1994
14
TO MONITOR AGAINST THE TARGETS, A PUBLIC OPINION SURVEY WOULD BE CONDUCTED EVERY SIX MONTHS TO OBTAIN FEEDBACK ON THE SERVICES AND THE RESULTS WERE PUBLISHED, HE ADDED.
THE SURVEY COVERED THE QUALITY OF SERVICES PROVIDED, WAITING TIME, AN ASSESSMENT OF ATTITUDE AND THE WORKING ENVIRONMENT.
’’CONTESTANTS FOR THIS YEAR’S AWARD ARE JUDGED ACCORDING TO THE FINDINGS OF TWO SIX-MONTHLY PUBLIC OPINION SURVEYS AND THE ASSESSMENT OF A DEPARTMENTAL WORKING GROUP,” MR SUEN ADDED.
------0---------
STAMP TO COMMEMORATE COMMONWEALTH POSTAL CONFERENCE
A $10 DEFINITIVE STAMP SHEETLET WILL BE ISSUED ON AUGUST 16 TO COMMEMORATE THE CONFERENCE OF COMMONWEALTH POSTAL ADMINISTRATIONS (CCPA) TO BE HELD IN HONG KONG FROM AUGUST 16 TO 20, THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR MIKE PAGLIARI, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
MR PAGLIARI SAID SUCH CONFERENCES HAD BEEN HELD SINCE 1971 IN VARIOUS COMMONWEALTH TERRITORIES TO ENABLE OFFICIALS FROM COMMONWEALTH POSTAL ADMINISTRATIONS TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON MATTERS GOVERNING THE INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE OF MAIL.
HE NOTED THAT HONG KONG WOULD BE HOSTING THE CONFERENCE THIS YEAR AND, FOR HISTORICAL REASONS, SUCH A UNIQUE CHANCE WOULD NOT RECUR.
THE SHEETLET WILL BE AVAILABLE AT ALL POST OFFICES EXCEPT THE AIRPORT POST OFFICE. IT IS DESIGNED BY MR COLLIN TILLYER AND PRINTED BY JOH ENSCHEDE SECURITY PRINTING OF THE NETHERLANDS.
ON THE FIRST DAY OF ISSUE, A SALES RESTRICTION OF 10 SHEETLETS PER CUSTOMER WILL BE IMPOSED.
MR PAGLIARI ALSO SAID TO COMMEMORATE HONG KONG POST OFFICE’S PARTICIPATION IN ’’PHILAKOREA 1994” WORLD STAMP EXHIBITION TO BE HELD IN SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA FROM AUGUST 16 TO 25, A SOUVENIR COVER WILL BE ISSUED ON AUGUST 18.
SOUVENIR COVERS FOR BOTH THE CONFERENCE OF COMMONWEALTH POSTAL ADMINISTRATIONS AND FOR PARTICIPATION IN PHILAKOREA 1994, WILL BE PLACED ON SALE AT ALL POST OFFICES, EXCEPT THE AIRPORT POST OFFICE, AS FROM NEXT TUESDAY (AUGUST 9) AT $ 1 EACH. NO ADVANCE ORDER SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED.
ON AUGUST 16 IN THE CASE OF THE CCPA $10 STAMP SHEETLET AND ON AUGUST 18 FOR THE PHILAKOREA 1994 SOUVENIR COVER, A HAND-BACK SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED AT ALL POST OFFICES EXCEPT THE AIRPORT POST OFFICE FOR OFFICIAL AND PRIVATELY MADE COVERS BEARING AN INDICATION OF THE EVENT.
SPECIAL POSTMARKS FOR THE HAND-BACK SERVICE FOR THESE TWO PRODUCTS WILL BE INTRODUCED.
A CACHET FOR GENERAL CANCELLATION PURPOSES WILL ALSO BE INTRODUCED FOR PHILAKOREA 1994.
------0-------
/15 .....
FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 1994
15
EXHIBITION ON ACP PROJECTS OPENS IN LOK FU
*****
THE FIRST IN A SERIES OF EXHIBITIONS SHOWING THE PROGRESS OF THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME (ACP) PROJECTS OPENED AT LOK FU SHOPPING CENTRE IN KOWLOON TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE EXHIBITIONS - 10 IN ALL - ARE DESIGNED TO KEEP THE PUBLIC ABREAST OF THE PROGRESS BEING MADE IN ACP WORKS.
EXHIBITIONS WILL BE STAGED AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES BETWEEN NOW AND FEBRUARY. MOST OF THEM WILL RUN FOR THREE DAYS.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE DIRECTOR OF THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS CO-ORDINATION OFFICE, MR BILLY LAM, SAID 59 MAJOR CONTRACTS WORTH ABOUT $50.6 BILLION HAD BEEN AWARDED SO FAR UNDER THE ACP.
THE CONTRACTS - LET BY THE GOVERNMENT, PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY, MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION AND WESTERN HARBOUR TUNNEL COMPANY - HAD PARTICIPANTS FROM COUNTRIES WORLDWIDE.
"TAKING THE LEAD ARE COMPANIES FROM JAPAN (27 PER CENT BY VALUE), FOLLOWED BY HONG KONG (20 PER CNET), THE UK (14 PER CENT), THE NETHERLANDS (11 PER CENT), CHINA (8 PER CENT), FRANCE (7 PER CENT), AND OTHERS LIKE BELGIUM, AUSTRALIA, THE USA, NEW ZEALAND, ITALY, GERMANY AND SOUTH AFRICA," HE SAID.
THE KEEN INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION HAD HELPED TO DRIVE DOWN THE COST OF THE ACP AND TO ENSURE THAT HONG KONG WAS GETTING THE BEST "VALUE FOR MONEY" IN ITS TENDERS.
"BECAUSE OF OUR FAIR AND OPEN TENDER SYSTEM, TOGETHER WITH THE VERY RIGOROUS COST CONTROL MECHANISM WE HAVE ADOPTED, WE WERE ABLE TO REDUCE THE COST ESTIMATES FOR THE ACP, IN THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR, FROM $163.7 BILLION TO $158.2 BILLION," HE ADDED.
NOTING THAT KAI TAK RANKED AS ONE OF THE WORLD’S BUSIEST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS, MR LAM SAID HAVING A NEW AND MODERN AIRPORT WOULD HELP TO MAINTAIN HONG KONG’S POSITION AS THE REGIONAL AVIATION HUB AND A WORLD INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS CENTRE.
HE REFERRED TO THE NINE OTHER PROJECTS IN THE ACP, INVOLVING A SERIES OF ROADS, A RAILWAY, BRIDGES, TUNNELS, A NEW TOWN AND RECLAMATION OF LAND FOR MUCH NEEDED COMMERCIAL, RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTS.
"THESE PROJECTS WILL NOT ONLY SUPPORT THE NEW AIRPORT BUT WILL ALSO FORM AN INDISPENSABLE PART OF OUR INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENTS WHICH WILL UNDERPIN HONG KONG’S CONTINUING ECONOMIC GROWTH INTO THE NEXT CENTURY," HE SAID.
MR LAM SAID THE PROJECTS WERE PROCEEDING WELL IN TERMS OF PROGRAMMES AND BUDGET OBJECTIVES ALTHOUGH FINANCING AGREEMENT ON THE AIRPORT AND THE AIRPORT RAILWAY HAD YET TO BE REACHED.
"BASED ON THE PROGRESS SO FAR, WE ARE CONFIDENT THAT WE WILL BE ABLE TO COMPLETE THE 10 ACP PROJECTS TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT POSSIBLE BY MID-1997 IN A COST-EFFECTIVE MANNER.”
/THE EXHIBITION .......
FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 1994
16
THE EXHIBITION AT LOK FU SHOPPING CENTRE WILL BE OPEN FROM 10 AM TO 7 PM DAILY, FROM TODAY TO SUNDAY.
"WE CHOSE THIS LOCATION FOR OUR FIRST EXHIBITION BECAUSE 300,000 PEOPLE FROM THIS NEIGHBOURHOOD ARE MOST DIRECTLY AFFECTED BY AIRPORT NOISE.
"WHEN THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK IS OPERATIONAL, RESIDENTS IN THIS AREA WILL NO LONGER HAVE TO SUFFER FROM NOISE NUISANCE ARISING FROM AIRPORT OPERATIONS," MR LAM SAID.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WERE CHAIRMAN OF THE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE ON THE NEW AIRPORT AND RELATED PROJECTS, MR WONG PO-YAN, CHAIRMAN OF WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD, MR CHAN KAM-MAN, AND CHAIRMAN OF KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD, MR WONG SIK-KONG.
------ 0------
PUBLIC WORKS ON DISPLAY AT FANLING CENTRE
*****
THE LAST OF A SERIES OF SEVEN ROVING EXHIBITIONS ON HONG KONG’S PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME WILL MOVE TO FANLING CENTRE SHOPPING ARCADE TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE WORKS BRANCH AND THE WORKS GROUP OF DEPARTMENTS TO MARK THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME, THE EXHIBITION HAS BEEN HELD IN WONG TAI SIN, QUARRY BAY, CENTRAL, TSIM SHA TSUI, HUNG HOM AND TUEN MUN SINCE MAY 1994.
IT WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AT THE FANLING CENTRE SHOPPING
ARCADE FROM 11 AM TO 8 PM TOMORROW, AND FROM 10 AM TO 8 PM THE NEXT
DAY.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WILL BE ABLE TO SEE HOW HONG KONG HAS
TRANSFORMED FROM A SMALL FISHING VILLAGE 150 YEARS AGO INTO AN
INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND FINANCIAL CENTRE.
PANELS WITH CHARTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS WILL BE PUT UP, SHOWING THE MAIN ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN BY THE WORKS BRANCH, THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS CO-ORDINATION OFFICE, AND SEVEN WORKS DEPARTMENTS ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES, CIVIL ENGINEERING, DRAINAGE SERVICES, ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES, HIGHWAYS, .TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT AND WATER SUPPLIES.
SHORT FILMS WILL BE SHOWN ON A FULL-SIZE VIDEO WALL TO ILLUSTRATE HOW PUBLIC MONEY IS SPENT ON BUILDING NEW TOWNS, HOSPITALS, SCHOOLS, PARKS, ROADS AND OTHER INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS TO IMPROVE RESIDENTS’ QUALITY OF LIFE.
ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS IS A SET OF FIVE PANORAMIC-VIEW PHOTOGRAPHS SHOWING THE CHANGES TO THE SKYLINE OF KOWLOON PENINSULA AND HONG KONG ISLAND OVER THE PAST 150 YEARS.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
AN OPENING CEREMONY FOR THE CONCLUDING PUBLIC WORKS EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD AT THE MAIN LOBBY, GROUND FLOOR, FANLING CENTRE SHOPPING ARCADE AT 11 AM TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
/OFFICIATING AT .....
-RIDAY, AUGUST 5, 1994
17
OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE DIRCTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, MR HU MAN-SHIU; THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR PANG HANG-YIN; AND THE ACTING NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ANDREW LAI.
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CEREMONY.
------0--------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,551 0930 -9
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,382 1000 -9
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 -9
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -9 1200 -9
LAF TODAY -160 1500 -9
1600 -9
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 123.1 ♦+0.2* 5.8.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.75 16 MONTHS 2511 4 . 15 98.30 5.60
1 MONTH 3.90 22 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100.65 6.04
3 MONTHS 4.21 30 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.94 6.50
6 MONTHS 4.57 33 MONTHS 3704 6.15 99.04 6.64
12 MONTHS 5.25 36 MONTHS 3707 6.95 100.68 6.81
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 18,620 MN
CLOSED 5 AUGUST 1994 ---------------------------------0--------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 1994
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
HK DELEGATION OFF TO YOKOHAMA FOR AIDS CONFERENCE........... 1
WATER TO BE DISCHARGED FROM SHENZHEN RESERVOIR.............. 1
LUCKY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS SALE BY AUCTION............ 2
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS . .. 3
SUNDAY, AUGUST 7, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HK DELEGATION ON AIDS WELCOMED IN JAPAN....................... 4
MORE SUPPORT FOR YOUTH CALLED................................. 4
FIRST SPANS ERECTED FOR ELEVATED EXPRESSWAY SECTION....... 6
ED OFFERS CAREERS ADVICE FOR S5 STUDENTS...................... 7
BEWARE OF TRICKSTERS.......................................... 7
47 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED................................ 8
ELECTORS URGED TO VOTE IN DB ELECTIONS........................ 8
AFD SUBSIDIES FOR SECONDARY STUDIES........................... 9
SYP “DISTRICT FUN DAY” AT KOWLOON PARK....................... 10
SATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 1994
HK DELEGATION OFF TO YOKOHAMA FOR AIDS CONFERENCE *****
A HONG KONG DELEGATION, LED BY THE SECRETARY ..FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, HAS LEFT FOR YOKOHAMA TODAY (SATURDAY) TO ATTEND THE 10TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON AIDS.
OTHER MEMBERS INCLUDE THE SECRETARY FOR HEATH AND WELFARE (DESIGNATE), MRS KATHERINE FOK, THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, DR MARGARET CHAN, AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM VARIOUS NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS ON AIDS.
I "
THE CONFERENCE, WHICH WILL BE HELD BETWEEN AUGUST 7 AND 12, IS THE MOST IMPORTANT INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON AIDS. IT IS BEING HELD IN ASIA FOR THE FIRST TIME.
CO-SPONSORED BY THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION AND THE INTERNATIONAL AIDS SOCIETY, THE EVENT WILL BE ATTENDED BY ABOUT 10,000 POLICY MAKERS, MEDICAL AND HEALTH PROFESSIONALS, SOCIAL WORKERS, EDUCATIONALISTS AND SCHOLARS FROM COUNTRIES ALL OVER THE WORLD.
"HONG KONG HAS ASSEMBLED THE LARGEST DELEGATION EVER TO THE CONFERENCE, WITH MORE THAN 30 MEMBERS COMING FROM MANY SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY,” MRS WONG SAID.
"THE SIZE OF THE DELEGATION REFLECTS THE EVER INCREASING CONCERN AND IMPORTANCE THE COMMUNITY ATTACHES TO THE FIGHT AGAINST AIDS,” SHE ADDED.
MRS WONG BELIEVED THAT THE TERRITORY WOULD BENEFIT FROM THE CONFERENCE AS THE DELEGATION COMPRISED PEOPLE WITH DIFFERENT PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND VIEWPOINTS, AND FROM BOTH THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS IN PARTNERSHIP TO COMBAT THE SPREAD OF AIDS.
HONG KONG DELEGATES WILL MAKE A TOTAL OF 14 PRESENTATIONS DURING THE CONFERENCE AND MRS WONG WILL ADDRESS THE CONFERENCE ON AUGUST 10 (WEDNESDAY).
THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND THE HONG KONG AIDS FOUNDATION WILL EACH SET UP AN EXHIBITION BOOTH IN YOKOHAMA, WHILE THE HONG KONG AIDS MEMORIAL QUILT PROJECT WILL STAGE A QUILT DISPLAY.
THE DELEGATION IS EXPECTED TO RETURN TO HONG KONG ON AUGUST 13 (SATURDAY).
---------0-----------
WATER TO BE DISCHARGED FROM SHENZHEN RESERVOIR *****
HONG KONG HAS BEEN INFORMED BY THE SHENZHEN AUTHORITY THAT WATER WOULD BE DISCHARGED FROM THE SHENZHEN RESERVOIR FROM ABOUT 7.50 PM TODAY (SATURDAY).
/2 ........
SATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 1994
2
LUCKY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS SALE BY AUCTION ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
ONE HUNDRED VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS WERE PUT UP FOR AUCTION TODAY (SATURDAY) FOR A TOTAL OF $4,468,000 WHICH WILL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOK CHARITY PURPOSES AFTER DEDUCTION OF EXPENSES.
THE AUCTION, HELD AT THE RECITAL HALL OF THE CITY HALL, SAW THE REGISTRATION MARK 61 FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE OF $1,200,000.
ANOTHER REGISTRATION MARK FYI WAS SOLD AT THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE OF $430,000, WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS $1,000 EACH FOR GA8577, GA6029, EF4445, FN6873 AND GA6074.
FOLLOWING ARE THE RESULTS OF TODAY’S MORNING SESSION AUCTION:
$ $ $ $
BB926 18,000 GA189 26,000 GA501 9,000 GA683 28,000
BK321 32,000 GA7890 6,000 GA889 42,000 FZ560 6,000
♦FC121 15,000 ♦GA818 34,000 ♦ FC33 106,000 *CY6 160,000
GA1081 3,000 BB650 15,000 GA182 20,000 GB148 28,000
GA3339 16,000 GA3228 32,000 GA288 58,000 GA884 10,000
GA662 20,000 ER228 70,000 EW1288 28,000 GA2808 18,000
BW730 14,000 GA479 8,000 GA669 26,000 GA9910 4,000
*GB36 60,000 *175 140,000 ♦ FY28 90,000 ♦EZ6000 28,000
GA1963 7,000 FB1009 11,000 GA8838 28,000 GA6811 8,000
GA2398 6,000 GA9303 3,000 GA6881 5,000 GA8577 1,000
AT1880 19,000 GA1993 3,000 ♦AH2002 33,000 GA307 8,000
GA1833 15,000 GA1778 15,000 GA8768 10,000 ♦CC9900 46,000
GA8738 5,000 DL7787 5,000
FOLLOWING ARE THE RESULTS OF TODAY’S AFTERNOON SESSION AUCTION:
$ $ $ $
GA119 25,000 GA163 75,000 GA2923 5,000 GA908 48,000
GA321 26,000 GA298 35,000 FN560 5,000 GA518 6,000
♦DD9900 70,000 »FH363 33,000 ♦ GA88 339,000 ♦ 61 1 ,200,000
GA4401 2,000 GA2328 23,000 AA380 80,000 GA1819 6,000
GA6003 4,000 GA981 10,000 GA388 66,000 GB923 5,000
GB168 120,000 EM228 70,000 GB129 28,000 BC8280 3,000
GA2028 15,000 CU867 5,000 GA1997 30,000 GA3669 3,000
♦ FC23 56,000 ♦ FY25 32,000 ♦ FYI 430,000 ♦GA8118 100,000
AD1812 11,000 GA1880 6,000 GA1328 22,000 GA7776 6,000
GA6029 1,000 GA1229 4,000 EF4445 1,000 GA3817 6,000
FX132 12,000 AU725 8,000 ♦DN2112 8,000 GA6880 7,000
AL9954 3,000 GA1098 5,000 GB1031 WITHDRAWN ♦GB8787 12,000
FN6873 1,000 GA6074 1,000
THERE WAS NO BIDDER FOR GB1031. IT WILL BE ASSIGNED TO THE ORIGINAL APPLICANT.
* SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK (NOT TRANSFERABLE)
/SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS .......
SATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 1994
- 3 -
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 234TH AND 235TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY REALISED SO FAR TO $335,560,905.
q . -------0----------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ♦ * * » *
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,382 0930 + 20
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,222 1000 + 20
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 + 20
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 20 1200 + 20
LAF TODAY -180 1500
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 122.9 ♦-0.2* 6.8.94
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/4.........
SUNDAY, AUGUST 7, 1994
4
HK DELEGATION ON AIDS WELCOMED IN JAPAN
* * * t * »
THE HONG KONG DELEGATION TO THE 10TH INTERNATIONAL AIDS CONFERENCE, LED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, WAS WARMLY WELCOMED AT ITS OPENING CEREMONY IN YOKOHAMA TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE CEREMONY WAS ATTENDED BY THE CROWN PRINCE AND THE CROWN PRINCESS OF JAPAN, AS WELL AS BY MORE THAN 12,000 DELEGATES FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER, MR TOMIICHI MURAYAMA, SAID AIDS WAS GOING TO BE A SERIOUS PROBLEM IN ASIA.
“WE CANNOT EXPECT MIRACLES TO HAPPEN SO THE IMPORTANT THINGS TO DO ARE TO SEEK A RESOLUTION THROUGH HOPE AND UNDERSTANDING, TO ADOPT A MULTI-DISCIPLINARY APPROACH AND TO REMOVE FEAR AND DISCRIMINATION,” MR MURAYAMA SAID.
AT THE RECEPTION OF THE OPENING CEREMONY, MRS ELIZABETH WONG EXCHANGED VIEWS ON WAYS TO COMBAT AIDS WITH THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION, DR HIROSHI NAKAJIMA.
MRS WONG ALSO SPOKE TO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE FOR THE CONFERENCE, MR YUICHI SHIOKAWA AND CONGRATULATED HIM ON THE EXCELLENT ARRANGEMENTS.
LATER SHE DISCUSSED WITH THE HEAD OF THE AIDS UNIT AT THE WORLD BANK, DR MICHAEL PORTER, THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF AIDS ON SOCIETY. SHE WILL HAVE FURTHER DISCUSSION WITH DR PORTER ON POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS TO THE THREAT OF AIDS IN THE REGION.
MEANWHILE, A BOOTH SET UP BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AT THE CONFERENCE ON HONG KONG EFFORTS IN COMBATTING AIDS HAS ALREADY RECEIVED WIDE ACCLAIM, ALTHOUGH THE EXHIBITION IS YET TO BE OFFICIALLY OPENED TOMORROW (MONDAY).
--------0-----------
MORE SUPPORT FOR YOUTH CALLED « * t t »
PARENTS, TEACHERS AND SOCIAL WORKERS SHOULD WORK HAND IN HAND TO HELP STUDENTS FACE THEIR STRESSES AND ANXIETIES WHEN THE RESULTS OF THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION ARE RELEASED ON TUESDAY (AUGUST 9).
THIS REMARK WAS MADE BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION ON YOUTH, MR ERIC LI, THIS (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TO INTRODUCE A REPORT OF A STUDY ON THE SUPPORTIVE SYSTEM FOR YOUNG PEOPLE, MR LI SAID APPRECIATION SHOULD BE GIVEN FOR THE EFFORTS MADE BY THE YOUNGSTERS EVEN THOUGH THE RESULTS MIGHT NOT BE AS SATISFACTORY AS ONE HOPES OR EXPECTS.
/HE URGED .......
JNDAY, AUGUST 7, 1994
- 5 -
HE URGED SCHOOL TEACHERS AND CAREER MASTERS TO ADVISE THE FIFTH-FORMERS AND THEIR PARENTS OF THE POSSIBLE OPTIONS FOR STUDY AND WORK.
MOREOVER, SOCIAL WORKERS COULD PROVIDE COUNSELLING SERVICE TO THOSE STUDENTS IN DISTRESS, HE SAID.
MR LI ALSO URGED THE TEENAGERS TO SEEK ADVICE FROM THEIR PARENTS AND TEACHERS, WHO WOULD BE ABLE TO GIVE THEM PROPER COUNSEL AND SUPPORT.
"SINCE PEER GROUP IS AN IMPORTANT SUPPORTIVE AGENT, AS THE STUDY HAS FOUND, YOUNG PEOPLE SHOULD ALSO ENCOURAGE THEIR CLASSMATES AND FRIENDS WHO ARE IN NEED OF SUPPORT TO TURN TO THEIR TEACHERS OR SOCIAL WORKERS FOR ASSISTANCE AND ADVICE,” HE ADDED.
REGARDING THE RECENTLY-COMPLETED STUDY ON THE SUPPORTIVE SYSTEM FOR YOUTH, THE WORKING GROUP CONVENOR, MR PAUL CHAN, SAID IT AIMED TO EXPLORE THE NATURE OF PROBLEMS THAT YOUNG PEOPLE GENERALLY ENCOUNTER, THEIR PATTERN OF SEEKING HELP FROM OTHERS, THE MAJOR SOURCES OF SUPPORT AND THEIR EXPECTATION OF VARIOUS SUPPORTIVE SYSTEMS.
THE SURVEY INVOLVED SMALL GROUP INTERVIEWS WITH SECONDARY ONE TO SEVEN STUDENTS AGED BETWEEN 11 AND 22, WITH A TOTAL OF 1,625 VALID QUESTIONNAIRES RECEIVED.
INITIAL FINDINGS SHOWED THAT OVER 60 PER CENT OF YOUNG PEOPLE SOMETIMES OR ALWAYS WORRIED ABOUT THEIR ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OR FUTURE PROSPECTS.
AMONG ALL SITUATIONS STUDIED, YOUNG PEOPLE FOUND MOST STRESSFUL WHEN THEY WERE REJECTED BY THEIR PEERS OR WHEN THEIR PARENTS HAD RELATIONSHIP PROBLEMS.
AS TO THE TENDENCY OF SEEKING HELP, THE SURVEY INDICATED THAT TEENAGERS USUALLY TURNED TO PEERS AS THE MAJOR SOURCE OF SUPPORT WHEN THEY CAME ACROSS STRESSFUL SITUATIONS.
THIS WAS MOST OBVIOUS WHEN THE YOUNGSTERS FELT EMOTIONALLY UNSTABLE OR EXPERIENCE BREAK-UP.
IT IS NOTEWORTHY THAT A SIGNIFICANT PROPORTION (20 PER CENT TO 50 PER CENT) OF THE YOUNGSTERS FELT THAT EITHER NOBODY OR ONLY THEMSELVES COULD BE OF HELP. THE PERCENTAGE WAS THE HIGHEST IN RELATION TO FAMILY AND SEX ISSUES.
NEVERTHELESS, THE STUDY REFLECTED THAT YOUNG PEOPLE DID HAVE EXPECTATION ON PARENTS FOR VARIOUS TYPES OF ASSISTANCE, INCLUDING EMOTIONAL SUPPORT, GUIDANCE AND REINFORCEMENT.
THEREFORE, THE WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDED THAT THE ROLE OF PARENTS, IN PARTICULAR THAT OF THE FATHER, BE ENHANCED AS A SUPPORTIVE AGENT, MR CHAN SAID.
"AS FAR AS PARENTS ARE CONCERNED, THEY SHOULD BE MORE OPEN, LIBERAL AND UNDERSTANDING TO MAKE THEMSELVES MORE ACCESSIBLE TO THEIR CHILDREN.
/"MOREOVER, PARENTS ........
SUNDAY, AUGUST 7, 1994
6
"MOREOVER, PARENTS AND TEACHERS SHOULD SHOW MORE CONCERN FOR THE YOUNG PEOPLE AND GIVE MORE RECOGNITION TO THEIR EFFORTS AS THE LEVEL OF THEIR SUPPORT IN THESE TWO AREAS FALL SHORT OF YOUNG PEOPLE’S EXPECTATION," HE ADDED.
MR CHAN ALSO SAID THE WORKING GROUP AND THE RESEARCHER WOULD UNDERTAKE MORE IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS OF THE FINDINGS, INCLUDING HOLDING FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSIONS WITH YOUNG PEOPLE AND A SEMINAR ON THE DETAILED FINDINGS.
------0--------
FIRST SPANS ERECTED FOR ELEVATED EXPRESSWAY SECTION
*****
CONSTRUCTION OF THE WEST KOWLOON EXPRESSWAY, AN AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME (ACP) PROJECT, HAS MOVED STEADILY AHEAD WITH TWO SPANS OF THE EXPRESSWAY’S ELEVATED NORTHERN SECTION BEING PLACED INTO POSITION.
THE 4.2-KILOMETRE EXPRESSWAY WILL RUN FROM THE WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING TOLL PLAZA TO MEI FOO.
COMPLETION OF THE FIRST TWO SPANS ON THE NORTHERN ELEVATED SECTION MARKS A SIGNIFICANT STAGE IN THE PROJECT.
BOTH SPANS ARE 37 METRES LONG, EACH COMPRISING 12 PRECAST CONCRETE SEGMENTS.
THEY WERE PLACED IN POSITION BY A RELATIVELY NEW METHOD OF CONSTRUCTION, THE BALANCED CANTILEVER METHOD, USING PRECAST CONCRETE SEGMENTS.
IN THIS METHOD, THE SEGMENTS, EACH WEIGHING BETWEEN 60 AND 80 TONNES, ARE LIFTED BY CRANES, AND THEN MANOEUVRED INTO POSITION ON A VIADUCT PIER.
IN ALL, THERE WILL BE ABOUT 2,300 PRECAST SEGMENTS ON THE 2.7-KILOMETRE VIADUCT SECTION AND ITS ASSOCIATED RAMPS.
LAST MONTH, THE FIRST SPAN OF THE ROUTE 3 RAMBLER CHANNEL BRIDGE WAS PLACED INTO POSITION BY USING A SIMILAR BALANCED CANTILEVER TECHNIQUE.
THE EXPRESSWAY, A 4.2-KILOMETRE DUAL THREE-LANE HIGHWAY, IS BEING BUILT ON THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION AS PART OF THE ROAD NETWORK WHICH WILL CONNECT THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK AND TUNG CHUNG NEW TOWN TO THE URBAN AREAS.
CONSTRUCTION OF THE EXPRESSWAY IS DIVIDED INTO TWO MAIN CONTRACTS, NORTH AND SOUTH. THE NORTH SECTION IS BEING BUILT BY KUMAGAI-MAEDA-CRABC JOINT VENTURE WHILE THE SOUTH SECTION IS BEING BUILT BY AOKI CORPORATION.
WORK STARTED IN AUGUST LAST YEAR AND BOTH SECTIONS ARE TARGETTED FOR COMPLETION IN LATE 1996.
THE EXPRESSWAY WILL FORM PART OF ROUTE 3, WHICH WILL RUN FROM HONG KONG ISLAND THROUGH THE NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES.
------0-------
/7.......
SUNDAY, AUGUST 7, 1994
- 7 -
ED OFFERS CAREERS ADVICE FOR S5 STUDENTS » » t « *
ADVICE AND GUIDANCE ON FURTHER STUDIES AND CAREERS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SECONDARY 5 SCHOOL LEAVERS AT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S CAREERS EDUCATION CENTRE IN ROOM 206, MONG KOK GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 30 LUEN WAN STREET, MONG KOK FROM TUESDAY (AUGUST 9) TO FRIDAY (AUGUST 12).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT OFFICERS WOULD BE ON DUTY DURING THESE FOUR DAYS FROM 8.45 AM TO 5.30 PM TO ANSWER STUDENTS’ ENQUIRIES.
IN EXPECTATION OF AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF YOUNG VISITORS WHO WOULD HAVE RECEIVED THE RESULTS OF THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION ON TUESDAY MORNING, THE CENTRE WILL OPERATE DURING LUNCH HOUR.
STUDENTS CAN GET MATERIALS ON OPPORTUNITIES FOR FURTHER STUDIES AND TRAINING, AND INFORMATION ON VARIOUS PROFESSIONS.
EXCEPT THESE FOUR DAYS, THE CENTRE WILL RESUME ITS NORMAL OFFICE HOURS FROM 8.45 AM TO 12.45 PM AND 2.15 PM TO 4.45 PM FROM MONDAYS TO FRIDAYS, AND 9.15 AM TO 11.45 AM ON SATURDAYS.
------0--------
BEWARE OF TRICKSTERS » « » » »
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT (SWD) TODAY (SUNDAY) WARNED WELFARE RECIPIENTS TO WATCH OUT FOR TRICKSTERS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT REITERATED THAT NO MONEY WOULD BE DEMANDED FROM SWD STAFF IN ORDER TO PROCESS ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS TO THE NEEDY.
"IT HAD BEEN FOUND THAT ELDERLY CUSTOMERS RECEIVING ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS FORM THE DEPARTMENT COULD EASILY FALL PREY TO IMPOSTERS CLAIMING TO BE OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT OR VOLUNTEERS.
"IT HAD BEEN REPORTED THAT THEY GAINED ACCESS INTO THE FLAT OF THE ELDERLY AND ROBBED THEM OF THEIR LIFE-SAVINGS.
"WE URGE THEM TO BE ON GUARD AND BE WARY OF TRICKSTERS. THEY SHOULD CHECK FOR THE DEPARTMENTAL IDENTITY CARDS OF VISITORS WHO CLAIMED TO BE SWD STAFF," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE REITERATED THAT THE SERVICES IN MAKING ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS WERE ENTIRELY FREE OF CHARGE AND ANY DEMANDS FOR MONEY FROM PEOPLE CLAIMING TO BE SWD STAFF SHOULD BE BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE NEAREST SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNIT OR THE POLICE FOR INVESTIGATION.
POSTERS ADVISING WELFARE RECIPIENTS TO BE BEWARE OF TRICKSTERS HAVE BEEN POSTED AT THE DEPARTMENT’S SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNITS TO AROUSE PUBLIC AWARENESS.
"THE PUBLIC CAN CALL THE NEAREST SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNIT OR (TIE SWD HOTLINE 343 2255 WHEN IN DOUBT," HE SAID.
- - 0----------
/8........
SUNDAY, AUGUST 7, 1994
- 8 -
47 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED *****
THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT APPROVED 47 NEW BUILDING PLANS IN APRIL THIS YEAR.
OF THE PLANS, NINE ARE FOR HONG KONG ISLAND, 14 FOR KOWLOON AND 24 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE APPROVED PLANS INCLUDE 16 FOR APARTMENT AND APARTMENT/COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS, 17 FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS AND SEVEN FOR FACTORY AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTS.
IN THE SAME MONTH, CONSENT WAS GIVEN FOR WORK TO START ON 37 BUILDING PROJECTS, WHICH INVOLVE 97,259.8 SQUARE METRES OF USABLE DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA AND 99,879.9 SQUARE METRES OF USABLE NON-DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA.
THE DECLARED COST OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED IN THE MONTH TOTALLED ABOUT $887 MILLION.
OF THE BUILDINGS CERTIFIED FOR OCCUPATION IN THE MONTH, USABLE
FLOOR AREAS FOR DOMESTIC AND NON-DOMESTIC USES ARE 32,841.4 SQUARE
METRES AND 70,658.5 SQUARE METRES RESPECTIVELY.
IN THE SAME MONTH, THE DEPARTMENT ISSUED 25 OCCUPATION PERMITS
- EIGHT FOR HONG KONG ISLAND, FIVE FOR KOWLOON AND 12 FOR THE NEW
TERRITORIES.
IN ADDITION, 26 DEMOLITION CONSENTS INVOLVING 73 BUILDINGS WERE ISSUED.
THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT’S CONTROL AND ENFORCEMENT DIVISION RECEIVED 530 COMPLAINTS OF UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS, CARRIED OUT 1,578 INSPECTIONS AND ISSUED 310 REMOVAL ORDERS ON THE UNAUTHORISED WORKS.
THE DEPARTMENT’S DANGEROUS BUILDINGS SECTION ALSO INSPECTED 850 BUILDINGS AND OBTAINED NINE EMERGENCY CLOSURE ORDERS FROM THE COURT.
------0-------
ELECTORS URGED TO VOTE IN DB ELECTIONS
*****
THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WONG HON-HO, TODAY (SUNDAY) CALLED ON ELECTORS TO EXERCISE THEIR CIVIC RIGHTS BY CASTING THEIR VOTES IN THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS ON SEPTEMBER 18.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF A WALKATHON ORGANISED BY THE KWUN TONG SPORTS PROMOTION ASSOCIATION IN SAI KUNG, MR WONG STRESSED THAT THE FORTHCOMING ELECTIONS WAS THE MOST IMPORTANT IN THE HISTORY OF THE DISTRICT BOARDS.
’’THIS WILL BE THE FIRST TIME THAT ALL DISTRICT BOARD SEATS WOULD BE ELECTED, AND CANDIDATES WILL BE COMPETING FOR A RECORD NUMBER OF 346 SEATS IN THE 18 DISTRICT BOARDS,” HE SAID.
/HE URGED .......
SUNDAY, AUGUST 7, 1994
- 9 -
HE URGED THE PUBLIC TO ACTIVELY SUPPORT THE ELECTION
ACTIVITIES.
HE SAID: "MUTUAL AIDS COMMITTEES AND OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS SHOULD ALLOW CANDIDATES TO PUBLICISE THEIR ELECTION PLATFORMS IN THEIR HOUSING ESTATES AND BUILDINGS."
MR WONG ALSO APPEALED TO THE GROUPS OF FIRST-TIME VOTERS AGED BETWEEN 18 AND 21 TO TURN OUT IN FULL FORCE ON THE POLLING DAY.
HE REITERATED THAT DISTRICT BOARDS PERFORMED A MAJOR FUNCTION IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF HONG KONG AND HAD PROVED VERY EFFECTIVE IN IMPROVING ENVIRONMENT AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES, AS WELL AS REFLECTING RESIDENTS’ VIEWS TO THE GOVERNMENT ON A RANGE OF ISSUES.
------0-------
AFD SUBSIDIES FOR SECONDARY STUDIES
*****
CHILDREN OF FARMING AND FISHING FAMILIES IN NEED OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO COMPLETE THEIR SECONDARY EDUCATION ARE REMINDED TO APPLY EARLY FOR THE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS AND MARINE FISH SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT SAID APPLICATIONS FOR THE SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS WILL CLOSE ON AUGUST 17 (WEDNESDAY).
APPLICATION FORMS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS ON THE 12TH FLOOR OF CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 393 CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON AND FROM VARIOUS DISTRICT AGRICULTURAL AND FISHERIES LIAISON OFFICES.
APPLICANTS MUST BE STUDENTS IN FORMS 4 TO 7 AND THE AWARDS CAN BE TENABLE AT ANY SECONDARY SCHOOL IN HONG KONG.
SCHOLARSHIPS MAY BE AWARDED TO STUDENTS WHO HAVE ACHIEVED A STANDARD OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"STUDENTS MAY ALSO APPLY FOR GRANTS TO COVER TUITION FEES AND PURCHASE OF BOOKS. SUCH SUBMISSIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED ON A FINANCIAL-NEED BASIS," HE ADDED.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT APPLICATION PROCEDURES MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE SECRETARY OF THE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS AND MARINE FISH SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TEL 733 2249.
------0 - -
/10........
SUNDAY, AUGUST 7, 1994
- 10 -
SYP "DISTRICT FUN DAY" AT KOWLOON PARK *****
THE "DISTRICT FUN DAY" ORGANISED BY THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME COMMITTEE WAS A CENTRE OF ATTRACTION AT THE PIAZZA OF KOWLOON PARK TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE ENTHUSIASM OF THE YOUNG PEOPLE TAKING PART IN THE SUMMER YOUTH ACTIVITIES HAD BRIGHTENED UP THE PIAZZA IN THE MISERABLE WEATHER.
IN ADDITION TO MARCHING BAND AND LION DANCE, THE "YOUTH VANGUARDS" OF THE HONG KONG SPORTS DEVELOPMENT BOARD ALSO GAVE A DEMONSTRATION OF A VARIETY OF SPORTS GAMES.
AFTER THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE 19 CHAIRMEN REPRESENTING THE DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEES VISITED THE SYP ACTIVITIES AT TAI HANG TUNG COMMUNITY CENTRE AND THE HONG KONG PLAZA OF WHAMPOA GARDEN IN KOWLOON.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
STUDY ON KWUN LUNG LAU COLLAPSE THE MOST PRESSING TASK .... 1
TRANSCRIPT OF ACTING GOVERNOR SPEAKING TO THE PRESS...... 2
INSIDER DEALING TRIBUNAL..................................... 2
TENDER FOR THE SIXTH ISSUE OF TWO-YEAR EXCHANGE FUND NOTES NEXT MONDAY............................................ 3
A FURTHER S2M GRANTED FOR DISASTER RELIEF IN RWANDA...... 4
PEOPLE SATISFIED WITH PRESENT SITUATION: POLL................ 5
GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT: PRELIMINARY ESTIMATE FOR THE FIRST
QUARTER OF 1994 AND REVISED ESTIMATES FOR 1992 AND 1993 ..... 6
TST LIGHT BUOY ESTABLISHED............................... 11
REO RECEIVES 123 COMPLAINTS................................. 12
606 NOMINATIONS RECEIVED.................................... 12
IMMIGRATION OFFICERS ON OVERSEAS TRAINING................... 13
WATER STORAGE FIGURE...................................... 13
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .... 14
MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 1994
- 1 -
STUDY ON KWUN LUNG LAU COLLAPSE THE MOST PRESSING TASK « * » » *
THE ACTING GOVERNOR, MRS ANSON CHAN, THIS (MONDAY) AFTERNOON SAID THE MOST PRESSING TASK ON THE KWUN LUNG LAU COLLAPSE AT THE MOMENT WAS TO COMPLETE THE INVESTIGATION SO THAT THE GOVERNMENT COULD DETERMINE FURTHER ACTION TO BE TAKEN.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES LOBBY AFTER HER MEETING WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE LEGCO HOUSE COMMITTEE, MRS CHAN SAID: "I AM HOPING THAT THE PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION REPORT WILL BE MADE PUBLIC VERY, VERY SHORTLY, CERTAINLY WITHIN THIS WEEK. AND, OF COURSE, THERE WILL BE A MORE DETAILED REPORT TO FOLLOW."
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HOUSE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MRS ELSIE TU, AND MEMBER MR ANDREW WONG MET MRS CHAN THIS MORNING TO RELAY THE COMMITTEE’S REQUEST FOR A JUDICIAL ENQUIRY INTO THE INCIDENT.
"WE WILL CONSIDER THIS WHEN WE RECEIVE A FORMAL LETTER TOGETHER WITH THE TERMS OF REFERENCE," MRS CHAN SAID.
"BUT, I DID POINT OUT TO THE TWO LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS THAT THE JUDICIAL ENQUIRY HAS TO BE THE DECISION OF THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL AND AT THE MOMENT, THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IS IN RECESS."
ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL GEOTECHNICAL EXPERT ENGAGED BY THE GOVERNMENT, MRS CHAN SAID SHE WAS EXPECTING DR NORBERT MORGENSTERN TO ARRIVE ON AUGUST 19.
"WHEN THE EXPERT ARRIVES, WE WILL BE VERY HAPPY FOR THE EXPERT TO MEET WITH THE LEGCO PANEL TO DISCUSS THE AREA OF HIS WORK," SHE SAID.
"WE INTEND TO MAKE AVAILABLE HIS FINDINGS AND IN THE LIGHT OF HIS FINDINGS ON THE KWUN LUNG LAU COLLAPSE, I AM SURE WE WILL GET USEFUL POINTERS AS TO WHETHER OUR CURRENT PROGRAMME OF STABILISING SLOPES IS ALONG THE RIGHT APPROACH AND IF IT IS NOT, IN WHAT WAY WE SHOULD IMPROVE IT.”
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/2 .......
MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 1994
2
TRANSCRIPT OF ACTING GOVERNOR SPEAKING TO THE PRESS *****
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE ACTING GOVERNOR, MRS ANSON CHAN, SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES LOBBY AFTER MEETING REPRESENTATIVES OF THE LEGCO HOUSE COMMITTEE THIS (MONDAY) AFTERNOON:
MRS CHAN: I HAD A SESSION THIS MORNING WITH MRS TU AND WITH MR ANDREW WONG AND THEY RELAYED TO ME THE REQUEST OF THE HOUSE COMMITTEE TO REQUEST A JUDICIAL ENQUIRY. OF COURSE, WE WILL CONSIDER THIS WHEN WE RECEIVE A FORMAL LETTER TOGETHER WITH TERMS OF REFERENCE. BUT, I DID POINT OUT TO THE TWO LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS THAT OF COURSE, THE JUDICIAL ENQUIRY HAS TO BE THE DECISION OF THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL AND AT THE MOMENT, AS YOU KNOW, EXCO IS IN RECESS. I THINK OUR MOST PRESSING TASK AT THE MOMENT IS TO COMPLETE THE INVESTIGATION OF THE COLLAPSE SO THAT WE CAN DETERMINE WHAT FURTHER ACTION IS TO BE TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT. 1 AM HOPING THAT THE PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION REPORT WILL BE MADE PUBLIC VERY, VERY SHORTLY, CERTAINLY WITHIN THIS WEEK. AND, OF COURSE, THERE WILL BE A MORE DETAILED REPORT TO FOLLOW. WE HAVE ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT WE’RE ENGAGING THIS INTERNATIONAL EXPERT.
I AM EXPECTING HIM TO ARRIVE ON THE 19TH. WHEN THE EXPERT ARRIVES, WE WILL BE VERY HAPPY FOR THE EXPERT TO MEET WITH THE LEGCO PANEL TO DISCUSS THE AREA OF HIS WORK. WE INTEND TO MAKE AVAILABLE HIS FINDINGS AND IN THE LIGHT OF HIS FINDINGS ON THE KWUN LUNG LAU COLLAPSE, I AM SURE WE WILL GET USEFUL POINTERS AS TO WHETHER OUR CURRENT PROGRAMME OF STABILISING SLOPES IS ALONG THE RIGHT APPROACH AND IF IT IS NOT, IN WHAT WAY WE SHOULD IMPROVE IT.
------0-------
INSIDER DEALING TRIBUNAL
*****
THE INSIDER DEALING TRIBUNAL WILL HOLD A PRELIMINARY HEARING ON THE PUBLIC INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENTS LIMITED (PIIL) CASE ON WEDNESDAY (AUGUST 10), A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
IN FEBRUARY 1994, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY REFERRED TO THE TRIBUNAL FOR AN INQUIRY, A CASE INVOLVING DEALING IN THE SHARES OF PIIL IN DECEMBER 1992.
THIS IS THE SECOND CASE REFERRED TO THE TRIBUNAL SINCE NEW INSIDER DEALING LAWS CAME INTO EFFECT IN 1991.
THE COMMENCEMENT OF THIS INQUIRY HAS HAD TO AWAIT THE CONCLUSION OF THE INQUIRY INTO DEALING IN SHARES OF SUCCESS HOLDINGS LIMITED.
THAT INQUIRY TOOK PLACE IN MAY 1994, THE TRIBUNAL SUBMITTED ITS REPORT TO THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY IN JUNE AND THE GOVERNMENT PUBLISHED IT IN LATE JULY.
/ON JULY 1.........
MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 1994
3
ON JULY 1, 1994, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY APPOINTED MR DEREK MURPHY AND PROFESSOR RICHARD HO YAN-KI AS LAY MEMBERS TO HEAR THE PUL CASE. THE TRIBUNAL’S CHAIRMAN IS MR JUSTICE STOCK.
"AT THE PRELIMINARY HEARING, THE TRIBUNAL WILL ANNOUNCE ITS TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THIS INQUIRY, STATE ITS PROPOSED PROCEDURE, AND SET A DATE FOR THE SUBSTANTIVE HEARING," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE HEARING WILL BE HELD AT 10 AM IN COURT NO. 26, SUPREME COURT BUILDING.
--------0-----------
TENDER FOR THE SIXTH ISSUE OF TWO-YEAR EXCHANGE FUND NOTES NEXT MONDAY *****
THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY ANNOUNCES THAT THE TENDER FOR THE SIXTH ISSUE OF TWO-YEAR EXCHANGE FUND NOTES WILL BE HELD NEXT MONDAY (AUGUST 15) FOR SETTLEMENT ON TUESDAY (AUGUST 16).
SIMILAR TO THE PREVIOUS ISSUE, AN AMOUNT OF $500 MILLION TWO-YEAR EXCHANGE FUND NOTES WILL BE ON OFFER.
ANOTHER $100 MILLION FOR EACH ISSUE WILL BE HELD AS RESERVE BY THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY FOR SUPPLY TO MARKET MAKERS IN THE SECONDARY MARKET.
THE NOTES WILL MATURE ON AUGUST 16, 1996 AND WILL CARRY
INTEREST AT THE RATE OF 6.15 PER CENT PER ANNUM PAYABLE SEMI-ANNUALLY IN ARREARS.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO TENDER FOR THE NOTES MAY DO SO THROUGH ANY OF THE MARKET MAKERS OR RECOGNISED DEALERS ON THE PUBLISHED LIST WHICH CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE HONG KONG MONETARY
AUTHORITY AT 30TH FLOOR, 3 GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG (OR TELEPHONE
878 8150). EACH TENDER MUST BE AN AMOUNT OF $50,000 OR INTEGRAL
MULTIPLES THEREOF.
TENDER INFORMATION FOR THE SIXTH ISSUE OF TWO-YEAR EXCHANGE FUND NOTES IS AS FOLLOWS:
ISSUE NUMBER : 2608
TENDER DATE AND TIME : MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 1994, 9.30 AM TO
10.30 AM
ISSUE AND SETTLEMENT DATE : TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 1994
AMOUNT ON OFFER : HK$500 MILLION PLUS AN ADDITIONAL
HK$100 MILLION AS RESERVE STOCK FOR THE MONETARY AUTHORITY
MATURITY : TWO YEARS
MATURITY DATE : AUGUST 16, 1996
/INTEREST RATE : .......
MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 1994
4
INTEREST RATE
INTEREST PAYMENT DATES
TENDER AMOUNT
OTHER DETAILS
: 6.15 PER CENT PER ANNUM PAYABLE SEMIANNUALLY IN ARREARS
: FEBRUARY 16, 1995, AUGUST 16, 1995 FEBRUARY 16, 1996, AUGUST 16, 1996
; EACH TENDER MUST BE FOR AN AMOUNT OF HK$50,000 OR INTEGRAL MULTIPLES THEREOF. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO TEDNER FOR THE NOTES MAY APPROACH MARKET MAKERS OR RECOGNISED DEALERS ON THE PUBLISHED LIST
: PLEASE SEE INFORMATION MEMORANDUM PUBLISHED OR APPROACH MARKET MAKERS OR RECOGNISED DEALERS
-----0-------
A FURTHER $2M GRANTED FOR DISASTER RELIEF IN RWANDA
*****
THE DISASTER RELIEF FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE TODAY (MONDAY) RECOMMENDED THAT A GRANT OF $2 MILLION BE MADE FROM THE DISASTER RELIEF FUND FOR EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE TO RWANDAN CHILDREN.
’’THE RECOMMENDATION WAS MADE IN RESPONSE TO AN APPLICATION FROM WORLD VISION HONG KONG, WHICH SUBMITTED A PROPOSAL TO PROVIDE RELIEF SERVICES FOR UNACCOMPANIED CHILDREN IN RWANDA FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
"HAVING REGARD TO THE PLIGHT OF THESE CHILDREN, THE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED THAT THE APPLICATION BE SUPPORTED. THE COMMITTEE HOPES THAT THE PROPOSED GRANT WILL STIMULATE A FURTHER RESPONSE FROM THE PUBLIC AT LARGE," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
TO ENSURE THAT THE GRANT WILL BE USED FOR THE DESIGNATED PURPOSES, WORLD VISION HONG KONG WILL BE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT TO THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AN EVALUATION REPORT AND AN AUDITED ACCOUNT ON THE USE OF THE GRANT.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE GRANT WOULD BE PROCESSED IMMEDIATELY AND THIS WOULD BE THE THIRD TIME THAT GRANTS HAD BEEN MADE FROM THE FUND FOR THE RWANDAN CRISIS.
A GRANT OF $2 MILLION WAS MADE TO OXFAM HONG KONG IN JUNE AS A CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS THE RELIEF PROGRAMME FOR RWANDAN REFUGEES IN TANZANIA.
TWO WEEKS AGO, THREE GRANTS TOTALLING $8 MILLION WERE MADE TO THREE RELIEF ORGANISATIONS, NAMELY HONG KONG RED CROSS, MEDECINS SANS FRONTIERES HONG KONG AND HONG KONG COMMITTEE FOR UNITED NATIONS CHILDREN’S FUND, IN SUPPORT OF THEIR RELIEF PROGRAMMES FOR THE RWANDANS.
/THE SPOKESMAN .......
MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 1994
5
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT PUBLIC DONATIONS AND APPROPRIATIONS FROM THE GENERAL REVENUE ARE THE MAIN SOURCES OF THE FUND. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO DONATE TO THE FUND FOR GENERAL RELIEF PURPOSES, HE SAID.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE TO THE SECRETARY TO THE DISASTER RELIEF FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE AT ROOM 553, EAST WING, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES OR ON TEL 810 3503.
THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE IS CHAIRED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY. OTHER MEMBERS ARE MS ROSANNA WONG, DR RAYMOND CH'IEN, MRS ELSIE TU, MR HUI YIN-FAT, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE AND THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY.
--------0-----------
PEOPLE SATISFIED WITH PRESENT SITUATION: POLL *****
THE LATEST OPINION SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE HOME AFFAIRS BRANCH IN JULY SHOWED THAT 66 PER CENT OF RESIDENTS BELIEVED THAT THE PRESENT SITUATION WOULD EITHER IMPROVE OR REMAIN THE SAME IN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS.
THIS REPRESENTS AN INCREASE OF FOUR PERCENTAGE POINTS OVER THAT RECORDED IN A SIMILAR SURVEY IN MAY.
AND 72 PER CENT OF THOSE INTERVIEWED SAID THEY WERE SATISFIED WITH THE STATUS QUO, THE SAME AS THAT FOUND TWO MONTHS AGO.
THE BI-MONTHLY SURVEY WAS PART OF A SERIES TO MONITOR PUBLIC OPINION TRENDS IN RESPECT OF PERCEIVED PROBLEMS IN HONG KONG, PEOPLE’S EXPECTATIONS OF THE GENERAL SITUATION AND THE GOVERNMENT’S PERFORMANCE.
A TOTAL OF 1,524 PEOPLE WERE SUCESSFULLY INTERVIEWED BY TELEPHONE DURING THE PERIOD BETWEEN JULY 11 AND 15.
GENERALLY SPEAKING, FEWER RESPONDENTS (64 PER CENT) REPLIED THAT THERE WERE PROBLEMS THAT NEEDED TO BE RESOLVED AS COMPARED TO THE LAST SURVEY (69 PER CENT).
THE THREE ISSUES MOST MENTIONED BY THE RESPONDENTS ARE ’’HOUSING” (47 PER CENT), ’’HONGKONG FUTURE" (32 PER CENT) AND ’’TRANSPORT" (26 PER CENT).
THE PERCENTAGES IN THE LAST SURVEY WERE 54 PER CENT, 39 PER CENT AND 26 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
THE PERCENTAGE OF PEOPLE SAYING THE GOVERNMENT HAI) EXERTED EFFORT IN SOLVING HOUSING-RELATED PROBLEM ALSO INCREASED.
OUT OF THE RESPONDENTS WHO MENTIONED HOUSING AS A PROBLEM, 71 PER CENT CONSIDERED THAT THE ADMINISTRATION HAD MADE AN EFFORT, A RISE OF THREE PERCENTAGE POINTS OVER THAT RECORDED IN MAY.
AND 55 PER CENT (68 PER CENT IN MAY) EXPRESSED CONCERN THAT THE ’’PRICE OF PRIVATE HOUSING WAS TOO HIGH”.
------0--------
Z6 .....
MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 1994
- 6 -
GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT:
PRELIMINARY ESTIMATE FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994 AND REVISED ESTIMATES FOR 1992 AND 1993 *****
HONG KONG’S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP) GREW BY 5.5% IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994 IN REAL TERMS OVER THE SAME QUARTER IN 1993, ACCORDING TO THE PRELIMINARY ESTIMATES RELEASED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY).
AMONG THE MAIN COMPONENTS OF THE GDP ESTIMATES, PRIVATE CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE CONTINUED TO GROW BY 10.6% IN REAL TERMS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994 OVER THE SAME QUARTER IN 1993. UNDERLYING THIS GROWTH WAS A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN EXPENDITURE ON BOTH CONSUMER GOODS AND SERVICES.
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, GOVERNMENT CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE (DEFINED IN NATIONAL ACCOUNTS TERMS) INCREASED BY 3.1% IN REAL TERMS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994 OVER THE SAME QUARTER IN 1993.
GROSS DOMESTIC FIXED CAPITAL FORMATION PICKED UP SIGNIFICANTLY TO SHOW AN INCREASE OF 13.2% IN REAL TERMS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994 OVER A YEAR EARLIER.
WITHIN THIS COMPONENT, EXPENDITURE ON CONSTRUCTION SHOWED A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE OF 25.5%, WHILE EXPENDITURE ON MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT RECORDED A MODERATE INCREASE OF 2.3%.
REGARDING EXTERNAL TRADE IN GOODS, TOTAL EXPORTS GREW BY 7.5% IN REAL TERMS, WHILST IMPORTS GREW BY 8.1% IN REAL TERMS OVER THE SAME PERIOD.
AS REGARDS EXPORT OF SERVICES, THE GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS WAS 8.6% IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994 OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993. THE CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATE FOR IMPORT OF SERVICES WAS 9.7%.
THE IMPLICIT PRICE DEFLATOR OF GDP, AS A BROAD MEASURE OF OVERALL INFLATION IN THE ECONOMY, ROSE BY 8.4% IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994 OVER THE SAME QUARTER IN 1993.
ALONG WITH THE RELEASE OF THE PRELIMINARY GDP ESTIMATES FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994, GDP ESTIMATES FOR 1992 AND 1993 HAVE BEEN REVISED, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT LATEST DATA SOURCES, INCLUDING MAINLY THE RESULTS OF THE 1992 ANNUAL ECONOMIC SURVEYS AND THE 1993 SURVEY OF REEXPORT TRADE.
GENERALLY SPEAKING, THE EXTENT OF REVISION IS SMALL. THE REAL GROWTH RATE OF GDP IS SLIGHTLY REVISED UPWARDS FROM 5.3% TO 5.6% FOR 1992, AND FROM 5.5% TO 5.6% FOR 1993.
FOR THE PRODUCTION-BASED GDP, THE REVISED (AUGUST 94) ESTIMATES FOR 1992 SHOW THAT, AMONG THE VARIOUS ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES, “WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS" ACCOUNTED FOR THE LARGEST SHARE (26.1%) OF GDP, FOLLOWED BY "FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES" (24.4%), ’’COMMUNITY, SOCIAL AND PERSONAL SERVICES" (15.4%) AND ’’MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES” (13.8%).
/THE LATEST .......
MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 1994
THE LATEST EXPENDITURE-BASED GDP FIGURES ARE PRESENTED IN TABLES 1 AND 2. THE REVISED PRODUCTION-BASED GDP FIGURES FOR 1992 ARE PRESENTED IN TABLE 3.
THE LATEST ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE-BASED GDP FROM THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1992 TO THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994 ARE PUBLISHED IN A REPORT ENTITLED "QUARTERLY ESTIMATES OF GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT, 1ST QUARTER 1994". THE REVISED (AUGUST 94) PRODUCTION-BASED GDP ESTIMATES FOR 1992 ARE ALSO INCLUDED IN THE PUBLICATION.
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IS UNDERTAKING A NONROUTINE REVISION OF THE ESTIMATES OF GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT.
THE EXERCISE ADOPTS AN IMPROVED COVERAGE OF EXPORT AND IMPORT OF SERVICES STATISTICS AND REBASES THE EXPENDITURE-BASED SERIES FROM 1980 TO 1990.
RESULTS OF THIS REVISION ARE SCHEDULED FOR RELEASE IN LATE AUGUST 1994.
STARTING FROM THE 1ST QUARTER 1994 ISSUE, THE QUARTERLY REPORT ON GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT ESTIMATES IS PUBLISHED IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE IN A COMBINED REPORT.
THE REPORT IS NOW ON SALE AT $6.5 PER COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, HONG KONG; AND AT THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
ENQUIRIES MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE NATIONAL INCOME BRANCH (1) OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT BY CALLING 582 5077.
/Table 1 .......
MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 1994
- 8 -
Table 1 Expenditure-based GDP Estimates
first quarter of 1992 to first quarter of 1994
GDP at Current Market Prices GDP at Constant (1980) Market Prices
Year/quarter HK$ Md % change over same period of the preceding year HK$ Mn % change over same period of the preceding year
1992 748,497 16.4 288,694 5.6
1993 851,174 13.7 304,850 5.6
1992 QI 165,565 18.5 64,887 5.4
Q2 178,088 17.2 67,948 5.6
Q3 199,565 15.7 77,670 5.9
Q4 205,279 14.9 78,189 5.4
1993 QI 191,809 15.9 68,715 5.9
Q2 202,595 13.8 71,549 5.3
Q3 226,121 ’13.3 82,175 5.8
Q4 230,649 12.4 82,411 5.4
1994 QI 219,259 14.3 72,494 5.5
/Table 2 .......
Table 2 Expenditure-based GDP Estimates
Quarterly_Y.ear7on~year Growth Rates, first quarter of 1993 to first quarter of 1994
Expenditure
Components of GDP
% change over same period of the preceding year At-current market prices At constant (1980) market prices
/Table 3
1993 1994 1993 1994 01
01 Q2 01 01 Annual 01 01 02 Q3 01 Annual
Private consumption expenditure 14.4 14.9 11.8 15.2 14.1 16.2 7.6 8.0 5.7 9.5 7.7 10.6
Government consumption expenditure 10.1 13.4 11.8 10.3 11.4 13.2 -0.8 3.2 1.3 -0.1 0.9 3.1
Gross domestic fixed capital formation 10.9 10.7 10.5 6.2 9.5 25.8 7.2 6.7 4.7 0.7 4.7 13.2
of which : Construction 10.0 14.6 17.8 10.0 12.9 31.0 7.9 13.6 12.1 3.6 9.0 25.5
Machinery and equipment 21.6 17.4 8.8 3.5 11.9 4.9 19.0 12.5 5.1 0.9 8.5 2.3
Total export of goods 18.4 12.4 14.3 8.8 13.1 8.6 18.8 11.5 14.2 9.1 13.1 7.5
Import of goods 17.7 11.8 14.7 6.3 12.2 9.8 19.5 12.0 15.2 6.5 12.8 8.1
Export of services 16.8 14.2 13.5 11.7 13.8 15.8 9.9 6.8 8.6 6.4 7.8 8.6
Import of services 6.3 7.3 5.0 5.4 5.9 7.7 8.3 6.6 6.9 5.9 6.9 9.7
Gross Domestic Product 15.9 13.8 13.3 12.4 13.7 14.3 5.9 5.3 5.8 5.4 5.6 5.5
I
I
MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 1994
MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 1994
- 10 -
Table 3 Percentage share of various economic activities in Production-based GDP estimates, 1992
Revised(August 94) Estimates for 1992
% share
1. Agriculture and fishing 0.2
2. Mining and quarrying 1
3. Manufacturing 13.8
4. Electricity, gas and water 2.2
5. Construction 5.3
6. Wholesale, retail and import/export trades, restaurants and hotels 26.1
7. Transport, storage and communication 9.5
8. Financing, insurance, real estate and business services 24.4
9. Community, social and personal services 15.4
10. Ownership of premises 10.8
Less imputed bank service charge 7.7
100.0
I Less than 0.05
--------0-----------
/Il .......
MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 1994
11
TST LIGHT BUOY ESTABLISHED *****
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) LAID A BUOY, THE "TST LIGHT BUOY", AT CENTRAL HARBOUR AS PART OF THE MEASURES TO ENHANCE SAFETY OF VESSEL MOVEMENT IN THE WATERS OF HONG KONG.
SPEAKING AT A MEDIA SESSION, THE PRINCIPAL MARINE OFFICER (VESSEL TRAFFIC SERVICES), MR Y K LEE, SAID THAT THE LIGHT BUOY OFF NEW WORLD CENTRE WOULD MARK THE CENTRE LINE OF THE HUNG HOM FAIRWAY.
"IT IS INTENDED TO ENHANCE THE SAFETY OF NAVIGATION IN THE AREA BY SEPARATING END-ON TRAFFIC, THUS WILL MINIMISE TRAFFIC CONFLICT AND ASSIST IN ORGANISING THE TRAFFIC IN A MORE ORDERLY PATTERN," MR LEE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE BUOY, COUPLED WITH THREE HIGH-SPEED LAUNCHES NOW PATROLLING IN THE AREA, WOULD MORE EFFECTIVELY ENFORCE THE "FAIRWAY RULES", THAT IS, KEEP TO STARBOARD.
MR LEE EXPLAINED THAT A VESSEL USING AND PROCEEDING \LONG THE HUNG HOM FAIRWAY SHOULD LEAVE THE BUOY TO HER OWN PORT SIDE THUS PASS RECIPROCAL TRAFFIC PORT-TO-PORT.
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT HAS ADOPTED A PROACTIVE APPROACH FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF VESSEL TRAFFIC IN HONG KONG WATERS.
"PROACTIVE" MEANS TAKING PRE-EMPTIVE MEASURES TO PREVENT
"CLOSE-QUARTERS SITUATION" FROM TAKING PLACE.
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE TST LIGHT BUOY IS ONE OF THE PRE-EMPTIVE MEASURES.
MR LEE NOTED THAT OTHER MEASURES THAT HAD BEEN ADOPTED BY THE MARINE DEPARTMENT INCLUDED THE ESTABLISHMENT OF TRAFFIC FACILITIES SUCH AS ANCHORAGES AND FAIRWAYS, ESTABLISHMENT OF ANTI-BUNCHING PROCEDURES AT THE PILOTS STATIONS, ESTENSION OF THE EAST LAMMA CHANNEL TRAFFIC SEPARATION SCHEME AND USE OF HIGH-SPEED CRAFT FOR PATROLLING CROWDED AREAS.
A NOTICE TO MARINE NO. 69 OF 1994 HAS BEEN ISSUED TO PROMULGATE THE DETAILS OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE TST LIGHT BUOY.
"THE MARINE DEPARTMENT WILL REVIEW THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE BUOY AND MAY, SUBJECT TO THE RESULT OF THE REVIEW, ESTABLISH MORE BUOYS IN THE VICINITY," MR LEE SAID.
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/12 .......
MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 1994
- 12 -
REO RECEIVES 123 COMPLAINTS *****
AS AT TODAY (MONDAY), THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE (REO) HAS RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 123 COMPLAINTS ON ELECTION-RELATED ACTIVITIES, 94 WERE RECEIVED BY THE RETURNING OFFICERS AND 29 WERE RECEIVED BY THE REO.
OF ALL THE COMPLAINTS, 95 WERE RELATED TO ELECTION ADVERTISEMENTS, 12 ON ELECTIONEERING IN PRIVATE PREMISES AND 16 ON OTHER MATTERS.
------0-------
606 NOMINATIONS RECEIVED
*****
THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE HAS FECE1VED 37 MORE NOMINATIONS OF CANDIDATES TODAY (MONDAY) FOR THE SEPTEMBER DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF NOMINATIONS RECEIVED SINCE THE STARTING OF THE NOMINATION ON AUGUST 1 WAS 606.
THE BREAKDOWN OF NOMINATIONS BY DISTRICT IS AS FOLLOWS:
NOMINATIONS RECEIVED
DISTRICT
CENTRAL AND WESTERN 26 (0)
WAN CHAI 21 (3)
EASTERN 54 ( 1 )
SOUTHERN 28 (2)
YAU TSIM MONG 43 (2)
SHAM SHUI PO 29 (2)
KOWLOON CITY 38 ( 1 )
WONG TAI SIN 35 ( 3 )
KWUN TONG 59 ( 1 )
TSUEN WAN 22 (5)
TUEN MUN 41 (0)
YUEN LONG 32 (3)
NORTH 18 (2)
TAI PO 32 (0)
SAI KUNG 22 (0)
SHA TIN 55 (7)
KWAI TSING 43 (4)
ISLANDS 8 ( 1 )
TOTAL 606 (37)
() - NUMBER OF NOMINATIONS RECEIVED TODAY.
------0--------
/13 .......
MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 1994
- 13 -
IMMIGRATION OFFICERS ON OVERSEAS TRAINING * * * * *
EIGHT IMMIGRATION OFFICERS WILL LEAVE FOR EUROPE AND THE ISA FOR TRAINING IN AUGUST.
THE ACTING ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT, MR WONG TAT-PO, WILL LEAVE FOR THE USA ON THE A 12-WEEK STUDY OF MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT AT HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL.
ACTING ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL IMMIGRATION OFFICER MR CHOW LAP-KWOK AND CHIEF IMMIGRATION OFFICER MR WAI CHUEN WILL SPEND FOUR MONTHS IN THE STUDY OF PROGRAMME AND PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY, USA.
SENIOR IMMIGRATION OFFICER MR LAI CHUN-TING WILL ALSO SPEND FOUR MONTHS IN THE STUDY OF ADMINISTRATIVE DEVELOPMENT AT THE SAME UNIVERSITY.
CHIEF IMMIGRATION OFFICERS MRS MAK CHOW SUI-HA, MESSRS IP HON-TONG AND CHEUNG LEE-KAN, AND ACTING CHIEF IMMIGRATION OFFICER MR TSUI LING-TIN, WILL LEAVE FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM, THE NETHERLANDS AND GERMANY ON AN EIGHT-WEEK STUDY OF THE IMMIGRATION PROCEDURES IN THOSE COUNTRIES.
AT A BRIEFING BEFORE THE OFFICERS’ DEPARTURE, THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION, MR LAURENCE LEUNG, SAID HE ATTACHED GREAT IMPORTANCE TO OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT RECEIVING OVERSEAS TRAINING AS WELL AS ESTABLISHING CONTACTS WITH AND LEARNING FROM THE EXPERIENCE OF FOREIGN IMMIGRATION SERVICES.
THE STUDY TRIPS WOULD ASSIST OFFICERS IN SELF DEVELOPMENT AND ENABLE THEM TO HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTAND ING OF THE DIFFERENT CULTURAL AND SOCIAL BACKGROUND OF OVERSEAS VISITORS WHOM THEY WOULD MEET IN THE COURSE OF THEIR DUTIES.
MR LEUNG EMPHASISED THAT THE DEPARTMENT FULLY RECOGNISED THE LONG TERM BENEFITS THAT COULD BE ACHIEVED THROUGH THESE OVERSEAS STUDY TRIPS AND COURSES AND THAT EVERY EFFORT WAS MADE TO PROVIDE OFFICERS WITH SUCH OPPORTUNITIES.
HE URGED THE OFFICERS TO MAKE THE BEST USE OF THE OPPORTUNITY TO WIDEN THEIR HORIZON AND TO ACHIEVE SELF-ENRICHMENT.
------0--------
WATER STORAGE FIGURE
*****
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 91.9 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 538.580 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 441.325 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 75.3 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
-----0-------
/14.....
MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 1994
14
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS * * * * *
CUMULATIVE
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) ($ CHANGE MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,222 0930 + 599
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,411 1000 + 579
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : «• 1100 + 639
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY +691.;. 1200 + 641
LAF TODAY -502 1500 + 641
1600 + 691
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 123 .0 *+0.1* 8.8.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY •
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG RONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.11 16 MONTHS 2511 4 . 15 98.15 5.73
1 MONTH 4.14 22 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100.44 6.17
3 MONTHS 4.35 30 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.62 6.66
6 MONTHS 4.68 33 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98.67 6.80
12 MONTHS 5.39 36 MONTHS 3707 6.95 100.27 6.96
TOTAL TURNOVER OE BILLS AND BONDS - 30,570 MN
CLOSED 8 AUGUST 1994
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
INTERIM REPORT ON KWUN LUNG LAU LANDSLIDE PUBLISHED.... 1
DEPARTURE OF CBF MAJOR GENERAL SIR JOHN FOLEY............. 2
GOOD PROGRESS MADE IN SEWAGE SERVICES..................... 2
STANLEY FORT CLOSES AS BRITISH MILITARY BASE.............. 5
637 NOMINATIONS RECEIVED.................................. 6
REO RECEIVES 154 COMPLAINTS............................... 6
69,476 ALLOCATED SUBSIDISED S4 AND POST-SECONDARY 3 CRAFT COURSE PLACES............................................. 7
SECONDARY 6 PLACES STILL AVAILABLE AFTER DAY ONE.......... 8
INMATES GAIN AWARDS IN HKCEE.............................. 9
VOLUME AND PRICE MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE IN MAY 1994 10
SPECIAL STAMPS ON COMMONWEALTH GAMES 1994 ............... 14
33 VMS RETURN HOME ...................................... 15
HK CHILDREN TO SPEND DAY WITH ARMY....................... 15
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS.............. 16
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS....
17
TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 1994
INTERIM REPORT ON KWUN LUNG LAU LANDSLIDE PUBLISHED *****
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) PUBLISHED AN INTERIM REPORT ON KWUN LUNG LAU LANDSLIDE ON JULY 23 WHICH TOGETHER WITH THE FINAL REPORT WILL BE REVIEWED BY AN INDEPENDENT EXPERT, DR NORBERT MORGENSTERN DUE TO ARRIVE IN HONG KONG IN 10 DAYS.
THE INTERIM REPORT, COMPILED BY THE GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING OFFICE (GEO), PROVIDES A PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT OF THE POSSIBLE CAUSES OF THE LANDSLIDE.
THE ASSESSMENT, BASED ON SITE INVESTIGATIONS AND ANALYSES OF INFORMATION AND DATA COLLECTED, LISTS WATER INFLOW INTO THE SLOPE BEHIND THE MASONRY WALL, PRESENCE OF WEAK MATERIAL IN THE SLOPE AND OTHER EXTERNAL FACTORS, SUCH AS REMOVAL OF TREES ON THE SLOPE, AS THE THREE PRINCIPAL POSSIBLE FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE LANDSLIDE.
THE REPORT STATES THAT FIELD INVESTIGATION SUGGESTS SHEARING OCCURRED THROUGH THE JOINTS OF THE MASONRY BLOCKS SINCE THE MAJORITY OF THE WALL SECTION IN QUESTION COLLAPSED WITHOUT SIGNIFICANT DISINTEGRATION.
IT IS NOTED THAT NO SIGNS OF DISTRESS OF THE MASONRY WALL WERE RECORDED IN ANY OF THE ASSESSMENTS CARRIED OUT BY THE GEO OR THE HOUSING SOCIETY’S CONSULTANTS SINCE THE SLOPE WAS LISTED IN GOVERNMENT’S CATALOGUE OF CUT SLOPES AND RETAINING WALL IN 1978.
IN THE MOST RECENT INSPECTION CARRIED OUT BY THE CONSULTANTS OF THE HOUSING SOCIETY IN JUNE 1994, MAINTENANCE WORKS WERE RECOMMENDED.
THESE INCLUDE CLEARING WEEPHOLES AND DRAINAGE CHANNELS, REINSTATING SUBSIDENCE NEAR THE CREST OF THE SLOPE AND REPAIRING CRACKS ON THE SLOPE.
THE HOUSING SOCIETY PROCEEDED TO COMPLETE TENDER DOCUMENTS FOR THE RECOMMENDED WORK ON JULY 19, JUST FOUR DAYS BEFORE THE LANDSLIDE FOLLOWING RECEIPT OF A SUBSEQUENT LETTER DATED JULY 14 FROM THE CONSULTANTS LISTING DETAILS OF THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS.
THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE, SAID THE PRELIMINARY FINDINGS WERE BASED ON INFORMATION AVAILABLE AND FURTHER WORK INCLUDING DETAILED ENGINEERING ASSESSMENT AND STABILITY ANALYSES WOULD BE CARRIED OUT BEFORE FIRM CONCLUSIONS COULD BE REACHED.
HE SAID THE MOST PRESSING TASK NOW WAS TO GET ON WITH THE ONGOING INVESTIGATIONS AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE SO THAT THE GOVERNMENT COULD FIND OUT WHAT LESSONS COULD BE LEARNED FROM THE INCIDENT.
’’INVESTIGATIONS OF THIS NATURE ARE HIGHLY COMPLEX AND TECHNICAL. THE PURPOSE OF BRINGING IN ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST EMINENT EXPERTS IN THIS FIELD IS TO MAKE SURE THAT ALL ASPECTS OF OUR INVESTIGATIONS WILL BE REVIEWED INDEPENDENTLY.
”DR MORGENSTERN’S INDEPENDENCE IS ENSURED BY THE FACT THAT HE WILL BE REPORTING TO THE GOVERNOR. TO AVOID ANY DELAY IN OUR INVESTIGATION, WE SHOULD DO ALL WE CAN TO ENABLE THE SPECIALISTS TO GET TO THE BOTTOM OF THE MATTER."
/MR BLAKE .......
TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 1994
- 2 -
MR BLAKE EMPHASISED THAT SUBJECT TO THE FINDINGS OF THE FINAL REPORT AND THE ADVICE OF DR MORGENSTERN, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD TAKE WHATEVER REMEDIAL ACTION DEEM NECESSARY TO STRENGTHEN THE EXISTING LANDSLIP PREVENTIVE MEASURES.
THE INTERIM REPORT IN BOTH CHINESE AND ENGLISH IS AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION AT THE GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING OFFICE AND DISTRICT OFFICES.
- - 0----------
DEPARTURE OF CBF MAJOR GENERAL SIR JOHN FOLEY
*****
MAJOR GENERAL SIR JOHN FOLEY, COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES HONG KONG SINCE MARCH 1992, LEFT HIS HEADQUARTERS AT THE PRINCE OF WALES BARRACKS, CENTRAL, FOR THE LAST TIME TODAY (TUESDAY) ON COMPLETION OF HIS TOUR OF DUTY.
SIR JOHN IS RETURNING TO THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE IN LONDON ON PROMOTION TO LIEUTENANT GENERAL. HE IS TO BE REPLACED IN HONG KONG BY MAJOR GENERAL BRYAN DUTTON, WHO TAKES UP HIS DUTIES NEXT WEEK.
SIR JOHN, WHO WAS KNIGHTED IN-THE BIRTHDAY HONOURS LIST, HAS BEEN COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES DURING A DIFFICULT PERIOD WHICH INCLUDED THE NEGOTIATIONS OVER THE ACCELERATED RUN-DOWN OF THE GARRISON AND THE CULMINATION OF SEVEN YEARS OF TALKS ON THE FUTURE OF DEFENCE LANDS.
EARLIER THIS YEAR HE OVERSAW THE OPERATION TO FIND AND RESCUE FIVE BRITISH SOLDIERS, INCLUDING THREE MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG MILITARY SERVICE CORPS, WHO WERE LOST IN LOW’S GULLEY ON MOUNT KINABALU IN MALAYSIA.
HE SERVED AN EARLIER TOUR OF DUTY IN HONG KONG IN THE EARLY 1970S.
------0-------
GOOD PROGRESS MADE IN SEWAGE SERVICES
*****
THE VOLUME OF SEWAGE TREATED BY THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT (DSD) HAS INCREASED FROM 385 MILLION CUBIC METRES IN 1989 TO ALMOST 600 MILLION CUBIC METRES IN 1993.
AND THE DEPARTMENT’S ANNUAL RECURRENT EXPENDITURE ON OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF SEWAGE SERVICE AMOUNTS TO $435 MILLION AND IS STEADILY INCREASING.
THE DIRECTOR OF DRAINAGE SERVICES, MR NG YEE-YUM, SAID THIS TODAY (TUESDAY) AT A MEDIA SESSION ON THE SEWAGE SERVICES PROVIDED BY HIS DEPARTMENT.
/"GOOD PROGRESS .......
TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 1994
- 3 -
"GOOD PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE ON WORKS FOR THE VARIOUS SEWAGE SERVICES BEING PROVIDED BY THE DSD," MR NG STRESSED.
OUTLINING THE SEWAGE SERVICES PROVIDED BY HIS DEPARTMENT AND THE PROGRESS MADE BY THE DEPARTMENT DURING THE PAST 15 MONTHS, MR NG NOTED THAT THE SERVICES COULD BE BRIEFLY CATEGORISED INTO TWO AREAS.
"THE FIRST IS TO IMPLEMENT SEWAGE PROJECTS, THAT IS TO EXPAND THE SEWERAGE NETWORK, BUILD PUMPING STATIONS, SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANTS AND SUBMARINE OUTFALLS.
"THE SECOND IS TO OPERATE AND MAINTAIN THE SEWAGE FACILITIES ALREADY PROVIDED," MR NG SAID.
ON SEWAGE PROJECTS, MR NG POINTED OUT THAT A NUMBER OF THEM HAD ALREADY BEEN COMPLETED AND COMMISSIONED.
"THE $1.35 BILLION NORTH WEST KOWLOON SEWAGE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL SCHEME WAS PUT INTO OPERATION IN AUGUST 1992.
"THIS WAS A MAJOR REGIONAL SERVICE THAT HAS HELPED TO IMPROVE THE WATER QUALITY IN THE WESTERN HARBOUR.
"THE SAN WAI SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT AND THE HA TSUEN PUMPING STATION SERVING THE NORTH WEST NEW TERRITORIES HAVE BEEN IN OPERATION SINCE EARLY 1993," HE ADDED.
MR NG FURTHER POINTED OUT THAT HIS DEPARTMENT WAS AT PRESENT CONSTRUCTING A NUMBER OF PROJECTS VALUED AT SOME $9 BILLION. THESE INCLUDE THE TOLO HARBOUR EFFLUENT EXPORT SCHEME AND THE SEWERAGE MASTER PLAN SCHEME (SMP).
THE $880 MILLION TOLO HARBOUR EFFLUENT EXPORT SCHEME WILL PUMP THE TREATED SEWAGE EFFLUENT FROM SHA TIN AND TAI PO AWAY FROM THE ENCLOSED TOLO HARBOUR.
"THIS WILL HELP TO PREVENT THE OCCURRENCE OF RED TIDES IN TOLO HARBOUR. THE ENTIRE PROJECT IS DUE TO BE COMPLETED IN MID-1995," MR NG NOTED.
UNDER THE SMP SCHEMES, WHICH ARE TERRITORY-WIDE SEWERAGE NETWORK IMPROVEMENT SCHEMES, MR NG SAID CONSTRUCTION WORK WAS NOW WELL UNDERWAY IN THE SOUTHERN PART OF HONG KONG ISLAND.
"AT A COST OF $770 MILLION, THIS PROJECT WILL IMPROVE SEWERAGE FACILITIES AND ALSO PROTECT THE POPULAR BATHING BEACHES IN HONG KONG ISLAND SOUTH AREA," HE ADDED.
MR NG NOTED THAT THE CAVERN SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT AT WONG MA KOK ROAD, STANLEY WAS AN IMPORTANT COMPONENT OF THE PROJECT.
"IT WILL TREAT AND DISINFECT SEWAGE FROM THE STANLEY AND TAI TAM AREAS BEFORE DISCHARGING EFFLUENT TO THE SEA, AND THIS TREATMENT WORKS WILL BE PUT INTO OPERATION BY THE END OF THIS YEAR," HE SAID.
WORKS ON STAGE I OF THE EAST KOWLOON SEWERAGE IMPROVEMENT WOULD BE COMPLETED IN EARLY 1995, MR NG CONTINUED.
/"IN FACT .......
TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 1994
"IN FACT THE YAU TONG PUMPING STATION WAS ALREADY COMMISSIONED LAST MONTH AND WE HAVE ELIMINATED THE DISCHARGE OF RAW SEWAGE FROM YAU TONG AREA INTO THE HARBOUR BY INTERCEPTING AND PUMPING THE FLOW INTO THE MAIN SEWERAGE SYSTEM," HE NOTED.
SEWAGE IMPROVEMENTS ARE ALSO UNDERWAY IN OTHER URBAN AREAS LIKE TSUEN WAN, KWAI CHUNG AND NORTH WEST KOWLOON IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MASTER PLAN PROPOSALS.
"WE HAVE ALSO COMMENCED WORK IN THE RURAL AREAS LIKE PORT SHELTER AND SHA TIN, TAI PO VILLAGES WITH A VIEW TO PROVIDING COMPREHENSIVE SEWERAGE FACILITIES," MR NG SAID.
MEANWHILE, MR NG SAID HIS DEPARTMENT HAD CARRIED OUT SOME ADVANCE WORK ON THE PRINCIPAL COLLECTION AND TREATMENT SYSTEM OF THE STRATEGIC SEWAGE DISPOSAL SCHEME WITH THE ULTIMATE AIM OF REMOVING 70 PER CENT OF THE POLLUTION IN VICTORIA HARBOUR BY MID-1997.
ON THE OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE OF SEWAGE FACILITIES, MR NG STRESSED THAT IT WAS EQUALLY IMPORTANT TO OPERATE AND MAINTAIN EFFECTIVELY AND EFFICIENTLY THE FACILITIES THAT HAD BEEN CONSTRUCTED.
AT PRESENT, THE DSD MAINTAINS OVER 1,100 KILOMETRES OF SEWERS, AND SOME 35,000 SEWER CONNECTIONS TO DEVELOPMENTS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
EACH YEAR, ABOUT 65 KILOMETRES OF NEW SEWERS AND 450 SEWER CONNECTIONS ARE ADDED TO THE GROWING SEWERAGE NETWORK.
"TO REDUCE BLOCKAGES AND THE CHANCE OF LOCAL FLOODING, WE HAVE NOW PUT IN PLACE PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE FOR THE PRINCIPAL SEWERS IN VARIOUS AREAS," MR NG SAID.
ON SEWAGE TREATMENT SIDE, HE SAID THE DSD OPERATED AND MAINTAINED ABOUT 130 SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS, PUMPING STATIONS AND ANCILLARY FACILITIES SCATTERED THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
"NEW SEWAGE TREATMENT FACILITIES ARE PROGRESSIVELY BROUGHT INTO OPERATION TO MEET THE GROWING NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY.
"OUR PLEDGE TO SERVE THE PUBLIC AT LARGE IS TO ATTEND EXPEDITIOUSLY TO COMPLAINTS ON DRAINAGE MATTERS, AND TO TAKE PROMPT ACTION ON APPLICATIONS FOR DRAINAGE CONNECTIONS," MR NG STRESSED.
THE STANLEY UNDERGROUND SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT IS BEING CONSTRUCTED IN A CAVERN AT A COST OF $163 MILLION.
THE TWO MAIN TREATMENT STREAMS OF THE PLANT ARE EACH ABOUT 120 METRES LONG, 12 METRES WIDE AND 11 METRES HIGH, AND CONTAINS THE AERATION TANKS AND THE FINAL SETTLING TANKS.
THE SERVICE AREAS WILL BE AT TWO LEVELS IN ORDER TO REDUCE THE SHEER SIZE OF THE EXCAVATED CAVERN, AND A TWO-KILOMETRE SUBMARINE OUTFALL HAS ALREADY BEEN COMPLETED.
ALTHOUGH THE SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT IS ENTIRELY UNDERGROUND, IT IS EASILY ACCESSIBLE FROM WONG MA KOK ROAD, AND ITS FUTURE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE ARE NOT SUBJECT TO WEATHER CONDITIONS.
- - 0----------
/5........
TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 1994
- 5 -
STANLEY FORT CLOSES AS BRITISH MILITARY BASE
*****
A PRESENCE OF SOME 143 YEARS (LESS THE JAPANESE OCCUPATION) EFFECTIVELY ENDS TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) WHEN THE LAST UK-BASED INFANTRY BATTALION OF THE BRITISH ARMY TO BE STATIONED IN HONG KONG SOUNDS RETREAT AT STANLEY FORT AND HAULS DOWN ITS FLAG FOR THE LAST TIME.
A BUGLER AND A PIPER OF THE 1ST BATTALION THE BLACK WATCH WILL BE PRESENT FOR THE TRADITIONAL EVENING CEREMONY, WHICH IN THIS CASE WILL MARK THE END OF THE BATTALION’S LAST WORKING DAY IN HONG KONG.
THE REMAINING INFANTRY COMPONENT OF THE HONG KONG GARRISON WILL BE PROVIDED BY THE 1ST BATTALION, THE ROYAL GURKHA RIFLES, BASED AT CASSINO LINES NEAR FANLING IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
MEMBERS OF THE BLACK WATCH AND THEIR FAMILIES HAVE BEEN RETURNING TO BRITAIN OVER THE PAST SEVERAL WEEKS AS PART OF A PHASED PROGRAMME.
FROM TOMORROW THE BATTALION WILL BE ON LEAVE PRIOR TO TAKING UP ITS NEW TOUR OF DUTY AT PIRBRIGHT IN ENGLAND IN SEPTEMBER.
ONLY A SMALLER REAR PARTY WILL REMAIN IN HONG KONG TO COMPLETE THE CLOSURE OF STANLEY FORT AND PREPARE IT FOR HAND-OVER TO THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IN EARLY SEPTEMBER.
THE CEREMONY WILL ALSO BRING TO A CLOSE 143 YEARS (LESS THE JAPANESE OCCUPATION) OF BRITISH MILITARY PRESENCE ON THE STANLEY FORT SITE.
IT WAS FIRST OCCUPIED IN SEPTEMBER 1841, WITHIN WEEKS OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF HONG KONG, WHEN A DETACHMENT OF THE 98TH REGIMENT OF FOOT WAS SENT TO GARRISON WHAT WAS THEN A NOTORIOUS PIRATE STRONGHOLD.
MOST OF THE BUILDINGS IN THE PRESENT FORT DATE FROM THE 1930S, WHEN THE SITE WAS REDEVELOPED AS A BASE FOR COASTAL ARTILLERY.
DURING WORLD WAR II IT WAS USED BY THE JAPANESE AS AN INTERMENT AND PRISON CAMP.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE FINAL SOUNDING OF RETREAT AND LOWERING OF THE UNION AND BATTALION FLAGS. THEY SHOULD ARRIVE AT THE MAIN GATE, STANLEY FORT, NOT LATER THAN 5.30 PM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) EVENING.
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/6........
TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 1994
6
637 NOMINATIONS RECEIVED
*****
THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE HAS RECEIVED 32 MORE NOMINATIONS OF CANDIDATES TODAY (TUESDAY) FOR THE SEPTEMBER DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF NOMINATIONS RECEIVED SINCE THE STARTING OF THE NOMINATION ON AUGUST 1 WAS 637.
A NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL OF CANDIDATURE HAS BEEN RECEIVED TODAY FROM MR LAM KIN-MAN FOR THE TO KWA WAN CONSTITUENCY IN KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT.
HE REGISTERED TO STAND FOR WHAMPOA WEST CONSTITUENCY IN THE SAME DISTRICT.
THE BREAKDOWN OF NOMINATIONS BY DISTRICT IS AS FOLLOWS
DISTRICT NOMINATIONS : RECEIVED
CENTRAL AND WESTERN 27 (1)
WAN CHAI 22 ( 1)
EASTERN 58 (4)
SOUTHERN 29 (1 )
YAU TSIM MONG 44 (1)
SHAM SHUI PO 30 (1)
KOWLOON CITY 38* (1)
WONG TAI SIN 35 (0)
KWUN TONG 62 (3)
TSUEN WAN 23 (1)
TUEN MUN 42 (1)
YUEN LONG 33 (1)
NORTH 21 (3)
TAI PO 34 (2)
SAI KUNG 24 (2)
SHA TIN 57 (2)
KWAI TSING 48 (5)
ISLANDS 10 (2)
TOTAL 637 (32)
() - NUMBER OF NOMINATIONS RECEIVED TODAY.
* - ONE WITHDRAWAL OF CANDIDATURE.
--------0-----------
REO RECEIVES 154 COMPLAINTS
*****
AS AT TODAY (TUESDAY), THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE (REO) HAS RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 154 COMPLAINTS ON ELECTION-RELATED ACTIVITIES.
OF ALL THE COMPLAINTS, 123 WERE RELATED TO ELECTION ADVERTISEMENTS, 13 ON ELECTIONEERING IN PRIVATE PREMISES AND 18 ON OTHER MATTERS.
--------0-----------
n....
TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 1994
7
69,476 ALLOCATED SUBSIDISED S4 AND POST-SECONDARY 3 CRAFT COURSE PLACES *****
A TOTAL OF 69,476 OR 89.91 PER CENT OF SECONDARY 3 STUDENTS HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED SUBSIDISED SECONDARY 4 AND POST-SECONDARY 3 CRAFT COURSE PLACES THIS YEAR.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT 78,261 STUDENTS TOOK PART IN THIS YEAR’S JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION ASSESSMENT (JSEA).
THE SPOKESMAN SAID: "APART FROM 988 STUDENTS WHO HAVE OPTED OUT DURING THE YEAR, 64,472 STUDENTS HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED SUBSIDISED SECONDARY 4 PLACES, INCLUDING 55,932 STUDENTS PROMOTING TO THEIR OWN SCHOOLS.
"IN ADDITION, 5,004 STUDENTS HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED FULL-TIME POST-SECONDARY 3 CRAFT COURSE PLACES," THE SPOKESMAN SA(D.
HE ALSO REMINDED STUDENTS TO RETURN TO THEIR ORIGINAL SCHOOLS TO CHECK THE ALLOCATION RESULTS ON WEDNESDAY (AUGUST 10).
HE SAID FOR STUDENTS WHO HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED TO OTHER SCHOOLS OR TECHNICAL INSTITUTES OR INDUSTRY TRAINING CENTRES WOULD EACH BE GIVEN A REGISTRATION FORM WHICH MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE DESIGNATED SCHOOL OR INSTITUTE DURING REGISTRATION ON THURSDAY (AUGUST 11).
FOR REGISTRATION, STUDENTS SHOULD BRING WITH THEM THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS:
* THE REGISTRATION FORM;
* THEIR HONG KONG IDENTITY CARD;
* TWO RECENT PASSPORT-SIZE PHOTOGRAPHS; AND
* ENOUGH MONEY TO PAY ONE MONTH’S SCHOOL FEE WHICH MAY BE REQUIRED BY THE SCHOOL.
STUDENTS FAILING TO REGISTER ON THURSDAY (AUGUST 11) WOULD BE DEEMED TO HAVE GIVEN UP THE ALLOCATED PLACE, THE SPOKESMAN WARNED.
STUDENTS WHO HAVE NOT BEEN ALLOCATED SUBSIDISED SECONDARY 4 OR POST-SECONDARY 3 CRAFT COURSE PLACES WILL EACH BE PROVIDED WITH INFORMATION SHEETS ON THE POST-SECONDARY 3 CRAFT COURSES AND ALTERNATIVE OPPORTUNITIES OPEN TO THEM.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION TO SECONDARY 4 IN THE GOVERNMENT EVENING SECONDARY SCHOOLS WOULD START FROM WEDNESDAY TO FRIDAY (AUGUST 10 TO 12).
HE SAID APPLICANTS SHOULD CALL IN PERSON AT THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ON THE 11 TH FLOOR OF WU CHUNG HOUSE AT 213 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI ON TEL 892 6669.
/STUDENTS SHOULD .......
TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 1994
- 8 -
STUDENTS SHOULD BRING WITH THEM THEIR "STUDENT’S PARTICULARS" SLIPS ISSUED BY THE EDUCATION RECORDS AND JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION ASSESSMENT SECTION AND A PHOTOCOPY OF THE SLIP WHICH WILL BE KEPT BY THE SECTION, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
HE SAID STUDENTS SEEKING INFORMATION ON ADULT EDUCATION COURSES SHOULD CONTACT THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION DIRECT.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED ALL ENQUIRIES ON THE ALLOCATION RESULTS SHOULD BE REFERRED TO THE EDUCATION RECORDS AND JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION ASSESSMENT SECTION ON TEL 891 9099.
--------0-----------
SECONDARY 6 PLACES STILL AVAILABLE AFTER DAY ONE ♦ * » » »
STAGE I OF THE SECONDARY 6 ADMISSION PROCEDURE, WHICH ENDED AT 3.30 PM TODAY (TUESDAY), RESULTED IN 12,899 SECONDARY 5 LEAVERS BEING SUCCESSFUL IN ACQUIRING S6 PLACES.
A TOTAL OF 23,480 S6 PLACES ARE AVAILABLE IN THE 1994/95 SCHOOL YEAR FOR STUDENTS TO APPLY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID THERE WOULD STILL BE 10,581 S6 PLACES AVAILABLE FOR STAGE II WHICH WOULD BEGIN TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
HE SAID ON DAY TWO (WEDNESDAY), A LIST OF SCHOOLS WITH VACANCIES WOULD BE DISPLAYED AT ALL DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICES FROM 9 AM TOMORROW.
