DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TRANSCRIPT OF GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION...................... 1
GOVERNOR COMMENTS ON RESIGNATION OF JOURNALISTS............. 4
KEEP GUARD AGAINST PROTECTIONISM: GOVERNOR ................. 5
GIS PERFORMANCE PLEDGE PUBLISHED............................ 6
LAND REGISTRY TO STANDARDISE FEES........................... 7
IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT REVISES FEES......................... 7
GUANGDONG AND HK OFFICIALS DISCUSS WATER SUPPLY............. 8
HK MONETARY AUTHORITY PUBLISHES FIRST REPORT................ 9
STAMP DUTY CONCESSION FOR STOCK BORROWING AND LENDING... 11
GOVERNOR VISITS TUEN MUN................................... 12
CERTAIN MARITIME FEES AND CHARGES TO BE REVISED............ 13
APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR MORTGAGE INTEREST SUBSIDY SCHEME .. 13
CALL TO ESTABLISH BUSINESS ETHICS CODES.................... 14
COURTESY CALL ON SOCIAL WELFARE DIRECTOR................... 15
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .... 15
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 1994
TRANSCRIPT OF GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION *****
FOLLOWING IS A TRANSCRIPT OF THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER VISITING TUEN MUN DISTRICT THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON:
GOVERNOR: THIS IS THE SECOND OFFICIAL VISIT I’VE MADE TO TUEN MUN DISTRICT, THOUGH NOT THE SECOND VISIT THAT I’VE MADE TO TUEN MUN AS I’VE BEEN ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS, FOR EXAMPLE, THE LAYING OF THE FOUNDATION STONE AT THE NEW LINGNAN COLLEGE BUILDING.
I THINK IT’S CLEAR TO ALL OF US THAT THE MAIN PROBLEMS THAT TUEN MUN FACES. FIRST OF ALL DEALING WITH THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF SOME OF THE MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS THE COMMUNITIES HAVE TO COPE WITH IN THE LAST FEW YEARS. AND SECONDLY, TRANSPORTATION NEEDS WHICH IN THE NORTH-WEST OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ARE PARTICULARLY BIG PROBLEM. THE CREATION OF NEW COMMUNITIES WITH TRANSPORTATION PERHAPS INEVITABLY LAGGING SOMEWHAT BEHIND. I WAS REMINDED ONCE AGAIN BY A NUMBER OF DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF THAT, BEARING IN MIND THE NEEDS OF THE NORTH-WEST NEW TERRITORIES IN OUR RAILWAY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY AND OF COURSE IN OUR ROAD BUILDING PROGRAMME AS WELL. SO WE HAVE TO GET ON WITH ROUTE 3, FOR EXAMPLE, AS RAPIDLY AS WE CAN.
QUESTION: ANY COMMENTS ON DEVELOPMENTS IN ONE OF THE TERRITORY’S NEWSROOMS?
QUESTION: THE ATV MANAGEMENT HAS ACCEPTED THE RESIGNATION OF ALL SIX SENIOR STAFF. DO YOU SEE AS A THREAT TO PRESS FREEDOM?
GOVERNOR: I THINK IT’S VERY SAD WHEN SIX SENIOR AND RESPECTED JOURNALISTS RESIGNED FROM A NEWS ORGANISATION. I THINK THAT THERE ARE TWO ISSUES WHICH PERHAPS ARE RAISED BY A CASE LIKE THIS. THE FIRST IS THE IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING SEPARATE THE MANAGEMENT AND THE EDITORIAL FUNCTIONS IN ANY MEDIA ORGANISATION, WHETHER A BROADCASTING COMPANY OR A NEWSPAPER. AND I THINK WE KNOW THAT NOT ONLY FROM THIS EXPERIENCE IN HONG KONG BUT FROM WIDER EXPERIENCE. SECONDLY, I THINK IT UNDERLINES THE IMPORTANCE OF FREEDOM OF THE PRESS. PEOPLE OFTEN TALK ABOUT HONG KONG AS BEING THE BEST POSSIBLE EXAMPLE OF AN OPEN MARKET ECONOMY. I DON’T THINK IT’S A COINCIDENCE THAT HONG KONG ALSO HAS PROBABLY THE LARGEST NUMBER OF NEWSPAPERS PER HEAD ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD AND HAS THE NUMBER OF VIBRANT BROADCASTING ORGANISATIONS AS WELL. THAT, TOO, IS AN ASPECT OF HONG KONG’S OPENNESS AND HONG KONG’S NATURE AS A PLURAL SOCIETY WHICH VALUES THE FREE EXCHANGE OF IDEAS. SO I THINK THESE ARE IMPORTANT MATTERS FOR OUR COMMUNITY AND THEY ARE MATTERS WHICH DESERVE A GOOD DEAL OF DISCUSSION AND DEBATE. BUT I REPEAT THAT WHEN SIX DISTINGUISHED JOURNALISTS RESIGN FROM ANY ORGANISATION, IT’S A VERY SAD DAY ALL ROUND.
QUESTION; DO YOU THINK THE SITUATION WILL GET WORSE WHEN WE ARE APPROACHING THE YEAR 1997?
/GOVERNOR: .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 1994
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GOVERNOR: I VERY MUCH HOPE NOT AND WE WILL DO ALL THAT WE CAN AS A GOVERNMENT TO TRY TO ENSURE THAT IT DOESN’T GET WORSE. FOR EXAMPLE, WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF REVIEWING ALL THOSE ORDINANCES WHICH MIGHT IN CIRCUMSTANCES, WHICH IS DIFFICULT TO IMAGINE, BE ABUSED AND UNDERMINE FREEDOM OF THE PRESS. WE’VE AGREED ON A PROGRAMME OF REFORM AND IF THE JOURNALISTS ASSOCIATION THINK THERE ARE OTHER ORDINANCES IN ADDITION TO THOSE WHICH WE’VE PROMISED TO LOOK AT, WHICH NEED REVIEW, THEN WE ARE PREPARED TO LOOK AT THOSE AS WELL, ALWAYS BEARING IN MIND THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTAINING PRIVACY OF THE INDIVIDUAL. BUT I REPEAT, HONG KONG IS A COMMUNITY WHICH VALUES ITS FREE PRESS, WHICH VALUES ITS BROADCASTING ORGANISATIONS AND I THINK A LOT OF PEOPLE WILL REGARD DECISION BY THE SIX VERY PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS AS A SAD ONE FOR THE TERRITORY.
QUESTION: SIR, WHY HAS EXCO DECIDED TO TURN DOWN THE HUMAN RIGHTS
COMMISSION AND EXISTING....?
GOVERNOR: EXCO HASN’T MADE FINAL DECISION. EXCO IS STILL DISCUSSING A NUMBER OF MEASURES WHICH HAVE A BEARING ON HUMAN RIGHTS. BUT WE WILL BE MAKING AN ANNOUNCEMENT ABOUT ONE OF THE QUESTIONS WHICH IS INVOLVED IN THIS WHOLE DEBATE, ONE OF THE CENTRAL QUESTIONS. WE WILL BE MAKING AN ANNOUNCEMENT TO THE PRESS CONFERENCE ON FRIDAY. AND IN THE MEANTIME, DISCUSSION IN EXCO AND IN THE ADMINISTRATION ON RELATED ISSUES IS CONTINUING.
QUESTION : BUT DO YOU THINK IT IS TOO MUCH TO SPEND $ 60 MILLION TO SET UP A HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION.
GOVERNOR : I AM NOT ADDING TO THE ANSWER I’VE GIVEN.
QUESTION : DO YOU THINK THAT A HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION CAN...
GOVERNOR : I AM NOT ANSWERING.. I HAVE SAID THAT WE ARE HAVING A
PRESS CONFERENCE ON FRIDAY ON ONE ASPECT OF THE WHOLE QUESTION AND I DON’T THINK IT'S HELPFUL OF ME TO SAY ANY MORE WHILE DISCUSSIONS ON OTHER MATTER ARE CONTINUING.
QUESTION : DO YOU BELIEVE THAT THE AIRPORT PROBLEM WILL BE SOLVED
BEFORE THIS SUMMER OR JULY ?
GOVERNOR : I 'WOULD LIKE IT TO BE RESOLVED BEFORE HALF PAST FIVE. I REALLY DON’T THINK THAT THERE IS VERY MUCH IF ANYTHING BETWEEN THE VARIOUS PARTIES TO NEGOTIATIONS AT THE MOMENT. YOU CAN SEE LOOKING OUT FROM THE FRONT OF THIS SPECTACULAR DEVELOPMENT THE AIRPORT BEING BUILT. BY ANYBODY ELSE'S STANDARD, IT’S BEING BUILT RATHER RAPIDLY. BY OUR STANDARD, WE COULD DO EVEN BETTER IF WE HAD AN OVERALL AGREEMENT. I WELCOME WHAT MR ZHU RONGJI AND DIRECTOR LU PING HAVE SAID ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF COOPERATION ON ECONOMIC MATTERS AND BOTH ON THE AIRPORT AND ON THE CONTAINER TERMINAL. I WHOLLY ENDORSE WHAT MR ZHU RONGJI SAID ABOUT THE REQUIREMENT OF TWO HANDS IN ORDER TO CLAP.
QUESTION : CONCERNING LAND AUCTION LAST WEEK, COULD YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT WHAT SPECIFIC MEASURES WILL THE GOVERNMENT CARRY OUT IN ORDER TO PREVENT THE SAME THING HAPPENING AGAIN?
/GOVERNOR: .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 1994
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GOVERNOR : I CAN’T TELL YOU MORE NOW BUT I HOPE I’LL BE ABLE TO TELL YOU MORE BEFORE LONG. OBVIOUSLY, WE WOULD LIKE TO BE ABLE TO PUT FORWARD ANY PROPOSALS THAT WE HAVE ON THAT PARTICULAR SUBJECT AT THE SAME TIME AS WE MAKE OUR STATEMENT SOON ON THE WHOLE QUESTION OF PROPERTY PRICES. IF WE CAN’T SAY ANYTHING ON LAND AUCTIONS, THEN WE’LL SAY SOMETHING AS SOON AFTERWARD AS POSSIBLE. BUT, OBVIOUSLY, IT WOULD BE DESIRABLE IF WE COULD SAY SOMETHING ON LAND AUCTIONS AT THE SAME TIME. THE ONLY POINT I WOULD ADD IS THAT I AM SURE THAT DEVELOPERS MUST HAVE NOTED THE CONSIDERABLE PUBLIC CONCERN ON THIS ISSUE AND I HOPE THEY WOULD HAVE NOT ONLY NOTED BUT INWARDLY DIGESTED.
QUESTION : HAS THE GOVERNMENT MADE ANY ADVANCE ........ TO LET EXILED CHINESE DISSIDENTS TO COME TO HONG KONG?
GOVERNOR : WE DON’T COMMENT ON INDIVIDUAL CASES. I’VE COMMENTED FROM TIME TO TIME ON THE POSITION OF MR HAN DONGFANG SINCE HIS POSITION HERE HAS BEEN TAGGED BY NAMELESS CHINESE OFFICIALS. I AM SURE HE’LL MAKE A CONTRIBUTION TO THE WORK HE’S DOING WITH, I THINK, THE CHRISTIAN INDUSTRIAL SOCIETY OR COUNCIL. AS FOR OTHERS, I DON’T THINK IT’S SENSIBLE TO COMMENT ON INDIVIDUAL CASES BUT I WILL MAKE THE POINT ONCE AGAIN THAT THIS IS A PARTICULARLY SENSITIVE TIME AND "ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS" WORKS IN BOTH DIRECTIONS. IT INVOLVES A BIT OF GIVE AND TAKE BOTH WAYS.
QUESTION : THERE ARE REPORTS THAT CHINA WILL BAN THE HONG KONG ALLIANCE AFTER 1997 AND IS THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT GOING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT NOW.
GOVERNOR : THAT IS A QUESTION TO ASK DIRECTOR LU PING NEXT TIME HE COMES TO HONG KONG WHICH I HOPE WILL BE SOON.
QUESTION : BUT CAN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT DO ANYTHING ?
GOVERNOR : THE SAR GOVERNMENT IS BY DEFINITION DIFFERENT FROM THE GOVERNMENT AT THE MOMENT. THERE WILL BE A TRANSFER OF SOVEREIGNTY ON JULY 1, 1997. SO UNLESS I AM, PERHAPS LIKELY IMPROBABLY ASKED TO STAY ON, THIS WILL NOT BE A RESPONSIBILITY WHICH I HAVE TO DISCHARGE. BUT, TO BE ABSOLUTELY SERIOUS, I AM SURE THAT THE CLOSER WE GET TO 1997, THE MORE SENIOR CHINESE OFFICIALS WILL UNDERSTAND THE ROLE THAT THEY HAVE TO PLAY IF THEY ARE TO ENCOURAGE CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE AND IF THEY ARE TO ENCOURAGE STABILITY AND PROSPERITY IN THE PRESENT AND IT WILL BE A MATTER OF CONCERN IF THINGS SAID PERHAPS THOUGHTLESSLY OR BY PEOPLE WHO AREN’T REALLY IN ANY POSITION TO MAKE IMPORTANT STATEMENTS CAUSE UNNECESSARY WORRY IN THE COMMUNITY ABOUT FUTURE COMMITMENTS TO OUR VALUES AS AN OPEN AND PLURAL SOCIETY. THANK YOU VERY MUCH INDEED.
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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 1994
GOVERNOR COMMENTS ON RESIGNATION OF JOURNALISTS
*****
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON SAID IT WAS VERY SAD WHEN SIX SENIOR AND RESPECTED JOURNALISTS HAD RESIGNED FROM A NEWS ORGANISATION.
RESPONDING TO MEDIA QUESTIONS AFTER VISITING THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT, MR PATTEN SAID THERE WERE TWO ISSUES WHICH WERE RAISED BY A CASE LIKE THIS.
’’THE FIRST IS THE IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING SEPARATE THE MANAGEMENT AND THE EDITORIAL FUNCTIONS IN ANY MEDIA ORGANISATION, WHETHER A BROADCASTING COMPANY OR A NEWSPAPER,” HE SAID.
’’SECONDLY, I THINK IT UNDERLINES THE IMPORTANCE OF FREEDOM OF THE PRESS."
MR PATTEN SAID PEOPLE TALKED ABOUT HONG KONG AS BEING THE BEST POSSIBLE EXAMPLE OF AN OPEN MARKET ECONOMY AND IT WAS NOT A COINCIDENCE THAT IT ALSO HAD PROBABLY THE LARGEST NUMBER OF NEWSPAPERS PER HEAD ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD AND HAD A NUMBER OF VIBRANT BROADCASTING ORGANISATIONS AS WELL.
"THAT, TOO, IS AN ASPECT OF HONG KONG'S OPENNESS AND HONG KONG’S NATURE AS A PLURAL SOCIETY WHICH VALUES THE FREE EXCHANGE OF IDEAS.
"SO, I THINK THESE ARE IMPORTANT MATTERS FOR OUR COMMUNITY AND THEY ARE MATTERS WHICH DESERVE A GOOD DEAL OF DISCUSSION AND DEBATE," HE SAID.
THE GOVERNOR ADDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS IN THE PROCESS OF REVIEWING ALL THOSE ORDINANCES WHICH MIGHT BE ABUSED AND MIGHT UNDERMINE FREEDOM OF THE PRESS.
"WE’VE AGREED ON A PROGRAMME OF REFORM AND IF THE JOURNALISTS ASSOCIATION THINK THERE ARE OTHER ORDINANCES IN ADDITION TO THOSE WHICH WE’VE PROMISED TO LOOK AT, WHICH NEED REVIEW, THEN WE ARE PREPARED TO LOOK AT THOSE AS WELL, ALWAYS BEARING IN MIND THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTAINING PRIVACY OF THE INDIVIDUAL," HE ADDED.
IN RESPONSE TO A MEDIA QUESTION ABOUT THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION, MR PATTEN SAID EXCO HAD NOT MADE FINAL DECISIONS ON THE MATTER.
"EXCO IS STILL DISCUSSING A NUMBER OF MEASURES WHICH HAVE A BEARING ON HUMAN RIGHTS," HE SAID.
MR PATTEN SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE MAKING AN ANNOUNCEMENT ABOUT ONE OF THE QUESTIONS INVOLVED IN THIS WHOLE DEBATE AT A PRESS CONFERENCE ON FRIDAY.
"AND IN THE MEANTIME, DISCUSSION IN EXCO AND IN THE ADMINISTRATION ON RELATED ISSUES IS CONTINUING," HE ADDED.
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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1,1 994
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KEEP GUARD AGAINST PROTECTIONISM: GOVERNOR
*****
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SHARED WITH POLICY-MAKERS ATTENDING THE 21ST PACIFIC TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE THE ISSUES OF FREE TRADE, HUMAN RIGHTS AND THE ENVIRONMENT.
MR PATTEN SAID MOST ECONOMISTS AND POLITICIANS RECOGNISED THE MERITS OF FREE TRADE.
BUT THE PRESSURES FROM BUSINESS AND THE TEMPTATION OF POLITICAL EXPEDIENCY TO GIVE WAY TO SHORT-TERM, SHORT-SIGHTED DEFENCE OF MISUNDERSTOOD NATIONAL INTEREST THROUGH SUBSIDY AND PROTECTION REMAINS AS STRONG AS EVER, HE SAID.
"WE REALLY CANNOT RELAX OUR GUARD."
MR PATTEN SAID THE RECENT SETTLEMENT OF THE URUGUAY ROUND OF GATT NEGOTIATIONS, THE PREPARATIONS FOR THE SETUP OF THE WORLD TRADE ORGANISATION AND THE RENEWAL OF CHINA’S MOST FAVOURED NATION STATUS ALL HAD A MAJOR IMPACT ON DEVELOPMENT AND TRADE IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC.
UNDER THE URUGUAY ROUND AGREEMENT, TARIFF IS TO BE REDUCED BY 30 PER CENT.
THE GOVERNOR SAID THAT WAS A BIG REDUCTION, BUT THE COST OF PROTECTIONIST MEASURES TO CONSUMERS WORLDWIDE WAS ESTIMATED IN 1992 TO HAVE BEEN OVER US$450 BILLION.
"A 30 PER CENT REDUCTION STILL MEANS THAT THE COST OF PROTECTIONISM IS OVER US$300 BILLION," HE SAID.
THE GATT AGREEMENT ALSO PROVIDES THAT THERE SHOULD BE MUCH TIGHTER DISCIPLINES AND CLEARER RULES RELATING TO FAIR COMPETITION, ANTI-DUMPING, SUBSIDIES AND SAFEGUARDS, SO AS TO CURB ABUSE OF SUCH MEASURES.
"THESE AGREEMENTS REFLECT GOOD INTENTIONS, BUT A CONSTANT WATCH ON THE WORKINGS OF THE WORLD TRADE ORGANISATION WILL BE NEEDED TO ENSURE THAT THE PROMISE IS FULFILLED," HE SAID.
TURNING TO HUMAN RIGHTS CONCERNS, MR PATTEN SAID HE WAS CONVINCED THAT TRYING TO PROMOTE HUMAN RIGHTS THROUGH WARNINGS ABOUT TRADE WAS NOT THE BEST WAY OF MAKING PROGRESS.
"ALL TOO EASILY, THE CLAIM OF DEFENDING HUMAN RIGHTS CAN BE USED TO CLOAK PROTECTIONISM."
"THE GREATEST PROSPECT FOR DEVELOPING LONG-TERM, PROFITABLE AND TRUSTING PARTNERSHIPS IN TRADE IS BETWEEN COMMUNITIES THAT TRUST AND RESPECT THEIR OWN PEOPLE," HE ADDED.
EXPANDING ON HIS CONCERN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, MR PATTEN SAID THE EFFICIENT, RESPONSIBLE USE OF RESOURCES WAS OF FUNDAMENTAL IMPORTANCE TO THE ECONOMICS OF GOVERNMENTS AND OF INDIVIDUAL BUSINESSES.
/DESCRIBING THE .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 1994
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DESCRIBING THE PACIFIC OCEAN AS THE WORLD’S LARGEST SEWER, HE SAID: ’’THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES OF GROWING POPULATIONS AND GROWING ECONOMIES ARE SEVERE.”
’’UNLESS THEY ARE ADDRESSED COMPREHENSIVELY, OUR ABILITY TO SUSTAIN DEVELOPMENT AND TO SUSTAIN POPULATIONS WILL BE UNDERMINED,” HE SAID.
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GIS PERFORMANCE PLEDGE PUBLISHED
*****
THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING PROMPT AND EFFICIENT SERVICE TO THE MEDIA AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, AS ANNOUNCED IN ITS PERFORMANCE PLEDGE PUBLISHED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES WOULD CLOSELY MONITOR PERFORMANCE AGAINST TARGETS SET AND WOULD PUBLISH PERFORMANCE RESULTS ANNUALLY.
THE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS AND TARGETS OUTLINED IN THE PERFORMANCE PLEDGE OF THE DEPARTMENT ARE:
♦ REQUESTS FOR PRESS RELEASES AND PRESS PHOTOS FROM THE MEDIA WILL RECEIVE IMMEDIATE ATTENTION FROM THE DUTY OFFICERS;
* ENQUIRIES FROM THE MEDIA AND THE PUBLIC WILL BE DEALT WITH IMMEDIATELY BY THE DUTY OFFICER, WHO WILL IDENTIFY HIMSELF BY NAME, OR IF NECESSARY, REFERRED TO AN APPROPRIATE SUBJECT OFFICER WHO WILL ALSO BE IDENTIFIED BY NAME;
» AN OFFICER WILL BE ASSIGNED TO FOLLOW THROUGH A REQUEST TO ARRANGE MEDIA FACILITIES FOR LOCAL OR FOREIGN MEDIA. THE OFFICER WILL CONTACT THE JOURNALIST/ORGANISATION WITHIN ONE DAY OF RECEIPT OF THE REQUEST;
* MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CALLING AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATION CENTRE WILL NORMALLY BE SERVED WITHIN 10 MINUTES OR WITHIN 20 MINUTES WHEN THE SALES STAFF ARE ENGAGED. REQUESTS FOR SALES ITEMS BY MAIL WILL BE ANSWERED WITHIN SEVEN DAYS.
♦ MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC COMING IN PERSON TO OBTAIN FREE PUBLICATIONS AND LEAFLETS AT THE DEPARTMENT’S MARKETING OFFICE AT FRENCH MISSION BUILDING WILL NORMALLY RECEIVE PROMPT SERVICE OR WITHIN 10 MINUTES IF THE STAFF ARE ENGAGED. REQUESTS FOR ITEMS BY MAIL WILL BE ANSWERED WITHIN SEVEN DAYS.
COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT’S WORK WOULD BE WELCOME, THE SPOKESMAN SAID. THEY SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE DEPARTMENTAL SECRETARY AT BEACONSFIELD HOUSE IN CENTRAL.
COPIES OF THE PERFORMANCE PLEDGE AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATION CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL; THE DEPARTMENT’S MARKETING OFFICE AT FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, CENTRAL AND DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.
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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 1994
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LAND REGISTRY TO STANDARDISE EEES
* * * * *
THE LAND REGISTRY IS TO STANDARDISE FEES FOR LAND REGISTRATION AND OTHER SERVICES PROVIDED IN ALL LAND REGISTRIES IN THE URBAN AREA AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE NEW ARRANGEMENT WILL ENABLE THE LAND REGISTRY TO IMPROVE EXISTING SERVICES AND TO INTRODUCE NEW SERVICES IN THE EIGHT DISTRICT LAND REGISTRIES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES IN LINE WITH SERVICES PROVIDED AT THE URBAN LAND REGISTRY.
THE NEW SERVICES WILL INCLUDE COMPUTERISATION AND MICROFILMING-CUM-IMAGING OF THE NEW TERRITORIES LAND RECORDS.
THE STANDARDISATION OF FEES MEANS FEES PAYABLE IN THF DISTRICT LAND REGISTRIES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE BROUGHT IN LINE WITH THE LEVELS CHARGED AT THE URBAN LAND REGISTRY ON A COST-RECOVERY BASIS.
EXISTING FEES PAYABLE AT THE URBAN LAND REGISTRY WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED. BUT THE SCOPE OF SERVICES IN THE URBAN LAND REGISTRY WILL BE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE ON-LINE SEARCHES OF THE COMPUTERISED LAND RECORDS THROUGH COMPUTER TERMINALS AT THE CLIENTS’ OFFICES.
DETAILS OF THE AMENDMENTS AND THE STANDARDISATION OF FEES WILL BE GAZETTED ON FRIDAY (JUNE 3) UNDER THE LAND REGISTRATION FEES (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1994 AND LAND REGISTRATION (NEW TERRITORIES) FEES (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1994.
THE AMENDED REGULATIONS WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON A DAY TO BE APPOINTED BY THE LAND REGISTRAR BY NOTICE IN THE GAZETTE.
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IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT REVISES FEES
*****
FEES FOR A NUMBER OF CERTIFICATES AND DOCUMENTS ISSUED BY THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ARE TO BE REVISED, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
PENDING LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL’S ENDORSEMENT, THE NEW FEES WILL TAKE EFFECT FROM JULY 15, HE SAID.
THE FEES ARE CHARGED UNDER VARIOUS ORDINANCES AND COVER THE RANGE OF IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT-RELATED (’BARGES, FOR EXAMPLE FOR THE ISSUE OF CERTIFICATES OF IDENTITY, RE-ENTRY PERMITS AND SEAMEN’S TRAVEL DOCUMENTS, AND ALSO BIRTH, DEATH AND MARRIAGE CERTIFICATES.
THE SPOKESMAN REITERATED GOVERNMENT’S POI l<’V THAT FEES CHARGED SHOULD BE SET AT LEVELS GENERALLY SUFFICIENT TO RECOVER THE FULL COSTS INCURRED SO THAT THOSE RECEIVING THE SERVICE, NOT THE TAXPAYER, SHOULD PAY FOR IT.
/MOST OF .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 1994
8
MOST OF THE EEES INVOLVED IN THE REVISION WERE I ASI' INCREASED IN 1993.
HE EXPLAINED I II \T A REI ENT REA IEW HAD SHOWN III VI AITI-i. LAGGING BEHIND IN THE 1980’S SOMEWHAT, THERE IS STILL UNDIR-RECOAFRY. RANGING BETWEEN EIGHT PER ('ENT AND 59 PER CENT.
"IN THE PREVIOUS FEE REVISION EXERCISES IN 1991 AND 1993, IT WAS AGREED THAT THE DEPARTMENT SHOULD TRY TO Al l! I EVE FULL COST RECOVERY IN THE PERIOD 1992 TO 1994," HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID IN PROPOSING THE INCREASES THIS TIME, THE GOVERNMENT HAD CAREFULLY CONSIDERED THE DEFICIT POSITION OF THE SERVICES AND THE IMPACT THAT VARIOUS FEE REVISIONS MIGHT HAVE ON 'THE PUBLIC.
"THE INCREASES IN DOLLAR TERMS ARE MOSTLY SMALL, BELOW $100, FOR SERVICES WHICH IN MANY CASES WILL ONLY BE USED ONCE IN A LIFETIME," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"EVEN AFTER THE PROPOSED REVISIONS HAVE BEEN IMPLEMENTED, SOME OF THE SERVICES, SUCH AS REGISTRATION OF BIRTHS, DEATHS AND MARRIAGE, WILL STILL BE OPERATING AT SOMETHING OF A DEFICIT. BUT WE HOPE TO BE ABLE TO ACHIEVE FULL-COST RECOVERY IN MOST RESPECTS BY NEXT YEAR," HE SAID.
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GUANGDONG AND UK OFFICIALS DISCUSS WATER SUPPLY * t * * t
AT THE INVITATION OF MR JAMES BLAKE. SECRETARA FOR WORKS, A DELEGATION FROM THE GUANGDONG PROVINCIAL BUREAU OF WATER CONSERVANCY AND HYDRO-POWER, LED BY DIRECTOR GUAN ZONGZHI. VISITED HONG KONG FROM MAY 30 TO JUNE I, 1991 FOR THE FIFTH BUSINESS MEETING TO DISCUSS WATER SUPPLY TO HONG KONG UNDER THE DONGJIANG-SHENZHEN WATER SUPPLY WORKS.
ITEMS DISCUSSED INCLUDED A REVIEW OF WATER SUPPLY IN THE 1993/94 WATER YEAR, THE PLAN FOR WATER SUPPLY IN THE 1991 WATER YEAR, PROGRESS OF WORKS OF BOTH SIDES, QUALITY OF THE WATER SUPPLY AND OTHER MATTERS OF MUTUAL CONCERN.
UPON THE PROPOSITION OF MR BLAKE, BOTH SIDES AGREED TO WRITE UP A REPORT ON THE EXPERIENCE AND TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE GAINED IN THE CNSTRUCTION OF THE DONG-SHEN SCHEME AND THAT OF Till- CORRESPONDING WORKS IN HONG KONG.
MR M S HU, DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, NOTED THAI' THE CURRENT STORAGE POSITION IN HONG KONG WAS SATISFACTORY AND IN THE ABSENCE OF DRASTIC UNFORESEEABLE SITUATIONS, NO AD HOC INCREASE IN CHINA WATER WOULD BE REQUIRED IN THE 1994 WATER YEAR.
DIRECTOR GUAN CONFIRMED THAT THE DONG-SHEN STAG! Ill EXTENSION WORK HAD BEEN COMPLETED EARLIER THIS YEAR.
/DIRECTOR HU........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 1994
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DIRECTOR HU CONFIRMED THAT THE CORRESPONDING WORKS IN HONG KONG TO RECEIVE THE INCREASED SUPPLY WERE ON SCHEDULE.
RECENT CONCERNS RAISED BY WATER USERS IN HONG KONG HAD BEEN DEALT WITH BY CLOSE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN TECHNICAL EXPERTS OC BOTH SIDES.
DIRECTOR GUAN MADE SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE LONG-TERM AND SHORT-TERM MEASURES BEING TAKEN BY THE GUANGDONG PROVINCIAL PEOPLE’S GOVERNMENT FOR IMPLEMENTATION THROUGH THE BUREAU, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES, TO PROTECT WATER RESOURCES IN THE EAST RIVER AND EN-ROUTE THE DONG-SHEN WATER SUPPLY SCHEME FROM POLLUTION WITH A VIEW TO ENHANCING THE QUALITY OF WATER SUPPLY TO HONG KONG.
MR BLAKE EXPRESSED APPRECIATION TO DIRECTOR GUAN FOR THE CONTINUED ATTENTION BY 'Till*’ GUANGDONG Bl RI'Al IN MEETING THE WATER NEEDS OF HONG KONG.
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HK MONETARY AUTHORITY PUBLISHES FIRST REPORT *****
THE FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY (HKMA), ESTABLISHED ON APRIL 1, 1993, IS PUBLISHED AND TABLED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE REPORT, RUNNING TO ALMOST A HUNDRED PAGES, CONTAINS A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF INFORMATION ON HONG KONG’S MONETARY AND BANKING SYSTEMS, THE CURRENCY AND THE EXCHANGE FUND. IT ALSO CONTAINS CLEAR DESCRIPTIONS OF THE HKMA’S FUNCTIONS AND HOW THEY ARE PERFORMED.
’’THE HKMA’S PHILOSOPHY OF OPERATIONS IS TO BE OPEN, FAIR AND TRANSPARENT, AND TO BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR ITS ACTIONS," THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE HKMA, MR JOSEPH YAM, SAID IN A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY.
IN THE ANNUAL REPORT, MR YAM PLEDGED THAT HIS TEAM OF PEOPLE IN THE HKMA WOULD DO THEIR BEST TO WORK FOR THE STABILITY AND PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG IN THE IMPORTANT AND HISTORICAL TRANSITIONAL PERIOD LEADING UP TO 1997 AND BEYOND.
HE ALSO QUOTED CLEAR STATEMENTS OF SUPPORT AND RECOGNITION FROM THE CENTRAL BANKS OF BOTH BRITAIN AND CHINA OF THE HKMA AND ITS ROLE AS THE RESPONSIBLE MONETARY AUTHORITY IN HONG KONG BEFORE AND AFTER 1997.
IN REVIEWING THE WORK OF THE HKMA LAST YEAR, MR YAM SAID HE WAS HAPPY TO REPORT THAT THE EXCHANGE RATE HAD REMAINED STABLE AT VERY CLOSE TO HK$7.80 TO THE US DOLLAR THROUGHOUT 1993, AS THE MAINTENANCE OF EXCHANGE RATE STABILITY WAS ONF OF THE IMPORTANT TASKS OF THE HKMA.
/ON THE ........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 1994
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ON THE MANAGEMENT OF THE EXCHANGE FUND, MR YAM NOTED THAT THE SIZE OF THE FUND STOOD AT HK$348 BILLION (US$45 BILLION) AT THE END OF 1993, REPRESENTING A 21 PER CENT INCREASE OVER 1992.
MR YAM CAUTIONED, HOWEVER, THAT 1994 WAS LIKELY TO BE A DIFFICULT YEAR IN THE MANAGEMENT OF RESERVES BECAUSE OF THE ADVERSE IMPACT OF RISING INTEREST RATES ON BOND PRICES.
"THE EXCHANGE FUND CONTINUES TO HOLD BONDS AND A SMALL AMOUNT OF EQUITIES AS THIS IS THE CORRECT APPROACH TO MAXIMISING RETURN IN THE LONG RUN FOR A CONSERVATIVE FUND. BUT WE HAVE ALREADY TAKEN DEFENSIVE MEASURES TO REDUCE THE POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECTS OF RECENT MARKET MOVEMENTS ON OUR PORTFOLIO," HE SAID.
TURNING TO THE SUPERVISORY ROLE OF THE MONETARY AUTHORITY IN SAFEGUARDING THE STABILITY AND INTEGRITY OF THE BANKING SYSTEM IN HONG KONG, MR YAM NOTED THAT THE HKMA HAD BEEN INCREASING THE INTENSITY OF ITS OPERATIONAL SUPERVISION.
IT HAD ALSO BEEN FOCUSING ITS ATTENTION ON THE LARGE OVER-SUBSCRIPTION OF NEW SHARE ISSUES, MORTGAGE LENDING, INTRODUCTION OF NEW LIQUIDITY REQUIREMENTS AND OTHER SUPERVISORY ISSUES LIKE NETTING, INTEREST RATE RISK, MARKET RISK, FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE AND LOAN CLASSIFICATION.
"THE GUIDING PRINCIPLE IS TO ENSURE THAT THE SUPERVISORY SYSTEM TN HONG KONG REMAINS IN LINE WITH INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS," MR YAM SAID.
THE HKMA ALSO CONSIDERS IT IN HONG KONG’S INTEREST AS AN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE TO PROMOTE THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE FINANCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE.
"A WORKING PARTY ON THE PAYMENT AND SETTLEMENT SYSTEM CONCLUDED THAT HONG KONG’S PAYMENT AND SETTLEMENT SYSTEM SHOULD MOVE ON TO A REAL TIME GROSS SETTLEMENT BASIS. MEANWHILE, A NUMBER OF INTERIM RISK MANAGEMENT MEASURES HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED FOR IMPLEMENTATION IN 1994," MR YAM SAID.
WHEN ASKED ABOUT THE AGENDA OF THE HKMA IN THE LEAD-UP TO 1997, MR YAM SAID: "THERE ARE MANY OTHER MATTERS, ON BOTH THE MONETARY AND SUPERVISORY FRONTS, MAINLY CONCERNING THE RELEVANT LEGISLATION, THAT NEED TO BE ADDRESSED IN THE TRANSITIONAL PERIOD. I AM CONFIDENT THAT THESE CAN BE DEALT WITH, AS TN THE PAST, SMOOTHLY AND EXPEDITIOUSLY."
THE HKMA’S 1993 ANNUAL REPORT WILL BE ON SALE FROM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT $138 A COPY.
- - 0 - -
/Il ........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 1994
- 11 -
STAMP DUTY CONCESSION FOR STOCK BORROWING AND LENDING
*****
THE STAMP DUTY (AMENDMENT) (NO.2) BILL 1994 AND THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO.2) BILL 1994 WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JUNE 15 TO RELAX THE STAMP DUTY CONCESSION FOR STOCK BORROWING AND LENDING ACTIVITIES, SECRETARY FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES, MR MICHAEL CARTLAND, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY MENTIONED IN HIS BUDGET FOR 1994/95 THAT PROPOSALS WOULD SOON BE PUT FORWARD FOR THE EXEMPTION FROM STAMP DUTY OF STOCK BORROWED UP TO 12 MONTHS. THE TWO BILLS SERVE THIS PURPOSE.
AT PRESENT, A STOCK BORROWING AND LENDING TRANSACTION WILL NOT GIVE RISE TO STAMP DUTY LIABILITY IF IT IS CARRIED OUT BY AN APPROVED BORROWER FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF SETTLING A SALE OF HONG KONG STOCK EFFECTED IN THE STOCK EXCHANGE OF HONG KONG (SEHK) AND THE BORROWED STOCK MUST BE RETURNED WITHIN 14 DAYS.
SUCH ARRANGEMENTS WERE INTRODUCED IN 1989 TO HELP RESOLVE GENUINE SETTLEMENT PROBLEMS CAUSED BY TEMPORARY DELAYS IN THE DELIVERY OF STOCK SOLD, FOR INSTANCE, WHERE THE STOCK IS HELD OVERSEAS.
MR CARTLAND SAID: "THE MEASURES WERE SATISFACTORY TO THAT END, BUT THE GOVERNMENT HAD NEVERTHELESS RECEIVED SUBMISSIONS FROM MARKET PRACTITIONERS THAT THE CURRENT STAMP DUTY RELIEF WAS TOO RESTRICTIVE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE STOCK BORROWING AND LENDING MARKET IN HONG KONG WHICH IN TURN WAS CRUCIAL FOR THE SHORT-SELLING OF SECURITIES.
"THE SHORT STOCK RETURN PERIOD, THE SOLE PURPOSE REQUIREMENT AND THE NEED TO CONDUCT THE TRANSACTION THROUGH AN APPROVED BORROWER ARE THE MAJOR CONCERNS," HE SAID.
STOCK BORROWING IS A TOOL TO FACILITATE SHORT-SELLING OF SECURITIES FOR, SAY, HEDGING A LONG POSITION IN FUTURES/OPTIONS CONTRACTS.
THE SECURITIES ORDINANCE IN EFFECT PROHIBITS THE SHORT-SELLING OF STOCKS UNLESS A BROKER OR HIS CUSTOMER CAN PROVIDE THE NECESSARY STOCK FOR SETTLEMENT. IF HE DOES NOT HAVE THE STOCK AT HIS DISPOSAL, HE WOULD HAVE TO BORROW IT IN THE MARKET.
THE SEHK INTRODUCED REGULATED SHORT-SELLING FOR SELECTED LISTED SECURITIES IN JANUARY 1994.
HOWEVER, THE STOCK BORROWING AND LENDING MARKET AND SHORT-SELLING HAVE REMAINED INACTIVE.
THE PRIMARY REASON RESTS WITH THE CURRENT RESTRICTIONS ON STAMP DUTY CONCESSION FOR STOCK BORROWING AND LENDING.
TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM, THE STAMP DUTY (AMENDMENT) (NO.2) BILL SEEKS TO EXTEND THE STOCK RETURN PERIOD FROM 14 DAYS TO 12 MONTHS OR SUCH LONGER PERIOD THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE MAY ALLOW.
/IT IS .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 1994
- 12 -
IT IS ALSO PROPOSED TO REMOVE THE APPROVED BORROWER REQUIREMENT AND TO REPLACE THE SOLE PURPOSE TEST WITH A NUMBER OF "SPECIFIED PURPOSES" SUCH AS THE BORROWING OF STOCK FOR SETTLING A FUTURE SALE, FOR ON-LENDING TO ANOTHER PERSON OR FOR SETTLING A SALE EFFECTED OUTSIDE HONG KONG.
THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE WILL BE AMENDED AT THE SAME TIME.
IN THE ABSENCE OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS, A STOCK BORROWING AND LENDING WOULD BE TREATED AS INVOLVING A TRANSFER OF TITLE AND AS A SALE AND PURCHASE OF STOCK FOR PROFITS TAX PURPOSE.
IT IS NOW PROPOSED TO TREAT A DISPOSAL AND THE SUBSEQUENT RE-ACQUISITION OF STOCK UNDER A STOCK BORROWING ARRANGEMENT AS A LOAN TRANSACTION. CONSEQUENTLY NO PROFIT OR LOSS WILL EMERGE FOR PROFITS TAX PURPOSE.
"THE AMENDMENTS WILL HELP THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN ACTIVE STOCK BORROWING AND LENDING MARKET AND SHORT-SELLING IN HONG KONG.
"THIS IS ALSO INSTRUMENTAL FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF STOCK OPTIONS BY THE SEHK SINCE OPTIONS ARE COMMONLY TRADED IN CONJUNCTION WITH SHORT-SELLING," MR CARTLAND SAID.
"MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL, THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE STOCK BORROWING AND LENDING INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG WILL IMPROVE OUR COMPETITIVENESS WITH OTHER MAJOR SECURITIES MARKETS IN THE WORLD," HE ADDED.
THE TWO BILLS WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE ON FRIDAY (JUNE 3).
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GOVERNOR VISITS TUEN MUN
*****
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) VISITED TUEN MUN TO FAMILIARISE HIMSELF WITH THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN THE DISTRICT TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE FIRST PROCEEDED TO THE CMA CHOI CHEUNG KOK PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOL WHICH PROVIDES STUDENTS WITH A WIDE SPECTRUM OF SUBJECTS RANGING FROM ELECTRICAL SKILLS AND TECHNICAL DRAWING TO ART AND DESIGN.
MR PATTEN THEN TOURED THE SECOND FLOOR ARCADE OF WALDORF GARDEN WHERE KARAOKES, JAPANESE COMIC BOOK STORES, MODEL TOY SHOPS AND A TELEVISION GAME PARLOUR NOW DOMINATE THE BUSINESS UNITS.
OFFICIALS ALSO DESCRIBED IT AS A POSSIBLE BREEDING GROUND FOR JUVENILE DELINQUENCY.
THE THIRD FLOOR, HOWEVER, IS A POPULAR SHOPPING AREA.
/MR PATTEN'S .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 1994
- 13 -
MR PATTEN’S NEXT STOP WAS THE TUEN MUN PUBLIC RIDING SCHOOL.
BEFORE CONCLUDING HIS VISIT, MR PATTEN MET DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS AT A RECEPTION.
MR PATTEN WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR I HE NEW TERRITORIES, MISS CHRISTINE CHOW AND THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PETER LEUNG.
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CERTAIN MARITIME FEES AND CHARGES TO BE REVISFD
*****
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT FIVE CATEGORIES OF FEES COLLECTED BY THE MARINE DEPARTMENT WOULD BE REVISED FROM AUGUST 23 THIS YEAR.
THE FIRST CATEGORY IS PORT DUES AND FEES, WHICH INCLUDED PORT AND LIGHT DUES, ANCHORAGE DUES, HARBOUR AND PRIVATE MOORING FEES, MISCELLANEOUS PERMIT AND CERTIFICATE FEE.
THE OTHER FOUR CATEGORIES ARE: LICENCE AND RELATED FEES FOR LOCAL CRAFT AND RIVER TRADE VESSEL; SURVEY FEES FOR CONVENTION SHIPS AND LOCAL CRAFT; EXAMINATION FEES AND FEES FOR THE SERVICES PROVIDED BY MERCANTILE MARINE AND SEAMEN’S RECRUITING OFFICES.
THE FEES WERE LAST REVISED IN AUGUST 1993. THE REVISION THIS YEAR WAS A 10 PER CENT INCREASE, AN ADJUSTMENT IN LINE WITH INFLATION, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
DETAILS OF THE NEW FEES AND CHARGES WILL BE GAZETTED THIS FRIDAY (JUNE 3).
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APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR MORTGAGE INTEREST SUBSIDY SCHEME
*****
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS INVITING ELIGIBLE FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES HOLDING SUBVENTED POSTS IN AIDED SCHOOLS TO APPLY FOR ASSISTANCE UNDER THE 1994/95 MORTGAGE INTEREST SUBSIDY SCHEME (MISS).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT ELIGIBLE STAFF ARE:
* THOSE RECEIVING A MONTHLY BASIC SALARY EQUIVALENT TO MASTER PAY SCALE POINT 22 OR ABOVE ($19,070 OR MORE) AND HAVE A MINIMUM OF 10 YEARS’ CONTINUOUS RECOGNISED SERVICE AS AT APRIL 30, 1994; OR
* THOSE RECEIVING A MONTHLY BASIC SALARY BELOW MASTER PAY SCALE POINT 22 WHO HAVE A MINIMUM OF 20 YEARS’ CONTINUOUS RECOGNISED SERVICE AS AT APRIL 30, 1994.
/THE CLOSING ......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1 , I 994
14
THE CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS IS JULY 15, 1994.
"CIRCULARS, APPLICATION FORMS AND RELEVANT INFORMATION LEAFLETS HAVE BEEN SENT TO HEADS OF SCHOOLS TODAY. UNDER THE SCHEME, SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL RECEIVE A MONTHLY SUBSIDY FOR PAYMENT OF INTEREST ON THEIR HOME MORTGAGE LOAN," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THIS YEAR'S QUOTA WAS ESTIMATED TO BE 1,700 BUT THAT THIS WAS SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS. PRIORITY FOR ADMISSION TO THE SCHEME WOULD BE BASED ON THE LENGTH OF SERVICE IN EXCESS OF THE MINIMUM RECOGNISED SERVICE.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SCHEME SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE MORTGAGE INTEREST SUBSIDY SCHEME SECTION ON TEL 892 6104 OR 892 6596.
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CALL TO ESTABLISH BUSINESS ETHICS CODES * ♦ * t t
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, TONIGHT (WEDNESDAY) URGED COMPANIES TO RESPOND POSITIVELY TO A CALL BY THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION (ICAC) TO ESTABLISH CODES OF PRACTICE OF BUSINESS ETHICS.
ONLY 20 OF THE NEAR 200 COMPANIES SO FAR TARGETED BY THE ICAC TO ESTABLISH THE CODES HAVE DONE SO.
THE ICAC WILL BE TACKLING ALL MAJOR COMPANIES WITH MORE THAN 100 STAFF MEMBERS IN THE NEXT 18 MONTHS WITH THE AIM OF ESTABLISHING THE CODES OF CONDUCT.
MRS CHAN MADE THE APPEAL AT THE INAUGURAL DINNER OF A CENTRE FOR THE STUDY OF BUSINESS VALUES.
SHE SAID THE CENTRE WAS DESTINED TO PLAY A KEY ROLE IN SHAPING THE ATTITUDES AND STANDARDS OF ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR IN BUSINESS OF THE NEXT GENERATION OF ENTREPRENEURS AND PROFESSIONALS.
MRS CHAN SAID IN A LITTLE OVER THREE YEARS, SOVEREIGNTY OVER HONG KONG WOULD REVERT TO ( HINA UNDER THE CONCEPT OF "ONE COUNTIM , TWO SYSTEMS".
"BUT IN THE AREA OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT I HOPE YOU WILL ALL AGREE THAT THERE CAN BE ONIA ONI ETHIC, THAT IS Till ETHIC THAT PRESERVES THE RULE OF LAW AND LEVEL PLAYING FIELD FOR ALL.
"WE LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING CLOSELY WITH OUR BUSINESS PARTNERS IN -CHINA TO ENSURE THAT BUSINESS IS CONDUCTED CLEANLY AND FAIRLY TO THE BENEFIT OF ALL," SHE SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 1994
- 15 -
COURTESY CALL ON SOCIAL WELFARE DIRECTOR
*****
THE NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF YAN CHAI HOSPITAL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PAID A COURTESY CALL ON THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR IAN STRACHAN, AND EXCHANGED WITH HIM VIEWS ON WELFARE SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE HOSPITAL IN THE COMING YEAR.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, MRS SILVANA HO, SAID THE YAN CHAI HOSPITAL HAD BEEN DEVELOPING AND DIVERSIFYING ITS SOCIAL SERVICES TO CATER FOR THE NEEDS OF PEOPLE OF ALL WALKS OF LIFE.
SHE THANKED THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT FOR RENDERING SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE TO THE HOSPITAL OVER THE PAST YEARS.
DURING THE VISIT, MR STRACHAN PLEDGED THAT HIS DEPARTMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO CO-OPERATE WITH THE HOSPITAL TO PROVIDE MORE WELFARE SERVICES AND FACILITIES FOR THE COMMUNITY.
AT PRESENT, THE YAN CHAI HOSPITAL HAS ABOUT 30 SOCIAL SERVICES UNITS PROVIDING SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY, YOUTH, CHILDREN AND THE MENTALLY RETARDED.
------0-------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
MONEY MARKET * * ♦ OPERATIONS * *
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,330 0930 + 178
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,569 1000 + 178
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO • 1100 + 258
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 259 1200 + 259
LAF TODAY -20 1500 + 259
1600 + 259
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 124.8 ♦+0.0» 1.6.94
/HONG KONG .......
♦
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 1994
- 16 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.33 18 MONTHS 2511 4.15 97.83 5.79
1 MONTH 3.56 24 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100.36 6.25
3 MONTHS 4.02 29 MONTHS 3610 4.20 94.98 6.59
6 MONTHS 4.51 32 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.16 6.72
12 MONTHS 5.22 35 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98.50 6.84
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 20,309 MN
t j
CLOSED 1 JUNE 1994
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUPPLEMENT
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO-
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING:
POLICY ON OVERHANGING SIGNBOARDS IS TO ENSURE SAFETY.... 1
MOTION DEBATE ON EMPLOYEE SAFETY........................... 2
BILL HELPS ENHANCE TRAVELLERS’ SECURITY................... 6
BILL TO QUICKEN TRANSLATION OF LAWS........................ 7
PUBLIC HOUSING AREAS SAFE.................................. 8
CLOSE LIAISON TO REVIEW GOLDSMITH SHOP SECURITY............ 8
POWER COMPANIES TO RELEASE DATA ON ELECTRICITY DEMAND... 9
BDTC PASSPORTS NO GUARANTEE TO CONTRACT RENEWAL........... 10
CONTAINER VEHICLE PARKING PROBLEM TO BE DEALT WITH POSITIVELY...................’............................ 10
HK/CKNA/MACAU WORKING CLOSELY TO TACKLE POLLUTION....... 11
OVERWHELMING RESPONSE TO SENIOR CITIZEN CARD.............. 12
OVER 270 GUESTHOUSES STOP OPERATION....................... 13
/REMUNERATION PACKAGE
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
REMUNERATION PACKAGE FOR HA STAFF.......................... 14
CROWN LAND RESUMPTION ORDINANCE INVOKED 51 TIMES........... 14
TUNNEL CLOSURE ESSENTIAL................................... 15
CAUSES OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS EXPLAINED...................... 16
HK POLYTECHNIC’S INVESTIGATION NOTED....................... 17
HOSPITAL AUTHORITY HEAD OFFICE RESTRUCTURED................ 18
NO NEED TO BAN ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT IN AIRCRAFT............ 18
FEW OVERSEAS AOS SERVE BEYOND 57........................... 19
CNTA WILL CONTINUE HELPING OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS............ 20
TWO TOURISTS CHARGED WITH COMMON ASSAULT................... 20
MOTION ON LICENSING SYSTEM FOR OVERHANGING SIGNBOARDS PASSED..................................................... 21
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 1994
1
POLICY ON OVERHANGING SIGNBOARDS IS TO ENSURE SAFETY *****
THE PRIMARY CONCERN OF THE GOVERNMENT AS REGARDS OVERHANGING SIGNBOARDS IS SAFETY, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE SAID THE POLICY WAS TO ENSURE THAT SIGNBOARDS WHICH COULD POSE A THREAT TO PUBLIC SAFETY WERE REMOVED EITHER BY THE OWNERS THEMSELVES OR, IF NECESSARY, BY THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT.
SPEAKING DURING A MOTION DEBATE ON OVERHANGING SIGNBOARDS, MR EASON SAID: "ACTION TAKEN TO DATE TO DEAL WITH DANGEROUS OR POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SIGNS HAS BEEN EFFECTIVE AND APPEARS TO REPRESENT A BETTER APPLICATION OF AVAILABLE RESOURCES THAN A LICENSING SYSTEM.
"THE POSSIBILITY OF INTRODUCING A LICENSING SYSTEM HAS BEEN CAREFULLY CONSIDERED AND THE CONCLUSION REACHED WAS THAT SUCH A SYSTEM WOULD BE RESOURCE INTENSIVE AND COSTLY.
"IT WOULD TAKE YEARS TO DEAL WITH EXISTING SIGNS WHERE THE MAIN POTENTIAL SAFETY PROBLEMS LIE AND TO DEAL ONLY WITH NEW SIGNS WOULD BE TO DIRECT RESOURCES AWAY FROM THE AREA OF POTENTIAL RISK.
"THE CASE WITH WHICH LICENSING CONTROLS COULD BE EVADED AND THE DIFFICULTY OF ENFORCEMENT ARE ALSO FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED,” HE SAID.
THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT ESTIMATES THAT THERE ARE ABOUT 170,000 ADVERTISING SIGNS IN THE TERRITORY; THAT THIS FIGURE INCREASES BY ABOUT SIX PER CENT PER YEAR; AND THAT ABOUT THREE PER CENT OF EXISTING SIGNS WILL BE REPLACED EACH YEAR.
MR EASON SAID MEASURES BEING TAKEN BY THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT WERE GENERALLY SUFFICIENT TO ENSURE THAT SIGNBOARDS DID NOT POSE A HAZARD TO THE PUBLIC.
"WHEN A DANGEROUS OR POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SIGN IS IDENTIFIED, A NOTICE WILL BE SERVED ON THE OWNER REQUIRING THE SIGN TO BE REMOVED OR RENDERED SAFE.
"IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT MAY REMOVE A DANGEROUS SIGN WITHOUT GIVING PRIOR NOTICE TO THE OWNER.
"AS PART OF THEIR DAILY WORK IN THE FIELD OF BUILDING SAFETY, STAFF OF THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT BOTH SEEK OUT DANGEROUS SIGNS AND RESPOND TO PUBLIC REPORTS ABOUT THEM.
HE SAID: "SINCE APRIL 1987 WHEN THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT TOOK ON THE TASK OF DEALING WITH DANGEROUS SIGNS, MORE THAN 5,800 NOTICES HAVE BEEN SERVED ON OWNERS, AND OVER 3,900 (ABOUT 67 PER CENT) HAVE BEEN COMPLIED WITH VOLUNTARILY. THE REMAINDER WERE DEALT WITH BY GOVERNMENT CONTRACTORS.
THE NUMBER OF CASES HAS DIMINISHED FROM A PEAK OF ABOUT 2,240 IN 1988 TO 67 IN 1993. IN THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF THIS YEAR THERE WERE NINE CASES.
AS REGARDS THE ATTACHMENT OF ADVERTISING SIGNS TO PRIVATE BUILDINGS, IT IS WITHIN THE POWER OF THE OWNERS, UNDER THE DEED OF MUTUAL COVENANT, TO EXERCISE CONTROL IF THEY CHOOSE TO.
------0-------
* /2...............................
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 1994
2
MOTION DEBATE ON EMPLOYEE SAFETY
*****
FOLLOWING IS A SPEECH BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, IN THE MOTION DEBATE ON EMPLOYEE SAFETY IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
MR PRESIDENT,
SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK IS AN AREA OF MAJOR CONCERN TO THE GOVERNMENT. HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC SUCCESS RELIES HEAVILY ON OUR HAVING A HEALTHY AND PRODUCTIVE WORK FORCE. MUCH OF OUR LEGISLATIVE, PROMOTION AND ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS HAVE BEEN TARGETTED AT THIS ESSENTIAL SUBJECT AREA.
FOR EXAMPLE, LN 1992 AND 1993, WE HAVE INTRODUCED A TOTAL OF 28 PIECES OF PRIMARY AND SUBSIDIARY LABOUR LEGISLATION. 16 OF THESE WERE AIMED AT ENHANCING INDUSTRIAL SAFETY, PROMOTING OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND IMPROVING EMPLOYEES COMPENSATION. BETWEEN THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND THE OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY COUNCIL, A TOTAL OF 81 SEMINARS, 768 PROMOTION VISITS, 33 EXHIBITIONS AND 519 TALKS ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH WERE ORGANISED IN 1993. THESE PROMOTION EFFORTS WERE TARGETTED AT OUR ENTIRE 2.8 MILLION WORKFORCE. MANY OF THESE MESSAGES WERE MEANT FOR ALL EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES, NOT JUST THOSE WORKING IN INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS.
IT IS GOVERNMENT’S FIRM BELIEF THAT ENSURING SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK MUST BE THE PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY OF EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES. IT IS CLEARLY IN EMPLOYERS’ INTEREST TO ENSURE THAT THEY HAVE A SAFE AND HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT SO THAT THEIR EMPLOYEES’ PRODUCTIVITY MAY BE MAXIMISED AND THEIR WORK PROCESSES WILL NOT BE DISRUPTED BY FREQUENT ACCIDENTS. EQUALLY, IT MUST ALSO BE IN THE INTEREST OF EMPLOYEES THEMSELVES TO FOLLOW SAFETY PROCEDURES TO PROTECT THEIR OWN LIFE AND LIMB. NO COMPENSATION SCHEME CAN ADEQUATELY PAY FOR THE LOSS IN LIVES OR PERMANENT CAPACITY, NO MATTER HOW GENEROUS.
GOVERNMENT OF COURSE HAS A KEY ROLE TO PLAY AS WELL. WE PROVIDE THE NECESSARY LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK AND THE ENFORCEMENT MACHINERY TO MAKE SURE THAT THOSE WHO SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK, I.E. EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES, WILL NOT SHIRK THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES OR CUT CORNERS. WE UNDERTAKE PROMOTION AND PUBLICITY EFFORTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR TO KEEP DRIVING THE MESSAGE HOME THAT NO ONE SHOULD BE COMPLACENT. WE GIVE INFORMATION AND ADVICE TO ALL EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES TO HELP THEM IN IMPROVING THEIR WORK ENVIRONMENT.
OUR EFFORTS ARE PAYING OFF AND GRADUAL IMPROVEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE. FOR EXAMPLE, OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS, TOTAL WORK ACCIDENT RATE, INCLUDING BOTH INDUSTRIAL AND NON-INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS, HAS DROPPED FROM 40.2 TO 27.6 PER THOUSAND WORKERS. FATALITIES IN THE INDUSTRY SECTOR HAVE ALSO DROPPED FROM 82 TO 65 IN 1992, THOUGH REGRETTABLY WE DID HAVE A SORRY RECORD LAST YEAR, DUE TO SEVERAL TRAGIC ACCIDENTS AT CONSTRUCTION SITES.
/WE ARE .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 1994
3
WE ARE NEVER COMPLACENT ABOUT OUR WORKPLACE’S SAFETY RECORDS. WE ARE STILL VERY UNHAPPY ABOUT THE ACCIDENT RATES, ESPECIALLY THOSE IN CONSTRUCTION SITES AND SHIPYARDS. WE ARE WORKING HARD TO IMPROVE THE SITUATION, THROUGH LEGISLATION, EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY.
I HAVE LISTENED CAREFULLY TO MANY MEMBERS' PLEA TO EXTEND THE SCOPE OF OUR INDUSTRIAL SAFETY LEGISLATION TO COVER ALL TRADES IN ORDER TO SAFEGUARD THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF ALL OUR WORKERS. I FULLY APPRECIATE THE SENTIMENT BEHIND THE PROPOSAL. I AM SUPPORTIVE OF THE SPIRIT BEHIND IT. BUT WE HAVE TO GET OUR PRIORITIES RIGHT. TO BE EFFECTIVE, WE NEED TO FOCUS OUR LEGISLATIVE EFFORTS AND ENFORCEMENT CAPACITY ON THOSE AREAS WHICH CALL URGENT ATTENTION. WE MUST NOT SPREAD THESE EFFORTS SO THIN THAT WE MAY END UP WITH NO NOTICEABLE IMPROVEMENTS ON THE ENTIRE FRONT.
LET US EXAMINE THE SUBJECT CLOSELY AND SEE WHETHER WE NEED TO ADOPT AN ALL-EMBRACING APPROACH AT THIS STAGE. LET US LOOK AT THE ACCIDENT RECORD FIRST. WE SHOULD FOCUS ON THE SERIOUS INJURY ACCIDENT RECORD FOR THEY ARE OF GREATEST CONCERN TO US IN DECIDING ON WHERE TO PLACE ENFORCEMENT PRIORITY. ACCORDING TO LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S STATISTICS, SERIOUS INJURY ACCIDENTS ARE DEFINED AS ACCIDENTS WHICH RESULT IN PERMANENT DISABILITY OF OVER 5 PER CENT TO THE INJURED EMPLOYEES OR WHICH RESULT IN THE INJURED EMPLOYEES HAVING TO TAKE SICK LEAVE OF MORE THAN 30 DAYS.
IN 1993, A TOTAL OF 3,386 SERIOUS INJURY ACCIDENTS WERE SETTLED UNDER THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE. OF THESE, ONLY 58 CASES TOOK PLACE IN ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES NOT COVERED BY THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE. THIS REPRESENTS 1.7 PER CENT OF SUCH RECORDED ACCIDENTS.
LEST MEMBERS MAY SAY THAT WE SHOULD LOOK AT THE OVERALL ACCIDENT STATISTICS AS WELL TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE NOT NEGLECTING THE MINOR INJURIES, LET US EXAMINE THE RELATIVE ACCIDENT RATES BETWEEN THOSE SECTORS THAT ARE ALREADY COVERED UNDER THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE TO THOSE THAT ARE NOT. IN 1993, ACCIDENT RATE FOR THE FORMER IS 52.6 PER THOUSAND WORKERS, WHILE THE RATE FOR THE LATTER IS 13.4.
IF WE LOOK AT SPECIFIC SECTORS, IN 1993, THE ACCIDENT RATE PER THOUSAND WORKERS WAS 294.8 FOR THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, 52.6 FOR ALL INDUSTRIAL EMPLOYMENT, 6.1 FOR WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND HOTELS AND 7.0 FOR FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES, THE LATTER TWO CATEGORIES BEING AMONG THE MAJOR TRADES IN TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT IN THE NON-MANUFACTURING SECTOR.
THESE COMPARISONS DO INDICATE THAT THE OCCURRENCE OF EMPLOYMENT-RELATED ACCIDENTS IN THOSE AREAS THAT ARE AS YET NOT COVERED BY THE LEGISLATION IS INDEED SIGNIFICANTLY LOWER, AND WHERE ACCIDENTS DID TAKE PLACE, THEY ARE LARGELY OF A RELATIVELY LESS SERIOUS NATURE.
/LET US .......
WEDNESDAY, .TUNE 1, 1994
LET US ALSO LOOK AT THE NATURE OF THE ACCIDENTS IN THE TWO SECTORS. ACCIDENTS IN INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS AND CONSTRUCTION SITES ARE DUE LARGELY TO UNSAFE INDUSTRIAL PRACTICES OR INADEQUATE SAFEGUARDS IN THE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF HEAVY OR DANGEROUS MACHINERY. RECTIFICATION OFTEN INVOLVES EXPERT INPUT IN SAFE OPERATION METHODS AND IN PROPER EXAMINATION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE MACHINERY CONCERNED. WHILE EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES ARE STILL TASKED WITH THE PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THAT THE MACHINES AND PRACTICES ARE SAFE, GOVERNMENT CAN PLAY A POSITIVE ROLE HERE IN MAKING SURE THAT THE DESIRED SAFETY PRACTICES ARE FOLLOWED. WHERE IT INVOLVES COMPLICATED WORK PROCEDURES, WE ALSO NEED LEGISLATION TO SPECIFY THE QUALIFICATIONS OF THOSE WHO ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THESE PROCEDURES.
ACCIDENTS IN THE OFFICE AND SHOP-FLOOR ENVIRONMENT ARE VERY DIFFERENT THEY ARE DUE LARGELY TO MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL INADEQUACIES SUCH AS POOR ILLUMINATION, SLIPPERY FLOOR, OR CARELESS HANDLING OF OFFICE FURNITURE OR EQUIPMENT, OR IN SOME CASES SIMPLE ABSENT-MINDEDNESS. THEY ARE MAINLY MATTERS THAT CAN BE CORRECTED EASILY AND QUICKLY THROUGH EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYEE INITIATIVES, WITHOUT RESORTING TO LEGISLATION AND INSPECTION.
THAT IS WHY WE HAVE EMPHASISED ON PROMOTION AND PUBLICITY WHEN IT COMES TO SAFETY AND HEALTH IN THE NON-INDUSTRIAL WORKPLACE. FOR EXAMPLE, THE OCCUPATIONAL AND HEALTH DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT GAVE A TOTAL OF 519 TALKS ON SAFETY AND HEALTH IN NON-INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS IN 1993. IT ALSO PUBLISHED MANY EDUCATION PAMPHLETS ON SUBJECTS SUCH AS HEALTH ADVICE ON VENTILATION SYSTEMS, USE OF VISUAL DISPLAY UNITS, AND PREVENTION OF BACK INJURY. THESE PUBLICATIONS ARE MAILED REGULARLY TO TRADE ORGANISATIONS, TRADE UNIONS AND EMPLOYERS.
THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COUNCIL IS ALSO RESPONSIBLE, AMONG OTHER THINGS, FOR THE PROMOTION OF BETTER SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS FOR ALL WORKERS. FORMED IN 1988, THE COUNCIL IS FUNDED BY THE EMPLOYEE’S COMPENSATION INSURANCE LEVY. IT PUBLISHES A BIMONTHLY MAGAZINE, THE "GREEN CROSS", TO PUBLICISE SAFE PRACTICES IN THE WORKPLACE. MANY ARTICLES IN THIS MAGAZINE DEAL SPECIFICALLY WITH HOW TO ENHANCE SAFETY IN THE OFFICE AND NON-INDUSTRIAL ENVIRONMENT.
GOVERNMENT HAS NOT IGNORED THE SAFETY OF NON-INDUSTRIAL WORKERS. WE HAVE INDEED BEEN VERY PRAGMATIC IN CONSIDERING WHETHER THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO COVER NON-INDUSTRIAL AREAS. DESPITE THE TITLE OF THE ORDINANCE, THIS LEGISLATION ACTUALLY APPLIES TO WORK IN CONSTRUCTION SITES AND SHIPYARDS; LOADING, UNLOADING AND HANDLING OF GOODS AND CARGOES; AND THE TRANSPORTATION OF PASSENGERS AND GOODS. IN 1990, IN VIEW OF THE LARGE NUMBER OF WORK ACCIDENTS IN CATERING ESTABLISHMENTS, THE SCOPE OF THE ORDINANCE HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO COVER RESTAURANTS AND OTHER CATERING BUSINESSES WHICH DO NOT NORMALLY FALL WITHIN THE AMBIT OF INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS. THE RESULT HAS BEEN ENCOURAGING: THE ACCIDENT RATE PER THOUSAND WORKERS HAS DECLINED FROM 79.8 TO 66.3 BETWEEN 1992 AND 1993.
WE SHALL CONTINUE TO ADOPT THIS PRAGMATIC APPROACH. WHERE THERE ARE AREAS THAT GENUINELY CALL FOR SPECIFIC LEGISLATIVE CONTROL TO IMPROVE SAFETY AND HEALTH, WE WOULD GIVE THOSE SERIOUS CONSIDERATION.
/BUT I .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 1994
5
BUT I SHOULD EMPHASISE THAT IT WOULD BE MUCH MORE COST-EFFECTIVE FOR US TO FOCUS ON AREAS WHERE THEY WOULD GENUINELY BENEFIT FROM LEGISLATIVE CONTROL. WE SHALL HAVE TO JUDGE EACH AND EVERY CASE ON ITS OWN MERITS.
THE REASON FOR THIS IS SIMPLE. DESPITE THE DECLINE IN THE NUMBER OF MANUFACTURING WORKERS, THE NUMBER OF FACTORIES REMAINS AT ABOUT 60,000. THOUGH THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE ITS INSPECTION ON FACTORIES, SOME STAFF WILL BE RE-DEPLOYED TO MONITOR SAFETY AT CONSTRUCTION SITES WHERE THE ACCIDENT RATE IS STILL UNACCEPTABLY HIGH.
WE NOW HAVE 220,000 NON-INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS NOT COVERED BY THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE. IF GOVERNMENT WERE TO EXTEND THE SCOPE OF THE LEGISLATION TO COVER ALL OF THESE ESTABLISHMENTS, THE ADDITIONAL MANPOWER REQUIRED COULD RANGE FROM ONE-THIRD TO TWICE THAT OF THE PRESENT FACTORY INSPECTORATE ESTABLISHMENT, DEPENDING ON WHETHER WE CHOOSE TO ACT ON COMPLAINTS AND INSPECT LARGE ESTABLISHMENTS ONLY, OR WHETHER WE UNDERTAKE FULL-SCALE INSPECTIONS OF ALL BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENTS.
IN ADDITION, WE MIGHT ALSO NEED ABOUT 20 MEDICAL DOCTORS, OCCUPATIONAL HYGIENISTS AND NURSES. EVEN LEAVING ASIDE THE AVAILABILITY OF RESOURCES, SUCH A SCALE OF INCREASE IN THE STAFF ESTABLISHMENT WOULD IMPOSE TREMENDOUS RECRUITMENT AND TRAINING DIFFICULTIES FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT. IN THE SHORT-TERM, IT WOULD PUT ENORMOUS PRESSURE ON EXISTING STAFF RESOURCES, DILUTE THE MUCH NEEDED EFFORTS ON THE MONITORING OF THOSE INDUS’lRIES MOST URGENTLY REQUIRING ATTENTION, AND OVER-STRETCH THE MANAGEMENT’S ATTENTION IN PLANNING FOR BETTER INDUSTRIAL SAFETY IN THE HIGH-RISK SECTORS. IN REALITY, THEREFORE, WE WOULD HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO PROGRESS STEP BY STEP.
I WOULD LIKE TO CONCLUDE BY REITERATING THAT GOVERNMENT IS FULLY DETERMINED TO ENHANCE THE STANDARD OF SAFETY AND HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE:
TOGETHER WITH THE WORKS BRANCH, WE ARE WORKING VIGOROUSLY ON AN ACTIVE LEGISLATIVE AGENDA. WE AIM TO INTRODUCE 5PIECES OF PRIMARY AND SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION IN THE NEXT LEGISLATIVE SESSION;
WE HAVE INCREASED THE ENFORCEMENT CAPACITY OF THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE SUBSTANTIALLY OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS THROUGH THE REDEPLOYMENT OF STAFF AND THE PROVISION OF ADDITIONAL POSTS;
TOGETHER WITH THE OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY COUNCIL, WE SHALL BE PROMOTING SAFETY MESSAGES EVEN MORE VIGOROUSLY IN THE MONTHS AHEAD; AND
WE ARE ALSO GIVING SERIOUS CONSIDERATION TO HOW WE MAY EMBARK ON AN EFFECTIVE AND SUSTAINABLE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY PROGRAMME IN THE LONGER TERM, AND HOW BEST TO EMBED A SAFETY CULTURE IN THE WORKPLACE. AT THE END OF THE DAY, NOBODY CAN BETTER LOOK AFTER SAFETY IN EMPLOYMENT THAN THE EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES THEMSELVES.
/THERE TS .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 1994
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THERE IS A LONG WAY TO GO BUT WE ARE DETERMINED TO TAKE THESE STEPS. I LOOK FORWARD TO MEMBERS’ CONTINUING SUPPORT TO THESE EFFORTS SO THAT WE MAY TOGETHER MAKE HONG KONG A MUCH SAFER AND HEALTHIER WORKPLACE.
WITH THESE REMARKS, THE ADMINISTRATION SUPPORTS THE MOTION.
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BILL HELPS ENHANCE TRAVELLERS’ SECURITY *****
THE SECURITY OF THE TRAVELLING PUBLIC WOULD BE CONSIDERABLY ENHANCED UNDER THE CRIMES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE BILL SEEKS TO IMPLEMENT MEASURES SET OUT IN THE MONTREAL CONVENTION ON THE MARKING OF PLASTIC EXPLOSIVES FOR DETECTION PURPOSES.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR KEN WOODHOUSE, SAID: ’’THESE MEASURES, IF APPROVED, WILL HELP US PLAY OUR PART IN THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY’S FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM.”
’’THE BILL FOLLOWS THE CONVENTION IN PROSCRIBING THE IMPORT OF UNMARKED PLASTIC EXPLOSIVES INTO THE TERRITORY.
’’ADDITIONALLY, IT PROPOSES TO MAKE IT AN OFFENCE TO EXPORT, TO POSSESS OR TO TRANSFER, FOR ALL BUT A FEW CLEARLY DEFINED PURPOSES, UNMARKED PLASTIC EXPLOSIVES,” HE SAID.
PLASTIC EXPLOSIVES ARE ATTRACTIVE WEAPONS FOR TERRORISTS BECAUSE THEY ARE EASY TO TRANSPORT AND CONCEAL, AS WELL AS DIFFICULT TO DETECT BY CONVENTIONAL MEANS.
UNDER THE CONVENTION, ALL PLASTIC EXPLOSIVES HAVE TO BE MANUFACTURED WITH A CHEMICAL MARKER THAT EMIT A READILY DETECTABLE VAPOUR.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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/7........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 1994
BILL TO QUICKEN TRANSLATION OF LAWS
*****
A BILL TO SIMPLIFY AND QUICKEN THE PROCEDURES FOR AUTHENTICATING THE CHINESE TEXTS OF ORDINANCES ENACTED ORIGINALLY ONLY IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JEREMY MATHEWS, SAID THE TASK OF PRODUCING A FULLY BILINGUAL SET OF ORDINANCES AND SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION WAS OF HISTORIC IMPORTANCE AND A DAUNTING TASK.
IT INVOLVES THE TRANSLATION INTO CHINESE OF 529 ORDINANCES AND THEIR SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION OR SOME 22,000 PAGES OF LAW.
"WE HAVE SET OURSELVES THE TARGET OF COMPLETING THIS WORK BEFORE JUNE 30, 1997," HE NOTED.
HE SAID THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGES ORDINANCE AT PRESENT PROVIDED THAT, BEFORE A TRANSLATED TEXT MIGHT BE DECLARED AUTHENTIC BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL, THE BILINGUAL LAWS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MUST BE CONSULTED, AND THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MUST APPROVE THE TEXT BY RESOLUTION.
THE WORK OF TRANSLATION WAS UNDERTAKEN BY THE LAW DRAFTING DIVISION OF THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT.
MR MATHEWS SAID THIS PROCEDURE WAS RECENTLY REVIEWED BY THE LAW DRAFTING DIVISION, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE LEGCO’S SUB-COMMITTEE ON AUTHENTIC CHINESE TEXTS.
IT WAS AGREED THAT A SIMPLIFIED PROCEDURE WOULD HELP THE TIMELY COMPLETION OF THE WHOLE AUTHENTICATION EXERCISE.
"THE BILL THEREFORE PROPOSES TO REPEAL THE NEED FOR THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL’S PRIOR APPROVAL OF A CHINESE TEXT.
"HOWEVER, UNDER SECTION 34 OF THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES ORDINANCE, ALL ORDERS OF THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL DECLARING A CHINESE TEXT TO BE AUTHENTIC WILL BE LAID ON THE TABLE OF THIS COUNCIL AND WILL BE SUBJECT TO AMENDMENT," MR MATHEWS SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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8
PUBLIC HOUSING AREAS SAKE * * * * *
SECURITY PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES UNDER REDEVELOPMENT ARE CONFINED MAINLY TO MINOR BURGLARY CASES AND TRESPASS INTO VACANT PREMISES, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON MARTIN LEE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR EASON SAID PREVENTIVE MEASURES TAKEN BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT TO TACKLE THESE PROBLEMS INCLUDED THE PROPERLY SEALING OR LOCKING UP OF VACANT UNITS AND THE INSTALLING OF GATES TO BUILDING ENTRANCES, STAIRCASES AND CORRIDORS BUT WITHOUT COMPROMISING FIRE SERVICES REQUIREMENTS.
HE SAID WHEN A BLOCK WAS HALF VACANT, SECURITY GUARDS WERE NORMALLY PROVIDED ROUND THE CLOCK AND ADDITIONAL GUARDS WERE EMPLOYED IF NEEDED.
ALSO, VACANT FLATS WERE PATROLLED BY ESTATE STAFF AND THE POLICE, AND ESTATE STAFF STAYED IN CLOSE TOUCH WITH TENANTS AND MEMBERS OF MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, AREA COMMITTEES AND DISTRICT BOARDS.
IN ADDITION, MR EASON SAID THE POLICE DID DISTRIBUTE POSTERS AND LEAFLETS IN ESTATES UNDERGOING REDEVELOPMENT TO PROMOTE RESIDENTS’ AWARENESS OF THE NEED TO TAKE EXTRA PRECAUTIONS.
HE NOTED THAT CRIME RATES IN HOUSING ESTATES WERE GENERALLY LOWER THAN TERRITORY-WIDE RATES AND THE LAW AND ORDER SITUATION IN HOUSING ESTATES UNDER REDEVELOPMENT WAS GENERALLY NO WORSE THAN THAT IN OTHER ESTATES.
A COMPARISON OF FIGURES FOR REPORTED CRIME OVER THE 1992 TO 1994 PERIOD INDICATES A MIXED PATTERN OF IMPROVEMENT, DETERIORATION AND A POSITION HOLDING RELATIVELY STEADY.
THE MAIN AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT WERE AT LOK FU AND TSZ ON; WHILE TSZ CHING AND TUNG TAU WERE THE MAIN AREAS OF DETERIORATION.
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CLOSE LIAISON TO REVIEW GOLDSMITH SHOP SECURITY *****
SENIOR POLICE OFFICERS MEET REGULARLY WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF GOLDSMITH AND JEWELLERY SHOPS TO REVIEW PROGRESS IN IMPLEMENTING SECURITY MEASURES.
THESE RELATE MAINLY TO ACCESS CONTROL, ACCESS TO THE GOODS, SURVEILLANCE DEVICES, SAFE STORAGE OF STOCK, THE MAINTENANCE OF RECORDS AND PROMPT REPORTING TO POLICE IN CASE OF A ROBBERY.
RESPONDING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON EDWARD S T HO IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR KEN WOODHOUSE, SAID THERE HAD BEEN A GREAT DEAL OF LIAISON BETWEEN THE POLICE AND THE SHOPS.
/THIS HAS .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 1994
THIS HAS RESULTED IN A NUMBER OF IMPROVEMENTS TO SECURITY, HE
SAID.
REFERRING TO THE ARMED ROBBERY IN CENTRAL ON MAY 18, MR WOODHOUSE SAID A NUMBER OF MEASURES HAD BEEN TAKEN TO MINIMISE SUCH ROBBERIES.
THE POLICE HAVE GIVEN PRIORITY TO PATROLS OF HIGH-RISK PREMISES IN RECENT YEARS. THEY HAVE ALSO DEPLOYED INCREASED INTELLIGENCEGATHERING RESOURCES TO OBTAIN INFORMATION ON THE WHEREABOUTS OF ILLEGAL FIREARMS AND GUN GANGS.
IN THE CASE OF CRIMES INVOLVING CRIMINALS FROM CHINA, THE GOVERNMENT HAS STEPPED UP LIAISON WITH CHINA TO ENLIST THEIR HELP IN PREVENTING THE IMPORTATION OF ILLEGAL FIREARMS AND HIRED CRIMINALS INTO THE TERRITORY.
"THE MEASURES ADOPTED BY THE POLICE HAVE LED TO A SHARP DECREASE IN THE NUMBER OF ROBBERIES OF WATCH AND JEWEL ERY SHOPS OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS," HE SAID.
THERE WERE 153 SUCH ROBBERIES IN 1991; THIS FIGURE REDUCED TO 42 IN 1992 AND AGAIN TO 17 IN 1993.
THE OVERALL CRIME RATE FOR FEBRUARY TO APRIL THIS YEAR HAS REDUCED BY ABOUT 7 PER CENT AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR. ROBBERY, INCLUDING ARMED ROBBERY, HAS ALSO DECREASED BY SOME 18 PER CENT.
"CLEARLY THE MEASURES WE HAVE BEEN TAKING ARE BRINGING RESULTS AND WE MUST MAINTAIN THEM," MR WOODHOUSE SAID.
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POWER COMPANIES TO RELEASE DATA ON ELECTRICITY DEMAND *****
THE POWER COMPANIES HAVE AGREED TO THE GOVERNMENT'S REQUEST IN RELEASING DATA COMPARING ACTUAL DEMAND WITH THE CORRESPONDING FORECAST IN PREVIOUS FINANCING PLANS APPROVED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR GORDON SIU, SAID THIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHRISTINE LOH.
MR SIU NOTED THAT IT WAS REASONABLE FOR THE PUBLIC TO EXPECT TO BE INFORMED OF THE EXTENT TO WHICH PAST FORECASTS OF DEMAND FOR ELECTRICITY HAD PROVED TO BE CORRECT.
"THE POWER COMPANIES HAVE ALSO AGREED TO ASSIST IN BRIEFING MEMBERS, AT A FUTURE MEETING OF THE ECONOMIC SERVICES AND PUBLIC UTILITIES PANEL OF THIS COUNCIL, ON THE METHODOLOGY AND ASSUMPTIONS USED IN PRODUCING FORECASTS OF DEMAND.
/"AT THE
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 1994
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"AT ‘THE MEETING THE COMPANIES WOULD PROVIDE MEMBERS WITH COMPARATIVE DATA ON PAST FORECASTS AND ACTUAL DEMAND AND THEIR RESPECTIVE DEMAND PROFILES," MR SIU SAID.
UNDER THEIR RESPECTIVE SCHEME OF CONTROL AGREEMENTS, THE TWO POWER COMPANIES ARE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT FINANCING PLANS TO THE ADMINISTRATION.
THESE PLANS CONTAIN FORECASTS OF DEMAND FOR ELECTRICITY WHICH FORM THE BASIS FOR DECISIONS ON THE BUILDING OF GENERATING FACILITIES.
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BDTC PASSPORTS NO GUARANTEE TO CONTRACT RENEWAL *****
OVERSEAS AGREEMENT OFFICERS WHO ACQUIRE BDTC PASSPORTS OR PERMANENT RESIDENTS STATUS ARE NOT AUTOMATICALLY ENTITLED TO RENEW THEIR AGREEMENTS ON LOCAL CONDITIONS OF SERVICE, THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR MICHAEL SZE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN HIS REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ALLEN LEE, MR SZE SAID APART FROM MEETING THE PERMANENT RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT, APPLICANTS WERE ASSESSED AGAINST OTHER CRITERIA.
THESE INCLUDE SERVICE NEED, CONDUCT, AND PERFORMANCE AND PHYSICAL FITNESS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT DID NOT REQUIRE CIVIL SERVANTS TO REPORT CHANGES IN THEIR NATIONALITY OR PASSPORT.
’’HENCE WE DO NOT KNOW HOW MANY OVERSEAS AGREEMENT OFFICERS HAVE A BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZEN PASSPORT OR WHETHER THEY HAVE GIVEN UP THEIR ORIGINAL NATIONALITY,” MR SZE SAID.
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CONTAINER VEHICLE PARKING PROBLEM TO BE DEALT WITH POSITIVELY *****
THE GOVERNMENT AIMS TO DEAL WITH THE PARKING PROBLEM FOR CONTAINER VEHICLES IN A COMPREHENSIVE AND POSITIVE WAY, INVOLVING CO-ORDINATION AND CO-OPERATION WITH THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AND OTHER DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED, AS WELL AS CLOSE LIAISON WITH THE INDUSTRY AND THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WHEN HE REPLIED TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MRS MIRIAM LAU IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
MR EASON SAID A DEDICATED TEAM WOULD BE SET UP UNDER THE BLACK SPOTS TASK FORCE TO LOOK INTO CONTAINER-RELATED MATTERS.
/HE SAID .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 1994
1.1
HE SAID AREAS SUITABLE FOR OPEN STORAGE USES WOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE 30 NEW RURAL OUTLINE ZONING PLANS WHICH WOULD BE PUBLISHED NEXT MONTH.
’’THE TOTAL AREA ZONED FOR OPEN STORAGE PURPOSES WILL INCREASE FROM THE 250 HECTARES PRESENTLY SHOWN ON THE DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREA PLANS TO ABOUT 300 HECTARES.
’’SUBJECT TO THE PERMISSION OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, MANY OF THESE AREAS COULD BE USED FOR CONTAINER VEHICLE PARKING.
’’FURTHERMORE, THE CONSULTANTS FOR THE PORT BACK-UP AND OPEN STORAGE REQUIREMENTS STUDY ARE CURRENTLY EXAMINING OTHER SITES IN THE SAN TIN, HA TSUEN, NGAU TAM MEI AND TUEN MUN WEST AREAS WHICH MAY ALSO BE SUITABLE FOR SUCH USES,” HE SAID.
MR EASON NOTED THAT A NUMBER OF MEASURES TO IMPROVE THE CONTAINER VEHICLE PARKING SITUATION IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WERE IN HAND.
ABOUT 13 NEW SHORT TERM TENANCY SITES, PROVIDING SOME 1,400 PARKING SPACES, WILL BE TENDERED IN THE NEXT SIX MONTHS.
THE RECENTLY COMPLETED FREIGHT TRANSPORT STUDY HAD MADE SOME STRATEGIC RECOMMENDATION ON CONTAINER VEHICLE PARKING AND THE PARKING DEMAND STUDY, SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION IN EARLY 1995, WOULD ALSO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM, HE SAID.
THERE ARE ABOUT 130 CONTAINER VEHICLE PARKING SITES IN THE TERRITORY, WITH A TOTAL LAND AREA OF ABOUT 80 HECTARES AND PARKING SPACE FOR ABOUT 7,300 VEHICLES.
OF THESE, 30 SITES COVERING 21 HECTARES AND PARKING SPACES FOR ABOUT 1,900 VEHICLES ARE UNAUTHORISED.
THE AVERAGE NUMBER OF CONTAINER VEHICLES CROSSING THE BORDER EACH DAY DURING THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994 WAS ABOUT 3,200 IN EACH DIRECTION.
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HK/CHINA/MACAU WORKING CLOSELY TO TACKLE POLLUTION
*****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN WORKING CLOSELY WITH THE RELEVANT AUTHORITIES IN GUANGDONG AND MACAU ON MEASURES TO TACKLE POLLUTION PROBLEMS IN THE PEARL RIVER DELTA (PRD).
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON PETER WONG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THESE MEASURES INCLUDE:
* THE ESTABLISHMENT UNDER THE HONG KONG-GUANGDONG ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION LIAISON GROUP OF A JOINT TECHNICAL GROUP TO EXAMINE THE POLLUTION PROBLEMS IN DEEP BAY AND TO RECOMMEND ACTION PLANS TO ABATE SUCH POLLUTION;
/* AN ENVIRONMENTAL
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 1994
12
* AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE SHENZHEN RIVER TRAINING PROJECT, JOINTLY CONDUCTED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) AND THE SHENZHEN AUTHORITIES;
* A JOINT SURVEY BY EPD AND THE SOUTH CHINA SEA BRANCH OF THE STATE OCEANIC ADMINISTRATION OF CHINA TO STUDY THE WATER QUALITY OF THE OUTER PRD; AND
* A WORKING GROUP COMPRISING EPD, THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION BUREAU OF GUANGDONG PROVINCE (GEPB), AND THE MACAO GABINETE TECHNICO DO AMBIENTE (MGTA) TO FORMULATE A PRD WASTE WATER DISPOSAL STRATEGY, THE OBJECT OF WHICH WILL BE TO PROVIDE A COMMON FRAMEWORK FOR THE PROPER PLANNING, MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL OF ACTIVITIES IN THE REGION WHICH MAY HAVE SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS.
MR EASON SAID THE WORK IN DEEP BAY AND ON THE SHENZHEN RIVER WAS ONGOING.
’’THE RESULTS OF THE SURVEY OF THE OUTER PRD ARE BEING ANALYSED AS PART OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF THE STRATEGIC SEWAGE DISPOSAL SCHEME.
’’DETAILED PROPOSALS FOR THE PRD WASTE-WATER DISPOSAL STRATEGY STUDY ARE UNDER EXAMINATION BY EPD, GEPB AND MGTA WITH A VIEW TO SETTING UP A WATER QUALITY COMPUTER MODEL AND TO DEVISING AN ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN,” HE SAID.
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OVERWHELMING RESPONSE TO SENIOR CITIZEN CARD
*****
THE SENIOR CITIZEN CARD OFFICE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAS RECEIVED MORE THAN A QUARTER OF A MILLION APPLICATIONS SINCE THE SCHEME WAS IMPLEMENTED ON APRIL 1 THIS YEAR, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MRS WONG DESCRIBED THE RESPONSE AS "OVERWHELMING.”
SHE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HUI YIN-FAT.
IN ORDER TO COPE WITH THIS LARGE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS, MRS WONG SAID THE DEPARTMENT HAD REDEPLOYED AN ADDITIONAL 14 STAFF MEMBERS TO AUGMENT THE CARD OFFICE, EMPLOYED TEMPORARY STAFF AND RECRUITED VOLUNTEERS.
IN ADDITION, SOME WORK HAS BEEN CONTRACTED OUT TO SHELTERED WORKSHOPS WHILE THE OPERATING HOURS OF THE CARD OFFICE HAVE BEEN EXTENDED.
THE OFFICE NOW WORKS FROM 9 AM TO 9 PM FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY AND FROM 9 AM TO 6 PM ON SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS.
”WE HOPE TO CLEAR THE BACKLOG CREATED BY THE INITIAL TIDAL WAVE OF APPLICATIONS BY JULY THIS YEAR,” MRS WONG SAID.
/ON PROGRESS
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 1994
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ON PROGRESS MADE TO RECOMMEND THE SCHEME TO PUBLIC AND PRIVATE ORGANISATIONS, THE SECRETARY SAID SHE HAD WRITTEN PERSONALLY TO OVER 600 COMPANIES AND ESTABLISHMENTS TO INVITE THEM TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SCHEME.
"I HAVE ALSO INVITED GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TO SUPPORT THE SCHEME,” SHE SAID.
AT PRESENT, 110 COMPANIES, ESTABLISHMENTS AND DEPARTMENTS WITH OVER 1,400 OUTLETS HAVE JOINED THE SCHEME.
"WE WILL CONTINUE TO ENCOURAGE MORE COMPANIES AND ESTABLISHMENTS TO TAKE PART IN THIS WORTHWHILE PROJECT,” MRS WONG SAID.
AS REGARDS THE QUESTION OF LOWERING THE QUALIFYING AGE FROM 65 TO 60, MRS WONG SAID MOST COMPANIES AND ESTABLISHMENTS PARTICIPATING IN THE SCHEME OFFER CONCESSIONS, DISCOUNTS AND PRIORITY SERVICE TO PERSONS AGED 65 AND ABOVE.
"TO ISSUE A CARD FOR PERSONS AGED 60 AND ABOVE MIGHT REDUCE THE USEFULNESS OF THE EXISTING CARD," SHE SAID.
"AS THE SCHEME HAS ONLY JUST STARTED AND HAS BEEN IN OPERATION FOR TWO MONTHS, WE SHOULD FIRST SEE HOW THE PRESENT SCHEME WORKS BEFORE CHANGING IT," MRS WONG SAID.
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OVER 270 GUESTHOUSES STOP OPERATION
* * t * ♦
A TOTAL OF 273 GUESTHOUSES HAVE CEASED OPERATION OWING TO THEIR INABILITY TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE HOTEL AND GUESTHOUSE ACCOMMODATION ORDINANCE, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MOSES CHENG MO-CHI, MR SUEN SAID UP TO MAY 28 THIS YEAR, 252 GUESTHOUSES HAD BEEN LICENSED.
HE ALSO SAID NO PROSECUTION HAD BEEN TAKEN OUT SO FAR BUT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CLOSELY MONITOR THE SITUATION.
’’THOSE UNLICENSED GUESTHOUSES WHICH CONTINUE TO OPERATE WITHOUT LICENCE OR FAIL TO CARRY OUT THE NECESSARY IMPROVEMENT WORKS ARE BEING WARNED.
"PROSECUTIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED IF THOSE WARNINGS ARE NOT BEING TAKEN HEED OF BY THE OPERATORS," HE ADDED.
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/14 ........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 1994
- 14 -
REMUNERATION PACKAGE FOR HA STAFF
*****
THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY EMPLOYMENT TERMS ARE DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR ITS STAFF ON THE BASIS OF COMPARABLE COSTS TO THE PUBLIC PURSE AND EQUITY TO CIVIL SERVANTS ON TRANSFER, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HUANG CHEN-YA IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MRS WONG SAID IN KEEPING WITH THE PRINCIPLE, THE REMUNERATION PACKAGE OF MANAGEMENT STAFF EMPLOYED IN THE AUTHORITY INCLUDED THE FOLLOWING COMPONENT PARTS:
* A BASIC SALARY ACCORDING TO THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY PAY
SCALE;
* A CASH ALLOWANCE RANGING FROM 16.5% TO 65% OF THE BASIC
SALARY IN LIEU OF FRINGE BENEFITS;
* A NON-CONTRIBUTORY PROVIDENT FUND FOR PERMANENT STAFF OR A GRATUITY FOR CONTRACT STAFF EQUIVALENT TO 15%-25% OF THE BASIC SALARY ;
* ANNUAL LEAVE AND MEDICAL/DENTAL BENEFITS;
* PARTICIPATION IN THE HOME LOAN INTEREST SUBSIDY SCHEME FOR EMPLOYEES WITH AT LEAST FIVE YEARS OF SERVICE; AND
* A NON-CONTRIBUTORY LIFE INSURANCE SCHEME AND A NONCONTRIBUTORY DISABILITY INCOME INSURANCE SCHEME.
MRS WONG SAID A REMUNERATION PACKAGE WHICH INCLUDED A PERFORMANCE-RELATED ELEMENT APPROVED BY GOVERNMENT WAS AVAILABLE TO THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE.
"THE ANNUAL PERFORMANCE-RELATED AWARD VARIES FROM 0% TO 30% OF THE BASIC SALARY PLUS CASH ALLOWANCE ACCORDING TO ACTUAL PERFORMANCE RATED BY A SPECIAL COMMITTEE COMPRISING MEMBERS OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY BOARD," SHE ADDED.
MRS WONG POINTED OUT THAT AS WITH OTHER STATUTORY ORGANISATIONS, THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S ACTUAL REMUNERATION WAS A MATTER OF NEGOTIATION BETWEEN THE EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYEE.
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CROWN LAND RESUMPTION ORDINANCE INVOKED 51 TIMES
*****
LAND HAS BEEN RESUMED UNDER THE CROWN LAND RESUMPTION ORDINANCE FOR A TOTAL OF 51 PROJECTS OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHIM PUI-CHUNG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
/MR EASON .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 1994
- 15 -
MR EASON SAID 20 FORMER OWNERS OF LAND RESUMED FOR A LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (LDC) PROJECT IN JUBILEE STREET HAD REFUSED COMPENSATION SO FAR.
ONE FORMER OWNER IS DECEASED AND PROBATE IS BEING ARRANGED.
ANOTHER HAS CHALLENGED THE VALIDITY OF THE RESUMPTION IN COURT.
NEGOTIATIONS ON COMPENSATION AMOUNTS ARE CONTINUING FOR THE MAJORITY OF CASES.
MR EASON SAID THE TOTAL RESUMPTION COST ESTIMATE FOR THE PROJECT WAS $519 MILLION WHICH WOULD BE REIMBURSED BY LDC PLUS AN ADMINISTRATION FEE.
“AS THE RESUMPTION COSTS ARE FULLY RECOVERABLE AND ARE NOT THEREFORE GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE, A SEPARATE ACCOUNT HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED UNDER THE CONTROL OF LANDS DEPARTMENT INTO WHICH THE LDC ADVANCES THE AMOUNT REQUIRED PRIOR TO ANY EXPENDITURE BEING MADE,” HE SAID, ADDING THAT APPROVAL OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WAS THEREFORE NOT NECESSARY.
