DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CPB DISCUSSES EXTENSION OF SAI KUNG WEST COUNTRY PARK.... 1
BANKER TO SERVE ON TWO STANDING COMMITTEES.................. 2
LAWYERS INVITED TO JOIN LEGAL DEPARTMENT.................... 2
BN(O) PHASED REGISTRATION PROGRAMME PHASE III............... 4
YOUTH CHINESE ORCHESTRA RECRUITS MEMBERS.................... 5
SAFE DRIVING COMPETITION FINALS TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY..... 6
FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 1994
1
CPB DISCUSSES EXTENSION OF SAI KUNG WEST COUNTRY PARK ♦ * * t *
COUNTRY PARKS BOARD (CPB) MEMBERS YESTERDAY (THURSDAY) DISCUSSED AT A MEETING A PROPOSAL TO EXTEND THE SAI KING WEST COUNTRY PARK TO COVER THE WAN TSAI PENINSULA AND THE THREE ADJACENT ISLANDS.
MEMBERS AGREED THAT THE ADMINISTRATION SHOULD CONSULT THE PUBLIC ON THE PROPOSED EXTENSION.
SPOKESMAN FOR THE COUNTRY PARKS BOARD SAID THE WAN TSAI PENINSULA, ONCE USED FOR BORROWING ACTIVITIES, HAI) BEEN SUCCESSFULLY RESTORED THROUGH LANDSCAPE PLANTING.
’’TOGETHER WITH THE THREE ADJACENT ISLANDS, THE PROPOSED EXTENSION COVERS AN AREA OF 123 HECTARES," HE SAID.
HE NOTED THAT THE LANDSCAPE QUALITY AND THE RECREATION POTENTIAL MADE THE AREA A SUITABLE PLACE FOR DESIGNATION AS COUNTRY PARK.
THE PENINSULA IS MADE UP OF COASTAL LOWLANDS AND GENTLE SLOPES. THE SITE IS SUITABLE FOR OUTDOOR COUNTRYSIDE RECREATION SUCH AS WALKING, PICNICKING AND KITE-FLYING.
SOME 100 VASCULAR PLANT SPECIES ARE RECORDED IN THE NORTHERN PART OF THE PENINSULA.
ALSO, AS THE WAN TSAI PENINSULA LIES TO THE EAST OF HOI HA WAN WHICH HAI) BEEN PROPOSED TO BE DESIGNATED AS A MARINE PARK, THE PROPOSED EXTENSION WITH THE THREE ADJACENT ISLANDS WOULD HELP TO MAINTAIN THE INTEGRITY OF HOI HA WAN FROM THE LAND USE POINT OF VIEW, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD WILL BE CONSULTED ON THE PROPOSED EXTENSION.
ANY PERSON WHO WISHES TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE PROPOSED EXTENSION ARE WELCOME TO SEND IN THEIR COMMENTS ON OR BEFORE MAY 10, 1994 TO THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 393 CANTON, KOWLOON.
ALL VIEWS WILL BE CONSIDERED BEFORE A DRAFT MAP IS PROPOSED. IT WILL BE FOLLOWED BY LEGAL. PROCEDURES WHICH ALLOW THE PUBLIC TO RAISE FORMAL OBJECTION TO THE DRAFT MAP WHEN IT IS GAZETTED.
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FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 1994
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BANKER TO SERVE ON TWO STANDING COMMITTEES
*****
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODA\ (FRIDAY) THAT THE GOVERNOR HAS APPOINTED MR ALEXANDER AU SIU-KEE TO BE A MEMBER OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON DIRECTORATE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE AND THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON JUDICIAL SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE.
THE APPOINTMENTS ARE FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS FROM APRIL 1, 1994 .
MR AU IS MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE HANG SENG BANK.
HE ALSO SERVES ON A NUMBER OF OTHER PUBLIC BODIES, AMONG THEM THE INLAND REVENUE BOARD OF REVIEW, THE INSURANCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S ESTABLISHMENT AND FINANCE COMMITTEE, AND THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE.
HIS APPOINTMENT TO THE DIRECTORATE AND JUDICIAL COMMITTEES FOLLOWS THE RECENT RESIGNATION OF MR VINCENT LO HONG-SUI WHO HAD SERVED ON THEM SINCE AUGUST 1988.
THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON DIRECTORATE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE, ESTABLISHED IN 1963, ADVISES ON THE STRUCTURE OF THE DIRECTORATE CIVIL SERVICE (EXCEPT THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES), AS WELL AS SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE FOR DIRECTORATE OFFICERS.
THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON JUDICIAL SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1987. IT ADVISES ON THE STRUCTURE OF THE JUDICIARY, AND THE PAY AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE OF EACH RANK OF JUDICIAL OFFICER.
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LAWYERS INVITED TO JOIN LEGAL DEPARTMENT *****
THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT IS INVITING LAWYERS TO JOIN THE DEPARTMENT AS CROWN COUNSEL.
IN VIEW OF THE INCREASING WORKLOAD AND ACTIVITIES IN THE DEPARTMENT’S VARIOUS FRONTS, INCLUDING THE PROSECUTION, LAW DRAFTING AND CIVIL AND CRIMINAL ADVISORY, LAWYERS WILL FIND TREMENDOUS CHALLENGES, JOB SATISFACTION AND GOOD PROMOTION PROSPECTS AS GOVERNMENT LAWYERS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
YOUNG CROWN COUNSEL WILL ALSO BE ABLE TO DEVELOP THEIR INTEREST AND EXPERTISE IN A PARTICULAR AREA AS THEY WILL BE POSTED TO WORK IN THE DEPARTMENT’S VARIOUS DIVISIONS.
/"A NEWLY-APPOINTED .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 1994
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”A NEWLY-APPOINTED COUNSEL WILL NORMALLY BE POSTED TN THE FIRST INSTANCE TO THE CIVIL DIVISION, THE LAW DRAFTING DIVISION OR THE PROSECUTIONS DIVISION. HE OR SHE MAY BE SUBSEQUENTLY POSTED TO OTHER DIVISIONS FOR CAREER DEVELOPMENT,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE NOTED THAT AS THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT IS FULLY COMMITTED TO A PROGRAMME OF LOCALISATION, PREFERENCE WILL BE GIVEN TO LOCAL APPLICANTS.
"IT HAS BEEN THE AIM OF THIS DEPARTMENT TO HAVE SUFFICIENT LOCAL OFFICERS TO FILL MOST OF THE SENIOR POSTS BY 1995/96,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE DEPARTMENT’S EXISTING LOCALISATION MEASURES, WITH THE AIM OF GROOMING LOCAL CROWN COUNSEL WITH POTENTIAL TO SENIOR CROWN COUNSEL AND FOR FUTURE PROMOTION TO FILL DIRECTORATE POSTS, ARE SERVING THEIR PURPOSE,” HE ADDED.
THE DEPARTMENT HOPES THAT BY THE END OF NEXT YEAR, 60 PER CENT OF ITS COUNSEL WILL BE LOCALS WHILE AT THE DIRECTORATE LEVEL, 50 PER CENT OF THE POSTS WILL BE FILLED BY LOCAL OFFICERS.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT A SIMILAR RECRUITMENT EXERCISE WAS LAUNCHED LAST SEPTEMBER. IT WAS FOUND THAT MORE LOCAL LAWYERS WERE INTERESTED IN JOINING THE GOVERNMENT.
A TOTAL OF 99 LOCAL APPLICATIONS WERE RECEIVED DURING THAT EXERCISE AND MORE THAN 30 CANDIDATES WERE FOUND SUITABLE, HE SAID.
TURNING TO DUTIES, HE SAID A CROWN COUNSEL DEPLOYED IN THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS WOULD UNDERTAKE CRIMINAL ADVOCACY, CIVIL LITIGATION, LEGAL ADVISORY WORK, BILINGUAL LEGISLATION DRAFTING, COMMERCIAL LAW AND LEGAL POLICY WORK.
THE PAY SCALE FOR A CROWN COUNSEL IS $30,150 TO $50,230 PER MONTH, THE ENTRY PAY DEPENDS ON EXPERIENCE.
AS REGARDS ENTRY REQUIREMENTS, CANDIDATES SHOULD BE (A) ADMITTED AS SOLICITORS IN A RECOGNISED JURISDICTION AS STIPULATED UNDER THE LEGAL OFFICERS ORDINANCE AND SCHEDULE 1 TO LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE; OR (B) BARRISTERS WITH TWO YEARS’ PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE SINCE CALL TO THE BAR IN A RECOGNISED JURISDICTION AS STIPULATED UNDER THE LEGAL OFFICERS ORDINANCE AND SCHEDULE 1 TO LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE.
BARRISTERS WITH THE RIGHT TO PRACTISE BUT WHO DO NOT POSSESS TWO YEARS’ PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE SINCE CALL MAY ALSO APPLY. IF SELECTED, THEY MAY ENTER AT AN APPROPRIATE POINT BELOW THE MINIMUM OF THE CROWN COUNSEL PAY SCALE.
CANDIDATES WHO WILL COMPLETE THEIR TRAINING AS A TRAINEE SOLICITOR OR PUPILLAGE ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 31 THIS YEAR MAY ALSO APPLY.
/THEIR APPOINTMENT .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 1994
4
THEIR APPOINTMENT, HOWEVER, WILL BE SUBJECT TO THEIR ADMISSION AS A SOLICITOR OR SATISFACTORY COMPLETION OF PUPILLAGE.
CANDIDATES SHOULD APPLY IN WRITING WITH A COMPLETED APPLICATION FORM (GF 340 (REV 5/90)), WHICH IS OBTAINABLE FROM DISTRICT OFFICES, CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, AND A FULL C.V. TO THE SECRETARY, PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION, SIXTH FLOOR, ST JOHN’S BUILDING, 33 GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG BY APRIL 23, 1994
(ENQUIRIES 867 2276).
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BN(O) PHASED REGISTRATION PROGRAMME PHASE III
*****
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (FRIDAY) REMINDED THE PUBLIC THAT AUGUST 31, 1994 WILL BE THE FINAL DATE FOR HONG KONG BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZENS (BDTC) BORN IN 1957, 1959, 1960 AND 1961 TO APPLY FOR BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) (BN(O)) PASSPORTS.
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 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.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS BORN BETWEEN 1957 AND 1961 MUST SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 31, 1994. TO AVOID A LAST MINUTE RUSH, THEY ARE ADVISED TO APPLY EARLY.
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.
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 .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 1994
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THE SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED THAT THOSE WHO ALREADY HAD A B(O) PASSPORT, EITHER THE CONVENTIONAL HARD-COVER TYPE OR THE BURGUNDY RED MACHINE READABLE TYPE, NEED NOT APPLY AGAIN.
TO SAVE TIME IN QUEUING UP AT IMMIGRATION OFFICES, ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS SHOULD SEND IN THEIR APPLICATIONS BY POST OR MAKE USE OF THE DROP-IN BOX SERVICE.
DROP-IN BOXES ARE INSTALLED AT THE IMMIGRATION HEADQUARTERS AND BRANCH OFFICES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
ONLY PERSONS WHO ARE NOT HOLDING PERMANENT IDENTITY CARDS (INCLUDING CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 11), WHO HAVE LOST THEIR PREVIOUS PASSPORTS, OR WHO NEED THE PASSPORT FOR URGENT TRAVEL SHOULD APPLY IN PERSON.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY TELEPHONE 824 1177 (ENGLISH) OR 824 1717 (CHINESE).
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YOUTH CHINESE ORCHESTRA RECRUITS MEMBERS ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ *
THE HONG KONG YOUTH CHINESE ORCHESTRA OF THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH IS RECRUITING MEMBERS FOR 1994/95.
THE ORCHESTRA WAS SET UP IN 1978 WITH THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING ORCHESTRAL TRAINING TO YOUNG PEOPLE. IT HAS TAKEN PART IN A NUMBER OF CONCERTS, DISTRICT ART FESTIVALS AND OVERSEAS MUSIC EXCHANGE PROGRAMMES IN THE PAST YEARS.
AN INTENSIVE TRAINING PROGRAMME WILL BE DRAWN UP WHICH COVERS MASTER CLASSES AND REHEARSALS CONDUCTED BY LOCAL AND OVERSEAS MUSICIANS.
ALL REHEARSALS WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY EVENINGS AT THE MONG KOK MUSIC CENTRE.
A MUSIC OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) ALL MEMBERS OF THE ORCHESTRA WOULD BE RECRUITED EACH YEAR BY OPFN AUDITION AND CURRENT MEMBERS WERE NO EXCEPTION.
ALL MEMBERS ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND ALL REHEARSALS AND TRAINING SESSIONS, HE ADDED.
APPLICANTS SHOULD BE UNDER 25 YEARS OLD, HAVE ATTAINED AT LEAST GRADE VI IN TH! MUSIC OFFICE’S INTERNAL ASSESSMENT OR EQUIVALENT IN ONE CHINESE MUSICAL INSTRUMENT.
QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL BE INVITED TO ATTEND AN AUDITION ON APRIL 30.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL CENTRES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE AND ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL 796 7523.
ALL APPLICATIONS SHOULD REACH THE KWUN TONG MUSK CENTRE ON THIRD TO FIFTH FLOORS, NGAU TAU KOK GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 21 ON WAH STREET, NGAU TAU KOK, KOWLOON BY APRIL 20.
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SAFE DRIVING COMPETITION FINALS TO HE HELD ON SUNDAY » » » » »
THE FINALS OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT TROPHY SAFETY DRIVING COMPETITION WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY (APRIL 3) IN VICTORIA PARK.
THE COMPETITION HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY THE INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED MOTORISTS HONG KONG, AND SPONSORED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT FOR THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR RAFAEL HUI, WILL OFFICIATE AT AN OPENING CEREMONY WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2 PM.
THERE ARE FOUR SECTIONS IN THIS YEAR'S COMPETITION. THEY ARE THE PRIVATE CAR SECTION, THE TAXI SECTION, LIGHT GOODS VEHICLE SECTION , AND LIGHT BUS SECTION.
THE PRELIMINARY ROUNDS OF THE COMPETITIONS WERE HELD IN EARLY MARCH IN KWAI CHUNG SPORTS GROUND. TEN FINALISTS FROM EACH SECTION HAVE BEEN SELECTED TO ENTER THE FINALS TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY.
THE CHAMPION,‘THE FIRST RUNNER-UP AND THE SECOND RUNNER-UP WILL EACH BE AWARDED A TROPHY.
THE CHAMPION OF EACH SECTION WILL ALSO BE AWARDED A ROUND-TRIP AIR TICKET BETWEEN HONG KONG AND TOKYO. ALL FINALISTS WILL AI.SO BE AWARDED PRIZES.
IN THE COMPETITION, A GLASS OF WATER IS PLACED ON THE BONNET OF A CAR AND THE COMPETITORS HAVE TO DRIVE THE CAR ALONG PRE-DESIGNED TRACKS. THE ONE WHO RETURNS FIRST WITH THE LEAST SPILLAGE OF WATER AND KNOCKS DOWN THE LEAST NUMBER OF CONES WILL BE THE WINNER.
THE COMPETITION AIMS To IMPROVE DRIVERS’ SKILL AND RESPONSIBILITY TO THEIR VEHICLES AS WELL AS TO THEIR PASSENGERS.
WINNERS WILL BE PRESENTED WITH PRIZES AT A CEREMONY TO BE HELD IN EARLY MAY.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, APRIL 2,1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PROPER LABELLING FOR PREPACKAGED FOOD REQUIRED............ 1
FIRE SAFETY ADVICE FOR GRAVE-SWEEPERS..................... 1
SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
ADVANCED MOTORING MEANS HIGH SKILL WITH SAFETY............ 3
TEACHING HAS ITS REWARDS.................................. 4
PROSECUTIONS STEPPED UP TO PROTECT WORKERS’ INTEREST... 5
SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 1994
PROPER LABELLING FOR PREPACKAGED FOOD REQUIRED
*****
FOOD MANUFACTURERS AND RETAILERS MUST PROPERLY LABEL OR MARK PREPACKAGED FOOD ITEMS, WHETHER COMPLETELY OR PARTIALLY PACKED, AS STIPULATED BY THE THIRD SCHEDULE TO THE FOOD AND DRUGS (COMPOSITION AND LABELING) REGULATIONS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT OFFENDERS WERE SUBJECT TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $25,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR SIX MONTHS UPON CONVICTION.
THE REMINDER WAS ISSUED FOLLOWING TWO COURT CASES IN WHICH TWO FOOD SHOP OPERATORS IN TSUEN WAN AND CENTRAL WERE FINED A TOTAL OF $4,000 AFTER THEY PLEADED GUILTY OF SELLING IMPROPERLY LABELED PREPACKAGED MOONCAKE AND COCONUT SABRE.
THE COURT WAS TOLD THAT THE FOOD SOLD BY THE TWO DEFENDANTS WERE NOT MARKED OR LABELED WITH THE NAME OR DESIGNATION OF THE FOOD, THE NUMERICAL COUNT OF THE CONTENTS OR THE NET WEIGHT OF THE FOOD, INDICATION OF ITS MINIMUM DURABILITY, NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MANUFACTURER AND THE LIST OF INGREDIENTS IN CHINESE OR ENGLISH AS REQUIRED BY THE REGULATIONS.
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FIRE SAFETY ADVICE FOR GRAVE-SWEEPERS ♦ * * * *
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT (AFD) TODAY (SATURDAY) URGED THE PUBLIC TO TAKE EXTRA CARE IN HANDLING FIRE WHEN THEY VISIT THEIR ANCESTRAL GRAVES IN THE COUNTRYSIDE DURING THE CHING MING FESTIVAL PERIOD.
THE DEPARTMENT’S COUNTRY PARKS PROTECTION OFFICER, MR CHAN PING-KWONG, SAID:
"IN VIEW OF THE POTENTIAL HIGH FIRE RISK DURING THE CHING MING FFSTIVAI PERIOD, THE DEPARTMENT WILL MOBILISE 18 TEAMS OF 162 FIRE FIGHTERS ON STAND-BY DUTIES ROUND-THE-CLOCK TO SAFEGUARD COUNTRY PARK PLANTATIONS."
SIX TEAMS OF 120 CIVIL AID SERVICES PERSONNEL WILL JOIN THE AFD FIRE FIGHTERS.
MR CHAN SAID MOST OF THE COUNTRYSIDE FIRES WERE CAUSED BY HUMAN NEGLIGENCE AND COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED IF PEOPLE OBSERVED A FEW SIMPLE RULES.
THESE RULES ARE:
* BURN WORSHIPPING ITEMS IN METAL CONTAINERS;
/* DO NOT .......
SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 1994
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* DO NOT LEAVE LIGHTED CANDLES, JOSS ARTICLES AND PAPERS UNATTENDED; AND
* MAKE SURE ALL BURNING ITEMS ARE EXTINGUISHED BEFORE LEAVING GRAVE SITES.
MR CHAN SAID THE DEPARTMENT WOULD PROVIDE METAL CONTAINERS AT STRATEGIC LOCATIONS INSIDE COUNTRY PARK AREAS FOR THEIR USE.
HE ALSO REMINDED PICNICKERS TO LIGHT FIRES ONLY AT DESIGNATED BARBECUE SITES.
"ILLEGAL LIGHTING OF FIRES INSIDE COUNTRY PARKS MAY LEAD TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $5,000 AND ONE YEAR’S IMPRISONMENT," HE ADDED.
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SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 1994
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ADVANCED MOTORING MEANS HIGH SKILL WITH SAFETY * * * * ♦
ADVANCED MOTORING MEANS HIGH SKILL WITH SAFETY, NOT HIGH SKILL TO BE FAST, OR TO SHOW OFF, THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR RAFAEL HUI, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE FINAL ROUNDS OF COMPETITIONS OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT TROPHY SAFETY DRIVING COMPETITION HELD AT THE VICTORIA PARK, MR HUI SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD, THROUGH EDUCATION AND ENFORCEMENT, REGULARISE THE POOR DRIVING STYLE OF SOME DRIVERS OF LARGE VEHICLES BY DRIVING TOO CLOSE AND POSING A THREAT TO OTHER VEHICLES.
HE SAID THE COMPETITION, WHICH AIMED AT SAFE AND COMFORTABLE DRIVING, WAS EVEN MORE MEANINGFUL TO PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS.
"WE HAVE ABOUT 30,000 TAXI DRIVERS DRIVING ON THE ROADS CARRYING ABOUT 1.2 MILLION PASSENGERS EACH DAY. SINCE PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS SPEND LONGER HOURS DRIVING ON THE ROADS AND USE MORE ROAD SPACE, THEY NATURALLY HAVE A BIGGER PUBLIC RESPONSIBILITY IN THE ROAD SAFETY ASPECT," MR HUI SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THERE HAD BEEN A SLIGHT INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS IN RECENT MONTHS.
"THE GOVERNMENT IS VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS. MANY OF THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS ARE RELATED TO RUNNING RED LIGHTS OR SPEEDING. THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL JOIN HANDS WITH THE POLICE TO TAKE ACTION AGAINST DRIVERS WHO DISREGARD SPEED LIMITS AND TRAFFIC SIGNALS," HE ADDED.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT TROPHY SAFETY DRIVING COMPETITION HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY THE INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED MOTORISTS HONG KONG AND SPONSORED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.
THE COMPETITION WAS DIVIDED INTO FOUR SECTIONS: PRIVATE CAR, TAXI, LIGHT GOODS VEHICLE AND LIGHT BUS.
TEN FINALISTS FROM EACH SECTION WERE SELECTED FROM THE PRELIMINARY ROUNDS HELD IN EARLY MARCH TO COMPETE FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIP IN THEIR RESPECTIVE SECTION.
WINNERS WILL BE PRESENTED WITH TROPHIES AND PRIZES AT A CEREMONY TO BE HELD IN MAY.
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SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 1994
TEACHING HAS ITS REWARDS
*****
A CAREER IN TEACHING CAN AT TIMES BE DULL AND FRUSTRATING, BUT TO MANY LIKE PREVOCATIONAL TEACHER CHU MAN-YEE, IT OFFERS SUFFICIENT "REWARDS" FOR HER TO DEVOTE HER TIME AND EFFORT.
A FORMER PERSONAL SECRETARY, MS CHU HAS NOW SPENT SEVEN YEARS TEACHING IN DIFFERENT TYPES OF SCHOOLS.
"TEACHING TN AN ADULT EDUCATION CENTRE IS LITERALLY RELAXING.
"THE STUDENTS ARE GROWN-UPS AND YOU GET ALONG WITH THEM LIKE FRIENDS.
"FOR A SECONDARY OR PRIVATE SCHOOL, HOWEVER, YOU HAVE TO PERFORM AS A TEACHER. YOU NEED TO EARN RESPECT AND ACCEPTANCE FROM YOUR STUDENTS SO THEY WILL LEARN WHAT YOU TEACH," SHE SAID.
"IN ANY CASE, YOU NEED TO ADAPT TO THE TEACHING ENVIRONMENT AND TO YOUR NEW STUDENTS AT THE START OF EVERY SCHOOL YEAR. THIS REQUIRES SOME EFFORT AND IT IS NOT UNTIL THE THIRD MONTH OF THE SCHOOL YEAR THAT YOU CAN HAVE GREATER CONFIDENCE WALKING INTO THE CLASSROOM."
MS CHU ADMITTED THAT THERE WFRF MANY THINGS TN HER TEACHING CAREER THAT SHF DID NOT LIKE.
"AS A TEACHER, YOU HAVE TO COPE WITH PRESSURE FROM STUDENTS AND FROM YOURSELF,” SHE SAID.
"AS A NEW TEACHER, YOU MUST SPEND PLENTY OF TIME PREPARING THE LECTURES. YOU MAY ALSO NEED TO TACKLE WORRIES OVER HOW YOl WILL COME ACROSS IN CLASS, WHETHER OR NOT YOU CAN TAME NAUGHTY STUDENTS OR WHETHER THE CLASS CAN LEARN AS QUICKLY AS YOU WISH THEM TO."
THERE IS ALSO PRESSURE FROM STUDENTS.
"SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS, AT II TO 16 YEARS OF AGE, ARE VERY YOUNG AND CAN GET QI l l'E EMOTIONAL FROM UNHAPPY THINGS THEY ENCOUNTER OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM.
"SOMETIMES THEY MESSED THINGS UP IN FRONT OF A TEACHER OR THE WHOLE CLASS WITHOUT REALISING WHAT THEY ARE DOING. A TEACHER HAS TO ACCEPT HER STUDENTS AND HANDLE THE SITUATION AS SUCH."
TWO YEARS AFTER SHI- ENGAGED AS A TEACHER, MS CHU ASK HERSELF WHETHER SHE WANTED TO CONTINUE I'EA' IIING.
"I FOUND THAT I LIKE TEACHING. EVERY’ MORNING, 1 PULLED MYSELF OUT OF BED AND HURRIED TO SCHOOL ON CROWDED BUSES.
"BUT ONCE 1 ARRIVED IN SCHOOL, I HEARD GREETINGS LIKE ’GOOD MORNING, MADAM’ OR ’HOW ARE YOU, MISS < 1111? ’ YOU WILL NOT BELIEVE WHAT THESE GREETINGS AND SMILES DID TO BRIGHTEN UP THE DAY.
/"AT THE
SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 1994
"AT THE END OF THE SEMESTER WHEN STUDENTS RECEIVE THEIR EXAMINATION RESULTS, IT IS SATISFYING TO WATCH THE CONTENTED LOOK ON THEIR FACE, KNOWING THAT THEY HAVE NO PROBLEM IN THEIR PROMOTION TO THE NEXT GRADE. AND IF SOME OF THEM MAKE IMPROVEMENTS, YOU SHARE THEIR HAPPINESS.
"IN A WAY, IT JUSTIFIES ALL THE HARD WORK YOU HAVE PUT INTO THE JOB OVER THE MONTHS. I THINK THESE ARE SOME OF THE ’REWARDS’ FOR BEING A TEACHER."
AS TO HOW THE TEACHING CAREER COMPARES WITH HER PREVIOUS JOB, MS CHU SAID THE TWO WERE DIFFERENT TN NATURE AND DID NOT PROVIDE THE SAME LEVEL OF JOB SATISFACTION.
BUT SHE DID NOT WANT TO LEAVE THE TEACHING PROFESSION.
THE GOVERNOR PROMISES TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION IN PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS BY RAISING THE TEACHER TO STUDENT RATIO, ABOUT 620 NEW TEACHING POSTS WILL BE CREATED IN THE 1994/95 SCHOOL YEAR.
THE NUMBER DOES NOT INCLUDE REPLACEMENTS TO FILL VACANCIES RESULTING FROM TEACHER WASTAGES.
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS LAUNCHED FOR TWO CONSECUTIVE YEARS A LARGE-SCALE TEACHER RECRUITMENT CAMPAIGN.
RECRUITMENT IS BEING CONDUCTED LOCALLY AND OVERSEAS AND A TEACHER RECRUITMENT INFORMATION OFFICE IN ROOM 706 AT 405 NATHAN ROAD PROVIDES HELP TO THOSE SEEKING A TEACHING JOB.
THE RECRUITMENT DRIVE WILL OPEN THE DOOR FOR MANY TO A RESPECTIVE AND REWARDING CAREER.
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PROSECUTIONS STEPPED UP TO PROTECT WORKERS’ INTEREST
*****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT CONTINUED TO PROTICT THE INTERESTS OF WORKERS BY BRINGING MORE LABOUR LAW OFFENDERS TO COURT LAST YEAR THROUGH ITS STRINGENT PROSECUTION ACTIONS.
LAST YEAR, A TOTAL OF 7,810 SUMMONSES WERE SUCCESSFULLY BROUGHT TO COURT BY THE DEPARTMENT, RESULTING IN A TOTAL FINE OF MORE THAN $22.8 MILLION.
THIS REPRESENTS A 17.5 PER CENT INCREASE OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR, WHICH HAD RECORDED 6,644 CONVICTIONS WITH FINES TOTALLING $19.4 MILLION.
SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER (PROSECUTIONS), MR JOHN SUNG, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY):
/"WE ARE
SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 1994
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"WE ARE DETERMINED TO BRING OFFENDERS TO COURT BY TAKING OUT MORE PROSECUTIONS.
"MANY MORE EMPLOYERS WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR THEIR MALPRACTICES AND OUR CONTINUOUS ACTION WILL MAKE THEM TAKE A MORE SERIOUS VIEW OF THE SAFETY AND WELFARE OF WORKERS," HE SAID.
COMMENTING ON THE CONVICTION FIGURES, MR SUNG NOTED THAT ABOUT 37 PER CENT OF THE CONVICTED CASES WERE RELATED TO INDUSTRIAL SAFETY OFFENCES.
"AMONG THESE CASES, 2,926 WERE BREACHES OF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE AND ITS SUBSIDIARY REGULATIONS, WITH FINES TOTALLING $17 MILLION," MR SUNG SAID.
COMPARED WITH THE 2,763 CONVICTION CASES AND THE TOTAL FINE OF SOME $14 MILLION IN 1992, IT REPRESENTED A SIX PER CENT INCREASE IN CONVICTION CASES AND A 17.6 PER CENT INCREASE IN THE TOTAL FINE.
OF THESE CASES, 749 WERE AGAINST EMPLOYERS WHO FAILED TO GUARD DANGEROUS PARTS OF MACHINERY EFFECTIVELY WHILE 305 WERE RELATED TO FAILURE TO MAINTAIN EXIT DOORWAYS FREE FROM OBSTRUCTION.
ANOTHER 299 WERE RELATED TO FAILURE TO PROVIDE WORKMEN WITH SAFETY HELMETS AND/OR TO ENSURE THEY WEAR SUCH HELMETS WHILE AT THE SITE.
APART FROM INDUSTRIAL SAFETY OFFENCES, THERE WERE 4,652 CONVICTIONS OF VIOLATION OF WELFARE PROVISIONS UNDER THE WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS (INDUSTRY) AND EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN REGULATIONS, AS WELL AS THE EMPLOYMENT, LABOUR RELATIONS AND EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCES.
THE FINES IMPOSED TOTALLED $4.9 MILLION.
"VIOLATIONS RELATING TO THE EMPLOYMENT OF WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS TO WORK OVERTIME OR ON REST DAYS HAVE ACCOUNTED FOR 1,263 CASES WHILE FAILURE OF EMPLOYERS TO INSURE FOR THEIR EMPLOYEES OR TO GIVE THEM STATUTORY HOLIDAY PAY ACCOUNTED FOR ANOTHER 1,729 CASES," MR SUNG SAID.
HE NOTED THAT OF THE REMAINING CONVICTION CASES, 197 INVOLVED BREACHES OF THE BOILERS AND PRESSURE VESSELS ORDINANCE WITH THE MAJORITY RELATED TO OPERATION OF BOILERS OR PRESSURE VESSELS WITHOUT THE DIRECT SUPERVISION OF COMPETENT PERSONS.
ANOTHER 35 CASES WERE DUE TO THE FAILURE OF EMPLOYERS TO KEEP OR PRODUCE FOR INSPECTION BY LABOUR INSPECTORS EMPLOYEES’ RECORDS AS REQUIRED UNDER PART IVB OF THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE.
0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, APRIL 4, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
EPD TO DEVELOP MARINE MAP SYSTEM........................... 1
CONTESTS TO PROMOTE EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR DISABLED.... 2
VENTILATION SYSTEM IN LION ROCK TUNNEL TO BE IMPROVED... 3
YOUNG MUSIC LOVERS INVITED TO JOIN SUMMER CAMP.......... 3
TUESDAY, APRIL 5,1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PATIENT GUIDANCE PAYS HANDSOME DIVIDENDS................ 5
HOLDING-OUT OCCUPIERS TO BE SERVED NOTICES................. 6
SPECIAL ENFORCEMENT CAMPAIGN ON FACTORIES............... 6
SEMINAR ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT............................. 7
MONDAY, APRIL 4, 1994
1
EPD TO DEVELOP MARINE MAP SYSTEM *****
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) HAS BEEN PROVIDED WITH FUNDING SUPPORT BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB FOR DEVELOPING HONG KONG’S FIRST GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS) TO BE USED FOR PROTECTION OF THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT.
THIS GIS PROJECT WAS ONE OF THE PROJECTS NOMINATED BY THE GOVERNOR FOR FUNDING SUPPORT BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB IN 1993/94.
APPROVAL WAS GRANTED BY THE HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB CHARITIES TRUST IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR AND A TOTAL OF $1.8 MILLION HAS BEEN ALLOCATED TO EPD TO DEVELOP THE MARINE MAP SYSTEM.
EPD’S ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, DR MIKE CHIU, SAID: "THE MAJOR OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT IS TO DEVELOP A COMPUTER SYSTEM THAT WILL ALLOW SPEEDY RETRIEVAL OF ALL RELEVANT INFORMATION ON THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT RANGING FROM BATHING BEACH SUBZONES TO LOCATIONS OF DRAINAGE OUTFALLS.
"IT WILL INCLUDE, AMONG OTHER THINGS, INFORMATION ON SECONDARY RECREATIONAL WATERS, TYPHOON SHELTERS, MARINAS, DUMPING AREAS, MARINE ECOSYSTEMS AND SITES OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST."
THE PROJECT WILL INVOLVE FIELD INVESTIGATION TO IDENTIFY ALL THE ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS, GENERATION OF ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE MAPS, DEVELOPMENT OF A COMPUTER SOFTWARE PACKAGE, AND CONVERSION OF SUCH INFORMATION INTO A COMPUTER DATABASE SYSTEM.
DR CHIU SAID: "THE SYSTEM WILL ENABLE THE DEPARTMENT TO HAVE READY ACCESS TO THE REQUIRED INFORMATION FOR A SPEEDY ASSESSMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DUE TO ANY PROPOSED OR EXISTING ACTIVITIES.
"THIS WILL IN TURN FACILITATE QUICKER DECISION MAKING ON THE PART OF EPD TO FORMULATE ADVICE TO THE PARTIES CONCERNED ON TAKING APPROPRIATE ENVIRONMENTAL PROECTION MEASURES TO ALLEVIATE THE POLLUTION PROBLEMS."
CITING OIL SPILLS AS AN EXAMPLE, DR CHIU SAID THE SYSTEM WOULD HELP EPD IN DESIGNATING PROTECTION PRIORITIES AND DECIDING WHETHER THE USE OF CHEMICAL DISPERSANTS SHOULD BE USED FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE TERRITORY’S SENSITIVE SHORELINES.
"THE PROJECT, WHICH WILL BE COMMISSIONED LATER THIS YEAR, WILL BE DESIGNED TO INTERFACE WITH ANY TERRESTRIAL ECOLOGICAL OR LAND INFORMATION SYSTEM WITH A VIEW TO ESTABLISHING A COMPLETE ENVIRONMENTAL PROFILE OF THE TERRITORY," HE SAID.
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/2 ........
MONDAY, APRIL 4, 1994
- 2 -
CONTESTS TO PROMOTE EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR DISABLED ♦ ♦ ♦ I I
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS INVITING STUDENTS OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS TO JOIN AN ESSAY COMPETITION AND PAINTING CONTEST ON THE THEME TO REMOVE PREJUDICE AGAINST DISABLED.
A SPOKESMAN FOR. THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE COMPETITIONS WERE AIMED AT CULTIVATING IN STUDENTS A SENSE OF CARING AND CONCERN FOR THE DISABLED WHO SHOULD HAVE EQUAL RIGHTS AND OPPORTUNITIES AS OTHER PEOPLE.
STUDENTS SHOULD UNDERSTAND THAT THESE PEOPLE CAN HELP THEMSELVES WHEN PROPERLY SUPPORTED. THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE SAID THE COMPETITIONS WERE FOLLOW-UP ACTIVITIES AFTER THE BROADCAST OF A NEW EDUCATION TELEVISION PROGRAMME, ’’TREAT THEM EQUAL. TREAT THEM RIGHT” IN LATE MARCH.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID: ’’STUDENTS XRE ENCOURAGED TO THINK MORE DEEPLY ON ACCEPTANCE OF THE DISABLED AS EQUALS BY TRANSFORMING THEIR IDEAS INTO PAINTINGS AND ESSAYS ON THE THEME ’EQUAL OPPORTUN[TIES AND FULL PARTICIPATION: A BETTER TOMORROW FOR ALL’”.
THE PAINTING CONTEST IS FOR STUDENTS FROM PRIMARY FOUR TO SECONDARY THREE WHILE THE ESSAY COMPETITION IN CHINESE AND ENGLISH IS FOR THOSE FROM SECONDARY FOUR CO SEVEN.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID AL) PARTICIPANTS WOULD BE AWARDED A CERTIFICATE AND THAT MORE THAN 200 OUTSTANDING ENTRIES WOULD HF AWARDED BOOK COUPONS VALUED BETWEEN $200 AND $1,000.
SCHOOLS WITH THE HIGHEST SCORES CALCULATED ON THE NUMBER AND QUALITY OI ENTRIES WOULD BE AWARDED A TROPHY AND A BOOK COUPON WORTH $2,000.
THE COMPETITIONS ARE ORGANISED IN COLLABORATION WITH THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC EDUCATION ON REHABILITATION UNDER THE COMMISSION OF REHABILITATION, HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH, AND SPONSORED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB.
PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS SHOULD SEND THEIR ENTRIES TO THE SPECIAL EDUCATION SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, WU (HUNG HOUSE, 1OTH FLOOR, 213 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI ON OR BEFORE MAY 10.
SCHOOLS HAVE BEEN INFORMED ABOUT DETAILS OF THE CONTESTS.
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/3.........
MONDAY, APRIL 4, 1994
- 3 -
VENTILATION SYSTEM IN LION ROCK TUNNEL TO BE IMPROVED
*****
THE VENTILATION SYSTEM IN THE LION ROCK TUNNEL IS BEING UPGRADED TO IMPROVE THE VENTILATION INSIDE THE TINNH..
WORK STARTED IN LATE MARCH AND IS SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION IN 18 MONTHS AT A COST OF ABOUT $50 MILLION.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID THE EXISTING SYSTEM WAS INSTALLED IN 1978 AND NEEDED UPGRADING.
HE SAID THE NEW SYSTEM WOULD INCLUDE REPLACEMENT OF THE EXISTING EXHAUST FANS BY NEW F\NS. IN ADDITION, 4 1 NEW JET-fANS WOULD BE INSTALLED ON THE SIDES OF THE TUNNEL TUBES.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT DURING THE COURSE OF THE WORKS, THE VENTILATION CAPACITY OF THE TUNNEL MIGHT BE SLIGHTLY AFFECTED. THE SITUATION WOULD HOWEVER BE CLOSELY MONITORED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND THE TUNNEL MANAGEMENT COMPANY.
------0-------
YOUNG MUSIC LOVERS INVITED TO JOIN ♦ ♦ ♦ * *
SUMMED CAMP
ALL YOUNG MUSIC LOVERS ARE INVITED TO JOIN A SUMMER MUSIC CAMP WHICH WILL PROVIDE INTENSIVE MUSK 1RAINING IN A DELIGHTFUL ATMOSPHERE.
CAMP, ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC
BRANCH AND SPONSORED BY THE
ELD AT THE LEI YUE MUN PARK AND I .
THE 1994 HONG KONG YOUTH MUSIC OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, WILL BE H HOLIDAY VILLAGE FROM JULY 23 TO, AUGUS'I
COVERING AN AREA OF 19.46 HECTARES, THE OVERLOOKS THE LEI YUE MUN CHANNEL AND IS SURROUNDED RELAX I NG ENV1RONMENT.
HOLIDAY VILLAGE BY A QUIET AND
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MUSIC OFFICE SAID: "THE VILLAGE IS THE MOST SUITABLE PLACE FOR YOUNG MUSIC LOVERS TO LEARN MUSIC.
THE CAMP WILL BE DIVIDED INTO A, B AND < DIVISIONS. ALL APPLICANTS SHOULD BE AGED BETWEEN EIGHT AND 15 AS A'l JULA 2...
FOR CAMPS A AND B WHICH WILL BE HELD FROM JULY 26 TO 29 RESPECTIVELY, APPLICANTS
FROM JULY 23 TO 26 AND ARE NOT REQUIRED TO KNOW
HOW TO Pl,AY INSTRUMENTS.
THE AIMS OF' THESE (AMPS ARE TO AROUSE THEIR INTERESIS IN MUSIC AND LET THEM HAVE SOME IDEAS ON MUSICAL INSTRI MENIS.
/FOR CAMP ........
MONDAY, APRIL 4, 1994
4
FOR CAMP C WHICH WILL BE HELD FROM .JULY' 29 TO AUGUST 1,
applicants are required to be_ablE(|
ALL OR TO
WESTERN ORCHESTRAL INSTRUMENT.
ATTEND THE AUDITION IN MID-MAY.
RENOWNED MUSICIANS INVITED TO CONDUCT MASTER CAMPS.
AND
MUSIC OFFICE
CLASSES, WORKSHOPS
INSTRUCTORS W]LL AND SEMINARS IN
BE
THE
recreational activities including karaoke, laser disc shows, swimming' S^Inton and billiard will also be organised.
the fee inclusive of tuition, three ACCOMODATION is $284 PER HEAD FOR EVERY CAMP.
MEALS A
DAY AND
ALL CAMPERS ARE REQUIRED TO STAY IN THE PERIOD.
CAMP FOR
THE ENTIRE
\LL
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE Al THE MUSIC OFFICE. THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL 582 5314.
MUSIC
IS
CENTRES OF
APRIL 30.
- - 0 - -
/5
TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 1994
- 5 -
PATIENT GUIDANCE FAYS HANDSOME DIVIDENDS ♦ * » * »
A NEW LEAFLET PRODICED B\ THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT STRESSES PATIENT GUIDANCE BY PARENTS TO HELP RESOLVE CHILDREN’S ACADEMIC AND EMOTIONAL DIFFICULTIES.
"CHILDREN WILL IMPROVE UNDER YOUR PATIENT GUIDANCE" IS THE MAIN THEME IN THE THIRD OF A SERIES OF LEAFLETS ON GOOD PARENTING PRODUCED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODA) (TUESDAY) THAT THE 100,000 NEWLY PRODUCED LEAF LEIS ON HOW CHILDREN SHOULD BE LOOKED AFTER IN THEIR STUDIES WERE BEING DISTRIBUTED TO ALL PARENTS OF PRIMARY AND JUNIOR SECONDARY STUDENTS.
HE SAID THE LEAFLET CONVEYED THE MESSAGES THAT PARENTS AND TEACHERS SHOULD OFFER ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE TO STUDENTS AND PROVIDE THEM WITH A MORE PLEASURABLE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT.
SOME OF THE ADVICE INCLUDE:
* ENCOURAGEMENT AND RECOGNITION ARE MORE EFFECTIVE;
* UNREALISTIC EXPECTATION BRINGS PRESSURE:
* APPROPRIATE GUIDANCE TO CHILDREN MAKES STUDY MORE ENJOYABLE; AND
* COLLABORATION BETWEEN FAMILY AND SCHOOL HELPS TO SOLVE CHILDREN’S PROBLEMS MORE EASILY.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID: "THE OBJECTIVE OF THIS LEAFLET IS TO ENCOURAGE PARENTS TO OFFER APPROPRIATE GUIDANCE TO THEIR CHILDREN WHO MAY ENCOUNTER EMOTIONAL OR ACADEMIC PROBLEMS AT HOME OR IN SCHOOL."
IT IS NOTED THAT THIS SERIES OF LEAFLETS HELPS TO STRENGTHEN SCHOOL-PARENT LIAISON. WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF THE SERIES IN 1992, THE DEPARTMENT ILAS RECEIVED ENTHUSIASTIC RESPONSE FROM S( HOOLS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID: "GUIDANCE TEACHERS, SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS, STUDENT GUIDANCE OFFICERS AND STUDENT GUIDANCE TEACHERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO DISCUSS THE CONTENT OF THIS NEW LEAFLET WITH PARENTS DURING TALKS, SEMINARS. WORKSHOPS OR OTHER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES FOR PARENTS."
"IT IS HOPED THAT SCHOOLS CAN MAKE USE OF SUITABLE OPPORTUNITIES, SUCH AS PARENTS’ DAY, TO DISCUSS WITH PARENTS WHAT HAS BEEN SUGGESTED IN THE LEAFLET WITH A VIEW TO PROMOTE MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORT," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
76.......
TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 1994
6
HOLDING-OUT OCCUPIERS TO BE SERVED NOTICES
*****
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT WILL SERVE NOTICES TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) ON SOME OCCUPIERS OF BUILDINGS IN MA TAU KOK, GIVING THEM NOTICE THAT THEY SHOULD VACATE THEIR PREMISES BY APRIL 13.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE EVICTION NOTICE WAS NECESSARY. DESPITE THE FACT THAT OFFERS OF COMPENSATION HAD BEEN MADE AND THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS HAD PERSONALLY HELD REGULAR LIAISON MEETINGS WITH BUSINESS OPERATORS, MANY’ OF THEM STAYED PUT, THUS PREVENTING THE HOUSING SOCIETY’S PROPOSED RE-DEVELOPMENT FROM PROCEEDING.
THE RE-DEVELOPMENT WILL PROVIDE 824 FLATS A'l A TIME WHEN THERE IS GREAT PRESSURE ON THE GOVERNMENT TO MAKE MORE LAND AVAILABLE FOR HOUSING. THE PROJECT HAS BEEN POSTPONED SEVERAL TIMES ALREADY SINCE THE LAND WAS RESUMED BY THE GOVERNMENT ON OCTOBER 30, 1992.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE LANDS DEPARTMENT HAD DONE EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO EXPLAIN TO BUSINESS OPERATORS THEIR RIGHTS TO COMPENSATION UNDER THE CROWN LANDS RESUMPTION ORDINANCE BUT THE OPERATORS WERE DEMANDING MORE COMPENSATION WHICH COULD NOT BE JUSTIFIED.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT IF CLAIMANTS Dll) NOT AGREE TO GOVERNMENT’S OFFER, THEY COULD REFER THEIR CASES TO THE LANDS TRIBUNAL FOR A DECISION.
HE ADDED THAT IN VIEW OF' THE PRESSURE FOR MORE LAND, THE DEPARTMENT HAD TO SERVE NOTICES ON THOSE OCCUPIERS WHO REFUSED TO VACATE THEIR PREMISES, AND IF NECESSARY EVICT THEM, AS THEY SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO STAND IN THE WAY OF RE-DEVELOPMENT TO PROVIDE THE MUCH-NEEDED HOUSING.
---------0-----------
SPECIAL ENFORCEMENT CAMPAIGN ON FACTORIES *******
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL LAUNCH \ SPECIAL INSPECTION CAMPAIGN ON FACTORIES TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AS PART OF ITS CONTINUED EFFORTS TO IMPROVE WORK PLACE SAFETY IN FACTORIES THROUGH STRINGENT ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS AGAINST BLATANT OFFENDERS.
DEPUTY CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, MR KAN HON-SANG, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY):
•ALTHOUGH THE ACCIDENT FIGURES FOR THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY HAVE BEEN ON THE DECLINE FOR THE PAST FEW YEARS. THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE’S VIGILANCE ON WORK PLACE SAFETY COULD NOT BE REDUCED IN ANYWAY BECAUSE THERE WERE STILL 10 FATAL ACCIDENTS IN THAT INDUSTRIAL SECTOR IN 1993.”
/HE SAID .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 1994
HE SAID THE ONE-MONTH SPECIAL INSPECTION OPERATION WOULD TARGET
ON FACTORIES WHICH REPEATEDLY FLOUTED SAFETY LAWS, THOSE WITH UNSATISFACTORY SAFETY PERFORMANCE RECORDS OR HIGH-RISK WORK PROCESSES, AND PROBLEMATIC PLANTS.
IN ADDITION. FACTORY INSPECTORS WOULD ALSO PAY ATTENTION ON SAFETY PRACTICES AND PERFORMANCE IN HOUSEKEEPING, MEANS OF ESCAPE, USE OF CHEMICALS AND FIRE HAZARDS.
DURING THE CAMPAIGN, FACTORY INSPECTORS WILL MAKE SURPRISE INSPECTIONS TO THESE FACTORIES AND PROSECUTIONS WILL BE TAKEN, WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, AGAINST FACTORIES WITH UNSAFE WORKING CONDITIONS WHICH ARE LIKELY TO CAUSE ACCIDENTS.
"SIMILAR INSPECTION CAMPAIGNS HELD OVER THE PAST YEARS HAVE PROVED TO BE EFFECTIVE IN IMPROVING SAFETY IN FACTORIES." HE SAID.
MR KAN SAID MORE THAN 1,400 FACTORIES HAD BEEN INSPECTED IN A SIMILAR CAMPAIGN LAST YEAR, AND 178 SUMMONSES WERE TAKEN OUT.
"WE HOPE THE CAMPAIGN WILL BE ABLE TO REMIND PROPRIETORS THE SPIRIT OF THE SAFETY LAWS THAT THOSE WHO CREATE AND WORK WITH THE RISKS SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ELIMINATING THESE RISKS," HE SAID.
"WE ALSO HOPI THAT THROUGH THIS KIND OF CAMPAIGN AND OUR
TARGET-HITTING APPROACH DURING FOLLOW-UP INSPECTIONS, FACTORY OWNERS WILL MAINTAIN THEIR MOMENTUM IN IMPROVING Till- SAFETY CONDITIONS IN THEIR WORK PLACES," Hl- ADDED.
- - 0 - -
SEMINAR ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦
BUILDING MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONALS, AND OFFICE-BEARERS OF
OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS, MUTUAL. AID COMMITTEES AND OWNERS’ COMMITTEES ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN A SEMINAR To BE HELD ON MAY 14 TO PROMOTE EFFECTIVE BUILDING MANAGEMENT.
A SPOKESMAN FOK THE C ITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION (CNTA) SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT FLAT OWNERS AS WELL AS OTHER INTERESTED PEOPLE WERE ALSO WELCOME To JOIN THE "BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR - PERSPECTIVE AND PARTICIPATION".
IT WILL BE THE FIFTH IN A SERIES TO BE ORGANISED BY THE CNTA AND THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT.
ADMISSION IS FREE AND IS ON \ FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS.
SPEAKERS WILL INCLUDE THE PRESIDENT OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD, MR STEPHEN YUEN; A BUILDING SURVEYOR, MR WONG SAN; A IFGAl PROFESSIONAL, MR LEI MAN-BONG; A CHIEF HOUSING MANAGER OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, MR Fl'NG HO-TONG; AND AN OWNERS’ CORPORATION CHAIRMAN, MR MA CIIUN-SING.
/TOPICS SUCH
TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 1994
- 8 -
TOPICS SUCH AS WAVS TO ESTABLISH HARMONIOUS RELATIONS BUILDING MANAGEMENT STAFF AND FLAT OWNERS, ASSESSMENT PERFORMANCE OF MANAGEMENT STAFF AND THE IMPACT OF THE MANAGEMENT ORDINANCE ON THE OPERATION OF OWNERS’ CORPORATION
BETWEEN OF THE BUILDING WILL BE
COVERED.
THERE WILL ALSO BE AN OPEN DISCUSSION IN WHICH PARTICIPANTS AND SPEAKERS CAN EXCHANGE VIEWS ON VARIOUS ISSUES RELATING TO BUILDING MANAGEMENT.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT DISTRICT OFFICES AND THE DEADLINE FOR ENROLMENT IS APRIL 19.
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE CNTA HEADQUARTERS, 29TH FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD. WAN CHAI.
ENQUIRES CAN BE MADE ON TEL 835 1496 AND 835 .1497.
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
ELDERLY SERVICES EXPAND RAPIDLY........................... 1
D-G OF TRADE SPEAKS ON ‘PARTNERSHIP IN GROWTH” IN NEW DELHI..................................................... 2
SAFETY OFFICERS OF THE YEAR COMMENDED..................... 3
WATER STORAGE FIGURE...................................... 4
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS...... 5
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ....
6
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 1994
- 1 -
ELDERLY SERVICES EXPAND RAPIDLY
*****
THE GOVERNMENT, RECOGNISING THE TREND THAT THE LOCAL POPULATION IS AGEING, HAS BEEN RAPIDLY EXPANDING VARIOUS SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY.
THIS EXPANSION INCLUDES COMMUNITY CARE IN SUPPORT OF THE FAMILY TO LOOK AFTER THEIR ELDERLY MEMBERS, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR IAN STRACHAN, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE ST JAMES’ SETTLEMENT MADAM HUI MOK TAK YU HOME FOR THE AGED, MR STRACHAN SAID THE SENIOR CITIZEN CARD HAD JUST BEEN LAUNCHED AND HAD BEEN WARMLY RECEIVED.
"OVER THE NEXT THREE YEARS, 36 ADDITIONAL HOME HELP TEAMS AND 76 CENTRES OF VARIOUS TYPES FOR THE ELDERLY HAVE BEEN PLANNED.
"RESIDENTIAL CARE IS ALSO EXPANDING. THE GOVERNMENT IS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING AROUND 4,500 ADDITIONAL SUBVENTED CARE-AND-ATTENTION PLACES AND 700 BOUGHT PLACES," MR STRACHAN SAID.
"FURTHERMORE, A NETWORK OF SEVEN NURSING HOMES WITH A TOTAL OF 1,400 BEDS WILL BE PROVIDED," HE ADDED.
TURNING TO LEGISLATION TO REGULATE RESIDENTIAL CARE HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY, MR STRACHAN SAID THESE MEASURES WOULD SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVE SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY IN TERMS OF BOTH QUANTITY AND QUALITY.
"WHILST THE GOVERNMENT IS WORKING AT FULL SPEED TO DEVELOP SUBVENTED RESIDENTIAL PLACES, THERE IS STILL A PLACE FOR NON-PROFIT-MAKING SELF-FINANCING HOMES, AND INDEED A PLACE FOR PRIVATE HOMES AS WELL.
"THE DEVELOPMENT OF THESE HOMES OFFERS THE ADVANTAGE OF TAPPING COMMUNITY RESOURCES AND ENCOURAGING THE DEVELOPMENT OF COMMUNITY SPIRIT," HE SAID.
MR STRACHAN SAID THE ST JAMES’ SETTLEMENT MADAM HUI MOK TAK YU HOME FOR THE AGED WAS A VERY GOOD EXAMPLE OF A SELF-FINANCING HOME.
- - 0---------
/2........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 1994
2
D-G OF TRADE SPEAKS ON “PARTNERSHIP IN GROWTH” IN NEW DELHI ♦ » t » »
THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR TONY MILLER, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ENCOURAGED FELLOW DELEGATES AT THE FIFTIETH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMISSION FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC (ESCAP) IN NEW DELHI TO LOOK FOR MARKET DRIVEN SOLUTIONS TO INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT.
SPEAKING TO THE SESSION’S MAIN THEME: "INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AS KEY TO ECONOMIC GROWTH AND REGIONAL ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION", MR MILLER CITED HONG KONG’S COMMITMENTS TO INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT AS THE KEY TO ITS SUCCESS.
MR MILLER IS LEADING A HONG KONG DELEGATION TO THE ESCAP ANNUAL PLENARY SESSION IN NEW DELHI BETWEEN APRIL 5 AND 13.
"HONG KONG’S SUCCESS HAS BEEN BORN OF A LONG TERM COMMITMENT ON THE PART OF BOTH GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO INVESTING IN AND CONSTANTLY IMPROVING SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE,” SAID MR MILLER.
"THIS PARTNERSHIP IN GROWTH HAS BEEN AN IMPORTANT FACTOR IN OUR SUCCESS. AT THIS SIGNIFICANT JUNCTURE IN OUR HISTORY OUR COMMITMENT TO IT IS UNWAVERING. IT REMAINS THE KEY TO ENSURING TIMELY PROVISION OF MUCH OF THE HEAVY INFRASTRUCTURE SO VITAL TO SUSTAINING OUR ECONOMIC GROWTH AND THAT OF THE SURROUNDING REGION.”
"IT IS, OF COURSE, EASIER TO DISCERN PATTERNS IN RETROSPECT, NEVERTHELESS, I WOULD DO MY PREDECESSORS AN INJUSTICE IF I DID NOT RECOGNISE THIS PARTICULAR PATTERN. HONG KONG’S APPROACH WAS TO FOCUS ON ESSENTIALS, TO BUILD FROM BASICS AND TO BUILD WITHIN OUR MEANS. WE FOCUSED ON HOUSING, HEALTH AND EDUCATION. ELSEWHERE WE PROVIDED ONLY BASIC PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE. WB BALANCED OUR BUDGETS. WE LEFT THE REST TO MARKET FORCES AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR."
MR MILLER DISMISSED THE POPULAR "LAISSEZ-FAIRE” CHARACTERISATION OF THE HONG KONG ECONOMY AS OVERLY SIMPLISTIC.
’’THE GOVERNMENT’S SHUNNING OF INTERFERENCE IN THE ECONOMY HAS BEEN BALANCED BY CLOSE INVOLVEMENT IN CREATING THE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE ESSENTIAL FOR ECONOMIC SUCCESS.
"WE HAVE SOUGHT TO CAPITALISE ON THE ADVANTAGES CONFERRED ON US BY GEOGRAPHY, AND PROGRESSIVELY TO DEVELOP THESE ELEMENTS IN OUR SOCIETY AND OUR ECONOMY NECESSARY TO SUSTAIN LONG TERM ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIAL WELL-BEING.
"AS A GOVERNMENT, WE HAVE NOT SOUGHT TO INFLUENCE OR INTERFERE IN THE BUSINESS DECISIONS WHICH UNDERPIN THE FORCES FOR ECONOMIC CHANGE AND GROWTH. HOWEVER, WE HAVE ACKNOWLEDGED THAT GOVERNMENT HAS A CRUCIAL ROLE TO PLAY IN PLANNING PROVISION OF THE STRATEGIC" INFRASTRUCTURE WHICH IS THE FOUNDATION FOR CONTINUING ECONOMIC GROWTH," SAID MR MILLER.
/MR MILLER .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 1994
- 3 -
MR MILLER OUTLINED THE GOVERNMENT’S PLANS FOR NEW PORT AND AIRPORT FACILITIES AND THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS BEHIND THESE AND OTHER INFRASTRUCTURAL PLANS.
"HONG KONG HAS REGAINED ITS NATURAL ENTREPOT ROLE AND IS RAPIDLY EMERGING AS THE ’SUPERPORT’ FOR SOUTHERN CHINA. OF THE 116 MILLION TONNES OF CARGO THAT PASSED THROUGH OUR SEAPORT LAST YEAR 60 PER CENT ORIGINATED IN, OR WAS DESTINED FOR, CHINA. OVER 25 PER CENT OF FLIGHT MOVEMENTS AT OUR AIRPORT LAST YEAR WERE AIRCRAFT BOUND FOR OR ARRIVING FROM CHINESE DESTINATIONS; PASSENGERS ON THESE FLIGHTS MADE UP 17 PER CENT OF TOTAL THROUGHPUT.
"WE ARE NOW BUILDING THE TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE WHICH WILL ALLOW US TO FULFIL OUR NATURAL ROLE AS SOUTHERN CHINA’S ENTREPOT."
NOTING THAT ALL OF HONG KONG’S CONTAINER PORT TERMINALS HAD BEEN FINANCED, BUILT AND OPERATED BY PRIVATE CONSORTIA AND THAT MANY OTHER FACILITIES INCLUDING MOST OF THE TERRITORY’S ROAD AND RAIL TUNNELS HAD BEEN FINANCED ON A ”BUILD-OPERATE-TRANSFER" BASIS, MR MILLER HIGHLIGHTED THE BENEFITS OF PRIVATE SECTOR INVOLVEMENT.
"WHILE HONG KONG’S CONTINUING ECONOMIC GROWTH AND GROWING LINKS WITH SOUTHERN CHINA ARE THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND THE MASSIVE PROGRAMME OF DEVELOPMENT I HAVE JUST DESCRIBED, THE PADS PROJECTS WILL CONSTITUTE ONLY 25 PER CENT OF TOTAL GOVERNMENT CAPITAL EXPENDITURE OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.
"HARNESSING THE RESOURCES OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR, RATHER THAN CROWDING THEM OUT, ENSURES GREATER EFFICIENCY. THUS PRODUCTS ARE MORE LIKELY TO BE COMPLETED ON TIME AND WITHIN BUDGET. BUT IT ALSO LEAVES A GREATER PROPORTION OF GOVERNMENT RESOURCES FREE" FOR INVESTMENT IN SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS, CLINICS AND SIMILAR FACILITIES," MR MILLER SAID.
--------0-----------
SAFETY OFFICERS OF THE YEAR COMMENDED » « » t *
EIGHT WINNERS OF THE SAFETY OFFICERS OF THE YEAR AWARD SCHEME WERE COMMENDED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE IN IMPROVING THE SAFETY AND HEALTH OF WORKERS AT THEIR WORKPLACES.
MR KWOK CHUNG-YU, MR LAI YIM-HUNG, MR LI CHI-MOON, MR LIN HO-LAM, MR LUI YEUK-HON, MR MA KWOK-HO, MR NG KUN-FUK AND MR YEUNG CHAP-LAI WERE EACH AWARDED A CERTIFICATE AND A TROPHY AT A PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY HELD AT HOTEL SHANGRI-LA IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST.
/BASED ON .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 1994
4
BASED ON THEIR PROFESSIONAL SKILL, INITIATION, INNOVATION, PERSUASIVENESS, LEADERSHIP, EVALUATION AND JUDGEMENT SKILL, THEY WERE SELECTED BY A PANEL OF ADJUDICATORS COMPRISING THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE, LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MR TAM YIU-CHUNG, CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING COMMITTEE ON SYMPOSIUM ON SAFETY AND HEALTH MANAGEMENT, MR KWAN KON-WAH, AND DISTINGUISHED GUESTS MR K Y TONGSON AND MR JOHN LOK.
THE "SAFETY OFFICERS OF THE YEAR AWARD SCHEME", JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COUNCIL (OSHC) AND THE WORKING COMMITTEE ON SYMPOSIUM ON SAFETY AND HEALTH MANAGEMENT, AIMED AT AROUSING PUBLIC RECOGNITION OF THE WORK OF THE SAFETY PROFESSION AS WELL AS ENHANCING THEIR STATUS AND MORALE.
OTHER CO-ORGANISERS INCLUDED THE HONG KONG OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ASSOCIATION, HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL SAFETY ASSOCIATION, SOCIETY OF REGISTERED SAFETY OFFICERS AND THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY SAFETY MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION.
IN ORDER TO FURTHER PROMOTE THE IMPORTANCE OF WORK SAFETY AND THE CONCEPTS OF MODERN SAFETY MANAGEMENT AMONG INDUSTRIES, A SYMPOSIUM ON "SAFETY MANAGEMENT FOR TOMORROW" WAS ALSO HELD AFTER THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY.
DURING THE SYMPOSIUM, MR JAMES BLAKE AND CHIEF CONSTRUCTION INSPECTOR, HEALTH AND SAFETY EXECUTIVE, UNITED KINGDOM, MR STUART NATTRASS, GAVE TALKS ON "SAFETY MANAGEMENT IN AIRPORT CORE PROJECT" AND "HOW SAFETY OFFICERS CAN IMPROVE THE HEALTH AND SAFETY PERFORMANCE OF THEIR COMPANY" RESPECTIVELY.
AN OPEN FORUM WAS ALSO ARRANGED EXCHANGE THEIR VIEWS AND IDEAS ON SAFETY
FOR THE 320 PARTICIPANTS AND HEALTH MANAGEMENT.
TO
------0----------
WATER STORAGE FIGURE * * * * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (WEDNESDAY) STOOD AT 67 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 392.887 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 301.551 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 51.5 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
/5.........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 1994
- 5 -
HONG KONG
TENDER DATE
PAPER ON OFFER
ISSUE NUMBER
AMOUNT APPLIED
AMOUNT ALLOTTED
AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED
HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED
PRO RATA RATIO
AVERAGE TENDER YIELD
HONG KONG
TENDERS TO BE HELD IN THE
TENDER DATE
PAPER ON OFFER
ISSUE NUMBER
ISSUE DATE
MATURITY DATE
TENOR
AMOUNT ON OFFER
GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE TENDER RESULTS ft ft ft ft ft
6 APR 94 EF BILLS Q414 HKD4,260 MN HKDl,500 MN 3.84 PCT 3.86 PCT ABOUT 9 PCT 3.87 PCT
GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE
WEEK BEGINNING 11 APR 12 APR 94 EF BILLS Q415 13 APR 94 13 JUL 94 91 DAYS
HKDl,500 ♦ 300 MN
FUND
FUND
94 -
12 APR 94
EF BILLS
H462
13 APR 94
12 OCT 94
182 DAYS
HKD500 + 100 MN
/6 .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 1994
6
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
OPENING BALANCE IN ♦ * t * ♦ CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION) -1 -697
*•
TIME
$ MILLION (HOURS)
— —
THE ACCOUNT 3,766 0930
CLOSING BALANCE IN CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE MONEY MARKET LAF TODAY LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4 THE ACCOUNT TO : ACTIVITY .00 OFFER 2,842 1000 1 100 +600 1200 - I ,524 1500 1600 TWI 125.7 *+0.7* + 74 + 730 + 600 + 600 + 600 6.4.94 .
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY EF BILLS EF--’NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT. BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.37 17 MONTHS. 2508 4.625 99.38 5.16
1 MONTH 3.53 20 MONTHS 2511 4.15 98.18 5.40
3 MONTHS 3.84 23 MONTHS 2602 4.4 0 97.95 5.65
6 MONTHS 4.10 31 MONTHS 3610 4.20 95.68 6.14
12 MONTHS 4.60 34 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.96 6.28
TOTAL TURNOVER OF R ILLS AND RONDS - 2 3,119 MN
CLOSED 6 APRIL 1994
- - 0 -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 842 8777
THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 1994
DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR SPEAKS ON XI YANG’S CASE............. 1
TRANSCRIPT OF DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION..... 2
LAW TO TACKLE ELECTION OFFENCES TO BE AMENDED............... 3
MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION GROUPING ASSESSMENT INTRODUCED..... 6
A NEW REGIMENT FOR BRITISH FORCES HONG KONG................. 8
DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR VISITS ACP SITES..................... 9
TIPS ON SAVING ENERGY IN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS PUBLISHED. 10
100 CAR MARKS UP FOR AUCTION............................... 11
PRETEST SURVEY ON HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE.................... 12
MALAYSIAN EDUCATION DELEGATION VISITS ED................... 13
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS..... 14
THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 1994
1
DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR SPEAKS ON XI YANG’S CASE
*****
THE GOVERNMENT HAD ASKED THE BRITISH EMBASSY IN BEIJING TO APPROACH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES FOR THEM TO CONFIRM OR TO CORRECT RECENT REPORTING IN LOCAL NEWSPAPERS ABOUT XI YANG’S TRIAL AND SENTENCING, THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER HER VISIT TO THE TSING MA BRIDGE WORK SITE, MRS CHAN SAID AS XI YANG WAS A RESIDENT IN HONG KONG AND WORKED FOR A LOCAL NEWSPAPER, BOTH THE BRITISH AND HONG KONG GOVERNMENTS WERE NATURALLY CONCERNED ABOUT THE TREATMENT THAT HE HAD RECEIVED.
"THERE HAS BEEN WIDESPREAD DISMAY IN RESPONSE TO THE TREATMENT MAPPED OUT TO XI YANG AND PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE INCLUDING LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS, NEWSPAPER REPORTERS, REPRESENTATIVES OF POLITICAL ORGANISATIONS INCLUDING, I MIGHT SAY, SIX HONG KONG ADVISERS, HAVE ALL EXPRESSED CONCERN," MRS CHAN SAID.
"SOME OF THEM HAVE INDEED REQUESTED THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES, FIRST OF ALL, TO ISSUE AN AUTHORITATIVE STATEMENT ON THE TRIAL OF XI YANG AND THE REASONS FOR THE VERY HEAVY SENTENCE.
"SECONDLY, THEY HAVE REQUESTED THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES TO ISSUE CLEAR GUIDELINES SO THAT REPORTERS WORKING IN CHINA CAN ENSURE THAT THEY COMPLY WITH THESE REGULATIONS.
"THIRDLY, SOME OF THEM HAVE REQUESTED THAT IF MR XI YANG APPEALS, HIS APPEAL SHOULD BE DEALT WITH LENIENTLY."
MRS CHAN SAID THAT THE ADMINISTRATION AND MANY PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WOULD ECHO THESE SENTIMENTS.
"WE HAVE MANY REPORTERS GOING ABOUT THEIR LEGITIMATE BUSINESS IN CHINA. THEY NEED TO KNOW CLEARLY WHAT THE RULES ARE, GOVERNING NEWSPAPER GATHERING IN CHINA SO THAT THEY CAN ENSURE THAT THEY COMPLY WITH THESE RULES," SHE ADDED.
---------0 - -
THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 1994
2
TRANSCRIPT OF DEPUTY TO GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ *
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION BY THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR, MRS ANSON CHAN AFTER VISITING THE TSING MA BRIDGE WORK SITE THIS THURSDAY (APRIL 7, 1994).
MRS CHAN : GOOD AFTERNOON, EVERYONE. GLAD TO SEE ALL YOU ON SITE. FIRST OF ALL, I’D LIKE TO SAY SOMETHING ABOUT THE VISIT I’VE JUST MADE. I AM GLAD TO BE ABLE TO SEE FOR MYSELF THE ACP PROJECTS TAKING SHAPE. IN PARTICULAR, I’VE JUST SEEN THE TOWERS FOR THE SUSPENSION BRIDGE AND THE WIRES BETWEEN AND THEY ARE TRULY A MAGNIFICENT SIGHT. AS YOU KNOW, WE ARE MAKING EXTREMELY GOOD PROGRESS BOTH ON THE ACP PROJECTS AND ON THE TSING MA BRIDGE. I UNDERSTAND, I’VE BEEN TOLD JUST NOW THAT WHEN THE TSING MA BRIDGE IS COMPLETED, IT WILL BE THE LONGEST COMBINED ROAD AND RAIL SUSPENSION BRIDGE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD FOR MANY YEARS TO COME. THE PROGRESS THAT WE’VE MADE SO FAR, I THINK, WE CAN ALL BE VERY PROUD OF. ON THE GOVERNMENT ACP PROJECTS, WE ARE ALSO MAKING VERY GOOD PROGRESS. WE’VE, SO FAR, LET 45 CONTRACTS AT A TOTAL VALUE OF $48 BILLION. THEY’VE ALL BEEN LET ON TIME AND WITHIN BUDGET. WE’VE BROUGHT TOGETHER A GOOD MIX OF EXPERTS AND EXPERTISE. WE’VE GOT CONSULTANTS WORKING HAPPILY ALONGSIDE WITH CIVIL SERVANTS. THE NAPCO OFFICE IS DOING A REALLY EXCELLENT JOB IN CO-ORDINATING THIS MEGA PROJECT AND THE EXPERIENCE THAT WE’VE GAINED IN HANDLING THIS PROJECT WILL OBVIOUSLY PUT US IN VERY GOOD STEAD IN TERM OF BEING ABLE TO HANDLE IN FUTURE SUCH MEGA PROJECTS. WE LOOK FORWARD TO HAVING EARLY AGREEMENT WITH THE CHINESE ON THE FINANCING ARRANGEMENT FOR THE AIRPORT AND THAT WILL THEN ALLOW US TO PUSH AHEAD FULL STEAM WITH THE VARIOUS ACP PROJECTS. IN THE MEANTIME, WE ARE PROCEEDING ON A STEP-BY-STEP APPROACH IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON THE FINANCING OF THE AIRPORT.
AND NOW, I’D LIKE TO SAY A FEW WORDS ABOUT THE XI YANG CASE. WE HAVE ASKED THE BRITISH EMBASSY IN BEIJING TO APPROACH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES, EITHER FOR THE CHINESE TO CONFIRM OR, INDEED, TO CORRECT RECENT REPORTING IN THE NEWSPAPERS ABOUT XI YANG’S TRIAL AND SENTENCING. XI YANG IS, OF COURSE, RESIDENT IN HONG KONG AND HE WORKS FOR A LOCAL NEWSPAPER. SO, BOTH THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ARE NATURALLY CONCERNED ABOUT THE TREATMENT THAT HE HAS RECEIVED. THERE HAS BEEN WIDESPREAD DISMAY IN RESPONSE TO THE TREATMENT MAPPED OUT TO XI YANG AND PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE INCLUDING LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS, NEWSPAPER REPORTERS, REPRESENTATIVES OF POLITICAL ORGANISATIONS INCLUDING, I MIGHT SAY, SIX HONG KONG ADVISERS, HAVE ALL EXPRESSED CONCERN. SOME OF THEM HAVE INDEED REQUESTED THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES, FIRST OF ALL, TO ISSUE AN AUTHORITATIVE STATEMENT ON THE TRIAL OF XI YANG AND THE REASONS FOR THE VERY HEAVY SENTENCE. SECONDLY, THEY HAVE REQUESTED THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES TO ISSUE CLEAR GUIDELINES SO THAT REPORTERS WORKING IN CHINA CAN ENSURE THAT THEY COMPLY WITH THESE REGULATIONS. AND THIRDLY, SOME OF THEM HAVE REQUESTED THAT IF MR XI YANG APPEALS, HIS APPEAL SHOULD BE DEALT WITH LENIENTLY. THE ADMINISTRATION AND MANY PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WOULD ECHO THESE SENTIMENTS. AS YOU KNOW, WE HAVE MANY REPORTERS GOING ABOUT THEIR LEGITIMATE BUSINESS IN CHINA. THEY NEED TO KNOW CLEARLY WHAT THE RULES ARE, GOVERNING NEWSPAPER GATHERING IN CHINA SO THAT THEY CAN ENSURE THAT THEY COMPLY WITH THESE RULES. I ALSO VERY MUCH HOPE THAT XI YANG’S FAMILY, HIS COLLEAGUES, AND HIS LEGAL ADVISERS WILL BE ABLE TO MEET EARLY WITH XI YANG TO HELP HIM PREPARE FOR HIS APPEAL.
/QUESTION: .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 1994
3
QUESTION: DO YOU THINK THAT CHINA, BY TAKING THE ACTION IN .... IN THE CASE OF THIS CASE AND ALSO WEI JINGSHENG, IS BASICALLY SAYING THAT IT NO LONGER CARES ABOUT THE MFN AND THAT’S RATHER .......FOR HONG KONG?
MRS CHAN: I AM SURE THAT THE CHINESE ARE WELL AWARE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF MFN NOT ONLY TO CHINA BUT ALSO TO HONG KONG. THEY ARE IN THE DIALOGUE WITH THE AMERICANS AND AS YOU KNOW, I SHALL SHORTLY MYSELF BE GOING TO AMERICA TO LOBBY FOR MFN BOTH ON BEHALF OF HONG KONG AND ON BEHALF OF CHINA.
---------0-----------
LAW TO TACKLE ELECTION OFFENCES TO BE AMENDED ♦ » » » »
THE GOVERNMENT IS INTRODUCING LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS TO MODERNISE AND FURTHER IMPROVE LEGAL PROVISIONS FOR TACKLING CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES AT ELECTIONS.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (THURSDAY) SAID THAT PROPOSALS TO AMEND THE CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES ORDINANCE (CIPO) WERE MADE FOLLOWING A REVIEW CARRIED OUT BY THE ADMINISTRATION WHICH TOOK INTO ACCOUNT THE VIEWS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT PANEL.
THE CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 TO BE GAZETTED TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IS AIMED AT BRINGING ABOUT OPEN AND FAIR ELECTIONS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE AMENDMENT BILL ALSO SEEKS TO MAKE THE ORDINANCE EASIER TO ENFORCE AND TO COMPREHEND.
”IT ALSO REMOVES FROM THE ORDINANCE CERTAIN ANOMALIES AND INCONSISTENCIES AND ACHIEVE GREATER DETERRENCE THROUGH HEAVIER PENALTIES,” HE SAID.
OUTLINING THE MAJOR AMENDMENTS UNDER THE BILL AND THE REASONS FOR THE PROPOSALS, THE SPOKESMAN GAVE THE FOLLOWING DETAILS:
PENALTY
TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM PENALTIES FOR VARIOUS OFFENCES UNDER THE ORDINANCE.
IN PROPOSING THE NEW PENALTY LEVELS, THE ADMINISTRATION HAVE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THE SERIOUS NATURE OF ELECTORAL OFFENCES AND THE NEED TO BRING INTO PARITY THE PENALTIES FOR ELECTORAL OFFENCES WITH THOSE HEAVIER PENALTIES IN FORCE FOR OTHER CORRUPT OFFENCES UNDER THE PREVENTION OF BRIBERY ORDINANCE (POBO).
/ELECTORAL BRIBERY .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 1994
4
ELECTORAL BRIBERY
IT SETS OUT IN A CLEARER AND MORE CONCISE MANNER WHAT CONSTITUTES ELECTORAL BRIBERY.
THE REVAMPED PROVISION WOULD CATCH THE CORRUPT OFFERING, SOLICITING AND ACCEPTING OF ADVANTAGES IN RELATION TO ONE’S VOTING, REFRAINING FROM VOTING, OR PROCURING THE RETURN OF ANY PERSON TO SERVE ON A PUBLIC BODY.
BRIBERY IN RELATION TO STANDING AS CANDIDATE
IT SHALL BE A ’’CORRUPT PRACTICE” FOR A CANDIDATE TO ACCEPT A BRIBE TO WITHDRAW FROM AN ELECTION.
UNDER THE EXISTING CIPO, IT IS A ’’CORRUPT PRACTICE” TO BRIBE A CANDIDATE TO WITHDRAW FROM AN ELECTION, BUT AN ’’ILLEGAL PRACTICE" FOR THE CANDIDATE TO ACCEPT THE BRIBE. THE FORMER OFFENCE CARRIES A MUCH HEAVIER PENALTY THAN THE LATTER. SINCE BOTH OFFENCES ARE EQUALLY SERIOUS, THE LATTER OFFENCE IS RE-CLASSIFIED AS A "CORRUPT PRACTICE" AS WELL.
UNDUE INFLUENCE
IT SHALL BE AN OFFENCE FOR ANY PERSON WHO EXERTS UNDUE INFLUENCE ON OTHERS TO CANVASS OR NOT TO CANVASS, AS THE CASE MAY BE, FOR PARTICULAR CANDIDATES.
THE EXISTING PROVISIONS UNDER CIPO CONCERN ONLY VOTING, NOT CANVASSING. TO REMEDY THIS PROBLEM, IT IS PROPOSED TO EXPAND THE PROVISION TO COVER "PRESSURISING TO CANVASS OR NOT TO CANVASS” AS WELL.
CONTROL OF ELECTION EXPENSES
IT SETS OUT MORE CLEARLY THE RESPECTIVE LIABILITIES OF A CANDIDATE AND OTHER PERSONS WHO INCUR ELECTION EXPENSES ON HIS BEHALF. THIS WILL FACILITATE ENFORCEMENT AND PROSECUTION IN THE EVENT THAT THE PRESCRIBED ELECTION LIMIT IS EXCEEDED.
FALSE STATEMENT CONCERNING A CANDIDATE
A CANDIDATE WHO MAKES A FALSE STATEMENT REGARDING HIMSELF MAY AVOID PROSECUTION IF HE IS ABLE TO PROVE THAT HE DID HONESTLY BELIEVE IN THAT STATEMENT.
THIS PROPOSAL RECOGNISES THAT A CANDIDATE MAY WRONGFULLY, BUT HONESTLY, BELIEVE IN SOMETHING ABOUT HIMSELF, FOR EXAMPLE, HIS ACADEMIC OR PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION.
/CONTROL OF....... .
THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 1994
CONTROL OF PRINTED ELECTION MATERIAL
A CANDIDATE WHO FAILS TO INCLUDE, AS REQUIRED BY LAW, THE NECESSARY PRINTING DETAILS IN ANY PRINTED ELECTION MATERIAL MAY SEEK A REMEDY BY MAKING A STATUTORY DECLARATION GIVING THE OMITTED DETAILS WITHIN SEVEN DAYS OF THE PUBLICATION OF THE OFFENDING ELECTION MATERIAL.
UNDER THE EXISTING ORDINANCE, ALL PRINTED ELECTION MATERIAL IS REQUIRED TO BEAR THE NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE PRINTER TOGETHER WITH THE DATE OF PRINTING AND THE NUMBER OF COPIES PRINTED. THESE PROVISIONS PRIMARILY SERVE TO FACILITATE THE VERIFICATION OF THE ELECTION EXPENSES REPORTED BY CANDIDATES.
EXPERIENCE IN PAST ELECTIONS SHOWS SOME CANDIDATES OFTEN FORGET TO PROVIDE PRINTING DETAILS BECAUSE OF GENUINE OVERSIGHT. IN THE ADMINISTRATION’S JUDGEMENT, SUCH CASES ARE NOT WORTH PROSECUTING.
PERFORMANCE REPORTS OF INCUMBENT CANDIDATES
ANY PERFORMANCE REPORTS PUBLISHED BY AN INCUMBENT LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MUNICIPAL COUNCIL OR DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER RUNNING FOR A SEAT IN THE SAME TIER OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT HE OR SHE IS SERVING, AND WHICH ARE DISTRIBUTED DURING THE PERIOD FROM THE COMMENCEMENT OF NOMINATION OF CANDIDATES UP TO ELECTION DAY, WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE REGARDED AS ELECTION MATERIAL. THESE REPORTS WILL IN TURN BE COUNTED TOWARDS THE INCUMBENT’S El,ECTTON EXPENSES.
THIS PROPOSAL IS TO STRIKE A BALANCE BETWEEN ALLOWING INCUMBENT CANDIDATES TO CARRY OUT THEIR NORMAL CONSTITUENCY WORK ON THE ONE HAND, AND ENSURING THAT THEY WILL NOT HAVE AN UNFAIR EDGE OVER THEIR NON-INCUMBENT COMPETITORS ON THE OTHER.
DISQUALIFICATION OF CANDIDATURE DUE TO MINOR OFFENCES
TO REMOVE AN EXISTING DISQUALIFICATION PROVISION WHICH DEBARS A CANDIDATE FROM CANDIDATURE FOR 10 YEARS AFTER HE HAS BEEN FOUND, DURING AN ELECTION PETITION, TO HAVE BREACHED THE PROVISION RELATING TO PRINTED ELECTION MATERIAL.
THE ADMINISTRATION IS OF THE VIEW THAT THESE ARE MINOR OFFENCES AND DO NOT WARRANT DISQUALIFICATION FOR 10 YEARS.
POWER OF COURT TO EXCEPT INNOCENT ACT FROM BEING ILLEGAL
PRACTICES
ANY PERSON SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT TO APPLY TO THE COURT TO EXEMPT HIMSELF OR ANY OTHER PERSONS FROM THE LIABILITIES OF ILLEGAL PRACTICES WHERE SUCH PRACTICES HAVE BEEN COMMITTED OUT OF INADVERTENCE OR SIMILAR CAUSES.
/AT PRESENT,
THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 1994
6
AT PRESENT, ONLY CANDIDATES HAVE THE RIGHT TO MAKE SUCH APPLICATIONS. IT IS LOGICAL AND EQUITABLE TO EXTEND THIS RIGHT MORE WIDELY.
THE BILL IS SCHEDULED TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON APRIL 20, 1994.
---------0-----------
MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION GROUPING ASSESSMENT INTRODUCED
*****
STUDENTS ENTERING SECONDARY 1 IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR THROUGH THE SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES ALLOCATION (SSPA) SYSTEM WILL BE DIVIDED INTO THREE GROUPS IN TERMS OF THEIR ABILITY TO LEARN IN CHINESE OR ENGLISH.
GROUPING IS BASED ON STUDENTS’ INTERNAL EXAMINATION RESULTS IN THE SECOND TERM OF PRIMARY 5 AND THE FIRST TERM OF PRIMARY 6, WHICH ARE SCALED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RESULTS OF THE ACADEMIC APTITUDE TEST.
THIS WAS ANNOUNCED BY THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WONG, AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (THURSDAY) TO ENCOURAGE THE USE OF MOTHER TONGUE AS THE BEST MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION FOR ABOUT ONE-HALF OF SECONDARY STUDENTS IN HONG KONG.
"STUDENTS IN THE FIRST GROUP WILL BE ABLE TO LEARN EFFECTIVELY IN EITHER CHINESE OR ENGLISH.
"THOSE IN THE SECOND GROUP WILL LEARN MORE EFFECTIVELY THROUGH THE CHINESE MEDIUM.
"STUDENTS IN THE THIRD GROUP WILL LEARN BETTER THROUGH THE CHINESE MEDIUM BUT WILL PROBABLY ALSO BE ABLE TO LEARN EFFECTIVELY IN ENGLISH," HE SAID.
PARENTS OF PRIMARY 6 STUDENTS WILL BE PROVIDED LATER THIS MONTH WITH INFORMATION ON THE LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY OF THEIR CHILDREN, IN TERMS OF ONE OF THE GROUPINGS, SO AS TO HELP THEM CHOOSE SUITABLE SECONDARY SCHOOLS FOR THEIR CHILDREN.
PARENTS WILL ALSO RECEIVE A LEAFLET ON THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION GROUPING, TOGETHER WITH A SECONDARY SCHOOL LIST SHOWING THE SCHOOLS’ CHOICE OF TEACHING MEDIUM.
"IN ORDER TO HELP SCHOOLS CHOOSE THE APPROPRIATE TEACHING MEDIUM IN THE 1994/95 SCHOOL YEAR, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS ALREADY PROVIDED ALL SECONDARY SCHOOLS PARTICIPATING IN THE SSPA WITH INFORMATION ON THE LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY OF THEIR SECONDARY 1 INTAKES IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS FROM 1989 TO 1993," MR WONG SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE GROUPING ASSESSMENT WAS PART OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S MEASURES TO ENCOURAGE LEARNING IN THE MOTHER TONGUE, AND THAT A PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN WAS BEING LAUNCHED TO PROMOTE ITS USE.
/"THIS DOES . .
THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 1994
7 -
’’THIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT ENGLISH WILL BE NEGLECTED OR THAT THE STANDARD OF ENGLISH WILL DECLINE IN THOSE SCHOOLS.
’’INDEED THEY WILL BE PROVIDED WITH ADDITIONAL RESOURCES, INCLUDING EXTRA TEACHERS OF ENGLISH, EXTRA TEACHING EQUIPMENT AND A SPECIAL LIBRARY GRANT - $16,000 PER SCHOOL," HE SAID.
MR WONG SAID THE DEPARTMENT HAD TAKEN A NUMBER OF MEASURES TO ENCOURAGE SECONDARY SCHOOLS TO TEACH IN THE MOTHER TONGUE.
THESE MEASURES INCLUDE:
* THE SETTING UP OF A CHINESE TEXTBOOKS COMMITTEE TO ENSURE THE
AVAILABILITY OF HIGH-QUALITY CHINESE LANGUAGE TEXTBOOKS AND TEACHING MATERIALS;
t ENHANCED TEACHER TRAINING;
* GUIDELINES ON TEACHING IN CHINESE;
* DISTRIBUTION OF GLOSSARIES OF FREQUENTLY USED TERMS IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE FOR MAJOR SUBJECTS; AND
* REMOVING THE LANGUAGE MEDIUM INDICATOR IN THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION.
IN ADDITION, A BRIDGING COURSE IS PROVIDED TO SECONDARY 6 AND SECONDARY 7 STUDENTS LEARNING IN THE CHINESE MEDIUM SO AS TO HELP THEM, IF NECESSARY, TO MEET THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT FOR ENTRY INTO TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS.
MR WONG SAID EXPATRIATE ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHERS COULD CONTINUE TO BE EMPLOYED TO MAINTAIN THF STANDARD Ob ENGLISH.
THE SETTING UP OF THE LANGUAGE FUND WOULD ALSO HELP TO RAISE THE LANGUAGE STANDARDS OF TEACHERS AND STUDENTS.
"SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF MOTHER-TONGUE LEARNING REQUIRES SUPPORT FROM SCHOOLS, TEACHERS, PARENTS AND THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE," MR WONG SAID.
"I CALL ON ALL CONCERNED TO ACCEPT THE ADVANTAGES OF MOTHERTONGUE LEARNING IN ORDER TO HELP IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION IN HONG KONG FOR THE BENEFIT OF A LARGE NUMBER OF YOUNG PEOPLE."
HE ADDED THAT THE DEPARTMENT WOULD LAUNCH A PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN ON MOTHER-TONGUE TEACHING AND LEARNING, INCLUDING THE DISTRIBUTION OF POSTERS AND LEAFLETS, EXHIBITIONS AND PUBLICITY ON RADIO AND TELEVISION TO EXPLAIN THE ADVANTAGES OF MOTHER-TONGUE TEACHING.
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S POLICY ON MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION COMPRISES THE FOLLOWING MAIN POINTS:
* TO ENCOURAGE SECONDARY SCHOOLS TO USE MOTHER TONGUE AS THE TEACHING MEDIUM;
/* TO ALLOW.........
THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 1994
8
* TO ALLOW SCHOOLS TO EXERCISE DISCRETION OVER THE CHOICE OF AN APPROPRIATE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION; AND
* TO URGE SCHOOLS TO ADOPT A SINGLE MEDIUM APPROACH AND TO AVOID USING MIXED CODE IN TEACHING.
"IT IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THAT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ENCOURAGES MOTHER-TONGUE LEARNING. THE INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION CONSULTANCY PANEL IN 1982, TOGETHER WITH EDUCATION COMMISSION REPORTS 1, 2 AND 4, HAVE ALL AFFIRMED THAT MOTHER TONGUE IS THE BEST TEACHING AND LEARNING MEDIUM.
"WE ARE NOW PROVIDING PARENTS WITH MORE SPECIFIC INFORMATION ON LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY TO ENABLE THEM TO MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR THEIR CHILDREN," HE SAID.
--------0-----------
A NEW REGIMENT FOR BRITISH FORCES HONG KONG *****
A NEW REGIMENT WITHIN BRITISH FORCES HONG KONG WILL BE FORMED TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE NEW UNIT, THE HONG KONG LOGISTIC SUPPORT REGIMENT, ROYAL LOGISTIC CORPS, CONSISTS OF APPROXIMATELY 500 OFFICERS, MEN AND WOMEN.
IT IS FORMED AS A RESULT OF THE DRAWDOWN OF BRITISH .FORCE LEVELS IN THE TERRITORY AND THE NEED TO CONCENTRATE THE REMAINING LOGISTIC EXPERTISE UNDER A SINGLE COMMAND STRUCTURE.
THE HONG KONG LOGISTIC SUPPORT REGIMENT WILL BE COMMANDED BY LIEUTENANT COLONEL NIGEL LLOYD OF THE ROYAL LOGISTIC CORPS.
IT WILL CONSIST OF A NUMBER OF SUB UNITS, INCLUDING A TRANSPORT SQUADRON, A SUPPLY SQUADRON, A FOOD SUPPLY TROOP, A POSTAL AND COURIER TROOP, AN ACCOMMODATION SERVICES UNIT, AS WELL AS A HEADQUARTER SQUADRON, WHICH WILL BE BASED AT OSBORNE BARRACKS, KOWLOON.
THE REGIMENT WILL ALSO HAVE DETACHMENTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND ON HONG KONG ISLAND.
IT IS PLANNED THAT THE NEW UNIT WILL RETAIN ITS PRESENT STRUCTURE AND ROLE UNTIL 1997.
------0--------
/9 ........
THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 1994
9
DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR VISITS ACP SITES
*****
DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR, MRS ANSON CHAN, WAS TODAY (THURSDAY) GIVEN A VIEW OF THE RAPID PROGRESS BEING MADE ON THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME (ACP).
MRS CHAN WAS MAKING HER FIRST VISIT TO ACP SITES SINCE HER APPOINTMENT AS CHIEF SECRETARY.
THIS WAS PRECEDED BY A VISIT TO THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS COORDINATION OFFICE (NAPCO) WHERE SHE WAS BRIEFED BY THE ACTING DIRECTOR, MR BERNARD LAM, AND OTHER SENIOR OFFICERS.
MRS CHAN WAS TOLD ABOUT THE INTEGRATED TEAM APPROACH OPERATED IN NAPCO, INVOLVING CIVIL SERVANTS AND CONSULTANTS WORKING TOGETHER TO COORDINATE THE LARGE AND COMPLEX PROJECTS IN THE ACP.
SHE NOTED THAT THE EXPERIENCE GATHERED WOULD BE USEFUL FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF OTHER MAJOR PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS IN THE TERRITORY.
MRS CHAN WAS ALSO BRIEFED ON THE OVERALL PROGRESS OF THE ACP, FOR WHICH 45 CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS AT A TOTAL VALUE OF $48 BILLION HAVE BEEN AWARDED TO DATE - ALL WITHIN BUDGET.
"THIS SHOWS THAT OUR MECHANISMS FOR PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT AND COST CONTROL ARE WORKING WELL.” SHE SAID.
MRS CHAN THEN PAID A VISIT TO THE SITE OF THE TSING MA BRIDGE WHERE SHE WAS GIVEN A BRIEFING BY THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT’S ACTING PROJECT DIRECTOR FOR THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING, MR C K LAU, AND THE CONSULTANTS’ ENGINEER REPRESENTATIVE, MR ALAN REES.
FROM A VANTAGE POINT ON TSING YI ISLAND, MRS CHAN COULD SEE THE FIRST TWO WIRES ACROSS THE MA WAN CHANNEL WHICH WERE CONNECTED BETWEEN THE GIANT TOWERS OF THE TSING MA BRIDGE JUST BEFORE AND AFTER THE EASTER HOLIDAYS.
SHE WAS BRIEFED ON THE TECHNIQUES USED WHICH RESULTED IN EACH OF THE TWO 50-STOREY TOWERS BEING CONSTRUCTED IN JUST THREE MONTHS, ON THE PLACEMENT OF HUGE STEEL SADDLES TO SUPPORT THE MAIN CABLES AT THE TOP OF THE TOWERS WHICH IS CURRENTLY UNDERWAY AND ON THE OTHER WORKS TAKING PLACE ON THE BRIDGE.
THE TSING MA BRIDGE CONTRACT WAS LET IN MAY 1992 AND IS NOW MORE THAN 40 PER CENT COMPLETE.
"THE GIANT TOWERS AND OTHER WORKS ALREADY COMPLETED ARE A VIVID ILLUSTRATION OF THE SIGN I FI (’ANT PROGRESS MADE ON WHAT WILL BE ONE OF THE LONGEST SUSPENSION BRIDGES IN THE WORLD, AND A PROMINENT LANDMARK WHICH HONG KONG CAN BE PROUD OF,” MRS CHAN SAID.
THE BRIDGE, TOGETHER WITH THE KAP SHU I MUN BRIDGE AND MA WAN VIADUCT, WILL FORM THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING WHl('H WILL BE A VITAL LINK IN THE NEW HIGHWAY NETWORK BEING DEVELOPED FOR THE NEW AIRPORT.
/MRS CHAN ........
THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 1994
- 10 -
MRS CHAN CONCLUDED HER VISIT WITH A HELICOPTER TOUR OF THE NEW AIRPORT SITE AT CHEK LAP KOK AND OTHER ACP PROJECTS.
"THE ACP WILL PROVIDE A MODERN INFRASTRUCTURE WHICH WILL SUSTAIN THE PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG WELL INTO THE 21 ST CENTURY, AND IT IS ALREADY TAKING SHAPE," MRS CHAN SAID.
"WORK ON THE PROJECTS IS NOW CLEARLY VISIBLE AT THE VARIOUS SITES AND I AM IMPRESSED BY THE RAPID PROGRESS THAT HAS BEEN MADE," SHE ADDED.
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TIPS ON SAVING ENERGY IN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS PUBLISHED *****
PUBLICATIONS CONTAINING USEFUL TIPS ON SAVING ENERGY AT HOME AND IN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS, AS WELL AS SAVING COSTS AND PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT, HAVE BEEN PRODUCED BY THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
THE PUBLICATIONS, COMPRISING A BOOKLET FOR HOUSEHOLDERS, A LEAFLET FOR BUILDING MANAGEMENT AND A WALL CHART FOR CARETAKERS, ARE AIMED TO ENLIST PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR REDUCED POWER CONSUMPTION AND OTHER FUEL-SAVING MEASURES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE SAID TODAY (THURSDAY): "MOST OF THE ENERGY RESOURCES WE USE NOWADAYS ARE NOT UNLIMITED. THE MORE ENERGY WE CONSUME EACH DAY, THE LESS THERE IS LEFT FOR THE FUTURE.
"SOONER RATHER THAN LATER, UNLESS WE TAKE POSITIVE STEPS TOWARDS CONSERVATION, THE SOURCES OF ENERGY WE HAVE ALL COME TO TAKE FOR GRANTED WILL NO LONGER BE ECONOMICALLY ACCESSIBLE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"WE ARE NOT SUGGESTING THAT WE SHOULD REDUCE OUR STANDARD OF LIVING IN ANY WAY.
"IT IS SIMPLY THAT, WITH A LITTLE BIT OF THOUGHT, WE CAN ENJOY ALL THE AMENITIES AND LIFESTYLE THAT WE DO NOW. YET WE ARE ALSO MAKING OUR OWN, POSITIVE CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS THE ENVIRONMENT," HE ADDED.
THE BOOKLET, ENTITLED "SAVING ENERGY IN YOUR HOME", SHOWS HOW MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAN SAVE ENERGY IN EVERY ASPECT OF RUNNING THEIR OWN HOUSEHOLDS.
IT INCLUDES TIPS ON WHAT KIND OF ITEMS TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING NEW EQUIPMENT, AND HOW TO OPERATE ELECTRICAL, GAS AND WATER APPLIANCES FOR MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY.
COPIES OF THE BOOKLET WILL BE AVAILABLE FREE FROM DISTRICT OFFICES STARTING TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
/AS FOR ........
THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 1994
AS FOR RUNNING A RESIDENTIAL HOUSING BLOCK, THE LEAFLET OUTLINES PRACTICAL MEASURES THAT CAN BE APPLIED IMMEDIATELY AT NO COST TO INITIATE ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND SAVINGS.
IT ALSO LISTS CONSIDERABLE OPPORTUNITIES FOR MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL TO CUT THEIR OVERHEADS BY ADOPTING A POSITIVE ATTITUDE TOWARDS ENERGY CONSERVATION.
THE WALL CHART CARRYING ENERGY-SAVING TIPS ON MANAGING PUBLIC AREAS WITHIN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS IS AVAILABLE TO CARETAKERS FOR DISPLAY AT THEIR WORKPLACE.
INTERESTED PARTIES CAN CONTACT THE MARKETING OFFICE OF THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES ON TELEPHONE 842 8811 FOR FREE COPIES OF THESE THREE PUBLICATIONS.
THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, CHAIRED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, IS FORMED TO CONSIDER PROPOSALS TO IMPROVE ENERGY EFFICIENCY, AND TO ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT ON THEM, WITH REGARD TO THEIR LIKELY EFFECTIVENESS AND ECONOMIC IMPACT.
LAST YEAR, IT PRODUCED A BOOKLET "ADVISORY NOTE ON ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN EXISTING COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS IN HONG KONG" AND FIVE LEAFLETS TARGETED INDIVIDUALLY AT DEVELOPERS, MANUFACTURERS, HOTELS AND THE MANAGEMENT AND TENANTS OF COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS.
THE COMMITTEE IS NOW WORKING ON SOME GUIDELINES ON ENERGY AUDIT FOR COMMERCIAL BUILDING MANAGEMENT WHICH WILL BE PUBLISHED LATER THIS YEAR.
--------0-----------
100 CAR MARKS UP FOR AUCTION t t t t t
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD ANOTHER AUCTION OF LUCKY CAR REGISTRATION MARKS ON SATURDAY (APRIL 9) 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:
FT819 FT1289 AW365 FT6333 CG8 1 5
FS30 I FU3228 FT1219 FT3988 FT3889
♦FE400 ♦ FX3 »DL5 ♦ BC88 ♦BH4444
FT1229 FT189 FT2228 FT113 FT3278
AS1992 CG3688 FS9369 EL339 BU8968
FT3680 FT325 CH874 FT1029 FT9116
AL2848 FT7 18 FT1668 AA5525 BN327
»AS7 ♦FW900 ♦ DK26 ♦AC696 ♦ET2277
FT61 2 FT3168 FT881 FT245 FT7693
FT6381 FT2313 FT522 FT317 BE5713
/TN
THE .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 1994
12 -
IN THE AFTERNOON SESSIOON WHICH WILL START AT 2.30 PM, ANOTHER 50 LUCKY CAR REGISTRATION MARKS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR BIDDING. THEY ARE:
FT1128 AW366 AL1218 FU9219 FU1013
FU932 FU203 FU2608 FU712 FU4O7
♦FX323 ♦FW111 *DK19 ♦AL888 »FW5678
FU629 CZ609 FU104 FU850 FU9266
AA6768 FU2118 AT1972 CM8023 AN874
FU318 FT882 FU157 FU751 FU1960
FT7118 FU1812 AW6318 BZ2805 CC2608
*DL9 ♦ 1268 *AJ7000 ♦ FU67 ♦FX1001
FU930 FU710 FT627 FU516 FU583
FT2108 FC308 FU6080 AS9192 FT5224
* SPECIAL CAR REGISTRATION MARK (NOT TRANSFERABLE)
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO PAY BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.
THE CAR REGISTRATION MARKS AUCTIONED WILL BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO CARS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE DATE OF AUCTION.
THE AUCTION WILL BE THE 220TH & 221ST ORGANISED BY THE
TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973.
--------0-----------
PRETEST SURVEY ON HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE
*****
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL CONDUCT A SURVEY FROM OCTOBER THIS YEAR TO SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR TO COLLECT UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ON THE EXPENDITURE PATTERNS OF HOUSEHOLDS.
THE SURVEY RESULTS WILL BE USED FOR REBASING THE CONSUMER PRICE INDICES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
A SMALL-SCALE PRETEST SURVEY WILL BE CONDUCTED FROM MID-APRIL TO END-MAY TO TEST THE QUESTIONNAIRE DESIGN AND OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES OF THE HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY.
THE PRETEST SURVEY WILL COVER ABOUT 250 HOUSEHOLDS IN SELECTED URBAN AREAS.
THE DEPARTMENT IS SENDING A LETTER TO EACH SELECTED LIVING QUARTER INFORMING THEM THAT THEY HAVE BEEN SELECTED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PRETEST SURVEY.
OFFICERS FROM THE DEPARTMENT WILL VISIT THE HOUSEHOLDS TO EXPLAIN TO THEM THE PURPOSES AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE PRETEST SURVEY.
/EACH OFFICER ..
THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 1994
- 13 -
EACH OFFICER WILL CARRY A GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARD AND A CERTIFICATE FOR CONDUCTING THE SURVEY, WHICH ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION.
THE SPOKESMAN URGED HOUSEHOLDS TO CO-OPERATE WITH THE OFFICERS IN THE PRETEST SURVEY.
"ALL INFORMATION COLLECTED IN THE PRETEST SURVEY WILL BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL," HE SAID.
ANY HOUSEHOLD HAVING QUERIES ABOUT THE SURVEY CAN CALL THE DEPARTMENT ON TEL 805 6420 DURING OFFICE HOURS.
---------0-----------
MALAYSIAN EDUCATION DELEGATION VISITS ED ♦ * » » »
A FIVE-MEMBER DELEGATION FROM THE MALAYSIAN EDUCATION SERVICE COMMISSION TODAY (THURSDAY) VISITED THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO LEARN ABOUT THE EDUCATION SYSTEM IN HONG KONG.
f. ■
THE DELEGATION, LED BY THE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN DATO’ ABDUL HALIM DATO’ HJ ABDUL RAUF, FIRST VISITED THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS IN WU CHUNG HOUSE, WAN CHAI.
ON ARRIVAL, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WONG, BRIEFED THE PARTY ON THE HONG KONG EDUCATION SYSTEM, TEACHER EDUCATION, RECRUITMENT AND REGISTRATION.
THE MEMBERS FROM THE COMMISSION LATER VISITED SIR ROBERT BLACK COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AT CALDECOTT ROAD IN KOWLOON, WHERE THEY WERE BRIEFED BY THE STAFF ON CURRICULA FOR TEACHER EDUCATION AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF PART-TIME IN-SERVICE BACHELOR OF EDUCATION COURSE.
THE DELEGATION ALSO PAID A VISIT TO THE DIRECTOR OF HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION, PROFESSOR LEUNG CHI-KEUNG, WHO BRIEFED THEM ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE INSTITUTE.
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/14........
THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 1994
14
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,842 0930 + 45
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,412 1000 + 250
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 + 137
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 160 1200 + 160
LAF TODAY -590 1500 + 160
1600 + 160
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 125.6 »-0.1* 7.4.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.19 17 MONTHS 2508 4.625 99.59 5.00
1 MONTH 3.36 20 MONTHS 2511 4.15 98.45 5.22
3 MONTHS 3.70 23 MONTHS 2602 4.40 98.28 5.45
6 MONTHS 4.01 31 MONTHS 3610 4.20 96.06 5.97
12 MONTHS 4.54 TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS 34 MONTHS AND BONDS 3701 - 24,949 4.60 MN 96.24 6.17
CLOSED 7 APRIL 1994
---------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CBF HAS CONFIDENCE IN HK SOLDIERS........................... 1
DEMONSTRATIONS AT DETENTION CENTRES STAGED IN PEACE...... 1
HEBE HAVEN DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREA PLAN APPROVED.... 2
TENDERS CLOSE FOR ROUTE 3 COUNTRY PARK SECTION.......... 4
SUBMARINE SEWAGE OUTFALL ON NORTH LANTAU.................... 4
BUILDINGS ORDINANCE TO BE AMENDED........................... 5
EXTENSION OF PIER IN SAI KUNG............................... 6
BOARD TO REVIEW OUTLINE ZONING PLAN......................... 7
LUNG CHEUNG AND CHING CHEUNG ROADS TO BE IMPROVED........ 7
CHINESE PERMANENT CEMETERIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 ......... 8
SWISS BANK GRANTED HK LICENCE............................... 8
TSING YI TO GET MORE SPORTS FACILITIES...................... 9
SEARCH FOR SEWAGE DISPOSAL CONTRACTORS ..................... 9
OPEN FORUM FOR CONDUCT COUNCIL ELECTION.................... 10
FARE REVISED FOR PUBLIC LIGHT BUS ROUTE 21K................ 10
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ...
11
FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 1994
CBF HAS CONFIDENCE IN HK SOLDIERS *****
MAJOR GENERAL JOHN FOLEY, COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES HONG KONG, TODAY (FRIDAY) ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT CONCERNING MATTERS SURROUNDING THE RECENT RESCUE OF BRITISH SOLDIERS FROM MOUNT KINABALU:
"I HAVE NOTED THE TONE OF SOME RECENT PUBLIC’ COMMENT, REPORTED IN THE MEDIA BOTH HERE AND IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, CONCERNING THE HONG KONG SOLDIERS OF THE HONG KONG MILITARY SERVICE CORPS (HKMSC), AND IN PARTICULAR THOSE WHO PARTICIPATED IN EXERCISE GULLY HEIGHTS.
"IT WOULD BE INAPPROPRIATE FOR ME TO ENTER A PUBLIC DEBATE ON MATTERS WHICH WILL QUITE PROPERLY BE THE SUBJECT OF AN OFFICIAL ENQUIRY.
"HOWEVER I WISH IT TO BE KNOWN THAT I HAVE TOTAL CONFIDENCE IN THE SOLDIERS OF THE CORPS, WITHOUT WHOM THE HONG KONG GARRISON WOULD BE UNABLE TO OPERATE, AND AM PROUD TO HAVE THEM UNDER MY COMMAND.
"THEY ARE INVOLVED IN MOST ASPECTS OF GARRISON LIFE AND ACTIVITY AND THEIR EFFICIENCY, TRAINING, FITNESS AND GOOD HUMOUR ARE A CREDIT TO THEM AND SOMETHING OF WHICH BOTH THEY AND HONG KONG ARE ENTITLED TO BE PROUD. WHEN THEY RETURN, AS INEVITABLY THEY MUST, TO CIVILIAN LIFE THEY WILL BRING THESE QUALITIES WITH THEM.
"I CONSIDER THAT THE THREE HKMSC SOLDIERS WHO SURVIVED THE RECENT EXERCISE GULLY HEIGHTS HAVE CONDUCTED, AND CONTINUE TO CONDUCT, THEMSELVES WITH DIGNITY, RESTRAINT, AND FORTITUDE."
DEMONSTRATIONS AT DETENTION CENTRES STAGED IN PEACE
*****
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES, A CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (CSD) SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE SIIUA'IIONS AT WHITEHEAD DETENTION CENTRE AND HIGH ISLAND DETENTION CENTRE WERE BY AND LARGE PEACEFUL.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED HOWEVER THAT THERE WERE SPORADIC DEMONSTRATIONS AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY ON VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS (VMS) AND YESTERDAY’S TRANSFER OF VMS FROM WHITEHEAD TO HIGH ISLAND. THESE DEMONSTRATIONS WERE STAGED IN A PEACEFUL MANNER AND NO UNIOWARD INCIDENTS HAPPENED.
AT THE HIGH ISLAND DETENTION CENTRE, SOME 700 VIETNAMESE FROM THE SOUTH CAMP DEMONSTRATED FOR ABOUT AN HOUR STARTING SHORTLY AFTER 10 AM. ANOTHER DEMONSTRATION INVOLVING 600 PEOPLE BEGAN AT 4 PM AND LASTED FOR ABOUT AN HOUR.
THOSE WHO WERE TRANSFERRED TO THE CENTRE FROM WHITEHEAD YESTERDAY WERE NOW ACCOMMODATED IN Till'. NORTH SECTION. rIHE^ WERE NOT INVOLVED IN THE DEMONSTRATIONS.
/AT WHITEHEAD.........
FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 1994
2
AT WHITEHEAD, CROWDS STARTED TO GATHER IN THE COMPOUNDS OF VARIOUS SECTIONS AT ABOUT 1.40 PM WHEN A COMMERCIAL HELICOPTER WAS SEEN HOVERING ABOVE THE DETENTION CENTRE.
THIS DEVELOPED INTO SMALL SCALE DEMONSTRATIONS AT SOME OF THE SECTIONS. AT THE HEIGHT OF THE DEMONSTRATION, IT WAS ESTIMATED THAT SOME 3,000 PEOPLE PARTICIPATED. LIFE AT ALL SECTIONS RETURNED TO NORMAL AT ABOUT 5 PM.
MEANWHILE, 110 VMS FROM HIGH ISLAND’S SOUTH CAMP AND 28 FROM WHITEHEAD REFUSED TO TAKE THE EVENING MEALS ISSUED BY THE MANAGEMENT.
--------0-----------
HEBE HAVEN DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREA PLAN APPROVED
*****
THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS APPROVED THE HEBE HAVEN DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREA (DPA) PLAN, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE AREA COVERS THE ENTIRE COASTAL AREA OF HEBE HAVEN OR PAK SHA WAN IN SAI KUNG AND THE SURROUNDING HILL SLOPES OF HIGH SCENIC VALUE.
IT IS RURAL WITH COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS AS SUPPORTING ACTIVITIES TO WATER SPORTS ALONG THE COASTAL AREA OF HEBE HAVEN.
COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES ARE MAINLY RESTAURANTS AND RETAIL OUTLETS WHILE INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDE BOAT MANUFACTURING AND REPAIRING. AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN THE AREA ARE, HOWEVER, DECLINING WITH MOST FARMLAND LYING FALLOW.
IN RECENT YEARS, SOME OF THE FALLOW FARMLAND HAVE GRADUALLY BEEN CONVERTED TO WORKSHOPS, CAR DUMPING OR REPAIRING YARDS AND OPEN STORAGE USES.
"THESE USES HAVE DEGRADED THE RURAL ENVIRONMENT AND CREATED PROBLEMS LIKE TRAFFIC CONGESTION AND VISUAL BLIGHT," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"BECAUSE OF THE HIGH SCENIC VALUE AND EXISTENCE OF MARINE-RELATED FACILITIES, THE AREA IS SUBJECT TO GREAT URBAN DEVELOPMENT PRESSURE.
"THE DPA PLAN IS TO INTRODUCE PROPER PLANNING CONTROL TO THE AREA AND ENSURE THAT ANY NEW DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS FOR THE AREA WOULD BE SUBJECT TO CAREFUL PLANNING CONSIDERATION," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
IN HEBE HAVEN, ABOUT 14 HECTARES OF LAND HAVE BEEN ZONED "VILLAGE TYPE DEVELOPMENT". THE ZONE COVERS THE EXISTING RECOGNISED VILLAGES, INCLUDING TA HO TUN SHEUNG WAI, TA HO TUN HA WAI, TSIU HANG, TSIU HANG HAU, MA NAM WAT, CHE KENG TUK, HEUNG CHUNG AND AU TSAI TSUEN.
/TN ADDITION.........
FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 1994
3 -
IN ADDITION, ABOUT 127 HECTARES OF LAND HAVE BEEN ZONED ’’COUNTRY PARK”. THIS INCLUDES THE TSIU HANG SPECIAL AREA, WHICH IS A NATURE EDUCATION CENTRE, AND A SITE OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST IN PAK SHA WAN PENINSULA.
ANY DEVELOPMENT WITHIN THIS ZONE IS SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE COUNTRY PARKS ORDINANCE UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF THE COUNTRY PARKS AUTHORITY. NO SEPARATE PLANNING PERMISSION FROM THE BOARD IS REQUIRED.
THREE PATCHES OF LAND HAVE ALSO BEEN ZONED ’’RESIDENTIAL (GROUP C)”. THESE AREAS ARE SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS IN PLOT RATIO RANGING FROM 0.21 TO 0.6 AND IN SITE COVERAGE RANGING FROM 12.5 PER CENT TO 30 PER CENT.
THE MARINA COVE HAS BEEN ZONED ’’OTHER SPECIFIED USES" ANNOTATED RESIDENTIAL CUM MARINA DEVELOPMENT.
OTHER LAND USES IN THE AREA INCLUDE "GREEN BELT", "GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY", "UNSPECIFIED USE" AREA AND ROAD RESERVE.
THE APPROVED PLAN IS BEING PUT UP FOR PUBLIC’ INSPECTION UNTIL APRIL 15 IN THE FOLLOWING OFFICES:
♦ PLANNING DEPARTMENT,
16TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
* SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 34 CHAN MAN STREET, SAI KUNG, NEW TERRITORIES; AND
* SAI KUNG AND TSEUNG KWAN O DISTRICT PLANNING OFFICE, SUITE 1209, 12TH FLOOR, CHINACHEM GOLDEN PLAZA, 77 MODY ROAD, KOWLOON.
COPIES OF THE PLAN (NO. DPA/SK-HH/2) ARE ON SALE AT THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, AND THE KOWLOON MAP SALES OFFICE, 382 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
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/4 ........
FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 1994
4
TENDERS CLOSE FOR ROUTE 3 COUNTRY PARK SECTION ♦ t * ♦ ♦
TENDERS FOR THE ROUTE 3 - COUNTRY PARK SECTION (TAI LAM TUNNEL AND YUEN LONG APPROACH ROAD) FRANCHISE CLOSED TODAY (FRIDAY). THE GOVERNMENT HAS RECEIVED THREE BIDS TO UNDERTAKE THE PROJECT ON A ’’BUILD, OPERATE AND TRANSFER” BASIS.
THE THREE CONSORTIA ARE:
» HONG KONG ROUTE 3 COMPANY LIMITED, COMPRISING CITIC PACIFIC LIMITED AND CHINA MERCHANTS HOLDINGS (HONG KONG) COMPANY LIMITED;
t ROUTE 3 COUNTRY PARK CONSORTIUM, COMPRISING SUN HUNG KAI PROPERTIES LIMITED, BANK OF (HINA GROUP INVESTMENT LIMITED, CHINA RESOURCES (HOLDINGS) COMPANY LIMITED, AND CHINA TRAVEL SERVICE (HOLDINGS) HONG KONG LIMITED; AND
* TRIPLE WISE LIMITED, A SUBSIDIARY OF CHEUNG KONG (HOLDINGS) LIMITED.
THE BIDS ARE NOW BEING EXAMINED. IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S TIMETABLE, A DECISION ON THE AWARD OF THE FRANCHISE IS EXPECTED TO RE REACHED BY THE END OF 1991 SO THAT CONSTRUCTION CAN START IN EARLY 1995.
------0--------
SUBMARINE SEWAGE OUTFALL ON NORTH LANTAU * ♦ * * ♦
THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONSTRUCT A SUBMARINE SEWAGE OUTFALL WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 14.55 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED BETWEEN SIU HO WAN ON NORTH LANTAU AND SIU MO TO.
THE TWO-KILOMETRE OUTFALL WILL CONVEY THE EFFLUENT FROM THE TREATMENT WORKS TO BE CONSTRUCTED AT SIU HO WAN INTO THE DEEP WATERS TO THE SOUTH OF SIU MO TO.
THE WORKS ARE SCHEDULED TO BEGIN LATER THIS YEAR FOR COMPLETION IN 1997.
DURING THE INITIAL PHASES OF THE NORTH LANTAU DEVELOPMENT, THE EFFLUENT WILL RECEIVE PRELIMINARY TREATMENT WITH COARSE SCREENING AND GRIT REMOVAL, TO BE FOLLOWED BY FINE SCREENING AT THE TREATMENT WORKS BEFORE DISCHARGE VIA THE OUTFALL.
THIS TREATMENT WILL BE SUFFICIENT TO COMPLY WITH WATER QUALITY OBJECTIVES.
IN THE LONG TERM, PROVISION HAS BEEN MADE FOR UPGRADING THE TREATMENT FACILITIES TO PROVIDE FULL TREATMENT OF THE SEWAGE BEFORE IT IS DISCHARGED VIA THE OUTFALL.
/A THREE-YEAR .........
I
i
FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 1994
5
A THREE-YEAR COMPREHENSIVE FIELD MONITORING PROGRAMME WILL BE INSTITUTED TO DETERMINE THE NEED AND THE TIMING FOR UPGRADING THE TREATMENT LEVEL.
THE SEWAGE FACILITIES WILL SERVE THE CHEK LAP KOK AIRPORT, THE TUNG CHUNG NEW TOWN, THE PORT AND RELATED DEVELOPMENTS ON NORTH LANTAU.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE GAZETTED TODAY.
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HIS INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE WORKS MAY WRITE TO THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS TO CLAIM COMPENSATION WITHIN ONE YEAR FROM THE DATE OF THE GAZETTE NOTICE.
HE SHOULD STATE THE SUM OF MONEY THAT HE IS WILLING TO ACCEPT IN FULL AND FINAL SETTLEMENT OF HIS CLAIM AND SUBMIT PARTICULARS TO SUBSTANTIATE HIS CLAIM.
THE NOTICE AND THE RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN AT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT’S SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, CENTRAL, AND AT THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE, 20TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
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BUILDINGS ORDINANCE TO BE AMENDED
*****
A BILL THAT AIMS TO UPDATE AND IMPROVE THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE IN A NUMBER OF WAYS INCLUDING ATTAINING BETTER ENERGY CONSERVATION IN BUILDINGS WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE BUILDINGS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994, AMONG OTHER THINGS, WILL EMPOWER THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS TO MAKE REGULATIONS TO CONSERVE ENERGY.
AS A FIRST STEP, REGULATIONS WILL SOON BE MADE TO CONTROL THE OVERALL THERMAL TRANSFER VALUE (OTTV) OF THE WALLS AND ROOFS OF NEW COMMERCIAL AND HOTEL BUILDINGS.
DEVELOPERS WILL .BE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ON MATTERS SUCH AS THE MATERIALS USED IN AND THE SIZE AND DISPOSITION OF WINDOWS.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID A BUILDING CONSTRUCTED WITH GOOD OTTV WILL REDUCE HEAT TRANSMISSION AND THUS ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION OF AIR-CONDITIONING.
THIS WILL ATTAIN BETTER ENERGY EFFICIENCY TO THE BENEFIT OF THE ENVIRONMENT.
THE BILL ALSO SEEKS TO UPDATE THE APPEAL PROCEDURE BY SETTING UP AN INDEPENDENT AND IMPARTIAL TRIBUNAL TO HEAR APPEALS AGAINST THE BUILDING AUTHORITY’S DECISIONS.
/UNDER THE .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 1994
6 -
UNDER THE EXISTING ARRANGEMENTS, DIFFERENT TYPES OF APPEALS MADE UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE ARE DEALT WITH BY DIFFERENT APPEAL BODIES.
THE BILL ALSO AIMS TO IMPROVE AND STREAMLINE THE REGISTRATION SYSTEM SO THAT AUTHORISED PERSONS, REGISTERED STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS, REGISTERED BUILDING CONTRACTORS AND REGISTERED VENTILATION CONTRACTORS MAY APPLY FOR REGISTRATION OR RETENTION OF EXISTING REGISTRATION FOR ONE OR THREE YEARS, AND A CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION VALID FOR SUCH PERIOD CAN BE ISSUED TO A QUALIFIED APPLICANT.
AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE BILL WILL GIVE THE BUILDING AUTHORITY POWER TO CLOSE WELLS IN THE NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES, WHERE CONTINUED DRAWING OF WATER FROM THESE WELLS MIGHT ENDANGER NEARBY BUILDINGS OWING TO THE GEOLOGICAL CONDITIONS THERE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID EX-GRATIA PAYMENT WOULD BE GRANTED TO AFFECTED BUILDING OWNERS IF THE WELLS WERE CLOSED.
THE BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON APRIL 20.
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EXTENSION OF PIER IN SAI KUNG
*****
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT WILL EXTEND THE PIER AT KAU SAI IN SAI KUNG TO PROVIDE IMPROVED ACCESS FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS AND TOURISTS.
THE WORK WILL START LATER THIS MONTH AND TAKE ABOUT NINE MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE WORK IS EXPECTED TO AFFECT ABOUT 336 SQUARE METRES OF FORESHORE AND SEA-BED AT KAU SAI.
IT WILL EXTEND THE PIER BY 2.6 METRES IN LENGTH AND 10.8 METRES IN WIDTH AND ADD TWO FLIGHTS OF STAIRS.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE NOTICE AND THE RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN AT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT’S SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HIS INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEA-BED INVOLVED WILL BE INJURIOUSLY AFFECTED MAY SEND A WRITTEN CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION TO THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS ON OR BEFORE APRIL 8, 1995.
/7........
FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 1994
BOARD TO REVIEW OUTLINE ZONING PLAN *****
THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS REFERRED THE MID-LEVELS WEST OUTLINE ZONING PLAN (NO. S/Hll/5) TO THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION AND AMENDMENTS TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES AND THE LATEST PLANNING PROPOSALS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE PLAN WAS LAST APPROVED BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL IN OCTOBER 1993.
’’THE BOARD WILL REVISE THE PLAN, WHICH, AFTER INCORPORATING THE LATEST AMENDMENTS, WILL BE EXHIBITED FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION IN DUE COURSE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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LUNG CHEUNG AND CHING CHEUNG ROADS TO BE IMPROVED *****
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING APPLICATIONS FROM CONTRACTORS TO PRE-QUALIFY FOR TENDERING FOR THE LUNG CHEUNG ROAD AND CHING CHEUNG ROAD IMPROVEMENT WORKS.
THE WORKS INCLUDE THE WIDENING OF THE EXISTING SECTION OF LUNG CHEUNG ROAD BETWEEN TAI PO ROAD AND LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD FROM A DUAL TWO- TO A DUAL THREE-LANE CARRIAGEWAY, FORMATION OF CUT AND FILL SLOPES, REPROVISION OF A FOOTBRIDGE, CONSTRUCTION OF RETAINING WALLS, AN UNDERPASS, ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE, LANDSCAPING AND OTHER ANCILLARY WORKS.
DETAILS OF THE PRE-QUALIFICATTON INVITATION WERE GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
CONTRACTORS ON THE APPROVED CONTRACTORS FOR PUBLIC WORK LIST I GROUP C CONFIRMED FOR ROADS AND DRAINAGE WORKS OR SITE FORMATION, QR ON PUBLIC WORKS LIST II CONFIRMED FOR ROADS AND DRAINAGE WORKS OR SITE FORMATION, OR JOINT VENTURES OF THE LIST I OR LIST II APPROVED CONTRACTORS CAN APPLY TO THE REGIONAL HIGHWAY ENGINEER/KOWLOON, HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT, ROOM 1322, NAN FUNG COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 19 LAM KOK STREET, KOWLOON BAY, KOWLOON FOR DETAILS.
COMPLETED PRE-QUALIF1CATION SUBMISSIONS SHOULD BE RETURNED AS DIRECTED NO LATER THAN NOON ON MAY 6.
JOINT VENTURES WITH OTHER FIRMS WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR PRE-QUALIFICATION.
TENDERS WILL BE INVITED IN JUNE THIS YEAR FROM THE PRE-QUALIFIED CONTRACTORS. CONSTRUCTION IS SCHEDULED TO START IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR AND WILL BE COMPLETED AROUND JUNE 1997.
/8 ........
FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 1994
8
CHINESE PERMANENT CEMETERIES (AMENDMENT) * * * * *
BILL 1994
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO AMEND THE CHINESE PERMANENT CEMETERIES ORDINANCE TO BRING THE POWERS OF THE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT OF THE CHINESE PERMANENT CEMETERIES INTO LINE WITH THOSE OF SIMILAR BODIES.
THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS ARE CONTAINED IN THE CHINESE PERMANENT CEMETERIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE AMENDMENTS WOULD GIVE THE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT LEGAL POWERS NECESSARY FOR THE EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE DISCHARGE OF ITS FUNCTIONS.
’’THEY PROVIDE FOR THE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT TO CONDUCT BUSINESS BY CIRCULATION OF PAPERS TO EMPLOY A PROFESSIONAL FUND MANAGER TO MANAGE INVESTMENTS, AND TO HAVE WIDER DISCRETION OVER THE INVESTMENTS IT MAY MAKE,’’ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT SIMILAR POWERS WERE ALREADY ENJOYED BY OTHER TRUST FUND BODIES SUPERVISED BY THE HOME AFFAIRS BRANCH.
THE BILL IS DUE TO HAVE ITS FIRST READING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON APRIL 20.
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SWISS BANK GRANTED HK LICENCE
*****
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT COUTTS CO AG HAD BEEN GRANTED A BANKING LICENCE TO CONDUCT BUSINESS IN HONG KONG.
IT IS THE 46TH LARGEST BANK IN SWITZERLAND AND RANKS 1186TH IN THE WORLD IN TERMS OF ASSETS.
THE BANK HAS AN OVERSEAS BRANCH IN NEW YORK, REPRESENTATIVE OFFICES IN SINGAPORE AND TOKYO AND SUBSIDIARIES IN NASSAU AND THE ISLE OF MAN.
IN HONG KONG, IT HAS A SUBSIDIARY, COUTTS & CO (ASIA) LTD, WHICH IS CURRENTLY A REGISTERED INVESTMENT ADVISER WITH THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION.
IT HAS ALSO BEEN OPERATING A REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE SINCE JULY 1977.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE CONTINUING INTEREST OF FOREIGN BANKS IN ENTERING THE LOCAL MARKET REFLECTED HONG KONG’S CONTINUED IMPORTANCE AND ATTRACTIVENESS AS A MAJOR INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE.
THIS LICENCE IS THE FOURTH BANKING LICENCE GRANTED THIS YEAR.
THERE ARE NOW 176 LICENSED BANKS IN HONG KONG, OF WHICH 144 ARE INCORPORATED OUTSIDE THE TERRITORY.
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/9 ........
FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 1994
- 9 -
TSING YI TO GBT MORE SPORTS FACILITIES
* » » * ♦
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR BUILDING A SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX AND A SPORTSGROUND NEAR TSING KING ROAD ON TSING YI ISLAND.
THE 25,000-SQUARE-METRE SPORTSGROUND HAS A RUNNING TRACK, A SOCCER PITCH AND A COVERED SPECTATOR STAND.
THE PROJECT IS SCHEDULED TO START IN JULY FOR COMPLETION AT THE END OF NEXT YEAR.
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE DEPARTMENT, 34TH FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.
TENDER OFFER WILL CLOSE AT NOON ON MAY 6.
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SEARCH FOR SEWAGE DISPOSAL 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, WHICH WILL LAST ABOUT TWO YEARS, WILL COVER THE DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION AND COMMISSIONING OF SLUDGE TREATMENT FACILITIES AT A SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT ON STONECUTTERS ISLAND.
ALSO INCLUDED ARE ASSOCIATED CIVIL AND BUILDING WORKS COMPRISING LIQUID, CAKE AND DRIED SLUDGE HANDLING AND STORAGE, SLUDGE DEWATERING AND DRYING PLANT WITH A DAILY CAPACITY OF BETWEEN 460 AND 670 TONNES DRY SOLIDS A DAY.
A NOTICE INVITING THE SUBMISSIONS WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
ONLY CONTRACTORS WITH SUFFICIENT FINANCIAL RESOURCES, AND EXPERIENCE OF DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF SLUDGE TREATMENT FACILITIES AND OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR PRE-QUALIFICATION DOCUMENTS FROM THE PROJECT’S CONSULTANT, MONTGOMERY WATSON HONG KONG LIMITED, 1911 WINDSOR HOUSE, 311 GLOUCESTER ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR RETURNING THE DOCUMENTS IS NOON ON MAY 18.
THE DEPARTMENT WILL INVITE PRE-QUALIFIED CONTRACTORS TO TENDER FOR THE CONTRACT LATER THIS YEAR.
/10........
FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 1994
- 10 -
OPEN FORUM FOR CONDUCT COUNCIL ELECTION *****
A NUMBER OF CANDIDATES FOR THE COUNCIL ON PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT IN EDUCATION ELECTION WILL MEET VOTERS TO EXPLAIN THEIR PLATFORMS IN AN OPEN FORUM ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ON SUNDAY (APRIL 10).
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE FORUM WOULD BE ATTENDED BY CANDIDATES COMPETING IN THE CATEGORY OF PRIMARY SCHOOLS, KINDERGARTENS AND ORGANISATIONS. THE CANDIDATES WOULD FIRST GIVE A SHORT ELECTION SPEECH AND THEN ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR.
THE FORUM WILL BE HELD AT 9 AM ON SUNDAY (APRIL 10) AT THE HALL OF GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, GASCOIGNE ROAD, YAU MA TEI, KOWLOON.
"KINDERGARTEN AND PRIMARY SCHOOL HEADS AND TEACHERS, TOGETHER WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF EDUCATIONAL BODIES, ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE FORUM WHERE THEY CAN GET TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE CANDIDATES COMPETING IN THE ELECTION TO BE HELD ON APRIL 20," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THIS IS THE FIRST OF THE TWO FORUMS FOR CANDIDATES OF THE COUNCIL IN PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT IN EDUCATION ELECTION.
THE COUNCIL ON PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT IN EDUCATION IS A NON-STATUTORY BODY TO ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT ON MEASURES TO PROMOTE PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT IN EDUCATION, INCLUDING THE DRAFTING OF OPERATIONAL CRITERIA DEFINING THE CONDUCT EXPECTED OF AN EDUCATOR, AND TO ADVISE THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION IN RESOLVING CASES OF DISPUTE OR ALLEGED PROFESSIONAL MISCONDUCT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPEN FORUM ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT FOR CANDIDATES OF THE COUNCIL ON PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT IN EDUCATION ELECTION.
THIS WILL BE HELD FROM 9 AM ON SUNDAY (APRIL 10), AT THE HALL OF GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, GASCOIGNE ROAD, YAU MA TEI, KOWLOON.
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FARE REVISED FOR PUBLIC LIGHT BUS ROUTE 2 IK *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT THE FARE OF KOWLOON PUBLIC LIGHT BUS (SCHEDULED) ROUTE 2 IK PLYING FROM IVY STREET, TAI KOK TSUI TO MONG KOK KCR STATION (CIRCULAR) WILL BE ADJUSTED TO $2.8 PER SINGLE JOURNEY FROM SUNDAY (APRIL 10).
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/Il ......
FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 1994
1)
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ♦ ♦ * ♦ ♦
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,412 0930 + 240
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 3,987 1000 + 129
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 + 574
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 575 1200 + 574
LAF TODAY +1,000 1500 + 575
1600 + 575
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 125.7 *+0.1»
8.4.94
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.18 PCT 17 MONTHS 2508 4.625 99.66 4.94
1 MONTH 3.29 PCT 20 MONTHS 251 1 4.15 98.54 5.17
3 MONTHS 3.66 PCT 23 MONTHS 2602 4.40 98.37 5.41
6 MONTHS 3.91 PCT 31 MONTHS 3610 4.20 96.18 5.92
12 MONTHS 4.48 PCT 34 MONTHS 3701 4.60 96.40 6.11’
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 25,468 MN
CLOSED 8 APRIL 1994
n .
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL.: 842 8777
SATURDAY, APRIL 9, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
TRANSCRIPT OF THE GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION.................... 1
DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR PRAISES FAMINE CAMP PARTICIPANTS... 4
FIRST FAMILY ACTIVITY AND RESOURCE CENTRE OPENS............... 4
LUCKY CAR REGISTRATION MARKS SALE BY AUCTION.................. 5
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ... 7
SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOOD PROGRESS MADE IN PROVISION OF FACILITIES FOR THE DISABLED...................................................... 8
61 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED.............................. 9
PUBLIC URGED TO PLANT TREES.............................. 10
SATURDAY, APRIL 9, 1994
1
TRANSCRIPT OF THE GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION *****
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, AT THE KAI TAK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT ON HIS RETURN FROM LONDON THIS (SATURDAY) AFTERNOON:-
GOVERNOR: GOOD AFTERNOON. I’VE HAD AN INTERESTING VISIT TO LONDON, ONE OF THE VISITS THAT I HAVE MADE AND WILL CONTINUE TO MAKE REGULARLY. I THINK IT’S IMPORTANT TO BE ABLE FOUR OR FIVE TIMES A YEAR TO KEEP MINISTERS AND OFFICIALS AND OTHER COMMUNITY LEADERS IN TOUCH WITH DEVELOPMENTS HERE IN HONG KONG, BOTH POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC, AND ONCE AGAIN, AS I SAID YESTERDAY IN MY PRESS CONFERENCE IN LONDON, I WAS ABLE TO DETECT VERY BROAD SUPPORT FOR THE APPROACH WHICH WE’VE BEEN TAKING IN HONG KONG AND A GREAT DEAL OF INTEREST IN OUR SUCCESSES. I SPOKE AT SOME LENGTH TO THE PRIME MINISTER AND, ON THIS OCCASION, ON THE TELEPHONE BECAUSE HE WAS IN HIS HUNTINGDON CONSTITUENCY AFTER RETURNING FROM BELFAST FOR THE EASTER RECESS. I SPOKE TO HIM MAINLY ABOUT THE SUCCESSFUL PASSAGE OF OUR BILL ON ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS EARLY IN THE YEAR AND OUR HOPE THAT WE’LL BE ABLE TO SEE EQUALLY SUCCESSFUL PASSAGE OF THE LAST BILL SO THAT WE CAN BED THOSE ARRANGEMENTS DOWN AND GET ON TO OTHER BUSINESS AND THAT IS THE OVERWHELMING DESIRE IN THE COMMUNITY.
I HAD A LUNCH WITH THE FOREIGN SECRETARY. I HAD A NUMBER OF MEETINGS WITH OTHER MINISTERS AND OFFICIALS, PARTICULARLY OF COURSE FOREIGN OFFICE OFFICIALS AND I SAW OTHER COMMUNITY LEADERS AS WELL. I HAD AN INTERESTING MEETING WITH LADY THATCHER IN WHOM I’VE BEEN IN REGULAR CONTACT OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS, NOT LEAST BECAUSE SHE WAS ONE OF SIGNATORIES TO THE JOINT DECLARATION AND TAKES A CLOSE CONTINUING INTEREST IN THE SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE JOINT DECLARATION HERE IN HONG KONG. AS I SAID, THERE WAS OBVIOUSLY CONSIDERABLE INTEREST IN THE PROGRESS WE’VE MADE IN DEALING WITH OUR ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS. THERE WAS ALSO CONSIDERABLE INTEREST IN THE ISSUE OF MFN. I TOLD MINISTERS AND OFFICIALS ABOUT OUR PLANS BOTH TO MAKE SPEECHES AND LOBBY ON MFN HERE AND IN WASHINGTON. I TOLD THEM ABOUT THE PLANNED VISIT BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY TO WASHINGTON AND THE UNITED STATES LATER THIS MONTH. I TOLD THEM THAT I’LL BE SPEAKING TO THE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ON APRIL 22 MAINLY ABOUT MFN AND THEY ASSURED ME THAT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT WOULD BE LOBBYING JUST AS ENERGETICALLY AS WE ARE ON WHAT IS A VERY IMPORTANT SUBJECT FOR THE FUTURE ECONOMY AND WELL-BEING OF HONG KONG.
PLAINLY, WHILE I’VE BEEN IN LONDON, THE MAIN STORY OF INTEREST HERE IN HONG KONG HAS BEEN THE SENTENCE ON THE MING PAO JOURNALIST XI YANG. I TOTALLY ENDORSE EVERYTHING WHICH THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID A DAY OR TWO AGO AND I KNOW THAT SHE WAS SPEAKING VERY MUCH ON BEHALF OF THE WHOLE COMMUNITY. I THINK THERE IS AN ALMOST UNPRECEDENTED LEVEL OF CONCERN RIGHT ACROSS THE COMMUNITY ON THIS CASE AND I THINK WE’VE ALL BEEN APPALLED BY WHAT HAS HAPPENED. I JUST WANT TO MAKE ONE, I HOPE, OBVIOUS POINT THAT WE SHOULDN’T HAVE TO DWELL ON AND IT IS NOT VERY HELPFUL TO GO INTO GREAT DETAIL ON IT.
/OUR MAIN ........
SATURDAY, APRIL 9, 1994
- 2 -
OUR MAIN CONCERN HAS TO BE TO HELP MR XI YANG HIMSELF. OUR MAIN CONCERN HAS TO BE TO AVOID DOING OR SAYING ANYTHING WHICH MIGHT MAKE HIS VERY DIFFICULT POSITION EVEN MORE DIFFICULT AND THAT’S BEEN WHAT IS PRIMARILY MOTIVATED US FOR THE LAST SIX MONTHS OR SO. AGAIN, WITHOUT GOING INTO DETAIL, WE’VE KEPT IN TOUCH WITH HIS EMPLOYERS AND WE’VE HAD REGULAR CONTACTS WITH THE JOURNALISTS ASSOCIATION BECAUSE WE HAVEN’T WANTED TO DO OR SAY THINGS WHICH WOULD PREJUDICE HIS POSITION IN ANY WAY AND I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT FOR US TO REMEMBER ALL THE TIME THAT WHILE THERE ARE HERE FOR MANY PEOPLE FUNDAMENTAL ISSUES OF PRINCIPLE, THERE IS ALSO AN INDIVIDUAL FACING A VERY, VERY SEVERE PRISON SENTENCE WHICH ALL OF US MUST HOPE CAN BE APPEALED AND CAN BE DEALT WITH VERY LENIENTLY. SO, I HOPE WE CAN BEAR THAT IN MIND AND I REPEAT WHAT THE CHIEF SECRETARY HAS SAID AND WHICH I SAID AGAIN IN LONDON YESTERDAY, WE WANT TO HAVE MORE FACTS AND INFORMATION ABOUT THIS CASE, SOME ASPECTS OF WHICH REMAIN EXTREMELY MURKY. WE WANT TO KNOW IN THE INTERESTS OF YOU AND YOUR COLLEAGUES HERE IN HONG KpNG WHAT EXACTLY THE RULES AND REGULATIONS ARE FOR COVERING PUBLIC AFFAIRS IN CHINA FOR HONG KONG JOURNALISTS. AND WE VERY MUCH HOPE THAT MR XI YANG’S FAMILY AND EMPLOYERS AND LEGAL ADVISERS WILL BE GIVEN EARLY ACCESS TO HIM SO AS TO DISCUSS AN APPEAL AND WE HOPE THAT APPEAL CAN BE HELD PROMPTLY AND CAN BE DEALT WITH LENIENTLY. I DO HOPE THAT SENIOR CHINESE OFFICIALS UNDERSTAND THE STRENGTH OF FEELING O1Q THIS ISSUE IN HONG KONG WHICH GOES, I REPEAT, RIGHT ACROSS THE POLITICAL SPECTRUM AND I HOPE THEY UNDERSTAND WHY PEOPLE IN HONG KONG FEEL AS WE DO ON THIS CASE.
QUESTION: DID YOU DISCUSS THE ISSUE OF, I MEAN, THE NATIONALITY OF ETHNIC MINORITIES IN YOUR MEETING WITH ....?
GOVERNOR: I DISCUSS THEM WITH OFFICIALS. I DIDN’T DISCUSS THEM ON THIS OCCASION WITH THE HOME SECRETARY.
QUESTION: WHAT IS THE STATE OF FEELING NOW INSIDE THE HOUSE AND THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT ON THIS ISSUE?
GOVERNOR: I THINK THAT SOME OF THE ARGUMENTS WHICH I PUT HAVE BECOME FAMILIAR TO BRITISH OFFICIALS. BUT THERE IS STILL, AS I THINK YOU WOULD KNOW, BOTH AMONG POLITICIANS AND OFFICIALS SOME OF THE RESERVATIONS THAT HAVE BEEN EXPRESSED IN THE PAST.
QUESTION: THE EMPLOYER OF MING PAO CALLING THAT THERE SHOULDN’T BE ANY FOREIGN INTERVENTION OR POLITICISING THE XI YANG CASE. IS THE GOVERNMENT AND THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSE AND REACTIONS TO THAT WILL TRY TO HAMPER THE MING PAO’S DEALING OF THE XI YANG CASE?
GOVERNOR: NO. I THINK THAT WHAT I HAVE SAID VERY MUCH REFLECTS OUR CONCERN AND TO PROCEED IN A FIRM BUT MODERATE WAY.
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL YESTERDAY REQUESTED THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT TO TRY TO ARRANGE A MEETING BETWEEN DOUGLAS HURD AND THE CHINESE AMBASSADOR TO BRITAIN. DO YOU THINK THAT WILL HELP IN ANY WAY?
/GOVERNOR: .......
SATURDAY, APRIL 9, 1994
3 -
GOVERNOR: I THINK THE FIRST THING THAT WOULD BE HELPFUL WOULD BE A RESPONSE TO THE INQUIRIES MADE BY THE BRITISH EMBASSY IN PEKING FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND DETAILS ABOUT MR XI YANG’S CASE, I THINK YOU HAVE TO REMEMBER THAT THERE IS A SLIGHT DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MR XI YANG AND OTHERS WHOSE CASES WE’VE TAKEN UP VIGOROUSLY IN THE PAST. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE PURSUE MR XI YANG’S CASE BECAUSE HE WAS A HONG KONG RESIDENT AND WORKING FOR A HONG KONG NEWSPAPER. BUT HE IS A CHINESE CITIZEN WHICH MEANS THAT THERE IS CERTAIN CONSTRAINT IN WHAT WE CAN DO IN INTERNATIONAL LAW , INTERNATIONAL PRACTICE WHICH WOULDN’T APPLY IF HE WAS A CITIZEN OF HONG KONG.
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, IN ORDER TO HELP MR XI YANG, WOULD IT BE BETTER IF YOU WOULD PUT THE XI YANG CASE ON THE INTERNATIONAL AGENDA? IF SO, WHAT SPECIFIC ACTION CAN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT DO TO ....?
GOVERNOR: I THINK THE ACTIONS THAT I’VE SUGGESTED ARE THE RIGHT WAY TO PROCEED. BUT WE OBVIOUSLY WANT TO CONSIDER MATTERS WITH MR XI YANG’S EMPLOYER, WITH THE JOURNALISTS ASSOCIATION AND WITH OTHERS FROM DAY TO DAY. BUT I DON’T WANT TO LEAP INTO THE ISSUE WITH BOTH FEET UNTIL WE’VE ACTUALLY ACCOMPLISHED OUR FIRST STAGE OBJECTIVE WHICH SHOULD BE, FIRST OF ALL, TO GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT MR XI YANG’S CASE; SECONDLY, TO GET ACCESS TO MR XI YANG FOR HIS FAMILY AND EMPLOYERS AND LEGAL ADVISERS. I MEAN, THAT IS NOT A VERY SUBSTANTIAL REQUEST TO MAKE. IT SHOULDN’T BE DIFFICULT FOR THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES TO REACT VERY POSITIVELY TO IT AND I HOPE THEY WILL BECAUSE THEY MUST RECOGNISE THAT THERE IS A DEGREE OF CONCERN ABOUT THE XI YANG CASE HERE WHICH, I THINK, RAISES A LOT OF ANXIETIES, A LOT OF QUESTION MARKS, A LOT OF DOUBTS IN PEOPLE’S MINDS ABOUT THE FUTURE. IF EVER, ANYTHING CONFIRMS THE IMPORTANCE OF PEOPLE OF HONG KONG STANDING UP FOR THE JOINT DECLARATION, STANDING UP FOR OUR VALUES AND FREEDOMS, THEN THIS CASE IS IT AND I HOPE THERE AREN’T OTHERS LIKE IT. ONE MORE QUESTION.
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, AFTER YOUR VISIT TO LONDON, HOW WOULD YOU EVALUATE THE PRESENT SINO-BRITISH RELATIONSHIP AND ALSO ESPECIALLY ON THE HONG KONG CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS?
GOVERNOR: WE VERY MUCH HOPE, AS I’VE SAID BEFORE, THAT OUR FAILURE TO AGREE ON ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS HERE IN HONG KONG WON’T AFFECT THE WIDER INTERESTS OF HONG KONG AND WON’T BE ALLOWED TO AFFECT ISSUES CONCERNING HONG KONG’S LIVELIHOOD, HONG KONG’S WELL-BEING, HONG KONG’S FUTURE PROSPERITY AND STABILITY WHICH ARE, OF COURSE, INTIMATELY CONNECTED TO CHINA’S FUTURE PROSPERITY. WE ALSO HOPE THAT SINO -BRITISH RELATIONS WILL PROSPER IN THE FUTURE AS IT’S IN THE INTEREST OF BOTH COUNTRIES AND THEY DO. BUT THAT’S NOT OBVIOUSLY PRIMARY MY RESPONSIBILITY. BUT SO FAR AS HONG KONG IS CONCERNED, I REPEAT WHAT I’VE SAID MANY TIMES BEFORE, THAT WHILE WE WOULD HAVE VERY MUCH LIKED TO HAVE REACHED AN AGREEMENT, UNFORTUNATELY, WE WEREN’T ABLE TO DO SO. BUT WE SHOULD TRY TO COOPERATE AND AGREE ON ALL THE OTHER THINGS WHICH AFFECT HONG KONG’S FUTURE. I THINK THAT STEADILY OVER THE COMING MONTHS, YOU ’LL SEE THAT HAPPENING. I THINK THAT THERE IS A GREAT DEAL OF SELF-CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG ABOUT OUR ABILITY TO COPE WITH OUR OWN AFFAIRS, TO MANAGE OUR AFFAIRS WITHOUT THREATENING ANYONE ELSE. I THINK THAT IS ONE OF THE BONUSES, PERHAPS, THE ARGUMENTS THAT WE’VE HAD IN THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS. BUT LOOKING TO THE FUTURE, THAT SELFCONFIDENCE WOULD BE GREATLY STRENGTHENED, THAT SELF-CONFIDENCE WOULD BE EXPRESSED, I THINK, WITH MUCH MORE ENTHUSIASM IF PEOPLE IN HONG KONG COULD HAVE REASSURANCES ABOUT MATTERS LIKE THE XI YANG CASE. THANK YOU VERY MUCH INDEED.
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/4 ........
SATURDAY, APRIL 9, 1994
- 4
DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR PRAISES FAMINE CAMP PARTICIPANTS
* * * * *
THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR, MRS ANSON CHAN, TODAY (SATURDAY) GAVE HER SUPPORT AND APPRECIATION TO THE 6,000 PARTICIPANTS OF THIS YEAR’S "30-HOUR FAMINE CAMP”.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE FAMINE CAMP ORGANISED BY THE WORLD VISION HONG KONG AT THE HONG KONG STADIUM, MRS CHAN DESCRIBED THE CAMP AS A VERY MEANINGFUL EVENT.
"IT REMINDS US THAT MANY PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD NEED OUR HELP IN ORDER TO HAVE A CHANCE IN LIFE," MRS CHAN SAID.
"HONG KONG PEOPLE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN VERY GENEROUS AND ENTHUSIASTIC TOWARDS HELPING THE NEEDY. TODAY’S HIGH TURN OUT IS A VIDID DEMONSTRATION OF THIS,” SHE ADDED.
MRS CHAN SAID THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS THIS YEAR DOUBLED THAT OF LAST YEAR.
"I GAVE MY FULL SUPPORT AND APPRECIATION TO ALL OF YOU AND WISH THE WORLD VISION HONG KONG EVERY SUCCESS IN ITS FUTURE ENDEAVOURS," SHE SAID.
------0-------
FIRST FAMILY ACTIVITY AND RESOURCE CENTRE OPENS *****
THE FAMILY ACTIVITY AND RESOURCE CENTRE IN YAU MA TEI HENRY G LEONG COMMUNITY CENTRE, THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN HONG KONG, WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED TODAY (SATURDAY).
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CENTRE, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR IAN STRACHAN, SAID HONG KONG HAD MADE GREAT STRIDES BOTH SOCIALLY AND ECONOMICALLY IN RECENT YEARS.
MR STRACHAN SAID THESE CHANGES, ARISING FROM THE RAPID DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIETY, SUCH AS DECREASING HOUSEHOLD SIZES, MORE WOMEN WORKING OUTSIDE THE HOME, WESTERN INFLUENCES, SOPHISTICATED LIFE STYLES, AGING POPULATION, HAD BROUGHT IMMENSE CHALLENGES TO THE FUNCTIONS OF FAMILIES TODAY.
"SOME FAMILIES ENCOUNTER STRESS AND ANXIETY ON ACCOUNT OF THEIR CHANGING ROLES.
"PREVENTION IS ALWAYS BETTER THAN CURE. A FAMILY ACTIVITY AND RESOURCE CENTRE IS A FACILITY SPECIALLY DESIGNED TO HELP FAMILIES DEVELOP AND BETTER ADJUST IN THE CHANGING WORLD," HE SAID.
MR STRACHAN POINTED OUT THAT OBJECTIVES OF THE SERVICE WERE TO PROMOTE HARMONIOUS FAMILY RELATIONSHIP, TO EARLY IDENTIFY AND RESOLVE PROBLEMS AND TO ASSIST INDIVIDUALS TO ACHIEVE A MORE SATISFYING ROLE IN THE FAMILY.
/•'WITH A .........
SATURDAY, APRIL 9, 1994
- 5 -
’’WITH A PLEASANT ENVIRONMENT, THESE CENTRES PROVIDE A DROP-IN FOCAL POINT OF INTEREST AND CONTACT FOR FAMILIES IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD.
”1 AM SURE, FAMILY MEMBERS WILL FIND IT EASY TO SHARE THEIR FEELINGS, TROUBLES AND EXPECTATIONS AMONG THEMSELVES, WITH THE HELP OF SOCIAL WORKERS,” HE ADDED.
NOTING THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS DETERMINED TO DEVELOP NEW COMMUNITY SERVICES FOR THE FAMILY, MR STRACHAN CONCLUDED THAT BY JOINING HANDS WITH NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS. THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AIMED A'I’ PROVIDING ABOU'I 'IWO SUCH CENTRES IN EACH DISTRICT.
------0------------
LUCKY CAR REGISTRATION MARKS SALE BY AUCTION ♦ * * ♦ ♦
ONE HUNDRED CAR REGISTRATION MARKS WERE PUT UP FOR AUCTION THIS SATURDAY FOR A TOTAL OF $2,314,000 WHICH WILL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHAR I TV PURPOSES AFTER DEDUCTION OF EXPENSES INCURRED IN THE CONDUCT THEREOF.
THE AUCTION. HELD AT THE RECITAL HALL OF THE CITY HALL, SAW THE REGISTRATION MARK *BC88 FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE OF $330,000.
ANOTHER REGISTRATION MARK *AL888 WAS SOLD AT THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE OF $220,000 WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS $1,000 EACH FOR FT1229, FT1029, FT245, FT7693. BE5713, FT7118, FU157, FU1013, FT2108, CH874.
FOLLOWING ARE THE RESULTS OF TODAY’S MORNING SESSION AUCTION:
$ $ $ $ •
FT819 4.000 FT 1289 4,000 AW 36 5 6,000 FT6333 20,000
FS301 5,000 FU3228 19,000 FT12I9 3,000 FT3988 8,000
♦FE400 10,000 ♦ FX3 185,000 ♦ DL5 J 10,000 ♦ BC88 330,000
FT1229 1 .000 FT 189 23.000 FT2228 24,000 FT113 21,000
AS1992 8.000 CG3688 14.000 FS9369 3,000 EL339 33,000
FT3680 4,000 FT325 6.000 CH874 1 ,000 FT1029 1,000
AL2848 21,000 FT718 6,000 FT 1668 25,000 AA5 5 2 5 17,000
*AS7 205.000 ♦FW900 20,000 ♦ DK26 30.000 ♦AC696 W/C
FT6 1 2 3,000 FT3188 4,000 FT88 1 13.000 FT245 1,000
FT6381 2,000 FT2313 6,000 FT522 I ,000 FT 3 1 7 3,000
CG8 1 5 4,000 FT3889 12,000 ♦ BH 1444 12.000 FT3278 6,000
BU8968 5,000 FT9 1 16 3,000 BN32 7 6,000 ♦ET2277 16,000
FT7693 1 ,000 BE57 1 3 1 , 000
/FOLLOWING ARE .......
SATURDAY, APRIL 9, 1994
6
FOLLOWING ARE THE RESULTS OF TODAY’S AFTERNOON SESSION AUCTION:
$ $ $ $
FT1128 14,000 AW366 30,000 AL1218 18,000 FU9219 4,000
FU932 6,000 FU203 16,000 FU2608 5,000 FU712 5,000
♦FX323 w/c ♦FW111 40,000 ♦ DK19 80,000 ♦AL888 220,000
FU629 6,000 CZ609 15,000 FU104 W/C FU850 10,000
AA6768 15,000 FU2118 6,000 AT1972 8,000 CM8023 4,000
FU318 28,000 FT882 14,000 FU1 57 1,000 FU751 3,000
FT7118 1,000 FU181 2 6,000 AW6318 14,000 BZ2805 8,000
♦ DL9 120,000 ♦ 1268 140,000 ♦AJ7000 44,000 ♦ FU67 20,000
FU980 10,000 FU710 6,000 FT62 7 4,000 FU516 4,000
FT2108 1,000 FC308 18,000 FU6080 8,000 AS9 192 19,000
FU1013 1,000 FU407 5,000 ♦FW5678 22,000 FU9266 2,000
AN874 8,000 FU1960 8,000 CC2608 6,000 ♦FX1001 12,000
FU583 8,000 FT5224 W/C
THERE WERE NO BIDDER FOR ♦AC696, ♦FX323, FU104, , FT5224, FU104,
FT5224 WILL BE ASSIGNED TO THE ORIG INAL APPLICANTS.
♦ SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK (NOT TRANSFERABLE-)
W/C: WITHDRAWN
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 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, IN THE CONDUCT THEREOF, WILL AS FUND.
AFTER DEDUCTION OF EXPENSES INCURRED USUAL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES
THE COMING AUCTIONS WILL BE THE 220TH AND THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973.