HE REMINDED STUDENTS WITH 14 POINTS (BEST SIX SUBJECTS IN ONE SITTING) OR MORE WISHING TO APPLY FOR S6 PLACES IN THESE SCHOOLS COULD DO SO FROM 9 AM TO 3.30 PM ON WEDNESDAY.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID PRE-VOCATIONAL STUDENTS WHO SATISFIED MINIMUM A-LEVEL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS COULD APPLY TO OWN OR OTHER PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS.
PRE-VOCATIONAL DAY SCHOOL STUDENTS WITH 14 POINTS OR MORE COULD APPLY TO OTHER SCHOOLS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE SAID ON DAY TWO, EVENING SCHOOL STUDENTS AND PRIVATE CANDIDATES WITH 14 POINTS OR MORE COULD APPLY TO PLK VICWOOD K T CHONG SIXTH FROM COLLEGES OR ANY OTHER SCHOOL.
ON DAY 3 (THURSDAY), THE NAMES OF SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE POSTED AT THE SCHOOLS FROM 9 AM AND THOSE ON THE LIST SHOULD REGISTER WITH ONLY ONE SCHOOL BEFORE 3.30 PM ON THE SAME DAY.
MEANWHILE, THE DEPARTMENT’S CENTRAL HOTLINE, 782 7624-6 (3 LINES) AND 782 7621 AND THE 19 DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICES HANDLED ABOUT 150 AND 200 ENQUIRIES RESPECTIVELY ON THE ADMISSION PROCEDURE TODAY.
/THE CENTRAL .......
TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 1994
- 9 -
THE CENTRAL HOTLINE WILL CONTINUE TO OPERATE FROM 9 AM TO 1 PM AND 2 PM TO 5 PM FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY AND 9 AM TO NOON ON SATURDAY UNTIL AUGUST 23.
THE DEPARTMENT’S CAREERS EDUCATION CENTRE HAD RECEIVED 348 VISITORS AND HANDLED 184 TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES ON MATTERS RELATED TO THE RELEASE OF THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION RESULTS UP TO 5.30 PM TODAY.
THE CENTRE AT ROOM 206 OF THE MONG KOK GOVERNMENT OFFICES AT 30 LUEN WAN STREET, MONG KOK, PROVIDES STUDENTS WITH MATERIALS ON OPPORTUNITIES FOR FURTHER STUDIES AND TRAINING AND INFORMATION ON VARIOUS PROFESSIONS.
STUDENTS ARE REMINDED THAT THE CENTRE WILL EXTEND ITS OPENING HOURS WITHOUT A BREAK FROM 8.45 AM TO 5.30 PM UNTIL FRIDAY (AUGUST 12).
------0--------
INMATES GAIN AWARDS IN HKCEE
* * * * *
INMATES FROM SEVEN CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS WHO WORKED HARD AT THEIR STUDIES HAVE OBTAINED FAIRY GOOD RESULTS IN THIS YEAR’S HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION (HKCEE).
A TOTAL OF 44 INMATES, AGED BETWEEN 17 AND 42, TOOK A TOTAL OF 113 PAPERS IN 12 SUBJECTS WHICH GAINED A PASS RATE OF 61.95 PER CENT.
ONE DISTINCTION, SEVEN CREDITS AND 62 PASSES WERE OBTAINED. THEY PERFORMED BEST IN THE SUBJECT OF PRINCIPLES OF ACCOUNTS AND DID WELL IN MATHEMATICS.
THE MAJORITY OF INMATES WHO SAT FOR THIS YEAR’S HKCEE ARE FROM PIK UK CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION, THE REST ARE FROM STANLEY PRISON, TUNG TAU CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION, SIU LAM PSYCHIATRIC CENTRE, LAI KING TRAINING CENTRE, SHEK PIK PRISON AND PHOENIX HOUSE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID: "IT IS ALWAYS THE DEPARTMENT’S POLICY TO ENCOURAGE AND TO ASSIST INMATES TO SIT FOR THE HKCEE AND OTHER PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS.
"SINCE 1985, SOME 230 INMATES HAVE BEEN ARRANGED TO SIT FOR HKCEE AND THE PASS RATE IS ALWAYS ENCOURAGING ALTHOUGH IT VARIES EVERY YEAR. HOWEVER, THE NUMBER OF INMATES WHO SAT FOR THIS YEAR’S HKCEE IS THE HIGHEST AS COMPARED WITH PREVIOUS YEARS," HE ADDED.
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/10 .......
TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 1994
- 10 -
VOLUME AND PRICE MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE IN MAY 1994 *****
IN THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF 1994, THE VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS RECORDED AN INCREASE OF 13% OVER THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, WHILE THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECREASED BY 8.0%, ACCORDING TO THE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
TAKING DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 8.1%. MEANWHILE, IMPORTS INCREASED BY 9.6% IN VOLUME.
THE GROWTH IN THE VOLUME OF TRADE IS DERIVED FROM THE GROWTH IN TRADE VALUES WITH THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES BEING DISCOUNTED.
AS REGARDS PRICE CHANGES OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 1.1% AND 0.6% RESPECTIVELY. IMPORT PRICES INCREASED BY 1.6%.
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, DECREASED BY 0.8% IN THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF 1994 OVER THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
COMPARING MAY 1994 WITH MAY 1993, THE VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 14%, WHILE THAT OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECREASED BY 4.2%. TAKEN TOGETHER, THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 10%. MEANWHILE, THE VOLUME OF IMPORTS GREW BY 15%.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 1.4% AND 0.7% RESPECTIVELY. IMPORT PRICES INCREASED BY 1.4%.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
COMPARING MAY 1994 WITH MAY 1993, THE VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS OF ALL END-USE CATEGORIES RECORDED INCREASES OF VARIOUS MAGNITUDES: FUELS (+45%), RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES (+23%), FOODSTUFFS (+19%), CAPITAL GOODS (+15%) AND CONSUMER GOODS (+8.2%).
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF RE-EXPORTS OF FOODSTUFFS, CAPITAL GOODS AND CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED BY 2.4%, 2.2% AND 0.9% RESPECTIVELY. THE RE-EXPORT PRICES OF FUELS DECREASED BY 16%. THOSE OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES REMAINED VIRTUALLY UNCHANGED.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY PRINCIPAL COMMODITY GROUP ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 2.
COMPARING MAY 1994 WITH MAY 1993, COMMODITY GROUPS WHICH RECORDED INCREASES IN VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCLUDED METAL ORES AND SCRAP (+15%) AND TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (+7.0%).
/CONSIDERABLE DECREASES .......
TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 1994
- 11 -
CONSIDERABLE DECREASES IN THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE RECORDED FOR RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (-62%) AND FOOTWEAR (-30%).
COMMODITY GROUPS WHICH RECORDED INCREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES INCLUDED DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (+5.2%) AND ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (+4.9%).
ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES WERE RECORDED FOR FOOTWEAR (-6.9%) AND METAL ORES AND SCRAP (-4.1%).
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 3.
THE IMPORT VOLUME OF FOODSTUFFS INCREASED BY 20% IN MAY 1994 AS COMPARED WITH MAY 1993.
SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF SOYA BEAN OIL, PEANUT OIL, VEGETABLE OIL AND LARD; MEAT AND MEAT PREPARATION; RICE; AND MILK, BUTTER, CHEESE AND EGGS. HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF WHEAT AND FLOUR; AND SUGAR.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED BY 8.8%.
COMMODITY ITEMS WITH CONSIDERABLE INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME INCLUDED TOBACCO MANUFACTURES; AND RADIOS, TELEVISION SETS, GRAMOPHONES, RECORDS, TAPE RECORDERS AND AMPLIFIERS. A MARKED DECREASE IN IMPORT VOLUME WAS NOTED OF PASSENGER MOTOR CARS.
THE IMPORT VOLUME OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES INCREASED BY 22% IN MAY 1994 AS COMPARED WITH MAY 1993.
SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE NOTED OF MAN-MADE FIBRES; COTTON YARN AND THREAD; AND RAW COTTON. CONSIDERABLE DECREASE WAS RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF WATCH AND CLOCK MOVEMENTS, CASES AND PARTS.
IMPORTS OF FUELS INCREASED MARKEDLY BY 78% IN VOLUME IN MAY 1994 AS COMPARED WITH MAY 1993.
AS REGARDS CAPITAL GOODS, THE IMPORT VOLUME INCREASED BY 5.5% IN MAY 1994 OVER MAY 1993.
A NOTABLE INCREASE WAS RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF OFFICE MACHINERY AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY. HOWEVER, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT DECLINED.
COMPARING MAY 1994 WITH MAY 1993, THE IMPORT PRICES OF MOST END-USE CATEGORIES INCREASED: RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES (+2.9%), FOODSTUFFS (+1.7%), CONSUMER GOODS (+1.3%) AND CAPITAL GOODS (+1.0%). THE IMPORT PRICES OF FUELS, HOWEVER, DECREASED BY 17%.
DETAILS OF THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE PUBLISHED IN THE MAY 1994 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG TRADE INDEX NUMBERS".
/THE REPORT .......
TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 1994
- 12 -
THE REPORT WILL BE AVAILABLE ON SALE FROM THURSDAY (AUGUST 11) AT $9 PER COPY AT EITHER (I) THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE ON THE GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL; OR (II) THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON THE 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI .
ENQUIRIES REGARDING REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION TO THIS REPORT MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, HONG KONG ON TEL 842 8802 AND ENQUIRIES ON TRADE INDICES TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL 582 4918.
TABLE 1 : CHANGES IN RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY
END-USE CATEGORY COMPARING MAY 1994 WITH MAY 1993 % CHANGES COMPARING JAN-MAY 1994 WITH JAN-MAY 1993 % CHANGES
VALUE UNIT VALUE VOLUME VALUE UNIT VALUE VOLUME
FOODSTUFFS 22.1 2.4 18.5 17.9 1 .6 16.0
CONSUMER GOODS 7.3 0.9 8.2 11.1 1.0 10.0
RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES 22.8 » 23.2 19.1 -0.9 20.2
FUELS 23.2 -16.2 44.7 18.5 -16.2 37.2
CAPITAL GOODS 15.8 2.2 14.6 7.2 2.3 6.4
ALL COMMODITIES 13.4 0.7 14. 1 12.7 0.6 12.6
« LESS THAN 0.05%
TABLE 2 : CHANGES TN DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY PRINCIPAL COMMODITY GROUP
COMPARING MAY 1994 COMPARING JAN-MAY 1994
WITH MAY 1993 WITH JAN-MAY 1993
% CHANGES % CHANGES
COMMODITY GROUP VALUE UNIT UNIT VALUE VOLUME
VALUE VOLUME VALUE
CLOTHING 0.8 1.0 0.2 -3.6 1.2 -4.3
TEXTILE FABRICS -10.3 -1.2 -9.2 -14.0 -4.8 -9.8
/TEXTILE YARN .......
TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 1994
- 13 -
TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD 0.7 1.5 .X -0.1 -10.1 -0.5 -8.4
TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES 11.6 -0.8 -12.6 -4.9 -0.5 -6. 1
RADIOS OF ALL KINDS 64.4 1.9 -61.7 -59.2 2.0 -59.6
ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS -6.2 4.9 -11.0 -8.5 3.6 -11.7
FOOTWEAR 32.7 -6.9 «•< -30.4 -20.7 -2.0 -23.5
METAL MANUFACTURES 1 . 1 2.0 1.4 -3.0 2.1 -2.9
METAL ORES AND SCRAP 11.3 -4.1 14.7 -10.6 -1.7 -10.3
WATCHES AND CLOCKS -2.2 2.4 -1.9 -10.3 1.4 -10.6
TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES 9.9 2.8 7.0 -3.7 4.8 -8.0
DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES -4.4 5.2 -13.0 -18.5 2.4 -23.0
ALL COMMODITIES -2.4 1.4 -4.2 -6.7 1 . 1 • 1 1 1 oo o
TABLE 3 : CHANGES IN IMPORTS BY END -USE CATEGORY
COMPARING MAY 1994 WITH MAY 1993 % CHANGES COMPARING WITH JAN-MAY 1994 JAN-MAY 1993 % CHANGES
END-USE CATEGORY VALUE UNIT VALUE VOLUME VALUE UNIT VALUE VOLUME
FOODSTUFFS 22.1 1.7 20.5 14.1 t 14.6
CONSUMER GOODS 8.7 1 .3 8.8 9.3 2.0 8.4
RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES 25.3 2.9 21 .5 16.4 2.0 13.7
FUELS 44.8 -16.8 78.0 -4 . 1 -16.9 16.5
CAPITAL GOODS 6.1 1.0 5.5 4.5 2.0 2.4
ALL COMMODITIES 15.0 1 .4 14.6 10.7 1.6 9.6
* LESS THAN 0.05% --------------------------------0--------
/14 .......
TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 1994
- 14 -
SPECIAL STAMPS ON COMMONWEALTH GAMES 1994
*****
A SET OF SPECIAL STAMPS ON THE THEME OF "COMMONWEALTH GAMES 1994" WILL BE ISSUED ON AUGUST 25, THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR MIKE PAGLIARI, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
THERE WILL BE FOUR DENOMINATIONS: $1, $1.90, $2.4 AND $5.
THE STAMPS ARE DESIGNED BY MR COLLIN TILLYER AND PRINTED BY WALSALL SECURITY PRINTING LIMITED OF ENGLAND.
THEY FEATURE FOUR OF THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES SPORTS: AQUATICS ($1), LAWN BOWLS ($1.90), GYMNASTICS ($2.4) AND WEIGHTLIFTING ($5).
THE STAMPS WILL BE DISPLAYED AT THE GENERAL P'ST OFFICE, TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE AND SHA TIN CENTRAL POST OFFICE AS FROM THURSDAY (AUGUST 11).
OFFICIAL FIRST DAY COVERS WILL BE PLACED ON SALE AT ALL POST OFFICES, EXCEPT THE AIRPORT POST OFFICE, AS FROM THURSDAY (AUGUST 11) AT $1 EACH. ADVANCE ORDERS FOR SERVICED COVERS WILL BE ACCEPTED FROM AUGUST 11 TO 17. THE MINIMUM NUMBER OF COVERS PER ORDER IS FIVE.
A RESTRICTION OF TWO SHEETS OF STAMPS OF EACH DENOMINATION (100 STAMPS) PER CUSTOMER QUEUING WILL BE IMPOSED ON THE FIRST DAY OF ISSUE.
FIRST DAY COVERS AFFIXED WITH A SET OF THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES 1994 STAMPS AND CANCELLED WITH THE FIRST DAY OF ISSUE SPECIAL POSTMARK WILL BE PLACED ON SALE ON AUGUST 25 AT THE FOLLOWING SIX PHILATELIC OFFICES AT $13.30 EACH:
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE POST OFFICE
GENERAL POST OFFICE
GRANVILLE ROAD POST OFFICE
PEAK POST OFFICE
SHA TIN CENTRAL POST OFFICE
TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE
A SET OF FOUR POSTCARDS DEPICTING THE STAMP DESIGNS WILL BE ISSUED BY THE AMATEUR SPORTS FEDERATION AND OLYMPIC COMMITTEE (ASF AND OC) OF HONG KONG TO COMPLEMENT THE SET OF SPECIAL STAMPS ISSUED BY THE POST OFFICE.
THE POSTCARDS, PACKED IN A SPECIALLY-DESIGNED ENVELOPE AND A PLASTIC BAG, WILL BE PLACED ON SALE AT ALL POST OFFICES, EXCEPT THE AIRPORT POST OFFICE, AS FROM THURSDAY (AUGUST 11) AT $J5 PER SET. THE PROCEEDS WILL BE USED BY THE ASF AND OC FOR SPORTS EDUCATION IN HONG KONG.
/ON THE ........
TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 1994
- 15 -
ON THE FIRST DAY OF ISSUE, A HAND-BACK SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED AT ALL POST OFFICES, EXCEPT THE AIRPORT POST OFFICE, TO OFFICIAL AND PRIVATELY-MADE COVERS AND POSTCARDS BEARING THE FIRST DAY OF ISSUE INDICATION.
A SPECIAL POSTMARK FOR THE HAND-BACK SERVICE WILL ALSO BE INTRODUCED.
33 VMS RETURN HOME *****
A GROUP OF 33 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (TUESDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM ON A COMMERCIAL FLIGHT.
COMPRISING 10 MEN, 10 WOMEN, FIVE BOYS AND EIGHT GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 213TH BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME OF THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES.
THE GROUP BROUGHT TO 4,033 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAD RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 42,646 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN MARCH 1989.
------0--------
HK CHILDREN TO SPEND DAY WITH ARMY
*****
OVER 40 CHILDREN, AGED BETWEEN 8 AND 14, WILL SPEND AN AFTERNOON WITH THE BRITISH FORCES AT BLACKDOWN BARRACKS, KOWLOON.
ON THURSDAY (AUGUST 11), A PARTY FROM THE HANS ANDERSON CLUB, DIANA BOYD WILSON CENTRE, WILL BE ENTERTAINED BY MILITARY PERSONNEL DRAWN FROM THE BRITISH FORCES SERVING IN HONG KONG.
THE CHILDREN WILL HAVE OPPORTUNITIES TO FIRE RIFLES ON THE RIFLE RANGE.
THEY WILL BE PUT THROUGH THEIR PACES ON THE MILITARY ASSAULT COURSE, WHICH IS BEING SPECIALLY ADAPTED TO SUIT THEM.
THOSE WHO LIKE TO BE DRIVEN, WILL BE ABLE TO CRUISE AROUND BLACKDOWN BARRACKS ON THE FAMOUS CANNONBALL EXPRESS WHICH WILL BE AT THEIR DISPOSAL THROUGHOUT THE AFTERNOON.
THERE WILL ALSO BE MORE CONVENTIONAL ACTIVITIES ON THE SPORTS PITCH, SUCH AS RUNNING RACES, JUMPING COMPETITIONS AND, OF COURSE, AN EGG AND SPOON RACE.
/THE AIM .......
TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 1994
16
THE AIM IS TO GIVE THESE UNDERPRIVILEGED CHILDRED AN AFTERNOON OF FUN, THRILLS AND EXCITEMENT.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT ON THURSDAY AFTERNOON (AUGUST 11) AT BLACKDOWN BARRACKS, STARTING WITH THE CHILDREN’S ARRIVAL AT 2.15 PM. FURTHER DETAILS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM JSPRS, MAJOR PADDY HARTIGAN ON TEL 588 3323 OR WARRANT OFFICER NARROWER ON TEL 350 1105.
------0-------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS *****
TENDER DATE 9 AUG 94 9 AUG 94
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q432 Y492
AMOUNT APPLIED HK$3,690 MN HK$2,480 MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED HK$l,500 MN HK$500 MN
AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED 4.37 PCT 5.40 PCT
HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED 4.38 PCT 5.42 PCT
PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 97 PCT ABOUT 45 PCT
AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 4.39 PCT 5.44 PCT
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
TENDERS TO BE HELD IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 15 AUG 1994 -
TENDER DATE 15 AUG 94 16 AUG 94 16 AUG 94
PAPER ON OFFER EF NOTES EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER 2608 Q433 H471
ISSUE DATE 16 AUG 94 17 AUG 94 17 AUG 94
MATURITY DATE 16 AUG 96 16 NOV 94 15 FEB 95
TENOR 2 YEARS 91 DAYS 182 DAYS
AMOUNT ON OFFER HK$500 + 100 MN HK$l,500 + 300 MN HKS800 + 160 MN
COUPON 6.15 PCT
0 - _ _ _
/17........
TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 1994
- 17 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,411 0930 + 343
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,251 1000 + 593
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 + 663
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 661 1200 + 663
LAF TODAY -821 1500 +663
1600 + 661
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 123.2 »+0.2» 9 .8.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.00 16 MONTHS 2511 4.15 98.18 5.71
1 MONTH 4.15 22 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100.49 6.14
3 MONTHS 4.36 30 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.69 6.63
6 MONTHS 4.73 33 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98.71 6.78
12 MONTHS 5.37 36 MONTHS 3707 6.95 100.32 6.94
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 22,477 MN
CLOSED 9 AUGUST 1994
---------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
STATEMENT ON FINANCING PROPOSAL FOR AIRPORT AND AIRPORT RAILWAY................................................... 1
REGULATORY AUTHORITY FOR ESTATE AGENTS RECOMMENDED..... 1
HK AND JAPANESE HEALTH CHIEFS MEET........................ 2
ANOTHER ACP CONTRACT AWARDED.............................. 3
STAGE II OF S6 ADMISSION PROCEDURE ENDS TOMORROW.......... 4
656 NOMINATIONS RECEIVED.................................. 5
REO RECEIVES 181 COMPLAINTS.............................. 5
THREE SITES TO LET........................................ 6
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ....
7
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 1994
1
STATEMENT ON FINANCING PROPOSAL FOR AIRPORT AND AIRPORT RAILWAY *****
IN ANSWER TO MEDIA QUESTIONS ON A STATEMENT MADE IN BEIJING BY THE CHINESE STATE COUNCIL’S DIRECTOR OF HONG KONG AND MACAU AFFAIRS OFFICE, MR LU PING, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
"WE ARE SINGLE-MINDEDLY WORKING TOWARDS A FINAL AGREEMENT WITH THE CHINESE SIDE ON THE BASIS OF THE FOURTH FINANCING PROPOSAL FOR THE AIRPORT AND AIRPORT RAILWAY.
"WE HAVE REACHED A COMMON VIEW ON THE MAIN ELEMENTS OF THAT AGREEMENT, INCLUDING THE FIGURES OF $60.3 BILLION FOR EQUITY AND $23 BILLION FOR DEBT.
"BOTH SIDES ARE CONCERNED THAT THESE FIGURES SHOULD BE ADHERED TO AS THE PROJECTS GO AHEAD, AND OUR EXPERTS HAVE BEEN DISCUSSING HOW THIS CAN BE REFLECTED IN THE DOCUMENTS THAT WILL BE AGREED.
"HOWEVER WE MUST NOT LOSE SIGHT OF THE OBJECTIVE, WHICH IS TO PRODUCE AN AGREEMENT THAT WILL ENABLE THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY AND MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION TO RAISE INVESTMENTS FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN THE FORM OF LOANS AND FRANCHISES.
"THIS MEANS THAT WE MUST REACH AGREEMENT ON THE TWO FINANCIAL SUPPORT AGREEMENTS, WHICH DEAL WITH THE AIRPORT AND AIRPORT RAILWAY FINANCING.
"THE PRESENT DISCUSSIONS REVOLVE AROUND THIS PRIMARY OBJECTIVE AND WE AWAIT THE CHINESE SIDE’S RESPONSE TO THE PROPOSED DRAFT DOCUMENTS, WHICH HAVE BEEN WITH THEM FOR MANY MONTHS.
"THE CAPPING OF DEBT IS NOT AN ISSUE AND SHOULD BE ABLE TO BE RESOLVED QUICKLY, IN LINE WITH THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING."
------0--------
REGULATORY AUTHORITY FOR ESTATE AGENTS RECOMMENDED
*****
THE WORKING GROUP ON THE REGULATION OF REAL ESTATE AGENTS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PUBLISHED ITS REPORT AND RECOMMENDED THAT A STATUTORY AND SELF-FINANCING LICENSING AUTHORITY BE SET UP TO REGULATE THE TRADE.
THE WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDED THAT THE ESTATE AGENTS AUTHORITY SHOULD HAVE POWERS TO DETERMINE LICENSING REQUIREMENTS AND PRESCRIBE RULES OF CONDUCT AND PRACTICE.
IT SHOULD ALSO HAVE POWERS TO TAKE DISCIPLINARY ACTION AGAINST ESTATE AGENTS FOR BREACH OF OBLIGATIONS AND RULES, AND TO DETERMINE DISPUTES OVER COMMISSIONS AND FEES BETWEEN AN AGENT AND HIS CLIENT.
THE REGULATORY AUTHORITY SHOULD BE COMPOSED OF MEMBERS FROM THE TRADE, RELATED PROFESSIONS AND THE COMMUNITY IN GENERAL, AND AN INDEPENDENT APPEAL PANEL SHOULD BE APPOINTED TO DEAL WITH APPEALS AGAINST ITS DECISIONS.
/THE PROPOSED .......
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 1994
2
THE PROPOSED REGULATORY SYSTEM SHOULD APPLY TO ALL INDIVIDUALS AND CORPORATIONS ENGAGED IN THE SALE OF PROPERTIES IRRESPECTIVE OF WHERE THE PROPERTIES ARE LOCATED, AND THERE SHOULD BE THREE CATEGORIES OF LICENCES WITH DIFFERENT REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO INDIVIDUAL ESTATE AGENTS, CORPORATIONS AND FRONT LINE ESTATE SALESPERSONS.
THE OBJECTIVE OF THE LICENSING REQUIREMENTS IS TO ENSURE THAT AN. ESTATE AGENTS MEETS CERTAIN MINIMUM STANDARD OF COMPETENCE AND KNOWLEDGE.
AS INTERIM MEASURES BEFORE THE NECESSARY LEGISLATION IS INTRODUCED, THE TWO TRADE ASSOCIATIONS SHOULD DRAW UP A CODE OF PRACTICE AND PRACTISING GUIDELINES IN CONSULTATION WITH THE CONSUMER COUNCIL, THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION AND THE LAW SOCIETY.
STANDARD DOCUMENTS WHICH INCLUDE STATEMENT TO DISCLOSE INTEREST OF THE AGENT IN THE TRANSACTION SHOULD ALSO BE INTRODUCED.
IN ORDER NOT TO CAUSE UNDUE DISRUPTION AND ANXIETIES IN THE TRADE, THE REGULATORY AUTHORITY SHOULD INVITE ALL PRACTISING AGENTS AND SALESPERSONS TO APPLY FOR A LICENCE, AND WHILE THEIR APPLICATIONS ARE BEING PROCESSED, THEY CAN CONTINUE TO OPERATE WITH A PROVISIONAL LICENCE.
FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION, THE REPORT, TO BE PUBLISHED IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE, AND A BILINGUAL PAMPHLET CONTAINING THE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF THE REPORT, WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES AND THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATION CENTRE, STARTING FROM TODAY.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO COMMENT ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS ARE INVITED TO WRITE TO THE SECRETARY OF THE WORKING GROUP ON THE 21ST FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG BEFORE OCTOBER 10.
THE WORKING GROUP IS CHAIRED BY THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS (HOUSING POLICY). ITS MEMBERS INCLUDE A MEMBER EACH FROM THE SOCIETY OF HONG KONG REAL ESTATE AGENTS, HONG KONG REAL ESTATE AGENCIES ASSOCIATION, HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF SURVEYORS, LAW SOCIETY OF HONG KONG, CONSUMER COUNCIL AND ICAC, AND THE HEAD OF THE CENTRE FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION OF CITY POLYTECHNIC.
------0--------
HK AND JAPANESE HEALTH CHIEFS MEET
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, MET THE JAPANESE MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR SHOICHI IDE, IN TOKYO THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING TO DISCUSS A WIDE RANGE OF ISSUES OF MUTUAL INTEREST.
THESE INCLUDED THE PREVENTION OF AIDS AND SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY.
"WE ARE VERY PLEASED TO HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET MR IDE AND LEARN FROM THE JAPANESE EXPERIENCE," MRS WONG SAID AFTER THE MEETING.
/"I AM ........
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 1994
3
"I AM PARTICULARLY IMPRESSED WITH THE HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES PROVIDED TO OLDER PEOPLE IN JAPAN. THIS IS RELEVANT TO WHAT WE IN HONG KONG ARE TRYING TO DO TO SERVE OLDER PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITY,” SHE ADDED.
ALSO PRESENT AT THE MEETING WERE THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE (DESIGNATE), MRS KATHERINE FOK; DR C H LEONG; THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, DR MARGARET CHAN; PROFESSOR S H LEE OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S PRINCIPAL REPRESENTATIVE IN TOKYO, MR DAVID LAN.
MRS WONG ALSO ADDRESSED A WELL-ATTENDED SESSION AT THE 10TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON AIDS IN YOKOHAMA IN THE EVENING.
SPEAKING ON THE SUBJECT OF "SOCIETAL RESPONSIBILITY AND THE RIGHTS OF THE HIV-INFECTED", MRS WONG EXPLAINED HONG KONG’S INITIATIVES IN THE AREAS OF ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LEGISLATION AND PROMOTING COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN THE FIGHT AGAINST AIDS.
SHE WELCOMED THE FORMATION OF SEVERAL NEW, NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS TO UNDERTAKE PROJECTS FUNDED BY THE COUNCIL FOR THE AIDS TRUST FUND.
MRS WONG IS HEADING A RECORD 33-MEMBER HONG KONG DELEGATION TO THE CONFERENCE, COMPRISING REPRESENTATIVES FROM MANY SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY.
THE AIDS CONFERENCE IS BEING HELD IN ASIA FOR THE FIRST TIME AND IS ATTENDED BY 12,000 DELEGATES FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD.
------0-------
ANOTHER ACP CONTRACT AWARDED
*****
THE CENTRAL TENDER BOARD HAS APPROVED THE AWARD OF AN AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME (ACP) CONTRACT FOR THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF A STATE-OF-THE-ACT COMPUTERISED AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM AT THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK.
THE CONTRACT, VALUED AT ABOUT $204 MILLION, HAS BEEN AWARDED TO RAYTHEON COMPANY, USA, BY THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT.
THE COMPANY WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF A RADAR DATA PROCESSING AND DISPLAY SYSTEM, FLIGHT DATA PROCESSING SYSTEM AND SIMULATOR SYSTEM AT THE NEW AIRPORT.
WORK WILL START LATER THIS MONTH AND WILL BE COMPLETED IN EARLY 1997.
THE AWARD OF THIS CONTRACT BRINGS THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ACP CONTRACTS AWARDED SO FAR TO 60, WITH A TOTAL VALUE OF ABOUT $50.8 BILLION.
THESE INCLUDE 47 CONTRACTS WORTH OVER $33 BILLION AWARDED BY THE GOVERNMENT, 11 CONTRACTS WORTH OVER $11.5 BILLION AWARDED BY THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY, THE $5.7 BILLION CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AWARDED BY THE WESTERN HARBOUR TUNNEL COMPANY LIMITED, AND A $0.6 BILLION IMMERSED TUBE TUNNEL CONTRACT FOR THE AIRPORT RAILWAY AWARDED BY THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION.
------0-------
/4......
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 1994
4
STAGE II OF S6 ADMISSION PROCEDURE ENDS TOMORROW *****
STAGE II OF THE SECONDARY 6 ADMISSION PROCEDURE WILL END AT 3.30 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) WHEN SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS HAVE TO REGISTER WITH ONE OF THE SCHOOLS THEY HAVE APPLIED.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT APPLICATION RESULTS FOR S6 PLACES IN THE STAGE II WOULD BE DISPLAYED AT THE SCHOOLS WITH VACANCIES FROM 9 AM TOMORROW.
HE SAID STUDENTS SHOULD CONSIDER CAREFULLY BEFORE ACCEPTING THE OFFER OF AN S6 PLACE BECAUSE ONCE THEY ACCEPT THE OFFER, THE S6 ADMISSION SLIP ATTACHED TO THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION (HKCEE) RESULTS NOTICE WOULD BE DETACHED AND RETAINED BY THE SCHOOL AS A RECORD OF ADMISSION.
STAGE III OF THE ADMISSION PROCEDURE WILL BEGIN ON DAY 4 (FRIDAY, AUGUST 12) WHEN STUDENTS SATISFYING MINIMUM A-LEVEL REQUIREMENTS CAN APPLY TO OWN OR LINKED SCHOOLS AND SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES SHOULD REGISTER WITH THE SCHOOL BEFORE 3.30 PM ON THE SAME DAY.
PRIVATE CANDIDATES AND EVENING SCHOOL STUDENTS WITH RESULTS WHICH SATISFY THE MINIMUM A-LEVEL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS MAY APPLY TO PLK VICWOOD K T CHONG SIXTH FORM COLLEGE IF IT STILL HAS VACANCIES.
UP TO 5 PM TODAY, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S CENTRAL HOTLINE (TELEPHONE NUMBERS 782 7624, 782 7625, 782 7626 AND 782 7621) AND THE 19 DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICES HANDLED 312 AND 679 ENQUIRIES RESPECTIVELY ON THE ADMISSION PROCEDURE.
THE CENTRAL HOTLINE IS SET UP TO ANSWER ENQUIRIES ON THE PROCEDURE FROM 9 AM TO 1 PM AND 2 PM TO 5 PM FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY AND 9 AM TO NOON ON SATURDAY UNTIL AUGUST 23.
MEANWHILE, THE CAREERS EDUCATION CENTRE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT RECEIVED 483 VISITORS AND 299 TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES ON FURTHER STUDIES, LOCALLY OR OVERSEAS, AND CAREERS BY THE TIME IT CLOSED AT 5.30 PM TODAY, AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
THIS BRINGS TO 831 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PEOPLE VISITED AND 483 CALLERS TELEPHONED THE CENTRE SINCE THE RELEASE OF THE HKCEE RESULTS YESTERDAY (TUESDAY).
THE CAREERS EDUCATION CENTRE AT ROOM 206 OF THE MONG KOK GOVERNMENT OFFICES AT 30 LUEN WAN STREET, MONG KOK, PROVIDES STUDENTS WITH REFERENCE MATERIAL ON OPPORTUNITIES FOR FURTHER STUDIES AND TRAINING, AND INFORMATION ON VARIOUS CAREERS.
THE CENTRE WILL EXTEND ITS OPENING HOURS WITHOUT A BREAK FROM 8.45 AM TO 5.30 PM UNTIL FRIDAY (AUGUST 12).
------0------------
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 1994
5 -
656 NOMINATIONS RECEIVED *****
THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE HAS RECEIVED 19 MORE NOMINATIONS OF CANDIDATES TODAY (WEDNESDAY) FOR THE SEPTEMBER DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF NOMINATIONS RECEIVED SINCE THE STARTING OF THE NOMINATION ON AUGUST 1 WAS 656.
THE BREAKDOWN OF NOMINATIONS BY DISTRICT IS AS FOLLOWS:
DISTRICT NOMINATIONS RECEIVED
CENTRAL AND WESTERN 27 (0)
WAN CHAI 22 (0)
EASTERN 60 (2)
SOUTHERN 31 (2)
YAU TSIM MONG 45 (1)
SHAM SHUI PO 30 (0)
KOWLOON CITY 41 (3)
WONG TAI SIN 36 ( 1)
KWUN TONG 62 (0)
TSUEN WAN 23 (0)
TUEN MUN 42 (0)
YUEN LONG 36 (3)
NORTH 23 (2)
TAI PO 34 (0)
SAI KUNG 24 (0)
SHA TIN 60 (3)
KWAI TSING 49 ( 1)
ISLANDS 11 (1)
TOTAL 656 ( 19)
() - NUMBER OF NOMINATIONS RECEIVED TODAY.
---------0-----------
REO RECEIVES 181 COMPLAINTS
*****
AS AT TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE (REO) HAS RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 181 COMPLAINTS ON ELECTION-RELATED ACTIVITIES.
OF ALL THE COMPLAINTS, 141 WERE RELATED TO ELECTION ADVERTISEMENTS, 16 ON ELECTIONEERING IN PRIVATE PREMISES AND 24 ON OTHER MATTERS.
--------0-----------
/6........
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 1994
- 6 -
THREE SITES TO LET » ♦ * * ♦
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR SHORT-TERM TENANCIES OF THREE LOTS OF GOVERNMENT LAND ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE FIRST AND SECOND LOTS, LOCATED IN TUNG CHUNG TOWN CENTRE, HAVE AN AREA OF ABOUT 5,584 SQUARE METRES AND 6,872 SQUARE METRES. THE TWO LOTS ARE BOTH INTENDED FOR CONCRETE AND ASPHALT BATCHING.
THE TENANCY FOR THESE TWO SITES IS FROM THE DATE OF POSSESSION UP TO JUNE 30, 1997 AND ARE RENEWABLE QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
THE THIRD LOT, AT THE JUNCTION OF LIN SHING ROAD AND CAPE COLLINSON ROAD IN CHAI WAN, HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 64 SQUARE METRES. IT IS INTENDED FOR CARVING AND SALE OF GRAVE STONES AND RELATED OPERATIONS, INCLUDING STORAGE.
IT CARRIES A TENANCY OF ONE YEAR, AND IS RENEWABLE QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
CLOSING DATES FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON, AUGUST 26.
TENDER FORMS, NOTICES, AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, HONG KONG EAST, 19TH FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD; DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, ISLANDS, 19TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL; AND THE 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.
TENDER PLANS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT THESE OFFICES.
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/7........
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 1994
- 7 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
CUMULATIVE
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,251 0930 +730 CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,061 1000 +879 CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 +939 MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY +930 1200 +930 LAF TODAY -1,120 1500 +930 1600 +930 LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 123.1 *-0.1* 10.8.94 HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.03 16 MONTHS 2511 4.15 98. 18 5. 71
1 MONTH 4.09 22 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100. 48 6. 14
3 MONTHS 4.37 30 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95. 70 6. 62
6 MONTHS 4.69 33 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98. 70 6. 79
12 MONTHS 5.41 36 MONTHS 3707 6.95 100. 33 6. 94
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 30,226 MN
CLOSED 10 AUGUST 1994
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NO DIFFICULTY IN ADDRESSING CONCERN ON AIRPORT FINANCING.. 1
TRANSCRIPT OF ACTING GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION................ 2
ACTING GOVERNOR COMMENDS JPC SCHEME.......................... 2
CS HAS UPDATED HER ADDRESS WITH REO.......................... 3
NOTIFICATIONS OF VALIDITY OF NOMINATIONS..................... 4
668 NOMINATIONS RECEIVED..................................... 5
REO RECEIVES 209 COMPLAINTS.................................. 5
EFFORTS STEPPED UP TO TACKLE TAX EVASION..................... 6
LAND DATA DIGITISATION CONTRACT SIGNED....................... 7
HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS FOR JUNE 1994 RELEASED..................................................... 7
STAGE III OF S6 ADMISSION PROCEDURE BEGINS TOMORROW......... 15
FIRE SERVICES OFFICERS COMMENDED............................ 16
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS.. 17
THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 1994
NO DIFFICULTY IN ADDRESSING CONCERN ON AIRPORT FINANCING
*****
THE ACTING GOVERNOR, MRS ANSON CHAN, THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON SAID THE BRITISH SIDE HAD NO DIFFICULTY IN ADDRESSING CHINESE CONCERN ON SETTING A CEILING ON THE LEVEL OF DEBT TO BE RAISED BY THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY AND THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER HER VISIT TO THE JUNIOR POLICE CALL’S FIGHT CRIME CAMP AT PAK TAM CHUNG, MRS CHAN SAID: "AT THE SAME TIME, WE BELIEVE IT TO BE CRUCIALLY IMPORTANT THAT WE SHOULD ALSO HAVE A CLEAR AGREEMENT FROM THE CHINESE TO THE FINANCIAL SUPPORT AGREEMENT FOR THE TWO CORPORATIONS SO THAT THEY CAN GO AHEAD AND RAISE THE NECESSARY FINANCE FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR."
MRS CHAN REITERATED THAT THE BRITISH SIDE HAD AGREED WITH THE CHINESE SIDE ON THE LEVEL OF EQUITY INJECTION AND THE LEVEL OF DEBT.
"WE VERY MUCH HOPE FOR AN EARLY AGREEMENT ON THE FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE AIRPORT AND THE AIRPORT RAILWAY," SHE SAID.
"WE HAVE SUGGESTED TODAY TO THE CHINESE THAT EXPERTS ON BOTH SIDES SHOULD MEET IN ORDER TO WRAP UP ALL THE LOOSE ENDS AND WE NOW AWAIT A RESPONSE FROM THE CHINESE."
ASKED TO COMMENT ON MR LAU SAN-CHING’S COMPLAINT THAT THE INVALIDATION OF HIS REGISTRATION AS A CANDIDATE IN THE SEPTEMBER DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS WAS A POLITICAL PLOT, MRS CHAN SAID THE DECISION TO INVALIDATE A NOMINATION WAS MADE BY THE RETURNING OFFICER ACCORDING TO THE STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS IN LAW.
"THE GOVERNMENT WILL NOT INTERVENE AND WILL NOT DISQUALIFY ANY CANDIDATE FOR POLITICAL REASONS," SHE SAID.
"THE LAW STIPULATES THAT ANY PERSON WHO IS DISSATISFIED WITH THE DECISION OF THE RETURNING OFFICER CAN APPEAL TO THE HIGH COURT WITHIN TWO MONTHS AFTER THE ELECTION.
"IF MR LAU IS NOT SATISFIED WITH THE DECISION OF THE RETURNING OFFICER, HE COULD APPEAL THROUGH THIS LEGAL CHANNEL."
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/2 .......
THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 1994
2
TRANSCRIPT OF ACTING GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION *****
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE ACTING GOVERNOR, MRS ANSON CHAN, SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER VISITING THE JPC FIGHT CRIME CAMP*94 THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON:
MRS CHAN: GOOD AFTERNOON, EVERYONE. I’D LIKE TO SAY A FEW WORDS ABOUT THE AIRPORT IN VIEW OF RECENT COMMENTS FROM DIRECTOR LU PING. WE VERY MUCH HOPE FOR AN EARLY AGREEMENT ON THE FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE AIRPORT AND THE AIRPORT RAILWAY. AS WE HAVE MADE CLEAR, WE HAVE AGREED WITH THE CHINESE ON THE LEVEL OF EQUITY INJECTION AND THE LEVEL OF DEBT. I WANT TO MAKE IT QUITE CLEAR THAT WE HAVE NO DIFFICULTY IN ADDRESSING CHINESE CONCERN ON SETTING A CEILING ON THE LEVEL OF DEBT TO BE RAISED BY THE TWO CORPORATIONS. BUT AT THE SAME TIME WE BELIEVE IT TO BE CRUCIALLY IMPORTANT THAT WE SHOULD ALSO HAVE A CLEAR AGREEMENT FROM THE CHINESE TO THE FINANCIAL SUPPORT AGREEMENT FOR THE TWO CORPORATIONS SO THAT THEY CA<N GO AHEAD AND RAISE THE NECESSARY FINANCE FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR. WE HAVE SUGGESTED TODAY TO THE CHINESE THAT EXPERTS ON BOTH SIDES SHOULD MEET IN ORDER TO WRAP UP ALL THE LOOSE ENDS AND WE NOW AWAIT A RESPONSE FROM THE CHINESE.
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ACTING GOVERNOR COMMENDS JPC SCHEME
*****
THE GOVERNMENT’S FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGNS WOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN A SUCCESS WITHOUT THE ACTIVE PARTICIPATION OF THE MEMBERS OF JUNIOR POLICE CALL (JPC), THE ACTING GOVERNOR, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING DURING A VISIT TO THIS YEAR’S JPC SUMMER CAMP HELD AT PO LEUNG KUK PAK TAM CHUNG HOLIDAY CAMP IN SAI KUNG, MRS CHAN HIGHLY COMMENDED THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE JPC SCHEME AND THE VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION OF ITS MEMBERS IN ASSISTING THE POLICE IN COMBATING CRIME OVER THE PAST YEARS.
SHE SAID THAT SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 1974, THE JPC HAD GROWN INTO THE LARGEST AND MOST POPULAR YOUTH ORGANISATION IN HONG KONG, NOTING THAT MORE THAN 670,000 YOUNGSTERS HAD JOINED THE SCHEME OVER THE PAST 20 YEARS, WITH MORE THAN 2,000 FRESH APPLICATIONS EVERY MONTH,
’’THESE IMPRESSIVE FIGURES SIGNIFY ITS ATTRACTIVENESS AND SUCCESS,” MRS CHAN SAID.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT APART FROM HELPING THE POLICE TO COMBAT CRIME, JPC MEMBERS ALSO TOOK PART IN A WIDE RANGE OF COMMUNITY, EDUCATIONAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE POLICE, SUCH AS FLAG-SELLING AND VISITS TO HOMES FOR THE AGED.
’’THROUGH PARTICIPATING IN THESE ACTIVITIES, YOUNGSTERS CAN WIDEN THEIR EXPOSURE AND ENHANCE THEIR KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE COMMUNITY.
/"BY JOINING .......
THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 1994
3 -
"BY JOINING THE JPC," SHE TOLD THE CAMPERS, "YOU ALL HAVE TAKEN THE FIRST POSITIVE STEP IN DEVELOPING INTO RESPONSIBLE AND UP-RIGHT CITIZENS."
ACCOMPANIED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR EDDIE HUI, MRS CHAN TOURED THE CAMP SITE TO SEE JPC MEMBERS TAKING PART IN VARIOUS RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES.
MRS CHAN ALSO TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET WITH GUESTS INCLUDING THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICERS, JPC HONORARY PRESIDENTS AND DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN TO THANK THEM FOR THEIR WHOLEHEARTED SUPPORT IN PROMOTING THE JPC SCHEME TO THE BENEFIT OF THE YOUTH IN HONG KONG.
THIS YEAR'S SUMMER CAMP, WITH THE THEME "DUTY TO REPORT", ATTRACTED MORE THAN 1,500 JPC MEMBERS. THE FUNCTION CONSISTED OF TWO RESIDENTIAL CAMPS, LASTING FROM AUGUST 8 TO 12, AND THREE DAY CAMPS FOR ANOTHER 900 MEMBERS.
VARIOUS KINDS OF ACTIVITIES, RANGING FROM CANOEING, SWIMMING, CYCLING, ROLLER SKATING AND ARCHERY TO FIGHT CRIME SEMINARS AND VIDEO SHOWS, BARBECUE NIGHTS AND PUZZLE COMPETITIONS WERE ARRANGED TO CATER FOR THE NEEDS OF THOSE YOUNGSTERS WHO LIKE ACTIVE PHYSICAL EXERCISES AND THOSE WHO ENJOY QUIET RELAXATIONS.
- - - - 0-----------
CS HAS UPDATED HER ADDRESS WITH REO
* ♦ * » ♦
IN RESPONSE TO AN ARTICLE PUBLISHED IN AN ENGLISH NEWSPAPER TODAY (THURSDAY), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE (REO) SAID THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, HAD UPDATED HER RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS WITH THE REO.
THERE IS NO QUESTION OF HER BEING UNABLE TO VOTE IN THE PEAK CONSTITUENCY WHERE HER OFFICIAL RESIDENCE - VICTORIA HOUSE - FALLS WITHIN.
IT IS, INDEED, INCUMBENT UPON AN ELECTOR TO NOTIFY THE AUTHORITIES OF ANY CHANGE IN PERSONAL PARTICULARS LISTED ON THE ELECTORAL ROLL.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE REO ATTACHED GREAT IMPORTANCE IN MAINTAINING THE ACCURACY OF THE ELECTORAL ROLL. ABOUT 13,000 ELECTORS HAVE BEEN DELETED FROM THIS YEAR'S FINAL REGISTER.
BUT ONCE THE ELECTION ROLL HAS BEEN PUBLISHED, ITS ENTRY WILL REMAIN VALID UNTIL A NEW ELECTORAL ROLL IS PUBLISHED IN THE FOLLOWING YEAR. THIS ELEMENT OF FINALITY IS TO INSTIL A DEGREE OF CERTAINTY WHICH IS ESSENTIAL FOR THE INTEGRITY OF THE ELECTORAL PROCESS.
/OTHERWISE, THE ........
THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 1994
4
OTHERWISE, THE ELECTORAL ROLL WILL ALWAYS REMAIN FLUID AND WILL CAUSE GREAT CONFUSION TO ELECTORS, CANDIDATES AND THE PUBLIC ALIKE.
CONSISTENT WITH THE ABOVE SPIRIT, AN ELECTOR WHO HAS CHANGED HIS PRINCIPAL RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS AFTER JULY 6 THIS YEAR IS ALLOWED BY LAW TO CONTINUE VOTING IN HIS OLD CONSTITUENCY, HE SHOULD HOWEVER INFORM THE REO OF HIS NEW ADDRESS SO THAT HE COULD BE ALLOCATED TO THE APPROPRIATE CONSTITUENCY IN THE NEXT ELECTORAL ROLL.
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NOTIFICATIONS OF VALIDITY OF NOMINATIONS
*****
RETURNING OFFICERS TODAY (THURSDAY) STARTED NOTIFYING CANDIDATES OF THE DECISIONS AS TO THE VALIDITY OF THEIR NOMINATIONS FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS IN SEPTEMBER.
CANDIDATES WERE INFORMED BOTH IN WRITING AND BY PHONE.
OUT OF THE 395 CASES NOTIFIED, THE NOMINATIONS OF TWO HAVE BEEN RULED BY THE RELEVANT RETURNING OFFICERS AS INVALID. THEY ARE MR CHIN CHING-MAN OF THE TSUI PING CONSTITUENCY IN KWUN TONG DISTRICT AND MR LAU SAN-CHING OF THE LAI WAH CONSTITUENCY IN KWAI TSING DISTRICT.
IN BOTH CASES, MR CHIN AND MR LAU FAIL TO SATISFY THE REQUIREMENT OF HAVING ORDINARILY RESIDED IN HONG KONG DURING THE 10 YEARS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE DATE OF NOMINATION, AS PROVIDED FOR IN THE ELECTORAL PROVISIONS ORDINANCE (CAP. 367).
UNDER THE LAW, THE DECISION OF THE RETURNING OFFICER IS FINAL. ANY PERSON WHO IS DISSATISFIED WITH THE DECISION OF THE RETURNING OFFICER REGARDING THE VALIDITY OF NOMINATION MAY APPEAL TO THE HIGH COURT BY WAY OF AN ELECTION PETITION WITHIN TWO MONTHS AFTER THE SEPTEMBER ELECTION.
IF A PETITION IS SUCCESSFUL WITH A RESULTANT VACANCY, A BY-ELECTION WILL BE HELD.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE SAID A CANDIDATE STOOD NOMINATED UNTIL THE RETURNING OFFICER DECIDED THAT THE NOMINATION PAPER WAS INVALID.
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 1994
- 5
668 NOMINATIONS RECEIVED *****
THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE HAS RECEIVED 12 MORE
NOMINATIONS OF CANDIDATES TODAY (THURSDAY) FOR THE SEPTEMBER DISTRICT
BOARD ELECTIONS.
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF NOMINATIONS RECEIVED SINCE THE STARTING OF
THE NOMINATION ON AUGUST 1 WAS 668.
THE BREAKDOWN OF NOMINATIONS BY DISTRICT DISTRICT NOMINATIONS CENTRAL AND WESTERN 27 WAN CHAI 22 EASTERN 62 SOUTHERN 32 YAU TSIM MONG 45 SHAM SHUI PO 32 KOWLOON CITY 42 WONG TAI SIN 36 KWUN TONG 64 TSUEN WAN 23 TUEN MUN 42 YUEN LONG 38 NORTH 23 TAI PO 34 SAI KUNG 24 SHA TIN 60 KWAI TSING 51 ISLANDS 11 TOTAL 668 ( IS AS FOLLOWS RECEIVED (0) (0) (2) (1) (0) (2) (1) (0) (2) (0) (0) (2) (0) (0) (0) (0) (2) (0) 12) •
() - NUMBER OF NOMINATIONS RECEIVED TODAY.
- - 0-----------
REO RECEIVES 209 COMPLAINTS
* * * * *
AS AT TODAY (THURSDAY), THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE (REO) HAS RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 209 COMPLAINTS ON ELECTION-RELATED ACTIVITIES.
OF ALL THE COMPLAINTS, 166 WERE RELATED TO ELECTION ADVERTISEMENTS, 17 ON ELECTIONEERING IN PRIVATE PREMISES AND 26 ON OTHER MATTERS.
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/6 .......
THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 1994
- 6 -
EFFORTS STEPPED UP TO TACKLE TAX EVASION
*****
FIELD AUDIT AND INVESTIGATION ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN STEPPED UP TO COMBAT TAX EVASION IN HONG KONG AND TO ENSURE THAT TAXPAYERS FULFILL THEIR REPORTING OBLIGATIONS IN A PROPER WAY.
THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE, MR ANTHONY AU-YEUNG, SAID THIS AT A LUNCHEON TALK ORGANISED BY THE LIONS CLUB OF TAI PING SHAN TODAY (THURSDAY).
MR AU-YEUNG SAID AN ADDITIONAL 20 PROFESSIONAL STAFF HAD BEEN RECRUITED TO THE INVESTIGATION UNIT AND FIELD AUDIT SECTION OF THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT (IRD) IN AN EFFORT TO SAFEGUARD THE INTEGRITY OF THE HONG KONG TAXATION SYSTEM IN PRESERVING EQUITY AND ENSURING ALL TAXPAYERS PAY THEIR FAIR SHARE.
"IN 1994/95, WE EXPECT TO CONDUCT SOME 1,400 AUDITS AND INVESTIGATIONS IN THE BUSINESS AND RELATED SECTORS WITH BACK TAX AND PENALTIES ESTIMATED TO BE IN EXCESS OF $1.1 BILLION. THIS IS AN INCREASE OF ABOUT 140 CASES, OR 11 PER CENT, OVER LAST YEAR," MR AU-YEUNG SAID.
HE ADDED THAT IRD HAD ON-GOING ENFORCEMENT PROGRAMMES DIRECTED AT ALL CLASSES OF TAXPAYERS AND A CONSIDERABLE PORTION OF ITS RESOURCES WERE ASSIGNED TO THE BUSINESS-RELATED SECTORS.
IN VIEW OF THE INCREASING NUMBER OF TAXPAYERS, IN PARTICULAR THOSE IN THE BUSINESS FIELDS, WHO FAIL TO LODGE THEIR RETURNS WITHIN THE TIME PRESCRIBED BY THE ASSESSOR, MR AU-YEUNG SAID THEY MIGHT EXPOSE THEMSELVES TO THE RISK OF PENALTIES THREE TIMES OF THE TAX UNDERCHARGED IN THE ABSENCE OF A REASONABLE EXCUSE.
ALL TAXPAYERS, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO ARE SOLE PROPRIETORS, PARTNERSHIPS AND COMPANIES, ARE ALSO ADVISED TO KEEP PROPER RECORDS OF PAYMENTS AND RECEIPTS WHICH ARE SELF-EVIDENCE AND SUBMIT CORRECT TAX RETURNS TO SATISFY THE AUDITORS AND INVESTIGATORS FROM IRD AND TO ELIMINATE THE RISK OF PENALTIES FOR INCORRECT RETURNS.
MR AU-YEUNG NOTED THAT TAXPAYERS WITH WILFUL INTENT TO EVADE TAX WOULD BE PROSECUTED AND LIABLE TO A FINE OF $20,000, A FURTHER FINE OF TREBLE THE TAX EVADED AND IMPRISONMENT FOR THREE YEARS.
"IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS, SIX TAXPAYERS HAVE BEEN PROSECUTED IN THE COURTS FOR TAX EVASION, TWO WERE SENTENCED TO PRISON AND THE OTHER FOUR EACH GIVEN SUSPENDED PRISON SENTENCES," HE SAID.
MR AU-YEUNG ALSO REMINDED EMPLOYERS TO CARRY OUT THEIR OBLIGATIONS TO SUBMIT TO THE IRD DETAILS OF ANY CHANGES IN THEIR EMPLOYEES SO AS TO HELP FACILITATE A MORE EFFECTIVE TAXATION SYSTEM IN HONG KONG.
/7........
TnJRSDAY, AUGUST 11, 1994
7
LAND DATA DIGITISATION CONTRACT SIGNED
* * * * *
A CONTRACT FOR DIGITISING LAND DATA MAINTAINED BY THE LANDS DEPARTMENT’S SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE (SMO) WAS AWARDED TODAY (THURSDAY) FOR THE FIRST TIME TO A MAINLAND CHINESE COMPANY.
THE CONTRACT WAS SIGNED BETWEEN PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT LAND SURVEYOR MR GORDON ANDREASSEND FOR THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND MR FANG HENG, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF CHINA SIWEI SURVEYING AND MAPPING TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION, BEIJING, CHINA.
SIWEI WAS AWARDED THE CONTRACT FOLLOWING AN OPEN TENDER BID EARLIER THIS YEAR. THE ONE-MILLION-DOLLAR CONTRACT IS EXPECTED TO RUN OVER AN 18-MONTH PERIOD.
THE GRAPHICAL DATA WHICH IS PLOTTED AT A SCALE OF 1:1000 ON THE BASIC MAPPING SERIES MAINTAINED BY THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE IS BEING DIGITISED AS A DATA LAYER THAT CAN BE INCORPORATED INTO THE LAND INFORMATION SYSTEM ESTABLISHED IN THE LANDS DEPARTMENT.
SIWEI WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR CONVERTING THE DATA INTO DIGITAL FORMAT.
MR ANDREASSEND, WHO VISITED SIWEI’S FACILITIES IN BEIJING THREE MONTHS AGO, SAID: "THE SMO IS SATISFIED THAT SIWEI HAS THE COMPETENCE AND THE NECESSARY EQUIPMENT TO MEET THE CONTRACT SPECIFICATIONS. WE BOTH LOOK FORWARD TO ENJOYING GOOD WORKING RELATIONS.
"PREVIOUS CONTRACTS OF A SIMILAR NATURE HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED WITH AN AUSTRALIAN FIRM. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THAT THE SMO HAS ENTERED INTO A CONTRACT OF THIS TYPE WITH A PRC FIRM," MR ANDREASSEND ADDED.
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HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS FOR JUNE 1994 RELEASED *****
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) RELEASED DETAILED STATISTICS ON EXTERNAL TRADE WITH BREAKDOWN BY COUNTRY/TERRITORY AND COMMODITY FOR JUNE 1994.
THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS IN JUNE 1994, AT $80.3 BILLION, SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 20% OVER JUNE 1993.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, INCREASES OF VARIOUS MAGNITUDES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO ALL OF THE MAIN DESTINATIONS: THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+35%), THE UNITED STATES (+24%), JAPAN (+22%), CHINA (+19%), SINGAPORE (+19%), THE UNITED KINGDOM (+15%), TAIWAN (+13%), FRANCE (+11%), THE NETHERLANDS (+8.0%) AND GERMANY (+7.9%).
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAIN DESTINATIONS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
/THE VALUE .......
1 JRSDAY, AUGUST 11, 1994
8
THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1994 WAS $428.3 BILLION, 14% HIGHER THAN THAT IN THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
COMPARING THE FIRST HALF OF 1994 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO JAPAN (+25%), THE UNITED KINGDOM (+20%), CHINA (+17%), THE UNITED STATES (+15%), THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+14%), THE NETHERLANDS (+12%), SINGAPORE (+11%), GERMANY (+6.0%) AND FRANCE (+2.1%).
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO TAIWAN DECREASED MILDLY BY 1.2%.
TABLE 2 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS OF THE 10 PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
COMPARING THE FIRST HALF OF 1994 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993, INCREASES OF VARIOUS MAGNITUDES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF REEXPORTS OF MOST PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
MORE NOTABLE INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $12.1 BILLION OR 39%); ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $5.8 BILLION OR 19%); TEXTILES (BY $4.8 BILLION OR 14%); MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES CONSISTING MAINLY OF BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $4.3 BILLION OR 9.5%); OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES (BY $3.4 BILLION OR 26%); AND FOOTWEAR (BY $3.3 BILLION OR 15%).
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, A SLIGHT DECREASE IN THE VALUE OF REEXPORTS WAS RECORDED FOR ROAD VEHICLES (BY $224 MILLION OR 1.3%).
THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN JUNE 1994, AT $19.7 BILLION, INCREASED BY 6.4% OVER A YEAR EARLIER.
INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO SINGAPORE (+30%), THE NETHERLANDS (+23%), JAPAN (+18%), MALAYSIA (+12%), TAIWAN (+12%), THE UNITED STATES (+8.4%), THE UNITED KINGDOM (+3.9%) AND CHINA (+3.5%).
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CANADA AND GERMANY DECREASED BY 11% AND 7.5% RESPECTIVELY.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAIN DESTINATIONS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 3.
COMPARING THE FIRST HALF OF 1994 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CANADA (-15%), GERMANY (-11%), THE UNITED KINGDOM (-7.3%), CHINA (-7.1%), TAIWAN (-3.2%), JAPAN (-1.2%), THE UNITED STATES (-0.8%) AND THE NETHERLANDS (-0.2%).
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO SINGAPORE AND MALAYSIA INCREASED BY 5.5% AND 1.0% RESPECTIVELY.
TAKING ALL DESTINATIONS TOGETHER, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1994, AT $98.7 BILLION, DECREASED BY 4.3% OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993. THIS REFLECTED PARTLY THE CONTINUED STRUCTURAL SHIFT TO RE-EXPORTS AND PARTLY THE WEAK DEMAND IN THE OVERSEAS MARKETS.
/TABLE 4 .......
TKRSDAY, AUGUST 11, 1994
9
TABLE 4 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF THE 10 PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
COMPARING THE FIRST HALF OF 1994 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993, DECREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE REGISTERED FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $1.1 BILLION OR 16%); TEXTILES (BY $969 MILLION OR 12%); OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES (BY $811 MILLION OR 9.3%); PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $542 MILLION OR 7.0%); CLOTHING (BY $538 MILLION OR 1.8%); AND MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES CONSISTING MAINLY OF JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES (BY $312 MILLION OR 3.3%).
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, A MODERATE INCREASE IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WAS RECORDED FOR ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $782 MILLION OR 7.2%).
THE VALUE OF IMPORTS IN JUNE 1994, AT $110.8 BILLION, INCREASED BY 24% OVER A YEAR EARLIER.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM THE 10 MAIN SUPPLIERS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 5.
COMPARING JUNE 1994 WITH JUNE 1993, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM ALL OF THE MAIN SUPPLIERS SHOWED INCREASES OF VARIOUS MAGNITUDES: SINGAPORE (+50%), THE UNITED STATES (+49%), ITALY (+46%), MALAYSIA (+36%), THE UNITED KINGDOM (+26%), CHINA (+25%), THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+19%), TAIWAN (+18%), JAPAN (+12%) AND GERMANY (+8.6%).
COMPARING THE FIRST HALF OF 1994 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM ALL OF THE MAIN SUPPLIERS SHOWED INCREASES OF VARIOUS MAGNITUDES: ITALY (+30%), MALAYSIA (+26%), SINGAPORE (+26%), THE UNITED KINGDOM (+16%), THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+16%), CHINA (+16%), TAIWAN (+11%), THE UNITED STATES (+7.5%), GERMANY (+6.6%) AND JAPAN (+3.2%).
THE VALUE OF IMPORTS IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1994, AT $572.9 BILLION, INCREASED BY 13% OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993. THIS WAS SUPPORTED LARGELY BY THE GROWTH IN HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORT TRADE.
TABLE 6 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS OF THE 10 PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
COMPARING THE FIRST HALF OF 1994 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS OF MOST PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
MORE NOTABLE INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $13.9 BILLION OR 35%); ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $9.2 BILLION OR 18%); TEXTILES (BY $8.8 BILLION OR 18%); OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES (BY $3.8 BILLION OR 23%); MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES CONSISTING MAINLY OF BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $3.3 BILLION OR 9.4%); AND FOOTWEAR (BY $3.2 BILLION OR 16%) .
/OVER THE .......
THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 1994
10
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, A SIGNIFICANT DECREASE IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS WAS RECORDED FOR ROAD VEHICLES (BY $5.7 BILLION OR 20%).
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 JUNE 1994 WILL BE RELEASED IN EARLY SEPTEMBER 1994.
DETAILED TRADE STATISTICS ANALYSED BY COMMODITY AND BY COUNTRY/ TERRITORY ARE PUBLISHED IN TRADE STATISTICS REPORTS.
THE JUNE 1994 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE" WITH DETAILED ANALYSES ON THE PERFORMANCE OF HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE IN JUNE 1994 WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT $86 PER COPY AROUND AUGUST 26.
THE REPORT CAN BE PURCHASED EITHER AT (I) THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE ON THE GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, OR (II) THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON THE 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
ENQUIRIES REGARDING REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION TO THIS REPORT MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, HONG KONG ON TEL 842 8802 AND ENQUIRIES ON TRADE STATISTICS TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL 582 4915.
TABLE 1 : RE-EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAIN DESTINATIONS
DESTINATION JUN 1994 (HKD MN.) JUN 94 OVER JUN 93 (% CHANGE) JAN-JUN 1994 (HKD MN.) JAN-JUN 94 OVER JAN-JUN 93 (% CHANGE)
CHINA 28,099 + 19.5 151,283 + 17.0
UNITED STATES 18,704 + 23.8 90,104 + 15.4
JAPAN 3,918 + 22.5 23,363 + 24.8
GERMANY 3,456 + 7.9 19,366 + 6.0
UNITED KINGDOM 2,340 + 15.0 12,229 + 19.6
TAIWAN 1,889 + 13.2 10,712 - 1.2
SINGAPORE 1,622 + 19.1 8,999 + 11 . 1
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 1,495 + 35.3 8,194 + 14.4
FRANCE 1 , 132 + 11.2 6,322 + 2.1
NETHERLANDS 1,046 + 8.0 6,280 + 12.3
/TABLE 2 : .......
THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 1994
- 11 -
TABLE 2 : RE-EXPORTS OF THE 10 PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISION JUN 1994 (HKD MN.) JUN 94 OVER JUN 93 (% CHANGE) JAN-JUN 1994 (HKD MN.) JAN-JUN 94 OVER JAN-JUN 93 (% CHANGE)
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 10,524 + 21.3 49,826 + 9.5
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 8,236 + 36.3 42,885 + 39.1
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 7,673 + 7.6 40,777 + 4.0
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 7,612 + 26.9 38,236 + 14.5
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 6,731 + 26.9 36,363 + 18.9
FOOTWEAR 4,854 + 18.8 25,501 + 15.0
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 3,509 + 14.4 18,568 + 12.6
ROAD VEHICLES 2,337 -14.8 16,510 -1.3
OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES 2,923 + 41.7 16,140 + 26.5
TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR CONTAINERS 2,815 + 21.5 14,466 + 14.3
/TABLE 3 : .......
THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 1994
- 12 -
TABLE 3 : DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAIN DESTINATIONS
r DESTINATION JUN 1994 (HKD MN.) JUN 94 OVER JUN 93 (% CHANGE) JAN-JUN 1994 (HKD MN.) JAN-JUN 94 OVER JAN-JUN 93 (% CHANGE)
CHINA 5,542 + 3.5 28,486 -7.1
UNITED STATES 5,456 + 8.4 25,333 -0.8
SINGAPORE 1,111 + 30.3 5,753 + 5.5
GERMANY 1,256 -7.5 5,618 -11.2
JAPAN 834 + 18.1 4,698 -1.2
UNITED KINGDOM 950 + 3.9 4,487 -7.3
TAIWAN 441 + 11.6 2,783 -3.2
NETHERLANDS 480 + 23.1 2,107 -0.2
CANADA 376 -11.3 1,799 -14.8
MALAYSIA 229 + 11.8 1,385 + 1.0
TABLE 4 : DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF THE 10 PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISIONS
JUN JUN 94 JAN-JUN JAN -JUN 94
COMMODITY DIVISION 1994 OVER 1994 OVER
(HKD MN. JUN 93 ) (% CHANGE) (HKD MN.) JAN (% -JUN 93 CHANGE)
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 6,706 + 4.7 29,017 -1.8
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 2,203 + 22.8 1 1,627 + 7.2
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS WARES) 1,651 -2.4 9,079 -3.3
OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES 1,463 + 27.4 7,879 -9.3
/TEXTILE YARN. ..
THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 1994
-13 -
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 1,280 -3.9 7,172 -11.9
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL WATCHES AND CLOCKS 9 GOODS, 1,406 + 10.7 7,164 -7.0
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 1,078 -8.0 5,620 -16.3
MANUFACTURES OF METALS 389 + 8.0 2, 185 -1.4
PLASTICS IN PRIMARY FORMS 347 -3.6 1,816 + 3.5
MACHINERY SPECIALISED PARTICULAR INDUSTRIES FOR 285 + 8.1 1,605 -8.2
TABLE 5 : IMPORTS FROM THE 10 MAIN SUPPLIERS
SUPPLIER JUN 1994 (HKD MN.) JUN 94 OVER JUN 93 (% CHANGE) JAN-JUN 1994 (HKD MN.) JAN-JUN 94 OVER JAN-JUN 93 (% CHANGE)
CHINA 40,415 + 25.0 208,640 + 15.6
JAPAN 17,567 + 12.5 90,949 + 3.2
TAIWAN 9,316 + 17.9 49,949 + 10.9
UNITED STATES 9,548 + 48.6 41,927 + 7.5
SINGAPORE 5,930 + 50.3 28,093 + 26.0
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 5,190 + 18.9 27,871 + 16.0
GERMANY 2,359 + 8.6 13,056 + 6.6
UNITED KINGDOM 2,100 + 25.7 11,575 + 16.1
ITALY 1,918 + 45.7 10,275 + 29.7
MALAYSIA 1,698 + 35.7 9,461 + 26.5
/TABLE 6
THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 1994
- 14 -
TABLE 6 : IMPORTS OF THE 10 PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISION JUN 1994 (HKD MN.) JUN 94 OVER JUN 93 (% CHANGE) JAN-JUN 1994 (HKD MN.) JAN-JUN 94 OVER JAN-JUN 93 (% CHANGE)
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 11,739 + 26.2 61,607 + 17.6
TEXTILE YARN', FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 10,920 + 29.1 57,791 + 17.9
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 10,006 + 39.2 53,588 + 34.9
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 8,144 + 14.7 42,195 + 6.4
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 7,990 + 20.9 38,615 + 9.4
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 5,050 + 24.1 25,283 + 10.4
ROAD VEHICLES 4,602 -15.0 23,547 -19.6
FOOTWEAR 4,258 + 22.2 22,590 + 16.2
OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES 4,015 + 46.3 20,809 + 22.6
GENERAL INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT, AND MACHINE PARTS 3,681 + 28.3 19,346 + 11.5
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/15........
THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 1994
- 15 -
STAGE III OF S6 ADMISSION PROCEDURE BEGINS TOMORROW » » « * *
STAGE II OF THE SECONDARY 6 ADMISSION PROCEDURE ENDED AT 3.30 PM TODAY (THURSDAY) AND STAGE III WILL BEGIN TOMORROW.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID A TOTAL OF 4,486 SECONDARY 5 SCHOOL LEAVERS SCORING 14 POINTS OR MORE WERE SUCCESSFUL IN ACQUIRING MOST OF 10,581 S6 PLACES LEFT OVER FROM THE TOTAL NUMBER OF 23,480 PLACES AVAILABLE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THERE WERE STILL 6,095 SECONDARY 6 PLACES AVAILABLE.
DAY SCHOOL STUDENTS WITH RESULTS SATISFYING THE MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS MAY APPLY TO THEIR OWN OR LINKED SCHOOL IF IT STILL HAS VACANCIES BEFORE 3.30 PM TOMORROW. APPLICATION RESULTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON THE SAME DAY.
PRIVATE CANDIDATES AND EVENING SCHOOL STUDENTS WITH RESULTS WHICH SATISFY THE MINIMUM A-LEVEL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS MAY APPLY TO PLK VICWOOD KT CHONG SIXTH FORM COLLEGE IF IT STILL HAS VACANCIES.
PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL STUDENTS AND PAST STUDENTS, HOWEVER, SHOULD NOT APPLY AT THIS STAGE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
WHEN DAY 5 OF STAGE IV OF THE ADMISSION PROCEDURE BEGINS NEXT MONDAY (AUGUST 15), A LIST OF SCHOOLS WITH VACANCIES WILL BE DISPLAYED AT THE DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICES FROM 9 AM.
STUDENTS MEETING THE MINIMUM A-LEVEL REQUIREMENTS, INCLUDING THOSE FROM PREVOCATIONAL DAY SCHOOL, EVENING SCHOOL AND PRIVATE CANDIDATES, MAY APPLY TO ONE OR MORE OF THESE SCHOOLS BEFORE 3.30 PM ON MONDAY.
ON THE FOLLOWING DAY - DAY 6 (AUGUST 16) - APPLICATION RESULTS OF DAY 5 WILL BE DISPLAYED AT SCHOOLS AND SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES SHOULD REGISTER WITH THE SCHOOLS THEY HAVE APPLIED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID DAY 7 OF STAGE V WOULD BEGIN NEXT WEDNESDAY (AUGUST 17) WHEN THE CURRENT YEAR HKCEE PARTICIPANTS SATISFYING MINIMUM A LEVEL-ENTRY REQUIREMENTS COULD APPLY FOR CENTRAL ALLOCATION.
MEANWHILE, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S CENTRAL HOTLINE (TELEPHONE NUMBERS 782 7624, 782 7625, 782 7626 AND 782 7621) AND THE 19 DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICES HANDLED 300 AND 697 ENQUIRIES RESPECTIVELY ON THE ADMISSION PROCEDURE UP TO 5 PM TODAY.
THE CENTRAL HOTLINE IS SET UP TO ANSWER ENQUIRIES ON THE PROCEDURE FROM 9 AM TO 1 PM AND 2 PM TO 5 PM FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY AND 9 AM TO NOON ON SATURDAY UNTIL AUGUST 23.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE CAREERS EDUCATION CENTRE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT RECEIVED 445 VISITORS AND 269 TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES ON FURTHER STUDIES, LOCALLY OR OVERSEAS, AND CAREERS BY THE TIME IT CLOSED AT 5.30 PM TODAY, AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
/THIS BRINGS .......
THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 1994
- 16 -
THIS BRINGS TO 1,276 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PEOPLE VISITED AND 752 CALLERS TELEPHONED THE CENTRE SINCE THE RELEASE OF THE HKCEE RESULTS ON TUESDAY (AUGUST 9).
THE CAREERS EDUCATION CENTRE AT ROOM 206 OF THE MONG KOK GOVERNMENT OFFICES AT 30 LUEN WAN STREET, MONG KOK, PROVIDES STUDENTS WITH REFERENCE MATERIAL ON OPPORTUNITIES FOR FURTHER STUDIES AND TRAINING, AND INFORMATION ON VARIOUS CAREERS.
THE CENTRE WILL EXTEND ITS OPENING HOURS WITHOUT A BREAK FROM 8.45 AM TO 5.30 PM UNTIL TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
------0--------
FIRE SERVICES OFFICERS COMMENDED
*****
THE ACTING CHIEF FIRE OFFICER (NEW TERRITORIES), MR HSU KING-PING, TODAY (THURSDAY) COMMENDED NINE FIRE SERVICES OFFICERS FOR THEIR EXEMPLARY PERFORMANCES IN TWO RECENT INCIDENTS.
IN A CEREMONY AT SHA TIN FIRE STATION, MR HSU PRESENTED A CHIEF FIRE OFFICER’S COMMENDATION TO ASSISTANT DIVISIONAL OFFICER HO TSAN-CHEUNG.
HE WAS COMMENDED FOR HIS INITIATIVE, RESOURCEFULNESS, LEADERSHIP AND PERSEVERANCE DISPLAYED IN THE RESCUE OPERATION DURING A FLOODING INCIDENT AT TAK YUET LAU, LO WU ON JULY 22 THIS YEAR.
A TOTAL OF 38 STRANDED RESIDENTS WERE SUBSEQUENTLY RESCUED AND LED TO SAFETY.
HIS SEVEN OTHER COLLEAGUES WHO ALSO PARTICIPATED IN THE SAME RESCUE OPERATION WERE AWARDED THE FAVOURABLE ENTRY.
THEY WERE PROBATIONARY STATION OFFICER MR HUI HING-WONG; SENIOR FIREMAN MR TSE YUNG-CHUN AS WELL AS FIREMEN MR WONG CHO-WING, MR CHAN CHI-KONG, MR YU KWOK-MING, MR WONG SUI-NING AND MR LAM KWOK-HIN.
THEY HAVE DISPLAYED GREAT COURAGE, SKILL, DEVOTION AND PERSEVERANCE DURING THE OPERATION.
MEANWHILE, FIREMAN MR YIM SAI-MING WAS ALSO PRESENTED WITH A CHIEF FIRE OFFICER’S COMMENDATION AT TODAY’S CEREMONY.
HE WAS COMMENDED FOR HIS BRAVE, PROMPT AND PUBLIC-SPIRITED ACTION WHILE OFF-DUTY LEADING TO THE APPREHENSION OF A SUSPECT IN A ROBBERY CASE WHICH OCCURRED IN TA CHUEN PING STREET, KWAI CHUNG, ON JUNE 18 THIS YEAR.
- - 0 - -
/17........
THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 1994
- 17 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,061 0930 +1,421
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,969 1000 +1,421
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 +1,421
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY +1,418 1200 +1,421
LAF TODAY -1,510 1500 +1,421
1600 +1,418
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 123.1 *+0.0* 11 .8.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.00 16 MONTHS 2511 4.15 98.23 5.67
1 MONTH 4.09 22 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100.53 6.11
3 MONTHS 4.37 30 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.77 6.59
6 MONTHS 4.70 33 MONTHS 3704 6.15 . 98.77 6.76
12 : MONTHS 5.39 36 MONTHS 3707 6.95 100.38 6.92
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 5,724 MN
CLOSED 11 AUGUST 1994
--------0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
ARRIVAL OF NEW COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES......... 1
HK TO HOST COMMONWEALTH POSTAL CONFERENCE....... 2
45 MORE NOTIFIED OF VALIDITY OF NOMINATIONS..... 3
695 NOMINATIONS RECEIVED........................ 4
REO RECEIVES 227 COMPLAINTS4
BUSINESS PROSPECTS FOR THE SECOND HALF OF 1994.. 5
HE’S CONTAINER THROUGHPUT INCREASES SUSTAINED... 6
RECLAMATION AUTHORISED FOR EXPLOSIVES COMPLEX... 8
RECLAMATION SITE FOR CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL...... 8
ROAD FOR MAINTENANCE OF FLOOD PREVENTION FACILITIES PROPOSED........................................ 9
ROAD NETWORK FOR YAU TSIM PLANNED.............. 10
AMENDMENTS TO FANLING AND SHEUNG SHUI OUTLINE ZONING PLAN............................................ ”
LAND TO BE RESUMED FOR VILLAGE IMPROVEMENT..... 12
APPOINTMENTS OF LECTURERS TO HKIED ENCOURAGING. 12
/3,748 S6.
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
3,748 S6 PLACES AVAILABLE AFTER STAGE III..................... 13
JULY AIR QUALITY REPORT....................................... 14
ANTI-RABIES INOCULATION DRIVE IN FISHING PORTS................ 16
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ....
17
FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 1994
ARRIVAL OF NEW COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES
*****
MAJOR GENERAL BRYAN DUTTON, THE 61ST AND LAST COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES HONG KONG, WILL TAKE UP HIS DUTIES AT HEADQUARTERS BRITISH FORCES, PRINCE OF WALES BARRACKS, NEXT MONDAY (AUGUST 15).
HE . WILL BE MET BY A CEREMONIAL GUARD OF HONOUR MOUNTED * BY DETACHMENTS FROM THE ROYAL NAVY, THE ARMY AND THE ROYAL AIR FORCE.
BIOGRAPHY OF MAJOR GENERAL BRYAN DUTTON
MAJOR GENERAL BRYAN DUTTON WAS BORN IN MARCH 1943 AND COMMISSIONED INTO THE DEVONSHIRE AND DORSET REGIMENT FROM THE ROYAL MILITARY ACADEMY, SANDHURST, IN 1963. ON HIS INITIAL TOUR WITH THE 1ST BATTALION HE SERVED IN NORTHERN IRELAND, BRITISH GUYANA, GERMANY AND LIBYA.
HE WAS DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS (ARMY) FROM APRIL 1990 TO MARCH 1992, A PARTICULARLY STRENUOUS PERIOD WHICH COVERED THE GULF WAR AND THE INITIAL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE "OPTIONS FOR CHANGE" REVIEW OF THE BRITISH ARMED FORCES.
HE ASSUMED THE APPOINTMENT OF DIRECTOR OF INFANTRY ON PROMOTION TO MAJOR GENERAL IN APRIL 1992.
HE WAS MADE A MEMBER OF THE ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE (MBE) IN 1978, WAS MENTIONED IN DESPATCHES IN 1979, MADE OFFICER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE (OBE) IN 1984 AND COMMANDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE (CBE) IN 1990.
HE IS CHAIRMAN OF THE ARMY MOUNTAINEERING ASSOCIATION AND COMMODORE OF THE BRITISH ARMY INFANTRY SAILING CLUB.
MAJOR GENERAL DUTTON MARRIED ANGELA IN 1972. THEY HAVE A SON, CHARLES, AND A DAUGHTER SOPHIE.
HE IS A KEEN OFFSHORE SAILOR, FISHERMAN AND RUGBY SUPPORTER AND HIS OTHER INTERESTS INCLUDE CLASSICAL MUSIC, WILDLIFE AND HISTORY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE CEREMONIAL GUARD OF HONOUR. THEY SHOULD ARRIVE AT THE MAIN GATE, PRINCE OF WALES BARRACKS, EDINBURGH PLACE, CENTRAL, NOT LATER THAN 8 AM ON MONDAY (AUGUST 15) MORNING.
--------0-----------
FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 1994
2 -
HK TO HOST COMMONWEALTH POSTAL CONFERENCE *****
THE HONG KONG POST OFFICE WILL HOST THE 1994 CONFERENCE OF COMMONWEALTH POSTAL ADMINISTRATIONS (CCPA) FROM AUGUST 16 TO 20 AT THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE, THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR MIKE PAGLIARI, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
THERE ARE AT PRESENT 65 COMMONWEALTH POSTAL ADMINISTRATIONS, INCLUDING THE POSTAL ADMINISTRATION OF SOUTH AFRICA WHICH WILL BE ATTENDING CCPA FOR THE FIRST TIME.
MR PAGLIARI SAID THE IDEA OF HOLDING REGULAR CONFERENCE OF COMMONWEALTH POSTAL ADMINISTRATIONS WAS FIRST CONCEIVED HERE IN HONG KONG 25 YEARS AGO WHEN DELEGATES FROM THE COMMONWEALTH POSTAL ADMINISTRATIONS BROKE THEIR JOURNEY IN HONG KONG FOR AN INFORMAL MEETING PRIOR TO ATTENDING THE 1969 CONGRESS OF THE UNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION (UPU) IN TOKYO.
HE SAID THIS IDEA WAS FOLLOWED THROUGH AND THE FIRST CCPA WAS HELD IN LONDON IN 1971.
THEREAFTER, CCPA HAS BEEN A REGULAR EVENT ORGANISED EVERY TWO YEARS IN VARIOUS COMMONWEALTH TERRITORIES.
IN ADDITION, A CCPA HAS ALSO BEEN HELD EVERY FIVE YEARS BEFORE EACH CONGRESS OF THE UPU.
THE 21 ST CONGRESS OF THE UPU WILL TAKE PLACE TN SEOUL, REPUBLIC OF KOREA, FROM AUGUST 22 TO SEPTEMBER 14, 1994 AND THE HONG KONG POST OFFICE, BEING ONE OF THE BIGGEST COMMONWEALTH POSTAL ADMINISTRATIONS, WILL HOST A CONFERENCE OF COMMONWEALTH POSTAL ADMINISTRATIONS BEFORE THE 21ST CONGRESS OF THE UPU.
FOR HISTORICAL REASONS, SUCH AN OPPORTUNITY WILL NOT RECUR.
SO FAR, ABOUT 60 DELEGATES FROM SOME 30 OVERSEAS POSTAL ADMINISTRATIONS HAVE SIGNIFIED THEIR INTENTION TO ATTEND THE CCPA IN HONG KONG.
’’THESE DELEGATES COMPRISE THE TOP OFFICIALS OF THE COMMONWEALTH POSTAL ADMINISTRATIONS,” MR PAGLIARI SAID.
”AT THE CONFERENCE, THEY WILL EXCHANGE VIEWS ON PROPOSALS GOVERNING THE INTERNATIONAL POSTAL SERVICES WHICH WILL BE DELIBERATED IN THE UPU CONGRESS IN SEOUL.
"THIS PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY FOR COMMONWEALTH POSTAL ADMINISTRATIONS TO WORK TOGETHER TO SUPPORT AND PROMOTE THE DEVELOPMENT OF A HIGH QUALITY INTERNATIONAL POSTAL SERVICE AND TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON THE VITAL ISSUES WHICH WILL BE DISCUSSED IN THE SEOUL CONGRESS,” HE ADDED.
MR PAGLIARI ALSO REMINDED THE PUBLIC THAT A $10 DEFINITIVE STAMP SHEETLET WILL BE ISSUED ON AUGUST 16 TO MARK THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE CCPA.
/A SPECIAL .......
FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 1994
A SPECIAL POSTMARK WILL ALSO BE INTRODUCED. A SOUVENIR COVER FOR THE OCCASION IS NOW ON SALE AT ALL POST OFFICES EXCEPT THE AIRPORT POST OFFICE.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CONFERENCE WHICH WILL BE OFFICIATED BY THE ACTING GOVERNOR, MRS ANSON CHAN. THE CEREMONY WILL START AT 10 AM NEXT TUESDAY (AUGUST 16). YOUR REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ASSEMBLE IN ROOM 401, HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE, FOURTH FLOOR, BY 9.30 AM. GIS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO HELP.
- - 0 - -
45 MORE NOTIFIED OF VALIDITY OF NOMINATIONS *****
FORTY-FIVE MORE CANDIDATES WERE NOTIFIED BY THE RELEVANT RETURNING OFFICERS TODAY (FRIDAY) OF THE DECISIONS AS TO THE VALIDITY OF THEIR NOMINATIONS FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS IN SEPTEMBER.
OF THE CASES NOTIFIED TODAY, THE NOMINATIONS OF THREE HAVE BEEN RULED BY THE RETURNING OFFICERS AS INVALID.
THEY ARE MR YEUNG MAN-WAI OF WANG TAU HOM CONSTITUENCY IN WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT, MR YEN HO-YIN OF PO LAI CONSTITUENCY IN SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT, AND MR CHAN PO-MING ERIC OF ALLWAY CONSTITUENCY IN TSUEN WAN DISTRICT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE SAID ALL OF THEM FAILED TO SATISFY THE REQUIREMENT OF HAVING ORDINARILY RESIDED IN HONG KONG DURING THE 10 YEARS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE DATE OF NOMINATION, AS PROVIDED FOR IN THE ELECTORAL PROVISIONS ORDINANCE (CAP 367).
- - 0 - -
FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 1994
4
695 NOMINATIONS RECEIVED ♦ * * * *
THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE HAS SO FAR (FRIDAY) RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 695 NOMINATIONS OF CANDIDATES FOR THE SEPTEMBER DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.
THE BREAKDOWN OF NOMINATIONS BY DISTRICT IS AS FOLLOWS:
DISTRICT NOMINATIONS RECEIVED WITHDRAWAL NOMINATIONS INVALIDATED TOTAL
CENTRAL AND WESTERN 29 0 0 29
WAN CHAI 25 0 0 25
EASTERN 64 0 0 64
SOUTHERN 32 0 0 32
YAU TSIM MONG 46 0 0 46
SHAM SHUI PO 38 0 1 37
KOWLOON CITY 45 1 0 44
WONG TAI SIN 37 0 1 36
KWUN TONG 66 0 1 65
TSUEN WAN 23 0 1 22
TUEN MUN 43 0 0 43
YUEN LONG 38 0 0 38
NORTH 23 0 0 23
TAI PO 35 0 0 35
SAI KUNG 25 0 0 25
SHA TIN 66 0 0 66
KWAI TSING 54 0 1 53
ISLANDS 12 0 0 12
TOTAL 701 1 5 695
--------0-----------
REO RECEIVES 227 COMPLAINTS
*****
AS AT TODAY (FRIDAY), THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE (REO) HAS RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 227 COMPLAINTS ON ELECTION-RELATED ACTIVITIES.
OF ALL THE COMPLAINTS, 181 WERE RELATED TO ELECTION ADVERTISEMENTS, 19 ON ELECTIONEERING IN PRIVATE PREMISES AND 27 ON OTHER MATTERS.
---------0-----------
/5 ........
RIDAY, AUGUST 12, 1994
5
BUSINESS PROSPECTS FOR THE SECOND HALF OF 1994
*****
MANUFACTURERS GENERALLY EXPECT A MODERATE INCREASE IN VOLUME OF ORDERS IN THE SECOND HALF OF 1994 OVER THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS OF A RECENT HALF-YEARLY BUSINESS PROSPECTS SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
FOR INDIVIDUAL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, INCREASES IN ORDERS ARE EXPECTED IN THE PRINTING INDUSTRY; THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY; THE ELECTRONIC INDUSTRY (EXCLUDING ELECTRONIC WATCHES AND CLOCKS) AND THE ELECTRICAL MACHINERY AND APPLIANCES INDUSTRY.
ON THE OTHER HAND, MANUFACTURERS IN THE WEARING APPAREL INDUSTRY ANTICIPATE STABLE VOLUME OF ORDERS WHILE THOSE IN THE TEXTILES INDUSTRY FORESEE A MILD DECREASE.
MANUFACTURERS GENERALLY EXPECT THAT CAPACITY UTILISATION WILL INCREASE IN THE SECOND HALF COMPARED WITH THE FIRST HALF OF 1994. PROFIT MARGINS, HOWEVER, ARE FORESEEN TO SHRINK IN THE SECOND HALF OF 1994 COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD A YEAR AGO.
BROADLY IN LINE WITH THE EXPECTATIONS OF MANUFACTURERS, EXPORTERS ALSO EXPECT A MODERATE INCREASE IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND A MORE SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS. SIMILAR VIEWS ARE HELD BY BANKERS, WHO EXPECT THAT THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS WILL INCREASE MODERATELY IN THE SECOND HALF OF 1994.
LOOKING AHEAD, CONSTRUCTION FIRMS GENERALLY EXPECT A MODERATE INCREASE IN THE VOLUME OF CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT TN THE SECOND HALF OF 1994 .
BEGINNING FROM JANUARY 1994, THE HALF-YEARLY BUSINESS PROSPECTS SURVEY HAS REPLACED THE QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY.
THE NEW SURVEY BEING HELD ON A HALF-YEARLY BASIS COVERS ABOUT 330 FIRMS FROM MAJOR MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, THE IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, THE BANKING INDUSTRY AND THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR.
IT CONTINUES TO COLLECT VIEWS OF FIRMS ON THE SHORT-TERM PROPECTS OF THE VARIOUS MAJOR BUSINESS SECTORS COVERED AND AIMS AT PROVIDING A QUICK REFERENCE, WITH A MINIMUM TIME LAG, FOR ASSESSING THE SHORT-TERM FUTURE ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE OF HONG KONG.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT POINTED OUT THAT IN A SURVEY OF THIS NATURE, THE RESULTS SHOULD BE INTERPRETED WITH CAUTION AS IT WAS DIFFICULT TO ESTABLISH PRECISELY THE EXTENT TO WHICH RESPONDENTS’ PERCEPTION OF THE FUTURE ACCORDS WITH THE UNDERLYING TRENDS.
THE SURVEY RESULTS ARE PUBLISHED IN DETAIL IN THE "REPORT ON HALF-YEARLY BUSINESS PROSPECTS SURVEY, JULY 1994".
THE REPORT IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT $7 A COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, OR 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 TO THE GENERAL ECONOMIC SURVEYS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL 839 3223.
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/6 ......
FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 1994
- 6 -
HK’S CONTAINER THROUGHPUT INCREASES SUSTAINED *****
HONG KONG HANDLED MORE THAN 3.1 MILLION TWENTY-FOOT EQUIVALENT UNITS (TEUS) OF CONTAINERS DURING THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS THIS YEAR, REPRESENTING A 20.1 PER CENT INCREASE OVER THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR IAN DALE, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
ANNOUNCING THE LATEST CONTAINER THROUGHPUT STATISTICS, MR DALE SAID THE TERRITORY’S MONTHLY CONTAINER THROUGHPUT INCREASES SHOWED SUSTAINED DEMAND, AND HONG KONG’S ABILITY TO MEET WITH IT.
"THE KWAI CHUNG CONTAINER TERMINALS HANDLED 2,085,769 TEUS AND RECORDED A STEADY 28 PER CENT GROWTH WHEN COMPARED WITH CONTAINERS HANDLED IN THE CORRESPONDING TIME IN 1993," MR DALE NOTED.
THE STREAM SECTOR SHOWED A SLIGHT DECREASE OF 1.8 PER CENT AND HANDLED 833,487 TEUS IN THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS.
MR DALE SAID: "RIVER TRADE ACHIEVED A HUGE 51 PER CENT SURGE, ALTHOUGH THIS WAS FROM A SMALL BASE LINE OF 171,530 TEUS FOR THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.”
MR DALE SAID THERE WAS EVERY REASON TO BELIEVE THAT THE STEADY GROWTH IN HONG KONG’S CONTAINER THROUGHPUT WOULD CONTINUE.
"BUT WITHOUT NEW HANDLING FACILITIES COMING ON LINE ON SCHEDULE THE SITUATION COULD WELL CHANGE BY LATE 1995. THE EFFECT OF THIS ON THE PORT MUST NOT BE UNDERESTIMATED," HE SAID.
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TABLE FOR THE COMPARATIVE CONTAINER STATISTICS IN TEUS:
FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF 1993 FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF 1994 INCREASE PERCENTAGE
KWAI CHUNG CONTAINER TERMINALS 1,630,115 2,085,769 28.0 PER CENT
STREAM AND ELSEWHERE 848,438 833,487 -1.8 PER CENT
RIVER TRADE 171,530 264,097 54.0 PER CENT
TOTAL 2,649,527 3,183,148 20.1 PER CENT
NOTE: TO AVOID DOUBLE COUNTING, FIGURES ARE ADJUSTED DOWNWARDS BY 556 TEUS IN 1993 AND 205 TEUS IN 1994 RESPECTIVELY HANDLED BY TERMINAL VESSELS CONTRACTED TO WORK IN THE STREAM.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FOR ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CALL THE INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS SECTION OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT ON TEL 852 1425 AND 852 4423 DURING OFFICE HOURS OR 9493 8262 OUTSIDE OFFICE HOURS.
/7........
FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 1994
7
Comparative Container Statistics for January - April 1994
KWAI CHUNG TERMINALS First 4-month 1993 First 4-month 1994 Change Percant
Leaded Full (T.E.U.) 808 661 1 007 733 24.6%
Discharged Full (T.E.U.) 585 052 799 130 36.6%
Loaded Empty (T.E.U.) 57 080 84 877 48.7%
Discharged Empty (T.E.U.) 179 322 193 979 8.2%
Throughput
a) T.E.U. 1 630 115 2 085 759 28.0%
b) Actual 1 038 829 1 344 621 29.4%
c) Ratio 1.57 1.55
% of T.E.U. throughput being empty 14.50% 13.37%
% cf T.E.U. throughput being transhipment 16.63% 20.94%
Container Tonnage (Tonnes)
a) Loaded 5 133 178 6 765 314 31.8%
b) Discharged 5 427 827 7 638 107 40.7%
c) Total 10 561 005 U403 421 36.4%
Average Weight per full T.E.U. (Tonnes)
a) T.E.U. Loaded 6.35 6.71
b) T.E.U. Discharged 9.28 9.56
c) T.E.U. Total 7.58 7.97
• STREAM AND ELSEWHERE •
Loaded Full (T.E.U.) 337 645 325 595 -3.6%
Discharged Full (T.E.U.) 414 727 410 648 -0.9%
Loaded Empty (T.E.U.) 55 205 54 353 -1.5%
Discharged Empty (T.E.U.) 40 861 42 691 4.5%
Throughput (T.E.U.) 648 438 833 487 -1.8%
RIVER TRADE (Other than those handled at Kwai Chung Terminals )
Loaded Full (T.E.U.) 61 734 96 213 55.9%
Discharged Full (T.E.U.) 50 784 83 C62 63.6%
Loaded Empty (T.E.U.) 25 728 37 233 44.7%
Discharged Empty (T.E.U.) 33 284 47 589 43.0%
Throughput (T.E.U.) 171 530 264 097 54.0%
THROUGHPUT (Kwai Chung Terminals + Stream & Elsewhere + River Trade)
Leaded Full (T.E.U.) 1 207 973 1 429 516 18.3%
Discharged Full (T.E.U.) 1 050 264 1 292 910 23.1%
Loaded Empty (T.E.U.) 138 013 176 463 27.9%
Discharged Empty (T.E.U.) 253 277 254 259 12.2^zo
Throughput (T.E.U.) 2 549^27 3 183 48 20.1%
• Figures include a total of 556 T.E.U. in 1993 and 205 T.E.U. in * 994 respectively handled by terminal vessels contracted to work in the stream.
# To avoid double counting figures are adjusted downwards by 556 T.E.U. in 1993 and 205 T.E.U. m 1994 'espectively handled by terminal vessels contracted to work in the stream
Statistics Section. Planning Branch [ File Ref.: HC/PS 135/3/1 (1994) ] c:\man\mcn\apr94\teuC4
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/8 ........
FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 1994
8
RECLAMATION AUTHORISED FOR EXPLOSIVES COMPLEX * * * * *
THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL HAS AUTHORISED RECLAMATION OF FIVE HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEA-BED AND THE DREDGING OF A NAVIGATION CHANNEL WITHIN AN ENVELOPE OF 27.5 HECTARES AT KAU SHAT WAN, LANTAU ISLAND FOR CONSTRUCTION OF AN EXPLOSIVES COMPLEX.
THE COMPLEX WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING EXPLOSIVES STORAGE FACILITIES ON STONECUTTERS ISLAND.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AND HAZARD ASSESSMENTS HAVE BEEN CONDUCTED AND CONFIRMED THAT KAU SHAT WAN IS A SUITABLE SITE FOR AN EXPLOSIVES COMPLEX IN TERMS OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND HAZARD IMPACT. DETAILED DESIGN WORK HAS BEEN DONE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ASSESSMENTS.
THE WATER AREA IN FRONT OF THE EXPLOSIVES COMPLEX WILL BE DECLARED AN EXCLUSION ZONE TO PUT FISHING ACTIVITIES BEYOND THE POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS AREA.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA TO BE AFFECTED IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
A WATER QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAMME WILL BE INTRODUCED TO ENSURE EARLY DETECTION AND CONTAINMENT WITHIN ACCEPTABLE LIMITS OF ANY ADVERSE EFFECT ON FISHING ACTIVITIES.
THERE ARE WELL-ESTABLISHED CHANNELS FOR CLAIMING EX-GRATIA PAYMENT SHOULD FISHING ACTIVITIES BE AFFECTED BY THE RECLAMATION.
ANY PERSON WHO FEELS THAT HIS INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEA-BED INVOLVED WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE RECLAMATION.WORKS MAY WRITE TO THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 12, 1995 TO CLAIM COMPENSATION.
HE SHOULD STATE IN HIS SUBMISSION THE SUM OF MONEY WHICH HE IS WILLING ACCEPT IN FULL AND FINAL SETTLEMENT OF HIS CLAIM AND SHOULD SUBMIT SUCH PARTICULARS WHICH HE POSSESSES TO SUBSTANTIATE HIS CLAIM.
THE NOTICE AND ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN AT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT’S SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, CENTRAL AND ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE, 20TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
0 - -
RECLAMATION SITE FOR CONSTRUCTION MATERI AI,
*****
THE GOVERNMENT WILL FORM 68 HECTARES OF LAND WITHIN ABOUT 89 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEA-BED IN THE TOLO HABROUR NEAR PAK SHEK KOK, NEW TERRITORIES TO PROVIDE A SITE FOR THF DISPOSAL OF SURPLUS INERT CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL THAT IS SUITABLE FOR REC’LAM AT I ON.
AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT STUDY HAS CONCLUDED THAT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROJECT, WITH SUITABLE MITIGATION MEASURES IS ENVIRONMENTALLY ACCEPTABLE. ’
/THE SHA
FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 1994
9
THE SHA TIN AND TAI PO DISTRICT BOARDS HAVE BOTH BEEN CONSULTED ON THE PROJECT.
THE WORK WILL START EARLY NEXT YEAR AND TAKE ABOUT SEVEN TO EIGHT YEARS TO COMPLETE.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY). THE NOTICE AND ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE.
THE PLAN CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT’S SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG; TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, TA I PO GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, TING KOK ROAD, TAI PO, NEW TERRITORIES; AND SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, KOWLOON-CANTOON RAILWAY HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION, NEW TERRITORIES.
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HE HAS AN INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEA-BED INVOLVED MAY SUBMIT A WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 12. HE MUST DESCRIBE THE MANNER IN WHICH HE ALLEGES HE WILL BE AFFECTED.
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ROAD
FOR MAINTENANCE OF FLOOD ♦ *
PREVENTION FACILITIES PROPOSED
♦ ♦ *
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT A ROAD IN SAN TIN, NORTHWEST NEW THE VILLAGE FLOOD PROTECTION FAC
DEPARTMENT HAS PROPOSED CONSTRUCTING TERRITORIES, TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO TLITIES THERE.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE ROAD WAS REQUIRED IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSED VILLAGE FLOOD PROTECTION WORKS FOR VILLAGES IN SAN TIN AREA.
"ON COMPLETION, THE NEW ROAD WILL PROVIDE ACCESS TO STATION, A -------
MAINTENANCE
FLOOD STORAGE POND AND TWO DRAINAGE PURPOSES,” HE EXPLAINED.
A PUMPING
CHANNELS FOR
SOME EXISTING PEDESTRIAN BRIDGES AND TRACKS WOULD HAVE TO BE CLOSED TO FACILITATE THE WORKS. HOWEVER, PEDESTRIAN AND VEHICULAR ACCESS WOULD BE MAINTAINED DURING CONSTRUCTION.
A NOTICE OF THE PROPOSED ROAD WORKS (FRIDAY).
WAS GAZETTED TODAY
THE PLANS AND SCHEME SHOWING THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE SFEN DURING OFFICE HOURS AT:
* THE PUBLIC ENQUIRIES SERVICE CENTRE OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL;
* THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, NINTH TO 11 TH FLOOR, YUEN LONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 2 KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG NEW TERRITORIES; AND
/* THE YUEN ........
FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 1994
- 10 -
* THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE, YUEN LONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, 269 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, YUEN LONG, NEW TERRITORIES.
ANY PERSON WISHING TO OBJECT TO THE PROPOSALS SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, NO LATER THAN OCTOBER 11, DESCRIBING HIS INTEREST AND MANNER IN WHICH HE WILL B? AFFECTED.
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ROAD NETWORK FOR YAU TSIM PLANNED ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ *
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS PLANNING THE CONSTRUCTION OF A ROAD NETWORK LINKING THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT WITH THE WEST KOWLOON EXPRESSWAY, AIRPORT RAILWAY KOWLOON STATION AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS ON THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION.
MORE THAN 10 ROADS WILL BE BUILT UNDER THE SCHEME WHICH IS PART OF THE NEW RECLAMATION AREA.
WORKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ROADWORKS INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF FOOTPATHS, PLANTING AREAS, FOOTBRIDGES, AND DRAINAGE WORKS AS WELL AS JUNCTION MODIFICATIONS ALONG JORDAN ROAD, FERRY STREET, AND CANTON ROAD.
DURING THE CONSTRUCTION PERIOD, APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC AND PEDESTRIAN ACCESSES WILL BE MAINTAINED TO MINIMISE ANY INCONVENIENCE TO THE PUBLIC.
A NOTICE OF THE PROPOSED ROADWORKS WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE PLANS AND SCHEME SHOWING THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE SEEN DURING OFFICE HOURS AT:
* PUBLIC ENQUIRIES SERVICE CENTRE OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL;
* KOWLOON WEST DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, YAU MA TEI, KOWLOON, AND
♦ YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, MIDDLE ROAD CARPARK BUILDING, 15 MIDDLE ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI, KOWLOON.
ANY PERSON WISHING TO OBJECT TO THE PROPOSALS SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, NO LATER THAN OCTOBER 11, DESCRIBING HIS INTEREST AND MANNER IN WHICH HE WILL BE AFFECTED.
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/Il .......
FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 1994
- 11 -
AMENDMENTS TO FANLING AND SHEUNG SHUI
OUTLINE ZONING PLAN
*****
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED AMENDMENTS TO THE DRAFT FANLING AND SHEUNG SHUI OUTLINE ZONING PLAN.
THE MAJOR AMENDMENT TO THE PLAN (NO. S/FSS/3) IS THE
SUB-DIVISION OF A "COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT AREA" (CDA) ZONE IN THE
WESTERN PERIPHERY OF THE FANLING AND SHEUNG SHUI NEW TOWN INTO TWO
CDA ZONES.
DEVELOPMENTS WITHIN BOTH CDA ZONES ARE RESTRICTED TO A MAXIMUM PLOT RATIO OF 0.8, SITE COVERAGE OF 27 PER CENT AND MAXIMUM BUILDING HEIGHT OF THREE STOREYS OVER ONE-STOREY CARPORT.
"THE ORIGINAL CDA ZONE COMPRISES TWO LOTS. BECAUSE OF THEIR DIFFERENCES IN TOPOGRAPHICAL SETTING AND OWNERSHIP, IT IS CONSIDERED MORE APPROPRIATE TO SUB-DIVIDE THIS ZONE INTO TWO SO THAT FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS ON THE TWO CDAS CAN BE CONSIDERED SEPARATELY BY THE BOARD THROUGH SUBMISSION OF MASTER LAYOUT PLAN," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD SAID.
"A MINOR RELAXATION CLAUSE IS ALSO ADDED TO THE NOTES OF THE TWO CDA ZONES TO THE EFFECT THAT MINOR RELAXATION OF THE DEVELOPMENT RESTRICTION STIPULATED MAY BE CONSIDERED BY THE BOARD ON INDIVIDUAL MERITS," HE ADDED.
OTHER TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS TO THE NOTES INCLUDE THE STIPULATION OF THE EXEMPTION OF ANCILLARY CARPORT, RECREATIONAL FACILITIES, PLANT ROOM AND CARETAKER’S OFFICE AND QUARTERS FROM PLOT RATTO CALCULATION IN RESPECT OF RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE 'CDA’ ZONES; AND THE EXEMPTION OF THE ABOVE ANCILLARY USES FROM SITE COVERAGE AND PLOT RATIO CALCULATIONS IN RESPECT OF DEVELOPMENTS WITHIN "RESIDENTIAL (GROUP C)" ZONE.
THE AMENDMENT PLAN (NO. S/FSS/4) IS AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION UNTIL SEPTEMBER 2 AT:-
* PLANNING DEPARTMENT, 16TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG;
* SHA TIN AND NORTH EAST DISTRICT PLANNING OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, SHA TIN GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 6 TUNG LO WAN HILL ROAD, SHA TIN; AND
* NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE,
THIRD FLOOR, NORTH DISTRICT GOVERNMENT OFFICES,
3 PIK FUNG ROAD, FANLING, NEW TERRITORIES.
/ANY PERSON .......
FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 1994
12
ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENTS MAY SUBMIT WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANING BOARD, C/O PLANNING DEPARTMENT, 13TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 2.
COPIES OF THE PLAN ARE AVAILABLE FOR SALE 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.
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LAND TO BE RESUMED FOR VILLAGE IMPROVEMENT
*****
THE GOVERNMENT WILL RESUME 19 PRIVATE AGRICULTURAL LOTS WITH A TOTAL AREA OF 6,266.8 SQUARE METRES IN TAI PO, NEW TERRITORIES FOR THE PURPOSE OF IMPROVING AND EXPANDING SHUI WAI VILLAGE.
THE WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START IN DECEMBER THIS YEAR AND TAKE 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE EXTENT OF THE PROJECT IS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
------0-------
APPOINTMENTS OF LECTURERS TO HKIED ENCOURAGING ♦ * ♦ * ♦
THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, TODAY (FRIDAY) DESCRIBED AS ENCOURAGING THE APPOINTMENT OF LECTURING STAFF ANNOUNCED BY THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION (HKIED).
”1 AM PLEASED TO LEARN THAT OVER 95 PER CENT OF THE SERVING LECTURERS OF THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION AND THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION WHO HAVE APPLIED AND BEEN INTERVIEWED FOR HKIED JOBS HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL,” MR LEUNG SAID.
"THE INSTITUTE WILL CERTAINLY BENEFIT FROM THE EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE OF THE SERVING STAFF WHO CHOOSE TO TRANSFER TO THE HKIED," HE ADDED.
MR LEUNG ALSO CALLED ON THE REMAINING SERVING LECTURING STAFF TO APPLY IN THE HKIED’S FUTURE RECRUITMENT EXERCISE.
"THERE ARE AMPLE STAFF DEVELOPMENT AND CAREER ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES WITH THE INSTITUTE," HE POINTED OUT.
HE ALSO NOTED THAT THE TEACHING ENVIRONMENT AND FACILITIES WILL BE GREATLY IMPROVED WHEN ITS NEW CAMPUS IN TAI PO IS OPENED IN 1997.
"I AM CERTAIN SERVING LECTURERS AND OTHERS INTERESTED IN TEACHER EDUCATION WILL FIND WORKING FOR THE NEW INSTITUTE A CHALLENGING AND WORTHWHILE CAREER," HE SAID.
"THEY WILL ALSO HAVE AMPLE OPPORTUNITIES FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AS THE NEW INSTITUTE IS DEDICATED TO BECOMING A CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR TEACHER EDUCATION," MR LEUNG SAID.
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/13 .....
FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 1994
13
3,748 S6 PLACES AVAILABLE AFTER STAGE III
*****
STAGE III OF THE SECONDARY 6 ADMISSION PROCEDURE ENDED AT 3.30 PM TODAY (FRIDAY) WITH 3,748 PLACES LEFT OVER FOR STUDENTS MEETING THE MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY NEXT MONDAY (AUGUST 15), THE FIRST DAY OF STAGE IV.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID AT THE END OF STAGE III A TOTAL OF 19,732 S6 PLACES HAVE BEEN FILLED, INCLUDING 2,347 PLACES FILLED TODAY BY STUDENTS SATISFYING THE MINIMUM A-LEVEL REQUIREMENTS IN THEIR OWN OR LINKED SCHOOL WITH VACANCIES.
A TOTAL OF 23,480 S6 PLACES ARE AVAILABLE IN THE 1994/95 SCHOOL YEAR FOR STUDENTS TO APPLY.
THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED STUDENTS WISHING TO SECURE AN S6 PLACE IN THE FORTHCOMING SCHOOL YEAR THAT A LIST OF SCHOOL WITH VACANCIES WILL BE DISPLAYED AT THE 19 DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICES FROM 9 AM ON MONDAY WHEN STAGE IV BEGINS.
STUDENTS SATISFYING THE MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS, INCLUDING THOSE FROM PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS, EVENING SCHOOLS AND PRIVATE CANDIDATES, MAY APPLY TO ONE OR MORE OF THESE SCHOOLS BEFORE 3.30 PM ON MONDAY.
APPLICATION RESULTS WILL BE DISPLAYED AT SCHOOLS NEXT TUESDAY (AUGUST 16) AND SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES SHOULD REGISTER WITH THE SCHOOLS THEY HAVE APPLIED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID SO FAR, THE DEPARTMENT HAS RECEIVED TWO SUBSTANTIAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT SCHOOLS NOT FOLLOWING THE S6 ADMISSION PROCEDURES.
HE SAID BOTH CASES HAVE BEEN SETTLED AFTER INVESTIGATIONS BY THE DEPARTMENT.
THE FIRST CASE WAS ABOUT A SCHOOL IN YUEN LONG IN WHICH A STUDENT SCORING 11 POINTS CLAIMED HER ADMISSION SLIP WAS COLLECTED BY THE SCHOOL YESTERDAY (THURSDAY).
THE SCHOOL LATER RETURNED THE SLIP TO THE STUDENT AFTER INVESTIGATIONS BY OFFICERS FROM THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICE.
THE SECOND CASE WAS REPORTED TO THE CENTRAL HOTLINE YESTERDAY IN WHICH A SCHOOL IN TAI PO AGREED TO ACCEPT AND COLLECTED THE ADMISSION SLIP FROM ITS STUDENT SCORING 10 POINTS ON THE FIRST DAY OF STAGE II (WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10). THIS SHOULD ONLY BE CONDUCTED IN STAGE III.
FOLLOWING INVESTIGATIONS, THE SCHOOL ADMITTED IT WAS INAPPROPRIATE AND SAID IT WOULD CONSIDER THE STUDENT’S APPLICATION AT STAGE III.
MEANWHILE, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S CENTRAL HOTLINE (TELEPHONE NUMBERS 782 7624, 782 7625, 782 7627 AND 782 7621) AND THE 19 DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICES HANDLED 203 AND 554 ENQUIRIES RESPECTIVELY ON THE ADMISSION PROCEDURE UP TO 5 PM TODAY.
/AT THE .......
FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 1994
14
AT THE SAME TIME, THE CAREERS EDUCATION CENTER OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT RECEIVED 315 VISITORS AND 253 TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES ON FURTHER STUDIES, LOCALLY OR OVERSEAS, AND CAREERS BY THE TIME IT CLOSED AT 5.30 PM TODAY.
THIS BRINGS TO 1,591 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PEOPLE VISITED AND
1,005 CALLERS TELEPHONED THE CENTER SINCE THE RELEASE OF THE HKCEE RESULTS ON TUESDAY (AUGUST 9).
THE CAREERS EDUCATION CENTER AT ROOM 206 OF THE MONG KOK GOVERNMENT OFFICES AT 30 LUEN WAN STREET, MONG KOK, PROVIDES STUDENTS WITH REFERENCE MATERIAL ON OPPORTUNITIES FOR FURTHER STUDIES AND TRAINING, AND INFORMATION ON VARIOUS CAREERS.
------0-----------
JULY AIR QUALITY REPORT
*****
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) TODAY (FRIDAY) RELEASED AIR QUALITY INFORMATION FOR LAST MONTH.
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 CONTAINS MONITORING RESULTS FROM MONG KOK, CENTRAL/WESTERN AND KWAI CHUNG. THESE LOCATIONS ARE TYPICAL OF THREE OF THE IMPORTANT LAND USE TYPES FOUND IN THE TERRITORY:
» LOCATIONS CLOSE TO ROAD TRAFFIC IN BUILT-UP URBAN AREAS;
* COMBINED COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS; AND
* DISTRICTS CLOSE TO INDUSTRIAL AREAS.
THE DEPARTMENT CURRENTLY MONITORS AIR QUALITY CONTINUOUSLY AT EIGHT STATIONS, INCLUDING THE THREE MENTIONED. SHORT-TERM MEASUREMENT CAMPAIGNS ARE ALSO UNDERTAKEN AS AND WHERE THE NEED ARISES.
THE REPORTED AIR POLLUTANTS INCLUDE SULPHUR DIOXIDE (SO2), NITROGEN DIOXIDE (NO2), TOTAL SUSPENDED PARTICULATES (TSP) WHICH COMPRISE ALL SIZES OF DUST PARTICLES, AND RESPIRABLE SUSPENDED PARTICULATES (RSP) WHICH ARE THE RESPIRABLE FRACTION OF THE DUST.
ALL THESE POLLUTANTS CAN AFFECT RESPIRATORY HEALTH IN SUFFICIENT CONCENTRATION.
AIR QUALITY IN JULY WAS DOMINATED BY THE HEAVY RAINFALL WHICH KEPT DUST LEVELS DOWN AND WASHED OUT SULPHUR DIOXIDE.
MEANWHILE, THE LACK OF SUNLIGHT MADE IT DIFFICULT FOR OZONE AND NITROGEN DIOXIDE TO FORM IN THE ATMOSPHERE.
LEVELS OF ALL POLLUTANTS WERE BELOW THE RELEVANT 24-HOUR STANDARDS THROUGHOUT THE MONTH.
/THE EXCEPTION .......
FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 1994
- 15 -
THE EXCEPTION TO THIS WAS SOME HIGHER CONCENTRATIONS ON JULY 10 (AT MONG KOK, TOTAL SUSPENDED PARTICULATE LEVELS WERE 95 PER CENT OF THE 24-HOUR STANDARD)♦
THESE HIGHER LEVELS AROSE BECAUSE ON JULY 9 AND 10 THERE WAS LITTLE RAINFALL AND WIND, AND SUNSHINE LEVELS WERE HIGH.
THESE ARE CONDITIONS THAT OFTEN LEAD TO POOR AIR QUALITY IN HONG KONG.
THE GASES AND PARTICLES DESCRIBED ORIGINATE FROM VARIOUS SOURCES. SO2 IS MOSTLY PRODUCED WHEN FUELS THAT CONTAIN SULPHUR ARE BURNED. NO2 IS FORMED DURING COMBUSTION BY THE COMBINATION OF NITROGEN AND OXYGEN.
HOWEVER THE MAJORITY OF IT IS FORMED IN THE ATMOSPHERE BY THE OXIDATION OF NITRIC OXIDE (NO), ALSO A PRODUCT OF COMBUSTION.
VEHICLE EXHAUSTS ARE IMPORTANT SOURCES OF NO AND NO2 IN TERMS OF IMPACT ON LOCAL AIR QUALITY.
THESE EXHAUSTS ARE ALSO A MAJOR SOURCE OF AIRBORNE PARTICULATE MATTER, ESPECIALLY THE SMALLER RESPIRABLE PARTICLES.
OTHER SOURCES OF PARTICLES INCLUDE INDUSTRY, FURNACES AND BOILERS, CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES, THE SEA AND THE SOIL.
IT IS WORTH NOTING THAT WHILE THE WEATHER AND CLIMATE ALWAYS /EFFECT CONCENTRATIONS OF POLLUTANTS IN THE AIR, THE ONLY SURE WAY OF REDUCING THE LEVELS IS TO REDUCE EMISSIONS FROM THE MAN-MADE SOURCES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THIS AIR QUALITY REPORT AND OTHER AIR QUALITY ISSUES, PLEASE CONTACT ACTING PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER MR S W PANG ON TEL 594 6401.
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/16........
FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 1994
- 16 -
ANTI-RABIES INOCULATION DRIVE IN FISHING PORTS
*****
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT WILL LAUNCH A HALF-YEARLY DOG INOCULATION DRIVE IN FISHING PORTS OVER THE NEXT TWO WEEKS SO THAT FISHERMEN CAN HAVE THEIR DOGS IMMUNISED AGAINST RABIES.
STARTING FROM MONDAY (AUGUST 15), THE DEPARTMENT’S MOBILE DOG INOCULATION TEAMS WILL GO TO THE TERRITORY’S SEVEN FISHING PORTS ONE AFTER THE OTHER AND MAKE BOAT-TO-BOAT VISITS BETWEEN 10 AM AND 4 PM DAILY. THE WHOLE OPERATION IS EXPECTED TO LAST UNTIL AUGUST 26.
THEY WILL VISIT THE FISHING PORTS IN SHA TAU KOK ON AUGUST 15; IN SAM MUN CHAI ON AUGUST 16 AND 17; CASTLE PEAK BAY ON AUGUST 18 AND 19; ABERDEEN ON AUGUST 19 AND 22; SHAU KEI WAN ON AUGUST 23 AND 24; AS WELL AS CHEUNG CHAU AND SAI KUNG ON AUGUST 25 AND 26.
THE DRIVE, A REGULAR EXERCISE SINCE 1980, IS INTENDED TO HELP FISHERMEN WHO FIND LITTLE TIME TO TAKE THEIR DOGS TO AN INOCULATION CENTRE OR A GOVERNMENT KENNEL FOR INOCULATION.
THE DEPARTMENT’S SENIOR VETERINARY OFFICER, DR K K LIU, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE DRIVE WAS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S CONTINUING EFFORTS TO PREVENT THE OUTBREAK OF RABIES IN HONG KONG.
"THE TERRITORY REGAINED THE RABIES-FREE AREA STATUS ON JULY 10, 1989 BY HAVING SUCCESSFULLY PREVENTED THE OUTBREAK OF ANY’ INDIGENOUS RABIES CASE SINCE JULY 10, 1987," HE SAID.
NEVERTHLESS, HE STRESSED THAT RABIES WAS A DEADLY DISEASE TRANSMISSIBLE FROM ANIMALS TO HUMAN. DOGS ON FISHING VESSELS ARE PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE BECAUSE OF THEIR POSSIBLE CONTACTS WITH OTHER ANIMALS OUTSIDE HONG KONG.
"IT IS, THEREFORE, IMPORTANT THAT FISHERMEN’S . DOGS ARE INOCULATED AGAINST THE DISEASE AT LEAST EVERY THREE YEARS TO KEEP UP THEIR IMMUNITY," DR LIU ADDED.
HE CALLED ON FISHERMEN WHO OWN DOGS TO MAKE FULL USE OF THE SPECIAL INOCULATION SERVICE.
UNDER THE RABIES ORDINANCE, ALL DOGS OVER FIVE MONTHS OLD ARE REQUIRED TO BE LICENSED AND INOCULATED AGAINST RABIES. FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RENDER THE OWNER LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $10,000.
------0------------
/17........
FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 1994
17 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS » * * * ♦
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,969 0930 +1,480
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,775 1000 +1,480
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 +1,480
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY +1,481 1200 +1,480
LAF TODAY -675 1500 +1,481
1600 +1,481
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 122.7 ♦-0.4* 12.8.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.08 16 MONTHS 2511 4.15 98.14 5.75
1 MONTH 4 . 18 22 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100.41 6.19
3 MONTHS 4.40 30 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.60 6.68
6 MONTHS 4.75 33 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98.57 6.84
12 MONTHS 5.40 TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS 36 MONTHS AND BONDS - 3707 23,161 6.95 MN 100.16 7.01
CLOSED 12 AUGUST 1994
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
STATEMENT ON AIRPORT TALKS.................................. 1
MEDIA URGED TO HELP LAUNCH FAIR ELECTION.................... 1
WETTEST JULY ON RECORD...................................... 2
PDB APPOINTS COMMERCIAL ADVISER............................. 6
LAND REGISTRY ANNOUNCES ENHANCED PERFORMANCE PLEDGES.... 7
OVER 4,500 OFFERED COMPASSIONATE REHOUSING.................. 8
SAFETY PLEA ON ELECTRICITY USAGE............................ 9
YOUNG MUSICIANS TO TOUR BEIJING AND TIANJIN................ 10
FRESH WATER CUT IN WESTERN DISTRICT........................ 11
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .... 11
SUNDAY, AUGUST 14, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TWO COMPANIES APPOINTED TO HANDLE SPEEDPOST................ 12
RESERVOIR FISHING SEASON TO BEGIN NEXT MONTH............... 12
SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 1994
1
STATEMENT ON AIRPORT TALKS * * * « »
IN RESPONSE TO MEDIA INQUIRIES ABOUT REMARKS MADE IN PEKING TODAY (SATURDAY) BY MR LU PING ON THE AIRPORT TALKS, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID:
"WE HAVE NOT SEEN THE FULL STATEMENT MADE BY MR LU PING TODAY CONCERNING THE AIRPORT TALKS, SO WE CANNOT COMMENT IN DETAIL; BUT WE CAN RESPOND TO MR LU’S GENERAL REMARKS.
"AS BOTH SIDES ARE WELL AWARE, THE FINANCIAL SUPPORT AGREEMENTS FOR THE AIRPORT AND AIRPORT RAILWAY HAVE ALWAYS BEEN AN ESSENTIAL PART OF A FINANCING AGREEMENT FOR THE TWO PROJECTS. COPIES OF THE DRAFT DOCUMENTS HAVE BEEN WITH THE CHINESE SIDE FOR MANY MONTHS. SO ANY SUGGESTION THAT WE ARE INTRODUCING NEW ISSUES INTO THE NEGOTIATIONS IS NOT CORRECT.
"IN ADDITION, IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT THE CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL SUPPORT AGREEMENTS ARE FULLY IN LINE WITH THE BASIC AGREEMENT REACHED WITH THE CHINESE SIDE ON THE S60.3 BILLION EQUITY AND THE $23 BILLION DEBT. THAT UNDERLINES THE POINT THAT WE ARE PROPOSING NOTHING NEW.
"WE WANT TO BRING THESE MATTERS A SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION AND, \S W’E SAID ON THURSDAY, WE HAVE SUGGESTED THAT EXPERTS FROM BOTH SIDES SHOULD MEET SOON."
- - 0 - -
MEDIA URGED TO HELP LAUNCH FAIR ELECTION. * * * * *
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION, MR JUSTICE WOO KWOK-HING, TODAY (SATURDAY) APPEALED TO BROADCASTERS AND PUBLISHERS TO HELP LAUNCH AN OPEN, FAIR AND TRUSTWORTHY ELECTION.
MR WOO WAS SPEAKING AT A SEMINAR ON REPORTING ON ELECTIONS ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG JOURNALISTS ASSOCIATION.
HE SAID THE MEDIA SHOULD GIVE CANDIDATES, BOTH INDEPENDENT AND WITH POLITICAL AFFILIATION, EQUAL, FAIR AND CONSISTENT TREATMENT OF COVERAGE IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT ELECTION CAMPAIGNING WOULD BE CONDUCTED EQUALLY AND FAIRLY.
HE SAID THE COMMISSION HAD RECENTLY RECEIVED COMPLAINTS ON SOME MEDIA ORGANISATIONS THAT THEY WERE GIVING UNFAIR ADVANTAGE TO CERTAIN CANDIDATES OR POLITICAL PARTIES, THUS CREATING A SITUATION OF UNFAIR ELECTION CAMPAIGNING.
"THE COMMISSION IS VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THESE CASES WHICH ARE VIOLATING THE PRINCIPLE OF A FAIR ELECTION," HE SAID.
MR WOO ALSO SAID IF A COMPLAINT OF UNEQUAL TREATMENT WAS SUBSTANTIATED, THE COMMISSION MIGHT MAKE A DENUNCIATION OR CENSURE IN A PUBLIC STATEMENT WHICH MIGHT INCLUDE THE NAMES OF THE CANDIDATES FAVOURABLY AND UNFAVOURABLY TREATED AND THE MEDIA CONCERNED.
/IF THE
SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 1994
- 2 -
IF THE CASE INVOLVED A BROADCASTER, THE COMMISSION MAY REFER THE MATTER TO THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY FOR APPROPRIATE ACTION TO BE TAKEN.
HE SAID THE COMMISSION HAD NO INTENTION TO INTERFERE WITH THE POLITICAL INCLINATION OF A MEDI.A ORGANISATION UNDER THE PRINCIPLES OF FREE PRESS AND FREEDOM OF SPEECH.
’’BUT I HOPE THAT THEY CAN TREAT CANDIDATES FAIRLY AND ON EQUAL FOOTING AND REPORT ELECTION NEWS BASED ON ALL FACTUAL ACCOUNTS,” HE SAID.
HE SAID A FALSE REPORT MIGHT LEAD TO LIBEL AND EVEN BE PROSECUTED FOR MAKING A FALSE STATEMENT AND MISREPRESENTATION.
THE CHAIRMAN SAID IF .A MEDIA ORGANISATION DELIBERATELY PUBLICISED CERTAIN CANDIDATES OR POLITICAL PARTIES, THEN IT MIGHT BE REGARDED AS AN ELECTION ADVERTISEMENT AND HAVING INCURRED ELECTION EXPENSES.
"IT IS AN OFFENCE FOR ANYONE TO INCUR ELECTION EXPENSES UNLESS HE IS A CANDIDATE OR A PERSON AUTHORISED IN WRITING TO DO SO BY A CANDIDATE,” HE SAID.
EVEN IF HE IS GIVEN WRITTEN AUTHORISATION BY A CANDIDATE, THE SUM INVOLVED MIGHT BE REGARDED AS DONATIONS AND BE COUNTED AS ELECTION EXPENSES.
SUCH COMPLAINT CASES MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE POLICE OR THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION FOR INVESTIGATION AND ACTION, HE ADDED.
------0--------
WETTEST JULY ON RECORD ♦ * * * ♦
A TOTAL RAINFALL OF 1,147.2 MILLIMETRES WAS RECORDED LAST MONTH, A ROYAL OBSERVATORY REPORT RELEASED TODAY (SATURDAY) SHOWED, MAKING IT THE HIGHEST FOR THE MONTH OF JULY AND THE SECOND HIGHEST FOK ANY MONTH SINCE RECORDS BEGAN IN 1884.
THE WEATHER WAS UNSETTLED ON MOST DAYS AND THERE WERE 13 DAYS WITH RAINFALL OF OVER 25 MILLIMETRES.
THE MONTH WAS ALSO UNUSUALLY CLOUDY WITH TOTAL BRIGHT SUNSHINE AMOUNTING TO ONLY 136.4 HOURS, THE SECOND LOWEST VALUE FOR JULY.
TORRENTIAL RAIN FELL ON JULY 22 TO 24 WITH A TOTAL OF 611.2 MILLIMETRES RECORDED AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY, THE HIGHEST FOR ANY THREE CONSECUTIVE DAYS IN JULY.
THE RAINSTORM BLACK WARNING WAS ISSUED FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS YEAR ON JULY 23.
/WITH MONTHLY........
SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 1994
3
WITH MONTHLY RAINFALL OVER THREE-AND-A-HALF TIMES THE JULY NORMAL OF 323.5 MILLIMETRES, THE ACCUMULATED RAINFALL IN THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS OF 1994 AMOUNTED TO 1,704.1 MILLIMETRES WHICH WAS 29 PER CENT ABOVE THE NORMAL FOR THE SAME PERIOD.
THE WEATHER WAS FINE FOR THE FIRST TWO DAYS OF JULY. WITH A TROPICAL DEPRESSION DEVELOPING OVER THE NORTHERN PART OF THE SOUTH CHINA SEA, THE WEATHER IN HONG KONG STARTED TO DETERIORATE ON JULY 3.
OUTER RAINBANDS OF THE TROPICAL DEPRESSION AND GUSTY SOUTHEASTERLY WINDS AFFECTED THE TERRITORY FROM JULY 3 TO 5.
THERE WERE SHOWERS AND SUNNY PERIODS FROM JULY 6 TO 8. IT TURNED FINE DURING THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS AS A WEAK RIDGE OF HIGH PRESSURE BECAME ESTABLISHED OVER THE SOUTH CHINA COAST.
TYPHOON TIM CROSSED THE TAIWAN STRAIT EARLY ON JULY 11, RESULTING IN A HOT CONTINENTAL AIRSTREAM REACHING HONG KONG AND THE MONTH’S HIGHEST TEMPERATURE OF 34.1 DEGREES WAS RECORDED THAT SUNNY AFTERNOON.
TIM MADE LANDFALL OVER FUJIAN AND ITS REMNANT BROUGHT INTENSE AND THUNDERY SHOWERS IN THE EARLY MORNING OF JULY' 12.
SOME PARTS OF THE URBAN AREA RECEIVED OVER 90 MILLIMETRES OF RAIN BETWEEN 1 AND 2 AM, NECESSITATING THE BRIEF ISSUANCE OF THE RAINSTORM RED WARNING.
THERE WERE 12 REPORTS OF FLOODING. TEMPERATURES FELL TO THE MONTH’S MINIMUM OF 22.9 DEGREES DURING THE DOWNPOUR.
UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF AN UNSTABLE SOUTHWEST MONSOON, THE WEATHER IN HONG KONG REMAINED CLOUDY WITH RAIN IN THE NEXT THREE DAYS.
HOWEVER, IT IMPROVED ON JULY 16 AND THERE WERE SUNNY SPELLS.
GENERALLY FINE WEATHER PREVAILED FROM JULY 17 TO 20 ALTHOUGH THERE WERE SOME ISOLATED SHOWERS.
AN ACTIVE TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE DEVELOPED OVER THE SOUTH CHINA COAST ON JULY 21, BRINGING VERY UNSETTLED WEATHER TO THE TERRITORY FROM JULY 22 TO 24.
PERSISTENT HEAVY RAIN AND THUNDERSTORMS AFFECTED HONG KONG, INFLICTING MANY CASUALTIES AND WIDESPREAD DAMAGE. OVER 380 REPORTS OF FLOODING AND 210 OF LANDSLIPS WERE RECEIVED.
THE HEAVY RAIN ON JULY 22 FELL IN TWO EPISODES, ONE IN THE SMALL HOURS AND THE OTHER IN THE LATE MORNING.
THE RAINSTORM RED WARNING WAS ISSUED ON BOTH OCCASIONS.
ALTOGETHER, MORE THAN 200 MILLIMETRES OF RAIN FELL IN THE URBAN AREAS AND OVER 300 MILLIMETRES WERE RECORDED IN THE NORTHWESTERN PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
/AT TAI .......
SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 1994
AT TAI MO SHAN WHERE THE RAIN WAS HEAVIEST, MORE THAN 750 MILLIMETRES WERE RECORDED.
DURING THE RAINSTORM, ONE PERSON WAS KILLED AND 17 OTHERS INJURED. f. ■ ■
THREE HUNDRED HECTARES OF FARMLAND AND 150 HECTARES OF FISH PONDS WERE FLOODED. FOUR OLD HOUSES IN YUEN LONG COLLAPSED. ELECTRICITY SUPPLY WAS CUT OFF IN PARTS OF TAI PO, TSUEN WAN AND YUEN LONG.
FOUR THOUSAND FAMILIES WERE AFFECTED. THE RAIN STOPPED FOR A BRIEF PERIOD DURING THE NIGHT.
TORRENTIAL RAIN FELL AGAIN BETWEEN 4 AND 6 AM ON JULY 23 AND OVER 100 MILLIMETRES WERE CONCENTRATED IN THE URBAN AREAS NECESSITATING THE ISSUANCE OF THE RAINSTORM RED WARNING FOLLOWED BY THE RAINSTORM BLACK WARNING.
RAIN BECAME LESS INTENSE DURING THE DAY. AMONG THE MANY REPORTED INCIDENTS, THE MOST DISASTROUS ONE WAS THE COLLAPSE OF A RETAINING WALL AT THE KWUN LUNG LAU ESTATE BUILDING IN KENNEDY TOWN WHERE FIVE PEOPLE WERE KILLED AND THREE OTHERS WERE INJURED, AND 2,000 FAMILIES HAD TO BE EVACUATED.
HEAVY RAIN CONTINUED THROUGHOUT JULY 24 AND OVER 100 MILLIMETRES WERE ADDED TO THE TALLY CAUSING MORE FLOODING AND LANDSLIP INCIDENTS.
ALTHOUGH THERE WERE STILL PERIODS OF RAIN ON JULY 25, BOTH THE INTENSITY AND TOTAL AMOUNT WERE LESS THAN THE THREE PREVIOUS DAYS.
AS THE TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE MOVED SOUTH GRADUALLY INTO THE SOUTH CHINA SEA, RAIN BEGAN TO EASE OFF ON JULY 26. APART FROM SOME HEAVY SHOWERS ON JULY 28, A MAINLY FINE SPELL LASTED UNTIL THE END OF THE MONTH.
THERE WERE NINE TROPICAL CYCLONES OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC AND THE SOUTH CHINA SEA IN JULY' 1994.
TWENTY AIRCRAFT WERE DIVERTED IN THE MONTH AS A RESULT OF INCLEMENT WEATHER.
DETAILS ON THE ISSUANCE/HOISTING AND CANCELLATION/LOWERING OF VARIOUS WARNING/SIGNALS IN THE MONTH ARE SUMMARISED IN TABLE 1.1. MONTHLY METEOROLOGICAL FIGURES AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL ARE TABULATED IN TABLE 1.2.
/TABLE 1.1 .......
SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 1994
5
EFFECTIVE DATE AND TIME
WARNINGS / SIGNALS
TABLE 1.1 WARNINGS AND SIGNALS IN JULY 1994
RAINSTORM WARNINGS
RED JUL 12 2.00 AM — JUL 12 3.30 AM
JUL 22 2.30 AM — JUL 22 5.45 AM
JUL 22 10.35 AM - JUL 22 6.30 PM
JUL 23 4.55 AM - JUL 23 5.50 AM
BLACK JUL 23 5.50 AM - JUL 23 10.50 AM
LANDSLIP WARNING JUL 22 3.00 AM - JUL 26 10.00 AM
FLOOD WARNINGS JUL 1 1 11.20 PM — JUL 12 3.30 AM
JUL 14 5.15 AM — JUL 14 7.00 AM
JUL 22 1.30 AM — JUL 22 8.45 PM
JUL 23 12.45 AM — JUL 23 12.15 PM
JUL 23 7. 15 PM - JUL 24 5.45 AM
JUL 24 11.30 AM — JUL 25 7.00 AM
JUL 25 11.50 AM — JUL 25 3.00 PM
THUNDERSTORM WARNINGS JUL 2 3.10 PM JUL 2 5. 10 PM
JUL 3 1.00 PM — JUL 3 4.00 PM
JUL 3 11 .00 PM - JUL 4 6.00 AM
JUL 4 9.35 PM — JUL 4 11.35 PM
JUL 5 2.50 PM — JUL 5 8.50 PM
JUL 8 3.10 AM - JUL 8 5. 10 AM
JUL 8 8.25 AM - JUL 8 1 .25 PM
JUL 1 1 9.00 PM — JUL 12 8.00 AM
JUL 13 5.00 PM - JUL 13 7.00 PM
JUL 13 9.00 PM — JUL 13 11.00 PM
JUL 14 5.15 AM — JUL 14 7.15 AM
JUL 15 12.05 AM — JUL 15 2.05 AM
JUL 15 2.30 AM — JUL 15 8.00 AM
JUL 15 10.25 AM - JUL 15 11.25 AM
JUL 15 11.50 AM - JUL 15 3.30 PM
JUL 15 5.00 PM — JUL 15 7.00 PM
JUL 16 9.50 PM — JUL 16 11.50 PM
JUL 17 12.20 PM - JUL 17 2.20 PM
JUL 20 9.55 AM - JUL 20 1.30 PM
JUL 20 4.55 PM — JUL 20 6.55 PM
JUL 21 7.05 AM — JUL 21 NOON
JUL 21 7 . 10 PM — JUL 22 4.00 PM
JUL 22 5.00 PM — JUL 22 8.00 PM
JUL 22 10.25 PM — JUL 23 1 .25 PM
JUL 23 6.45 PM — JUL 24 6.00 PM
JUL 24 9.45 PM - JUL 25 9.30 AM
JUL 25 10.40 AM - JUL 25 3.00 PM
JUL 27 2. 15 PM — JUL 27 4.15 PM
/TABLE 1.2
SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 1994
_ 6 -
TABLE 1.2 FIGURES AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL - JUL\ 1994
TOTAL BRIGHT SUNSHINE 136.4 HOURS; 94.7 HOURS BELOW NORMAL
MEAN DAILY GLOBAL SOLAR RADIATION 12.38 MJ/SQ M; 5.87 MJ/SQ M BELOW NORMAL
TOTAL RAINFALL MEAN CLOUD AMOUNT MEAN RELATIVE HUMIDITY 1,147.2 MM; 823.7 MM ABOVE NORMAL 78 PER CENT; 13 PER CENT ABOVE NORMAL 86 PER CENT; 6 PER CENT ABOVE NORMAL
MEAN DAILY MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE 30.4 DEGREES CELSIUS; 1.1 DEGREES CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL
MEAN AIR TEMPERATURE 27.9 DEGREES CELSIUS; 0.9 DEGREE CELSIUS BEL<'W NORMAL
MEAN DAILY MINIMUM TEMPERATURE 25.8 DEGREES CELSIUS; 0.8 DEGREE CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL
MEAN DEW POINT 25.3 DEGREES CELSIUS; 0.4 DEGREE CELSIUS ABOVE NORMAL
TOTAL EVAPORATION 92.4 MM; 79.2 MM BELOW NORMAL
ROYAL OBSERVATORY EXCEPT
WERE MADE AT THE
remarks: ALLgnMEAsuREMENTs^.^^..-^ ^vAp-RATioN which were recorded
AT KING’S PARK.
---------o-----------
PDB APPOINTS COMMERCIAL ADVISER *****
A EORMER MASTER MARINER WITH WIDE EXPERIENCE OE CONTAINER PORT OPERATIONS IN HONG KONG AND CHINA HAS JOINED THE PORT DEVELOPMENT BOARD AS COMMERCIAL ADVISER.
IN HIS NEW ROLE MR PETER EREDERICK GLASS WILL DETERMINE WHAT PORT FACILITIES HONG KONG NEEDS, TAKING ACCOUNT OF COMPETITION FROM CHINESE PORTS.
HE WILL OVERSEE AND CO-ORDINATE THE DEVELOPMENT OF THESE FACILITIES BY THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND WILL DEVELOP A PORT PROMOTION PROGRAMME.
HE WILL ALSO ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT ON THE ORGANISATIONAL, COMMERCIAL, ECONOMIC AND OPERATIONAL ASPECTS OF DEVELOPING NEW PORT FACILITIES AND MANAGE AND CO-ORDINATE THE PORT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.
/MR GLASS .......
SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 1994
7 -
MR GLASS HAS WIDE EXPERIENCE OF DEVELOPING CONTAINER PORT PROJECTS, BOTH LOCALLY AND OVERSEAS.
FROM 1987, UNTIL HIS PRESENT APPOINTMENT, HE WAS PROJECT MANAGER FOR MODERN TERMINALS LIMITED IN HONG KONG.
IN THAT POST HE NEGOTIATED WITH THE GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE SECTOR ON THE AWARDS FOR CONTAINER TERMINAL 7, 8 AND 9 AND THE INTEGRATION OF TERMINAL 2 AS PART OF THE TERMINAL 6 AWARD.
HE PLAYED A LEADING ROLE IN NEGOTIATIONS ON TERMINAL 8 AND 9 AND TOOK PART IN PRELIMINARY PLANNING FOR TERMINAL 10 AND 11 ON LANTAU.
FROM 1985 TO 1987 HE WAS ADVISER TO THE GENERAL MANAGER AND DEPUTY GENERAL MANAGER OF NOZESCO IN ZHUHAI, SOUTHERN CHINA. THAT POST WAS CREATED TO OVERSEE THE START-UP OF JIUZHOU PORT.
MR GLASS LIAISED BETWEEN THE CONTRACTORS, DRAGAGES ET TRAVAUXS PUBLIQUES AND THE CHINESE REPRESENTATIVES DURING PORT CONSTRUCTION. HE ALSO HELPED THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES PLAN PORT PROCEDURES AND OPERATION METHODS.
BEFORE MOVING TO CHINA HE WAS CONSULTANT/ADVISER TO THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF KING FAHD INDUSTRIAL PORT IN JUBAIL FROM 1981 TO 1985.
MR GLASS GAINED HIS MASTER MARINER’S CERTIFICATE IN 1960 AND THE CITY OF LONDON COLLEGE/UK CHAMBER OF SHIPPING DIPLOMA IN 1966.
------0-------
LAND REGISTRY ANNOUNCES ENHANCED PERFORMANCE PLEDGES
*****
THE LAND REGISTRY (LR) TODAY (SATURDAY) ANNOUNCES NEW PERFORMANCE PLEDGES FOR THE YEAR AND THE RESULTS OF ITS FIRST YEAR’S PERFORMANCE AGAINST SERVICE TARGETS.
THE LAND REGISTRAR, MR KENNETH PANG TSAN-WING, SAID THE DEPARTMENT’S NEW PLEDGES WERE TARGETTED AT IMPROVING SERVICES TO CUSTOMERS.
"AS AN ON-GOING COMMITMENT TO IMPROVING SERVICES, THE LR HAS SET HIGHER PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR THIS YEAR.
’’FOR EXAMPLE, THE SERVICE TIME FOR REGISTRATION OF DOCUMENTS IS REDUCED FROM 26 TO 22 WORKING DAYS AND THAT FOR CERTIFICATION OF DOCUMENTS FROM EIGHT TO SIX WORKING DAYS.
”TO ENSURE THAT OUR PERFORMANCE IS EFFECTIVELY MONITORED AND OUR SERVICES ARE MEETING CUSTOMERS’ NEEDS, THREE CUSTOMERS LIAISON GROUPS WHICH PROVIDE THE REGISTRY WITH VERY USEFUL FEEDBACK AND CONSTRUCTIVE SUGGESTIONS HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED," HE SAID.
THE LR ALSO PLACES GREAT EMPHASIS ON CUSTOMER RELATIONS.
/A POST .......
SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 1994
- 8 -
A POST OF CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER HAS BEEN CREATED AND A PERIODIC NEWSLETTER, NAMELY, THE "LAND REGISTRY NEWS" HAS BEEN PUBLISHED TO UPDATE ITS CLIENTS ON THE REGISTRY’S CURRENT ACTIVITIES AND NEW SERVICES.
"THE REGISTRY HAS SUCCESSFULLY ACHIEVED ITS PERFORMANCE TARGETS AND FINANCIAL OBJECTIVES FOR THE FIRST YEAR OF ITS OPERATION AS A TRADING FUND.
"IT HAS ALSO BEEN MAKING GREAT STRIDES IN INTRODUCING IMPROVED AND NEW SERVICES TO ITS CUSTOMERS.
"FOR THE THREE MAJOR SERVICES: NAMELY, REGISTRATION OF DOCUMENTS, SEARCH OF LAND REGISTERS AND SUPPLY OF COPIES OF RECORDS, THE ACHIEVEMENT RATES WERE OVER 94 PER CENT," MR PANG ADDED.
THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE REGISTRY’S ENHANCED PERFORMANCE PLEDGES COINCIDES WITH THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF THE LAND REGISTRY TRADING FUND WHICH COMMENCED OPERATION ON AUGUST 1 LAST YEAR.
EARLIER THIS MONTH, THE REGISTRY ANNOUNCED THE LAUNCHING OF A NEW LAND SEARCH FACILITY, CALLED THE "DIRECT ACCESS SERVICES", WHICH ENABLES CUSTOMERS TO MAKE ON-LINE ACCESS TO THE URBAN LAND REGISTERS THROUGH THEIR OWN COMPUTERS AT THEIR OWN OFFICES WITHOUT CALLING AT THE REGISTRY’S OFFICES.
THE INITIAL RESPONSE TO THIS NEW SERVICE FROM POTENTIAL CLIENTS WAS ENCOURAGING.
THE REGISTRY’S NEW PERFORMANCE PLEDGES ARE SET OUT IN A PAMPHLET PUBLISHED TODAY (SATURDAY).
ANOTHER INFORMATION LEAFLET CONCERNING THE LAND REGISTRY TRADING FUND AND ITS EXISTING AND NEW SERVICES HAS ALSO BEEN PRODUCED.
COPIES OF THESE PAMPHLETS ARE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC AT ALL LR OFFICES AND THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION DISTRICT OFFICES.
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OVER 4,500 OFFERED COMPASSIONATE REHOUSING
*****
MORE THAN 4,500 PEOPLE HAVE THEIR LIVING ENVIRONMENT IMPROVED IN THE 1993/94 FINANCIAL YEAR BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S COMPASSIONATE REHOUSING SCHEME, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
THESE PEOPLE, INVOLVED IN A TOTAL OF 2,329 CASES, HAVE BEEN RECOMMENDED TO THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT FOR CONSIDERATION OF PUBLIC HOUSING UNITS.
"THE COMPASSIONATE REHOUSING SCHEME IS AIMED TO HELP INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES WITH GENUINE, IMMEDIATE AND LONG-TERM HOUSING NEEDS.
/"THEY MAY .......
SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 1994
9
'’THEY MAY EITHER BE PERSONS WITH POOR HEALTH AND DISABILITIES, OR VICTIMS OF FAMILY VIOLENCE,’’ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
ELDERLY WELFARE RECIPIENTS LIVING IN CROWDED BEDSPACE APARTMENT WILL ALSO BE CONSIDERED FOR RECOMMENDATION FOR REHOUSING. SOCIAL HANDICAPPED PEOPLE WHO ARE FACING PRESSURES OF UNSUITABLE ACCOMMODATION WILL BE CONSIDERED AS WELL.
"THE APPLICANTS SHOULD NORMALLY HAVE FINANCIAL MEANS LOWER THAN THE INCOME LIMITS FOR PUBLIC HOUSING APPLICANTS AND FULFIL OTHER RESIDENCE QUALIFICATIONS LAID DOWN BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
CASEWORKERS OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND SOME NONGOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS IDENTIFY CASES DURING THEIR DAILY WORK AND RECOMMEND THEM FOR COMPASSIONATE REHOUSING.
NEEDY INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES MAY MAKE DIRECT ENQUIRIES TO THE DEPARTMENT’S HOTLINE ON 343 2255.
HOWEVER, HE MADE IT CLEAR THAT COMPASSIONATE REHOUSING WAS ONLY ONE OF THE VIABLE SOLUTIONS TO HOUSING PROBLEMS. OTHER ASSISTANCE, SUCH AS HOSTEL PLACEMENT AND FINANCIAL GRANTS, WOULD BE ARRANGED IF APPROPRIATE, HE ADDED.
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SAFETY PLEA ON ELECTRICITY USAGE
*****
THE ACTING DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES, MR TONG KIN-WAH, URGED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO PAY MORE ATTENTION TO THE SAFE USE OF ELECTRICITY.
MR TONG MADE THE APPEAL WHEN HE ADDRESSED THE 36TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER OF THE HONG KONG AND KOWLOON ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING AND APPLIANCES TRADE WORKERS’ UNION THIS (SATURDAY) EVENING.
HE NOTED THAT IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR, SIX PERSONS HAD DIED AND NINE OTHERS SERIOUSLY INJURED IN ACCIDENTS INVOLVING ELECTRICITY, WITH MOST OF THESE ACCIDENTS OCCURRING AT WORKPLACES.
"IN ORDER TO PROMOTE THE SAFE USE OF ELECTRICITY, THE GOVERNMENT INTRODUCED THE ELECTRICITY ORDINANCE IN 1990 AND SUBSEQUENTLY OTHER SAFETY CODE OF PRACTICES AND REQUIREMENTS FOR PEOPLE ENGAGED IN ELECTRICAL WORK TO OBSERVE.
"THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (EMSD) ALSO INTRODUCED IN JANUARY THIS YEAR A POINT SYSTEM TO MONITOR THE PERFORMANCE OF REGISTERED ELECTRICAL WORKERS AND CONTRACTORS," HE ADDED.
MR TONG FURTHER POINTED OUT THAT HIS DEPARTMENT HAD, SINCE THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR, ISSUED LETTERS TO 53 ELECTRICAL WORKERS WARNING THEM THAT THEIR WORKS WERE NOT UP TO THE REQUIRED SAFETY STANDARD.
/APART FROM .......
SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 1994
- 10 -
APART FROM FORMULATING LEGISLATION AND INTRODUCING THE POINT SYSTEM, THE DEPARTMENT HAD ALSO STEPPED UP INSPECTIONS OF ELECTRICAL FACILITIES AT CONSTRUCTION SITES AND FACTORIES, HE SAID.
"IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR, EMSD HAD CONDUCTED ABOUT 2,800 INSPECTIONS RELATING TO ELECTRICITY SAFETY.
"THE OPERATORS WOULD BE ASKED TO IMPROVE ANY ELECTRICAL FACILITIES NOT CONFORMING WITH SAFETY REQUIREMENTS," MR TONG STRESSED.
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YOUNG MUSICIANS TO TOUR BEIJING AND TIANJIN * * * * *
EIGHTY MUSICIANS OF THE 1994 HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA UNDER THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH LEFT FOR BEIJING THIS (SATURDAY) AFTERNOON ON A 10-DAY TOUR IN CHINA.
UNDER THE BATON OF ITS MUSIC CONDUCTOR, MR LUI KI-LING, THE ORCHESTRA WILL PERFORM A SERIES OF CONCERTS IN BEIJING AND TIANJIN, INCLUDING PERFORMANCES IN THE BEIJING CONCERT HALL AND TIANJIN BISSHU THEATRE.
THE OBJECTIVE OF THE TOUR IS PARTLY TO PROMOTE FRIENDSHIP AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE BETWEEN YOUNG MUSICIANS IN THE TWO PLACES AND PARTLY TO BROADEN THEIR EXPERIENCE.
MR LUI SAID THE REPERTOIRE OF THE ORCHESTRA WOULD INCLUDE FAMOUS PIECES FROM WESTERN AND CHINESE COMPOSERS.
PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE DVORAK’S "SYMPHONY NO. 8 IN G MAJOR, OP. 88", TCHAIKOVSKY’S "VARIATIONS ON A ROCOCO THEME, OP. 33" AND CHAN WING-WAH’S "EXPOSE FOR ORCHESTRA".
MEMBERS OF THE 1994 HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA CHINA TOUR ARE AGED FROM 11 TO 21.
THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA WAS FORMED IN 1978 TO PROVIDE ORCHESTRAL TRAINING FOR YOUNG INSTRUMENTALISTS.
SINCE THEN THEY HAVE BEEN RECEIVING TAILOR-MADE INTENSIVE TRAINING AND HAVE JUST COMPLETED A TRAINING PROGRAMME IN THE 1994 HONG KONG YOUTH MUSIC CAMP.
THEY HAVE GIVEN OVERSEAS PERFORMANCES IN SINGAPORE AND THE UNITED STATES IN RECENT YEARS.
THE GROUP WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ON AUGUST 22.
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/Il .......
SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 1994
- 11 -
FRESH WATER CUT IN WESTERN DISTRICT *****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN THE WESTERN DISTRICT WILL BE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON MONDAY (AUGUST 15) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE WATERMAINS LEAKAGE DETECTION.
THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE LOCATED AT 129-158A CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST, 176-278 AND 155-285 DES VOEUX ROAD WEST, 239-353 QUEEN’S ROAD WEST, 1A-23 EASTERN STREET, MUI FONG STREET, KWAI HEUNG STREET, SUNG HING LANE, 2-40 AND 7-25 CENTRE STREET, SAI YUEN LANE, 1-11 KI LING LANE, 1-19 AND 2-22 CHUNG CHING LANE AS WELL AS 2-22 WESTERN STREET.
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HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,775 0930 + 445
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,744 1000 + 445
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 + 445
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 445 1200 + 445
LAF TODAY -1,476 1500
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 122.7 «+0.0» 13.8.94
- - 0----------
/12 .......
SUNDAY, AUGUST 14, 1994
- 12 -
TWO COMPANIES APPOINTED TO HANDLE SPEEDPOST * * * * *
THE POST OFFICE HAS APPOINTED KLM ROYAL DUTCH AIRLINES AND NEDERLANDSE PAKKET DIENST B V TO UNDERTAKE CUSTOMS CLEARANCE AND DELIVERY OF SPEEDPOST ITEMS RESPECTIVELY IN THE NETHERLANDS WITH EFFECT FROM SEPTEMBER 1, THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR MIKE PAGL1ARI, ANNOUNCED TODA\ (SUNDAY).
HE SAID THE APPOINTMENTS FOLLOWED DECISIONS BY THE POSTAL ADMINISTRATION OF THE NETHERLANDS TO WITHDRAW FROM THE INTERNATIONAL POSTAL EMS NETWORK (KNOWN AS SPEEDPOST IN HONG KONG) AND TO TERMINATE ITS OBLIGATIONS TO OTHER POSTAL ADMINISTRATIONS TO DELIVER EMS ITEMS WITHIN ITS TERRITORIES AT THE END OF THE YEAR.
MR PAGL1ARI ADDED THAT THE TWO COMPANIES WERE RECOMMENDED BY THE UNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION AFTER A RIGOROUS SELECTION PROCESS.
’’THEIR SERVICES HAVE BEEN CAREFULLY TESTED BY THE HONG KONG POST OFFICE AND FOUND TO BE BOTH SATISFACTORY AND RELIABLE,” HE SAID.
THE POST OFFICE IS CONFIDENT THAT THEY WILL BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN THE HIGH STANDARD OF SERVICE CURRENTLY PROVIDED TO SPEEDPOST ITEMS DESTINED FOR THE NETHERLANDS.
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RESERVOIR FISHING SEASON TO BEGIN NEXT MONTH
*****
ANGLERS WISHING TO INDULGE THEIR PASTIME IN LOCAL RESERVOIRS DURING THE COMING FISHING SEASON MAY APPLY FOR A LICENCE FROM THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT, STARTING TOMORROW (MONDAY).
THE NEXT FISHING SEASON IN RESERVOIRS WILL BEGIN ON SEPTEMBER 1.
THOSE WHO WISH TO APPLY CAN CALL AT THE CUSTOMER ENQUIRY CENTRE ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF IMMIGRATION TOWER, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI.
APPLICATIONS CAN ALSO BE MADE AT THE GROUND FLOOR OFFICE OF THE DEPARTMENT’S MAINLAND DEPOT AT THE JUNCTION OF SAI YEE STREET AND ARGYLE STREET IN MONG KOK, CUSTOMER ENQUIRY CENTRES ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF NGAU TAU KOK GOVERNMENT OFFICES AT 21, ON WAH STREET AND ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF PERFECT MOUNT GARDENS IN PO MAN STREET, SHAU KEI WAN.
APPLICANTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO PRODI ICE THEIR IDENTITY CARDS AND PAY A LICENCE FEE OF $20. A LICENCE WOULD NORMALLY BE ISSUED IMMEDIATELY UPON SUBMISSION OF THE APPLICATION.
/APPLICATIONS CAN .......
SUNDAY, AUGUST 14, 1994
- 13 -
APPLICATIONS CAN ALSO BE MADE BY POST TO THE DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS AT IMMIGRATION TOWER, GIVING THE APPLICANT’S NAME, ADDRESS, PHOTOCOPY OF HIS IDENTITY CARD, TOGETHER WITH A CROSSED CHEQUE FOR $20 PAYABLE TO THE GOVERNMENT.
A LICENCE WILL THEN BE SENT TO THE APPLICANT BY ORDINARY MAIL. A LICENCE WILL NOT BE ISSUED TO PEOPLE UNDER THE AGE OF 13.
ANGLERS HAVE TO OBSERVE CERTAIN RULES WHILE FISHING IN RESERVOIRS. THEY SHOULD NOT USE A NET OR. TOOLS OTHER THAN ROD AND LINE.
EXPLOSIVES AND TOXIC SUBSTANCES ARE PROHIBITED. THE USE OF \ BOAT, DINGHY OR RAFT IS ALSO BANNED.
- - 0----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
762 CANDIDATES REGISTERED AS NOMINATION PERIOD CLOSES.... 1
GOOD OVERALL RESULT FOR DB ELECTION NOMINATIONS............. 1
JOB QUOTAS ALLOCATION ANNOUNCED............................. 2
LBAC DISCUSSES PROPERTY MARKET SITUATION.................... 3
STAGE IV OF S6 ADMISSION PROCEDURE ENDS TOMORROW............ 4
APPLICATIONS FOR CROSS-BORDER COACH SERVICES INVITED..... 5
DOMESTIC EXPORT STATISTICS CLASSIFIED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN FOR 2ND QUARTER............................................. 6
ANALYSIS OF HK’S RE-EXPORT TRADE IN FIRST HALF OF 1994 ..... 9
HORSE RACING BROADCAST TIME................................ 12
FRESH WATER CUTS IN SAI KUNG AND YAU MA TEI.............. 12
WORK ARRANGEMENTS IN RAINSTORMS URGED...................... 13
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS................ 14
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ....
14
MONDAY, AUGUST 15,
1994
1
762 CANDIDATES REGISTERED AS NOMINATION PERIOD CLOSES *****
THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE HAS RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 762 NOMINATIONS OF CANDIDATES FOR THE SEPTEMBER DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS AFTER THE NOMINATION PERIOD CLOSES TODAY (MONDAY).
THE NUMBER HAS EXCLUDED FIVE WITHDRAWALS AND FIVE INVALIDATED NOMINATIONS.
FORTY-EIGHT CONSTITUENCIES EACH HAD ONLY ONE CANDIDATE STANDING AND THEREFORE WERE UNCONTESTED.
SEVENTY-ONE NOMINATIONS WERE RECEIVED ON THE LAST DAY OF v NOMINATIONS TODAY.
THE FIVE CANDIDATES WHOSE NOMINATIONS WERE INVALIDATED WERE MR YEN HO-YIN OF PO LAI CONSTITUENCY, SHAM SHUI PO; MR YEUNG MAN-WAI OF WANG TAU HOM CONSTITUENCY, WONG TAI SIN; MR CHAN PO-MING ERIC OF ALLWAY CONSTITUENCY, TSUEN WAN; MR LAU SAN-CHING OF LAI KING CONSTITUENCY, KWAI TSING; AND MR CHIN CHING-MAN OF TSUI PING CONSTITUENCY, KWUN TONG.
THE CANDIDATES WITHDREW WERE MR LI KOON-SHING OF QUEEN’S HILL CONSTITUENCY, NORTH; MR LAM KIN-MAN OF TO KWA WAN CONSTITUENCY, KOWLOON CITY; MR CHAN CHEONG OF LAM TIN CONSTITUENCY, KWUN TONG; MR NG WAI-WAH OF HANG WAI CONSTITUENCY, KWAI TSING; AND MR DING CHIN-KWAI SIMON OF HOI TSUI CONSTITUENCY, KWAI TSING. MR LAM KIN-MAN SUBMITTED HIS NOMINATIONS AGAIN FOR WHAMPOA WEST CONSTITUENCY OF KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT.
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GOOD OVERALL RESULT FOR DB ELECTION NOMINATIONS *****
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (MONDAY) DESCRIBED AS "A GOOD RESULT OVERALL" THE RECORD-BREAKING NUMBER OF NOMINATIONS RECEIVED FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS TO BE HELD ON SEPTEMBER 18.
HE SAID THE 762 NOMINATIONS RECEIVED REFLECTED THE COMMUNITY’S FAITH IN HONG KONG’S ELECTORAL SYSTEM, AND THEIR RECOGNITION OF THE IMPORTANT ROLE PLAYED BY THE DISTRICT BOARDS IN THE SYSTEM OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT.
NOTING THAT CAMPAIGNING ACTIVITIES WOULD INTENSIFY IN THE NEXT FOUR WEEKS OR SO, THE SPOKESMAN URGED VOTERS TO CAREFULLY STUDY THE CANDIDATES’ PLATFORMS, AND EXERCISE THEIR CIVIC RIGHT AND MAKE GOOD USE OF THEIR VOTE ON POLLING DAY.
"OUR AIM IS TO ENSURE THAT THE ELECTIONS WILL BE HELD IN A FAIR AND OPEN MANNER. TO THIS END, GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WILL PROVIDE THEIR FULL SUPPORT AND CO-OPERATE WITH THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE ELECTORAL PROCESS," HE STRESSED.
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/2........
MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 1994
2
JOB QUOTAS ALLOCATION ANNOUNCED *****
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (MONDAY) ANNOUNCED THE ALLOCATION OF QUOTAS TO INDIVIDUAL INDUSTRIES TO BRING IN 11,000 IMPORTED WORKERS UNDER THE GENERAL LABOUR IMPORTATION SCHEME.
THESE WORKERS ARE TO REPLACE THOSE WHO ARE DUE TO LEAVE HONG KONG UPON THE EXPIRY OF THEIR CONTRACTS OF EMPLOYMENT THIS YEAR.
"THE OVERALL LIMIT ON THE NUMBER OF IMPORTED WORKERS WHO MAY BE BROUGHT IN AT ANY ONE TIME UNDER THE SCHEME REMAINS UNCHANGED AT 25,000,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH STRESSED.
"IN WORKING OUT THE DISTRIBUTION OF QUOTAS, RELEVANT FACTORS INCLUDING NUMBERS OF VACANCIES, WAGE RATES AND TRENDS, LABOUR UTILISATION AND THE CONTRIBUTION OF INDIVIDUAL INDUSTRIES TO THE ECONOMY HAVE BEEN TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
OF THE 11,000 IMPORTED WORKERS, THE LARGEST SHARE GOES TO THE RETAIL (1,733), CATERING (1,624) AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES (1,473).
"THE NUMBER OF IMPORTED WORKERS ALLOWED FOR EACH INDUSTRY OR SERVICE SECTOR REPRESENTS A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS EMPLOYED BY THEM," THE SPOKESMAN NOTED.
"IN FACT, THE NUMBER OF IMPORTED LABOUR UNDER THE GENERAL SCHEME IS LESS THAN 1 PER CENT OF OUR TOTAL WORKFORCE," HE ADDED.
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT WILL ISSUE LETTERS TO SUCCESSFUL EMPLOYERS WHO WILL BE GIVEN FOUR MONTHS TO ARRANGE THE IMPORTATION OF WORKERS.
EMPLOYERS WHO DO NOT WISH TO TAKE UP THE QUOTA SHOULD INFORM THE AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE SO THAT THE QUOTA CAN BE REALLOCATED.
"THE GOVERNMENT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO WITHDRAW THE QUOTA IN THE EVENT OF BREACH OF CONDITIONS BY AN EMPLOYER," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"FURTHERMORE, EMPLOYERS WHO HAVE BREACHED THE CONDITIONS OF THE SCHEME WILL BE DEBARRED FROM TAKING PART IN FUTURE IMPORTATION SCHEMES," HE SAID.
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE SITUATION AND ASSIST IMPORTED WORKERS WHO HAVE BEEN EXPLOITED BY THEIR EMPLOYERS TO FIND ALTERNATIVE EMPLOYMENT.
THE SPOKESMAN REITERATED THAT THE LABOUR IMPORTATION SCHEME WOULD NOT MEAN AN AMNESTY OR JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
"ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WILL BE REPATRIATED AS SOON AS THEY ARE APPREHENDED," HE WARNED.
MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 1994
3
LBAC DISCUSSES PROPERTY MARKET SITUATION
*****
THE LAND AND BUILDING ADVISORY COMMITTEE (LBAC) WAS BRIEFED TODAY (MONDAY) ON THE PROGRESS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE TASK FORCE ON LAND SUPPLY AND PROPERTY PRICES, WHICH SOUGHT TO COOL OFF THE PROPERTY MARKET.
THE COMMITTEE, CHAIRED BY MR CHENG HON-KWAN, WAS INFORMED THAT SINCE THE TASK FORCE’S RECOMMENDED MEASURES WERE ANNOUNCED IN JUNE, PROPERTY AGENTS REPORTED THAT THE VOLUME OF TRANSACTIONS HAD DECREASED BY ABOUT 50X-60X WITH PRICES REPORTED TO HAVE DROPPED BY 5X-10X.
THE COMMITTEE AGREED WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS WHICH SHOULD BE IMPLEMENTED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
AS REGARDS DEMAND AND SUPPLY, MEMBERS ADVISED THAT THE INFORMATION USED IN FORECASTING AND MONITORING HOUSING DEVELOPMENT SHOULD BE ACCURATE AND TIMELY.
DURING THE MEETING, MEMBERS ALSO DISCUSSED THE REPORT ON THE PROPERTY MARKET FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 1 TO JUNE 30, 1994 PREPARED BY THE LANDS DEPARTMENT.
THE MARKET FOR THE INITIAL PART OF THE YEAR WAS CHARACTERISED BY VERY STRONG BUYING INTEREST AND HIGH LEVEL OF ACTIVITIES, PUSHING PRICES UP BY ABOUT 30X-35X IN THE MASS RESIDENTIAL MARKET AND 35X-40X IN THE LUXURY MARKET.
MOST ANALYSTS ATTRIBUTED THE ESCALATING PROPERTY PRICES PARTICULARLY IN THE RESIDENTIAL SECTOR TO SPECULATION BY "CASH-RICH" OVERSEAS INVESTORS, SPECIAL FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS OFFERED BY DEVELOPERS AND "SPECULATIVE HOARDING" ACTIVITIES.
MEMBERS WERE ALSO BRIEFED ON THE DEVELOPMENT STATEMENTS FOR WEST KOWLOON, SOUTH EAST KOWLOON AND TSUEN WAN - KWAI TSING.
THE COMMITTEE NOTED THAT THE TOTAL POPULATION OF WEST KOWLOON WAS ENVISAGED TO DECREASE FROM 648,000 IN 1991 TO ABOUT 592,000 IN 2001, WITH THE LARGEST DECREASE IN MONG KOK AND CHEUNG SHA WAN, THE TWO MOST DENSELY POPULATED DISTRICTS IN THE TERRITORY.
THE CLOSURE OF THE EXISTING KAI TAK AIRPORT AND THE KOWLOON BAY RECLAMATION WILL MAKE 580 HECTARES OF LAND AVAILABLE FOR NEW DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTH EAST KOWLOON BY 2010.
MEMBERS COMMENTED THAT IT WAS IMPORTANT TO BALANCE THE INTENSITY OF DEVELOPMENT WITH THE INFRASTRUCTURAL PARAMETERS AND RELAYED FACILITIES AVAILABLE.
THE DEVELOPMENT STATEMENTS SERVE AS A BASIS FOR THE PREPARATION OR REVISION OF THE RELEVANT OUTLINE ZONING PLANS AND TOWN PLANS. THEY ALSO PROVIDE A FRAMEWORK FOR DETAILED PLANNING AND PROGRAMMING FOR THE DESIGNATED DEVELOPMENT OR REDEVELOPMENT AREAS.
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/4 ........
MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 1994
4
STAGE IV OF S6 ADMISSION PROCEDURE ENDS TOMORROW *****
STAGE IV OF THE SECONDARY 6 ADMISSION PROCEDURE WILL END AT 3.30 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY). SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES ARE REMINDED TO REGISTER WITH ONE OF THE SCHOOLS THEY HAVE APPLIED TO.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE FIRST DAY OF STAGE V WOULD BEGIN AT 9 AM ON WEDNESDAY (AUGUST 17).
CURRENT YEAR HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION (HKCEE) STUDENTS WHOSE RESULTS SATISFYING THE MINIMUM A-LEVEL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS AND STILL HAVE NOT OBTAINED A SECONDARY 6 PLACE MAY APPLY AT ONE OF THE FOLLOWING CENTRES:
- HOMANTIN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL
8 PERTH STREET, KOWLOON
- KOWLOON TECHNICAL SCHOOL
332 CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD, KOWLOON
- TANG SHIU KIN VICTORIA TECHNICAL SCHOOL
01 KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI
- TSUEN WAN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL
70 HOI PA STREET, TSUEN WAN
- SHA TIN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL
11-17 MAN LAI ROAD, SHA TIN
THE RESULTS OF THE CENTRAL ALLOCATION WILL BE DISPLAYED AT THE SAME CENTRE WHERE STUDENTS HAVE APPLIED FOR THE CENTRAL ALLOCATION AT 9 AM ON AUGUST 23.
SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE AN ALLOCATION SLIP TO THE CHOSEN SCHOOL FOR REGISTRATION BEFORE 3.30 PM ON THE SAME DAY.
MEANWHILE, THE DEPARTMENT HAD RECEIVED THREE MORE SUBSTANTIATED COMPLAINTS ABOUT SCHOOLS NOT FOLLOWING ADMISSION PROCEDURES SINCE LAST FRIDAY. THE THREE HAD BEEN SETTLED AFTER INVESTIGATIONS BY OFFICERS FROM THE DEPARTMENT.
THIS BRINGS TO FIVE THE TOTAL NUMBER OF SUBSTANTIATED COMPLAINTS.
UP TO 5.30 PM TODAY, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S CENTRAL HOTLINE (782 7624, 782 7625, 782 7626 AND 782 7621) AND THE 19 DISTRICT
EDUCATION OFFICES HANDLED 125 AND 365 ENQUIRIES RESPECTIVELY ON THE SECONDARY 6 ADMISSION PROCEDURE.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE CAREERS EDUCATION CENTRE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT RECEIVED 303 VISITORS AND 140 TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES ON FURTHER STUDIES, LOCALLY OR OVERSEAS, AND CAREERS.
THIS BRINGS TO 1,987 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PEOPLE VISITED AND 1,196 CALLERS TELEPHONED THE CENTRE SINCE THE RELEASE OF THE HKCEE RESULTS ON AUGUST 9.
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MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 1994
5
APPLICATIONS FOR CROSS-BORDER COACH SERVICES INVITED ******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING APPLICATIONS FROM INTERESTED OPERATORS IN HONG KONG TO PROVIDE CROSS-BORDER COACH AND/OR HIRE CAR SERVICES BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA THROUGH THE LOK MA CHAU BORDER CONTROL POINT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID IN ORDER TO FACILITATE THE PROCESSING OF APPLICATIONS, APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED SIMULTANEOUSLY TO THE PUBLIC VEHICLES SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT, HONG KONG, IN ROOM 28, M/F, MURRAY ROAD MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 2 MURRAY ROAD, HONG KONG, AND THE COUNTRY PORT OF PEOPLE’S GOVERNMENT OF SHENZHEN PORT OFFICE.
ALL APPLICATIONS ARE FREE OF CHARGE, HE ADDED.
APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE MADE IN WRITING GIVING THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:
♦ APPLICANTS’ PERSONAL PARTICULARS, INCLUDING NAME, IDENTITY DOCUMENT, ADDRESS AND CONTACT TELEPHONE NUMBER. IN THE CASE OF A COMPANY, THE NAME OF THE PERSONS TO BE CONTACTED AND INFORMATION ON COMPANY REGISTRATION;
* DESCRIPTION OF THE NATURE OF THE SERVICE, THE NUMBER AND TYPE OF VEHICLES USED, AND SEATING CAPACITY;
* IN RESPECT OF CROSS-BORDER COACH SERVICE, THE PROPOSED SCHEDULES OF CROSSINGS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA, CROSSING TIME AT LOK MA CHAU CONTROL POINT, ROUTEING AND TERMINAL FACILITIES ON HONG KONG SIDE;
» RELEVANT EXPERIENCE IN OPERATING SIMILAR TRANSPORT SERVICES;
* DETAILS OF PARTNERSHIP ARRANGEMENTS, THAT IS NAMES AND
ADDRESSES OF HONG KONG AND PARTNERS IN CHINA; AND
* DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE, OF APPROVAL-IN-PR1NCIPLE FROM THE
CHINESE AUTHORITIES FOR PROVIDING CROSS-BORDER COACH/HIRE CAR SERVICES.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS ON THE HONG KONG SIDE IS AUGUST 26, 1994. APPLICATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO APPROVAL AT THE HONG KONG-SHENZHEN JOINT SUB-WORKING GROUP MEETING ON CROSS BORDER TRANSPORT SERVICES.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE BY TELEPHONING 801 5991.
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/6........
MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 1994
6
DOMESTIC EXPORT STATISTICS CLASSIFIED BY
INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN FOR 2ND QUARTER
*****
THE FOUR MAJOR INDUSTRY GROUPS OF TEXTILES; WEARING APPAREL; MACHINERY, EQUIPMENT, APPARATUS, PARTS AND COMPONENTS; AND CONSUMER ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS TOGETHER ACCOUNTED FOR 68% OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF MANUFACTURED GOODS IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1994.
THIS IS REVEALED BY STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF WEARING APPAREL INCREASED BY 1% TO $9.3 BILLION IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1994 COMPARED WITH A YEAR EARLIER.
THOSE OF MACHINERY, EQUIPMENT, APPARATUS, PARTS AND COMPONENTS ' ALSO INCREASED BY 9% TO $8.3 BILLION.
ON THE OTHER HAND, DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF TEXTILES DECREASED BY 3% TO $10.9 BILLION, AND THOSE OF CONSUMER ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS BY 6% TO $8.1 BILLION.
MORE SIGNIFICANT ABSOLUTE INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE FOUND IN THE GROUPS OF MACHINERY, EQUIPMENT, APPARATUS, PARTS AND COMPONENTS (+$695 MILLION OR +9%); CHEMICALS AND CHEMICAL PRODUCTS (+$194 MILLION OR +11%); AND FOOD (+$115 MILLION OR +23%).
FOR THE NON-METALLIC MINERAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY; AND BEVERAGES INDUSTRY, ALTHOUGH THE CHANGES IN ABSOLUTE VALUE WERE NOT AS LARGE, MARKED PERCENTAGE INCREASES OF 38% AND 35% RESPECTIVELY WERE RECORDED.
INDUSTRY GROUPS WHICH RECORDED MORE NOTABLE ABSOLUTE DECREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCLUDED PLASTIC PRODUCTS (-$189 MILLION OR -13%); AND PROFESSIONAL AND OPTICAL EQUIPMENT (-$91 MILLION OR -2%).
FOR THE TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT INDUSTRY, ALTHOUGH THE CHANGE IN ABSOLUTE VALUE WAS NOT AS LARGE, A MARKED PERCENTAGE DECLINE OF 82% WAS RECORDED.
THE ABOVE STATISTICS ON DOMESTIC EXPORTS ANALYSED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN ARE DERIVED BY RE-GROUPING THE MERCHANDISE EXPORT ITEMS ORIGINALLY GROUPED UNDER THE EXTERNAL TRADE CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM ACCORDING TO THE INDUSTRIES IN WHICH THESE MERCHAND SE ITEMS ARE NORMALLY PRODUCED. TRANSACTIONS IN GOLD AND SPECIE ARE EXCLUDED.
THE INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION USED IS THE HONG KONG STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION (HSIC). THE HSIC IS TO BE DISTINGUISHED FROM THE UNITED NATIONS STANDARD INTERNATIONAL TRADE CLASSIFICATION (SITC) USED IN THE REGULAR TRADE STATISTICS REPORTS.
IN COMPARISON, THE HSIC IS MORE RELATED TO PRODUCTION PROCESSES WHEREAS THE SITC IS MORE GEARED TO END USES OF PRODUCTS.
/CAUTION SHOULD .......
MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 1994
7
CAUTION SHOULD BE TAKEN WHEN REFERRING TO THESE DOMESTIC EXPORT STATISTICS CLASSIFIED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN. THERE MAY BE SEVERAL INTERMEDIATE PROCESSING STAGES IN THE PRODUCTION OF CERTAIN MERCHANDISE EXPORT ITEMS.
IN COMPILING THE STATISTICS, THE TOTAL VALUE OF SUCH AN ITEM HAS HOWEVER BEEN WHOLLY RELATED TO THE INDUSTRY IN WHICH THE ITEM IS FINALLY PRODUCED.
THE DOMESTIC EXPORT STATISTICS OF A PARTICULAR INDUSTRY MAY INCLUDE PRODUCTS WHICH ARE SECONDARY PRODUCTS BY ESTABLISHMENTS OF OTHER INDUSTRIES.
FURTHER DETAILS OF MERCHANDISE DOMESTIC EXPORT STATISTICS CLASSIFIED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN MAY BE FOUND IN A TABLE OBTAINABLE FROM THE GENERAL ECONOMIC SURVEYS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL 839 3213).
A TABLE SHOWING MORE DETAILED BREAKDOWN OF SIMILAR STATISTICS FOR MAJOR MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES IS ALSO INCLUDED IN THE REPORT "HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE, JUNE 1994".
/DOMESTIC EXPORTS .......
MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 1994
8
Domestic exports of manufactured goods classified by industrial origin for the second quarter of 1994
(Value in HKS’OOO)
Industrial origin of the commodities exported Merchandise domestic exports
1994 2nd qtr. 1993 2nd qtr. Value change % change
Food 613,667 499,047 +114,620 +23.0
Beverages 164,871 122,278 +42,593 +34.8
Tobacco manufactures 598,137 671,596 -73,460 -10.9
Textiles (including knitting) 10,933,069 11,237,446 -304,377 -2.7
Wearing apparel, except footwear 9,279,393 9,182,631 +96,762 + 1.1
Leather and leather products, except footwear and wearing apparel 366,947 411,546 -44,599 -10.8
Footwear, except rubber, plastic and wooden footwear 44,183 55,659 -11,4^6 -20.6
Wood and cork products, furniture and fixtures 85,729 109,297 -23,568 -21.6
Paper and paper products, printing and publishing 1,914,068 1,923,170 -9,102 -0.5
Chemicals and chemical products 1,969,533 1,775,478 + 194,055 + 10.9
Products of petroleum and coal 3,611 3,107 +504 + 16.2
Rubber products 27,229 26,115 +1,114 +4.3
Plastic products 1,255,378 1,444,483 -189,105 -13.1
Non-metallic mineral products, except products of petroleum and coal 178,273 129,312 +48,961 +37.9
Basic metals and fabricated metal products 2,312,251 2,275,203 +37,048 + 1.6
Machinery, equipment, apparatus, parts and components 8,254,736 7,559,985 +694,751 +9.2
Consumer electrical and electronic products 8,144,200 8,658,791 -514,591 -5.9
Transport equipment 4,626 25,844 -21,218 -82.1
Professional and optical equipment 3,831,649 3,922,365 -90,716 -2.3
Other manufacturing industries 3,517,443 3,549,705 -32,262 -0.9
Total 53,498,992 53,583,057 -84,065 -17.6
Notes : 1. Individual entries of a column may not add up exactly to the corresponding total due to rounding. All percentage changes are calculated from unrounded figures.
2. The above statistics are derived by re-grouping the merchandise export items under the external trade classification system according to the industries in which these items are normally produced. As from 1992, the Third Revision of the Standard International Trade Classification (SITC R3) has been adopted in place of the Second Revision (SITC R2) for the classification of trade statistics. The above statistics may not be strictly comparable with those published for earlier years due to the change in trade classification.
----------0-------------
/9 ........
MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 1994
9
ANALYSIS OF HK’S RE-EXPORT TRADE IN FIRST HALF OF 1994 * » * t *
RE-EXPORTS ACCOUNTED FOR 81% OF THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS AND 39% OF THE TOTAL VALUE OF EXTERNAL TRADE OF HONG KONG IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1994.
IN THE SAME PERIOD OF 1993, THE CORRESPONDING SHARES WERE 78% AND 38% RESPECTIVELY.
THESE FIGURES, AFFIRMING THE GROWING IMPORTANCE OF RE-EXPORT TRADE, ARE AMONGST THE DETAILED RE-EXPORT STATISTICS RELEASED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY).
CHINA REMAINED THE LARGEST PARTNER FOR HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORT TRADE. OF THE TOTAL $428.3 BILLION OF RE-EXPORTS GOING THROUGH HONG KONG IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1994, 88% OR $378.4 BILLION INVOLVED CHINA IN EITHER DIRECTION.
RE-EXPORTS ORIGINATING IN CHINA ACCOUNTED FOR 56% OF HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORT VALUE IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1994. AS A DESTINATION, CHINA’S SHARE WAS 35%.
IT IS NOTED THAT MUCH OF THE RE-EXPORT TRADE INVOLVING CHINA IS RELATED TO OUTWARD PROCESSING, AS RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURED GOODS ARE EXPORTED TO CHINA FOR PROCESSING AND THE FINAL PRODUCTS SUBSEQUENTLY RETURNED TO HONG KONG.
OTHER MAIN ORIGINS FOR HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1994 INCLUDED JAPAN (ACCOUNTING FOR A SHARE OF 14%), TAIWAN (7.9%), THE UNITED STATES (4.8%) AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (3.0%).
THE MAIN DESTINATIONS IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1994, BESIDES CHINA, INCLUDED THE UNITED STATES (ACCOUNTING FOR A SHARE OF 21%), JAPAN (5.5%), GERMANY (4.5%) AND THE UNITED KINGDOM (2.9%).
TABLE 1 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS FROM THE 10 MAIN ORIGINS IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1994 COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
COMPARING THE FIRST HALF OF 1994 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS FROM MOST MAIN ORIGINS: SINGAPORE (+34%), MALAYSIA (+27%), THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+26%), FRANCE (+22%), THE UNITED KINGDOM (+20%), THE UNITED STATES (+17%), GERMANY (+17%), CHINA (+14%), TAIWAN (+10%) AND JAPAN (+10%).
OF THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS ORIGINATING IN CHINA IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1994, 35% WENT TO THE UNITED STATES, 7.9% TO JAPAN AND 7.7% TO GERMANY.
FOR GOODS OF JAPAN ORIGIN, 75% OF THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS THROUGH HONG KONG IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1994 WENT TO CHINA, 3.9% TO THE UNITED STATES AND 2.7% TO THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA.
FOR RE-EXPORTS ORIGINATING IN TAIWAN, AN OVERWHELMING PROPORTION (91% OF THE VALUE IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1994) WENT TO CHINA.
AS REGARDS RE-EXPORTS ORIGINATING IN THE UNITED STATES, 65% OF THE VALUE IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1994 WERE SHIPPED TO CHINA, 4.8% TO THE PHILIPPINES AND 4.8% TO TAIWAN.
/TABLE 2 .......
MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 1994
- 10 -
TABLE 2 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAIN DESTINATIONS.
COMPARING THE FIRST HALF OF 1994 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO MOST MAIN DESTINATIONS: JAPAN (+25%), THE UNITED KINGDOM (+20%), CHINA (+17%), THE UNITED STATES (+15%), THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+14%), THE NETHERLANDS (+12%), SINGAPORE (+11%), GERMANY (+6.0%) AND FRANCE (+2.1%). A SLIGHT DECREASE OF 1.2% WAS RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF REEXPORTS TO TAIWAN.
ANALYSED BY COMMODITY, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA WERE RECORDED FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $4.4 BILLION OR 62%); TEXTILES (BY $4.0 BILLION OR 19%); PLASTICS IN PRIMARY FORMS (BY $2.3 BILLION OR 35%).
HOWEVER, DECREASES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA WERE RECORDED FOR MACHINERY SPECIALISED FOR PARTICULAR INDUSTRIES (BY $2.2 BILLION OR 25%); AND NON-FERROUS METALS (BY $332 MILLION OR 11%).
AS REGARDS RE-EXPORTS TO THE UNITED STATES, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN VALUE WERE RECORDED FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $3.4 BILLION OR 55%); MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES CONSISTING OF MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $2.3 BILLION OR 12%) AND FOOTWEAR (BY $2.1 BILLION OR 16%).
DECREASES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO THE UNITED STATES WERE RECORDED FOR CLOTHING (BY $1.5 BILLION OR 12%); AND NON-FERROUS METALS (BY $40 MILLION OR 27%).
DETAILED STATISTICS OF HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORT TRADE ARE PUBLISHED IN THE JUNE 1994 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE" REPORT WHICH WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT $86 A COPY FROM AUGUST 26.
THE REPORT CAN BE BOUGHT EITHER AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE ON THE GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL; OR THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON THE 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
ENQUIRIES REGARDING SUBSCRIPTION TO THE REPORT MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, HONG KONG ON TEL 842 8802 AND ENQUIRIES ON TRADE STATISTICS TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL 582 4915.
/TABLE 1 .......
MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 1994
11
TABLE 1 : RE-EXPORTS FROM THE 10 MAIN ORIGINS
JAN-JUN JAN-JUN YEAR-ON-YEAR CHANGE
ORIGIN 1994 1993
(HK$ MN) (HK$ MN) (HK$ MN) (% CHANGE)
CHINA 238,602 209,244 + 29,358 + 14.0
JAPAN 58,302 52,927 + 5,375 + 10.2
TAIWAN 33,883 30,752 + 3,131 + 10.2
UNITED STATES 20,684 17,625 + 3,059 + 17.4
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 12,920 10,279 + 2,640 + 25.7
GERMANY 8,009 6,847 + 1,162 + 17.0
SINGAPORE 7,124 5,308 + 1,816 + 34.2
UNITED KINGDOM 4,610 3,835 + 776 + 20.2
FRANCE 4,285 3,506 + 779 + 22.2
MALAYSIA 3,925 3,099 + 826 + 26.7
TABLE 2 : RE-EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAIN DESTINATIONS
JAN-JUN JAN-JUN YEAR-ON -YEAR CHANGE
DESTINATION 1994 1993
(HK$ MN) (HK$ MN) (HK$ MN) (% CHANGE)
CHINA 151,283 129,354 + 21,928 + 17.0
UNITED STATES 90,104 78,080 + 12,024 4- 15.4
JAPAN 23,363 18,724 + 4,639 + 24.8
GERMANY 19,366 18,275 + 1,091 + 6.0
UNITED KINGDOM 12,229 10,226 + 2,003 + 19.6
TAIWAN 10,712 10,846 134 - 1.2
SINGAPORE 8,999 8,102 + 897 + 11.1
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 8,194 7, 160 + 1,033 + 14.4
FRANCE 6,322 6,192 + 130 + 2.1
NETHERLANDS 6,280 5,592 + 688 + 12.3
/12........
MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 1994
HORSE RACING BROADCAST TIME
* * * * *
THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY (BA), AT ITS MEETING LAST WEEK, JIAS DECIDED NOT TO ALLOW AN APPLICATION BY ATV TO BRING FORWARD TO 8 PM THE START OF ITS EVENING HORSE RACING PROGRAMMES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR BA TODAY (MONDAY) SAID THE AUTHORITY DID NOT BELIEVE THAT EVENING HORSE RACING PROGRAMMES SHOULD START WITHIN FAMILY VIEWING HOURS.
THE BA ISSUED A WARNING TO WHARF CABLE FOR THE BROADCAST OF TRIAD EXPRESSIONS IN THE FILM "QUEEN OF TEMPLE STREET", CARRIED ON THE CABLE MOVIE CHANNEL.
THE EXPRESSIONS USED WERE DETERMINED BY THE BA TO BE OBJECTIONABLE AND IT WAS FELT THAT THEY COULD HAVE BEEN EDITED OUT OF THE FILM WITHOUT AFFECTING THE FLOW AND EFFECT OF THE FEATURE.
A WARNING WAS ALSO ISSUED TO ATV IN RESPECT OF ITS COVERAGE OF THE OPENING OF THE RESTAURANT "PLANET HOLLYWOOD" ON MAY 29.
THE BA FOUND THAT THE PROGRAMME "HOLLYWOOD LIVE IN HONG KONG” CONTAINED NUMEROUS PROMOTIONAL REFERENCES TO THE RESTAURANT AND THIS AMOUNTED TO ADVERTISING MATERIAL FOR THE VENUE.
THE BA ALSO STRONGLY ADVISED ATV TO OBSERVE THE PROVISION IN ITS LICENCE GOVERNING THE BROADCASTS OF NON-DES1GNATED LANGUAGES AS MEMBERS FELT THAT THE BILINGUAL FORMAT ADOPTED IN THE PROGRAMME WAS NOT IN CONFORMITY WITH THE LICENCE REQUIREMENT FOR IT TO PROVIDE AN ENGLISH LANGUAGE SERVICE.