MR EASON SAID THE LAND WAS GRANTED TO LDC BY MEANS OF A PRIVATE TREATY GRANT AND NO STAMP DUTY WAS REQUIRED.
WHILE THE LAND GRANT DOCUMENTS ARE BEING PROCESSED, AN ADVANCE POSSESSION LICENCE HAS BEEN ISSUED IN THE MEANTIME TO LDC TO ALLOW CONSTRUCTION AND ASSOCIATED WORKS TO PROCEED.
THE LAND PREMIUM WHICH HAS BEEN AGREED WITH THE LDC IS IN THE ORDER OF $1.7 BILLION, HE SAID.
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TUNNEL CLOSURE ESSENTIAL ♦ » » » *
THE CLOSURE OF TUNNEL TUBES IS ESSENTIAL TO ALLOW CLEANING, REPAIRS AND PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE.
THERE IS NO PRACTICAL ALTERNATIVE AS SUCH WORK CANNOT BE CARRIED OUT WHEN THERE IS MOVING TRAFFIC.
THE LEAST DISRUPTIVE APPROACH IS TO CLOSE ONE TUBE AT A TIME AND PERMIT TWO-WAY TRAFFIC IN THE OTHER TUBE.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR HAIDER BARMA, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY REV THE HON FUNG CHI-WOOD IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR BARMA SAID AS RECORDS SHOWED THAT SOME OF THE MORE SERIOUS ACCIDENTS OCCURRED ON SATURDAY NIGHTS/EARLY SUNDAY MORNINGS, THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT HAD THEREFORE NOW GIVEN INSTRUCTIONS TO ALL THE MANAGEMENT CONTRACTORS OF GOVERNMENT TUNNELS NOT TO CLOSE ANY TUBE AT THESE TIMES.
/IF THIS .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 1994
- 16 -
IF THIS EXPERIMENT DID NOT POSE UNDUE OPERATIONAL PROBLEMS, CONSIDERATION COULD BE GIVEN TO EXTENDING THIS ARRANGEMENT OVER LONG WEEKENDS, HE SAID, ADDING THAT PRIVATE TUNNEL OPERATORS HAD ALSO BEEN ADVISED TO ADOPT THIS PRACTICE.
MR BARMA EXPLAINED THAT OTHER OPTIONS SUCH AS IMPOSING A ONEWAY SYSTEM AND REQUIRING MOTORISTS TO DRIVE ALONG ALTERNATIVE ROADS HAD BEEN CONSIDERED BEFORE BUT WERE NOT VERY PRACTICAL BECAUSE OF THE TREMENDOUS INCONVENIENCE TO MOTORISTS AND THE LOGISTICAL PROBLEMS INVOLVED.
MR BARMA SAID THE SITUATION WAS REVIEWED FROM TIME TO TIME, AND THE FOLLOWING PREVENTIVE MEASURES HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED:
* REDUCING THE SPEED LIMIT, FROM 70 KM PER HOUR TO 50 KM PER HOUR, WHEN THE ONE-TUBE TWO-WAY SYSTEM IS IN OPERATION;
* PLACING ADDITIONAL SPEED LIMIT REPEATER SIGNS INSIDE THE TUNNELS TO ADVISE MOTORISTS;
♦ STRENGTHENING THE ENFORCEMENT OF SPEED LIMITS BY RADAR SPEED CHECKS;
* INTENSIFYING THE SURVEILLANCE OF THE TUNNELS BY PATROL CARS; AND
* BROADCASTING MORE FREQUENT MESSAGES ON SAFE DRIVING.
OF THE 99 TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS OCCURRED IN TUNNELS WHEN ONE TUBE WAS CLOSED IN THE PAST TWO YEARS, THERE WERE FIVE FATAL AND 31 SERIOUS ACCIDENTS, RESULTING IN NINE DEATHS AND 54 SERIOUS INJURIES.
------0------------
CAUSES OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS EXPLAINED
* * * * *
RECKLESS AND CARELESS DRIVING, SPEEDING AND OVERLOADING HAVE CAUSED THE MOST ACCIDENTS ON EXPRESSWAYS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR HAIDER BARMA, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON ROGER LUK IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR BARMA NOTED THAT APART FROM CONVENTIONAL METHODS, THE POLICE WERE NOW ALSO USING LASER SPEED DETECTORS AND UNMARKED CARS EQUIPPED WITH VIDEO RECORDERS AND SPEED DETECTION DEVICES TO DETECT SPEEDING.
AS A RESULT OF STEPPED-UP ENFORCEMENT, PARTICULARLY IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, A TOTAL OF 14,145 FIXED PENALTY TICKETS AND SUMMONSES HAVE BEEN ISSUED IN THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF 1994.
THIS REPRESENTS AN INCREASE OF 68 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH 8,419 FOR THE CORRESPONDING QUARTER IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
/MR BARMA .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 1994
MR BARMA SAID PUBLICITY TO CORRECT BAD DRIVING HABITS WAS ALSO BEING STEPPED UP.
’’ADVICE ON SAFE DRIVING IN TUNNELS WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE NEXT EDITION OF ROAD SAFETY QUARTERLY.”
"IN ADDITION, A TELEVISION ANNOUNCEMENT OF PUBLIC INTEREST ON SAFE DRIVING ON EXPRESSWAYS IS NOW BEING PRODUCED AND WILL BE SCREENED IN A COUPLE OF MONTHS," MR BARMA SAID.
THE NUMBER OF FATAL ACCIDENTS WERE ON A RISING TREND FOR THE LAST THREE YEARS: 300 IN 1991, 318 IN 1992 AND 336 IN 1993.
MR BARMA NOTED THAT THIS TREND SEEMED TO HAVE BEEN ARRESTED AND REVERSED IN THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, WHICH HAD RECORDED 76 FATAL ACCIDENTS OR A 32 PER CENT DROP COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
AN ANALYSIS OF THE CAUSES OF THESE ACCIDENTS BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE HAS PINPOINTED 14 CASES TO "DRIVING TOO FAST" GIVEN ROAD CONDITIONS AND FOUR CASES TO "DRIVING TOO CLOSE TO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT".
IT HAS NOT BEEN POSSIBLE TO ESTABLISH SPECIFIC CONTRIBUTORY FACTORS FOR THE REMAINING ACCIDENTS.
- - 0 - -
HK POLYTECHNIC’S INVESTIGATION NOTED * * » * »
THE ADMINISTRATION IS AWARE THAT THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC HAS INVESTIGATED THE ALLEGATIONS OF CORRUPTION AND UNETHICAL PRACTICES AGAINST A SENIOR STAFF MEMBER AND THAT THE FINDINGS OF ITS INTERNAL PANEL OF ENQUIRY WERE PUBLISHED LAST WEEK.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON EMILY LAU IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
MR LEUNG SAID THE ADMINISTRATION UNDERSTOOD THAT SINCE THE PANEL HAD CONCLUDED THAT THERE WAS NO SUPPORTING EVIDENCE TO THE ALLEGATION OF CORRUPTION, THE POLYTECHNIC MANAGEMENT HAD NOT REFERRED THE CASE TO CHE POLICE OR THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION.
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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 1994
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HOSPITAL AUTHORITY HEAD OFFICE RESTRUCTURED * * * * *
THERE ARE NOW 31 MANAGEMENT STAFF MEMBERS IN THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY HEAD OFFICE AT AN ANNUALLY RECURRENT COST OF $30.9 MILLION, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HUANG CHEN-YA, MRS WONG SAID THE COST REPRESENTED 0.3 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL STAFF COST IN THE AUTHORITY.
THIS COMPARES WITH 32 MANAGEMENT STAFF AT A RECURRENT COST OF $32.9 MILLION PER ANNUM UNDER THE AUTHORITY’S PREVIOUS ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE.
MR WONG SAID THE CHANGE FOLLOWED A REVIEW ON THE SENIOR MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE OF THE AUTHORITY UPON THE APPOINTMENT OF ITS CHIEF EXECUTIVE.
THE REVIEW RESULTED IN THE DELETION OF THREE PRINCIPAL OFFICER POSTS; THE CREATION OF ONE DEPUTY DIRECTOR POST IN ADDITION TO THE ORIGINAL 15 POSTS; AND ADJUSTMENTS TO THE SALARIES OF SOME MANAGEMENT POSTS.
"THE REMUNERATION OF ALL THE POSTS INVOLVED IN THIS REVIEW IS COMPARABLE TO THE GOVERNMENT DIRECTORATE PAY SCALE," MRS WONG SAID.
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NO NEED TO BAN ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT IN AIRCRAFT
*****
THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT CONSIDER IT NECESSARY TO ENACT LEGISLATION TO PROHIBIT THE USE OF PERSONAL ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT ON BOARD HONG KONG-REGISTERED AIRCRAFT, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR GORDON SIU, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
ALL HONG KONG-REGISTERED AIRLINES REQUEST PASSENGERS TO REFRAIN FROM USING PERSONAL ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT DURING TAKE-OFF AND LANDING.
"THIS IS A PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE AIMED AT REMOVING THE VERY SLIGHT POSSIBILITY THAT SUCH EQUIPMENT MAY CAUSE INTERFERENCE WITH THE NAVIGATION AND COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS OF THE AIRCRAFT," MR SIU SAID IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHIM PUI-CHUNG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
PASSENGERS ARE INFORMED OF THIS RESTRICTION BY MEANS OF ANNOUNCEMENTS, BY CABIN STAFF, PRIOR TO TAKE-OFF.
"THERE HAVE BEEN NO REPORTED INCIDENTS OF PASSENGERS ON HONG KONG-REGISTERED AIRLINES REFUSING TO COMPLY.
/"SHOULD A .
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 1994
- 19 -
"SHOULD A PASSENGER REFUSE TO CO-OPERATE WITH A REQUEST TO REFRAIN FROM USING ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT IT WOULD BE OPEN TO THE CAPTAIN OF A HONG KONG-REGISTERED AIRCRAFT TO ENFORCE THE RESTRICTION BY INVOKING POWERS UNDER THE AIR NAVIGATION (OVERSEAS TERRITORIES) ORDER," HE SAID.
WHILE THE GOVERNMENT UNDERSTOOD THAT MANY INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES HAD ADOPTED PRECAUTIONS SIMILAR TO THOSE OF HONG KONG, THE ADMINISTRATION WAS UNAWARE OF ANY LEGISLATION TO BAN COMPLETELY THE CARRIAGE OR USE OF ELECTRONIC APPLIANCES BY PASSENGERS, MR SIU ADDED.
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FEW OVERSEAS AOS SERVE BEYOND 57 * * * * *
THE GENERALITY OF OVERSEAS ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS WOULD NOT SERVE BEYOND THE AGE OF 57 ACCORDING TO AN ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDELINE INTRODUCED IN 1986 TO ACCELERATE LOCALISATION.
THERE HAVE, HOWEVER, OVER THE YEARS, BEEN A FEW EXCEPTIONS, INCLUDING THE CURRENT APPOINTMENTS OF THE HONG KONG COMMISSIONER IN LONDON AND THE COMMISSIONER FOR ECONOMIC AND TRADE AFFAIRS IN THE USA.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR MICHAEL SZE, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON EMILY LAU IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE CURRENT HONG KONG COMMISSIONER IN LONDON WAS FORMERLY CHIEF SECRETARY.
"HIS PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE, BOTH AS CHIEF SECRETARY AND IN LONDON, MADE HIM ALMOST UNIQUELY QUALIFIED TO FILL THE VACANCY LEFT BY THE RETIREMENT OF THE FORMER COMMISSIONER IN NOVEMBER 1993," HE SAID.
AS REGARDS THE COMMISSIONER POST IN THE USA, MR SZE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD FOR SOME TIME BEEN ATTEMPTING TO FIND, FROM EITHER THE PRIVATE OR PUBLIC SECTOR, A PERSON OF SUFFICIENT STATURE AND SENIORITY TO FILL THE VACANCY.
"THE IDEAL CHOICE WOULD HAVE BEEN A SENIOR LOCAL OFFICER," HE SAID.
"ALTHOUGH IDENTIFIED, THEY SIMPLY COULD NOT BE SPARED FROM THEIR DUTIES IN HONG KONG," HE ADDED.
"THUS, WHEN THE CURRENT COMMISSIONER WAS IDENTIFIED AND COULD BE RELEASED, WE MOVED TO UPGRADE OUR REPRESENTATION," HE ADDED.
"THESE ISSUES WERE CONSIDERED IN DETAIL BY THE ESTABLISHMENT SUB-COMMITTEE WHEN WE SOUGHT APPROVAL FOR CREATION OF THE COMMISSIONER POST," MR SZE SAID.
HE STRESSED THAT THESE TWO APPOINTMENTS FELL INTO THE PATTERN OF OCCASIONAL EXCEPTIONS TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDELINE.
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/20
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 1994
- 20 -
CNTA WILL CONTINUE HELPING OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS *****
THE STAFF OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION WILL CONTINUE TO ASSIST OWNERS AND TENANTS OF PRIVATE BUILDINGS TO SET UP RESIDENTS ASSOCIATIONS AND IN RE-ELECTIONS, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO THE HON ALBERT CHAN WAI-YIP, MR SUEN SAID THE ADMINISTRATION HAD NOT CEASED ASSISTING OWNERS OF PRIVATE BUILDINGS TO ESTABLISH AND REGISTER OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS.
AS THE SERVICE HAD NOT BEEN SUSPENDED, HE SAID, NO RESOURCES HAD BEEN SAVED.
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TWO TOURISTS CHARGED WITH COMMON ASSAULT *****
TWO AMERICAN CHINESE TOURISTS WHO SERIOUSLY INJURED A SALESWOMAN WORKING IN A DEPARTMENT STORE IN WAN CHAI WERE CHARGED WITH COMMON ASSAULT RECENTLY.
THEY WERE BOUND OVER FOR SIX MONTHS AND WERE ORDERED TO PAY $500 EACH TO THE VICTIM FOR COMPENSATION.
EXPLAINING THE CASE TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN HIS WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ZACHARY WONG WAI-YIN, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR KEN WOODHOUSE, SAID THE INCIDENT AROSE FROM A DISPUTE OVER THE METHOD OF PAYMENT FOR GOODS BOUGHT IN THE DEPARTMENT STORE.
THE TOURISTS WERE CHARGED WITH COMMON ASSAULT ON THE BASIS OF THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE SALESWOMAN’S INJURIES.
THE INJURY ASSESSMENT REPORT AVAILABLE TO THE POLICE ON THE DAY IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE INCIDENT WAS SUBMITTED TO THE COURT FOR CONSIDERATION.
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/21........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 1994
- 21 -
MOTION ON LICENSING SYSTEM FOR OVERHANGING SIGNBOARDS PASSED *****
A MOTION MOVED BY LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBER THE HON MRS PEGGY LAM ON A LICENSING SYSTEM FOR OVERHANGING SIGNBOARDS WAS PASSED AT THE COUNCIL’S SITTING TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MEMBERS DEBATED THE MOTION FOR ABOUT AN HOUR. THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, REPLIED FOR THE GOVERNMENT.
ANOTHER MOTION MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG ON EMPLOYEE SAFETY WAS ALSO PASSED. THIS FOLLOWED A DEBATE BY MEMBERS AND A REPLY GIVEN BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR MICHAEL LEUNG.
A PRIVATE MEMBER’S BILL - THE ELECTORAL PROVISIONS (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) (NO.3) BILL 1994 - MOVED BY MEMBER THE HON EMILY LAU WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE COUNCIL FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS.
IN ADDITION, THE TRAVEL AGENTS (ADMENDMENT) BILL 1994 WAS PASSED AT THE MEETING.
ANOTHER TWO BILLS - THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 AND THE CRIMES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 - WERE INTRODUCED INTO THE COUNCIL FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TRANSCRIPT OF CS’ MEDIA SESSION.......................... 1
GOVT COMMITTED TO PROTECTING HUMAN RIGHTS................ 2
BETTER CONTROL ON WASTE WATER DISCHARGE.................. 3
EXCO ENDORSES BEC’S PROPOSALS ON MC CONSTITUENCIES....... 4
SUFFICIENT LAND PROVIDED TO MEET HOUSING NEED............ 5
CS NOTIFIES ELECTORAL OFFICE OF ADDRESS CHANGE........... 5
SHA MAKES SPECIAL APPEAL TO YOUNG PEOPLE TO VOTE......... 6
ANNUAL SURVEYS BY INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT.................... 7
S FOR W CALLS FOR GREATER EFFORT ON SITE SAFETY.......... 8
NEW DIRECTOR OF HEALTH NAMED............................ 10
HK FAVOURED FOR FOREIGN INVESTMENT...................... 11
LANTAU TRAIL ALL CLEAR NOW.............................. 12
AUSTRALIAN VETS SEE PUPPY TRADE IN HK................... 13
HK FESTIVAL 1995 HIGHLIGHTS ACHIEVEMENTS................ 15
VMS TAKE FOOD AGAIN..................................... 16
SURVEY OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION FOR 1993 BEGINS......... 16
FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETS TOMORROW........................ 18
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS.. 18
THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 1994
TRANSCRIPT OF CS ’ MEDIA SESSION *****
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN AFTER VISITING NEW TOWN PLAZA IN SHA TIN THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON:-
CS: GOOD AFTERNOON, EVERYONE. FIRST OF ALL, I’D JUST LIKE TO SAY I AM VERY HAPPY TO SEE FOR MYSELF SOME OF THE VOTER REGISTRATION ACTIVITIES. I’VE JUST HANDED TN MY FORM TO REGISTER CHANGE OF ADDRESS. AS YOU KNOW I RECENTLY MOVED INTO VICTORIA HOUSE BUT I’VE NOT YET NOTIFIED THE REGISTRATION OFFICE OF THE CHANGE OF ADDRESS. SO, AS A DUTIFUL CITIZEN, I’VE NOW DONE WHAT I AM REQUIRED TO DO.
BEFORE 1 TAKE QUESTIONS, I WANT TO SAY A FEW WORDS ABOUT THE HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUE WHICH IS MUCH IN THE NEWS. FIRST OF ALL, THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS DISCUSSED A NUMBER OF HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES BUT NO DECISION HAS YET BEEN TAKEN OTHER THAN IN THE CONTEXT OF CEDAW. THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS WILL BE HAVING A PRESS CONFERENCE TOMORROW AT WHICH HE WILL ANNOUNCE THE WAY FORWARD ON THE QUESTION OF EQUALITY FOR THE SEXES. SO, I WOULD ASK YOU TO DIRECT WHATEVER QUESTIONS YOU HAVE ON THAT FRONT TO HIM TOMORROW.
NOW, IT IS NO SURPRISE THAT I HAVE A MEETING WITH INDIVIDUAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS TO DISCUSS VARIOUS ISSUES OF CONCERN TO THEM. 1 MEET WITH THEM REGULARLY AND AS YOU ALSO KNOW, THERE ARE A NUMBER OF PRIVATE MEMBERS’ BILLS ON HUMAN RIGHTS, ON EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES, ON ACCESS TO INFORMATION. SO, THIS IS A NORMAL PART OF MY WORK.
IN HONG KONG, YOU KNOW THAT THE ADMINISTRATION IS FULLY COMMITTED TO PROTECTING HUMAN RIGHTS. WE ALREADY, OUR COMMUNITY ALREADY ENJOYS A GREAT DEAL OF FREEDOMS. WE HAVE FREEDOM OF THE PRESS. WE HAVE FREEDOM OF WORSHIP, FREEDOM TO CRITICISE THE GOVERNMENT. AND, WE WILL CONTINUE TO DO WHAT WE CAN TO SAFEGUARD HUMAN RIGHTS AND THE VARIOUS FREEDOMS THAT OUR COMMUNITY OBVIOUSLY TREASURES. THE FUNDAMENTAL UNDERPINNING OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN HONG KONG IS, OF COURSE, A FACT THAT WE HAVE AN INDEPENDENT JUDICIARY AND WE HAVE A HUMAN RIGHTS ORDINANCE AND WE WILL DO EVERYTHING WE POSSIBLY CAN TO SAFEGUARD THOSE INSTITUTIONS AND, INDEED, TO STRENGTHEN THEM, WHAT WE WANT TO DO IN THE COMING WEEKS AND MONTHS IS TO GIVE CAREFUL CONSIDERATION TO THE NEXT STEPS THAT WE SHOULD TAKE TO STRENGTHEN HUMAN RIGHTS. WE WANT TO ADOPT PRACTICAL MEASURES THAT WILL, ON THE ONE SIDE, SAFEGUARD THESE RIGHTS AND WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY OF CONTINUING BOTH NOW AND AFTER 1997. IN OTHER WORDS, WE WANT MEASURES THAT ARE DURABLE THAT THE COMMUNITY WILL SUPPORT. WE WILL SHORTLY, I HOPE, BE ABLE TO SAY-SOMETHING, MAYBE IN A FEW WEEKS’ TIME, ON THE WHOLE QUESTION OF WHAT WE SHOULD BE DOING FURTHER TO IMPROVE THE TRANSPARENCY OF THE GOVERNMENT, ITS ADMINISTRATION, THE WAY IT MAKES ITS POLICY DECISIONS AND THE WAY IT FORMULATES ITS POLICY. WE ARE, OF COURSE, COMMITTED TO GIVING AN ANSWER TO THE RECOMMENDATIONS CONTAINED IN THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE REPORT AND AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL. WE WILL, OF COURSE, RESPOND BY THE STIPULATED TIME WHICH IS END OF JUNE.
/LET ME .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 1994
- 2 -
LET ME JUST STRESS ONCE AGAIN, WE ARE FULLY COMMITTED TO PROTECTING HUMAN RIGHTS. WE WILL BE TAKING FURTHER MEASURES. THESE MEASURES WILL BE WHAT WE BELIEVE TO BE PRACTICAL, DURABLE MEASURES THAT THE COMMUNITY WILL SUPPORT. J WILL NOW TAKE QUESTIONS.
QUESTION: DOES DURABLE AND PRACTICAL MEAN NO HUMAN RIGHT COMMISSIONS, NO ACCESS TO INFORMATION BILLS? 1 DON’T THINK THAT CHINA.........
CS’ I DON’T THINK YOU SHOULD BE ANTICIPATING OUR ANNOUNCEMENT. WE WILL BE’MAKING A RESPONSE IN REPLY TO THE RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE FAC REPORT BY THE END OF JUNE.
------0-------
GOVT COMMITTED TO PROTECTING HUMAN RIGHTS *****
THE GOVERNMENT IS FULLY COMMITTED TO PROTECTING HUMAN RIGHTS AND WILL BE TAKING FURTHER MEASURES WHICH ARE BELIEVED TO BE PRACTICAL AND DURABLE AND WHICH THE COMMUNITY WILL SUPPORT, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER VISITING A VOTER REGISTRATION ACTIVITY AT NEW TOWN PLAZA IN SHA TIN, MRS CHAN SAID THE COMMUNITY ALREADY ENJOYED A GREAT DEAL OF FREEDOMS INCLUDING FREEDOM OF THE PRESS, FREEDOM OF WORSHIP, AND THE FREEDOM TO CRITICISE THE GOVERNMENT.
"WE WILL CONTINUE TO DO WHAT WE CAN TO SAFEGUARD HUMAN RIGHTS AND THE VARIOUS FREEDOMS THAT OUR COMMUNITY OBVIOUSLY TREASURES," MRS CHAN SAID.
"THE FUNDAMENTAL UNDERPINNING OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN HONG KONG IS, OF COURSE, A FACT THAI WE HAVE AN INDEPENDENT JUDICIARY AND WE HAVE A HUMAN RIGHTS ORDINANCE AND WE WILL DO EVERYTHING WE POSSIBLY CAN TO SAFEGUARD THOSE INSTITUTIONS AND, INDEED, TO STRENGTHEN THEM."
THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID WHAT THE GOVERNMENT WANTED TO DO IN THE COMING WEEKS AND MONTHS WAS TO GIVE CAREFUL CONSIDERATION TO THE NEXT STEPS THAT SHOULD BE TAKEN TO STRENGTHEN HUMAN RIGHTS.
"WE WANT TO ADOPT PRACTICAL MEASURES THAT WILL, ON THE ONE SIDE, SAFEGUARD THESE RIGHTS AND WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY OF CONTINUING BOTH NOW AND AFTER 1997," MRS CHAN SAID.
"WE WILL SHORTLY BE ABLE TO SAY SOMETHING, MAYBE IN A FEW WEEKS’ TIME, ON THE WHOLE QUESTION OF WHAT WE SHOULD BE DOING FURTHER TO IMPROVE THE TRANSPARENCY OF THE GOVERNMENT, ITS ADMINISTRATION, THE WAY IT MAKES ITS POLICY DECISIONS AND THE WAY IT FORMULATES ITS POLICY.0
MRS CHAN ADDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS COMMITTED TO GIVING AN ANSWER TO THE RECOMMENDATIONS CONTAINED IN THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE REPORT AND AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL BY THE END OF JUNE.
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/3 .........
THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 1994
3
BETTER CONTROL ON WASTE WATER DISCHARGE * ♦ ♦„, ♦ *
THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL HAS APPROVED THAT REGULATIONS SHOULD BE MADE UNDER THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE FOR MORE EFFECTIVE CONTROL OF WATER POLLUTION IN HONG KONG.
NEW SEWERAGE FACILITIES \RE BEING PROVIDED IN VARIOUS PARTS OF THE TERRITORY, INCLUDING TOLO AND PORT SHELTER.
TO FACILITATE THE OPTIMUM USE OF THE NEW SEWERAGE FACILITIES, THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL (SEWERAGE) REGULATION WILL BE MADE TO GIVE THE AUTHORITY THE POWER TO REQUIRE A PROPERTY OWNER TO CONVEY HIS WASTEWATER TO A TERMINAL MANHOLE WITHIN THE TIME SPECIFIED IN A NOTICE.
THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE WORKS AND THE COSTS INVOLVED FOR CONNECTING UP THE MANHOLE TO THE NEW PUBLIC SEWERAGE, AND A PROPERTY OWNER IS REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN THE PART OF THE SEWERAGE HE HAS PROVIDED.
I’HE AUTHORITY MAY ALSO REQUIRE A PROPERTY OWNER TO FILL IN OR DEMOLISH ANY WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITIES WHICH HAVE BECOME REDUNDANT AS A RESULT OF THE CONNECTION ARRANGEMENTS.
IF THE WORKS ARE NOT COMPLETED WITHIN THE TIME SPECIFIED, THE AUTHORITY MAY CARRY OUT THE WORKS AND RECOVER THE COST FROM THE PROPERTY OWNER.
THE REGULATION WILL ALSO EMPOWER THE AUTHORITY TO REQUIRE AN OWNER OF A PRIVATE WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY LOCATED WITHIN A WATER CONTROL ZONE TO UNDERTAKE CONSTRUCTION OR REPAIR WORK OR CARRY OUT OPERATIONS WITHIN THE TIME SPECIFIED IN A NOTICE TO ENSURE THE PROPER OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF A PRIVATE SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS.
THE. MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR NOT (‘(IMPLYING WITH A REQUIREMENT FOR CONNECTION TO A PUBLIC SEWERAGE, MAINTENANCE OF SEWERAGE WORKS OR DEMOLITION OF REDUNDANT WASTEWATER TREATMENT WILL BE A FINE OF $100,000, AND A DAILY FINE OF $5,000 FOR A CONTINUING OFFENCE.
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH A REQUIREMENT TO OPERATE AND MAINTAIN A PRIVATE WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY IN A WATER CONTROL ZONE IS, PROPOSED TO BE A SEPARATE OFFENCE SUBJECT TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF ; $200,000, AND A DAILY FINE OF $10,000 FOR A CONTINUING OFFENCE.
MINOR AMENDMENTS ARE ALSO PROPOSED TO THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL (GENERAL) REGULA PIONS TO ENABLE THE DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (DEP) TO IMPROVE THE ENFORCEMENT EFFECTIVENESS OF THE DEP.
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/4 ........
THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 1994
EXCO ENDORSES BEC’S PROPOSALS ON MC CONSTITUENCIES *****
THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL HAS ACCEPTED THE RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION (BEC) ON THE DELINEATION AND THE NAMES OF MUNICIPAL COUNCIL CONSTITUENCIES FOR THE MARCH 1995 ELECTIONS.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (THURSDAY), A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE BEC HAD AGAIN DONE AN EXCEPTIONALLY GOOD JOB AND HAD TAKEN ON BOARD COMMENTS RECEIVED DURING PUBLIC CONSULTATION.
’’GIVEN THE STATUTORY CRITERIA WHICH LIMIT THE FLEXIBILITY OF THE BEC IN REVISING ITS PROVISIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS, IT HAS STRUCK A FAIR BALANCE BETWEEN THE PRINCIPLE OF EQUAL SUFFRAGE AND THE PRESERVATION OF COMMUNITY TIES AND DISTRICT IDENTITIES," HE ADDED.
IN MAKING ITS PROPOSALS, THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED, THE BEC HAD TO FOLLOW THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION ORDINANCE WHICH STIPULATED THAT THE NUMBER OF MUNICIPAL COUNCIL CONSTITUENCIES SHOULD BE EQUAL TO THE NUMBER OF MEMBERS TO BE ELECTED TO THE RESPECTIVE COUNCILS.
’’THAT IS, 32 CONSTITUENCIES FOR THE URBAN COUNCIL AND 27 FOR THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AS SPECIFIED IN THE RELEVANT ORDINANCES.” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
’’FOLLOWING THIS CRITERION, THE BEC HAS SET THE POPULATION QUOTAS FOR EACH OF THE URBAN COUNCIL CONSTITUENCIES AND EACH OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL CONSTITUENCIES AT 99,899 AND 103,564 RESPECTIVELY,” HE ADDED.
FOUR ORDERS, PREPARED ON THE BASIS OF THE BEC’S RECOMMENDATIONS, WILL BE GAZETTED TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AND TABLED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JUNE 8.
THEY ARE: THE DECLARATION OF URBAN COUNCIL AREA ORDER 1994 UNDER THE URBAN COUNCIL ORDINANCE; THE DECLARATION OF REGIONAL COUNCIL AREA ORDER 1994 UNDER THE REGIONAL COUNCIL ORDINANCE; AND THE DECLARATION OF CONSTITUENCIES (URBAN COUNCIL AREA) ORDER 1994 AND THE DECLARATION OF CONSTITUENCIES <REGIONAL COUNCIL AREA) ORDER 1994 UNDER THE ELECTORAL PROVISIONS ORDINANCE.
TWO AMENDMENT ORDERS: THE DECLARATION OF CONSTITUENCIES (DISTRICTS) (AMENDMENT) ORDER 1994 AND THE DECLARATION OF DISTRICTS (AMENDMENT) ORDER 1994 WILL ALSO BE GAZETTED ON THE SAME DAY TO CORRECT A MINOR DISCREPANCY FOUND IN A PORTION OF THE COMMON DISTRICT BOUNDARY BETWEEN WONG TAI SIN AND SAI KUNG AS DELINEATED ON THE RELEVANT DISTRICT BOARD MAPS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID NO POPULATION WOULD BE AFFECTED BY THIS RECTIFICATION.
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/5 ........
THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 1994
- 5 -
SUFFICIENT LAND PROVIDED TO MEET HOUSING NEED *****
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS BRANCH SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD GIVEN SUFFICIENT LAND TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY AND THE HOUSING SOCIETY TO BUILD 430,000 PUBLIC HOUSING FLATS BETWEEN 1991 AND 2001 TO MEET FULLY THE ASSESSED REQUIREMENTS OF 420,000 FLATS UNDER THE LONG-TERM HOUSING STRATEGY (LTHS).
THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HAS SUFFICIENT LAND TO BUILD 290,000 FLATS FROM NOW TO 2001, THE NECESSARY INFRASTRUCTURE WILL BE IN PLACE WHEN THE FLATS ARE COMPLETED.
WITH VERY FEW EXCEPTIONS, ALL SITES ALLOCATED TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY ARE FORMED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
ONLY IN EXCEPTIONAL CASES WILL THE GOVERNMENT INVITE THE HOUSING AUTHORITY TO UNDERTAKE SITE FORMATION WORKS IN ORDER THAT A SITE WILL BECOME AVAILABLE TO MATCH THE AUTHORITY’S BUILDING PROGRAMME.
IN THOSE EXCEPTIONAL CASES, PRIOR AGREEMENT OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY IS ALWAYS SOUGHT.
PUBLIC HOUSING DEMAND UNDER THE LTHS IS REVIEWED ANNUALLY. WHILE THE GOVERNMENT IS COMMITTED TO MAKING LAND AVAILABLE TO MEET ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS ARISING FROM THESE REVIEWS, DUE REGARD MUST BE GIVEN TO PRACTICAL PROBLEMS AND LEAD TIMES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE QUESTION OF ADDITIONAL LAND FOR HOUSING IS BEING ADDRESSED BY THE TASK FORCE ON LAND SUPPLY AND PROPERTY PRICE AND EVERY EFFORT IS BEING MADE TO IDENTIFY ADDITIONAL SITES FOR PUBLIC HOUSING.
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CS NOTIFIES ELECTORAL OFFICE OF ADDRESS CHANGE *****
DURING A VISIT TO SHA TIN TODAY (THURSDAY), CHIEF SECRETARY MRS ANSON CHAN TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO NOTIFY HER CHANGE OF ADDRESS WHEN SHE VISITED A VOTER REGISTRATION COUNTER AT THE NEW TOWN PLAZA.
HER FORM WAS RECEIVED BY THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR DAVID BROWNING.
EARLIER, MRS CHAN VISITED THE DISTRICT OFFICE WHERE SHE WAS BRIEFED BY MR BROWNING ON THE RESPONSE TO THE CURRENT ELECTORAL CAMPAIGN IN THE DISTRICT.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY WAS TOLD THAT A TOTAL OF 40,000 COMPLETED VOTER REGISTRATION FORMS HAD SO FAR BEEN RECEIVED AND COLLECTED FROM SHA TIN RESIDENTS.
/STAFF MEMBERS .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 1994
6
STAFF MEMBERS OF THE OFFICE AND TEMPORARY COMMUNITY ORGANISERS WILL CONTINUE TO ENCOURAGE AND ASSIST PASSERS-BY TO REGISTER AS VOTERS IN VARIOUS STRATEGIC LOCATIONS INCLUDING RAILWAY STATIONS, BUS TERMINUSES, SHOPPING ARCADES AND RESTAURANTS.
MRS CHAN WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE DISTRICT'S VOTER REGISTRATION TEAMS HAD SO FAR VISITED 140,000 HOUSEHOLDS. THEY WILL CONTINUE TO KNOCK ON DOORS UNTIL LATE JUNE.
IN MA ON SHAN, SHE ALSO MET KEY MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE WHERE SHE WAS BRIEFED ON THE DISTRICT'S LATEST DEVELOPMENTS.
EARLIER, THE CHIEF SECRETARY VISITED THE PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL.
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SHA MAKES SPECIAL APPEAL TO YOUNG PEOPLE rrO VOTE
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, TODAY (THURSDAY) MADE A SPECIAL APPEAL TO YOUNG PEOPLE TO REGISTER AS VOTERS AND TO EXERCISE THE POWER THAT HAS BEEN GIVEN TO THEM FOR THE FIRST TIME.
"SO FAR, THE RESPONSE FROM OUR YOUNG PEOPLE HAS BEEN VERY ENCOURAGING," HE SAID.
SPEAKING AT A PO LEUNG KUK LUNCHEON MEETING, MR SUEN POINTED OUT THAT SOME 16 PER CENT OF THOSE WHO REGISTERED FOR THE FIRST TIME WERE IN THE 18-20 AGE BRACKET.
"BUT WE STILL NEED MORE PEOPLE TO COME FORWARD," HF STRESSED.
ON THE CURRENT PUBLICITY DRIVE ON VOTER REGISTRATION, MR SUEN SAID THE DISTRICT OFFICES WERE WORKING FLAT OUT IN SUPPORT 01- THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE'S EFFORT TO PROMOTE THE MESSAGE.
"WE HAVE KNOCKED ON MORE THAN 1,000,000 DOORS UP TO NOW AND EXPECT TO KNOCK ON MANY MORE BEFORE OUR CAMPAIGN ENDS ON JULY 1," HE SAID.
AS TO THE FEASIBILITY OF DEVISING AN AUTOMATIC VOTER REGISTRATION SYSTEM, MR SUEN SAID THIS HAD ALREADY BEEN EXAMINED IN THE PAST.
HE SAID: "SO FAR, OUR MAIN DIFFICULTY STEMS FROM OUR DISTRICT-BASED VOTING SYSTEM AND THE NEED TO ASCERTAIN THE ADDRESS OF THE VOTERS IN ORDER THAT THEY WOULD BE CASTING THEIR VOTES IN THE APPROPRIATE GEOGRAPHICAL ELECTIONS."
OWING TO THE HIGH POPULATION MOBILITY IN HONG KONG AND THE LACK OF ANY EFFECTIVE MEANS TO KEEP TRACK OF ITS MOVEMENT, HE SAID, IT WOULD BE AN EQUALLY COSTLY, LABOUR-INTENSIVE AND TIME-CONSUMING EXERCISE TO COMPILE A REGISTER OF UP-TO-DATE ADDRESSES OF ALL ELIGIBLE VOTERS.
/TN THTS .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 1994
IN THIS CONNECTION, HE BELIEVED THAT VOTER REGISTRATION CAMPAIGNS WERE NECESSARY FOR THE MOMENT.
NEVERTHELESS, HE GAVE HIS ASSURANCE THAT THE GOVERNMENT GIVE THIS MATTER FURTHER EXAMINATION, WELL IN ADVANCE OF THE NEXT VOTER REGISTRATION EXERCISE.
IN CONCLUSION, MR SUEN REITERATED THAT VOTER REGISTRATION WAS A COMMUNITY EFFORT WHICH NEEDED THE COMMUNITY’S SUPPORT TO MAKE IT A SUCCESS.
HE CALLED ON EVERYONE IN THE COMMUNITY TO EXERCISE THEIR RIGHT AND GET REGISTERED TODAY.
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ANNUAL SURVEYS BY INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT « » * * *
THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT IS CONDUCTING THREE ANNUAL SURVEYS TO COLLECT INFORMATION ON HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING ENVIRONMENT, EXTERNAL INVESTMENT IN LOCAL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES AND REGIONAL REPRESENTATION BY OVERSEAS COMPANIES IN THE TERRITORY.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY MISS WONG MEI-LIN SAID THE SURVEY OF HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING ENVIRONMENT AIMED AT COLLECTInG MANUFACTURERS’ VIEWS ON HONG KONG’S INVESTMENT ENVIRONMENT AND HOW THEY SAW THEIR BUSINESS PROSPECTS.
IT WOULD COVER 2,500 RANDOM SAMPLED ESTABLISHMENTS IN 14 SELECTED INDUSTRIES, INCLUDING CLOTHING, ELECTRONICS, TEXTILES, WATCHES AND CLOCKS, PRINTING, PLASTICS AND METAL PRODUCTS, SHE SAID.
TARGETING AT SOME 1,800 MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS CONTAINING EXTERNAL INVESTMENT, THE SURVEY ON EXTERNAL INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES AIMS AT ASCERTAINING THE STATE OF EXTERNAL INVESTMENT IN LOCAL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.
"INFORMATION ON THE VALUE OF INVESTMENT, THE SOURCE COUNTRIES FOR THE INVESTMENT AND ITS DISTRIBUTION AMONG THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES WILL BE COLLECTED," MISS WONG SAID.
SHE SAID THE THIRD SURVEY WAS CONCERNED WITH IDENTIFYING THE NUMBER OF REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS AND REGIONAL OFFICES ESTABLISHED BY OVERSEAS COMPANIES IN HONG KONG AND SEEKING THE COMPANIES’ VIEWS ON THE PROS AND CONS OF HONG KONG AS A REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS OR REGIONAL OFFICE.
THE SURVEY OF REGIONAL REPRESENTATION BY OVERSEAS COMPANIES IN HONG KONG WOULD COVER ALL OVERSEAS COMPANIES KNOWN TO BE OPERATING IN HONG KONG, WHICH WERE ABOUT 7,000, SHE NOTED.
QUESTIONNAIRES OF THE THREE SURVEYS HAVE BEEN SENT TO SELECTED MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS AND COMPANIES IN LATE MAY.
/WHERE NECESSARY, ........
THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 1994
8
WHERE NECESSARY, SUMMER STUDENTS EMPLOYED BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT AND OFFICERS OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT WOULD VISIT THE ESTABLISHMENTS TO ASSIST THEM IN COMPLETING THE QUESTIONNAIRES.
SINCE THE INFORMATION TO BE COLLECTED FROM THE SURVEYS WOULD BE USEFUL TO THE GOVERNMENT AND THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY IN EVALUATING THE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT ENVIRONMENT OF HONG KONG, MISS WONG URGED THOSE ESTABLISHMENTS COVERED IN THE SURVEYS TO CO-OPERATE BY COMPLETING THE QUESTIONNAIRES.
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S FOR W CALLS FOR GREATER EFFORT ON SITE SAFETY
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE, TODAY (THURSDAY) CALLED FOR A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND ALL THOSE INVOLVED IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TO IMPROVE SITE SAFETY.
SPEAKING AT THE LAUNCHING CEREMONY OF THE 1994 AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME (ACP) CONSTRUCTION SAFETY AWARD SCHEME, MR BLAKE SAID:
"WE ARE SEEING POSITIVE RESULTS, NOT ONLY ON ACP SITES, BUT ALSO ON OTHER SITES BOTH GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE SECTOR SITES.
"LET ME SAY AGAIN THAT IT IS CONTRACTORS WHO ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR SAFETY ON THEIR SITES, AND AS THIS AWARD SCHEME HAS ALREADY DEMONSTRATED, RESPONSIBLE CONTRACTORS ARE SUCCESSFULLY MOVING TOWARDS THEIR SAFETY OBLIGATIONS.
"THE GOVERNMENT’S JOB IS TO PROVIDE THE OVERALL ENVIRONMENT AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK TO PROMOTE SAFETY AT WORK AND THAT WE DO.
"IT IS ALSO THE GOVERNMENT’S JOB, WHERE IT IS THE CLIENT, TO TAKE DIRECT STEPS TO ENFORCE SAFETY STANDARDS ON ITS OWN SITES - AND THAT WE ALSO DO.
"PLANNERS AND DESIGNERS MUST ALSO TAKE SUCH RESPONSIBILITY AS IS WITHIN THEIR SPECIALIST AREAS OF CONTROL, AND I HAVE SEEN NOTHING TO SUGGEST THAT THEY ARE NOT DOING SO.
"WHAT WE NEED, AND WHAT WE ARE PROMOTING WITH THIS AWARD SCHEME, IS A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND INDUSTRY TO IMPROVE OUR SAFETY RECORD," MR BLAKE SAID.
TURNING TO SAFETY RECORDS ON ACP SITES, MR BLAKE SAID THE STRINGENT SAFETY MEASURES SET FOR AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME SITES WERE PRODUCING RESULTS WITH THE ACCIDENT RATE FALLING SINCE MID-1993.
BUT EVEN MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE.
"RECENT FATAL ACCIDENTS HAVE SHOWN YET AGAIN THAT WE CANNOT RELAX OUR VIGILANCE FOR EVEN ONE MOMENT," HE SAID.
/MR BLAKE .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 1994
- 9 -
MR BLAKE SAID THE OVERALL ACP ACCIDENT RATE HAD SHOWN A SIGNIFICANT DOWNWARD TREND SINCE MID-1993.
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDING APRIL 30 THIS YEAR, THE RATE WAS DOWN TO 86 ACCIDENTS PER THOUSAND WORKERS PER YEAR, HE SAID.
MR BLAKE ATTRIBUTED THE FALL TO THE ACP SAFETY MEASURES INTRODUCED SINCE 1992 WHICH HE SAID WERE PRODUCING POSITIVE RESULTS.
THE NON-FATAL ACCIDENT RATE AND FATAL ACCIDENT RATE FROM COMMENCEMENT OF ACP CONTRACTS, UP TO THE END OF APRIL 1994, WAS 96 PER THOUSAND WORKERS PER YEAR AND 0.9 PER THOUSAND WORKERS PER YEAR RESPECTIVELY.
THESE RATES WERE MUCH LOWER THAN THE CORRESPONDING RATES DURING 1993 FOR THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AS A WHOLE OF 295 AND 1.4.
DESPITE THE IMPROVING TREND, THE ACP ACCIDENT RATES WERE STILL NOT GOOD ENOUGH AND MORE MUST BE DONE, SAID MR BLAKE.
"THEY ARE STILL HIGHER THAN THE ACP SAFETY TARGETS, WHICH SOME ACP CONTRACTORS HAVE SHOWN ARE ACHIEVABLE IF GIVEN ADEQUATE PRIORITY AND EFFORT.
"IT IS CLEAR THAT THESE VERY STRINGENT TARGETS WILL ONLY BE ACHIEVED BY THE ACP AS A WHOLE IF EVERYBODY INVOLVED INCREASES THEIR SAFETY ENDEAVOUR STILL MORE.
"WORKERS, CONTRACTORS, CONSULTANTS AND GOVERNMENT STAFF ALIKE MUST ALL PLAY AN ACTIVE ROLE AND STRIVE HARDER TOWARDS OUR TARGETS," HE SAID.
IN ADDITION TO THE MEASURES INTRODUCED SINCE 1992, THE GOVERNMENT HAD MADE FURTHER EFFORTS TO BRING ABOUT A BETTER SAFETY CULTURE.
THESE INCLUDED THE FOLLOWING:
» THE PRODUCTION OF POCKET-SIZED SAFETY HINT CARDS FOR DISTRIBUTION TO WORKERS AND SUPERVISORY STAFF;
» THE MARINE DEPARTMENT ARE HOLDING TALKS TO EDUCATE WORKERS AND SUPERVISORY STAFF ON SAFETY ON BOARD MARINE VESSELS;
» THE APPOINTMENT OF CONSULTANTS TO PROVIDE SAFETY TRAINING TO GOVERNMENT’S MANAGEMENT AND SITE SUPERVISORY STAFF TO UPGRADE THEIR KNOWLEDGE ON CONSTRUCTION SAFETY AND;
» THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAD STRENGTHENED ITS SPECIAL TEAM TASKED WITH CONSTRUCTION SAFETY FOR ACP PROJECTS.
LOOKING AHEAD, HE SAID MORE STRINGENT REGULATORY ACTION WAS BEING FINALISED AGAINST CONTRACTORS WHO VIOLATED SAFETY REQUIREMENTS OR HAVE HIGH ACCIDENT RATES.
AND SAFETY UNITS WERE BEING SET UP IN WORKS DEPARTMENTS TO PROVIDE SAFETY ADVICE AND TO CARRY OUT SAFETY AUDIT OF WORKS IN PROGRESS.
/THE ACP .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 1994
- 10 -
THE ACP CONSTRUCTION SAFETY AWARD SCHEME, INTRODUCED LAST YEAR, IS ORGANISED ANNUALLY BY THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS CO-ORDINATION OFFICE TO PROMOTE CONSTRUCTION SAFETY IN THE ACP WORKS SITES AND TO REDUCE ACCIDENTS.
THE SCHEME CONSISTS OF TWO AWARDS: THE SAFETY MANAGEMENT AWARD AND THE SAFETY RECORD AWARD. THE FORMER WILL BE PRESENTED TO THOSE SITES WITH A HIGH QUALITY OF SAFETY MANAGEMENT AND WITH GOOD SAFETY RECORDS, WHILE THE LATTER WILL ONLY TAKE INTO ACCOUNT SAFETY RECORDS OF THE SITES.
THESE AWARDS WILL BE PRESENTED IN EARLY 1995. PRIZES FOR THE CONTRACTORS AND WORKERS OF THE WINNING ACP SITES WILL INCLUDE TROPHIES, CERTIFICATES, BANNERS, ROAST PIGS, T-SHIRTS AND BALL PENS.
AMONG THE OFFICIATING GUESTS AT TODAY’S CEREMONY WERE LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS MR PANG CHUN-HOI, MR TAM YIU-CHUNG, MR EDWARD HO, DR LEONG CHE-HUNG, MR LAU CHIN-SHEK AND DR SAMUEL WONG, AND THE PROJECT MANAGER OF THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS CO-ORDINATION OFFICE, MR BERNARD LAM.
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NEW DIRECTOR OF HEALTH NAMED
* * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT DR CHAN FUNG FU-CHUN WILL SUCCEED DR LEE SHIU-HUNG AS DIRECTOR OF HEALTH FROM NEXT MONDAY (JUNE 6).
DR LEE WILL PROCEED ON RETIREMENT LEAVE ON THAT DAY AFTER SERVING THE CIVIL SERVICE FOR 34 YEARS.
FOLLOWING ARE THE BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES OF THE TWO OFFICERS:
DR LEE SHIU-HUNG, ISO, JP
DR LEE, AGED 60, JOINED THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE IN APRIL 1960 AS A MEDICAL AND HEALTH OFFICER IN THE THEN MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT. HE WAS PROMOTED TO ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES IN MAY 1973 AND TO DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES IN JANUARY 1977.
UPON THE REORGANISATION OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT INTO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND THE HOSPITAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, DR LEE WAS APPOINTED THE FIRST DIRECTOR OF HEALTH IN APRIL 1989. ON HIS RETIREMENT, HE WILL HAVE COMPLETED 34 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT.
DR CHAN FUNG FU-CHUN
DR CHAN, AGED 46, JOINED THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE AS A MEDICAL AND HEALTH OFFICER IN DECEMBER 1978. SHE WAS PROMOTED TO ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF HEALTH IN NOVEMBER 1989 AND TO DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF HEALTH IN APRIL 1992.
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/Il ......
THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 1994
11
HK FAVOURED FOR FOREIGN INVESTMENT
*****
HONG KONG HAS BEEN AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE A FAVOURED PLACE FOR FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT, THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MISS DENISE YUE, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT AN INVESTMENT PROMOTION SEMINAR IN YOKOHAMA, JAPAN, MISS YUE SAID FIGURES RELEASED BY THE JAPANESE MINISTRY OF FINANCE SHOWED THAT TOTAL INVESTMENT FROM JAPAN AMOUNTED TO OVER US$12 BILLION UP TO 1993, ACCOUNTING FOR ABOUT ONE-FIFTH OF TOTAL JAPANESE INVESTMENT IN ASIA.
INVESTMENT BY THE UNITED STATES IN HONG KONG AMOUNTED TO US$8.5 BILLION BY THE END OF 1992 WHILE THAT FROM CHINA WAS ESTIMATED TO BE SOME US$20 BILLION, A RISE OF 100 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH THE POSITION IN 1989, MISS YUE NOTED.
SHE SAID THE STRATEGIC POSITION OF HONG KONG IN EAST ASIA WAS ONE OF THE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS FOR THE HIGH LEVEL OF FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN THE TERRITORY.
SITUATED ON THE DOORSTEP TO CHINA AND WITH YEARS OF EXPERIENCE OF DOING BUSINESS WITH CHINA, HONG KONG WAS THE IDEAL LOCATION TO ENGAGE IN ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES WITH CHINA, SHE SAID.
"HONG KONG IS ALSO A MAJOR CENTRE FOR AIR AND SEA TRANSPORTATION, AND HAS MODREN AND EFFICIENT FACILITIES TO HANDLE CONTAINERS, CARGO AND THE FLOW OF PEOPLE.
"AT PRESENT, A NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT IS BEING BUILT, AND THE HONG KONG CONTAINER PORT, WHICH HANDLES THE MO8T CARGO IN THE WORLD, IS CONTINUALLY EXPANDING TO MEET RISING DEMAND," MISS YUE SAID.
"OF COURSE, THE FACTS THAT HONG KONG IS AN IMPORTANT CENTRE OF INTERNATIONAL FINANCE AND COMMUNICATION, AND POSSESSES A HIGHLY EDUCATED, ADAPTABLE, TRAINABLE AND PRODUCTIVE WORKFORCE ARE NO SMALL CONTRIBUTORS," SHE ADDED.
MISS YUE NOTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT ALSO PROVIDED MAXIMUM SUPPORT FOR THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG.
THEY INCLUDE:
» GENEROUS TAX DEDUCTION ALLOWANCES FOR BUILDINGS, PLANT AND MACHINERY;
* LAND IN SPECIAL INDUSTRIAL ESTATES ON CONCESSIONARY TERMS FOR HIGH-TECH INDUSTRIES WHICH CANNOT OPERATE IN MULTI-STOREY FACTORY BUILDINGS;
* LEASED ACCOMMODATION IN INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY CENTRE FOR TECHNOLOGY-BASED COMPANIES;
* GRANTS TO EMPLOYERS FOR THE TRAINING OF THEIR EMPLOYEES TO UPGRADE AND IMPROVE THEIR SKILLS AND TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE;
/★ FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE ........
THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 1994
- 12 -
* FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR APPLIED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS;
* A WHOLE RANGE OF PUBLICLY-FUNDED ORGANISATIONS WHICH PROVIDE SUPPORT SERVICES TO MANUFACTURERS; AND
t PROTECTION OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS WHICH IS SO IMPORTANT FOR TECHNOLOGY-BASED INDUSTRIES.
SHE. POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG FURTHER PROMOTED AND PROTECTED UNRESTRICTED FOREIGN INVESTMENT FLOWS THROUGH A SERIES OF BILATERAL AGREEMENTS. «•
"THESE AGREEMENTS PROVIDE THAT EACH CONTRACTING PARTY SHALL ENCOURAGE AND CREATE FAVOURABLE CONDITIONS FOR INVESTORS OF THE OTHER, SHALL ACCORD INVESTMENT FROM THE OTHER PARTY TREATMENT NO LESS FAVOURABLE THAN THAT GIVEN TO LOCAL INVESTORS OR INVESTORS FROM COUNTRIES NOT SUBJECT TO AGREEMENT, AND SHALL ALLOW THE FREE TRANSFER OF INVESTMENT AND RETURNS EARNED ON THEM BACK TO THE TERRITORY OF THE OTHER PARTY.
"THEY ALSO PROVIDE AN ARBITRATION MECHANISM FOR THE SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES AND BAR EXPROPRIATION OF INVESTMENT EXCEPT WITH FULL COMPENSATION UNDER CERTAIN SPECIFIED CIRCUMSTANCES," MISS YUE SAID.
"SO FAR HONG KONG HAS SIGNED SUCH AGREEMENTS WITH FOUR COUNTRIES, AND IS AT VARIOUS STAGES OF NEGOTIATING OR ENDORSING NINE MORE, INCLUDING JAPAN," SHE ADDED.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE SEMINAR, NEC TECHNOLOGIES HONG KONG LIMITED MANAGING DIRECTOR MR YASUHIRO IRIE SAID HONG KONG WAS CHOSEN AS ITS PRODUCTION BASE BECAUSE IT WAS IN THE GEOGRAPHICAL CENTRE OF ASIA AND A BRIDGE TO CHINA.
OTHER REASONS INCLUDED HONG KONG’S TECHNICAL EXPERTISE AND MANAGEMENT SKILLS, QUICK INFORMATION FLOW, LOW TAX RATE, FREE PORT, EFFICIENT INFRASTRUCTURE AND THE BUSINESS ACUMEN OF LOCAL PEOPLE.
LANTAU TRAIL ALL CLEAR NOW
» » » » t
COUNTRY PARK VISITORS AND HIKERS ARE NOW ABLE TO WALK THROUGH THE ENTIRE LANTAU TRAIL WITHOUT OBSTRUCTIONS FOLLOWING THE RECENT COMPLETION OF DIVERSION WORKS TO THREE OF ITS STAGES.
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT’S COUNTRY PARKS MANAGEMENT OFFICER (ISLANDS), MR CHAN TAT-WAI, SAID THAT STAGES 4 (NGONG PING), 10 (TONG FUK) AND 11 (CHEUNG SHA) HAD BEEN BLOCKED SINCE LAST NOVEMBER FOLLOWING A RAINSTORM.
MR CHAN SAID: "THE NGONG PING STAGE HAS NOW BERN DIVERTED TO NGONG PING ROAD, WHILE THE TONG FUK AND CHEUNG SHA STAGES TO SOUTH LANTAU ROAD.
/"THE DIVERSIONS .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 1994
- 13 -
’’THE DIVERSIONS ARE NECESSARY TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF VISITORS,” HE SAID, ADDING THAT ADEQUATE SIGNS HAD BEEN SET UP AT APPROPRIATE LOCATIONS TO DIRECT HIKERS.
HE ALSO NOTED THAT THE ORIGINAL ROUTES OF THESE THREE STAGES MAY BE CONSIDERED FOR RE-OPENING AFTER FURTHER SOIL STABILISATION AND COMPLETION FOR REPAIRING WORKS BY THE THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT.
THE LANTAU TRAIL IS A CIRCULAR ROUTE OF ABOUT 70 KILOMETRES RUNNING THROUGH THE FINEST SCENERY OF THE LANTAU COUNTRY PARK. IT HAS 12 SECTIONS WITH STARTING AND FINISHING POINTS AT MUI WO.
MR CHAN REMINDED HILL WALKERS TO OBSERVE THE SAFETY HINTS SO AS TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS.
AMONG HIS SAFETY HINTS ARE THE AWARENESS OF ONE’S OWN PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS, CAREFUL PLANNING OF WALKING ROUTES, IDENTIFICATION OF DIFFICULT AREAS, SUFFICIENT EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING AS WELL AS ALERTNESS TO WEATHER CHANGES DURING A TRIP.
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AUSTRALIAN VETS SEE PUPPY TRADE IN HK » ♦ » * »
TWO AUSTRALIAN VETS ARE NOW IN HONG KONG TO SEE FOR THEMSELVES THE PUPPY TRADE IN THE TERRITORY.
DR DAVID WILSON, A GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL FROM THE AUSTRALIAN QUARANTINE AND INSPECTION SERVICE, BEGAN THE STUDY ON MAY 31.
HE WAS JOINED BY DR HUGH WIRTH FROM THE AUSTRALIAN ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS THE NEXT DAY FOR A FOUR-DAY MISSION TO GET FIRST-HAND INFORMATION ON AUSTRALIAN PUPPIES IMPORTED INTO HONG KONG.
THEY WERE MET BY THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, MR MICHAEL LEE, YESTERDAY (WEDNESDAY) WHO STRESSED THAT THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT (AFD) ATTACHED GREAT IMPORTANCE TO ANIMAL WELFARE.
MR LEE SAID HE AND HIS STAFF WERE GLAD TO TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHOW THE VISITING VETS THE ACTUAL SITUATION IN HONG KONG SO THAT THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC COULD GAIN A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE HONG KONG SITUATION.
ACCOMPANIED BY AFD’S SENIOR VETERINARY OFFICER, DR BARRY BOUSFIELD, THE TWO AUSTRALIAN VETS LAST NIGHT VISITED THE AIRPORT ANIMAL HOSTEL AND AIRPORT CARGO TERMINAL TO INSPECT INCOMING DOGS FROM OVERSEAS.
DR BOUSFIELD EXPLAINED TO THEM THAT THE IMPORTATION OF PUPPIES WAS STRICTLY REGULATED IN HONG KONG.
/"APART FROM .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 1994
14
"APART FROM REQUIRING THE RELEVANT HEALTH CERTIFICATES FROM THE EXPORTING COUNTRY, AFD WILL NOT PERMIT THE IMPORTATION OF PUPPIES BELOW EIGHT WEEKS OLD. THIS IS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INTERNATIONALLY ACCEPTED MINIMUM AGE FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF PUPPIES," HE SAID.
"IN THE CHECKS CONDUCTED BY AFD, THE HEALTH OF THE ARRIVING PUPPIES IS CONSISTENTLY FOUND TO BE EXCELLENT. THERE WERE ONLY EIGHT CASES OF ILLNESS AND THREE DEATHS DETECTED OUT OF THE 9,511 PUPPIES IMPORTED FOR TRADE LAST YEAR."
EARLIER IN THE MORNING, THERE WAS A MEETING BETWEEN AUSTRALIAN AND AFD VETS AT THE RSPCA HONG KONG HEADQUARTERS TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON A NUMBER OF ISSUES INCLUDING ANIMAL WELFARE MATTERS.
ALSO IN ATTENDANCE AT THE MEETING WERE RSPCA VETS AND LOCAL PRIVATE VETERINARY SURGEONS.
AFD OFFICERS POINTED OUT THAT THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE TO SUBSTANTIATE CLAIMS THAT IMPORTED AUSTRALIAN PUPPIES WERE SUCCUMBED TO DISEASE SOON AFTER THEIR ARRIVAL.
TODAY (THURSDAY), THE TWO AUSTRALIAN VETS WERE TAKEN BY AFD VETERINARY OFFICER, DR PETER GRANDISON, TO VISIT LICENSED PET SHOPS.
DR GRANDISON POINTED OUT THAT PET SHOPS THAT SOLD OR BOARDED ANIMALS WERE REGULATED BY A LICENSING SYSTEM.
"ALL LICENSEES ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLY WITH A CODE OF STANDARDS ISSUED BY THE AFD, WHICH IMPOSES STRICT GUIDELINES WITH RESPECT TO ENCLOSURES, HUSBANDRY, HYGIENE, DISEASE CONTROL AND ANIMAL WELFARE WITHIN PET SHOPS,” HE SAID.
DR WILSON AND DR WIRTH THEN VISITED A GOVERNMENT KENNEL IN THE AFTERNOON. THEY WERE ALSO SHOWN A BLACK SPOT WHERE STRAY DOGS CONGREGATED.
DURING THE AUSTRALIAN VETERINARY MISSION’S VISIT, AFD OFFICERS ONCE AGAIN POINTED OUT THAT THE DEPARTMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO CLOSELY MONITOR THE PUPPY TRADE IN WHICH AUSTRALIA WAS A MAJOR TRADING PARTNER.
THEY ALSO LEARNT THAT IN RESPONSE TO RECENT CONCERNS OF ILLNESS AMONG IMPORTED AUSTRALIAN PUPPIES, THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT HAS MOVED IMMEDIATELY TO ENSURE THAT THEIR PUPPIES FOR EXPORT ARE ADEQUATELY PROTECTED AGAINST COMMON INFECTIOUS DISEASES BY USING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY.
SIMILARLY, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IS SOON TO IMPOSE AN ADDITIONAL CONDITION ON ALL PET SHOP LICENSEES, REQUIRING THAT ALL PUPPIES ON DISPLAY IN THEIR SHOPS BE VACCINATED AGAINST COMMON INFECTIOUS DISEASES BY DULY QUALIFIED VETERINARY SURGEONS ONLY.
/15 .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 1994
- 15 -
HK FESTIVAL 1995 HIGHLIGHTS ACHIEVEMENTS ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦
THE PROPOSED HONG KONG FESTIVAL NEXT YEAR AIMS TO GIVE OPPORTUNITIES TO HONG KONG PEOPLE TO TAKE A BROAD LOOK AT THEIR, OWN ACHIEVEMENTS, THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR JAMES SO, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
BRIEFING MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON THE SUBJECT, MR SO SAID: "IT’S GOING TO BE A FESTIVAL BY THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.”
"WE WILL ENDEAVOUR TO OFFER SOMETHING FOR ALL WALKS OF LIFE, YOUNG AND OLD, SO THAT EVERYONE CAN HAVE A GOOD TIME TOGETHER.
"WE DESERVE THIS AFTER YEARS OF HARD WORK WHICH HAS BROUGHT US SUCCESS NOT JUST IN ECONOMIC TERMS BUT ALSO IN THE FIELDS OF ARTS, CULTURE AND SPORTS."
MR SO EXPLAINED THAT THE IDEA OF HAVING A LARGE-SCALE FESTIVAL IN HONG KONG WAS FIRST MOOTED DURING THE REVIEW OF THE HONG KONG -CANADA FESTIVAL 1992.
THAT FESTIVAL WAS CONSIDERED VERY SUCCESSFUL AND HAD BROUGHT OUT THE MANY POSITIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF HONG KONG, HE SAID.
IT HAD LEFT THE PARTICIPANTS WITH THE DISTINCT IMPRESSION THAT HONG KONG IS FULL OF VITALITY AND RESILIENCE AND STANDS READY TO MEET FUTURE CHALLENGES.
MR SO SAID: "HOWEVER, FEW PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WERE ABLE TO ENJOY ITS PROGRAMMES SINCE THEY WERE ALL STAGED IN CANADIAN CITIES. THIS GAVE BIRTH TO THE PROPOSAL OF ORGANISING A TERRITORY-WIDE FESTIVAL IN HONG KONG.
THE AIM OF THE HONG KONG FESTIVAL IS OBVIOUSLY DIFFERENT.
"WHEREAS THE 1992 CANADIAN FESTIVAL ON HONG KONG WAS FOR TRADE PROMOTION, CULTURAL EXCHANGE AND STRENGTHENING OF TIES BETWEEN TWO PLACES, THE HONG KONG FESTIVAL 1995 SERVES TO REMIND THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG THE MANY FEATURES OF THEIR CITY OF WHICH THEY CAN RIGHTLY FEEL PROUD,” MR SO SAID.
THE ORGANISATION OF THE HONG KONG FESTIVAL IS ALSO EXPECTED TO BE A COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT EXERCISE.
IT WILL PROVIDE A RALLYING POINT FOR DIFFERENT SECTORS TO CO-OPERATE WITH ONE ANOTHER AND PRODUCE SOMETHING WHICH IS TRULY HONG KONG.
A MAJORITY OF THE PROGRAMMES TALENT, ALTHOUGH SOME OVERSEAS GROUPS THE COSMOPOLITAN NATURE OF HONG KONG.
THE FESTIVAL WILL LAST ABOUT LATE OCTOBER TO EARLY NOVEMBER 1995.
SHOULD THEREFORE BE BY LOCAL MAY BE BROUGHT IN TO HIGHLIGHT
THREE WEEKS, BEGINNING AROUND
/AT PRESENT.........
THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 1994
- 16 -
AT PRESENT, PREPARATION FOR THE FESTIVAL IS LIMITED TO THE FORMULATION OF CONCEPTUAL IDEAS.
A STEERING COMMITTEE UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF BARONESS DUNN WILL FIRST BE FORMED TO PROVIDE GUIDANCE AND DIRECTION TO THE ORGANISATION OF THE FESTIVAL.
THE TOTAL SUM REQUIRED IS ESTIMATED TO BE AROUND $38 MILLION, TO BE FUNDED ON AN EQUAL-SHARING BASIS BY GOVERNMENT AND COMMERCIAL SPONSORS.
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL SOON BE APPROACHED FOR THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS.
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VMS TAKE FOOD AGAIN
*****
MOST OF THE VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS (VMS) IN WHITEHEAD DETENTION CENTRE (WHDC) AND HIGH ISLAND DETENTION CENTRE (HIDC) WHO HAD BEEN REFUSING FOOD ISSUED BY THE MANAGEMENT FOR THE PAST FEW DAYS RESUMED TAKING CAMP RATIONS TODAY (THURSDAY).
A TOTAL OF 53 AND 15 VMS CONTINUED THEIR REFUSAL OF FOOD IN
WHDC AND HIDC RESPECTIVELY.
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SURVEY OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION FOR 1993 BEGINS *****
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THE SURVEY OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION FOR 1993 HAD STARTED.
THE ANNUAL SURVEY IS PART OF A CONTINUOUS PROGRAMME TO COMPILE STATISTICS ON THE STRUCTURE AND PERFORMANCE OF VARIOUS ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES IN HONG KONG.
THE SURVEY AIMS TO OBTAIN UP-TO-DATE STATISTICAL DATA FOR EVALUATING THE CONTRIBUTION OF VARIOUS INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES TO HONG KONG'S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT AND FOR ASCERTAINING THEIR COST STRUCTURE, OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS AND OUTPUT LEVELS.
THE SURVEY RESULTS ARE USEFUL TO BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN FORMULATING POLICIES AND MAKING DECISIONS.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS, MR FREDERICK HO, APPEALED TO THE MANAGEMENTS OF ALL SAMPLED ESTABLISHMENTS TO FULFIL THEIR LEGAL AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES BY RETURNING PROMPTLY THE COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRES AND CO-OPERATING WITH OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT DURING THE SURVEY.
/HE STRESSED .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 1994
- 17 -
HE STRESSED THAT INFORMATION RELATING TO INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS WOULD BE TREATED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE UNDER THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDINANCE.
"ONLY AGGREGATE INFORMATION THAT DOES NOT REVEAL DETAILS OF INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS WILL BE RELEASED," HE SAID.
MR HO ALSO POINTED OUT THAT AUDITED ACCOUNTS WERE NOT ESSENTIAL FOR THE SUPPLY OF INCOME AND EXPENDITURE DATA REQUIRED IN THE SURVEY.
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ACCEPTS FIGURES BASED ON PRELIMINARY ACCOUNTS OR ESTIMATES THAT ARE CORRECT TO THE BEST OF THE RESPONDENTS’ KNOWLEDGE AT THE TIME OF SUBMISSION OF THE QUESTIONNAIRE, IF AUDITED ACCOUNTS ARE NOT YET AVAILABLE.
ABOUT 7,000 ESTABLISHMENTS WILL BE ENUMERATED IN THE PRESENT ROUND OF THE SURVEY, COVERING THE FOLLOWING INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES: MANUFACTURING; MINING AND QUARRYING; AND ELECTRICITY, GAS AND WATER.
INFORMATION TO BE SOUGHT INCLUDES: TYPE OF OWNERSHIP, ORIGIN OF INVESTMENT, FLOOR AREA, EMPLOYMENT, COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES (WAGES, SALARIES AND OTHER EMPLOYEE BENEFITS), PAYMENTS FOR INDUSTRIAL WORK AND INDUSTRIAL SERVICES, VALUE OF PURCHASES AND OTHER EXPENSES, SALES AND OTHER RECEIPTS, CAPITAL EXPENDITURE AND STOCKS AND OTHER RELATED INFORMATION ON THE BUSINESS OPERATION OF THE ESTABLISHMENTS.
THE SURVEY IS CONDUCTED UNDER THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS (ANNUAL SURVEY OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION) ORDER 1984, WHICH WAS MADE UNDER THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDINANCE AND ISSUED AS LEGAL NOTICE NO. 15 IN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE ON JANUARY 13, 1984.
QUESTIONNAIRES HAVE BEEN MAILED TO THE SAMPLED ESTABLISHMENTS. THEY ARE REQUIRED BY LAW TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THE QUESTIONNAIRES TO THE DEPARTMENT BY JULY 31.
IF REQUIRED, OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT WILL VISIT INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS AND HELP THEM COMPLETE THE QUESTIONNAIRES.
THE OFFICERS WILL CARRY A GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARD AND A CERTIFICATE FOR CONDUCTING THE SURVEY WHILST ON DUTY, WHICH ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION.
ANY ENQUIRIES REGARDING THE SURVEY MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL 839 3230 OR 805 6441.
/18 ........
THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 1994
- 18 -
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.
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HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ♦ * * ♦ ♦
$ MILLION' TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,569 0930 -80
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,505 1000 -80
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 -10
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -9 1200 -9
LAF TODAY + 945 1500 -9
1600 -9
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 124.8 ♦+0.0* 2 .6.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.31 18 MONTHS 2511 4.15 97.86 5.77
1 MONTH 3.56 24 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100.39 6.23
3 MONTHS 4.02 29 MONTHS 3610 4.20 95.04 6.56
6 MONTHS 4.53 32 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.22 6.70
12 MONTHS 5.20 35 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98.60 6.80
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 7,322 MN
CLOSED 2 JUNE 1994
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, JUNE 3; 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNMENT TO BAN SEX DISCRIMINATION ...................... 1
HK ARTS DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL BILL GAZETTED .............. ’ 3
EXCO MEMBERS VISIT TWO PRIMARY SCHOOLS .................... 5
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY LAW CLARIFIED ........................... 6
PARAMEDIC AMBULANCE SERVICE ............................... 6
FOUR RURAL OUTLINE ZONING PLANS PUBLISHED ................. 7
SPECIAL MARINE ARRANGEMENTS FOR INTERNATIONAL DRAGON BOAT RACES ............................................... 10
TRADE AND INDUSTRIAL DIRECTORY PUBLISHED ................. 11
BA DISAPPOINTED BY TVB ................................... 11
TENDERS FOR TUNG CHUNG SERVICE RESERVOIR ................. 12
TENDERS INVITED FOR HOSPITAL MAINTENANCE WORK ............ 12
IMPROVEMENT ROAD WORKS PROPOSED .......................... 13
YOUTH URGED TO SUPPORT VOTER REGISTRATION ................ 13
CLOSURE OF UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES ....................... 14
CROWN RENT PAYMENT DUE ON JUNE 24 ........................ 14
TAXPAYERS TOLD TO FILE RETURNS NOW ....................... 15
POST OFFICES TO CLOSE DURING PUBLIC HOLIDAYS ............. 16
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ... 16
FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 1994
1
GOVERNMENT TO BAN SEX DISCRIMINATION » » » » ♦
THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED TO PRESS AHEAD WITH LEGISLATION PROHIBITING SEX DISCRIMINATION IN HONG KONG.
DRAFTING OF THIS LEGISLATION WHICH WILL ESTABLISH THE EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES COMMISSION WILL BEGIN IMMEDIATELY, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, SAID.
THE DECISION WAS ENDORSED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AT A MEETING EARLIER THIS WEEK.
ANNOUNCING THE GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSE TO THE GREEN PAPER CONSULTATION ON EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN AND MEN AT A PRESS CONFERENCE THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON, MR SUEN SAID THE MOVE WAS GOVERNMENT’S ANSWER TO THE WIDESPREAD COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR THESE TWO ISSUES DURING THE CONSULTATION EXERCISE CONDUCTED FROM AUGUST TO DECEMBER LAST YEAR.
’’THE LEGISLATION WOULD CONTAIN GENERAL PROVISIONS PROHIBITING DISCRIMINATION IN AREAS SUCH AS EMPLOYMENT, INCLUDING RECRUITMENT, PAY AND TRAINING; EDUCATION; AND POLITICAL PARTICIPATION,” HE SAID.
MR SUEN POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS MINDFUL OF THE FACT THAT SUCH LEGISLATION SHOULD BE EFFECTIVE AND YET NOT STIFLE FREE COMPETITION IN THE LABOUR MARKET.
"WE WILL ADDRESS THE CONCERNS ALREADY EXPRESSED BY EMPLOYERS, IN PARTICULAR THOSE IN SMALL BUSINESSES, OVER PROBLEMS WHICH COULD ARISE FROM FRIVOLOUS COMPLAINTS AND COST IMPLICATIONS.
"THESE CONCERNS COULD HOPEFULLY BE ALLAYED THROUGH FULL CONSULTATION WITH EMPLOYERS DURING THE DRAFTING STAGE," HE ADDFD.
AS FOR THE PROPOSED STATUTORY EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES COMMISSION TO BE SET UP TO OVERSEE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SEX DISCRIMINATION LAW, MR SUEN SAID THE COMMISSION WOULD WORK TOWARDS THE ELIMINATION OF SEX DISCRIMINATION.
"ITS FUNCTIONS WOULD BE TO KEEP UNDER REVIEW THE WORKING OF THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION AGAINST SEX DISCRIMINATION; TO RECEIVE COMPLAINTS, PROVIDE ASSISTANCE AND CONDUCT INVESTIGATIONS UNDER THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION; AND TO DEVELOP CODES OF PRACTICE AND CONDUCT PUBLIC EDUCATION AND RESEARCH ON GENDER ISSUES.
MR SUEN SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALSO DECIDED TO APPROACH THE UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT TO SEEK THE EXTENSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON THE ELIMINATION OF ALL FORMS OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN (CEDAW) TO HONG KONG.
THIS DECISION IS ALSO TAKEN IN RESPONSE TO THE STRONG CALLS EXPRESSED BY THE COMMUNITY DURING THE CONSULTATION PERIOD.
/"SINCE .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 1994
- 2 -
’’SINCE THE APPLICATION OF THE CONVENTION WILL CONFER NEW INTERNATIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS IN RESPECT OF HONG KONG, AND AS IT IS INTENDED THAT SUCH INTERNATIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS SHOULD CONTINUE TO APPLY TO HONG KONG AFTER 1997, WE WILL, AS THE FIRST STEP, CONSULT THE CHINESE SIDE ON THE PROPOSED EXTENSION THROUGH THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP,” HE SAID.
”IN SEEKING TO EXTEND CEDAW TO HONG KONG, WE INTEND TO ASK THE UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT TO ENTER RESERVATIONS TO COVER THE PROVISION OF RENT CONCESSION UNDER ANNEX III TO THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE SMALL HOUSE POLICY.
’’THE PURPOSE AND EFFECT OF OUR PROPOSED RESERVATIONS IS TO RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CONTINUE TO OPERATE OUR PRESENT POLICIES IN RESPECT OF THESE TWO AREAS,” HE ADDED.
HE SAID INSTITUTION OF SEX DISCRIMINATION LEGISLATION WAS A MEANS TO IMPLEMENT THE PROVISIONS IN CEDAW.
"MANY STATES PARTIES, INCLUDING THE UNITED KINGDOM, HAVE INSTITUTED SEX DISCRIMINATION LEGISLATION. CHINA, WHICH IS ALSO A PARTY TO THE CONVENTION, ENACTED A SET OF LEGISLATION TO PROTECT WOMEN’S RIGHTS IN 1992.
"DRAFTING OF LEGISLATION AGAINST SEX DISCRIMINATION AND CONSULTATION WITH CHINA ON THE EXTENSION OF CEDAW TO HONG KONG WILL PROCEED IN PARALLEL," HE SAID.
REITERATING THE GOVERNMENT’S FIRM COMMITMENT TO UPHOLD EQUALITY BETWEEN THE SEXES, MR SUEN SAID WHILE THE ABOVE PROPOSALS WERE BEING PUT INTO PLACE, PUBLIC EDUCATION ON GENDER EQUALITY WOULD BE STEPPED UP.
"WE WILL, FOR INSTANCE, ENLIST EMPLOYERS’ CO-OPERATION TO PROMOTE THE PRINCIPLE OF EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES IN THE WORKPLACE.
"THE OBJECTIVE OF THIS STRATEGY IS TO REMOVE POTENTIAL INJUSTICE OR UNFAIR RESTRICTION OF AN INDIVIDUAL’S PROSPECTS ON ACCOUNT OF HIS OR HER GENDER.
"WE ARE CONVINCED THAT THEY ARE EFFECTIVE, PRACTICAL AND WILL SERVE HONG KONG’S NEEDS WELL," HE SAID.
MR SUEN PAID TRIBUTE TO THE MANY ORGANISATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS WHO HAD AIRED THEIR VIEWS ON THIS IMPORTANT ISSUE OF PUBLIC CONCERN.
"ALL OF THEM HAVE CONTRIBUTED TOWARDS MEETING THE COMMUNITY’S ASPIRATION OF FOSTERING GENDER EQUALITY IN HONG KONG,” HE SAID.
/3 .........
FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 1994
- 3 -
HK ARTS DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL BILL GAZETTED *****
THE HONG KONG ARTS DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (HKADC) BILL, WHICH PROVIDES FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE COUNCIL AS A BODY DEDICATED TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ARTS IN HONG KONG, WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY),
THE BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JUNE 15.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH EXPLAINED THAT THE AIM WAS TO ESTABLISH THE COUNCIL AS A STATUTORY BODY WITH EXECUTIVE POWERS, ITS OWN STAFF AND DIRECT RESPONSIBILITY FOR MANAGEMENT AND DISBURSEMENT OF THE. FUNDS AVAILABLE TO IT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ARTS WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 1 NEXT YEAR, SUBJECT TO THE BILL BEING ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT A WORKING GROUP HAD BEEN SET UP IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR TO DRAW UP DETAILED RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE FUTURE HKADC INCLUDING ITS MEMBERSHIP GUIDELINES, TERMS OF REFERENCE, FUNCTIONS, OBJECTIVES, STRUCUTRE, STAFFING AND MODUS OPERAND).
UPON COMPLETION OF ITS WORK, THE WORKING GROUP HAD PREPARED A PROGRESS REPORT SETTING OUT THE DETAILED RECOMMENDATIONS ABOUT THE FRAMEWORK AND MODUS OPERANDI OF THE FUTURE HKADC.
, t ■ • " • . -Mi
THE PROGRESS REPORT HAD BEEN SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNOR BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING GROUP IN MARCH.
THE GOVERNOR HAD INDICATED HIS AGREEMENT WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE REPORT THAT THE HKADC SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED INITIALLY AS A NON-STATUTORY BODY IN APRIL 1994 AND LATER AS A STATUTORY BODY BY APRIL 1995 IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FRAMEWORK SET OUT IN THE REPORT.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE PRIME MISSION OF THE HKADC WAS TO PLAN, PROMOTE AND SUPPORT THE BROAD DEVELOPMENT AND APPRECIATION OF AND PARTICIPATION IN THE ARTS, PLACING PARTICULAR EMPHASIS ON THE LITERARY, PERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS, WITH A VIEW TO IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF THE WHOLE COMMUNITY.
THE DETAILED POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE HKADC ARE SET OUT CLEARLY IN THE BILL AND PROVIDE THE HKADC WITH A STRONG MANDATE ON WHICH TO BASE ITS WORK.
HE SAID THE HKADC WOULD CONTINUE TO HAVE 20 MEMBERS, OF WHOM 16 INCLUDING THE CHAIRMAN AND VICE-CHA JRMAN WOULD BE NON-OFFIC1AL WHILST FOUR WOULD BE EX-OFFICIO.
FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 1994
- 4 -
THE BILL PROVIDES FOR THE HKADC TO RECEIVE SUBVENTION FROM GOVERNMENT THROUGH FUNDS APPROPRIATED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND ALSO ALLOWS THE HKADC TO RECEIVE INCOME FROM OTHER SOURCES INCLUDING GIFTS, DONATIONS, FEES AND RETURNS ON INVESTMENTS.
IT ALSO ALLOWS THE HKADC TO MAKE INVESTMENTS AND TO BORROW, SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE SPOKESMAN NOTED.
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS AND THE ARTS COMMUNITY HAD BEEN CONSULTED ON THE PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH THE HKADC AS A STATUTORY BODY.
IN ADDITION, THE HKADC HAD BEEN CONSULTED ON THE DRAFT BILL AND ITS COMMENTS HAD BEEN TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN FINALISING THE BILL.
AS REGARDS FUNDING, THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAD ALREADY APPROVED IN MARCH OF THIS YEAR A CAPITAL GRANT OF $100 MILLION IN SEED MONEY TO ENABLE THE HKADC TO DISCHARGE ITS FUNCTIONS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID UPON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HKADC AS A STATUTORY BODY, THE REMAINING BALANCE OF THIS $100 MILLION SEED MONEY GRANT TOGETHER WITH ANY INTEREST EARNED IN THE INTERIM, WOULD BE TRANSFERRED EN BLOC TO IT.
’’THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE ALSO INTENDS TO CHANNEL THE ANNUAL RECURRENT SUBVENTION FOR ARTS ACTIVITIES ($40.2 MILLION IN 1994/95) TO THE HKADC FOR ITS DIRECT DISBURSEMENT AND TO REDEPLOY SOME OF THE SAVINGS FROM WITHIN HIS POLICY AREAS FOR FUNDING THE HKADC’S EXPENSES, INCLUDING THOSE OF ITS INDEPENDENT SECRETARIAT.
"THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE ALREADY SEEKS THE HKADC’S ADVICE ON DISBURSEMENT OF GRANTS FROM THESE SOURCES AS WELL AS ON USE OF THE $30 MILLION ARTS DEVELOPMENT FUND UNDER THE SIR DAVID TRENCH FUND THAT WAS APPROVED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN MAY 1993,” HE NOTED.
IN HIS POLICY ADDRESS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL LAST YEAR, THE GOVERNOR HAD ANNOUNCED THE DECISION TO MOVE FORWARD TOWARDS THE SETTING UP OF THE HKADC AS A NEW STATUTORY BODY AND TO GRANT IT $100 MILLION IN SEED MONEY.
THROUGH APPROVING THE $100 MILLION GRANT AND INTRODUCING THE HKADC BILL INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WITHIN NINE MONTHS OF THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS. THE GOVERNMENT HAS MET ITS COMMITMENTS IN THIS REGARD AHEAD OF SCHEDULE. IT IS HOPED THAT THE BILL WILL BE PROCESSED IN TIME FOR ENACTMENT BY APRIL 1995.
’’MEANWHILE, THE HKADC AND ITS COMMITTEES ARE ALREADY DEALING WITH ONGOING BUSINESS AND WORKING HARD ON FORMULATION AND PREPARATION OF THE HKADC’S STRATEGIC PLANS AND BUDGETS TO FURTHER THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ARTS,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
_ _ _ _ o - - - -
FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 1994
5
EXCO MEMBERS VISIT TWO PRIMARY SCHOOLS *****
A GROUP OF EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS TODAY (FRIDAY) HAD A CLOSE LOOK AT LIFE IN AN AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOL AND A GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL.
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS WERE BARONESS DUNN, MS ROSANNA WONG AND MR JOHN GRAY.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WONG, THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL PARTY STARTED THEIR VISIT WITH A TRIP TO THE SALVATION ARMY ANN WYLLIE MEMORIAL PRIMARY SCHOOL IN HENG FA CHUEN. THEY WERE MET ON ARRIVAL AT THE PRIMARY SCHOOL BY THE SUPERVISOR MR STUART F B SIMPSON.
DURING A TOUR OF THE SCHOOL, EXCO MEMBERS OBSERVED A WIDE VARIETY OF CLASS ACTIVITIES AND WATCHED PERFORMANCES BY STUDENTS. THE VISITORS WERE TOLD THAT THE SCHOOL ADOPTED AN ACTIVITY APPROACH TO TEACHING.
BEFORE MOVING ON TO HENNESSY ROAD GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL, EXCO MEMBERS MET SCHOOL STAFF AND PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATION REPRESENTATIVES.
ARRIVING AT HENNESSY ROAD GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL, THE PARTY WAS GREETED BY THE HEADMISTERESS OF THE AM SESSION, MRS FUNG MOK YAN-LAN.
THE VISITORS WERE TOLD THAT THE SCHOOL, WHICH WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1949, ADOPTED THE ACTIVITY APPOACH TO TEACHING IN PRIMARY 1 TO PRIMARY 3. IT IS A POPULAR GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL IN WAN CHAI.
THE EXCO PARTY ALSO LEARNED THAT THE SCHOOL PLACED MUCH EMPHASIS ON MORAL AND CIVIC EDUCATION AND ENCOURAGED STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN VARIOUS SCHOOL ACTIVITIES SUCH AS DRAMA, MUSIC AND ART COMPETITIONS.
IN WINDING-UP THEIR SCHOOL VISIT, THE EXCO GROUP MET TEACHING STAFF AND PARENT REPRESENTATIVES OF THE HENNESSY ROAD GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL.
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/6 ........
FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 1994
6
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY LAW CLARIFIED
*******
ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR MR MAK SAI-YIU SAID OPERATORS OF FRONT STACKERS WOULD BE REQUIRED BY THE FACTORY AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (LIFTING APPLIANCES AND LIFTING GEAR) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS TO POSSESS A VALID OPERATION LICENCE.
AFTER RECEIVING A LABOUR GROUP AT THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON, MR MAK NOTED THAT THERE WERE REMARKS IN A CHINESE NEWSPAPER THAT FRONT STACKERS WERE NOT COVERED BY THE AMENDMENT REGULATIONS WHICH WAS PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN JULY LAST YEAR.
"THIS IS NOT TRUE AND WE HAVE TO CLARIFY THE SITUATION TO AVOID MISCONCEPTION IN THE CONTAINER INDUSTRY," HE SAID.
MR MAK SAID THREE ORGANISATIONS IN THE CONTAINER INDUSTRY HAD SO FAR SUBMITTED APPLICATIONS FOR ACCREDITATION OF TRAINING COURSES FOR OPERATORS INTENDING TO SEEK A LICENCE FOR THE OPERATION OF FRONT STACKERS.
TWO OTHER ORGANISATIONS HAD ALREADY BEEN SPECIFIED BY THE COMMISSIONER TO RUN TRAINING COURSES FOR LORRY-MOUNTED CRANE OPERATORS.
THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY IS ALSO PROVIDING TRAINING COURSES FOR CRANE OPERATORS TO HELP THEM OBTAIN A LICENCE.
UNDER SECTION 15A(1)(B) OF THE AMENDMENT REGULATIONS, CRANE OPERATORS WILL BE LICENSED IF THEY PASS EXAMINATIONS WHICH ARE SUPERVISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S FACTORY INSPECTORS.
THIS PARTICULAR SECTION OF LAW WILL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON A DATE TO BE DESIGNATED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR.
"THE REGULATIONS ARE DESIGNED TO STRENGTHEN REGULATORY MEASURES ON THE USE OF LIFTING EQUIPMENT IN INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS AND CONSTRUCTION SITES AS WELL AS THE COMPETENCE OF CRANE OPERATORS," MR MAK ADDED.
PARAMEDIC AMBULANCE SERVICE * * « » »
A SUM OF $6.95 MILLION HAS BEEN INCLUDED IN THE CAPITAL ACCOUNT ESTIMATE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF PARAMEDIC AMBULANCE SERVICE.
IT WILL BE USED FOR TRAINING STAFF AND PROCUREMENT OF
EQUIPMENT, THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, MR LAM CHEK-YUEN, SAID.
SPEAKING AT THE GRADUATION CEREMONY FOR 24 EMERGENCY MEDICAL ASSISTANTS AT THE AMBULANCE TRAINING SCHOOL TODAY (FRIDAY), MR LAM SAID IN ADDITION, ABOUT $2 MILLION HAD BEEN ALLOCATED TO MEET RECURRENT EXPENDITURE FOR CONSUMABLE ITEMS.
/"OUR PLAN
FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 1994
"OUR PLAN IS TO OPERATE 21 PARAMEDIC AMBULANCES AT THE END OF THIS YEAR WITH AN ULTIMATE AIM OF INCREASING THE NUMBER TO 33 BY 1996," HE SAID.
THE GRADUATES COMPRISED TWO AMBULANCE OFFICERS AND 22 AMBULANCEMEN. THEY HAD COMPLETED A SIX-WEEK EMERGENCY MEDICAL ASSISTANT LEVEL II COURSE.
MR LAM TOLD THEM THAT IT WOULD TAKE CONTINUING PRACTICE TO CONSOLIDATE AND SHARPEN THE SKILL AND KNOWLEDGE THEY HAD LEARNT.
THEY WILL BE ATTACHED TO HOSPITALS FOR A SHORT PERIOD BEFORE BEING DEPLOYED TO MAN THE AMBULANCES.
_ _ _ _ o - - - -
FOUR RURAL OUTLINE ZONING PLANS PUBLISHED * » t * *
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED THE GAZETTING OF FOUR DRAFT OUTLINE ZONING PLANS (OZPS) FOR MAI PO AND FAIRVIEW PARK AND NAM SANG WAI IN NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES; AND LUK KENG AND WO HANG AND KWU TUNG SOUTH IN NORTHEAST NEW TERRITORIES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD SAID: "THESE PLANS REPLACE THE EXISTING DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREA (DPA) PLANS COVERING THE SAME AREAS IN THE RURAL NEW TERRITORIES.
THEY INDICATE DEFINITE AND COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE ZONES TO GUIDE AND CONTROL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE AREAS.
"THE DPA PLANS ARE INTERIM PLANS PREPARED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISION OF THE TOWN PLANNING (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1991. THEY SERVE TO PROVIDE GUIDANCE AND CONTROL ON LAND USES IN THE RURAL NEW TERRITORIES.
"UNAUTHORISED DEVELOPMENTS WITHIN THE DPAS ARE SUBJECT TO ENFORCEMENT."
A MAIN FEATURE IN THE MAI PO AND FAIRVIEW PARK OZP IS THE MAI PO NATURE RESERVE, WHICH PROVIDES FEEDING AND ROOSTING HABITATS FOR MIGRATORY BIRDS.
IN ORDER TO PRESERVE AND SUSTAIN THE NATURE RESERVE AND ITS ADJOINING WILDLIFE HABITATS, ABOUT 430 HECTARES AND 312 HECTARES OF LAND HAVE BEEN ZONED 'SITE OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST’ (‘SSSI’) AND 'CONSERVATION AREA’ RESPECTIVELY. THESE AMOUNT TO ABOUT TWO-THIRDS OF THE TOTAL LAND AREA OF THE PLAN.
ABOUT 155 HECTARES OF LAND HAVE BEEN ZONED 'RESIDENTIAL (GROUP C)’ TO COVER TWO RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS, NAMELY FAIRVIEW PARK AND PALM SPRINGS.
ABOUT 15 HECTARES HAVE BEEN ZONED 'RESIDENTIAL (GROUP D)’ TO ENCOURAGE UPGRADING OF THE EXISTING TEMPORARY DOMESTIC ACCOMMODATIONS.
/AN AREA ........
FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 1994
- 8 -
AN AREA OF ABOUT SIX HECTARES ALONG FAIRVIEW PARK BOULEVARD HAS BEEN ZONED 'COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL’.
IN ADDITION, ABOUT 35 HECTARES OF LAND HAVE BEEN ZONED 'VILLAGE TYPE DEVELOPMENT’ TO FACILITATE EXISTING AND FUTURE VILLAGE DEVELOPMENTS.
OTHER TYPES OF LAND USES INCLUDE ABOUT 33 HECTARES OF •RECREATION’ ZONE FOR RECREATION AND ECO-TOURISM DEVELOPMENT COMPLEMENTARY TO THE SSSI AND THE WETLAND AREAS; SEVEN HECTARES OF 'OPEN SPACE’ ZONE ; 10 HECTARES OF 'GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY’ ZONE; AND THREE HECTARES OF 'OPEN STORAGE’ ZONE TO CATER FOR THE DEMAND FOR OPEN STORAGE SITES IN THE AREA.
THE NAM SANG WAI OZP ALSO GIVES RECOGNITION TO THE NEED TO PROTECT THE MAI PO NATURE RESERVE AND TO PRESERVE THE LANDSCAPE AND WETLAND HABITATS IN THE DEEP BAY AREA.
ABOUT 140 HECTARES OF LAND HAVE BEEN ZONED 'CONSERVATION AREA’ AND 'GREEN BELT’ ON THE PLAN.
TO CATER FOR THE NEED OF RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS, ABOUT 16 HECTARES OF LAND HAVE BEEN ZONED 'RESIDENTIAL (GROUP C)’ IN CHUNG HAU YU MAN SAN TSUEN.
MEANWHILE, ABOUT 30 HECTARES IN TAI SHANG WAI, MAN YUEN TSUEN AND TO THE SOUTH OF KAM TIN RIVER HAVE BEEN ZONED 'RESIDENTIAL (GROUP D)’ TO ENCOURAGE UPGRADING OF THE EXISTING TEMPORARY DOMESTIC ACCOMMODATIONS.
ABOUT 33 HECTARES OF LAND HAVE BEEN ZONED 'VILLAGE TYPE DEVELOPMENT’ FOR EXISTING AND FUTURE VILLAGE DEVELOPMENTS.
IN ADDITION, ABOUT 200 HECTARES OF LAND HAVE BEEN ZONED 'RECREATION' FOR RECREATION AND ECO-TOURISM DEVELOPMENTS WHICH ARE COMPLEMENTARY TO THE NEARBY SSSIS AND THE ADJOINING WETLAND AREAS.
AN AREA OF ABOUT 57 HECTARES TO THE NORTH OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD (YUEN LONG SECTION) HAS BEEN ZONED 'UNDETERMINED’. ANY PROPOSED DEVELOPMENTS OR REDEVELOPMENTS IN THIS ZONE WOULD REQUIRE SUBMISSION OF MASTER LAYOUT PLANS TO THE BOARD FOR APPROVAL.