221ST ORGANISED BY
TODAY’S SALE, THE 220TH AND 221ST ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, BROUGHT THE AMOUNT REALISED SO FAR TO $308,646,905.
/7........
SATURDAY, APRIL 9, 1994
7
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 3,987 0930 -1,000
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,887 1000 -1,000
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 -1,000
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -1,000 1200
LAF TODAY -1,100 1500
1600
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 125.6 »-0.1* 9.4.94
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/8 ........
SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 1994
- 8 -
GOOD PROGRESS MADE IN PROVISION OF FACILITIES FOR THE DISABLED » * » » *
A LOT OF WORK HAS BEEN PUT IN BY THE GOVERNMENT, THE TRANSPORT OPERATORS AND THE DISABLED GROUPS IN THE PROVISION OF FACILITIES IN PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO ENHANCE THE ABILITY OF DISABLED PERSONS TO MOVE AROUND AT WILL, AND CONSIDERABLE ACHIEVEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE, THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR RAFAEL HUI, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE RI-ICTA REGIONAL CONFERENCE ON ACCESS AND TRANSPORT HELD AT THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE, MR HUI SAID THE GOVERNOR HELD A SUMMIT MEETING IN DECEMBER 1992 WITH DISABLED GROUPS AND TRANSPORT OPERATORS TO ENHANCE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE TRANSPORT NEEDS OF DISABLED PERSONS, AND TO IMPROVE TRANSPORT FACILITIES FOR THEM.
IN EARLY 1993, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SET UP A WORKING GROUP TO CO-ORDINATE IMPROVEMENTS ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES FOR DISABLED PERSONS. AS A RESULT OF DISCUSSIONS AND A NUMBER OF ACCESS TRIALS FOR DISABLED PERSONS ON VARIOUS MODES OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT, IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMMES HAVE BEEN DRAWN UP BY EACH OF THE MAJOR TRANSPORT OPERATORS FOR IMPLEMENTATION.
MR HUI SAID THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION HAS AGREED TO CATER FOR THE NEEDS OF THE DISABLED IN THE DESIGN OF THE NEW AIRPORT RAILWAY, AS WELL AS TO INTRODUCE FACILITIES FOR DISABLED PERSONS ON ITS EXISTING SYSTEM AS FAR AS PRACTICABLE.
EVEN THOUGH BOTH THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY AND THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT ARE ALREADY RELATIVELY ACCESSIBLE TO DISABLED PERSONS, THE KCRC HAS CONTINUED TO TAKE NEW INITIATIVES TO MAKE ITS SERVICES MORE USER-FRIENDLY TO DISABLED PERSONS.
"GENERALLY SPEAKING, THE DISABLED GROUPS ARE HAPPY WITH THE PROGRESS MADE BY THE TRANSPORT OPERATORS AND THEIR PLANS FOR FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS, ALTHOUGH THEY FEEL THAT THERE IS ROOM FOR MORE POSITIVE ACTION ON THE PART OF THE BUS OPERATORS, ESPECIALLY IN MEETING THE NEEDS OF WHEELCHAIR USERS,” MR HUI SAID.
"BECAUSE OF THE HEAVY TRAFFIC ON HONG KONG’S ROADS, THE CROWDED CONDITIONS ON ITS BUSES, THE HIGH FREQUENCY AND NUMBER OF SERVICES AND THE GENERALLY LIMITED SPACING AT BUS STOPS, THERE ARE REAL OBSTACLES FOR BUS OPERATORS TO DRASTICALLY AND QUICKLY CHANGE THEIR VEHICLES TO FULLY ACCOMMODATE THE TRANSPORT NEEDS OF ALL TYPES OF DISABLED PERSONS.
"NEVERTHELESS, THE BUS OPERATORS HAVE AGREED TO INCORPORATE IN THEIR NEW BUS FLEET THE SPECIAL FACILITIES FOR DISABLED PERSONS RECOMMENDED BY THE DISABLED PERSONS TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE IN THE UK," HE ADDED.
STARTING APRIL 1993, DISABLED DRIVERS HAVE BEEN EXEMPTED FROM PAYMENT OF GOVERNMENT TUNNEL TOLLS. THIS IS ADDITIONAL TO CONCESSIONS SUCH AS EXEMPTION FROM FIRST REGISTRATION TAX, VEHICLE AND DRIVING LICENCE FEES, DUTY ON FUEL AND CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL PASSAGE TAX.
/IN LATE .......
SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 1.994
- 9 -
IN LATE 1993, A SCHEME WAS INTRODUCED UNDER WHICH TAXI DRIVERS ARE ALLOWED TO PICK UP OR SET DOWN DISABLED PASSENGERS IN RESTRICTED ZONES WITH THE PRODUCTION OF A CERTIFICATE ISSUED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT BY THE DISABLED PASSENGER.
ALSO IN LATE 1993, THE WORKING GROUP PUBLISHED A BOOKLET CALLED "A GUIDE TO PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES IN HONG KONG FOR DISABLED PERSONS” SETTING OUT IN A CLEAR AND CONCISE WAY THE TRANSPORT FACILITIES AVAILABLE TO DISABLED PERSONS.
EXPANSION AND IMPROVEMENTS TO THE RAHABUS SERVICE WILL ALSO BE PUT IN PLACE NEXT YEAR.
MR HUI SAID IN ACHIEVING THE RESULTS ATTAINED, BOTH THE DISABLED GROUPS AND THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT OPERATORS HAD ADOPTED A POSITIVE AND PRAGMATIC APPROACH IN IMPLEMENTING PRACTICABLE IMPROVEMENTS AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE, GIVEN THE MANY CONSTRAINTS THAT WERE ALMOST UNIQUE TO THE TRANSPORT SCENE IN HONG KONG.
’’THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO GIVE FULL SUPPORT TO FURTHER IMPROVE THE ACCESS OF OUR PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM TO THE DISABLED PERSONS. THROUGH THE CONCERTED EFFORTS OF THE GOVERNMENT. THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT OPERATORS AND THE DISABLED COMMUNITY, I AM CONFIDENT THAT OUR PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM WILL CONTINUE TO BE MORE AND MORE USER-FRIENDLY AND ACCESSIBLE TO DISABLED TRAVELLERS,” HE SAID.
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61 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED ♦ * * * *
THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT APPROVED 61 NEW BUILDING PLANS IN JANUARY THIS YEAR.
OF THESE. 20 ARE FOR HONG KONG ISLAND, NINE FOR KOWLOON AND 32 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE APPROVED PLANS INCLUDE 18 FOR APARTMENT AND APARTMENT/COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS, 13 FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS AND 11 FOR FACTORY AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTS.
DURING THAT MONTH. CONSENT WAS GIVEN FOR WORK TO START ON 40 BUILDING PROJECTS. WHICH INVOLVE 88.718 SQUARE METRES OF USABLE DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA AND 96,543 SQUARE METRES OF USABLE NON-DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA. THE DECLARED COST OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED TOTALLED ABOUT $2,411 MILLION.
OF THE BUILDINGS CERTIFIED FOR OCCUPATION IN THAT MONTH, USABLE FLOOR AREAS FOR DOMESTIC AND NON-DOMESTIC USE ARE 186,284 SQUARE METRES AND 109,463 SQUARE METRES RESPECTIVELY.
IN JANUARY. THE DEPARTMENT ISSUED 41 OCCUPATION PERMITS - 14
FOR HONG KONG ISLAND, NINE FOR KOWLOON AND 18 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
IN ADDITION, 28 DEMOLITION CONSENTS INVOLVING 61 BUILDINGS WERE ISSUED.
/THE BUILDINGS .......
SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 1994
10
THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT’S CONTROL AND ENFORCEMENT DIVISION RECEIVED 482 COMPLAINTS OF UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS, CARRIED OUT 1,707 INSPECTIONS \ND ISSUED 527 REMOVAL ORDERS ON THE UNAUTHORISED WORKS.
THE DEPARTMENT'S DANGEROUS BUILDINGS SECTION ALSO INSPECTED 1,210 BUILDINGS AND OBTAINED THREE EMERGENCY CLOSURE ORDERS FROM THE COURT.
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PUBLIC URGED TO PLANT TREES
*****
THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES. DR LAWRENCE LEE. TODAY (SUNDAY) URGED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC To TAKE PART IN THIS YEAR’S COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING SCHEME Now IN FULL SWING.
HE MADE THE APPEAL AT THE OPENING OF THE CONSERVANCY ASSOCIATION’S "GREENING OF HONG KONG 94" AT PAK TAM AU IN THE SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK.
THE ACTIVITY IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING SCHEME ORGANISED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT.
DR LEE POINTED OUT THAT TREE PLANTING COULD GIVE LOCAL RESIDENTS VALUABLE.EXPERIENCE IN LIFE AND ENHANCE THEIR AWARENESS OF NATURE.
"TREES ARE HONG KONG’S PRECIOUS NATURAL RESOURCES. THEY PROVIDE FRESH AIR, BEAUTIFY OUR ENVIRONMENT. PREVENT SOIL EROSION AND OFFER NATURAL HABITATS TO THE MANY WILD LIFE SPECIES.
"BUT REGRETTABLY. MANY OF OUR TREES ARE DESTROYED IN COUNTRYSIDE FIRES EACH YEAR," HE SAID.
AS COUNTRYSIDE FIRES WERE MOSTLY CAUSED BY CARELESSNESS, THEY COULD BE PREVENTED IF LOCAL RESIDENTS HAD BEEN MADE MORE AWARE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF TREES AND HAD HELPED PROTECT THEM. HE SAID.
DR LEE SAID MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC COULD HELP IN THIS MEANINGFUL CAUSE BY PLANTING TREES AT FOUR COUNTRY PARKS ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS UNTIL THE END OF THIS MONTH.
THE FOUR PLANTING SITFS ARE AT TAI MO SHAN. LAU SHUT HEUNG IN PAT SIN LENG. QUARRY BAY AND NAM SHAN ON LANTAU.
AS FOR INTERESTED SCHOOLS AND ORGANISATIONS, THEY ARE WELCOME TO CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT’S CONSERVATION EDUCATION UNIT ON TEL 733 2121 FOR SEPARATE ARRANGEMENTS.
A TOTAL OF 16,500 TREES HAVE BEEN PLANTED BY MORE THAN 13,000 PARTICIPANTS SINCE THIS YEAR’S SCHEME WAS LAUNCHED ON MARCH 5.
DR LEE THANKED THE CONSERVANCY ASSOCIATION FOR PROMOTING NATURE CONSERVATION IN HONG KoNG.
FOR THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR, THE ASSOi 1ATION HAS MOBILISED ITS MEMBERS To TAKE PART IN THE SCHEME.
ALSO PRESENT AT THE CEREMONY WERE LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR MR PETER WONG AND CONSERVANCY ASSOCIATION’S CHAIRMAN, MR FUNG SHIU-WING.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, APRIL 11, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT ON DESCRIPTIONS OF FLATS ON SALE. 1
STI IN MOROCCO TO SIGN URUGUAY ROUND AGREEMENT............ 2
INSIDER DEALING TRIBUNAL TO HOLD HEARING.................. 3
WATER STORAGE FIGURE...................................... 4
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS... 4
MONDAY, APRTL 11, 1994
CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT
ON DESCRIPTIONS OF FLATS ON SALE
*****
A SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION TODAY (MONDAY) ISSUED A CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT ON THE WAYS TO CURB MISLEADING SALES DESCRIPTIONS OF UNCOMPLETED FLATS IN HONG KONG.
THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT CONTAINS THE SUB-COMMITTEE’S INTERIM RECOMMENDATIONS. THE SUB-COMMITTEE IS SEEKING THE PUBLIC’S VIEWS ON THESE BEFORE FINALISING ITS PROPOSALS FOR THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION.
THE CONSULTATION PERIOD WILL EXPIRE ON JUNE 30.
CHAIRED BY PROFESSOR DEREK ROEBUCK, DEAN OF THE FACULTY OF LAW OF THE CITY POLYTECHNIC, THE SUB-COMMITTEE INCLUDES AMONG ITS MEMBERS LAWYERS, ARCHITECTS AND OTHERS WITH RELEVANT EXPERTISE.
SINCE IT STARTED WORK IN DECEMBER 1992, IT HAS HELD 17 MEETINGS.
THE SUB-COMMITTEE HAS MADE MANI INTERIM RECOMMENDATIONS. THE MORE IMPORTANT ONES ARE:
* THE TERM GROSS FLOOR AREA IN SALES LITERATURE SHOULD BE STANDARDISED BY LEGISLATION. THE SUB-COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS THE ADOPTION OF THE DEFINITION IN REGULATION 23(3) OF THE BUILDING (PLANNING) REGULATIONS (CAP. 123), WHICH IS USED BY THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IN APPROVING BUILDING PLANS;
* THE INCLUSION OF SALEABLE AREAS IN SALES LITERATURE SHOULD RE MADE MANDATORY BY LEGISLATION;
* THE DEFINITION OF SALEABLE AREA PROMULGATED TN LEGAL ADVISORY AND CONVEYANCING OFFICE CIRCULAR MEMORANDUM NO. 1 DATED JUNE 23, 1993 SHOULD BE RECOGNISED IN LEGISLATION AS THE STANDARD METHOD TO DESCRIBE SALEABLE AREA IN ALL SALES LITERATURE;
* THE SALES BROCHURE SHOULD CONTAIN FLOOR PLANS WITH SPECIFIED DETAILS SUCH AS DIMENSIONS OF INDIVIDUAL UNITS, THE ORIENTATION, INGRESS AND EGRESS POINTS, LOAD BEARING WALLS, EXPOSED PIPES;
* THERE SHOULD BE A LIST OF SPECIFIED FITTINGS AND FINISHES IN ALL SALES BROCHURES. THE BRANDS AND COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN OF THE FITTINGS AND FINISHES SHOULD ALSO BE STATED;
* THE SALES BROCHURE SHOULD STATE THE SALIENT POINTS OF THE DEED OF MUTUAL ('OVENANT SUCH AS THE DEFINITIONS OF COMMON PARTS, APPORTIONMENT OF MANAGEMENT (BARGES, RESTRICTIONS ON USE OF COMMON PARTS, NAME OF I'IRST MANAGER;
/* THE DEVELOPER . .
MONDAY, APRIL 11, 1994
- 2 -
t THE DEVELOPER SHOULD DEPOSIT COPIES OF THE ENGLISH AND CHINESE VERSIONS OF THE FULL TEXT OF THE DEED OF MUTUAL COVENANT FOR FREE INSPECTION AT EITHER THE SALES OFFICE OR THE SOLICITORS’ OFFICE DURING NORMAL OFFICE HOURS;
(THIS RECOMMENDATION WILL IN EFFECT REQUIRE THE DEVELOPER TO ARRANGE FOR THE CHINESE TRANSLATION OF THE DEED OF MUTUAL COVENANT.)
♦ THE DEVELOPER SHOULD PRODUCE, FOR ALL SALES, BOTH PRIVATE AND PUBLIC, AN UP-DATED SALES BROCHURE AND KEEP AT LEAST ONE UP-DATED COPY OF IT UNTIL THE OCCUPATION PERMIT IS ISSUED;
AND
* ADVERTISEMENTS (OTHER THAN A SALES BROCHURE) FOR PUBLIC SALE OF FLATS BY DEVELOPERS OR FOR PRIVATE SALE OF FLATS BY PROPERTY AGENTS MUST STATE THAT A SALKS BROCHURE IS
AVAILABLE. INFORMATION GIVEN IN THE ADVERTISEMENTS MUST BE CONSISTENT WITH THE INFORMATION GIVEN IN THE SALES BROCHURE.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND INTERESTED PARTIES WHO WISH TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE MATTER SHOULD WRITE. TO THE SECRETARY OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE ON DESCRIPTION OF FLATS ON SAL!-. OF THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION ON THE FOURTH FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, HIGH BLOCK, QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG, OR CALL 867 2017.
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STI IN MOROCCO TO SIGN URUGUAY ROUND AGREEMENT ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR I I! CHAU, ARRIVED IN MARRAKESH, MOROCCO, YESTERDAY (SUNDAY) TO ATTEND THE URUGUAY ROUND MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE TO BE HELD FROM APRIL 11 TO 15.
ON APRIL 15 (FRIDAY), MR CHAU AND MINISTERS REPRESENTING OTHER PARTICIPANTS IN THE URUGUAY ROUND WILL SIGN THE FINAL ACT EMBODYING THE RESULTS OF THE URUGUAY ROUND NEGOTIATIONS. THE SIGNING OF THE FINAL ACT SIGNIFIES CONFIRMATION OF THE RESULTS OF THE URUGUAY ROUND NEGOTIATIONS, WHICH INCLUDE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A WORLD TRADE ORGANISATION (WTO).
MR CHAU WILL ALSO JOIN OTHERS IN SIGNING . THE AGREEMENT TO ESTABLISH THE WORLD TRADE ORGANISATION. AS IN THE CASE OF MOST OTHER SIGNATORIES, MR CHAU WILL BE SIGNING THE WTO AGREEMENT SUBJECT TO RATIFICATION (THAT IS, IN HONG KONG’S CASE, FINAL APPROVAL BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL IN DUE COURSE).
THE MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE WILL DISCUSS ARRANGEMENTS NECESSARY TO SET UP THE NEW WTO INCLUDING THE ESTABLISHMENT Ol- A PREPARATORY COMMITTEE.
/IT WILL .......
MONDAY, APRIL 11, 1994
- 3 -
LT WILL ALSO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR BILATERAL, MEETINGS BETWEEN MINISTERS AND SENIOR TRADE OFFICIALS ATTENDING THE CONFERENCE. MR CHAU IS SCHEDULED TO HAVE BILATERAL MEETINGS WITH TRADE MINISTERS FROM 10 ECONOMIES PARTICIPATING IN THE CONFERENCE.
IN ADDITION, HE WILL ALSO ATTEND AN INFORMAL MEETING OF ASIAN PACIFIC ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION (APEC) TRADE MINISTERS PRESENT IN MARRAKESH.
OTHER MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG DELEGATION INCLUDE HONG KONG’S PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE TO THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE (GATT), MR JOSEPH WONG; AND THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR CHRISTOPHER JACKSON.
------0-------
INSIDER DEALING TRIBUNAL To HOLD HEARING * ♦ ♦ I ♦
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAV) THAT THE GOVERNOR HAD APPOINTED TWO LAY MEMBERS TO THE INSIDER DEALING TRIBUNAL, AND THE FIRST TRIBUNAL HEARING WOULD BEGIN SOON.
THE SECURITIES (INSIDER DEALING) ORDINANCE STIPULATES THAT THE INSIDER DEALING TRIBUNAL SHALL COMPRISE A CHAIRMAN, WHO MUST BE A JUDGE APPOINTED FOR A TERM OF THREE YEARS, AND TWO MEMBERS APPOINTED ON A CASE BY CASE BASIS.
PURSUANT TO SECTION 15(2) OF 1HE ORDINANCE, THE GOVERNOR APPOINTED MR JUSTICE STOCK CHAIRMAN OF THE INSIDER DEALING TRIBUNAL IN LATE DECEMBER 1993.
AFTER THAT APPOINTMENT, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, IN EXERCISE OF HIS AUTHORITY UNDER SECTION 16(2) OF THE ORDINANCE, REFERRED TO THE TRIBUNAL A CASE INVOLVING DEALINGS IN THE SHARIS OF SUCCESS HOLDINGS LIMITED TN MID-1992 FOR AN INQUIRY.
ON MARCH 28 THIS YEAR, THE GOVERNOR APPOINTED MR PATRICK YEUNG KAI-CHEUNG AND MR DEREK MURPHY TRIBUNAL MEMBERS TO HEAR THIS CASE.
MR YEUNG IS AN ACCOUNTANT AND THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HWA KAY THAI HOLDINGS LTD, A LISTED COMPANY IN HONG KONG.
MR MURPHY IS GROUP VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE FIRST PACIFIC COMPANY LIMITED, A LISTED INVESTMENT AND MANAGEMENT COMPANY.
THEY ARE APPOINTED ON A PERSONAL BASIS IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR EXPERIENCE IN THE LOCAL, FINANCIAL SECTOR.
THE ORDINANCE WAS IMPLEMENTED IN SEPTEMBER 1991 TO REPLACE PART OF THE SECURITIES ORDINANCE CONCERNED WITH ALLEGED INSIDER DEALING.
THE NEW ORDINANCE CONTAINS PROVISIONS DESIGNED 1’0 DEAL MORE EFFECTIVELY WITH INSIDER DEALING.
/TN THE ........
MONDAY, APRIL 11, 1994
4
IN THE EVENT THAT IN A PARHcULAR CASE IKE IRIBUNAL WERE TO IDENTIFY SOMEONE AS AN INSIDER DEALER, THE TRIBUNAL IS NOW EMPOWERED TO PRECLUDE THAT PERSON FROM HOLDING OFFICE AS A DIRECTOR, LIQUIDATOR, RECEIVER, OR MANAGER OF THE PROPERTY OF A LISTED COMPANY OR ANY OTHER SPECIFIED COMPANY, FOR A PERIOD NOT EXCEEDING FIVE YEARS.
IT (’AN ALSO ORDER SUCH AN INSIDER DEALER TO PAY’ TO THE GOVERNMENT THE PROFIT GAINED OR LOSS AVOIDED AS A RESULT OF THE INSIDER DEALING, AND TO PAY A PENALTY Up TO THREE TIMES SUCH PROFIT GAINED OR SUCH LOSS AVOIDED.
THE SUCCESS HOLDINGS CASE IS THE FIRST REFERRED TO THE INSIDER DEALING TRIBUNAL UNDER THE ORDINANCE, AND HEARING OF THE TRIBUNAL WILL BE HELD IN PUBLIC’.
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WATER STORAGE FIGURE ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 66.8 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 391.358 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 300.758 MILLION
CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 51.3 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
------0-------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
MONEY MARKET ♦ t ♦ OPERATIONS ♦ ♦
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) UUMULAT1VE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1 , 887 0930 + 628
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,116 1000 + 878
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : I 100 +1,108
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 1,1 09 1200 +1,109
LAF TODAY -880 1500 +1,109
1600 +1,109
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/1.00 OFFER TW1 125.5 t-0. 1 » 1 1.4.91
/HONG KONG .......
MONDAY, APRIL 11, 1994
- 5 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 2.98 17 MONTHS 2508 4.625 99.64 4.96
1 MONTH 3.18 20 MONTHS 2511 4.15 98.53 5.17
3 MONTHS 3.63 23 MONTHS 2602 4.40 98.33 5.43
6 MONTHS 3.91 31 MONTHS 3610 4.20 96.13 5.94
12 MONTHS 4.49 34 MONTHS 3701 4.60 96.34 6.13
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 20,679 MN
CLOSED 11 APRIL 1994
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
INSURANCE INDUSTRY HAS TO RESPOND TO GROWING DEMANDS.... 1
MULTILATERAL TRADE PRINCIPLES UNDERLINED................... 1
TASK FORCE ON LAND SUPPLY AND PROPERTY PRICES.............. 3
HK SERVICEMEN’S WIVES AND WIDOWS GIVEN ENTRY GUARANTEE TO UK...................................................... 4
EXPERTS EXCHANGE VIEWS ON IMMIGRATION ISSUES............... 5
TO KWA WAN REDEVELOPMENT CLEARANCE BEGINS TOMORROW...... 5
CASUALTY FIGURES AT DETENTION CENTRE CLARIFIED............. 7
VOLUME AND PRICE MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE IN JANUARY 1994....................................................... 8
COMMITTEE ENDORSES OPPORTUNITY FOR DISABLED TO ATTEND TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS..................................... 13
RATES FOR SECOND QUARTER DUE END-APRIL.................... 14
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS.... 15
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ..
16
TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 1004
INSURANCE industry has to respond to growing demand* ♦ ♦ * * ♦
THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY HAS IO RESPOND To GROWING PRESSURE FOR LOWER-PRICED INSURANCE PRODUCTS AND MORE TRANSPARENCY IN J HE OPERATIONS OF THE MARKET, TH! GOVERNOR. CHE RI HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID TONIGHT (TUESDAY I.
’’GREATER DISCLOSURE OF THE RELEVANT FACTS .AND FIGURES REMOVES MISUNDERSTANDING AND INSTILS IN THE PUBLIC MUCH GREATER CONFIDENCE,” HE SAID.
SPEAKING AI’ THE ANNUAI DINNER OF IH E HONG KONG FEDERATION OF INSURERS, THE GOVERNOR SAIL’ CONSUMERS IN HONG KONG WERE BECOMING BETTER EDI CATED AND THEIR CHOU l-S Mo RE SOPHISTICATED.
APART FROM ESSENTIAL REGULATION, THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY IS PERMITTED kND ENCOURAGED TO REG I LATE ITSELF, HE SAID.
I AM ENCOURAGED ’! HAT THE FEDERATION - THE MOST REPRESENTATIVE
BODS OF THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY - CONTINUES VIGOROUSLY To PROMOTE AND DEVELOP SELF-REGULATION,” ML’ PATTEN SAID.
"THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE INSURANCE CLAIMS COMPLAINTS BUREAl RY THE FEDERATION IN 1990 WAS A MAJOR STEP FORWARD IN THE PROCESS."
IT HAS PROVIDED THE INSURING PUBLIC WITH A FAIR AM) INEXPENSIVE AVENUE OF REDRESS FOR COMPLAINTS OVER PERSONAI INSURANCE CLAIMS.
MR PATTEN WELCOMED THE FEDERATION'S RECENTLY INTRODUCED
REGISTRATION SYSTEM FOR INSURANCE AGENTS AND CODE OF PRACTICE FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF INSURANCE \GENTs.
HE ALSO iPPREC IATFD EF FORTS RY I HI CONFEDERATION OF INSURANCE
BROKERS AND OTHER BODIES To RAISE PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AMONG BROKERS.
"THESE MEASURES KJ LI HELP I NSC RE THAI' AGENTS AND BROKERS HAVE
APPROPRIATE EXPERIENCE AND QUAL1FI ( Al IONS: ARE PROPERLY SUPERVISED AND DISCIPLINED, AND SO <AN PROVIDE GOOD SERVICE TO THEIR CUSTOMERS,” HF SA • D.
- - 0 - -
MULTILATERAL TRADE PRINCIPLES UNDERLINED ♦ » ♦ ♦ ♦
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T H CHAU, TODAY (TUESDAY) EMPHASISED THE IMPORTANCE OF \DHERING TO KEY PRINCIPLES IN THE MULTILATERAL TRADING SYSTEM DURING A SPEECH TO DELEGATES ATTENDING THE MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE IN MARRAKESH, MOROCCO.
’"THOSE PRINCIPLES HAVE BEEN A COMPASS TO US ALL, ORIENTING OUR TRADE RELATION'S TO COMMONLY AGREED POLES. REMOVE THOSE PRINCIPLES AND YOI REMOVE THE COMPASS," SAID MR CHAU.
/HE WAS
TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 1994
2
4IE WAS REFERRING TO THE MOST FAVOURED NATION (MFN) OF EQUAL TREATMENT FOR ALL AND "NATIONAL TREATMENT". THE WHICH REQUIRES IMPORTS TO BE TREATED ON THE SAME BASIS GOODS AND SERVICES.
PRINC IPLE PRINCIPLE AS LOCAL
MR CHAU EXPLAINED THAT HONG KONG HAI) DECIDED NOT TO SIGN THE GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT AGREEMENT NEGOTIATED AMONG ONLY 13 PARTIES IN PARALLEL TO THE URUGUAY ROUND BF< ALSE I I BREACHED THOSE FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES.
WE ARE ONE OF 12 SIGNA IORIES TO THE PRESENT AGREEMENT AND WERE A KEEN PARTICIPANT IN THE NEGOTIATIONS To EXPAND THE AGREEMENT AND REFINE ITS DISCIPLINES," HE SAID.
"MOST REGRETTABLY, Ah l ER YEARS OF DISCUSSION BRINGING US STEADILY CLOSER TO THAI' GOAL, RECIPROCITY AND SECTORAL NON-APPL I( AT .1 ON PROVISIONS WERE INTRODUCED IN THE ( LOSING STAGES OF THE NEGOTIATIONS."
MR CHAI.' SAID HONG KONG HAD DECIDED THAT IT COULD NOT SI GN SUCH A FLAWED AGREEMENT.
"HONG KONG HOPES THAT ITS DECISION TO STAND BY THESE PRINCIPLES WILL ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO RESIST EROSION OF MFN," HE SAID.
NR CHAU EMPHASISED THA I’ ALTHOUGH HONG KONG HAD DECIDED NO! TO SIGN THE NEW GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT AGREEMENT, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND OTHER PUBLIC BODIES HAD ALWAYS MAINTAINED OPEN AND NON-DTSCRIMINATORY PUBLIC PROCUREMENT POLH1ES AND PRACTICES AND WOULD CONTINUE TO DO SO.
HE ALSO SPOKE OF ISSUES THAT THE NEW WORLD TRADE ORGANISATION WOULD BE ASKED TO CONSIDER, INCLUDING THF INTERFACE BETWEEN TRADE AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES, AS WELL AS I’HE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE MULTILATERAL TRADING SYSTEM AND COMPETITION POLICE.
"HONG KONG LOOKS FORWARD TO ENGAGING CONSTRUCT IVELY’ IN THE DISCUSSION, " HE SAID. ’’BUT WE MUSI ALL HE WARY OF PROTECTIONISTS HIDING BEHIND I HE WORTHY MOTIVES OF OTHERS. WE MUST NOT ALLOW TRADE MEASURES TO BE I SED TO ACHIEVE NON-TRADE OBJ EOT 1VF.S."
MR CHAU EXPLAINED THAT iHF CONCLUSION OF THE URUGUAY ROUND WAS NOT AN END BUT A BEGINNING.
’’PROTECTIONISM IS NOT DEAD. BARRIERS TO TRADE STILL EXIST. MN HAS NOT SUDDENLY GONE OUT OF FASHION." HF SAID.
"OUR COLLECTIVE SUCCESS OVER THE PAST EIGHT YEARS HAS BEEN TO DEVELOP A MOMENTUM FOR CHANGE. WE MUST WORK HARD TO MAINTAIN THAT MOMENTUM - LOWERING TRADE BARRIERS, SCRllINISING TRADE POLICY, OPPOSING VOLUNTARY EXPORT RESTRAINTS AND OTHER ‘GREY AREA’ MEASURES, ENFORCING THE RULES WE HAVE ALI UiREED UPON."
MR CHAU CONCLUDED HIS REMARKS BY EMPHASISING THE IMPORTANCE WHICH HONG KONG ATTACHED 1’0 THE MULTILATERAL TRADING SYSTEM.
/’’HONG KONG..........
TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 1994
3
"HONG KONG REMAINS FULLY COMMITTED TO IMPLEMENTING THE URUGUAY ROUND AND LOOKS FORWARD TO PLAYING AN ACTIVE AND CONSTRUCTIVE ROLE AS AN ORIGINAL MEMBER OF THE NEW WORLD TRADE ORGANISATION WHICH WE BELIEVE SHOULD COME INTO EXISTENCE ON JANUARY 1, 1995," HE SAID.
MR CHAU WAS SPEAKING AT THE PLENARY MEETING OF THE URUGUAY ROUND TRADE NEGOTIATIONS COMMITTEE SHORTLY AFTER ITS OPENING BY HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE CROWN PRINCE SIDI MOHAMED OF MOROCCO.
THE MEETING WILL LAST UNTIL FRIDAY WHEN THE FINAL ACT EMBODYING THE RESULTS OF THE URUGUAY ROUND WILL BE SIGNED, FORMALLY BRINGING AN END TO EIGHT YEARS OF TRADE NEGOTIATIONS.
------0--------
TASK FORCE ON LAND SUPPLY AND PROPERTY PRICES ♦ * * » »
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THE MEMBERSHIP AND TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE TASK FORCE SET UP TO INCREASE LAND SUPPLY AND TO DEAL WITH PROPERTY PRICES.
THE TASK FORCE ON LAND SUPPLY AND PROPERTY’ PRICES WILL BE CHAIRED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS AND MEMBERS WILL INCLUDE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, SECRETARY FOR WORKS, AND SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT OR THEIR DEPUTIES, DIRECTOR OF LANDS, DIRECTOR OF PLANNING AND DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT.
OTHER MEMBERS, WHO WILL ATTEND MEETINGS ON A NEED BASIS, WILL INCLUDE THE SECRETARY FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES, DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, DIRECTOR OF HOUSING, COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION, COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE, COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS, LAND REGISTRAR AND GOVERNMENT ECONOMIST, OR THEIR REPRESENTATIVES.
AGAINST THE BACKGROUND OF DEEP PUBLIC CONCERN ABOUT INCREASE IN PROPERTY PRICES AND THE SIGNIFICANT ROLE WHICH PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT PLAYS IN HONG KONG’S ECONOMY, THE MAIN TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE TASK FORCE ARE TO EXAMINE AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE ADMINISTRATION AS TO:
» THE CAUSES AND SIZE OF THE PROBLEM, HAVING REGARD TO THE
DEMAND FOR AND SUPPLY OF HOUSING AND ACTUAL TAKE-UP OF FLATS;
* THE SCOPE AND MEANS OF PROVIDING MORE SITES FOR PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOUSING, INCLUDING HOUSING FOR THE SANDWICH CLASS;
* THE MEASURES TO DISCOURAGE SPECULATION IN THE PROPERTY MARKET;
* THE MEANS OF REMOVING CONSTRAINTS ON DEVELOPMENT OF SITES CAUSED BY LACK OF INFRASTRUCTURE AND OTHER PROBLEMS AND OF BRINGING FORWARD THEIR DEVELOPMENT;
» THE MEASURES TO SPEED UP REDEVELOPMENT, INCLUDING SPEEDING UP PROCESSING OF DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS; AND
/* THE WAYS ........
TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 1994
4
4 TH! WAYS OF ASSISTING THE LAM) DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND HOUSING SOCIETY TO EXPAND/SPEED UP THEIR
DEVELOPMENT/REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES.
UNDER THE TASK FORCE, THFRF WILL BE TWO WORKING GROUPS - ONE TO IDENTIFY AND EXAMINE POSSIBLE HOUSING SITES AND MEANS TO BRING THEM FORWARD FOR DEVELOPMENT AND THE OTHER TO CONSIDER MEASURES TO COUNTER SPECULATIVE PRACTICES IN THE PROPERTY MARKET.
IN THEIR DELIBERATIONS, THE TASK FORCE AND ITS TWO WORKING GROUPS WILL CONSIDER CAREFULLY VIEWS FROM LEGCO MEMBERS, CONCERNED GROUPS, REAL ESTATE DEVELOPERS, THE CONSUMER COUNCIL AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
THE TASK FORCE IS EXPECTED TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GOVERNMENT WITHIN THE NEXT IWO TO THREE MONTHS.
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HK SERVICEMEN’S WIVES AND WIDOWS GIVEN ENTRY Gt ARANTEE TO UK ♦ ♦ ♦ * *
A GOVERNMEN1 SPOKESMAN AWNoUNUFD TODAY (TUESDAY* THAT THE HOME SECRETARY HAD AGREED To A SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT FOR THE WIVES AND WIDOWS OF HONG KONG SECOND WORLD WAR SERVICEMEN. GUARANTEEING THEIR ENTRY INTO THE UNITED KINGDOM WHENEVER THFV WISH.
THEY WILL BE ABIE TO HAVE A PERSONAL ENTRY ENDORSEMENT IN THEIR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS STATING THAT THEY VRE ENTITIFD TO ENTER THE UNITED KINGDOM FOR SETTLEMENT.
"THE HOME SECRETARY IS SENDING A FORMAL LETTER PERSONALLY TO EACH OF THE LADIES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THEY WILL HAVE SPECIAL ACCESS TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SO THAT. IF THEY WISH. THF ENTRY ENDORSEMENT CAN RE MADE TO THEIR TRAVEL DOI ’ ML NTS . "
THE HOME SECRETARY’S LETTER AND THE ENTRY ENDORSEMENT PROVIDE THE LADIES WITH ADDITIONAL CONFIRMATION THAT THEY MAY ENTER AND LEAVE THE UNITED KINGDOM WHENEVER THEY WISH AND THAT THEY MAY STAY THERE FOR AS LONG AS THEY LIKE.
"THEY WILL HAVE GUARANTEED ENTRY, WITH NO CONDITIONS OR LIMITS IMPOSED ON THEIR STAY." THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THIS WILL MEET THE LADIES’ REQUEST FoR UNRESTRICTED ACCESS TO I HE UNITED KINGDOM.
/5 ........
TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 1994
5
EXPERTS EXCHANGE VIEWS ON IMMIGRATION ISSUES
*****
EXPERTS FROM BOTH THE BRITISH AND THE CHINESE SIDES OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP HAD INFORMAL DISCUSSIONS TODAY (TUESDAY) TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON VARIOUS IMMIGRATION ISSUES.
THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION, MR LAURENCE LEUNG MING-YIN, WHO LED THE BRITISH TEAM STATED THAT THEY HAD A VERY USEFUL MEETING COVERING A WHOLE RANGE OF VERY IMPORTANT SUBJECTS SUCH AS RIGHT OF ABODE, VISA ABOLITION AGREEMENT, HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION TRAVEL DOCUMENTS.
’’THE MEETING HAS BEEN CONDUCTED IN A PRODUCTIVE AND CONSTRUCTIVE ATMOSPHERE. IT IS ONLY THE BEGINNING OF A SERIES OF MEETINGS AND WE HOPE TO ARRANGE THE NEXT MEETING SHORTLY," MR LEUNG SAID.
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TO KWA WAN REDEVELOPMENT CLEARANCE BEGINS TOMORROW *****
CLEARANCE IN CONNECTION WITH THE HONG KONG HOUSING SOCIETY’S "SIX STREETS" REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT WILL TAKE PLACE AT 8.30 AM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THE PROJECT INVOLVES 118 FOUR TO NINE-STOREY POST-WAR BUILDINGS IN MA TAU KOK ROAD, PAK TAI STREET, SAN SHAN ROAD, PAU CHUNG STREET, WANG CHEUNG STREET AND SUI LUN STREET.
MOST OF THEM WERE CONSTRUCTED IN THE 1950’S. ABOUT 1,600 DOMESTIC HOUSEHOLDS AND 180 COMMERCIAL OPERATORS ARE AFFECTED. THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RESIDENTS AFFECTED IS ABOUT 3,500.
SOME OF THE PREMISES HAVE BEEN ACQUIRED BY THE HONG KONG HOUSING SOCIETY THROUGH NEGOTIATIONS WITH PROPERTY OWNERS WHILE THE REST HAVE BEEN RESUMED BY THE GOVERNMENT UNDER THE CROWN LANDS RESUMPTION ORDINANCE ON OCTOBER 3, 1992.
THE SOCIETY HAS SUCCESSFULLY ACQUIRED 22 SHOPS AND 70 DOMESTIC UNITS AND THE GOVERNMENT HAS RESUMED 92 SHOPS AND 338 DOMESTIC UNITS.
THE GOVERNMENT HAS PAID ABOUT $26.1 MILLION EX-GRATIA REMOVAL ALLOWANCE TO DOMESTIC HOUSEHOLDS AND COMMERCIAL OPERATORS, AND $42 MILLION STATUTORY COMPENSATION TO COMMERCIAL OPERATORS.
COMMERCIAL OPERATORS ARE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION FOR ANY REASONABLE LOSS SUFFERED AND EXPENSES INCURRED DUE TO THE CLOSURE OR RELOCATION OF BUSINESS.
THESE MAY INCLUDE LOSS OF GOODWILL, PROFIT RENT AND TEMPORARY BUSINESS PROFIT; LOSS ON FORCED SALE OF PLANT, MACHINERY AND STOCK, COSTS INCURRED FOR REMOVAL, DOUBLE OVERHEADS, AND REDUNDANCY PAYMENTS TO EMPLOYEES.
/THE ACTUAL .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 1994
6
THE ACTUAL TOTAL BUSINESS LOSS CANNOT BE ASCERTAINED PRIOR TO REMOVAL OF BUSINESS, FOR EXAMPLE, IF THE BUSINESS IS TO BE RELOCATED A‘ ho-.s THE STREET, THE LOSS OF GOODWILL SHOULD BF MINIMAL.
WITHOUT SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS FROM THE OPERATORS, ASSESSMENT uF BUSINESS LOSS CoULD only be based on estimates xnd thf operators ARF ENTITLED TO HAVE HIGHER COMPENSATION IF THEIR ACTUAL LOSS AFTER REMOVAL IS FOUND TO BE GREATER.
NOTWITHSTANDING THAI*, GOVERNMENT HAS ALREADY OFFERED COMPENSATION TO THE OPERATORS, IN THE FORM OF AN ADVANCE PAYMENT, TO ASSIST THEIR REMOVAL.
THE AVERAGE AMOUNT OF THIS ADVANCE PAYMENT IS MORE THAN $500,000 AND IN SOME CASES THE AMOUNT IS AS HIGH AS $1.6 MILLION.
IF AN OPERATOR IS ALSO PROPERTY OWNER OF A COMMERCIAL UNIT, HE WILL ALSO BE ENTITLED TO HAVE THE VALUE OF THE PROPERTY ON TOP OF BUSINESS LOSS ADVANCE PAYMENT.
THF LANDS DEPARTMENT HAS SERVED NOTICE ON THE REMAINING HOLD UlHS ON APRIL 6 TO VACATE THEIR PREMISES BY TOMORROW.
AS OF TOMORROW, I’HE POSSESSION OF 66 SHOPS HAS NOT YET BEEN RETURNED To GOVERNMENT. AMONG THE 66 COMMERCIAL OCCUPIERS, MOST OF THEM HAVE ALREADY RECEIVED 75 PER CENT PROVISIONAL PAYMENT AND AGREED TO VACATE THEIR PREMISES BY MARCH 31 FHIS YEAR.
HOWEVER, MOST OF THEM LATER DECLINED TO VACATE AND REQUESTED FOR More COMPENSATION. FORTY COMMERCIAL OCCUPIERS HAVE NOT YET RESPONDED TO GOVERNMENT*S COMPENSATION OFFER.
AS REGARDS DOMESTIC HOUSEHOLDS, REHOUSING ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE FOR THEM BY CHE HoNG KoNG HOUSING SOCIETY.
SINCE Land RESUMPTION BY GOVERNMENT ON OCTOBER 3, 1992, REDEVELOPMENT WORE HAS BEEN POSTPONED SEVERAL TIMES BECAUSE OF SOME OCCUPIERS’ REFUSAL TO VACATE THEIR PREMISES IN A BID FOR MORE COMPENSATION WHICH CANNOT BE JUSTIFIED.
RENTAL FOR THE DURATION OF THEIR OVERSTAY HAS BEEN WAIVED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
/7........
TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 1994
- 7 -
CASUALTY FIGURES AT DETENTION CENTRE CLARIFIED
* * * * *
THE FOLLOWING IS ISSUED BY THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES ABOUT AN ARTICLE IN THE EASTERN EXPRESS TODAY (TUESDAY) ON CASUALTY FIGURES DURING AN OPERATION AT WHITEHEAD DETENTION CENTRE LAST WEEK:
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) REFUTED ALLEGATIONS THAT THERE HAD BEEN A "COVER UP" ON THE NUMBER OF CASUALTIES DURING AN OPERATION TO DECANT SECTION SEVEN OF WHITEHEAD LAST THURSDAY.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT AT A PRESS CONFERENCE HELD IN THE AFTERNOON ON THE DAY, THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR ERIC MCCOSH, HAD MADE IT CLEAR THAT MORE THAN ONE PERSON WERE INJURED DURING THE OPERATION.
AT THAT STAGE, ONLY A 27-YEAR-OLD WOMAN NEEDED TO BE TAKEN TO HOSPITAL FOR FURTHER TREATMENT. OTHERS SUFFERED ONLY MINOR INJURIES.
AFTER THE VIETNAMESE HAD BEEN TRANSFERRED TO HIGH ISLAND DETENTION CENTRE, A TOTAL OF 29 PEOPLE SOUGHT MEDICAL ATTENTION FROM THE BRITISH RED CROSS DOCTOR THERE WHO ADVISED THAT THREE HAD TO BE TRANSFERRED TO HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT.
THEY INCLUDED A 34-YEAR-OLD MAN WHO HAD NO EXTERNAL INJURIES, A SIX-YEAR-OLD GIRL AND A FOUR-MONTH-OLD BOY, BOTH SUFFERING FROM BURNS.
THE BABY BOY, WHO HAD A MINOR BURN ON THE LEFT KNEE, WAS TREATED AND DISCHARGED AT PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL.
THE MAN, WHO HAD A KNOWN CHEST CONDITION, WAS ADMITTED FOR OBSERVATION. HE WAS DISCHARGED YESTERDAY (APRIL 11).
THE SIX-YEAR-OLD GIRL IS STILL BEING TREATED IN PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL. HER CONDITION IS DESCRIBED AS "STABLE".
THE WOMAN WHO FELL FROM THE ROOF IS STILL IN QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL IN A SATISFACTORY CONDITION.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID IT WAS A GROSS EXAGGERATION TO SAY THAT MORE THAN 100 HAD BEEN TREATED AT THE CLINIC AT HIGH ISLAND.
THERE IS ALSO NO TRUTH IN THE ALLEGATION THAT PEOPLE SUFFERED "TOTAL BODY BURNS" AND WERE NOT TAKEN TO HOSPITAL. HE SAID ONLY 29 PEOPLE WERE TREATED BY THE BRITISH RED CROSS DOCTOR AT HIGH ISLAND FOR MINOR COMPLAINTS.
THE SPOKESMAN WENT ON TO SAY THAT MR MCCOSH WAS AT HOME LAST NIGHT AND HAD NOT BEEN ASKED FOR HIS COMMENTS ON THE ALLEGATIONS.
- - 0-----------
/8 ........
TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 1994
- 8
VOLUME AND PRICE MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE IN JANUARY 1994 ♦ * * * *
THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN JANUARY 1994 WAS 4.6% HIGHER THAN A YEAR EARLIER. OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS RECORDED A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE OF 36%, 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 29%. IMPORTS INCREASED BY 26% IN VOLUME.
THE GROWTH IN THE VOLUME Ob TRADE IS DERIVED FROM THE GROWTH IN TRADE VALUES WITH THE EFFECT OF PRICE (RANGES BEING DISCOUNTED.
AS REGARDS PRICE CHANGES OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND IMPORTS INCREASED BY 0.6% AND 0.7% RESPECTIVELY. RE-EXPORT PRICES REMAINED VIRTUALLY UNCHANGED.
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 PR I ( E INDEX, DECREASED BY 0.4% IN JANUARY 1994 OVER JANUARY 1993.
CAUTION SHOULD BE EXERCISED IN INTERPRETING THE CHANGES IN THE VOLUME OF TRADE FOR A SINGLE MONTH AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH YEAR WHICH MAY BE AFFECTED BY THE TIMING OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS. IT IS MORE MEANINGFUL TO MAKE COMPARISONS OVER A LONGER PERIOD.
COMPARING THE THREE MONTHS ENDING JANUARY 1994 WITH THE THREE MONTHS ENDING .JANUARY 1993, THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECREASED BY 3.1% WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 21%. THE VOLUME . OF IMPORTS GREW BY 12%.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY PRINCIPAL COMMODITY GROUP ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
79
COMPARING JANUARY 1994 WITH JANUARY 1993, COMMODITY GROUPS WHICH RECORDED SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES IN THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCLUDED TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (+25%); METAL MANUFACTURES (+20%); TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES 1+18%); AND TEXTILE FABRICS (+17%).
ON THE OTHER HAND, CONSIDERABLE DECREASES IN THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE RECORDED FOR RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (-68%); FOOTWEAR (-23%); AND TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (-16%).
AS REGARDS DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES, COMMODITY GROUPS WHICH RECORDED INCREASES INCLUDED TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (+4.6%); ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (+3.0%); METAL MANUFACTURES (+2.9%); AND DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (+2.8%).
H
E
/ON THE ........
TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 1994
9
ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES WERE RECORDED FOR. TEXTILE FABRICS (-7.7%); TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (-3.8%); AND TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (-3.0%).
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 2.
THE IMPORT VOLUME OF FOODSTUFFS SLIGHTLY INCREASED BY 1.4% IN JANUARY 1994 AS COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1993.
SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED FOR TH I* IMPORT VOLUME OF WHEAT AND FLOUR; ANIMALS OF THE BoVINI SPECIES; VEGETABLE; AND MEAT AND MEAT PREPARATION. HOWEVER, CONS IDERABLE DEC REASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME 01- SUGAR; RICE; AND FRUIT.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED BY 25%.
COMMODITY ITEMS WITH CONSIDERABLE INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME INCLUDED RADIOS, TELEVISION SETS, GRAMOPHONES, RECORDS, TAPE RECORDERS AND AMPLIFIERS; CAMERAS, FLASHLIGHT APPARATUS AND SUPPLIES FOR PHOTOGRAPHY; AND HOUSEHOLD TYPE ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES. HOWEVER, DECREASE IN IMPORT VOLUME WAS NOTED FOR PASSENGER MOTOR CARS.
THE IMPORT' VOLUME OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES INCREASED BY 37% IN JANUARY 1994 AS COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1993.
SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE NOTED FOR MAN-MADE FIBRES; WOOD, LUMBER AND CORK; COTTON YARN AND THREAD; PAPER AND PAPERBOARD; AND SILK FABRICS. HOWEVER, CONSIDERABLE DECREASE WAS RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF Wool. \ND OTHER ANIMAL HAIR.
IMPORTS OF FUELS DECREASED BY 27% IN VOLUME IN JANUARY 1994 AS COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1993.
AS REGARDS CAPITAL GOODS, THE IMPORT VOLUME INCREASED BY 22% IN JANUARY 1994 OVER JANUARY 1993.
NOTABLE INCREASES WERE RECORDED FOR THE IMPORT VOLUME OF OFFICE MACHINES; ELECTRICAL MACHINERY; AND SCIENTIFIC, MEDICAL, OPTICAL, MEASURING AND CONTROLLING INSTRUMENTS AND APPARATUS. THE IMPORT VOLUME OF TEXTILE MACHINERY; AND CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY DECLINED.
COMPARING JANUARY 1994 WITH JANUARY 1993, THE IMPORT PRICES OF CAPITAL GOODS; AND CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED BY 2.0% AND 1.7% RESPECTIVELY. THE IMPORT PRICES OF FUELS; AND FOODSTUFFS DECREASED BY 17% AND 1.8% RESPECTIVELY. THE IMPORT PRICES OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES REMAINED VIRTUALIY UNCHANGED.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UN IT VALUE AND VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 3.
COMPARING JANUARY 1994 WITH JANUARY 1993, THE VOLUME OF REEXPORTS OF ALL END-USE CATEGORIES INCREASED: RAW MATERIALS AND SEMIMANUFACTURES (+59%); CAP ITAL GOODS (+32%); CONSUMER GOODS (+29%); FUELS (+17%); AND FOODSTUFFS (+14%).
/OVER THE ........
TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 1994
- 10 -
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OK COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF RE-EXPORTS OF CAPITAL GOODS; CONSUMER GOODS; AND FOODSTUFFS INCREASED BY 1.5%, 1.2% AND 0.9% RESPECTIVELY.
ON THE OTHER HAND, IHE RE-EXPORT PRICES OF FUELS; \ND RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES DECREASED B\ 19% AND 2.3% RESPECTIVELY.
DETAILS OF THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE PUBLISHED IN THE JANUARY 1994 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG TRADE INDEX NUMBERS".
THE REPORT WILL BE WAILABLE ON SALE AROUND APRIL 14, 1994 AT $9 PER COPY AT EITHER (II IHE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE ON THE GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL; OH (II) THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF IHE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMEN'!’ ON THE 19TH FLOOR, WANU’HAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN (’HAI .
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 : .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 1994
Table 1 : Changes in domestic exports by principal commodity group
Comparing JAN 1994 with JAN 1993
% changes______
Unit
Commodity group Value Value Volume
Clothing -7.0 1.5 -8.3
Textile fabrics 7.7 -7.7 16.8
Textile yarn and thread 19.9 -3.8 24.5
Textile made-ups and related articles -18.9 -3.0 -16.4
Radios of all kinds -67.9 0.4 -68.1
Electronic components -6.3 3.0 -9.0
Footwear -21.5 1.0 -22.5
Metal manufactures 23.6 2.9 20.0
Metal ores and scrap 1.1 -0.1 1.2
Watches and clocks 10.1 0.7 9.3
Travel goods, handbags and similar articles 23.7 4.6 18.4
Domestic electrical appliances -6.0 2.8 -8.4
ALL COMMODITIES 5.4 0.6 4.6
/Table 2 : ......
TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 1994
- 12 -
Table 2 : Changes in imports by end-use category
Comparing JAM 1994 with JAN 1993
% changes Unit
End-use category Value Value Volume
Foodstuffs -0.5 -1.8 1.4
Consumer goods 27.3 1.7 25.1
Raw materials and semi-manufactures 37.4 0.2 37.1
Fuels -38.8 -16.7 -26.5
Capital goods 24.0 2.0 21.5
ALL COMMODITIES . 26.9 0.7 26.0
Table 3 : Changes in re-exports by end-use category
Comparing JAN 1994 with JAN 1993
End-use category % changes
Value Unit Value Volume
Foodstuffs 15.2 0.9 14.1
Consumer goods 30.1 1.2 28.6
Raw materials and semi-manufactures 55.1 -2.3 58.8
Fuels -4.7 -18.6 17.0
Capital goods 34.2 1.5 32.1
ALL COMMODITIES 35.8 0.1 35.6
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/13 .......
TUESDAY, APRTL 12, 1994
- 13 -
COMMITTEE ENDORSES OPPORTUNITY FOR DISABLED TO ATTEND TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS ♦ ♦ * ♦ *
MEMBERS
COMMITTEE AT
OPPORTUNI TIES
SECONDARY AND
OF the REHABILITATION DEVELOPMENT CO-ORDINATING
A MEETING HELD I’ODAY (TUESDAY) SHOULD BE GIVEN TO DISYBLFD PEOPLE I’ERTIARY INSTITUTIONS AND I'HAT I’HESb
RECOGNISED THAT TO ATTEND POST-AREAS SHOULD BE
FURTHER LOOKED INTO AS TO THE DI FF1 CULT I ES TO BE OVERCOME.
C HAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE, DR RAYMOND Wl , SAID I'HE COMMITTEE’S AIM WAS TO ENSURE THAT DISABLED PERSONS COULD RECEIVE HIGHER EDUCATION AND WOULD NOT BE DEPRIVED ol- I HIS OPPORTUNITY BECAUSE OF THEIR DISABILITIES.
”WE HAVE ASKED THE GOVERNMENT 1'0 CONTACT I’HE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMIT I’EE-FUNDED INSTITUTIONS TO ASK I HEM T&
CONSIDER GIVING SUCH OPPORTUNITY TO THOSE DISABLED PERSONS WHO HAVE THAT KIND OF POTENTIAL,” HE SAID.
HE EXPLAINED THE OPPORTUNITY SHOULD BE IN THE CONTEXT OF FLEXIBILITY IN ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND ASSISTANCE AND FACILITIES THE INSTITUTIONS WOULD OFFER TO DISABLED STUDENTS.
DR WU SAID HE WAS PLEASED TO SEE THE GOVERNMENT HAD SUPPORTED THE IDEA AND IT HAD ALSO GIVEN SOME SUGGESTIONS.
THE MEMBERS WERE ALSO INFORMED OF THE LEVEL OE SUBVENTION SUPPORT FOR PARENTS RESOURCE CENTRES.
THEY NOTED THAT SIX PARENTS RESOURCE CENTRES WERE IN OPERATION AND ONE CENTRE WAS UNDER PLANNING. THE GOVERNMENT HAS ASSISTED IN THE SETTING UP OF THESE CENTRES IN THE ACQUISITION Ob PREMISES FOR WELFARE PURPOSE AS WELL AS RENT AND RATES SUBSIDY.
DR WU SAID THESE CENTRES WERE REGIONAL-BASED AND WERE PROVIDING SERVICE T<> PARENTS OF CHILDREN OF ALI KINDS OF DISABILITIES.
MEMBERS NOTED THAT THE FUNCIIONS OF THESE CENTRES WERE:
♦ TO PROVIDE A PLACE FOR PARENT’S AND RELATIVES OE DISABLED 10 DISCUSS MATTERS OF MUTUAL INTEREST, MEET OTHERS WITH SIMILAR PROBLEMS:
♦ TO PROVIDE BOOKS, MAGAZINES, EDIK \TIONAL FA< 'LIMES OR OTHER INFORMATION OF VALUE 1’0 THE PARENTS AND RELATIVES FOR BETTER UNDERSTAND I NG VND (ARI- TO I’HE IR DISABLED DEPENDANTS; AND
♦ TO PROVIDE ENQUIRIES AND REFERRAL SERVICES, RECREATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR PARENTS AND RELATIVES OF DISABLED PERSONS.
/I 4 .........
TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 1994
14
RATES FOR SECOND QUARTER DUE END-APR1L *****
RATES FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF THIS YEAR ARE DUE AT THE END OF THIS MONTH.
PAYMENT MAY BE MADE BY TELEPHONE, OR BY POST ADDRESSED TO THE DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES, PO BOX 8000, GPO, HONG KONG OR IN PERSON AT ANY OF THE FOLLOWING OFFICES:
* THE TREASURY HEADQUARTERS COLLECTION AND PAYMENT OFFICE, IMMIGRATION TOWER, FIRST FLOOR, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG;
» THE CENTRAL SUB-TREASURY, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING), 11 ICE HOUSE STREET, HONG KONG;
M I \ ill ■
* THE NORTH POINT SUB-TREASURY, !pAX SHARE CENTRE, FIRST FLOOR, 373 KING’S ROAD, HONGKONG;
* THE SAI WAN HO SUB-TREASURY, EASTERN LAW COURTS BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, 29 TAI ON STREET, SAI WAN HO, HONG KONG;
* THE YAU MA TEI SUB-TREASURY, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, FOURTH FLOOR, 405 NATHAN ROAD. KOWLOON;
* THE KOWLOON CITY SUB-TREASURY, MAN SANG COMMERCIAL BUILDING, FIRST FLOOR, 348-352 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, KOWLOON:
* THE DISTRICT OFFICE AT SAI KUNG, SHA TIN, TAI PO, NORTH, YUEN LONG, TUEN MUN. TSUEN WAN OR KWAI TSI NG.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TREASURY SAID DEMAND NOTES HAD BEEN ISSUED.
"RATEPAYERS WHO HAVE NOT RECEIVED THEM SHOULD BRING ALONG RATES DEMAND NOTES FOR ANY PREVIOUS QUARTER TO AN\ OF THE TREASURY COLLECTION OFFICES.
"DUPLICATE RATES DEMAND NOTES WILL BE ISSUED TO THEM," HE SAID.
IF THE RATEPAYERS CANNOT PRODUCE DEMAND NOTES FOR ANY PREVIOUS QUARTER, THEY SHOULD INQUIRE OF THE TREASURY RATES SECTION, IMMIGRATION TOWER, 30TH FLOOR, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID NON-RECE1PT OF THE DEMAND NOTE DID NOT ALTER THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE RATES MUST BE PAID ON OR BEFORE THE END OF THIS MONTH.
UNLESS SO PAID, RATEPAYERS MAY BE SUBJECT TO A SURCHARGE OF FIVE PER CENT UNDER THE RATING ORDINANCE.
A FURTHER SURCHARGE OF 10 PER CENT MAY BE LEVIED ON THE OUTSTANDING AMOUNT (INCLUDING THE 5 PER CENT SURCHARGE) WHICH REMAINS UNPAID SIX MONTHS AFTER THE DUE DATE.
/RATEPAYERS WHO .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 1994
- 15 -
RATEPAYERS WHO HAVE SUBMITTED A VALID DIRECT DEBIT AUTHORISATION SHOULD NOTE THAT PAYMENT SHOULD STILL BE MADE BY OTHER MEANS AS SET OUT IN THE DEMAND NOTE UNLESS THE WORDING ’PAYMENT TO BE MADE BY AUTOPAY’ IS SHOWN ON THE DEMAND NOTE.
THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT THEIR BANE ACCOUNTS CONTAIN THE NECESSARY' FUNDS ON APRIL 30. RATES ARE PAYABLE ON VACANT PROPERTIES BUT ARE REFUNDABLE UNDER THE CONDITIONS SPECIFIED IN THE ORDINANCE.
HOWEVER, NO REFUNDS WILL BE MADE IN THE CASE OF A VACANT TENEMENT LAST USED OR INTENDED TO BE USED WHOLLY OR PRIMARILY FOR DOMESTIC PURPOSES OR FOR THE PARKING OF VEHICLES (UNLESS VACANT BY REASON OF AN ORDER OF THE GOVERNMENT).
TO SAVE QUEUEING TIME, HE URGED RATEPAYERS TO PAY BY TELEPHONE, BY POST OR BY EARLY PERSONAL ATTENDANCE AT ANY OF THE COLLECTION OFFICES.
HOWEVER, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE MOST CONVENIENT PAYMENT METHOD IS AUTOPAY.
APPLICATIONS FOR AUTOPAY ARE OBTAINABLE FROM TREASURY COLLECTION OFFICES, DISTRICT OFFICES AND ALL MAJOR BANKS IN HONG KONG OR BY TELEPHONING 829 5019.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT PAYMENT BY TELEPHONE SERVICE, PLEASE CALL 1702 22329.
--------0-----------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS ♦ * t ♦ ♦
TENDER DATE 12 APR 94 12 APR 94
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q4 15 H462
AMOUNT APPLIED HKS5.780 MN HK$3,140 MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED HK$1,500 MN HKS500 MN
AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED 3.55 PCT 3.85 PCT
HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED 3.56 PCT 3.85 PCT
PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 78 PCT ABOUT 100 PCT
AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 3.59 PCT 3.92 PCT
/HONG KONG .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 1994
16
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
TENDERS TO BE HELD JN THE WEEK BEGINNING 18 APRIL 1994 -
TENDER DATE 19 APR 94 19 APR 94
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q416 Y488
ISSUE DATE 20 APR 94 20 APR 94
MATURITY DATE 20 JUL 94 19 APR 95
TENOR 91 DAYS 364 DAYS
AMOUNT ON OFFER HK$1,500 + 300 MN HK$500 + 150 MN
0 HONG KONG MONE'I MONEY MARKET * ♦ * AR^ AUTHORITY OPERATIONS ♦ ♦
$ MILLION T I ME (HOURS) ( EMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2.116 0930 + 278
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,455 1000 + 178
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1 1 00 + 180
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 129 1 200 + 180
LAF TODAY -90 1500 + 4 30
1 600 + 429
LAF RATE 2.00 BI D/4.00 OFFER TWJ 125.4 *-0.I* 12 .4.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTE? ■i/lloNG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON . PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 2.77 17 MONTHS 2508 4.625 99.71 4.90
1 MONTH 2.98 20 MONTHS 25 1 1 1.15 98.57 5.15
3 MONTHS 3.56 23 MONTHS 2602 4 . 1 0 98.37 5.4 1
6 MONTHS 3.89 31 MONTHS 36 10 4.20 96 . 1 7 5.93
12 MONTHS 4.44 34 MONTHS 3701 4.60 96 . 10 6.11
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 30.702 MN
CLOSED 12 APRIL 1991
------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TRANSCRIPT OF THE GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION................. 1
SOLID SUPPORT FOR HK APPROACH : GOVERNOR................... 4
GOVERNOR VISITS SHA TIN.................................... 5
STATEMENT ON WHITEHEAD OPERATION......................... 5
HIGH COURT AND DISTRICT JUDGES APPOINTED................... 6
WATER SAFE FOR DRINKING.................................... 7
EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS FOR FEBRUARY 1994 RELEASED.... 7
MARCH AIR QUALITY REPORT.................................. 17
EMPLOYMENT IMPORTANT FOR THE DISABLED..................... 18
TEACHERS LEARN MORE ABOUT ENDANGERED SPECIES CONSERVATION.............................................. 19
EXHIBITION TO PROMOTE EMPLOYMENT OF THE DISABLED.......... 20
YUEN LONG LOT TO LET...................................... 21
REMOVAL OF WEST KOWLOON OFFICE............................ 21
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ...
22
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 1994
TRANSCRIPT OF THE GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION
♦ ♦ * ♦ *
TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN AFTER VISITING SHA TIN DISTRICT ON APRIL 13, 1994:-
GOVERNOR : GOOD AFTERNOON. I’VE HAD SEVERAL PREVIOUS VISITS TO SHA TIN. MY FIRST VISIT TO SHA TIN WAS ON MY FIRST FULL DAY IN HONG KONG AS GOVERNOR. I’M PLEASED TO HAVE BEEN ABLE TO COME BACK AGAIN AND I LOOK FORWARD TO MANY FURTHER VISITS.
JUST A COUPLE OF THINGS THAT I’D LIKE TO SAY. WHEN I SAW NEWSPAPER REPORTS THIS MORNING OF LAST WEEK’S EVENTS IN WHITEHEAD CAMP, I ASKED FOR AN IMMEDIATE AND THOROUGH REVIEW OF THE FACTS, PARTICULARLY OF THE NUMBER OF TEAR GAS SHELLS THAT WE USED AND OF THE INJURIES THAT WERE CAUSED AS A RESULT OF THE EXERCISE AND THE SECURITY OPERATION WHICH WAS CARRIED OUT. AS A RESULT OF THAT AND OUR INSISTENCE THAT THERE SHOULD BE FULL DISCLOSURE OF ALL THE FACTS AS RAPIDLY AS POSSIBLE, A PRESS CONFERENCE IS BEING HELD I THINK LITERALLY AS I’M TALKING TO YOU AT WHICH ALL THE EVIDENCE AND ALL THE INFORMATION THAT’S BEEN COLLECTED AS A RESULT OF MY DEMAND THAT THERE SHOULD BE A REVIEW WILL BE SET OUT. IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THAT ALL THE FACTS ARE KNOWN, NOT ONLY TO THE GOVERNMENT, NOT ONLY TO THE PRESS, BUT TO THE WHOLE COMMUNITY, SO WE CAN DECIDE WHETHER ANY FURTHER ACTION NEEDS TO BE TAKEN AND SO WE CAN CONSIDER HOW WE HANDLE CASES LIKE THIS IN THE BEST WAY IN THE FUTURE. SO ALL THAT INFORMATION, ALL THE INFORMATION THAT HAS BEEN COLLECTED WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE. THERE CAN BE NO QUESTION WHATSOEVER NOW OR IN THE FUTURE OF ANY COVER-UP OF THE SORT OF EVENTS WHICH HAPPENED AND THEIR CONSEQUENCES. SO THERE’S A PRESS CONFERENCE AS I SAY BEING HELD RIGHT AT THE MOMENT.
ONE OTHER THING I’D LIKE TO SAY. LATER ON THIS AFTERNOON, THE REPORT OF THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IS BEING PUBLISHED IN LONDON AND COPIES ARE BEING MADE AVAILABLE HERE. IT IS NOT AS YOU KNOW A GOVERNMENT DOCUMENT. IT’S THE RESULT OF A THOROUGH REVIEW BY A CROSS PARTY COMMITTEE OF EXPERT MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT. THEY TOOK EVIDENCE FROM PEOPLE IN HONG KONG. THEY TOOK EVIDENCE FROM CHINESE OFFICIALS. THEY TOOK EVIDENCE FROM BRITISH OFFICIALS. THEY TOOK EVIDENCE FROM LAWYERS AND THEY TOOK EVIDENCE FROM MANY EXPERTS. THEIR REPORT WILL OBVIOUSLY BE A VERY USEFUL DOCUMENT FOR ALL OF US TO STUDY. I UNDERSTAND THAT THE REPORT GIVES SOLID AND COMPLETE SUPPORT FOR THE APPROACH THAT WE HAVE TAKEN IN HONG KONG ON POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT AND IT HAS A NUMBER OF OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS WHICH WE WILL WANT TO STUDY VERY CAREFULLY AND I’M SURE THE WHOLE COMMUNITY WILL WANT TO CONSIDER THEM AS WELL. BUT IT IS OBVIOUSLY GOOD NEWS THAT SUPPORT FOR THE APPROACH WE’VE TAKEN IS AS SOLID IN BRITAIN AS IT IS IN HONG KONG. I’M SURE THAT THAT WILL BE A CONSIDERATION WHICH THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL WANT TO BEAR IN MIND AS THEY CONSIDER THE LAST PART OF OUR LEGISLATION IN THE COMING WEEKS.
SO I REPEAT AGAIN ON WHITEHEAD THAT ALL THE INFORMATION MUST BE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC AND THE COMMUNITY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE WHATEVER, REPEAT WHATEVER, THAT INFORMATION TELLS US.
/QUESTION: .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 1994
- 2 -
QUESTION : WHAT ABOUT THE MALAYSIAN ARM SALE SCANDAL ? DO YOU THINK
GOVERNOR : WHAT MALAYSIAN ARM SALE SCANDAL ?
QUESTION : THE BRITISH....
GOVERNOR : THE MINISTER WHO TOOK OVER RESPONSIBILITY FROM ME HAS GIVEN EVIDENCE TO THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS SELECT COMMITTEE. I VERY MUCH AGREE WITH EVERYTHING SHE SAID. I’M SURE IF THEY WANTED TO HAVE ME GIVE EVIDENCE, THEY’D ASK ME.
QUESTION : THE FAC REPORT GIVES SUPPORT TO SET UP A HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION. WHAT IS YOUR COMMENT ON THAT ? DO YOU SUPPORT IT ?
GOVERNOR : WE’LL WANT TO CONSIDER THAT PROPOSAL. IT’S A PROPOSAL AS YOU KNOW WHICH HAS BEEN MADE BY A NUMBER OF LEGISLATORS AS A DRAFT BILL WHICH ANNA WU IS AT PRESENT RECEIVING COMMENTS ON. SO WE’LL WANT TO CONSIDER THAT PROPOSAL VERY CAREFULLY. I THINK THERE ARE OTHER ORGANISATIONS WHICH ARE ALSO MAKING THAT PROPOSAL. CLEARLY, THE INTRODUCTION OF BILL OF RIGHTS IN HONG KONG WAS AN IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENT. I THINK THAT WHAT SOME PEOPLE HAVE SUGGESTED IS THAT NEEDS GREATER INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT AND THAT’S SOMETHING WE NEED TO CONSIDER.
QUESTION : WE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO PRESERVE HONG KONG’S WAY OF LIFE ?
GOVERNOR : THE BEST WAY OF PRESERVING HONG KONG’S WAY OF LIFE IS BY STANDING UP WHENEVER IT IS NECESSARY TO DO SO FOR THE JOINT DECLARATION WHICH WAS A HISTORIC DOCUMENT, A TREATY LODGED AT THE UNITED NATIONS WHICH GUARANTEES HONG KONG’S FREEDOMS AND VALUES AND WAY OF LIFE 50 YEARS AFTER 1994. THE GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG WILL BE MAKING A VERY LONG SPEECH ON THAT SUBJECT AT THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY TOMORROW.
QUESTION : COULD THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION ADVERSELY AFFECT RELATIONS BETWEEN CHINA AND HONG KONG IN THE LONG TERM ?
GOVERNOR : AS I’VE SAID JUST NOW, WE HAVE TO CONSIDER THAT PROPOSAL WHICH IS BEING PUT BY THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS SELECT COMMITTEE AMONG OTHERS. BUT I CAN’T IMAGINE HOW ANYBODY COULD TAKE EXCEPTION TO ATTEMPT TO GIVE THE BILL OF RIGHTS EVEN MORE EFFECTIVENESS, IF THAT WAS REGARDED AS THE LIKELY OUTCOME OF SETTING UP A COMMISSION.
QUESTION: IS THE GOVERNMENT STANDING AT A WAY BACKWARD ON THE ISSUE OF NEW TERRITORIES LAND (EXEMPTION) BILL OR IS THE GOVERNMENT CHANGING ITS POSITION?
/GOVERNOR: .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 1994
3 -
GOVERNOR: NO, WHAT THE GOVERNMENT IS DOING, LIKE THE SENSIBLE GOVERNMENT IT IS, IS TRYING TO SEE IF WE CAN FIND SOME ACCOMMODATION BETWEEN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE VILLAGERS, AND ALL THOSE WHO RESPONDED TO OUR DISCUSSION DOCUMENT ON THE POSITION OF WOMEN AND THE COMMUNITY IN SUCH LARGE NUMBERS, SAYING THAT WE SHOULD CHANGE THE POSITION ON THE INHERITANCE RIGHTS OF WOMEN IN THE NEW TERRITORIES. SO WE ARE LOOKING AT THE MOMENT TO SEE IF WE CAN FIND SOME REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION. IT IS NOT A QUESTION IN THE PRESENT BILL OF TAKING AWAY THE RIGHTS OF PEOPLE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES. THE OBJECTIVE OF THE PRESENT BILL AS YOU KNOW, WAS TO DEAL WITH THE WORRIES THAT 340,000 PEOPLE IN THE URBAN AREAS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES WERE EXPERIENCING AS A RESULT OF THE FACT THAT IT LOOKED AS THOUGH THE TRADITIONAL INHERITANCE LAWS MIGHT AFFECT THEM. THE POSITION OF WOMEN IS ALSO AN ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATION, AND GIVEN THAT 90% OF THOSE WHO REACTED TO OUR DISCUSSION PAPER TOOK THE VIEW THAT WOMEN’S POSITION SHOULD BE SAFEGUARDED, IT IS NOT SURPRISING THAT WE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THAT AS WELL. BUT I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT WE’LL BE ABLE TO BUILD THE BRIDGE, AND I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT WE’LL BE ABLE TO INCREASE UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT IS REALLY BEING DISCUSSED IN THE NEW TERRITORIES BECAUSE I THINK SOME OF THE ANXIETIES ARE MISPLACED AND ARE BASED ON MISUNDERSTANDING OF WHAT IS INTENDED.
QUESTION: ARE YOU IMPLYING THAT THE PREVIOUS POSITION IS UNREASONABLE?
GOVERNOR: WHAT I AM IMPLYING IS THAT AS THE 90% OF 1,100, 1,200 RESPONDENTS TO OUR GREEN PAPER SAID THE POSITION OF WOMEN IN THE NEW TERRITORIES IN RELATION TO INHERITANCE DOES IN OUR JUDGEMENT HAVE TO BE LOOKED AT AGAIN. I DON’T THINK THAT THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY, JUDGING BY PHONE-IN PROGRAMMES AND THE POLLS AND SO ON, I DON’T THINK THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY WHO THINK THAT THE POSITION CAN BE SIMPLY UNCHANGED. BUT WE DO WANT TO SEE IF WE CAN THOSE CHANGES IN A WAY WHICH IS UNDERSTOOD BY THE VILLAGERS, WHICH THEY RECOGNISE DOESN’T THREATEN ANY OF THEIR TRADITIONAL LANDS OR TRADITIONAL CONCERNS.
QUESTION: THE FAC SUGGESTED THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT GO ALONE ON THE POLITICAL ISSUES, IS THERE ANY DIFFICULTIES FOR YOU TO DO THAT?
GOVERNOR: NOT AT ALL. WE’VE PUT THREE PIECES OF LEGISLATION NOW TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. TWO HAVE BEEN PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. THE THIRD ONE IS AT PRESENT BEING CONSIDERED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, AND I VERY MUCH HOPE THEY PASS THAT ONE TOO.
QUESTION: GOVERNOR YOU’VE SAID THAT THERE IS NOT GOING TO BE A COVERUP NOW OR IN THE FUTURE. HAS THERE BEEN A COVER-UP SO FAR, AND WHAT WOULD YOU DO ABOUT IT?
/GOVERNOR: .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 1994
GOVERNOR: NO, I THINK THAT SOME OF THE INFORMATION THAT WAS PROVIDED EARLIER WAS QUITE SIMPLY WRONG. THE REASONS FOR THAT, I AM SURE ARE BEING EXPLORED EVEN IF WE SPEAK AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE. BUT THE IMPORTANT THING IN GOVERNMENT IS THAT WHEN IT LOOKS AS THOUGH INFORMATION THAT HAS BEEN PROVIDED IS INCORRECT, THEN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE YOU REVIEW THE SITUATION AND YOU MAKE ABSOLUTELY PLAIN THAT ALL THE FACTS ARE KNOWN TO THE PUBLIC. THIS IS AN OPEN SOCIETY WITH A FREE PRESS - THAT’S ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WE ARE STANDING UP FOR AND MUST CONTINUE TO STAND UP FOR IN HONG KONG. AND IF OCCASIONALLY, AS A RESULT OF THAT, GOVERNMENTS HAVE TO ADMIT THEY MADE MISTAKES, THEN SO BE IT.
QUESTION: THE FAC REPORT SAYS THAT IT SUPPORTS YOUR APPROACH TOWARDS THE POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG. IT ALSO SAYS THAT IT COULD NOT PREVENT THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT FROM CHANGING THE POLITICAL STRUCTURE AFTER 1997, SO DO YOU BELIEVE YOUR POLITICAL REFORM WILL STILL GO BEYOND 1997 ?
GOVERNOR: AS I’VE SAID BEFORE, THERE IS NO REASON WHY ANYONE SHOULD CHANGE THE PROPOSALS THAT WE ARE TRYING TO PUT IN PLACE AFTER 1997. THAT IS NOT TO DENY CHINA’S SOVEREIGNTY AFTER 1997, NOR TO DENY THAT CHINESE OFFICIALS COULD DO THINGS AFTER 1997, WHICH WOULD NOT, IN MY JUDGEMENT OR THE COMMUNITY’S JUDGEMENT, BE IN THE INTERESTS OF HONG KONG. BUT I REPEAT IN OUR VIEW THERE IS NO REASON WHY CHINESE OFFICIALS SHOULD MAKE THOSE CHANGES. THANK YOU VERY MUCH INDEED.
---------0-----------
SOLID SUPPORT FOR HE APPROACH : GOVERNOR
*****
IT IS GOOD NEWS THAT SUPPORT FOR THE APPROACH TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT ON POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT IS AS SOLID IN BRITAIN AS IT IS IN HONG KONG, THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING TO THE MEDIA AFTER VISITING SHA TIN DISTRICT, THE GOVERNOR SAID THAT THE REPORT BY THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE GAVE SOLID AND COMPLETE SUPPORT FOR THE APPROACH THAT HAD BEEN TAKEN IN HONG KONG ON POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE REPORT WAS THE RESULT OF A THOROUGH REVIEW BY A CROSS PARTY COMMITTEE OF EXPERT MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT WHO HAD TAKEN EVIDENCE FROM PEOPLE IN HONG KONG, CHINESE AND BRITISH OFFICIALS, LAWYERS AND MANY EXPERTS.
"THEIR REPORT WILL OBVIOUSLY BE A VERY USEFUL DOCUMENT FOR ALL OF US TO STUDY," HE SAID.
"IT HAS A NUMBER OF OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS WHICH WE WILL WANT TO STUDY VERY CAREFULLY AND I’M SURE THE WHOLE COMMUNITY WILL WANT TO CONSIDER THEM AS WELL."
/ON PRESS .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 1994
- 5
ON PRESS REPORTS OF LAST WEEK’S EVENTS IN WHITEHEAD DETENTION CENTRE, THE GOVERNOR SAID : "IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THAT ALL THE FACTS ARE KNOWN, NOT ONLY TO THE GOVERNMENT, NOT ONLY TO THE PRESS, BUT TO THE WHOLE COMMUNITY, SO WE CAN DECIDE WHETHER ANY FURTHER ACTION NEEDS TO BE TAKEN AND SO WE CAN CONSIDER HOW WE HANDLE CASES LIKE THIS IN THE BEST WAY IN THE FUTURE.
"SO ALL THAT INFORMATION, ALL THE INFORMATION THAT HAS BEEN COLLECTED WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE.
"THERE CAN BE NO QUESTION WHATSOEVER NOW OR IN THE FUTURE OF ANY COVER-UP OF THE SORT OF EVENTS WHICH HAPPENED AND THEIR CONSEQUENCES."
------0--------
GOVERNOR VISITS SHA TIN * * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, VISITED SHA TIN DISTRICT THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON.
HE TOURED THE SHA TIN PUBLIC SCHOOL - A SPECIAL INSTITUTION CATERING FOR MILDLY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN.
MR PATTEN THEN WENT TO TAI WAI - THE OLDEST VILLAGE IN SHA TIN BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN INHABITED SINCE 1574.
THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY A TOUR OF YIU ON PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE BEFORE HE MET DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS AT A RECEPTION.
MR PATTEN WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MISS CHRISTINE CHOW; THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR DAVID BROWNING; AND THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHOY KAN-PUI.
---------0----------
STATEMENT ON WHITEHEAD OPERATION * * * * *
FOLLOWING IS A PRESS STATEMENT MADE BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR KEN WOODHOUSE, ON THE OPERATION IN SECTION 7 OF WHITEHEAD DETENTION CENTRE ON APRIL 7:
ON THURSDAY, APRIL 7, THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE WERE ASKED TO REMOVE APPROXIMATELY 1,500 PEOPLE FROM SECTION 7 OF WHITEHEAD, TO THE CAMP AT HIGH ISLAND. THIS WAS A VERY DIFFICULT AND COMPLEX OPERATION.
IN CARRYING OUT THIS OPERATION, ONE OF OUR MAIN CONCERNS WAS THE SAFETY OF ALL THE PEOPLE IN SECTION 7 AND THE STAFF INVOLVED.
/WE HAVE .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 1994
6 -
WE HAVE ISSUED TWO STATEMENTS ON THIS OPERATION; ONE AT A PRESS CONFERENCE ON APRIL 7, AND THE OTHER YESTERDAY. WE BELIEVED THESE STATEMENTS TO BE CORRECT AT THE TIME THEY WERE MADE. HOWEVER, DOUBTS WERE EXPRESSED ABOUT THE ACCURACY' OF OUR FIGURES AND THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES IMMEDIATELY CARRIED OUT A REVIEW.
THERE HAS BEEN NO COVER UP; ON THE CONTRARY, WHEN DOUBTS WERE EXPRESSED, WE IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE INITIATIVE TO CHECK WITH THE BRITISH RED CROSS WHO PROVIDED MOST OF THE DATA. THIS REVIEW REVEALED THAT, CONTRARY TO OUR ASSUMPTION, PEOPLE CONTINUED TO REPORT INJURIES TO THE BRITISH RED CROSS IN THE DAYS FOLLOWING THE OPERATION; OUR ASSUMPTION THAT THEY WOULD REPORT IMMEDIATELY WAS, THEREFORE, INCORRECT.
WE NOW KNOW THAT 16 WERE TREATED AT WHITEHEAD BEFORE THEY WERE MOVED TO HIGH ISLAND OF WHOM ONE WAS ADMITTED TO HOSPITAL FROM WHITEHEAD; SIX, WHO WERE TRANSFERRED TO CHI MA WAN, SOUGHT TREATMENT THERE. AS OF THIS MORNING, A TOTAL OF 213 PEOPLE HAD SOUGHT MEDICAL TREATMENT FROM THE BRITISH RED CROSS AT HIGH ISLAND, OF WHOM TWO WERE DETAINED IN HOSPITAL. A HANDFUL OF THESE PEOPLE SOUGHT TREATMENT ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION. TODAY, ONLY TWO REMAIN IN HOSPITAL.
THERE HAVE BEEN SIX COMPLAINTS OF ASSAULT, WHICH ARE BEING INVESTIGATED BY THE POLICE. TODAY, THE BRITISH RED CROSS INFORMED US THAT 10 OF THE 213 TREATED BY THEM AT HIGH ISLAND HAVE ALSO COMPLAINED OF ASSAULT; THESE WILL ALSO BE REFERRED TO THE POLICE FOR INVESTIGATION.
WE ACCEPT THAT OUR SYSTEM FOR COLLECTING THIS INFORMATION WAS DEFICIENT. WE HAVE TAKEN IMMEDIATE STEPS TO RECTIFY IT.
HIGH COURT AND DISTRICT JUDGES APPOINTED
*****
THE JUDICIARY ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT A DISTRICT JUDGE, MR YAM YEE-KWAN, DAVID, HAD BEEN APPOINTED A HIGH COURT JUDGE, AND A PRINCIPAL MAGISTRATE, MR DAVID MICHAEL BLANCHARD GILL, HAD BEEN APPOINTED A DISTRICT JUDGE.
BOTH APPOINTMENTS TOOK EFFECT TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
JUDGE YAM WAS BORN IN CANTON IN OCTOBER 1948. HE WAS EDUCATED AT THE NEW METHOD COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG WHERE HE OBTAINED A BSC IN 1971 AND AN LLB IN 1975.
AFTER FURTHER STUDY AT THE COUNCIL OF LEGAL EDUCATION, HE WAS CALLED TO THE BAR BY MIDDLE TEMPLE IN ENGLAND IN 1976. THE FOLLOWING YEAR HE WAS CALLED TO THE HONG KONG BAR AND IN 1986 ADMITTED AS A SOLICITOR AND BARRISTER IN VICTORIA.
JUDGE YAM THEN ENTERED PRIVATE PRACTICE IN HONG KONG WHERE HE REMAINED UNTIL HIS APPOINTMENT AS DISTRICT JUDGE IN OCTOBER 1987. JUDGE YAM HAD SAT AS A DEPUTY HIGH COURT JUDGE FOR LONG PERIODS SINCE JANUARY LAST YEAR.
/HE IS .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 1994
HE IS MARRIED WITH TWO CHILDREN.
MR GILL WAS BORN IN ENGLAND IN 1943 AND EDUCATED IN NEW ZEALAND WHERE HE ATTENDED AUCKLAND UNIVERSITY, OBTAINING HIS DEGREE IN 1966.
HE WAS ADMITTED AS BARRISTER AND SOLICITOR IN THE SUPREME COURT OF NEW ZEALAND IN 1967. HE ENTERED PRIVATE PRACTICE IN 1968 AND JOINED THE HONG KONG JUDICIARY AS A MAGISTRATE IN 1985.
HE WAS PROMOTED TO PRINCIPAL MAGISTRATE IN 1990 AND HAD SAT AS A DEPUTY DISTRICT COURT JUDGE FOR LONG PERIODS SINCE LATE SEPTEMBER 1992.
MR GILL IS MARRIED WITH THREE CHILDREN.
WATER SAFE FOR DRINKING *****
IN RESPONSE TO RECENT PRESS REPORT, THAT DRINKING WATER IN HONG KONG CONTAINED HELICOBATOR PYLORI, A WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID: ’’THE WATER SUPPLIED BY THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS TREATED BY COAGULATION, SEDIMENTATION,CORRECTION OF ACIDITY, FLUORIDATION AND ADDITION OF CHLORINE FOR DISINFECTION.
"THE TREATED WATER IS IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE STANDARD SET BY THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (WHO) CHEMICALLY AND BACTERIOLOGICALLY. SAMPLES OF WATER ARE TAKEN FOR ANALYSIS REGULARLY FROM TREATMENT WORKS, SERVICE RESERVOIRS AND CONSUMERS’ TAPS." IN 1992/93, ALL WATER SAMPLES TAKEN FROM TREATMENT WORKS AND SERVICE RESERVOIRS WERE 100 PER CENT FREE FROM E COLI; 99.98 PER CENT OF WATER SAMPLES TAKEN FROM CONSUMERS’ TAPS WERE FREE FROM E COLI.
"HENCE, THE CHANCE THAT CONSUMERS’ WATER CERTAINS THAT PARTICULAR BACTERIA IS EXTREMELY REMOTE. THE WATER SUPPLIED BY THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS HENCE SAFE FOR DRINKING."
------0--------
EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS FOR FEBRUARY 1994 RELEASED *****
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) RELEASED DETAILED STATISTICS ON EXTERNAL TRADE WITH BREAKDOWN BY COUNTRY/TERRITORY AND COMMODITY FOR FEBRUARY THIS YEAR.
MAINLY AFFECTED BY THE TIMING OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS, BOTH RE-EXPORTS AND IMPORTS FELL MODERATELY IN FEBRUARY OVER THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR, WHILE DOMESTIC EXPORTS REGISTERED A SIGNIFICANT DECLINE.
/THE VALUE .......
[This page is blank in the original document]
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 1994
- 9 -
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAIN DESTINATIONS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 3.
COMPARING THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OE 1994 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO ALL OF THE MAIN DESTINATIONS: CANADA (-17%), CHINA (-14%), JAPAN (-11%), THE NETHERLANDS (-8.5%), GERMANY (-5.4%), TAIWAN (-4.6%), MALAYSIA (-4.5%), THE UNITED STATES (-3.8%), THE UNITED KINGDOM (-1.2%) AND SINGAPORE (-1.1%).
TAKING ALL DESTINATIONS TOGETHER, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF 1991, AT $28,815 MILLION, DECREASED BY 8.1% OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993.
TABLE I SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF
THE 10 PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
COMPARING THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF 1994 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF ALL PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
MORE NOTABLE DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES (BY $606 MILLION OR 21%); TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $479 MILLION OR 25%); PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $312 MILLION OR 13%); TEXTILES (BY $303 MILLION OR 13%); CLOTHING (BY $159 MILLION OR 1.7%); ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $140 MILLION OR 4.2%) AND MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES CONSISTING MAINLY OF JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES (BY $34 MILLION OR 1.3%).
THE VALUE OF IMPORTS IN FEBRUARY 1994 WAS $79,305 MILLION, DECREASING BY 4.3% OYER THAT IN FEBRUARY 1993.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM THE 10 MAIN SUPPLIERS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 5.
COMPARING FEBRUARY 1994 WITH FEBRUARY 1993, INCREASES WERE
RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM MALAYSIA (+18%), THE UNITED KINGDOM (+4.8%), ITALY (+3.7%) AND SINGAPORE (+3.6%).
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM OTHER MAIN SUPPLIERS: TAIWAN (-16%), JAPAN (-15%), THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (-6.9%), THE UNITED STATES (-3.7%), GERMANY (-2.8%) AND CHINA (-1.2%).
COMPARING THE FIRST IWO MONTHS OE 1994 Will! THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM MOST OE THE MAIN SUPPLIERS INCREASED: MALAYSIA (+35%), ITALY (+23%), (HINA (+15%), SINGAPORE (+13%), THE UNITED KINGDOM (+12%), THE REPUBLIC OE KOREA (+10%), TAIWAN (+3.8%), GERMANY (+2.9%) AND THE UNITED STATES (+2.9%).
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM JAPAN DECREASED BY 2.0%.
THE VALUE OF IMPORTS IN THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF 1994 WAS $159,682 MILLION, AN INCREASE OE 9.2% OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993.
/TABLE 6 .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 1994
- 10 -
TABLE 6 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS OF THE 10 PR 1 NCI PAL COMMOI) IT1 I) I V1 S IONS .
COMPARING THE FIRST TWO MONTHS 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 $4,206 MILLION OR 38%); ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $1,715 MILLION OR 11%); CLOTHING (BY $1,488 MILLION OR 13%); NON-METALL1C MINERAL MANUFACTURES (BY $1,124 MILLION OR 25%); TEXTILES (BY $1,116 MILLION OR 8.7%) AND PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $684 MILLION OR 10%).
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, A DECREASE IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS WAS RECORDED FOR ROAD VEHICLES (BY $1,017 MILLION OR 14%).
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 FEBRUARY 1994 WILL BE RELEASED IN EARLY MAY.
DETAILED TRADE STATISTICS ANALYSED BY COMMODITY AND BY COUNTRY/ TERRITORY ARE PUBLISHED TN TRADE STATISTICS REPORTS.
THE FEBRUARY 1991 ISSUE OF THE HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE” WITH DETAILED ANALYSES ON THE PERFORMANCE OF HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE IN FEBRUARY 1994 WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT $86 A COPY AROUND APRIL 22.
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 I9TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI .
ENQUIRIES \BOUT REGULAR SUBSIRI PT I ON TO THE REPORT MAY BE DIRECTED TO I HE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, I BATTERS PATH, HONG KONG (TEL 842 8802) AND ENQUIRIES ON TRADE STATISTICS TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL 582 4915).
/TABLE 1 : .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 1994
TABLE 1 : RE-EXPORTS TO THE TEN MAIN DESTINATIONS
DESTINATION FEB 1994 (HKD Mn.) FEB 94 OVER FEB 93 (% CHANGE) JAN-FEB 1994 (HKD Mn.) JAN-FEB 94 OVER JAN-FEB 93 (% CHANGE)
CHINA 18,745 - 16.2 41,033 + 12.7
UNITED STATES 11,949 + 5.9 26,118 + 19.4
JAPAN 3,525 + 16.1 7,352 + 25.9
GERMANY 3,174 + 5.7 6,750 + 15.2
UNITED KINGDOM 1,887 + 20.7 3,973 + 30.3
TAIWAN 1,594 - 18.2 3,135 - 9.0
SINGAPORE 1,248 - 9.4 2,751 + 11.6
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 1,157 - 8.9 2,277 + 9.0
NETHERLANDS 1,000 + 17.5 2,066 + 20.2
FRANCE 987 + 5.0 2,057 + 9.5
/TABEL 2 : .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 1994
- 12
TABLE 2 : RE-EXPORTS OF THE TEN PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISION FEB 1994 (HKD Mn.) FEB 94 OVER FEB 93 (% CHANGE) JAN-FEB 1994 (HKD Mn.) JAN-FEB 94 OVER JAN-FEB 93 (% CHANGE)
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 7,019 + 19.9 14,663 + 17.1
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BaBY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 6,599 - 0.9 13,920 + 8.2
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 5,590 + 11.6 12,532 + 48.3
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 4,979 - 1.4 10,498 + 17.8
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 4,361 - 16.8 9,504 + 6.1
FOOTWEAR 4,029 + 8.5 ’8,502 + 18.8
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES. OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 2,753 - 1.3 5,509 + 19.4
ROAD VEHICLES 2.473 - 18.4 5,273 ♦ 8.0
OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES 2,253 * 4,909 + 19.1
TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR CONTAINERS 1,964 ♦ 25.3 4,334 + 22.1
♦ DENOTES LESS THAN 0.05%
/TABEL 3 :
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 1994
- 13 -
TABLE 3 : DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE TEN MAIN DESTINATIONS
DESTINATION FEB 1994 (HKD Mn.) FEB 94 OVER FEB 93 (X CHANGE) JAN-FEB 1994 (HKD Mn.) JAN-FEB 94 OVER JAN-FEB 93 (X CHANGE)
CHINA 3,236 - 38.5 7,374 - 14.4
UNITED STATES 3,417 - 9.9 7,350 - 3.8
GERMANY 920 - 2.7 1,876 - 5.4
SINGAPORE 826 - 7.5 1,694 - 1.1
UNITED KINGDOM 723 ♦ 1.7 1,462 - 1.2
JAPAN 651 - 24.4 1,365 - 11.2
TAIWAN 381 - 22.5 881 - 4.6
NETHERLANDS 329 - 3.8 681 - 8.5
CANADA 313 - 16.4 614 - 17.1
MALAYSIA 172 - 31.3 406 - 4.5
/TABLE 4 : .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 1994
14 . -
TABLE 4 : DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF THE TEN PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISION FEB 1994 (HKD Mn.) FEB 94 OVER FEB 93 (X CHANGE) JAN-FEB 1994 (HKD Mn.) JAN-FEB 94 OVER JAN-FEB 93 (X CHANGE)
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 4,369 + 4.9 9,242 - 1.7
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 1,594 - 12.7 3,151 - 4.2
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES) 1,199 - 20.3 2,577 - 1.3
OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES 1,062 - 36.1 2,295 - 20.9
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 997 - 31.0 2,096 - 13.0
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 873 - 30.3 1,984 - 13.2
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 609 - 51.0 1,448 - 24.8
MANUFACTURES OF METALS 318 - 20.9 643 - 5.8
PLASTICS IN PRIMARY FORMS 266 - 0.4 474 - 3.2
MACHINERY SPECIALIZED FOR PARTICULAR INDUSTRIES 216 - 22.1 459 - 5.4
/TABLE 5 :
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 1994
15 -
TABLE 5 : IMPORTS FROM THE TEN MAIN SUPPLIERS
FEB FEB 94 JAN-FEB JAN-FEB 94
SUPPLIER 1994 OVER 1994 OVER
FEB 93 JAN-FEB 93
(HKD Mn.) (% CHANGE) (HKD Mn. ) (% CHANGE)
CHINA 26,952 - 1.2 59,707 + 15.2
JAPAN 13,032 - 15.0 24,617 - 2.0
TAIWAN 6,304 - 15.7 13,372 + 3.8
UNITED STATES 6,214 - 3.7 11,683 + 2.9
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 3,610 - 6.9 7,336 + 10.0
SINGAPORE 3,775 + 3.6 7,150 + 12.6
GERMANY 2,094 - 2.8 3,777 + 2.9
UNITED KINGDOM 1,878 + 4.8 3,472 + 12.1
MALAYSIA 1,377 + 18.1 2,811 + 35.2
ITALY 1,399 + 3.7 2,751 + 22.6
/TABLE 6 : .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 1994
16 -
TABLE 6 : IMPORTS OF THE TEN PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISION FEB 1994 (HKD Mn.) FEB 94 OVER FEB 93 (X CHANGE) JAN-FEB 1994 (HKD Mn.) JAN-FEB 94 OVER JAN-FEB 93 (% CHANGE)
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 8,710 + 0.6 17,228 + 11.1
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 6,818 + 7.2 15,341 + 37.8
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 6,837 - 10.0 13,951 + 8.7
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 6,306 + 9.2 13,246 + 12.7
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 5,014 - 10.1 10,530 + 6.1
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 3,835 - 0.6 7,219 + 10.5
FOOTWEAR 3,429 + 7.5 7,152 + 16.8
ROAD VEHICLES 4,104 - 8.3 6*,495 - 13.5
OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES 2,608 - 10.3 5,680 + 9.7
NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES 2,917 + 4.2 5,594 + 25.1
/17........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 1994
MARCH AIR QUALITY REPORT ♦ » » * »
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) TODAY (WEDNESDAY) RELEASED AIR QUALITY INFORMATION FOR LAST MONTH, t
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.
IN MARCH, THERE WERE NO EXCEEDANCES OF THE AIR QUALITY OBJECTIVES AT ANY OF THE THREE STATIONS AND LEVELS OF POLLUTANTS WERE RELATIVELY CONSTANT THROUGHOUT THE MONTH. AS USUAL, POLLUTANT LEVELS WERE HIGHER AT THE STREET LEVEL SITE OF MONG KOK THAN AT THE OTHER TWO ROOF-TOP SITES.
NITROGEN DIOXIDE LEVELS WERE HIGH AT MONG KOK FOR MOST OF THE MONTH. THE 24-HOUR AVERAGE WAS ABOVE 100UG/M3, TWO-THIRDS OF THE AIR QUALITY OBJECTIVE VALUE, FOR 25 OUT OF THE 31 DAYS IN THE MONTH. ON MARCH 3, AMBIENT LEVELS EQUALLED THE LIMIT.
THESE HIGH DAILY VALUES PRODUCED A MONTHLY AVERAGE NO2 CONCENTRATION THAT WAS THREE TIMES THE LEVEL RECORDED IN MARCH LAST YEAR.
SULPHUR DIOXIDE LEVELS AT THE SITE WERE TWICE THE 1993 LEVEL BUT DUST LEVELS WERE ONLY SLIGHTLY HIGHER.
ROADWORKS NEAR THE SITE HAVE BEEN FINISHED AND THERE IS NOW AN INCREASED FLOW OF TRAFFIC. EXHAUST EMISSIONS FROM THIS EXTRA TRAFFIC ARE THOUGHT TO BE THE CAUSE OF THE OBSERVED INCREASES.
AVERAGE DUST LEVELS AT CENTRAL/WESTERN AND KWAI CHUNG WERE 30-50 PER CENT GREATER THAN LAST YEAR. THIS IS PROBABLY BECAUSE RAINFALL WAS 50 PER CENT LESS THAN IN MARCH 1993.
/HENCE, THERE ........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 1994
- 18 -
HENCE, THERE HAS BEEN LESS WASHING OUT OF DUST FROM THE AIR BY FALLING RAIN DROPS AND MORE SURFACE DUST HAS BEEN AVAILABLE FOR BEING BLOWN INTO THE AIR.
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 NITRIC OXIDE 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, FURNANCES AND BOILERS, CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES, THE SEA AND THE SOIL.
IT IS WORTH NOTING THAT WHILST THE WEATHER AND CLIMATE ALWAYS AFFECT THE 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 PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER MR RAYMOND LEUNG ON TEL 594 6401.
------0--------
EMPLOYMENT IMPORTANT FOR THE DISABLED * * * » ♦
EMPLOYMENT IS THE BEST WAY FOR THE DISABLED TO INTEGRATE INTO THE COMMUNITY, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MRS KATHERINE FOK, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING OF THE EXPANSION OF HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND’S HEALTH MASSAGE AND TREATMENT CENTRE FOR THE BLIND IN SHAM SHUI PO, MRS FOK SAID THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAD WORKED VERY HARD IN EXPANDING THE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES OF THE DISABLED THROUGH ITS SELECTIVE PLACEMENT SERVICE AND THE RESULT WAS VERY ENCOURAGING.
"TAKE 1993 AS AN ILLUSTRATION, 1,340 DISABLED SECURED OPEN EMPLOYMENT JOBS THROUGH THE SERVICE," SHE SAID.
/"THEY INCLUDED .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 1994
- .19 -
"THEY INCLUDED IK VISUALLY IMPAIRED WHO WERE PLACED IN JOBS SUCH AS ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS, TRANSLATORS, ACCOUNTS CLERKS, RECEPTIONISTS \ND MASSEURS.
’’THIS REFLECTED THAT THE DISABLED COULD PERFORM EQUALLY WELL IF THEY WERE PROVIDED WITH THE APPROPRIATE TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES," SHE ADDED.
MRS FOK NOTED THAT HIE GOVERNMENT WAS, IN FACT, VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE EMPLOYMENT NEEDS OF THE DISABLED.
SHE SAID THE FIRS'! SUMMIT MEETING ON OPEN EMPLOYMENT OF DISABLED PERSONS, ( HA IREI BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, HELD IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR SHOWED THE GOVERNMENT’S DETERMINATION TO WIDEN Till EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE DISABLED.
THE LABOUR COMMISSIONER ALSO PRAISED THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND IN PLAYING AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN ENHANCING THE EMPLOYMENT FOR THE BLIND.
"THE EXPANSION OF HIE HEALTH MASSAGE AND TREATMENT CENTRE MARKED THE CREATION OF NEW CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED," MRS FOK SAID.
SHE NOTED THAT TODAY’S CEREMONY HAI) ANOTHER SPEC IAL MEANING.
"THE MASSAGE TRAINING PROFESSION IN HONG KONG IS DEVELOPED JOINTLY BY EFFORTS FROM ORGAN 1 SAT IONS IN CHINA AND HONG KONG.
"THE CHINA DISABLED PERSONS’ FEDERATION IS INSTRUMENTAL IN PROVIDING THE TEACHING RESOURCES FOR THE FIRST ACUPRESSURE AND MASSAGE TRAINING CLASSES FOR THE BLIND IN 1989.
"BLIND MASSAGE HAS BEEN MUCH BETTER ACCEPTED AFTER THE FIRST GROUP OF LOCALLY 'TRAINED MASSEURS STARTED THE PROFESSION IN HONG KONG.
"THIS IS A VERY GOOD EXAMPLE OF HOW CHINA AND HONG KONG CAN BOTH ENHANCE THE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES OF THE DISABLED.
"I WISH WE CAN HAVE MORE SUCH COOPERATION BETWEEN CHINA AND HONG KONG IN THE FUTURE," SHE ADDED.
------0-------
TEACHERS LEARN MORE ABOUT ENDANGERED SPECIES CONSERVATION t * t ♦ ♦
MORE THAN 200 TEACHERS, MOSTLY IN HIE BIOLOGY DISCIPLINE, ARE EXPECTED TO GET A MORE IN-DEPTH KNOWLEDGE OF THE CONSERVATION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES AFTER ATTENDING A SEMINAR ON I HE SUBJEC I 1HIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON.
THE SEMINAR WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT (AFD), EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S HONG KONG S( IEN< E MUSEUM.
/AN AFD ........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 1994
- 20 -
AN AFI) SPOKESMAN SAID THE AIM OF THE SEMINAR WAS TO ENHANCE TEACHERS1 AWARENESS AND UNDERSTANDING ON THE PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED ANIMAL AND PLANT SPECIES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID:
MORE CRICIAI ROLE IN CONSERVATION EFFORTS AFTER SUBJECT.”
"IT IS HOPED THAT STUDENTS WOULD THE TERR I TORY’S ENDANGERED
BEING BRIEFED BY THEIR TEACHERS
PLAY A SPECIES ON THE
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT AFD AND OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE IN PARTICULAR, HAD BEEN EFFECTIVELY CARRYING OUT THE ENFORCEMENT WORK IN RELATION TO THE ANIMALS AND PLANTS (PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES) ORDINANCE, CAP. 187.
HE ADDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE ITS ENFORCEMENT OPERATIONS AND PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAMMES WITH A VIEW TO MAKING HONG KONG A TERRITORY WHICH STRICTLY COMPLIED WITH THE CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA AND FLORA (CITES).
AT TODAY’S SEMINAR, FOR NATURE (HONG KONG), MR THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF PROTECT ION OF ENDANGEREI) CONSERVATION OFFICER DR SO IMPLEMENTATION OF (ITES IN
THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DAVID MELVILLE, AND A HONG KONG, DR PAUL ANIMALS AND PLANTS
OF WORLD WIDE FUND SENIOR LECTURER OF BUT, SPOKE ON THE RESPECTIVELY. AFD’S
PING-MAN GA\E \ DETAILED ACCOUNT OF THE HONG KONG.
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT THE SEMINAR WAS ORGANISED AS PART
OF THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICITY AND EDUCATION CAMPAIGN ON THE
CONSERVATION OF ENDANGERED SPEC I ES IN THE TERRITORY.
OTHER ITEMS IN THE PACKAGE INCLUDED THE BROADCAST OF A TELEVISION ANNOUNCEMENT OF PUBLIC INTEREST (TVAPI), THE DISPLAY OF POSTERS AT KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY STATIONS, AND THE DISTRIBUTION OF STICKERS TO MEDICINAL RETAIL SHOPS REMINDING THEM NOT TO SELL ENDANGERED ITEMS.
--------0-----------
EXHIBITION TO PROMOTE EMPLOYMENT OF THE DISABLED ♦ * * * ♦
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD A THREE-DAY EXHIBITION FROM FRIDAY C APRIL 15) IN TSIM SHA TSUI TO ENHANCE PUBLIC; UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORKING ABILITIES OF THE DISABLED PERSONS.
’"ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S SELECTIVE PLACEMENT DIVISION (SPD), THE EXHIBITION FORMS PART Ob THE DEPARTMENT’S CONTINUOUS EFFORTS TO PROMOTE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNI T IES FOR THE DISABLED AND CLARIFYING PUBLIC MISCONCEPTIONS TOWARDS THEM," SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER (SELECTIVE PLACEMENT) MRS JENNIE CROR SAID TODA\ (WEDNESDAY).
THE EXHIBITION WILL INCLUDE VIDEO SHOWS AND THE DISPLAY OF 18 EXHIBITION BOARDS INTRODUCING THE VARIOUS DISABILITIES, THE WORK DISABLED EMPLOYEES ARE PERFORMING AND THE FREE PLACEMENT SERVICE TO THE DISABLED AND FREE RECRUITMENT SERVICE TO EMPLOYERS BEING OFFERED BY THE SPD.
/AN ENQUIRY .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 1994
21
AN ENQUIRY COUNTER WILL BE SET UP AT THE VENUE TO ANSWER PUBLIC ENQUIRIES AND DISTRIBUTE LEAFLETS INTRODUCING THE WORK OF THE SPD.
’’FOR THOSE EMPLOYERS WHO WISH TO RECRUIT DISABLED WORKERS, THEY CAN GIVE DETAILS OF THEIR VACANCIES TO THE STAFF ON-THE-SPOT,” MRS CHOR SAJI).
SAID
’’DISABLED JOB-SEEKERS CAN ALSO REGISTER AT THE COUNTER,” SHE
’’SPD’S STAFF WILL ARRANGE INTERVIEWS FOR BOTH PARTIES AFTERWARDS,” SHE ADDED.
THE EXHIBITION, TO BE HELD IN THE MAIN CONCOURSE, VENUE B, NEW WORLD CENTRE, 20 SALISBURY ROAD, TS1M SHA TSUI, WILL BE OPEN FROM 10 AM TO 6 PM ON APRIL 15, 16 AND 17.
- - 0 - -
YUEN LONG LOT TO LET
♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR A SHORT-TERM TENANCY OF A PIECE OF GOVERNMENT LOT IN YUEN LONG.
THE 4,205-SQUARE-METRE LOT, LOCATED AT THE JUNCTION OF TAI YUK ROAD AND MA TIN ROAD, IS INTENDED FOR USE AS A FEE-PAYING PUBLIC CAR PARK FOR MOTOR VEHICLES, INCLUDING GOODS VEHICLES BUT EXCLUDING CONTAINER TRACTORS AND TRAILERS.
THE TENANCY IS FOR 18 MONTHS, AND IS RENEWABLE QUARTERLY.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON APRIL 29.
TENDER FORMS, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED- FROM THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, YUEN LONG; THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD; AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES KOWLOON, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.
TENDER PLANS CAN ALSO BE INSPECTED AT THESE OFFICES.
- - 0 - -
REMOVAL OF WEST KOWLOON OFFICE ♦ ♦ * * ♦
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT ITS WEST KOWLOON OFFICE, CURRENTLY SITUATED AT GROUND FLOOR AND FIRST FLOOR, SUMMIT INSURANCE BUILDING, 789 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON, WILL BE CLOSED ON COMPLETION OF Il'S SERVIC E IN THE AFTERNOON OF SATURDAY (APRIL 16) AND MOVED TO THF FOLLOWING ADDRESS:
MEZZANINE FLOOR, YAUMATEI CARPARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.
/THE NEW
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 1994
22
18)
THE NEW OFFICE WILL COMMENCE SERVICE AND THE OFFICE HOURS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
NEXT MONDAY (APRIL
MONDAY TO FRIDAY
AM PM
'1’0
TO
12.45
•1.30
NOON
PM
SATURDAY
PM
TO
12.30
NOON
9
2
9
SUNDAY AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
CLOSED
FOR ENQUIRY, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY TELEPHONE 824 6111,
SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID.
A
--------0-----------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
1 • $ MILLION CUMULATIVE TIME CHANGE (HOURS) ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,4 55 0930 +349
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,755 1000 +349
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 +340
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 3 10 1200 +340
LAF TODAY -40 1500 +340 1600 +340
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/1.00 OFFER TW1 125.4 *+0.0* 13.4.94
HONG KONG MONETARY WTHOR I TY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 2.72 17 MONTHS 2508 4.625 ' 99.78 4.85
1 MONTH 2.97 20 MONTHS 251 1 4.15 98.64 5. 10
3 MONTHS 3.54 23 MONTHS 2G02 4 . 40 98.46 5.35
6 MONTHS 3.85 31 MONTHS 3610 4.20 96.25 5.89
12 MONTHS 4.38 34 MONTHS 3701 4.60 96.52 6.06
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 25,004 MN
CLOSED 13 APRIL 1994
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TRANSCRIPT OF THE GOVERNOR’S LECTURE........................ 1
IPS TO INVESTIGATE WHITEHEAD OPERATION..................... 10
MARRAKESH MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE........................... 10
OMBUDSMAN INFORMED OF PROJECTS............................. 12
STATEMENT BY ICAC COMMISSIONER............................. 12
VIET TREATMENT FIGURES OVERSTATED.......................... 13
SURVEY ON FILM CENSORSHIP STANDARDS........................ 13
ADDITIONAL EMERGENCY LAYBYS ON TUEN MUN ROAD............... 15
STUDENTS ADVISED OF SUMMER JOB TRAPS AND SAFETY............ 17
INSTANT REGISTRATION SERVICE FOR EMPLOYERS AND DISABLED JOB SEEKERS................................................ 18
117 VMS RETURN HOME........................................ 19
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS..... 20
THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 1994
TRANSCRIPT OF THE GOVERNOR’S LECTURE
*****
THE FOLLOWING IS A TRANSCRIPT OF THE LECTURE BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, ON "THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE JOINT DECLARATION: AN OVERVIEW” AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG TODAY (THURSDAY):
VICE CHANCELLOR, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,
HONG KONG IS APPROACHING A THRESHOLD UNIQUE NOT ONLY IN ITS OWN HISTORY, BUT IN THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD. THE SUCCESS OF ITS PASSAGE WILL DEPEND ON MANY THINGS; BUT ON NONE MORE THAN A CLEAR UNDERSTANDING OF THE CHALLENGES AHEAD, AND OF HOW BEST TO MEET THEM. THAT UNDERSTANDING CAN ONLY COME THROUGH THE KIND OF THOROUGH AND UNINHIBITED DEBATE WHICH HONG KONG APPLIES SO EFFECTIVELY TO EVERY NEW CHALLENGE IT ENCOUNTERS. THIS SERIES OF LECTURES EXEMPLIFIES THAT TRADITION AND HAS ALREADY ENLIGHTENED THE DEBATE. I AM GRATEFUL TO YOU, VICE CHANCELLOR, FOR INVITING ME TO ADD MY VOICE TO THOSE OF MY DISTINGUISHED FELLOW-LECTURERS OVER THE LAST FEW WEEKS.
NO INSTITUTION HAS GIVEN MORE TO HONG KONG, OVER SO LONG, THAN THIS UNIVERSITY. FROM THE DAY IT OPENED ITS DOORS 82 YEARS AGO -INDEED BEFORE THEN THROUGH ITS PRECURSOR THE HONG KONG COLLEGE OF MEDICINE, WHICH ITSELF HAD SOME DISTINGUISHED GRADUATES - FROM THE DAY IT OPENED IT HAS BEEN TURNING OUT YOUNG MEN AND YOUNG WOMEN WHO HAVE BECOME THE LEADERS OF OUR COMMUNITY, THE BUILDERS OF OUR FUTURE. NO LESS THAN 21 MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, 5 MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND 8 SECRETARIES OF HONG KONG GOVERNMENT POLICY BRANCHES ARE EITHER ALUMNI OF THE UNIVERSITY OR MEMBERS OF ITS STAFF. LAST YEAR’S GRADUATES WILL BE AMONG THEIR SUCCESSORS, HELPING TO LEAD HONG KONG INTO THE 21ST CENTURY.
WE KNOW THIS BECAUSE, LIKE THE GENERATIONS BEFORE THEM WHO HAVE PASSED THROUGH THIS CAMPUS, THEY HAVE LEARNED DURING THEIR TIME HERE THAT THERE IS NOTHING MORE POWERFUL THAN THE POWER OF IDEAS. THE POWER THAT IS DECIDED, ULTIMATELY, NOT BY PHYSICAL SUPERIORITY, NOR BY WHO HAS MORE BATTALIONS. THE POWER THAT COMES INSTEAD FROM THE MIND, TUNED - IN THE WORDS OF ONE GRADUATE OF THE COLLEGE OF MEDICINE - YOU MAY HAVE HEARD OF DR SUN YAT SEN, TO THE TREND IN WORLD AFFAIRS, AND TO THE URGENT NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY. IT IS A TRUTH WHICH MUCH OF THE WORLD HAS HAD TO REDISCOVER DURING THE LIFETIME OF THIS UNIVERSITY THAT THOUGH THE GUN, IN THE HAND OF THE TYRANT OR MORE OFTEN HIS SECRET POLICEMEN, MAY WIN SOME ILLUSORY BATTLES, THE MIND, AND THE HUMAN SPIRIT WHICH ANIMATES IT, TRIUMPH IN THE END. THERE MAY FOR A WHILE BE DARKNESS AT NOON. BUT THE SUN ALWAYS BREAKS THROUGH THE CLOUDS.
UNIVERSITIES DEPEND ON THE UNINHIBITED EXPRESSION OF IDEAS, AND THE TUSSLE BETWEEN THEM. VICE-CHANCELLORS AROUND THE WORLD KNOW THAT ACADEMIC FREEDOM IS INDIVISIBLE. THAT YOU CANNOT SAY, IF YOU WANT A HEALTHY UNIVERSITY, "FREE EXPRESSION’S FINE FOR CHEMISTRY OR MATHEMATICS, BUT HERE IN THE HUMANITIES THERE ARE UNFORTUNATELY ONE OR TWO IDEAS WE MUST FENCE OFF, ONE OR TWO NO GO AREAS". AS SOON AS YOU DO THAT, THE NO GO AREAS SPREAD AND, BEHIND A FINE POTEMKIN FACADE, THE UNIVERSITY DIES.
/THAT, TOO..........
THURSDAY, APRI^.14, 1994
2
THAT, TOO, HAS HAD TO BE REDISCOVERED. I WAS ALARMED TO COME ACROSS RECENTLY A STATUTE FROM MY OWN ALMA MATER, THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD IN THE COUNTY OF OXFORDSHIRE. IT READS: ’’BACHELORS AND MASTERS OF THE ARTS WHO DO NOT FOLLOW THE PHILOSOPHY OF ARISTOTLE ARE SUBJECT TO A FINE OF FIVE SHILLINGS FOR EACH POINT OF DIVERGENCE.”
I DO NOT KNOW WHETHER THIS DRACONIAN PROHIBITION, INTRODUCED AT AROUND THE START OF THE MING DYNASTY, HAS EVER BEEN OFFICIALLY REPEALED. BUT I AM THANKFUL THAT IT WAS NOT BEING VIGOROUSLY ENFORCED WHEN I WAS AN UNDERGRADUATE.
JUST AS FREEDOM OF THOUGHT AND OF EXPRESSION ARE NECESSARY IN A UNIVERSITY, SO THEY ARE FUNDAMENTAL IN ANY HEALTHY, MODERN, SOCIETY. THIS HAS NEVER BEEN CLEARER THAN TODAY AS MORE AND MORE SOCIETIES -SOCIETIES NOT ONLY IN EUROPE BUT IN ASIA, NOT ONLY IN THE NEW WORLD BUT IN AFRICA - DISCOVER THE BENEFITS OF THE FREE MARKET IN IDEAS AS IN ECONOMICS. FOR THE ACTIONS OF GOVERNMENT CAN ONLY MEET THE NEEDS OF THE GOVERNED IF THEY ARE SUBJECT TO SCRUTINY BY THE GOVERNED, AND IF GOVERNMENT IS WILLING TO PROVIDE RATIONAL ANSWERS TO THEIR CRITICISMS. AS JOHN STUART MILL PUT IT, HOW CAN THE CRITICISMS ”BE ANSWERED IF THAT WHICH REQUIRES TO BE ANSWERED IS NOT SPOKEN? HOW CAN THE ANSWER BE KNOWN TO BE SATISFACTORY IF THE OBJECTORS HAVE NO OPPORTUNITY OF SHOWING THAT IT IS UNSATISFACTORY? ...... IF ALL MANKIND WERE OF ONE OPINION, AND ONLY ONE PERSON WERE OF THE CONTRARY OPINION, MANKIND WOULD BE NO MORE JUSTIFIED IN SILENCING THAT PERSON THAN HE WOULD BE JUSTIFIED IN SILENCING MANKIND.”
WHAT HAS ALL THIS GOT TO DO WITH THE JOINT DECLARATION? AS IT HAPPENS, QUITE A LOT. FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION IS THE CORNERSTONE OF ANY OPEN SOCIETY, AND OF NONE MORE THAN HONG KONG, HENCE, I IMAGINE, THE DEPTH AND BREADTH OF PUBLIC CONCERN HERE ABOUT THE CASE OF MR XI YANG. THE JOINT DECLARATION IS A DISTILLATION, IN THE FORM OF A BINDING INTERNATIONAL TREATY REGISTERED AT THE UNITED NATIONS, OF THE ESSENTIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF OUR OPEN SOCIETY.
AT THE RISK OF INCURRING A FINE FROM THE OXFORD PROCTORS FOR AN APPROACH WHICH OWES MORE TO PLATO THAN TO ARISTOTLE, LET US LOOK FURTHER AT THE CONCEPTS, SET OUT IN THE JOINT DECLARATION, WHICH EMBODY THE ESSENCE OF HONG KONG. FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION IS CERTAINLY ONE. BUT THERE IS ANOTHER, EQUALLY IMPORTANT, AND THAT IS HONG KONG’S ’’HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY”, THE IDEA SO ELOQUENTLY ENCAPSULATED IN THE WORDS ’’ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS”.
AS HAS BEEN SAID MANY TIMES, ’’ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS” IS A VISIONARY IDEA, AND THE KEY TO HONG KONG’S CONTINUED SUCCESS. BUT AS WITH ALL VISIONARY IDEAS, MANY DETAILED QUESTIONS NEED TO BE ANSWERED BEFORE IT CAN BE PUT INTO PRACTICE, FAITHFULLY TRANSLATED INTO EVERY ASPECT OF OUR DAILY LIVES. OUR TASK AS WE IMPLEMENT THE JOINT DECLARATION IS TO PROVIDE THOSE ANSWERS, TO WORK OUT TOGETHER WHAT AUTONOMY ACTUALLY MEANS ON THE GROUND: FOR THE CIVIL SERVANT, FOR THE CAPTAIN OF INDUSTRY OR FINANCE, FOR THE JUDGE AND THE LAWYER, FOR THE JOURNALIST AND THE EDITOR. FOR THE MAN OR WOMAN WHO DRIVES THE TRAM, FOR THE HOUSEWIFE AND FOR THE CHILDREN OF HONG KONG WHO WILL INHERIT THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE ANSWERS WE PROVIDE. ESPECIALLY FOR THE CHILDREN. HONG KONG’S "HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY” IS MORE THAN AN ABSTRACT FORMULA ARRIVED AT BETWEEN DIPLOMATS ACROSS THE BAIZE TABLE. FAR MORE THAN THAT. IT IS THE VERY REAL TEMPLATE FOR THE LIVES AND LIVELIHOODS OF SIX MILLION PEOPLE.
/OF COURSE........
THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 1994
3
OF COURSE, AUTONOMY IS NOT, IN ITSELF, A NEW IDEA. NOT FOR HONG KONG, BECAUSE AS A PREVIOUS SPEAKER HAS POINTED OUT, HONG KONG UNDER BRITISH SOVEREIGNTY HAS LONG ENJOYED A HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY. WE HAVE NEVER, IN THE MODERN ERA, BEEN TOLD FROM LONDON HOW TO RUN OUR ECONOMY, WHAT KIND OF LIFE WE SHOULD LEAD, OR HOW TO HOUSE AND EDUCATE OURSELVES. SOME MIGHT EVEN ARGUE THAT THE UNITED KINGDOM HAD A THING OR TWO TO LEARN ITSELF FROM THE WAY WE DO SOME OF THOSE THINGS. AND HONG KONG HAS, FOR YEARS, PARTICIPATED FULLY AND AUTONOMOUSLY IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE. IT IS A VALUED INDEPENDENT CONTRACTING PARTY TO THE GATT. IT IS WELL RESPECTED IN MANY OTHER INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC ORGANISATIONS. SO THERE IS NOTHING STRANGE ABOUT DOING THINGS OUR WAY AND IN OUR OWN RIGHT.
NOR IS AUTONOMY - DIFFERENT SYSTEMS UNDER THE SAME FLAG -PARTICULARLY UNUSUAL ELSEWHERE. DESPITE THE WAIL OF BAGPIPES WHICH OCCASIONALLY WAFTS SOUTH ACROSS HADRIAN’S WALL, SCOTLAND’S AUTONOMOUS LEGAL AND EDUCATIONAL SYSTEMS HAVE MADE THE UNITED KINGDOM MORE NOT LESS STABLE, BETTER ABLE TO BUILD A SOCIETY WHICH IS MORE THAN THE SUM OF ITS COMPONENT CULTURES AND TRADITIONS. THE UNITED STATES, GERMANY AND SWITZERLAND HAVE DRAWN STRENGTH, UNITY AND NATIONAL PRIDE FROM THE DELIBERATE NURTURING OF REGIONAL AUTONOMY. AND IN MANY PLACES, IN EUROPE FOR EXAMPLE, INCLUDING THE UNITED KINGDOM, THERE IS A NEW TIDE CARRYING THE MAKING OF DECISIONS AWAY FROM BUREAUCRATS IN CAPITALS, AND TOWARDS THE PEOPLE IN THE REGIONS WHO HAVE TO LIVE WITH THOSE DECISIONS. AS SOCIETIES BECOME MORE MODERN, MORE COMPLEX, THAT KIND OF SENSITIVITY TO LOCAL CIRCUMSTANCES MAKES MORE AND MORE SENSE. SO AUTONOMY IS NOT A THREAT TO ANYONE’S SOVEREIGNTY BUT A SOURCE OF VITALITY.
THERE IS IN THIS AN IMPORTANT LESSON FOR HONG KONG. A LESSON WHICH IS NOT ALWAYS WELL-UNDERSTOOD. HONG KONG’S AUTONOMY IS NOT SOMETHING NEW AND MYSTERIOUS, TO BE HANDED OVER IN SWADDLING CLOTHES AT MIDNIGHT ON 30 JUNE 1997. IT IS, AND ALWAYS HAS BEEN, PART OF OUR LIVES. WE WEAR IT WITH CONFIDENCE AND WE OWE MUCH OF OUR SUCCESS TO IT. INDEED, WE TAKE IT FOR GRANTED THAT MOST OF THE DECISIONS WHICH SHAPE THE LIVELIHOOD OF HONG KONG PEOPLE ARE TAKEN BY HONG KONG PEOPLE, FOR HONG KONG PEOPLE, AFTER OPEN DEBATE IN HONG KONG.
OF COURSE, THERE ARE SOME AREAS WHICH HAVE BEEN AND WILL ALWAYS BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE SOVEREIGN POWER. IN THOSE AREAS, HONG KONG PEOPLE ENJOY, AND WILL CONTINUE TO ENJOY, THE RIGHT TO EXPRESS THEMSELVES FRANKLY BUT NOT THE RIGHT OF FINAL DECISION. AND JUST AS WE MUST BE CONFIDENT ABOUT WHAT WE CAN DECIDE ON OUR OWN, SO MUST THE SOVEREIGN POWER. AUTONOMY MEANS THAT WE CAN RUN OUR OWN LIVES, BUT EQUALLY IT DICTATES THAT WE SHOULD NOT TRY TO RUN THE LIVES OF OTHERS.
SO WHAT EXACTLY IS THE RESPONSIBILITY TOWARDS HONG KONG OF THOSE SOVEREIGN POWERS - THE SIGNATORIES OF THE JOINT DECLARATION - A MERE 1,173 DAYS FROM 1 JULY 1997? FIRST LET ME CLEAR UP ONCE AND FOR ALL TWO MISCONCEPTIONS.
FIRST, THERE IS SOMETIMES A TENDENCY - IT HAS BEEN ALLUDED TO BY A PREVIOUS DISTINGUISHED LECTURER WHOM I AM PLEASED TO SEE HERE THIS EVENING - THERE IS SOMETIMES A TENDENCY TO SEE BRITAIN AND CHINA AS JEALOUS AND UNCARING PARENTS SQUABBLING OVER HONG KONG, IN THE ROLE OF THE INNOCENT AND INJURED CHILD. WHILE IT IS SOMETIMES ALL TOO TEMPTING TO SEE ONESELF AS THE VICTIM OF FORCES BEYOND ONE’S CONTROL, I DO NOT THINK THAT THIS IS A HELPFUL OR REALISTIC METAPHOR - ANY MORE SO THAN THAT OF THE OFT-QUOTED, OFT-KICKED, THREE-LEGGED STOOL.
THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 1994
4
IT IS DEEPLY INSULTING TO HONG KONG, WHICH AS WE ALL KNOW IS IN MANY WAYS AS ADVANCED AS ANY COMMUNITY IN THE WORLD, TO PORTRAY IT AS A CHILD. AND IT IS ABSURD TO ARGUE THAT, IF WE FIND WE HAVE TO DISAGREE WITH OUR CHINESE COLLEAGUES ABOUT SOME ISSUE OF IMPORTANCE TO HONG KONG, WE ARE SOMEHOW DISREGARDING HONG KONG’S INTERESTS. IT IS BECAUSE WE BELIEVE HONG KONG’S INTERESTS TO BE WORTH STANDING UP FOR THAT WE DO SOMETIMES HAVE TO DIFFER OVER HOW BEST TO INTERPRET AND IMPLEMENT THE COMMITMENTS MADE IN THE JOINT DECLARATION. BUT NO-ONE QUESTIONS THE AIM OF THE EXERCISE: THAT HONG KONG SHOULD REMAIN THE MOST DYNAMIC CITY IN THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION, WITH ITS WAY OF LIFE, ITS FREEDOMS, ITS LEGAL SYSTEM, ITS SOCIAL ORGANISATION UNTOUCHED BY THE CHANGE OF FLAG. THAT IS SO PATENTLY IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF ALL CONCERNED. NOR IS THERE ANY DISAGREEMENT THAT THE JOINT DECLARATION PROVIDES THE BEST WAY OF ACHIEVING THIS.
THE SECOND MISCONCEPTION HAS IT THAT BECAUSE RECENTLY THERE HAS BEEN DISAGREEMENT ON ONE IMPORTANT ISSUE, SOMEHOW THE JOINT DECLARATION HAS GONE OFF THE RAILS. IT IS ASSUMED BY THE PURVEYORS OF THIS VIEW THAT OUR FAILURE TO AGREE ON THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE LAST SERIES OF ELECTIONS UNDER BRITISH SOVEREIGNTY SOMEHOW IMPLIES THE FAILURE OF THE JOINT DECLARATION ITSELF AND THE EROSION OF THE COMMITMENTS ENSHRINED IN IT. THE JOINT DECLARATION SAYS ONLY THAT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL BE CONSTITUTED BY ELECTIONS, NOT HOW THOSE ELECTIONS WILL BE ORGANISED (THOUGH IT WOULD BE SURPRISING IF THE SIGNATORIES HAD IN MIND ELECTIONS WHICH WERE NOT FAIR AND WERE NOT Or’EN). IT DOES NOT ADDRESS - NOR WOULD IT HAVE BEEN EASY TO ADDRESS, BACK IN 1984 - THE DETAILED ARRANGEMENTS FOR THOSE ELECTIONS. MOREOVER, THE JOINT DECLARATION CERTAINLY DOES NOT SAY THAT WHEN THE CONTRACTING PARTIES DISAGREE ON ANY SINGLE ISSUE, THEY MUST SUDDENLY DISAGREE ON EVERYTHING ELSE.
THINK WHAT IT IS THAT WE ARE TRYING TO ACHIEVE. A PEACEFUL TRANSFER OF SOVEREIGNTY, BETWEEN TWO POWERS WITH VASTLY DIFFERENT CULTURES ON OPPOSITE SIDES OF THE GLOBE, IS UNUSUAL ENOUGH. TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THAT THE TERRITORY IN QUESTION IS NO LONGER PALMERSTON’S LARGELY BARREN ISLAND, BUT THE THROBBING METROPOLIS AROUND US TODAY WITH A PER CAPITA GDP EXCEEDING THAT OF BRITAIN, AND A TOTAL GDP JUST OVER A FIFTH OF CHINA’S: AN ECONOMIC GIANT IN ITS OWN RIGHT. REMEMBER THAT THE SYSTEM WE HAVE ALL AGREED TO PRESERVE IS IN MANY RESPECTS FUNDAMENTALLY DIFFERENT FROM THAT OF THE INCOMING SOVEREIGN POWER (AND IN OTHER WAYS, BE IT NOTED, DIFFERENT FROM THAT OF THE DEPARTING SOVEREIGN POWER). IS IT REALLY ANY WONDER THAT THERE ARE SOMETIMES DISAGREEMENTS? THAT SOMETIMES, EVEN, A LITTLE CROCKERY GETS THROWN? OF COURSE NOT.
BUT IT SIMPLY DOES NOT FOLLOW THAT THE JOINT DECLARATION ITSELF IS FLAWED OR WEAKENED. DISAGREEMENTS AND THE COMPETITION OF IDEAS ARE AN INEVITABLE PART OF ADMINISTERING A COMPLEX SOCIETY, LET ALONE STEERING IT TOWARDS A CHANGE OF SOVEREIGNTY. WHEN WE HAVE A HEATED DEBATE HERE IN HONG KONG ABOUT SOME ISSUE INTERNAL TO HONG KONG, WE DO NOT THROW UP OUR HANDS AND SAY ’’THIS IS THE ROAD TO CONFRONTATION ON EVERYTHING”. IT IS THROUGH DEBATE, SOMETIMES VIGOROUS DEBATE, AS JOHN STUART MILL KNEW, THAT WE ARRIVE AT THE RIGHT ANSWERS.
/FAR FROM ........
THURSDAY,A PRIL 14, 1994
- 5 -
FAR FROM BEING WEAKENED, THE PRINCIPLES EMBODIED IN THE JOINT DECLARATION HAVE IN FACT EMERGED FROM TEN TESTING YEARS SOLID AND INTACT. DURING THOSE YEARS, THERE HAVE BEEN THOSE WHO SAID THAT, BY NOW, HONG KONG WOULD BE ON ITS KNEES: THAT CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE WOULD HAVE EVAPORATED, INVESTORS WOULD HAVE TAKEN THEMSELVES AND THEIR MONEY TO SINGAPORE OR SHANGHAI, OUR FUTURE TALENT - INCLUDING THE BRIGHTEST GRADUATES OF THIS UNIVERSITY - EMIGRATED TO CANADA OR AUSTRALIA.
HAS IT HAPPENED? ASK THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY. ANOTHER YEAR OF OVER FIVE PERCENT GROWTH, THE 28TH YEAR OF GROWTH RUNNING. MAKING POSSIBLE ANOTHER BUDGET WHICH CUT TAXES, RAISED SPENDING, AND INCREASED OUR RESERVES. VIOLENT CRIME FALLING, WHEN THE GLOOMY MEN WITH SANDWICH BOARDS PREDICTED THAT IT WOULD GO THROUGH THE CEILING. I THINK THE JOINT DECLARATION HAS SO FAR DONE A PRETTY GOOD JOB OF PRESERVING HONG KONG'S STABILITY AND PROSPERITY.
OF COURSE, THAT DOES NOT MEAN THAT WE CAN SIT BACK AND CONGRATULATE OURSELVES. THE REAL TEST IS JUST BEGINNING. THERE IS STILL AN AWFUL LOT TO DO BEFORE 1997; AND THAT WILL ONLY TAKE US TO THE END OF THE FIRST CHAPTER; THE REST OF THE BOOK WILL BE WRITTEN THEREAFTER.
IT IS FOR THOSE SUBSEQUENT CHAPTERS THAT WE MUST AND ARE PLANNING. LET ME SAY IN PASSING THAT WE WILL BE GREATLY HELPED IN THAT TASK BY THE THOROUGH AND THOUGHTFUL REPORT PUBLISHED YESTERDAY BY THE HOUSE OF COMMONS FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE. I RECOMMEND IT AS REQUIRED READING FOR ANYONE WITH AN INTEREST IN OUR AFFAIRS. THE COMMITTEE TOOK DETAILED EVIDENCE FROM ALL PARTIES INVOLVED, INCLUDING THE BRITISH AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS, AS WELL, OF COURSE, AS HERE IN HONG KONG. I AM DELIGHTED THAT THE SECTION ON HONG KONG FIRMLY ENDORSES THE APPROACH WE - THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT - HAVE TAKEN OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS; PARTICULARLY DELIGHTED AS THE REPORT IS UNANIMOUS AND CROSS-PARTY. I KNOW THAT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT - WITH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT - WILL CONSIDER VERY CAREFULLY AND FULLY THE RECOMMENDATIONS WHICH THE COMMITTEE MAKE.
LET ME SAY A WORD OR TWO, THOUGH, ABOUT THE KIND OF PRIORITIES WHICH I BELIEVE WE SHOULD NOW BE SETTING OURSELVES.
TO START WITH, WE NEED TO DO FAR MORE TO ENSURE THE CONTINUITY OF OUR LAWS, AND OF OUR LEGAL SYSTEM. HONG KONG OWES SO MUCH TO ITS LAWS AND TO THE RULE OF LAW, IN WHICH THE FREEDOMS AND WAY OF LIFE GUARANTEED IN THE JOINT DECLARATION ARE EMBEDDED AND BEFORE WHICH ALL CITIZENS ARE EQUAL. IT IS THANKS TO THE CERTAINTY AND STABILITY PROVIDED BY OUR LEGAL SYSTEM THAT HONG KONG HAS PROSPERED AS A PLACE OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND FINANCE. THERE ARE CURRENTLY NEARLY 700 US COMPANIES, TO TAKE ONE EXAMPLE, ESTABLISHED IN HONG KONG; 62 MORE CAME HERE IN 1993. WHY? HONG KONG IS AFTER ALL NOT THE ONLY POINT OF ACCESS TO THE GROWING MARKETS OF EAST ASIA. COMPANIES ARE COMING HERE BECAUSE WE CAN OFFER, MORE THAN ANYWHERE ELSE, A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD KEPT LEVEL BY FAIR LAWS EFFECTIVELY AND IMPARTIALLY ENFORCED.
/WE NEED ......
THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 1994
6 -
WE NEED TO KEEP THAT COMPETITIVE EDGE, THAT CAPACITY TO ATTRACT INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS - NOT ONLY TO TRADE WITH AND INVEST IN CHINA (THOUGH THAT IS OF COURSE VITAL) BUT ALSO AS A BASE FOR WIDER REGIONAL ACTIVITIES, FROM WHICH TO RESPOND TO NEW OPPORTUNITIES AS THEY ARISE. TO TAKE A TOPICAL EXAMPLE, HONG KONG IS THE NATURAL GATEWAY TO A RAPIDLY DEVELOPING VIETNAM (WHERE, UNSURPRISINGLY, NO-ONE HAS BEEN QUICKER THAN OUR OWN INVESTORS TO KNOCK ON THE DOORS WHICH ARE NOW OPENING). WE NEED TO KEEP REMINDING THOSE INTERESTED IN ENTERING THIS AND OTHER REGIONAL MARKETS THAT THERE CAN BE NO BETTER SPRINGBOARD THAN HONG KONG.
WE SHALL ONLY SUCCEED IN THIS IF WE CAN ENSURE THAT THE INTEGRITY AND CREDIBILITY OF OUR LEGAL SYSTEM CROSS THE THRESHOLD OF 1997 WITHOUT A BLEMISH. THAT MEANS, FOR EXAMPLE, DEMONSTRATING CLEARLY WELL BEFORE 1997 NOT ONLY THAT, AS THE JOINT DECLARATION PROMISES, THE SYSTEM OF ENGLISH COMMON LAW WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED. THE BODY OF LAW WHICH CURRENTLY APPLIES MUST ALSO REMAIN IN FORCE.
LIKE MUCH OF THE BUSINESS OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP, THIS REQUIRES A LOT OF DRY AND UNGLAMOROUS WORK. BUT LET NO-ONE BE MISLED BY THAT. IT IS ALSO VITAL WORK. THERE ARE AT PRESENT OVER THREE HUNDRED UNITED KINGDOM LAWS WHOSE APPLICATION HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO HONG KONG. THEY COVER AREAS AS DIVERSE AS CIVIL AVIATION, SHIPPING, COMMERCIAL ARBITRATION AND COPYRIGHT. AREAS WHERE WE - WHERE HONG KONG, WHERE CHINA - CANNOT AFFORD GAPS, AMBIGUITIES, OR HOLES IN THE PLAYING FIELD. AREAS VITAL FOR OUR CONTINUED SUCCESS. LEFT TO THEMSELVES, THESE LAWS WOULD LAPSE ON 1 JULY 1997: NO COURT IN THE SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION IS GOING TO ENFORCE UK LEGISLATION. WE THEREFORE NEED BEFORE THEN TO REPLACE MOST OF THEM, THOSE WHICH ARE NOT OBSOLETE, WITH EQUIVALENT LOCAL LEGISLATION.
WE ALSO NEED TO ADAPT MOST OF THE 600 OR SO ORDINANCES AND 1,000 ITEMS OF SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION ALREADY ON OUR OWN STATUE BOOK, SO THAT THEY ARE IN A FORM CLEARLY CONSISTENT WITH THE BASIC LAW, AND WILL THEREFORE (UNDER ITS TERMS) CONTINUE TO APPLY AFTER THE TRANSITION. THIS IS PARTLY A TECHNICAL MATTER, FOR EXAMPLE OF REPLACING THE WORD ’’GOVERNOR" WITH "CHIEF EXECUTIVE". BUT THERE ARE ALSO MORE COMPLEX ISSUES TO BE RESOLVED, LIKE HOW TO ALIGN THE PROVISIONS IN THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE ON RIGHT OF ABODE WITH THOSE IN THE BASIC LAW.
LET ME REPEAT: THIS IS NOT JUST MORE EMPLOYMENT FOR OUR NUMEROUS AND WELL-NOURISHED LAWYERS. IT IS A CRUCIAL PART OF HONG KONG’S SUPERSTRUCTURE. SO FAR, WE HAVE THROUGH THE JLG REACHED AGREEMENT WITH CHINA ON THE LOCALISATION OF JUST 30 ORDINANCES. THE CHINESE SIDE ARE CONSIDERING OUR PROPOSALS ON SOME 75 OTHER UK ENACTMENTS, AS WELL AS ON 30 ORDINANCES TO BE ADAPTED. THEY HAVE BEEN STUDYING SOME OF OUR PROPOSALS FOR UP TO 3 YEARS. THERE IS THEREFORE AN ENORMOUS AMOUNT OF WORK TO GET THROUGH. SO I MAKE THIS APPEAL TO OUR CHINESE COLLEAGUES. LET US REDOUBLE OUR EFFORTS. WE NOW NEED, URGENTLY, TO SPEED UP THIS WORK IF WE ARE TO FINISH IT IN TIME, AND TO AVOID DAMAGING, CONFIDENCE-SAPPING, GAPS IN THE LAW.
/THEN THERE .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 1994
7
THEN THERE IS OUR COURT SYSTEM ITSELF. AT PRESENT, THE FINAL APPEAL COURT IN HONG KONG IS THE JUDICIAL COMMITTEE OF THE PRIVY COUNCIL. THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW STATE THAT THE SAR WILL HAVE A COURT OF FINAL APPEAL BASED IN HONG KONG. THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT CHANGE THAT WILL AFFECT THE WHOLE OF THE LEGAL SYSTEM. THE GOVERNMENT, WITH THE STRONG SUPPORT OF THE CHIEF JUSTICE, BELIEVES THAT, TO ENSURE CONTINUITY IN 1997, WE SHOULD ATTEMPT TO ESTABLISH THE COURT WELL BEFORE THAT DATE; AND WE SECURED CHINESE AGREEMENT TO THIS IN 1991.
MOST OF YOU WILL BE AWARE THAT THE AGREEMENT WB REACHED WITH THE CHINESE SIDE DID NOT FIND FAVOUR WITH THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND WITH THE LEGAL PROFESSION IN HONG KONG; AND THAT THIS HAS SO FAR HELD UP THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE COURT. WE NOW NEED TO FIND A WAY FORWARD. IT IS SELF-EVIDENTLY IN THE INTERESTS OF HONG KONG FOR THE COURT TO BE UP AND RUNNING BEFORE 1997. IT WOULD BE IRRESPONSIBLE FOR THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT NOT TO DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO ACHIEVE THIS, DESPITE THE OBVIOUS DIFFICULTIES.
WE HAVE THEREFORE NOW PREPARED THE NECESSARY DRAFT LEGISLATION, AND WE INTEND TO CONSULT BOTH THE CHINESE SIDE AND THE LEGAL PROFESSION ON THIS BEFORE WE INTRODUCE IT INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. IT REMAINS BASED ON THE AGREEMENT REACHED IN 1991, WHICH WE CONTINUE TO BELIEVE IS THE BEST AGREEMENT AVAILABLE. WE WILL SPARE NO EFFORTS TO CONVINCE LEGISLATORS, AND THE COMMUNITY, THAT THE WAY FORWARD WHICH WE ARE PROPOSING REPRESENTS THE ONLY SENSIBLE OPTION.
IF WE FAIL IN THIS, THE COURT WILL HAVE TO BE ESTABLISHED BY THE SAR ITSELF. THIS WOULD TAKE TIME, CERTAINLY A YEAR, PROBABLY MORE. WE WOULD HAVE TO DISCONTINUE APPEALS TO THE PRIVY COUNCIL AT LEAST A YEAR BEFORE 30 JUNE 1997, BECAUSE THAT IS THE LEAD TIME FOR APPEALS TO BE HEARD AND WE MUST OBVIOUSLY AVOID THE LEGAL COMPLICATIONS THAT WOULD OCCUR IF A CASE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING HEARD AT THAT DATE. SO WE ARE LOOKING AT A POTENTIAL VACUUM OF AT LEAST TWO OR THREE YEARS AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF OUR JUDICIAL SYSTEM, WITH ALL THE UNCERTAINTY WHICH THAT WOULD CREATE, FOR HONG KONG PEOPLE AND FOR INTERNATIONAL INVESTORS ALIKE. THAT IS WHY WE NEED TO PRESS AHEAD NOW.
THERE IS ANOTHER MATTER TO WHICH I AND MY SENIOR COLLEAGUES IN GOVERNMENT ATTACH FUNDAMENTAL IMPORTANCE. THAT IS THE CIVIL SERVICE. THE CIVIL SERVICE IS THE BACKBONE OF HONG KONG’S ADMINISTRATION. THE COMMITMENTS MADE IN THE JOINT DECLARATION AND IN THE BASIC LAW RIGHTLY REFLECT THIS. I WELCOME THE ASSURANCES WHICH CHINESE OFFICIALS HAVE REPEATEDLY GIVEN ABOUT THE NEED TO MAINTAIN THE MORALE AND EFFICIENCY OF THE CIVIL SERVICE. WE NEED TO BEGIN DISCUSSING SOON THE PRACTICAL MEASURES WHICH WILL BE NECESSARY TO ACHIEVE THIS, NOT LEAST ON THE QUESTION OF PRINCIPAL OFFICIALS AND CONTINUITY OF APPOINTMENTS. WE ARE READY TO WORK WITH THE CHINESE SIDE TO ENSURE THAT HONG KONG CONTINUES TO BENEFIT FROM A DEDICATED, IMPARTIAL AND EFFICIENT CIVIL SERVICE, IMBUED WITH THE PRINCIPLES OF GOOD CLEAN GOVERNMENT AND MINIMUM INTERVENTION WHICH HAVE MADE HONG KONG SO SPECIAL. THIS IS AN OBJECTIVE WHICH IS WELL WITHIN OUR GRASP, IF WE REACH OUT FOR IT TOGETHER.
/THERE ARE .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 1994
- 8 -
THERE ARE OF COURSE MANY OTHER ISSUES ON WHICH THE SOVEREIGN POWERS WILL NEED TO WORK TOGETHER IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS, ISSUES ON WHICH NO-ONE HAS ANYTHING TO GAIN FROM FAILURE TO AGREE, AND ALL - BUT ABOVE ALL THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG - WILL BE THE WINNERS FROM AGREEMENT. SOME OF THE ISSUES ARE FAMILIAR TO US ALL. I AM GLAD THAT WE ARE NOW AGAIN DISCUSSING THE FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR HONG KONG’S NEW AIRPORT, THE MOST DISCUSSED AIRPORT IN WORLD HISTORY, WHICH HONG KONG SO OBVIOUSLY NEEDS, BUT WHICH ALSO WILL BRING ENORMOUS BENEFITS TO SOUTH CHINA.
I AM ALSO GLAD THAT THIS WEEK WE WERE ABLE TO CARRY FORWARD DISCUSSIONS WITH THE CHINESE SIDE ON IMMIGRATION AND RIGHT OF ABODE ISSUES. THESE ARE RIGHTLY OF GREAT INTEREST TO THE COMMUNITY. THE QUESTION OF WHO WILL BE ENTITLED TO ENJOY THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN THE TERRITORY AFTER 1997 AFFECTS PEOPLE BOTH OF CHINESE AND NON-CHINESE ORIGIN. IF THE JLG WERE TO FAIL TO REACH CLEAR-CUT CONCLUSIONS ON THIS IMPORTANT ISSUE, SOME MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY WOULD FACE REAL UNCERTAINTY ABOUT THEIR FUTURE HERE. SIMILARLY IT IS IMPORTANT FOR THE JLG TO REACH CONCLUSIONS ABOUT THE PRESERVATION OF EXISTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR VISA-FREE TRAVEL OVERSEAS. EASE OF TRAVEL OVERSEAS IS A CONVENIENCE WHICH HONG KONG PEOPLE RIGHTLY ENJOY; IT ALSO FACILITATES TRADE AND TOURISM AND THEREFORE MAKES AN IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTION TO HONG KONG’S PROSPERITY.
ALTHOUGH THERE ARE RECOGNISABLE SENSITIVITIES FOR THE FUTURE SOVEREIGN POWER IN SOME OF THESE ISSUES, THE VITAL CONSIDERATION IS THAT BOTH THE CHINESE AND BRITISH SIDES OWE IT TO HONG KONG TO MAKE EARLY PROGRESS OVER THEM IN ORDER TO PUT IN PLACE THE NECESSARY ARRANGEMENTS WELL BEFORE 1997.
SIMILARLY WE ARE NEGOTIATING AGREEMENTS WITH A NUMBER OF COUNTRIES TO ENABLE HONG KONG TO RETURN FUGITIVE CRIMINALS TO THEIR COUNTRY OF ORIGIN AND TO GET BACK CRIMINALS WHO FLEE FROM HONG KONG. THESE AGREEMENTS PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE FIGHT AGAINST INTERNATIONAL CRIME. IF THEY ARE TO REMAIN VALID AFTER 1997 THEY MUST BE CLEARED THROUGH THE JLG. IF THEY ARE NOT ALL IN PLACE BY 1997, OUR ABILITY TO FIGHT INTERNATIONAL CRIME WILL BE IMPAIRED AND HONG KONG RISKS BECOMING A HAVEN FOR CRIMINALS.
I REFERRED EARLIER TO THE NEW AIRPORT. AN IMPORTANT COMPONENT IN HONG KONG’S FUTURE PROSPERITY IS THE PRESERVATION OF ITS CIVIL AVIATION REGIME, AS PROVIDED FOR IN THE JOINT DECLARATION. IN THE JLG, WE ARE NEGOTIATING A NETWORK OF AIR SERVICES AGREEMENTS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND KEY AVIATION PARTNERS TO EXTEND BEYOND 1997. WE HAVE ALREADY REACHED AGREEMENT ON SOME. THERE ARE STILL A SUBSTANTIAL NUMBER OF INITIALLED AGREEMENTS UNDER CONSIDERATION IN THE JLG, AND OTHERS STILL FOR NEGOTIATION. IF WE ARE UNABLE TO COMPLETE THIS PROGRAMME, THE EFFECTIVENESS OF HONG KONG’S EXISTING CIVIL AVIATION RELATIONSHIPS WILL SUFFER, AS WILL HONG KONG’S REPUTATION AS A MAJOR CENTRE OF INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION.
ALL IN ALL, THERE REMAINS MUCH TO BE DONE. IT IS ENCOURAGING THAT LAST MONTH THE CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER STATED THAT, WHATEVER OUR DIFFERENCES ON THE CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUE, CO-OPERATION IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP AND OVER THE AIRPORT WOULD NOT BE AFFECTED. I WELCOME THIS. IT ACCORDS ENTIRELY WITH OUR VIEW. I AM GLAD, FOR EXAMPLE, THAT AN AGREEMENT ON THE DEFENCE LANDS PORTFOLIO NOW LOOKS WITHIN REACH.
/MORE BROADLY.........
THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 1994
9
MORE BROADLY, I AM GLAD THAT THE FLOURISHING CROSS-BORDER RELATIONSHIP IS CONTRIBUTING SO MUCH NOT ONLY TO HONG KONG BUT ALSO TO OUR NEIGHBOURS IN GUANGDONG. I AM SURE WE WILL NEED TO DO OUR BEST TO ANSWER OTHER QUESTIONS WHICH WILL ONLY BECOME APPARENT LATER ON. BUT WHATEVER THE ISSUE, WE WILL CONTINUE TO WORK NIGHT AND DAY TO ACHIEVE AGREEMENT WHEREVER IT IS IN THE INTERESTS OF HONG KONG.
IN THE END, WHEN THE 28TH GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG IS LONG DEPARTED, WHEN THE FIRST CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION HAS COME, AND WHEN SHE OR HE HAS GONE FOR THAT MATTER, IT WILL BE HONG KONG PEOPLE, HERE IN HONG KONG, WHO WILL HAVE TO DIGEST THE FRUITS OF OUR LABOUR.
I AM SOMETIMES INVITED TO PROPHESY WHAT I THINK HONG KONG WILL BE LIKE, SAY, TEN YEARS FROM NOW, TWENTY YEARS INTO THE JOINT DECLARATION. BUT PROPHECY IS DANGEROUS, UNLESS DONE RETROSPECTIVELY! IT IS ALL TOO EASY TO GET CARRIED AWAY, LIKE THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF THE ZAMBIAN NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SPACE RESEARCH, WHO IN 1964 REPORTEDLY PROMISED THE WORLD: "I WILL HAVE MY FIRST ZAMBIAN ASTRONAUT ON THE MOON BY 1965". SO LISTEN INSTEAD, AS IT IS ALWAYS WORTH LISTENING, TO SIR KARL POPPER, WHO REMINDS US THAT "WE MAY BECOME THE MAKERS OF OUR FATE WHEN WE HAVE CEASED TO POSE AS ITS PROPHETS."
THE POINT IS, WE CANNOT JUST SIT BACK AND RELY ON HISTORY TO SHAPE OUR FUTURE. HISTORY DOESN’T WORK LIKE THAT. HISTORY IS NOT MADE BY THE NORTH WIND, NOR BY ANY OTHER REMOTE FORCES BEYOND OUR CONTROL. TOMORROW’S HISTORY WILL BE THE CHRONICLE OF OUR ACTIONS TODAY. WE WRITE IT OURSELVES, AND BEFORE ITS IMPLACABLE COURT WE BEAR THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR WHAT WE WRITE.
SO WE ALL - THE GOVERNMENTS OF BRITAIN AND CHINA, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND, YES, THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG - SO WE ALL ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DESTINY OF HONG KONG. WE ALL HAVE WORK TO DO. IF WE DO IT TOGETHER, AND DO IT WELL, THERE IS ALMOST NO LIMIT TO WHAT HONG KONG CAN ACHIEVE, POISED AS IT IS ON THE CREST OF THE ECONOMIC WAVE SURGING THROUGH EAST ASIA.
BUT IF THE JOINT DECLARATION MEANS ANYTHING, IT IS THAT THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE NEXT CENTURY WILL, LIKE THOSE OF THIS ONE, BE MADE HERE IN HONG KONG, BY YOU, THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG. AND THAT MEANS, DARE I SAY IT, THAT IF THE VALUES ENSHRINED IN THE JOINT DECLARATION ARE TO SURVIVE, THEN HONG KONG PEOPLE WILL NEED TO STAND UP FOR THEM AND TO DEFEND THEM, EVEN THOUGH THAT MAY FROM TIME TO TIME MEAN THE ODD DISAGREEMENT WITH THE PRESENT SOVEREIGN POWER OR EVEN CONCEIVABLY WITH THE FUTURE ONE. FOR MOST OF THE REALLY BIG DECISIONS OVER THE YEARS HAVE NOT BEEN TAKEN IN GOVERNMENT HOUSE, NOR EVEN IN THE CHAMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. THEY HAVE BEEN TAKEN ON THE STREETS OF HONG KONG, IN THE MARKETS AND BOARD ROOMS OF HONG KONG, IN THE MEETING PLACES OF HONG KONG - AND HERE TOO ON THE CAMPUSES OF HONG KONG. THAT IS WHAT HAS BUILT OUR SKYSCRAPERS, THAT IS WHAT HAS FED OUR FAMILIES. AND THAT, IF WE SUCCEED, IS EXACTLY HOW IT WILL REMAIN.