- - 0 - -
FRESH WATER CUTS IN SAI KUNG AND YAU MA TEI t » t * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN SAI KUNG AND YAU MA TEI WILL BE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON WEDNESDAY (AUGUST 17) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE WATER MAINS LEAKAGE DETECTION.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL THE PREMISES AT MAN NIN STREET, YI CHUN STREET, SAI KUNG HOI PONG STREET, SEE CHEUNG STREET, SAI KUNG TAI KAI, SAI KUNG MAIN STREET, WANG STREET, TAK LUNG FRONT STREET, TAK LUNG BACK STREET, SAI KUNG YEF. KUK STREET, SAI KUNG ROAD, PO TUNG ROAD AND FUI YIU HA IN SAI KUNG.
IN YAU MA TEI, THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE LOCATED AT KANSU
STREET, PUBLIC SQUARE STREET, SHANGHAI STREET, WING SING LANE, MARKET STREET, TEMPLE STREET, RECLAMATION STREET, CANTON ROAD AND FERRY STREET.
0 - -
/13
MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 1994
13
WORK ARRANGEMENTS IN RAINSTORMS URGED ******
PRIOR AGREEMENT BETWEEN EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES WITH REGARD TO WORK ARRANGEMENTS AND CONTINGENCY MEASURES IN TIMES OF RAINSTORMS ARE IMPORTANT IN AVOIDING UNNECESSARY MISUNDERSTANDING AND DISPUTES.
"STATUTORY REGULATIONS OF WORK ARRANGEMENTS IN TIMES OF RAINSTORMS WOULD NOT BE PRACTICABLE BECAUSE OF THE DIVERSITY IN NATURE AND REQUIREMENTS OF JOB IN VARIOUS TRADES AND INDUSTRIES," THE ACTING ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR HOUDINI HO, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
"EMPLOYERS ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO ADOPT A FLEXIBLE APPROACH IN DRAWING UP WORK ARRANGEMENTS DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER," MR HO SAID.
"DUE CONSIDERATION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO EMPLOYEES’ SAFETY IN WORKPLACE AS WELL AS THEIR JOURNEY TO AND FROM WORK," HE SAID.
MR HO POINTED OUT THAT THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAD PUBLISHED A BILINGUAL BOOKLET ENTITLED "CODE OF PRACTICE IN TIMES OF TYPHOONS AND RAINSTORMS" WHICH SERVED AS A REFERENCE GUIDE TO FACILITATE EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES TO MAKE EARLY WORK ARRANGEMENTS DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER.
"BRIEFLY SPEAKING, AN AGREEMENT ON WORK ARRANGEMENTS SHOULD COVER RULES REGARDING REPORT OF DUTY, RELEASE FROM WORK, RESUMPTION OF WORK AND WAGES CALCULATION," HE SAID.
"THE AGREEMENT TO BE MADE BETWEEN THE EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES SHOULD STATE CLEARLY THE COLOUR CODE OF RAINSTORM UNDER WHICH EMPLOYEES ARE NOT REQUIRED TO WORK AND THE TIME OF ISSUE OF SUCH SIGNALS WHEN THEY ARE NOT REQUIRED TO REPORT FOR DUTY."
NOTING THAT SOME INDUSTRIES MAY REQUIRE EMPLOYEES TO WORK UNDER THE BLACK RAINSTORM WARNING, MR HO SAID THAT SUCH A REQUIREMENT SHOULD BE CLEARLY STATED BEFORE THE EMPLOYMENT BEGAN OR SUFFICIENT NOTICE SHOULD BE GIVEN TO THE EMPLOYEES.
"THE WORK ARRANGEMENTS SHOULD ALSO INCLUDE INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING THE RELEASE OF EMPLOYEES WHEN RAINSTORM SIGNALS ARE IN FORCE DURING WORKING HOURS.
"EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES SHOULD ALSO MAKE PRIOR AGREEMENTS ON CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH EMPLOYEES SHOULD RETURN TO WORK WHEN RAINSTORM WARNINGS ARE LOWERED DURING WORKING HOURS," MR HO SAID.
HE ALSO URGED EMPLOYERS TO ADOPT A FLEXIBLE APPROACH IF EMPLOYEES HAD GENUINE DIFFICULTIES IN RETURNING TO WORK.
"AS RAINSTORMS ARE NATURAL CALAMITIES, DUE CONSIDERATION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO EMPLOYEES WHO ARE ABSENT FROM OR LATE FOR WORK SO THAT EMPLOYEES’ EARNINGS, INCLUDING ATTENDANCE BONUS, ARE NOT ADVERSELY AFFECTED," HE SAID.
/TO BETTER .......
MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 1994
14
TO BETTER PROTECT WORKERS, MR HO SAID THE EMPLOYEES’
COMPENSATION ORDINANCE HAD BEEN AMENDED TO PROVIDE COMPENSATION TO
WORKERS WHO WERE INJURED WHILE TRAVELLING BETWEEN THEIR PLACE OF
RESIDENCE AND THEIR PLACE OF WORK WHEN TYPHOON SIGNAL NO. 8 OR ABOVE,
OR RED OR BLACK RAINSTORM WARNING SIGNAL WAS ISSUED.
EMPLOYERS OR EMPLOYEES WHO REQUIRED ASSISTANCE CAN APPROACH THE NEAREST LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE BRANCH OFFICE.
------0--------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS *****
TENDER DATE 15 AUG 94
PAPER ON OFFER EF NOTES
ISSUE NUMBER 2608
AMOUNT APPLIED HKD 3,310 MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED HKD 500 MN
AVERAGE PRICE (YIELD) ACCEPTED 99.94 (6.28 PCT)
LOWEST PRICE (YIELD) ACCEPTED 99.92 (6.29 PCT)
PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 3 PCT
AVERAGE TENDER PRICE (YIELD) 99.90 (6.30 PCT)
o
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
***** CUMULATIVE TIME CHANGE
$ MILLION (HOURS) ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,744 0930 +2,006
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,443 1000 +2,256
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 +2,456
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY +2,068 1200 +2,457
LAF TODAY -1,369 1500 +2,468 1600 +2,068
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER
TWI 122.6 *-0.1*
15.8.94
/HONG KONG .......
MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 1994
15
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.00 16 MONTHS 2511 4.15 98.23 5.68
1 MONTH 4.13 22 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100.50 6.13
3 MONTHS 4.38 30 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.68 6.64
6 MONTHS 4.74 33 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98.71 6.79
12 MONTHS 5.38 36 MONTHS 3707 6.95 100.31 6.95
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 21,445 MN
CLOSED 15 AUGUST 1994
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
COMMUNITY HAS GREAT FAITH IN ELECTORAL SYSTEM............ 1
TRANSCRIPT OF ACTING GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION............ 1
LAND REGISTRY RELEASES STATISTICS FOR JULY 1994 ......... 2
SUCCESS OF ELECTION DEPENDS ON HONEST ELECTIONEERING ACTIVITIES.............................................. 3
NUMBER OF CANDIDATES FOR TWO CONSTITUENCIES REVISED... 4
NEW DIRECTOR OF TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT NAMED.............. 5
270 ELECTION COMPLAINTS RECEIVED......................... 6
UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS FOR APRIL -
JUNE 1994 .............................................. 6
LABOUR DEPARTMENT WELCOMES CLEARER MESSAGE ON WORK
ARRANGEMENTS IN RAINSTORMS............................... 1
AFD TO LAUNCH FISHERIES PROJECT WITH JOCKEY CLUB DONATION .. 8
HK WILL MAINTAIN EFFICIENT POSTAL SERVICE................ 9
ARTICLE TELLS HOW GNP IS COMPILED....................... 10
SECONDARY 6 CENTRAL ALLOCATION BEGINS TOMORROW.......... 10
100 LUCKY CAR MARKS UP FOR AUCTION...................... 12
POLLUTION CASES RELEASED................................ 13
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS............. 14
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ....
15
TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 1994
1
COMMUNITY HAS GREAT FAITH IN ELECTORAL SYSTEM » » * * ♦
THE RECORD NUMBER OF NOMINATIONS OF CANDIDATES FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS CLEARLY INDICATES THAT THE COMMUNITY HAS GREAT FAITH IN THE ELECTORAL SYSTEM, THE ACTING GOVERNOR, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING TO THE MEDIA AFTER OFFICIATING AT THE PRE-CONGRESS CONFERENCE OF COMMONWEALTH POSTAL ADMINISTRATIONS, MRS CHAN SAID: "IN PARTICULAR, I THINK THE COMMUNITY RECOGNISES THE VALUABLE ROLE THAT THE DISTRICT BOARDS PLAY IN THE WHOLE SYSTEM OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT."
SHE BELIEVED THAT IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS, ELECTIONEERING ACTIVITIES WOULD BE WORKING OUT TO A PEAK AND REGISTERED VOTERS WOULD BE LOOKING VERY CLOSELY AT THE MANIFESTO AND PLATFOFM OF INDIVIDUAL CANDIDATES.
”1 VERY MUCH HOPE THAT ON THE ACTUAL DAY OF ELECTIONS, WHICH, AS YOU ALL KNOW, IS ON SEPTEMBER 18, ALL THE REGISTERED VOTERS WILL TURN OUT IN FORCE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE VOTING AS IT’S THEIR RIGHT AND DUTY AS A CIVIC-MINDED CITIZEN," SHE SAID.
NOTING THAT THERE WERE ON AVERAGE TWO CANDIDATES FOR EACH CONSTITUENCY, THE ACTING GOVERNOR SAID THE VOTERS COULD VOTE FOR THE PERSON OF THEIR CHOICE.
’’WHAT WE ARE ANXIOUS TO ENSURE IS THAT AT THE END OF THE DAY, THE ELECTIONS ARE CONDUCTED IN A FAIR AND OPEN MANNER," SHE SAID.
- - 0 - -
TRANSCRIPT OF ACTING GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION
*****
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION BY THE ACTING GOVERNOR, MRS ANSON CHAN, AFTER OFFICIATING AT THE PRE-CONGRESS CONFERENCE OF COMMONWEALTH POSTAL ADMINISTRATIONS TODAY (TUESDAY):
MRS CHAN: GOOD MORNING, EVERYONE. I’D LIKE TO SAY A FEW WORDS ABOUT THE NOMINATIONS FOR CANDIDATES FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS WHICH CLOSED YESTERDAY. OVERALL, WE ARE PLEASED WITH THE RESULTS. WE’VE HAD A RECORD NUMBER OF NOMINATIONS AND I AM PARTICULARLY PLEASED TO KNOW THAT WE HAVE A RECORD NUMBER OF WOMEN CANDIDATES WHO ARE STANDING FOR ELECTION. CLEARLY, THE COMMUNITY HAS GREAT FAITH IN THE ELECTORAL SYSTEM AND, IN PARTICULAR, I THINK THE COMMUNITY RECOGNISES THE VALUABLE ROLE THAT THE DISTRICT BOARDS PLAY LN THE WHOLE SYSTEM OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT. I AM SURE THAT IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS, ELECTIONEERING ACTIVITIES WILL BE WORKING OUT TO A PEAK AND L AM ALSO SURE THAT REGISTERED VOTERS WILL BE LOOKING VERY CLOSELY AT THE MANIFESTO AND PLATFORM OF INDIVIDUAL CANDIDATES AND I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT ON THE ACTUAL DAY OF ELECTIONS, WHICH, AS YOU ALL KNOW, IS ON SEPTEMBER 18, ALL THE REGISTERED VOTERS WILL TURN OUT IN FORCE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE VOTING AS IT’S THEIR RIGHT AND DUTY AS A CIVIC-MINDED CITIZEN.
/QUESTION:
TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 1994
2
QUESTION: WILL YOU HAVE PLANS TO MEET WITH LAU SAN-CHING?
MRS CHAN: NO. I THINK MR LAU SAN-CHING IS QUITE CLEAR THAT THE DECISION HAS BEEN MADE BY THE RETURNING OFFICER, FULLY CONSISTENT WITH THE QUALIFICATIONS AND DISQUALIFICATIONS LAID DOWN IN THE LAW. THERE IS A PROPER CHANNEL FOR MR LAU TO APPEAL IF HE IS DISSATISFIED WITH THE DECISION OF THE RETURNING OFFICER AND AS MR LAU KNOWS, HE CAN APPEAL TO THE HIGH COURT IF HE WISHES WITHIN TWO MONTHS AFTER THE ELECTION HAS TAKEN PLACE. AND SO, I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT IF MR LAU WISHES TO AVAIL HIMSELF OF THIS OPPORTUNITY, HE WILL USE THE PROPER CHANNELS.
QUESTION: 48 SEATS ARE STILL UNCONTESTED IN THE DISTRICT BOARDS ELECTIONS. HOW DISAPPOINTED ARE YOU THAT THERE ARE MORE CANDIDATES....?
MRS CHAN: I THINK IF YOU LOOK AT BOTH THE NUMBER AND THE PERCENTAGE OF UNCONTESTED SEATS, WE ARE, IN FACT, DOING MUCH BETTER THAN IN THE ELECTIONS IN 1991. OF COURSE, IN ANY SORT OF ELECTION, I THINK THERE ARE BOUND TO BE UNCONTESTED SEATS. THIS IS NOT IN ANY WAY PECULIAR OR UNIQUE TO HONG KONG. I THINK THE IMPORTANT THING IS THAT THE VOTERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO VOTE FOR THE PERSON OF THEIR CHOICE AND ON AVERAGE, WE NOW HAVE TWO CANDIDATES FOR EACH CONSTITUENCY. OF COURSE, THIS YEAR WE ALSO HAVE A RECORD NUMBER OF CONSTITUENCIES. BUT THERE ARE, AS I SAID, ON AVERAGE, TWO CANDIDATES FOR EACH CONSTITUENCY. SO, I AM SURE VOTERS CAN VOTE FOR THE PERSON OF THEIR OWN CHOICE. WHAT WE ARE ANXIOUS TO ENSURE IS THAT AT THE END OF THE DAY, THE ELECTIONS ARE CONDUCTED IN A FAIR AND OPEN MANNER.
--------0-----------
LAND REGISTRY RELEASES STATISTICS FOR JULY 1994
*****
A TOTAL OF 6,931 SALE AND PURCHASE AGREEMENTS OF BUILDING UNITS, WHICH INCLUDE BOTH RESIDENTIAL AND NON-RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES, WERE RECEIVED FOR REGISTRATION IN THE LAND REGISTRY DURING JULY 1994.
THE TOTAL CONSIDERATION OF THE AGREEMENTS AMOUNTS TO $24.92 BILLION.
THE NUMBER OF AGREEMENTS REPRESENTS A DECREASE OF 2.8 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH THAT IN JUNE THIS YEAR AND A DECREASE OF 63.3 PER CENT COMPARED WITH JULY 1993.
THESE JULY STATISTICS ON THE PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS RECEIVED FOR REGISTRATION IN THE URBAN AND THE NEW TERRITORIES LAND REGISTRIES WERE RELEASED BY THE LAND REGISTRAR TODAY (TUESDAY).
ON A YEAR-ON-YEAR COMPARISON, THE NUMBER OF SALE AND PURCHASE AGREEMENTS FOR BUILDING UNITS SHOWED A DECELERATION FROM AN INCREASE OF 50.1 PER CENT IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR AND AN INCREASE OF 18.1 PER CENT IN APRIL, TO A DECREASE OF 5.9 PER CENT IN MAY, A DECREASE OF 44.3 PER CENT IN JUNE, AND A DECREASE OF 63.3 PER CENT IN JULY.
/AS THERE .......
TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 1994
AS THERE IS USUALLY A TIME LAG BETWEEN THE EXECUTION AND THE LODGMENT OF DEEDS FOR REGISTRATION, STATISTICS RECORDED IN JULY GENERALLY RELATE TO LAND TRANSACTIONS EXECUTED UP TO FOUR WEEKS BEFORE THEIR SUBMISSION FOR REGISTRATION.
THERE IS AN INCREASE OF 8.3 PER CENT IN THE NUMBER OF ASSIGNMENTS OF BUILDING UNITS RECEIVED FOR REGISTRATION IN JULY OVER THE PREVIOUS MONTH.
THIS IS MAINLY THE RESULT OF THE LODGMENT OF 3,445 ASSIGNMENTS OF PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME FLATS IN RESPECT OF YUET WU VILLA IN TUEN MUN.
A COMPARISON TABLE SHOWING THE RELEVANT STATISTICS FOR JUNE 1994 AND FOR JULY 1993 WAS RELEASED.
FOR SALE AND PURCHASE AGREEMENTS, A CHART SHOWING THE NUMBER RECEIVED FOR THE PAST 12 MONTHS AND ANOTHER SHOWING THE YEAR-ON-YEAR RATE OF CHANGE WERE ALSO RELEASED.
- - 0 - -
SUCCESS OF ELECTION DEPENDS ON HONEST ELECTIONEERING ACTIVITIES
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION (BEC), MR JUSTICE WOO KWOK-HING, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE SUCCESS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS IN SEPTEMBER DEPENDED ON THE CANDIDATES’ STRICT ADHERENCE TO ELECTION REGULATIONS AND GUIDELINES.
MR WOO SAID CANDIDATES SHOULD BE CAREFUL IN HANDLING THEIR ELECTIONEERING ACTIVITIES.
HE WAS SPEAKING AT A BRIEFING SESSION ORGANISED BY THE BEC FOR CANDIDATES.
REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION, POST OFFICE AND THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE WERE ALSO PRESENT.
”OUR COMMON GOAL IS TO ACHIEVE AN OPEN, FAIR AND HONEST ELECTION,” HE SAID.
HE SAID MOST OF THE COMPLAINTS THE BEC RECEIVED RELATED TO ELECTION ADVERTISEMENTS. HE URGED CANDIDATES TO HANDLE CAREFULLY THE ARRANGEMENTS OF THESE ADVERTISEMENTS.
"IF A CANDIDATE HAS MADE ARRANGEMENTS WHICH ARE NOT ENTIRELY HEEDING THE BEC’S PROVISIONS, HE SHOULD TAKE REMEDIAL ACTION. THE COMMISSION WILL STRICTLY ENFORCE RELEVANT REGULATIONS AND WILL NOT TOLERATE ANY PRACTICES WHICH ARE VIOLATING THE PROVISIONS,” MR WOO STRESSED.
ANOTHER IMPORTANT AREA OF CONCERN IS ELECTION EXPENSES.
/HE SA^u
TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 1994
4
HE SAID THERE WAS NO TIME LIMIT FOR EXPENSES TO BE COUNTED AS ELECTION EXPENSES.
ANY CANDIDATE WHO HAS INCURRED EXPENSES IN ELECTION ADVERTISEMENT BUT HAS DELIBERATELY DISREGARDED IT AS SUCH ADVERTISEMENT, OR HAS ERRONEOUSLY REGARDED IT AS NOT AMOUNTING TO ELECTION ADVERTISEMENT AND THEREFORE DOES NOT INCLUDE THE EXPENSES INCURRED FOR THEM IN HIS RETURN OF ELECTION EXPENSES AND DONATIONS, HE WILL BE LIABLE TO PROSECUTION UNDER CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES ORDINANCE.
"IF CONVICTED, HE WILL BE DISQUALIFIED AS A BOARD MEMBER, A CANDIDATE AND AN ELECTOR," HE SAID.
THE BEC HAS ALSO SENT LETTERS TO MORE THAN 8,000 OWNERS INCORPORATIONS, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, TENANTS ASSOCIATIONS AND MANAGEMENT COMPANIES ADVISING THEM TO TREAT EVERY CANDIDATE FAIRLY AND EQUALLY.
HE SAID THE BEC RESPECTED THE RIGHT OF PRIVATE OWNERSHIP. IT WILL NOT INTERFERE WITH THE LEGITIMATE DECISION MADE BY THESE ORGANISATIONS TO DENY ACCESS TO ANY CANDIDATE FROM CONDUCTING ELECTIONEERING ACTIVITIES INSIDE THE COMMON AREA OF THEIR BUILDINGS.
THE BEC ALSO URGED CANDIDATES TO RESPECT THE DECISION MADE BY THESE ORGANISATIONS.
"BUT IF THE BEC IS SATISFIED THAT A COMPLAINT OF UNEQUAL TREATMENT OF CANDIDATES IS JUSTIFIED, IT MAY MAKE A DENUNCIATION OR CENSURE IN A PUBLIC STATEMENT WHICH MAY INCLUDE PARTIES CONCERNED," HE ADDED.
THE BEC HAS CONDUCTED FOUR BRIEFING SESSIONS FOR CANDIDATES TODAY ON ELECTION REGULATIONS AND GUIDELINES AT THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE.
AFTER EACH BRIEFING SESSION, RETURNING OFFICERS OF THE RESPECTIVE DISTRICTS AND CANDIDATES ASSEMBLED AT VARIOUS FUNCTION ROOMS FOR BALLOT TO DETERMINE THE ORDER OF NAMES ON THE BALLOT PAPERS AND TO ALLOCATE KEY SPOTS.
------0-------
NUMBER OF CANDIDATES FOR TWO CONSTITUENCIES REVISED *****
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE SAID TONIGHT (TUESDAY) THAT THERE SHOULD BE TWO CANDIDATES NOMINATED FOR THE LEI SHUE CONSTITUENCY AND THREE NOMINATED FOR THE LEI MUK CONSTITUENCY IN THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT FOR THE SEPTEMBER DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.
THE FIGURES RELEASED LAST NIGHT FOR THE TWO CONSTITUENCIES HAVE SINCE BEEN REVISED UPON CLARIFICATION FROM ONE CANDIDATE.
/THE CANDIDATES ......
TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 1994
- 5 -
THE CANDIDATES ARE: LEI SHUE CONSTITUENCY
* HO MOON
♦ CHAN YUEN-SUM
LEI MUK CONSTITUENCY
» FUNG CHAN-KI, RICHARD
* HUI PO-CHUN
♦ LAM CHIU-LUN ---------------------------0--------
NEW DIRECTOR OF TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT NAMED * * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THE APPOINTMENT OF MR LEE SHING-SEE AS DIRECTOR OF TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT.
MR LEE WILL SUCCEED MR CHOW CHE-KING WHO WILL PROCEED ON PRERETIREMENT LEAVE ON AUGUST 28, 1994.
THE FOLLOWING ARE BIOGRAPHICAL DETAILS OF MR LEE AND MR CHOW:
MR LEE SHING-SEE, JP
AGED 52, MR LEE JOINED THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE AS AN APPRENTICE ENGINEER IN SEPTEMBER 1964. HE WAS PROMOTED TO GOVERNMENT ENGINEER IN JANUARY 1989 AND TO PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT ENGINEER IN JANUARY 1992.
MR CHOW CHE-KING, OBE, JP
AGED 60, MR CHOW JOINED THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE AS A TEMPORARY ASSISTANT ENGINEER IN SEPTEMBER 1957. HE WAS PROMOTED TO PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT ENGINEER IN NOVEMBER 1982 AND TO DIRECTOR OF TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT IN JANUARY 1993. ON HIS RETIREMENT, MR CHOW WILL HAVE COMPLETED 37 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT.
- - 0----------
/6 .......
TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 1994
- 6 -
270 ELECTION COMPLAINTS RECEIVED
* * ♦ » t
THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE HAS RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 270 COMPLAINTS ON ELECTION-RELATED ACTIVITIES AS AT TODAY (TUESDAY).
OF ALL THE COMPLAINTS, 216 WERE RELATED TO ELECTION ADVERTISEMENTS, 25 ON ELECTIONEERING IN PRIVATE PREMISES AND 29 ON OTHER MATTERS.
OUT OF THE 270 CASES, ACTION FOR 181 CASES HAD BEEN COMPLETED.
------0-------
UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT
STATISTICS FOR APRIL - JUNE 1994
* * * » »
THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR APRIL - JUNE 1994 WAS 1.9%, AND THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 1.3%, ACCORDING TO THE LATEST LABOUR FORCE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE PROVISIONAL SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR THE PERIOD OF MAY - JULY 1994 WAS 2.0%, WHILE THE PROVISIONAL UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 1.2%.
THE LATEST FIGURES SUGGEST THAT THE LABOUR MARKET HAS REMAINED GENERALLY TIGHT IN RECENT MONTHS.
DURING THE PERIOD OF APRIL - JUNE 1994, THE NUMBER OF
UNEMPLOYED PERSONS, ADJUSTED FOR VARIATIONS IN THE NUMBER OF FIRSTTIME JOB-SEEKERS, WAS ESTIMATED AT 56,200, WHILE THE NUMBER OF
UNDEREMPLOYED PERSONS WAS ESTIMATED AT 38,600.
THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS WERE OBTAINED FROM A CONTINUOUS GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE SURVEY FOR APRIL - JUNE 1994 COVERED A QUARTERLY SAMPLE OF SOME 12,300 HOUSEHOLDS OR 42,300 PERSONS, SELECTED SCIENTIFICALLY TO REPRESENT THE LAND-BASED CIVILIAN NON-INSTITUTIONAL POPULATION IN HONG KONG.
RELEVANT DATA WAS OBTAINED FROM THE SURVEY BY INTERVIEWING EACH INDIVIDUAL MEMBER AGED 15 AND ABOVE IN THE HOUSEHOLDS SAMPLED.
IN THE SURVEY, THE DEFINITIONS USED IN MEASURING UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT FOLLOW CLOSELY THOSE RECOMMENDED BY THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION.
DETAILED ANALYSIS OF LABOUR FORCE CHARACTERISTICS IS GIVEN IN THE REPORT ON THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY WHICH IS PUBLISHED FOUR TIMES A YEAR.
THE NEXT REPORT COVERING THE QUARTER ENDING JUNE 1994 WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE BY THE END OF SEPTEMBER AT $24 A COPY.
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TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 1994
7 -
LABOUR DEPARTMENT WELCOMES CLEARER MESSAGE ON WORK ARRANGEMENTS IN RAINSTORMS »»«»»»
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES ON THE GOVERNMENT’S NEW PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT TO BE USED WHEN THE RAINSTORM BLACK WARNING IS IN FORCE, THE ACTING ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR HOUDINI HO, TODAY (TUESDAY) WELCOMES THE ANNOUNCEMENT AS IT PROVIDES A CLEARER MESSAGE TO BOTH THE EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES ON WORK ARRANGEMENTS.
THE NEW PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT READS "THE RAINSTORM IS NOW BLACK. THIS MEANS THAT MORE THAN 100 MM OF RAIN HAVE FALLEN GENERALLY OVER HONG KONG DURING THE PAST TWO HOURS (OR LESS).
"BECAUSE OF SERIOUSLY FLOODED ROADS AND INCLEMENT WEATHER,
YOU ARE ADVISED TO TAKE SHELTER IN A SAFE PLACE AND STAY THERE.
"EMPLOYERS ARE ADVISED NOT TO REQUIRE THEIR EMPLOYEES TO GO TO WORK UNLESS PRIOR AGREEMENT ON WORK ARRANGEMENTS DURING RAINSTORM HAS BEEN MADE.
"IF YOU ARE ALREADY AT WORK, STAY WHERE YOU ARE UNLESS IT IS DANGEROUS TO DO SO. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO TRAVEL UNTIL THE BLACK RAINSTORM WARNING IS NO LONGER IN FORCE AND TRAFFIC CONDITIONS HAVE IMPROVED.
"PLEASE LISTEN TO YOUR RADIO FOR FURTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS ON THE RAINSTORM."
MR HO SAID: "AS EMPLOYEES’ SAFETY IS THE MAIN CONCERN OF THE DEPARTMENT, IT IS APPROPRIATE FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO ADVISE EMPLOYERS NOT TO REQUIRE THEIR EMPLOYEES TO GO TO WORK UNLESS PRIOR AGREEMENT ON WORK ARRANGEMENTS DURING RAINSTORM HAS BEEN MADE."
HE POINTED OUT THAT OWING TO THE DIVERSITY IN NATURE AND REQUIREMENTS OF JOB IN VARIOUS TRADES AND INDUSTRIES, STATUTORY REGULATIONS OF WORK ARRANGEMENTS IN TIMES OF RAINSTORMS WOULD NOT BE PRACTICABLE.
"THEREFORE, EMPLOYERS REQUIRING EMPLOYEES TO WORK DURING RAINSTORMS ARE URGED TO REACH PRIOR AGREEMENT AND DUE CONSIDERATION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO EMPLOYEES’ SAFETY IN WORKPLACE AS WELL AS THEIR JOURNEY TO AND FROM WORK."
"SUCH A REQUIREMENT SHOULD BE CLEARLY STATED BEFORE THE EMPLOYMENT COMMENCES OR SUFFICIENT NOTICE SHOULD BE GIVEN TO THE EMPLOYEES," HE SAID.
MR HO POINTED OUT THAT THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAD PUBLISHED A BILINGUAL BOOKLET ENTITLED "CODE OF PRACTICE IN TIMES OF TYPHOONS AND RAINSTORMS". IT SERVES AS A REFERENCE GUIDE TO FACILITATE EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES TO MAKE EARLY WORK ARRANGEMENTS DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER.
A TOTAL OF 28,000 COPIES, OF THE CODE OF PRACTICE HAVE BEEN SENT TO EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES’ ORGANISATIONS ADVISING THEM OF THE NEED FOR SUCH AGREEMENT.
/STAFF OF .......
TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 1994
- 8 -
STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT’S LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE AND LABOUR RELATIONS PROMOTION UNIT ARE ALSO ACTIVELY ADVISING EMPLOYERS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF SUCH AGREEMENT THROUGH VARIOUS CHANNELS, SUCH AS SEMINARS, TRAINING COURSES AS WELL AS DURING CONCILIATION MEETINGS.
EMPLOYERS OR EMPLOYEES WHO REQUIRE HELP CAN APPROACH THE NEAREST LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE BRANCH OFFICE.
------0--------
AFD TO LAUNCH FISHERIES PROJECT WITH JOCKEY CLUB DONATION *****
A $1.6 MILLION DONATION FROM THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB WILL SOON BE USED TO LAUNCH A PILOT AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT (AFD) PROJECT AIMED AT IMPROVING THE TERRITORY’S MARINE ENVIRONMENT.
THE PROGRAMME, KNOWN AS FISHERIES HABITAT ENHANCEMENT PROJECT (FISHAB), WILL USE ARTIFICIAL REEFS TO INCREASE PRODUCTION OF NATURAL MARINE LIFE IN HONG KONG WATERS FOR THE BENEFIT OF LOCAL FISHERMEN.
THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE, SAID THE DEPARTMENT WAS EXTREMELY GRATEFUL TO THE JOCKEY CLUB FOR THE GRANT OF $1.6 MILLION.
DR LEE SAID: "THE DONATION WILL BE USED TO SET UP AND EQUIP A FIELD LABORATORY ON KAT 0 CHAU, AND TO PURCHASE A DIVE BOAT, SCUBA DIVING GEAR, AND UNDERWATER AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT SUITABLE FOR MONITORING FISH POPULATIONS."
HE STRESSED THAT THE DEPARTMENT WOULD CLOSELY MONITOR THE USE OF THE FUND SO AS TO ACHIEVE THE MOST COST-EFFECTIVE PROGRAMME.
INTRODUCING THE PROJECT, AFD’S ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (FISHERIES), MR RICHARD YIP, STATED THAT HONG KONG WAS ONE OF A NUMBER OF CENTRES CURRENTLY DEVELOPING A GROWING INTEREST IN THIS FIELD.
MR YIP SAID ARTIFICIAL REEFS WERE NOW USED WORLDWIDE AS A MEANS OF REHABILITATING DAMAGED MARINE ECOSYSTEMS.
"AFD HAS RECENTLY UNDERTAKEN A REVIEW OF MARINE HABITAT ENHANCEMENT TECHNOLOGY BEING USED OVERSEAS AND ITS FISHERIES OFFICERS HAVE MADE STUDY VISITS TO ARTIFICIAL REEFS PROJECTS IN VARIOUS COUNTRIES IN THE REGION," HE SAID.
THERE IS AN URGENT NEED FOR LARGE-SCALE EFFORTS TO HALT THE DECLINE IN MARINE BIODIVERSITY AND PRODUCTION IN LOCAL WATERS, MR YIP SAID, ADDING THAT THE TERRITORY’S FISHING INDUSTRY WOULD STAND TO BENEFIT.
ON THE TERRITORY’S FIRST ARTIFICIAL REEFS PROJECT IN HOI HA WAN, HE POINTED OUT THAT THE FINDINGS OF ONGOING RESEARCH WOULD HELP DETERMINE THE SCOPE OF FUTURE FISHAB WORK.
/THE RESEARCH .......
TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 1994
9 -
THE RESEARCH PROJECT IS RUN IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE SWIRE MARINE LABORATORY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
AFD’S FISHERIES OFFICERS SPECIALISING IN THIS FIELD, INCLUDING MR DAVID COOK, WERE OF THE VIEW THAT SOME FORM OF RESTRICTION OF FISHING WOULD BE REQUIRED ON MOST ARTIFICIAL REEFS INITIALLY DEPLOYED UNDER THE FISHAB PROJECT.
"AS NEW ARTIFICIAL REEFS SERVE TO ATTRACT AND AGGREGATE FISH FROM OTHER AREAS UNTIL THEY BECOME SELF-SUSTAINING, ANY FISHING IN THE VICINITY MUST NOT BE ALLOWED TO SURPASS THE ACTUAL PRODUCTION OF FISH ON THE REEFS AS THIS WOULD CONTRIBUTE TO ANY OVERFISHING PROBLEM ALREADY FACING THE REGION," MR COOK SAID.
- - 0----------
HK WILL MAINTAIN EFFICIENT POSTAL SERVICE * * * » »
THE GOVERNMENT IS CONSCIOUS OF THE NEED TO MAINTAIN A HIGHLY EFFICIENT POSTAL SERVICE TO KEEP PACE WITH THE DEMANDS OF THE PUBLIC, PARTICULARLY THOSE OF THE BUSINESS SECTOR, THE ACTING GOVERNOR, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE PRE-CONGRESS CONFERENCE OF COMMONWEALTH POSTAL ADMINISTRATIONS, MRS CHAN SAID HONG KONG WAS NOT COMPLACENT WITH ITS ACHIEVEMENTS TO DATE AS THE WORLD REMAINED COMPETITIVE.
"WE ARE WORKING ON PROPOSALS TO TURN THE HONG KONG POST OFFICE INTO A TRADING FUND OPERATION," SHE SAID.
UNDER THESE PROPOSALS, THE POST OFFICE WILL BE GIVEN MORE FLEXIBILITY IN MANAGING ITS OWN RESOURCES BUT WILL BE REQUIRED TO OPERATE ON A COMMERCIAL BASIS WHILE REMAINING AS A GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT.
THE KEY ADVANTAGE IS THAT IT WOULD BE LESS CONSTRAINED BY OVERALL GOVERNMENT BUDGETARY CONSIDERATIONS IN EXPANDING ITS SERVICE TO MEET THE MARKET DEMAND, SHE EXPLAINED.
THE CONFERENCE DISCUSSES MANY MAJOR ISSUES WITH FAR-REACHING EFFECTS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF INTERNATIONAL POSTAL SERVICE. THESE WILL BE CONSIDERED BY THE UNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION CONGRESS TO BE HELD IN SEOUL IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CONFERENCE.
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/10........
TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 1994
- 10 -
ARTICLE TELLS HOW GNP IS COMPILED
t ♦ * » *
A SPECIAL REVIEW ARTICLE INTRODUCING THE BASIC CONCEPTS OF GROSS NATIONAL PRODUCT (GNP) STATISTICS AND DESCRIBING THE SYSTEM AND METHODOLOGY FOR ITS COMPILATION IN HONG KONG HAS BEEN PREPARED.
IT IS CONTAINED IN THE MAY 1994 ISSUE OF THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS, NOW ON SALE AT $48 A COPY.
A NEW ANNUAL SURVEY WILL BE IMPLEMENTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TO COLLECT DATA REQUIRED FOR COMPILING GNP STATISTICS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE FIRST ROUND OF THE SURVEY WOULD BE LAUNCHED IN OCTOBER TO COLLECT DATA FOR COMPILING GNP FOR THE REFERENCE YEAR 1993.
ABOUT 12,000 COMPANIES IN VARIOUS BUSINESSES WILL BE COVERED, HE SAID.
THE SURVEY WILL COLLECT DATA ON EXTERNAL FACTOR INCOME FLOWS IN HONG KONG.
THE INCOME FLOWS ARE CLASSIFIED INTO FOUR COMPONENTS: DIRECT INVESTMENT INCOME, PORTFOLIO INVESTMENT INCOME, OTHER INVESTMENT INCOME AND COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES.
"THESE INCOME FLOWS ESTIMATES, WHEN COMBINED WITH THE EXISTING GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT, WILL GIVE GNP," THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
THE ARTICLE ALSO DESCRIBES DETAILS OF STATISTICS TO BE COMPILED BASED ON THE SURVEY FINDINGS AND THE TIMING OF PUBLICATIONS.
THE PUBLICATION IS AVAILABLE 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.
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SECONDARY 6 CENTRAL ALLOCATION BEGINS TOMORROW
*****
A TOTAL OF 255 SECONDARY 6 PLACES ARE STILL AVAILABLE FOR CENTRAL ALLOCATION WHEN STAGE V OF THE S6 ADMISSION PROCEDURE BEGINS TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THE VACANCIES COMPRISE 92 IN THE ARTS, 26 IN THE SCIENCE AND 30 IN THE COMMERCIAL STREAMS USING ENGLISH AS MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION; 63 IN THE ARTS AND 10 IN THE SCIENCE STREAMS USING CHINESE AS MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION; 26 IN ENGINEERING AND EIGHT IN COMMERCIAL STREAMS IN PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS.
/A SPOKESMAN .......
TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 1994
11
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID CENTRAL ALLOCATION IN STAGE V WOULD BEGIN AT 9 AM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) FOR CURRENT YEAR HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION (HKCEE) STUDENTS WITH MINIMUM A-LEVEL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY FOR.
ELIGIBLE STUDENTS WHO STILL HAVE NOT OBTAINED A SECONDARY 6 PLACE MAY APPLY FOR CENTRAL ALLOCATION AT ONE OF THE FOLLOWING CENTRES BEFORE 3.30 PM TOMORROW:
KOWLOON REGION
- HOMANTIN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL
8 PERTH STREET, KOWLOON
- KOWLOON TECHNICAL SCHOOL
332 CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD, KOWLOON
HONG KONG REGION
- TANG SHIU KIN VICTORIA TECHNICAL SCHOOL 01 KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI
NEW TERRITORIES REGION
- TSUEN WAN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL
70 HOI PA STREET, TSUEN WAN
- SHA TIN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL 11-17 MAN LAI ROAD, SHA TIN
AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION, APPLICANTS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A LIST OF SCHOOLS WITH VACANCIES AND THEY SHOULD INDICATE THEIR CHOICES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE SAID PRIORITY WOULD BE BASED SOLELY ON THEIR HKCEE RESULTS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE RESULTS WOULD BE DISPLAYED AT 9 AM ON TUESDAY (AUGUST 23) AT THE SAME CENTRE WHERE STUDENTS APPLIED FOR CENTRAL ALLOCATION.
SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES SHOULD TAKE THEIR ALLOCATION SLIPS TO THEIR CHOSEN SCHOOL FOR REGISTRATION BEFORE 3.30 PM ON AUGUST 23.
MEANWHILE, THE DEPARTMENT RECEIVED ONE MORE SUBSTANTIATED COMPLAINT ABOUT SCHOOLS NOT FOLLOWING THE ADMISSION PROCEDURE TODAY. THE CASE HAD BEEN SETTLED AFTER INVESTIGATIONS BY OFFICERS FROM THE DEPARTMENT.
THIS BRINGS TO SIX THE TOTAL NUMBER OF SUBSTANTIATED COMPLAINTS.
UP TO 5.30 PM TODAY, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S CENTRAL HOTLINE (782 7624, 782 7625, 782 7626 AND 782 7621) AND THE 19 DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICES HANDLED 96 AND 284 ENQUIRIES RESPECTIVELY ON THE SECONDARY 6 ADMISSION PROCEDURE.
/AT THE .......
TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 1994
- 12 -
AT THE SAME TIME, THE CAREERS EDUCATION CENTRE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT RECEIVED 164 VISITORS AND 111 TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES ON FURTHER STUDIES, LOCALLY OR OVERSEAS, AND CAREERS.
THIS BRINGS TO 2,151 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PEOPLE VISITED AND 1,307 CALLERS TELEPHONED THE CENTRE SINCE THE RELEASE OF THE HKCEE RESULTS ON AUGUST 9.
100 LUCKY CAR MARKS UP FOR AUCTION
*****
ONE HUNDRED LUCKY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS WILL BE AUCTIONED
BY THE TRANSPORT RECITAL HALL. DEPARTMENT ON SATURDAY (AUGUST 20) AT THE CITY HALL
FIFTY OF THEM WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR BIDDING AT 9.30 AM. THEY ARE: GA996 GA613 GA915 BB5411 GA3328 GA2280 FL338 GA1681 ♦EE131 *2263 *GA3 »FY5 CF1955 GA520 GA810 GA782 GA1686 CC302 XX320 GA3380 GA369 GA336 GA106 GA938 AA203 GA850 FY328 ET3339 ♦FC12 *FY33 »FY18 »GA1000 GA1178 FZ8788 GA7771 GA372 FZ8613 GA3336 GA8256 DA1223 GA3889 GA693 *DD9595 GA927 GA1028 GA4898 GA2618 »DY656 GA7318 GA7298
IN THE AFTERNOON SESSION WHICH WILL START AT 2.30 PM, ANOTHER 50 MARKS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR BIDDING. THEY ARE:
GA129 GA821 GA318 BG7717
GA233 CC360 GA993 GAI 50
»FG8822 »AW29 *810 »FY3
BH1997 GA448 HK320 GA1812
GA66 3 GA718 GA168 GA273
GA320 CH1113 GA330 GA930
HK2891 GA8828 GA963 BB8831
«GA6 »GA10 »FY88 *FC36
BB3108 GA3038 GA1800 GA3318
GA2331 GA1668 GA5184 DG8990
GA623 GA1386 *FE2332 FH2160
GA529 GA7366 GA8341 ♦GA656
GA1275 GA7921
* SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK (NOT TRANSFERABLE)
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS MUST PAY BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.
/A SPOKESMAN .......
TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 1994
- 13 -
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 AUCTIONS WILL BE THE 236TH AND 237TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973.
--------0-----------
POLLUTION CASES RELEASED
*****
A TOTAL OF 50 CONVICTIONS WERE MADE IN THE COURTS LAST MONTH FOR BREACHING ANTI-POLLUTION LEGISLATION ENFORCED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT.
AMONG THEM, 20 WERE CONVICTIONS MADE UNDER THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE (WPCO), 14 UNDER THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE (APCO), 11 UNDER THE NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE (NCO), THREE UNDER THE WASTE DISPOSAL ORDINANCE (WDO) AND ONE EACH UNDER THE DUMPING AT SEA ACT (DASO) AND THE OZONE LAYER PROTECTION ORDINANCE (OLPO) RESPECTIVELY, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
THE FINES RANGED FROM $400 TO $50,000. FAIRWOOD FAST FOOD LTD AND HING FU SIZING WORK LTD WERE FINED $50,000 FOR DISCHARGING POLLUTING MATTER IN THE TOLO HARBOUR AND NORTH WESTERN WATER CONTROL ZONES RESPECTIVELY.
--------0-----------
/14 .......
TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 1994
- 14 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS * » ♦ ♦ *
TENDER DATE
PAPER ON OFFER
ISSUE NUMBER
AMOUNT APPLIED
AMOUNT ALLOTTED
AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED
HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED
PRO RATA RATIO
AVERAGE TENDER YIELD
16 AUG 94
EF BILLS
Q433
HKD5,320 MN
HKD1.500 MN
4.36 PCT
4.37 PCT
ABOUT 74 PCT
4.40 PCT
16 AUG 94
EF BILLS
H471
HKD2,980 MN . . ’ r
HKD800 MN
4.72 PCT
4.72 PCT
ABOUT 100 PCT
4.76 PCT
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
TENDERS TO BE HELD IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 22 AUG 1994
TENDER DATE 23 AUG 94
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q434
ISSUE DATE 24 AUG 94
MATURITY DATE 23 NOV 94
TENOR 91 DAYS
AMOUNT ON OFFER HKDl,500 + 300 MN
---------0-----------
/15 .......
TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 1994
- 15 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS » ♦ * » *
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,443 0930 +1,171
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,529 1000 +1,171
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 +1,041
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 736 1200 +1,043
LAF TODAY -650 1500 +1,043
1600 + 736
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 122.7 *+0.1* 16.8.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.97 18 MONTHS 2602 4.40 97.97 5.92
1 MONTH 4.11 24 MONTHS 2608 6.15 99.95 6.27
3 MONTHS 4.37 30 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.75 6.61
6 MONTHS 4.73 33 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98.76 6.77
12 MONTHS 5.34 36 MONTHS 3707 6.95 100.38 6.92
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 27,657 MN
CLOSED 16 AUGUST 1994
---------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
INTERIM REPORT ON ABERDEEN CANOPY COLLAPSE PUBLISHED 1
LIQUIDITY ADJUSTMENT FACILITY RATES UP 2
PILOT SCHEME TO IMPROVE COURT EFFICIENCY
DISABLED BENEFIT FROM TAXI CERTIFICATE SCHEME 3
INTERIM REPORT ON COLLAPSE OF BASKETBALL STAND RELEASED 4
HK SALUTES COMMONWEALTH GAMES IN VICTORIA 5
1,948 APPLY FOR SECONDARY 6 CENTRAL ALLOCATION............. 6
METRIC SCALE DEMONSTRATION COUNTER SET UP AT FOOD EXPO 7
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS 7
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 1994
1
INTERIM REPORT ON ABERDEEN CANOPY COLLAPSE PUBLISHED
* * * * »
THE INTERIM REPORT ON THE COLLAPSE OF A CONCRETE CANOPY IN ABERDEEN ON AUGUST 1 THIS YEAR WAS PUBLISHED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT.
THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS, MRS HELEN YU, SAID FURTHER INVESTIGATION, INCLUDING TESTS ON SAMPLES OF CONCRETE AND REINFORCEMENT OBTAINED FROM THE SITE, WILL BE CARRIED OUT.
’’THE RESULTS WILL FORM THE BASIS OF A FINAL REPORT. WE AIM TO COMPLETE THE INVESTIGATION IN SEPTEMBER. THIS WILL DEPEND PARTLY ON THE RESULTS OF STRENGTH AND CHEMICAL ANALYSES BY THE GOVERNMENT LABORATORY TO ASCERTAIN THE MATERIAL PROPERTIES,’’ MRS YU ADDED.
THE INTERIM REPORT, BASED ON INFORMATION SO FAR AVAILABLE, HAS ESTABLISHED THAT THE MAIN CAUSE OF THE CANOPY COLLAPSE WAS THE CORROSION OF ITS STEEL REINFORCEMENT. THE FOLLOWING WERE ALSO FOUND TO BE POSSIBLE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS:
» THE ADDITIONAL FINISHING LAYERS OF SURFACE MORTAR ON THE COLLAPSED CANOPY INCREASED THE LOADING AND COULD HAVE AFFECTED THE WATER DRAINAGE ON THE CANOPY;
* THE FISH-TANK CONSTRUCTION ALSO AFFECTED THE LOADING INTENSITY AND COULD HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO CRACKING OF THE CANOPY CONCRETE AND THUS CORROSION OF THE STEEL REINFORCEMENT;
♦ CONSTRUCTION OF THE CANOPY COULD HAVE BEEN DEFECTIVE;
» OTHER FACTORS INCLUDE:
- VALIDITY OF THE DESIGN ASSUMPTIONS OF THE CONCRETE CANOPY;
- STRENGTH AND CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MATERIALS FOR ITS CONSTRUCTION;
- WORKMANSHIP IN ITS CONSTRUCTION;
- ANY ABUSE OR MISUSE OF THE CANOPY;
- ANY ALTERATIONS OR ADDITIONS TO THE BUILDING AND DRAINAGE SYSTEM; AND
- ANY EXTERNAL CIRCUMSTANCES AND CORROSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS.
MRS YU CAUTIONED THAT FURTHER INVESTIGATION MAY BRING TO LIGHT OTHER FACTORS NOT YET IDENTIFIABLE AT THIS STAGE.
”IT WOULD BE PREMATURE AT THIS STAGE TO DRAW ANY FIRM CONCLUSIONS ON THE QUESTION OF LIABILITY,” SHE ADDED.
COPIES OF THE INTERIM REPORT WERE PRESENTED TO MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL PANEL ON LANDS AND WORKS TODAY BEFORE MRS YU ATTENDED THE PANEL MEETING TO DISCUSS ISSUES CONCERNING BUILDING SAFETY AND THE COLLAPSE OF THE CANOPY AT 12 SAI ON STREET, ABERDEEN, ON AUGUST 1 THIS YEAR.
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/2.......
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 1994
2
LIQUIDITY ADJUSTMENT FACILITY RATES UP
*****
THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY (HKMA) ANNOUNCED BEFORE THE OPENING OF THE MONEY MARKETS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) AN INCREASE IN THE KEY INTEREST RATES, THE LIQUIDITY ADJUSTMENT FACILITY RATES (LAF), BY 0.5 PERCENTAGE POINT.
IN LINE WITH THE INCREASE IN THE U.S. DISCOUNT RATE BY THE FEDERAL RESERVE LATE LAST NIGHT, THE HKMA INCREASED THE LAF BID AND OFFER RATES TO 3 PER CENT AND 5 PER CENT FROM 2.5 PER CENT AND 4.5 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT.
THE BID AND OFFER RATES OF LAF, HONG KONG’S VERSION OF A DISCOUNT WINDOW, SET THE FLOOR AND CEILING FOR OVERNIGHT INTEREST RATES IN THE HONG KONG INTERBANK MARKET.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HKMA SAID THE DETERMINATION OF THE BEST LENDING RATE WAS A MATTER FOR THE INDIVIDUAL BANKS AND THE RETAIL DEPOSIT RATES FOR THE COMMITTEE OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS LATER THIS WEEK, HAVING REGARD TO THE ACTION THIS MORNING BY THE HKMA.
RETAIL DEPOSIT RATES WERE LAST ADJUSTED ON MAY 20, FOLLOWING AN INCREASE IN LAF RATES BY HKMA ON MAY 18.
------0-------
PILOT SCHEME TO IMPROVE COURT EFFICIENCY *****
THE JUDICIARY TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SIGNED A $5.5 MILLION CONTRACT TO LAUNCH A PILOT SCHEME TO PROVIDE AUDIO RECORDING AND TRANSCRIPT PRODUCTION SERVICE IN THE DISTRICT COURT IN A BID TO IMPROVE COURT EFFICIENCY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE JUDICIARY SAID THE SCHEME WOULD RELIEVE DISTRICT JUDGES OF THE BURDEN OF TAKING LONGHAND NOTES OF COURT PROCEEDINGS, THUS REDUCING THE COURT HEARING TIME AND CUTTING DOWN THE WAITING TIME FOR TRAILS.
"AT PRESENT ONLY THE COURT OF APPEAL AND THE HIGH COURT ARE PROVIDED WITH PROFESSIONAL COURT REPORTERS TO RECORD COURT PROCEEDINGS. NOTES OF PROCEEDINGS IN OTHER COURTS HAVE TO BE HAND WRITTEN BY THE JUDGES THEMSELVES AS THEY NEITHER HAVE PROFESSIONAL COURT REPORTERS NOR ANY AUDIO RECORDING FACILITIES," THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
"ALTHOUGH THE NOTES ARE NOT TAKEN EXACTLY VERBATIM, THE PROCEEDINGS HAVE TO BE RECORDED IN DETAIL AND THEREFORE THE COURT HEARING HAS TO BE SLOWED DOWN TO ALIGN WITH THE HAND WRITING SPEEDS OF THE JUDGES.
"FURTHERMORE, THE JUDGES HAVE TO SPARE TIME AND EFFORT TO PROOFREAD AND TO CORRECT PERSONALLY THE DRAFT NOTES PREPARED BY TYPISTS WHEN NOTES OF PROCEEDINGS ARE REQUIRED FOR APPEAL OR REQUESTED BY THE CONCERNED PARTIES," HE SAID.
/THE SPOKESMAN .......
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 1994
3
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT THE INTRODUCTION OF AUDIO RECORDING AND TRANSCRIPT PRODUCTION SERVICES IN COURTS WOULD NOT ONLY SAVE THE JUDGES’ TIME IN TAKING LONGHAND NOTES OF PROCEEDINGS AND PROOFREADING THE TYPED NOTES, IT WOULD ALSO EFFECTIVELY CUT DOWN THE COURT HEARING TIME.
"AS A RESULT, THE WAITING TIME FOR TRIALS WILL BE SHORTENED CORRESPONDINGLY," HE SAID.
"IF THE PILOT SCHEME PROVES SUCCESSFUL, THE SYSTEM WILL BE EXTENDED TO THE DISTRICT COURT ACROSS THE BOARD AND IN THE LONGER TERM, AND RESOURCES PERMITTING, THIS WILL BE EXTENDED TO THE MAGISTRATES’ COURTS AND OTHER TRIBUNALS," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THE CONTRACT SIGNED TODAY IS FOR A 12-MONTH SERVICE FOR THE PROVISION OF AUDIO RECORDING AND TRANSCRIPT PRODUCTION SERVICE ON A PILOT BASIS IN EIGHT COURTS IN THE DISTRICT COURT. THE SERVICE IS EXPECTED TO COME INTO OPERATION IN OCTOBER-THIS YEAR.
------0-------
DISABLED BENEFIT FROM TAXI CERTIFICATE SCHEME *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT REMINDS DISABLED PEOPLE THAT THEY CAN APPLY FOR CERTIFICATES TO BOARD AND ALIGHT TAXIS IN RESTRICTED ZONES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TO IMPROVE THE MOBILITY OF THE DISABLED, THE POLICE HAD AGREED TO EXERCISE DISCRETION TO ALLOW TAXI DRIVERS TO PICK UP OR SET DOWN DISABLED PASSENGERS IN RESTRICTED ZONES, EXCEPT EXPRESSWAYS AND 24-HOUR RESTRICTED ZONES, PROVIDED THAT NO HAZARDS OR MAJOR DISRUPTIONS WERE CAUSED TO OTHER ROAD USERS.
AS A RESULT, A TRIAL SCHEME WHEREBY A CERTIFICATE IS ISSUED BY THE DISABLED TAXI PASSENGER TO A TAXI DRIVER WHEN BOARDING OR ALIGHTING IN RESTRICTED ZONES HAS BEEN INTRODUCED SINCE DECEMBER LAST YEAR.
ABOUT 2,500 PASSENGERS HAVE BENEFITED FROM THE SCHEME.
THE OBJECTIVE OF THE TRIAL SCHEME IS TO ENCOURAGE TAXI DRIVERS TO CARRY DISABLED PEOPLE AND TO ALLAY THEIR FEAR OF BEING PROSECUTED WHEN PICKING UP OR SETTING DOWN DISABLED PASSENGERS IN RESTRICTED ZONES.
WHEN A DISABLED PASSENGER NEEDS TO BOARD OR ALIGHT IN A RESTRICTED ZONE, HE SHOULD WRITE DOWN HIS NAME, TIME, DATE, PICKING UP/SETTING DOWN PLACE AND THE REGISTRATION NUMBER OF THE TAXI ON THE CERTIFICATE AND ISSUES IT TO THE TAXI DRIVER.
THOSE ELIGIBLE FOR THE CERTIFICATES ARE WHEELCHAIR USERS, VISUALLY IMPAIRED PEOPLE AND USERS OF WALKING AIDS, FOR EXAMPLE, CRUTCHES AND ARTIFICIAL LEGS.
THE CERTIFICATE IS NON-TRANSFERABLE AND SHOULD BE USED BY THE DISABLED PERSON TO WHOM IT HAS BEEN ISSUED.
ELIGIBLE PEOPLE MAY APPROACH ABOUT 40 DESIGNATED MEMBER ORGANISATIONS OF THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE FOR THE CERTIFICATES. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE BY TELEPHONING 866 8123.
/4 ........
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 1994
4
INTERIM REPORT ON COLLAPSE OF BASKETBALL STAND RELEASED *****
THE COLLAPSE OF THE SINGLE-POST BASKETBALL STAND AT WO HING PLAYGROUND IN FANLING WAS PARTLY DUE TO METAL FATIGUE AND PARTLY DUE TO STRESS CONCENTRATION ON THE POST.
THIS IS REVEALED IN AN INTERIM INVESTIGATION REPORT BY DR CHUNG CHI-YUEN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS AND MATERIAL SCIENCE, CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG.
DR CHUNG WAS COMMISSIONED TO CONDUCT THE INVESTIGATION BY THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT ON BEHALF OF THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
HE SAID IN HIS REPORT THAT THE METAL FATIGUE WAS POSSIBLY DUE TO OFTEN MISUSE OF THE STAND BECAUSE THE IMPACT OF A BASKETBALL WAS NORMALLY TOO LIGHT FOR FATIGUE FAILURE.
WITH THE FATIGUE CRACK AT THE SECTION RIGHT BELOW THE INNER TUBE STRENGTHENING, THE FINAL MISUSE RESULTED IN STRESS CONCENTRATION AT THAT SECTION, HE ADDED.
DR CHUNG IS CARRYING OUT FURTHER INVESTIGATIONS BEFORE HE COMPLETES HIS FINAL REPORT.
THE INCIDENT OCCURRED ON JUNE 29 THIS YEAR AND A SCHOOL BOY WAS INJURED.
IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE INCIDENT, ALL 33 COURTS WITH 65 SINGLEPOST BASKETBALL STANDS ON 18 PLAYGROUNDS IN THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AREA WERE CLOSED FOR INSPECTION.
OF THEM, 25 COURTS WITH 49 STANDS THAT HAVE MET BOTH LOADING AND MATERIAL TESTS CONDUCTED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAVE ALREADY BEEN REOPENED FOR PUBLIC USE ON 13 PLAYGROUNDS.
THE REMAINING EIGHT COURTS WITH 16 STANDS THAT DID NOT MEET THE TEST REQUIREMENTS WILL BE REOPENED AS SOON AS THEIR STANDS ARE REPLACED.
"TO AVOID MISUSE OF THE STANDS, NOTICES HAVE BEEN PUT UP AT ALL BASKETBALL COURTS TO ADVISE USERS," A REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF ALL 700 PIECES OF PLAY EQUIPMENT AND 160 SETS OF MULTI-PLAY EQUIPMENT ON 230 PLAYGROUNDS IN THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AREA, THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS ALSO CONDUCTING A SERIES OF INSPECTION WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
"IT IS EXPECTED THE INSPECTION WILL BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF THIS MONTH," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/5........
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 1994
- 5 -
HK SALUTES COMMONWEALTH GAMES IN VICTORIA
♦ » t » »
TO COMMEMORATE HONG KONG’S PARTICIPATION IN THE 15TH COMMONWEALTH GAMES IN VICTORIA, THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE IN CANADA HAS ORGANISED A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES IN VICTORIA AND VANCOUVER FROM AUGUST 18 TO 28.
THE HONG KONG TEAM, COMPRISING 53 ATHLETES AND 13 OFFICIALS, WILL COMPETE IN EIGHT EVENTS: ATHLETICS, GYMNASTICS, SHOOTING AND SWIMMING.
A 41-MEMBER DELEGATION OF DANCERS AND MUSICIANS FROM THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS HAS BEEN INVITED BY THE VICTORIA COMMONWEALTH GAMES SOCIETY TO PERFORM AT THE GAMES’ CLOSING CEREMONY AS WELL AS AT THE CITY FEST STAGE AND MARKET SQUARE STAGE IN DOWNTOWN VICTORIA THROUGHOUT THE GAMES.
LEADING THE TWO DELEGATIONS WILL BE THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR JAMES SO. THE NEW DIRECTOR OF HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE AFFAIRS IN CANADA, MR LEUNG CHIN-MAN, WILL ALSO ATTEND THE GAMES.
ON SUNDAY (AUGUST 21), THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE WILL LAUNCH A SERIES OF "HONG KONG DAY" CELEBRATIONS IN VICTORIA.
THE PROGRAMME WILL START WITH A LUNCHEON RECEPTION IN THE UNION CLUB OF BRITISH COLUMBIA IN VICTORIA. CANADIAN DIGNITARIES AND POLITICIANS FROM THREE LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT, COMMONWEALTH REPRESENTATIVES, LOCAL BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS, AS WELL AS HONG KONG ATHLETES AND PERFORMERS HAVE BEEN INVITED.
DIGNITARIES ATTENDING WILL INCLUDE THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR OF BRITISH COLUMBIA, THE HONOURABLE DAVID LAM, MINISTER OF NATIONAL REVENUE, THE HONOURABLE DAVID ANDERSON AND ACTING MAYOR OF VICTORIA, MS HELEN HUGHES.
LATER IN THE AFTERNOON, A PARADE FEATURING DRAGON AND LION DANCES AND DRAGON BOAT RACES EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD. THERE WILL BE A TAOIST BLESSING CEREMONY OF THE DRAGON BOATS AND A DRAGON-AWAKENING CEREMONY TO BE OFFICIATED BY THE HONOURABLE DAVID LAM.
THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE CELEBRATIONS WILL BE A "HONG KONG WELCOME" CEREMONY AT THE INNER HARBOUR CAUSEWAY IN THE EVENING ON THE MAIN STAGE OF THE HARBOUR FESTIVAL.
GOODWILL MESSAGES WILL BE BROUGHT TO CANADIAN AUDIENCE, COMMONWEALTH GAMES PARTICIPANTS AND HARBOUR FESTIVAL SPECTATORS FROM THE HONOURABLE DAVID LAM ON BEHALF OF CANADA, AND MR JAMES SO ON BEHALF OF HONG KONG.
THE HONG KONG DAY WILL CONCLUDE WITH A HALF-HOUR PERFORMANCE BY DANCERS AND MUSICIANS FROM THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS, ALSO ON THE MAIN STAGE.
ON AUGUST 24, MR SO WILL ADDRESS A HONG KONG-CANADA BUSINESS ASSOCIATION LUNCHEON MEETING ON "CAPITALISING ON FLOURISHING BROADCASTING INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG AND ASIA".
/IN THE
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 1994
6
IN THE EVENING ON AUGUST 26, THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE WILL HOST A SPECIAL PERFORMANCE BY THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS AT GATEWAY THEATRE IN RICHMOND. THE PERFORMANCE, ENTITLED "IMAGES OF MIDDLE KINGDOM", WILL FEATURE CHINESE MUSIC AND DANCE.
AN EXHIBITION FEATURING MORE THAN 100 PICTURES SHOWING THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN HONG KONG AND LIFESTYLE OF HONG KONG PEOPLE WILL BE HELD.
THE EVENT WILL BE ATTENDED BY MORE THAN 500 GUESTS, INCLUDING SECRETARY OF STATE (ASIA AND PACIFIC) MR RAYMOND CHAN AND ACTING MAYOR KI ICHI KUMAGAI OF RICHMOND.
------0--------
1,948 APPLY FOR SECONDARY 6 CENTRAL ALLOCATION
*****
A TOTAL OF 1,948 STUDENTS HAVE APPLIED FOR CENTRAL ALLOCATION OF THE REMAINING 255 SECONDARY 6 PLACES WHEN THE SECONDARY 6 ADMISSION PROCEDURE CLOSED FOR APPLICATIONS AT 3.30 PM TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT REMINDED APPLICANTS TO RETURN NEXT TUESDAY (AUGUST 23) TO THE SAME CENTRE WHERE THEY APPLIED FOR CENTAL ALLOCATION TO SEE IF THEY HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED WITH A PLACE.
SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES SHOULD TAKE THEIR ALLOCATION SLIPS TO THEIR CHOSEN SCHOOLS FOR REGISTRATION BEFORE 3.30 PM ON AUGUST 23.
HE REITERATED THAT A PLACE WAS ALLOCATED ON THE BASIS OF THE APPLICANT’S HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION RESULTS UNDER CENTRAL ALLOCATION IN STAGE V.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID IF STUDENTS WERE STILL UNABLE TO SECURE A PLACE AFTER THE COMPLETION OF STAGE V, THEY MIGHT BE ABLE TO GET A PLACE AT THE BEGINNING OF THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR BECAUSE SOME SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS MAY DECIDE NOT TO TAKE UP THEIR PLACES BY THAT TIME.
A LIST OF SCHOOLS WITH SECONDARY 6 VACANCIES WILL BE DISPLAYED AND UPDATED WEEKLY AT ALL DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICES THROUGHOUT SEPTEMBER.
STUDENTS SHOULD APPLY TO THESE SCHOOLS DIRECT BUT ADMISSION WILL BE AT THE SCHOOLS’ DISCRETION.
THE DEPARTMENT HAS SO FAR RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 10 SUBSTANTIATED COMPLAINTS ABOUT SCHOOLS NOT FOLLOWING THE ADMISSION PROCEDURE.
ALL THE CASES HAVE BEEN SETTLED AFTER INVESTIGATIONS BY OFFICERS FROM THE DEPARTMENT.
UP TO 5 PM TODAY, THE DEPARTMENT’S CENTRAL HOTLINE (782 7624, 782 7625, 782 7626 AND 782 7621) AND THE 19 DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICES HANDLED 80 AND 228 ENQUIRIES RESPECTIVELY ON THE ADMISSION PROCEDURE.
------0-----------
/7........
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 1994
METRIC SCALE DEMONSTRATION COUNTER SET UP AT FOOD EXPO
♦ » * t *
’’IT’S A METRIC WORLD. DON’T BE LEFT BEHIND."
A MEMBER OF THE METRICATION COMMITTEE, MR TOMMY LI, SAID THIS AT THE OPENING OF A METRIC SCALE DEMONSTRATION COUNTER AT THE FIFTH FOOD EXPO HELD AT THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
’’THE FOOD EXPO IS CONSIDERED TO BE AN INTERESTING AND EFFECTIVE FORUM WHEREBY THE IDEA OF GOING METRIC IN ONE’S DAILY LIFE CAN BE CONVEYED TO ALL WALKS OF LIFE IN HONG KONG THROUGH GAMES AND DEMONSTRATIONS.
"IT IS THE FIRST TIME THE COMMITTEE HAS PARTICIPATED IN THE EVENT," MR LI SAID.
ABOUT 30 JUNIOR POLICE CALL MEMBERS WHO HAVE BEEN APPOINTED METRICATION AMBASSADORS HELPED MAN THE COUNTER BY DEMONSTRATING I HE USE OF METRIC WEIGHING EQUIPMENT AND HANDLING PUBLIC ENQUIRIES.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO VISIT THE COUNTER AT THE FIVE-DAY FOOD EXPO UNTIL AUGUST 21 (SUNDAY).
"THEY CAN TRY OUT THE MODERN METRIC WEIGHING EQUIPMENT AND ATTRACTIVE PRIZES IN THE GAMES ‘METRIC WHEEL OF FORTUNE’ AND
WIN
TEST
YOUR METRIC SENSE’," HE SAID.
---------0-----------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
* t » * » CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,529 0930 4-156
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,507 1000 -50
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO • 1100 + 3
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 3 1200 4-1
LAF TODAY -25 1500 4-4
1600 4-3
LAF RATE 3.00 BID/5.00 OFFER TWI 122.8 *+0.1» 17.8.94
/HONG KONG .......
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 199^
- 8 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.15 18 MONTHS 2602 4.40 98.14 5.80
1 MONTH 4.21 24 MONTHS 2608 6.15 100.21 6.13
3 MONTHS 4.35 30 MONTHS 3701 4.60 96.08 6.46
6 MONTHS 4.68 33 MONTHS 3704 6.15 99.11 6.62
12 : MONTHS 5.28 36 MONTHS 3707 6.95 100.77 6.77
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 33,497 MN
CLOSED 17 AUGUST 1994
--------0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HK WISHES MORE CONTACT WITH CHINA........................... 1
TRANSCRIPT OF ACTING GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION............... 2
BIGGEST U.S. PROMOTION DISPLAYS DYNAMIC HONG KONG........... 3
677 DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS NOMINATIONS VALID.............. 4
CIVIL SERVANT FINED FOR MAKING INCORRECT TAX RETURNS...... 4
OUTWARD PROCESSING TRADE IN CHINA FOR FIRST QUARTER 1994 . 5
ACTING GOVERNOR SEES WEATHER FORECASTERS AT WORK............ 8
UNIQUE EFFORT OF HEALTH SECTOR IN “SERENADING LIBBY FOR CHARITY”.................................................... 8
POST OFFICES CLOSE ON LIBERATION DAY HOLIDAYS............... 9
BEACH WATER GRADES.......................................... 9
CLOSURE OF TSZ WAN SHAN ILLEGAL STRUCTURE.................. 13
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS.... 13
THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 1994
HK WISHES MORE CONTACT WITH CHINA *****
THE COMMUNITY AND THE GOVERNMENT WISH TO SEE MORE CONTACT WITH CHINA AND MORE VISITS TO AND FROM CHINA ON A WHOLE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES CONCERNING THE TRANSITIONAL PERIOD AND, IN PARTICULAR, TO MAINTAIN HONG KONG’S STABILITY AND PROSPERITY, THE ACTING GOVERNOR, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER HER VISIT TO THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY ABOUT THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE’S VISIT TO CHINA, MRS CHAN SAID IT WAS A HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL VISIT.
”IN PARTICULAR, I AM GLAD THAT THERE WAS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR MR HUI TO MEET WITH DIRECTOR LU PING AND DISCUSS WITH THE DIRECTOR AND HIS COUNTERPART IN CHINA THE QUESTION OF CO-OPERATION ON MAINTAINING LAW AND ORDER,” MRS CHAN SAID.
’’THIS IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT FOR HONG KONG AND MR HUI’S VISIT INDICATES THAT THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR PERSONAL CONTACT.”
THE ACTING GOVERNOR HOPED THAT IN ADDITION TO CO-OPERATING ON LAW AND ORDER, HONG KONG WOULD ALSO SEE GREATER CO-OPERATION WITH CHINA ON A WHOLE RANGE OF OTHER'ISSUES.
"AS YOU KNOW, THERE ARE MANY MATTERS THAT NEED TO BE DISCUSSED WITH THE CHINESE.
”AS THE GOVERNOR AND I HAVE MADE CLEAR ON MANY OCCASIONS, WE WOULD HOPE VERY MUCH TO BE ABLE TO MEET WITH AS MANY OF OUR COUNTERPARTS AND IN PARTICULAR WITH DIRECTOR LU PING AND WE WOULD BE VERY HAPPY TO MEET WITH DIRECTOR LU PING ANY TIME, ANY PLACE," MRS CHAN SAID.
- - 0 - -
/2........
THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 1994
2
TRANSCRIPT OF ACTING GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION *****
FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION BY THE ACTING GOVERNOR, MRS ANSON CHAN, AFTER HER VISIT TO THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY TODAY (THURSDAY):
MRS CHAN: GOOD AFTERNOON, EVERYONE. VERY GLAD TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY THIS AFTERNOON TO SEE FOR MYSELF SOME OF THE WORK OF THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY AND, IN PARTICULAR, TO BE TOLD THE GOOD NEWS BY THE DIRECTOR THAT WE CAN EXPECT SOME GOOD WEATHER OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS. SO, I AM SURE THAT THAT WILL BE EXTREMELY WELCOMED BY EVERYONE. IT’S TIME THAT WE SAW SOMETHING OF THE SUN. I’D LIKE TO SAY A FEW WORDS ABOUT THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE’S VISIT TO CHINA. I DID HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY THIS MORNING TO HAVE A BRIEF CHAT WITH MR EDDIE HUI ABOUT HIS VISIT. CLEARLY, IT WAS A HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL VISIT. IN PARTICULAR, I AM GLAD THAT THERE WAS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR MR HUI TO MEET WITH DIRECTOR LU PING AND TO BE ABLE TO DISCUSS WITH THE DIRECTOR AND WITH HIS COUNTERPART IN CHINA THE QUESTION OF CO-OPERATION ON MAINTAINING LAW AND ORDER IN HONG KONG. THIS IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT FOR HONG KONG AND I AM VERY GLAD THAT THIS HAS BEEN SUCH A HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL VISIT. MR HUI’S VISIT ALSO INDICATES THAT REALLY, THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR PERSONAL CONTACT. THE COMMUNITY AND, CLEARLY, THE ADMINISTRATION WISH TO SEE MORE CONTACT, MORE PERSONAL CONTACT, MORE VISITS TO AND FROM CHINA IN A WHOLE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES CONCERNING THE TRANSITIONAL PERIOD AND, IN PARTICULAR, TO MAINTAIN STABILITY AND PROSPERITY IN HONG KONG. I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT IN ADDITION TO CO-OPERATING ON LAW AND ORDER, WE WOULD ALSO SEE GREATER CO-OPERATION WITH CHINA ON A WHOLE RANGE OF OTHER ISSUES. AS YOU KNOW, THERE ARE MANY MATTERS THAT NEED TO BE DISCUSSED WITH THE CHINESE AND AS THE GOVERNOR AND I HAVE MADE CLEAR ON MANY OCCASIONS, WE WOULD HOPE VERY MUCH TO BE ABLE TO MEET WITH AS MANY OF OUR COUNTERPARTS AND IN PARTICULAR WITH DIRECTOR LU PING AND WE WOULD BE VERY HAPPY TO MEET WITH DIRECTOR LU PING ANY TIME, ANY PLACE.
QUESTION: COMING TO LU PING’S REMARKS, ARE YOU NOT BEING ........... BY
BEIJING?
MRS CHAN: I DON’T THINK SO. I THINK THAT AS I SAID EARLIER, WE HAVE A COMMON OBJECTIVE. WE SHARE DIRECTOR LU PING’S WISH TO ENSURE A SMOOTH TRANSITION AND TO MAINTAIN STABILITY AND PROSPERITY IN HONG KONG. CLEARLY, MR HUI’S VISIT INDICATES THAT THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR PERSONAL CONTACT. THIS IS WHAT THE COMMUNITY OF HONG KONG WISHES TO SEE. THIS IS WHAT INDIVIDUAL CIVIL SERVANTS WOULD LIKE TO SEE, I.E. MORE PERSONAL CONTACT, MORE VISITS TO AND FROM CHINA, A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF HOW EACH OTHER OPERATES. AND SO, ON THAT BASIS, WHENEVER DIRECTOR LU PING FEELS THAT IT WOULD BE CONVENIENT FOR A VISIT TO BE MADE, THEN THE GOVERNOR AND I HAVE MADE IT QUITE CLEAR THAT WE WOULD BE HAPPY TO MEET WITH DIRECTOR LU PING ANY TIME, ANY PLACE.
QUESTION: WHY DON’T YOU THINK ....... BEING BYPASSED ?
MRS CHAN: AS I SAID, I DON’T THINK I AM BEING BYPASSED. I THINK CLEARLY MR LU PING, FOR VARIOUS REASONS, FEELS THAT A VISIT IS NOT CONVENIENT AT THE MOMENT BUT ON THE BASIS THAT WE DO HAVE A COMMON INTEREST IN MAINTAINING A SMOOTH TRANSITION, I AM SURE AT SOME STAGE IN THE FUTURE, THERE WILL BE CONTACT.
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/3........
THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 1994
- 3 -
BIGGEST U.S. PROMOTION DISPLAYS DYNAMIC HONG KONG » t * ♦ »
AN EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHTING HONG KONG’S DYNAMIC LIFESTYLE AND RICH HERITAGE OPENED IN NEW YORK TODAY (THURSDAY) TO LAUNCH HONG KONG-USA ’94 - THE BIGGEST PROMOTION THE TERRITORY HAS YET STAGED IN THE UNITED STATES.
IT WILL CULMINATE IN A WEEK OF SPECIAL EVENTS INCLUDING BUSINESS CONFERENCES, GALA DINNERS, AN ARCHITECTURE EXHIBITION, AND FILM FESTIVALS IN NEW YORK, CHICAGO AND ATLANTA FROM OCTOBER 17 TO 21.
THE DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE (HKETO) IN NEW YORK, MR ALEX FONG, TOLD A NEWS CONFERENCE HELD IN THE CITY’S HISTORIC SOUTH STREET SEAPORT THAT THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, WILL LEAD A TOP-LEVEL BUSINESS DELEGATION TO THE U.S. IN OCTOBER FOK THE CROWNING WEEK OF THE PROMOTION.
’’THE HONG KONG-USA PROJECT HAS BEEN ORGANISED AS A JOINT VENTURE BETWEEN THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS TO ENHANCE UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN HONG KONG AND THE UNITED STATES, AS WELL AS DRAW ATTENTION TO THE STRATEGIC ROLE PLAYED BY THE HONG KONG-USA PARTNERSHIP IN THE BOOMING ECONOMIES OF ASIA, IN PARTICULAR CHINA, AND IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PACIFIC BASIN,” HE SAID.
MR FONG SAID IT WAS A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE U.S. BUSINESS COMMUNITY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HONG KONG - AS MORE THAN 29,000 AMERICANS AND 1,000 FIRMS ALREADY IN THE TERRITORY WERE DISCOVERING AT FIRST HAND.
THE PROMOTION IS PRESENTED BY THE HKETO, THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL AND THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION.
IN EACH OF THE THREE CITIES MRS CHAN WILL DELIVER A KEYNOTE LUNCHEON ADDRESS TO THOSE ATTENDING BUSINESS SEMINARS UNDER THE THEME ”HONG KONG - BUSINESS PARTNER FOR THE PACIFIC CENTURY”.
SOME OF HONG KONG’S BEST KNOWN BUSINESS LEADERS WILL SPEAK AT THE SEMINARS. THEY INCLUDE THE CHAIRMAN OF ORIENT OVERSEAS (INTERNATIONAL) LTD, MR TUNG CHEE-HWA; INCHCAPE PACIFIC CHAIRMAN, MR PAUL CHENG; THE CHAIRMAN OF HANG LUNG DEVELOPMENT CO, LTD, MR RONNIE CHAN; THE CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF EXXON ENERGY LTD, ME MICHAEL CLANCY; THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, DR VICTOR FUNG; THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF HONGKONG TELECOMMUNICATIONS LTD, MR LINUS CHEUNG; AND PACIFIC CENTURY GROUP’S CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE, MR RICHARD LI.
SPECIALISED WORKSHOPS WILL FOCUS ON HONG KONG’S TELECOMMUNICATIONS BOOM, THE NEW AIRPORT INFRASTRUCTURE, HONG KONG’S CAPITAL MARKETS AND TIPS FOR ENTERING CHINA’S CONSUMER MARKET.
THE MANAGING DIRECTOR AND CO-HEAD OF GLOBAL PROJECT FINANCE AND LEASING AT MORGAN STANLEY, MR CHRISTOPHER BEALE; THE SENIOR VICE-PRESIDENT AND MANAGER OF INFRASTRUCTURE RESOURCES AT BECHTEL CIVIL CO, MR CHARLES SPINK; AND THE COCA-COLA CO’S SENIOR VICE-PRESIDENT AND PACIFIC GROUP PRESIDENT, MR DOUGLAS DAFT, ARE AMONG THE U.S. SPEAKERS AT THE WORKSHOPS.
/THE CHICAGO ......
THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 1994
4
THE CHICAGO ATHENAEUM MUSEUM OF ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN IS THE VENUE FOR AN ARCHITECTURAL EXHIBITION ENTITLED ’’HONG KONG - THE CITY OF VISION”, WHICH WILL OPEN ON OCTOBER 19 AND RUN TO DECEMBER 10.
MODELS AND PLANS OF NOTABLE HONG KONG BUILDINGS FORM THE EXHIBITION’S FOCAL POINT. THE 14 MODELS ON DISPLAY WILL INCLUDE CENTRAL PLAZA, THE PROPOSED SOUTHEAST KOWLOON DEVELOPMENT, THE CENTRAL FERRY PIER REDEVELOPMENT, TSI NG MA BRIDGE AND SIR NORMAN FOSTER’S HONGKONG BANK HEADQUARTERS AND CHEK LAP KOK AIRPORT PASSENGER TERMINAL.
A PANEL OF NOTED HONG KONG ARCHITECTS AND PLANNERS WILL PARTICIPATE IN A DISCUSSION OF THESE PROJECTS ON OCTOBER 20, AND SIR NORMAN WILL GIVE A LECTURE IN CHICAGO ON NOVEMBER 10.
NEW YORK, CHICAGO AND ATLANTA WILL EACH MOUNT A COLLECTION OF MOVIES CHOSEN TO ILLUSTRATE HONG KONG’S COMING OF AGE AND THE EVOLUTION OF THE TERRITORY’S FILM INDUSTRY - THE WORLD’S THIRD LARGEST.
PATRONS OF HONG KONG-USA ’94 ARE: EXXON ENERGY LTD, HONGKONG BANK, HONGKONG TELECOM, HUTCHISON WHAMPOA LTD AND WHARF (HOLDINGS). THE OFFICIAL CARRIER IS UNITED AIRLINES.
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677 DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS NOMINATIONS VALID *****
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT RETURNING OFFICERS OF THE RESPECTIVE DISTRICTS HAD SO FAR NOTIFIED 677 CANDIDATES THAT THEIR NOMINATIONS FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS IN SEPTEMBER WERE VALID.
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CIVIL SERVANT FINED FOR MAKING INCORRECT TAX RETURNS ******
A CIVIL SERVANT PLEADED GUILTY IN THE SHATIN MAGISTRACY TO MAKING INCORRECT STATEMENTS IN HIS SALARIES TAX RETURNS WITHOUT REASONABLE EXCUSE, CONTRARY TO SECTION 80(2)(B) OF THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE.
THE DEFENDANT, MR FONG KWONG-HUNG, AGED 42, WAS CHARGED WITH MAKING INCORRECT CLAIMS FOR DEPENDENT PARENT ALLOWANCE IN HIS TAX RETURNS FOR THE YEARS OF ASSESSMENT 1991/92 AND 1992/93.
DESPITE THE DEATH OF HIS MOTHER ON NOVEMBER 12, 1990> HE STILL PUT DOWN HIS MOTHER’S NAME ON HIS TAX RETURNS AND CLAIMED FOR THE DEPENDENT PARENT ALLOWANCE.
HE WAS FINED A TOTAL OF $16,000.
/A SPOKESMAN .......
THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 1994
5
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) REMINDED TAXPAYERS THAT THEY MUST FILE CORRECT TAX RETURNS.
UNDER THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE, A TAX EVADER IS LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM SENTENCE OF THREE YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT AND A FINE OF $20,000 ON EACH CHARGE, IN ADDITION TO A FURTHER FINE EQUIVALENT TO THREE TIMES THE AMOUNT OF TAX UNDERCHARGED.
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OUTWARD PROCESSING TRADE IN CHINA FOR FIRST QUARTER 1994
*****
IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR, 43% OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL EXPORTS TO CHINA WERE FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING; THE FIGURE WAS 69% FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, AND 39% FOR RE-EXPORTS.
ON THE OTHER HAND, 78% OF HONG KONG’S IMPORTS FROM CHINA WERE RELATED TO OUTWARD PROCESSING, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, 80% OF HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN TO ALL COUNTRIES OTHER THAN CHINA WERE PRODUCED THROUGH OUTWARD PROCESSING IN CHINA.
THE CORRESPONDING PROPORTIONS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1993 WERE 47% FOR TOTAL EXPORTS TO CHINA, 73% FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA, 41% FOR RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA, 71% FOR IMPORTS FROM CHINA AND 77% FOR REEXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN TO ALL COUNTRIES OTHER THAN CHINA.
TO PROVIDE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE NATURE AND IMPORTANCE OF OUTWARD PROCESSING IN CHINA INITIATED BY HONG KONG FIRMS, THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN CONDUCTING A SAMPLE SURVEY SINCE THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1988 TO DISTINGUISH HONG KONG’S EXPORTS TO CHINA INTO THOSE WHICH ARE FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING AND THOSE WHICH ARE NOT.
THE SCOPE OF THE SURVEY HAS BEEN EXTENDED AS FROM THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1989 SO AS TO SEGREGATE HONG KONG’S IMPORTS FROM CHINA INTO THOSE WHICH ARE RELATED TO OUTWARD PROCESSING AND THOSE WHICH ARE NOT.
STARTING FROM THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1991, THE SCOPE OF THE SURVEY HAS FURTHER BEEN EXTENDED SO AS TO SEGREGATE HONG KONG’S REEXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN TO ALL COUNTRIES OTHER THAN CHINA WHICH ARE PRODUCED THROUGH OUTWARD PROCESSING IN CHINA AND THOSE WHICH ARE NOT.
THE RESULTS FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994 ARE NOW AVAILABLE.
IN VALUE TERMS, $35,065 MILLION OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL EXPORTS TO CHINA IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994 WERE FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 4% OVER THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1993.
THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING DECREASED BY 16% TO $8,258 MILLION WHILST THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING GREW BY 13% TO $26,807 MILLION.
/OVER THE .......
THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 1994
6
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM CHINA RELATED TO OUTWARD PROCESSING INCREASED BY 23% TO $72,227 MILLION.
ON THE OTHER HAND, $82,811 MILLION OF HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN TO ALL COUNTRIES OTHER THAN CHINA WERE PRODUCED THROUGH OUTWARD PROCESSING IN CHINA, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 17%.
THE ESTIMATES FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994 AND THE CORRESPONDING CHANGES OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993 ARE SUMMARISED IN THE FOLLOWING TABLE:
ESTIMATED VALUE AND PROPORTION OF TRADE INVOLVING OUTWARD PROCESSING IN CHINA, 1ST QUARTER OF 1994
1ST QTR 1994 PERCENTAGE CHANGE OVER 1ST QTR 1993
TOTAL TRADE VALUE ♦ : (HK$ MN) (%)
TOTAL EXPORTS TO CHINA 81,081 + 13.6
DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA 11,951 -11.0
RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA 69,130 + 19.3
IMPORTS FROM CHINA 92,867 + 12.8
RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN TO ALL COUNTRIES OTHER THAN CHINA 103,664 + 12.4
ESTIMATED VALUE INVOLVING OUTWARD PROCESSING IN CHINA:
TOTAL EXPORTS TO CHINA 35,065 + 4.1
DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA 8,258 -16.3
RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA 26,807 + 12.6
IMPORTS FROM CHINA 72,227 + 23.3
RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN 82,811 + 17.2
TO ALL COUNTRIES OTHER THAN CHINA
ESTIMATED PROPORTION INVOLVING
OUTWARD PROCESSING IN CHINA:
1ST 1ST
QTR QTR
1994 1993
(%) (%)
TOTAL EXPORTS TO CHINA 43.2 47.2
DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA 69.1 73.5
RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA 38.8 41 . 1
IMPORTS FROM CHINA 77.8 71.2
RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN 79.9 76.6
TO ALL COUNTRIES OTHER THAN CHINA
* THE VALUE EXCLUDES COMMODITIES AND TRANSACTIONS NOT CLASSIFIED ACCORDING TO KIND.
/FOR THE .......
THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 1994
FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE SURVEY, EXPORTS (DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS) TO CHINA FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING REFER TO THE EXPORTATION OF RAW MATERIALS OR SEMI-MANUFACTURES FROM OR THROUGH HONG KONG TO CHINA FOR PROCESSING WITH A CONTRACTUAL ARRANGEMENT FOR SUBSEQUENT REIMPORTATION OF THE PROCESSED GOODS INTO HONG KONG.
IMPORTS FROM CHINA RELATED TO OUTWARD PROCESSING REFER TO THE IMPORTATION OF PROCESSED GOODS FROM CHINA OF WHICH ALL OR PART OF THEIR RAW MATERIALS OR SEMI-MANUFACTURES HAVE BEEN UNDER CONTRACTUAL ARRANGEMENT EXPORTED FROM OR THROUGH HONG KONG TO CHINA FOR PROCESSING.
RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN TO ALL COUNTRIES OTHER THAN CHINA PRODUCED THROUGH OUTWARD PROCESSING IN CHINA REFER TO THOSE RE-EXPORTS OF WHICH ALL OR PART OF THEIR RAW MATERIALS OR SEMI-MANUFACTURES HAVE BEEN EXPORTED FROM OR THROUGH HONG KONG TO CHINA FOR PROCESSING WITH A CONTRACTUAL ARRANGEMENT FOR SUBSEQUENT RE-IMPORTATION OF THE PROCESSED GOODS INTO HONG KONG.
IN INTERPRETING THE STATISTICS, IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT THE VALUE AND PROPORTION OF IMPORTS FROM CHINA AND RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN TO ALL COUNTRIES OTHER THAN CHINA INVOLVING OUTWARD PROCESSING 1N CHINA REFER TO THOSE OF THE ENTIRE GOODS INSTEAD OF JUST THE VALUE ADDED CONTRIBUTED BY OUTWARD PROCESSING IN CHINA.
A SAMPLE OF TRADE DECLARATIONS IN RESPECT OF HONG KONG’S TRADE WITH CHINA (DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA, AND IMPORTS FROM CHINA) AS WELL AS HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN TO ALL COUNTRIES OTHER THAN CHINA IS SELECTED FOR ENUMERATION TO OBTAIN THE REQUIRED INFORMATION FROM THE ESTABLISHMENTS CONCERNED.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED THAT UNDER THE INTERNATIONALLY ACCEPTED SYSTEM OF RECORDING TRADE FLOWS, ALL MOVEMENTS OF GOODS ACROSS THE BORDER, FOR WHATEVER PURPOSE, ARE RECORDED AS EXTERNAL TRADE..
THUS THE MOVEMENTS OF GOODS ASSOCIATED WITH OUTWARD PROCESSING ARE CORRECTLY INCLUDED IN THE REGULAR TRADE STATISTICS, HE SAID.
"THE FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY, HOWEVER, FACILITATE A MORE INFORMED ANALYSIS OF THE NATURE OF HONG KONG-CHINA TRADE.
"IN THIS RESPECT, THE SURVEY RESULTS ARE A USEFUL SUPPLEMENT TO THE REGULAR TRADE STATISTICS," HE SAID.
THE SURVEY RESULTS WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE JUNE 1994 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE". THIS REPORT WILL BE ON SALE BY THE END OF THIS MONTH AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AND AT THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI AT $86 A COPY.
ENQUIRIES ON THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE TRADE SURVEYS AND RESEARCH SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TELEPHONE 582 5037.
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/8 ........
THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 1994
- 8 -
ACTING GOVERNOR SEES WEATHER FORECASTERS AT WORK
*****
THE ACTING GOVERNOR, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAW HOW THE PUBLIC IS GIVEN ADVANCE WEATHER WARNINGS DURING HER VISIT TO THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY TODAY (THURSDAY).
AT THE CENTRAL FORECASTING OFFICE, SHE WAS BRIEFED ON THE LATEST EQUIPMENT USED FOR WEATHER FORECASTING, INCLUDING MODERN DISPLAYS SHOWING RADAR PICTURES OF RAIN AROUND HONG KONG AS WELL AS SATELLITE IMAGES OF CLOUDS AND TROPICAL CYCLONES OVER THE REGION.
MRS CHAN TOOK A SPECIAL INTEREST IN THE ELECTRONIC RAINGAUGE NETWORK USED FOR ISSUING THE RED OR BLACK RAINSTORM WARNINGS AND FOR ASSESSING THE RISKS OF FLOODS AND LANDSLIPS.
SHE WAS ALSO SHOWN THE TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITIES AND
PROCEDURES FOR RAPID DISSEMINATION OF WARNINGS TO RESIDENTS.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY, MR
PATRICK SHAM, SHE SAW THE SEISMOLOGICAL INSTRUMENTATION, THE CAESIUM BEAM ATOMIC CLOCK, THE EQUIPMENT OF AN AUTOMATIC WEATHER STATION
JOINTLY SET UP BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY AND THE GUANGDONG
METEOROLOGICAL BUREAU AT HUANGMAO ZHOU.
SHE WAS BRIEFED ON AVIATION METEOROLOGICAL FACILITIES AT THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AND THE FUTURE CHEK LAP KOK AIRPORT.
MRS CHAN THEN TOURED THE EXHIBITION HALL TO SEE THE DISPLAYS EXPLAINING THE WORK OF THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY TO VISITORS AND SCHOOL GROUPS.
BEFORE WINDING UP THE VISIT, MRS CHAN ATTENDED A TEA RECEPTION TO MEET SENIOR STAFF.
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UNIQUE EFFORT OF HEALTH SECTOR IN ’’SERENADING LIBBY FOR CHARITY” *****
A GROUP OF ’’STAR PERFORMERS” IN THE HEALTH SECTOR BADE FAREWELL TO THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, BY SINGING THEIR FAVOURITE SONGS AT A DINNER THIS (THURSDAY) EVENING.
THE DINNER WAS ORGANISED JOINTLY BY VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS AND ORGANISATIONS IN HONOUR OF MRS WONG WHO WILL RETIRE FROM THE CIVIL SERVICE THIS MONTH.
A COMMEMORATIVE COMPACT DISC ENTITLED ’’SERENADING LIBBY FOR CHARITY”, TN WHICH MRS WONG’S CLOSE FRIENDS AND LEADING MEMBERS OF THE HEALTH CARE SECTOR SANG THEIR FAVOURITE SONGS OF RECITED POEMS, WAS PRESENTED TO HER AT THE DINNER.
/THE "STAR .......
THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 1994
9
THE "STAR PERFORMERS" INCLUDE LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS, SENIOR HEALTH OFFICIALS AND LEADING MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY ACTIVE IN THE HEALTH SECTOR.
THEIR PARTICIPATION IN THIS RECORDING REPRESENTS THEIR RESPECT AND AFFECTION FOR MRS WONG AND HER CONTRIBUTION TO HEALTH POLICY IN HONG KONG.
ALL PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF THE LIMITED EDITION OF 2,000 COPIES OF THE COMMEMORATIVE COMPACT DISC WILL GO TO THE LADY PAO CHILDREN'S CANCER CENTRE AT THE PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL.
THE PRODUCTION OF THE COMPACT DISC WAS MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH THE GENEROUS DONATION OF MR PETER WOO, A MEMBER OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HOSPITAL GOVERNING COMMITTEE OF THE PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL, WHO SPONSORED THE ENTIRE PRODUCTION COST.
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POST OFFICES CLOSE ON LIBERATION DAY HOLIDAYS » * ♦ t *
ALL POST OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED DURING THE COMING LIBERATION DAY HOLIDAYS FROM AUGUST 27 TO 29, THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR MIKE PAGLIARI, ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).
A SPECIAL MAIL DELIVERY WILL BE PROVIDED ON AUGUST 27, BUT NO DELIVERY WILL BE MADE ON AUGUST 28 AND 29.
------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 OF THE GRADING SYSTEM IS TO INFORM SWIMMERS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC ABOUT THE STATE OF BACTERIOLOGICAL POLLUTION AT VARIOUS BEACHES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE GRADES 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 OR GASTROINTESTINAL COMPLAINTS AS A RESULT OF SWIMMING AT A BEACH THAT HAS SOME DEGREES OF POLLUTION.
THE ESTIMATE IS BASED ON A LARGE BODY OF STATISTICAL INFORMATION GATHERED IN HONG KONG IN RECENT BATHING SEASONS.
/THE GRADING ......
THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 1994
- 10 -
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 SHORTER 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 OR REGIONAL COUNCILS 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, FOUR GAZETTED BEACHES - ANGLERS’, CASTLE PEAK, OLD CAFETERIA AND ROCKY BAY - ARE CLOSED TO SWIMMERS. THE DECISION TO CLOSE THE BEACHES HAS BEEN MADE BY THE REGIONAL AND URBAN COUNCILS ON THE BASIS OF BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING DATA FOR 1993.