OTHER TYPES OF LAND USES INCLUDE ABOUT 11 HECTARES OF 'OPEN SPACE’ ZONE ; SEVEN HECTARES OF 'OPEN STORAGE’ ZONE; FOUR HECTARES OF 'INDUSTRIAL (GROUP D)’ ZONE; AND FOUR HECTARES OF 'GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY’ ZONE.
THE MAIN FEATURE IN THE LUK KENG AND WO HANG OZP, ON THE OTHER HAND, IS THE DESIGNATION OF 110 HECTARES OF 'AGRICULTURE’ ZONE, WHICH AIMS AT PRESERVING GOOD AGRICULTURAL LAND.
ABOUT NINE HECTARES OF LAND HAVE BEEN ZONED 'COASTAL PROTECTION AREA’ ON THE OZP TO RETAIN THE EXISTING NATURAL COASTLINE AND TO PROTECT AREAS OF ECOLOGICAL AND LANDSCAPE SIGNIFICANCE; AND 195 HECTARES HAVE BEEN ZONED 'CONSERVATION AREA’ TO PROTECT THE NATURAL CHARACTER OF THE AREA.
/INCLUDED .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 1994
- 9 -
INCLUDED IN THIS ZONE ARE TWO SITES OF ECOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE, LUK KENG MARSH AND SHEUNG WO HANG FUNG SHUI WOODLAND, AND AN ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE IN SHA TAU KOK LOCATED TO THE NORTH OF NAM CHUNG LEI UK.
TWO SITES OF ABOUT TWO HECTARES IN PAK HOK LAM (YIM TSO HA EGRETRY) AND A CHAU HAVE BEEN ZONED 'SSS1S'.
AN IMPORTANT EGRETRY IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE YIM TSO HA EGRETRY PROVIDES A NESTING PLACE FOR DIFFERENT SPECIES OF EGRETS AND HERONS.
THE SSSI IN A CHAU IS AN IMPORTANT HABITAT OF BIRDS, PROVIDING AN EXCELLENT BREEDING SITE FOR PASSAGE MIGRANTS.
OTHER LAND USES ON THE PLAN INCLUDE ABOUT 31 HECTARES OF 'VILLAGE TYPE DEVELOPMENT’ ZONE; 11 HECTARES OF 'RECREATION' ZONE; THREE HECTARES OF 'GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUN1TY’ ZONE; AND 42 HECTARES OF 'GREEN BELT’.
SIMILAR TO THE LUK KENG AND WO HANG OZP, ABOUT HALF OF THE TOTAL LAND AREAS (257 HECTARES) OF THE KWU TUNG SOUTH OZP HAVE BEEN ZONED 'AGRICULTURE'.
TO FACILITATE LOW-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS, ABOUT 31
HECTARES OF LAND HAVE BEEN ZONED 'RESIDENTIAL (GROUP C)’.
DEVELOPMENTS IN THIS ZONE ARE RESTRICTED TO A PLOT RATIO FROM 0.2 TO 0.43, A SITE COVERAGE OF 10 PER CENT TO 20 PER CENT AND A
BUILDING HEIGHT OF TWO STOREYS NOT EXCEEDING 7.6 METRES TO THREE
STOREYS NOT EXCEEDING 12.05 METRES.
ABOUT 40 HECTARES OF LAND HAVE BEEN ZONED 'VILLAGE TYPE DEVELOPMENT’ FOR EXISTING AND FUTURE VILLAGE DEVELOPMENTS.
MEANWHILE, THERE ARE ABOUT 133 HECTARES OF 'GREEN BELT’ TO DELINEATE URBAN GROWTH LIMITS. DEVELOPMENTS MAY ONLY BE PERMITTED IF THEY ARE JUSTIFIED ON PLANNING GROUNDS.
OTHER TYPES OF LAND USES INCLUDE ABOUT 13 HECTARES OF 'GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY' ZONE; 50 HECTARES OF 'RECREATION’ ZONE; AND THREE HECTARES OF 'OPEN SPACE’.
THE FOUR OZPS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION UNTIL AUGUST 3 IN THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT, 16TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
THE DRAFT MAI PO AND FAIRVIEW PARK OZP (NO. S/YL-MP/1) AND THE DRAFT NAM SANG WAI OZP (NO. S/YL-NSW/1) CAN ALSO BE SEEN IN THE FOLLOWING OFFICES :
t TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG DISTRICT PLANNING OFFICE, 11TH FLOOR, METROPLAZA TOWER 1, 223 HING FONG ROAD, KWAI FONG, NEW TERRITORIES; AND
/* YUEN LONG ........
FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 1994
- 10 -
t YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE,
YUEN LONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, 269 CASTLE PEAK ROAD,
YUEN LONG,
NEW TERRITORIES.
MEANWHILE, THE DRAFT LUK KENG AND WO HANG OZP AND THE DRAFT KW^ TUNG SOUTH OZP (NO. S/NE-KTS/1) CAN THE FOLLOWING OFFICES :
(NO. S/NE-LK/1) BE INSPECTED IN
♦ SHA TIN AND NORTH EAST DISTRICT PLANNING OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, SHA TIN GOVERNMENT OFFICE, 6 TUNG LO WAN HILL ROAD, SHA TIN, NEW TERRITORIES; AND
* NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE,
THIRD FLOOR, NORTH DISTRICT GOVERNMENT OFFICES, PIK FUNG ROAD, FANLING, NEW TERRITORIES.
BY THE PLANS MAY SUBMIT WRITTEN OBJECTION PLANNING BOARD, C/O PLANNING DEPARTMENT, BEFORE AUGUST 3.
ANY PERSON AFFECTED TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN 13TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING
COPIES OF MAPPING OFFICE, KOWLOON MAP SALES
THE PLANS ARE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING OFFICES, 382 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
AND AND
0 ----------
SPECIAL MARINE ARRANGEMENTS FOR INTERNATIONAL DRAGON BOAT RACES
*****
SPECIAL MARINE ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IN FORCE WHEN THE HONG KONG DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL RACES 1994 ARE HELD, THE MARINE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE INTERNATIONAL RACES WILL TAKE PLACE OFF THE EAST TSIM SHA TSUI WATERFRONT BETWEEN THE HUNG HOM RAILWAY PIER AND NEW WORLD CENTRE FROM NOON TO 7 PM ON JUNE 18 (SATURDAY) AND FROM 8 AM TO 5 PM ON JUNE 19 (SUNDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MARINE DEPARTMENT SAID MOORING BUOYS MARKING THE SOUTHERN LIMIT OF THE RACE AREA WOULD BE LAID ABOUT 325 METRE SOUTH OF THE SEAWALL OF THE WATERFRONT ON JUNE 6 AND THEY WOULD REMAIN UNTIL APPROXIMATELY JUNE 24.
BETWEEN JUNE 17 AND 19, LIGHTERS, FERRIES AND LAUNCHES WOULD BE FASTENED TO THE BUOYS AND ENCLOSE THE RACE AREA, THE SPOKESMAN NOTED.
"EXCEPT CRAFT INVOLVING THE RACES, ALL VESSELS WILL BE FORBIDDEN TO ENTER THE RACE AREA,” THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT.
OWNERS AND COXSWAINS OF SMALL VESSELS ARE ALSO REMINDED DRAGON BOATS MAY PRACTISE WITHIN THE AREA DURING DAYTIME FROM NOW UNTIL JUNE 18.
/A PONTOON .
FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 1994
- 11 -
A PONTOON WILL BE MOORED TO THE LANDING STEPS AT THE EAST TSIM SHA TSUI WATERFRONT DURING THE PRACTICE SESSIONS.
OWNERS AND COXSWAINS OF SMALL VESSELS ARE ADVISED TO USE OTHER LANDING STEPS NEARBY.
THE SPOKESMAN ADVISED THAT ALL VESSELS NAVIGATING IN THE VICINITY SHOULD PROCEED WITH CAUTION.
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TRADE AND INDUSTRIAL DIRECTORY PUBLISHED * » * ♦ ♦
THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED THE PUBLICATION OF THE LATEST EDITION OF ITS ANNUAL DIRECTORY "HONG KONG TRADE AND INDUSTRIAL ORGANISATIONS".
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID: "THIS YEAR, THE DIRECTORY COVERS A TOTAL OF SOME 240 TRADE AND INDUSTRIAL BODIES IN HONG KONG.
"THEY INCLUDE GOVERNMENT-FUNDED INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT BODIES SUCH AS THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL AND HONG KONG TECHNOLOGY CENTRE CORPORATION, CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE, DISTRICT TRADE AND INDUSTRIAL ORGANISATIONS AS WELL AS REPRESENTATIVE BODIES OF VARIOUS INDUSTRIES.
"INFORMATION SUCH AS THE ORGANISATIONS’ ADDRESSES, TELEPHONE AND FAX NUMBERS, NAMES OF KEY OFFICE-BEARERS, SIZE OF MEMBERSHIP AND ANNUAL ELECTION DATES HAVE BEEN INCLUDED," HE SAID.
HE NOTED THAT THE DIRECTORY WAS A USEFUL REFERENCE GUIDE FOR TRADERS, MANUFACTURERS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC IN THEIR EVERYDAY BUSINESSES AND RESEARCH WORK.
ENQUIRIES OR REQUESTS FOR FREE COPIES OF THE DIRECTORY CAN BE ADDRESSED TO THE DATA AND SERVICES DIVISION, INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, OCEAN CENTRE, 5 CANTON ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI OR TELEPHONE 736 0722.
BA DISAPPOINTED BY TVB * » * * »
THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY HAS NOTED THAT DESPITE ASSURANCES
GIVEN BY TVB TO THE EFFECT THAT TVB WOULD WISH TO AVOID A
CONTINUATION OF THE DISRUPTION TO VIEWERS CAUSED BY THE COMPETITIVE SCHEDULING OF THE "PAO" SERIES ON BOTH CHINESE SERVICES, TVB HAS
DECIDED TO RE-RUN THE SERIES EARLY AND TO BROADCAST THE SAME STORY AS
THAT CARRIED BY ATV.
MEMBERS OF THE AUTHORITY ARE GREATLY DISAPPOINTED BY THESE LATEST PLANS OF TVB WHICH THEY REGARD AS A MARK OF BAD FAITH.
THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY WILL TAKE THIS INCIDENT INTO CAREFUL CONSIDERATION AS IT UNDERTAKES THE MID-TERM REVIEW OF TVB’S LICENCE.
/12 .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 1994
12
TENDERS FOR TUNG CHUNG SERVICE RESERVOIR
*****
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR CIVIL WORKS OF THE TUNG CHUNG FRESH WATER SERVICE RESERVOIR ON NORTH LANTAU.
THE CONTRACT, WHICH FORMS PART OF THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME, IS ONE OF A NUMBER TO BE OFFERED UNDER THE ’’WATER SUPPLY TO NORTH LANTAU AND RAW WATER TRANSFER TO SILVERMINE BAY TREATMENT WORKS*’ PROJECT.
THE PROJECT COMPRISES RAW WATER LAND AND SUBMARINE MAINS FROM TAI LAM CHUNG TO SIU HO WAN, SIU HO WAN WATER TREATMENT WORKS AND PUMPING STATION, TUNG CHUNG FRESH WATER SERVICE RESERVOIR, THE ASSOCIATED PUMPING AND DISTRIBUTION WATER MAINS, SIU HO WAN/SILVERMINE BAY AQUEDUCT AND PUI O 'B' PUMPING STATION.
ON COMPLETION, IT WILL PROVIDE A PERMANENT WATER SUPPLY TO NORTH LANTAU AND ALLOWS WATER TRANSFER BETWEEN NORTH AND SOUTH LANTAU.
THE CIVIL WORKS CONTRACT INCLUDES THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SERVICE RESERVOIR OF STAGE I CAPACITY OF 40,000 CUBIC METRES AND ASSOCIATED WATER MAINS, PROVIDING TREATED WATER TO THE EXISTING COMMUNITY IN TUNG CHUNG, TUNG CHUNG NEW TOWN AND THE NEW AIRPORT.
WORKS ARE SCHEDULED TO BEGIN IN SEPTEMBER 1994 FOR COMPLETION IN APRIL 1996.
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM PYPUN/SWK WATER CONSULTANTS, 301 ASIAN HOUSE, 1 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
_ _ _ - 0 - - - -
TENDERS INVITED FOR HOSPITAL MAINTENANCE WORK ♦ * * * ♦
THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (EMSD) IS INVITING TENDERS FOR A TWO-YEAR CONTRACT FOR THE MAINTENANCE, REPAIR, ALTERATION AND IMPROVEMENT WORK OF ELECTRICAL, MECHANICAL AND MEDICAL PLANTS IN YAN CHAI HOSPITAL.
ONLY CONTRACTORS WITH SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE, ADEQUATE TECHNICAL AND FINANCIAL CAPACITY AND WITH PROPER ORGANISATION SETUP OF EXECUTING CONTRACT WORK ARE INVITED TO TENDER.
A NOTICE OF THE TENDER INVITATION WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE CONTRACT SECTION OF THE EMSD, ROOM 811, EIGHTH FLOOR, 98 CAROLINE HILL ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY.
THE TENDER CLOSING DATE IS NOON ON JULY 1.
/13 .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 1994
- 13 -
IMPROVEMENT ROAD WORKS PROPOSED ♦ * * ♦ ♦
THE GOVERNMENT HAS PROPOSED WIDENING AND UPGRADING PEDESTRIAN FOOTBRIDGES AT THE JUNCTION OF BUTE STREET AND SAI YEE STREET AND THE PEDESTRIAN ACCESS AT THE JUNCTION OF LUEN WAN STREET AND ARGYLE STREET.
THIS IS TO IMPROVE PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATION BETWEEN THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY MONG KOK STATION DEVELOPMENTS AND ITS IMMEDIATE VICINITY IN MONG KOK.
THE IMPROVEMENT WORKS WILL COMPRISE MAINLY THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE FOOTBRIDGE AT BUTE STREET; CONSTRUCTION OF ESCALATORS, STAIRS AND LIFT FOR THE DISABLED AT BUTE STREET AND LUEN WAN STREET, CONSTRUCTION OF A PEDESTRIAN COVERED WALKWAY ALONG LUEN WAN STREET AT THE PLATFORM LEVEL LEADING TO THE KCRC MONG KOK STATION AND DEMOLITION OF EXISTING STAIRCASES AT BUTE STREET AND LUEN WAN STREET.
A NOTICE OUTLINING THE PROPOSED WORKS IS PUBlISHED TN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE RELATED PLAN MAY BE INSPECTED AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG; THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE (KOWLOON WEST), YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 1OTH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON; AND THE YAU TSIM/MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, MONG KOK GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 30 LUEN WAN STREET, KOWLOON.
ANY PERSON WISHING TO OBJECT TO THE PROPOSED WORKS SHOULD ADDRESS HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT AT CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG BEFORE AUGUST 2 DESCRIBING HIS INTEREST AND THE MANNER IN WHICH HE WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE WORKS.
----------0 -
YOUTH URGED TO SUPPORT VOTER REGISTRATION » * t » *
THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PO PUI-LEONG, HAS APPEALED TO THE YOUTH TO SUPPORT VOTER REGISTRATION IN THE DISTRICT.
SPEAKING AT A CEREMONY OF THE NEW TERRITORIES REGION OF THE HONG KONG'SCOUT ASSOCIATION AT TAI PO COMMUNITY CENTRE TODAY (FRIDAY), MR PO ENCOURAGED ELIGIBLE YOUTHS TO REGISTER AS VOTERS IN RESPONSE TO THE LOWERING OF THE VOTING AGE FROM 21 TO 18.
HE SAID: "YOUTHS MAY MAKE USE OF THIS OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS BY EXERCISING THEIR CIVIC RIGHTS AND LET THEIR VOICES BE HEARD."
A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES TO PROMOTE VOTER REGISTRATION WILL BE CONDUCTED IN TAI PO IN THE COMING WEEKS.
THESE WILL INCLUDE INTENSIVE VISITS TO HOUSEHOLDS, SCHOOLS, COMMUNITY CENTRES AND REGISTRATION EXERCISES IN BUSY STREETS NEAR TAI PO MARKET AND TAI WO KCRC STATIONS.
/14 .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 1994
14
CLOSURE OF UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES
*****
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY JS SEEKING TO CLOSE TWO UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES IN NORTH POINT SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT CAUSING DANGER TO OTHER OCCUPANTS AND THE PUBLIC.
THE TWO SINGLE-STOREY STRUCTURES, BEING USED FOR DWELLING AND STORAGE PURPOSES, ARE LOCATED ON THE ROOFTOP OF A BUILDING AT 80 AND 82 JAVA ROAD.
NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR TWO CLOSURE ORDERS FROM THE DISTRICT COURT UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE ON OCTOBER 7 WERE POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY (FRIDAY).
DOMOLITION WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START AS SOON AS THE CLOSURE ORDERS ARE ISSUED.
CROWN RENT PAYMENT DUE ON JUNE 24
*****
DEMAND NOTES HAVE BEEN ISSUED FOR CROWN RENTS THAT EXCEED $100 PER YEAR FOR THE HALF YEAR ENDING JUNE 24.
ALSO ISSUED ARE THOSE FOR CROWN RENTS FOR THE FIVE YEARS ENDING JUNE 24 THAT DO NOT EXCEED $100 A YEAR AND HAVE TO BE PAID ONLY ONCE EVERY FIVE YEARS.
PAYMENT MAY BE MADE USING THE PAYMENT BY PHONE SERVICE 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;
* THE NORTH POINT SUB-TREASURY, MAX SHARE CENTRE, FIRST FLOOR, 373 KING’S ROAD, NORTH POINT, HONG KONG;
« THE SAI WAN HO SUB-TREASURY, EASTERN LAW COURTS BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, 29 TAI ON STREET, SAI WAN HO, HONG KONG;
* THE YAU MA TEI SUB-TREASURY, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, FOURTH FLOOR, 405 NATHAN ROAD (MARKET STREET ENTRANCE), KOWLOON;
* THE KOWLOON CITY SUB-TREASURY, MAN SANG COMMERCIAL BUILDING, FIRST FLOOR, 348-352 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD (CORNER OF PRINCE EDWARD ROAD AND JUNCTION ROAD), KOWLOON; AND
* DISTRICT OFFICE AT SAI KUNG, SHA TIN, TAI PO, NORTH, YUEN LONG, TUEN MUN, TSUEN WAN OR KWAI TS1 NG.
/MEMBERS .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 1994
- 15 -
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE DEMAND NOTES SHOULD BRING ALONG THOSE FOR ANY PREVIOUS PERIOD TO ANY OF THE TREASURY COLLECTION OFFICES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TREASURY SAID.
DUPLICATE DEMAND NOTES WILL BE ISSUED TO THEM, HE SAID.
IF THEY CANNOT PRODUCE DEMAND NOTES FOR ANY PREVIOUS PERIOD, THEY SHOULD INQUIRE AT THE CROWN RENT UNIT OF THE TREASURY AT IMMIGRATION TOWER, 30TH FLOOR, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI.
THE SPOKESMAN ADVISED CROWN RENT PAYERS WHO HAD SUBMITTED A VALID DIRECT DEBIT AUTHORISATION THAT IF THE WORDING "PAYMENT TO BE MADE BY AUTOPAY” WAS SHOWN ON THE NOTES, PAYMENT WOULD BE MADE BY DIRECT DEBIT TO THEIR BANK ACCOUNTS ON JUNE 24.
"THEY SHOULD ENSURE THEIR BANK ACCOUNTS CONTAIN THE FUNDS ON THAT DATE," HE SAID.
"IF THE ABOVE WORDING IS NOT SHOWN ON THE DEMAND NOTES, CROWN RENT PAYERS SHOULD PAY ACCORDING TO THE INSTRUCTIONS SET OUT IN THE DEMAND NOTES,” HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN URGED PAYERS TO SAVE QUEUING TIMES BY USING THE PAYMENT BY PHONE SERVICE, BY POST, OR BY EARLY PERSONAL ATTENDANCE AT ANY OF THE COLLECTION OFFICES.
"HOWEVER, THE MOST CONVENIENT WAY IS AUTOPAY," HE SAID.
APPLICATION FORMS FOR AUTOPAY ARE AVAILABLE FROM TREASURY COLLECTION OFFICES, DISTRICT OFFICES AND ALL MAJOR BANKS IN HONG KONG OR BY TELEPHONING 829 4999.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT PAYMENT BY TELEPHONE SERVICE, PLEASE CALL 170 222 329.
ENQUIRIES ON OUTSTANDING ACCOUNTS FOR CROWN RENT MAY BE ADDRESSED TO THE DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES. THE FEE IS $50 FOR EACH ENQUIRY PER PROPERTY.
-------0 - - - -
TAXPAYERS TOLD TO FILE RETURNS NOW
* * « * *
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT REMINDED TAXPAYERS THAT INDIVIDUALS’ TAX RETURNS ISSUED ON MAY 2 WERE NOW DUE FOR LODGMENT UNLESS AN EXTENSION OF TIME HAD BEEN GRANTED.
A 24-HOUR TELEPHONE ENQUIRY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE TO OFFER PRACTICAL ADVICE AND GUIDANCE ON HOW TO COMPLETE THE RETURNS, HE SAID.
THE TELEPHONE NUMBER IS 594 0888.
-----_0----------
/16 .......
I
FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 1994
16
POST OFFICES TO CLOSE DURING PUBLIC HOLIDAYS ♦ * * * *
ALL POST OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED DURING THE FORTHCOMING PUBLIC HOLIDAYS TO CELEBRATE THE BIRTHDAY OF THE QUEEN AND THE TUEN NG FESTIVAL, THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR MIKE PAGLIARI, ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
HE SAID A SPECIAL MAIL DELIVERY WOULD BE PROVIDED ON JUNE 11, BUT THERE WOULD BE NO DELIVERY ON JUNE 12, 13 AND 14.
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
4 $ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE' IN THE ACCOUNT 2,505 0930 -1,026
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,359 1000 -1,026
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1 100 -1,026
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -1,026 1 200 -1,026
LAF TODAY -120 1 500 -1,026
1600 -1,026
LAF RATE 2.50 BTD/4.50 OFFER TWI 124.9 *40.1* *.6.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.44 18 MONTHS 251 1 4.15 97.81 5.81
1 MONTH 3.65 24 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100.42 6.21
3 MONTHS 4.09 29 MONTHS 3610 4.20 95.04 6.57
6 MONTHS 4.59 32 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.21 6.71
12 MONTHS 5.23 35 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98.57 6.81
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 20,950 MN
CLOSED 3 JUNE 1994
0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 1994
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
MARINE DEPARTMENT TO CONDUCT SURVEY ON FLOATING REFUSE .... 1
PRINCIPALS AND TEACHERS UNDERSTAND MORE ABOUT ACP.......... 2
LUCKY CAR REGISTRATION MARKS SALE BY AUCTION............... 3
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .... 4
SUNDAY, JUNE 5, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION STARTS WITH FAMILIES.............. 5
ROUTE 3 RAMBLER CHANNEL BRIDGE TAKES SHAPE................. 5
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS DURING WET SEASON URGED................. 7
QEH STAFF URGED TO REGISTER AS VOTERS...................... 8
WELFARE PAYMENTS GIVEN OUT EARLIER......................... 8
SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 1994
1
MARINE DEPARTMENT TO CONDUCT SURVEY ON FLOATING REFUSE
*****
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT IS CONDUCTING A SURVEY TO ASSESS THE PROBLEM OF FLOATING REFUSE IN HONG KONG WATERS AND THE DAMAGE IT CAUSES TO VESSELS, THE ACTING DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR JOHN TSE YAN-CHI, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
AS PART OF THE DATA GATHERING EXERCISE, THE DEPARTMENT HAS REQUESTED CREW OR STAFF MEMBERS OF FERRIES AND HIGH SPEED FERRIES, TUGS, LAUNCHES, PLEASURE CRAFT, FISHING VESSELS AND OTHER CRAFT USING HONG KONG WATERS TO REPORT THE DETAILS OF THEIR ENCOUNTER OF FLOATING REFUSE BETWEEN JUNE AND SEPTEMBER, THE SAMPLING PERIOD FOR THE SURVEY.
"WE WANT TO KNOW WHEN AND WHERE A VESSEL ENCOUNTERS FLOATING REFUSE, THE AMOUNT OF REFUSE ENCOUNTERED, THE DAMAGE CAUSED TO THEIR VESSELS, THE DOWNTIME AND THE ESTIMATED REPAIR COSTS," MR TSE SAID.
TO FACILITATE THE REPORTING OF SUCH INCIDENTS, THE DEPARTMENT HAS DESIGNED A BILINGUAL QUESTIONNAIRE AND DISTRIBUTED TO THE FERRY OPERATORS, MAJOR RIVER TRADE AGENCIES, RELEVANT TRADE ASSOCIATIONS AND YACHT CLUBS. THE QUESTIONNAIRE ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE MARINE DEPARTMENT DISTRICT OFFICES.
THE COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRES CAN BE RETURNED BY MAIL TO THE MARINE DEPARTMENT, GPO BOX 4155, OR FAX IT TO 545 0556 OR HAND IT IN AT ANY MARINE DEPARTMENT DISTRICT OFFICES.
"THE FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY WILL ENABLE US TO IDENTIFY THE SCALE OF THE PROBLEM. IT WILL ALSO GIVE US A CLEARER IDEA ON THE ECONOMIC COST THE PROBLEM HAS CAUSED TO BOTH INDIVIDUAL VESSEL OWNER AND THE ECONOMY AS A WHOLE," MR TSE SAID.
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT IS CHARGED TO COLLECT FLOATING REFUSE IN VICTORIA HARBOUR AND IN WATERS INSIDE THREE SPECIFIC TYPHOON SHELTERS IN ABERDEEN, CHEUNG CHAU AND SAI KUNG.
THE DEPARTMENT HAS, ON ITS OWN INITIATIVE, PROVIDED TEMPORARY SCAVENGING SERVICES IN WATERS AROUND TIEN MUN TYPHOON SHELTER AS LONG AS ITS RESOURCES PERMITTED.
"SEVEN SPECIALISED SCAVENGING VESSELS ARE OPERATED BY THE DEPARTMENT AND 27 CONTRACTED BOATS AND SAMPANS ARE ALSO USED," MR TSE SAID.
HE NOTED THAT THE PATTERN AND THE AMOUNT OF FLOATING REFUSE WERE AFFECTED BY PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT SUCH AS WATER CURRENT, TIDES, SHIP MOVEMENTS AND WASHES.
"URBANISATION, RECLAMATION, RAINFALL, CONSTRUCTION ALONG SEASHORE, AND THE LACK OF CIVIC-MINDEDNESS ALSO HAVE A PART TO PLAY," MR TSE SAID.
"WHILE THE AMOUNT OF FLOATING REFUSE IS DETERMINED BY A NUMBER OF FACTORS, LACK OF CIV1C-M1NDEDNESS IS PERHAPS A MAJOR CAUSE," MR TSE SA 1D.
/"PEOPLE SHOULD .......
SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 1994
’’PEOPLE SHOULD NOT TREAT THE HARBOUR AS A GIGANTIC REEUSE BIN. EVERY BIT OE REEUSE DUMPED INTO THE SEA COSTS," HE STRESSED.
"CURRENTLY THE COST OF COLLECTING ONE TONNE OF FLOATING REFUSE IS $2,100," HE SAID.
IN THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, THE TAXPAYERS HA\E SPENT MORE THAN $4 MILLION IN COLLECTING SOME 2,000 TONNES OE REFUSE FROM THE SEA.
’’THIS IS ONLY A VISIBLE COST QUANTIFIED ON BOOKS, INVISIBLE COSTS SUCH AS REPAIRING THE DAMAGES TO SHIP HULL, PROPELLERS AND ENGINES AND THE DOWNTIME OF THE VESSELS HAVE NOT BEEN TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT," MR TSE SAID.
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT COLLECTED A TOTAL OF 5,020 TONNES OF FLOATING REFUSE FROM THE SEA IN 1993. IN THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, SOME 2,000 TONNES WAS COLLECTED, 500 TONNES MORE THAN THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD IN 1993.
------0--------
PRINCIPALS AND TEACHERS UNDERSTAND MORE ABOUT ACP *****
ABOUT 280 PRIMARY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS AND TEACHERS HAVE TODAY (SATURDAY) GAINED A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE 10 AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME (ACP) PROJECTS DURING A BOAT TOUR TO VARIOUS PROJECT AREAS.
DURING THE THREE-AND-A-HALF-HOUR BOAT TOUR, THE PRINCIPALS AND TEACHERS SAW THE EXTENSIVE PHYSICAL PROGRESS THAT HAVE BEEN MADE SO FAR, INCLUDING THE TWIN 206 METRES HIGH TOWERS OF THE TSING MA BRIDGE, THE NORTH LANTAU EXPRESSWAY WHICH IS BEING CONSTRUCTED ALONG THE NORTHERN COAST OF LANTAU, AND THE LARGE PIECES OF LAND THAT HAVE BEEN RECLAIMED BOTH AT CHEK LAP KOK AND IN WEST KOWLOON.
THEY WERE ALSO BRIEFED ON THE 10 ACP PROJECTS AS WELL AS THEIR LATEST WORK PROGRESS BY REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS CO-ORDINATION OFFICE (NAPCO), THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY AND THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION.
"TODAY’S BOAT TRIP IS CO-ORGANISED BY NAPCO AND THE HONG KONG TEACHERS’ CENTRE AS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS TO PUBLICISE THE ACP TO SCHOOLS AND TO PROMOTE THE USE OF THE ACP TEACHING KIT FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS," SAID NAPCO’S ASSISTANT DIREC’TOR MR PAUL TANG.
THE PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHING KIT WAS INTRODUCED IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS TO USE IT AS A TEACHING TOOL IN PROVIDING STUDENTS WITH A GENERAL INTRODUCTION ON THE ACP PROJECTS AS WELL AS THEIR ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES TO THE COMMUNITY.
/SO FAR.........
SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 1994
- 3 -
SO FAR, OVER 1,100 SETS OF THE TEACHING KIT HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED TO PRIMARY SCHOOLS, VARIOUS EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS, PUBLIC LIBRARIES, TEACHERS' ASSOCIATIONS, THE BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ CLUB ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG, THE YOUNG MEN’S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION, THE YOUNG WOMEN’S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION AND OTHER COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS.
DESIGNER OF THE TEACHING KIT, DR C C LAM OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, ALSO WENT ON BOARD TODAY TO EXPLAIN TO TEACHERS HOW BEST THEY COULD MAKE USE OF THE KIT IN ANSWERING QUESTIONS FROM THEIR STUDENTS ON THE 10 ACP PROJECTS.
------0--------
LUCKY CAR REGISTRATION MARKS SALE BY AUCTION
* ♦ * * ♦
ONE HUNDERD VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS WERE PUT UP FOR AUCTION TODAY (SATURDAY) FOR A TOTAL OF $4,251,000 WHICH WILL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY PURPOSES AFTER DEDUCTION OF EXPENSES•
THE AUCTION, HELD AT THE RECITAL HALL OF THE CITY HALL, SAW THE REGISTRATION MARK *AJ3 FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE OF $368,000.
ANOTHER REGISTRATION MARK *9868 WAS SOLD AT THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE OF $350,000 WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS $1,000 EACH FOR FX5168 FX8346, FX4493, FX5682. ’ ’
FOLLOWING ARE THE RESULTS OF THE MORNING SESSION AUCTION:
$ $ $ $
FX877 18,000 FX138 88,000 FX61 1 1 1,000 AU638 73,000
AS8805 13,000 CE269 13,000 FX880 31,000 FX654 10,000
♦ER333 100,000 »BS83 304,000 ♦ CC92 62,000 ♦ FC 2 215,000
FX159 3,000 FX6681 6,000 FX5168 1,000 AW376 12,000
FY218 1 1,000 EE1638 18,000 FW.338 65,000 FX921 8,000
AA3680 20,000 BR238 82,000 AZ3222 25,000 BW3828 43,000
FX4 63 6,000 FX 1 1 3 24,000 FX968 10,000 FY6629 6,000
♦ EC 5 110,000 ♦HK4000 84,000 *9868 350,000 ♦FW989 64,000
FX890 8,000 BV8198 13,000 AW1319 10,000 FW267 4,000
FY1289 5,000 EX 1386 9,000 FX9188 12,000 FX8346 1,000
FW3998 10,000 FX987 20,000 ♦FU444 17,000 FY625 7,000
FY3799 2,000 EM8122 5,000 FY3298 17,000 ♦FU6767 50,000
FX4493 1,000 FX5682 1 ,000
/FOLLOWING ARE........
SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 1994
FOLLOWING ARE
THE RESULTS OF THE AFTERNOON SESSION AUCTION:
$ $ $ $
FX911 98,000 CT81 7 9,000 XX104 70,000 FY288 58,000
FX3328 28,000 FX663 30,000 AW375 10,000 FW3368 10,000
ER66 160,000 ♦EC300 65,000 ♦ FC28 210,000 ♦ AJ3 368,000
FY413 7,000 FY510 6,000 FX31 1 28,000 CT955 23,000
FYI 928 7,000 FX668 60,000 HK588 60,000 FX2788 8,000
FY2111 8,000 FYI 128 20,000 DP1968 28,000 FY148 16,000
FY9088 9,000 AU866 40,000 FX638 30,000 FX1 52 8,000
8872 100,000 ♦ EN99 100,000 ♦ 920 250,000 ♦CN1001 16,000
FX2663 8,000 FX1328 22,000 FX7003 13,000 FY2829 8,000
AV3826 13,000 FY9912 3,000 FY6882 25,000 FY8038 9,000
FY 1 1 7 20,000 ER3088 13,000 ♦AY656 15,000 FY7178 2,000
AU579 14,000 FY9880 7,000 FX2887 5,000 ♦CL9595 20,000
FY4493 2,000 FY2962 4,000
* SPECIAL VEHICLE 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.
TODAY’S SALE, THE 228TH AND 229TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY REALISED SO FAR TO $323,243,905.
------0--------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
» » » » »
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1 ,359 0930 NIL
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,064 1000 NIL
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 NIL
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY NIL 1200 NIL
LAF TODAY -295 1500
1600
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TW1 125.1 ♦+0.2> 4.6.94
--------0-----------
/5 ........
SUNDAY, JUNE 5, 1994
- 5 -
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION STARTS WITH FAMILIES ♦ * * ♦ ♦
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION SHOULD START WITH THE FAMILIES WHICH ARE THE BASIC UNITS OF THE SOCIETY, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE WORLD ENVIRONMENTAL DAY 1994 CELEBRATION, MRS CHAN NOTED THAT THE SLOGAN FOR THIS YEAR WAS ’’GREEN FAMILY, GREEN ACTION."
"A FAMILY CAN BECOME GREEN WHEN THEY START CLAIMING THEIR RIGHTS AS A GREEN CONSUMER AND BEGIN TO BE CONSCIOUS OF THE IMPACT OF THEIR BEHAVIOUR ON THE ENVIRONMENT,” MRS CHAN SAID.
”IF ALL SIX MILLION OF US ARE A LITTLE BIT MORL CONSCIOUS IN CONDUCTING OUR LIVES IN A MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY WAY, WE WILL HELP TREMENDOUSLY IN REDUCING THE DEPLETION OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND THE PRODUCTION OF WASTE,” SHE ADDED.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC GROWTH MUST NOT BE AT THE EXPENSE OF OUR ENVIRONMENT”.
”AS A COMMUNITY, WE MUST JOIN HANDS TO CULTIVATE HIGHER ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS AND GREEN FAMILY HABITS.
’’ONLY IN THIS WAY CAN WE ENJOY AN IMPROVED AND SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT,” SHE SAID.
------0-------
ROUTE 3 RAMBLER CHANNEL BRIDGE TAKES SHAPE ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
WORK ON THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME’S (AGP) RAMBLER CHANNEL BRIDGE HAS REACHED A SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE WITH THE START OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE BRIDGE DECK.
THE RAMBLER CHANNEL BRIDGE FORMS PART OF THE ACP’S ROUTE 3 PROJECT LINKING TSI NG Yl ISLAND AND KWAI CHUNG.
ROUTE 3 IS A MAJOR ELEMENT IN THE ACP’S HIGHWAYS NETWORK CONNECTING THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK AND TUNG CHUNG NEW TOWN TO KOWLOON AND CENTAL HONG KONG.
IN THE COMING WEEKS, THE BRIDGE WILL START TO TAKE SHAPE AS THE FIRST OF ABOUT 1,000 PRECAST CONCRETE SEGMENTS, WHICH WILL FORM THE DECK, ARE PLACED IN POSITION.
THE BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION WILL USE THE PRECAST SEGMENTAL BALANCED CANTILEVER METHOD UTILISING A LAUNCHING GIRDER, AN ADVANCED PIECE OF SPECIALIST BRIDGE EQUIPMENT PIONEERED IN HONG KONG BY THE LEAD CONTRACTOR ON THE PROJECT, DRAGAGES ET TRAVAUX PUBLICS.
/THIS SPECIAL ......
SUNDAY, JUNE 5, 1994
- 6 -
THIS SPECIAL LAUNCHING GIRDER WHICH HAS BEEN USED TWICE PREVIOUSLY IN EUROPE BUT ONLY ONCE BEFORE IN HONG KONG ON THE KWUN TONG BYPASS PROJECT WILL LIFT AND POSITION THE LARGE PRECAST CONCRETE SEGMENTS ON TOP OF THE BRIDGE PIERS UP TO 30 METRES ABOVE GROUND LEVEL AND RAMBLER CHANNEL WATER LEVEL.
ORIGINALLY FABRICATED IN ITALY, AND AFTER HAVING BEEN TOTALLY REFURBISHED AND EXTENDED FOR USE ON THE RAMBLER CHANNEL BRIDGE, THE LAUNCHING GIRDER NOW WEIGHS 450 TONNES AND MEASURES 133 METRES LONG AND 15 METRES HIGH.
EACH SEGMENT, WEIGHING BETWEEN 80 AND 120 TONNES, IS POSITIONED BY THE LAUNCHING GIRDER AND DURING THE CANTILEVERING OF THE DECK SEGMENTS, ONE BY ONE ALTERNATIVELY ON BOTH SIDES OF A BRIDGE PIER, EACH SEGMENT IS BOLTED TO THE NEXT ONE UNTIL THE CLOSING OF ONE SPAN IS ACHIEVED.
THE PROCESS IS THEN REPEATED UNTIL THE 1.2 KILOMETRES LONG BRIDGE DECK IS FORMED.
A SENIOR ENGINEER FROM THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT, MR DUNCAN SIU, EXPLAINED THAT AN IMPORTANT ADVANTAGE OF THE BALANCED CANTILEVER TECHNIQUE WAS THAT CONSTRUCTION WORK WAS DONE WITHOUT TEMPORARY SUPPORT FROM THE GROUND AND THUS ELIMINATES THE NEED TO CLOSE OFF SECTIONS OF THE RAMBLER CHANNEL.
"THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION AS IT MEANS THAT DISRUPTION TO VESSELS MOVING THROUGH THE CHANNEL AS WELL AS HEAVY ROAD TRAFFIC ALONG THE TWO APPROACHES AT TS I NG YI AND KWAI CHUNG ARE KEPT TO A MINIMUN," MR SIU SAID.
"THIS TECHNIQUE UTILISING THE LAUNCHING GIRDER WILL ALSO CUT SHORT THE CONSTRUCTION PERIOD. IT ALLOWS THE CONTRACTOR TO ERECT UP TO 100 METRES OF BRIDGE DECK IN ONE WEEK, CONSIDERABLY FASTER THAN OTHER MORE CONVENTIONAL METHODS OF BRIDGE BUILDING," MR SIU SAID.
"ALL THE PRECAST SEGMENTS CAN BE MADE IN A CENTRALISED PRESCASTING YARD UNDER GOOD QUALITY CONTROL. THE PRODUCTION RATE IS THEREFORE QUICKER THAN SOME CONVENTIONAL CAST IN-SITU CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION METHODS," HE ADDED.
THE RAMBLER CHANNEL BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT, AWARDED IN JUNE LAST YEAR TO DRAGAGES-BSG-PENTA JOINT VENTURE AT A COST OF $669.8 MILLION, COMPRISES THE BUILDING OF A 490 METRES LONG MAIN BRIDGE, AND APPROACH VIADUCTS ON EITHER SIDE OF THE CHANNEL.
THE PROJECT HAS HAD A SUCCESSFUL START AND IS CURRENTLY ON PROGRAMME FOR COMPLETION IN 1996. WHEN COMPLETED, THE ROUTE 3 RAMBLER CHANNEL BRIDGE WILL CARRY A DUAL THREE-LANE EXPRESSWAY.
SUNDAY, JUNE 5, 1994
7
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS DURING WET SEASON URGED *****
SITE MANAGEMENT STAFF SHOULD BE MORE VIGILANT AND TAKE SPECIAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AT THEIR CONSTRUCTION SITES DURING THE RAINY AND TYPHOON SEASON TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS.
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S DEPUTY CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR MR KAN HON-SANG SAID (SUNDAY) THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE DIVISION HAD BEEN LAUNCHING A SPECIAL TASK FORCE CAMPAIGN SINCE MARCH THIS YEAR AS PART OF ITS EFFORTS TO STEP UP ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS TO IMPROVE SITE SAFETY AND TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF SERIOUS ACCIDENTS IN THE WET SEASON.
THE SPECIAL ENFORCEMENT EXERCISE WILL LAST UNTIL OCTOBER.
MR KAN NOTED THAT FALLING OBJECTS, COLLAPSE OF SCAFFOLDS UNDER STRONG WIND, CAVE-IN OF SLOPES OR EXCAVATIONS AND ELECTRICAL FAULTS DURING HEAVY RAIN WERE THE COMMON MISHAPS IN SUMMER.
’’EVEN AFTER THE LOWERING OF TYPHOON OR RAINSTORM SIGNALS, ACCIDENTS CAUSED BY SLIPPERY AND WET FLOOR, UNSTABLE WORKING PLATFORMS, DETERIORATED SCAFFOLDS, IRRUPTION OF WATER OR DISLODGMENT OF EARTH IN EXCAVATION OR UNSTABLE LIFTING APPLIANCES MAY ALSO OCCUR,” HE SAID.
IN ORDER TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS, MR KAN REMINDED SITE PERSONNEL TO TAKE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES ON WORKS THAT MIGHT BE AFFECTED WHEN TYPHOON SIGNAL NO. 3 OR THE RAINSTORM WARNING SIGNAL "RED" WAS ABOUT TO BE HOISTED.
’’CRANES SHOULD NOT BE USED WHEN THE WEATHER CONDITION IS LIKELY TO ENDANGER ITS STABILITY. GOOD HOUSE KEEPING, PROPER STACKING OF MATERIALS, SUITABLE PROTECTION OF ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS AND EQUIPMENTS ARE ALSO NECESSARY DURING BAD WEATHER CONDITION.
"IN ADDITION, STABILITY OF LIFTING APPLIANCES AND SCAFFOLDS SHOULD BE FURTHER STRENGTHENED BY WALL-TIES, BALLASTING, LASHING OR GUY ROPES,” HE SAID.
MR KAN ALSO URGED SITE PERSONNEL TO PROVIDE ADVICE ON SAFETY MEASURES TO WORKERS WHO WERE REQUIRED TO WORK AT HEIGHT.
NOTING THAT THE STABILITY OF LIFTING APPLIANCES, SCAFFOLDS AND EXCAVATIONS MIGHT BE AFFECTED AFTER EXPOSURE TO ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS, MR KAN ASKED CONTRACTORS TO ASSIGN COMPETENT PERSONS TO RE-EXAMINE THESE AREAS OF WORK TO ENSURE THAT THEY WERE STABLE, SECURE AND SAFE.
"IF REMEDIAL WORKS ARE REQUIRED, CONTRACTORS SHOULD ADOPT A SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK AND SHOULD FULLY INSTRUCT THE WORKERS EXECUTING THE JOB ON DETAILS OF THE SYSTEM,” HE SAID.
’’UNDER THE LAW, THEY SHOULD ALSO PROVIDE SUPERVISION AS WELL AS PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENTS TO THE WORKERS," HE ADDED.
/THE FACTORIES .......
SUNDAY, JUNE 5, 1994
8 -
THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE STATES THAT EMPLOYERS FAILING TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK WILL BE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM PENALTY OF $200,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR SIX MONTHS.
MR KAN ALSO CALLED ON WORKERS TO COMPLY WITH THE SAFETY LAW AND TO TAKE REASONABLE CARE FOR THE SAFETY OF THEMSELVES AND OF OTHER PERSONS.
WORKERS WHO BREACH THE LAW WILL FACE A MAXIMUM FINE OF $50,000 AND SIX MONTHS' IMPRISONMENT.
------0-------
QEH STAFF URGED TO REGISTER AS VOTERS
*****
THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BART IRELAND, TODAY (SUNDAY) APPEALED TO MEDICAL STAFF AND VISITORS TO QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL TO ENROL AS VOTERS.
A VOTER REGISTRATION BOOTH HAS BEEN SET UP AT THE CANTEEN OF THE HOSPITAL FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF ELIGIBLE PERSONS WISHING TO BE INCLUDED IN THE ELECTORAL ROLL.
"IT IS IMPORTANT TO BECOME AN ELECTOR IF YOU WANT TO BE HEARD," MR IRELAND SAID.
MEANWHILE, STAFF OF THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE CONDUCT HOUSEHOLD VISITS IN THE AREA TO ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE THREE-TIER ELECTIONS.
------0-------
WELFARE PAYMENTS GIVEN OUT EARLIER
*****
RECIPIENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE SOCIAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE AND SOCIAL SECURITY ALLOWANCE UNDER THE BANK PAYMENT SYSTEM MAY RECEIVE PAYMENT EARLIER IF THEIR PAYDAYS FALL ON THE FORTHCOMING PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) SAID PAYMENTS SCHEDULED BETWEEN SATURDAY (JUNE 11) AND NEXT TUESDAY (JUNE 14) WOULD BE ADVANCED TO FRIDAY (JUNE 10).
IN CASE OF DOUBT, RECIPIENTS ARE ADVISED TO CONTACT THEIR RESPECTIVE SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNITS..
-----0-------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, JUNE 6, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
TRANSCRIPT OF GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION..................... 1
GOVERNOR URGES LEGCO TO APPROVE ELECTORAL PROPOSALS.... 2
PRESS STATEMENT ON EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES ISSUES.............. 4
MORE CLEARANCE ALLOWANCE FOR TIU KENG LENG RESIDENTS... 4
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE APPOINTED.................................■................ 6
EMSD MANAGEMENT AND STAFF HAVE USEFUL DISCUSSION........... 6
SITE SAFETY TRAINING CONSULTANCY CONTRACT SIGNED........... 7
INSURANCE COMMISSIONER’S CHINESE ANNUAL REPORT PUBLISHED 7
JUDICIAL REVIEW ON DISCIPLINARY INQUIRY OF A DENTIST....... 7
ARRANGEMENTS FOR HOLIDAY CLINIC SERVICES................... 8
DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL A STATUTORY HOLIDAY.................. 8
WATER STORAGE FIGURE...................................... 9
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS 9
MONDAY, JUNE 6, 1994
- 1 -
TRANSCRIPT OF GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION
* * * * *
l
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, AFTER HIS ADDRESS AT THE AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE THIS (MONDAY) AFTERNOON:-
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, CAN YOU GIVE US SOME ASSURANCE THAT THE GOVERNMENT DOES CONSIDER THE MARITAL STATUS AND PREGNANCY OUGHT TO BE FACTORS IN SEXUAL I) I SCR IMINAT ION. THEY ARE GOING TO BE INCLUDED IN THE LEGISLATION DESPITE WHAT THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS SAID ON FRIDAY?
GOVERNOR: YES, WE ARE GOING TO BRING FORWARD COMPREHENSIVE PROPOSALS ON SEX DISCRIMINATION. I’D LIKE TO MAKE THAT ABSOLUTELY (’LEAR IF THERE HAS BEEN. ANY CONFUSION. IT’S SOMETHING THAT WE NEED TO PUT CLEAR STRAIGHT-A-WAY.
QUESTION: .......... SHENZHEN ACCIDENT?
GOVERNOR: OBVIOUSLY, OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO THOSE WHO’VE LOST LOVED ONES IN SHENZHEN AND I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT IF THE SHENZHEN AUTHORITIES NEED ANY ASSISTANCE FROM OUR EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS, THEY WILL LET US KNOW. WE DID OFFER ASSISTANCE AS SOON AS WE HEARD ABOUT THE DISASTER. BUT WE WERE ASSURED THAT IT WOULDN’T BE REQUIRED. BUT, WE MUST ALWAYS MAKE IT CLEAR IN HONG KONG THAT WE’RE READY TO OFFER A HELPING HAND TO COLLEAGUES IN CHINA ON OCCASIONS LIKE THIS.
QUESTION: WHAT SHOULD BE DONE ABOUT WORK SAFETY?
GOVERNOR: THAT’S A MATTER FOR THE SHENZHEN AUTHORITIES. I HAVE TO SAY THAT THOUGH WE HAVEN’T, I THINK, HAD A TRAGEDY QUITE LIKE THAT, WE DON’T HAVE A SOAPBOX THAT WE CAN BOOST FROM BECAUSE OUR RECORD ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY IS BAD AND MUST BE A GREAT DEAL BETTER. IT’S PARTICULARLY BAD IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AND WE NEED TO IMPROVE IT. WE ARE TAKING FURTHER MEASURES TO DO SO BUT WE CAN’T LECTURE OTHER PEOPLE ’CAUSE WE’VE GOT TO DO BETTER OURSELVES.
QUESTION: MR SUEN SAID ON FRIDAY THAT HE HAD NO PLANS TO INCLUDE OTHER MARITAL STATUS AND PREGNANCY IN THE ANTI-DISCR1MT NATION BILL. ARE YOU DOING A U-TURN ON THAT LINE?
GOVERNOR: NO, WE ARE NOT DOING A U-TURN. I’M TELLING YOU AS I DID A MOMENT OR TWO AGO WHAT THE SITUATION IS.
QUESTION: DO YOU MIND GIVING US A CURTAIN RAISER ON THE PROPERTY PRICES BECAUSE EVER SINCE THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED MEASURES TO CURB THE PROPERTY SPECULATION, I BELIEVE IT HAD DROPPED BETWEEN 10 AND 15 PERCENT. THERE IS A LOT OF UNCERTAINTY IN THE PROPERTY SECTOR, AND THAT’S BEEN REFLECTED IN THE STOCK MARKET. COULD YOU JUST GIVE US A URTAIN RAISER ON WHAT SORT OF MEASURES THE GOVERNMENT WILL INTRODUCE?
/GOVERNOR
MONDAY, JUNE 6, 1994
- 2 -
GOVERNOR: I’VE BEEN READING ALL SORTS OF MORE OR LESS INFORMED SPECULATION ABOUT WHAT THE GOVERNMENT MAY DO BUT YOU WON’T HAVE VERY LONG TO WAIT. THE TASK FORCE, AS I SAID IN MY SPEECH, IS REPORTING TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL THIS WEEK AND SOON AFTER THAT WE’LL BE MAKING A PUBLIC STATEMENT. I MENTIONED THAT WHAT WE HAVE TO DO IS TO GET RIGHT A RATHER DIFFICULT BALANCE. ON THE ONE HAND. WE WANT TO ABATE THE STEEP INCREASE IN PRICES. ON THE OTHER HAND, WE DON’T WANT TO DO ANYTHING WHICH WOULD BE FUNDAMENTALLY DESTABILISING FOR THE PROPERTY SECTOR. I HOPF. THAT WE’VE GOT THAT BALANCE RIGHT.
QUESTION: HOW WILL YOU DESCRIBE THIS PACKAGE? IS IT VERY USEFUL, OR MILD OR WHAT?
GOVERNOR: 1 THINK IT’S USEFUL, SENSIBLE AND BALAN(’EI).
QUESTION: WILL YOU ADVISE THE PUBLIC NOT TO BUY FLATS AT THE MOMENT?
GOVERNOR: I DON’T I’ll I NK THAT POLITICAL LEADERS ARE SENSIBLE I’O GIVE DETAILED Fl NANI’I AL ADVICE TO INDIVIDUAL FAMILIES. WHAT WE HAVE TO DO IS TO PROVIDE A FRAMEWORK WITHIN WHICH PEOPLE CAN MAKE THEIR OWN ECONOMIC CHOICES WITH THE GREATEST POSSIBILITY OF SUCCESS. LAST QUESTION.
QUESTION: IN YOUR SPEECH, YOU MADE A REFERENCE TO A HOPE THAI THE ELECTORAL PROVISIONS WOULD BE RESOLVED ON THE 29TH . ARE YOU SUGGESTING THAT YOU MIGHT END UP WITH EMILY LAU’S 60 DIRECTLY-ELECTED SEATS ON YOUR DESK?
GOVERNOR: I REPEAT THAT I HOPE THAT THE BEST PROPOSALS WHICH ARE IN FRONT OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE ONES IN OUR BILL ARE PASSED AND PASSED WITH AS A HANDSOME A MAJORITY AS POSSIBLE. THAT, I THINK, IS THE BEST WAY FORWARD FOR HONG KONG AND I DON’T THINK IT’S SENSIBLE FOR ME TO SPECULATE ABOUT WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF SOME OTHER PROPOSALS WENT FORWARD. 1 THINK OURS ARE THE BEST. WE WILL ARGUE VIGOROUSLY FOR THEM. WE WILL LOBBY’ FOR THEM AND WE WILL VOTE FOR THEM. THANKS VERY MUCH INDEED.
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GOVERNOR URGES LEGCO TO APPROVE ELECTORAL PROPOSALS
* ♦ ♦ ♦ »
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, TODAY (MONDAY) STRONGLY URGED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO APPROVE THE ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENT PROPOSALS WHEN THEY VOTED ON THEM ON JUNE 29.
"THE ADMINISTRATION FIRMLY BELIEVES, STRONGLY BELIEVES, THEY ARE BY FAR THE BEST ON THE TABLE.
"I BELIEVE THE COMMUNITY -WHICH HAS REMAINED SOLIDLY SUPPORTIVE - WANTS TO SEE THE MATTER RESOLVED ON JUNE 29 AS WELL.
"THAT WAY WE WILL BE ABLE TO PUT THE ARGUMENT ABOUT THE CONSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS BEHIND US, AND GET ON WITH PREPARING FOR THE ELECTIONS ON THE BASIS OF ARRANGEMENTS WHICH THE COMMUNITY REGARDS AS CREDIBLE,” HE SAID.
/ADDRESSING THE .......
MONDAY, JUNE 6, 1994
3 -
ADDRESSING THE AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, MR PATTEN SAID HONG KONG’S CREDIBLE LEGISLATURE WAS AN IMPORTANT COMPONENT OE ITS WAY OF LIFE.
HE SAID TIE JOINT DECLARATION SPECIFIED THAT THE LEGISLATURE SHALL BE CONSTITUTED BY ELECTIONS AND I’HE BASH I AW PROVIDED FOR A RISING NUMBER OF DIRECTLY ELECTED SEATS.
IN THE INTERIM. THERE WILL BE A MIXTURF OF DIRECT \ND INDIRECT ELECTIONS.
”OUR CONCERN OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS HAS BEEN THAT THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THOSE ELECTIONS - WHETHER DIREC'I OR INDIRECT - SHOULD BE OPEN AND FAIR, AND SHOULD BE ACCEPTABLE TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG,” HE SAID.
MR PATTEN SAID THAT WAS NOT AN OPTIONAL EXTRA, BUT A FUNDAMENTAL REQI IREMENT THAT THE LEGISLATURE SHOULD ITSELF BE CREDIBLE.
’’THAT MATTERS, BECAUSE UPON I’HE ( RED I B I I. I T\ OF THE IEGISLATURE DEPENDS THE CREDIBILITY OF SO MUCH ELSE - THE LEVEL PLAYING FIELD IN BUSINESS, THE LEVEL PLAYING FIFLD IN THF COURTS.” HE SAID.
THE GOVERNOR NOTED THAI THERF WAS NO REASON Win DISAGREEMENT BETWEEN BRITAIN AND CH I NA ON I’HE CONST I TUT I ONAl ISSUES SHOULD MEAN DEADLOCK ACROSS-THE-BOARD.
’’AND I AF PLEASED THAT OUR (HINESF COLLEAGUES INCREASINGLY APPEAR TO TAKE THAT VIEW TOO.” HE SAID.
FOR EXAMPLE, IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP. MORE RAPID PROGRESS MUST BE MADE ON THE LOCALISATION AND ADAPTATION OF LAWS; AND THE NEW AIRPORT MUST BE COMPLETED AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE.
REFERRING TO ANOTHER ISSUE THAI IS OF IMMEDIATE CONCERN TO BUSINESSES, MR PATTEN SAID A TASK FORCE STUDYING RISING PROPERTY PRICES WOULD BE REPORTING TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL THIS WEEK.
”1 HOPE THAT THE MEASURES WF PROPOSE WI LI HEI P TO ALLAY THE PROBLEMS THAT WF FACE ON THIS FRONT.
”WE HAVE TO STRIKE A DIFFICUL'I BALANCE, ABATING THE STEEP INCREASE IN PR I ( ES WITHOUT DAMAGING THF WHOLE PROPERTY SECTOR,” HE SAID.
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/4 ........
MONDAY, JUNE 6, 1994
4
PRESS STATEMENT ON EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES ISSUES *****
THE FOLLOWING IS A STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, TODAY (MONDAY):
THERE HAVE BEEN SOME RECENT REPORTS IN THE MEDIA ABOUT EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES INITIATIVES WHICH REQUIRE CLARIFICATION. THE ISSUES CONCERNED ARE SEXUAL HARASSMENT, PROTECTION FOR PREGNANT WORKERS AND MARITAL STATUS. THE POSITION OF THE ADMINISTRATION ON THESE THREE ISSUES IS AS FOLLOWS:
ON SEXUAL HARASSMENT, WE WILL BE DRAFTING LEGISLATION TO COVER THIS SO AS TO ENSURE THAT GENUINE CASES OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT ARE DEALT WITH FIRMLY AND SERIOUSLY. CERTAIN ASPECTS OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT, INSOFAR AS THEY CONSTITUTE INDECENT ASSAULT, ARE ALREADY CRIMINAL OFFENCES.
ON THE QUESTION OF PROTECTION FOR PREGNANT WORKERS, THIS IS AN ISSUE WHICH IS COVERED BY THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE. WE ARE CURRENTLY REVIEWING THE RELEVANT PROVISIONS OF THAT ORDINANCE TO ENSURE THAT PREGNANT WORKERS ARE ADEQUATELY PROTECTED.
ON MARITAL STATUS, THE ADMINISTRATION’S POLICY ON THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IS TO INTRODUCE LEGISLATION AGAINST SEX DISCRIMINATION IN ANY AREAS WHERE THERE IS A CLEARLY DEMONSTRATED NEED FOR IT.
IN DRAWING UP OUR LEGISLATION WE WILL BE EXAMINING THE CASE FOR COVERING THE ISSUE OF MARITAL STATUS AGAINST THIS CLEARLY STATED CRITERION.
OUR OVERALL AIM WILL BE TO ENSURE THAT LEGISLATION ON SEX DISCRIMINATION IS SUFFICIENTI.Y COMPREHENSIVE TO COVER ALL ASPECTS OF THE ISSUE.
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MORE CLEARANCE ALLOWANCE FOR TIU KENG LENG RESIDENTS *****
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO INCREASE BY 46 PER CENT THE EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE TO PERMIT HOLDERS OF STRUCTURES IN THE TIU KENG LENG COTTAGE AREA TO BE CLEARED TO MAKE WAY’ FOR PHASE I I I DEVELOPMENT OF TSEUNG KWAN 0 NEW TOWN.
THE REVISED RATE OF $5,037 PER. SQUARE METRE OF FLOOR AREA WILL BE APPLICABLE TO DOMESTIC STRUCTURES, SHOPS AND OTHER PREMISES IN THE COTTAGE AREA.
THE AMOUNT OF EX-GRATIA PAYMENT WILL HE CALCULATED ON THE BASIS OF THE FLOOR AREAS OF BOTH THE GROUND AND UPPER FLOORS OF THE STRUCTURES AS RECORDED BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT IN THE RECENT SURVEY.
/THE EX-GRATTA .......
MONDAY, JUNE 6, 1994
- 5 -
THE EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE WILL FORM PART Ob THE CLEARANCE PACKAGE TO THE CLEAREES WHICH WILL INCLUDE REHOUSING, REMOVAL ALLOWANCE RANGING FROM $3,180 - $8,690 AND A SPECIAL ALLOWANCE Ob $55.73 PER SQUARE METRE FOR AN( ILLARY ARFAS SUCH AS ENCLOSED AND PAVED OPEN SPACE AND PORCHES.
THE GOVERNMENT WILL SEEK APPROVAL Ob I’HE FINANCE COMMITTEE FOR FINANCIAL COMMITMENT AMOUNTING TO $721.7 MILLION TO PAA THE CLEAREES.
ELIGIBLE CLEAREES WILL BE OFFERED PI BLJ< HOUSING IN THE NEARBY HAU TAK ESTATE OR OTHER ESTATES OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY OF RESOURCES.
THEY WILL ALSO HAVE THE OPTION TO BUY THEIR OWN FLATS UNDER I’HE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME WITH PRIORITY.
THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN HOLDING TWO BLOCKS OF ABOUT 1,500 FLATS IN HAI TAK ESTATE EXCLUSIVELY' FOR THE ( LE/JiEES SINCE ITS COMPLETION IN APRIL THIS YEAR.
ELIGIBLE SHOP AND WORKSHOP OPERATORS WILL BE OFFERED RESTRICTED TENDER FOR SHOP AND MARKET SPACES MANAGED BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE CLEARANCE WAS TREATED AS A SPECIAL CASE HAVING REGARD TO THE SPFCIAI CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE TIU KENG LENG COTTAGE AREA.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID: "PHASE III DEVELOPMENT Ob THE NEW TOWN WILL HINGE ON THE CLEARANCE OF THE COTTAGE AREA. ON TOP Ob PRIVATE HOUSING, THE HOUSING AUTHORITY WILL PUT UP 12,000 FLATS THERE.
"ANY FURTHER DELAY OF THE OLEARANCE WILL PUT BACK THE COMPLETION DATES OF THE HOUSING PROJECTS THERE AND HENCE DELAY MUCH NEEDED HOUSING SUPPLY."
THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT WILL START REHOUSING ARRANGEMENTS LATER THIS YEAR. THE TARGET IS TO COMPLETE THE CLEARANCE OPERATION BY MID-1995.
ESSENTIAL COMMUNITY AND PUBLIC SERVICES WILL BE MAINTAINED IN THE COTTAGE AREA UNTIL COMPLETION OF THE CLEARANCE.
A TELEPHONE HOTLINE 351 4135 WILL BE SET UP BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT TO ANSWER ENQUIRIES FROM THE RESIDENTS ON THE CLEARANCE ARRANGEMENTS.
REPRESENTATIVES OF TIU KENG LENG COTTAGE AREA RESIDENTS WERE BRIEFED BY GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS TODAY (MONDAY) ABOUT THE REVISED CLEARANCE TERMS.
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MONDAY, JUNE 6, 1994
- 6 -
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE APPOINTED *****
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINI! S U WONG, ANNOUNC’D TODAY (MONDAY) THE APPOINTMENT OF DR LEUNG YAT-MING, JULIAN, AS THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE IN THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
DR LEUNG IS A MEMBER OF THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL AND A LECTURER AT THE DEPARTMENT OF CURRICULUM STUDIES, UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG. HE WILL TAKE UP THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE POST ON SEPTEMBER 1 THIS YEAR.
’’WITH HIS GOOD KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE IN THE FIELD OF CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT, DR LEUNG IS EMINENTLY SUITABLE FOR THE JOB,” MR WONG SAID.
"I AM SURE THAT HE WILL BE ABLE TO WORK CLOSELl WITH THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL IN THE PROVISION OF A BROAD, BALANCED AND COHERENT SCHOOL CURRICULUM FOR ALL LEVELS OF EDUCATION FROM KINDERGARTEN TO THE SIXTH FORM, INCLUDING SPECIAL EDUCATION,” HE SAID.
DR LEUNG’S DUTIES WILL ALSO INCLUDE INITIATING, DIRECTING AND EVALUATING PROJECTS, INCLUDING RESEARCH, RELATED TO CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT, AND ORGANISING WORKSHOPS, SEMINARS AND CONFERENCES FOR TEACHERS AND OTHER EDUCATIONALISTS ON CURRICULUM MATTERS.
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EMSD MANAGEMENT AND STAFF HAVE USEFUL DISCUSSION
*****
THE DIRECTOR OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES, MR HUGH PHILLIPSON, AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE THREE STAFF ASSOCIATIONS OF THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAD A USEFUL AND CONSTRUCTIVE EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ON THE DEPARTMENT’S TRADING FUND SCHEME AT A MEETING THIS (MONDAY) AFTERNOON. AT THE MEETING, AN AGREEMENT WAS REACHED TO SET UP WORKING GROUPS TO CONSULT STAFF VIEWS ON ALL ISSUES RELATED TO IMPLEMENTATION OF TRADING FUND AND WORKSHOP RESTRUCTURING.
MR PHILLIPSON WILL LATER. ON GIVE DETAILS ON THE MEMBERSHIP AND TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE WORKING GROUPS AFTER TAKING ACCOUNT OF STAFF VIEWS.
THE DEPARTMENT HAS OBTAINED CONSENSUS WITH THE STAFF ASSOCIATIONS FOR THEIR CO-OPERATION TO WORK TOGETHER FOR THE SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF COMMERCIALISATION IN THE DEPARTMENT.
/7.........
MONDAY, JUNE 6, 1994
7
SITE SAFETY TRAINING CONSULTANCY CONTRACT SIGNED *****
THE WORKS BRANCH TODAY (MONDAY) AWARDED A $4.9 MILLION CONTRACT ON A SITE SAFETY TRAINING CONSULTANCY AS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S EFFORT TO PROMOTE SITE SAFETY CULTURE IN HONG KONG.
UNDER THE CONTRACT, THE BROOKLANDS ENVIRONMENTAL AND SAFETY TRAINING WILL PROVIDE A NINE-WEEK SAFETY ADVISORY COURSE FOR 15 SENIOR ENGINEERS AND PROFESSIONALS FROM THE WORKS DEPARTMENTS, WHO WILL BE TRAINED TO SET UP SAFETY ADVISORY UNITS IN THEIR RESPECTIVE DEPARTMENTS.
THE UNITED KINGDOM-BASED CONSULTANCY WILL ALSO RUN A NUMBER OF GENERAL SAFETY COURSES FOR ABOUT 1,500 NON-SAFETY SPECIALISED PROFESSIONALS AND SITE STAFF TO INCREASE THEIR GENERAL SAFETY AWARENESS AND IDENTIFY THEIR ROLE IN CONSTRUCTION SITE SAFETY.
THE TRAINING CONSULTANCY HAS BEEN RUNNING COURSES ON SITE SAFETY IN ENGLAND FOR MORE THAN 20 YEARS, AND MANY OF THE COURSE PARTICIPANTS WERE FACTORY INSPECTORS FROM THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND SENIOR SITE SAFETY MANAGERS OF CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
------0-------
INSURANCE COMMISSIONER’S CHINESE ANNUAL REPORT PUBLISHED
*****
THE CHINESE VERSION OF THE 1993 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE AND OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR OF OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES HAS BEEN PUBLISHED.
THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THAT THE ANNUAL REPORT IS ALSO PUBLISHED IN CHINESE. THE ENGLISH VERSION OF THE REPORT WAS PUBLISHED IN MARCH THIS YEAR.
COPIES OF THE CHINESE VERSION OF THE REPORT, AT $30 EACH, ARE ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL.
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JUDICIAL REVIEW ON DISCIPLINARY INQUIRY OF A DENTIST
*****
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES, THE SECRETARY TO THE DENTAL COUNCIL OF HONG KONG, MR RUPERT CHEUNG MING-BOR, WOULD LIKE TO CONFIRM THAT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS, ON HIS BEHALF, DID FILE AN APPLICATION ON JUNE 3 TO THE HIGH COURT FOR LEAVE TO APPLY FOR "JUDICIAL REVIEW" IN RESPECT OF AN ORDER OF THE DENTAL COUNCIL OF HONG KONG AT A DISCIPLINARY INQUIRY HELD ON APRIL 21.
THE DEFENDANT DENTIST IN QUESTION WAS ONLY REFERRED TO AS "DR A" BY THE DENTAL COUNCIL AT THE SAID INQUIRY.
*' ' ' . . : { ।
MOREOVER, THE SECRETARY TO THE DENTAL COUNCIL REGRETS THAT, PENDING FOR THE DETERMINATION OF HIS CURRENT APPLICATION BY THE HIGH COURT, HE MAY NOT’OFFER ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR COMMENT ON THE CASE.
/8 ........
MONDAY, JUNE 6, 1994
- 8 -
ARRANGEMENTS FOR HOLIDAY CLINIC SERVICES ♦ * * * ♦
THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THERE WOULD BE NO HOLIDAY OUT-PATIENT CLINIC SERVICE ON JUNE 11 (SATURDAY) AND 14 (TUESDAY) DURING THE PUBLIC HOLIDAY.
EIGHT GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINICS WILL BE OPEN ON JUNE 12 (SUNDAY) AND 13 (MONDAY).
THEY ARE THE VIOLET PEEL HEALTH CENTRE AND SHAU KEI WAN JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC ON HONG KONG ISLAND; THE KWUN TONG JOCKEY CLUB HEALTH CENTRE, ROBERT BLACK HEALTH CENTRE AND YAUMATEI JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC IN KOWLOON; AND LADY TRENCH POLYCLINIC, SHEK WU HUI JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC AND YUEN LONG JOCKEY CLUB HEALTH CENTRE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THESE CLINICS WILL BE OPEN FROM 9 AM TO 1 PM ON THE TWO DAYS.
ALL OTHER OUT-PATIENT AND EVENING CLINICS WILL BE CLOSED DURING THE FOUR DAYS OF HOILDAY.
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DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL A STATUTORY HOLIDAY
*****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT JUNE 13 (MONDAY), THE DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL, WAS ONE OF THE 11 STATUTORY HOLIDAYS.
HOWEVER, IF ONE OF THE TWO FLOATING HOLIDAYS, WHICH IS ALSO A STATUTORY HOLIDAY, ALSO FALLS ON JUNE 13, THE HOLIDAY FOR THE DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL SHOULD BE GRANTED ON JUNE 14 (TUESDAY).
UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, ALL EMPLOYEES IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR WAGE LEVELS ARE ENTITLED TO THE HOLIDAY.
THEY MUST BE PAID FOR THE DAY OFF IF THEY HAVE WORKED CONTINUOUSLY FOR AN EMPLOYER FOR THREE MONTHS IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.
HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE EQUIVALENT TO AN EMPLOYEE’S EARNINGS ON A FULL WORKING DAY AND SHOULD INCLUDE BASIC WAGES AS WELL AS ALLOWANCES THAT CAN BE EXPRESSED IN MONEY TERMS SUCH AS MEALS AND COST OF LIVING ALLOWANCES.
WHERE THE EARNINGS VARY FROM DAY TO DAY, HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE THE AVERAGE DAILY EARNINGS DURING EVERY COMPLETE WAGE PERIOD, WHICH COULD BE BETWEEN 28 DAYS AND 31 DAYS, BEFORE THE HOLIDAY.
IF AN EMPLOYEE IS REQUIRED TO WORK ON A STATUTORY HOLIDAY, HE MUST BE GIVEN AN ALTERNATIVE DAY OFF WITHIN 60 DAYS BEFORE OR AFTER THAT DAY.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT STATUTORY HOLIDAYS MAY BE MADE OF THE GENERAL ENQUIRY TELEPHONE SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ON 717 1771.
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/9.........
9
MONDAY, JUNE 6, 1994
WATER STORAGE FIGURE *****
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 64.1 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 375.501 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 322.405 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 55 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
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HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
* * * * * CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,064 0930 + 345
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,626 1000 + 375
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 + 415
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 437 1200 + 417
LAF TODAY + 125 150G + 437
1600 + 437
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4 .50 OFFER TWI 125.1 *+0.0* 6.6.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.66 18 MONTHS 2511 4.15 98.04 5.64
1 MONTH 3.75 24 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100.68 6.06
3 MONTHS 4.05 29 MONTHS 3610 4.20 95.40 6.40
6 MONTHS 4.50 32 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.60 6.54
12 MONTHS 5.09 35 MONTHS 3704 6.15 99.01 6.63
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 24,600 MN
CLOSED 6 JUNE 1994
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CIVIL SERVANTS OFFERED PAY RISE............................ 1
GOOD PROGRESS ON DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION................. 2
NEW $10 COINS READY FOR VENDING MACHINE TEST............... 3
ENVIRONMENTAL SUPPORT TO INDUSTRY.......................... 4
PRINCIPAL DEVELOPMENTS IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE.............. 5
VOLUME AND PRICE MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE IN MARCH 1994...................................................... 7
SURVEYS ON VARIOUS ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES IN 1993 START ..... 12
FOOD HYGIENE CAMPAIGN TO BE LAUNCHED...................... 13
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS............... 15
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ....
16
TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 1994
1
CIVIL SERVANTS OFFERED PAY RISE * * ♦ » *
THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL HAS DECIDED ON A PAY OFFER OF 9.47 PER CENT FOR THE UPPER SALARY BAND OF THE NON-DIRECTORATE CIVIL SERVICE (MONTHLY PAY FROM $31,571 TO $59,965) AND 9.89 PER CENT FOR THE MIDDLE AND LOWER BANDS ($31,570 AND BELOW) WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 1, 1994.
DIRECTORATE STAFF ARE OFFERED THE SAME PERCENTAGE INCREASE AS THE UPPER BAND OF THE NON-DIRECTORATE.
THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR MICHAEL SZE, MADE THE OFFER TODAY (TUESDAY) TO THE STAFF SIDES OF THE CIVIL SERVICE CENTRAL CONSULTATIVE COUNCILS.
’’THE OFFER FOR THE UPPER AND MIDDLE BANDS IS IN LINE WITH THE NET PAY TREND INDICATORS WHICH REFLECT THE AVERAGE SALARY INCREASES FOR PRIVATE SECTOR EMPLOYEES IN THE PERIOD FROM APRIL 2, 1993 TO APRIL 1, 1994,” MR SZE SAID.
’’THE OFFER FOR THE LOWER BAND IS BROUGHT UP TO THE SAME LEVEL AS THE MIDDLE BAND, WHICH IS SLIGHTLY HIGHER (0.2 PER CENT) THAN THE RELEVANT PAY TREND INDICATOR, TO AVOID WIDENING THE GAP IN THE SALARIES BETWEEN THE LOWER-PAID AND THE SENIOR STAFF,” HE ADDED.
THE PROPOSED PAY AWARD WILL COST THE GOVERNMENT AN ADDITIONAL $6 BILLION A YEAR, INCLUDING THE PROVISION FOR SUBVENTED ORGANISATIONS.
THE INFLATION RATE, AS MEASURED BY THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A), AVERAGE 8.1 PER CENT FOR 1993/94.
’’THE PROPOSED PAY ADJUSTMENT ENSURES THAT CIVIL SERVANTS WILL ENJOY A REAL GROWTH IN SALARIES," MR SZE SAID.
IN DECIDING ON THE SIZE OF THE PAY OFFER, THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THE FINDINGS OF THE PAY TREND SURVEY, THE STAFF SIDE’S PAY CLAIMS, THE STATE OF THE ECONOMY, THE BUDGETARY POSITION OF THE GOVERNMENT AND THE VIEWS OF THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE.
"THE PAY OFFER IS THE RESULT OF A CAREFUL BALANCE BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO CIVIL SERVANTS AS A GOOD EMPLOYER AND ITS WIDER RESPONSIBILITY TO THE COMMUNITY," MR SZE SAID.
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WILL MAKE A FINAL DECISION ON THE PAY ADJUSTMENT FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE FOLLOWING CONSULTATION WITH THE CENTRAL STAFF CONSULTATIVE COUNCILS LATER THIS MONTH.
/2........
TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 1994
- 2 -
GOOD PROGRESS ON DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION
» « » » *
THE GOVERNMENT HAS MADE GOOD PROGRESS IN ITS AIM TO OBTAIN HIGHER STANDARDS OF DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION BY UTILITY AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT COMPANIES, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR GORDON SIU, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
THIS FOLLOWS THE INITIATIVE ON FULLER DISCLOSURE BY THESE COMPANIES ON THEIR FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE, ANNOUNCED BY THE GOVERNOR IN HIS ADDRESS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL LAST OCTOBER.
SPEAKING AT A MEETING OF THE ECONOMIC SERVICES AND PUBLIC UTILITIES PANEL OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, MR SIU SAID WORK HAD BERN COMPLETED WITH SIX UTILITY AND TRANSPORT COMPANIES.
THEY ARE HONGKONG ELECTRIC, CHINA LIGHT AND POWER, KOWLOON MOTOR BUS, TATE'S CAIRN TUNNEL, MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY AND KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY.
"WE HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH UTILITY AND TRANSPORT COMPANIES TO ASSESS WHAT STEPS, IF ANY, ARE NECESSARY TO IMPOVE THEIR STANDARDS OF DISCLOSURE," HE SAID.
"IN THE CASE OF THE FIRST SIX COMPANIES, THEY HAVE MET IN FULL OR ALMOST IN FULL THE DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS WE WERE SEEKING," HE ADDED.
GIVING ONE EXAMPLE OF THE SUCCESS ACHIEVED, MR SIU SAID THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL COMPANY HAD PRODUCED A SPECIAL ANNUAL REPORT CONTAINING DETAILED FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL INFORMATION WHICH IT HAD AGREED TO MAKE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC.
"THIS IS IN SPITE OF THE FACT THAT THE COMPANY IS A PRIVATE ONE AND IS UNDER NO LEGAL OBLIGATION TO MAKE ITS ANNUAL REPORT AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC," HE POINTED OUT.
MR SIU SAID IN THE CASE OF THE OTHER FIVE COMPANIES, WHICH DID PRODUCE ANNUAL REPORTS, THEY HAD AGREED TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION WITHIN THESE REPORTS OR IN SUPPLEMENTARY PUBLICATIONS.
THE INFORMATION RELATES TO MATTERS SUCH AS SAFETY, SERVICE STANDARDS, CUSTOMER LIAISON, ASSETS AND PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT.
"THE OBJECTIVE OF THE INITIATIVE IS TO ACHIEVE GREATER TRANSPARENCY AND PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY OF UTILITY AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT COMPANIES, IN ORDER THAT THE PUBLIC WILL HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE SERVICES PROVIDED AND BE IN A BETTER POSITION TO JUDGE WHETHER THE REGULATORS ARE ADEQUATELY PROTECTING THEIR INTERESTS," MR SIU SAID.
MR SIU SAID THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INITIATIVE WAS AN ON-GOING EXERCISE.
/"WE WILL ........
TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 1994
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"WE WILL PURSUE OUR WORK WITH THE REMAINDER OF THE COMPANIES, WHOSE ACTIVITIES RANGE FROM TRANSPORT SERVICES TO TELECOMMUNICATIONS, AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE AND OUR TARGET IS TO COMPLETE DISCUSSIONS WITH THE MAJORITY OF THEM BY SEPTEMBER 1994," HE SAID.
"IN THE LONGER TERM, WE WILL CONTINUE TO WORK TO REFINE AND IMPROVE THE PRESENTATION OF INFORMATION BY THESE COMPANIES AS NECESSARY," HE ADDED.
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NEW $10 COINS READY FOR VENDING MACHINE TEST
* » * * »
THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY (HKMA) MET REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE VENDING MACHINES INDUSTRY TODAY (TUESDAY) IN PREPARATION FOR THE ISSUE OF THE NEW $10 BAUHINIA COIN.
"SAMPLES OF THE NEW COIN ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR THE VENDING MACHINES OPERATORS FOR TESTING," AN HKMA SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE COINS HAVE BEEN TESTED IN THE UK AND IN HONG KONG AND THE RESULTS ARE SATISFACTORY. PROVIDED THE TESTS ARE SATISFACTORY, THE NEW $10 COIN IS SCHEDULED TO BE ISSUED IN OCTOBER," HE SAID.
THE MEETING ALSO DISCUSSED THE NICKEL-PLATED STEEL $1 BAUHINIA COIN, WHICH HAS EXPERIENCED SOME REJECTION BY VENDING MACHINES, AND IS NOT POPULAR WITH THE PUBLIC, BECAUSE OF ITS MAGNETIC PROPERTIES.
"WE HAVE BEEN WORKING VERY CLOSELY WITH THE ROYAL MINT, THE MANUFACTURER OF THE NEW COINS, AND THE VENDING MACHINES OPERATORS TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM.
"A TECHNICAL SOLUTION HAS BEEN FOUND AND NEW COINS MADE OF CUPRO-NICKEL ARE NOW BEING TESTED. IF THE TEST RESULTS ARE SATISFACTORY, THE $1 CUPRO-NICKEL COIN WILL BE PUT INTO CIRCULATION LATER THIS YEAR,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE METAL COMPOSITION OF THE NEW $1 COINS WILL BE SIMILAR TO THE BAUHINIA $2 AND $5 COINS.
"WE HAVE STOPPED THE ISSUE OF THE BAUHINIA $1 NICKEL-PLATED STEEL COINS. THE AMOUNT OF SUCH COINS IN CIRCULATION IS VERY SMALL, CONSTITUTING LESS THAN 1.7 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL $1 COINS IN CIRCULATION," HE ADDED.
THE COINS ARE AND WILL REMAIN LEGAL TENDER.
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TUESDAY. JUNE 7, 1994
4
ENVIRONMENTAL SUPPORT TO INDUSTRY
*****
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IS EXTENDING SUPPORT TO MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY AS IT MEETS NEW ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES ARISING FROM BOTH INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL PRESSURES.
TO ENHANCE INFORMATION DISSEMINATION, THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT HAS INVITED TENDERS FOR PROVIDING AN ENVIRONMENTAL HOTLINE AND A POLLUTION CONTROL/PREVENTION EQUIPMENT DIRECTORY.
THESE TWO PROJECTS FORM PART OF AN ACTION PACKAGE RECOMMENDED BY A CONSULTANCY STUDY ON SUPPORT TO INDUSTRY ON ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS (SIEM).
THE HOTLINE AIMS TO PROVIDE MANUFACTURERS AND THOSE WORKING IN INDUSTRY WITH INFORMATION ON LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION, STANDARDS, CONTROLS AND CHARGES, AS WELL AS ADVICE ON HOW SUCH LEGISLATION AND STANDARDS CAN BE COMPLIED WITH.
AT A SEMINAR OF THE THIRD ANNUAL BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY ENVIRONMENT WEEK, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MR GAVIN URE, SAID: "THE OBJECTIVE OF THE DIRECTORY IS TO SHOW HONG KONG MANUFACTURERS THE CHOICE OF POLLUTION CONTROL/PREVENTION EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE IN THE MARKET."
"IT WILL HELP FIRMS MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS ABOUT POLLUTION CONTROL/PREVENTION INVESTMENTS," HE ADDED.
IN ORDER TO SELL THE MESSAGE OF COMPLIANCE THROUGH ACTIVE PROMOTION, THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT HAS ALSO INVITED TENDERS FOR A PROGRAMME OF TECHNICAL OUTREACH PROJECTS.
THESE PROJECTS, ALSO RECOMMENDED BY THE SIEM STUDY, WILL INCLUDE THE RUNNING OF INDUSTRY SEMINARS ON ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS AND THE WAYS TO RESPOND, AND FACTORY VISITS, INCLUDING THE TAKING OF EFFLUENT SAMPLES. THEY ALSO INCLUDE THE PRODUCTION OF DESIGN MANUALS AND AN ECO-AUDIT MANUAL.
"THE INDUSTRY SEMINARS AND FACTORY VISITS WILL PROVIDE A FIRST CONTACT POINT WITH MANUFACTURERS ON ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AFFECTING INDIVIDUAL INDUSTRIAL SECTORS.
"FOLLOWING THE INDUSTRY SEMINARS, FACTORY VISITS WILL BE MADE TO PROVIDE INITIAL ADVICE ON HOW FACTORY OPERATORS CAN COMPLY WITH ENVIRONMENTAL MEASURES," MR URE SAID.
DESIGN MANUALS AND AN ECO-AUDIT MANUAL WILL ALSO BE COMPILED TO ASSIST MANUFACTURING FIRMS TO ADOPT ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION PRACTICES IN THEIR OPERATIONS.
THE DESIGN MANUALS WILL BE GENERAL GUIDES TO HELP BOTH NEW AND EXISTING FACTORIES ACHIEVE IMPROVED ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE.
THE ECO-AUDIT MANUAL IS TARGETED AT THE AUDITING OF WASTE AS A MEANS OF IDENTIFYING OPPORTUNITIES FOR WASTE REDUCTION. IT WILL ALSO COVER ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM.
/THESE WILL .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 1994
5
THESE WILL CONTINUE TO BE SUPPLEMENTED BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT'S "GUIDE TO POLLUTION CONTROL LEGISLATION AFFECTING MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES".
THE PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTED FREE OF CHARGE TO 7,000 MANUFACTURERS AND INDUSTRIAL ORGANISATIONS, WILL CONTINUE TO BE UPDATED TO CATER FOR INDUSTRY’S NEEDS.
THE OVERALL FOCUS OF THE SUPPORT MEASURES WILL BE ON POLLUTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL. THIS INCLUDES WASTE MINIMISATION AND REDUCTION AS WELL AS GENERAL UPGRADING OF PRODUCTION PROCESSES.
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PRINCIPAL DEVELOPMENTS IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE » t » ♦ »
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR CHRISTOPHER JACKSON, TODAY (TUESDAY) WARNED OF GROWING CONCERN IN THE WEST ABOUT BIG, EMERGING, LOW-WAGE EXPORTERS AS WELL AS THE EMERGENCE OF PROTECTIONISM IN NEW FORMS.
HOWEVER, HE SAID HONG KONG’S COMMITMENT TO FREE TRADE SO FAR HAD ALLOWED HER TO AVOID EXCESSES OF PROTECTIONISM, BOTH BY MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO JUSTIFY TRADE ACTION AGAINST HONG KONG AND BY KEEPING HER ECONOMY ADAPTABLE.
"THAT COMMITMENT TO FREE TRADE AND THE MULTILATERAL TRADING SYSTEM AND THAT ADAPTABILITY WILL CONTINUE TO BE THE KEY TO HONG KONG’S SUCCESS," HE SAID.
MR JACKSON WAS SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF PENINSULA ON PRINCIPAL DEVELOPMENTS IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND WHAT THEY MEANT TO THE HONG KONG BUSINESSMAN.
HE ALSO SPOKE OF TWO OTHER DEVELOPMENTS WHICH WERE HELPFUL TRENDS - THE GROWING IMPACT AND STRENGTH OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE DISCIPLINES, AND A BROADER RECOGNITION OF BENEFITS OF MARKET FORCES AND FREE TRADE.
ON THE GROWING CONCERN IN SOME COUNTRIES ABOUT BIG, EMERGING, LOW-WAGE EXPORTERS, MR JACKSON SAID IT WAS NOT LIMITED TO THE TRADITIONAL WESTERN MARKETS IN NORTH AMERICA AND EUROPE.
"A VERY BROAD-RANGING AND SUDDENLY INTRODUCED ANTI-DUMPING CASE INRODUCED BY MEXICO A YEAR AGO AGAINST CHINA-MADE PRODUCTS WAS AN EXAMPLE THAT AFFECTED SOME $3 BILLION WORTH OF ANNUAL HONG KONG REEXPORT TRADE," HE SAID.
"EUROPEAN UNION QUOTAS ON A RANGE OF CHINA-MADE PRODUCTS ARE A MORE RECENT EXAMPLE; THE MOST RECENT IS THE SUGGESTION THAT JAPAN MAY PLACE LIMITS ON IMPORTS OF CHINA-MADE TEXTILES AND GARMENTS.
"THESE ARE ALL SYMPTOMS OF A FEAR FOCUSED ON CHINA AT PRESENT BUT WHICH QUICKLY ATTACHES TO ANY LOW-WAGE ECONOMY WITH A LARGE WORKFORCE THAT BEGINS TO INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY AND ITS EXPORTS TO WEALTHIER ECONOMIES.
/"AND THEY .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 1994
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"AND THEY WILL EXACERBATE THE DANGER THAT PROTECTIONISM WILL TAKE NEW FORMS."
MR JACKSON SAID ANTI-DUMPING WAS NOT SUPPOSED TO BE A FORM OF PROTECTIONISM AND THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE (GATT) RECOGNISED IT AS A LEGITIMATE MEANS OF ADDRESSING UNFAIR TRADING PRACTICES PROVIDED CERTAIN GUIDELINES WERE ADHERED TO.
"UNFORTUNATELY, THOSE GUIDELINES ARE COUCHED IN GENERAL TERMS, AND IN THE URUGUAY ROUND OF GATT TALKS, HONG KONG TRIED HARD TO GET THEM CLARIFIED AND MORE SPEICFIC.
"WE WORKED CLOSELY WITH OTHERS BUT ONLY PARTIALLY SUCCEEDED. THERE ARE STILL GREY AREAS AND WAYS TO BIAS THE IMPLEMENTATION IN FAVOUR OF PROTECTION WHILE REMAINING CONSISTENT WITH THE NEW MARRAKESH AGREEMENT."
MR JACKSON SAID THE WORRY WAS THAT NOT ONLY WAS ANTI-DUMPING SPREADING BUT ALSO ITS MISUSE, AND HE CITED TWO SIGNIFICANT CASES LEVELLED AGAINST HONG KONG AT PRESENT.
THESE ARE THE UNITED STATES CASE AGAINST IMPORTS OF HONG KONG MAN-MADE FIBRE SWEATERS AND THE EUROPEAN UNION ACTION AGAINST HONG KONG 3.5-INCH DISCS, HE SAID.
"IT IS OUR FIRM IMPRESSION FROM THESE CASES, AND FROM CASES WE SEE BEING PUT TO GATT DISPUTE SETTLEMENT PANELS, THAT ANTI-DUMPING MEASURES ARE BEING USED IN RESPONSE TO DOMESTIC PROTECTIONIST PRESSURE.
"ANTI-DUMPING IS BECOMING A MEANS TO IMPOSE SELECTIVE AND HIGH TARIFFS, THE VERY PHENOMENON THAT THE GATT WAS SET UP TO FIGHT AGAINST. IN SHORT, IT IS BECOMING SHEEP’S CLOTHING FOR PROTECTIONIST WOLVES."
MR JACKSON WARNED THAT PROTECTIONISTS WOULD NOT STOP THERE AND HE SAID TWO NEW POSSIBILITIES PRESENTED THEMSELVES - GROWING CONCERN, IN DEVELOPED ECONOMIES PARTICULARLY, ABOUT ENVIRONMENT AND LABOUR STANDARDS.
"THEY ARE VALID CONCERNS. HONG KONG IS VERY FIRMLY COMMITTED TO PLAYING ITS PART TO RAISING STANDARDS ON BOTH FRONTS," HE SAID.
"IN A WORLD SUFFERING POVERTY AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION ON A FRIGHTENING SCALE, IT IS VITAL THAT WE WORK TOGETHER TO ENSURE THE MOST EFFICIENT USE OF RESOURCES, AND IMPROVEMENTS IN STANDARDS OF LIVING."
MR JACKSON POINTED OUT THAT FREE TRADE HAD PROVEN FOR HONG KONG TO BE THE BEST MEANS TO THOSE ENDS AND THAT THE MULTILATERAL TRADING SYSTEM HAD A VITAL PART TO PLAY IN THE PROCESS.
"THE PROTECTIONIST WAVING THE LABOUR RIGHTS OR ENVIRONMENTAL BANNER WILL DAMAGE THE CAUSES HE AFFECTS TO ESPOUSE IF HIS EFFORTS WEAKEN OR ABUSE THE RULES OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE," HE SAID.
MR JACKSON WARNED THERE WOULD BE OTHER AS YET UNFORESEEN FORMS THAT PROTECTION MIGHT TAKE.
/"CONCERN ABOUT .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 1994
"CONCERN ABOUT CHINA’S MANUFACTURING CAPACITY AND THE PROTECTIONISM IT EXCITES WILL OCCASIONALLY DISRUPT HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORT TRADE; PROTECTIONISM WILL THREATEN IN NEW GUISES.
"BUT PROVIDED THE MULTILATERL RULES CONTINUE TO OFFER A FRAMEWORK FOR GROWING TRADE IN GOODS AND SERVICES, AND PROVIDED HONG KONG REMAINS COMMITTED TO FREE TRADE, AS I AM SURE IT WILL, THEN HONG KONG BUSINESS WILL CONTINUE TO BE UNIQUELY WELL-PLACED TO MAKE THE BEST OF STEADILY GROWING INTERNATIONAL TRADE."
ON THE GROWING IMPACT AND STRENGTH OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE DISCIPLINES, MR JACKSON SAID THESE DISCIPLINES HAD PROVED VITALLY IMPORTANT TO WORLD TRADE AND HONG KONG HAD THRIVED UNDER THE PROTECTION OF ITS DISCIPLINES.
HE SAID THE GATT, ESTABLISHED IN 1948, HAD BEEN A DRIVING FORCE BEHIND SUCCESSIVE TARIFF REDUCTIONS - DOWN FROM OVER 40 PER CENT AMONG DEVELOPED COUNTRIES TO LESS THAN FIVE PER CENT ON AVERAGE TODAY.
"WORLD TRADE GREW ENORMOUSLY OVER THAT PERIOD, STIMULATED BY TARIFF REDUCTIONS, BUT ALSO HELPED BY THE GREATER CLARITY, OR TRANSPARENCY, IN TRADE RULES WHICH THE GATT ENCOURAGES AND BY DISCIPLINING RESTRICTIONS ON OTHER TRADE BARRIERS THAT COUNTRIES TRY TO RAISE,” HE SAID.
"THE URUGUAY ROUND WAS THE EIGHTH ROUND OF GATT TALKS AND BY FAR THE MOST AMBITIOUS. IT PRODUCED A FURTHER OVERALL CUT IN TARIFFS OF ABOUT 30 PER CENT, EXTENDED MULTILATERAL TRADE RULES TO SERVICES AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, PROVIDED FOR A MUCH STRONGER DISPUTE SETTLEMENT MECHANISM AND LAID THE FOUNDATIONS FOR A WORLD TRADE ORGANISATION TO REPLACE THE GATT."
MR JACKSON SAID THE SUCCESS OF THE URUGUAY ROUND WAS JUST ONE EXAMPLE OF A BROADENING RECOGNITION OF THE VALUE OF MARKET FORCES AND FREE TRADE.
"THE STRENGTHENED MULTILATERAL SYSTEM WILL PROVIDE STEADY PRESSURE ON GOVERNMENTS TO RESIST CALLS FOR PROTECTION AND OPEN UP THEIR ECONOMIES TO MORE INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION," HE SAID.
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VOLUME AND PRICE MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE IN MARCH 1994
» * * » t
THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994 DECREASED BY 9.0% OVER THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS RECORDED AN INCREASE OF 13%, 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 7.9%. MEANWHILE, IMPORTS INCREASED BY 8.1% IN VOLUME.
THE GROWTH IN THE VOLUME.OF TRADE IS DERIVED FROM THE GROWTH IN TRADE VALUES WITH THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES BEING DISCOUNTED.
/AS REGARDS
TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 1994
- 8 -
AS REGARDS PRICE CHANGES OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 1.0% AND 0.5% RESPECTIVELY. IMPORT PRICES INCREASED BY 1.6%.
PRICE CHANGES ARE REFLECTED BY CHANGES IN UNIT VALUE INDICES, WHICH ARE COMPILED BASED ON AVERAGE UNIT VALUES OR, FOR CERTAIN COMMODITIES, BASED ON SPECIFIC PRICE DATA.