------0----------
/10........
THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 1994
- 10 -
JPS TO INVESTIGATE WHITEHEAD OPERATION *****
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, HAD ASKED TWO JUSTICES OF THE PEACE TO CONDUCT A THOROUGH INVESTIGATION INTO THE EVENTS SURROUNDING THE MOVE OF 1,500 PEOPLE FROM THE WHITEHEAD DETENTION CENTRE TO THE HIGH ISLAND CENTRE ON APRIL 7.
THE TWO JUSTICES OF THE PEACE ARE MR ANDREW LI AND PROFESSOR DAVID TODD. BOTH HAVE AGREED TO CONDUCT THE INQUIRY AND TO START WORK IMMEDIATELY. THEIR TERMS OF REFERENCE ARE:
* TO ENQUIRE INTO THE EVENTS SURROUNDING THE REMOVAL OF SOME 1,500 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS FROM THE WHITEHEAD DETENTION CENTRE ON APRIL 7 AND TO REPORT IN PARTICULAR ON:
(1) THE USE OF FORCE IN THE OPERATION, INCLUDING THE DISCHARGE OF TEAR-GAS;
(2) THE INJURIES ALLEGED TO HAVE BEEN SUSTAINED BY SOME OF THE MIGRANTS; AND
(3) THE RELEASE OF INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC CONCERNING THE OPERATION.
* TO ADVISE WHETHER ANY CHANGES OR IMPROVEMENTS SHOULD BE MADE
IN THE CONDUCT OF SUCH OPERATIONS.
* TO SUBMIT A REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR OF THE ENQUIRY’S FINDINGS
AND RECOMMENDATIONS BY JUNE 10 THIS YEAR.
THE FINDINGS OF THE INQUIRY WILL BE MADE PUBLIC.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT JUSTICES OF THE PEACE CONDUCTED A SIMILAR INQUIRY INTO THE TREATMENT OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS AT THE HEI LING CHAU CENTRE IN JULY 1988.
THIS INQUIRY PROVED TO BE QUICK AND EFFECTIVE, AND IT HAS BEEN DECIDED TO USE THE SAME APPROACH ON THIS OCCASION.
--------0------------
MARRAKESH MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T H CHAU, TODAY (THURSDAY) WELCOMED AN AGREEMENT TO HOLD AN ASIAN PACIFIC ECONOMIC COOPERATION (APEC) TRADE MINISTERS MEETING TN INDONESIA IN OCTOBER.
THE AGREEMENT WAS REACHED AT AN INFORMAL MEETING YESTERDAY AMONG TRADE MINISTERS FROM APEC ECONOMIES ATTENDING THE URUGUAY ROUND MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE IN MARRAKESH, MOROCCO.
/"WE HAVE .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 1994
11
"WE HAVE AGREED THAT A TRADE MINISTERS MEETING SHOULD BE HELD IN INDONESIA IN OCTOBER TO FOCUS ON IMPLEMENTATION OF THE URUGUAY ROUND AGREEMENT," MR CHAU SAID.
"THIS IS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF THE WAY- THAT APEC CAN ACT IN SUPPORT OF THE MULTILATERAL TRADING SYSTEM."
INDONESIA HOLDS THE APEC CHAIRMANSHIP THIS YEAR AND WILL HOST THE TRADE MINISTERS MEETING.
MR CHAU ALSO HELD FOUR BILATERAL MEETINGS YESTERDAY WITH CANADA, MEXICO, THE EUROPEAN UNION AND CHINA, AS WELL AS ATTENDING A LUNCH HOSTED BY THE MOROCCAN MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS.
AT HIS MEETINGS WITH CANADA’S MINISTER FOR INTERNATIONAL TRADE, MR ROY MCLAREN AND MEXICO’S SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR JAIME SERRA PUCHE, THE DISCUSSIONS FOCUSED ON ISSUES OF MUTUAL CONCERN ARISING FROM IMPLEMENTATION OF THE URUGUAY ROUND AGREEMENT AND ON THE FUTURE DIRECTION OF APEC.
"AS A FIRM BELIEVER IN THE IMPORTANCE OF A STRONG MULTILATERAL SYSTEM, WE ARE KEEN TO WORK WITH OTHERS TOWARDS ESTABLISHING THE WORLD TRADE ORGANISATION (WTO) ON JANUARY 1, 1999," SAID MR CHAU.
"WE HAVE ACHIEVED A MOMENTUM FOR CHANGE WHICH THIS MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE IS HELPING TO REINFORCE. WE SHOULD CAPITALISE ON THE SENSE OF ENTHUSIASM AND GET THE WORLD TRADE ORGANISATION UP AND RUNNING AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE."
AT MR CHAU’S MEETING WITH CHINA’S VICE-MINISTER OF FOREIGN TRADE MR GU YONGJIANG, HE TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO REFER TO HONG KONG’S CONCERN OVER U.S. RENEWAL OF CHINA’S MFN STATUS, THE CONSIDERABLE INTERESTS AT STAKE FOR HONG KONG, AND HONG KONG’S DETERMINATION TO REPRESENT THOSE INTERESTS TO THOSE PARTIES CONCERNED.
THEY ALSO DISCUSSED ISSUES ARISING FROM THE URUGUAY ROUND AND CHINA’S WISH TO RESUME ITS GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE (GATT) MEMBERSHIP BEFORE THE WORLD TRADE ORGANISATION WAS ESTABLISHED, THUS MAKING IT AN ORIGINAL MEMBER OF THE WTO.
MR CHAU SAID HONG KONG WOULD WELCOME THIS.
MR CHAU TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY OF HIS MEETING WITH THE EUROPEAN UNION’S TRADE COMMISSIONER, SIR LEON BRITTAN TO EMPHASISE HONG KONG’S CONCERN THAT NEW ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED BY THE WTO SHOULD NOT BECOME A VEHICLE FOR PROTECTIONISM.
HE ALSO EXPRESSED HONG KONG’S CONCERN OVER FRANCE’S LINKAGE OF HONG KONG’S NEW EXCISE DUTIES WITH HONG KONG’S APPLICATION TO BECOME AN OBSERVER OF THE ORGANISATION FOR ECONOMIC COOPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT (OECD) TRADE SUB-COMMITTEE.
THE PLENARY SESSION OF THE URUGUAY ROUND TRADE NEGOTIATIONS COMMITTEE WILL CONTINUE UNTIL TOMORROW (FRIDAY) MORNING. THE FORMAL SIGNING OF THE URUGUAY ROUND FTNAI ACT WTLI TAKE PLACE THAT AFTERNOON.
/)2 ........
THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 1994
OMBUDSMAN INFORMED. OF PROJECTS
*****
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES ON FRIENDS OF THE EARTH’S (FOE) ALLEGATION THAT THE COUNTRY PARKS AUTHORITY (CPA) HAD NOT INFORMED THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS (COMAC) OF OTHER MASSIVE PROJECTS BEING PROCESSED BY THE CPA WHEN COMAC WAS INVESTIGATING A COMPLAINT LODGED BY THE FOE RELATING TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF A GOLF COURSE AT SHA LO TUNG AND SOUTHEAST NEW TERRITORIES LANDFILL, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE COMMISSIONER HAD NOT BEEN MISINFORMED.
"THE ADMINISTRATION HAD INDEED INFORMED COMAC IN MAY 1993 DURING THE INVESTIGATION ABOUT THE TWO PROPOSED PUBLIC UTILITY PROJECTS, NAMELY THE 400KV OVERHEAD TRANSMISSION LINE FROM BLACK POINT TO TSEUNG KWAN 0 AND THE HIGH PRESSURE GAS PIPELINE FOR THE NEW AIRPORT, WHICH WILL PASS THROUGH TAI LAM COUNTRY PARK.
"THE PUBLIC HAD ALSO BEEN CONSULTED ON THESE TWO PROJECTS," HE SAID.
AS REGARDS THE ROUTE 3 COUNTRY PARK SECTION PROJECT, HE SAID THE CONCEPTUAL DESIGN AT THAT TIME WAS THAT IT WAS UNDER A TUNNEL AND WOULD HAVE LITTLE IMPACT ON THE COUNTRY PARK.
"THE REVISED ROUTE ALIGNMENT PROPOSAL INVOLVING 1.8 HECTARES OF COUNTRY PARK LAND WAS BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE COUNTRY PARKS BOARD IN AUGUST 1993.
"THE COUNTRY PARKS BOARD HAS TAKEN A PRELIMINARY VIEW THAT THE LAND AFFECTED SHOULD BE EXCISED FROM THE COUNTRY PARK AND TO BE COMPENSATED BY A LARGER AREA OF 4.5 HECTARES OF LAND NEARBY.
"PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON THE PROPOSED CHANGE IN PARK BOUNDARY IS CURRENTLY UNDER WAY BEFORE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S APPROVAL IS SOUGHT TO PROCEED WITH THE BOUNDARY AMENDMENT PROCEDURE," HE SAID.
ON THE CROSS-BORDER PASSENGER FREIGHT RAIL, THE SPOKESMAN SAID: "IT IS STILL ONLY A PROPOSAL IN THE RAILWAY DEVELOPMENT STUDY."
--------0-----------
STATEMENT BY ICAC COMMISSIONER *****
THE FOLLOWING IS ISSUED ON BEHALF OF THE ICAC, A PRESS STATEMENT BY THE ICAC COMMISSIONER, MR BERTRAND DE SPEVILLE:
WE DO NOT NORMALLY COMMENT ON OPERATIONAL MATTERS BUT WE WISH TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT THOSE ALLEGATIONS BY MR ALEX TSUI CONCERNING MR K Y YEUNG AND MRS RITA FAN ARE TOTALLY WITHOUT FOUNDATION. FOR THE RECORD, WE HAVE NEVER UNDERTAKEN INVESTIGATIONS FOR POLITICAL PURPOSES.
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/13........
THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 1994
- 13 -
VIET TREATMENT FIGURES OVERSTATED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN ADVISED BY THE BRITISH RED CROSS THAT THERE HAS BEEN AN OVER-STATEMENT OF THE NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TREATED IN THE CLINIC IN THE HIGH ISLAND DETENTION CENTRE.
REVISED FIGURES ARE AWAITED.
-----0-------
SURVEY ON FILM CENSORSHIP STANDARDS
*****
THE ADMINISTRATION WILL CONSIDER IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS WHETHER THE CURRENT FILM CENSORSHIP STANDARDS WOULD NEED TO BE TIGHTENED OR MAINTAINED, THE COMMISSIONER FOR TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING, MRS RITA LAU, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
MRS LAU TODAY BRIEFED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL’S PANEL ON RECREATION AND CULTURE THE FINDINGS OF A PUBLIC OPINION SURVEY.
THE TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING AUTHORITY (TELA) COMMISSIONS A PUBLIC OPINION SURVEY EVERY TWO YEARS TO EVALUATE THE APPROPRIATENESS OF STANDARDS ADOPTED TN FILM CENSORSHIP.
THE SURVEY WHICH HAS JUST BEEN COMPLETED WAS CONDUCTED BY AN INDEPENDENT SURVEY FIRM, MDR TECHNOLOGY LTD. THE SAMPLE INCLUDED 544 MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
THE SURVEY FINDS THAT 50 PER CENT OF THE RESPONDENTS CONSIDER TELA’S PRESENT STANDARDS TOO LENIENT OR A BIT TOO LENIENT, 29 PER CENT CONSIDER THEM JUST RIGHT AND SOME 18 PER CENT FEEL THAT THEY ARE TOO STRICT OR A BIT TOO STRICT WITH THE REMAINING THREE PER CENT OFFERING NO COMMENT.
MRS LAU SAID: "THE GENERAL FEELING THAT TELA’S CURRENT CENSORSHIP STANDARDS ARE TOO LENIENT APPEARS TO BE PURELY A MATTER OF PERCEPTION.
"WHEN THE RESPONDENTS’ OPINIONS ON THE 32 FILM SEGMENTS SHOWN TO THEM ARE COMPARED WITH THE ACTUAL DECISIONS MADE BY TELA IN RESPECT OF THE FILMS CONCERNED, TELA’S DECISIONS ARE CONSIDERED TO BE APPROPRIATE IN 18 CASES, STRICT IN 11 CASES AND LENIENT IN ONLY THREE CASES.
"IF THE PUBLIC PERCEPTION THAT OUR CURRENT STANDARDS ARE TOO LENIENT IS TO BE ADDRESSED, A TIGHTENING OF CENSORSHIP STANDARDS WOULD SEEM TO BE NECESSARY.
"HOWEVER, THE FINDINGS ON THE SEGMENTS WHICH CONFIRM THE APPROPRIATENESS OF TELA’S DECISIONS NEED ALSO TO BE LOOKED AT BASING ON WHICH, ONE CAN ARGUE THAT THE CURRENT STANDARDS SHOULD BE MAINTAINED," SHE ADDED.
/MRS LAU ........
THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 1994
14
MRS LAU IS ALSO PLEASED WITH THE 73 PER CENT SUPPORT OF THE RESPONDENTS WHO CONSIDER IT APPROPRIATE FOR TELA TO CARRY OUT FILM CENSORSHIP.
"THIS CLEARLY SUGGESTS THAT CENSORSHIP OF FILMS IS PERCEIVED TO BE A PROPER BUSINESS OF THE GOVERNMENT," SAID MRS LAU.
ONE SPECIFIC ISSUE COVERED BY THE SURVEY IS WHETHER THE POSTERS FOR CATEGORY III FILMS SHOULD BE SUBJECT TO CENSORSHIP. EIGHTY-EIGHT PER CENT OF THE RESPONDENTS CONSIDER IT NECESSARY AND FEEL THAT SUCH POSTERS SHOULD BE CENSORED BEFORE THEY ARE DISPLAYED EVEN THOUGH THE SAME PERCENTAGE OF RESPONDENTS CONSIDER CURRENT POSTERS FOR CAT. Ill FILMS TO BE ACCEPTABLE (21 PER CENT) OR MOST OF THEM ACCEPTABLE (67 PER CENT).
MRS LAU NOTED THAT "THE OVERWHELMING SUPPORT FOR CENSORSHIP OF CAT. Ill FILM POSTERS ECHOES THE PUBLIC CONCERNS WHICH HAVE BEEN EXPRESSED IN THE PRESS AND VARIOUS PUBLIC FORUMS".
SHE EMPHASISED, HOWEVER, THAT THE ADMINISTRATION HAD NOT YET DECIDED WHETHER OR NOT TO GO AHEAD WITH THIS PROPOSAL.
"THE ADMINISTRATION WILL NEED TO CONSIDER WHETHER AND HOW TO MEET THE STRONG PUBLIC ASPIRATION AS REFLECTED IN THE SURVEY AND ON EARLIER OCCASIONS.
"IN THE PROCESS, CAREFUL CONSIDERATION WILL HAVE TO BE GIVEN TO BALANCING CENSORSHIP WITH FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND TO ENSURE THAT ANY MEASURES TAKEN ARE COMPATIBLE WITH THE BILL OF RIGHTS.
"OTHER RELEVANT AND PRACTICAL ISSUES WILL ALSO NEED TO BE CONSIDERED AS A PACKAGE - SUCH AS WHO SHOULD BE THE CENSORSHIP AUTHORITY AND HOW THE PRESENT ENFORCEMENT DIFFICULTIES COULD BE OVERCOME," MRS LAU SAID.
THE ENFORCEMENT DIFFICULTIES, SHE EXPLAINED, LIE IN COLLECTING SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE TO PROVE THE PERSONS CAUSING THE DISPLAY OF ANY OFFENDING POSTER.
THE SURVEY ALSO SOUGHT OPINIONS ON WHETHER IT IS NECESSARY TO INFORM CINEMA-GOERS BRIEFLY OF THE REASONS FOR THE CLASSIFICATION OF EACH FILM. SEVENTY-FIVE PER CENT OF THE RESPONDENTS CONSIDER IT VERY NECESSARY (20 PER CENT) OR FAIRLY NECESSARY (55 PER CENT).
MRS LAU AGREED THAT THERE WAS A NEED TO BETTER INFORM CINEMA-GOERS ESPECIALLY PARENTS SO THAT THEY MIGHT EXERCISE APPROPRIATE GUIDANCE ON THEIR CHILDREN.
EVEN THOUGH VIDEO TAPES AND LASER DISCS MADE FROM FILMS ARE ALREADY SUBJECT TO REGULATION UNDER THE FILM CENSORSHIP ORDINANCE, 78 PER CENT OF THE RESPONDENTS IN THE SURVEY CONSIDER IT VERY NECESSARY (27 PER CENT) OR FAIRLY NECESSARY (51 PER CENT) TO EXTEND CENSORSHIP TO ALL TYPES OF VIDEO TAPES AND LASER DISCS RENTED OR SOLD IN THE MARKET.
COMMENTING ON THIS FINDINGS, MRS LAU SAID THAT "ANY SUGGESTION OF FURTHER EXTENSION OF CENSORSHIP WILL HAVE TO BE CONSIDERED EXTREMELY CAUTIOUSLY".
/"WHEREAS CENSORSHIP .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 1994
- 15 -
’’WHEREAS CENSORSHIP OF FILM POSTERS CAN REASONABLY BE ARGUED AS AN EXTENSION OF FILM CENSORSHIP, THE INTRODUCTION OF A NEW CATEGORY OF CENSORSHIP TO COVER ALL TYPES OF VIDEO TAPES AND LASER DISCS RENTED OR SOLD TO AN INDIVIDUAL IS A MUCH MORE SERIOUS AND SENSITIVE MATTER AND ONE THAT THE ADMINISTRATION IS INCLINED AGAINST,” SHE ADDED.
MRS LAU REITERATED THAT NO POLICY PROPOSALS HAVE YET BEEN FORMULATED AS MORE TIME IS NECESSARY TO STUDY THE RESULTS AND TO CONDUCT CONSULTATIONS.
"WE EXPECT TO BE ABLE TO FORMULATE POLICY PROPOSALS IN THE SUMMER AFTER CONSIDERING VIEWS FROM THE PANEL, THE INDUSTRY AND COMMUNITY GROUPS," SHE SAID.
"FOR ANY POLICY PROPOSAL WHICH ENTAILS LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS OR ADDITIONAL STAFF, THE EARLIEST IMPLEMENTATION DATE WILL BE IN 1995/96," MRS LAU SAID.
------0--------
ADDITIONAL EMERGENCY LAYBYS ON TUEN MUN ROAD
*****
CONSTRUCTION OF SIX ADDITIONAL EMERGENCY LAYBYS ON TUEN MUN ROAD HAS RECENTLY BEEN COMPLETED TO FACILITATE ACCIDENT MANAGEMENT AND VEHICLE RECOVERY ON THE ROAD.
THIS BRINGS THE TOTAL NUMBER OF SUCH LAYBYS TO 10 - SEVEN ON KOWLOON-BOUND AND THREE ON NEW TERRITORIES-BOUND CARRIAGEWAY. SIGNS ARE BEING PUT UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
SENIOR ENGINEER OF THE ROAD SAFETY AND STANDARDS DIVISION OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT MR CHING KAM-CHEONG SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT TUEN MUN ROAD WAS NOW OPERATING NEAR ITS CAPACITY.
HE NOTED TRAFFIC WAS PARTICULARLY HEAVY DURING THE MORNING PEAK HOURS IN THE KOWLOON-BOUND DIRECTION, AND DURING THE EVENING HOURS IN THE TUEN MUN-BOUND DIRECTION.
"ANY TRAFFIC ACCIDENT OR BREAKDOWN OF VEHICLES ON THE ROAD WOULD CAUSE TRAFFIC JAMS AND DELAY PROMPT RESPONSE TO INCIDENTS," MR CHING SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE PROPOSAL TO CONSTRUCT THE EMERGENCY LAYBYS WAS ONE OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE GOVERNMENT/DISTRICT BOARD WORKING GROUP ON TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE YUEN LONG/TUEN MUN/TSUEN WAN/KWAI TSING CORRIDOR WITH A VIEW TO IMPROVING THE SITUATION.
"WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE OF THE KWAI TSING, TSUEN WAN, TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARDS, CONSTRUCTION WORK OF THE SIX EMERGENCY LAYBYS STARTED IN LAST DECEMBER AND COMPLETED LAST MONTH," HE SAID.
/THE $1.6 .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 1994
- 16 -
THE $1.6 MILLION PROJECT INCLUDED CONSTRUCTION OF SIX LAYBYS AND DRAINAGE WORKS; TRAFFIC AIDS, ROAD LIGHTING, AND EMERGENCY TELEPHONE DUCTS AND CABLES.
MR CHING SAID ANY HOLD-UP IN THE TRAFFIC DUE TO AN INCIDENT MIGHT BRING THE TRAFFIC IN THE WHOLE TUEN MUN ROAD TO A STANDSTILL AND IT WOULD TAKE HOURS BEFORE TRAFFIC RETURNED TO NORMAL.
’’ACCIDENT PREVENTION IN TUEN MUN ROAD THEREFORE CONTRIBUTES TO THE REDUCTION OF ROAD CONGESTION AS WELL AS BEING CONDUCIVE TO ROAD SAFETY,” HE ADDED.
THE COMMON CONTRIBUTORY FACTORS OF ACCIDENTS ON TUEN MUN ROAD ARE:
» DRIVING TOO CLOSE TO VEHICLE IN FRONT;
* DRIVING TOO FAST FOR THE PREVAILING ROAD CONDITION;
» CARELESS LANE CHANGING;
* SKIDDING AND LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE; AND
t DEFECTIVE BRAKES.
MOTORISTS ARE REMINDED OF A FEW EXPRESSWAY DRIVING RULES WHICH ARE THE MOST COMMONLY RECORDED PROSECUTIONS BY THE POLICE IN TUEN MUN ROAD. THESE ARE:
* ALL VEHICLES MUST FOLLOW THE PRESCRIBED SPEED LIMIT AS SIGNED IN AN EXPRESSWAY. MEDIUM GOODS VEHICLES, HEAVY GOODS VEHICLES AND BUSES ARE SUBJECT TO A LOWER BLANKET SPEED LIMIT OF 70 KPH IN EXPRESSWAYS.
* MEDIUM GOODS VEHICLES, HEAVY GOODS VEHICLES AND BUSES ARE PROHIBITED FROM USING THE OFFSIDE LANE WHERE THE CARRIAGEWAY HAS THREE OR MORE TRAFFIC LANES.
t NO VEHICLE SHOULD OVERTAKE BY THE NEARSIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE.
IN ADDITION, MR CHING APPEALED TO MOTORISTS INVOLVED IN MINOR ACCIDENTS, PARTICULARLY THOSE WHICH DID NOT INVOLVE INJURIES OR FATALITIES AND SERIOUS DAMAGE TO VEHICLES, TO DRIVE TO THE NEAREST LAYBY.
’’THIS IS IN THE INTEREST OF THE PARTIES INVOLVED. LEAVING THE VEHICLES ON THE ROAD MAY LEAD TO EVEN MORE SERIOUS ACCIDENTS," MR CHING SAID.
"AS LONG AS MOTORISTS PAY ATTENTION TO THE ABOVE ACCIDENT CONTRIBUTORY FACTORS AND FOLLOW THE SAFE DRIVING RULES, THERE WILL BE FEWER ACCIDENTS AND HENCE FEWER INCIDENTS OF TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN TUEN MUN ROAD,” HE ADDED.
/17........
THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 1994 i
17 -
STUDENTS ADVISED OF SUMMER JOB TRAPS AND SAFETY
*****
STUDENTS INTENDING TO TAKE UP TEMPORARY WORK OR SUMMER JOBS ARE REMINDED TO PAY EXTRA ATTENTION TO POSSIBLE EMPLOYMENT TRAPS AND SAFETY AT WORK.
INFORMATION KITS OUTLINING SUCH INFORMATION AND ADVICE, AND CHANNELS FOR ENQUIRIES AND COMPLAINTS PROVIDED BY THE LABOUR AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENTS WERE DISTRIBUTED TO 100 CAREERS TEACHERS AT A SEMINAR THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING.
THE SEMINAR, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, WAS AIMED AT HELPING THEM PUT ACROSS VARIOUS ADVICE TO SUMMER JOB-SEEKERS.
DURING THE SEMINAR, A LABOUR OFFICER FROM THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE, MISS CHENG LAI-FUN, GAVE A TALK ON POSSIBLE EMPLOYMENT TRAPS IN VARIOUS TRADES.
MISS CHENG POINTED OUT THAT STUDENTS SHOULD TAKE INTO ACCOUNT FACTORS SUCH AS PERSONAL INTERESTS, AND PHYSICAL AND ACADEMIC ABILITY IN CHOOSING A SUITABLE JOB. •
"THEY SHOULD BE CAREFUL WHEN FINDING JOBS THROUGH ADVERTISEMENTS, ESPECIALLY THOSE THAT REQUIRE NO SKILL NOR ACADEMIC QUALIFICATION BUT WITH A HIGH PAY.
"STUDENTS SHOULD AVOID ACCEPTING JOBS WITH IMMORAL IMPLICATION AND SHOULD PAY EXTRA CARE BEFORE SIGNING ANY CONTRACT," SHE SAID.
MISS CHENG NOTED THAT A PROPER CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT SHOULD INCLUDE PROVISIONS LIKE THE NAME OF THE EMPLOYER AND THE EMPLOYEE, DATE OF EMPLOYMENT, THE JOB NATURE AND DUTIES, WORKING HOURS AND PLACE, THE AMOUNT OF WAGES AND THE PAYMENT METHOD, PROBATION PERIOD, AND METHODS OF TERMINATION OF CONTRACT.
A GENERAL UNDERSTANDING OF THE LABOUR LAW WOULD BE HELPFUL TO DISTINGUISH THE CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT FROM OTHER CONTRACTS SUCH AS AGENCY AGREEMENT AND MANAGER’S CONTRACT.
"STUDENTS SHOULD ALSO CONSIDER SERIOUSLY BEFORE ACCEPTING ANY DEMAND FROM THE EMPLOYER IN TERMS OF MONETARY GUARANTEE, OR PAYMENT OF CASH EITHER FOR TRAINING PURPOSES OR FOR THE PURCHASE OF GOODS," SHE SAID.
"IF THEY HAVE DOUBTS ON THE EMPLOYMENT OFFERED OR ENCOUNTER ANY PROBLEM, THEY SHOULD CONSULT THEIR PARENTS, CAREER TEACHERS OR STAFF OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE," SHE ADDED.
AT THE SEMINAR, A FACTORY INSPECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT, MR CHU CHUN-WAH, ALSO GAVE A TALK ON WORK SAFETY, WITH EMPHASIS ON JOBS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES AND IN RESTAURANTS, AND JOBS THAT REQUIRED THE HANDLING OF DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES AND HEAVY MACHINERY.
/"IN FACT..........
THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 1994
- 18 -
"IN FACT, STUDENTS SHOULD STAY AWAY FROf-f POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS JOBS AND THOSE WITH DANGEROUS WORK PROCESSES,” MR CHU SAID.
"WORK ON CONSTRUCTION SITES IS A GOOD EXAMPLE AS IT INVOLVES A GREAT VARIETY OF HAZARDOUS WORK PROCESSES SUCH AS WORKING AT HEIGHT AND USING OF HEAVY MACHINERY.
"ALTHOUGH THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION PROHIBITING PEOPLE UNDER THE AGE OF 18 TO WORK ON CONSTRUCTION SITES IS STILL BEING CONSIDERED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, STUDENTS ARE STRONGLY ADVISED NOT TO TAKE UP JOBS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES DURING THEIR SUMMER VACATION."
UNDER THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY LAWS, NO PERSON UNDER 18 SHALL OPERATE ANY LIFTING APPLIANCE DRIVEN BY MECHANICAL POWER OR TO GIVE , SIGNALS TO THE DRIVER OF THE APPLIANCE.
THE LAW ALSO PROHIBITS YOUNG PERSONS AND WOMEN TO CLEAN ANY DANGEROUS PARTS OF MACHINERY IN NOTIFIABLE WORKPLACES.
"OTHER JOBS REQUIRING THE OPERATION OF WOOD-WORKING MACHINES, THE HANDLING OF CHEMICALS, TOXIC SUBSTANCES OR FIRE-RELATED PROCESSES ARE NOT SUITABLE FOR SUMMER JOB-SEEKERS," MR CHU ADDED.
HE POINTED OUT THAT SOME STUDENTS WOULD LIKE TO TAKE UP SUMMER JOBS IN RESTAURANTS.
"HOWEVER, AS STUDENTS MAY BE REQUIRED TO USE SHARP KNIVES AND COOKING UTENSILS ON A POTENTIALLY SLIPPERY FLOOR, THEY SHOULD EXERCISE EXTRA CARE TO PREVENT WORK INJURIES," HE SAID.
ALSO GIVING TALKS AT THE SEMINAR WERE THE CHIEF COMPLAINT AND ADVICE OFFICER OF THE CONSUMER COUNCIL, MR CHAN WING-KAI AND CHIEF POLICE INSPECTOR TAM PING-WAH FROM THE POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS BRANCH.
THE SEMINAR WAS HELD AT LIU PO SHAN MEMORIAL COLLEGE AT LUK YEUNG SUN CHUEN, TSUEN WAN.
I ANOTHER SIMILAR SEMINAR FOR CAREERS TEACHERS WILL BE HELD ON
APRIL 28.
--------0-----------
INSTANT REGISTRATION SERVICE FOR EMPLOYERS AND DISABLED JOB SEEKERS * * « » »
EMPLOYERS WISHING TO RECRUIT DISABLED PERSONS WILL RECEIVE INSTANT REGISTRATION SERVICE FROM THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IN A THREE-DAY EXHIBITION TO BE HELD AT TSIM SHA TSUI FROM TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
AN ENQUIRY COUNTER WILL BE SET UP BY THE DEPARTMENT’S SELECTIVE PLACEMENT DIVISION TO RECORD DETAILS OF JOB VACANCIES TO BE PROVIDED BY EMPLOYERS.
SIMILAR ON-THE-SPOT REGISTRATION SERVICE WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED TO DISABLED JOB SEEKERS.
I
/SENIOR LABOUR .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 1994
19
SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER (SELECTIVE PLACEMENT), MRS JENNIE CHOR, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE STAFF WOULD ARRANGE INTERVIEWS FOR BOTH PARTIES IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE EXHIBITION.
"THE MAIN PURPOSE OF OUR EXHIBITION IS TO ENHANCE PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORKING ABILITIES OF DISABLED PERSONS.
"THE EXHIBITION ALSO FORMS PART OF OUR CONTINUOUS EFFORTS TO PROMOTE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE DISABLED AND TO PUT RIGHT PUBLIC MISCONCEPTIONS TOWARDS THEM," SHE SAID.
VIDEO SHOWS WILL BE PRESENTED IN ADDITION TO THE DISPLAY OF 18 BOARDS INTRODUCING THE VARIOUS DISABILITIES, THE WORK DISABLED EMPLOYEES IS PERFORMING, THE FREE PLACEMENT SERVICE TO THE DISABLED AND FREE RECRUITMENT SERVICE TO EMPLOYERS BEING OFFERED BY THE DIVISION.
LABOUR DEPARTMENT STAFF MANNING THE ENQUIRY COUNTER WILL ANSWER PUBLIC ENQUIRIES AND DISTRIBUTE LEAFLETS INTRODUCING THE WORK OF THE DIVISION.
THE EXHIBITION TO BE HELD IN THE MAIN CONCOURSE, VENUE B, NEW WORLD CENTRE, 20 SALISBURY ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI, WILL BE OPEN FROM 10 AM TO 6 PM ON APRIL 15, 16 AND 17.
------0-------
117 VMS RETURN HOME
*****
A GROUP OF 117 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (THURSDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME OF THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES.
COMPRISING 51 MEN, 29 WOMEN, 22 BOYS AND 15 GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 207TH BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.
THIS GROUP BROUGHT TO 3,425 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAD RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 42’°f® nTHE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN MARCH 1989.
/20........
THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 1994
- 20 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ♦ * ♦ * *
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,755 0930 + 50
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,541 1000 + 50
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 + 56
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 56 1200 + 56
LAF TODAY -270 1500 + 56
1600 + 56
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 125.2 ♦-0.2* 14.4.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 2.70 16 MONTHS 2508 4.625 99.76 4.87
1 MONTH 3.01 19 MONTHS 2511 4.15 98.59 5.14
3 MONTHS 3.58 22 MONTHS 2602 4.40 98.37 5.41
6 MONTHS 3.89 30 MONTHS 3610 4.20 96.14 5.94
12 MONTHS 4.42 33 MONTHS 3701 4.60 96.36 6.13
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 12,498 MN
CLOSED 14 APRIL 1994
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL.: 842 8777
FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
STATEMENT ON ICAC CASE................................................ 1
PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 ................................... 1
AMENDMENT BILL ON AIRCRAFT NOISE CONTROL.............................. 3
SECRETARY APPOINTED TO WHITEHEAD INQUIRY.............................. 3
STI SIGNS URUGUAY ROUND FINAL ACT.......................................................... 4
SPEL MEETS PRIVATE DEVELOPERS......................................... 5
FIGHTING SUBSTANDARD SHIPPING AT REGIONAL LEVEL....................... 5
INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION FOR 1993 FALLS SLIGHTLY............ 7
ASIA BENEFITS FROM HK ANTI-DRUG EXPERIENCE............................ 9
EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL FIGURES FOR DECEMBER 1993 ................................................................ 10
DR MICHAEL LUK SELECTED HKIED ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR (ADMIN).......... 14
DRAINAGE CHANNEL TO ALLEVIATE FLOODING............................... 14
LICENCE FEES TO BE REVISED........................................... 15
CIGARETTE TAR AND NICOTINE YIELDS STABLE............................. 15
SPECIAL POSTMARK COMMEMORATES BANK OF CHINA NOTES................. 16
/WO TONG.......
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
WO TONG TSUI STREET TO BE WIDENED.......................... 17
APPOINTMENTS TO ARTS DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL ANNOUNCED....... 18
CONSTRUCTION OF OUTFALL DIFFUSER PIPELINE.................. 20
LEISURE POOL COMPLEX FOR WONG TAI SIN RESIDENTS............ 20
REPORT ON YOUTH CENTRE SERVICES PUBLISHED.................. 21
LAND TO BE RESUMED FOR PARK................................ 21
SECOND OPEN FORUM FOR CONDUCT COUNCIL ELECTION............. 22
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ....
23
FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 1994
1
STATEMENT ON ICAC CASE * * ♦ » ♦
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT TODAY (FRIDAY):
MR ALEX TSUI MADE A NUMBER OF UNSUBSTANTIATED ALLEGATIONS WHEN HE GAVE EVIDENCE TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SECURITY PANEL ON APRIL 14.
IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO REPLY TO EVERY UNFOUNDED CHARGE IN DETAIL WITHOUT COMPROMISING THE CONFIDENTIALITY WHICH IS ESSENTIAL TO THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION’S (ICAC) WORK - FOR EXAMPLE TO ENSURE CO-OPERATION FROM THE PUBLIC IN PASSING ON INFORMATION ABOUT CORRUPTION.
BUT THERE ARE THREE POINTS THAT MUST BE MADE.
FIRST, THERE HAS BEEN NO POLITICISATION OF THE ICAC ROLE. THERE ARE NO POLITICAL LISTS OR POLITICAL TARGETS. THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED, NOR WILL IT HAPPEN.
INDEED SUCH OPERATIONS BY THE ICAC WOULD BE TOTALLY UNLAWFUL GIVEN THE STATUTORY TERMS OF REFERENCE UNDER WHICH THE COMMISSION OPERATES.
SECOND, CONCERNS HAVE BEEN EXPRESSED IN THE MEDIA AND BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ABOUT SOME OF MR TSUI’S ALLEGATIONS CONCERNING THE USE OF ICAC POWERS AND ICAC PROCEDURES.
THE GOVERNOR APPOINTED THE ICAC REVIEW COMMITTEE IN FEBRUARY TO CONSIDER THESE GENERAL ISSUES. AMONG THE MATTERS WHICH THE COMMITTEE WILL CONSIDER IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE ICAC FOR INTEGRITY CHECKING.
THE ADMINISTRATION LOOKS FORWARD TO RECEIVING THE COMMITTEE’S REPORT IN DUE COURSE AND WILL OF COURSE MAKE IT PUBLIC.
THIRD, EVERY ICAC INVESTIGATION IS MONITORED BY THE ICAC OPERATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE. THERE ARE 12 MEMBERS OF THE OPERATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE OF WHOM EIGHT ARE FROM OUTSIDE THE ADMINISTRATION.
- - - - 0----------
PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994
*****
THE GOVERNMENT IS INTRODUCING LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS TO MODIFY AND UPDATE CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE PUBLIC ORDER ORDINANCE, IN PARTICULAR THOSE RELATING TO PUBLIC GATHERINGS.
"WE ARE AWARE OF COMMUNITY FEELINGS ABOUT PUBLIC ORDER AND ABOUT THE POWERS OF THE POLICE TO REGULATE PUBLIC MEETINGS AND PROCESSIONS TO MAINTAIN GOOD ORDER AND PUBLIC SAFETY.
/"WE HAVE .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 1994
- 2 -
"WE HAVE REVIEWED THE PUBLIC ORDER ORDINANCE AGAINST THIS BACKGROUND AND HAVE COME UP WITH A SET OF PROPOSALS TO ENSURE THAT THE ORDINANCE CAN ADEQUATELY MEET PRESENT DAY NEEDS," SAID A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN WHEN COMMENTING ON THE PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994, GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE BILL ADDRESSED CRITICISMS THAT THE PROVISIONS FOR REGULATING PUBLIC GATHERINGS WERE INFLEXIBLE, CUMBERSOME AND DIFFICULT FOR THE POLICE TO ENFORCE.
"THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS SHOULD BALANCE INDIVIDUAL’S RIGHTS TO FREEDOM OF ASSEMBLY AND SPEECH WITH THE RIGHT OF THE COMMUNITY TO PUBLIC ORDER AND SAFETY," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE BILL SPECIFIES THE GENERAL CONDITIONS AND OBLIGATIONS COVERING THE HOLDING OF PUBLIC MEETINGS AND PROCESSIONS IN THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE, INSTEAD OF IN SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION.
IT ALSO SPELLS OUT, MORE CLEARLY, THE PROCEDURES FOR ORGANISERS OF PUBLIC GATHERINGS TO FOLLOW.
"THIS WILL MAKE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF GOOD ORDER AND PUBLIC SAFETY EASIER TO UNDERSTAND," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
REFLECTING THE IMPROVED STANDARDS OF POLICE MOBILITY AND COMMUNICATIONS, THE BILL PROPOSES TO REVISE THE THRESHOLDS FOR REQUIRING NOTIFICATION OF PUBLIC MEETINGS IN THE OPEN FROM 30 TO 50 PERSONS, AND PUBLIC MEETINGS IN PRIVATE PREMISES FROM 200 TO 500 PERSONS.
"SIMILARLY THE THRESHOLD FOR REGULATION OF PUBLIC PROCESSIONS WILL BE RAISED FROM 20 PERSONS TO 30 PERSONS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE BILL ALSO SETS OUT THE GROUNDS ON WHICH THE POLICE CAN PROHIBIT, OR IMPOSE CONDITIONS, IN RESPECT OF THE HOLDING OF PUBLIC MEETINGS OR PROCESSIONS.
"GIVEN THE CLARIFICATION OF THE POLICE POWERS, THE BILL PROPOSES TO REPLACE THE PREVIOUS REQUIREMENTS FOR THE LICENSING OF PUBLIC PROCESSIONS, WHICH IS CUMBERSOME AND BUREAUCRATIC, WITH A REQUIREMENT FOR ADVANCE NOTIFICATION WHICH ALREADY EXISTS FOR PUBLIC MEETINGS," HE SAID.
CERTAIN SECTIONS OF THE ORDINANCE RELATING TO THE DESIGNATION OF CLOSED AREAS BY THE GOVERNOR, POLICE POWERS ON STOP AND SEARCH, AND REQUIREMENT TO PROVIDE IDENTIFICATION WILL BE REVISED.
OPPORTUNITY IS ALSO TAKEN TO REPEAL A PROVISION UNDER THE SUMMARY OFFENCES ORDINANCE WHICH DEALS WITH THE REQUIREMENT FOR A POLICE PERMIT FOR THE USE OF LOUDHAILERS IN PUBLIC PLACES.
"THE NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE CAN ALREADY ADEQUATELY COVER THE PREVENTION OF NUISANCE WHILE THE PROVISIONS IN THE PUBLIC ORDER ORDINANCE ALSO COVER SUFFICIENTLY PUBLIC ORDER CONCERNS," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THE PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 IS SCHEDULED FOR INTRODUCTION INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON APRIL 20.
------0-------
/3 ........
FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 1994
3 -
AMENDMENT BILL ON AIRCRAFT NOISE CONTROL
♦ » ♦ ♦ »
THE GOVERNMENT HAS PROPOSED LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS TO REQUIRE AIRCRAFT LANDING AND TAKING OFF AT THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO CONFORM TO MORE STRINGENT AIRCRAFT NOISE STANDARDS.
DETAILS OF THE PROPOSALS ARE CONTAINED IN THE CIVIL AVIATION (AIRCRAFT NOISE) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL LATER THIS MONTH.
UNDER THE CIVIL AVIATION (AIRCRAFT NOISE) ORDINANCE THE OPERATORS OF AIRCRAFT LANDING AND TAKING OFF AT THE AIRPORT MUST PRODUCE RECOGNISED CERTIFICATION, OR OTHER DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE SHOWING THAT THE AIRCRAFT COMPLIES WITH NOISE STANDARDS SET DOWN IN CHAPTER 2 OF ANNEX 16 TO THE CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION.
CHAPTER 3 OF THE ANNEX PRESCRIBES MORE STRINGENT STANDARDS THAN THOSE IN CHAPTER 2 WHICH, GENERALLY SPEAKING, CAN ONLY BE MET BY NEWER MODELS OF AIRCRAFT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT SAID THAT SOME 90 PER CENT OF THE AIRCRAFT USING THE AIRPORT, ON A REGULAR BASIS, ALREADY CONFORMED TO THE HIGHER CHAPTER 3 STANDARDS.
"ENACTMENT OF THE AMENDMENT BILL WILL PAVE THE WAY FOR A PROGRESSIVE PHASING OUT OF THE NOISIER TYPES OF AIRCRAFT, IN ACCORDANCE WITH GUIDELINES ISSUED BY THE INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION ORGANISATION,” HE SAID.
SPECIFICALLY, THE BILL WILL PROVIDE THE GOVERNOR WITH POWERS TO PROHIBIT AIRCRAFT WHICH FAIL TO MEET CHAPTER 3 NOISE STANDARDS FROM LANDING AND TAKING OFF IN HONG KONG.
IN THE FIRST PHASE, ALL AIRCRAFT ON THE HONG KONG REGISTER OR OWNED, OPERATED, OR LEASED BY HONG KONG INDIVIDUALS OR COMPANIES WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLY. THE REQUIREMENT WILL BE EXTENDED TO ALL AIRCRAFT, INCLUDING FOREIGN AIRCRAFT, AT A LATER DATE.
------0--------
SECRETARY APPOINTED TO WHITEHEAD INQUIRY
♦ ♦ » » ♦
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED THE APPOINTMENT OF MR ANTHONY BENNETT AS SECRETARY TO AN INQUIRY INTO LAST THURSDAY’S OPERATION IN THE WHITEHEAD DETENTION CENTRE. MR BENNETT WILL BE GIVEN ALL THE SUPPORT STAFF REQUIRED.
UNTIL RECENTLY, MR BENNETT WAS SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON DISCIPLINED SERVICES.
/MEANWHILE, THE .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 1994
MEANWHILE, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAVE SOUGHT TREATMENT FOR INJURIES CLAIMED TO HAVE BEEN SUSTAINED DURING THE OPERATION NOW STANDS AT 250.
A TOTAL OF 54 COMPLAINTS OF USE OF UNNECESSARY FORCE DURING THE OPERATION HAVE BEEN RECEIVED TO DATE.
---0 - -
STI SIGNS URUGUAY ROUND FINAL ACT *****
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T H CHAU, TODAY (FRIDAY) JOINED OVER 120 OTHER MINISTERS IN SIGNING THE FINAL ACT THAT EMBODIES THE RESULTS OF THE URUGUAY ROUND TRADE NEGOTIATIONS.
"THIS FORMALLY ENDS ALMOST EIGHT YEARS OF TRADE NEGOTIATIONS," SAID MR CHAU IN MARRAKESH, MOROCCO, AT THE SIGNING CEREMONY.
"IT IS THE MOST AMBITIOUS AND BROAD-RANGING INTERNATIONAL TRADE AGREEMENT EVER SIGNED, REPRESENTING A MILESTONE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE MULTILATERAL TRADING SYSTEM."
MR CHAU ALSO SIGNED THE AGREEMENT TO ESTABLISH THE NEW WORLD TRADE ORGANISATION (WTO), SUBJECT TO FORMAL RATIFICATION BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL.
"WE HOPE TO SEE THE WTO START ON JANUARY 1, 1995," MR CHAU SAID. "IT WILL HAVE A SIMILAR STATUS TO THE IMF AND WORLD BANK. IT WILL HAVE A BROADER SCOPE AND A MORE AUTHORITATIVE DISPUTE SETTLEMENT MECHANISM THAN THE GATT HAS EVER HAD. WE HAVE LAID THE FOUNDATION TODAY OF WHAT WILL SURELY BECOME ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST IMPORTANT INSTITUTIONS.”
IN ADDITION TO BILATERAL MEETINGS HELD EARLIER IN THE WEEK WITH THAILAND, CANADA, MEXICO, THE EUROPEAN UNION AND CHINA, MR CHAU HAS RECENTLY HELD MEETINGS WITH INDIA’S MINISTER FOR COMMERCE, PRANAB MUKHERJEE, THE PHILIPPINES’ SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, RIZALINO NAVARRO, AUSTRALIA’S MINISTER OF TRADE, SENATOR BOB MCMULLAN AND BRAZIL’S MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL RELATIONS, CELSO AMORIM.
THESE BILATERALS WERE LARGELY FOCUSED ON GETTING THE NEWLY AGREED ARRANGEMENTS IN PLACE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, AND ON NEW ISSUES WHICH THE WTO AND THE PREPARATORY COMMITTEE SETTING WOULD HAVE TO ADDRESS.
TODAY IS THE FINAL DAY OF THE MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE IN MARRAKESH, MOROCCO. THE PROGRAMME WILL END WITH AN EVENING RECEPTION FOR VISITING MINISTERS HOSTED BY HIS MAJESTY KING HASSAN II OF MOROCCO IN THE ROYAL PALACE.
- - 0 - -
FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 1994
5
SPEL MEETS PRIVATE DEVELOPERS
♦ » * * ♦
THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, TODAY (FRIDAY) MET REPRESENTATIVES OF THE REAL ESTATE DEVELOPERS ASSOCIATION TO DISCUSS LAND SUPPLY AND PROPERTY PRICES.
THE MEETING MARKED THE START OF THE PROCESS OF SOUNDING OUT THE PUBLIC AND RELEVANT GROUPS AT THE EARLIEST STAGE OF A TASK FORCE’S WORK TO LOOK INTO THE LAND SUPPLY AND PROPERTY PRICE SITUATION AND TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GOVERNOR.
MR EASON SAID: "WE HAVE HAD A USEFUL DISCUSSION TODAY ON WHAT PRIVATE DEVELOPERS AND GOVERNMENT CAN DO IN BOTH THE SHORT AND LONG TERM TO IMPROVE THE SITUATION."
"THESE IDEAS INCLUDE WAYS BY WHICH PRIVATE DEVELOPERS CAN BUILD MORE FLATS AND RELEASE THEM ONTO THE MARKET AT A FASTER PACE THROUGH NEW DEVELOPMENT AND REDEVELOPMENT.
”1 WILL ALSO BE SEEKING VIEWS FROM THE CONSUMER COUNCIL, THE LAND AND BUILDING ADVISORY COMMITTEE, LEGCO MEMBERS AND OTHER GROUPS IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS.
"WE WILL BE MONITORING PUBLIC VIEWS CLOSELY, INCLUDING THOSE EXPRESSED IN THE MEDIA, AND CONSIDERING ALL POSSIBLE OPTIONS IN BOTH SHORT AND LONG TERM TO MODERATE PROPERTY PRICES," HE SAID.
UNDER MR EASON’S CHAIRMANSHIP, THE HIGH-POWERED TASK FORCE IS EXPECTED TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GOVERNOR WITHIN THE NEXT TWO TO THREE MONTHS.
------0------------
FIGHTING SUBSTANDARD SHIPPING AT REGIONAL LEVEL
*****
HONG KONG WILL MAKE USE OF A REGIONAL DATA INFORMATION EXCHANGE SYSTEM ON SHIP INSPECTIONS TO ENHANCE ITS PORT STATE CONTROL INSPECTION, THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR ALLAN PYRKE, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SYSTEM MATERIALISED AT THE INAUGURAL MEETING OF THE PORT STATE CONTROL COMMITTEE OF THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON PORT STATE CONTROL IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION HELD IN BEIJING.
THE COMMITTEE WAS SET UP TO COMBAT THE GROWING THREAT OF SUBSTANDARD SHIPPING OPERATING IN THE REGION.
MR PYRKE AND ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF MARINE (SHIPPING), MR JOHN TSE, REPRESENTED HONG KONG AT THE MEETING.
HONG KONG IS ONE OF THE 15 REGIONAL MARITIME AUTHORITIES THAT HAS ACCEPTED THE PROVISIONS OF THE TOKYO MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (TOKYO MOU) AGREED UPON IN TOKYO IN DECEMBER 1993.
/•'MEMBERS OF ........
FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 1994
- 6 -
"MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE WILL HAVE ACCESS TO INFORMATION SYSTEM AND TO DETERMINE WHICH SHIPS ENTERING THEIR JURISDICTION SHOULD BE TARGETED FOR INSPECTION BASED ON DATA FROM THE SYSTEM.
"RESULTS OF THE INSPECTIONS WILL THEN BE PUT INTO THE SYSTEM TO MAINTAIN AN UP-TO-DATE RECORD,” MR PYRKE SAID.
"REGIONAL PORT STATE CONTROL ORGANISATIONS WILL SOON HOLD TALKS TO DISCUSS THE EXCHANGE OF INTER-REGIONAL INFORMATION," MR PYRKE ADDED.
"SUCH A DEVELOPMENT WOULD CONSIDERABLY ENHANCE THE GLOBAL EFFECTIVENESS OF PORT STATE CONTROL BY ENSURING THAT THE TRADING OPTIONS OPEN TO SUBSTANDARD TONNAGE TO EVADE PORT STATE CONTROL INSPECTION ARE FURTHER RESTRICTED," HE SAID.
TURNING TO OTHER AGREEMENTS REACHED AT THE MEETING, MR PYRKE SAID THE COMMITTEE WOULD COMPILE A SURVEYOR MANUAL AND A STRATEGY FOR SURVEYOR TRAINING TO ENSURE THAT A HARMONISED SYSTEM OF PORT STATE CONTROL INSPECTION IS ESTABLISHED IN THE REGION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
TO SPEED UP THE PROJECTS, JAPAN HAS UNDERTAKEN TO FUND A NUMBER OF REGIONAL TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANT PROGRAMMES.
THE COMMITTEE HAS ALSO AGREED TO SET UP AN OPERATIONAL FRAMEWORKS FOR THE FUTURE ACTIVITIES OF THE TOKYO MOU AND START TO ADDRESS THE MANY TECHNICAL ISSUES INVOLVED TO ENSURE THAT A VIABLE, CREDIBLE PORT STATE CONTROL REGIME IS IMPLEMENTED WITHOUT DELAY, MR PYRKE NOTED.
THE COMMITTEE WILL IN FUTURE HOLD ITS MEETING APPROPRIATELY EVERY NINE MONTHS. THE NEXT MEETING WILL BE HELD IN KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA IN JANUARY 1995. AFTER THAT HONG KONG WILL HOST ANOTHER MEETING IN THE LATTER PART OF 1995.
MR PYRKE SAID THE MEETING ARRANGEMENTS SHOWED THE COMMITMENT OF ALL MEMBERS TO CONTINUE THEIR FIGHT AGAINST POORLY MAINTAINED AND OPERATED SHIP TRADING IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION.
AUSTRALIA, CANADA, CHINA, HONG KONG, JAPAN, KOREA, MALAYSIA, NEW ZEALAND, SINGAPORE AND PAPUA NEW GUINEA HAVE ACCEPTED THE PROVISIONS OF THE TOKYO MOU.
MARITIME AUTHORITIES OF INDONESIA, THE PHILIPPINES, RUSSIAN FEDERATION, SOLOMON ISLANDS AND THAILAND ARE WAITING APPROVAL FROM THEIR RESPECTIVE GOVERNMENTS.
THE INAUGURAL MEETING WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED EARLIER THIS WEEK BY CHINA’S VICE-MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS, MADAME ZHENG GUANGDI.
THE MEETING WAS CHAIRED BY THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF THE SHIP SAFETY DIRECTORATE OF THE CANADIAN COAST GUARD, MR MICHAEL HUBBARD, WHO WAS ALSO ELECTED TO BE THE CHAIRMAN FOR THE NEXT TWO MEETINGS.
/TAKING PART........
FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 1994
TAKING PART IN THE MEETING AS OBSERVERS WERE THE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANISATION, THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION, THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMISSION FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC, THE PARIS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON PORT STATE CONTROL, THE MARITIME AUTHORITIES OF THE UNITED STATES AND OF VANUATU.
THE TOKYO MOU RECENTLY SET UP ITS SECRETARIAT IN TOKYO WITH FORMER ASSISTANT DIRECTOR-GENERAL AT INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANISATION, MR YOSHIO SASAMURA, HEADING THE OFFICE.
------0-------
INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION FOR 1993 FALLS SLIGHTLY
t * * » *
THE INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION LAST YEAR DECREASED SLIGHTLY BY 0.8% OVER 1992, ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS OF A SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
OUTPUT OF THE PAPER PRODUCTS AND PRINTING INDUSTRY GROUP CONTINUED TO SURGE BY 12.8%.
THE BROAD INDUSTRY GROUP OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS, MACHINERY, PROFESSIONAL EQUIPMENT AND OPTICAL GOODS REGISTERED A MODERATE INCREASE OF 2.6%. BUT THE PERFORMANCE OF INDIVIDUAL INDUSTRIES WITHIN THE GROUP VARIED GREATLY.
WHILE THE PRODUCTION OF MACHINERY, EQUIPMENT, APPARATUS, PARTS AND COMPONENTS INCREASED BY 12.7%, THAT OF CONSUMER ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS DROPPED BY 7.9%.
THE PRODUCTION OF THE FOOD, BEVERAGES AND TOBACCO INDUSTRY GROUP AND THE WEARING APPAREL INDUSTRY INCREASED BY 2.6% AND 1.8% RESPECTIVELY.
ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE BROAD INDUSTRY GROUPS OF CHEMICALS, RUBBER, PLASTIC AND NON-METALLIC MINERAL PRODUCTS (-9.9%); BASIC METALS AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS (-9.4%); AND THE TEXTILES (INCLUDING KNITTING) INDUSTRY (-7.2%).
THE INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION RECORDED VIRTUALLY NO CHANGE IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1993 WHEN COMPARED WITH BOTH THE SAME QUARTER OF 1992 AND THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1993.
THE INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION REFLECTS CHANGES OF LOCAL MANUFACTURING OUTPUT IN REAL TERMS. IN OTHER WORDS, IT MEASURES THE VOLUME OF LOCAL PRODUCTION AFTER DISCOUNTING THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES.
MORE DETAILED INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE "REPORT ON THE QUARTERLY INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION, 4TH QUARTER 1993", WHICH IS ON SALE AT $4 A COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, 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. REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION MAY ALSO BE ARRANGED.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULT MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE GENERAL ECONOMIC SURVEYS SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT ON TEL 839 3238.
/8.........
FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 1994
- 8 -
Indices of industrial production by broad industry group and selected industry group (1986 = 100)
Percentage
Broad industry group / Selected industry group Index for 4th Qtr. 1993 % change over change in the index for 1993 as a whole over that for 1992
4th Qtr. 1992 3rd Qtr. 1993
1. Food, beverages and tobacco 187 + 8.1 + 19.9 +2.6
2. Wearing apparel, except footwear 131 +7.4 +5.6 + 1.8
3. Textiles (including knitting) 131 -2.2 -1.5 -7.2
4. Paper products and printing 258 +2.0 -18.6 + 12.8
5. Chemicals, rubber, plastic and non-metallic mineral products 73 -11.0 -3.9 -9.9
- Plastic products (52) (-20.0) (-13.3) (-15.4)
6. Basic metals and fabricated metal products 99 -6.6 +3.9 -9.4
— Fabricated metal products, except machinery and equipment (99) (-3-9) (-2.0) (-8.7)
7. Electrical and electronic products, machinery, professional equipment and optical goods 171 -0.6 +4.3 +2.6
— Consumer electrical and electronic products (113) (-17.5) (-7.4) (-7.9)
— Machinery, equipment, apparatus, parts and components (257) ( + 8.0) ( + 8.4) (+12.7)
8. Miscellaneous manufacturing industries 93 -6.1 -2.1 -9.3
ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES 136 ♦ * -0.8
Notes : 1. Four selected industry groups, which carry relatively large weights and are major
components of their respective broad industry groups, are also included in the above table. For easy reading, the figures of these selected industry groups are shown in brackets.
2. As from the first quarter of 1992, the Hong Kong Standard Industrial Classification (HSIC) is used to form the industry groups and broad industry groups presented in the above table. For the exact coverage of the groups in terms of HSIC codes, please refer to the "Report on the Quarterly Index of Industrial Production, 4th Quarter 1993".
* Change within ±0.05%.
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/9 ........
FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 1994
- 9
ASIA BENEFITS FROM HK ANTI-DRUG EXPERIENCE * * * * *
HONG KONG IS A FOCAL POINT IN ASIA FOR STUDY TOURS AND TRAINING PROGRAMMES ON ALL ASPECTS OF DRUG ABUSE AND TRAFFICKING, THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR ALASDAIR SINCLAIR, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) IN LONDON.
HE WAS SPEAKING TO THE LONDON DIPLOMATS GROUP OF QUAKER PEACE AND SERVICE, ILLUSTRATING HOW HONG KONG’S EXPERIENCE COULD BE OF BENEFIT TO ITS NEIGHBOURS.
MR SINCLAIR CITED MONEY LAUNDERING AS AN EXAMPLE.
AHEAD OF JAPAN AND SINGAPORE, HONG KONG WAS THE FIRST PLACE IN ASIA TO ENACT LEGISLATION ON MONEY LAUNDERING IN 1989.
"AS THE ONLY JURISDICTION WITH SEVERAL YEARS’ EXPERIENCE OF FIGHTING MONEY LAUNDERING IN ASIA, WE FEEL WE ARE UNIQUELY PLACED TO CONTRIBUTE PRACTICAL ADVICE," HE SAID.
"OUR POLICE FORCE RUNS A COURSE ON FINANCIAL INVESTIGATION EVERY YEAR FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS FROM SEVERAL COUNTRIES," THE COMMISSIONER NOTED.
HONG KONG’S CENTRAL REGISTRY OF DRUG ABUSE (CRDA) - THE COMPUTERISED DATABASE WHICH WAS SET UP IN 1976 - RECEIVED CONFIDENTIAL REPORTS ON DRUG ABUSERS FROM GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS, AND FORMED A SOLID FOUNDATION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF EFFECTIVE POLICIES, HE ADDED.
"FEW OTHER COUNTRIES HAVE SUCH A VALUABLE SOURCE OF INFORMATION AND WE BELIEVE IT MAY BE WITHOUT PARALLEL IN THE WORLD," MR SINCLAIR SAID.
"WE HAVE BEEN PLEASED TO CO-OPERATE WITH OUR ASIAN NEIGHBOURS IN HELPING THEM UNDERSTAND OUR CRDA SYSTEM.
"MACAU IS STARTING ITS OWN CENTRAL REGISTRY. CHINA IS ACTIVELY EXPLORING THE PRACTICALITIES. SO IS BRUNEI. AND WE UNDERSTAND MALAYSIA, THAILAND AND MYANMAR (BURMA) ARE ALSO INTERESTED," HE SAID.
TURNING TO DRUG ANALYSIS, HE SAID THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT LABORATORY WAS RECOGNISED AS A REGIONAL TRAINING CENTRE FOR THE TECHNIQUE.
"LAST YEAR, THE UNITED NATIONS INTERNATION DRUG CONTROL PROGRAMME (UNDCP) SENT FOUR SCIENTISTS, ALL FROM CHINA, TO OUR GOVERNMENT LABORATORY FOR THREE MONTHS’ TRAINING," HE SAID.
MR SINCLAIR ALSO DISCLOSED THAT THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION AND UNDCP WOULD BE JOINTLY SPONSORING A TRAINING COURSE IN HONG KONG LATER IN THE YEAR ON THE PREVENTION OF DRUG ABUSE AND HIV INFECTION.
/"BY SHARING .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 1994
- 10 -
"BY SHARING EXPERIENCE AND ADOPTING A COMMON APPROACH WHERE THAT IS APPROPRIATE, COUNTRIES CAN BOOST THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THEIR DOMESTIC PROGRAMMES.
"WE RECOGNISE THIS IN HONG KONG AND ARE DOING WHAT WE CAN TO TEACH, LEARN, SHARE AND CO-OPERATE," THE COMMISSIONER SAID.
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EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL FIGURES FOR DECEMBER 1993
*****
COMPARING DECEMBER 1993 WITH THE SAME MONTH IN 1992, THERE WAS CONTINUED GROWTH IN EMPLOYMENT IN THE WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR AND THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR, THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT SAID.
BUT EMPLOYMENT IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR DECLINED FURTHER.
THIS MAINLY REFLECTED THE CONTINUED ORIENTATION OF THE ECONOMY TOWARDS SERVICES, ALONG WITH THE PROGRESSIVE RELOCATION OF INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES TO CHINA.
MEANWHILE, EMPLOYMENT ON CONSTRUCTION SITES ALSO FELL.
VACANCIES IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR AND IN SOME SERVICES SECTORS FELL FURTHER COMPARED WITH A YEAR EARLIER. BUT VACANCIES IN THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR AND ON CONSTRUCTION SITES REGISTERED INCREASES OF VARIOUS MAGNITUDES.
COMPARED WITH DECEMBER 1992, THE AVERAGE EARNINGS OF PERSONS ENGAGED IN MOST MAJOR SECTORS CONTINUED TO SHOW FURTHER INCREASES IN MONEY TERMS IN DECEMBER 1993.
AFTER ADJUSTING FOR INFLATION, THERE WAS STILL AN INCREASE IN REAL TERMS IN THE AVERAGE EARNINGS OF PERSONS ENGAGED FOR SOME SECTORS, IN PARTICULAR THE MAJOR SERVICES SECTORS.
THERE WERE 483,600 PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR IN DECEMBER 1993, REPRESENTING A DECREASE OF 14.4% FROM DECEMBER 1992.
EMPLOYMENT IN THE WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR, AT 948,900 IN DECEMBER 1993, WAS 3.7% HIGHER THAN IN DECEMBER 1992.
EMPLOYMENT IN THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR, AT 338,100, WAS UP BY 7.5% OVER A YEAR EARLIER.
ON THE OTHER HAND, EMPLOYMENT ON CONSTRUCTION SITES (MANUAL WORKERS ONLY), AT 55,900, WAS 6.1% LOWER THAN IN DECEMBER 1992.
/THE EMPIOYMENT .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 1994
11
THE EMPLOYMENT FIGURES FOR DECEMBER 1993 IN SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS, COMPARED WITH THE CORRESPONDING FIGURES FOR DECEMBER 1992 AND SEPTEMBER 1993, ARE:
PERSONS ENGAGED (EMPLOYMENT) PERCENTAGE CHANGE
SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTOR DEC 92 SEPT 93 DEC 93 OVER DEC 93 OVER DEC 93 DEC 92 SEP 93
MANUFACTURING 565,100 508,100 483,600 -14.4 -4.8
CONSTRUCTION (MANUAL WORKERS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES ONLY) 59,500 52,200 55,900 -6.1 + 7.0
WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS 914,800 958,000 948,900 + 3.7 -1.0
FINANCING, 314,500 336,000 338,100 + 7.5 + 0.6
INSURANCE,
REAL ESTATE AND
BUSINESS SERVICES
THE STATISTICS FOR SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS IN DECEMBER 1993 WERE DERIVED FROM THE QUARTERLY SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL AND THE QUARTERLY EMPLOYMENT SURVEY OF CONSTRUCTION SITES CONDUCTED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
IN THE FORMER SURVEY, EMPLOYMENT IN THE RETAIL TRADE EXCLUDED HAWKERS AND PERSONS WORKING AT RETAIL PITCHES BUT INCLUDED THOSE WORKING IN MARKET STALLS.
THE TWO SURVEYS ALSO PROVIDE THE VACANCY STATISTICS FOR SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS.
THE VACANCY FIGURES, TOGETHER WITH A COMPARISON WITH THE CORRESPONDING FIGURES FOR DECEMBER 1992 AND SEPTEMBER 1993, ARE:
NUMBER OF REPORTED VACANCIES
PERCENTAGE CHANGE
SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTOR DEC 92 SEPT 93 DEC 93 DEC 93 OVER DEC 92 DEC 93 OVER SEP 93
MANUFACTURING 17,690 14,130 11,890 -32.8 -15.9
CONSTRUCTION 4 80 550 54 0 + 11.2 - 2.4
(MANUAL WORKERS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES ONLY )
/WHOLESALE, RETAIL ........
FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 1994
12
WHOLESALE, RETAIL 33,550 31,370 27,500 -18.0 -12.3
AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS
FINANCING, INSURANCE, 8,830 11,210 10,440 +18.3 - 6.9
REAL ESTATE AND
BUSINESS SERVICES
COMPARING DECEMBER 1993 WITH DECEMBER 1992, VACANCIES IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR AND IN THE WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR FELL BY 32.8% AND 18.0% RESPECTIVELY.
HOWEVER, IN THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR, THE NUMBER OF VACANCIES INCREASED BY 18.3%.
VACANCIES ON CONSTRUCTION SITES ALSO RECORDED AN INCREASE OF 11.2% IN DECEMBER 1993 OVER A YEAR EARLIER.
THE DECEMBER 1993 NOMINAL INDICES OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED IN SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS AND THE CORRESPONDING REAL INDICES (AFTER ALLOWING FOR THE EFFECTS OF PRICE CHANGES) ARE GIVEN BELOW:
NOMINAL PAYROLL PER (MARCH INDEX OF PERSON ENGAGED 1991 =100) PERCENTAGE CHANGE
SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTOR DEC 92 DEC 93 DEC 93 OVER DEC 92
MANUFACTURING 145.1 149.1 + 2.8
WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS 143.2 158.2 + 10.5
FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES 148.2 176.4 + 19.0
REAL INDEX OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED (MARCH 1991 =100) PERCENTAGE CHANGE
SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTOR DEC 92 DEC 93 DEC 93 OVER DEC 92
MANUFACTURING 125.6 118.9 - 5.3
WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS 124.0 126.2 + 1.8
/FINANCING, INSURANCE..........
FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 1994
13
FINANCING, INSURANCE, 128.3 140.7 + 9.7
REAL ESTATE AND
BUSINESS SERVICES
BETWEEN DECEMBER 1992 AND DECEMBER 1993, AVERAGE EARNINGS IN MOST MAJOR SECTORS, AS MEASURED BY PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED, INCREASED IN MONEY TERMS.
AN INCREASE OF 2.8% WAS REGISTERED IN THE NOMINAL INDEX FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR.
FOR THE WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND 1MPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR, THE INCREASE WAS 10.5%.
FOR THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR, THE INCREASE WAS 19.0%.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT POINTED OUT THAT THE YEAR-ON-YEAR RATE OF INCREASE IN AVERAGE EARNINGS IN DECEMBER 1993, ESPECIALLY THAT FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, WAS TO SOME EXTENT AFFECTED BY THE DIFFERENCE IN TIMING OF ISSUE OF YEAR-END BONUSES SHORTLY BEFORE THE LUNAR NEW YEAR, WHICH WAS IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR BUT IN JANUARY LAST YEAR.
IN OTHER WORDS, SOME ESTABLISHMENTS HAD ISSUED BONUSES IN DECEMBER 1992 BUT HAD NOT YET DONE SO IN DECEMBER 1993, THEREBY RESULTING IN THE HIGH BASE OF COMPARISON IN DECEMBER 1992, HE SAID.
AFTER DISCOUNTING FOR THE INCREASE IN CONSUMER PRICES BETWEEN DECEMBER 1992 AND DECEMBER 1993, THE REAL INDEX OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED IN DECEMBER 1993, AS COMPARED WITH THAT IN DECEMBER '1992, INCREASED BY 1.8% FOR THE WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR, AND 9.7% FOR THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR.
FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, THE REAL INDEX OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED DECREASED BY 5.3%.
DETAILED BREAKDOWNS OF THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE QUARTERLY REPORT OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL STATISTICS, DECEMBER 1993 AND THE QUARTERLY REPORT OF EMPLOYMENT AND VACANCIES AT CONSTRUCTION SITES, DECEMBER 1993.
THEY ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT $17 A COPY AND $10.5 A COPY RESPECTIVELY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG AND AT THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON THE 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
0
/14 .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 1994
14
DR MICHAEL LUK SELECTED HKIED ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR (ADMIN) *****
THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNING COUNCIL (PGC) OF THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION (HKIED) TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED THE SELECTION OF DR MICHAEL LUK YAN-LUNG AS THE ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR (ADMINISTRATION) OF THE INSTITUTE.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PGC, MR SIMON IP, SAID THE COUNCIL WAS IMPRESSED THAT DR LUK MET THE DEMANDING REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POST.
i "DR LUK IS A WELL-RESPECTED SCHOLAR AND UNIVERSITY
ADMINISTRATOR. HIS DEEP KNOWLEDGE OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE SYSTEMS OF TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS AND HIS MANAGEMENT SKILLS WILL BE MOST VALUABLE TO THE HKIED,” MR IP SAID.
"DR LUK’S EXTENSIVE ADMINISTRATIVE EXPERIENCE AT THE TERTIARY LEVEL WILL SERVE TO COMPLEMENT THE SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM OF THE HKIED," HE ADDED.
DR LUK IS CURRENTLY A SENIOR LECTURER AT THE DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG (HKU).
IN ADDITION TO LECTURING AND RESEARCH DUTIES, HE HAS BEEN INVOLVED EXTENSIVELY IN FACULTY AND UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATION, RANGING FROM FACULTY PLANNING AND STUDENT ADMISSION TO STAFF MATTERS.
HE WAS THE SUB-DEAN OF THE FACULTY OF ARTS OF HKU FROM 1985 TO 1988 AND HAS SERVED ON A LARGE NUMBER OF UNIVERSITY COMMITTEES.
DR LUK RECEIVED HIS BACHELOR’S AND MASTER’S DEGREE FROM HKU AND WAS AWARDED A DOCTORAL DEGREE BY THE UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO IN 1982.
HE IS AGED 46 AND IS MARRIED.
DR LUK IS EXPECTED TO TAKE UP HIS NEW APPOINTMENT AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE AND HOPEFULLY BEFORE MID-1994.
------0------------
DRAINAGE CHANNEL TO ALLEVIATE FLOODING
*****
CONSTRUCTION OF A MAIN DRAINAGE CHANNEL IN YUEN LONG AND KAM TIN WILL BEGIN LATER THIS MONTH, AIMING TO ALLEVIATE FLOODING HAZARD IN THE AREAS.
THE CHANNEL WILL STRETCH ACROSS FISH POND AREAS FROM THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD AT HUNG MO KIU TO SHAN PUI RIVER ADJACENT TO LUT CHAU.
THE $283 MILLION CONTRACT WAS SIGNED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF DRAINAGE SERVICES (PROJECTS AND DEVELOPMENT), MR TSE HON-SUM, AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE CONTRACTOR, TOBISHIMA CORPORATION.
/IT FORMS .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 1994
- 15 -
IT FORMS PART OF A COMPREHENSIVE DRAINAGE PROJECT TO ALLEVIATE FLOODING HAZARD IN THE YUEN LONG AND KAM TIN CATCHMENTS.
THE WORKS INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A THREE-KILOMETRE DRAINAGE CHANNEL WITH A BASE WIDTH OF 110 METRES TO 140 METRES, THE ASSOCIATED EMBANKMENTS AND ACCESS ROADS, AS WELL AS THE MODIFICATION OF THE MASONRY LINING OF THE EXISTING CHANNEL NEAR HUNG MO KIU.
OTHER WORKS INVOLVE THE LAYING OF STORMWATER DRAINAGE SYSTEMS AND WATER MAINS, LANDSCAPING AND OTHER ASSOCIATED ANCILLARY WORKS.
THE WORKS ARE SCHEDULED TO BEGIN ON APRIL 28 FOR COMPLETION IN 36 MONTHS.
---------0-----------
LICENCE FEES TO BE REVISED * ♦ ♦ * ♦
LICENCE FEES COVERING LOTTERIES, TOMBOLAS, GAMES OF AMUSEMENT WITH PRIZES AND TRADE PROMOTION COMPETITIONS WILL BE INCREASED BY ABOUT 10 PER CENT FROM MAY 19 THIS YEAR.
REGISTRATION FEES FOR LOCAL NEWSPAPERS AND NEWS AGENCIES AS WELL AS LICENCE FEES FOR NEWSPAPER DISTRIBUTORS WILL ALSO GO UP BY THE SAME RATE.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (FRIDAY), A HOME AFFAIRS BRANCH SPOKESMAN SAID IT WAS THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO SET FEES AT A LEVEL GENERALLY SUFFICIENT TO RECOVER THE FULL COSTS OF PROVIDING THESE SERVICES.
HE ALSO STRESSED THAT THE REVISED FEES WOULD NOT SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASE THE OPERATING COSTS OF THOSE AFFECTED.
CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS, HE SAID, WILL CONTINUE TO QUALIFY FOR A WAIVER OR REDUCTION OF THE FEES UNDER THE GAMBLING REGULATION.
THE ADJUSTMENTS, CONTAINED SEPARATELY UNDER THE GAMBLING (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1994, THE NEWSPAPERS REGISTRATION AND DISTRIBUTION (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1994 AND THE NEWS AGENCIES REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1994, WERE GAZETTED TODAY.
--------0-----------
CIGARETTE TAR AND NICOTINE YIELDS STABLE *****
THE AVERAGE TAR AND NICOTINE YIELDS PER CIGARETTE AMONG THE 106 BEST-SELLING CIGARETTES IN HONG KONG BETWEEN JANUARY AND DECEMBER 1993 WERE 13.3 MILLIGRAMS (MG) AND 0.82 MG RESPECTIVELY, ACCORDING TO THE GOVERNMENT’S LATEST REVIEW OF TAR AND NICOTINE YIELDS OF CIGARETTES.
THEY WERE SIMILAR TO THE PREVIOUS YEAR’S RESULTS.
/RELEASING THE
FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 1994
- 16 -
RELEASING THE FINDINGS OF THE REVIEW TODAY (FRIDAY), A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN REPEATED AN APPEAL TO THE PUBLIC NOT TO SMOKE.
ACCORDING TO THE REVIEW, 23 BRANDS OF CIGARETTES WERE CLASSIFIED IN THE LOW TAR GROUP, 30 IN THE LOW TO MIDDLE TAR GROUP, 40 IN THE MIDDLE TAR GROUP AND 13 IN THE HIGH TAR GROUP.
THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF TAR OBTAINED WAS 19 MG PER CIGARETTE AND THAT OF NICOTINE WAS 1.3 MG PER CIGARETTE.
"THE LAW PROHIBITS THE SALE OF CIGARETTES WITH A TAR CONTENT EXCEEDING 20 MG PER CIGARETTE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"COMPARED WITH THE REVIEW A YEAR AGO, THERE WERE MORE CIGARETTES IN THE MIDDLE TAR GROUP IN THE MARKET."
THE REVIEW ALSO SHOWED THAT 25 BRANDS WERE FOUND TO HAVE BEEN LABELLED WITH TAR GROUPS INCONSISTENT WITH THE TEST FINDINGS - 22
SHOULD BE IN A HIGHER TAR GROUP AND THREE IN A LOWER GROUP.
"THESE DECLARED TAR GROUP DESIGNATIONS WILL HAVE TO BE CHANGED ACCORDINGLY," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
IN ADDITION TO THE TAR GROUP DESIGNATION, CIGARETTE PACKETS MUST DISPLAY ONE OF THE FOUR HEALTH WARNINGS WHICH WERE INTRODUCED EARLIER THIS YEAR TO REMIND THE PUBLIC OF THE HAZARDS OF SMOKING.
THE FULL REVIEW WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE NEXT EDITION OF THE CONSUMER COUNCIL’S "CHOICE" MAGAZINE.
--------0-----------
SPECIAL POSTMARK COMMEMORATES BANK OF CHINA NOTES t * t * *
A SPECIAL POSTMARK WILL BE INTRODUCED ON MAY 2 TO COMMEMORATE THE FIRST ISSUE OF BANK NOTES IN HONG KONG BY THE BANK OF CHINA (HONG HONG BRANCH).
THIS WAS ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE ACTING POSTMASTER GENERAL, MISS NANCY LAW.
HAND-BACK SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED ON THE DAY AT THE FOLLOWING SIX PHILATELIC OFFICES FOR SOUVENIR COVERS PRIVATELY MADE BY PHILATELISTS BEARING INDICATION OF THE OCCASION:
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE POST OFFICE
GENERAL POST OFFICE
GRANVILLE ROAD POST OFFICE
PEAK POST OFFICE
SHAT IN CENTRAL POST OFFICE
TSTM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE
/SERVICED SOUVENIR .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 1994
17 -
SERVICED SOUVENIR COVERS ISSUED BY THE BANK OF CHINA (HONG KONG BRANCH) WILL BE SOLD BY THE BANK STAFF AT $5 PER COVER AT THE PUBLIC HALL OF THE GENERAL POST OFFICE ON MAY 2.
EACH CUSTOMER CAN BUY ONLY FIVE SERVICED COVERS.
SERVICED COVERS WILL NOT BE SOLD AT ANY PHILATELIC OFFICES.
------0--------
WO TONG TSUI STREET TO BE WIDENED *****
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE WIDENING OF THE EXISTING WO TONG TSUI STREET BETWEEN ITS JUNCTIONS WITH TAI WO HAU ROAD AND KIN HONG STREET.
THE WORKS COMPRISE THE WIDENING OF THE EXISTING WO TONG TSUI STREET BETWEEN ITS JUNCTIONS WITH TAI WO HAU ROAD AND KIN HONG STREET, CONSTRUCTION OF ABOUT 160 METRES LONG RETAINING WALL AND LAYING OF WATERMAINS.
UPON COMPLETION OF THE WORKS, A MORE DURABLE AND WIDER ROAD WILL BE PROVIDED FOR THE LOCAL TRAFFIC.
THE ROAD WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO COMMENCE IN JULY THIS YEAR AND COMPLETE IN JULY 1995.
A NOTICE ON THE TENDER INVITATION WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM REGIONAL HIGHWAY ENGINEER/NEW TERRITORIES, HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT, THIRD FLOOR, ROOM 314, HO MAN TIN GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 88 CHUNG HAU STREET, HO MAN TIN, KOWLOON. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL 762 3534.
TENDERS MUST BE CLEARLY MARKED AND ADDRESSED TO THE CHAIRMAN, PUBLIC WORKS TENDER BOARD, AND PLACED IN THE PUBLIC WORKS TENDER BOX AT THE LIFT LOBBY ON THE 34TH FLOOR OF THE QUEENSWAY OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG, BEFORE NOON ON MAY 13. LATE TENDERS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
THE WORKS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED AND WILL BE SUPERVISED BY THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT.
---------0-----------
/IB .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 1994
18
APPOINTMENTS TO ARTS DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL ANNOUNCED *****
THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE GOVERNOR HAS ESTABLISHED THE HONG KONG ARTS DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (HKADC) AND APPOINTED THE FOLLOWING PERSONS TO BE MEMBERS OF THE HKADC WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 15, 1994 UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE:-
SIR JOSEPH HOTUNG, CHAIRMAN
MS CHRISTINE LOH KUNG-WAI, VICE-CHAIRMAN DR CHAN WING-WAH BENNY CHIA VINCENT CHOW DAVID ELDON ANGUS FORSYTH OSCAR HO
KAN TAI-KEUNG
MISS LEE MER
DR LEUNG PING-KWAN
RAYMOND LIU LO KING-MAN MS YIP WING-SIE YU SHU-TAK DANNY YUNG THE CHAIRMAN, URBAN COUNCIL OR HIS REPRESENTATIVE
THE CHAIRMAN, REGIONAL COUNCIL OR HIS REPRESENTATIVE
THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE OR HIS REPRESENTATIVE
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION OR HIS REPRESENTATIVE
ORIGINALLY, 16 MEMBERS WERE APPOINTED TO THE WORKING GROUP CHARGED WITH PREPARING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HKADC.
/A SPOKESMAN ....
FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 1994
19
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH SAID THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE HKADC HAS BEEN INCREASED TO 20 IN NUMBER IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT AN EVEN WIDER RANGE OF INTERESTS, SKILLS AND VIEWPOINTS WERE REPRESENTED.
THUS THE MEMBERSHIP INCLUDES PEOPLE DRAWN FROM THE FOLLOWING SECTORS: LITERARY ARTS; VISUAL ARTS; DRAMA; DANCE; MUSIC; ARTS ADMINISTRATION; ARTS EDUCATION; AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY WHO ARE INTERESTED IN THE ARTS AND CAN CONTRIBUTE USEFULLY TO THE COUNCIL’S WORK.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID: "THE HONG KONG ARTS DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL IS INITIALLY BEING ESTABLISHED AS A NON-STATUTORY BODY TASKED WITH ADVISING THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, PENDING THE DRAFTING, PROCESSING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NECESSARY LEGISLATION TO ESTABLISH THE COUNCIL AS AN INDEPENDENT STATUTORY BODY WITH EXECUTIVE POWERS, ITS OWN STAFF AND PUBLIC AND PRIVATE FUNDING.
"THE COUNCIL IS TASKED WITH PREPARING AND EXECUTING PLANS AND DOING ALL OTHER THINGS THAT ARE NECESSARY FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ITS MISSION TO FURTHER THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ARTS."
THE MISSION OF THE HKADC IS TO:-
» PLAN AND PROMOTE THE BROAD DEVELOPMENT AND APPRECIATION OF AND PARTICIPATION IN THE ARTS WITH A VIEW TO IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF THE WHOLE COMMUNITY, PLACING PARTICULAR EMPHASIS ON THE LITERARY, PERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS;
* LIAISE AND WORK CLOSELY WITH THE GOVERNMENT AND EXISTING ORGANISATIONS SUCH AS THE URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS, THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, THE HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE AND OTHER INDEPENDENT BODIES INVOLVED IN THE PROMOTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE ARTS IN HONG KONG WHILST RESPECTING THEIR AUTONOMOUS POSITIONS;
* ENGAGE IN SUCH ACTIVITIES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO ACHIEVE THESE GOALS; AND
» ENGAGE IN SUCH OTHER ACTIVITIES CONDUCIVE TO THE PLANNING, PROMOTION AND SUPPORT OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ARTS AS THE GOVERNOR MAY, AFTER CONSULTATION WITH THE COUNCIL, PERMIT OR ASSIGN TO IT.
TO ACHIEVE THESE GOALS, THE HKADC HAS BEEN TASKED WITH FORMULATING A CLEAR AND COHERENT STRATEGY FOR THE PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT, PROMOTION AND SUPPORT OF THE ARTS IN HONG KONG FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE WHOLE COMMUNITY.
THE COUNCIL IS TASKED WITH ADVISING THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE ON THE EXPENDITURE OF BOTH THE ANNUALLY RECURRENT BLOCK GRANT BY THE GOVERNMENT FOR THE SUBVENTION OF ARTS ACTIVITIES AND THE TWO CAPITAL GRANTS THAT HAVE BEEN MADE BY THE GOVERNMENT TO THE SIR DAVID TRENCH FUND FOR ARTS DEVELOPMENT.
THE COUNCIL IS ALSO TASKED WITH ADVISING AND ASSISTING THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE IN MATTERS RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE COUNCIL ITSELF AS A STATUTORY BODY.
--------0----------
/20 ........
FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 1994
20
CONSTRUCTION OF OUTFALL DIFFUSER PIPELINE *****
AN OUTFALL DIFFUSER PIPELINE WILL BE CONSTRUCTED OFF THE WESTERN HARBOUR ANCHORAGE AREA TO CONVEY TREATED SEWAGE FOR DISCHARGE OFFSHORE.
DETAILS OF THE WORK, WHICH WILL START EARLY NEXT YEAR AND TAKE ABOUT 25 MONTHS TO COMPLETE, ARE DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE NOTICE AND A PLAN OUTLINING THE 13.6 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEA-BED WHICH WILL BE AFFECTED IN THE CONSTRUCTION ARE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC VIEWING AT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT’S SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG, AND AT THE KWAI CHUNG AND TSING YI PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICES CENTRE, KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 166-174 HING FONG ROAD, KWAI CHUNG, NEW TERRITORIES.
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HIS INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEA-BED INVOLVED WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE WORKS PROJECT CAN WRITE TO THE DI RECTOR OF LANDS TO ('LA IM COMPENSATION ON OR BEFORE APRIL 15, 1995.
------0-------
LEISURE POOL COMPLEX FOR WONG TAI SIN RESIDENTS
*****
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A LEISURE POOL COMPLEX AT HAMMER HILL ROAD, WONG TAI SIN.
THE COMPLEX COMPRISES A SINGLE-STOREY AMENITIES BUILDING, A TWO-STOREY SERVICE BUILDING, AN INDOOR TRAINING AND LEISURE POOL BUILDING, INTEGRATED OUTDOOR LEISURE POOLS AND A PADDLING POOL, DRAINAGE AND EXTERNAL WORKS.
WORKS ARE SCHEDULED TO START IN JUNE THIS YEAR FOR COMPLETION IN NOVEMBER 1995.
THE DEADLINE FOR TENDERS IS NOON ON MAY 6.
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE DEPARTMENT, 34TH FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.
---------0-----------
/2I..........
FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 1994
- 21 -
REPORT ON YOUTH CENTRE SERVICES PUBLISHED *****
A REPORT SETTING OUT A CHALLENGING WAY FORWARD TO HELP CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE FACE THE CHANGES AND STRESSES OF MODERN SOCIETY IN HONG KONG WAS RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY).
ENTITLED "REPORT ON REVIEW OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRE SERVICES", IT WAS COMPILED BY A WORKING GROUP CHAIRED BY PROFESSOR FELICE LIEH-MAK.
THE WORKING PARTY, COMPRISING BOTH OFFICIAL AND NON-OFFICIAL MEMBERS, WAS APPOINTED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE IN MARCH 1992 TO REVIEW THE POLICY, OBJECTIVES AND OPERATION OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES AND RELATED SERVICES IN VIEW OF THE CHANGING NEEDS OF YOUNG PEOPLE AND A DECLINING YOUTH POPULATION.
ONE OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE WORKING PARTY IS THAT SERVICES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE SHOULD BE INTEGRATED AND PROVIDED IN A SPECIFIC CATCHMENT AREA BY A TEAM OF SOCIAL WORKERS UNDER ONE MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE.
"THE SERVICES TO BE INTEGRATED ARE CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES, OUTREACHING SOCIAL WORK, SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK, AND WHERE POSSIBLE, FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SAID.
THE REPORT ALSO RECOMMENDED THAT CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRE SERVICES SHOULD BE PLANNED ACCORDING TO THE YOUTH POPULATION AND NOT THE GENERAL POPULATION.
AN INTEGRATED TEAM SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED FOR EACH CATCHMENT AREA WITH A YOUTH POPULATION OF 12,000.
PROGRAMMES OFFERED BY CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES SHOULD BE MORE TARGET-ORIENTED AND MORE RELATED TO SOCIAL WORK, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE REPORT WILL BE IMPLEMENTED BY PHASES.
INTERESTED PARTIES MAY OBTAIN A COPY OF THE REPORT FROM ANY DISTRICT SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
--------0-----------
LAND TO BE RESUMED FOR PARK
*****
LAND RESUMPTION NOTICES WERE POSTED TODAY (FRIDAY) ON 97 PRIVATE AGRICULTURAL LOTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE HAMMER HILL ROAD DISTRICT PARK.
THE LOTS, COVERING 9,383.7 SQUARE METRES, WILL REVERT TO GOVERNMENT ON JULY 15. THEY ARE LOCATED AT THE JUNCTION OF LUNG CHEUNG ROAD AND HAMMER HILL ROAD.
/COMPENSATION TO .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 1994
- 22 -
COMPENSATION TO THE AFFECTED OWNERS WILL BE ASSESSED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE CROWN LANDS RESUMPTION ORDINANCE, OR BASED ON EX-GRATIA RATE OF COMPENSATION ACCORDING TO CURRENT POLICY.
AFFECTED OWNERS AND OCCUPIERS OF THE PRIVATE LAND MAY MAKE STATUTORY CLAIMS UNDER THE ORDINANCE. IF THEIR CLAIMS CANNOT BE SETTLED BY AGREEMENT, THEY MAY APPLY TO THE LANDS TRIBUNAL FOR DETERMINATION.
THE CLEARANCE IN CONNECTION WITH THE DISTRICT PARK PROJECT WILL INVOLVE BOTH GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE LAND.
ABOUT 2,440 PERSONS BELONGING TO BOO FAMILIES WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE EXERCISE.
ELIGIBLE OCCUPIERS WILL BE REHOUSED AND OFFERED EX-GRATIA DOMESTIC REMOVAL ALLOWANCES.
DETAILS OF THE RESUMPTION WERE GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
------0--------
SECOND OPEN FORUM FOR CONDUCT COUNCIL ELECTION
*****
TEACHERS AND PRINCIPALS OF SECONDARY AND SPECIAL SCHOOLS WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO MEET CANDIDATES IN THE FORTHCOMING COUNCIL ON PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT IN EDUCATION ELECTION AT A FORUM ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ON SUNDAY (APRIL 17).
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE FORUM WOULD PROVIDE A’ GOOD CHANCE FOR VOTERS AND CANDIDATES IN THE SECONDARY AND SPECIAL SCHOOLS CATEGORY OF THE ELECTION TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON THE SETTING UP AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF THE COUNCIL.
TEACHERS AND PRINCIPALS OF SPECIAL SCHOOLS ARE URGED TO ATTEND THE FORUM ON SUNDAY AND SHOW THEIR SUPPORT FOR THE ELECTION, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
’’THE COUNCIL ON PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT IN EDUCATION IS SET UP IN THE INTEREST OF THE TEACHING PROFESSION. IT IS AIMED AT ENHANCING THEIR PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT AND STATUS,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE FORUM ON SUNDAY WILL BE THE SECOND AND LAST OPEN FORUM FOR THE ELECTION. IT WILL TAKE PLACE AT 9 AN AT THE LECTURE THEATRE, GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, GASCOIGNE ROAD. YAU MA TEI, KOWLOON.
THE FORUM WILL BE ATTENDED BY 16 CANDIDATES - 12 FROM SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND FOUR FROM SPECIAL SCHOOLS - WHO WILL IN TURN GIVE A SHORT ELECTION SPEECH EXPLAINING THEIR PLATFORMS AND THEN ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR.
THE COUNCIL IS A NON-STATUTORY BODY TO ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT ON MEASURES TO PROMOTE PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT IN EDUCATION, INCLUDING THE DRAFTING OF OPERATIONAL CRITERIA DEFINING THE CONDUCT EXPECTED OF AN EDUCATOR, AND TO ADVISE THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION IN RESOLVING CASES OF DISPUTE OR ALLEGED PROFESSIONAL MISCONDUCT.
/THE ESTABLISHMENT
FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 1994
23
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE COUNCIL WAS RECOMMENDED BY THE EDUCATION COMMISSION IN ITS REPORT NO. 5.
THE FIRST FORUM, WHICH WAS HELD LAST SUNDAY, WAS ATTENDED BY 18 CANDIDATES COMPETING IN THE CATEGORIES OF KINDERGARTENS, PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND ORGANISATIONS.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SECOND OPEN FORUM FOR CANDIDATES OF THE COUNCIL ON PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT IN EDUCATION ELECTION.
THE FORUM WILL BE HELD AT 9 AM ON APRIL 17 (SUNDAY) AT THE LECTURE THEATRE, GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, GASCOIGNE ROAD, YAU MA TEI, KOWLOON.
------0-------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,541 0930 + 146
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,885 1000 + 196
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY LAF TODAY + 749 -405 1100 1200 1500 1600 + 326 + 326 + 859 + 749
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 125.4 »+0.2* 15.4.94
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 2.79 PCT 16 MONTHS 2508 4.625 99.67 4.94
1 MONTH 3.16 PCT 19 MONTHS 2511 4.15 98.50 5^20
3 MONTHS 3.67 PCT 22 MONTHS 2602 4.40 98.25 5.48
6 MONTHS 3.97 PCT 30 MONTHS 3610 4.20 96.04 5.99
12 MONTHS 4.49 PCT 33 MONTHS 3701 4.60 96.26 6.17
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 18,823 MN
CLOSED 15 APRIL 1994 ---------------------------------o-------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 842 8777
i
SATURDAY, APRIL 16, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
XI YANG CASE UNDERLINES NEED TO SAFEGUARD FREEDOMS 1
TRANSCRIPT OF MEDIA SESSION BY CS........................... 2
USA PLANE HELPS COLLECT METEOROLOGICAL DATA................. 3
SPECIAL STAMPS MARK POLICE 150TH ANNIVERSARY................ 4
102 CAUGHT IN OPERATION AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.......... 5
CS SUPPORTS 1994 BIG BIRD RACE.............................. 6
REGISTER AS VOTERS: DO...................................... 7
WEATHER OF MARCH............................................ 7
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS..... 10
SATURDAY, APRIL 16, 1994
1
XI YANG CASE UNDERLINES NEED TO SAFEGUARD FREEDOMS * ♦ ♦ * *
THE HANDLING OF THE XI YANG CASE UNDERLINED THE NEED FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO DO EVERYTHING IT POSSIBLY COULD TO SAFEGUARD THE FREEDOMS THAT WERE ENSHRINED AND PROMISED TO HONG KONG PEOPLE IN THE JOINT DECLARATION, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID THIS (SATURDAY) AFTERNOON.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER HER VISIT TO THE MAI PO MARSHES, MRS CHAN SAID: ’’THE COMMUNITY OF HONG KONG IS VERY UNDERSTANDABLY CONCERNED BOTH AT THE WHOLE TRIAL PROCESS OF XI YANG, AT THE JUDGMENT AND, IN PARTICULAR, AT THE OUTCOME OF HIS APPEAL.
’’THEY ARE ALL VERY DISAPPOINTED THAT THE APPEAL HAS FAILED.”
MRS CHAN SAID THE VERY HEAVY SENTENCE IMPOSED UPON XI YANG HAD CAUSED A GREAT DEAL OF CONCERN, PARTICULARLY ON THE PART OF HONG KONG JOURNALISTS WHO ARE DAILY OPERATING IN CHINA, GOING ABOUT THEIR LEGITIMATE BUSINESS OF NEWS COVERAGE.
"FROM THEIR POINT OF VIEW, I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT THE CHINESE CAN, AT A VERY EARLY DAY, MAKE CLEAR EXACTLY WHAT THE RULES ARE SO THAT HONG KONG REPORTERS OPERATING IN CHINA CAN ENSURE THAT THEY COMPLY WITH THESE RULES,” SHE ADDED.
COMMENTING ON THE CHARGES MADE BY MR ALEX TSUI BEFORE A LEGCO PANEL ON THURSDAY, MRS CHAN SAID: ”WE HAVE ALREADY ISSUED A STATEMENT YESTERDAY, IN WHICH WE MADE QUITE CLEAR THAT THESE ARE UNFOUNDED ALLEGATIONS MADE BY MR TSUI UNDER IMMUNITY GIVEN TO HIM.
"WE HAVE MADE CLEAR THAT THE ICAC OPERATES ENTIRELY WITHIN THE LAW. ”
REITERATING THAT THERE IS NO POLITICAL HIT LIST AND THERE ARE NO POLITICAL TARGETS, MRS CHAN SAID EVERY CASE OF CORRUPTION INVESTIGATED BY ICAC WAS CLOSELY MONITORED BY THE ICAC REVIEW COMMITTEE WITH EIGHT OF ITS 12 MEMBERS DRAWN FROM THE PRIVATE SECTORS.
"IT ALSO SEEMS TO ME THAT THE VARIOUS ALLEGATIONS THAT MR TSUI HAS BEEN MAKING IN HIS FIRST DAY OF TESTIMONY BEFORE THE PANEL IS STRAYING QUITE A BIT AWAY FROM THE ORIGINAL PURPOSE OF THE HEARING," SHE SAID.
NOTING THAT THE PURPOSE OF THE HEARING WAS TO ESTABLISH THE REASONS FOR MR TSUI’S DISMISSAL, MRS CHAN SAID: "I HOPE THAT THE LEGCO PANEL THAT IS CONDUCTING THIS ENQUIRY WILL HAVE REGARD TO THE NEED TO ENSURE THAT THE VERY GOOD WORK AND THE VERY GOOD REPUTATION THAT ICAC HAS BUILT UP IN THE LAST 20 YEARS IS NOT UNDERMINED IN ANY WAY.
"I AM SURE THAf THE PUBLIC WILL NOT WISH TO SEE CONFIDENCE IN THE ICAC, WHICH IS PARTICULARLY CRUCIAL AT THIS JUNCTURE WHEN THERE IS A GOOD DEAL OF CONCERN ABOUT INCREASING CORRUPTION, UNDERMINED IN ANY WAY. "
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/2.........
SATURDAY, APRIL 16, 1994
- 2 -
TRANSCRIPT OF MEDIA SESSION BY CS
*****
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN AFTER HER VISIT TO THE MAI PO MARSHES THIS (SATURDAY) AFTERNOON:
CS: GOOD AFTERNOON, EVERYONE. FIRST OF ALL, I WANT TO SAY A FEW WORDS ABOUT THIS VISIT. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I’VE VISITED MAI PO. I AM GLAD TO BE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS ANNUAL BIRD RACING EVENT FOR FUND RAISING PURPOSES. YOU ARE ALL AWARE THAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG ARE VERY CONCERNED ABOUT EDUCATING THEIR CHILDREN AND ABOUT IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE. I THINK THIS WILDLIFE EDUCATION CENTRE AND THE NATURAL RESERVE IS ONE OF THE ENVIES OF CONSERVATIONISTS ALL OVER THE PLACE. I UNDERSTAND THAT EVERY YEAR, WE HAVE ABOUT 30,000 SCHOOL CHILDREN AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC VISITING THIS CENTRE. IN A WAY IF YOU THINK ABOUT IT, I THINK IT’S SURPRISING TO REFLECT ON THE FACT THAT UNTIL ABOUT 13 YEARS AGO, WE HAD NONE OF THIS LOCAL EFFORT. SO, QUITE CLEARLY, THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE WORLD WILDLIFE FUND HONG KONG BRANCH HAS ACTED AS A SORT OF FOCAL POINT FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE CONCERNED ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION. I WANT TO TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO PAY TRIBUTE TO THE EFFORTS OF THE HONG KONG WORLD WILDLIFE FUND TRUSTEES, THEIR CORPORATE SPONSORS BUT ALSO THE MANY THOUSANDS OF ORDINARY MEMBERS THAT THEY HAVE WHO TAKE PART IN EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES AND ALSO TAKE PART IN HELPING TO RAISING FUNDS IN ORDER TO KEEP THIS VERY WORTHWHILE CAUSE GOING.
TWO OTHER MATTERS ON WHICH I WANT TO COMMENT. FIRST OF ALL, YOU’LL NOT BE SURPRISED BUT YOU’LL ASK ME IF I DON’T COMMENT, SO I COMMENT FIRST AND THAT IS THE XI YANG CASE. THE COMMUNITY OF HONG KONG IS VERY UNDERSTANDABLY CONCERNED BOTH AT THE WHOLE PROCESS, THE WHOLE TRIAL PROCESS OF XI YANG, AT THE JUDGMENT AND, IN PARTICULAR, AT THE OUTCOME OF HIS APPEAL. THEY ARE ALL VERY DISAPPOINTED THAT THE APPEAL HAS FAILED. AS I SAID, THESE CONCERNS ARE VERY UNDERSTANDABLE AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SHARES THESE CONCERNS. I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT THE CHINESE CAN UNDERSTAND WHY THERE IS THIS CONCERN ON THE PART OF THE HONG KONG COMMUNITY. I THINK THAT THE HANDLING OF THE XI YANG CASE UNDERLINES THE NEED FOR US TO DO EVERYTHING WE POSSIBLY CAN TO SAFEGUARD THE FREEDOMS THAT ARE ENSHRINED AND PROMISED TO US IN THE JOINT DECLARATION. OBVIOUSLY, THE SENTENCE, THE VERY HEAVY SENTENCE IMPOSED UPON XI YANG HAS CAUSED A GREAT DEAL OF CONCERN, PARTICULARLY ON THE PART OF HONG KONG JOURNALISTS WHO ARE DAILY OPERATING IN CHINA, GOING ABOUT THEIR LEGITIMATE BUSINESS OF NEWS COVERAGE. FROM THEIR POINT OF VIEW, I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT THE CHINESE CAN, AT A VERY EARLY DAY, MAKE CLEAR EXACTLY WHAT THE RULES ARE SO THAT HONG KONG REPORTERS OPERATING IN CHINA CAN ENSURE THAT THEY COMPLY WITH THESE RULES.
/FINALLY, I .........
SATURDAY APRTI 16, 1994
FINALLY. I WANT TO SAY A FEW WORDS ABOU'I THF TOTALLY UNFOUNDED CHARGES THAT MR ALEX TSUI HAS BEEN MAKING AS A RESULT OF THE QUESTIONING BY THE LEGCO PANEL. ENQl IR1NG INTO HIS DISMISSAL. WE HAVE ALREADY ISSUED A STATEMENT YESTERDAY, IN WHICH WE MADE QUITE CLEAR THAT THESE ARE UNFOUNDED ALLEGATIONS MADE BY MR TSUI UNDER IMMUNITY GIVEN TO HIM. NOW MR TSUI HAS IMMUNITY BUT UNFORTUNATELY, THE PEOPLE THAT HE HAS NAMED IN HIS CHARGES DO NOT HAVE IMMUNITY. SO WHO DO THEY APPEAL TO? WE HAVE MADE CLEAR THAT THE ICAC OPERATES ENTIRELY WITHIN THE LAW. THERE IS NO POLITICAL HIT LIST. THERE ARE NO POLITICAL TARGETS. EVERY CASE OF CORRUPTION INVESTIGATED BY THE ICAC IS CLOSELY MONITORED BY THE RELEVANT REVIEW COMMITTEE ON WHICH THERE ARE 12 MEMBERS OF WHICH EIGHT ARE DRAWN ON FROM THE PRIVATE SECTORS. IT ALSO SEEMS TO ME THAT THE VARIOUS ALLEGATIONS THAT MR TSUI HAS BEEN MAKING IN HIS FIRST DAY OF TESTIMONY BEFORE THE PANEL IS STRAYING QUITE A BIT AWAY FROM THE ORIGINAL PURPOSE OF THE HEARING. NOW, AS YOU ALL KNOW, THE PURPOSE OF THE HEARING WAS TO ESTABLISH THE REASONS FOR MR TSUI’S DISMISSAL. BUT, AS YOU CAN SEE, HE HAS BEEN MAKING QUITE A NUMBER OF VERY SERIOUS BUT TOTALLY UNFOUNDED AND UNSUBSTANTIATED ALLEGATIONS. I HOPE THAT THE LEGCO PANEL THAT IS CONDUCTING THIS ENQUIRY WILL HAVE REGARD TO THE NEED TO ENSURE THAT THE VERY GOOD WORK AND THE VERY GOOD REPUTATION THAT ICAC HAS BUILT UP IN THE LAST 20 YEARS IS NOT UNDERMINED IN ANY WAY. I AM SURE THAT THE PUBLIC WILL NOT WISH TO SEE CONFIDENCE IN THE ICAC WHICH IS PARTICULARLY CRUCIAL AT THIS JUNCTURE WHEN THERE IS A GOOD DEAL OF CONCERN ABOUT INCREASING CORRUPTION, UNDERMINED IN ANY WAY.
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USA PLANE HELPS COLLECT METEOROLOGICAL DATA t t * * *
A SPECIALLY EQUIPPED AIRCRAFT ARRIVED IN HONG KONG TODAY (SATURDAY) TO TAKE METEOROLOGICAL MEASUREMENTS IN THE AIRSPACE AROUND THE SITE OF THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK.
THE EXERCISE IS PART OF A CONSULTANCY COMMISSIONED BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN OPERATIONAL WINDSHEAR WARNING SYSTEM FOR THE NEW AIRPORT.
THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IS ASSISTING IN THE CONSULTANCY.
THE AIRCRAFT WILL MAKE A NUMBER OF FLIGHTS OVER AND AROUND CHEK LAP KOK DURING THE NEXT SIX MONTHS TO COLLECT INFORMATION ABOUT AIRFLOW PATTERNS AND ASSOCIATED METEOROLOGICAL PARAMETERS.
THE DATA WILL BE ANALYSED WITH A VIEW TO DESIGNING A WINDSHEAR WARNING SYSTEM, INCLUDING EQUIPMENT AND COMPUTER PROGRAMMES, SUITED TO LOCAL CIRCUMSTANCES.
"WINDSHEAR INVOLVES SUDDEN CHANGES IN THF. DIRECTION OR SPEED OF WIND WHICH CAN OCCUR AT MOST AIRPORTS," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
/"THE WARNING .....
SATURDAY, APRIL 16, 1994
"THE WARNING SYSTEMS INVOLVE ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY, AND NEED TO BE SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR INDIVIDUAL AIRPORTS IN ORDER TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF FACTORS SUCH AS THE LOCATION, TOPOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE," HE SAID.
THE STUDIES WILL BE CONDUCTED BY THE U.S. NATIONAL CENTRE FOR ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH (NCAR) AND THE AIRCRAFT IT IS USING IN HONG KONG HAS FLOWN MANY SUCH DATA-COLLECTION MISSIONS IN AMERICA IN THE PAST. IT IS EQUIPPED WITH INSTRUMENTS TO MEASURE WIND, TEMPERATURE, HUMIDITY AND PRESSURE.
SIMULTANEOUS MEASUREMENTS WILL BE MADE BY RADAR AND AUTOMATIC WEATHER STATIONS OPERATED BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY AS WELL AS OTHER EQUIPMENT SET UP ON LANTAU ISLAND AND OTHER PARTS OF THE TERRITORY.
DATA WILL ALSO BE COLLECTED BY A LASER RADAR SYSTEM SET UP ON CHEK LAP KOK BY NCAR AND THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY.
THE UNIVERSITY’S WORK INCLUDES PROVIDING SERVICES FOR THE ANALYSIS OF DATA AND CONTRIBUTING TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF COMPUTER PROGRAMMES FOR LOCAL NEEDS.
THE CONSULTANCY WAS COMMISSIONED IN OCTOBER 1993 AT A COST OF $118 MILLION FOLLOWING THE APPROVAL OF FUNDS BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE, AND WILL CONTINUE UNTIL 1997.
IN ADDITION TO COLLECTING THE NECESSARY METEOROLOGICAL DATA, THE CONSULTANTS WILL CARRY OUT SCIENTIFIC STUDIES LEADING TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN OPERATIONAL WINDSHEAR WARNING SYSTEM, DESIGN AND PRODUCE THE SOFTWARE, ADVISE ON THE COMPUTER EQUIPMENT REQUIRED AND TRAIN PERSONNEL OF THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY AND AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS OF THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT IN THE APPLICATION, OPERATION, MAINTENANCE AND FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THE SYSTEM.
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SPECIAL STAMPS MARK POLICE 150TH ANNIVERSARY
*****
A SET OF SPECIAL STAMPS WILL BF. ISSUED ON MAY 4 TO COMMEMORATE THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE, THE ACTING POSTMASTER GENERAL, MISS NANCY LAW, ANNOUNCED TODAY (SATURDAY).
THERE WILL BE SIX DENOMINATIONS: $1, $1.20, $1.90, $2, $2.40 AND $5.
THE STAMPS ARE DESIGNED BY MR KEN LI AND PRINTED BY JOH ENSCHEDE OF HOLLAND.
THE FOREGROUND OF THE STAMPS SEPARATELY FEATURES POLICE OFFICERS IN UNIFORMS OF 1900, PRE-1920, CIRCA 1950 AS WELL AS THE PRESENT.
THE BACKGROUND OF THE STAMPS ILLUSTRATES HISTORICAL POLICE BUILDINGS, OLD STANLEY POLICE STATION, CENTRAL POLICE STATION, MARINE POLICE HEADQUARTERS AND OLD PING SHAN POLICE STATION AS WELL AS THE MODERN POLICE HEADQUARTERS AND POLICE TACTICAL UNIT HEADQUARTERS.
/FOR ADVANCE
SATURDAY, APRIL 16, 1994
5
FOR ADVANCE INFORMATION OF THE PUBLIC, THE STAMPS WILL BE DISPLAYED AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE, AND SHA TIN CENTRAL POST OFFICE FROM WEDNESDAY (APRIL 20).
OFFICIAL FIRST DAY COVERS WILL BE PLACED ON SALE AT $1 EACH AT ALL POST OFFICES, EXCEPT THE AIRPORT POST OFFICE, FROM APRIL 20.
ADVANCE ORDERS FOR SERVICED FIRST DAY COVERS AT $16.50 EACH (AFFIXED WITH A SET OF THE SPECIAL STAMPS AND CANCELLED WITH THE FIRST DAY OF ISSUE POSTMARK) WILL BE ACCEPTED AT ALL POST OFFICES, EXCEPT THE AIRPORT POST OFFICE, FROM APRIL 20 TO 26.
THE MINIMUM NUMBER OF COVERS PER ORDER IS FIVE.
SERVICED FIRST DAY COVERS WILL ALSO BE PLACED ON SALE AT THE FOLLOWING SIX PHILATELIC OFFICES FROM MAY 4:
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE POST OFFICE
GENERAL POST OFFICE
GRANVILLE ROAD POST OFFICE
PEAK POST OFFICE
SHA TIN CENTRAL POST OFFICE
TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE
ON THE FIRST DAY OF ISSUE OF THE SPECIAL STAMPS, EACH CUSTOMER CAN GET NOT MORE THAN TWO SHEETS OF STAMPS OF EACH DENOMINATION (100 SETS).
HAND-BACK SERVICE WILL BE GIVEN TO ALL OFFICIAL FIRST DAY COVERS AND PRIVATELY MADE COVERS BEARING "FIRST DAY" INDICATION ON THAT DAY AT ALL POST OFFICES, EXCEPT THE AIRPORT POST OFFICE.
THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE WILL ALSO ISSUE SOUVENIR COVERS MATCHING THIS SET OF SPECIAL STAMPS.
THESE COVERS WILL BE SOLD BY POLICE STAFF AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE AND SHA TIN CENTRAL POST OFFICE FROM APRIL 20.
POLICE SOUVENIR COVERS AFFIXED WITH A SET OF THE SPECIAL STAMPS AND CANCELLED WITH THE FIRST DAY OF ISSUE POSTMARK WILL BE SOLD BY POLICE STAFF AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE ON MAY 4.
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102 CAUGHT IN OPERATION AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS
* * * * *
A 24-HOUR OPERATION AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION JOINTLY MOUNTED BY THE POLICE, THE LABOUR AND IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENTS ACROSS THE TERRITORY HAS RESULTED IN THE ARRESTS OF 102 PERSONS.
THE OPERATION WAS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S ONGOING EFFORT TO FLUSH OUT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
/THE 99........
SATURDAY, APRIL 16, 1994
6
THE 99 PERSONS ARRESTED BY THE POLICE HAD BEEN REFERRED TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT. THOSE FOUND TO BE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WILL BE REPATRIATED.
THE OTHER THREE PERSONS WERE ARRESTED BY IMMIGRATION INVESTIGATORS.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN REITERATED TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT THERE WAS NO QUESTION OF ANY AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
"OUR LATEST OPERATION SHOULD DRIVE HOME THE POINT THAT THERE WILL BE NO CHANGE TO THIS POLICY. ANYONE FOOLISH ENOUGH TO BELIEVE OTHERWISE IS ONLY CHEATING HIMSELF," HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID APART FROM CONTINUOUS CHECKS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY, THERE WAS NO LET-UP IN ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION EFFORTS AT THE BORDER.
"A HIGH STATE OF VIGILANCE WILL CONTINUE TO BE MAINTAINED BY THE POLICE AND THE SECURITY FORCES BOTH AT THE LAND AND SEA BORDERS," HE SAID.
DURING THE JOINT OPERATION, WHICH BEGAN AT 5 AM ON THURSDAY (APRIL 14) AND ENDED AT 5 AM YESTERDAY, THE POLICE HAD STEPPED UP THEIR IDENTIFICATION SPOT CHECKS IN PUBLIC PLACES AND CARRIED OUT CHECKS AT SUSPICIOUS LOCATIONS.
AS A RESULT, A TOTAL OF 25,441 PERSONS, 2,771 VEHICLES AND 384 VESSELS WERE STOPPED FOR IDENTIFICATION CHECKS.
ON THE LABOUR FRONT, INSPECTORS OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT VISITED 2,447 ESTABLISHMENTS TO WEED OUT ANY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WHO MAY BE WORKING, AND TO CHECK THAT EMPLOYERS FULFIL THEIR LEGAL OBLIGATION OF KEEPING PROPER RECORDS OF THEIR EMPLOYEES.
A TOTAL OF 8,512 EMPLOYEES HAD THEIR PROOF OF IDENTITY CHECKED DURING THE OPERATION.
TWENTY-FIVE 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 II,LEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
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CS SUPPORTS 1994 BIG BIRD RACE '
*****
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, VISITED THE MAI PO MARSHES THIS (SATURDAY) AFTERNOON TO GIVE HER SUPPORT FOR THE 1994 BIG BIRD RACE TAKING PLACE THERE.
THE EVENT, NOW IN ITS 11TH YEAR, IS ORGANISED BY THE WORLD WIDE FUND FOR NATURE HONG KONG (WWFHK) TO RAISE FUND FOR ENHANCING NATURE CONSERVATION AND EDUCATION PROGRAMMES IN MAI PO.
/ACCOMPANIED BY .......
SATURDAY, APRIL 16, 1994
7
6
ACCOMPANIED BY THE WWFHK CHAIRMAN, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, AND WWFHK FUND-RAISING COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR VICTOR FONG, MRS CHAN WAS TAKEN ON A GUIDED TOUR OF THE MAI PO MARSHLAND ALONG A CONSERVATION TRAIL AND SAW AN EXHIBITION INSIDE THE MAI PO WILDLIFE EDUCATION CENTRE.
SHE WAS ALSO SHOWN THE MAI PO WATERFOWL COLLECTION ADJACENT TO THE WILDLIFE EDUCATION CENTRE.
AS A FIRST-TIME VISITOR TO MAI PO, MRS CHAN EXPRESSED A KEEN INTEREST IN THE DIFFERENT SPECIES OF WATERFOWL COLLECTED.
MRS CHAN LATER MET COMPETING TEAMS AND CORPORATE SPONSORS OF THE RACE AND GAVE THEM HER SHARE OF MORAL SUPPORT.
MORE THAN 60 KNOWLEDGEABLE BIRD WATCHERS IN 16 TEAMS ARE COMPETING IN THE RACE. IT IS HOPED THAT THROUGH SPONSORSHIP TO THE TEAMS, $2 MILLION WILL BE RAISED TO HELP THE WORK OF WWFHK IN MAI PO.
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REGISTER AS VOTERS: DO
*****
THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE TODAY (SATURDAY) LAUNCHED A CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE VOTER REGISTRATION FOR THE 1994/95 DISTRICT BOARD AND MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS AT METROPOLITAN PLAZA, SHEUNG SHUI.
SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, ACTING NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ANDREW LAI CHI-WAH, SAID THE CAMPAIGN AIMED TO ENCOURAGE THOSE AGED 18 AND ABOVE TO REGISTER AS VOTERS.
HE HOPED THE TARGET OF TWO MILLION VOTERS TERRITORY-WIDE- WOULD BE REACHED.
THE CAMPAIGN WILL LAST THREE MONTHS AND WILL INCLUDE HOUSEHOLD VISITS AND THE SETTING UP OF MOBILE REGISTRATION POINTS.
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WEATHER OF MARCH
*****
LAST MARCH WAS DOMINATED BY LATE-SEASON NORTHEAST MONSOON, ACCORDING TO A MONTHLY REPORT BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY.
THE MONTHLY MEAN PRESSURE OF 1,018.5 HECTOPASCALS WAS THE FIFTH HIGHEST ON RECORD FOR MARCH.
THE WEATHER WAS GENERALLY COOLER AND CLOUDIER THAN NORMAL.
IT WAS A RELATIVELY DRY MONTH BOTH TN TERMS OF HUMIDITY AND PRECIPITATION. THE MONTHLY RAINFALL TOTAL OF 26.5 MILLIMETRES WAS ONLY ABOUT 40 PER CENT OF THE MARCH NORMAL OF 66.9 MILLIMETRES.
/RAINFALL IN .......
SATURDAY, APRIL 16, 1994
- 8 -
»
'RAINFALL IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994 AMOUNTED TO 77 MILLIMETRES, 44 PER CENT BELOW THE NORMAL OF 138.3 MILLIMETRES FOR THE PERIOD.
THE COOL AND OVERCAST WEATHER OF LATE FEBRUARY CONTINUED ON THE FIRST TWO DAYS OF MARCH. NIGHTS WERE COLD IN MOST PLACES OF THE TERRITORY.
THE MONTH’S LOWEST TEMPERATURE OF 11.4 DEGREES WAS RECORDED IN THE EARLY HOURS OF MARCH 1 AND 3.
WITH DRY AIR IN SUFFICIENT DEPTH, CLOUDS DISSIPATED ON MARCH 3 AND GAVE WAY TO FINE WEATHER.
WINDS TURNED EASTERLY AND APART FROM SOME DRIZZLE AT NIGHT, THE WEATHER REMAINED SUNNY OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS.
CLOUDY WEATHER RETURNED ON MARCH 6.
A LULL IN THE NORTHEAST MONSOON ALLOWED A MOIST MARITIME AIR MASS TO MOVE INTO THE COASTAL AREAS OF GUANGDONG, KEEPING THE WEATHER WARM.
WITH HUMIDITY ALSO INCREASING, CONDITIONS BECAME MISTY AND FOG PATCHES HOVERED OFFSHORE ON MARCH 8.
TWO CHINESE CREWMEN WERE KILLED AFTER THEIR SAND BARGE COLLIDED WITH A CONTAINER SHIP IN POOR VISIBILITY IN EAST LAMMA CHANNEL THAT MORNING.
EASTERLIES FRESHENED EARLY ON MARCH 9 AND IN ADDITION TO THE PREVAILING MIST, THERE WAS ALSO FREQUENT DRIZZLE THAT MORNING. THE DRIZZLE THICKENED INTO LIGHT RAIN DURING THE NIGHT AND THE WEATHER WAS CLOUDY AND MUCH COOLER THE NEXT DAY.
RAIN ABATED ON THE MORNING OF MARCH 12 BUT VISIBILITY REMAINED POOR THAT DAY AS MISTINESS PERSISTED. WITH WINDS MODERATING, DAYTIME CONDITIONS WERE GENERALLY MILDER.
FRESH EASTERLY WINDS SET IN AGAIN EARLY ON MARCH 13 AND TEMPERATURES GRADUALLY FELL DURING THE DAY. DRIZZLE STARTED ROUND ABOUT NOON TIME AND CONTINUED INTO THE EVENING.
COOLER AIR FROM THE NORTH ARRIVED THAT NIGHT, LEADING TO A FURTHER DROP IN TEMPERATURES THE NEXT DAY.
THE WEATHER REMAINED COOL AND OVERCAST ON MARCH 14 AND 15 WITH LIGHT RAIN AT NIGHT OR IN THE MORNING.
FOLLOWING A MILD DAY ON MARCH 16, ANOTHER COOL NORTHERLY REPLENISHMENT REACHED THE SOUTH CHINA COAST THE NEXT MORNING.
RAIN WAS LIGHT DURING THE LATTER PART OF MARCH 18 BUT BECAME HEAVIER ON THE MORNING OF MARCH 19.
SOME SUNNY INTERVALS EMERGED DURING THE DAY BEFORE THE WEATHER FINALLY TURNED FINE ON MARCH 20 AFTER A FORTNIGHT-LONG CLOUDY SPELL.
/CLOUDY WEATHER .......
SATURDAY, APRIL 16, 1994
9
CLOUDY WEATHER RETURNED ON MARCH 21 AND THERE WERE PATCHES OF LIGHT RAIN THE NEXT DAY AS ANOTHER REPLENISHMENT OF THE NORTHEAST MONSOON REACHED THE SOUTH CHINA COAST.
UNLIKE THE EARLIER REPLENISHMENTS, DRY CONTINENTAL AIR FOLLOWED THROUGH AND BROUGHT FINE WEATHER ON MARCH 23.
HUMIDITY CONTINUED TO FALL OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS DESPITE AN INCREASE IN CLOUDINESS.
HILL FIRES, FANNED BY THE STRONG AND GUSTY EASTERLY WINDS WHICH SET IN ON THE EVENING OF MARCH 26, AFFECTED SEVERAL AREAS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES ON MARCH 26 AND 27.
WINDS MODERATED ON MARCH 28 AND APART FROM SOME OCCASIONAL DRIZZLE AND OFFSHORE MIST IN THE MORNING AND EVENING, THE WEATHER STAYED MAINLY FINE TILL MARCH 30.
THE HIGHEST TEMPERATURE IN THE MONTH, 25.3 DEGREES, WAS RECORDED DURING THAT PERIOD ON MARCH 29. CONDITIONS WERE NOT AS WARM ON MARCH 30 AND 31 AS EASTERLY WINDS FRESHENED AGAIN.
THE MONTH ENDED CLOUDY WITH MORNING MIST AND LIGHT RAIN IN THE EVENING.
NO TROPICAL CYCLONE ACTIVITY WAS OBSERVED OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC AND THE SOUTH CHINA SEA LAST MONTH.
DURING THE MONTH, TWO AIRCRAFT WERE DIVERTED DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER.
DETAILS OF THE ISSUANCE/HOISTING AND CANCELLATION/LOWERING OF VARIOUS WARNINGS/SIGNALS ARE SUMMARISED IN TABLE 1.1.
MONTHLY METEOROLOGICAL FIGURES AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL FOR MARCH 1994 ARE TABULATED IN TABLE 1.2.
TABLE 1.1 WARNINGS AND SIGNALS IN MARCH 1994
EFFECTIVE DATE AND TIME
WARNINGS / SIGNALS
STRONG MONSOON SIGNALS MAR 26 1930 - MAR 28 0440
FIRE DANGER WARNINGS
YELLOW MAR 6 0615 - MAR 6 2310
MAR 20 0615 - MAR 20 1745
RED MAR 24 0750 - MAR 27 2305
GAS HEATER ALERTS FEB 27 1630 - MAR 2 1630
MAR 2 1950 - MAR 3 1630
/TABLE 1.2 .......
SATURDAY, APRIL 16, 1994
TABLE 1.2 FIGURES AND
TOTAL BRIGHT SUNSHINE
MEAN DAILY GLOBAL SOLAR RADIATION
TOTAL RAINFALL
MEAN CLOUD AMOUNT
MEAN RELATIVE HUMIDITY
MEAN DAILY MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE
MEAN AIR TEMPERATURE
MEAN DAILY MINIMUM TEMPERATURE
MEAN DEW POINT
TOTAL EVAPORATION
- 10 -
DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL
- MARCH 1994
7 9 7 UAIIRQ*
23.7 HOURS’BELOW NORMAL
10.01 MJ/SQM;
1.23 MJ/SQM BELOW NORMAL
26.5 MM; 40.4 MM BELOW NORMAL
84 % ; 8 % ABOVE NORMAL
77 % ; 4 % BELOW NORMAL
20.1 DEGREE CELSIUS;
1.2 DEGREE CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL
17.8 DEGREE CELSIUS;
0.7 DEGREE CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL
15.8 DEGREE CELSIUS;
0.7 DEGREE CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL
13.4 DEGREE CELSIUS;
1.6 DEGREE CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL
66.5 MM; 25.7 MM BELOW NORMAL
REMARKS: ALL MEASUREMENTS WERE MADE AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY EXCEPT SUNSHINE, SOLAR RADIATION AND EVAPORATION WHICH WERE RECORDED AT KING’S PARK.
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HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,885 0930 + 300
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,690 1000 + 300
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 + 300
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 300 1200
LAF TODAY -1,495 1500
1600
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER
TWI 125.4 *+0.0* 16.4.94
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL.. 842 8777
SUNDAY, APRIL 17, 1994
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
ICAC REVIEW COMMITTEE LAUNCHES PUBLIC CONSULTATION........ 1
JOCKEY CLUB CHARITIES TRUST DONATES SLIM TO HELP DISABLED GET JOBS...................................................... 2
AIRPORT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE MEETS ON TUESDAY............... 3
TSUEN WAN LAUNCHES VOTER REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN ............... 3
POSTAL SLOGAN PUBLICISES FAMILY YEAR
4
SUNDAY, APRIL 17, 1994
ICAC REVIEW COMMITTEE LAUNCHES PUBLIC CONSULTATION
*****
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND INTERESTED BODIES ARE INVITED TO GIVE THEIR VIEWS TO THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION (ICAC) REVIEW COMMITTEE WHICH IS EXAMINING THE POWERS AND SYSTEMS OF ACCOUNTABILITY OF THE ICAC.
THE REVIEW COMMITTEE IS HOLDING A PUBLIC CONSULTATION EXERCISE UNTIL MAY 31 DURING WHICH ORGANISATIONS OR INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY SEND IN WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS OR ARRANGE TO MAKE ORAL SUBMISSIONS TO THE COMMITTEE IN PUBLIC OR IN PRIVATE.
PUBLIC HEARINGS WILL TAKE PLACE IN JUNE.
ALL SUBMISSIONS SHOULD BE SENT TO THE SECRETARY OF ICAC REVIEW COMMITTEE IN ROOM 1234 AT CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, ICE HOUSE STREET, HONG KONG, BEFORE THE DEADLINE, GIVING THE WRITER’S FULL NAME, ADDRESS AND CONTACT TELEPHONE NUMBER.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (SUNDAY), THE SECRETARY OF THE REVIEW COMMITTEE, MRS LILY YAM, SAID REQUESTS FOR CONFIDENTIALITY SHOULD BE STATED IN THE SUBMISSIONS AND WOULD BE RESPECTED.
ENQUIRIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE SECRETARIAT OF THE REVIEW COMMITTEE ON TEL 810 2053.
THE NINE-MEMBER REVIEW COMMITTEE, CHAIRED BY DR HELMUT SOHMEN, WAS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR TO REVIEW THE POWERS OF THE ICAC AND ADVISE HIM WHETHER THESE POWERS REMAIN APPROPRIATE, NECESSARY AND SUFFICIENT.
THE REVIEW WILL ALSO LOOK INTO THE PRESENT SYSTEMS OF ACCOUNTABILITY TO SEE WHETHER THEY ARE ADEQUATE OR SHOULD BE MODIFIED.
AS PART OF THE CONSULTATION EXERCISE, THE REVIEW COMMITTEE WILL BE WRITING TO SOME 250 ORGANISATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS INVITING THEM FOR VIEWS.
THESE INCLUDE NON-OFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS, THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS, DISTRICT BOARDS, THE BAR ASSOCIATION, THE LAW SOCIETY, UK BRANCH OF JUSTICE, POLITICAL GROUPS, PROFESSIONAL AND TRADE ASSOCIATIONS.
THE REVIEW COMMITTEE WILL SUBMIT ITS REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR BY DECEMBER 31 THIS YEAR.
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SUNDAY, APRIL 17, 1994
- 2 -
JOCKEY CLUB CHARITIES TRUST DONATES
S1.1M TO HELP DISABLED GET JOBS
*****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS PRODUCING PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAMMES AIMING TO IMPROVE THE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE DISABLED, THANKS TO A DONATION OF $1.1 MILLION FROM THE HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB CHARITIES TRUST.
EXTENDING HER APPRECIATION TO THE CLUB FOR THE DONATION, SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER IN CHARGE OF THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT DIVISION (SPD), MRS JENNIE CHOR, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE FUNDS WOULD BE USED FOR THE PRODUCTION OF PUBLICITY MATERIALS WHICH INCLUDED TWO 30-MINUTE TELEVISION PROGRAMMES AND A 15-MINUTE FILM ON INTERVIEWING SKILLS.
'’RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG HELPS THE PRODUCTION OF THE VISUAL MATERIALS,” MRS CHOR SAID.
IN REGARD TO THE TWO 30-MINUTE TELEVISION PROGRAMMES, MRS CHOR NOTED THAT THE FIRST ONE WOULD CONTAIN AN OVERVIEW OF THE PRESENT VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROCESS AND THE PROBLEMS THERETO.
THE SECOND PROGRAMME WOULD HIGHLIGHT THE WORKING ABILITIES OF DISABLED PEOPLE, SHE SAID.
THE TWO PROGRAMMES WILL BE RECORDED ON VIDEO TAPES AFTER BEING BROADCAST AND WILL BE USED AS PROMOTIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS BY THE SPD AS WELL AS OTHER REHABILITATION ORGANISATIONS.
THE 15-MINUTE FILM ON INTERVIEWING SKILLS FOR DISABLED JOBSEEKERS WILL BE SHOWN TO REGISTRANTS IN THE SPD BEFORE THEY ATTEND JOB INTERVIEWS. THE FILM WILL ALSO BE SHOWN AT EXHIBITIONS AND SEMINARS.
IT WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR USE BY OTHER VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION AGENCIES.
THE PROJECT HAS COMMENCED AND THE FINAL PRODUCT WILL BE MADE PUBLIC EARLY NEXT YEAR.
”WE HOPE THAT THE TWO TELEVISION PROGRAMMES CAN AROUSE PUBLIC CONCERN OVER THE EMPLOYMENT NEEDS OF THE DISABLED PERSONS AND RECTIFY MISCONCEPTIONS THAT DISABLED PERSONS ARE NOT PRODUCTIVE,” MRS CHOR SAID.
”WE ALSO HOPE THAT DISABLED JOB-SEEKERS CAN ACQUIRE SOME BASIC SKILLS FOR JOB INTERVIEWS THROUGH THE EDUCATIONAL FILM AND BE SELECTED AS EMPLOYEES SO THAT THEY CAN CONTRIBUTE THEIR TALENTS TO THE JOB AND WORK ALONGSIDE WITH THE ABLE-BODIED,” SHE ADDED.
SUNDAY, APRIL 17, 1994
3 -
AIRPORT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE MEETS ON TUESDAY
*****
MEMBERS OF THE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE ON THE NEW AIRPORT AND RELATED PROJECTS WILL MEET AT 2.30 PM ON TUESDAY (APRIL 19) TO DISCUSS A REPORT ON THE WORK OF THEIR FOUR SUB-COMMITTEES AND THE AD HOC STUDY GROUP ON THE AIRPORT CORPORATION BILL.
THIS WILL BE THE COMMITTEE’S 11TH PLENARY MEETING AND WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE CONFERENCE HALL, FIRST FLOOR, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, MAIN WING (NEW ANNEX), LOWER ALBERT ROAD, CENTRAL.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO OBSERVE THE PROCEEDINGS ARE REQUESTED TO RESERVE A SEAT BY TELEPHONING MR CHAN HO-KEUNG ON 829 6745 DURING OFFICE HOURS.
AS SEATS IN THE CONFERENCE HALL ARE LIMITED, BOOKINGS WILL BE ACCEPTED ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING.
------0--------
TSUEN WAN LAUNCHES VOTER REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN
*****
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR THOMAS CHOW, TODAY (SUNDAY) APPEALED TO LOCAL RESIDENTS TO REGISTER AS VOTERS IN PREPARATION FOR THE SEPTEMBER DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.
SPEAKING AT THE TSUEN WAN VOTER REGISTRATION DAY, MR CHOW CALLED ON THE PUBLIC TO EXERCISE THEIR CIVIC RIGHTS.
MORE THAN 60 TEMPORARY REGISTRATION BOOTHS - MANNED BY VOLUNTEERS FROM LOCAL ORGANISATIONS - HAVE BEEN SET UP IN VARIOUS PLACES TO HELP RESIDENTS FILL IN FORMS.
THERE WAS ALSO A BUS PARADE TO PROMOTE THE VOTER REGISTRATION MESSAGE.
THE THREE-MONTH VOTER REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN WILL INCLUDE HOUSEHOLD VISITS AND THE SETTING UP OF MOBILE REGISTRATION POINTS AT VARIOUS SHOPPING ARCADES.
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/4 ........
SUNDAY, APRIL 17, 1994
POSTAL SLOGAN PUBLICISES FAMILY YEAR
*****
ALL LOCAL AND OVERSEAS MAIL WILL BEAR A POSTAL SLOGAN CONTAINING THE OFFICIAL EMBLEM OF THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE FAMILY (IYF) STARTING TOMORROW (MONDAY) FOR TWO WEEKS, AND AGAIN IN JUNE AND NOVEMBER.
THE CO-CHAIRMAN OF THE CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE ON IYF, MRS PATRICIA CHU, SAID THE MOVE WAS TO DRAW PEOPLE’S ATTENTION, BOTH LOCALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY, TO THE FACT THAT HONG KONG WAS CELEBRATING THE EVENT.
"WE WOULD ALSO LIKE TO INSPIRE PEOPLE TO TAKE THE FAMILY SERIOUSLY AND PROMOTE HARMONIOUS RELATIONSHIP AND BETTER UNDERSTANDING AMONG FAMILY MEMBERS," SHE ADDED.
THE EMBLEM, DESIGNED BY MS LITTASSY-ROLLIER, A DISTINGUISHED ARTIST IN VIENNA, EMBODIES EVERY MEANING IYF WANTS TO CONVEY ABOUT THE FAMILY.
THE SIMPLE DESIGN CONSISTS OF A HEART SHELTERED BY A ROOF, LINKED BY ANOTHER HEART, TO SYMBOLISE LIFE AND LIVING IN A HOME WHERE, ONE FINDS WARMTH, CARE, SECURITY, TOGETHERNESS AND TOLERANCE.
THE OPEN DESIGN IS MEANT TO INDICATE CONTINUITY WITH A HINT OF UNCERTAINTY. THE BRUSHSTROKE, WITH ITS OPEN LINE ROOF, COMPLETES AN ABSTRACT SYMBOL REPRESENTING THE COMPLEXITY OF THE FAMILY, VIEWED AS THE BUILDING BLOCK AND SMALLEST DEMOCRACY AT THE HEART OF SOCIETY.
THE PRINTING OF POSTAL SLOGAN IS ONE OF THE LATEST PUBLICITY EFFORTS BY THE CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE.
THE GOVERNMENT INITIATED TO SET UP THE CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE WITH THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE TO CO-ORDINATE PUBLICITY EFFORTS AND PLAN STRATEGIES TO CELEBRATE THE UNITED NATIONS’ PROCLAMATION OF 1994 AS IYF.
FOLLOWING THE TERRITORY-WIDE KICK-OFF EVENT IN JANUARY, THE COMMITTEE HAS ORGANISED MANY ACTIVITIES TO PROMOTE THE MESSAGES.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL. 842 8777
MONDAY, APRIL 18, 1994
CONTENT^ PAGE NO.
CALL TO REMOVE ANXIETIES OVER XI YANG CASE................ i
TRANSCRIPT OF GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION.................... 2
UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS FOR DECEMBER 1993 - FEBRUARY 1994 ............................ 3
BA CONTINUES TO MONITOR STAR TV SERVICE................... 4
HK AND CHINA POLICE MEETING SUCCESSFUL.................... 5
CONSULTATION ON PROPERTY PRICES CONTINUES................. 5
GOVERNMENT TO SPEND $830 MILLION ON FAMILY SERVICES.... 6
TENDER FOR THIRD ISSUE OF EXCHANGE FUND NOTES............. 7
ADVICE ON USING EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES....................... 8
BLACK WATCH BAND PLAYS FOR THE LAST TIME.................. 9
HOME-BASED TRAINING FOR DISABLED CHILDREN................ 10
HK PROPERTY REVIEW 1994 PUBLISHED........................ 11
MARRIAGE CEREMONY SERVICE EXTENDED....................... 12
NUMBER OF VMS SEEKING TREATMENT......................... 12
TEACHING CONDUCT COUNCIL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY................................................ 13
CLOSURE OF WAN CHAI ILLEGAL STRUCTURES SOUGHT............ 14
WATER STORAGE FIGURE..................................... 14
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
15
MONDAY, APRIL 18, 1994
1
CALL TO REMOVE ANXIETIES OVER XI YANG CASE ♦ » * ♦ »
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, TODAY (MONDAY) URGED CHINESE OFFICIALS TO MOVE RAPIDLY TO REMOVE THE ANXIETIES OF HONG KONG PEOPLE OVER THE XI YANG CASE AND TO SPELL OUT CLEARLY THE RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR JOURNALISTS TO FOLLOW WHEN COVERING EVENTS IN CHINA.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER OPENING THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON FAMILY AND COMMUNITY CARE, MR PATTEN SAID:
"I HOPE THAT CHINESE OFFICIALS UNDERSTAND WHY THERE IS SO MUCH WORRY IN HONG KONG ABOUT THIS CASE, WHY THERE IS SO MUCH WORRY NOT JUST ABOUT THE WAY THE CASE HAS BEEN HANDLED BUT ABOUT THE SENTENCE WHICH HAS BEEN HANDED DOWN, WHICH SEEMS TO MOST PEOPLE IN HONG KONG AND BEYOND AS WHOLLY DISPROPORTIONATE TO WHAT WE LEARN OF THE CHARGES AGAINST THE JOURNALIST IN QUESTION.
”1 VERY MUCH HOPE AS THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID AT THE WEEKEND THAT THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES WILL SPELL OUT VERY CLEARLY WHAT THE RULES AND REGULATIONS ARE WHICH JOURNALISTS, NOT LEAST THE JOURNALISTS OF HONG KONG NEWSPAPERS, HAVE TO FOLLOW WHEN THEY ARE COVERING EVENTS IN CHINA.
"I HOPE FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART THAT CHINESE OFFICIALS WILL MOVE RAPIDLY TO REMOVE PEOPLE’S ANXIETIES BECAUSE THOSE ANXIETIES ARE VERY, VERY REAL AND VERY, VERY PROFOUND.”
MR PATTEN SAID THERE WAS ONE POINT WHICH DISTINGUISHED XI YANG’S CASE FROM THAT ONE OR TWO OTHER JOURNALISTS IN THE PAST.
"XI YANG IS A LOCAL RESIDENT AND WORKS FOR A HONG KONG NEWSPAPER BUT IS A CHINESE CITIZEN SO THERE IS A LIMIT TO WHAT WE ARE ABLE TO DO UNDER THE NORMAL INTERNATIONAL RULES AND REGULATIONS IN PURSUING HIS CASE," HE SAID.
"THERE ARE LIMITS TO WHAT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT CAN DO. BUT, NEVERTHELESS, THAT IN NO WAY, THAT IN NO WAY DETRACTS FROM OUR VERY SUBSTANTIAL CONCERN AND OUR UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORRY THAT EXISTS IN THE COMMUNITY."
RESPONDING TO A QUESTION ABOUT THE ALLEGED INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION (ICAC) TARGET LIST, THE GOVERNOR SAID THERE HAD NEVER BEEN AND THERE WASN’T TODAY ANY POLITICISATION OF THE ICAC.
"THE RULES WITHIN WHICH THE ICAC OPERATES, THE LAWS WITHIN WHICH IT OPERATES ARE ABSOLUTELY PLAIN AND IT CONTINUES TO OPERATE WITHIN THOSE LAWS," MR PATTEN SAID.
"THE POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE ICAC ARE BEING EXAMINED AT THE MOMENT BY A HIGH-POWERED COMMITTEE WHICH WILL REPORT LATER THIS YEAR.
/"EVERY ACTIVITY .......
MONDAY, APRIL 18, 1994
2
’’EVERY ACTIVITY OF THE IC AC IS FOLLOWED BY AN OPERATIONS COMMITTEE ON WHICH THERE IS A MAJORITY OF OUTSIDERS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION, REPRESENTATIVES OF ORDINARY CITIZENS. SO, THERE ARE EXISTING CHECKS AND BALANCES.
”1 HOPE THAT THIS SORT OF TOTALLY UNFOUNDED ALLEGATIONS THAT HAVE BEEN MADE WON’T, IN ANY WA^, UNDERMINE PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR A BODY WHICH STANDS IN THE FRONT LINE OF OUR DETERMINATION IN HONG KONG TO KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN.”
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TRANSCRIPT OF GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION ♦ * * * ♦
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, AFTER OPENING THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON FAMILY AND COMMUNITY CARE THIS (MONDAY) MORN I NG:
QUESTION: THE XT YANG CASE. CAN YOU COMMENT ON THAT? IT’S OBVIOUSLY CONTINUING TO CAUSE A LOT CONCERN HERE IN HONG KONG AND A POSSIBLE INDICATION FOR PRESS FREEDOM AFTER 1997. DO YOU THINK THAT CHINA IS GIVING US ANOTHER WARNING TO LOCAL REPORTERS TO TOE THE LINE AS IT WERE, YOU SHARE THE CONCERNS?
GOVERNOR: I FEAR THAT THIS IS THE CONCERN WHICH IS FELT VERY WIDELY THROUGH THE COMMUNITY, NOT JUST AMONG JOURNALISTS BUT, I THINK, BEYOND AS WELL, AS YESTERDAY’S PEACEFUL DEMONSTRATION DEMONSTRATED. I HOPE THAT CHINESE OFFICIALS UNDERSTAND WHY THERE IS SO MUCH WORRY IN HONG KONG ABOUT THIS CASE, WHY THERE IS SO MUCH WORRY NOT JUST ABOUT THE WAY THE CASE HAS BEEN HANDLED BUT ABOUT THE SENTENCE, FOR EXAMPLE, WHICH HAS BEEN HANDED DOWN, WHICH SEEMS TO MOST PEOPLE IN HONG KONG AND BEYOND, I THINK.. AS WHOLLY DISPROPORTIONATE TO WHAT WE LEARN OF THE CHARGES AGAINST THE JOURNAL 1ST IN QUESTION. SO, J VERY MUCH HOPE AS THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID AT THE WEEKEND THAT THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES WILL SPELL OUT VERY CLEARLY WHAT THE RULES AND REGULATIONS ARI WHICH JOURNALISTS. NOT LEAST THE JOURNALISTS OF HONG KONG NEWSPAPERS, HAVE TO FOLLOW WHEN THEY ARE COVERING EVENTS TN CHINA. THESE’VE BEEN A VERY WORRYING FEW DAYS AND I HOPE. I HOPE FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART THAT CHINESE OFFICIALS WILL MOVE RAPIDLY TO REMOVE PEOPLE’S ANXIETIES BECAUSE THOSE ANXIETIES ARE VERY, VERY REAL. AND VERY, VERY PROFOUND.
QUESTION: IS IT THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAS GOT SOME INFORMATION ABOUT THE XI YANG CASE?
GOVERNOR: WE DON’T, ALAS, HAVE ANY MORE INFORMATION THAN YOU HAVE. THE BRITISH EMBASSY IN PEKING ASKED FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE XT YANG CASE AND GOT, 1 THINK, THE INFORMATION WHICH IS NOW PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE. THERE IS ONE POINT WHICH YOU KNOW, WHICH DISTINGUISHES XI YANG’S CASE FROM THAT OF ONE OR TWO OTHER JOURNALISTS IN THE PAST. XI YANG IS A LOCAL RESIDENT AND WORKS FOR A HONG KONG NEWSPAPER BUT IS A CHINESE CITIZEN SO THERE IS A LIMIT TO WHAT WE ARE ABLE TO DO UNDER THE NORMAL INTERNATIONAL RULES AND REGULATIONS IN PURSUING HIS CASE. THERE ARE LIMITS TO WHAT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT CAN DO. BUT, NEVERTHELESS, THAT LN NO WAY, THAT IN NO WAY DETRACTS FROM OUR VERY SUBSTANTIAL CONCERN AND OUR UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORRY THAT EXISTS IN THE COMMUNITY.
/QUESTION: .......
MONDAY, APRIL 18, 1994
3
QUESTION: THE TARGET LIST OF ICAC, DO YOU HAVE ANY RESPONSE ON THOSE REPORTS?
GOVERNOR: YES, THERE HAVE BEEN TWO OR THREE STATEMENTS WHICH HAVE BEEN MADE VERY CLEARLY, WHICH I REITERATE ONCE AGAIN. THERE HAS NEVER BEEN AND THERE ISN’T TODAY ANY POLITICISATION OF THE ICAC. THE RULES WITHIN WHICH THE ICAC OPERATES, THE LAWS WITHIN WHICH IT OPERATES ARE ABSOLUTELY PLAIN AND IT CONTINUES TO OPERATE WITHIN THOSE LAWS. THE POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE ICAC ARE BEING EXAMINED AT THE MOMENT BY A HIGH-POWERED COMMITTEE WHICH WILL REPORT LATER THIS YEAR. EVERY ACTIVITY OF THE ICAC IS FOLLOWED BY AN OPERATIONS COMMITTEE ON WHICH THERE IS A MAJORITY OF OUTSIDERS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION, REPRESENTATIVES OF ORDINARY CITIZENS. SO, THERE ARE EXISTING CHECKS AND BALANCES. AT THE END OF THE DAY WHEN THESE TOTALLY UNFOUNDED ALLEGATIONS ARE SWEPT ASIDE, WHAT THE COMMUNITY HAS TO CONCENTRATE ON IS ONE SIMPLE AND CLEAR ISSUE - DO WE WANT HERE IN HONG KONG AN EFFECTIVE COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION WHICH CAN BATTLE CORRUPTION SUCCESSFULLY, WHICH CAN PREVENT CORRUPTION CORRODING THE INSTITUTIONS OF OUR SOCIETY OR DO WE NOT. IF WE WANT AN EFFECTIVE COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION, THEN WE SHOULD SUPPORT THAT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION, OF COURSE, REVIEWING ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS FROM TIME TO TIME BUT RECOGNISING THAT IT NEEDS OUR SUPPORT AND NEEDS OUR UNDERSTANDING. AND I HOPE THAT THIS SORT OF TOTALLY UNFOUNDED ALLEGATIONS THAT HAVE BEEN MADE WON’T, IN ANY WAY, UNDERMINE PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR A BODY WHICH STANDS IN THE FRONT LINE OF OUR DETERMINATION IN HONG KONG TO KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN. THANKS VERY MUCH.
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UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT
STATISTICS FOR DECEMBER 1993 - FEBRUARY 1994
*****
THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR DECEMBER 1993 -FEBRUARY 1994 WAS 1.9%, AND THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 1.6%, ACCORDING TO THE LATEST LABOUR FORCE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE PROVISIONAL SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY - MARCH 1994 WAS 2.2%, WHILE THE PROVISIONAL UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 1.7%.
THE LABOUR MARKET HAS REMAINED GENERALLY STABLE IN RECENT MONTHS. THE LATEST UNEMPLOYMENT FIGURES ARE AFFECTED BY SOME WORKERS LEAVING THEIR JOBS AFTER THE LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS AND THUS BECOMING TEMPORARILY UNEMPLOYED.
DURING THE PERIOD DECEMBER 1993 - FEBRUARY 1994, THE NUMBER OF UNEMPLOYED PERSONS, ADJUSTED FOR VARIATIONS IN THE NUMBER OF FIRSTTIME JOB-SEEKERS, WAS ESTIMATED AT 55,600, WHILE THE NUMBER OF UNDEREMPLOYED PERSONS WAS ESTIMATED AT 46,600.
THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS WERE OBTAINED FROM A CONTINUOUS GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
/THE SURVEY .......
MONDAY, APRIL 18, 1994
THE SURVEY FOR DECEMBER 1993 - FEBRUARY 1994 COVERED A QUARTERLY SAMPLE OF SOME 11,900 HOUSEHOLDS OR 41,300 PERSONS, SELECTED SCIENTIFICALLY TO REPRESENT THE LAND-BASED CIVILIAN NON-INSTITUTIONAL POPULATION IN HONG KONG.
RELEVANT DATA WAS OBTAINED BY INTERVIEWING EACH INDIVIDUAL MEMBER AGED 15 AND ABOVE IN THE HOUSEHOLDS SAMPLED.
I
IN THE SURVEY, THE DEFINITIONS USED IN MEASURING UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT FOLLOW CLOSELY THOSE RECOMMENDED BY THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION.
DETAILED ANALYSIS OF LABOUR FORCE CHARACTERISTICS IS GIVEN IN THE REPORT ON THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY WHICH IS PUBLISHED FOUR TIMES A YEAR.
THE NEXT REPORT COVERING THE QUARTER ENDING MARCH 1994 WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE BY THE END OF JUNE AT $24 A COPY.
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BA CONTINUES TO MONITOR STAR TV SERVICE ♦ * » ♦ *
THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY HAS DISCUSSED WITH HUTCHVISION AND STAR TV EXECUTIVES THE SATELLITE LICENSEE’S PLANS FOR THE LAUNCH THIS WEEK OF A NEW SUBSCRIPTION MOVIE CHANNEL IN PLACE OF THE BBC WORLD SERVICE TELEVISION.
MEMBERS NOTED, AND SYMPATHISED WITH, THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY VARIOUS PARTIES REGRETTING THE LOSS OF THE BBC SERVICE IN HONG KONG, BUT UNDERSTOOD THAT THIS WAS A COMMERCIAL DECISION BY THE LICENSEE AND ONE WHICH IT WAS ENTITLED TO MAKE IN VIEW OF THE LACK OF TRANSPONDER CAPACITY ON THE ASIASAT I SATELLITE.
THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR AND REGULATE THE ENTIRE STAR TV SERVICE OF HUTCHVISION.
IN CONSIDERING A NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT TELEVISION SERVICES IN HONG KONG, THE AUTHORITY FOUND THAT SOME OF THE LANGUAGE AND SUBTITLES USED IN THE FILM ’’CHICKEN A LA QUEEN”, SHOWN ON THE CABLE MOVIE CHANNEL, WERE CRUDE AND DOWNRIGHT OFFENSIVE AND IN BREACH OF THE AUTHORITY’S PROGRAMME STANDARDS FOR SUBSCRIPTION TELEVISION. THE AUTHORITY WARNED WHARF CABLE FOR THE BREACH.
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MONDAY, APRIL 18, 1994
5
UK AND CHINA POLICE MEETING SUCCESSFUL *****
THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR Lt KWAN-HA, ON RETURN FROM CHINA AFTER ATTENDING THE 19TH BILATERAL MEETING WITH THE INTERPOL NATIONAL CENTRAL BUREAU (NCB ) OFFICERS IN CHINA, SAID THE MEETING WAS A SUCCESSFUL ONE.
THE TOPICS DISCUSSED INCLUDED CROSS-BORDER VIOLENT CRIMES, ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION, NARCOTICS PROBLEMS, AS WELL AS COMMERCIAL AND ORGANISED CRIMES.
MR LI SAID THE TWO POLICE FORCES ALSO EXCHANGED INFORMATION ON THE CRIME SITUATION AND THE HONG KONG SIDE HAD GIVEN THE CRIME STATISTICS FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF THE PRESENT YEAR.
IT WAS HIGHLIGHTED THAT COMPARED TO THE SAME PERIOD IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR, THE OVERALL CRIME IN HONG KONG HAS DECREASED BY 1 PER CENT, VIOLENT CRIME DECREASED BY 5.1 PER CENT, ROBBERIES DECREASED BY 20.2 PER CENT, AND PARTICULARLY ROBBERY WITH GENUINE FIREARMS WHICH DECREASED BY 81.8 PER CENT.
’’BOTH SIDES ARE SATISFIED THAT THE CO-OPERATION HAS BEEN EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE, AND WILL CONTINUE TO WORK TOGETHER TO TACKLE CRIME PROBLEMS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BORDER,” SAID THE COMMISSIONER.
DURING THE VISIT TO BEIJING, THE HONG KONG OFFICERS HAD ALSO MET VICE-MINISTER FOR PUBLIC SECURITY MR TIAN QIYU WHO HAS ASSURED THEM THAT CHINA WILL CONTINUE THEIR SUPPORT TO HONG KONG IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME.
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CONSULTATION ON PROPERTY PRICES CONTINUES
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, CONTINUED TODAY (MONDAY) TO SEEK VIEWS FROM RELEVANT GROUPS ON LAND SUPPLY AND PROPERTY PRICES.
HE ATTENDED A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE LAND AND BUILDING ADVISORY COMMITTEE WITH REPRESENTATION FROM THE REAL ESTATE AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AND VARIOUS PROFESSIONAL INSTITUTES.
AT THE MEETING, MR EASON BRIEFED MEMBERS ON THE OBJECTIVES THAT THE TASK FORCE SET OUT TO ACHIEVE AND ENTERED INTO ACTIVE DISCUSSION ON THE POSSIBLE CAUSES OF THE CURRENT SITUATION.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE, MR CHENG HON-KWAN, SAID MEMBERS MADE A NUMBER OF CONSTRUCTIVE SUGGESTIONS TO INCREASE LAND SUPPLY AND TO MODERATE PROPERTY PRICES.
/MR EASON .......
MONDAY, APRIL 18, 1994
6
MR EASON DESCRIBED THE MEETING AS VERY PRODUCTIVE AND INVITED MEMBERS, WHO REPRESENT VARIOUS PROFESSIONAL GROUPS INCLUDING ARCHITECTS, ENGINEERS, PLANNERS, SURVEYORS, CONTRACTORS AND DEVELOPERS, TO MAKE FORMAL SUBMISSIONS TO THE GOVERNMENT ON WAYS TO DEAL WITH THE SITUATION.
THE TASK FORCE, UNDER MR EASON’S CHAIRMANSHIP, IS WORKING FULL STEAM IN CANVASSING AND ANALYSING PUBLIC OPINION AS PART OF ITS WORK TO DRAW UP RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SUBMISSION TO THE GOVERNOR IN ABOUT THREE MONTHS.
------0-------
GOVERNMENT TO SPEND $830 MILLION ON FAMILY SERVICES *****
THE GOVERNMENT WILL SPEND $830 MILLION THIS YEAR ON FAMILY AND CHILD WELFARE SERVICES, THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON FAMILY AND COMMUNITY CARE, MR PATTEN SAID IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT ”WE SUPPORT THE FAMILY IN WHATEVER WAY WE CAN.’’