THE PUBLIC IS ADVISED NOT TO SWIM AT THE BEACHES. THEY ARE IDENTIFIED BY AN "X" IN THE FOLLOWING LIST.
/THE GRADES .......
THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 1994
11
THE GRADES OF THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF VARIOUS BEACHES IN HONG KONG TODAY ARE:
BEACH
PREVIOUS GRADING
PRESENT GRADING
(AS AT AUGUST 4)
(AS AT TODAY)
HONG KONG SOUTH
BIG WAVE BAY 2 3
CHUNG HOM KOK 2 2
DEEP WATER BAY 2 2
HAIRPIN 2 3
MIDDLE BAY 2 2
REPULSE BAY 1 2
SHEK 0 3 3
SOUTH BAY 1 1
ST. STEPHEN’S 1 2
TURTLE COVE 2 3
STANLEY MAIN 3 4
ROCKY BAY X X
TO TEI WAN* 3 2
TUEN MUN DISTRICT
OLD CAFETERIA X X
NEW CAFETERIA 3 3
CASTLE PEAK X X
KADOORIE 3 3
BUTTERFLY 4 3
SAI KUNG DISTRICT
CAMPERS . 1 1
CLEAR WATER BAY 1ST BEACH 3 3
CLEAR WATER BAY 2ND BEACH 2 3
HAP MUN BAY 1 1
KIU TSUI 1 1
PAK SHA CHAU 1 1
SILVERSTRAND 3 3
TRIO (HEBE HAVEN) 2 2
/ISLANDS DISTRICT .......
THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 1994
- 12 -
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 0*
1 1
2 2
2 2
2 2
2 2
2 2
'1 1
2 2
3 3
2 3
1 2
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT
ANGLERS’ APPROACH CASAM GEMINI HOI MEI WAN LIDO TING KAU
TUNG WAN, MA WAN
X X
4 4
3 3
4 3
4 4
3 3
4 4
2 2
NOTE
"X” THE BEACH HAS BEEN ♦ NON-GAZETTED BEACH
CLOSED FOR SWIMMING
THE FOLLOWING BEACHES HAVE CHANGED GRADES ON THIS OCCASION:
TO TEI WAN FROM ”3” TO ”2”; GEMINI AND BUTTERFLY FROM ”4" TO ”3”; REPULSE BAY, ST STEPHEN’S AND TUNG O FROM ”1” TO n2”; BIG WAVE BAY, HAIRPIN, TURTLE COVE, TUNG WAN OF CHEUNG CHAU AND CLEAR WATER BAY 2ND BEACH FROM ”2” TO "3"; AND STANLEY MAIN FROM ”3” TO ”4”.
THERE HAS BEEN A CONTINUING DETERIORATION IN BEACH WATER QUALITY OWING TO THE RECENT HEAVY RAINS. A NUMBER OF BEACHES NOW RECORD GRADES OUTSIDE THE RANGE THAT WOULD NORMALLY BE EXPECTED DURING PERIODS OF MODERATELY UNSETTLED WEATHER.
THESE INCLUDE STANLEY MAIN, TURTLE COVE AND HAIRPIN ON HONG KONG ISLAND, CLEAR WATER BAY 2ND BEACH IN SAI KUNG, AND TUNG WAN ON CHEUNG CHAU. SWIMMERS ARE ADVISED TO AVOID THESE AND OTHER BEACHES WITH A GRADE ”3” OR WORSE, UNTIL THE WEATHER IMPROVES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT DR M J BROOM, PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER, ON TEL 835 1234.
------0--------
/13
THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 1994
13
CLOSURE OF TSZ WAN SHAN ILLEGAL STRUCTURE
*****
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE AN UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURE IN TSZ WAN SHAN SO THAT IT CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT ENDANGERING THE OCCUPANTS AND THE PUBLIC.
THE SINGLE-STOREY STRUCTURE USED FOR DWELLING IS ON THE ROOFTOP OF A BUILDING IN 18 TSUI FUNG STREET.
A NOTICE APPLYING FOR A CLOSURE ORDER FROM THE DISTRICT COURT UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE ON AUGUST 26 WAS POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY (THURSDAY).
DEMOLITION WORK IS EXPECTED TO START AS SOON AS THE CLOSURE ORDER IS ISSUED.
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,507 0930 -545
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,567 1000 -595
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 -722
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -721 1200 -722
LAF TODAY + 781 1500 -721
1600 -721
LAF RATE 3.00 BID/5.00 OFFER TWI 122.5 »-0.3* 18.8.94
/HONG KONG .......
THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 1994
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4. 16 18 MONTHS 2602 4.40 98.16 5.79
1 MONTH 4.21 24 MONTHS 2608 6.15 100.21 6.13
3 MONTHS 4.37 30 MONTHS 3701 4.60 96.06 6.47
6 MONTHS 4.68 33 MONTHS 3704 6.15 99.10 6.62
12 MONTHS 5.23 36 MONTHS 3707 6.95 100.74 6.78
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 26,602 MN
CLOSED 18 AUGUST 1994
---------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 842 8777
FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PENSION SCHEME OFFERS DIGNIFIED SECURITY FOR ELDERLY. 1
EXPERT TO REVIEW LANDSLIP INVESTIGATION................. 3
MANUFACTURERS’ ORDERS-ON-HAND IN JUNE 1994 ............. 3
342 ELECTION COMPLAINTS RECEIVED........................ 5
THREE DISTRICTS HOLD ELECTION FORUMS.................... 5
THREE MINIBUS ROUTES REVISE FARES....................... 7
MONTHLY PASSES ON SALE AT GOVERNMENT CAR PARKS.......... 8
THREE NEW TERRITORIES LOTS FOR SALE .................... 9
HK TO ATTEND UNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION CONGRESS............ 9
SEARCH FOR SEWAGE TREATMENT CONTRACTORS................ 10
ROAD WORKS ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND NT................ 11
YUNG SHUE WAN DEVELOPMENT ENGINEERING WORKS PHASE I 12
JOINT OPERATION TO WEED OUT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS......... 12
FOOTBRIDGES PLANNED FOR SHEUNG SHUI ................... 13
TENDERS INVITED FOR TWO PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS.......... 14
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
14
FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 1994
1
PENSION SCHEME OFFERS DIGNIFIED SECURITY FOR ELDERLY * * » ♦ ♦
THE PROPOSED OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME WILL OFFER A DIGNIFIED FORM OF FINANCIAL SECURITY FOR ALL ELDERLY POPULATION IN HONG KONG, AT A VERY AFFORDABLE PRICE TO THE COMMUNITY, THE ACTING GOVERNOR, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID.
RESPONDING TO COMMENTS ABOUT THE SCHEME AT THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS’ LUNCHEON MEETING TODAY (FRIDAY), SHE SAID ITS GREAT ADVANTAGE WAS THAT IT MET THE COMMUNITY’S OBLIGATIONS TO PROVIDE A BASIC INCOME FOR THE ELDERLY AS A WHOLE.
IT NEITHER EXCLUDES EMPLOYEES WHOSE CAREERS HAVE BEEN INTERRUPTED, FOR EXAMPLE BY RAISING FAMILIES OR CARING FOR INFIRM OR DISABLED RELATIVES, NOR DISCRIMINATES AGAINST THE LESS PRIVILEGED MEMBERS OF THE WORK FORCE.
"THE GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSALS ALSO OFFER THE SIMPLEST SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM," SHE SAID.
IF THE SCHEME ONLY COVERED FULLY PAID-UP EMPLOYEES, A PARALLEL BUT SEPARATE SCHEME WOULD HAVE TO BE SET UP TO TAKE CARE OF THE SUBSTANTIAL PROPORTION OF THE POPULATION WHO ARE OUTSIDE THE WORK FORCE AND THE EXISTING ELDERLY GROUP WHO HAVE NEVER CONTRIBUTED TO THE NEW SCHEME, SHE SAID.
ON SUGGESTIONS OF RELYING MORE ON THE VARIOUS RETIREMENT BENEFITS OFFERED BY EMPLOYERS, MRS CHAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT COULD NOT LEAVE THE FINANCIAL SECURITY OF THE ELDERLY TO THE EMPLOYMENT-RELATED SCHEMES.
UNLIKE THE GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSALS, THESE SCHEMES RARELY OFFER REGULAR MONTHLY BENEFITS WHICH ARE INFLATION-PROOF.
INSTEAD, THE SCHEMES USUALLY PROVIDE A LUMP SUM ON RETIREMENT. IT TAKES SKILFUL INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL SECURITY INTO OLD AGE.
THE EMPLOYMENT-RELATED SCHEMES WILL DO NOTHING TO ASSIST THOSE WHO HAVE ALREADY RETIRED, THOSE WHO WILL RETIRE IN THE FUTURE BEFORE THEY HAVE BEEN MEMBERS OF SUCH SCHEMES LONG ENOUGH TO ACCUMULATE THE MAXIMUM BENEFITS, AND THOSE WHO HAVE NOT BEEN PART OF THE WORK FORCE.
HOWEVER, MRS ('HAN SAID THE EMPLOYMENT-RELATED SCHEMES WOULD CONTINUE TO MAKE AN IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTION BY PROVIDING VALUABLE ADDITIONAL RESOURCES IN RETIREMENT.
REFERRING TO COMPLAINTS ABOUT ESTABLISHING A "WELFARE STATE", SHE SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSALS WOULD NOT CREATE A "WELFARE STATE".
"INSTEAD, THEY WILL PROVIDE A BASIC INCOME FOR OLD AGE, FUNDED STRICTLY BY CONTRIBUTIONS INSTEAD OF SOLELY BY THE TAXPAYER."
THE GOVERNMENT IS MOVING AWAY FROM THE OLD WELFARE-STYLE FINANCIAL HELP FOR THE ELDERLY TO A SCHEME THAT IS MORE LN LINE WITH HONG KONG’S PRESENT LEVEL OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND CURRENT SOCIAL ASPIRATIONS, SHE SAID.
/TURNING TO ......
FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 1994
2
TURNING TO CRITICISMS ABOUT THE PROPOSED CONTRIBUTION FROM EMPLOYERS, MRS CHAN SAID A CONTRIBUTION OF 1.5 PER CENT REPRESENTED A VERY MINIMAL LEVY ON THE EMPLOYER.
"WITHOUT THIS CONTRIBUTION, VERY SHARP INCREASES IN DIRECT TAXES WOULD BE REQUIRED. BOTH PROFITS AND SALARIES TAX WOULD HAVE TO RISE BY 4 PER CENT.
"IF PENSIONS WERE TO BE FUNDED OUT OF TAXES, THE SCHEME WOULD BE OPEN-ENDED. THERE WOULD BE NO CAST-IRON LINK BETWEEN THE LEVEL OF BENEFITS PAID AND THE LEVEL OF CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED," SHE SAID.
OTHER SAFEGUARDS ARE INCLUDED IN THE PROPOSALS TO PREVENT PENSION BENEFITS FROM BECOMING AN EXCESSIVE BURDEN ON FINANCIAL RESOURCES.
THE LEVEL OF BENEFITS WILL BE SET AT $2,300 A MONTH, TO BE INCREASED REGULARLY IN LINE WITH INFLATION. HOWEVER, THE LEVEL OF BENEFITS WILL NOT BE IMPROVED AUTOMATICALLY TO MATCH INCREASES IN AVERAGE WAGES.
HENCE, THE TOTAL COST OF THE PENSION SCHEME COULD BE KEPT BELOW 2 PER CENT OF GDP. "THIS IS OBVIOUSLY NO THREAT TO OUR LONG-TERM COMPETITIVENESS ON WORLD MARKETS," MRS CHAN SAID.
SHE REITERATED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD ACCEPTED ITS PROPER OBLIGATIONS IN FULL. AS AN EMPLOYER, THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTRIBUTE FOR ITS 180,000 STAFF AND ON BEHALF OF THE SUBVENTED SECTOR.
ON THE WELFARE SIDE, THE GOVERNMENT WILL PLOUGH BACK $3.6 BILLION, AS A START, INTO THE SCHEME THE WELFARE BENEFITS WHICH WOULD OTHERWISE HAVE BEEN PAID OUT TO ITS ELDERLY SOCIAL SECURITY CLIENTS.
IN ADDITION, THE GOVERNMENT WILL INJECT A CAPITAL CONTRIBUTION OF $10 BILLION INTO THE PENSION SCHEME.
"THE NET EFFECT OF THE GOVERNMENT’S INVOLVEMENT WILL BE THAT DURING THE ENTIRE PROJECTION PERIOD, FOR EVERY THREE DOLLARS PAID OUT AS PENSION BENEFITS, ONE DOLLAR WILL HAVE BEEN PAID IN BY THE GOVERNMENT," SHE SAID.
THE CONSULTATION EXERCISE FOR THE PROPOSALS WILL RUN UNTIL THE END OF OCTOBER. THE PLAN IS TO REACH A DECISION BY THE END OF THE YEAR.
"THIS DECISION WILL REFLECT THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY7 ALL SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY, AND, VERY IMPORTANT, THE OUTCOME OF OUR DISCUSSIONS WITH THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT," MRS CHAN SAID.
---------0-----------
/3........
FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 1994
3
EXPERT TO REVIEW LANDSLIP INVESTIGATION *****
THE INTERNATIONAL EXPERT FOR THE INVESTIGATION OF THE KWUN LUNG LAU LANDSLIP, PROFESSOR NORBERT MORGENSTERN, WILL ARRIVE IN HONG KONG THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING.
PROFESSOR MORGENSTERN WILL START WORK IMMEDIATELY TO REVIEW THE INVESTIGATION OF THE KWUN LUNG LAU LANDSLIP BEING UNDERTAKEN BY THE GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING OFFICE (GEO).
HE WILL REPORT HIS FINDINGS INDEPENDENTLY TO THE GOVERNOR.
DURING HIS FIVE-DAY STAY IN HONG KONG, PROFESSOR MORGENSTERN WILL BE BRIEFED BY THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, DR ANDREW MALONE AND GEO ENGINEERS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE KWUN LUNG LAU INVESTIGATION.
A VISIT TO THE SITE OF THE LANDSLIP IS SCHEDULED FOR TOMORROW (SATURDAY) MORNING. HE WILL ALSO TAKE A HELICOPTER TOUR TO INSPECT TERRAIN OF URBAN AND RURAL AREAS.
PROFESSOR MORGENSTERN WILL MEET THE ACTING GOVERNOR,: MRS ANSON CHAN, AND THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE. HE WILL GIVE A BRIEFING TO MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL LANDS AND WORKS PANEL NEXT TUESDAY (AUGUST 23) MORNING.
HE IS A DISTINGUISHED ENGINEER WHO HAS ACTED AS AN EXPERT . CONSULTANT ON LANDSLIDE TO GOVERNMENTS AND PRIVATE SECTOR BODIES THROUGHOUT THE WORLD.
HE WAS A MEMBER OF THE INDEPENDENT REVIEW PANEL ON FILL SLOPES APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR IN 1976 IN THE WAKE OF THE SAU MAU PING LANDSLIDE.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
PROFESSOR MORGENSTERN WILL ARRIVE ON CX 839 AROUND 8 PM TONIGHT. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WHO WISH TO COVER HIS ARRIVAL SHOULD ASSEMBLE OUTSIDE THE AIRPORT CLINIC.
- - 0 - -
MANUFACTURERS’ ORDERS-ON-HAND IN JUNE 1994
*****
THE VALUE OF MANUFACTURERS’ ORDERS-ON-HAND FOR LOCAL PRODUCTION IN JUNE THIS YEAR INCREASED BY 2% OVER A YEAR EARLIER, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF A MONTHLY SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
COMPARING JUNE 1994 WITH JUNE 1993, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF OUTSTANDING ORDERS WERE RECORDED IN THE ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY (+22%), ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY (+17%) AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY (+13%).
SMALL INCREASES IN ORDERS WERE RECORDED IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY (+3%) AND TEXTILES INDUSTRY (+2%).
/ON THE
FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 1994
4
ON THE OTHER HAND, SIGNIFICANT DECREASE IN ORDERS WAS RECORDED IN THE WEARING APPAREL INDUSTRY (-18%). THE PRINTING AND PUBLISHING INDUSTRY ALSO SHOWED A DECREASE OF 9%.
COMPARED WITH MAY 1994, AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON MAY BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, THE VALUE OF MANUFACTURERS’ ORDERS-ON-HAND IN JUNE 1994 DECREASED BY .3%.
THE MONTHLY SURVEY OF ORDERS-ON-HAND COVERS A SAMPLE OF ABOUT .300 MANUFACTURING FIRMS ENGAGING 50 OR MORE WORKERS.
MANUFACTURERS’ ORDERS-ON-HAND REFER TO ORDERS AND PARTS OF ORDERS RECEIVED EARLIER BY MANUFACTURERS FOR LOCAL PRODUCTION WHICH REMAIN UNFILLED AS AT THE END OF THE REFERENCE MONTH.
ORDERS RECEIVED BY TRADERS NOT ENGAGED IN PRODUCTION ARE INCLUDED IF SUCH ORDERS ARE FURTHER PLACED To MANUFACTURERS FOR PRODUCTION LOCALLY.
HOWEVER, ORDERS PLACED TO MANUFACTURING FIRMS FOR PRODUCTION IN CHINA AND OTHER PLACES OUTSIDE HONG KONG ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THIS SERIES OF ORDERS-ON-HAND STATISTICS.
FROM JANUARY 1994, A NEW SERIES OF STATISTICS ON MANUFACTURERS’ ORDERS-ON-HAND IN VALUE TERMS COMPILED IN THE FORM OF AN INDEX IS PRODUCED, REPLACING THE OLD SERIES WHICH WAS EXPRESSED IN TERMS OF NUMBER OF MONTHS TO COMPLETE THE OUTSTANDING ORDERS.
THE NEW STATISTICAL SERIES PROVIDES A MORE DIRECT MEASURE OF THE OVERALL VALUE OF ORDERS IN THE LOCAL MANUFACTURING SECTOR THAT LEAD TO THE GENERATION OF LOCAL MANUFACTURING OUTPUT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT POINTED OUT THAT CAUTION SHOULD BE EXERCISED IN INTERPRETING THE MANUFACTURERS’ ORDERS-ON-HAND FIGURES IN A SINGLE MONTH.
"THE TREND MOVEMENT OF THE SERIES AS DISPLAYED OVER A WIDER SPAN OF TIME POINTS SHOULD BE LOOKED AT," HE SAID.
THE SURVEY REPORT FOR JUNE 1994, AT $4.5 A COPY, IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR 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 TOWFR, 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 805 6441.
THE FOLLOWING TABLE SHOWS THE YEAR-ON-YEAR PERCENTAGE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF ORDERS-ON-HAND IN DIFFERENT MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.
/PERCENTAGE CHANGES .......
FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 1994
5
PERCENTAGE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF ORDERS-ON-HAND IN
MAY 1994 OVER MAY 1993 JUNE 1994 OVER JUNE 1993
(REVISED) (PROVISIONAL)
ALL INDUSTRIES COVERED IN THE SURVEY * + 2
. WEARING APPAREL -20 -18
. TEXTILES + 5 + 2
. ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS + 17 + 22
. ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS + 9 + 17
. FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS + 10 + 13
. PLASTIC PRODUCTS -17 + 3
. PRINTING AND PUBLISHING -11 -9
* CHANGES WITHIN + /- 0.5%
----------------0------- 342 ELECTION COMPLAINTS RECEIVED *****
THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE HAS RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 342 COMPLAINTS ON ELECTION-RELATED ACTIVITIES AS AT TODAY (FRIDAY).
OF ALL THE COMPLAINTS, 266 WERE RELATED TO ELECTION ADVERTISEMENTS, 33 ON ELECTIONEERING IN PRIVATE PREMISES AND 43 ON OTHER MATTERS.
OUT OF THE 342 CASES, ACTION FOR 218 CASES HAD BEEN COMPLETED.
------0-------
THREE DISTRICTS HOLD ELECTION FORUMS
*****
RESIDENTS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND A NUMBER OF DISTRICT BOARD ELECTION FORUMS IN WAN CHAI, EASTERN AND KWUN TONG DISTRICTS IN THE NEXT THREE DAYS (AUGUST 20 TO 22).
ORGANISED BY DISTRICT OFFICES, THE FORUMS GIVE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ELECTORS TO HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE PLATFORMS OF THE CANDIDATES RUNNING IN THEIR CONSTITUENCIES.
/THE FORUMS .......
FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 1994
6
THE FORUMS WILL CONSIST OF THREE PARTS: INTRODUCTION OF THE CANDIDATES THEMSELVES; THEIR VIEWS ON DISTRICT ISSUES AND FLOOR DISCUSSIONS.
DETAILS ARE:
AUGUST 20 (SATURDAY)
DISTRICT/ CONSTITUENCY VENUE/TIME CANDIDATES
WAN CHAI/ HENNESSY ROAD GOVERNMENT NG JUN-JON
HENNESSY PRIMARY SCHOOL, 169 THOMSON WONG HON-CHING
ROAD, WAN CHAI (2 PM) AUGUST 21 (SUNDAY )
EASTERN/ HONG KONG TEACHERS’ CENTRE, CHAN KAM-TIM
TANNER 4 PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT LEE YU-TAI
EASTERN/ (9 AM) HONG KONG TEACHERS' CENTRE, CHAN TAK-WAI
HEALTHY 4 PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT LAU MAN-PONG
VILLAGE (10 AM) TSAI LI-PING
EASTERN/ ASSEMBLY HALL, NORTH POINT CHIANG YU-TUI
KAM PING ESTATE, NORTH POINT SHEK KWEI-CHUN
EASTERN/ (2.30 PM) ASSEMBLY HALL, NORTH POINT CHU HON-WAH
FORT ESTATE, NORTH POINT SO YAU-HANG
STREET WAN CHAI/ (3.30 PM) SING JEAN KINDERGARTEN, SUEN KAI-CHEONG
CANAL 1/F, HONG TANG BLDG, TANG PING
ROAD 7-9 TANG LUNG STREET, CAUSEWAY BAY (2 PM)
/WAN CHAI .......
FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 1994
7
WAN CHAI/
CAUSEWAY BAY
SING JEAN KINDERGARTEN,
1/F, HONG TANG BLDG,
7-9 TANG LUNG STREET, CAUSEWAY BAY
( i.30 PM)
LIU WING-TING
TSE WING-LING
AUGUST 22 (MONDAY)
KWUN TONG/ GOOD HEALTH ANGLO-CHINESE KWOK TSE-HING
LAI CHING KINDERGARTEN AND CHILD CARE LO HOI-CHIU
CENTRE, C3 PODIUM, BLK 21-22, I.GAN SHEK-CHUEN
RICHLAND GARDENS (8 PM)
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE ELECTION FORUMS.
------0--------
THREE MINIBUS ROUTES REVISE FARES » * t ♦ *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM SUNDAY (AUGUST 21), FARES FOR NEW TERRITORIES GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES 43, 43A
AND 43B WILL BE INCREASED.
THE REVISED FARES ARE:
ROUTE 43: TUEN MUN TOWN CENTRE (HO PONG STREET) - SO KWUN WAT
EXISTING FARE REVISED FARE
FULL FARE:
SO KWUN WAT - HO PONG STREET $4.30 $4.80
SECTION FARES:
* TSING YUNG STREET TO $3.00 $3.50
HO PONG STREET
* SAM SHING TO SO KWUN WAT $3.50 $4.00
/ROUTE 43A .......
FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 1994
8
ROUTE 43A: TUEN MUN TOWN CENTRE (HO PONG STREET) - TSING YUNG STREET
EXISTING FARE REVISED FARE
HO PONG STREET -TSING YUNG TERRACE $3.00 $3.50
ROUTE 43B: TUEN MUN TOWN CENTRE (HO PONG STREET) TO (CIRCULAR) TAI LAM CHUNG
FULL FARE: EXISTING FARE REVISED FARE
HO PONG STREET - TAI LAM SECTION FARES: $5.00 $5.50
* TAI LAM TO MARINE POLICE BASE $2.70 $3.00
* MARINE POLICE BASE TO HO PONG •STREET $4.00 $4.50
* SIU SAU TO HO PONG STREET $3.50 $4.00
* TSING YUNG STREET TO HO PONG STREET $3.00 $3.50
* SAM SHING TO TAI LAM $4.00 $4.50
* MARINE POLICE BASE TO TAI LAM 0 - - $2.70 $3.00
MONTHLY PASSES ON SALE AT GOVERNMENT CAR PARKS
*****
USERS OF GOVERNMENT CAR PARKS ARE ADVISED THAT QUARTERLY PASSES WILL NO LONGER BE SOLD AT THE CAR PARKS.
MONTHLY PASSES WILL CONTINUE TO BE SOLD AT THESE CAR PARKS, MANAGED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S CONTRACTOR: WILSON PARKING (HONG KONG) LIMITED, AND BY METROPARK LIMITED, STARTING TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AND ON AUGUST 23 RESPECTIVELY.
THE MONTHLY PASSES ARE NOT TRANSFERABLE.
THE DEPARTMENT WILL CLOSELY MONITOR THE SITUATION PREVAILING IN THE SALE 01 MONTHLY PASSES.
/GOVERNMENT CAR .......
FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 1994
9
GOVERNMENT CAR PARKS MANAGED BY METROPARK LIMITED ARE: STAR FERRY, CITY HALL, MURRAY ROAD, ABERDEEN, MIDDLE ROAD, KWAI FONG AND TSUEN WAN TRANSPORT COMPLEX.
THOSE MANAGED BY WILSON PARKING (HONG KONG) LIMITED ARE: GARDEN ROAD, RUMSEY STREET, YAU MA TEI, TSUEN WAN STATION, SHAU KEI WAN, SHEUNG FUNG STREET AND TIN HAU.
- - - - 0------
THREE NEW TERRITORIES LOTS FOR SALE
*****
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT WILL AUCTION THREE LOTS OF GOVERNMENT LAND NEXT TUESDAY (AUGUST 23).
THE PUBLIC AUCTION WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM IN THE THEATRE OF THE CITY HALL.
THE FIRST LOT, ON KWAI FUK ROAD, KWAI CHUNG, HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 3,350 SQUARE METRES FOR GODOWN USE.
THE SECOND, COVERING AN AREA OF ABOUT 2,435 SQUARE METRES IN HONG YIP STREET, TUNG TAU INDUSTRIAL AREA, YUEN LONG, IS FOR INDUSTRIAL OR GODOWN USE, EXCLUDING OFFENSIVE TRADES.
THE REMAINING LOT, IN AREA 7, TAI PO, HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 15,250 SQUARE METRES FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL USE.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE AUCTION.
A PRESS AREA WILL BE DESIGNATED AND PHOTOGRAPHERS ARE ADVISED TO BRING ALONG TELEPHOTO LENSES.
------0-------
HK TO ATTEND UNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION CONGRESS
»*.***
THE POSTMASTER-GENERAL, MR MIKE PAGLIARI, WILL LEAD A DELEGATION OF SENIOR OFFICERS OF THE POST OFFICE TO ATTEND THE 21ST CONGRESS OF THE UNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION (UPU) IN SEOUL FROM AUGUST 22 TO SEPTEMBER 14.
THE CONGRESS WILL BE ATTENDED BY MORE THAN 1,000 DELEGATES FROM POSTAL ADMINISTRATIONS AROUND THE WORLD.
THE UPU IS A SPECIAL AGENCY OF THE UNITED NATIONS WHICH IS RESPONSIBLE FOR DEVELOPING A UNIVERSAL, WORLDWIDE POSTAL NETWORK. IT WAS FOUNDED IN 1874 WITH 22 MEMBER COUNTRIES. ITS MEMBERSHIP IS 188.
ON APRIL 1, 1877, HONG KONG WAS ACCEPTED INTO THE UPU IN THE STATUS OF A BRITISH OVERSEAS TERRITORY.
/THE SUPREME ......
FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 1994
10
THE SUPREME AUTHORITY OF THE UPU IS THE CONGRESS WHICH IS A GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE REPRESENTATIVES OF MEMBER ■‘COUNTRIES HELD EVERY FIVE YEARS.
AT THE CONGRESS, MEMBERS EXAMINE VARIOUS ISSUES AND PROPOSALS AIMED AT IMPROVING INTERNATIONAL POSTAL SERVICES.
MR PAGLIARI POINTED OUT THAT DESPITE HONG KONG’S SIZE, IT PLAYED A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN THE GLOBAL MAIL SERVICE.
"THIS IS EVIDENT FROM THE FACT THAT HONG KONG RANKS THIRD IN THE WORLD IN TERMS OF SPEEDPOST TRAFFIC AND 12TH IN TERMS OF INTERNATIONAL MAIL VOLUME," HE SAID.
HONG KONG WAS ALSO GIVEN THE HONOUR OF HOSTING THE CONFERENCE OF COMMONWEALTH POSTAL ADMINISTRATIONS FROM AUGUST 16 TO 20 DURING WHICH DISCUSSIONS AND VIEWS WERE EXCHANGED ON VITAL ISSUES WHICH WILL BE PUT BEFORE THE UPU CONGRESS IN SEOUL.
"THE SUPPORT FROM AND CO-OPERATIONS WITH POSTAL ADMINISTRATIONS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD HAS ENABLED THE HONG KONG POST OFFICE TO PROVIDE EFFICIENT, RELIABLE AND ECONOMICAL INTERNATIONAL POSTAL SERVICES, CONTRIBUTING TO THE REMARKABLE COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG," MR PAGLIARI SAID.
------0-------
SEARCH FOR SEWAGE TREATMENT CONTRACTORS *****
THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING PRE-QUALIFICATION SUBMISSIONS FOR A WORKS CONTRACT FOR STAGE I OF THE STRATEGIC SEWAGE DISPOSAL SCHEME.
THE CONTRACT WILL COVER THE DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, TESTING AND COMMISSIONING OF CHEMICAL DOSING FACILITIES FOR THE PROPOSED STONECUTTERS ISLAND SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS.
A MAJOR COMPONENT OF THE FACILITIES WILL BE HYDRATED LINE UNLOADING, STORAGE, SLURRY PREPARATION AND SLURRY FEEDING SYSTEMS.
OTHER CHEMICAL STORAGE AND FEEDING FACILITIES SUCH AS ALUM, FERRIC CHLORIDE AND POLYMER MAY ALSO BE REQUIRED.
A NOTICE INVITING SUBMISSIONS WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
CONTRACTORS ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR DOCUMENTS FROM THE PROJECT’S CONSULTANT, MONTGOMERY WATSON HONG KONG LIMITED, AT 311 GLOUCESTER ROAD, 1911 WINDSOR HOUSE, CAUSEWAY BAY.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS NOON ON SEPTEMBER 22.
THE DEPARTMENT WILL INVITE PRE-QUALIFIED CONTRACTORS TO TENDER FOR THE CONTRACT EARLY NEXT YEAR.
--------0----------
/Il........
FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 1994
11
ROAD WORKS ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND NT
*****
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HAS PROPOSED CARRYING OUT A SERIES OF ROAD WORKS ON HONG KONG ISLAND, TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG TO MEET DEVELOPMENT NEEDS.
THE WORKS ON HONG KONG ISLAND, WHICH FORM PART OF PHASE II OF CENTRAL RECLAMATION, WILL PROVIDE ROAD ACCESS TO THE REPROVISIONED ENTRANCE TO THE PRINCE OF WALES BARRACKS, THE REPROVISIONED HELIPAD AND THE FUTURE COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS.
A COVERED FOOTBRIDGE, DISTRICT ROADS, PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS AND DRAINAGE WORKS WILL BE BUILT. PARTS OF HARCOURT ROAD, FENWICK PIER STREET AND EDINBURGH PLACE WILL BE RECONSTRUCTED.
THE WORKS ALSO INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PROMENADE WITH PUBLIC LANDING STEPS ALONG THE NORTH EDGE OF THE NEW RECLAMATION.
THE PLAN AND SCHEME OF THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE SEEN AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE; THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, HONG KONG WEST, AND THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE.
IN TUEN MUN, THE WORKS ARE TO IMPROVE THE EXISTING ACCESS ROAD TO SIU HANG TSUEN AND PO TONG TSUEN.
THE PROJECT IS ONE OF THE PROPOSED ITEMS UNDER THE FRINGE AND RURAL AREA IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME FOR THE DISTRICT.
THE WORKS INCLUDE THE RECONSTRUCTION, WIDENING AND REALIGNMENT OF THE EXISTING TONG HANG ROAD AND PART OF HING KWAI STREET, AS WELL AS THE CONSTRUCTION OF A TURNING CIRCLE AT THE END OF THE ROAD.
THE PLAN AND THE SCHEME SHOWING THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE SEEN AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE AND THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE.
AS REGARDS THE YUEN LONG ROAD WORKS, FT INVOLVES THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW ROADS FROM CASTLE PEAK ROAD TO MAN YUEN CHUEN AND TO THE PROPOSED NGAU TAM MEI DRAINAGE CHANNEL FOR MAINTENANCE PURPOSE.
THE PLAN AND THE SCHEME OF THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE SEEN AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE AND THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE.
NOTICES ON ALL THE PROPOSALS WERE GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
ANY PERSON WISHING TO OBJECT TO THE PROPOSALS SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, NO LATER THAN OCTOBER 18, DESCRIBING HIS INTEREST AND MANNER IN WHICH HE WILL BE AFFECTED.
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/12........
FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 1994
12
YUNG SHUE WAN DEVELOPMENT ENGINEERING WORKS PHASE I *****
A RANGE OF MARINE AND RECLAMATION WORKS WILL BE UNDERTAKEN AT YUNG SHUE WAN, LAMMA ISLAND, TO PROVIDE LAND FOR THE PROPOSED REFUSE TRANSFER STATION, SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT, DANGEROUS GOODS STORE, PUBLIC PIER, PROMENADE AND OTHER USES.
ABOUT 410 METRES OF SEAWALL AND A PUBLIC PIER WILL BE BUILT. ABOUT 1'1,500 SQUARE METRES OF LAND WILL BE DREDGED AND RECLAIMED WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 5.30 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED AT THE SOUTHERN PORTION OF YUNG SHUE WAN.
WORK ON THE PROJECT WILL START IN JUNE NEXT YEAR AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED AROUND JANUARY 1997.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE NOTICE AND ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS NEAR THE SITE.
THE PLAN CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT’S SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG AND AT THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE, 20TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HE HAS AN INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED MAY SUBMIT A WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 19 THIS YEAR. HE SHOULD DESCRIBE HIS INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT AND THE MANNER IN WHICH HE ALLEGES HE WILL BE AFFECTED.
------0-------
JOINT OPERATION TO WEED OUT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS
******
A TERRITORY-WIDE OPERATION AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION JOINTLY MOUNTED BY THE POLICE, THE LABOUR AND IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENTS HAS RESULTED IN THE ARRESTS OF 134 PEOPLE.
THE OPERATION IS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S CONTINUOUS EFFORT TO FLUSH OUT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
THE SUSPECTED ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARRESTED BY THE POLICE HAVE BEEN REFERRED TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT. THOSE FOUND TO BE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WILL BE REPATRIATED.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN REITERATED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THERE WAS NO QUESTION OF ANY AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
"OUR LATEST OPERATION SHOULD DRIVE HOME THE POINT THAT THERE WILL BE NO CHANGE TO THIS POLICY. ANYONE FOOLISH ENOUGH TO BELIEVE OTHERWISE IS ONLY CHEATING HIMSELF," HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT APART FROM CONTINUOUS CHECKS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY, THERE WAS NO LET-UP IN ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION EFFORTS AT THE BORDER.
/”A HIGH .......
r
FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 1994
- 13 -
"A HIGH STATE OF VIGILANCE WILL CONTINUE TO BE THE POLICE AND THE
MAINTAINED BY SEA BORDERS,”
SECURITY FORCES BOTH AT THE LAND AND
HE SAID.
DURING THE JOINT OPERATION, WHICH BEGAN AT 5 AM ON WEDNESDAY (AUGUST 17) AND ENDED AT 5 AM YESTERDAY (THURSDAY), THE POLICE STEPPED UP THEIR IDENTIFICATION SPOT CHECKS IN PUBLIC PLACES AND CARRIED OUT CHECKS AT SUSPICIOUS LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
ON THE LABOUR FRONT, INSPECTORS OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT VISITED 2,229 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 7,597 EMPLOYEES HAD THEIR PROOF OF IDENTITY CHECKED.
FIFTEEN 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-------
FOOTBRIDGES PLANNED FOR SHEUNG SHU I
*****
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT’S NEW TERRITORIES NORTH
DEVELOPMENT OFFICE IS PLANNING TO CONSTRUCT TWO FOOTBRIDGES IN SHEUNG SHUI AS PART OF THE CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR THE NEW TOWN.
ONE OF THE FOOTBRIDGES WILL BE BUILT ACROSS SAN WAN ROAD NEAR SHEUNG SHUI KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY STATION WHILE THE OTHER ACROSS LUNG SUM AVENUE IN SHEK WU HUI.
MEANWHILE, THE OFFICE IS ALSO PLANNING TO REPLACE THE EXISTING TEMPORARY STAIRCASE AT SAN WAN ROAD WITH A PERMANENT ONE. THE NECESSARY WORKS ARE SCHEDULED TO BEGIN IN OCTOBER FOR COMPLETION IN 12 MONTHS.
A NOTICE OF THE TENDER INVITATION FOR THE WORKS WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE OFFICE OF MAUNSELL CONSULTANTS ASIA LIMITED AT 4 FUNG WO LANE, WO CHE, SHA TIN.
THE TENDER CLOSING DATE IS NOON ON SEPTEMBER 9.
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/14 ........
FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 1994
14
TENDERS INVITED FOR TWO PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS * * * * *
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT OF SHEK KIP MEI PARK AT SHEK KIP MEI AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FIELD STUDIES CENTRE ON CHEUNG CHAU ISLAND.
THE STAGE I REDEVELOPMENT WORKS OF SHEK KIP MEI PARK INCLUDE GENERAL SITE CLEARANCE, MINOR DEMOLITIONS, CONSTRUCTION OF A FOUR-STOREY GAMES HALL WITH A COVERED ACCESS STAIRCASE AND ESCALATOR, ASSOCIATED BUILDING SERVICES AND EXTERNAL WORKS.
THE WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START IN NOVEMBER FOR COMPLETION BY MID-1996.
THE SECOND PROJECT COVERS THE CONSTRUCTION OF A TWO-STOREY FIELD STUDIES CENTRE WITH TEACHING FACILITIES AND STAFF QUARTERS, UNDERGROUND WATER TANKS, AN ACCESS ROAD AND A PUMP HOUSE TOGETHER WITH ALL ASSOCIATED BUILDING SERVICES INSTALLATIONS, DRAINAGE AND EXTERNAL WORKS.
IT IS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN IN NOVEMBER FOR COMPLETION IN 12 MONTHS.
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 34TH FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.
TENDER OFFERS WILL CLOSE AT NOON ON SEPTEMBER 16.
------0-------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE {$ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,567 0930 -1,029
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,238 1000 -1,029
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1 100 -899
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -899 1200 -899
LAF TODAY + 570 1500 -899
1600 -899
LAF RATE 3.00 BID/5.00 OFFER TWI 122.2 *-0.3* 19.8.94
/HONG KONG .......
FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 1994
15
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EE BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4. 18 18 MONTHS 2602 4.40 98.12 5.82
1 MONTH 4.28 24 MONTHS 2608 6.15 100.13 6.17
3 MONTHS 4.42 30 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.96 6.52
6 MONTHS 4.71 33 MONTHS 3704 6.15 99.00- 6.66
12 MONTHS 5.26 36 MONTHS 3707 6.95 100.60 6.83
TOTAL TURNOVER OE BILLS AND BONDS - 17,590 MN
CLOSED 19 AUGUST 1994
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
POLICE TRAFFIC WING MAKES PERFORMANCE PLEDGE.............. 1
WORKERS’ SAFETY COMES FIRST IN UNSTABLE WEATHER........... 2
CAR MARK AUCTION FOR CHARITY.............................. 3
FIRING PRACTICE IN SEPTEMBER.............................. 5
FRESH WATER CUT IN CAUSEWAY BAY........................... 5
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .... 6
SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
ANOTHER FLOATING HOLIDAY FOR EMPLOYEES...................... 7
NEW COMPUTER SYSTEM BOOSTS HEALTH EDUCATION................. 7
ELECTION HOTLINE FOR YOUTH.................................. 8
UNREGISTERED ELECTRICIANS LIABLE TO PROSECUTION............. 8
NEW DISTRICT OFFICER FOR WONG TAI SIN....................... 9
SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 1994
POLICE TRAFFIC WING MAKES PERFORMANCE PLEDGE *****
THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE, AS A MOVE TO FURTHER DEVELOP ITS CLIENT-BASED CULTURE, HAS BROUGHT ITS TRAFFIC WING UNDER THE AMBIT OF ITS CURRENT PERFORMANCE PLEDGE PROGRAMME.
A POLICE SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT FOLLOWING THE SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF PREVIOUS PLEDGES - RESPONSE TO 999 CALLS, TIME TO OBTAIN THE CERTIFICATE OF NO CRIMINAL CONVICTION AND THE ISSUE OF LICENSES AND PERMITS - THE NO. 4 PLEDGE COVERS A BUSY ASPECT OF/.. POLICE ACTIVITIES RELATING TO THE INVESTIGATION OF NON-FATAL TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS AND INVESTIGATION OF COMPLAI NTS’ABOUT FIXED PENALTY TICKETS.
IN ITS IMPLEMENTATION, THE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS SPECIFIED ARE:.
* THE POLICE WILL COMPLETE THEIR ENQUIRIES INTO A NON- t '
FATAL TRAFFIC ACCIDENT AND ADVISE INTERESTED PARTIES OF THE OUTCOME WITHIN THREE MONTHS FROM RECEIPT OF THE REPORT.
. : • 1 :
♦ THE POLICE WILL INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS MADE BY .): « ,
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ON 1’HE ISSUE 01 FIXED PENALTY c3HT•'
TICKETS AND REPORT THE RESULT TO THE COMPLAINANT WITHIN TWO MONTHS FROM RECEIPT Of4 THE COMPLAINT.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID MOST NON-FATAL TRAFFIC ACCIDENT INVESTIGATIONS WERE COMPLETED WITHIN THREE MONTHS. IN THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, THE POLICE HAD CONDUCTED A TOTAL OF '7,939 INVESTIGATIONS, WITH ONLY 33 OF THEM, OK 0.4 PER CENT, COULD NOT BE C OMPLETED WITHIN THE STANDARD PERIOD OF I I ME.
HE SAID DELAYS RESULTED FRON MANY CAUSES, INCLUDING: 1 HE 7 DRIVER OR WITNESS COULD NOT BE LOCATED; THE CASE WAS PENDING FOR MEDICAL OR INSURANCE REPORTS OK LEGAL ADVICE, GR A CRININAI?' INVESTIGATION WAS INVOLVED. ••• • • '
"ALL THESE FACTORS MAY REQUIRE LONGER INVESt1GATION TIME ' FOR NON-FATAL TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS, BUT THE FORCE IS DETERMINED TO TRY ITS !
BEST TO COMPLY WITH THE PERFORMANCE TARGET," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
REGARDING INVESTIGATIONS ON FT <Ei> PENALTY SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT COMPLAINTS OX THIS MATTER INVESTIGATED BY THE FORMATION COMMANDER OF THE CONCERNED, .AND A FINAL DECISION WOULD BE MADE BY THE PROSECUTION BUREAU.
TICKETS, THE WOULD FIRST BE'-11-. ISSUING OFFICER CENTRAL TRAFFIC
IN 1993, A TOTAL OF 2,817 COMPLAINTS ON' PENALTY TICKETS RELATED TO DRIVING OFFENCES WERE RECEIVED, OCT OF WHICH 784 TICKETS, OR 27.8 PER CENT, WERE WITHDRAWN AFTER INVESTIGATION. FOR PARKING PENALTY TICKETS, 24,167 COMPLAINTS WERE RECEIVED AND 6,01-1 TICKETS, OR 24.9 PER CENT, WERF EVENTUALLY. CANCELLED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID ACCORDING TO PART EXPERIENCES, MOST INVESTIGATION'S .ABOUT FIXED PENALTY TICKETS COULD BE FINISHED WITHIN TWO MONTHS. BUT IF THE CONCERNED POLICE OFFICER WAS ON VACATION OR ON NIGHT-SHIFT DUTIES, LONGER INVESTIGATION TIME MIGHT BE NEEDED.
/HE POINTED........
SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 1994
2
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE POLICE FORCE WOULD MONITOR THESE STANDARDS BOTH INTERNALLY, AND EXTERNALLY VIA DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEES, AND WOULD PUBLISH THE RESULTS OF THE MONITORING ANNUALLY.
HE SAID ANYONE WHO WANTED AN EXPLANATION OF THE DELAY IN INVESTIGATION TIME ABOUT A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT SHOULD CONTACT THE TRAFFIC FORMATION IN WHOSE AREA THE ACCIDENTS OCCURRED.
FOR ENQUIRIES ON FIXED PENALTY TICKET INVESTIGATIONS, THE PUBLIC COULD CALL THE ENQUIRY HOTLINE ON 537 7700, WHERE INFORMATION WAS AVAILABLE ON PRE-RECORDED MESSAGES. ENQUIRIES COULD ALSO BE DIRECTED TO THE OPERATOR FOR PERSONAL ASSISTANCE DURING OFFICE HOURS.
THE PUBLIC ALSO HAVE THE RIGHT TO APPEAL IF THEY ARE NOT SATISFIED WITH THE INVESTIGATION RESULTS OR FEEL THAT THEIR CASES HAVE NOT BEEN DEALT WITH ADEQUATELY. THEY MAY CONTACT THE REGIONAL COMPLAINTS AGAINST POLICE OFFICE OR WRITE TO THE COMPLAINTS AGAINST POLICE OFFICE ON THE EIGHTH FLOOR OF TAI SANG COMMERCIAL BUILDING, 24-34 HENNESSY ROAD, HONG KONG.
LEAFLETS CONTAINING DETAILS OF THE PLEDGE ARE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION AT ALL POLICE STATIONS AND THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES OF ALL DISTRICT OFFICES.
- - 0 - -
WORKERS’ SAFETY COMES FIRST IN UNSTABLE WEATHER
*****
CONTRACTORS AND SITE MANAGEMENT STAFF MUST TAKE ALL NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS TO ENSURE WORKERS’ SAFETY BEFORE ALLOWING WORK TO BE STARTED, ESPECIALLY AFTER PROLONGED BAD WEATHER, OR THEY WILL HAVE TO FACE HEAVY PENALTIES.
"FOLLOWING THE INCLEMENT WEATHER WHICH PERSISTED OVER THE PAST FEW WEEKS, THE SITE STAFF SHOULD CARRY OUT A THOROUGH INSPECTION BEFORE RESUMPTION OF NORMAL OPERATION," LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S DEPUTY CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR, MR KAN HON-SANG, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
"THEY SHOULD REPORT PROMPTLY TO THE RESPONSIBLE PERSON DETAILING DAMAGE TO ANY STRUCTURES, PLANT, SCAFFOLDING, LADDERS OR WORK PLATFORMS THAT MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT THE SAFETY OF THE WORKERS.
"THE SITE MANAGEMENT SHOULD ALSO ENSURE THAT SWIFT ARRANGEMENTS WERE MADE BY THE EMERGENCY OR MAINTENANCE TEAM TO CARRY OUT ANY NECESSARY REPAIRS OR OTHER APPROPRIATE RECTIFICATIONS TO MAKE THE SITE SAFE."
MR KAN SAID FACTORY INSPECTORS HAD STEPPED UP INSPECTIONS OF SITES TO BRING THE MESSAGE DIRECTLY TO MANAGEMENT AND WARNED THEM OF ANY POSSIBLE HAZARDS THAT REQUIRED IMMEDIATE RECTIFICATIONS.
HE SAID DURING THE INSPECTIONS, SOME COMMON HAZARDS FOUND INCLUDED FLOODED EXCAVATIONS OR CAISSONS; DEFECTIVE BAMBOO SCAFFOLDS OR WORKING PLATFORMS; MISSING SAFETY FENCINGS; AND LEAKAGE OF ELECTRICITY.
/TO IMPROVE
SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 1994
- 3 -
TO IMPROVE SITE SAFETY, HE SAID CONTRACTORS SHOULD PREPARE A SUITABLE AND UP-TO-DATE CHECKLIST OF NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS IN THE EVENT OF PROLONGED ADVERSE WEATHER.
THE CHECKLIST SHOULD AT LEAST INCLUDE:
* CLEARING OF DRAINAGE SYSTEMS FROM MUD OR OTHER
OBSTRUCTIONS;
» PROVIDING BUNDS TO PREVENT INGRESS OF EXCESSIVE WATER;
» TESTING OF PUMPING SYSTEMS;
* SECURING OF HOARDING, TEMPORARY STRUCTURES OR OTHER LOOSE
OBJECTS;
* CHECKING OF EMERGENCY POWER SUPPLIES;
* LEAVING JIBS OF TOWER CRANES ON FREE SLEW; AND
* LOWERING AND SECURING OF JIBS OF MOBILE CRANES.
UNDER THE GENERAL DUTIES PROVISIONS OF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE, EMPLOYERS ARE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE A SAFE PLANT AND A SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK FOR THEIR EMPLOYEES.
MEANWHILE, EMPLOYEES ARE REQUIRED TO CO-OPERATE WITH THEIR EMPLOYERS AND ASSIST THEM TO DISCHARGE THEIR LEGAL OBLIGATION BY USING SAFETY EQUIPMENT PROVIDED BY THEIR EMPLOYERS.
"OUR FACTORY INSPECTORS WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE SITUATION TO ENSURE THAT CONTRACTORS HAD THE HAZARDOUS SITUATIONS PROMPTLY RECTIFIED BEFORE SENDING ANY WORKER TO RESUME WORK," MR KAN SAID.
"WE WILL NOT HESITATE TO PROSECUTE ANY EMPLOYER OR EMPLOYEE WHO BREACHES THE STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS.
"AN EMPLOYER WHO FAILS TO OBSERVE THE GENERAL DUTIES REQUIREMENTS WILL BE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM I I NE OE $200,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR SIX MONTHS WHILE AN EMPLOYEE WILL BE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $50,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR SIX MONTHS," HE ADDED.
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CAR MARK AUCTION FOR CHARITY
*****
ONE HUNDRED VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS WERE SOLD IN AN AUCTION TODAY (SATURDAY) FOR A TOTAL OF $4,147 MILLION WHICH WILL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY AFTER DEDUCTION OF EXPENSES.
THE AUCTION, HELD AT THE RECITAL HALL OF THE CITY HALL, SAW THE REGISTRATION MARK GA3 FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE OF $430,000.
/ANOTHER REGISTRATION .......
SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 1994
ANOTHER REGISTRATION MARK FY88 WAS SOLD AT THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE OF $220,000 WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS $1,000 EACH FOR CF1955, GA8256, GA5184, DG8990, FH2160, GA7366, GA8341 AND GA1275.
FOLLOWING ARE THE RESULTS OF THE MORNING-SESSION AUCTION:
$ $ $ $
GA996 8,000 GA613 18,000 GA915 8,000 BB5411 2,000
GA3328 36,000 GA2280 19,000 FL338 68,000 GA1681 5,000
♦EE131 40,000 *2263 190,000 »GA3 430,000 *FY5 80,000
CF1955 1,000 GA520 8,000 GA810 10,000 GA782 6,000
GA1686 5,000 CC302 60,000 XX320 105,000 GA3380 13,000
GA369 38,000 GA336 22,000 GA106 12,000 GA938 32,000
AA203 57,000 GA850 18,000 FY328 83,000 ET3339 10,000
♦ FC12 125,000 *FY33 130,000 ♦FY18 150,000 »GA1000 50,000
GA1178 5,000 FZ8788 18,000 GA7771 4,000 GA372 6,000
FZ8613 4,000 GA3336 25,000 GA8256 1,000 DA1223 3,000
GA3889 8,000 GA693 8.000 ♦DD9595 32,000 GA927 10,000
GA1028 29,000 GA4898 4,000 GA2618 10,000 »DY656 WITHDRAWN
GA7318 5,000 GA7298 11,000 FOLLOWING ARE THE RESULTS OF THE AFTERNOON-SESSION AUCTION:
$ GA129 7,000 GA821 $ 15,000 $ GA318 70,000 BG7717 $ 2,000
GA233 23,000 CC360 60,000 GA993 33,000 GA150 6,000
♦FG8822 22,000 *AW29 100,000 ♦810 150,000 tFY3 170,000
BH1997 76,000 GA448 20,000 HK320 100,000 GA1812 10,000
GA663 70,000 GA718 10,000 GA168 110,000 GA273 4,000
GA320 22,000 CH1113 10,000 GA330 25,000 GA930 8,000
HK2891 24,000 GA8828 44,000 GA963 30,000 BB8831 25,000
♦ GA6 160,000 »GA10 130,000 ♦FY88 220,000 *FC36 60,000
BB3108 15,000 GA3038 8,000 GA1800 80,000 GA3318 11,000
GA2331 5,000 GA1668 70,000 GA5184 1,000 DG8990 1,000
GA623 40,000 GA1386 28,000 ♦FE2332 35,000 FH2160 1,000
GA529 3,000 GA7366 1,000 GA8341 1,000 tGA656 7,000
GA1275 1,000 GA7921 THERE WERE NO BIDDERS ] WITHDRAWN FOR DY656 AND GA7921. GA7921 WILL BE
ASSIGNED TO THE ORIGINAL APPLICANT.
t 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 236TH AND 237TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY REALISED SO FAR TO $339,707,905.
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/5........
SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 1994
- 5 -
FIRING PRACTICE IN SEPTEMBER
*****
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HA TSUEN - CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON 17 DAYS NEXT MONTH.
THE PUBLIC IS ADVISED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE HOISTED.
THE DATES AND TIMES FOR THE FIRING PRACTICE ARE:
DATE TIME
SEPTEMBER 5 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
SEPTEMBER 6 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
SEPTEMBER 7 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 11.59 PM
SEPTEMBER 8 (THURSDAY) 00.01 AM - 5 PM
SEPTEMBER 9 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
SEPTEMBER 12 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
SEPTEMBER 13 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
SEPTEMBER 14 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
SEPTEMBER 15 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
SEPTEMBER 16 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
SEPTEMBER 22 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 11.59 PM
SEPTEMBER 23 (FRIDAY) 00.01 AM - 5 PM
SEPTEMBER 26 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
SEPTEMBER 27 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
SEPTEMBER 28 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
SEPTEMBER 29 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
SEPTEMBER 30 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
---------0-----------
FRESH WATER CUT IN CAUSEWAY BAY
*****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN CAUSEWAY BAY WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM NEXT MONDAY (AUGUST 22) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY TO FACILITATE WATER MAINS LEAKAGE DETECTION.
THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE LOCATED AT 1-27 LAN FONG ROAD, 1-15 AND 2-20 PAK SHA ROAD, 2-16 KAI CHIU ROAD, 2-54 AND 15-19 YUN PING ROAD, 1-17 PENNINGTON STREET, 3-67 AND 16-58 JARDINE’S CRESCENT, 5-57 AND 22-66 JARDINE’S BAZAAR, 2-62 YEE WO STREET, 502 HENNESSY ROAD, FUK HING LANE AND THE MARKET AT JARDINE’S BAZAAR.
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/6.........
SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 1994
6 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,238 0930 -580
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,658 1000 -580
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 -580
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -580 1130 -580
LAF TODAY NIL 1500 4
1600
LAF RATE 3.00 BID/5.00 OFFER TW1 122.2 ♦+0.0* 20.8.94
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SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 1994
- 7 -
ANOTHER FLOATING HOLIDAY FOR EMPLOYEES
*****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) REMINDS EMPLOYERS THAT THE SECOND FLOATING HOLIDAY OF THIS YEAR FALLS ON AUGUST 29, THE LAST MONDAY OF THE MONTH.
UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, ALL EMPLOYEES SHALL BE GRANTED THEIR SECOND FLOATING HOLIDAY ON THIS DATE IF THE EMPLOYER HAS NOT ALREADY FIXED A DATE FOR THAT HOLIDAY OR IF THE EMPLOYEE HAS NOT REQUESTED IT TO BE ADDED TO HIS PAID ANNUAL LEAVE.
IN ADDITION, AN EMPLOYEE IS ENTITLED TO BE PAID FOR THAT HOLIDAY IF HE HAS WORKED FOR HIS EMPLOYER CONTINUOUSLY FOR THREE MONTHS BEFORE THE HOLIDAY.
HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE EQUIVALENT TO AN EMPLOYEE’S EARNINGS ON A NORMAL WORKING DAY AND SHOULD INCLUDE BASIC WAGES AS WELL AS ALLOWANCES THAT CAN BE EXPRESSED IN MONEY TERMS SUCH AS MEALS AND COSTS OF LIVING ALLOWANCES.
WHERE THE EARNINGS VARY FROM DAY TO DAY, THE HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE THE AVERAGE DAILY EARNINGS DURING EVERY7 COMPLETE WAGE PERIOD OF 28 TO 31 DAYS PRECEDING THE MONTH.
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 CAN BE MADE ON 717 1771.
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NEW COMPUTER SYSTEM BOOSTS HEALTH EDUCATION *****
HEALTH EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY MATERIALS PRODUCED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH HAVE BEEN GIVEN A NEW LOOK SINCE AN ADVANCED COMPUTER SYSTEM WAS SET UP IN APRIL THIS YEAR.
WITH A $1 MILLION GRANT DONATED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, THE DEPARTMENT’S CENTRAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT ACQUIRED THE MULTI-PURPOSE MEDIA PRODUCTION (COMPUTER) SYSTEM WHICH INCLUDED A MULTI-PURPOSE MEDIA GRAPHICS PRODUCTION SYSTEM AND A DESKTOP PUBLISHING SUB-SYSTEM.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID: ’’THE NEW EQUIPMENT IS NOW BEING USED IN CREATING AND PRODUCING THREE-DIMENSIONAL AND TWO-DIMENSIONAL GRAPHICS AND ILLUSTRATIONS FOR HEALTH EDUCATION MATERIALS.
"IT IS PARTICULARLY USEFUL IN PRODUCING PUBLICITY MATERIALS SUCH AS POSTERS AND LEAFLETS IN SMALL QUANTITY FOR MINI-CAMPAIGNS AND EXHIBITIONS."
/"THE COMPUTER ......
SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 1994
8
"THE COMPUTER SYSTEM ALSO HELPS HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS PREPARE SUCH TEACHING MATERIALS AS TRANSPARENCIES AND SLIDES FOR TRAINING COURSES AND HEALTH TALKS,” HE ADDED.
WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE NEW COMPUTER EQUIPMENT, HEALTH EDUCATION OFFICERS CAN PREPARE THEIR OWN PUBLICITY AND TEACHING MATERIALS AND TURN THEIR CREATIVE IDEAS INTO REALITY WITHIN A VERY SHORT PERIOD OF TIME, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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ELECTION HOTLINE FOR YOUTH
*****
YOUNG PEOPLE WHO WANT TO MAKE ENQUIRIES ON ELECTION AND POLLING MATTERS CAN MAKE USE OF A HOTLINE SPECIALLY DESIGNATED FOR THEM.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE HOTLINE - 827 7285 - WAS SET UP TO ENCOURAGE YOUNG PEOPLE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT ELECTIONS.
THE HOTLINE IS IN ADDITION TO THE ONE FOR PUBLIC ENQUIRIES ON ELECTIONS - 827 7299 - OPERATED SINCE LATE LAST MONTH.
FROM APRIL THIS YEAR, THE VOTING AGE HAS BEEN LOWERED FROM 21 TO 18.
ABOUT 54 PER CENT OR 108,000 OF THE 200,000 ELIGIBLE ELECTORS IN THIS AGE GROUP HAVE BEEN REGISTERED AS ELECTORS.
------0-------
UNREGISTERED ELECTRICIANS LIABLE TO PROSECUTION
*****
ANY PERSON WHO UNDERTAKES ELECTRICAL WORK WITHOUT PRIOR REGISTRATION WITH THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AS A REGISTERED ELECTRICAL WORKER IS LIABLE TO PROSECUTION, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
"THE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED UNDER THE ELECTRICITY ORDINANCE TO ENSURE THAT THE ELECTRICAL WIRING INSTALLATIONS ARE PROPERLY INSTALLED, MAINTAINED AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS SO AS TO AVOID ACCIDENTS," HE SAID.
THE ADVICE FOLLOWED THE CONVICTION AT THE NORTH KOWLOON MAGISTRACY ON AUGUST 16 OF A 37-YEAR-OLD MAN FOR CARRYING OUT ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION WORK WITHOUT REGISTERING AS AN ELECTRICAL WORKER.
THE DEFENDANT PLEADED GUILTY AND WAS FINED $2,000 FOR VIOLATING THE ELECTRICITY ORDINANCE.
THE OFFENCE CARRIES A MAXIMUM FINE OF $50,000 ON FIRST CONVICTION, AND $100,000 ON A SUBSEQUENT CONVICTION FOR THE SAME OFFENCE, IN ADDITION TO IMPRISONMENT FOR SIX MONTHS.
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/9......
SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 1994
- 9 -
NEW DISTRICT OFFICER FOR WONG TAI SIN
*****
MR RICHARD LUK FONG-CHUN WILL TAKE UP HIS POST AS THE NEW WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICER TOMORROW (MONDAY).
MR LUK, AGED 40, JOINED THE GOVERNMENT AS AN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER IN 1986 AND WAS PROMOTED TO SENIOR ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER IN APRIL 1992.
HE HAS SERVED IN THE EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH, THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND HAS BEEN WITH THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH FOR MORE THAN TWO YEARS.
HIS PREVIOUS POST WAS A PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CONSUMER PRICE INDICES FOR JULY 1994 ...................... 1
MOST CANDIDATES TOLD OF NOMINATION VALIDITY................ 7
389 ELECTION COMPLAINTS LODGED............................. 7
LEVERAGED FOREIGN EXCHANGE TRADING LAW IN FORCE NEXT 7
MONTH ..................................................
LAB REACHES CONSENSUS TO IMPROVE SEVERANCE AND LONG 9
SERVICE PAYMENT.........................................
COMMISSION DISCUSSES EDUCATION MATTERS.................... 10
SECONDARY 6 CENTRAL ALLOCATION RESULTS OUT TOMORROW..... 10
TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES RAISE INTEREST................... 11
SOUVENIR COVER MARKS STAMP EXHIBITION..................... 12
HONG KONG HOLDS DRAGON BOAT RACES IN NEW YORK............. 13
FRESH WATER CUTS IN TSUEN WAN AND CHEUNG SHA WAN.......... 14
%
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ..................................... 14
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ....
14
MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 1994
1
CONSUMER PRICE INDICES FOR JULY 1994 *****
THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) AND THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (B) IN JULY THIS YEAR WERE 8.5% AND 8.6% RESPECTIVELY HIGHER THAN IN JULY LAST YEAR, ACCORDING TO FIGURES RELEASED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
WHILE THE INCREASES WERE HIGHER THAN THE CORRESPONDING INCREASES OF 7.5% AND 8.1% IN JUNE, THEY WERE IN LINE WITH THE INFLATION FORECAST OF 8.5% FOR THE YEAR AS A WHOLE.
COMMENTING ON THE LATEST FIGURES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID: "THE FASTER INCREASES IN JULY WERE MAINLY DUE TO SUBSTANTIALLY HIGHER PRICES OF FRESH VEGETABLES AS A RESULT OF THE RECENT FLOODING IN SOUTH CHINA AND THE SEVERAL RAINSTORMS IN JULY."
TAKING THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS TOGETHER, THE CPI(A) AND CPI(B) ROSE BY 7.6% AND 8.1% RESPECTIVELY OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993. THESE WERE STILL CONSIDERABLY LOWER THAN THE CORRESPONDING AVERAGE ANNUAL INCREASES OF 8.5% AND 8.7% IN 1993.
THE HANG SENG CPI WAS HIGHER BY 9.9% IN JULY 1994 THAN IN THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR. THE CORRESPONDING INCREASE IN JUNE 1994 WAS 10.1%. THE SLIGHTLY SLOWER INCREASE IN JULY WAS MAINLY DUE TO A MODERATION IN THE PRICES OF CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR.
HOWEVER, THE INCREASE IN THE HANG SENG CPI IN JULY WAS STILL FASTER THAN IN THE CPI(A) AND CPI(B). THIS WAS MAINLY ATTRIBUTED TO THE FASTER INCREASE IN RENTALS PAID BY HOUSEHOLDS COVERED BY THE HANG SENG CPI.
THE COMPOSITE CPI, WHICH IS COMPILED BASED ON THE COMBINED EXPENDITURE PATTERN OF HOUSEHOLDS COVERED BY THE THREE CPIS, SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 8.9% IN JULY 1994 OVER THE SAME MONTH IN 1993. THIS WAS HIGHER THAN THE CORRESPONDING INCREASE OF 8.4% IN JUNE.
COMPARING JULY 1994 WITH JULY 1993, RELATIVELY SLOWER PRICE INCREASES THAN THE OVERALL AVERAGE WERE RECORDED FOR FUEL AND LIGHT (3.2% IN THE CPI(A) AND 3.1% IN THE CPI(B)); DURABLE GOODS (3.3% AND 3.6%); ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (5.3% AND 5.9%); MISCELLANEOUS GOODS (5.5% AND 4.8%); FOOD (EXCLUDING MEALS AT RESTAURANTS) (6.9% AND 6.5%); MEALS AT RESTAURANTS (7.9% AND 7.7%); AND CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR (8.0% AND 8.2%).
ON THE OTHER HAND, RELATIVELY FASTER PRICE INCREASES THAN THE OVERALL AVERAGE WERE RECORDED FOR MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES (12.5% IN THE CPI(A) AND 11.3% IN THE CPI(B)); HOUSING (11.1% AND 11.4%); AND TRANSPORT (9.5% AND 9.4%).
COMPARING JULY 1994 WITH JUNE 1994, THE CPI(A) AND CPI(B) INCREASED BY 0.8% AND 0.6% RESPECTIVELY. HOWEVER, THIS COMPARISON COULD HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS.
/FOR THE .......
MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 1994
2
FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED JULY 1994, THE CPI(A) AND CPI(B) WERE, ON AVERAGE, HIGHER BY 8.0% AND 8.2% RESPECTIVELY THAN IN THE PRECEDING 12-MONTH PERIOD.
SEASONALLY ADJUSTED SERIES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR THE CPIS. THE DESEASONALISED CPI(A) AND CPI(B) INCREASED AT AN AVERAGE RATE OF 0.9% AND 0.7% RESPECTIVELY PER MONTH DURING THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JULY 1994.
MORE DETAILS ARE GIVEN IN THE "CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT" FOR JULY 1994, WHICH IS AVAILABLE AT $16.5 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, WANCHAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
FOR LOCAL AND OVERSEAS MAILINGS, CONTACT SHOULD BE MADE WITH THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, HONG KONG.
FOR ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE INDICES, PLEASE TELEPHONE THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 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 .......
MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 1994
3
Table 1 Consumer Price Indices and Rates of Increase for July 1994
(Oct. 89 - Sep. 90 = 100)
Component CPI (A) CPI(B) Hang Seng CPI Oocposite CPI
Index for Jul 94 % change over Jul 93 Index for Jul 94 % change over Jul 93 Index for Jul 94 % change over Jul 93 Index for Jul 94 % change over Jul 93
Food 143.1 +7.4 144.4 +7.2 145.3 +8.1 144.0 +7.5
Meals bought away Iran heme 152.4 +7.9 152.0 +7.7 151.5 49.O 152.1 +8.1
Food, excluding meals bought away f ran hare 134.0 46.9 133.7 +6.5 134.8 46.2 134.0 46.6
Housing 164.7 +11.1 166.9 411.4 173.6 +15.3 168.3 +12.6
Fuel and light 124.4 +3.2 123.7 +3.1 124.1 +3.4 124.1 +3.2
Alcoholic drinks and tobacco 186.5 +5.3 177.4 +5.9 172.8 +5.7 181.4 45.6
Clothing and footwear 137.1 +8.0 139.2 +8.2 143.6 46.3 140.2 +7.5
Durable goods 112.7 +3.3 112.0 43.6 117.1 +3.0 113.7 +3.3
Miscellaneous goods 130.5 +5.5 127.7 +4.8 125.8 +4.1 128.3 +4.8
Transport 149.4 49.5 148.2 +9.4 147.2 +8.4 148.3 49.2
Miscellaneous services 156.3 +12.5 151.7 +11.3 143.0 +9.3 150.5 +11.1
All items 147.3 48.5 147.9 +8.6 150.5 49.9 148.3 +8.9
Monthly consumer price indices are compiled on the basis of (a) expenditure patterns of relevant households and (b) prices collected currently in the month. The expenditure patterns underlying the 1989/90-based consumer price indices are based on those patterns derived from the 1989/90 Household Expenditure Survey. The CPI(A) is based on the expenditure pattern of about 50% of households in Hong Kong, which had an average monthly expenditure of $2,500-89,999 in 1989/90. The CPI(B) is based on the expenditure pattern of the next 30% of households, which had an average monthly expenditure of $10,000-817,499 in 1989/90. The Hang Seng CPI is based on the expenditure pattern of the next 10% of households, which had an average tncnthly expenditure of 817,500-837,499 in 1989/90.
Whereas the CPI (A), CPI(B) and Hang Seng CPI are based on the expenditure patterns of groups of households with different magnitudes of household expenditure, the Composite CPI is coopiled based cn the expenditure pattern of all these households taken together. Thus, while the CPI (A), CPI(B) and Hang Seng CPI show the impact of consuner price changes on different groups of households, the Composite CPI shows the impact of consuner price changes on the household sector generally.
/TABLE 2 .......
MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 1994
4
Table 2 Consumer Price Indices for January 1992 - July 1994 (Oct. 89 - Sep. 90 = 100)
Year/month
CPI(A)
CPI(B) Hang Seng CPI Composite CPI
1992 January 119.7 119.3 119.4 119.5
February 121.8 121.2 121.0 121.4
March 122.5 121.9 121.8 122.1
April 124.0 123.4 122.9 123.5
May 124.0 123.8 124.2 124.0
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
September 138.4 138.3 139.2 138.6
October 140.0 139.6 140.7 140.0
November 139.4 139.9 142.2 140.3
December 140.4 140.9 143.3 141.3
1994 January 140.0 140.7 143.4 141.1
February 142.7 142.9 144.9 143.3
March 142.5 143.0 145.3 143.4
April 143.8 144.8 147.9 145.2
May 145.0 146.1 150.0 146.7
June 146.2 146.9 151.0 147.7
July 147.3 147.9 150.5 148.3
/CHART 1 .........
: «...
• r k
MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 1994
5
Chart 1 Year-on-year Rates of Increase in CPI(A)
Chart 2 Year-on-year Rates of Increase in CPI(B)
/CHART 3 .......
MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 1994
6
Chart 3 Year-on-year Rates of Increase in Hang Seng CPI
Chart 4 Year-on-year Rates of Increase in Composite CPI
/7........
MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 1994
7
MOST CANDIDATES TOLD OF NOMINATION VALIDITY *****
AS AT TODAY (MONDAY), MORE THAN 750 CANDIDATES HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED BY RETURNING OFFICERS AS TO THE VALIDITY OF THEIR NOMINATIONS FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS IN SEPTEMBER.
THE NOMINATIONS OF THREE MORE CANDIDATES HAVE BEEN RULED INVALID. SO FAR, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF NOMINATIONS REJECTED WAS EIGHT.
ONE WAS DUE TO CHEQUE FOR PAYMENT OF ELECTION DEPOSIT NOT IN ORDER. HE WAS MR CHAN KWOK-KWONG OF BELCHER CONSTITUENCY IN CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT.
MR LIU SING-LEE OF WANG TAU HOM CONSTITUENCY IN WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT WAS REJECTED ON GROUNDS OF INSUFFICIENT NUMBER OF VALID SUBSCRIBERS.
MR FUNG CHAN-KI OF LEI MUK CONSTITUENCY IN TSUEN WAN DISTRICT WAS REJECTED ON GROUNDS OF NOT MEETING THE REQUIREMENT OF HAVING ORDINARILY RESIDED IN HONG KONG DURING THE 10 YEARS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE DATE OF NOMINATION, AS PROVIDED FOR IN THE ELECTORAL PROVISIONS ORDINANCE.
'------0-------
389 ELECTION COMPLAINTS LODGED
*****
THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE HAS RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 389 COMPLAINTS ON ELECTION-RELATED ACTIVITIES AS AT TODAY (MONDAY).
OF ALL THE COMPLAINTS, 300 WERE RELATED TO ELECTION ADVERTISEMENTS, 41 ON ELECTIONEERING IN PRIVATE PREMISES AND 48 ON OTHER MATTERS.
OUT OF THE 389 CASES, ACTION FOR 250 CASES HAD BEEN COMPLETED.
------0-------
LEVERAGED FOREIGN EXCHANGE TRADING LAW IN FORCE NEXT MONTH ♦ * * * *
THE LEVERAGED FOREIGN EXCHANGE TRADING ORDINANCE, EXCEPT SECTION 71, WILL BE IMPLEMENTED ON SEPTEMBER 1.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (MONDAY), THE SECRETARY FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES, MR MICHAEL CARTLAND, SAID THE ORDINANCE WAS A CRUCIAL STEP IN THE CONTINUING IMPROVEMENT TO HONG KONG’S REGULATORY REGIME.
"IT PROVIDES THE NECESSARY PROTECTION FOR RETAIL INVESTORS WHO TAKE PART IN LEVERAGED FOREIGN EXCHANGE TRADING, AN AREA WHICH HAS BEEN THE SUBJECT OF FREQUENT INVESTOR COMPLAINTS IN THE PAST FEW YEARS," HE SAID.
UNDER THE NEW FRAMEWORK, COMPANIES ENGAGED IN THE BUSINESS OF LEVERAGED FOREIGN EXCHANGE TRADING AND THEIR REPRESENTATIVES HAVE TO OBTAIN A LICENCE FROM THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION.
/THE COMMISSION .......
MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 1994
8
THE COMMISSION WILL ENSURE THAT APPLICANTS ARE FIT AND PROPER TO BE SO REGISTERED AND THAT THEY FULFIL THE REQUISITE FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS SUCH AS A MINIMUM PAID-UP CAPITAL OF $30 MILLION FOR A TRADER LICENCE.
’’THE INTENTION IS TO ENSURE THAT ONLY THOSE WITH SOUND FINANCIAL BACKGROUND AND PROVEN INTEGRITY ARE ALLOWED TO CONDUCT A BUSINESS IN THIS FIELD,” HE SAID.
THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION ALSO MADE A NUMBER OF RULES IN JULY TO STIPULATE THE DETAILED REQUIREMENTS WITH WHICH LICENCE HOLDERS SHOULD COMPLY.
THEY COVER A RANGE OF SUBJECTS SUCH AS FINANCIAL RESOURCES TO BE MAINTAINED BY TRADERS, PRACTICES TO BE ADOPTED BY TRADERS IN CONDUCTING THEIR BUSINESSES, INCLUDING THE REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERNAL CONTROLS, MINIMUM MARGIN AND CLIENT AGREEMENT.
"SUCH REQUIREMENTS ARE PRIMARILY INTENDED TO PROTECT THE OVERALL INTEGRITY OF THE MARKET. THE FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE IS THAT BOTH THE TRADERS AND THEIR CLIENTS SHOULD HAVE THE ABILITY TO FACE THE RISKS ARISING FROM LEVERAGED FOREIGN EXCHANGE TRADING.
"THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION IS HOLDING A SERIES OF SEMINARS TO BRIEF EXISTING TRADERS ON THE DETAILS OF THE LICENSING AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK," MR CARTLAND SAID.
AFTER THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ORDINANCE ON SEPTEMBER 1, EXISTING BUSINESSES WILL HAVE 30 DAYS TO APPLY FOR A LICENCE.
THOSE WHICH APPLY FOR A LICENCE WITHIN THE GRACE PERIOD WILL BE ALLOWED TO REMAIN IN BUSINESS UNTIL THE OUTCOME OF THEIR APPLICATIONS IS KNOWN.
TRADERS WHO CHOOSE NOT TO DO SO WILL HAVE TO CEASE BUSINESS AFTER THE 30-DAY PERIOD.
"I SHOULD REITERATE THAT INVESTORS SHOULD CONTINUE TO EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION IF THEY CHOOSE TO TAKE PART IN LEVERAGED FOREIGN EXCHANGE TRADING AT THIS STAGE. THEY ARE NOT YET SUBJECT TO ANY FORM OF STATUTORY PROTECTION AT THE MOMENT," MR CARTLAND SAID.
"IT IS DIFFICULT FOR INVESTORS TO ANTICIPATE WHETHER THE TRADERS WITH WHICH THEY DEAL AT PRESENT WILL APPLY FOR A LICENCE UNDER THE ORDINANCE OR, IF THEY DO SO, WHETHER THEIR APPLICATIONS WILL BE APPROVED BY THE COMMISSION.
"INVESTORS SHOULD ALSO BEAR IN MIND THAT PROVIDING A REGULATED ENVIRONMENT FOR SUCH ACTIVITIES WILL NOT CHANGE THE FACT THAT THE FOREX MARKET IS VOLATILE.
"FURTHERMORE, THE LEVERAGED NATURE OF THE CONTRACTS CAN RESULT IN LOSSES WELL IN EXCESS OF THEIR MARGIN DEPOSITS. INVESTORS SHOULD THEREFORE MAKE SURE THAT THEIR FINANCIAL POSITIONS ARE STRONG ENOUGH TO SUSTAIN THE RISK INVOLVED," MR CARTLAND SAID.
/SECTION 71 .......
MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 1994
9
SECTION 71 OF THE ORDINANCE WILL BE BROUGHT INTO EFFECT SEPARATELY. THIS SECTION ALLOWS A CONTRACT ENTERED INTO BY A TRADER WHO DOES NOT HOLD A VALID LICENCE UNDER THE ORDINANCE TO BE VOIDED AND RESCINDED AT THE OPTION OF ANY OTHER PARTY TO THE CONTRACT.
SINCE EXISTING TRADERS CAN REMAIN IN BUSINESS DURING THE GRACE PERIOD’ WITHOUT A VALID LICENCE, IT IS INAPPROPRIATE TO BRING SECTION 71 INTO EFFECT ON SEPTEMBER 1. A LATER DATE WILL THEREFORE BE APPOINTED FOR THIS PURPOSE.
THE COMMENCEMENT NOTICE FOR THE ORDINANCE WILL BE GAZETTED THIS FRIDAY (AUGUST 26).
------0-------
LAB REACHES CONSENSUS TO IMPROVE SEVERANCE AND LONG SERVICE PAYMENT *****
LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS TODAY (MONDAY) REACHED A CONSENSUS TO IMPROVE THE PROVISIONS ON SEVERANCE PAYMENT AND I ONG SERVICE PAYMENT UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE EMPLOYEES WITH BETTER LONG SERVICE BENEFITS.
IN A SPECIAL MEETING CHAIRED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR MRS KATHERINE FOK, MEMBERS REVIEWED ALL THREE ISSUES IN THF EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1993 WHICH WAS DEFEATED AT ITS THIRD READING AT THE MEETING OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JULY 6 THIS
THE THREE ISSUES ARE:
* THE LIMIT OF 12 MONTHS’ WAGES ON THE AMOUNT OF SEVERANCE AND LONG SERVICE PAYMENTS PAYABLE SHOULD BE REMOVED;
* THE PAYMENT CEILING OF $180,000 FOR SEVERANCE AND LONG SERVICE PAYMENTS SHOULD BE RETAINED; AND
* THE PART OF AN EMPLOYEE’S SERVICE OVER AND ABOVE 18 YEARS ACCRUED BEFORE THE ENACTMENT OF THE AMENDMENT BILL SHOULD BE REDUCED BY 50 PER CENT FOR THE PURPOSE OF CALCULATING SEVERANCE AND LONG SERVICE PAYMENTS.
TO PROVIDE IMPROVEMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF SUCH PAYMENTS, BOARD MEMBERS REACHED A CONSENSUS THAT TH1 CEILING OF 12 MONTHS’ WAGES SHOULD BE REMOVED WHILE THE MAXIMUM LIMIT OF $180,000 BE RETAINED.
THEY ALSO ACCEPTED THAT THE PART OF AN EMPLOYEE’ AND ABOVE 24 YEARS ACCRUED BEFORE THE ENACTMENT OF THE SHOULD BE REDUCED BY 50 PER CENT FOR THE PURPOSE SEVERANCE AND LONG SERVICE PAYMENTS.
S SERVICE OVER AMENDMENT BILL OF CALCULATING
DURING THE MEETING, THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR LAM WOON-KWONG, DISCUSSED WITH MEMBERS ON THE GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSAL FOR AN OLD AGE PFNSION SCHEME.
/10........
MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 1994
10
COMMISSION DISCUSSES EDUCATION MATTERS *****
THE EDUCATION COMMISSION MET TODAY (MONDAY) TO DISCUSS A RANGE OF ISSUES, INCLUDING PRE-PRIMARY EDUCATION, FINDINGS FROM THE COMMISSION’S OVERSEAS STUDY TOUR IN JUNE, AND THE CONSULTATION ON THE REPORT OF THE WORKING GROUP ON LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY.
"ON PRE-PRIMARY EDUCATION, WE NOTED THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION HAS DECIDED TO RETAIN ITS WORKING GROUP ON KINDERGARTEN EDUCATION," SAID PROFESSOR ROSIE YOUNG, CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION.
"WE WELCOMED THIS. WE HAD SOME PRELIMINARY DISCUSSIONS ON THE POSSIBLE SCOPE OF A COMMISSION STUDY OF PRE-PRIMARY EDUCATION. WE ASKED FOR DETAILED REPORT ON THE PRESENT SITUATION FOR THE NEXT MEETING. WE AGREED THAT ANY COMMISSION STUDY WOULD NEED TO AVOID DUPLICATING ISSUES WHICH WOULD BETTER BE TACKLED BY THE BOARD,” SHE SAID.
MEMBERS ALSO NOTED TWO INFORMATION PAPERS RELATING TO THE COMMISSION’S OVERSEAS STUDY TOUR TO HOLLAND AND BELGIUM IN JUNE.
"MEMBERS SHOWED CONSIDERABLE INTEREST IN THE FINDINGS ON THE LEARNING OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES IN THE NETHERLANDS AND FLANDERS (BELGIUM).
"ALTHOUGH THE LANGUAGE SITUATION IN THESE COUNTRIES IS DIFFERENT FROM HONG KONG, THESE COUNTRIES’ EXPERIENCES IN TEACHING FOREIGN LANGUAGES TO CHILDREN WHEN THEY ARE 10 OR ABOVE PROVIDE SOME USEFUL POINTERS FOR US WHEN WE CONSIDER THE REPORT OF THE WORKING GROUP ON LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY LATER LN THE YEAR," SHE SAID.
PROFESSOR YOUNG SAID: "MEMBERS WERE ALSO INFORMED OF THE PROGRESS OF THE CONSULTATION OF THE LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY REPORT. THE REPORT HAS ATTRACTED CONSIDERABLE PUBLIC AND MEDIA ATTENTION ON ITS RECOMMENDATIONS AND THE WIDE RANGE OF LANGUAGE ISSUES FACING HONG KONG. SUCH ACTIVE PUBLIC DISCUSSIONS WILL CERTAINLY HELP US FORMULATE OUR FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GOVERNMENT."
"WE ALSO NOTED THAT THE WORKING GROUP WILL ORGANISE A NUMBER OF PUBLIC BRIEFING SESSIONS IN THE SECOND HALF OF SEPTEMBER. THIS WILL ENABLE THE WORKING GROUP TO HAVE A DIRECT DIALOGUE WITH PARENTS AND OTHERS CONCERNED ON THE WORKING GROUP PROPOSALS," SHE ADDED.
------0--------
SECONDARY 6 CENTRAL ALLOCATION RESULTS OUT TOMORROW *****
CURRENT YEAR HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION (HKCEE) STUDENTS WHO APPLIED FOR SECONDARY 6 CENTRAL ALLOCATION ARE REMINDED TO GO TO THE FIVE REGISTRATION CENTRES TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO SEE IF THEIR APPLICATIONS ARE SUCCESSFUL AND ACCEPTED BY ONE OF THE SCHOOLS THEY HAVE APPLIED.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID THE RESULTS WOULD BE DISPLAYED AT THE SAME CENTRE WHERE STUDENTS HAVE APPLIED FOR CENTRAL ALLOCATION FROM 9 AM TOMORROW.
/A TOTAL .......
MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 1994
11
A TOTAL OF 1,948 STUDENTS WITH THE MINIMUM SECONDARY 6 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS HAVE APPLIED FOR 257 PLACES LEFT OVER UNDER CENTRAL ALLOCATION AFTER THE FIRST FOUR STAGES IN THE ADMISSION PROCEDURE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES SHOULD TAKE THEIR ALLOCATION SLIPS TO THEIR CHOSEN SCHOOLS FOR REGISTRATION BEFORE 3.30 PM TOMORROW.
HE REITERATED THAT A PLACE WAS ALLOCATED ON THE BASIS OF THE APPLICANT’S HKCEE RESULTS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID IF STUDENTS WERE STILL UNABLE TO SECURE A PLACE AFTER THE COMPLETION OF STAGE V, THEY MIGHT BE ABLE TO GET A PLACE AT THE BEGINNING OF THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR BECAUSE SOME SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS MAY DECIDE NOT TO TAKE UP THEIR PLACES BY THAT 1IME.
A LIST OF SCHOOLS WITH SECONDARY 6 PLACES WILL BE DISPLAYED AND UPDATED WEEKLY AT ALL DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICES THROUGHOUT SEPTEMBER.
STUDENTS SHOULD APPLY TO THESE SCHOOLS DIREC BUT ADMISSION WILL BE AT THE SCHOOLS’ DISCRETION.
------0--------
TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES RAISE INTEREST * * * * *
THE NEW ANNUAL RATE OF INTEREST PAYABLE ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES WILL GO UP FROM 4.56% TO 5.04% (TAX FREE) FROM WEDNESDAY (AUGUST 24), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT SAID.
A LEGAL NOTICE TO THE EFFECT THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAS AUTHORISED THE INCREASE WAS GAZETTED TODAY (MONDAY).
INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES IS CALCULATED IN MONTHLY STEPS. THE NEW RATE WILL BE $0.42 PER MONTH PER $100.
’’INTEREST WILL BE CREDITED AS BEFORE IN RESPECT OF COMPLETE MONTHS BETWEEN PURCHASE AND SURRENDER IN PAYMENT OF TAX.
’’INTEREST IS ONLY CREDITED WHEN CERTIFICATES ARE USED TO PAY TAX AND NO INTEREST IS DUE WHERE THE PRINCIPAL VALUE OF A CERTIFICATE IS REPAID BY A CHEQUE,” HE SAID.
THE NEW RATE WILL APPLY TO ALL CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER AUGUST 24.
CERTIFICATES WHICH WERE ISSUED BEFORE AUGUST 24 WILL CONTINUE TO EARN INTEREST AS FOLLOWS:
7.56% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER MAY 29, 1991 AND BEFORE JULY 3, 1991;
6.60% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JULY 3, 1991 AND BEFORE AUGUST 14, 1991;
6.00% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER AUGUST 14, 1991 AND BEFORE SEPTEMBER 18, 1991;
/5.52% .......
MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 1994
12
5.52% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER SEPTEMBER 18, 1991 AND BEFORE NOVEMBER 6, 1991;
5.04% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER NOVEMBER 6, 1991 AND BEFORE MAY 6, 1992;
4.56% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER MAY 6, 1992 AND BEFORE MAY 27, 1992;
3.60% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER MAY 27, 1992 AND BEFORE JULY 8, 1992;
3.00% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JULY 8, 1992 AND BEFORE MARCH 30, 1994;
3.84% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER MARCH 30, 1994 AND BEFORE MAY 25, 1994; AND
4.56% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER MAY 25, 1994 AND BEFORE AUGUST 24, 1994.
BUT THEY ARE ALWAYS SUBJECT TO THE GENERAL RULE THAT INTEREST CEASES TO ACCRUE AFTER 36 COMPLETE MONTHS. WHERE INTEREST PAID ON CERTIFICATES AT ANY ONE TIME INCLUDES A NUMBER OF CENTS, THE NUMBER OF CENTS IS REGARDED AS ONE DOLLAR. FOR EXAMPLE:
$1,000 CERTIFICATES PURCHASED ON AUGUST 24, 1994, SEPTEMBER 24, 1994 AND OCTOBER 24, 1994 RESPECTIVELY, SURRENDERED IN PAYMENT OF TAX DUE ON NOVEMBER 23, 1994 WILL HAVE INTEREST CALCULATED AS FOLLOWS:
ON $1,000, AUGUST 24, 1994 TO NOVEMBER 23, 1994
THREE COMPLETE MONTHS AT $4.20 PER MONTH =$12.60
ON $1,000, SEPTEMBER 24, 1994 TO NOVEMBER 23, 1994
TWO COMPLETE MONTHS AT $4.20 PER MONTH = $8.40
ON $1,000, OCTOBER 24, 1994 TO NOVEMBER 23, 1994
ONE COMPLETE MONTH AT $4.20 PER MONTH = $4.20
$25.20
ROUND UP TO $26.00
------0--------
SOUVENIR COVER MARKS STAMP EXHIBITION * * * * *
THE POST OFFICE WILL ISSUE A SOUVENIR COVER ON AUGUST 31 TO COMMEMORATE ITS PARTICIPATION IN SINGPEX '94 INTERNATIONAL PHILATELIC EXHIBITION TO BE HELD IN SINGAPORE FROM AUGUST 31 TO SEPTEMBER 3.
THE SOUVENIR COVER WILL BE PLACED ON SALE AT ALL POST OFFICES, EXCEPT THE AIRPORT POST OFFICE, FROM AUGUST 24 AT $1 EACH, THE ACTING POSTMASTER-GENERAL, MISS NANCY LAW, SAID.
/ON AUGUST ......
MONDAY, AUGSUT 22, 1994
- 13 -
ON AUGUST 31 A HAND-BACK SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED AT ALL POST OFFICES, EXCEPT THE AIRPORT POST OFFICE, TO OFFICIAL AND PRIVATELY-MADE COVERS BEARING AN INDICATION OF THE EVENT.
A SPECIAL POSTMARK AND A CACHET FOR GENERAL CANCELLATION PURPOSES WILL ALSO BE INTRODUCED ON AUGUST 31.
------0-------
HONG KONG HOLDS DRAGON BOAT RACES IN NEW YORK
* * ♦ * »
THE UNITED STATES DRAGON BOAT ASSOCIATION TEAM FROM PHILADELPHIA BEAT 11 OTHER TEAMS TO CAPTURE THE HONG KONG DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIP ON SUNDAY (NEW YORK TIME) AS THE FOURTH ANNUAL HONG KONG DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL IN NEW YORK REACHED ITS HIGH POINT.
WITH A WINNING TIME OF THREE MINUTES 24 SECONDS, THE WINNER OUT-PADDLED TEAMS FROM ACROSS THE UNITED STATES IN A 500-METRE RACE ON THE HUDSON RIVER OFF LOWER MANHATTAN.
THE TEAM WILL BE FLOWN TO HONG KONG BY UNITED AIRLINES TO COMPETE IN THE 1995 HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL DRAGON BOAT RACE.
THE SECOND, THIRD AND FOURTH-PLACE WINNERS WERE MID-ATLANTIC PADDLERS ASSOCIATION TEAM FROM VIRGINIA, BEAVER BOAT CLUB TEAM FROM BOSTON AND BIG APPLE TEAM FROM NEW YORK RESPECTIVELY.
THE PHILADELPHIA TEAM ALSO CAME FIRST IN LAST YEAR’S CHAMPIONSHIP RACE IN NEW YORK AND REPRESENTED THE U.S. IN THE JUNE 1994 INTERNATIONAL RACES IN HONG KONG.
A CROWD OF 140,000 VIEWED THE RACE AS THEY ATTENDED THE HONG KONG DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL WHICH WAS PRESENTED BY THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE IN NEW YORK AND HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK. THE FESTIVAL WAS SPONSORED BY HONGKONGBANK.
"I AM DELIGHTED TO SEE THAT SINCE THE LAUNCHING OF THE FIRST HONG KONG DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL IN NEW YORK IN 1991, THIS INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL AND SPORTING EVENT HAS REALLY CAUGHT ON IN NEW YORK,” THE HONG KONG COMMISSIONER FOR ECONOMIC AND TRADE AFFAIRS IN USA, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, SAID.
"IT IS ANOTHER REMARKABLE YEAR FOR THE DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL.
"THIS YEAR WE HAVE HAD A TOTAL OF 42 TEAMS PARTICIPATING IN THE DRAGON BOAT RACES WHICH IS FOUR TIMES THAT OF 1991. MOREOVER, THE SCOPE OF THIS YEAR’S EVENT IS EVEN LARGER THAN LAST YEAR. IT IS OUR HOPE THAT THE FESTIVAL WILL HELP TO BRING BOTH THE UNITED STATES AND HONG KONG COMMUNITIES TO A CLOSER BUSINESS, CULTURAL AND SOCIAL TIES," HE SAID.
------0-------
/14........
MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 1994
14
FRESH WATER CUTS IN TSUEN WAN AND CHEUNG SHA WAN
*****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN TSUEN WAN AND CHEUNG SHA WAN WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON WEDNESDAY (AUGUST 24) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY TO FACILITATE WATER MAINS LEAKAGE DETECTION.
IN TSUEN WAN, THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL THE PREMISES AT SHA TSUI ROAD, SZE PEI SQUARE, CHUEN LUNG STREET, YI PEI SQUARE, HO PUI STREET, YEUNG UK ROAD, CHUNG ON STREET, SAM PEI SQUARE AND HAM TIN STREET.
IN CHEUNG SHA WAN, THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE LOCATED AT 410-483 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, 1-10 KWONG SHING STREET, KWONG CHEUNG STREET, FUK WA STREET, KIM SHIN LANE, FUK WING STREET, UN CHAU STREET AND CHEUNG WAH STREET.
------0-------
WATER STORAGE FIGURE
* * * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 95.5 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 559.519 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 461.035 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 78.7 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
--------0-----------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
CUMULATIVE
TIME CHANGE
$ MILLION (HOURS) ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO :
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY
LAF TODAY
LAF RATE 3.00 BID/5.00 OFFER
1,658 0930 + 11
1,808 1000 + 11
1100 +61
+ 61 1200 + 61
+ 89 1500 + 61
1600 + 61
TWI 122.0 »-0.2» 22.8.94
/HONG KONG .......
MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 1994
15
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.27 18 MONTHS 2602 4.40 98.11 5.83
1 MONTH 4.29 24 MONTHS 2608 6.15 100.11 6.18
3 MONTHS 4.41 30 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.93 6.54
6 MONTHS 4.71 33 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98.95 6.69
12 MONTHS 5.25 36 MONTHS 3707 6.95 100.56 6.85
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 8,297 MN
CLOSED 22 AUGUST 1994
------0------------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
WORLD BANK AND IMF 1997 MEETINGS IN HK WELCOMED............. 1
TWO LOTS SOLD FOR $1,170 MILLION............................ 2
GOVERNMENT RESPONDS TO LAND AUCTION RESULTS................. 2
RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE SURVEY RESULTS FOR JULY 1994 .......... 3
GOVT FULLY APPRECIATES WORRIES OF LECTURERS................. 5
TWO MORE INVALID NOMINATIONS FOR DB ELECTIONS............... 6
TING KAU BRIDGE AND APPROACH VIADUCT CONTRACT AWARDED.... 6
PROVISIONAL FIGURES ON RETAIL SALES FOR JUNE 1994 RELEASED .... 7
DEADLINE TO BRING IN CHINA EMPLOYEES....................... 10
BN(O) PASSPORT APPLICATION DEADLINE........................ 10
LONG-SERVING CUSTOMS OFFICERS RECEIVE MEDALS............... 12
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS................ 12
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ....
13
TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 1994
WORLD BANK AND IMF 1997 MEETINGS IN HK WELCOMED » * * * *
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT IT WELCOMED THE DECISION OF THE BOARDS OF GOVERNORS OF THE WORLD BANK AND THE INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND (IMF) TO HOLD THEIR 1997 ANNUAL MEETINGS IN HONG KONG FROM SEPTEMBER 23 TO 25, 1997.
"THE DECISION IS ITSELF A BOOST OF CONFIDENCE IN THE TERRITORY," THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR DONALD TSANG, SAID FOLLOWING THE ANNOUNCEMENT LAST NIGHT BY THE WORLD BANK AND IMF.
"THE STAGING OF SUCH A PRESTIGIOUS EVENT SOON AFTER THE TRANSFER OF SOVEREIGNTY IS OF SIGNIFICANCE TO HONG KONG. IT WILL BE A TIMELY AFFIRMATION OF HONG KONG’S CONTINUING STATUS AS AN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE AFTER 1997.
"THE UNITED KINGDOM, CHINA AND HONG KONG ARE ALL SUPPORTIVE OF HOLDING THE EVENT IN HONG KONG, WHICH WOULD BE GOOD FOR THE CONTINUED STABILITY AND PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG AFTER 1997," HE ADDED.
THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY (HKMA), MR JOSEPH YAM, SAID: "WE ARE COMMITTED TO A SUCCESSFUL ORGANISATION OF THE 1997 ANNUAL MEETINGS."
THE HKMA WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR CO-ORDINATING THE PLANNING WORK FOR THE MEETINGS.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WILL BE CHAIRING A STEERING COMMITTEE TO OVERSEE THE OVERALL PLANNING OF THIS IMPORTANT EVENT. APART FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE HKMA, OTHER MEMBERS OF THE STEERING COMMITTEE WILL INCLUDE SENIOR OFFICIALS FROM RELEVANT BRANCHES.
THE HKMA WILL ALSO SET UP COMMITTEES AND WORKING GROUPS, COMPRISING REPRESENTATIVES FROM VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND ORGANISATIONS, TO DEAL WITH DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF THE PLANNING WORK.
THE ANNUAL MEETINGS OF THE WORLD BANK AND IMF ARE NORMALLY HELD OUTSIDE THEIR HEADQUARTERS IN WASHINGTON DC ONCE EVERY THREE YEARS. THE MEETINGS THIS YEAR WILL BE HELD IN MADRID.
THE ANNUAL MEETINGS ARE USUALLY ATTENDED BY AROUND 10,000 PARTICIPANTS. THEY COMPRISE DELEGATIONS FROM MORE THAN 150 MEMBER COUNTRIES USUALLY HEADED BY FINANCE MINISTERS OR GOVERNORS OF CENTRAL BANKS, SPECIAL GUESTS AND OBSERVERS, INTERNATIONAL BANKERS AND MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES.
------0 - -
/2........
TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 1994
2
TWO LOTS SOLD FOR $1,170 MILLION * * * * *
TWO LOTS OF GOVERNMENT LAND WERE SOLD FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT OF $1,170 MILLION AT A PUBLIC AUCTION HELD BY THE LANDS DEPARTMENT THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON.
ANOTHER LOT, COVERING AN AREA OF 2,435 SQUARE METRES FOR INDUSTRIAL OR GODOWN USE IN HONG YIP STREET IN TUNG TAU INDUSTRIAL AREA, YUEN LONG, WAS WITHDRAWN BECAUSE NO BIDDING WAS MADE FOR THE OPENING PRICE OF $35 MILLION.
THE LOT IN AREA 7, TAI PO, WAS BOUGHT BY ADMARCH LIMITED AT THE OPENING PRICE OF $950 MILLION. WITH AN AREA OF 15,250 SQUARE METRES, IT IS INTENDED FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL USE.
THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 15,140 SQUARE METRES BEFORE SEPTEMBER 30, 1998.
THE OTHER LOT, WITH AN AREA OF 3,350 SQUARE METRES FOR GODOWN USE AT KWAI FUK ROAD, KWAI CHUNG, WAS BOUGHT BY NEOSTAR INVESTMENT LIMITED AT $220 MILLION, WITH BIDDING OPENING AT THE SAME PRICE.
THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 19,095 SQUARE METRES BEFORE SEPTEMBER 30, 1997.
HELD IN THE THEATRE OF THE CITY HALL, THE AUCTION WAS CONDUCTED BY GOVERNMENT LAND AGENT, MR JOHN CORRIGALL.
------0-------
GOVERNMENT RESPONDS TO LAND AUCTION RESULTS
*****
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES ABOUT RESULTS OF TODAY’S LAND AUCTION, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS BRANCH SAID:
’’THE VIEW IN THE MARKET IS THAT CAUTIOUS RESPONSE FROM BIDDERS IS DUE TO A NUMBER OF REASONS INCLUDING THE RECENT RISE IN INTEREST RATE AND GOVERNMENT’S MEASURES TO MODERATE PROPERTY PRICES.
’’THE TAI PO SITE WITH A PLOT RATIO OF 1.65 IS FOR LOW DENSITY DEVELOPMENT. THE PREMIUM REALISED COMES TO ABOUT $3,600 PER SQUARE FEET WHICH IS REASONABLE IN COMPARISON WITH OTHER SALES IN THE AREA.
’’THE LACK OF INTEREST IN THE YUEN LONG LOT MAY BE DUE TO ITS GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION AND POSSTBLF CONSTRAINTS ON DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL OF THE SITE.
’THE RESULTS ARE AN INDICATION OF FURTHER COOLING OF THE MARKET. THIS COULD BE INTERPRETED AS BEING IN LINE WITH THE COMMUNITY’S WISH AS WELL AS GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION TO SFE PROPERTY PRICES MODERATING.
”WE SHOULD NOT READ TOO MUCH INTO THE RESULTS OF A SINGLE AUCTION WHICH IS INFLUENCED BY MANY FACTORS,” HE SAID.
------0-------
/3......
TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 1994
- 3 -
RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE SURVEY RESULTS FOR JULY 1994
*****
THE GROWTH OF RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOANS FOR THE PURCHASE OF PROPERTIES IN HONG KONG CONTINUED TO DECELERATE IN JULY, ACCORDING TO THE LATEST MONTHLY SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY (HKMA).
THE LATEST FIGURES SHOW THAT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF OUTSTANDING MORTGAGE LENDING BY THE 3 3 INSTITUTIONS IN THE SURVEY GREW BY 0.4 PER CENT IN JULY TO $238.3 BILLION.
THE PERCENTAGE CHANGE HAS BEEN ADJUSTED TO ALLOW FOR THE RECLASSIFICATION AND SECURITISATION OF LOANS BY SOME INSTITUTIONS. THE GROWTH IN JUNE WAS 1.4 PER CENT.
OVER THE PREVIOUS 12 MONTHS, THE AVERAGE MONTHLY GROWTH HAD BEEN 1.24 PER CENT.
REFLECTING THE MODEST GROWTH IN JULY, THE ANNUALISED RATE OF GROWTH IN LENDING OVER THE LAST THREE MONTHS HAS FALLEN TO 15.1 PER CENT FROM 21.4 PER CENT IN THE THREE-MONTH PERIOD TO JUNE.
THE 12-MONTH AVERAGE GROWTH HAS ALSO SLOWED TO AN ANNUALISED RATE OF 14.9 PER CENT COMPARED WITH 17.0 PER CENT IN JUNE.
"THE JULY FIGURES REFLECT THE SLOW DOWN IN THE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MARKET RESULTING FROM THE GOVERNMENT’S MEASURES TO DAMPEN PROPERTY PRICES," THE DEPUTY CHIEF EXECUTIVE (BANKING) OF THE HKMA, MR DAVID CARSE, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
NEW LOANS APPROVED BUT NOT YET DRAWN INCREASED IN JULY TO $4.0 BILLION FROM $3.6 BILLION AFTER FALLING FOR THREE CONSECUTIVE MONTHS.
"DESPITE THIS INCREASE, THE GROWTH IN LENDING SHOULD REMAIN MODEST IN AUGUST; BUT IT WOULD BE PREMATURE FOR BANKS TO CONSIDER ANY RELAXATION OF THEIR CAUTIOUS LENDING POLICIES," MR CARSE SAID.
LENDING FOR THE PURCHASE OF PROPERTIES IN CHINA GREW BY 1.8 PER CENT IN JULY, TO $4.1 BILLION FROM $4.0 BILLION, COMPARED WITH THE 1.7 PER CENT GROWTH IN JUNE. MOST OF THE INCREASE WAS IN LENDING FOR RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES.
GROSS LOANS MADE IN JULY ALSO INCREASED IN BOTH NUMBER (TO 339 FROM 235) AND AMOUNT (TO $171 MILLION FROM $93 MILLION). NEW LOANS APPROVED* IN JULY ROSE IN NUMBER (TO 347 FROM 335) BUT FELL IN AMOUNT (TO $181 MILLION FROM $197 MILLION).
/Residential Mortgage .......
TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 1994
Residential Mortgage Loans in Hong Kong Results of Survey for July 1994
Jul Jun
1994 1994
HKS Mn HK$ Mn
33 authorised institutions
1. Outstanding lending
a. Amount 238,335 238,248
b. Monthly change 0.41% ** 1.40%
c. Twelve-month change 14.9% ** 17.0%
d. Average change (annualized)
Latest three months 15.1% ** 21.4%
Latest twelve months 14.9% *,* . 17.0%
2. Gross loans made during month
a. Amount 5,330 7,745
b. Number 3772 5403
3. New loans approved during month
a. Amount 5,761 6,222
b. Number 3993 4172
4. New loans approved during month but not yet drawn
a. Amount 4,015 3,633
b. Number 2751 2531
Note : ** Adjusted for the effect of re-classification of loans and securitization of residential mortgage loans by some institutions.
-------o----------
/5........
TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 1994
- 5 -
GOVT FULLY APPRECIATES WORRIES OF LECTURERS *****
IN RESPONSE TO MEDIA ENQUIRIES, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WONG, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY):
"THE GOVERNMENT FULLY APPRECIATES THE WORRIES AND ANXIETIES OF THE LECTURERS OF THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION AND THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED ARRANGEMENTS FOR THEM TO TRANSFER TO THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION (HKIED). WE ARE, THEREFORE, ALREADY ACTIVELY CONSIDERING IMPROVEMENT TO THE PROPOSED PACKAGE ANNOUNCED IN JULY FOR CONSULTATION. LECTURERS ARE GENERALLY AWARE OF OUR INTENTION TO PUT A SUBMISSION TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR CONSIDERATION IN EARLY SEPTEMBER.
"I WISH TO POINT OUT ONCE AGAIN THAT UNDER THE ORIGINALLY PROPOSED PACKAGE, LECTURERS MAY TRANSFER ACROSS TO THE HKIED WITH THEIR EXISTING SALARIES AND PENSION BENEFIT PROTECTED. THEY WILL ALSO RETAIN THE CIVIL SERVICE HOUSING BENEFITS WHICH THEY ARE RECEIVING. EVEN SO, WE ARE NOW PREPARING A REVISED AND IMPROVED PACKAGE FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
"I HOPE LECTURERS REALISE THAT THEY WILL HAVE A GOOD OPPORTUNITY TO ADVANCE THEIR CAREER IN THE HKIED, AND WILL HAVE A SIGNIFICANT PART TO PLAY' IN THE UPGRADING OF TEACHER EDUCATION. WE ENCOURAGE THEM TO TRANSFER ACROSS TO THE HKIED SO THAT THEY CAN CONTRIBUTE TO THIS UPGRADING PROCESS WHICH WILL BENEFIT THE NEXT GENERATION OF TEACHERS AND THE COMMUNITY.
"WE REGRET TO LEARN THAT, DESPITE OUR POSITIVE EFFORTS, COLLEGE STAFF UNIONS HAVE CALLED FOR INDUSTRIAL ACTION FROM AUGUST 30 TO SEPTEMBER 7.
"I SINCERELY URGE LECTURERS TO EXERCISE GOOD SENSE AND PROFESSIONALISM WHILE WAITING FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ON THE PACKAGE. IN THE MEANTIME, ANY ACTION BY LECTURERS TO DISRUPT TEACHER EDUCATION WILL NOT BE HELPFUL TO THEIR CAUSE. NOR WILL IT BE IN THE INTEREST OF THE PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS, EXISTING TRAINEES AND THE COMMUNITY.
"I APPEAL TO COLLEGE STAFF UNIONS TO CALL OFF THE INTENDED INDUSTRIAL ACTION, AND FURTHER APPEAL TO ALL LECTURERS TO ACT RESPONSIBLY IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST AND TO REFRAIN FROM TAKING PART IN ANY INDUSTRIAL ACTION.
"I AM GLAD TO LEARN THAT OF THE 280 SERVING LECTURERS WHO HAVE APPLIED FOR POSTS IN THE HKIED AND HAVE BEEN INTERVIEWED, 95 PER CENT OF THEM HAVE BEEN OFFERED APPOINTMENTS.
"AMONG THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS, OVER 70 PER CENT HAVE BEEN OFFERED APPOINTMENT TO A RANK WITH A HIGHER MAXIMUM SALARY POINT THAN THAT IN THEIR EXISTING RANK. ANOTHER 22 PER CENT HAVE BEEN OFFERED ACTING APPOINTMENTS TO RANKS WITH HIGHER SALARY POINTS."
------0---------
TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 1994
6
TWO MORE INVALID NOMINATIONS FOR DB ELECTIONS * * * * *
THE NOMINATIONS OF TWO MORE CANDIDATES FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS IN SEPTEMBER HAVE BEEN RULED INVALID.
THEY WERE MR TSANG WING-HONG OF HOI TSUI CONSTITUENCY AND MR LAW YIU-KUEN OF SHEK LEI CONSTITUENCY, BOTH IN KWAI TSING DISTRICT.
THE REASONS WERE THAT CHEQUES FOR PAYMENT OF ELECTION DEPOSIT NOT IN ORDER.
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF NOMINATIONS REJECTED SO FAR WAS 10.
------0-------
TING KAU BRIDGE AND APPROACH VIADUCT CONTRACT AWARDED *****
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) AWARDED A $1,738 MILLION CONTRACT TO THE TING KAU CONTRACTORS JOINT VENTURE FOR THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE TING KAU BRIDGE AND APPROACH VIADUCT SECTION OF ROUTE 3.
UPON COMPLETION BY MID-1997, IT WILL RELIEVE CONGESTION IN THE KWAI TSING/TSUEN WAN AREA.
THE JOINT VENTURE COMPRISES A PARTNERSHIP OF CUB1ERTAS Y MZOV, S.A. (SPAIN), DOWNER AND COMPANY LIMITED (HONG KONG), ENTRECANALES Y TAVORA, S.A. (SPAIN) AND ED. ZUBLIN AG (GERMANY).
THE TING KAU BRIDGE AND APPROACH VIADUCT FORMS A MAJOR PART OF ROUTE 3 AND WILL LINK THE TUEN MUN ROAD TO THE TSING YI SECTION OF ROUTE 3 AND THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING, PROVIDING EASY ACCESS FROM NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES TO THE KOWLOON PENINSULAR AND THE PROPOSED PORT DEVELOPMENTS ON LANTAU AND THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK.
CONSTRUCTION WORK WILL START ON AUGUST 30.
THE CONTRACT IS OF THE ’’DESIGN AND BUILD” TYPE AND IS THE LARGEST IN-HOUSE PROJECT EVER UNDERTAKEN BY THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT.
THE CONTRACTOR WILL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCT THE TING KAU BRIDGE, A TRIPLE TOWER CABLE-STAYED BRIDGE WITH A TOTAL LENGTH OF 1,178 METRES ACROSS THE RAMBLER CHANNEL, AND A HIGH LEVEL APPROACH VIADUCT ON TING KAU HEADLAND WITH A TOTAL LENGTH OF ABOUT 700 METRES.
THESE MAJOR STRUCTURES WILL CARRY A DUAL THREE-LANE EXPRESSWAY WITH HARD SHOULDERS AND THE APPROACH VIADUCT WILL CONNECT TO THE PROPOSED TAI LAM TUNNEL SECTION OF THE ROUTE 3.
SLIP ROADS TO AND FROM THE TING KAU BRIDGE AT ITS NORTHERN END WILL PROVIDE CONNECTIONS TO AND FROM THE WEST ONTO TUEN MUN ROAD (ROUTE 2), WHILST AT THE SOUTHERN END OF THE TING KAU BRIDGE, A CONNECTION WILL BE MADE TO THE SOUTHERN PART OF ROUTE 3 AND THE INTERCHANGE WITH THE TSING MA BRIDGE.
/THE CONTRACT........
TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 1994
THE CONTRACT PRICE OF $1,738 MILLION (IN MONEY OF THE DAY) FOR DESIGNING AND CONSTRUCTING THE TING KAU BRIDGE, THE APPROACH VIADUCT AND CONNECTIONS TO TUEN MUN ROAD IS WITHIN THE GOVERNMENT’S ESTIMATE OF $2,438 MILLION FOR THE CONTRACT.
THE DETAILED PLANNING FOR THE CONTRACT WAS MANAGED BY THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING PROJECT MANAGEMENT OFFICE OF THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT WHO WILL ALSO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ADMINISTRATION AND SUPERVISION OF THE CONTRACT.
------0------------
PROVISIONAL FIGURES ON RETAIL SALES FOR JUNE 1994 RELEASED *****
THE VALUE OF TOTAL RETAIL SALES IN JUNE 1994, ESTIMATED AT $15.9 BILLION, INCREASED BY 9% WHEN COMPARED WITH JUNE 1993, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
AFTER DISCOUNTING THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES OVER THE PERIOD, TOTAL RETAIL SALES ROSE BY 3% IN VOLUME TERMS IN JUNE 1994 OVER A YEAR EARLIER.
THE INCREASE IN JUNE 94 WAS MAINLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO GROWTH IN SPENDING ON CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR. SALES OF THESE ITEMS INCREASED BY 25% IN VALUE AND 15% IN VOLUME.
MODERATE INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE SALES OF JEWELLERY AND WATCHES (9% IN VALUE AND 4% IN VOLUME); FUELS (9% IN VALUE AND 4% IN VOLUME); AND OTHER FOODSTUFFS (6% IN VALUE AND 5% IN VOLUME).
SALES IN SUPERMARKETS AND SALES OF CONSUMER DURABLE GOODS OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES INCREASED BY 8% AND 3% RESPECTIVELY IN VALUE, BUT BOTH WITH VIRTUALLY NO CHANGE IN VOLUME. SALES IN DEPARTMENT STORES INCREASED BY 7% IN VALUE, BUT DROPPED BY 1% IN VOLUME.
ON THE OTHER HAND, SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES DECREASED BY 6% IN VALUE AND 11% IN VOLUME.
COMPARED WITH MAY 1994, BUT BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON MAY BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, TOTAL RETAIL SALES IN JUNE 1994 DECREASED BY 3% IN VALUE AND IN VOLUME TERMS.
COMPARING THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THIS YEAR WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, TOTAL RETAIL SALES ROSE BY 14% IN VALUE AND 8% 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 .......
TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 1994
- 8 -
THE REPORT CONTAINING THE ANALYSIS OF THE JUNE 1994 RESULTS IS NOW ON SALE AT $3 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.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
TABLE
1994 AND THE
1 PRESENTS THE REVISED TOTAL RETAIL SALES FIGURE FOR PROVISIONAL FIGURE FOR JUNE 1994.
MAY
TABLE 2 SHOWS THE VALUE AND VOLUME INDICES Ob RFTA11 SAI ES IN MAY AND JUNK 1994 FOK 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 1994 RESULTS WITH THOSE FOR MAY 1994 AND THOSE FOR JUNE 1993, AS WELL AS COMPARISONS OF RETAIL SALES IN THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY TO JUNE OF 1994 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993 ARE ALSO GIVEN.
/TABLE 1 : .......
TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 1994
9
TABLE 1 : TOTAL RETAIL SALES
Total Retail Sales for June 1994 (Provisional Figure) « HK$15,947.6 million for May 1994 (Revised Figure) s HK$16,370.4 million
TABLE 2 : VALUE AND VOLUME INDICES OF RETAIL SALES FOR MAY 1994 AND JUNE 1994 (Monthly average of Oct. 89 - Sept. 90 ■ 100)
Type of Outlet Index of Retail Sales May 1994 June 1994 June 1994 June 1994 compared with June 1993 Jan.-Jun.1994 conpared with Jan.-Jun.1993
compared May with 994
(Revised (Provisional (Points) (X) (Points) (X) (Points) (X)
figures) figures)
(A) FOR ALL RETAIL OUTLETS Value 174.3 169.8 -4.5 -2.6 ♦ 13.6 ♦8.7 ♦21.5 ♦14.3
Volume 137.2 133.0 -4.1 -3.0 ♦4.2 ♦3.2 ♦10.5 ♦8.3
(B) BY TYPE OF RETAIL OUTLET
Foodstuffs, alcoholic Value 130.4 128.7 -1.7 •1.3 ♦6.7 ♦5.5 ♦9.9 ♦8.2
drinks and tobacco Volume 103.1 98.8 -4.4 -4.2 ♦4.7 ♦5.0 ♦5.8 ♦6.0
(other than
supermarkets)
Supermarkets $ Value Volume 150.7 107.6 158.0 111.9 ♦7.4 ♦4.3 ♦4.9 ♦4.0 ♦11.1 -0.4 ♦7.6 -0.4 ♦ 17.0 ♦5.7 ♦12.4 ♦5.4
Fuels Value 152.7 164.9 ♦12.2 ♦8.0 ♦ 14.0 ♦9.3 ♦4.7 ♦3.5
Volume 108.0 114.3 ♦6.3 ♦5.8 ♦4.2 ♦3.8 ♦0.2 ♦0.2
Clothing, footwear and Value 265.5 230.3 -35.3 -13.3 ♦45.6 ♦24.7 ♦56.0 ♦30.0
allied products Volume 181.1 158.7 -22.4 -12.4 ♦20.4 ♦ 14.7 ♦30.8 ♦20.9
Consumer durable goods Value 179.4 181.8 ♦2.3 ♦ 1.3 -1.4 -0.8 ♦ 12.4 ♦5.1 ♦7.3
Volume 150.3 152.2 ♦1.9 ♦1.3 -6.6 -4.2 ♦3.4
- Motor vehicles Value 175.2 180.2 ♦5.0 ♦2.9 -10.7 •5.6 ♦4.2 ♦2.4
and parts Volume 128.5 132.0 ♦3.5 ♦2.7 -16.8 -11.3 •6.7 -4.7
• Consumer durable Value 182.5 182.9 ♦0.4 ♦0.2 ♦5.3 ♦3.0 ♦ 18.3 ♦ 11.2
goods other than motor vehicles Volume 166.1 166.9 ♦0.8 ♦0.5 ♦0.7 ♦0.4 ♦ 13.7 ♦8.9
and parts
Department stores Value Volume 150.1 107.5 138.5 99.4 -11.6 -8.1 -7.8 -7.6 ♦8.8 -1.1 ♦6.8 •1.1 ♦ 14.1 ♦4.2 ♦ 10.3 ♦3.8
Jewellery, watches Value 177.9 164.3 -13.6 -7.6 ♦ 12.8 ♦8.5 ♦23.6 ♦15.9
and clocks, and valuable gifts Volume 169.7 155.4 -14.3 -8.4 +6.3 ♦4.3 ♦9.8 ♦6.3
Other consumer goods not’elsewhere Value Volume 182.4 144.7 194.0 152.9 ♦ 11.5 ♦A.2 ♦6.3 ♦5.7 ♦23.1 ♦ 12.4 ♦13. ♦8.1 ♦31.7 ♦21.2 ♦20.8 ♦ 16.8
classified
NOTE : Not including supermarkets operating in department stores.
/10........
TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 1994
- 10 -
DEADLINE TO BRING IN CHINA EMPLOYEES
*****
AUGUST 31 WILL BE THE LAST DAY FOR EMPLOYERS TO SUBMIT PRELIMINARY APPLICATIONS FOR THE SECOND ROUND OF BALLOT EXERCISE FOR ENTRY OF NATIONALS FROM CHINA FOR EMPLOYMENT IN HONG KONG, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
A TOTAL OF 250 APPLICATIONS WILL BE RANDOMLY SELECTED BY COMPUTERS.
THE EMPLOYERS SHOULD COMPLETE THE APPLICATION FORM (ID806) AND RETURN IT, TOGETHER WITH A CROSSED CHEQUE OR CASHIER ORDER FOR $500 MADE PAYABLE TO THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND A SELF-ADDRESSED ENVELOPE WITH STAMP, TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT.
’’ONE APPLICATION FORM IS REQUIRED FOR EACH VACANCY AND THE FEE IS NON-REFUNDABLE,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE EMPLOYER MAY SEND THE APPLICATION BY POST, OR BY DROPPING IT INTO THE DROP-IN BOX LOCATED AT COUNTER NUMBER 3 OF ENTRY VISA (OTHER SERVICES) SECTION, SEVENTH FLOOR, IMMIGRATION TOWER, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, HONG KONG.
HE ADVISED EMPLOYERS NOT TO SUBMIT DOUBLE APPLICATIONS FOR THE SAME VACANCY. ’’OVERBIDDING WILL RESULT IN REFUSAL OF THE APPLICATIONS,” HE SAID.
THE SECOND BALLOT EXERCISE WILL BE HELD IN THE SECOND WEEK OF SEPTEMBER AND THE RESULTS WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE PRESS AND DISPLAYED AT THE PUBLIC WAITING AREA OF THE ENTRY VISA (OTHER SERVICES) SECTION. SUCCESSFUL EMPLOYERS WILL BE NOTIFIED IN WRITING INDIVIDUALLY.
UNSUCCESSFUL APPLICATIONS IN THE BALLOT EXERCISE WILL CONTINUE TO REMAIN ELIGIBLE FOR SUBSEQUENT EXERCISES TO BE HELD IN DECEMBER THIS YEAR AND MARCH NEXT YEAR, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY TELEPHONE 824 6111.
---------0-----------
BN(O) PASSPORT APPLICATION DEADLINE
*****
HONG KONG BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZENS (BDTCS) BORN BETWEEN 1957 AND 1961 HAVE UNTIL AUGUST 31 TO APPLY FOR BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) (BN(O)) PASSPORTS, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
HONG KONG BDTCS, SUCH AS PERSONS BORN, NATURALISED OR REGISTERED IN HONG KONG, MUST OBTAIN A BN(O) PASSPORT IF THEY WISH TO CONTINUE TO TRAVEL ON BRITISH PASSPORTS BEYOND 1997.
/AS SPECIFIED .......
TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 1994
11
AS SPECIFIED IN THE SECOND SCHEDULE TO THE HONG KONG (BRITISH NATIONALITY) ORDER 1986, APPLICATIONS FOR BN(O) PASSPORTS MUST BE SUBMITTED ON OR BEFORE THE FINAL DATES RELEVANT TO THEIR AGE GROUPS.
FURTHER PUBLICITY WILL BE MADE IN RESPECT OF BDTCS BORN IN OTHER YEARS SO THAT THEY MAY SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS BY PHASES ACCORDING TO THEIR AGE GROUPS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
’’THEY ARE FREE TO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS NOW.
’’HOWEVER, IN VIEW OF THE VERY LARGE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS WE ARE RECEIVING EACH DAY, PRIORITY WILL HAVE TO BE GIVEN TO APPLICANTS FOR FIRST PASSPORT OR REPLACEMENT OF PASSPORT WITH VALIDITY OF LESS THAN 12 MONTHS,” HE SAID.
PERSONS WHO DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE RELEVANT CUT-OFF DATES WILL NOT BE ABLE TO TRAVEL ON BRITISH PASSPORTS BEYOND 1997.
AN APPLICATION MADE AFTER THE FINAL DATE WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED IF THE APPLICANT CAN SHOW THAT THERE ARE SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH JUSTIFY HIS LATE APPLICATION.
A BN(O) LATE REGISTRATION APPEALS ADVISORY COMMITTEE HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED TO ADVISE THE GOVERNOR ON THOSE LATE APPLICATIONS WHICH HAVE BEEN REJECTED BY THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT.
THE SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED THAT THOSE WHO ALREADY HAD A BN(O) PASSPORT, EITHER THE CONVENTIONAL HARD-COVER TYPE OR THE BURGUNDY RED MACHINE-READABLE TYPE, NEED NOT APPLY AGAIN.
APPLICATIONS FOR BN(O) PASSPORTS MAY BE SUBMITTED TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT EITHER BY POST OR IN PERSON.
APPLICANTS MAY ALSO DEPOSIT THEIR APPLICATIONS INTO THE DROP-IN BOXES AT THE IMMIGRATION HEADQUARTERS OR AT ANY IMMIGRATION BRANCH OFFICES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY. APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL IMMIGRATION OFFICES AND DISTRICT OFFICES.
HONG KONG BDTCS LIVING, WORKING OR STUDYING ABROAD, ARE ALSO REQUIRED TO OBSERVE THE CUT-OFF DATES IF THEY WANT TO APPLY FOR A BN(O) PASSPORT.
HOWEVER, THEY ARE NOT REQUIRED TO RETURN TO HONG KONG FOR THEIR APPLICATIONS. THEY SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS TO THE NEAREST BRITISH PASSPORT ISSUING OFFICE EITHER BY POST OR IN PERSON.
THE REQUIRED OVERSEAS APPLICATION FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED AT THOSE OFFICES OR THE HONG KONG IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY TELEPHONE 8241177 (ENGLISH) OR 824 1717 (CHINESE).
---------0-----------
712........
TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 1994
- 12 -
LONG-SERVING CUSTOMS OFFICERS RECEIVE MEDALS
*****
THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, MR DON WATSON, TODAY (TUESDAY) PRESENTED THE HONG KONG DISCIPLINED SERVICES MEDALS-CLASPS TO 80 LONG-SERVING OFFICERS AT A CEREMONY HELD AT CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE SENIOR OFFICERS’ MESS.
AMONG THE SUPERINTENDENTS, INSPECTORS AND CUSTOMS OFFICERS, 41 RECEIVED THE HONG KONG DISCIPLINARY SERVICES MEDAL, 35 RECEIVED THE HONG KONG DISCIPLINED SERVICES MEDAL - FIRST CLASP AND FOUR RECEIVED THE HONG KONG DISCIPLINED SERVICES MEDAL - SECOND CLASP.
AT THE SAME CEREMONY, 35 CUSTOMS OFFICERS AND TRADE CONTROL OFFICERS WERE ALSO AWARDED COMMENDATION CERTIFICATES FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY THEIR HEAD OF COMMANDS.
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS *****
TENDER DATE 23 AUG 94
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q434
AMOUNT APPLIED HKD4.810 MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED HKD1,500 MN
AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED 4.42 PCT
HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED 4.43 PCT
PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 58 PCT
AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 4.44 PCT
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
> ■'
TENDERS TO BE HELD IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 29 AUGUST 1994 -
TENDER DATE 30 AUG 94 30 AUG 94
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q435 H472
ISSUE DATE 31 AUG 94 31 AUG 94
MATURITY DATE 30 NOV 94 1 MAR 95
TENOR 91 DAYS 182 DAYS
AMOUNT ON OFFER HKDl,500 + 300 MN HKD800 + 160 MN
0
/13........
TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 1994
13 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
* « » * »
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,808 0930 -33
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,502 1000 -35
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 -88
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -86 1200 -86
LAF TODAY -220 1500 -86
1600 -86
LAF RATE 3.00 BID/5.00 OFFER TWI 121.9 »-0.1* 23.8.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.21 18 MONTHS 2602 4.40 98.06 5.87
1 MONTH 4.25 24 MONTHS 2608 6.15 100.00 6.24
3 MONTHS 4.43 30 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.80 6.60
6 MONTHS 4.74 33 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98.81 6.75
12 : MONTHS 5.28 36 MONTHS 3707 6.95 100.45 6.89
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 17,955 MN
CLOSED 23 AUGUST 1994
---------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
HK ENVIRONMENT ATTRACTIVE FOR BROADCASTING INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT................................................ 1
CABLE SPINNING STARTS ON TIME AT TSING MA.................. 3
CHINESE DELEGATION TO VISIT HK............................. 4
ANALYSIS OF EXTERNAL TRADE BY MODE OF TRANSPORT............ 5
S3.5M DONATED FOR GOVERNOR’S AWARD FOR INDUSTRY........... 14
WELFARE PAYMENT ARRANGEMENTS FOR HOLIDAYS................. 15
CLINICS TO CLOSE ON SATURDAY.............................. 15
FANLING LOT TO LET........................................ 15
DB ELECTION CANDIDATES TO PRESENT PLATFORMS............... 16
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .... 17
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 1994
HK ENVIRONMENT ATTRACTIVE FOR BROADCASTING INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT *****
HONG KONG HAS A VERY ATTRACTIVE SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT AND A HIGHLY EFFICIENT INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THE BROADCASTING INDUSTRY TO DEVELOP, THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR JAMES SO, SAID.
HONG KONG ALSO HAS A SIMPLE, YET FAIR AND EQUITABLE REGULATORY FRAMEWORK WHICH ALLOWS THE BROADCASTING INDUSTRY CONSIDERABLE ROOM TO ADJUST TO THE SOCIAL, CULTURAL, RELIGIOUS, ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL DIVERSITY OF THE REGION, MR SO ADDED.
HE WAS SPEAKING TODAY (WEDNESDAY) AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE HONG KONG CANADA BUSINESS ASSOCIATION IN VANCOUVER, CANADA, ON "CAPITALISING ON THE FLOURISHING BROADCASTING INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG AND ASIA".
THE FACTORS CITED BY MR SO FOR AN ATTRACTIVE SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT AND AN EFFICIENT INFRASTRUCTURE IN HONG KONG ARE:
* A STEADY GROWING ECONOMY, WITH A SOUND FINANCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND READILY AVAILABLE CAPITAL;
* A FREE AND LIBERAL SOCIETY WHERE THE FREEDOM OF THE PRESS AND FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND INFORMATION ARE RESPECTED AND PROTECTED BY LAW;
* AN EXCELLENT TELECOMMUNICATION INFRASTRUCTURE WITH THE NECESSARY TECHNOLOGY AND SKILLS TO SERVICE IT;
* HAVING ONE OF THE LARGEST AND MOST SOPHISTICATED FILM AND TELEVISION PRODUCTION INDUSTRY OUTSIDE OF HOLLYWOOD; AND
» PROVIDING A SPRINGBOARD INTO CHINA AND OTHER REGIONAL MARKETS BECAUSE OF ITS EXTENSIVE BUSINESS NETWORK AND CONNECTIONS IN THE REGION.
"THE FUNDAMENTAL PHILOSOPHY WE ADOPT IN REGULATING THE BROADCASTING INDUSTRY IS ONE OF POSITIVE NON-INTERVENTION.
"THIS PHILOSOPHY PERMEATES THROUGHOUT HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC AND ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIVITIES AND HAS SERVED US WELL IN DEVELOPING HONG KONG INTO THE FREE, PROSPEROUS AND THRIVING CITY IT IS TODAY," HE SAID.
APPLIED TO THE BROADCASTING, MR SO ADDED THAT THIS PHILOSOPHY MANIFESTED ITSELF IN THREE BROAD PRINCIPLES.
"THE FIRST LIES IN THE PROVISION OF A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD FOR ALL BROADCASTERS TO FREELY PURSUE THEIR BUSINESS IN A FAIR AND EQUITABLE ENVIRONMENT.
"THE SECOND IS TO SAFEGUARD MEDIA FREEDOM THROUGH DIVERSITY. IN THIS REGARD, WE HAVE CLEAR RULES GUARDING AGAINST EXTENSIVE CROSSMEDIA OWNERSHIP WHICH MAY LEAD TO MONOPOLIES, AND AGAINST EXCESSIVE FOREIGN CONTROL THROUGH FOREIGN CONTROL OWNERSHIP RESTRICTIONS.
/"THE THIRD .......
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 1994
- 2 -
"THE THIRD PRINCIPLE IS PROTECTION OF VIEWERS’ INTERESTS," HE SAID.'
THIS IS ACHIEVED PARTLY BY THE SECOND PRINCIPLE WHEREBY THE DIVERSITY OBTAINED WILL ENSURE THAT VIEWERS ARE OFFERED THE WIDEST POSSIBLE CHOICE OF PROGRAMMES AND INFORMATION THROUGH AS MANY DIFFERENT BROADCASTERS AS THE MARKET CAN SUSTAIN.
AND PARTLY THROUGH REQUIREMENTS OF THE BROADCASTERS TO OBSERVE CLEAR CODES OF PRACTICE RELATING TO TECHNICAL QUALITY OF BROADCASTS, PROGRAMME CONTENTS AND CUSTOMER SERVICES ISSUED BY THE TELECOMMUNICATION AND BROADCASTING AUTHORITIES FROM TIME TO TIME.
HONG KONG IS TAKING STEPS TO MAKE ITS LICENSING FRAMEWORK MORE ATTRACTIVE TO FOREIGN SATELLITE TELEVISION BROADCASTERS, ACCORDING TO MR SO.
SINCE LAST MONTH, IT HAS INTRODUCED A NEW MEASURE TO ENABLE OVERSEAS SATELLITE TELEVISION SERVICES TO ESTABLISH THEMSELVES IN HONG KONG QUICKLY WITHOUT THE NEED TO WAIT FOR NEW LEGISLATION TO PROVIDE THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK TO LICENSE SATELLITE BROADCASTING SERVICES REQUIRING ITS OWN UPLINKING FACILITIES.
THIS IS DONE BY ALLOWING HONG KONG TELECOMMUNICATION INTERNATIONAL LTD TO USE ITS SATELLITE UPLINK/DOWNLINK FACILITIES TO PROVIDE THE NECESSARY UPLINK FACILITIES FOR BROADCASTERS WISHING TO INTRODUCE TELEVISION SERVICES IN THE REGION, IN ADDITION TO TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES.
THIS IS, HOWEVER, SUBJECT TO THE TELEVISION SERVICE PROVIDERS OBSERVING CERTAIN CODES OF PRACTICE ON TECHNICAL ASPECTS AND ON PROGRAMME CONTENTS.-
"IN ADDITION, WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF CHANGING OUR LAWS TO RELAX THE FOREIGN OWNERSHIP RESTRICTIONS IN GRANTING A SATELLITE UPLINK/DOWNLINK LICENCE SO THAT SUCH TELEVISION SERVICES IN FUTURE COULD BE UNDER MAJORITY FOREIGN OWNERSHIP.
"THIS WOULD TAKE SOME TIME TO ACHIEVE AS IT WOULD REQUIRE CONSULTATION WITH THE CHINESE AS WELL AS AMENDING EXISTING LAWS."
THE REASON FOR MAKING THIS CHANGE WAS THAT SATELLITE TELEVISION SERVICES DID NOT AIM AT TARGETING HONG KONG ALONE, BUT WERE DIRECTED AT THE REGION AS A WHOLE, MR SO SAID.
ITS IMPACT ON THE LOCAL AUDIENCE AND TERRESTRIAL BROADCASTERS IN HONG KONG WAS THUS UNLIKELY TO BE SIGNIFICANT AND IT WAS HOPED THAT THESE CHANGES COULD BE INTRODUCED NEXT YEAR.
FURTHERMORE, ANY SATELLITE BROADCASTERS WHO HAD OBTAINED A LICENCE TO UPLINK AND DOWNLINK THEIR SERVICES FROM HONG KONG WOULD STAND A BETTER CHANCE OF ACCEPTANCE IN THE CHINA MARKET.
MR SO SAID: "THIS IS BECAUSE OF A NUMBER OF FACTORS. FIRST, CHINA IS CONSULTED BEFORE ANY LICENCES OF THIS NATURE ARE GRANTED BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT.
/"THUS THE .......
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 1994
- 3 -
’’THUS THE LICENSING CONDITIONS AND THE NATURE OF THE PROGRAMMES ARE MORE LIKELY TO BE ACCEPTABLE TO THE CHINESE.
’’SECOND, HONG KONG-PRODUCED TELEVISION PROGRAMMES ARE ALREADY WATCHED BY MILLIONS ACROSS THE BORDER IN CHINA; THUS CHINA IS LIKELY TO BE MORE FAMILIAR AND COMFORTABLE WITH BROADCASTS ORIGINATING FROM HONG KONG.
’’LASTLY, LICENCES ISSUED ARE FOR 12 YEARS AND WOULD STRADDLE 1997 WITH THE CHINESE BEING CONSULTED BEFORE EACH LICENCE IS ISSUED. THUS THERE IS NO FEAR OF ANY MAJOR CHANGES IN LICENSING FRAMEWORK AFTER 1997.”
MR SO ADDED THAT HONG KONG ALSO INTENDED TO OPEN UP THE LOCAL SUBSCRIPTION TELEVISION MARKET AFTER WHARF CABLE’S EXCLUSIVITY EXPIRES IN JUNE 1996.
THIS WOULD PROVIDE A POTENTIAL LUCRATIVE MARKET LOCALLY, HE SAID.
MR SO SAID IRRESPECTIVE OF WHERE AN OVERSEAS SATELLITE BROADCASTER CHOSE TO BASE HIS SERVICE IN THE REGION, HE WOULD PROFFER A FEW WORDS OF ADVICE TO HIM.
THE BROADCASTER MUST BE HIGHLY SENSITIVE TO THE SOCIAL, CULTURAL, RELIGIOUS AND POLITICAL DIVERSITY OF THE REGION AND BE READY TO RESPECT THAT DIVERSITY AND DIFFERENCES.
OTHERWISE, HE WOULD FIND DOORS BEING CLOSED VERY QUICKLY IN HIS FACE, MR SO SAID.
”IN SUGGESTING THAT HE RESPECTS THE SOCIAL, CULTURAL, RELIGIOUS, AND POLITICAL DIVERSITY AND DIFFERENCES OF THE REGION, I AM NOT ADVOCATING THAT HE IMPOSES A STRICT SELF-CENSORSHIP,” HE ADDED.
------0--------
CABLE SPINNING STARTS ON TIME AT TSING MA
*****
CONSTRUCTION OF THE TSING MA SUSPENSION BRIDGE HAS REACHED ITS MOST IMPRESSIVE STAGE SO FAR WITH THE COMMENCEMENT OF AERIAL SPINNING OF 2.2 KILOMETRE-LONG MAIN SUSPENSION CABLES BETWEEN THE BRIDGE’S HUGE CABLE ANCHORAGES ON TSING YI AND MA WAN, AND SPANNING THE GAP ACROSS THE MA WAN CHANNEL BETWEEN TWIN 206-METRE HIGH TOWERS.
’’THE BEGINNING OF CABLE INSTALLATION IS THE PIVOTAL POINT IN THE CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME OF ANY SUSPENSION BRIDGE,” SAID MR C K LAU, THE GOVERNMENT ENGINEER OF THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING PROJECT MANAGEMENT OFFICE OF THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT.
"IT IS A SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENT THAT THIS POINT WAS REACHED ON TIME, JUST OVER TWO YEARS AFTER WORK STARTED ON THE SITE LATE IN MAY 1992. THIS IS EVEN MORE REMARKABLE IN VIEW OF THE MAGNITUDE AND COMPLEXITY OF THE BRIDGE.”
/"THIS ACHIEVEMENT .......
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 1994
4
"THIS ACHIEVEMENT MEANS THAT ALMOST 60 PER CENT BY VALUE OF THE WORK HAS BEEN COMPLETED IN ONLY 43 PER CENT OF THE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT PERIOD."
MR LAU SAID THE SUSPENSION CABLES WOULD BE AMONG THE LARGEST ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD WITH A DIAMETER OF ABOUT 1.1 METRES, AND WOULD BE MADE UP OF 28,000 TONNES OF WIRE.
WITH A CENTRAL SPAN OF 1,377 METRES, TSING MA WILL BE ONE OF THE LONGEST SUSPENSION BRIDGES IN THE WORLD, AND WILL BE THE LONGEST CARRYING BOTH ROAD AND RAIL TRAFFIC.
THE TSING MA BRIDGE IS BEING CONSTRUCTED UNDER A HK$7.2 BILLION CONTRACT BY ANGLO JAPANESE CONSTRUCTION JOINT VENTURE, COMPRISING TRAFALGAR HOUSE CONSTRUCTION (ASIA) AND COSTAIN OF THE UK, TOGETHER WITH MITSUI OF JAPAN.
THE BRIDGE IS A PROMINENT FEATURE OF THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING, WHICH WILL PROVIDE ACCESS TO HONG KONG’S NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK. IT WAS COMMISSIONED BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT AND DESIGNED BY MOTT MACDONALD (HK) LTD.
---------0-----------
CHINESE DELEGATION TO VISIT HK
*****
A CHINESE DELEGATION TO BE LED BY MR YIN ZH1LIANG, DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG, MACAO AND TAIWAN AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT OF THE MINISTRY OF CULTURE, WILL VISIT HONG KONG FROM AUGUST 30 TO SEPTEMBER 8, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SEVEN OTHER MEMBERS FROM THE CHINESE STATE COUNCIL’S INFORMATION OFFICE, STATE EDUCATION COMMISSION, THE MINISTRY OF RADIO, FILM AND TV; THE PRESS AND PUBLICATION ADMINISTRATION, THE STATE PHYSICAL CULTURE AND SPORTS COMMISSION AND THE HONG KONG AND MACAO AFFAIRS OFFICE OF THE STATE COUNCIL ARE IN THE DELEGATION.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THIS WAS ONE IN A SERIES OF SPONSORED VISITS BETWEEN CHINA AND HONG KONG.
"THE OBJECTIVE OF THE SPONSORED VISIT PROGRAMME IS TO INCREASE CHINESE AND HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS’ MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING OF EACH OTHER’S SYSTEMS AND WAYS OF LIFE," HE SAID.
THE DELEGATION WILL BE BRIEFED BY SENIOR HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS ON POLICIES RELATING TO EDUCATION, BROADCASTING, CULTURE, RECREATION AND INFORMATION FACILITIES.
- - 0 - -
/5........
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 1994
- 5 -
ANALYSIS OF EXTERNAL TRADE BY MODE OF TRANSPORT ******
THE VALUE OF HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE BY OCEAN ACCOUNTED FOR 50% OF HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
ANOTHER 26% WAS TRANSPORTED BY LAND AND A FURTHER 18% BY AIR. THE REST 5.0% INCLUDED SHIPMENT BY RIVER, POSTAL PARCELS AND ACCOMPANIED GOODS OF PASSENGERS TRAVELLING ON VARIOUS MEANS OF TRANSPORT.
SHIPMENT BY OCEAN AMOUNTED TO $553.6 BILLION IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1994, WITH AN INCREASE OF 8.6% OVER THAT IN THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993. HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE BY LAND WENT UP B^ 15% TO $289.9 BILLION WHILE THAT BY AIR ALSO WENT UP BY 14% TO $201.9 BILLION IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1994.
TABLE 1 SHOWS CHANGES IN VALUE OF HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE ANALYSED BY MODE OF TRANSPORT IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1994 COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993.
THE UNITED STATES REMAINED THE LARGEST DESTINATION FOR HONG KONG’S TOTAL EXPORTS (INCLUDING DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS) BY OCEAN, ACCOUNTING FOR A SHARE OF 32% IN VALUE TERMS IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1994. THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS BY OCEAN TO THE UNITED STATES WENT UP BY 13% IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1994.
THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS BY OCEAN TO JAPAN INCREASED BY 19% IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1994 OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993. INCREASES WERE ALSO RECORDED IN SEABORNE TOTAL EXPORTS TO THE OTHER MAIN DESTINATIONS: THE UNITED KINGDOM (+10%), CHINA (+2.0%) AND GERMANY (+1.8%).
JAPAN WAS THE LARGEST SUPPLIER OF HONG KONG’S IMPORTS BY OCEAN, ACCOUNTING FOR A SHARE OF 26% IN VALUE IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1994. THE VALUE, HOWEVER, DECREASED MARGINALLY BY 0.2% OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993.
THE VALUE OF IMPORTS BY OCEAN FROM THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA WENT UP BY 14% IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1994 OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993. INCREASES WERE ALSO RECORDED IN SEABORNE IMPORTS FROM CHINA (+11%), TAIWAN (8.7%) AND THE UNITED STATES (+1.3%).
TABLE 2 SHOWS CHANGES IN VALUE OF EXTERNAL TRADE BY OCEAN WITH MAIN TRADING PARTNERS IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1994 COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993.
IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1994, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS BY AIR TO THE UNITED STATES ACCOUNTED FOR 29% OF THE VALUE OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL EXPORTS BY AIR AND COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993, INCREASED BY 7.2%.
/THE VALUE .......
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 1994
- 6
THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS BY AIR TO JAPAN AND SINGAPORE INCREASED BY 21% AND 14% RESPECTIVELY IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1994 OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993. HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF AIRBORNE TOTAL EXPORTS TO TAIWAN DECREASED BY 2.8%.
AIRBORNE IMPORTS FROM ALL MAIN SUPPLIERS INCREASED CONSIDERABLY IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1994. THE PERCENTAGE INCREASES IN VALUE IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1994 OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993 WERE: TAIWAN (+26%), SWITZERLAND (+26%), SINGAPORE (+19%), JAPAN (+16%) AND THE UNITED STATES (+15%).
TABLE 3 SHOWS CHANGES IN VALUE OF EXTERNAL TRADE BY AIR WITH MAIN TRADING PARTNERS IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1994 COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993.
MORE DETAILED FIGURES ON CHANGES IN VALUE OF EXTERNAL TRADE BY OCEAN BETWEEN THE FIRST HALF OF 1994 AND THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993 ANALYSED BY PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISION ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 4.
SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS BY OCEAN FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $7.3 BILLION OR 32%); MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES CONSISTING MAINLY OF BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $3.5 BILLION OR 8.9%); AND FOOTWEAR (BY $3.4 BILLION OR 16%).
LARGE INCREASES WERE ALSO RECORDED IN VALUE OF IMPORTS BY OCEAN FOR TEXTILES (BY $6.8 BILLION OR 21%); AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $6.3 BILLION OR 36%).
HOWEVER, A CONSIDERABLE DECREASE WAS RECORDED IN VALUE OF IMPORTS BY OCEAN FOR ROAD VEHICLES (BY $6.2 BILLION OR 23%). DECREASES WERE ALSO RECORDED IN VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY OCEAN FOR TEXTILES (BY $633 MILLION OR 14%); AND MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES CONSISTING MAINLY OF PRINTED MATTER (BY $403 MILLION OR 9.8%).
CHANGES IN VALUE OF EXTERNAL TRADE BY AIR BETWEEN THE FIRST HALF OF 1994 AND THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993 ANALYSED BY PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISION ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 5.
COMPARING THE FIRST HALF OF 1994 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN VALUE OF IMPORTS BY AIR FOR ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $6.1 BILLION OR 22%); NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES (BY $2.4 BILLION OR 22%); AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $2.1 BILLION OR 31%).
AS REGARDS EXPORTS BY AIR, INCREASES WERE RECORDED FOR REEXPORTS OF ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $2.3 BILLION OR 22%); OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES (BY $789 MILLION OR 18%); PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $769 MILLION OR 10%); AND DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $1.2 BILLION OR 18%).
/HOWEVER, SIGNIFICANT .......
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 1994
HOWEVER, SIGNIFICANT DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY AIR FOR OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES (BY $1.0 BILLION OR 17%); AND CLOTHING (BY $667 MILLION OR 8.6%).
CHANGES IN VALUE OF EXTERNAL TRADE BY LAND BETWEEN THE FIRST HALF OF 1994 AND THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993 ANALYSED BY PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISION ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 6.
COMPARING THE FIRST HALF OF 1994 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN VALUE OF IMPORTS BY LAND FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $5.3 BILLION OR 36%); FOOTWEAR (BY $3.2 BILLION OR 22%); MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES CONSISTING MAINLY OF BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $3.1 BILLION OR 15%); AND CLOTHING (BY $1.6 BILLION OR 5.3%).
AS REGARDS EXPORTS BY LAND, INCREASES WERE RECORDED FOR REEXPORTS OF TEXTILES (BY $3.9 BILLION OR 20%); TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $2.8 BILLION OR 72%); PLASTICS IN PRIMARY FORMS (BY $2.1 BILLION OR 37%); AND DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF CLOTHING (BY $324 MILLION OR 23%).
DETAILED STATISTICS OF HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE ANALYSED BY MODE OF TRANSPORT ARE PUBLISHED IN THE JUNE 1994 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE" REPORT WHICH IS NOW ON SALE AT $86 A COPY.
THE REPORT CAN BE BOUGHT AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE ON THE GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, OR AT THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON THE 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
ENQUIRIES REGARDING REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION TO THE REPORT MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, HONG KONG (TEL 842 8802) AND ENQUIRIES ON TRADE STATISTICS TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL 582 4915) .
/TABLE 1 : .......
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 1994
- 8 -
TABLE 1 : EXTERNAL TRADE BY MODE OF TRANSPORT
MODE OF TRANSPORT/ TYPE OF TRADE JAN-JUN 1994 HKD Mn. JAN-JUN 1993 HKD Mn. YEAR-ON-YEAR i HKD Mn. CHANGE %
OCEAN
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 40,599 42,410 1,811 4.3
RE-EXPORTS 242,537 219,340 + 23,198 + 10.6
TOTAL EXPORTS 283,136 261,750 ♦ 21,386 + 8.2
IMPORTS 270,451 248,208 + .22,243 + 9.0
TOTAL BY OCEAN 553,588 509,958 + 43,630 + 8.6
AIR
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 30,575 30,754 179 0.6
RE-EXPORTS 57,162 50,081 + 7,081 + 14.1
TOTAL EXPORTS 87,737 80,835 + 6,902 + 8.5
IMPORTS 114,124 96,005 + 18,120 + 18.9
TOTAL BV AIR 201,861 176,840 + 25,022 + 14.1
LAND
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 24,417 25,925 1,508 5.8
RE-EXPORTS 97,763 80,962 + 16,801 + 20.8
TOTAL EXPORTS 122,180“* 106,886 + 15,293 + 14.3
IMPORTS 167,709 144,624 + 23,085 + 16.0
TOTAL BY LAND 289,889 251,510 + 38,379 + 15.3
OTHERS •
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 3,152 4,093 941 23.0
RE-EXPORTS 30,823 25,407 + 5,416 + ?1.3
TOTAL EXPORTS 33,975 29,500 + 4,475 + 15.2
IMPORTS 20,578 17,890 + 2,688 ♦ 15.0
TOTAL BY OTHERS 54,553 47,390 + 7,164 + 15.1
ALL MODES OF TRANSPORT
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 98,743 103,182 4,439 4.3
RE-EXPORTS 428,285 375,789 + 52,496 + 14.0
TOTAL EXPORTS 527,028 478,971 + 48,057 + 10.0
IMPORTS 572,863 506,726 + 66,137 + 13.1
TOTAL TRADE 1,099,891 985,698 + 114,194 + 11.6
/TABLE 2 : .......
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 1994
- 9 -
TABLE 2 : EXTERNAL TRADE BY OCEAN BY MAIN TRADING PARTNER
MAIN TRADING PARTNER JAN-JUN JAN-JUN YEAR-ON-YEAR CHANGE
1994 1993
HKD Mn. HKD Mn. HKD Mn. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS (DESTINATION)
UNITED STATES 14,556 14,388 168 1.2
GERMANY 3,650 4,040 - 390 - 9.6
UNITED KINGDOM 3,162 3,502 — 340 - 9.7
JAPAN 1,803 1,955 - 152 - 7.8
CHINA 1,660 1,491 + 170 ♦ 11.4
ALL COUNTRIES 40,599 42,410 _ — 1,811 — 4.3
RE-EXPORTS
(DESTINATION) •
UNITED STATES 75,606 65,658 4- 9,948 4 15.2
CHINA 24,747 24,388 + 359 * 1.5
JAPAN 16,477 13,413 + 3,064 4. 22.8
GERMANY 15,853 15,123 + 730 4 4.8
UNITED KINGDOM 10,204 8,617 + 1,587 — 18.4
ALL COUNTRIES 242,537 219,340 + 23,198 4 10.6
TOTAL EXPORTS
(DESTINATION)
UNITED STATES 90,162 80,047 + 10,116 4 12.6
CHINA 26,407 25,879 + 528 4 2.0
GERMANY 19,504 19,163 4- 340 - 1.8
JAPAN 18,280 15,369 + 2,911 4 18.9
UNITED KINGDOM 13,366 . 12,119 4- 1,247 4 10.3
ALL COUNTRIES 283,136 261,750 + 21,386 4 8.2
IMPORTS
(SUPPLIER)
JAPAN 69,270 69,402 - 132 - 0.2
TAIWAN 42,566 39,176 + 3,389 + 8.7
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 23,334 20*458 4- 2,876 4 14.1
UNITED STATES. 21,954 21,681 + 273 4- 1.3
CHINA 19,606 17,723 4- 1,883 4 10.6
ALL COUNTRIES 270,451 248,208 4- 22,243 4 9.0
/TABLE 3 : .......
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 1994
10
TABLE 3 : EXTERNAL TRADE BY AIR BY MAIN TRADING PARTNER
MAIN TRADING PARTNER
JAN-JUN 1994
HKD Mn.
JAN-JUN 1993
HKD Mn.
YEAR-ON-YEAR CHANGE
HKD Mn. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS (DESTINATION)
UNITED STATES 10,766 11,152 — 386 3.5
SINGAPORE 4,384 4,026 + 358 + 8.9
JAPAN 2,871 2,774 4- 97 + 3.5
GERMANY 1,959 2,272 - 313 - 13.8
TAIWAN 1,418 1,689 — 270 - 16.0
ALL COUNTRIES 30,575 30,754 - 179 0.6
RE-EXPORTS
(DESTINATION)
UNITED STATES 14,478 12,406 + 2,072 + 16.7
JAPAN 6,814 5,251 + 1,563 + 29.8
TAIWAN 4,903 4,815 + 89 + 1.8
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 3,875 3,343 + 532 + 15.9
GERMANY 3,493 3,139 + 354 + 11.3
ALL COUNTRIES 57,162 50,081 + 7,081 14.1
TOTAL EXPORTS
(DESTINATION) -»
UNITED STATES 25,243 23,558 + 1,686 * 7.2
JAPAN 9,685 8,025 + 1,660 + 20.7
SINGAPORE 7,373 6,450 + 923 + 14.3
TAIWAN 6,322 6,503 — 182 2.8
GERMANY 5,452 5,411 + 41 + 0.8
ALL COUNTRIES 87,737 80,835 + 6,902 + 8.5
IMPORTS
(SUPPLIER)
JAPAN 21,516 » 18,575 + 2,941 + 15.8
UNITED STATES 19,927 17,264 + 2,663 + 15.4
SINGAPORE 9,189 * 7,692 + 1,497 + 19.5
TAIWAN 7,368 5,855 + 1,513 + 25.8
SWITZERLAND 5,946 4,727 + 1,219 + 25.8
ALL COUNTRIES 114,124 96,005 + 18,120 + 18.9
/TABLE 4 : .......
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 1994
- 11 -
TABLE 4 : EXTERNAL TRADE BY OCEAN BY PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISION
PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISION JAN-JUN 1994 HKD Mn. JAN-JUN 1993 HKD Mn. YEAR-ON-YEAR CHANGE
HKD Mn. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 20,135 20,318 - 183 - 0.9
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 3,793 4,427 - 633 - 14.3
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY PRINTED MATTER) 3,697 4,100 - 403 - 9.8
OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES 1,785 1,596 + 189 + 11.8
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 1,714 2,033 - 319 - 15.7
RE-EXPORTS MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 43,343 39,816 + 3,527 + 8.9
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 30,615 28,957 4- 1,658 + 5.7
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 3-0,069 22,743 + 7,326 + 32.2
FOOTWEAR 24,315 20,884 + 3,431 + 16.4
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 14,620 12,819 + 1,801 + 14.0
IMPORTS TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 39,120 32,274 + 6,846 4- 21.2
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 23,786 17,453 + 6,334 + 36.3
ROAD VEHICLES 21,059 27,233 - 6,174 - 22.7
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 16,189 14,110 + 2,079 + 14.7
GENERAL INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT, AND MACHINE PARTS 14,959 13,431 + 1,528 + 11.4
/TABLE 5 : .......
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 1994
- 12 -
TABLE 5 : EXTERNAL TRADE BY AIR BY PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISION
PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISION JAN-JUN 1994 HKD Mn. JAN-JUN 1993 HKD Mn. YEAR-ON-YEAR CHANGE
HKD Mn. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 7,673 . 6,518 + 1,154 + 17.7
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 7,094 7,761 - 667 - 8.6
OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES 5,110 6,154 - 1,044 - 17.0
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 4,646 4,939 - 293 - 5.9
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS' AND SILVERSMITHS' WARES) 3,000 2,557 + 443 + 17.3
RE-EXPORTS ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 12,965 10,617 + 2,349 + 22.1
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 9,203 9,349 - 146 - 1.6
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 8,212 7,443 + 769 + 10.3
OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES 5,227 4,438 + 789 + 17.8
NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES 4,569 4,106 + 464 + 11.3
IMPORTS ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 33,798 27,721 + 6,076 + 21.9
NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES 12,990 10,611 + 2,378 + 22.4
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 11,674 10,755 + 919 + 8.5
OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES 9,487 8,126 + 1,361 + 16.7
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT . 9,107 6,976 + 2,131 + 30.5
• •
/TABLE 6 : .......
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 1994
- 13 -
TABLE 6 : EXTERNAL TRADE BY LAND BY PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISION
PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISION JAN-JUN 1994 HKD Mn. JAN-JUN 1993 HKD Mn. YEAR-ON-YEAR CHANGE
HKD Mn. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS • • < ■'
j J -V< . .
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND r.' ' < /
RECORDING AND REPRODUCING » TVl.
APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 3,907 4,689 783 - 16.7 ’1 t C1'
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP Y »■ .
ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 2,822 3,134 313 - 10.0
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED j £)• • • »
ARTICLES (MAINLY PLASTICS
ARTICLES) 2,119 2,406 286 - 11.9 1 .
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS
AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL
PARTS THEREOF 2,078 2,125 47 2.2
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING 3 C} •» . ' n:.
ACCESSORIES 1,747 1,424 + 324 + 22.7
<. /r-
RE-EXPORTS }’J
. .j ‘ • t J
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP
ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 23,225 19,326 + 3,898 ♦ 20.2
PLASTICS IN PRIMARY FORMS 7,606 5,534 + 2,072. + 37.4 :*■ : •».’!
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS i > . t
AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL <* -A
PARTS THEREOF -» 6,781 5,347 + 1,434 * 26. .8 f .
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND
RECORDING AND REPRODUCING
APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 6,642 3,865 +■ 2,777 + 71.8
ROAD VEHICLES 5,406 5,477 - 71 1.3
* • ' i? ;ji t
IMPORTS
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING
ACCESSORIES 32,414 30,792 + 1,622 + 5.3
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED
ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES,
TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 23,555 20,470 + 3,085 + 15.1
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND
RECORDING AND REPRODUCING ■ »•*
APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 20,269 14,954 + 5,315 + 35.5
FOOTWEAR 17,956 14,745 + 3,211 t. 21.8
/< ■ • •
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP
ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 13,715 12,343 + 1,373 + 11.1
---------o-----------
/14 ........
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 1994
- 14 -
$3.5M DONATED FOR GOVERNOR’S AWARD FOR INDUSTRY *****
TWENTY SPONSORS HAVE DONATED A RECORD $3.5 MILLION THIS YEAR FOR THE GOVERNOR’S AWARD FOR INDUSTRY.
THE SPONSORS PRESENTED THEIR CHEQUES TODAY (WEDNESDAY) TO THE SIX ORGANISING BODIES OF THE AWARD - THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT, THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES, THE CHINESE MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG, THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL, THE PRIVATE SECTOR COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL.
SPEAKING AT THE CHEQUE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY, THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MISS DENISE YUE, PAID TRIBUTE TO THE SPONSORS FOR THEIR DONATIONS, WITHOUT WHICH THIS YEAR’S GOVERNOR’S AWARD FOR INDUSTRY COMPETITION WOULD NOT HAVE ATTAINED THE LEVEL OF SUCCESS IT HAD.
MISS YUE POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNOR’S AWARDS PRESENTED TO THE TOP ACHIEVERS EACH YEAR HAD COME TO BE WIDELY ACCEPTED AS THE HIGHEST FORM OF RECOGNITION OF EXCELLENCE IN INDUSTRIAL PERFORMANCE.
SHE NOTED THAT THE INCREASING IMPACT OF THE AWARD SCHEME ON THE LOCAL MANUFACTURING SCENE MIGHT BE DEDUCED FROM THE 149 ENTRIES RECEIVED THIS YEAR, WHICH REPRESENTED A 20 PER CENT RISE OVER LAST YEAR.
ANOTHER SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENT THIS YEAR WAS THAT MORE COMPANIES HAD SUBMITTED ENTRIES IN TWO OR THREE CATEGORIES, INDICATING THE CONTINUING EFFORTS MADE BY HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURERS TO EXCEL IN NOT JUST ONE BUT AS MANY ASPECTS OF INDUSTRIAL PERFORMANCE AS POSSIBLE, SHE ADDED.
THE ASSESSMENT OF THE ENTRIES IS PROGRESSING WELL, WITH THE FINAL JUDGING EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 7.
• IN TOTAL, SIX GOVERNOR’S AWARDS WILL BE PRESENTED, ONE EACH FOR THE SIX CATEGORIES OF CONSUMER PRODUCT DESIGN, MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT DESIGN, PRODUCTIVITY, QUALITY, ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE AND EXPORT MARKETING.
THE AWARDS WILL BE PRESENTED BY THE GOVERNOR AT A CEREMONY SCHEDULED FOR OCTOBER 31.
THE SPONSORS ARE: CHEKIANG FIRST BANK LTD; CHEN HSONG HOLDINGS LTD; CHIAPHUA-SHINKO COPPER ALLOY CO LTD; GOLD PEAK INDUSTRIES (HOLDINGS) LTD; HANG SENG BANK LTD; HONG KONG PETROCHEMICAL CO LTD; THE HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION LTD; THE KOWLOON MOTOR BUS CO (1933) LTD; LIPPO GROUP; MITA INDUSTRIAL CO (HK) LTD; NAN FUNG DEVELOPMENT LTD; RANK XEROX (HONG KONG) LTD; STANDARD CHARTERED BANK; VICWOOD GROUP; MR WOO WING-FAI; THE CHINESE GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE; REGATEX MANUFACTURERS LTD; SHANGHAI COMMERCIAL BANK LTD; SINO LAND COMPANY LTD AND SUN HUNG KAI PROPERTIES LTD.
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/15........
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 1994
- 15 -
WELFARE PAYMENT ARRANGEMENTS FOR HOLIDAYS * * * * ♦
RECIPIENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE SOCIAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE AND SOCIAL SECURITY ALLOWANCE UNDER THE BANK PAYMENT SYSTEM MAY RECEIVE THEIR PAYMENTS ON AUGUST 26 OR 30 IF THEIR PAY-DAYS FALL ON THE FORTHCOMING PUBLIC HOLIDAYS FROM AUGUST 27 TO 29.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THOSE WHO HAD BANK ACCOUNTS IN HONGKONGBANK OR HANG SENG BANK WOULD RECEIVE THEIR PAYMENTS ON FRIDAY (AUGUST 26) WHEREAS THOSE WITH ACCOUNTS IN OTHER BANKS NEXT TUESDAY (AUGUST 30).
IN CASE OF DOUBT, THEY ARE ADVISED TO CONTACT THEIR RESPECTIVE SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNITS.
---------0-----------
CLINICS TO CLOSE ON SATURDAY
*****
THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINIC SERVICE WOULD BE SUSPENDED ON THE PUBLIC HOLIDAY ON AUGUST 27.
HOWEVER, EIGHT GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINICS WILL STAY OPEN ON AUGUST 29 (LIBERATION DAY AND THE LAST MONDAY IN AUGUST) WHICH .IS ALSO A PUBLIC HOLIDAY.
THEY ARE THE VIOLET PEEL HEALTH CENTRE AND SHAU KEI WAN JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC ON HONG KONG ISLAND; THE KWUN TONG JOCKEY CLUB HEALTH CENTRE, ROBERT BLACK HEALTH CENTRE AND YAUMATEI JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC IN KOWLOON; AND LADY TRENCH POLYCLINIC, SHEK WU HUI JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC AND YUEN LONG JOCKEY CLUB HEALTH CENTRE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE CLINICS WILL BE OPEN FROM 9 AM TO 1 PM. ALL OTHER GENERAL OUT-PATIENT AND EVENING CLINICS WILL BE CLOSED.
------0-------
FANLING LOT TO LET
*****
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT-TERM TENANCY OF A PIECE OF GOVERNMENT LAND IN AREA 39, FANLING.
THE 14,700-SQUARE-METRE LOT IS INTENDED FOR USE AS A FEE-PAYING PUBLIC CAR PARK OR OPEN STORAGE OF UNREGISTERED MOTOR VEHICLES.
THE TENANCY IS FOR 18 MONTHS, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY.
/THE CLOSING .......
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 1994
- 16 -
THE CLOSING DATE FOR SENDING IN TENDERS IS NOON ON SEPTEMBER 9.
TENDER FORMS, TENDER NOTICES AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES, NORTH; THE 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.
TENDER PLANS CAN ALSO BE INSPECTED AT THE OFFICES.
---------0-----------
DB ELECTION CANDIDATES TO PRESENT PLATFORMS *****
CANDIDATES CONTESTING IN THE PEAK AND TAK TIN CONSTITUENCIES FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS WILL PRESENT THEIR PLATFORMS TO RESIDENTS AT TWO FORUMS ON FRIDAY (AUGUST 26).
THE FORUM FOR THE PEAK CONSTITUENCY OF CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT WILL START AT 8 PM AT YWCA, ROOM 115, 1 MACDONELL ROAD. THE THREE CANDIDATES. ARE MR LEUNG WING-ON, LOUIS; MR CHOW KWONG-FAI, EDWARD; AND MR TANG PING-WING.
IN THE TAK TIN CONSTITUENCY OF KWUN TONG DISTRICT, MR CHAN MANKIN AND MR WONG PING-KUEN WILL MEET VOTERS AT 8 PM AT LAM TIN (EAST) ESTATE COMMUNITY CENTRE.
THE FORUMS ARE ORGANISED BY DISTRICT OFFICES TO ENABLE ELECTORS TO HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE PLATFORMS OF CANDIDATES.
THE CANDIDATES WILL INTRODUCE THEMSELVES AND GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON DISTRICT ISSUES BEFORE MOVING ON TO FLOOR DISCUSSIONS.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE ELECTION FORUMS.
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/17........
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 1994
17
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS * * * * »
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,502 0930 + 135
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,221 1000 -65
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 -221
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -171 1200 -171
LAF TODAY + 890 1500 -171
— 1600 -171
LAF RATE 3.00 BID/5.00 OFFER TWI 122.1 ♦+0.2» 24.8.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.13 18 MONTHS 2602 4.40 98.07 5.87
1 MONTH 4.20 24 MONTHS 2608 6.15 100.00 6.24
3 MONTHS 4.38 30 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.78 6.61
6 MONTHS 4.73 33 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98.81 6.75
12 MONTHS 5.27 36 MONTHS 3707 6.95 100.43 6.90
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 31,463 MN
CLOSED 24 AUGUST 1994
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNMENT SATISFIED WITH AUCTION RESULTS 1
ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS FULLY CONSISTENT WITH BASIC LAW 3
TRANSCRIPT OF ACTING GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION 4
SHARK REPORT A FALSE ALARM................................. 5
ALL CANDIDATES INFORMED OF NOMINATION VALIDITY 6
POLL STATIONS MORE ACCESSIBLE 6
512 ELECTION COMPLAINTS LODGED 6
FINANCIAL HELP FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES 7
TRADING FIRM FINED FOR GARMENT ORIGIN FRAUD 7
ACTING GOVERNOR SEES TAX COLLECTION WORK 8
LICENSING OFFICES ON THE MOVE.............................. 9
CLOSING DATE FOR PING SHAN HERITAGE TRAIL DRAWING COMPETITION............................................... 10
CARGO WORKING AREAS REMAIN OPEN ON GENERAL HOLIDAYS 11
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS 12
THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 1994
- 1 -
GOVERNMENT SATISFIED WITH AUCTION RESULTS *****
THE GOVERNMENT IS SATISFIED WITH THE PRICES PAID IN TUESDAY’S LAND AUCTION, SINCE THE RESULTS REFLECT THE WISH OF BOTH THE COMMUNITY AND THE GOVERNMENT TO SEE MODERATION OF PROPERTY PRICES, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
MR EASON SAID THE LEVEL OF INTEREST IN THE OUTCOME OF TUESDAY’S AUCTION WAS UNDERSTANDABLE, BUT ONE SHOULD NOT READ TOO MUCH INTO THE OUTCOME OF A SINGLE AUCTION WHICH WAS AFFECTED BY A VARIETY OF FACTORS.
MR EASON BELIEVED DEVELOPERS AT AUCTIONS WERE MOTIVATED LARGELY BY THEIR VIEWS OF THE MARKET AND THE INDIVIDUAL SITES PUT UP FOR SALE.
"THEY ARE JUST AS CONCERNED TO HAVE STABILITY IN THE MARKET AS THE GOVERNMENT, AND I DON’T THINK DEVELOPERS WOULD USE AUCTIONS TO SEND SIGNALS OR WARNINGS TO THE GOVERNMENT."
HE SAID THE THREE-MEMBER AUCTION REVIEW PANEL WOULD LOOK AT TUESDAY’S AUCTION JUST AS IT DID ON THE ONE HELD IN JULY AS PART OF ITS ONGOING REVIEW OF THE LAND SALE ARRANGEMENTS.
MR EASON REITERATED THAT THE GOVERNMENT DID NOT HAVE A HIGH LAND PRICES POLICY AND THE AUCTION ON TUESDAY SHOULD HELP CONFIRM THIS.
ON REVENUE FROM LAND SALES, MR EASON SAID: "SO FAR THIS FINANCIAL YEAR, WE HAVE REALISED NEARLY $5 BILLION IN THREE AUCTIONS. THIS IS MUCH TN LINE' WITH THE $18.4 BILLION ESTIMATE FOR THE WHOLE YEAR."
HE POINTED OUT THAT THERE WOULD BE AT LEAST SEVEN MORE AUCTIONS SCHEDULED FOR THE REST OF THIS FINANCIAL YEAR. THE REMAINING LAND SALES PROGRAMME FOR 1994/95 CONTAINS A GOOD MIX OF RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL SITES LOCATED IN THE NEW TOWNS AND THE OLDER URBAN AREAS.
MR EASON ALSO REVIEWED PROGRESS ON THE FOLLOW-UP TO THE REPORT OF THE TASK FORCE ON LAND SUPPLY AND PROPERTY PRICES.
HE SAID: "THE GOVERNMENT’S SHORT-TERM MEASURES, IN PARTICULAR AS REGARDS PRE-SALE RESTRICTIONS, COMBINED WITH THE EFFECTS OF OTHER FACTORS, E.G. MORTGAGE RESTRICTIONS AND INTEREST RATE INCREASES, SEEM TO HAVE HAD THE DESIRED EFFECT OF COOLING THE MARKET."
HE NOTED THAT THE CONSUMER WAS RESISTING MARKETING PRESSURE AND TAKING A MORE CAREFUL LOOK AT HIS POSITION.
"SPECULATORS HAVE LARGELY LEFT THE MARKET."
"PRICES HAVE MODERATED CONSIDERABLY RANGING FROM 10% TO 30%, DEPENDING ON LOCATION, SIZE AND AGE."
/"WHILE IT .......
THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 1994
2
"WHILE IT IS STILL TOO EARLY TO DRAW FIRM CONCLUSIONS, AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE SITUATION CLOSELY, WE DON’T SEE THE NEED FOR FURTHER MEASURES FOR THE TIME BEING,"
"FOR THE MEDIUM AND LONGER TERM ON THE FLAT SUPPLY SIDE, WE ARE GETTING ON WELL WITH THE INTRODUCTION AND PREPARATION OF MEASURES," HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE NEW INTER-DEPARTMENTAL HOUSING PROJECT ACTION TEAM HAS BEEN SET UP TO TROUBLE-SHOOT PROJECT PROBLEMS,
"TWENTY PROJECTS INVOLVING 30,000 FLATS HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED FOR FAST TRACKING.
"WE HAVE PUT OUR PROPOSALS FOR A SUPPLEMENTARY LAND DISPOSAL PROGRAMME THIS YEAR TO THE CHINESE SIDE OF THE LAND COMMISSION AND HOPE A MEETING CAN BE HELD SOON.
"WORK ON A FRESH ASSESSMENT OF HOUSING DEMAND, IDENTIFYING SITES FOR THE LAND RESERVE AND PREPARING FOR A NEW STUDY ON REDEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL IS WELL IN HAND."
MR EASON ALSO REPORTED THAT THE NEW TERRITORIES BLACK SPOT TASK FORCE HAD BEEN ESTABLISHED.
AN INITIAL PROGRAMME OF CLEARANCES OF BLACK SPOTS ON GOVERNMENT LAND ALONG THE MAIN ROADS IN THE SHEK KONG VALLEY AND ELSEWHERE IN THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT HAD BEEN DRAWN UP.
"ACTION AND VISIBLE IMPROVEMENT CAN BE EXPECTED VERY SHORTLY," HE SAID.
ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL SIDE, MR EASON SAID DURING THE YEAR LEGISLATION HAD BEEN PASSED ON THE FOLLOWING MAJOR ITEMS:
INTRODUCTION OF THE WATER CONTROL ZONES AT THE EASTERN AND WESTERN ENDS OF THE HARBOUR
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL PROGRAMME
INTRODUCTION OF CLEANER VEHICLE FUEL AND QUIETER CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT
SETTING UP OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION FUND
INTRODUCTION OF THE LAND DRAINAGE ORDINANCE AS A
PREPARATORY STEP TO IMPROVING WATERCOURSE MANAGEMENT.
IN THE COMING SESSION 1994/95, FURTHER MAJOR LEGISLATION WOULD BE PROCESSED. THIS WOULD INCLUDE:
EXTENSION OF THE HARBOUR WATER CONTROL ZONE
THE SEWAGE SERVICES BILL TO COVER SEWAGE CHARGES AND THE TRADE EFFLUENT SURCHARGE
/- THE TOWN ........
THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 1994
3
THE TOWN PLANNING WHITE BILL
THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT BILL
THE MARINE PARKS ORDINANCE
CHEMICAL WASTE AND LANDFILL CHARGES (IMPLEMENTING THE POLLUTER PAYS PRINCIPLE)
AIR POLLUTION MEASURES ON VEHICLE EMISSIONS, OPEN BURNING, ASBESTOS AND CONSTRUCTION SITE DUST
NOISE CONTROL.
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ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS FULLY CONSISTENT WITH BASIC LAW » * » » »
THE ACTING GOVERNOR, MRS ANSON CHAN, THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON REITERATED THAT THE ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WERE FULLY CONSISTENT WITH THE BASIC LAW, THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE UNDERSTANDING REACHED BETWEEN THE BRITISH AND THE CHINESE GOVERNMENTS.
RESPONDING TO PRESS QUESTIONS AFTER HER VISIT TO THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT ABOUT THE CHINESE NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS’ RESOLUTION, MRS CHAN SAID: "THE QUESTION OF WHETHER THE NPC CONSIDERS DISMANTLING THE THREE-TIER REPRESENTATIVE SYSTEM IS OF COURSE A MATTER FOR THE NPC ITSELF TO CONSIDER. I SIMPLY WANT TO REITERATE THE FEW POINTS THAT WE HAVE MADE ON MANY OCCASIONS IN THE PAST."
SHE SAID THE ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WOULD ENSURE THAT HONG KONG HAD FAIR AND OPEN ELECTIONS.
"THEY ARE CLEARLY WHAT THE COMMUNITY WANTS AND THEY WILL ENSURE A SMOOTH TRANSITION AND WILL MAINTAIN HONG KONG’S PROSPERITY AND STABILITY AFTER 1997.
"I AM SURE THAT IN THE FINAL ANALYSIS, THE CHINESE WILL MAKE THE DECISION THAT BEST PROTECTS HONG KONG INTERESTS," MRS CHAN SAID.
ASKED WHETHER THE NPC RESOLUTION WOULD AFFECT THE COMING DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS, MRS CHAN SAID: "IT IS QUITE CLEAR FROM THE FACT THAT WE HAD A RECORD NUMBER OF NOMINATIONS TO PARTICIPATE IN SEPTEMBER’S DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS, THAT THE PUBLIC HAS FAITH IN THE ELECTORAL SYSTEM.
"THEY BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A FAIR AND OPEN SYSTEM, AND THROUGH THIS SYSTEM WILL BE ELECTED THOSE WHO CAN BEST REPRESENT THEIR 1NTERESTS.
"I AM SURE IT WILL BE THE TOP PRIORITY OF ALL THOSE WHO ARE ELECTED TO ENSURE THAT WE HAVE IN PLACE SYSTEMS THAT WILL MAINTAIN OUR SMOOTH TRANSITION AND MAINTAIN HONG KONG’S STABILITY AND PROSPERITY AFTER 1997."
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/4 ........
THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 1994
4
TRANSCRIPT OF ACTING GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION * * * » »
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION BY THE ACTING GOVERNOR, MRS ANSON CHAN, AFTER HER VISIT TO THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY).
MRS CHAN : GOOD AFTERNOON EVERYONE. THIS IS MY FIRST VISIT TO THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT AND I FOUND IT AN EXTREMELY INTERESTING VISIT. FIRST OF ALL, I AM VERY GLAD TO SEE THE DEPARTMENT OPERATING IN SUCH A GOOD ACCOMMODATION, BECAUSE IT IS OBVIOUSLY VERY GOOD FOR THE CLIENTS, AND ALSO VERY GOOD FOR THE STAFF WHO HAVE TO WORK IN THE DEPARTMENT. THE DEPARTMENT PERFORMS A VERY USEFUL FUNCTION, SEEING THAT IT COLLECTS SOME 66 PER CENT OF TOTAL GOVERNMENT REVENUE. THE DEPARTMENT, THE COMMISSIONER AND ALL HIS STAFF ARE FULLY COMMITTED TO PROVIDING THE HIGHEST STANDARD OF SERVICE. SO FAR IT HAS PUBLISHED 15 PERFORMANCE PLEDGES, AND I AM VERY GLAD TO KNOW THAT IN ALL THESE PERFORMANCE PLEDGES, THE DEPARTMENT HAS OUT-PERFORMED. THIS YEAR, PARTICULARLY, THE DEPARTMENT HAS INTRODUCED TWO NEW SERVICES - AN AUTOMATED PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE BY TELEPHONE AND ALSO PAYMENT BY PHONE SERVICE. AND I UNDERSTAND THAT SO FAR SOME 39,000 TELEPHONE PAYMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE. THIS SERVICE IS EXTREMELY CONVENIENT FOR THOSE WHO HAVE TO PAY TAX, AND I WOULD ENCOURAGE THEM TO USE IT, AS WELL AS OF COURSE USING THE POSTAL SERVICE TO PAY TAXES, SO THAT THEY DON’T HAVE TO COME PERSONALLY TO PAY TAXES.
QUESTION : (ON NPC RESOLUTION)
MRS CHAN : YES. THE QUESTION OF WHETHER THE NPC CONSIDERS DISMANTLING THE THREE-TIER REPRESENTATIVE SYSTEM IS OF COURSE A MATTER FOR THE NPC ITSELF TO CONSIDER. I SIMPLY WANT TO REITERATE THE FEW POINTS THAT WE HAVE MADE ON MANY OCCASIONS IN THE PAST. FIRST OF ALL, THE ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS WHICH HAVE BEEN PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IS FULLY CONSISTENT WITH THE BASIC LAW, THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE UNDERSTANDING REACHED BETWEEN THE BRITISH AND THE CHINESE GOVERNMENTS. THESE ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS WILL ENSURE THAT WE HAVE FAIR AND OPEN ELECTIONS. THEY ARE CLEARLY WHAT THE COMMUNITY’ WANTS AND THEY WILL ENSURE A SMOOTH TRANSITION AND WILL MAINTAIN HONG. KONG’S PROSPERITY AND STABILITY AFTER 1997. AND 1 AM SURE THAT IN THE FINAL ANALYSIS, THE CHINESE WILL MAKE THE DECISION THAT BEST PROTECTS HONG KONG INTERESTS.
QUESTION : (WHETHER IT WILL AFFECT THE VOTING OF THE DB ELECTIONS ?)
MRS CHAN : 1 WANT TO ADD ONE OR TWO POINTS TO MY EARLIER STATEMENT. AND THAT IS THAT IT IS QUITE CLEAR FROM THE FACT THAT WE HAD A RECORD NUMBER OF NOMINATIONS TO PARTICIPATE IN SEPTEMBER’S DISTRICT BOARD ELECTION, THAT THE PUBLIC HAS FAITH IN THE ELECTORAL SYSTEM, THEY BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A FAIR AND OPEN SYSTEM, AND THROUGH THIS SYSTEM WILL BE ELECTED THOSE WHO CAN BEST REPRESENT THEIR INTERESTS. AND I AM SURE IT WILL BE THE TOP PRIORITY OF ALL THOSE WHO ARE ELECTED TO ENSURE THAT WE HAVE IN PLACE SYSTEMS THAT WILL MAINTAIN OUR SMOOTH TRANSITION AND MAINTAIN HONG KONG’S STABILITY AND PROSPERITY AFTER 1997 .
/QUESTION: IF .........
THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 1994
- 5 -
QUESTION : IF A DECISION IS REACHED BY THE NPC , WOULD IT BE \ BLOW TO PEOPLE’S ENTHUSIASM ...
MRS CHAN : WELL, I THINK THE QUESTION OF WHETHER THE NP( DECIDES TO CONSIDER A RESOLUTION ALONG THE LINES PROPOSED IS CLEARLY A MATTER FOR THEM TO CONSIDER. J DON’T THINK 1 HAVE ANYTHING FURTHER TO \DD TO WHAT I’VE SAID EARLIER.
QUESTION : DURING YOUR POST AS ACTING GOVERNOR, DID NOIR OWN TAX STATUS CHANGE ?
MRS CHAN : DID MY OWN TAX..., NO. NOT THAT I AM AWARE (»F. NO.
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SHARK REPORT A FALSE ALARM
*****
THE SIGHTING OF WHAT WERE REPORTED TO BE SHARKS AT S1LVERSTRAND BEACH IN SAI KUNG THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING HAS TURNED OUT TO BF A FALSE ALARM, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE ADDED THAT A SPECIAL INTER-DEPARTMENTAL MEETING WAS CONVENED TO ASSESS THE SITUATION.
THE CONCLUSION WAS THAT THE CONTINGENCY MEASURES HAD PROVED TO WORK VERY WELL IN PRACTICE, HE SAID.
THE SHARK PREVENTION NET INSTALLED BY THE REGIONAL COUNCIL THAT IS IN PLACE AT THE BEACH WAS FOUND TO BF INTACT. NO LARGE FISH WAS FOUND INSIDE THE ENCLOSED AREA.
THE BEACH, WHICH WAS CLOSED THIS MORNING, HAS BEEN REOPENED AT 4.45 PM.
THE SPOKESMAN TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO REMIND SWIMMERS THAT A FEW POINTERS OUGHT TO BE HEEDED TO ENSURE SAFETY WHEN SWIMMING OFF BEACHES:
— DO NOT SWIM WHEN THE SHARK WARNING FLAG IS HOISTED
— DO NOT SWIM AT DAWN, AT DUSK OR AT NIGHT
— DO NOT SWIM IF YOU ARE BLEEDING OR HAVE AN OPEN WOUND
-- IF SCHOOLING FISH START TO BEHAVE•ERRATICALLY OR START TO CONGREGATE IN UNUSUALLY LARGE NUMBERS, LEAVE THE WATER
-- IF A LARGE FISH IS SIGHTED IN THE ARFAS, LEAVE THF WATER AS QUICKLY AND CALMLY AS POSSIBLE
— IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS OF THE BEACH LIFEGUARD
THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 1994
ALL CANDIDATES INFORMED OF NOMINATION VALIDITY
*****
ALL CANDIDATES HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED BY RELEVANT RETURNING OFFICERS AS TO THE VALIDITY OF THEIR NOMINATIONS FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS IN SEPTEMBER.
A TOTAL OF 10 NOMINATIONS HAD BEEN RULED INVALID. THE FINAL NUMBER OF CANDIDATES STANDING FOR THE ELECTIONS IS NOW 757, INCLUDING 50 WHO WERE UNCONTESTED IN THEIR RESPECTIVE CONSTITUENCIES.
NOTICES OF NOMINATIONS WILL BE GAZETTED TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
- - 0 - -
POLL STATIONS MORE ACCESSIBLE *****
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE SAID TONIGHT THAT THE OFFICE HAD TAKEN INTO DISTRICT VIEWS AND CHANGED THE LOCATION OF 12 DESIGNATED POLLING STATIONS FOR EASIER ACCESS OF ELECTORS FOR THE FORTHCOMING ELECTIONS.
TWO MORE POLLING STATIONS HAVE ALSO BEEN ADDED AND GAZETTED ON JULY 22 TO THE ORIGINAL LIST OF 440 GAZETTED IN APRIL.
- - 0 - -
512 ELECTION COMPLAINTS LODGED *****
THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE HAS RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 512 COMPLAINTS ON ELECTION-RELATED ACTIVITIES AS AT TODAY (THURSDAY).
OF ALL THE COMPLAINTS, 389 WERE RELATED 1'0 ELECTION ADVERTISEMENTS, 49 ON ELECTIONEERING IN PRIVATE PREMISES AND 74 ON OTHER MATTERS.
OUT OF THE 512 CASES, ACTION FOR 317 CASES HAD BEEN COMPLETED.
- - 0 - -
r. IURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 1994
FINANCIAL HELP FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES
*****
IN RESPONSE TO MEDIA ENQUIRIES, THE CONTROLLER OF THE STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AGENCY, MR ALFRED WONG, ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT TODAY (THURSDAY):
"IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN, AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE, THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY THAT NO STUDENTS WILL BE UNABLE TO ACCEPT, THROUGH LACK OF MEANS, THE OFFER OF A PLACE AT ANY OF THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE-FUNDED TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS TO PURSUE UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES.
"AS AT TODAY (THURSDAY), THE LOCAL STUDENT FINANCE SCHEME HAS RECEIVED 19,964 APPLICATIONS FROM CURRENT STUDENTS, AN INCREASE OF 54.9 PER CENT OVER LAST YEAR’S FIGURE OF 12,888.
"WE WILL BE SENDING OUT 7,000 NOTIFICATIONS OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS AND ANOTHER 7,000 IN THE FIRST WEEK OF SEPTEMBER. OTHER APPLICANTS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THEIR RESULTS AS SOON AS THEIR APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN PROCESSED.
"ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE MADE FOR THE TUITION FEE GRANT PORTION OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO BE PAID TO THE INSTITUTIONS OF APPLICANTS DIRECT AFTER NOTIFICATION OF RESULTS. ACADEMIC EXPENSES GRANT WILL BE PAID TO THE APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS TOGETHER WITH THE LOANS UPON COMPLETION OF THE LOAN DOCUMENTS BY THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS.
"STUDENTS WHO HAVE APPLIED FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE UNDER THE LOCAL STUDENT FINANCE SCHEME AND WHO HAVE PROBLEMS IN MEETING THE DEADLINE FOR PAYMENT OF THEIR TUITION FEES SHOULD NOTIFY IN ADVANCE THE STUDENT OFFICE OF THEIR RESPECTIVE INSTITUTION FOR ASSISTANCE. THE STUDENT OFFICE WILL THEN LIAISE WITH THE STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AGENCY ON WAYS TO DEALING WITH SUCH CASES."
--------0-----------
TRADING FIRM FINED FOR GARMENT ORIGIN FRAUD *****
A TRADING COMPANY AND ITS DIRECTOR WERE SENTENCED TO A $200,000 FINE AND 12 MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT AT WAN CHAI DISTRICT COURT TODAY (THURSDAY) FOR FALSELY DECLARING THE ORIGIN OF $2.62 MILLION WORTH OF CHINA-MADE GARMENTS AND SUPPLYING THEM WITH FALSE LABELS OF ORIGIN.
CITY HAND LIMITED, A GARMENT TRADING COMPANY, AND ITS DIRECTOR FONG YUK-FAI PLEADED GUILTY TO TWO COUNTS OF AIDING, ABETTING, COUNSELLING OR PROCURING THE APPLICATION OF FALSE TRADE DESCRIPTION TO 6,200 DOZEN PAIRS OF SHORTS AND 1,980 DOZENS OF TOI’S AND PANTS SETS, AND TO TWO COUNTS OF SUPPLYING THE GARMENTS TO WHICH A FALSE TRADE DESCRIPTION WAS APPLIED.
THE FIRM WAS FINED $200,000 AND FONG WAS SENTENCED TO 12 MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT, SUSPENDED 18 MONTHS.
/THE COURT ......
THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 1994
- 8 -
THE COURT HEARD THAT ACTING ON INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY THE U.S. CUSTOMS WHICH HAD SEIZED THE IMPORTED GOODS, HONG KONG CUSTOMS CONDUCTED AN INVESTIGATION ON THE COMPANY.
THE INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT BETWEEN AUGUST AND OCTOBER LAST YEAR, THE COMPANY HAD ARRANGED FOR THE GOODS TO BE MANUFACTURED AND LABELLED "MADE IN FIJI” IN CHINA. THE GOODS WERE THEN TRANSHIPPED FROM CHINA VIA SINGAPORE TO THE USA.
IN ORDER THAT THE GOODS COULD BE CUSTOMS-CLEARED AT THE U.S. END AS PRODUCTS OF FIJIAN ORIGIN, THE COMPANY PROVIDED THE I .S. BUYER WITH FALSE DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING FORGED FIJIAN CERTIFICATES OF ORIGIN.