THE TERMS OF TRADE INDEX, DEFINED AS THE RATIO OF TOTAL EXPORT PRICE INDEX TO IMPORT PRICE INDEX, DECREASED BY 1.0% IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994 OVER THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
COMPARING MARCH 1994 WITH MARCH 1993, THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECREASED BY 9.5%, WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 11%. MEANWHILE, THE VOLUME OF IMPORTS GREW BY 8.4%.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 1.5% AND 0.5% RESPECTIVELY. IMPORT PRICES INCREASED BY 2.2%.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY PRINCIPAL COMMODITY GROUP ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
COMPARING MARCH 1994 WITH MARCH 1993, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF FOOTWEAR WHICH RECORDED A MARKED INCREASE OF 52%, THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS FOR OTHER MAJOR COMMODITY GROUPS DECREASED, PARTICULARLY FOR RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (-49%), TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (-26%) AND DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (-23%).
COMMODITY GROUPS WHICH RECORDED INCREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES INCLUDED TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (+7.2%) AND RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (+3.4%).
ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES WERE RECORDED FOR TEXTILE FABRICS (-5.2%) AND FOOTWEAR (-3.6%).
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 2.
THE IMPORT VOLUME OF FOODSTUFFS INCREASED BY 14% IN MARCH 1994 AS COMPARED WITH MARCH 1993.
SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF SOYA BEAN OIL, PEANUT OIL, VEGETABLE OIL AND LARD; MEAT AND MEAT PREPARATION; AND VEGETABLES. HOWEVER, CONSIDERABLE DECREASE WAS RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF SWINE.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED BY 4.9%.
COMMODITY ITEMS WITH CONSIDERABLE INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME INCLUDED ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; RADIOS, TELEVISION SETS, GRAMOPHONES, RECORDS, TAPE RECORDERS AND AMPLIFIERS;. AND CAMERAS, FLASHLIGHT APPARATUS AND SUPPLIES FOR PHOTOGRAPHY. DECREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE NOTED OF PASSENGER MOTOR CARS AND TOBACCO MANUFACTURES.
THE IMPORT VOLUME OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES INCREASED BY 15% TN MARCH 1994 AS COMPARED WITH MARCH 1993.
/SIGNIFICANT INCREASES .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 1994
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SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE NOTED OF MAN-MADE FIBRES; CHEMICAL ELEMENTS AND COMPOUNDS; WOOD, LUMBER AND CORK; AND RAW COTTON. HOWEVER, CONSIDERABLE DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF WOVEN FABRICS OF WOOL AND MIXTURES; AND BASE METALS (OTHER THAN IRON AND STEEL).
IMPORTS OF FUELS DECREASED BY 25% IN VOLUME IN MARCH 1994 AS COMPARED WITH MARCH 1993.
AS REGARDS CAPITAL GOODS, THE IMPORT VOLUME INCREASED BY 5.5% IN MARCH 1994 OVER MARCH 1993.
NOTABLE INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF ELECTRICAL MACHINERY; AND SCIENTIFIC, MEDICAL, OPTICAL, MEASURING AND CONTROLLING INSTRUMENTS AND APPARATUS. HOWEVER, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY AND TEXTILE MACHINERY DECLINED.
COMPARING MARCH 1994 WITH MARCH 1993, THE IMPORT PRICES OF MOST END-USE CATEGORIES INCREASED: CONSUMER GOODS (+3.1%), CAPITAL GOODS (+2.8%), RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES (+2.0%), AND FOODSTUFFS (+0.3%). THE IMPORT PRICES OF FUELS, HOWEVER, DECREASED BY 16%.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 3.
COMPARING MARCH 1994 WITH MARCH 1993, THE VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS OF FUELS GREW SUBSTANTIALLY BY 126%. THAT OF OTHER END-USE CATEGORIES ALSO INCREASED: RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES (+22%), FOODSTUFFS (+16%), CAPITAL GOODS (+7.6%) AND CONSUMER GOODS (+5.8%).
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF RE-EXPORTS OF CAPITAL GOODS, FOODSTUFFS AND CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED BY 2.2%, 1.7% AND 0.8% RESPECTIVELY. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE RE-EXPORT PRICES OF FUELS, AND RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES DECREASED BY 15% AND 0.5% RESPECTIVELY.
DETAILS OF THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE PUBLISHED IN THE MARCH 1994 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG TRADE INDEX NUMBERS".
THE REPORT WILL BE AVAILABLE ON SALE FROM FRIDAY (JUNE 9) AT $9 PER COPY AT EITHER (I) THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE ON THE GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL; OR (II) THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON THE 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI .
ENQUIRIES REGARDING REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION TO THIS REPORT MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, HONG KONG ON TEL 842 8802 AND ENQUIRIES ON TRADE INDICES TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL 582 4918.
/Table 1 : .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 1994
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Table 1 : Changes in domestic exports by principal commodity group
Comparing MAR 1994 with MAR 1993 Comparing JAN-MAR 1994 with JAN-MAR 1993 9d changes
Commodity group % changes
Value Unit Value Volume Value Unit Value Volume
Clothing -13.4 2.4 -15.4 -5.3 1.4 -6.7
Textile fabrics -18.6 -5.2 -14.1 -15. 1 -6.6 -9.3
Textile yarn and thread -17.4 0.8 -18.1 -15.2 -1.8 -13.6
Textile made-ups and related articles -14.5 2.9 -16.9 -8.7 -0.5 -8.3
Radios of all kinds -47.3 3.4 -49.1 -58.0 1.6 -58.7
Electronic components -6.2 2.4 -8.4 -12.4 2.5 -14.6
Footwear 46.3 -3.6 51.8 -19.1 -0.6 -18.8
Metal manufactures -3.5 2.2 -5.6 -6.3 2.3 -8.4
Metal ores and scrap -12.1 -0.8 -11.4 -15.2 -0.3 -15.0
Watches and clocks -15.3 1.6 -16.7 -11.9 1.4 -13.1
Travel goods, handbags and similar articles -21.2 7.2 -26.4 -5.3 5.9 -10.5
Domestic electrical appliances -20.6 2.5 -22.5 -23.6 2.0 -25.1
ALL COMMODITIES -8.1 1.5 -9.5 -8.2 1.0 -9.0
/Table 2 : .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 1994
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Table 2 : Changes in imports by end-use category
Comparing MAR 1994 Comparing JAN-MAR 1994 with MAR 1993 with JAN-MAR 1993
% changes % changes
End-use category Value Unit Value Volume Value Unit Value Volume
Foodstuffs 14.5 0.3 14.2 11.6 -0.8 12.5
Consumer goods 8.2 3.1 4.9 11.3 2.5 8.6
Raw materials and semi-manufactures 17.4 2.0 15.1 12.9 1.4 11.4
Fuels -37.5 -16.5 -25.2 -28.1 -17.0 -13.4
Capital goods 8.5 2.8 5.5 4.5 2.6 1.9
ALL COMMODITIES 10.8 2.2 8.4 9.8 1.6 8.1
Table 3 : Changes in re-exports by end-use category
Comparing MAR 1994 Comparing JAN-MAR 1994 with MAR 1993 with JAN-MAR 1993
End-use category 9o changes % changes
Value Unit Value Volume Value Unit Value Volume
Foodstuffs 18.0 1.7 16.1 15.9 1.2 14.5
Consumer goods 6.6 0.8 5.8 14.0 1.1 12.7
Raw materials and semi-manufactures 21.5 -0.5 22.2 16.7 -1.4 18.3
Fuels 92.0 -15.1 126.4 22.1 -16.4 46.0
Capital goods 10.0 2.2 7.6 5.4 2.0 3.3
ALL COMMODITIES 12.0 0.5 11.4 13.3 0.5 12.7
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TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 1994
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SURVEYS ON VARIOUS ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES IN 1993 START
*****
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAS STARTED THE SURVEY OF TRANSPORT AND RELATED SERVICES AND THE SURVEY OF STORAGE, COMMUNICATION, FINANCING, INSURANCE AND BUSINESS SERVICES FOR 1993.
THE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THESE ANNUAL SURVEYS WERE PART OF A CONTINUOUS PROGRAMME TO COMPILE STATISTICS ON THE STRUCTURE AND PERFORMANCE OF VARIOUS ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES IN HONG KONG.
THE SURVEYS AIM TO OBTAIN UP-TO-DATE STATISTICAL DATA FOR EVALUATING THE CONTRIBUTION OF VARIOUS ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES TO HONG KONG’S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT AND FOR ASCERTAINING THEIR COST STRUCTURE, OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS AND OUTPUT LEVELS.
THE SURVEY RESULTS ARE USEFUL TO BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN FORMULATING POLICIES AND MAKING DECISIONS.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS, MR FREDERICK HO, APPEALED TO THE MANAGEMENTS OF ALL SAMPLED ESTABLISHMENTS TO FULFIL THEIR LEGAL AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES BY RETURNING PROMPTLY THE COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRES AND CO-OPERATING WITH OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT IN THE COURSE OF THE SURVEYS.
HE STRESSED THAT INFORMATION RELATING TO INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS WOULD BE TREATED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE UNDER THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDINANCE.
ONLY AGGREGATE INFORMATION THAT DOES NOT REVEAL DETAILS OF INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS WILL BE RELEASED.
MR HO ALSO POINTED OUT THAT AUDITED ACCOUNTS WERE NOT ESSENTIAL FOR THE SUPPLY OF INCOME AND EXPENDITURE DATA REQUIRED IN THE SURVEYS.
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ACCEPTS FIGURES BASED ON PRELIMINARY ACCOUNTS OR ESTIMATES WHICH ARK CORRECT TO THE BEST OF THE RESPONDENTS’ KNOWLEDGE AT THE TIME OF SUBMISSION OF THE QUESTIONNAIRE, IF AUDITED ACCOUNTS ARE NOT YET AVAILABLE.
ABOUT 4,000 ESTABLISHMENTS WILL BE ENUMERATED IN THE PRESENT ROUND OF THE SURVEYS.
THE SURVEY OF TRANSPORT AND RELATED SERVICES COVERS LAND, SEA AND AIR TRANSPORT SERVICES, SUCH AS PUBLIC BUSES, TRAMWAYS, TAXIS, PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES, TRUCKS, FERRIES, SHIPPING COMPANIES AND AIRLINES.
IT ALSO COVERS SUCH TRANSPORT-RELATED SERVICES AS THOSE PROVIDED BY CAR PARKS, TRAVEL AGENTS AND CARGO FORWARDING AGENTS.
THE SURVEY OF STORAGE, COMMUNICATION, FINANCING, INSURANCE AND BUSINESS SERVICES COVERS STORAGE AND WAREHOUSE, COMMUNI CAT IONS, FINANCIAL (EXCEPT LICENSED BANKS, RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES), INSURANCE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SUCH AS ACCOUNTING AND AUDITING, ADVERTISING, DATA PROCESSING, EMPLOYMENT AGENCY, EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY RENTAL, LEGAL, NEWS AGENCY, SECRETARIAL AND OTHER BUSINESS SERVICES.
/INFORMATION TO .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 1994
- 13 -
INFORMATION TO BE SOUGHT IN THE SURVEYS INCLUDES: TYPE OF OWNERSHIP, ORIGIN OF INVESTMENT, FLOOR AREA, EMPLOYMENT, COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES (THAT IS WAGES, SALARIES AND OTHER EMPLOYEE BENEFITS), OPERATING EXPENSES, BUSINESS RECEIPTS, CAPITAL EXPENDITURE AND OTHER RELATED INFORMATION ON THE BUSINESS OPERATION OF THE ESTABLISHMENTS.
THE SURVEYS ARE CONDUCTED UNDER THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS (ANNUAL SURVEY OF TRANSPORT AND RELATED SERVICES) ORDER 1984 AND THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS (ANNUAL SURVEY OF STORAGE, COMMUNICATION, FINANCING, INSURANCE AND BUSINESS SERVICES) ORDER 1984, WHICH WERE MADE UNDER THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDINANCE (CHAPTER 316) AND ISSUED AS LEGAL NOTICE NOS. 11 AND 12 RESPECTIVELY IN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE ON JANUARY 13, 1984.
SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRES HAVE BEEN MAILED TO THE SAMPLED ESTABLISHMENTS.
THESE ESTABLISHMENTS ARE REQUIRED BY LAW TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THE QUESTIONNAIRES TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT BY JULY 31.
IF REQUIRED, OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT WILL VISIT INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS AND ASSIST THEM TN COMPLETING THE QUESTIONNAIRES.
THESE OFFICERS WILL EACH CARRY A GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARD AND A CERTIFICATE FOR CONDUCTING THE SURVEYS WHILST ON DUTY, WHICH ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION.
ANY ENQUIRIES REGARDING THE SURVEYS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE TRANSPORT AND MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES STATISTICS SECTION AND THE BUSINESS SERVICES STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AT 802 1268.
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FOOD HYGIENE CAMPAIGN TO BE LAUNCHED «»*»•»
THE HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH WILL LAUNCH A TERRITORY-WIDE CAMPAIGN ON FOOD HYGIENE FROM JUNE 15 TO END-AUGUST, TARGETING AT PEOPLE IN THE FOOD BUSINESS.
THE CAMPAIGN, ORGANISED UNDER THE SPONSORSHIP OF THE URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS, WILL ALSO INCLUDE ACTIVITIES DESIGNED FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
LICENSED FOOD
FOOD CATERING
SEMINARS TO BE
UNDER THE CAMPAIGN, ALL LICENSEES AND STAFF OF PREMISES, COOKED FOOD STALLS, CANTEENS AND tJTHER ESTABLISHMENTS WILL B? INVITED TO ATTEND FOOD HYGIENE
HELD AT VARIOUS DISTRICTS.
' CALLING FOR PARTICIPATION FROM THE FOOD TRADE, THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THE AIM WAS TO PROMOTE A Robo PRODUCTION CONCEPT KNOWN ANALYSIS AND CRITICAL CONTROL POINT" (HACCP) SYSTEM.
A SPOKESMAN FOR OF THE CAMPAIGN AS THE "HAZARD
/THE HACCP
TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 1994
14
THE HACCP CONCEPT ENCOURAGES THE APPLICATION OF PROPER TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL AS A CRITICAL CONTROL POINT AT VARIOUS STAGES OF FOOD PRODUCTION SO AS TO PREVENT FOOD-BORNE DISEASES.
EACH SEMINAR WILL CONSIST OF A TALK BY CHIEF HEALTH INSPECTORS, A FILM SHOW AND A DISCUSSION SESSION ON THE HACCP CONCEPT AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION.
'I
i A TOTAL OF 24 SEMINARS WILL BE ORGANISED THROUGHOUT THE
TERRITORY AND PARTICIPATION IS FREE.
CERTIFICATES OF ATTENDANCE, VALIDATED BY THE URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS, WILL BE AWARDED TO PARTICIPANTS AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE CAMPAIGN, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
FOR TEACHERS, TWO SEPARATE SEMINARS ON FOOD HYGIENE WILL BE ORGANISED IN COLLABORATION WITH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS TO ENABLE THEM TO RELAY HEALTH MESSAGES TO THEIR STUDENTS.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WILL GET FOOD HYGIENE MESSAGES THROUGH TELEVISION AND RADIO ANNOUNCEMENTS.
IN ADDITION, A 24-HOUR HOTLINE 723 0013 WILL PROVIDE TAPED MESSAGES ON THE ADOPTION OF HYGIENIC PRACTICES DURING THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD.
CALLERS CAN ALSO LEAVE THEIR QUESTIONS AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS WITH THE HOTLINE AND STAFF FROM THE HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT WILL CALL BACK.
FURTHERMORE, MOBILE BROADCASTING TEAMS OF THE UNIT WILL BE DEPLOYED TO DISSEMINATE FOOD HYGIENE MESSAGES IN THE TERRITORY.
PRINTED EDUCATION MATERIALS SUCH AS LEAFLETS AND POSTERS CAN , BE OBTAINED FREE FROM THE DISTIUCT OFFICES AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE OFFICES OF THE URBAN SERVICES AND REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENTS.
ENQUIRIES FROM THE FOOD TRADE ON THE SEMINARS CAN BE MADE TO THE HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT ON TEL 787 1229.
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/15 .......
TUESDAY, .JUNE 7, 1994
- 15 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS *****
TENDER DATE 7 JUN 94 7 JUN 94
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q423 H466
AMOUNT APPLIED $6,810 MN $3,290 MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED $1,500 MN $800 MN
AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED 3.96 PCT 4.43 PCT
HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED 3.97 PCT 4.45 PCT
PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 45 PCT ABOUT 4 PCT
AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 4.01 PCT 4.46 PCT
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
TENDERS TO BE HELD IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 13 JUN 1994 -
TENDER DATE 15 JUN 94 15 JUN 94
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q424 Y490
ISSUE DATE 16 JUN 94 16 JUN 94
MATURITY DATE 14 SEPT 94 14 JUN 95
TENOR 90 DAYS 363 DAYS
AMOUNT ON OFFER $1,500 + 300 MN $500 + 150 MN
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/16 ........
TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 1994
16
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN CLOSING BALANCE TN CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE MONEY MARKET LAF TODAY THE ACCOUNT THE ACCOUNT TO : ACTIVITY 1,626 1,360 -411 + 145 0930 1000 1 100 1200 1500 1600 -260 -260 -410 -409 -409 -411
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4 .50 OFFER TW1 125.1 *+0.0* 7.6.94
HONG KONG MONETARY EF BILLS EF NOT TERMS YIELD TERM 1 WEEK 3.45 18 MONTHS 1 MONTH 3.65 24 MONTHS 3 MONTHS 3.97 29 MONTHS 6 MONTHS 4.40 32 MONTHS 12 MONTHS 4.99 35 MONTHS AUTHORITY ES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD 2511 4.15 98.24 5.49 2605 6.35 100.95 5.91 3610 4.20 95.77 6.22 3701 4.60 95.97 6.38 3704 6.15 99.39 6.48
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 28,671 MN
CLOSED 7 JUNE 1994
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PROPERTY PRICE AND HOUSING SUPPLY MEASURES ANNOUNCED... 1
GOVT TO MONITOR MEASURES ON PROPERTY PRICES............... 3
250 APPLICATIONS SELECTED FOR ENTRY OF CHINA PROFESSIONALS ... 4
1992 SURVEY OF BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE SECTORS................................................... 5
SURVEY STUDIES EXTERNAL INVESTMENTS IN NON-MANUFACTURING SECTORS................................................... 8
MASSIVE RECLAMATION IN TSEUNG KWAN O STARTS NEXT WEEK.. 9
CUSTOMS AIRPORT CARGO CUSTOMER LIAISON GROUP............. 10
CLOSURE OF YAU MA TEI UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES............ 10
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .... 11
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 1994
PROPERTY PRICE AND HOUSING SUPPLY MEASURES ANNOUNCED *****
THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ANNOUNCED A PACKAGE OF MEASURES TO DAMPEN PROPERTY SPECULATION, TO INCREASE HOUSING AND LAND SUPPLY AND TO STRENGTHEN CONSUMER PROTECTION AND THE ADMINISTRATION OF ITS HOUSING POLICY.
THE MEASURES ARE LARGELY BASED ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE TASK FORCE ON LAND SUPPLY AND PROPERTY PRICES WHICH HAD CONSULTED WIDELY IN THE COMMUNITY AND THE INDUSTRY AND TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THE 10 PER CENT - 15 PER CENT FALL IN PRICES SINCE MARCH.
MR EASON DESCRIBED THE MEASURES AS A BALANCED PACKAGE TO ADDRESS THE CONCERN OF THE COMMUNITY WITHOUT DAMAGING THE ECONOMY.
HE EMPHASISED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONSIDER THE NEED FOR TOUGHER MEASURES INCLUDING PUNITIVE STAMP DUTY ON SHORT-TERM RESALE OF PROPERTY AND PENAL RATING ON VACANT PREMISES IF EXCESSIVE SPECULATION CONTINUED.
THE MEASURES ANNOUNCED TODAY ARE:
DAMPENING SPECULATION
» CUT THE QUOTA FOR PRIVATE SALES OF UNCOMPLETED FLATS FROM 50 PER CENT TO 10 PER CENT TO RELEASE UP TO 10,000 MORE PRIVATE DOMESTIC FLATS DIRECTLY TO HOME BUYERS EACH YEAR;
« PROHIBIT RESALE OF UNCOMPLETED FLATS BEFORE ASSIGNMENT. MAKING BUYERS HOLD ONTO PROPERTY LONGER WILL INCREASE THE RISK OF SPECULATION;
» RESTRICT THE FORWARD SALES TO NOT MORE THAN NINE MONTHS BEFORE ASSIGNMENT TO REDUCE THE SCOPE FOR SPECULATION AND CIRCUMVENTION OF THE BAN ON RESALE;
» INCREASE THE INITIAL DEPOSIT FROM 5 PER CENT TO 10 PER CENT TO INCREASE THE COST OF SPECULATION;
» RAISE THE AMOUNT OF FORFEITURE FROM 3 PER CENT TO 5 PER CENT OF THE PURCHASE PRICE IF A BUYER FAILS TO COMPLETE THE DEAL OR ENTERS INTO A CANCELLATION AGREEMENT WITH THE DEVELOPER. THIS ALSO AIMS TO DISCOURAGE SPECULATION AND SUB-SELLING;
* DISALLOW FORWARD SALE OF CAR PARKING SPACES UNLESS THEY ARE SOLD WITH RESIDENTIAL UNITS;
* BRING REDEVELOPMENT PROJECTS UNDER CONTROL OF THE CONSENT SCHEME WHICH GOVERNS THE PRE-SALE OF UNCOMPLETED FLATS AND OF THE BUILDING COVENANTS WHICH SPECIFY THE COMPLETION DATES.
/HOUSING SUPPLY .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 1994
- 2 -
HOUSING SUPPLY
♦ INCREASE OVERALL SUPPLY FROM NEW LAND BY 45,000 - 60,000 FLATS IN THE NEXT SIX YEARS ]N BOTH THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS TO MEET THE GROWING DEMAND FROM A LARGER AND MORE AFFLUENT POPULATION. OF THESE, AT LEAST 15,000 WILL BE FROM PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT, 20,000 FROM PUBLIC HOUSING (ON TOP OF HOUSING AUTHORITY’S PROPOSAL TO PRODUCE 13,000 UNITS FROM ITS IN-FILL DEVELOPMENT) AND 10,000 FROM EXPANSION OF THE SANDWICH CLASS HOUSING SCHEME. IN ADDITION, THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO IDENTIFY MORE SITES TO MEET THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S OVERALL PRODUCTION TARGETS.
* EXPEDITE REDEVELOPMENT OF OLD BUILDINGS AND UNDER-UTILISED SITES WHICH WILL FURTHER INCREASE HOUSING SUPPLY;
* WELCOME THE POSSIBLE SUPPLY OF 24,000 FLATS FROM THE AIRPORT RAILWAY LAND, SUBJECT TO AGREEMENT OVER AIRPORT FINANCING WITH THE CHINESE SIDE AND FROM MILITARY SITES WHICH MAY BECOME AVAILABLE BEFORE 1997.
LAND SUPPLY
* INCREASE LAND SUPPLY BY UP TO 15 HECTARES IN 1994/95 AND ANOTHER 55 HECTARES BEFORE 1997/98, BOTH SUBJECT TO
AGREEMENT BY THE LAND COMMISSION, TO MEET HOUSING COMMITMENT;
» ESTABLISH A LAND RESERVE UP TO 50 HECTARES TO ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT TO RESPOND MORE FLEXIBLY AND EFFECTIVELY TO DEMAND ABOVE THE CURRENT PROJECTIONS;
» SPEED UP INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT SO AS TO BRING FORWARD RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT OR REDEVELOPMENT.
IN ADDITION, THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALSO ACCEPTED THE TASK FORCE’S RECOMMENDATIONS TO STRENGTHEN CONSUMER PROTECTION BY IMPROVING INFORMATION ON PRE-SALE FLATS AND FUTURE SUPPLY, BY SPECIFYING THE DATE OF COMPLETION IN THE SALE AND PURCHASE AGREEMENT AS THE DATE OF ASSIGNMENT TO GIVE BUYERS GREATER CERTAINTY OVER THE DATE THAT THEY CAN TAKE POSSESSION OF THEIR PROPERTY AND BY PURSUING THE LICENSING AND REGULATION OF REAL ESTATE AGENTS.
THE GOVERNMENT WILL ALSO APPOINT A SECRETARY FOR HOUSING WITH OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT CO-ORDINATION AND MONITORING OF BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOUSING POLICIES AND PROGRAMMES.
OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE MEASURES INCLUDE THE FORMATION OF A HIGH-LEVEL PROJECT ACTION TEAM TO SPEED UP THE PROCESSING OF MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS, IMPROVEMENT OF THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT PROCESSES AND MONITORING SYSTEMS TO ENSURE GREATER CERTAINTY OF HOUSING SUPPLY; APPOINTMENT OF A THREE-MEMBER TEAM FROM THE COMMUNITY TO REVIEW THE CONDUCT OF LAND AUCTIONS AND ESTABLISHMENT OF A COMMITTEE UNDER THE LANI) AND BUILDING ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO MONITOR THE PROGRESS OF IMPLEMENTING THE ABOVE MEASURES.
/MR EASON .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 1994
- 3 -
MR EASON SAID THE MAIN PRINCIPLES WHICH HAD UNDERPINNED THE TASK FORCE’S STUDY ARE:
* THE CURRENT PROBLEM IS RELATED MORE TO MEETING THE HOUSING ASPIRATION OF A MORE AFFLUENT COMMUNITY THAN TO INADEQUACY OF SHELTER;
* OWING TO ITS INEXTRICABLY LINK TO THE BANKING SECTOR AND THE STOCK MARKET, THE RISK OF THE MULTIPLIER EFFECT OF A SHARP DOWNTURN IN THE PROPERTY MARKET SHOULD NOT BE UNDERESTIMATED;
* THE PROPERTY MARKET IS SENSITIVE TO FACTORS EXTRANEOUS TO HONG KONG AND BEYOND GOVERNMENT’S CONTROL; AND THE OBJECTIVE OF ANY GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION SHOULD BE TO ENSURE FAIR COMPETITION FOR ALL ON A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD;
♦ PROPERTY PRICES HAVE COME DOWN BY 10 PER CENT - 15 PER CENT SINCE MARCH; AND POTENTIAL HOME BUYERS SHOULD MAKE A SENSIBLE ASSESSMENT OF FUTURE SUPPLY AND LIKELY PRICE RESPONSE IN THE LIGHT OF INCREASE IN BOTH LAND AND HOUSING SUPPLY.
•
MR EASON SAID: "AS A RESPONSIVE AND RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT, WE MUST ADDRESS PUBLIC CONCERN ABOUT PROPERTY PRICES, BUT AT THE SAME TIME ADOPT MEASURES WHICH WILL NOT DAMAGE THE ECONOMY.
"FINDING THE RIGHT BALANCE BETWEEN COMPETING INTERESTS IN THE COMMUNITY, DETERMINING THE DOSAGE WHICH WILL MODERATE PRICES BUT NOT CAUSE A DRASTIC DOWNTURN, AND PREDICTING THE REACTIONS OF A LARGELY SENTIMENT-DRIVEN AND VOLATILE MARKET IS A TALL ORDER.
THE RISKS INVOLVED CALL FOR A PRUDENT AND INCREMENTAL APPROACH,” HE SAID.
THE TASK FORCE’S REPORT AND A LEAFLET OUTLINING THE MEASURES TO DAMPEN SPECULATION AND TO INCREASE HOUSING AND LAND SUPPLY WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM DISTRICT OFFICES AND THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE LATER THIS AFTERNOON.
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GOVT TO MONITOR MEASURES ON PROPERTY PRICES
*****
THE GOVERNMENT WILL MONITOR THE IMPACT OF THE NEWLY ANNOUNCED MEASURES ON PROPERTY PRICES AND HOUSING SUPPLY AND WILL COME BACK WITH FURTHER MEASURES IF NECESSARY, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS, SIR HAMISH SAID THE GOVERNMENT STOOD READY TO FINE TUNE MATTERS IF THAT PROVED TO BE NECESSARY.
HE SAID THE PACKAGE WAS AIMED AT FOCUSING MOSTLY ON POSITIVE MEASURES OF INCREASING THE SUPPLY.
/'•BUT IT..........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 1994
’’BUT IT ALSO, IN THE MORE IMMEDIATE FUTURE, DEALS WITH SPECULATION. IT CONTAINS A NUMBER OF MEASURES WHICH WE THINK WOULD HELP TO REDUCE SPECULATION, AND IN THAT SENSE PUT THE MARKET ON A BETTER BASK AND TAKE SOME OF THE HEAT OUT OF THE MARKET,’' HE SAID.
IN RESPONSE TO COMMENTS THAT THE PACKAGE WAS TOO MILD, SIR
HAMISH SAID THIS WAS AN AREA WHERE THERE WERE A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT INTERESTS INVOLVED.
’’SOME WANT THE MARKET TO GO DOWN, SOME WANT IT TO GO UP, SOME WANT IT TO BE STABLE.
’’BUT I BELIEVE THE PACKAGE IS A VERY GOOD ONE. I BELIEVE THOSE MEASURES ARE VERY SIGNIFICANT,” HE SAID.
REFERRING TO THE MOTION DEBATE ON RATES AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, SIR HAMISH SAID THE MOTION WAS A MISGUIDED ONE.
’’FIRST OF ALL, IT IS VERY UNUSUAL, QUITE RIGHTLY, TO HAVE A
MOTION REPROVING THE GOVERNOR, TO USE THE WORDS OF THE MOTION, AND
IT WILL CEASE TO HAVE VERY MUCH IMPACT IF SUCH A MOTION IS USED FOR
AN ISSUE WHICH IS FRANKLY NOT A MAJOR POLICY OR A MAJOR
CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUE.
’’SECONDLY, I THINK THAT THE ARGUMENT ON WHICH THE MOTION RESTS ABOUT OUR CONSTITUTION IS ALSO QUITE MISLEADING AND OVER SIMPLIFIED.
’’THE FACT IS THAT NEITHER THE LEGISLATURE NOR THE EXECUTIVE IS A RUBBER STAMP. THE SYSTEM ONLY WORKS IF YOU HAVE CHECKS AND BALANCES, IF YOU HAVE A BALANCE OF POWER BETWEEN THE TWO.
"WE ARE NOT ASKING LEGCO TO BE A RUBBER STAMP, BUT THEY SHOULD NOT ASK US TO BE A RUBBER STAMP EITHER,” HE SAID.
- - 0 - -
250 APPLICATIONS SELECTED FOR ENTRY OF CHINA PROFESSIONALS ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THE RESULTS OF THE FIRST BALLOT EXERCISE OF APPLI CATIONS FOR ENTRY OF PROFESSIONALS AND MANAGERS FROM CHINA FOR EMPLOYMENT IN HONG KONG.
"DURING THE FIRST PHASE ENDING MAY 31 THIS YEAR, A TOTAL OF 2,151 APPLICATIONS WERE RECEIVED,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
"MORE THAN HALF OF THE APPLICATIONS ARE FROM THE TRADING, CONSTRUCTION AND FINANCE SECTORS AND THE MOST POPULAR JOBS ARE ENGINEERS, ADMINISTRATORS AND MARKETING EXECUTIVES,” HE ADDED.
IN THE BALLOT EXERCISE, 250 APPLICATIONS WERE RANDOMLY SELECTED BY COMPUTER FROM THE 2,000 ODD APPLICATIONS RECEIVED.
/•'SUCCESSFUL EMPLOYERS
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 1994
5
"SUCCESSFUL EMPLOYERS WILL BE NOTIFIED IN WRITING INDIVIDUALLY," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"UNSUCCESSFUL APPLICATIONS IN THE BALLOT EXERCISE WILL CONTINUE TO REMAIN ELIGIBLE FOR SUBSEQUENT EXERCISES TO BE HELD IN SEPTEMBER 1994, DECEMBER 1994 AND MARCH 1995. EMPLOYERS SHOULD NOT SUBMIT DOUBLE APPLICATIONS FOR THE SAME VACANCY. OVERBIDDING WILL RESULT IN REFUSAL OF THE APPLICATIONS," HE ADDED.
FOR ENQUIRIES, EMPLOYERS MAY TELEPHONE 824 6111.
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1992 SURVEY OF BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE SECTORS *****
THE GROSS OUTPUT PERFORMED BY CONSTRUCTION ESTABLISHMENTS DURING 1992 AMOUNTED TO $123.3 BILLION, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 10% OVER 1991.
THIS COMPRISED A GROSS VALUE OF $120.5 BILLION FOR THE CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED AND AN INCOME OF $2.8 BILLION FROM- OTHER SOURCES.
NET OF TOTAL OPERATING EXPENDITURE, THE GROSS OPERATING SURPLUS AMOUNTED TO 6.0 % OF THE GROSS OUTPUT IN 1992. THIS WAS 0.4 PERCENTAGE POINT LOWER THAN THE CORRESPONDING FIGURE OF 6.4% FOR 1991.
THESE ARE SOME OF THE MAJOR FINDINGS OF THE 1992 SURVEY OF BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE SECTORS, RELEASED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT. THE SURVEY WAS CONDUCTED FROM APRIL 1993 TO EARLY 1994.
ALL VALUE FIGURES HERE ARE EXPRESSED IN CURRENT PRICE TERMS. THE PERCENTAGE CHANGES DERIVED FROM THESE FIGURES HAVE NOT BEEN ADJUSTED FOR PRICE INCREASES. CAUTION SHOULD THEREFORE BE TAKEN IN INTERPRETING THE SURVEY RESULTS.
IN TERMS OF PERCENTAGE OF GROSS OUTPUT, THE OPERATING EXPENDITURE INCURRED BY CONSTRUCTION ESTABLISHMENTS AMOUNTED TO 94% IN 1992.
THIS COMPRISED 24.3% FOR COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES AND PAYMENTS TO LABOUR-ONLY SUB-CONTRACTORS; 23.2% FOR CONSUMPTION OF MATERIALS, SUPPLIES, AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES; 39.7% FOR PAYMENTS FOR FEE SUBCONTRACT WORK; AND 6.8% FOR OTHER MISCELLANEOUS OPERATING EXPENSES.
COMPARED WITH 1991, THESE PERCENTAGES REMAINED GENERALLY UNCHANGED EXCEPT THAT THE PERCENTAGE OF PAYMENTS FOR FEE SUB-CONTRACT WORK INCREASED BY 1.8 PERCENTAGE POINTS AND THAT FOR CONSUMPTION OF MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES DECREASED BY THE SAME AMOUNT.
THE VALUE ADDED OF THESE ESTABLISHMENTS, WHICH IS A MEASURE OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY’S CONTRIBUTION TO HONG KONG’S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT, AMOUNTED TO $37.4 BILLION IN 1992. THIS REPRESENTED AN INCREASE OF 8.1% OVER 1991.
/THE VALUE .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 1994
6 -
THE VALUE ADDED CONTENT OF THE GROSS OUTPUT PERFORMED BY THESE ESTABLISHMENTS AMOUNTED TO 30.3%, COMPRISING 24.3% FOR COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES AND PAYMENTS TO LABOUR-ONLY SUB-CONTRACTORS AND 6.0% FOR GROSS OPERATING SURPLUS.
COMPARED WITH 1991, THE FORMER PROPORTION REMAINED UNCHANGED AND THE LATTER DECREASED BY 0.4 PERCENTAGE POINT.
THE SURVEY RESULTS ALSO SHOWED THAT 15,200 CONSTRUCTION ESTABLISHMENTS OPERATED IN 1992.
SOME DECORATION, STRUCTURES. OUTPUT.
39.6% OF THE CONSTRUCTION ESTABLISHMENTS WERE ENGAGED IN
REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE OF ERECTED BUILDINGS AND
THEY ACCOUNTED FOR $14.8 BILLION OR 12.0% OF THE GROSS
ON THE OTHER HAND, THE GENERAL TRADE CONTRACTORS OPERATING AT CONSTRUCTION SITES, THOUGH ONLY ABOUT 6.1% OF THE ESTABLISHMENTS, ACCOUNTED FOR $73.3 BILLION OR 59.5% OF THE GROSS OUTPUT.
THE REST OF THE CONSTRUCTION ESTABLISHMENTS CONSISTED MOSTLY OF SPECIAL TRADE CONTRACTORS, SUCH AS CONTRACTORS SPECIALISING IN ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL FITTINGS.
THESE CONTRACTORS CONSTITUTED 54.3% OF THE ESTABLISHMENTS IN THIS INDUSTRIAL SECTOR, AND ACCOUNTED FOR 28.5% OF THE GROSS OUTPUT.
THE SURVEY DID NOT COVER LABOUR-ONLY SUB-CONTRACTORS WHO MAINLY SUPPLIED LABOUR TO WORK ON A JOB-TO-JOB BASIS.
HOWEVER, THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY THESE SUB-CONTRACTORS HAD ALREADY BEEN INCLUDED IN THAT OF THOSE CONTRACTORS COMMISSIONING THEIR SERVICES.
APART FROM CONSTRUCTION ESTABLISHMENTS, THE SURVEY ALSO ENUMERATED ESTABLISHMENTS ENGAGED IN (I) REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT, LEASING, BROKERAGE AND MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT SERVICES, AND (II) ARCHITECTURAL, SURVEYING AND PROJECT ENGINEERING SERVICES.
THE GROSS OUTPUT PERFORMED BY ESTABLISHMENTS ENGAGED IN REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT, LEASING, BROKERAGE AND MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT SERVICES AMOUNTED TO $73.7 BILLION IN 1992, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 24.1% OVER 1991.
THIS COMPRISED $33.1 BILLION FOR SERVICE AND RENTAL INCOME, $39.6 BILLION FOR THE GROSS MARGIN OF REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS (EXCLUDING LAND PRICE APPRECIATION) AND $1.0 BILLION FOR OTHER INCOMES.
THE GROSS OPERATING SURPLUS AMOUNTED TO 79.3% OF THE GROSS OUTPUT IN 1992. THIS WAS 1.2 PERCENTAGE POINTS HIGHER THAN THE FIGURE OF 78.1% FOR 1991.
THE TOTAL OPERATING EXPENDITURE OF THESE ESTABLISHMENTS ACCOUNTED FOR 20.7% OF THE GROSS OUTPUT. COMPARED WITH 1991, THIS DECREASED BY 1.2 PERCENTAGE POINTS.
/THE TOTAL ......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 1994
7
THE TOTAL VALUE ADDED OE THESE ESTABLISHMENTS WAS $63.7 BILLION IN 1992, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 2f>.3% OVER 1991. IT CONSTITUTED 86.4% OF THE GROSS OUTPUT PERFORMED. THIS WAS 0.8 PERCENTAGE POINT HIGHER THAN THE FIGURE OF 85.6% FOR 1991.
THESE FIGURES DID NOT INCLUDE ESTABLISHMENTS WHICH DEVELOPED REAL ESTATE PROJECTS FOR THEIR OWN USE, NOR THOSE WHICH OWNED LAND WITHOUT DEVELOPING IT DURING THE REFERENCE YEAR.
ALSO EXCLUDED WERE REAL ESTATE LEASING AND OTHER RELATED ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN BY INDIVIDUALS OR FIRMS WHICH DO NOT EMPLOY ANY PERSONS.
A TOTAL OF 7,600 ESTABLISHMENTS OPERATED IN THE REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT, LEASING, BROKERAGE AND MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT SERVICES SECTOR IN 1992.
AS REGARDS ESTABLISHMENTS ENGAGED TN ARCHITECTURAL, SURVEYING AND PROJECT ENGINEERING SERVICES, THE GROSS OUTPUT PERFORMED WAS $5.9 BILLION, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 5.8% OVER 1991.
THIS CONSISTED OF $5.8 BILLION FOR SERVICE INCOME AND $0.2 BILLION FOR OTHER INCOMES.
THE GROSS OPERATING SURPLUS AMOUNTED TO 13.4% OF THE' GROSS OUTPUT IN 1992, REPRESENTING 3.2 PERCENTAGE POINTS LOWER THAN THE FIGURE OF 16.6% FOR 1991.
THE TOTAL OPERATING EXPENDITURE OF THESE ESTABLISHMENTS ACCOUNTED FOR 86.6% OF THE GROSS OUTPUT. THIS WAS 3.2 PERCENTAGE POINTS HIGHER THAN THE FIGURE OF 83.4% FOR 1991.
THE TOTAL VALUE ADDED OF THESE ESTABLISHMENTS WAS $3.6 BILLION IN 1992, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 2.1% OVER 1991. IT CONSTITUTED 61.4% OF THE GROSS OUTPUT PERFORMED. COMPARED WITH 1991, THIS PERCENTAGE DECREASED BY 2.3 PERCENTAGE POINTS.
SOME 870 ESTABLISHMENTS OPERATED IN THE ARCHITECTURAL, SURVEYING AND PROJECT ENGINEERING SERVICES SECTOR IN 1992.
FOR REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS, THE VALUE ACCRUED TO PRIVATE SECTOR PROJECTS DURING 1992 WAS $67.2 BILLION, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 17.3% OVER THE CORRESPONDING VALUE IN 1991. THE INCREASE WAS LARGELY DUE TO INCREASED WORK DONE IN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS AND MULTI-PURPOSE COMMERCIAL PREMISES.
THE TOTAL PROJECT OUTLAYS AMOUNTED TO $31.6 BILLION WHICH INCLUDED, FOR INSTANCE, PAYMENTS TO CONTRACTORS AND INTEREST PAYMENTS.
SUMMARY STATISTICS FOR THE 1992 SURVEY OF BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE SECTORS WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE APRIL 1994 ISSUE OF THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS PUBLISHED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
MORE DETAILED RESULTS WILL BE GIVEN IN A FULL SURVEY REPORT TO BE PUBLISHED IN JULY.
ENQUIRIES REGARDING THESE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL 839 3204.
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/8 ......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 1994
- 8 -
SURVEY STUDIES EXTERNAL INVESTMENTS IN NON-MANUFACTURING SECTORS *****
THE FIRST-EVER SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TO COLLECT UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ON EXTERNAL INVESTMENTS IN NON-MANUFACTURING SECTORS FOR 1993 IS UNDER WAY.
’’THE DATA IS USEFUL TO BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN FORMULATING POLICIES AND MAKING DECISIONS,” THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS, MR FREDERICK HO, SAID.
HE APPEALED TO THE MANAGEMENTS OF ALL SAMPLED BUSINESS UNDERTAKINGS TO FULFIL THEIR LEGAL AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES BY RETURNING PROMPTLY THE COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRES AND CO-OPERATING WITH CENSUS OFFICERS DURING THE SURVEY.
MR HO STRESSED THAT INFORMATION RELATING TO INDIVIDUAL BUSINESS UNDERTAKINGS WOULD BE TREATED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE UNDER THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDINANCE.
’’ONLY AGGREGATE INFORMATION THAT DOES NOT REVEAL DETAILS OF INDIVIDUAL UNDERTAKINGS WILL BE RELEASED,” HE SAID.
MR HO POINTED OUT THAT AUDITED ACCOUNTS WERE NOT ESSENTIAL FOR THE SUPPLY OF DATA.
THE DEPARTMENT ACCEPTS FIGURES BASED ON PRELIMINARY ACCOUNTS OR ESTIMATES WHICH ARE CORRECT TO THE BEST OF THE RESPONDENTS’ KNOWLEDGE AT THE TIME OF RETURNING THE QUESTIONNAIRE, IF AUDITED ACCOUNTS ARE NOT YET AVAILABLE.
ABOUT 3,500 BUSINESS UNDERTAKINGS IN THE NON-MANUFACTURING SECTORS WILL BE ENUMERATED.
INFORMATION TO BE SOUGHT INCLUDES: TYPE OF OWNERSHIP, EMPLOYMENT, TYPES OF BUSINESS, DISTRIBUTION OF INCOME/SALES BY MARKET, CAPITAL AND EXPENDITURES, BUSINESS PLANS AND THE OPINION ON HONG KONG AS A LOCATION FOR INVESTMENT.
THE SURVEY IS CONDUCTED UNDER THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS (ANNUAL SURVEY OF EXTERNAL INVESTMENTS IN NON-MANUFACTURING UNDERTAKINGS) ORDER 1994, WHICH WAS MADE UNDER THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDINANCE AND ISSUED AS LEGAL NOTICE NO. 241 IN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE ON APRIL 29 THIS YEAR.
QUESTIONNAIRES HAVE BEEN MAILED TO THE SAMPLED BUSINESS UNDERTAKINGS. THEY ARE REQUIRED BY LAW TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THE QUESTIONNAIRES TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT BY JUNE 30.
IF REQUIRED, CENSUS OFFICERS WILL VISIT INDIVIDUAL BUSINESS UNDERTAKINGS AND HELP THEM COMPLETE THE QUESTIONNAIRES.
THE OFFICERS ON DUTY WILL CARRY A GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARD AND A CERTIFICATE FOR CONDUCTING THE SURVEY, WHICH ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION.
ANY ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE GENERAL ECONOMIC SURVEYS SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT ON TEL 839 3233 OR 805 6436.
/9.........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 1994
9
MASSIVE RECLAMATION IN TSEUNG KWAN O STARTS NEXT WEEK *****
MASSIVE RECLAMATION WORKS AND ROADWORKS CONSTRUCTION WILL START IN TSEUNG KWAN O NEXT WEEK AS PART OF THE ON-GOING DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR THE NEW TOWN.
A $389.8 MILLION RECLAMATION CONTRACT WAS SIGNED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE DIRECTOR OF TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT, MR CHOW CHE-KING, AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE CONTRACTOR - A JOINT VENTURE OF KIN SHING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY AND LAM CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LIMITED.
MR CHOW NOTED THAT THE CONTRACT INVOLVES RECLAIMING A TOTAL OF 34.3 HECTARES OF LAND AT TSEUNG KWAN O AREAS 55, 56, 57, 65, 66, 67 AND 68 FOR HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AND OTHER COMMUNITY FACILITIES.
"ABOUT 16.5 HECTARES OF LAND WILL BE RECLAIMED AT AREAS 55, 56 AND 57 TO PROVIDE LAND FOR COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL AND OTHER USES.
"A FURTHER 17.8 HECTARES OF LAND WILL BE RECLAIMED AT AREAS 65, 66 AND 67. OF THESE, 8.6 HECTARES IN AREA 65 AND 3.5 HECTARES IN AREA 67 WILL BE FOR BUILDING HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME AND PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME FLATS," HE SAID.
THE CONTRACT WORKS ALSO INCLUDE EXTENSION OF THE MAIN WESTERN BOX CULVERT; A SHORT SECTION OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY BOX TUNNEL BENEATH THE WESTERN CULVERT; A SECTION OF THE EASTERN SEAWALL; AND SECTION OF THE MAIN SOUTH SEAWALL.
IN ADDITION, THE WORKS INVOLVES 28 HECTARES OF SEABED PREPARATION IN TSEUNG KWAN O PHASE III DEVELOPMENT TO RECEIVE PUBLIC DUMPING MATERIAL AS PROPOSED IN THE LONG TERM PUBLIC DUMPING STRATEGY.
THE WORKS WILL BEGIN ON JUNE 16 AND WILL TAKE 30 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
MR CHOW POINTED OUT THAT THE TOTAL QUANTITY OF FILLING MATERIAL REQUIRED FOR THE RECLAMATION WORKS AND SEABED PREPARATION, EXCLUDING SEAWALL CONSTRUCTION, WAS ESTIMATED AT 6.2 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
"THE QUANTITY OF MARINE SAND FOR BACKFILLING THE SEAWALL TRENCHS AND CULVERT TRENCHES WILL BE ABOUT TWO MILLION CUBIC METRES," HE ADDED.
MEANWHILE, MR CHOW ALSO SIGNED A $99.6 MILLION ROADWORKS CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT WITH A REPRESENTATIVE OF WAN HIN AND COMPANY LIMITED TODAY.
THE CONTRACT COMPRISES THE CONSTRUCTION OF THREE NEW ROADS, TWO FOOTBRIDGES, TWO SUBWAYS, FOOTPATHS AND CYCLE TRACKS IN HANG HAU AREA TO PROVIDE VEHICULAR AND PEDESTRIAN ACCESS TO THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENTS IN THE AREA, AND TO PROVIDE A MORE DIRECT TRANSPORT LINK BETWEEN TSEUNG KWAN O TUNNEL AND THE INDUSTRIAL AREAS AS WELL AS THE LANDFILLS IN THE SOUTHERN END OF THE NEW TOWN.
THE WORKS WILL BEGIN ON JUNE 17 FOR COMPLETION IN 24 MONTHS.
/10 .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 1994
- 10 -
CUSTOMS AIRPORT CARGO CUSTOMER LIAISON GROUP
*****
THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, MR DON WATSON, THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING OFFICIATED AT THE FIRST MEETING OF THE DEPARTMENT’S AIR CARGO CUSTOMER LIAISON GROUP.
THE CLEARANCE OF AIR CARGO IS ONE OF THE KEY SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
"AS PART OF OUR CONTINUING EFFORTS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF OUR PUBLIC SERVICES, IT IS CONSIDERED ESSENTIAL TO ESTABLISH A REGULAR FORUM FOR OUR SENIOR STAFF TO MEET FACE TO FACE WITH THOSE WHO HAVE FIRST-HAND EXPERIENCE OF THESE SERVICES," MR WATSON SAID.
"THE AIR CARGO CUSTOMER LIAISON GROUP HAS BEEN SET UP TO FOCUS ON HOW THE SERVICE AIMS IN RELATION TO AIR CARGO CLEARANCE CAN BE MESHED INTO HARMONY WITH THE NEEDS AND EXPECTATIONS OF OUR CUSTOMERS," HE ADDED.
THE GROUP IS CHAIRED BY THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER (OPERATIONS), MR LI WAI-MAN, AND WILL MEET AT QUARTERLY INTERVALS. ITS 10 MEMBERS ARE CHOSEN FROM CUSTOMERS WHO MAKE REGULAR USE OF THE SERVICE.
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CLOSURE OF YAU MA TEI UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES
*****
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE TWO UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES IN YAU MA TEI SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT ENDANGERING THE OCCUPANTS AND THE PUBLIC.
THE SINGLE-STOREY STRUCTURES, BEING USED FOR STORAGE, ARE ON THE FOURTH FLOOR AND ROOF OF A BUILDING AT 134 TEMPLE STREET.
TWO NOTICES APPLYING FOR CLOSURE ORDERS FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE ON OCTOBER 26 WERE POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
DEMOLITION WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START AS SOON AS THE CLOSURE ORDERS ARE ISSUED.
/Il .......
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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 1994
- 11 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,360 0930 -309
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,902 1000 -309
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 -319
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -328 1200 -317
LAF TODAY + 870 1500 -317
1600 -328
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 124.8 *-0.3* 8.6.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 2.50 18 MONTHS 2511 4.15 98.29 5.46
1 MONTH 3.28 24 MONTHS 2605 6.35 101.00 5.88
3 MONTHS 3.91 29 MONTHS 3610 4.20 95.78 6.22
6 MONTHS 4.38 32 MONTHS 3701 4.60 96.01 6.36
12 MONTHS 4.98 35 MONTHS 3704 6.15 99.40 6.48
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 50,870 MN
CLOSED 8 JUNE 1994
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUPPLEMENT
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING:
MOTION ON RATES “MISGUIDED”: FS........................ 1
MOTION DEBATE ON HIGHER EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT............ 2
SAFETY OFFICERS A MUST FOR WORK SITES, SHIPYARDS......... 9
LAW TO DISCOURAGE SMOKING............................... 10
PROPOSALS ON HKSAR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS PUT TO THE CHINESE. 11
REMOVAL ORDER APPEAL CHANNELS ADEQUATE.................. 12
POLICE REGULARLY PATROL HK WATERS....................... 12
INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC HOUSING EXCEEDS $200 BILLION....... 13
SEWAGE SERVICES TRADING FUND............................ 13
SUITABILITY IS KEY FACTOR IN GOVERNMENT APPOINTMENTS... 14
QUALITY OF DRINKING WATER EXTENSIVELY MONITORED......... 15
CRITERIA FOR RELEASING SCHOOL SITES EXPLAINED ...,...... 15
HKIED TO REVIEW ADMISSION CRITERIA...................... 16
/CHINESE LANGUAGE..
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
CHINESE LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT FOR ADMISSION TO TECHNICAL COLLEGES UNDER REVIEW...................................... 17
POLYTECHNIC CLASSROOM UTILISATION NOT A PROBLEM............ 18
HKU LOOKS INTO COPYRIGHT CASE.............................. 19
HKCAA RESPONSIBLE FOR LOCAL ACADEMIC ACCREDITATION......... 20
RAIL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY NEARS COMPLETION................. 20
TUNNEL SPEEDING OFFENCE.................................... 21
YUEN LONG SOUTHERN BYPASS TO OPEN IN SEPTEMBER............. 22
CONSUMERS NEED TO UNDERSTAND CONTRACT TERMS................ 22
CONSUMERS BENEFIT FROM TAX CONCESSION...................... 23
POSITIVE STEPS TO IMPROVE BANK SERVICES FOR THE BLIND... 24
MOTION ON DEVELOPMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND RATES PASSED..................................................... 25
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 1994
1
MOTION ON RATES ’’MISGUIDED”: FS ♦ * » * t
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR HAMISH MACLEOD, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) DESCRIBED AS ’’MISGUIDED” A MOTION MOVED BY THE HON SZETO WAH IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO REPROVE THE GOVERNOR OVER THE RATES ISSUE.
THE FIRST REASON, HE SAID, WAS THAT A MOTION REPROVING THE GOVERNOR WAS A VERY SERIOUS MATTER AND IT SHOULD BE RESERVED FOR SERIOUS POLICY OR CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUES OR ITS IMPACT WAS GREATLY DEVALUED.
HE APPRECIATED THAT PEOPLE NATURALLY PREFERRED TO PAY LESS ON RATES BUT IN THE CONTEXT OF A GENERALLY VERY FAVOURABLE BUDGET, HE SAID HE DID NOT BELIEVE FOR ONE MOMENT THERE WAS A VERY STRONG FEELING THAT A SERIOUS WRONG HAD BEEN DONE WHICH MUST RE RIGHTED.
THE SECOND REASON WAS THAT THE MOTION SEEMED TO REST ON AN UNHELPFUL SIMPLIFICATION OF WHAT DEMOCRACY MEANT - OR SHOULD MEAN - IN HONG KONG, SIR HAMISH SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE FACT WAS THAT HONG KONG’S SYSTEM, LIKE MAN\ OTHERS, INVOLVED A BALANCE OF POWERS.
THE SYSTEM SIMPLY WOULD NOT WORK IF IT INVOLVED THE EXECUTIVE RUBBER-STAMPING THE VIEWS OF THE LEGISLATURE, ANY MORE THAN IT WOULD WORK IF IT INVOLVED THE REVERSE - THE LEGISLATURE RUBBER-STAMPING THE VIEWS OF THE EXECUTIVE, HE SAID.
ELABORATING ON THE FIRST REASON, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID NEITHER THE ADDITIONAL BILL RESULTING FROM THE RATES REVALUATION NOR THE TOTAL BILL FOR RATES PAYABLE BY INDIVIDUAL RATEPAYERS COULD BE CONVINCINGLY DESCRIBED AS ”A BURDEN ON THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG”.
HE SAID A MODEST REVALUATION OF RATEABLE VALUES AMELIORATED BY A CAP ON THE PERCENTAGE INCREASE WAS HARDLY A SUFFICIENT CAUSE FOR A CONSTITUTIONAL DRAMA.
’’AND IF THE PUBLIC THINKS DESPITE THESE FACTS THAT THE RATES REVALUATION IS IN FACT A BURDEN, THEY ARE BEING UNCHARACTERISTICALLY SHY ABOUT VOICING THEIR CONCERN,” HE SAID.
RASED ON THE OBJECTIONS RECEIVED SO FAR TO THE NEW RATEABLE VALUES, THE PROPORTION OF OBJECTIONS TO THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ASSESSMENTS WAS JUST 1.3 PER CENT, AS COMPARED TO 3.1 PER CENT AFTER THE LAST REVALUATION IN 1991.
SIR HAMISH NOTED THAT THIS WAS THE LOWEST RATE OF OBJECTIONS IN ANY OF THE LAST THREE REVALUATIONS.
ON HIS SECOND REASON, HE POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG’S SYSTEM WAS VERY DIFFERENT TO THAT IMPLIED RY THE MOTION.
”A CONVENIENT SHORTHAND DESCRIPTION OF OUR PRESENT SYSTEM IS THAT IT INVOLVES AN EXECUT 1VE-LED GOVERNMENT, ACCOUNTABLE TO A PARTLY-ELECTED LEGISLATURE,” HE SAID.
/THE RELATIONSHIP .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 1994
2
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE TWO BODIES INVOLVED CHECKS AND BALANCES, HE ADDED.
’’BOTH BODIES HAVE CERTAIN POWERS; AND FOR THE SYSTEM TO WORK PROPERLY, EACH HAS TO RESPECT THOSE POWERS, AND SEEK BY DIALOGUE TO FIND SOLUTIONS ACCEPTABLE TO THE OTHER.” HE SAID.
’’THUS, FOR EXAMPLE, BEFORE THE ADMINISTRATION IMPLEMENTS AN’i INITIATIVE TO CHANGE THE LAW, WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO PERSUADE MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL THAT SUCH A CHANGE IS NECESSARY AND DESIRABLE FOR THE GOOD GOVERNMENT OF HONG KONG.
’’BEFORE WE IMPOSE OR INCREASE ANY TAXATION, WE MUST SEEK THE APPROVAL OF THIS COUNCIL, AND BEFORE WE APPROPRIATE ANY FUNDS TO CARRY OUT OUR POLICIES, WE NEED TO OBTAIN I’HE SUPPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THIS COUNCIL,” HE SAID.
’’BUT IT IS ALSO TRUE THAT THE INITIATIVE TO TAKE THESE ACTIONS, UNLESS TN VERY SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES, LIES WITH THE GOVERNMENT - MOST Cl.EARLY IN RESPECT OF REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE PROPOSALS,” HE ADDED.
HE NOTED THAT IT WAS COMMONPLACE TO RETAIN THE RIGHT TO PROPOSE EXPENDITURE OR INCREASE TAXES IN THE HANDS OF I’HE GOVERNMENT, CITING THE UK AND AUSTRALIA AS EXAMPLES.
’’AND IT IS THE CUSTOM FOR GOOD REASON - IT WOULD BE VERY DIFFICULT INDEED TO GOVERN WITHOUT ASSURANCE OF THE LEVEL OF REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE,” HE SAID.
”TO PUT IT MILDLY, TO ACCEDE TO THIS MOTION - TO AGREE THAT WE SHOULD HAND OVER TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THE POWER TO PROPOSE CHANGES OF THE TYPE WHICH IS THE SUBJECT OF THIS MOTION - WOULD HARDLY BE CONDUCIVE TO STABILITY, OR EFFICIENCY, OR GOOD GOVERNMENT.”
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MOTION DEBATE ON HIGHER EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT » * * * *
FOLLOWING IS THE SPEECH BY SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND
MANPOWER, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, IN THE MOTION DEBATE ON DEVELOPMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
MR PRESIDENT,
THE DEVELOPMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION IS OF GREAT IMPORTANCE TO THE WELL-BEING OF HONG KONG. IT IS MUCH MORE THAN JUST ENABLING OUR YOUNG PEOPLE TO HAVE ACCESS TO DEGREE PLACES. IT IS TO ENSURE THAT HONG KONG WILL HAVE :
- THE TRAINED MANPOWER TO SUSTAIN OUR ECONOMIC GROWTH AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT;
- THE RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS WHO CAN ANALYSE OBJECTIVELY AND THINK INDEPENDENTLY, WITH THE WELL-BEING OF THE COMMUNITY IN MIND; AND
/- THE QUALITY ........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 1994
3
- THE QUALITY LEADERS WHO CAN JUDGE SENSIBLY AND LEAD CAPABLY
IN BOTH THE PUBLIC
AND PRIVATE SECTORS.
THIS SUBJECT RIGHTLY DESERVES SO MANY MEMBERS’ ATTENTION AND CONCERN. I AM GRATEFUL FOR THEIR CONSTRUCTIVE COMMENTS THIS AFTERNOON. I ALSO WELCOME THIS OPPORTUNITY TO EXPLAIN GOVERNMENT’S THINKING ON THE FUTURE DIRECTION OF OUR HIGHER EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT.
ONE OF THE GOVERNMENT’S MAJOR EDUCATION INITIATIVES FOR THE 1990S WAS THE DECISION, MADE IN 1989, TO ACCELERATE THE EXPANSION OF TERTIARY PLACES. STARTING FROM THE EARLY 1980S, HAVING SUCCESSFULLY INTRODUCED NINE YEARS OF FREE AND COMPULSORY EDUCATION, GOVERNMENT BEGAN TO EMBARK ON A PHASED PROGRAMME IN EXPANDING TERTIARY EDUCATION. IN 1979-80, ONLY ONE IN 50 OF OUR YOUTHS AGED BETWEEN 17 AND 20 HAD ACCESS TO FIRST-YEAR, FIRST-DEGREE PLACES IN LOCAL INSTITUTIONS. BY 1989-90, THIS RATIO HAD INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY TO ONE IN 12.
THE SPEED OF EXPANSION WAS ALREADY QUITE FAST THEN, BUT WE WERE NOT SATISFIED WITH IT. WE KNEW WE WOULD NEED MORE, GIVEN OUR PACE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TO OFFSET THE OUTFLOW OF TALENTS THROUGH EMIGRATION. IT WAS ALSO VERY CLEAR TO US THAT FOLLOWING THE SUCCESSFUL DEVELOPMENT OF MASS EDUCATION AT THE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY LEVELS, PARENTS WOULD NATURALLY EXPECT THE GOVERNMENT TO EXPAND TERTIARY PLACES FOR THEIR CHILDREN. IN SHORT, WE NEEDED THE SUPPLY, AND THE DEMAND WAS INCREASINGLY OBVIOUS.
GOVERNMENT THEREFORE DECIDED IN 1989 THAT WE SHOULD ACCELERATE THE PROGRAMME OF EXPANSION BY AIMING TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT TERTIARY PLACES SO THAT BY 1994-95, ABOUT ONE IN FIVE OF THOSE TN THE RIGHT AGE GROUP WOULD HAVE ACCESS TO FIRST-YEAR, FIRST-DEGREE PLACES. IF WE AUD THE SUB-DEGREE PLACES TO THE EQUATION, NEARLY ONE IN FOUR OF OUR. YOUTHS BETWEEN THE AGE OF 17 AND 20 WILL BE JOINING LOCAL TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS AS FULL-TIME STUDENTS AFTER THIS SUMMER. WHILE THE TARGET WE SET FOR OURSELVES IS NOT OVER GENEROUS BY7 INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS, THE PACE WITH WHICH WE HAD IT DONE WAS UNPRECEDENTED. THANKS TO THE HARD WORK AND COMMITMENT OF OUR TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS AND ALL THOSE WHO WORK IN THE HIGHER EDUCATION CONSTITUENCY, INCLUDING OF COURSE THE UPGC, WE ARE WELL ON TARGET IN ACHIEVING THIS IMPORTANT AIM.
FIVE YEARS INTO THE EXPANSION PROGRAMME, THE GOVERNMENT AND THE UPGC CONSIDER THAT THIS IS THE TIME BOTH TO TAKE STOCK AND TO THINK AHEAD. AS A THEME TO THEIR INTERIM REPORT ON HIGHER EDUCATION, THE UPGC HAS PUT FORWARD THE IDEA OF DEVELOPING OUR TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS TO INCORPORATE CENTRES OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE THAT CATER FOR FUNCTIONS BEYOND HONG KONG’S LOCAL NEEDS, THAT TRAIN HIGH QUALITY BILINGUAL MANPOWER FOR BOTH HONG KONG AND ITS HINTERLAND, AND ACT AS POINTS OF REFERENCE IN SOCIAL STUDIES, BUSINESS AND INNOVATIVE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FOR DEVELOPMENTS IN BOTH CHINA AND BEYOND.
THE ADMINISTRATION WELCOMES THIS VISIONARY IDEA IN PRINCIPLE.
WK RECOGNISE THAT OUR NEXT STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT IN HIGHER FOLLOWING THE DECADES OF CHANGE FROM AN ELITIST TO A MORE
EDUCATION, ACCESSIBLE
SYSTEM, MUST BE THE QUEST FOR QUALITY. THERE ARE STRONG ARGUMENTS FOR
A CONCERTED POLICY IN ENCOURAGING AND GUIDING OUR INSTITUTIONS TO ATM
HIGHER AND TO SFE FURTHER AHEAD :
/- FIRST, IT..........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 1994
4
FIRST, IT WOULD HAVE A CATALYTIC EFFECT IN STIMULATING LIVELINESS AND EFFECTIVENESS IN TEACHING AND IN RESEARCH;
- SECOND, IT WOULD ENHANCE THE SUPPLY OF HIGHLY TRAINED AND QUALIFIED MANPOWER TO CATER FOR THE NEEDS OF OUR INCREASINGLY SOPHISTICATED ECONOMY. THE BENEFITS THEREFORE EXTEND FAR BEYOND THAT OF THE STAFF AND THE STUDENTS; AND
- THIRD, IT WOULD ENSURE THAT HONG KONG MAINTAINS A KEY POSITION IN THE VANGUARD IN THE FUTURE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION.
BUT WE ARE A PRAGMATIC ADMINISTRATION. WE ARE FULLY CONSCIOUS OF THE FACT THAT CENTRES OF EXCELLENCE CAN ONLY BE NURTURED THROUGH SELECTIVE INVESTMENTS ON THE BASIS OF PERFORMANCE; THAT OUR INSTITUTIONS’ ACADEMIC DEPARTMENTS CAN ONLY ACHIEVE INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION THROUGH COMPETITION: AND THAT FUNDING FOR THESE CENTRES MUST HAVE REGARD TO THE NEED FOR BALANCED DEVELOPMENT AMONG ALL THE ACADEMIC SUBJECTS BEING TAUGHT IN THE INSTITUTIONS, NOT MERELY BOOSTING A FEW AT THE EXPENSE OF THE MAJORITY.
WE HAVE THEREFORE ASKED THE UPGC TO GIVE FURTHER DETAILED CONSIDERATION TO A NUMBER OF ISSUES WHICH WE HAVE IDENTIFIED TO BE OF CONCERN, NOT ONLY TO STAFF AND STUDENTS, BUT ALSO TO THE WIDER COMMUNITY. I WOULD HIGHLIGHT THE MORE IMPORTANT ONES HERE :
- FIRST, WE WOULD WISH OUR HEAVY INVESTMENT TN THE INSTITUTIONS TO BE USED EFFICIENTLY AND BE RESPONSIVE TO THE CHANGING NEEDS OF HONG KONG. WE WOULD THEREFORE WISH TO SEE THAT THE DIRECTIONS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THESE CENTRES ARE GEARED CLEARLY TOWARDS HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL BENEFITS;
- SECOND, WE WOULD WISH TO SEE THE MEANING OF EXCELLENCE FOR THESE CENTRES BE BROADENED TO COVER QUALITY IN TEACHING AS WELL, FOR AFTER ALL TAUGHT UNDERGRADUATES AND POSTGRADUATES FORM THE BULK OF OUR STUDENT POPULATION WHOSE PERFORMANCE IN SOCIETY WOULD DEPEND MORE DIRECTLY ON THE QUALITY OF INSTRUCTION THAN ON THE DEPTH OF RESEARCH ALONE;
- THIRD, GIVEN THE LIMIT IN PUBLIC RESOURCES, SERIOUS
CONSIDERATION MUST BF GIVEN TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF NONGOVERNMENT FUNDING AND DIRECT PRIVATE SECTOR SPONSORSHIP OF THESE CENTRES IN ORDER TO MINIMISE ADDITIONAL PUBLIC-SPENDING AND TO MAXIMISE THEIR EXPOSURE TO EXPRESSED MARKET NEEDS; AND
- FOURTH, WE WOULD WISH TO AVOID THE UNDER-EMPLOYMENT OF HIGHLY TRAINED PEOPLE TN WHOM HONG KONG HAD INVESTED SO MUCH. WE WOULD NEED FURTHER CAREFUL THOUGHTS ON HOW MANY ADDITIONAL POSTGRADUATES ARE LIKELY TO BE ABSORBED BY THE ANTICIPATED CENTRE-RELATED INDUSTRIES, THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS THEMSELVES, AND THE ANTICIPATED INCREASE IN RESEARCH ACTIVITIES IN HONG KONG.
THIS IMPORTANT SUBJECT IS NOW UNDER PUBLIC CONSIDERATION AND CONSULTATION. MEMBERS’ VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THIS DEBATE WILL CERTAINLY BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT WHEN THE UPGC DRAWS UP ITS FINAL REPORT, AND WHEN THE GOVERNMENT TAKES ITS FINAL DECISIONS.
/SOME MEMBERS .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 1994
5
SOME MEMBERS HAVE EXPRESSED CONCERN ON THE OVERALL BALANCE IN EDUCATION SPENDING IN THE VARIOUS SECTORS. I WOULD JUST LIKE TO REITERATE THE ADMINISTRATION’S POSITION BRIEFLY. WE HAVE INDEED INVESTED HEAVILY IN TERTIARY EDUCATION OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS. THAT IS INEVITABLE GIVEN THE FACT THAT WE HAVE NEARLY DOUBLED THE NUMBER OF FIRST-YEAR, FIRST-DEGREE PLACES. BUT THE INCREASE HAS NOT BEEN AT THE EXPENSE OF OTHER SECTORS. FOR EXAMPLE, SPENDING ON SCHOOL EDUCATION, HAS ENJOYED A REAL INCREASE OF 20% BETWEEN 1989-90 AND 1994-95.
BEFORE I RESPOND TO MEMBERS’ REQUEST TO REVIEW THE STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS OF THE UPGC, I WOULD LIKE TO EXPLAIN BRIEFLY THE HISTORY OF THE COMMITTEE, THE PHILOSOPHY BEHIND ITS ESTABLISHMENT, AND THE LONG-ESTABLISHED FUNCTIONAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT, THE COMMITTEE, AND THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS FUNDED BY THE COMMITTEE.
THE COMMITTEE WAS FIRST ESTABLISHED AS THE UNIVERSITY GRANTS COMMITTEE BACK IN 1965. IN 1972, IT WAS RETITLED THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE, UPGC IN SHORT, TO REFLECT THE INCLUSION OF THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC WITHIN ITS PURVIEW.
IT IS BY DESIGN THAT THE UPGC SHOULD HAVE NEITHER STATUTORY NOR EXECUTIVE POWERS OVER THE INSTITUTIONS. EACH OF THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IS AN AUTONOMOUS ENTITY WITH ITS OWN ORDINANCE AND GOVERNING BODY. THE INSTITUTIONS ARE LEGALLY ENTITLED TO FREEDOM OF ACTION, WITHIN THE LAWS OF HONG KONG, IN THE CONTROL OF THEIR CURRICULA AND ACADEMIC STANDARDS; THE APPOINTMENT, MANAGEMENT AND DISCIPLINE OF THEIR OWN STAFF; THE SELECTION OF STUDENTS; AND THE INTERNAL ALLOCATION OF RESOURCES. THE CLAIM FOR AUTONOMY DOES NOT REST UPON ANY ASSUMPTION OF SPECIAL PRIVILEGES, BUT ON THE UNDERSTANDING, LONG ACCEPTED BY THE COMMUNITY, THAT TERTIARY ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS SHOULD HAVE FREEDOM OF CHOICE ON ACADEMIC MATTERS AND FREEDOM OF ACTION IN SELECTING THEIR OWN STUDENTS AND STAFF. IN SHORT, THEY SHOULD BE FREE FROM DIRECT GOVERNMENT INFLUENCE.
BUT BECAUSE THE INSTITUTIONS ARE LARGELY SUPPORTED BY PUBLIC FUNDS, AND BECAUSE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF HIGHER EDUCATION TO THE COMMUNITY, THE GOVERNMENT AND THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE DO HAVE A LEGITIMATE INTEREST IN THE OPERATION OF THE INSTITUTIONS TO ENSURE THAT THEY ARE PROVIDING THE HIGHEST POSSIBLE STANDARD OF EDUCATION IN A COST-EFFECTIVF MANNER. THE UPGC HAS THEREFORE ACTED AS A BUFFER BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE INSTITUTIONS, SAFEGUARDING THE ACADEMIC AND MANAGEMENT AUTONOMY OF THE INSTITUTIONS ON THE ONE HAND, AND ENSURING VALUE FOR MONEY FOR TAXPAYERS ON THE OTHER.
THE KEY FUNCTION OF THE UPGC IS TO OFFER IMPARTIAL AND EXPERT ADVICE TO THE GOVERNMENT ON THE APPLICATION TO INSTITUTIONS OF SUCH PUBLIC FUNDS AS MAY BE APPROVED BY THIS COUNCIL FOR THE PURPOSE OF TERTIARY EDUCATION. THE COMMITTEE ALSO PROVIDES THE INSTITUTIONS WITH ACADEMIC ADVICE HAVING REGARD TO INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS AND PRACTICES, AND MONITORS THE ACADEMIC STANDARDS OF THE INSTITUTIONS THROUGH REGULAR INSTITUTIONAL REVIEWS AND ACADEMIC AUDITS.
MEMBERS OF THE UPGC ARE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR, HAVING REGARD TO THE NEED FOR THEM TO BE CAPABLE OF PROVIDING IMPARTIAL AND CREDIBLE ADVICE TO BOTH THE INSTITUTIONS AND THE GOVERNMENT. MEMBERS ARE THEREFORE ALL PROMINENT IN THEIR OWN FIELDS, INCLUDING RENOWNED ACADEMICS FROM OVERSEAS AND LOCALLY, AS WELL AS PROFESSIONAL AND BUSINESS PEOPLE. THOUGH ITS SECRETARIAT IS STAFFED BY CIVIL SERVANTS, AGAIN BY DESIGN NO GOVERNMENT OFFICER SITS ON THE COMMITTEE.
/THE COMMITTEE ......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 1994
THE COMMITTEE HAS SERVED HONG KONG WELL. MEMBERS HAVE WORKED VERY HARD OVER THE PAST YEARS TO DELIVER THE AMBITIOUS TARGETS IN THE PROVISION OF TERTIARY EDUCATION PLACES, BUT NEVER LETTING GO THEIR INSISTENCE ON MAINTAINING THE QUALITY OF THE INSTITUTIONS AT AN INTERNATIONALLY ACCEPTABLE STANDARD. THEY HAVE ALSO BEEN FORWARD LOOKING AND VISIONARY, AS EVIDENCED IN THEIR LATEST INITIATIVE IN POINTING THE WAY FORWARD FOR THEIR INSTITUTIONS THROUGH THE "CENTRES OF EXCELLENCE" PROPOSAL. THEY HAVE EVEN INITIATED A MAJOR REVIEW ON THEIR OWN MISSION, THROUGH THE PUBLICATION OF A DRAFT MISSION STATEMENT WHICH TAKES INTO ACCOUNT THE EVOLVING ROLE OF HONG KONG AS A BUSINESS HUB OF SOUTH CHINA AND AS A LEADING FINANCIAL AND SERVICE CENTRE. THE DRAFT MISSION STATEMENT HAS BEEN PUBLISHED IN THEIR INTERIM REPORT ON HIGHER EDUCATION. MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL AND THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO COMMENT ON THE FUTURE ROLE OF THE UPGC.
ON THE PART OF THE ADMINISTRATION, WE ALSO KEEP AN OPEN MIND IN THIS AREA. WE DO FEEL STRONGLY THAT ACADEMIC INDEPENDENCE IS OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE TO TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS. THEY MUST CONTINUE TO BE GIVEN UNFETTERED INSTITUTIONAL AUTONOMY IN CONTROLLING THEIR CURRICULA AND ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES, AS WELL AS IN MANAGING THEIR OWN STAFF AND RESOURCES. TO AVOID THE UNDESIRABLE CONSEQUENCES OF THE ADMINISTRATION HAVING A DIRECT INFLUENCE ON THE INSTITUTIONS, WE WILL CONTINUE TO REQUIRE AN IMPARTIAL AND CREDIBLE MECHANISM TO ACT AS THE NECESSARY BUFFER. THE PHILOSOPHY OF THIS INSTITUTIONAL DESIGN HAS LONG BEEN ACCEPTED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND THE INSTITUTIONS. WE SHOULD NOT THEREFORE ALTER THIS DESIGN LIGHTLY, UNLESS THERE ARE OVER-RIDING ARGUMENTS IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST.
OTHER THAN THIS FUNDAMENTAL POINT, THE ADMINISTRATION IS OPEN TO CONSTRUCTIVE COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS ON HOW THE COMPOSITION, STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS OF THE UPGC MAY BE FURTHER IMPROVED TO COPE WITH THE DEVELOPMENT IN HIGHER EDUCATION.
THE FINAL PART OF TODAY’S MOTION CONCERNS GOVERNMENT’S PRESENT POLICY ON TERTIARY TUITION FEES AND STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. MEMBERS ARE AWARE OF THE BACKGROUND AND THE POLICY. SO I SHALL NOT REPEAT THEM. I WOULD, HOWEVER, LIKE TO HIGHLIGHT TWO POINTS TO PUT THE DEBATE IN ITS PROPER CONTEXT.
FIRST, THE CRUX OF THE ISSUE IS WHAT SHOULD CONSTITUTE A FAIR SHARE OF THE COST BURDEN BETWEEN TAXPAYERS AND PARENTS IN EDUCATING THEIR CHILDREN. THE GOVERNMENT’S PHILOSOPHY HAS ALWAYS BEEN THAT, FOR THE ESSENTIAL AND NECESSARY PORTION OF THE EDUCATION SYSTEM, THAT IS, THE NINE YEARS OF BASIC EDUCATION BETWEEN PRIMARY ONE AND SECONDARY THREE, GOVERNMENT SHOULD BEAR THE FULL COST, IN RETURN FOR AN OBLIGATION ON THE PART OF PARENTS TO SEND THEIR CHILDREN TO SCHOOLS. BEYOND THAT, GOVERNMENT WILL SEEK TO RECUPERATE A REASONABLE PERCENTAGE OF THE EDUCATION COST FROM THOSE PARENTS WHO CAN AFFORD IT. AT A COST RECOVERY RATE OF 18% UNDER THE PRESENT POLICY FOR SENIOR SECONDARY AND TERTIARY PLACES, GOVERNMENT IS EFFECTIVELY SHOULDERING THE BULK OF THE COST FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION FOR ALL STUDENTS. BUT FOR THOSE WHOSE FAMILIES WHO CAN AFFORD IT, WE ASK THAT THEY PAY A SMALL PART OF THE COST.
/A FEW .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 1994
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A FEW MEMBERS HAVE QUERIED WHY STUDENTS SHOULD BE ASKED TO PAY PART OF THE INSTITUTIONS’ COSTS, OVER WHICH THEY HAVE NO CONTROL. THIS CONCERNS THE QUESTION OF COST-EFFECTIVENESS. THE UPGC, AS PART OF THEIR ROLE IN ADVISING THE GOVERNMENT ON THE APPLICATION OF PUBLIC FUNDS TO TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS, MONITORS THE COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF THE INSTITUTIONS’ DELIVERY OF THEIR ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES. THIS IS DONE IN A NUMBER OF WAYS, INCLUDING THE EXAMINATION OF THE INSTITUTIONS’ TRIENNIAL ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT PLANS, THROUGH PERIODIC VISITS TO THE INSTITUTIONS TO REVIEW THEIR ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES AND FACILITIES, AND THE STUDY OF REGULAR REPORTS, STATISTICAL AND FINANCIAL RETURNS ON ALL ASPECTS OF THE INSTITUTIONS’ ACTIVITIES. THE UPGC IS NOW IN THE PROCESS OF REVIEWING THE METHODOLOGY FOR ASSESSMENT OF RECURRENT FUNDING FOR ALLOCATION TO THE SEVEN INSTITUTIONS. IT AIMS TO RELATE FUNDING MORE CLOSELY TO QUALITY, OUTPUT AND PERFORMANCE IN TEACHING, RESEARCH AND SCHOLARLY ACTIVITY. IN SHORT, UPGC-FUNDED INSTITUTIONS’ COST-EFFECTIVENESS ARE SUBJECT TO SYSTEMATIC MONITORING BY THE UPGC, AND THE SYSTEM WILL BE FURTHER IMPROVED WHEN THE NEW FUNDING MODEL, WHICH IS NOW BEING DEVELOPED, WILL BE IN PLACE LATER THIS YEAR.
FEW, HOWEVER, SHOULD QUESTION THE PRINCIPLE OF COST RECOVERY. HONG KONG IS AN EXCEPTIONALLY LOW TAX ECONOMY. LESS THAN HALF OF OUR WORKING POPULATION PAY SALARIES TAX. WE THEREFORE HAVE TO MAKE A REASONABLE CHARGE FOR OUR SERVICES, SOMETIMES AT COST WHEN IT COMES TO COMMERCIAL SERVICES, AND VERY OFTEN AT A SUBSTANTIAL DISCOUNT WHERE SOCIAL SERVICES ARE INVOLVED. THE "USER PAYS” PRINCIPLE HELPS TO KEEP OUR TAX RATES DOWN, REDUCES WASTAGE, AND ENABLES A MORE EFFICIENT USE IN RESOURCES FOR THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE. THE REAL QUESTION THEN IS WHETHER THE CURRENT COST RECOVERY POLICY IS CREATING UNDUE HARDSHIPS TO OUR TERTIARY STUDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES.
HERE I COME TO THE SECOND POINT. THAT IS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF OUR STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE SCHEME. THE STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE SCHEME IS A MEANS-TESTED SCHEME WHICH PROVIDES ASSISTANCE IN THE FORM OF GRANTS AND LOANS TO ELIGIBLE STUDENTS WHO ARE IN FINANCIAL NEEDS. THE GRANTS ARE INTENDED TO COVER TUITION FEES, ACADEMIC EXPENSES AND STUDENT UNION FEES. THEY ARE AUTOMATICALLY REVISED EACH YEAR, IN LINE WITH THE ACTUAL INCREASE IN TUITION AND UNION FEES. THE LOANS ARE INTENDED TO HELP TOWARDS STUDENTS’ LIVING AND PERSONAL EXPENSES. THEY ARE ALSO ADJUSTED IN LINE WITH INCREASES IN STUDENTS’ LIVING EXPENSES AS MEASURED BY A STUDENT PRICE INDEX. BOTH GRANTS AND LOANS UNDER THE STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE SCHEME ARE NOT SUBJECT TO CASH LIMITS BY GOVERNMENT. IN OTHER WORDS, WE WILL PROVIDE AS MUCH MONEY FOR THESE LOANS AND GRANTS AS THE NEEDY STUDENTS REQUIRE AND CAN JUSTIFY.
LET US NOW LOOK AT THE ACTUAL STATISTICS TO SEE IF THE SCHEME IS CATERING FOR THE STUDENTS’ NEEDS SUFFICIENTLY. BETWEEN THE CURRENT AND LAST ACADEMIC YEAR, THE TUITION FEE FOR DEGREE COURSES IN UPGC-FUNDED INSTITUTIONS HAS INCREASED BY 47%. BUT THE AVERAGE GRANT MADE TO THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS HAS BEEN INCREASED BY 73%. SIMILARLY, THE AVERAGE LOAN HAS ALSO BEEN INCREASED BY THE SAME MAGNITUDE. IN 1993-94, THE AVERAGE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT RECEIVED $15,000 IN GRANT AND $21,000 IN LOAN, COMPARED TO THEIR DEGREE COURSE TUITION FEE OF $17,000. THE COMPARABLE FIGURES IN 1992-93 WERE $8,700 IN GRANT, $12,000 IN LOAN, AND $11,600 IN TUITION FEES. IT IS OBVIOUS FROM THESE FIGURES THAT ELIGIBLE STUDENTS HAVE INDEED BEEN BETTER OFF AFTER THE FEE INCREASE.
/THIS IS .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 1994
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THIS IS NOT BECAUSE WE APPROVED LESS NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS. AS A MATTER OF FACT, THE NUMBER OF SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS INCREASED FROM 14,000 TO ABOUT 21,000 OVER THE LAST YEAR. GOVERNMENT’S TOTAL
EXPENSES ON GRANTS AND LOANS HAVE INCREASED BY 180% AND 160% RESPECTIVELY OVER THE SAID PERIOD, AMOUNTING TO $280MILLION AND $444M1LLION RESPECTIVELY. FACTS SPEAK BETTER THAN WORDS. WE HAVE SUCCESSFULLY UPHELD OUR POLICY THAT STUDENTS WOULD NOT BE DEPRIVED OF ACCESS TO EDUCATION DUE TO LACK OF MEANS. WE SHALL CONTINUE TO ENSURE THAT THIS POLICY IS ENFORCED VIGOROUSLY. OUR SPENDING ON STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WILL CONTINUE TO INCREASE TO CATER FOR THE NEEDS OF THE ELIGIBLE STUDENTS.
DESPITE THAT, WE DO REVIEW THE EFFECT OF THE POLICY EACH YEAR TO ENSURE THAT THE SCALE AND SCOPE OF THE LOCAL STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE SCHEME IS ADEQUATE, AND THAT THERE IS NO UNDUE HARDSHIP ON FAMILIES WITH MARGINAL MEANS. UP TILL NOW, DESPITE THE RATHER VOCAL OPPOSITION BY SOME STUDENT GROUPS, AND DESPITE MY PERSONAL REQUEST TO THEM TO GIVE US CONCRETE CASES OF HARDSHIP, WE STILL DO NOT HAVE CLEAR EVIDENCE THAT THE PRESENT LEVEL OF TUITION FEES EXCEEDED THE AFFORDABILITY OF THE AVERAGE FAMILY WITH CHILDREN STUDYING IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS. MEMBERS MAY WISH TO NOTE THAT IN 1993-94, OUT OF A TOTAL OF NEARLY 24,000 APPLICANTS WHO SOUGHT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, OVER 88% HAVE SUCCEEDED AND ONLY LESS THAN 3% SOUGHT A REVIEW OF THEIR APPLICATIONS.
GIVEN THESE FACTS, IT WOULD BE IRRESPONSIBLE FOR THE ADMINISTRATION TO SUPPORT A FREEZE IN THE EXISTING LEVEL OF TUITION FEES. I SAY IRRESPONSIBLE BECAUSE IF WE WERE TO FREEZE THE FEES AT THE PRESENT LEVEL, IT COULD COST TAXPAYERS UP TO $376 MILLION IN 1994-95 ALONE. MUCH OF THIS MONEY COULD HAVE BEEN AFFORDED BY THE STUDENTS’ FAMILIES. IT COULD ALSO HAVE BEEN INVESTED MORE FRUITFULLY ON MORE ESSENTIAL SERVICES.
NEVERTHELESS, THE GOVERNMENT IS NOT OBLIVIOUS TO THE POSSIBILITY THAT A SUSTAINED INCREASE IN TUITION FEES COULD IMPOSE FINANCIAL STRAIN ON THOSE FAMILIES THAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN TRAPPED IN THE MARGINS OF THE STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE SCHEME. WE ARE THEREFORE, AS PART OF OUR REVIEW, EXAMINING THE SCHEME TO SEE WHETHER WE NEED TO INTRODUCE SOME IMPROVEMENTS. BUT WE NEED TO TARGET THEM AT THE RIGHT FAMILIES, NOT INDISCRIMINATELY DISHING OUT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO EVERYONE.
MR PRESIDENT, THIS HAS BEEN A USEFUL DEBATE. I AM GRATEFUL TO MEMBERS FOR THEIR PERCEPTIVE VIEWS AND IDEAS. BUT, FOR THE REASONS THAT I HAVE JUST STATED, WE CANNOT ACCEPT THE PLEA IN THE LAST PART OF THE MOTION TO FREEZE THE TUITION FEES AT THE EXISTING LEVELS. THE ADMINISTRATION WILL THEREFORE VOTE AGAINST THIS MOTION.
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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 1994
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SAFETY OFFICERS A MUST FOR WORK SITES, SHIPYARDS
* * » » *
CONTRACTORS AND SHIPYARD PROPRIETORS EMPLOYING MORE THAN 100 WORKERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO EMPLOY A FULL-TIME SAFETY OFFICER UNDER A MOVE BY THE GOVERNMENT TO IMPROVE THE SAFETY STANDARDS OF THE INDUSTRIES.
IN ADDITION, SHIPYARD PROPRIETORS WILL BE REQUIRED TO APPOINT A SAFETY SUPERVISOR FOR EVERY SHIPYARD EMPLOYING 20 WORKERS OR MORE, ALREADY A REQUIREMENT FOR EACH CONSTRUCTION SITE.
THESE PROVISIONS ARE CONTAINED IN THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (SAFETY OFFICERS AND SAFETY SUPERVISORS) (AMENDMENT) (NO.2) REGULATION 1994 MADE BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR ON MAY 23.
MOVING A MOTION AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE REGULATION, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, SAID THERE SHOULD BE SUFFICIENT SUPPLY OF REGISTERED SAFETY OFFICERS TO MEET THE ADDITIONAL DEMAND.
MR LEUNG ESTIMATED ABOUT 70 MEDIUM-SIZED CONTRACTORS AND EIGHT SHIPYARDS WOULD NEED TO EMPLOY FULL-TIME SAFETY OFFICERS.
AS AT JUNE 1, THERE WERE 955 REGISTERED SAFETY OFFICERS, INCLUDING 440 SERVING SAFETY OFFICERS AND FACTORY INSPECTORS.
"THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY (CITA) AND THE CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG ARE NOW RUNNING SAFETY OFFICER TRAINING COURSES FOR ABOUT 240 STUDENTS ANNUALLY," MR LEUNG SAID.
TO ALLAY SOME LEGISLATORS’ AND THE HONG KONG CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION’S CONCERN ABOUT INSUFFICIENT SAFETY OFFICERS IN THE MARKET, THE GOVERNMENT HAS ASKED CITA TO OFFER INTENSIVE PART-TIME DAY RELEASE COURSE TO TRAIN UP MORE SAFETY OFFICERS.
"THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL ALSO OFFER HELP TO ANY CONTRACTORS FACING DIFFICULTIES IN RECRUITING SAFETY OFFICERS," MR LEUNG ADDED.
IN ADDITION, THE GOVERNMENT HAS MADE ARRANGEMENT FOR PEOPLE HOLDING RELEVANT QUALIFICATIONS AWARDED BY COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITIES AND POLYTECHNICS TO REGISTER AS SAFETY OFFICERS LOCALLY.
MR LEUNG SAID THE GOVERNMENT, IN RESPONSE TO THE REQUEST BY MEMBERS OF LEGCO, HAD AGREED TO EXTEND THE COMMENCEMENT DATE OF THE REGULATION FROM THE ORIGINAL PROPOSAL OF SIX MONTHS TO 12 MONTHS FOR PROPRIETORS AND CONTRACTORS TO RECRUIT SUFFICIENT QUALIFIED STAFF.
/io........
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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 1994
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LAW TO DISCOURAGE SMOKING » * » t *
THE GOVERNMENT HAS PROPOSED LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS IN ITS CONTINUED EFFORT TO DISCOURAGE THE PUBLIC FROM SMOKING.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE SMOKING (PUBLIC HEALTH) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID THEY REPRESENTED A STEP FORWARD IN THE GOVERNMENT’S PROGRESSIVE APPROACH TOWARDS PROMOTING A HEALTHY COMMUNITY.
THE BILL PROPOSED TO REQUIRE THE MANAGER OF A RESTAURANT TO PLACE A SIGN IN A PROMINENT LOCATION IN, AND VISIBLE FROM OUTSIDE, THE RESTAURANT INDICATING WHETHER IT PROVIDES A NO-SMOKING AREA.
"THE PURPOSE IS TO ALLOW CUSTOMERS TO MAKE AN INFORMED CHOICE OF WHICH DINING PLACE TO PATRONISE," MRS WONG SAID.
"WE RECOGNISE THAT SOME RESTAURANTS MAY EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTY IN SETTING ASIDE A NO-SMOKING AREA, DUE EITHER TO DESIGN CONSTRAINTS OR CUSTOMERS’ PREFERENCE. WE THEREFORE LEAVE THE CHOICE TO THEM," SHE EXPLAINED.
THE SECOND PROPOSAL EXTENDS THE EXISTING HEALTH WARNING REQUIREMENT AND ADVERTISING RESTRICTIONS ON CIGARETTES TO OTHER TOBACCO PRODUCTS.
"THIS IS TO ADVISE THEIR USERS THAT SMOKING THESE TOBACCO PRODUCTS IS ALSO HAZARDOUS," THE SECRETARY SAID.
THE THIRD PROPOSAL PROHIBITS THE SALE AND GIVING, AS PART OF A PROMOTIONAL EXERCISE, OF ANY TOBACCO PRODUCTS TO PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF 18.
TO SUPPORT THIS MEASURE AND GIVING BACKING TO RETAILERS TO REFUSE SALE TO MINORS, A FOURTH PROPOSAL REQUIRES TOBACCO RETAILERS TO PUT UP A SIGN STATING THAT SELLING TOBACCO PRODUCTS TO MINORS IS PROHIBITED.
THIS WILL ENSURE THAT MINORS ARE MADE FULLY AWARE OF THE LAW AND THEY SHOULD NOT ATTEMPT TO BUY TOBACCO PRODUCTS.
RETAILERS CAN ASK FOR AGE IDENTIFICATION IF THEY ARE IN DOUBT AS TO THE PURCHASER’S AGE.
"PREVENTING YOUNG PEOPLE FROM SMOKING IS THE CENTRAL THEME OF OUR ANTI-SMOKING POLICY SINCE SMOKING ALMOST ALWAYS STARTS DURING THE TEENAGE YEARS," MRS WONG SAID.
SHE CONCEDED THAT LEGISLATION ALONE WOULD NOT ACHIEVE THE PURPOSE OF DISCOURAGING SMOKING AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE.
"COMMUNITY AWARENESS OF THE PURPOSE BEHIND THE BILL AND THE FULL BACKING OF OUR YOUNG PEOPLE WOULD BE NECESSARY IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE EFFECTIVE ENFORCEMENT," SHE SAID.
/"TO THIS .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 3994
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"TO THIS END, WE WILL BE ORGANISING A SERIES OF PUBLIC EDUCATION EVENTS IN THE COMING MONTHS TO PUBLICISE THE AIMS OF THE BILL AND TO SEEK THE COMMUNITY’S ENDORSEMENT," SHE ADDED.
MRS WONG ALSO PROPOSED TO ALLOW A REASONABLE LEAD TIME FOR AFFECTED PARTIES TO CARRY OUT PREPARATORY WORK TO IMPLEMENT THE NEW MEASURES.
"AS DIFFERENT GRACE PERIODS WILL BE NEEDED FOR DIFFERENT REQUIREMENTS, THE VARIOUS PROVISIONS IN THE BILL WILL COME INTO OPERATION ON DIFFERENT DATES," SHE SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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PROPOSALS ON HKSAR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS PUT TO THE CHINESE * * ♦ ♦ ♦
PROPOSALS HAVE BEEN PUT TO THE CHINESE THROUGH THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP (JLG) ON WHAT STEPS TO TAKE TO ENSURE THAT THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION (HKSAR) PASSPORT WOULD BE RECOGNISED AND ACCEPTED INTERNATIONALLY.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ERIC LI IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"IN AUGUST 1992, WE PUT FORWARD PROPOSALS TO ENABLE HOLDERS OF THE HKSAR PASSPORT TO ENJOY A HIGH DEGREE OF VISA-FREE TRAVEL," HE SAID.
"WE ARE NOW DISCUSSING THESE PROPOSALS IN THE JLG," HE ADDED.
IN JULY 1993, PROPOSALS ON ELIGIBILITY FOR HKSAR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING THE HKSAR PASSPORT, AND ON DETAILS OF THE DOCUMENTS AND ARRANGEMENTS FOR THEIR ISSUE WERE ALSO PUT FORWARD.