THE GOVERNOR SAID: ’’THE FAMILY, THE FAMILY EVERYWHERE, IS UNDER PRESSURE. IT IS NOT JUST HERE, IT’S THE CASE RIGHT ACROSS THE WORLD.
’’URBANISATION, HIGHER DIVORCE RATES, INFLUENCES VARY FROM OTHER CULTURES, EMIGRATION, POLITICAL UNCERTAINTY, ALL THESE THINGS CAN PUT A STRAIN ON FAMILIES AND, TN SOME CASES, LEAD TO THEIR BREAKDOWN.”
THE GOVERNMENT WILL BOOST FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PROGRAMMES FOR COUPLES; PROVIDE MORE FAMILY CASE AND FAMILY AID WORKERS TO GIVE COUNSELLING TO FAMILIES IN TROUBLE; SET UP 19 FAMILY ACTIVITY RESOURCE CENTRES FOR PARENTS AND CHILDREN; AND ESTABLISH A FAMILY CARE DEMONSTRATION RESOURCE CENTRE FOR PARENTS.
MR PATTEN SAID IN THE PAST PEOPLE RELIED ON THEIR FAMILIES RATHER THAN THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE OR THE STATE FOR HELP, BUT THE ADDITIONAL PRESSURES OF LIFE TODAY WERE ERODING THIS TRADITION.
’’FAMILIES CANNOT ALWAYS COPE ANY MORE. SO PEOPLE ARE LOOKING TO THE WIDER COMMUNITY FOR ASSISTANCE,” HE NOTED.
’’AND IT IS HERE THAT OUR NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS HAVE SUCH A VITAL ROLE TO PLAY.
’’WORKING WITH GOVERNMENT, THEY PROVIDE A LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR THOSE LESS FORTUNATE THAN OURSELVES: SINGLE PARENTS OR THOSE HAVING DIFFICULTIES WITH THEIR MARRIAGES, THE ELDERLY, THE MENTALLY ILL, PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY, YOUNGSTERS WITH PROBLEMS, AND SO ON.
”OUR AIM IS TO HELP THOSE IN NEED TO LIVE AS AN INDEPENDENT A LIFE AS POSSIBLE, EITHER ON THEIR OWN OR WITH THEIR FAMILIES.”
/MR PATTEN .......
MONDAY, APRIL 18, 1994
NR PATTEN URGED THOSE WHO REGARDED THE DISABLED OR EX-MENTALLY ILL AS SEPARATE TO WELCOME THE MORE VULNERABLE PEOPLE AS PART OF THE COMMUNITY.
"PROFESSIONALS LIKE YOU CAN GIVE THEM THE EXPERT HELP THEY NEED, EMPLOYERS INCLUDING GOVERNMENT CAN GIVE THEM JOBS, AND ALL OF US CAN GIVE THEM A CHANCE," HE SAID.
MR PATTEN SAID MEMBERS OF THE CONFERENCE FROM 24 COUNTRIES WOULD BE SHARING THEIR EXPERIENCE OF WORKING WITH FAMILIES AND COMMUNITY CARE IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS.
THE GOVERNOR BELIEVED THAT DESPITE THE DIFFERENCES CULTURES AND BACKGROUNDS, THE MEMBERS WOULD ALL AGREE STRENGTH, STABILITY AND SECURITY THAT THE FAMILY GAVE WERE THE WELL BEING OF INDIVIDUALS AND THEIR COMMUNITIES.
IN THEIR THAT THE VITAL TO
TENDER FOR THIRD ISSUE OF EXCHANGE FUND NOTES * » * * *
THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE TENDER FOR THE THIRD ISSUE OF THREE-YEAR EXCHANGE FUND NOTES WOULD BE HELD ON APRIL 25 (MONDAY) FOR SETTLEMENT ON APRIL 26.
SIMILAR TO THE PREVIOUS ISSUE, AN AMOUNT OF HKS5OO MILLION THREE-YEAR EXCHANGE FUND NOTES WILL BE ON OFFER.
ANOTHER HKS100 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 APRIL 28, 1997 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 ON 30TH FLOOR, 3 GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG (OR TELEPHONE 878 8150) .
EACH TENDER MUST BE FOR AN AMOUNT OF HKS50.000 OR INTEGRAL MULTIPLES THEREOF.
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/8 ........
MONDAY, APRIL 18, 1994
8
ADVICE ON USING EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES *****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) ADVISED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, PARTICULARLY FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS, TO TAKE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES WHEN USING SERVICES OF EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES TO SAFEGUARD THEIR OWN INTERESTS.
THE ADVICE WAS GIVEN FOLLOWING A RECENT NEWSPAPER REPORT THAT A FILIPINO MAID HAD PAID $6,000 DEPOSIT TO AN EMPLOYMENT AGENCY IN AN ATTEMPT TO SEEK A NEW EMPLOYER.
IT WAS ALLEGED THAT THE AGENCY REFUSED TO REFUND THE MONEY AFTER FAILING TO FIND AN EMPLOYER FOR THE MAID.
SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER MRS CLARE SIU SAID THAT UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT AGENCY REGULATIONS, AN EMPLOYMENT AGENCY WAS ONLY ALLOWED TO CHARGE A JOB APPLICANT A MAXIMUM COMMISSION OF NOT MORE THAN 10 PER CENT OF HIS OR HER FIRST MONTH’S SALARY UPON SUCCESSFUL PLACEMENT.
"CHARGING OF ANY OTHER FEE, SUCH AS REGISTRATION FEE, IS PROHIBITED," SHE ADDED. ,
MRS SIU ALSO ADVISED ALL JOB SEEKERS TO CHECK THE LICENCES OF EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES BEFORE SEEKING THEIR SERVICES.
"THEY SHOULD MAKE SURE THAT THE EMPLOYMENT AGENCY IS PROPERLY LICENSED AS EVERY AGENCY TN HONG KONG MUST HOLD A VALID LICENCE ISSUED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
"A REGISTERED AGENCY SHOULD DISPLAY ITS LICENCE IN A CONSPICUOUS POSITION AT THE PLACE OF BUSINESS WHICH SPECIFIES THE OPERATOR’S NAME, THE NAME OF THE AGENCY, ITS ADDRESS AND THE DATE OF EXPIRY," SHE SAID.
TO SAFEGUARD THEIR INTERESTS, MRS SIU SAID JOB APPLICANTS SHOULD DEMAND FOR A RECEIPT WHEN MAKING ANY PAYMENT TO AN EMPLOYMENT AGENCY.
"THE RECEIPT SHOULD BEAR THE NAME OF THE AGENCY, WITH THE RESPONSIBLE PERSON’S SIGNATURE AND COMPANY CHOP. IT SHOULD ALSO STATE THE PURPOSE OF PAYMENT, THE AMOUNT AND CURRENCY PAID, THE NAME OF PAYEE AND THE DATE OF ISSUE," SHE SAID.
SHE DISCLOSED THAT UP TO THE END OF LAST MONTH, THERE WERE 1,102 EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES REGISTERED WITH THE EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES ADMINISTRATION (EAA) AND 453 OF THEM DEALT WITH FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS.
"OUR OFFICERS MADE 942 INSPECTIONS TO EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES IN 1993 AND ANOTHER 349 IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR TO MAKE SURE REGISTERED AGENCIES ARE BEING OPERATED LAWFULLY,” SHE SAID.
JN A BID TO STRENGTHEN ADVICE FOR FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS SEEKING JOBS IN THE TERRITORY, EAA HAS PRODUCED A SIMPLE AND CONCISE ADVISORY HANDOUT TO HELP THEM PROTECT THEIR INTERESTS WHEN USING PRIVATE PLACEMENT SERVICES OFFERED BY EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES.
/COPIES OF .......
MONDAY, APRIL 18, 1994
COPIES OF THE ADVISORY HANDOUT ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION IN THE EAA ON THE 12TH FLOOR OF HARBOUR BUILDING AT 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL AND IN THE PHILIPPINE CONSULATE.
JOB SEEKERS SHOULD CONTACT THE EAA ON TEL 852 3535 IF THEY HAVE DOUBTS OR IF THEY RELIEVE THEY HAVE BEEN EXPLOITED BY AN EMPLOYMENT AGENCY.
- - 0 - -
BLACK WATCH BAND PLAYS FOR THE LAST TIME *****
THE REGIMENTAL BAND OF THE BLACK WATCH WILL PLAY BEFORE THE BATTALION FOR THE LAST TIME AT A MUSTER PARADE TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
AT THE END OF THE MONTH THE BAND WILL DISBAND AND ITS MEMBERS TRANSFER TO THE TWO NEW BANDS TO BE FORMED FROM THE EXISTING BANDS OF THE REGIMENTS OF THE SCOTTISH DIVISION OF THE BRITISH ARMY.
MOST WILL JOIN THE HIGHLAND BAND ALTHOUGH SOME MEMBERS WILL TRANSFER TO THE LOWLAND BAND.
THE DISBANDMENT AND SUBSEQUENT AMALGAMATION OF THE REGIMENTAL BANDS COMES AS PART OF THE RATIONALISATION OF MILITARY BANDS ANNOUNCED BY THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE LAST YEAR.
THE REGIMENTAL BAND OF THE BLACK WATCH HAS BEEN AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE REGIMENT FOR OVER 200 YEARS AND HAS SEEN SERVICE ALL OVER THE WORLD IN PEACE AND WAR.
IN THE SECOND WORLD WAR, THE BAND WAS KEPT AS A UNIT AND WAS SENT TO MANY THEATRES OF ACTION TO ENTERTAIN TROOPS OF OTHER ARMS, AS WELL AS ITS OWN BATTALION.
ALL THE BANDSMEN ARE QUALIFIED AS REGIMENTAL MEDICAL ASSISTANTS AND TRAIN REGULARLY AS WELL AS CARRYING OUT NORMAL ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES.
IN 1957 THE BAND MADE ITS FIRST TOUR OF THE UNITED STATES AND IN 1963 CARRIED OUT ITS SECOND TOUR, WHICH INCLUDED A SPECIAL PERFORMANCE AT THE WHITE HOUSE FOR PRESIDENT JOHN. F KENNEDY.
MORE RECENTLY, IN 1989, THE BAND PLAYED AT THE WHITE HOUSE FOR PRESIDENT GEORGE BUSH.
IN HONG KONG, THE BAND HAS PERFORMED AT A WIDE VARIETY OF FUNCTIONS AND HAS BECOME AN EXTREMELY POPULAR A'l TRAC PION.
/ON ITS
MONDAY, APRIL 18, 1994
-10 -
ON JTS DISBANDMENT, THE BAND WIL], PRESENT ITS WIDE PORTFOLIO OF ML'S IC TO THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, FURTHER CEMENTING ITS CLOSE TIES WITH THE COMMUNITY IN THE TERRITORY.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO (OVER THE BAND’S FINAL PERFORMANCE BEFORE THE BATTALION. THE MUSTER PARADE WILL TAKE PLACE AT 8 AM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT STANLEY FORT.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD REPORT TO THE GUARDROOM AT THE ENTRANCE TO STANLEY FORT NO LATER THAN 7.45 AM, WHERE JSPRS PERSONNEL WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
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HOME-BASED TRAINING FOR DISABLED CHILDREN *****
THE LAUNCH OF HOME-BASED TRAINING WILL SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVE THE CONDITIONS OF.DISABLED CHILDREN AWAITING PRE-SCHOOL SERVICES, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR IAN STRACHAN, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TO LAUNCH THE TRAINING PROGRAMME, MR STRACHAN SAID IT WOULD PROVIDE EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES TO DISABLED PRE-SCHOOLERS.
"THE SIGNIFICANCE OF EARLY INTERVENTION IS WELL-PROVEN. WHEN A CHILD IS DIAGNOSED AS IN NEED OF SPECIAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING, THE SOONER THE NEEDED SERVICE IS PROVIDED, THE MORE THE CHILD WILL BENEFIT.
"TIMING IS CRUCIAL IN SUCH CASES. WITH ADEQUATE TRAINING INPUT AND STIMULATION AT AN EARLY STAGE, THE CHILD WILL HAVE A BETTER CHANCE TO DEVELOP AND COPE WITH HIS DISABILITY," HE SAID.
NOTING THAT THE TRAINING PROGRAMME WOULD BE CONDUCTED BY A SMALL TEAM OF A SPECIAL CHILD CARE WORKER AND A PARA-MEDICAL STAFF MEMBER IN AN EARLY EDUCATION AND TRAINING CENTRE ON A REGIONAL BASIS, HE SAID TRAINING SESSIONS WOULD BE HELD WITH THE CHILDREN AND THEIR PARENTS AT HOME AS APPROPRIATE.
WHERE POSSIBLE, PARENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO BRING THEIR CHILDREN TO THE CENTRE FOR GROUP TRAINING.
"DURING THE SESSIONS, NOT ONLY ARE THE CHILDREN GIVEN TRAINING IN AREAS LIKE MOTOR SKILLS, SENSORIMOTOR SKILLS, SELF-CARE SKILLS AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS, THE PARENTS ARE ALSO INVOLVED TO LEARN THE NECESSARY SKILLS TO FURTHER THE TRAINING AT HOME.
"HOME-BASED TRAINING WILL BE PROVIDED TO THE CHILDREN UNTIL THEY ARE ENROLLED IN A PRE-SCHOOL CENTRE FOR MORE COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES," HE ADDED.
"ON AUBCWNRWS .......
MONDAY, APRIL 18, 1994
- 11 -
ON SUBVENTED SERVICES FOR PRE-SCHOOL DISABLED CHILDREN, MR STRACHAN SAID THEY INCLUDED EARLY EDUCATION AND TRAINING CENTRES, SPECIAL CHILD-CARE CENTRES AND AN INTEGRATED PROGRAMME IN ORDINARY CHILD-CARE CENTRES.
’’RECENTLY WE HAVE DISCOVERED THAT SOME DISABLED CHILDREN HAVE TO WAIT FOR QUITE SOME TIME BEFORE BEING ADMITTED TO A CENTRE.
"THE GOVERNMENT IS SEEKING ADDITIONAL RESOURCES TO SET UP MORE CENTRES TO MEET THE DEMAND FULLY. AS TIME IS REQUIRED FOR PLANNING AND PROVIDING SUCH FACILITIES, AN INTERIM SOLUTION IS NECESSARY TO MEET THIS EXTRA DEMAND FOR A NEEDED SERVICE."
THE HOME-BASED TRAINING PROGRAMME IS MADE POSSIBLE WITH A DONATION OF $2.6 MILLION FROM STANDARD CHARTERED COMMUNITY FOUNDATION THROUGH THE COMMUNITY CHEST OF HONG KONG.
SEVEN TEAMS, OPERATED BY THE HEEP HONG SOCIETY FOR HANDICAPPED CHILDREN AND THE HONG KONG CHRISTIAN SERVICE, WILL BE SET UP INITIALLY TO CATER FOR 105 DISABLED CHILDREN.
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HK PROPERTY REVIEW 1994 PUBLISHED *****
THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT HAS PUBLISHED A BILINGUAL PUBLICATION GIVING A REVIEW OF THE LOCAL PROPERTY MARKET LAST YEAR.
IT PRESENTS A COMPREHENSIVE SUMMARY OF THE HONG KONG PROPERTY MARKET IN 1993 IN TERMS OF STOCK, SUPPLY INCLUDING FORECASTS FOR 1994 AND 1995, TAKE-UP, VACANCY AS WELL AS RENTAL AND PRICE MOVEMENTS FOR THE MAIN PROPERTY SECTORS.
IN THIS EDITION, ADDITIONAL PROPERTY DATA HAVE BEEN INCORPORATED SHOWING DETAILS OF PRIVATE DOMESTIC AND NON-DOMESTIC ACCOMMODATION DEMOLISHED, AND PRICE INDICES IN CERTAIN ESTATE-TYPE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS.
FURTHER BREAKDOWN TN THE PRICE AND RENTAL INDICES FOR OFFICES AND PRICE LEVELS OF SOME HIGH QUALITY PRIVATE FLATTED FACTORIES IN CERTAIN DISTRICTS ARE ALSO SET OUT.
THE "PROPERTY REVIEW 1994", PRICED AT $100 A COPY, WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE FROM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, 2 CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE PUBLICATION CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE TECHNICAL SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT ON TEL 805 7633.
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/12........
MONDAY, APRIL 18, 1994
- 12 -
MARRIAGE.CEREMONY SERVICE EXTENDED * * * * *
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT THE TSIM SHA TSUI MARRIAGE REGISTRY WILL EXTEND ITS MARRIAGE CEREMONY SERVICE-TO THE AFTERNOON (FROM 2 PM TO 4.45 PM) ON THE FOLLOWING SATURDAYS THIS YEAR:
0 i AUGUST 6
SEPTEMBER 17
SEPTEMBER 24
OCTOBER 22
NOVEMBER 12
NOVEMBER 19
DECEMBER 17
DECEMBER 24
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID: ’WHEN TWO PEOPLE WISH TO GET MARRIED, IT IS ESSENTIAL FOR THEM TO GIVE A WRITTEN NOTICE OF MARRIAGE ON THE PRESCRIBED FORM IN ADVANCE AT A MARRIAGE REGISTRY, WHETHER THE MARRIAGE IS TO TAKE PLACE AT A MARRIAGE REGISTRY OR IN A LICENSED PI,ACE OF PUBLIC WORSHIP.
"THE NOTICE WILL BE EXHIBITED AT THE MARRIAGE REGISTRY WHERE IT IS GIVEN AND ALSO AT THE MARRIAGE REGISTRATION AND RECORDS OFFICE FOR AT LEAST 15 DAYS.
"IF NO OBJECTION IS RECEIVED AFTER THAT PERIOD, THE MARRIAGE MAY TAKE PLACE WITHIN A PERIOD OF THREE MONTHS, OTHERWISE THE NOTICE BECOMES VOID AND FRESH NOTICE MUST BE GIVEN.
"IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT EVERY MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC WILL HAVE A FAIR CHANCE TO CHOOSE A DESIRED DAY FOR MARRIAGE, APPOINTMENTS FOR MARRIAGE CEREMONIES ARE GIVEN ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS."
FOR ENQUIRIES, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY TELEPHONE 824 6111.
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NUMBER OF VMS SEEKING TREATMENT
*****
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAVE SOUGHT TREATMENT FOR INJURIES CLAIMED TO HAVE BEEN SUSTAINED DURING THE OPERATION IN THE WHITEHEAD DETENTION CENTRE ON APRIL 7 NOW STANDS AT 272, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
A TOTAL OF 73 COMPLAINTS OF USE OF UNNECESSARY FORCE DURING THE OPERATION HAVE BEEN RECEIVED TO DATE.
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/13
MONDAY, APRIL 18, 1994
- 13 -
TEACHING CONDUCT COUNCIL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY *****
THE TEACHING PROFESSION WILL VOTE ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 20) TO SET UP ITS OWN COUNCIL ON PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT,
THE FIRST ELECTION TO THE COUNCIL ON PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT IN EDUCATION WILL BE HELD IN INDIVIDUAL SCHOOLS WHICH WILL CONDUCT THEIR OWN VOTING SESSIONS UNDER GUIDELINES ISSUED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
THE DEPARTMENT APPEALED TO ALL FULL-TIME REGISTERED AND PERMITTED TEACHERS, INCLUDING PRINCIPALS AND HEAD TEACHERS, TO VOTE IN THE ELECTION.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN CALLED ON TEACHERS TO EXERCISE THEIR RIGHT IN ELECTING CANDIDATES TO REPRESENT THEM ON THE COUNCIL, WHICH IS AIMED AT PROMOTING THE INTERESTS OF THE TEACHING PROFESSION.
HE REMINDED TEACHERS WHO ARE ELIGIBLE TO VOTE TO STUDY THE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE BALLOT PAPERS BEFORE PUTTING DOWN THEIR CHOICE.
’’VOTERS SHOULD NOT PUT DOWN THEIR NAMES OR ANY OTHER MARKS OF IDENTIFICATION ON THE BALLOT PAPERS. OTHERWISE, THE VOTE WILL BE CONSIDERED VOID,” HE SAID.
VOTERS CAN CHOOSE CANDIDATES FROM ANY OR ALL OF THE THREE TYPES OF SCHOOLS - GOVERNMENT, AIDED AND PRIVATE.
THEY MAY EACH VOTE FOR UP TO FIVE CANDIDATES, THREE FROM AIDED SCHOOLS AND ONE FROM EACH OF GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS.
HOWEVER, HE REMINDED TEACHERS NOT TO CHOOSE MORE THAN THE NUMBER OF CANDIDATES AS SPECIFIED IN THE CATEGORY. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE VOTE WILL BE TREATED AS INVALID.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT CANDIDATES IN ANY OF THE CATEGORY WOULD BE ELECTED NOT ONLY BY A MAJORITY VOTE, BUT ALSO BY THE MINIMUM NUMBER OF VOTES.
IN OTHER WORDS, CANDIDATES MUST RECEIVE AT LEAST 500 VOTES IN SECONDARY OR PRIMARY SCHOOLS, 300 IN KINDERGARTENS AND 200 IN SPECIAL SCHOOLS IN ORDER TO BE ELECTED.
’’TEACHERS SHOULD NOT MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY TO ELECT THEIR REPRESENTATIVES ON THE COUNCIL," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE COUNCIL IS A NON-STATUTORY BODY TO ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT ON MEASURES TO PROMOTE PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT IN EDUCATION, INCLUDING THE DRAFTING OF OPERATION CRITERIA DEFINING THE CONDUCT EXPECTED OF AN EDUCATOR, AND TO ADVISE THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION IN CASES OF DISPUTES OR ON ALLEGED PROFESSIONAL MISCONDUCT.
IT HAS 28 MEMBERS - 14 IN THE TEACHER-NOMINATED CATEGORIES, 11 IN THE ORGANISATION-NOMINATED CATEGORIES AND THREE ARE NOMINATED Bl THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION.
/THE THREE .......
MONDAY, APRIL 18, 1994
14
THE THREE NOMINEES INCLUDE THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (SCHOOLS) AND TWO LAY MEMBERS.
THE DEPARTMENT HAS RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 66 NOMINATIONS COMPETING FOR 25 SEATS.
THE 66 CANDIDATES ARE COMPETING FOR 25 SEATS IN THE TWO CATEGORIES. AMONG THEM, 39 CANDIDATES RUN FOR 14 SEATS IN THE TEACHER-NOMINATED CATEGORIES AND 27 FOR NINE SEATS IN THE ORGAN1 SATION-NOMINATED CATEGORIES.
ON ELECTION DAY, 64 CANDIDATES WILL COMPETE FOR 23 SEATS IN THE TWO CATEGORIES BECAUSE TWO CANDIDATES FROM THE SUBJECT-RELATED ORGANISATION ARE UNCONTESTED.
THEY ARE MRS PANG CHU WAI-SEE FROM THE HONG KONG HOME ECONOMICS ASSOCIATION AND MR HO WING-KAN FROM THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION FOR COMPUTER EDUCATION.
RESULTS OF THE ELECTION WILL BE ANNOUNCED AS SOON AS THEY ARE AVAILABLE.
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CLOSURE OF WAN CHAI ILLEGAL STRUCTURES SOUGHT ♦ ♦ ♦ * »
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE TWO UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES OF TWO BUILDINGS IN WAN CHAI SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT CAUSING DANGER TO OTHER OCCUPANTS AND THE PUBLIC.
THE SINGLE-STOREY STRUCTURES USED FOR DWELLING PURPOSES ARE ON THE FIFTH FLOOR OF TWO BUILDINGS AT 275 AND 277 LOCKHART ROAD.
NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR TWO CLOSURE ORDERS FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE ON AUGUST 23 WERE POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY (MONDAY).
DEMOLITION WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START AS SOON AS THE CLOSURE ORDERS ARE ISSUED.
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WATER STORAGE FIGURE ♦ ♦ * * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 66.5 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 389.771 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 299.176 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 51 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
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/15........
MONDAY, APRIL 18, 1994
- 15 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS * * » * *
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,690 0930 + 972
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,149 1000 + 922
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 +1,254
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY +1,254 1200 +1,254
LAF TODAY -795 1500 +1,254
1600 +1,254
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWl 125.3 »-0.1* 18.4.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.13 16 MONTHS 2508 4.625 99.70 4.91
1 MONTH 3.27 19 MONTHS 2511 4.15 98.56 5.16
3 MONTHS 3.72 22 MONTHS 2602 4.40 98.31 5.45
6 MONTHS 4.02 30 MONTHS 3610 4.20 96.13 5.96
12 MONTHS 4.56 33 MONTHS 3701 4.60 96.34 6.14
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 31,404 MN
CLOSED 18 APRIL 1994
0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
LAND COMMISSION TO MEET ON THURSDAY.......................... 1
HK TO ATTEND OECD TRADE COMMITTEE MEETING.................... 1
HK BECOMES WORLD’S 8TH LARGEST EXPORTER...................... 1
VALUE OF MANUFACTURERS’ ORDERS-ON-HAND IN FEBRUARY....... 2
CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT STATISTICS FOR 1993 ..................... 3
CHAIRMAN OF SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION TO LEAVE... 5
SEVEN CIVIC EDUCATION MEMBERS RE-APPOINTED................... 6
GOVT SUPPLIES DEPT ACHIEVES SAVING........................... 7
LOCAL INDUSTRY WILL ADJUST SUCCESSFULLY TO UR PACKAGE.... 7
STANDING COMMISSION’S REPORT NO. 30 PUBLISHED............... 10
ROAD IMPROVEMENT WORKS IN KOWLOON CITY...................... 11
STUDENTS TARGETTED IN VOTER REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN........... 11
100 CAR MARKS UP FOR AUCTION................................ 12
CASH AID TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS........................ 13
TEACHERS AND PRINCIPALS URGED TO VOTE TOMORROW.............. 14
POLLUTION CASES RELEASED.................................... 15
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS........ 16
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ....
17
TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 1994
LAND COMMISSION TO MEET ON THURSDAY *****
THE TWO SIDES OF THE SINO-BRITISH LAND COMMISSION HAVE AGREED THAT THE COMMISSION’S 28TH MEETING WILL BE HELD ON APRIL 21, 1994. THE MEETING WILL DISCUSS THE 1994/95 LAND DISPOSAL PROGRAMME.
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HK TO ATTEND OECD TRADE COMMITTEE MEETING *****
THE ORGANISATION FOR ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT (OECD) COUNCIL HAS APPROVED HONG KONG’S APPLICATION FOR OBSERVER STATUS ON OECD’S TRADE COMMITTEE AND ITS WORKING PARTY, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY).
HONG KONG WILL NOW BE INVITED TO ATTEND THE OECD TRADE COMMITTEE MEETING TOWARDS THE END OF THIS MONTH.
OFFICIALS FROM THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE IN GENEVA WILL REPRESENT HONG KONG AT THE MEETING.
------0-------
HK BECOMES WORLD’S 8TH LARGEST EXPORTER *****
THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR TONY MILLER, TODAY (TUESDAY) WELCOMED THE NEWS THAT HONG KONG HAD MOVED FROM 10TH PLACE AMONG TRADING ECONOMIES ON THE BASIS OF TRADE VALUE IN 1992, TO THE EIGHTH PLACE AMONG EXPORTERS AND SEVENTH AMONG IMPORTERS ON THE BASIS OF 1993 TRADE FIGURES.
THE FIGURES WERE REVEALED IN AN ANNUAL REPORT FROM THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE (GATT) SECRETARIAT ISSUED ON APRIL 6 AND ENTITLED ’’OVERVIEW OF DEVELOPMENTS IN 1993 AND OUTLOOK FOR 1994”.
THE REPORT ALSO SHOWED THAT THE GROWTH IN WORLD TRADE HAD SLOWED LAST YEAR TO 2.5 PER CENT FROM THE 4.5 PER CENT RECORDED IN 1992, BUT IT PREDICTED AN IMPROVEMENT IN 1994.
’’THIS IS A FURTHER TELLING DEMONSTRATION OF THE BENEFITS OF HONG KONG’S STRICT ADHERENCE TO FREE TRADE PRINCIPLES.
"IT IS ALSO AN ILLUSTRATION OF HOW DEPENDENT HONG KONG IS ON THE FREE FLOW OF TRADE," HE SAID.
"THE SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION OF URUGUAY ROUND WILL PROVIDE A FURTHER BOOST TO WORLD TRADE. HONG KONG LOOKS FORWARD TO PLAYING AN ACTIVE AND CONSTRUCTIVE ROLE IN THE NEW WORLD TRADE ORGANISATION," HE ADDED.
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/2 ........
TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 1994
- 2 -
VALUE OF MANUFACTURERS’ ORDERS-ON-HAND IN FEBRUARY
*****
THE VALUE OF MANUFACTURERS’ ORDERS-ON-HAND FOR LOCAL PRODUCTION IN FEBRUARY 1994 DECREASED BY 8% OVER A YEAR EARLIER, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF A MONTHLY SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
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.
COMPARING FEBRUARY 1994 WITH FEBRUARY 1993, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF OUTSTANDING ORDERS WERE RECORDED IN THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS (+37%) AND THE PRINTING AND PUBLISHING (+19%) INDUSTRIES.
MODERATE INCREASE IN ORDERS WAS RECORDED IN THE ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY (+6%).
ON THE OTHER HAND, SIGNIFICANT DECREASES IN ORDERS WERE RECORDED IN THE WEARING APPAREL (-20%) AND PLASTIC PRODUCTS (-19%) INDUSTRIES. THE TEXTILES AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES ALSO RECORDED DECREASES IN ORDERS (-13% AND -3% RESPECTIVELY).
COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1994, AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON MAY BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, THE VALUE OF MANUFACTURERS’ ORDERS-ON-HAND DECREASED BY 2%.
THE MONTHLY SURVEY OF ORDERS-ON-HAND COVERS A SAMPLE OF SOME 300 MANUFACTURING FIRMS ENGAGING 50 OR MORE WORKERS.
BEGINNING 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 TO REPLACE THE OLD SERIES, WHICH IS 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.
INSTEAD, THE TREND MOVEMENT OF THE SERIES AS DISPLAYED OVER A WIDER SPAN OF TIME POINTS SHOULD BE LOOKED AT.
/THE SURVEY .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 1994
- 3 -
THE SURVEY REPORT FOR FEBRUARY 1994, AT $4.5 A COPY, IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AND AT THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS SECTION, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE MADE TO THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL 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 IN THE VALUE OF
ORDERS-ON-HAND IN
JANUARY 1994 OVER JANUARY 1993 FEBRUARY 1994 OVER FEBRUARY 1993
(REVISED) (PROVISIONAL)
ALL INDUSTRIES COVERED IN THE SURVEY -6 -8
WEARING APPAREL -18 -20
TEXTILES -11 -13
ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS -2 -3
ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS -2 + 6
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS + 73 + 37
PLASTIC PRODUCTS -44 -19
PRINTING AND PUBLISHING + 43 + 19
--------0-----------
CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT STATISTICS FOR 1993 *****
THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY MAIN CONTRACTORS, INCLUDING GENERAL AND SPECIAL TRADE CONTRACTORS, AMOUNTED TO $75.3 BILLION TN 1993, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 11.2% OVER 1992, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE INCREASE WAS LARGELY DUE TO MORE ACTIVE CONSTRUCTION WORK ON PUBLIC SECTOR SITES.
THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED AT PUBLIC SECTOR SITES ROSE SHARPLY BY 40.6%.
/THE INCREASE .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 1994
4
THE INCREASE WAS MAINLY DUE TO A FURTHER PICK-UP OF ACTIVITIES IN THE YEAR IN A NUMBER OF MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS.
ON THE OTHER HAND, THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED ON PRIVATE SECTOR SITES DROPPED BY 7.1%.
THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY GENERAL CONTRACTORS AT LOCATIONS OTHER THAN CONSTRUCTION SITES RECORDED AN INCREASE OF 10.8%.
THIS INCLUDED MINOR NEW CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES AND RENOVATION WORK AT ERECTED BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES.
THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES PERFORMED BY SPECIAL TRADE CONTRACTORS AT LOCATIONS OTHER THAN CONSTRUCTION SITES, COMPRISING MAINLY ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL FITTING WORK, INCREASED BY 24.9%.
ANALYSED BY END-USE, RESIDENTIAL BUILDING PROJECTS INCLUDING COMBINED RESIDENTIAL/NON-RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS CONTINUED TO ACCOUNT FOR THE GREATEST PORTION OF THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED ON CONSTRUCTION SITES.
THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED IN THESE PROJECTS IN THE YEAR, HOWEVER, RECORDED A DECREASE OF 4.4%.
TRANSPORT PROJECTS CONSTITUTED THE SECOND LARGEST CATEGORY OF CONSTRUCTION SITE ACTIVITIES.
THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED FOR SUCH PROJECTS ROSE SHARPLY BY 110.9%.
THE INCREASE WAS MAINLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO A NUMBER OF MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS.
COMMERCIAL BUILDING PROJECTS WAS THE THIRD LARGEST CATEGORY OF CONSTRUCTION SITE ACTIVITIES. THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED FOR SUCH PROJECTS DROPPED BY 13%.
COMPARING THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1993 WITH THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1992, THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY MAIN CONTRACTORS INCREASED BY 14.5%.
THE INCREASE WAS MAINLY DUE TO MORE ACTIVE CONSTRUCTION WORK ON PUBLIC SECTOR SITES.
COMPARED WITH THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1993, THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY MAIN CONTRACTORS IN THE FOURTH QUARTER ROSE BY 9.7%. THIS COMPARSION MAY HOWEVER BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FLUCTUATIONS.
OWING TO THE WIDESPREAD SUB-CONTRACTING PRACTICES IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, A CONSTRUCTION ESTABLISHMENT CAN BE A MAIN CONTRACTOR FOR ONE CONTRACT AND A SUB-CONTRACTOR FOR ANOTHER CONTRACT AT THE SAME TIME.
/THE GROSS .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 1994
THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY MAIN CONTRACTORS, INCLUDING BOTH GENERAL AND SPECIAL TRADE CONTRACTORS, COVERS ONLY THOSE PROJECTS IN WHICH THE CONSTRUCTION ESTABLISHMENT TAKES THE ROLF OF A MAIN CONTRACTOR, BUT NOT PROJECTS IN WHICH IT TAKES ONLY THE ROLE OF A SUB-CONTRACTOR.
HOWEVER, SUB-CONTRACTORS’ CONTRIBUTION TO PROJECTS SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY THE MAIN CONTRACTORS FOK WHOM THEY WORKED.
MORE DETAILED STATISTICS ON CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT ARE GIVEN IN THE "REPORT ON THE QUARTERLY SURVEY OF CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT, 4TH QUARTER 1993".
THE REPORT IS NOW ON SALE AT $5 A COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, OR AT THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS SECTION, WANCHAI TOWER, 19TH FLOOR, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI. REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION MAY ALSO BE ARRANGED.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL 839 3265.
- - 0 - -
CHAIRMAN OF SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION TO LEAVE * * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN NOTIFIED THAT THE INCUMBENT CHAIRMAN OF THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION, MR ROBERT NOTTLE, HAS DECIDED NOT TO SEEK RENEWAL OF HIS CONTRACT WHEN IT EXPIRES ON DECEMBER 31 THIS YEAR, SECRETARY FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES, MR MICHAEL CARTLAND, ANNOUNCED TODAY.
MR NOTTLE JOINED THE COMMISSION IN FEBRUARY 1989 AS AN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND WAS APPOINTED DEPUTY CHAIRMAN ON FEBRUARY 1, 1990.
HE TOOK OVER THE CHAIRMANSHIP ON MAY 1. 1992 ON THE DEPARTURE OF THE PREVIOUS CHAIRMAN, MR ROBERT J R OWEN.
HE HAS INDICATED THAT HE WOULD BE RETURNING TO AUSTRALIA AFTER LEAVING THE COMMISSION.
MEASURES WILL NOW BE TAKEN TO IDENTIFY A SUITABLE SUCCESSOR TO BE RECOMMENDED FOR APPOINTMENT BY THE GOVERNOR.
- - 0 - -
TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 1994
- 6 -
SEVEN CIVIC EDUCATION MEMBERS RE-APPOINTED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS RE-APPOINTED DR DANIEL TSE CHI-WAI AS CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION (CPCE).
SIX OTHER MEMBERS HAVE ALSO BEEN RE-APPOINTED. THEY ARE MRS ANITA CHAN FOK PO-CHUN, MR JOHANNES CHAN MAN-MUN, MR RAYMOND CHOW WAI-KAM, DR JOHN HO DIT-SANG, MISS JUNTA HO SUK-YIN AND MR WILLIAM TSUI HING-CHUEN.
MR JUSTEIN WONG CHUN WILL BE RETIRING FROM THE COMMITTEE AND HE WILL BE REPLACED BY A NEW APPOINTMENT - DR FANNY CHEUNG MUI-CHING.
DR FANNY CHEUNG, A READER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY IN THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, HAS BEEN A SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER SINCE 1983.
SHE ALSO SERVES IN THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL WORK TRAINING AND MANPOWER PLANNING AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CPCE SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT ALL THE APPOINTEES WILL SERVE ON THE BOARD FOR A TERM OF TWO YEARS STARTING FROM THIS MONTH.
AT PRESENT, THERE ARE FIVE SUB-COMMITTEES UNDER THE CPCE.
THE COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION SUB-COMMITTEE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION SCHEME UNDER WHICH SUBSIDIES ARE GRANTED TO DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS FOR MOUNTING ('IV IC EDUCATION PROJECTS.
THE AD HOC COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC EDUCATION ON THE RULE OF LAW AND THE HUMAN RIGHTS EDUCATION SUB-COMMITTEE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR IDENTIFYING AND PROMOTING KEY CONCEPTS OF THEIR RESPECTIVE SUBJECTS.
THERE ARE ALSO THE RESEARCH AND PUBLICATIONS SUB-COMMITTEE WHICH PLANS, EXECUTES AND ANALYSES SURVEYS AND STUDIES INITIATED BY THE MAIN COMMITTEE, AND THE PUBLICITY SUB-COMMITTEE WHICH DEVISES PROMOTIONAL STRATEGIES FOR THE CPCE.
THE 1994/95 THEME IS ON THE PROMOTION OF CITIZEN PARTICIPATION IN REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT. UPCOMING ACTIVITIES INCLUDE A COMPUTER SOFTWARE DESIGN CONTEST AND AN INTRA-SECONDARY SCHOOL QUIZ IN MAY AND A CIVIC EDUCATION EXHIBITION IN JULY.
OTHER MEMBERS OF THE CPCE INCLUDE MR CHAN CHUN-FAT, MR WALTER (’HAN KAR-LOK, MR J1MSON CHAN WING-TAI, MR CHENG KAI-NAM, MR LAI CHI-TONG, MR PETER LAM YUK-WAH, MRS LEUNG NGA1 MOU-YIN, DR ■> CHI-KIN, MR TAI HAY-LAP AND MR YIP WAH.
------0-------
/7........
TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 1994
GOVT SUPPLIES DEPT ACHIEVES SAVING
* * * » ♦
THE GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT HAS SAVED THE PUBLIC PURSE $41.57 MILLION LAST YEAR, THANKS TO ITS PATIENT AND CONSTRUCTIVE NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE SUPPLIERS.
THE SAVING REPRESENTED 1.6 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL PURCHASE VALUE BY THE DEPARTMENT IN THE YEAR, THE DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES, MR NIGEL SHIPMAN, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
’’OPEN COMPETITIVE TENDERING IS ANOTHER IMPORTANT FACTOR,” MR SHIPMAN EXPLAINED.
THIS IS TO PROVIDE EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES TO ALL SUPPLIERS AND TO GET VALUE FOR MONEY, HE SAID.
’’THE DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO ADOPT THESE PROCEDURES IN THE FUTURE TO ENSURE COST-EFFECTIVENESS AND FAIRNESS.
”IN ADDITION, NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE SUPPLIERS WILL BE HELD IN ORDER TO OBTAIN THE BEST POSSIBLE PRICES,” MR SHIPMAN SAID.
THE DEPARTMENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR BUYING STORES AND EQUIPMENT FOR THE GOVERNMENT.
LAST YEAR ITS TOTAL PURCHASES AMOUNTED TO $2,621 MILLION, COMPARING WITH $2,691 MILLION TN 1992.
IN VALUE TERMS, THE UNITED STATES WAS THE LARGEST SUPPLIER. ITS SUPPLIES, AMOUNTING TO $835 MILLION, ACCOUNTED FOR 31.9 PER CENT OF ALL THE STORES AND EQUIPMENT PURCHASED.
THE SUPPLIES INCLUDED COMPUTER SYSTEMS, MEDICAL EQUIPMENT AND PRODUCTS.
IT WAS FOLLOWED BY THE EUROPEAN UNION. ITS SUPPLIES AMOUNTED TO $697 MILLION OR 26.6 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL PURCHASE VALUE.
- - 0 - -
LOCAL INDUSTRY WILL ADJUST SUCCESSFULLY TO UR PACKAGE
*****
THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR TONY MILLER, EXPRESSED CONFIDENCE THAT THE LOCAL TEXTILES AND CLOTHING SECTOR WOULD ADJUST SUCCESSFULLY TO THE FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE URUGUAY ROUND (UR) TEXTILES AND CLOTHING AGREEMENT WHICH WOULD MEAN 10 YEAR-PHASING OUT OF MULTI FIBRE ARRANGEMENT (MFA).
SPEAKING AT THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF HONG KONG EXPORTERS’ ASSOCIATION TODAY (TUESDAY), MR MILLER SAID THE AGREEMENT PROVIDED CONTINUITY AND CERTAINTY FOR HONG KONG FOR THE NEXT 10 YEARS ON SLIGHTLY BETTER TERMS THAN THE PRESENT.
/"IT PROVIDES
TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 1994
- 8 -
"IT PROVIDES A REASONABLE PERIOD FOR HONG KONG'S ECONOMY TO
ADJUST TO A MORE LIBERAL REGIME," HE SAID.
ON ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS, MR MILLER ENVISAGED THAT BY THE END OF THE PHASE-OUT, HONG KONG'S TEXTILES AND CLOTHING INDUSTRY WOULD HAVE FOLLOWED THE EXAMPLE OF PLASTICS, TOYS, ELECTRONICS ANU OTHERS AND THAT THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A CONSOLIDATION.
MR MILLER SAID: "KEY ELEMENTS OF INDUSTRY ARE LIKELY TO REMAIN IN THE TERRITORY, BUT THE MORE LABOUR INTENSIVE JOBS WILL TEND TO MOVE TO LOWER-WAGE ECONOMIES.
"THE LABOUR FORCE WILL NEED TO ADAPT, BUT THE EXPERIENCE WITH OTHER INDUSTRIES HAS BEEN THAT MORE THAN SUFFICIENT JOBS ARE BEING CREATED IN THE SERVICE SECTOR ALL THE TIME TO TAKE UP ANY SLACK," HE SAID.
MR MILLER ASSURED THAT THE GOVERNMENT STOOD READY TO ASSIST THROUGH INITIATIVES AS THE EMPLOYEES RETRAINING SCHEME.
MR MILLER SAID WHEN CHINA RE-OPENED ITS BORDERS TO TRADE AND INVESTMENT AT THE END OF THE SEVENTIES, HONG KONG ENTREPRENEURS WERE AMONG THE FIRST TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE NEW OPPORTUNITIES NORTH OF THE BORDER.
MOST USED IT AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXPAND THE BASE OF THEIR PRODUCTION, HE SAID, ADDING THAT OVER TIME THERE HAS BEEN AN ELEMENT OF RATIONALISATION.
"THUS WHILE OUR MANUFACTURING WORKFORCE HAS HALVED OVER THE LAST 10 YEARS, OUR PRODUCTION HAS INCREASED IN VALUE BY 80 PER CENT, AND OUR MANUFACTURERS ALSO EMPLOY SOME THREE MILLION WORKERS IN GUANGDONG," HE SAID.
"MOST INDUSTRIES NOW MANAGE LARGE OFF-SHORE OPERATIONS FROM HONG KONG," HE CONCLUDED.
HOWEVER, MR MILLER SAID, THE TEXTILES AND CLOTHING INDUSTRY IS THE ONE SECTOF? OF HONG KONG'S ECONOMY WHICH HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO TAKE REAL ADVANTAGE OF THESE OPPORTUNITIES.
"THIS IS BECAUSE ITS PRODUCTION HAS BEEN AND IS EFFECTIVELY TRAPPED INSIDE HONG KONG BY THE COMBINATION OF QUOTA RESTRAINTS AND RULES OF ORIGIN," HE NOTED.
ALTHOUGH SOME OUTWARD PROCESSING IS POSSIBLE WITHIN THESE RULES, SO FAR, THERE ARE ONLY ABOUT 10 PER CENT OF OUR EXPORTS INVOLVE ANY OUTWARD PROCESSING, HE ADDED.
"THE RESULT IS THAT THE TEXTILES AND CLOTHING SECTOR IS UNABLE TO MAKE THE MOST EFFICIENT USE OF RESOURCES AVAILABLE ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BORDER AND WE HAVE SEEN SOME MAJOR FACTORIES CLOSE DOWN IN RECENT YEARS," HE SAID.
"THE PHASE-OUT OF THE MFA WILL THEREFORE BRING THE INDUSTRY SOME RELIEF, ALBEIT A LITTLE LATE. TEN YEARS PROVIDE A REASONABLE PERIOD FOR THE WORLD TO ADJUST TO THE NEW REGIME," HE SAID.
/"WE WILL .......
- 9 -
'JUtSDAY, AEKJLU JL?,
"WE WILL RE LOOKING FOK WAYS WITHIN THE PHASE-OUT TO ENSURE THE ADJUSTMENT FOR HONG KONG’S INDUSTRY IS AS SMOOTH AS POSSIBLE."
HOWEVER, HE CAUTIONED THAT SOME IMPORTING COUNTRIES, RATHER THAN RISING TO THE CHALLENGE OF COMPETITION, WOULD SEEK PROTECTION IN OTHER FORMS - FOR EXAMPLE, THE USE OF ANT I-DUMP1 NG AND SAFEGUARD ACTIONS.
BUT, HE SAID ANT I-DUMP ING CASES WERE COSTLY AND SAFEGUARD ACTION WAS CAREFULLY CIRCUMSCRI BED IN THE UR PACKAGE.
"THE INCREASINGLY GLOBAL NATURE OF TEXTILES AND CLOTHING PRODUCTION PROCESSES SHOULD ENCOURAGF COMPETITION AND MAKE SUCH PROTECTION MORE DIFFICULT TO SUSTAIN," HE SAID.
REGARDING THE PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS, MR MILLER SAID: "THE RETURN OF TEXTILES AND CLOTHING TO GATT RULES WILL MAKE THE NEED FOR REGULAR RE-NEGOTIATION OF TEXTILE BILATERAL NO LONGER NECESSARY AND SHOULD BRING MORE CERTAINTY TO THE TRADE."
MR MILLER NOTED UNDER THE AGREEMENT, INCONSISTENT RESTRICTIONS OF THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE (GATT) WOULD BE PHASED OUT OVER 10 YEARS.
"THIS PHASING OUT PERIOD IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE CERTAINTY TO THE TRADE AND AVOID ABRUPT CHANGES.
"IT IS DESIGNED TO ALLOW BOTH IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS TO ADJUST, RECOGNISING THAT OVER TIME THE RESTRAINTS HAVE INTRODUCED ENORMOUS DISTORTIONS IN BOI’H TRADE AND INVESTMENT WORLD-WIDE," HE NOTED.
HE SAID THERE WERE TWO ELEMENTS '1’0 THE PHASE-OUT - THE GRADUAL RE-INTEGRATION BY PRODUCTS AND PROGRESSIVE INCREASE IN GROWTH RATES.
THE 10 YEAR-PHASE OUT WILL BE DIVIDED INTO THREE STAGES OF THREE, FOUR AND THREE YEARS RESPECTIVELY, HE SAID.
EACH IMPORTING COUNTRY IS REQUIRED TO INTEGRATE INTO THE GATT, THAT IS, COMPLETELY DE-RESTRAIN, 16 PER CENT OF VOLUME OF IMPORTS COVERED BY UR TEXTILE AND CLOTHING AGREEMENT ON OR BEFORE FIRST DAY OF IMPLEMENTATION, A FURTHER 17 PER CENT AFTER THREE YEARS, ANOTHER 18 PER CENT AFTER FOUR MORE YEARS, AND FINALLY AT END OF JO-YEAR PHASE-OUT PERIOD, THE REMAINING 49 PER CENT WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY DE-RESTRAINED AND MADE SUBJECT TO NORMAL GATT RULES.
AS FOR GROWTH RATE, HE SAID THE REQUIREMENT WAS TO APPLY GROWTH RATES ACCORDING TO FACTORS OF 16 PER CENT, 25 PER CENT AND 27 PER CENT TO EXISTING RESTRAINT LEVELS AT THE START OF EACH OF THE THREE STAGES.
"THE EFFECT OF THIS LATTER INCREASE IN GROWTH RATES WILL BE PROGRESSIVELY TO EXPAND QUOTA LIMITS SO THAT THEY EVENTUALLY BECOME MEANINGLESS," HE NOTED.
/IMPORTING COUNTRIES .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 1994
- 10 -
IMPORTING COUNTRIES ARE REQUIRED TO NOTIFY THE PRODUCTS CHOSEN FOR FIRST PHASE OF INTERGRATION BY OCTOBER 1, 1994.
"OBVIOUSLY THIS WILL REQUIRE SOME CONSULTATION BETWEEN MAJOR IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS,” HE SAID.
IMPORTERS WOULD IN ALL PROBABILITY CHOOSE THE LEAST TRADE SENSITIVE ITEMS FOR INTEGRATION, AND THEREFORE HE EXPECTED THAT MOST OF THE PRODUCTS OF INTEREST TO HONG KONG, THE SO-CALLED "HOT CATEGORIES" WOULD NOT BE DE-RESTRAINED UNTIL THE FINAL PHASE - AT THE END OF THE 10 YEAR TRANSITIONAL PERIOD. THUS HONG KONG WOULD CONTINUE TO HAVE LIVE WITH TEXTILE QUOTA FOR SOME TIME.
CURRENTLY, SOME 70 PER CENT OF HONG KONG TEXTILES AND CLOTHING EXPORT ARE UNDER QUOTA RESTRAINT.
------0--------
STANDING COMMISSION’S REPORT NO. 30 PUBLISHED *****
THE STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE, CHAIRED BY SIR SIDNEY GORDON, HAS PUBLISHED ITS PROGRESS REPORT FOR 1993 (REPORT NO. 30).
DURING THE YEAR, THE COMMISSION EXAMINED AND SUPPORTED PROPOSALS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION FOR THE MERGER OF THE REGISTRAR OF TRADE UNIONS GRADE WITH THE LABOUR OFFICER GRADE, AND THE CREATION OF TWO NEW RANKS IN THE TAXATION OFFICER GRADE.
THE COMMISSION TENDERED ADVICE ON MODIFICATION OF LEAVE PASSAGE ARRANGEMENTS, REVISION OF RATES PAYABLE UNDER THE HOME PURCHASE ALLOWANCE SCHEME AND PAYMENT OF A SPECIAL ALLOWANCE TO THE SENIOR PERSONAL ASSISTANT AND SENIOR PERSONAL SECRETARY IN GOVERNMENT HOUSE.
IN ADDITION, IT ARRANGED FOR THE PAY Sl'h'VI Y AND RESEARCH UNIT TO CARRY OUT A SURVEY ON PAY AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE OF COMPARABLE MODEL SCALE ONE JOBS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
DURING THE YEAR, MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION HELD INFORMAL DISCUSSIONS WITH MAJOR STAFF ASSOCIATIONS TO STAY IN TOUCH WITH ISSUES OF CONCERN TO THE CIVIL SERVICE.
THE REPORT ALSO CONTAINS A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF THE 1992/93 PAY TREND SURVEY, THE COMMISSION’S RECOMMENDATIONS ON HIE METHODOLOGY FOR THE 1993/94 SURVEY, AND THE WORK OF THE PAY TREND SURVEY COMMITTEE DURING 1993.
THE STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE IS AN ADVISORY BODY APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR TO ADVISE AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES GOVERNING PAY AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE AND SALARY STRUCTURE OF THE NON-DIRECTORATE CIVIL SERVICE, OTHER THAN THE JUDICIARY AND DISCIPLINED SERVICES.
THE PROGRESS REPORT IS NOW ON SALE AT $44 AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL.
_ _ _ 0--------
/Il .....
TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 1994
- 11 -
ROAD IMPROVEMENT WORKS IN KOWLOON CITY
*****
THE CARRIAGEWAY RECONSTRUCT I ON AND IMPROVEMENT WORKS UNDER THE PRINCE EDWARD ROAD EAST AND KAI TAK AIRPORT SOUTHERN APPROACH ROAD IMPROVEMENTS CONTRACT HAVE NOW BEEN COMPLETED, A SPOKESMAN EOR THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE EASTBOUND SECTION OF PRINCE EDWARD ROAD EAST BETWEEN SHEK KU LUNG ROAD AND KAI TAK NULLAH HAS ALREADY BERN REOPENED TO ALL TRAFFIC.
THE $42 MILLION PROJECT INCLUDED:
» THE RECONSTRUCTION OF PRINCE EDWARD ROAD EAST BETWEEN KING TAI STREET AND KOWLOON CITY INTERCHANGE AND CARRIAGEWAY-WIDENING WORK;
» WIDENING AND RECONSTRUCTION OF MA TAU CHUNG ROAD AND HANG WAN ROAD;
♦ REALIGNMENT, RECONSTRUCTION AND WIDENING OF OLYMPIC AVENUE, SUNG WONG TOI ROAD, TO KWA WAN ROAD AND SAN SHAN ROAD; AND
* REALIGNMENT OF TRAFFIC ISLAND AND IMPLEMENTATION OF TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES IN KOWLOON CITY ROAD.
THE CONTRACT ALSO INCLUDED IMPROVEMENTS TO LANDSCAPING AT THE JUNCTION BETWEEN SUNG WONG TOI ROAD EASTBOUND AND WESTBOUND, AND THE KOWLOON CITY INTERCHANGE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
AS THE CARRIAGEWAY IS NOW REOPENED, TRAFFIC’ CIRCULATION IN THE AIRPORT AND THE KOWLOON CITY AREAS HAS BEEN IMPROVED, HE ADDED.
------0-------
STUDENTS TARGETTED IN VOTER REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN
*****
FOR THE FIRST TIME, A VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVE IS BEING LAUNCHED IN THE (’AMPUSES OF THE TERTIARY AND POST-SECONDARY INSTITUTIONS IN HONG KONG.
THE DRIVE COINCIDES WITH THE LOWERING OF VOTING AGE FROM 21 TO 18.
THE BELL FOR ROUND ONE WAS SOUNDED TODAY (TUESDAY) WHEN REGISTRATION AND ELECTION OFFICE STAFF BROADCAST "GET-REGISTER' MESSAGES INSIDE THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY.
A MAKE-SHIFT BOOTH IS SET UP TO DISTRIBUTE AND COLLECT VOTER REGISTRATION FORMS. PANELS ARE ALSO PUT UP TO DISPLAY RELEVANT INFORMATION.
/SIMILAR BOOTHS .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 1994
SIMILAR BOOTHS WOULD BE SET UP IM OTHER INSTITUTIONS IN THE ENSUING WEEKS TO TEST THE READINESS OE THE UP-AND-COMING YOUNGSTERS IN TAKING UP THEIR RESPONSIBILITY \S X CITIZEN.
TALKS ARE ALSO BEING ARRANGED EOR STUDENTS ON THE CURRENT VOTER REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN AND THE FORTHCOMING ELECTIONS.
OTHER INSTITUTIONS IN THE NET ARE: THE UNIVERSITY OE HONG KONG, HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, CITY POLYTECHNIC- OE HONG KONG, LI NGNAN COLLEGE, SHUE YAN COLLEGE, HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE, AND THE EOUR COLLEGES OF EDUCATION.
--------0-----------
100 CAR MARKS UP FOR AUCTION
* * * * *
ONE HUNDRED LUCKY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS WILL BE AUCTIONED
ON SATURDAY (APRIL 23) AT THE CITY HALL RECITAL HALL. FIFTY OF THEM WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR BIDDING AT 9.30 AM. THEY
ARE: FU880 CZ607 FV1168 FU611 *AE696 *BC38 FU312 FU1813 DL306 AHI 500 FU620 FU1967 AL218 FV6661 ♦FW101 *DK15 FV663 FU547 FU380 FU172 *AL6 *FL6666 FU889 CL1129 FU820 FU775 CC193 BW6318 FV448 FU1961 *311 *FX789
FU8400 AW381 FT9666 FU275 FU5838 AH3210 BJ1013 FU7751 FU1417 FU9381 IN THE AFTERNOON SESSION, BN3299 FV107 FU9280 FU1983 *FU4444 FV2837 FU8239 *AH6767 WHICH WILL START AT 2.30 PM, THE
OTHER 50 MARKS WILL BE AVAILABLE FU288 AW378 FV320 CT351 »DK30 *FV8338 FV348 FV360 FV193 DW318 HK1138 FV120 BL625 FU688 ♦ BC68 *442 FW1959 FU8666 FV2220 FV1238 FU6373 ADI 963 AW7123 FU7208 FV8413 FV1832 FOR BIDDING. THE ARE: AA3778 CT715 FV850 FU6778 ♦ DL6 *AS15 FL1668 FU8500 FU128 AK7033 BL1811 FU8328 FF1628 FU6123 ♦AL18 *FW181 FU3181 FP8870 FV9280 FV6009 *FY4000 FV1127 FV6762 *DS757
♦ SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK (NOT TRANSFERABLE)
/SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 1994
- 13 -
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS MUST PAY BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT 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 222ND AND 223RD ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973.
---------0-----------
CASH AID TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS
* * * ♦ *
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) APPROVED $38,523 FROM THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE (TAVA) FUND TO A MAN WHOSE THREE FAMILY MEMBERS WERE KILLED IN A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT AT TAI PO ROAD NEAR THE SHA TIN RACECOURSE LAST TUESDAY (APRIL 12).
THE MAN’S WIFE, SON AND DAUGHTER ALL DIED DURING THE ACCIDENT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE TAVA SCHEME PROVIDED QUICK FINANCIAL HELP TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS OR THEIR DEPENDANTS, REGARDLESS OF THE MEANS OF A FAMILY OR THE FAULT ELEMENT IN THE ACCIDENT.
BENEFICIARIES UNDER THE SCHEME WILL RETAIN THE RIGHT TO MAKE CLAIMS FOR LEGAL DAMAGES OR COMPENSATION FROM OTHER SOURCES IN THE USUAL WAY.
HOWEVER, THOSE WHO RECEIVE OTHER DAMAGES OF COMPENSATION RELATING TO THE SAME ACCIDENT ARE REQUIRED TO REPAY THE AMOUNT OF ASSISTANCE ALREADY RECEIVED FROM THE SCHEME.
’’BUT IN ANY CASE, THE AMOUNT REPAID WILL NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNT OF DAMAGES OR COMPENSATION AWARDED,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
ENQUIRIES AbOUt THE SCHEME MAY Efe OlRfeCtED TO THfe DEPARTMENT'S taVa section in Room §42, nInth floor, wtf cMung HouSe, 213 queen’s ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI OR ON TEL 892 5526.
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/14 .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 1994
- 14 -
TEACHERS AND PRINCIPALS URGED TO VOTE TOMORROW
* * * * *
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT APPEALED TO ALL FULL-TIME REGISTERED AND PERMITTED TEACHERS, INCLUDING PRINCIPALS AND HEAD TEACHERS, TO VOTE IN THE FIRST ELECTION TO THE COUNCIL ON PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT IN EDUCATION TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THE ELECTION WILL BE HELD IN INDIVIDUAL SCHOOLS WHICH WILL CONDUCT THEIR OWN VOTING SESSIONS UNDER GUIDELINES ISSUED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
THE DEPARTMENT WILL CONDUCT RANDOM INSPECTIONS TO ENSURE THAT THE ELECTION IS FAIR.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN CALLED ON TEACHERS OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS, KINDERGARTENS AND SPECIAL SCHOOLS TO EXERCISE THEIR RIGHT IN ELECTING CANDIDATES TO REPRESENT THEM ON THE COUNCIL.
THE COUNCIL IS AIMED AT PROMOTING THE INTERESTS OF THE TEACHING PROFESSION BY ENHANCING PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT AND STATUS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE URGED TEACHERS AND PRINCIPALS TO SHOW SUPPORT FOR THE COUNCIL BY VOTING IN TOMORROW’S ELECTION.
IF TEACHERS TEACH IN MORE THAN ONE SCHOOL, THEY SHOULD OPT TO EXERCISE THEIR VOTING RIGHT IN ONLY ONE OF THE SCHOOLS. SHOULD TEACHERS VOTE IN MORE THAN ONE SCHOOL, THE BALLOT PAPERS WILL BE CONSIDERED NULL.
TEACHERS WHO ARE ELIGIBLE TO VOTE ARE REMINDED TO STUDY CAREFULLY THE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE BALLOT PAPERS BEFORE PUTTING DOWN THEIR CHOICES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID: "VOTERS SHOULD NOT PUT DOWN THEIR NAMES OR ANY OTHER MARKS OF IDENTIFICATION ON THE BALLOT PAPERS. OTHERWISE, THE VOTE WILL BE CONSIDERED VOID."
VOTERS CAN CHOOSE CANDIDATES FROM ANY OR ALL OF THE THREE TYPES OF SCHOOLS, NAMELY, GOVERNMENT, AIDED AND PRIVATE. THEY MAY VOTE FOR A MAXIMUM OF FIVE CANDIDATES, THREE FROM AIDED SCHOOLS AND ONE FROM EACH OF GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS.
KINDERGARTEN AND SPECIAL SCHOOL TEACHERS SHOULD CAST NO MORE THAN TWO VOTES FOR CANDIDATES IN THEIR OWN CATEGORY.
TEACHERS, HOWEVER, ARE REMINDED NOT TO CHOOSE MORE THAN THE NUMBER OF CANDIDATES AS SPECIFIED IN EACH CATEGORY. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE VOTE WILL BE TREATED AS INVALID.
"TEACHERS SHOULD NOT MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY TO ELECT THEIR REPRESENTATIVES ON THE COUNCIL," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/THE COUNCIL .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 1994
15
THE COUNCIL ON PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT IN EDUCATION IS A NON-STATUTORY BODY TO ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT ON MEASURES TO PROMOTE PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT IN EDUCATION, INCLUDING THE DRAFTING OF OPERATION CRITERIA DEFINING THE CONDUCT EXPECTED OF AN EDUCATOR, AND ADVISING THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION ON DISPUTES OR ALLEGED PROFESSIONAL MISCONDUCT.
RESULTS OF THE ELECTION WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON FRIDAY (APRIL 22).
THE FIRST MEETING OF THE NEW COUNCIL WILL BE HELD ON APRIL 27, 1994.
------0-------
POLLUTION CASES RELEASED ♦ * * * ♦
A TOTAL OF 51 CONVICTIONS WERE MADE IN THE COURTS LAST MONTH FOR BREACHING ANTI-POLLUTION LEGISLATION ENFORCED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT.
AMONG THEM, 11 WERE CONVICTIONS MADE UNDER THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE (WPCO), 18 UNDER THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE (APCO), 21 UNDER THE NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE (NCO) AND ONE UNDER THE WASTE DISPOSAL ORDINANCE (WDO), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
THE FINES IMPOSED RANGED FROM $1,000 TO $122,500. TRADE BATTLE LTD WAS FINED $122,500 UPON ITS THIRD CONVICTION FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IN A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE. THE COMPANY WAS FINED $50,000 PLUS A DAILY FINE OF $2,500 FOR 29 DAYS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
ENQUIRIES ON SPECIFIC CASES CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE FOLLOWING
PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICERS:
APCO: MR FRANKLIN CHUNG TEL: 594 6200
NCO: MR STEVEN HO TEL: 594 6500
WDO: MR PATRICK LEI TEL: 685 1133
WPCO: CASES 10,12 AND 21 MR MURRAY LUO TEL: 415 9211
CASES 3,8,27,31 ,36, MR 39,40 AND 48 PATRICK LEI TEL: 685 1133
HOWEVER, ENQUIRIES ON GENERAL ISSUES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE DEPARTMENT'S MEDIA RELATIONS UNIT.
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/16........
TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 1994
- 16 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS *****
TENDER DATE 19 APR 94 19 APR 94
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q416 Y488
AMOUNT APPLIED HK$5,800 MN HK$l,790 MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED HK$l,500 MN HK$500 MN
AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED 3.86 PCT 4.76 PCT
HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED 3.87 PCT 4.78 PCT
PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 61 PCT ABOUT 26 PCT
AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 3.90 PCT 4.82 PCT
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDERS TO BE HELD IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 25 APRIL 1994 -
TENDER DATE 25 APR 94 26 APR 94 26 APR 94
PAPER ON OFFER EF NOTES EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER 3704 Q417 H463
ISSUE DATE 26 APR 94 27 APR 94 27 APR 94
MATURITY DATE 28 APR 97 27 JUL 94 26 OCT 94
TENOR 3 YEARS 91 DAYS 182 DAYS
AMOUNT ON OFFER HK$500 + 100 MN HK$l,500 + 300 MN HK$800 + 160 MN
COUPON 6.15 PCT
o -
/17........
TUESDAY, \PRIL 19, 1994
- 17 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TI ME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,149 0930 + 495
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,879 1000 + 695
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1 100 + 775
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 775 1200 + 775
LAE TODAY -45 1500 + 775
1600 + 775
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/1.00 OFFER TWI 125.2 *-0. 1 * 19.4.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.31 16 MONTHS 2508 4.625 99.52 5.06
1 MONTH 3.50 19 MONTHS 251 1 4.15 98.35 5.31
3 MONTHS 3.86 22 MONTHS 2602 4.40 98.06 5.60
6 MONTHS 4.23 30 MONTHS 3610 4.20 95.81 6.10
12 MONTHS 4.70 33 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.96 6.30
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 22,824 MN
CLOSED 19 APRIL 1994
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL.: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1994
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
CS TO VISIT U.S.............................................. 1
EXTENSION OF ORDINANCE PROLONGS UNCERTAINTY AND WORRY OF CIVIL SERVANTS............................................... 2
LAND REGISTRATION FIGURES FOR MARCH.......................... 3
IP’S VISIT VIET CENTRES...................................... 4
CONDUCT COUNCIL ELECTION COMPLETED........................... 4
SECONDARY STUDENTS ANSWER VOTER REGISTRATION CALL............ 5
721 STUDENTS EARN IMPROVEMENT AWARDS......................... 5
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ....
6
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1994
1
CS TO VISIT U.S.
*****
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, WILL MEET SENIOR U.S. OFFICIALS, INCLUDING ACTING SECRETARY OF STATE MR STROBE TALBOTT, AND CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS DURING HER OFFICIAL VISIT TO WASHINGTON AND NEW YORK FROM SUNDAY (APRIL 24).
IT WILL BE MRS CHAN’S FIRST OFFICIAL VISIT TO THE UNITED STATES AS CHIEF SECRETARY.
MRS CHAN WILL LEAVE HONG KONG ON FRIDAY NIGHT (APRIL 22) FOR THE WEEK-LONG VISIT AIMED AT STRENGTHENING THE TRADITIONALLY CLOSE ECONOMIC AND TRADE TIES BETWEEN HONG KONG AND THE UNITED STATES, AS WELL AS RAISING HONG KONG’S CONCERNS OVER THE POSSIBLE WITHDRAWAL BY THE U.S. OF CHINA’S MOST FAVOURED NATION (MFN) TRADING STATUS.
IN ADDITION TO MEETING MR TALBOTT, THE CHIEF SECRETARY WILL CALL ON OTHER SENIOR U.S. OFFICIALS IN WASHINGTON, INCLUDING THE TREASURY SECRETARY, MR LLOYD BENTSEN; NATIONAL ECONOMIC ADVISER MR ROBERT RUBIN, AND THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF STATE FOR EAST ASIAN AND PACIFIC AFFAIRS, MR WINSTON LORD.
SHE WILL ALSO HAVE MEETINGS WITH LEADING FIGURES IN THE SENATE, INCLUDING SENATE MAJORITY LEADER SENATOR GEORGE MITCHELL, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE INTERNATIONAL TRADE SUB-COMMITTEE, SENATOR MAX BAUCUS, AND SENATOR CHUCK ROBB OF THE EAST ASIA AND PACIFIC AFFAIRS SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE SENATE FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE.
AMONG MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, MRS CHAN WILL CALL ON THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HOUSE FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, REPRESENTATIVE LEE HAMILTON, AND REPRESENTATIVE NANCY PELOSI.
SEPARATELY, SHE WILL MEET THE ASIA AND PACIFIC AFFAIRS SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE HOUSE FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE CHAIRED BY REPRESENTATIVE GARY ACKERMAN.
IN HER MEETINGS, MRS CHAN WILL UNDERLINE HONG KONG’S FUTURE AND ITS ROLE AS A GATEWAY TO SOUTHERN CHINA AND THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION. SHE WILL ALSO EMPHASISE THE DAMAGE THAT WOULD OCCUR TO HONG KONG AND U.S. BUSINESS INTERESTS IN HONG KONG IF CHINA’S MFN STATUS IS NOT UNCONDITIONALLY RENEWED.
"THE UNITED STATES AND CHINA ARE HONG KONG’S TWO LARGEST TRADING PARTNERS. GOOD RELATIONS BETWEEN THEM ARE A VITAL FACTOR IN HONG KONG’S LONG-TERM SUCCESS," MRS CHAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SHE WILL DELIVER A KEYNOTE ADDRESS IN WASHINGTON TO THE NATIONAL PRESS CLUB ON MONDAY (APRIL 25) AND WILL .HAVE OTHER MEETINGS WITH THE MEDIA, INCLUDING THE EDITORIAL BOARD OF THE WASHINGTON POST.
AS PART OF HER NEW YORK VISIT, MRS CHAN WILL ADDRESS A LUNCHEON HOSTED BY THE ASIA SOCIETY AND THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK, A BREAKFAST MEETING OF THE COUNCIL ON FOREIGN RELATIONS AND MEET FINANCIERS, ACADEMICS, BUSINESSMEN AND POLICY ADVISERS, AS WELL AS MEETING THE EDITORIAL BOARDS OF THE NEW YORK TIMES AND THE WALL STREET JOURNAL.
MRS CHAN WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR TONY MILLER; THE DEPUTY INFORMATION CO-ORDINATOR, MR KERRY MCGLYNN; AND HER ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT, MR ANDREW WONG.
------0--------
/2 .....
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1994
- 2 -
EXTENSION OF ORDINANCE PROLONGS UNCERTAINTY AND WORRY OF CIVIL SERVANTS *****
THE ADMINISTRATION IS VERY DISAPPOINTED THAT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS HAVE TODAY (WEDNESDAY) DECIDED TO EXTEND THE LIFE OF THE PUBLIC OFFICERS (VARIATION OF CONDITIONS OF SERVICE)(TEMPORARY PROVISIONS) ORDINANCE.
THE EXTENSION WOULD NOT HELP SOLVE THE PROBLEM BUT WOULD ONLY PROLONG THE UNCERTAINTY FOR BOTH LOCAL AND OVERSEAS STAFF, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
"IT MAY ALSO AFFECT THE OPERATION OF SOME DEPARTMENTS," HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT AFTER INTENSIVE DISCUSSIONS WITH THE LOCAL AND OVERSEAS STAFF ASSOCIATIONS, IT WAS APPARENT THAT DIFFERENCES HAD BEEN NARROWED AS FAR AS WAS POSSIBLE.
BOTH STAFF ASSOCIATIONS WOULD NOW WISH TO RESERVE THEIR RESPECTIVE POSITIONS AND IT IS UNREALISTIC TO EXPECT THAT ALL PARTIES COULD REACH A CONSENSUS AND OPENLY SUPPORT ANY PROPOSAL THAT DIFFERS FROM THEIR OWN.
"WHILE OUR DOOR IS ALWAYS OPEN IT IS DIFFICULT IN PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES TO SEE HOW FURTHER DISCUSSIONS CAN LEAD TO A UNIVERSALLY ACCEPTABLE SOLUTION," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE STRESSED THAT THE ADMINISTRATION SHOULD HAVE BEEN ALLOWED TO MAKE A DECISION AND GET ON WITH THE JOB OF MANAGING THE CIVIL SERVICE.
A MUCH MORE IMPORTANT TASK IS TO WORK OUT THE COMMON TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE IN FUTURE.
"THE INTERIM MEASURE OF ALLOWING OVERSEAS OFFICERS WHO ARE PERMANENT RESIDENTS TO TRANSFER TO LOCAL TERMS SUBJECT TO CERTAIN CONDITIONS IS NO MORE THAN A SHORT-TERM ARRANGEMENT PENDING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMMON TERMS.
"HOWEVER SINCE THE ORDINANCE HAS NOW BEEN EXTENDED, NO TRANSFER TO LOCAL CONDITIONS IS ALLOWED TO TAKE PLACE UNTIL JULY 6.
"ON THE OTHER HAND, OVERSEAS OFFICERS WHO ARE PERMANENT RESIDENTS CANNOT BE REFUSED FURTHER EMPLOYMENT SOLELY ON GROUNDS OF LOCALISATION BECAUSE OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS, WHICH PROVIDES THAT ALL PERMANENT RESIDENTS SHALL HAVE EQUAL RIGHT OF ACCESS TO PUBLIC SERVICE.”
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT THE ADMINISTRATION WOULD HAVE TO CONTINUE TO PROCESS APPLICATIONS AND GRANT APPROVAL IN PRINCIPLE TO OFFICERS WHO MEET THE CRITERIA FOR TRANSFER.
FOR THOSE ELIGIBLE OFFICERS WHOSE CONTRACTS WILL BE EXPIRING SOON, THE ADMINISTRATION WILL HAVE NO OPTION BUT TO EXTEND THEIR CONTRACTS ON OVERSEAS CONDITIONS OF SERVICE UNTIL THE ORDINANCE EXPIRES.
/REGARDING THE .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1994
- 3 -
REGARDING THE PACKAGE OFFERED BY THE ADMINISTRATION, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THERE WOULD BE DIFFICULTIES IN PROCEEDING WITH IT WHILE THE ORDINANCE WAS IN EFFECT.
"THE ORDINANCE PREVENTS ANYONE TRANSFERRING TO LOCAL CONDITIONS.
"FURTHERMORE IT WAS A CONDITION OF OUR PUTTING OUR PACKAGE FORWARD THAT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SHOULD NO LONGER ATTEMPT TO MANAGE THE CIVIL SERVICE THROUGH LEGISLATION."
THE PACKAGE INCLUDED MEASURES SUCH AS OFFERING CERTAIN APPLICANTS FOR TRANSFER TO LOCAL TERMS EMPLOYMENT AT A LOWER RANK, CONSIDERING SPECIAL MEASURES TO HELP INDIVIDUAL DESERVING LOCAL OFFICERS WHOSE PROMOTION PROSPECT WOULD BE AFFECTED BY THE INTERIM MEASURE, AND OPENING UP THE POSITIONS HELD BY CONTRACT OFFERS FOR COMPETITION BY OFFICERS AT A LOWER RANK.
"WE SHALL REFLECT ON THE SITUATION AS A WHOLE BEFORE DECIDING WHETHER THERE IS ANYTHING MORE WE CAN DO TO MOVE TOWARDS A SETTLEMENT," THE SPOKESMAN CONCLUDED.
------0-------
LAND REGISTRATION FIGURES FOR MARCH *****
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF SALE AND PURCHASE AGREEMENTS OF BUILDING UNITS, MAINLY FLATS, RECEIVED BY THE LAND REGISTRY LAST MONTH FOR REGISTRATION INCREASED BY 1.7 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS MONTH, AND INCREASED BY 13.4 PER CENT COMPARED WITH MARCH LAST YEAR.
THE AGREEMENTS TOTALLED 13,241 INVOLVING $53.62 BILLION.
THESE ARE SHOWN IN THE MONTHLY STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE LAND REGISTRAR ON PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS RECEIVED FOR REGISTRATION AT THE URBAN AND NEW TERRITORIES LAND REGISTRIES.
A TABLE SHOWING THE RELEVANT STATISTICS FOR FEBRUARY 1994 AND FOR MARCH 1993 WAS ALSO RELEASED.
THREE BUILDING MORTGAGES AND 13,402 OTHER MORTGAGES WERE RECEIVED FOR REGISTRATION LAST MONTH, COMPARED WITH SIX AND 9,272 RESPECTIVELY IN MARCH LAST YEAR.
THE TOTAL AMOUNT SECURED UNDER NEW BUILDING MORTGAGES LAST MONTH WAS $2.85 BILLION, COMPARED WITH $1.18 BILLION IN MARCH LAST YEAR.
THE TOTAL AMOUNT SECURED UNDER NEW MORTGAGES OTHER THAN BUILDING MORTGAGES INCREASED BY 88.1 PER CENT, FROM $5.2 BILLION IN MARCH LAST YEAR TO $9.78 BILLION IN MARCH THIS YEAR.
REPAYMENTS UNDER MORTGAGES OF ALL KINDS, AS EVIDENCED BY DISCHARGES AND MORTGAGEE’S RECEIPTS, INCREASED BY 23.7 PER CENT, FROM $2.88 BILLION IN MARCH LAST YEAR TO $3.56 BILLION IN MARCH THIS YEAR.
------0-------
/4......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1994
JP'S VISIT VIET CENTRES *****
THE TWO JUSTICES OF THE PEACE CONDUCTING AN INQUIRY INTO THE WHITEHEAD INCIDENT WHICH OCCURRED ON APRIL 7, MR ANDREW LI AND PROFESSOR DAVID TODD, VISITED THE WHITEHEAD DETENTION CENTRE, THE HIGH ISLAND DETENTION CENTRE AND THE CHI MA WAN DETENTION CENTRE TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THEIR VISIT TO WHITEHEAD WAS TO FAMILIARISE THEMSELVES WITH THE CENTRE AND ITS SURROUNDINGS IN ORDER TO BETTER UNDERSTAND EVENTS ON THAT DAY.
AT HIGH ISLAND AND CHI MA WAN, THEY SAW A NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAD SUSTAINED INJURIES IN THE INCIDENT.
MR LI AND PROFESSOR TODD WILL BE VISITING THE THREE CENTRES SHORTLY TO INTERVIEW THOSE WHO WERE INVOLVED IN THE INCIDENT.
THEY SAID THEY WERE CONTENT WITH THE CO-OPERATION ACCORDED TO THEM SO FAR IN CONDUCTING THE ENQUIRY.
RESPONDING TO A NEWSPAPER QUERY TODAY AS TO WHETHER HE HAD HAD ANY PRIOR KNOWLEDGE OF THE OPERATION AT WHITEHEAD, MR LI SAID HE HAD NO KNOWLEDGE OF THE OPERATION UNTIL IT WAS REPORTED BY THE MEDIA.
------0-------
CONDUCT COUNCIL ELECTION COMPLETED
*****
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WONG, VISITED THE TRUE LIGHT MIDDLE SCHOOL OF HONG KONG IN CAUSEWAY BAY TODAY (WEDNESDAY) TO SEE FOR HIMSELF HOW THE VOTING SESSIONS FOR THE TEACHER-NOMINATED CANDIDATES OF THE COUNCIL ON PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT IN EDUCATION WERE HELD.
MR WONG WAS PLEASED TO SEE THAT ALL 33 PRIMARY TEACHERS FROM THE PRIMARY SESSION AND 59 SECONDARY TEACHERS CAME FORWARD TO CAST THEIR VOTES.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID: "OTHER SCHOOLS HAD ALSO ARRANGED THEIR OWN VOTING SESSIONS FOR ALL FULL-TIME REGISTERED AND PERMITTED TEACHERS, INCLUDING PRINCIPALS AND HEAD TEACHERS, TO CAST THEIR VOTES.
"TO ENSURE THAT THE SCHOOLS COMPLIED WITH EDUCATION DEPARTMENT GUIDANCE WHEN HOLDING THE ELECTION, THE DEPARTMENT HAD CONDUCTED MORE THAN 300 VISITS TO SCHOOLS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
"ONLY A FEW CASES OF IRREGULARITIES WERE DETECTED. THESE INCLUDED FAILURE ON THE PART OF VOTERS TO SIGN UP WHEN COLLECTING THEIR BALLOT PAPERS, AND ONE CASE OF THE BALLOT PAPERS BEING DISTRIBUTED PRIOR TO VOTING DAY," HE SAID.
ACCORDING TO A TEACHER SURVEY CONDUCTED IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR, THERE IS A TOTAL OF 44,469 ELIGIBLE VOTERS.
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/5......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1994
- 5 -
SECONDARY STUDENTS ANSWER VOTER REGISTRATION CALL t t * * »
ABOUT 60 SECONDARY STUDENTS IN WONG TAI SIN TODAY (WEDNESDAY) REGISTERED AS VOTERS IN RESPONSE TO A CALL BY DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALDAN KWOK.
THESE STUDENTS, AGED BETWEEN 18 AND 20, WILL BE ABLE TO CAST THEIR BALLOTS IN THE COMING DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS ON SEPTEMBER 18 AS WELL AS THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS NEXT YEAR.
SPEAKING AT A VOTER REGISTRATION FUNCTION, MR KWOK SAID A DISTRICT-WIDE PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN HAD ALREADY BEEN LAUNCHED TO ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS TO BECOME ELECTORS.
"WITH THE LOWERING OF VOTING AGE TO 18, STAFF OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE WILL PAY SPECIAL VISITS TO SCHOOLS AND YOUTH CENTRES IN THE AREA, URGING ELIGIBLE YOUNGSTERS TO REGISTER," HE ADDED.
WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE’S VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVE, WHICH ALSO INCLUDES INTENSIVE HOUSEHOLD VISITS, BEGAN ON APRIL 1.
------0--------
721 STUDENTS EARN IMPROVEMENT AWARDS
*****
A RECORD NUMBER OF 721 JUNIOR SECONDARY STUDENTS FROM 369 SCHOOLS WILL BE PRESENTED WITH THE MOST IMPROVED STUDENT AWARDS TOMORROW (THURSDAY) FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS IN BOTH STUDY AND CONDUCT OVER THE PAST SCHOOL YEAR.
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WONG AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SING TAO FOUNDATION, MISS SALLY AW SIAN, WILL PRESENT AWARDS TO THE STUDENTS AT THE CEREMONY WHICH WILL INCLUDE ORCHESTRA, CHINESE DANCE, CHOIR AND MARCHING BAND PERFORMANCES.
THE AWARD SCHEME IS AIMED AT JUNIOR SECONDARY STUDENTS WHO HAVE ATTAINED THE BEST ALL-ROUND IMPROVEMENT IN PERFORMANCE OVER THE PAST SCHOOL YEAR.
THE NUMBER OF AWARDS IS LIMITED TO TWO FOR EACH PARTICIPATING SCHOOL - ONE FOR A STUDENT WHO HAS COMPLETED SECONDARY TWO AND THE OTHER FOR A STUDENT WHO HAS COMPLETED SECONDARY THREE.
THE EVENT IS ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND SPONSORED BY THE SING TAO FOUNDATION.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WHICH WILL COMMENCE AT 3 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM, OI KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI.
------0--------
/6......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1994
- 6 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,879 0930 -32
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,201 1000 -58
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 + 7
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY +7 1200 + 7
LAF TODAY -685 1500 4-7
1600 +7
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 125.2 *+0.0* 20.4.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.20 16 MONTHS 2508 4.625 99.44 5.13
1 MONTH 3.44 19 MONTHS 2511 4.15 98.29 5.35
3 MONTHS 3.87 22 MONTHS 2602 4.40 98.04 5.62
6 MONTHS 4.26 30 MONTHS 3610 4.20 95.72 6.15
12 MONTHS 4.85 33 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.92 6.32
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 24,794 MN
CLOSED 20 APRIL 1994
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUPPLEMENT
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING:
FS OUTLINES PROGRESS ON AIRPORT PROJECTS.................... 1
SPEECH BY FS IN AIRPORT MOTION DEBATE....................... 2
SHW DISTINGUISHES TERMINOLOGY ON HEALTHCARE FINANCING... 5
CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES BELL INTRODUCED............... 7
BILL ON CLOSING WELLS AND ENERGY CONSERVATION............... 8
BILL TO GIVE CEMETERY BODY FULL LEGAL POWERS................ 9
PUBLIC ORDER BILL INTRODUCED............................... 10
EMPLOYMENT OF UNDERAGE YOUTH ON CONSTRUCTION SITES BANNED..................................................... 11
MAGISTRATES’ COURT FEES TO BE INCREASED.................... 11
MATRIMONIAL CAUSES FEES TO BE INCREASED.................... 12
MTRC ANNUAL REPORT TABLED................................. 12
ADVICE GIVEN TO MOTORISTS INVOLVED IN MINOR ACCIDENTS... 13
GOVT AIMS TO MODERATE PROPERTY PRICES...................... 13
INFORMATION OF BNS APPLICANTS PROTECTED.................... 14
/CREATION OF...
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
CREATION OF APPLIED RESEARCH CENTRE......................... 15
PUBLIC HOUSING RESOURCES USED EFFICIENTLY................... 15
PROCESSING OF VISA APPLICATIONS FROM CHINESE VISITORS..... 16
IMPROVED SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY........................... 16
MEASURES FOR WASTE MINIMISATION AND RECYCLING............... 17
CROSS BORDER CHANNELS SUCCESSFUL IN RESOLVING DISPUTES.... 18
PSYCHOGERIATRIC TEAMS PROVIDE OUTREACH SERVICES............. 18
TWO MORE OUTRE ACHING SOCIAL WORK TEAMS DUE TO SET UP..... 19
GOVT SPENT $3,491 MILLION ON PROPERTY IN 1993/94 ........... 19
MORE PRIVATELY-RUN ICE SKATING RINKS IN THE PIPELINE........ 20
ACQUITTED DEFENDANT OFFERED EX GRATIA PAYMENT............... 20
166 BONA VACANTIA CASES..................................... 21
POLICE DEPLOYMENT FOR LEGCO MEMBERS’ NT VISIT............... 22
NEW FORMULA FOR CALCULATING DEMAND FOR REHABILITATION SERVICES.................................................... 22
MARINE POLICE FLEET SIZE UNDER ONGOING REVIEW............... 23
SMALL HOUSE POLICY EXPLAINED................................ 24
ADEQUATE POLICE RESOURCES TO ENSURE PUBLIC SAFETY........... 24
MOTION ON AIRPORT FINANCING VETOED.......................... 25
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1994
1
FS OUTLINES PROGRESS ON AIRPORT PROJECTS
♦ * ♦ * »
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR HAMISH MACLEOD, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S STEP-BY-STEP APPROACH TO THE FUNDING OF PROJECTS ON THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME HAD ’’MAINTAINED THE MOMENTUM OF PHYSICAL WORKS", AND ENABLED A "GREAT DEAL OF PROGRESS" TO BE MADE.
ADDRESSING THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY STRESSED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS CONTINUING TO SEEK AGREEMENT WITH THE CHINESE SIDE ON FINANCING FOR THE AIRPORT AND AIRPORT RAILWAY.
SIR HAMISH SAID: "WE ARE ENERGETICALLY PURSUING TWO PARALLEL COURSES OF ACTION. FIRST, WE CONTINUE TO TAKE POSITIVE STEPS TO SEEK TO REACH AGREEMENT WITH THE CHINESE SIDE ON THE FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE AIRPORT AND THE AIRPORT RAILWAY.
"SECONDLY, WE CONTINUE TO SEEK FUNDS FROM THE FINANCE COMMITTEE ON A STEP-BY-STEP BASIS TO ENSURE THAT WE MAINTAIN MOMENTUM IN CARRYING FORWARD AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME PROJECTS AS FAR AS WE CAN, TO MINIMISE DELAY AND THE ADDITIONAL COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH IT."
SIR HAMISH EXPLAINED THAT, SINCE EARLY 1992, FOUR SETS OF FINANCING PROPOSALS HAD BEEN SUBMITTED TO THE CHINESE SIDE. THE FOURTH PROPOSAL INCREASED THE PROPOSED EQUITY INJECTION DRAMATICALLY.
IN ADDITION TO THE ORIGINAL $20.3 BILLION, THERE WERE TWO FURTHER SUMS. FIRST THERE WAS A FURTHER INJECTION OF $20 BILLION FROM RESERVES. SECONDLY THERE WAS ABOUT HALF OF THE APPROXIMATELY $40 BILLION ADDITIONAL REVENUE TO BE OBTAINED FROM AIRPORT RAILWAY RELATED LAND IN THE PERIOD TO JUNE 1997.
"ALL THIS SHOWS THAT WE HAVE DONE OUR BEST TO BE AS FLEXIBLE AND AS POSITIVE AS WE CAN IN RESPONSE TO THE VIEWS OF THE CHINESE SIDE. WE ARE ALREADY HAVING DISCUSSIONS AT THE EXPERT LEVEL WITH THE CHINESE SIDE ON THE FOURTH SET OF FINANCING PROPOSALS," SAID SIR HAMISH.
"ALTHOUGH OUR TALKS WITH THE CHINESE SIDE HAVE NOT YET PRODUCED A FULL AGREEMENT ON THE AIRPORT AND AIRPORT RAILWAY FINANCING, WE HAVE MAINTAINED THE MOMENTUM OF PHYSICAL WORKS WITH OUR STEP-BY-STEP APPROACH TO THE FUNDING OF PROJECTS."
OVERALL ON THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME, CONTRACTS TOTALLING SOME $48 BILLION HAD BEEN AWARDED, ALL WITHIN BUDGET AND PROGRESSING WELL.
"YOU ONLY HAVE TO LOOK OUT INTO THE HARBOUR TO REALISE THE TREMENDOUS ACHIEVEMENTS WE ARE MAKING: THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION, WHICH IS MORE THAN 70 PER CENT COMPLETE; AND THE TWIN TOWERS OF THE TSING MA BRIDGEj WHICH HAVE REACHED THEIR FULL HEIGHT AND ARE NOW BEING LINKED UP WITH WtRE§ THAT WILL FORM A CATWALK FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKERS," SAID SIR HAMISH.
WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE, THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY HAS ALREADY COMPLETED 92 PER CENT OF THE DESIGN FOR THE PASSENGER TERMINAL BUILDING AND ABOUT 35 PER CENT OF THE DESIGN FOR OTHER ESSENTIAL SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT.
/THE SITE .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1994
- 2 -
THE SITE PLATFORM IS ABOUT HALF COMPLETE, WITH OVER 600 HECTARES OF LAND FORMED - ABOUT THE SIZE OF TWO KAI TAK AIRPORTS.
SIMILARLY, WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE, SOME ESSENTIAL ROUTE PROTECTION AND ADVANCE WORKS HAVE BEEN STARTED FOR THE AIRPORT RAILWAY.
IF THESE ADVANCE WORKS WERE NOT ALLOWED TO PROCEED UNTIL AN AGREEMENT ON THE RAILWAY FINANCING WAS IN PLACE, THE WORKS WOULD BE DEFERRED, TECHNICAL INTERFACE ISSUES COMPLICATED, DISRUPTION TO THE PUBLIC PROLONGED, AND THE COST OF WORKS EVENTUALLY INCREASED.
SIR HAMISH SAID: ’’THUS, OUR STEP-BY-STEP APPROACH HAS ENABLED US TO MAKE A GREAT DEAL OF PROGRESS IN THE PHYSICAL CONSTRUCTION OF THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME, INCLUDING THE AIRPORT AND THE AIRPORT RAILWAY.
"HAD WE WAITED FOR THE TALKS TO BE COMPLETED BEFORE PROCEEDING ALONG THIS LINE, WE COULD HAVE LOST OVER TWO YEARS OF VALUABLE CONSTRUCTION TIME; WITH EXTRA COSTS FOR THE DEFERRED WORKS."
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SPEECH BY FS IN AIRPORT MOTION DEBATE
*****
THE FOLLOWING IS A SPEECH BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR HAMISH MACLEOD, ON THE MOTION ON THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL:
MR PRESIDENT,
I AM GRATEFUL TO THE MANY MEMBERS WHO REAFFIRMED THEIR CONVICTION THAT IT IS IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF HONG KONG FOR THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME TO BE COMPLETED AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE. I BELIEVE THIS CONVICTION REFLECTS A WIDELY ACCEPTED RECOGNITION THAT THE PROGRAMME WILL PROVIDE THE INFRASTRUCTURE WE MUST HAVE IF HONG KONG IS TO CONTINUE TO GROW AND MAINTAIN ITS LEAD AS A LEADING CENTRE FOR TRADE, FINANCE, MANUFACTURE AND TOURISM. NOR IS IT ONLY THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AND ITS GOVERNMENT WHO RECOGNISE THE NEED FOR THE EARLY COMPLETION OF THESE PROJECTS. THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING RECORDS THE VIEW OF BOTH THE BRITISH AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS THAT WE SHOULD ALL MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO COMPLETE THESE PROJECTS TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT POSSIBLE BY 30 JUNE 1997.
SINCE ALL PARTIES SO CLEARLY AGREE THAT WE SHOULD GET ON WITH IT, I SHARE MEMBERS’ FRUSTRATION THAT WE ARE HAVING DIFFICULTY IN MOVING FROM STATEMENTS OF INTENT TO THE RESOLUTION OF THE FEW ISSUES WHICH CONTINUE TO STAND IN THE WAY OF REACHING THE GOAL WE ALL WISH TO ACHIEVE.
/NEVERTHELESS, WE .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1994
3 -
NEVERTHELESS, WE ARE ENERGETICALLY PURSUING TWO PARALLEL COURSES OE ACTION -
» FIRST, WE CONTINUE TO TAKE POSITIVE STEPS TO SEEK TO REACH AGREEMENT WITH THE CHINESE SIDE ON THE FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE AIRPORT AND THE AIRPORT RAILWAY.
» SECONDLY, WE CONTINUE TO SEEK FUNDS FROM THE FINANCE COMMITTEE ON A STEP-BY-STEP BASIS TO ENSURE THAT WE MAINTAIN MOMENTUM IN CARRYING FORWARD AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME PROJECTS AS FAR AS WE CAN, TO MINIMISE DELAY AND THE ADDITIONAL COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH IT.
ALTHOUGH OUR TALKS WITH THE CHINESE SIDE HAVE NOT YET PRODUCED A FULL AGREEMENT ON THE AIRPORT AND AIRPORT RAILWAY FINANCING, WE HAVE MAINTAINED THE MOMENTUM OF PHYSICAL WORKS WITH OUR STEP-BY-STEP APPROACH TO THE FUNDING OF PROJECTS.
YOU ONLY HAVE TO LOOK OUT INTO THE HARBOUR TO REALISE THE TREMENDOUS ACHIEVEMENTS WK ARE MAKING : THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION, WHICH IS NOW MORE THAN 70% COMPLETE; AND THE TWIN TOWERS OF THE TSING MA BRIDGE, WHICH HAVE REACHED THEIR FULL HEIGHT AND ARE NOW BEING LINKED UP WITH WIRES THAT WILL FORM A CATWALK FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKERS. OVERALL ON THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME, CONTRACTS TOTALLING SOME $48 BILLION HAVE BEEN AWARDED, ALL WITHIN BUDGET AND PROGRESSING WELL.
SINCE EARLY 1992, WE HAVE SUBMITTED FOUR SETS OF FINANCING PROPOSALS TO THE CHINESE SIDE. IN EACH OF THESE, WE HAVE TRIED TO MEET THEIR KNOWN CONCERNS TO THE EXTENT POSSIBLE WHILE STILL PROVIDING FOR COST EFFECTIVE ARRANGEMENTS TO ALLOW WORK CONNECTED WITH THE NEW AIRPORT AND AIRPORT RAILWAY TO BE CARRIED OUT SPEEDILY AND EFFICIENTLY. TO RECAPITULATE, OUR FIRST SET OF FINANCING PROPOSALS IN EARLY 1992 INVOLVED A TOTAL EQUITY INJECTION OF $20.3 BILLION, AND UP TO $21 BILLION AS CALLABLE EQUITY TO MEET DOWNSIDE RISKS, THESE WERE FOR THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY (PAA) AND THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION (MTRC).
IN SEPTEMBER 1992, THE CHINESE SIDE SUGGESTED THE IDEA OF PLOUGHING BACK PREMIUM INCOME FROM THE AIRPORT RAILWAY LAND GRANT TO FUND THE AIRPORT AND THE AIRPORT RAILWAY. BUILDING ON THAT IDEA, WE MADE FURTHER PROPOSALS, THE MOST RECENT OF WHICH WAS THE FOURTH FINANCING PROPOSAL MADE ON THE 2ND OF FEBRUARY. WE BELIEVE THAT THIS PROPOSAL FULLY MEETS THE CHINESE SIDE’S CONCERNS. 1 OUTLINED ITS KEY POINTS IN MY BUDGET SPEECH.
IN BRIEF, THE FOURTH PROPOSAL INCREASED THE PROPOSED EQUITY INJECTION DRAMATICALLY. IN ADDITION TO THE ORIGINAL $20.3 BILLION, TWO FURTHER SUMS WERE PROPOSED. FIRST, A FURTHER INJECTION OF $20 BILLION FROM THE RESERVES. AND SECONDLY, HALF OF THE APPROXIMATELY $40 BILLION ADDITIONAL REVENUE TO BE OBTAINED FROM AIRPORT RAILWAY RELATED LAND IN THE PERIOD TO JUNE 1997.
/ALL THIS .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1994
ALL THIS SHOWS, I WOULD SUGGEST, THAT WE HAVE DONE OUR BEST TO BE AS FLEXIBLE AND AS POSITIVE AS WE CAN IN RESPONSE TO THE VIEWS OF THE CHINESE SIDE. WE ARE ALREADY HAVING DISCUSSIONS AT THE EXPERT LEVEL WITH THE CHINESE SIDE ON THE FOURTH SET OF FINANCING PROPOSALS. TO TALK (AS DO MR POON, MR LI AND MR YOUNG) AT THIS SENSITIVE STAGE PESSIMISTICALLY ABOUT ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING ADDITIONAL EQUITY INJECTION, WILL CERTAINLY NOT HELP BOTH SIDES REACH AN EARLY AGREEMENT. ON THE CONTRARY, LET ME SPEAK CLEARLY, THIS DEBATE, GIVEN THE WORDING OF THE MOTIONS, IS UNFORTUNATELY TIMED. IS IT REALLY LIKELY TO BE HELPFUL, WHILE TALKS ARE STILL PROCEEDING FOR LEGCO TO SAY PUBLICLY THAT WE SHOULD CONSIDER PUTTING IN EVEN MORE EQUITY? WILL THE TAXPAYER THINK THIS IS IN HIS BEST INTEREST?
NOR AM I CONVINCED BY MR LI AND MR YOUNG THAT IT WOULD BE HELPFUL OR PRACTICAL TO SUBMIT CONCRETE FINANCING PROPOSALS FOR THE WHOLE OF THESE TWO PROJECTS TO THIS COUNCIL NOW WHILST TALKS WITH THE CHINESE SIDE ARE STILL CONTINUING. WOULD THAT REALLY HELP US REACH AN EARLY AGREEMENT? WHAT PROPOSALS AM I SUPPOSE TO PUT? ABANDON THE FOURTH FINANCING PROPOSAL EVEN THOUGH IT IS STILL BEING DISCUSSED AND PUT TO MEMBERS PROPOSALS WHICH INVOLVE EVEN LARGER SUMS FROM THE TAXPAYER. THAT IS THE IMPLICATON OF THE MOTION, OR 1 SHOULD SAY, OF SOME OF THE AMENDMENTS. BUT LET ME ALSO SAY THAT I BELIEVE MEMBERS’ MOTIVES ARE INTENDED TO BE HELPFUL. WE HAVE THE SAME AIMS, BUT I DO NOT THINK THE MOTIONS ACTUALLY ACHIEVE THOSE AIMS.
LET ME NOW TURN TO THE SECOND PRONG OF OUR POLICY ON THE AIRPORT AND AIRPORT RAILWAY FINANCING, WHICH IS TO CONTINUE TO FUND ESSENTIAL WORKS ON A STEP-BY-STEP BASIS. WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE, THE PAA HAS ALREADY COMPLETED 92% OF THE DESIGN FOR THE PASSENGER TERMINAL BUILDING AND ABOUT 35% OF THE DESIGN FOR OTHER ESSENTIAL SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT. THE SITE PLATFORM IS ABOUT HALF COMPLETE, WITH OVER 600 HECTARES OF LAND FORMED. THIS IS ABOUT THE SIZE OF TWO KAI TAK AIRPORTS. CONTRACTS FOR THE AUTOMATED PEOPLE MOVER AND BAGGAGE HANDLING SYSTEMS HAVE NOW BEEN LET AND FOUNDATION WORKS FOR THE PASSENGER TERMINAL BUILDING ARE ABOUT TO START.
LIKEWISE, WITH THE SUPPORT OF FINANCE COMMITTEE, WE HAVE STARTED SOME ESSENTIAL. ROUTE PROTECTION AND ADVANCE WORKS FOR THE AIRPORT RAILWAY. IF THESE ADVANCE WORKS WERE NOT ALLOWED TO PROCEED UNTIL AN AGREEMENT ON THE RAILWAY FINANCING WAS IN PLACE, THE WORKS WOULD BE DEFERRED, TECHNICAL INTERFACE ISSUES COMPLICATED, DISRUPTION TO THE PUBLIC PROLONGED AND COST OF WORKS EVENTUALLY INCREASED.
THUS, OUR STEP-BY-STEP APPROACH HAS ENABLED US TO MAKE A GREAT DEAL OF PROGRESS IN THE PHYSICAL CONSTRUCTION OF THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME, INCLUDING THE AIRPORT AND THE AIRPORT RAILWAY. HAD WE WAITED FOR THE TALKS TO BE COMPLETED BEFORE PROCEEDING ALONG THIS LINE, WE COULD HAVE LOST OVER TWO YEARS OF VALUABLE CONSTRUCTION TIME; WITH EXTRA COSTS FOR THE DEFERRED WORKS.
IN CONCLUSION, J CAN ASSURE MEMBERS THAT WE WILL CONSULT YOU ON THE FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS AS SOON AS WE ARE IN A POSITION TO DO SO. THIS COUNCIL AND THIS COUNCIL ALONE, OR I SHOULD SAY, THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THIS COUNCIL, CAN APPROVE THE EQUITY WHICH WILL BE REQUIRED FOR THE FINANCING OF THESE PROJECTS. IN SEEKING APPROVAL FOR THAT EQUITY, THE ADMINISTRATION WILL IN DUE COURSE NEED EXPLAIN THE FULL DETAILS OF THE FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS PROPOSED. BUT THE AIM MUST BE TO FIRST REACH AN UNDERSTANDING WITH THE CHINESE SIDE.
/WITH THE .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1994
5 -
WITH THE RESPECT, WE MUST NOT GET INTO THE FRAME OF MIND THAT BECAUSE AT PRESENT WE HAVE HEALTHY FINANCES WE SHOULD ABANDON A SENSIBLE PROJECT FINANCING AND PRIVATISATION WHICH SERVE US SO WELL AND SIMPLY PAY WHATEVER IT TAKES. IF WE HAVE TAKEN THAT ATTITUDE IN THE PAST WE WOULD NOT NOW HAVE HEALTHY RESERVES AND IF WE SPEND MORE AND MORE, WE SHALL FIRST HAVE LESS OF A CUSHION TO MEET DOWNSIDE RISKS AND SECONDLY, LESS AVAILABLE FOR ALL THE OTHER DESIRABLE PROJECTS THAT WOULD BE NEEDED IN THE COMING YEARS. AND I THINK FOR EXAMPLE OF THE RAILWAY PROPOSALS AND THE RAILWAY STRATEGIC STUDY, THE FURTHER STAGES OF THE SEWAGE PROGRAMME AND THERE I MENTION IT AT NO DOUBT THE SECOND RUNWAY ON THE NEW AIRPORT. SO WE NEED TO STRIKE A SENSIBLE BALANCE, THE NEED RIGHT NOW IS TO GET ON WITH THE TALKS ABOUT THE FOURTH FINANCING PROPOSAL.
MR PRESIDENT, THE ADMINISTRATION ATTACHES THE SAME IMPORTANCE AS DO MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL TO THE NEED TO REACH AN EARLY AGREEMENT ON THE AIRPORT AND AIRPORT RAILWAY FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS. FOR THAT REASON I SHALL NOT GO INTO MORE DETAILS AS SOME MEMBERS HAVE URGED ME TO DO. WE BELIEVE THAT WE HAVE, IN OUR FOURTH FINANCING PROPOSAL, MET THE CHINESE SIDE’S CONCERNS ABOUT THE LEVEL OF EQUITY, AND HENCE OF BORROWING, IN THE TWO CORPORATIONS. THE ADMINISTRATION HAS ALSO BEEN TRYING ITS BEST TO TAKE FORWARD THE PHYSICAL WORKS FOR THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME PROJECTS ON A STEP-BY-STEP BASIS. MEMBERS WILL BY NOW HAVE GATHERED THAT WHILST WE SUPPORT SOME OF THE SENTIMENTS IN THE VARIOUS MOTIONS, THE ONLY ONE WHICH DOES NOT CONTAIN PHRASES WHICH WE FIND EXTREMELY UNHELPFUL, THE ONLY MOTION THAT WOULD NOT MAKE IT MORE DIFFICULT TO BRING THE TALKS TO AN EARLY AND SUCCESFFUL CONCLUSION, IS THAT BY MR ALBERT CHAN. THE OFFICIAL MEMBERS WILL VOTE ACCORDINGLY.
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SHW DISTINGUISHES TERMINOLOGY ON HEALTHCARE FINANCING
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) DISTINGUISHED WITH CLARITY THE TERMINOLOGY OF VARIOUS FUNDING METHODS FOR HOSPITAL SERVICES PROPOSED IN THE CONSULTATION DOCUMENT ’’TOWARDS BETTER HEALTH’’.
SPEAKING DURING THE MOTION DEBATE ON HEALTHCARE FINANCING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MRS WONG SAID IT WAS IMPORTANT FOR ALL TO UNDERSTAND FROM THE OUTSET THE MEANING OF ’’COST RECOVERY”, ’’PERCENTAGE SUBSIDY APPROACH” AND "PEGGING FEES TO COSTS".
"COST RECOVERY" IS NOT A NEW PRINCIPLE, SHE SAID, POINTING OUT THAT ANY SERVICE WHICH IS NOT FREE CONTAINS AN ELEMENT OF COST RECOVERY.
CITING FIGURES, SHE SAID THE EXISTING FEES FOR GENERAL WARD BEDS RECOVERED TWO PER CENT OF THE AVERAGE OPERATING COSTS IN ACUTE GENERAL HOSPITALS, FIVE PER CENT IN CONVALESCENT HOSPITALS AND 10 PER CENT IN PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALS.
THE FEES FOR SECOND CLASS BEDS RECOVER 100 PER CENT OF COSTS AND FOR FIRST CLASS BEDS RECOVER 150 PER CENT OF COSTS.
/"ALL THIS .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1994
6
"ALL THIS IS BASED ON THE PRINCIPLE OF COST RECOVERY. NEVER IN THE PAST HAS THIS PRINCIPLE BEEN CHALLENGED BY THE COMMUNITY," SHE SAID.
"IT IS THE LEVEL OF COST RECOVERY WHICH IS CONTENTIOUS AND IS OFTEN DEBATED."
AS REGARDS "PERCENTAGE SUBSIDY APPROACH", THE SECRETARY SAID IT PROPOSED A RATIONALISATION OF THE EXISTING COST RECOVERY PRINCIPLE FOR PUBLIC HOSPITALS.
AT PRESENT, ALL PATIENTS PAY THE SAME FEE ALTHOUGH THE NATURE OF TREATMENT AS WELL AS THE COST OF PROVIDING EACH TYPE OF SERVICE ARE DIFFERENT.
FROM THE TAXPAYERS’ POINT OF VIEW, THIS CANNOT BE RATIONAL; AND FROM THE PATIENTS’ POINT OF VIEW, THIS IS DECIDEDLY UNFAIR.
"THUS, IN THE CONSULTATION DOCUMENT, WE PROPOSE THAT ALL GENERAL WARD PATIENTS SHOULD HAVE THE SAME PERCENTAGE OF THEIR FEES SUBSIDISED, BASED ON THE AVERAGE OPERATING COST FOR EACH TYPE OF HOSPITAL.
"THAT IS TO SAY, IT IS A FAIRER IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COST RECOVERY PRINCIPLE FOR EVERY PATIENT TO CONTRIBUTE THE SAME PERCENTAGE ACCORDING TO THE TYPE OF HOSPITAL USED.
"FOR EXAMPLE, IN A CONVALESCENT HOSPITAL, THE PATIENT WILL PAY LESS THAN A PATIENT IN AN ACUTE GENERAL HOSPITAL BECAUSE THE AVERAGE OPERATING COST IS LESS."
THE ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE IS NOW STUDYING THE FEE STRUCTURE AND A FINAL DECISION HAS YET TO BE TAKEN.
TURNING TO "PEGGING FEES TO COSTS", MRS WONG SAID THIS NOTION HAD NOT BEEN ADVOCATED ANYWHERE IN THE CONSULTATION DOCUMENT.
TO PUT IT SIMPLY, SHE CONTINUED, "PEGGING FEES TO COSTS" IMPLIED THAT EACH GENERAL WARD PATIENT WOULD PAY A FEE CALCULATED ON THE BASIS OF THE COST OF TREATMENT.
"IF SOMEONE RECEIVES EXTENSIVE TREATMENT, SUCH COSTS COULD BE PROHIBITIVE,” SHE SAID.
"INDEED THE CONSULTATION DOCUMENT DISTINGUISHES BETWEEN THE FLAT FEE PROPOSAL UNDER THE PERCENTAGE SUBSIDY APPROACH AND VARIABLE FEES WHICH COULD ARISE FROM SUCH CONCEPTS AS ’PEGGING FEES TO COSTS’."
THE SECRETARY STRESSED THAT IN DETERMINING THE WAY FORWARD, THE GOVERNMENT’S PARAMOUNT POLICY REMAINED THAT NOBODY SHOULD BE DENIED ADEQUATE MEDICAL TREATMENT THROUGH LACK OF MEANS.
THE UNDERLYING PRINCIPLES OF COST RECOVERY, RATIONALITY AND FAIRNESS TO PATIENTS REMAIN VALID.
WITHIN THESE PRINCIPLES, SHE ADDED, THE ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE WOULD WORK TO DEVELOP IDEAS AND TO STRUCTURE APPROPRIATE LEVELS OF FEE SUBSIDY FOR FUTURE ADOPTION.
/MRS WONG .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1994
7
MRS WONG ALSO TOLD THE COUNCILLORS THAT PUBLIC SUPPORT HAD BEEN INDICATED FOR THE PREFERRED OPTIONS IN THE CONSULTATION DOCUMENT.
EXPERTS IN HEALTHCARE REFORM HAVE ALSO STUDIED THE HONG KONG MODEL AND CONCLUDED THAT IT IS HEADED IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.
WHILE WELCOMING ANY VIEWS ON THE ISSUE, MRS WONG APPEALED TO MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND THE COMMUNITY FOR THEIR SUPPORT FOR HEALTHCARE REFORM.
SHE SAID: "FEEDBACK ON THE CONSULTATION DOCUMENT ’TOWARDS
BETTER HEALTH’ HAS SHOWN THE WAY AHEAD.
"LET US SUPPORT REFORM. LET US SUPPORT CHANGE FOR THE BETTER. NOT JUST FOR OUR OWN SAKE, BUT ALSO FOR THE SAKE OF OUR CHILDREN."
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CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES BILL INTRODUCED
*****
THE CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 HELPING TO BRING ABOUT OPEN AND FAIR ELECTIONS WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, THE SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR NICHOLAS NG, SAID THE VARIOUS AMENDMENTS SHOULD BE BROUGHT INTO EFFECT AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE TO TIE IN WITH THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS THIS SEPTEMBER.
"THE BILL NEEDS TO BE ENACTED BY EARLY JUNE AT THE LATEST," HE SAID. »
MR NG EXPLAINED THAT THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION WOULD NEED TIME TO MAKE ANY CONSEQUENTIAL SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION.
"ASPIRING DISTRICT BOARD CANDIDATES WILL WANT TO KNOW IN GOOD TIME THE NEW PROVISIONS WHICH WILL APPLY TO THEM," HE ADDED.
ONE OF THE AMENDMENTS IS AIMED TO ACHIEVE GREATER DETERRENCE THROUGH HEAVIER PENALTIES IMPOSED FOR VARIOUS OFFENCES UNDER THE ORDINANCE.
IN PROPOSING THE NEW PENALTY LEVELS, THE GOVERNMENT HAS TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THE SERIOUS NATURE OF ELECTORAL OFFENCES, AS WELL AS THE NEED TO BRING THE PENALTIES FOR ELECTORAL OFFENCES INTO PARITY WITH THOSE IN FORCE FOR OTHER CORRUPT OFFENCES UNDER OTHER PIECES OF LEGISLATION, MR NG SAID.
THE BILL ALSO SETS OUT MORE CLEARLY WHAT CONSTITUTES ELECTORAL BRIBERY.
IN ESSENCE, ANY CORRUPT OFFERING, SOLICITING OR ACCEPTING OF ADVANTAGES IN RELATION TO A VOTER VOTING OR REFRAINING FROM VOTING, OR PROCURING THE RETURN OF ANY PERSON TO SERVE ON A PUBLIC BODY WILL BE PROHIBITED.
/IN ADDITION, .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1994
- 8 -
IN ADDITION, THE AMENDMENTS PROVIDE THAT IT SHALL BE A "CORRUPT PRACTICE" FOR A CANDIDATE TO ACCEPT A BRIBE TO WITHDRAW FROM AN ELECTION.
ALSO, THE BILL SETS OUT MORE CLEARLY THE RESPECTIVE LIABILITIES OF A CANDIDATE AND OTHER PERSONS WHO INCUR ELECTION EXPENSES ON HIS BEHALF.
"THIS WILL FACILITATE ENFORCEMENT AND PROSECUTION IN THE EVENT THAT THE PRESCRIBED ELECTION EXPENSES LIMIT IS EXCEEDED," MR NG SAID.
AMENDMENTS ARE ALSO PROPOSED REGARDING THE PUBLICATION OF ELECTION MATERIAL AND PERFORMANCE REPORTS, AS WELL AS DISQUALIFICATION PROVISIONS.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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BILL ON CLOSING WELLS AND ENERGY CONSERVATION
*****
A BILL SEEKING TO UPDATE THE BUILDING ORDINANCE AND TO INTRODUCE NEW PROVISIONS FOR CLOSING WELLS AND TO PROMOTE ENERGY CONSERVATION IN BUILDINGS WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BUILDINGS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, SAID THE BILL PROVIDED FOUR SIGNIFICANT AMENDMENTS.
FIRSTLY, THE BILL PROPOSED TO INTRODUCE A NEW SYSTEM IN WHICH THE GOVERNOR WOULD APPOINT A PANEL OF PERSONS FROM WHICH TRIBUNALS COULD BE SELECTED TO HEAR APPEALS AGAINST THE BUILDING AUTHORITY’S DECISION.
SUCH TRIBUNALS WOULD BE INDEPENDENT AND IMPARTIAL AND THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL WOULD NOT BE EMPOWERED TO REVIEW THEIR DETERMINATIONS.
SECONDLY, THE BILL ALSO PROPOSED TO AUTHORISE THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS TO MAKE REGULATIONS TO CONTROL THE OVERALL THERMAL TRANSFER VALUE OF ALL NEW COMMERCIAL AND HOTEL BUILDINGS TO PROMOTE ENERGY CONSERVATION.
MR EASON SAID THE BUILDING (ENERGY EFFICIENCY) REGULATIONS WOULD SET OUT PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR AFFECTED BUILDINGS AND REQUIRE DEVELOPERS TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ON SUCH MATTERS AS MATERIALS USED IN EXTERNAL WALLS AND THE SIZE AND DISPOSITION OF WINDOWS.
THIRDLY, IT PROPOSED TO EMPOWER THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TO CLOSE WELLS IN NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES IN ORDER TO STOP THE ABSTRACTION OF GROUNDWATER, WHICH MAY CAUSE BUILDINGS TO BECOME UNSAFE.
/FOURTHLY, MR ........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1994
9
FOURTHLY, MR EASON SAID, THE BILL WOULD INTRODUCE A NEW REGISTRATION SYSTEM WHEREBY RENEWAL OF REGISTRATION WOULD BE INITIATED BY AUTHORISED PERSONS, REGISTERED STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS, REGISTERED CONTRACTORS AND REGISTERED VENTILATION CONTRACTORS THEMSELVES BY SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS TO THE BUILDING AUTHORITY.
THE BILL WOULD ALSO SEEK TO PROVIDE NEW PROVISIONS FOR REMOVAL AND RESTORING OF NAMES IN THE REGISTERS.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
_ _ 0 - -
BILL TO GIVE CEMETERY BODY FULL LEGAL POWERS
*****
A BILL THAT SEEKS TO GIVE ALL NECESSARY LEGAL POWERS TO ENABLE THE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT OF THE CHINESE PERMANENT CEMETERIES TO OPERATE EFFICIENTLY AND EFFECTIVELY WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE CHINESE PERMANENT CEMETERIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, SAID THE CHINESE PERMANENT CEMETERIES ORDINANCE WAS ENACTED IN 1964 TO GIVE STATUTORY RECOGNITION TO, AND REGULATE THE PROVISION OF, PERMANENT CEMETERIES FOR PERSONS OF CHINESE RACE PERMANENTLY RESIDENT IN HONG KONG.
UP TO THAT TIME THE CEMETERIES CONCERNED HAD BEEN ADMINISTERED BY A BOARD OF MANAGEMENT UNDER VARIOUS DEEDS OF APPROPRIATION, HE SAID.
THE ORDINANCE ESTABLISHED THE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT AS A BODY CORPORATE WITH VARIOUS POWERS OF ADMINISTRATION AND REGULATION WITH RESPECT TO THE CEMETERIES GOVERNED BY IT.
TODAY, THE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT ADMINISTERS FOUR CEMETERIES WHICH IN TOTAL COMPRISE ABOUT 65,000 BURIAL PLOTS AND MORE THAN 110,000 NICHES.
"A FURTHER 15,000 OR SO BURIAL PLOTS AND 91,000 NICHES ARE DUE TO BE AVAILABLE WHEN LATER PHASES OF THE CEMETERY AT JUNK BAY ARE BROUGHT INTO USE IN THE NEXT THREE YEARS,” MR SUEN SAID.
GIVEN SUCH A LARGE OPERATION PROVIDING AN ESSENTIAL PUBLIC SERVICE, MR SUEN STRESSED THAT IT WAS CLEARLY DESIRABLE THAT THE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT SHOULD HAVE ALL NECESSARY LEGAL POWERS TO OPERATE EFFICIENTLY AND EFFECTIVELY.
THESE NEW POWERS, HE SAID, WERE ALREADY SUCCESSFULLY ENJOYED BY SIMILAR BODIES SUPERVISED BY THE HOME AFFAIRS BRANCH, SUCH AS THE SIR EDWARD YOUDE MEMORIAL FUND COMMITTEE AND THE BREWIN TRUST FUND COMMITTEE.
THE BILL PROVIDES FOR THE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT TO TRANSACT BUSINESS BY CIRCULATION OF PAPERS, TO APPOINT A PROFESSIONAL FUND MANAGER TO MANAGE THE INVESTMENT OF ITS MONEYS AND TO INVEST IN SUCH INVESTMENTS AS IT THINKS FIT.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED
- - 0 - -
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1994
10
PUBLIC ORDER BILL INTRODUCED
* * * * »
THE PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 RELATING TO THE REGULATION OF PUBLIC MEETINGS AND PROCESSIONS WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, SAID THE BILL SOUGHT TO STRIKE THE RIGHT BALANCE BETWEEN AN INDIVIDUAL’S RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF ASSEMBLY AND FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND THE COMMUNITY’S NEED TO MAINTAIN PUBLIC ORDER AND TO ENSURE SAFETY.
HE SAID TO ENSURE THAT THE REQUIREMENTS FOR MAINTAINING PUBLIC ORDER AND PUBLIC SAFETY WERE EASY TO UNDERSTAND, THE BILL SET OUT MORE CLEARLY THE PROCEDURES FOR ORGANISERS OF PUBLIC GATHERINGS TO FOLLOW.
HE SAID THE GENERAL CONDITIONS AND OBLIGATIONS COVERING THE HOLDING OF PUBLIC MEETINGS WERE NOW INCORPORATED IN THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE.
"WE HAVE STANDARDISED THE PROCEDURES AND CONDITIONS RELATING TO THE ORGANISATIONS OF PUBLIC MEETINGS AND PUBLIC PROCESSIONS.
"IN PARTICULAR, WE PROPOSE TO REPLACE THE PREVIOUS REQUIREMENT FOR THE LICENSING OF PUBLIC PROCESSIONS WITH A REQUIREMENT FOR ADVANCE NOTIFICATION, WHICH ALREADY EXISTS FOR PUBLIC MEETING.
MR ASPREY SAID A REQUIREMENT FOR ADVANCE NOTIFICATION WAS RETAINED TO FACILITATE THE POLICE FORCE TO EXERCISE ITS RESPONSIBILITIES FOR ENSURING PUBLIC ORDER AND PUBLIC SAFETY.
MR ASPREY SAID THE BILL SPECIFIED MORE CLEARLY THE GROUNDS ON WHICH THE POLICE COULD PROHIBIT OR IMPOSE CONDITIONS ON PUBLIC MEETINGS AND PROCESSIONS.
"WE PROPOSE THAT THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE SHOULD HAVE THE POWER TO IMPOSE CONDITIONS OR PROHIBIT THE HOLDING OF SUCH GATHERINGS IN THE INTERESTS OF PUBLIC ORDER AND OF PUBLIC SAFETY ONLY."
HE ADDED THAT ONE OF THE PROPOSALS OF THE BILL WAS TO INCREASE THE THRESHOLD NUMBER FOR REQUIRING NOTIFICATION OF PUBLIC MEETINGS AND PUBLIC PROCESSIONS.
HE SAID: "WE HAVE TAKEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO MODIFY A NUMBER OF OTHER PROVISIONS RELATING TO POLICE POWERS ON STOP AND SEARCH, THE DESIGNATION OF CLOSED AREAS, AND THE REQUIREMENT TO PROVIDE IDENTIFICATION.
"WE ARE ALSO PROPOSING THE REPEAL OF SECTION 4(29) OF THE SUMMARY OFFENCES ORDINANCE, WHICH REQUIRES THE ISSUE OF A POLICE PERMEIT FOR THE USE OF LOUDHAILERS IN PUBLIC PLACES.
"WE BELIEVE THAT PROVISIONS OF THE NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE ADEQUATELY COVER THE PREVENTION OF NUISANCE, WHILE THE PROVISIONS OF THE NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE WILL COVER SUFFICIENTLY THE REQUIREMENTS OF PUBLIC ORDER."
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1994
EMPLOYMENT OE UNDERAGE YOUTH ON CONSTRUCTION SITES BANNED * * * * *
THE EMPLOYMENT OF ANY YOUNG PERSON UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE ON ANY CONSTRUCTION SITES WILL BE PROHIBITED UNLESS HE IS UNDERTAKING OR UNDERGOING AN APPRENTICESHIP OR AN APPROVED TRAINING COURSE.
ANY ONE CONTRAVENING THE NEW PROVISIONS IS LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $50,000.
MOVING THE RESOLUTION OF THE CONSTRUCTION SITES (SAFETY)
(AMENDMENT) (NO.2) REGULATION 1994 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY
(WEDNESDAY), THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, SAID THAT IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS, TWO OF THE FIVE YOUNG PERSONS
BELOW THE AGE OF 18 KILLED AT WORK WORKED IN THE CONSTRUCTION
INDUSTRY.
IN 1992 AND 1993, 152 AND 122 YOUNG PERSONS RESPECTIVELY WERE INJURED WHILE WORKING ON CONSTRUCTION SITES.
"WE THEREFORE CONSIDER IT HIGHLY NECESSARY TO RESTRICT THE EMPLOYMENT OF YOUNG PERSONS IN THESE SITES," HE SAID.
MR LEUNG STRESSED THE INTENTION OF THE PROPOSAL WAS TO PROTECT RATHER THAN DISCRIMINATE AGAINST YOUNG PEOPLE.
"WE SHALL LIAISE WITH RELEVANT AUTHORITIES CONCERNED TO ENSURE THAT ADEQUATE SPACES ARE AVAILABLE IN THESE SITES TO UNDERAGE YOUTH WHO ARE INTERESTED IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY," HE ADDED.
TO ALLOW TIME FOR PROPRIETORS AND CONTRACTORS TO MAKE SUITABLE ARRANGEMENTS, THE AMENDMENT REGULATION WILL BE BROUGHT INTO EFFECT TWO MONTHS AFTER ENACTMENT.
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MAGISTRATES’ COURT FEES TO BE INCREASED
*****
FEES PAYABLE AT THE MAGISTRATES’ COURT WILL BE INCREASED BY
ABOUT 10 PER CENT TO KEEP IN LINE WITH THE INCREASES IN COSTS.
MOVING A RESOLUTION IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY
(WEDNESDAY), THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR KWONG KI-CHI,
SOUGHT THE COUNCIL’S APPROVAL TO AMEND REGULATIONS UNDER SECTION 134(1) OF THE MAGISTRATES ORDINANCE SO AS TO BRING ABOUT THE INCREASES.
MR KWONG SAID THE APPROVED INCREASES WOULD TAKE EFFECT ON APRIL 22 AND IT WAS ESTIMATED TO BRING IN ADDITIONAL REVENUE OF ABOUT $29,000 A YEAR.
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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1994
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MATRIMONIAL CAUSES FEES TO BE INCREASED * * * * *
THE INCREASE OF FEES PAYABLE UNDER THE MATRIMONIAL CAUSES ORDINANCE WILL BRING AN ADDITIONAL REVENUE OF ABOUT $671,000 A YEAR TO THE GOVERNMENT, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR KWONG KI-CHI, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE RESOLUTION ON THE MATRIMONIAL CAUSES (FEES) (AMENDMENT) RULES 1994 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR KWONG SAID THE FEES WOULD BE INCREASED BY ABOUT 10 PER CENT TO BE IN LINE WITH THE INCREASES IN COSTS.
THESE INCREASES WILL TAKE EFFECT ON APRIL 22, HE ADDED.
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MTRC ANNUAL REPORT TABLED
*****
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR HAMISH MACLEOD, TABLED THE ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION (MTRC) FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31 LAST YEAR IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE MTRC EARNED A TOTAL NET PROFIT OF $735 MILLION, COMPARED WITH $403 MILLION IN 1992.
"CUMULATIVE LOSSES WERE REDUCED TO $2,333 MILLION AND THE CORPORATION EXPECTS THESE TO BE REDUCED TO ZERO BY 1996,” SIR HAMISH SAID.
LAST YEAR, THE MTRC CARRIED 779 MILLION PASSENGERS, 3.7 PER CENT HIGHER THAN 1992.
OVER THE NEXT SEVEN YEARS, THE MTRC WILL SPEND $8 BILLION ON CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMMES.
IT IS PLANNING TO IMPROVE THE MORNING PEAK TRAIN SERVICE ON THE TSUEN WAN LINE FROM THE EXISTING 31 TRAIN TRIPS PER HOUR TO 32 IN MAY THIS YEAR.
"SERVICE WILL BE FURTHER IMPROVED TO 34 PER HOUR IN 1996 WHEN A COMPLETELY NEW SIGNALLING SYSTEM IS INSTALLED," SIR HAMISH SAID.
OTHER IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDE NEW AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS, NOISE REDUCTION MEASURES AND NEW PASSENGER INFORMATION SYSTEMS.
SIR HAMISH SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S CONTRACTS TO PREPARE THE SITES FOR THE RAILWAY TRACKS WERE PROGRESSING WELL.
"WE AND THE CORPORATION LOOK FORWARD TO A SPEEDY CONCLUSION OF DISCUSSIONS BETWEEN THE BRITISH AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS ON THE FINANCING OF THE AIRPORT RAILWAY," HE SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1994
ADVICE GIVEN TO MOTORISTS INVOLVED IN MINOR ACCIDENTS * * * * *
THE FAILURE OF SOME MOTORISTS TO MOVE THEIR VEHICLES TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AFTER INVOLVEMENT IN TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS CAN CAUSE ROAD CONGESTION AND IS A SOURCE OF IRRITATION TO OTHER ROAD USERS, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR JOHN TELFORD, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON SIMON IP IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR TELFORD SAID ALTHOUGH THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE PROVIDED THAT DRIVERS SHOULD STOP IF THEIR VEHICLES WERE INVOLVED IN ACCIDENTS WHICH CAUSED INJURY OR DAMAGE, THERE WAS NO NEED TO WAIT FOR POLICE ATTENDANCE IF THE ACCIDENT WAS MINOR.
THOSE INVOLVED SHOULD MOVE THEIR VEHICLES TO A SAFER LOCATION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE SO AS TO MINIMISE OBSTRUCTION TO OTHER ROAD USERS AND THEN EXCHANGE PERSONAL PARTICULARS.
MR TELFORD NOTED THAT MEASURES HAD BEEN TAKEN TO CONVEY THIS MESSAGE TO MOTORISTS THROUGH THE ROAD USERS CODE, COPIES OF WHICH WERE GIVEN TO ALL LEARNER DRIVERS.
THE ACCIDENT INSURANCE ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG DISTRIBUTES LEAFLETS TO APPLICANTS FOR VEHICLE INSURANCE SPECIFICALLY ADVISING DRIVERS TO MOVE VEHICLES TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD IF THEY ARE INVOLVED IN MINOR TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS AND THERE ARE NO INJURIES.
MR TELFORD SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS TO PUBLICISE THIS MESSAGE WERE CONTINUING.
"THE MESSAGE WAS EMPHASISED MOST RECENTLY AT A PRESS BRIEFING TO MARK THE OPENING OF SIX EMERGENCY LAY-BYS ON TUEN MUN ROAD AND IN THE LATEST ROAD SAFETY QUARTERLY PUBLICATION.
"WE WILL RESTATE THIS ADVICE TO MOTORISTS IN FUTURE AT EVERY APPROPRIATE OPPORTUNITY, FOR EXAMPLE THROUGH ROAD SAFETY AND ROAD COURTESY CAMPAIGNS AND THROUGH THE EFFORTS OF POLICE OFFICERS ATTENDING THE SCENE OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS," HE SAID.
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GOVT AIMS TO MODERATE PROPERTY PRICES *****
THE ADMINISTRATION IS WORKING TOWARDS ACHIEVING MORE MODERATE PROPERTY PRICES THROUGH GRADUAL AND ORDERLY MEASURES, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ZACHARY WONG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR EASON SAID THE EFFORTS WOULD BE DIRECTED AT ACHIEVING SHORT AND LONG-TERM EFFECTS.
/NOTING THAT .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1994
14
NOTING THAT THERE WAS AN EXTREMELY WIDE RANGE OF PROPERTIES ON THE MARKET BY TYPE AND QUALITY TO DIFFERENT DEMANDS AND THE SITUATION WAS CHANGING ALL THE TIME, MR EASON SAID THE GOVERNMENT INTENDED TO EXAMINE THE POSITION IN ALL SECTORS.
"IT IS NOT THEREFORE POSSIBLE TO STATE A SINGLE, SPECIFIC AFFORDABILITY TARGET," HE SAID.
BUT HE POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS NOT COMFORTABLE EITHER WITH THE PRESENT HIGH LEVEL OF FLAT PRICES, OR WITH THE PROSPECT FOR FURTHER MOVEMENTS UPWARD IN THE MARKET.
"CLEARLY, PRICE LEVELS ARE NOW SUCH AS TO BE CAUSING CONCERN IN THE GENERAL COMMUNITY AS REGARDS BOTH AFFORDABILITY TO WOULD-BE HOME BUYERS, AND THE EFFECTS ON HONG KONG’S COMPETITIVENESS - CONCERN WHICH THE ADMINISTRATION SHARES," HE SAID.
MR EASON NOTED THAT THE ADMINISTRATION HAD ALREADY ANNOUNCED THE SETTING UP OF A TASK FORCE TO TACKLE THE ISSUE OF LAND SUPPLY AND PROPERTY PRICES.
"A PACKAGE OF MEASURES TO ADDRESS THESE ISSUES WILL BE DRAWN UP WITHIN TWO TO THREE MONTHS," HE SAID.
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INFORMATION OF BNS APPLICANTS PROTECTED
*****
ALL INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS FOR THE BRITISH NATIONALITY SCHEME (BNS) IS PROTECTED BY LAW AND BY STRICT INTERNAL PROCEDURES, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, SAID TODAY WEDNESDAY).
UNDER THE BRITISH NATIONALITY (MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS) (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE, IT IS AN OFFENCE TO DISCLOSE THE IDENTITY OF, OR ANY INFORMATION ON, APPLICANTS OF THE SCHEME, HE SAID.
IN A REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON JAMES TIEN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR ASPREY SAID: ’’AFTER COMPLETION OF THE BRITISH NATIONALITY SCHEME, INFORMATION ON SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE TRANSFERRED TO THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT FOR RECORD PURPOSES.
"INFORMATION ON OTHER APPLICANTS WILL BE DESTROYED, HE SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1994
15
CREATION OF APPLIED RESEARCH CENTRE
*****
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO PUT FORWARD A DETAILED PROPOSAL ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE APPLIED RESEARCH CENTRE TO THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES LATER THIS YEAR.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T H CHAU, IN REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON NGAI SHIU-KIT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN PREPARING THE PROPOSAL, MR CHAU SAID, THE INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL WOULD BE CONSULTED NEXT MONTH ON MATTERS CONCERNING THE RESEARCH CENTRE, INCLUDING THE LOCATION.
VIEWS EXPRESSED BY OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES WILL ALSO BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT, HE ADDED.
"IN DUE COURSE, WE ENVISAGE THE NEED TO SEEK THE APPROVAL OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THIS COUNCIL ON FUNDING PROPOSALS," MR CHAU SAID.
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PUBLIC HOUSING RESOURCES USED EFFICIENTLY
*****
THE WAITING LIST FOR PUBLIC HOUSING IS ADMINISTERED TO ENSURE THAT ELIGIBILITY AND THE LIKELY DEMAND ARE REFLECTED AS FAR AS POSSIBLE, AND RESOURCES ARE USED AS EFFICIENTLY AS POSSIBLE.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN A REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MRS ELSIE TU.
MR EASON SAID APPLICANTS FOR PUBLIC HOUSING WHOSE HOUSEHOLD INCOME WAS ABOVE THE ELIGIBILITY LIMIT AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION WERE NOT NOW ENTERED ON THE WAITING LIST TO AVOID MISLEADING THE APPLICANTS AND INFLATING THE LIST.
THOSE WHO HAVE RESIDED IN HONG KONG FOR LE^S THAN SEVEN YEARS CAN SUBMIT APPLICATIONS, BUT THEY WILL NOT >’E PROCESSED UNTIL THE APPLICANTS FULFIL THE RESIDENCE CRFTERION, HE SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1994
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PROCESSING OF VISA APPLICATIONS FROM CHINESE VISITORS
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) EXPLAINED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THE POLICY TOWARDS THE PROCESSING OF VISA APPLICATIONS FROM MAINLAND RESIDENTS VISITING HONG KONG.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MARTIN BARROW IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR ASPREY SAID ONLY VISITORS HOLDING OFFICIAL OR SEMI-OFFICIAL PASSPORTS ISSUED BY THE CHINESE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS HAD TO APPLY FOR VISAS.
THEIR APPLICATIONS ARE NORMALLY SUBMITTED THROUGH THE CHINESE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS TO THE BRITISH EMBASSY IN BEIJING, WHICH ARE THEN REFERRED TO HONG KONG.
HOWEVER, VISITORS FROM GUANGDONG, GUANGXI, FUJIAN, HAINAN AND SHANGHAI HAVE TO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT IN HONG KONG, INSTEAD OF THROUGH THE BRITISH EMBASSY IN BEIJING.
MR ASPREY ADDED THAT ORDINARY RESIDENTS OF CHINA WISHING TO VISIT HONG KONG DID NOT REQUIRE A VISA.
THESE VISITORS ONLY HAVE TO APPLY TO THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES FOR TWO-PAY PERMITS.
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IMPROVED SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY ♦ * » ♦ »
MEETING THE NEEDS OF ELDERLY PEOPLE IS A PRIORITY UNDER THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY OBJECTIVE TO SAFEGUARD AND PROMOTE GENERAL HEALTH OF THE COMMUNITY.
IN THIS RESPECT, THE WORKING GROUP ON CARE FOR THE ELDERLY, APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR, IS TASKED WITH IDENTIFYING AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT IN THE OVERALL PROVISION OF SERVICES ACROSS THE BOARD FOR THE ELDERLY.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, IN HER WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON FREDERICK FUNG KIN-KEE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
ON PRIMARY HEALTH CARE, MRS WONG SAID THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH WOULD CONSIDER EXTENDING THE PRIORITY CONSULTATION SCHEME FOR ELDERLY PATIENTS, THE ADVANCED APPOINTMENT SYSTEM FOR ELDERLY CHRONIC PATIENTS, AND THE SPECIAL CONSULTATION ARRANGEMENTS FOR RESIDENTS OF ELDERLY HOMES TO GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINICS IN THE PIPELINE.
SEVEN NEW ELDERLY HEALTH CENTRES WILL BE ESTABLISHED BY 1997 TO STRENGTHEN PREVENTIVE AND PROMOTIVE CARE, SHE ADDED.
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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1994
AS FOR HOSPITAL SERVICES, THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY IS PLANNING TO PROVIDE 260 NEW ACUTE GERIATRIC BEDS AND 200 NEW GERIATRIC DAY PLACES BY 1997 TO MEET PROJECTED DEMAND IN FULL.
A TOTAL OF 1,200 INFIRMARY PLACES AND SEVEN NURSING HOMES WITH 1,400 BEDS WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED BY 1997 FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE REQUIRING RESIDENTIAL NURSING ('ARE.
MRS WONG NOTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD ALSO DEVELOP OUTREACH SERVICES THROUGH THE SETTING UP OF FIVE MORE SPECIALIST TEAMS IN 1994/95 TO FACILITATE THE INTERFACE BETWEEN MEDICAL AND WELFARE SERVICES AS WELL AS TO ACHIEVE A BETTER CONTINUUM OF CARE FOR ELDERLY PATIENTS.
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MEASURES FOR WASTE MINIMISATION AND RECYCLING * * t t t
REGULATIONS TO PROHIBIT THE OPEN BURNING OF RUBBER TYRES, CABLES WITH PLASTIC INSULATION AND CONSTRUCTION WASTE ARE BEING DRAFTED AND ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE EFFECT BEFORE THE END OF THIS YEAR, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY' TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MICHAEL HO MUN-KA, MR EASON SAID THE GOVERNMENT POLICY WAS TO EXAMINE AND PROMOTE MEASURES TO LIMIT THE AMOUNT OF WASTE PRODUCED AND TO ENCOURAGE WASTE RECOVERY AND RECYCLING.
SOME OF THE MEASURES ADOPTED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND NONGOVERNMENT BODIES TO PROMOTE AND ASSIST LOCAL INDUSTRIES IN RECYCLING INDUSTRIAL WASTES INCLUDE:-
» THE POSSIBLE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN INTERMEDIATE SORTING PLANT AT TSEUNG KWAN O TO ASSIST THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TO SEPARATE OUT THE PUTRESCIBLE WASTE TO PROVIDE USEFUL FILL MATERIAL;
» ACTIVE DISCUSSIONS BETWEEN INTERESTED PARTIES TO PROMOTE THE RECYCLING OF USED TYRE;
» ENCOURAGEMENT TO THE CHEMICAL WASTE. TREATMENT CENTRE OPERATOR TO RECYCLE INDUSTRIAL SOLVENTS; AND
* INTRODUCTION BY THE CENTRE OF ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY OF A WASTE EXCHANGE OR RECYCLING INFORMATION SERVICE TO THE BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY.
IN ADDITION, MR EASON SAID, THE GOVERNMENT HAS STARTED A FULL CONSULTANCY STUDY ON WASTE REDUCTION TO EXAMINE WAYS FOR FURTHER RECYCLING AND RECOVERY.
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CROSS BORDER CHANNELS SUCCESSFUL IN RESOLVING DISPUTES
*****
THE HONG KONG AND SHENZHEN AUTHORITIES HAVE ESTABLISHED BORDER LIAISON CHANNELS WHICH CAN BE ACTIVATED VERY QUICKLY TO DEAL WITH CROSS BORDER INCIDENTS, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR JOHN TELFORD, TOLD THF. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MRS SELINA CHOW, MR TELFORD SAID THESE CHANNELS WERE USED SUCCESSFULLY IN HELPING TO RESOLVE A DISPUTE THAT OCCURRED EARLIER THIS YEAR.
MR TELFORD SAID: "WE ARE AWARE OF TWO SUCH INCIDENTS INVOLVING HONG KONG DRIVERS AND CHINESE OFFICIALS SO FAR THIS YEAR."
HE SAID THE DISPUTE ON MARCH 26 THIS YEAR WAS UNDERSTOOD TO HAVE BEEN RESOLVED ON THE SPOT.
MR TELFORD SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO USE THE ESTABLISHED BORDER LIAISON CHANNELS TO TRY TO ENSURE THAT SIMILAR PROBLEMS WOULD NOT ARISE IN FUTURE.
HE SAID REPRESENTATIVES OF THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY COULD ALSO EXPRESS THEIR CONCERNS ON CROSS BORDER TRANSPORT ISSUES AT THEIR REGULAR MEETINGS WITH THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.
WHERE APPROPRIATE, THESE CONCERNS WILL BE ADDRESSED THROUGH THE BORDER LIAISON MACHINERY TO REDUCE THE LIKELIHOOD OF FUTURE MISUNDERSTANDINGS, HE SAID.
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PSYCHOGERIATRIC TEAMS PROVIDE OUTREACH SERVICES
*****
DURING THE LAST SIX MONTHS, 2,340 PATIENTS WERE SERVED BY THE PSYCHOGERIATRIC OUTREACHING TEAMS SET UP BY THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY IN THREE OF ITS HOSPITALS, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE AVERAGE NUMBER OF PATIENTS SERVED EACH WEEK WAS ABOUT 730.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON CONRAD LAM KUI-SHING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), MRS WONG SAID EACH PSYCHOGERIATRIC TEAM WAS LED BY A CONSULTANT PSYCHIATRIST AND COMPRISED UP TO THREE DOCTORS, THREE NURSES, ONE PHYSIOTHERAPIST, ONE OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST, ONE CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST AND ONE MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKER.
TO FACILITATE THE INTERFACE BETWEEN HOSPITAL AND OUTREACH SERVICES, SHE ADDED, SOME TEAM MEMBERS WERE ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR THE TREATMENT OF IN-PATIENTS IN THEIR RESPECTIVE HOSPITALS.
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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1994
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TWO MORE OUTREACHING SOCIAL WORK TEAMS DUE TO SET UP *****
TWO ADDITIONAL OUTREACHING SOCIAL WORK TEAMS WILL BE ESTABLISHED BY JUNE THIS YEAR - ONE IN TIN SHUI WAT, YUEN LONG, AND THE OTHER IN MA ON SHAN, SHA TIN.
THESE WILL BRING THE TOTAL TO 30 - THE TARGET NUMBER LAID DOWN IN THE SOCIAL WELFARE WHITE PAPER.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON TANG SHIU-TONG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID THE STEERING COMMITTEE ON OUTREACHING SOCIAL WORK SERVICE WAS CURRENTLY CONDUCTING A REVIEW TO EXAMINE THE DEMAND FOR AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THIS SERVICE, AND WHETHER IT SHOULD BE EXPANDED.
"THIS WILL TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE NEEDS OF AREAS WITH A GROWING POPULATION," SHE ADDED.
THE OUTREACHING SOCIAL WORK TEAMS ARE ESTABLISHED IN AREAS WHICH HAVE A HIGHER POPULATION DENSITY, A RELATIVELY LARGER YOUTH POPULATION AND HIGHER JUVENILE CRIME RATES.
THE GENERAL SERVICE BOUNDARY USED FOR EACH TEAM IS A POPULATION OF 100,000.
AT PRESENT, THERE ARE FOUR TEAMS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WEST -THREE IN TUEN MUN AND ONE IN YUEN LONG.
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GOVT SPENT $3,491 MILLION ON PROPERTY IN 1993/94 *****
THE GOVERNMENT SPENT A TOTAL OF $3,491 MILLION - $1,989 MILLION TO PURCHASE RESIDENTIAL ACCOMMODATION AND $1,502 MILLION TO BUY OFFICE ACCOMMODATION - IN 1993/94 ON THE OPEN MARKET.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON SAMUEL WONG PING-WAI IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR K C KWONG, SAID THE RESIDENTIAL ACCOMMODATION COMPRISED 856 UNITS HAVING A TOTAL GROSS FLOOR AREA OF 618,508 SQUARE FEET, WHILST THE OFFICE ACCOMMODATION TOTALLED 390,657 SQUARE FEET GROSS.
MR KWONG SAID AS A RESULT OF THE OFFICE PURCHASES, 165,000 SQUARE FEET GROSS OF LEASED OFFICE ACCOMMODATION HAD BEEN GIVEN UP AND PUT BACK ONTO THE MARKET.
"WE ESTIMATE THAT THESE PURCHASES HAVE HAD NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON THE PRESENT SUPPLY AND DEMAND FOR RESIDENTIAL OR OFFICE ACCOMMODATION, GIVEN THE TOTAL VOLUME OF MARKET TRANSACTIONS IN 1993/94," HE SAID.
HE SAID IT WOULD NOT BE NECESSARY TO AUGMENT LAND SUPPLY IN 1994/95 TO CATER FOR THE PURCHASES BY THE GOVERNMENT IN 1993/94.
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MORE PRIVATELY-RUN ICE SKATING RINKS IN THE PIPELINE *****
THERE IS NO SITE EARMARKED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF ANY PUBLIC ICE-SKATING RINK AT PRESENT IN VIEW OF THE PRIORITIES SET BY THE HONG KONG PLANNING STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES AND THE EXISTENCE OF PRIVATELY-RUN RINKS, THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR JAMES SO, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON TIMOTHY HA WING-HO, MR SO SAID THERE WERE FOUR PRIVATELY-RUN SKATING RINKS IN HONG KONG, CATERING FOR SOME 6,500 ACTIVE SKATERS AND OTHER CASUAL USERS.
TWO MORE PRIVATELY-RUN RINKS ARE EXPECTED TO COME ON STREAM IN TWO MONTHS’ TIME WHILE ANOTHER RINK OF INTERNATIONAL SIZE IS EXPECTED TO BE READY BY DECEMBER 1996.
"THE PRIVATELY-RUN ICE-SKATING RINKS ARE CONSIDERED ADEQUATE TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THOSE PERSONS INTERESTED IN TAKING UP SKATING," MR SO SAID.
"THERE IS NO INDICATION THAT THE DEVELOPMENT OF THIS SPORT HAS BEEN IMPEDED BY THE LACK OF A PUBLIC SKATING RINKS," HE SAID.
MR SO ALSO NOTED THAT THE ARENA OF THE HONG KONG COLISEUM WAS CAPABLE OF BEING TRANSFORMED INTO A SUITABLE SURFACE FOR ICE-SKATING.
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ACQUITTED DEFENDANT OFFERED EX GRATIA PAYMENT
*****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS OFFERED AN EX GRATIA PAYMENT TO A DEFENDANT WHO WAS TRIED FOR AN OFFENCE OF WHICH HE HAD BEEN PREVIOUSLY ACQUITTED, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JEREMY MATHEWS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION RAISED BY THE HON EMILY LAU, MR MATHEWS SAID THE MAN HAD BEEN INVITED TO PROVIDE DETAILS AS TO HIS PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES AND TO MAKE SUCH REPRESENTATIONS AS HE WISHED THE GOVERNMENT TO CONSIDER BEFORE THE AMOUNT OF THE EX GRATIA PAYMENT WAS DETERMINED.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SAID THERE WERE SEVERAL FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTED TO THE ERROR AND AN INTERNAL BOARD OF INQUIRY APPOINTED BY HIM TO INVESTIGATE THE CASE HAD MADE SEVERAL RECOMMENDATIONS DESIGNED TO PREVENT ANY RECURRENCE OF THE PROBLEM.
HE SAID THAT HE HAD ACCEPTED THE FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE BOARD, AND THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT WAS WORKING IN LIAISON WITH THE JUDICIARY TO IMPLEMENT THE RECOMMENDATIONS.
AS FAR AS CONDUCT IN THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT WAS CONCERNED, MR MATHEWS SAID THE BOARD CONCLUDED THAT FAULT COULD ONLY BE PROPERLY ATTRIBUTED TO ONE PERSON, NAMELY THE OFFICER WHO SHOULD HAVE ADVISED THE COURT PROSECUTOR HANDLING THE RETRIAL.
/"DISCIPLINARY ACTION .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1994
"DISCIPLINARY ACTION HAS BEEN INSTITUTED AGAINST THE OFFICER CONSIDERED BY THE BOARD OF INQUIRY TO HAVE BEEN AT FAULT," HE SAID.
MR MATHEWS RECOUNTED THAT THE DEFENDANT IN THE CASE REFERRED TO WAS ORIGINALLY CHARGED WITH INDECENT ASSAULT. THE MAGISTRATE HEARING THE CASE FOUND THAT THERE WAS NO CASE FOR THE DEFENDANT TO ANSWER ON THAT CHARGE, BUT CONVICTED HIM OF COMMON ASSAULT.
HE SAID: "THE DEFENDANT APPEALED TO THE HIGH COURT AGAINST HIS CONVICTION. THE APPEAL WAS ALLOWED AND THE JUDGE ORDERED THAT THERE SHOULD BE A NEW TRIAL BEFORE ANOTHER MAGISTRATE.
"THE LEGAL EFFECT OF THAT ORDER WAS THAT THE DEFENDANT WAS TO BE RETRIED ON THE CHARGE OF WHICH HE WAS CONVICTED, THAT IS, THE CHARGE OF COMMON ASSAULT," HE SAID.
MR MATHEWS ADDED THAT THE JUDGE WHO HEARD THE FIRST APPEAL, THE JUDGE’S CLERK, THE COUNSEL WHO CONDUCTED THE FIRST APPEAL, THE POLICE OFFICER IN CHARGE OF THE CASE, THE APPEAL CLERK AND THE FIRST CLERK OF THE MAGISTRACY CONCERNED, ALL RECORDED EITHER THAT THERE WAS TO BE A 'NEW TRIAL’ OR 'ANOTHER TRIAL’ OR ’A RETRIAL’.
"IT WAS APPARENTLY ASSUMED THAT IT WOULD BE UNDERSTOOD THAT THIS MEANT A NEW TRIAL ON THE CHARGE OF WHICH THE DEFENDANT HAD BEEN CONVICTED, AND THAT THE PRECISE CHARGE TO BE FACED DID NOT HAVE TO BE SPECIFIED," HE SAID.
BUT THE COURT PROSECUTOR WHO HANDLED THE RETRIAL DID NOT APPRECIATE WHAT WAS INVOLVED IN A RETRIAL AND DID NOT RECEIVE ADVICE ON THIS POINT, MR MATHEWS SAID.
HE SAID: "IT WAS NOT THE PRACTICE TO ISSUE A FRESH CHARGE SHEET IN RESPECT OF A RETRIAL IN THE MAGISTRACY AND THE COURT CLERK, AT THE RETRIAL, PLACED BEFORE THE MAGISTRATE THE ORIGINAL CHARGE SHEET."
"THE MAGISTRATE WAS NOT INFORMED THAT THE CASE WAS A RETRIAL. AS A RESULT, THE DEFENDANT WAS ASKED TO PLEAD TO THE ORIGINAL CHARGE OF INDECENT ASSAULT," MR MATHEWS SAID.
0 - -
166 BONA VACANTIA CASES *****
THERE ARE CURRENTLY 166 CASES OF BONA VACANTIA, PROPERTIES WHICH APPEARED TO HAVE NO LEGAL OWNERS, VESTED IN THE CROWN BY OPERATION OF THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE.
AMONG THEM, 18 HAVE BEEN OR ARE SUBJECT TO ADVICE OR ORDERS FROM THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT REQUIRING REPAIR WORK ON SAFETY GROUNDS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM DR THE HON HUANG CHEN-YA IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR EASON SAID A TOTAL AMOUNT OF $22,627.34 HAD BEEN CONTRIBUTED BY THE CROWN TOWARDS THE REPAIR WORK ON THREE PROPERTIES.
/AS REGARDS
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1994
- 22 -
AS REGARDS THE OTHER PROPERTIES, NO CLAIMS HAD YET BEEN RECEIVED, HE SAID, ADDING THAT EVEN IF CLAIMS WERE MADE, THEY WERE UNLIKELY TO BE FOR SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNTS.
"WHERE THE CROWN IS CO-OWNER OF A PROPERTY, IT IS LIABLE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE COST OF REPAIRS TO THE COMMON PARTS.
"WHERE THE CROWN OWNS PART OF A PROPERTY EXCLUSIVELY, FOR EXAMPLE, EXTERNAL WALLS AND ROOFS, IT SHOULD BEAR THE FULL COST OF REPAIRS TO THESE PARTS," MR EASON SAID.
_ _ 0 - -
POLICE DEPLOYMENT FOR LEGCO MEMBERS’ NT VISIT
* * * » »
A TOTAL OF 100 POLICE OFFICERS WERE DEPLOYED FOR SPECIFIC TASKS DURING THE VISIT BY LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS TO THE NEW TERRITORIES ON MARCH 26, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"THIS INVOLVED IN TOTAL 380 MAN-HOURS. THE ESTIMATED TOTAL STAFF COST WAS ABOUT $63,000," MR ASPREY SAID IN HIS WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HENRY TANG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
HE SAID POLICE OFFICERS WERE COMMITTED TO THESE DUTIES FOR LESS THAN FOUR HOURS IN EACH POLICE REGION.
DURING THE TWO-PART VISIT, 187 POLICE OFFICERS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES NORTH REGION WERE AVAILABLE FOR THE FIRST PART OF THE VISIT TO FANLING, BUT ONLY 65 WERE DEPLOYED.
DURING THE SUBSEQUENT VISIT TO SHA TIN, 234 WERE AVAILABLE, 35 OF WHOM WERE DEPLOYED.
MR ASPREY SAID THOSE WHO WERE AVAILABLE BUT NOT DEPLOYED WERE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR OTHER TASKS IN THE TWO REGIONS.
------0--------
NEW FORMULA FOR CALCULATING DEMAND FOR
REHABILITATION SERVICES
*****
THE REHABILITATION DEVELOPMENT CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE HAS ENDORSED A NEW FORMULA TO IMPROVE THE ACCURACY AND RELIABILITY OF PROJECTIONS FOR DEMAND FOR SERVICES IN THE COMING REVIEW OF THE REHABILITATION PROGRAMME PLAN.
THE NEW FORMULA, WHICH ADOPTS A MORE STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT APPROACH OF ACCOUNTING, WAS WORKED OUT BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IN CONSULTATION WITH THE NON-GOVERNMENTAL SECTOR.