DURING THE SAME PERIOD, FONG PLAYED AN ACTIVE ROLE IN THE TRANSACTIONS INCLUDING INSPECTION OF THE GOODS IN CHINA BY HERSELF.
THE HEAD OF CUSTOMS TRADING STANDARDS INVESTIGATION BUREAU, MR WONG CHUN KWONG, SAJI) TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN CONCERNED WITH TEXTILES TRANSHIPMENT FRAUD OF THIS KIND.
THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT WOULD STEP UP THEIR ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS TO TRACK DOWN SUCH MALPRACTICE TO PROTECT THE COMMERCIAL REPUTATION OF HONG KONG.
"THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR EACH COUNT OF TRADE DESCRIPTION OFFENCE IS $500,000 FINE PLUS FIVE YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT ON INDICTMENT, AND $100,000 FINE PLUS TWO YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT UPON SUMMARY CONVICTION," MR WONG ADDED.
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ACTING GOVERNOR SEES TAX COLLECTION WORK
*****
THE ACTING GOVERNOR, MRS ANSON CHAN, VISITED THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON TO TAKE A FIRST-HAND LOOK AT ITS OPERATION AND RECENT EFFORTS TO FURTHER ENHANCE ITS SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE, MR ANTHONY AU-YEUNG, MRS CHAN VISITED VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT INCLUDING THE TAX RETURN OFFICE, THE BUSINESS REGISTRATION OFFICE AND THE ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE.
AT THE TAX RETURN OFFICE AND THE BUSINESS REGISTRATION OFFICE, SHE SAW THE LATEST OFFICE AUTOMATION FACILITIES INCLUDING COMPUTER-BASED ON-LINE ENQUIRIES AND DATA STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL USING IMAGING TECHNOLOGY.
DURING THE VISIT, MRS CHAN LEARNED THAT THE DEPARTMENT COLLECTED IN 1993/94 A RECORD OF $95.7 BILLION IN REVENUE WHICH WAS ABOUT TWO-THIRDS OF THE TOTAL GENERAL REVENUE COLLECTED BY THE GOVERNMENT LAST FINANCIAL YEAR.
/SHE WAS .......
THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 1994
_ 9 ' -
SHE WAS TOLD THAT THE DEPARTMENT HAD DEVOTED MORE MANPOWER RESOURCES TO TACKLE TAX EVASION AND HAD TAKEN MEASURES TO IMPROVE PUBLIC ACCESS TO TAX-RELATED INFORMATION AND TO FURTHER ENHANCE ITS SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC.
THESE MEASURES INCLUDE THE EXPANSION OF TELEPHONE ENQUIRY FACILITIES, THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ’’COMPOSITE TAX RETURN” TO SIMPLIFY RETURN LODGMENT AND ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES, AND THE INTRODUCTION OF A ’’PAYMENT BY PHONE” FACILITY.
MRS CHAN CONCLUDED HER VISIT BY CALLING AT THE ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE TO SEE HOW THJE DEPARTMENT’S HALF A MILLION ENQUIRIES ANNUALLY ARE EXPEDITIOUSLY AND EFFICIENTLY HANDLED.
LICENSING OFFICES ON THE MOVE
♦ t * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S LICENSING OFFICES ON HONG KONG ISLAND WILL START OPERATING IN THEIR NEW PREMISES FROM TUESDAY (AUGUST 30).
THEY ARE ON THE 3RD FLOOR OF UNITED CENTRE ABOVE THE MTR ADMIRALTY STATION IN QUEENSWAY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE NEW PREMISES WAS LARGER THAN THE EXISTING ONE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE MURRAY ROAD MULTI-STOREY CARPARK.
"THE NEW PREMISES WILL OFFER BETTER ENVIRONMENT FOR BOTH OUR CUSTOMERS AND STAFF, THUS IMPROVING SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC,” HE SAID.
THE OFFICES MOVED TO UNITED CENTRE ARE:
» THE HONG KONG LICENSING OFFICE;
♦ THE PUBLIC VEHICLES SECTION;
* THE HONG KONG REGION DRIVING TEST APPOINTMENT OFFICE;
* THE DRIVING-OFFENCE POINTS OFFICE OF THE VEHICLE INSPECTION AND RECORDS SECTION; AND
* THR DRIVING LICENCE RECORDS OFFICE OF THE VEHICLE INSPECTION AND RECORDS SECTION.
THE VEHICLE INSPECTION OFFICE (DEFECTIVE VEHICLE) AND THE VEHICLE RECORDS OFFICE ARE ALREADY OPERATING FROM THEIR NEW PREMISES ON THE MEZZANINE FLOOR, LOW BLOCK, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES. •
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE MOVE OF THE OFFICES WILL BRING THEM CLOSER TOGETHER AND IT WILL BE MORE CONVENIENT FOR THE PUBLIC WHO VISIT THEM.
THE 24-HOUR LICENSING INFORMATION ENQUIRIES HOTLINE (801 7788) WILL BE CHANGED TO 804 2600 WITH EFFECT ALSO FROM TUESDAY (AUGUST 30).
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/10........
THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 1994
10
CLOSING DATE FOR PING SHAN HERITAGE TRAIL DRAWING COMPETITION * * ♦ * *
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH (RCB) TODAY (THURSDAY) REMINDED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC THAT THERE IS ONLY ONE WEEK LEFT FOR THEM TO SUBMIT ENTRIES FOR THE DRAWING COMPETITION ON FEATURES OF THE PING SHAN HERITAGE TRAIL.
ENTRIES MUST BE SUBMITTED TOGETHER WITH COMPLETED ENTRY FORMS TO THE ANTIQUITIES AND MONUMENTS OFFICE OF RCB, 136 NATHAN ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI BEFORE AUGUST 31.
THE COMPETITION, ORGANISED BY THE LORD WILSON HERITAGE TRUST WHICH WAS SET UP IN LATE 1992, IS AIMED AT PRESERVING AND PROMOTING HONG KONG’S HERITAGE.
IT IS HOPED THAT THE DRAWING COMPETITION WILL HELP ATTRACT MORE PEOPLE TO VISIT THE TRAIL. IT IS ALSO HOPED THAT THROUGH THE PAINTING BRUSHES OF ARTISTS, THE UNIQUE AND ELEGANT FACETS OF THE HISTORICAL STRUCTURES ALONG THE TRAIL CAN BE CAPTURED.
THE COMPETITION IS A TERRITORY-WIDE EVENT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. A PARTICIPANT, WHO MAY SUBMIT ANY NUMBER OF ENTRIES, CAN ENTER ONLY ONE CATEGORY (PRIMARY, SECONDARY OR OPEN ) TN THE COMPETITION.
ENTRIES CAN BE PRODUCED IN ANY MEDIUM BUT THE DIMENSION OF AN ENTRY SHOULD NOT EXCEED ONE METRE.
THE ENTRY FORM SHOULD BE PLACED IN AN ENVELOPE ATTACHED TO THE BACK OF THE DRAWING.
WINNING ENTRIES WILL BE SELECTED BY A PANEL COMPRISING THREE RENOWNED ARTISTS AND TWO REPRESENTATIVES OF THE LORD WILSON HERITAGE TRUST. RESULTS ARE EXPECTED TO BE ANNOUNCED NEXT MONTH.
WINNERS OF THE COMPETITION WILL BE AWARDED THE FOLLOWING PRIZES:
I) PRIMARY STUDENT GROUP
FIRST SECOND THIRD MERIT (5 STATIONERY STATIONERY STATIONERY PRIZES) STATIONERY COUPON COUPON COUPON COUPON OF OF OF OF $3,000 $2,000 $1,000 $500
II) SECONDARY STUDENT GROUP
FIRST SECOND THIRD MERIT (5 $3,000 $2,000 $1,000 PRIZES) $500
III) OPEN GROUP
FIRST SECOND THIRD MERIT (5 $6,000 $4,000 $3,000 PRIZES) $1,000 • •
/THE PING .......
THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 1994
- 11 -
THE PING SHAN HERITAGE TRAIL IS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN HONG KONG AND WAS OPENED IN DECEMBER 1993 WITH FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM THE LORD WILSON HERITAGE TRUST AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB.
THE TRAIL, LOCATED AT PING SHAN, YUEN LONG, IS ABOUT ONE KILOMETRE LONG. IT LINKS UP TRADITIONAL CHINESE STRUCTURES WITHIN EASY WALKING DISTANCE, PROVIDING VISITORS WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO RECAPTURE ASPECTS OF LIFE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES IN THE OLD DAYS IN A CONVENIENT HALF-DAY EXCURSION.
UNIQUE MONUMENTS ALONG THE TRAIL INCLUDE TSUI SHING LAU (HONG KONG’S ONLY HISTORIC PAGODA), TANG ANCESTRAL HALL (THE LARGEST ANCESTRAL HALL IN THE TERRITORY), SHEUNG CHEUNG WAI (A WALLED VILLAGE), KUN TING STUDY HALL (BUILT FOR STUDENTS PREPARING FOR THE IMPERIAL CIVIL SERVICE EXAMINATION), HUNG SHING TEMPLE AND YEUNG HAU TEMPLE TOGETHER WITH SEVERAL OTHER CHINESE BUILDINGS.
ENTRY FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE ANTIQUITIES AND MONUMENTS OFFICE, DISTRICT OFFICES, PUBLIC LIBRARIES AND MUSEUMS.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL 721 2326.
------0-------
CARGO WORKING AREAS REMAIN OPEN ON GENERAL HOLIDAYS *****
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT ALL PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREAS WOULD STAY OPEN FROM 7 AM TO 9 PM DURING THE GENERAL HOLIDAYS ON AUGUST 27 AND 29.
THE PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREAS ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT ARE AT THE WESTERN DISTRICT, SHEUNG WAN, WAN CHAI, CHAI WAN, 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 HOLIDAYS."
MACAU FERRY TERMINAL WILL REMAIN OPEN 24 HOURS WHILE CHINA FERRY TERMINAL IN TSIM SHA TSUI WILL BE OPEN AS NORMAL BETWEEN 6 AM AND 10 PM ON THESE DAYS.
THE VICTORIA MARINE OFFICE IN HARBOUR BUILDING WILL BE OPEN FROM 9 AM TO 11 AM ON AUGUST 28 FOR ENTRY AND OUTWARD CLEARANCE ONLY.
THE PORT FORMALITIES OFFICE IN THE SAME BUILDING WILL ALSO BE OPEN ONLY FROM 9 AM TO 11 AM ON AUGUST 28.
------0 - -
/12........
THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 1994
- 12
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
CUMULATIVE
TIME CHANGE
$ MILLION (HOURS) ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,221 09 30 -834
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,637 1000 -684
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO • 1 1 00 -684
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -684 1200 -684
LAF TODAY + 100 I50O -684
1 600 -684
LAF RATE 3.00 B1D/5 .00 OFFER TWI 122.3 *+0.2* 25.8.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EE NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD 1 WEEK 3.95 TERM 18 MONTHS ISSUE COUPON । b 2602 4.40 PRICE YIELD 98.15 5.81
1 MONTH 4.16 24 MONTHS 2608 6.15 100.07 6.20
3 MONTHS 4.38 30 MONTHS 370 1 4 . GO 95.95 6.53
6 MONTHS 4.71 33 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98.99 6.67
12 .MONTHS 5.24 36 MONTHS 3707 6.95 100.61 6.83
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS -29,130 MN
CLOSED 25 AUGUST 1994
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
DEREGULATION OF IRR TIME DEPOSITS TO BEGIN IN OCTOBER... 1
HALF-YEARLY ECONOMIC REPORT 1994............................ 2
GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT: 1994 NON-ROUTINE REVISION.......... 10
LANDSLIP PREVENTIVE WORKS TO START ON 19 SITES............. 13
MORE FACTORIES COME UNDER AIR POLLUTION CONTROLS........... 13
OCCUPATION BREAKDOWN OF DISTRICT BOARD CANDIDATES.......... 14
NEW GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES TO STRENGTHEN SERVICES............ 15
PROVISIONAL FIGURES ON EXTERNAL TRADE FOR JULY 1994 ....... 16
WATER WORKS FOR TUEN MUN AND QUARRY BAY.................... 18
GOODS AND SPECIAL PURPOSE VEHICLES MUST BE INSPECTED.... 19
SUBMARINE OUTFALL TO BE BUILT.............................. 19
HK ASKS FOR DEFERRAL OF MEXICAN ORIGIN REQUIREMENTS..... 20
NEW HK DIRECTOR HEADS WESTERN USA TRADE OFFICE............. 22
/CHUEN LUNG.....
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
CHUEN LUNG BRIDGE PROJECT................................. 23
NEW ROAD FOR YUNG SHUE WAN PROPOSED....................... 23
ACCOUNTING MANAGER FINED FOR MAKING INCORRECT TAX RETURNS.................................................. 24
SEA CARGO CUSTOMER LIAISON GROUP HOLDS FIRST MEETING... 24
ALTERNATIVE PARKING SITES PROVIDED FOR LORRIES............ 25
ROAD WORKS AT WEST KOWLOON................................ 25
TENDERS INVITED FOR TWO CIVIL ENGINEERING PROJECTS........ 26
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS . .. 27
FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 1994
DEREGULATION OF IRR TIME DEPOSITS TO BEGIN IN OCTOBER
*****
THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY (HKMA) WELCOMED THE DECISION BY THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS (HKAB) TODAY (FRIDAY) TO BEGIN REMOVING THE INTEREST RATE CAP ON TIME DEPOSITS IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR.
ACCORDING TO HKAB’S TIMETABLE, IT IS ESTIMATED THAT ABOUT 40 PER CENT OF THE EXISTING TIME DEPOSITS GOVERNED BY THE INTEREST RATE RULES (IRR) WILL BE DEREGULATED BY OCTOBER 1994, 85 PER CENT BY JANUARY 1995 AND 95 PER CENT BY APRIL 1995.
"THIS IS QUICK AND POSITIVE ACTION ON THE PART OF HKAB, DEMONSTRATING THEIR SINCERE COMMITMENT TO PUT INTO EFFECT THE CONSUMER COUNCIL’S PROPOSAL WHICH HAS BEEN ENDORSED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO REMOVE THE INTEREST RATE CAP ON TIME DEPOSITS.
"COMMENCEMENT OF THE PHASING-OUT PROGRAMME IN OCTOBER IS AHEAD OF THE CONSUMER COUNCIL’S PROPOSAL TO REMOVE THE CAP ON TIME DEPOSITS IN 1995," SAID MR JOSEPH YAM, THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE HKMA.
ON THE DEREGULATION OF 24-HOUR CALL DEPOSITS, HKMA ENDORSES THE STEP-BY-STEP APPROACH ANNOUNCED BY HKAB IN VIEW OF THE POSSIBLE IMPACT ON SAVINGS DEPOSITS.
EACH STEP IN LOWERING THE DEPOSIT SIZE THRESHOLD FOR 24-HOUR CALL DEPOSITS WOULD BE CONDITIONAL UPON THE HKMA AND HKAB BEING SATISFIED THAT THE STABILITY OF THE MONETARY AND BANKING SYSTEMS WOULD NOT BE UNDERMINED.
"IT IS JUSTIFIABLE TO BE MORE CAUTIOUS WITH 24-HOUR CALL DEPOSITS IN VIEW OF THE POSSIBILITY OF A MIGRATION FROM SAVINGS DEPOSITS. WHILE WE ARE COMMITTED TO LIBERALISATION, WE NEED TO ENSURE THAT IT WOULD NOT EXPOSE BANKING STABILITY TO EXCESSIVE RISK," SAID MR YAM.
ON JULY 26 THIS YEAR, THE GOVERNMENT ISSUED A RESPONSE, BASED ON A STUDY UNDERTAKEN BY HKMA, TO THE CONSUMER COUNCIL REPORT ENTITLED "ARE HONG KONG DEPOSITORS FAIRLY TREATED?".
IN THE RESPONSE, THE GOVERNMENT CONCLUDED, INTER ALIA, THAT THE CONSUMER COUNCIL’S PROPOSAL TO REMOVE THE INTEREST RATE CAP ON TIME DEPOSITS IN 1995 WAS ACCEPTABLE. HKAB AND HKMA HAVE SINCE BEEN DISCUSSING THE TIMETABLE FOR PUTTING THIS INTO EFFECT.
- - 0---------
/2 ........
FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 1994
- 2 -
HALF-YEARLY ECONOMIC REPORT 1994
*****
THE HALF-YEARLY ECONOMIC REPORT 1994 WAS RELEASED BY THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (FRIDAY).
FOLLOWING IS A SUMMARY OF THE MAIN POINTS:
- THE HONG KONG ECONOMY CONTINUED TO SHOW A ROBUST GROWTH IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1994, WITH A BROADLY SIMILAR GROWTH PACE IN THE FIRST AND THE SECOND QUARTERS.
- IN THE EXTERNAL SECTOR, RE-EXPORTS ROSE MARKEDLY IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR, ALTHOUGH THE GROWTH RATE HAD DECELERATED FROM THE PRECEDING YEAR. THE EARLIER DECLINE IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS SEEMED TO HAVE BOTTOMED OUT IN RECENT MONTHS. THE OVERALL PERFORMANCE IN EXPORTS OF GOODS WAS GENERALLY BETTER IN THE SECOND THAN IN THE FIRST QUARTER. CONCURRENTLY, A NOTABLE GROWTH WAS RECORDED FOR EXPORTS OF SERVICES.
- LOCALLY, DEMAND WAS UNDERPINNED BY A SOLID GROWTH IN CONSUMER SPENDING PARTICULARLY IN THE FIRST QUARTER, AS WELL AS BY VERY INTENSIVE CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY ON THE MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS. THERE WAS ALSO A PICK-UP IN INVESTMENT SPENDING ON MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT.
- IN LINE WITH THE STEADY GROWTH IN ECONOMIC ACTIVITY, OVERALL EMPLOYMENT SHOWED A FURTHER NOTABLE INCREASE IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1994. THE LABOUR MARKET REMAINED TIGHT, AS THE RELATIVELY MORE ABUNDANT LABOUR SUPPLY SEEN RECENTLY WAS MATCHED BY A SUSTAINED STRONG DEMAND FOR LABOUR. BOTH THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATES DRIFTED LOWER.
- THE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MARKET COOLED DOWN CONSIDERABLY IN THE SECOND QUARTER. THE ESCALATED PRICES AND REDUCED AFFORDABILITY OF FLATS HAD SET IN TO RESTRAIN DEMAND. A PACKAGE OF MEASURES AIMED AT DAMPENING PROPERTY SPECULATION AND INCREASING HOUSING SUPPLY WAS ANNOUNCED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN EARLY JUNE.
- INFLATION AS MEASURED BY THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) MODERATED TO AN AVERAGE OF 7.5% TN THE FIRST HALF OF THE YEAR. EXTERNALLY-INDUCED INFLATIONARY PRESSURES,
SPECIFICALLY THOSE BEING REFLECTED TN THE SHARPLY HIGHER PRICES OF VEGETABLES CONSEQUENTIAL TO THE FLOODING IN SOUTH CHINA, HAVE ALREADY LIFTED CONSUMER PRICE INFLATION IN JULY. ALONG WITH SUSTAINED MARKED INCREASES IN HOUSING RENTALS AND PRICES OF VARIOUS CONSUMER SERVICES, THE INFLATION RATE IS LIKELY TO EDGE HIGHER IN THE LATTER PART OF THE YEAR.
/- THE CENSUS .......
FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 1994
3
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAS RECENTLY UNDERTAKEN A NON-ROUTINE REVISION OF THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT ESTIMATES OVER THE PAST YEARS. THIS GIVES A BETTER COVERAGE OF INVISIBLE TRADE, A GREATER RECOGNITION OF THE CONTRIBUTION OF RE-EXPORTS TO THE GDP, AND AN IMPROVED MEANS OF DERIVING THE GROWTH RATE OF VISIBLE TRADE IN REAL TERMS. RESULTING FROM THIS REVISION, THE GDP GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS IS RAISED BY 0.4 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT TO 6.0% IN 1992, 0.3 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT TO 5.9% IN 1993, AND 0.2 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT TO 5.7% IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994. ALSO INCORPORATING THE NON-ROUTINE REVISION, THE GDP GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS IN THE SECOND QUARTER WAS PROBABLY IN THE REGION OF 5.5 - 6%.
THE ECONOMIC FORECASTS FOR 1994 HAVE BEEN REVIEWED AND UPDATED ON THE BASIS OF THESE ECONOMIC AND TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENTS. OVERALL, THE GDP GROWTH RATE TN REAL TERMS IN 1994 IS NOW FORECAST AT 5.7%. AGAINST THE EARLIER FORECAST OF 5.5%, THE DIFFERENCE IS ATTRIBUTABLE MAINLY TO THE EFFECT OF THE NON-ROUTINE REVISION OF THE GDP ESTIMATES. MATCHING THE LATEST FORECAST AGAINST THE ESTIMATED GDP GROWTH IN THE FIRST HALF OF THE YEAR, IN OVERALL TERMS THE ECONOMY IS EXPECTED TO GROW AT A STEADY PACE THROUGHOUT 1994.
- THE FORECAST RATES OF INCREASE IN THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) AND THE GDP DEFLATOR ARE KEPT UNCHANGED, AT 8.5% AND 8% RESPECTIVELY.
THE EXTERNAL SECTOR
THE MODERATION IN EXPORT GROWTH OBSERVED IN THE EARLY PART OF THIS YEAR WAS FOLLOWED BY A PICK-UP IN THE MORE RECENT MONTHS, WITH THE YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS OF TOTAL EXPORTS ACCELERATING FROM 8% IN THE FIRST QUARTER TO ABOUT 12% IN THE SECOND QUARTER. FOR THE FIRST HALF OF 1994 AS A WHOLE, TOTAL EXPORTS GREW BY ABOUT 10% IN REAL TERMS.
RE-EXPORTS CONTINUED TO PROVIDE THE KEY IMPETUS TO OVERALL EXPORT GROWTH, RISING BY ABOUT 14% IN REAL TERMS IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1994 OVER A YEAR EARLIER. WHILE THE STRONG GROWTH IN RE-EXPORTS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM AND JAPAN WAS SUSTAINED, THE GROWTH IN RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA, THE UNITED STATES AND GERMANY WAS LESS RAPID THAN IN THE PRECEDING QUARTERS.
THE TREND OF DECLINE IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS, HAVING DETERIORATED IN THE FIRST QUARTER, IMPROVED SOMEWHAT IN THE SECOND QUARTER. DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO JAPAN, SINGAPORE AND THE UNITED STATES RETURNED TO POSITIVE GROWTH IN THE SECOND QUARTER, WHILE THE DECLINES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA AND THE UNITED KINGDOM WERE SMALLER. HOWEVER, FOR THE FIRST HALF OF 1994 AS A WHOLE, OVERALL DOMESTIC EXPORTS STILL FELL BY ABOUT 5% IN REAL TERMS OVER A YEAR EARLIER.
STEMMING FROM THE DIVERGENT TRENDS IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND REEXPORTS, THE SHARE OF RE-EXPORTS IN THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS ROSE FURTHER, TO 81% IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1994, FROM 78% IN THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
/IMPORTS ROSE .......
FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 1994
IMPORTS ROSE BY ABOUT 12% IN REAL TERMS IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1994 OVER A YEAR EARLIER. AS IN THE CASE OF TOTAL EXPORTS, THERE WAS ACCELERATED GROWTH BETWEEN THE FIRST AND THE SECOND QUARTERS. THIS WAS MAINLY DUE TO A MARKED REVIVAL IN RETAINED IMPORTS, WHICH ROSE BY ABOUT 18% IN REAL TERMS IN THE SECOND QUARTER OVER A YEAR EARLIER, COMPARED WITH ONLY 4% IN THE FIRST QUARTER. FOR THE FIRST HALF OF 1994 AS A WHOLE, RETAINED IMPORTS GREW BY ABOUT 11% IN REAL TERMS OVER A YEAR EARLIER. THIS PICK-UP SHOULD HAVE FAVOURABLE IMPLICATIONS FOR DOMESTIC DEMAND AS WELL AS DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE COMING MONTHS.
IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1994, BOTH EXPORTS AND IMPORTS OF SERVICES SHOULD HAVE SHOWN A NOTABLE INCREASE, NOTWITHSTANDING A TEMPORARY SLACKENING IN VISITOR ARRIVALS AFFECTING TOURIST RECEIPTS.
MAINLY OWING TO A GREATER ABSORPTION OF IMPORTS, THE VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT RECORDED IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1994, EQUIVALENT TO 8% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS LARGER THAN THAT RECORDED IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1993, EQUIVALENT TO 5% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS. NEVERTHELESS, THE CONTINUED SURPLUS ON THE INVISIBLE TRADE ACCOUNT SHOULD HAVE MORE THAN OFFSET THE DEFICIT ON THE VISIBLE TRADE ACCOUNT, THEREBY STILL YIELDING A COMBINED SURPLUS.
DOMESTIC DEMAND
LOCALLY, CONSUMER SPENDING WAS UNDERPINNED BY FULL EMPLOYMENT AND SUSTAINED INCREASE IN REAL INCOMES. RETAINED IMPORTS OF CONSUMER GOODS PICKED UP FURTHER TO SHOW AN INCREASE OF ABOUT 15% IN REAL TERMS IN THE SECOND QUARTER OVER A YEAR EARLIER, AFTER A DECLINE OF 2% IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1993 AND AN INCREASE OF 9% IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994. FOR THE FIRST HALF OF 1994 AS A WHOLE, THERE WAS AN INCREASE OF ABOUT 12% IN REAL TERMS OVER A YEAR EARLIER. OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE VOLUME OF RETAIL SALES ROSE BY 8%.
ON INVESTMENT SPENDING, RETAINED IMPORTS OF CAPITAL GOODS STAGED A REVIVAL IN RECENT MONTHS. AN 11% GROWTH IN REAL TERMS WAS RECORDED IN THE SECOND QUARTER OVER A YEAR EARLIER, FOLLOWING VIRTUALLY ZERO GROWTH IN THE FIRST QUARTER. THE INCREASE RECORDED FOR RETAINED IMPORTS OF OFFICE EQUIPMENT WAS PARTICULARLY NOTABLE. IN THE BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SECTOR, ACTIVITY PARTICULARLY ON CIVIL ENGINEERING WAS HIGHLY INTENSIVE AS WORK ON A NUMBER OF MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS WAS PROCEEDING AT FULL STEAM.
THE LABOUR MARKET
THE LABOUR MARKET WAS TIGHT, WITH THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATES BOTH EDGING LOWER. THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE STOOD AT 1.9% IN THE SECOND QUARTER, 0.3 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT LOWER THAN IN THE PRECEDING QUARTER AND IN THE SAME QUARTER LAST YEAR. THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE, AT 1.3%, WAS LOWER THAN IN THE PRECEDING QUARTER AND IN THE SAME QUARTER LAST YEAR BY 0.4 AND 0.7 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT RESPECTIVELY. LABOUR MARKET CONDITIONS CONTINUED TO BE TIGHTER IN SERVICES THAN IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR.
/IN LINE.......•.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 1994
- 5 -
IN LINE WITH THE STEADY GROWTH IN ECONOMIC ACTIVITY, OVERALL EMPLOYMENT SHOWED A FURTHER NOTABLE INCREASE IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1994. THE SUSTAINED STRONG DEMAND FOR LABOUR WAS NEVERTHELESS MATCHED BY A RELATIVELY MORE ABUNDANT LABOUR SUPPLY. EARNINGS IN THE MAJOR SECTORS CONTINUED TO RISE SIGNIFICANTLY, EXCEPT FOR TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION WHICH RECORDED A DECLINE IN REAL TERMS. NEVERTHELESS, EXCLUDING THE IRREGULAR PAYMENTS IN EARNINGS, WAGES IN THE TRANSPORT SECTOR CONTINUED TO SHOW A NOTABLE INCREASE BROADLY IN LINE WITH THOSE IN OTHER SECTORS. MEANWHILE, CONSTRUCTION WAGE RATES HAD A SMALL INCREASE IN REAL TERMS.
THE PROPERTY MARKET
FOLLOWING A PERIOD OF HECTIC TRADING AND FURTHER PRICE UPSURGE IN THE FIRST QUARTER, THE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MARKET COOLED DOWN CONSIDERABLY IN THE SECOND QUARTER. THE HIGHER PRICE LEVEL AND REDUCED AFFORDABILITY OF FLATS HAD SET IN TO RESTRAIN DEMAND. SENTIMENT WAS DAMPENED BY THE ANTICIPATION OF NEW GOVERNMENT MEASURES TO CURB SPECULATION AND STABILISE THE MARKET. IN ADDITION, THE MORTGAGE RATE OF THE BANKS WAS RAISED FURTHER IN LATE MAY, ALONG WITH THE RISE IN LOCAL INTEREST RATES. AS A RESULT, FLAT PRICES EASED BACK FROM THE PEAK IN MARCH. A PACKAGE OF MEASURES FOR THE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MARKET WAS ANNOUNCED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN EARLY JUNE, WITH FURTHER DAMPENING EFFECTS. MEANWHILE, FLAT RENTALS CONTINUED TO RISE THROUGHOUT THE FIRST HALF OF 1994.
ON COMMERCIAL PROPERTY, THE DEMAND FOR OFFICE SPACE REMAINED GENERALLY STRONG, WITH SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN BOTH PRICES AND RENTALS DURING MOST OF THE FIRST HALF OF 1994. THE RENTAL INCREASE FOR PRIME OFFICE SPACE IN CENTRAL AND ADMIRALTY WAS PARTICULARLY MARKED, OWING TO AN ACUTE SHORTAGE OF NEW LETTABLE SPACE IN THESE AREAS. AS TO SHOPPING SPACE, RENTALS SHOWED FURTHER INCREASES IN THE FIRST HALF OF THE YEAR PARTICULARLY IN THE POPULAR SHOPPING DISTRICTS. THE RISE IN PRICES WAS HOWEVER GENERALLY MORE MODERATE.
ON INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY, THE MARKET FOR CONVENTIONAL FLATTED FACTORY SPACE REMAINED GENERALLY QUIET IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1994, AFFECTED BY THE ONGOING RELOCATION OF MANUFACTURING PROCESSES TO CHINA. BUT NEW INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS DESIGNED ALSO FOR OFFICE USE CONTINUED TO FACE A GOOD DEMAND, WITH FURTHER INCREASES IN PRICES AND RENTALS.
THE FINANCIAL SECTOR
THE RISE IN U.S. DOLLAR INTEREST RATES IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1994 HAD LITTLE EFFECT ON THE MARKET EXCHANGE RATE OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR, WHICH REMAINED GENERALLY STABLE UNDER THE LINKED EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEM AND MOVED NARROWLY BETWEEN HK$7.723 AND HK$7.749 PER U.S. DOLLAR.
/IN LINE .......
FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 1994
- 6 -
IN LINE WITH THE MOVEMENTS OF THE U.S. DOLLAR, THE HONG KONG DOLLAR WEAKENED AGAINST THE JAPANESE YEN AND THE MAJOR EUROPEAN CURRENCIES DURING THE FIRST HALF OF 1994. REFLECTING THESE DEVELOPMENTS, THE EFFECTIVE EXCHANGE RATE INDEX OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR HAD BEEN ON A DOWNTREND SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR, FALLING FROM A HIGH OF 127.8 RECORDED ON JANUARY 4 TO 123.1 AT THE END OF JUNE.
ALONG WITH THE RISES IN THE U.S. FEDERAL FUNDS RATE BY A TOTAL OF 1.25 PERCENTAGE POINTS BETWEEN FEBRUARY AND MAY (AND BY ANOTHER 0.5 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT IN MID-AUGUST) AND AN INCREASE IN THE U.S. DISCOUNT RATE BY 0.5 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT IN MID-MAY (AND BY ANOTHER 0.5 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT IN MID-AUGUST), LOCAL INTEREST RATES HAD BEEN ON AN UPTREND. DEPOSIT RATES GOVERNED BY THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS AS WELL AS THE BEST LENDING RATE WERE ADJUSTED UPWARDS TWICE, IN MARCH AND MAY, AND AGAIN IN AUGUST.
BOTH HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS AND THE BROADER DEFINITIONS OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY ACCELERATED IN GROWTH DURING THE SECOND QUARTER, AFTER RECORDING ONLY MODERATE INCREASES DURING THE FIRST QUARTER. IN LINE WITH THE STEADY GROWTH IN ECONOMIC ACTIVITY, TOTAL DOMESTIC LOANS ALSO SHOWED A SOLID RISE DURING THE SECOND QUARTER. WITHIN THIS TOTAL, LOANS TO FINANCE VISIBLE TRADE CONTINUED TO PICK UP. LOANS FOR MANUFACTURING AND FOR BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT ALSO SHOWED FURTHER NOTABLE INCREASES.
IN THE LOCAL STOCK MARKET, THE HANG SENG INDEX, AFTER REACHING A NEW RECORD HIGH OF 12 201 IN EARLY JANUARY, CONSOLIDATED THEREAFTER AND TOUCHED A LOW OF 8369 IN EARLY MAY. THE MARKET REMAINED VOLATILE AND SHOWED CONSIDERABLE DAILY FLUCTUATIONS IN MAY AND JUNE. THE INDEX CLOSED THE FIRST HALF OF 1994 AT 8758, REPRESENTING A 3% FALL FROM THE END OF MARCH 1994 AND A 26% FALL FROM THE END OF 1993.
INFLATION
CONSUMER PRICE INFLATION, MEASURED IN TERMS OF THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A), STAYED AT 8% OR BELOW THROUGHOUT THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR. ON A YEAR-ON-YEAR COMPARISON, THE CPI(A) ROSE BY 7.3% IN THE FIRST QUARTER AND BY 7.7% IN THE SECOND QUARTER. FOR THE FIRST HALF OF 1994 AS A WHOLE, THE INCREASE AVERAGED AT 7.5%. THIS WAS APPRECIABLY SLOWER THAN THE AVERAGE INCREASE OF 8.5% RECORDED IN BOTH THE FIRST AND THE SECOND HALVES OF 1993. THE CORRESPONDING INCREASES IN THE CPI(B) AND THE HANG SENG CPI IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1994 WERE 8.0% AND 9.7%. THE COMPOSITE CPI, AS AN AGGREGATE MEASURE OF CONSUMER PRICE INFLATION COVERING THESE THREE INDICES, HAD A CORRESPONDING INCREASE OF 8.2%.
THE GDP DEFLATOR, AS A BROAD MEASURE OF OVERALL INFLATION IN THE ECONOMY, HOWEVER SHOWED A FASTER INCREASE MORE RECENTLY. IT ROSE BY 8.9% IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994 OVER A YEAR EARLIER.
/NON-ROUTINE REVISION .......
FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 1994
7 -
NON-ROUTINE REVISION OF THE GDP ESTIMATES
IN LINE WITH AN ESTABLISHED INTERNATIONAL PRACTICE TO INTRODUCE MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE COMPILATION OF GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT ESTIMATES ONCE EVERY FEW YEARS, THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAS RECENTLY UNDERTAKEN A NON-ROUTINE REVISION OF THE GDP ESTIMATES OVER THE PAST YEARS.
IN SO DOING, STRUCTURAL CHANGE IN THE ECONOMY CAN BE BETTER REFLECTED AND NEW OR MORE RELIABLE DATA INCORPORATED TO ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF THE GDP ESTIMATES.
AS A RESULT OF THIS ROUND OF REVISION, BOTH THE LEVEL AND THE GROWTH RATE OF THE GDP ESTIMATES IN THE MORE RECENT YEARS ARE REVISED UPWARDS.
ON THE GDP LEVEL IN NOMINAL TERMS, IT IS LIFTED BY AN AVERAGE OF 4% EACH YEAR. ON THE GDP GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS, IT IS RAISED BY 0.4 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT TO 6.0% IN 1992, 0.3 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT TO 5.9% IN 1993, AND 0.2 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT TO 5.7% IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994.
INCORPORATING THE NON-ROUTINE REVISION, THE GDP GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS IN THE SECOND QUARTER WAS PROBABLY.IN THE REGION OF 5.5 -6%.
UPDATED FORECASTS
THE GDP FORECAST FOR 1994 HAS BEEN REVIEWED BY INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS BASED ON THE NEWLY REVISED GDP ESTIMATES. THE CORRESPONDING PRICE FORECAST HAS ALSO BEEN EXAMINED.
IN THE EXTERNAL SECTOR, THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS OF RE-EXPORTS IN 1994 IS REVISED TO 15%. THE GROWTH IN RE-EXPORTS IN THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS OF THE YEAR WAS SLOWER THAN EXPECTED. NEVERTHELESS, A BETTER PERFORMANCE WILL PROBABLY BE ATTAINED IN THE COMING MONTHS. THE EFFECT OF CHINA’S ECONOMIC RESTRAINT MEASURES ON ITS OWN IMPORT DEMAND AND HENCE ON THE CORRESPONDING RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA THROUGH HONG KONG IS GRADUALLY BEING ABSORBED. RE-EXPORTS TO JAPAN AND OTHER ECONOMIES IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION, AS WELL AS TO THE UNITED STATES AND THE UNITED KINGDOM, SHOULD STILL BE ROBUST. IN ADDITION, THE RECENT WEAKENING OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR IN LINE WITH THE U.S. DOLLAR AGAINST THE JAPANESE YEN AND THE MAJOR EUROPEAN CURRENCIES SHOULD HELP HONG KONG’S EXPORTS TO THE RESPECTIVE MARKETS.
THE FORECAST RATE OF DECLINE IN REAL TERMS IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS IS ADJUSTED TO 4%. NOTWITHSTANDING THE WEAR PERFORMANCE SO FAR, THERE WERE SIGNS OF IMPROVEMENT IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CERTAIN MAJOR MARKETS IN THE MORE RECENT MONTHS. THE EXCHANGE RATE FACTOR SHOULD SIMILARLY HELP.
TAKING DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS OF TOTAL EXPORTS IN 1994 IS FORECAST AT 11%.
/IMPORTS ARE .......
FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 1994
- 8 -
IMPORTS ARE FORECAST TO OROW BY 12.5% IN REAL TERMS IN 1994, HAVING CONSIDERED THE SLOWER-THAN-EXPECTED GROWTH IN RE-EXPORTS SO FAR BUT ALSO THE OFFSET FROM THE MARKED REVIVAL IN RETAINED IMPORTS IN RECENT MONTHS. LOOKING AHEAD, THE DEMAND FOR IMPORTS SHOULD CONTINUE TO RISE, WITH THE INCREASE PROBABLY CONCENTRATED MORE IN CONSUMER GOODS AND CAPITAL GOODS.
THE GROWTH RATES IN REAL TERMS OF EXPORTS AND IMPORTS OF SERVICES IN 1994, FORECAST AT 9% AND 8% RESPECTIVELY, HAVE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THE CONTINUED GROWTH IN TRADE-RELATED SERVICES AND A LIKELY PICK-UP IN TOURISM DURING THE REST OF THE YEAR. EXPORTS OF VARIOUS OTHER PROFESSIONAL AND SUPPORT SERVICES SHOULD MAINTAIN THEIR GROWTH MOMENTUM, IN LINE WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG AS A SERVICE-ORIENTED ECONOMY.
IN THE DOMESTIC SECTOR, THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS OF PRIVATE CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE IN 1994 IS KEPT AT 7%, AND THAT OF GOVERNMENT CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE AT 4.4%. THERE MAY WELL BE SOME ASSET MARKET EFFECT DAMPENING CONSUMER SPENDING, GIVING A LESS RAPID INCREASE IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE YEAR THAN IN THE FIRST HALF. BUT CONTINUED FULL EMPLOYMENT AND RISING REAL INCOMES SHOULD STILL BE ABLE TO UNDERPIN GROWTH.
AS TO INVESTMENT, PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE ON BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION IN 1994 IS FORECAST TO GROW BY 30% IN REAL TERMS, MAINLY IN THE LIGHT OF VERY INTENSIVE WORK ON A NUMBER OF MAJOR PUBLIC SECTOR INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS. IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR, A NUMBER OF LARGE CIVIL ENGINEERING PROJECTS ARE EXPECTED TO GATHER MOMENTUM. MOREOVER, WORK ON SOME BUILDING PROJECTS HAS ALSO PICKED UP SOMEWHAT. HAVING REGARD TO THESE TRENDS, PRIVATE SECTOR EXPENDITURE ON BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION IN 1994 IS FORECAST TO RISE BY 5% IN REAL TERMS. TAKEN TOGETHER, OVERALL EXPENDITURE ON BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION IS FORECAST TO BE 15.2% HIGHER IN REAL TERMS IN 1994. ON INVESTMENT IN MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT, THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS OF THE OVERALL EXPENDITURE IN 1994 IS KEPT AT 5.8%. COMBINING ALL RELEVANT COMPONENTS, GROSS DOMESTIC FIXED CAPITAL FORMATION IN 1994 IS EXPECTED TO SHOW A 7.8% GROWTH IN REAL TERMS.
OVERALL, THE GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS OF THE GDP IN 1994, INCORPORATING THE RESULTS OF THE NON-ROUTINE REVISION OF THE GDP ESTIMATES, IS FORECAST AT 5.7%. OF ITS COMPONENTS, THE GROWTH IN REEXPORTS BEING LESS RAPID THAN EARLIER EXPECTED IS OFFSET PRINCIPALLY BY THE MUCH STRONGER GROWTH MOMENTUM IN FIXED ASSET INVESTMENT SPECIFICALLY IN INFRASTRUCTURE CONSTRUCTION. IN OVERALL TERMS, THE ECONOMY IS EXPECTED TO GROW AT A STEADY PACE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.
ON INFLATION, THE FORECAST RATES OF INCREASE IN BOTH THE CPI(A) AND THE GDP DEFLATOR ARE KEPT UNCHANGED AT 8.5% AND 8% RESPECTIVELY. NOTWITHSTANDING THE FAVOURABLE OUTCOME IN THE FIRST HALF OF THE YEAR, CONSUMER PRICE INFLATION IN JULY SHOWED A RELAPSE AS THE PRICES OF VEGETABLES WERE PUSHED UP SHARPLY FOLLOWING THE FLOODING IN CHINA.
VEGETABLE PRICES ARE LIKELY TO REMAIN HIGH UNTIL NORMAL AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION IS RESUMED.
/MORE GENERALLY.........
FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 1994
- 9 -
MORE GENERALLY, AMIDST TIGHTER MARKET CONDITIONS, WORLD COMMODITY AND PRODUCT PRICES CAN BE EXPECTED TO RISE FURTHER. THE EFFECT OF THE SHARP APPRECIATION OF THE JAPANESE YEN ON THE PRICES OF HONG KONG’S IMPORTS FROM JAPAN WILL CONTINUE TO FILTER THROUGH.
THE PERSISTENTLY HIGH INFLATION IN CHINA COULD ALSO HAVE AN INDIRECT IMPACT VIA THE PRICES OF HONG KONG’S IMPORTS FROM CHINA.
LOCALLY, INFLATIONARY PRESSURES WILL CONTINUE TO BE FELT MORE STRONGLY IN HOUSING RENTALS, TRANSPORT FARES AND CHARGES FOR THE VARIOUS CONSUMER SERVICES.
HAVING REGARD TO BOTH THE EXTERNAL AND THE DOMESTIC FACTORS, CONSUMER PRICE INFLATION IS ENVISAGED TO BE HIGHER IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE YEAR THAN IN THE FIRST HALF. BUT AVERAGING FOR 1994 AS A WHOLE, THE EARLIER FORECAST OF 8.5X FOR THE CPI(A) SHOULD STILL BE APPROPRIATE.
THE HALF-YEARLY ECONOMIC REPORT 1994 IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE IN CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AT $50 A COPY.
THE UPDATED FORECASTS ARE SUMMARISED IN THE FOLLOWING TABLE:
UPDATED FORECAST RELEASED ON . 26.8.1994
(X)
GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS OF :
PRIVATE CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE 7
GOVERNMENT CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE 4.4
GROSS DOMESTIC FIXED CAPITAL FORMATION 7.8
TRANSFER COSTS OF LAND AND BUILDINGS 0
BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION 15.2
PRIVATE SECTOR 5
PUBLIC SECTOR 30
REAL ESTATE DEVELOPERS’ MARGIN 0
MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT 5.8
PRIVATE SECTOR 5
PUBLIC SECTOR 35
TOTAL EXPORTS OF GOODS 11
DOMESTIC EXPORTS -4
RE-EXPORTS I5
IMPORTS OF GOODS 12-5
EXPORTS OF SERVICES 9
IMPORTS OF SERVICES 8
GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP) 5.7
PER CAPITA GDP 4
GROWTH RATE IN MONEY TERMS OF :
GDP
. PER CAPITA GDP
14.1
12.3
/RATE OF
FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 1994
10
RATE OF INCREASE IN :
GDP DEFLATOR CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A)
8
8.5
NOTE :
AS THE LATEST UPDATED FORECAST OF GDP AND ITS COMPONENTS FOR 1994 HAS INCORPORATED THE RESULTS OF THE NON-ROUTINE REVISION OF THE GDP ESTIMATES, DIRECT COMPARISON WITH THE EARLIER FORECAST WHICH DOES NOT CONTAIN SUCH A REVISION IS NOT ENTIRELY MEANINGFUL. AS AN OVERALL INDICATION, BETWEEN THE LATEST FORECAST OF A 6.7% GROWTH AND THE EARLIER FORECAST OF A 5.5% GROWTH FOR THE GDP IN 1994, THE DIFFERENCE IS ATTRIBUTABLE MAINLY TO THE EFFECT OF THE NON-ROUTINE REVISION.
--------0 - -
GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT:
1994 NON-ROUTINE REVISION
*****
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAS REVISED THE PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED GDP ESTIMATES. RESULTS OF THE REVISION ARE RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE DEPARTMENT HAS RECENTLY UNDERTAKEN A DETAILED STUDY WHEREBY SOME IMPROVED METHODS OF ESTIMATION HAVE BEEN DEVISED AND CERTAIN NEW DATA SOURCES INCORPORATED INTO THE DATA COMPILATION SYSTEM.
IT IS INTERNATIONAL PRACTICE THAT GOVERNMENT STATISTICAL AUTHORITIES UNDERTAKE SUCH NON-ROUTINE REVISIONS ONCE EVERY FEW YEARS TO IMPROVE THE COMPILATION FRAMEWORK OF THE GDP LEADING TO THE PRODUCTION OF DATA OF ENHANCED QUALITY.
THE 1994 ROUND OF NON-ROUTINE REVISION OF THE GDP SERIES IS THE FIFTH OF ITS KIND. THE DEPARTMENT HAS PREVIOUSLY CONDUCTED FOUR ROUNDS OF REVISION AND RESULTS WERE RELEASED IN 1980, 1984, 1987 AND 1991.
BOTH THE EXPENDITURE-BASED GDP AND THE PRODUCTION-BASED GDP ARE REVISED IN THE EXERCISE.
COMPARED WITH THE ORIGINAL ESTIMATES, THE REVISED EXPENDITUREBASED GDP ESTIMATES DIFFER BY LESS THAN HALF OF A PERCENTAGE POINT IN TERMS OF GROWTH RATES IN REAL TERMS OF THE GDP FOR MOST OF THE YEARS IN THE PERIOD.
FOR INSTANCE, IN THE REVISED SERIES, THE YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH RATES IN REAL TERMS OF THE GDP ARE 5.7 PER CENT FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994, 5.9 PER CENT FOR 1993 AND 6.0 PER CENT FOR 1992 WHILE THE PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED FIGURES WERE 5.5 PER <W !■’!.' THE I I RS I QUARTER OF 1994, 5.6 PER CENT FOR 1993 AND 5.6 PER CENT FOR 1992.
/REGARDING THE .......
FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 1994
11 -
REGARDING THE GROWTH RATES OF INDIVIDUAL EXPENDITURE COMPONENTS IN REAL TERMS, THE EXTENT OF REVISION IS SOMEWHAT GREATER.
NEVERTHELESS, IT IS WITHIN TWO PERCENTAGE POINTS FOR EXPORTS AND IMPORTS OF SERVICES, AND LESS THAN ONE PERCENTAGE POINT FOR OTHER COMPONENTS.
FOR THE LAST FEW YEARS, THE LEVEL OF THE GDP AT CURRENT MARKET PRICES IS REVISED UPWARDS BY ABOUT 4 PER CENT. FOR INSTANCE, THE GDP OF 1993 IS REVISED TO HKI888 BILLION FROM THE PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED HKI851 BILLION.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE NON-ROUTINB REVISION HAD TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT STRUCTURAL CHANGE IN THE ECONOMY.
"SPECIAL EFFORTS HAVE BEEN MADE IN THE DEPARTMENT’S ECONOMIC SURVEYS TO ENHANCE THE COVERAGE OF TRADE IN SERVICES, BY MORE ADEQUATELY INCORPORATING OFFSHORE TRADING ACTIVITIES, LAND TRANSPORT SERVICES AND OTHER BUSINESS SERVICES SUCH AS LEGAL SERVICES, CONSTRUCTION SERVICES AND MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCY SERVICES, ALL OF WHICH HAVE GROWN IN IMPORTANCE IN RECENT YEARS," HE SAID.
"THE OPPORTUNITY IS ALSO TAKEN TO REBASE THE GDP SERIES TO 1990. THE PREVIOUS GDP SERIES HAS 1980 AS THE BASE YEAR. IN SO DOING, A MORE UP-TO-DATE PRICE STRUCTURE IS TAKEN IN COMPILING GDP ESTIMATES."
"IT IS INTERNATIONAL PRACTICE TO REBASE THE GDP ESTIMATES PERIODICALLY TO ENSURE THAT THE WEIGHTS, OR RELATIVE VALUES, UNDERLYING THE MEASUREMENT OF CHANGES OVER A MORE RECENT PERIOD REFLECT CLOSELY THE PRICE STRUCTURE OF THAT PERIOD," HE ADDED.
"MOREOVER, WE HAVE IMPROVED THE METHOD FOR DEFLATING THE TRADE AGGREGATES. SOME NEW STANDARDS PROMULGATED IN THE LATEST VERSION OF THE SYSTEM OF NATIONAL ACCOUNTS RELEASED BY THE UNITED NATIONS HAVE ALSO BEEN ADOPTED," HE SAID.
IN THE PRODUCTION-BASED GDP, THERE ARE TWO MAJOR AREAS OF REVISION. FIRST, THE GDP CONTRIBUTIONS OF SOME ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES NOT ADEQUATELY COVERED PREVIOUSLY HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE REVISED SERIES.
SECOND, THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF SOME COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS NOT COVERED IN THE ROUTINE ECONOMIC SURVEYS HAVE BEEN DIRECTLY CAPTURED OR ELSE ESTIMATED BY SPECIAL METHODS. THESE RESULT IN AN UPWARD ADJUSTMENT OF AROUND 3 PER CENT - 4 PER CENT IN THE LEVEL OF THE PRODUCTION-BASED GDP AT CURRENT MARKET PRICES.
DETAILED RESULTS OF THIS NON-ROUTINE REVISION ARE PRESENTED IN A REPORT ENTITLED "REVISED ESTIMATES OF GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT, 1961 TO FIRST QUARTER 1994”.
THE REPORT IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AND THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AT $38 A COPY.
/Comparison of .......
FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 1994
- 12
Comparison of revised and previously published GDP growth rates, 1990-19.93
% increase in real terms over preceding year
G. D. P. Components 1990 1991 1992 1993
Private consumption expenditure Revised (Previous) 5.7 (6.3) 8.6 (9.2) •7.6 (8.3) 7.4 (7.7)
Government consumption expenditure Revised (Previous) • 5.5 (6.0) 7.7 (6.9) 6.8 (7.1) 1.5 (0.9)
Gross domestic fixed capital formation Revised (Previous) 8.1 (8.0) 9.3 (9.0) 9.0 (9.6) 4.1 (4.7)
Total exports of goods Revised (Previous) 9.6 (9.2) 17.3 (16.6) » • 19.8 (19.2) 13.5 (13.1)
Imports of goods Revised (Previous) • 11.4 (11.4) 19.0 (19.0) 22.2 (22.3) 12.7 (12.8)
Exports of services Revised (Previous) 3.6 (5.9) 4.7 (3.6) 11.6 (11.0) 8.2 (7.8)
Imports of services » Revised (Previous) 12.1 (10.1) 11.3 (8.1) 9.1 (7.0) 7.8 (6.9) •
Expenditure-based G.D.P. Revised (Previous) 3.4 (3.2) 5.1 (4.1) 6.0 (5.6) 5.9 (5.6)
- - o - -
/13 .......
FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 1994
- 13 -
LANDSLIP PREVENTIVE WORKS TO START ON 19 SITES
*****
THE CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE UPGRADING OF 19 RETAINING WALLS, CUT SLOPES, FILL SLOPES AND ROCK SLOPES ACROSS THE TERRITORY.
THE LANDSLIP PREVENTIVE MEASURES AIM AT IMPROVING THE STABILITY OF EXISTING FEATURES TO MEET CURRENT STANDARDS.
THEY WILL INCLUDE INSTALLATION OF SOIL NAILS, CUTTING BACK OF EXISTING SLOPES, ROCK SLOPE SUPPORT WORKS, RECOMPACTION OF FILL SLOPES, CONSTRUCTION OF SKIN AND CAISSON WALLS, REPAIR OF EXISTING SURFACE DRAINAGE AS WELL AS PROVISION OF SURFACE DRAINAGE AND SURFACE PROTECTION TO FINISHED SLOPE -SURFACES.
THE WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START IN NOVEMBER FOR COMPLETION AROUND THE END OF 1996.
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE CHIEF GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER/DESIGN, GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING OFFICE, 10TH FLOOR, CIVIL ENGINEERING BUILDING, 101 PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD, HO MAN TIN, KOWLOON.
TENDER OFFER WILL CLOSE AT NOON ON SEPTEMBER 23.
------0-------
MORE FACTORIES COME UNDER AIR POLLUTION CONTROLS ***** .♦
A COMMENCEMENT NOTICE TO EFFECT LICENCE CONTROL ON. FIVE AIR POLLUTING INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES IS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY). 9 9
THE AFFECTED PROCESSES INCLUDE ORGANIC CHEMICAL WORKS, ZINC GALVANISING WORKS, RENDERING WORKS, NON-FERROUS METALLURGICAL WORKS AND GLASS WORKS.
EXPLAINING DETAILS OF THE NOTICE, A PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD), MR FRANKLIN CHUNG, SAID:’’THESE INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES ARE NOW FORMALLY CLASSIFIED AS SPECIFIED PROCESSES UNDER THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE AND ARE SUBJECT TO EPD LICENCE CONTROL FROM TODAY.
’’ANY NEW PREMISES CONDUCTING THESE PROCESSES WILL HAVE TO USE THE BEST PRACTICABLE MEANS TO PREVENT THE EMISSION OF AIR POLLUTANTS FROM THEIR PREMISES AND BE LICENSED TO THAT EFFECT.
’’THE EXISTING 32 FACTORIES INVOLVED IN THE FIVE INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES MUST REGISTER WITH EPD WITHIN THE NEXT SIX MONTHS. THEY WILL THEN BE GRANTED TEMPORARY EXEMPTIONS TO ALLOW THEM TIME TO UPGRADE THEIR PLANTS TO MEET THE LICENSING REQUIREMENTS,” HE SAID.
/MR CHUNG .......
FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 1994
14
MR CHUNG NOTED: "THE EXEMPTIONS GRANTED TO THE ZINC GALVANISING WORKS, NON-FERROUS METALLURGICAL WORKS AND GLASS WORKS WILL BE REMOVED AFTER 12 MONTHS, WHILE THE EXEMPTIONS GRANTED TO THE ORGANIC CHEMICAL WORKS AND RENDERING WORKS WILL BE REMOVED IN AUGUST 1996."
ALSO GAZETTED TODAY IS A NOTIFICATION THAT EXEMPTIONS GRANTED TO ANOTHER 10 AIR POLLUTING INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES WILL BE REMOVED FROM AUGUST 26, 1995.
THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE THOSE CONDUCTING SPECIFIED PROCESSES OF ACRYLATE WORKS, CEMENT WORKS, CERAMIC WORKS, COPPER WORKS, IRON AND STEEL WORKS, MINERAL WORKS, FRIT WORKS, ZINC GALVANISING WORKS, NON-FERROUS METALLURGICAL WORKS AND GLASS WORKS.
MR CHUNG SAID: "THESE 10 PROCESSES FORMED THE SECOND BATCH OF SPECIFIED PROCESSES TO COME UNDER FULL LICENCE CONTROL AS A RESULT OF TIGHTENING THE LEGISLATION LAST YEAR."
"THE FIRST BATCH INCLUDED ALUMINIUM WORKS, PETROCHEMICAL WORKS, TAR AND BITUMEN WORKS, AND SOME POLLUTING CEMENT WORKS, ALL OF WHICH WILL COME UNDER FULL LICENCE CONTROL IN NOVEMBER THIS YEAR."
"THESE CONTROLS MARK A SIGNIFICANT FURTHER-STEP IN COMBATING AIR POLLUTION FROM POLLUTING INDUSTRIES.
"WITHIN A YEAR FROM NOW, OVER A HUNDRED LARGE FACTORIES WILL BE LICENSED AND WILL HAVE TO MEET STRINGENT EPD REQUIREMENTS.
"WITH THE EMPHASIS ON BETTER PLANT MANAGEMENT AND MODERN POLLUTION CONTROL EQUIPMENT, SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENTS IN AIR QUALITY AROUND THESE FACTORIES ARE EXPECTED," MR CHUNG SAID.
THE INDUSTRIES CONCERNED WERE CONSULTED AND HAVE NO MAJOR PROBLEMS IN UPGRADING EXISTING PLANTS AND PROCESSES TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW REQUIREMENTS.
COPIES OF THE GUIDANCE NOTES ON THE BEST PRACTICABLE MEANS TO BE ADOPTED ARE AVAILABLE AT THE AIR MANAGEMENT GROUP OF EPD, 33RD FLOOR, REVENUE TOWER, 5 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI.
ENQUIRIES ON HOW TO APPLY FOR EXEMPTIONS AND LICENCES SHOULD BE MADE ON 594 6235.
------0--------
OCCUPATION BREAKDOWN OF DISTRICT BOARD CANDIDATES » * » » »
AMONG THE 757 CANDIDATES NOMINATED FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS IN SEPTEMBER, 267 WERE ADMINISTRATORS AND EXECUTIVES.
NINETY-FOUR WERE BUSINESSMEN AND INDUSTRIALISTS.
THERE WERE ALSO 76 PROFESSIONALS. THE NUMBER FOR THOSE ENGAGED IN SOCIAL SERVICE WAS 74, 87 BELONGED TO THE
EDUCATIONALIST/TEACHER/JOURNALIST CATEGORY AND 77 WERE OFFICE WORKERS.
/FOLLOWING IS .......
FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 1994
- 15 -
FOLLOWING IS THE BREAKDOWN OF CANDIDATES BY OCCUPATION:
ADMINISTRATOR/EXECUTIVE 267
BUSINESSMAN/INDUSTRIALIST 94
PROFESSIONAL 76
STUDENT 5
SELF-EMPLOYED 34
SOCIAL SERVICE 74
EDUCATIONALIST/TEACHER/JOURNALIST 87
WORKER 28
OFFICE WORKER 77
RETIRED/UNEMPLOYED 15
- - 0-----------
NEW GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES TO STRENGTHEN SERVICES
* * * * t
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING APPLICATIONS FOR OPERATING 21 NEW GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
THE ROUTES WILL BE OPERATED IN CHAI WAN, POK FU LAM AND ABERDEEN ON HONG KONG ISLAND; TSZ WAN SHAN, CHOI WAN, LAM TIN, TO KWA WAN AND KOWLOON CITY IN KOWLOON; AND SHEUNG SHUI, FANLING, NAI CHUNG, TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID APPLICATIONS MUST BE MADE ON THE FORM ENTITLED ’’APPLICATION FOR PASSENGER SERVICE LICENCE IN RESPECT OF THE PACKAGES OF PUBLIC LIGHT BUS (SCHEDULED) ROUTES GAZETTED IN 1994" OBTAINABLE FREE OF CHARGE ON REQUEST FROM THE FOLLOWING OFFICES:
* TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, 41ST FLOOR, IMMIGRATION TOWER, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG;
* TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT KOWLOON AND NEW TERRITORIES REGIONAL OFFICES, SEVENTH FLOOR, GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 30 LUEN WAN STREET, KOWLOON;
» HONG KONG LICENSING OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, 2 MURRAY ROAD, HONG KONG;
t KWUN TONG LICENSING OFFICE, FIFTH FLOOR, KOWLOON EAST GOVERNMENT OFFICE, 12 LEI YUE MUN ROAD, KOWLOON; AND
* SHA TIN LICENSING OFFICE, FIFTH FLOOR, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION, SHA TIN, NEW TERRITORIES.
COMPLETED FORMS MUST BE RETURNED BY REGISTERED POST TO THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS ON 41ST FLOOR, IMMIGRATION TOWER, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG, ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 26. APPLICATIONS BY ANY OTHER MEANS OR LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
"APPLICATIONS WILL THEN BE PROCESSED AND THE NEW ROUTES ARE EXPECTED TO BE INTRODUCED IN SIX TO SEVEN MONTHS’ TIME," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/A SELECTION .......
FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 1994
- 16 -
A SELECTION BOARD COMPRISING A NON-OFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND OFFICIALS FROM THE TRANSPORT AND OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WILL SELECT THE APPLICANTS ON THE BASIS OF THE ESTABLISHED CRITERIA LAID DOWN BY THE BOARD.
THE CRITERIA INCLUDE EXPERIENCE OF THE APPLICANT IN TRANSPORT SERVICE, HIS FINANCIAL RESOURCES, HIS MANAGEMENT RIGHT OVER THE VEHICLES, THE MAINTENANCE RECORD OF THE VEHICLES AS WELL AS THE QUALITY OF HIS VEHICLES TO BE DEPLOYED INCLUDING THE AVAILABILITY OF AIR-CONDITIONING.
"IF THE APPLICANT IS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ONE OR MORE PERSONS FOR THE PURPOSE OF OPERATING THE GREEN MINIBUS SERVICES, IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT A COMPANY BE FORMED UNDER THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE AND THE APPLICATION BE MADE IN THE NAME OF THE COMPANY.
"HOWEVER, THE NOMINATED DIRECTOR OF ANY COMPANY WHICH HAS SUBMITTED AN APPLICATION SHALL NOT SUBMIT ANOTHER APPLICATION AS AN INDIVIDUAL PERSON," HE ADDED.
------0-------
PROVISIONAL FIGURES ON EXTERNAL TRADE FOR JULY 1994 » » * * *
BOTH RE-EXPORTS AND IMPORTS CONTINUED TO INCREASE IN JULY 1994 COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR. DOMESTIC EXPORTS, HOWEVER, FELL.
THESE ARE SHOWN IN THE PROVISIONAL FIGURES ON EXTERNAL TRADE FOR JULY RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS, AT $84.0 BILLION IN JULY 1994, WAS $7.5 BILLION OR 9.9% HIGHER THAN THAT OF A YEAR AGO. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECREASED BY $931 MILLION OR 4.4% OVER THAT OF A YEAR EARLIER TO $20.4 BILLION IN JULY.
TAKING RE-EXPORTS AND DOMESTIC EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY $6.6 BILLION OR 6.8% TO $104.5 BILLION IN JULY 1994.
MEANWHILE, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY $10.6 BILLION OR 11% TO $109.3 BILLION.
AS THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS IN JULY 1994 WAS SMALLER THAN THAT OF TOTAL IMPORTS, A VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF $4.8 BILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 4.4% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED. THIS COMPARED WITH A DEFICIT OF $818 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 0.8% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, IN JULY 1993.
IN THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS OF 1994, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS GREW BY 9.5% OVER THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
AMONGST THIS, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 13%, WHILE THAT OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS FELL BY 4.3%. THE VALUE OF IMPORTS SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 13%.
/IN THE .......
FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 1994
17 -
IN THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS OF 1994, A VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF $51.2 BILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 7.5% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED. THIS COMPARED WITH A DEFICIT OF $28.6 BILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 4.7% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, RECORDED IN THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS OF 1993.
COMMENTING ON THE LATEST TRADE FIGURES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID AFTER A SIGNIFICANT RISE IN JUNE, THE GROWTH RATE OF RE-EXPORTS MODERATED IN JULY. THIS WAS PARTLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO A HIGH BASE OF COMPARISON IN THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR AND PARTLY DUE TO THE SAME REASON, DOMESTIC EXPORTS ALSO WEAKENED AFTER A REBOUND IN JUNE.
ON THE OTHER HAND, FOR THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS OF 1994, RETAINED IMPORTS WERE 14% HIGHER THAN THAT OF A YEAR EARLIER.
"THIS SUGGESTS THAT DOMESTIC DEMAND SHOULD REMAIN ROBUST, AND DOMESTIC EXPORTS CAN BE EXPECTED TO SHOW SOME IMPROVEMENT IN THE COMING MONTHS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
A MORE DETAILED ANALYSIS OF HONG KONG'S EXTERNAL TRADE FOR JULY 1994, BY COMMODITY AND COUNTRY, WILL BE RELEASED IN MID-SEPTEMBER.
TABLE ON PROVISIONAL FIGURES ON EXTERNAL TRADE FOR JULY 1994
MERCHANDISE: DOMESTIC EXPORTS RE-EXPORTS TOTAL EXPORTS IMPORTS TRADE BALANCE $20,438 MILLION $84,047 MILLION $104,484 MILLION $109,329 MILLION -$4,845 MILLION
COMPARATIVE FIGURES MAY 94 TO MAY 93 TO CHANGE
LATEST 3 MONTHS DOMESTIC EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) RE-EXPORTS JUL 94 JUL 93 HK$ MN HK$ MN HK$ MN % 57,823 58,027 -205 -0.4 (19.4%) (21.6%) 240,243 210,479 +29,764 +14.1
TOTAL EXPORTS 298,066 268,507 +29,559 +11.0
IMPORTS 324,876 278,709 +46,167 +16.6
TRADE BALANCE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR DOMESTIC EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) RE-EXPORTS TOTAL EXPORTS IMPORTS TRADE BALANCE -26,810 -10,202 -16,608 JULY . JULY CHANGE 1994 1993 HK$ MN HK$ MN HK$ MN % 20,438 21,369 -931 -4.4 (19.6%) (21.8%) 84,047 76,503 +7,544 +9.9 104,484 97,872 +6,612 +6.8 109,329 98,690 +10,639 +10.8 -4,845 -818 -4,026
/LAST MONTH .......
FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 1994
- 18 -
LAST MONTH JULY 1994 HK$ MN JUNE 1994 HK$ MN CHANGE
HK$ MN %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 20,438 19,688 + 750 + 3.8
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (19.6%) (19.7%)
RE-EXPORTS 84,047 80,300 +3,747 + 4.7
TOTAL EXPORTS 104,484 99,988 +4,497 + 4.5
IMPORTS 109,329 110,753 -1,424 -1.3
TRADE BALANCE -4,845 -10,765 +5,920
JAN-JUL JAN-JUL ' CHANGE
CALENDAR YEAR TO-DATE 1994 1993
HK$ MN HK$ MN HK$ MN %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 119,181 124,551 -5,370 -4.3
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (18.9%) (21.6%)
RE-EXPORTS 512,321 452,292 +60,029 + 13.3
TOTAL EXPORTS 631,502 576,843 +54,658 + 9.5
IMPORTS 682,697 605,417 +77,280 + 12.8
TRADE BALANCE -51,195 -28,573 -22,622
AUG 93 TO AUG 92 TO CHANGE
LAST 12 MONTHS JUL 94 JUL 93
HK$ MN HK$ MN HK$ MN %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 217,656 230,353 -12,697 -5.5
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (19.8%) (23.0%)
RE-EXPORTS 883,252 773,108 +110,145 + 14.2
TOTAL EXPORTS 1,100,909 1,003,461 +97,448 + 9.7
IMPORTS 1,149,877 1,033,099 +116,778 + 11.3
TRADE BALANCE -48,969 -29,638 -19,330
--------0 - -
WATER WORKS FOR TUEN MUN AND QUARRY BAY
* * * * *
I HI*. WAI ER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FRESH WATER SERVICE RESERVOIR WITH A STORAGE CAPACITY OF 19,000 CUBIC METRES OFF LUNG MUN ROAD, Tl EN MUN AND THE LAYING OF ASSOCIATED WATER MAINS.
I HE PROJEC1 WILL HELP TO SUPPLY WATER TO AREAS 38 AND 4 7 OF TUEN MUN TO COPE WITH THE ANTICIPATED INCREASE IN DEMAND FOR WATER ARISING FROM THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENTS OF \ SPECIAL INDUSTRIES AREA AND A RIVER TRADE TERMINAL.
MEANWHILE, TENDERS ARE ALSO BEING CALLED FOR THE LAYING OF SALT WATER MAINS ACROSS TAI TAM COUNTRY PARK AND ALONG HONG YUE STREET AND HONG SHING STREET IN QUARRY BAY TO SUPPLY FLUSHING WATER TO THE HIGH-LEVEL AREAS OF KORNHILL DEVELOPMENT.
/WORKS FOR .......
FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 1994
WORKS FOR THE TWO PROJECTS ARE EXPECTED TO START IN NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER RESPECTIVELY FOR COMPLETION AROUND THE END OF NEXT YEAR.
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT, IMMIGRATION TOWER, 44TH FLOOR, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
TENDER OFFERS WILL CLOSE AT NOON ON SEPTEMBER 16.
- - 0 - -
GOODS AND SPECIAL PURPOSE VEHICLES MUST BE INSPECTED *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) DETAILS OF COMPULSORY INSPECTION OF GOODS VEHICLES AND SPECIAL PURPOSE VEHICLES.
ALL MEDIUM GOODS VEHICLES, HEAVY GOODS VEHICLES AND SPECIAL PURPOSE VEHICLES WITH A GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT (GVW) EXCEEDING 5.5 TONNES WHICH ARE ONE OR MORE YEARS OLD FROM FIRST REGISTRATION AND REQUIRE A NEW LICENCE FROM JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR MUST BE INSPECTED AT A DESIGNATED VEHICLE EXAMINATION CENTRE.
GOODS VEHICLES AND SPECIAL PURPOSE VEHICLES WITH A GVW EXCEEDING 5.5 TONNES BUT NOT OVER 16 TONNES WILL BE INSPECTED AT THE NEW KOWLOON BAY VEHICLE EXAMINATION CENTRE AT 8 TSUI HING STREET, KOWLOON BAY. TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES SHOULD BE MADE ON 751 8862.
THOSE WITH A GVW OF OVER 16 TONNES WILL BE INSPECTED AT THE KOWLOON BAY VEHICLE EXAMINATION CENTRE AT 2 CHEUNG YIP STREET, KOWLOON BAY. TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES SHOULD BE MADE ON 759 7573.
APPOINTMENTS SHOULD BE BOOKED AT THE TWO CENTRES.
"AIMED AT ENHANCING ROAD SAFETY, THE COMPULSORY INSPECTION WILL CHECK ALL MECHANICAL PARTS OF A VEHICLE TO ENSURE IT IS FIT FOR USE ON THE ROADS," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
A CERTIFICATE OF ROADWORTHINESS MUST BE OBTAINED BEFORE RELICENSING, HE SAID.
"THE CERTIFICATE IS ONLY VALID FOR RELICENSING DURING THE FOUR MONTHS IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE DATE OF ISSUE," HE ADDED.
- - 0 - -
SUBMARINE OUTFALL TO BE BUILT
*****
A 750-METRE-LONG SUBMARINE OUTFALL WILL BE BUILT WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 39 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED AT SANDY BAY TO PROVIDE SEWAGE DISPOSAL FACILITY TO THE POK FU LAM DISTRICT.
WORK ON THE PROJECT WILL START IN SEPTEMBER 1995, COMPLETING AROUND SEPTEMBER 1997.
/THE EXTENT
FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 1994
- -20
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE NOTICE AND ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE.
THE PLAN CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT:
» THE LANDS DEPARTMENT’S SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG;
♦ THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, HONG KONG SOUTH, 20TH FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG;
* 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.
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HE HAS AN INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED MAY SUBMIT A WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 26 THIS YEAR. HE SHOULD DESCRIBE HIS INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT AND THE MANNER IN WHICH HE ALLEGES HE WILL BE AFFECTED.
7^ fT'j < ---------0-------------
HK ASKS FOR DEFERRAL OF MEXICAN ORIGIN REQUIREMENTS
* ♦ » * »
THE TRADE DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) SENT ANOTHER LETTER TO THE MEXICAN GOVERNMENT REITERATING HONG KONG’S CONCERNS OVER THE MEXICAN NEW CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN REQUIREMENTS AND REQUESTING A FURTHER POSTPONEMENT OF THEIR IMPLEMENTATION.
"ON OUR REQUEST THE MEXICAN GOVERNMENT SENT A DELEGATION TO HONG KONG FOR CONSULTATIONS HELD ON JULY 26, 1994. AT THE MEETING WE REITERATED THE DIFFICULTIES WE HAVE WITH THE NEW MEXICAN REQUIREMENTS, AND ASKED FOR THEIR IMPLEMENTATION TO BE DEFERRED UNTIL THE TWO SIDES REACH A SOLUTION.
"IN SUBSEQUENT CORRESPONDENCE THE MEXICANS ADVISED THAT THEY WOULD BE PUBLISHING MODIFICATIONS TO THE REQUIREMENTS. BUT THEY DID NOT SAY WHETHER THEY AGREE TO DEFER THE IMPLEMENTATION DATE,” MR THOMAS YIU, DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, SAID.
MR YIU FURTHER EXPLAINED THAT WHILE THE MODIFICATIONS HAD YET TO BE FORMALLY ANNOUNCED, THE MEXICANS HAD SUPPLIED SOME ADVANCE INFORMATION.
’’BASED ON THIS INFORMATION, WE HAVE CONCLUDED THAT SOME OF THE MODIFICATIONS ARE UNCLEAR, AND THE REQUIREMENTS AS MODIFIED ARE STILL PROBLEMATIC.
/"ONE PURPOSE .......
FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 1994
- 21 -
"ONE PURPOSE OF OUR LETTER ISSUED TODAY IS TO SEEK CLARIFICATIONS. WE ALSO REITERATED OUR REQUEST FOR THE SEPTEMBER 1 IMPLEMENTATION TO BE DEFERRED.
"THIS DEFERRAL IS ALL THE MORE NECESSARY NOW THAT THE MEXICAN GOVERNMENT IS GOING TO ANNOUNCE MODIFICATIONS: THEY MUST SURELY ALLOW TIME FOR OTHER GOVERNMENTS TO STUDY THE MODIFIED ARRANGEMENTS AND TO SEEK CLARIFICATION AND CONSULTATION IF NECESSARY."
"WE FULLY RECOGNISE THE UNDESIRABLE EFFECT ON TRADE WHICH MAY BE CREATED BY ANY UNCERTAINTY. BUT WE MUST BEAR IN MIND THE WIDER, LONG-TERM INTERESTS OF HONG KONG’S TRADE WITH MEXICO."
HE SAID TRADE DEPARTMENT WAS MAKING EVERY EFFORT TO ENGAGE THE MEXICAN AUTHORITIES WITH A VIEW TO SECURING PROMPTLY A SATISFACTORY OUTCOME.
IN THE MEANTIME, IF ANY HONG KONG TRADERS EXPERIENCE ANY DIFFICULTIES WITH THEIR EXPORTS TO MEXICO, THEY ARE REQUESTED TO TELEPHONE MR K K CHAN OF THE DEPARTMENT ON TELEPHONE 398 5650.
ON MAY 31, THE MEXICAN GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED IN A GAZETTE NEW CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN ARRANGEMENTS FOR IMPORTS OF MERCHANDISE CLASSIFIED IN SUCH TARIFF ITEMS THAT WERE SUBJECT TO MEXICAN ANTIDUMPING (AD) OR COUNTERVAILING (CV) DUTIES.
ORIGINALLY SET TO COME INTO FORCE ON JULY 15 BUT SUBSEQUENTLY DEFERRED TO SEPTEMBER 1, 1994, THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS APPLY NOT ONLY TO SUCH IMPORTS FROM THOSE COUNTRIES WHICH HAVE ATTRACTED MEXICAN AD OR CV DUTIES, BUT ALSO SUCH IMPORTS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES.
IN EFFECT, THEY REQUIRE EXPORTING COUNTRIES TO ADOPT AND IMPLEMENT THESE MEXICAN ORIGIN RULES FOR THEIR EXPORTS TO MEXICO. AT PRESENT, NO MEXICAN ORIGIN RULES APPLY TO HONG KONG IMPORTS.
AS FOR CERTIFICATION PROCEDURES, THE MEXICAN GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TWO SETS OF REQUIREMENTS FOR SPECIFIED TEXTILES, APPAREL AND FOOTWEAR PRODUCTS, AS WELL AS FOR ALL GOODS.
FOR THE FORMER, THE PROCEDURES REQUIRE THE USE OF A SPECIFIED CERTIFICATION FORM.
AS FOR OTHER GOODS, THE CERTIFICATION OF ORIGIN CAN BE IN ANY FORM BUT MUST INCLUDE CERTAIN SPECIFIED INFORMATION.
MR YIU EXPLAINED THE DIFFICULTIES HONG KONG HAD WITH BOTH THE NEW MEXICAN ORIGIN RULES AND THE NEW CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS.
"FIRST, NO MEXICAN ORIGIN RULES CURRENTLY APPLY FOR IMPORTS FROM HONG KONG; THE APPLICATION OF MEXICAN ORIGIN RULES, UNLESS THEY ARE IDENTICAL TO OUR OWN RULES, COULD AFFECT TRADE BETWEEN MEXICO AND HONG KONG," HE SAID.
/"SECONDLY, HONG ........
FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 1994
- 22 -
4 "SECONDLY, HONG KONG HAS DIFFICULTY IN PRINCIPLE WITH ANY REQUESTS FROM OUR TRADING PARTNERS FOR OUR CERTIFICATION SYSTEM TO IMPLEMENT THEIR ORIGIN RULES AND CERTIFICATION PROCEDURES.
"HONG KONG ACTIVELY TRADES WITH MANY COUNTRIES AND THERE ARE AS MANY DIFFERENT ORIGIN RULES AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS; IT IS SIMPLY IMPOSSIBLE IN PRACTICE FOR US TO HAVE A CERTIFICATION SYSTEM THAT MEETS THE REQUIREMENTS OF ALL OF THEM. ENFORCEMENT AND CONTROL WOULD ALSO BE DIFFICULT," HE SAID.
NEW HK DIRECTOR HEADS WESTERN USA TRADE OFFICE *****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS APPOINTED MR THOMAS CHAN THE NEW DIRECTOR TO HEAD ITS U.S. WEST COAST ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE FROM TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
MR CHAN WILL BE BASED IN SAN FRANCISCO TO LOOK AFTER HONG KONG INTERESTS IN THE WESTERN HALF OF THE UNITED STATES. HE SUCCEEDS MR PETER JOHNSON WHO HAS HELD THE POST SINCE JANUARY 1, 1988.
MR CHAN WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR OVERSEEING THE PROMOTION OF A GOOD UNDERSTANDING OF HONG KONG, DEALING WITH ECONOMIC AND TRADE ISSUES ON BEHALF OF THE TERRITORY, AND FURTHERING HONG KONG’S PIVOTAL ROLE IN THE RAPIDLY EXPANDING PACIFIC RIM ECONOMY AND AS A GATEWAY TO CHINA.
BORN IN HONG KONG IN 1950, MR CHAN JOINED THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SERVICE IN 1973. DURING HIS CAREER, HE HAS SERVED IN A NUMBER OF DEPARTMENTS INCLUDING THE FINANCE BRANCH, CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, HOUSING DEPARTMENT AND RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG. HE WAS DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES FOR FOUR YEARS BEFORE HIS PRESENT ASSIGNMENT.
THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE IN SAN FRANCISCO WAS OPENED IN 1986. IN THE PAST FEW YEARS, IT HAS ESTABLISHED EXCELLENT RELATIONSHIPS WITH SENIOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND STATE OFFICIALS AS WELL AS MAJOR PRIVATE ORGANISATIONS AND THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY IN THE 19 WESTERN STATES OF THE UNITED STATES.
IT ALSO WORKS CLOSELY WITH THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATIONS IN SAN FRANCISCO, LOS ANGELES AND SEATTLE WITH THE AIM OF FORGING CLOSER ECONOMIC LINKS BETWEEN THESE MAJOR U.S. CITIES AND HONG KONG.
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/23........
FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 1994
("
- 23 -
CHUEN LUNG BRIDGE PROJECT
*****
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR A VEHICULAR BRIDGE PROJECT AT CHUEN LUNG, TSUEN WAN.
THE PROJECT COVERS THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 22 METRES LONG BY 6.5 METRES WIDE REINFORCED CONCRETE BRIDGE OVER A STREAM AT CHUEN LUNG AND THE ASSOCIATED ROAD WORKS AND EARTH WORKS AT THE TWO APPROACH ENDS.
THE WORKS ARE SCHEDULED TO BEGIN IN NOVEMBER THIS YEAR FOR COMPLETION IN SEPTEMBER 1995. ’ -h.
A NOTICE INVITING TENDERS WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM REGIONAL HIGHWAY ENGINEER/NEW TERRITORIES, ROOM 314, THIRD FLOOR, HO MAN TIN GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 88 CHUNG HAU STREET, KOWLOON WHO MAY BE CONTACTED ON TELEPHONE 762 3522.
• TENDERS MUST BE CLEARLY MARKED AND ADDRESSED TO THE CHAIRMAN, PUBLIC WORKS TENDER BOARD, AND PLACED IN THE PUBLIC WORKS TENDER BOX ON 34TH FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG BEFORE NOON ON SEPTEMBER 16.
LATE TENDERS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
THE WORKS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED AND WILL BE SUPERVISED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES REGION OF HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT.
------0--------
NEW ROAD FOR YUNG SHUE WAN PROPOSED
***** ' ' 1/5 ' • ■ '■ '■
THE HONG KONG ISLAND AND ISLANDS DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HAS PROPOSED CONSTRUCTING A ROAD ON THE RECLAMATION AREA IN YUNG SHUE WAN, LAMMA ISLAND.
THE 270-METRE-LONG ROAD WILL LINK UP YUNG SHUE WAN MAIN. STREET AND THE RECLAMATION AREA TO PROVIDE PEDESTRIAN AND VEHICULAR ACCESS.
ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE, A 140-METRE-LONG RETAINING WALL, A LOADING AND UNLOADING AREA AND A VEHICLES PARKING AREA WILL ALSO BE BUILT ON THE RECLAIMED AREA ALONG THE SOUTHERN COAST OF YUNG SHUE WAN.
THE WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN JULY NEXT YEAR, TAKING 20 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
A NOTICE ABOUT THE PROPOSAL WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
/THE PLANS .......
FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 1994
24
THE PLANS OF THE WORKS CAN BE SEEN AT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, THE ISLANDS DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE AND THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE.
ANY PERSONS WISHING TO OBJECT TO THE PROPOSAL SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, CENTRAL, NO LATER THAN OCTOBER 25, DESCRIBING HIS INTEREST AND MANNER IN WHICH HE WILL BE AFFECTED.
------0--------
ACCOUNTING MANAGER FINED
FOR MAKING INCORRECT TAX RETURNS » » » » *
AN ACCOUNTING MANAGER PLEADED GUILTY IN THE KWUN TONG MAGISTRACY TO MAKING INCORRECT STATEMENTS IN HIS SALARIES TAX RETURNS WITHOUT REASONABLE EXCUSE, CONTRARY TO SECTION 80(2)(B) OF THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE.
THE DEFENDANT, MR LO SING-LAM, AGED 32, WAS CHARGED WITH MAKING INCORRECT CLAIMS FOR DEPENDENT PARENT ALLOWANCE IN HIS TAX RETURNS FOR THE YEARS OF ASSESSMENT 1991/92 AND 1992/93.
DESPITE THE DEATH OF HIS MOTHER ON OCTOBER 20, 1990, HE STILL PUT DOWN HIS MOTHER’S NAME ON HIS TAX RETURNS AND CLAIMED FOR THE ALLOWANCE.
HE WAS FINED A TOTAL OF $10,500.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) REMINDED TAXPAYERS THAT THEY MUST FILE CORRECT TAX RETURNS.
UNDER THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE, A TAX EVADER IS LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM SENTENCE OF THREE YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT AND A FINE OF $20,000 ON EACH CHARGE, IN ADDITION TO A FURTHER FINE EQUIVALENT TO THREE TIMES THE AMOUNT OF TAX UNDERCHARGED.
------0--------
SEA CARGO CUSTOMER LIAISON GROUP HOLDS FIRST MEETING * » * * »
THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, MR DON WATSON, THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING OFFICIATED AT THE FIRST MEETING OF THE DEPARTMENT’S SEA CARGO CUSTOMER LIAISON GROUP.
THE CLEARANCE OF SEA CARGO IS ONE OF THE KEY SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE DEPARTMENT. IN ITS PERFORMANCE PLEDGES PUBLISHED IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR, THE DEPARTMENT PLEDGED THAT ALL DETAINED SEA CARGO WOULD BE CLEARED WITHIN SEVEN' WORKING DAYS FROM THE DATE OF REQUEST BY OWNERS.
"IN ORDER TO ASCERTAIN THE NEEDS OF OUR CUSTOMERS, IT IS ESSENTIAL TO ESTABLISH A REGULAR FORUM FOR OUR SENIOR STAFF TO MEET FACE TO FACE WITH THOSE WHO HAVE FIRST-HAND EXPERIENCE OF THE SERVICE IN OTHER WORDS OUR CUSTOMERS," MR WATSON SAID.
/"THE LIAISON .......
FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 1994
- 25 -
"THE LIAISON GROUP HAS BEEN SET UP TO FOCUS ON HOW OUR SERVICE’S AIMS CAN BE MESHED INTO HARMONY WITH THE NEEDS AND EXPECTATIONS OF OUR CUSTOMERS," HE ADDED.
THE GROUP IS CHAIRED BY THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER (OPERATIONS), MR LI WAI-MAN, AND WILL MEET QUARTERLY. ITS 10 MEMBERS ARE CHOSEN FROM CUSTOMERS WHO MAKE REGULAR USE OF THE SERVICE.
------0------------
ALTERNATIVE PARKING SITES PROVIDED FOR LORRIES * * * * *
IN RESPONSE TO ALLEGATIONS MADE BY A GROUP OF LORRY DRIVERS THAT THERE WOULD BE A SHORTAGE OF PARKING SPACES AFTER THE CLOSURE OF THE WESTERN PARK SITE ON HONG KONG ISLAND, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID THE TEMPORARY POULTRY MARKET. SITE AT SAI YING PUN WOULD START TO OPERATE ON SEPTEMBER 1, FOLLOWING THE CLOSURE OF THE WESTERN PARK SITE ON THE SAME DAY.
THERE WILL BE ABOUT THE SAME NUMBER OF PARKING SPACES AS THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES USING THE WESTERN PARK SITE. ACCORDING TO THE OPERATOR, 50 PARKING SPACES WILL BE PROVIDED FOR HEAVY GOODS VEHICLES, SIMILAR TO THE CURRENT DEMAND ON THE WESTERN PARK SITE.
MOREOVER, ANOTHER LORRY PARK NEXT TO THE BUS DEPOT IN KENNEDY TOWN WILL ALSO START TO OPERATE ON SEPTEMBER 1. IT WILL PROVIDE MORE THAN 50 SPACES FOR GOODS VEHICLES.
THE PROPOSED CHARGES AT THE POULTRY MARKET SITE ARE COMPARABLE WITH THE CURRENT CHARGES FOR OTHER GOODS VEHICLE PARKS ON HONG KONG ISLAND.
IT IS UNDERSTOOD THAT THE NEW LORRY PARK OPERATOR IS PLANNING TO START SELLING PARKING TICKETS SOON AND ALL ARE WELCOME TO MAKE THE PURCHASE.
------0-------
ROAD WORKS AT WEST KOWLOON
*****
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING PREQUALIFICATION SUBMISSIONS FOR CARRYING OUT ROAD WORKS IN THE SOUTHERN AREA OF THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION.
ROADS AND RELATED DRAINAGE WORKS, BOX CULVERTS, FOOTBRIDGE AND PEDESTRIAN SUBWAY, FRESH WATER AND SALT WATER PIPELINES WILL BE BUILT.
THE CONTRACT ALSO INCLUDES EARTHWORKS, AND HARD AND SOFT LANDSCAPING IN THE AREA.
THE WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN MARCH NEXT YEAR FOR COMPLETION IN 26 MONTHS.
/A NOTICE .......
FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 1994
- 26 -
A NOTICE INVITING PRE-QUALIFICATION SUBMISSIONS WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
ONLY CONTRACTORS ON THE APPROVED CONTRACTORS FOR PUBLIC WORKS LIST I GROUP C FOR ROADS AND DRAINAGE, OR LIST II FOR ROADS AND DRAINAGE ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR PRE-QUALIFICATION DOCUMENTS FROM THE PROJECT’S CONSULTANT, MOTT MACDONALD HONG KONG LIMITED, 12TH FLOOR, SUN HUNG KAI CENTRE, 30 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR RETURNING THE DOCUMENTS IS NOON ON SEPTEMBER 16.
THE DEPARTMENT PLANS TO INVITE PRE-QUALIFIED CONTRACTORS TO TENDER FOR THE CONTRACT IN DECEMBER.
------0-------
TENDERS INVITED FOR TWO CIVIL ENGINEERING PROJECTS.
*****
THE CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT’S SOLID WASTE DIVISION IS INVITING TENDERS FOR VILLAGE IMPROVEMENT WORKS IN THE AREA BETWEEN THE SHA TAU KOK ROAD AND PING CHE ROAD JUNCTION AND HA HEUNG YUEN IN THE NORTH DISTRICT.
WORKS INCLUDE WIDENING SECTIONS OF PING CHE ROAD, PING YEUNG ROAD AND LIN MA HANG ROAD, CONSTRUCTING A NEW ROUNDABOUT AND ACCESS TRACKS, LAYING 0.8 KILOMETRE OF WATER MAINS AND 2.1 KILOMETRES OF SEWERS, BUILDING A PUMPING STATION AS WELL AS CARRYING OUT LANDSCAPE AND VILLAGE AMENITY WORKS.
MEANWHILE, THE DEPARTMENT’S PORT WORKS DIVISION IS ALSO INVITING TENDERS FOR THE DREDGING OF A THIRD MUD PIT TO THE EAST OF SHA CHAU TO CATER FOR THE DISPOSAL OF CONTAMINATED MUD ARISING FROM RECLAMATION AND MAINTENANCE DREDGING WORKS.
THE TWO PROJECTS ARE EXPECTED TO START LATER THIS YEAR FOR COMPLETION AROUND THE END OF 1997 AND IN APRIL 1995 RESPECTIVELY.
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS FOR THE FIRST PROJECT CAN BE OBTAINED FROM MOUCHEL ASIA LIMITED, CONSULTING ENGINEERS, 24TH FLOOR, CITICORP CENTRE, 18 WHITFIELD ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG; WHILE THOSE FOR THE SECOND ONE ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE CHIEF ENGINEER, PORT WORKS DIVISION, CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE, CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT, FIFTH FLOOR, CIVIL ENGINEERING BUILDING, 101 PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD, HO MAN TIN, KOWLOON.
TENDER OFFERS FOR THE TWO PROJECTS WILL CLOSE AT NOON ON SEPTEMBER 23 AND 16 RESPECTIVELY.
/27........
FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 1994
- 27 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,637 0930 -32
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,466 1000 -32
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 -52
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -51 1200 -52
LAF TODAY + 880 1500 -51
1600 -51
LAF RATE 3.00 BID/5.00 OFFER TWI 122.2 *-0.1* 26.8.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.24 18 MONTHS 2602 4.40 98.09 5.86
1 MONTH 4.27 24 MONTHS 2608 6.15 100.01 6.24
3 MONTHS 4.43 30 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.78 6.62
6 MONTHS 4.74 33 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98.81 6.75
12 MONTHS 5.31 36 MONTHS 3707 6.95 100.48 6.88
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 17,215 MN
CLOSED 26 AUGUST 1994
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, AUGUST 27, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
AIRPORT PROJECT MOVING INTO PEAK CONSTRUCTION PERIOD.... 1
CALL FOR MORE FOSTER PARENTS............................... 2
SEMINAR TO PROMOTE LABOUR RELATIONS IN CATERING TRADE... 3
SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
ANOTHER AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME CONTRACT AWARDED............. 4
GUIDE TO RETAINING WALL DESIGN 2ND EDITION PUBLISHED..... 4
HONG KONG LICENSING OFFICE MOVES TO NEW PREMISES............ 5
FUND-RAISING ACTIVITIES FOR SEPTEMBER....................... 6
48 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED.............................. 7
JOB BAZAARS FOR RETRAINEES.................................. 8
CROSSWORD PUZZLE TO PUBLICISE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS... 9
SATURDAY, AUGUST 27, 1994
1
AIRPORT PROJECT MOVING INTO PEAK CONSTRUCTION PERIOD *****
THE GOVERNMENT IS NOW MOVING INTO THE PEAK CONSTRUCTION PERIOD FOR THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME (ACP), THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR DONALD TSANG, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF A THREE-DAY EXHIBITION SHOWING THE LATEST PROGRESS OF THE 10 ACP PROJECTS, MR TSANG SAID: "TO DATE, A TOTAL OF 60 MAJOR CONTRACTS WORTH OVER $50.8 BILLION WITH PARTICIPANTS FROM COUNTRIES WORLDWIDE HAVE BEEN AWARDED.
"TAKING THE LEAD ARE COMPANIES FROM JAPAN (26 PER CENT BY VALUE), FOLLOWED BY HONG KONG (20 PER CENT), THE UNITED KINGDOM (14 PER CENT), THE NETHERLANDS (10 PER CENT), CHINA (8 PER CENT), FRANCE (6 PER CENT) AND OTHERS LIKE BELGIUM, AUSTRALIA, THE USA, NEW ZEALAND, ITALY, GERMANY AND SOUTH AFRICA."
THE ACP EXHIBITION AT THE PARK COURT OF THE PACIFIC PLACE, QUEENSWAY, IS OPEN DAILY FROM 10 AM TO 8 PM UNTIL MONDAY (AUGUST 29). THIS IS THE SECOND OF 10 LOCAL EXHIBITIONS BEING ORGANISED BY THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS CO-ORDINATION OFFICE TO KEEP MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ABREAST OF WORKS PROGRESS OF THE 10 ACP PROJECTS.
MR TSANG SAID THE ACP PROJECTS HAD BEEN PROGRESSING WELL IN TERMS OF BUDGET AND PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES.
"WE CLOSELY MONITOR PROJECT COST, SCOPE AND PROGRAMMING. INDEED, WE MANAGED TO REDUCE THE TOTAL COST ESTIMATE FOR THE ACP FROM $163.7 BILLION TO $158.2 BILLION EARLY THIS YEAR.
"WE ARE ADOPTING THE BEST POSSIBLE COST-SAVING AND TIME-SAVING ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS AND ARE ATTRACTING THE WORLD’S TOP CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERS. WE HAVE ALSO BEEN OBTAINING HIGHLY COMPETITIVE INTERNATIONAL TENDERS," HE SAID.