"WE HAVE NOT YET HAD ANY DISCUSSION WITH THE CHINESE ON THESE PROPOSALS; BUT WE HOPE TO START SUCH DISCUSSIONS TN THE NEAR FUTURE," MR ASPREY SAID.
MR ASPREY SAID HE COULD NOT GO INTO FURTHER DETAIL ON THE CONTENT OF THE PROPOSALS AS THE JLG DISCUSSIONS WERE CONFIDENTIAL.
HOWEVER, MR ASPREY HOPED AN EARLY AGREEMENT ON ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE ISSUE OF THE HKSAR PASSPORT AND OTHER TRAVEL DOCUMENTS COULD BE REACHED.
AS FOR THE EXPENDITURE INVOLVED, HE SAID DETAILS WERE NOT SUFFICIENT ENOUGH FOR CALCULATION.
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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 1994
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REMOVAL ORDER APPEAL CHANNELS ADEQUATE
* * * * *
THERE ALREADY EXIST ADEQUATE AVENUES OF APPEAL AGAINST DECISIONS OF THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION TO ISSUE REMOVAL ORDERS TO ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO THE HON HENRY TANG’S QUESTION, MR ASPREY SAID THE APPEAL SYSTEM WAS REVIEWED EARLIER THIS YEAR, AND THE GOVERNMENT CONCLUDED THAT IT WAS NOT NECESSARY TO CHANGE THE PROCEDURES.
ANYONE AGAINST WHOM A REMOVAL ORDER HAS BEEN MADE CAN LODGE A STATUTORY APPEAL TO THE IMMIGRATION TRIBUNAL AND, SUBSEQUENTLY, CAN APPLY FOR JUDICIAL REVIEW.
IN ADDITION, AN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT CAN LODGE A NON-STATUTORY APPEAL WITH THE GOVERNOR, FOR CONSIDERATION ON HUMANITARIAN GROUNDS.
"SINCE 1980, THESE APPEALS HAVE BEEN DELEGATED TO THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY TO DECIDE AND REPLY ON THE GOVERNOR’S BEHALF.
"FINALLY, THERE EXISTS A REVIEW MECHANISM WITHIN THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT TO RECONSIDER ANY CASE IN THE LIGHT OF ANY MATERIAL CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCES AFTER A REMOVAL ORDER HAS BEEN ISSUED," HE SAID.
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POLICE REGULARLY PATROL HK WATERS
*****
POLICE LAUNCHES ARE MOUNTING SPECIAL PATROLS EVERY DAY IN HONG KONG WATERS THAT ARE ASSESSED AS LIKELY CRIME AREAS, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
WHERE NECESSARY, OFFICERS FROM THE SMALL BOAT UNIT HELP INTERCEPT SUSPICIOUS BOATS, HE TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN HIS REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON EDWARD HO.
POLICE HAVE LIAISON WITH THE HONG KONG AND KOWLOON CARGO AND TUGBOATS ASSOCIATION TO PUBLICISE PREVENTATIVE MEASURES THAT BOAT OWNERS AND OPERATORS CAN TAKE TO MINIMISE THE RISK OF BEING ROBBED.
SINCE 1993, 58 MAINLAND RESIDENTS HAVE BEEN PROSECUTED FOR THEFT AND POSSESSION OF INSTRUMENTS FIT FOR AN UNLAWFUL PURPOSE.
THERE WERE 10 ROBBERIES AT SEA WITHIN HONG KONG WATERS IN 1991, FOUR IN 1992, 18 IN 1993 AND THREE IN THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 1994
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INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC HOUSING EXCEEDS $200 BILLION *****
THE GOVERNMENT HAD INVESTED OVER $200 BILLION AT TODAY’S PRICES IN PUBLIC HOUSING DEVELOPMENT, THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR DONALD TSANG, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE PUBLISHED ACCOUNTS OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1992/93 SHOWS THAT, AMONG THE SUM, $66.22 BILLION WAS THE VALUE OF LAND PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT SINCE APRIL 1, 1973, $26.28 BILLION WAS THE PERMANENT AND ADDITIONAL CAPITAL INJECTIONS SINCE 1988, WHILE $18.06 BILLION WAS THE EXCESS OF MARKET VALUE OF LAND OVER LAND COST.
TOGETHER WITH CONTRIBUTIONS TO OTHER ITEMS, THIS BRINGS THE TOTAL TO $125.88 BILLION.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LEE WING-TAT, MR TSANG NOTED THAT ALL THE ABOVE FIGURES REPRESENTED THE HISTORICAL VALUE OF GOVERNMENT’S INVESTMENTS UP TO MARCH 31 LAST YEAR.
’’TOGETHER WITH THE VALUE OF ADDITIONAL LAND FOR PUBLIC HOUSING PROVIDED IN 1993/94, THE TOTAL INVESTMENT AT PRESENT VALUE IS ESTIMATED TO BE WELL OVER $200 BILLTON,” MR TSANG SAID.
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SEWAGE SERVICES TRADING FUND
*****
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE HAS APPROVED AN INITIAL CAPITAL OF $6,800 MILLION FROM THE CAPITAL INVESTMENT FUND BE INJECTED INTO THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S SEWAGE SERVICES TRADING FUND TO HELP FINANCE THE HIGH PRIORITY PROGRAMME OF THE SEWAGE STRATEGY.
SUBJECT TO APPROVAL BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF THE NECESSARY LEGISLATION, OPERATING COSTS OF SEWAGE SERVICES WOULD BE RECOVERED THROUGH SEWAGE CHARGES, THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR DONALD TSANG, SAID.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON FUNG KIN-KEE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), MR TSANG SAID: ”WE ARE NOT CONTEMPLATING FURTHER CAPITAL INJECTIONS AT THIS STAGE."
AS FOR THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (EMSD) WHICH IS MOVING TOWARDS INCREASED COMMERCIALISATION IN ITS OPERATIONS, MR TSANG SAID IT MIGHT NEED AN UPFRONT INJECTION OF CAPITAL IN THE EARLY YEARS OF A TRADING FUND OPERATION.
"IN THAT CASE, WE WOULD CONSIDER GRANTING EMSD A LOAN RATHER THAN AN EQUITY INJECTION FROM THE CAPITAL INVESTMENT FUND," HE SAID.
BUT NO FIRM CONCLUSIONS ON TIMING OR THE AMOUNT REQUIRED HAVE BEEN REACHED, HE ADDED.
/MEANWHILE, PLANS ........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 1994
- 14 -
MEANWHILE, PLANS FOR THE POST OFFICE, OFFICE OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY, MARINE DEPARTMENT AND WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT ARE ALL AT EARLY STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT.
"IT IS TOO EARLY TO SAY WHETHER THESE DEPARTMENTS WILL OPERATE TRADING FUNDS, OR THE AMOUNT OF CAPITAL INJECTION THAT MAY REQUIRE," HE SAID.
- - 0----------
SUITABILITY IS KEY FACTOR IN GOVERNMENT APPOINTMENTS * t » * *
THE GOVERNMENT’S MAIN CONSIDERATION IN APPOINTING PERSONS TO THE VARIOUS TIERS OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT AND ADVISORY BODIES IS THEIR SUITABILITY WITH REGARD TO THE WORK OF THE BODIES CONCERNED, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON PEGGY LAM, MR SUEN SAID OTHER FACTORS, SUCH AS EXPERTISE, CALIBRE AND INTEGRITY OF THE APPOINTEES, WOULD ALSO BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT.
AS REGARDS THOSE APPOINTEES WHO HAVE REGULAR ACCESS TO CLASSIFIED MATERIAL, CHECKS WILL BE MADE AGAINST THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION AND POLICE RECORDS IN RESPECT OF CONVICTIONS, INCLUDING THOSE RELATING TO TRIADS.
"AS WE DO NOT VET THE INTEGRITY AND MORAL CHARACTER OF APPOINTEES, THE NEED FOR ACTIVE MONITORING IN THESE ASPECTS DOES NOT ARISE," HE ADDED.
HOWEVER, MR SUEN SAID INVESTIGATION AND APPROPRIATE FOLLOW-UP ACTION WOULD BE TAKEN IF THERE WERE SERIOUS COMPLAINTS OR ALLEGATIONS CONCERNING THE MORAL CHARACTER AND INTEGRITY OF SUCH APPOINTEES.
AS TO THE QUESTION OF WHETHER APPOINTEES WILL BE ALLOWED TO REMAIN IN OFFICE IF THEY WERE FOUND TO HAVE LINKS WITH TRIADS AFTER THEIR APPOINTMENT, MR SUEN SAID THE SOCIETIES ORDINANCE HAD MADE VERY CLEAR PROVISIONS FOR INDICTMENT OF OFFENCES IN CONNECTION WITH TRIAD ACTIVITIES.
SINCE "ASSOCIATION WITH TRIADS" WAS NOT ONE OF THEM AND IT WAS NOT IN ITSELF AN OFFENCE, HE SAID THERE WAS NO QUESTION OF CONVICTION OR REMOVAL FROM OFFICE AS A RESULT OF "ASSOCIATION WITH TRIADS".
- - 0----------
/15 .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 1994
15 -
QUALITY OF DRINKING WATER EXTENSIVELY MONITORED * * * * *
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT CARRIES OUT EXTENSIVE QUALITY MONITORING OF TREATED WATER SUPPLY IN HONG KONG ON AN ON-GOING BASIS IN ACCORDANCE WITH GUIDELINES OF THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION (WHO).
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HUANG CHEN-YA IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR BLAKE SAID THE SCOPE OF MONITORING INCLUDES 18 ORGANIC AND NINE INORGANIC CONSTITUENTS WHICH WERE CONSIDERED OF HEALTH SIGNIFICANCE BY THE WHO.
THE ORGANIC DETERMINANTS COVER PESTICIDES, CHLORINATED HYDROCARBONS, POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS AND PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS, WHILE INORGANIC DETERMINANTS ARE MAINLY HEAVY METALS, SUCH AS LEAD AND CADMIUM.
"IN THE PAST THREE YEARS, MOST OF OUR MONITORING RECORDS INDICATED THAT OUR DRINKING WATER WAS ESSENTIALLY FREE FROM SUCH POLLUTANTS; THE QUANTITY BEING SO SMALL THAT IT WAS BELOW THE DETECTION LIMITS' OF THE SENSITIVE ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES AND INSTRUMENTS," MR BLAKE SAID.
HE NOTED THAT IN RECORDS WHERE SOME TRACES OF POLLUTANTS WERE DISCOVERED, THE QUANTITIES MEASURED WERE WELL BELOW THE WHO’S GUIDELINE FOR DRINKING WATER QUALITY.
------0--------
CRITERIA FOR RELEASING SCHOOL SITES EXPLAINED
« ♦ * » »
A TOTAL OF 27 SCHOOL SITES HAVE BEEN RELEASED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT DURING THE PAST THREE YEARS TN ACCORDANCE WITH A SET OF CRITERIA, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LI WAH-MING, MR LEUNG POINTED OUT THAT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WOULD NOT RELEASE ANY SITES RESERVED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF SCHOOLS INCLUDING THOSE RESERVED IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES OR HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME ESTATES UNLESS FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS: -
* THE NEED FOR ADDITIONAL SCHOOL PLACES FOR WHICH THE SITES WERE ORIGINALLY RESERVED NO LONGER EXISTED BECAUSE OF DEMOGRAPHIC CHANGES; AND/OR
* THE SITES WERE TOO SMALL TO MEET THE MODERN SCHOOL DESIGN STANDARDS; AND/OR
* ON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, THERE WERE PHYSICAL CONSTRAINTS, RENDERING THE SITES UNSUITABLE.
/MR LEUNG .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 1994
16
MR LEUNG SAID BEFORE A SITE WAS RELEASED, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WOULD ENSURE THAT ANOTHER SITE WAS AVAILABLE TO MEET THE DEMAND FOR ADD IT TONAL SCHOOL PLACES IF THERE WAS SUCH DEMAND.
"WHERE SUCH ADDITIONAL DEMAND RELATES TO PRIMARY SCHOOL PLACES, THE DEPARTMENT WILL, TN THE FINAL SELECTION OF AN ALTERNATIVE SITE, TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION THE VIEWS OF THE RESIDENTS CONCERNED, IN ADDITION TO SUCH OTHER FACTORS AS LOCATION, SIZE AND ENVIRONMENT."
HE SAID FROM TIME TO TIME THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT CONDUCTED A REVIEW ON THE STOCK OF SITES RESERVED FOR SCHOOLS INCLUDING THEIR CONTINUED NEED AND SUITABILITY.
ON PRIMARY SCHOOL PROVISION, MR LEUNG EXPLAINED THAT THE TERRITORY WAS DIVIDED INTO 72 SCHOOL ZONES WHICH WERE MUCH SMALLER THAN THE ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICTS.
"WITHIN EACH ZONE, SCHOOLS ARE PROVIDED CLOSE TO POPULATION CENTRES. THE QUESTION OF REMOTENESS AND HENCE INCONVENIENCE TO .SCHOOL CHILDREN DOES NOT, THEREFORE, ARISE."
REGARDING SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES, MR LEUNG SAID THEY WERE PROVIDED ON A TERRITORY-WIDE BASIS.
"IN BUILDING NEW SECONDARY SCHOOLS, CONSIDERATION IS ALWAYS GIVEN TO SITING THEM IN DISTRICTS WHERE THERE IS A SHORTFALL OF PLACES AND LOCATIONS CLOSE TO PUBLIC TRANSPORT FACILITIES," MR LEUNG SAID.
------0-------
HKIED TO REVIEW ADMISSION CRITERIA
* ♦ ♦ ♦ *
THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION (HKIED) WILL BE SHORTLY REVIEWING THE EXISTING ADMISSION CRITERIA, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHEUNG MAN-KWONG, MR LEUNG SAID THE REVIEW WOULD CONSIDER WHAT ADJUSTMENTS SHOULD BE MADE TO UPGRADE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENT TO AN ALL SECONDARY 7 ENTRY AND LINK UP WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF A DEGREE PROGRAMME TN THE NEAR FUTURE.
’’INCLUDED IN THIS REVIEW WILL BE AN ASSESSMENT OF HOW THE EXISTING CERTIFICATE IN EDUCATION COURSES CAN COUNT TOWARDS THE DEGREE PROGRAMME," MR LEUNG SAID.
HE SAID THE ADMISSION CRITERIA ADOPTED BY THE HKIED IN THE 1994 ADMISSION EXERCISE WERE THE SAME AS THOSE INTRODUCED BY THE FOUR COLLEGES OF EDUCATION IN SEPTEMBER 1993.
THE PERFORMANCE OF THE STUDENTS ADMITTED UNDER THESE CRITERIA IS BEING MONITORED.
/’•A CONTINUOUS ......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 1994
- 17 -
"A CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT IS IN PLACE TO ENSURE THAT TRAINEE TEACHERS MUST REACH AN ACCEPTABLE LEVEL OF ACHIEVEMENT IN ACADEMIC STUDIES AND PRACTICAL TEACHING BEFORE THEY ARE ALLOWED TO GRADUATE," MR LEUNG SAID.
"IN TAKING OVER THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, THE HKIED IS COMMITTED NOT ONLY TO MAINTAINING BUT ALSO UPGRADING THE QUALITY OF TEACHER EDUCATION," HE STRESSED.
FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR COMMENCING IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, THE HKIED WILL BE OFFERING FULL-TIME CERTIFICATE IN EDUCATION COURSES OF TWO OR THREE YEARS IN DURATION.
THE TWO-YEAR COURSES ARE INTENDED FOR SECONDARY 7 LEAVERS WHO SHOULD :
(1) HAVE OBTAINED GRADE E OR ABOVE IN AT LEAST TWO SUBJECTS IN THE HONG KONG ADVANCED LEVEL EXAMINATION OR EQUIVALENT; AND
(2) HAVE OBTAINED, IN NOT MORE THAN TWO SITTINGS, GRADE E OR. ABOVE IN AT LEAST SIX SUBJECTS INCLUDING CHINESE LANGUAGE AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE (SYLLABUS A OR SYLLABUS B) AT THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION (HKCEE), OF WHICH AT LEAST FOUR SUBJECTS SHOULD HAVE BEEN OBTAINED IN ONE SITTING; OR EQUIVALENT.
IN ADDITION, A HIGHER ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT IS STIPULATED FOR CANDIDATES WISHING TO TEACH IN ENGLISH.
THE THREE-YEAR COURSES ARE INTENDED FOR SECONDARY 5 LEAVERS WHO SHOULD HAVE OBTAINED THE QUALIFICATIONS STIPULATED IN PARAGRAPH (2) ABOVE.
THEY ARE ALSO REQUIRED TO SCORE 11 OR MORE POINTS IN AT LEAST SIX SUBJECTS AT THE HKCEE.
------0-------
CHINESE LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT
FOR ADMISSION TO TECHNICAL COLLEGES UNDER REVIEW
* * » * t
THE TECHNICAL COLLEGE ACADEMIC BOARD WILL CONSIDER IN THE NEAR FUTURE IF CHINESE SHOULD BECOME AN ESSENTIAL ENTRY SUBJECT, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MR LEUNG SAID THE MOVE WAS MADE IN THE LIGHT OF NEEDS, INCLUDING THE FUTURE EMPLOYMENT FOR THE TECHNICAL COLLEGES.
CHEUNG MAN-KWONG, CHANG I NG LANGUAGE GRADUATES OF THE
HE NOTED IN
QUALIFICATIONS, THE
SETTING THE ADMISSION
TWO TECHNICAL COLLEGES
REQUIREMENTS AND ENTRY
ONLY CONSIDERED THOSE
SUBJECTS WHICH HAD DIRECT RELEVANCE TO THE COURSES UNDER APPLICATION.
/"AS THE ........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 1994
- 18 -
”AS THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION IN THE TWO TECHNICAL COLLEGES IS ENGLISH, THE ATTAINMENT OF A ’E’ GRADE IN CHINESE LANGUAGE IS NOT AT PRESENT STIPULATED AS A PREREQUISITE FOR ENTRY INTO TECHNICAL COLLEGE COURSES.
’’HOWEVER, A PASS AT GRADE E OR ABOVE IN CHINESE LANGUAGE AT THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION COULD ENHANCE THE CANDIDATES’ OPPORTUNITY OF BEING ACCEPTED,” HE SAID.
MR LEUNG POINTED OUT THAT THE TECHNICAL COLLEGES UNDER THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL WERE FREE TO FORMULATE THEIR OWN ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS, THOUGH IN PRACTICE THE CRITERIA ADOP’I’ED BY THEM WERE BROADLY SIMILAR TO THOSE SET BY THE TWO POLYTECHNICS.
’’REPRESENTATIVES OF THE TWO POLYTECHNICS AND OTHER TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS SIT ON THE COMMITTEE ON TECHNICAL EDUCATION OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL, WHICH IS TASKED TO APPROVE, AMONG OTHER THINGS, ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE TECHNICAL COLLEGES.
’’THE COMMITTEE IS THEREFORE WELL PLACED TO CONSIDER THE MERITS OF FURTHER CHANGES TO MAKE THE SET OF ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS MORE CONSISTENT WITH THOSE OF THE POLYTECHNICS,” MR LEUNG SAID.
--------0-----------
POLYTECHNIC CLASSROOM UTILISATION NOT A PROBLEM
*****
THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE (UPGC) HAS ADVISED THE ADMINISTRATION THERE IS NO PROBLEM OF UNDER-UTILISATION OF CLASSROOMS IN THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON EMILY LAU, MR LEUNG SAID THERE WAS NO NEED TO INVESTIGATE THE UTILISATION OF CLASSROOMS IN THE INSTITUTION.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE UPGC-FUNDED INSTITUTIONS WERE REQUIRED TO UNDERTAKE SPACE UTILISATION SURVEYS AT LEAST ONCE EVERY THREE YEARS TO GIVE AN OVERVIEW OF THE USE OF EXISTING BUILDINGS AND REPORT THE RESULTS TO THE UPGC.
THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC ACCORDINGLY CONDUCTED SUCH A SURVEY IN NOVEMBER 1992 AND SUBMITTED ITS REPORT ON THE SURVEY TO THE UPGC IN MARCH 1993.
THE UPGC NOTED THEN THAT THE USAGE OF GENERAL TEACHING AREAS, SUCH AS CLASSROOMS AND LECTURE THEATRES, WERE WELL ABOVE THE MINIMUM SPACE UTILISATION REQUIREMENTS LAID DOWN BY THE COMMITTEE, MR LEUNG SAID.
HE SAID THE POLYTECHNIC FOR INTERNAL MONITORING AND REPORTING PURPOSES, CONDUCTED A FURTHER SPACE UTILISATION SURVEY IN NOVEMBER 1993, AND FOUND THAT THE USAGE OF THE GENERAL TEACHING AREAS WERE ROUGHLY THE SAME AS IN THE PREVIOUS SURVEY.
/•'AS PART............
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 1994
- 19 -
’’AS PART OF THE SURVEY PROCEDURES, DEPARTMENTS AT THE POLYTECHNIC WERE REQUIRED TO REPORT ON THE CANCELLATION OF CLASSES DURING THE SURVEY PERIOD.”
HE SAID 236 HOURS OF DAYTIME CLASSES AND 79 HOURS OF EVENING CLASSES WERE REPORTED BY DEPARTMENTS AS HAVING BEEN CANCELLED. THE HOURS CANCELLED IN THE DAYTIME REPRESENT ABOUT SIX PER CENT OF THE TOTAL HOURS TIMETABLED DURING THE SURVEY PERIOD.
’’THE UPGC UNDERSTANDS FROM THE POLYTECHNIC THAT IN MOST CASES THE CANCELLED CLASSES WERE RE-SCHEDULED AND MADE UP AT A LATER DATE,” MR LEUNG SAID.
HE NOTED THAT THE UPGC WAS IN THE PROCESS OF UNDERTAKING A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE SPACE AND ACCOMMODATI ON OF THE SEVEN UPGC-FUNDEl) INSTITUTIONS IN THE CONTEXT OF ITS REVIEW OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION FROM 1991 TO 2001.
’’THE REVIEW AIMS, INTER ALIA, TO ENABLE THE COMMITTEE TO HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE PROVISION OF SPACE AND ACCOMMODATION IN THE UPGC-FUNDED INSTITUTIONS AND TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING FUTURE PROVISION.”
MR LEUNG SAID THE ADMINISTRATION UNDERSTOOD THAT THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC HAD PLANS TO EXPAND ITS CAMPUS FACILITIES AND THESE WOULD BE EXAMINED IN THE LIGHT OF THE RESULTS OF THE UPGC’S REVIEW.
-----0-------
HKU LOOKS INTO COPYRIGHT (’ASF
*****
THE ADMINISTRATION IS AWARE THAT THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG HAS INSTIGATED AN INTERNAL INVESTIGATION REGARDING A COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT CASE IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE JUDGEMENT OF THE COURT OF APPEAL.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) TN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON EMILY LAU ON A CIVIL SUIT BETWEEN THREE ACADEMIC STAFF IN THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY MEDICINE OF THE UNIVERSITY.
’’THE INVESTIGATION IS STILL CONTINUING AND THE UNIVERSITY IS AWAITING THE OUTCOME OF THE INVESTIGATION BEFORE CONSIDERING WHETHER ANY FURTHER ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN,” MR LEUNG SAJI).
HE NOTED THAT THE DEFENDANT OF THE CASE, A READER AT THE UNIVERSITY, LOST A CIVIL SUIT FOR INFRINGEMENT OF COPYRIGHT AND MISUSE OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION.
ON THE QUESTION WHETHER PLAGIARISM WAS COMMONPLACE AMONG THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN HONG KONG, MR LEUNG SAID THE ADMINISTRATION WAS AWARE THAT TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS HAI) PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES TO DEAL WITH INTERNAL DISCIPLINARY ISSUES SUCH AS ALLEGATIONS OF PLAGIARISM.
’’THE ADMINISTRATION HAS ALSO BEEN INFORMED BY THE INSTITUTIONS THAT PLAGIARISM IS NOT COMMONPLACE TN HONG KONG," MR LEUNG SAID.
--------0-----------
/20 ........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 1994
20
HKCAA RESPONSIBLE FOR LOCAL ACADEMIC ACCREDITATION *****
THE HONG KONG COUNCIL FOR ACADEMIC ACCREDITATION (HKCAA) IS NOT INTENDED TO ACCREDIT ACADEMIC COURSES OFFERED BY INSTITUTIONS OUTSIDE HONG KONG, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ERIC LI IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR LEUNG SAID THE PRIME RESPONSIBILITY OF HKCAA, AS HONG KONG’S INDEPENDENT ACCREDITING AUTHORITY, WAS TO UNDERTAKE ACADEMIC ACCREDITATION IN RELATION TO LOCAL NON-SELF-ACCREDITING TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS.
"NEVERTHELESS, THE HKCAA MAINTAINS REGULAR LIAISON WITH EDUCATIONAL AUTHORITIES IN CHINA, INCLUDING THE STATE EDUCATION COMMISSION AND THE ACADEMIC DEGREES COMMITTEE OF THE STATE COUNCIL," HE SAID.
MR LEUNG POINTED OUT THAT THE HKCAA HAD VISITED THESE AUTHORITIES AND HAD BEEN INVITED TO A NUMBER OF SEMINARS AND MEETINGS ON THE EVALUATION OF QUALITY IN HIGHER EDUCATION.
ALSO SENIOR OFFICIALS FROM THE STATE EDUCATION COMMISSION AND THE ACADEMIC DEGREES COMMITTEE HAD VISITED THE HKCAA AND TAKEN PART IN AN HKCAA SEMINAR IN HONG KONG LAST YEAR.
"THESE ACTIVITIES HAVE ENHANCED MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING AND FACILITATED EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION ON ACADEMIC STANDARDS," MR LEUNG SAID.
--------0-----------
RAIL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY NEARS COMPLETION
*****
A DECISION ON THE NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES RAILWAY CANNOT BE MADE UNTIL THE RAILWAY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY HAS BEEN FINALISED, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR HAIDER BARMA, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"THIS IS FAST NEARING COMPLETION AND ENVISAGES A RAIL-LINK IN THE WESTERN CORRIDOR AS A STRATEGIC INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECT," HE SAID.
THE LIKELY ALIGNMENT IS THROUGH THE NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES FROM THE BORDER TO THE URBAN AREA VIA KAM TIN AND WITH A SPUR LINE TO TIN SHUT WAI AND LINKING NORTH TUEN MUN.
IN HIS WRITTEN REPLY TO DR THE HON TANG SIU-TONG’S QUESTION IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR BARMA SAID: "ONCE A DECISION ON THE RAILWAY IS TAKEN, WE WILL CARRY OUT ENGINEERING STUDIES TO CONFIRM THE DETAILED ALIGNMENT.
"THE TARGET DATE IS TO COMMISSION THIS NEW RAILWAY SYSTEM BY 2001 BUT WE WILL EXPLORE ALL PRACTICAL MEANS TO ACCELERATE THIS."
/MR BARMA .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 1994
MR BARMA SAID DURING THE RAILWAY DEVELOPMENT STUDY, THE STUDY TEAM HAD A SERIES OF EXCHANGES WITH THE CHINESE RAILWAY AUTHORITIES ON RAILWAY DEVELOPMENT IN BOTH CHINA AND HONG KONG.
"WE HAVE KEPT THE CHINESE SIDE INFORMED OF THE STUDY FINDINGS AND WILL SEEK TO DISCUSS WITH THEM AGAIN ONCE THE RAILWAY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY HAS BEEN FINALISED.
"SUCH DIALOGUE IS ESSENTIAL TO ENSURE THAT OUR RESPECTIVE PLANS FOR RAILWAY PROJECTS COMPLEMENT EACH OTHER," HE SAID.
ON RAIL CONNECTIONS TO CONTAINER TERMINALS 10 AND 11, MR BARMA SAID A SECOND PORT RAIL LINE TO SERVE THE FUTURE CONTAINER PORT ON LANTAU HAD BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THE STUDY AS A LONG-TERM PROJECT.
"THIS WILL REQUIRE FURTHER IN-DEPTH STUDY AT A LATER DATE," HE
SAID.
- - 0 - -
TUNNEL SPEEDING OFFENCE *****
THERE IS NO REASON WHY SPEEDING IN TUNNELS SHOULD NOT ATTRACT DRIVING-OFFENCE POINTS AND, THUS, SERVE AS A FURTHER DETERRENT, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR HAIDER BARMA, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"THE ADMINISTRATION WILL SEE HOW THIS CAN BE BEST ACHIEVED AND TAKE THE NECESSARY STEPS TO AMEND THE LAW.
"WE WILL, IN THE SAME EXERCISE, IRON OUT OTHER DISCREPANCIES SO THAT, FOR EXAMPLE, THE SAME LEVELS OF FINE ARE IMPOSED UPON LIKE OFFENCES," HE SAID IN HIS WRITTEN REPLY TO THE HON MRS MIRIAM LAU ’ S QUESTION.
SPEEDING IS AN OFFENCE UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE AND THE ROAD TRAFFIC (DRIVING-OFFENCE POINTS) ORDINANCE.
DRIVERS ON CONVICTION ARE LIABLE TO A FINE OF $4,000 AND, IN ADDITION, CAN BE PENALISED BY EITHER THREE, FIVE OR EIGHT DRIVINGOFFENCE POINTS, DEPENDING ON THE SPEED IN EXCESS OF THAT ALLOWED.
MR BARMA SAID THERE WAS SEPARATE LEGISLATION TO DEAL WITH SPEEDING IN GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE TUNNELS.
UNDER THE ROAD TUNNELS (GOVERNMENT) ORDINANCE, ANY PERSON WHO CONTRAVENES A SPEEDING OFFENCE IN A GOVERNMENT TUNNEL IS LIABLE ON FIRST CONVICTION TO A FINE OF $5,000 AND TO IMPRISONMENT FOR THREE MONTHS AND ON SECOND OR SUBSEQUENT CONVICTIONS TO A FINE OF $10,000 AND TO IMPRISONMENT FOR SIX MONTHS.
AS REGARDS A SPEEDING OFFENCE IN A PRIVATE TUNNEL, A CONVICTED MOTORIST IS LIABLE TO A FINE OF $2,000 UNDER ITS RESPECTIVE BY-LAWS.
IN ADDITION, THE POLICE MAY PROSECUTE MOTORISTS FOR DANGEROUS DRIVING IF THEY EXCEED TUNNEL SPEED LIMITS, MR BARMA SAID.
- - 0 - -
/22
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 1994
22 -
YUEN LONG SOUTHERN BYPASS TO OPEN IN SEPTEMBER
*****
THE YUEN LONG SOUTHERN BYPASS IS EXPECTED TO BE OPENED TO TRAFFIC BY THE END OF SEPTEMBER, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR HAIDER BARMA, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE PROJECT WAS SCHEDULED TO COMPLETE IN MID-AUGUST, MR BARMA SAID, ADDING THAT PART OF THE DELAY WAS BECAUSE OF BAD WEATHER LAST YEAR.
’’FOR THIS REASON, SOME EXTENSION OF TIME FOR THE COMPLETED CONTRACT WOULD BE JUSTIFIED,” MR BARMA SAID.
IN HIS WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ZACHARY WONG, MR BARMA SAID THE CONTRACTOR WOULD BE LIABLE FOR LIQUIDATED DAMAGES IF THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT CONSIDERED THE DELAY HAD ALSO BEEN CAUSED BY SLACK PERFORMANCE.
------0-------
CONSUMERS NEED TO UNDERSTAND CONTRACT TERMS
♦ * » » »
EFFORTS TO EDUCATE CONSUMERS ARE IMPORTANT IN ENHANCING THEIR AWARENESS OF THE NEED TO UNDERSTAND THE CONTRACT TERMS BEFORE ENTERING INTO ANY CONTRACT, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T H CHAU, SAID.
THE CONSUMER COUNCIL IS DOING A GOOD JOB IN THIS REGARD, HE SAID IN HIS REPLY TO THE HON PANG CHUN-HOI’S QUESTION IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"IT IS CURRENTLY STUDYING THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF CREDIT CARDS. THE RESULTS OF THE STUDY WILL BE PUBLISHED TN A FEW MONTHS’ TIME."
AS FOR LEGISLATIVE MEASURES TO PROTECT CONSUMERS WHEN THEY ENTER INTO CONTRACTS WITH COMMERCIAL PARTIES, MR CHAU SAID THE GUIDING PRINCIPLE WAS TO STRIKE A BALANCE BETWEEN LOOKING AFTER CONSUMER INTERESTS AND PRESERVING FREEDOM OF CONTRACT.
THE CONTROL OF EXEMPTION CLAUSES ORDINANCE CONTROLS THE USE OF EXEMPTION CLAUSES BY SUPPLIERS OF GOODS AND SERVICES TO LIMIT THEIR CONTRACTUAL LIABILITIES TOWARDS CONSUMERS.
UNDER THE UNCONSCIONABLE CONTRACTS BILL INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN APRIL, CONSUMERS CAUGHT BY UNCONSCIONABLE CONTRACT TERMS COULD INITIATE CIVIL PROCEEDINGS AGAINST SUPPLIERS OF GOODS OR SERVICES.
AND THE COURT WOULD HAVE THE POWER TO REWRITE OR STRIKE DOWN UNCONSCIONABLE TERMS IN CONSUMER CONTRACTS.
/"WE BELIEVE .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 1994
- 23 -
"WE BELIEVE THAT THESE MEASURES WILL SET THE GROUND RULES UNDER WHICH BOTH CONSUMERS AND SUPPLIERS WOULD BE ABLE TO BARGAIN ON A MORE EQUAL BASIS.
"THESE MEASURES WILL BE IN ADDITION TO EXISTING REMEDIES AVAILABLE UNDER COMMON LAW ON THE GROUNDS OF EQUITABLE PRINCIPLES," MR CHAU SAID.
- - 0----------
CONSUMERS BENEFIT FROM TAX CONCESSION
*****
CONSUMERS HAVE BENEFITED FROM THE ABOLITION O^ DUTIES ON SOFT DRINKS, ENTERTAINMENT TAX ON CINEMA TICKETS AND COSMETICS IMPOSED IN THE LAST TWO FINANCIAL YEARS.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HUANG CHEN-YA, THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR DONALD TSANG, SAID SEVERAL SURVEYS INDICATED THAT PRICES OF THESE PRODUCTS HAD GONE DOWN AFTER THE ABOLITION OF DUTIES.
MR TSANG SAID THREE SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT TN 1992 IN RETAIL PRICES OF SOFT DRINKS AFTER THE TAX CONCESSION FOUND THAT PRICES HAD REDUCED BOTH AT THE WHOLESALE AND THE RETAIL LEVEL.
THE FIRST SURVEY IN MARCH 1992 FOUND THAT PRICES HAD, ON AVERAGE, DROPPED BY 7.2 PER CENT AT THE WHOLESALE LEVELS AND 4.5 PER CENT AT THE RETAIL LEVEL.
THIS MEANT THAT 96.7 PER CENT OF THE BENEFIT ARISING FROM THE TAX CONCESSION WAS PASSED ON AT THE WHOLESALE LEVEL AND 66.5 PER CENT AT THE RETAIL LEVEL.
A SIMILAR PRICE SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE CONSUMER COUNCIL IN 1992 ALSO CONFIRMED THAT RETAIL PRICES OF SOFT DRINKS AT MAJOR RETAIL OUTLETS DURING THE THIRD QUARTER OF THE YEAR HAD STABILISED AT THE REDUCED LEVELS.
TO AVOID DISTORTIONS TN THE SURVEY RESULTS, SPECIAL PRICES OFFERED AT PROMOTIONAL SALES WERE NOT TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN ANY OF THE ABOVE SURVEYS.
IN LINE WITH THE UNDERTAKING BY THE TWO LARGEST CINEMA OPERATORS FOLLOWING THE 1992/93 BUDGET ON ABOLITION OF CINEMA TICKETS’ ENTERTAINMENT TAX, TICKET PRICES ALSO REMAINED UNCHANGED UNTIL JUNE 1993.
A SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE FRAGRANCE AND BEAUTY PRODUCTS IMPORTERS’ AND DISTRIBUTORS’ ASSOCIATION AMONG ITS MEMBERS IN MARCH 1993 SHOWED THAT MOST COSMETIC PRODUCTS AVAILABLE IN THE LOCAL MARKET WOULD HAVE A PRICE REDUCTION OF 10 TO 12 PER CENT BETWEEN MARCH AND MAY 1993.
/24 ........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 1994
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POSITIVE STEPS TO IMPROVE BANK SERVICES EOR THE BLIND
*****
THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OP BANKS HAS TAKEN POSITIVE STEPS TO IMPROVE ACCESSIBILITY TO BANKING SERVICES EOR THE SIGHT IMPAIRED IN RECENT YEARS, THE SECRETARY EOR EINANCI AL SERVICES, MR MICHAEL CARTLAND, SAID.
IT ISSUED A BEST PRACTICE GUIDE TO ITS MEMBERS IN 1992, RECOMMENDING PROCEDURES ABOUT THE PROVISION OE SERVICES TO THE SIGHT IMPAIRED.
THIS WAS SUPPLEMENTED BY TWO FURTHER GUIDELINES ISSUED IN JANUARY AND DECEMBER LAST YEAR. THE LAST OE THESE WAS DRAWN UP IN CONSULTATION WITH THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OE THE BLIND.
SUCH GUIDELINES ENCOURAGE BANKS TO MAKE AVAILABLE GENERAL BANKING FACILITIES TO THE SIGHT IMPAIRED ON THE SAME TERMS AND CONDITIONS AS FOR THE ORDINARY CUSTOMER PROVIDED THAT THEY FULLY UNDERSTAND THEIR OBLIGATIONS, RESPONSIBILITIES AND LIABILITIES IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OF SUCH SERVICES.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO THE HON ZACHARY WONG WAI-YIN’S QUESTION IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR CARTLAND SAID THE ASSOCIATION HAD KEPT IN TOUCH WITH THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND TO CONSIDER IF FURTHER INITIATIVES TO IMPROVE SUCH ACCESSIBILITY COULD BE INTRODUCED.
THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT SEE THE NEED FOR IT TO INTERFERE, HE SAID.
THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY HAD RECEIVED SOME COMPLAINTS AGAINST CERTAIN BANKS IN RELATION TO REFUSAL TO PROVIDE CURRENT ACCOUNT AND AUTOMATIC TELLER MACHINE SERVICES TO THE SIGHT IMPAIRED.
ONE OF THE PRIMARY REASONS FOR CERTAIN BANKS NOT PROVIDING THESE SERVICES IS FOR THE PROTECTION OF SIGHT-1 MPA I RED CUSTOMERS WHO ARE EXPOSED TO POTENTIAL RISKS ARISING FROM MISCOMMUNICATION AND MISUNDERSTANDING.
"IT IS PRUDENT FOR BANKS TO ENSURE THAT POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS ARE FULLY AWARE OF SUCH RISKS AND THE POSSIBLE DAMAGE THAT (’AN BE CAUSED BY MISCOMMUNICATION OR MISUNDERSTANDING,” HF SAID.
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/25 .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 1994
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MOT FONS ON DEVELOPMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND RATES PASSED *****
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PASSED IWO MOTIONS MOVED BY THE HON TIK CH I-YUEN AND THE HON SZETO WAH RESPECTIVELY ON THE DEVELOPMENT OE HIGHER EDUCATION AND RATES.
THE FORMER MOTION WAS DEBATED FOR 90 MINUTES, TO WHICH THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MICHAEL LEUNG, REPLIED FOR THE GOVERNMENT. IT WAS PASSED BY A VOTING OF 35 TO SIX.
THE OTHER MOTION WAS MOVED BY THE HON SZETO WAH ON RATES WHICH
STATED THAT THE COUNCIL REPROVED THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON MR
CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, ACTING AGAINST THE WILL OF REFUSING TO GIVE MEMBERS PERMISSION TO PROPOSE
THE PUBLIC AMENDMENTS
IN
TO
THE RESOLUTION ON RATES INTRODUCED ON
RATES BURDEN ON THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
MAY 18 TO IT WAS PASSED
RELIEVE THE
BY 21 TO I 1.
MEMBERS ALSO ASKED A TOTAL OF 19 QUESTIONS.
13 OF WHICH WERE
GIVEN BY WRITTEN REPLIES.
MEANWHILE, A MOTION MOVED BY.THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MICHAEL LEUNG. ON THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (SAFETY OFFICERS AND SAFETY SUPERVISORS) (AMENDMENT) (NO.2) REGULATION 1994 WAS PASSED.
THE AMUSEMENT RIDES (SAFETY) BILL AND THE ELECTORAL PROVISIONS (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENT) (NO.2) BILL 1994 WERE PASSED AT THE COUNCIL SITTING.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR MAKES STATEMENT TO LEGCO.......................... 1
TRANSCRIPT OF GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION.................... 17
OXFAM HK TO GET $2M IN DISASTER RELIEF.................... 18
CONCERTED EFFORTS TO EASE TRAFFIC JAM AT CONTAINER PORT AREA...................................................... 19
WALLED CITY PARK - A LANDMARK IN CENTRAL KOWLOON.......... 20
GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY............................ 21
ASIAN SCHOOL BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS TO BE HELD IN HONG KONG...................................................... 25
ENDANGERED SPECIES AND PROHIBITED MEDICINE FORBIDDEN.... 25
FORCES CELEBRATE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY......................... 26
CARGO WORKING AREAS REMAIN OPEN ON HOLIDAYS............... 27
HOLIDAY WELFARE PAYMENTS ADVANCE TO TOMORROW............ 27
ADDITIONAL HOTLINE FOR INDUSTRIAL SAFETY MATTERS.......... 28
CLOSURE OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURE IN YAU MA TEI................ 28
FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETS TOMORROW.......................... 28
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS.... 29
THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 1994
GOVERNOR MAKES STATEMENT TO LEGCO
*****
THE FOLLOWING IS A TRANSCRIPT OF THE STATEMENT BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (THURSDAY):
MR PRESIDENT,
I AM GLAD TO HAVE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO BRIEF THE COUNCIL THIS AFTERNOON ON MY RECENT VISIT TO THE UNITED KINGDOM AND ON THE QUESTION OF LAND SUPPLY AND PROPERTY PRICES.
I WAS IN THE UK FROM THF 2 I ST TO THE 29TH OF MAY. THIS WAS ONE OF MY REGULAR VISITS TO BRITAIN. LIKE MY PREDECESSORS, I HAVE BEEN TRAVELLING THERE ABOUT FOUR OR FIVE TIMES A YEAR AND I INTEND TO CONTINUE TO VISIT WITH THIS DEGREE OF REGULARITY. GIVEN THE NUMBER OF COMPLEX ISSUES TO HANDLE AS THE TRANSITION APPROACHES, IT IS IMPORTANT TO DISCUSS THESE MATTERS FACE TO FACE WITH MINISTERS AND WITH OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES, RATHER THAN TO RELY SOLELY ON TELEGRAMS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
I HAD SOME VERY USEFUL MEETINGS WITH BRITISH MINISTERS. I SPENT TWO HOURS WITH THE PRIME MINISTER AT WHICH WE DISCUSSED HONG KONG MATTERS IN SOME DETAIL. I HAD A BREAKFAST MEETING WITH THE FOREIGN SECRETARY ON HIS RETURN FROM RUSSIA. J MET OTHER CABINET MINISTERS AND HAD SEVERAL MEETINGS WITH MR GOODLAD AND WITH FOREIGN OFFICE OFFICIALS. 1 ALSO MET BUSINESS LEADERS AND MEMBERS OF BOTH HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT AS WELL AS HAVING DETAILED SESSIONS WITH THE BACK BENCH FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE OF THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY AND THEN WITH THE BRITISH-HONG KONG PARLIAMENTARY GROUP, WHERE WE HAD ONE OF THE LARGEST MEETINGS WHICH I CAN RECALL.
I ALSO VISITED MANCHESTER WHERE THERE IS THE BIGGEST HONG KONG CHINESE COMMUNITY OUTSIDE LONDON. J WAS ABLE TO VISIT A HOME FOR THE ELDERLY AND A CULTURAL CENTRE, AND TO SEE THE CHINESE SECTION OF THE CITY LIBRARY SERVICE. WHILE I WAS IN MANCHESTER, I GAVE THE ANNUAL MANCHESTER LECTURE TN WHICH 1 SET OUT THE REASONS FOR HONG KONG’S EXTRAORDINARY ECONOMIC SUCCESS AND EXPLAINED THE CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS WHICH FACE THE TERRITORY AS IT APPROACHES 1997.
WHILE I WAS IN THE UK, THERE WAS A GOOD DEAL OF INTEREST IN THE RECENT FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE REPORT AND IN THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT’S FORTHCOMING RESPONSE TO IT. PARTICULAR INTEREST WAS EXPRESSED IN THOSE PARTS OF THE REPORT WHICH FOCUSED ON THE NEED FOR EFFECTIVE HUMAN RIGHTS SAFEGUARDS IN HONG KONG. AS I HAVE PREVIOUSLY TOLD THIS COUNCIL, THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT IS CLOSELY CONSULTING THF HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OVER THE RESPONSE TO THE REPORT. THE FULI DETAILS OF THIS WILL BE PUBLISHED AT THF END OF JUNE.
/IT IS .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 1994
- 2 -
IT IS NO SECRET, HOWEVER, THAT BOTH GOVERNMENTS SHARE THE OBJECTIVE OE THI. FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE - AND INDEED OF MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL - TN WISHING TO SEE PROPER, EFFECTIVE AND DURABLE HUMAN RIGHTS SAFEGUARDS IN PLACE IN HONG KONG BOTH BEFORE AND AFTER 1997. IT IS WITH THIS TN MIND THAT THE ADMINISTRATION HAS BEEN DEVELOPING ITS OWN POLICY PROPOSALS ON HUMAN RIGHTS MATTERS OVER RECENT MONTHS. THE DEBATE IS ABOUT MEANS NOT ENDS, ABOUT HOW BEST TO SECURE THE SAFEGUARDS THAT WE WOULD ALL LIKE TO SEE. SOME HAVE ARGUED THAT A HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION HAS TO BE THE CENTREPIECE OF ANY EFFECTIVE HUMAN RIGHTS STRATEGY FOR HONG KONG. OTHERS CONTEND THAT A NON-JNSTITUTIONAL PATH IS MORE LIKELY TO BRING REAL AND SUSTAINABLE BENEFITS OVER THE LONGER TERM. THERE ARE MERITS IN BOTH ARGUMENTS; AND THEY WILL BE CONSIDERED CAREFULLY BOTH BY THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT IN FORMULATING ITS RESPONSE TO THE FAC REPORT, AND BY OUR ADMINISTRATION IN THE CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT OF ITS PROPOSALS ON HUMAN RIGHTS MATTERS. THE IMPORTANT THING IS THAT THE ISSUES SHOULD INDEED BE CONSIDERED, BY ALL CONCERNED, ON THEIR MERITS. IN PARTICULAR, WE SHOULD AVOID GETTING DRAWN INTO AN ARGUMENT ABOUT SYMBOLS. THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE IS NOT PARTICULARLY INTERESTED TO KNOW THAT A HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION IS SELF-EVIDENTLY GOOD OR SELF-EVIDENTLY BAD. WHAT IT WANTS, UNDERSTANDABLY, IS THE REASSURANCE THAT ANY GENUINE CONCERNS IT HAS ABOUT HUMAN RIGHTS WILL BE ADDRESSED IN AN EFFECTIVE AND PRACTICAL WAY, BOTH NOW AND AFTER 1997.
PERHAPS I COULD MOVE ON TO MY SECOND TOPIC, LAND SUPPLY AND PROPERTY PRICES.
YESTERDAY, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS ANNOUNCED A PACKAGE OF MEASURES TO MEET HOUSING DEMAND AND SAFEGUARD THE INTERESTS OF HOME BUYERS. IT IS A COMPREHENSIVE, BALANCED, POSITIVE AND DELIBERATELY PRUDENT PACKAGE. DEALING WITH BOTH THE SHORT AND LONG TERM.
IN THE SHORT TERM, THE OBJECTIVE IS TO DAMPEN SPECULATION, AND STRENGTHEN CONSUMER PROTECTION AND INFORMATION. AS A FIRST STEP, WE SHALL TACKLE THE PROBLEM OF THE PRE-SALE OF FLATS THROUGH MODIFICATIONS TO THE CONSENT SCHEME. REDUCTION OF THE QUOTA FOR PRIVATE SALES COULD RELEASE ABOUT AN ADDITIONAL 10,000 FLATS A YEAR FOR DIRECT PURCHASE BY HOME BUYERS. THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER AND SHOULD HAVE AN IMPACT ON THE MARKET. DEVELOPERS HAVE INDICATED THEIR INTENTION TO CO-OPERATE WITH THE GOVERNMENT IN ITS EFFORTS TO MODERATE PROPERTY PRICES AND DAMPEN SPECULATION. THEY CAN DO THIS BY INTRODUCING THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE PRE-SALE OF UNCOMPLETED FLATS TO DEVELOPMENTS WHICH ARE NOT CURRENTLY COVERED BY THE CONSENT SCHEME, OR WHERE CONSENT HAS BEEN GIVEN BUT THE FLATS HAVE NOT YET BEEN OFFERED FOR SALE,
LN TERMS OF CONSUMER PROTECTION, WE SHALL AIM TO PROVIDE HOME BUYERS WITH MORE ACCURATE AND COMPREHENSIVE INFORMATION, NOT ONLY ON FLATS WHICH ARE OFFERED FOR SALE, BUT ALSO ON FUTURE SUPPLY AND LOCATION. THIS WILL HELP THEM TO PLAN TO DECIDE WHEN AND WHAT TO BUY. BETTER INFORMATION FOR POTENTIAL HOME BUYERS WILL REMOVE SOME OF THE SPECULATORS’ ADVANTAGE, AND HELP COUNTER MISREPRESENTATION OR UNSCRUPULOUS PRACTICES IN THE MARKET.
/IN THE .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 1994
3 -
IN THE MEDIUM AND LONG TERM, WE SHALL INCREASE HOUSING SUPPLY. THE TARGET OF BETWEEN 45,000 AND 60,000 MORE FLATS BY 2001 OVER AND ABOVE THE CURRENT PRODUCTION OF 74,000 FLATS A YEAR IS SIGNIFICANT, AND IT WILL MAKE AN IMPACT ON PRICES. THIS AMOUNTS TO AN AVERAGE OF 7,500 TO 10,000 MORE FLATS EACH YEAR. THE OUTPUT IS ROUGHLY EQUIVALENT TO THE ENTIRE HENG FA CHUEN DEVELOPMENT. THESE FIGURES DO NOT INCLUDE THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S EFFORTS TO PROVIDE UP TO A FURTHER 13,000 FLATS ON INFILL SITES. THE PRODUCTION TARGET NOT ONLY CATERS FOR THE NEED TO PROVIDE SHELTER FOR A LARGER POPULATION. IT ALSO TAKES ON BOARD THE ASPIRATIONS OF A MORE AFFLUENT COMMUNITY FOR HOME OWNERSHIP AND BETTER HOUSING STANDARDS. WE HAVE ALLOWED A 50% MARGIN OVER AND ABOVE THE PROJECTED INCREASES IN NEW HOUSEHOLDS.
HOWEVER, IT TAKES TIME TO BUILD NEW FLATS. IN THE MEANTIME, POTENTIAL HOME BUYERS WHO CANNOT AFFORD TO BUY NOW MUST DECIDE FOR THEMSELVES WHETHER THEY SHOULD WAIT FOR ADDITIONAL SUPPLY TO COME ON STREAM, WHILE THEIR INCOME INCREASES, OR TO PLUNGE INTO THE MARKET NOW AND PAY THE PRICE FOR IT. IT IS ALSO A FACT OF LIFE THAT LAND IN THE OLDER URBAN AREAS IS LIMITED. INCREASINGLY, HOME BUYERS SHOULD LOOK TO THE NEW TOWNS WHICH OFFER A MORE SPACIOUS LIVING ENVIRONMENT AND BALANCED DEVELOPMENT. WHILE TRAFFIC MAY BE A PROBLEM IN SOME AREAS NOW, INDEED IT IS A PROBLEM IN SOME AREAS NOW, THE SITUATION WILL IMPROVE WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF TRUNK ROADS AND EXTENSION OF THE RAILWAY SYSTEMS.
THE INITIAL MEASURES WHICH WE HAVE INTRODUCED ARE MODEST. DELIBERATELY SO. WE TOOK INTO ACCOUNT A 10% TO 15% DROP IN PROPERTY PRICES SINCE MARCH; RISING INTEREST RATES WHICH HAVE A DAMPENING EFFECT ON THE MARKET; AND PUBLIC CONCERN THAT WE SHOULD BE PRUDENT, TO GUARD AGAINST A MARKET CRASH. THE PACKAGE OF MEASURES WHICH HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED DEMONSTRATES OUR RESOLVE. WE HOPE IT WILL GIVE A CLEAR SIGNAL TO SPECULATORS TO STAY AWAY. HOWEVER, IF EXCESSIVE SPECULATION CONTINUES, WE WILL HAVE TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION, AND THIS MAY WELL INVOLVE LEGISLATION AND PUNITIVE MEASURES.
I AM ACUTELY CONSCIOUS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF HOUSING TO PEOPLE’S LIVELIHOOD AND SOCIAL STABILITY. TO ENSURE THAT HOUSING GETS THE PRIORITY AND ATTENTION IT DESERVES, WE PROPOSE TO APPOINT A NEW SECRETARY FOR HOUSING WHO WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOUSING POLICIES AND PROGRAMMES IN HONG KONG. THIS APPOINTMENT WILL NOT AFFECT THE AUTONOMY OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OR THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF ITS CHAIRMAN IN ANY WAY. HONOURABLE MEMBERS WILL BE ASKED TO APPROVE THE CREATION OF THE POST AND A NEW HOUSING BRANCH IN THE AUTUMN. I HOPE MEMBERS WILL GIVE THIS MOVE THEIR UNQUALIFIED SUPPORT.
FINALLY, I WISH TO COMMENT ON THE LAND AUCTION ON 26 MAY. THERE ARE DIFFERENT VIEWS AS TO WHAT THE PROCEEDINGS ON THAT OCCASION REPRESENTED. IT IS UNFORTUNATE, HOWEVER, THAT THE PERCEPTION IN THE COMMUNITY IS THAT A SYSTEM WHICH HAS WORKED WELL FOR MANY YEARS MAY HAVE BEEN SUBJECT TO SOME FORM OF ABUSE. THE ADMINISTRATION WILL BE REVIEWING THE ARRANGEMENTS TO ENSURE THAT TRUE AND FAIR COMPETITION IS MAINTAINED. THREE RESPECTED AND INDEPENDENT MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY WILL BE INVOLVED IN THE REVIEW. I HAVE ASKED TO SEE THE FINDINGS OF THE REVIEW BEFORE THE NEXT AUCTION IN JULY.
/FOLLOWING IS .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 1994
FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT Oh THE GOVERNOR’S QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL:
MR K K EUNG (THROUGH INTERPRETER): MR PRESIDENT, I’D LIKE TO ASK ABOUT PROPERTY PRICES. I’D LIKE TO READ OUT THREE STATEMENTS THAI HAVE BREN RELEASED BY THE GOVERNMENT BECAUSE I WANT TO REMIND THE GOVERNOR THAT SUCH STATEMENTS HAVE BEEN RELEASED RY 'I HE ADMINISTRATION.
ON 30TH MARCH, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY THROUGH HIS BUDGET SPEECH, SAID THE FOLLOWING: HE SAID THAT THE OBJECTIVE WAS TO COME UP WITH A WORKABLE PACKAGE THAT WOULD RESULT IN INCREASE IN LAND SUPPLY AND ALSO WOULD REDUCE PROPERTY PRICES AND HE ALSO REITERATED THAT THE OBJECTIVE OF THE ADMINISTRATION WAS TO REVISE PROPERTY PRICES DOWNWARD. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE EXPRESSION USED IS TO REDUCE PROPERTY PRICES AND 1*0 REVISE THEM DOWNWARD.
SECONDLY, MR CAM CE MAK AFTER THE BUDGET SPEECH WAS RELEASED PUBLICLY ASKED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC’ NOT TO BUY PROPERTY AND THIRDLY, YESTERDAY THE SECRETARY FOR PEL, MR EASON, SAID THAT CONCERNING THE SEVEN PROPOSALS OF THE ADMINISTRATION, HE SAID THAT THEY WERE MODERATE AND ONLY IF THEY HAVE FAILED TO ACHIEVE EFFECT FURTHER MEASURES WOULD BE TAKEN.
MY QUESTION IS, CONCERNING THE PACRAGF ANNOUNCED AESTERDAY, I’D LIKE TO KNOW WHETHER THE OBJECTIVE IS REALLY THE PROPERTY PRICES AS GF YESTERDAY AND WHETHER THE PACKAGE WOULD BE ABLE TO DRIVE THE PROPERTY PRICES DOWNWARD OR TO BRING THE PROPERTY PRICES ON A DOWNWARD TREND? I’D LIKE TO KNOW WHETHER THAT Is THE OBJECTIVE? IF THAT IS SO, I’D LIKE TO KNOW WHETHER YOU HAVh A BOTTOM LINE FOR THIS TREND OF DOWNWARD PROPERTY PRICES? IF THE ANSWER IS NO, I’D LIKE TO KNOW WHAT IS THE ULTIMATE OBJEC T I Vh OF ’THE PACKAGE ANNOUNCED BY THE SECRETARY PEL YESTERDAY? CAN YOU DESCRIBE To ME WHAT IS THE OBJECTIVE IF THE ANSWER I S NO?
GOVERNOR: YES < CAN CERTAINLY DESCRIBE THE OBJECTIVE. THE OBJkC’IIVb
AS THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY STATEMENT. THE OBJECT IVE
OVERHEATING IN THE PROPERTY
SAID IN HIS WISE REMARKS IK HIS BUDGET WAS TO CORRECT THE WIDELY PERCEIVED
MARKET AND TO DO IT BY ACCOMPLISHING TWO
THINGS. FIRST OF ALL TO DEAL WITH SPECULATION IN THE SHORT-TERM AND SECONDLY TO DEAL WITH THE PROBLEM OF LAND SUPPLY IN THF MEDIUM AND
LONGER-TERM, WHICH ITSELF WILL HAVE SOME IMPACT ON PROPERTY PRICES EVEN BEFORE THAT SUPPLY OF EXTRA HOUSING COMES ON STREAM. I THINK
THAT IT’S INTERESTING THAT WHILE PROPERTY PRICES WENT UP BY BFTWEhN, I SUPPOSE, 20 AND 30% IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THE YEAR, SINCE THEN THEY’VE COME OFF BY ABOUT 10 TO 15% AND I HOPF THAT BOTH THh ANNOUNCEMENT Oh OUR INTENTION TO DEAL WI TH THE PROBLEM AND WHAT WE’VE DONE WILL ABATE PROPERTY PRICE INCREASES. RUT WB WOULD RE A SPECTACULARLY FOOLISH GOVERNMENT IF WE THOUGHT THAT WE COULD SET PROPERTY PRICES RATHER THAN THE MARKET WITH A BALANCE BETWEEN SUPPLY AND DEMAND ULTIMATELY DETERMINING PROPERTY PRICES.
/WHAT ONE .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 1994
5 -
WHAT ONE CAN SEE IN THIS COMMUNITY IS THAI' WHILE PROPERTY PRICES HAVE GONE UP OYER THE YEARS THE PROPORTION OE PEOPLE WHO’VI KEEN ABLE TO PURCHASE THEIR OWN ACCOMMODATION HAS ALSO GONE. UP'. IT’S NOW Al.MOT F>0% AND I HOPE THAT WE’LL REACH OUR TARGET OE 60% RY I'.l97. OE COURSE we: have to go on making sure that those who don’t wish to become h■>-h-OWNERS OR CAN’T AFFORD TO BECOME HOME OWNERS STILL ARE ABLE TO HAVE ACCESS TO GOOD QUALITY PUBLICLY RENTED ACCOMMODATION AND THAT I HOPE WAS UNDERLINED IN OUR STATEMENT YESTERDAY. BUT I CERTAINLY DON’T THINK THAT THIS ADMINISTRATION OR ANY SENSIBLE ADMINISTRATION SHOULD SEEK TO SO INTERVENE IN THE PROPERTY MARKET AS TO MAKE PEOPLE THINK THAT IT CAN EI NE TUNE PRICES. 1 DON’T THINK ANY GOVERNMENT CAN DO THAT, NOT EVEN GOVERNMENTS IN TOTALITARIAN SYSTEMS HAVE BEEN VERY EFFECTIVE IN DOING THAT WHEN THEY’VE TRIED.
CAN I JUST ADI) ONE OTHER THING. I’VE EXPERIENCED AS A POLITICLY-. Boll! PROPERTY PRICES SLUMPING DRAMATICALLY AND PROPERTY PRICES I ! < I. I \ o G AND I’M SURE THIS COUNCIL WILL UNDERSTAND IT WHEN I SAY THAT THERE IS A LOT MORE PUBLIC ANXIETY WHEN YOU HAVE A SLUMP IN PROPERTY PRICES HOWEVER THE DIFEICULT THE PROBLEMS OE PROPERTY PRICE INCREASES ARE. IF HONOURABLE MEMBERS DOUBT THAT THEY SHOULD CONSIDER THE PROBLEM WHEN YOU’RE EXPLAINING TO HOME OWNERS WHY IT IS THAT THE VALUE OF THEIR HOME, THE VALUE OF THEIR ASSET, HAS SUDDENLY BECOME WORTH LESS THAN THE COST OF THE MORTGAGE THEY’VE TAKEN OUT ON IT. I THINK THAT THAT IS A PROBLEM WHICH WE SHOULD SEEK AT ALL COSTS TO AVOID HERE IN HONG KONG. SO WHILE WE WANT TO MODERATE THE INCREASE IN PROPERTY PRICES, WHILE I’M PLEASED THAT WE'VE SEEN 10 TO 15% COME OFF PROPERTY PRICES IN THE LAST COUPLE OF MONTHS, I DON’T THINK THAT WE SHOULD WANT TO DO ANYTHING WHICH MIGHT RISK KNOCKING THE PINS FROM UNDER THE PROPERTY
MARKET.
MR K K FUNG (THROUGH INTERPRETER): A SHORT FOLLOW-UP. BECAUSE I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT THE GOVERNOR HAS DIRECTLY ANSWERED MY QUESTION, MAYBE J SHOULD REPHRASE MY QUESTION. CAN WE USE YESTERDAY'S PROPERTY PRICES AS A BOTTOM LINE OR AS AN INDICATOR IF IN THE COMING FEW MONTHS WE CAN’T SEE PROPERTY PRICES COMING DOWN EVEN MODERATELY, THEN THE GOVERNMENT WOULD PROCEED TO THE SECOND STAGE OF THE PROPOSALS, CAN WE SAY THAT?
GOVERNOR:
ENVIRONMENT
WHETHER OR
WHAT YOU CAN SAY, AS THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, AND LANDS SAID SO WISELY YESTERDAY, IS THAT IN DECIDING NOT WE NEED TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION AND WF.’RE LOOKING AT
OTHER OPTIONS, AS THE HONOURABLE GENTLEMAN KNOWS, INCLUDING PUNITIVE FISCAL MEASURES, WHAT WF. WOULD HAVE TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT IS A NUMBER OF FACTORS, AS WE DID LAST MARCH. YOU’RE LOOKING AT, ON THE ONE HAND, THE LEVEL OF PERCEIVED SPECULATION AND THE AMOUNT OF VACANCIES IN THE HOUSING MARKET, THE NUMBER OF PROPERTIES THAT HAVE BEEN OWNED BUT HAVE BEEN LEFT VACANT. YOU'RE ALSO LOOKING RIGHT ACROSS THE BOARD AT WHAT’S HAPPENING TO THE INCREASE IN PRICES. YOU'RE ALSO LOOKING AT SOMETHING WHICH IS PERHAPS RATHER MORE IMPONDERABLE WHICH IS MARKET SENTIMENT, BUT IT WOULD BE LESS THAN SENSIBLE FOR THE GOVERNMENT, FOR ANY GOVERNMENT, TO CLAIM THAT THERE IS SOME SORT OF MECHANISTIC FORMULA WHICH CAN DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT PRICES ARE AT THE RIGHT LEVEL AND I THINK WE’D BE VERY FOOLISH TO DO THAT YND I’M SURE THE HONOURABLE MEMBER WHO KNOWS A VERY GREAT DEAL ABOUT HOUSING WOULD PROBABLY IN DUE
COURSE CRITICISE US IF WE DID TRY TO DO THAI'.
/MR STEVEN POON:
THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 1994
6
MR STEVEN POON: YOUR EXCELLENCY, I NOTED THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MADE SEVEN DECISIONS YESTERDAY - OR TUESDAY - RELATING TO THE LAND SUPPLY AND PROPERTY. PRICES. AND THE SECOND ONE REFERRED TO THE SUGGESTION OF SELLING ROUGHLY 220 FLATS OR 250 FLATS OF THE. LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION’S PROPERTY STOCK, SO TO SPEAK, TO THE MARKET. AS YOU KNOW, MR GOVERNOR, IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THAT THE CORPORATION IS ABLE TO REHOUSE ALL THE AFFECTED RESIDENTS, AND THE AFFECTED RESIDENTS, MANY OF THEM, I SHOULD SAY MOST OF THEM, ARE OF LOW INCOME WHO CANNOT AFFORD TO GO TO PRIVATE PROPERTIES BECAUSE OF COSTS AND RENTS BEING SO HIGH. MR GOVERNOR, CAN YOU ASSURE US, THIS COUNCIL, THAT THE LDC WILL NOT MAKE IT MORE DIFFICULT, AS A RESULT OF THIS POLICY, FOR THE AFFECTED OWNERS AND RESIDENTS TO APPLY FOR REHOUSING UNITS AS A RESULT OF THESE POLICIES? AND INDEED, IF THERE IS FURTHER NEED FOR REHOUSING UNITS TO BE BUILT BY THE LDC, THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE SYMPATHETIC IN GRANTING LAND TO THE LDC FOR THAT PURPOSE?
GOVERNOR: THE HONOURABLE MEMBER OF COURSE KNOWS A GOOD DEAL ABOUT THIS SUBJECT. IT WON’T SURPRISE HIM TO KNOW THAT HIS SUCCESSOR WHO IS ALSO WELL INFORMED ABOUT THE SUBJECT, ENSURED THAT THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL TOOK EXPLICIT ACCOUNT OF THE CONSIDERATIONS WHICH THE HONOURABLE MEMBER HAS PUT FORWARD. AND I THINK WITHOUT BREACHING CONFIDENTIALITY, IT IS REASONABLE TO SAY THAT THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S DECISION REFLECTED THE VIGOROUS CONTRIBUTION MADE BY THE HONOURABLE MEMBER’S SUCCESSOR, SO I CAN GIVE THE HONOURABLE MEMBER THE ASSURANCE THAT WE HAVE CONSIDERED THE POINTS THAT HE MADE IN FRAMING THESE PROPOSALS.
I WOULD JUST LIKE TO UNDERLINE THE IMPORTANCE OF THE LDC IN THE COMMUNITY AND THE IMPORTANCE OF REDEVELOPMENT IN ACHIEVING THE OBJECTIVES THAT WE WANT. NOT JUST OBJECTIVES FOR RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY BUT OBJECTIVES IN THE COMMERCIAL SECTOR AS WELL. AND I WOULD JUST LIKE TO ADD THAT HAVING LOOKED AT PRICES IN THE RESIDENTIAL SECTOR, THE TASK FORCE IS NOW NOT ONLY CONSIDERING FOLLOW UP AND IMPLEMENTATION BUT IS ALSO CONSIDERING THE WHOLE QUESTION OF THE COMMERCIAL SECTOR AS WELL.
MR ALBERT CHAN: NOW, IT IS ALMOST TWO YEARS SINCE YOU'VE COME HERE. WHEN YOU FIRST CAME HERE PEOPLE HAVE TALKED ABOUT YOUR STYLE AS BEING 'A BULL IN A CHINA SHOP’. BUT STILL, THE IMPRESSION THAT YOU HAVE GIVEN US IS THAT YOU ARE VERY BOLD AND YOU ARE VERY COURAGEOUS IN TAKING UP INNOVATIVE ATTEMPTS. BUT THEN, REGARDING THE PACKAGES THAT YOU ANNOUNCED, OR THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED, YESTERDAY, IT SEEMS THAT YOU ARE STILL VERY WEAK; YOU ARE AFRAID OF TAKING UP CHALLENGES. NOW, TWO YEARS HAVE PASSED, HOW COME THAT YOU HAVE GIVEN US A SO VERY DIFFERENT IMPRESSION NOW?
NOW, REGARDING THE MEASURES THAT THE GOVERNMENT OUTLINED YESTERDAY, I THINK THEY WERE ONLY EFFECTIVE AGAINST A SMALL NUMBER OF SPECULATORS, I DON’T THINK THEY WILL HAVE ANY EFFECT ON THE BIG DEVELOPERS, SO YOU ARE AFTER THE SMALL FRY INSTEAD OF AFTER THE TIGER AND I DON’T THINK WE SEE ANY DIRECTION IN THE REPORT. SO THE QUESTION THAT I PUT TO YOU, MR GOVERNOR, IS THAT: WHY ARE YOU STILL ACCEPTING A REPORT THAT LACKS DIRECTION, THAT LACKS EFFECTIVENESS? NOW, FOR A FAMILY WITH AN INCOME OF $40,000, IT WILL STILL BE UNABLE TO AFFORD A 500 SQ FT FLAT. REGARDING SUCH A SCENARIO, MR GOVERNOR, DO YOU THINK THAT THIS IS STILL ACCEPTABLE?
/GOVERNOR: .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 1994
GOVERNOR: f DON’T KNOW WHETHER 1 AM A BULL OR NOT BUT I CERTAINLY DON’T THINK THAT IN DEALING WITH PROPERTY PRICES THAT IS THE MOST SENSIBLE OR EFFECTIVE ANIMAL TO LET LOOSE IN A CHINA SHOP. I THINK ONE HAS TO BEHAVE A LITTLE MORE ADROITLY AND SENSITIVELY THAN THAT; INDEED, A GOOD DEAL MORE ADROITLY AND SENSITIVELY THAN THAT.
I WANT TO EMPHASISE AT THE OUTSET OF MY RESPONSE WHAT I SAID EARLIER, THAT I DO THINK WE NEED TO TAKE ACCOUNT, IN FRAMING OUR PROPOSALS, OF SOME OF THE GENERAL FACTORS WHICH THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS MENTIONED YESTERDAY INCLUDING THE IMPACT ON OUR MARKET AND THE IMPACT ON OUR PROPERTY MARKET OF POSSIBLE DEVELOPMENTS IN THE REGIONAL ECONOMY. NOBODY IS GOING TO THANK THE GOVERNMENT OF HONG KONG IF WE APPEARED TO BE TAKING MEASURES WHICH IN COMBINATION WITH OTHER THINGS HAPPENING BEYOND OUR CONTROL, PRODUCE A REAL AND SUBSTANTIAL SLIDE IN PROPERTY PRICES. ALL THOSE WHO ARE BUYING THEIR PROPERTY, INCLUDING MANY OF THE HONOURABLE MEMBER’S CONSTITUENTS, WOULD NOT THANK HIM OR US FOR THAT. SO WE HAVE TO BEHAVE, IN MY VIEW, EXTREMELY SENSITIVELY WHILE DOING THINGS THAT ARE EFFECTIVE. AND IF THE PROPOSALS THAT WE HAVE PUT FORWARD ARE NOT EFFECTIVE, THEN WE WILL HAVE TO DO MORE, AND MORE INCLUDE LOOKING AT OPTIONS LIKE PUNITIVE RATING OF VACANT PROPERTY AND OTHER TIGHT TAX MEASURES AS WELL, INCLUDING THE USE OF STAMP DUTY. WE HAVE TO BE PREPARED TO DO THOSE THINGS IF THIS SET OF PROPOSALS DOES NOT WORK.
AT THE OUTSET, PEOPLE SAID THAT WE SHOULD ADDRESS TWO ISSUES. THEY SAID WE SHOULD ADDRESS THE QUESTION OF SPECULATION - AND I THINK WE HAVE DONE THAT IN A REASONABLY SENSIBLE WAY IN THIS SET OF PROPOSALS WITH WHAT WE HAVE SUGGESTED ON THE CONSENT SCHEME. AND I HOPE, AS I SAID EARLIER, THAT PROPERTY
DEVELOPERS WILL TAKE OUR ADVICE AND FOLLOW WHAT WE HAVE SUGGESTED WHERE THE CONSENT SCHEME ISN’T INVOLVED.
SECONDLY, BY BRINGING ON-STREAM MORE LAND SUPPLY AND OF COURSE WE WILL BE TALKING TO THE LAND COMMISSION ABOUT THAT AND I HOPE THAT WE WILL BE ABLE TO PROCEED WITH THE SAME DEGREE OF CO-OPERATION WHICH WE HAVE MANAGED IN THE LAND COMMISSION IN PAST YEARS. WE HAVE ALSO GOT TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE ADDITIONAL FAVOURABLE IMPACT ON THE HOUSING SCENE IF WE CAN GO MUCH FASTER IN REDEVELOPMENT AND MORE SENSIBLY IN REDEVELOPMENT. SO THERE IS A GREAT DEAL WHICH WILL MAKE AN IMPACT ON THE PROBLEM BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY, I THINK WE WOULD BE UNWISE TO SET OURSELVES PRECISE TARGETS IN TERMS OF PRICES. THAT’S NOT FEEBLE, I THINK THAT IS SENSIBLE. WE WANT TO ENSURE THAT WE CAN MAKE HOUSING - OR HOME OWNERSHIP - AVAILABLE TO AS MANY AS POSSIBLE IN HONG KONG, WHILE ALSO GIVING OUR EXCELLENT HOUSING AUTHORITY THE RESOURCES TO DO ITS IMPORTANT JOR TOO.
MR ALBERT CHAN: MR GOVERNOR, YOU ARE THE LEADER, YOU ARE THE
HEAD OF THE EXECUTIVE Oh H1ONG KONG. NOW, THE TOP 10% TO 20% HOUSEHOLDS IN TERMS OF INCOME, AND YET THEY ARE UNABLE TO AFFORD A FLAT. WOULD YOU FEEL ASHAMED OF THAT? BECAUSE EVEN THOSE PEOPLE ENJOYING THE TOP 10% TO 20% OF INCOME, THEY STILL ARE UNABLE TO AFFORD A 500 SQ FT. WOULD YOU FEEL SHAMEFUL ABOUT THAT?
/GOVERNOR: .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 1994
- 8 -
GOVERNOR: WELL, WHAT I OBSERVE - AND IT HAS LITTLE TO DO WITH MY EFFORTS OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS - WHAT I OBSERVE IS THAT OVER THE YEARS, HONG KONG HAS SEEN A SUBSTANTIAL AND SUSTAINED INCREASE IN HOME OWNERSHIP WHICH I BELIEVE WILL CONTINUE THROUGH THIS DECADE. THE FIGURES ARE SPECTACULAR WHEN YOU LOOK AT THEM DECADE ON DECADE AND THAT WILL CONTINUE AND IT WILL CONTINUE FOR THE TOP 10% IN TERMS OF INCOME AND FOR, I HOPE, OTHERS WHO ARE LESS WELL PAID OR HAVE HAD SMALLER AMOUNTS OF CAPITAL. BUT WE ALSO HAVE TO MAKE SURE, AS WE HAVE DONE, THAT THOSE FURTHER DOWN THE SCALE ARE HELPED, WHICH IS WHY I THINK WE HAVE BEEN RIGHT IN EFFECT TO DOUBLE THE PROVISION THROUGH THE SANDWICHED CLASS HOUSING SCHEME; AND WE'VE GOT TO MAKE SURE THAT THE HOUSING AUTHORITY CAN ASSIST AS WELL, BOTH THROUGH THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME AND THROUGH PSPS; AND, AS WELL, THROUGH THE PROVISION OF RENTAL ACCOMMODATION FOR THOSE WHO, ALAS, CAN’T AFFORD TO PURCHASE THEIR OWN HOME OR DON’T WISH TO PURCHASE THEIR OWN HOME. BECAUSE THERE WILL ALWAYS, IN THIS SOCIETY, HOWEVER SUCCESSFUL OUR ECONOMY, BE PEOPLE IN THAT CATEGORY.
MR EDWARD HO: - - - I THINK THIS TIME I AGREE WITH YOUR OVERALL APPROACH BECAUSE I DO SUPPORT THE PRINCIPLE OF FREE MARKET AND IF THERE’S A PROBLEM IN SUPPLY WE SHOULD ADDRESS THAT AND THAT IS SOMETHING THAT WE HAVE BEEN FIGHTING FOR. SO ON THE QUESTION OF SUPPLY I’D LIKE TO ASK A QUESTION ON REDEVELOPMENT, ESPECIALLY ON REDEVELOPMENT OF URBAN SITES WHICH 1 THINK HAS RECEIVED VERY LITTLE COVERAGE IN THE REPORT.
THE QUESTION I’D LIKE TO ASK IS, HOW DOES GOVERNMENT PROPOSE TO FACILITATE REDEVELOPMENT OF URBAN SITES, WHICH IS ACTUALLY A SUBJECT WHICH HAS BEEN RAISED BEFORE BY GOVERNMENT?
GOVERNOR: FIRST OF ALL I’M GRATEFUL FOR THE HONOURABLE MEMBER’S SUPPORT ON THIS OCCASION AND I WILL HAVE TO SEE WHAT WE CAN DO TO INCREASE THE STRIKING RATE IN TERMS OF SUPPORT, PARTICULARLY AT THE END OF THE MONTH.
SECONDLY, THE HONOURABLE MEMBER IS OF COURSE ENTIRELY RIGHT TO SAY THAT THE REDEVELOPMENT OF URBAN SITES IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTORS TO SUPPLY OF LAND, SUPPLY OF HOUSING. IT’S A VERY SUBSTANTIAL CONTRIBUTOR AND UNLESS WE WERE TRYING TO ADDRESS THAT IN GOVERNMENT, WE WOULDN’T BE ADDRESSING THE PROBLEM COMPREHENSIVELY. I THINK IT’S OUR VIEW THAT QUITE APART FROM TRYING WHERE WE CAN TO EXPEDITE EXISTING PROCEDURES, WHETHER IN PLANNING, WHETHER IN PROVIDING NECESSARY INFRASTRUCTURE, JUST IN COMING TO DECISIONS, I THINK IT’S OUR JUDGMENT THAT WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TO TAKE A RATHER MORE PRO-ACTIVE ROLE IN REDEVELOPMENT IN TRYING TO SUPPORT THOSE REDEVELOPMENTS WHICH ARE GOING TO HAVE A SUBSTANTIAL IMPACT ON HOUSING SUPPLY AND THAT I GUESS WILL BE A PRIORITY FOR THE NEW SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, IF THIS COUNCIL AGREES TO THE POST, WHOEVER SHE OR HE MAY BE.
/MR LEE WING-TAT.......
THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 1994
- 9
MR LEE WING-TAT (THROUGH INTERPRETER): THANK YOU MR PRESIDENT. MR GOVERNOR, SO FAR THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, REGARDING THE EFFORTS TO DAMPEN PROPERTY PRICES, HAS ADOPTED SUCH A HIGH PROFILE. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THE GOVERNMENT HAS ADOPTED SUCH A HIGH PROFILE AND ALSO YOUR REPUTATION IS REALLY AT STAKE HERE MEANING THAT IF THREE OR FOUR MONTHS DOWN THE ROAD AT A GOVERNOR’S QUESTION SESSION WE ASK THE SAME QUESTION TO YOU, I DON’T THINK YOU WILL BE IN A VERY COMFORTABLE POSITION AND WE WOULD BE VERY DISAPPOINTED. I HOPE THAT THIS IS THE LAST TIME WE ASK QUESTIONS ABOUT AFFORDABILITY AND ABOUT PROPERTY PRICES.
MR PRESIDENT, NOW MY QUESTION ABOUT THE NEW SECRETARY FOR HOUSING. MR GOVERNOR, I HAVE BEEN A HOUSING AUTHORITY MEMBER FOR TWO YEARS AND DURING THOSE TWO YEARS I HAVE NOT ASKED A QUESTION AT LEGCO ABOUT HOUSING DEPARTMENT. THIS IS BECAUSE AS A MEMBER OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY I AM ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR FORMULATING HOUSING AUTHORITY POLICIES AND THAT’S WHY IT WOULD BE UNFAIR FOR ME TO PUT A QUESTION TO MR EASON ABOUT HOUSING.
BUT CONCERNING THIS SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, THIS IS STRANGE BECAUSE HE IS ABOVE THE HOUSING AUTHORITY, HOUSING DEPARTMENT AND THE LDC. I REALLY CAN’T UNDERSTAND THAT CONSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENT. I THINK THIS IS A VERY ODD ARRRANGEMENT. MR EASON OR THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING WILL NOT BE PARTICIPATING IN THE DECISION OF LDC AND HOUSING AUTHORITY AND YET THEY HAVE TO ANSWER TO US ON BEHALF OF THE THREE ORGANISATIONS. I THINK THIS IS A VERY ODD ARRANGEMENT, HOW COME YOU STILL SUPPORT IT? IS IT SOMETHING YOU HAVE LEARNT FROM THE BRITISH POLITICAL SCENE? I THINK THIS IS A VERY UNBALANCED SHARE OF RESPONSIBILITY AND SPREAD OF RESPONSIBILITY.
GOVERNOR: LET ME SAY A WORD ABOUT WHAT I LEARNT FROM THE BRITISH POLITICAL SCENE ON THIS MATTER, BUT FIRST OF ALL SAY THAT WHILE I WAS INVOLVED IN THE BRITISH POLITICAL SCENE, I THINK I’M RIGHT IN SAYING THAT IN THE EARLY 1980’S HERE IN HONG KONG WE HAD A TASK FORCE ON PROPERTY PRICES AND THAT DID A GREAT DEAL OF WORK ON LAND SUPPLY. I THINK I’VE GOT THE TIMING RIGHT, MAYBE I’M OUT. EARLY 70’S SORRY - I WAS STILL INVOLVED IN BRITISH POLITICS AND NOT VERY LONG AFTER THE TASK FORCE HAD DONE ITS WORK AND DONE IT EXTREMELY WELL, THE MARKET ADJUSTED PROPERTY PRICES RATHER SHARPLY. SO I THINK THAT ONE HAS TO BEAR THAT TN MIND, BEAR PAST EXPERIENCE IN MIND IN TAKING THESE SORT OF DECISIONS.
/NOW FOR .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 1994
- 10 -
NOW FOR MY EXPERIENCE. I USED TO HAVE A RATHER SIMILAR JOB TO MR SECRETARY EASON’S AND I THINK IT IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO DEAL WITH A PORTFOLIO AS WIDE AS THAT, THOUGH 1 THINK THE PRESENT SECRETARY HAS MANAGED THE TASK HEROICALLY BUT IT DOES COVER, PARTICULARLY NOW THAT THE ENVIRONMENT AND LAND USE PLANNING ARE SUCH PRIORITY AREAS FOR EVERYONE, IT DOES COVER A HUGE AREA. IF YOU ADD TO THAT THE FACT THAT EVERY INDICATOR OF PUBLIC OPINION SUGGESTS THAT HOUSING IS THE NUMBER ONE ISSUE FOR MOST PEOPLE IN HONG KONG, THEN I THINK IT’S A BIT ODD THAT GOVERNMENT DOESN’T ADJUST TO THAI’ IN ITS OWN INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS AND I THINK THEREFORE THAT WE’RE RIGHT AND SENSIBLE TO MAKE THIS PROPOSAL. AS I SAID IT ISN’T OUR INTENTION THAT THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING SHOULD IN ANY WAY TAKE AWAY FROM THE RESPONSIBILITIES OR ROLE OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY AND IT’S CHAIRMAN. BUT THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING SHOULD PROVIDE A FOCUS TN GOVERNMENT FOR CONCERN ABOUT PRIVATE AND PUBLIC HOUSING. I THINK THAT THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING WILL VERY OFTEN BE A DEMANDER, WILL VERY OFTEN FIND HIMSELF ARGUING THE CORNER FOR HOUSING WITH OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS. BUT THAT’S NOT CURIOUS OR NEW, ANY SECRETARY FINDS HIMSELF HAVING TO CO-ORDINATE WITH HIS COLLEAGUES WHERE THERE ARE OVERLAPPING RESPONSIBILITIES AND COMMON FRONTIERS.
SO I THINK THE NEW ARRANGEMENT WOULD WORK BUT OBVIOUSLY THE HONOURABLE MEMBER WITH HIS EXPERIENCE WILL HAVE A GOOD DEAL OF DETAILED QUESTIONING WHEN WE COME TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WITH OUR PROPOSALS ON THE NEW BRANCH AND THE NEW SECRETARIAT AND I HOPE WE’LL BE ABLE TO ANSWER THEM TO HIS SATISFACTION.
I REPEAT, I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE SHOULD HAVE IN GOVERNMENT A FOCUS FOR THE COMMUNITY’S CONCERN ABOUT HOUSING AND I’M SURE A SECRETARY FOR HOUSING WILL PERHAPS FIND HIMSELF OR HERSELF TAKING GREATER ACCOUNT OF THE PRIVATE SECRETARY CONTRIBUTION THAN HAS BEEN THE CASE IN THE PAST.
MR LEE WING-TAT (THROUGH INTERPRETER): A SHORT FOLLOW-UP. I DON’T THINK MR GOVERNOR YOU HAVE DIRECTLY ANSWERED MY QUESTION. MY QUESTION IS ACTUALLY VERY SIMPLE. THE NEW SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, AS PROPOSED, CANNOT MAKE A DECISION ON BEHALF OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT REGARDING POLICY. THE POLICIES ARE STILL TO BE FORMULATED BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT BUT THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING WILL HAVE TO ANSWER QUESTIONS PUT TO HIM BY LEGCO CONCERNING HOUSING POLICIES. SO I DON’T SEE THE JUSTIFICATION IN THE ARRANGEMENT. HE HAS NOT PARTICIPATED IN THE FORMULATION OF POLICY BUT HE HAS TO BE ANSWERABLE TO US CONCERNING THOSE POLICIES. DON’T YOU FIND THAT ARRANGEMENT VERY ODD?
GOVERNOR: BUT I THINK, WITH RESPECT TO THE HONOURABLE MEMBER, THAT WE COULD BOTH OF US, GIVEN A SHORT TIME TN THE PAVILION, THINK OF OTHER EXAMPLES OF SECRETARY’S ANSWERING QUESTIONS IN THIS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON BEHALF OF BODIES OUTSIDE GOVERNMENT FOR WHICH THEY HAVE OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY BUT ON WHOSE GOVERNING COUNCIL THEY DON’T SERVE. FOR EXAMPLE, I THINK YOU’LL HAVE NOTED THAT OUR SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE VERY OFTEN FINDS HERSELF ANSWERING QUESTIONS ABOUT THE WORK AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY AND DOING IT VERY WELL BUT THERE ARE I THINK SIMILAR INSTITUTIONAL RELATIONSHIPS ELSEWHERE. SO I DON’T THINK IT WILL BE A UNIQUE PROBLEM BUT I REPEAT THAT OBVIOUSLY WHEN WE COME TO EXPLAIN OUR PROPOSALS TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE TN DUE COURSE, WE’LL HAVE TO HAVE CONVINCING ANSWERS FOR THE HONOURABLE MEMBER.
/DR CONRAD LAM .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 1994
- 11 -
DR CONRAD LAM (THROUGH INTERPRETER): MR PRESIDENT, THROUGH YOU I WOULD LIKE TO LET THE GOVERNOR KNOW THAT I’M ABSOLUTELY FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING. I THINK THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT AT PRESENT IS SUFFERING FROM CERTAIN PROBLEMS AND THAT IS WHY I BELIEVE THAT THERE IS THE NEED FOR A SECRETARY FOR HOUSING TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION.
I WOULD LIKE TO QUOTE THREE EXAMPLES TO SUBSTANTIATE MY.CLAIM. FIRST OF ALL THE DIRECTOR OF HOUSING SO FAR HAS NEVER ATTENDED MEETINGS OF THE HOUSING PANEL OF THE LEGCO. THIS SHOWS THAT THE DIRECTOR OF HOUSING DOES NOT REALLY CARE ABOUT THE CONCERNS SHOWN BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OVER HOUSING.
SECONDLY, HOUSING DEPARTMENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE AFFAIRS OF THREE MILLION PEOPLE AND THROUGH ITS OWN DIRECTIVE PRESS FREEDOM IS REALLY RESTRICTED UNDER THE PORTFOLIO OF HOUSING DEPARTMENT. FOR INSTANCE THE MAO FILM IS NOT SHOWN AT PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.
THIRDLY, IN CHOI WAN ESTATE IN ORDER TO SAVE SEVERAL HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS A FLYOVER IS BEING SHELVED AND THE FLYOVER IS SUPPOSED TO SERVE DISABLED PEOPLE WITH THE RESULT THAT DISABLED PEOPLE STILL HAVE TO CROSS-OVER CLEARWATER BAY ROAD EXPOSING THEM TO TRAFFIC DANGER.
SO FOR THESE REASONS I THINK THERE IS A NEED FOR A SECRETARY FOR HOUSING AND ALSO FOR THE HOUSING AUTHORITY, SOMETIMES THE MEMBERS ON THE HOUSING AUTHORITY DON’T KNOW WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT AND IT SEEMS TO ME THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT IS REALLY LEADING THE HOUSING AUTHORITY BY THE NOSE AND THAT’S WHY I’M ALL FOR THE CREATION OF THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING.
AND NOW, THIS IS MY QUESTION. MR GOVERNOR, THIS IS SOMETHING YOU CAN DO. CAN YOU TELL THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING TO, AS FAR AS POSSIBLE, REGULARLY ATTEND MEETINGS OF THE HOUSING PANEL OF THIS COUNCIL SO THAT THE SECRETARY WOULD GET THE FIRST HAND KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE CONCERNS OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS OVER HOUSING SO THAT HE DOESN’T HAVE TO RELY ON SECOND-HAND KNOWLEDGE?
GOVERNOR: I’M GRATEFUL FOR THE HONOURABLE MEMBER’S SUPPORT AND I HOPE WE WILL HAVE HIS VOTE IF THIS MATTER COMES TO A VOTE LATER IN THE YEAR. I TAKE IT THAT IT WON’T BE A SUFFICIENT, THOUGH MAYBE A NECESSARY CONDITION, FOR THE NEW SECRETARY’S APPOINTMENT THAT HE SHOULD HAVE SEEN THE MAO FILM. AN AWFUL LOT OF PEOPLE IN HONG KONG SEEM TO HAVE SEEN IT NOW IN ONE VENUE OR ANOTHER. I'M AFRAID I CAN’T HELP ON THE FLYOVER AND I’M SURE THE DIRECTOR OF HOUSING IS CONCERNED ABOUT VIEWS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BUT CLEARLY A SECRETARY FOR HOUSING WOULD WANT TO KEEP CLOSELY IN TOUCH WITH MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL. I IMAGINE IT’S THE CASE THAT FOR MOST MEMBERS HOUSING IS THE, PROBABLY THE PRINCIPAL ITEM IN THEIR CORRESPONDENCE FROM CONSTITUENTS, AT LEAST THOSE MEMBERS REPRESENTING DIRECTLY CONSTITUENCIES AND THEREFORE AS THE HONOURABLE MEMBER SAYS MEMBERS HAVE A GREAT DEAL OF KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE SUBJECT, HAVE EXTENSIVE VIEWS ABOUT THE SUBJECT AND WILL WANT TO SHARE THOSE VIEWS WITH A SECRETARY FOR HOUSING AND HIS COLLEAGUES.
/MR ERIC LI: .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 1994
- 12 -
MR ERIC LI: THANK YOU, MR PRESIDENT. MR GOVERNOR, I WOULD LIKE TO ASK THE FOLLOWING QUESTION, THAT IS, REGARDING LAND SUPPLY FOR PRIVATE HOUSING BLOCKS. NOW, I UNDERSTAND FROM MY COLLEAGUES IN THE ACCOUNTANT FIELD THAT THERE WON’T BE ANY SHORTAGE OF LAND SUPPLY IN THE SHORT TERM BUT WHAT ABOUT THE MEDIUM TERM AND THE LONG TERM? THEY AREN’T TOO CLEAR ABOUT THE AMOUNT OF LAND TO BE RELEASED BECAUSE THEY HAVEN’T GOT SUFFICIENT INFORMATION FROM THE GOVERNMENT. THEY DON’T HAVE A LOT OF CONFIDENCE IN AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF LAND. NOW, IT SEEMS THAT THEY WOULD LIKE TO HAVE MORE INFORMATION, SAY FOR EXAMPLE, WHAT ABOUT THE LAND SUPPLY IN THE COMING THREE YEARS? SAY FOR EXAMPLE, THE LOCATION AND ALSO THE TIME FOR AUCTION? I THINK THEY NEED SUCH CONCRETE DETAILS BEFORE THEY HAVE GREATER CONFIDENCE IN LAND SUPPLY AND THAT WOULD ALSO FACILITATE THEIR MAKING EARLIER DECISIONS AND SEE AN EARLIER COMPLETION OF THE HOUSING BLOCKS. SO, CAN THE GOVERNOR TELL US WHEN SUCH DETAILS CAN BE DISCLOSED?
AND AFTER DISCLOSING THE INFORMATION THEY HAVE TO CARE ABOUT (TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION) THE PLANNING AND THE PROCESSING TIME. NOW, I UNDERSTAND THAT MOST OF THE NEW SITES WILL BE LOCATED IN THE NEW TOWNS AND USUALLY THE NEW SITES HAVE NOT BEEN FULLY UTILISED; THAT IS, THEY ARE NOT SORT OF UTILISED UP TO THEIR DESIGN CAPACITY. BUT THEN IN CHAPTER 5 IT TALKS ABOUT A LOT OF CONSTRAINTS, ENVIRONMENTAL, INFRASTRUCTURAL CAPACITY, ETC, ETC, AND SO IT WILL BE VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE THE LAND TO BE SUPPLIED AT A FASTER PACE. SO I JUST WONDER WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT CAN DEVISE CERTAIN STATUTORY TIME LIMITS AND WHETHER THE DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED CAN TAKE OUT PERFORMANCE PLEDGES TO MAKE SURE THAT APPLICANTS WILL KNOW ABOUT THE TIME LIMITS SO THAT THE TIME LIMITS FOR APPLICATIONS WILL BE BINDING ON BOTH THE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AS WELL AS THE DEVELOPERS. BECAUSE AT THE MOMENT THE GOVERNMENT IS REQUIRING DEVELOPERS TO ADHERE TO CERTAIN STRICT TIMETABLES BUT WHAT ABOUT THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS? MAYBE AT THE END OF THE DAY WHEN WE DON’T HAVE THE PRODUCTION READY, MAYBE WE WILL BE TRYING TO SHIRK THE RESPONSIBILITY TO EACH OTHER.
GOVERNOR: TWO BRIEF RESPONSES. FIRST OF ALL, THE HONOURABLE MEMBER IS WHOLLY CORRECT IN EMPHASISING THE IMPORTANCE OF GREATER PUBLICITY AND GREATER INFORMATION NOT ONLY FOR DEVELOPERS BUT, I THINK EXTREMELY IMPORTANT, FOR POTENTIAL PURCHASERS AS WELL, AND THAT IS SOMETHING THAT WE HAVE EMPHASISED IN OUR PROPOSALS. WE ARE, AS THE HONOURABLE MEMBER WILL KNOW, SUGGESTING THAT WE NEED AN ADDITIONAL 70 HECTARES IN ORDER TO MEET THE NEW HOUSING TARGETS THAT WE HAVE SET.