/"IT TAKES .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1994
- 23 -
"IT TAKES INTO ACCOUNT ALL KNOWN FACTORS AFFECTING THE DEMAND AND SUPPLY OF SERVICES, SUCH AS ANNUAL DISCHARGES, WITH ANNUAL UPDATING OF KNOWN AND PROJECTED DATA, WHICH HAS NOW BEEN MADE POSSIBLE FOR THE ACCUMULATION OF MORE DATA IN THE CENTRAL REFERRAL SYSTEM.
"ADDITIONALLY, THE REVISED PROJECTIONS HAVE REGARD TO THE UPDATED POPULATION PROJECTIONS," THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID IN HER WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON YEUNG SUM IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SHE ADDED THAT THE NEW FORMULA WOULD PROVIDE A RELIABLE BASIS FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TO BID FOR THE NECESSARY RESOURCES TO MEET THE PROJECTED DEMAND FOR REHABILITATION SERVICES.
APART FROM THE ADOPTION OF THE NEW FORMULA, THE SECRETARY NOTED THAT THE VARIATIONS COULD ALSO BE ACCOUNTED FOR BY AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF NEW APPLICATIONS IN RECENT YEARS.
"THIS IS PROBABLY DUE TO AN ENHANCED AWARENESS OF THE NEED FOR EARLY TRAINING," SHE SAID.
--------0-----------
MARINE POLICE FLEET SIZE UNDER ONGOING REVIEW
*****
REVIEWING THE FLEET SIZE AND EQUIPMENT OF THE MARINE POLICE IS AN ONGOING TASK, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
OVERALL FLEET NUMBERS HAVE GONE UP FROM 76 IN 1980 TO 166 AT PRESENT.
AND, THERE HAVE BEEN IMPROVEMENTS IN NAVIGATIONAL AIDS, COMMUNICATIONS AND OTHER EQUIPMENT, MR ASPREY SAID.
"THERE ARE NO SPECIFIC PLANS AT PRESENT TO INCREASE THE SIZE OF THE MARINE POLICE FLEET," HE SAID.
THE FLEET IS MADE UP OF 66 POLICE LAUNCHES, RANGING FROM 6.9-METRE MOTOR BOATS TO 40-METRE COMMAND LAUNCHES; AND 100 POLICE OPEN BOATS RANGING FROM SMALL RUBBER DINGHIES TO FAST 9.5-METRE RIGID HULL INFLATABLES.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ALBERT CHAN WAI-YIP, MR ASPREY SAID THE MARINE POLICE MADE 5,350 ARRESTS AT SEA LAST YEAR, OF WHICH ABOUT 60 PER CENT WERE RELATED TO ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
THE NUMBER OF PROSECUTIONS WAS 1,350, HE ADDED.
--------0 - -
/24 .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1994
- 24 -
SMALL HOUSE POLICY EXPLAINED * * * * *
UNDER THE SMALL HOUSE POLICY, TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR A GRANT, AN APPLICANT MUST BE MALE, AT LEAST 18 YEARS OLD AND DESCENDED THROUGH THE MALE LINE FROM A RESIDENT IN 1898 OF A RECOGNISED VILLAGE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON ANNA WU IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR EASON SAID IF AN INDIGENOUS VILLAGER WHO WAS ELIGIBLE FOR BUT HAD NOT RECEIVED A SMALL HOUSE GRANT HAD DISAPPEARED, OR DIED, OR WAS CONSIDERED UNSUITABLE TO HOLD PROPERTY FOR ANY REASON, THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICER MIGHT REGARD HIS WIFE OR WIDOW AS ELIGIBLE FOR A SMALL HOUSE GRANT.
"SO FAR, THERE IS NO RECORD OF ANY APPLICATIONS HAVING BEEN SUBMITTED BY WIVES OR WIDOWS OF INDIGENOUS VILLAGERS OR INDEED OTHER WOMEN," MR EASON SAID.
DURING THE PERIOD BETWEEN JULY 1, 1991 AND DECEMBER 31, 1993, 13,033 SMALL HOUSE APPLICATIONS WERE RECEIVED AND 1,672 SMALL HOUSE GRANTS WERE EXECUTED, ALL IN RESPECT OF MALE INDIGENOUS VILLAGERS.
SINCE JUNE 8, 1991, 848 REGISTRATIONS OF SUCCESSION HAD BEEN MADE WITH DISTRICT OFFICES UNDER THE NEW TERRITORIES ORDINANCE. ALL BUT ONE OF THE REGISTERED SUCCESSORS ARE MALE.
--------0-----------
ADEQUATE POLICE RESOURCES TO ENSURE PUBLIC SAFETY *****
ADEQUATE POLICE RESOURCES WILL BE DEPLOYED TO PREVENT BREACHES OF THE PEACE AND TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF ALL THOSE PARTICIPATING IN THE THREE-TIER ELECTIONS, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, SAID.
THE POLICE WILL LIAISE CLOSELY WITH THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION AND DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED IN THE PLANNING AND ORGANISATION OF THE ELECTIONS TO ASSESS THE LEVEL OF GENERAL POLICE DEPLOYMENT REQUIRED, HE SAID.
AT DISTRICT LEVEL, MR ASPREY SAID POLICE COMMANDERS WOULD MAINTAIN CLOSE CONTACT WITH DISTRICT OFFICERS WHO ACT AS RETURNING OFFICERS ON ANY PARTICULAR LOCAL PROBLEMS AND THE POTENTIAL FOR CONFLICT.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ERIC LI KA-CHEUNG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR ASPREY STRESSED THAT THE POLICE WOULD TAKE INTO ACCOUNT ANY PARTICULAR DIFFICULTIES AT INDIVIDUAL POLLING STATIONS AND WOULD ARRANGE SUFFICIENT MANPOWER TO BE DEPLOYED.
/THE POLICE .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1994
- 25 -
THE POLICE CAREFULLY ASSESS THE POTENTIAL CROWD CONTROL PROBLEMS FOR ALL MAJOR PUBLIC EVENTS AND PLAN THE MOST APPROPRIATE DEPLOYMENT OF RESOURCES TO MEET POTENTIAL PROBLEMS.
THE ASSESSMENT INVOLVES FACTORS SUCH AS THE LIKELY NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS, THE PURPOSE OF THE EVENT, EMOTIONS ON THE ISSUE, AND THE LIKELY DISRUPTION TO TRAFFIC AND PEDESTRIAN FLOW WHERE THE EVENT IS TO BE HELD.
--------0---------
MOTION ON AIRPORT FINANCING VETOED
*****
THE MOTION ON FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CHEK LAP KOK AIRPORT AND THE AIRPORT RAILWAY WAS VETOED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN A TWO-HOUR DEBATE DURING THE COUNCIL SITTING TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE ORIGINAL MOTION WAS MOVED BY THE HON STEVEN POON, WITH AMENDMENTS RAISED BY THE HON ALBERT CHAN, THE HON FRED LI AND THE HON HOWARD YOUNG.
AFTER COUNCILLORS HAD SPOKEN ON THE MOTION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR HAMISH MACLEOD, REPLIED FOR THE GOVERNMENT.
ANOTHER MOTION ON HEALTH CARE FINANCING, WHICH WAS PROPOSED BY DR THE HON LEONG CH I-HUNG, WAS PASSED WITHOUT AMENDMENT.
MEMBERS DEBATED THE MOTION FOR ABOUT TWO HOURS. THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, GAVE A CONCLUDING SPEECH.
AT THE SITTING, A MOTION MOVED BY THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG TO EXTEND THE EXPIRY DATE OF THE PUBLIC OFFICERS (VARIATION OF CONDITIONS OF SERVICE) (TEMPORARY PROVISIONS) ORDINANCE TO JULY 6, 1994 WAS PASSED.
IN ADDITION, MOTIONS MOVED BY GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS UNDER THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGES ORDINANCE, THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE, THE MATRIMONIAL CAUSES ORDINANCE AND THE MAGISTRATES ORDINANCE WERE ALL PASSED.
THERE WERE ALSO THREE BILLS PASSED WITHOUT AMENDMENTS. THEY
WERE BREWIN TRUST FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL 1993, TOWN PLANNING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 AND A PRIVATE BILL - THE HONG KONG CHRISTIAN COUNCIL INCORPORATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1993.
FOUR BILLS WERE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. THEY WERE CHINESE PERMANENT CEMETERIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994, PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994, BUILDINGS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 AND CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994. DEBATES ON THESE BILLS WERE ADJOURNED.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
STATEMENT BY GOVERNOR TO LEGCO............................. 1
LAND COMMISSION 28TH MEETING.............................. 17
BETTER PROTECTION PROPOSED FOR CONSUMERS.................. 17
GOVT RESPONSE TO AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL REPORT............. 19
AMENDMENT PROPOSED TO TRAVEL AGENTS LAW................... 19
HK MOVING FAST ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION................ 20
POLICE DUTIES RELATED FEES TO BE REVISED.................. 22
RESPONSE ON PROPOSED OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME............... 24
ACTION PLAN TO IMPROVE FAMILY LIFE........................ 24
BEC CHAIRMAN URGES PUBLIC TO REGISTER AS VOTERS........... 26
CNTA CONDUCTS CHECKS ON UNLICENSED CLUBS.................. 27
POST OFFICE TO SET UP NEW TELEPHONE SYSTEM................ 27
FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETS TOMORROW.......................... 28
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS... 29
THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 1994
STATEMENT BY GOVERNOR TO LEGCO
*****
FOLLOWING IS THE STATEMENT BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (THURSDAY):
MR PRESIDENT,
I AM PLEASED TO HAVE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL. JUST FOR THE RECORD, THIS IS THE 15TH OCCASION ON WHICH 1 HAVE NOW DONE SO. TODAY I PROPOSE TO REPORT ON MY RECENT VISIT TO LONDON, AND TO SAY SOMETHING ABOUT THE NEWLY PUBLISHED REPORT BY THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS SELECT COMMITTEE OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS.
1 VISITED LONDON FROM MARCH 30 TO APR]L 9. BEFORE ARRIVING IN LONDON, J WENT TO DUBLIN TO DELIVER THE INDEPENDENT LECTURE ON THE IMPORTANT TOPIC OF FREEDOM OF SPEECH. WHILE LN DUBLIN, I HAD MEETINGS WITH THE IRISH PRIME MINISTER, MR ALBERT REYNOLDS AND EDITORS OF THE PRINCIPAL IRISH NEWSPAPERS.
AS HONOURABLE MEMBERS KNOW, LIKE MY PREDECESSOR I BELIEVE IT IS VALUABLE TO MAKE SHORT, REGULAR VISITS TO THE UK ABOUT FOUR OR FIVE TIMES A YEAR. THIS VISIT FELL INTO THAT PATTERN. I HAD A SERIES OF USEFUL MEETINGS. I HAD LUNCH WITH THE FOREIGN SECRETARY, MEETINGS WITH MR GOODLAD AND SENIOR FOREIGN OFFICE OFFICIALS, PLUS MEETINGS WITH A NUMBER OF OTHER CABINET MINISTERS AND MINISTERS. 1 HAD A LENGTHY TELEPHONE CONVERSATION WITH THE PRIME MINISTER, WHOM 1 DID NOT SEE ON THIS OCCASION BECAUSE HE WAS IN HIS HUNTINGDON CONSTITUENCY. IT WAS USEFUL FOR ME TO BE ABLE TO UPDATE HIM AND OTHERS ON HOW THINGS ARE GOING IN HONG KONG AND TO UNDERLINE, FOR EXAMPLE, THE IMPORTANCE TO US OF THE UNCONDITIONAL RENEWAL OF MFN. THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT HAVE ALREADY EMPHASISED THIS AT THE HIGHEST LEVELS OF THE U.S. ADMINISTRATION. THEY - AND WK - WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO AS WE APPROACH THE DEADLINE FOR A DECISION. THE CHIEF SECRETARY WILL BE LEAVING FOR WASHINGTON TOMORROW ON AN IMPORTANT VISIT, DURING WHICH SHE EXPECTS TO MEET AN INFLUENTIAL CROSS-SECTION OF SENIOR MEMBERS IN THE ADMINISTRATION AND CONGRESS, AND COVER A WIDE RANGE OF ISSUES OF INTEREST TO HONG KONG, INCLUDING MFN. WE ALL WISH HER WELL ON HER IMPORTANT MISSION.
WHILE IN LONDON I ALSO HAD A MEETING WITH LADY THATCHER. AS ONE OF THE SIGNATORIES OF THE JOINT DECLARATION SHE CONTINUES TO KEEP A CLOSE INTEREST IN HONG KONG AFFAIRS, AND 1 HAVE KEPT IN REGULAR TOUCH WITH HER OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS.
IN LONDON I FOUND CONTINUING INTEREST AND SOLID SUPPORT FOR WHAT WE ARE TRYING TO DO IN HONG KONG, AND A GROWING UNDERSTANDING OF WHY WE MUST ENSURE - WITH OUR CHINESE COLLEAGUES - THE FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE JOINT DECLARATION. I ALSO FOUND CONSIDERABLE ADMIRATION FOR AND INTEREST IN HONG KONG’S CONTINUING ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL SUCCESS STORY.
/SHORTLY AFTER .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 1994
- 2 -
SHORTLY AFTER MY RETURN TO HONG KONG, THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS SELECT COMMITTEE OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS PUBLISHED THEIR REPORT ON RELATIONS BETWEEN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND CHINA IN THE PERIOD UP TO AND BEYOND 1997. 11 IS AN EXTREMELY THOROUGH AND IMPRESSIVE DOCUMENT, AS MANY OF YOU WILL HAVE SEEN. THEY SOUGHT VIEWS FROM RIGHT ACROSS THE BOARD - FROM THE CHINESE AND BRITISH GOVERNMENTS, AS WELL AS FROM A LARGE NUMBER OF OTHER SOURCES, INCLUDING ME AND A GOOD MANY MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL.
NATURALLY I INTEND TO COMMENT IN ANY DETAIL ONLY ON THE SECTION ON HONG KONG. I AM GLAD THAT THE COMMITTEE GAVE UNANIMOUS BACKING TO THE APPROACH WE HAVE TAKEN ON POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS. HAVING HEARD AND WEIGHED UP ALL THE ARGUMENTS, THE COMMITTEE CONFIRMED THAT THE PROPOSALS WHICH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED IN 1992 ARE CONSISTENT WITH AGREEMENTS REACHED WITH CHINA. THEY MAKE CLEAR THEIR SUPPORT FOR THE SPECIFIC PROPOSALS AND FOR THE OVERALL APPROACH WE HAVE ADOPTED. I NATURALLY WELCOME THAT, PARTICULARLY SO BECAUSE THIS REPORT IS UNANIMOUS AND CROSS-PARTY. IT IS CERTAINLY NOT A GOVERNMENT REPORT. SELECT COMMITTEES DO NOT SPEAK FOR THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT. THEY SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES, INDEPENDENTLY AND FEARLESSLY, AND THEY HAVE DONE SO IN THIS CASE CLEARLY AND UNAMBJGUOUSLY AND AUTHORITATIVELY.
THE FAC MAKE SEVERAL SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS IN THEIR REPORT. THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT - WITH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT - WILL WANT TO CONSIDER THESE CAREFULLY BEFORE GIVING A FORMAL RESPONSE. SO WHAT FOLLOWS ARE BY WAY OF PRELIMINARY REMARKS.
THE COMMITTEE RIGHTLY EMPHASISED THE NEED FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM AND CHINA TO WORK CLOSELY TOGETHER IN THE INTERESTS OF HONG KONG IN THE TIME REMAINING BEFORE THE TRANSFER OF SOVEREIGNTY. BRITISH MINISTERS AND I HAVE OFTEN SAID THAT WE STRONGLY FAVOUR SUCH CO-OPERATION. I WAS THEREFORE PLEASED TO NOTE THAT THE CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER HAD EXPRESSED SIMILAR SENTIMENTS SUPPORTING SUCH COOPERATION IN A RECENT INTERVIEW WITH TA KUNG PAO.
ON NATIONALITY ISSUES, THE FAC RECOMMEND, AS THIS COUNCIL HAS DONK, THAT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT GRANT FULL BRITISH CITIZENSHIP TO THE WIVES AND WIDOWS OF EX-SERVICEMEN IN HONG KONG. AS THE COUNCIL WILL KNOW, I SUPPORT THAT VIEW AND HAVE PRESSED THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT TO GRANT FULL BRITISH CITIZENSHIP TO THIS EXCEPTIONAL GROUP. UNFORTUNATELY, THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO GRANT FULL CITIZENSHIP WITHOUT PRIMARY LEGISLATION IN PARLIAMENT, AND THEY ARE NOT PERSUADED OF THE CASE FOR INITIATING THIS. INSTEAD, THE HOME SECRETARY HAS WRITTEN PERSONALLY' TO EACH OF THE LADIES CONCERNED AND HAS AGREED THAT THEY MAY HAVE A SPECIAL STAMP IN THEIR PASSPORTS GUARANTEEING THAT THEY ARE FREE TO COME AND GO FROM THE UK WHENEVER THEY WISH, AND TO SETTLE THERE. THESE ARE SPECIAL STEPS WHICH 1 HOPE WILL GO SOME WAY TOWARDS MEETING THE LADIES’ CONCERNS.
/THE FAC .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 1994
3 -
THE FAC ALSO RECOMMEND - AS ITS PREDECESSOR DID IN 1989 - THAT BRITAIN SHOULD GIVE FULL BRITISH CITIZENSHIP TO THE NON-CHINESE ETHNIC MINORITY RESIDENTS IN HONG KONG. IF THAT IS NOT POSSIBLE, THEN THEY RECOMMEND THAT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT GO FURTHER THAN ITS EXISTING PLEDGE AND STATE PUBLICLY THAT IF THIS GROUP ENCOUNTER DISCRIMINATION IN THE NEW SAR, WHETHER OR NOT THEY FACE EXPLICIT PRESSURE TO LEAVE, THEY WILL BE GIVEN EVERY HELP TO ENTER BRITAIN AND ACQUIRE BRITISH CITIZENSHIP. AGAIN, I HAVE CONSISTENTLY PRESSED UPON THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT - AS HAS THIS COUNCIL - THE CASE FOR FULL BRITISH CITIZENSHIP FOR THE ETHNIC MINORITIES. OUR EFFORTS HAVE NOT YET BORNE FRUIT. BUT WE SHALL CONTINUE TO ARGUE THE CASE, AND THIS RECOMMENDATION BY THE FAC WILL BE AN EXTRA STRING TO OUR BOW.
THE FAC REPORT MAKES THOUGHTFUL AND DETAILED RECOMMENDATIONS ABOUT REINFORCING HUMAN RIGHTS IN HONG KONG. IT CONTAINS FOUR SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS. AGAIN, WE WILL WANT TO THINK ABOUT THESE CAREFULLY. MY STARTING POINT IS THAT WE MUST INDEED DO ALL WE CAN TO ENSURE THAT HONG KONG’S WAY OF LIFE - WHICH INCLUDES RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS - CONTINUES BEYOND 1997, AS THE JOINT DECLARATION PLEDGES IT WILL. ABOVE ALL, THAT MEANS ENSURING THAT HONG KONG’S INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK - THE FRAMEWORK WHICH PROTECTS THE RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS OF THIS OPEN SOCIETY - IS IN AS STRONG AND AS HEALTHY A STATE AS POSSIBLE WHEN IT IS INHERITED BY THE SAP.
THE FAC’S KEY RECOMMENDATION IS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION. WE WILL WANT TO LOOK AGAIN AT ALL THE ARGUMENTS FOR AND AGAINST THIS. THE FAC ALSO STRONGLY SUPPORT POSITIVE ACTION TO END SEX DISCRIMINATION IN HONG KONG. AS HONOURABLE MEMBERS KNOW, WE PUBLISHED A GREEN PAPER LAST YEAR ON EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN AND MEN AND SOUGHT THE PUBLIC’S VIEWS. WE SHALL BE SEEKING EXCO’S VIEWS SHORTLY ON A STRATEGY TO PROMOTE EQUALITY BETWEEN THE SEXES IN HONG KONG. THE POSSIBILITIES INCLUDE THE EXTENSION OF CEDAW TO HONG KONG; THE ENACTMENT OF SEX DISCRIMINATION LEGISLATION; AND IMPROVED MEASURES TO PROMOTE EDUCATION ON GENDER EQUALITY.
HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES HAVE RISEN TO TOP OF THE PUBLIC AGENDA IN RECENT WEEKS. THE PROPER PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS IS FUNDAMENTAL TO A FREE SOCIETY. I WANT TO SAY A WORD, IN THIS CONTEXT ABOUT THE ICAC, WHICH HAS FOUND ITSELF THRUST INTO THIS DEBATE ON HUMAN RIGHTS IN RECENT WEEKS. I WANT TO REPEAT THREE POINTS, IN VIEW OF THE UNFOUNDED ALLEGATIONS WHICH WERE MADE - UNDER THE SHIELD OF IMMUNITY - IN THIS COUNCIL A WEEK AGO.
- FIRST, THERE HAS NEVER BEEN NOR WILL THERE BE ANY POLITICISATION OF THE ICAC. THAT WOULD BE AGAINST THE LAWS WITHIN WHICH IT OPERATES. ITS JOB IS TO FIGHT CORRUPTION -NO MOREt NO LESS.
/- SECONDLY, THERE .........
THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 1994
- 4 -
- SECONDLY, THERE HAS - PERFECTLY LEGITIMATELY - BEEN A PUBLIC DEBATE FOR SOME TIME AS TO WHETHER THE POWERS OF THE ICAC ARE RIGHT FOR TODAY’S HONG KONG. IT IS BECAUSE OF THAT DEBATE AND BECAUSE OF THE ANXIETIES WHICH SOME PEOPLE HAVE THAT THE POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE ICAC ARE BEING EXAMINED AT THE MOMENT BY A DISTINGUISHED AND INDEPENDENT COMMITTEE. IT WILL REPORT AT THE END OF THE YEAR. AND ITS REPORT WILL BE PUBLIC. BUT THE ICAC DOES NOT OPERATE IN A VACUUM. EVERY ICAC INVESTIGATION IS MONITORED BY THE ICAC OPERATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE, THE MAJORITY OF WHOSE MEMBERS COME FROM OUTSIDE THE ADMINISTRATION. SO CHECKS AND BALANCES ALREADY EXIST. THE INDEPENDENT REVIEW COMMITTEE WILL CONSIDER
WHETHER FURTHER CHANGES NEED TO BE MADE TO MEET TODAY’S CIRCUMSTANCES.
- THIRDLY, THE BOTTOM LINE IS THIS : DO WE WANT AN ICAC THAT IS CAPABLE OF BEATING CORRUPTION IN HONG KONG OR NOT? IF WE DO - AND I BELIEVE THE VAST MAJORITY DO WANT TO KEEP HONG KONG CORRUPTION FREE - THEN WHILE WE MUST CERTAINLY REVIEW THE ICAC’S POWERS AND FUNCTIONS FROM TIME TO TIME, AND WHILE WE MUST TAKE CARE TO KEEP IT INDEPENDENT, WE MUST ALSO GIVE IT OUR STAUNCH SUPPORT AND UNDERSTANDING IN ITS VERY DIFFICULT TASK. THE UNFOUNDED ALLEGATIONS MADE LAST WEEK WILL NOT HELP IN THAT. IF THEY SUCCEEDED IN UNDERMINING PUBLIC CONFIDENCE IN THE LONG-TERM WORK OF THE ICAC, THEN IT WOULD BE A SAD DAY FOR HONG KONG.
WE WILL, AS 1 SAY, BE CONSIDERING, WITH THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT, VERY CAREFULLY THE RECOMMENDATIONS CONTAINED IN THE FAC REPORT. WE WILL DO SO WITHOUT DELAY. THE ISSUES ARE URGENT ONES, AND WE MUST PRESS AHEAD WITH THEM. I HOPE WE WILL BE ABLE TO ANNOUNCE, IN DETAIL, OUR RESPONSE AND A PROPOSED PLAN OF ACTION BY THE END OF JUNE.
FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, IN LEGCO TODAY:
MR SZETO WAH (THROUGH INTERPRETER): MR GOVERNOR, I HAVE FOUR QUESTIONS TO ASK. IF YOU ONLY ALLOW ME TO ASK ONE THEN PLEASE PICK ONE OUT OF THE FOUR QUESTIONS I’M GOING TO ASK. FOR THE REMAINING THREE YOU CAN GIVE ME WRITTEN ANSWERS.
THE FIRST QUESTION - THE BASIC LAW WAS PROMULGATED IN APRIL 1990, FOUR YEARS HAVE LAPSED. THE FAC SAID ONLY NOW THAT TWO ARTICLES OF THE BASIC LAW WERE AGAINST THE JOINT DECLARATION, DOES THAT MEAN THAT IT IS BEING SYMPATHETIC ONLY AT TOO I,ATE AN HOUR?
SECONDLY, ACCORDING TO THE SEVEN LETTERS BETWEEN THE TWO GOVERNMENTS, WE KNOW THAT WHEN THE BASIC LAW WAS BEING DRAFTED THE CHINESE AND THE BRITISH GOVERNMENTS DID SOME BARGAINING. AT THAT TIME, ON THE TWO ARTICLES MENTIONED BY THE FAC DID THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT MENTION ITS OPPOSITION TO INCLUDING THAT IN THE BASIC LAW?
/THIRDLY, ARE ........
THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 1994
5
THIRDLY, ARE THESE THE ONLY TWO ARTICLES WHICH ARE AGAINST THE JOINT DECLARATION? FOR EXAMPLE ARTICLE 17, THIS HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH ENACTING LEGISLATION IN HONG LONG. THE NPCSC WILL HAVE THE FINAL VETO POWER. DO YOU THINK THAT THIS IS AGAINST THE JOINT DECLARATION?
FOURTHLY, THE JLG HAS REACHED AN AGREEMENT ON THE FINAL COURT OF APPEAL. DO YOU THINK THAT THAT DECISION IS AGAINST THE JOINT DECLARATION?
GOVERNOR: PERHAPS BRIEFLY 1 CAN TRY TO PERSUADE THE HONOURABLE MEMBER THAT CHRISTMAS HAS COME EARLY AND ANSWER ALL FOUR OF HIS QUESTIONS RATHER THAN JUST ONE OF THEM.
PERHAPS I CAN REMIND HONOURABLE MEMBERS WHAT ARTICLES 18 AND 158 OF THE BASIC LAW ACTUALLY SAY BECAUSE THOSE ARE THE TWO ARTICLES IN QUESTION AND THEY ARE THE TWO ON WHICH THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS SELECT COMMITTEE HAVE FOCUSED.
ARTICLE BASIC LAW 18 IS ABOUT INTERVENTIONS IN HONG KONG IN THE CASE OF TURMOIL IN HONG KONG. I THINK THAT HONOURABLE MEMBERS ARE PROBABLY FAMILIAR WITH THE ARTICLE IN QUESTION. THE OTHER ARTICLE CONCERNS THE POWER OF INTERPRETATION OF THE NPC STANDING COMMITTEE.
THE POSITION WHICH THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT HAS TAKEN UP FROM THE OUTSET IS THAT THERE IS A VERY FUNDAMENTAL DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW. THE JOINT DECLARATION IS AN INTERNATIONAL AND BINDING TREATY BETWEEN TWO SOVEREIGN POWERS. THE BASIC LAW IS A LAW PASSED BY THE NPC OF ONE OF THOSE SOVEREIGN POWERS AND WAS NOT THE SUBJECT OF NEGOTIATION BETWEEN BRITAIN AND CHINA, THOUGH BRITAIN DID AT VARIOUS POINTS MAKE KNOWN THE SORT OF OUTCOME IT WOULD LIKE TO SEE IN THE BASIC LAW AND MADE IT CLEAR THAT THERE WERE SOME PIECES OF DRAFTING WHICH IT WOULD HAVE PREFERRED TO HAVE BEEN DIFFERENT. I THINK THAT TOUCHED BOTH ARTICLE 18 AND ARTICLE 158 AMONG OTHERS.
OUR POSITION IS THAT IF ARTICLES 18 OR 158 OF THE BASIC LAW WERE USED TO UNDERMINE THE AUTONOMY OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION, THAT WOULD BE IN CONTRAVENTION OF THE JOINT DECLARATION. BUT I’M SURF THAT AS THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES HAVE SAID AGAIN AND AGAIN THEY INTEND TO COMPLY WITH THE TERMS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THEREFORE WOULDN’T USE THE BASIC LAW IN A WAY WHICH
CONTRADICTED THE TERMS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION. I THINK ARGUMENTS WHICH ARE PROBABLY FAMILIAR TO THE HONOURABLE
THOSE ARE
GENTLEMAN.
I’M SORRY THAT THE ANXIETIES STILL EXIST AND I HOPE THAT CHINESE OFFICIALS AS WELL AS BRITISH OFFICIALS WILL BE ABLE TO PUT THE HONOURABLE MEMBER’S MIND AT REST AND THOSE MINDS OF OTHER MEMBERS OF
THE COMMUNITY.
AS FOR THE AGREEMENT ON THE CFA, THE GOVERNMENT DOES TAKE THE VIEW THAT IT’S IN LINE WITH THE JOINT DECLARATION. 1 DARESAY THAT WE’LL HAVE OPPORTUNITIES OF DEBATING THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL IN THE COMING MONTHS AND THIS COUNCIL WILL IN DUE COURSE HAVE TO MAKE IN EFFECT A CRUCIAL DECISION AS TO WHETHER WE GET A COURT OF FINAL APPEAL UP AND RUNNING BEFORE 1997 OR NOT.
/MR SIMON IP
THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 1994
6
MR SIMON IP: THANK YOU MR PRESIDENT. GOVERNOR, ARE YOU ABLE TO CONFIRM AS ACCURATE RECENT PRESS REPORTS THAT THE INDEPENDENT REVIEW COMMITTEE WILL LOOK AT THE ICAC’S POWERS TO TAP TELEPHONES UNDER THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS ORDINANCE AND IF SO, WHETHER THAT COMMITTEE WILL BE ASKED TO CONSIDER THE SETTING UP OF SOME AUTHORITY, OTHER THAN YOURSELF, TO MONITOR AND REPORT ON TELEPHONE TAPPING UNDER THE ORDINANCE?
GOVERNOR: I’M SURE THE HONOURABLE MEMBER KNOWS THAT THE QUESTION OF INTERCEPTIONS JS IN FACT ALREADY BEING LOOKED AT AT THE SPECIFIC REQUEST OF THE GOVERNMENT. IT’S ALREADY BEING LOOKED AT BY THE LAW COMMISSION WHICH WE HOPE WILL REPORT IN AUGUST OF THIS YEAR. IT’S PART OF THE LAW COMMISSION’S WORK ON PRIVACY. WE ASKED THEM TO LOOK AT INTERCEPTIONS AND THEY’RE DOING SO. THE POSITION AT PRESENT IS COVERED BY THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS ORDINANCE, SECTION 33, AND OF COURSE THERE ARE PROVISIONS IN THE ICAC ORDINANCE AS WELL WHICH AFFECT OPERATIONS IN RESPECT OF THAT BODY’S WORK. I IMAGINE THAT WHEN IT LOOKS AT THE POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE ICAC, THE REVIEW COMMITTEE WILL WANT BOTH TO CONSIDER THE WORK THAT’S ALREADY BEEN DONE BY THE LAW COMMISSION AND MAY WISH TO LOOK AT THE SUBJECT ITSELF QUITE INDEPENDENTLY. IT WILL BRING FORWARD RECOMMENDATIONS AND THE LAW COMMISSION WILL BRING FORWARD RECOMMENDATIONS AND WE’LL CONSIDER THEM IN GOOD FAITH. SOME PEOPLE HAVE SUGGESTED ADDITIONAL SAFEGUARDS WHEN IT COMES TO AUTHORISATION, I’M SURE THAT THAT IS ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WILL BE LOOKED AT.
I DO WANT TO MAKE IT CLEAR ONCE AGAIN TO HONOURABLE MEMBERS THAT ANY INTERCEPTIONS ARE CARRIED OUT WHOLLY WITHIN THE PARAMETERS OF THE LAW. IF WE WISH TO CHANGE THE LAW THEN THAT IS A DECISION WHICH THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND THE COMMUNITY WILL TAKE OVER THE COMING MONTHS AND YEARS. BUT ANYTHING WHICH IS DONE IS DONE WITHIN THE LAW AND IT’S THE GOVERNMENT WHICH HAS TAKEN THE INITIATIVE, BOTH IN RELATION TO THE LAW COMMISSION AND IN RELATION TO THE ICAC REVIEW, IT’S THE GOVERNMENT WHICH HAS TAKEN THE INITIATIVE TO ACTUALLY REVIEW THE LAW IN THESE MATTERS.
MS EMILY LAU: THANK YOU, MR PRESIDENT, THE GOVERNOR TOLD US THAT THERE WAS NO POLITICISATION OF THE ICAC AND SAID THE RECENT UNFOUNDED ALLEGATIONS WILL ONLY UNDERMINE PUBLIC CONFIDENCE IN THE ICAC. MR PRESIDENT, 1 WANT THE GOVERNOR TO CONFIRM FOR THIS COUNCIL AND FOR THE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC OF HONG KONG, THAT HE HIMSELF, NOR ANY SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL, HAS NOT AUTHORISED THE ICAC TO 'BUG’ THE TELEPHONES OF FORMER SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND POLITICIANS FOR NON-CORRUPTION RELATED OFFENCES.
/GOVERNOR: .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 1994
GOVERNOR: I REPEAT WHAT I SAID EARLIER, THERE IS NO INTERCEPTION OF TELEPHONE CONVERSATIONS FOR POLITICAL PURPOSES. THERE IS OF COURSE INTERCEPTION IN TWO AREAS, ONE IS IN THE AREA OF CORRUPTION WHERE INTERCEPTIONS HAVE BEEN CARRIED OUT, THE OTHER IS IN THE AREA OF CRIME AND SECURITY WHERE IT IS ALSO THE CASE THAT INTERCEPTIONS HAVE BEEN CARRIED OUT WITHIN THE LAW. BUT I REPEAT THAT RIGHT ACROSS THE BOARD, ANY INTERCEPTIONS WHICH HAVE BEEN CONDUCTED HAVE BEEN WITHIN THE LAW AND NONE HAVE BEEN CARRIED OUT FOR POLITICAL PURPOSES. THIS IS AN OPEN SOCIETY, THIS IS A PLURAL SOCIETY, PEOPLE HAVE A WIDE SPREAD OF OPINIONS - PERHAPS ON SOME ISSUES WIDER THAN ELSEWHERE ON OTHER ISSUES LESS WIDE THAN IN OTHER COMMUNITIES - AND SO LONG AS I AM RESPONSIBLE IT WILL REMAIN.
THERE IS A DIFFICULTY WHEN ONE IS RESPONDING TO THIS ENDLESS FLOOD OF UNFOUNDED ALLEGATIONS. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE EXECUTIVE FOR THE ADMINISTRATION RESPONSIBLY TO REPLY TO, RESPOND TO, EACH ALLEGATION - TO EACH ALLEGATION CONCERNING INDIVIDUALS - WITHOUT PUTTING ITSELF IN AN IMPOSSIBLE POSITION. SO WE DO HAVE TO SAY, WHEN SPECIFIC ALLEGATIONS COME UP FROM TIME TO TIME, "NO COMMENT" AND THOSE RESPONSES OF "NO COMMENT" AREN’T "NO COMMENT” MEANING "YES", THEY ARE "NO COMMENT" MEANING "NO COMMENT". AND THAT’S THE WAY THAT IT’S GOT TO BE. THAT’S WHY I HAVE TO SAY THAT ALLEGATIONS MADE WITH IMMUNITY CAN LEAD TO, I THINK, AN EXTREMELY DIFFICULT AND DELICATE POSITION WHICH IS GROTESQUELY UNFAIR TO PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS AND I AM SURE THAT IS SOMETHING WHICH THIS COUNCIL WILL WANT TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF.
MS EMILY LAU: A FOLLOW UP. WILL THE GOVERNOR CONFIRM FOR THIS COUNCIL THAT ALL THE TELEPHONE 'BUGGING’ AND WIRE-TAPPING THAT THE AUTHORITIES CONCERNED CONDUCT, IS DONE WITH YOUR APPROVAL AND YOU KNOWING ABOUT IT?
GOVERNOR: YES. I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE COUNCIL SHOULD BE ABSOLUTELY CLEAR ABOUT THAT. I AS GOVERNOR, LIKE MY PREDECESSORS, HAVE FINAL RESPONSIBILITY TO AUTHORISE ANY INTERCEPTION. THIS COUNCIL WILL KNOW THAT WHEN ONE IS DEALING, FOR EXAMPLE, WITH MAJOR INTERNATIONAL CRIME OR BIG CORRUPTION CASES, THESE TECHNIQUES ARE NOT JUST DESIRABLE, ARE NOT JUST NECESSARY, BUT ESSENTIAL IF ONE IS TO MAKE ANY PROGRESS. BUT NOTHING IS DONE UNLESS I FINALLY AUTHORISE IT. IF SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE URGENTLY IN THE CASE OF THE ICAC, THE COMMISSIONER OF THE ICAC HAS REGULAR MEETINGS WITH THE DESIGNATED OFFICER WHO IS ABLE TO AUTHORISE, BUT HE IS ONLY ABLE TO AUTHORISE UNTIL I ACTUALLY PUT MY STAMP ON THINGS MYSELF WHICH I DO VERY SWIFTLY. AND NOTHING SENSITIVE WOULD BE DONE, I AM ABSOLUTELY CONVINCED, WITHOUT MY SAY SO. BUT EVENTUALLY, EVERY DECISION COMES TO ME, EVERY DECISION IS AUTHORISED BY ME, EVERY SINGLE DECISION THAT IS MADE.
MISS ANNA WU: THANK YOU MR PRESIDENT. GOVERNOR, GIVEN THE RECOMMENDATION IN THE FAC REPORT THAT IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE, LEGAL AND DESIRABLE TO SET UP A HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION IN HONG KONG, AND GIVEN THE ADDED UNEQUIVOCAL SUPPORT FROM AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL, WHAT WILL IT TAKE YOU AND YOUR GOVERNMENT TO SET UP A COMMISSION IN HONG KONG OR TO ALLOW THAT MATTER TO BE DETERMINED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL? WHAT IS TROUBLING YOU ON THIS PROPOSAL TO SET UP A COMMISSION IN HONG KONG?
/GOVERNOR: .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 1994
8
GOVERNOR: NOTHING’S TROUBLING ME, I’M AS THE COUNCIL KNOWS A TROUBLEFREE MAN. WHAT DOES INTEREST ME IS HOW WE CAN BEST SECURE THE BILL OF RIGHTS AND ITS PROPER IMPLEMENTATION. LET ME SPELL OUT WHAT I MEAN IN SOME DETAIL. THE ARGUMENTS SET OUT BY AMNESTY AND BY THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS SELECT COMMITTEE AND PERSUASIVELY BY THE HONOURABLE LADY FOR A HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION ARE POSITED ON THE ASSUMPTION THAT WE NEED TO MAKE PROGRESS IN THREE AREAS. FIRST OF ALL WE NEED TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT AWARENESS OF HUMAN RIGHTS. SECONDLY WE NEED TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT ACCESS AND THIRDLY WE NEED TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT AFFORDABILITY. NOW IT’S A LEGITIMATE QUESTION TO ASK WHETHER YOU MEET THOSE OBJECTIVES BEST BY SETTING UP A HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION OR WHETHER THERE ARE OTHER WAYS IN WHICH YOU CAN MEET THOSE OBJECTIVES. THAT SEEMS TO ME TO BE A PERFECTLY REASONABLE ARGUMENT TO HAVE. IF YOU LOOK AROUND THE WORLD, IT’S DIFFICULT TO FIND MANY EXAMPLES OF COMMUNITIES WHICH HAVE BOTH A BILL OF RIGHTS AND A HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION. CANADA IS ONE SUCH, BUT THERE AREN’T MANY OTHER EXAMPLES. ONE CAN THINK OF SOME HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSIONS WHICH ARE PRETTY TOOTHLESS CREATURES AND PERHAPS AT THE END OF THE DAY DO LESS FOR THE ADVANCE OF HUMAN RIGHTS THAN COULD HAVE BEEN ACHIEVED IN OTHER WAYS.
ALL I’M DOING IS SAYING TO THE HONOURABLE LADY, THERE IS AN ARGUMENT AND WHAT WE WANT TO ENSURE AT THE END OF THE DAY IS THAT WE HAVE DONE MORE TO SECURE THE BILL OF RIGHTS RATHER THAN MORE TO UNDERMINE THE BILL OR RIGHTS. WE ALSO WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE MEET THE SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES SET OUT BY AMNESTY AND OTHERS WHICH I SHARE. THAT IS AWARENESS, ACCESS AND AFFORDABILITY.
THERE’LL BE A LOT OF DISCUSSION AND DEBATE ABOUT THIS. THERE’LL BE A GOOD DEAL OF DISCUSSION AND DEBATE ABOUT HOW AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES COMMISSION OR WOMEN’S’ COMMISSION, IF THERE IS PRESSURE TO SET ONE OF THOSE UP, WOULD SIT ALONG SIDE A HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION, WHEN IT WOULD BE PLAINLY DOING A GREAT DEAL OF THE WORK OF A HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION. THERE’LL BE A GOOD DEAL OF DISCUSSION ABOUT THE ENHANCED ROLE OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS IN RELATION TO A HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION. I’M SURE AT THE END OF THE DAY WE CAN ALL SHARE THE OBJECTIVE OF STRENGTHENING THE BILL OF RIGHTS AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION AND I HOPE THAT WE COME OFF WITH SOLUTIONS WHICH THE HONOURABLE LADY FINDS AS ACCEPTABLE AS I DO.
MISS ANNA WU: MAY I ASK A SHORT FOLLOW-UP MR PRESIDENT. GOVERNOR, HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE YOU TO COME TO A DECISION ON THIS MATTER?
GOVERNOR: AS I SAID IN MY STATEMENT, WE WANT TO COME TO THE END OF JUNE, BUT IT MAY WELL BE THAT IN RELATION TO OR TWO OTHER ISSUES WHICH ARE STARTING TO INTEREST, WELL TO, WHICH ARE INTERESTING AND CONCERNING THE COUNCIL, WE COME TO A CONCLUSION EARLIER THAN THAT IF POSSIBLE.
MISS ANNA WU: THANK YOU.
A DECISION BY THAT AND ONE NOT STARTING WOULD WANT TO
/MR TIMOTHY HA .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 1994
- 9 -
MR TIMOTHY HA (THROUGH INTERPRETER) : THANK YOU, MR PRESIDENT. MR GOVERNOR, I UNDERSTAND THAT RECENTLY THE PRESIDENT OF PORTUGAL HAS PAID YOU A VISIT AND HAS ALSO MADE A VISIT TO MACAU. DURING THE VISIT, ACCORDING TO PRESS REPORTS, THE PRESIDENT OF PORTUGAL, WITH REGARD TO PEOPLE IN MACAU AND HONG KONG HOLDING PORTUGUESE PASSPORTS, MADE AN ABSOLUTE UNDERTAKING TO THEM. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW, UNDER THE PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES BETWEEN CHINA AND BRITAIN, WILL THE FAC, WITH REGARD TO THE HOLDERS OF BRITISH PASSPORTS IN HONG KONG, WILL IT RECONSIDER THEIR CONDITION CONCERNING RIGHT OF ABODE IN ENGLAND?
GOVERNOR: I WAS ABLE TO TALK ABOUT THESE MATTERS WITH THE PRIME MINISTER - NOT THE PRESIDENT - THE PRIME MINISTER OF PORTUGAL, YESTERDAY, FOR ABOUT AN HOUR-AND-A-HALF BEFORE LUNCH AND THEN FOR SOME TIME OVER LUNCH AS WELL. I THINK THE HONOURABLE MEMBER WILL KNOW THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE SCALE OF THE ISSUE IN PORTUGAL AND HONG KONG. BUT THERE ARE PRINCIPLES WHICH ARE SIMILAR AND I CAN ASSURE THE HONOURABLE GENTLEMAN THAT I DO, WITH SOME REGULARITY, DRAW TO THE ATTENTION OF THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT THE ISSUES AT STAKE, NOT ONLY IN RELATION TO THIS ISSUE BUT IN RELATION TO OTHER NATIONALITY AND RIGHT OF ABODE ISSUES TOO.
MR JAMES TO (THROUGH INTERPRETER): MR GOVERNOR, SECTION 33 OF THE TELE-COMMUNICATIONS ORDINANCE SAYS THAT YOU CAN, IF IT IS YOUR VIEW THAT IT IS IN THE INTERESTS OF THE PUBLIC, AUTHORISE THE TAPPING OF TELEPHONES OR TO INTERCEPT CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATION MESSAGES AND RECENTLY, ICAC HAS TAKEN OVER THE SPECIAL BRANCH AND ITS WORK. ABOUT A PERSONALITY CHECK OR INTEGRITY CHECKING OF SENIOR OFFICIALS, THE ICAC HAS ALSO TAKEN OVER THAT AND THAT WOULD INCLUDE FINANCIAL MATTERS OR POSSIBLE CORRUPTION. AND SO I WOULD LIKE TO ASK YOU THIS: CONCERNING SECTION 33, REGARDING PUBLIC INTEREST, DOES IT INCLUDE THE AUTHORISATION TO AUTHORISE PHONE-TAPPING THAT IS NOT RELATED TO CORRUPTION BUT HAS TO DO WITH PERSONALITY CHARACTERS AS WELL AS THE INTEGRITY OF CERTAIN PERSONS? BECAUSE RECENTLY, THE HEARING HAS CAUSED A LOT OF SOCIAL ATTENTION. AND SO, HAVE YOU CONSIDERED MAKING EVIDENCE TO THE SECURITY PANEL UNDER OATH?
GOVERNOR: I THINK IT IS RATHER MORE DESIRABLE THAT I SHOULD ANSWER QUESTIONS TO THIS COUNCIL OPENLY AT REGULAR INTERVALS AND THAT I WILL CONTINUE TO DO. JUST LET ME SAY A WORD OR TWO ABOUT INTEGRITY CHECKING AND EXTENDING CHECKING. FIRST OF ALL, FOR THE ICAC TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT INTEGRITY CHECKING ISN’T NEW, IT’S BEEN HAPPENING FOR MANY YEARS, I THINK EVER SINCE THE ICAC WAS SET UP. WHAT IS NEW IS THE PROPOSAL THAT FROM THIS JULY, THE ICAC SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR EXTENDED CHECKING WHICH WAS PREVIOUSLY UNDERTAKEN BY THE SPECIAL BRANCH. THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS ORDINANCE SECTION 33 DOESN’T DEAL WITH PERSONALITY CHECKS, IT’S DEALING WITH ISSUES LIKE CORRUPTION, MAJOR CRIME AND THE SECURITY AND STABILITY OF THE TERRITORY AND I DON’T, FRANKLY, THINK THAT THOSE ARE ISSUES THAT ARE LIKELY TO ARISE WHEN ONE IS DECIDING WHETHER OR NOT TO CONFIRM A SECRETARY IN HIS OR HER POST. SO I THINK THE HONOURABLE GENTLEMAN SHOULD RECOGNISE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE VARIOUS FUNCTIONS OF BOTH THE ICAC AND THE POLICE FORCE.
/I’M SURE .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 1994
10
I’M SURE THAT THE ROLE WHICH WE HAVE ASKED THE ICAC TO TAKE ON FROM THE SPECIAL; BRANCH IN RELATION TO EXTENDED CHECKING, IS A FUNCTION OF THE ICAC WHICH THE REVIEW COMMITTEE WILL WANT TO LOOK AT TO CONSIDER WHETHER IT APPROPRIATELY SITS WITH THE ICAC OR NOT. THE ICAC WAS ASKED TO UNDERTAKE THIS WORK IN GOOD FAITH. THE ICAC WASN’T PRESSING THE REST OF US TO UNDERTAKE THE WORK.
LET ME SAY ONE OTHER THING WHICH IS RELEVANT TO THE GENERAL ENQUIRY WHICH THE HONOURABLE MEMBER REFERRED TO. THIS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IS DEVELOPING ITS ROLE, IS DEVELOPING VERY VIGOROUSLY, AS WE SHOULD ALL WANT IT TO, ITS RESPONSIBILITIES IN HOLDING THE EXECUTIVE TO ACCOUNT. 1 HOPE THAT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, AS IT CARRIES OUT THIS RESPONSIBILITY AND THIS DUTY, RECOGNISES THAT ACTIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES. AND I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT
AS A RESULT OF THE INTEREST WHICH IS SHOWN IN IMPROVING AND MAKING MORE EFFECTIVE THE ICAC, NOTHING IS DONE AND NOTHING IS SAID WHICH MAKES THE ICAC’S JOB MORE DIFFICULT, WHICH UNDERMINES THE ICAC. THIS COMMUNITY NEEDS TODAY, AS MUCH AS IT HAS EVER NEEDED, PERHAPS IN SOME RESPECTS MORE THAN IT HAS NEEDED SINCE IT WAS FIRST SET UP, AN EFFECTIVE COMMISSION TO FIGHT CORRUPTION. AND IF AT THIS JUNCTURE OF
OUR AFFAIRS, IF AT THIS JUNCTURE, FOR WHATEVER REASONS, WE UNDERMINE THE ROLE OF THE ICAC, IF WE MAKE IT MORE DIFFICULT FOR IT TO CARRY OUT ITS TASK IN THE FRONT-LINE AGAINST CORRUPTION, THEN THE WH(|LE
COMMUNITY WILL RUE THE DAV.
MRS SELINA CHOW: GOVERNOR, GIVEN THE NOT SO GOOD RELATIONS BETWEEN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT, FOLLOWING THE BREAKDOWN OF NEGOTIATIONS ON CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT, AND GIVEN THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTENANCE OF A QUALITY CIVIL SERVICE IN ORDER TO EFFECT A SMOOTH TRANSITION, AND BEARING IN MIND ALL THESE STORIES THAT WE READ IN THE PAPERS ABOUT SENIOR CIVIL SERVANTS WHO ARE ABOUT TO LEAVE THE SERVICE COME 1997, WHAT ARE YOU SIR DOING TO MAINTAIN THE QUALITY OF THE CIVIL SERVICE FOR IT TO HAVE THE QUALITY AND THE CONTINUITY BEYOND 1997?
GOVERNOR: I SHARE WITH THE HONOURABLE LADY THE IMPLIED REGARD, THE REGARD IMPLIED IN HER QUESTION, FOR THE QUALITY OF THE CIVIL SERVICE.
1 THINK THE QUALITY OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE IN HONG KONG IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT REASONS FOR HONG KONG’S ASTONISHING ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL SUCCESS STORY. SO ANYBODY IN THEIR RIGHT MIND MUST BE CONCERNED TO ENSURE THAT WE CONTINUE TO HAVE A HIGH QUALITY CIVIL SERVICE WHICH IS WELL MOTIVATED, WHICH OPERATES ACCORDING TO THE TRADITIONAL INTEGRITY OF PUBLIC SERVICE WHICH IS UNCORRUPT, WHICH IS IMAGINATIVE AND WHICH SERVES THE COMMUNITY. THERE IS A LIMITED AMOUNT THAT I CAN DO AFTER 1997 AND WHAT IS SAID BY OFFICIALS IN THE NORTH IS MORE LIKELY TO AFFECT ATTITUDES ABOUT POST-1997. THE HONOURABLE LADY REFERRED TO I THINK A RECENT SURVEY CARRIED OUT BY ACADEMICS AT THE POLYTECHNIC. SOME PEOPLE HAVE SUGGESTED THAT THE CONCLUSIONS OF THAT SURVEY WEREN’T QUITE AS DAMAGING AS THE HEADLINES SUGGESTED, BUT THEY WERE, IT HAS TO BE SAID WORRYING, EVEN NOT AS WORRYING AS SOME HEADLINES MADE OUT, WORRYING .BECAUSE OF THE ANXIETIES WHICH WERI EXPRESSED ABOUT THE SITUATION IN 1997 AND BEYOND, WORRYING BECAUSE OF CONCERNS ABOUT INTERFERENCE AFTER 1997.
/LET ME .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 1994
LET ME SAY THE FOLLOWING, FIRST WE HAVE CONSISTENTLY MADE IT CLEAR TO CHINESE OFFICIALS INCLUDING ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS, TO THE DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG MACAU AFFAIRS OFFICE, THAT WE WOULD LIKE TO GET INVOLVED IN A SERIOUS DISCUSSION ABOUT THE CIVIL SERVICE TRANSITION THROUGH 1997. I FIRST RAISED THE QUESTION WITH DIRECTOR LU WHEN I WENT TO SEE HIM IN PEKING IN OCTOBER, 1992. AT THE SAME TIME THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL RECALL WE PROPOSED SETTING UP A COURSE AT QINGHUA UNIVERSITY FOR SENIOR CIVIL SERVANTS. THAT’S NOW BEEN ESTABLISHED, TWO GROUPS OF CIVIL SERVANTS HAVE BEEN THROUGH IT. A THIRD WILL SHORTLY GO THROUGH IT. IT’S BEEN A SUCCESS. WE ARE KEEN ON CIVIL SERVANTS FROM CHINA COMING AND SEEING HOW WE DO THINGS IN HONG KONG AND SENDING CIVIL SERVANTS FROM HONG KONG INTO CHINA TO SEE HOW THINGS ARE DONE THERE. WE’RE INCREASING TRAINING IN PUTONGHUA IN OUR CIVIL SERVICE SO’S TO ENSURE THAT WE HAVE THE LINGUISTIC SKILLS THAT ARE GOING TO BE REQUIRED FOR THE FUTURE. WE WOULD LIKE TO TALK ABOUT DOING MORE WITH OUR CHINESE INTERLOCUTORS.
SECONDLY, I HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO DOUBT AT ALL THAT WHEN DIRECTOR LU AND SOME OF HIS SENIOR COLLEAGUES SAY THEY RECOGNISE THE IMPORTANT ROLE OF THE CIVIL SERVICE AND THAT THEY WANT THE BEST MOST MERITOCRATIC CIVIL SERVICE THROUGH 1997, I HAVE NO DOUBT AT ALL THAT DIRECTOR LU AND SOME OF HIS SENIOR ASSOCIATES ARE TALKING NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH. I THINK THAT IS WHAT THEY WANT. I THINK THAT OCCASIONALLY HOWEVER THINGS HAVE BEEN SAID BY OTHERS INCLUDING SOME WHO PURPORT TO ADVISE THEM, WHICH HAVEN’T BEEN VERY HELPFUL IN ENCOURAGING CIVIL SERVANTS TO THINK THAT THE TRANSITION WILL BE SMOOTH AND THE OPERATING STYLE WILL BE THE SAME AFTER 1997. BUT I DO HOPE THAT WE CAN FIND MORE WAYS OF DISCUSSING THESE ISSUE AND MORE WAYS OF WORKING TOGETHER ON THESE ISSUES.
AS I’VE SAID ON MANY PREVIOUS OCCASIONS, BECAUSE WE HAVEN’T BEEN ABLE TO AGREE ON POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG, IT DOESN’T MEAN THAT WE CAN’T AGREE ON AS MANY OTHER THINGS AS POSSIBLE. WE HAD TODAY FOR EXAMPLE A MEETING OF THE LAND COMMISSION INVOLVING OF COURSE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVANTS WHICH REACHED I THINK VERY SATISFACTORY CONCLUSIONS. IT IS POSSIBLE TO DO BUSINESS AND TO CO-OPERATE IN A SENSIBLE WAY IN THE INTERESTS OF HONG KONG AND THERE IS NO AREA WHERE IT’S MORE IMPORTANT TO DO THIS THAN IN DISCUSSING AND HELPING TO PROTECT THE FUTURE OF THE CIVIL SERVICE. WHERE THERE HAVE BEEN REAL ANXIETIES AND WE COULD CONTRIBUTE, FOR EXAMPLE, IN SETTING UP THE SEVEN AND A HALF BILLION PENSION FUND FOR CIVIL SERVANTS, WE HAVE ACTED OURSELVES. I’M SURE THAT CHINESE OFFICIALS RECOGNISE THAT THEY HAVE TO ACT TOO.
MRS ELSIE TU: THANK YOU MR PRESIDENT. IN HIS INTRODUCTORY REMARKS TODAY THE GOVERNOR REMARKED, I’LL QUOTE HIS WORDS, "ARRANGEMENTS ANNOUNCED BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IN 1992". SINCE THE GOVERNOR’S ELECTORAL PROPOSALS WERE MADE ON 7 OCTOBER, 1992, WITHOUT CONSULTATION WITH EITHER THE OUTGOING OR INCOMING EXECUTIVE COUNCILS, WOULD THE GOVERNOR BE PREPARED TO TELL US WHERE THOSE PROPOSALS ORIGINATED AND WHAT HE MEANT WHEN HE CALLED THEM "ARRANGEMENTS ANNOUNCED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN 1992"?
GOVERNOR: WELL, I’M SURE THE HONOURABLE LADY WILL RECALL THAT WHEN I CAME TO HONG KONG I HAD A WIDE RANGE OF DISCUSSIONS WITH POLITICAL GROUPS AND OTHERS AND THE PROPOSALS THAT WERE PUT TO THIS COUNCIL IN THE AUTUMN OF 1992 WERE THE RESULT OF THOSE WIDE RANGING DISCUSSIONS.
/I THINK ......
THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 1994
12
I THINK I CAN SAY HAND ON HEART THAT VIRTUALLY EVERY PROPOSAL I PUT FORWARD HAD ALREADY BEEN PUT FORWARD BY A MEMBER OF THIS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. I’M PRETTY CERTAIN I CAN SAY THAT, INCLUDING I HAVE TO SAY TO THE HONOURABLE LADY, ONE OR TWO MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL NOT SITTING VERY FAR FROM THE HONOURABLE LADY. SO THE PROPOSALS WERE BORN AND BROUGHT UP IN HONG KONG AND IT WILL BE FOR THIS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN HONG KONG TO DECIDE IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS WHETHER IT WISHES TO CHANGE ANY OF THEM IN ANY WAY AS I'M DELIGHTED THAT SO FAR WE’VE SEEN TWO BILLS PASSED THROUGH THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SO THAT WE'RE GOT ABOUT TWO-THIRDS OF THEM ON THE STATUTE BOOK.
MRS ELSIE TU: MAY I JUST FOLLOW-UP? I THINK THE GOVERNOR MISSED MY POINT THERE, THAT HE TALKED ABOUT ARRANGEMENTS ANNOUNCED BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT FROM WHICH I PRESUME THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS TO BE CONSULTED AND I UNDERSTAND IT WAS NOT. IS THAT CORRECT?
GOVERNOR: THE HONOURABLE LADY WILL KNOW THE CONSTITUTIONAL POSITION. THE ADMINISTRATION IS ADVISED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. IT HAPPENS THAT THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WAS CHANGED IN OCTOBER, 1992, FOR THE REASONS WHICH WERE SET OUT PRETTY CLEARLY AT THE TIME.
MS CHRISTINE LOH: GOVERNOR, I WOULD LIKE TO ASK YOU ABOUT THE CONDITIONS OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN HONG KONG TODAY. TWO DAYS AGO, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY CAME TO THIS COUNCIL TO BRIEF US ON THE RAID THAT TOOK PLACE AT THE WHITEHEAD DETENTION CENTRE ON THE 7TH APRIL. HE SAID THAT HE HAD BRIEFED BOTH YOU AND THE CHIEF SECRETARY ABOUT THE RAID. IT IS NOT CLEAR HOW DETAILED WAS THE BRIEFING BUT IF YOU KNEW THAT OFFICERS WOULD GO INTO THE CAMP WITHOUT PREVIOUS ADVICE TO THE DETAINEES THAT THEY WOULD ONLY MOVE FROM ONE CAMP TO ANOTHER AND THAT IN THE END THEY ENDED UP USING OVER 500 CANS OF TEAR GAS, AND IN ADDITION TO THAT, THEY USED MACE AND PEPPER-FOG, WOULD YOU HAVE QUESTIONED THAT OPERATION OR WOULD YOU HAVE CONSENTED TO THAT OPERATION?
GOVERNOR: I WOULD BE A RARE CREATURE IF I DIDN’T TAKE THE VIEW THAI IT WAS EASIER TO TAKE DECISIONS AFTER THE EVENT RATHER THAN BEFORE AND THE BENEFITS OF HINDSIGHT ARE NOW AVAILABLE TO ALL OF US. I DON’T WANT TO SAY ANYTHING TODAY WHICH WOULD IN ANY WAY INHIBIT THE INQUIRY WHICH WE’VE PUT IN PLACE WHICH I’M SURE WILL ASSIST US IN DRAWING ANY GENERAL CONCLUSIONS WHICH ARE REQUIRED FROM THIS EXTREMELY UNFORTUNATE INCIDENT. THERE IS A REAL PROBLEM WHICH THE ADMINISTRATION HAS AND WHICH THE CSD HAVE. THERE’S BEEN A RAPID RUN-DOWN IN THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE, THE NUMBER OF VM’S IN THE CAMPS. I THINK THAT MOST OF US WHEN WE LOOK AT THE CONDITIONS LN VIETNAM TODAY THINK THAT REMOVAL OF PEOPLE FROM THE (-AMPS, THINK THAT RETURN TO VIETNAM, SHOULD IF ANYTHING BE A GOOD DEAL FASTER. BUT THE REDUCTION IN THE NUMBERS DOES CREATE REAL PROBLEMS OF MANAGEMENT IN THE CAMPS. DOES THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WHICH IS RESPONSIBLE IN MANY WAYS FOR OVERSEEING THE SPENDING OF THE TAXPAYERS’ MONEY, WANT US TO GO ON WITH THE SAME NUMBER OF CAMPS EVEN AS THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN THEM FALLS? THE HONOURABLE LADY LOOKS SLIGHTLY PUZZLED BY THAT BUT LT IS A REASONABLE QUESTION. SHOULD WE?
/WHAT ACCOUNT ......
THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 1994
- 13 -
WHAT ACCOUNT DO WE TAKE OF INCIDENTS IN THE CAMP WHICH SUGGEST THAT VERY OFTEN THERE IS A HARD CORE WHICH IS MAKING LIFE MORE DIFFICULT FOR SONE OF THE OTHER INHABITANTS? I DON’T MAKE THOSE POINTS PROVOCATIVELY; THEY ARE SERIOUS PROBLEMS IN TERMS OF REASONABLE CAMP MANAGEMENT. DEALING WITH THEM FIRMLY CREATES A LOT OF DIFFICULTIES FOR CSD AND THE ADMINISTRATION AND I HOPE THAT ONE OF THE OUTCOMES OF THIS INQUIRY - WHICH IS, ALAS, BECAUSE OF EVENTS WHICH SADDEN US ALL, NECESSARY - I HOPE ONE OF THE RESULTS OF THE INQUIRY’S WORK IS THAT WE WILL BE ABLE TO DEAL WITH THOSE MATTERS IN A MORE EFFECTIVE AND MORE INFORMED WAY.
A LOT OF QUESTIONS, I’M SURE, OCCUR TO THE GOVERNOR AS WELL AS LEGISLATORS AND THE REST OF THE COMMUNITY, ABOUT THE QUANTITY OF TEARGAS USED, ABOUT THE EFFECTS OF TEAR GAS, ABOUT THE REASONS FOR INJURIES, ABOUT WHETHER OR NOT WARNINGS SHOULD BE GIVEN OR WHETHER WARNINGS WOULD LEAD TO PROVOCATIVELY DEFENSIVE ACTIONS BY THOSE IN THE CAMPS. THOSE ARE ALL PROBLEMS THAT WE HAVE TO LOOK AT AND WE HAVE, AT THE END OF THE DAY, TO COME UP WITH ARRANGEMENTS WHICH ENABLE US TO DO A DIFFICULT JOB IN AS CALM AND FAIR AND REASONABLE AND WITH A SMALL ’L’, LIBERAL A WAY AS POSSIBLE.
MS CHRISTINE LOH: A FOLLOW UP, PLEASE. YES, GOVERNOR, WOULD IT BE RIGHT IN SAYING THAT ACTUALLY YOU DID NOT HAVE ANY DETAILS OF THE RAID?
GOVERNOR: THAT WOULD BE RIGHT BECAUSE I WASN’T ACTUALLY IN HONG KONG AT THE TIME BUT THAT IS NOT AN ATTEMPT TO SHUFFLE-OFF RESPONSIBILITY. I HAVE TOTAL CONFIDENCE IN ALL THOSE WHO TOOK DECISIONS AND WHETHER OR NOT I WAS IN HONG KONG AT THE TIME, I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT HAPPENED.
MR TAM YIU-CHUNG (THROUGH INTERPRETER): ACCORDING TO PRESS REPORTS THE PWC WILL, IN HONG KONG, CARRY OUT SMALL GROUP MEETINGS AND MR LU PING WILL PROBABLY BE ATTENDING THE MEETINGS OF THE SMALL GROUP UNDER THE PWC. 1 WOULD LIKE TO ASK YOU THIS, MR GOVERNOR: SO, DO YOU WELCOME THE HOLDING OF SMALL GROUP MEETINGS OF THE PWC IN HONG KONG AND WILL YOU BE FACILITATING SUCH SMALL GROUP MEETINGS, AND WILL YOU BE CAPITALISING ON THIS CHANCE TO MEET WITH MR LU PING IN ORDER TO BETTER THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN YOURSELF AND CHINA?
GOVERNOR: WELL, THE ACTIVITIES OF THE PWC ARE NOT MY RESPONSIBILITY. I WISH THE PWC WELL IN ITS ENDEAVOURS. I HOPE THAT IT WILL GIVE ADVICE WITHOUT FEAR OR FAVOUR TO CHINESE OFFICIALS. I THINK THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE WHO HAVE LOOKED AT SOME OF THE ADVICE THAT IT HAS GIVEN IN THE PAST AND RAISED A QUIZZICAL EYEBROW, BUT BECAUSE I AM A MAN OF LEGENDARY CHARITY I AM NOT AMONG THEM. I HAVE READ REPORTS IN THE PRESS ABOUT A POSSIBLE VISIT TO HONG KONG BY DIRECTOR LU. I THINK THAT IF THE DIRECTOR WERE TO AGREE TO COME TO HONG KONG AGAIN IT WOULD BE A MATTER FOR CONSIDERABLE SATISFACTION FOR THE WHOLE COMMUNITY. 1 THINK WE WOULD THROW OUR HATS IN THE AIR. I’M SORRY THAT HE HASN’T BEEN ABLE TO COME FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS. I THINK WE WOULD VERY MUCH WELCOME A VISIT SOON, AND MANY VISITS OVER THE NEXT THREE YEARS, BECAUSE WE RECOGNISE THAT HE HAS RESPONSIBILITIES WHICH TOUCH VERY SENSITIVELY ON THE FUTURE PROSPERITY AND STABILITY OF HONG KONG.
/I HAVE .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 1994
- 14 -
I HAVE SAID ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS THAT I WOULD BE DELIGHTED TO SEE HIM AND TALK TO HIM AGAIN. I WOULD GENUINELY. THERE ARE MANY THINGS THAT IT WOULD BE USEFUL FOR US TO TALK ABOUT; THERE ARE MANY THINGS ON WHICH WE NEED TO DEVELOP AS CANDID AND CO-OPERATIVE RELATIONSHIP AS POSSIBLE. CAN I JUST FINISH AND THEN THE HONOURABLE MEMBER CAN COME BACK? WE HAVEN’T YET HAD ANY FORMAL NOTIFICATION THAT DIRECTOR LU IS COMING BUT IF HE IS, I’M SURE HE WILL HAVE MUCH TO SAY TO HONG KONG. I AM SURE THAT, I HOPE SOME OF IT, MOST OF IT, ALL OF IT, WILL BE GOOD NEWS, AND MY DOOR REMAINS ALWAYS OPEN AND THERE IS A RED CARPET READY TO ROLL DOWN THE STEPS OF GOVERNMENT HOUSE.
MR TAM YIU-CHUNG (THROUGH INTERPRETER): THERE WERE TWO POINTS THAT WERE VERY IMPORTANT IN MY QUESTION BUT I DON’T THINK THE GOVERNOR HAS GIVEN A RESPONSE TO THEM. I ASKED HIM, WITH REGARD TO THE SMALL GROUP MEETINGS UNDER THE PWC IN HONG KONG, DOES HE WELCOME THE MEETINGS AND WILL HE BE FACILITATING THE HOLDING OF SUCH MEETINGS UNDER THE PWC? HE HASN’T REALLY RESPONDED TO THOSE TWO POINTS. I THINK HE HAS ONLY COMMENTED ON SOME OF THE REMARKS MADE BY PWC MEMBERS.
GOVERNOR: IT’S FOR ME TO FACILITATE MEETINGS OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP. IT’S FOR ME TO FACILITATE MEETINGS OF THE LAND COMMISSION. IT’S FOR ME TO FACILITATE MEETINGS OF THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE. WHILE I WELCOME ANYBODY WHO COMES TO MEET IN HONG KONG, IT IS NOT FOR ME TO FACILITATE MEETINGS THAT LIE OUTSIDE THE USUAL RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN THE SOVEREIGN POWERS AND HONG KONG. SO, I WELCOME MEETINGS BY THE INTERNATIONAL LIONS AND I WELCOME MEETINGS BY THE INTERNATIONAL ROTARY AND I WELCOME MEETINGS BY THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND I WELCOME MEETINGS BY THE PWC, BUT I AM NOT ACTUALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY OF THEM. I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT THE EXISTING AND VERY IMPORTANT CHANNELS THAT WE HAVE, THE CHANNELS OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE PRESENT AND FUTURE SOVEREIGN POWERS AND HONG KONG, WILL WORK AS EFFECTIVELY AS POSSIBLE AND WE WILL FACILITATE AS MUCH AS WE CAN ALL THOSE ACTIVITIES. AS FOR THE MEETINGS OF THE PWC, THEY ARE ADVISERS TO THE FUTURE SOVEREIGN POWER;I HOPE THEY WILL GIVE THE VERY POSSIBLE ADVICE IN THE INTERESTS OF HONG KONG. I CAN OFFER THEM MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS BUT IT WOULD BE TOTALLY WRONG OF ME TO OFFER ANYTHING ELSE AND I’M SURE IF I WERE TO DO SO, I’D HAVE MY WRIST VERY PROMPTLY SLAPPED BY THE NCNA.
MR CHEUNG MAN-KWONG (THROUGH INTERPRETER): MR GOVERNOR, BECAUSE MR TO CANNOT ASK A FOLLOW-UP QUESTION, I WOULD LIKE TO ASK THIS QUESTION. CONCERNING THE ANTI-CORRUPTION WORK OF THE ICAC. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHETHER IT HAS A PARAMOUNT POSITION SO THAT MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND LEGCO CANNOT MONITOR ICAC BECAUSE OF ITS ANTI-CORRUPTION WORK? WHEN MEMBERS OF PUBLIC QUERY WHETHER ICAC HAS TOO MUCH POWER, WHETHER ICAC HAS EXCEEDED IN ITS POWERS TO DO SOMETHING THAT IS NOT RELATED TO CORRUPTION, THE GOVERNOR SAID THAT IT WOULD UNDERMINE ICAC’S ROLE AS A CORRUPTION FIGHTER. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHETHER THAT IS AN OVERREACTION ON THE PART OF THE ADMINISTRATION?
/ACTUALLY WITH .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 1994
15
ACTUALLY WITH REGARD TO THE HEARING ON MR TSUI, IT HAS JUST COMMENCED AND MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL HAVEN’T ACTUALLY ASKED QUESTIONS TO MR TSUI AND ON VARIOUS OCCASIONS THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALREADY BEEN SAYING THAT LEGCO HAS BEEN DEVIATING FROM THE ORIGINAL POSITION. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHETHER THAT IS A PREMATURE CONCLUSION, WHETHER IT’S FAIR TO LEGCO?
IF WE HAVE AN ICAC THAT IS ABOVE LEGCO, AN ICAC THAT HAS OVER THE WORK OF THE SPECIAL BRANCH AND ACTUALLY IS ABOVE LEGCO. IS IT REALLY GOING TO BE HEALTHY TO HONG KONG WITH REGARD TO CORRUPTION FIGHTING?
GOVERNOR: WELL, LIFE’S A COMPLICATED OLD BUSINESS AND IT’S MUCH MORE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT WHEN ONE GETS ATTACKED OR CRITICISED FOR THINGS ONE DIDN’T SAY RATHER THAN FOR THINGS ONE DID SAY.
I INVITE THE HONOURABLE MEMBER TO LOOK AT WHAT I ACTUALLY SAID. NOBODY IS SUGGESTING FOR ONE MOMENT THAT THE ICAC IS ABOVE THIS COUNCIL OR ABOVE THE EXECUTIVE, NOBODY IS SUGGESTING THAT IT SHOULDN’T BE ACCOUNTABLE, IT SHOULD BE ACCOUNTABLE. THAT’S WHY WE HAVE THE OPERATION REVIEWS COMMITTEE WHICH HAS 1 THINK EIGHT OUT OF TWELVE MEMBERS FROM OUTSIDE THE ADMINISTRATION, THAT’S WHY I’VE SET UP THE REVIEW COMMITTEE TO SEE, INCLUDING 1 THINK TWO MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL, TO SEE WHETHER IN THEIR VIEW THE ACCOUNTABILITY AS WELL AS THE ACCOUNTABILITY OF THE COUNCIL HAS TO BE ENHANCED AND ITS FUNCTIONS LOOKED AT. THOSE ARE BOTH PERFECTLY PROPER WAYS OF TRYING TO ENSURE THE ACCOUNTABILITY OF THE ICAC.
ALL I SAID IS THAT IN LOOKING AT THE ICAC’S FUNCTIONS, IN CONSIDERING THE QUESTION OF ACCOUNTABILITY, EVERYONE HAS TO BE VERY CAREFUL IN THE WAY THEY GO ABOUT THESE MATTERS. JUST LET ME MAKE TWO PERFECTLY OBVIOUS POINTS TO THE HONOURABLE MEMBER. NEXT TIME, IF THERE IS A NEXT TIME, THAT MANAGEMENT IN THE ICAC HAVE AN EMPLOYEE WHO THEY THINK FOR A VARIETY OF REASONS SHOULD BE DISMISSED, WHAT CONCLUSIONS AFTER THE LAST FEW WEEKS DOES ONE EXPECT THEM TO COME TO? DO THEY CONCLUDE THAT IT’S A RISK FREE ENTERPRISE, DOING WHAT IS BEST FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF THE ICAC, OR DO THEY CONCLUDE THAT IF THEY TRY TO DO WHAT IS BEST IN PERSONNEL TERMS FOR THE ICAC AND IT’S ADMINISTRATION, IT’S GOING TO LEAD TO THE SORT OF UNFOUNDED ALLEGATIONS THAT HAVE BEEN POURING OUT AND I GUESS WILL PROBABLY CONTINUE TO POUR OUT OVER THE LAST FEW WEEKS? I WONDER, I WONDER WHAT SIR JACK CATER OR ANY OF THOSE WHO FOUNDED THE ICAC AND MADE IT SUCH A VIGOROUS OPPONENT OF CORRUPTION WOULD HAVE THOUGHT IF THEIR ABILITY TO MANAGE THE INSTITUTION HAD BEEN AFFECTED IN THAT WAY.
/IT'S ALSO .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 1994
- 16 -
IT’S ALSO THE CASE, THE COUNCIL MUST KNOW IT, THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE IN THE ICAC, THERE ARE INDIVIDUAL MEN AND WOMEN WHO ARE DOING INCREDIBLY SENSITIVE WORK, WHO ARE DOING WORK WHICH BRINGS THEM PERSONAL DANGER. HOW DOES THE HONOURABLE MEMBER THINK THEY FEEL ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY THAT AT ANY MOMENT AN OPERATION IN WHICH THEY’RE INVOLVED CAN BE HALF-SPLASHED OVER THE PAPERS OR LEAKED TO THE PAPERS. I’M NOT SAYING TO THE HONOURABLE MEMBER, I’M CERTAINLY NOT SAYING THAT WE DON’T NEED TO ENSURE THAT THE ICAC WORKS IN A WAY WHICH IS APPROPRIATE FOR THE CONDITIONS IN HONG KONG TODAY, THAT IS TOTALLY RIGHT. I ALSO TOTALLY ACCEPT THAT ISSUE LIKE SURVEILLANCE WHICH I’VE TALKED ABOUT TODAY, THAT ISSUES LIKE THE DRIVE AGAINST CORRUPTION, SHOULD BE ISSUES FOR WHICH THE EXECUTIVE IS ACCOUNTABLE TO THIS COUNCIL AND COUNCILLORS ARE ENTIRELY RIGHT TO ASK QUESTIONS ABOUT THEM. BUT THERE ARE WAYS IN WHICH ONE CAN PROCEED WHICH ACTUALLY MAKE IT VERY DIFFICULT FOR ASPECTS OF THE ADMINISTRATION TO OPERATE SUBSEQUENTLY WITH THE SORT OF SUPPORT WHICH THEY NEED FROM THE COMMUNITY.
LET’S MAKE THOSE VERY OBVIOUS POINTS TO THE COUNCIL, NOT IN ORDER TO TRY TO INHIBIT THE COUNCIL, BUT JUST TO TRY TO ENCOURAGE THE COUNCIL TO LOOK AT THE WAY IN WHICH IT ACTUALLY DISCHARGES ITS’ RESPONSIBILITIES.
MR CHEUNG MAN-KWONG (THROUGH INTERPRETER): MR PRESIDENT, ACTUALLY I DON’T KNOW WHETHER MR GOVERNOR IS AWARE OF WHAT HAPPENED ON THAT DAY. AFTER MR TSUI HAS GIVEN HIS SPEECH THAT WAS ALREADY 6.30 IN THE AFTERNOON AND WE HAD TO GIVE HIM AN EXTRA FIFTEEN MINUTES FOR HIM TO FINISH HIS SPEECH AND ON THAT PARTICULAR DAY LEGCO MEMBERS DID NOT HAVE A CHANCE TO PUT QUESTIONS TO HIM. AND HOW WOULD YOU KNOW THAT IF LEGCO MEMBERS HAD THE TIME TO ASK QUESTIONS TO MR TSUI, LEGCO MEMBERS WOULD HAVE QUERIED THE POWER OF ICAC AND HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT LEGCO MEMBERS WOULD NOT HAVE QUERIED MR TSUI? AND HOW DO YOU AT SUCH AN EARLY STAGE KNOW THAT WE WOULD NOT HAVE ENDEAVOURED TO DIG INTO THE TRUTH AND HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT WE WOULD NOT, AFTER AN ENQUIRY, ACTUALLY ENHANCE THE OPERATION OF ICAC?
GOVERNOR: WELL IF THE HONOURABLE MEMBER AND I SHARE THE OBJECTIVE OF TRYING TO ENHANCE THE CAPACITY OF THE ICAC, THEN THAT IS A USEFUL NOTE OF CO-OPERATION ON WHICH TO CONCLUDE THIS AFTERNOON. I’M NOT SEEKING TO PRE-JUDGE THE WAY THE COUNCIL WORKS IN ITS ENQUIRIES. THE ONLY POINT THAT I AM MAKING IS THE POINT I MADE EARLIER, THAT THERE ARE CONSEQUENCES OF THE ACTIONS THAT ONE TAKES AND THAT MEANS THAT WHEN ONE IS IN A SENSITIVE AREA, ONE HAS TO BE VERY CAREFUL ABOUT THE WAY ONE PROCEEDS AND I WAS DELIGHTED BY THE ASSURANCE .FROM THE HONOURABLE MEMBER THAT HE RECOGNISES THAT AND I HOPE HE WILL TAKE IT FROM ME THAT 1 WASN’T SEEKING TO CRITICISE THE LEGITIMATE UNDERTAKING OF THIS COUNCIL’S ROLE BY INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS. NO INTENTION OF THAT ON MY PART WHATSOEVER. BUT I REPEAT, THE WAY THE COUNCIL OPERATES HAS CONSEQUENCES.
THE PRESIDENT: IN ACCORDANCE WITH STANDING ORDERS I NOW ADJOURN THE SITTING UNTIL WEDNESDAY 27 APRIL, 1994.
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/17........
THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 1994
- 17 -
LAND COMMISSION 28TH MEETING *****
THE 28TH MEETING OF THE SINO-BRITISH LAND COMMISSION WAS HELD TODAY I APRIL 21).
THE TWO SIDES AGREED THAT THE LAND DISPOSAL PROGRAMME FOR THE 1994/95 FINANCIAL YEAR SHOULD AMOUNT TO 117.27 HECTARES.
THE PROGRAMME COMPRISES 31.01 HECTARES FOR COMMERCIAL, RESIDENTIAL AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT; 31.43 HECTARES FOR HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME, SANDWICH CLASS HOUSING SCHEME, PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME, HONG KONG HOUSING SOCIETY DEVELOPMENT AND VILLAGE HOUSING; 17.67 HECTARES FOR PUBLIC UTILITIES, EDUCATIONAL, WELFARE, RELIGIOUS, RECREATIONAL AND OTHER USES; AND 37.16 HECTARES AS SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS.
BESIDES, THE TWO SIDES ALSO AGREED TO SET ASIDE 5 HECTARES OF LAND IN A SUPPLEMENTARY LAND DISPOSAL PROGRAMME.
------0-----------
BETTER PROTECTION PROPOSED FOR CONSUMERS ♦ * * ♦ ♦
A PACKAGE OF PROPOSED LEGISLATION ON CONSUMER PROTECTION WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL NEXT WEDNESDAY (APRIL 27).
THESE ARE THE SALE OF GOODS (AMENDMENT) BILL, THE SUPPLY OF SERVICES (IMPLIED TERMS) BILL AND THE UNCONSCIONABLE CONTRACTS BILL, DETAILS OF WHICH WILL BE GAZETTED TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY TO IMPLEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE BETTER PROTECTION OF CONSUMERS.
THAT THESE THREE BILLS SOUGHT LAW REFORM COMMISSION FOR THE
AT PRESENT, THE SALE OF GOODS ORDINANCE PROVIDES THAT IN CONTRACTS FOR THE SALE OF GOODS, THERE SHOULD BE AN IMPLIED CONDITION THAT THE GOODS ARE OF MERCHANTABLE QUALITY.
THE SALE OF CRITERIA TO BETTER
GOODS (AMENDMENT) BILL SEEKS TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL DEFINE MERCHANTABLE QUALITY.
THEY INCLUDE THE APPEARANCE AND FINISH OF THE GOODS, THEIR FREEDOM FROM DEFECTS, DURABILITY AND SAFETY.
"WE BELIEVE THAT THESE FOUR ADDITIONAL CRITERIA FOR ASSESSING MERCHANTABLE QUALITY REPRESENT A FAIR SUMMARY OF WHAT A BUYER CAN REASONABLY EXPECT OF THE QUALITY OF GOODS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"ONCE INTRODUCED, THEY WILL ENHANCE SUPPLIERS’ AWARENESS OF THEIR OBLIGATION TO ENSURE THE MERCHANTABILITY OF THEIR GOODS.
"THEY WILL ALSO PROVIDE GUIDELINES TO THE CONSUMERS AND THE COURT IN DECIDING WHETHER PARTICULAR GOODS ARE OF MERCHANTABLE QUALITY."
/THE AMENDMENT .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 1994
18 -
THE AMENDMENT BILL ALSO PROVIDES THAT IN A CONSUMER CONTRACT, IF THE CONSUMER HAS NOT BEEN OFFERED A REASONABLE OPPORTUNITY OF EXAMINING THE GOODS, HE IS NOT DEEMED TO HAVE ACCEPTED THE GOODS BY THE MERE SIGNING OF AN ACCEPTANCE NOTE.
"THE PRACTICE OF TREATING THE ACCEPTANCE NOTE SIGNED BY THE BUYER AS REFLECTING ACCEPTANCE OF THE GOODS HAS ENABLED UNSCRUPULOUS SELLERS TO DEPRIVE CONSUMERS OF THEIR PROTECTION," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SUPPLY OF SERVICES (IMPLIED TERMS) BILL SEEKS TO CODIFY SOME COMMON LAW PRINCIPLES REGARDING CONTRACTS FOR THE SUPPLY OF SERVICES TO ENHANCE GREATER CLARITY AND OVERALL CONSISTENCY IN THEIR APPLICATION.
UNDER THE BILL, A SUPPLIER OF SERVICES IS OBLIGED TO DELIVER HIS SERVICE WITH REASONABLE CARE AND SKILL AND WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME; WHEREAS THE BUYER IS REQUIRED TO PAY A REASONABLE CHARGE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE UNCONSCIONABLE CONTRACTS BILL WOULD EMPOWER THE COURT TO REWRITE OR STRIKE DOWN UNCONSCIONABLE TERMS IN CONSUMER CONTRACTS.
THE BILL SEEKS TO PROVIDE JUDICIAL GUIDELINES FOR THE COURT IN DETERMINING UNCONSCIONABILITY AND EXERCISING ITS POWER.
"WE BELIEVE THAT THE COURTS ARE IN THE POSITION TO GRANT THE NECESSARY RELIEF TO THE CONSUMERS, HAVING TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH A CONSUMER ENTERS INTO A CONTRACT AND THE NATURE OF THE CONTRACT," HE ADDED.
THE JUDICIAL GUIDELINES FOR DETERMINING WHETHER A CONTRACT TERM IS UNCONSCIONABLE INCLUDE:
* THE RELATIVE STRENGTHS OF THE BARGAINING POSITIONS OF. THE CONSUMER AND THE SELLER;
* WHETHER THE CONSUMER WAS REQUIRED TO COMPLY WITH CONDITIONS THAT WERE NOT REASONABLY NECESSARY FOR PROTECTING THE LEGITIMATE INTERESTS OF THE SELLER;
* WHETHER THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO UNDERSTAND ANY DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE SUPPLY OF THE GOODS OR SERVICES;
* WHETHER THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED UNDUE INFLUENCE, PRESSURE, OR ANY UNFAIR TACTICS AGAINST HIM; AND
* THE AMOUNT FOR WHICH, AND THE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH, THE CONSUMER COULD HAVE ACQUIRED IDENTICAL OR EQUIVALENT GOODS OR SERVICES FROM ANOTHER SELLER.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THERE WOULD BE A ONE-YEAR GRACE PERIOD AFTER ENACTMENT OF THE UNCONSCIONABLE CONTRACTS BILL TO ENABLE THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY TO CONSIDER THEIR USE OF CONTRACTS IN THE SALE OF GOODS AND SUPPLY OF SERVICES TO CONSUMERS AND TO MAKE ANY NECESSARY AMENDMENTS.
"WE HOPE THAT INTRODUCTION OF THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION WILL HELP ENHANCE THE BARGAINING POWER OF THE SMALL CONSUMERS," HE SAID.
/19 .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 1994
- 19 -
GOVT RESPONSE TO AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL REPORT *****
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (THURSDAY) MADE THE FOLLOWING REMARKS IN RESPONSE TO THE PUBLICATION OF THE AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL REPORT:
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATIVES PRESENTED THEIR REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR ON APRIL 19.
THE GOVERNOR’S INITIAL REACTION WAS THAT THIS IS A THOUGHTFUL AND IMPRESSIVE REPORT AND THAT ITS RECOMMENDATIONS DESERVE THE GOVERNMENT'S EARLY AND CLOSE ATTENTION.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID IT WAS TOO IMPORTANT A REPORT FOR SNAP JUDGMENTS OR COMMENTS.
THE GOVERNMENT WILL NOW STUDY THE ARGUMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS AND FORMULATE A RESPONSE. "WE HOPE TO BE IN A POSITION TO PROVIDE A FULL RESPONSE BY THE END OF JUNE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HUMAN RIGHTS ARE TAKEN SERIOUSLY IN HONG KONG BY THE COMMUNITY, THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND THE GOVERNMENT, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"OUR OBJECTIVE IS TO IDENTIFY THE RIGHT NEXT STEPS FOR HONG KONG."
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AMENDMENT PROPOSED TO TRAVEL AGENTS LAW * ♦ ♦ » ♦
THE GOVERNMENT HAS PROPOSED TO AMEND THE TRAVEL AGENTS ORDINANCE TO BRING ONE OF ITS SECTIONS IN LINE WITH THE BILL OF RIGHTS ORDINANCE BY TRANSFERRING THE POWER TO PROHIBIT A TRAVEL AGENT FROM LEAVING HONG KONG FROM THE REGISTRAR OF TRAVEL AGENTS TO A MAGISTRATE.
THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT IS CONTAINED IN THE TRAVEL AGENTS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 WHICH WILL BE GAZETTED- ON APRIL 29 AND INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON MAY 11.
EXPLAINING THE PURPOSE OF THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID SECTION 21 OF THE TRAVEL AGENTS ORDINANCE EMPOWERED THE REGISTRAR OF TRAVEL AGENTS TO CONDUCT AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE BUSINESS OF A TRAVEL AGENT IF HE SUSPECTED THAT THE BUSINESS WAS BEING CARRIED ON CONTRARY TO THE PUBLIC INTEREST.
HAVING DECIDED TO CONDUCT AN INVESTIGATION, THE REGISTRAR MAY UNDER SECTION 29 OF THE ORDINANCE REQUIRE A MAGISTRATE TO ISSUE A PROHIBITION ORDER TO A TRAVEL AGENT TO PROHIBIT HIM FROM LEAVING HONG KONG.
/"LEGAL ADVICE ........
¥
THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 1994
- 20 -
"LEGAL ADVICE INDICATES THAT SECTION 29 IN ITS PRESENT FORM COULD BE HELD TO CONTRAVENE THE RIGHT TO LEAVE HONG KONG AND THE RIGHT TO A FAIR HEARING LAID DOWN RESPECTIVELY IN ARTICLES 8(2) AND 10 OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS ORDINANCE.
"THE TRAVEL AGENTS (AMENDMENT) BILL SEEKS TO MAKE THE ISSUE OF A PROHIBITION ORDER A JUDICIAL FUNCTION. THE DISCRETION TO ISSUE SUCH AN ORDER WILL BE EXERCISED BY A MAGISTRATE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE AMENDED SECTION 29 ALSO PROVIDES FOR AN APPEAL TO THE HIGH COURT AGAINST THE DECISION OF A MAGISTRATE TO MAKE A PROHIBITION ORDER.
"THE BILL SEEKS TO STRIKE A BALANCE BETWEEN THE PROTECTION OF THE INTEREST OF OUTBOUND TRAVELLERS AND THE NEED FOR SECTION 29 OF THE ORDINANCE TO BE COMPATIBLE WITH THE BILL OF RIGHTS ORDINANCE," HE SAID.
"THE AMENDMENTS FOLLOW CLOSELY A SIMILAR PRECEDENT IN THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE WHICH WAS ENACTED IN JULY 1993," HE ADDED.
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HK MOVING FAST ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ♦ » ♦ * *
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, SINCE THE PUBLICATION OF THE FTfeST WHITE PAPER ON THE ENVIRONMENT IN 1989, HAS BEEN MOVING AT A FAST PACE AND INVESTING VERY LARGE SUMS OF MONEY TO CORRECT PAST ENVIRONMENTAL MISTAKES; FEW GOVERNMENTS ANYWHERE HAVE DONE SO MUCH, SO QUICKLY.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY COOPER, TODAY (THURSDAY) IN A KEY-NOTE SPEECH TO AN ENVIRONMENT AUDITING WORKSHOP ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
MR COOPER SAID HONG KONG HAD SOLUTIONS TO MANY OF OUR ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS, THE RESOURCES TO IMPLEMENT THEM AND THE ABILITY TO MOVE AT A SPEED WHICH MADE MOST OTHER COMMUNITIES APPEAR TO BE STANDING STILL.
"WE NOW HAVE COMPREHENSIVE ACTION PLANS FOR DEALING WITH WASTE - CHEMICAL WASTE, SOLID WASTE, CONSTRUCTION WASTE, DOMESTIC WASTE AND SEWAGE.
"WE HAVE PLANS FOR TACKLING AIR POLLUTION, NOISE POLLUTION AND FOR STRENGTHENING LEGISLATION.
"WE HAVE PLANS TO MAKE POLLUTERS PAY, AND FOR ENHANCING COMMUNITY AWARENESS ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT."
BUT MR COOPER SAID THAT MORE REMAINED TO BE DONE IN CARRYING OUT THESE PLANS TO FRUITION AND THEN BUILDING ON THEM TO DEVELOP A SUSTAINABLE HONG KONG.
/MR COOPER .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 1994
21
MR COOPER SAID THE GOVERNMENT COULD NOT SHOULDER ALONE ALL THE ENVIRONMENTAL BURDENS BECAUSE POLLUTION ABATEMENT MUST NOT BE OUR ONLY GOAL.
"RATHER, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IS NOW, RIGHTLY, A MAJOR OBJECTIVE - PERHAPS THE KEY OBJECTIVE."
THE SECOND REVIEW OF THE 1989 WHITE PAPER ON POLLUTION, PUBLISHED LATE LAST YEAR, PROPOUNDED THE CONCEPT THAT A KEY FEATURE OF ANY SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME MUST BE COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS.
"THAT IS, PARTNERSHIPS BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND SOCIETY, PARTNERSHIPS TO BRING ABOUT A CHANGE IN THINKING AND ACTION REGARDING THE ENVIRONMENT."
MR COOPER SAID COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY SHOULD FACE UP TO THE FACT THAT THEY HAI) POSSIBLY A GREATER RESPONSIBILITY AND FACE A GREATER CHALLENGE TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT THAN OTHER SECTORS OF SOCIETY BECAUSE THREATS TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, AND MODERN ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION, BEGAN WITH THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION.
"IN ADDITION, IN HONG KONG, COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY ARE INVOLVED BECAUSE SOME INDUSTRIAL CONCERNS HAVE, FOR TOO LONG, TREATED THE ENVIRONMENT AS A SORT OF FREE SERVICE TO BE USED AND ABUSED AS THEY SAW FIT."
THEY HAD DUMPED TOXIC METALS IN THE SEWERS, CONSTRUCTION WASTE IN PARKS AND THE HARBOUR, AND LIVESTOCK WASTE IN RIVERS AND STREAMS. EVEN THOUGH SOME OF THEM DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN THESE ABUSES, THEY IGNORED THEM.
MR COOPER NOTED THAT RESPONSIBILITY, WHEN IT CAME, WAS EITHER FORCED ON THEM BY RESENTED LEGISLATION OR FORCED UPON THEM BY OVERSEAS FIRMS WHO TASKED THEM TO CONFORM TO NEW ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS BECAUSE OF CHANGING CONSUMER ATTITUDES IN THEIR DOMESTIC MARKETS.
"A CULTURE CHANGE IS THEREFORE REQUIRED."
IN FACING UP TO THE ENVIRONMENT AS A COMMUNITY ISSUE, MR COOPER SAID BUSINESSMEN SHOULD SEARCH OUT FOR NEW, FRESH, GREEN PARTNERSHIPS WITH THE COMMUNITY.
HE SUGGESTED THAT BUSINESSMEN COULD LINK WITH DISTRICT BASED ORGANISATIONS AND LOCAL GROUPS TO SEE WHAT THEY COULD DO TO HELP THAT DISTRICT’S ENVIRONMENT.
THEY COULD FORM UMBRELLA PARTNERSHIPS WITH OTHER COMPANIES INVOLVED IN COMPLEMENTARY BUSINESSES TO ADDRESS GREEN ISSUES AS WELL AS INTER-TRADE PARTNERSHIPS WITH COMPANIES IN COMPATIBLE TRADES.
THEY COULD ALSO MAKE GREEN PLEDGES FOR THEIR INDUSTRY AND DONATE FUNDS TO WORTHWHILE PROGRAMMES TO ENHANCE COMMUNITY UNDERSTANDING OF ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES, HE ADDED.
---------0-----------
/22 .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 1994
22
POLICE DUTIES RELATED EEES TO BE REVISED » * * * *
FEES FOR THE ISSUE AND RENEWAL OF A TEMPORARY LIQUOR LICENCE AND A MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENT LICENCE WILL BE REVISED FROM MAY 26.
IN ADDITION, FEES RELATED TO THE LICENCES ISSUED AND THE STORAGE SERVICES PROVIDED UNDER THE FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION ORDINANCE WILL BE ADJUSTED ON THE SAME DAY.
DETAILS OF THE REVISED FEES ARE SET OUT IN THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1994, FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1994, FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION (STORAGE FEES) (AMENDMENT) ORDER 1994 AND MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENTS (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1994 TO BE GAZETTED TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE REVISED FEES WERE SET AT LEVELS SUFFICIENT TO RECOVER THE FULL COSTS OF PROVIDING THE SERVICES.
FOLLOWING ARE DETAILS OF THE REVISIONS:
UNDER DUTIABLE COMMODITIES (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1994
EXISTING REVISED
FEE FEE
FEE FOR A TEMPORARY $100 PER DAY $220 PER DAY
LIQUOR LICENCE
UNDER FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1994
ITEM EXISTING FEE REVISED FEE
A) FEE FOR AN EXEMPTION UNDER $220 $284
SECTION 4(3) OF THE ORDINANCE
B) FEE FOR THE ISSUE OR
THE RENEWAL OF A LICENCE
FOR POSSESSION:
I) GRANTED FOR A LIMITED $30 $39
PURPOSE UNDER SECTION
30(1) ( A) OR (B)
II) GRANTED TO A WATCHMAN $80 $103
III) IN ANY OTHER CASE $800 $1,035
/C) FEE FOR ...........
THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 1994
23
C) FEE FOR THE ISSUE OR THE RENEWAL OF A DEALER’S LICENCE:
I) RESTRICTED TO A PRESCRIBED CLASS OR DESCRIPTION OF ARMS OR AMMUNITION OR BOTH [IF NOT FALLING WITHIN (II)] $2,000 $2 ,580
II) RESTRICTED TO SCRAP CARTRIDGE CASES ONLY $2,500 $3 ,220
III) IN ANY OTHER CASE $10,000 $12 ,880
D) FEE FOR THE AMENDMENT OF A LICENCE OR A CONDITION THEREOF $30 $39
E) FEE FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF A LICENCE OR AN EXEMPTION $30 $39
UNDER FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION (STORAGE FEES) (AMENDMENT) ORDER 1994
ITEM EXISTING FEE REVISED FEE
A) FEE FOR STORING ARMS (FOR EACH ARTICLE FOR EACH MONTH OR PART THEREOF) $60 $71
B) FEE FOR STORING IMITATION FIREARMS (FOR EACH ARTICLE FOR EACH MONTH OR PART THEREOF) $60 $71
C) FEE FOR STORING AMMUNITION (FOR EACH ARTICLE FOR EACH MONTH OR PART THEREOF) $60 $71
D) FEE FOR THE STORAGE OF ARMS AND AMMUNITION AWAITING TRANSHIPMENT WHERE THE ARMS AND AMMUNITION ARE STORED IN A BOX, CRATE OR SIMILAR CONTAINER (FOR EACH 50KG GROSS WEIGHT OR PART THEREOF, FOR EACH MONTH OR PART THEREOF) $4 5 $53
UNDER MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENTS (AMENDMENT) REGULATION
EXISTING REVISED
FEE FEE
THE ISSUE AND RENEWAL OF $5,000 $5,870
A MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENT ------------------------------0--------
/24 .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 1994
24
RESPONSE ON PROPOSED OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME
*****
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE PROPOSED OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME (OPS) WORKED ON THE GUIDING PRINCIPLE THAT AN "IRON LINK" WOULD BE ESTABLISHED BETWEEN CONTRIBUTIONS AND PENSION PAYOUTS, THAT IS, PENSION BENEFITS WOULD BE TAILORED ACCORDING TO THE AMOUNT OF CONTRIBUTIONS THAT COULD BE COLLECTED.
"THERE IS THEREFORE NO QUESTION OF 'LOSSES’ OR 'DEFICITS’ AS CLAIMED BY THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND WE ARE NOT SURE HOW IT ARRIVED AT THE FIGURES ON LOSSES TO BE INCURRED BY THE OPS," HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS NOW WORKING OUT THE DETAILED FINANCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS OF IMPLEMENTING THE PROPOSED SCHEME.
"A CONSULTATION DOCUMENT WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE SUMMER, BY WHICH TIME THE PUBLIC WILL BE ABLE TO COMMENT ON THE PROPOSAL IN DETAIL, ON THE BASIS OF WELL-FOUNDED FIGURES," HE ADDED.
- - 0----------
ACTION PLAN TO IMPROVE FAMILY LIFE *****
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR IAN STRACHAN, TODAY (THURSDAY) OUTLINED A THREE-PRONGED ACTION PLAN TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF FAMILY LIFE IN HONG KONG.
MR STRACHAN INTRODUCED HIS PLAN WHEN HE DELIVERED A SPEECH ENTITLED "TAKING THE FAMILY SERIOUSLY: AN ACTION PLAN" AT THE PLENARY SESSION OF THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON FAMILY AND COMMUNIY CARE.
MR STRACHAN SAID HIS ACTION PLAN COULD BE SUMMARISED INTO THREE CATEGORIES: PREVENTION, SUPPORTING THE FAMILY AND HELPING FAMILIES IN TROUBLE.
"OUR AIM IS TO SERVE FAMILIES IN TIME OF CRISES, TO PERPETUATE A CARING SPIRIT AMONG FAMILIES IN THE COMMUNITY AND ULTIMATELY TO PREVENT FAMILY BREAKDOWN.
"TAKING THE FAMILY MORE SERIOUSLY IS NOT JUST AN ISSUE FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, NOR IS IT ONE SIMPLY FOR GOVERNMENT; IT IS A CHALLENGE FOR THE WHOLE COMMUNITY," HE SAID.
"SO IT IS IMPORTANT THAT ALL WELFARE POLICY PLANNERS BOTH IN THE GOVERNMENT AND IN THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE REALLY TAKE ACTION TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF FAMILY LIFE.
"THE GOVERNMENT, HOWEVER, MUST PROVIDE CLEAR LEADERSHIP IN TERMS OF STRATEGY, PLANNING AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT," MR STRACHAN SAID.
/HE POINTED .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 1994
- 25 -
HE POINTED OUT THAT 80 PER CENT OF DIRECT SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES IN HONG KONG WERE PROVIDED BY NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS (NGOS).
DURING THIS FINANCIAL YEAR GOVERNMENT WILL PROVIDE NGOS WITH ABOUT $3 BILLION IN CAPITAL AND RECURRENT EXPENDITURE TO MEET AGREED SOCIAL WELFARE TARGETS, OVER 88 PER CENT OF THEIR TOTAL EXPENDITURE.
EXPENDITURE ON FAMILY AND CHILD WELFARE ALONE THIS YEAR WILL INCREASE BY 17.5 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS TO $909 MILLION.
"IN ADDITION, SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY AND REHABILITATION WILL INCREASE RESPECTIVELY BY 27.1 PER CENT AND 17.4 PER CENT TO $884 MILLION AND $749 MILLION.
"TO FURTHER SUPPORT FAMILIES WITH ELDERLY PERSONS, THERE IS A WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES, INCLUDING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE THROUGH THE SOCIAL SECURITY ALLOWANCE SCHEME, COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES LIKE SOCIAL CENTRES, MULTI-SERVICES CENTRES AND DAY CARE CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY, AND RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES LIKE CARE-AND-ATTENTION HOMES AND HOMES FOR THE AGED,” MR STRACHAN SAID.
A WORKING GROUP ON CARE FOR THE ELDERLY HAS BEEN APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR TO REVIEW POLICIES ON HOUSING, SOCIAL SECURITY, WELFARE, MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY. THIS WORKING GROUP IS FORMULATING STRATEGIES FOR THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY.
ON A PACKAGE OF SERVICES TO SUPPORT FAMILIES WITH DISABLED MEMBERS, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE SAID THESE INCLUDED DAY ACTIVITY AND TRAINING CENTRES, SHELTERED WORKSHOPS, RESIDENTIAL CARE AND RESPITE SERVICES.
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IS DEVELOPING SUPPORT EMPLOYMENT FOR DISABLED PERSONS TO ENHANCE THEIR CAPACITY FOR WORK AND MORE INDEPENDENT LIVING. IT IS ALSO CONDUCTING A REVIEW OF THE OPERATION OF SHELTERED WORKSHOPS WITH THE SAME PURPOSE.
"RECENTLY, WE ADOPTED A MORE STATISTICALLY BASED FORMULA IN PROJECTING DEMANDS FOR REHABILITATION SERVICES.
"THE DEPARTMENT WILL BID FOR MORE RESOURCES TO MEET ALL THESE DEMANDS AS SOON AS IT IS PRACTICABLY POSSIBLE," HE.SAID.
TURNING TO THE GOVERNMENT’S STRATEGY ON SOCIAL WELFARE POLICY, MR STRACHAN SAID IT WAS SET OUT IN THE 1991 WHITE PAPER: "SOCIAL WELFARE INTO THE 1990’S AND BEYOND."
"THEREIN THE STATUS OF FAMILIES IN THE COMMUNITY IS EXPLICITLY AND POSITIVELY AFFIRMED AND A WAY IS PAVED FOR ALL EXISTING AND NEW WELFARE SERVICES TO BE EXPANDED AND DEVELOPED TO MEET PLANNED TARGETS AGREED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN CONSULTATION WITH THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE AND NGOS.
"IN ORDER TO REALISE A WELFARE PLAN FOR FAMILIES, THE WHITE PAPER TARGETS HAVE TO BE FULFILLED THROUGH RE-ORGANISATION OF EXISTING RESOURCES, INPUT OF ADDITIONAL RESOURCES, AND SETTING OF PRIORITIES," HE ADDED.
/IN THIS .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 1994
IN THIS RESPECT, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEMPARTMENT FORMULATED AN ACTION PLAN ON TAKING THE FAMILY SERIOUSLY IN MAY 1993 AND UPDATED THE PLAN IN OCTOBER 1993.
WITH THE ALLOCATION OF ADDITIONAL RESOURCES, MR STRACHAN SAID THE DEPARTMENT WAS BEGINNING TO IMPLEMENT THE ACTION PLAN IN 1994.
"IT ALSO INVOLVES IMPROVEMENT, NOT ONLY IN QUANTITY, BUT ALSO QUALITY AND VARIETY, IN MEETING THE CHANGING NEEDS OF THE SOCIETY," HE CONCLUDED. '
- - 0 - -
BEC CHAIRMAN URGES PUBLIC TO REGISTER AS VOTERS *****
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION, MR JUSTICE WOO KWOK-HING, TODAY (THURSDAY) URGED THE TWO MILLION POTENTIAL VOTERS IN HONG KONG TO REGISTER.
"TO BE A VOTER IS A CIVIC RIGHT, IT SIGNIFIES ONE’S COMMITMENT TO SOCIETY," MR JUSTICE WOO SAID.
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE HOSTED BY THE TELEVISION BROADCASTS LIMITED TO ANNOUNCE ITS PROGRAMMES ON VOTER REGISTRATION.
THE CHAIRMAN SAID HONG KONG HAD ENTERED A HISTORICAL ERA.
"1994 AND 1995 ARE IMPORTANT MILESTONES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT IN HONG KONG, LAYING THE GROUNDWORK FOR REALISING THE CONCEPT OF 'HONG KONG PEOPLE RULING HONG KONG’," HE SAID.
HONG KONG PEOPLE LIVE AND STAND TOGETHER THROUGH THICK AND THIN. THEY SHOULD FACE THEIR COMMON CHALLENGES AND CONTRIBUTE TO THE WELL-BEING AND PROSPERITY OF THE TERRITORY, HE ADDED.
"FIRST AND FOREMOST, THEY MUST REGISTER AS A VOTER," MR JUSTICE WOO SAID.
HE ALSO SAID IT WAS A VERY ENCOURAGING DEVELOPMENT TO HAVE VOTING AGE LOWERED FROM 21 TO 18.
DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS WILL BE HELD ON SEPTEMBER 18 AND MUNICIPAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS ON MARCH 5 NEXT YEAR.
A THREE-MONTH VOTER REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN HAS STARTED ON APRIL 1 IN PREPARATION FOR THESE IMPORTANT ELECTIONS.
- - 0 - -
/27
THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 1994
27 -
CNTA CONDUCTS CHECKS ON UNLICENSED CLUBS * * * * *
OFFICERS FROM THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES LICENSING AUTHORITY HAVE THIS WEEK BEEN CARRYING OUT SURPRISE INSPECTIONS OF HIGH FIRE RISK CLUBS WHOSE OPERATORS ARE STILL CARRYING ON BUSINESS WITHOUT A CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT MORE THAN 70 CHECKS HAD SO FAR BEEN MADE AND THE OPERATORS OF 43 HAD BEEN WARNED TO SHUT DOWN IMMEDIATELY OR FACE PROSECUTION.
UNLESS THEY CARRY OUT IMPROVEMENT WORKS TO COMPLY WITH THE CLUBS (SAFETY OF PREMISES) ORDINANCE, THEY ARE LIABLE, ON CONVICTION, TO A FINE OF $200,000 AND TWO YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT AND TO AN ADDITIONAL FINE OF $20,000 FOR EACH DAY DURING WHICH THE OFFENCE CONTINUES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE OPERATORS HAD BEEN GIVEN AMPLE TIME TO UPGRADE THEIR CLUBS IN RELATION TO FIRE AND BUILDING SAFETY STANDARDS.
AS THIS DEADLINE EXPIRED ON MARCH 31, ENFORCEMENT ACTION HAS BEGUN TO ENSURE THAT CLUB PATRONS ARE PROVIDED WITH A SAFE ENVIRONMENT.
THE SPOKESMAN WARNED THAT THE POLICING EXERCISE WOULD BE AN ONGOING ONE WITH NO TIME LIMIT.
HE ALSO STRESSED THAT INSPECTIONS WOULD NOT BE LIMITED TO ANY PARTICULAR DISTRICT.
THE CLUBS (SAFETY OF PREMISES) ORDINANCE, WHICH CAME INTO EFFECT ON NOVEMBER 1, 1991, PROVIDES FOR A CERTIFICATION SCHEME FOR THE REGULATION AND CONTROL OF CLUBS WITH CLUBHOUSES IN RESPECT OF THEIR FIRE AND STRUCTURAL SAFETY.
---------0-----------
POST OFFICE TO SET UP NEW TELEPHONE SYSTEM
*****
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CALLING THE POST OFFICE WILL GET THROUGH MORE EASILY DURING BUSY PERIODS WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF AN INTERACTIVE VOICE PROCESSING SYSTEM NEXT TUESDAY (APRIL 26).
AND, THEY CAN OBTAIN INSTANT REPLIES TO SIMPLE ENQUIRIES EVEN AFTER OFFICE HOURS.
THE SYSTEM IS PART OF OUR PERFORMANCE PLEDGES TO IMPROVE POSTAL SERVICES." THE ACTING POSTMASTER GENERAL, MISS NANCY LAW, SAID.
THE SYSTEM WILL PROVIDE A 24-HOUR TELEPHONE ENQUIRY SERVICE ALL YEAR ROUND TO STRENGTHEN THE EXISTING SERVICE PROVIDED BY OPERATORS.
/ALL INCOMING .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 1994
ALL INCOMING ENQUIRIES MADE FROM TOUCH-TONE TELEPHONES WILL BE RECEIVED AUTOMATICALLY.
THE CALLER WILL BE GIVEN INSTRUCTIONS BY A DIGITISED HUMAN VOICE AS TO THE PARTICULAR DIGIT TO BE PRESSED FOR OBTAINING INFORMATION ON A PARTICULAR SUBJECT FROM A PRE-RECORDED MESSAGE.
THE SYSTEM CAN PROVIDE A HARD COPY OF THE MESSAGE THROUGH FAX TRANSMISSION IF THE CALLER HAS ACCESS TO A FAX MACHINE.
IT ALSO ALLOWS THE CALLER TO SWITCH TO AN OPERATOR IF THE ENQUIRIES ARE COMPLICATED.
AS REGARDS ENQUIRIES MADE FROM PULSE-DIAL TELEPHONES, MISS LAW SAID OPERATOR SERVICE WOULD CONTINUE TO BE PROVIDED.
THE TELEPHONE NUMBER OF THE TELEPHONE ENQUIRY BUREAU OF THE POST OFFICE WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED AT 9221 2222.
- - 0 - -
FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETS TOMORROW *****
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL HOLD A MEETING AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO OBSERVE THE PROCEEDINGS FROM THE PUBLIC GALLERY. THEY MAY RESERVE SEATS BY CALLING 869 9399.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING.
ADVANCE COPIES OF THE PAPERS FOR THE MEETING WILL BE AVAILABLE AFTER 2.30 PM TODAY (THURSDAY) IN THE PRESS ROOM OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BUILDING, 8 JACKSON ROAD, CENTRAL. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE PAPERS ARE NOT FOR USE UNTIL THE MEETING IS OVER.
- - 0 - -
/29
PHURSDAV. \PRIL 21, 1994
- 29 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,201 0930 +635 CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,916 1000 +650 CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 +630 MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY +630 1200 +630 LAF TODAY -915 1500 +630 1600 +630 LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TW1 125.0 #-0.2* 21.4.94 HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY EF BILLS EF NOTF.S/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.04 16 MONTHS 2508 4.625 99.31 5.23
1 MONTH 3.43 19 MONTHS 251 1 4.15 98.13 5.46
3 MONTHS 3.90 22 MONTHS 2602 4.40 97.83 5.75
6 MONTHS 4.30 30 MONTHS 3610 4.20 95.55 6.23
12 MONTHS 4.90 33 MONTHS TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS 3701 4.60 - 17,925 MN 95.71 6.41
CLOSED 21 APRIL 1994
- - 0----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL. 842 8777
FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
WITHDRAWAL OF CHINA’S MFN STATUS AFFECTS CONFIDENCE IN HK 1
TRANSCRIPT OF GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION....................... 1
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP BENEFITS EVERYONE...................... 2
TRANSCRIPT OF CHIEF SECRETARY’S MEDIA SESSION................ 3
CS AGAINST TRADE SANCTIONS................................... 5
AIRPORT’S COST CONTROL MECHANISM WORKING WELL................ 5
MORE ASSISTANCE FOR LIVESTOCK FARMERS........................ 6
PETITION ON INTERIM MEASURE ON TRANSFER TO LOCAL CONDITION OF SERVICE................................................... 8
DIRECTOR REFLECTS STAFF CONCERN OVER LOCALISATION............ 9
CONSUMER PRICE INDICES FOR MARCH 1994 ....................... 9
MOST PEOPLE SATISFIED WITH PRESENT SITUATION: POLL.......... 15
NOISE MEASUREMENTS AT HK STADIUM RELEASED................... 16
GOOD START FOR GREEN MANAGER SCHEME ...................... 16
DESIGNATION OF POLLING STATIONS............................. 17
BOARD AMENDS DRAFT TUEN MUN OUTLINE ZONING PLAN............. 17
/TOWN PLANNING....
CONTENTS
PAGE NO,
TOWN PLANNING (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1994 ENACTED........... 19
LICENCE FEES FOR HOTELS AND GUESTHOUSES TO BE REVISED... 19
ROCK HILL STREET TO BE EXTENDED............................ 20
PIER PLANNED FOR PAK WAN................................... 21
TENDERS INVITED FOR SEABED PREPARATION WORKS............... 21
JETTY FOR NEW AIRPORT...................................... 22
MATRIMONIAL CAUSES AND MAGISTRATES FEES ON RISE............ 22
TOTAL BAN ON TIGER MEDICINES FROM NEXT THURSDAY............ 23
TRADE DEPARTMENT CUSTOMER LIAISON GROUP HOLDS ITS FIRST MEETING.................................................. 24
WIDER WORK SAFETY PROTECTION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE.............. 25
HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT ASSURES PUBLIC OF SERVICE STANDARD.. 27
ED RECRUITS ASSISTANT DIRECTOR............................. 28
RESULTS OF CONDUCT COUNCIL ELECTION ANNOUNCED.............. 29
DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS VISIT PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL.......... 30
REHABILITATION SERVICES HELP DISABLED INTEGRATE INTO COMMUNITY.................................................. 31
SWIMMING SAFETY ADVICE..................................... 32
TAI PO RESIDENTS URGED TO REGISTER AS VOTERS............... 33
GOVERNMENT STAFF INTER-DEPARTMENTAL RACE 1994 ............. 33
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ...
34
FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 1994
WITHDRAWAL OF CHINA’S MFN STATUS AFFECTS CONFIDENCE IN HK *****
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, TODAY (FRIDAY) SAID HONG KONG NEEDED UNCONDITIONAL RENEWAL OF CHINA’S MOST FAVOURED NATION (MEN) STATUS, OR ITS CONFIDENCE WOULD BE SERIOUSLY AFFECTED AT A CRUCIAL TIME.
SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON HOSTED BY THE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, MR PATTEN NOTED HONG KONG WOULD BE HARDER HIT BY THE DAMAGE MFN WITHDRAWAL WOULD DO TO CHINA.
"NO DOUBT WE WOULD BOUNCE BACK IN TIME; BUT THE SHORT-TERM IMPACT WOULD BE EXTREMELY SERIOUS.
"OUR LATEST ESTIMATES ARE THAT OUR ECONOMIC GROWTH WOULD BE CUT BY MORE THAN HALF; AND OUR UNEMPLOYMENT WOULD MORE THAN DOUBLE," THE GOVERNOR SAID.
HE SAID SUCH A BLOW WOULD COME AT A WORST POSSIBLE TIME FOR HONG KONG WHICH WAS IN THE FINAL THREE YEARS OF THE TRANSITION FROM BRITISH TO CHINESE SOVEREIGNTY.
"THE FACT THAT IT HAS GENERALLY GONE PRETTY WELL SO FAR HAS BEEN IN LARGE PART DUE TO HONG KONG’S ROBUST ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE, WHICH IN TURN HAS BEEN DUE IN LARGE PART TO THE GROWTH OF CHINA TRADE.
"A BODY BLOW TO THAT TRADE WOULD BE A BODY BLOW TO CONFIDENCE TN HONG KONG AT A CRUCIAL TIME. IT WOULD PUT AT RISK ALL THAT WE ARE TRYING TO DO TO SECURE HONG KONG’S FUTURE. ’
THE GOVERNOR SAID THE MFN RENEWAL WAS IN THE INTERESTS NOT ONLY OF HONG KONG - BUT OF THE U.S., OF ASIA AND THE REST OF THE WORLD.
HE NOTED THAT 900 U.S. FIRMS WERE ESTABLISHED IN THE TERRITORY AND U.S. INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG WAS OVER US$9 BILLION.
"WE BUY MORE U.S. EXPORTS PER HEAD THAN THE EUROPEAN UNION OR JAPAN, AND THE GROWING U.S. INVESTMENT AND TRADE INTERESTS IN THE BOOMING CHINA MARKET ARE TO A LARGE EXTENT MANAGED THROUGH HONG KONG," THF GOVERNOR SAID.
------0--------
TRANSCRIPT OF GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION
*****
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE GOVERNOR THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN’S MEDIA SESSION AFTER THE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LUNCHEON MEETING TODAY (FRIDAY):
GOVERNOR: ... THINK SHE’LL HAVE A GREAT IMPACT IN WASHINGTON AND MORK TO THE POINT, SO DO THE AMERICANS LIKE THE MEMBERS OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE THAT I’VE BEEN TALKING TO TODAY.
/QUESTION: .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 1994
- 2 -
QUESTION: CAN YOU EXPLAIN FURTHER WHY THIS CRUCIAL TIMING IS SO IMPORTANT FOR THE RENEWAL OF MFN?
GOVERNOR: I THINK THAT IT’S ALWAYS THE CASE THAT OPEN TRADE IS CRUCIAL AND IMPORTANT TO HONG KONG. 1 MADE THE POINT MYSELF WHEN I WAS IN WASHINGTON LAST YEAR THAT CHINA AND THE UNITED STATES ARE OUR TWO BIGGEST TRADING PARTNERS, WE NEED AS GOOD AND OPEN A TRADING RELATIONSHIP WITH BOTH OF THEM AND THAT’S AN IMPORTANT PART OF OUR ECONOMIC GROWTH WHICH SUSTAINS OUR LIVELIHOOD AND HELPS TO ENSURE OUR STABILITY. SO I THINK IT’S EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THAT WE SHOULD CONTINUE TO HAVE THE BEST POSSIBLE TRADING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CHINA AND THE UNITED STATES IN ORDER TO SECURE OUR ECONOMIC PROSPERITY.
QUESTION: IN THE SPEECH YOU MENTIONED SHANGHAI AND GUANGZHOU, BUT YOU MISSED OUT BEIJING. IS THAT AT ALL RELATED TO THE FACT THAT THE QUESTION OF DISSIDENTS THERE HAS BEEN PARTICULARLY STRONG? AND HOW CAN THE UNITED STATES JUSTIFY CARRYING ON TRADE WHEN THE CRACKDOWN ON DISSIDENTS HAS BEEN GOING ON SO STRONGLY RECENTLY?
GOVERNOR: WELL, THE FIRST ANSWER TO YOUR QUESTION IS THAT IT HAD EVERYTHING TO DO WITH THE ECONOMIC GROWTH RATES IN SHANGHAI AND GUANGDONG. AS EVERYBODY KNOWS, THE COASTAL PROVINCES HAVE BEEN GROWING MORE RAPIDLY THAN THE AREAS TO THE WEST AND TO THE NORTH. SECONDLY, I’VE MADE IT CLEAR AGAIN AND AGAIN THAT WHATEVER OUR COLLECTIVE AND INDIVIDUAL CONCERNS ABOUT HUMAN RIGHTS, I THINK THAT TRADE AND POLITICAL ISSUES, TRADE AND HUMAN RIGHTS SHOULD BE KEPT SEPARATE AND IT IS POSSIBLE TO HAVE A SERIOUS DIALOGUE, AS FOR EXAMPLE, BRITAIN HAS DONE WITH CHINA AND AS FOR EXAMPLE THE AUSTRALIANS DO WITH CHINA, WITHOUT MIXING UP TRADE AND POLITICS. THAT’S BEEN MY VIEW SINCE BEFORE I WENT TO WASHINGTON TO ARGUE THE CASE LAST YEAR.
- ■ ;iii <:■. i. ■ , -
QUESTION: OBVIOUSLY YOU FELT COMPELLED NOT TO BRING UP WHAT’S AGAIN THE QUESTION. YOU DON’T WANT TO BE SEEN AS A SALESMAN FOR CHINA. WHY ARE YOU SO SENSITIVE ON THE POINT?
GOVERNOR: WELL IF I DID ACT AS A SALESMAN FOR CHINA, THE NEW CHINA
NEWS AGENCY WOULD COME DOWN ON ME LIKE A TON OF, DARE I SAY, BRICKS.
------0--------
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP BENEFITS EVERYONE
* * * * *
THE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN PRIVATE ORGANISATIONS, THE GOVERNMENT AND THE JOCKEY CLUB HAS PROVED ITSELF TO BE RESPONSIVE TO THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY AND HAS BROUGHT EVERYONE GREAT BENEFIT, THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE RUTTONJEE HOSPITAL, MR PATTEN SAID THE HISTORY' OF DEVELOPMENT OF THE HOSPITAL WAS A TREMENDOUS EXAMPLE OF THIS PARTNERSHIP.
/THE HOSPITAL’S .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 1994
- 3 -
THE HOSPITAL’S PREDECESSOR, THE RUTTONJEE SANATORIUM, WAS SET UP BY THE HONG KONG TUBERCULOSIS, CHEST AND HEART DISEASES ASSOCIATION WITH SUPPORT FROM THE GOVERNMENT AND THE JOCKEY CLUB.
MR PATTEN SAID SUCH PARTNERSHIP HELPED TO LAUNCH A TUBERCULOSIS PREVENTION CAMPAIGN IN THE 1950’S.
"THESE EFFORTS WERE TREMENDOUSLY SUCCESSFUL, LEADING TO A REDUCTION IN MORTALITY FROM TUBERCULOSIS FROM 208 PER 100,000 IN THE POPULATION IN 1951 TO ONLY 7.3 PER 100,000 BY THE LATE 1980’S,"'' HE SAID.
WHILE CONTINUING TO CARE FOR TUBERCULOSIS, CHEST AND HEART DISEASES, THE NEW HOSPITAL WILL PROVIDE MANY MORE BEDS FOR GERIATRIC CASES AND WILL PROVIDE TREATMENT FOR AILMENTS THAT COMMONLY AFFECT OLDER PEOPLE.
"IT WILL PROVIDE THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE SERVICE TO GERIATRIC PATIENTS OF ALL THE HOSPITALS ON HONG KONG ISLAND," HE SAID.
------0--------
TRANSCRIPT OF CHIEF SECRETARY’S MEDIA SESSION *****
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, AT THE CGO LOBBY THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON BEFORE HER DEPARTURE FOR THE VISIT TO THE UNITED STATES:-
CS: AS YOU KNOW, I SHALL BE LEAVING FOR WASHINGTON THIS EVENING, SO TO SAVE YOU A TRIP OUT TO THE AIRPORT, I THOUGHT I MIGHT SAY A FEW WORDS TO YOU RIGHT NOW. I SHALL BE SPENDING FOUR AND A HALF DAYS IN WASHINGTON AND ONE AND A HALF DAYS IN NEW YORK. I HAVE A VERY FULL AND A VERY HECTIC PROGRAMME INDEED. DURING MY VISIT, I SHALL BE SEEING THE ACTING SECRETARY OF STATE, MR STROBE TALBOTT, THE TREASURY SECRETARY, MR LLOYD BENTSF.N. I SHALL ALSO BE MEETING WITH SENATE MAJORITY LEADER, MR GEORGE MITCHELL, AND THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE, MR TOM FOLEY AND OTHER CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS. I HAVE ALSO TWO FAIRLY IMPORTANT SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS, FIRST OF ALL, TO THE NATIONAL PRESS CLUB IN WASHINGTON AND TO THE ASIA SOCIETY IN NEW YORK.
THE PURPOSE OF MY VISIT THIS TIME IS TWO-FOLD: FIRST, TO STRENGTHEN THE TRADITIONALLY CLOSE ECONOMIC AND TRADE TIES THAT WE HAVE WITH THE UNITED STATES, AND SECONDLY, OF COURSE, TO EXPRESS OUR CONCERN OVER THE POSSIBLE WITHDRAWAL OF THE MFN STATUS FOR CHINA. I THINK THAT ON THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC FRONT, I HAVE A GOOD MESSAGE TO BRING TO THE PEOPLE IN THE STATES. OUR ECONOMY CONTINUES TO PERFORM VERY ROBUSTLY AND ALTHOUGH BETWEEN NOW AND 1997, NO DOUBT, THERE WILL BE UPS AND DOWNS, ON THE WHOLE, THE ECONOMIC PROSPECTS ARE VERY BRIGHT AND I HOPE THIS WILL BE A VERY GOOD AND CLEAR MESSAGE TO THOSE WHO CONTINUE TO WANT TO TRADE WITH US AND REGARD HONG KONG AS THE HUB OF BUSINESS ACTIVITIES IN THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION.
/DURING MY .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 1994
4
DURING MY VISIT, OF COURSE, I SHALL ALSO BE LOBBYING FOR THE UNCONDITIONAL EXTENSION OF MFN STATUS FOR CHINA. I WANT TO EXPLAIN VERY CLEARLY THAT ANY THREATENED WITHDRAWAL OF MFN STATUS FOR CHINA WILL DEAL AN ECONOMIC BODY BLOW TO HONG KONG AT THE TIME WHEN WE CAN LEAST AFFORD IT, THAT IS, ABOUT SLIGHTLY OVER THREE YEARS FROM 1997. THERE WILL BE ENOUGH UNCERTAINTIES ON THE HORIZON AND WE FEEL THAT TO HAVE TO ALSO FACE ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTIES, THE POSSIBLE WITHDRAWAL OF MFN IS SOMETHING THAT WE DESPERATELY WISH TO AVOID. WE HAVE DONE SOME LATEST ASSESSMENT OF THE HARM TO OUR ECONOMY THAT THIS MIGHT DO AND OUR ASSESSMENTS INDICATE THAT IF MFN WAS WITHDRAWN, THEN OUR ECONOMIC GROWTH WOULD BE HALVED AND OUR UNEMPLOYMENT RATE WOULD BE TREBLE. I’LL ANSWER A FEW QUESTIONS. BEFORE I DO SO, PERHAPS I CAN SAY THE SAME IN CHINESE.
QUESTION: MRS CHAN, HOW WOULD YOU COUNTER QUESTIONS THAT YOU WOULD ALMOST CERTAINLY HEAR FROM SOME US CONGRESSMEN AND SENATORS THAT IT IS VERY HARD TO RENEW CHINESE MFN WHILE CHINA CHOOSE TO BE GOING ON A HARD-LINE SWING, CRACKING DOWN ON DISSIDENTS AND THE XI YANG CASE?
CS: OUR VIEW HAS CONSISTENTLY BEEN THAT WHILST ON THE SAME HAND, WE ARE CLEARLY VERY CONCERNED ABOUT HUMAN RIGHTS. INDEED, I WOULD GO AS FAR AS TO SAY THAT THERE ARE PROBABLY NO PEOPLE ANYWHERE ON THIS EARTH WHO ARE MORE CONCERNED ABOUT HUMAN RIGHTS THAN PEOPLE IN HONG KONG, PARTICULARLY WITH THE REVERSION OF SOVEREIGNTY TO CHINA IN ABOUT THREE YEARS’ TIME. BUT, WE ALSO FEEL THAT USING TRADE SANCTIONS IS NOT THE RIGHT WAY NOR IS IT AN EFFECTIVE WAY OF ENSURING THAT THERE IS IMPROVEMENT IN HUMAN RIGHTS CONDITION IN CHINA. OUR VIEW IS THAT THE WAY TO ACHIEVE THIS OBJECTIVE IS TO CONTINUE TO ENGAGE THE CHINESE TO CONTINUE TO TRADE WITH THEM BECAUSE WE BELIEVE THAT IN THE WAKE OF ECONOMIC PROGRESS, THERE WILL BE, IN FACT, POLITICAL PROGRESS AND PEOPLE WOULD HAVE MORE CHOICES.
QUESTION: MRS CHAN, WHAT DO YOU THINK THE ADVANTAGE OF YOU BEING A CHINESE TO ADVOCATE .... AS A SALESMAN FOR THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT?
CS: I HAVE STATED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS THAT I INTEND TO STAY HERE IN HONG KONG BOTH NOW AND AFTER 1997. WE ALL WISH TO CONTINUE TO SEE HONG KONG PROSPER AND IF WE PROSPER, CHINA WILL PROSPER. AND, OBVIOUSLY, TN TERMS OF STABILITY AND PROSPERITY, EXTENSION OF MFN WILL BE THE BEST WAY OF ENSURING THAT CHINA MAKES PROGRESS BOTH IN ITS ECONOMY AND ON THE POLITICAL FRONT AND THAT HONG KONG CAN CONTINUE TO GROW AND ITS PEOPLE CAN CONTINUE TO ENJOY A HIGHER STANDARD OF LIVING.
QUESTION: MRS CHAN,.... TO THE AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AND AMERICAN POLITICIANS, THIS IS NOT JUST ANOTHER TRADE POINT. IT’S A MORAL POINT. AMAZINGLY, HOW CAN WE DO WHAT YOU ARE ASKING US TO DO WITHOUT APPEARING THAT WE’RE COMPROMISING A VERY IMPORTANT MORAL POINT?
CS: I DO NOT DENY THAT THERE IS A MORAL POINT INVOLVED HERE. BUT I WISH TO STRESS AGAIN THAT THE HUMAN RIGHTS FRONT, IMPROVEMENT ON THE HUMAN RIGHTS FRONT CAN BE ACHIEVED BY WAYS OTHER THAN ECONOMIC AND TRADE SANCTIONS. WE KNOW FOR A FACT THAT SANCTIONS ELSEWHERE DO NOT DO THE TRICK. THEY HAVE QUITE THE OPPOSITE EFFECT AND IF WE ALL WISH TO SEE IMPROVEMENT IN THE HUMAN RIGHTS CONDITION IN CHINA, THEN THE WAY TO ACHIEVE THIS IS TO CONTINUE TO ENGAGE THE CHINESE, CONTINUE TO HAVE A WAY OF INFLUENCING CHINESE AND CONTINUE TO GIVE THE PEOPLE IN CHINA MORE CHOICES. WE SEE FOR OURSELVES, FOR EXAMPLE, IN QUANGDONG, THAT BECAUSE THEY ENJOY ECONOMIC GROWTH, THEY NOW HAVE MORE CHOICES. THEY ARE FAR FREER, I WOULD SAY, THAN PEOPLE ELSEWHERE IN THE INTERIOR OF CHINA. SO, OBVIOUSLY, THAT IS THE WAY TO GO.
------0--------
/5......
FRIDAY,APRIL 22, 1994
5
CS AGA INS'! TRADE SANCTIONS * * * * *
HONG KONG PEOPLE ARE CLEARLY VERY CONCERNED ABOUT HUMAN RIGHTS BUT FEEL THAT USING TRADE SANCTIONS IS NOT THE KIGHT WAY NOR IS IT AN EFFECTIVE WAY OF ENSURING THAT THERE IS IMPROVEMENT IN THE HUMAN RIGHTS CONDITION IN CHINA, THE CH IEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES BEFORE HER DEPARTURE FOR AN OFFICIAL VISIT TO THE UNITED STATES, MRS CHAN SAID:” OUR VIEW IS THAT THE WAY TO ACHIEVE THIS OBJECTIVE IS TO CONTINUE TO ENGAGE THE CHINESE TO CONTINUE TO TRADE WITH THEM BECAUSE WE BELIEVE THAT IN THE WAKE OF ECONOMIC PROGRESS, THERE WILL BE, IN FACT, POLITICAL PROGRESS AND PEOPLE WOULD HAVE MORE CHOICES.”
MRS CHAN EMPHASISED THAT IMPROVEMENT ON THE HUMAN RIGHTS FRONT COULD BE ACHIEVED BY WAYS OTHER THAN ECONOMIC AND TRADE SANCTIONS.
"WE KNOW FOR A FACT THAT SANCTIONS ELSEWHERE DO NOT DO THE TRICK. THEY HAVE QUITE THE OPPOSITE EFFECT,” SHE SAID.
ON THE EFFECT OF MOST FAVOURED NATION (MFN) EXTENSION ON HONG KONG, MRS CHAN SAID:” WE ALL WISH TO CONTINUE TO SEE HONG KONG PROSPER AND IF WE PROSPER, CHINA WILL PROSPER.
"OBVIOUSLY, IN TERMS OF STABILITY AND PROSPERITY. EXTENSION OF MFN WILL BE THE BEST WAY OF ENSURING THAT CHINA MAKES PROGRESS BOTH IN ITS ECONOMY AND ON THE POLITICAL FRONT AND THAT HONG KONG CAN CONTINUE TO GROW AND ITS PEOPLE CAN CONTINUE TO ENJOY A HIGHER STANDARD OF LIVING.”
------0--------
AIRPORT’S COST CONTROL MECHANISM WORKING WELL * * * * *
THE VERY STRINGENT COST CONTROL MECHANISM THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS SPECIFICALLY SET UP TO MONITOR EXPENDITURE UNDER THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME (ACP) HAS PROVED TO BE WORKING VERY WELL, THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR DONALD TSANG, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING TO A GROUP OF AMERICAN JOURNALISTS IN WASHINGTON DC, USA, MR TSANG SAID THE GOVERNMENT COULD NOW TRIM DOWN ITS FORECAST REQUIREMENT FOR THE SEVEN GOVERNMENT PROJECTS BY $7.6 BILLION, FROM $60.1 BILLION ESTIMATED IN EARLY 1992 TO $52.5 BILLION ESTIMATED IN EARLY 1994.
"THE SUBSTANTIAL SAVING STEMS MAINLY FROM HIGHLY COMPETITIVE TENDERING ON A VERY COST-EFFECTIVE PROGRAMME.
"IT IS ALSO DUE TO REDUCTIONS IN THE LEVELS OF CONTINGENCY ALLOWANCES AND REVISIONS IN OUR CONSTRUCTION INFLATION FORECASTS,” HE SAID.
/ON
U.S.........
FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 1994
6
ON U.S. PARTICIPATION IN THE ACP, MR TSANG NOTED THAT THE AMERICAN PROJECT MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT, INTERNATIONAL BECHTEL INCORPORATED, HAD HELPED CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS THE REMARKABLE PROGRESS TO-DATE.
ANOTHER AMERICAN FIRM, MORGAN STANLEY, HAD SINCE 1990 BEEN APPOINTED AS THE OVERALL ACP FINANCIAL ADVISER, HE SAID.
APART FROM THE TWO CONSULTANCIES, AMERICAN FIRMS HAVE ALSO PARTICIPATED IN OVER 30 OTHER ACP CONSULTANCIES. AMONGST OTHERS, THEY INCLUDE:
♦ THE NEW AIRPORT MASTER PLAN CONSULTANCY (GREINER
INCORPORATED);
♦ THE DESIGN CONSULTANCY FOR THE OPERATIONAL WINDSHEAR
WARNING SYSTEM (WEATHER INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.); AND
* THE PROJECT MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCY FOR THE AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM AT THE NEW AIRPORT (HUGHES SYSTEMS PACIFIC LTD) .
’’ALL IN ALL, OPPORTUNITIES ARE PLENTY FOR PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION IN HONG KONG’S MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS FOR THE COMING YEARS,” MR TSANG SAID.
’’HONG KONG WILL CONTINUE TO PROSPER AS WE EMBARK ON OUR AMBITIOUS BUT ESSENTIAL WORKS PROGRAMMES TO BUILD FOR THE FUTURE.
’’AND WE CERTAINLY LOOK FORWARD TO GREATER CO-OPERATION WITH AMERICAN FIRMS IN ALL THESE,” HE SAID.
---------0-----------
MORE ASSISTANCE FOR LIVESTOCK FARMERS ♦ * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT HAS PROPOSED A GENEROUS PACKAGE OF MEASURES TO LIVESTOCK FARMERS TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM OF INDISCRIMINATE DUMPING OF LIVESTOCK WASTE WHICH IS SERIOUSLY POLLUTING HONG KONG’S STREAMS AND RIVERS AND POSING HEALTH RISKS.
THE MEASURES HAVE BEEN WORKED OUT AFTER EXTENSIVE CONSULTATION WITH THE LIVESTOCK INDUSTRY AND RELEVANT BODIES INCLUDING THE ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE (NOW RENAMED THE ADVISORY COUNCIL ON THE ENVIRONMENT), AS WELL AS THE ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS PANEL AND BILLS COMMITTEE OF LEGCO.
THEY REPRESENT A MAJOR IMPROVEMENT OVER THOSE IN THE ORIGINAL LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL SCHEME INTRODUCED IN 1987. THE CURRENT PROPOSAL SEEKS TO CONTROL LIVESTOCK WASTE DISCHARGE THROUGH A LICENSING SYSTEM.
/PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 1994
PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR WILLIAM HUI, SAID UNDER THE REVISED SCHEME, THE CAPITAL GRANT TO ASSIST FARMERS IN SETTING UP A TREATMENT SYSTEM ON THEIR FARMS HAS BEEN INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY - IN SOME CASES THE SUM IS DOUBLE - TO REFLECT MORE ACCURATELY THE MARKET COST OF INSTALLING THESE FACILITIES.
A LOW INTEREST LOAN IS ALSO AVAILABLE FROM THE KADOORIE AGRICULTURE AID LOAN FUND TO MEET UP TO 50 PER CENT OF THE COST OF SETTING UP A TREATMENT SYSTEM.
IF A FARMER CHOOSES TO CEASE BUSINESS, AN EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE WILL BE PAID, THE RATES OF WHICH HAS ALSO BEEN INCREASED.
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE HAS APPROVED AN ADDITIONAL $53 MILLION TO BRING THE FINANCIAL COMMITMENT FOR CAPITAL GRANTS TO $115 MILLION.
AN INCREASE IN COMMITMENT BY $169 MILLION TO $790 MILLION HAS ALSO BEEN APPROVED FOR THE PAYMENT OF EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE.
THF 10-YEAR LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL SCHEME (1987 - 1997) IS
ESTIMATED TO COST $1,346 MILLION.
MR HUI SAID: "WE HAVE ALSO GONE SOME WAY IN MEETING FARMERS’ REQUEST FOR FLEXIBILITY IN SELECTING A TREATMENT SYSTEM AND ALSO THEIR REQUEST FOR A LONGER LEAD TIME TO ACHIEVE THE ULTIMATE DISCHARGE STANDARD."
UNDER THE REVISED SCHEME, FARMERS ARE FREE TO CHOOSE THE SYSTEM MOST APPROPRIATE TO THEIR SITUATION SO LONG AS IT IS ACCEPTED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) AS BEING CAPABLE OF ACHIEVING THE ULTIMATE DISCHARGE STANDARD OF 50:50 (MEASURED IN TERMS OF BIOCHEMICAL OXYGEN DEMAND AND SUSPENDED SOLIDS IN WATER).
"MOREOVER, FARMERS WILL BE GIVEN AT LEAST THREE YEARS TO ACHIEVE THIS STANDARD IN THREE PHASES, INITIALLY AT 250:250 AND THEN 100:100 BEFORE ATTAINING THE FINAL LEVEL OF 50:50.
"THE STANDARD HAS BEEN PROVED ACHIEVABLE BY THE TREATMENT METHODS RECOMMENDED BY THE EPD. IN FACT, A NUMBER OF FARMS HAVE USED SUCCESSFULLY THE PIG-ON-LITTER METHOD To ACHIEVE, THE REQUIRED STANDARD," HE SAID.
"HAVING CONSIDERED CAREFULLY FARMERS’ VIEWS, WE HAVE ALSO CHANGED THE PROPOSAL OF BANNING ALL LIVESTOCK FARMERS IN THE RESTRICTION AREAS.”
OUR INTENTION NOW IS THAT ONLY NpW FARMS AND RE-START FARMS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO OPERATE IN A RESTRICTION AREA. THE BAN WILL NOT APPLY TO EXISTING ACTIVE FARMS IN SUCH \REAS SO LONG AS THEY MEET THE LICENSING REQUIREMENTS WITHIN THE SPECIFIED TIME FRAME.
"MOREOVER, FARMERS WHO HAVE APPLIED FOR A CAPITAL GRANT TO SET UP A TREATMENT SYSTEM MAY OPT OUT WITHOUT FORFEITING THEIR RIGHT TO APPLY FOR EX-GRATIA PAYMENT FOR. WINDING UP THEIR BUSINESS WITHIN ONE YEAR," MR HUI SAID.
/MR HUI .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 1994
- 8 -
MR HUI SAW THE REVISED SCHEME WAS WORKED OUT AFTER THE INDUSTRY HAD BEEN CONSULTED AT LENGTH IN THE PAST TWO YEARS THROUGH THE LIVESTOCK WASTE DISPOSAL CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE, WHICH IS WIDELY REPRESENTED BY ALL MAJOR LIVESTOCK FARM BODIES, AND SOME INDIVIDUAL FARMING ORGANISATIONS.
"WE HAVE ALSO CONSULTED RELEVANT ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS AND HAVE THE GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE LEGCO’S BILLS COMMITTEE WHICH HAD MET SEVEN TIMES TO CONSIDER THE TWO RELEVANT BILLS.”
MR HUI SAW THE REVISED PACKAGE WAS GENEROUS ENOUGH TO ASSIST FARMERS IN SETTING UP A TREATMENT SYSTEM THAT WOULD SUIT THEIR REQUIREMENT AND MEET THE DISCHARGE STANDARD.
SUCH
WHICH ARE STANDARDS.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IS NOT AVAILABLE TO OTHER INDUSTRIES REQUIRED TO MEET EVEN MORE STRINGENT ENVIRONMENTAL
HE EMPHASISED THAT THE WATER QUALITY IN WATERCOURSES AND COASTAL WATERS WOULD NOT PERMIT RELAXATION OF CONTROL ON LIVESTOCK WASTE NOR WOULD IT BE INTEREST TO DELAY THE IMPLEMENTATION
HONG KONG’S
ANY FURTHER
IN THE PUBLIC
DEBATE ON THE TWO RELEVANT BILLS - THE WASTE DISPOSAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1993 AND THE PUBLIC HEALTH (ANIMALS AND BIRDS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1993 - WILL RESUME IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL NEXT WEDNESDAY WHEN THE BILLS ARE TABLED FOR SECOND READING.
SUBJECT TO THE PASSAGE OF THE BILLS, THE REVISED CONTROL SCHEME IS EXPECTED TO BE INTRODUCED THIS SUMMER.
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PETITION ON INTERIM MEASURE ON TRANSFER TO LOCAL CONDITION OF SERVICE * * * * *
IN RESPONSE TO THE PETITION STAGED BY TWO STAFF ASSOCIATIONS OF THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY), A CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH SPOKESMAN URGED MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATIONS TO REMAIN CALM.
HE SAW THE GOVERNMENT UNDERSTOOD THE CONCERNS OF THE STAFF, WHICH HAD BEEN FULLY AND FAITHFULLY REFLECTED BY THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS.
"TO ADDRESS THOSE CONCERNS AND THOSE OF STAFF IN OTHER DEPARTMENTS, WE HAVE PUT FORWARD A PACKAGE TO THE SENIOR NONEXPATRIATE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION (SNEOA), THE ASSOCIATION OF EXPATRIATE CIVIL SERVANTS AND ALSO TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL PANEL ON PUBLIC SERVICE," THE SPOKESMAN SAW.
"UNFORTUNATELY, HOWEVER, THE SNEOA HAS REJECTED THE PACKAGE. AS A RESULT, THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAS EXTENDED THE PUBLIC OFFICERS (VARIATION OF CONDITIONS OF SERVICE) (TEMPORARY PROVISIONS) ORDINANCE.
/"THIS MEANS .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 1994
- 9 -
’’THIS MEANS THAT NO TRANSFER TO LOCAL TERMS IS ALLOWED TO TAKE PLACE AT LEAST UNTIL JULY 6 AND CERTAIN ELEMENTS OF OUR PACKAGE CAN THEREFORE NOT BE IMPLEMENTED," HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD NOW HAVE TO RECONSIDER WHAT COULD BE DONE TO REACH A SETTLEMENT.
"CERTAINLY IN THIS PROCESS WE SHALL CONSIDER VERY CAREFULLY STAFFS’ VIEWS. MEANWHILE, WE WILL, AS PRACTICAL, TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF INDIVIDUAL DEPARTMENT," HE ADDED.
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DIRECTOR REFLECTS STAFF CONCERN OVER LOCALISATION
*****
COMMENTING ON THE RALLY OF TWO STAFF ASSOCIATIONS OF THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING, THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS, MRS HELEN YU, URGED COLLEAGUES OF HER DEPARTMENT TO BE PATIENT AND TO CONTINUE TO SERVE THE PUBLIC WITH THEIR USUAL PROFESSIONAL EFFICIENCY.
NOTING THE CONCERNS OF STAFF AND STAFF ASSOCIATIONS OVER THE APPLICATION TO THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT OF THE GOVERNMENT’S INTERIM MEASURE UNDER THE LOCALISATION POLICY, MRS YU SAID: "I CAN UNDERSTAND THE SENTIMENTS OF MY COLLEAGUES. I HAVE BEEN IN DIALOGUE WITH THEM REGULARLY.
"MEANWHILE, I HAVE PERSONALLY REFLECTED ALL THEIR REASONABLE AND LEGITIMATE CONCERNS TO THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE.
"CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH HAS BEEN MEETING WITH ME TO RESOLVE MATTERS: WE ARE ALL AWARE OF THE NEED FOR SETTLEMENT OF THESE DELICATE AND COMPLEX ISSUES AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE.
"MY COLLEAGUES KNOW THAT THEY CAN COME TO ME TO AIR THEIR VIEWS AND THAT I WILL TRY MY LEVEL BEST TO WORK OUT WITH THEM POSITIVE SOLUTIONS," SHE ADDED.
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CONSUMER PRICE INDICES FOR MARCH 1994 *****
THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) LAST MONTH WAS 8 0% HTCMFR than th MARCH 1993, ACCORDING TO FIGURES RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT. ^kimay; by I HE CENSUS
THE CORRESPONDING INCREASE IN THE CPI(A) WAS 7.8% IN "aRC" "AS "AINLY
TAKING THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993. THIS AVERAGE INCREASE OF 8.5% RECORDED 8.5% FOR 1994 AS A WHOLE.
FEBRUARY.
BY THE
7.3% THE OF
TOGETHER, THE CPI(A) ROSE BY WAS CONSIDERABLY LOWER THAN IN 1993 AND THE FORECAST ALSO
/THE CPI(B) .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 1994
10 -
THE CPI(B) AND THE HANG SENG CPI WERE HIGHER BY 8.2% AND 9.2% RESPECTIVELY IN MARCH 1994 THAN IN THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR. THE CORRESPONDING INCREASES IN FEBRUARY 1994 WERE 8.1% AND 9.8%.
THE COMPOSITE CPI, WHICH IS COMPILED BASED ON THE COMBINED EXPENDITURE PATTERN OF HOUSEHOLDS COVERED BY THE THREE CPIS, SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 8.4% IN MARCH 1994 OVER THE SAME MONTH IN 1993. THIS WAS THE SAME AS THE CORRESPONDING INCREASE IN FEBRUARY 1994.
COMPARING MARCH 1994 WITH MARCH 1993, RELATIVELY SLOWER PRICE INCREASES THAN THE OVERALL AVERAGE WERE RECORDED FOR FUEL AND LIGHT (2.4% IN THE CPI(A) AND 2.5% IN THE CPI(B)); DURABLE GOODS (2.9% AND 3.0%); CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR (5.0% AND 4.7%); ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (5.7% AND 6.3%); FOOD (EXCLUDING MEALS AT RESTAURANTS) (5.9% AND 5.8%); AND MISCELLANEOUS GOODS (6.5% AND 5.7%).
ON THE OTHER HAND, RELATIVELY FASTER PRICE INCREASES THAN THE OVERALL AVERAGE WERE RECORDED FOR MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES (11.4% IN THE CPI(A) AND 10.6% IN THE CPI(B)); TRANSPORT (10.2% AND 9.7%); AND HOUSING (9.9% AND 10.7%).
AS FOR MEALS AT RESTAURANTS, THE CORRESPONDING INCREASE WAS 8.3% IN THE CPI(A) AND 8.2% IN THE CPI(B).
COMPARING MARCH 1994 WITH FEBRUARY 1994, THE CPI(A) DECREASED BY 0.1% WHILE THE CPI(B) INCREASED BY 0.1%. HOWEVER, THIS COMPARISON COULD HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS.
FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994, THE CPI(A) AND CPI(B) WERE, ON AVERAGE, HIGHER BY 7.3% AND 7.7% RESPECTIVELY THAN IN THE SAME QUARTER LAST YEAR.
FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 1994, THE CPI(A) AND CPI(B) WERE, ON AVERAGE, HIGHER BY 8.1% AND 8.3% RESPECTIVELY THAN IN THE PRECEDING TWELVE-MONTH PERIOD.
SEASONALLY ADJUSTED SERIES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR THE CPIS. THE DESEASONALISED CPI(A) AND CPI(B) INCREASED AT AN AVERAGE RATE OF 0.5% AND 0.6% RESPECTIVELY PER MONTH DURING THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 1994.
FURTHER DETAILS ARE SHOWN IN TABLES 1-2 AND CHARTS 1-4.
MORE DETAILS ARE GIVEN IN THE "CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT" FOR MARCH 1994, WHICH IS AVAILABLE AT $16.5 PER 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 AT 805 6403.
DETAILS REGARDING THE HANG SENG CPI ARE CONTAINED IN THE HANG SENG CPI REPORT ISSUED BY THE ECONOMIC RESEARCH DEPARTMENT OF HANG SENG BANK LTD.
/Table 1 .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 1994
- 11 -
Table 1 Consumer Price Ind ices and Rates of Increase for Marcfi 1994 (Oct. 89 - Sep. 90 = 100)
Component CPI (A) CPI(B) Hang Seng CPI Composite CPI _
Index for Mar 94 % change over Mar 93' Index for Mar 94 % change over Mar 93 Index for Mar 94 % change over Mar 93 Index for Mar 94 % change over Mar 93
Food 139.0 +7.2 141.0 +7.3 142.4 +8.3 140.4 +7.4
Meals bought away from heme 150.3 +8.3 149.9 +8.2 149.6 +9.7 150.0 +8.6
Food, excluding meals bought away from home 127.8 +5.9 128.7 +5.8 130.1 +5.5 128.5 +5.8
Housing 158.3 +9.9 160.3 +10.7 165.0 +13.7 161.2 +11.4
Fuel and light 122.0 +2.4 121.5 +2.5 122.2 +2.8 121.9 +2.5
Alcoholic drinks and tobacco 183.9 +5.7 174.5 +6.3 170.2 +6.4 178.7 +6.0
Clothing and footwear 125.1 +5.0 125.2 +4.7 133.4 +3.3 127.9 +4.3
Durable goods 111.4 +2.9 111.1 +3.0 115.6 +2.1 112.5 +2.7
Miscellaneous goods 129.3 +6.5 126.4 +5.7 124.9 +5.0 127.1 +5.8
Transport 141.5 +10.2 141.7 +9.7 142.2 +9.0 141.7 +9.7
Miscellaneous services 153.1 +11.4 148.4 +10.6 140.5 +9.2 147.5 +10.4
All items 142.5 +8.0 143.0 +8.2 145.3 +9.2 143.4 +8.4
Hie 1989/90 based consumer price indices are based on the expenditure patterns derived fran the 1989/90 Household Expenditure Survey. Hie CPI (A) is based on the expenditure pattern of about 50% of urban households in Hong Kong, which had an average monthly expenditure of $2,500-89,999 in 1989/90. Hie CPI(B) is based on the expenditure pattern of the next 30% of urban households, which had an average monthly expenditure of $10,00Q-$17,499 in the same period. Hie Hang Seng CPI is based on tiie expenditure pattern of the next 10% of urban liouseholds, which had an average monthly expenditure of $17,5OO-$37,499 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 Carposite CPI is ccmpiled based on the expenditure pattern of all these households taken together. Thus, while the CPI (A), CPI(B) and Hang Seng CPI sliow the impact of consumer price changes on different groups of households, the Composite CPI sliows the impact of consumer price changes on the houseliold sector generally.
/Table 2 ..........
FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 1994
- 12 -
Table 2 Consumer Price Indices for January 1991---------March 1994.
(Oct. 89 - Sep. 90 = 100)
Year/month CPI(A) CP1(B) Hang Seng CPI Corcposite CPI
1991 January 108.3 108.4 108.6 108.4
February 110.3’ 110.1 110.2 110.2
March 111.9 111.1 110.7 111.3
April 113.9 113.0 112.0 113.1
May 114.0 113.6 113.4 113.7
June 114.6 114.1 113.9 114.2
July 115.4 114.8 113.9 114.8
August 116.0 115.3 114.6 115.4
September 116.8 116.1 115.8 116.3
October 117.2 116.8 117.4 117.1
November 117.7 117.6 118.7 117.9
December 118.1 118.3 118.5 118.3
i 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
Mav 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
/Chart 1 .......
FRDIAY, APRIL 22, 1994
13
Chart 1 Year-on-year Rates of Increase in CPI(A)
Chart 2 Year-on-year Rates of Increase in CPI(B)
/Chart 3 .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 1994
- 14 -
1
Chart 3 Year-on-year Rates of Increase in Hang Seng CPI
Chart 4 Year-on-year Rates of Increase in Composite CPI
/15 .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 1994
- 15 -
। MOST PEOPLE SATISFIED WITH PRESENT SITUATION: POLL *****
A BI-MONTHLY SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE HOME AFFAIRS BRANCH HAS REVEALED THAT 76 PER CENT OF THE RESPONDENTS WERE SATISFIED WITH THE PRESENT SITUATION IN HONG KONG.