THE ACP GAVE THE GOVERNMENT A MOST CHALLENGING TASK OF BUILDING ONE OF THE WORLD’S LARGEST INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS WITHIN A TIGHT BUDGET AND AN EQUALLY TIGHT TIMETABLE, MR TSANG SAID.
"ONE OF OUR MAJOR TASKS AHEAD IS OUR WORK ON PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND COST MONITORING AND CONTROL.
"WE SHALL KEEP UP OUR EFFORTS IN TAKING THE ACP FORWARD. WE SHALL, AS BEFORE, SUBJECT THE ACP TO PUBLIC SCRUTINY AND MONITORING. IN THIS REGARD, THE AIRPORT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE AND THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BOTH HAVE AN IMPORTANT ROLE TO PLAY. THEY ARE KEPT INFORMED OR CONSULTED ON THE PROGRESS, FINANCING AND COST OF THE ACP," HE SAID.
MR TSANG SAID THIS $158 BILLION PROGRAMME WAS DESIGNED TO ENSURE THAT THE INFRASTRUCTURE WOULD MEET HONG KONG’S EVER-GROWING DEMANDS WELL INTO THE NEXT CENTURY.
/"I ENCOURAGE .......
SATURDAY, AUGUST 27, 1994
2
"I ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO SEE FOR THEMSELVES THE VERY IMPRESSIVE PROGRESS THAT HAS BEEN ACHIEVED SO FAR. THESE PROJECTS WILL BENEFIT EVERYONE - WHETHER YOU ARE A PASSENGER USING THE NEW AIRPORT AND THE AIRPORT RAILWAY, OR A TRAVELLER ON THE NEW EXPRESSWAY, OR IN AN INDIRECT WAY THROUGH ECONOMIC GROWTH FOSTERED BY THE INFRASTRUCTURAL INVESTMENTS,” HE SAID.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WERE CHAIRMAN OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SUB-COMMITTEE ON THE FINANCING OF THE ACP, DR SAMUEL WONG; CHAIRMAN OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD AND MEMBER OF THE AIRPORT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE, MR AMBROSE LAU; CHAIRMAN OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MRS PEGGY LAM; AND THE DIRECTOR OF THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS CO-ORDINATION OFFICE, MR BILLY LAM.
------ 0 - - - -
CALL FOR MORE FOSTER PARENTS * » * * »
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TODAY (SATURDAY) APPEALED TO COUPLES TO JOIN THE TEAM OF FOSTER PARENTS.
"WHILE MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING FUN WITH THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS ON PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, THERE ARE SOME OTHER CHILDREN WHO ARE IN NEED OF LOVE AND CARE,” SAID THE OFFICER-IN-CHARGE OF THE CENTRAL FOSTER CARE UNIT, MRS FANNY TSUI.
“THESE CHILDREN LACK ADEQUATE FAMILY CARE BECAUSE OF NEGLECT, ILLNESS OF PARENTS OR OTHER SOCIAL PROBLEMS.
“THE DEPARTMENT HAS THUS INCREASED THE FOSTER CARE PLACES FOR THESE CHILDREN FROM 240 IN 1992 TO 560 THIS OCTOBER IN PHASES. WE EARNESTLY APPEAL TO FAMILIES TO COME FORWARD TO BECOME FOSTER PARENTS," MRS TSUI SAID.
FOSTER CARE IS A FORM OF NON-INSTITUTIONAL RESIDENTIAL CHILD CARE SERVICE WHICH AIMS TO PROVIDE A TEMPORARY ALTERNATIVE FAMILY FOR CHILDREN IN NEED. ' ' , .
"THROUGH FOSTERING, CHILDREN CAN GROW UNDER A NORMAL FAMILY SETTING AND ENJOY HAPPY CHILDHOOD. THE ULTIMATE GOAL OF FOSTER CARE IS FAMILY REUNION FOR THE CHILDREN.
“FOSTER PARENTS CAN, ON THE ONE HAND, SERVE THE COMMUNITY AND ON THE OTHER, POLISH THEIR PARENTING SKILLS,” SHE SAID.
THEY ARE ALSO ENTITLED TO A.MONTHLY INCENTIVE PAYMENT OF $1,039 IN ADDITION TO A MONTHLY MAINTENANCE GRANT OF $2,079 TO COVER THE EXPENSES OF THE FOSTER CHILD.
FURTHERMORE, WHEN A CHILD IS NEWLY PLACED IN A FOSTER HOME, THE FOSTER FAMILY WOULD RECEIVE AN INITIAL SETTING-UP GRANT OF $1,039 FOR THE PURCHASE OF BEDDINGS AND TOYS FOR THE CHILD.
/MARRIED COUPLES .......
SATURDAY, AUGUST 27, 1994
3
MARRIED COUPLES WHO ARE INTERESTED TO BECOME EOSTER PARENTS CAN CALL THE CENTRAL FOSTER CARE UNIT ON 852 4596 OR 852 4599.
TO FURTHER PROMOTE FOSTER CARE SERVICES, A SERIES OF SIX MOBILE EXHIBITIONS WILL BE HELD IN THE COMMERCIAL ARCADES OF VARIOUS DISTRICTS IN THE NEXT THREE MONTHS. THE COMING EXHIBITION WILL TAKE PLACE AT SIU SAI WAN ARCADE, CHAI WAN, ON SEPTEMBER 14 AND 15.
------0-------
SEMINAR TO PROMOTE LABOUR RELATIONS IN CATERING TRADE ♦ t t » *
EMPLOYERS AND WORKERS IN THE CATERING TRADE ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN A SEMINAR ON LABOUR RELATIONS PRACTICE ON SEPTEMBER 7 AT THE SHERATON HOTEL IN TSIM SHA TSUI.
ORGANISED BY THE TASK FORCE ON CATERING INDUSTRY, WHICH COMPRISES TRI-PARTITE REPRESENTATION FROM THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, MAJOR EMPLOYERS’ ASSOCIATIONS, MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATIONS, AS WELL AS WORKERS’ UNIONS AND ORGANISATIONS OF THE CATERING INDUSTRY, THE SEMINAR IS AIMED AT ENHANCING PARTICIPANTS’ UNDERSTANDING OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.
ENTITLED "GOOD LABOUR RELATIONS - THE WAY TO SUCCESS", IT WILL INTRODUCE TO PARTICIPANTS THE NEWLY REVISED CODE OF LABOUR RELATIONS PRACTICE FOR THE CATERING TRADE PUBLISHED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER MR LEUNG MIN-CHEUNG AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ASSOCIATION OF RESTAURANT MANAGERS, MR DAVID NG, WILL GIVE TALKS ON LABOUR RELATIONS AND MODERN MANAGEMENT IN THE CATERING TRADE RESPECTIVELY.
PARTICIPANTS WILL ALSO BE ABLE TO SHARE THEIR VIEWS AND EXPERIENCE IN THE CASE-STUDY SESSION. CASES RELATING TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE AND PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT WOULD BE DISCUSSED.
INTERESTED EMPLOYERS OR EMPLOYEES WORKING IN THE CATERING TRADE CAN APPROACH THE LABOUR RELATIONS PROMOTION UNIT FOR DETAILS AND FOR ENROLLMENT ON TEL 852 3232 OR BY FAX AT 854 4723. ENROLLMENT WILL BE FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED.
MEANWHILE, THE CODE OF LABOUR RELATIONS PRACTICE FOR THE CATERING TRADE, WHICH SERVES TO HELP EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES MAINTAIN A HARMONIOUS LABOUR RELATIONSHIP, WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO PARTICIPANTS AT THE SEMINAR.
IT IS ALSO AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION AT THE LABOUR RELATIONS PROMOTION UNIT AND THE BRANCH OFFICES OF THE LABOUR RELATIONS DIVISION.
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/4 ........
SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 1994
4
ANOTHER AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME CONTRACT AWARDED
*****
THE CENTRAL TENDER BOARD HAS APPROVED THE AWARD OE AN AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME (ACP) CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TSI NG YI INTERCHANGE WHICH WILL CONNECT THE TSING MA BRIDGE WITH ROUTE 3.
THE CONTRACT, VALUED AT ABOUT $460 MILLION, WILL BE AWARDED BY THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT TO A JOINT VENTURE FORMED BY MAEDA CORPORATION OF JAPAN AND CHINA STATE CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING CORPORATION.
THE CONTRACT COMPRISES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 1.2-KILOMETRE DUAL THREE-LANE EXPRESSWAY, A 400-METRE DUAL TWO-LANE BRIDGE STRUCTURE AND ASSOCIATED RAMPS, A 100-METRE TUNNEL AND AN ADMINISTRATION BUILDING.
THE CONTRACT ALSO COMPRISES NON-ACP WORKS WHICH KILL PROVIDE A LINK BETWEEN THE TSING MA BRIDGE AND THE TING KAU BRIDGE. THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT OF THE TING KAU BRIDGE, WORTH $1.7 BILLION, WAS AWARDED LAST WEEK.
IT WAS DECIDED TO INCLUDE THESE NON-ACP WORKS, VALUED AT ABOUT $66 MILLION, IN THE CONTRACT AS IT IS MORE CONVENIENT AND MORE ECONOMICAL TO CARRY OUT WORKS AT THE SAME TIME IN THE SAME LOCATION.
WORK WILL START EARLY NEXT MONTH AND WILL BE COMPLETED IN APRIL 1997.
THE AWARD OF THIS CONTRACT BRINGS THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ACP CONTRACTS AWARDED SO FAR TO 61, WITH A TOTAL VALUE OF ABOUT $51.2 BILLION.
THESE INCLUDE 48 CONTRACTS WORTH ABOUT $33.4 BILLION AWARDED BY THE GOVERNMENT, 11 CONTRACTS WORTH OVER $11.5 BILLION AWARDED BY THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY, THE $5.7 BILLION CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AWARDED BY THE WESTERN HARBOUR TUNNEL COMPANY LIMITED, AND A $0.6 BILLION IMMERSED TUBE TUNNEL CONTRACT FOR THE AIRPORT RAILWAY AWARDED BY THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION.
------0-------
GUIDE TO RETAINING WALL DESIGN 2ND EDITION PUBLISHED * * * ♦ *
THE GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING OFFICE OF THE CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT HAS PUBLISHED THE SECOND EDITION OF THE GUIDE TO RETAINING WALL DESIGN (GEOGUIDE I).
THIS IS ONE IN A SERIES OF GEOGUIDES WHICH RECOMMEND A STANDARD OF GOOD PRACTICE FOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION IN HONG KONG.
THE DESIGN OF RETAINING WALLS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS GIVEN IN THE FIRST EDITION OF THE GEOGUIDE WILL BE ACCEPTABLE UNTIL THE END OF JULY 1995.
AFTER THAT, THE GUIDANCE AND RECOMMENDATIONS GIVEN IN THE SECOND EDITION SHOULD BE FOLLOWED.
/THE FIRST .......
SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 1994
5
THE FIRST EDITION, WHICH DEALS WITH THE DESIGN OF EARTH RETAINING WALLS, WAS PUBLISHED IN JULY 1982.
THE DOCUMENT HAS BEEN WIDELY USED IN LOCAL PRACTICE AND MORE THAN 7,000 COPIES ARE NOW IN CIRCULATION IN HONG KONG AND OVERSEAS.
THE FIRST EDITION HAS BEEN COMPLETELY REVISED TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT A WEALTH OF LOCAL EXPERIENCE GAINED IN THE PAST DECADE.
THE SECOND EDITION WAS PRODUCED AFTER WIDE CONSULTATION THROUGHOUT THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS OF THE INDUSTRY.
THE NEW TECHNICAL STANDARDS HAVE BEEN ADOPTED WITH REGARD TO LOCAL PRACTICE AND AFTER CONSIDERATION OF SEVERAL INTERNATIONAL AND NATIONAL CODES.
ACTING HEAD OF THE GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING OFFICE, MR JOHN MASSEY, SAID THE TECHNICAL STANDARDS OF RETAINING WALL DESIGN WOULD BE STRENGTHENED WITH THE PRODUCTION OF THE NEW GEOGUIDE.
"IN GENERAL, THERE WILL BE COST SAVINGS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF SOME TYPES OF RETAINING WALL BY DESIGNING ACCORDING TO THE NEW DOCUMENT," MR MASSEY ADDED.
ALTHOUGH THE UPDATED GEOGUIDE PRESENTS MUCH USEFUL GUIDANCE ON GOOD ENGINEERING PRACTICE, THE GOVERNMENT RECOGNISES THAT EXPERIENCED PRACTITIONERS MAY WISH TO USE ALTERNATIVE METHODS OF DESIGN TO THOSE RECOMMENDED IN THE DOCUMENT, HE ADDED.
"HENCE, WHILE THE GEOGUIDE SETS A STANDARD OF GOOD PRACTICE, ITS RECOMMENDATIONS ARE NOT MANDATORY. IT IS ALSO ESSENTIAL THAT PRACTITIONERS CONTINUE TO PROVIDE THE GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING OFFICE WITH SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT TO THE GEOGUIDE," HE SAID.
THE SECOND EDITION OF THE GEOGUIDE I IS NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT A PRICE OF $45.
- - 0 - -
HONG KONG LICENSING OFFICE MOVES TO NEW PREMISES
*****
THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED THAT THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S LICENSING OFFICES ON HONG KONG ISLAND WILL OPERATE IN THEIR NEW PREMISES STARTING ON AUGUST 30 (TUESDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE MOVE HAD BEEN SMOOTH DESPITE THE INCLEMENT WEATHER AND THE NEW OFFICES WOULD BE READY TO OPERATE IN THE NEW PREMISES ON AUGUST 30 AS SCHEDULED.
THE NEW OFFICE IS LOCATED ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF UNITED CENTRE ABOVE THE MTR ADMIRALTY STATION AND IS EASILY ACCESSIBLE BY NEARLY ALL MODES OF PUBLIC .TRANSPORT.
/"THE NEW
SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 1994
6
"THE NEW OFFICE IS MORE SPACIOUS AND WILL PROVIDE A BETTER ENVIRONMENT FOR BOTH THE STAFF AND THE PUBLIC, THUS IMPROVING OUR SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE OLD OFFICE AT 2 MURRAY ROAD HAD BEEN CLOSED LAST FRIDAY (AUGUST 26).
------0--------
FUND-RAISING ACTIVITIES FOR SEPTEMBER
*****
SEVEN ORGANISATIONS HAVE BEEN GRANTED PERMISSION TO RAISE FUNDS NEXT MONTH (SEPTEMBER), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
THEY WILL EITHER SELL FLAGS, TOKENS OR SIMILAR ITEMS, OR PLACE DONATION BOXES IN DESIGNATED PUBLIC PLACES.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAN CALL THE DEPARTMENT’S HOTLINE 343 2255 OR THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE’S 866 8123 IN CASE OF DOUBT.
THE SPOKESMAN APPEALED TO ORGANISERS TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS AGAINST ANY POSSIBLE FRAUD.
"SELLERS SHOULD DISPLAY THE PERMIT OR CARRY COPIES OF THE PERMIT FOR INSPECTION UPON REQUEST IF THE FUND-RAISING IS MOBILE," HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO ADVISED THEM TO PREPARE GUIDELINES FOR SELLERS, SETTING OUT THE PLACES AND THE TIMES FOR SELLING AND THE COLLECTION POINTS FOR BAGS.
ORGANISERS SHOULD INFORM THE POLICE IN CASE OF LOSS OF PROPERTY, AND SEEK THEIR HELP WHEN FRAUDULENT ACTS, SUCH AS TAMPERING OF COLLECTION BAGS OR MAKING UNAUTHORISED SELLING, ARE FOUND.
PERMITS ARE GIVEN TO THE FOLLOWING ORGANISATIONS FOR RAISING FUNDS NEXT MONTH:
FLAG DAY
DATE
ORGANISATION
SEPTEMBER 3 HK COUNCIL OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
AND SERVICES LTD.
SEPTEMBER 10 HK MARROW MATCH FOUNDATION LTD
SEPTEMBER 17 THE SALVATION ARMY
SEPTEMBER 24 THE SOCIETY OF HOMES FOR THE HANDICAPPED
/PUBLIC SUBSCRIPTION .....
SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 1994
7
PUBLIC SUBSCRIPTION
DATE ORGANISATION
SEPTEMBER 4 AND 18 LAND OF VIRTUE CENTRE LTD
SEPTEMBER 14 TO 18 FRIESLAND FOOD LTD
SEPTEMBER 18 AND 25 THE EXECUTIVE PASTOR OF JESUS CHRIST,
THE NAME ABOVE EVERY NAME, ADMINISTRATOR, INC
------0-------
48 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED » * t * *
THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT APPROVED 48 NEW BUILDING PLANS IN MAY THIS YEAR.
SIXTEEN OF THEM ARE FOR HONG KONG ISLAND, EIGHT FOR KOWLOON AND 24 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE APPROVED PLANS INCLUDE 19 FOR APARTMENT AND APARTMENT/COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS, SIX FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS AND NINE FOR FACTORY AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTS.
IN THE SAME MONTH, CONSENT WAS GIVEN FOR WORK TO START ON 41 BUILDING PROJECTS, WHICH INVOLVE 141,791.6 SQUARE METRES OF USABLE DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA AND 115,235.9 SQUARE METRES OF USABLE NON-DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA.
THE DECLARED COST OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED IN THE MONTH TOTALLED ABOUT $1,493 MILLION.
OF THE BUILDINGS CERTIFIED FOR OCCUPATION IN THE MONTH, USABLE FLOOR AREAS FOR DOMESTIC AND NON-DOMESTIC USES ARE 56,260.8 SQUARE METRES AND 78,118.2 SQUARE METRES RESPECTIVELY.
IN THE SAME MONTH, THE DEPARTMENT ISSUED 40 OCCUPATION PERMITS - 10 FOR HONG KONG ISLAND, 17 FOR KOWLOON AND 13 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
IN ADDITION, 49 DEMOLITION CONSENTS INVOLVING 89 BUILDINGS WERE ISSUED.
THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT’S CONTROL AND ENFORCEMENT DIVISION RECEIVED 561 COMPLAINTS OF UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS, CARRIED OUT 2,488 INSPECTIONS AND ISSUED 260 REMOVAL ORDERS ON UNAUTHORISED WORKS.
THE DANGEROUS BUILDINGS SECTION ALSO INSPECTED 923 BUILDINGS AND OBTAINED SIX EMERGENCY CLOSURE ORDERS FROM THE COURT.
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/8.........
SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 1994
8
JOB BAZAARS FOR RETRAINEES * t t * »
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD A JOB BAZAAR ON FRIDAY (SEPTEMBER 2) TO HELP WORKERS AFFECTED BY ECONOMIC RESTRUCTURING, INCLUDING RETRAINEES, FIND JOBS.
ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT'S LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE AND SPONSORED BY THE EMPLOYEES RETRAINING BOARD (ERB), THE EVENT IS THE SECOND IN A SERIES OF FOUR JOB BAZAARS SCHEDULED FOR THIS YEAR.
IT AIMS AT PROVIDING AN OPPORTUNITY FOR EMPLOYERS AND POTENTIAL EMPLOYEES TO MAKE DIRECT CONTACT AND DISCUSS ABOUT JOB VACANCIES AND EMPLOYMENT SITUATION.
’’SIXTEEN EMPLOYERS FROM DIFFERENT TRADES INCLUDING HOTEL, SUPERMARKET, COMMUNICATION, SECURITY, CATERING AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT WILL BRIEF JOB-SEEKERS ABOUT THEIR TRADES AND PROVIDE THEM WITH VACANCY INFORMATION,” SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER (EMPLOYMENT SERVICES), MR RAYMOND CHAN, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
"THEY WILL ALSO SELECT POTENTIAL EMPLOYEES FOR JOB INTERVIEWS ON THE SPOT OR ON OTHER DATES."
NOTING THAT THE FIRST JOB BAZAAR, HELD IN JULY AT THE HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE, WAS WELL RECEIVED, MR CHAN SAID: "IT ATTRACTED AS MANY AS 3,000 JOB SEEKERS TO VISIT THE VENUE.
"WE HOPE THAT THE COMING BAZAARS WILL BE EQUALLY SUCCESSFUL AND WILL HELP JOB-SEEKERS SECURE JOBS THEY LIKE," HE ADDED.
MR CHAN SAID DURING THE BAZAAR, THE ERB WILL GIVE A TALK ON THE EMPLOYEES RETRAINING SCHEME AND A MAJOR TRAINING BODY WILL GIVE A TALK TO COUNSEL JOB-SEEKERS WHO NEED TO CHANGE THEIR JOBS BECAUSE OF ECONOMIC RESTRUCTURING.
IN ADDITION, SEVERAL EMPLOYERS WILL ALSO GIVE TALKS ON THEIR TRADES TO ACQUAINT JOB-SEEKERS WITH POTENTIAL JOB OPPORTUNITIES.
HE URGED INTERESTED JOB-SEEKERS WHO ARE 30 YEARS OLD OR ABOVE TO VISIT THE JOB BAZAAR WHICH WILL BE HELD FROM 11 AM TO 6 PM AT THE EXHIBITION GALLERY ON THE FIRST FLOOR, TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL IN TSUEN WAN.
TWO MORE JOB BAZAARS WILL BE HELD IN OCTOBER AND DECEMBER THIS YEAR IN SHA TIN AND CENTRAL RESPECTIVELY.
ENQUIRIES ON JOB BAZAARS CAN BE MADE ON 604 7919 OR 591 1260.
---------0-----------
/9 ........
SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 1994
9
CROSSWORD PUZZLE TO PUBLICISE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS
*****
KOWLOON CITY RESIDENTS CAN NOW TAKE PART IN A CROSSWORD PUZZLE COMPETITION TO TEST THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF THE GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE AND DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.
PEOPLE WHO ARE WORKING OR STUDYING IN THE DISTRICT ARE ALSO WELCOME TO JOIN THE QUIZ WHICH IS BEING ORGANISED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE.
A TOTAL OF 500 WINNERS WILL EACH BE AWARDED A COMPACT DISC.
FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, 141-143 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, TO KWA WAN.
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD REACH THE DISTRICT OFFICE BY
SEPTEMBER 10.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL 711 0171 EXT 228.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, AUGUST 29, 1994
. CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FOREIGN SECRETARY VISITS HONG KONG NEXT MONTH............ 1
TRANSCRIPT OF GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION AT AIRPORT........ 2
CAMPAIGN ON GOODS VEHICLE SAFE LOADING................... 5
KOWLOON KITCHEN OFFERS EMERGENCY RELIEF ARTICLES......... 6
MONDAY, AUGUST 29, 1994
FOREIGN SECRETARY VISITS HONG KONG NEXT MONTH
*****
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID THIS (MONDAY) AFTERNOON THE FOREIGN SECRETARY, MR DOUGLAS HURD, WOULD BE VISITING HONG KONG ON SEPTEMBER 15 AND 16 TO PREPARE HIMSELF FOR HIS MEETING WITH THE CHINESE VICE-PREMIER, MR QIAN QICHEN, AT THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN NEW YORK IN LATE SEPTEMBER.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE KAI TAK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT ON HIS RETURN FROM ANNUAL LEAVE, THE GOVERNOR SAID THAT THE FOREIGN SECRETARY’S MEETING WITH MR QIAN WAS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT BECAUSE THERE WERE ALSO TWO MEETINGS OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP THIS AUTUMN, BETWEEN NOW AND THE END OF THE YEAR AND THE BRITISH SIDE WANTED TO SEE AS MUCH PROGRESS IN THOSE MEETINGS AS POSSIBLE.
"I WAS PLEASED THAT WE’D GOT THE DEFENCE LANDS AGREEMENT IN THE SUMMER BUT THERE IS A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT TO DO AND THE ONLY PEOPLE WHO SUFFER IF WE DON’T MAKE PROGRESS ARE THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AND, IN A WAY IN THE FUTURE, THOSE WHO REPRESENT THE INTERESTS OF CHINA," MR PATTEN SAID.
ON THE COMING DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS, THE GOVERNOR SAID HE WAS PLEASED THAT THERE WAS A RECORD NUMBER OF CANDIDATES AND THAT DEMONSTRATED THE IMPORTANCE WHICH THE WHOLE COMMUNITY ATTACHED TO THE SYSTEM OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION.
"I AM PLEASED THAT SO MANY PEOPLE ARE PRESENTING THEMSELVES TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY AND TO WORK WITH US IN GOVERNMENT TO ENSURE THAT THE VIEWS AND VOICES OF THOSE WHO LIVE TN OUR COMMUNITY ARE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT AS WE FRAME PUBLIC POLICY," MR PATTEN SAID.
"I HOPE THERE WILL BE A GOOD TURNOUT- IN THOSE ELECTIONS, REFLECTING THE IMPORTANCE OF THE EVENT, NOT LEAST THE FACT THAT THOSE WHO ARE ELECTED WILL FORM THE ELECTION COMMITTEE FOR THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN 1995."
IN RESPONSE TO A QUESTION ABOUT THE CHINESE NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS’ DISCUSSION TO DISMANTLE THE THREE TIER POLITICAL STRUCTURE AFTER 1997, THE GOVERNOR SAID: "THE ARRANGEMENTS THAT WE HAVE PUT FORWARD ARE WITHIN THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW.
"THEY ARE FAIR. THEY ARE ACCEPTABLE TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG. THEY ENJOYED VERY CONSIDERABLE SUPPORT. THERE IS NO REASON WHY THEY SHOULD BE DISMANTLED.
"IF IN 1997, THOSE ARRANGEMENTS ARE DISMANTLED, THOSE WHO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THAT WILL HAVE TO EXPLAIN THEMSELVES TO SIX MILLION PEOPLE HERE IN HONG KONG."
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MONDAY, AUGUST 29, 1994
2
TRANSCRIPT OF GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION AT AIRPORT *****
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, AT THE KAI TAK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AFTER HIS ANNUAL LEAVE THIS (MONDAY) AFTERNOON:-
GOVERNOR: GOOD AFTERNOON. I AM GLAD TO BE BACK IN HONG KONG WITH MY FAMILY AFTER A HOLIDAY. I’M OBVIOUSLY PARTICULARLY PLEASED THAT THE TERRITORY’S BEEN IN SUCH EXCELLENT HANDS WHILE I’VE BEEN AWAY. MRS CHAN HAS KEPT ME IN TOUCH OVER THE LAST WEEKS WITH THE MAIN DEVELOPMENTS. I START WORK AGAIN TOMORROW WITH A MEETING OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND IT’S GOING TO BE A BUSY AUTUMN, A POINT TO WHICH I’LL RETURN IN A MOMENT.
THERE ARE JUST THREE THINGS I WOULD LIKE TO SAY. WHILE I WAS ENGAGED IN TALKS WITH MINISTERS IN LONDON, JUST AFTER I LEFT HONG KONG, WE SUFFERED THE KWUN LUNG LAU LANDSLIDE WHICH WAS, I KNOW, AN APPALLING TRAGEDY AND I WOULD LIKE TO OFFER MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILIES OF THOSE WHO LOST LOVED ONES. CLEARLY, THE SUBJECT OF THE SAFETY OF OUR SLOPES IS ONE THAT RIGHTLY CONCERNS EVERYONE IN HONG KONG AND EQUALLY CONCERNS THE GOVERNMENT. WE HAVE TO DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO ENSURE AS MUCH SAFETY AS POSSIBLE. WE’VE BROUGHT IN, AS YOU KNOW, AN INTERNATIONAL EXPERT TO HELP US LOOK AT WHAT WE WERE DOING AT PRESENT AND TO HELP US DO BETTER IN FUTURE. I AM PLEASED THAT HE HAS STARTED WORK AND I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO RECEIVING HIS REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS AS SOON AS HE COMPLETES THEM AND TO DISCUSSING THE OUTCOME OF HIS WORK WITH THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND THE WHOLE COMMUNITY. I REPEAT, GIVEN OUR CLIMATIC CONDITIONS AND GIVEN THE TOPOGRAPHY, IT’S A SUBJECT WHICH RIGHTLY CONCERNS PEOPLE AND WE HAVE TO GIVE IT VERY CONSIDERABLE PRIORITY AS AN ADMINISTRATION.
SECONDLY, WE HAVE IN ABOUT THREE WEEKS’ TIME THE DISTRICT BOARDS ELECTIONS. I AM PLEASED THAT THERE IS A RECORD NUMBER OF CANDIDATES FOR THOSE ELECTIONS AND I THINK THAT DEMONSTRATES THE IMPORTANCE WHICH THE WHOLE COMMUNITY ATTACHES TO OUR SYSTEM OF DISTRICT BOARD ADMINISTRATION. THE DISTRICT BOARDS, WE KNOW, HAVE AN IMPORTANT ROLE AT THE GRASS ROOTS IN THE COMMUNITY AND I AM PLEASED THAT SO MANY PEOPLE ARE PRESENTING THEMSELVES, CAPABLE MEN AND WOMEN, TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY AND TO WORK WITH US TN GOVERNMENT TO ENSURE THAT THE VIEWS AND VOICES OF THOSE WHO LIVE IN OUR COMMUNITY ARE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT AS WE FRAME PUBLIC POLICY. I HOPE THERE WILL BE A GOOD TURNOUT IN THOSE ELECTIONS, REFLECTING THE IMPORTANCE OF THE EVENT, NOT LEAST THE FACT THAT THOSE WHO ARE ELECTED WILL FORM THE ELECTION COMMITTEE FOR THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN 1995.
/THIRDLY, AS ........
MONDAY, AUGUST 29, 1994
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THIRDLY, AS I SAID A FEW MOMENTS AGO, WE DO HAVE A GOOD DEAL TO DO THIS AUTUMN, NOT ONLY THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS BUT A NUMBER OF IMPORTANT MEETINGS AND DISCUSSIONS. THE FOREIGN SECRETARY WILL BE VISITING HONG KONG ON SEPTEMBER' 15 AND 16, PREPARATORY TO HIS MEETING WITH VICE PREMIER QIAN QICHEN AT THE UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN NEW YORK. THAT’S BECOME A PRETTY REGULAR FEATURE IN THEIR CALENDARS AND THIS YEAR, I THINK, EVERYBODY RECOGNISES THAT IT’S A PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT MEETING, PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT BECAUSE WE ALSO HAVE TWO MEETINGS OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP THIS AUTUMN, BETWEEN NOW AND THE END OF THE YEAR, AND WE DO WANT TO SEE AS MUCH PROGRESS IN THOSE MEETINGS A'S POSSIBLE. I THINK THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG HAVE SEEN OUR NEGOTIATORS KICKING THE BALL AROUND ON THE PITCH AND THEY WANT TO SEE A FEW GOALS. I WAS PLEASED THAT WE’D GOT THE DEFENCE LANDS AGREEMENT IN THE SUMMER BUT THERE IS A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT TO DO AND THE ONLY PEOPLE, FRANKLY, WHO SUFFER IF WE DON’T MAKE PROGRESS ARE THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AND, IN A WAY IN THE FUTURE, THOSE WHO REPRESENT THE INTERESTS OF CHINA. SO, WE DO WANT TO SEE AS MUCH PROGRESS THERE AS POSSIBLE.
WE’LL ALSO BE COMPLETING OUR CONSULTATION ON THE OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME AND I AM PLEASED THAT RECENT OPINION SURVEYS CONTINUE TO DEMONSTRATE THAT THAT SCHEME HAS VERY SUBSTANTIAL SUPPORT ACROSS THE COMMUNITY. I THINK THE AVERAGE SUPPORT SHOWN IN THE LAST FIVE SURVEYS IS ABOUT 70 PERCENT WHICH, BY ANYBODY’S RECKONING, IS PRETTY GOOD GOING. SO, WE WANT TO COMPLETE THE CONSULTATION ON THAT AND I HOPE REACH SOME DECISIONS BECAUSE 1 BELIEVE THAT THE COMMUNITY WANTS • US TO PLAY FAJR BY OUR ELDERLY AND MAKE SURE THAT THEY SHARE IN SOME OF THE SUCCESS OF HONG KONG. SO, A LOT TO DO. A BUSY AUTUMN AND I AM, AFTER A HOLIDAY, FEELING FULL OF BEANS AND I AM DELIGHTED THAT MRS CHAN, BY TAKING OVER THE REIGN SO CAPABLY FOR THE LAST FEW WEEKS, HAS GIVEN ME THE CHANCE OF RECHARGING MY BATTERIES.
QUESTION : GOVERNOR, THE CHINESE NPC HAS DECIDED TO DISMANTLE THE THREE TIERS OF COUNCILS AFTER 1997. DO YOU THINK IT’S STILL MEANINGFUL TO CARRY ON THE ELECTION OF DISTRICT BOARD AND EVEN THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL NEXT YEAR ?
GOVERNOR : MY REPLY TO THAT IS WHAT IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN. THE ARRANGEMENTS THAT WE HAVE PUT FORWARD ARE WITHIN THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW. THEY’RE FAIR, THEY’RE ACCEPTABLE TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG. THEY ENJOYED VERY CONSIDERABLE SUPPORT. THERE’S NO REASON WHY THEY SHOULD, BY THOSE ARRANGEMENT, SHOULD BE DISMANTLED. IF IN 1997, THOSE ARRANGEMENTS ARE DISMANTLED, THOSE WHO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THAT WILL HAVE TO EXPLAIN’ THEMSELVES TO SIX MILLION PEOPLE HERE IN HONG KONG. THAT’S NOT A MATTER FOR ME. WHAT WE’VE PUT IN PLACE ARE ARRANGEMENTS WHICH ARE FAIR, AND I THINK, FOR EXAMPLE, THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE PUTTING THEMSELVES FORWARD FOR ELECTIONS FOR THE DISTRICT BOARDS HAS SHOWN THAT THEIR REGARD IN THE COMMUNITY IS FAIR.
QUESTION : ARE YOU DISAPPOINTED WITH PREDICTIONS COMING OUT OF BEIJING FOR THE QIAN QICHEN-DOUGLAS HURD SUMMIT IN THE UN ?
GOVERNOR : WELL, I ALWAYS THINK THAT IT’S BETTER TO GO INTO DISCUSSIONS AND MEETINGS TRYING TO DO ONE’S BEST FOR HONG KONG, RATHER THAN SUGGESTING THAT ONE MAY DRAG ONE’S FEET. I REPEAT WHAT J SAID EARLIER. WE INTEND TO DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO ENSURE THAT HONG KONG REMAINS SUCCESSFUL. AND I THINK THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WILL EXPECT EVERYBODY WHO SITS DOWN AT THE TABLE TO BEHAVE IN EXACTLY THE SAME WAY .
/QUESTION: THE .........
MONDAY, AUGUST 29, 1994
QUESTION : THE US DELEGATION LED BY THE SECRETARY FOR COMMERCE IN CHINA WILL ACHIEVE THE SIGNING OF SEVERAL COMMERCIAL CONTRACTS. WILL IT THREATEN THE ACHIEVEMENT OF A BRITISH TRADE DELEGATION TO CHINA IN LATE SEPTEMBER ?
GOVERNOR : NO. BUT THAT’S NOT A MATTER FOR ME.
QUESTION : SO, DO YOU AGREE WITH MR LU PING’S VIEW ON THE TWO FOREIGN MINISTERS’ MEETING THAT MAYBE IT WILL FAIL YOUR EXPECTATION TO ACHIEVE A FEW GOALS ?
GOVERNOR : WELL, IT WON’T FAIL BECAUSE OF ANY LACK OF COMMITMENT ON MR DOUGLAS HURD’S PART. IF OTHERS ARE SAYING IT WILL FAIL BECAUSE THEY WANT IT TO FAIL, THEN THAT’S A PRETTY CURIOUS MESSAGE FOR THEM TO OFFER THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, AND I CAN’T BELIEVE THEY WOULD WISH TO DO THAT. WE HAVE TO BE ABSOLUTELY CLEAR AS WE COME INTO, AS WE MOVE THROUGH THE LAST THREE YEARS BEFORE THE CHANGE OF SOVEREIGNTY IN 1997. WE HAVE TO BE ABSOLUTELY CLEAR THAT THOSE WHO ARE IN A POSITION TO GIVE REASSURANCES ABOUT THE FUTURE ARE, OF COURSE, THE FUTURE SOVEREIGN. AND I’M NOT SURE THAT YOU GIVE REASSURANCE ABOUT THE FUTURE BY SAYING THAT YOU ARE NOT GOING TO WORK HARD TO CO-OPERATE IN THE INTEREST OF THE LIVELIHOOD AND WELL-BEING OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG. SO, I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT WISDOM, AND GOOD SENSE, WILL PREVAIL. AND I AM GOING TO-PROCEED IN THAT GENEROUS-SPIRITED, CHARITABLE FRAME OF MIND FOR THE NEXT YEAR.
QUESTION : TO WHAT EXTENT DO YOU THINK THAT THE TWO FOREIGN SECRETARIES’ MEETING WILL HELP IMPROVE THE SINO-BRITISH RELATIONSHIP ? GOVERNOR : I HOPE THAT IT WILL DO SO. IT WILL CERTAINLY BE THE FOREIGN SECRETARY OF THE UNITED KINGDOM’S HOPE THAT IT WILL DO SO.
QUESTION : WILL YOU CONSIDER SETTING UP AN INDEPENDENT ENQUIRY TO EXAMINE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE KOON LUNG LAU CASE, THE LANDSLIDE CASE ?
GOVERNOR : WE’RE DISCUSSING THAT ISSUE AT EXCO TOMORROW. AS I SAID EARLIER, WE’VE APPOINTED AN INTERNATIONAL EXPERT WHO’S STARTED WORK. AND I’D LIKE TO SEE HIS REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WILL HAVE TO DECIDE TOMORROW WHETHER THERE IS A CASE, AS SOME LEGISLATORS HAVE SUGGESTED, FOR A COMMISSION OF ENQUIRY IN ADDITION TO THE INDEPENDENT EXPERT’S WORK. ONE MORE.
QUESTION : HAS THE ADMINISTRATION LIFTED THE BAN FOR THE CIVIL SERVANTS, ESPECIALLY THE DISCIPLINARY FORCES, TO MEET THE PWC ?
GOVERNOR : OUR POSITION ON THE PWC IS EXACTLY WHAT IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN. AND I WON’T REHEARSE FOR YOU ARGUMENTS WHICH I’VE PUT FORWARD ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS. WE WANT THE MAXIMUM CO-OPERATION. AND COOPERATION MUST BE GIVEN ITS MOMENTUM IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP, IN THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE. THAT’S WHERE WE’VE BEEN WORKING SO HARD. AND I HOPE OTHERS WILL WORK HARD AS WELL. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
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MONDAY, AUGUST 29, 1994
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CAMPAIGN ON GOODS VEHICLE SAFE LOADING
*****
THE GOVERNMENT WILL LAUNCH A SERIES OF PUBLICITY CAMPAIGNS THIS YEAR TO PROMOTE THE SAFE AND PROPER LOADING OF GOODS VEHICLES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID OVERLOADED VEHICLES NOT ONLY CAUSED SERIOUS DAMAGE TO THE ROAD SURFACE, THEREBY IMPOSING HIGH COST ON THE TAXPAYERS, BUT ALSO POSED SEVERE POTENTIAL DANGER TO THE DRIVERS AND OTHER ROAD USERS.
THE USE OF CORRECT LOADING METHODS CAN HELP SAFEGUARD THE SAFETY OF DRIVERS AND ROAD USERS, AS AN UNEVEN LOAD CAN EASILY UPSET THE VEHICLES’ BALANCING MECHANISM, RESULTING IN OVERTURNING.
"WE HAVE REASONS TO BELIEVE THAT MANY OVERTURNING CASES INVOLVING GOODS VEHICLES WERE CAUSED BY IMPROPER LOADING OF THE VEHICLES, AMONG OTHER FACTORS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"TO HELP PREVENT OVERLOADING AND ENCOURAGE THE ADOPTION OF CORRECT LOADING METHODS, THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED TO LAUNCH A SERIES OF EDUCATIONAL AND PUBLICITY PROGRAMMES TO ALERT THE OPERATORS OF GOODS VEHICLES TO THEIR OBLIGATIONS WITH REGARD TO THE SAFE TRANSPORT OF GOODS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAW AND THE PROPER METHODS OF LOADING GOODS,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
BECAUSE OF THE IMMENSE . RISKS CAUSED BY OVERLOADED GOODS VEHICLES, THE GOVERNMENT HAS ADOPTED A VIGILANT ENFORCEMENT APPROACH. FOR INSTANCE, IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR, THE POLICE HAVE UNDERTAKEN MORE THAN 11,000 PROSECUTIONS AGAINST OVERLOADED VEHICLES.
THIS CAMPAIGN WILL START WITH A WIDE CIRCULATION OF THE UPDATED CODE OF PRACTICE FOR THE LOADING OF VEHICLES. THE CODE OF PRACTICE WAS FIRST PUBLISHED IN 1988 TO PROVIDE GUIDANCE ON THE MOST APPROPRIATE MEANS OF LOADING BY GOODS VEHICLES.
"IT HAS BEEN RECENTLY UPDATED TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT NEW CIRCUMSTANCES, THE COMMENTS CONTRIBUTED BY THE VARIOUS ASSOCIATIONS INVOLVED IN THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY AND THE LATEST AMENDMENTS TO THE RELATED LEGISLATION," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
A PAMPHLET CALLED "A GUIDE TO THE PREVENTION OF OVERLOADING OF GOODS VEHICLES" HAS ALSO BEEN PUBLISHED. THIS PAMPHLET BRIEFLY EXPLAINS THE LEGISLATION AND THE METHODS TO PREVENT OVERLOADING.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID A TOTAL OF 100,000 CHINESE AND 7,000 ENGLISH COPIES OF THE CODE OF PRACTICE AND PAMPHLET WERE BEING DISTRIBUTED FREE TO ALL THE LICENSED GOODS VEHICLE OWNERS, THE RELATED ASSOCIATIONS, GOVERNMENT BUILDING CONTRACTORS AND OTHER PARTIES IN THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY ALSO OBTAIN COPIES OF THE PAMPHLET FROM THE LICENSING OFFICES OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AND THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY COUNTERS OF THE DISTRICT OFFICES.
/AS PART .......
MONDAY, AUGUST 29, 1994
6
AS PART OF THIS PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN, THE GOVERNMENT AND THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY WILL ALSO JOINTLY ORGANISE AN EXHIBITION TO DEMONSTRATE THE CORRECT AND SAFE METHODS OF LOADING GOODS VEHICLES IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR.
“THE AIM OF THIS EXHIBITION IS TO ATTRACT THE ATTENTION OF ALL THOSE WHO ARE INVOLVED IN THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY TO THE IMPORTANCE OF SAFE LOADING AND TO PROMOTE THE USE OF CORRECT LOADING METHODS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT IS OPERATING A 24-HOUR HOTLINE 829 5555 TO RECEIVE COMPLAINTS FROM THE PUBLIC ABOUT OVERLOADING OF GOODS VEHICLES. THE PUBLIC MAY ALSO LODGE THEIR COMPLAINTS WITH THE POLICE THROUGH ITS 24-HOUR HOTLINE 527 7177.
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KOWLOON KITCHEN OFFERS EMERGENCY RELIEF ARTICLES
*****
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S KOWLOON KITCHEN AT CORNWALL STREET HAS DISTRIBUTED MORE THAN 13,000 MEALS TO THE LANDSLIDE AND FLOOD VICTIMS IN THE PAST TWO MONTHS.
THE KITCHEN IS THE TERRITORY’S BASE FOR PROVIDING EMERGENCY COOKED MEALS AND RELIEF ARTICLES TO VICTIMS OF NATURAL DISASTERS, SUCH AS TYPHOON, RAINSTORM, LANDSLIDE AND FIRE.
"DURING THE COLLAPSE OF THE RETAINING WALL AT KWUN LUNG LAU ESTATE AND FLOODING IN PARTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES IN LATE JULY AND EARLY AUGUST, THE KITCHEN HAS PROMPTLY SUPPLIED EMERGENCY RELIEF KITS FOR DISTRIBUTION TO THE AFFECTED VICTIMS," THE OFFICER-IN-CHARGE OF KOWLOON KITCHEN, MR NG YIU-HING, SAID.
"RELIEF ARTICLES, INCLUDING BLANKETS, MATS, TOWELS, TOOTHBRUSHES AND EATING UTENSILS, WERE DISTRIBUTED TO THE VICTIMS FOR IMMEDIATE USE," HE SAID.
THE KITCHEN ALSO PREPARES HOT MEALS FOR THE VICTIMS IN TEMPORARY SHELTERS. THREE MEALS ARE NORMALLY PROVIDED FOR THEM DAILY.
"PREPARING MEALS FOR HUNDREDS AND SOMETIMES THOUSANDS OF VICTIMS IS NOT AN EASY TASK. CHINESE PANS MEASURING 122 CENTIMETRES ARE USED FOR COOKING WHICH STARTS AS EARLY AS FOUR O’CLOCK IN THE MORNING," MR NG SAID.
"OUR KITCHEN STAFF DO TRY TO MEET THE DIFFERENT TASTES AND REQUIREMENTS OF PEOPLE WITH MENUS RECOMMENDED BY DIETITIANS OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY. MILK POWDER IS ALSO PROVIDED FOR BABY VICTIMS, IF NECESSARY."
"IN THE CASE OF THE KWUN LUNG LAU INCIDENT, THE KITCHEN STAFF HAVE FLEXIBLY VARIED INGREDIENTS OF THE MEALS AS REQUESTED BY SOME OF THE VICTIMS," MR NG ADDED.
/THE KITCHEN .......
MONDAY, AUGUST 29, 1994
THE KITCHEN ALSO PROVIDES MEALS TO VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS, THE COSTS OF WHICH ARE MET BY THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES. AT PRESENT MEALS ARE SENT TWICE A DAY TO THE KAI TAK TRANSIT CENTRE AND NEW HORIZON DEPARTURE CENTRE.
POINTING OUT THAT THE TASTES OF THE VIETNAMESE DIFFERED GENERALLY FROM THAT OF THE LOCAL PEOPLE, MR NG SAID WHILE LOCAL PEOPLE PREFERRED LEAN PORK WITH A MILDER TASTE, THEY LIKED FATTY PORK WITH CHILLI.
"THE KITCHEN CAN SERVE UP TO A MAXIMUM OF 62,000 HOT MEALS A DAY ON A 16-HOUR BASIS. THE HIGHEST RECORD OF MEALS PROVIDED IN ONE DAY SO FAR WAS 45,151 IN DECEMBER 1989 WHEN THE INFLUX OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES REACHED ITS PEAK.”
"WITH THE APPROACH OF THE DRY SEASON,THE KITCHEN STAFF WILL BE ON THE ALERT FOR OFFERING EMERGENCY RELIEF CASE OF FIRE,” HE SAID.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
EXCO APPROVES CITYBUS FARE RISE.............................. 1
LANDSLIP INVESTIGATIONS UNDER WAY............................ 1
EXPRESSWAY DIRECTIONAL SIGNS TURN GREEN...................... 2
ROLE OF FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION EXPLAINED................ 3
JOSEPH WONG APPOINTED REGIONAL SECRETARY..................... 3
GROUP DISCUSSES SETUP OF APPLIED RESEARCH CENTRE............. 4
WELFARE SECTOR BEDS FAREWELL TO SHW.......................... 5
PARKING METERS SET UP IN TO KWA WAN....................... ‘ 6
136 VIETNAMESE RETURN HOME................................... 6
WATER STORAGE FIGURE......................................... 6
FRESH WATER CUT IN SAI KUNG.................................. 7
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS 7
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS 8
TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 1994
- 1 -
EXCO APPROVES CITYBUS FARE RISE ♦ * * » *
THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL TODAY (TUESDAY) APPROVED A FARE INCREASE BY A WEIGHTED AVERAGE OF 13.4 PER CENT FOR CITYBUS WITH EFFECT FROM SEPTEMBER 11.
THE APPROVED FARE INCREASE IS LOWER THAN THE 15.5 PER CENT SOUGHT BY THE COMPANY IN ITS APPLICATION.
UNDER THE NEW FARE SCALE, ABOUT 86 PER CENT OF THE PASSENGERS WILL ONLY PAY 20 TO 50 CENTS MORE PER TRIP.
A SUMMARY OF THE RATE OF INCREASE IN RESPECT OF INDIVIDUAL ROUTES IS:
RATE OF INCREASE IN
% INCREASE MONEY TERMS
* 14 NON AIR-CONDITIONED SERVICES FOR DAILY COMMUTERS 11.1% TO 14.3% 20 TO 40 CENTS
* 18 SHORT-DISTANCE AIR-CONDITIONED SERVICES FOR DAILY COMMUTERS 13.9% 16.0% TO 40 TO 60 CENTS
* THREE LONG-DISTANCE SERVICES FOR DAILY COMMUTERS 13.3% 14. 1% TO 80 TO 90 CENTS
* THREE RECREATIONAL SERVICES 17.2% 18.2% TO $1 .0
THE APPROVED FARE INCREASE IS TO ENABLE CITYBUS TO OFFSET HIGHER OPERATING COSTS, TO MEET FUTURE SERVICE EXPANSION, TO CONTINUE TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF SERVICE AND TO ACHIEVE A REASONABLE RETURN ON INVESTMENT.
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LANDSLIP INVESTIGATIONS UNDER WAY t * * * *
THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL DECIDED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT PENDING THE CONCLUSION OF ONGOING TECHNICAL INVESTIGATIONS INTO THE KWUN LUNG LAU LANDSLIP, NO DECISION SHOULD BE TAKEN AT THIS STAGE AS TO WHETHER A COMMISSION OF INQUIRY SHOULD BE APPOINTED TO LOOK INTO THE SAME MATTER. •
EXPLAINING THE DECISION, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE COUNCIL’S VIEW WAS THAT THE NEED FOR A COMMISSION OF INQUIRY CAN ONLY BE CONSIDERED BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL ON RECEIPT OF AN INDEPENDENT REPORT FROM PROFESSOR NORBERT MORGENSTERN SUPPORTED BY THE FULL TECHNICAL INVESTIGATION TO IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OR CAUSES OF THE INCIDENT.
/IN THE ........
TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 1994
2
IN THE LIGHT OF HIS FINDINGS, PROFESSOR MORGENSTERN WILL ALSO ADVISE ON THE ADEQUACY OF GOVERNMENT’S CURRENT APPROACH TO SLOPE SAFETY IN HONG KONG.
THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL DIRECTED THAT GOVERNMENT’S GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING EXPERTS SHOULD PURSUE THEIR INVESTIGATIONS QUICKLY SO AS TO ENABLE PROFESSOR MORGENSTERN TO SUBMIT HIS REPORT WITHIN THREE MONTHS, AS HE HAS COMMITTED TO DO.
THE REPORT FROM PROFESSOR MORGENSTERN AS SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNOR, AS WELL AS THE FULL INVESTIGATION FINDINGS BY GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING OFFICE, WILL BE RELEASED TO THE PUBLIC AND ALL CONCERNED BODIES.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO SAID A REPLY HAD BEEN SENT TO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HOUSE COMMITTEE, AND NOTED THAT THE REPORT TO BE SUBMITTED BY PROFESSOR MORGENSTERN WOULD COVER MUCH OF THE GROUND INTENDED UNDER THE TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE COMMISSION OF INQUIRY PROPOSED BY LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS.
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EXPRESSWAY DIRECTIONAL SIGNS TURN GREEN
* * * * *
DIRECTIONAL SIGNS ON EXPRESSWAYS ARE BEING CHANGED FROM BLUE TO GREEN COLOUR STARTING THIS MONTH.
AT PRESENT, DIRECTIONAL SIGNS USED IN HONG KONG ARE ALL BLUE IN COLOUR.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID SIGNS ON EXPRESSWAYS WERE BEING CHANGED TO GREEN COLOUR TO ALERT MOTORISTS THAT THEY WERE DRIVING ON ROADS CARRYING HEAVIER AND FASTER TRAFFIC AND WHERE MORE STRINGENT DRIVING RULES APPLIED.
’’SIGNS ON ALL ROADS OTHER THAN EXPRESSWAYS WILL REMAIN BLUE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD A PROGRAMME TO GRADUALLY CHANGE THE SIGNS ON EXPRESSWAYS FROM BLUE TO GREEN.
’’THE FIRST BATCH OF GREEN SIGNS ARE BEING INSTALLED IN THE SECTION OF THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD BETWEEN FAN KAM INTERCHANGE AND PAK SHEK AU. THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY THE TOLO HIGHWAY LATER THIS YEAR.
’’THE WHOLE PROGRAMME IS SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF YEARS," HE SAID. •
HE URGED MOTORISTS TO DRIVE CAREFULLY AND OBEY DRIVING RULES FOR EXPRESSWAYS TO AVOID ACCIDENTS.
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/3......
TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 1994
- 3 -
ROLE OF FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION EXPLAINED ♦ * » * *
THE "DIRECT SALE" SCHEME OF THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION (FMO) WILL HELP INTRODUCE MORE COMPETITION IN THE WHOLESALING OF FISH IN ITS MARKETS AND BENEFIT ALL INTERESTED PARTIES INCLUDING CONSUMERS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE FMO SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
HE SAID THE SCHEME WAS INTRODUCED TWO MONTHS AGO FOLLOWING COMPLAINTS FROM FISHERMEN OF DIFFICULTIES IN SECURING MARKET PRICE AT FMO MARKETS.
"TO ENABLE THE EXISTING AUCTION SYSTEM TO WORK BETTER, THERE IS NEED TO BRING IN MORE COMPETITION. DIRECT SALE HELPS BY OPENING UP NEW MARKET OUTLETS.”
IF THE SCHEME IS SUCCESSFUL, MORE FISHERMEN WILL BRING BACK THEIR CATCH FOR SALE, THUS ATTRACTING MORE WHOLESALERS TO BUY AT FMO MARKETS. THIS WOULD CREATE A BETTER AND FREER ENVIRONMENT FOR MARKET FORCES TO ACT.
IN PROVIDING NEW MARKET OUTLETS, THE FMO ALSO ATTEMPTS TO BREAK TRIAD INFLUENCE ON FISH PRICES AT WHOLESALE LEVEL.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE "DIRECT SALE" SCHEME WOULD NOT RAISE THE FISH PRICES.
"WHOLESALE OF MARINE FISH AT FMO MARKETS IS BY AUCTION WHICH IS SUBJECT TO FREE MARKET FORCES. THE SYSTEM IS APPLICABLE TO ALL, INCLUDING FMO."
HE REITERATED THAT IT WAS IN THE INTEREST OF ALL PARTIES TO ENSURE A FREE AND FAIR FISH WHOLESALING SYSTEM IN HONG KONG.
STAFF OF THE FMO WILL CONTINUE DIALOGUE WITH THE TRADERS TO CLARIFY THE NEW SCHEME AND TO UNDERSTAND THEIR DIFFICULTIES. ANY IMPRESSION OF UNFAIR COMPETITION WILL BE INVESTIGATED.
HE ADDED THAT FMO HAD NO INTENTION TO TAKE OVER OR REDUCE THE ROLE OF WHOLESALERS WHO WERE AND WOULD REMAIN THE MAJOR PLAYERS WITHIN THE SYSTEM. THE NEWLY INTRODUCED "DIRECT SALE" SCHEME WILL BE REVIEWED FROM TIME TO TIME.
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JOSEPH WONG APPOINTED REGIONAL SECRETARY
*****
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THE APPOINTMENT OF MR JOSEPH WONG WING-PING AS REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON/NEW TERRITORIES WITH EFFECT FROM NOVEMBER 14.
HE WILL TAKE OVER FROM MISS CHRISTINE CHOW KWAN-TAI, WHO IS RETIRING.
/BRIEF BIOGRAPHICAL .......
TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 1994
4
BRIEF BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES ON THEM ARE:
MR JOSEPH WONG WING-PING, JP
AGED 46, MR WONG JOINED THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE IN 1973 AND ROSE TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE A IN 1994.
HE HAS SERVED IN A NUMBER OF DEPARTMENTS AND BRANCHES INCLUDING FINANCE BRANCH, THE FORMER NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, THE FORMER OFFICE OF UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS (UMELCO) AND TRADE DEPARTMENT.
HE WAS DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE FROM 1988 TO 1989 AND DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY FROM 1989 TO 1991. HE WAS PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF HONG KONG TO THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE IN GENEVA FROM 1991 TO 1994.
MISS CHRISTINE CHOW KWAN-TAI, JP
AGED 49, MISS CHOW JOINED THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE IN 1970 AND ROSE TO HER PRESENT RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE Bl IN 1992, DURING THE EARLY YEARS OF HER CAREER, MISS CHOW HELD APPOINTMENTS IN THE FORMER HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT, THE FORMER SOCIAL SERVICES BRANCH AND FINANCE BRANCH.
ON RETURN FROM A TRAINING COURSE AT HARVARD UNIVERSITY IN 1986, SHE BECAME DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SERVICES AND THEN DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS. SHE WAS DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER FROM 1989 UNTIL 1993, WHEN SHE TOOK UP HER PRESENT APPOINTMENT AS REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON/NEW TERRITORIES.
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GROUP DISCUSSES SETUP OF APPLIED RESEARCH CENTRE *****
A STEERING GROUP SPECIFICALLY SET UP TO DELIBERATE ON HOW TO ESTABLISH AN APPLIED RESEARCH CENTRE HELD ITS FIRST MEETING TODAY (TUESDAY).
ONE OF THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY INITIATIVES ADDRESSED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 6 LAST YEAR WAS TO ESTABLISH A FUNDDISBURSING APPLIED RESEARCH CENTRE TO ENCOURAGE THE UNDERTAKING OF APPLIED RESEARCHES IN THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG.
IT WAS INTENDED THAT THE CENTRE WOULD DRAW TOGETHER HONG KONG’S AND CHINA’S RESEARCH EXPERTISE.
CHAIRED BY DR RAYMOND CH’lEN, THE STEERING GROUP COMPRISES INDUSTRIALISTS, ACADEMIA AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS.
/MEMBERS INCLUDE .......
TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 1994
- 5 -
MEMBERS INCLUDE MR HERBERT LIANG, DR YORK LIAO, MR VICTOR LO, PROFESSOR PATRICK Y C CHENG, PROFESSOR CHARLES KAO, PROFESSOR CHIA-WEI WOO, MR S K CHAN, DR JAMES LIU, PROFESSOR PING-KEUNG KO, AND THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MISS DENISE YUE AND OFFICERS FROM THE TRADE AND INDUSTRY BRANCH AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT.
THE TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE STEERING GROUP ARE:
* TO ADVISE THE INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (ITDC) ON HOW THE CENTRE SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED;
» TO FORMULATE THE BASIC CRITERIA, GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES NECESSARY FOR THE EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW FUNDING SCHEME; AND
* TO ADVISE ON ANY OTHER MATTERS PERTINENT TO THE ESTABLISHMENT AND OPERATION OF THE CENTRE.
THE STEERING GROUP HAS EXAMINED SOME PAPERS AT ITS FIRST MEETING.
THE MEETING ALSO CONSIDERED WHETHER THE PROPOSED APPLIED RESEARCH CENTRE COULD TAP THE EXISTING RESOURCES UNDER THE APPLIED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FUND SCHEME.
THE SECRETARY OF THE STEERING GROUP, MR RAYMOND YOUNG, SAID AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE MEETING THAT THERE HAD BEEN VERY USEFUL AND ACTIVE DISCUSSIONS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS.
"HOWEVER, SOME TECHNICAL MATTERS STILL REQUIRE FURTHER DELIBERATION. THE ITDC SECRETARIAT WOULD PREPARE DETAILED PAPERS FOR DISCUSSION AT THE NEXT STEERING GROUP MEETING SCHEDULED FOR MIDSEPTEMBER," HE SAID.
------0--------
WELFARE SECTOR BIDS FAREWELL TO SHW * » * » »
MORE THAN 300 MEMBERS OF THE WELFARE SECTOR FROM BOTH GOVERNMENT AND NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS ATTENDED A DINNER RECEPTION AT HOTEL FURAMA TONIGHT (TUESDAY) TO BID FAREWELL TO THE OUTGOING SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG.
THE DINNER PARTY WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE TO HONOUR MRS WONG’S CONTRIBUTIONS TO SOCIAL WELFARE IN THE TERRITORY OVER THE PAST EIGHT YEARS, DURING WHICH SHE HELD TENURE AS DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE AND LATER, AS SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE.
MRS WONG ASSUMED HER PRESENT POST OF SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE IN 1990. SHE WILL PROCEED ON PRE-RETIREMENT LEAVE ON THURSDAY (SEPTEMBER 1).
ALSO PRESENT AT THE RECEPTION WERE THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR IAN STRACHAN, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE, MRS PAMELA CHAN.
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/6 .....
TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 1994
- 6 -
PARKING METERS SET UP IN TO KWA WAN
*****
PARKING METERS WILL BE INSTALLED AT 12 PARKING SPACES AT SHEK TONG STREET, TO KWA WAN FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY (SEPTEMBER 1), THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED.
SIX OF THEM ARE FOR TWO-HOUR PARKING FOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN MEDIUM AND HEAVY GOODS VEHICLES, BUSES, MOTORCYCLES AND PEDAL CYCLES*. THE OTHER SIX ARE ONE-HOUR METERS FOR GOODS VEHICLES.
THESE PARKING SPACES ARE OPERATING FROM 8 AM TO MIDNIGHT DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
THE CHARGE IS $2 PER VEHICLE FOR EVERY 30 MINUTES.
------0-------
136 VIETNAMESE RETURN HOME *****
A GROUP OF 136 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (TUESDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME OF THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES.
COMPRISING 51 MEN, 35 WOMEN, 31 BOYS AND 19 GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 214TH BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.
THE GROUP BROUGHT TO 4,169 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAD RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 42,782 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN MARCH 1989.
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WATER STORAGE FIGURE *****
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (TUESDAY) STOOD AT 96.95 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 566.388 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVIORS CONTAINED 464.194 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 79.2 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
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/7.........
TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 1994
7
FRESH WATER CUT IN SAI KUNG *****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN SAI KUNG WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 10 PM ON THURSDAY (SEPTEMBER 1) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY TO FACILITATE WATER MAINS CONNECTION.
THE AFFECTED AREAS INCLUDE PAK TAM CHUNG, TSAK YUE WU, JJONG
KENG TEI, TSAM CHUK WAN, TAM WAT, SHE TAU, TAI PO TSAI, TIT CHI SHAN,
SAN TIN HANG, TSO WO HANG, LONG KENG, TAI WAN, SHA HA, MUK MIN SH^> SHAN LIU, NGAU LIU, SHA KOK MEI, WONG CHUK WAN, O TAU, SHU1 LONG WO,
KEI LING HA LO WAI, KEI LING HA SAN WAI, YUNG SHUE O, SAI KENG, WO
LIU, TAI TUNG, NGA YU TAU, MA KWU LAM, CHE HA, SAM PUI CHAU, NAI CHUNG, SAI 0, KWUN HANG AND CHEUNG MUK TAU.
THE SUSPENSION ALSO AFFECTS ALL THE PREMISES AT YAN YEE ROAD, CHI FAI PATH AND SAI SHA ROAD.
------0-------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
TENDER RESULTS
*****
TENDER DATE 30 AUG 94 30 AUG 94
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q435 H472
AMOUNT APPLIED HKD5,600 MN HKD4,000 MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED HKD1,5OO MN HKD800 MN
AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED 4.39 PCT 4.69 PCT
HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED 4.40 PCT 4.70 PCT
PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 24 PCT ABOUT 14 PCT
AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 4.42 PCT 4.72 PCT
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
TENDERS TO BE HELD IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 5 SEPT 1994
TENDER DATE 6 SEPT 94 6 SEPT 94
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q4 36 Y493
ISSUE DATE 7 SEPT 94 7 SEPT 94
MATURITY DATE 7 DEC 94 6 SEPT 95
TENOR 91 DAYS 364 DAYS
AMOUNT ON OFFER HKDl,500 + 300 MN 0 HKD500 + 150 MN
/8 ........
TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 1994
- 8 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS * * * * *
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,466 0930 -862
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 3,131 1000 -862
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 -807
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 620 1200 -807
LAF TODAY + 45 1500 -807
1600 + 620
LAF RATE 3.00 BID/5.00 OFFER TW1 122.5 *+0.3* 30.8.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.28 18 MONTHS 2602 4.40 98.14 5.83
1 MONTH 4.27 24 MONTHS 2608 6.15 100.06 6.21
3 MONTHS 4.40 30 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.91 6.56
6 MONTHS 4.65 33 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98.93 6.70
12 MONTHS 5.26 • 36 MONTHS 3707 6.95 100.57 6.84
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 22,192 MN
CLOSED 30 AUGUST 1994
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TIPS TO PREVENT RED EYE....’..............*................. 1
AG SEEKS REVIEW OF SENTENCE................................. 1
HIGHER WAGE FOR DOMESTIC HELPERS............................ 2
JOINT RECOMMENDATIONS ON FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE BY AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS..................................... 2
GOVERNMENT - WHEELOCK IN $100 MILLION GREEN FUNDS PARTNERSHIP................................................. 5
MONETARY STATISTICS FOR JULY 1994........................... 6
10 MORE HIV-INFECTED CASES CONFIRMED........................ 9
PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON LEGCO BOUNDARIES ENDS................ 9
636 ELECTION COMPLAINTS LODGED............................. 10
THREE SITES TO LET......................................... 10
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .... 11
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31, 1994
- 1 -
TIPS TO PREVENT RED EYE » * t » » z . ■
<■■■ . . . • . ' ??
THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TODAY (WEDNESDAY) URGED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO TAKE MEASURES AGAINST ACUTE CONJUNCTIVITIS - RED EYE.
v ‘ d •
THE APPEAL WAS MADE FOLLOWING A RECENT INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF RED-EYE CASES. FOR THE PAST TWO DAYS, 387 PATIENTS WITH THE CONDITION SOUGHT TREATMENT FROM PUBLIC HOSPITALS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID: ’’THERE IS NO CAUSE FOR ALARM AS THIS CONDITION IS PREVENTABLE AND TREATABLE AND PEOPLE CAN FULLY RECOVER WITHIN ONE TO TWO WEEKS WITH PROPER TREATMENT.”
"RED EYE IS A CONTAGIOUS CONDITION MOSTLY CAUSED BY VIRUSES.
"THE SYMPTOMS ARE IRRITATION, PAIN AND REDNESS OF THE EYES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
PATIENTS WITH SYMPTOMS ARE ADVISED:
* TO SEEK EARLY TREATMENT FROM DOCTORS;
* NOT TO USE PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS
I THEY ARE ALSO ADVISED TO PAY ATTENTION TO PERSONAL HYGIENE, PARTICULARLY TO:
♦ AVOID SHARING TOWELS OR USING COMMUNAL TOWELS; AND
* WASH HANDS THOROUGHLY BEFORE CONTACT WITH EYES
TRAVELLERS ARE REMINDED TO OBSERVE PERSONAL HYGIENE TO PREVENT CONTRACTING THE ILLNESS.
------0--------
: . X ‘ • • ’ . ' \ ' ? • ’
AG SEEKS REVIEW OF SENTENCE * t * * *
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR JEREMY MATHEWS, HAS DECIDED TO APPLY TO THE COURT OF APPEAL FOR LEAVE TO SEEK THE REVIEW OF THE SENTENCES IMPOSED ON HON LEUNG-FONG AND WONG YIM-PING, WHO WERE SENTENCED TO EIGHT-AND-A-HALF YEARS’ AND SEVEN YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT RESPECTIVELY ON AUGUST 16, AFTER PLEADING GUILTY TO MANSLAUGHTER.
A 21-YEAR-OLD WOMAN, ELAINE LUK YEE-LING, WAS KILLED IN THIS CASE IN A SHA TIN HOTEL IN JULY LAST YEAR.
/MR MATHEWS .......
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31, 1994
- 2 -
MR MATHEWS DECIDED TO SEEK A REVIEW OF THE SENTENCES BECAUSE HE CONSIDERED THEM TO BE MANIFESTLY INADEQUATE AND/OR WRONG IN PRINCIPLE. HIS APPLICATION FOR LEAVE WAS FILED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) AND, IF IT IS GRANTED, MR MATHEWS WILL THEN LODGE HIS SUBSTANTIVE APPLICATION.
THEREAFTER, THE SUPREME COURT WILL, IN DUE COURSE, LIST THE REVIEW FOR HEARING, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT SAID.
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HIGHER WAGE FOR DOMESTIC HELPERS
*****
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ANNOUNCED A CHANGE IN THE WAGE REQUIREMENT FOR THE EMPLOYMENT OF FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS.
EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS NOTARISED BY RELEVANT CONSULATES FROM THURSDAY (SEPTEMBER 1) MUST CARRY A WAGE NOT BELOW $3,750 PER MONTH PRIOR TO SUBMISSION TO IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT FOR PROCESSING.
RE-ENGAGEMENT CONTRACTS NOTARISED BEFORE SEPTEMBER 1 SHOULD ALSO CARRY THE NEW WAGE IF SUCH CONTRACTS DO NOT TAKE EFFECT BEFORE OCTOBER 1 (SATURDAY).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE LEVEL OF WAGE INCREASE OF $250 PER MONTH HAD MADE REFERENCE TO RELEVANT STATISTICS ON THE WAGE MOVEMENT OF LOCAL WORKERS.
AT PRESENT THERE ARE MORE THAN 130,000 FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS WORKING IN HONG KONG, MOSTLY FROM THE PHILIPPINES.
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JOINT RECOMMENDATIONS ON FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE BY AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS • *****
THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY (HKMA), THE STOCK EXCHANGE OF HONG KONG LIMITED (EXCHANGE) AND THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION (SFC) ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) JOINT RECOMMENDATIONS ON ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURES TO BE INCLUDED IN THE ACCOUNTS OF AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS FOR ACCOUNTING PERIODS ENDING ON OR AFTER DECEMBER 31 THIS YEAR.
THE RECOMMENDATIONS ARE APPLICABLE TO BOTH LISTED AND NONLISTED AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PACKAGE WILL SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASE THE TRANSPARENCY OF AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS’ PERFORMANCE AND FINANCIAL STRENGTH. IT WILL ALSO BRING THE STANDARD OF FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE IN HONG KONG SUBSTANTIALLY INTO LINE WITH THAT IN OTHER MAJOR INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRES.
THE RECOMMENDATIONS HAVE BEEN JOINTLY DEVELOPED BY THE HKMA, THE EXCHANGE AND SFC ON THE BASIS OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE HKMA WORKING PARTY ON FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE AND THE EXCHANGE’S PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE LISTING RULES IN RESPECT OF LISTED BANKS.
/THE RANKING .......
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31, 1994
- 3 -
THE BANKING SECTOR AND THE ACCOUNTING PROFESSION HAVE BEEN FULLY CONSULTED IN THE PREPARATION OF THE PACKAGE. THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS, THE HONG KONG DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ASSOCIATION AND THE HONG KONG SOCIETY OF ACCOUNTANTS HAVE ENDORSED THE PACKAGE IN PRINCIPLE.
THE JOINT PACKAGE INCLUDES FULL DISCLOSURE OF AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS’ PROFITS AND MORE DETAILED BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION TO BE DISCLOSED IN THE PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT AIMS TO PRESENT A FULL PICTURE OF THE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS AND THE SOURCES OF THEIR INCOME (SUCH AS THOSE DERIVED FROM INTEREST EARNINGS, DEALING ACTIVITIES AND FEES) AND EXPENSES (SUCH AS STAFF COST, PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT EXPENSE AND DEPRECIATION) IN THE REPORTING PERIOD.
IN PARTICULAR, INSTITUTIONS WILL DISCLOSE ANY TRANSFERS TO AND FROM INNER RESERVES WHICH WILL REVEAL THEIR ACTUAL PROFITS FOR THE REPORTING PERIOD.
THE PACKAGE RECOMMENDS A MORE DETAILED BREAKDOWN OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES IN THE BALANCE SHEET.
IN PARTICULAR, THE LIABILITY ITEM "CURRENT, DEPOSIT AND OTHER ACCOUNTS" WILL BE ANALYSED INTO ITS MAIN CONSTITUENTS: CUSTOMER DEPOSITS, INTERBANK DEPOSITS AND OTHER ACCOUNTS (INCLUDING INNER RESERVES).
ON THE ASSETS SIDE, ADDITIONAL BREAKDOWN WILL BE PROVIDED IN RESPECT OF ADVANCES TO CUSTOMERS AND BANKS (INCLUDING PROVISIONS FOR BAD AND DOUBTFUL DEBTS) AND INSTITUTIONS’ PORTFOLIO OF SECURITIES WILL BE ANALYSED INTO THOSE HELD FOR DEALING AND INVESTMENT PURPOSES.
PROPERTY REVALUATION RESERVES, WHICH FORM PART OF THE INNER RESERVES OF SOME BANKS, WILL ALSO BE DISCLOSED.
THE EXCHANGE’S LISTING RULES WILL BE AMENDED TO MAKE COMPLIANCE WITH THE DISCLOSURE PROVISIONS IN THE PACKAGE MANDATORY FOR LISTED BANKS.
THE HKMA WILL INCORPORATE THE RECOMMENDATIONS IN A BEST PRACTICE GUIDE ON FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE TO BE ISSUED TO AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS IN SEPTEMBER 1994.
NON-LISTED BANKS AND LARGER RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES WILL BE ASKED TO APPLY THE RECOMMENDATIONS ON A VOLUNTARY BASIS STARTING WITH THEIR 1994 ACCOUNTS. SUCH INSTITUTIONS WILL BE ASKED TO INCLUDE A STATEMENT IN THEIR DIRECTORS’ REPORT ON THE EXTENT OF COMPLIANCE WITH THE GUIDE AND THE REASONS FOR ANY NON-COMPLIANCE.
DISCUSSION WILL CONTINUE AMONG THE HKMA, THE EXCHANGE AND SFC ON THE NATURE OF ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURES TO BE INCLUDED IN THE 1995 ACCOUNTS INCLUDING ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON OFF-BALANCE SHEET EXPOSURES, SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS OF ASSETS BY GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS AND INDUSTRY SECTORS AND CASH FLOW STATEMENT.
/THE HKMA .......
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31, 1994
THE HKMA WILL UNDERTAKE A REVIEW IN MID-1995 ON THE DISCLOSURE OF BALANCE SHEET INNER RESERVES IN THE LIGHT OF THE EXPERIENCE OF THE ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURES IN THE 1994 ACCOUNTS.
IT WILL SHARE AND DISCUSS THE CONCLUSIONS OF THE REVIEW WITH THE EXCHANGE AND SFC BEFORE A DECISION IS MADE ON WHETHER OR NOT TO RECOMMEND DISCLOSURE OF BALANCE SHEET INNER RESERVES IN THE 1995 ACCOUNTS.
THE SFC AND THE EXCHANGE HAVE AGREED TO DEFER THE PROPOSAL TO REQUIRE IMMEDIATE DISCLOSURE OF THEIR INNER RESERVES BY BANKS APPLYING FOR A LISTING AND BY LISTED BANKS SEEKING TO RAISE ADDITIONAL CAPITAL, PENDING THE OUTCOME OF THE HKMA REVIEW.
THE DEPUTY CHIEF EXECUTIVE (BANKING) OF THE HKMA, MR DAVID CARSE, SAID: ’’THE JOINT RECOMMENDATIONS REPRESENT A CO-ORDINATED EFFORT BY THE HKMA, THE EXCHANGE AND THE SFC TO IMPROVE FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE BY AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS IN HONG KONG.
’’ALTHOUGH THE BEST PRACTICE GUIDE ON FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE TO BE ISSUED BY THE HKMA WILL NOT HAVE STATUTORY POWER, THE HKMA BELIEVES THAT THE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MORE DISCLOSURE ARE IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF BOTH INDIVIDUAL INSTITUTIONS AND OF HONG KONG’S POSITION AS AN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE.
"THE HKMA CONSIDERS THEREFORE THAT THOSE INSTITUTIONS COVERED BY THE RECOMMENDATIONS SHOULD FOLLOW THEM IN THEIR 1994 ACCOUNTS."
THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND HEAD OF LISTING AT THE EXCHANGE, MR HERBERT HUI, SAID THE EXCHANGE WELCOMED THE PROPOSALS PUT FORWARD BY THE HKMA AND CONSIDERED THAT THEIR ADOPTION WOULD ENHANCE CONSIDERABLY THE TRANSPARENCY OF LOCAL BANK REPORTING.
"THE EXCHANGE PROPOSES TO AMEND THE LISTING RULES TO REQUIRE THAT ALL LISTED BANKS COMPLY WITH THE DISCLOSURE PROVISIONS TO BE INCLUDED IN THE BEST PRACTICE GUIDE."
THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE SFC, MRS LAURA CHA, SAID THE CLOSE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE REGULATORY AUTHORITIES AND THE INDUSTRY IN ADOPTING THIS PACKAGE IN SUCH A SHORT TIME WAS COMMENDABLE.
"IT DEMONSTRATES OUR COMMITMENT TOWARDS ACHIEVING FULL DISCLOSURE IN THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF LISTED BANKS. WHILE WE HAVE AGREED THAT INNER RESERVES WILL NOT BE REVIEWED UNTIL 1995, THE ADDITIONAL LEVEL OF BALANCE SHEET DISCLOSURE REQUIRED FOR YEAR END 1994 IS SIGNIFICANTLY GREATER THAN THAT ORIGINALLY PROPOSED BY THE SFC AND THE EXCHANGE."
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST Si, 1994
- 5 -
GOVERNMENT - WHEELOCK-IN $100 MILLION GREEN FUNDS PARTNERSHIP * » * * *
AN UNPRECEDENTED GOVERNMENT-PRIVATE SECTOR INITIATIVE TO LAUNCH PARALLEL FUNDS TOTALLING $100 MILLION WAS ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE PURPOSE OF THE FUNDS IS TO SUPPORT EDUCATIONAL, RESEARCH AND COMMUNITY ACTION PROJECTS WHICH WILL ACT AS A CATALYST IN THE PROTECTION AND IMPROVEMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT OF HONG KONG.
NON-PROFIT-MAKING PROJECTS SUCH AS THOSE THAT WILL ENHANCE PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF HONG KONG’S ENVIRONMENT, MOBILISE COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION, PROMOTE NATURE CONSERVATION, OR IMPROVE THE TERRITORY’S PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR FUNDING.
THE TWO FUNDS, NAMELY THE ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION FUND (ECF) AND THE WOO WHEELOCK GREEN FUND (WWGF), HAVE BEEN SET UP SIMULTANEOUSLY BY THE GOVERNMENT AND THE WHEELOCK GROUP, EACH WITH AN INITIAL PLEDGE OF $50 MILLION.
THE ECF WAS PROPOSED BY THE GOVERNOR IN HIS POLICY ADDRESS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR, WHILE THE WWGF WAS INITIATED BY MR PETER WOO, THE GROUP CHAIRMAN OF WHEELOCK.
THIS IS THE FIRST TIME IN WHICH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR HAVE JOINED FORCES TO SET UP TWIN FUNDS TO COMBAT ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES.
ANNOUNCING THE LAUNCHING OF THE FUNDS, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, WELCOMED THE EXAMPLE SET BY MR WOO AND THE WHEELOCK GROUP FOR OTHERS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO FOLLOW.
"THIS IS A BIG STEP FORWARD IN MOTIVATING THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY TO JOIN FORCES WITH THE GOVERNMENT TO IMPROVE OUR ENVIRONMENT.
"WE NEED MORE LARGE ORGANISATIONS LIKE WHEELOCK TO STAND UP AND BE COUNTED IF WE WANT TO ACHIEVE THE BOLD ENVIRONMENTAL AIMS WE HAVE SET OURSELVES," HE SAID.
NOTING THAT A SUCCESSFUL ECONOMY SHOULD BE ACCOMPANIED BY A COMPATIBLE QUALITY OF LIFE, MR WOO SAID: "WITH A COMMON GOAL AND SHARED COMMITMENT, THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR CAN WORK TOGETHER TO MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE TO HONG KONG’S ENVIRONMENT."
MR WOO, VICE-PRESIDENT AND DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF THE PRINCE O WALES BUSINESS LEADERS FORUM, WHICH FOCUSES ON ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUEl WORLDWIDE, HAS AGREED TO SERVE AS CHAIRMAN OF AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO THE TRUSTEE OF THE ECF.
OTHER NON-OFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE INCLUDE DR CHAN WAI-KWAN, DR SIMON CHAU SUI-CHEONG, MR VINCENT CHENG HOI-CHUEN, MR PAUL FAN CHOR-HO, MR MALCOLM MATTHEWS, PROFESSOR BRIAN MORTON, MR STEPHEN NG CHI-WING AND DR NORA TAM FUNG-YEE. •
/APPLICATIONS FOR .......
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31, 1994
- 6 -
APPLICATIONS FOR GRANTS FROM THE FUNDS WILL BE CONSIDERED BY THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE WHICH WILL SELECT PROPOSALS FOR FUNDING FROM EITHER OR BOTH OF THE FUNDS.
SELECTION WILL BE BASED ON THE INDIVIDUAL MERITS OF THE PROJECT, THE TECHNICAL AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT CAPABILITY OF THE APPLICANT AND THE DEMONSTRABLE NEED FOR THE PROJECT.
INFORMATION ABOUT FUNDING APPLICATIONS AND APPLICATION FORMS IS NOW AVAILABLE AT THE PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS BRANCH, THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT, ALL DISTRICT OFFICES AND WHEELOCK AND COMPANY LIMITED.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FOR PRESS ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE WOO WHEELOCK GREEN FUND, PLEASE CONTACT MR JOHN HUNG, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, WHEELOCK GROUP AND COMPANY LIMITED ON 844 2288.
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MONETARY STATISTICS FOR JULY 1994
*****
HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS AND HONG KONG DOLLAR LOANS REGISTERED MODERATE GROWTH IN JULY WHILE NON-US DOLLAR FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS CONTINUED TO DECLINE, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS PUBLISHED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY.
DEPOSITS
THE GROWTH OF HONG KONG DOLLAR TIME DEPOSITS SLOWED DOWN TO 1.7% IN JULY COMPARED WITH 5.5% IN MAY AND 2.4% IN JUNE.
AT THE SAME TIME, HONG KONG DOLLAR SAVINGS DEPOSITS RECORDED A MODEST 1.1% GROWTH AFTER FALLING BY 0.3% EACH IN THE PREVIOUS TWO MONTHS.
THE EFFECT OF THE LOCAL INTEREST RATE HIKE IN MAY ON THE SI FROM SAVINGS DEPOSITS INTO TIME DEPOSITS HAS GRADUALLY DISSIPATED.
DEMAND DEPOSITS FELL BY 3.5% DURING THE MONTH, REACHING THE LOWEST LEVEL SINCE OCTOBER 1993.
FOREIGN CURRENCY SWAP DEPOSITS RECORDED NOTABLE INCREASE OF 5.8% IN JULY, PARTLY OWING TO A SLIGHT INCREASE IN SWAP DEPOSIT RATE.
WHILE USS DEPOSITS REGISTERED A SOLID GROWTH OF 5.5% IN JULY, THE DECLINING TREND OF NON-US DOLLAR FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS CONTINUED. NON-US DOLLAR FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS FELL BY 1.3% IN JULY AND BY 11.6% OVER A YEAR EARLIER.
/LOANS AND .......
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31, 1994
LOANS AND ADVANCES
THE GROWTH OF HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS (+0.9%) CONTINUED TO OUTPACE THAT OF HONG KONG DOLLAR LOANS (+0.5%). THE HONG KONG DOLLAR LOAN-TO-DEPOSIT RATIO FELL FURTHER BY HALF OF A PERCENTAGE POINT TO 113.0% IN JULY, THE LOWEST LEVEL RECORDED SINCE MARCH 1994, REFLECTING MORE PRUDENT LENDING POLICY BY AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS.
FOREIGN CURRENCY LOANS DECREASED BY 0.3% DURING THE MONTH. IT GREW BY 10.8% OVER A YEAR EARLIER.
TOTAL OUTSTANDING LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS REMAINED UNCHANGED IN JULY. ANALYSED BY USAGE, THE RAPID EXPANSION OF LOANS TO FINANCE VISIBLE TRADE SINCE APRIL SLOWED DOWN NOTABLY IN JULY.
THE GROWTH OF OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG WAS ALSO MODEST AT 0.5%, PARTLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE SLOW DOWN IN THE GROWTH OF MORTGAGE LOANS.
MONEY SUPPLY
NOTWITHSTANDING A 0.5% RISE IN LEGAL TENDER NOTES AND COINS HELD BY THE PUBLIC, HK$M1 DECLINED BY 2.0% IN JULY, CAUSED MAINLY BY THE FALL IN DEMAND DEPOSITS (-3.5%). YEAR-ON-YEAR, ITS GROWTH STABILISED AT 6.1%, A RATE CLOSE TO THAT RECORDED IN JUNE.
WITH THE SLOW DOWN IN CREDIT EXPANSION BY AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS, HK$M2 AND HK$M3 SHOWED SUBDUED GROWTH OF 1.0% EACH IN JULY. THE YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH RATES OF HK$M2 AND HK$M3 HAVE BEEN FAIRLY STABLE, MOVING AT AROUND 20% TO 26% IN THE PAST FIVE MONTHS.
THE LATEST INTEREST RATE HIKE IN AUGUST IS EXPECTED TO PUT FURTHER RESTRAINING PRESSURE ON BORROWING DEMANDS, WHICH IN TURN MAY RESTRAIN EXPANSION IN HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY IN THE COMING MONTHS.
OWING TO THE DECLINE IN FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS, TOTAL M2 AND TOTAL M3 HAD MUCH SLOWER GROWTH THAN THEIR HONG KONG DOLLAR COUNTERPARTS. AT THE END OF JULY, THEY GREW BY 11.8% AND 12.6% RESPECTIVELY OVER THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FOR FURTHER PRESS ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT THE PRESS AND PUBLICATIONS SECTION, HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY ON TELEPHONE 878 8261.
/TABLE 1
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31, 1994
- 8 -
TABLE 1 : MON ETA R Y STATISTICS - JULY 1994
(HKSmn)
Jul 1994 Earlier months (% change to Jul 1994)
Jun 1994 Apr 1994 Jul 1993
Money Supply
Ml - HKS 162,423 165.678 ( -2.0) 171,499 ( -5.3 ) 153,130 ( 6.1 )
Foreign currency 19,669 19.540 ( 0.7 ) 21355 ( -8.7 ) 18322 ( 62)
Total 182,092 185.218 ( -1.7) 193,054 ( -5.7 ) 171,652 ( 6 1 )
M2 - HKS* 1,021,827 1,011355 ( 1.0) 972.233 ( 5.1 ) 835316 ( 22.3 )
Foreign currency* 852,245 834,084 ( 2.2) 842.402 ( 1.2) 840,879 ( 1.4)
Total 1,874,072 1345.640 ( 1.5) 1314.635 ( 3.3 ) 1,676,394 ( 11.8 )
M3 - HKS* 1,038,712 1,028,462 ( 1.0) 988316 ( 5.0) 852,041 ( 21.9 )
Foreign currency* 903,248 882,243 ( 2.4 ) 886.997 ( 1.8) 873,315 ( 3.4)
Total 1,941,960 1,910,705 ( 1.6) 1375313 ( 3.5) 1,725.356 ( 12.6 )
Notes and coins in circulation 73,468 72,613 ( 1.2) 73,254 ( 0.3) 66,768 ( 10.0 )
of which held by public 64,932 64,605 ( 0.5) 65,187 ( -0.4 ) 58,954 ( 10.1 )
Total Deposits
Total Demand deposits 117,161 120,613 ( -2.9 ) 127,868 ( -8.4 ) 112,699 ( 4.0)
Total Savings deposits 411.259 408,340 ( 0.7) 412,889 ( -0.4 ) 387,498 ( 6 1 )
Total Time deposits with licensed banks 1,241,415 1,214,229 ( 2.2) 1.178.078 ( 5.4) 1,097,952 ( 13.1 )
Total Time deposits with restricted licence banks 33,407 31,911 ( 4.7) 28.217 ( 18.4 ) 27,926 ( 19.6 )
Total Time deposits with deposit- taking companies 16,391 16,726 ( -2.0 ) 17.680 ( -7.3) 17353 ( -8.2 )
HKS deposits* 944,704 935,897 ( 0.9 ) 901,693 ( 4.8) 779,227 ( 21.2 )
USS deposits* 471,038 446.514 ( 5.5 ) 434384 ( 8.3) 407346 ( 15.5 )
Other foreign currency deposits* 403,891 409,408 ( -1.3) 428,154 ( -5.7) 456355 ( -11.6 )
All deposits 1319,633 1.791319 ( 1.6) 1,764,731 ( 3.1 ) 1,643,927 ( )
Foreign currency swap deposits 95,992 90.740 ( 5.8) 81.742 ( 17.4 ) 63,029 ( *523)
Total Loans and advances
To finance U.K.’s visible trade 121,813 119.487 ( 19) 110.414 ( 10.3 ) 103356 ( 17.3 )
To finance merchandising trade not touching H.K.- 12,099 11.881 ( 1.8) 11,179 ( 8.2 ) 13,020 ( -7.1 )
Other loans for use in H.K. 1,199,000 1,193.135 ( 0.5) 1.155354 ( 3.8) 1,037,321 ( 15.6 )
Other loans for use outside H.K. 1,806,688 1,814,030 ( -0.4 ) 1.751308 ( 3.2) 1,641,384 ( 10 1 )
Other loans where the place of use is not known 45394 46,814 ( -2.0 ) 45.129 ( 1.7) 41,766 ( 9.9 )
Loans in HKS 1,067,694 1,061.987 ( 0.5) 1.028.202 ( 3.8) 926,190 ( 15.3 )
Loans in foreign currencies 2,117.800 2,123,361 ( -0.3) 2.045381 ( 3.5) 1,911,157 ( 10.8 )
Total loans and advances 3.185.494 3,185,348 ( 0.0 ) 3.073.783 ( 3.6) 2.837.347 ( 12.3)
• 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 1 February 1990.
/9 .......
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31, 1994
- 9 -
10 MORE HIV-INFECTED CASES CONFIRMED *****
EIGHT MEN AND TWO WOMEN WERE FOUND TO BE POSITIVE FOR THE HIV ANTIBODY TEST LAST MONTH (JULY), THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THIS BRINGS THE NUMBER OF HIV-INFECTED PERSONS IN HONG KONG TO 471.
FIVE NEW AIDS CASES WERE REPORTED DURING THE MONTH AND THE TOTAL NUMBER OF CONFIRMED AIDS CASES IS 112, WITH 69 DEATHS REPORTED.
OF THE 471 HIV-INFECTED, 178 ACQUIRED THE INFECTION THROUGH HOMOSEXUAL OR BISEXUAL SEX WHILE 177 THROUGH HETEROSEXUAL SEX; 11 WERE INJECTING DRUG USERS; ONE WAS MOTHER-TO-CHILD TRANSMISSION AROUND THE TIME OF BIRTH; AND 66 ACQUIRED THE INFECTION THROUGH CONTAMINATED BLOOD OR BLOOD PRODUCTS BEFORE 1985 WHEN HIV ANTIBODY TEST AND SAFE HEAT TREATED CLOTTING CONCENTRATES WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
.’I . . F *
AS FOR THE REMAINING 38, THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE WAS INADEQUATE FOR CLASSIFICATION.
UNDER THE HIV SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME WHICH STARTED IN 1985, A TOTAL OF 332,908 BLOOD SPECIMENS HAVE BEEN TESTED FOR THE HIV ANTIBODY.
THE HONG KONG RED CROSS BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE HAS ALSO SCREENED ALL BLOOD DONORS FOR AIDS.
UP TO LAST MONTH, 1,447,003 UNITS OF BLOOD HAVE BEEN TESTED AND 32 DONORS WERE FOUND POSITIVE.
------o--------
PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON LEGCO BOUNDARIES ENDS
**.***
THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION HAS RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 24 WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS ON THE PROVISIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL’S GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCIES BOUNDARIES AFTER ITS ONE-MONTH PUBLIC CONSULTATION CLOSED ON AUGUST 27.
THE COMMISSION ALSO HELD THREE PUBLIC MEETINGS WITH INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS ON THE PROPOSALS.
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/10........
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31, 1994
- 10 -
636 ELECTION COMPLAINTS LODGED
*****
THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE HAS RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 636 COMPLAINTS ON ELECTION-RELATED ACTIVITIES AS AT TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
OF ALL THE COMPLAINTS, 477 WERE RELATED TO ELECTION ADVERTISEMENTS, 55 ON ELECTIONEERING IN PRIVATE PREMISES AND 104 ON OTHER MATTERS.
OUT OF THE 636 CASES, ACTION FOR 413 CASES HAD BEEN COMPLETED.
------0-------
THREE SITES TO LET
* * * * *
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT-TERM TENANCIES OF THREE LOTS OF GOVERNMENT LAND ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE FIRST LOT, IN AREA 49A, FANLING HAS AN AREA OF 15,300 SQUARE METRES FOR CAR PARKING OR STORAGE OF GOODS, INCLUDING UNREGISTERED MOTOR VEHICLES BUT EXCLUDING DUSTY MATERIALS AND DANGEROUS GOODS OR REPAIR OR MAINTENANCE OF MOTOR VEHICLES, PLANT AND MACHINERY.
THE TENANCY IS FOR ONE YEAR, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY.
COVERING AN AREA OF 3.36 HECTARES, THE SECOND LOT IS IN AREA 26C, KWAI CHUNG. IT IS EARMARKED FOR USE AS A FEE-PAYING PUBLIC CAR PARK FOR GOODS VEHICLES AND CONTAINER TRACTORS AND TRAILORS.
IT CARRIES A TENANCY OF ONE YEAR, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY.
THE REMAINING LOT, ON BELCHER BAY RECLAMATION, HAS AN AREA OF 9,620 SQUARE METRES FOR USE AS A FEE-PAYING PUBLIC CAR PARK FOR GOODS VEHICLES, BUT EXCLUDING CONTAINER TRACTORS AND TRAILERS.
THE TENANCY IS FOR EIGHT MONTHS, RENEWABLE MONTHLY.
CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON SEPTEMBER 16.
TENDER FORMS, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES KOWLOON, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON, AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, NORTH, KWAI TSING, AND HONG KONG WEST, 19TH FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD.
TENDER PLANS CAN ALSO BE INSPECTED AT THESE OFFICES.
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/Il .......
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31, 1994
- 11 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS • *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 3,131 0930 -635
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 3,081 1000 -785
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 -713
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -30 1200 -13
LAF TODAY -20 1500 -30
1600 -30
LAF RATE 3.00 BID/5.00 OFFER TWI 122.4 t-O.lt 31.8.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.17 18 MONTHS 2602 4.40 98.18 5.80
1 MONTH 4.18 24 MONTHS 2608 6.15 100.11 6.18
3 MONTHS 4.36 30 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.95 6.55
6 MONTHS 4.66 33 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98.98 6.68
12 1 MONTHS 5.26 36 MONTHS 3707 6.95 100.58 6.84
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 18,874MN
CLOSED 31 AUGUST 1994
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