BUT I THINK THAT A PROPOSAL WHICH IS FOR THE LONGER TERM JUST AS IMPORTANT AND I THINK IS GOING TO BE PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE SAR, IS THE SUGGESTION THAT WE SHOULD ESTABLISH A LAND BANK OF ABOUT 50 HECTARES WITH PREPARED LAND AVAILABLE IN CASE OF NEED BEYOND 1997. I THINK THAT IS AN IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTION AND SHOWS, I THINK, THE EXTENT TO WHICH WE ARE AWARE OF THE LONG TERM NATURE OF THE PROBLEM. AFTER ALL, SOME OF THE PROBLEMS WE HAVE NOW ARE BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT ON INVESTMENT IN HOUSING IN 1989 AND 1990, WITH THE MORE RECENT IMPACT ON SUPPLY.
/ON THE ........
THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 1994
- 13 -
ON THE QUESTIONS OF STATUTORY TIME LIMITS ON PLANNING AND PROCESSING OF APPLICATIONS, I HAVE SOMETIMES CONSIDERED THOSE IN THE PAST, BOTH IN THIS ENVIRONMENT AND IN ANOTHER ENVIRONMENT. I HAVE ALWAYS THOUGHT THAT ONE OF THE PROBLEMS WITH STATUTORY TIME LIMITS IS THAT WHERE GOVERNMENT THINKS IT CAN’T MEET A STATUTORY TIME LIMIT, I THINK IT IS SOMETIMES TEMPTED SIMPLY TO TURN DOWN THE APPLICATION RATHER THAN TO RISK OVER-RUNNING THE TIME LIMIT. SO I THINK WE ARE BETTER SERVED BY LOOKING AT HOW WE CAN DEVELOP PERFORMANCE PLEDGES IN ORDER TO EXPEDITE PROCEDURES AND I THINK THIS IS THE SORT OF SUBJECT WHERE THE CUSTOMER ADVISORY GROUPS THAT WE HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHING CAN MAKE A CONTRIBUTION, SO THAT GOVERNMENT LEARNS FROM THE CONSUMER IN IMPROVING ITS OWN SERVICE. BUT IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TN THIS PARTICULAR AREA - AND I KNOW THAT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT AND OUR PLANNERS ARE AWARE OF IT, ARE AWARE OF PUBLIC CONCERNS AND ARE TRYING TO RESPOND TO THEM.
MR ERIC LI: A SHORT FOLLOW UP, PLEASE. NOW, AS FAR AS I,AND SUPPLY IS CONCERNED I ENTIRELY AGREE WITH YOU, STR, MR GOVERNOR, THAT THE CHINESE AGREEMENT WOULD BE VERY IMPORTANT. NOW, I JUST WANT TO TALK ABOUT LAND RESERVE, THE IDEA OF A LAND RESERVE. WOULD YOU VERY SOON RAISE IT TO THE AGENDA OF THE JLG AND WOULD YOU EXPECT A VERY QUICK REPLY?
GOVERNOR: WELL, I THINK WE WANT TO DISCUSS THIS AND OTHER MATTERS IN THE LAND COMMISSION. I THINK IT IS FAIR TO SAY THAT WHATEVER THE PROBLEMS WE HAVE SOMETIMES ENCOUNTERED ELSEWHERE, THE WORK IN THE LAND COMMISSION HAS INVARIABLY BEEN CONSTRUCTIVE AND COOPERATIVE AND I HOPE THAT WILL HAPPEN IN RELATION TO THE PROPOSALS THAT WE HAVE PUT FORWARD. THIS IS A PROBLEM, SHARED AS IT WERE BY THE PAST AND THE FUTURE AND THE PRESENT, AND THOSE WHO HAVE RESPONSIBILITIES IN THOSE TEMPORAL FRAMES HAVE TO WORK TOGETHER IN ORDER TO DEAL WITH THE PROBLEM.
MR W Y WONG: THANK YOU, MR PRESIDENT. MR GOVERNOR, WHEN WE TALK ABOUT PROPERTY PRICES, I THINK OUR FOCUS WILL ALWAYS BE ON THE PRIVATE SECTOR BUT IN FACT THE HOUSING AUTHORITY IS NOW SUPPLYING A LOT OF HOS FLATS AND THE PRICES ARE LINKED TO THE MARKET VALUE EVEN THOUGH WE HAVE GOT A DISCOUNT. NOW, FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY PRICES, THEY ARE SKY-ROCKETING AND AS A RESULT HOS FLAT PRICES ARE ALSO BEING PUSHED UPWARDS AND IT IS ONLY A COMMON SCENE TO HAVE HOS FLATS FETCHING OVER A MILLION DOLLARS FOR ONE UNIT. MR GOVERNOR, WOULD YOU TALK TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY AND ASK THEM TO FREEZE THE HOS FLAT PRICES AND THE PRICES WOULD ONLY BE ADJUSTED BY THE FACTOR OF INFLATION SO THAT THE GENERAL PUBLIC WOULD HAVE THE BURDEN OE' MORTGAGE REPAYMENT BEING REDUCED?
MOREOVER, THE QUALITY OE' PUBLIC RENTAL HOUSING BLOCKS HAS BEEN CRITICISED AND PSPS BLOCKS HAVE ALSO ATTRACTED A LOT OF CRITICISM. SAY, FOR EXAMPLE, THE STEEL-WORKS ARE DEFECTIVE; AND RECENTLY IN TIN SHUI WAI WE HAVE ALSO GOT LEAKAGE PROBLEMS IN THE PSPS BLOCKS. I THINK IT IS A MATTER OF INADEQUACY OF MONITORING OF THE WORKMANSHIP. NOW, REGARDING SUCH DEFECTIVE BLOCKS, DO YOU THINK THAT THEY ARE WORTH A MILLION DOLLARS?
/GOVERNOR: .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 3994
14 -
GOVERNOR: ON THE FIRST QUESTION, I DON’T THINK THE
HOUSING AUTHORITY WOULD WELCOME MY INTERVENTION TN THEIR DECISION MAKING IN THE WAY THAT THE HONOURABLE MEMBER HAS SUGGESTED, ANT) I AM NOT SURE THAT THE CONSEQUENCES OF WHAT THE HONOURABLE MEMBER SUGGESTED WOULD ALWAYS BE THAT DESIRABLE. AFTER ALL, SINCE PROPERTY PRICES HAVE FALLEN BY 10% OR 15% TN THE LAST COUPLE OF MONTHS, ONE COULD, ON THE BASIS OF THE HONOURABLE MEMBER’S FORMULA, HAVE THE SLIGHTLY PERVERSE SITUATION IN WHICH AT THE SAME TIME AS PROPERTY PRICES OUTSIDE THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME HAI) BEEN FALLING, PROPERTY PRICES INSIDE THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME WOULD HAVE BEEN GOING UP BY THE RATE OF INFLATION IN THE ECONOMY AS A WHOLE, AND I DON’T THINK THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN VERY WELCOME. I ACCEPT THAT OF COURSE THAT HASN’T BEEN THE SITUATION INVARIABLY OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS BUT NEVERTHELESS IT SHOWS THE, I THINK, DANGERS OF AS RIGID A FORMULA AS THE HONOURABLE MEMBER SUGGESTS. I THINK THAT THE PRICES CHARGED BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HAVE TO BEAR SOME RELATIONSHIP TO WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE MARKET AS A WHOLE, THOUGH OF COURSE WHAT WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO DO IS TO ENSURE THROUGH THE SCHEME THAT PEOPLE OF MORE MODEST MEANS CAN AFFORD TO CLIMB THE LADDER TO HOME OWNERSHIP.
SECONDLY, THE HONOURABLE MEMBER IS WHOLLY’ CORRECT - AND I KNOW FROM THE EXAMPLE HE HAS GIVEN AND I KNOW HOW MUCH ATTENTION HE HAS GIVEN TO THE MATTER - IS WHOLLY CORRECT TO TALK ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT TO THE PROVISION OF HOUSING AT A REASONABLE SPEED AND IF THERE IS SHODDY WORKMANSHIP THEN THAT IS GOING TO SET BACK THE PROVISION OF OUR HOUSING GOALS, SO I HOPE WE CAN BOTH PUT INFRASTRUCTURE IN PLACE IN TIME AND AVOID THE SORT OF PROBLEMS THE HONOURABLE MEMBER REFERRED TO.
MR MARTIN I.EE: NOW THAT THE GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG HAS BEEN ('ENSURED BY THIS COUNCIL, WILL THE GOVERNOR INFORM TH IS COUNCIL WHETHER HE IS NOW PREPARED TO PAY MORE RESPECT TO THIS COUNCIL RY ALLOWING PRIVATE MEMBER’S BILLS TO BE PRESENTED IN RELATION TO HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION AND FREEDOM OF INFORMATION SO AS TO AVOID FURTHER (ENSURE MOTIONS, THIS TIME EVEN FROM HIS OWN APPOINTED MEMBERS?
GOVERNOR: I THINK THE HONOURABLE GENTLEMAN HAS PACKED A LOT INTO THAT QUESTION AND PERHAPS HE’LL LET ME UNPACK THE SUITCASE IN MY OWN SPEED OVER THE NEXT FEW MOMENTS.
FIRST OF ALL, I NOTED THE DEBATE THAT TOOK PLACE IN THE COUNCIL YESTERDAY. I HAVE TO SAY TO THE HONOURABLE MEMBER THAT MUCH THOUGH I ALWAYS ADMIRE HIS SPEECHES, YESTERDAY I SLIGHTLY PREFERRED THE SPEECH MADE BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY. THAT IS THE CASE FROM TIME TO TIME BUT I MEAN NO CRITICISM OF THE HONOURABLE MEMBER WHOSE COURAGE AND ELOQUENCE I, LIKE THE REST OF THE COMMUNITY, RECOGNISE.
WHAT I WILL ALWAYS DO, AND I CAN ASSURE THE HONOURABLE GENTLEMAN OF THIS, IS TO DEFEND THE RIGHT OF THIS COUNCIL TO BE CRITICAL OF THE GOVERNMENT OR CRITICAL OF THE GOVERNOR. I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT THAT RIGHT IS ONE WHICH WE CAN TAKE FOR GRANTED, NOT JUST BEFORE BUT AFTER 1997 AND I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT WHILE THAT RIGHT ISN’T EXERCISED TOO FREQUENTLY, THAT WHEN IT IS EXERCISED THE GOVERNOR AND THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE ABLE TO TAKE THEIR CHASTISEMENT IN A REASONABLE SPIRIT.
/I THINK .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 1994
- 15 -
1 THINK THAT IT’S IMPORTANT TO CONSIDER WHAT OUR ARGUMENT AND OUR POSITION IN THE ADMINISTRATION IS. OUR BOTTOM LINE IS TO DO WHATEVER IS IN THE INTERESTS OF HONG KONG IN THE LONG TERM. I HOPE THAT WE CAN USUALLY DO THAT WITH THE UNDERSTANDING AND CO-OPERATION OF THE FUTURE SOVEREIGN POWER AND WITH THE UNDERSTANDING AND CO-OPERATION OF THIS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. BUT IF, FROM TIME TO TIME, WE FAIL TO BE ABLE TO SECURE EITHER OF THOSE OBJECTIVES BUT WE STILL BELIEVE THAT IT’S IN THE LONG TERM INTERESTS OF HONG KONG TO TAKE A PARTICULAR VIEW, THEN WE ARE RIGHT TO DO SO AND WE WOULD BE WRONG TO RETREAT, TO RESILE FROM THAT POSITION.
I WILL GO ON DEFENDING THE RIGHTS OF THIS COUNCIL AND I BELIEVE PASSIONATELY STRONGLY THAT THOSE RIGHTS ARE BEST SECURED IF THIS COUNCIL IS SEEN 10 BE CREDIBLY AND FAIRLY AND OPENLY ELECTED, WHICH IS WHY THE ADMINISTRATION WILL BE ARGUING WITH ALL THE FORCE IT CAN COMMAND AT THE END OF THIS MONTH TO SECURE THE LEGISLATION WHICH WE’VE PUT BEFORE THE COUNCIL. AND I JUST SAY IN PARENTHESIS, I JUST SAY IN PARENTHESIS, THAT I THINK THOSE WHO BELIEVE THAT IF THAT LEGISLATION WAS SUBSTANTIALLY WATERED DOWN THAT SOMEHOW THE ARGUMENT WOULD GO AWAY, ARE KIDDING THEMSELVES. THE ARGUMENT WOULD CONTINUE IN GREATER FORCE RIGHT THE WAY DOWN TO 1997 AND ARGUABLY BEYOND. BUT CONCEIVABLY I DIGRESS.
1 WILL GO ON DEFENDING THE RIGHTS OF THIS COUNCIL TO VET PUBLIC EXPENDITURE, TO DECIDE WHETHER OR NOT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE VOTED MONEY TO MEET THE OBJECTIVES IT SETS FOR ITSELF.
I WILL ALSO GO ON DEFENDING THE RIGHT OF THIS COUNCIL TO VET AND MONITOR LEGISLATION. AND I NOTE, JUST IN PASSING, THAT LAST YEAR THIS COUNCIL PROPOSED THREE TIMES, THREE TIMES AS MANY AMENDMENTS TO BILLS AND SECURED THEM, AS HAPPENED A DECADE AGO.
BUT 1 DON’T BELIEVE THAT IT WOULD BE IN THE INTERESTS, EITHER IN THE LONG TERM OR TODAY, OF HONG KONG, FOR ME TO ABANDON THE RIGHT OF THE EXECUTIVE TO SECURE IT’S OWN REVENUE AND IT’S OWN RESOURCES AND THAT ISN’T A VERY CURIOUS POSITION FOR THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF A GOVERNMENT TO TAKE UP. IT WOULD BE TAKEN UP IF I WAS THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, WHICH I’M SELF-EVIDENTLY NOT, OR IF I WAS IN CHARGE OF ANY OTHER ADMINISTRATION. IT WOULD BE BAD FOR OUR ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT. IT WOULD LEAD TO IMPRUDENT PUBLIC FINANCING AND IT WOULD BE BAD FOR HONG KONG TODAY AND FOR THE FUTURE.
SO THERE IS NC DISJUNCTURE BETWEEN ARGUING ON THE ONE HAND, VERY STRONGLY, FOR THE RIGHTS OF THIS COUNCIL AS THEY’RE SET OUT IN OUR EXISTING CONSTITUTION AND AS THEY WILL BE SET OUT IN THE CONSTITUTION IN THE FUTURE. FOR ARGUING FOR THOSE RIGHTS AND FOR ARGUING THAT THIS COUNCIL SHOULD BE PROPERLY ELECTED. WHILE ON THE OTHER HAND ARGUING THAT THE RIGHTS OF THE EXECUTIVE HAVE TO BE NOTED AS WELL. BUT I HOPE THAT IN THE MEDIUM AND THE LONG TERM, THOUGH I GUESS THINGS MAY CHANGE THE CLOSER WE GET TO THE ELECTIONS, WE’LL HAVE LITTLE NEED FOR THE COUNCIL TO SHOW FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND CENSURE THE GOVERNOR OR ANY OF HIS COLLEAGUES IN THE ADMINISTRATION.
THE HONOURABLE MEMBER THEN ASKS ME ABOUT PROPOSALS WHICH HAVE BEEN CANVASSED ON HUMAN RIGHTS, ON A STATUTORY RIGHT OF INFORMATION AND ON OTHER MATTERS.
/I THINK ......
THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 1994
16
I THINK THE COUNCIL KNOWS THAT WE’VE BEEN DISCUSSING THOSE ISSUES WITH A NUMBER. OF HONOURABLE MEMBERS AND WE WILL BE EXPLAINING TO THIS COUNCIL TN DUE COURSE HOW WE BELIEVE THE ADMINISTRATION SHOULD RESPOND. THE COUNCIL ITSELF WILL HAVE, IF THERE’S LEGISLATION SUBSEQUENTLY, TO DECIDE HOW FAR IT WISHES TO GO. LET ME TAKE THE QUESTION OF EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES LEGISLATION FOR EXAMPLE. THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS, THIS IS OUR CLEAR OBJECTIVE, TO LEGISLATE ON EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES THIS YEAR. IF THE COUNCIL DOESN’T THINK WE’RE GOING FAR ENOUGH THEN PRESUMABLY THE COUNCIL WILL AMEND THAT LEGISLATION AND TAKE IT FURTHER. THAT IS THE COUNCIL’S RIGHT CONSTITUTIONALLY BUT I HOPE THAT WE’LL BE ABLE TO PERSUADE THE COUNCIL AND THE COMMUNITY THAT THE BALANCE WE’VE STRUCK IS THE RIGHT ONE AND THAT IS WHAT WE WILL BE, IN DUE COURSE, SEEKING TO DO.
SO I REPEAT FOR THE HONOURABLE MEMBER, WHOSE QUESTION WAS IMPORTANT WHICH IS WHY I ANSWER IT AT SOME LENGTH, THAT WE RECOGNISE THE ROLE OF THIS COUNCIL, THE RIGHTS AND POWERS OF THIS COUNCIL, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO CRITICISE THE GOVERNOR WHEN THIS COUNCIL WISHES THOUGH I HAPPEN NOT TO AGREE WITH THE ISSUE WHICH CAUSED THIS DEBATE. BUT WE ARE NOT AND I THINK IT WOULD BE WRONG TO DO SO, GOING TO RESILE FROM POSITIONS WHICH WE THINK ARE IN THE LONG TERM INTERESTS OF HONG KONG JUST TO AVOID A CENSURE TN THIS COUNCIL OR, IF I MAY SAY SO, JUST TO AVOID THE OCCASIONAL MILD ARGUMENT WITH THE FUTURE SOVEREIGN.
MR MARTIN LEE: A VERY STRAIGHTFORWARD FOLLOW-UP. WILL THE GOVERNMENT VIGOROUSLY DEFEND THIS COUNCIL IF THE OTHER BILL WERE TO BE PASSED ON 29TH JUNE, BY ASSENTING TO IT?
GOVERNOR: I ASSUME BY ’THE OTHER BILL’ AND I THINK I SHOULD USE CAPS IN REFERRING TO THAT, IS A REFERENCE TO THE BILL PROPOSED BY THE HONOURABLE MEMBER WHO SITS IN FRONT OF ME AND LOOKS RATHER BALEFULLY AT ME AS I TRY TO, BEAUTIFULLY BUT BALEFULLY, AS I TRY TO ANSWER THE QUESTION. I’VE NOTED WHAT’S BEEN SAID ABOUT SUPPORT FOR THE HONOURABLE MEMBER’S BILL AND I’VE NOTED THAT THERE IS ONE PARTY WHICH IS DEBATING CONCEIVABLY EVEN AS WE HAVE THIS EXCHANGE TODAY, WHETHER OR NOT IT SHOULD JOIN OTHERS IN SUPPORTING THE HONOURABLE MEMBER’S BILL. IT WOULD BE A GREAT TRIUMPH FOR THE ELOQUENCE OF THE HONOURABLE MEMBER IF SHE SECURED THAT PAW-LINE CONVERSION. I THINK THAT IF THE HONOURABLE MEMBER DOES SECURE THAT CONVERSION AND GETS A MAJORITY FOR HER BILL, I WILL REPLY TO THE HONOURABLE MEMBER’S QUESTION BUT AS HE KNOWS, I HAVE AN ACTIVE DISTASTE FOR ANSWERING HYPOTHETICAL QUESTIONS, FINDING THE ONES THAT ARE NOT HYPOTHETICAL MUCH TOO DIFFICULT ANYWAY.
MR SZETO WAH: MR GOVERNOR, A SIMPLE AND CONCRETE QUESTION FOR YOU. RECENTLY, I HAVE RECEIVED COMPLAINTS FROM PING SHEK ESTATE RESIDENTS. NOW, PING SHEK ESTATE HAS A HISTORY OF 30 YEARS. RECENTLY, THEY ARE REPLACING THE LIFTS AND THE WORK HAS BEEN DRAGGING ON FOR MANY MONTHS AND HAS CAUSED A LOT OF INCONVENIENCE. TODAY, I RANG UP THE SENIOR HOUSING MANAGER FOR PING SHEK ESTATE; I ASKED HIM WHY IT TOOK SO LONG AND HE TOLD ME THAT IT TOOK NINE MONTHS TO REPLACE ONE LIFT AND FOR EACH BLOCK THEY HAVE TO REPLACE TWO LIFTS. IN OTHER WORDS, THEY HAVE TO SPEND 18 MONTHS TO REPLACE THE TWO LIFTS. DO YOU THINK THAT SUCH INEFFICIENCY IS ACCEPTABLE? AND BY RAISING THE QUESTION WITH YOU TODAY, CAN YOU TRY TO IMPROVE UPON THE EFFICIENCY AFTER TODAY’S MEETING?
/GOVERNOR: .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 1994
17 -
GOVERNOR: I MUST JUST SAY TO BEGIN WITH THAT IF I’D HAD TO PREDICT THE QUESTION WHICH THE HONOURABLE MEMBER WAS GOING TO ASK, THAT WOULDN’T NECESSARILY HAVE BEEN IT. BUT I RECOGNISE THAT THE MOST IMPORTANT POLITICS IS LOCAL POLITICS AND THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES ARE ONES THAT - OR USUALLY THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES ARE THE ONES THAT AFFECT PEOPLE’S LIVELIHOOD WHICH AFFECT WHETHER THEY HAVE TO CLAMBER UP SEVERAL FLIGHTS OF STAIRS, WITH CHILDREN, WITH THE SHOPPING, EVERY DAY, OR WHETHER THEY CAN MANAGE THE PASSAGE IN A LIFT. 1 WILL CERTAINLY LOOK AT THE QUESTION WHICH THE HONOURABLE MEMBER RAISES. GIVEN HOW QUICKLY, WITH HALF A CHANCE, WE BUILD A TUNNEL OR AN AIRPORT, IT SHOULDN’T TAKE US ALL THAT LONG TO PUT TN A LIFT.
------0--------
TRANSCRIPT OF GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION
*****
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, AFTER THE LEGCO QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON:-
QUESTION: GOVERNOR, WHAT IS YOUR REACTION ON YESTERDAY’S LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WHICH REPROVED YOU ON RATES?
GOVERNOR: THAT IS POLITICS.
QUESTION: THAT BRIEF, I MEAN, IT IS, YOU KNOW, BAD HISTORY. IT IS HISTORY.
GOVERNOR: NO, WE HAVE A POLITICAL COMMUNITY WHICH IS ON THE ROAD TO DEMOCRACY. THIS IS ONE STAGE ON THE ROAD TO DEMOCRACY AND I GUESS IT’LL OCCASIONALLY MEAN THAT CRITICAL MOTIONS OF THE GOVERNMENT ARE PASSED. BUT I HAVE TO SAY THAT I THINK THE ISSUE WAS AS THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID, RATHER MORE SLIGHT THAN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL’S REMARKS YESTERDAY.
QUESTION: GOVERNOR, JUST GET TO THE POINT. IF YOU GET THE BILLS FROM EMILY LAU AND CHRISTINE LOH, ARE YOU GOING TO BLOCK THEM OR ARE YOU GOING TO LET THEM IN?
GOVERNOR: I’VE ANSWERED THAT EXTENSIVELY INSIDE. I THINK I’D LIKE TO STICK ON MY ANSWER INSIDE.
QUESTION: WITH DUE RESPECT, GOVERNOR, I DIDN’T HEAR YES OR NO, WILL
GOVERNOR: YOU HEARD AN ANSWER INSIDE WHICH I STAND BY.
QUESTION: BUT DO YOU THINK THE MOTION INDICATED THAT YOUR RELATIONS WITH LEGCO OR WITH UDHK HAVE GONE WRONG OR WHAT?
GOVERNOR: NO, I THINK THAT AS FAR AS OUR RELATIONS WITH LEGCO ARE CONCERNED, WE PASSED 84 BILLS IN THE LAST SESSION. THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAS DONE AN EXCELLENT JOB AND EVEN IF WE DISAGREE WITH THEM FROM TIME TO TIME, I HOPE THAT WE’LL HAVE A CONSTRUCTIVE AND CREATIVE DIALOGUE.
/QUESTION: .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 1994
- 18 -
QUESTION: GOVERNOR, WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT THE LADY WHO PETITIONED YOU BEFORE YOU WENT INTO THE COUNCIL?
GOVERNOR: THE FIRST THING I AM GOING TO DO ABOUT IT IS TO PHONE UP THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE’S OFFICE AND FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE CASE. THANK YOU VERY MUCH INDEED.
------0-------
OXFAM HK TO GET $2M TN DISASTER RELIEF » * * ♦ t
THE DISASTER RELIEF FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE TODAY (THURSDAY) APPROVED AN APPLICATION FROM OXFAM HONG KONG TOR A GRANT OF $2 MILLION FROM THE DISASTER RELIEF FUND.
THE GRANT WILL BE SPENT ON THE DISASTER RELIEF PROGRAMME BEING CARRIED OUT BY INTERNATIONAL OXFAM FOR THE RWANDAN REFUGEES WHO HAVE FLED TO TANZANIA BECAUSE OF ETHNIC CONFLICTS IN RWANDA.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE WAS SATISFIED THAT THE APPLICATION WAS IN LINE WITH THE GUIDELINES FOR GRANTS FROM THE FUND.
’’THE COMMITTEE BELIEVES THAT THE GRANT IS AN APPROPRIATE MEANS TO EXPRESS SYMPATHY AND OFFER ASSISTANCE ON THE COMMUNITY’S BEHALF TO THE LESS FORTUNATE RWANDAN REFUGEES," HE SAID.
”TO ENSURE THAT GRANTS ARE USED FOR THE DESIGNATED PURPOSE, OXFAM HONG KONG WILL BE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT TO THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AN EVALUATION REPORT AND AN AUDITED ACCOUNT ON THE USE OF THE GRANT."
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT PUBLIC DONATIONS AND APPROPRIATIONS FROM THE GENERAL REVENUE WERE THE MAIN SOURCES OF THE FUND.
HE SAID MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WERE WELCOME TO DONATE TO THE FUND FOR GENERAL RELIEF PURPOSES. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE TO THE SECRETARY TO THE DISASTER RELIEF FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE AT ROOM 553, EAST WING, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES OR ON TEL 810 3503.
THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE IS CHAIRED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY. OTHER MEMBERS ARE MS ROSANNA WONG, DR RAYMOND CH’IEN, MRS ELSIE TU, MR HUI YIN-FAT, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE AND THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY.
- - 0----------
/19 .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 1994
- 19 -
CONCERTED EEFORTS TO EASE TRAFFIC .JAM AT CONTAINER PORT AREA ♦ * * * *
A NUMBER OF MEASURES HAVE BEEN IMPLEMENTED IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS BY ALL PARTIES CONCERNED IN AN EFFORT TO EASE TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN THE KWAI CHUNG CONTAINER PORI' AREA, ASSISTANTCOMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT MR ALAN LUI SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SINCE JUNE LAST YEAR, ABOUT 21 HECTARES OF LAND AT THE CONTAINER PORT HAS ALREADY BEEN ALLOCATED FOR CONTAINER RELATED USE INCLUDING CONTAINER STORAGE, PARKING AND REPAIR.
THE OPPORTUNITY HAS BREN TAKEN TO IMPOSE LEASE CONDITIONS FOR THE PROVISION OF ADEQUATE QUEUEING AND WAITING SPACES WITHIN THESE BACK-UP SITES TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC SITUATION.
"SO FAR, THE CONDITION OF QUEUEING OF VEHICLES IN PUBLIC ROADS OUTSIDE THE VARIOUS TERMINALS AND DEPOTS HAS MUCH IMPROVED," MR LUI SAID.
MOREOVER, SOME 6.3 HECTARES OF LAND HAVE BEEN OR IN THE PROCESS OF BEING ALLOCATED FOR USE AS VEHICLE HOLDING AREAS DURING EMERGENCIES WHICH PROVED TO BE VERY USEFUL.
HE POINTED OUT THAT A NUMBER OF ROAD PROJECTS HAD ALSO BEEN IMPLEMENTED SINCE JULY LAST YEAR IN ORDER TO ENHANCE TRAFFIC CIRCULATION IN THE AREA.
THESE INCLUDED THE IMPLEMENTATION OF 24-HOUR URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION ALONG BOTH SIDES OF THE WHOLE SECTION OF CONTAINER PORT ROAD, PROVISION OF EMERGENCY EXITS AT APPROPRIATE LOCATIONS, ADDITION OF TRAFFIC LANE NEAR ROUNDABOUT 3 AND MODIFICATION OF ROUNDABOUT 5 SO AS TO INCREASE THE ENTRY CAPACITY AT THE ROUNDABOUT.
IN ORDER TO BRING THE KWAI TSING AREA UNDER SURVEILLANCE, THREE TRAFFIC SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS HAVE BEEN INSTALLED IN STRATEGIC LOCATIONS IN THE AREA, WITH THE FOURTH TO BE INSTALLED SHORTLY.
ON COMPLETION OF THE FOURTH ONE, ALL CRITICAL AREAS ALONG CONTAINER PORT ROAD, KWAI CHUNG ROAD, THE TSING Yl BRIDGES AND THE TSUEN TSING AND KWAI TSING INTERCHANGE WILL BE PUT UNDER SURVEILLANCE.
IN ADDITION, THE POLICE HAVE DEVISED A NEW EMERGENCY TRAFFIC DIVERSION PLAN AIMED AT REDUCING THE LEVEL OF TRAFFIC CONGESTION TN THE CONTAINER PORT AREA DURING EMERGENCIES WHEN THERE IS AN UPSURGE OF TRAFFIC.
THE MAIN FEATURE OF THE SCHEME IS TO PHYSICALLY SEPARATE THE EXISTING SIX ACCESS POINTS TO THE CONTAINER PORT INTO TWO SERVICING AREAS WITH THREE ACCESS POINTS LEADING TO TERMINALS ONE TO FIVE AS WELL AS THE CONTAINER FREIGHT STATIONS IN THE NORTHERN PART OF CONTAINER PORT ROAD, AND THE OTHER THREE ACCESS POINTS TO TERMINALS SIX TO EIGHT.
/TWO TRIAL ......
THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 1994
TWO TRIAL RUNS WERE CARRIED OUT IN JANUARY AND MARCH TH IS YEAR WITH SOME SUCCESS, BUT THERE ARE STILL PROBLEMS THAT NEED TO BE ADDRESSED. THIS IS CURRENTLY BE I NO FOLLOWED UP BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE.
DEPENDING ON THE SITUATION, THE FURTHER REVISED SCHEME MAY BE
INTRODUCED UPON THE RE-OPENING OF THE TERMINALS FOLLOWING A TYPHOON.
MR LUI SAID TERMINAL OPERATORS HAD ALSO BEEN HELPING BY ADOPTING AN APPOINTMENT SYSTEM.
ONE OPERATOR ADOPTED SUCH A SYSTEM FOR IMPORT CARGOES SOME YEARS AGO, WHILE THE OTHER TWO OPERATORS STARTED A SIMILAR SYSTEM IN JULY AND AUGUST LAST YEAR RESPECTIVELY.
HOWEVER, AS IT IS OPERATIONALLY MORE DIFFICULT FOR AN APPOINTMENT SYSTEM FOR EXPORT CARGOES, UI’ WOULD BE FURTHER STUDIED AS A LONGER TERM POSSIBILITY.
HOWEVER, MR LUI POINTED OUT THAT IT WOULD BE TOO OPTIMISTIC TO BELIEVE THAT THE EFFORTS IN THE PAST YEAR WOULD ENTIRELY REMOVE TRAFFIC CONGESTION DURING EMERGENCIES.
’’THE VARIOUS IMPROVEMENT MEASURES WILL ONLY HELP MINIMISE THE IMPACT OF HEAVY TRAFFIC AND PUT CONGESTION UNDER CONTROL.
"LONG TERM SOLUTIONS LIE IN THE OPENING OF CONTAINER TERMINAL NO. 8 AND OTHER NEW TERMINALS WHICH WILL HAVE SUBSTANTIAL BACK-UP AREAS, COMPLETION OF ROUTE 3 AND THEIR ASSOCIATED PROJECTS, THE TSING YI NORTHERN COASTAL ROAD AND TING KAU BRIDGE AS WELL AS THE DEVELOPMENT OF RAIL AND BARGE LINKS WITH ('HINA," HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT BECAUSE OF RAPID GROWTH IN TRAFFIC IN THE AREA, CONGESTION WAS INEVITABLE AND TN ADDITION TO EFFORTS CURRENTLY BEING MADE BY GOVERNMENT AND TERMINAL OPERATORS TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM, IT WAS ALSO ESSENTIAL THAT MOTORISTS CO-OPERATED WITH RADIO BULLETINS AND ADVICE GIVEN WHEN CONGESTIONS WAS EXPECTED TO OCCUR.
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WALLED CITY PARK - A LANDMARK IN CENTRAL KOWLOON
*****
THE KOWLOON WALLED CITY PARK WILL BECOME A LANDMARK OF CENTRAL KOWLOON UPON ITS COMPLETION IN MID-1995, THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES, MR PAU SIU-HUNG, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE GROUND-BREAKING CEREMONY OF THE PARK, MR PAU SAID THE PARK, BLENDED WITH THE RELICS OF THE WALLED CITY, WOULD ALSO CAPTURE THE ESSENCE AND STYLE OF GARDENS COMMONLY FOUND IN SOUTHERN CHINA IN THE EARLY QING DYNASTY.
IT WOULD BE HONG KONG’S FIRST AUTHENTIC CHINESE GARDEN.
/"THE GARDEN
THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 1994
- 21 -
’’THE GARDEN, OCCUPYING A SITE OF 3.1 HECTARES, WILL ENHANCE THE AMENITIES PROVIDED FOR THE KOWLOON CENTRAL RESIDENTS WHEN IT IS COMPLETED IN JULY 1995.
’’THE DESIGN OF THE PARK IS THE RESULT OF MUCH RESEARCH WORK ON CHINESE GARDENS BY ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES STAFF, AS WELL AS THE ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE FROM THEIR COUNTERPARTS TN CHINA,’’ HE NOTED.
"THE DESIGN OF THE PARK HAD BEEN AWARDED A DIPLOMA OF THE CENTRAL SOCIETY OF HORTICULTURE OF GERMANY AT THE FIFTH INTERNATIONAL HORTICULTURE EXHIBITION STUTTGART EXPO 93," HE SAID.
SPECIALIST CONTRACTORS FROM CHINA WILL BE ENGAGED TO BUILD THE PAVILIONS, WINDING GALLERIES, ROCKERIES, BUSHES, TREES, WATER FEATURES, COLOURFUL STONE PAVINGS, STONES INSCRIBED WITH POETRY, WOOD AND BAMBOO CARVINGS.
"IT WILL ALSO BECOME A MAJOR TOURIST ATTRACTION AS MUCH OF THE RELICS OF THE KOWLOON WALLED CITY WILL BE RESTORED THERE", MR PAU ADDED.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCAVATION HAD BEEN CARRIED OUT AT THE SITE DURING WHICH THE FOOTING OF THE ORIGINAL WALL OF THE WALLED CITY, SOME GRANITE PATHS, THE ENTRANCE GATE AND OTHER RELICS WERE FOUND.
THE ALIGNMENT OF THE WALL WILL BE DEMARCATED IN THE PARK AND PART OF THE ORIGINAL WALL WILL BE EXPOSED AS AN EXHIBIT TO THE PUBLIC.
"YAMEN", THE OLD ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE IN THE KOWLOON WALLED CITY, WILL BE RESTORED TO FORM THE FOCUS OF THE PARK. THE SOUTH AND NORTH ENTRANCE GATES WILL BE REBUILT TO MAKE THE HISTORIC CHARACTER OF THE SITE MORE EXPLICIT.
THERE WILL BE A "KID KINGDOM" IN THE EASTERN PART OF THE PARK TO PROVIDE VARIOUS PLAYGROUND FACILITIES FOR CHILDREN.
THREE OLD WELLS WILL BE RESERVED AS A SPECIAL FEATURE TO PROVIDE WATER FOR GARDENING. OTHER RELICS, SUCH AS STONE TABLETS AND COLUMN BASES, WILL BE PLACED AT SUITABLE LOCATIONS FOR VISITORS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN THE HISTORY OF THE SITE.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WERE THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE; THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR JAMES SO AND THE CHAIRMAN OF URBAN COUNCIL, DR RONALD LEUNG DING-BONG.
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GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY
******
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED GRADES ON THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF ALL BATHING BEACHES IN HONG KONG.
THE PURPOSE OF THE GRADING SYSTEM IS TO INFORM SWIMMERS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC ABOUT THE STATE OF BACTERIOLOGICAL POLLUTION AT VARIOUS BEACHES.
/A SPOKESMAN .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 1994
- 22 -
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE GRADING WOULD BE ANNOUNCED BI-WEEKLY DURING THE BATHING SEASON TO COINCIDE WITH THE FREQUENCY AT WHICH BEACH WATERS WERE USUALLY SAMPLED.
THE GRADING IS BASED ON THE MOST RECENT E. COLI DATA OBTAINED BY THE DEPARTMENT IN ITS ROUTINE MONITORING PROGRAMME.
AS WITH LAST YEAR. THE GRADING ALSO INCLUDES AN ESTIMATE OF THE RISK OF SUFFERING SOME MINOR SKIN OR GASTROINTESTINAL COMPLAINTS AS A RESULT OF SWIMMING AT A BEACH WHICH HAS SOME DEGREE OF POLLUTION.
THE ESTIMATE IS BASED ON A VERY LARGE BODY OF STATISTICAL INFORMATION GATHERED IN HONG KONG IN RECENT BATHING SEASONS.
THE GRADING OF SOME BEACHES MAY VARY DURING THE SUMMER. THIS REPRESENTS A NATURAL FLUCTUATION IN THE BACTERIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF BATHING WATERS IN MOST CASES, AS RAIN AND TIDES BRING MORE OR LESS POLLUTION TO THE BEACHES.
*
HOWEVER, THE GRADES GIVE A GOOD GENERAL PICTURE OF THE WATER QUALITY AT BATHING BEACHES AT THE TIME OF REPORTING AND FORM THE BEST AVAILABLE FORECAST FOR THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE.
BEACHES WITH HIGHLY DEVELOPED HINTERLANDS ARE LIKELY TO BE MORE POLLUTED THAN THE GRADES SUGGEST DURING AND AFTER HEAVY RAIN.
"BATHERS SHOULD 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 F. COLT 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 REACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS NO MORE THAN 10 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS:
* GRADE "3" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS POOR. THE E. COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 610 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED. AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS NO MORE THAN 15 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS; AND
* GRADE "4" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS VERY POOR. THE E. COLI COUNT IS MORE THAN 610 PER 100 MILLILITRES A'l 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.........
THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 1994
23
AT PRESENT, FOUR GAZETTED BEACHES, NAMELY ANGLERS’, CASTLE PEAK, OLD CAFETERIA, AND ROCKY BAY, ARE CLOSED TO SWIMMERS.
THE DECISION TO CLOSE THE BEACHES HAS BEEN MADE BY THE REGIONAL AND URBAN COUNCILS ON THE BASIS OF RECENT BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING DATA.
THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED NOT TO SWIM AT THESE BEACHES. THEY ARE IDENTIFIED BY AN "X” IN THE FOLLOWING LIST.
THE GRADES OF THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF VARIOUS BEACHES IN HONG KONG TODAY ARE LISTED BELOW:
BEACH
PREVIOUS GRADING
PRESENT GRADING
(AS AT 26.5.94)
(AS AT 9.6.94)
HONG KONG SOUTH
BIG WAVE BAY 2 2
CHUNG HOM KOK 2 2
DEEP WATER BAY 2 2
HAIRPIN 2 2
MIDDLE BAY 1 1
REPULSE BAY 2 2
SHEK 0 2 2
SOUTH BAY 1 1
ST STEPHEN’S 2 2
TURTLE COVE 1 1
STANLEY MAIN 2 2
ROCKY BAY X X
TO TEI WAN* 1 2
TUEN MUN DISTRICT
OLD CAFETERIA X X
NEW CAFETERIA 3 2
CASTLE PEAK X X
KADOORIE 3 2
BUTTERFLY 2 3
SAI KUNG DISTRICT
CAMPERS 1 1
CLEAR WATER BAY 1ST BEACH 1 1
CLEAR WATER BAY 2ND BEACH 1 2
HAP MUN BAY 1 1
KIU TSUI 1 1
PAK SHA CHAU 1 1
SILVERSTRAND 2 2
TRIO (HEBE HAVEN) 1 1
/ISLANDS DISTRICT .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 1994
- 24 -
ISLANDS DISTRICT
CHEUNG SHA UPPER 1 1
CHEUNG SHA LOWER 2 3
DISCOVERY BAY* 1 2
HUNG SHING YEH 1 1
KWUN YAM WAN 1 1
TONG FUK 1 1
LO SO SHING 1 1
PUI 0 1 2
SILVERMINE BAY 2 2
TUNG WAN, CHEUNG CHAU 1 1
TUNG 0* 1 1
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT
ANGLERS’ X X
APPROACH 4 3
CASAM 3 3
GEMINI 2 3
HOI MEI WAN 3 3
LIDO 3 3
TING KAU 4 3
TUNG WAN, MA WAN 2 2
NOTE: ”X” THE BEACH HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR SWIMMING PURPOSES.
* NON-GAZETTED BEACHES.
THE FOLLOWING BEACHES HAVE CHANGED GRADING ON THIS OCCASION:
NEW CAFETERIA AND KADOORIE FROM "3” TO ,,2M ; APPROACH AND TING KAU FROM "4” TO ”3”; TO TEI WAN, DISCOVERY BAY, PUT O AND CLEAR WATER BAY 2ND BEACH FROM "1” TO "2"; AND CHEUNG SHA LOWER, GEMINI AND BUTTERFLY FROM ”2” TO ”3”.
ALL OF THE CHANGES ARE WITHIN THE NORMAL RANGE OF FLUCTUATION OF THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF THESE BEACHES.
• A/
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER DR MALCOLM BROOM ON TEL 835 1234.
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/25........
THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 1994
25
ASIAN SCHOOL BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS TO BE HELD IN HONG KONG » * » * *
THE FIRST SERIES OF MAJOR INTERNATIONAL BASKETBALL COMPETITIONS FOR STUDENTS FROM ACROSS ASIA WILL BE HELD IN HONG KONG FROM JULY 15 TO 25 THIS YEAR, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WONG, ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).
MR WONG WAS SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE ASIAN SCHOOL BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR GIRLS 1994.
HE SAID THE COMPETITIONS WOULD BE JOINTLY PRESENTED BY THE HONG KONG SCHOOLS SPORTS COUNCIL, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE HONG KONG SPORTS DEVELOPMENT BOARD, THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE HONG KONG BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION AS AN INTERNATIONAL EVENT OF THE ASIAN SCHOOL SPORT FEDERATION, OF WHICH HONG KONG IS ONE OF THE 12 MEMBERS.
THE COMPETITIONS FOR GIRLS WILL BE HELD IN HONG KONG NEXT MONTH WHILE THOSE FOR BOYS WILL BE HELD IN KOREA LATER THIS YEAR.
THE COMPETITIONS WERE AIMED AT IMPROVING THE PLAYING STANDARDS OF STUDENTS IN BASKETBALL, IMPROVING LINKS AMONG ASIAN STUDENTS, ENABLING TALENTED ATHLETES TO GAIN MORE OVERSEAS COMPETITION EXPERIENCE AND WIDENING THE SCOPE AND VISION OF STUDENTS THROUGH SPORTING AND CULTURAL EXCHANGES.
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ENDANGERED SPECIES AND PROHIBITED MEDICINE FORBIDDEN » * » » »
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC VISITING CHINA AND OVERSEAS COUNTRIES DURING THE FORTHCOMING LONG WEEKEND ARE REMINDED NOT TO BRING BACK ANY ENDANGERED SPECIES OR MEDICINE CONTAINING OR CLAIMING TO CONTAIN TIGER OR RHINO INGREDIENTS ON THEIR RETURN TO HONG KONG.
ANY PERSON FOUND IN POSSESSION, IMPORTING OR EXPORTING THESE ENDANGERED OR PROHIBITED ITEMS IS CONTRAVENING THE ANIMALS AND PLANTS (PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES) ORDINANCE.
IT CARRIES A MAXIMUM FINE OF $25,000 ON FIRST OFFENCE AND $50,000 FINE PLUS SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT ON SUBSEQUENT OFFENCES UPON CONVICTION.
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT’S (AFD) SENIOR CONSERVATION OFFICER MR CHAN JEE-KEUNG SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) USUALLY AFTER A LONG HOLIDAY, A NUMBER OF SEIZURES WOULD BE MADE AT THE CHECKPOINTS BY CUSTOMS OFFICERS.
MR CHAN SAID: ’’AMONG THE MORE POPULAR SPECIES SEIZED WERE PARROT, PANGOLIN, EAGLE, HAWK, OWL, SLOW LORIS, COBRA, KING COBRA, TORTOISE AND CORAL."
HE POINTED OUT THAT CUSTOMS OFFICERS AND AFD OFFICERS HAD STEPPED UP INSPECTION AT THE CHECKPOINTS AND RETAIL SHOPS WHERE ENDANGERED SPECIES MIGHT BE OFFERED FOR SALE.
/"ATTENTION HAS .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 1994
- 26 -
’’ATTENTION HAS PARTICULARLY BEEN PAID TO MEDICINE CONTAINING OR CLAIMING TO CONTAIN TIGER INGREDIENTS SINCE THE BAN ON THEIR POSSESSION BECAME EFFECTIVE ON APRIL 28 THIS YEAR. THE IMPORT AND EXPORT OF THESE MEDICINE HAVE BEEN PROHIBITED SINCE JANUARY 28.
"TWO SEIZURES OF SUSPECTED TIGER BONE PLASTER WERE MADE BY CUSTOMS OFFICERS ON MAY 31 AT THE I,OK MA CHAU BORDER CHECKPOINT ARD THE CHINA HONG KONG FERRY TERMINAL IN KOWLOON RESPECTIVELY,” HE SA JD.
CHARGES MAX BE LAID AGAINST THE SUSPECTS ONCE INVESTIGATIONS ARE COMPLETED.
MR CHAN RE ITERATED THE GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS TO CLAMP DOWN ON THESE ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES SO AS TO UPHOLD HONG KONG’S GOOD IMAGE IN COMF1 YING WITH THE CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA AND ELORA (CITES).
------0-------
FORCES CELEBRATE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY t ♦ » » »
UNITS OF ALL THREE OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE CROWN WILL MARK THE OFFICIAL BIRTHDAY OF HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II ON SATURDAY •. JUNE 11) WITH A CEREMONY AT STONECUTTERS ISLAND.
IMMEDIATELY AFTERWARDS, A ROYAL AIR FORCE (RAF) WESSEX HELICOPTER WILL PARADE THE UNION FLAG THROUGH VICTORIA HARBOUR TO FURTHER MARK THE OCCASION.
AS IS TRADITIONAL, THE ROYAL NAVY WI LL FIRE A 2 I-GUN SALUTE, STARTING PRECISELY AT NOON. THIS YEAR, IN ADDITION, THE BAND OF THE HONG KONG MILITARY SERVICE CORPS WILL PLAY "GOD SAVE THE QUEEN" AND THE WESSEX HELICOPTER WILL FLY OVERHEAD.
PILOTED PERSONALIA BY SQUADRON LEADER DICK BARTON, COMMANDING NO.20 (AC I SQUADRON RAF, THE WESSEX WILL FLY, PAST LARGE UNION FLAG SUSPENDED BENEATH ITS FUSELAGE.
OFFICER W I TH A
IT WILL THEN’ CONTINUE FROM STONECUTTERS ISLAND THROUGH VICTORIA HARBOUR AND ALONG THE FACE OF HONG KONG ISLAND AT LEAST AS FAR AS NORTH POINT IN A FURTHER MARK OF RESPECT TO HER MAJESTY. THE y‘ AIRCRAFT WILL BE FLYING AT A HEIGHT OF 200-300 FEET.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS ON STONECUTTERS ISLAND ON SATURDAY ( JUNE 11).
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO ATTEND SHOULD ARRIVE AT THE MAIN GATE OF THF HEADQUARTERS BRITISH FORCES, PRINCE OF WALES BARRACKS, NO LATER THAN 10.15 AM.
A REPRESENTATIVE OF JSPRS WILL BE ON HAND TO ESCORT THE MEDIA TO STONECUTTERS ISLAND. THE RETURN FERRY WILL DEPART AT 1 PM.
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/27........
THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 1994
- 27 -
CARGO WORKING AREAS REMAIN OPEN ON HOLIDAYS ♦ * * * *
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT ALL PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREAS WOULD STAY OPEN EROM 7 AM TO 9 PM DURING THE PUBLIC HOLIDAYS ON JUNE 11, 13 AND 14.
THE PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREAS ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT ARE AT THE WESTERN DISTRICT, SHEUNG WAN, WAN CHAI, CHAI WAN, YAU MA TEI, KWUN TONG, CHA KWO LING, TSUEN WAN AND RAMBLER CHANNEL.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID: ’’THE TURN MUN PUBLIC WATERFRONT WILL ALSO BE OPEN FROM 7 AM TO 9 PM DURING THE HOLIDAYS.”
THE MACAU FERRY TERMINAL WILL REMAIN OPEN 24 HOURS WHILE THE CHINA FERRY TERMINAL IN TSIM SHA TSUI WILL BE OPEN AS NORMAL BETWEEN 6 AM AND 10 PM ON THESE DAYS.
THE VICTORIA MARINE OFFICE TN HARBOUR BUILDING WILL BE OPEN FROM 9 AM TO 11 AM ON JUNE 12 AND 14 FOR ENTRY AND OUTWARD CLEARANCE ONLY.
THE PORT FORMALITIES OFFICE IN THE SAME BUILDING WILL ONLY RE OPEN FROM 9 AM TO 11 AM ON JUNE 12.
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HOLIDAY WELFARE PAYMENTS ADVANCE TO TOMORROW *****
RECIPIENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE SOCIAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE AND SOCIAL SECURITY ALLOWANCE UNDER THE BANK PAYMENT SYSTEM ARE REMINDED THAT THEY WILL RECEIVE PAYMENTS TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IF THEIR PAYDAYS FALL ON THE FORTHCOMING PUBLIC' HOLIDAYS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT PAYMENTS SCHEDULED BETWEEN SATURDAY (JUNE 11) AND NEXT TUESDAY (JUNE 14) WOULD BE ADVANCED TO TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
IN CASE OF DOUBT, RECIPIENTS MAY CONTACT THEIR RESPECTIVE SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNITS.
- - 0----------
/28 .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 1994
- 28 -
ADDITIONAL HOTLINE FOR INDUSTRIAL SAFETY MATTERS
* * * ♦ »
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT AN ADDITIONAL TELEPHONE HOTLINE NUMBER 542 2172 HAS BEEN PROVIDED IN THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE DIVISION.
THE ADDITIONAL HOTLINE IS INTENDED TO FACILITATE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO LODGE COMPLAINTS ABOUT UNSAFE MATTERS IN THE INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS DURINGOFFICE HOURS.
MEANWHILE, REPORTING OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS AND PUBLIC ENQUIRIES ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY MATTERS CAN STILL BE MADE THROUGH THE EXISTING HOTLINE NUMBER 815 0678.
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CLOSURE OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURE IN YAU MA TEI
♦ » * * *
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE AN UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURE IN YAU MA TEI SO THAT IT CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT ENDANGERING THE OCCUPANTS AND THE PUBLIC.
THE SINGLE-STOREY STRUCTURE USED FOR A SHOP IS LOCATED ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF 541 SHANGHAI STREET.
A NOTICE APPLYING FOR A CLOSURE ORDER FROM THE DISTRICT COURT UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE ON JULY 12 WAS POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY (THURSDAY 1.
DEMOLITION WORK IS EXPECTED TO START AS SOON AS THE CLOSURE ORDER IS ISSUED.
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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 (’ALLING 869 9399.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARF INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING.
/29 .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 1994
- 29 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
*****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,902 0930 -970
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,137 1000 -970
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : • 1100 -1,170
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -1,170 1200 -1,170
LAF TODAY +1,405 1500 -1,170
1600 -1,170
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 124.8 * + 0.0* 9.6.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 2.94 18 MONTHS 2511 4.15 98.12 5.59
1 MONTH 3.55 24 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100.70 6.05
3 MONTHS 3.99 29 MONTHS 3610 4.20 95.41 6.4 0
6 MONTHS 4.47 32 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.61 6.5 4
12 MONTHS 5.04 35 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98.99 6.64
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 41,423 MN
CLOSED 9 JUNE 1994
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
EFFICIENCY OF FREIGHT TRANSPORT INDUSTRY TO BE IMPROVED. 1
PROPERTY ANALYSTS GIVEN BACKGROUND BRIEFING................. 2
WHITEHEAD INQUIRY REPORT SUBMITTED TO GOVERNOR.............. 2
WHITEHEAD REPORT TO BE PUBLISHED NEXT WEDNESDAY............. 3
POLL REVEALS SUPPORT FOR GOVERNMENT......................... 3
TOWN PLANNING BOARD APPRECIATES RESIDENTS’ CONCERN...... 4
HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS FOR APRIL............. 5
THE GOVERNOR AND MRS PATTEN VISIT BRADBURY HOSPICE...... 12
QUALITY EDUCATION NEEDS JOINT EFFORT....................... 12
BA CONSIDERS COMPLAINTS ABOUT TV PROGRAMMES................ 13
PHASING OUT OF TEXTILES AND CLOTHING QUANTITATIVE RESTRICTIONS............................................... 14
MARINE SAFETY ADVICE IN DRAGON BOAT RACES.................. 15
JAPANESE BANK GETS HK LICENCE............................. 16
GAZETTAL OF DREDGING WORK IN VICTORIA HARBOUR.............. 16
/WAN CHAI....
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
WAN CHAI OUTLINE ZONING PLAN AMENDED......................... 17
FOUR RURAL OUTLINE ZONING PLANS PUBLISHED.................... 18
PUBLIC WORKS ON DISPLAY AT CENTRAL MTR STATION............... 21
SCHOOLS INVITED TO JOIN READING SCHEME....................... 22
TENDERS INVITED FOR TAI PO SALT WATER PUMPING STATION..... 23
FIGHT CRIME STARS FOR SAI KUNG............................... 23
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ....
24
FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 1994
EFFICIENCY OF FREIGHT TRANSPORT INDUSTRY TO BE IMPROVED * » * » *
RESULTS OF A STUDY ON THE FREIGHT TRANSPORT INDUSTRY HAVE RECOMMENDED A NUMBER OF MEASURES TO IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY OF THE INDUSTRY AND TO REDUCE THE IMPACT OF GOODS VEHICLE OPERATIONS ON THE COMMUNITY.
THE FREIGHT TRANSPORT STUDY, COMMISSIONED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, WAS COMPLETED RECENTLY AND THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TRANSPORT PANEL WAS CONSULTED TODAY (FRIDAY) ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID THE STUDY HAD IDENTIFIED SIX KEY AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT AND RECOMMENDED 28 MEASURES TO ADDRESS THEM.
THE KEY AREAS ARE:
» ADVERSE IMPACT OF OVERNIGHT GOODS VEHICLE PARKING;
» CONGESTION CAUSED BY DAYTIME GOODS VEHICLE PARKING AND LOADING/UNLOADING;
» INEFFICIENT PORT OPERATIONS;
♦ CONGESTION RESULTING FROM LACK OF CONTAINER STORAGE FACILITIES;
» INEFFICIENCY AND CONGESTION ARISING FROM THE RESTRICTION ON CROSS-BORDER FREIGHT MOVEMENTS; AND
» THE ADVERSE IMPACT OF GOODS VEHICLE OPERATION ON THE COMMUNITY.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE RECOMMENDATIONS WERE GROUPED INTO THREE STAGES FOR IMPLEMENTATION.
STAGE ONE WILL INVOLVE SHORT TERM MEASURES FOR IMPLEMENTATION BETWEEN 1994 AND 1996. THEY ARB TO ADDRESS THE PRESSING PROBLEMS OF GOODS VEHICLE PARKING, AS WELL AS CONGESTION AT THE ROAD BORDER CROSSINGS AND IN THE CONTAINER PORT AREA.
"IN THE SHORT TERM, MORE ON-STREET PARKING SPACES FOR LIGHT GOODS VEHICLES AND MORE SURFACE PARKS ARE RECOMMENDED FOR GOODS VEHICLES. THE STUDY ALSO RECOMMENDS 24-HOUR OPERATION AND EXPANDING THE PROCESSING FACILITIES AT THE BORDER CROSSINGS,” HE SAID.
STAGE TWO MEASURES WILL ADDRESS ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH CONTAINER STORAGE AND WILL FURTHER EXAMINE THE VARIOUS PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES.
"THE RECOMMENDED KEY MEASURES, TO BE IMPLEMENTED BETWEEN 1997 AND 1999, INCLUDE THE PROVISION OF GOODS VEHICLE PARKING GARAGES, LIGHT GOODS VEHICLE PARKING SPACES IN THE LOWER LEVELS OF SOME NEW MULTI-STOREY CAR PARKS AND MORE LAND AT SUITABLE LOCATIONS FOR PORT BACK-UP," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/STAGE THREE .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 1994
2
STAGE THREE WILL INVOLVE LONG TERM MEASURES FOR IMPLEMENTATION FROM 2000 ONWARDS. IN THIS STAGE, EMPHASIS WILL BE PLACED ON IMPROVEMENT OF THE STRATEGIC FREIGHT TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE AND EXAMINATION OF TRANSPORT DEMAND MANAGEMENT.
’’THE LONG TERM MEASURES INCLUDE PROVISION OF A PORT RAIL LINE BY 2001 AND INVESTIGATION OF USE-RELATED CHARGING FOR ALL TRAFFIC,” HE ADDED.
THE FREIGHT TRADE WILL BE CONSULTED ON THE STUDY FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FROM NOW UNTIL NOVEMBER.
”IN THE LIGHT OF THE STUDY FINDINGS AND COMMENTS RECEIVED FROM THE CONSULTATION, THE GOVERNMENT WILL FORMULATE A FREIGHT TRANSPORT STRATEGY IN EARLY 1995 FOR IMPLEMENTATION,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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PROPERTY ANALYSTS GIVEN BACKGROUND BRIEFING * * » * »
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, TODAY (FRIDAY) CONFIRMED THAT A BACKGROUND BRIEFING FOR PROPERTY ANALYSTS HAD BEEN GIVEN ON THE DAY OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE GOVERNMENT’S PACKAGE ON MEASURES OF LAND SUPPLY AND PROPERTY PRICE.
HE EMPHASISED THAT THE BRIEFING WAS TO PROVIDE BACKGROUND AGAINST WHICH THE GOVERNMENT HAD TAKEN ITS DECISIONS SO THAT ANALYSTS WOULD BETTER UNDERSTAND THE RATIONALE BEHIND THEM. THE DETAILS OF THE PACKAGE WERE NOT GIVEN OUT.
”WE ARE PREPARED TO GIVE BRIEFINGS TO OTHER ANALYSTS WHO MAY BE INTERESTED IN THE SUBJECT," MR EASON SAID.
WHITEHEAD INQUIRY REPORT SUBMITTED TO GOVERNOR
*****
TWO JUSTICES OF THE PEACE, MR ANDREW LI AND PROFESSOR DAVID TODD, TODAY (FRIDAY) SUBMITTED THEIR REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR ON THE INQUIRY INTO THE EVENTS SURROUNDING THE REMOVAL OF SOME 1,500 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS FROM THE WHITEHEAD DETENTION CENTRE TO THE HIGH ISLAND CENTRE ON APRIL 7.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE REPORT WOULD BE PRINTED IMMEDIATELY AND PUBLISHED IN FULL NEXT WEDNESDAY (JUNE 15).
THE GOVERNMENT IS NOW STUDYING THE REPORT AND WILL RESPOND TO THE FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS AT THE TIME OF PUBLICATION, HE ADDED.
CHINESE AND VIETNAMESE TRANSLATIONS OF THE FULL REPORT ARE BEING PREPARED, AND WILL BE PUBLISHED AS SOON AS THEY ARE READY.
"A GREAT DEAL OF HARD WORK HAS GONE INTO THE PRODUCTION OF THE REPORT. WE ARE VERY GRATEFUL TO MR LI AND PROF TODD FOR COMPLETING THIS DIFFICULT TASK WITHIN SUCH A SHORT TIME,” THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
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/3......
FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 1994
- 3 -
WHITEHEAD REPORT TO BE PUBLISHED NEXT WEDNESDAY *****
THE TWO JUSTICES OF THE PEACE CONDUCTING THE INQUIRY INTO THE EVENTS SURROUNDING THE REMOVAL OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS FROM THE WHITEHEAD DETENTION CENTRE ON APRIL 7 THIS YEAR, MR ANDREW LI AND PROF DAVID TODD, SAW THE GOVERNOR THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON AND SUBMITTED THEIR REPORT.
THE INQUIRY HAS BEEN AN ARDUOUS EXERCISE AND THEY ARE PLEASED TO HAVE BEEN ABLE TO SUBMIT THEIR REPORT BY THE DEADLINE.
THEY NOTED THAT THE REPORT WOULD BE STUDIED BY THE GOVERNMENT, AND WOULD BE PUBLISHED NEXT WEDNESDAY.
IN THE COURSE OF THE INQUIRY THEY HAVE INTERVIEWED, AMONGST OTHERS, A TOTAL OF 265 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS AND 91 OFFICIALS. THE REPORT IS QUITE LENGTHY.
THE TWO JUSTICES OF THE PEACE CONFIRMED THAT NO ONE HAD BEEN GIVEN A PREVIEW OF THE REPORT PRIOR TO ITS BEING HANDED PERSONALLY TO THE GOVERNOR THIS AFTERNOON.
------0--------
POLL REVEALS SUPPORT FOR GOVERNMENT *****
A RECENT BI-MONTHLY SURVEY HAS REVEALED THAT 49 PER CENT OF THE RESPONDENTS WERE SATISFIED WITH THE OVERALL PERFORMANCE OF THE GOVERNMENT, SLIGHTLY HIGHER THAN THE 48 PER CENT RECORDED IN THE MARCH SURVEY.
AMONG THEM, 13 PER CENT EXPRESSED SATISFACTION WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S WORK IN MAINTAINING PUBLIC ORDER, COMAPRED WITH NINE PER CENT IN THE LAST POLL.
RELEASING THE FINDINGS OF ITS REGULAR TELEPHONE OPINION POLL WHICH WAS CONDUCTED IN MAY, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HOME AFFAIRS BRANCH SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) 37 PER CENT OF THOSE WHO MENTIONED "CRIME-RELATED PROBLEMS" SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD HANDLED IT WELL WHILE 89 PER CENT SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD EXERTED EFFORT IN SOLVING THE PROBLEMS.
THE CORRESPONDING FIGURES IN THE PREVIOUS SURVEY WERE 23 PER CENT AND 82 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
OF THE THREE MOST-MENTIONED PROBLEMS FACING THE TERRITORY, "HOUSING-RELATED PROBLEMS" AND "HONG KONG FUTURE" CONTINUED TO BE THE TOP TWO ON THE LIST.
THE PERCENTAGES ROSE FROM 43 PER CENT AND 35 PER CENT TO 54 PER CENT AND 39 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
"TRANSPORT-RELATED PROBLEMS" (26 PER CENT), WHICH RANKED THE THIRD, WAS ABOUT THE SAME AS THE 25 PER CENT RECORDED IN THE PREVIOUS SURVEY.
/THE PERCENTAGE .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 1994
4
THE PERCENTAGE OF RESPONDENTS WHO SAID THEY FELT WORKING ATTITUDES OF CIVIL SERVANTS WERE GOOD REMAINED THE SAME AT 56 PER CENT AS COMPARED TO THE LAST SURVEY.
THE SURVEY WAS THE 52ND 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 2,691 HOUSEHOLDS WERE SUCCESSFULLY CONTACTED IN THIS SURVEY WHICH WAS CONDUCTED BETWEEN MAY 16 AND 20.
WITHIN THE HOUSEHOLD OF A SELECTED TELEPHONE NUMBER, A RESPONDENT AGED BETWEEN 15 AND 64 WAS RANDOMLY CHOSEN FOR INTERVIEW.
---------0---------
TOWN PLANNING BOARD APPRECIATES RESIDENTS’ CONCERN *****
A GROUP OF SOME 50 RESIDENTS FROM HONG NGA COURT, HONG PAK COURT AND KONG TIN ESTATE IN LAM TIN SUBMITTED 1,157 LETTERS TO THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING, PROTESTING AGAINST HOUSING DEPARTMENT’S PROPOSAL TO BUILD A HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME BLOCK ON A SITE EARMARKED FOR A SECONDARY SCHOOL NEAR HONG PAK COURT.
"MEMBERS OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD FULLY APPRECIATE THE RESIDENTS’ CONCERN ON HOUSING DEPARTMENT’S PROPOSAL," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE SUBJECT SITE HAD BEEN ZONED "RESIDENTIAL (GROUP A)" ON THE DRAFT CHA KWO LING, YAU TONG AND LEI YUE MUN OUTLINE ZONING PLAN (NO. S/K15/7).
UNDER THE NOTES ATTACHED TO THE PLAN, BOTH SCHOOL AND FLAT USES ARE ALWAYS PERMITTED.
"THIS ZONING WILL ALLOW FLEXIBILITY FOR THE SITE TO BE DEVELOPED FOR HOUSING AND OTHER ANCILLARY COMMUNITY FACILITIES BY THE ADMINISTRATION. IF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT’S PROPOSAL IS TO PROCEED, NO PRIOR PLANNING PERMISSION FROM THE BOARD WILL BE REQUIRED," HE ADDED.
ON THE NEED FOR A SECONDARY SCHOOL IN THIS LOCALITY, HE POINTED OUT THAT THIS WOULD BE A MATTER FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
HOWEVER, IN VIEW OF THE RESIDENTS’ CONCERN, THE BOARD HAS REFERRED THEIR LETTERS TO THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT FOR CONSIDERATION.
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/5 .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 1994
5
HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS FOR APRIL *****
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) RELEASED DETAILED STATISTICS ON EXTERNAL TRADE WITH BREAKDOWN BY COUNTRY/TERRITORY AND COMMODITY FOR APRIL 1994.
THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS IN APRIL 1994, AT $74.8 BILLION, SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 11% OVER APRIL 1993.
AMONGST THIS, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO JAPAN, THE UNITED STATES, CHINA, THE UNITED KINGDOM, SINGAPORE, THE NETHERLANDS, GERMANY AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA INCREASED BY 36%, 12%, 11%, 9.6%, 7.6%,
7.2%, 1.4% AND 0.4% RESPECTIVELY.
NEVERTHELESS, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO FRANCE AND TAIWAN DECREASED BY 5.1% AND 1.7% RESPECTIVELY.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAIN DESTINATIONS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS IN THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF 1994 WAS $272.1 BILLION, 13% HIGHER THAN THAT IN THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993.
COMPARING THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF 1994 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO JAPAN (+25%), THE UNITED KINGDOM (+21%), CHINA (+17%), THE UNITED STATES (+14%), THE NETHERLANDS (+13%), THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+10%), SINGAPORE (+7.8%) AND GERMANY (+6.4%).
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO TAIWAN AND FRANCE DECREASED MODERATELY BY 4.2% AND 0.6% RESPECTIVELY.
TABLE 2 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS OF THE 10
PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
COMPARING THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF 1994 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS OF ALL PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
MORE NOTABLE INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $8.0 BILLION OR 41%); ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $3.2 BILLION OR 16%); FOOTWEAR (BY $2.0 BILLION OR 14%); TEXTILES (BY $1.9 BILLION OR 9.0%); OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES (BY $1.8 BILLION OR 21%) AND MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES CONSISTING MAINLY OF BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $1.5 BILLION OR 5.2%).
THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN APRIL 1994, AT $16.6 BILLION, DECREASED BY 6.7% OVER APRIL 1993.
DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CANADA (-18%), GERMANY (-17%), THE UNITED KINGDOM (-13%), CHINA (-10%), THE NETHERLANDS (-8.3%), TAIWAN (-7.3%), JAPAN (-6.2%) AND SINGAPORE (-0.9%).
/HOWEVER, THE ........
FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 1994
6
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO MALAYSIA AND THE UNITED STATES INCREASED BY 7.0% AND 0.2% RESPECTIVELY.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAIN DESTINATIONS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 3.
COMPARING THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF 1994 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO MOST OF THE MAIN DESTINATIONS: CANADA (-18%), GERMANY (-12%), THE UNITED KINGDOM (-11%), CHINA (-11%), JAPAN (-7.7%), THE NETHERLANDS (-7.4%), TAIWAN (-4.8%), THE UNITED STATES (-3.6%) AND MALAYSIA (-0.7%).
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO SINGAPORE INCREASED BY 1.7%.
TAKING ALL DESTINATIONS TOGETHER, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF 1994, AT $61.4 BILLION, DECREASED BY 7.8% OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993. THIS REFLECTED PARTLY THE CONTINUED STRUCTURAL SHIFT TO RE-EXPORTS AND PARTLY THE WEAK DEMAND IN THE OVERSEAS MARKETS.
TABLE 4 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF THE 10 PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
COMPARING THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF 1994 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993, DECREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE REGISTERED FOR OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES (BY $945 MILLION OR 16%); CLOTHING (BY $881 MILLION OR 4.9%); TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $851 MILLION OR 20%); TEXTILES (BY $769 MILLION OR 15%); PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $670 MILLION OR 13%); AND MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES CONSISTING MAINLY OF JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES (BY $208 MILLION OR 3.4%).
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, AN INCREASE IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WAS RECORDED FOR ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $145 MILLION OR 2.0%).
THE VALUE OF IMPORTS IN APRIL 1994, AT $101.9 BILLION, INCREASED BY 8.8% OVER THAT IN APRIL 1993.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM THE 10 MAIN SUPPLIERS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 5.
COMPARING APRIL 1994 WITH APRIL 1993, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM MALAYSIA (+31%), SINGAPORE (+27%), ITALY (+22%), THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+19%), THE UNITED KINGDOM (+15%), CHINA (+11%), TAIWAN (+4.7%) AND JAPAN (+3.2%).
COMPARING THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF 1994 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM ALL OF THE MAIN SUPPLIERS INCREASED: MALAYSIA (+27%), ITALY (+24%), SINGAPORE (+15%), THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+13%), THE UNITED KINGDOM (+13%), CHINA (+12%), TAIWAN (+5.8%), GERMANY (+3.1%), THE UNITED STATES (+2.1%) AND JAPAN (+1.6%).
THE VALUE OF IMPORTS IN THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF 1994, AT $357.8 BILLION, INCREASED BY 9.5% OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993.
/TABLE 6 .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 1994
TABLE 6 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS OF THE
10
PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
COMPARING THE FIRST FOUR 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 $9.1 BILLION OR 36%); ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARIS THEREOF (BY $1.6 BILLION OR 14%); TEXTILES (BY $3.5 BILLION OR 11%); NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES (BY $2.3 BILLION OR 23%); FOOTWEAR (BY $1.9 BILLION OR 15%); OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES (BY $1.5 BILLION OR 13%); AND PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $1.4 BILLION OR 9.4%).
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, A DECREASE IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS WAS RECORDED FOR ROAD VEHICLES (BY $3.8 BILLION OR 21%).
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 ANALYSTS OF THE VOLUME AND PRICE MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE FOR APRIL 1994 WILL BE RELEASED IN EARLY JULY.
DETAILED TRADE STATISTICS
TERRITORY ARE PUBLISHED TN TRADE
ANALYSED BY COMMODITY AND BY COUNTRY/ STATISTICS REPORTS.
THE APRIL 1994 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE" WITH DETAILED ANALYSES ON THE PERFORMANCE OF HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE IN APRIL WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT $86 PER COPY FROM JUNE 22.
THE REPORT CAN BE PURCHASED EITHER AT (I) THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE ON THE GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, OR (II) THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON THE I9TH FLOOR, WANCHA1 TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
ENQUIRIES REGARDING REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION TO THIS REPORT MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, HONG KONG ON TEL 842 8802 AND ENQUIRIES ON TRADE STATISTICS TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL 582 4915.
RE-EXPORTS TO THE TEN MAIN DESTINATIONS
TABLE 1
DESTINATION APR 199 1 (HKD MN.) APR 94 OVER APR 93 (% CHANGE) JAN-APR 1994 (HKD MN.) JAN-APR 94 OVER JAN-APR 93 (% CHANGE)
CHINA 26,579 + 11.0 95,997 + 16.8
UNITED STATES 15,812 + 11.8 54,857 4- 13.9
/JAPAN .......
FRIDAY, JUNE JO, 1994
8
JAPAN 4,516 + 35.8 15,670 + 25. 1
GERMANY 3,101 + 1 . 4 12,751 + 6.4
UNITED KINGDOM 2,012 + 9.6 7,819 + 20.9
TAIWAN 1 ,875 - 1 .7 6,906 4.2
SINGAPORE 1,501 + 7.6 5,802 + 7.8
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 1,372 + 0.4 5,183 + 10.0
NETHERLANDS 1,113 + 7.2 4,175 + 13.1
FRANCE 1,124 — 5.1 4,091 - 0.6
TAB : RE-EXPORTS OF THE TEN PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISION APR 1994 (HKD MN.) APR 94 OVER APR 93 (% CHANGE) JAN-APR 1994 (HKD MN.) JAN-APR 94 OVER JAN-APR 93 (% CHANGE)
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 8,930 + 6.1 30,106 + 5.2
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 7,763 + 38.8 27,265 + 41.3
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 6,404 - 1 .9 26,553 + 4.3
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 6,058 + 8.8 22,975 + 16.0
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 7,150 + 16.5 22,921 + 9.0
FOOTWEAR 4,082 + 8.3 16,291 + 14.3
ROAD VEHICLES 2,513 - 17.7 12,058 + 10.8
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 3,409 + 10.0 11,934 + 13.7
/OFFICE MACHINES .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 1994
9 -
OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES
TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR CONTAINERS
2,755 +22.7
2,570 + 11.0
10,432 +21.3
8,968 + 12.3
TABLE 3 : DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE TEN MAIN DESTINATIONS
DESTINATION APR 1994 (HKD MN.) APR 94 OVER APR 93 (% CHANGE) JAN-APR 1994 (HKD MN.) JAN-APR 94 OVER JAN-APR 93 (% CHANGE)
CHINA 5,224 - 10.3 17,606 - 11.2
UNITE!) STATES 4,155 + 0.2 15,176 - 3.6
SINGAPORE 910 - 0.9 3,667 + 1.7
GERMANY 793 - 17.3 3,429 - 12.1
JAPAN 813 - 6.2 3,078 - 7.7
UNITED KINGDOM 684 - 12.9 2,775 - 11.4
TAIWAN 506 - 7.3 1,884 - 4.8
NETHERLANDS 290 - 8.3 1,305 - 7.4
CANADA 244 - 17.6 1,096 - 17.8
MALAYSIA 256 + 7.0 910 - 0.7
TABLE 4 : DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF THE TEN PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISION APR 1994 (HKD MN.) APR 94 OVER APR 93 (% CHANGE) JAN-APR 1994 (HKD MN.) JAN-APR 94 OVER JAN-APR 93 (% CHANGE)
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 4,171 - 3.5 17,025 - 4.9
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATU.S AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 2,050 + 4.2 7,301 + 2.0
/MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED
FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 1994
10
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS WARES) 1 ,642 — 5.4 5,878 - 3.4
OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES 1,391 - 4 . 7 5,110 - 15.6
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 1 ,337 - 13.0 1,498 - 14.6
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 1,210 — 14.6 4,4 66 - 13.1
TELECOMMUN1CATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 1,023 - 15.2 3,506 - 19.5
MANUFACTURES OF METALS 392 + 0.6 1,414 - 4.0
PLASTICS IN PRIMARY FORMS 323 - 1 .3 1,136 + 0.2
MACHINERY SPECIALISED FOR PARTICULAR INDUSTRIES 272 - 26.8 1,034 -10.1
TABLE 5 : IMPORTS FROM THE TEN MAIN SUPPLIERS
SUPPLIER APR 1994 (HKD MN.) APR 94 OVER APR 9 3 (% CHANGE) JAN-APR 1994 (HKD MN.) JAN-APR 94 OVER JAN-APR 93 (% CHANGE)
CHINA 36,757 + 11.2 130,185 + 12.3
JAPAN 17,162 + 3.2 58,442 + 1.6
TAIWAN 8,771 + 4.7 30,785 + 5.8
UNITED STATES 6,754 - 4.3 25,171 + 2.1
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 5,297 + 19.0 17,285 + 13.4
SINGAPORE 5,002 + 26.9 16,193 + 14.8
GERMANY 2,062 - 5.9 8,295 + 3.1
UNITED KINGDOM 2,044 4- 15.1 7,524 + 13.2
ITALY 1 ,931 + 21 .9 6,444 + 23.7
MALAYSIA 1,758 31.5 6,010 + 26.8
/TABLE 6 : ......
FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 1994
TABLE 6 : IMPORTS OF THE TEN PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISION APR 1994 (HKD MN.) APR 94 OVER APR 9 3 (% CHANGE) .JAN-APR JAN-APR 94 1994 OVER J AN-APR 9 3 (HKD MN.) (% CHANGE)
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 10,476 + 10.1 38,453 + 13. 5
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 11,319 + 19.2 34,772 + 1 1 . 1
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND. SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT • 9,87 5 + • 39. 1 • 34,348 + 36. 0
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 7,120 + 2.9 26,850 + 5 . 2
M1SCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 6,859 + 3.2 23,621 4- 6 . 0
PHOTOGRAPH IC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 4,253 + 0.5 15,999 + 9. 4
ROAD VEHICLES 4,108 - 28.3 14,804 20. 5
FOOTWEAR 3,716 + 6.4 14,484 + 14. 7
OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES 3,69 1 24.0 • 12,825 + 13. 2
NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES 3,34 1 10.9 12,678 + 22 . 7
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/12 .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 1994
- 12 -
THE GOVERNOR AND MRS PATTEN VISIT BRADBURY HOSPICE * * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, AND MRS PATTEN WERE IMPRESSED BY THE QUALITY OB' HOSPICE CARE PROVIDED FOR PATIENTS SUFFERING FROM TERMINAL CANCER DURING THEIR VISIT TO BRADBURY HOSPICE IN SHA TIN TODAY (FRIDAY).
DURING THE VISIT, THE GOVERNOR ALSO AWARDED CERTIFICATES TO 32 NURSES WHO ATTENDED THE CERTIFICATE COURSES IN HOSPICE NURSING RUN BY BRADBURY HOSPICE WITH ASSISTANCE FROM EXPERTS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
NINE VOLUNTEER WORKERS ALSO RECEIVED AWARDS FROM MRS PATTEN FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO HOSPICE CARE.
THE GOVERNOR AND MRS PATTEN WERE RECEIVED BY THE PRESIDENT OF BRADBURY HOSPICE, MRS CAROLINE COURTAULD, AND ITS CHAIRMAN MR DOMINIC S W WONG.
BRADBURY HOSPICE IS OPERATED BY THE SOCIETY F(R THE PROMOTION OF HOSPICE CARE, WHICH IS A NON-PROFIT-MAKING CHARITABLE ORGAN 1SAT I ON PROVIDING -IN-PATIENT SERVICE, DAY CARE AND HOME CARE FOR THE TERMINALLY ILL, AND BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES TO THEIR FAMILIES.
------0-------
QUALITY EDUCATION NEEDS JOINT EFFORT
*****
DEDICATED AND ENTHUSIASTIC SCHOOL HEADS, TEACHERS, ACADEMICS AS WELL AS GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS ARE KEY PLAYERS IN EDUCATION REFORMS, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
MR LEUNG SAID APART FROM PROVIDING ENOUGH SCHOOL PLACES AND EXPANDING TERTIARY LEVEL PLACES, THE GOVERNMENT ALSO AIMED TO IMPROVE SUBSTANTIALLY THE QUALITY OF SCHOOL EDUCATION.
HOWEVER, HE SAID QUALITY EDUCATION COULD NOT BE ACHIEVED BY THE GOVERNMENT ALONE.
’’EXPANSION IN EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES AND THE STRIVE FOR QUALITY EDUCATION PRESENT GREAT CHALLENGES TO TEACHERS, SCHOOLS, HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTES, PROFESSIONAL BODIES AND SUPPORT SERVICES,” HE SAID.
HE PRAISED THEM FOR DEVOTING MUCH OB* THEIR TIME AND ENERGY IN GIVING THE GOVERNMENT INVALUABLE ADVICE ON EDUCATION POLICIES AND PRACTICES IN MANAGING SCHOOLS AND SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO NEED THEIR ADVICE AND COMMITMENT TO HELP PREPARE LOCAL YOUNG PEOPLE FOR THEIR FUTURE CAREER.
MR LEUNG WAS SPEAKING AT THE CONFERENCE ON "SCHOOL EFFECTIVENESS AND SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT: INTERNATIONAL AND LOCAL PERSPECTIVES” ORGANISED BY THE TOWARDS A BETTER SCHOOL (TABS) MOVEMENT PREPARATORY COMMITTEE.
/THE COMMITTEE .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 1994
- 13 -
THE COMMITTEE WAS SET UP RY A GROUP OF EDUCATION PIONEERS IN 1992.
IN THE PAST TWO YEARS, IT HAS ALREADY AROUSED A SPIRIT OF COLLABORATION AND HAS PROVIDED VENUES FOR SHARING VALUABLE EXPERIENCES AND DISSEMINATING GOOD PRACTICES AMONG TEACHERS OF MEMBER SCHOOLS.
THE COMMITTEE’S INITIAL FOCUS WAS ON GUIDANCE WORK FOR STUDENTS BUT ITS SCOPE OF WORK HAS SINCE BEEN BROADENED TO COVER FOUR MAIN AREAS, NAMELY WHOLE-SCHOOL APPROACH TO GUIDANCE, TEACHING AND LEARNING IN SCHOOLS, SCHOOL MANAGEMENT AND STAFF DEVELOPMENT.
MR LEUNG SAID THE TABS MOVEMENT AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT'S SCHOOL MANAGEMENT INITIATIVES (SMI) SCHEME SHOULD REINFORCE EACH OTHER IN PROMOTING QUALITY EDUCATION.
HE POINTED OUT THAT A HEALTHY AND STRUCTURALLY SOUND MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK AND A FAVOURABLE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS WERE ESSENTIAL FOR INDIVIDUAL SCHOOLS TO SUSTAIN GOOD PRACTICES AND SUCCESS.
"THE KEY ELEMENTS INCLUDE A CLEAR MISSION AND GOAL FOR THE SCHOOL, FORWARD PLANNING AND EFFECTIVE EVALUATION, MORE OPEN DECISIONMAKING PROCESS AT ALL LEVELS, AND WIDER PARTICIPATION BY PARENTS, TEACHERS AND PUPILS IN SCHOOL AFFAIRS," HE SAID.
HE NOTED THAT THE SMI ALSO PROVIDED A FRAMEWORK CATERING FOR THESE KEY AREAS THAT ARE CONDUCIVE TO THE OPERATION OF EFFECTIVE SCHOOLS.
"I HOPE THIS VIEW WILL BE SHARED BY MORE SCHOOL MANAGERS, HEADS AND TEACHERS AND THAT MORE SCHOOLS WILL JOIN THE SMI SCHEME," MR LEUNG SAID.
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BA CONSIDERS COMPLAINTS ABOUT TV PROGRAMMES * * * * *
THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY (BA) MET YESTERDAY (THURSDAY) AND CONSIDERED SOME COMPLAINTS ABOUT TELEVISION PROGRAMMES.
THE BA FOUND THAT BOTH ATV AND TVB HAD FAILED TO COMPLY WITH THE MINIMUM PROGRAMME SEGMENT REQUIREMENT, WHICH STIPULATES THAT ORDINARILY PROGRAMME SEGMENTS SHOULD NOT BE SHORTER THAN 10 MINUTES.
ATV WORLD HAD BROADCAST A PROGRAMME SEGMENT OF THE PROGRAMME "HUNTER" THAT FELL SHORT OF THE MINIMUM DURATION BY NEARLY FOUR-AND-A-HALF MINUTES, AND TVB JADE HAD BROADCAST THREE SEGMENTS OF THE PROGRAMME "BRIGHT LIGHT, RIG CITY" WHICH WERE SHORTER THAN 10 MINUTES.
THE BA SAID THE MINIMUM PROGRAMME SEGMENT REQUIREMENTS WERE IMPOSED TO PREVENT VIEWERS FROM BEING BOMBARDED WITH TOO FREQUENT ADVERTISEMENTS AND OTHER NON-PROGRAMME MATERIAL, AND INSTRUCTED THE LICENSEES TO PAY MORE ATTENTION TO THE RESTRICTIONS.
/THE BA.........
FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 1994
- 14 -
THE BA, IN ADDITION, FOUND THAT IN THE SAME PROGRAMME ATV HAD INSERTED SOME ADVERTISING AT A POINT IN THE PROGRAMME WHERE THERE WAS NOT A NATURAL BREAK, WHICH WAS CONTRARY TO THE TELEVISION (ADVERTISING) REGULATIONS, AND IN RESPECT OF THIS THE BA ALSO INSTRUCTED ATV TO PAY MORE ATTENTION TO THE REGULATIONS.
BA MEMBERS ALSO HOPED THAT MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WOULD EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON LOCAL COMMERCIAL TV BROADCASTING AT THE TWO FUTURE PUBLIC HEARINGS WHICH THE BA WILL BE HOLDING IN THE HONG KONG SCIENCE MUSEUM, TSIM SHA TSUI AT 6.30 PM ON JUNE 16 AND IN SHA TIN TOWN HALL AT 6.30 PM ON JUNE 22.
------0--------
PHASING OUT OF TEXTILES AND CLOTHING QUANTITATIVE RESTRICTIONS * * t * ♦
THE TRADE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT QUANTITATIVE RESTRICTIONS ON TEXTILES AND CLOTHING PRODUCTS WOULD BE PHASED OUT GRADUALLY OVER AtlO-YEAR PERIOD IN CONNECTION WITH THE CONCLUSION OF THE URUGUAY ROUND . AGREEMENT ON TEXTILES AND CLOTHING.
’’IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AGREEMENT, WHICH IS DEPENDENT ON THE COMMENCEMENT DATE OF THE NEW WORLD TRADE ORGAN I SATI ON, IS LIKELY TO START ON JANUARY I, 1995 OR SHORTLY THEREAFTER,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
’’THIS APPLIES TO QUANTITATIVE RESTRICTIONS WHICH ARE CURRENTLY IN FORCE ON HONG KONG’S TEXTILES AND (’LOTH I NG EXPORTS TO THE UNITED STATES, CANADA, EUROPEAN UNION, AUSTRIA, FINLAND AND NORWAY.”
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE AGREEMENT PROVIDED THAT EACH MEMBER MAINTAINING QUANTITATIVE RESTRICTIONS ON TEXTILES AND CLOTHING IMPORTS, THAT IS, THE IMPORTING COUNTRIES, MUST PHASE OUT SUCH RESTRICTIONS OVER A 10-YEAR PERIOD.
"THE PHASING-OUT WILL TAKE PLACE IN THREE STAGES - BY NOT LESS THAN 16 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL VOLUME OF 1990 IMPORTS OF TEXTILES AND CLOTHING PRODUCTS ON THE DATE OF' IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AGREEMENT, BY ANOTHER 17 PER CENT AFTER THREE YEARS, AND BY 18 PER CENT AFTER A FURTHER FOUR YEARS,” HE SAID.
’’TEN YEARS AFTER THE START DATE OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AGREEMENT, ALL REMAINING QUANTITATIVE RESTRICTIONS ON TEXTILES AND CLOTHING IMPORTS WILL BE REMOVED.”
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE EXACT CLASSIFICATION COVERAGE OF TEXTILES AND CLOTHING PRODUCTS TO BE PHASED OUT DURING THE 10-YEAR TRANSITIONAL PERIOD HAD YET TO BE DETERMINED BY THE IMPORTING COUNTRIES.
THE TRADE WILL BE NOTIFIED THROUGH NOTICES TO EXPORTERS AS SOON AS THE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE, HE ADDED.
HE SAID THERE MIGHT BE IMPLICATIONS FOR QUOTA, SUCH AS DISCOUNTING PERFORMANCE FOR THE PURPOSE OF FUTURE QUOTA ALLOCATION, IN THE EVENT THAT A PRODUCT WAS DERESTRAI NED.
/"IN SUCH .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 1994
- 15 -
"IN SUCH AN EVENT, THE DEPARTMENT WILL, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD, DETERMINE APPROPRIATE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE TEXTILES EXPORT CONTROL SCHEME TO TIE IN WITH THE PHASE-OUT,” HE SAID.
’’DETAILS WILL BE PROMULGATED TO THE TRADE THROUGH NOTICES TO EXPORTERS TO BE ISSUED IN DUE COURSE.”
---------0 - -
MARINE SAFETY ADVICE TN DRAGON BOAT RACES ♦ * ♦ * *
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MARINE DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) ADVISED VESSELS TO PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO MARINE SAFETY DURING DRAGON BOAT RACES IN THE COMING TWO WEEKS.
THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT DRAGON BOAT RACES WILL TAKE PLACE OFF THE WESTERN DISTRICT WATERFRONT BETWEEN THE CHINA MERCHANT WHARF AND THE GREEN ISLAND CEMENT PIER. FROM 11.30 AM TO 4.30 PM ON SUNDAY (JUNE 12) .
’’ALL VESSELS NAVIGATING IN THE VICINITY SHOULD PROCEED WITH CAUTION, GIVING CONSIDERATION TO THE CONTESTANTS,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE HONG KONG DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL RACES 1994 WILL BE HELD OFF THE EAST TSIM SHA TSUI WATERFRONT BETWEEN THE HUNG HOM RAILWAY PIER AND NEW WORLD CENTRE FROM NOON TO 7 PM ON JUNE 18 AND FROM 8 AM TO 5 PM ON JUNE 19.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT MOORING BUOYS MARKING THE SOUTHERN LIMIT OF THE RACE AREA HAD BEEN LAID ABOUT 325 METRES SOUTH OF THE SEAWALL OF THE WATERFRONT AND THEY WOULD REMAIN UNTIL APPROXIMATELY JUNE 24.
BETWEEN JUNE 17 AND 19, LIGHTERS, FERRIES AND LAUNCHES WILL BE FASTENED TO THE BUOYS AND ENCLOSE THE RACE AREA.
’’EXCEPT CRAFT PARTICIPATING IN THE RACES, ALL VESSELS WILL BE FORBIDDEN TO ENTER THE RACE AREA,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
DRAGON BOATS MIGHT PRACTISE WITHIN THE AREA DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS UNTIL JUNE 18, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
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/16 ........
FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 1994
16
JAPANESE BANK GETS HK LICENCE * » * * ♦
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE SAN-IN GODO BANK, LTD HAD BEEN GRANTED A BANKING LICENCE TO CONDUCT BUSINESS IN HONG KONG.
ESTABLISHED IN 1941, IT IS A REGIONAL BANK BASED IN MATSUE CITY, THE CAPITAL OF SHIMANE PREFECTURE.
IT IS THE 46TH LARGEST BANK IN JAPAN AND RANKS 225TH IN THE WORLD IN TERMS OF CAPITAL. IT HAS 179 BRANCHES IN JAPAN AND A BRANCH IN NEW YORK.
IN HONG KONG, SAN-IN HAS BEEN OPERATING A REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE SINCE 1990. THE BANK WISHES TO UPGRADE TO A BRANCH TO OFFER A WIDER RANGE OF BANKING SERVICES TO ITS CLIENTS, WHO HAVE BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS IN HONG KONG, CHINA, AND SOUTHEAST ASIAN COUNTRIES.
THE PRINCIPAL BUSINESS OF THE PROPOSED BRANCH INCLUDES DEPOSITTAKING, CORPORATE FINANCE, LOAN SYNDICATION AND SECURITIES INVESTMENTS.
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 SAN-IN IS THE SEVENTH BANKING LICENCE GRANTED THIS YEAR.
THERE ARE NOW 179 ARE INCORPORATED OUTSIDE
LICENSED BANKS IN HONG KONG, OF WHICH 147
THE TERRITORY. OF THESE, 41 ARE FROM JAPAN. --------0-------
GAZETTAL OF DREDGING WORK IN VICTORIA HARBOUR
*****
A NOTICE OF AUTHORISATION WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY) UNDER THE FORESHORE AND SEA-BED (RECLAMATIONS) ORDINANCE TO PROCEED WITH THE AIRPORT RAILWAY IMMERSED TUBE WORKS.
LANDS
THE NOTICE AND A COPY OF THE RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN
BUILDING OFFICE,
DEPARTMENT’S SURVEY
AND MAPPING OFFICE,
GARDEN ROAD, CENTRAL; THE CENTRA!,
THE YAU TS1M
GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING
14TH FLOOR, AND WESTERN
AT THE
MURRAY DISTRICT
DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR
3ft PIER ROAD, CENTRAL AND
AT
BUILDING, 15 MIDDLE ROAD, TSTM SHA TSUI
MIDDLE ROAD CARPARK
THE WORK WILL INVOLVE DREDGING OF A TUNNEL TRENCH, LAYING OF PREFABRICATED TUNNEL UNITS AND BACKFILLING ACROSS THE VICTORIA HARBOUR BETWEEN THE RECLAIMED LAND TO BE FORMED BY CENTRAL RECLAMATION PHASE I AND WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION. IT WILL AFFECT ABOUT 16.7 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEA-BED.
ANY PERSON WHO MAY HAVE AN INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEA-BED AFFECTED BY THE WORKS MAY SEND A WRITTEN CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION TO THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS NO LATER THAN ONE YEAR FROM PUBLICATION OF THE GAZETTE NOTICE.
------0-------
/17........
FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 1994
- 17 -
WAN CHAT OUTLINE ZONING PLAN AMENDED ♦ * * * ♦
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TODAY (ER I DAY) ANNOUNCED AMENDMENTS TO THE WAN CHAI OUTLINE ZONING PLAN.
THE AMENDMENTS WILL ENABLE THE EXPANSION OF THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE (HKCEC). THE EXTENSION WAS APPROVED BY THE GOVERNMENT TN FEBRUARY 1994.
APPROPRIATE LAND USE ZONES, INCLUDING THOSE FOR 'OPEN SPACE’ AND 'OTHER SPECIFIED USES’ AND ROADS, ARE DESIGNATED ON THE 'ISLAND RECLAMATION’ FRONTING THE EXISTING HKCEC TO FACILITATE THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE HKCEC EXTENSION, WHICH INCLUDES A PEDESTRIAN WALKWAY WITH ANCILLARY EXHIBITION FACILITIES, A WATERFRONT PROMENADE AND UNDERGROUND PUMPHOUSES, FERRY PIERS, HELICOPTER LANDING PAD AND ROADS.
THE WATER CHANNEL BETWEEN THE 'ISLAND RECLAMATION’ AND WAN CHAI NORTH IS ZONED 'UNDETERMINED’.
WITHIN THIS ZONE, EXCEPT THOSE PERMITTED USES AS SPECIFIED ON THE NOTES OF THE PLAN, ALL OTHER USES REQUIRE PLANNING PERMISSION FROM THE BOARD.
"THE EXISTING HKCEC ZONED 'UNSPECIFIED USE’ ANNOTATED ’EXHIBITION CENTRE’ IS RE-ANNOTATED TO 'EXHIBITION CENTRE AND COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT’ TO REFLECT THE USES OF THE EXISTING HKCEC,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD SAID.
’’SOME SITES ABUTTING STEPPED STREETS IN SAU WA FONG ARE REZONED FROM ’RESIDENTIAL (GROUP A)’ AND 'RESIDENTIAL (GROUP B)’ TO 'RESIDENTIAL (GROUP C)’ WITH A DEVELOPMENT RESTRICTION OF MAXIMUM PLOT RATIO OF FIVE AND MAXIMUM BUILDING HEIGHT OF 12 STOREYS OR THE PLOT RATIO AND THE HEIGHT OF THE EXISTING BUILDING WHICHEVER ARE THE GREATER," HE ADDED.