THE FIGURE IS HIGHER THAN THE 74 PER CENT RECORDED IN THE JANUARY SURVEY.
RELEASING THE FINDINGS OF THE REGULAR TELEPHONE OPINION POLL IN MARCH, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HOME AFFAIRS BRANCH SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT PEOPLE’S EXPECTATION OF THE FUTURE HAD ALSO IMPROVED.
IN THIS CONNECTION, 67 PER CENT OF RESPONDENTS BELIEVED THAT THE SITUATION WOULD EITHER IMPROVE IN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS OR STAY ABOUT THE SAME. THIS COMPARED WITH 63 PER CENT IN THE LAST POLL.
THE PERCENTAGE OF RESPONDENTS WHO SAID THEY WERE CONFIDENT THAT HONG KONG WOULD CONTINUE TO BE PROSPEROUS AND STABLE REMAINED THE SAME AT 61 PER CENT.
OF THE THREE MOST-MENTIONED PROBLEMS FACING THE TERRITORY, "HOUSING-RELATED PROBLEMS" HAD REPLACED THE CONCERN FOR "HONG KONG FUTURE" TO TOP THE LIST AT 43 PER CENT.
THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY "HONG KONG FUTURE" (A DROP FROM 42 PER CENT TO 35 PER CENT) AND "TRANSPORT-RELATED PROBLEMS" WHICH REMAINED THE SAME AT 25 PER CENT.
AS TO SATISFACTION WITH THE OVERALL PERFORMANCE OF THE GOVERNMENT AND CIVIL SERVANTS’ WORKING ATTITUDE, THE PERCENTAGE REMAINED MORE OR LESS THE SAME AT 48 PER CENT AND 56 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
THE POLL WAS THE 51ST IN THE SERIES TO GAUGE THE TREND OF PUBLIC OPINION IN RESPECT OF PERCEIVED PROBLEMS IN HONG KONG AND THE COMMUNITY’S EXPECTATION OF THE GENERAL SITUATION.
A TOTAL OF 2,609 HOUSEHOLDS WERE SUCCESSFULLY CONTACTED IN THIS SURVEY WHICH WAS CONDUCTED BETWEEN MARCH 14 AND 18.
WITHIN THE HOUSEHOLD OF A SELECTED TELEPHONE NUMBER, A RESPONDENT AGED BETWEEN 15 AND 64 WAS RANDOMLY CHOSEN FOR INTERVIEW.
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/16 .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 1994
16 -
NOISE MEASUREMENTS AT HE STADIUM RELEASED ♦ ♦ * * ♦
IN VIEW OF MEDIA AND PUBLIC INTEREST IN NOISE MEASUREMENTS TAKEN AT THE CONCERTS TO BE HELD FROM APRIL 22 TO 24 AT THE HONG KONG STADIUM, THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT INTENDS TO RELEASE THE RESULTS OF THE MEASUREMENTS ON THE DAY FOLLOWING THAT ON WHICH THEY ARE TAKEN.
THE MEASUREMENTS ARE TAKEN DURING REHEARSALS AND THE CONCERTS.
THE NOISE MEASUREMENTS RECORDED BY THE DEPARTMENT AT YESTERDAY’S REHEARSAL AT THE HONG KONG STADIUM WILL BE FAXED.
SINCE THE NOISE LEVELS HAVE EXCEEDED THOSE STIPULATED IN THE NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE, THE DEPARTMENT WILL LAY INFORMATION BEFORE THE COURT WITH A VIEW TO ISSUING WEMBLEY INTERNATIONAL WITH A SUMMONS.
------0-------
GOOD START FOR GREEN MANAGER SCHEME
*****
THE GREEEN MANAGER SCHEME INTRODUCED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO PROMOTE GREEN HOUSEKEEPING WITHIN THE ADMINISTRATION HAS MADE AN ENCOURAGING START, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
ADDRESSING A WORKSHOP FOR GREEN MANAGERS, MR EASON SAID MANY OF THE GREEN MANAGERS HAD ALREADY STARTED THE GREEN HOUSEKEEPING PROGRAMME AND MORE ATTENTION WAS BEING PAID TO THE IMPACT GOVERNMENT ACTIVITIES HAD ON THE ENVIRONMENT.
THE SCHEME, ANNOUNCED BY THE GOVERNOR IN HIS LAST POLICY ADDRESS, INVOLVES THE APPOINTMENT 01 SENIOR STAFF AT ALL POLICY BRANCHES AND DEPARTMENTS AS GREEN MANAGERS TO IMPLEMENT AND PROMOTE GREEN HOUSEKEEPING.
THE WORKSHOP WAS ORGANISED BY THE PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS BRANCH TO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL GREEN MANAGERS TO FERTILISE EXPERIENCE.
MR EASON SAID A WORKING GROUP COMPRISING GREEN MANAGERS FROM A REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLE OF BRANCHES AND DEPARTMENTS HAD BEEN SET UP TO REVIEW PROGRESS, DISCUSS PROBLEMS AND RECOMMEND WAYS OF IMPROVEMENTS.
HE SAID IN THE NEXT PHASE OF THE GREEN MANAGER SCHEME, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE LOOKING AT THE DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICATION OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM PROGRESSIVELY TN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE GOVERNMENT.
TWO GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT, ARE CURRENTLY INVOLVED IN A PILOT STUDY ON DEVELOPING A COMPREHENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM.
------0-------
/17......
FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 1994
DESIGNATION OF POLLING STATIONS
*****
A LIST OF POLLING STATIONS FOR THE NEXT DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS IS PUBLISHED IN A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THIS FOLLOWS A REVIEW ON POLLING STATIONS FOR GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCY ELECTIONS AND BY-ELECTIONS, TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE NEWLY DELINEATED DISTRICT BOARD CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES.
THERE WILL BE A TOTAL OF 440 POLLING STATIONS FOR THE 346 NEW DISTRICT BOARD CONSTITUENCIES.
AS THE * PROPOSED URBAN COUNCIL AND REGIONAL COUNCIL CONSTITUENCIES ARE BEING DELINEATED, THE POLLING STATIONS IN RESPECT OF THOSE CONSTITUENCIES WILL BE STIPULATED IN THE FINAL REGISTER OF ELECTORS TO BE PUBLISHED LATER IN THE YEAR.
THE LIST OF THE DESIGNATED POLLING STATIONS AND THE MAPS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION AT THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE.
A LIST OF THE STATIONS IN EACH DISTRICT AND THE RELEVANT MAP WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE AT THE RESPECTIVE DISTRICT OFFICES.
EACH ELECTOR WILL BE NOTIFIED BY END OF NEXT MONTH OF THE NEW DISTRICT BOARD CONST1TUENCY AND POLLING STATION TO WHICH HE HAS BEEN REALLOCATED.
--------0-----------
BOARD AMENDS DRAFT TUEN MUN OUTLINE ZONING PLAN
*****
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED AMENDMENTS TO THE DRAFT TUEN MUN OUTLINE ZONING PLAN.
’’MAJOR AMENDMENTS INCLUDE REZONING THE AREAS EAST OF THE EXISTING CEMENT PLANT IN TUEN MUN WEST FROM INDUSTRIAL AND SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT DEVELOPMENTS TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF A RIVER TRADE TERMINAL AND A SPECIAL INDUSTRIES AREA.
’’THE PROPOSAL IS RECOMMENDED IN A CONSULTANCY STUDY FOR THE AREAS AND IN THE PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD SAID.
THE AREAS NORTH OF TUEN MUN ROAD IN TUEN MUN WEST HAVE ALSO BEEN REZONED TO PROVIDE FOR "GOVERNMENT/INSTI TUT ION/COMMUNITY (G/IC) USES, INCLUDING A PHYSICAL MODEL LABORATORY AND TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT DEPOT, SERVICE RESERVOIRS AND OPEN SPACES.
IN ADDITION, SITES FOR ’’GREEN BELTS’’ AND A CONTAINER STORAGE AND REPAIR DEPOT HAVE BEEN DESIGNATED.
/"AN AREA .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 1994
18
"AN AREA TO THE NORTHWEST OF BUTTERFLY ESTATE HAS BEEN REZONED TO ’OTHER SPECIFIED USES’ ANNOTATED ’PUBLIC RECREATION AND SPORTS CENTRE’ TO FACILITATE THE DEVELOPMENT OF A RECREATION AND SPORTS CENTRE BY THE REGIONAL COUNCIL FOR THE PROVISION OF GOLFING, HORSERIDING AND OTHER SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES TO THE PUBLIC," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
ANOTHER AMENDMENT IS TO RESERVE A SIZABLE SITE EAST OF SIU HONG COURT FOR TERTIARY EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT BY LINGNAN COLLEGE WITH RESIDENTIAL AND OTHER USE IN THE SURROUNDING.
"TWO PIECES OF LAND NEAR SO KWUN WAT AND HONG KONG GOLD COAST HAVE BEEN REZONED TO ’COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT AREA’ TO ENABLE BETTER CONTROL ON FUTURE DEVELOPMENT TN THE AREA," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THE LAND EAST OF THE HONG KONG GOLD COAST HOTEL HAS ALSO BEEN REZONED TO INCLUDE AREAS FOR COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT, "G/IC", LRT TERMINUS, RESIDENTIAL AND OPEN SPACE USES.
•
MEANWHILE, THE AREAS WEST OF HANFORD GARDEN HAVE BEEN REZONED TO INCLUDE "G/IC" USES, A MULTI-STOREY LORRY OR CAR PARK AND AN ELECTRICITY SUB-STATION.
TO FACILITATE A PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME HOUSING DEVELOPMENT, THE AREA NORTH OF SUN TUEN MUN CENTRE HAS BEEN REZONED TO "RESIDENTIAL (GROUP A)" AND "G/IC". THE AREA TO THE NORTH OF TIN KING ESTATE HAS ALSO BEEN REZONED TO "RESIDENTIAL (GROUP A)".
OTHER AMENDMENTS INCLUDE REZONING THE AREAS OPPOSITE THE CEMENT PLANT IN TUEN MUN WEST AND SOUTH OF THE CREMATORIUM TO "GREEN BELTS", THE AREAS ON BOTH SIDES OF LUNG MUN ROAD NEAR WU TIP WAN TO "INDUSTRIAL", "G/IC", AND "GREEN BELT", AND THE SITES ON THE EASTERN SIDE OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD OPPOSITE CHI LOK FA YUEN AND TO THE SOUTHEAST OF HONG KONG GOLD COAST FOR ELECTRICITY SUB-STATIONS.
THE AMENDMENT PLAN (NO. S/TM/S) IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION UNTIL JUNE 22 AT:
* PLANNING DEPARTMENT,
16TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING,
GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG;
* TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG DISTRICT PLANNING OFFICE,
LEVEL 11, TOWER 1, METROPLAZA,
223 HING FONG ROAD, KWAI CHUNG, NEW TERRITORIES; AND
* TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE,
SECOND FLOOR, TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES,
1 TUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN.
ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENTS MAY SUBMIT WRITTEN OBJECTIONS TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/O PLANNING DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG ON OR BEFORE JUNE 22.
COPIES OF THE AMENDMENT PLAN ARE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING AND THE KOWLOON MAP SALES OFFICE, 382 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
------0--------
/19.......
FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 1994
- 19 -
TOWN PLANNING (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1994 ENACTED *****
THE TOWN PLANNING (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1994, WHICH INTRODUCES TWO TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS TO THE TOWN PLANNING ORDINANCE, WAS ENACTED TODAY (FRIDAY), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT SAID.
EXPLAINING THE BACKGROUND OF THE AMENDMENTS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID 30 DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREA (DPA) PLANS WOULD CEASE TO TAKE EFFECT UPON BEING REPLACED BY OUTLINE ZONING PLANS (OZPS) WHICH WERE SCHEDULED FOR GAZETTING IN MID-1994.
HOWEVER, THIS WOULD POSE A PROBLEM FOR THOSE DPA PLANNING APPLICATIONS WHICH ARE PENDING CONSIDERATION OR REVIEW BY THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD ON THE DATE OF GAZETTING OF THE OZPS.
THIS WILL ALSO APPLY TO APPLICATIONS PENDING APPEAL TO THE TOWN PLANNING APPEAL BOARD.
’’THE FIRST AMENDMENT, THEREFORE, IS TO INCLUDE A TRANSITIONAL PROVISION IN THE ORDINANCE TO EMPOWER THE TWO BOARDS TO CONSIDER AND DETERMINE SUCH PLANNING APPLICATIONS AND APPEALS.’’
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO EXPLAINED THAT UNDER THE EXISTING ORDINANCE, THE PLANNING AUTHORITY HAS THE POWER TO ENTER LAND WITH UNAUTHORISED DEVELOPMENTS TO TAKE STEPS TO DISCONTINUE SUCH DEVELOPMENTS, TO PREVENT ADVERSE EFFECTS OR TO REINSTATE THE LAND.
THE PLANNING AUTHORITY IS ALSO EMPOWERED TO REMOVE THE PROPERTY, SUCH AS ITEMS OF PLANT AND MACHINERY, SCRAP METAL, ABANDONED VEHICLES OR CONTAINERS, REMAINING ON THE LAND BEFORE THE NECESSARY REMEDIAL WORK CAN BE CARRIED OUT.
THE SECOND AMENDMENT, THEREFORE, AFFIRMS THE POWER OF THE PLANNING AUTHORITY TO TAKE POSSESSION, REMOVE, DETAIN AND DISPOSE OF PROPERTY REMAINING ON THE LAND WHERE REMEDIAL WORK HAS TO BE CARRIED OUT.
DETAILED PROCEDURES WILL BE SET OUT IN REGULATIONS TO BE MADE BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL, HE SAID.
---------0-----------
LICENCE FEES FOR HOTELS AND GUESTHOUSES TO BE REVISED
*****
THE FEES FOR THE ISSUE OR RENEWAL OF LICENCES AND CERTIFICATES OF EXEMPTION TO HOTELS AND GUESTHOUSES WILL GO UP BY 20 PER CENT FROM MAY 26 TO HELP COVER THE INCREASE IN ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS.
THE NEW RATES ARE SET OUT IN THE HOTEL AND GUESTHOUSE ACCOMMODATION (FEES) (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1994, WHICH WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
/A SPOKESMAN .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 1994
20
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION (CNTA) SAID THESE FEES WERE SUBJECT TO REVIEW ONCE A YEAR.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE FEES FOR THE ISSUE OR RENEWAL OF LICENCES OR CERTIFICATES OF EXEMPTION WERE INTRODUCED IN JUNE 1991 AND WAS LAST REVISED IN JANUARY 1993.
"IN ORDER TO COVER THE COST INCREASE, IT IS NECESSARY TO INCREASE THE FEES BY 20 PER CENT WITH EFFECT FROM MAY 26," HE ADDED.
THE NEW FEES FOR THE ISSUE OR RENEWAL OF LICENCES WILL RANGE FROM $4,065 TO $24,740, DEPENDING ON THE NUMBER OF ROOMS.
AS TO THE ISSUE OR RENEWAL OF CERTIFICATES OF EXEMPTION, THE FEES WILL BE INCREASED TO $720.
PUBLIC ENQUIRIES ON THE FEES INCREASE CAN BE MADE OF CNTA’S OFFICE OF THE LICENSING AUTHORITY ON TEL 881 7034.
- - 0 - -
ROCK HILL STREET TO BE EXTENDED * * * * *
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE EXTENSION OF ROCK HILL STREET AND ASSOCIATED ROAD WORKS.
THE WORKS COMPRISE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW ROAD LINKING SANDS STREET WITH SMITHFIELD, AND RECONSTRUCTION OF SECTIONS OF EXISTING ROADS TOGETHER WITH THE ASSOCIATED GEOTECHNICAL WORKS, TRAM TRACK REALIGNMENT, WATERMAIN LAYING AND DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT WORKS AT KENNEDY TOWN.
WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO COMMENCE IN JULY THIS YEAR AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 24 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
A NOTICE ON THE TENDER INVITATION WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE REGIONAL HIGHWAY ENGINEER/HONG KONG, HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT, EIGHTH FLOOR, HENNESSY CENTRE, 500 HENNESSY ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL 895 8405.
TENDERS MUST BE CLEARLY MARKED AND ADDRESSED TO THE CHAIRMAN, CENTRAL TENDER BOARD, AND PLACED IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT TENDER BOX AT THE LIFT LOBBY ON THE LOWER GROUND FLOOR OF THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (EAST WING), LOWER ALBERT ROAD (AT ITS JUNCTION WITH GARDEN ROAD), HONG KONG, BEFORE NOON ON MAY 20.
LATE TENDERS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
THE WORKS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTION WILL BE SUPERVISED BY THE HIGHWAYS/HONG KONG REGION OF HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT.
- - 0 - -
/21
FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 1994
- 21 -
PIER PLANNED FOR PAR WAN
*****
A PIER IS TO BE BUILT AT PAK WAN, MA WAN TO SERVE THE CONSTRUCTION NEEDS ASSOCIATED WITH THE COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR MA WAN.
RECLAMATION AND RELATED WORKS WILL TAKE PLACE WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 2.12 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED FOR SITE FORMATION AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE PIER.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR AND WILL TAKE ABOUT ONE YEAR TO COMPLETE.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED IS DESCRIBED IN A GAZETTE NOTICE PUBLISHED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE NOTICE AND THE RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN AT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT’S SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG AND AT THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN, NEW TERRITORIES.
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HIS INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE WORKS MAY SEND A WRITTEN CLAIM TO THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS ON OR BEFORE APRIL 22, 1995.
HE SHOULD STATE IN HIS SUBMISSION THE SUM OF MONEY HE IS WILLING TO ACCEPT IN FULL AND FINAL SETTLEMENT OF HIS CLAIM AND ANY PARTICULARS TO SUBSTANTIATE HIS CLAIM.
--------0-----------
TENDERS INVITED FOR SEABED PREPARATION WORKS
*****
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT’S NEW TERRITORIES EAST DEVELOPMENT OFFICE IS INVITING TENDERS FOR A WORKS CONTRACT FOR THE CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR THE TSEUNG KWAN 0 NEW TOWN.
THE CONTRACT COMPRISES SEABED PREPARATION AND CONSTRUCTION OF 800 METRES OF SEAWALLS ALONG THE WESTERN AND SOUTHERN BOUNDARIES OF TSEUNG KWAN O AREA 86 TO PROVIDE A STRATEGIC PUBLIC DUMPING AREA.
THE WORKS ARE SCHEDULED TO BEGIN IN JULY THIS YEAR FOR COMPLETION IN 26 MONTHS.
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 MAY 20.
--------0----------
/22 ........
FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 1994
- 22 -
JETTY FOR NEW AIRPORT *****
THE GOVERNMENT WILL BUILD A NAVIGATIONAL AID FACILITY AT LUNG AIRPORT.
THE JETTY WILL BE BUILT ON SEABED AT LUNG KWU CHAU. THE WORK TAKE ABOUT ONE YEAR TO COMPLETE.
THE EXTENT OF NOTICE PUBLISHED TODAY
JETTY TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO A NEW
KWU CHAU FOR THE CHEK LAP KOK
2.65 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND WILL BEGIN IN NOVEMBER AND WILL
THE AREA AFFECTED (FRIDAY).
IS DESCRIBED IN A GAZETTE
THE NOTICE, TOGETHER WITH ITS RELATED PLAN, CAN BE SEEN NEAR
THE WORK SITE.
THE PLAN CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE LANDS MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, HONG KONG AND AT THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE, GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 1 TUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN,
DEPARTMENT’S SURVEY AND GARDEN ROAD, CENTRAL, SECOND FLOOR, TUEN MUN
NEW TERRITORIES.
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HE HAS AN INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED MAY SEND A WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS ON OR BEFORE JUNE 15.
------0----------
MATRIMONIAL CAUSES AND MAGISTRATES FEES ON RISE ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦
FEES COLLECTED BY THE JUDICIARY IN PROVIDING VARIOUS SERVICES UNDER THE MATRIMONIAL CAUSES ORDINANCE AND THE MAGISTRATES ORDINANCE WILL GO UP BY 10 PER CENT FROM TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE FEES WERE LAST REVIEWED IN 1992.
"THE FEE REVISION HAS TAKEN ACCOUNT OF THE INCREASE IN THE COSTS OF PROVIDING THE SERVICES SINCE THE LAST REVIEW," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE REVISION WAS A ROUTINE ADJUSTMENT AIMED AT RECOVERING THE INCREASED ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS.
THE MATRIMONIAL CAUSES (FEES) (AMENDMENT) RULES 1994 AND THE MAGISTRATES (FEES) (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1994, WHICH PROVIDE FOR THE INCREASE, WERE GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
- - 0------
/23 .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 1994
- 23 -
TOTAL BAN ON TIGER MEDICINES FROM NEXT THURSDAY *****
EFFECTIVE NEXT THURSDAY (APRIL 28), THE POSSESSION OF ALL MEDICINES CONTAINING OR CLAIMING TO CONTAIN TIGER INGREDIENTS WILL BE STRICTLY CONTROLLED IN HONG KONG.
AN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT (AFD), MR FRANK LAU SIN-PANG, ISSUED THE REMINDER A WEEK BEFORE THE EXPIRY OF A THREE-MONTH GRACE PERIOD FOR DISPOSING TIGER MEDICINES IN POSSESSION.
TO TIE IN WITH THE CONTROL, THE DEPARTMENT WILL STEP UP ENFORCEMENT WORK IN ITS INSPECTION OF CHINESE MEDICINE SHOPS IN THE COMING MONTHS.
MR LAU SAID FROM APRIL 28, POSSESSION OF MEDICINES CONTAINING OR CLAIMING TO CONTAIN TIGER INGREDIENTS WOULD ONLY BE PERMITTED, IN THE FORM OF A POSSESSION LICENCE ISSUED BY AFD, UNDER VERY EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES.
HE POINTED OUT THAT CONTROLS OVER THE IMPORT AND EXPORT OF SUCH ITEMS HAD BECOME EFFECTIVE FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS TO THE ANIMALS AND PLANTS (PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES) ORDINANCE IN LATE JANUARY THIS YEAR. NO IMPORT OR EXPORT LICENCE HAS SINCE BEEN ISSUED.
"THIS IS TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUEST OF THE SECRETARIAT OF THE CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA AND FLORA (CITES) THAT MEASURES BE TAKEN TO HALT THE TRADE IN MEDICINES CONTAINING OR CLAIMING TO CONTAIN TIGER INGREDIENTS SINCE THE ANIMAL’S POPULATION IS AT A CRITICAL LEVEL."
IN ADDITION, MR LAU POINTED OUT THAT MEDICINES CONTAINING OR CLAIMING TO CONTAIN RHINO INGREDIENTS HAD BEEN BANNED IN HONG KONG SINCE DECEMBER 1989.
HE CALLED ON MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY, PARTICULARLY TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE TRADERS OR SHOPOWNERS, NOT TO BREACH THE ORDINANCE BY POSSESSING, IMPORTING OR EXPORTING THESE MEDICINES.
UNDER THE ORDINANCE, ANY PERSON FOUND GUILTY OF POSSESSING, IMPORTING OR EXPORTING THESE BANNED MEDICINES OR OTHER PROHIBITED ITEMS OF ENDANGERED SPECIES WITHOUT A LICENCE ISSUED BY AFD WOULD BE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $25,000 ON FIRST CONVICTION, AND $50,000 PLUS SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT ON SUBSEQUENT CONVICTIONS.
TO UPHOLD HONG KONG’S GOOD IMAGE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES CONSERVATION, MR LAU STRESSED THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS DETERMINED TO CRACK DOWN ANY ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES IN ENDANGERED SPECIES TRADE.
HE SAID: "DURING THE PAST SIX MONTHS, THE AFD HAS INSPECTED MORE THAN 2,000 CHINESE MEDICINE SHOPS FOR SUSPECTED RHINO AND TIGER PRODUCTS. THIS COVERS MORE THAN 90 PER CENT OF SUCH SHOPS IN THE TERRITORY.
/"DURING THE .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 1994
- 24 -
"DURING THE OPERATIONS, A TOTAL OF 2,234 PACKETS OF MEDICINES CONTAINING OR CLAIMINHG TO CONTAIN RHINO INGREDIENTS, TWO RHINO HORNS AND TWO PIECES OF HORN SCRAP, AS WELL AS SOME 6.31 KG OF CLAIMED HIDE, VALUED AT ABOUT $350,000, WERE SEIZED FROM 145 SHOPS.
"PROSECUTION OF 68 OF THESE CASES HAD BEEN CONCLUDED, RESULTING IN A TOTAL FINE OF $250,300."
ALSO, IN 46 OF THESE SHOPS INSPECTED, CLAIMED TIGER PARTS (INCLUDING 7.14 KG OF BONE, 175 PIECES OF PENIS AND SIX PAWS) WORTH ABOUT $270,000 WERE SEIZED. SO FAR, 26 CASES OF PROSECUTION WERE COMPLETED, WITH FINES TOTALLING $146,500.
MR LAU BELIEVED THAT THE INCREASED ENFORCEMENT WORK HAD BROUGHT ILLICIT RHINO PRODUCT TRADE UNDER GOOD CONTROL.
"IN THE COMING MONTHS, THE GOVERNMENT’S ENFORCEMENT WORK WILL BE FOCUSING ON TIGER PARTS AND MEDICINES CONTAINING OR CLAIMING TO CONTAIN TIGER INGREDIENTS.
"CHINESE MEDICINE SHOPS HAD BEEN INFORMED BY LETTERS OF THE NEW CONTROLS WHICH WILL TAKE EFFECT FROM APRIL 28. ANOTHER ROUND OF INSPECTIONS OF CHINESE MEDICINE SHOPS HAS BEEN PLANNED IN THE COMING MONTHS AND SHOPS THAT HAD BEEN CHECKED BEFORE WOULD BE VISITED AGAIN."
HE URGED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO HELP MAKE THE CAMPAIGN A SUCCESS BY REFRAINING TO PURCHASE ANY SUCH ILLEGAL PRODUCTS AND INFORMING THE AFD, POLICE OR CUSTOMS OF ANY SUCH ILLICIT TRADE.
MR LAU REITERATED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD ALSO CONTINUE ITS PUBLIC EDUCATION EFFORTS AND MAKE THE PUBLIC MORE AWARE OF THE NEED TO PROTECT ENDANGERED SPECIES.
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TRADE DEPARTMENT CUSTOMER LIAISON GROUP
HOLDS ITS FIRST MEETING
*****
THE TRADE DEPARTMENT’S CUSTOMER LIAISON GROUP (CLG) MET FOR THE FIRST TIME TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE SETTING UP OF THE 30-MEMBER CLG IS AIMED TO PROVIDE FOR A DIRECT AND ON-GOING DIALOGUE BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT AND ITS CUSTOMERS.
"OUR CUSTOMERS’ CONCERNS ARE OUR CONCERNS,” THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR TONY MILLER, SAID AT THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF THE CLG.
"THE DEPARTMENT WILL TAKE THE GROUP’S SUGGESTIONS AND FEEDBACK SERIOUSLY AND MAKE GOOD USE OF THE FORUM TO BETTER UNDERSTAND THE NEEDS OF OUR CUSTOMERS,” HE SAID.
MEMBERS OP' THE CLG, WHO COME FROM IMPORT AND EXPORT, MANUFACTURING, SHIPPING, FORWARDING AND TRANSPORTATION COMPANIES, HAVE BEEN CHOSEN FROM APPLICATIONS FROM COMPANIES REGISTERED WITH THE DEPARTMENT AND REPRESENT THE MAJOR SECTORS OF ITS CLIENTELE.
/MEETINGS OF .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 1994
- 25 -
MEETINGS OF THE CLG WILL BE HELD AT A QUARTERLY INTERVAI. AND CHAIRED BY DR VICTOR CHA MOU-ZING, WHO IS ALSO A NON-OFFIC1AL MEMBER OF THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD. TRADE DEPARTMENT’S CLG IS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND THAT HAS A NON-OFFICIAL CHAIRMAN.
SPEAKING AT THE SAME OCCASION, DR CHA SAID AS A MANUFACTURER HIMSELF, HE KNEW THAT UNDERSTANDING THE NEED OF CUSTOMERS WAS A DETERMINING FACTOR OF SUCCESS.
HE BELIEVED THAT THE NEWLY FORMED CLG COULD REFLECT THE VIEW OF USERS OF TRADE DEPARTMENT’S MAJOR SERVICES AND THEREFORE HELPED IMPROVE THE DEPARTMENT’S EFFICIENCY THROUGH REINFORCING THE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT AND ITS CLIENTS.
MR MILLER ALSO ANNOUNCED THE LAUNCHING OF THE SECOND PHASE OF THE DEPARTMENT’S PERFORMANCE PLEDGE WHICH INCLUDE REDUCED WAITING TIME FOR A NUMBER OF SERVICES AND DECLARED A MULTI-MEDIA ENQUIRY SYSTEM OPERATIONAL.
THE $0.29 MILLION-WORTH SYSTEM EMPLOYS COMPUTERISED TOUCH-SCREEN TECHNOLOGY WHICH HELPS TRADERS OBTAIN INFORMATION OF THE DEPARTMENT’S SERVICES WITHIN SECONDS.
A NEWLY RENOVATED INFORMATION COUNTER WAS ALSO OFFICIALLY OPENED TODAY AS ONE OF THE MEASURES TO IMPROVE CUSTOMER-ORIENTED FACILITIES.
------0-------
WIDER WORK SAFETY PROTECTION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE *****
THE PASSAGE OF THE CONSTRUCTION SITES (SAFETY) (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) REGULATION 1994 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL BRING WIDER WORK SAFETY PROTECTION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE.
THE REGULATION, WHICH WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY), SEEKS TO PROHIBIT UNTRAINED YOUNG PERSON.S UNDER 18 FROM WORKING ON CONSTRUCTION SITES.
SPEAKING AT A MEDIA SESSION THIS MORNING, AN ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR MAK SAI-YIU, SAID THERE WERE ALREADY SAFETY AND HEALTH LAWS PROVIDING FOR SOME FORM OF RESTRICTION ON UNDERAGE YOUNG PEOPLE DOING HAZARDOUS WORK.
’’THE NEWLY PASSED AMENDMENT REGULATION WILL GIVE WIDER AND ADDITIONAL PROTECTION TO YOUNG WORKERS AS THEY ARE NOT ALLOWED TO WORK ON CONSTRUCTION SITES STARTING FROM JUNE 22.
’’HOWEVER, YOUNG PERSONS UNDER 18 WHO ARE RECEIVING OR HAVE RECEIVED APPROPRIATE TRAINING WOULD STILL BE ALLOWED TO WORK ON CONSTRUCTION SITES,” HE SAID.
MR MAK SAID THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WOULD INFORM THE PUBLIC OF THE AMENDMENT REGULATION THROUGH RADIO BROADCASTS, PRESS RELEASES AND BRIEFINGS FOR SCHOOL LEAVERS AND SUMMER JOB-SEEKERS.
/"WE SHALL .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 1994
- 26 -
"WE SHALL ALSO SEEK HELP EROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, VOLUNTARY YOUTH AGENCIES AND THE CAREERS SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO PUBLICISE THE MESSAGE TN SCHOOLS AND YOUTH CENTRES."
MR MAK NOTED THAT THE HONG KONG CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION HAD AGREED TO PUBLICISE THE AMENDMENT REGULATION AMONG ITS MEMBERS.
HE URGED BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING CONTRACTORS NOT TO HIRE UNTRAINED PEOPLE AGED UNDER 18 WHO ARE MORE PRONE TO ACCIDENTS.
"OUR FACTORY INSPECTORS WILL ENFORCE THE AMENDMENT REGULATION DURING A SPECIAL SITE INSPECTION CAMPAIGN PLANNED FOR THIS SUMMER.
"CONTRACTORS SHOULD NOT TAKE THE RISK OF EMPLOYING UNTRAINED YOUNG PEOPLE AS THE MAXIMUM PENALTY STIPULATED IN THE AMENDMENT REGULATION IS A FINE OF $50,000," HE SAID.
HE SAID A HOTLINE SERVICE OFFERED BY THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE DIVISION WOULD BE STEPPED UP WHEN THE AMENDMENT REGULATION CAME INTO FORCE.
"IT WILL ALSO BE USED TO RECEIVE INFORMATION ABOUT THE VIOLATION OF THE SITE SAFETY REGULATION."
MR MAK ADVISED SITE WORKERS AND STAFF TO CALL THE 24-HOUR HOTLINE 815 0678 IF THEY DISCOVERED OR SUSPECTED ANY CONTRACTOR OR
SUB-CONTRACTOR HIRING UNTRAINED YOUNG PEOPLE UNDER 18 ON CONSTRUCTION SITES.
"ALL INFORMATION AND PARTICULARS OF INFORMANTS WILL BE TREATED AS CONFIDENTIAL," HE SAID.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE MEDIA SESSION, THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY (CITA), MR TONG YAT-CHU, INTRODUCED VARIOUS BASIC CRAFT TRAINING COURSES SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR YOUNGSTERS.
MR TONG ADVISED YOUNG PEOPLE WISHING TO ENTER THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AS CRAFTSMEN TO ENROL, FIRST OF ALL, ONTO APPROPRIATE BASIC CRAFT TRAINING COURSES AND THEN JOIN AN APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME FOR ON-THE-JOB TRAINING.
SUCH APPRENTICESHIP SCHEMES ARE MONITORED BY THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL.
"APART FROM OBTAINING PROPER TRAINING, TRAINEES RECEIVE SUBSIDIARY ALLOWANCES FROM CITA DURING THE INITIAL PHASE OF TRAINING AND PROPER WAGES DURING THE SUBSEQUENT ON-THE-JOB TRAINING.
"THOSE WISHING TO WORK IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY SHOULD ACT NOW WHILE THERE ARE STILL PLENTY OF AVAILABLE CITA TRAINING PLACES," HE ADDED.
MR TONG ALSO EMPHASISED THE SAFETY ASPECT Ob' TRAINING EMBEDDED IN OITA’S COURSES.
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/27......
FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 1994
HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT ASSURES PUBLIC' OF SERVICE STANDARD
*****
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE ASSURED OF THE STANDARD OF SERVICES . PROVIDED BY THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT WITH THE LAUNCHING OF ITS PERFORMANCE PLEDGE SCHEME TODAY (FRIDAY).
ANNOUNCING DETAILS OF THE PLEDGE, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS COVERED SIX DIFFERENT TYPES OF SERVICES.
THESE INCLUDE RESPONSE TO PUBLIC ENQUIRIES AND COMPLAINTS, ONSITE DISPLAY OF THE PURPOSE AND ANTICIPATED COMPLETION DATE OF ROAD WORKS, REPAIR OF ROAD SURFACES AND TRAFFIC SIGNS, ISSUE OF ROAD EXCAVATION PERMITS AND CONSTRUCTION OF RUN-IN AND REPAIR OF DAMAGED ROAD SURFACE FOLLOWING BUILDING DEVELOPMENT.
ON COMPLAINTS OR ENQUIRIES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT WOULD REPLY WITHIN 10 WORKING DAYS UPON RECEIPT OF COMPLAINTS OR ENQUIRIES.
FOR MORE COMPLICATED CASES WHICH MIGHT INVOLVE OTHER PARTIES, AN INTERIM REPLY WOULD BE GIVEN WITHIN 10 WORKING DAYS TO BE FOLLOWED BY A DETAILED REPLY AS SOON AS INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE.
A SIMPLE DESCRIPTION OF ROAD WORKS WITH ANTICIPATED COMPLETION DATE WILL BE DISPLAYED ON SITE TO ENABLE THE PUBLIC TO UNDERSTAND WHY THE WORKS ARE NECESSARY AND WHEN THEY WILL BE COMPLETED.
REPAIR OF HOLES ON ROADS WILL BE COMPLETED AND DAMAGED TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE REPAIRED WITHIN 48 HOURS AFTER RECEIVING A COMPLAINT.
ROAD EXCAVATION PERMITS WILL BE ISSUED TO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMPANIES WITHIN 14 WORKING DAYS OF THE RECEIPT OF THE APPLICATIONS.
ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF RUN-IN AND REPAIR OF DAMAGED ROAD SURFACE FOLLOWING BUILDING DEVELOPMENT, WORK WILL START WITHIN 14 WORKING DAYS OF THE AVAILABILITY OF SITE.
"ALL THESE PLEDGED PERFORMANCE STANDARDS WILL BE MONITORED INTERNALLY AND THE RESULT WILL BE PUBLISHED EVERY YEAR,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
A LEAFLET SETTING OUT DETAILS OF THE PERFORMANCE PLEDGE IS NOW AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES. REQUEST FOR COPIES CAN ALSO BE MADE TO THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT BY TELEPHONING 762 3333.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE DEPARTMENT WELCOMED COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS ON THE WAY THE SERVICES WERE DELIVERED.
"MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO HAVE ANY VIEWS OR WHO ARE NOT SATISFIED WITH THE QUALITY OF THE SERVICES SHOULD WRITE TO THE SENIOR ENGINEER (HIGHWAY COMPLAINT) AT THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, FIFTH FLOOR, HO MAN TIN GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 88 CHUNG HAU STREET, HO MAN TIN, KOWLOON," HE SAID.
/28
FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 1994
28
ED RECRUITS ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
*****
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS INVITING APPLICATIONS TO FILL AN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR POST IN THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE (CDI) ON AGREEMENT TERMS FOR TWO AND A HALF YEARS.
APPLICANTS SHOULD HAVE A HONG KONG OR BRITISH FIRST DEGREE PLUS A HONG KONG OR BRITISH HIGHER DEGREE, BOTH RELEVANT TO THE SCHOOL CURRICULUM, OR EQUIVALENT QUALIFICATIONS; A POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN EDUCATION, OR AN EQUIVALENT QUALIFICATION.
AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID APPLICATIONS SHOULD ALSO HAVE AT LEAST 12 YEARS’ POST-FIRST-DEGREE EXPERIENCE IN TEACHING AND ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING FULL-TIME BASIS INSPECTIONS OF SCHOOLS; CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT WORK; TEACHER EDUCATION; AND RESEARCH IN EDUCATION.
IN ADDITION, APPLICANTS SHOULD HAVE AWARENESS OF RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SCHOOL SYSTEM WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO CURRENT TRENDS IN CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE APPLICANTS SHOULD HAVE AT LEAST FIVE OF THE 12 YEARS’ 'EXPERIENCE IN A KEY ADMINISTRATIVE POST IN THE’FIELD OF EDUCATION.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE’S DUTIES WOULD INCLUDE DIRECTING AND OVERSEEING THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE AND THE DEVELOPMENT AND PREPARATION OF CURRICULA, THE PROVISION OF CURRICULUM SUPPORTING MATERIALS AND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF CURRICULUM INNOVATIONS AND PROJECTS.
THE SALARY SCALE FOR THE POST IS FROM $79,400 TO $84,250 PER MONTH PLUS A GRATUITY AT 25 PER CENT OF GROSS BASIS SALARY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE SAID THE USUAL FRINGE BENEFITS INCLUDING PAID LEAVE, MEDICAL AND DENTAL BENEFITS, EDUCATION ALLOWANCE AND ASSISTANCE IN HOUSING WOULD BE GIVEN TO THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE.
APPLICATIONS WITH DETAILED RESUME SHOULD BE SENT TO THE APPOINTMENTS REGISTRY OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, ROOM 1631, 16TH FLOOR, WU CHUNG HOUSE, 213 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION IS MAY 7, 1994. ENQUIRIES MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE APPOINTMENT REGISTRY ON TEL 892 6170.
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/29 .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 1994
29
RESULTS OF CONDUCT COUNCIL ELECTION ANNOUNCED ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED RESULTS OF THE ELECTION TO THE COUNCIL ON PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT IN EDUCATION, WHICH WAS HELD ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 20).
THE ELECTION WAS HELD IN 1,775 SCHOOLS. A TOTAL OF 43,001 TEACHERS CAST VOTES IN THE ELECTION, REPRESENTING 89 PER CENT OF ALL ELIGIBLE VOTERS.
A TOTAL OF 45 ORGANISATIONS PARTICIPATED IN THE VOTING, REPRESENTING 61 PER CENT OF ALL ELIGIBLE ORGANISATIONS.
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WONG, EXPRESSED GREAT SATISFACTION WITH THE HIGH TURNOUT FOR THE ELECTIONS, PARTICULARLY AMONG TEACHERS.
THE ELECTIONS RETURNED 23 CANDIDATES TO THE COUNCIL THEY ARE :
CATEGORY • NAME OF CANDIDATE NUMBER OF VOTES
I. TEACHERS
SECONDARY (GOVERNMENT) MR
SECONDARY (AIDED)' MR
MR MR
SECONDARY (PRIVATE) MS
PRIMARY (AIDED) MR
MR
MR
PRIMARY (PRIVATE) MR
KINDERGARTEN MS
MS
SPECIAL SCHOOLS MR
MS
II. ORGANISATIONS
LEUNG YAN-WING 7,697
HA MAN-HO 7,871
CHEONG CHEE-LUP 3,956
LEE WAI-KAI 3,773
CHAN CHUK-YUE 4,467
PUN TIN-CHI 1 1,735
CHAN HUNG 7,613
CHOW KA-KONG 6,103
CHING PING-YAN 5,609
YAU S1U-HA 2,135
WAN KAM-FONG 1,955
CHAN KWOK-KUEN 678
POON KOON-FONG 448
TEACHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS: DR CHENG KAI-MING
ORGANISATIONS OF EDUCATIONAL PERSONNEL: MR CHIU CHI-SH1NG MR LEUNG SIU-TONG
SCHOOLS COUNCILS AND
ORGANISATIONS OF SPONSORING BODIES: MR CHEUNG MAN-SUN
MS CHEUNG YEE-HING
/ORGANISATIONS OF .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 1994
- 30 -
ORGANISATIONS OF SCHOOL HEADS:
SUBJECT-RELATED ORGAN ISAT IONS:
TEACHERS’ UNIONS:
OTHER EDUCATIONAL ORGANISATIONS:
NR LEUNG SH1U-CHUN
MRS PANG CHU WAI-SEE
MR HO WING-KAN
MS YU WAI-PI NG
MR TSE KAR-CHEUNG
TWO CANDIDATES FOR ONE OF THE TEACHERS’ UNIONS SEATS IN THE ORGANISATION-NOMINATED CATEGORIES, MR LEE SEE-YUEN OF THE HONG KONG TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION AND MR WOU TCHONG-HONG OF THE HONG KONG AIDED SCHOOL TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION, RECEIVED THE SAME NUMBER OF VOTES IN THE ELECTION.
THE RELEVANT ORGANISATIONS HAVE BEEN ASKED TO VOTE AGAIN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE BETWEEN THE TWO CANDIDATES SO AS TO ELECT ONE OF THEM TO THE COUNCIL. AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THIS WOULD NOT AFFECT THE FIRST MEETING OF THE NEW COUNCIL.
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION IS EXPECTED TO NOMINATE THREE MEMBERS, INCLUDING THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (SCHOOLS) AND TWO LAY MEMBERS, TO THE COUNCIL IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS.
THE FIRST MEETING OF THE NEW COUNCIL WILL BE HELD ON APRIL 27.
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DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS VISIT PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL
*****
DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS TODAY (FRIDAY) HAD AN INSIGHT INTO’ THE ACTIVITIES OF A PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL DURING THE THIRD IN A SERIES OF FAMILIARISATION VISITS TO EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES.
A TOTAL OF NINE MEMBERS FROM YAU TSIM, KWUN TONG, MONG KOK AND WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARDS PARTICIPATED IN THE VISIT. HEADING THE DELEGATION WAS THE CHAIRMAN OF 'KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD, MR LAM HANG-FAI.
OTHER MEMBERS WERE MR JOHN WU (YAU TSIM); MR FAN WAI-KONG (KWUN TONG); MR HENRY CHAN AND MRS TAM CHEUNG KIT-YING (MONG KOK); MR CHAN CHOW-FAN, MR CHAN CHUN-FAT, MR CHEUNG CHI-WAH AND DR ALBERT LI (WONG TAI SIN).
DURING THEIR VISIT TO THE CCC ROTARY PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL IN LOK FU, THEY WERE BRIEFED BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (SCHOOLS), MR TSUI SEE-MING, AND THE PRINCIPAL, MR KWOK HIN-WAH.
THE SCHOOL WAS SET UP IN 1972. ITS SPECIALITY SUBJECTS ARE ACCOMMODATION AND CATERING SERVICES, PRINTING AND FASHION AND CLOTHING.
/THE VISITORS .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 1994
- 31 -
THE VISITORS WERE TOLD THAT PREVOCAT1ONAL SCHOOLS WERE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE EDUCATION SYSTEM IN HONG KONG, OFFERING AN ALTERNATIVE FORM OF SECONDARY EDUCATION TO THAT PROVIDED IN GRAMMER AND SECONDARY-TECHNICAL SCHOOLS.
PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS PROVIDE THE LINK BETWEEN GENERAL EDUCATION AND EDUCATION FOR EMPLOYMENT THROUGH A KNOWLEDGE OF BROAD-BASED BASIC SKILLS AND A WIDE RANGE OF APPLICATIONS OF MODERN TECHNIQUES IN AT LEAST TWO MAJOR FIELDS OF LOCAL EMPLOYMENT.
WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF SIXTH FORM CLASSES IN THESE SCHOOLS IN 1992, STUDENTS CAN PURSUE TECHNOLOGICAL OR OTHER STUDIES IN THE POLYTECHNICS, UNIVERSITIES OR OTHER TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS.
------0-------
REHABILITATION SERVICES HELP DISABLED INTEGRATE INTO COMMUNITY
*****
THE BASIC OBJECTIVE OF HONG KONG’S REHABILITATION SERVICES IS TO DEVELOP THE POTENTIAL OF DISABLED PERSONS AND TO ENABLE THEM TO WORK AND LIVE HAPPILY AND AS INDEPENDENTLY AS POSSIBLE IN THE COMMUNITY.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR IAN STRACHAN, WHEN HE OFFICIATED AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SPASTICS ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG - BRADBURY TAK TIN WORKSHOP AND BRADBURY WONG TAI SIN HOSTEL TODAY (FRIDAY).
’’INTEGRATION OF THE DISABLED INTO THE COMMUNITY IS OUR ULTIMATE GOAL. SO IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE ESTABLISH REHABILITATION FACILITIES WITHIN THE COMMUNITY.
”SO WHEN WE IDENTIFY OPPOSITION TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF REHABILITATION FACILITIES WITHIN THE COMMUNITY, WE MUST ASCERTAIN THE REASONS,” MR STRACHAN SAID.
NOTING THAT THE RESISTANCE MIGHT BE DUE TO RESIDENTS’ UNCERTAINTY AND FEAR, HE STRESSED THAT ACTION HAD TO BE TAKEN TO ALLAY THESE CONCERNS.
”WE NEED TO COMMUNI (’ATE AND EXPLAIN OUR POLICIES TO LOCAL RESIDENTS, AND TRUST THAT I’HE GOODWILL AND THE GOOD SENSE OF THE GOVERNMENT AND PARTIES CONCERNED WILL LEAD TO THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE DISABLED LIVING AND WORKING AMONG US.”
POINTING OUT THAT SHELTERED WORKSHOPS HAD BEEN ONE OF THE EARLIEST REHABILITATION SERVICES DEVELOPED FOR DISABLED PERSONS, MR STRACHAN SAID SHELTERED EMPLOYMENT HELPED THOSE NOT YET READY TO COMPETE FOR A PLACE IN THE OPEN JOB MARKET.
"WITH THE AIM OF FOSTERING SELF-RESPECT AND INDEPENDENCE, SHELTERED WORKSHOPS PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR WORK ADJUSTMENT AND ADVANCEMENT.
/’’THE ULTIMATE.......
FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 1994
- 32 -
"THE ULTIMATE GOAL IS THAT SHELTERED WORKERS WITH APPROPRIATE TRAINING, CAN PROGRESS TO SUPPORTED AND OPEN EMPLOYMENT," HE CONCLUDED.
THE SPASTICS ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG, FOUNDED IN 1963, HAS BEEN ONE OF THE FIRST NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS PROVIDING REHABILITATION SERVICES FOR DISABLED PERSONS. IT OPERATES FOUR SHELTERED WORKSHOPS AND FIVE HOSTELS, SERVING NEARLY 670 HANDICAPPED PERSONS.
THE NEW BRADBURY TAK TIN WORKSHOP AND BRADBURY WONG TAI SIN HOSTEL WILL PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL 120 WORKSHOP PLACES AND 50 RESIDENTIAL PLACES.
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SWIMMING SAFETY ADVICE
*****
WITH THE APPROACH OF THE SWIMMING SEASON, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (FRIDAY) REMINDED SWIMMERS THAT A FEW POINTERS OUGHT TO BE HEEDED IN ORDER TO ENSURE SAFETY WHEN SWIMMING OFF BEACHES.
"ALWAYS GO TO A GAZETTED BEACH WHERE LIFEGUARDS ARE ON DUTY," THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED.
SWIMMERS SHOULD NOT ENTER THE WATER ONCE THE SHARK WARNING FLAG IS HOISTED.
EVEN WHEN NO SHARK WARNING FLAG IS HOISTED, SWIMMERS SHOULD STILL OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONS:
* DO NOT SWIM ALONE;
* DO NOT SWIM IF YOU ARE BLEEDING OR HAVE ANY OPEN WOUNDS;
* IF SCHOOLS OF FISH START TO BEHAVE ERRATICALLY OR START TO CONGREGATE IN UNUSUALLY LARGE NUMBERS, LEAVE THE WATER AND MAKE A REPORT TO THE LIFEGUARDS ON DUTY OR TO THE POLICE;
»
* IF A LARGE FISH IS SEEN, LEAVE THE WATER AS QUICKLY AND CALMLY AS POSSIBLE AND MAKE A REPORT TO THE LIFEGUARDS ON DUTY OR TO THE POLICE; AND
* ALWAYS SWIM WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES DESIGNATED.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT PEOPLE SHOULD NOT SWIM AT DAWN, AT DUSK OR AT NIGHT.
HE SAID DESPITE PREVIOUS PUBLICITY, MANY SWIMMERS HAD IGNORED THIS ADVICE ON SAFETY PRECAUTIONS, PARTICULARLY THE POINT ABOUT NOT SWIMMING AT DAWN, DUSK OR NIGHT.
"THIS IS REALLY REGRETTABLE,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID, "AS SWIMMERS THUS EXPOSE THEMSELVES TO DANGER UNNECESSARILY."
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/n ..
FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 1994
- 33 -
TAI PO RESIDENTS URGED TO REGISTER AS VOTERS * * * ♦ ♦
THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PO PUI-LEONG, TODAY (FRIDAY) URGED RESIDENTS IN TAI PO TO EXERCISE THEIR CIVIC RIGHT TO REGISTER AS VOTERS.
SPEAKING AT THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF THE TAI PO SOCIETY FRATERNAL ASSOCIATION, MR PO SAID A LARGE SCALE VOTER REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN WAS ALREADY UNDERWAY IN THE TERRITORY TO CALL ON THE TWO MILLION ELIGIBLE VOTERS TO REGISTER FOR THE 1994/95 DISTRICT BOARD, MUNICIPAL COUNCIL AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS.
ECHOING THE CAMPAIGN SLOGAN ’’MAKE YOURSELF HEARD, REGISTER TO VOTE”, HE SAID PEOPLE COULD EFFECTIVELY REFLECT THEIR VIEWS TO THE GOVERNMENT THROUGH THEIR DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS OR COUNCILLORS.
MR PO ALSO REMINDED REGISTERED ELECTORS TO REPORT ANY CHANGE OF HOME ADDRESS TO THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE TO ENSURE THAT THEY VOTE IN THE RIGHT CONSTITUENCY.
------0--------
GOVERNMENT STAFF INTER-DEPARTMENTAL RACE 1994 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ »
THE GOVERNMENT STAFF INTER-DEPARTMENTAL RACE, WHICH IS ORGANISED BY THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (CSD) THIS YEAR, WILL BE HELI) AT PAK TAM CHUNG IN THE SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK TOMORROW (SATURDAY), STARTING AT 9.30 AM.
THE ROUTE WILL TAKE PARTICIPANTS THROUGH THE SCENIC LANDSCAPE OF PAK TAM CHUNG WITH THE PO LEUNG KUK HOLIDAY CAMP AS STARTING AND FINISHING POINTS. THE LENGTH OF THE COURSE FOR MEN IS ABOUT 10 KILOMETRES WHILE THAT FOR LADIES IS ABOUT 5.8 KILOMETRES.
PARTICIPANTS WILL COMPETE UNDER FOUR CATEGORIES - INDIVIDUAL SECTION FOR MEN, LADIES AND VETERANS AND TEAM SECTION FOR DEPARTMENTS. THERE WILL BE 50 GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND 1,077 CIVIL SERVANTS PARTICIPATING IN THE RACE THIS YEAR.
THE RACE IS AN ANNUAL EVENT TO PROMOTE LONG-DISTANCE RUNNING AND FRIENDSHIP AMONG CIVIL SERVANTS.
THERE WERE 993 PARTICIPANTS IN LAST YEAR’S RACE ORGANISED BY THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
--------0-----------
Z34 .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 1994
- 34 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
* » t » *
$ MlLLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,916 0930 + 894
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,805 1000 + 944
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO • 1 100 + 894
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 919 1200 + 919
LAF TODAY -30 1500 + 919
1600 + 919
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWT 125. 2 *+0.2» 22.4.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 2.85 PCT 16 MONTHS 2508 4.625 99.42 5.14
1 MONTH 3.28 PCT 19 MONTHS 2511 4. 15 98.30 5.35
3 MONTHS 3.84 PCT 22 MONTHS 2602 4.40 98.04 5.62
6 MONTHS 4.25 PCT 30 MONTHS 3610 4.20 95.87 6.08
12 MONTHS 4.85 PCT 33 MONTHS 3701 4.60 96.08 6.26
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 26,191 MN
CLOSED 22 APRIL 1994
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
A
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL. 842 8777
SATURDAY, APRIL 23, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
TRANSCRIPT OF GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION...................... 1
WORKERS RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN SAFETY AT WORK............ 2
1994/95 LAND SALES PROGRAMME................................ 2
MEMBERS RE-APPOINTED TO YOUTH COMMISSION.................... 3
NEW CONDITIONS FOR FRONTIER CLOSED AREA PERMIT.............. 4
NOISE LEVEL AT HK STADIUM................................... 5
HK’S NEONATAL CARE ACHIEVES WORLD STANDARD ................. 6
TEACHERS ASKED TO HELP PROMOTE VOTER REGISTRATION........... 7
WATER CUTS IN STANLEY AND KOWLOON EAST...................... 7
FIRING PRACTICE IN MAY...................................... 8
LUCKY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS SALE BY AUCTION............ 8
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS..... 10
SATURDAY, APRIL 23, 1994
TRANSCRIPT OF GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION
* * * * *
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, AFTER OPENING THE "HONG KONG WORKERS IN TRANSITION" EXHIBITION THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING:-
GOVERNOR: GOOD MORNING.
QUESTION: SIR PERCY CRADOCK APPEARS TO BE STIRRING UP QUITE A STORM WITH HIS COMMENTS ABOUT YOUR PROPOSALS. HOW DO YOU REACT, GIVEN THAT THE FAC HAS ALREADY PUT THEIR SEAL OF APPROVAL? WHAT IS YOUR REACTION?
GOVERNOR: I THINK ALL THAT WAS PAST NOW. I AM MORE INTERESTED IN THE FUTURE. THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, AS YOU SAID, ENDORSED OUR APPROACH. THEY SAID THAT THEY REGARDED IT AND SIR PERCY’S APPROACHES NEITHER TENABLE NOR HONOURABLE. I’LL LEAVE IT AT THAT.
QUESTION: SIR, YOU SAY THAT THE FAC REPORT IS WORTH READING AND MAY BE IT CAN BE USED AS A REFERENCE FOR THE HONG KONG FUTURE. BUT THE CHINESE SIDE, INCLUDING THE FOREIGN MINISTER AND ALL SORTS OF ORGANISATIONS, THE- HIGH-LEVEL LEADERS, COME OUT AND CRITICISE ABOUT THE FAC REPORT. WHAT DO YOU THINK, DO YOU MEAN THAT THE FAC REPORT WILL ADD A FURTHER CONFRONTATIONAL SITUATION TO HONG KONG?
GOVERNOR: NO, I THINK THAT EVERYBODY RECOGNISES THAT WE WANT TO PUT THOSE MATTERS ON WHICH WE DISAGREE TO ONE SIDE AND GET ON WITH THE MATTERS ON WHICH WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO CO-OPERATE. I THINK THAT IS EVERYBODY IN HONG KONG WANTS TO DO AND IT'S CERTAINLY WHAT THE GOVERNMENT WANTS TO DO.
QUESTION: SIR, ARE YOU CONFIDENT THAT THE FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY ELECTORAL SYSTEM DOESN’T VIOLATE THE BILL OF RIGHTS........?
GOVERNOR: YES.
QUESTION: SIR, HOW ABOUT SHOULD SOMEBODY IS CALLING FOR THERE SHOULD BE CERTAIN CLARIFICATIONS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION CONCERNING THE ALLEGATIONS PUT FORWARD BY MR ALEX TSUI CONCERNING THE TWO NAMED PERSONS, I.E. MRS RITA FAN AND MR K.Y. YEUNG, SHOULD THE ADMINISTRATION OF ICAC COME OUT AND CLARIFY, IF NOT FOR POLITICAL REASONS, AND FOR WHAT?
GOVERNOR: NO. THE ADMINISTRATION HAS MADE CLEAR WHAT THE POSITION IS. I ANSWERED QUESTIONS AT SOME LENGTH IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON THURSDAY ON THE ISSUE. THERE NEVER HAS BEEN NOR WILL THERE EVER BE ANY POLITICISATION OF THE ICAC. I THINK WE ALL WANT TO SEE THE ICAC DOING A GOOD JOB IN DEALING WITH CORRUPTION. WE SAT UP A REVIEW COMMITTEE TO LOOK AT ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS BECAUSE WF. WANT TO SEE THOSE POWERS AND FUNCTIONS EXERCISED IN AN EFFECTIVE WAY WHICH HAS THE SUPPORT OF THE COMMUNITY. THANK YOU VERY MUCH INDEED.
-----0 - -
/2 ........
SATURDAY, APFtTt. Z3, T9W
2 -
WORKERS RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN SAFETY AT WORK
*****
RESPONSIBILITY FOR SAFETY AT WORK RESTS FINALLY ON THE INDIVIDUAL MEN AND WOMEN AT WORK, THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
’’UNLESS THEY TAKE CARE FOR THEMSELVES AND FOR THOSE AROUND THEM, HOPES OF A SUSTAINED AND SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT IN OUR SAFETY RECORD ARE UNLIKELY TO BE REALISED,” MR PATTEN SAID.
SPEAKING AT THE CONFEDERATION OF TRADE UNIONS ”HONG KONG WORKERS IN TRANSITION" EXHIBITION, MR PATTEN APPEALED TO FAMILIES OF THE WORKERS TO REMIND THEM TO TAKE PROPER CARE OF THEMSELVES.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO DO EVERYTHING IT CAN TO CARE FOR AND REHABILITATE THE VICTIMS OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS, BUT IT WOULD BE MUCH BETTER IF ACCIDENTS AT WORK DID NOT HAPPEN AT ALL.
THE GOVERNOR NOTED THAT HONG KONG’S GOOD RECORD IN MANY AREAS WAS BLACKENED BY ITS INDUSTRIAL SAFETY RECORD.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD LONG CAMPAIGNED TO IMPROVE THE SITUATION.
"WE ARE STEPPING UP OUR EFFORTS. MORE FACTORY INSPECTORS HAVE BEEN RECRUITED: LEGISLATION IS BEING STRENGTHENED. WE ARE LOOKING AT DISQUALIFYING CONTRACTORS WITH BAD SAFETY REOCRDS FROM AWARD OF PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACTS.
"I REPEAT AGAIN, WE CANNOT, WE MUST NOT, BUILD HONG KONG ON THE MAIMED BODIES OF OUR WORK FORCE," THE GOVERNOR SAID.
------0-------
1994/95 LAND SALES PROGRAMME ***** •
PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT LAND AGENT MR JIM HUGHES ANNOUNCED TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT FOLLOWING THE AGREEMENT OF THE LAND COMMISSION TO THE LAND DISPOSAL PROGRAMME SUBMITTED BY THE ADMINISTRATION, THE GOVERNMENT’S LAND SALES PROGRAMME FOR 1994/95 WOULD CONSIST OF 28.21 HECTARES OF LAND INVOLVING 40 SITES WHICH ARE EXPECTED TO PRODUCE BETWEEN 8,000 AND 10,000 FLATS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THERE WOULD BE A CONSIDERABLE NUMBER OF FLATS PRODUCED FROM DEVELOPMENTS ARISING FROM LAND EXCHANGES AND LEASE MODIFICATIONS.
HE SAID THAT A 2.75-HECTARE SITE WOULD BE OFFERED FOR SALE IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME WHICH WAS A SCHEME WHEREBY LAND WAS SOLD FOR PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT.
/THE FINISHED .......
SATURDAY, APRIL 23, 1994
- 3 -
THE FINISHED FLAT SALE PRICES ARE SET BEFOREHAND BY THE GOVERNMENT AND THE FLATS ARE SOLD ONLY TO PERSONS ON THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME LIST. THIS WOULD PRODUCE A TOTAL OF 2,370 FLATS.
MR HUGHES EXPLAINED THAT THE AREA OF LAND IN THE TENTATIVE PROGRAMME FOR COMMERCIAL, COMMERCIAL/RES1DENTIAL AND RESIDENTIAL WAS 18.96 HECTARES, AND STRESSED THAT THIS WAS 4.14 HECTARES MORE THAN THAT SOLD BY AUCTION/TENDER IN 1993/94.
HE POINTED OUT THE PROGRAMME INCLUDED FOUR SITES PREVIOUSLY OCCUPIED BY THE GOVERNMENT AT I. HIGH STREET IN WESTERN DISTRICT, II. WYNDHAM STREET/ARBUTHNOT ROAD, III. 9 COX’S ROAD AND 1-6 COX’S PATH, AND IV. KING’S PARK RISE.
MAJOR PLANNED DISPOSALS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR ARE I. FSSTL 126 (MAY 1994), II. KIL 11,055 (JANUARY 1995) AND III. KING’S PARK RISE (MARCH 1995), ALL OF WHICH ARE RESIDENTIAL SITES.
MR HUGHES SAID THAT THE ADMINISTRATION’S MAIN PRIORITY AT PRESENT WAS TO MAINTAIN A HIGH LEVEL OF SUPPLY OF RESIDENTIAL LAND. FIRST AND SECOND AUCTIONS OF THE YEAR (TO BE HELD ON MAY 26 AND JULY 26 WERE EXPECTED TO RELEASE MORE THAN FIVE HECTARES OF RESIDENTIAL LAND.
SOME 5.61 HECTARES OF INDUSTRIAL LAND WOULD BE OFFERED AS THE ADMINISTRATION WAS KEEN TO ENSURE THAT SUFFICIENT INDUSTRIAL LAND WAS MADE AVAILABLE FOR INDUSTRIALISTS.
MR HUGHES ANNOUNCED THAT THE TOTAL REVENUE FROM LAND SALES WAS ESTIMATED TO BE $18,385 BILLION AS COMPARED TO THE ACTUAL REVENUE FROM LAST YEAR’S LAND SALES OF $17,964 BILLION.
THIS YEAR’S TENTATIVE PROGRAMME INCLUDES THREE SITES FOR LETTER A/B TENDER AMOUNTING TO 31,100 SQUARE METRES. THIS WOULD RESULT IN THE SURRENDER OF 836,893 SQUARE FEET OF OUTSTANDING AGRICULTURAL LETTER B.
------0-------
MEMBERS RE-APPOINTED TO YOUTH COMMISSION
*****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS RE-APPOINTED MR ERIC LI KA-CHEUNG AS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION ON YOUTH FOR A TERM OF ONE YEAR.
THE TERM RUNS FROM APRIL 1 TO MARCH 31 NEXT YEAR.
OTHER RE-APPOINTMENTS OF INCUMBENT MEMBERS INCLUDE PROFESSOR NELSON CHOW WING-SUN, MR MAK HOI-WAH, MR CHEUNG YIN-TUNG, MR CHAN MO-POW, MISS JUNIA HO SUK-YIN, MRS ANGELA CHEUNG WONG WAN-YIU, MR RONNIE WONG MAN-CHIU, MR LEUNG YUK-CHEUNG, MR PAUL CHAN KAM-CHEUNG, MR LINCOLN SOO HUNG-LEUNG AND MR HUI YUNG-CHUNG.
TWO NEW MEMBERS, MISS SARENA YOUNG FUK-K1 AND MR GILFORD LAW SUN-ON, HAVE ALSO BEEN APPOINTED TO THE COMMISSION FOR ONE YEAR.
/MISS YOUNG .......
SATURDAY, APRIL 23, 1994
MISS YOUNG IS AN ELECTED MEMBER OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT
BOARD
MR LAW, A STUDENT OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, IS THE PRESIDENT OF THE HONG KONG OUTSTANDING STUDENTS' ASSOCIATION.
THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE AND THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY OR THEIR REPRESENTATIVES WILL CONTINUE TO SERVE AS OFFICIAL MEMBERS ON THE COMMISSION.
THE SECRETARY OF THE COMMISSION IS THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MISS SUSIE HO.
THE ROLES OF THE COMMISSION ARE TO ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT ON MATTERS RELATING TO YOUTH, TO CONDUCT RESEARCHES, TO EXCHANGE IDEAS AND INFORMATION WITH OTHER GOVERNMENT ADVISORY BODIES ON YOUTH MATTERS, TO ENCOURAGE CO-OPERATION AND CO-ORDINATION IN THE DELIVERY OF YOUTH SERVICES AND TO SERVE AS A LIAISON POINT WITH OTHER INTERNATIONAL YOUTH ORGANISATIONS.
- - 0 - -
NEW CONDITIONS FOR FRONTIER CLOSED AREA PERMIT *****
CONDITIONS FOR FRONTIER CLOSED AREA PERMIT WILL BE REVISED TO PREVENT ABUSE OF THE PERMIT, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
THE EXISTING CONDITION WHICH STIPULATES THAT THE PERMIT MAY BE REVOKED AT ANY TIME WILL BE REPLACED BY TWO NEW CONDITIONS. THEY ARE:
* THIS PERMIT SHALL NOT BE USED FOR OR IN CONNECTION WITH ANY ILLEGAL PURPOSE; AND
* THE VEHICLE FOR WHICH THIS PERMIT IS GRANTED SHALL NOT BE USED SO AS TO CAUSE OR BE LIKELY TO CAUSE TRAFFIC DISRUPTION WITHIN THE CLOSED ROAD AREA.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE NEW PERMIT CONDITIONS WOULD BE IMPLEMENTED FROM MAY 2. PERMIT HOLDERS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED BY REGISTERED LETTERS OF THE NEW CONDITIONS IN EARLY APRIL.
AT THE SAME TIME SIMILAR LETTERS HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED TO DRIVERS ON CROSS-BORDER TRANSPORT SERVICE AT THE THREE BORDER CROSSING POINTS TO INFORM THEM TO THE NEW CONDITIONS.
THEY MAY MAKE REPRESENTATIONS ON OR BEFORE APRIL 30 IF THEY CONSIDER THE NEW CONDITIONS SHOULD NOT BE APPLIED TO THEM.
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL CONSIDER ALL WRITTEN REPRESENTATIONS CAREFULLY AND INFORM RESPECTIVE PERMIT HOLDERS OF THE RESULT OF THEIR REPRESENTATIONS BY POST.
/"UNDER REGULATION
SATURDAY, APRIL 23, 1994
- 5 -
"UNDER REGULATION 57(1) OF THE ROAD TRAFFIC (REGISTRATION * LICENSING OF VEHICLES) REGULATIONS (SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION OF CAP 374, LAWS OF HONG KONG), THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT MAY CANCEL THE CLOSED ROAD PERMIT IF ANY OF THE CONDITIONS IS CONTRAVENED," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"IF SUCH AN ACTION IS CONTEMPLATED, THE COMMISSIONER WILL NOTIFY THE AFFECTED PERMIT HOLDER IN WRITING THAT CONSIDERATION IS BEING GIVEN TO REVOKE HIS PERMIT TOGETHER WITH REASONS FOR IT AND THE PERMIT HOLDER IS GIVEN TWO WEEKS TO MAKE REPRESENTATIONS," HE ADDED.
ON RECEIPT OF WRITTEN REPRESENTATIONS, THE COMMISSIONER WILL CONSIDER THE CASE CAREFULLY TO DECIDE WHETHER THE PERMIT (WHICH IS ISSUED TO THE PERMIT HOLDER) OR THE ASSOCIATED NOTICE (WHICH IS ISSUED TO THE DRIVER) SHOULD BE REVOKED.
IN GENERAL, IF THE PERMIT HOLDER IS INVOLVED IN II,LEGAL ACTIVITIES SUCH AS SMUGGLING OR ROAD BLOCKING WITHIN THE CLOSED AREA, HIS PERMIT WILL BE CANCELLED FOR A PERIOD RANGING FROM THREE TO SIX MONTHS, DEPENDING ON THE SEVERITY OF THE OFFENCE.
IF ONLY THE DRIVER IS INVOLVED, THE PERMIT HOLDER WILL BE ASKED TO REPLACE THE DRIVER.
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT THE CLOSED ROAD PERMIT IS ISSUED TO VEHICLES FOR LEGITIMATE PURPOSES AND ANY ABUSE OF THE PERMIT WILL RESULT IN REVOCATION OF THE PERMIT OR THE ASSOCIATED NOTICE.
--------0-----------
NOISE LEVEL AT HK STADIUM
*****
THE NOISE MEASUREMENTS RECORDED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) AT YESTERDAY’S CONCERT AT THE HONG KONG STADIUM HAS BEEN FAXED.
SINCE THE NOISE LEVELS HAVE EXCEEDED THOSE STIPULATED IN THE NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE, EPD WILL LAY INFORMATION BEFORE THE COURT WITH A VIEW TO ISSUING WEMBLEY INTERNATIONAL WITH A SUMMONS.
--------0------------
/6........
SATURDAY, APRIL 23, 1994
6
HK’S NEONATAL CARE ACHIEVES WORLD STANDARD * * » » *
REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE PROGRAMME OVER THE PAST DECADE HAS PUT HONG KONG ON PAR WITH MANY LEADING INSTITUTIONS IN NORTH AMERICA, MRS PATTEN SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING AT A PREMATURE BABIES REUNION PARTY IN QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL, MRS PATTEN EXPRESSED HER GRATITUDE 'I’O THE HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS FOR THEIR DEDICATION AND EFFORT IN MAKING SUCH A GREAT SUCCESS.
SHE SAID: "LESS THAN 10 PER CENT OF PREMATURE BABIES ARE NOW EXPECTED TO DEVELOP COMPLICATIONS WHICH REQUIRE SPECIALIST MEDICAL TREATMENT."
THE INFANT MORTALITY RATE NOW STANDS AT A REMARKABLY LOW LEVEL OF UNDER FIVE AT 1,000 LIVE BIRTHS, SHE ADDED.
MRS PATTEN SAID THIS HAD NOT BEEN BROUGHT ABOUT BY HOSPITAL TREATMENT ALONE, BUT ALSO THROUGH THE ORDINARY PEOPLE WHO HAD RESPONDED WELL TO THE PROMOTIVE AND PREVENTIVE HEALTH SERVICES ON OFFER.
MRS PATTEN SAID IN THIS PROCESS, A NETWORK OF MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CENTRES HAS BEEN SET UP THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
THESE CENTRES PROVIDE PHYSICAL EXAMINATION AND IMMUNISATION FOR CHILDREN, AS WELL AS HEALTH EDUCATION FOR WOMEN OF CHILD-BEARING AGE. SHE SAID THESE SERVICES WOULD BE EXPANDED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY.
IN ADDITION, SHE SHOWED DEEP CONCERN OVER EXPECTANT MOTHERS, PARTICULARLY THOSE HAVING GIVEN BIRTH TO PREMATURE BABIES, WHO NEEDED A FULL RANGE OF MEDICAL, SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT.
MRS PATTEN SAID THE DEVELOPMENT OF PATIENT RESOURCE CENTRES AND VOLUNTEER SCHEMES WERE GOOD EXAMPLES OF NEW INITIATIVES IN THIS DIRECTION.
NOTING THAT THE FIRST NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT WAS SET UP AT QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL IN 1981, MRS PATTEN HOPED TO SEE MORE INTERESTING IDEAS FROM THE HOSPITAL AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS IN THE FUTURE.
• /7.........
SATURDAY, APRIL 23, 1994
7
TEACHERS ASKED TO HELP PROMOTE VOTER REGISTRATION
*****
HEADMASTERS AND TEACHERS OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS CAN PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE BY ENCOURAGING THEIR STUDENTS TO ENROL AS VOTERS, THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BART IRELAND, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
OFFICIATING AT THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT OUTSTANDING STUDENTS AWARD CUM ACADEMIC COMPETITION PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY, MR IRELAND SAID A TERRITORY-WIDE PUBLICITY DRIVE HAD ALREADY BEEN LAUNCHED TO PROMOTE VOTER REGISTRATION.
HE STRESSED OUT THAT VOTING AGE HAD BEEN LOWERED TO 18.
MEANWHILE, YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE, TOGETHER WITH THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE, WILL SET UP REGISTRATION BOOTHS IN THE CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG HONG NEXT WEEK.
YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF WILL ALSO MAKE HOUSE VISITS TO ENCOURAGE MORE PEOPLE TO VOTE IN THE COMING POLLS.
---------0-----------
WATER CUTS IN STANLEY AND KOWLOON EAST ♦ » ♦ ♦ ♦
FRESH AND FLUSHING WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN STANLEY WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON MONDAY (APRIL 25) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE WATERMAINS LEAKAGE DETECTION.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL THE PREMISES AT STANLEY MAIN STREET, STANLEY MARKET ROAD, STANLEY NEW STREET, STANLEY I,INK ROAD, 77 AND 78-88 STANLEY VILLAGE ROAD, HOI FUNG PATH, TUNG TAU WAN ROAD, TUNG TAU WAN DRIVE, TUNG TAU WAN LANE AND 1-10 WONG MA KOK ROAD.
MEANWHILE, SALT WATER SUPPLY TO SOME AREAS IN KOWLOON EAST WILL ALSO BE CUT OFF FROM 11 PM ON MONDAY TO 7 AM THE NEXT DAY TO FACILITATE MAINTENANCE WORK ON WATERMAINS..
THE AFFECTED AREAS INCLUDE LAM TIN ESTATE, HONG TIN COURT, HONG WAH COURT, HING TIN ESTATE, SAU MAU PING ESTATE, UNITED CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL, HONG NING ROAD TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA, CHEUNG WO COURT, SHUN TIN ESTATE, SHUN ON ESTATE, SHUN LEE ESTATE, SHUN LEE TSUEN TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA, CHOI WAN ESTATE, LOK WAH ESTATE AND SHUN CHI COURT.
ALSO INCLUDED WILL BE ALL THE PREMISES AT KUNG LOK ROAD, HONG LEE ROAD AND HIU KWONG STREET.
/8.........
SATURDAY, APRIL 23, 1994
8 FIRING PRACTICE IN MAY » * ♦ ♦ ♦
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HA TSUEN - CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON 22 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
MAY 2 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
MAY 3 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
MAY 4 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 11 .59 PM
MAY 5 (THURSDAY) 0.01 AM - 5 PM
MAY 6 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
MAY 9 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
MAY 10 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
MAY 11 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
MAY 12 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
MAY 13 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
MAY 16 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 11 .59 PM
MAY 17 (TUESDAY) 0.01 AM - 11 .59 PM
MAY 18 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
MAY 19 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
MAY 20 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
MAY 23 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
MAY 24 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
MAY 25 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
MAY 26 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
MAY 27 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
MAY 30 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
MAY 31 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
— 0 —
LUCKY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS SALE BY AUCTION *****
ONE HUNDRED VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS WERE PUT UP FOR AUCTION TODAY (SATURDAY) FOR A TOTAL OF $3,091,000 WHICH WILL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY PURPOSES AFTER DEDUCTION OF EXPENSES INCURRED IN THE CONDUCT THEREOF.
THE AUCTION, HELD AT THE RECITAL HALL OF THE CITY HALL, SAW THE REGISTRATION MARK »AL6 AND 311 FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE OF $300,000 EACH.
TWO OTHER REGISTRATION MARKS, *BC38 AND AL18, WERE EACH SOLD AT THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE OF $280,000 WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS $1,000 EACH FOR FU775, FU275, FU5838, BT1013, FU7751, FU9381, FW1959, FV1127, FV8413.
/FOLLOWING ARE .......
SATURDAY, APRIL 23, 1994
9 -
FOLLOWING ARE THE RESULTS OF TODAY’S MORNING SESSION AUCTION: $$44
FU880 FV1168 23,000 17,000 CZ607 FU611 3,000 10,000 FV663 FU380 22,000 15,000 FU547 FU172 WITHDRAWN 10,000
♦AE696 17,000 «BC38 280,000 *AL6 300,000 *FL6666 50,000
FU312 10,000 FU1813 5,000 FU889 38,000 CL1129 6,000
DL306 15,000 AHI 500 20,000 FU820 10,000 FU7 7 5 1,000
FU620 5,000 FU1967 10,000 CC193 25,000 BW6318 16,000
AL218 36,000 FV6661 4,000 FV448 24,000 FU1961 2,000
♦FW101 16,000 *DK15 28,000 »311 300,000 *FX789 12,000
FU8400 15,000 AW381 20,000 BN3299 5,000 FV107 6,000
FT9666 10,000 FU275 1,000 FU9280 12,000 FU1983 3,000
FU5838 1,000 AH3210 8,000 »FU4444 18,000 FV2837 2,000
BT1013 FU1417 1,000 WITHDRAWN FU7751 FU9381 1,000 1,000 FU8239 3,000 ♦AH6767 WITHDRAWN
FOLLOWING ARE THE RESULTS OF $ « TODAY’S AFTERNOON $ SESSION AUCTION: $
FU288 88,000 AW378 17,000 AA3778 41,000 CT715 5,000
FV320 22,000 CT351 2,000 FV850 14,000 FU6778 3,000
♦ DK30 40,000 ♦FV8338 25,000 ♦ DL6 115,000 ♦ AS 15 70,000
FV348 21,000 FV360 4,000 FL1668 38,000 FU8500 30,000
FV193 8,000 DW318 28,000 FU128 70,000 AK7033 10,000
HK1138 170,000 FV120 12,000 BL1811 10,000 FU8328 8,000
BL625 3,000 FU688 80,000 FF1628 38,000 FU6123 4,000
♦ BC68 178,000 ♦ 442 90,000 ♦ AL18 280,000 ♦FW181 18,000
FW1959 1,000 FU8666 35,000 FU3181 6,000 FP8870 5,000
FV2220 5,000 FV1238 20,000 FV9280 5,000 FV6009 3,000
FU6373 3,000 AD1963 10,000 ♦FY4000 18,000 FV1127 1,000
AW7123 FV8413 6,000 1,000 FU7208 FV1832 3,000 4,000 FU6762 2,000 ♦DS757 9,000
* SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATIONS MARK (NOT TRANSFERABLE)
THERE WAS NO BIDDER FOR FU547, *AH6767 AND FU1417. FU547 AND FU1417 WILL BE ASSIGNED TO THE ORIGINAL APPLICANTS.
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WERE REQUIRED TO PAY BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.
THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS AUCTIONED WILL.BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE DATE OF AUCTION.
TODAY’S SALE, THE 222ND AND 223RD ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT REALISED SO FAR TO $311,737,905.
/10 .......
SATURDAY, APRIL 23, 1994
- 10 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
» * » » »
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,805 0930 NIL
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,150 1000 NIL
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 NIL
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY NIL 1200
LAF TODAY -655 1500
1600
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 125.0 »-0.2» 23.4.94
---------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL.: 842 8777
SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
WSD INTRODUCES AUTOMATIC TELEPHONE INFORMATION SERVICES .... 1
NOISE LEVEL AT HK STADIUM.................................. 1
EIGHT BODIES TO RAISE FUNDS IN MAY......................... 1
STUDYING HISTORY OUTSIDE CLASSROOM......................... 3
ISLANDERS URGED TO REGISTER AS VOTERS...................... 5
SUNDAY, ARPIL 24, 1994
WSD INTRODUCES AUTOMATIC TELEPHONE INFORMATION SERVICES *****
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT (WSD) HAS RECENTLY INTRODUCED AN AUTOMATED TELEPHONE ENQUIRY SERVICE TO PROVIDE INFORMATION TO ITS CUSTOMERS AROUND THE CLOCK, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
"THROUGH THIS WATER INFOLINK SERVICE, CUSTOMERS CAN OBTAIN INFORMATION ON ACCOUNT-RELATED MATTERS, INCLUDING WATER RATES, HOW TO OPEN AND CLOSE ACCOUNTS, AND TECHNICAL MATTERS SUCH AS REASONS FOR WATER DISCOLOURATION, BY SIMPLY CALLING 802 9966.
"CALLERS CAN FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS OF THE WATER INFOLINK AND SELECT NUMBERS TO PRESS TO GET THE INFORMATION THEY NEED," THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
HE ADDED THAT, HOWEVER, INFORMATION ON PERSONAL ACCOUNTS, SUCH AS ACCOUNT BALANCE AND REQUEST FOR DUPLICATE BILLS, IS ONLY AVAILABLE FROM 8 AM TO 8 PM ON MONDAYS TO FRIDAYS AND FROM 8 AM TO 1 PM ON SATURDAYS, EXCEPT PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
LEAFLETS ON THIS NEW SERVICE CAN BE OBTAINED FROM DISTRICT OFFICES AND WSD’S CUSTOMER ENQUIRY CENTRES STARTING NEXT MONTH. ENQUIRIES REGARDING THIS SERVICE CAN ALSO BE MADE BY CALLING 824 5000.
------0--------
NOISE LEVEL AT HK STADIUM
*****
THE NOISE MEASUREMENTS RECORDED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) AT YESTERDAY’S CONCERT AT THE HONG KONG STADIUM HAVE BEEN FAXED.
SINCE THE NOISE LEVELS HAVE EXCEEDED THOSE STIPULATED 'IN THE NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE, EPD WILL LAY INFORMATION BEFORE THE COURT WITH A VIEW TO ISSUING WEMBLEY INTERNATIONAL WITH A SUMMONS.
------0-------
EIGHT BODIES TO RAISE FUNDS IN MAY
*****
EIGHT ORGANISATIONS HAVE BEEN GRANTED PERMISSION TO RAISE FUNDS NEXT MONTH, 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 AREAS.
/MEMBERS OF .......
SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 1994
- 2 -
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.
HE 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: EVENT DATE ORGANISATION
FLAGS MAY 7 MAY 14 MAY 21 MAY 28 PUBLIC SUBSCRIPTION HONG KONG KIDNEY FOUNDATION LTD. SUEN MEI SPEECH & HEARING CENTRE FOR THE DEAF CHAI WAN BAPTIST CHURCH SHENG KUNG HUI LADY MACLEHOSE CENTRE
MAY 1 AND 8 MAY 21 AND 28 THE EXECUTIVE PASTOR OF JESUS CHRIST, THE NAME ABOVE EVERY NAME, ADMINISTRATOR, INC. LAND OF VIRTUE CENTRE LTD
MAY 1, 8, 15 AND 29 JESUS IS LORD SCHOOL OF MINISTRY (HK ) LTD
MAY 1, 7 AND 8 RALEIGH INTERNATIONAL HONG KONG COMMITTEE o
/3 .......
SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 1994
- 3 -
STUDYING HISTORY OUTSIDE CLASSROOM
* * * * *
THERE IS A CHINESE SAYING WHICH GOES: "IT IS BETTER TO TRAVEL 10,000 MILES THAN TO READ 10,000 BOOKS."
WHAT THIS SAYING TEACHES IS THAT STUDY SHOULD NOT BE CONFINED TO THE CLASSROOM.
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SHARES THE SAME VIEW, AND RECENTLY DEMONSTRATED HOW STUDENTS COULD LEARN LOCAL HISTORY BETTER BY VISITING PLACES OF HISTORICAL INTEREST.
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE ANTIQUITIES AND MONUMENTS OFFICE HAS RECENTLY ORGANISED A TWO-DAY "HISTORY OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM" FIELD-WORK AND WORKSHOP IN THE PING SHAN HERITAGE TRAIL FOR 30 HISTORY TEACHERS FROM SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
IT WAS ONE IN A SERIES OF SIMILAR EVENTS TO HELP TEACHERS ACQUIRE NEW PERSPECTIVES IN THE TEACHING OF HISTORY IN HONG KONG SCHOOLS.
AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT SUCH ACTIVITIES WERE ORGANISED WITH A VIEW TO CHANGING THE TRADITIONAL CONCEPT THAT HISTORY COULD ONLY BE TAUGHT INSIDE THE CLASSROOM.
"TEACHING HISTORY IS NOW A DIFFERENT MATTER WITH THE INCLUSION OF LOCAL HISTORY IN THE SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM IN 1992 AND ITS IMMINENT INCORPORATION IN THE FORMAL HISTORY CURRICULUM FOR SECONDARY ONE TO THREE," HE SAID.
"THE CURRICULUM FOR SIXTH FORM INCLUDES THE HISTORY AND HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG FROM 1800 WHILE THAT PROPOSED FOR Sl-3 EXTENDS THE STUDY OF LOCAL HISTORY TO THE PERIOD BEFORE 1800.
"HISTORY BECOMES A MORE INTERESTING SUBJECT WHEN STUDENTS AND TEACHERS CAN PAY VISITS TO THESE HISTORICAL MONUMENTS AND LEARN ABOUT THE CHANGE, GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG THROUGH LIVING, CONCRETE EVIDENCE."
THE TWO-DAY FIELD-WORK AND WORKSHOP HAS DRAWN FAVOVRABLE COMMENTS FROM MOST OF THE 30 PARTICIPANTS.
"THEY ARE EXTREMELY USEFUL AND GIVE US A COMPLETE NEW IDEA OF HISTORY TEACHING OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM," ONE PARTICIPATING TEACHER SAID.
HE ADDED THAT HE WOULD TRY TO BRING STUDENTS ON FIELD TRIPS IN LEARNING HISTORY WHENEVER POSSIBLE.
"STUDENTS SHOULD UNDERSTAND BETTER AND ENJOY HISTORY LEARNING MORE THROUGH PROJECTS UNDERTAKEN AFTER EACH FIELD TRIP," ANOTHER TEACHER SAID.
/"LEARNING HISTORY .......
SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 1994
4
’’LEARNING HISTORY OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM IS DEFINITELY BENEFICIAL TO STUDENTS IN THEIR STUDIES,” THE TEACHER SAID.
THE PING SHAN HERITAGE TRAIL IS A TYPICAL SITE FOR STUDENTS TO LEARN ABOUT LOCAL HISTORY AS BUILDINGS ALONG THE TRAIL BELONG TO A LINEAGE OF THE TANG CLAN, ONE OF THE ’’FIVE GREAT CLANS" TN THE NEW TERRITORIES, WHICH HAS BREN LIVING IN THE AREA SINCE THE 1 2TH CENTURY.
NUMEROUS ELEGANT STRUCTURES BUILT IN THOSE DAYS REMAIN TODAY, BEARING WITNESS TO HISTORY AND THE SOCIAL DEVELOPMENTS AND CHANGES OF THE PAST CENTURIES.
THE TRAIL IS APPROXIMATELY 1.4 KILOMETRE LONG WITH UNIQUE HISTORICAL STRUCTURES RANGING FROM ANCESTRAL HALLS TO STUDY HALLS. TEMPLES, A WALLED VILLAGE AND PAGODA, ALL LOCATED WITHIN EASY WALKING DISTANCE FROM ONE ANOTHER. THE TRAIL MEANDERS THROUGH HANG MEI TSUEN, HANG TAU TSUEN AND SHEUNG CHEUNG WAI.
IT LINKS UP A NUMBER OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE STRUCTURES, PROVIDING VISITORS WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO RECAPTURE ASPECTS OF LIFE TN THE NEW TERRITORIES IN THE OLD DAYS IN A CONVENIENT HALF-DAY EXCURSION.
IN THE MORNING OF DAY ONE, THE 30 HISTORY TEACHERS WERE GIVEN A BRIEFING ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THE TANGS LIVING IN THE PING SHAN TRAIL AND HOW THE TRAIL WAS BROUGHT INTO BEING.
THE SENIOR PROPERTY SERVICES MANAGER (ANTIQUITIES), MR LAM SIAR-LING AND ASSISTANT CURATOR (EDUCATION), MR MING KAY-CHUAN, BRIEFED TEACHERS ABOUT THE PAST ENVIRONMENT, THE PRESERVATION OF HISTORICAL BUILDINGS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND THE WORK OF THE ANTIQUITIES AND MONUMENTS OFFICE.
THE AFTERNOON FIELD-WORK INCLUDED VISITS TO THE HUNG SHING TEMPLE, KUN TING STUDY HALL, CHING SHU HIN, TANG ANCESTRAL HALL, YU KIU ANCESTRAL HALL, YEUNG HAU TEMPLE, AN OLD WELL, SHEUNG CHEUNG WAI, SHRINE OF THE EARTH GOD AND TSUI SHING LAU.
TEACHERS WERE REQUIRED TO TAKE NOTES IN PRODUCING TEACHING MATERIALS FOR FUTURE FIELD WORK AT THE TRAIL DURING THE WORKSHOP SESSION ON THE FOLLOWING DAY.
THE TEACHING MATERIALS THUS PRODUCED WOULD LATER BE USED DURING FIELD TRIPS ON THE TRAIL AND SHOULD INCLUDE ALL ASPECTS RELATING TO PROMOTING A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TRAIL AND VARIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES THAT ONE CAN OBSERVE IN THE AREA. FURTHER DISCUSSIONS WITH STUDENTS COULD BE ARRANGED SUBSEQUENT TO FIELD VISITS TO THE TRAIL.
TEACHERS WERE ENCOURAGED TO MAKE USE OF THEIR TEACHING MATERIALS IN STIMULATING INTEREST IN THE LEARNING OF LOCAL HISTORY AND CONCERN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT DURING FIELD TRIPS.
4
SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 1994
- 5 -
ISLANDERS URGED TO REGISTER AS VOTERS
*****
IT IS IMPORTANT TO BECOME A VOTER IE YOU WANT TO MAKE YOURSELF HEARD, THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, MR CHRISTOPHER WONG KWOK-BUN, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
OFFICIATING AT THE ISLANDS DISTRICT VOTER REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN KICK-OFF CEREMONY, MR WONG URGED ISLANDERS TO EXERCISE THEIR CIVIC RIGHTS AND TO BECOME ELECTORS.
HE ALSO URGED YOUNGSTERS REACHING THE AGE OF 18 TO DO THE SAME.
IN SO DOING, HE SAID, THEY COULD HAVE THEIR VIEWS HEARD ON DISTRICT MATTERS INCLUDING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT, TRAFFIC AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES.
BETWEEN APRIL AND JUNE, DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF WILL SET UP REGISTRATION BOOTHS AT VARIOUS PIERS AS WELL AS CARRY OUT DOOR TO DOOR VISITS ON CHEUNG CHAU, MUI WO AND DISCOVERY BAY. ISLANDERS PLYING BETWEEN CENTRAL AND THEIR HOMES CAN ALSO REGISTER ON FERRIES IN LATE JUNE.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, APRIL 25, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NQ.
CS CALLS FOR UNCONDITIONAL MFN RENEWAL.................. 1
LIVESTOCK FARMER CONCERNS ADDRESSED TO.................. 2
RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE SURVEY RESULTS FOR MARCH........... 3
PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF RETAIL SALES SURVEY FOR FEBRUARY RELEASED................................................ 8
COMPOSITE TAX RETURN SYSTEM INTRODUCED................. 11
NEW ARRANGEMENT FOR COMPANIES TO FILE ANNUAL RETURNS. 12
LAY MEMBERS APPOINTED TO EDUCATION CONDUCT COUNCIL... 13
VIEWS SOUGHT ON PRE-PRIMARY EDUCATION REPORT........... 14
MORE GOP CLINICS JOIN PERFORMANCE PLEDGE PROGRAMME... 14
LAB DISCUSSES REVISION OF FINES UNDER EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE 15
NOISE LEVEL AT HK STADIUM.............................. 16
RESIDENTS URGED TO SIGN UP AS VOTERS................... 16
129 VMS RETURN HOME.................................... 17
CLOSURE OF NORTH POINT ILLEGAL STRUCTURE SOUGHT........ 17
WATER STORAGE FIGURE................................... 17
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS.... 18
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS 18
MONDAY, APRIL 25, 1994
OS CALLS FOR UNCONDITIONAL MFN RENEWAL * * * * *
THE U.S. CAN HELP SECURE HONG KONG’S FUTURE BY IMMEDIATELY RENEWING UNCONDITIONALLY THE MOST FAVOURED NATION (MFN) STATUS FOR CHINA, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
ON HER FIRST OFFICIAL VISIT TO THE U.S. AS CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS CHAN TOLD THE NATIONAL PRESS CLUB IN WASHINGTON THAT HONG KONG WOULD RECEIVE AN ECONOMIC BODY BLOW IF MFN WAS NOT RENEWED.
SHE REFUTED THE SUGGESTION OF SOME FORM OF SELECTIVE OR TARGETED NON-RENEWAL AS A DELUSION.
"QUITE APART FROM THE PRACTICAL DIFFICULTIES IN ATTEMPTING TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN GOODS PRODUCED BY STATE AND NON-STATE ENTERPRISES, THERE ARE CONSIDERABLE RISKS," SHE SAID.
MRS CHAN SAID CHINA WAS MOVING FROM A CENTRAL COMMAND ECONOMY TO A MARKET ORIENTED ONE AND REFORM OF STATE ENTERPRISES WAS A KEY AND DIFFICULT PART OF THIS.
"SANCTIONS SELECTIVE OR OTHERWISE WILL NOT HELP TO ENSURE THAT THE PROCESS OF REFORM IS AN ORDERLY ONE.”
"WHILE THE U.S. BUYS MAINLY FROM NON-STATE ENTERPRISES, IT IS THE STATE ENTERPRISES WHICH BUY MOST FROM THE U.S.," SHE SAID.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT THE INTRODUCTION OF ANY TRADE SANCTIONS, HOWEVER SELECTIVE, CREATES UNCERTAINTY.
"IN PARTICULAR, IT WOULD CREATE UNCERTAINTY FOR HONG KONG BECAUSE IT SIMPLY IS NOT POSSIBLE TO INSULATE HONG KONG FROM THE EFFECTS OF SANCTIONS AGAINST CHINA.
"THIS UNCERTAINTY WOULD DAMAGE CONFIDENCE AT THE VERY TIME WE NEED IT MOST - JUST THREE YEARS BEFORE THE CHANGE OF SOVEREIGNTY," SHE SAID.
RECOGNISING THAT A PROSPEROUS AND STABLE CHINA WOULD BE CRITICAL TO LONG-TERM STABILITY IN THE ENTIRE EAST ASIAN REGION, SHE SAID HONG KONG MADE A HUGE CONTRIBUTION TO THAT OBJECTIVE, WITH TWO-THIRDS OF ALL FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN CHINA.
AND HONG KONG INVESTMENT ELSEWHERE IS PLAYING ITS PART TO HELP BUILD A PROSPEROUS AND STABLE REGION, SHE SAID.
TURNING TO THE VALUES THAT HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO HONG KONG’S SUCCESS, MRS CHAN SAID HER HIGHEST PRIORITIES WERE TO MAINTAIN THE RULE OF LAW, THE SAFEGUARDS AGAINST CORRUPTION, INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS, AND A CLEAN, OPEN AND EFFICIENT GOVERNMENT.
"THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW GUARANTEES OUR WAY OF LIFE IN HONG KONG FOR 50 YEARS AFTER 1997.
/"THAT'S THE .......
MONDAY, APRIL 25, 1994
2
"THAT’S THE PROMISE. 1 AM DETERMINED TO DO ALL I CAN TO SEE THAT IT IS DELIVERED," SHE SAID.
MRS CHAN SAID THERE WAS A MORE GENERAL WAY IN WHICH THE U.S. AND THE REST OF THE WORLD COULD HELP HONG KONG SECURE ITS FUTURE.
"THAT IS BY CONTINUING TO TREAT US NOW AND BEYOND 1997, AS YOU HAVE TREATED US TN THE PAST," SHE SAID.
------0-------
LIVESTOCK FARMER CONCERNS ADDRESSED TO
*****
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID MOST OF THE CONCERNS EXPRESSED IN A PETITION BY A GROUP OF LIVESTOCK FARMERS TODAY (MONDAY) HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED TO IN THE REVISED LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL SCHEME WHICH HAS BEEN WORKED OUT AFTER EXTENSIVE CONSULTATION WITH THE TRADE AND RELEVANT GROUPS.
"WE HAVE DOUBLED THE CAPITAL GRANT FOR FARMERS TO SET UP THEIR TREATMENT SYSTEM; ALLOWED THEM TO CHOOSE WHATEVER TREATMENT SYSTEM APPROPRIATE TO THEIR SITUATION AS LONG AS THE SYSTEM IS CAPABLE OF MEETING THE DISCHARGE STANDARD.
"WE HAVE ALSO PROPOSED A MUCH LONGER LEAD TIME OF AT LEAST THREE YEARS FOR FARMERS TO ACHIEVE THE ULTIMATE DISCHARGE STANDARD IN THREE PHASES.
"THOSE WHO HAVE APPLIED FOR A CAPITAL GRANT MAY OPT OUT OF THE SCHEME WITHOUT FORFEITING THEIR ENTITLEMENT FOR AN EX-GRATIA GRANT FOR WINDING UP THEIR BUSINESS WITHIN ONE YEAR," HE SAID.
WITH REGARD TO THE DISCHARGE STANDARD, THE SPOKESMAN SAID EVENTS IN THE PAST YEAR SHOWED THAT MOST OF LIVESTOCK FARMERS, WHO OBTAINED AN EX-GRATIA GRANT AND RESTARTED THEIR BUSINESS ELSEWHERE UNDER THE ORIGINAL SCHEME, HAVE MET THE STANDARD WITHIN A FEW MONTHS WITHOUT ANY DIFFICULTY.
THE SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED THAT THE REVISED PACKAGE OF MEASURES WAS WORKED OUT IN CLOSE CONSULTATION WITH THE LIVESTOCK FARMING INDUSTRY AND RELEVANT ENVIRONMENTAL BODIES AND THE NEW CONCESSIONS SHOULD BE MORE THAN ADEQUATE TO MEET THE FARMERS’ CONCERNS.
"IT WOULD NOT BE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST TO FURTHER DELAY THE LICENSING SCHEME BECAUSE INDISCRIMINATE DUMPING OF LIVESTOCK WASTE IS SERIOUSLY POLLUTING OUR STREAMS AND RIVERS AND CAUSING HEALTH RISK TO WATER-SPORT GOERS IN OUR COASTAL WATERS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
--------0 - -
MONDAY, APRIL 25, 1994
3 -
RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE SURVEY RESULTS FOR MARCH *****
THE AMOUNT OF RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LENDING BY 33 SURVEYED INSTITUTIONS GREW BY 1.3 PER CENT IN MARCH (ONE PER CENT IN FEBRUARY) FROM $224 BILLION TO $227 BILLION, ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS OF THE LATEST MONTHLY SURVEY OF THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY (HKMA).
THIS IS THE HIGHEST MONTHLY RATE OF GROWTH SINCE AUGUST LAST YEAR.
THE ANNUALISED RATE OF GROWTH IN LENDING OVER THE LAST THREE MONTHS HAS RISEN TO 15.1 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH 12.2 PER CENT IN THE THREE MONTH PERIOD TO FEBRUARY. THE TWELVE MONTH AVERAGE OF OUTSTANDING LENDING STANDS AT AN ANNUALISED GROWTH RATE OF 17.7 PER CENT, HAVING RISEN FROM 17.3 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY.
"THE LATEST FIGURES SHOW THAT MORTGAGE ACTIVITY WAS QUITE BUOYANT IN MARCH WITH SOME BANKS CONTINUING TO SHOW RAPID GROWTH IN LENDING," THE DEPUTY CHIEF EXECUTIVE (BANKING) OF THE HKMA. MR DAVID CARSE, SAID.
NEW LOANS APPROVED BUT NOT YET DRAWN ROSE IN MARCH FROM $5.3 BILLION TO $6.7 BILLION.
"JUDGING FROM THESE FIGURES, THE AMOUNT OF OUTSTANDING LENDING SHOULD RISE IN APRIL AT ABOUT THE SAME RATE AS IN MARCH," MR CARSE SAID.
AS REGARDS LENDING FOR THE PURCHASE OF PROPERTIES IN CHINA, THE LATEST FIGURES SHOW THAT SUCH LENDING ROSE BY 2.2 PER CENT IN MARCH, FROM $3.7 BILLION TO $3.8 BILLION. MOST OF THE INCREASE WAS ACCOUNTED FOR BY LOANS FOR THE PURCHASE OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES.
GROSS LOANS MADE IN MARCH ROSE BOTH IN NUMBERS (TO 256 FROM 203) AND IN AMOUNT (TO $134 MILLION FROM $101 MILLION). NEW LOANS APPROVED ALSO GREW IN TERMS OF BOTH NUMBERS (TO 336 FROM 223) AND AMOUNT (TO $164 MILLION FROM $107 MILLION).
/Residential Mortgage
MONDAY, APRIL 25, 1994
4
Residential Mortgage Loans in Hong Kong
Results of Survey for March 1994
March February
1994 1994
(Amount in HK$ mn)
33 authorised institutions
1. Outstanding lending
a. Amount b. Monthly change c. Twelve-month change d. Average change (annualized) Latest three months Latest twelve months 2. Gross loans made during month a. Amount b. Number 3. New loans approved during month drawn and undrawn a. Amount b. Number 4, New loans approved during month but not yet drawn a. Amount b. Number 226,968 224,018 1.3% 1.0% 18.0% 17.5% 15.1% 12.2% 17.7% 17.3% 9.599 6,547 6941 4908 10.990 7,675 7580 5275 6,716 5,315 4783 3563 /Chart A
MONDAY, APRIL 25, 1994
5
ChartA
RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE-LOANS IN HONGKONG (33 instilutlow)
Outstanding balance at end of mootb
M on tb1y_RTowth_r_?t c
3-Tponth and jq-woMb moving average groytbj-atc 0Q_annua1fecd bagfe.
/Chart B .......
MONDAY, APRIL 25, 1994
6 -
Chart B
FFS1OF.NT1AI. MOKTGAgF LOANS IN HONG KgHS
--------— (33 institutions)
GROSS LOANS MADED.URING THE MONTH
Bl
Thousand
/Chart C .......
MONDAY, APRIL 25, 1994
C^art C
RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOANS IN HONG KONG
NEW LOANS APPROVED BUT NOT YET DRAWN
Thousand
Amount
Number of accounts
/8 ........
MONDAY, APRIL 25, 1994
8
PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF RETAIL SALES SURVEY FOR FEBRUARY RELEASED ♦ * * * *
THE VALUE OF TOTAL RETAIL SALES IN FEBRUARY, ESTIMATED AT $15.2 BILLION, INCREASED BY 23% WHEN COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1993, ACCORDING TO THE STATISTICS REI.EASED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
AFTER DISCOUNTING THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES OVER THE PERIOD, TOTAL RETAIL SALES ROSE BY 16% IN VOLUME TERMS.
IT SHOULD HOWEVER BE NOTED THAT CONSUMER SPENDING ON SOME COMMODITIES IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY ARE USUALLY AFFECTED BY THE TIMING OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR.
AS THE LUNAR NEW YEAR OCCURRED IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR BUT IN JANUARY LAST YEAR, IT IS MORE APPROPRIATE TO COMPARE THE RETAIL SALES FIGURES OF JANUARY AND FEBRUARY TAKEN TOGETHER.
TAKING THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF 1994 TOGETHER, TOTAL RETAIL SALES ROSE BY 18% IN VALUE AND 12% IN VOLUME OVER THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
THIS WAS ATTRIBUTABLE MAINLY TO THE STRONG GROWTH IN SALES OF CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR (BY 33% IN VALUE AND 24% IN VOLUME), JEWELLERY AND WATCHES (BY 27% IN VALUE AND 14% IN VOLUME), AND SALES OF CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES (BY 25% IN VALUE AND 23% IN VOLUME).
SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES WERE ALSO RECORDED FOR SALES IN SUPERMARKETS (BY 18% IN VALUE AND 11% IN VOLUME); SALES IN DEPARTMENT STORES (BY 10% IN VALUE AND 4% IN VOLUME); AND SALES OF FOODSTUFFS (BY 9% IN VALUE AND 8% IN VOLUME).
ON THE OTHER HAND, SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES DECREASED BY 4% IN VOLUME, DESPITE AN INCREASE OF 4% IN VALUE. SALES OF FUELS DROPPED BY 6% IN VALUE AND 9% 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.
TABLE 1 PRESENTS THE REVISED TOTAL RETAIL SALES FIGURE FOR JANUARY 1994 AND THE PROVISIONAL FIGURE FOR FEBRUARY 1994.
TABLE 2 SHOWS THE VALUE AND VOLUME INDICES OF RETAIL SALES IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 1994 FOR ALL RETAIL OUTLETS AND BY TYPE OF RETAIL OUTLET, WITH AVERAGE RETAIL SALES FROM OCTOBER 1989 TO SEPTEMBER 1990 TAKEN AS 100.
/COMPARISONS OF .......
MONDAY, APRIL 25, 1994
- 9 -
COMPARISONS OF THE FEBRUARY 1994 RESULTS WITH THOSE FOR JANUARY 1994 AND WITH THOSE FOR FEBRUARY 1993, AS WELL AS COMPARISONS OF RETAIL SALES IN THE PERIOD JANUARY TO FEBRUARY OF 1994 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993 ARE ALSO GIVEN.
THE REPORT CONTAINING THE ANALYSIS OF THE FEBRUARY 1994 RESULTS IS NOW ON SALE AT $3 PER COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL; AND THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, WAN CHAI.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL 802 1258.
/TABLE 1 : .......
MONDAY, APRIL 25, 1994
10
TABLE 1 : TOTAL RETAIL SALES
Total Retail Sales for February 1994 (Provisional Figure) = HK$15,233.6 million
for January 1994 (Revised Figure) = HK$18,127.0 million
TABLE 2 ; VALUE AND VOLUME INDICES OF RETAIL SALES FOR JANUARY 1994 AMD FEBRUARY 1994 (Monthly average of Oct. 89 - Sept. 90 = 100)
Type of outlet Index of Retai I Sales January 1994 February 1994 February 1994 compared with February 1994 compared with February 1993 Jan-Feb. 1994 compared with Jan-Feb. 1993
January < 1994
(A) FOR ALL RETAIL OUTLETS (Revised figures) (Provisional figures) Points % Points % Points %
Value 193.0 162.2 -30.8 -16.0 ♦30.0 +22.7 ♦27.6 ♦18.4
(B) BY TYPE OF RETAIL OUTLET Volune 158.4 132.7 -25.7 -16.2 ♦18.5 ♦16.2 ♦16.0 ♦12.4
Foodstuffs, alcoholic Value 139.1 127.2 -11.9 -8.5 ♦16.2 ♦14.6 ♦10.8 ♦8.9
drinks and tobacco (other than supermarkets) Volune 111.5 95.5 -16.0 -14.4 ♦7.5 ♦8.5 ♦7.5 ♦7.9
Supermarkets 0 Value 163.0 156.5 -6.5 -4.0 ♦45.2 ♦40.6 ♦24.0 ♦17.7
Volune 122.7 116.7 -6.0 -4.9 ♦29.3 ♦33.5 +12.0 ♦11.2
Fuels Value 131.6 109.7 -21.9 -16.6 -7.9 -6.7 -8.0 -6.2
Volune 97.2 81.0 -16.2 -16.6 -8.1 -9.1 -8.4 •8.6
Clothing, footwear and Value 299.9 208.0 -91.9 -30.6 ♦72.2 ♦53.2 ♦62.8 ♦32.8
allied products Volume 229.6 162.5 -67.1 -29.2 ♦49.3 ♦43.5 ♦37.5 ♦23.6
Consumer durable goods Value 193.5 181.8 -11.7 -6.0 ♦13.1 ♦7.8 ♦23.2 ♦ 14.1
Volume 164.9 153.3 -11.7 -7.1 ♦7.1 ♦4.8 ♦ 14.4 ♦10.0
- Motor vehicles Value 208.9 205.2 -3.7 -1.8 -29.1 -12.4 ♦7.3 +3.6
and parts Volune 158.0 153.2 -4.9 -3.1 -36.6 -19.3 -7.2 -4.4
- Consumer durable Value 182.3 164.9 -17.5 -9.6 ♦43.6 ♦36.0 ♦34.7 ♦25.0
goods other than motor vehicles and parts Volume 169.9 153.4 -16.6 -9.7 ♦38.7 ♦33.7 ♦30.1 ♦22.8
Department stores Value 189.0 154.8 -34.2 -18.1 ♦31.2 ♦25.2 ♦ 16.0 ♦ 10.2
Volume 149.1 123.6 -25.5 -17.1 ♦ 19.4 ♦ 18.6 +5.1 ♦3.9
Jewellery, watches Value 192.4 156.7 -35.7 -18.5 ' ♦32.0 ♦25.6 +37.4 +27.3
and clocks, and valuable gifts Volune 182.7 150.1 -32.6 -17.8 . ♦ 17.1 ♦ 12.9 +20.5 +14.1
Other consumer goods Value 205.5 167.4 -38.1 -18.5 ♦29.2 ♦21.1 ♦38.2 ♦25.8
not elsewhere classified Volune 167.9 136.2 -31.7 -18.9 ♦20.9 ♦ 18.1 +27.5 ♦22.0
NOTES : 0 Not including supermarkets operating in department stores.
--------0-----------
/ll........
MONDAY, APRIL 25, 1994
COMPOSITE TAX RETURN SYSTEM INTRODUCED
*****
REPORTING INCOME TO THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT IS MADE SIMPLER NOW THAT A NEW COMPOSITE TAX RETURN SYSTEM IS INTRODUCED.
FROM THE YEAR OF ASSESSMENT 1993/94 ONWARDS, TAXPAYERS CAN FILL IN ONLY ONE SINGLE FORM FOR ALL THEIR INCOMES DERIVING FROM SALARIES, SOLELY OWNED PROPERTIES OR SOLE PROPRIETORSHIP BUSINESSES.
EXPLAINING THE NEW SYSTEM AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (MONDAY), THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE, MR ANTHONY AU YEUNG, SAID THE NEW TAX RETURN WOULD BE ISSUED NEXT MONTH.
"SOLE OWNERS OF PROPERTIES OR SOLE TRADERS WILL NOT RECEIVE SEPARATE PROPERTY TAX OR PROFITS TAX RETURNS THIS MONTH.
"INSTEAD, THEY WILL, LIKE THE SALARY EARNERS, RECEIVE A SINGLE TAX RETURN FOR INDIVIDUALS NEXT MONTH," MR AU YEUNG SAID.
IN ADDITION, THEY CAN MAKE ELECTIONS FOR PERSONAL ASSESSMENT OR JOINT ASSESSMENT AT THE SAME TIME, WITH NO NEED TO FILE ANOTHER PERSONAL ASSESSMENT RETURN FORM.
MR AU YEUNG SAID INDIVIDUAL TAXPAYERS MAKING INCOME FROM JOINTLY OWNED PROPERTIES OR BUSINESSES WOULD ONLY HAVE TO STATE THEIR SHARE OF SUCH INCOME OR PROFITS IN THEIR RESPECTIVE INDIVIDUAL TAX RETURNS IF PERSONAL ASSESSMENT WAS ELECTED.
HE EMPHASISED THAT NEITHER THE RATES OF TAX NOR THE AMOUNTS DUE WOULD BE AFFECTED UNDER THE NEW SYSTEM.
"SEPARATE DEMAND NOTES FOR EACH KIND OF TAX CHARGED WILL BE ISSUED," HE SAID.
AS REGARDS TAX RETURN FOR PROPERTIES OR BUSINESSES OWNED BY MORE THAN ONE PERSON, THE COMMISSIONER SAID SEPARATE RETURNS WERE STILL REQUIRED FOR EACH SUCH PROPERTY OR BUSINESS. ✓
THE PRECEDENT OWNER OR PARTNER IS REQUIRED TO FILE THE TAX RETURNS AS USUAL, HE SAID.
MR AU YEUNG SAID TAX RETURN REQUIREMENTS FOR COMPANIES WOULD REMAIN UNCHANGED.
TO HELP THE GENERAL PUBLIC UNDERSTAND THE NEW SYSTEM, THE DEPARTMENT HAS SET UP A HOTLINE - 877 8638.
ANOTHER ROUND-THE-CLOCK TELEPHONE SERVICE - NO. 594 0888 - WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE NEXT MONTH TO PROVIDE PRACTICAL ADVICE AND GUIDANCE ON COMPLETING THE NEW RETURN AND RELATED MATTERS.
LEAFLETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES.
/12........
MONDAY, APRIL 25, 1994
- 12 -
NEW ARRANGEMENT FOR COMPANIES TO FILE ANNUAL RETURNS *****
ALL PRIVATE COMPANIES HAVING A SHARE CAPITAL HAVE TO FILE THEIR ANNUAL RETURNS WITH THE COMPANIES REGISTRY WITHIN 42 DAYS OF THE ANNIVERSARIES OF THE DATES OF THEIR INCORPORATION WITH EFFECT FROM FRIDAY (APRIL 29).
AT PRESENT, THEY ARE REQUIRED TO FILE A COPY OF THE ANNUAL RETURN WITHIN 42 DAYS OF THEIR ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING.
THE REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES, MR GORDON JONES, EXPLAINED THAT BECAUSE MOST COMPANIES HELD THEIR ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS AROUND THE END OF EACH CALENDAR YEAR, THERE WOULD BE A SUDDEN AND HEAVY INFLUX OF ANNUAL RETURNS DURING JANUARY AND FEBRUARY.
"THIS CAUSES SERIOUS OPERATIONAL PROBLEMS FOR THE COMPANIES REGISTRY AND BRINGS INCONVENIENCE TO THE PUBLIC," HE SAID.
"THE NEW ARRANGEMENT WILL ENABLE A MORE EVEN AND MANAGEABLE FLOW OF ANNUAL RETURNS," HE ADDED.
THIS IS BECAUSE THE ANNIVERSARIES ARE, IN GENERAL, MORE EVENLY SPREAD THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.
FROM FRIDAY (APRIL 29), ALL LISTED COMPANIES WILL BE REQUIRED TO GIVE DETAILS IN THEIR REGISTERS OF ALL DIRECTORSHIPS HELD BY THEIR DIRECTORS IN RESPECT OF COMPANIES THAT ARE INCORPORATED IN HONG KONG OR OVERSEAS BUT REGISTERED IN HONG KONG.
MR JONES SAID TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS WERE ALSO INTRODUCED TO REQUIRE LISTED COMPANIES INCORPORATED OR REGISTERED IN HONG KONG BEFORE APRIL 29 TO SUPPLY TO THE REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES THE RELEVANT DETAILS OF THEIR DIRECTORS, IN THE PRESCRIBED FORM, WITHIN THREE MONTHS FROM APRIL 29.
"ALLOWING TIME TO COLLATE DATA COLLECTED, 1 HOPE THAT A COMPUTERISED DIRECTORS’ INDEX FOR ALL LISTED COMPANIES WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC SEARCH BY THIS AUTUMN," HE SAID.
AMENDMENTS TO THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE ARE ALSO MADE TO BRING THE CONTENTS AND FORM OF ANNUAL RETURN AND ANNUAL REGISTRATION FEES IN LINE WITH THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS COVERING ANNUAL RETURNS.
MR JONES SAID TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS WERE IN PLACE TO ENSURE THAT ANY DISRUPTION TO COMPANIES’ FAMILIAR REPORTING CYCLES WAS MINIMISED.
SECTIONS 4, 5, 11, 18, 21 AND 22 OF THE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) ORDINANCE 1993 WHICH GIVE EFFECT TO THESE NEW REQUIREMENTS WILL TAKE EFFECT ON APRIL 29.
MR JONES CLARIFIED THAT UNLISTED COMPANIES WERE NOT REQUIRED TO FILE ANY RETURN STATING THE ADDITIONAL PARTICULARS OF THEIR DIRECTORS.
CONSEQUENTLY, THESE COMPANIES WOULD BE EXPECTED TO FURNISH THE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IN THE NEXT ANNUAL RETURN TO BE FILED.
- - 0 - -
MONDAY, APRIL 25, 1994
- 13 -
LAY MEMBERS APPOINTED TO EDUCATION CONDUCT COUNCIL ♦ * * * »
A LAWYER AND A MEDICAL PRACTITIONER HAVE BEEN APPOINTED LAY MEMBERS OF THE NEWLY ESTABLISHED COUNCIL ON PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT IN EDUCATION.
ANNOUNCING THE APPOINTMENTS TODAY (MONDAY), THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WONG, SAID: ’’THE TWO LAY MEMBERS HAVE EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE ON BOARDS AND COMMITTEES IN THEIR OWN FIELDS. 1 AM CONFIDENT THAT THEIR EXPERIENCE WILL BE USEFUL TO THE DELIBERATIONS AND WORK OF THE COUNCIL.”
THE TWO LAY MEMBERS WERE APPOINTED BY THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION.
DR SO KAI-MING, A PRIVATE GENERAL PRACTITIONER, IS THE HONORARY SECRETARY OF THE HONG KONG MEDICAL ASSOCIATION AND THE CHAIRMAN OF ITS ETHICS COMMITTEE. HE IS A MEMBER OF THE HONG KONG MEDICAL COUNCIL AND A QUALIFIED SOLICITOR.
MISS BEBE CHU PUI-YING IS A SOLICITOR AND A MEMBER OF THE SOLICITORS DISCIPLINARY TRIBUNAL PANEL. SHE IS A COMMITTEE MEMBER OF SEVERAL ORGANISATIONS INCLUDING THE FAMILY LAW ASSOCIATION, THE LAW SOCIETY COMMITTEE ON FAMILY LAW REFORM, THE FEDERATION OF WOMEN LAWYERS AND THE HONG KONG MARRIAGE GUIDANCE AND PERSONAL COUNSELLING SERVICE.
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION HAS ALSO APPOINTED THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (SCHOOLS), MR TSUI SEE-MING, AN EX-OFFICIO MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL.
THE APPOINTEES, INCLUDING ALL ELECTED MEMBERS, WILL SERVE UNTIL APRIL 30, 1996.
THE COUNCIL ON PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT IN EDUCATION IS A NON-STATUTORY BODY ESTABLISHED TO ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT ON MEASURES TO PROMOTE PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT IN EDUCATION, INCLUDING THE DRAFTING OF OPERATIONAL CRITERIA DEFINING THE CONDUCT EXPECTED OF AN EDUCATOR, AND TO ADVISE THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION IN CASES OF DISPUTE OR ON ALLEGED PROFESSIONAL MISCONDUCT.
THE COUNCIL WILL HOLD ITS FIRST MEETING ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 27) MORNING IN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS.
/14 .......
MONDAY, APRIL 25, 1994
14
VIEWS SOUGHT ON PRE-PRIMARY EDUCATION REPORT
*****
TEACHERS, PRINCIPALS AND SUPERVISORS OF KINDERGARTENS ARE INVITED TO EXPRESS VIEWS ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF A BOARD OF EDUCATION REPORT ON IMPROVEMENTS TO PRE-PRIMARY EDUCATION IN HONG KONG AT TWO PUBLIC CONSULTATION SESSIONS ON APRIL 30 AND MAY 2.
THE REPORT, WHICH WAS COMPILED BY THE AD HOC SUB-COMMITTEE ON PRE-PRIMARY EDUCATION UNDER THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, CONTAINED SUGGESTIONS IN A NUMBER OF AREAS INCLUDING:
* THE UNIFICATION OF PRE-PRIMARY SERVICES;
* KINDERGARTEN TEACHER EDUCATION;
* GOVERNMENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO KINDERGARTEN EDUCATION; AND
» OTHER MEASURES TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF PRE-PRIMARY EDUCATION.
COPIES OF THE SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS EXTRACTED FROM THE REPORT HAVE BEEN SENT TO KINDERGARTENS.
THE FIRST PUBLIC CONSULTATION SESSION WILL BE HELD FROM 2 PM TO 4.30 PM ON APRIL 30 (SATURDAY) AT THE LECTURE THEATRE, GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, 42 GASCOIGNE ROAD, KOWLOON.
THE SECOND SESSION WILL BE CONDUCTED BETWEEN 6 PM AND 8 PM ON MAY 2 (MONDAY) IN ROOM G02, HONG KONG TEACHERS’ CENTRE, 4 PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT, HONG KONG.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, DR TAM MAN-KWAN; THE CHAIRMAN OF THE AD HOC SUB-COMMITTEE ON PRE-PRIMARY EDUCATION, DR LESLIE LO, AND THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE AD HOC SUB-COMMITTEE, DR ANDREW WONG, WILL BE PRESENT AT BOTH SESSIONS TO HEAR VIEWS.
WRITTEN COMMENTS ON THE REPORT MAY BE SENT TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER (BOARDS AND COMMITTEES), MRS FANNY LAM, IN ROOM 1124, WU CHUNG HOUSE, 213 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG ON OR BEFORE MAY 9.
---------0-------------
MORE GOP CLINICS JOIN PERFORMANCE PLEDGE PROGRAMME
*****
THE DEPARTMENT FOR HEALTH WILL LAUNCH PLASE III OF ITS PERFORMANCE PLEDGE PROGRAMME TOMORROW (TUESDAY), EXTENDING PERFORMANCE PLEDGES TO ANOTHER 15 OF ITS GENERAL OUT-PATIENT (GOP) CLINICS.
A SPOKEMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID A TOTAL OF 43 OUT OF 59 GOP CLINICS WILL BECOME PERFORMANCE-PLEDGED CLINICS.
/THE SPOKESMAN .......
MONDAY, APRIL 25, 1994
- 15 -
THE SPOKEMAN ADDED THAT ALL OF THE DEPARTMENT’S GOP CLINICS WOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE PROGRAMME BY THE END OF THE YEAR.
THE PARTICIPATING CLINICS HAVE PLEDGED TO PROVIDE EFFICIENT SERVICE, QUALITY PATIENT CARE, QUALITY CUSTOMER SERVICE AND COMFORTABLE CLINIC ENVIRONMENT TO USERS .
SOME OF THE PERFORMANCE PLEDGE FEATURES INCLUDE THE CONTINUITY OF PATIENT CARE THROUGH INDIVIDUAL MEDICAL RECORDS, PATIENTS BEING ATTENDED TO WITHIN THE PLEDGED WAITING TIMES, DRUG LABELLING, HEALTH COUNSELLING EDUCATION AND SELF-CARE SUPPORT GROUPS FOR PATIENTS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT A ’’FRIENDLIEST CLINIC COMPETITION” HELD LAST DECEMBER FOUND THAT PATIENTS RATED ALL OF THE GOP CLINICS AND CLINIC STAFF CONCERNED AS "FRIENDLY”.
THE FIRST AND SECOND PHASE OF THIS PROGRAMME, COVERING 28 GOP CLINICS, WERE LAUNCHED IN DECEMBER 1992 AND AUGUST 1993.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE DEPARTMENT WOULD EXTEND PERFORMANCE PLEDGES IN PHASES TO THE MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CENTRES LATER THIS YEAR, AND TO SPECIALISED SERVICES SUCH AS THE TUBERCULOSIS AND CHEST AND DERMATOLOGY SERVICES IN 1995.
- - 0 - -
LAB DISCUSSES REVISION OF FINES UNDER EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE ♦ »»»»♦»
LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD (LAB) MEMBERS TODAY (MONDAY) DISCUSSED A PROPOSAL TO REVISE THE LEVELS OF FINES UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE (EO) AND ITS SUBSIDIARY REGULATIONS.
AT THE MEETING CHAIRED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MRS KATHERINE FOK, BOARD MEMBERS WERE BRIEFED THAT THE FINES IMPOSED UNDER THE ONDINANCE AND ITS TWO SUBSIDIARY REGULATIONS, THE EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN REGULATIONS AND THE WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS (INDUSTRY) REGULATIONS, WERE CONSIDERED TO BE INADEQUATE AFTER THE PASSAGE OF TIME.
THEY WERE INFORMED THAT THE MAXIMUM FINE FOR OFFENCES ON NONPAYMENT, UNDERPAYMENT OR LATE PAYMENT OF WAGES, AND THAT ON UNLAWFUL DEDUCTION OF WAGES HAD BEEN REVISED IN APRIL 1992 FROM $20,000 TO $200,000 AND ONE YEAR’S IMPRISONMENT, AND FROM $10,000 TO $100,000 AND ONE YEAR’S IMPRISONMENT RESPECTIVELY.
THE OTHER FINES HAVE NOT BEEN REVISED SINCE MAY 1988 AND IT WAS NECESSARY TO REVISE THE LEVELS OF FINES TO ACHIEVE A DETERRENT EFFECT.
UNDER THE PROPOSAL, THREE LEVELS OF MAXIMUM FINES - MINOR OR TECHNICAL, SERIOUS AND VERY SERIOUS - WERE SET DEPENDING ON THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE OFFENCE.
/THE PROPOSED .......
MONDAY, APRIL 25, 1994
- 16 -
THE PROPOSED MAXIMUM FINES FOR MINOR OFFENCES ARE $10,000, $50,000 FOR SERIOUS AND $100,000 FOR VERY SERIOUS OFFENCES.
A NEW PENALTY PROVISION IS ALSO PROPOSED TO MAKE IT A "VERY SERIOUS" OFFENCE FOR AN EMPLOYER TO DISMISS AN EMPLOYEE WHILE HE IS ON PAID SICK LEAVE AND THE MAXIMUM FINE IS SUGGESTED TO BE SET AT $100,000.
DIFFERENT VIEWS WERE EXPRESSED ON THE PROPOSAL.
DURING THE MEETING, LAB MEMBERS ALSO NOTED A PROGRESS REPORT ON THE LATEST MODIFICATIONS TO THE PROPOSAL TO SET UP A COMPENSATION SCHEME FOR OCCUPATIONAL DEAFNESS.
REPRESENTATIVES OF BOTH THE EMPLOYERS AND THE EMPLOYEES REACHED CONSENSUS THAT THE PROPOSAL SHOULD BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD PROVIDE A START-UP FUND FOR THE SCHEME.
------0--------
NOISE LEVEL AT HK STADIUM
*****
THE NOISE MEASUREMENTS RECORDED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) AT YESTERDAY'S CONCERT AT THE HONG KONG STADIUM HAVE BEEN FAXED.
SINCE THE NOISE LEVELS HAVE EXCEEDED THOSE STIPULATED IN THE NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE, EPD WILL LAY INFORMATION BEFORE THE COURT WITH A VIEW TO ISSUING WEMBLEY INTERNATIONAL WITH A SUMMONS.
------0--------
RESIDENTS URGED TO SIGN UP AS VOTERS t ♦ ♦ * *
THE SUCCESS OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT LARGELY DEPENDS ON MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC EXERCISING THEIR CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY TO REGISTER AS VOTERS, THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MS LINDA LAI, SAID TONIGHT (MONDAY).
SPEAKING TO A GATHERING OF COMMUNITY LEADERS, MS LAI ALSO URGED YOUNGSTERS WHO HAD REACHED THE AGE OF 18 TO SIGN UP AS ELECTORS.
• 7 • • ’ • ( ■ . । • ■
THOSE WHO HAVE CHANGED THEIR ADDRESSES SHOULD INFORM THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE, SHE SAID.
THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICE LAUNCHED A DISTRICT-WIDE VOTER REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN THIS MONTH.
BETWEEN APRIL AND JUNE, DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF WILL CONDUCT HOUSEHOLD VISITS TO HELP AND ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS BECOME ELECTORS.
TWO VARIETY SHOWS WILL BE STAGED IN MAY AND JUNE TO PROMOTE THE MESSAGE.
--------0 - -
/17........
MONDAY, APRIL 25, 1994
- 17 -
129 VMS RETURN HOME
*****
A GROUP OF 129 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (MONDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME OF THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES.
COMPRISING 56 MEN, 34 WOMEN, 20 BOYS AND 19 GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 208TH BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.
THIS GROUP BROUGHT TO 3,554 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAD RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 42,167 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN MARCH 1989.
-----0-------
CLOSURE OF NORTH POINT ILLEGAL STRUCTURE SOUGHT
*****
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE AN UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURE OF A RESIDENTIAL BUILDING IN NORTH POINT, SO THAT IT CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT CAUSING DANGER TO OTHER OCCUPANTS AND THE PUBLIC.
THE SINGLE-STOREY STRUCTURE DUE FOR DEMOLITION IS ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF A BUILDING AT 63-69 KAM PING STREET.
A NOTICE OF INTENTION APPLYING FOR A CLOSURE ORDER FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT UNDER THE BUILDING ORDINANCE ON AUGUST 25 WAS POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY (MONDAY).
DEMOLITION WORK IS EXPECTED TO START AS SOON AS THE CLOSURE ORDER IS ISSUED.
------0-------
WATER STORAGE FIGURE * * * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 66.3 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 388.290 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 302.655 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 51.6 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
---------0-----------
/18 .......
MONDAY, APRIL 25, 1994
18
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS
* »
TENDER DATE
PAPER ON OFFER
ISSUE NUMBER
AMOUNT APPLIED
AMOUNT ALLOTTED
AVERAGE PRICE (YIELD) ACCEPTED
LOWEST PRICE (YIELD) ACCEPTED
PRO RATA RATIO
AVERAGE TENDER PRICE (YIELD)
» * »
25 APR 94
EF NOTES
3704
HKD 3,530 MN
HKD 500 MN
99.87 (6.29 PCT)
99.85 (6.30 PCT)
ABOUT 90 PCT
99.67 (6.37 PCT)
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ♦ » » » *
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO :
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY
LAF TODAY
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
2,150 0930 -346
1,498 1000 -246
1100 + 624
■1742 1200 + 754
- 1,394 1500 + 742
1600 + 742
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TW I 125.0 »+0.0*
25.4.94
/HONG KONG .......
MONDAY, APRIL 25, 1994
- 19 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 2.93 16 MONTHS 2508 4.625 99.41 5.15
1 MONTH 3.22 19 MONTHS 2511 4.15 98.29 5.36
3 MONTHS 3.82 22 MONTHS 2602 4.40 98.08 5.60
6 MONTHS 4.24 30 MONTHS 3610 4.20 95.91 6.07
12 MONTHS 4.84 TOTAL TURNOVER OF 33 MONTHS BILLS AND 3701 BONDS - 18 4.60 ,010 MN 96.11 6.25
CLOSED 25 APRIL 1994
------0------------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL. 842 8777
TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CHIEF SECRETARY MEETS WASHINGTON DC OFFICIALS............. 1
NEW MEASURES FOR TAXI TRADE APPROVED...................... 2
TAC ENDORSES HYF FARE INCREASE............................ 3
PUBLIC GOLF CENTRE PROPOSED IN KAU SAI CHAU............... 4
HK REGISTERED SHIPS CHALK UP 8 MILLION TONS............... 6
FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE MEMBER APPOINTED.................... 7
SIX MORE HIV INFECTED CASES CONFIRMED..................... 8
WORKS DEPARTMENTS GEARED TO FACE CHALLENGES AHEAD...... 8
WATER CUTS IN TSUEN WAN AND TUEN MUN...................... 9
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS.............. 10
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ....
11
TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 1994
CHIEF SECRETARY MEETS WASHINGTON DC OFFICIALS
*****
MRS ANSON CHAN HAS COMPLETED THE FIRST FULL DAY OF MEETINGS AND SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS ON MONDAY (APRIL 25) ON HER FIRST OFFICIAL VISIT TO THE UNITED STATES AS CHIEF SECRETARY.
THE DAY’S SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS INCLUDED AN ADDRESS TO A BREAKFAST MEETING HOSTED BY THE CARNEGIE ENDOWMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL PEACE, ATTENDED BY REPRESENTATIVES FROM CONGRESS AND THE ADMINISTRATION, BUSINESS, ACADEMIA AND HUMAN RIGHTS GROUPS.
SHE ALSO GAVE A KEYNOTE LUNCHEON SPEECH TO THE NATIONAL PRESS CLUB AUDIENCE OF 150 MEMBERS OF THE PRESS AND RELATED FIELDS; AND A DINNER SPEECH AT THE RESIDENCE OF THE BRITISH AMBASSADOR TO THE UNITED STATES, SIR ROBIN RENWICK.
HIGH-LEVEL OFFICIAL CALLS DURING THE DAY INCLUDED A VISIT TO THE STATE DEPARTMENT FOR DISCUSSIONS WITH MR STROBE TALBOTT, ACTING SECRETARY OF STATE. SHE ALSO MET WITH MR ROBERT RUBIN, NATIONAL ECONOMIC ADVISER TO THE PRESIDENT, AT THE WHITE HOUSE.
MRS CHAN ALSO BRIEFED THE WASHINGTON POST EDITORIAL BOARD ON HONG KONG, AND IN PARTICULAR THE TERRITORY’S ROLE IN THE REGION.
ALTHOUGH SOME PARTS OF HER PROGRAMME IN WASHINGTON, DC MAY BE DISRUPTED BY THE FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE LATE PRESIDENT RICHARD NIXON, SHE HAS A FULL SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS ON TUESDAY (APRIL 26).
IN THE COURSE OF HER MEETINGS DURING THE DAY, MRS CHAN PAID TRIBUTE TO THE LATE PRESIDENT. "ON OUR SIDE OF THE PACIFIC PRESIDENT NIXON WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED FOR HIS STATESMANSHIP, AND IN PARTICULAR FOR HAVING THE COURAGE AND VISION TO START DOWN THE ROAD TO NORMALISATION OF U.S. RELATIONS WITH CHINA," MRS CHAN SAID.
"THIS PAVED THE WAY FOR CHINA TO EMBARK ON ITS OPEN DOOR POLICY AND ECONOMIC REFORMS AND FACILITATED THE NEGOTIATION OF ALL THE SAFEGUARDS SURROUNDING THE RETURN OF HONG KONG TO CHINESE SOVEREIGNTY," SHE SAID.
MRS CHAN CONTINUES HER PROGRAMME IN WASHINGTON ON TUESDAY (APRIL 26) WITH A FULL DAY OF APPOINTMENTS, BEGINNING WITH A LIVE EARLY-MORNING INTERVIEW ON CABLE NEWS NETWORK (CNN) TELEVISION.
---------0-----------
TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 1994
- 2 -
NEW MEASURES FOR TAXI TRADE APPROVED *****
THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS APPROVED A NUMBER OF MEASURES RECOMMENDED BY THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC) TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF TAXI SERVICES.
THE MEASURES THAT HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED FOR IMPLEMENTATION, SUBJECT TO AMENDMENT OF THE NECESSARY LEGISLATION, ARE AS FOLLOWS:
* NEW TAXI LICENCES WILL BE ISSUED BY PUBLIC TENDER WITHOUT A PRE-SET QUOTA. LICENCES WILL BE ISSUED AS AND WHEN NECESSARY, HAVING REGARD TO THE DEMAND FOR TAXI SERVICES, THE FINANCIAL VIABILITY OF THE TRADE AND THE CAPACITY OF THE ROAD SYSTEM. AN APPLICANT WILL ONLY BE ALLOWED TO BID FOR ONE TAXI LICENCE;
* LEGISLATION WILL BE CHANGED SO THAT TRANSFER OF NEW TAXI LICENCES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED WITHIN 12 MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF ISSUE;
* PROCEDURES FOR THE TRANSFER OF TAXI LICENCES WILL BE TIGHTENED BY REQUIRING BOTH THE BUYER AND SELLER TO REGISTER THE TRANSFER IN PERSON;
* THE MAXIMUM PENALTIES FOR THE MORE SERIOUS TAXI OFFENCES, SUCH AS REFUSING HIRE, SOLICITING PASSENGERS AND OVERCHARGING, WILL BE INCREASED FROM $5,000 TO AT LEAST $10,000 IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN AN ADEQUATE DETERRENT EFFECT; AND
* THE MOST PREVALENT OFFENCES, NAMELY REFUSING HIRE AND SOLICITING PASSENGERS WILL BE BROUGHT UNDER THE FIXED PENALTY SYSTEM.
OTHER TAC RECOMMENDATIONS WHICH HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL FOR IMPLEMENTATION INCLUDE:
* TAXI DRIVERS SHOULD ISSUE FARE RECEIPTS ON DEMAND;
* A FARE DIFFERENTIAL OF FIVE TO SEVEN TIMES SHOULD BE MAINTAINED BETWEEN URBAN TAXIS AND OTHER MODES OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND OF THREE TO FOUR TIMES FOR NEW TERRITORIES TAXIS;
♦ THE FLAGFALL CHARGE SHOULD REMAIN HIGHER THAN THE SUBSEQUENT INCREMENTAL CHARGE FOR SAME DISTANCE;
« PROCEDURES FOR LODGING COMPLAINTS AGAINST TAXI MALPRACTICE SHOULD BE SIMPLIFIED; AND
* THE TAXI SERVICE GUIDE WILL BE UPDATED AND A CODE OF PRACTICE WILL BE ISSUED SEPARATELY TO TAXI DRIVERS AND OPERATORS.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE ABOVE MEASURES WERE RECOMMENDED BY THE TAC FOLLOWING EXTENSIVE CONSULTATION WITH THE PUBLIC AND TAXI TRADE BY ITS WORKING GROUP TASKED TO REVIEW THE TAXI POLICY.
/"IN DRAWING .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 1994
3
"IN DRAWING UP THE PROPOSALS, TAC HAS CONSIDERED VERY CAREFULLY ALL THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE PUBLIC AND THE TRADE, "THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT GOVERNMENT HENCEFORTH WILL ISSUE TAXI LICENSES AS AND WHEN REQUIRED. AS THERE IS NOW A STRONG DEMAND FOR NEW TAXI LICENCES, A NEW BATCH OF TAXI LICENCES WILL BE ISSUED IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
------0--------
TAC ENDORSES HYF FARE INCREASE
*****
THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE TODAY (TUESDAY) RECOMMENDED A WEIGHTED AVERAGE FARE INCREASE OF 14.2 PER CENT FOR YAUMATEI FERRY COMPANY (HYF) TO MEET HIGHER OPERATING COSTS.
MEMBERS IN CONSULTATION WITH THE ADMINISTRATION MADE CERTAIN ADJUSTMENTS, AND DECIDED TO RECOMMEND THE FOLLOWING RATES OF INCREASES FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF SERVICES:
% INCREASE
(A) PASSENGER SERVICES
- CROSS HARBOUR 15.6%
- NEW TOWN 14.6%
- OUTLYING DISTRICTS
- WEEKDAYS 15.2%
- WEEKENDS AND HOLIDAYS 11.7%
(B) VEHICULAR SERVICES 7.6%
(C) FREIGHT 20.0%
MEMBERS NOTED THAT THE COMPANY HAD NOT INCREASED ITS FARE SINCE JULY 1992, AND THE PROPOSED RATE OF INCREASE IS LOWER THAN THE ESTIMATED INFLATION RATE OF 17 PER CENT BETWEEN JULY 1992 AND JULY 1994 .
IF APPROVED BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL, CROSS-HARBOUR PASSENGERS WOULD PAY 30 CENTS TO 50 CENTS MORE PER TRIP WHILE MOST DAILY COMMUTERS OF THEN MUN AND OUTLYING ISLAND SERVICES WOULD PAY $1 TO $2 MORE PER TRIP ON WEEKDAYS.
HOWEVER, PASSENGERS WILL ENJOY A FARE REDUCTION FROM 70 CENTS TO $9 PER TRIP UNDER MORE GENEROUS CONCESSION SCHEMES FOR THE ELDERLY AND CHILDREN, AND REDUCED FARES FOR SATURDAY MORNING TRAVEL IN OUTLYING ISLAND SERVICES.
/THE PROPOSED .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 1994
THE PROPOSED FARE RISE WILL ONLY INCREASE THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) MARGINALLY BY 0.01 PER CENT.
THEY NOTED HYF’S OPERATING COSTS INCREASED BY 10.4 PER CENT IN 1993, AND WERE PROJECTED TO INCREASE BY ANOTHER 10.8 PER CENT IN 1994 AND 23.3 PER CENT IN 1995, LARGELY OWING TO SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE COSTS, REPROVISION OF PIERS AFFECTED BY RECLAMATION WORKS, AND LOSS IN DISPOSAL OF REDUNDANT VESSELS DUE TO CESSATION AND RATIONALISATION OF SERVICES.
NEVERTHELESS, THE COMPANY HAS TRIED ITS BEST TO ECONOMISE THROUGH ROUTE RATIONALISATION AND TO RAISE MORE REVENUE FROM OTHER SOURCES SUCH AS RENTAL AND ADVERTISING.
OPERATION OF FERRY SERVICES HAS BEEN ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY DECLINING PATRONAGE DUE TO STRONG COMPETITION FROM OTHER MODES OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT, THE INCONVENIENCE CAUSED BY RELOCATION OF PIERS AS A RESULT OF RECLAMATION AND MORE COMMUTERS RESORTING TO ROAD USE WITH COMPLETION OF NEW INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS.
ALL THESE FACTORS PUT THE COMPANY IN A DIFFICULT FINANCIAL POSITION.
EVEN WITH THE PROPOSED FARE INCREASE, HYF WOULD NOT BE MAKING ANY PROFIT THIS YEAR. THE INCREASE WILL ONLY SERVE TO REDUCE ITS EXPECTED OPERATING LOSS IN 1994.
AT TODAY’S MEETING, MEMBERS ALSO ENDORSED A PROPOSAL TO SET UP CROSS HARBOUR TAXI STANDS ON A TRIAL BASIS. THERE IS A DEMAND FOR SUCH FACILITY AS INDICATED BY THE EXISTENCE OF INFORMAL CROSS HARBOUR TAXI STANDS.
THEY AGREED THAT TAXIS ACCEPTING A HIRE AT THESE STANDS SHOULD NOT CHARGE ANYTHING EXTRA ABOVE A SINGLE TOLL CHARGE OF $10 AND METER FARE, PLUS BAGGAGE SURCHARGES WHERE APPLICABLE.
COMMUTERS WHO HIRE A TAXI FROM A CROSS HARBOUR SERVICE STAND WILL PAY $10 LESS THAN THE EXISTING $20 TOLL FOR CROSS HARBOUR JOURNEYS.
DURING THE TRIAL, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, IN CO-OPERATION WITH THE POLICE AND THE TAXI TRADE, WILL MONITOR THE SITUATION CLOSELY AND ASSESS THE PRACTICABILITY OF THE SCHEME.
PUBLIC GOLF CENTRE PROPOSED IN KAU SAI CHAU
*****
THE GOVERNMENT IS PROPOSING TO BUILD AN INTERNATIONAL STANDARD PUBLIC GOLF CENTRE AT KAU SAI CHAU, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PROJECT WILL BE FULLY FINANCED AND SUPERVISED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB.
/THE JOCKEY
TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 1994
- 5 -
THE JOCKEY CLUB HAS ALSO AGREED TO TAKE UP THE INITIAL MANAGEMENT OF THE GOLF CENTRE, AT THE CLUB’S COSTS, UPON ITS COMPLETION.
A POTENTIAL SITE COVERING APPROXIMATELY I 58 HECTARES HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THE NORTHERN PART OF THE ISLAND FOR THE PURPOSE.
THE LAND, WHICH WAS FORMERLY USED AS A FIRING RANGE, IS NOT USED FOR ANY SPECIFIC PURPOSE AT PRESENT. ITS TERRAIN IS SUITABLE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A GOLF CENTRE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE PROPOSED PROJECT REPRESENTED A MAJOR EFFORT BY THE GOVERNMENT TO PROMOTE AND DEVELOP GOLF AS A POPULAR SPORT IN HONG KONG.
"AT PRESENT, THERE ARE ONLY FIVE GOLF COURSES IN HONG KONG, ALL OF WHICH BELONG TO PRIVATE RECREATIONAL CLUBS WITH RESTRICTED ACCESS.
"AS GOLF IS GAINING POPULARITY IN HONG KONG, THE PROPOSAL REPRESENTS A BIG STEP FORWARD TN THE PROVISION OF GOLFING FACILITIES AT AFFORDABLE CHARGES TO THE PUBLIC," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE PROJECT WILL BE ENVIRONMENTALLY LED. AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT TO EXAMINE THE ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES OF THE PROJECT HAS BEEN COMPLETED AND THE FINDINGS HAVE BEEN FOUND TO BE ACCEPTABLE.
A TRANSPORT IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL STUDY HAVE ALSO BEEN SATISFACTORILY COMPLETED.
MEASURES RECOMMENDED IN THE VARIOUS STUDIES WILL BE CARRIED OUT BY THE JOCKEY CLUB TO THE SATISFACTION OF THE GOVERNMENT, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE CENTRE WILL MAINLY COMPRISE TWO 18-HOLE COURSES, A CLUB HOUSE, A DRIVING RANGE AND OTHER ANCILLARY FACILITIES.
IT IS HOPED THAT CONSTRUCTION WILL BEGIN IN MAY THIS YEAR AND BE COMPLETED AT THE END OF NEXT YEAR.
MEMBERS OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD WERE BRIEFED ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT THIS MORNING. THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT AND THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL PANEL ON ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ALSO WILL BE BRIEFED IN EARLY MAY.
TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 1994
- 6 -
HK REGISTERED SHIPS CHALK UP 8 MILLION IONS ♦ ♦ * » *
THE TOTAL GROSS TONNAGE OF THE HONG KONG SHIPPING REGISTER BROKE THE EIGHT MILLION MARK WITH THE LATEST ADDITION OF A 28,892-GROSS-TON CONTAINER SHIP LAST WEEK, THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR ALLAN PYRKE, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
’’THIS SHOWS OUR AIM OF SETTING UP A QUALITY REGISTER IS SUPPORTED BY LOCAL AND OVERSEAS SHIPOWNERS WHO WILL NOT TRADE OFF QUALITY BY A LOWERING OF SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS,” MR PYRKE SAID.
THE HONG KONG SHIPPING REGISTER, ADMINISTERED BY THE MARINE DEPARTMENT, NOW HAS 600 SHIPS AND A TOTAL GROSS TONNAGE OF 8,012,072, 1.5 MILLION GROSS TONS MORE THAN AT INCEPTION ON DECEMBER 3, 1990.
THE LATEST ADDITION TO THE REGISTER IS THE 195-METRE CONTAINER SHIP ’’TRADE SOL” BUILT IN FLENSBURG, GERMANY IN 1993. THE SHIP IS OWNED BY TRADE SOL SHIPPING LIMITED.
TO ENSURE A SMOOTH TRANSITION FOR SHIPS IN 1997, WHEN HONG KONG PASSES FROM BRITISH TO CHINESE SOVEREIGNTY, HONG KONG ESTABLISHED ITS OWN REGISTER LESS THAN FOUR YEARS AGO TO REPLACE THE OLD REGISTER WHICH WAS PART OF THE BRITISH REGISTER.
MR PYRKE STRESSED THAT HONG KONG WAS COMMITTED TO MAINTAINING A HIGH QUALITY REGISTER WITH NO COMPROMISE ON SAFETY, POLLUTION PREVENTION AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS STIPULATED IN INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANISATION AND INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION CONVENTIONS.
"WE ARE LOOKING FOR QUALITY TONNAGE -- THERE CANNOT BE ANY COMPROMISE ON STANDARDS OF SAFETY,” HE SAID.
MR PYRKE SAID THE SHIPPING REGISTER TARGETED A MARKET COMPRISING REPUTABLE HONG KONG-OWNED SHIPS AND ANY OTHERS LOOKING FOR A RELIABLE AND RESPONSIBLE INTERNATIONAL REGISTER.
”OUR REGISTER HAS HIGHLY PROFESSIONAL BACK-UP AND IS OPERATED BY A MARITIME ADM INISTRATI ON THAT IS RESPONSIBLE AND ACTIVE 1N THE INTERNATIONAL ARENA.
"SHIPOWNERS FIND OUR REGISTER VALUE FOR. MONEY AS FEES ARE SET AT A LEVEL SIMPLY TO RECOVER COSTS, THERE ARE NO HIDDEN CHARGES,” MR PYRKE SAID.
INCREASED USER-FRIENDLINESS AND MINIMUM BUREAUCRACY WERE VALUE-ADDED FEATURES THAT SHIPOWNERS APPRECIATED, HE SAID.
NINE OTHER SHIPS WITH A TOTAL GROSS TONNAGE OF 80,240.5 ARE IN THE PROCESS OF JOINING THE HONG KONG SHIPPING REGISTER.
/7........
TUESDAY,APRIL 26, 1994
7 -
FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE MEMBER APPOINTED *****
THE GOVERNOR HAS APPOINTED MR EDWARD PONG TO THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS UNTIL MARCH 31, 1996.
IN ADDITION, MR JAMES TO, MR ROBERT KOTEWALL, QC AND MR HUI YUNG-CHUNG HAVE BEEN REAPPOINTED FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS ON EXPIRY OF THEIR TERMS AT THE END OF MARCH THIS YEAR.
THE FOLLOWING IS THE MEMBERSHIP LIST OF THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE:
CHAIRMAN : CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN
DEPUTY CHAIRMAN: ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR JEREMY MATHEWS MEMBERS : MRS MIRIAM LAU
MR WONG MAN-KONG MRS ALICE CHONG MISS ROSANNA WONG MR JAMES TO MR ROBERT GEORGE KOTEWALL MR HUI YUNG-CHUNG MR EDWARD PONG SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR MICHAEL LEUNG COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR LI KWAN-HA COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR F S MCCOSH
SECRETARY : PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR SECURITY,
MRS KAREN PONG
--------0 - -
/8 ........
TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 1994
8
SIX MORE HIV INFECTED CASES CONFIRMED *****
FOUR MEN AND TWO WOMEN WERE FOUND TO BE POSITIVE FOR THE HIV ANTIBODY TEST LAST MONTH, THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY).
THIS BRINGS THE NUMBER OF HIV INFECTED PERSONS IN HONG KONG TO 435.
ONE NEW AIDS CASE WAS REPORTED DURING THE MONTH.
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF CONFIRMED AIDS CASES IS 100 WITH 65 DEATHS REPORTED.
OF THE 435 HIV INFECTED, 165 ACQUIRED THE INFECTION THROUGH HOMOSEXUAL OR BISEXUAL SEX AND 157 THROUGH HETEROSEXUAL SEX, 11 WERE INJECTING DRUG USERS, AND 65 ACQUIRED THE INFECTION 'THROUGH CONTAMINATED BLOOD OR BLOOD PRODUCTS BEFORE 1985 WHEN HIV ANTIBODY TEST AND SAFE HEAT TREATED CLOTTING CONCENTRATES WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
FOR THE REMAINING 37, THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE WAS INADEQUATE FOR CLASSIFICATION.
UNDER THE HIV SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME WHICH STARTED IN 1985, A TOTAL OF 318,763 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, 1,389,739 UNITS OF BLOOD HAD BEEN TESTED AND 29 DONORS WERE FOUND POSITIVE.
---------0-----------
WORKS DEPARTMENTS GEARED TO FACE CHALLENGES AHEAD *****
THE WORKS GROUP OF DEPARTMENTS ARE FACING TREMENDOUS CHALLENGES AHEAD, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
HE WAS SPEAKING AT A RECEPTION TO MARK THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF PUBLIC WORKS IN HONG KONG.
SIR HAMISH SAID THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS AND HIS DEPARTMENTS WOULD NEED TO MEET VERY SUBSTANTIAL TARGETS THIS FINANCIAL YEAR.
THEY INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF 13 KILOMETRES OF NEW ROAD, THE FORMATION OF OVER 200 HECTARES OF NEW LAND, THE INCREASE IN FRESH WATER SUPPLY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES BY 500,000 CUBIC METRES, AND THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE $5.2 BILLION STRATEGIC SEWAGE DISPOSAL SCHEME.
/THE GOVERNMENT .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 1994
- 9 -
THE GOVERNMENT WAS CONCERNED NOT ONLY WITH SPENDING MONEY BUT ALSO SPENDING IT EFFECTIVELY AND EFFICIENTLY, HE ADDED.
HE SAID PLANS WERE IN HAND TO ENHANCE GOVERNMENT’S ABILITY TO MANAGE PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS, NOTING THAT A CONSULTANCY ON THE REVIEW OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEDURES, PRACTICES AND SYSTEMS HAD JUST BEEN COMPLETED.
"WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF IMPLEMENTING RECOMMENDATIONS WHICH WILL RESOLVE THE PROBLEM OF UNDERSPENDING AND INCREASE SUBSTANTIALLY THE CAPACITY AND CAPABILITY OF THE WORKS BRANCH AND ITS DEPARTMENTS TO MANAGE AND DELIVER THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME.
"I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING THE RESULTS OF THIS EXERCISE,” HE SAID.
--------0----------
WATER CUTS IN TSUEN WAN AND TUEN MUN
*****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN TSUEN WAN WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON THURSDAY (APRIL 28) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE WATERMAINS LEAKAGE DETECTION.
I
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL THE PREMISES AT TAI HO ROAD, SHA TSUI ROAD, LUEN YAN STREET, YEUNG UK ROAD, SAI LAU STREET, SAN TSUEN STREET, HO PUT STREET, WO TIK STREET, TAI UK STREET, CHUEN LUNG STREET, YI PEI SQUARE, CHUNG ON STREET, SAM PEI SQUARE AND HAM TIN STREET.
MEANWHILE, SALT WATER SUPPLY TO ALL PREMISES IN TURN MUN WILL ALSO BE CUT OFF FROM 9 AM TO 7 PM ON THURSDAY TO FACILITATE WATERMAINS CONNECTION.
---------0-----------
/10........
TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 1994
10
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS
* * * * ♦
TENDER DATE 26 APR 94 26 APR 94
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q417 H463
AMOUNT APPLIED HKD6.070 MN HKD2,240 MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED HKI)l,500 MN HKD800 MN
AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED .3.80 PCT 4.27 PCT
HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED .3.80 PCT 4.29 PCT
PRO RATA RATTO ABOUT 9.3 PCT ABOUT 7 5 PCT
AVERAGE TENDER YIELD HONG .3.8 5 PCT 4.32 PCT KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
TENDERS TO BE HELD TN THE WEEK BEGINNING 2 MAY 1994 - TENDER DATE 3 MAY 94
PAPER ON OFFER ISSUE NUMBER ISSUE DATE MATURITY DATE TENOR AMOUNT ON OFFER EF BILLS Q4 I 8 4 MAY 94 .3 AUG 94 91 DAYS HKD1.500 + 300 MN
0 - -
/Il
TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 1994
- 11 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS » * ♦ * »
CUMULATIVE TIME CHANGE
$ MILLION (HOURS) ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,498 0930 + 685
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,839 1000 + 635
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY +1,376 I 1 00 1 200 + 714 +1,376
LAE TODAY LAE RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER -35 TWJ 124.9 1 500 1600 *-0. 1* +1,376 + 1,376 26.4.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY EF BILLS KF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 2.86 16 MONTHS 251 1 4.625 98.31 5.35
1 MONTH 3.22 19 MONTHS 2602 4.15 98.09 5.60
3 MONTHS 3.81 22 MONTHS 3610 4.40 95.92 6.07
6 MONTHS 4.24 30 MONTHS 3 701 4.20 96.17 6.22
12 MONTHS 4.81 33 MONTHS 3704 4.60 99.85 6.30
TOTAL TURNOVER OE BILLS AND BONDS - 29,055 MN
CLOSED 26 APRIL 1994
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL. 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TRANSCRIPT OF GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION..................... 1
GOVERNOR TALKS ABOUT LU PING’S VISIT....................... 5
CS DISCUSSES HK’S POSITION ON MFN DURING USA VISIT......... 6
TRANSCRIPT OF CHIEF SECRETARY’S DOOR-STEP INTERVIEW........ 6
INTER-DEPARTMENTAL INVESTIGATION TEAM SUBMITS REPORT ON SHEK KIP MEI BANK FIRE..................................... 7
EDUCATION COUNCIL HOLDS FIRST MEETING...................... 9
CONFERENCE ON CURRICULUM CHANGES IN HK.................... 10
JOHN DENVER PLANTSWAN CHAI’S 623RD TREE................... 10
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ....
11
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1994
- 1 -
TRANSCRIPT OF GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION * * * * *
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, AFTER HIS VISIT TO FACTORIES IN KOWLOON THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON:-
GOVERNOR: I AM DELIGHTED THAT I HAVE HAI) THE OPPORTUNITY THIS AFTERNOON OF VISITING TWO OF OUR MOST IMPORTANT AND SUCCESSFUL MANUFACTURING COMPANIES IN HONG KONG. I FIRST OF ALL VISITED ONE OF OUR FOREMOST WATCH MANUFACTURERS, SUNCITI. AND THEY DO AN EXCELLENT JOB, TRYING TO REDUCE THE QUANTITY OF POLLUTION WHICH THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS RESULTS IN. 1 AM DELIGHTED TO HAVE MET MAXTER AGAIN THIS AFTERNOON, NOT FOR THE FIRST TIME BECAUSE I PRESENTED AWARDS TO THEM IN THE PAST. THEY ARE AN OUTSTANDING PCB PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD MANUFACTURER, ONE OF THE MOST PROMINENT ELECTRONIC FIRMS IN HONG KONG. AND THEY REPRESENT, WHICH IS AN ASTONISHING FIGURE, 1.2 PERCENT OF OUR EXPORTS IN HONG KONG. I THINK IT’S A REMINDER TO EVERYONE THAT THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR REMAINS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT TO OUR ECONOMY WHILE, OF COURSE, SERVICES HAVE BECOME INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT OVER THE YEARS, WE STILL DEPEND A GOOD DEAL ON ELECTRONICS, ON WATCH MANUFACTURE, ON TEXTILES, AND ON OTHER MANUFACTURING PROCESSES FOR OUR WELL BEING. SO, I AM DELIGHTED TO HAVE HAD THIS OPPORTUNITY OF CONTINUING MY VISITS TO THE WEALTH CREATORS, THE WEALTH PRODUCERS OF HONG KONG.
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, ARE YOU DISAPPOINTED THAT LU PING WOULDN’T BE MEETING YOU NEXT WEEK WHEN HE COMES TO HONG KONG?
GOVERNOR: I WANT TO SAY, FIRST OF ALL, THAT I THINK IT’S ALWAYS WELCOMED WHEN DIRECTOR LU PING COMES TO HONG KONG. I AM SORRY THAT HE HASN’T BEEN HERE FOR SOME TIME. BUT I THINK HIS VISIT WILL BE WELCOMED. I THINK HE WILL GET A VERY CORDIAL RECEPTION FROM PEOPLE IN HONG KONG BECAUSE PEOPLE HERE RECOGNISE THAT IT IS IMPORTANT, GIVEN HIS RESPONSIBILITIES THAT HE COMES DOWN FROM TIME TO TIME TO SEE THE SPECTACULAR PROGRESS THAT WE ARE MAKING. I THINK PEOPLE WILL ALSO HOPE THAT THEY HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY OF SHARING SOME OF THEIR CONCERNS WITH HIM, SOME OF THEIR CONCERNS ABOUT THE PRESENT DAY AND SOME OF THEIR CONCERNS ABOUT THE FUTURE. AND I THINK EVERYBODY WILL BE HOPING THAT DIRECTOR LU COMES WITH SOME GOOD NEWS FOR HONG KONG IN HIS POCKETS, GOOD NEWS ABOUT LIVELIHOOD ISSUES, GOOD NEWS ABOUT SOME OF THE ISSUES THAT HAVE BEEN GRID LOCKED IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP, GOOD NEWS ABOUT THE AIRPORT AND OTHER MATTERS.
/I'VE MADE .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1994
2 -
I’VE MADE IT CLEAR TO DIRECTOR LU PING ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS AND TO OTHER SENIOR CHINESE OFFICIALS THAT I WOULD BE HAPPY TO MEET THEM AND TALK TO THEM AT ANY TIME IN THE INTEREST OF HONG KONG. I THINK THAT IS WHAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WOULD EXPECT OF BOTH SIDES, BOTH OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND OF CHINESE OFFICIALS. I’VE SAID TO DIRECTOR LU PING A NUMBER OF TIMES OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS THAT I WOULD LIKE TO CONTINUE THE DIALOGUE WITH HIM. I WROTE TO HIM MOST RECENTLY BEFORE WE KNEW OF HIS IMPENDING VISIT ON APRIL 13 AND I SAID ON THAT OCCASION THAT THERE WERE TWO ISSUES IN PARTICULAR WHICH I WOULD WELCOME THE OPPORTUNITY OF TALKING TO HIM ABOUT, EITHER IN PRIVATE OR WITH PEOPLE KNOWING THAT THE CONVERSATIONS WERE GOING ON. THE FIRST IS THE WHOLE QUESTION OF PROPERTY PRICES BECAUSE I WANTED TO PUT HIM IN THE PICTURE ABOUT HOW WE SAW THE SITUATION AND WHAT WE THOUGHT WAS THE RIGHT WAY FORWARD IN TACKLING IT. AND THE SECOND ISSUE WHICH I SAID I WOULD LIKE TO TALK TO HIM ABOUT, WAS THE TRANSITION OF THE CIVIL SERVICE WHICH IS ANOTHER ISSUE WHICH IS IMPORTANT TO US BOTH. WELL, WE READ A GOOD DEAL OF SPECULATION IN THE PRESS BUT WE DIDN’T GET A REPLY UNTIL TODAY. AND TODAY, DIRECTOR LU PING HAS WRITTEN TO SAY THAT HIS SCHEDULE IS SO BUSY IN HONG KONG THAT HE WON’T ON THIS OCCASION BE ABLE TO VISIT AND TO HAVE A DISCUSSION THOUGH I THINK, HE SUGGESTED THAT THERE MAY BE OPPORTUNITIES IN THE FUTURE WHICH IS INDEED I VERY MUCH HOPE THE CASE. I’D JUST LIKE TO ADD THIS THAT I AM PREPARED TO CROSS ANY STREET, OPEN ANY DOOR, SHAKE ANY HAND, TALK TO ANYONE IF IT IS IN THE INTEREST OF HONG KONG. AND I THINK THAT IS WHAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WOULD EXPECT. I THINK PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WANT US TO TALK TOGETHER. I THINK PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WANT US TO CO-OPERATE IN THE INTEREST OF HONG KONG. I AM SURE THAT DIRECTOR LU PING WILL NEED TO MAKE AND WANT TO MAKE MANY FUTURE VISITS TO HONG KONG BETWEEN NOW AND JUNE 30, 1997 AND I AM SURE THAT HE’LL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY DURING THOSE VISITS OF DOING WHAT I AM SURE, EVERYONE IN HONG KONG WOULD LIKE AND THAT IS TO TALK TO THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT.
QUESTION: DO YOU THINK HE WOULD INFRINGE WITH THE MOU IF HE IS NOT GOING TO SEE YOU?
GOVERNOR: I THINK THAT’S A QUESTION YOU’D BETTER ASK HIM.
QUESTION: SIR, WILL YOU STILL LET THE SENIOR CIVIL SERVANTS TO MEET DIRECTOR LU PING TO SHOW THAT YOU WANT TO CO-OPERATE WITH THEM?
GOVERNOR: IF HIS SCHEDULE’S TOO BUSY TO MEET THE GOVERNOR, I IMAGINE IT MUST BE TOO BUSY TO MEET ANY SENIOR CIVIL SERVANTS. AND AS YOU KNOW, THE CHIEF SECRETARY IS AWAY AT THE MOMENT.
QUESTION: HAVE YOU ANY PLAN TO INTERVENE ON THE CANING OF THE BOY IN SINGAPORE?
GOVERNOR: I THINK I AM RIGHT IN SAYING THAT THE FAMILY OF THE YOUNG MAN IN QUESTION ARE AT PRESENT STILL GOING THROUGH THE LEGAL PROCESSES. THEY HAVEN’T APPROACHED US AND I THINK THE SENSIBLE THING AT THE MOMENT TO DO IS TO ALLOW THE LEGAL PROCESSES TO GO FORWARD. THERE IS JUST ONE POINT THAT I WOULD ADD AND SINCE THERE HAS BEEN SO MUCH SPECULATION ABOUT CRIME AND PUNISHMENT IN THE REGION IN RECENT WEEKS, PERHAPS, BECAUSE OF THIS AFFAIR, IT IS WORTH US ALL REMEMBERING IN HONG KONG THAT THE CRIME RATES IN HONG KONG ARE LESS BAD THAN THE CRIME RATES IN SINGAPORE.
/QUESTION: .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1994
- 3 -
QUESTION: SIR, DO YOU THINK DIRECTOR LU PING’S REFUSAL TO MEET YOU IS SHOWING THAT THE CHINESE SIDE IS UNWILLING To CO-OPERATE WITH THE BRITISH AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENTS?
GOVERNOR: 1 THINK YOU’D BETTER ASK THEM THAT. I AM PRETTY CERTAIN THAT THE PEOPLE OP HONG KONG WOULD LIKE DIREI TOR LU PING AND ME AS GOVERNOR AND OTHER SENIOR OFFICIALS IN THE ADMINISTRATION TO TALK ABOUT ISSUES WHICH’RE VERY IMPORTANT TO THE LIVELIHOOD OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG. ON THIS OCCASION, DIRECTOR LU PING SAYS IT'S, ALAS, NOT POSSIBLE FOR US TO SCHEDULE A MEETING. I HOPE THAT ON FUTURE OCCASIONS, IT WILL BE. I AM SURE ON FUTURE OCCASIONS, IT WILL BE. BUT, ON THIS OCCASION, I AM AFRAID PEOPLE IN HONG KONG ARE GOING TO BE DISAPPOINTED.
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, ON THE NEW TERRITORIES, DO YOU THINK THE RECENT DISCONTENT OF THE NEW TERRITORIES RESIDENTS ARE RESULT OF NEGLIGENCE BY THE BRITISH ADMINISTRATION OVER THE NEW TERRITORIES POLICIES?
GOVERNOR: NO.
QUESTION: WHY NOT?
GOVERNOR: THEY AR:E PLAINLY NOTHING TO DO WITH NEGLIGENCE. IN SOME CASES, THEY RESULT, I AM AFRAID, IN PEOPLE BEING GIVEN THE WRONG INFORMATION ABOUT LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS WHICH ARE BEING DISCUSSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. BUT I HAVE TO SAY THIS TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG: DO WE ACTUALLY WANT OUR WATER WAYS TO BE POLLUTED? DO WE ACTUALLY WANT OUR GREEN SPACES TO BE COVERED WITH CONTAINERS AND OLD CARS? DO WE ACTUALLY THINK THAT MEN AND WOMEN SHOULD BE TREATED EQUALLY IN HONG KONG, EVEN WHILE TACKLING ALL THOSE ISSUES, WE RESPECT THE TRADITIONAL POSITIONS AND THE TRADITIONAL RIGHTS OF VILLAGERS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES. 1 THINK THAT SENSIBLY, WE HAVE TO STRIKE A BALANCE IN THE INTEREST OF THE WHOLE COMMUNITY AND THAT IS WHAT WE ARE TRYING TO DO. WE WILL BEST PROCEED ON THE BASIS OF DISCUSSION AND COOPERATION, NOT CONFRONTATION. THAT IS TRUE ABOUT THE NEW TERRITORIES JUST AS IT IS TRUE ABOUT OTHER THINGS AS WELL. LAST QUESTION.
QUESTION: SIR, CAN YOU COMMENT ON THE DEMONSTRATION OUTSIDE LEGCO CONCERNING THE WASTE DISPOSAL AMENDMENT....?
GOVERNOR: YOU HAD TWO. WHILE PEOPLE HAVE BEEN DEMONSTRATING OUTSIDE LEGCO, I HOPE, PEACEFULLY, I HAVE BEEN VISITING FACTORIES. ONE OTHER QUESTION.
QUESTION: ISN’T IT IN BREACH OF THE MOU THAT DIRECTOR LU PING ....MEET...?
GOVERNOR: THAT’S A QUESTION FOR HIM AND I AM SURE YOU HAVE MANY OPPORTUNITIES NEXT WEEK IN BETWEEN HIS BUSY SCHEDULE TO ASK.
QUESTION: GOVERNOR, IF YOU COULD MEET WITH LU PING, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL HIM ABOUT THE SOARING PROPERTY PRICES?
/GOVERNOR: .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1994
GOVERNOR: WHAT I SAID IN MY LETTER, IT WAS WHOLLY WELL-INTENTIONED, AS I SAID, CAME BEFORE THERE WAS ANY SPECULATION ABOUT HIS VISIT, I WROTE ON APRIL 13. WHAT I SAID WAS THAT WE WERE CONSIDERING A RANGE OF OPTIONS AND WHAT WE WANTED TO DO WAS TO DAMPEN DOWN THE PROPERTY MARKET AND THE INCREASE IN PRICES IN THE PROPERTY MARKET WITHOUT DOING ANY, AS IT WERE, STRUCTURAL DAMAGE TO THE MARKET. I THINK MOST OF THE ANALYSTS AND MOST OF THE COMMENTATORS ON THE PROPERTY INDUSTRY RECOGNISE THAT ONE HAS TO STRIKE RATHER A DIFFICULT BALANCE. THAT IS WHAT WE ARE LOOKING AT DOING AT THE MOMENT. I THINK YOU WILL KNOW THAT WE ARE LOOKING AT A RANGE OF ISSUES PRINCIPALLY ON THE SUPPLY SIDE, ON THE LAND SUPPLY SIDE BUT THERE ARE OTHER THINGS WE MAY HAVE TO CONSIDER AS WELL. AND WHAT I WOULD HAVE WANTED TO DO WAS TO GO THROUGH THE SORT OF MEASURES THAT WE WERE THINKING ABOUT TOTALLY FRANKLY WITH DIRECTOR LU PING BECAUSE HE HAS UNDERSTANDABLE INTEREST IN THE IMPACT OF ANYTHING WE DO, NOT ONLY ON THE ECONOMY TODAY BUT ON THE ECONOMY IN THE FUTURE. IT’S A BIG LIVELIHOOD ISSUE IN HONG KONG. I HAVE SAID BEFORE THAT I THINK IT’S PRETTY WELL TOP OF EVERYBODY'S PERSONAL DOMESTIC AGENDA. SO I WANTED TO SPEAK VERY FRANKLY TO HIM ABOUT THAT. I ALSO WANTED TO TALK TO HIM ABOUT THE TRANSITION OF THE CIVIL SERVICE. WE KNOW VERY WELL THAT THAT IS CRUCIAL TO HONG KONG’S WELLBEING AND WE KNOW VERY WELL THAT I THINK SENIOR CHINESE OFFICIALS HAVE BEEN CONCERNED ABOUT A RECENT SURVEY WHICH SUGGESTED THAT A LOT OF CIVIL SERVANTS IN HONG KONG WERE THINKING ABOUT LEAVING IN 1997 BECAUSE OF THEIR WORRY ABOUT THE FUTURE. THAT WAS SOMETHING ELSE I WANTED TO TALK TO HIM ABOUT. BUT, IF WE HAVEN’T HAD THE CHANCE THIS TIME,I AM SURE WE’LL HAVE THE CHANCE IN THE FUTURE. LAST ONE.
QUESTION: GOVERNOR, ARE YOU DISAPPOINTED OR ANGRY THAT YOU WON’T GET TO MEET HIM?
GOVERNOR: I THINK HONG KONG WILL BE DISAPPOINTED BUT I’VE GOT A VERY BUSY SCHEDULE OF ENGAGEMENTS NEXT WEEK. I WOULD HAVE CHANGED ANY OF MY ENGAGEMENTS IN ORDER TO BE THERE ROLLING OUT THE RED CARPET. I WOULD HAVE BEEN HAPPY TO INVITE DIRECTOR LU PING TO AN EARLY CELEBRATION OF MY 50TH BIRTHDAY WHICH COMES THE FOLLOWING WEEK. BUT I MUST WANT TO REPEAT WHAT I SAID EARLIER. I DON’T THINK THAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG EXPECT US TO BE OTHER THAN VERY OPEN-MINDED, VERY BROAD-MINDED, RATHER GENEROUS IN OUR APPROACH TO THIS SORT OF ISSUES. THERE ARE SERIOUS QUESTIONS THAT WE NEED TO DISCUSS AND I REPEAT WHAT 1 SAID EARLIER, I AM PREPARED TO OPEN ANY DOOR; I AM PREPARED TO GO UP ANY STREET IN ORDER TO HAVE AS GOOD AND OPEN A DIALOGUE WITH CHINESE OFFICIALS AS POSSIBLE AND MY PREDICTION, I AM NOT A MAN WHO GOES IN PROPHECY VERY MUCH, MY PREDICTION IS BEFORE VERY LONG AND THOSE MEETINGS YOU WILL SEE TAKING PLACE. THANK YOU VERY MUCH INDEED.
- - 0--------
/5........
R
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1994
- 5 -
GOVERNOR TALKS ABOUT LU PTNG’S VISIT *****
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON HE WAS SURE THAT DIRECTOR LU PING WOULD NEED AND WANT TO MAKE MANY FUTURE VISITS TO HONG KONG DURING WHICH TO TALK TO THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AS EVERYONE IN HONG KONG WOULD LIKE.
RESPONDING TO MEDIA QUESTIONS AFTER VISITING TWO KOWLOON FACTORIES ABOUT DIRECTOR LU PING’S VISIT TO HONG KONG NEXT WEEK, MR PATTEN SAID:
"TODAY, DIRECTOR LU PING HAS WRITTEN TO SAY THAT HIS SCHEDULE ; IS SO BUSY IN HONG KONG THAT HE WON’T ON THIS OCCASION BE ABLE TO VISIT AND TO HAVE A DISCUSSION THOUGH I THINK, HE SUGGESTED THAT THERE MAY BE OPPORTUNITIES IN THE FUTURE WHICH IS INDEED, I VERY MUCH HOPE, THE CASE.
"I AM PREPARED TO CROSS ANY STREET, OPEN ANY DOOR, SHAKE ANY HAND, TALK TO ANYONE IF IT IS IN THE INTEREST OF HONG KONG.
"I THINK THAT IS WHAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WOULD EXPECT. I THINK PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WANT US TO TALK TOGETHER. I THINK PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WANT US TO CO-OPERATE IN THE INTEREST OF HONG KONG."
THE GOVERNOR SAID HE HAD MADE IT CLEAR TO DIRECTOR LU PING AND OTHER SENIOR CHINESE OFFICIALS ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS THAT HE WOULD BE HAPPY TO MEET THEM AND TALK TO THEM AT ANY TIME IN THE INTEREST OF HONG KONG.
"I THINK THAT IS WHAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WOULD EXPECT OF BOTH SIDES, BOTH OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND OF CHINESE OFFICIALS," HE SAID.
"I’VE SAID TO DIRECTOR LU PING A NUMBER OF TIMES OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS THAT I WOULD LIKE TO CONTINUE THE DIALOGUE WITH HIM.
"I WROTE TO HIM MOST RECENTLY BEFORE WE KNEW OF HIS IMPENDING VISIT ON APRIL 13 AND I SAID ON THAT OCCASION THAT THERE WERE TWO ISSUES IN PARTICULAR WHICH I WOULD WELCOME THE OPPORTUNITY OF TALKING TO HIM ABOUT, EITHER IN PRIVATE OR WITH PEOPLE KNOWING THAT THE CONVERSATIONS WERE GOING ON.
"THE FIRST IS THE WHOLE QUESTION OF PROPERTY PRICES BECAUSE I WANTED TO PUT HIM IN THE PICTURE ABOUT HOW WE SAW- THE SITUATION AND WHAT WE THOUGHT WAS THE RIGHT WAY FORWARD IN TACKLING IT.
"THE SECOND ISSUE WHICH I SAID I WOULD LIKE TO TALK TO HIM ABOUT, WAS THE TRANSITION OF THE CIVIL SERVICE WHICH IS ANOTHER ISSUE WHICH IS IMPORTANT TO US BOTH," HE SAID.
- - 0---------
/6 ........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1994
6
CS DISCUSSES HK’S POSITION ON MFN DURING USA VISIT *****
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, ON TUESDAY (APRIL 26) HAD ANOTHER BUSY ROUND OF MEETINGS IN WASHINGTON DC WITH SENIOR LEADERS IN THE ADMINISTRATION, CONGRESS AND THE SENATE,
THESE INCLUDED CONGRESSWOMAN NANCY PELOSI, SPEAKER TOM FOLEY, SENATOR GEORGE MITCHELL, CONGRESSMAN DAVE MCCURDY, SENATOR MAX BAUCUS, AND CHAIRMAN OF PRESIDENT CLINTON’S INTERNATIONAL TRADE SUB-COMMITTEE AND ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF STATE FOR EAST ASIAN AND PACIFIC AFFAIRS WINSTON LORD.
MRS CHAN HAS NOW SEEN MOST OF THE KEY PLAYERS ON THE MOST FAVOURED NATION (MFN) ISSUE.
SHE SAID SHE HAD VERY GOOD DISCUSSIONS AND HAD BEEN ABLE TO PUT ACROSS HONG KONG’S CASE.
"I THINK, AND I VERY MUCH HOPE, THAT WHEN PRESIDENT CLINTON COMES TO MAKE HIS FINAL DECISION THAT HE WILL HAVE REGARD TO HONG KONG’S POSITION ON THE MFN ISSUE." •
FOLLOWING HER MEETING WITH MRS CHAN, DEMOCRATIC REPRESENTATIVE NANCY PELOSI SAID WHILE SHE AND MRS CHAN HAD A DIFFERENCE OF OPINION, SHE FELT THE CHIEF SECRETARY’S VISIT WAS VERY SUCCESSFUL.
THEY HAD SHARED "A VERY CANDID CONVERSATION", CONGRESSWOMAN PELOSI SAID, ADDING THAT SHE BELIEVED MRS CHAN HAD CONTRIBUTED GREATLY TO THE DISCUSSION ON THIS ISSUE.
SHE ALSO GAVE A LUNCHEON SPEECH TO A GROUP OF INFLUENTIAL OPINION-FORMERS, COMPRISING ACADEMICS, THINK-TANK ANALYSTS, SENIOR U.S. ADMINISTRATION OFFICIALS AND CONGRESSIONAL STAFFERS.
t
ON WEDNESDAY, A NATIONAL DAY OF MOURNING IN MEMORY OF THE LATE PRESIDENT NIXON AND A FEDERAL HOLIDAY, MRS CHAN WILL GIVE A NUMBER OF MEDIA INTERVIEWS. SHE WILL ALSO ADDRESS A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE U.S. - CHINA BUSINESS COUNCIL.
------0--------
TRANSCRIPT OF CHIEF SECRETARY’S DOOR-STEP INTERVIEW *****
FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE DOOR-STEP INTERVIEW BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, WITH THE MEDIA- AFTER CALLING ON ACTING U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE, MR STROBE TALBOTT, IN WASHINGTON DC ON APRIL 25:
CHIEF SECRETARY: I HAVE COME FROM A VERY USEFUL AND CONSTRUCTIVE MEETING WITH THE ACTING SECRETARY OF STATE, MR STROBE TALBOTT, AND MR WINSTON LORD. I OBVIOUSLY PUT FORWARD THE HONG KONG CASE FOR THE UNCONDITIONAL EXTENSION OF MFN TO CHINA. BOTH MR TALBOTT AND MR LORD LISTENED VERY ATTENTIVELY, AND THEY ASSURED ME THAT THE HONG KONG CASE IS WELL UNDERSTOOD AND WILL BE FULLY TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT WHEN THEY MAKE A FINAL DECISION ABOUT WHETHER MFN SHOULD BE EXTENDED OR NOT.
/QUESTION: .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1994
QUESTION: ARE THEY GOING TO GIVE A SELECTIVE MFN TO CHINA?
CHIEF SECRETARY: WELL, I WAS ASSURED THAT NO DECISION HAS BEEN MADE. OBVIOUSLY, THEY WILL TAKE INTO ACCOUNT VARIOUS FACTORS AND THEY WILL PARTICULARLY TAKE INTO ACCOUNT HONG KONG’S SITUATION.
QUESTION: DID YOU DISCUSS ANYTHING ABOUT LATER DEMOCRATIC PROPOSALS, BESIDES MFN?
QUESTION: HOW ABOUT HUMAN RIGHTS?
CHIEF SECRETARY: WELL, WE OBVIOUSLY TOUCHED ON THE SITUATION IN HONG KONG, THE SITUATION IN CHINA, BOTH THE ECONOMIC SITUATION, THE HUMAN RIGHTS IN CHINA.
- - 0 - -
INTER-DEPARTMENTAL INVESTIGATION TEAM SUBMITS REPORT ON SHEK KIP MEI BANK FIRE » » ♦ » »
THE SPECIAL INTER-DEPARTMENTAL INVESTIGATION TEAM, COMMISSIONED TO LOOK INTO THE FIRE INCIDENT OCCURRED AT THE HONG KONG BANK SHEK KIP MEI BRANCH ON JANUARY 10 THIS YEAR, HAS SUBMITTED ITS REPORT TO THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY.
"IN VIEW OF THE ON-GOING MURDER TRIAL AND SUBSEQUENT DEATH INQUEST, DETAILS OF THE REPORT CANNOT BE DISCLOSED PRIOR TO THE DISPOSITION OF JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS,’’ A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HOWEVER, THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE INVESTIGATION TEAM HAD PUT FORWARD A NUMBER OF RECOMMENDATIONS TO UPGRADE FIRE SAFETY STANDARDS AND MEANS OF ESCAPE IN COMMERCIAL PREMISES OF SIMILAR LAYOUT.
THEY INCLUDE OFF-COURSE BETTING CENTRES, JEWELLERY AND GOLDSMITHS SHOPS, PAWN SHOPS, MONEY CHANGERS, PAYMENT OFFICES AND SHROFFS, AND MEDICAL CLINICS.
"WE BELIEVE THAT MANY OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS CAN ALSO BE USEFULLY APPLIED TO OTHER COMMERCIAL PREMISES, SUCH AS SUPERMARKETS, DEPARTMENT STORES AND SHOPPING ARCADES," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
HE SAID THE ADMINISTRATION APPRECIATED THAT THE RECOMMENDATIONS MIGHT ENTAIL SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT WORKS AND MIGHT HAVE AN IMPACT ON THE MAJOR USERS OF THOSE PREMISES.
"WE ARE, THEREFORE, SEEKING VIEWS AND COMMENTS FROM AFFECTED ORGANISATIONS AND BODIES ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS AND THE FEASIBILITY OF IMPLEMENTING THEM," HE SAID.
A CONSULTATION REPORT WILL BE SENT TO THE FOLLOWING INTERESTED PARTIES FOR COMMENTS BY JUNE 24:-
/HONG KONG
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1994
- 8 -
HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB THE HONG KONG SOCIETY OF BUILDERS THE HONG KONG CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION LTD THE HONG KONG E & M CONTRACTORS’ ASSOCIATION LTD THE HONG KONG ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS’ ASSOCIATION LTD HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERS HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF HOUSING THE HONG KONG JEWELLERS’ AND GOLDSMITHS’ ASSOCIATION LTD THE KOWLOON PEARLS, PRECIOUS STONES, GOLD AND SILVER ORNAMENT MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION THE REAL ESTATE DEVELOPERS ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG RETAIL MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION HONG KONG MEDICAL ASSOCIATION HONG KONG DENTAL ASSOCIATION OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COUNCIL CHINA LIGHT & POWER CO LTD THE HONG KONG ELECTRIC CO LTD THE HONG KONG AND CHINA GAS LTD HONG KONG TELECOM LTD GOVERNMENT PROPERTY AGENCY ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WATER AUTHORITY DISTRICT BOARDS ASSOCIATION OF REGISTERED FIRE SERVICE INSTALLATION CONTRACTORS OF HONG KONG LTD MAJOR PAWN BROKERS & MONEY CHANGERS
COPIES OF THE CONSULTATION REPORT WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE FROM DISTRICT OFFICES.
VIEWS AND COMMENTS SHOULD BE SENT IN WRITING TO THE FIRE PROTECTION BUREAU, FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 1 HONG CHONG ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI, KOWLOON, BEFORE THE CLOSING OF THE TWO-MONTH CONSULTATION PERIOD. ---------------------------------0-------- /9...................................................................
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1994
- 9 -
EDUCATION COUNCIL HOLDS FIRST MEETING *****
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WONG, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SAID HE HOPED THAT THE NEWLY ESTABLISHED COUNCIL ON PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT IN EDUCATION WOULD ACCELERATE WORK TOWARDS THE FORMULATION OF A CODE OF CONDUCT FOR EDUCATORS, FURTHER ENHANCE THE IMAGE OF THE TEACHING PROFESSION, AND IMPROVE ITS PROFESSIONAL STATUS.
SPEAKING AT THE FIRST MEETING OF THE NEW COUNCIL, MR WONG SAID: "I HOPE THAT THE NEW COUNCIL WILL ALSO ATTRACT MORE HIGH-CALIBRE YOUNG PEOPLE TO JOIN THE TEACHING PROFESSION, THEREBY IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION IN HONG KONG."
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE COUNCIL WAS NOT A FORUM TO FIGHT FOR TEACHERS’ WELFARE OR RIGHTS.
THE COUNCIL WOULD BE A NON-STATUTORY BODY TO ADVISE THE GOVENMENT ON MEASURES TO PROMOTE PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT IN EDUCATION, INCLUDING THE DRAFTING OF OPERATIONAL CRITERIA DEFINING THE CONDUCT EXPECTED OF AN EDUCATOR, AND TO ADVISE THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION IN CASES OF DISPUTE OR ALLEGED PROFESSIONAL MISCONDUCT.
MR WONG ADDED: "THE GOVERNMENT WILL REVIEW THE COUNCIL’S WORK AND ITS PROGRESS IN DRAFTING THE PROFESSIONAL CODE OF CONDUCT IN THREE YEARS’ TIME. A DECISION WILL THEN BE TAKEN ON THE FUTURE DIRECTION.
"THE FACT THAT YOU HAVE WON THE ELECTIONS CONFIRMS THE SUPPORT YOU ENJOY AMONG EDUCATORS," MR WONG TOLD COUNCIL MEMBERS.
"YOUR FIRST TASK WILL BE TO DRAW UP A CODE OF CONDUCT AND TO CANVASS THE SUPPORT OF THE TEACHING PROFESSION FOR ITS ACCEPTANCE.
"WIDE CONSULTATIONS WILL NEED TO BE HELD IN DUE COURSE. THIS IS AN IMPORTANT AND DIFFICULT TASK. I AM SURE YOU WILL GO ABOUT IT IN THE MOST PROFESSIONAL MANNER.
"WE MUST ALL REMEMBER THAT THE CODE OF CONDUCT WILL BE WORKED OUT BY EDUCATORS RATHER THAN BEING IMPOSED ON THEM FROM THE TOP.
"IT WILL SERVE AS A MODEL OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT AND USED AS THE CRITERIA FOR SETTLING CASES OF ALLEGED PROFESSIONAL MISCONDUCT."
MR WONG ALSO UNDERLINED THE IMPORTANT ROLE OF LAY MEMBERS WHOSE EXPERIENCE AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE IN OTHER SECTORS WOULD BE HELPFUL TO THE WORK OF THE COUNCIL.
THE DIRECTOR CONGRATULATED THE NEW MEMBERS AND WISHED THEM SUCCESS IN THEIR WORK.
MEMBERS WILL SERVE UNTIL APRIL 30, 1996.
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/10 .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1994
- 10 -
CONFERENCE ON CURRICULUM CHANGES IN HK
*****
A TWO-DAY CONFERENCE ENTITLED "CURRICULUM CHANGES IN HONG KONG AND THE NEEDS OF THE NEW ERA" WILL BE HELD IN THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG (CUHK) STARTING AT 9 AM ON FRIDAY (APRIL 29).
THE CONFERENCE, WITH A VIEW TO DISCUSSING VARIOUS ISSUES ON CURRICULUM CHANGES IN HONG KONG, WILL BE HELD IN THE FACULTY OF EDUCATION, ROOM B6, HO TIM BUILDING.
IT IS ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE AND THE DEPARTMENT OF CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION OF THE FACULTY OF EDUCATION OF THE UNIVERSITY.
ABOUT 300 LOCAL AND OVERSEAS SCHOLARS FROM BRITAIN, AUSTRALIA, CHINA, TAIWAN AND SINGAPORE WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE CONFERENCE.
ABOUT 40 RESEARCH PAPERS WITH REPORTS ON FINDINGS ON CURRICULUM, TEACHING AND OTHER EDUCATIONAL ASPECTS WILL BE PRESENTED BY LOCAL SCHOLARS. A NUMBER OF WORKSHOPS ARE ALSO ORGANISED TO INTRODUCE THE RESEARCH WORK.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING OF THE CONFERENCE WHICH WILL START AT 9 AM ON FRIDAY (APRIL 29) IN ROOM B6, HO TIM BUILDING, CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, SHA TIN, NEW TERRITORIES.
------0--------
JOHN DENVER PLANTS WAN CHAI’S 623RD TREE
*****
AMERICAN COUNTRY SINGER, MR JOHN DENVER, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PLANTED A LARGE CHINESE BANYAN TREE IN WAN CHAI.
NOW PROVIDING SHADE AT THE JUNCTION OF JOHNSTON ROAD AND WAN CHAI ROAD, IT WAS THE 623RD TREE PLANTED UNDER THE "GREEN WAN CHAI" PROJECT INITIATED BY THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD.
MR DENVER WAS JOINED BY WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PETER MANN; WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MRS PEGGY LAM; CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE, MR STEPHEN WONG AND THE GENERAL MANAGER OF UNITED AIRLINES, MR DAVID SOLLOWAY.
A GROUP OF SCHOOL CHILDREN FROM THE WAN CHAI SCHOOL ALSO TOOK PART IN THE TREE-PLANTING CEREMONY.
COMING TO HONG KONG AS PART OF HIS ASIAN TOUR, MR DENVER IS KNOWN TO BE PASSIONATE ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES, IN PARTICULAR WITH TREE PLANTING.
HE WILL BE MEETING A NUMBER OF ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICIALS DURING HIS VISIT WHICH IS SPONSORED BY UNITED AIRLINES.
------0-------
/Il .....
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1994
- 11 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,839 0930 -213
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,643 1000 -105
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 -5
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -6 1200 -4
LAF TODAY -190 1500 -4
1600 -6
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 124.8 ♦ -0.1* 27.4.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 2.70 19 MONTHS 2511 4.15 98.36 5.32
1 MONTH 3.19 22 MONTHS 2602 4.40 98.13 5.58
3 MONTHS 3.78 30 MONTHS 3610 4.20 95.99 6.04
6 MONTHS 4.25 33 MONTHS 3701 4.60 96.27 6.18
12 : MONTHS 4.80 36 MONTHS 3704 4.15 99.96 6.26
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 20,970 MN
CLOSED 27 APRIL 1994
------0------------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUPPLEMENT
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING:
REVENUE-RELATED BILLS INTRODUCED TO LEGCO.............. 1
SFS ON INTEREST RATE RULES............................. 3
BILLS ON LIVESTOCK WASTE PASSED....................... 10
THREE BILLS INTRODUCED TO BETTER PROTECT CONSUMERS... 12
GOVERNMENT MINUTE ON PAC INTRODUCED................... 13
KCRC ANNUAL REPORT 1993 TABLED AT LEGCO............... 13
BILL TO REDUCE AIRCRAFT NOISE......................... 14
NOISE PROBLEMS CONSIDERED FOR HK STADIUM.............. 15
BEDSPACE APARTMENTS BILL PASSED....................... 16
AMENDMENT BILL ON MAHJONG PLAYING AND FOREIGN LOTTERIES 16
AG EXPLAINS WHY SOME COMMERCIAL CRIME PROSECUTIONS ARE
TERMINATED............................................ I7
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFENCES WILL NOT BE TAKEN LIGHTLY. 18
MEASURES TO FIGHT JUVENILE CRIME...................... 19
VM PROBLEM TO BE RESOLVED IN TWO YEARS 20
/MORE THAN..
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
MORE THAN 100 HK RESIDENTS IN THAI PRISONS.................. 21
CRITERIA FOR ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRES NOT LAID DOWN... 21
STEPPED-UP ENFORCEMENT TO PREVENT DRUG ABUSE BY ADOLESCENTS................................................. 21
HELP FOR TRAVEL AGENT IN PHILIPPINES DRUG CASE.............. 22
PLAN ON MUSIC OFFICE’S FUTURE FOR EXCO IN TWO MONTHS..... 23
WASTE PAPER RECOVERY ENCOURAGED............................. 24
HONG KONG HAS HIGH RECOVERY RATE OF BEVERAGE CONTAINERS 24
ASSESSMENT OF CIVIL SERVANTS’ CHINESE STANDARD.............. 25
STAFF RECRUITED TO SPEED UP LAND TRANSACTIONS............... 26
TERRITORY-WIDE CONTROL ON BANNER DISPLAY UNDER CONSIDERATION............................................... 26
EMBARKATION FEE PAYABLE BY VESSEL OWNER..................... 27
42 ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMITTEES SET UP: SHA............... 27
CONCESSIONARY FARE SCHEMES FOR ELDERLY ENCOURAGED........ 28
WORKING HOURS OF ELDERLY PEOPLE............................. 28
MOTION ON CANCELLATION OF THE AGREEMENT ON INTEREST RATES PASSED................................................ 29
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1994
- 1 -
REVENUE-RELATED BILLS INTRODUCED TO LEGCO * * * * *
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR HAMISH MACLEOD, AND THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR KWONG KI-CHI, INTRODUCED SIX BILLS INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON TO GIVE EFFECT TO SOME OF THE REVENUE-RELATED PROPOSALS IN THE 1994/95 BUDGET.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994, SIR HAMISH SAID IT WOULD MAKE SOME MAJOR CONCESSIONS IN RESPECT OF SALARIES TAX AND CORPORATE PROFITS TAX WITH EFFECT FROM THE 1994/95 YEAR OF ASSESSMENT.
FIRST, IT WOULD INCREASE SUBSTANTIALLY VARIOUS SALARIES TAX ALLOWANCES.
SPECIFICALLY, THE BASIC ALLOWANCE AND THE MARRIED PERSON’S ALLOWANCE WOULD GO UP BY ABOUT 28 PER CENT TO $72,000 AND $144,000 RESPECTIVELY, WHILE ALLOWANCES FOR DEPENDENT CHILDREN, DEPENDENT PARENTS AND SINGLE. PARENTS WOULD BE INCREASED BY ABOUT 18 PER CENT.
SECONDLY, THE BILL WOULD INTRODUCE A NEW ALLOWANCE, SET AT $20,000, IN RESPECT OF DEPENDENT GRANDPARENTS RESIDENT IN HONG KONG FOR WHOM NO DEPENDENT PARENT ALLOWANCE IS CLAIMED.
THIRDLY, IT WOULD REDUCE THE TOP MARGINAL TAX RATE FROM 25 PER CENT TO 20 PER CENT.
FINALLY, THE BILL WOULD REDUCE THE CORPORATE PROFITS TAX RATE FROM 17.5 PER CENT TO 16.5 PER CENT, THUS RESTORING IT TO THE PRE-1992 LEVEL. THE ESTIMATED TOTAL COST TO GENERAL REVENUE OF THESE CONCESSIONS WOULD BE $4.8 BILLION IN 1994/95 AND ABOUT $30.7 BILLION UP TO 1997/98.
REGARDING THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994, SIR HAMISH SAID IT HAD TWO PURPOSES.
FIRST, IT WOULD SIMPLIFY THE OLD ALCOHOL DUTY SYSTEM BY INTRODUCING A FULL AD VALOREM DUTY SYSTEM.
THE NEW SYSTEM WOULD ALSO BE FAIRER, HE SAID.
UNDER THE PROPOSAL, ALL ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND OTHER ETHYL ALCOHOL PRODUCTS WOULD BE CLASSIFIED INTO THREE BROAD CATEGORIES FOR DUTY PURPOSES BY REFERENCE TO THEIR ALCOHOLIC STRENGTH AND INGREDIENTS.
THE DUTY CHARGED, BEING AD VALOREM IN NATURE, WOULD BE COMMENSURATE WITH THE VALUE OF A PRODUCT.
AS A RESULT OF THIS, A BROAD RANGE OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AT THE CHEAPER END OF THE MARKET WOULD ENJOY A DUTY REDUCTION, HE SAID.
PRODUCTS AT THE HIGHER END OF THE MARKET WOULD BE REQUIRED TO PAY MORE TN DUTY, HE ADDED.
/"THE NEW .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1994
- 2 -
"THE NEW SYSTEM IS ALSO MORE CLEARLY NON-DISCRIMINATORY AND COMPATIBLE WITH THE GATT PRINCIPLES OF NON-DISCRIMINATION AND NATIONAL TREATMENT," SIR HAMISH SAID.
"THE PROPOSAL TO CALCULATE AD VALOREM DUTY ON THE EXPORT PRICE OF AN IMPORTED PRODUCT AND THE EX-MANUFACTURER PRICE OF A LOCAL ONE WILL HAVE THE EFFECT OF CREATING AN EVEN MORE LEVEL PLAYING FIELD FOR THESE TWO TYPES OF PRODUCTS," HE SAID.
THE BILL WOULD ALSO INCREASE THE SPECIFIC DUTY ON HYDROCARBON OILS BY 8.5 PER CENT IN LINE WITH INFLATION. THIS WAS INTENDED MERELY TO MAINTAIN THE REAL VALUE OF THE DUTY.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE ESTATE DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994, MR KWONG SAID IT WOULD ADJUST THE LEVEL AT WHICH ESTATE DUTY WAS LEVIED SO AS TO REDUCE THE IMPACT OF THE TAX ON RELATIVELY SMALL ESTATES.
THE LEVEL BELOW WHICH NO DUTY IS PAYABLE WOULD BE INCREASED FROM $5 MILLION TO $5.5 MILLION.
ABOVE THAT LEVEL, THE BILL WOULD REDUCE THE RATES OF DUTY PAYABLE ON ESTATES VALUED BETWEEN $5.5 MILLION AND $7.5 MILLION.
IN ADDITION, THE BILL WOULD INTRODUCE THREE OTHER CONCESSIONS, HE SAID.
FIRST, IT WOULD INCREASE THE EXEMPTION LIMIT FOR GIFTS MADE BY A DECEASED PERSON WITHIN THREE YEARS BEFORE THE DATE OF DEATH FROM $100,000 TO $200,000.
SECONDLY, IT WOULD EXCLUDE THE VALUE OF THE MATRIMONIAL HOME WHEN DETERMINING THE AGGREGATE VALUE OF AN ESTATE FOR DUTY PURPOSES.
LASTLY, IT WOULD INCREASE THE ALLOWANCE FOR FUNERAL EXPENSES INCURRED IN HONG KONG FROM $10,000 TO $50,000.
THE ESTIMATED COST OF THESE MEASURES TO GENERAL REVENUE WOULD BE $85 MILLION IN 1994/95 AND ABOUT $425 MILLION UP TO 1997/98.
ON THE STAMP DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994, MR KWONG SAID IT WOULD ADJUST THE RATES OF STAMP DUTY PAYABLE ON LOWER AND MEDIUM-VALUE FLATS .
FOR PROPERTIES WITH A VALUE NOT EXCEEDING $500,000, A FEE OF $100 WOULD BE PAYABLE. ABOVE THIS LEVEL, STAMP DUTY WOULD BE CHARGED ACCORDING TO A SLIDING SCALE, SUBJECT TO MARGINAL RELIEF.
THE THRESHOLD AT WHICH THE 2.75 PER CENT RATE BEGINS TO APPLY WOULD BE RAISED FROM $1.5 MILLION TO $3 MILLION.
SOME 100,000 PROPERTIES WOULD BENEFIT FROM THIS TAX CONCESSION, HE SAID.
THE COST OF THIS CONCESSION TO GENERAL REVENUE WOULD AMOUNT TO ABOUT $810 MILLION IN 1994/95 AND $3.9 BILLION UP TO 1997/98.
/THE BILL .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1994
3
THE BILL WOULD ALSO MAKE A TECHNICAL AMENDMENT TO EMPOWER THE COMMISSONER OF INLAND REVENUE TO ISSUE NOTICES UNDER THE STAMP DUTY ORDINANCE BY ORDINARY MAIL OTHER THAN REGISTERED MAIL.
CONCERNING THE BUSINESS REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994, MR KWONG SAID IT SOUGHT TO DOUBLE THE BUSINESS REGISTRATION FEE FROM $1,000 TO $2,000.
TO PROVIDE RELIEF TO BUSINESSES WITH A SMALL TURNOVER, THE BILL WOULD INCREASE THE LEVELS BELOW WHICH PAYMENT OF BUSINESS REGISTRATION FEE IS EXEMPT.
A BUSINESS WOULD BE EXEMPT FROM THE FEE IF ITS AVERAGE MONTHLY SALES DO NOT EXCEED $15,000; OR WHERE THE BUSINESS CONSISTS OF RENDERING SERVICES, IF ITS AVERAGE MONTHLY RECEIPTS DO NOT EXCEED $4,000.
THE INCREASE IN BUSINESS REGISTRATION FEE WOULD GENERATE ABOUT $700 MILLION IN 1994/95 AND $3.4 BILLION UP TO 1997/98.
MR KWONG SAID THE BILL WOULD ALSO EMPOWER THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE TO ISSUE NOTICES UNDER THE BUSINESS REGISTRATION ORDINANCE BY ORDINARY MAIL OTHER THAN REGISTERED MAIL.
TURNING TO THE MOTOR VEHICLES (FIRST REGISTRATION TAX) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994, MR KWONG SAID IT WOULD EXEMPT ELECTRIC VEHICLES REGISTERED WITHIN THREE YEARS FROM APRIL 1 THIS YEAR FROM FIRST REGISTRATION TAX.
THE PROPOSAL WOULD MAKE ELECTRIC VEHICLES MORE ATTRACTIVE BY REDUCING THEIR INITIAL PURCHASE COST, THUS PROVIDING AN IMPETUS FOR MORE WIDE-SPREAD USE OF THESE ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY VEHICLES ON OUR ROADS, HE SAID.
GOVERNMENT WOULD ASSESS THE BENEFITS OF THIS CONCESSION TOWARDS THE END OF THE THREE-YEAR PERIOD TO SEE WHETHER IT SHOULD BE EXTENDED.
DEBATES ON THE SIX BILLS WERE ADJOURNED.
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SFS ON INTEREST RATE RULES ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ »
FOLLOWING IS THE SPEECH BY THE SECRETARY FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES, MR MICHAEL CARTLAND, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MOTION DEBATE ON INTEREST RATE RULES TONIGHT (WEDNESDAY):
MR PRESIDENT,
THE MOTION CALLS FOR THE REPEAL OF EXISTING PROVISIONS UNDER THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS ORDINANCE REGARDING THE SPECIFICATION OF INTEREST RATES FOR CURRENT, SAVINGS AND FIXED DEPOSITS.
/I INTEND .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1994
4
I INTEND TO BEGIN MY TREATMENT TO THIS SUBJECT BY BRIEFLY DESCRIBING THE LEGAL POSITION AS WELL AS THE HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF WHAT ARE COMMONLY KNOWN AS THE "INTEREST RATE RULES". I DO THIS IN THE HOPE OF DISPELLING CERTAIN MISCONCEPTIONS THAT MIGHT BE IN THE MINDS OF SOME MEMBERS. 1 ALSO THINK IT IS IMPORTANT TO IDENTIFY CLEARLY WHAT IT IS WE ARE TALKING ABOUT.
LEGAL POSITION
IN JANUARY 1981, THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS ORDINANCE WAS ENACTED TO PROVIDE FOR THE INCORPORATION OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS WHICH ASSUMED THE FUNCTION OF ITS PREDECESSOR, THE EXCHANGE BANKS’ ASSOCIATION.
SECTION 12 OF THE ORDINANCE PROVIDES THAT THE COMMITTEE OF THE ASSOCIATION MAY, AFTER CONSULTATION WITH THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MAKE CERTAIN RULES RELATING TO THE CONDUCT OF THE BUSINESS OF BANKING. THESE INCLUDE, AMONGST OTHERS, RULES AS TO THE MAXIMUM RATES OF INTEREST, RETURN, DISCOUNT OR OTHER BENEFIT WHICH MAY BE PAID OR GRANTED BY MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION TO SPECIFIED HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS OF THEIR CUSTOMERS, AND THE IMPOSITION OF DEPOSIT AND INTEREST CHARGES.
PURSUANT TO SUCH PROVISIONS, THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS ISSUED TO ITS MEMBERS A SET OF RULES, ENTITLED RULES ON "INTEREST RATES AND DEPOSIT CHARGES". THAT PART OF THE RULES WHICH CONCERNS INTEREST RATES APPLIES TO INTEREST RATES PAID BY LICENSED BANKS TO CUSTOMERS ON HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS OF LESS THAN $500,000 AND WITH A MATURITY OF LESS THAN 15 MONTHS, AND UNDER THE RULES, NO INTEREST SHALL BE PAID ON CURRENT ACCOUNTS; THAT PART OF THE RULES CONCERNING DEPOSIT CHARGES IS MORE READILY UNDERSTOOD AS THE MECHANISM FOR IMPOSING NEGATIVE INTEREST RATES WHICH HAS NOT SINCE ITS INTRODUCTION IN 1988 BEEN INVOKED.
HISTORY
ALTHOUGH LEGISLATIVE BACKING FOR THE RULES DOES NOT SEEM TO HAVE A LONG HISTORY, THE ORIGINS OF THE RULES THEMSELVES CAN BE TRACED BACK TO THE YEAR 1964 WHEN THEY WERE INTRODUCED AFTER PROTRACTED NEGOTIATIONS UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE THEN EXCHANGE BANKS’ ASSOCIATION. THE BACKGROUND WAS NOT Will, DOCUMENTED, BUT THE PURPOSE OF INSTIGATING THE RULES APPEARS IN REALITY TO HAVE BEEN TO PUT A STOP TO CUT-THROAT COMPETITION IN THE FORM OF AN "INTEREST-RATE WAR" WHICH HAD PREVAILED DURING THE EARLY SIXTIES, AND THEREBY TO PROTECT THE SMALLER LOCAL BANKS. IT MAY BE RELEVANT TO TODAY’S DEBATE TO NOTE THAT THE EARLY 1960’S HAD SEEN THE COLLAPSE OF A NUMBER OF LOCAL BANKS.
/IN FACT, ........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1994
5
IN FACT, 1964 WAS A VINTAGE YEAR FOR BANKING REFORM IN HONG KONG. INDEED BEFORE THE 1964 BANKING ORDINANCE, BANKING REGULATION WAS ALMOST NON-EXISTENT. THE PREVIOUS 1948 ORDINANCE PROVIDED ONLY THE VAGUEST DEFINITION OF BANKING, BUT THE 1964 LEGISLATION DRAMATICALLY CHANGED THE SCENE AND LAID THE FOUNDATIONS FOR THE CURRENT SYSTEM OF BANKING REGULATION. AMONG OTHER THINGS IT ESTABLISHED THE OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING WITH POWERS TO GRANT LICENCES AND TO INSPECT BANK ACCOUNTS; IT INTRODUCED A MINIMUM CAPITAL REQUIREMENT OF $5 MILLION AND A MINIMUM LIQUIDITY RATIO OF 25%. IT ALSO REQUIRED ALL LOCALLY INCORPORATED BANKS TO PUBLISH THEIR ANNUAL REPORTS.
IT WAS IN THIS ATMOSPHERE OF REGULATORY REFORM THAT GOVERNMENT SANCTIONED THE MAKING OF INTEREST RATE RULES, THEN CALLED THE ’’INTEREST RATE AGREEMENT”, WHICH WERE DESIGNED TO REDUCE EXCESSIVE COMPETITION AMONG BANKS. THE BELIEF OF THE AUTHORITIES AT THE TIME APPEARED TO BE THAT PRICE COMPETITION WAS DAMAGING BANKS’ INTEREST RATE MARGINS AND THUS INDUCING THEM TO INVEST IN HIGH YIELD AND HIGH RISK ASSETS.
HOWEVER, OVER THE SUBSEQUENT YEARS THERE HAVE BEEN DOUBTERS WHO CLAIMED THAT, IN REALITY, PRICE CONTROLS IN THE FORM OF THE INTEREST RATE RULES WERE ACTUALLY FORCING BANKS TO PRACTISE NON-PRICE COMPETITION BY OPENING MORE BRANCHES AND OFFERING FREE SERVICES. THIS WOULD INCREASE THE COST OF OPERATIONS AND HENCE LOWER THE PROFIT MARGIN AND WOULD THUS MAKE BANKS INVEST MORE IN HIGH RISK ASSETS. THUS, THE ARGUMENT RAN, PRICE CONTROL COULD BE JUST AS DESTABILISING AS FREE COMPETITION.
THE CONSUMER COUNCIL REPORT
THE DEBATE ON WHETHER THE INTEREST RATE RULES SHOULD REMAIN HAS BEEN FUELLED BY THE PUBLICATION IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR OF THE REPORT ON THE CONSUMER COUNCIL’S INDUSTRY STUDY ON THE BANKING SECTOR.
THIS REPORT - WHICH HAVE BEEN REFERRED TO BY MANY MEMBERS IN THIS DEBATE - REJOICES IN THE TITLE OF ’’ARE HONG KONG DEPOSITORS FAIRLY TREATED?”. IT RECOMMENDS THAT THE RULES SHOULD BE ABOLISHED BY STAGES OVER THREE YEARS, STARTING WITH ABOLISHING THE INTEREST RATE CAP FOR TIME DEPOSITS IN 1995, GOING ON TO ALLOW BANKS TO PAY INTEREST ON DEMAND DEPOSITS IN 1996 AND CONCLUDING IN 1997 BY ABOLISHING THE INTEREST RATE CAP FOR SAVING DEPOSITS.
ON ONE SIDE OF THE ARGUMENT IS THE VIEW REPRESENTED BY THE CONSUMER COUNCIL WHICH HAS ARGUED IN ITS REPORT THAT THE BANKS HAVE PROFITED UNREASONABLY AT THE EXPENSE OF THE CONSUMERS TO THE EXTENT OF OVER HK$5 BILLION PER ANNUM BY VIRTUE OF THE SHELTERED POSITION PROVIDED BY THE RULES. SUCH RENTS, THE REPORT SUGGESTS, REPRESENT ABOUT 0.8% OF THE GDP. THE COUNCIL REFERS TO THIS WINDFALL PROFIT AS MONOPSONISTIC RENT.
ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ARGUMENT, THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS CONTENDS THAT THE INTEREST RATE RULES HAVE CREATED A STABLE ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH BANKS SUBSIDISE BANKING SERVICES FOR MANY, GENERALLY LESS WELL OFF, CONSUMERS TO THE TUNE OF ALMOST $4 BILLION EACH YEAR. THE MASS OF SMALLER DEPOSITORS WOULD BE THE ONES TO LOSE OUT IF THE INTEREST RATE RULES WERE TO BE ABOLISHED; AND THE STABILITY OF THE FINANCIAL SYSTEM WOULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED.
/IT IS .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1994
- 6 -
IT IS REMARKABLY DIFFICULT TO JUDGE THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS OF THIS DISPUTE, AND TO PICK ONE’S WAY THROUGH THE STATISTICAL MINEFIELDS LAID BY BOTH SIDES. I DO NOT INTEND TODAY TO GET EMBROILED TOO MUCH IN THE TECHNICALITIES OF THIS DEBATE SINCE WE ARE STILL DOING OUR OWN RESEARCH ON THE MATTER. WHAT I CAN DO HOWEVER IS TO INDICATE THE MAIN AREAS THAT ARE BEING ADDRESSED BY THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY (MA) WHOSE CONCLUSIONS WILL FORM THE BASIS FOR THE GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSE TO THE CONSUMER COUNCIL’S REPORT. THREE FUNDAMENTAL ISSUES ARE BEING ADDRESSED BY THE MA:
(I) HAVE THE INTEREST RATE RULES BEEN ABUSED FOR PROFITEERING BY THE BANKS? AND WHAT WOULD BE THE LIKELY IMPACT OF DEREGULATION ON SMALL DEPOSITORS?
(II) HOW VITAL ARE THE INTEREST RATE RULES TO MAINTAINING THE STABILITY OF THE BANKING INDUSTRY?
(Ill) HOW VITAL ARE THE RULES TO MAINTAINING THE STABILITY OF THE EXCHANGE RATE OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR?
THE MA IS UNDERTAKING THIS TASK BY CONDUCTING ITS OWN STATISTICAL ANALYSIS AS WELL AS BY TALKING TO INDIVIDUAL BANKS TO ENSURE THAT A FULL SPECTRUM OF OPINION IS HEARD. THIS PROCESS INEVITABLY TAKES TIME. SOME COMMENTATORS HAVE FOUND IT VERY EASY TO MAKE UP THEIR MINDS ON THIS ISSUE - IN SOME CASES APPARENTLY EVEN BEFORE THE REPORT WAS PUBLISHED! BUT I HOPE THAT YOU WILL APPRECIATE THAT THE REPORT, OVER WHICH THE CONSUMER COUNCIL TEAM LABOURED FOR NEARLY A YEAR, DESERVES AN OPEN-MINDED AND ABOVE ALL CONSIDERED RESPONSE. WE ARE AFTER ALL DEALING WITH STRUCTURES THAT HAVE BEEN IN PLACE FOR 30 YEARS, THE ALTERATION OF WHICH SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED LIGHTLY.
IN HIS ADDRESS TO THIS COUNCIL LAST OCTOBER, THE GOVERNOR COMMITTED THE ADMINISTRATION TO RESPOND TO THE CONSUMER COUNCIL’S INDUSTRY STUDY REPORTS WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF THEIR APPEARANCE. WE HAVE NO WISH TO DELAY OUR RESPONSE TO THE END OF THAT PERIOD, THAT IS END AUGUST THIS YEAR, BUT IT IS OUR INTENTION TO HEAR BOTH SIDES OF THE STORY, TO LET THE DEBATE RUN ITS COURSE AND TO REVIEW THE ISSUES THOROUGHLY IN THE LIGHT OF OUR OWN RESEARCH BEFORE COMING TO ANY CONCLUSION AND PUBLISHING A FULL RESPONSE. WE SHALL ALSO BEAR IN MIND THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY MEMBERS IN THIS DEBATE.
ON ONE ASPECT, HOWEVER, THE MA HAS ALREADY INDICATED ITS VIEWS IN A RECENT LETTER BY THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE MA TO THE HON FRED LI WAH MING. THIS LETTER HAS BEEN REFERRED TO BY A NUMBER OF MEMBERS, INCLUDING THE PROPOSAL OF THIS MOTION. SO LET ME CLARIFY ITS CONTENTS. THE LETTER ADDRESSES THE QUESTION OF WHETHER THERE WILL BE ANY SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON THE LINKED EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEM SHOULD THE INTEREST RATE RULES BE ABOLISHED.
THE LETTER NOTES THAT THE OBJECTIVE OF OUR MACRO MONETARY POLICY IS EXCHANGE RATE STABILITY; AND THAT THE MECHANISM FOR ACHIEVING THIS CENTRES AROUND THE LINKED EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEM ESTABLISHED IN OCTOBER 1983.
/SINCE THAT .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1994
SINCE THAT TIME A SERIES OF MONETARY REFORM MEASURES HAS BfcEN INTRODUCED TO STRENGTHEN THE SYSTEM AND OUR ABILITY TO ENSURE EXCHANGE RATE STABILITY. THAT THESE MEASURES HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL IS ILLUSTRATED BY THE FACT THAT THE EXCHANGE RATE HAS REMAINED UNSHAKEN DESPITE AN ABUNDANCE OF EVENTS IN THE PAST FEW YEARS, INCLUDING THE STOCK MARKET CRASH IN 1987, THE EVENTS IN CHINA IN JUNE 1989, THE GULF WAR IN 1990, THE BCCI AFFAIR IN 1991 AND SO ON.
WITHIN ITS MONETARY ARMOURY, THE MA NEEDS TO HAVE THE MEANS OF INFLUENCING THE INTEREST RATES OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR, RELATIVE TO THOSE OF THE U.S. DOLLAR, IN A WAY THAT IS HELPFUL TO THE MAINTENANCE OF EXCHANGE RATE STABILITY. IT IS TRUE, AS THE CONSUMER COUNCIL HAS ARGUED, THAT THE ABILITY TO INFLUENCE WHOLESALE INTERBANK RATES, RATHER THAN RETAIL DEPOSIT RATES, IS MORE DIRECTLY RELEVANT TO THE PURPOSE OF EXCHANGE RATE STABILITY. HOWEVER, THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF INTEREST RATES ARE IN PRACTICE INTER-RELATED. IN MONETARY OPERATIONS, THEREFORE, IT IS PRUDENT FOR THE MONETARY AUTHORITY TO BE IN A POSITION TO EXERCISE EFFECTIVE INFLUENCE OVER A WIDE, IF NOT THE WHOLE, SPECTRUM OF INTEREST RATES INCLUDING THOSE ON RETAIL DEPOSITS. IN SHORT, AN EXTENSIVE RANGE OF MONETARY WEAPONS IS ALWAYS PREFERABLE TO A RESTRICTIVE ONE.
THE INTEREST RATE RULES ARE PART OF THE MONETARY ARMOURY AT PRESENT. THEY PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE MECHANISM FOR SETTING INTEREST RATES FOR THE RETAIL DEPOSITS THEY ARE DESIGNED TO COVER. SUCH RATES MAY IN TURN INFLUENCE WHOLESALE INTEREST RATES OR MAY DIRECTLY AFFECT THE DESIRE TO HOLD HONG KONG DOLLAR BALANCES. THIS LED THE MA TO CONCLUDE THAT WHILE THE INTEREST RATE RULES ARE NOT CRUCIAL FOR THE PURPOSE OF MAINTAINING EXCHANGE RATE STABILITY, THEY ARE UNDOUBTEDLY RELEVANT AND HELPFUL FOR THAT PURPOSE.
THUS, THE MA HAS EXPRESSED A PREFERENCE FOR THAT HELPFUL ELEMENT IN ITS MONETARY ARMOURY TO BF. RETAINED IN THE INTEREST OF MAINTAINING EXCHANGE RATE STABILITY.
SOME HAVE SAID THAT THE MA IS BEING OVERLY CONSERVATIVE, AND PERHAPS EVEN UNDULY MODEST IN ITS ABILITY TO DEFEND THE EXCHANGE RATE. BUT EVEN IF THE GOVERNMENT WERE, IN THE FINAL ANALYSIS, TO CONCLUDE THAT THE MA COULD STILL DO A RELIABLE JOB WITHOUT THE INTEREST RATE RULES AS PART OF ITS MONETARY ARMOURY - A CONCLUSION WHICH I SHOULD STRESS THAT IT HAS NOT YET REACHED AND MIGHT NOT REACH - IT WOULD STILL BE NECESSARY TO FORM A VIEW ON THE OTHER STABILITY ISSUE WHICH I MENTIONED EARLIER - NAMELY, WHETHER THE SOUNDNESS OF THE BANKING SYSTEM COULD BE UNDERMINED IF THE INTEREST RATE RULES WERE TO BE ABOLISHED.
THIS IS SOMETHING TO WHICH THE MA, IN ITS ROLE AS BANKING SUPERVISOR, IS PAYING SERIOUS ATTENTION. AGAIN, I MUST STRESS THAT IT HAS NOT YET MADE UP ITS MIND, BUT CERTAIN OBSERVATIONS CAN BE MADE AT THIS STAGE.
/THE EFFECT .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1994
- 8
THE EFFECT OF DEREGULATION HAS BEEN COMPARED TO THE BREAKING OF A DAM, UNLEASHING A FLOOD OF PENT-UP CHANGE. IT INDUCES CHANGES IN BEHAVIOUR BY THE PREVIOUSLY REGULATED INSTITUTIONS WHICH MAY BE MORE RAPID AND MORE FAR-REACHING THAN ORIGINALLY ANTICIPATED. IN PARTICULAR, ELSEWHERE IN OTHER ECONOMIES, DEREGULATION HAS TENDED TO LEAD TO A NARROWING OF INTEREST MARGINS AS BANKS COMPETE MORE ACTIVELY FOR DEPOSITS AND FACE INROADS TO THEIR BUSINESS FROM OTHER PARTS OF THE FINANCIAL SERVICES INDUSTRY. BANKS HAVE TENDED TO RESPOND TO THE NEW, MORE COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT BY INCREASING THE RISKINESS OF THEIR PORTFOLIOS AND BY EXPANDING THEIR BALANCE SHEETS - IN BOTH CASES WITH THE OBJECTIVE OF REPAIRING THE DAMAGE TO PROFITS CAUSED BY INCREASED COMPETITION. INCREASED INVOLVEMENT BY BANKS AROUND THE WORLD IN PROPERTY LENDING AND HIGHLY-LEVERAGED TRANSACTIONS DURING THE 1980S ARE ONLY TWO EXAMPLES OF THIS.
THE OVERALL IMPACT OF DEREGULATION AND INCREASED COMPETITION MAY, OF COURSE, BE TO PRODUCE LEANER AND MORE EFFICIENT BANKING SYSTEMS IN THE LONGER RUN. THAT IS WHAT DEREGULATION IS DESIGNED TO ACHIEVE. HOWEVER, THE PATH TOWARDS GREATER COMPETITION HAS TENDED TO BE A BUMPY ONE IN OTHER ECONOMIES; AND THE EXPERIENCE OF THE COUNTRIES CONCERNED DURING THE 1980’8 SUGGESTS THAT THE EFFECT OF GREATER COMPETITION HAS BEEN TO PRODUCE GREATER INSTABILITY IN BANKS’ EARNINGS AND TO LEAVE THEM LESS WELL PROTECTED AGAINST FLUCTUATIONS IN ECONOMIC ACTIVITY.
NOW OF COURSE IT MAY BE ARGUED THAT THE EXPERIENCE OF OTHER COUNTRIES NEED NOT BE REPEATED IN HONG KONG AND INDEED THAT HAS BEEN ARGUED TONIGHT THAT IT WOULD BE THE JOB OF THE MONETARY AUTHORITY AS BANKING SUPERVISOR TO ENSURE THAT THAT WAS THE CASE. I CAN ASSURE YOU OF COURSE THAT THE HKMA WOULD DO ITS BEST. INDEED A NUMBER OF IMPROVEMENTS TO OUR SUPERVISORY SYSTEM HAVE BEEN MADE IN RECENT YEARS TO ENABLE THE OBJECTIVE OF BANKING STABILITY TO BE ACHIEVED. HOWEVER, I WOULD UTTER A NUMBER OF CAVEATS. FIRSTLY, NO SUPERVISORY SYSTEM CAN OFFER A 100% GUARANTEE OF SUCCESS, PARTICULARLY AT A TiME OF STRUCTURAL CHANGE. IF SUCH A GUARANTEE WERE TO BE OFFERED, IN THE SENSE THAT NO BANK COULD EVER BE EXPOSED TO THE RISK OF FAILURE, IT WOULD BE NECESSARY TO SET SUCH DEMANDING REGULATORY STANDARDS THAT COMPETITION WOULD BE UNDULY CONSTRAINED.
THERE IS ALSO THE UNDENIABLE FACT THAT THE IMPENDING CHANGE OF SOVEREIGNTY MEANS THAT HONG KONG IS UNDERGOING A PERIOD OF ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL TRANSITION AND THE EFFECT OF CHANGES WHICH COULD HAVE IMPLICATIONS FOR THE STABILITY OF THE FINANCIAL SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE CAREFULLY WEIGHED.
THE LAST THREE YEARS HAVE BEEN VERY PROFITABLE ONES FOR THE HONG KONG BANKING SYSTEM. BUT THIS SHOULD NOT LULL US INTO A FALSE SENSE OF COMPLACENCY. WE HOPE THAT THE GOOD YEARS WILL CONTINUE, BUT EXPERIENCE SHOULD TEACH US THAT THIS IS NOT NECESSARILY GOING TO BE THE CASE. DEVELOPMENTS SO FAR THIS YEAR HAVE SHOWN THAT BANKS ARE OPERATING IN AN ENVIRONMENT OF RISING INTEREST RATES AND HIGHER MARKET RISKS.
/LET ME .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1994
- 9 -
LET ME BE CLEAR THAT LN UTTERING THIS WARNING NOTE, I AM NOT SEEKING TO PROTECT THE POSITION OF THE LARGER BANKS. THEY ARE QUITE CAPABLE OF LOOKING AFTER THEMSELVES AND IN A DEREGULATED INTEREST RATE ENVIRONMENT THEY WOULD NO DOUBT HAVE THE FINANCIAL MUSCLE TO ENSURE THAT THEIR PROFITABILITY WAS UNIMPAIRED. RATHER, MY CONCERN IS WITH THE SMALLER BANKS WHICH ARE LESS WELL EQUIPPED BY VIRTUE OF THEIR SIZE TO COMPETE SUCCESSFULLY TN AN INTEREST RATE WAR. THESE BANKS ADD TO THE DIVERSITY OF THE BANKING SCENE IN HONG KONG AND OFFER A VALUABLE SERVICE TO THEIR CUSTOMERS. WE MUST BE SURE THAT ANY CHANGES IN THE INTEREST RATE RULES WOULD NOT UNDERMINE THEIR POSITION.
FINALLY, LET ME REPEAT THAT WE ARE APPROACHING THIS ISSUE WITH AN OPEN MIND AND THAT NO DECISIONS HAVE BEEN MADE. THE MA HAS NOT YET COMPLETED ITS WORK. IF I HAVE TENDED TO DWELL ON THE NEED TO MAINTAIN STABILITY OF THE FINANCIAL SYSTEM IN THE FACE OF DEREGULATION, THIS IS BECAUSE THE CASE FOR DEREGULATION AND INCREASED COMPETITION HAS BEEN PUT SO ELOQUENTLY BY PROFESSOR THE HON EDWARD CHEN AND THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE CONSUMER COUNCIL. HOWEVER, IT IS PART OF THE JOB OF GOVERNMENT TO CONSIDER THE COSTS AS WELL AS THE BENEFITS OF CHANGE. IN THIS CASE, THERE MAY BE A TRADE OFF BETWEEN RISK AND RETURN FOR THE DEPOSITOR. IT IS CERTAINLY NOT THE CASE THAT ABOLITION OF THE INTEREST RATE RULES WILL INEVITABLY LEAD TO INSTABILITY. EQUALLY, WE SHOULD NOT BLIND OURSELVES TO THE FACT THAT SUCH A RISK EXISTS. THE QUESTION WHICH WE NEED TO ADDRESS, AND WHICH I HOPE THAT HON MEMBERS WILL TAKE SERIOUSLY, IS WHETHER THIS IS A RISK WORTH TAKING.
SEVERAL MEMBERS HAVE REFERRED TO THE SUBJECT OF BANKING DISCLOSURE DURING THE COURSE OF THIS DEBATE, AND THIS INDEED WAS ALSO ADDRESSED BY THE CONSUMER COUNCIL REPORT, ALTHOUGH IT WAS NOT DIRECTLY THE SUBJECT TO THIS DEBATE. BUT LET ME TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY, MR PRESIDENT, TO ASSURE MEMBERS THAT THE ADMINISTRATION ALREADY ACCEPTS IN PRINCIPLE THAT BANKING DISCLOSURE SHOULD BE IMPROVED. THE MONETARY AUTHORITY HAD ALREADY ESTABLISHED THE WORKING PARTY WITH BANKING REPRESENTATIVES AT THE BEGINNING OF THIS YEAR, PRIOR TO THE APPEARANCE OF THE CONSUMER COUNCIL REPORT, TO EXAMINE THE WHOLE QUESTION AND TO IDENTIFY THE STEPS THAT COULD BE TAKEN TO IMPROVE DISCLOSURE, AND THE TIME FRAME FOR THEIR IMPLEMENTATION. WE HOPE TO SEE RESULTS BY THE MIDDLE OF THE YEAR.
MR PRESIDENT, IN THE LIGHT OF WHAT I HAVE SAID, IT WILL BE CLEAR THAT THE ADMINISTRATION IS NOT YET IN A POSITION TO DETERMINE WHETHER ANY CHANGES SHOULD BE MADE TO THE INTEREST RATE RULES. FOR THAT REASON, WE ARE NOT IN A POSITION TO SUPPORT THIS MOTION TODAY. AND THE OFFICIAL MEMBERS WOULD ABSTAIN.
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/10........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1994
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BILLS ON LIVESTOCK WASTE PASSED ♦ * * * t
THE GOVERNMENT HAS DEVISED AN EXTENSIVE PACKAGE OF MEASURES TO HELP LIVESTOCK FARMERS ADJUST TO THE NEW REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE PROPOSED LICENSING SCHEME , THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE SECOND READING OF THE WASTE DISPOSAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1993 AND THE PUBLIC HEALTH (ANIMALS AND BIRDS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1993, MR EASON SAID THE OBJECTIVES OF THE LICENSING SCHEME WAS TO ENSURE THAT LIVESTOCK WASTE WAS PROPERLY DISPOSED OF AND THAT ARRANGEMENTS TO ACHIEVE THIS COULD BEGIN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
HE CALLED ON MEMBERS TO SHOW THEIR SUPPORT TO YOUNG CIVIL SERVANTS WHO HAD BEEN SUBJECTED TO HUMILIATION WHILE TRYING TO PERFORM THEIR DUTIES FAITHFULLY.
’’IN RECENT DAYS, MEMBERS OF THE CIVIL SERVICE HAD BEEN FACED WITH THE ULTIMATE INSULT AS A RESULT OF CARRYING OUT THEIR DUTIES FAITHFULLY AND TRYING TO FORMULATE POLICIES AND SYSTEMS WHICH WILL SERVE THE COMMUNITY IN ITS ENVIRONMENTAL ENDEAVOUR.
”1 THINK IT IS TIME WE GIVE THESE PEOPLE SOME CLEAR INDICATION THAT WE DO WANT OUR ENVIRONMENT TO IMPROVE AND THAT WE ARE PREPARED TO TACKLE OUR SERIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEM.”
’’THE POLLUTION OF OUR COUNTRYSIDE AND WATERCOURSES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES DUE TO OUTDATED METHODS OF DISPOSING OF LIVESTOCK WASTE IS A MAJOR PROBLEM WHICH WE HAVE WRESTLED WITH FOR A LONG TIME.
"WE NOW BELIEVE WE HAVE A FAIR AND EFFECTIVE SOLUTION TO HAND WHICH TAKES ACCOUNT OF THE COMMUNITY’S AND FARMERS’ INTERESTS TO THE FULLEST EXTENT POSSIBLE.
"WE NOW ASK FOR CO-OPERATION TO HELP US START TO END THE BLIGHT,” HE SAID.
MR EASON POINTED OUT THAT THE PROPOSED SCHEME WOULD ALLOW FARMERS TO CHOOSE WHATEVER TREATMENT METHOD THEY PREFER, AS LONG AS IT COULD MEET THE REQUIRED DISCHARGE STANDARD.
ONE OF THE METHODS RECOMMENDED BY THE GOVERNMENT IS "PIG-ON-L1TTER” AND IT HAS BEEN OPERATED SUCCESSFULLY BY A NUMBER OF COMMERCIAL FARMS FOR SEVERAL YEARS.
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT HAS PUBLISHED TECHNICAL GUIDELINES TO HELP FARMERS DECIDE WHICH WASTE SYSTEM TO USE BASING ON THEIR FARM CONDITIONS AND OPERATING PRACTICES.
AS REGARDS THE DISCHARGE STANDARD, MR EASON SAID, UNDER THE PROPOSED PHASED PROGRAMME, A FARMER COULD HAVE THREE YEARS TO ACHIEVE THE REQUIRED DISCHARGE STANDARD.
/HE SAID: ........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1994
- 11 -
HE SAID: "WE HAVE ALSO TRIED VERY HARD TO ASSIST THE FARMERS FINANCIALLY, WHETHER OR NOT THEY WISH TO STAY IN THE LIVESTOCK BUSINESS.
"THOSE WHO DO NOT WISH TO CONTINUE BUSINESS CAN APPLY FOR AN EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE WHILE THOSE WISHING TO CONTINUE BUSINESS IN AN ENVIRONMENTALLY ACCEPTABLE MANNER HAVE ACCESS TO CAPITAL GRANTS AND LOW INTEREST LOANS TO ('OVER THE COST OF INSTALLING THEIR TREATMENT SYSTEMS.
"THE LEVEL OF GRANT HAS BEEN INCREASED TO REFLECT MARKET COSTS.
"FARMERS WHO WISH TO CONTINUE ON A 'TRY-AND-SEE’ BASIS CAN, WITHIN A YEAR OF RECEIVING A CAPITAL GRANT, OPT OUT AND APPLY FOR THE EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE.
"THOSE WHO OPT OUT AND RECEIVE THE EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE AND THEN DECIDE TO COME BACK INTO THE BUSINESS, WILL ALSO BE ALLOWED TO RESTART THE BUSINESS AS LONG AS THEY INSTALL AN ACCEPTABLE WASTE TREATMENT SYSTEM ON THEIR FARMS, OBTAIN THE REQUIRED LICENCE AND COMPLY WITH ALL THE PROVISIONS OF THE LAW.
MR EASON STRESSED THAT THIS WAS A VERY EXTENSIVE PACKAGE OF ASSISTANCE IN VARIOUS FORMS, AND IT WOULD BE VERY DIFFICULT TO IMPROVE IT, GIVEN THAT SUCH ASSISTANCE WAS NOT AVAILABLE TO OTHER INDUSTRIES WHEN THEY WERE REQUIRED TO MEET EVEN MORE STRINGENT ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS AND TO DO SO MORE QUICKLY.
MR EASON EMPHASISED THAT THE PROPOSED LICENSING SYSTEM HAD GONE THROUGH CAREFUL DELIBERATION AND EXTENSIVE CONSULTATION WITH A NUMBER OF GROUPS REPRESENTING THE TRADE.
"ONE OF THE OUTCOMES OF OUR CONSULTATIONS WITH FARMERS IS THAT THE EXISTING FARMS WHICH HAVE BEEN CONTINUOUSLY USED FOR LIVESTOCK-KEEPING FOR AT LEAST 12 MONTHS WILL BE ALLOWED TO CONTINUE THEIR BUSINESS IN EXTENDED PROHIBITION AREAS PROVIDED THE FARMERS MEET THE DISCHARGE STANDARDS. THESE AREAS WILL BE CALLED RESTRICTION AREAS.
A PAMPHLET IS UNDER PREPARATION FOR DISTRIBUTION TO FARMERS EXPLAINING IN DETAIL THE LICENSING SCHEME, THE APPLICATION PROCEDURES, THE APPEAL PROVISIONS, AND SO ON.
HE ADDED: "IT IS NOT UNCOMMON THAT WHEN NEW ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS ARE IMPOSED, THOSE AFFECTED ARE PESSIMISTIC ABOUT THE IMPACT ON THEIR BUSINESS, WHICH IS VERY OFTEN OVERESTIMATED.
"EXPERIENCE SHOWS THAT ONCE THEY FACE UP TO THEM, INDUSTRIES CAN MEET THE NEW REQUIREMENTS WITHOUT TOO MUCH DIFFICULTY.
THE BILLS WERE PASSED AFTER THE DEBATE.
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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1994
- 12 -
THREE BILLS INTRODUCED TO BETTER PROTECT CONSUMERS
* * * * *
THREE BILLS SEEKING TO IMPLEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION FOR THE BETTER PROTECTION OF CONSUMERS WERE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THEY ARE THE SALE OF GOODS (AMENDMENT) BILL, THE SUPPLY OF SERVICES (IMPLIED TERMS) BILL AND THE UNCONSCIONABLE CONTRACTS BILL.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE FIRST BILL, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T H CHAU, SAID THE BILL PROPOSED FOUR ADDITIONAL CRITERIA TO BETTER DEFINE MERCHANTABLE QUALITY OF GOODS SOLD.
THEY COVER THE APPEARANCE AND FINISH OF THE GOODS, THEIR FREEDOM FROM DEFECTS, DURABILITY AND SAFETY.
MR CHAU SAID THESE ADDITIONAL CRITERIA REPRESENTED A FAIR SUMMARY OF WHAT A BUYER COULD REASONABLY EXPECT ABOUT THE QUALITY OF THE GOODS.
’’ONCE INTRODUCED, THEY WILL ENHANCE THE AWARENESS OF SUPPLIERS AS TO THEIR OBLIGATION TO ENSURE THE MERCHANTABILITY OF THEIR GOODS.
’’THEY WILL ALSO PROVIDE GUIDELINES TO CONSUMERS AND THE COURT IN DECIDING WHETHER ANY PARTICULAR GOODS ARE OF MERCHANTABLE QUALITY,” MR CHAU SAID.
REGARDING THE SUPPLY OF SERVICES (IMPLIED TERMS) BILL, MR CHAU SAID IT SOUGHT TO CODIFY SOME COMMON LAW PRINCIPLES ABOUT CONTRACTS FOR THE SUPPLY OF SERVICES.
UNDER THE BILL, A SUPPLIER OF SERVICES IS OBLIGED TO PROVIDE THOSE SERVICES WITH REASONABLE CARE AND SKILL AND WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE BUYER IS REQUIRED TO PAY A REASONABLE CHARGE.
”WE HOPE THAT WITH THE CODIFICATION OF THESE COMMON LAW PRINCIPLES, THERE WOULD BE GREATER CLARITY AND OVERALL CONSISTENCY IN THEIR APPLICATION,” HE SAID.
TURNING TO THE UNCONSCIONABLE CONTRACTS BILL, MR CHAU SAID IT SOUGHT TO EMPOWER THE COURT TO REWRITE OR STRIKE DOWN UNCONSCIONABLE TERMS IN CONSUMER CONTRACTS.
IT PROVIDES JUDICIAL GUIDELINES FOR THE COURT IN DETERMINING UNCONSCIONABILITY AND IN EXERCISING ITS POWERS.
THE BILL PROPOSES THE COURTS HAVE THE POWERS TO REFUSE TO ENFORCE THE CONTRACT; TO ENFORCE THE REMAINDER OF THE CONTRACT WITHOUT THE UNCONSCIONABLE PART; AND TO REVISE, ALTER OR LIMIT THE APPLICATION OF ANY UNCONSCIONABLE PART OF THE CONTRACT.
/THERE WILL .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1994
13
THERE WILL BE A ONE-YEAR GRACE PERIOD AFTER THE BILL IS ENACTED TO ENABLE THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY TO CONSIDER THEIR USE OF CONTRACTS IN THE SALE OF GOODS AND SUPPLY OF SERVICES TO CONSUMERS AND TO MAKE ANY NECESSARY CHANGES.
MR CHAU EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT THE ENACTMENT OF THE THREE BILLS WOULD HELP STRENGTHEN THE BARGAINING POSITION OF SMALL CONSUMERS.
DEBATES ON THE BILLS WERE ADJOURNED.
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GOVERNMENT MINUTE ON PAC INTRODUCED
*****
THE ACTING CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON MICHAEL LEUNG, INTRODUCED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL GOVERNMENT MINUTE RESPONDING TO THE 21ST REPORT OF THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE (PAC) ON THE ACCOUNTS OF THE GOVERNMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDING MARCH 31, 1993, AND ON THE RESULTS OF VALUE FOR MONEY AUDITS.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT APPRECIATED FULLY THE IMPORTANCE OF THE PAC’S FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.
IT WILL CONTINUE TO WORK CLOSELY WITH THE AUDIT DEPARTMENT AND THE PAC IN THE QUEST FOR MORE EFFICIENT USE OF PUBLIC FUNDS, HE ADDED.
-----0-------
KCRC ANNUAL REPORT 1993 TABLED AT LEGCO *****
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR HAMISH MACLEOD, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) TABLED THE ANNUAL REPORTS AND ACCOUNTS OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1993.
SIR HAMISH SAID OPERATING REVENUE STOOD AT $2,417 MILLION, AN INCREASE OF 12 PER CENT OVER 1992. INCLUDING INCOME FROM PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT, THE NET PROFIT FOR THE YEAR WAS $1,313 MILLION.
"A DIVIDEND OF $160 MILLION WAS PAID TO THE GOVERNMENT AFTER FULLY TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE CORPORATION’S LONG-TERM CASH FLOW REQUIREMENTS AND INVESTMENT NEEDS, AS WELL AS THE BROADER PUBLIC INTEREST,” SIR HAMISH SAID.
AT THE END OF LAST YEAR, THE TOTAL ASSETS OF THE CORPORATION STOOD AT $7.8 BILLION, AND BORROWINGS AT $539 MILLION. THE YEAR-END DEBT TO EQUITY RATIO WAS 1:11.4.
CASH GENERATED BY THE OPERATING DIVISIONS WAS SUFFICIENT TO COVER ONGOING CAPITAL EXPENDITURE AND DEBT REPAYMENT.
/SIR HAMISH .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1994
14
SIR HAMISH ALSO NOTED THAT THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CARRIED 206 MILLION PASSENGERS IN 1993, AN INCREASE OF ABOUT FOUR PER CENT OVER 1992. OF THESE, 37 MILLION TRAVELLED TO AND FROM LO WO, AN INCREASE OF SIX PER CENT. THROUGH TRAIN TRAFFIC BETWEEN KOWLOON AND GUANGZHOU ROSE BY SEVEN PER CENT TO 2.9 MILLION.
THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT (LRT) SYSTEM CARRIED 117 MILLION PASSENGERS IN 1993, AN INCREASE OF 10 PER CENT OVER 1992.
THE LRT SERVICE WAS EXTENDED TO TIN SHUI WAI IN JANUARY 1993. ALL 30 NEW LIGHT RAIL VEHICLES CAME INTO SERVICE DURING 1993, FURTHER EXPANDING CAPACITY.
SIR HAMISH SAID THE KCRC PLANNED TO INVEST $6.4 BILLION INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICE IMPROVEMENT.
---------0------------
BILL TO REDUCE AIRCRAFT NOISE » » » » *
THE CIVIL AVIATION (AIRCRAFT NOISE) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 SEEKING TO REDUCE PROGRESSIVELY NOISE DISTURBANCE CAUSED BY AIRCRAFT OPERATING AT HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT WAS INTRODUCED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR GORDON SIU, SAID THE BILL SPECIFIED MORE STRINGENT STANDARDS TO CONTROL EMISSION OF NOISE BY AIRCRAFT USING THE AIRPORT.
"WE INTEND TO IMPLEMENT A PROGRESSIVE PHASING OUT OF THE OLDER AND MORE NOISY MODELS OF AIRCRAFT FROM OPERATING TO OR FROM HONG KONG," MR SIU SAID.
CURRENTLY SOME 10 PER CENT OF THE AIRCRAFT OPERATING AT THE AIRPORT REGULARLY DO NOT MEET THE PROPOSED STANDARDS.
THE PROPOSED MORE STRINGENT PROVISIONS WILL BE APPLIED IMMEDIATELY TO HONG KONG REGISTERED AIRCRAFT.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH GUIDELINES ISSUED BY THE INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION ORGANISATION, SUCH STRICTER STANDARDS WILL BE EXTENDED TO ALL FOREIGN-REGISTERED SUBSONIC JET AIRCRAFT USING THE AIRPORT AFTER APRIL NEXT YEAR.
AS OTHER COUNTRIES TIGHTEN THEIR NOISE CONTROL LEGISLATION, OWNERS OF OLDER AIRCRAFT WHICH DO NOT MEET THE MORE STRINGENT STANDARDS MAY SEEK OUT TERRITORIES OR JURISDICTIONS WHERE THEY CAN CONTINUE TO REGISTER SUCH AIRCRAFT, MR SIU SAID.
"THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT WILL ENSURE THAT HONG KONG DOES NOT BECOME A POTENTIAL DUMPING GROUND FOR OLDER, NOISIER AIRCRAFT," HE SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
------0-------
/15........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1994
- 15 -
NOISE PROBLEMS CONSIDERED FOR HK STADIUM *****
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) HAD ADVISED THAT THE USE OF THE HONG KONG STADIUM FOR AMPLIFIED MUSIC CONCERTS WOULD BREACH THE NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON FRED LI WAH-M1NG, MR EASON SAID THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD OF CONCEPTION, DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE STADIUM, ITS INTENDED USE AS A MULTI-PURPOSE VENUE HAD CAUSED CONSIDERATION GIVEN TO THE NOISE PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH AMPLIFIED MUSIC CONCERTS.
HE SAID THE EPD HAD BEEN ASKED FOR ADVICE ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND IT ADVISED THAT THE USE OF THE STADIUM FOR SUCH A PURPOSE WOULD BREACH THE NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE.
MR EASON SAID: ’’FOR EXAMPLE, WHEN COMMENTING ON A 1991 ENVIRONMENTAL NOISE ASSESSMENT COMMISSIONED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, EPD ADVISED THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, AND THE CONSULTANT, IN MAY 1992, THAT THE REPORT WAS OVER OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THE NOISE IMPACT.
"EPD THEREFORE OBJECTED TO THE HOLDING OF AMPLIFIED MUSIC CONCERTS IN THE STADIUM.
"THE URBAN COUNCIL DECIDED TO TAKE UP THE MANAGEMENT OF THE NEW STADIUM IN JULY 1992 AND APPOINTED WEMBLEY INTERNATIONAL TO MANAGE THE STADIUM.
"WEMBLEY INTERNATIONAL SUBSEQUENTLY HELD A SERIES OF MEETINGS WITH EPD TO DISCUSS THE NOISE PROBLEM.
"AN ACOUSTICS CONSULTANT FIRM WAS ALSO COMMISSIONED BY WEMBLEY INTERNATIONAL TO CARRY OUT A FURTHER ENVIRONMENT NOISE ASSESSMENT.
"THIS REPORT, COMPLETED IN DECEMBER 1993, IDENTIFIED THE SAME PROBLEMS AS THE PREVIOUS ONE.
"EPD AGAIN ADVISED THE STADIUM MANAGEMENT, IN EARLY FEBRUARY THIS YEAR, THAT NOISE FROM AMPLIFIED MUSIC CONCERTS WOULD CAUSE SEVERE DISTURBANCE TO NEARBY RESIDENTS AND THAT THE MANAGEMENT SHOULD THEREFORE IMPLEMENT ADDITIONAL CONTROL MEASURES TO REDUCE NOISE LEVELS TO ACCEPTABLE LEVELS.
"I UNDERSTAND THAT WEMBLEY INTERNATIONAL REPORTED THE NOISE PROBLEM TO THE URBAN COUNCIL BOARD OF GOVERNORS RESPONSIBLE FOR POLICY AND MANAGEMENT OF THE STADIUM ON FEBRUARY 22 THIS YEAR."
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/16........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1994
16 -
BEDSPACE APARTMENTS BILL PASSED * * * * *
THE BEDSPACE APARTMENTS BILL WAS PASSED WITH AMENDMENTS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE BILL, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, SAID THE BILL INTRODUCED A STATUTORY LICENSING REGIME TO REGULATE THE FIRE AND BUILDING SAFETY OF BEDSPACE APARTMENTS.
MR SUEN DESCRIBED THE LIVING CONDITIONS IN THESE APARTMENTS AS OFTEN BEING OVERLOOKED AND OCCUPANTS EXPOSED TO GREATER FIRE AND BUILDING SAFETY RISKS.
BUT UPON FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LICENSING SCHEME, OCCUPANTS WOULD LIVE IN VASTLY LESS OVERCROWDED CONDITIONS WHICH WOULD ALSO MEET BOTH THE FIRE AND BUILDING SAFETY STANDARDS, HE SAID.
MR SUEN POINTED OUT THAT OWING MAINLY TO GOVERNMENT EFFORTS, THE POPULATION IN BEDSPACE APARTMENTS HAD NOW DECREASED TO 3,200, COMPARED TO 4,000 IN 1990/91.
HE SAID: ’’GOVERNMENT HAS COMMITTED TO ASSIST ABOUT HALF OF THE EXISTING LODGERS TO BE REHOUSED EITHER IN PUBLIC HOUSING OR WELFARE INSTITUTIONS OR HOSTELS.
”AT THE END OF THE DAY, WE DO SEE THE NUMBER OF LODGERS IN BEDSPACE APARTMENTS WHICH ARE FULLY LICENSED AND RENOVATED TO CONFORM TO OUR STANDARD OF FIRE AND BUILDING SAFETY BEING REDUCED TO AROUND 1,600,” HE ADDED.
STRESSING THAT NO ONE WILL BE MADE HOMELESS AS A RESULT OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SCHEME, MR SUEN SAID THE ADMINISTRATION WOULD STEP UP PUBLICITY TO MAKE SURE THAT LODGERS WERE FULLY AWARE OF THE RANGE OF ASSISTANCE OFFERED.
------0---------
AMENDMENT BILL ON MAHJONG PLAYING AND FOREIGN LOTTERIES
*****
AN AMENDMENT BILL TO FURTHER REGULATE THE OPERATION OF MAHJONG PLAYING IN LICENSED CLUBS AND RESTAURANTS WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE GAMBLING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, SAID THE BILL PROPOSED TO PROHIBIT THE MANAGEMENT OR EMPLOYEES OF SUCH ESTABLISHMENTS FROM PLAYING MAHJONG WITH THEIR CLIENTS ON THE PREMISES.
THIS WAS TO PREVENT THE OPERATORS FROM MAKING A PROFIT, MR SUEN SAID.
/ON THE .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1994
- 17 -
ON THE SECOND ASPECT OF THE BILL WHICH COVERED FOREIGN LOTTERIES, MR SUEN SAID THE ADMINISTRATION PROPOSED TO ’’FINE TUNE” EXISTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR HONG KONG RESIDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN FOREIGN LOTTERIES PROMOTED, CONDUCTED AND MANAGED OUTSIDE THE TERRITORY.
AT PRESENT, HONG KONG RESIDENTS CAN ONLY PARTICIPATE IN FOREIGN LOTTERIES SPECIFIED IN THE FOURTH SCHEDULE TO THE GAMBLING REGULATIONS.
THE SCHEDULE LISTS 10 COUNTRIES AND WAS COMPILED IN 1977.
"THE INTENTION HAS BEEN THAT MORE COUNTRIES WOULD BE ADDED ONTO THE FOURTH SCHEDULE AS AND WHEN NECESSARY.
"HOWEVER, IN PRACTICE, IT HAS NOT PROVED POSSIBLE TO DEVISE OBJECTIVE CRITERIA TO DETERMINE WHICH COUNTRIES SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE FOURTH SCHEDULE TO THE EXCLUSION OF OTHERS," HE SAID.
FOR THIS REASON, MR SUEN SAID, THE ADMINISTRATION PROPOSED TO REPEAL THE SCHEDULE SO THAT ALL FOREIGN LOTTERIES WOULD BE PUT ON AN EQUAL FOOTING AND WOULD BE SUBJECT TO CONTROL UNDER THE GAMBLING ORDINANCE.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
- - 0-----------
AG EXPLAINS WHY SOME COMMERCIAL CRIME PROSECUTIONS ARE TERMINATED
*****
THERE ARE A VARIETY OF REASONS WHY PROSECUTIONS IN RESPECT OF COMMERCIAL CRIMES ARE SOMETIMES TERMINATED, SUCH AS A WITNESS EITHER NOT APPEARING OR NOT GIVING THE SATISFACTORY EVIDENCE EXPECTED OF HIM OR HER, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JEREMY MATHEWS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN REPLY TO A WRITTEN QUESTION BY DR THE HON HUANG CHEN-YA, MR MATHEWS SAID THAT OTHER REASONS WERE :
* AN IMPORTANT ASPECT OF THE EVIDENCE (USUALLY A CONFESSION STATEMENT) BEING RULED INADMISSIBLE BY THE TRIAL JUDGE;
* THE COURT HALTING THE PROCEEDINGS PRIOR TO TRIAL ON THE BASIS THAT TO SUBJECT THE DEFENDANT TO TRIAL WOULD BE WRONG FOR MEDICAL REASONS; OR
* NEW EVIDENCE OR CIRCUMSTANCES COMING TO LIGHT WHICH MAKE THE PROSECUTION UNWARRANTED.
/MR MATHEWS .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1994
MR MATHEWS SAID THE MORE SERIOUS COMMERCIAL CRIME OFFENCES PROSECUTED IN THE HIGH COURT AND DISTRICT COURT WERE MAINLY OFFENCES UNDER THE THEFT ORDINANCE (THE MOST COMMON OFFENCES BEING THOSE OF THEFT, DECEPTION AND FALSE ACCOUNTING), CONSPIRACY TO DEFRAUD, AND OFFENCES OF FORGERY UNDER THE CRIMES ORDINANCE.
IN 1991, 1992 AND 1993, THE NUMBER OF PERSONS PROSECUTED IN THE HIGH COURT AND DISTRICT COURT FOR COMMERCIAL CRIME OFFENCES WAS 229, 226 AND 218 RESPECTIVELY, WHILE THE NUMBER OF DEFENDANTS CONVICTED WAS 165, 128 AND 89 RESPECTIVELY, MR MATHEWS SAID, ADDING THAT THERE WERE 83 CASES IN 1993 WHICH HAD NOT BEEN TRIED.
- - 0 - -
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFENCES WILL NOT BE TAKEN LIGHTLY * * * * *
THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT DOES NOT TAKE OFFENCES ASSOCIATED WITH DOMESTIC VIOLENCE LIGHTLY, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JEREMY MATHEWS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR MATHEWS SAID THE CASE IN WHICH A MAN ORIGINALLY CHARGED WITH WOUNDING WAS BOUND OVER TURNED ON ITS OWN FACTS AND CIRCUMSTANCES AND SHOULD NOT BE REGARDED AS SETTING ANY PRECEDENT.
’’THERE IS NO QUESTION OF US GOING SOFT ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE,” HE SAID WHEN REPLYING TO A QUESTION RAISED BY THE HON MRS SELINA CHOW.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SAID WHILE IT WAS NOT APPROPRIATE FOR HIM TO GIVE REASONS FOR DECISIONS MADE IN RELATION TO ANY PARTICULAR PROSECUTION, HE COULD NONETHELESS CONFIRM THAT IN THIS CASE THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS REACHED HIS DECISION ONLY AFTER AN EXHAUSTIVE EXAMINATION OF THE CASE FILE, OF THE WITNESS STATEMENTS OF THE VICTIM, MRS ANN WILKINSON, OF THE DEFENDANT MR IAN WILKINSON, AND OF OTHERS.
’’ANY SUCH DECISION IS NOT, OF COURSE, TAKEN LIGHTLY. THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUT IONS, IN REACHING HIS DECISION, WAS AWARE OF ALL RELEVANT FACTORS.
"HE CONSIDERED THE EVENTS LEADING TO THE INCIDENT, THE INCIDENT ITSELF, AND THE CIRCUMSTANCES SUBSEQUENT TO THE INCIDENT.
"IN THAT EXERCISE, REGARD WAS LIKEWISE HAD TO THE INTERESTS OF THE VICTIM, TO THOSE OF THE ACCUSED, AND TO THE WIDER PUBLIC INTEREST," MR MATHEWS SAID.
HE SAID A DECISION TO APPLY FOR \ BIND OVER WAS TAKEN AFTER A
CAREFUL CONSIDERATION OF THE FACTS OF THE INDIVIDUAL CASE, THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE PARTIES, AND AFTER DUE REGARD HAS BEEN HAD TO THE PUBLIC INTEREST.
"IT MUST, PUT SIMPLY, BE APPROPRIATE TO ALL THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE CASE," HE STRESSED, ADDING THAI' REGARD WAS ALSO HAD TO THE ELEMENT OF PREVENTIVE JUST I ( F CONTAINED IN AN ORDER OF BIND OVER.
/MR MATHEWS
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1994
19 -
MR MATHEWS SAID THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS WHEN MAGISTRATES MADE SUCH ORDERS WERE:
* THERE SHOULD BE MATERIAL BEFORE THE COURT JUSTIFYING THE CONCLUSION THAT THERE IS A RISK OF A BREACH OF THE PEACE UNLESS ACTION IS TAKEN TO PREVENT IT;
♦ THEY SHOULD MAKE CLEAR TO THE ACCUSED THEIR INTENTION TO BIND HIM OVER AND THE REASONS FOR IT;
» THEY SHOULD OBTAIN CONSENT TO THE BIND OVER FROM THE ACCUSED;
* BEFORE FIXING THE AMOUNT OF THE RECOGNISANCE THEY SHOULD ENQUIRE AS TO THE ACCUSED’S MEANS; AND
* THE BINDING OVER SHOULD BE FOR A FIXED PERIOD.
MR MATHEWS ALSO GAVE THE NUMBER OF BINDING OVER ORDERS KNOWN TO HAVE BEEN ISSUED IN RELATION TO CASES OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RECORDED IN THE POLICE DATABASE BETWEEN 1991 AND 1993 AS FOLLOWS:
YEAR PERSONS CHARGED BINI) OVERS
1991 149 27 (18.1%)
1992 120 17 (14.2%)
1993 193 27 (14.0%)
(THESE FIGURES INCLUDE BIND OVERS IMPOSED BY A COURT IN RESPECT OF PERSONS WHO HAVE BEEN CONVICTED OF AN OFFENCE.)
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MEASURES TO FIGHT JUVENILE CRIME
*****
THE POLICE, THE EDUCATION AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENTS HAVE DEVISED SPECIFIC MEASURES TO CURB JUVENILE CRIME, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON TANG SIU-TONG, MR ASPREY SAID THE POLICE HAD DEDICATED SCHOOL LIAISON OFFICERS WHO VISITED SCHOOLS, DELIVERED LECTURES ON CRIME PREVENTION AND MAINTAINED CLOSE CONTACT WITH SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS AND TEACHERS TO DEAL WITH DELINQUENT STUDENTS.
’’DISTRICT POLICE COMMANDERS ALSO DEPLOY \DDTTIONAL RESOURCES TO THE VICINITY OF SCHOOLS WHENEVER NECESSARY,” HE ADDED.
MR ASPREY NOTED THE AGE GROUP 16 TO 20 ACCOUNTED FOR 57 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PEOPLE AGED UNDER 21 ARRESTED FOR CRIME IN 1993.
/IN BOTH .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1994
- 20 -
IN BOTH 1991 AND 1992, THE SAME AGE GROUP ACCOUNTED FOR ABOUT 54 PER CENT OF TOTAL ARRESTS OF YOUNG PERSONS.
HE ADDED THAT BETWEEN 1991 AND 1993, WONG TAI SIN, KWAI TSING, AND TAI PO POLICE DISTRICTS SHOWED AN INCREASE EACH YEAR IN THE NUMBER OF CRIMINAL CASES INVOLVING PEOPLE BELOW THE AGE OF 21.
’’APART FROM THE POLICE, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SUBVENTS CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES TO PROVIDE SERVICES TO YOUNGSTERS. IT ALSO SUBVENTS OUTREACHING SOCIAL WORK TEAMS, HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE IN NEED TO INTEGRATE INTO THE COMMUNITY,” HE SAID.
THE DEPARTMENT WILL INTRODUCE IN 1994/95 TO A NEW COMMUNITYBASED TREATMENT PROGRAMME TO PROVIDE STRUCTURED TRAINING TO YOUNG PEOPLE AT RISK, TO STIMULATE THEIR INTEREST IN SCHOOL OR IN WORK, AND TO DEVELOP THEIR SOCIAL SKILLS, MR ASPREY ADDED.
’’CONCURRENTLY, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS ISSUED GUIDELINES TO, AND IS PROVIDING IN-SERVICE TRAINING COURSES FOR, SCHOOL DISCIPLINE TEACHERS, TO HELP THEM DEAL WITH DELINQUENT STUDENTS AND STUDENTS WHO ARE INVOLVED IN TRIAD ACTIVITIES IN SCHOOL," HE SAID.
AS FOR REHABILITATION, HE SAID THE POLICE SUPERINTENDENT’S DISCRETION SCHEME HELPED REHABILITATE OFFENDERS UNDER THE AGE OF 17 BY GIVING POLICE SUPERINTENDENTS THE DISCRETION TO CAUTION, INSTEAD OF PROSECUTING YOUNG OFFENDERS.
HE SAID AFTERCARE SERVICE TO THESE YOUNG OFFENDERS WOULD BE PROVIDED BY BOTH THE POLICE JUVENILE PROTECTION SECTION AND FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
---------0-----------
VM PROBLEM TO BE RESOLVED IN TWO YEARS
*****
THE VIETNAMESE MIGRANT PROBLEM IS LIKELY TO BE RESOLVED IN TWO YEARS IF THE RECENT ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE TRENDS CONTINUE, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHIM PUI-CHUNG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR ASPREY SAID THE VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE WERE INFORMED OF THE LIFTING OF THE U.S. TRADE EMBARGO IMPOSED ON VIETNAM.
SUCH MESSAGE HAS BEEN WIDELY PUBLICISED IN .THE CAMPS THROUGH THE DISTRIBUTION OF AN INFORMATION BULLETINS AND BY THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES FIELD STAFF.
MEANWHILE, THE GOVERNMENT HAS DROPPED THE IDEA OF INVITING VMS WHO HAVE GONE HOME TO COME BACK TO HONG KONG TO BRIEF THE POPULATION IN THE CAMPS ON THE DEVELOPMENTS IN VIETNAM, HE ADDED.
- - 0----------
/21 .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1994
- 21 -
MORE THAN 100 HK RESIDENTS IN THAI PRISONS * * * * *
THERE ARE AT PRESENT 117 HONG KONG RESIDENTS SERVING PRISON SENTENCES IN THAILAND, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MRS ELSIE TU, MR ASPREY SAID AMONG THEM, THE LONGEST-SERVING PRISONER HAD BEEN IN PRISON IN THAILAND SINCE MAY 1979.
MR ASPREY SAID 13 PRISONERS HAD BEEN TRANSFERRED TO HONG KONG
PRISONS IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS.
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CRITERIA FOR ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRES NOT LAID DOWN ♦ t ♦ t t
APPLICATIONS TO DECLARE A PLACE TO BE AN ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRE ARE CONSIDERED ON INDIVIDUAL MERITS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON LAM KU1-CHUN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR ASPREY SAID THOSE INSTITUTIONS PERFORMING FUNCTIONS SIMILAR TO ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRES BUT HAD NOT APPLIED TO THE GOVERNMENT WERE NOT OPERATING ILLEGALLY.
HE ADDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS REVIEWING THE DRUG ADDICTS TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION ORDINANCE TO CONSIDER AN INSTITUTION INSTEAD OF A PARTICULAR PLACE TO BE DECLARED AN ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRE.
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STEPPED-UP ENFORCEMENT TO PREVENT DRUG ABUSE BY ADOLESCENTS * ♦ ♦ * *
THE FREQUENCY OF TEST PURCHASES AND INSPECTIONS OF DRUG RETAIL PREMISES WILL BE INCREASED TO PREVENT ILLEGAL SALES OF CONTROLLED DRUGS, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR ASPREY NOTED THAT FIGURES OF THE PAST THREE YEARS SHOWED AN INCREASING TREND OF YOUNG PEOPLE INVOLVED IN ABUSE OF DRUGS AND MEDICINES.
THE NUMBERS OF PERSONS AGED UNDER 21 REPORTED TO THE CENTRAL REGISTRY OF DRUG ABUSE IN 1991, 1992 AND 1993 ARE 1,405, 1,958 AND 3,028 RESPECTIVELY.
/IN HIS ........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1994
IN HIS WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON TIK CHI-YUEN, MR ASPREY SAID A TOTAL OF 2,866 INSPECTIONS WERE CONDUCTED AT DRUG RETAIL PREMISES LAST YEAR.
”WE WILL INCREASE THE NUMBER OF PHARMACY INSPECTORS FROM 11 TO 14 AND EMPLOY ADDITIONAL CASUAL WORKERS.
’’THE FREQUENCY OF INSPECTIONS WILL BE FURTHER ENHANCED BY MORE EFFECTIVE STAFF' DEPLOYMENT AND RE-PRIORITISATION OF ACTIVITIES IN THE PHARMACEUTICAL DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH,” HE SAID.
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HELP FOR TRAVEL AGENT IN PHILIPPINES DRUG CASE
*****
THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO SEEK AN EARLY HEARING AND DECISION ON AN APPEAL MADE BY LOCAL TRAVEL AGENT PAUL AU WHO WAS SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR DRUG TRAFFICKING IN THE PHILIPPINES.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON EMILY LAU WAI-HING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO GIVE ANY OTHER HELP IT COULD TO MR AU.
THE SENTENCE WAS GIVEN ON NOVEMBER 29, 1991 AND HE HAS APPEALED.
’’THE BRITISH EMBASSY IN MANILA HAS SOUGHT AN EARLY HEARING AND DECISION ON HIS APPEAL,” MR ASPREY SAID.
IN ADDITION, THE BRITISH MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, MR ALASTAIR GOODLAD, HAS RAISED MR AU’S CASE WITH THE PHILIPPINES AMBASSADOR IN LONDON IN JUNE LAST YEAR, AND WITH THE PHILIPPINES SOLICITOR GENERAL IN MANILA IN AUGUST LAST YEAR.
THE MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION BY THE PRESIDING JUDGE WAS CONSIDERED AND DISMISSED IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR. THE MATTER IS NOW TO GO BEFORE THE SUPREME COURT.
’’DUE LEGAL PROCESS IN THIS CASE HAS NOT YET BEEN COMPLETED,” HE SAID.
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/23 .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1994
- 23 -
PLAN ON MUSIC OFFICE’S FUTURE FOR EXCO IN TWO MONTHS *****
THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO MAKE A RECOMMENDATION TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WITHIN THE NEXT TWO MONTHS ON WHICH ORGANISATION SHOULD TAKE OVER THE ACTIVITIES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE, CURRENTLY RUN BY THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH.
A PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT INCLUDING SPECIFIC DETAILS OF THE SUCCESSFUL PROPOSAL WILL BE MADE ONCE A DECISION IS REACHED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR JAMES SO, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MAN SAI-CHEONG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
FOLLOWING THE ARTS POLICY REVIEW CONDUCTED LAST YEAR, THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED TO ACCEPT THE RECOMMENDATION TO TRANSFER THE WORK OF THE MUSIC OFFICE TO A NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATION AND HAS INVITED A NUMBER OF INTERESTED ORGANISATIONS TO SUBMIT PROPOSALS.
THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS, THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS AND THE TWO MUNICIPAL COUNCILS SUBSEQUENTLY SUBMITTED FORMAL PROPOSALS.
"WE ARE CURRENTLY ASSESSING THESE PROPOSALS AND ARE DISCUSSING DETAILS FURTHER WITH THE ORGANISATIONS CONCERNED," MR SO SAID.
"ALL THESE PROPOSALS BROADLY MEET THE BASIC CRITERIA WE SET DOWN AS THE BASIS FOR MAKING THE TRANSFER," HE SAID.
THESE CRITERIA ARE: -
♦ THE NEED TO MAINTAIN THE EXISTING INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC TRAINING PROGRAMMES AT THE PRESENT LEVEL AND IF POSSIBLE TO EXPAND ON THEM;
» THE NEED TO MAINTAIN THE EXISTING MUSIC PROMOTION ACTIVITIES AT THE PRESENT LEVEL, AND IF POSSIBLE TO EXPAND ON THEM;
» THE NEED TO RETAIN THE EXISTING REGIONAL MUSIC CENTRES, AND TO OPEN MORE CENTRES WHEREVER POSSIBLE; AND
» THE NEED TO MAINTAIN A LOW AND AFFORDABLE FEE STRUCTURE FOR BOTH THE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC TRAINING PROGRAMMES AND THE MUSIC INSTRUMENT HIRE SCHEME.
MR SO SAID ANY ORGANISATION TAKING OVER THE MUSIC OFFICE IN FUTURE WILL CONTINUE TO RUN IT ALONG THE EXISTING LINES OF THE OFFICE WHOSE AIM IS TO PROMOTE WIDER INTEREST AND APPRECIATION IN MUSIC AMONG THE YOUNG PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
- - 0 - -
/24 .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1994
- 24 -
WASTE PAPER RECOVERY ENCOURAGED *****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS ISSUED COMPREHENSIVE GUIDELINES ON HOW TO ORGANISE WASTE PAPER SEPARATION AND COLLECTION PROGRAMMES IN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS AND OFFICE PREMISES.
MOREOVER, A TELEPHONE HOTLINE SERVICE (835 1233) HAS ALSO BEEN INTRODUCED TO PROVIDE THE PUBLIC WITH ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE ON HOW TO SET UP A WASTE SEPARATION PROGRAMME AND LISTS OF WASTE PAPER COLLECTORS AND RECYCLERS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM REV THE HON FUNG CHI-WOOD IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR EASON SAID: "SO FAR OVER 90 PER CENT OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, MORE THAN 220 PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES AND 400 PRIVATE ORGANISATIONS HAVE ORGANISED THEIR OWN COLLECTION SCHEME TO SEPARATE WASTE PAPER FROM OTHER WASTES FOR RECYCLING.
"THESE VOLUNTARY WASTE PAPER SEPARATION SCHEMES HAVE REDUCED THE COST OF WASTE PAPER RECOVERY AND ARE CONTRIBUTING TO THE COMPETITIVENESS OF THE LOCAL WASTE PAPER INDUSTRY."
HE NOTED THAT THE RECOVERY RATE OF WASTE PAPER IN HONG KONG LAST YEAR WAS AROUND 55 PER CENT, A HIGH RATE IN COMPARISON WITH THE DEVELOPED COUNTRIES.
MR EASON SAID THE EFFECTIVENESS AND APPROPRIATENESS OF USING ECONOMIC INSTRUMENTS SUCH AS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO ENCOURAGE WASTE RECOVERY AND RECYCLING ACTIVITIES WOULD ALSO BE EXAMINED IN THE WASTE REDUCTION STUDY, WHICH STARTED IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR.
IN THE MEANTIME, THE GOVERNMENT IS PLANNING TO INTRODUCE CHARGING FOR THE DISPOSAL OF PRIVATELY COLLECTED WASTE AT LANDFILLS TO ENCOURAGE WASTE PRODUCERS TO REDUCE WASTE GENERATION.
------0--------
HONG KONG HAS HIGH RECOVERY RATE OF BEVERAGE CONTAINERS
* « « * «
OVER 90 PER CENT OF LOCALLY-FILLED GLASS BEVERAGE BOTTLES REPRESENTING NEARLY 50 PER CENT OF SUCH BOTTLES CIRCULATING IN THE LOCAL MARKET ARE RECOVERED FOR RE-USE BY THE BEVERAGE INDUSTRY.
THE RECOVERY RATE OF ALUMINIUM, COMMONLY USED FOR BEVERAGE CANS, IS ALSO OVER 80 PER CENT.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HUANG CHEN-YA IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
/MR EASON .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1994
- 25 -
MR EASON SAID BOTH RECOVERY RATES COMPARED FAVOURABLY WITH OVERSEAS COUNTRIES SUCH AS THE UNITED KINGDOM, CANADA AND THE UNITED STATES.
THE AVERAGE COST OF DISPOSAL FOR GLASS AND METALS IS ABOUT $70 PER TONNE AND ABOUT 146,000 TONNES OF SUCH WASTES WERE DISPOSED OF IN 1992.
THE EFFECTIVENESS AND APPROPRIATENESS OF ECONOMIC INSTRUMENTS, LEGISLATION AND VOLUNTARY ARRANGEMENTS FOR ENCOURAGING AND ENHANCING WASTE RECYCLING WILL BE EXAMINED IN THE WASTE REDUCTION STUDY, WHICH COMMENCED IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR.
i i ' *
------0--------
ASSESSMENT OF CIVIL SERVANTS’ CHINESE STANDARD
*****
INSTANCES OF CIVIL SERVANTS HAVING THEIR STANDARD OF CHINESE LANGUAGE ASSESSED BY EXPATRIATE SUPERVISORS WHO DO NOT KNOW CHINESE ARE RARE, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR STUART HARBINSON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN HIS WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON NGAI SHIU-KIT, MR HARBINSON SAID EVEN IN THESE RARE CASES, THE APPRAISING OFFICER WOULD NORMALLY CONSULT COLLEAGUES WHO KNEW CHINESE AND WHO HAD WORK CONTACT WITH THE APPRAISEE.
HE SAID BROAD INDICATORS ON ASSESSMENT OF LANGUAGE ABILITY WERE IN FACT INCLUDED IN STAFF APPRAISAL REPORTS FOR THE GUIDANCE OF APPRAISING OFFICERS.
THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH, HOWEVER, HAS NOT SUPPLIED DEPARTMENTS WITH GRADE-SPECIFIC STANDARDS FOR ASSESSING CHINESE LANGUAGE.
’’THIS IS BECAUSE DEPARTMENTS AND THE RELEVANT AGENCIES ARE IN THE BEST POSITION TO SET THE ASSESSMENT CRITERIA IN ACCORDANCE WITH JOB REQUIREMENTS," MR HARBINSON SAID.
HE ADDED THAT IN ACCORDANCE WITH USUAL CIVIL SERVICE PRACTICE, THE APPRAISAL REPORT WAS COUNTERSIGNED BY ANOTHER SENIOR OFFICER AND REVIEWED BY A MORE SENIOR OFFICER DESIGNATED BY THE HEAD OF DEPARTMENT OR HEAD OF GRADE CONCERNED.
"THIS PROVIDES OPPORTUNITIES FOR FURTHER VIEWS ON THE APPRAISEE’S PERFORMANCE," HE SAID.
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/26........
1
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1994
- 26 -
STAFF RECRUITED TO SPEED UP LAND TRANSACTIONS
* * * * »
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT WILL RECRUIT ADDITIONAL STAFF DURING THIS FINANCIAL YEAR, AND THE RECRUITMENT WILL START AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE TO HELP ACCELERATE THE PROCESSING OF LAND TRANSACTIONS, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ERIC LI KA-CHEUNG, MR EASON SAID: "MEANS OF SPEEDING UP TRANSACTION TIMES ARE ALWAYS BEING EXAMINED AND WE ARE CONFIDENT THAT THE ADDITIONAL STAFF WILL PRODUCE POSITIVE RESULTS."
WHILE NOTING THAT IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO QUANTIFY THE IMPROVEMENT EXPECTED PRECISELY AS PROCESSING TIMES VARY CONSIDERABLY DEPENDING ON THE TYPE AND COMPLEXITY OF INDIVIDUAL CASES, HE SAID THE FOLLOWING TIME LIMITS RELATING SPECIFICALLY TO LEASE MODIFICATIONS WOULD BE STIPULATED IN THE PERFORMANCE PLEDGE OF THE DEPARTMENT:
* A REPLY TO AN APPLICATION FOR A LEASE MODIFICATION, ADVISING THE APPLICANT WHETHER THE CASE CAN BE ENTERTAINED OR NOT AND IDENTIFYING THE CASE OFFICER, WILL BE GIVEN WITHIN THREE WEEKS OF RECEIPT OF THE APPLICATION;
* IN STRAIGHTFORWARD CASES, A LETTER OF OFFER SETTING OUT THE BASIC TERMS INCLUDING THE PREMIUM PAYABLE, OR A LETTER REJECTING THE APPLICATION, WILL BE ISSUED WITHIN 26 WEEKS FROM RECEIPT OF THE APPLICATION; AND
* ONCE ACCEPTANCE OF AN OFFER HAD BEEN RECEIVED, THE LEGAL DOCUMENT IN RESPECT OF STRAIGHTFORWARD CASES WILL BE ISSUED FOR EXECUTION WITHIN 13 WEEKS OF ACCEPTANCE.
MR EASON STRESSED THAT THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS WAS DETERMINED TO ENSURE THAT THE ADDITIONAL STAFF WOULD HELP IMPROVE THE PROCESSING OF LAND TRANSACTIONS.
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TERRITORY-WIDE CONTROL ON BANNER DISPLAY UNDER CONSIDERATION *****
THE ADMINISTRATION IS STILL CONSIDERING WHETHER THE PILOT SCHEME ON THE CONTROL OF DISPLAY OF BANNERS INTRODUCED IN WAN CHAI CAN BE APPLIED TO OTHER DISTRICTS, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON MRS PEGGY LAM IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR EASON NOTED THAT THE STAFFING AND FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF DOING SO WERE THAT UP TO 28 STAFF MEMBERS WOULD BE REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT THE SCHEME THROUGHOUT HONG KONG AT AN ANNUAL COST OF $5.8 MILLION.
/"BEFORE REACHING .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1994
27
’’BEFORE REACHING A DECISION ON WHETHER THE SCHEME CAN BE IMPLEMENTED TERRITORY-WIDE, WE NEED TO CONSIDER WHETHER IT CAN COMMAND PRIORITY FOR RESOURCES COMPARED WITH OTHER COMPETING DEMANDS,” HE SAID.
"IF THE SCHEME IS TO BE EXTENDED, WE WILL CERTAINLY NEED TO CONSIDER THE TERMS ON WHICH IT WILL BE EXTENDED AND ANY RESTRICTIONS TO BE APPLIED."
HE NOTED THAT COMPARISONS WITH OTHER CITIES MIGHT BE RELEVANT ALTHOUGH WIDELY DIFFERING PRACTICES PROBABLY APPLIED.
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EMBARKATION FEE PAYABLE BY VESSEL OWNER
* ♦ » ♦ »
PASSENGERS LEAVING HONG KONG BY SEA ARE NOT REQUIRED TO PAY DEPARTURE TAX EQUIVALENT TO THE AIR PASSENGER DEPARTURE TAX, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR KWONG KI-CHI, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
"THERE IS AN EMBARKATION FEE PAYABLE BY THE OWNER OF A FERRY VESSEL IN RESPECT OF EACH PASSENGER EMBARKING ON THE FERRY VESSEL AT A TERMINAL.
"IT IS A FEE BASED ON THE INVESTMENT IN PROVIDING AND OPERATING THE MARINE FERRY TERMINAL FACILITIES," HE SAID.
IN HIS WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG, MR KWONG SAID THE ESTIMATED REVENUE FROM EMBARKATION FEES FOR 1994/95 WAS ABOUT $288 MILLION.
HE ADDED THAT THERE WAS NO CASE TO REDUCE THE CURRENT FEE LEVEL WHICH HAD NOT BEEN ADJUSTED SINCE JANUARY 1993.
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42 ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMITTEES SET UP: SHA
♦ » » » »
FORTY-TWO GOVERNMENT ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMITTEES WERE SET UP IN THE PAST THREE YEARS BETWEEN APRIL 1, 1991 AND MARCH 31, 1994,
THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON TIK CHI-YUEN, MR SUEN SAID THESE BOARDS AND COMMITTEES HAD A TOTAL OF 615 MEMBERS.
THE MAJORITY - 453 - ARE NON-OFFICIAL MEMBERS AND SIX PER CENT, OR 27, ARE ALSO ELECTED MEMBERS OF THE THREE-TIER REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT, MR SUEN ADDED.
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/28 .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1994
- 28 -
CONCESSIONARY FARE SCHEMES FOR ELDERLY ENCOURAGED
*****
CONCESSIONARY FARE SCHEMES FOR THE ELDERLY ARE OFFERED BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT OPERATORS ON A VOLUNTARY BASIS.
THE ADMINISTRATION’S CONTRIBUTION IS THROUGH THE WAIVING OF ANNUAL LICENCE FEES AND RENTALS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR HAIDER BARMA, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MOSES CHENG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"WE HAVE NO INTENTION TO MAKE CONCESSIONARY FARE SCHEMES A CONDITION OF FRANCHISE RENEWAL SINCE THIS WOULD MAKE SUCH SCHEMES MANDATORY AND AS SUCH, COULD GIVE FRANCHISEES JUSTIFICATION TO SEEK HIGHER FARES SO AS TO RECOUP THE REVENUE FOREGONE," MR BARMA SAID.
WITH A FEW EXCEPTIONS, HE NOTED, CONCESSIONARY FARE SCHEMES PROVIDED BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT OPERATORS FOR THE ELDERLY HAD NO TIME OR ROUTE RESTRICTIONS.
"WE HAVE HELD DISCUSSIONS WITH THE OPERATORS, AND WILL CONTINUE TO ENCOURAGE THEM, TO ENHANCE THEIR CONCESSIONARY FARE SCHEMES AS FAR AS POSSIBLE," HE SAID.
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WORKING HOURS OF ELDERLY PEOPLE
» » ♦ » «
HONG KONG HAS FOLLOWED THE APPROACH OF THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION’S CONVENTION IN NOT REGULATING THE WORKING HOURS OF ELDERLY PEOPLE, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR W K LAM, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
ACCORDING TO THE RESULT OF THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1993, 65.5 PER CENT OF THE EMPLOYED PERSONS AGED 60 AND OVER WORKED 45 OR MORE HOURS PER WEEK.
OF THESE, 67.8 PER CENT OF THE MALE EMPLOYED PERSONS AND 57.3 PER CENT OF THE FEMALE EMPLOYED PERSONS WORKED 45 OR MORE HOURS PER WEEK.
THIS WAS STATED BY MR LAM IN HIS WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON CONRAD LAM.
HOWEVER, ALL FEMALE EMPLOYEES, IRRESPECTIVE OF AGE, IN INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS SHALL NOT WORK MORE THAN EIGHT HOURS IN A DAY AND 48 HOURS IN A WEEK UNDER THE WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS (INDUSTRY) REGULATIONS OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, ALTHOUGH RESTRICTED OVERTIME WORK IS PERMITTED.
/EMPLOYERS OF .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1994
- 29 -
EMPLOYERS OF INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS HAVE TO REPORT TO THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR IF THE WORKING HOURS OF THEIR FEMALE EMPLOYEES EXCEED THE LIMIT PRESCRIBED BY THESE REGULATIONS.
"REGULAR INSPECTIONS TO INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ARE CONDUCTED BY THE LABOUR INSPECTORATE TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE," MR LAM SAID.
- - 0---------
MOTION ON CANCELLATION OF THE AGREEMENT ON INTEREST RATES PASSED » * » » «
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL PASSED A MOTION ON CANCELLATION OF THE AGREEMENT ON INTEREST RATES FOLLOWING A TWO-HOUR DEBATE DURING ITS SITTING TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
AFTER COUNCIL MEMBERS HAD SPOKEN ON THE MOTION WHICH WAS PROPOSED BY THE HON FREDERICK FUNG KIN-KEE, THE SECRETARY FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES, MR MICHAEL CARTLAND, REPLIED FOR THE GOVERNMENT.
ANOTHER MOTION PROPOSED BY THE HON MRS ELSIE TU ON PRACTICAL SCHOOLS FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS WAS ALSO PASSED. THIS FOLLOWED A DEBATE BY MEMBERS AND A REPLY GIVEN BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR W K LAM.
DURING THE SITTING, FIVE BILLS - THE WASTE DISPOSAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1993, PUBLIC HEALTH (ANIMALS AND BIRDS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1993, BEDSPACE APARTMENTS BILL, INSURANCE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1993 AND INSURANCE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1993 - WERE PASSED, THE LATTER THREE WITH AMENDMENTS.
IN ADDITION, 11 BILLS WERE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. DEBATES ON THEM WERE ADJOURNED. THESE BILLS WERE THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994, DUTIABLE COMMODITIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994, GAMBLING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994, SALE OF GOODS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994, SUPPLY OF SERVICES (IMPLIED TERMS) BILL, UNCONSCIONABLE CONTRACTS BILL, CIVIL AVIATION (AIRCRAFT NOISE) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994, ESTATE DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994, STAMP DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994, BUSINESS REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994, AND MOTOR VEHICLES (FIRST REGISTRATION TAX) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL.: 842 8777 ‘
THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CHIEF SECRETARY TO MEET VICE PRESIDENT GORE ON FRIDAY.. 1
TRANSCRIPT OF CHIEF SECRETARY’S DOOR-STEP INTERVIEW..... 2
REASONS BEHIND HK’S THRIVING ECONOMY.................... 3
EXCO ENDORSES CHANGES TO ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE......... 4
CONSULTATION STARTS ON 1995 BUDGET...................... 5
HK TO BUILD ITS FIRST RIVER TRADE TERMINAL.............. 6
INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT HELPS BOOST PRODUCTIVITY............ 8
PROVISIONAL FIGURES OF EXTERNAL TRADE FOR MARCH 1994 ... 8
GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY......................... 11
MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION GROUPING FOR P6 PUPILS........... 14
BOE MEMBERS VISIT NORTHCOTE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION....... 15
GOVERNOR RECEIVES CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES REPORT....... 16
BEC COMPLETES REPORT ON MUNICIPAL COUNCIL CONSTITUENCY
BOUNDARIES............................................. 16
UPGC DELEGATION RETURNS FROM BEUING VISIT.............. 17
TWO MORE MONTHS TO COMMENT ON HIGHER EDUCATION REPORT ... 18
GROUP SET UP TO MONITOR FIRE SERVICE.................. 18
SUMMER HEALTH TIPS..................................... 19
SEMINARS SPREAD MESSAGE ON SUMMER JOB TRAPS AND SAFETY. 21
FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETS TOMORROW....................... 22
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS... 22
THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 1994
CHIEF SECRETARY TO MEET VICE PRESIDENT GORE ON FRIDAY *****
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, WILL EXTEND HER VISIT TO WASHINGTON DC BY ONE DAY TO MEET WITH VICE PRESIDENT AL GORE AT THE WHITE HOUSE LATE FRIDAY AFTERNOON (APRIL 29).
BY AGREEING TO CALL ON THE VICE PRESIDENT, MRS CHAN HAS HAD TO CURTAIL SLIGHTLY HER SCHEDULE OF APPOINTMENTS PLANNED FOR NEW YORK ON THURSDAY AND FRIDAY.
SOME OF MRS CHAN’S MEETINGS ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 27) WERE ALSO RESCHEDULED OWING TO THE NATIONAL DAY OF MOURNING FOR THE LATE PRESIDENT RICHARD NIXON AND THE CONSEQUENT CLOSURE OF GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS.
SHE DID, HOWEVER MEET WITH SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY MR LLOYD BENSTEN AND DEPUTY NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR AT THE WHITE HOUSE MR SANDY BERGER.
AT LUNCHTIME TODAY MRS CHAN ADDRESSED THE U.S.-CHINA BUSINESS COUNCIL ON HONG KONG AS AMERICA’S BUSINESS HEADQUARTERS IN ASIA. THE CAPACITY CROWD INCLUDED MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL AND KEY LEADING REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE WASHINGTON BUSINESS COMMUNITY.
MRS CHAN’S PROGRAMME ON WEDNESDAY ALSO ALLOWED HER TO BRIEF JOURNALISTS FROM MAJOR U.S. AND INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATIONS AND WIRE SERVICES.
FOLLOWING THE DAY’S APPOINTMENTS, MRS CHAN TOLD THE MEDIA THAT SHE FELT IT HAD BEEN AN EXTREMELY BUSY BUT PRODUCTIVE THREE DAYS AND A TIMELY VISIT.
SHE SAID THAT SHE WAS DELIGHTED TO HAVE BEEN SO WELL RECEIVED BY EVERYONE SHE HAD MET.
"I HAVE HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO PUT ACROSS THE HONG KONG POINT OF VIEW NOT ONLY ON THE MFN ISSUE BUT ALSO TO SAY A FEW WORDS ABOUT WHAT IS HAPPENING IN HONG KONG, IN PARTICULAR THE RELATIONSHIP WITH CHINA AND HOW WE SEE OUR FUTURE,” MRS CHAN SAID.
BASED ON HER DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING MFN STATUS FOR CHINA, MRS CHAN SAID THAT HER IMPRESSION WAS THAT NO ONE WISHES TO SEE TOTAL REVOCATION OF MFN BECAUSE OF THE CONSEQUENCES.
SHE ADDED: ’’BUT ON THE OTHER HAND, THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO OBVIOUSLY HAVE VIEWS, AND STRONG VIEWS, WHICH WE ENTIRELY RESPECT, ABOUT THE HUMAN RIGHTS SITUATION IN CHINA, AND ABOUT WHAT IS THE BEST WAY OF ACHIEVING IMPROVEMENTS IN THE HUMAN RIGHTS SITUATION.
"I THINK THAT THE ADMINISTRATION WOULD VERY MUCH WISH TO SEE FURTHER MOVEMENT ON THE PART OF THE CHINESE IN MEETING THE CONDITIONS THAT ARE LAID OUT IN THE EXECUTIVE ORDER TO ENABLE PRESIDENT CLINTON TO CERTIFY THAT SUFFICIENT PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE FOR MFN TO BE RENEWED,” MRS CHAN SAID.
/"BUT IF, .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 1994
- 2
’’BUT IF, FOR ANY REASON, SUFFICIENT PROGRESS ISN’T MADE," MRS CHAN CONTINUED, "THEN ONE HAS TO REALISE THAT THERE ARE POLITICAL DIFFICULTIES HERE, AND IN THAT EVENT 1 THINK THERE WILL .BE A DILEMMA FACING THE ADMINISTRATION AS TO WHAT IS THE BEST WAY FORWARD.”
IN ANSWER TO A QUESTION AS TO WHETHER THE SUGGESTION OF SELECTIVE SANCTIONS AGAINST STATE ENTERPRISES IS GAINING MOMENTUM AMONG THE PEOPLE SHE NET, MRS CHAN SAID THE ALTERNATIVES AND OPTIONS ARF VERY MUCH A SECOND-BEST ALTERNATIVE.
"IN MY VIEW IT IS NOT, IN FACT, AN ALTERNATIVE," MRS CHAN SAID.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID SHE HAD ALSO TAKEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO ADDRESS THE CONCERNS OF U.S. BUSINESSMEN RAISED AT THE LUNCHEON MEETING ON THE INCREASING COST OF DOING BUSINESS TN HONG KONG BECAUSE OF SPIRALLING PROPERTY PRICES.
"THERE I WAS ABLE TO SAY THAT IT IS A CONCERN THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ENTIRELY SHARES," MRS CHAN SAID.
SHE SAID SHE POINTED OUT TO THE AUDIENCE THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD ALREADY DECLARED ITS INTENTION TO TAKE ACTION AND HOPED IN TWO OR THREE MONTHS TIME TO BE ABLE TO ANNOUNCE A PACKAGE OF PROPOSALS THAT WOULD HELP TO ARREST THE SPIRALLING, AND MODERATE PRICES, WITHOUT CAUSING A COLLAPSE IN THE PROPERTY MARKET WHICH WOULD NOT BE IN ANYBODY’S INTEREST.
TURNING TO THE REMAINDER OF THE PROGRAMME, MRS CHAN SAID SHE WOULD PROCEED TO NEV YORK ON THURSDAY (APRIL 28) AFTER MEETINGS WITH COMMERCE SECRETARY RON BROWN AND CHAIRMAN OF THE ASIA AND PACIFIC SUBCOMMITTEE OF THE HOUSE FOREIGN RELATIONS COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVE GARY ACKERMAN. ■
• i ' . » J') • . . .
SUMMING UP THE PAST THREE DAYS, MRS CHAN SAID SHE FELT THAT THE VISIT HAD RESULTED IN A BETTER APPRECIATION OF HONG KONG’S CONCERNS, OF HONG KONG’S POSITION AND HOW MFN WOULD IMPACT ON THE TERRITORY, NOT ONLY NOW BUT IMPACT ON STABILITY AND. PROSPERITY AFTER 1997.
’’I'HAVK BEEN ASSURED THAT THOSE CONCERNS WILL BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT, MRS CHAN SAID. _
------0-------
TRANSCRIPT OF CHIEF SECRETARY’S DOOR-STEP INTERVIEW l » ♦ ♦ t
FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF A DOOR-STEP INTERVIEW OF THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, AFTER CALLING ON SENATOR MAX BAUCUS IN WASHINGTON DC ON APRIL 26:
CHIEF SECRETARY: THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE BEEN FOLLOWING ME AROUND WILL KNOW THAT I’VE HAD A VERY HECTIC TWO DAYS. I THINK I’VE NOW SEEN MOST OF THE KEY PLAYERS ON THE MFN ISSUE. I’VE MET WITH THE SENIOR LEADERS IN THE ADMINISTRATION AND IN CONGRESS AND THE SENATE, INCLUDING NANCY PELOSI, SPEAKER TOM FOLEY, MR GEORGE MITCHELL, DAVE MCCURDY. I’VE ALSO SEEN AMBASSADOR LORD AND SENATOR MAX BAUCUS. >
/I'VE HAD .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 1994
3
I’VE HAD VERY, VERY GOOD DISCUSSIONS WITH ALL THESE PEOPLE, BEEN ABLE TO PUT ACROSS THE HONG KONG CASE. THEY’VE LISTENED VERY ATTENTIVELY, AND I THINK AND I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT WHEN PRESIDENT CLINTON COMES TO MAKE HIS FINAL DECISION THAT HE WILL HAVE REGARD TO HONG KONG’S POSITION ON THE MFN ISSUE.
QUESTION: DID YOU GET THE IMPRESSION FROM YOUR MEETING WITH MR LORD THAT THE DECISION — HE SAYS THE DECISION HAS NOT YET BEEN TAKEN. DO YOU THINK IT STILL IS UP IN THE AIR STILL, THAT STILL THERE’S ROOM FOR MOVEMENT IN THE ADMINISTRATION?
CHIEF SECRETARY: WELL, I THINK THAT A DECISION HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN. IT’S TOO EARLY TO MAKE AN ASSESSMENT, AND I THINK OBVIOUSLY THERE IS STILL A FEW WEEKS TO GO BEFORE JUNE THE THIRD, WHEN PRESIDENT CLINTON HAS TO MAKE UP HIS MIND.
REASONS BEHIND HK’S THRIVING ECONOMY
*****
HONG KONG’S ECONOMY HAS THRIVED BECAUSE THE ADMINISTRATION BELIEVES IN PRIVATE ENTERPRISES AND SMALL GOVERNMENT, THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR DONALD TSANG, SAID ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 27).
ADDRESSING THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA IN SAN FRANCISCO, MR TSANG SAID ONLY IN THIS WAY COULD THE GOVERNMENT ENSURE THAT BUSINESS WOULD HAVE THE FREEDOM AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO GENERATE THE WEALTH THE SOCIETY NEEDED.
"I AM SURE THAT A MAJOR REASON FOR OUR SUCCESS IS THAT WE HAVE RESISTED THE TEMPTATION TO SPEND MONEY SIMPLY BECAUSE WE HAVE IT.
’’INSTEAD, WE HAVE MADE SURE THAT GOVERNMENT SPENDING GROWS NO FASTER THAN THE ECONOMY AS A WHOLE," HE SAID.
MR TSANG POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG’S TAXES WERE VERY LOW.
"ABOUT HALF OF OUR WORKING POPULATION PAYS NO SALARIES TAX AT ALL AND TAX RATES FOR THE REST ARE AMONG THE LOWEST IN THE WORLD.
"YOU WILL NOT BE SURPRISED TO LEARN THAT THE WORLD COMPETITIVENESS REPORT (DAVOS) 1992 ESTIMATED THAT HONG KONG’S TOTAL TAX REVENUE - AT ONLY 11.25 PER CENT OF GDP - WAS THE LOWEST PERCENTAGE OF ALL 36 ECONOMIES SURVEYED," HE ADDED.
MR TSANG NOTED THAT THE VALUE OF PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG, IN TERMS OF SAVING PUBLIC RESOURCES, HAD BEEN ENORMOUS.
BEYOND THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME, HE SAID, HONG KONG HAD ACTUALLY ESTABLISHED A VERY LONG RECORD, OF OVER A CENTURY, OF BRINGING PRIVATE SECTOR EQUITY OR LOAN CAPITAL INTO PLAY IN ITS MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS.
”BY ENCOURAGING PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN ABLE TO FUND ITS EXTENSIVE SOCIAL SERVICE PROGRAMMES WITHOUT ANY PUBLIC DEBTS, A MASSIVE PUBLIC SECTOR OR CRIPPLING TAXATION.
/"WE ACCEPT
THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 1994
"WE ACCEPT WELFARE AS ONE OF THE GOVERNMENT’S PRIMARY OBLIGATIONS; BUT WE HAVE ALSO BEEN ABLE TO MAINTAIN TIGHT CONTROL OF GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE,” HE SAID.
MR TSANG SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS COMMITTED TO FREE TRADE, LOW TAXES, A STABLE CURRENCY, A SOUND FINANCIAL SYSTEM, AND PRUDENT BUDGETS.
"SO FAR, THESE POLICIES HAVE SERVED US WELL. WE AIM TO ENSURE THAT OUR PAST SUCCESS CONTINUE IN THE FUTURE," HE SAID.
------0--------
EXCO ENDORSES CHANGES TO ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE *****
THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS ENDORSED PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE WHICH TRANSFER SOME OF THE REGULATION MAKING POWERS TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT.
UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 TO BE GAZETTED TOMORROW(FRIDAY), THE POWER TO MAKE REGULATIONS WHICH ARE OPERATIONAL IN NATURE AND TO REVISE THE ROAD USERS’ CODE WILL BE TRANSFERRED FROM THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID: "THE POWER TO MAKE REGULATIONS IN THE MORE SENSITIVE AREAS, SUCH AS FEES AND CHARGES, PUBLIC TRANSPORT FARES, POWER OF ARREST AND POLICE POWERS, WILL BE RETAINED BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL."
HE EMPHASISED THAT THE PROPOSED CHANGES WOULD NOT AFFECT THE POWER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN APPROVING SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION.
THE AMENDMENT BILL ALSO SEEKS TO REMOVE THE REQUIREMENT THAT A PUBLIC OFFICER SHOULD BE APPOINTED TO THE TRANSPORT TRIBUNAL TO HEAR APPEALS ON TRANSPORT MATTERS, AND TO ALLOW THE TRIBUNAL TO SELECT ITS OWN LEGAL ADVISER, RATHER THAN CHOOSING FROM A PANEL APPOINTED BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL. ' '
AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE BILL SEEKS TO EMPOWER THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT TO SUSPEND OR CANCEL THE LICENCE OF VEHICLES WHEN THEIR VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS WERE FOUND TO HAVE BEEN TAMPERED.
IT ALSO EXTENDS THE CONTROL ON BICYCLE AND TRICYCLE TO MULTICYCLES WHICH ARE A NEW TYPE OF PEDAL CYCLE WITH FOUR WHEELS.
THE GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID: "IN THE INTERESTS OF ROAD AND PEDESTRIAN SAFETY, THE USE OF MULTI-CYCLES WILL BE CONFINED TO AREAS, SUCH AS CYCLE TRACKS AND CYCLE GROUNDS, DESIGNATED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT BY MEANS OF TRAFFIC SIGNS."
THE ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) BILL WILL RECEIVE ITS FIRST READING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON MAY 11, 1994.
THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 1994
- 5 -
CONSULTATION STARTS ON 1995 BUDGET
*****
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR HAMISH MACLEOD, TODAY (THURSDAY) BEGAN HIS CONSULTATION WITH LEGCO MEMBERS ON NEXT YEAR’S BUDGET BY BRIEFING THEM ON THE MAIN FACTORS TO BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN DECIDING ON EXPENDITURE PRIORITIES.
THE BRIEFING WILL BE FOLLOWED BY MEETINGS WITH MEMBERS IN GROUPS IN THE SECOND AND THIRD WEEKS OF MAY TO HEAR THEIR VIEWS ON THE AREAS TO BE ACCORDED PRIORITY FOR BOTH RECURRENT AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURE IN PREPARATION OF THE 1995/96 ESTIMATES.
SIR HAMISH NOTED THAT CONSULTATION WITH MEMBERS HAD CONTRIBUTED TO THE SUCCESS OF THE 1994 BUDGET AND HE WAS GRATEFUL FOR MEMBERS’ SUPPORT IN THE BUDGET DEBATE.
HE SAID THE TIMING OF THIS YEAR’S CONSULTATION HAD BEEN BROUGHT FORWARD SLIGHTLY SO THAT MEMBERS’ VIEWS COULD BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE IN THE RESOURCE ALLOCATION EXERCISE.
IN DRAWING UP NEXT YEAR’S BUDGET, HE SAID, THE GOVERNMENT REMAINED COMMITTED TO THE MAIN BUDGETARY GUIDELINE THAT EXPENDITURE GROWTH MUST BE KEPT WITHIN THE TREND GROWTH RATE OF GDP, WHICH WAS PROVISIONALLY FORECAST TO BE FIVE PER CENT.
"THIS MEANS THAT RECURRENT EXPENDITURE IN 1995/96 IS EXPECTED TO INCREASE BY ROUGHLY $5 BILLION IN REAL TERMS," HE SAID.
HOWEVER, HE NOTED THAT A SUBSTANTIAL PART OF THIS SUM HAD ALREADY BEEN EARMARKED TO MEET THE FULL-YEAR COST OF INITIATIVES STARTED IN 1994/95 AND THE RECURRENT CONSEQUENCES OF CAPITAL PROJECTS COMING ON STREAM.
IT ALSO HAD TO BE USED TO MEET STATUTORY AND CONTRACTUAL GROWTH SUCH AS SOCIAL SECURITY PAYMENTS, STUDENT GRANTS AND CIVIL SERVICE PENSIONS AS WELL AS FURTHER SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS IN 1995/96 TOWARDS MEETING THE 1997 TARGETS ANNOUNCED BY THE GOVERNOR IN HIS 1992 AND 1993 POLICY ADDRESSES.
"FOR EXAMPLE, MONEY HAS ALREADY BEEN EARMARKED FOR MORE CARE AND ATTENTION PLACES FOR THE ELDERLY, MORE HOME HELP TEAMS, EXTRA CHILD CARE PLACES, EXPANSION IN FACILITIES FOR THE DISABLED AND MORE SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS.
"FUNDS HAVE ALSO BEEN SET ASIDE FOR MORE TEACHERS, MORE HOSPITAL BEDS, NEW CLINICS AND HEALTH CENTRES, AND CLEANING UP THE COUNTRYSIDE," HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT ON TOP OF THESE IMPROVEMENTS, FURTHER NEW SERVICES COULD BE FUNDED BY THE BALANCE OF THE NEW MONEY AND REDEPLOYMENT OF RESOURCES AND BETTER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT.
/HE HOPED .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 1994
6
HE HOPED THAT CONSULTATION WITH MEMBERS WOULD HELP THE GOVERNMENT MAP OUT HOW BEST TO DIRECT THE RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO MEET THE ASPIRATIONS AND NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY.
ON RECURRENT EXPENDITURE, SIR HAMISH NOTED THAT THIS HAD INCREASED BY ABOUT 33 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS, FROM 1989/90 TO 1993/94.
RECURRENT EXPENDITURE ON KEY AREAS LIKE ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH, SOCIAL WELFARE AND EDUCATION HAD EVEN EXCEEDED THIS RATE OF GROWTH, HE SAID.
ON CAPITAL EXPENDITURE, HE NOTED THAT OVER THE LAST FIVE YEARS, TOTAL EXPENDITURE ON MAJOR NON-AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS AMOUNTED TO $66 BILLION.
HE REMINDED MEMBERS THAT IN SUGGESTING NEW PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS, THEY SHOULD BEAR IN MIND THE CAPACITY CONSTRAINTS ON THE WORKS DEPARTMENTS AND THAT IT NORMALLY TOOK A LEAD TIME OF AT LEAST TWO YEARS TO START NEW PROJECTS.
AFTER SEEKING MEMBERS’ VIEWS ON EXPENDITURE PRIORITIES, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WILL LATER IN THE YEAR CONDUCT ANOTHER ROUND OF CONSULTATION WITH MEMBERS ON THE REVENUE ASPECTS OF THE BUDGET.
------0-------
HK TO BUILD ITS FIRST RIVER TRADE TERMINAL
*****
HONG KONG PLANS TO BUILD ITS FIRST TERMINAL SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED TO HANDLE RIVER CARGOES FROM THE PEARL RIVER DELTA.
A PRIVATE COMPANY WILL BUILD AND OPERATE THE TERMINAL, AT AREA 38, TUEN MUN. THE GOVERNMENT WILL CALL TENDERS FOR THE TERMINAL LATER THIS YEAR AND THE FIRST PHASE WILL PROBABLY BEGIN OPERATING BY LATE 1997.
THE PROJECT WAS OUTLINED AT THE MEETING OF THE RIVER TRADE CARGO ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE OF THE PORT DEVELOPMENT BOARD TODAY (THURSDAY).
MEMBERS AGREED THAT THERE WAS A NEED FOR A RIVER TRADE TERMINAL (RTT) BECAUSE OF PROJECTED HUGE INCREASES IN RIVER TRADE.
THE PORT DEVELOPMENT BOARD ESTIMATES THAT THE 20.7 MILLION TONNES OF FREIGHT CARRIED BY RIVER LAST YEAR WILL DOUBLE BY 2001 AND QUADRUPLE BY 2011.
IF THE RTT DOES NOT BEGIN OPERATING, THE HONG KONG ECONOMY WILL LOSE $13.3 BILLION BETWEEN 1997 AND 2011.
IT WILL MEAN THAT 7.4 MILLION 20-FOOT EQUIVALENT UNITS (TEUS) OF CONTAINERISED FREIGHT AND 15.2 MILLION TONNES OF BREAK-BULK CARGO DOES NOT MOVE THROUGH THE PORT.
/THERE IS .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 1994
7
THERE IS ALSO A GROWING NEED FOR DEDICATED CONTAINER HANDLING FACILITIES FOR RIVER TRADE.
ALTHOUGH CONTAINERISATION ACCOUNTED FOR ONLY 10 PER CENT OF RIVER CARGOES IN 1991, THE PROPORTION INCREASED TO 20 PER CENT IN 1993. FORECASTS SHOW IT WILL REACH 41 PER CENT BY 2011.
RIVER CARGO HANDLING FACILITIES, MAINLY PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREAS, ARE EXPECTED TO REACH CAPACITY BY 1996.
THE GOVERNMENT WILL MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO REDUCE ANY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF THE TERMINAL ON THE TUEN MUN AREA. THIS WILL BE IN LINE WITH CONSULTANT’S RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE AREA AS A WHOLE.
AMONG THE MEASURES ALREADY PLANNED ARE THE CAREFUL ALIGNMENT OF ROADS AND THE USE OF SPECIAL ROAD SURFACE MATERIALS TO CUT DOWN TRAFFIC NOISE.
THE GOVERNMENT WILL ALSO UPGRADE THE LOCAL ROAD NETWORK TO TIE IN WITH THE DEVELOPMENT AND AVOID CONGESTION BY TERMINAL TRAFFIC. THIS WILL INCLUDE WIDENING A SECTION OF LUNG MUN ROAD AND BUILDING A NEW BYPASS ALONG THE CASTLE PEAK FOOTHILLS.
THE ESTIMATED COST IS $892 MILLION AT 1993 PRICES. THE GOVERNMENT WILL SPEND ANOTHER $39 MILLION TO PROVIDE CUSTOMS, IMMIGRATION AND FIRE SERVICE FACILITIES.
PLANNERS HAVE CONSULTED THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD OVER THE TERMINAL SINCE AUGUST 1990 AND HAVE TAKEN LOCAL CONCERNS ABOUT TRAFFIC AND THE ENVIRONMENT INTO ACCOUNT.
THE GOVERNMENT WILL GAZETTE THE TERMINAL UNDER THE FORESHORE AND SEA-BED (RECLAMATION) ORDINANCE AND THE TOWN PLANNING ORDINANCE. IT WILL CONSULT THE DISTRICT BOARD AT REGULAR INTERVALS DURING THE PLANNING PROCESS.
THE TERMINAL DEVELOPER WILL HAVE TO ASSESS CAREFULLY THE LIKELY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF THE TERMINAL AND PROVIDE ACCEPTABLE MITIGATION MEASURES.
THE PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY REPORT IN 1988 RECOGNISED THE NEED FOR A RIVER TRADE TERMINAL. IN MARCH 1992, THE RIVER TRADE CARGO ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE REPORTED THAT THE NEED WAS BECOMING PRESSING.
WHEN THE GOVERNMENT, IN APRIL 1992, CALLED FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST IN BUILDING AND OPERATING THE TERMINALS, SEVERAL PRIVATE COMPANIES RESPONDED.
THE MULTI-PURPOSE TERMINAL WILL ENABLE THE OPERATORS TO SORT, STORE AND CONSOLIDATE RIVER TRADE CARGO. THEY CAN THEN TRANSFER IT TO BIGGER VESSELS AND TRANSPORT IT TO CONTAINER TERMINALS OR OTHER PORT FACILITIES FOR ONWARD TRANSHIPMENT.
THE LOCATION OF THE RTT MEANS THAT MOST RIVER VESSELS WILL BE ABLE TO AVOID THE BUSY MA WAN CHANNEL. THEY WILL ALSO AVOID OCEANGOING VESSELS USING KWAI CHUNG AND THE NEW LANTAU PORT.
---------0-----------
/8........
THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 1994
8
INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT HELPS BOOST PRODUCTIVITY
*****
THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT EFFORTS THAT ASSIST INDUSTRIAL OPERATIONS IN HONG KONG TO STRIVE FOR GREATER PRODUCTIVITY, THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MISS DENISE YUE, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE PRODUCTIVITY SHOWCASE COCKTAIL RECEPTION ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL (HKPC), MISS YUE SAID PRODUCTIVITY DIRECTLY DETERMINED THE COMPETITIVENESS OF HONG KONG’S PRODUCTS IN THE GLOBAL MARKET.
"IT IS THUS NO EXAGGERATION TO SAY THAT THE CONTINUED WELLBEING OF OUR MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY IS CRUCIALLY DEPENDENT ON ITS ABILITY TO ACHIEVE CONTINUOUS PRODUCTIVITY IMPROVEMENT," SHE SAID.
MISS YUE NOTED THAT HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING SECTOR HAD ACHIEVED FRUITFUL RESULTS IN ITS PURSUIT OF PRODUCTIVITY GROWTH.
"PER CAPITA PRODUCTIVITY IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR GREW BY AN AVERAGE OF 10 PER CENT IN THE PERIOD OF 1986/92."
"PER CAPITA PRODUCTIVITY GROWTH LAST YEAR WAS EVEN HIGHER, REGISTERING SOME 12 PER CENT," SHE SAID.
"WITHOUT THIS SUSTAINED PRODUCTIVITY IMPROVEMENT, IT WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE FOR THE LOCAL MANUFACTURING SECTOR TO PRODUCE, IN REAL TERMS, 25 PER CENT MORE THAN IT DID SEVEN YEARS AGO, BUT WITH ONLY THREE-FIFTHS OF THE LABOUR FORCE THEN," SHE ADDED.