A SITE ADJACENT TO THE WAN CHAT POLYCLINIC AT KENNEDY ROAD IS REZONED FROM ’OPEN SPACE’ TO *GOVERNMENT/TNSTTTUTION/COMMUNITY’ TO FACILITATE THE DEVELOPMENT OF A MULTI-SERVICE COMPLEX BY THE HONG KONG HOUSING SOCIETY.
A LANDSCAPED PUBLIC OPEN SPACE WILL BE PROVIDED AT THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE COMPLEX TO REPLACE THE EXISTING OPEN SPACE ON A STEEP SLOPE.
OTHER TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS INCLUDE THE REZONING OF SOME SITES AT HILLSIDE TERRACE, SHIP STREET AND QUEEN’S ROAD EAST FROM ’RESIDENTIAL (GROUP A)’ AND 'RESIDENTIAL (GROUP B)’ TO 'OPEN SPACE’ TO FURTHER IMPROVE THE PROVISION; THE REZONING OF THE EXISTING WAN CHAI SPORTS GROUND FROM ’OPEN SPACE’ TO ’GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTTON/COMMUNTTY’ TO REFLECT THE NATURE OF THE USE; AND THE DELETION OF THE NOTATION OF 'PROPOSED PEDESTRIAN STREETS’ AT LUARD ROAD AND TONNOCHY ROAD.
/THE AMENDMENT .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 1994
- 18 -
THE AMENDMENT PLAN (NO. S/H5/8) IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION UNTIL AUGUST 10 AT:
* PLANNING DEPARTMENT,
16TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG;
» HONG KONG DISTRICT PLANNING OFFI< E, UTH FLOOR, LEIGHTON CENTRE, 77 LEIGHTON ROAD, CAUSEWAY RAY, HONG KONG; AND
* WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, 2 O’BRIEN ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
ANY PERSONS AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENTS MAY SEND WRITTEN OBJECTIONS TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/O PLANNING DEPARTMENT, 1 3TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 10.
COPIES OF THE AMENDMENT PLAN ARE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, LANDS DEPARTMENT, UTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND KOWLOON MAP SALES OFFICE, 382 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
------0--------
FOUR RURAL OUTLINE ZONING PLANS PUBLISHED ♦ ♦ * * ♦
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED THE GAZETTING OF FOUR DRAFT OUTLINE ZONING PLANS (OZPS) FOR THE RURAL AREAS TN LAU PAU SHAN, TSIM BET TSUI, SHEUNG PAK NAI, HA PAK NAI AND HA TSUEN IN NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES AS WELL AS HEBE HAVEN IN SOUTHEAST NEW TERRITORIES.
THESE OZPS REPLACE THE EXISTING DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREA (DPA) PLANS COVERING THE SAME AREAS IN THE RURAL NEW TERRITORIES. THEY INDICATE DEFINITE AND COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE ZONES TO GUIDE AND CONTROL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE AREAS,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD SAID.
’’SIMILAR TO DPA PLANS, UNAUTHOR IS ED DEVELOPMENTS WITHIN THE OZPS ARE SUBJECT TO ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS,” THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THE LAU FAU SHAN AND 'IS IM BE I TSUI OZP COVERS ABOUT 680 HECTARES OF LAND WITH FISH PONDS, FARMLAND, VILLAGES AND TEMPORARY INDUSTRIAL AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT.
A MAIN FEATURE IN THE AREA IS THE PRESENCE OF THREE SITES OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST (SSSIS ) . THEY ARE TSIM BEI TSUI SSSI TSIM BEI TSUI EGRETRY AND THE INNER DEEP BAY SSSI.
/TO PRESERVE .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 1994
19
TO PRESERVE THE LANDSCAPE, ECOLOGICAL VALUE AND SCENIC QUALITY OF THE AREA AND TO SUSTAIN THE NEARBY MAT PO NATURE RESERVE, ABOUT TWO-THIRDS OF THE AREA (413 HECTARES) HAVE BEEN ZONED SSSI AND "CONSERVATION AREA".
ABOUT 83 HECTARES OF LAND HAVE ALSO BEEN ZONED "GREEN BELT" AND "COASTAL PROTECTION AREA" TO GIVE ADDITIONAL PROTECTION TO THE LANDSCAPE FEATURES AND TO PRESERVE THE NATURAL COASTLINE.
TO CATER FOR THE NEED OF RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS, ABOUT EIGHT HECTARES OF LAND TO THE SOUTH OF LAU FAU SHAN ROUNDABOUT AND SHA KONG WAT TSAI HAVE BEEN ZONED "RESIDENTIAL (GROUP C)”.
MOREOVER, SIX HECTARES OF LAND HAVE BEEN ZONED "RESIDENTIAL (GROUP D)" TO ENCOURAGE UPGRADING OF THE EXISTING TEMPORARY DOMESTIC ACCOMMODATIONS.
FIVE HECTARES OF LANI) HAVE ALSO BEEN ZONED "COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL"; AND 53 HECTARES ZONED "VILLAGE TYPE DEVELOPMENT" FOR EXISTING AND FUTURE VILLAGE DEVELOPMENTS.
BESIDES, ABOUT 12 HECTARES • OF LAND HAVE BEEN ZONED "COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT AREA" (CDA) FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AND PHASING OUT OF OPEN STORAGES, CAR REPAIRING WORKSHOPS AND TEMPORARY STRUCTURES.
DEVELOPMENTS IN THIS ZONE ARE RESTRICTED TO A MAXIMUM GROSS FLOOR AREA (GFA) OF 47,000 SQUARE METRES AND A MAXIMUM BUILDING HEIGHT OF THREE STOREYS, INCLUDING CARPORT.
SIMILARLY, AS THE SHEUNG PAK NAI AND HA PAK NAI OZP (NO.S/YL-PN/1) COVERS AN EXTENSIVE UNSPOILED LAND ALONG THE NATURAL DEEP BAY COAST, ABOUT TWO-THIRDS OF THE AREA (112 HECTARES) HAVE BEEN ZONED "GREEN BELT" AND "COASTAL PROTECTION AREA" TO PRESERVE THE NATURAL AND COASTAL FEATURES.
ANOTHER 56 HECTARES OF LAND HAVE BEEN ZONED "AGRICULTURE" TO RETAIN THE GOOD AGRICULTURAL LAND IN THE AREA.
THE HA TSUEN OZP, ON THE OTHER HAND, COVERS AN AREA OCCUPIED BY FARMLAND, FISHPONDS, VILLAGES AS WELL AS OPEN STORAGE AND CAR REPAIRING ACTIVITIES.
IN ORDER TO MEET THE DEMAND FOR OPEN STORAGE USES, A PIECE OF LAND OF ABOUT EIGHT HECTARES TO THE NORTH OF SHEK PO TSUEN HAS BEEN ZONED FOR SUCH PURPOSE.
BESIDES, ABOUT 77 HECTARES OF LAND HAVE BEEN ZONED CDA FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AND PHASING OUT OF OPEN STORAGE AND OTHER INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES.
DEVELOPMENTS ARE RESTRICTED TO A MAXIMUM GFA RANGING FROM 26,000 TO 34,000 SQUARE METRES AND A BUILDING HEIGHT OF THREE STOREYS, 1NCLUDI NG CARPORT.
OTHER RESIDENTIAL LAND USES INCLUDE ABOUT 59 HECTARES OF "RESIDENTIAL (GROUP D)" ZONE TO IMPROVE THE EXISTING TEMPORARY DOMESTIC ACCOMMODATIONS; AND 83 HECTARES OF "VILLAGE TYPE DEVELOPMENT" ZONE FOR EXISTING AND FUTURE VILLAGE DEVELOPMENTS.
/WHILE SHARING .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 1994
- 20 -
WHILE SHARING SIMILAR OBJECTIVES OF THE OTHER THREE OZPS, THE HEBE HAVEN OZP, APART FROM CONSERVING THE NATURAL LANDSCAPE AND WOODLANDS OF HIGH SCENIC VALUE, ALSO AIMS AT PROMOTING MARINE-RELATED RECREATIONAL USES ALONG THE COASTAL FRONT OF HEBE HAVEN.
OF LAND HAVE BEEN ZONED PARKS AND GARDENS, WHICH THE ENVIRONMENT AND UPON APPLICATION TO THE
ON THE PLAN, ABOUT 115 HECTARES ’’CONSERVATION AREA”. ONLY USES SUCH AS WOULD HAVE INSIGNIFICANT IMPACTS ON INFRASTRUCTURE PROVISION, MAY BE PERMITTED
BOARD.
ABOUT 129 HECTARES OF LAND COMPRISING MA ON SHAN COUNTRY PARK AND TSTU HANG SPECIAL AREA HAVE BEEN ZONED ’’COUNTRY PARK”.
TO FA< ILITATE THE DEVELOPMENT OF MARINE-ORIENTED RECREATIONAL FACILITIES, ABOUT 17 HECTARES OF LAND AND WATER BODIES HAVE BEEN ZONED ’’RECREATION”.
THE MARINA COVE HAS BEEN ZONED ’’OTHER SPECIFIED USES” ANNOTATED ’’RESIDENTIAL (UM MARINA DEVELOPMENT”.
BESIDES, ABOUT 24 HECTARES OF LAND HAVE BEEN ZONED "VILLAGE TYPE DEVELOPMENT” FOR EXISTING AND FUTURE VILLAGE DEVELOPMENTS; FOUR HECTARES FOR "RESIDENTIAL (GROUP C)”; AND ONE HECTARE FOR "RESIDENTIAL (GROUP D)".
OTHER LAND USES INCLUDE ABOUT FIVE HECTARES FOR "GOVERNMENT/INSTTTUTTON/COMMUNITY” USE; 21 HECTARES FOR "GREEN BELT", 21 HECTARES FOR "COASTAL PROTECTION AREA” AND FIVE HECTARES FOR ROADS.
THE FOUR OZPS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION UNTIL AUGUST 10 IN THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT, 16TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
THE DRAFT HEBE HAVEN OZP IS ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING OFFICES:
* SAI KUNG AND TSEUNG KWAN O DISTRICT PLANNING OFFICE, SUITE 1209, 12TH FLOOR, CHINACHEM GOLDEN PLAZA, 77 MODY ROAD, KOWLOON; AND
» SAT KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE,
SECOND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 34 CHAN MAN STREET, SAI KUNG, NEW TERRITORIES.
THE OTHER THREE PLANS CAN BE SEEN IN:
» TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG DISTRICT PLANNING OFFICE, 11TH FLOOR, METROPLAZA TOWER 1, 223 HING FONG ROAD, KWAI FONG, NEW TERRITORIES; AND
/* YUEN LONG .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 1994
- 21 -
* YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE,
YUEN LONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING,
269 CASTLE PEAK ROAD,
YUEN LONG, NEW TERRITORIES.
ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE PLANS MAY SUBMIT WRITTEN OBJECTION BEFORE AUGUST 10 TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/O PLANNING DEPARTMENT, 1 3TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING.
COPIES OF THE PLANS ARE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT THE SURVEY ANU MAPPING OFFICE, LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, AND KOWLOON MAP SALES OFFICE, 382 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
------0--------
PUBLIC WORKS ON DISPLAY AT CENTRAL MTR STATION
* * t » *
THE ROVING EXHIBITION ON HONG KONG’S PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME THAT WAS SUCCESSFULLY HELD IN WONG TAI SIN AND QUARRY BAY LAST MONTH WILL CONTINUE AT THE CENTRAL MTR STATION DURING THE FOUR-DAY HOLIDAYS FROM TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
IT WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 11.30 AM TO 8 PM TOMORROW, AND FROM 10 AM TO 8 PM DAILY UNTIL NEXT TUESDAY.
THE EXHIBITION IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE WORKS BRANCH AND THE WORKS GROUP OF DEPARTMENTS TO MARK THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF HONG KONG’S PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WILL BE ABLE TO SEE HOW HONG KONG HAS TRANSFORMED FROM A SMALL FISHING VILLAGE 150 YEARS AGO INTO AN INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND FINANCIAL CENTRE.
SHORT FILMS WILL BE SHOWN ON A FULL-SIZE VIDEO WALL TO ILLUSTRATE HOW PUBLIC MONEY IS SPENT ON BUILDING NEW TOWNS, HOSPITALS, SCHOOLS, PARKS, ROADS AND OTHER INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS TO IMPROVE RESIDENTS’ QUALITY OF LIFE.
A MODEL OF THE DEVELOPMENT Ob THE CENTRAL AND WAN CHAI RECLAMATION WILL BF ON DISPLAY.
THE EXHIBITION WILL ALSO FEATURE DISPLAY PANELS CONTAINING CHARTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS SHOW I NG THE MAIN ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN BY THE WORKS BRANCH, THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS CO-ORDINATION OFFICE, AND SEVEN WORKS DEPARTMENTS - ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT, DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT, TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AND WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT.
/ONE OF .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 1994
- 22 -
ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS IS A SET OF PHOTOGRAPHS THAT SHOW THE CHANGES IN THE SKYLINE AND HONG KONG ISLAND OVER THE PAST 150 YEARS.
FIVE PANORAM 1C-V IEW
OF KOWLOON PENINSULA
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
AN OPENING CEREMONY FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS EXHIBITION WILL BE HELI) AT THE CENTRAL MTR STATION AT 11.30 AM TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE DIRECTOR OF TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT, MR CHOW CHE-KING; WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MRS PEGGY LAM; CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR AMBROSE LAU; ACTING WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS VIVIAN KO; AND CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR HERMAN CHO.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE CEREMONY.
------0------------
SCHOOLS INVITED TO JOIN READING SCHEME
* * ♦ » *
SECONDARY SCHOOLS ARE BEING INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN PHASE V OF THE HONG KONG EXTENSIVE READING SCHEME IN ENGLISH (HKERS) IN SEPTEMBER 1995.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID 30 SCHOOLS WOULD BE SELECTED TO JOIN THE SCHEME.
THE SCHEME IS FIRST INTRODUCED IN SEPTEMBER 1991 IN GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SECONDARY SCHOOLS. IT WOULD BE EXTENDED TO ABOUT 200 SCHOOLS IN SEVEN YEARS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID: "THE SCHEME IS WELL RECEIVED BY BOTH TEACHERS AND STUDENTS AND SO EAR 109 SCHOOLS HAVE TAKEN PART IN PHASE I TO IV.
"THE SCHEME IS A CURRICULUM PROJECT FOR JUNIOR SECONDARY STUDENTS INITIATED AND DEVELOPED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION."
HE SAID THE SCHEME WAS AIMED \T HELPING STUDENTS IN SECONDARY 1 TO 3 DEVELOP A GOOD READING HABIT IN ENGLISH AND IMPROVE THEIR ENGLISH PROFICIENCY THROUGH READING GOOD ENGLISH BOOKS.
"A WELL ORGANISED READING PROGRAMME WILL EVENTUALLY HELP To IMPROVE STUDENTS’ WRITING ABfLTTV HABITS AND OTHER SKILLS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A COMPLETE RESOURCE PACKAGE INCLUDING ONE SET OF 400 BOOKS GRADED INTO EIGHT DIFFERENT LEVELS AND ONE SET Ob 120 READING CARDS AT TWO DIFFERENT LEVELS FOR THE WEAKER STUDENTS.
/’’SPECIALIST SUPPORT.........
FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 1994
- 23 -
"SPECIALIST SUPPORT INCLUDING SEMINARS AND INDUCTION COURSES WILL ALSO BE OFFERED TO TEACHERS BEFORE IMPLEMENTING THE SCHEME," HE SAID.
SCHOOLS INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING IN PHASE V OF THE HKERS ARE REQUESTED TO SEND THEIR APPLICATION TO THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION AT 2 HOSPITAL ROAD, ON OR BEFORE JUNE 24, 1994. THE
RELEVANT FORMS HAVE ALREADY BEEN SENT TO RELEVANT SCHOOL HEADS.
ENQUIRIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION ON 803 2437.
------0--------
TENDERS INVITED FOR TAI PO SALT WATER PUMPING STATION
*****
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SALT WATER PUMPING STATION AT DAI HEI STREET, TAI PO.
WORKS INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PUMPING STATION AND A TRANSFORMER COMPOUND AS WELL AS WATERMAINS LAYING.
IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT WORKS WILL BEGIN IN SEPTEMBER FOR COMPLETION BY THE END OF NEXT YEAR.
FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT, 44TH FLOOR, IMMIGRATION TOWER, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
TENDER OFFERS WILL CLOSE AT NOON ON JULY 1, 1994.
------0--------
FIGHT CRIME STARS FOR SAI KUNG *****
TWO PROMINENT ARTISTES, MISS CHAN SAU-MAN AND MR NG KONG, WERE TODAY (FRIDAY) APPOINTED THIS YEAR’S "FIGHT CRIME TWIN STARS" BY THE 1994/95 SAI KUNG DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE.
SPEAKING AT A CERTIFICATE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY ORGANISED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, THE TWO ARTISTES VOWED TO BEAT CRIME AND APPEALED RESIDENTS TO REPORT CRIME.
THEY ALSO ENCOURAGED RESIDENTS TO POOL THEIR RESOURCES WITH THE POLICE IN BEATING CRIME, MAINTAINING LAW AND ORDER AND ENHANCE A PEACEFUL LIVING ENVIRONMENT.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WERE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MR CHEUNG CHUN-HOI; THE ACTING DISTRICT OFFICER, MR EDDIE CHEUNG; THE DISTRICT COMMANDER OF WONG TAI SIN, MR MIKE DOWIE; AND THE ACTING DISTRICT COMMANDER OF KWUN TONG, MR STUART WRINGE.
------0-------
/24 .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 1994
- 24 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS » * * * t
CUMULATIVE
TIME CHANGE
$ MILLION (HOURS) ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,137 09 30 -1 ,345
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,980 1000 -J,345
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1 100 -1,090
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -1,090 1200 -1,090
LAF TODAY + 933 1500 -1,090
1600 -1,090
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TW1 124.7 »-0.1* 10.6.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.59 18 MONTHS 251 I 4.15 98.02 5.67
1 MONTH 3.80 24 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100.58 6.12
3 MONTHS 4.11 29 MONTHS 3610 4.20 95.30 6.46
6 MONTHS 4.53 32 MONTHS 3 701 4.60 95.48 6.60
12 MONTHS 5.10 35 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98.80 6.72
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 41,519 MN
CLOSED 10 JUNE 1994
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUPPLEMENT
FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 1994
EMBARGOED NEWS ITEM:
NOTE TO EDITORS OF THE FOLLOWING ANNOUNCEMENT ON THE QUEEN’S NEWSPAPERS, NEWS AGENCIES BIRTHDAY HONOURS LIST WILL BE MADE IN AND BROADCASTING STATIONS: LONDON AT 0001 HOUR GMT ON SATURDAY, JUNE -------------------------- 11.
PUBLICATION IS PERMITTED IN HONG KONG NEWSPAPERS TOMORROW (SATURDAY, JUNE 11), BUT NO NEWS AGENCY OR OVERSEAS RADIO TRANSMISSION OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT MAY CARRY THE INFORMATION WITHOUT THE EMBARGO QUALIFICATION.
THE NEWS MAY BE BROADCAST FROM 6 AM ONWARDS TOMORROW (SATURDAY, JUNE 11) OVER THE LOCAL RADIO AND TELEVISION STATIONS.
BIRTHDAY HONOURS 1994
CBE (COMMANDER OF THE MOST EXCELLENT ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE)
DR THE HON RAYMOND CH’IEN KUO-FUNG, JP
MR MICHAEL SUEN MING-YEUNG, JP
MRS ELIZABETH WONG CHIEN CHI-LIEN, ISO, JP
THE HON ROSANNA WONG YICK-MING, OBE, JP
/OBE........
2
OBE (OFFICER OF THE MOST EXCELLENT ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE)
PROFESSOR CHANG SHU-TING
MR CHOW CHE-KT NG, JP
MR JOHN GERALD GREENWOOD
DR JAMES 7. M KUNG, MBE
MR CHARLES LEE YEH-KWONG, JP
PROFESSOR LEUNG WAI-SUN, JP
MRS ELEANOR LING CHING-MAN, JP
MR PAUL WONG KAM-CHIU, JP
MR JOHN YEUNG HIN-CHUNG, JP
DR YEUNG POON YEUK-FOO
MBF (MEMBER OF THE MOST EXCELLENT ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE)
MRS AILEEN BRIDGEWATER
MR CHAN KWOK-WAI, JP
MR THOMAS CHAN SIU-KAM, JP
MR CHAN VAN-LEUNG
MR CHEUNG YIU-KWAN
MR CHUNG CH I-HANG
MISS MARY FUNG SHIU-KAI
MR DAVID ARTHUR GILKES, JP
DR ERIK KVAN
MR LAM SIU-TIN
MRS CECILIA LEE YIP WAT-KAY
MR LEUNG CHEUK-MLNG
MR HERBERT LIANG HIN-YING
MR DAVID LUNG PING-YEE
MR MA CHI-KEL'NG
9
/MR NG BUN-HUNG ..,
3
MR NG BUN-HUNG
MR TAM TAK-KWONG
MR TSANG CHIU-NING
MR WONG YU-KWAN
MADAM YEUNG KAM-CHUN
MRS JULIA YEUNG LI Y1CK-HO
MR JEROME YEUNG YIU-TIN, JP
MR PAUL YU SH1U-TTN, JP
MR YU TAI
MBE (MILITARY)
MAJOR MICHAEL LEUNG CHI-PING
QPM (THE QUEEN’S POLICE MEDAL FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE)
MR DAVID DEPTFORD, CPM
MR DOUGLAS LAU YUK-KUEN, CPM
MR BASIL FRANCIS LIM SAK-YEUNG
MR BENNY NG CHING-KWOK, MBE, <’PM
QFSM (QUEEN’S FIRE SERVICE MEDAL FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE)
MR PAUL CHAN HOI, CPM
CPM (COLONIAL POLICE MEDAL FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE)
MR JOHN EDWARD BURTON
MR CHAN KWOK-KAN
MR CHEUNG CHIU-WAI
MR CHIANG KWOK-KEUNG
MR KEDITH CHOW KENG-KAN
/MR MARTIN ....
4
MR MART TN SWINNERTON COWLEY
MR MICHAEL HAROLD FRANC’IS
MR HO KING-SAN
MR KWOK JING-KEUNG
MR KWOK YIU-WAI
MR LAM YIM-FAT
MR LAU YUI-KI
MR LEE MING-KWAI
MR LEUNG SUM
MR LO SIK-LUN
MR NEIL EDWARD HARRELL MCCABE
MR JOHN NG SHEUNG-LOK
MR NORMAN ALEXANDER RAE
MR SIN KING-KI
MR IAN JAMES STENTON
MR TSANG LO1-FUK
MR WONG TIM-FAT
MR WU KWONG-CHEUNG
BADGE OF HONOUR
MR CHAN KING-LUN
MR CHAN SHAN-HO
MR CHAN TAK-HANG
MR CHAN TUNG
MR CHEUNG FOR-TAJ
MR BENNY CHIA CHUN-HENG
MR CHIU WAI-SHING
MR FUNG YAN-YEE
/MR STEPHEN HO
5
MR STEPHEN HO EE I-CHF
MR KONG TZK-WING
MISS HILDA KWAN WEI-YIN
MR KWONG KAM-SHING
MISS LEE LAJ-SHAN
MR LIU CHEUNG-HIN
MR LO MAN-TUEN
MR MO CHI-SING
MR TANG Kl-TAT
MR TSUI CHEUNG-LING
MR YAU CHUNG-WAN
MADAM CECILIA YEUNG LAI-YIN
OTHER HONG KONG RESIDENTS HONOURED ON THE UK DIPLOMATIC AND OVERSEAS LIST
OBE
MR .JAMES CHIU
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES ON RECIPIENTS
CBR
DR THE HON RAYMOND CH’IEN KUO-FUNG, JP
DR CHIEN WAS APPOINTED TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IN 1992. HE HAS BEEN ACTIVE IN PUBLIC SERVICE FOR MANY YEARS, PARTICULARLY IN THE TRADE AND INDUSTRY FIELD. AMONG HIS MANY PUBLIC APPOINTMENTS, HE IS CHAIRMAN OF THE INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL AND THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES.
/MR MICHAEL SUEN .......
6
MR MICHAEL SUEN MING-YEUNG, JP
MR SUEN JOINED THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SERVICE IN 1966 AND HAS HELI) A NUMBER OF SENIOR APPOINTMENTS, INCLUDING DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SERVICES AND REGIONAL SECRETARY (NEW TERRITORIES). HE WAS APPOINTED SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS IN 1989 AND BECAME SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS IN (991.
MRS ELIZABETH WONG CHIEN CHI-LIEN, ISO, JP
CURRENTLY SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS WONG TOOK UP HER PRESENT APPOINTMENT IN 1990. SHE HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SERVICE SINCE 1969 AND HER PREVIOUS SENIOR APPOINTMENTS INCLUDED DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR MUNICIPAL SERVICES AND DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE.
THE HON ROSANNA WONG YICK-MTNG, OBE, JP
MISS WONG WAS A MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FROM 1988 TO 1991 AND WAS REAPPOINTED IN 1992. SHE HAS A LONG RECORD OF PUBLIC AND COMMUNITY SERVICE, AND SHE IS A MEMBER OF THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE. SHE WAS APPOINTED CHAIRMAN OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY IN 1993.
OBE
PROFESSOR CHANG SHU-TING
PROFESSOR CHANG IS PROFESSOR OF BIOLOGY AND CHAIRMAN OF THE DEPARTMENT AT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG. HE IS AN INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED AUTHORITY ON THE BIOLOGY AND CULTIVATION OF EDIBLE MUSHROOMS, IN PARTICULAR THE USE OF AGRICULTURAL AND INDUSTRIAL WASTE AS CULTIVATION MEDIA.
MR CHOW CHE-KING, JP
MR CHOW JOINED THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SERVICE AS AN ENGINEER AND WAS APPOINTED DIRECTOR OF TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT IN 1993. HE RECENTLY RETIRED FROM GOVERNMENT SERVICE, AND DURING HIS CAREER HE WAS INVOLVED IN MANY NEW TOWN AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENTS.
/MR JOHN GERALD .......
7
MR JOHN GERALD GREENWOOD
MR GREENWOOD IS AN ECONOMIST AND PUBLIC COMMENTATOR. HE WAS UNTIL RECENTLY A MEMBER OF THE ECONOMIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND OF A NUMBER OF OTHER PUBLIC BODIES, INCLUDING THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION AND THE COUNCIL OF THE HONG KONG STOCK EXCHANGE.
DR JAMES 7. M KUNG, MBE
DR KUNG IS A BANKER AND HE HAS BEEN PROMINENT IN IMPROVING THE SELF-REGULATORY MACHINERY OF THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY, INCLUDING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A COMPENSATION SCHEME. HF IS ALSO A MEMBER OF THE INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL.
MR CHARLES I.EE VEH-KWONG, JP
MR LEE IS A SOLICITOR AND BUSINESSMAN AND HE HAS BEEN CHAIRMAN OF THE STOCK EXCHANGE COUNCIL SINCE 1991. HE HAS PLAYED A SIGNIFICANT PART IN THE PREPARATIONS FOR THE LISTING ON THE HONG KONG STOCK EXCHANGE OF CHINESE ENTERPRISES.
PROFESSOR LEUNG WAI-SUN, JP
PROFESSOR LEUNG HAS BEEN HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG SINCE 1977. HE HAS BEEN MASTER OF ROBERT BLACK COLLEGE SINCE 1987 AND HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN ADDITIONAL PUBLIC AND COMMUNITY SERVICE OUTSIDE THE UNIVERSITY.
MRS ELEANOR LING ('HING-MAN, J P
MRS LING HAS AN EXTENSIVE RECORD OF PUBLIC AND COMMUNITY SERVICE AND HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE URBAN COUNCIL SINCF 1987. SHE HAS ALSO BEEN ACTIVE IN TRADE AFFAIRS AND IS A MEMBER. OF SEVERAL IMPORTANT BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS.
MR PAUL WONG KAM-CHIU, JP
MR WONG ACCUMULATED OVER 33 YEARS SERVICE IN HIE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BEFORE HIS RECENT RETIREMENT. HIS CAREER INCLUDED POSTS IN THE TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENTS, THE POST OFFICE AND FINALLY AS REGIONAL SECRETARY (HONG KONG AND KOWLOON).
/MR JOHN YEUNG .......
8
MR JOHN YEUNG HIN-CHUNG, JP
MR YEUNG HAS BEEN A MEMBER OE THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT FOR NEARLY 27 YEARS. HE HAS DEALT WITH A WIDE RANGE OF DIFFICULT ISSUES DURING HIS CAREER AND WAS APPOINTED DEPUTY DIRECTOR TN 1989.
DR YEUNG POON YEUK-FOO
DR YEUNG IS THE CHIEF OF SERVICE IN CHARGE OF THE RADIOTHERAPY AND ONCOLOGY DEPARTMENT AT QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL AND IS KNOWN INTERNATIONALLY IN HER SPECIALIST FIELD. SHE HAS ALSO BEEN ACTIVE IN COMMUNITY WORK, INCLUDING MEMBERSHIP OF THE HONG KONG ANTI-CANCER SOCIETY AND THE PROMOTION OF HOSPICE CARE.
MBE
MRS AILEEN BRIDGEWATER
MRS BRIDGEWATER IS A JOURNALIST AND BROADCASTER. SHE HAS ALSO WORKED AS A VOLUNTEER FOR A LARGE NUMBER OF ('HARI TABLE AND WELFARE ORGANISATIONS, INCLUDING HELPING HAND, THE KIDNEY FOUNDATION, THE SPARE A NEW TOY APPEAL (SANTA) AND THE CHINA COAST COMMUNITY.
MR. CHAN KWOK-WAI, JP
MR CHAN IS A FARMER WHO HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF SEVERAL MAJOR GOVERNMENT ADVISORY BODIES CONNECTED WITH THE AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY. HE HAS ALSO BEEN ACTIVE IN COMMUNITY WORK AND HAS SERVED IN A NUMBER OF CHARITABLE AND SOCIAL WELFARE ORGANISATIONS.
MR THOMAS CHAN SIU-KAM, JP
MR CHAN HAS WORKED FOR THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUN( IL SINCE 1969 AND BECAME THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE COUNCIL IN 1981. HE IS ALSO A MEMBER OF SEVERAL OTHER INDUSTRY-RELATED BODIES, AND THREE COMMITTEES RELATED TO TERTIARY EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS.
MR CHAN YAN-LEUNG
MR CHAN HAS A LONG RECORD OF COMMUNITY SERVICE IN TSUEN WAN DISTRICT AND HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE DISTRICT BOARD SINCE 1989. HE IS ALSO CHAIRMAN OF THE TSUEN WAN FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE AND PROMOTES THE ARTS IN THE DISTRICT.
/MR CHEUNG YIU-KWAN .......
9
MR CHEUNG YIU-KWAN
MR CHEUNG JOINED THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SERVICE IN 1961 AND WAS PROMOTED TO THE RANK OF SENIOR CLERICAL OFFICER AND TRANSFERRED TO THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY IN 1980. HE HAS BEEN IN CHARGE OF THE ACCOUNTS AND SUPPLIES SECTION OF THE OBSERVATORY SINCE THAT DATE.
Mfi CHUNG CHI-HANG
MR CHUNG JOINED THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SERVICE AS A CLERK IN 1957 AND RECENTLY RETIRED IN THE RANK OF VALUATION OFFICER. HE HAS ALSO SERVED IN THE ST JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADE SINCE 1948 AND THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICES FROM 1951 TO 1986.
MISS MARY FUNG SHIU-KAI
MISS FUNG HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SERVICE SINCE 1954 AND WILL RETIRE IN AUGUST 1994 IN THE RANK OF CLERICAL OFFICER I. OF HER 40 YEARS’ SERVICE WITH THE GOVERNMENT, 33 HAVE BEEN SPENT WITH THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION.
MR DAVID ARTHUR GILKES, JP
MR GILKES JOINED THE STAFF OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG IN 1967 AND WAS APPOINTED BURSAR OF THE UNIVERSITY IN 1975. HE HAS ALSO BEEN ACTIVE IN COMMUNITY WORK AND IS CURRENTLY CHAIRMAN OF THE ROYAL ASIATIC SOCIETY.
DR ERIK KVAN
DR KVAN IS A FORMER HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND A WELL-KNOWN FIGURE IN THE FIELD OF REHABILITATION OF DISABLED PERSONS. HE HAS BEEN CHAIRMAN OF THE SPASTICS ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG FOR THE PAST 26 YEARS.
MR LAM SIU-TIN
MR LAM JOINED THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SERVICE IN 1960 AND WAS TRANSFERRED TO THE POLICE INTERPRETER GRADE IN 1962. AS A POLICE INTERPRETER HE HAS SERVED IN A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT POSTS AND WAS PROMOTED TO THE RANK OF SENIOR POLICE INTERPRETER IN 1983.
/MRS CECILIA LEE YIP .......
10
MRS CECILIA LEE YIP WAI-KAY
MRS LEE HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN VOLUNTARY WORK IN THE SOCIAL WELFARE FIELD FOR OVER 20 YEARS. A FORMER CHAIRPERSON OF PO LEUNG KUK, SHE HAS ALSO PROMOTED THE WELFARE OF MEDICALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN IN THE CARITAS MEDICAL CENTRE.
MR LEUNG CHEUK-MING
MR LEUNG JOINED THE POST OFFICE IN 1959, HE WAS PROMOTED TO SUPERINTENDENT OF POSTS IN 1989 AND HE WILL RETIRE AT THE END OF 1994. HE HAS WORKED IN MANY STREAMS OF THE POSTAL SERVICE AND HAS BEEN IN CHARGE OF THE AIR MAIL CENTRE SINCE 1989.
MR HERBERT LIANG HIN-YING
MR LIANG IS AN INDUSTRIALIST AND A MEMBER OF THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD AND A NUMBER OF OTHER IMPORTANT INDUSTRY AND TRADE-RELATED BODIES. HE HAS ALSO BEEN ACTIVE IN VOLUNTARY COMMUNITY WORK, INCLUDING THE KWUN TONG KAIFONG WELFARE ASSOCIATION, THE BOARD OF THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS AND THE LIONS CLUBS.
MR DAVID LUNG PING-YEE
MR LUNG HAS BEEN A SENIOR LECTURER IN THE DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE, THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG SINCE 1982. HE HAS A LONG RECORD OF PUBLIC SERVICE CONNECTED WITH HIS PROFESSION AND HAS ALSO BEEN ACTIVE IN SOCIAL WORK - INCLUDING THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF YOUTH CLUBS, HELPING HAND AND THE COMMUNITY CHEST.
MR MA CHI-KEUNG
MR MA IS THE HEADMASTER OF A PRIMARY SCHOOL AND HAS SERVED ON A NUMBER OF BOARDS AND COMMITTEES CONNECTED WITH EDUCATION MATTERS. HE HAS ALSO DONE MUCH WORK FOR KWUN TONG DISTRICT, INCLUDING CHAIRING THE TRANSPORT AND TRAFFIC COMMITTEE.
MR NG BUN-HUNG
MR NG IS A CHIEF TECHNICAL OFFICE (BUILDING) IN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SERVICE AND HE HAS SUPERVISED SEVERAL TECHNICALLY COMPLEX CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS DEMANDING A HIGH STANDARD OF WORK. HE WILL RETIRE IN JULY 1994 AFTER 30 YEARS’ SERVICE IN GOVERNMENT.
/MR TAM TAK-KWONG ......
11
MR. TAM TAK-KWONG
MR TAM HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT FOR MORE THAN 27 YEARS AND CURRENTLY HOLDS THE RANK OF SENIOR IMMIGRATION OFFICER. HE HAS ALSO BEEN A CIVIL AID SERVICES VOLUNTEER WORKER FOR MORE THAN 33 YEARS AND IS NOW DEPUTY REGIONAL COMMANDER (HONG KONG AND ISLANDS).
MR TSANG CHIU-NING
MR TSANG JOINED THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SERVICE AS A TEMPORARY CLERK IN 1954 AND WAS PROMOTED TO THE RANK OF SENIOR CLERICAL OFFICER IN 1978. HE SPENT MOST OF HIS CAREER IN THE FIELDS OF FINANCIAL AND MONETARY SERVICES AND RETIRED IN MARCH 1994 AFTER 40 YEARS’ SERVICE.
MR WONG YU-KWAN
MR WONG IS A SENIOR ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR IN THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, WHERE HE HAS SERVED SINCE 1967. HE HAS BEEN ACTIVE IN STAFF WELFARE WORK IN THE DEPARTMENT AND WAS APPOINTED STAFF WELFARE OFFICER IN 1991.
MADAM YEUNG KAM-CHUN
MADAM YEUNG HAS A LONG RECORD OF COMMUNITY SERVICE, INCLUDING DISTRICT WORK, THE SCOUTING AND GUIDING MOVEMENTS AND THE PROVISION OF MEDICAL SERVICES. SHE HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD SINCE 1982 AND PLAYS A PROMINENT PART IN MANY ACTIVITIES.
MRS JULIA YEUNG LI YICK-HO
MRS YEUNG JOINED THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SERVICE AS A SECRETARY IN 1967 AND WAS POSTED TO THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN 1968. SHE WAS APPOINTED PERSONAL SECRETARY TO THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES IN 1977 AND HAS NOW WORKED FOR SIX DIRECTORS.
MR JEROME YEUNG YIU-TIN, JP
MR YEUNG IS A FORMER SCHOOL TEACHER AND VOLUNTEER WORKER IN THE SCOUT MOVEMENT, AND FROM 1970 TO 1990 HE WAS A FULL-TIME SCOUTER AND SERVED AS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE SCOUT ASSOCIATION. HE HAS ALSO CONTRIBUTED VOLUNTARY SERVICE IN A WIDE RANGE OF PUBLIC AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES.
/MR PAUL YU .......
12
MR PAUL YU SHIU-TIN, JP
MR PAUL YU HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN SUPPORTING MANY VOLUNTARY COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES. HE HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT OF THE CHINESE PERMANENT CEMETERIES SINCE 1982 AND BECAME CHAIRMAN OF ITS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE IN 1989. HE JOINED THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS IN 1981 AND WAS CHAIRMAN IN 1988/89.
MR YU TAI
MR YU JOINED THE GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT AS A STOREKEEPER IN 1959 AND RETIRED IN 1985 AT THE AGE OF 55. SINCE HIS RETIREMENT, HE HAS BEEN RE-EMPLOYED IN THE FURNITURE WORKSHOPS, WHICH ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIRING AND RENOVATING THE FURNITURE IN ALL GOVERNMENT QUARTERS.
MBE (MILITARY)
MAJOR MICHAEL LEUNG CHI-PING
MAJOR LEUNG JOINED THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS) IN 1975 AND WAS PROMOTED TO MAJOR IN 1990. HE BECAME SECOND-IN-COMMAND IN 1993, THE HIGHEST POST FOR A VOLUNTEER, AND RETIRED FROM ACTIVE SERVE IN JANUARY 1994. HE IS A KEEN MILITARY HISTORIAN AND A BLACK BELT AIKIDO INSTRUCTOR.
QPM
MR DAVID DEPTFORD, CPM
MR DEPTFORD JOINED THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE IN 1963 AND WAS PROMOTED CHIEF SUPERINTENDENT IN 1985. HIS SERVICE HAS INCLUDED APPOINTMENTS AS COMMANDER WESTERN AND KOWLOON DISTRICTS, AND CHIEF STAFF OFFICER ADMINISTRATION IN HONG KONG ISLAND HEADQUARTERS. HE IS A KEEN STUDENT OF THE FORCE’S HISTORY.
MR DOUGLAS LAU YUK-KUEN, CPM
MR LAU JOINED THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE IN 1965 AND WAS PROMOTED TO ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER IN 1993. HE WAS SINO-HONG KONG BORDER LIAISON OFFICER IN THE LATE 1970S AND WAS THE FIRST COMMANDING OFFICER OF THE ORGANISED AND SERIOUS CRIME BUREAU (NOW TITLED THE ORGANISED CRIME AND TRIAD BUREAU). HE IS CURRENTLY REGIONAL COMMANDER NEW TERRITORIES (NORTH).
/MR BASIL FRANCIS LIM .......
13
MR BASIL FRANCIS LIM SAK-YEUNG
MR LIM HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE SINCE 1962. RECENT POSTS HAVE INCLUDED THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE TAI PO DIVISION, DISTRICT COMMANDER YUEN LONG AND DEPUTY REGIONAL COMMANDER, MARINE REGION. IN 1993 HF WAS PROMOTED TO ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER AND APPOINTED MARINE REGION COMMANDER.
MR BENNY NG CHING-KWOK, MBE, CPM
MR NG HAS COMPLETED 28 YEARS’ SERVICE IN THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE. RECENT APPOINTMENTS HAVE INCLUDED COMMANDANT OF THE POLICE TRAINING SCHOOL AND SECOND-IN-COMMAND, HONG KONG ISLAND REGION. IN 1992 HE WAS POSTED AS DEPUTE DIRECTOR INSPECTION SERVICES.
QFSM
MR PAUL CHAN HOI, CPM
MR CHAN JOINED THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN 1962. HE HAS
SERVED IN PROTECTION INCIDENTS.
VARIOUS UNITS OF THE OPERATIONAL, HEADQUARTERS AND FIRE COMMANDS AND HAS ATTENDED MANY HAZARDOUS FIRE AND RESCUE HE WAS PROMOTED TO CHIEF FIRE OFFICER IN 1990.
CPM
MR JOHN EDWARD BURTON
MR BURTON HAS SERVED IN THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE SINCE 1964 AND WAS PROMOTED TO SUPERINTENDENT IN 1978. MOST OF MR BURTON’S POSTINGS HAVE BERN IN UNIFORM BRANCH AND HAVE INCLUDED DIVISIONAL COMMANDER WANCHAT, ASSISTANT DISTRICT COMMANDER, ADMINISTRATION, KOWLOON CITY AND STAFF APPOINTMENTS IN POLICE HEADQI । ARTERS.
MR ('HAN KWOK-KAN
MR CHAN JOINED THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY POLICE IN 1964. HIS POSTINGS HAVE INCLUDED COMMAND OF THE EMERGENCY UNIT, HONG KONG ISLAND, AND SENIOR STAFF OFFICER OPERATIONS (AUXILIARY) FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES AND KOWLOON EAST REGIONS. IN HIS CIVILIAN CAPACITY MR CHAN IS A SUPERINTENDENT IN THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
/MR CHEUNG CHIU-WAI .......
14
MR CHEUNG CHIU-WAI
MR CHEUNG HAS SERVED IN THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE SINCE 1966 AND WAS PROMOTED TO STATION SERGEANT IN 1981. HE HAS BEEN POSTED ALMOST EXCLUSIVELY TO THE MARINE REGION AND HAS BEEN, SUCCESSIVELY, A DIVISIONAL TRAINING OFFICER, AN INSTRUCTOR AT THE MARINE POLICE TRAINING SCHOOL AND A MECHANICAL OFFICER IN THE LOGISTICS UNIT.
MR CHIANG KWOK-KEUNG
MR CHIANG HAS OVER 30 YEARS’ SERVICE IN THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE. HE HAS BEEN AN ASSISTANT DIVISIONAL COMMANDER IN SEVERAL DIVISIONS, OFFICER-IN-CHARGE OF THE KOWLOON EAST EMERGENCY UNIT AND DIVISIONAL COMMANDER OF THE TSZ WAN SHAN AND KWUN TONG DIVISIONS. HE WAS PROMOTED TO SUPERINTENDENT IN 1988.
MR KEDITH CHOW KENG-KAN
MR CHOW HAS BEEN IN THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE SINCE 1967 AND REACHED THE RANK OF SUPERINTENDENT IN 1989. IN 1970 HE WAS TRANSFERRED TO CID DUTIES AND SERVED IN A VARIETY OF POSTS UNTIL 1991 WHEN HE WAS TRANSFERRED TO SPECIAL BRANCH. HE REPRESENTS THE FORCE AT BADMINTON.
MR MARTIN SWINNERTON COWLEY
MR COWLEY JOINED THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE IN 1965 AND WAS PROMOTED TO SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT TN 1992. HE HAS SERVED IN THE UNIFORM AND CID BRANCHES AND RECENT POSTS HAVE INCLUDED DEPUTY DISTRICT COMMANDER, TUEN MUN AND SENIOR STAFF OFFICER CRIME, NEW TERRITORIES (NORTH). HE HAS PLAYED RUGBY AND CRICKET FOR THE FORCE AND WAS SECRETARY OF THE POLICE SOCCER CLUB FOR 12 YEARS.
MR MICHAEL HAROLD FRANCIS
MR FRANCIS HAS BEEN IN THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE SINCE 1967 AND REACHED THE RANK OF SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT IN 1988. RECENT APPOINTMENTS HAVE INCLUDED MANAGEMENT SERVICES WING OF POLICE HEADQUARTERS AND AS A SENIOR STAFF OFFICER IN NEW TERRITORIES (SOUTH) REGION. HE CAPTAINED THE FORCE AND HONG KONG RUGBY TEAMS FOR SEVERAL YEARS AND HAS BEEN ACTIVE IN FORCE SPORTING ACTIVITIES.
/MR HO KING-SAN
15
MR HO KING-SAN
MR HO HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR 33 YEARS AND WAS PROMOTED TO PRINCIPAL FIREMAN IN 1982. MOST OF HIS SERVICE HAS BEEN SPENT IN THE OPERATIONAL COMMAND AND HE HAS ATTENDED A LARGE NUMBER OF DANGEROUS AND DIFFICULT INCIDENTS.
MR KWOK JING-KEUNG
MR KWOK JOINED THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TN 1971 AND WAS PROMOTED TO SENIOR DIVISIONAL OFFICER IN 1991. HE HAS SERVED IN ALL. THE FORMATIONS AND IN OPERATIONAL COMMAND HE HAS TAKEN CHARGE OF MANY MAJOR INCIDENTS. HE IS CURRENTLY IN CHARGE OF THE HEADQUARTERS DIVISION OF THE FIRE PROTECTION BUREAU.
MR KWOK YIU-WAI
MR KWOK HAS SERVED FOR 27 YEARS IN THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE AND WAS PROMOTED TO STATION SERGEANT IN 1980. HE HAS WORKED IN THE UNIFORM BRANCH, WHERE HE COMPLETED SEVERAL TOURS WITH THE POLICE TACTICAL UNIT, AND IN CRIME FORMATIONS. HE HAS COMMANDED THE CRIME PREVENTION OFFICE IN YAU TSIM DISTRICT SINCE 1980.
MR LAM YIM-FAT
MR LAM HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE SINCE 1963 AND WAS PROMOTED TO CHIEF INSPECTOR IN 1984. HE SERVED INITIALLY FOR SIX YEARS IN THE UNIFORM BRANCH AND WAS THEN TRANSFERRED TO SPECIAL BRANCH WHERE HE HAS REMAINED, APART FROM AN 18-MONTH POSTING TO THE CID.
MR LAU YUI-KI
MR LAU JOINED THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE IN 1965 AND WAS PROMOTED TO STATION SERGEANT IN 1981. HE HAS SERVED TN THE UNIFORM BRANCH, THE REGIONAL DRUG SQUAD AND THE NARCOTICS BUREAU. IN 1981 HE RECEIVED HIS SECOND COMMISSIONER’S COMMENDATION FOR ARRESTING AN ARMED ROBBER WHO HAD FIRED SHOTS AT HIM.
MR LEE MING-KWAT
MR LEE HAS BEEN IN THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE SINCE 1972 AND WAS PROMOTED TO CHIEF SUPERINTENDENT IN 1992. HIS RECENT SENIOR APPOINTMENTS HAVE BEEN DEPUTY DISTRICT COMMANDER, TAI-PO, POLICE LIAISON OFFICER (TRAINING) TO THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, AND A SECONDMENT TO THE UK POLICE COLLEGE, BRAMSHILL. HE IS CURRENTLY DISTRICT COMMANDER, WAN CHAI.
/MR LEUNG SUM .......
16
MR LEUNG SUM
MR LEUNG JOINED THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE IN 1952 AND, AFTER A SHORT PERIOD TN THE UNIFORM BRANCH, HE JOINED THE IDENTIFICATION BUREAU WHERE HE SERVED FOR THE NEXT 38 YEARS. HE IS AN EXPERT IN THE SPECIALIST FIELD OF FINGERPRINT TECHNOLOGY. HE WAS PROMOTED TO INSPECTOR IN 1981 AND WILL RETIRE AT THE END OF 1994.
MR LO SIK-LUN
MR LO HAS SERVED IN THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR NEARLY 32 YEARS AND WAS PROMOTED TO PRINCIPAL FIREMAN IN 1985. HE HAS BEEN EMPLOYED EXCLUSIVELY IN THE OPERATIONAL COMMAND AND IS VERY EXPERIENCED IN ATTENDING AND HANDLING MAJOR FIRES AND OTHER LIFE AND PROPERTY-THREATENING INCIDENTS.
MR NEIL EDWARD HARRELL MCCABE
MR MCCABE HAS BEEN IN THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE SINCE 1968 AND WAS PROMOTED TO CHIEF SUPERINTENDENT IN 1993. HIS RECENT POSTINGS HAVE BEEN MAINLY IN THE CRIME INVESTIGATION FIELD BUT HE ALSO COMPLETED A TOUR AS OFFICER COMMANDING THE COMPLAINTS AGAINST THE POLICE OFFICE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES. HE NOW COMMANDS THE FRAUD SECTION OF THE COMMERCIAL CRIME BUREAU.
t
MR JOHN NG SHEUNG-LOK
MR NG JOINED THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE IN 1968 AND WAS PROMOTED TO SUPERINTENDENT IN 1984. HE WAS SECONDED TO THE GWENT, UK, POLICE FORCE AFTER COMPLETING A COURSE AT THE BRAMSHILL, UK, POLICE COLLEGE AND IS NOW DIVISIONAL COMMANDER KWAI CHUNG. HE IS A KEEN LONG-DISTANCE RUNNER AND HAS TAKEN PART IN, AND ORGANISED MANY ATHLETIC EVENTS.
MR NORMAN ALEXANDER RAE
MR RAE HAS SERVED IN THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE FOR 25 YEARS AND WAS PROMOTED TO SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT IN 1988. HE HAS WORKED IN A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT BRANCHES AND RECENT APPOINTMENTS HAVE INCLUDED THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY DISTRICT COMMANDER AND COMMANDER AIRPORT DISTRICT. HE HAS PLAYED RUGBY FOR THE FORCE AND ASSISTS WITH MINI RUGBY IN THE TERRITORY.
/MR SIN KING-KI .......
17
MR SIN KING-KI
MR SIN HAS 28 YEARS’ SERVICE TN THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE AND WAS PROMOTED TO STATION SERGEANT IN 1979. MOST OF HIS CAREER HAS BEEN SPENT IN THE UNIFORM BRANCH : HE HAS COMMANDED THE SHEK PAI WAN NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICING UNIT, HAS BEEN ASSISTANT DIVISIONAL COMMANDER OPERATIONS IN STANLEY DIVISION AND IS CURRENTLY ASSISTANT TO THE OFFICER-IN-CHARGE WESTERN MAGISTRACY.
MR IAN JAMES STENTON
MR STENTON JOINED THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE IN 1966 AND WAS PROMOTED TO SUPERINTENDENT IN 1984. HE HAS SERVED IN A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT BRANCHES BUT MOST OF HIS TIME HAS BEEN SPENT IN THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT BRANCHES. HE LEADS THE FORCE ESCORT GROUP AND HAS COMPLETED A NUMBER OF IMPORTANT TASKS IN THIS POST. HE ALSO TAKES AN ACTIVE INTEREST IN PROMOTING ROAD SAFETY.
MR TSANG LOI-FUK
MR TSANG HAS BEEN IN THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE SINCE 1961 AND WAS PROMOTED TO CHIEF INSPECTOR IN 1978. MOST OF HIS CAREER HAS BEEN IN THE UNIFORM BRANCH AND CID, AND HIS MOST RECENT POSTS HAVE BEEN ASSISTANT DIVISIONAL COMMANDER OPERATIONS, SHA TIN, AND REGIONAL STAFF RELATIONS OFFICER, NEW TERRITORIES (NORTH) WHERE HE IS CURRENTLY SERVING.
MR WONG TIM-FAT
MR WONG HAS COMPLETED NEARLY 24 YEARS’ SERVICE IN THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE AND WAS PROMOTED TO SUPERINTENDENT TN 1991. THE EARLY PART OF HIS CAREER WAS SPENT IN THE UNIFORM BRANCH AND POLICE TACTICAL UNIT. IN 1973 HE WAS TRANSFERRED TO THE SPECIAL BRANCH, WHERE HE HAS REMAINED TO THE PRESENT.
MR WU KWONG-CHEUNG
MR WU JOINED THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE IN 1965 AND WAS PROMOTED TO STATION SERGEANT IN 1985. HE HAS SERVED IN THE UNIFORM BRANCH FOR HIS ENTIRE CAREER : HE WAS POSTED TO HONG KONG ISLAND REGION FOR NINE YEARS AND FROM 1986 TO THE PRESENT HE HAS WORKED IN THE AIRPORT SECURITY UNIT.
/BADGE OF HONOUR .......
18
BADGE OF HONOUR
MR CHAN KING-LUN
MR CHAN HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN COMMUNITY WORK TN THE ISLANDS DISTRICT SINCE THE MID-1980S, INCLUDING THE SCOUTS, A CHILDREN’S CHOIR, KAIFONG ORGANISATIONS AND VOLUNTARY SERVICE GROUPS FOR THE AGED AND YOUTH AT RISK. HE BECAME A MEMBER OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD IN 1991.
MR CHAN SHAN-HO
MR CHAN HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE LUNG SHING AREA COMMITTEE SINCE 1987, VICE-CHAIRMAN FROM 1988 TO 1990 AND CHAIRMAN SINCE 1990. IN ADDITION HE HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE KOWLOON WALLED CITY CLEARANCE APPEALS TRIBUNAL SINCE 1989.
MR CHAN TAK-HANG
MR CHAN IS A SCHOOL VICE-PRINCIPAL AND HAS WORKED IN A WIDE RANGE OF EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES. HE IS ALSO A MEMBER OF A NUMBER OF EDUCATIONAL COMMITTEES AND HE IS ACTIVE IN PROMOTING DRAMA ACTIVITIES IN KOWLOON CITY.
MR CHAN TUNG
MR CHAN WAS VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE SHAM SHUT PO DISTRICT COMMUNITY CHEST ORGANISING COMMITTEE FROM 1986 TO 1991 AND BECAME CHAIRMAN IN 1992. HE HAS ALSO BEEN INVOLVED IN PROMOTING SPORTING AND OTHER COMMUNITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT.
MR CHEUNG FOR-TA1
MR CHEUNG HAS BEEN A VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVE SINCE 1975. HE WAS ELECTED CHAIRMAN OF THE TA KWU LING RURAL COMMITTEE IN 1991, AT THE SAME TIME BECOMING AN EX-OFFICIO MEMBER OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD. HE HAS INTRODUCED INNOVATIVE IDEAS INTO THE RURAL COMMITTEE AND HAS BEEN ACTIVE IN COMMUNITY WORK.
MR BENNY CHIA CHUN-HENG
MR CHIA IS THE FOUNDER OF THE HONG KONO FESTIVAL FRINGE, WHICH BEGAN IN 1982, AND HE HAS BEEN ITS GENERAL MANAGER SINCE THAT DATE. THE FRINGE HAS PROVIDED A POPULAR ALTERNATIVE FORM OF ARTS FESTIVAL, WITH ITS EMPHASIS ON THE EXPERIMENTAL AND AVANT GARDE.
/MP CHIU WAI-SHING .......
19
MR CHIU WAI-SHING
MR CHIU HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN COMMUNITY WORK TERRITORY WIDE AND IN WAN CHAI DISTRICT. HE HAS WORKED WITH SEVERAL HONG KONG CLANSMEN’S ASSOCIATIONS AND IS VICE-CHAIRMAN OF LUNG KONG WORLD FEDERATION. IN WAN CHAT DISTRICT HE HAS BEEN CONCERNED WITH YOUTH ACTIVITIES, THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE AND THE ARTS.
MR FUNG YAN-YEF.
MR FUNG IS AN ACCOUNTANT BY PROFESSION. HE HAS UNDERTAKEN VOLUNTARY SERVICE WITH THE AMATEUR SPORTS FEDERATION AND OLYMPIC COMMITTEE FOR A LONG PERIOD AND HF HAS BEEN HONORARY TREASURER FOR THAT BODY FOR NEARLY 25 YEARS.
MR STEPHEN HO FEI-CHI
MR HO IS A MEMBER OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD AND HIS CONTRIBUTIONS HAVE COVERED EDUCATION, YOUTH PROGRAMMES AND THE KAIFONGS. HE IS ALSO A MEMBER OF THE CRIMINAL INJURIES COMPENSATION BOARD AND THE KOWLOON REGIONAL ADVISORY BOARD OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY.
MR KONG TZE-WING
MR KONG HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD SINCE 1991. HE HAS BEEN ACTIVE IN TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT MATTERS, THE DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE AND SEVERAL OTHER DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS. HE IS AN ACCOUNTANT AND HAS ALSO SERVED ON NUMEROUS HONG KONG PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANCY BODIES.
MISS HILDA KWAN WE I-YIN
MISS KWAN IS A SECONDARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL AND HAS BEEN A TEACHER FOR OVER 40 YEARS. SHE HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN CATHOLIC EDUCATION ADMINISTRATION AND A WIDE RANGE OF YOUTH SERVICES. SHE HAS ALSO SERVED ON A NUMBER OF GOVERNMENT AND NON-GOVERNMENT BOARDS AND
COMMITTEES.
MR KWONG KAM-SHING
MR KWONG IS A PHYSICALLY DISABLED ATHLETE WITH AN OUTSTANDING RECORD AS A TABLE TENNIS PLAYER. HE WON A GOLD MEDAL IN THE MEN’S SINGLES AT THE 1992 BARCELONA PARALYMPIC GAMES AND WAS ELECTED SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR IN 1992 BY THE HONG KONG SPORTS ASSOCIATION OF THE PHYSICALLY DISABLED. HE ALSO HELPS THE ASSOCIATION TRAIN DISABLED TABLE TENNIS PLAYERS.
/MISS LEE LAI-SHAN
20
MISS LEE LA I-SHAN
MISS LEE IS A WINDSURFING INSTRUCTOR AND A DISTINGUISHED COMPETITOR IN THE SPORT. HER ACHIEVEMENTS HAVE INCLUDED A SILVER MEDAL IN THE 1990 ASIAN GAMES, THE 1991 WINNER OF THE ASIAN WINDSURFING CHAMPIONSHIPS AND THREE MAJOR EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS IN 1993. THESE OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCES HAVE PLACED HER IN THE TOP OF THE WORLD RANKINGS.
MR LIU CHEUNG-HIN
MR LIU BECAME A MEMBER OF THE TSUEN WAN WEST AREA COMMITTEE IN 1988 AND A TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER IN 1991. HE IS ACTIVE ON A NUMBER OF COMMITTEES AND CHAIRED THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME COORDINATION COMMITTEE IN 1991 AND 1992. A PRIMARY SCHOOL HEADMASTER, HE TAKES A CLOSE INTEREST IN EDUCATION AND A WIDE RANGE OF CULTURAL AND ARTS ACTIVITIES.
MR LO MAN-TUEN
AN INDUSTRIALIST, MR LO IS CHAIRMAN OF TWO EASTERN DISTRICT INDUSTRIAL ORGANISATIONS AND ALSO ACTIVE IN TERRITORY-WIDE COMMUNITY WORK. HE CHAIRED THE COMMUNITY CHEST HONG KONG WALK COMMITTEE IN 1993/94. HE IS PRESIDENT OF THE HONG KONG BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION, HONORARY PRESIDENT OF THE SCOUT ASSOCIATION AND HAS BEEN DEEPLY INVOLVED WITH THE HONG KONG YOUTH CULTURAL AND ARTS COMPETITION SINCE 1992.
MR MO CHI-SING
MR MO IS AN INDUSTRIALIST WHO HAS BEEN ACTIVE IN COMMUNITY SERVICE IN TUEN MUN. HE WAS CHAIRMAN OF THE YAN OI TONG IN 1993/94, AND HE IS ALSO INVOLVED IN SCOUTING, SPORTS, PROMOTION OF THE ARTS, THE RESPECT FOR THE AGED ASSOCIATION AND THE TUEN MUN CHILDREN’S CHOIR. IN ADDITION HE IS PRESIDENT OF THE NEW TERRITORIES MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION.
MR TANG KI-TAT
MR TANG IS THE VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVE OF CHUK HANG TSUEN AND HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD SINCE 1988. HE HAS TAKEN AN ACTIVE PART IN THE KEEP YUEN LONG CLEAN COMMITTEE (HE WAS CHAIRMAN IN 1989), THE ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN AND THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME. HE IS ALSO A SUPPORTER OF SPORTS AND THE SCOUTING MOVEMENT.
/MR TSUI CHEUNG-LING ......
21
MR TSUI CHEUNG-LING
MR TSUI HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN YOUTH WORK SINCE 1962 AND IN 1966 HE BEGAN PIONEERING SOCIAL WORK METHODS TO DEAL WITH THE INCREASING PROBLEMS OF YOUTH AND YOUTH GANGS. HIS EFFORTS CONTRIBUTED SIGNIFICANTLY TO THE FORMAL ESTABLISHMENT OF AN OUTREACHING SOCIAL WORK SERVICE IN 1979.
MR YAU CHUNG-WAN
MR YAU HAS PLAYED A ROLE IN COMMUNITY SERVICE TN TAI PO THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD OF ITS TRANSFORMATION FROM A MARKET TO A NEW TOWN. HE JOINED THE DISTRICT BOARD IN 1988, HE HEADS THE TRANSPORT AND TRAFFIC COMMITTEE AND IS CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING GROUP ON ELECTORAL BOUNDARIES. HE IS ALSO INVOLVED TN DRAMA AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES.
MADAM CECILIA YEUNG LAI-YIN
AN URBAN COUNCILLOR AND DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, MADAM YEUNG HAS BEEN INVOLVED FOR MANY YEARS TN PROMOTING THE WELFARE OF ELDERLY IN WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT. SHE FOUNDED THE TSO SHU KU YING SOCIAL CENTRE WHICH NOW HAS OVER 600 MEMBERS, AND SHE IS ALSO ACTIVE IN A NUMBER OF OTHER FIELDS, INCLUDING SPORTS AND THE ARTS.
OTHER HONG KONG RESIDENTS HONOURED
ON THE UK DIPLOMATIC AND OVERSEAS LIST
OBE
MR JAMES CHIU
MR CHIU HAS BEEN MANAGING DIRECTOR OF GEC (HONG KONG) FOR NINE YEARS AND BEFORE BECOMING MANAGING DIRECTOR HE SERVED FOR FOUR YEARS AS A DIRECTOR OF GEC (HONG KONG) BOARD. HE IS ALSO CHAIRMAN OF THE BRITISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN HONG KONG.
- - 0---------
/22 .......
22
BRITISH COMMANDER HEADS HK HONOURS LIST *****
THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES HONG KONG, MAJOR-GENERAL JOHN FOLEY, IS NOW SIR JOHN FOLLOWING THE AWARD OF A KNIGHTHOOD IN THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY HONOURS LIST PUBLISHED ON SATURDAY.
STR JOHN BECOMES A KNIGHT COMMANDER OF THE ORDER OF THE RATH AND HEADS A LIST OF SIX SOLDIERS TO BE HONOURED IN HONG KONG.
SIR JOHN’S AWARD IS CONFERRED TO MARK HIS OUTSTANDING SERVICE THROUGHOUT A LONG CAREER OF EXCEPTIONALLY SELFLESS DUTY. IT IS ALSO A TRIBUTE TO THE MOST VALUABLE, POSITIVE AND PROMINENT ROLE HE HAS PLAYED IN HONG KONG AND TO HIS INSPIRATIONAL LEADERSHIP OF HER MAJESTY’S FORCES IN THE TERRITORY DURING THE DIFFICULT PROCESS OF DRAWING DOWN THE GARRISON IN THE APPROACH TO 1997.
HIS CITATION STATES "THAT THIS DIFFICULT PROCESS HAS GOT OFF TO SUCH A SMOOTH AND EFFICIENT START IS TESTIMONY TO HIS EXCEPTIONAL HARD WORK, FIRM LEADERSHIP AND ABILITY TO LEAD OTHERS."
HE HAS PREVIOUSLY SEEN ACTIVE SERVICE IN ADEN, NORTHERN IRELAND, CYPRUS AND OMAN, WHERE HE WAS AWARDED THE MILITARY CROSS FOR DECISIVE LEADERSHIP UNDER FIRE. HE LEAVES HONG KONG IN AUGUST, ON PROMOTION TO LIEUTENANT GENERAL, TO TAKE UP A SENIOR STAFF POST IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE IN LONDON.
AMONG THE OTHER AWARDS, CORPORAL LEE CHUN MOU OF THE HONG KONG MILITARY SERVICE CORPS IS AWARDED THE MBE FOR HIS LOYAL AND OUTSTANDING SERVICE IN DRAGON COMPANY OF THE CORPS AND MORE RECENTLY HIS OUTSTANDING WORK AS AN INTERPRETER IN SUPPORT OF THE BRITISH FORCES’ CONTRIBUTION TO THE ANT I-SMUGGL1NG EFFORT IN HONG KONG.
TWO FURTHER MBES GO TO MEN FROM THE QUEEN’S GURKHA ENGINEERS FOR THEIR EFFORTS DURING THE DISASTER RELIEF OPERATION FOLLOWING LAST YEAR’S FLOODS IN NEPAL.
MAJOR JOHN WHITE, WHO HAS SINCE BEEN POSTED TO ENGLAND, COMMANDED THE 68 GURKHA FJELD SQUADRON WHICH WAS SENT AT SHORT NOTICE IN JULY 199.3 IN RESPONSE TO AN URGENT REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE FOLLOWING TORRENTIAL MONSOON RAIN.
STAFF SERGEANT KRISHNADHOJ SAHI FROM 68 SQUADRON QGE LED AN INEXPERIENCED WORKFORCE OF BRITISH GURKHAS AND NEPALESE SOLDIERS, FORGING THEM INTO AN EFFICIENT TEAM AND ENSURING THAT TWO CRUCIAL BRIDGES WERE BUILT IN ATROCIOUS CONDITIONS TO ENABLE VITAL SUPPLIES TO BE MOVED.
MAJOR MICHAEL LEUNG CHI-PING OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT IS AWARDED THF MBE FOR HIS OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE REGIMENT AND THE LOCAL COMMUNITY.
THE MBE ALSO GOES TO SQUADRON LEADER PADDY GALLAUGHER RAF FOR HIS PERSONAL COMMITMENT AND DEVOTION TO DUTY IN HIS ROLE OF ORGANISING THE MOVEMENT OF PASSENGERS AND FREIGHT RY AIR TO AND FROM HONG KONG.
/FOLLOWING IS .......
23
FOLLOWING IS THE LIST OF THE HONOURS AND AWARDS TO MILITARY PERSONNEL IN HONG KONG:
QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY HONOURS LIST 1994 (MILITARY DIVISION)
KCB
MAJOR-GENERAL JOHN FOLEY OBE MC, COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES HONG KONG
MBE
MAJOR JOHN WHITE OF THE QUEEN’S GURKHA ENGINEERS
MAJOR MICHAEL LEUNG CHI-PING OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT
SQUADRON LEADER PADDY GALLAUGHF.R OF THE ROYAL AIR FORCE
STAFF SERGEANT KRISHNADHOJ SAHI OF THE QUEEN’S GURKHA ENGINEERS
CORPORAL LEE CHUN MOU OF THE HONG KONG MILITARY SERVICE CORPS
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 1994
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME - CORNERSTONE OF PROSPERITY....... 1
NEW LEAFLET FOR DISABLED JOB-SEEKERS........................ 2
AMBASSADORS TO BOOST ELECTORAL ROLL......................... 3
REGISTER AS VOTERS NOW...................................... 4
SUNDAY, JUNE 12, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TAVA SCHEME AIDS TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS................ 5
TEACHER RECRUITMENT DRIVE IN PROGRESS.................... 6
SUMMER HEALTH TIPS..................................... 7
SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 1994
- 1 -PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME - CORNERSTONE OF PROSPERITY ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦
THE VARIOUS PROJECTS UNDERTAKEN BY THE WORKS DEPARTMENTS IN THE PAST AND AT PRESENT HAVE ENHAN< ED HONG KONG’S PROSPERITY AND HAVE MET RESIDENTS’ NEEDS.
THE INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENTS HAVE ALSO HIGHLIGHTED AND CONSOLIDATED HONG KONG’S POSITION AS THE COMMERCIAL AND FINANCIAL CENTRE IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION, GIVING IMPETUS TO THF. REGION’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
THE REMARKS WERE MADE BY THE DIRECTOR OF TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT, MR CHOW CHE-KING, WHEN HE OPENED THE ROVING EXHIBITION ON HONG KONG’S PUBLIC WORKS AT THE CENTRAL MTR STATION THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING.
"THESE PROJECTS INCLUDED CIVIL ENGINEERING, TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT, FLOOD MITIGATION AND SEWAGE DISPOSAL, WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES, RECREATION AND CULTURE, EDUCATION AND MEDICAL SERVICES AS WELL AS NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT," HE SAID.
MR CHOW NOTED THAT THE WORKS DEPARTMENTS HAD BEEN FUNCTIONING WELL IN HELPING THE TERRITORY TRANSFORM FROM A SMALL FISHING VILLAGE 150 YEARS AGO TO A HIGHLY MODERN CITY.
THIS IS PARTICULARLY SO DURING THE PAST 30 AND 40 YEARS BECAUSE HONG KONG HAS COMPLETED, WITHIN SHORT PERIODS, NUMEROUS LARGE-SCALE WORKS PROJECTS.
"THESE PROJECTS HAVE ENABLED HONG KONG TO RANK AT THE FOREFRONT IN THE WORLD IN TERMS OF QUANTITY, SCALE, QUALITY AND SPEED," MR CHOW-STRESSED.
POINTING OUT THAT AS HONG KONG’S NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT HAD JUST PAST ITS 20TH ANNIVERSARY, MI’ CHOW SAID THE ROVING EXHIBITION HAD SPECIAL SIGNIFICANCE.
"THIS IS BECAUSE VISITORS WOULD BE ABLE TO SEE THE CHANGING FACES OF THE TERRITORY THROUGH THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME AT THF. EXHIBITION. ONE OF THE MODELS ON DISPLAY SHOWS THE NEW LOOK OF CENTRAL AND WAN CHAI," HE EXPLAINED.
MEANWHILE, MR CHOW ASSURED THE PUBLIC THAT STAFF OF THE WORKS DEPARTMENTS WOULD NOT BE COMPLACENT WITH THEIR PAST ACHIEVEMENTS.
"THEY WOULD CONTINUE DO NG THFIR BEST IN THEIR PARTICIPATION IN PUBLIC WORKS IN ORDFR TO LAY A GOOD FOUNDATION FOR A BETTER HONG KONG," HE STRESSED.
THE ROVING EXHlBJtlUH WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THfe WORKS BRANCH AND THE WORKS GROUP OF DEPARTMENTS TO MARK THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TERRITORY’S PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME.
IT WILL CONTINUE FROM 10 AM TO 8 PM THROUGHOUT THE HOLIDAYS UNTIL TUESDAY (JUNE 14) BEFORE MOVING TO A NEW VENUE IN HUNG HOM, KOWLOON. NEXT MONTH.
/VISITORS WILL .......
SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 1994
- 2 -
VISITORS WILL BE ABLE TO SEE HOW HONG KONG HAS TRANSFORMED FROM A SMALL VILLAGE 150 YEARS AGO INTO AN INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND FINANCIAL CENTRE.
THEY WILL ALSO LEARN THROUGH SHORT FILMS ON A FULL-SIZE VIDEO WALL. ON HOW PUBLIC MONEY IS SPENT ON BUILDING NEW TOWNS, HOSPITALS, SCHOOLS, PARKS. ROADS AND OTHER INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS.
THE EXHIBITION ALSO FEATURES CHARTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS ILLUSTRATING THE MAIN ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN BY THE WORKS BRANCH. THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS CO-ORDINATION OFFICE, AND SEVEN WORKS DEPARTMENTS ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT, DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT, TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AND WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WERE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MRS PEGGY LAM: CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR AMBROSE LAU; ACTING WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS VIVIAN KO; AND CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR HERMAN CHO.
------0-------
NEW LEAFLET FOR DISABLED JOB-SEEKERS
* t ♦ » »
DISABLED JOB-SEEKERS CAN NOW OBTAIN A NEWLY PUBLISHED LEAFLET DESCRIBING THE SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S SELECTIVE PLACEMENT DIVISION (SPD) FROM VARIOUS SOURCES SO THAT THEY CAN MAKE GOOD USE OF THE SERVICES.
A TOTAL OF 10,000 COPIES OF THE LEAFLET HAVE BEEN PRINTED. TO FACILITATE THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED JOB-SEEKERS TO UNDERSTAND DETAILS OF THE LEAFLET, THE SPD HAS ALSO PRODUCED 2,000 BRAILLE COPIES WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND.
THE LEAFLETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION AT THE THREE SPD BRANCHES OFFICES, THE NINE OFFICES OF THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT, VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL’S SKILLS CENTRES FOR THE DISABLED IN KWl N TONG, TUEN MUN AND ABERDEEN, SEVEN TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AND TWO TECHNICAL COLLEGES OF THE COUNCIL, CARITAS LOK MO VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE, PINEHILL TRAINING CENTRE OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED, AND VARIOUS NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS IN THE VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION FIELD.
ESTABLISHED IN JULY 1980, THE SPD HAS BEEN PROVIDING FREE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES TO THE DISABLED AND EMPLOYERS.
”IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS, WE HAVE MADE MORE THAN 1,000 PLACEMENTS EACH YEAR FOR THE DISABLED,” SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER (SELECTIVE PLACEMENT) MRS JENNIE CHOR SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
IN 1993, THE CONCERTED EFFORT OF THE DIVISION’S STAFF CONTRIBUTED TO THE 1,340 PLACEMENTS FOR THE DISABLED, INCLUDING THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED, HEARING IMPAIRED, PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED, MENTALLY RETARDED AND EX-MENTALLY ILL JOB-SEEKERS.
/MRS CHOR ........
SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 1994
- 3 -
MRS CHOR SAID THERE WERE MORE THAN 900 JOB VACANCIES FROM EMPLOYERS INTERESTED IN EMPLOYING DISABLED EMPLOYEES IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR.
"THESE VACANCIES INCLUDE JOBS IN THE PROFESSIONAL, TECHNICAL, CLERICAL, SALES, SERVICE AND PRODUCTION SECTORS.
"AMONG THEM, OVER 60 PER CENT OFFERED WAGES OF BETWEEN $4,500 AND $5,500 OR ABOVE," SHE SAID.
DISABLED JOB-SEEKERS ARE WELCOME TO REGISTER AT THE BRANCH OFFICES OF THE SPD IN HARBOUR BUILDING IN CENTRAL AND NGAU TAU KOK AND TSUEN WAN GOVERNMENT OFFICES. DETAILS OF THE REGISTRATION PROCEDURE ARE CLEARLY PRINTED ON THE NEW LEAFLET.
MRS CHOR NOTED THAT THE LEAFLET ALSO LISTED THE VARIOUS SERVICES PROVIDED BY HER DIVISION TO DISABLED JOB-SEEKERS.
"FOR EXAMPLE, WE PROVIDE UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ON THE EMPLOYMENT MARKET AND SKILL TESTS FOR THE DISABLED JOB-SEEKERS SO THAT THEY CAN UNDERSTAND THEIR ABILITIES AND FIND SUITABLE JOBS ACCORDING TC MARKET DEMAND.
"PLACEMENT OFFICERS IN THE DIVISION WILL ALSO MAKE USE OF COMPUTER FACILITIES TO SELECT SUITABLE JOBS FOR THE DISABLED AND WILL ACCOMPANY THEM FOR JOB INTERVIEWS WITH THE EMPLOYERS," SHE SAID.
THEY WILL ALSO ASSIST THEM TO APPLY FOR TECHNICAL AIDS AND RE HABUS SERVICE.
MRS CHOR ADDED THAT FOLLOW-UP SERVICE WOULD ALSO BE PROVIDED BY THE SPD IN THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF EMPLOYMENT IN A BID TO ASSIST BOTH PARTIES IN MAINTAINING A HARMONIOUS WORKING RELATIONSHIP.
------0-------
AMBASSADORS TO BOOST ELECTORAL ROLL
*****
THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PETER LEUNG, TODAY (SATURDAY) APPOINTED 21 VOTER REGISTRATION AMBASSADORS TO HELP BOOST THE ELECTORAL ROLL.
SPEAKING AT AN APPOINTMENT CEREMONY, MR LEUNG SAID THEY WOULD HELP PROMOTE VOTER REGISTRATION IN THEIR WORKPLACES AND THROUGH THEIR ACQUAINTANCES.
THEY INCLUDE SIX POPULAR ARTISTES IN A TVB FAMILY DRAMA, TAXI AND MINIBUS DRIVERS, AGENCY WORKERS AND CIVIL SERVANTS.
AFTER THE CEREMONY, THEY IMMEDIATELY SET OFF TO "WORK”.
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/4
SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 1994
REGISTER AS VOTERS NOW
♦ ♦ » * »
ASSISTANT KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICER MR EDWARD CHU TODAY (SATURDAY) CALLED ON RESIDENTS IN THE AREA TO TAKE THE INITIATIVE TO ENROL AS ELECTORS BEFORE THE REGISTRATION PERIOD CLOSES ON JULY 1.
SPEAKING AT A VARIETY SHOW TO PROMOTE ELECTORAL REGISTRATION IN THE DISTRICT, MR CHU SAID DURING THE LONG WEEKEND, MORE THAN 100 TEMPORARY COMMUNITY ORGANISERS TOGETHER WITH STAFF OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE WOULD CONTINUE TO HELP PEOPLE REGISTER AT MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY STATIONS AND SHOPPING CENTRES.
’’ONLY AFTER BECOMING A VOTER CAN YOU ELECT YOUR PREFERRED CANDIDATES IN THE FORTHCOMING POLLS AND HAVE YOUR VOICE HEARD ON LOCAL AFFAIRS. IT ONLY TAKES A FEW MINUTES TO EXERCISE SUCH CIVIC RIGHTS," HE SAID.
A CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SPOKESMAN HAS AGAIN REMINDED THOSE WHO ARE AGED 18 AND ABOVE AND HAVE BEEN LIVING IN HONG KONG FOR SEVEN YEARS TO REGISTER AS VOTERS.
------0------------
SUNDAY, JUNE 12, 1994
5 -
TAVA SCHEME AIDS TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS
*****
TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS OR THEIR DEPENDANTS WHO NEED FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE ARE ADVISED TO COME FORWARD TO THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE (TAVA) SECTION OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT (SWD).
MAKING THE APPEAL, AN SWD SPOKESMAN SAID STAFF FROM THE TAVA SECTION WOULD, IN MAJOR TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS, TAKE THE INITIATIVE TO CONTACT VICTIMS OR THEIR DEPENDANTS DIRECTLY TO HELP THEM APPLY AT AN EARLY DATE.
QUOTING A RECENT EXAMPLE, THE SPOKESMAN SAJI) THE SWD HAD TAKEN SWIFT ACTION TO ASSIST A MAN WHOSE THREE FAMILY MEMBERS WERE KILLED IN A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT AT TAI PO ROAD NEAR THE SHA TIN RACECOURSE ON APRIL 12 THIS YEAR.
AS A RESULT OF THIS, A SUM OF $38,523 WAS AWARDED TO THE VICTIM WITHIN ONE WEEK.
THE TAVA SCHEME, OPERATING SINCE 1979, IS ONE OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEMES ADMINISTERED BY THE SWD.
IN THE 1992/93 FINANCIAL YEAR, THE SWD HAD SPENT SOME $79.2 MILLION FROM THE TAVA FUND, REPRESENTING A 33 PER CENT INCREASE COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING YEAR.
DURING THE SAME PERIOD, 5,517'APPLICATIONS FOR ASSISTANCE WERE RECEIVED, REPRESENTING A DROP OF 1.6 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH 5,604 APPLICATIONS IN 1991/92.
"THE TAVA SCHEME AIMS TO PROVIDE QUICK FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS OR THEIR DEPENDANTS, REGARDLESS OF THE MEANS OF THE FAMILY OR THE ELEMENT OF FAULT IN CAUSING THE AC( I DENT.
"TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR ASSISTANCE, AN APPLICATION MUST BE MADE WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF THE ACCIDENT WHICH MUST HAVE BEEN REPORTED TO THE POLICE.
"IN THE CASE OF INJURY NOT CAUSING DEATH, AN APPLICANT MUST OBTAIN A CERTIFICATE FROM A REGISTERED DOCTOR GRANTING AT LEAST THREE DAYS OF SICK LEAVE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE ADDED THAT BENEFICIARIES UNDER THE SCHEME STILL RETAINED THE RIGHT TO MAKE CLAIMS FOR LEGAL DAMAGES OR COMPENSATION FROM OTHER SOURCES IN THE USUAL WAY.
HOWEVER, THOSE WHO RECEIVE COMPENSATION IN RESPECT OF THE SAME TRAFFIC ACCIDENT ARE REQUIRED TO REPAY THE AMOUNT OF ASSISTANCE THEY HAVE RECEIVED FROM THE SCHEME.
"BUT IN ANY CASE THE AMOUNT TO BE REPAID SHALL NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNT OF COMPENSATION AWARDED," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/APPLICATIONS UNDER .......
SUNDAY, JUNE 12, 1994
- 6 -
APPLICATIONS UNDER THE TAVA SCHEME CAN BE MADE EITHER IN PERSON OR BY POST.
APPLICATION FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED AT THE ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION UNITS OF REGIONAL POLICE HEADQUARTERS, DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND SWD’S TAVA SECTION AT ROOM 942, WU CHUNG HOUSE, 213 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI.
------0-------
TEACHER RECRUITMENT DRIVE IN PROGRESS
*****
PEOPLE WHO WISH TO JOIN THE TEACHING PROFESSION ON A FULL-TIME OR PART-TIME BASIS ARE INVITED TO REGISTER WITH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S TEACHER RECRUITMENT INFORMATION OFFICE (T.R.I.O.).
THEIR PARTICULARS WILL BE ENTERED INTO A COMPUTER DATA BANK WHICH WILL THEN FORM A SOURCE OF POTENTIAL TEACHING FORCE TO SCHOOLS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID: ’’THE INFORMATION OFFICE AIMS TO ASSIST PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS WITH REGULAR OR TEMPORARY VACANCIES FOR OVER THREE MONTHS IN EMPLOYING SUITABLE TEACHERS TO FILL TEACHING VACANCIES ARISING FROM CREATION OF NEW POSTS OR NATURAL WASTAGE.
"SCHOOLS INTENDING TO RECRUIT TEACHERS FOR CERTAIN SUBJECTS CAN ALSO OBTAIN POTENTIAL TEACHERS’ INFORMATION THROUGH THE T.R.I.O. DATA BANK BY FILLING IN A FORM, ONE FOR EACH POST, AND RETURNING IT TO T.R.I.O. BY FAX OR BY POST.
"WHEN T.R.I.O. RECEIVES THE REQUEST FROM THE SCHOOLS, IT WILL PROVIDE A COMPUTER PRINTOUT OF A LIST OF TEACHERS WITH SUITABLE QUALIFICATIONS AND SUBJECT RELEVANCE TO SCHOOLS FOR SELECTION," THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
"SCHOOLS WILL THEN ARRANGE INTERVIEWS WITH SUITABLE CANDIDATES ON THE LIST. WHETHER THE APPLICANTS WILL BE OFFERED APPOINTMENTS WILL BE SOLELY AT THE DISCRETION OF THE SCHOOL."
THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS TO CANCEL THEIR REGISTRATION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE SO THAT THE LIST OF CANDIDATES WERE ALWAYS KEPT UP-TO-DATE.
T.R.I.O. WAS SET UP TO LAUNCH A TEACHER RECRUITMENT CAMPAIGN TO HELP FULFIL THE OBJECTIVE OF IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION IN PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS AS ANNOUNCED BY THE GOVERNOR IN HIS TWO POLICY SPEECHES.
ABOUT 620 TEACHING POSTS WILL BE INTRODUCED IN THE 1994/95 SCHOOL YEAR. SUCH AN INCREASE DOES NOT INCLUDE REPLACEMENTS TO FILL VACANCIES RESULTING FROM TEACHER WASTAGE.
SINCE THE RE-ACTIVATION OF T.R.I.O. IN MARCH, OVER 2,400 PERSONS HAVE REGISTERED WITH THE OFFICE.
/AMONG THESE .......
SUNDAY, JUNE 12, 1994
AMONG THESE APPLICANTS, 1,550 ARE DEGREE HOLDERS, GRADUATES FROM THE FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME IN-SERVICE TRAINING COURSES OF THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION AND 196 HAVE DIPLOMAS FROM THE APPROVED POST-SECONDARY COLLEGES.
362 ARE
TEACHER OBTAINED
T.R.I.O. WILL DISTRIBUTE REGISTRATION FORMS AT ITS OFFICE AT
ROOM 706, SEVENTH FLOOR, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 105 NATHAN ROAD,
KOWLOON, THE 19 DISTRICT EDUCATION TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION’S DISTRICT CALLER DIALS THE DEPARTMENT’S 24-HOUR
OFFICES, THE CITY AND NEW OFFICES OR VIA FAX WHEN A AUTHOMATI (’ TELEPHONE ENQUIRY
SERVICE ON 891 0088.
---------0 - -
SUMMER HEALTH TIPS ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ *
GOOD PERSONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE AND SAFI FOOD ARE THE STRONGEST SHIELD TO GUARD AGAINST GASTRO-INTESTINAL DISEASES, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF HEALTH (HYGIENE), DR MAHOMMED ALT, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
DR ALI WAS APPEALING TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO TAKE SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS AGAINST THE DISEASES WITH THE APPROACH OF THE SUMMER.
HE POINTED OUT THAT FOOD-BORNE DISEASES SUCH AS CHOLERA, VIRAL HEPATITIS A, DYSENTERY, TYPHOID AND FOOD POISONING LIKE THE RECENT OCCURRENCE OF BIOTOXIN CASES, WERE COMMON IN THE SUMMER AS A RESULT OF EATING UNCLEAN OR DETERIORATED FOOD, OF? DRINKING CONTAM1NATED 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 SAID: ”DO NOT BUY CUT FRUIT AS OPEN CUT FRUIT CAN EASILY GET CONTAMINATED.
’’WHEN CONSUMING SEAFOOD, TN PARTICULAR THE BIVALVE SHELLFISH, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SHOULD AVOID EATING THEIR INTERNAL ORGANS AND SHOULD NOT EAT TOO MUCH AT A TIME.
’’WHEN THE TOXIC RED TIDE OCCURS, THE\ SHOULD AVOID EATING BIVALVE SHELLFISH,” DR ALI SAID.
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 BOARD AND KNIFE BEFORE USE, ESPECIALLY
AFTER CUTTING RAW MEAT AND POULTRY;
* USE CLEAN COOKING UTENSILS;
/* WASH HANDS ........
8
SUNDAY, JUNE 12, 1994
♦ WASH HANDS AFTER VISITING THE TOILET AND BEFORE PREPARING AND EATING FOOD;
* STORE IN 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 SHOULI 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 EMPLOYEES 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.
---------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, JUNE 13, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LOCALISATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE...................... 1
TRANSCRIPT OF CS’ MEDIA SESSION............................. 1
STI TO ATTEND CONFERENCE IN BEIJING......................... 2
GROUP BRIEFING SESSIONS FOR ADOPTIVE PARENTS................ 2
SECOND PUBLIC HEARING FOR TV LICENCES
3
MONDAY, JUNE 13, 1994
1
LOCALISATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE * ♦ * ♦ *
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES, A CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH SPOKESMAN TODAY (MONDAY) CONFIRMED THAT THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR MICHAEL SZE, AND HIS COLLEAGUES HAVE RECENTLY BRIEFED ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS (AOS) ON OVERSEAS TERMS OF SERVICE, ON MEASURES TO ENHANCE THE LOCALISATION OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, IN HIS POLICY ADDRESS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN OCTOBER 1993 SAID IT WAS HIS INTENTION TO HAVE IN PLACE A TEAM OF SENIOR OFFICERS WHO COULD MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE BASIC LAW IN GOOD TIME BEFORE 1997.
"WE HAVE ALSO SAID PUBLICLY THAT WE WILL TAKE STEPS TO DEVELOP A POOL OF POTENTIALLY QUALIFIED LOCAL OFFICERS AT IMMEDIATELY LEVELS BELOW WHO COULD GO ONWARDS AND UPWARDS TO FILL THE MOST SENIOR GOVERNMENT POSTS BOTH NOW AND IN THE FUTURE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO POINTED OUT THAT IN THE PAST, THE ADMINISTRATION HAD, IN THE INTEREST OF LOCALISATION, GENERALLY DIRECTED OVERSEAS AOS TO RETIRE AT AGE 57.
"TO MEET THE COMMITMENT GIVEN BY THE GOVERNOR TO FILL SUCH POSTS WITH POTENTIALLY QUALIFIED LOCAL OFFICERS WELL BEFORE 1997, IT WILL BE NECESSARY IN FUTURE TO ENHANCE THIS BY DIRECTING A NUMBER OF YOUNGER OVERSEAS OFFICERS PRESENTLY OCCUPYING POSTS AT THE FUTURE ’PRINCIPAL OFFICIAL’ LEVEL TO RETIRE.
"INDEED IT WILL ALSO BE NECESSARY TO SUPERSEDE A NUMBER OF OVERSEAS AOS AT IMMEDIATE RANKS BELOW POLICY SECRETARY LEVEL FOR PROMOTION," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
------0 - -
TRANSCRIPT OF CS’ MEDIA SESSION
*****
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, AFTER OFFICIATING AT THE PRIZE PRESENTATION OF THE SAI KUNG DRAGON BOAT RACE THIS (MONDAY) AFTERNOON:-
CS: I AM VERY GLAD THAT MR GOODLAD IS VISITING CHINA. OF COURSE, HONG KONG WILL NOT BE THE MAIN FOCUS OF MR GOODLAD’S VISIT BUT IT WILL BE QUITE NATURAL FOR HONG KONG ISSUES TO BE DISCUSSED DURING MR GOODLAD’S VISIT. THE DETAILS OF THE PROGRAMME WILL BE ANNOUNCED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND I AM SURE MR GOODLAD IS LOOKING FORWARD GREATLY TO THIS VISIT.
QUESTION: DO YOU HAVE ANY EXPECTATION OF HIS TRIP?
CS: I AM SURE THAT THEY WILL BE DISCUSSING A RANGE OF BILATERAL ISSUES OF MUTUAL CONCERN. AS I SAID, HONG KONG WILL COME UP AND I AM SURE MR GOODLAD IS LOOKING FORWARD TO HIS DISCUSSIONS WITH VARIOUS CHINESE LEADERS. THANK YOU.
/2........
MONDAY, JUNE 13, 1994
- 2 -
STI TO ATTEND CONFERENCE IN BEIJING
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T H CHAU, LEFT FOR BEIJING TODAY (MONDAY) TO ATTEND A CONFERENCE ON "TRADE AND ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION BETWEEN HONG KONG AND INLAND AND NORTHERN CHINA”.
THE CONFERENCE, WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE TOMORROW, IS ORGANISED BY THE CHINESE MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION (CMA) AND THE ALL-CHINA FEDERATION OF INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE. MR CHAU WILL BE ATTENDING AS A GUEST SPEAKER AT THE INVITATION OF THE CMA.
SPEAKING BEFORE HIS DEPARTURE, MR CHAU SAID HE WAS LOOKING FORWARD TO ATTENDING AND SPEAKING AT THE CONFERENCE.
"HONG KONG AND CHINA HAVE A VERY CLOSE AND IMPORTANT TRADE AND ECONOMIC RELATIONSHIP AND THE CONFERENCE PROVIDES AN EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY FOR AN EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION IN THIS AREA AND FOR THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THAT RELATIONSHIP," HE SAID.
MR CHAU WILL DELIVER A SPEECH ON THE ROLE PLAYED BY HONG KONG IN CHINA’S TRADE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
WHILE IN BEIJING, MR CHAU WILL ALSO ATTEND A DINNER TO CELEBRATE THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CMA AND THE OPENING OF THEIR NEW OFFICE IN THE CHINESE CAPITAL.
------0-------
GROUP BRIEFING SESSIONS FOR ADOPTIVE PARENTS
*****
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO ARE INTERESTED TO ADOPT CHILDREN ARE INVITED TO ATTEND A GROUP BRIEFING SESSION ORGANISED BY THE ADOPTION UNIT OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) SAID THE SESSION WOULD HELP PROSPECTIVE ADOPTIVE PARENTS ACQUIRE BASIC UNDERSTANDING OF THE OBJECTIVES OF ADOPTION SERVICE, THE GENERAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA AND REQUIREMENTS AS WELL AS THE MEANING AND COMMITMENT OF ADOPTION.
"IN ADDITION, IT WILL GIVE THEM OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ADOPTION THROUGH DISCUSSION WITH OTHER APPLICANTS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE DEPARTMENT SUCCESSFULLY PLACED 105 AND 11 CHILDREN IN LOCAL AND OVERSEAS HOMES RESPECTIVELY IN THE 1993/94 FINANCIAL YEAR.
AT PRESENT, TWO BRIEFING SESSIONS, ONE IN ENGLISH AND THE OTHER IN CHINESE, ARE ORGANISED EVERY MONTH. ABOUT 30 COUPLES ATTENDED THE CHINESE-SPEAKING GROUP AND AROUND 10 COUPLES ATTENDED THE ENGLISH SESSION.
/THE SCHEDULE .......
MONDAY, JUNE 13, 1994
3
THE SCHEDULE OF THE SESSIONS FOR THE NEXT FOUR MONTHS IS:
DATE
SESSION
CHINESE CHINESE CHINESE CHINESE ENGLISH ENGLISH ENGLISH ENGLISH 16 JULY 20 AUGUST 24 SEPTEMBER 29 OCTOBER 23 JULY 20 AUGUST 17 SEPTEMBER 22 OCTOBER
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO ENROL FOR THE GROUP BRIEFING
SESSIONS MAY CONTACT THE ADOPTION UNIT ON TEL 852 3107.
--------0-----------
SECOND PUBLIC HEARING FOR TV LICENCES
*****
THE SECOND PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE MID-TERM REVIEW OF THE ATV AND TVB LICENCES WILL BE HELD IN THE HONG KONG SCIENCE MUSEUM LECTURE HALL IN KOWLOON ON THURSDAY (JUNE 16).
THE SESSION WILL START AT 6.30 PM AND LAST UNTIL 9.30 PM.
ADMITTANCE WILL BE ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS.
SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION WILL BE AVAILABLE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY (BA) SAID: "MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE INVITED TO COMMENT ON A RANGE OF TOPICS COVERING THE PROGRAMMES AND ADVERTISEMENTS BROADCAST ON ATV AND TVB."
THE LICENCES FOR BOTH TELEVISION STATIONS WERE RENEWED FOR A TERM OF 12 YEARS EXPIRING IN DECEMBER 2000. EACH LICENCE CARRIES A CONDITION THAT IT IS SUBJECT TO RENEWAL BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL NOT BEFORE DECEMBER 1, 1994.
THE BA WILL SEEK THE VIEWS OF THE PUBLIC ON WHAT HAS BEEN BROADCAST OVER THE PAST FIVE OR SIX YEARS.