MISS YUE CONGRATULATED THE HKPC FOR ORGANISING THE PRODUCTIVITY SHOWCASE WHICH FEATURED THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE PAST WINNERS OF THE GOVERNOR’S AWARD FOR INDUSTRY IN THE PRODUCTIVITY CATEGORY AND OF THE HKPC PRODUCTIVITY AWARD OR CERTIFICATE OF MERIT.
--------0-----------
PROVISIONAL FIGURES OF EXTERNAL TRADE FOR MARCH 1994
*****
BOTH RE-EXPORTS AND IMPORTS RECORDED NOTABLE GROWTH IN MARCH OVER THE SAME MONTH IN 1993, WHILE DOMESTIC EXPORTS CONTINUED TO BE SLACK.
THESE ARE SHOWN IN THE PROVISIONAL FIGURES OF EXTERNAL TRADE FOR MARCH RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS, AT $71.1 BILLION IN MARCH, WAS $7.7 BILLION OR 12% HIGHER THAN A YEAR EARLIER.
THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS FELL BY $1.4 BILLION OR 8.2% OVER A YEAR EARLIER TO $15.9 BILLION IN MARCH.
/TAKING:RE-EXPORTS .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 1994
- 9 -
TAKING RE-EXPORTS AND DOMESTIC EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY $6.2 BILLION OR 7.7% TO $87.1 BILLION IN MARCH. MEANWHILE, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY $9.4 BILLION OR 11% TO $96.2 BILLION.
AS THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS IN MARCH WAS SMALLER THAN THAT OF TOTAL IMPORTS, A VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF $9.2 BILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 9.5% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED. THIS COMPARED WITH A DEFICIT OF $6.0 BILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 7.0% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, RECORDED IN MARCH 1993.
IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS GREW BY 8.6% OVER THE SAME QUARTER LAST YEAR. AMONGST THIS, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 13%, WHILE THAT OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS FELL BY 8.1%.
SUPPORTED LARGELY BY THE CONTINUED EXPANSION IN HONG KONG’S REEXPORT TRADE, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 9.8%.
IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994, A VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF $13.9 BILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 5.4% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED. THIS COMPARED WITH A DEFICIT OF $10.1 BILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 4.4% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, RECORDED IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1993.
COMMENTING ON THE TRADE FIGURES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE PERFORMANCE OF RE-EXPORTS WAS STILL ROBUST, ALTHOUGH THE GROWTH RATE HAD MODERATED FROM LAST YEAR.
THE GROWTH IN RE-EXPORTS TO SOME MARKETS SUCH AS THE UNITED STATES AND GERMANY SEEMED TO HAVE BEEN LESS RAPID LATELY. MEANWHILE, THE PERFORMANCE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS REMAINED SLUGGISH.
RETAINED IMPORTS, ON THE OTHER HAND, RECORDED AN INCREASE OF 8.9% IN MARCH, AFTER A DROP OF 5.4% IN FEBRUARY. FOR THE FIRST QUARTER AS A WHOLE, THE VALUE OF RETAINED IMPORTS WAS HIGHER BY 4.3% OVER A YEAR EARLIER.
REFLECTING THE CONTINUOUS STRUCTURAL SHIFT OF HONG KONG’S EXPORTS FROM DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO RE-EXPORTS, THE SHARE OF RE-EXPORTS IN THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS ROSE FURTHER TO 82% IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994, FROM 78% TN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1993.
A MORE DETAILED ANALYSIS OF HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE FOR MARCH, BY COMMODITY AND COUNTRY, WILL BE RELEASED IN MID-MAY.
/PROVISIONAL FIGURES .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 1994
- 10 -
PROVISIONAL FIGURES OF EXTERNAL TRADE FOR MARCH 1994
MERCHANDISE: Domestic Exports : $15,930 million
Re-exports : $71,120 million
Total Exports : $87,050 million
Imports : $96,238 million
Trade balance : -$9,188 million
COMPARATIVE FIGURES
Jan 94 to Jan 93 to Change
Latest 3 months Mar 94 Mar 93
HKS Mn. HKS Mn. HKS Mn. %
Domestic Exports 44,744 48,709 -3,965 -8.1
(% of Total Exports) (18.5%) (21.9%)
Re-exports 197,257 174,198 +23,059 + 13.2
Total Exports 242,001 222,907 +19,093 +8.6
Imports 255,920 233,054 +22,866 + 9.8
Trade balance -13,919 -10,147 -3,772
March March Change
Same month last year 1994 1993
HKS Mn. HKS Mn. HKS Mn. %
Domestic Exports 15,930 17,343 -1,414 -8.2
(% of Total Exports) (18.3%) (21.5%)
Re-exports 71,120 63,469 +7,652 + 12.1
Total Exports 87,050 80,812 +6,238 + 7.7
Imports 96,238 86,855 +9,382 + 10.8
Trade balance -9,188 -6,043 -3,144
March February Change
Last month 1994 1994
HKS Mn. HKS Mn. HKS Mn. %
Domestic Exports 15,930 13,474 +2,455 + 18.2
(% of Total Exports) (18.3%) (18.5%)
Re-exports 71,120 59,365 + 11 ,755 + 19.8
Total Exports 87,050 72,839 +14,211 + 19.5
Imports 96,238 79,305 +16,933 + 21.4
Trade balance -9,188 -6,465 -2,722
Apr 93 to Apr 92 to Change
Last 12 months Mar 94 Mar 93
HKS Mn. HKS Mn. HKS Mn. %
Domestic Exports 219,061 234,126 -15,065 -6.4
(% of Total Exports) (20.6%) (24.4%)
Re-exports 846,282 725,416 +120,867 + 16.7
Total Exports 1,065,344 959,542 +105,802 + 11.0
Imports 1,095,463 990,393 +105,071 + 10.6
Trade balance -30,120 -30,851 + 731
28 April 1994
CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT
---------0-----------
/Il .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 1994
- 11 -
GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY
*****
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED GRADES ON THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF ALL BATHING BEACHES IN HONG KONG.
THE PURPOSE OF THE GRADING SYSTEM IS TO INFORM SWIMMERS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC ABOUT THE STATE OF BACTERIOLOGICAL POLLUTION AT VARIOUS BEACHES.
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 ARE USUALLY SAMPLED.
THE GRADING IS BASED ON THE MOST RECENT E. COLI DATA OBTAINED BY EPD IN ITS ROUTINE MONITORING PROGRAMME.
AS WITH LAST YEAR, THE GRADING ALSO INCLUDES AN ESTIMATE OF THE RISK OF SUFFERING SOME MINOR SKIN OR GASTRO-INTESTINAL 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 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 B. 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" ........
THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 1994
- 12 -
* GRADE "4" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS VERY POOR. THE E. COLI COUNT IS MORE THAN 610 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS MORE THAN 15 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
THE DECISION ON WHETHER OR NOT TO CLOSE A BEACH TO SWIMMERS IS BASED ON A JUDGEMENT OF WHAT DEGREE OF POLLUTION IS ACCEPTABLE.
NORMALLY, THE CLOSURE OF A BEACH WOULD ONLY BE CONSIDERED BY THE URBAN 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 ON THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF VARIOUS BEACHES IN HONG KONG TODAY ARE LISTED BELOW:
PRESENT
BEACH GRADING
(AS AT 28.4.94)
HONG KONG SOUTH
BIG WAVE BAY 2
CHUNG HOM KOK 2
DEEP WATER BAY 1
HAIRPIN 2
MIDDLE BAY 1
REPULSE BAY 1
SHEK O 2
SOUTH BAY 1
ST. STEPHEN’S 1
TURTLE COVE 1
STANLEY MAIN 2
ROCKY BAY X
TO TEI WAN* 1
TUEN MUN DISTRICT
OLD CAFETERIA X
NEW CAFETERIA 3
CASTLE PEAK X
KADOORIE 3
BUTTERFLY 2
/SAI KUNG ........
THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 1994
- 13 -
SAI KUNG DISTRICT
CAMPERS
CLEAR WATER BAY 1ST BEACH
CLEAR WATER BAY 2ND BEACH HAP MUN BAY
KIU TSUI
PAK SHA CHAU
SILVERSTRAND
TRIO (HEBE HAVEN)
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
ISLANDS DISTRICT
CHEUNG SHA UPPER CHEUNG SHA LOWER DISCOVERY BAY* HUNG SHING YEH KWUN YAM WAN TONG FUK LO SO SHING PUI O SILVERMINE BAY TUNG WAN, CHEUNG CHAU TUNG O*
1 2
2
1 1
1 1
1
2
1
1
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT
ANGLERS’ APPROACH CASAM GEMINI HOI MEI WAN LIDO TING KAU
TUNG WAN, MA WAN
X 3
2
3
2 2
3 2
NOTE : "X" THE BEACH HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR SWIMMING PRUPOSES.
* NON-GAZETTED BEACHES.
IN ADDITION TO THIS REGULAR REPORTING SYSTEM, AN ANNUAL REVIEW OF THE BACTERIOLG I CAL WATER QUATLITY OF ALL THE BATHING BEACHES IN HONG KONG WILL CONTINUE TO BE PREPARED BY EPD AFTER EACH BATHING
THIS WILL ADVISE THE BEACH MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES ON THE SUITABILITY OF INDIVIDUAL BEACHES FOR SWIMMING PRUPOSES.
/THE LATEST .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 1994
THE LATEST ANNUAL REPORT ENTITLED "BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF BATHING * BEACHES IN HONG KONG, 1993" (ENGLISH AND CHINESE VERSIONS), FOR THE BATHING SEASON OF 1993, IS AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL.
NOTE TO EDITORS: ,
FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT EPD’S PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER DR MALCOLM BROOM ON TEL 835 1234.
- - 0 - -
MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION GROUPING FOR P6 PUPILS
*****
PARENTS OF PRIMARY 6 PUPILS WILL TOMORROW (FRIDAY) BE TOLD THE GROUPING OF THEIR CHILDREN IN TERMS OF THEIR ABILITY TO LEARN IN ENGLISH OR CHINESE.'
THE INFORMATION WILL ENABLE PARENTS TO CHOOSE A SECONDARY SCHOOL WHICH OFFERS A SUITABLE LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION FOR THEIR CHILDERN.
AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY OF 85,560 PRIMARY 6 PUPILS PARTICIPATING IN THE SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES ALLOCATION SCHEME HAS BEEN ASSESSED UNDER THE 'MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION GROUPING ASSESSMENT’ (MIGA) EXERCISE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID: "THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THAT MIGA IS ADOPTED TO GROUP SECONDARY 1 ENTRANTS BY REFERENCE TO A MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION IN WHICH THEY CAN LEARN EFFECTIVELY."
THE GROUPING IS BASED ON THE SCHOOLS’ INTERNAL ASSESSMENTS ON PUPILS AT THE END OF PRIMARY 5 AND DURING THE MID-YEAR OF PRIMARY 6, BOTH OF WHICH ARE SCALED BY THE ACADEMIC APTITUDE TEST.
PUPILS IN GROUP 1 SHOULD BE ABLE TO LEARN EFFECTIVELY IN EITHER ENGLISH OR CHINESE. PUPILS IN GROUP II SHOULD LEARN MORE EFFECTIVELY THROUGH THE CHINESE MEDIUM. THOSE IN GROUP III SHOULD LEARN BETTER THROUGH THE CHINESE MEDIUM BUT PROBABLY ALSO BE ABLE TO LEARN EFFECTIVELY IN ENGLISH.
THIS YEAR, AMONG THE 85,560 PRIMARY 6 PUPILS PARTICIPATING IN THE SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES ALLOCATION SCHEME, A TOTAL OF 28,510 PUPILS (33.32 PER CENT) ARE IN GROUP I, WHILE 50,359 PUPILS (58.86 PER CENT) ARE IN GROUP II AND 6,407 PUPILS (7.49 PER CENT) IN GROUP III .
MIGA IS NOT APPLICABLE TO THE NON-CHINESE SPEAKING PUPILS AND THE PUPILS WITH INCOMPLETE ASSESSMENTS. A TOTAL OF 284 PUPILS (0.33 PER CENT) BELONG TO THIS GROUP.
/THE SPOKESMAN
THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 1994
- 15 -
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT INFORMATION ON MIGA FOR SECONDARY 1 ENTRANTS WOULD BE DISTRIBUTED TO PARENTS THROUGH THE PUPILS’ PRIMARY SCHOOLS TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
A LEAFLET ON MIGA TOGETHER WITH A LEAFLET PROMOTING CHINESE AS THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION WILL BE ISSUED TO PARENTS AT THE SAME TIME.
IN ADDITION, PARENTS WILL RECEIVE A SECONDARY SCHOOLS LIST SHOWING SCHOOLS’ CHOICE OF TEACHING MEDIUM.
"THE INFORMATION WILL SERVE AS USEFUL REFERENCE FOR PARENTS IN CHOOSING A SECONDARY SCHOOL WHICH OFFERS A SUITABLE LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION FOR THEIR CHILDREN," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
ANY ENQUIRIES RELATING TO THE RESULTS OF MIGA SHOULD BE REFERRED TO THE SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES ALLOCATION SECTION OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ON TEL 891 2200 DURING OFFICE HOURS.
------0-------
BOE MEMBERS VISIT NORTHCOTE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION * * * * *
FIVE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, LED BY ITS NEW CHAIRMAN, DR TAM MAN-KWAN, AND ACCOMPANIED BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (FURTHER), DAVID PUN, TODAY (THURSDAY) VISITED THE NORTHCOTE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AT POKFULAM TO SEE THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN TEACHER EDUCATION IN HONG KONG.
THE FIVE MEMBERS WERE MR MICHAEL HONG MAN-HOI, MR HERMAN HU SHAO-MING, MRS GRACE HUI WONG KING-MAN, MRS MINNIE LAI WEI KIT-LIN AND MR PETER LEE SHUNG-TAK.
ON ARRIVAL, THE GROUP WAS BRIEFED BY THE PRINCIPAL OF THE COLLEGE, MRS ALICE S K CHENG, BEFORE TOURING THE COLLEGE CAMPUS. MEMBERS VISITED THE LIBRARY, THE CANTEEN, THE STUDENT UNION ROOM, THE INDOOR GYMNASIUM, THE COMPUTER ROOMS AND THE VARIOUS TEACHING DEPARTMENTS.
MEMBERS WERE TOLD THE COLLEGE OFFERS BOTH 3-YEAR AND 2-YEAR PRE-SERVICE AND IN-SERVICE PROFESSIONAL TRAINING FOR NON-GRADUATE TEACHERS IN PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
TO ACQUAINT SERVING TEACHERS WITH MODERN TEACHING METHODS AND APPROACHES, THE COLLEGE ALSO OFFERS A PART-TIME REFRESHER TRAINING COURSE IN SECONDARY TEACHING AND A ONE-YEAR FULL-TIME ADVANCED COURSE OF TEACHER EDUCATION FOR NON-GRADUATE TEACHERS OF HOME MANAGEMENT AND DRESS DESIGN.
"ACCORDING TO A RECOMMENDATION BY THE EDUCATION COMMISSION IN ITS REPORT NO. 5, THE NORTHCOTE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND THE OTHER THREE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION, AND THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION WILL BE UPGRADED AND MERGED TO FORM THE NEW HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION (HKIED) IN SEPTEMBER 1994," MRS CHENG SAID.
SHE ADDED: "IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE HKIED, WHEN IT STARTS OPERATION IN SEPTEMBER, WOULD PROVIDE SEPARATE TRAINING FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS SO AS TO ENABLE STUDENT-TEACHERS TO PREPARE IN DEPTH TO TEACH AT EITHER LEVEL."
________0 - - - "
/16 .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 1994
- 16 -
GOVERNOR RECEIVES CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES REPORT ♦ » ♦ ♦ ♦
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (THURSDAY) SAID THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION (BEC) HAD SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNOR ITS RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE CONSTITUENCY’ BOUNDARIES FOR THE 1995 MUNICIPAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS.
THE BEC’S REPORT WILL BE TABLED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL NEXT WEDNESDAY (MAY 4).
’’THIS IS REQUIRED BY LAW AND WILL ENSURE TRANSPARENCY OF THE BOUNDARY DEMARCATION PROCESS,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND THE COMMUNITY ARE ABLE TO SEE THE BEC’S ORIGINAL RECOMMENDATIONS BEFORE THE ADMINISTRATION PROPOSES ANY CHANGES TO THEM, HE SAID.
THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCI I WILL CONSIDER THE BEC’S RECOMMENDATIONS, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE ADMINISTRATION’S COMMENTS ON THEM.
THE DECISION OF THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL ON THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES WILL THEN BE GAZETTED IN THE FORM OF ORDERS (SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION), WHICH WILL BE SUBJECT TO LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL’S SCRUTINY.
THE ADMINISTRATION HOPES TO COMPLETE THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS RELATING TO THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES BY EARLY JULY THIS YEAR, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
---------0-----------
BEC COMPLETES REPORT ON MUNICIPAL COUNCIL CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES » ♦ ♦ ♦ *
THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION (BEC) TODAY (THURSDAY) SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, ITS RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE DELINEATION OF CONSTITUENCIES IN RESPECT OF THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS TO BE HELD IN MARCH NEXT YEAR.
THE RECOMMENDATIONS WERE CONTAINED IN A THREE-VOLUME REPORT.
VOLUME I IS THE REPORT PROPER WITH REASONS AND EXPLANATIONS AS TO HOW THE COMMISSION CARRIED OUT ITS DEMARCATION. WORK AND HOW IT ARRIVED AT ITS RECOMMENDATIONS.
VOLUME II CONTAINS THE MAPS SHOWING THE RECOMMENDED DELINEATION OF CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES AND A GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE BOUNDARIES.
VOLUME I II.COMPILES THE REPRESENTATIONS MADE BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ON THE COMMISSION’S PROVISIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS WHICH HAD BEEN PUBLISHED IN MARCH.
/A BEC........
THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 1994
A BEC SPOKESMAN SAID THE COMMISSION RECEIVED WRITTEN REPRESENTATIONS AND HELD NINE MEETINGS WITH ORGANISATIONS TO RECEIVE THEIR REPRESENTATIONS.
A TOTAL OF 57
INDIVIDUALS AND
HE SAID THE REPORT WOULD BE TABLED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL NEXT WEDNESDAY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE BEC CHAIRMAN, MR JUSTICE WOO KWOK-HING, WILL HOST A PRESS CONFERENCE AT 3.30 PM ON MAY 4 TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF THE REPORT.
THE CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD AT THE BEC CONFERENCE ROOM, 10TH FLOOR, HARBOUR CENTRE, 25 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.
COPIES OF THE REPORT WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR THE MEDIA FOR ADVANCE READING STARTING 2.30 PM THAT DAY.
------0-------
UPGC DELEGATION RETURNS FROM BEIJING VISIT
*****
A DELEGATION FROM THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE (UPGC) HAS RETURNED TO HONG KONG AFTER A THREE-DAY VISIT TO BEIJING FROM APRIL 19 TO 21.
"THE BRIEF VISIT HAS ENABLED US TO UNDERSTAND BETTER CHINA’S HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM AND POLICY, WHICH IS THE PURPOSE OF THE VISIT,” UPGC CHAIRMAN, MR ANTONY LEUNG, SAID.
"ON OUR ARRIVAL WE HAD A LENGTHY AND USEFUL MEETING WITH OFFICIALS OF THE STATE EDUCATION COMMISSION AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM A NUMBER OF HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS TN BEIJING," HE ADDED.
THE DISCUSSION FOCUSED ON CURRENT EDUCATION POLICY AND PRACTICE IN CHINA, INCLUDING THE FUNDING OF HIGHER EDUCATION, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, AND COLLABORATION WITH INDUSTRY, HE SAID.
THE DELEGATION VISITED THE CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, QINGHUA UNIVERSITY, BEIJING UNIVERSITY AND BEIJING NORMAL UNIVERSITY AND HELD DISCUSSIONS WITH THEIR STAFF, RESEARCHERS AND STUDENTS.
DURING THE VISIT, THE DELEGATION MET VICE-PREMIER OF THE CHINESE STATE COUNCIL, MR LI LANQING, AND EXCHANGE VIEWS WITH HIM ON DEVELOPMENTS IN HIGHER EDUCATION AND RESEARCH IN HONG KONG, CHINA AND INTERNATIONALLY.
IN ADDITION, MEMBERS ALSO VISITED THE HONG KONG AND MACAU AFFAIRS OFFICE AND HAD A BRIEF MEETING WITH ITS DEPUTY DIRECTOR, MR CHEN ZIYING.
/"DURING ALL .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 1994
- 18 -
"DURING ALL OF OUR MEETINGS, WE ALSO TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPLAIN BRIEFLY THE ROLE AND FUNCTIONS OF THE UPGC IN HONG KONG’S HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM," MR LEUNG SAID.
HE SAID THE SHORT VISIT TO BEIJING HAD BEEN VERY SUCCESSFUL AS THE DELEGATION HAD INITIATED A USEFUL DIALOGUE WITH CHINESE OFFICIALS AND INSTITUTIONS ON MANY EDUCATIONAL ISSUES AND HAD A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM IN CHINA.
------0--------
TWO MORE MONTHS TO COMMENT ON HIGHER EDUCATION REPORT *****
THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE (UPGC) TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT THE CONSULTATION PERIOD FOR ITS INTERIM REPORT "HIGHER EDUCATION 1991 - 2001" WOULD BE EXTENDED FOR TWO MONTHS UNTIL END JULY.
IN MARCH 1994, THE UPGC PUBLISHED THE INTERIM REPORT AND A DRAFT MISSION STATEMENT FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION.
COPIES OF THE INTERIM REPORT HAVE BEEN ISSUED TO ALL LOCAL TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS, SECONDARY SCHOOLS, RELEVANT BOARDS AND COMMITTEES AND MANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES FOR THEIR INFORMATION AND COMMENT.
IN ORDER TO GIVE MORE TIME FOR INTERESTED PARTIES TO STUDY AND COMMENT ON THE REPORT, THE UPGC AT ITS MEETING ON APRIL 17 AND 18 DECIDED THAT THE CONSULTATION PERIOD SHOULD BE EXTENDED FROM MAY 31 TO JULY 31.
COMMENTS ON THE REPORT SHOULD BE SENT TO THE UPGC SECRETARIAT AT SUITE 202, HUTCHISON HOUSE, 10 HARCOURT ROAD.
ALL RELEVANT COMMENTS WILL BE STUDIED BY THE UPGC VERY CAREFULLY AND TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN THE PREPARATION OF THE COMMITTEE’S FINAL REPORT IN 1995.
--------0------------
.GROUP SET UP TO MONITOR FIRE SERVICE
*****
THIRTY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, WHO HAVE BEEN SELECTED TO JOIN THE NEWLY FORMED FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT PUBLIC LIAISON GROUP, RECEIVED THEIR APPOINTMENT CERTIFICATES TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE APPOINTMENT CEREMONY, THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, MR LAM CHEK-YUEN, SAID THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE GROUP WAS TO FOSTER BETTER UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE PUBLIC AND THE DEPARTMENT WITH A VIEW TO IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF EMERGENCY FIRE SERVICES.
/HE SAID
THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 1994
19
HE SAID THE DEPARTMENT, WHICH UNDERTAKES TO PROVIDE AN EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE FIRE-FIGHTING, RESCUE AND EMERGENCY AMBULANCE SERVICES, WAS ONE OF THE FIRST GROUP OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TO ANNOUNCE ITS PERFORMANCE PLEDGE IN 1992.
’’THE PLEDGE COVERS THE RESPONSE TO FIRE CALLS FOR BUILDINGS, EMERGENCY AMBULANCE CALLS AND COMPLAINTS ABOUT FIRE HAZARDS OR DANGEROUS GOODS,” MR LAM SAID.
THE DEPARTMENT MET 88.8 PER CENT OF ALL FIRE CALLS FOR BUILDINGS WITHIN THE GRADED RESPONSE TIME LAST YEAR.
"WE ARE GOING TO FURTHER IMPROVE THE TARGET TO 90 PER CENT THIS YEAR IN ORDER TO OFFER HIGHER EFFICIENCY AND BETTER SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC," HE SAID.
MR LAM SAID HE WAS GLAD TO HAVE THE PARTICIPATION AND SUPPORT OF GROUP MEMBERS.
"I HOPE THAT BY OUR CONCERTED EFFORT, WE COULD ATTAIN HIGHER PERFECTION IN PROVIDING EMERGENCY FIRE SERVICES," HE ADDED.
THE CALL FOR MEMBERSHIP EARLIER THIS YEAR RECEIVED AN ENCOURAGING RESPONSE FROM THE PUBLIC. A TOTAL OF 101 APPLICATIONS WERE LODGED, WHICH WELL EXCEEDED THE NUMBER OF SEATS OFFERED.
A RANDOM DRAW WAS CONDUCTED ON MARCH 17 TO SELECT 30 CANDIDATES - 10 EACH FROM THE HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND NEW TERRITORIES REGIONS.
THE GROUP HELD ITS FIRST MEETING THIS EVENING AFTER THE APPOINTMENT CEREMONY AND A TOUR OF TSIM TUNG FIRE STATION AND THE FIRE SERVICES COMMUNICATION CENTRE.
---------0-----------
SUMMER HEALTH TIPS *****
GOOD PERSONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE AND SAFE FOOD ARE THE STRONGEST SHIELD TO GUARD AGAINST GASTRO-INTESTINAL DISEASES, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF HEALTH (HYGIENE), DR MAHOMMED AL), SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
DR ALI WAS APPEALING TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO TAKE SPECIAL PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES AGAINST THE DISEASES WITH THE APPROACH OF THE SUMMER SEASON.
HE POINTED OUT THAT FOOD-BORNE DISEASES SUSH AS CHOLERA, VIRAL HEPATITIS A , DYSENTERY, TYPHOID AND FOOD POISONING LIKE THE RECENT OCCURRENCE OF BIOTOXIN CASES ARE COMMON IN THE SUMMER SEASON AS A RESULT OF EATING UNCLEAN OR DETERIORATED FOOD, OR DRINKING CONTAMINATED WATER.
"MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE STRONGLY ADVISED NOT TO PATRONISE ILLEGAL HAWKERS AND UNLICENSED FOOD PREMISES AS THEIR FOOD MAY BE UNCLEAN AND MAY POSE A SERIOUS RISK TO HEALTH,” HE SAID.
/DR ALI ........
THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 1994
- 20 -
DR AL I SAID: "DO NOT BUY CUT FRUIT AS OPEN CUT FRUIT CAN EASILY GET CONTAMINATED.
"WHEN CONSUMING SEAFOOD, IN PARTICULAR THE BIVALVE SHELLFISH, PEOPLE SHOULD AVOID EATING THEIR INTERNAL ORGANS AND SHOULD NOT EAT TOO MUCH AT A TIME.
"WHEN THE TOXIC RED TIDE OCCURS, THEY SHOULD AVOID EATING BIVALVE SHELLFISH," DR ALI URGED.
HE ALSO ADVISED PEOPLE TRAVELLING TO TROPICAL COUNTRIES TO TAKE EXTRA PRECAUTIONS IN CHOOSING THEIR FOODS AND DRINKS.
DR ALI CITED 10 POINTS FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO OBSERVE TO GUARD AGAINST GASTRO-INTESTINAL DISEASES
* MAINTAIN A CLEAN KITCHEN;
♦ CLEAN THE CHOPPING BLOCK AND KNIFE BEFORE USE, ESPECIALLY AFTER CUTTING RAW MEAT AND POULTRY;
♦ USE CLEAN COOKING UTENSILS;
♦ WASH HANDS AFTER VISITING THE TOILET AND BEFORE PREPARING AND EATING FOOD;
* STORE TN THE REFRIGERATOR PERISHABLE FOOD NOT MEANT FOR IMMEDIATE CONSUMPTION;
* WASH VEGETABLES THOROUGHLY BEFORE COOKING;
* COOK FOOD, ESPECIALLY MEAT AND SHELLFISH, THOROUGHLY BEFORE CONSUMPTION;
* EAT HOT FOOD WHILE IT IS STILL HOT AND COLD FOOD WHILE IT IS COLD. DO NOT LEAVE IT EXPOSED FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME;
♦ FOOD TO BE KEPT OVERNIGHT SHOULD BE PUT IN A REFRIGERATOR AND REHEATED THOROUGHLY BEFORE EATING; AND
♦ ALL GARBAGE AND WASTE PENDING DISPOSAL SHOULD BE STORED IN A COVERED CONTAINER.
DR ALI STRESSED THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, THE URBAN SERVICES AND REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENTS WOULD CONTINUE TO TAKE POSITIVE MEASURES TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF GASTRO-INTESTINAL DISEASES THROUGH FOOD HYGIENE EDUCATION GIVEN TO LICENSEES AND STAFF IN THE FOOD TRADE.
PUBLICITY WOULD ALSO BE STEPPED UP TO DISSEMINATE HEALTH MESSAGES TO THE PUBLIC ON FOOD, PERSONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE, HE ADDED.
/21 .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 1994
- 21 -
SEMINARS SPREAD MESSAGE ON SUMMER JOB TRAPS AND SAFETY * * * » *
MORE THAN 200 CAREERS TEACHERS RECEIVED INFORMATION AND ADVICE ON SUMMER JOB TRAPS AND SAFETY AT WORK AT TWO SEMINARS HELD THIS MONTH.
"WE ARE PLEASED TO SEE THAT THE SEMINARS, THE FIRST OF ITS KIND JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, WERE SO WELL-RECEIVED," SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER, MR RAYMOND CHAN, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
"WE HOPE THAT THE TWO SEMINARS WOULD HELP TO EQUIP CAREERS TEACHERS TO SPREAD THE MESSAGE MORE EFFECTIVELY AND WIDELY TO STUDENTS WHO ARE INTENDING TO TAKE UP JOBS DURING THE COMING SUMMER VACATION," HE ADDED.
ATTRACTING SOME 100 CAREERS TEACHERS, THE SECOND SEMINAR TOOK PLACE THIS MORNING AT THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION.
CAREERS TEACHERS WERE PROVIDED WITH AN INFORMATION KIT CONTAINING ADVICE ON POSSIBLE EMPLOYMENT TRAPS AND WORK SAFETY, AS WELL AS THE CHANNELS FOR ENQUIRIES AND COMPLAINTS PROVIDED BY THE LABOUR AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENTS.
A LABOUR OFFICER FROM THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE, MR GEOFFREY WONG, GAVE A TALK ON POSSIBLE EMPLOYMENT TRAPS IN VARIOUS TRADES, THE DIFFERENT FACTORS STUDENTS HAD TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT BEFORE CHOOSING SUITABLE JOBS AND THE PROPER FORM OF EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT.
DURING THE SEMINAR, A FACTORY INSPECTOR, MR CHU CHUN-WAH, ALSO GAVE A TALK ON WORK SAFETY, WITH EMPHASIS ON WORK ON CONSTRUCTION SITES AND RESTAURANTS, AND JOBS THAT REQUIRED THE HANDLING OF DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES AND HEAVY MACHINERY.
MR CHU POINTED OUT THAT CONSTRUCTION SITES INVOLVED A GREAT VARIETY OF DANGEROUS WORK PROCESSES AND THUS WERE NOT SUITABLE FOR YOUNG PERSONS WITHOUT PROPER TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE.
"IN FACT, THE LEGISLATION PROHIBITING UNTRAINED YOUNG PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF 18 FROM WORKING ON CONSTRUCTION SITES HAD BEEN PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL LAST WEEK," HE SAID.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE SEMINAR, THE CHIEF COMPLAINT AND ADVICE OFFICER OF THE CONSUMER COUNCIL, MR CHAN WING-KAI, AND A CHIEF POLICE INSPECTOR FROM THE POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS BRANCH, MR TAM PING-WAH, GAVE THEIR VIEWS AND ADVICE.
------0-----------
/22 .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 1994
- 22 -
FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETS TOMORROW
*****
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL HOLD A MEETING AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO OBSERVE THE PROCEEDINGS FROM THE PUBLIC GALLERY. THEY MAY RESERVE SEATS BY CALLING 869 9399.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING.
ADVANCE COPIES OF THE PAPERS FOR THE MEETING WILL BE AVAILABLE AFTER 2.30 PM TODAY (THURSDAY) IN THE PRESS ROOM OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BUILDING, 8 JACKSON ROAD, CENTRAL. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE PAPERS ARE NOT FOR USE UNTIL THE MEETING IS OVER.
- - 0-----------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,643 0930 + 104
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 3,647 1000 + 104
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 + 44
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 44 1200 + 44
LAF TODAY + 960 1500 + 44
1600 + 44
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 124.7 *-0.1* 28.4.94
/HONG KONG .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 1994
- 23 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 2.72 19 MONTHS 2511 4.15 98.35 5.33
1 MONTH 3.19 22 MONTHS 2602 4.40 98.16 5.56
3 MONTHS 3.77 30 MONTHS 3610 4.20 95.97 6.05
6 MONTHS 4.25 33 MONTHS 3701 4.60 96.30 6.17
12 MONTHS 4.80 36 MONTHS 3704 6.15 99.91 6.28
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 12,579 MN
CLOSED 28 APRIL 1994
--------0---------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL.: 842 8777
FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TRANSCRIPT OF GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION..................... 1
HK - AMERICA’S GATEWAY TO PACIFIC CENTURY.................. 3
CHIEF SECRETARY ARRIVES IN NEW YORK........................ 4
REPORT ON PRICING AND CONNECTION OF MOBILE PHONE HANDSETS 5
ROLE OF ESTATE AGENT DISCUSSED............................. 6
E & M CONTRACT AWARDED FOR LANTAU FIXED CROSSING........... 7
FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO VISIT LONDON...................... 8
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL CO-OPERATION IS VITAL.................. 8
WIDER PROTECTION FOR INJURED EMPLOYEES PROPOSED............ 9
STANDARD SCALE OF FINES INTRODUCED.................... 10
MINOR AND TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS TO LEGAL SYSTEM PROPOSED 12
REGISTRATION MARKS RESERVED FOR LEGCO VEHICLES............ 14
LANTAU PORT DEVELOPMENT RECLAMATION WORKS................. 14
RIVER TRADE TERMINAL DEVELOPMENT WORKS ANNOUNCED........ 15
/CLOSE LINKS
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
CLOSE LINKS BETWEEN CANADA AND HK.......................... 16
NEW FEES UNDER CONTROL OF OBSCENE AND INDECENT ARTICLES REGULATION................................................ 16
SHIPPING AND CARGO STATISTICS OF OCEAN-GOING VESSELS FOR FOURTH QUARTER OF 1993 .................................... 17
MEMBERS FOR HKIED GOVERNING COUNCIL APPOINTED.............. 24
INSIDER DEALING TRIBUNAL TO HOLD HEARING................... 25
TWO NON-INDUSTRIAL SITES FOR AUCTION....................... 25
MEMBERSHIP OF LANGUAGE FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE ANNOUNCED.................................................. 26
REVISION OF JUDICIARY FEES................................. 27
SPECIAL SEA TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR TIN HAU FESTIVAL... 28
CHANG HWA BANK GRANTED LICENCE............................. 28
ROAD JUNCTIONS ON TSING YI TO BE IMPROVED.................. 29
TERTIARY STUDENTS URGED TO REGISTER AS VOTERS.............. 30
ABERDEEN TUNNEL MANAGEMENT TENDERS INVITED................. 30
NEW PSC MEMBERS APPOINTED.................................. 31
RS URGES RESIDENTS TO REGISTER AS VOTERS................... 31
SECOND SSDS CONTRACT SIGNED................................ 32
PROPOSED ROAD WORKS IN TAI PO AND YUEN LONG................ 32
PRE-QUALIFICATION SUBMISSIONS INVITED FOR OUTFALL TUNNEL WORKS...................................................... 33
WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT CUSTOMER LIAISON GROUP MEETS.. 34
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS . ..
34
FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 1994
TRANSCRIPT OF GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION * * * * *
FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, AFTER OPENING THE INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF AIR LINE PILOTS’ ASSOCIATIONS CONFERENCE TODAY (FRIDAY):
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, YOU HAVEN’T BEEN INVITED TO THE CEREMONY OF THE BANK OF CHINA, CELEBRATING THE ISSUE OF NEW NOTES. SINCE YOU ARE THE GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG, ARE YOU FEELING BEING NEGLECTED?
GOVERNOR: I’VE GOT A PRETTY BUSY PROGRAMME NEXT WEEK AS SOME OF YOU MAY KNOW. SO, I DON’T FEEL PARTICULARLY NEGLECTED. IT’S AN IMPORTANT OCCASION FOR THE BANK OF CHINA. THE GOVERNMENT, THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL INVITED THE BANK OF CHINA TO BECOME A NOTE-ISSUING BANK. I THINK IT’S PART OF THE EXTREMELY GOOD FINANCIAL CO-OPERATION BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA. AND THAT’S AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE TRANSITION PROCESS. I THINK THE NEW NOTES THAT THE BANK OF CHINA WILL BE ISSUING ARE EXTREMELY ATTRACTIVE. I AM DELIGHTED THAT THEY ARE MANAGING THE NOTE ISSUE SO COMPETENTLY AND I HOPE THAT THE CEREMONY ON MONDAY GOES EXTREMELY WELL AND THAT THE ISSUE OF BANK NOTES GOES VERY WELL TOO.
QUESTION: SOME OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS MIGHT BE INVITED TO ATTEND THE CEREMONY?
GOVERNOR: OF COURSE.
QUESTION: DO YOU THINK IT IS APPROPRIATE FOR THEM TO ATTEND?
GOVERNOR: OF COURSE, OF COURSE. THIS IS A FREE AND OPEN COMMUNITY AND A NUMBER OF OUR OFFICIALS HAVE, I AM DELIGHTED TO SAY, EXTREMELY GOOD WORKING RELATIONSHIP WITH THE BANK OF 'CHINA AND THE FINANCIAL AUTHORITIES IN CHINA AND I THINK IT WOULD BE A SHAME IF THEY WON’T BE ABLE TO GO TO WHAT IS AN IMPORTANT CEREMONY. I HOPE EVERYBODY WHO GOES TO IT, HAS A SMASHING TIME.
QUESTION: IS IT STILL POSSIBLE THAT YOU MIGHT BE MEETING LU PING?
GOVERNOR: AS I SAID, EVEN I’LL HAVE A BUSY SCHEDULE NEXT WEEK AS HE DOES, I’LL BE PREPARED, AND 1 AM SURE THAT THOSE WHO HAVE INVITED ME TO FUNCTIONS WILL UNDERSTAND IT, I’LL BE PREPARED TO CHANGE MY SCHEDULE AT ANY TIME IF IT WAS CONVENIENT TO DIRECTOR LU PING BECAUSE I THINK THE PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WANT TO SEE US CO-OPERATING. I THINK THEY WANT TO SEE US GETTING ON WITH PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE. I THINK THEY WANT TO SEE US WORKING IN THE INTEREST OF THE LIVELIHOOD OF THE WHOLE COMMUNITY AND I THINK THEY BELIEVE THAT POLITICAL LEADERS IN EVERY COMMUNITY SHOULD PUT DIFFERENCES ON ONE SIDE AND TAKE THE TROUBLE TO GET TO KNOW ONE ANOTHER AND TRY TO WORK TOGETHER. BUT, I’VE EXPRESSED MY POINT OF VIEW AND I AM SORRY THAT DIRECTOR LU PING’S SCHEDULE IS SO BUSY.
QUESTION: DO YOU THINK HE IS VIOLATING THE MOU BECAUSE HE HASN’T BEEN MEETING YOU?
GOVERNOR: I THINK THAT IS A QUESTION YOU HAVE TO PUT TO HIM.
/QUESTION: .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 1994
- 2 -
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, THERE ARE SPECULATIONS AND REPORTINGS SAYING THAT YOUR HEART IS NOT IN HONG KONG BUT IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, AND YOU DO IT QUITE LOW KEY AND YOU ARE RESTRAINED TO TALK FURTHER ABOUT YOUR REFORM PROPOSAL?
GOVERNOR: I AM HOPING, GOD WILLING, TO BE THE GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG UNTIL JUNE 30, 1997. ABOUT EVERY OTHER WEEK, SOME NEW LUDICROUS STORIES COME OUT LIKE THAT ONE AND I’LL GIVE YOU EXACTLY THE SAME REPLY. I’LL BE GIVING IT THE REPLY ON THE JUNE 29, 1997, THE DAY BEFORE I DEPART ON 30TH. I AM COMMITTED TO DOING THE BEST POSSIBLE JOB HERE IN HONG KONG. PART OF DOING THAT JOB INVOLVES ME AS INVOLVED MY PREDECESSORS IN RETURNING TO THE UK FOUR OR FIVE TIMES A YEAR FOR DISCUSSIONS WITH MINISTERS, TO MAKE SPEECHES. I AM GOING BACK IN MAY TO MAKE A SPEECH IN MANCHESTER ABOUT HONG KONG AND MANCHESTER BECAUSE MANCHESTER HAS ONE OF THE LARGEST HONG KONG CHINESE COMMUNITIES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. SO, I’LL CONTINUE TO BEHAVE IN THAT WAY. I’LL CONTINUE TO WORK AS HARD AS I CAN FOR THE INTEREST AND LIVELIHOOD OF PEOPLE IN HONG KONG AND I’LL CONTINUE TO GIVE THE SORT OF QUESTIONS YOU’VE JUST GIVEN, THE SORT OF REPLY I’VE JUST GIVEN.
QUESTION: BUT, IS THAT YOUR VISITS BACK TO UNITED KINGDOM IS SO FREQUENT THAT YOU GIVE PEOPLE THAT IMPRESSION THAT YOUR HEART IS NOT IN HONG KONG ?
GOVERNOR: MY VISITS TO THE UK, AS YOU WELL KNOW, ARE ABOUT THE SAME FREQUENCY AS THOSE OF MY PREDECESSORS. IF YOU SERIOUSLY THINK THAT IT’S NOT SENSIBLE TO GO BACK TO THE UK FOUR OR FIVE TIMES A YEAR FOR MEETINGS, THEN YOU DON’T KNOW THE NATURE OF OUR PRESENT POLITICAL RELATIONSHIPS.
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, DO YOU FEEL THAT THE WHOLE THING CARRIES A SYMBOLIC MEANING THAT AS THE GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG, YOU ARE BEING NEGLECTED ESPECIALLY BY THE CHINESE OFFICIALS? IF THAT IS TRUE, THEN HOW CAN CO-OPERATION BETWEEN CHINA AND HONG KONG AND BRITAIN GO SMOOTHLY IN THESE THREE YEARS?
GOVERNOR: WE ARE PREPARED TO CO-OPERATE AND WORK SMOOTHLY AND I HOPE CHINESE OFFICIALS ARE AS WELL. THAT’S OUR ASPIRATION. THAT’S WHAT WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE HAPPENING. I REPEAT WE WILL BE THE GOVERNMENT, I WILL BE THE GOVERNOR UNTIL THE MIDDLE OF 1997, WORKING HARD FOR HONG KONG, MAKING DECISIONS ABOUT HONG KONG, ALLOCATING RESOURCES IN THE INTEREST OF HONG KONG. THAT’S WHAT WE WILL BE CONTINUING TO DO RIGHT DOWN TO THE WIRE. AND I HOPE THAT BETWEEN NOW AND 1997, WE WILL GET THE SORT OF CO-OPERATION FROM CHINESE OFFICIALS WHICH I THINK EVERYBODY WOULD LIKE TO SEE.
QUESTION: ARE YOU CONFIDENT THAT THERE’LL BE .... CO-OPERATION OVER AVIATION ISSUES? IN YOUR SPEECH, YOU MENTIONED THAT.... ATTENTION TO COOPERATION WITH SOUTHERN CHINA, COULD YOU ELABORATE ON THAT, PLEASE?
GOVERNOR: OBVIOUSLY, THERE ARE AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL PROBLEMS AS A RESULT OF THE RAPID DEVELOPMENT OF AIRPORTS AND THE INCREASED FREQUENCY OF AIR SERVICES IN THE REGION. AND THOSE ARE THE SORT OF THE ISSUES THAT WE HAVE TO DISCUSS WITH CHINESE OFFICIALS SO THAT WE CAN MANAGE THE SYSTEMS IN THIS REGION EFFICIENTLY AND SAFETY.
/QUESTION: .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 1994
- 3 -
QUESTION: OBVIOUSLY, THE CHINESE OFFICIALS DIDN’T INTEND TO MEET WITH YOU WHILE THEY STOP OVER IN HONG KONG. DO YOU THINK IT HAD AN IMPLICATION THAT CHINESE GOVERNMENT DOESN’T WANT TO CO-OPERATE WITH YOU POLITICALLY AND ECONOMICALLY?
GOVERNOR: I THINK THAT THE PUBLIC IN HONG KONG HAVE MADE IT VERY CLEAR IN THE LAST FEW DAYS THAT THEY WANT TO SEE CHINESE OFFICIALS COOPERATING WITH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT. THAT’S CERTAINLY WHAT I WANT TO SEE AND I AM SURE THAT WE WILL SEE THAT BETWEEN NOW AND 1997. I HOPE THAT DIRECTOR LU PING, WHEN HE COMES IN THE COMING WEEK WHEN HE ARRIVES IN HONG KONG, WILL BE ABLE TO MEET MANY PEOPLE IN HONG KONG, WILL BE ABLE TO ADDRESS THEIR CONCERNS AND I AM SURE THAT HIS POCKETS WILL BE FULL OF GOOD NEWS FOR HONG KONG. THANK YOU VERY MUCH INDEED.
--------0-----------
HK - AMERICA’S GATEWAY TO PACIFIC CENTURY *****
HONG KONG IN THE 21ST CENTURY WILL MATTER TO CHINA, ASIA AND THE REST OF THE WORLD, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID IN HER LUNCHEON SPEECH TO THE ASIA SOCIETY IN NEW YORK ON FRIDAY (APRIL 29) .
IT WILL MATTER TO U.S. BUSINESS AS A PROSPEROUS, OPEN AND EXTERNALLY-ORIENTATED MARKET, AS A GATEWAY TO CHINA AND AS A BUSINESS CENTRE FOR EAST ASIA AS A WHOLE, SHE SAID.
"FOR AMERICAN BUSINESSMEN WITH A KEEN NOSE FOR OPPORTUNITIES, IT IS NOT A QUESTION OF WHETHER YOU SHOULD INVEST IN HONG KONG.
"RATHER IT IS A QUESTION OF WHETHER YOU CAN AFFORD NOT TO," SHE SAID.
MRS CHAN SAID HONG KONG’S POSITION AS AN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS CENTRE WAS FOUNDED ON A MULTIPLICITY OF FACTORS.
AN EFFICIENT, OPEN, HONEST AND UNOBTRUSIVE GOVERNMENT; SIMPLE IMMIGRATION PROCEDURES THAT ALLOW EXPATRIATE STAFF TO WORK IN HONG KONG; AND LOW TAX RATES ARE SOME OF THE REASONS FOR ITS SUCCESS IN ATTRACTING INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS.
OTHER FACTORS ARE A WELL-ESTABLISHED LEGAL SYSTEM, INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS OF EDUCATION, AS WELL AS INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS.
POINTING OUT THAT ALL THESE FACTORS MUST BE MAINTAINED IF HONG KONG IS TO FLOURISH INTO THE NEXT CENTURY, MRS CHAN SAID THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION COVERED THESE POINTS IN DETAIL.
SHE SAID HER TOP PRIORITY WAS TO HELP MAKE A SUCCESS OF THE TRANSITION TO CHINESE SOVEREIGNTY IN 1997 AND TO ENSURE THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS IN THE BEST POSSIBLE SHAPE TO CONTINUE SERVING THE COMMUNITY AFTER THE END OF BRITISH RULE.
/TURNING TO .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 1994
4
TURNING TO ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE 1995 ELECTIONS, MRS CHAN EXPLAINED THAT THE ELECTORAL PROPOSALS WERE NOT MEANT TO CHALLENGE THE BASIC LAW IN ANY WAY, BUT MERELY TO ENSURE THAT THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE ELECTIONS WERE CLEAN.
THIS IS IMPORTANT TO HONG KONG’S SUCCESS AND MAINTAINING A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD FOR INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS, SHE SAID.
"THAT IS WHY WE ARE GOING AHEAD WITH OUR ELECTORAL LEGISLATION, EVEN THOUGH WE HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO SECURE CHINA’S AGREEMENT," SHE SAID.
"WE BELIEVE, HOWEVER, THAT CO-OPERATION WITH CHINA IN OTHER MATTERS AFFECTING OUR ECONOMY AND WELL-BEING CAN GO FORWARD.
"ON A RANGE OF DAY TO DAY ISSUES AFFECTING OUR EVERYDAY LIFE, WE ALREADY HAVE REGULAR AND VERY GOOD CO-OPERATION WITH OUR COUNTERPARTS IN CHINA," SHE SAID.
REFERRING TO THE IMPACT OF SHANGHAI’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ON HONG KONG, MRS CHAN SAID: "WE SEE SHANGHAI’S POTENTIAL AS AN OPPORTUNITY, NOT A THREAT." --------------------------------0--------
CHIEF SECRETARY ARRIVES IN NEW YORK *****
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID ON THURSDAY (APRIL 28) A KEY MEMBER OF THE CLINTON ADMINISTRATION SHARED HER VIEW OF THE DISASTROUS CONSQUENCES IF THE UNITED STATES DID NOT RENEW CHINA’S MOST FAVOURED NATION (MFN) TRADE STATUS.
"WE HAD A VERY GOOD DISCUSSION AND I THINK WE SHARE A UNANIMITY OF VIEW ABOUT THE DISASTROUS CONSEQUENCES OF NOT EXTENDING MFN," MRS CHAN SAID OF HER MEETING WITH U.S. COMMERCE SECRETARY RONALD BROWN.
"BUT AT THE SAME TIME, THERE ARE LEGITIMATE CONCERNS ON THE HUMAN RIGHT ISSUE AND DOMESTIC CONCERNS, AND WE VERY MUCH HOPE THAT THE CHINESE WILL FEEL ABLE, IN THE FEW REMAINING WEEKS BEFORE THE PRESIDENT HAS TO MAKE A DECISION, TO MAKE FURTHER PROGRESS ON THE HUMAN RIGHT ISSUE," MRS CHAN SAID.
BEFORE TRAVELLING FROM WASHINGTON DC TO CONTINUE HER BUSY PROGRAMME OF MEETINGS AND BRIEFINGS IN NEW YORK, MRS CHAN MET WITH NEW YORK CONGRESSMAN GARY ACKERMAN, WHO CHAIRS THE HOUSE FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE AND THE ASIA AND PACIFIC AFFAIRS SUB-COMMITTEE.
AFTER ARRIVING IN NEW YORK, MRS CHAN WILL ADDRESS A GROUP OF BUSINESS EXECUTIVES AT A DINNER HOSTED BY THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK (APRIL 28).
THE FOLLOWING DAY SHE WILL ADDRESS A COUNCIL ON FOREIGN RELATIONS BREAKFAST MEETING ON "HONG KONG AND AMERICA: THE ENDURING PARTNERSHIP", THEN ATTEND A NEW YORK TIMES EDITORIAL BOARD, AND BRIEF A GROUP OF LEADING U.S. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES.
/AT LUNCHTIME .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 1994
- 5 -
AT LUNCHTIME SHE WILL GIVE A KEYNOTE SPEECH AT THE ASIA SOCIETY ON "HONG KONG AS AMERICA’S GATEWAY TO THE PACIFIC CENTURY" AND THEN RETURN TO WASHINGTON DC FOR AN EARLY EVENING MEETING WITH VICE-PRESIDENT AL GORE.
IN ADDITION TO DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING MFN RENEWAL FOR CHINA, THE FOCUS OF THE NEW YORK LEG OF MRS CHAN’S VISIT WILL BE ON FURTHER STRENGTHENING THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL LINKS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND THE U.S.
------0 - - _ _
REPORT ON PRICING AND CONNECTION OF MOBILE PHONE HANDSETS *****
THE OFFICE OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY (OFTA) TODAY (FRIDAY) ISSUED A REPORT ON THE PRICING AND CONNECTION OF MOBILE PHONE HANDSETS.
"THE REPORT IS THE RESULT OF OUR EFFORTS TO ADDRESS SOME PUBLIC CONCERN ABOUT THE PRICES OF MOBILE PHONE HANDSETS AND THE DIFFICULTY TO CONNECT SELF-PROVIDED HANDSETS TO THE MOBILE PHONE NETWORKS IN HONG KONG," THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS, MR ALEX ARENA, SAID.
THE REPORT SETS OUT THE FOLLOWING MAJOR FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
» THERE IS A WIDE RANGE OF MOBILE PHONES AVAILABLE IN HONG KONG AT A WIDE RANGE OF PRICES;
* PRICES OF MOBILE PHONES ARE VERY VOLATILE AND HAVE DROPPED SIGNIFICANTLY IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS, TYPICALLY BY 20 PER CENT TO 30 PER CENT AND MUCH MORE FOR CERTAIN MODELS;
* IT IS NOT STRICTLY RELEVANT TO DRAW COMPARISONS BETWEEN MOBILE PHONE PRICES IN HONG KONG AND OTHER PLACES DUE TO DIFFERENT MARKET AND REGULATORY ENVIRONMENTS AND DIFFERENT RETAIL COST STRUCTURE;
« MOBILE NETWORK OPERATORS ARE REQUIRED TO CONNECT HANDSETS PROVIDED BY CUSTOMERS TO THEIR NETWORKS IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER THE HANDSET IS PURCHASED FROM OVERSEAS OR FROM SOURCES OTHER THAN THE AUTHORISED DEALERS OF THE NETWORK OPERATORS;
* OFTA CONSIDERED THAT THE NETWORK OPERATORS HAD BEEN CHARGING TOO HIGH A CONNECTION FEE FOR HANDSETS PROVIDED BY CUSTOMERS AS COMPARED TO THE COSTS OF PROVIDING CONNECTION;
* AFTER DISCUSSION WITH THE NETWORK OPERATORS, THE CONNECTION FEES FOR ALL THE MOBILE NETWORKS HAVE NOW BEEN SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCED.
"I AM PLEASED TO SEE THAT ALL MOBILE OPERATORS HAVE AGREED TO LOWER THEIR CONNECTION FEES SUBSTANTIALLY. THIS REPRESENTS A MAJOR ENHANCEMENT OF CONSUMER INTERESTS," MR ARENA SAID.
/"TO IMPROVE .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 1994
Hi - 6 -
"TO IMPROVE THE TRANSPARENCY OF THE HANDLING OF CONNECTION OF HANDSETS, OFTA WILL FURTHER DISCUSS WITH THE MOBILE OPERATORS ON THE NEED FOR A CUSTOMER CHARTER TO BE PUBLISHED ON THEIR STANDARD OF SERVICE,” HE ADDED.
THE REPORT ALSO GIVES ADVICE TO CONSUMERS ON THE CHOICE OF MOBILE PHONE HANDSETS AND REMINDS MOBILE PHONE DEALERS AND IMPORTERS OF THEIR LICENSING REQUIREMENTS.
COPIES OF THE REPORT CAN BE OBTAINED IN PERSON OR IN WRITING AT THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS:
OFFICE OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY 29TH FLOOR, WU CHUNG HOUSE 213 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST WAN CHAI HONG KONG
ATTENTION: CONTROLLER OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS (COMPETITIVE SERVICES) ---------------------------0-------
ROLE OF ESTATE AGENT DISCUSSED
*****
THE WORKING GROUP ON REGULATION OF REAL ESTATE AGENTS TODAY (FRIDAY) RECOMMENDED THAT AN ESTATE AGENT SHOULD PROVIDE A PROSPECTIVE BUYER WITH CERTAIN ESSENTIAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPERTY PUT UP FOR SALE THROUGH HIM.
THE INFORMATION SHOULD INCLUDE THAT RELATED TO SALEABLE FLOOR AREA, YEAR OF COMPLETION AND PERMITTED USE OF THE PROPERTY, AND THE EXPIRY DATE OF THE LAND LEASE.
MEMBERS ALSO DISCUSSED A WIDE RANGE OF ISSUES CONCERNING THE OPERATION OF THE TRADE. THEY NOTED THAT MANY DISPUTES OVER COMMISSION AROSE FROM THE ABSENCE OF A WRITTEN AGREEMENT.
THEY RECOMMENDED THAT AN ESTATE AGENT AND HIS CLIENT SHOULD ENTER INTO A WRITTEN AGENCY AGREEMENT RATHER THAN AN ORAL ONE AS IN MOST CASES AT PRESENT. HOWEVER, THEY DID NOT SUPPORT STANDARDISING COMMISSION RATES.
THEY ALSO AGREED THE REGULATORY AUTHORITY SHOULD PLAY A POSITIVE ROLE IN RESOLVING DISPUTES OVER COMMISSIONS AND FEES BETWEEN AN AGENT AND HIS CLIENT.
THEY AGREED THE AUTHORITY SHOULD HAVE THE POWER TO SUMMON ESTATE AGENTS AND HOLD HEARING ON ALLEGATIONS CONCERNING BREACH OF STATUTORY RULES AND REGULATIONS.
IT SHOULD ALSO HAVE POWER TO IMPOSE PENALTIES, SUCH AS TO SUSPEND OR REVOKE A LICENCE.
MEMBERS AGREED THAT THERE SHOULD BE RULES TO REGULATE ADVERTISING BY ESTATE AGENTS. THE OBJECTIVES ARE TO AVOID MISREPRESENTATION IN ADVERTISEMENTS.
/MEMBERS ENDORSED .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 1994
MEMBERS ENDORSED CERTAIN MEASURES TO BE INTRODUCED TO PREVENT MISAPPROPRIATION OF CLIENT’S MONEY BY AN ESTATE AGENT AND RECOMMENDED THAT THE REGULATORY AUTHORITY SHOULD CONSIDER PRESCRIBING CERTAIN INDEMNITY REQUIREMENTS TO BE MET BY ESTATE AGENTS AS HAS BEEN THE CASE IN SOME PROFESSIONS.
MEMBERS ALSO AGREED THAT AN INDEPENDENT APPEAL PANEL SHOULD BE SET UP TO DEAL WITH APPEALS AGAINST THE AUTHORITY’S DECISIONS.
- - 0 - -
E & M CONTRACT AWARDED FOR LANTAU FIXED CROSSING
*****
THE CENTRAL TENDER BOARD HAS TODAY (FRIDAY) ACCEPTED A $289.2 MILLION TENDER SUBMITTED BY ABB SAE SADELIMI - ABB LIMITED JOINT VENTURE FOR THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SYSTEMS FOR THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING.
THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING IS A MAJOR ELEMENT IN THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME’S TRANSPORT NETWORK LINKING THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK AND TUNG CHUNG NEW TOWN ON NORTH LANTAU TO KOWLOON AND CENTRAL HONG KONG.
WORKS UNDER THIS CONTRACT COVER ALL NON-EMBEDDED ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL WORK FOR THE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING, WHICH COMPRISES THE TSING MA BRIDGE, THE KAP SHUI MUN BRIDGE AND MA WAN VIADUCT, AN INTERCHANGE WITH ROUTE 3 AND A TOLL PLAZA ON THE TSING YI ISLAND, THE LANTAU TOLL PLAZA AND ROAD APPROACHES ON LANTAU ISLAND.
THE WORKS, TO BEGIN NEXT MONTH FOR COMPLETION IN MID-1997, INCLUDE POWER SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION, LIGHTING SYSTEMS, PLANT MONITORING AND CONTROL SYSTEMS, FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, SECURITY FACILITIES, STRUCTURAL HEALTH MONITORING AND ALL COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS.
THE AWARD OF THIS CONTRACT BRINGS THE TOTAL NUMBER OF AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME (ACP) CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS AWARDED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO 39, WITH A TOTAL VALUE OF ABOUT $32 BILLION.
TOGETHER WITH THE SIX MAJOR CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS VALUED AT $10.7 BILLION AWARDED BY THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY AND THE $5.7 BILLION CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AWARDED BY THE WESTERN HARBOUR TUNNEL COMPANY LIMITED, THE TOTAL VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS AWARDED FOR THE ACP, ALL WITHIN BUDGET, IS ABOUT $48.3 BILLION.
- - 0 - -
FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 1994
FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO VISIT LONDON
*****
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR HAMISH MACLEOD, WILL LEAVE FOR LONDON ON SATURDAY (APRIL 30) FOR DUTY VISIT.
HE WILL ALSO BE ATTENDING AN INVESTITURE AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE ON MAY 5 TO BE KNIGHTED BY THE QUEEN.
HE WAS MADE KBE IN THE 1994 NEW YEAR HONOURS.
SIR HAMISH WILL BE MEETING THE MINISTER OF STATE WITH SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR HONG KONG, MR ALASTAIR GOODLAD, AND OTHER SENIOR OFFICIALS OF THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE AND THE TREASURY.
HIS PROGRAMME ALSO INCLUDES MEETINGS WITH THE GOVERNOR OF THE BANK OF ENGLAND, MR EDDIE GEORGE, AND OTHER SENIOR BANK OFFICIALS AND A LUNCH WITH PROMINENT BUSINESSMEN AND FINANCIERS TO BE HOSTED BY THE HONG KONG COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, SIR DAVID FORD.
HE WILL ALSO MEET MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES, AND VISIT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICE IN LONDON.
SIR HAMISH WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ON MAY 6. DURING HIS ABSENCE, THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR DONALD TSANG, WILL BE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY.
- - 0 - -
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL CO-OPERATION IS VITAL *****
GREATER INTERACTION AND CO-OPERATION BETWEEN AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL AUTHORITIES IS NEEDED TO MANAGE THE GROWTH OF AIR MOVEMENTS EFFICIENTLY AND SAFELY, THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF AIR LINE PILOTS’ ASSOCIATIONS CONFERENCE, THE GOVERNOR SAID HF. WAS PLEASED THAT AN AGREEMENT FOR AN EXCHANGE SCHEME WAS SIGNED BETWEEN THE HONG KONG AND CHINESE AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL AUTHORITIES RECENTLY.
"IT WAS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF MUTUALLY ADVANTAGEOUS CO-OPERATION AT THE PRACTICAL LEVEL BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA.
"WE LOOK FORWARD TO MORE OF THAT SORT OF CO-OPERATION," MR PATTEN SAID.
THE GOVERNOR SAID PARTICULAR ATTENTION HAD BEEN GIVEN TO DEVELOPING CO-OPERATION WITH SOUTHERN CHINA BECAUSE OF THE PREDICTED GROWTH IN ANNUAL AIRCRAFT MOVEMENTS IN THE REGION: 163,000 THIS YEAR; 314,000 IN 1997 AND 676,000 BY 2,010.
/REGARDING THE
FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 1994
- 9 -
REGARDING THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEP LAP KOK, MR PATTEN SAID GROUND HANDLING AND AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS MUST BE DEVELOPED TO ENSURE SAFE OPERATION.
THE AIRLINES THEMSELVES MUST BE MANAGED AND OPERATED EFFICIENTLY, HE ADDED.
HE WAS GRATEFUL THAT THE FEDERATION HAD ALREADY HELD MEETINGS WITH THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY ON THE INSTRUMENT LANDING SYSTEM AND RUNWAY DESIGNS FOR THE NEW AIRPORT.
_ _ 0---------
WIDER PROTECTION FOR INJURED EMPLOYEES PROPOSED * » » * »
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAS PROPOSED TO MAKE A NUMBER OF AMENDMENTS TO THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE (ECO) TO PROVIDE WIDER PROTECTION FOR EMPLOYEES WHO WERE INJURED AT WORK.
DETAILS OF THE PROPOSAL HAVE BEEN INCLUDED TN THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 WHICH WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
"UNDER THE PROPOSAL, AN EMPLOYEE WHO IS INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT ON THE WAY TO OR FROM HIS PLACE OF WORK WHEN TYPHOON SIGNAL NO. 8 OR ABOVE, OR RED OR BLACK RAINSTORM WARNING SIGNAL, IS ISSUED WOULD BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION," ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR MRS ANGELA HO SAID.
"AN EMPLOYEE TRAVELLING TO OR FROM WORK UNDER ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITION WOULD BE EXPOSED TO RISKS HIGHER THAN NORMAL, THEREFORE HE SHOULD BE PROTECTED UNDER SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES," SHE EXPLAINED.
SHE SAID AT PRESENT, AN EMPLOYEE WHO SUSTAINED INJURY WHEN HE TRAVELLED FROM HIS PLACE OF RESIDENCE TO HIS PLACE OF WORK OR VICE VERSA WAS NOT ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION UNLESS HE WAS TRAVELLING AS A PASSENGER BY MEANS OF TRANSPORT PROVIDED BY THE EMPLOYER.
"THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ALSO PROPOSED TO MAKE COMPENSABLE AN ACCIDENT HAPPENING TO AN EMPLOYEE WHILE DRIVING OR OPERATING ANY MEANS OF TRANSPORT PROVIDED BY HIS EMPLOYER BETWEEN HIS HOME AND HIS PLACE OF WORK IN CONNECTION WITH HIS EMPLOYMENT," MRS HO SAID.
"SIMILARLY, AN EMPLOYEE WOULD BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION IF AN ACCIDENT HAPPENED TO HIM WHILE TRAVELLING BETWEEN HONG KONG AND HIS PLACE OF WORK OUTSIDE HONG KONG BY MEANS OF TRANSPORT ARRANGED BY OR AGREED WITH HIS EMPLOYER."
AS REGARDS MEDICAL EXPENSES, IT WAS PROPOSED TO GIVE THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR THE POWER TO PROCESS A CLAIM FROM AN EMPLOYEE FOR MEDICAL EXPENSES INCURRED BY HIM OR HER OUTSIDE HONG KONG AND TO ASSESS THE AMOUNT OF MEDICAL EXPENSES PAYABLE BY THE EMPLOYER, MRS HO SAID.
"THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT WOULD EXTEND THE DEFINITION OF ’MEDICAL EXPENSES’ TO INCLUDE THE MEDICAL EXPENSES SO ASSESSED AND OTHER FORMS OF CURATIVE TREATMENT GIVEN BY REGISTERED PRACTITIONERS UNDER THE LAWS OF HONG KONG.
/"IN ADDITION.........
FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 1994
- 10 -
"IN ADDITION, IF AN EMPLOYEE IS INJURED WHILE WORKING OUTSIDE HONG KONG AND IS GIVEN MEDICAL TREATMENT OUTSIDE HONG KONG, HIS EMPLOYER IS LIABLE TO PAY FOR THE COST OF PROSTHESIS OR SURGICAL APPLIANCE REQUIRED BY HIM AS A RESULT OF THE INJURY PROVIDED THAT THE PROSTHESES AND SURGICAL APPLIANCES BOARD (PSAB) GIVES ITS APPROVAL," SHE ADDED.
ON THE COST OF ATTENDING TO AN INJURED EMPLOYEE WHO SUFFERS SERIOUS PERMANENT INCAPACITY, THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER SAID IT WAS PROPOSED THAT THE COURT MIGHT AWARD COMPENSATION TO MEET THE COST OF ATTENTION IF THE EMPLOYEE REQUIRED THE CARE OF ANOTHER PERSON.
"WE ALSO PROPOSED TO IMPROVE THE EXISTING PROVISION BY ALLOWING AN EMPLOYER AND HIS INJURED EMPLOYEE TO AGREE ON THE COMPENSATION FOR THE COST OF ATTENTION AND SUBMIT SUCH AN AGREEMENT FOR APPROVAL BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, ON CONDITION THAT THE AMOUNT AGREED SHOULD BE THE STATUTORY MAXIMUM," SHE SAID.
TO IMPROVE THE PROTECTION TO EMPLOYEES WHOSE PERIOD OF TEMPORARY INCAPACITY OR SICK LEAVE EXTENDS BEYOND THE STATUTORY CEILING OF 24 MONTHS, MRS HO SAID THE DEPARTMENT HAD PROPOSED TO PROVIDE THE COURT WITH A DISCRETIONARY POWER TO EXTEND THE MAXIMUM PERIOD IN RESPECT OF WHICH PERIODICAL PAYMENTS ARE PAYABLE BY UP TO 12 MONTHS IN DESERVING CASES.
"WE ALSO PROPOSED AN ADJUSTMENT OF EARNINGS FOR CALCULATING PERIODICAL PAYMENTS AND COMPENSATION IN RESPECT OF TEMPORARY INCAPACITY BEYOND 12 MONTHS OR 24 MONTHS AS APPROPRIATE," SHE SAID.
"THE RATE OF EARNING ADJUSTMENT SHALL BE THE AVERAGE RATE OF INCREASE IN THE EARNINGS OF OTHER PERSONS EMPLOYED BY THE EMPLOYER IN SIMILAR EMPLOYMENT, OR WHERE NO OTHER PERSONS ARE EMPLOYED BY THE EMPLOYER IN SIMILAR EMPLOYMENT, THE RATE OF INCREASE IN THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) FOR THE PRECEDING 12 MONTHS OR 24 MONTHS AS APPROPRIATE," MRS HO ADDED.
SHE NOTED THAT OTHER AMENDMENTS WERE PROPOSED TO CLARIFY CERTAIN EXISTING PROVISIONS AND STREAMLINE PROCEDURES.
"THESE INCLUDE CLARIFICATION OF THE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH AN INJURED EMPLOYEE IS PROTECTED FROM TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT AND MAKING LESS RESTRICTIVE THE CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH PERIODICAL PAYMENTS ARE PAYABLE TO RECIPIENTS WHO INTEND TO LEAVE HONG KONG," MRS HO SAID.
------0--------
STANDARD SCALE OF FINES INTRODUCED
*****
A BILL SETTING OUT A STANDARD SCALE OF FINES WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE (ADMENDMENT) BILL 1994 ADJUSTS FINES BELOW $100,000 SO THAT EACH FINE IS AT ONE OF SIX LEVELS, AND PROPOSES THAT THE MAXIMUM FINES FOR EACH LEVEL SHOULD BE CAPABLE OF AMENDMENT BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL TO REFLECT THE EFFECT OF INFLATION.
/"THIS WILL .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 1994
- 11 -
"THIS WILL ENABLE MAXIMUM FINES TO BE ADJUSTED FROM TIME TO TIME BY MEANS OF A SINGLE AMENDMENT, AND WITHOUT THE NEED FOR THE LEGISLATURE TO PASS A BILL," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
HE HOWEVER NOTED THAT REVISION OF FINES OTHER THAN FOR THE REASON OF INFLATION WOULD CONTINUE TO BE DONE BY MEANS OF SEPARATE AMENDING LEGISLATION, AND THESE REVISIONS WOULD BE JUSTIFIED ON A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS.
THE STANDARD SCALE WOULD NOT APPLY TO FINES THAT CURRENTLY EXCEED $100,000, HE ADDED.
THE PROPOSED MAXIMUM FINES FOR EACH LEVEL ARE $2,000, $5,000, $10,000, $25,000, $50,000 AND $100,000.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THERE ARE PRESENTLY HUNDREDS OF PROVISIONS SCATTERED THROUGHOUT OUR LEGISLATION GIVING POWER TO THE COURTS TO IMPOSE FINES, EITHER ALONE OF IN ADDITION TO OTHER SENTENCES, ON CONVICTION.
IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN THEIR DETERRENT EFFECT, HE SAID EACH PROVISION PRESCRIBING A FINE NEEDS TO BE AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME TO KEEP UP WITH INFLATION.
HE SAID: "AT PRESENT THIS IS A COMPLICATED, TIME-CONSUMING AND WASTEFUL PROCESS; EACH FINE PROVISION HAS TO BE IDENTIFIED, THE DATE OF THE LAST REVISION OF THE FINE ASCERTAINED, THE EXTENT OF INFLATION SINCE THAT DATE CALCULATED, AND AN APPROPRIATE INCREASE DECIDED UPON.
"A LEGISLATIVE INSTRUMENT HAS THEN TO BE PREPARED AND SUBMITTED TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, OR TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, OR TO BOTH.
"BECAUSE THE PROCESS IS SO INEFFICIENT, MANY FINES HAVE NOT BEEN ADJUSTED TO REFLECT INFLATION AND THE DETERRENT EFFECT OF THE FINES HAS BEEN SERIOUSLY ERODED," HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID A SIMILAR PROBLEM WAS TACKLED IN THE UNITED KINGDOM IN 1977 BY THE INTRODUCTION OF A SYSTEM OF STANDARD SCALE OF FINES.
AN INTER-DEPARTMENTAL WORKING PARTY ON FINES AND TARIFFS WAS ESTABLISHED IN JULY 1991 BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO STUDY THE PROBLEM IN HONG KONG, AND IT RECOMMENDED THAT A SIMILAR STANDARD SCALE OF FINES SHOULD BE INTRODUCED, HE SAID.
THE BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL NEXT WEDNESDAY.
--------0 - -
/12 .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 1994
12
MINOR AND TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS TO LEGAL SYSTEM PROPOSED *****
A NUMBER OF LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE THAT WERE FOUND TO BE OBSOLETE, IN NEED OF MINOR CORRECTION OR IMPROVEMENT, OR INCONSISTENT WITH THE BILL OF RIGHTS WILL BE REPEALED OR AMENDED IF THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE (MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS) BILL 1994 IS ENACTED.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT SAID IN 1992 THE ATTORNEY GENERAL PROPOSED THAT A BILL BE PREPARED TO DEAL WITH "MINOR, TECHNICAL AND NON-CONTROVERSIAL" AMENDMENTS RELATING TO THE LEGAL SYSTEM.
A GENERAL CIRCULAR WAS SENT TO THE JUDICIARY, BAR ASSOCIATION, LAW SOCIETY, DIRECTOR OF LEGAL AID AND VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TO SEEK PROPOSALS. MANY SUGGESTIONS WERE RECEIVED, LEADING TO THE PROPOSALS OUTLINED IN THE PROPOSED BILL.
THE BILL, GAZETTED TODAY, WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON MAY 11. IT PROPOSES THE ABOLITION OF ASSESSORS IN THE MAGISTRACY, MARINE MAGISTRATES, AND SPECIAL JURIES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID PROVISION FOR ASSESSORS TO SIT WITH MAGISTRATES HEARING CRIMINAL CASES WAS INTRODUCED IN 1978, WHICH WAS INTENDED AS A MEASURE WHEREBY LOCAL PERSONS COULD BE APPOINTED TO ASSIST NEWLY APPOINTED EXPATRIATE MAGISTRATES.
BUT THE EXPERIMENT WAS NOT A GREAT SUCCESS, HE SAID.
THE LAST OCCASION UPON WHICH AN ASSESSOR SAT UPON A CRIMINAL TRIAL WAS IN MARCH 1988. MOREOVER, THE NUMBER OF LOCAL MAGISTRATES HAD INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY IN RECENT YEARS, THUS DIMINISHING THE NEED FOR ASSESSORS.
"IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES, IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT PROVISIONS FOR ASSESSORS IN CRIMINAL TRIALS IN THE MAGISTRACY BE REPEALED," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
SIMILARLY, HE SAID THERE WAS NO RECORD IN THE LAST 20 YEARS THAT A MARINE MAGISTRATE HAD EXERCISED JURISDICTION.
"AS THE INSTITUTION NO LONGER FULFILS ANY USEFUL PURPOSE, IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT IT BE ABOLISHED," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
AS REGARDS SPECIAL JURIES COMPRISING PERSONS WITH A PARTICULAR SKILL, EXPERIENCE OR STANDING IN THE COMMUNITY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE LAST OCCASION THAT A SPECIAL JURY WAS SUMMONED WAS FOR A CORONER’S INQUEST IN 1984.
"IT IS CONSIDERED THAT THE SPECIAL JURY IS ELITIST AND UNNECESSARY, AND SHOULD BE ABOLISHED,” HE SAID, ADDING THAT THE INSTITUTION HAD ALREADY BEEN ABOLISHED IN ENGLAND AND AUSTRALIA.
UNDER EXISTING PROVISIONS, TALLYCLERKS (THOSE WHO TALLY CARGO IN AND OUT OF SHIPS), AUCTIONEERS, MARINE STORES DEALERS AND MARINE HAWKERS ARE REQUIRED TO OBTAIN LICENCES TO CARRY ON THEIR TRADES.
/THE BILL .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 1994
- 13 -
THE BILL PROPOSES THAT THESE PROVISIONS ARE NO LONGER CONSIDERED TO SERVE ANY USEFUL PURPOSE AND SHOULD BE REPEALED.
IT ALSO SUGGESTS THAT MAGISTRATES BE EMPOWERED TO IMPOSE HIGHER FINES AND AWARD HIGHER COMPENSATION.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE CURRENT MAXIMUM PENALTY WHICH MAY BE IMPOSED BY MAGISTRATES WHEN TRYING INDICTABLE OFFENCES SUMMARILY IS, FOR A SPECIAL MAGISTRATE, IMPRISONMENT FOR SIX MONTHS OR A FINE OF $5,000 AND, FOR A PERMANENT MAGISTRATE, IMPRISONMENT FOR TWO YEARS OR A FINE OF $10,000.
"THESE MAXIMUM FINES WERE LAST ADJUSTED IN 1981. THEY SHOULD BE REVISED TO $50,000 AND $100,000 RESPECTIVELY," HE SAID.
THE MAXIMUM COMPENSATION A MAGISTRATE MAY ORDER A CONVICTED PERSON TO PAY TO AN AGGRIEVED PERSON WILL ALSO BE RAISED, FROM $5,000 TO $100,000; WHILE THE SUMMARY COMPENSATION A MAGISTRATE MAY AWARD TO A VICTIM OF MALICIOUS PROSECUTION WILL BE INCREASED FROM $2,000 TO $10,000.
THE CURRENT AMOUNTS WERE LAST REVISED IN 1972 AND 1981 RESPECTIVELY.
THE BILL ALSO PROPOSES THAT THE FOLLOWING SIX PROVISIONS WHICH WERE CONSIDERED TO BE INCONSISTENT WITH THE BILL OF RIGHTS ORDINANCE SHOULD BE FORMALLY REPEALED:
* SECTION 28(C), THEFT ORDINANCE EMPOWERS A POLICE OFFICER, RATHER THAN A JUDICIAL OFFICER, TO AUTHORISE A SEARCH OF PREMISES FOR STOLEN GOODS AND TO DO SO WITHOUT THE NEED TO ESTABLISH REASONABLE GROUNDS. THE PROVISION ONLY APPLIES TO PREMISES OCCUPIED OR WHICH HAVE BEEN OCCUPIED BY A PERSON WHO HAS BEEN CONVICTED OF HANDLING STOLEN GOODS;
* SECTION 29(6) (A), THEFT ORDINANCE PROVIDES FOR TWO MANDATORY PRESUMPTIONS, "UNTIL THE CONTRARY IS PROVED", TO OPERATE AGAINST A PERSON ACCUSED OF CERTAIN OFFENCES INVOLVING THE DISHONESTY USE OF CHEQUES;
* SECTION 83XX(3)(A), CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ORDINANCE FORBIDS THE AWARD OF COSTS TO AN APPELLANT WHERE A RETRIAL IS ORDERED. THE COURT OF APPEAL HAS DECLARED THAT THIS PROVISION IS INCONSISTENT WITH THE BILL OF RIGHTS;
» SECTION 30, SUMMARY OFFENCES ORDINANCE, CREATING THE OFFENCE OF BEING A PERSON SUSPECTED OF HAVING OR CONVEYING STOLEN PROPERTY, WAS DECLARED REPEALED BY THE PRIVY COUNCIL BY VIRTUE OF INCONSISTENCY WITH THE BILL OF RIGHTS;
» SECTION 8(D), SUMMARY OFFENCES ORDINANCE CREATES AN OFFENCE FOR PEOPLE TO ASSEMBLE IN THE NIGHT-TIME WITHOUT REASONABLE EXCUSE OR FAILING TO REPORT SUCH AN ASSEMBLY; AND
/* SECTION 4(4) ........
FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 1994
- 14 -
* SECTION 4(4), MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENT ORDINANCE PROVIDES THAT WHERE A PERSON IS CONVICTED OF OPERATING ETC. AN UNLICENSED MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENT, HE SHALL IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES BE TREATED FOR THE PURPOSE OF SENTENCING AS IF IT WAS HIS SECOND OR SUBSEQUENT CONVICTION.
ADDITIONALLY, THE BILL ALSO PROPOSES MINOR AND TECHNICAL CHANGES TO OTHER LEGISLATION, INCLUDING 28 SEPARATE ORDINANCES AND PIECES OF SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION, WHICH WOULD REQUIRE CORRECTION BECAUSE OF MINOR DRAFTING ERRORS AND OMISSIONS OR AS A RESULT OF AMENDMENTS TO OTHER ORDINANCES.
---------0-----------
REGISTRATION MARKS RESERVED FOR LEGCO VEHICLES
*****
THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS APPROVED AN AMENDMENT TO THE ROAD TRAFFIC (REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF VEHICLES) REGULATIONS TO RESERVE REGISTRATION MARKS WITH THE PREFIX "LC" FOR VEHICLES OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL COMMISSION.
THE AMENDMENT IS NECESSITATED BY THE FACT THAT IT IS NO LONGER APPROPRIATE TO ASSIGN REGISTRATION MARKS WITH THE "AM" PREFIX TO VEHICLES OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL COMMISSION AND ITS SECRETARIAT FOLLOWING THEIR ESTABLISHMENT ON APRIL 1 THIS YEAR.
THEIR VEHICLES WILL NO LONGER BE GOVERNMENT VEHICLES.
THIS IS IN LINE WITH THE CURRENT PRACTICE OF ISSUING REGISTRATION MARKS WITH PREFIXES OF "UC" AND "RC" TO VEHICLES OF THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL RESPECTIVELY.
------0--------
LANTAU PORT DEVELOPMENT RECLAMATION WORKS *****
ADVANCE RECLAMATION WORKS WILL BE CARRIED OUT TO FORM PART OF THE SITE FOR PHASE I OF THE LANTAU PORT DEVELOPMENT AT PENNY’S BAY, LANTAU ISLAND.
APPLICATIONS FOR PREQUALIFICATION OF TENDERERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR THE WORKS, THE GAZETTE ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE PHASE I OF THE LANTAU PORT DEVELOPMENT INVOLVES THE DEVELOPMENT OF FACILITIES FOR CONTAINER TERMINAL NO. 10 ON LANTAU.
THE ADVANCE RECLAMATION WORKS CONTRACT COMPRISES PRIMARILY THE CONSTRUCTION OF ABOUT 3,500 METRES OF PITCHED SLOPE RUBBLE SEAWALL AND RECLAMATION OF ABOUT 52 HECTARES OF LAND.
/THE APPLICATION .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 1994
THE APPLICATION FORMS MUST BE SUBMITTED NO LATER THAN NOON ON MAY 27 TO THE CHIEF ENGINEER/WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION, CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE, CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT, THIRD FLOOR, CIVIL ENGINEERING BUILDING, 101 PRINCE MARGARET ROAD, HO MAN TIN, KOWLOON.
TENDERS FOR THE .CONTRACT ARE SCHEDULED TO BE INVITED IN AUGUST FROM A SELECTED LIST OF CONTRACTORS ESTABLISHED BY THE PREQUALIFICATION EXERCISE.
WORKS ON THE SITE ARE EXPECTED TO START IN DECEMBER AND TAKE ABOUT 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
- - 0 - -
RIVER TRADE TERMINAL DEVELOPMENT WORKS ANNOUNCED » « » » »
THE SCOPE OF WORKS TO BE UNDERTAKEN FOR THE PROPOSED RIVER TRADE TERMINAL IN AREA 38, TUEN MUN, WAS DESCRIBED IN A GAZETTE NOTICE PUBLISHED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THERE WILL BE DREDGING, RECLAMATION AND SUBMARINE INFRASTRUCTURE REPROVISION AND EXTENSION WORKS WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 370 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED.
THE WORKS WILL PROVIDE 63.47 HECTARES OF RECLAIMED LAND, ASSOCIATED SEAWALLS AND A 10.75-HECTARE BREAKWATER FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND OPERATION OF THE RIVER TRADE TERMINAL AS WELL AS A SEWAGE OUTFALL REPROVISIONING AND EXTENSION SYSTEM FOR THE ADJOINING PILLAR POINT SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT.
THE PROJECT WILL TAKE PLACE IN PHASES, TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED TO START EARLY NEXT YEAR, AND WILL BE COMPLETED BY 1999.
THE NOTICE AND RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE WORK SITE, THE LANDS DEPARTMENT’S SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG AND AT THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 1 TUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN, NEW TERRITORIES.
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 JUNE 29 THIS YEAR.
THE OBJECTION SHOULD DESCRIBE THE INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT OF THE OBJECTOR AND THE MANNER IN WHICH HE WILL BE AFFECTED.
- - 0 - -
/16
FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 1994
- 16 -
CLOSE LINKS BETWEEN CANADA AND HK *****
THE ACTING CHIEF SECRETARY, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, TONIGHT (FRIDAY) SAID AN INCREASING PROXIMITY IN RELATIONSHIP AND GROWING FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN CANADA AND HONG KONG WERE EVIDENT IN MANY ASPECTS.
SPEAKING AT THE DINNER IN HONOUR OF THE VISITING GOVERNORGENERAL OF CANADA, MR RAMON HNATYSHYN, AND HIS WIFE, MR LEUNG SAID TRADING BETWEEN THE TWO PLACES HAD GONE UP FOUR TIMES IN A DECADE AND THERE WERE SUCCESSFUL CULTURAL EXCHANGES IN THE PAST.
"FOR THE LAST TWO DECADES, CANADA HAS BEEN RANKED AMONG THE TOP THREE MOST POPULAR DESTINATIONS FOR HONG KONG STUDENTS STUDYING OVERSEAS," MR LEUNG SAID.
"CANADA IS ALSO THE MOST POPULAR DESTINATION FOR HONG KONG EMIGRANTS, ATTRACTING SOME 29,000 HONG KONG PEOPLE EVERY YEAR," HE SAID.
MR LEUNG NOTED THAT THERE WAS ALSO AN INCREASING NUMBER OF HONG KONG EMIGRANTS RETURNING FROM CANADA.
"THIS LARGE CONTINGENT OF HONG KONG EMIGRANTS AND RETURNEES WILL FORM THE BACKBONE OF AN INVALUABLE HUMAN NETWORK BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES OF THE PACIFIC, TO THE LONG-TERM BENEFITS OF US ALL," MR LEUNG SAID.
- - 0 - -
NEW FEES UNDER CONTROL OF OBSCENE AND INDECENT ARTICLES REGULATION *****
NEW FEES FOR A NUMBER OF SERVICES PROVIDED UNDER THE CONTROL OF OBSCENE AND INDECENT ARTICLES ORDINANCE WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON JUNE 2, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE SPOKESMAN SAID TO COVER THE INCREASE IN COSTS, THE FEES SET OUT IN THE CONTROL OF OBSCENE AND INDECENT ARTICLES REGULATION WILL BE INCREASED BY ABOUT 10 PER CENT.
THESE INCLUDE FEES CHARGED FOR THE CLASSIFICATION OF ARTICLES BY THE OBSCENE ARTICLES TRIBUNAL (O.A.T.), REVIEW OF ITS INTERIM CLASSIFICATION OF AN ARTICLE AT A FULL HEARING, RE-CONSIDERATION OF ITS CLASSIFICATION, THE INSPECTION, COPYING OR EXTRACTION OF NOTICES AND SEARCH OF THE O.A.T’S REPOSITORY.
FEES PAYABLE FOR THE CLASSIFICATION OF ARTICLES BY O.A.T. WILL GO UP FROM $1,760 TO $1,940.
/THE SPOKESMAN .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 1994
- 17 -
THE SPOKESMAN SAID IT WAS GOVERNMENT POLICY THAT FEES SHOULD IN GENERAL BE SET AT LEVELS SUFFICIENT TO RECOVER FULL COSTS OF PROVIDING THE SERVICES.
"THE FEE ADJUSTMENTS WILL HAVE LITTLE IMPACT ON THE OPERATING COSTS OF THE TRADE.
"THE FEES FOR SERVICES DESCRIBED ABOVE WERE LAST REVIEWED IN 1993," HE ADDED.
---------0-----------
SHIPPING AND CARGO STATISTICS OF OCEAN-GOING VESSELS FOR FOURTH QUARTER OF 1993 *****
IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1993, 8,357 OCEAN-GOING VESSELS WITH A TOTAL CAPACITY OF 38.2 MILLION NET REGISTERED TONS (NRT) ARRIVED AT HONG KONG.
THIS INFORMATION IS CONTAINED IN THE ’HONG KONG SHIPPING STATISTICS REPORT, OCTOBER - DECEMBER 1993’ PUBLISHED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE FIGURES REFLECT AN INCREASE OF 8% IN NUMBER OF VESSELS AND 10% IN CAPACITY OVER THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1992.
DURING THE SAME PERIOD, THERE WERE 8,509 OUTGOING OCEAN-GOING VESSELS WITH A TOTAL CAPACITY OF 38.9 MILLION (MN) NRT, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 5% IN NUMBER AND 10% IN CAPACITY OVER THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1992.
IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1993, THE TOTAL TONNAGE OF CARGO DISCHARGED IN HONG KONG FROM INCOMING OCEAN-GOING VESSELS, INCLUDING SEABORNE IMPORTS AND SEABORNE INWARD TRANSHIPMENT, WAS ESTIMATED TO BE 17.5 MN TONNE, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 11% OVER THE SAME QUARTER IN 1992.
DURING THE SAME PERIOD, THE TOTAL TONNAGE OF CARGO LOADED ONTO OUTGOING OCEAN-GOING VESSELS, INCLUDING SEABORNE EXPORTS (DOMESTIC EXPORTS PLUS RE-EXPORTS) AND SEABORNE OUTWARD TRANSHIPMENT, WAS ESTIMATED TO BE 7.8 MN TONNE, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 14%.
OF THE CARGO DISCHARGED FROM INCOMING OCEAN-GOING VESSELS, 83% IN TERMS OF TONNAGE WERE SEABORNE IMPORTS AND 17% WERE SEABORNE INWARD TRANSHIPMENT, AND 48% IN TERMS OF TONNAGE WERE CONTAINERISED CARGO.
OF THOSE LOADED ONTO OUTGOING OCEAN-GOING VESSELS, 66% IN TERMS OF TONNAGE WERE SEABORNE EXPORTS (DOMESTIC EXPORTS PLUS RE-EXPORTS) AND 34% WERE SEABORNE OUTWARD TRANSHIPMENT, AND 87% IN TERMS OF TONNAGE WERE CONTAINERISED CARGO.
THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE SUMMARISED IN TABLE 1.
IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1993, THE TOP FIVE COUNTRIES OF LOADING FOR CARGO DISCHARGED FROM INCOMING OCEAN-GOING VESSELS (INCLUDING SEABORNE IMPORTS AND SEABORNE INWARD TRANSHIPMENT) WERE SINGAPORE (WHICH ACCOUNTED FOR 16% IN TONNAGE TERMS), JAPAN (14%), CHINA (13%), TAIWAN (12%) AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (8%).
/THE TOP........
FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 1994
- 18 -
THE TOP FIVE COUNTRIES OF DISCHARGE FOR CARGO LOADED ONTO OUTGOING OCEAN-GOING VESSELS (INCLUDING SEABORNE EXPORTS AND SEABORNE OUTWARD TRANSHIPMENT) WERE CHINA (19%), THE U.S.A. (18%), TAIWAN (9%), THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY (5%) AND JAPAN (4%).
THE TOP FIVE PRINCIPAL COMMODITIES DISCHARGED FROM INCOMING OCEAN-GOING VESSELS IN TONNAGE INCLUDE PETROLEUM, PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND RELATED MATERIALS (WHICH ACCOUNTED FOR 21%); COAL, COKE AND BRIQUETTES (12%); IRON AND STEEL (8%); ARTIFICIAL RESINS AND PLASTIC MATERIALS (8%); AND MACHINERY (5%).
THE TOP FIVE PRINCIPAL COMMODITIES LOADED ONTO OUTGOING OCEANGOING VESSELS INCLUDE MACHINERY (11%); OTHER MANUFACTURED GOODS CLASSIFIED CHIEFLY BY MATERIAL (9%); OTHER MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (8%); ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES (7%); AND TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS (5%).
CHANGES IN THE TONNAGE OF CARGO DISCHARGED AND LOADED ANALYSED BY THE TOP 10 COUNTRIES OF LOADING AND DISCHARGE BETWEEN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1993 AND THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1992 ARE SHOWN RESPECTIVELY IN TABLE 2 AND TABLE 3.
SIMILAR STATISTICS FOR CARGO DISCHARGED AND LOADED ANALYSED BY THE TOP TEN PRINCIPAL COMMODITIES ARE SHOWN RESPECTIVELY IN TABLE 4 AND TABLE 5.
STARTING FROM 1993, OCEAN-GOING VESSELS HAVE BEEN REDEFINED AS ALL VESSELS OPERATING BEYOND THE RIVER TRADE LIMITS. IN CALCULATING THE YEAR-ON-YEAR CHANGES, SHIPPING AND CARGO STATISTICS FOR 1992 HAVE BEEN RE-COMPILED BASED ON THE NEW DEFINITION.
SHIPPING STATISTICS OF OCEAN-GOING VESSELS ARE COMPILED PRIMARILY FROM GENERAL DECLARATIONS SUBMITTED TO THE MARINE DEPARTMENT BY SHIP MASTERS OR AUTHORISED SHIPPING AGENTS AND COVER ALL OCEANGOING VESSELS ENTERING AND LEAVING HONG KONG, EXCLUDING YACHTS AND PLEASURE CRAFT.
CARGO STATISTICS OF OCEAN-GOING VESSELS ARE COMPILED FROM A SAMPLE OF CONSIGNMENTS LISTED IN THE OCEAN CARGO MANIFESTS SUPPLIED BY SHIPPING COMPANIES OR AGENTS TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT. THE SAMPLING METHOD IS DESCRIBED IN THE EXPLANATORY NOTES OF THE REPORT.
MORE DETAILS OF SHIPPING AND CARGO STATISTICS OF OCEAN-GOING VESSELS FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1993 ARE CONTAINED IN THE ’HONG KONG SHIPPING STATISTICS REPORT, OCTOBER - DECEMBER 1993’.
THIS REPORT IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AND THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI AT $44.50 A COPY.
ENQUIRIES ON STATISTICS CONTAINED IN THE REPORT MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE SHIPPING AND CARGO STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL 582 4887.
/Table 1: .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 1994
- 19 -
Table 1: Summary of. shipping, and ' cargo, statistjcs of ocean-going vessels
•— • % 4th quarter 1993 change ever 4th quarter 1992
Incoming ocean-going vessel
Number 8 357 +8
Capacity (Mn. NRT) 38.2 +10
Cargo discharged (Mn. tonne) 17.5 (48) +11
Seaborne imports (Mn. tonne) 14.6 (40) +8
Seaborne inward transhipment (Mn. tonne) 2.9 (91) +29
Outgoing ocean-going vessel
Number u8 509 +5
Capacity (Mn. NRT) 38.9 +10
Cargo loaded (Mn. tonne) 7.8 (87) +14
Seaborne exports (Mn. tonne) 5.2 (81) +17
(including domestic exports and re-exports)
Seaborne outward transhipment (Mn. tonne) 2.6 (98) +8
Noted: (i)
(ii>
:r I . 4
Figures in brackets denote the extent of containerization in percentage.
Starting from 1993, ocean-going vessels have been redefined as all vessels operating beyond the river trade limits. In calculating the year-on-year changes, statistics for 1992 have been recompiled based on the new definition.
/Table 2: .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 1994
- 20 -
Table 2: Cargo discharged from Incoming ocean-going vessels by the top ten countries of loading-------------------------
Country of loading 4th quarter 1993 % change over 4th Quarter 1992
(*000 tonne)
Singapore 2 855 +20
Japan 2 465 +14
China 2 263 +20
Taiwan 2 017 u + 16
Republic of Korea 1 357 +9
U.S.A. 1 155 -6
Australia 1 118 -3
Republic of South Africa 910 + 61
Thailand 369 +37
Indonesia 317 -66
Notes: (i) Cargo discharged includes seaborne imports and seaborne inward ’ transhipment.
(ii) Starting from 1993, ocean-going vessels have been redefined as all vessels operating beyond the river trade limits. In calculating the year-on-year changes, statistics for 1992 have been recompiled based on the new definition.
/Table 3: .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 1994
- 21 -
Table 3: Cargo loaded onto outgoing ocean-going vessels by the top ten countries of discharge________________
r
4th quarter % change over
country of discharge 1193 4th quarter 1992
('000 tonne)
China 1 528 +16
U.S.A. 1 439 +5
Taiwan 687 -1
Federal Republic of Germany 359 + 19
Japan 346 +3
Singapore 315 +4
Netherlands 312 +24
United Kingdom 260 / +33
Philippines 249 +19
Australia 156 +29
Notes: (i) Cargo loaded includes seaborne exports and seaborne outward transhipment.
(ii) Starting from 1993, ocean-going vessels have been redefined as all vessels operating beyond the river trade limits. In calculating the year-on-year changes, statistics for 1992 have been recompiled based on the new definition.
/Table 4: .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 1994
- 22 -
Table 4: Cargo discharged from incoming ocean-going vessels bv the top ten principal commodities_______________________
4th quarter % change over
Commodity Group 1993 4th quarter 1992
(*000 tonne)
Petroleum, petroleum products 3 620 +16
and related materials
Coal, coke and briquettes 2 133 *. -17
Iron and steel 1 457' +33
Artificial resins and plastic 1 448 +30
materials
Machinery 956 +23
Other manufactured goods classified 868 +37
chiefly by material
Paper and paper products 846 +14
Cement and cement clinker 842 + 16
Textile yarn, fabrics, made-up 575 +12
articles and related products
Stone, sand and gravel 567 +88
Notes: (i) Cargo discharged includes seaborne imports and seaborne inward transhipment.
(ii) Starting from 1993, ocean-going vessels have been redefined as all vessels operating beyond the river trade limits. In calculating the year-on-year changes, statistics for 1992 have been recompiled based on the new definition.
/Table 5: .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 1994
- 23 -
Table 5: Cargo loaded onto outgoing ocean-going vessels by the top ten principal commodities--------------------
4th quarter % change over
Commodity group 1993 4th quarter 1992
(*000 tonne)
Machinery 870 +14
Other manufactured goods classified 702 +16
chiefly by material
Other manufactured articles 593 +16
Articles of apparel and clothing 514 +19
accessories
Textile yarn, fabrics, made-up 411 +16
articles and related products u
Petroleum, petroleum products 406 +24
and related materials
Other chemicals and related products 392 +60
Toys 356 +5
Crude animal and vegetable materials 264 -6
Footwear 241 +6
Notes: (i)
(ii)
Cargo loaded includes seaborne exports and seaborne outward transhipment•
Starting from 1993/ ocean-going vessels have been redefined as all vessels operating beyond the river trade limits. In calculating the year-on-year changes, statistics for 1992 have been recompiled based on the new definition.
---------0 ----------
/24........
FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 1994
- 24 -
MEMBERS FOR HKIED GOVERNING COUNCIL APPOINTED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THE APPOINTMENT OF MR SIMON IP AS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE GOVERNING COUNCIL OF THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION (HKIED).
IN ADDITION, DR THOMAS LEUNG, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HAY MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT, AND MR PETER LEE, DIRECTOR OF LEE HYSAN ESTATE CO. LTD. HAVE BEEN APPOINTED DEPUTY CHAIRMAN AND TREASURER OF THE GOVERNING COUNCIL RESPECTIVELY.
OTHER MEMBERS INCLUDE:
MR VINCENT CHENG, SENIOR MANAGER OF HONG KONG BANK;
MR PAUL YU, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF KWAN LEE CONSTRUCTION CO. LTD. ;
PROFESSOR LEE NGOK, DIRECTOR OF THE SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL AND CONTINUING EDUCATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG;
DR LESLIE LO, DEAN OF THE FACULTY OF EDUCATION OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG;
PROFESSOR KWONG LEE DOW, DEAN OF THE FACULTY OF EDUCATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE;
SISTER MARGARET WONG, PRINCIPAL OF ST PAUL’S COVENT SCHOOL;
MR CHAN WING-KWONG, PRINCIPAL OF PO LEUNG KUK LUK HING TOO PRIMARY (AM) SCHOOL;
MRS MAGGIE KOONG, PRINCIPAL OF VICTORIA KINDERGARTEN;
SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER OR REPRESENTATIVE;
SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE OR REPRESENTATIVE; AND
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION OR REPRESENTATIVE.
DR C K LEUNG AND DR K C PANG WILL JOIN THE COUNCIL AS EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS ONCE THEIR APPOINTMENTS AS DIRECTOR AND DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE INSTITUTE HAVE BEEN RATIFIED BY THE NEW COUNCIL.
APART FROM THE MEMBERSHIP OF DIRECTOR AND DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE INSTITUTE, ALL APPOINTMENTS ARE FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS COMMENCING APRIL 25, 1994.
UNDER THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION ORDINANCE, THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE APPOINTED TO THE GOVERNING COUNCIL: NOT MORE THAN THREE MEMBERS TO BE NOMINATED BY THE ACADEMIC BOARD OF THE INSTITUTE; THREE HKIED STAFF; AND A FULL-TIME STUDENT TO BE APPOINTED WHEN HKIED HAS ENROLLED ITS FIRST STUDENT INTAKE.
/THESE APPOINTMENTS .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 1994
- 25 -
THESE APPOINTMENTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN DUE COURSE.
THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION IS BEING ESTABLISHED BY SUBSUMING THE EXISTING FOUR COLLEGES OF EDUCATION AND THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION WITH THE AIM OF UPGRADING TEACHERS EDUCATION AND ENHANCING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF TEACHERS IN HONG KONG.
------0-------
INSIDER DEALING TRIBUNAL TO HOLD HEARING
♦ » * » *
THE INSIDER DEALING TRIBUNAL WILL BEGIN ITS MAIN HEARINGS OF THE SUCCESS HOLDINGS CASE ON MONDAY (MAY 2).
THE TRIBUNAL HELD A PRELIMINARY HEARING ON APRIL 25 IN RESPECT OF ITS INQUIRY INTO DEALINGS IN 1992 IN THE SECURITIES OF SUCCESS HOLDINGS LTD (SHL).
IT WAS DECIDED AT THE PRELIMINARY HEARING THAT THE TRIBUNAL WOULD START ITS FORMAL HEARING ON MAY 2. SITTINGS WILL BE FROM 9 AM TO 1 PM.
THE TRIBUNAL ALSO INDICATED THAT EVERY SITTING WOULD BE HELD IN PUBLIC UNLESS THE TRIBUNAL DECIDED THAT IT WAS IN THE INTERESTS OF JUSTICE THAT A SITTING BE HELD IN PRIVATE.
SITTINGS OF THE TRIBUNAL WILL BE HELD IN COURTROOM NO. 26, 11TH FLOOR, SUPREME COURT BUILDING.
THE TRIBUNAL COMPRISES MR JUSTICE STOCK, CHAIRMAN OF THE TRIBUNAL, AND TWO MEMBERS APPOINTED FOR THE SHL CASE, MR PATRICK YEUNG AND MR DEREK MURPHY.
------0--------
TWO NON-INDUSTRIAL SITES FOR AUCTION
*****
TWO LOTS OF GOVERNMENT LAND IN FANLING AND YUEN LONG DESIGNATED FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL USE WILL BE AUCTIONED ON MAY 26 (THURSDAY).
THE PUBLIC AUCTION WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM IN THE THEATRE OF THE CITY HALL.
THE LOT IN AREA 19, LUEN WO HUI, FANLING, HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 20,780 SQUARE METRES.
THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 64,112 SQUARE METRES BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 1998.
THE OTHER LOT, AT FUNG KAM STREET, YUEN LONG, HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 5,889 SQUARE METRES.
THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 19,000 SQUARE METRES BEFORE JUNE 30, 1998.
/BOTH LOTS .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 1994
- 26 -
BOTH LOTS ARE INTENDED FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL USE EXCLUDING GODOWN.
FULL PARTICULARS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD; AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES KOWLOON, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.
SALE PLANS ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION IN THE OFFICES.
CONDITIONS OF SALE WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES OF SHA TIN, YUEN LONG, TUEN MUN, TSUEN WAN, KWAI TSING, TAI PO, NORTH, SAI KUNG AND ISLANDS.
---------0-----------
MEMBERSHIP OF LANGUAGE FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE ANNOUNCED » * * » ♦
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THE APPOINTMENT OF PROFESSOR ROSIE T T YOUNG AS CHAIRMAN OF THE LANGUAGE FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A LANGUAGE FUND WAS FIRST ANNOUNCED BY THE GOVERNOR TN HIS POLICY ADDRESS IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TOGETHER WITH OTHER EXISTING MEASURES, THE FUND AIMED TO IMPROVE PROFICIENCY IN THE CHINESE, INCLUDING PUTONGHUA, AND ENGLISH LANGUAGES.
’’BETTER LANGUAGE STANDARDS ARE ESSENTIAL BOTH TO MAINTAIN HONG KONG’S POSITION AS AN IMPORTANT BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL CENTRE AND TO MEET THE NEEDS ARISING FROM OUR GROWING INTERDEPENDENCE WITH THE CHINESE ECONOMY,” HE STATED.
OTHER MEMBERS APPOINTED TO THE COMMITTEE INCLUDE LANGUAGE EXPERTS, EDUCATIONALISTS, REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL SECTORS AND OTHER PROFESSIONS, INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS AND GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES.
THEY ARE MR CHAN MING-KWAN, MRS ANGELA CHEUNG WONG WAN-YIU, MR CHUNG PO-YANG, DR JOHN CLARK, MR HO KING-ON, DR RICHARD HO MAN-WUI, DR KEITH JOHNSON, MRS ELIM LAU, MR LEUNG SIU-TONG, MISS SO YAN-LAP, MR SZETO WAH, MRS TAI LAM SAU-MUI, MS SHIRLEY TANG SIU-LING, MR MICHAEL TIEN PUK-SUN, PROF BENJAMIN TSOU KA-YIN, MR PETER WONG HONG-YUEN, MR YU FONG-YING, MR NORMAN YUEN KEE-TONG, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER.
THE APPOINTMENTS ARE FOR THE PERIOD FROM MAY 1, 1994 TO APRIL 30, 1996.
THE LANGUAGE FUND WILL BE HELD IN TRUST WITH AN INITIAL ALLOCATON OF $300 MILLION UNDER THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION INCORPORATION ORDINANCE.
/IT WILL .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 1994
- 27 -
IT WILL SERVE AS A VEHICLE TO MOUNT A CONCERTED AND SUSTAINED CAMPAIGN TO IMPROVE PROFICIENCY IN CHINESE AND ENGLISH BY:
* INVOLVING THE COMMUNITY AND DRAWING UPON EXPERTISE AND EXPERIENCE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE, ESPECIALLY FROM LANGUAGE EXPERTS AND EDUCATIONALISTS;
* ENHANCING EXISTING EFFORTS AND MEETING TEMPORARY SHORTFALLS IN RESOURCES;
* RESEARCHING INTO PROBLEM AREAS; AND
» INITIATING NEW APPROACHES.
THE FUND WILL ALSO HELP ADDRESS LANGUAGE ISSUES COMPREHENSIVELY, THAT IS, INCREASING MOTIVATION TO LANGUAGE LEARNING; ENHANCING THE SUPPLY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF LANGUAGE TEACHERS; INCREASING THE SUPPLY AND QUALITY OF TEXTBOOKS AND REFERENCE
MATERIALS, AS WELL AS APPROPRIATE TEACHING AIDS; AND ADDRESSING
PROBLEMS WHICH INHIBIT PROFICIENCY, FOR EXAMPLE, BY INCREASING
EXPOSURE AND USAGE IN PUTONGHUA AND SPOKEN ENGLISH, AND WORKING
TOWARDS GREATER UNIFORMITY IN THE USE OF WRITTEN CHINESE.
"EDUCATION AND TRAINING INSTITUTIONS, INTERESTED ORGANISATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS WITH ESTABLISHED EXPERTISE WILL BE ABLE TO SEEK ALLOCATION FROM THE FUND TO UNDERTAKE PARTICULAR PROJECTS OR ACTIVITIES AIMED AT IMPROVING LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE BASIC CRITERIA FOR DISBURSEMENTS WILL BE THE INTRINSIC MERIT OF THE INITIATIVE, ITS EFFECTIVENESS AND THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM IT," HE ADDED.
- - 0----------
REVISION OF JUDICIARY FEES *****
THE BILLS OF SALE (FEES) (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1994, WHICH SEEKS TO INCREASE THE FEES COLLECTED BY THE JUDICIARY IN PROVIDING VARIOUS SERVICES UNDER THE BILLS OF SALE ORDINANCE, WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
"THE FEES FOR THE PROVISION OF VARIOUS SERVICES UNDER THE BILLS OF SALE ORDINANCE WERE LAST REVIEWED IN 1992.' TAKING ACCOUNT OF THE INCREASE IN THE COSTS OF PROVIDING THE SERVICES SINCE THE LAST REVIEW, THE FEES WILL BE INCREASED BY ABOUT 10 PER CENT WITH EFFECT FROM JUNE 2, 1994," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE EXPLAINED THE FEE REVISION WAS A ROUTINE ADJUSTMENT AIMED AT RECOVERING THE INCREASED ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS INCURRED.
--------0---------
/28 .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 1994
- 28 -
SPECIAL SEA TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR TIN HAU FESTIVAL *****
SPECIAL MARINE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED AT JOSS HOUSE BAY ON MAY 2 (MONDAY) AND MAY 3 (TUESDAY) TO FACILITATE WORSHIPPERS GOING TO THE TIN HAU TEMPLE TO CELEBRATE THE TIN HAU FESTIVAL, THE MARINE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
’’SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR EMBARKATION AND DISEMBARKATION WILL BE MADE AT THE PIER ON THE EASTERN SIDE OF JOSS HOUSE BAY,” THE SENIOR MARINE OFFICER (EAST REGION), MR KHIN HLA, SAID.
OFFICERS FROM THE MARINE DEPARTMENT AND MARINE POLICE WILL BE ON PATROL IN THE AREA TO ASSIST OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF LOCAL CRAFT TRANSPORTING WORSHIPPERS.
MR HLA URGED THE OWNERS AND OPERATORS TO PAY PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO MARINE SAFETY AND NOT TO OVERLOAD THEIR CRAFT.
’’THEY SHOULD EXERCISE SELF-DISCIPLINE AND BE CONSIDERATE TO OTHER USERS,” HE POINTED OUT.
WORSHIPPERS SHOULD TAKE CARE WHEN BOARDING AND ALIGHTING FROM VESSELS, INCLUDING THE HONG KONG AND YAUMATI FERRIES PLYING BETWEEN JOSS HOUSE BAY AND NORTH POINT ON THE TWO DAYS.
MR HLA ADVISED MASTERS OF ALL OTHER VESSELS NAVIGATING IN THE TATHONG CHANNEL OVER THE FESTIVAL PER TOD TO PROCEED WITH CAUTION OWING TO THE NUMEROUS LOCAL CRAFT THAT WOULD BE SAILING THROUGH LEI YUE MUN TO JOSS HOUSE BAY.
------0-------
CHANG HWA BANK GRANTED LICENCE
*****
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) CHANG HWA COMMERCIAL BANK, LTD (CHCB) HAD BEEN GRANTED A BANKING LICENCE TO CONDUCT BUSINESS IN HONG KONG.
CHCB WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1905 AND INITIALLY HAD ITS
HEADQUARTERS IN CHANG HWA, TAIWAN.
IT IS THE SIXTH LARGEST BANK IN TAIWAN AND RANKS 290TH IN THE WORLD IN TERMS OF CAPITAL.
THE BANK HAS 119 BRANCHES AND 26 SUB-BRANCHES WITHIN TAIWAN.
THE BANK HAS OVERSEAS BRANCHES IN NEW YORK, LOS ANGELES, AMSTERDAM, TOKYO AND LONDON. IT ALSO MAINTAINS A SUBSIDIARY IN AMSTERDAM.
IN HONG KONG, CHCB HAS BEEN OPERATING A REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE SINCE DECEMBER 1991.
/THE BANK .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 1994
- 29 -
THE BANK WISHES TO UPGRADE THE REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE TO A BRANCH TO PROVIDE A WIDER RANGE OF BANKING SERVICE TO ITS CUSTOMERS IN TAIWAN WHO HAVE BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS WITH HONG KONG, CHINA AND OTHER SOUTHEAST ASIAN COUNTRIES.
THE PROPOSED BRANCH WILL CONCENTRATE ON TRADE FINANCING, REMITTANCE, INVESTMENT IN SECURITIES AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE AND MONEY MARKET TRANSACTIONS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE CONTINUING INTEREST OF FOREIGN BANKS IN ENTERING THE LOCAL MARKET REFLECTED HONG KONG’S CONTINUED IMPORTANCE AND ATTRACTIVENESS AS A MAJOR INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE.
THE LICENCE FOR CHCB IS THE FIFTH BANKING LICENCE GRANTED IN 1994.
THERE ARE NOW 177 LICENSED BANKS IN HONG KONG, OF WHICH 145 ARE INCORPORATED OUTSIDE THE TERRITORY.
--------0-----------
ROAD JUNCTIONS ON TSING YI TO BE IMPROVED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO IMPROVE THREE ROAD JUNCTIONS ALONG TSING YI ROAD WEST TO ACCOMMODATE ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC GENERATED AFTER THE OPENING OF THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING, WHICH IS PART OF THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME.
A NOTICE ON THE PROPOSED IMPROVEMENT WORKS WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
TSING YI ROAD WEST COMPRISED A DUAL TWO-LANE SINGLE CARRIAGEWAY AND CAPACITY OF THE ROAD WAS LIMITED.
THE IMPROVEMENT WORKS INVOLVE WIDENING AND ADDITION OF TURNING LANES AT TAM KON SHAN INTERCHANGE; TSING YI ROAD WEST/FUNG SHUE WO ROAD; AND TSING YI ROAD WEST/ROUTE 3 SLIP ROAD.
OTHER ASSOCIATED WORKS WILL ALSO BE CARRIED OUT.
THE PLANS AND SCHEME MAY BE SEEN FREE OF CHARGE AT:
* THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG;
* THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, NEW AIRPORT SECTION, NEW TERRITORIES OFFICE, 22ND FLOOR, TSUEN WAN GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 38 SAI LAU KOK ROAD, TSUEN WAN, NEW TERRITORIES;
* THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE/KWAI TSING, TENTH FLOOR, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN, NEW TERRITORIES; AND
/* THE DISTRICT .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 1994
- 30 -
* THE DISTRICT OFFICE/KWAI TSING, SECOND FLOOR, KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 166-174 HING FONG ROAD, KWAI CHUNG, NEW TERRITORIES.
ANY PERSON OBJECTING TO THE WORKS OR THE USE, OR BOTH, SHOULD SEND HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, CENTRAL, NO LATER THAN JUNE 28 THIS YEAR DESCRIBING HIS INTEREST AND THE MANNER IN WHICH HE ALLEGES HE WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE WORKS OR THE USE.
------0--------
TERTIARY STUDENTS URGED TO REGISTER AS VOTERS
*****
THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PARRISH NG, TODAY (FRIDAY) CALLED ON TERTIARY STUDENTS TO EXERCISE THEIR CIVIC RIGHTS TO REGISTER AS VOTERS.
SPEAKING AT A VOTER REGISTRATION FUNCTION AT THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (HKUST), MR NG APPEALED FOR ACTIVE PARTICIPATION AS THE VOTING AGE HAS NOW BEEN LOWERED TO 18.
’’THEY WILL THEN BE ABLE TO CAST THEIR BALLOTS IN THE COMING DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS ON SEPTEMBER 18 AS WELL AS THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS NEXT YEAR,” HE SAID.
A SERIES OF VOTER REGISTRATION PROMOTIONS WILL BE CARRIED IN SAI KUNG NEXT MONTH INCLUDING VISITS TO SCHOOLS AND YOUTH CENTRES AS WELL AS HOUSEHOLDS.
------0-------
ABERDEEN TUNNEL MANAGEMENT TENDERS INVITED *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR A CONTRACT TO MANAGE AND OPERATE THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL.
THE FOUR-YEAR CONTRACT, STARTING FROM SEPTEMBER 29 THIS YEAR, WILL COVER AN AUTO-TOLL SYSTEM.
THE INVITATION TO TENDER HAS BEEN PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE.
DETAILS ARE CONTAINED IN THE TENDER DOCUMENTS OBTAINABLE FROM THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ON 41ST FLOOR, IMMIGRATION TOWER, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI, UPON THE PRODUCTION OF A COMPANY LETTER.
A RECEIPT SHOWING THE SPECIFIED DEPOSIT AMOUNT WITH THE GOVERNMENT MUST BE ATTACHED TO EACH TENDER.
TENDERS MUST BE ADDRESSED TO THE CHAIRMAN OF CENTRAL TENDER BOARD AND PLACED IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT TENDER BOX AT THE LIFT LOBBY ON THE LOWER GROUND FLOOR OF THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (EAST WING), LOWER ALBERT ROAD BEFORE NOON ON MAY 27.
LATE TENDERS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
------0--------
/31 ......
FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 1994
- 31 -
NEW PSC MEMBERS APPOINTED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THE APPOINTMENT OF DR THOMAS LEUNG KWOK-FAI AND MISS ELEANOR WONG BEI-LEE AS MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION (PSC) WITH EFFECT FROM MAY 1.
DR LEUNG IS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HAY MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS HK LTD.
HE IS A MEMBER OF THE GOVERNING COUNCIL OF THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION AND THE COUNCIL OF THE BAPTIST COLLEGE. HE IS ALSO A PART-TIME MEMBER OF THE CENTRAL POLICY UNIT.
MISS WONG IS THE DIRECTOR OF ETERNAL GARMENT LTD. SHE HAS SERVED ON A NUMBER OF MAJOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMITTEES.
THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION ADVISES THE GOVERNOR ON APPOINTMENTS, PROMOTIONS AND DISCIPLINARY MATTERS IN THE MIDDLE AND SENIOR RANKS OF THE CIVIL SERVICE.
IT IS CHAIRED BY MR A K CHUI. OTHER MEMBERS INCLUDE MR PHILIP K H WONG, MR P J THOMPSON, MRS ELEANOR LING CHING-MAN, MR D G JEAFFRESON AND MR CHRISTOPHER CHENG WAI-CHEE.
------0-----------
RS URGES RESIDENTS TO REGISTER AS VOTERS « » » « »
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MISS CHRISTINE CHOW, TODAY (FRIDAY) URGED TUEN MUN RESIDENTS TO REGISTER AS VOTERS.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE TUEN MUN BONSAI SHOW, MISS CHOW POINTED OUT THAT COMMUNITY BUILDING REQUIRED EVERYBODY’S PARTICIPATION.
SHE SAID REGISTERED ELECTORS SHOULD VOTE AT THE THREE-TIER COUNCILS ELECTIONS TO REFLECT THEIR VIEWS AND TO HELP BUILD A HARMONIOUS COMMUNITY.
THE BONSAI EXHIBITION, WHICH IS HELD AT THE CHING CHUNG KOON, FEATURES OVER 300 POTS OF BONSAI. A TWO-TONNE CHINESE INK SLAB, WHICH IS THE LARGEST IN THE WORLD, IS ALSO ON DISPLAY.
THE SHOW IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE CHING CHUNG KOON AND WILL LAST UNTIL MAY 8. ADMISSION IS FREE.
- - 0----------
/32 .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 1994
- 32 -
SECOND SSDS CONTRACT SIGNED *****
THE DRAINAGE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) SIGNED A $71 MILLION-CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION, SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE OF TEMPORARY SITE OFFICES OF THE STAGE I OF THE STRATEGIC SEWAGE DISPOSAL SCHEME(SSDS).
THE CONTRACT, WHICH IS THE SECOND ONE AWARDED UNDER THE SCHEME, WAS SIGNED BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF DRAINAGE SERVICES (PROJECTS AND DEVELOPMENT), MR TSE HON-SUM, AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE CONTRACTOR, TAI HING (ENGINEERS AND BUILDERS) LIMITED.
THE SITE OFFICES WILL BE LOCATED ON STONECUTTERS ISLAND, AND AT TSING YI, KWAI CHUNG, TO KWA WAN, KWUN TONG, SHAU KEI WAN, CHAI WAN AND TSEUNG KWAN O.
THE CONTRACT ALSO INCLUDES THE PROVISION OF OTHER SERVICES FOR THE RESIDENT SITE STAFF SUPERVISING THE SCHEME. IT WILL RUN FROM NEXT MONTH UNTIL AUGUST 1998.
STAGE I OF THE SSDS IS TO COLLECT AND TREAT SEWAGE FROM KOWLOON BETWEEN TSUEN WAN AND TSEUNG KWAN 0 AND FROM THE NORTH-EASTERN PART OF HONG KONG ISLAND WITH A VIEW TO IMPROVING THE WATER QUALITY IN VICTORIA HARBOUR.
--------0-----------
PROPOSED ROAD WORKS IN TAI PO AND YUEN LONG
*****
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS PLANNING TO CARRY OUT ROAD WORKS IN TAJ PO FOR PROVIDING ACCESS TO THE FUTURE WATERFRONT PARK AND THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE.
THE ROAD WORKS, WHICH FORM PART OF THE CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR TAI PO NEW TOWN, ARE SCHEDULED TO BEGIN IN SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR.
THE WORKS INVOLVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF:
* ABOUT 900 METRES OF ROADS BETWEEN YUEN SHIN ROAD AND DAI FAT STREET;
* A SMALL TRANSPORT TERMINUS WEST OF THE JUNCTION OF YUEN SHIN ROAD AND TING KOK ROAD;
* ABOUT 600 METRES OF A DUAL TWO-LANE CARRIAGEWAY LINKING YUEN SHIN ROAD AND DAI FAT STREET AS AN ADDITIONAL ACCESS TO THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE; AND
* FOOTPATHS, AMENITY AREAS, CYCLE TRACKS AND DRAINAGE NETWORKS.
A NOTICE FOR THE PROPOSED WORKS WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
/THE PLAN .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 1994
33
THE PLAN AND SCHEDULE SHOWING THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE SEEN DURING OFFICE HOURS AT:
* THE PUBLIC ENQUIRIES SERVICE CENTRE OF THE CENTRAL WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG; AND
* THE TAI PO DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE AND THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE, TAI PO GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING, TING KOK ROAD, TAI PO.
MEANWHILE, THE DEPARTMENT HAS ALSO PROPOSED, IN CONNECTION WITH THE VILLAGE FLOOD PROTECTION WORKS FOR SHA PO TSUEN IN YUEN LONG, CONSTRUCTING NEW ROADS FOR LOCAL ACCESS AND MAINTENANCE PURPOSES.
SOME EXISTING TRACKS WILL HAVE TO BE CLOSED TO FACILITATE THE WORKS BUT PEDESTRIAN AND VEHICULAR ACCESS WILL BE MAINTAINED.
DETAILS OF THE PROPOSAL WERE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT
GAZETTE TODAY.
---------0-----------
PRE-QUALIFICATION SUBMISSIONS INVITED FOR OUTFALL TUNNEL WORKS *****
THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING PRE-QUALIFICATION SUBMISSIONS FOR A WORKS CONTRACT FOR THE STAGE I OF THE STRATEGIC SEWAGE DISPOSAL SCHEME.
THE CONTRACT COMPRISES DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION AND COMMISSIONING OVER A PERIOD OF ABOUT TWO YEARS OF AN OUTFALL TUNNEL MEASURING 1,800-METRE LONG AND FIVE METRES IN DIAMETER.
IT ALSO INCLUDES ASSOCIATED MARINE DREDGING WORK, DRILLING AND INSTALLATION OF VERTICAL RISER PIPES, CONSTRUCTION OF A 1,200-MBTRE LONG AND 3.2 METRES IN DIAMETER SEABED PIPELINE, DIFFUSER BLOCKS AND ENTRY CULVERT CONNECTION FROM THE PROPOSED SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS ON STONECUTTERS ISLAND.
A NOTICE INVITING PRE-QUALIFICATION SUBMISSIONS WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
ONLY CONTRACTORS WITH SUFFICIENT FINANCIAL RESOURCES AND EXPERIENCE IN MARINE CONSTRUCTION AND DRILLING, AND TUNNEL BORING MACHINE TUNNELLING IN HARD ROCK ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR PRE-QUALIFICATION DOCUMENTS FROM THE PROJECTS CONSULTANT, MONTGOMERY WATSONS HONG KONG LIMITED, 1911 WINDSOR HOUSE, 311 GLOUCESTER ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE SUBMISSION OF PRE-QUALIFICATION DOCUMENTS IS NOON ON JUNE 1.
/34 .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 1994
34 -
WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT CUSTOMER LIAISON GROUP MEETS *****
THE CUSTOMER LIAISON GROUP OF THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT HELD ITS FOURTH MEETING THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING.
THE GROUP WAS FORMED IN JULY LAST YEAR TO PROMOTE BETTER UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT AND ITS CUSTOMERS AS PART OF ITS EFFORT TO FURTHER IMPROVE SERVICES FOR THE PUBLIC.
THE MEETING WAS CHAIRED BY DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, MR KO CHAN-GOCK, AND WAS ATTENDED BY THREE ASSISTANT DIRECTORS, THE BUSINESS MANAGER AND OTHER STAFF MEMBERS.
MEMBERS WERE BRIEFED ON THE PERFORMANCE PLEDGE STANDARDS ACHIEVED BY THE DEPARTMENT LAST YEAR, AND ON THE NEW TARGETS FOR THIS YEAR.
THEY WERE ALSO ADVISED ON ACTIONS TO TAKE IF HIGH WATER BILLS ARE RECEIVED.
THE GROUP ALSO RAISED FOR DISCUSSION A NUMBER OF CONSTRUCTIVE SUGGESTIONS AND COMMENTS ON THESE TOPICS AND OTHER SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
THE MEETING WAS FOLLOWED BY A DINNER HOSTED BY THE CHAIRMAN.
------0--------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE {$ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 3,647 0930 -1,061
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 6,556 1000 -1,011
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO I 1100 -971
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -91 1200 -971
LAF TODAY +3,000 1500 -971
1600 -91
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 124.4 *-0.3» 29.4.94
/HONG KONG .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 1994
- 35 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 2.92 19 MONTHS 2511 4.15 98.14 5.48
1 MONTH 3.30 22 MONTHS 2602 4.40 97.85 5.76
3 MONTHS 3.82 30 MONTHS 3610 4.20 95.56 6.25
6 MONTHS 4.27 33 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.82 6.38
12 MONTHS 4.87 36 MONTHS 3704 6.15 99.44 6.46
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 21,435 MN
CLOSED 29 APRIL 1994
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL.: 842 8777
SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CHIEF SECRETARY MEETS VICE-PRESIDENT AL GORE.................. 1
MONETARY STATISTICS FOR MARCH 1994............................ 2
LAW AND ORDER MAIN CONCERN OF HK PEOPLE: 1993 POLL............ 7
NEW FARE CEILING FOR GREEN MINIBUSES.......................... 8
ELEVATED WALKWAY TO BE EXTENDED............................... 9
MORE FACILITIES FOR THE ELDERLY............................... 9
CHOOSE YOUR BEST REPRESENTATIVE BY VOTING.................... 10
YOUTH: CRITICAL TRANSITIONAL PERIOD OF DEVELOPMENT........... 11
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF QUEEN’S PIER............................ 11
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS....... 12
SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 1994
CHIEF SECRETARY MEETS VICE-PRESIDENT AL GORE
» ♦ ♦ » »
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, MET U.S. VICE-PRESIDENT AL GORE ON FRIDAY (APRIL 29) AT THE WHITE HOUSE.
ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNOR, SHE INVITED THE VICE-PRESIDENT TO VISIT HONG KONG IN NOVEMBER, WHEN HONG KONG WILL BE HOSTING THE WORLD CONGRESS ON URBAN GROWTH AND ENVIRONMENT.
THE VICE-PRESIDENT HAS A KEEN INTEREST IN ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AND HAS HIMSELF INVITED HONG KONG TO TAKE PART IN AN ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMME CALLED GLOBE, WHICH HE UNVEILED ON EARTH DAY LAST WEEK.
MRS CHAN SAID HER ’’OFFICE WILL BE DELIGHTED TO ENSURE THAT OUR PARTICIPATION IS AN ACTIVE AND CONSTRUCTIVE ONE".
THEIR MEETING, WHICH SHE DESCRIBED AS EXTREMELY USEFUL AND INTERESTING, ALSO FOCUSED ON U.S.-HONG KONG RELATIONS AND CHINA’S MOST FAVOURED NATION (MFN) TRADE STATUS.
"THE VICE-PRESIDENT IS VERY INTERESTED IN HONG KONG," MRS CHAN SAID.
"WE HAD A GOOD DISCUSSION ABOUT THE MFN ISSUE, HOW THIS MIGHT IMPACT ON THE U.S.-CHINA RELATIONSHIP AND ON CONDITIONS IN HONG KONG," SHE ADDED.
SHE ALSO FELT THAT "THE VICE-PRESIDENT HAS ASSURED ME THAT HE WILL REFLECT HONG KONG’S VIEWS TO THE PRESIDENT. AND I’M SURE THE PRESIDENT WILL TAKE INTO ACCOUNT HONG KONG’S SITUATION IN COMING TO A FINAL DECISION".
MRS CHAN’S MEETING WITH VICE-PRESIDENT AL GORE CONCLUDES A BUSY WEEK OF APPOINTMENTS WITH SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIALS AND CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS, AS WELL AS BUSINESSMEN, ACADEMICS, MEDIA AND INFLUENTIAL POLICY-MAKERS.
SHE RETURNED TO WASHINGTON DC FOR THE MEETING WITH MR GORE FROM NEW YORK WHERE SHE GAVE A SPEECH TO A BREAKFAST MEETING OF THE COUNCIL ON FOREIGN RELATIONS AND LATER MADE A LUNCHEON SPEECH TO AN AUDIENCE OF ABOUT 150 AT A MEETING OF THE ASIA SOCIETY AND THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK.
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/2 ........
SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 1994
- 2 -
Monetary statistics for march 1994
* * * * ♦
HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS AND THE BROADEST HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY, HK$M3, GREW MARGINALLY DURING MARCH, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS PUBLISHED TODAY (SATURDAY) BY THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY.
DEPOSITS
HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS (ADJUSTED TO INCLUDE SWAP DEPOSITS) ROSE BY 0.1% IN MARCH, FOLLOWING AN INCREASE OF 11.6% IN JANUARY AND A DECREASE OF 8.3% IN FEBRUARY.
AMONG THESE DEPOSITS, DEMAND DEPOSITS AND SAVING DEPOSITS FELL BY 5.9% AND 3.4% RESPECTIVELY WHEREAS TIME DEPOSITS INCREASED BY 3.4%. YEAR-ON-YEAR, TOTAL HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS GREW BY 18.6%.
FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS DECREASED BY 1.2% IN MARCH, AFTER AN INCREASE OF 1.2% IN JANUARY AND A DECREASE OF 1.2% IN FEBRUARY.
OF THESE DEPOSITS, U.S. DOLLAR DEPOSITS AND NON-U.S. DOLLAR FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS FELL BY 0.8% AND 1.5% RESPECTIVELY. YEAR-ON-YEAR, TOTAL FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS GREW BY 0.6%.
DURING MARCH, DEPOSITS IN ALL CURRENCIES WITH LICENSED BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES DECREASED BY 0.6% EACH WHILE DEPOSITS WITH RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS INCREASED BY 4.0%.
YEAR-ON-YEAR, DEPOSITS WITH LICENSED BANKS GREW BY 9.9% WHILE DEPOSITS WITH RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES DECLINED BY 24.0% AND 1.1% RESPECTIVELY.
MONEY SUPPLY
HK$M1 DECREASED BY 4.1% WHILE BOTH HK$M2 AND HK$M3 INCREASED BY 0.1% EACH IN MARCH. THEIR CORRESPONDING RATES OF CHANGE IN FEBRUARY WERE -4.8%, -7.5% AND -7.4% RESPECTIVELY. YEAR-ON-YEAR, HK$M1, HK$M2 AND HK$M3 INCREASED BY 20.2%, 20.8% AND 19.5% RESPECTIVELY.
TOTAL Ml, M2 AND M3 DECREASED BY 4.7%, 0.4% AND 0.3% RESPECTIVELY IN MARCH. IN FEBRUARY, THEIR CORRESPONDING RATES OF CHANGE WERE -4.0%, -4.7% AND -4.4% RESPECTIVELY. YEAR-ON-YEAR, TOTAL Ml, M2 AND M3 ROSE BY 20.9%, 11.0% AND 10.9% RESPECTIVELY.
/LOANS AND .......
SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 1994
3 -
LOANS AND ADVANCES
TOTAL OUTSTANDING LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS INCREASED BY 0.6% IN MARCH, FOLLOWING INCREASES OF 4.1% AND 1.0% IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY RESPECTIVELY.
AMONG THESE LOANS, HONG KONG DOLLAR LOANS ROSE BY 2.1% WHILE FOREIGN CURRENCY LOANS DECREASED BY 0.1%. COMPARED WITH A YEAR EARLIER, THESE LOANS INCREASED BY 15.3% AND 17.3% RESPECTIVELY.
LOANS TO FINANCE VISIBLE TRADE OF HONG KONG INCREASED BY 2.2% IN MARCH, AFTER AN INCREASE OF 1.1% IN JANUARY AND A DECREASE OF 0.3% IN FEBRUARY. YEAR-ON-YEAR, SUCH LOANS GREW BY 14.1%.
OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG ROSE BY 1.8% IN MARCH, FOLLOWING AN INCREASE OF 8.1% IN JANUARY AND A DECREASE OF 3.7% IN FEBRUARY. YEAR-ON-YEAR, THESE LOANS INCREASED BY 17.7%.
LOANS FOR USE OUTSIDE HONG KONG DECREASED BY 0.1% IN MARCH, AFTER INCREASES OF 1.6% AND 4.2% IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY RESPECTIVELY. YEAR-ON-YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 14.2%.
LOANS TO FINANCE TRADE NOT TOUCHING HONG KONG DECREASED BY 6.4% DURING MARCH, AFTER AN INCREASE OF 2.8% IN JANUARY AND A DECREASE OF 1.5% IN FEBRUARY. YEAR-ON-YEAR, THESE LOANS DECREASED BY 14.3%.
QUARTERLY ANALYSIS OF LOANS AND ADVANCES FOR USE IN HONG KONG BY SECTOR
DURING THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR, TOTAL LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG (EXCLUDING THOSE FOR TRADE FINANCING) INCREASED BY 6.0%. OF THESE, LOANS FOR USE IN MANUFACTURING SECTOR ROSE BY 8.2%, FOLLOWING DECREASES OF 0.3% AND 0.9% IN THE THIRD AND FOURTH QUARTER RESPECTIVELY. YEAR-ON-YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 14.3%.
LOANS TO BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT SECTOR ROSE BY 5.8% DURING THE FIRST QUARTER, FOLLOWING INCREASES OF 8.6% AND 5.3% DURING THE PREVIOUS TWO QUARTERS. YEAR-ON-YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 31.1%.
LOANS TO WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE INCREASED BY 8.7% DURING THE FIRST QUARTER, COMPARED WITH AN INCREASE OF 3.9% DURING THE THIRD QUARTER AND A DECREASE OF 3.1% DURING THE FOURTH QUARTER. YEAR-ON-YEAR, THESE LOANS INCREASED BY 16.1%.
LOANS TO FINANCIAL CONCERNS (EXCLUDING AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS) DECREASED BY 0.1% THIS QUARTER, FOLLOWING INCREASES OF 3.5% AND 10.6% DURING THE PRECEDING TWO QUARTERS. YEAR-ON-YEAR, THESE LOANS INCREASED BY 13.8%.
/LOANS TO .......
SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 1994
4
LOANS TO INDIVIDUALS FOR THE PURCHASE OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY (OTHER THAN FLATS IN THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME) GREW BY 4.3% THIS QUARTER, COMPARED WITH 5.9% AND 1.4% IN THE PREVIOUS TWO QUARTERS. YEAR-ON-YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 18.8%.
NUMBER OF REPORTING INSTITUTIONS
THE NUMBER OF REPORTING LICENSED BANKS INCREASED BY TWO TO 172.
THE NUMBER OF RESTRICTED LICENCE BANK DECREASED BY ONE TO 56 WHILE THAT OF DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES REMAINED UNCHANGED AT 139.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
TABLE 1 SETS OUT SUMMARY FIGURES FOR MARCH 1994 AND COMPARISONS WITH EARLIER MONTHS. TABLE 2 PRESENTS FIGURES FROM THE QUARTERLY ANALYSIS OF LOANS AND ADVANCES FOR USE IN HONG KONG BY SECTOR.
/TABLE 1 : .......
SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 1994
5
TABLE 1 : MONETARY STATISTICS - MAR 1994
Mar 1994
(HKSmn)
Earlier months (% change to Mar 1994)
Money Supply
Ml - HKS 171358
Foreign currency 19,051
Total 190’609
M2 - HKS* 950329
Foreign currency* 835,787
Total 1.786315
M3 - HKS* 967,405
Foreign currency* 878313
Total 1345318
Notes and coins in circulation TJ,161
of which held by public 67,804
Total Deposits
Total Demand deposits 122.805
Total Savings deposits 401373
Total Time deposits with licensed banks 1,164,915
Total Time deposits with restricted licence banks 26,607
Total Time deposits with deposit-taking companies 17,720
HKS deposits* 879,416
USS deposits* 418,942
Other foreign currency deposits* 435,262
All deposits 1,733,620
Foreign currency swap deposits 80.209
Total Loans and advances
To finance H.K/s visible trade 106,309
To finance merchandising trade not touching H.K. 10,624
Other loans for use in H.K. 1,139,415
Other loans for use outside H.K. 1,719.082
Other loans where the place of use is not known 43,946
Loans in HKS 1.011343
Loans in foreign currencies 2,007333
Total loans and advances 3,019,376
Feb 1994 Dec 1993 Mar 1993
178,903 ( -4.1 ) 168,440 ( 1.9) 142,682 ( 20.2 )
21,081 ( -9.6) 19,168 ( -0.6 ) 14,940 ( 27.5)
199.984 ( -4.7) 187,608 ( 1.6) 157,621 ( 20.9 )
949318 ( 0.1 ) 922,417 ( 3.0) 786,607 ( 20.8 )
843.643 ( -0.9 ) 839,452 ( -0.4) 822,440 ( 1.6)
1,793,161 ( -0.4 ) 1,761,870 ( 1.4) 1.609,047 ( 11.0 )
966,364 ( 0.1 ) 939,491 ( 3.0) 809,784 ( 19.5 )
884347 ( -0.7) 881,071 ( -0.3) 855376 ( 2.7)
1351.211 ( -0.3) 1320362 ( 1.4) 1,665,060 ( 10.9 )
76.798 ( 1.3) 71374 ( 8.2 ) 62374 ( 24.9 )
68.695 ( -1.3) 63354 ( 7.0 ) 54384 ( 24.2 )
131.289 ( -6.5) 124355 ( -1.2) 103,037 ( 19.2 )
416.416 ( -3.6) 422.282 ( -4.9) 363,671 ( 10.4 )
1.151.972 ( 1.1 ) 1.129,408 ( 3.1 ) 1,070,742 ( 8.8 )
25387 ( 4.0 ) 29.479 ( -9.7) 35,024 ( -24.0 )
17320 ( -0.6 ) 17,099 ( 3.6) 17,916 ( -1.1)
878329 ( 0.1 ) 858.241 ( 2.5) 741305 ( 18.6 )
422.417 ( -0.8 ) 420308 ( -0.4 ) 407,982 ( 2.7 )
441338 ( -1.5) 443,773 ( -1.9) 441303 ( -1.3)
1,743,083 ( -0.5) 1.722322 ( 0.6 ) 1390,390 ( 9.0 )
73,289 ( 9.4) 71300 ( 11.7 ) 61311 ( 31.0 )
104,068 ( 2.2 ) 103,244 ( 3.0 ) 93,184 ( 14.1)
11,355 ( -6.4 ) 11318 ( -5.3) 12,390 ( -14.3)
1,119.004 ( 1.8) 1375,184 ( 6.0 ) 967,709 ( 17.7)
1.721.047 ( -0.1 ) 1.626,415 ( 5.7) 1305,041 ( 14.2 )
45.634 ( -3.7) 40329 ( 7.6) 40,732 ( 7.9 )
991.314 ( 2.1 ) 957,323 ( 5.7) 862,860 ( 17.3 )
2.009.794 ( -0.1 ) 1,899367 ( 5.7) 1,756,196 ( 14.3)
3.001.108 ( 0.6 ) 2356390 ( 5.7) 2.619.056 ( 15.3)
• 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-takmg companies’ respectively before 1 February 1990.
/TABLE 2 : .......
SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 1994
6
TABLE 2 : QUARTERLY ANALYSIS OF LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG BY SECTOR - MAR 1994
Mar 1994 Earlier quarters
(% change to Mar 1994)
Sectors Dec 1993 Sep 1993 Mar 1993
Manufacturing 79,787 73,719 ( 8.2 ) 74373 ( 7.3 ) 69,783 ( 14.3 )
Transport and transport equipment 64211 62262 ( 3.1 ) 64,067 ( 0.2 ) 59,287 ( 8.3 )
Building, construction, property development and investment 192356 181,836 ( 5.8 ) 172,704 ( 11.4 ) 146,776 ( 31.1 )
Wholesale and retail trade 107,901 99,288 ( 8.7 ) 102,445 ( 5.3 ) 92,965 ( 16.1 )
Financial concerns * 155,865 156,096 ( -0.1 ) 141,109 ( 10.5 ) 137,010 ( 13.8 )
Individuals:
to purchase flats in the Home Ownership Scheme and Private Sector Participation Scheme 35,853 34.740 ( 32 ) 32.181 ( 11.4 ) 24,714 ( 45.1 )
to purchase other residential property 243.269 233.205 ( 4.3 ) 230.018 ( 5.8 ) 204,734 ( 18.8 )
other purposes 114305 102.979 ( 11.0 ) 100395 ( 13.6 ) 92,484 ( 23.6 )
Others 145,868 131.059 ( 11.3 ) 135.099 ( 8.0 ) 139,956 ( 4.2 )
Total 1,139,415 1.075.184 ( 6.0 ) 1,052,591 ( 8.2 ) 967,709 ( 17.7 )
♦ This excludes funds advanced to authorized institutions.
--------0-----------
SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 1994
- 7 -
LAW AND ORDER MAIN CONCERN OE HK PEOPLE: 1993 POLL
* t » t t
AN OPINION POLL CONDUCTED LAST YEAR SHOWED THAT SLIGHTLY OVER A QUARTER - OR 26.6 PER CENT - OF THE RESPONDENTS WERE CONCERNED ABOUT LAW AND ORDER IN HONG KONG.
ISSUES RELATING TO 1997 AND HOUSING PROBLEMS POLLED 20.2 PER CENT AND 12.2 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
THE 1993 OPINION SURVEY ON CIVIC EDUCATION, CONDUCTED BY INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATES (HK) LTD, WAS FUNDED BY THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION.
IT INVOLVED PERSONAL INTERVIEWS WITH 1,000 PEOPLE AGED BETWEEN 15 AND 64 IN JULY AND AUGUST LAST YEAR.
RELEASING THE FINDINGS AT A SEMINAR ON THE POLL TODAY (SATURDAY), RESEARCHER DR LAI ON-KWOK OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG SAID THE OBJECTIVES OF THE SURVEY WERE TO COLLECT AND ANALYSE CURRENT VIEWS ON CIVIC EDUCATION AND TO MAKE RELEVANT COMPARISON OF THESE FINDINGS WITH PREVIOUS SURVEYS.
THE POLL, DR LAI ADDED, WAS ALSO AIMED AT CORRELATING VIEWS, ATTITUDES AND KNOWLEDGE OF CIVIC RESPONSIBILITIES AND RIGHTS WITH THE SOCIAL PARTICIPATION PATTERN OF THE PUBLIC.
IT FOCUSED ON AREAS LIKE PERCEPTION OF SOCIAL PROBLEMS, AWARENESS AND PARTICIPATION IN PUBLIC AFFAIRS, PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AND SOCIAL ORGANISATIONS, ATTITUDES AND KNOWLEDGE OF LEGAL SYSTEM AND VIEWS ON HONG KONG’S FUTURE AND THE BASIC LAW.
ON PARTICIPATION IN ELECTION AFFAIRS, DR LAI SAID VOTER REGISTRATION RATE WAS ASSOCIATED WITH AGE.
AGE GROUPS 30-44 AND 55-64 SHOWED "A MORE THAN EXPECTED STATISTICAL DISTRIBUTION", AND THE AGE GROUPS WITH THE LOWEST REGISTRATION RATE WERE THOSE BETWEEN 20-29 AND 45-54.
FURTHERMORE, THOSE HAVING NO FORMAL EDUCATION OR UPPER SECONDARY EDUCATION SHOWED LOWER REGISTRATION RATE - 33.3 PER CENT AND 38.2 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
SURVEYS COMMISSIONED BY THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION WILL BE CONDUCTED REGULARLY.
- - 0 - -
/8.........
SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 1994
8
NEW FARE CEILING FOR GREEN MINIBUSES
*****
AN INCREASE IN THE FARE CEILINGS OF GREEN MINIBUSES FROM MAY 1 THIS YEAR HAS BEEN APPROVED, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
THE LAST FARE SCALE REVISION WAS MADE ON SEPTEMBER 30, 1990.
"THE NEW FARE SCALE ONLY INDICATES THE NEW MAXIMUM FARE THAT CAN BE CHARGED FOR A GREEN MINIBUS SERVICE AT DIFFERENT JOURNEY DISTANCE," HE SAID.
"IT DOES NOT MEAN THAT FARES OF GREEN MINIBUSES WILL BE INCREASED AUTOMATICALLY UPON THE REVISION," HE STRESSED.
EACH OPERATOR MUST APPLY FOR AN INCREASE TO THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WITH SUPPORTING DATA IF HE WISHES TO INCREASE THE FARE FOR A SPECIFIC ROUTE. THE FARE FOR EACH ROUTE CAN BE ADJUSTED ONLY AFTER OBTAINING THE APPROVAL OF THE DEPARTMENT.
DETAILS OF THE REVISION ARE:
JOURNEY DISTANCE EXISTING SCALE NEW SCALE
NOT EXCEEDING (KM) ($) ($)
3 3.0 3.5
5 4.0 4.8
7 5.0 6.0
8 5.5 -
9 - 6.6
10 6.0 -
11 6.5 7.2
15 7.0 8.5
20 9.5 10.5
30 12.0 13.5
40 15.0 16.0
50 18.0 19.0
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/9 .......
SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 1994
9
ELEVATED WALKWAY TO BE EXTENDED
*****
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE EXTENSION OF THE ELEVATED WALKWAY ABOVE THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL TOLL PLAZA TO TSIM SHA TSUI EAST.
THE SCOPE OF THE WORKS INCLUDES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A COVERED ELEVATED WALKWAY WITH ACCESS STAIRS; AND AN UPWARD ESCALATOR LINKING THE EXISTING ELEVATED WALKWAY ABOVE THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL TOLL PLAZA WITH THE PEDESTRIAN PIAZZA BETWEEN THE MANDARIN PLAZA AND THE HARBOUR CRYSTAL CENTRE IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST.
A TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENT SCHEME WILL BE CARRIED OUT AT HONG TAT PATH/SCIENCE MUSEUM PATH AND ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE WORKS WILL BE BUILT.
WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START IN JULY THIS YEAR AND BE COMPLETED IN DECEMBER 1995.
A NOTICE ON THE TENDER INVITATION WAS PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE GAZETTE.
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE REGIONAL HIGHWAY ENGINEER/KOWLOON, HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT, 13TH FLOOR, ROOM 1321, NAN FUNG COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 19 LAM LOK STREET, KOWLOON BAY, KOWLOON. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL 707 7418.
TENDERS MUST BE ADDRESSED TO THE CHAIRMAN, CENTRAL TENDER BOARD, AND PLACED IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT TENDER BOX AT THE LIFT LOBBY ON THE LOWER GROUND FLOOR OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (EAST WING), LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG, BEFORE NOON ON MAY 27. LATE TENDERS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
THE WORKS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED BY THE STRUCTURES DIVISION, HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT AND CONSTRUCTION WILL BE SUPERVISED BY HIGHWAYS (KOWLOON) REGION, HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT.
------0-------
MORE FACILITIES FOR THE ELDERLY *****
THE GOVERNMENT IS COMMITTED TO ESTABLISHING, THREE FINANCIAL YEARS, 36 ADDITIONAL HOME HELP CENTRES, 11 MULTI-SERVICE CENTRES AND 14 DAY-CARE
WITHIN THE NEXT
TEAMS, 51 SOCIAL
CENTRES FOR THE
ELDERLY.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR IAN STRACHAN, WHEN OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY FOR THE HONG KONG YWCA WAN WAH CARE AND ATTENTION HOME FOR THE ELDERLY TODAY (SATURDAY).
"PEOPLE IN HONG KONG ARE ENJOYING A GENERAL LENGTHENING OF LIFE EXPECTANCY, AND THE NUMBER OF SENIOR CITIZENS IN HONG KONG IS GROWING.
/"TODAY, THE ........
SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 1994
- 10 -
"TODAY, THE ELDERLY POPULATION OF 60 YEARS OLD OR OVER STANDS AT AROUND 810,000 OR 14 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL POPULATION. IN FIVE YEARS’ TIME, THIS IS PROJECTED TO INCREASE TO 910,000 OR 15.2 PER CENT OF THE POPULATION.
"SO SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY FORM ONE OF THE PRIORITIES IN THE GOVERNMENT," MR STRACHAN SAID.
NOTING THAT THE STRONG TIES OF THE TRADITIONAL CHINESE FAMILY HAD WEAKENED, MR STRACHAN HIGHLIGHTED A NEED TO PROVIDE MORE SERVICES AND FACILITIES TO SUPPORT BOTH ELDERLY PERSONS THEMSELVES AND THEIR FAMILIES IN LOOKING AFTER THEM.
ON FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO ELDERLY PEOPLE, THE DIRECTOR SAID ALLOWANCES UNDER THE COMPREHENSIVE SOCIAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE SCHEME AND THE SOCIAL SECURITY ALLOWANCE SCHEME HAD BEEN RAISED BY 7.7 PER CENT FROM APRIL.
TURNING TO RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES, MR STRACHAN SAID WITHIN THESE THREE YEARS, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAD PLANS TO PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL 4,600 PLACES IN SUBVENTED CARE-AND-ATTENTION HOMES AND HOMES FOR THE AGED.
"FURTHERMORE, 700 PLACES WILL BE BOUGHT FROM PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL HOMES.
"BY 1997, THERE WILL BE CLOSE TO 16,000 SUBVENTED CARE-AND-ATTENTION AND AGED HOME PLACES. IN ADDITION, THERE WILL BE 1,200 BOUGHT PLACES FOR THE ELDERLY," HE ADDED.
---------0-----------
CHOOSE YOUR BEST REPRESENTATIVE BY VOTING
*****
TO BE ABLE TO CHOOSE THE BEST AND MOST QUALIFIED PERSON TO REPRESENT THEIR INTERESTS, RESIDENTS MUST FIRST BECOME A VOTER, WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALDAN KWOK, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING AT A ’’CIVIC EDUCATION CUM VOTER REGISTRATION DAY", MR KWOK STRESSED THAT IT WAS EVERYONE’S RIGHT TO VOICE THEIR HOPES FOR A BETTER LIVING ENVIRONMENT.
"FOR THIS REASON, YOU MUST REGISTER AS AN ELECTOR BEFORE YOU CAN VOTE FOR THE MOST ABLE PERSON TO SPEAK FOR YOU," HE SAID.
"JUST LIKE OUR SLOGAN: ’MAKE YOURSELF HEARD, REGISTER TO VOTE’, IT IS NOW FOR YOU TO EXERCISE YOUR OWN CIVIC RIGHTS," HE ADDED.
WITH THE START OF THE TERRITORY-WIDE VOTER REGISTRATION EXERCISE, MR KWOK ESPECIALLY URGED THOSE WHO REACH THE AGE OF 18 BEFORE JUNE 30, TO FILL IN THE VOTER REGISTRATION FORMS AVAILABLE IN DISTRICT OFFICES, HOUSING ESTATES AND POST OFFICES.
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SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 1994
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YOUTH: CRITICAL TRANSITIONAL PERIOD OF DEVELOPMENT
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YOUTH IS A CRITICAL TRANSITIONAL PERIOD OF DEVELOPMENT IN ANY SOCIETY, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR IAN STRACHAN, SAID.
HE SAID FOR MANY YOUNG PEOPLE, IT COULD BE A TURBULENT AND STRESSFUL EXPERIENCE AS THEY SEARCHED FOR IDENTITY, DEVELOPED THEIR ABILITIES AND POTENTIAL, RE-EXAMINED VALUES LEARNT AND EXPLORED THE MEANING OF LIFE IN THE FACE OF A VARIETY OF INFLUENCES AND PRESSURES.
MR STRACHAN WAS OFFICIATING AT THE FOUNDATION-LAYING CEREMONY FOR THE BREAKTHROUGH YOUTH VILLAGE TODAY (SATURDAY).
"THE PARTICULAR ENVIRONMENT OF HONG KONG, WITH ITS EMPHASIS ON MATERIAL GAIN AND THE RAPID CHANGES WHICH WE ARE GOING THROUGH, GENERATES ADDITIONAL PRESSURES FOR OUR YOUNG PEOPLE AND PLACES SOME OF THEM AT RISK OF FALLING VICTIM TO VICES SUCH AS DRUG ABUSE AND TRIAD INVOLVEMENT.
"INDEED, YOUTH AT RISK IS A COMPLEX ISSUE. CO-ORDINATED EFFORTS FROM MULTI-DISCIPLINARY PROFESSIONALS AND VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS INVOLVED IN PROVIDING SERVICES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE ARE NEEDED TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM," HE SAID.
TURNING TO THE YOUTH VILLAGE, MR STRACHAN SAID IT WOULD OPERATE AS AN INNOVATIVE PROGRAMME, PROVIDING SUPPORT AND TRAINING TO YOUNG PEOPLE IN A HOLISTIC APPROACH.
FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED INCLUDE COUNSELLING AND FAMILY SERVICES, OUTDOOR AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES, SPECIALLY DESIGNED YOUTH-AT-RISK FACILITIES AND SHORT-TERM BUT INTENSIVE RESIDENTIAL TRAINING.
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TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF QUEEN’S PIER
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THE MARINE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT QUEEN’S PIER IN CENTRAL WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO MARINE TRAFFIC FROM 10.30 AM TO 11.30 AM ON MONDAY (MAY 2).
THE CLOSURE IS TO FACILITATE THE MOUNTING OF A GUARD OF HONOUR AT EDINBURGH PLACE TO CELEBRATE THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE.
SMALL CRAFT OWNERS AND OPERATORS SHOULD NOT USE THE PUBLIC LANDING STEPS AT QUEEN’S PIER DURING THE CLOSURE.
THEY ARE ADVISED TO USE THE PUBLIC LANDING STEPS ALONG THE WATERFRONTS AT SHEUNG WAN AND WAN CHAI INSTEAD.
/12........
SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 1994
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HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
♦ » * ♦ *
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 6,556 0930 -3,000
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,236 1000 -3,000
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 -3,000
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -3,000 1200 -3,000
LAF TODAY -1,320 1500
1600
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 124.4 *+0.0* 30.4.94
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