THIS WILL HELP THE BA DETERMINE WHETHER ANY CHANGES TO THE REGULATORY SYSTEM FOR COMMERCIAL BROADCASTING ARE REQUIRED.
THE LAST PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD ON JUNE 22 IN THE SHA TIN TOWN HALL CULTURAL ACTIVITIES HALL IN SHA TIN. IT WILL ALSO START AT 6.30 PM.
PAMPHLETS GIVING DETAILS OF THE PUBLIC HEARINGS ARE AVAILABLE FROM DISTRICT OFFICES.
ENQUIRIES ON THE PUBLIC HEARINGS CAN BE MADE ON TEL 594 5792.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, JUNE 14, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HK PERFORMS IMPORTANT ROLE IN CHINA’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT............................................... 1
CATWALK CONSTRUCTION STARTS ON TSING MA BRIDGE SITE..... 2
SERVICES FOR IMMIGRANT STUDENTS FROM CHINA................. 3
ASSISTANT LABOUR OFFICERS GET SPECIAL TRAINING............. 5
FEE ASSISTANCE SCHEME EXTENDS TO DAY CRECHES............... 7
DRAWING COMPETITION FOR PING SHAN HERITAGE TRAIL........... 8
TUESDAY, JUNE 14, 1994
1
HK PERFORMS IMPORTANT ROLE IN CHINA’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
♦ ♦ » ♦ *
HONG KONG IS PERFORMING A VERY IMPORTANT INTERMEDIARY ROLE IN THE TRADE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF CHINA, SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T H CHAU, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
MR CHAU WAS SPEAKING IN BEIJING AT A CONFERENCE ON ’’TRADE AND ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION BETWEEN HONG KONG AND INLAND AND NORTHERN CHINA” ORGANISED BY THE CHINESE MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG AND THE ALL-CHINA FEDERATION OF INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE.
MR CHAU SAID HONG KONG BUSINESSMEN HAD BECOME THE BEST JOINTVENTURE PARTNERS OF FOREIGN INVESTORS IN CHINA AS THE TERRITORY WAS RECOGNISED AS A GATEWAY TO CHINA.
THIS WAS DUE TO THE FACT THAT HONG KONG IS IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO CHINA, AND THAT MORE THAN 98 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S POPULATION ARE OF CHINESE ORIGIN WHO CAN BETTER UNDERSTAND PEOPLE IN CHINA.
ALSO, HONG KONG’S CAPITALIST FREE TRADE SYSTEM HAS ENABLED IT TO BECOME A SOURCE OF THE FOREIGN INVESTMENTS AND SERVICES SUPPORT NECESSARY FOR CHINA’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
’’SINCE THE LATE 80S, HONG KONG HAS BEEN CHINA’S LARGEST SOURCE OF FOREIGN INVESTMENT. THE TERRITORY IS A CATALYST TO CHINA’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT,” MR CHAU SAID.
’’CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE TWO PLACES STARTED IN SOUTH CHINA AND LATER INVESTMENTS GRADUALLY MOVED UP TO THE NORTHERN PART OF CHINA. IN RECENT YEARS, HONG KONG BUSINESSMEN HAVE MADE INVESTMENT IN TRANSPORT AND OTHER INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS, THE COMPLETION OF WHICH WOULD BE CONDUCIVE TO THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE REMOTER PARTS OF CHINA.
”TO OVERSEAS INVESTORS AND TRADERS, HONG KONG IS LIKE AN ENCYCLOPEDIA ON CHINA. IT HELPS TO SETTLE CONTRACT DISPUTES AND RECONCILE CULTURAL DIFFERENCES IN ASPECTS RELATING TO TRADE TRANSACTIONS AND AGREEMENTS.
’’THE ROLE PLAYED BY HONG KONG DOES NOT END THERE AS THE TERRITORY IS ALSO THE MAJOR ENTREPOT FOR CHINA’S IMPORTS AND EXPORTS AND THIS ROLE HAS NOT BEEN AFFECTED BY CHINA’S DIRECT AND CLOSE TRADE RELATIONS WITH OTHER PLACES.
”AT PRESENT, HONG KONG TAKES UP ABOUT 40 PER CENT OF CHINA’S TOTAL TRADE VOLUME AND ABOUT ONE-THIRD OF THE TERRITORY’S EXTERNAL TRADE INVOLVES CHINA.”
HONG KONG STANDS TO BENEFIT IF CHINA’S ECONOMY PROSPERS AND ANYTHING WHICH HELPS HONG KONG’S ECONOMY HAS A POSITIVE EFFECT ON CHINA TOO, MR CHAU SAID.
/•'THEREFORE, A ........
TUESDAY, JUNE 14, 1994
- 2 -
"THEREFORE, A PRIME TASK FOR POLICY-MAKERS OF THE TWO PLACES IS TO IMPLEMENT THE CONCEPT OF ’ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS’, TO. MAINTAIN HONG KONG’S CAPITALIST FREE TRADE SYSTEM, AND TO RECOGNISE THAT HONG KONG IS A SEPARATE ECONOMIC ENTITY, WITH SEPARATE MEMBERSHIP IN THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE, THE ASIA DEVELOPMENT BANK, THE ASIA PACIFIC ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION AND OTHER ECONOMIC AND TRADE ORGANISATIONS.
"THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO DO ITS BEST TO MAINTAIN THE COMPETITIVENESS OF ITS PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE, MANPOWER RESOURCES, MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES AND VARIOUS SERVICES TO ENSURE THAT HONG KONG’S ECONOMY CONTINUES TO PROSPER AND CONTRIBUTE TO THE FURTHER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF CHINA AND THE ENTIRE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION."
---------0-----------
CATWALK CONSTRUCTION STARTS ON TSING MA BRIDGE SITE
*****
PANELS OF STEEL WIRE MESH ARE BEING HOISTED BETWEEN THE TWIN TOWERS OF TSING MA BRIDGE TO FORM TWO TEMPORARY FOOTBRIDGES, OR CATWALKS, SPANNING THE MA WAN CHANNEL.
"THIS MARKS ANOTHER SIGNIFICANT STEP IN THE SUSPENSION BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION," SAID MR K C YEUNG, PROJECT DIRECTOR OF THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING PROJECT MANAGEMENT OFFICE OF THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT.
THE TSING MA BRIDGE IS PART OF THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING, AN IMPORTANT ELEMENT OF THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME’S HIGHWAYS NETWORK WHICH WILL CONNECT THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK AND TUNG CHUNG NEW TOWN TO THE URBAN AREA IN KOWLOON AND CENTRAL HONG KONG.
MR YEUNG SAID THE TEMPORARY FOOTBRIDGES WOULD BE USED AS WORKING PLATFORMS FOR AERIAL SPINNING AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE MAIN SUSPENSION CABLES AND OTHER CABLES.
"A TOTAL OF 76 PANELS OF STEEL WIRE MESH, EACH MEASURING 60 METRES BY 3.85 METRES, WILL BE SLID OUT ALONG THE WIRES WHICH HAVE BEEN HOISTED BETWEEN THE TWO TOWERS TO FORM THE FOOTBRIDGES*
"IN PREPARATION FOR THE FOOTBRIDGE CONSTRUCTION, 10 WIRES MEASURING FROM 16 MILLIMETRES (MM) TO 38 MM IN DIAMETER HAVE BEEN STRUNG ACROSS THE TWO BRIDGE TOWERS.
"THESE WIRES ARE BEING USED TO HAUL MATERIALS BETWEEN THE TOWERS AND TO SERVE AS FLOOR AND HAND STRANDS FOR BUILDING THE FOOTBRIDGES," MR YEUNG EXPLAINED.
CONSTRUCTION OF THE FOOTBRIDGES WILL BE COMPLETED LATER THIS MONTH, ENABLING THE SPINNING OF THE MAIN CABLES TO BEGIN NEXT MONTH.
"THERE WILL BE TWO MAIN CABLES, EACH MEASURING 1.1 METRES IN DIAMETER, BULIT UP WIRE BY WIRE BY A SPINNING PROCESS.
/"EACH MAIN .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 14, 1994
3
’’EACH MAIN CABLE WILL BE FORMED BY 33,500 INDIVIDUAL WIRES, EACH MEASURING 5.38 MM IN DIAMETER AND WITH A TOTAL LENGTH OF 175,000 KILOMETRES, ENOUGH TO CIRCLE THE EARTH ABOUT 4.5 TIMES,” MR YEUNG SAID.
THE TSI NG MA BRIDGE, WHICH IS ON SCHEDULE FOR COMPLETION TN 1997, WILL HAVE A MAIN SPAN OF 1,377 METRES MAKING IT THE LONGEST SUSPENSION BRIDGE IN THE WORLD CARRYING BOTH ROAD AND RAIL TRAFFIC.
THE BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT WAS AWARDED TO ANGLO-JAPANESE CONSTRUCTION JOINT VENTURE IN MAY 1992 AT A PRICE OF $7.1 BILLION.
---------0-----------
SERVICES FOR IMMIGRANT STUDENTS FROM CHINA
*****
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) DREW ATTENTION TO A NUMBER OF REMEDIAL AND SUPPORT SERVICES THAT WOULD HELP IMMIGRANT STUDENTS FROM CHINA OVERCOME LEARNING AND ADJUSTMENT PROBLEMS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE SERVICES WERE ALSO AVAILABLE TO LOCAL STUDENTS, BUT SHOULD HELP IMMIGRANT STUDENTS INTEGRATE INTO THE LOCAL EDUCATION SYSTEM.
HE NOTED THAT IN VIEW OF THE INCREASE OF THE DAILY QUOTA FOR IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA, A LARGE NUMBER OF SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN WOULD ENTER HONG KONG’S EDUCATION SYSTEM EACH YEAR.
"IT IS IMPORTANT THAT SCHOOL PRINCIPALS AND TEACHERS SHOULD GET TO KNOW THESE IMMIGRANT STUDENTS QUICKLY. LIKE LOCAL STUDENTS, THEY HAVE DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS, EXPERIENCE, INTEREST AND APTITUDES.
"PARENTS CO-OPERATION AND SUPPORT ARE IMPORTANT, AND SHOULD BE ENLISTED FROM THE OUTSET. THEY SHOULD NOT BE CONTACTED ONLY WHEN THEIR CHILDREN ARE IN TROUBLE. HEADS OF SCHOOLS ARE ENCOURAGED TO INFORM PARENTS OF WHAT THE SCHOOLS ARE DOING OR TRYING TO DO FOR THEIR CHILDREN."
THE SPOKESMAN SAID STUDENTS WHO DID NOT SPEAK THE LOCAL DIALECT MAY EXPERIENCE ANXIETY AND FRUSTRATION AT NOT BEING ABLE TO COMMUNICATE WITH OTHER STUDENTS OR PARTICIPATE IN SCHOOL ACTIVITIES.
HE SAID INITIALLY, HEADS OF SCHOOLS SHOULD MAKE USE OF THE SUPPORT SERVICES ALREADY AVAILABLE IN THEIR SCHOOLS TO HELP IMMIGRANT STUDENTS.
THE SUPPORT SERVICES ARE:
* SCHOOL GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING SERVICES
STUDENT GUIDANCE TEACHERS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS AND GUIDANCE TEACHERS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS PROVIDE EDUCATION AND PERSONAL GUIDANCE FOR STUDENTS. HEADS OF SCHOOLS MAY REFER NEWLY ADMITTED IMMIGRANT STUDENTS TO THEM FOR HELP.
/* REMEDIAL TEACHING ........
TUESDAY, JUNE 14, 1994
4
* REMEDIAL TEACHING
AS MOST IMMIGRANT STUDENTS HAVE A LOWER STANDARD IN ENGLISH, HEADS OF SCHOOLS MAY ARRANGE FOR THEM TO RECEIVE REMEDIAL TEACHING IN THIS SUBJECT.
FOR STUDENTS WHO EXPERIENCE MORE SERIOUS LEARNING DIFFICULTIES AND REQUIRE INTENSIVE REMEDIAL SUPPORT TO HELP THEM COPE WITH THE CURRICULUM, THE FOLLOWING SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE:
* RESOURCE CLASSES
THESE CLASSES ARE OPERATED IN MANY PRIMARY SCHOOLS FOR STUDENTS WHO ARE BACKWARD IN THE THREE BASIC SUBJECTS OF CHINESE, ENGLISH AND MATHEMATICS. EACH CLASS ACCOMMODATES 15 PUPILS AND IS OPERATED ON WITHDRAWAL BASIS.
HEADS OF SCHOOLS WHO WISH TO OPERATE SUCH CLASSES FOR IMMIGRANT STUDENTS SHOULD CONTACT THE INTENSIVE REMEDIAL SERVICES UNIT OF THE SPECIAL EDUCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
* PERIPATETIC TEACHING SERVICE
IN CASE IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO OPERATE RESOURCE CLASSES, ARRANGEMENTS MAY BE MADE FOR TEACHERS FROM THE SPECIAL EDUCATION SECTION TO VISIT SCHOOLS REGULARLY TO PROVIDE INTENSIVE REMEDIAL TEACH I NG IN SMALL GROUPS TO PRIMARY PUPILS.
EACH PUPIL ATTENDS TWO SESSIONS PER WEEK, WITH EACH SESSION COMPRISING THREE 40-MINUTE PERIODS, ONE FOR EACH OF THE THREE BASIC SUBJECTS.
* RESOURCE TEACHING CENTRES
THESE CENTRES CATER FOR STUDENTS ATTENDING PRIMARY AND .JUNIOR SECONDARY CLASSES WHO ARE BACKWARD IN ACADEMIC ATTAINMENT BY AT LEAST TWO YEARS.
INTENSIVE REMEDIAL SUPPORT FOR THE THREE BASIC SUBJECTS IS PROVIDED IN SMALL GROUPS. STUDENTS ATTEND THE CENTRES EACH WEEK FOR TWO SESSIONS OF TWO HOURS EACH.
THERE ARE SIX RESOURCE TEACHING CENTRES FOR PRIMARY STUDENTS AND FOUR RESOURCE TEACHING CENTRES FOR SECONDARY STUDENTS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID IMMIGRANT STUDENTS WHO HAD OTHER DIFFICULTIES IN LEARNING COULD ALSO SEEK HELP FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT FOR BEHAVIOUR MODIFICATION IN ADJUSTMENT UNITS, PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES, AUDIOLOGICAL SERVICES, SPEECH THERAPY SERVICES, AND SERVICES FOR PUPILS WITH VISUAL PROBLEMS.
TUESDAY, JUNE 14, 1994
- 5 -
ASSISTANT LABOUR OFFICERS (JET SPEC Ml. TRAINING
♦ r ♦ i t
THEY ARRANGED SOME 94,200 CONSULTATION MEETINGS AND IN 1993 FOR TENS OF THOUSANDS OF EMPLOYEES AND EMPLOYERS.
ENQUIRlES
THEY HANDLED MORE THAN 18,000 LABOUR DISPUTES AND (’LA I MS WITH SIGNIFICANT RESULTS, AND ORGANISED OR TOOK PART IN 900 LABOUR RELATIONS PROMOTIONAL ACT IVII IES IN I HF SAME A E AR.
THEY ARE THE 130 OFFICERS FROM THE LABOUR. DEPARTMENT’S LABOUR RELATIONS DIVISION (LRD1.
IMAGINE ALL THESE SERVICES h I KT A< I’UAUIo PROVIDED BA I’HESF OFFICERS, IT WOULD NOT BE DIFFICULT To UNDERSTAND HOW HECTIC THEIR WORK HAD BEEN AND WILL BE IN THE YEARS AHEAD.
YET THEA KEEP ON LOOKING FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO MEET THE CHANGING EXPECTATIONS AND DEMANDS OF THEIR CUSTOMERS - THE 2.8 MILLION WORKFORCE AND MANA OTHER MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO ARE EAGER TO KNOW MORE ABOUT EMPLOYMENT LAWS AND LABOUR RELATIONS INFORMATION.
AMONG THE OFFICERS PROVIDING CONCILIATION SERVICE FOR THE SETTLEMENT OF WAGE CLAIMS AND LABOUR DISPUTES AND PROMOTING HARMONIOUS LABOUR RELATIONS, SOME 30 OF THEM ARI- IN THE JUNIOR RANK OE ASSISTANT LABOUR OFFICERS WHOSE CHANCES OF EXPOSURE MAA NOT BE Too EXTENSIVE IN VIEW OF THEIR RELATIVELY SHORT SERVICE IN THE GRADE.
HOWEVER, JUNIOR OFFI( ERS WORKING IN Till- LRD OR NEWCOMERS To THE DIVISION WILL BE ABLE TO EQUIP TH I-MS I-1 . I-S Bl TIER TO PERFORM THEIR DUTIES UNDER A SPECIALLA DESIGNED AND UOMPREHENSI A I TRAINING PROGRAMME.
WITH A THEME OF ”A TOTAL APPROACH Io THE TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT” OF ASSISTANT LABOUR OFFICERS, THIS IN-SERVICE PROGRAMME IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE JUNIOR OFFICERS WITH CONTINUOUS TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT IN ALL RELEVANT ASPEC I’S i »F UoRK I HRoUGHOI I THEIR SERVING PERIOD IN THE LRD.
THE PROGRAMME COMPRISES SIX PARTS OF ALTIVITIFS. ON TOP OF THE LIST IS THE PROVISION OF ON-GOING BRIEFING SESSIONS ON SPECIFIC TOPICS WHICH INCLUDE CONCILIATION SK I I LS , TECHNIQUES IN ANSWERING FNQI IRIES FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, PROSECUTION PROCEDURES AND THE HANDLING OF FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS AND IMPORTED WORKERS.
OTHER TOPICS ARE RELATED TO THE LEGAL PROC FDURES OF THE LABOUR TRIBUNAL, TRADE UNIONS IN HONG KoNG, < OMM'»N I Ah PRINCIPLES, THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE AND THE COMPANIES AND BANKRUPTCY ORDINANCE.
IN ORDER TO CREATE MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR HIE EXPOSURE OF ASSISTANT LABOUR OFFICERS, LABOUR OFFICERS IN THE LRD WILL ASK THEIR JUNIOR OFFICERS I’O JOIN THEM IN PROMOTIONAL VISITS, To SIT IN DI R1 NG MAJOR DISPUTES AND TO HANDLE SOME OF THE ( ASIS INVOLVING IMPORTED WORKERS.
/LABOUR OFFICERS .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 14, 1954
- 6 -
LABOUR OFFICERS WILL ALSO SPEND SOME TIME EVERY WEEK TO DISCUSS WITH THEIR ASSISTANTS TOPICS TO HELP IMPROVE THEIR PERFORMANCE.
TO INCREASE THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF LABOUR RELATIONS IN THE TERRITORY, A COMPREHENSIVE REFERENCE MANUAL AND A COMPUTERISED DATABASE OF LEGAL OPINIONS ON INTERPRETATION OF VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE AND HIGH COURT JUDGEMENT NOTES ARE BEING COMPILED FOR ASSISTANT LABOUR OFFICERS AS A HAND\ INFORMATION BANK.
REGULAR BRIEFING SESSIONS WILL BE HELD AT REGIONAL LEVEL SO THST CONCILIATION OFFICERS CAN MAKE USE OF THE OPPORTUNITIES A TO SHARE THEIR CONCILIATION EXPERIENCE.
ALL ASSISTANT LABOUR OFFICERS WHO ARE NEWLY POSTED TO THE LRD WILL BE BROUGHT UNDER A MENTOR SCHEME TO FACILITATE THEM TO APPROACH THEIR DESIGNATED MENTOR DIRECTLY FOR ADVICE AND GUIDANCE.
THIS MENTOR SCHEME WILL BE REINFORCED IN A WAY THAT THE MENTOR WILL CLOSELY MONITOR THE PERFORMANCE OF NEW ASSISTANT LABOUR OFFICERS AND PROVIDE GUIDANCE WHENEVER NECESSARY.
ANOTHER SPECIAL FEATURE IN THIS TAILOR-MADE TRAINING PROGRAMME IS THE APPOINTMENT OF LABOUR OFFICERS OR ASSISTANT LABOUR OFFICERS WITH MORE EXPERIENCE AS SUBJECT OFFICERS ON DIFFERENT TOPICS OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.
THIS ARRANGEMENT WILL ENABLE THE JUNIOR OFFICERS TO CALL UP SUBJECT OFFICERS DIRECTLY WHEN THEY HAVE ANY RELATED PROBLEMS.
ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR MR ALFRED CHAN SAID THE TRAINING PROGRAMME HAD A NUMBER OF ADVANTAGES.
"IT WILL BECOME AN INTEGRAL PART OF WORK FOR JUNIOR OFFICERS SERVING IN THE LABOUR RELATIONS FIELD AND WILL HELP THEM MAINTAIN A CONTINUOUS DEVELOPMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE," HE SAID.
"THROUGH TRAINING ACTIVITIES, SUPERVISORS CAN MAINTAIN A CLOSER BOND WITH THEIR SUBORDINATES AND PROVIDE THEM WITH BETTER GUIDANCE.
"ASSISTANT LABOUR OFFICERS WILL WORK WITH GREATER CONFIDENCE AS THEY CAN SEEK IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE FROM SUBJECT OFFICERS WHEN THEY ENCOUNTER PROBLEMS."
MR CHAN SAID ALL RESPECTIVE SENIOR LABOUR OFFICERS IN LRD WERE REQUIRED TO MONITOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES FOR THEIR ASSISTANT LABOUR OFFICERS.
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/7........
TUESDAY, JUNE 14, 1994
7
FEE ASSISTANCE SCHEME EXTENDS TO DAY CRECHES * I * ♦ ♦
MEMBERS OF. THE PUBLIC WHO SEND THEIR INFANTS TO AIDED DAY CRECHES MAY RECEIVE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WITH EFFECT FROM SEPTEMBER 1 THIS YEAR.
AT PRESENT, ONLY PARENTS OF CHILDREN ATTENDING SUBVENTED NURSERIES CAN APPLY FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT (SWD).
“THE EXTENSION OF THE FEE ASSISTANCE SCHEME TO FAMILIES WHICH USE DAY CRECHE SERVICE IS TO MEET AN INCREASE IN SUCH A DEMAND,” AN SWD SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE PAST DECADE HAD WITNESSED MARKED SOCIAL CHANGES SUCH AS THE PREVALENCE OF NUCLEAR FAMILIES, AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF WORKING MOTHERS AND THE GROWTH OF SINGLE PARENT FAMILIES.
"IN ADDITION, THERE IS GROWING PUBLIC CONCERN ABOUT CHILDREN BEING LEFT UNATTENDED AT HOME. THESE DEVELOPMENTS HAVE LED TO AN INCREASE IN THE DEMAND FOR THE DAY CRECHE SERVICE,” HE SAID.
DAY CRECHES PROVIDE CARE AND CATER FOR THE DEVELOPMENTAL NEEDS OF CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF TWO.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID UNDER THE EXTENDED FEE ASSISTANCE SCHEME, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD DIRECTLY HELP PARENTS PAY THE DAY CRECHE FEES ACCORDING TO A SLIDING SCALE, BASED ON THEIR NET INCOME, UP TO THE FULL AMOUNT OF THE FEE.
"TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR A PLACE IN A DAY CRECHE, A CHILD MUST BE UNDER TWO AT THE TIME OF ADMISSION.
"SUCH A CHILD CAN CONTINUE TO RECEIVE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE UP TO THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR EVEN AFTER HE/SHE HAS ATTAINED THE AGE OF TWO,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
ELIGIBLE CHILDREN SHOULD ALSO MEET ONE OF THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:
* CHILDREN WHO CANNOT RECEIVE PROPER CARE AT HOME AS A RESULT OF ONE PARENT WORKING FULL-TIME AND THE OTHER WORKING 104 HOURS OR MORE IN A MONTH;
* CHILDREN WHOSE PARENTS ARI- CHRONICALLY ILL, DISABLED, OR IN LONG TERM HOSPITAL CARE;
♦ CHILDREN OF SINGLE-PARENT FAMILIES OR CHILDREN FROM BROKEN FAMILIES;
* CHILDREN THEMSELVES HAVING A NEED FOR FULL DAY CARE;
* CHILDREN CONSIDERED TO HAVE NEED FOR CARE BECAUSE OF SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS;
/* CHILDREN FROM ........
TUESDAY, JUNE 14, 1994
- 8 -
» CHILDREN FROM LARGE FAMILIES; OR
* CHILDREN REFERRED AND RECOMMENDED BY SOCIAL WORKERS.
APPLICATIONS MAY BE MADE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, BUT SHOULD PREFERABLY' BE LODGED THREE MONTHS BEFORE THE DATE OF THE CHILD’S ADMISSION TO A DAY CRECHE.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT STARTING THIS MONTH, STAFF FROM THE SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNITS WOULD GO TO THE DAY CRECHES TO HELP THE PARENTS TO PROCESS APPLICATIONS FOR FEE ASSISTANCE IN BATCHES.
PARENTS WHO HAVE ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE FEE ASSISTANCE SCHEME < AN APPROACH THEIR RESPECTIVE SOCIAL SECURITY’ FIELD UNITS OR CONTACT THE CHILD CARE CENTRE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE ON TEI 836 3114.
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DRAWING COMPETITION FOR PING SHAN HERITAGE TRAIL
* « » » »
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE BEING INVITED TO A COMPETITION ON THE FEATURES OF THE PING SHAN HERITAGE TRAIL.
DRAWING
THE COMPETITION IS ORGANISED BY THE LORD WILSON HERITAGE TRUST WHICH WAS SET UP IN LATE 1992 AIMING AT PRESERVING AND PROMOTING HONG KONG’S HERITAGE.
THE DRAWING COMPETITION AIMS TO HELP PROMOTE VISITS TO THE TRAIL. IT IS ALSO HOPED THAT THROUGH THE PAINTING BRUSHES OF ARTISTS. THE UNIQUE AND ELEGANT FACETS OF THE HISTORICAL STRUCTURES ALONG THE TRAIL CAN BE CAPTURED.
THE PING SHAN HERITAGE TRAIL IS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN HONG KONG. IT WAS OPENED IN DECEMBER 1993 WITH FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM THE LORD WILSON HERITAGE TRUST AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB.
THE TRAIL, LOCATED AT PING SHAN, YUEN LONG, IS ABOUT ONE KILOMETRE LONG. IT LINKS UP A NUMBER OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE STRUCTURES WITHIN EASY WALKING DISTANCE, PROVIDING VISITORS WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO RECAPTURE ASPECTS OF LIFE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES IN THE OLD DAYS IN A CONVENIENT HALF-DAY EXCURSION.
UNIQUE MONUMENTS ALONG THE TRAIL INCLUDE TSUI SHING LAI (HONG KONG’S ONLY HISTORIC PAGODA), TANG ANCESTRAL HALL (THE LARGEST ANCESTRAL HALL IN THE TERRITORY), SHEUNG CHEUNG WAI (A WALLED VILLAGE), KUN TING STUDY HALL (BUILT FOR STUDENTS PREPARING FOR THE IMPERIAL CIVIL SERVICE EXAMINATION), HUNG SHING TEMPLE AND YEUNG HAU TEMPLE TOGETHER WITH SEVERAL OTHER CHINESE BUILDINGS.
THE DRAWING COMPETITION IS A TERRITORY-WI DE EVENT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. A PARTICIPANT MAY SUBMIT ANY NUMBER OF ENTRIES BUT HE/SHE CAN ENTER ONLY ONE CATEGORY (PRIMARY, SECONDARY OR OPEN).
/ENTRIES CAN .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 14, 1994
- 9 -
ENTRIES CAN BE PRODUCED IN ANY MEDIUM YET THE DIMENSION OF AN ENTRY SHOULD NOT EXCEED ONE METRE.
ENTRIES MUST BE SUBMITTED TOGETHER WITH COMPLETED ENTRY FORMS TO THE ANTIQUITIES AND MONUMENTS OFFICE, 136 NATHAN ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI, KOWLOON DURING AUGUST.
THE ENTRY FORM SHOULD BE PLACED IN AN ENVELOPE STUCK TO THE BACK OF THE ENTRY.
THE WINNING ENTRIES WILL BE SELECTED BY A PANEL COMPRISING THREE RENOWNED ARTISTS AND TWO REPRESENTATIVES OF THE LORD WILSON HERITAGE TRUST. RESULTS ARE EXPECTED TO BE ANNOUNCED IN SEPTEMBER 1994 .
WINNERS OF THE COMPETITION WILL GET:
I) PRIMARY STUDENT GROUP
FIRST STATIONERY COUPON OF $3,000
SECOND STATIONERY COUPON OF $2,000
THIRD STATIONERY COUPON OF $1,000
11) III 1 MERIT (5) STATIONERY COUPON OF $500 SECONDARY STUDENT GROUP FIRST $3,000 SECOND $2,000 THIRD $1,000 MERIT (5) $500 OPEN GROUP FIRST $6,000 SECOND $4,000 THIRD $3,000 MERIT (5) $1,000
ENTRY FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE ANTIQUITIES AND MONUMENTS OFFICE, DISTRICT OFFICES, PUBLIC LIBRARIES AND MUSEUMS.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL 721 2326.
_ _ 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
WHITEHEAD INCIDENT INQUIRY REPORT PUBLISHED................. 1
JOINT LIAISON GROUP TO MEET NEXT WEEK....................... 2
PROTECTION OF TRADING INTERESTS BILL........................ 2
ICAC REVIEW COMMITTEE RECEIVES 91 SUBMISSIONS............... 3
REPORT ON SECRETARY’S RETIREMENT DENIED..................... 4
NEW TUEN MUN IMMIGRATION ANCHORAGE TO OPEN NEXT MONDAY 4
FEES UNDER BUILDINGS ORDINANCE REVISED...................... 5
NGAU CHI WAN LOT TO LET..................................... 6
SCA CALLS ON RESIDENTS TO REGISTER AS VOTERS................ 7
FOOD HYGIENE CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED.............................. 8
MAY AIR QUALITY REPORT.................................... 9
POK 01 HOSPITAL DIRECTORS VISIT SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT . .. 11
WATER STORAGE FIGURE....................................... 11
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS................ 12
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .... 13
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 1994
1
WHITEHEAD INCIDENT INQUIRY REPORT PUBLISHED * * * * »
THE GOVERNMENT HAS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PUBLISHED THE REPORT OF THE INQUIRY BY TWO JUSTICES OF THE PEACE INTO THE EVENTS SURROUNDING THE REMOVAL OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS FROM THE WHITEHEAD DETENTION CENTRE ON APRIL 7, 1994.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD ACCEPTED THE FINDINGS AND THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE TWO JUSTICES OF THE PEACE (JPS).
THE REPORT GIVES A DETAILED ACCOUNT OF THE REMOVAL OPERATION, INCLUDING A DESCRIPTION OF THE BUILD-UP OF TENSION IN THE CAMP BEFORE APRIL 7, THE RATIONALE FOR THE OPERATIONAL PLAN, THE SEQUENCE OF EVENTS ON THE DAY AND A DESCRIPTION OF THE INJURIES RECEIVED DURING THE OPERATION.
THE JPS HAVE CONCLUDED THAT THE DECISION TO-EMPTY SECTION 7 OF WHITEHEAD WAS A CORRECT ONE ANO THAT THE DECISION NOT TO FOREWARN THE INMATES OF SECTION 7 OF THE MOVE WAS ON BALANCE APPROPRIATE, ALTHOUGH THEY RECOMMEND THAT THIS PRACTICE SHOULD NOT BECOME THE NORM.
THE JPS ALSO AGREE THAT THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT ACTED CORRECTLY IN DEPLOYING SUCH A LARGE CONTINGENT IN THE OPERATION.
THE REPORT CONFIRMS THAT THERE WAS NO DELIBERATE COVER-UP BY THE GOVERNMENT. IT ALSO CONFIRMS THAT THE INCIDENT RESULTED IN NO FATALITIES OR SERIOUS INJURIES, THOUGH BURNS AND MINOR INJURIES WERE, REGRETTABLY, SUSTAINED.
THE JPS ACCEPT THAT THE USE OF MACE, AND WHEN THAT WAS NOT EFFECTIVE, THE USE OF TEAR GAS, WAS THE MINIMUM LEVEL OF FORCE IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
THE REPORT IS, HOWEVER, CRITICAL OF OTHER ASPECTS OF THE OPERATION. IT CONCLUDES THAT MACE AND TEAR GAS WERE FIRED TOO SOON, THAT AT A LATER STAGE ATTEMPTS SHOULD HAVE BEEN MADE TO NEGOTIATE WITH THE VIETNAMESE BEFORE FURTHER AND EXCESSIVE TEAR GAS WAS USED, THAT THE PROCESSING OF VIETNAMESE TRANSFERRED TO CHI MA WAN WAS UNSATISFACTORY, THAT INADEQUATE CARE WAS TAKEN WITH THE BELONGINGS OF THE VIETNAMESE AND THAT THE HANDLING OF THE RELEASE OF INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC WAS INEPT.
"WE AGREE WITH THE JPS THAT THERE ARE VERY IMPORTANT LESSONS TO BE LEARNED FOR THE FUTURE. WE ACCEPT THE CRITICISMS AND WE WILL ACT ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE HANDLING OF SUCH OPERATIONS IN THE FUTURE," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THE JPS HAVE CONCLUDED THAT SOME VIETNAMESE WERE ASSAULTED DURING THE OPERATION.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID: "THIS IS A SERIOUS AND DISTURBING FINDING. SUCH BEHAVIOUR BY OFFICIALS IS UNACCEPTABLE. COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO THE POLICE BY A NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE AND AN INVESTIGATION IS UNDER WAY.
/"A REPORT .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 1994
2
"A REPORT WILL BE MADE TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS AND HE WILL DECIDE ON WHETHER THERE IS SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE FOR A PROSECUTION.
’’THE QUESTION OF DISCIPLINARY ACTION WILL BE CONSIDERED FOLLOWING A DECISION ON WHETHER PROSECUTIONS ARE TO BE LAUNCHED.
’’THE REPORT IS THE PRODUCT OF TWO MONTHS’ HARD WORK. THE .IPS HAVE FULLY DISCHARGED THEIR TERMS OF REFERENCE AND WE ARE GRATEFUL TO MR LI AND PROFESSOR TODD FOR A REPORT WHICH PROVIDES CLEAR DIRECTIONS FOR THE FUTURE.”
COPIES OF THE REPORT IN ENGLISH WILL BE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC AT DISTRICT OFFICES’ PUBLIC ENQUIRY COUNTERS FROM TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
THE CHINESE AND VIETNAMESE VERSIONS OF THE REPORT WILL BE PUBLISHED AS SOON AS THE TRANSLATION WORK HAS BEEN COMPLETED.
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JOINT LIAISON GROUP TO MEET NEXT WEEK
*»*♦*'
THE 29TH MEETING OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP ON HONG KONG WILL TAKE PLACE IN HONG KONG FROM JUNE 21 TO 23.
THE BRITISH TEAM WILL BE LED BY THE SENIOR REPRESENTATIVE, MR HUGH DAVIES.
THE OTHER MEMBERS OF THE BRITISH TEAM WILL BE MR ALAN PAUL (COUNSELLOR, OFFICE OF THE BRITISH SENIOR REPRESENTATIVE, SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP), MR NICHOLAS NG (SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, HONG KONG GOVERNMENT), MR ROBERT PEIRCE (POLITICAL ADVISER, HONG KONG) AND MR SHERARD COWPER-COLES (HEAD OF HONG KONG DEPARTMENT IN THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE).
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PROTECTION OF TRADING INTERESTS BILL
*****
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO LOCALISE A UK ENACTMENT APPLICABLE TO HONG KONG, WHICH PROVIDES PROTECTION FOR HONG KONG BUSINESSMEN AND COMPANIES AGAINST DEMANDS PLACED ON THEM BY FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS AND COURTS WHICH OVERSTEP THE JURISDICTIONAL LIMITS NORMALLY ACCEPTED BY THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY.
THE PROTECTION OF TRADING INTERESTS BILL, WHICH WILL BE GAZETTED ON FRIDAY (JUNE 17), REPEALS AND REPLICATES WITH MINOR CHANGES THE PROVISIONS OF THE PROTECTION OF TRADING INTERESTS ACT 1980 (HONG KONG) ORDER 1990 (THE 1990 ORDER).
/UNDER THE .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 1994
- 3 -
UNDER THE BILL, THE GOVERNOR MAY DIRECT THAT CERTAIN EXTRATERRITORIAL MEASURES TAKEN UNDER THE LAW OF OVERSEAS COUNTRIES SHOULD NOT BE COMPLIED WITH IF IT APPEARS THAT SUCH MEASURES MAY DAMAGE THE TRADING INTERESTS OF HONG KONG.
THE GOVERNOR MAY ALSO DIRECT THAT ORDERS FOR PRODUCTION OF COMMERCIAL DOCUMENTS OR COMMERCIAL INFORMATION SHOULD NOT BE COMPLIED WITH IF SUCH ORDERS WOULD INFRINGE THE JURISDICTION OF HONG KONG.
THE BILL STIPULATES THAT OVERSEAS JUDGMENTS FOR MULTIPLE DAMAGES OR OVERSEAS JUDGMENTS RESTRAINING TRADE AS SPECIFIED BY THE GOVERNOR WOULD BE UNENFORCEABLE IN HONG KONG.
THE BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JUNE 29.
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ICAC REVIEW COMMITTEE RECEIVES 91 SUBMISSIONS *****
THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION REVIEW COMMITTEE, SET UP TO EXAMINE THE POWERS AND ACCOUNTABILITY OF THE ICAC, HAS SO FAR RECEIVED 91 WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS IN RESPONSE TO ITS PUBLIC CONSULTATION EXERCISE, THE SECRETARY OF THE COMMITTEE, MRS LILY YAM, ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION EXERCISE WAS HELD FROM APRIL 17 TO MAY 31.
APART FROM INVITING SUBMISSIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, AS PART OF THE CONSULTATION EXERCISE THE COMMITTEE HAS ALSO WRITTEN TO SOME 260 ORGANISATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS INVITING THEM FOR VIEWS.
"THE VIEWS COLLECTED WILL BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN THE COMMITTEE’S DELIBERATIONS BEFORE IT MAKES ITS RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GOVERNOR," MRS YAM SAID.
SHE SAID TWO PUBLIC SESSIONS HAD BEEN ARRANGED THIS WEEK FOR PEOPLE WHO HAD REGISTERED THEIR WISH TO MAKE ORAL SUBMISSIONS TO THE COMMITTEE IN PUBLIC AND FOR THE DISTRICT BOARDS.
THE FIRST HEARING WILL BE HELD ON FRIDAY (JUNE 17) IN THE CONFERENCE HALL, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICE NEW ANNEXE, LOWER ALBERT ROAD. ONE ORGANISATION AND THREE INDIVIDUALS WILL MAKE SUBMISSIONS AT THE SESSION, WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 9.30 AM.
THE SECOND HEARING, FOR THE DISTRICT BOARDS, WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY (JUNE 18) AT 2 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM, THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HEADQUARTERS, 30TH FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE. SEVEN DISTRICT BOARDS HAVE INDICATED THEIR INTENTION TO ATTEND.
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 .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 1994
THE REVIEW WILL ALSO LOOK INTO THE PRESENT SYSTEMS OF ACCOUNTABILITY TO SEE WHETHER THEY ARE ADEQUATE OR SHOULD BE MODIFIED.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER BOTH HEARINGS. THE PUBLIC HEARING WILL BEGIN AT 9.30 AM ON FRIDAY (JUNE 17) IN THE CONFERENCE HALL, NEW ANNEXE, FIRST FLOOR, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG.
THE HEARING FOR THE DISTRICT BOARDS WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY (JUNE 18) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM, CNTA HEADQUARTERS, 30TH FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, HONG KONG. IT WILL BEGIN AT 2 PM.
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REPORT ON SECRETARY’S RETIREMENT DENIED
*****
COMMENTING ON A REPORT IN A CHINESE NEWSPAPER TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS ACCEPTED THE APPLICATION FOR EARLY RETIREMENT FROM THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH SAID THE REPORT WAS TOTALLY UNTRUE AND WITHOUT FOUNDATION.
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NEW TUEN MUN IMMIGRATION ANCHORAGE TO OPEN NEXT MONDAY
*****
THE NEW TUEN MUN IMMIGRATION ANCHORAGE LOCATED SOUTH OF PAK KOK AND DESIGNED EXCLUSIVELY FOR THE CLEARANCE OF RIVER TRADE VESSELS HAS BEEN GAZETTED AS AN APPROVED IMMIGRATION ANCHORAGE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT IT WOULD COMMENCE OPERATION NEXT MONDAY (JUNE 20).
THIS IMMIGRATION ANCHORAGE WILL BE SUPPORTED BY A LANDBASE OFFICE - THE TUEN MUN IMMIGRATION ANCHORAGE OFFICE AT UNITS 6 AND 7, GROUND FLOOR, CHUN YU HOUSE, SAM SHING ESTATE, TUEN MUN, WHICH WILL ALSO BE OPENED ON THE SAME DAY.
THE IMMIGRATION SPOKESMAN SAID: "AS A RESULT OF GROWING ECONOMIC TIES BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA, THE TRAFFIC OF SMALL CHINESE RIVER TRADE VESSELS HAS INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY.
"THE SETTING UP OF A NEW ANCHORAGE WOULD THEREFORE HELP RELIEVE THE CONGESTION OF THE WESTERN QUARANTINE ANCHORAGE AND REDUCE THE TRAFFIC FLOW AT THE KAP SHUI MUN AND MA WAN CHANNEL THROUGH WHICH THE CHINESE RIVER TRADE VESSELS TRAVEL TO AND FROM THE WESTERN QUARANTINE ANCHORAGE.
/IT IS .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, .1994
- 5 -
IT IS ESTIMATED THAT INITIALLY ABOUT 150 SMALL CRAFTS WOULD USE THE NEW ANCHORAGE DAILY AND A 10-HOUR CLEARANCE SERVICE WILL BE ABLE TO MEET THIS DEMAND.
THE NEW TURN MUN ANCHORAGE WILL OPERATE FRoM I AM IO 11 AM DAILY. THE WORKING HOURS OE THE LANI) OFFICE WILL BE AS FOLLOWS:-
♦ MONDAY TO FRIDAY MIDNIGHT TO 5 PM
* SATURDAY MIDNIGHT TO 1 PM
♦ SUNDAY MIDNIGHT TO NOON
FOR ENQUIRY, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY TELEPHONE 824 6111.
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FEES UNDER BUILDINGS ORDINANCE REVISED
* ♦ ♦ t ♦
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO INCREASE A NUMBER OF FEES UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE FOR APPROVAL OF BUILDING PLANS TO OFFSET HIGHER OPERATING COST.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE PROPOSED REVISION OF ABOUT 10 PER CENT WOULD BRING THE FEES UP TO THE CURRENT PRICE LEVEL.
THESE FEES WERE LAST REVISED IN SEPTEMBER 1993.
THE NEW FEES, TO BE PUBLISHED UNDER THE BUILDING (ADMINISTRATION) (AMENDMENT) (NO.2) REGULATION 1994 IN THE GAZATTE ON FRIDAY (JUNE 17), WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON SEPTEMBER 1 THIS YEAR.
DETAILS OF THE INCREASES ARE AS FOLLOW:
ITEM PARTICULAR CURRENT RATE ($) PROPOSED RATE ($)
1 . A PROPOSED NEW INDUSTRIAL BUILDING OF A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF 20,000 SQUARE METRES OR LESS $1,800 FOR EVERY 100 SQUARE METRES OR PART THEREOF, SUBJECT TO A MINIMUM CHARGE OF $6,860 $1,980 FOR EVERY 100 SQUARE METRES OR PART THEREOF, SUBJECT TO A MINIMUM CHARGE OF $7,540
2. A PROPOSED NEW INDUSTRIAL BUILDING OF A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF MORE THAN 20,000 SQUARE METRES $1,450 FOR EVERY 100 SQUARE METRES OR PART THEREOF, SUBJECT TO A MINIMUM CHARGE OF $360,000 $1,595 FOR EVERY 100 SQUARE METRES OR PART THEREOF, SUBJECT TO A MINIMUM CHARGE OF $396,000
/. A PROPOSED .........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 1994
6
3. A PROPOSED NEW BUILDING FOR WHICH THERE IS NO ACCOUNTABLE GROSS FLOOR AREA, SUCH AS A TRANSFORMER STATION, AN OIL STORAGE INSTALLATION, A PETROL FILLING STATION, A JETTY OR SIMILAR STRUCTURE
4. A PROPOSED NEW NON-INDUSTRIAL BUILDING OF A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF 10,000 SQUARE METRES OR LESS
5. A PROPOSED NEW
NON-INDUSTRIAL BUILDING OF A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF MORE THAN 10,000 SQUARE METRES
6. A NEW PLAN OR A MAJOR REVISION OF SUCH PLAN OF ALTERATION AND ADDITION WORKS OR OTHER BUILDING WORKS NOT RESULTING IN A NEW BUILDING
$9,370 FOR EACH SIZE OF 841 MM BY 594 MM OR PART THEREOF OF THE PLAN
$2,860 FOR EVERY 100 SQUARE METRES OR PART THEREOF, SUBJECT TO A MINIMUM CHARGE OF $6,860
$2,290 FOR EVERY 100 SQUARE METRES OR PART THEREOF, SUBJECT TO A MINIMUM CHARGE OF $286,000
$9,370 FOR EACH SIZE OF 841 MM BY 594 MM OR PART THEREOF OF THE PLAN
$10,300 FOR EACH SIZE OF 841 MM BY 594 MM OR PART THEREOF OF THE PLAN
$3,145 FOR EVERY 100 SQUARE METRES OR PART THEREOF, SUBJECT TO A MINIMUM CHARGE OF $7,540
$2,515 FOR EVERY 100 SQUARE METRES OR PART THEREOF, SUBJECT TO A MINIMUM CHARGE OF $314,500
$10,300 FOR EACH SIZE OF 841 MM BY 594 MM OR PART THEREOF OF THE PLAN
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NGAU CHI WAN LOT TO LET ♦ * * * *
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT-TERM TENANCY OF A PIECE OF GOVERNMENT LOT IN FUNG SHING STREET, NGAU CHI WAN.
THE 3,770-SQUARE-METRE LOT IS INTENDED FOR OPEN STORAGE OF GOODS AND VEHICLES, EXCLUDING CONTAINERS AND CONTAINER VEHICLES WITH THEIR PRIME MOVERS AND TRAILERS ATTACHED.
THE TENANCY IS FOR 18 MONTHS, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY.
/THE CLOSING ......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 1994
7 -
THE CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON JULY 1.
TENDER FORMS, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON EAST, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON AND THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD.
TENDER PLANS CAN ALSO BE INSPECTED AT THE OFFICES.
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SCA CALLS ON RESIDENTS TO REGISTER AS VOTERS
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR NICHOLAS NG, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) CALLS ON RESIDENTS TO SIGN UP AS VOTERS. HE ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT UP TO YESTERDAY, THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE (REO) HAD RECEIVED 560,000 RETURNED REGISTRATION FORMS, WHICH INCLUDE APPLICATIONS TO BECOME VOTERS AND NOTIFICATIONS ON CHANGE OF REGISTRATION INFORMATION.
SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON OF THE CITY LIONS CLUB OF HONG KONG, MR NG POINTED OUT THAT THE MOST CONCRETE WAY OF PARTICIPATING IN SOCIAL AFFAIRS WAS TO REGISTER AS A VOTER.
"BEING AN ELECTOR IS OUR RIGHT AS A CITIZEN AND OUR RESPONSIBILITY AS A MEMBER OF THE SOCIETY. THROUGH A FAIR AND OPEN ELECTORAL SYSTEM, WE CAN ELECT PEOPLE TO SERVE ON THE THREE TIERS OF COUNCILS. APART FROM MONITORING THE GOVERNMENT, WE CAN REFLECT OUR EXPECTATIONS AND REQUESTS TO THE AUTHORITIES," HE SAID.
"YOU CAN SIGN UP AS A VOTER IF YOU ARE 18 YEARS OLD OR ABOVE, HOLD A HONG KONG IDENTITY CARD, AND ARE ORDINARILY RESIDENT IN HONG KONG IN THE PAST SEVEN YEARS (OR ARE A HONG KONG PERMANENT RESIDENT)."
MR NG SAID THREE MAJOR ELECTIONS WOULD BE HELD IN HONG KONG THIS YEAR AND NEXT YEAR: THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS ON SEPTEMBER 18 THIS YEAR, THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS ON MARCH 5 NEXT YEAR AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS IN SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR.
HE SAID THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION (BEC) HAD STARTED A LARGE-SCALE THREE-MONTH VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVE IN APRIL AND ITS PUBLICITY PLAN, WHICH WAS DRAWN UP WITH THE RELEVANT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, INCLUDED EXTENSIVE PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES AND MEASURES AT BOTH THE CENTRAL AND THE DISTRICT LEVEL.
ACTIVITIES AT THE CENTRAL LEVEL INCLUDE PROGRAMMES ORGANISED BY MEDIA ORGANISATIONS, GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS OF PUBLIC INTEREST, AS WELL AS POSTERS AND ADVERTISEMENTS TO GET ACROSS THE VOTER REGISTRATION MESSAGE. THE REO HAD WRITTEN TO LABOUR GROUPS, MAJOR BUSINESS ORGANISATIONS AND CIVIL SERVICE UNIONS FOR THE SAME PURPOSE.
IN ADDITION, A "COUNTDOWN” WILL BE LAUNCHED 10 DAYS BEFORE JULY 1, THE DEADLINE OF REGISTRATION, TO REMIND THE PUBLIC NOT TO MISS THE OPPORTUNITY TO SIGN UP AS A VOTER.
/AT THE .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 1994
- 8 -
AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL, DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF HAVE BEEN VISITING HOUSEHOLDS, FACTORIES, OFFICES, SCHOOLS AND RESTAURANTS TO REGISTER VOTERS. TEMPORARY REGISTRATION COUNTERS ARE SET UP AT KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY AND MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY STATIONS AND MAJOR SHOPPING ARCADES.
OTHER MEASURES INCLUDE APPEALS BY DISTRICT OFFICERS TO LOCAL ORGANISATIONS SUCH AS MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, OWNERS CORPORATIONS AND SOCIAL SERVICE BODIES FOR SUPPORT TO THE VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVE. SOME LARGE COMPANIES HAVE ALSO MADE EFFORTS TO ENCOURAGE STAFF AND CUSTOMERS TO SIGN UP AS VOTERS.
MR NG MADE A SPECIAL APPEAL TO THOSE BETWEEN 18 AND 20, WHO FOR THE .FIRST TIME HAVE BECOME ELIGIBLE TO REGISTER AS VOTERS THIS YEAR. THE GOVERNMENT ESTIMATED THAT THERE ARE ABOUT 200,000 PEOPLE IN THIS AGE GROUP.
"TO ENCOURAGE THESE YOUNG PEOPLE TO SIGN UP, REGISTRATION FORMS ARE DISTRIBUTED AT IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT OFFICES TO ADULT IDENTITY CARD APPLICANTS WHO HAVE JUST TURNED 18 WHILE THE BEC CHAIRMAN HAVE WRITTEN TO SCHOOLS, STUDENT UNIONS AND YOUTH CENTRES, HE SAID.
''THE BEC, TOGETHER WITH TERTIARY EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS AND YOUTH AFFAIRS ORGANISATIONS, HAVE INTRODUCED A 'VOTER REGISTRATION AMBASSADOR SCHEME’ WHOSE MEMBERS WILL HELP SPREAD THE VOTER REGISTRATION MESSAGE TO THEIR FRIENDS AND FAMILIES," HE ADDED.
FOOD HYGIENE CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED * * * * *
THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND THE URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) LAUNCHED A TERRITORY-WIDE CAMPAIGN ON FOOD HYGIENE FOR PEOPLE IN THE FOOD BUSINESS.
UNDER THE CAMPAIGN ENTITLED "CONTROL TIME AND TEMPERATURE TO ENSURE FOOD SAFETY", A TOTAL OF 24 SEMINARS WILL BE ORGANISED FOR ALL LICENSEES AND STAFF OF LICENSED FOOD PREMISES, COOKED FOOD STALLS, CANTEENS AND OTHER FOOD CATERING ESTABLISHMENTS.
SPEAKING AT THE CAMPAIGN-OPENING CEREMONY, CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL PUBLIC HEALTH SELECT COMMITTEE, PROFESSOR LEUNG PING-CHUNG, URGED PEOPLE IN THE FOOD TRADE TO USE PROPER TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL TO KILL MICRO-ORGANISMS WHICH THREATEN FOOD SAFETY.
PROFESSOR LEUNG SAID: "CONTAMINATION SHOULD BE AVOIDED WHEN SELECTING, HANDLING AND COOKING FOOD.
"THIS CAN ALSO PROTECT PEOPLE IN THE FOOD TRADE FROM POTENTIAL FINANCIAL LOSS BROUGHT ABOUT BY THE NEED TO DISPOSE FOOD THAT HAVE DETERIORATED," HE SAID.
HE CALLED ON PEOPLE IN THE TRADE TO ATTEND THE SEMINARS ORGANISED THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
/ALSO SPEAKING
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 1994
9
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE SELECT COMMITTEE, MR TING YIN-WAH, POINTED OUT THAT A TOTAL OF 63 FOOD POISONING CASES OCCURRED IN FOOD PREMISES IN 1993, AFFECTING 557 PEOPLE.
NOTING THAT MOST FOOD POISONING CASES COULD BE AVOIDED, MR TING SAID THE CHANCE OF FOOD BEING CONTAMINATED BY MICRO-ORGANISMS WOULD BE GREATLY REDUCED IF PEOPLE IN THE FOOD TRADE COULD STRICTLY OBSERVE FOOD, ENVIRONMENTAL AND PERSONAL HYGIENE IN THE MANUFACTURING OF FOOD.
DURING THE CAMPAIGN, TWO SEPARATE SEMINARS WILL ALSO BE ORGANISED IN COLLABORATION WITH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS.
MR TING HOPED THAT THE TEACHERS ATTENDING THE TWO SEMINARS WOULD CONVEY THE KNOWLEDGE OF FOOD HYGIENE TO THEIR STUDENTS.
EACH FOOD HYGIENE SEMINAR WILL CONSIST OF A TALK BY A CHIEF HEALTH INSPECTOR, A FILM SHOW AND A DISCUSSION SESSION ON THE HAZARD ANALYSIS AND CRITICAL CONTROL POINT CONCEPT AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION.
IN ADDITION, A 24-HOUR HOTLINE - 723 0013 - WILL PROVIDE TAPED MESSAGES ON FOOD SAFETY DURING THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD WHICH WILL LAST UNTIL THE END OF AUGUST.
CALLERS CAN LEAVE THEIR QUESTIONS AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS WITH THE HOTLINE. STAFF OF THE HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT WILL CALL BACK.
FURTHERMORE, MOBILE BROADCASTING TEAMS OF THE UNIT WILL BE DEPLOYED TO DISSEMINATE FOOD HYGIENE MESSAGES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
PRINTED EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS SUCH AS LEAFLETS AND POSTERS CAN BE OBTAINED FREE FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICES AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE OFFICES OF THE URBAN SERVICES AND REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENTS.
- - 0 - -
MAY AIR QUALITY REPORT *****
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) RELEASED AIR QUALITY INFORMATION FOR LAST MONTH.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE PURPOSE OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT WAS TO KEEP THE PUBLIC INFORMED OF THE AIR QUALITY LEVELS IN THE TERRITORY AND TO EXPLAIN THE MEASUREMENTS.
THE ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS MONITORING RESULTS FROM MONG KOK, CENTRAL/WESTERN AND KWAI CHUNG. THESE LOCATIONS ARE TYPICAL OF THREE OF THE IMPORTANT LAND USE TYPES FOUND IN THE TERRITORY :
* LOCATIONS CLOSE TO ROAD TRAFFIC IN BUILT-UP URBAN AREAS;
* COMBINED COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS; AND
* DISTRICTS CLOSE TO INDUSTRIAL AREAS.
/THE DEPARTMENT
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 1994
- 10 -
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 (302), NITROGEN DIOXIDE (N02), 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.
THERE WERE TWO MAIN FEATURES OF NOTE IN THE MEASUREMENTS FOR MAY.
THE FIRST WAS THE HIGH NITROGEN DIOXIDE CONCENTRATIONS AT ALL STATIONS AT THE BEGINNING OF THE MONTH AND THE SECOND WAS A LOCAL PEAK IN SULPHUR DIOXIDE CONCENTRATIONS AT MONG KOK.
THE NITROGEN DIOXIDE CONCENTRATIONS EARLY IN THE MONTH WERE SUFFICIENT AT MONG KOK FOR THE 24-HOUR NITROGEN DIOXIDE AIR QUALITY OBJECTIVE TO BE EXCEEDED ON MAY 8.
IT IS THOUGHT THAT LOW WIND SPEEDS ALLOWED LOCAL EMISSIONS IN THE TERRITORY TO ACCUMULATE OVER THE PRECEDING DAYS.
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, FURNACES 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.
- - 0---------
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 1994
- 11 -
POK 01 HOSPITAL DIRECTORS VISIT SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT *****
THE NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF POK 01 HOSPITAL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PAID A COURTESY CALL ON THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR IAN STRACHAN, TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON WELFARE SERVICES FOR THE COMING YEAR.
THE BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR LEE KA-CHUNG, OUTLINED THE HOSPITAL’S MEDICAL, EDUCATIONAL AND SOCIAL SERVICES AS WELL AS PLANNED PROJECTS.
PAYING TRIBUTE TO POK 01 HOSPITAL FOR ITS CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY, MR STRACHAN ASSURED THE BOARD THAT HIS DEPARTMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO GIVE FULLEST SUPPORT TO THEIR PLANS.
AT PRESENT, THE HOSPITAL PROVIDES 32 SERVICE UNITS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY, INCLUDING CARE AND ATTENTION HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY, CHILD CARE CENTRES, PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS, KINDERGARTENS, HOSTELS FOR SINGLE PERSONS, AFTER-SCHOOL CARE SERVICES AND CHINESE HERBALISTS’ CLINICS.
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WATER STORAGE FIGURE
*****
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (WEDNESDAY) STOOD AT 64.9 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 380.304 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 371.395 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 63.4 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
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/12 .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 1994
- 12 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS *****
TENDER DATE 15 JUN 94 15 JUN 94
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q424 Y490
AMOUNT APPLIED $3,990 MN $2,070 MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED $1,500 MN $500 MN
AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED 4.08 PCT 5.15 PCT
HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED 4.08 PCT 5.15 PCT
PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 96 PCT ABOUT 80 PCT
AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 4.11 PCT 5.19 PCT
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDERS TO BE HELD IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 20 JUN 1994 —
TENDER DATE • 21 JUN 94 21 JUN 94
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q425 H467
ISSUE DATE 22 JUN 94 22 JUN 94
MATURITY DATE 22 SEPT 94 21 DEC 94
TENOR 92 DAYS 182 DAYS
AMOUNT ON OFFER $1,500 + 300 MN $800 + 160 MN
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/13........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 1994
- 13 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS » » t » »
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,980 0930 -1,036
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,094 1000 -986
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 -736
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -656 1200 -635
LAF TODAY + 770 1500 -656
1600 -656
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 124.5 t —0.2* 15.6.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.88 17 MONTHS 2511 4 . 15 98.22 5.53
1 MONTH 3.88 23 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100.88 5.94
3 MONTHS 4.08 28 MONTHS 3610 4.20 95.65 6.30
6 MONTHS 4.52 31 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.85 6.45
12 MONTHS 5.05 34 MONTHS 3704 6.15 99.21 6.56
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 48,093 MN
CLOSED 15 JUNE 1994
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUPPLEMENT
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING:
NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT ASSURED............................ 1
MOTION DEBATE ON DRUG ABUSE BY ADOLESCENTS.............. 2
BILL TO ESTABLISH ARTS DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL.............. 6
TWO BILLS HELP GROWTH OF SECURITIES MARKET.............. 7
MOTIONS PASSED ON FEES FOR REGISTRATION OF BIRTHS, DEATHS
AND MARRIAGES.......................................... 8
LAND AUCTION REVIEW TO ENSURE FAIR COMPETITION.......... 9
POLITICAL ACTIVITIES ARE NOT INVESTIGATED............... 9
CAUSE OF STRIKES AT BORDER EXPLAINED................... 10
CUMULATIVE COST FOR PROSECUTING FORMER CHAIRMAN OF CARRI AN GROUP REVEALED................................ 11
NO REASON TO DO AWAY WITH ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS..... 12
TRAMS OPERATION SUBJECT TO ORDINANCES.................. 12
PRECAUTIONS IN PLACE TO ENSURE FERRY SAFETY............ 13
/GOVERNMENT TAKES..
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
GOVERNMENT TAKES SERIOUS VIEW ON MATERNITY PROTECTION... 14
ESTABLISHED PROCEDURES FOR APPOINTMENTS IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS.............................................. 15
MAIORITY OF PRIMARY HEALTH CARE RECOMMENDATIONS IMPLEMENTED............................................... 16
PILOT SCHEME TO IMPORT CHINA PROFESSIONALS UNDER REVIEW. 17
AMPLE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR MEDICAL OFFICERS......... 17
LEGCO PROVIDED WITH DETAILS OF SCHOOL SITES............... 18
MORE MOTORCYCLES USED FOR VILLAGE PATROLS................. 19
NEED OF CHAPERON DURING MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS A PROFESSIONAL IUDGMENT..................................... 19
HOSPITAL AUTHORITY PR STAFF SALARIES COMPARABLE TO CIVIL SERVICE................................................... 21
DECISION SOON ON RESOURCE CENTRE SITE..................... 21
SPECIAL EDUCATION FOR ENGLISH SPEAKING CHILDREN EXPLAINED ... 22
RATE OF CAESARIAN SECTION OPERATIONS COMPARES FAVOURABLY WITH OVERSEAS COUNTRIES................................... 23
TRADING FUNDS HAVE SEPARATE ACCOUNTING ARRANGEMENTS..... 23
MOTION ON TOWN PLANNING PASSED............................ 24
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 1994
1
NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT ASSURED » » ♦ * t
THE GOVERNMENT WILL PROVIDE AND DEPLOY RESOURCES TO IMPLEMENT COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT BOTH IN THE NEW TOWNS AND OTHER DEVELOPABLE AREAS TO MEET THE NEEDS ANU ASPIRATIONS OF THE COMMUNITY, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT A LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MOTION DEBATE ON PLANNING FOR NEW TOWNS, MR EASON SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD ALSO CONTINUE TO REFINE ITS PROGRAMMES IN CONSULTATION WITH THE PUBLIC, THROUGH DISTRICT BOARDS, STATUTORY PLANNING AND OTHER MECHANISMS.
MR EASON SAID OF HONG KONG’S SIX MILLION POPULATION, 2.5 MILLION WERE NOW LIVING IN THE EIGHT NEW TOWNS, AND WHEN THE NEW TOWN PROGRAMME WAS COMPLETED IN 10 TO 15 YEARS’ TIME, IT WOULD HAVE A TARGET POPULATION OF 3.5 MILLION.
’’THE FIRST GENERATION NEW TOWNS SUCH AS TSUEN WAN, SHA TIN AND TUEN MUN ARE NEARING COMPLETION. THE SECOND GENERATION ONES SUCH AS TAI PO, YUEN LONG AND SHEUNG SHUI/FANLING WILL BE LARGELY COMPLETED BY THE END OF THE 1990S. TSEUNG KWAN O AND TIN SHUI WAI ARE MAKING GOOD PROGRESS AND TUNG CHUNG IS AT ITS BEGINNING.”
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HRST LAUNCHED THE NEW TOWN PROGRAMME IN THE 1970S WHEN HONG KONG FACED A PROBLEM THAT THREATENED TO OVERWHELM IT: THE POPULATION OF THE SMALL TERRITORY WAS GROWING AT AN ALARMING RATE AND HOUSING WAS IN SHORT SUPPLY.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S PRIMARY OBJECTIVE WAS THEREFORE TO OPEN UP THE SPARSELY POPULATED AREAS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES NORTH OF THE KOWLOON HILLS AND DEVELOPED THEM INTO SELF-SUFFICIENT NEW CITIES.
’’WHEN DRAWING UP THE MASTER PLAN FOR A NEW TOWN, FACTORS SUCH AS HOUSING MIX POPULATION LEVEL, EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, TRANSPORTATION NEEDS, PROVISION OF INFRASTRUCTURE AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES NEED TO BE CAREFULLY ASSESSED AND CONSIDERED.”
HE NOTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD ADOPTED THE GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF BALANCED DEVELOPMENT AND SELF-CONTAINMENT WHEN PLANNING THE PROVISION OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES, SUCH AS SCHOOLS, CLINICS AND OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION FACILITIES.
MR EASON SAID SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW TOWN PROGRAMME WAS ALSO A RESULT Ob JOINT EFFORTS OF BOTH THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS.
”THE GOVERNMENT SETS THE SCENE THROUGH THE PROVISION OF SITES WITH SUPPORTING FACILITIES AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR IS ABLE TO BUILD PRIVATE HOUSING AND TO PROVIDE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES,” HE SAID.
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/2 .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 1994
- 2 -
MOTION DEBATE ON DRUG ABUSE BY ADOLESCENTS • * » * t ♦
FOLLOWING IS THE SPEECH BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, IN THE MOTION DEBATE ON DRUG ABUSE BY ADOLESCENTS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
MR PRESIDENT,
DRUG ABUSE IS A PROBLEM WHICH HAS SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, MEDICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS. THE GOVERNMENT ADOPTS A MULTI-FACETED APPROACH TO COMBAT THIS PROBLEM, AIMED AT REDUCING BOTH THE SUPPLY AND THE DEMAND FOR DRUGS. VIGOROUS LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTION IS TAKEN TO REDUCE THE SUPPLY OF ILLICIT DRUGS. MEASURES TO REDUCE THE DEMAND FOR DRUGS INCLUDE PREVENTIVE EDI CATION PUBLICITY, AND TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION PROGRAMMES.
BEFORE I DESCRIBE WHAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN DOING TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM OF DRUG ABUSE AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE, I WOULD FIRST LIKE TO OUTLINE THE EXTENT OF THE PROBLEM. IN 1993, JUST OVER 3,000 YOUNG DRUG ABUSERS AGED UNDER 21 WERE REPORTED TO THE CENTRAL REGISTRY OF DRUG ABUSE. THIS NUMBER IS ONLY ABOUT ONE THIRD OF ONE PER CENT OF THE POPULATION AGED BETWEEN II AND 20. SO, BY AND LARGE, OUR YOUTH STAYS AWAY FROM ILLICIT DRUGS. HOWEVER, WE ARE NOT COMPLACENT ABOUT THIS. ON THE CONTRARY, WE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE INCREASING TREND IN THE NUMBER OF YOUNG PEOPLE REPORTED TO THE REGISTRY. THE NUMBER OF FIRST-TIME REPORTED YOUNG DRUG ABUSERS ROSE BY 50 PER CENT FROM 1992 TO 1993.
OVER THREE-QUARTERS OF YOUNG DRUG ABUSERS TAKE HEROIN. THE MAJORITY OF THE OTHERS ABUSE CANNABIS, OR COUGH MEDICINE. FEW ABUSE OTHER PRESCRIBED MEDICINES WHICH DOES NOT MEAN WE DO, OR SHOULD IGNORE THE PROBLEM.
AS REGARDS EXISTING LEGISLATION CONTROLS ON DRUGS, THE ILLEGAL SUPPLY OF DANGEROUS DRUGS IS A FELONY AND IS ALREADY SUBJECT TO HEAVY PENALTIES UNDER OUR LEGISLATION. THE DANGEROUS DRUGS ORDINANCE STIPULATES STRICT CONTROLS ON 3 HE SUPPLY OF DANGEROUS DRUGS. MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS AND AUTHORISED SELLERS OF POISONS, MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS PHARMACIES, HAVE TO COMPLY WITH STRICT REQUIREMENTS GOVERNING THE PROCUREMENT AND SUPPLY OF DANGEROUS DRUGS. MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS MAY SUPPLY A DANGEROUS DRUG IN BONA FIDE CONSULTATIONS. THOSE SUPPLYING OR PRESCRIBING DANGEROUS DRUGS ARE REQUIRED BY LAW TO MAINTAIN COMPLETE RECORDS OF PURCHASE AND SUPPLY. PHARMACIES MAY SUPPLY DANGEROUS DRUGS BY PRESCRIPTION ONLY UNDER THE DIRECT SUPERVISION OF \ REGISTERED PHARMACIST. THEY APE REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN A REGISTER OF THE DRUGS SUPPLIED. FORENSIC PHARMACISTS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH REGULARLY INSPECT PHARMACIES AND AUDIT THEIR STOCK OF DANGEROUS DRUGS AGAINST RECORDS OF PROCUREMENT AND SUPPLY.
THE PHARMACY AND POISONS ORDINANCE, IN ADDITION, PROVIDES FOR CONTROL OVER THE SUPPLY OF PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS. THE RETAIL SALE OF POISONS AND DRUGS BY AUTHORISED AND LISTED SELLERS IS REGULATED BY THE PHARMACY AND POISONS BOARD. DRUGS ARE CLASSIFIED INTO DIFFERENT CATEGORIES UNDER THE ORDINANCE FOR THE PURPOSE OF RETAIL SALE, AND DIFFERENT LEVELS OF CONTROL APPLY TO THEM.
/IN GENERAL, .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 1994
- 3 -
IN GENERAL, THE EXISTING LEGISLATION PROVIDES ADEQUATE CONTROL OVER DRUGS. THE LEGISLATION IS KEPT UNDER REGULAR REVIEW TO ENSURE THAT IT IS UP-TO-DATE AND EFFECTIVE. AMENDMENTS ARE MADE AS AND WHEN NECESSARY, FOR EXAMPLE -
♦ PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES OF THE BENZODIAZEPINE GROUP WERE SCHEDULED AS DANGEROUS DRUGS IN 1992 IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE THE STRICTEST FORM OF CONTROL OVER THEM;
* STRICTER CONTROLS ON THE SALE OF COUGH MEDICINE CONTAINING MORE THAN 0.1 PER CENT OF CODEINE WERE INTRODUCED IN JANUARY LAST YEAR TO BRING ITS SALE UNDER THE DIRECT PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY OF PHARMACISTS. AS A RESULT, THE ABUSE OF COUGH MEDICINE HAS REDUCED; AND
* FURTHER CONTROLS ON THE IMPORTATION OF CODEINE SYRUP ARE PROPOSED IN THE DANGEROUS DRUGS (AMENDMENT) BILL INTRODUCED INTO THIS COUNCIL LAST MONTH TO BRING COUGH PREPARATION WITH A LOWER CONCENTRATION OF CODEINE OF LESS THAN 0.1 PER CENT UNDER PROPER LICENSING CONTROL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH. WE HOPE THAT THIS WILL SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE THE ABUSE OF COUGH MEDICINE.
WE DO NOT SEE THE NEED TO BRING FORWARD GENERAL AMENDING LEGISLATION TO TIGHTEN OR EXTEND EXISTING CONTROLS. NEVERTHELESS, WHEN LOOPHOLES ARE IDENTIFIED, WE WILL TAKE ACTION TO CLOSE THEM AS IN THE PAST.
AS REGARDS LAW ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS, LARGE SEIZURES BY POLICE AND CUSTOMS OF ILLICIT DRUGS WERE ACHIEVED IN 1993 : 270 KILOGRAMS OF HEROIN, 43 KILOGRAMS OF OPIUM, 547 KILOGRAMS OF HERBAL CANNABIS, AND SUBSTANTIAL QUANTITIES OF VARIOUS NARCOTICS, ANALGESICS AND TRANQUILLISERS WERE MADE.
THE PHARMACY AND POISONS BOARD, SUPPORTED BY THE PHARMACEUTICAL DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, TAKES A PROACTIVE APPROACH TO CONTROL THE ILLEGAL SALE OF DRUGS. THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH HAS PLANS TO STRENGTHEN PROGRESSIVELY ITS LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITIES. PLANS ARE IN HAND TO INCREASE THE FREQUENCY OF TEST PURCHASES AND INSPECTIONS OF DRUG RETAIL PREMISES. THE NUMBER OF PHARMACY INSPECTORS WILL BE INCREASED AND ADDITIONAL CASUAL WORKERS WILL BE EMPLOYED. THE FREQUENCY OF INSPECTIONS WILL BE FURTHER ENHANCED BY MORE EFFECTIVE STAFF DEPLOYMENT AND RE-PRIORITISATION OF ACTIVITIES TN THE PHARMACEUTICAL DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH. THERE ARE ALSO PLANS TO ESTABLISH, A SPECIAL TASK FORCE TO ASSIST IN THE PROSECUTION OF OFFENDING DRUG RETAILERS.
THE EXISTING PENALTIES PROVIDED FOR IN THE LEGISLATION ARE CONSIDERED, BY AND LARGE, APPROPRIATE. REVISION OF THE LEVEL OF PENALTIES HAS BEEN SOUGHT WHERE WARRANTED. FOR EXAMPLE, THE MAXIMUM PENALTIES FOR THE OFFENCE OF UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF DANGEROUS DRUGS WERE INCREASED IN 1992 FROM $10,000 TO $1 MILLION, AND IMPRISONMENT FOR SEVEN YEARS.
/THE MAXIMUM .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 1994
4
THE MAXIMUM PENALTIES UNDER THE PHARMACY AND POISONS ORDINANCE WERE REVISED UPWARDS IN 1992 TO A FINE OF $30,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR 12 MONTHS. OUR STATISTICS SHOW THAT THIS HAS NOT RESULTED IN ANY PROPORTIONATE INCREASE IN THE PENALTIES IMPOSED ON OFFENDING MEDICINE RETAILERS. THIS DOES CONCERN US AND WE ARE PREPARED TO ASK THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO SEEK A REVIEW OF SENTENCE WHERE APPROPRIATE. IN ADDITION, THE PHARMACY AND POISONS BOARD HAS RECENTLY RECOMMENDED THAT THE MAXIMUM PENALTY SHOULD BE FURTHER REVISED TO $100,000 AND 12 MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT. THIS RECOMMENDATION IS BEING PURSUED BY THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH.
AS REGARDS THE PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH AN INTER-DEPARTMENTAL WORKING GROUP, THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS, ACAN, IS A NON-STATUTORY BODY WHICH ADVISES THE GOVERNMENT ON ALL ANTI-NARCOTICS POLICY MATTERS AND STRATEGY. IT MONITORS DRUG ABUSE TRENDS, EXAMINES DRUG ABUSE PROBLEMS AND ADVISES ON WAYS TO ADDRESS THESE PROBLEMS. THE MEMBERSHIP OF ACAN AND ITS SUB-COMMITTEES COMPRISES DISTINGUISHED AND EXPERIENCED COMMUNITY PERSONALITIES FROM THE FIELDS OF SOCIAL WORK, EDUCATION, MEDICINE AND COMMUNITY SERVICE; AS WELL AS RELEVANT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS SUCH AS THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
UNDER THE OVERALL STRATEGY TO REDUCE SUPPLY, BY VIGOROUS LAW ENFORCEMENT, AND TO LIMIT DEMAND, BY PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY, AND TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION PROGRAMMES, ACAN HAS GIVEN PARTICULAR EMPHASIS TO ADDRESSING THE INCREASING TREND TN DRUG ABUSE AMONG ADOLESCENTS. ACAN9S PREVENTIVE EDUCATION PUBLICITY PROGRAMMES SEEK TO PREVENT DRUG ABUSE AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ARE MOST VULNERABLE AND AT RISK. ON THE TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION OF YOUNG ABUSERS, ACAN HAS SUPPORTED THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A COUNSELLING CENTRE FOR PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCE ABUSERS; AND MORE RECENTLY A PILOT PROJECT FOR A TREATMENT CENTRE SPECIFICALLY TO (ATER FOR THE NEEDS OF YOUNG ABUSERS.
WE BELIEVE THAT NO CAMPAIGN CAN HOPE TO SUCCEED WITHOUT THE BACKING OF THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE. A CO-ORDINATED AND COMPREHENSIVE PREVENTIVE EDUCATION PUBLICITY PROGRAMME, WITH CONSIDERABLE COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION, FORMS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF OUR DEMAND REDUCTION EFFORTS. THE FOUR MAIN TYPES OF OUR ACTIVITIES ARE SCHOOL TALKS AND SEMINARS, COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECTS AND PROMOTIONS, EDUCATION PUBLICITY THROUGH THE MASS MEDIA, AND THE PRODUCTION OF MATERIALS FOR EDUCATION PUBLICITY.
DRUG EDUCATION IS INTEGRATED INTO THE SCHOOL CURRICULUM. TEACHERS ARE ADVISED NOT ONLY TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ON SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND ITS EFFECTS, BUT ALSO TO GIVE EMPHASIS TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF HEALTHY AND POSITIVE ATTITUDES AND THE LEARNING OF LIFE SKILLS, SUCH AS THE HANDLING OF PEER PRESSURE. THESE MESSAGES ARE REINFORCED IN REGULAR SCHOOL TALKS BY THE NARCOTICS DIVISION IN ALL SECONDARY
SCHOOLS AND TO PRIMARY 6 STUDENTS.
EDUCATION ABOUT DRUGS IS INVOLVEMENT OF BOTH THE SCHOOLS AND ARE ORGANISED FOR PARENTS, TEACHERS BETTER INFORMED, SO THAT THEY WILL DRUG ABUSE AND HELP STEER YOUNG PEOP
AN ON-GOING PROCESS, AND THE PARENTS IS NECESSARY. SEMINARS AND SOCIAL WORKERS TO KEEP THEM IE ABLE TO HANDLE THE PROBLEM OF ,E AWAY FROM DRUGS.
/YOUNG PEOPLE .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 1994
- 5 -
YOUNG PEOPLE ARE ONE OF THE PRINCIPAL TARGETS OF ACAN’S COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROGRAMME. THE YOUTH VOLUNTEER GROUP UNDER ACAN COMPRISES ENTHUSIASTIC YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ARE INVOLVED IN TRAINING AND ENCOURAGING OTHER YOUNG PEOPLE TO TAKE A MORE ACTIVE AND DIRECT PARTICIPATION IN ANTI-DRUG EFFORTS. A COMMUNITY AGAINST DRUGS SCHEME FUNDS PROJECTS BY STUDENTS, YOUTH GROUPS AND THE COMMUNITY TO PROMOTE ANTI-DRUG ACTIVITIES. COMMUNITY CAMPAIGNS ARE ORGANISED AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL AND PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN INFORMING THE PUBLIC ABOUT THE DANGERS OF DRUG ABUSE AND ENLISTING COMMUNITY SUPPORT.
OUR PUBLICITY PLACES SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON YOUNGSTERS, AND THE ROLE OF PARENTS IN STEERING THEIR CHILDREN AWAY FROM DRUGS. POSTERS, LEAFLETS, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS OF PUBLIC INTEREST ARE PRODUCED. A COMPREHENSIVE DRUG EDUCATION TEACHING KIT FOR SCHOOL USE WAS PRODUCED AT THE END OF 1991. LAST YEAR, OUR DRUG ABUSE TELEPHONE ENQUIRY SERVICE WAS AUTOMATED TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ON THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF COMMON SUBSTANCES OF ABUSE, AND TO GIVE ADVICE ON COUNSELLING AND TREATMENT.
TURNING TO TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION, DRUG ADDICTION IS SEEN AS A MEDICAL AND SOCIAL PROBLEM AND ADDICTS ARE TREATED AS PATIENTS. YOUNG ABUSERS CAN JOIN THE VOLUNTARY OUT-PATIENT METHADONE PROGRAMME PROVIDED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, OR THE VOLUNTARY IN-PATIENT TREATMENT PROGRAMME RUN BY THE SARDA. IN RESPONSE TO THE EMERGENCE OF PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCE ABUSE, A COUNSELLING CENTRE KNOWN AS PS33 WAS SET UP BY THE HONG KONG CHRISTIAN SERVICE AND A LARGE PROPORTION OF ITS CLIENTS IS YOUNG ABUSERS. A PILOT PROJECT FOR A TREATMENT CENTRE SPECIFICALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE HAS THE SUPPORT OF ACAN AND PLANNING IS UNDERWAY.
BESIDES ACAN, THE WORKING GROUP ON SERVICES FOR YOUTH AT RISK, SET UP UNDER THE COORDINATING COMMITTEE FOR THE WELFARE OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH AT RISK CHAIRED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, WAS FORMED IN JULY 1993. THE WORKING GROUP PROVIDES A FORUM FOR CONCERNED GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND MULTI-DISCIPLINARY PROFESSIONALS TO EXAMINE CURRENT YOUTH PROBLEMS, IDENTIFY SERVICE GAPS AND RECOMMEND WAYS OF ADDRESSING THE NEEDS OF YOUNG PEOPLE, PARTICULARLY THOSE AT RISK. AMONG THE AREAS OF EXAMINATION, THE WORKING GROUP HAS RECENTLY STARTED TO LOOK AT ILLICIT USE OF DRUGS BY YOUNG PEOPLE.
WITH THE EXISTENCE OF ACAN AND THE OTHER MULTI-DISCIPLINARY GROUPS TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE OF DRUG ABUSE BY YOUNG PEOPLE, WE DO NOT SEE THE NEED FOR AN ADDITIONAL INTER-DEPARTMENTAL WORKING GROUP TO DUPLICATE THE EFFORTS.
MR PRESIDENT, I AM GLAD THAT THIS COUNCIL HAS HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO DEBATE THIS IMPORTANT SUBJECT. I AM GRATEFUL FOR MEMBERS’ SUGGESTIONS ABOUT IMPROVEMENTS WE SHOULD MAKE IN OUR APPROACH TO TACKLING THE PROBLEM OF DRUG ABUSE BY YOUNG PEOPLE. WE SHALL CERTAINLY CONSIDER AND PURSUE THESE SUGGESTIONS.
/I AGREE .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 1994
6
I AGREE WITH THE THRUST AND INTENT OF THE MOTION : DRUG ABUSE BY YOUNG PEOPLE IS A TRAGEDY WHICH WE MUST SEEK TO PREVENT, AND WE MUST CONSTANTLY SEEK AND PURSUE NEW INITIATIVES IN ORDER TO DO SO. BUT, WE DO NOT AGREE THAT THERE IS A NEED FOR WHOLESALE AMENDMENT TO OUR EXISTING LAWS, NOR FOR WHOLESALE REPLACEMENT OF OUR EXISTING MACHINERY FOR POLICY AND STRATEGY FORMULATION, AND CO-ORDINATION OF THE OVERALL ANTI-NARCOTICS PROGRAMMES. WE ALREADY HAVE COMPREHENSIVE LEGISLATION TO TACKLE THIS PROBLEM, AND AN EFFECTIVE CO-ORDINATING BODY IN ACAN. CERTAINLY, WE SHOULD NOT BE COMPLACENT, AND WE ACCEPT THE NEED CONSTANTLY TO GIVE EFFECT TO NEW INITIATIVES TO TACKLE THIS PROBLEM, AND TO PLUG LOOPHOLES WHEN THEY COME TO LIGHT. THIS WE HAVE DONE AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO. WE SHOULD DO SO BY BUILDING ON AND IMPROVING OUR PRESENT STRATEGIES, LEGISLATION AND ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURES, NOT BY DEMOLISHING AND SEEKING TO REBUILD THEM.
THANK YOU, MR PRESIDENT.
------0------------
BILL TO ESTABLISH ARTS DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
* * * * *
THE PRIME MISSION OF THE HONG KONG ARTS DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL IS TO PLAN, PROMOTE AND SUPPORT THE BROAD DEVELOPMENT AND APPRECIATION OF AND PARTICIPATION IN THE ARTS.
IT WILL PLACE PARTICULAR EMPHASIS ON THE LITERARY, PERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS, WITH A VIEW TO IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF THE COMMUNITY.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MRS RACHEL CARTLAND, WHEN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE HONG KONG ARTS DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL BILL 1994.
MRS CARTLAND SAID THE BILL, WHICH HAD BEEN CONSIDERED AND SUPPORTED BY THE ARTS DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, PROVIDED THE COUNCIL WITH A STRONG MANDATE ON WHICH TO BASE ITS WORK.
UNDER THE BILL, THE COUNCIL WILL HAVE 20 MEMBERS, OF WHICH 16 INCLUDING THE CHAIRMAN AND VICE-CHAIRMAN WILL BE NON-OFFICIAL WHILST FOUR WILL BE EX-OFFICIO.
ON FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS, THE BILL PROVIDES FOR THE COUNCIL TO RECEIVE SUBVENTION FROM GOVERNMENT THROUGH FUNDS APPROPRIATED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
THE COUNCIL IS ALLOWED TO RECEIVE INCOME FROM OTHER SOURCES INCLUDING GIFTS, DONATIONS, FEES AND RETURNS ON INVESTMENTS.
THE PROVISIONS ALSO ALLOW THE COUNCIL TO MAKE INVESTMENTS AND TO BORROW, SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY.
MRS CARTLAND HOPED THAT THE BILL COULD BE PROCESSED IN TIME FOR ENACTMENT BY APRIL 1995.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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/7......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 1994
7
TWO BILLS HELP GROWTH OF SECURITIES MARKET *****
TWO BILLS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ARE EXPECTED TO ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN ACTIVE STOCK BORROWING AND LENDING MARKET IN HONG KONG.
THEY ARE STAMP DUTY (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1994 AND INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1994.
"THIS WILL HELP TO IMPROVE OUR COMPETITIVENESS WITH OTHER MAJOR SECURITIES MARKETS, IN PARTICULAR THOSE WHICH HAVE BEEN TRYING TO ATTRACT MAJOR PLAYERS FROM THE HONG KONG MARKET TO ESTABLISH STOCK BORROWING AND LENDING OPERATIONS IN THEIR OWN JURISDICTIONS,” THE SECRETARY FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES, MR MICHAEL CARTLAND, SAID.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE STAMP DUTY (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1994, MR CARTLAND SAID IT PRIMARILY SOUGHT TO RELAX THE CURRENT RESTRICTIONS ON STAMP DUTY RELIEF FOR STOCK BORROWING AND LENDING ACTIVITIES.
THE GOVERNMENT RECEIVED SUBMISSIONS THAT SUCH RESTRICTIONS WERE HINDERING THE DEVELOPMENT OF A STOCK BORROWING AND LENDING MARKET, HE SAID.
THAT IN TURN HAS BEEN DISCOURAGING SHORT-SELLING ACTIVITIES AND OTHER MARKET DEVELOPMENT MEASURES, HE ADDED.
AT PRESENT STAMP DUTY IS NOT PAYABLE ON A STOCK BORROWING AND LENDING TRANSACTION UNDER CERTAIN SITUATIONS.
THE TRANSACTION HAS TO BE CARRIED OUT BY AN "APPROVED BORROWER" FOR THE "SOLE PURPOSE" OF SETTLING A SALE OF HONG KONG STOCK EFFECTED IN THE LOCAL STOCK EXCHANGE AND THE BORROWED STOCK MUST BE RETURNED WITHIN 14 DAYS.
THE BILL PROPOSES TO EXTEND THE STOCK RETURN PERIOD FROM 14 DAYS TO 12 MONTHS OR SUCH LONGER PERIOD AS THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE MAY ALLOW AND TO REMOVE THE "APPROVED BORROWER" REQUIREMENT.
IT ALSO SEEKS TO REPLACE THE "SOLE PURPOSE" REQUIREMENT WITH A NUMBER OF "SPECIFIED PURPOSES" SUCH AS THE BORROWING OF STOCK FOR SETTLING A FUTURE SALE, FOR ON-LENDING TO ANOTHER PERSON OR FOR SETTLING A SALE OF STOCK EFFECTED OUTSIDE HONG KONG.
TO DETER NON-COMPLIANCE, THE PENALTY FOR A FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE RELEVANT REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE STAMP DUTY ORDINANCE IS TO BE INCREASED FROM $1,000 TO $5,000.
THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1994 SEEKS TO INTRODUCE TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS TO THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE TO CLARIFY THE PROFITS TAX TREATMENT OF A STOCK BORROWING AND LENDING TRANSACTION AND COMPENSATORY PAYMENTS ARISING THEREFROM.
IT PROPOSES TO TREAT A DISPOSAL AND REACQUISITION OF SECURITIES UNDER A STOCK BORROWING AND LENDING ARRANGEMENT AS A LOAN TRANSACTION IN THE CONTEXT OF THE ORDINANCE. AS A RESULT, NO PROFIT OR LOSS WILL EMERGE FOR PROFITS TAX ASSESSMENT.
DEBATES ON THE TWO BILLS WERE ADJOURNED.
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/8 .....
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 1994
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MOTIONS PASSED ON FEES FOR REGISTRATION OF BIRTHS, DEATHS AND MARRIAGES *****
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PASSED THREE MOTIONS TO PUT UP FEES AND CHARGES FOR THE REGISTRATION OF BIRTHS AND DEATHS, MARRIAGES AND THE RE-REGISTRATION OF LEGITIMATED PERSONS.
MOVING THE MOTION TO REVISE THE BIRTHS AND DEATHS REGISTRATION ORDINANCE, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, SAID A RECENT REVIEW HAD INDICATED THAT THE FEES AND CHARGES COLLECTED BY THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT FAILED TO RECOVER ITS COSTS.
HE SAID THE THE SHORTFALL FOR THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS WAS ABOUT 33 PER CENT, THE SHORTFALL FOR THE REGISTRATION OF BIRTHS, DEATHS AND MARRIAGES WAS ABOUT 59 PER CENT AND THAT FOR THE ISSUE OF TRAVEL DOCUMENTS EIGHT PER CENT.
"IT IS GOVERNMENT POLICY TO PROVIDE SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC ON A COST-RECOVERY BASIS, UNLESS THERE ARE GOOD REASONS FOR DOING OTHERWISE," MR ASPREY SAID.
HE SAID THE FEES WERE LAST REVISED IN JUNE LAST YEAR AND THE NEW FEES WOULD BE INTRODUCED ON JULY 15.
MEANWHILE, FEES SPECIFIED IN THE FOREIGN MARRIAGE ORDINANCE WILL GO UP.
THE FOREIGN MARRIAGE ORDINANCE PROVIDES A MEANS WHEREBY COMMONWEALTH CITIZENS CAN GIVE A NOTICE OF MARRIAGE IN HONG KONG, EVEN THOUGH THE MARRIAGE HAS TAKEN PLACE AT A BRITISH EMBASSY ABROAD.
AFTER THE REVISION, THE FEE FOR A CERTIFICATE BY THE REGISTRAR OF MARRIAGES WILL GO UP FROM $20 TO $40, AND FEE FOR A GOVERNOR’S LICENCE WILL GO UP FROM $200 TO $400.
FEES SPECIFIED IN THE SCHEDULE TO THE LEGITIMACY ORDINANCE WILL ALSO BE REVISED. THE LEGITIMACY ORDINANCE PROVIDES FOR THE RE-REGISTRATION OF THE BIRTHS OF LEGITIMATED PERSONS.
FOR THE RE-REGISTRATION OF BIRTHS, THE FEE WILL GO UP FROM $100 TO $200 AND FOR A CERTIFIED COPY OF AN ENTRY OF THE BIRTH WILL GO UP FROM $40 TO $80.
- - 0---------
/9 .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 1994
- 9 -
LAND AUCTION REVIEW TO ENSURE FAIR COMPETITION *****
THE PURPOSE OF THE RECENTLY ANNOUNCED REVIEW OF THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR LAND DISPOSAL IS TO ENSURE THAT THE PRINCIPLE OF FAIR AND GENUINE COMPETITION WHICH UNDERPINS THE LAND AUCTION SYSTEM IS UNIMPAIRED, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON FRED LI IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR EASON SAID THE EXERCISE WOULD BE COMPLETED BEFORE THE NEXT AUCTION AT THE END OF JULY.
MR EASON SAID HE DID NOT THINK THAT THE PRICES ACHIEVED AT THE RECENT AUCTION WERE BELOW MARKET VALUE.
"THEY WERE WITHIN THE GOVERNMENT’S EXPECTATIONS,” HE SAID.
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POLITICAL ACTIVITIES ARE NOT INVESTIGATED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT INVESTIGATE POLITICAL ACTIVITIES AND HAS NOT DRAWN UP ANY ’’TARGET LIST” FOR SUCH INVESTIGATIONS, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON TANG SIU-TONG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR ASPREY SAID: ’’ALL INVESTIGATIONS ARE CARRIED OUT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAW, INCLUDING THE BILL OF RIGHTS ORDINANCE.”
WHEN A SECURITY THREAT EXISTS, INVESTIGATIONS ARE CONDUCTED TO COUNTER THAT THREAT, HE SAID.
THE POLICE ARE PRIMARILY RESPONSIBLE FOR CONDUCTING SUCH INVESTIGATIONS. DEPENDING UPON THE NATURE OF THE THREAT, OTHER DEPARTMENTS SUCH AS THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE OR IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT MAY ALSO BE INVOLVED.
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/10........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 1994
10 -
CAUSE OF STRIKES AT BORDER EXPLAINED *****
THE SLOW PROCESSING TIME BV EITHER HONG KONG OR SHENZHEN BORDER CONTROL STAFF HAS BEEN THE MAIN REASON FOR THE FIVE STRIKES BY CONTAINER AND GOODS VEHICLE DRIVERS AT THE BORDER SINCE JUNE 1992, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR HAIDER BARMA, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LEE WING-TAT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR BARMA SAID THE MOST PRACTICAL WAY OF PREVENTING SUCH STRIKES AND THUS MINIMISING TRAFFIC CONGESTION OR STANDSTILL, WAS TO IMPROVE AND STRENGTHEN THE CHANNELS OF COMMUNICATION WITH CONTAINER AND GOODS VEHICLE DRIVERS SO THAT SPEEDY ACTION COULD BE TAKEN TO RESOLVE LEGITIMATE GRIEVANCES AND COMPLAINTS.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT OBTAINED FEEDBACK FROM DRIVERS THROUGH INFORMAL CONTACT WITH STAFF OF THE POLICE, IMMIGRATION, CUSTOMS AND EXCISE AND TRANSPORT DEPARTMENTS.
"IN ADDITION, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HOLDS QUARTERLY CONSULTATIVE MEETINGS WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY.
"MATTERS RAISED WITH US, WHICH RELATE TO CROSS-BORDER ISSUES AND ARE OF MUTUAL CONCERN, ARE REFLECTED TO THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES THROUGH OUR BORDER LIAISON CHANNELS," MR BARMA SAID.
HE SAID FOLLOWING THE STRIKE LAST MONTH, THE ARRANGEMENTS HAD BEEN STRENGTHENED BY THE ESTABLISHMENT OF BIMONTHLY TRIPARTITE MEETINGS ON CROSS-BORDER MATTERS AMONGST THE DRIVERS’ REPRESENTATIVES, THE SHENZHEN AND HONG KONG AUTHORITIES.
DRIVERS COULD ALSO REFLECT THEIR VIEWS DIRECT TO THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES THROUGH THE REPRESENTATIVES OF TRADE UNIONS AND FLEET OWNERS’ ASSOCIATIONS WHO HAD CONTACTS WITH THE CHINESE SIDE, HE ADDED.
ALTHOUGH ALLEGATIONS OF CORRUPTION ON THE CHINESE SIDE OF THE BORDER HAD BEEN REPORTED IN THE MEDIA, HE SAID NO SUCH COMPLAINTS HAD BEEN LODGED WITH THE ADMINISTRATION BY DRIVERS.
ONE COMPLAINT WAS RECEIVED BY THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION EARLIER THIS YEAR REGARDING SOLICITATION TO EXPEDITE CUSTOMS CLEARANCE BUT NO FURTHER ACTION WAS TAKEN BECAUSE THE COMPLAINANT WAS ANONYMOUS, HE ADDED.
- - 0---------
/Il .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 1994
- 11
CUMULATIVE COST FOR PROSECUTING FORMER CHAIRMAN OF CARRIAN GROUP REVEALED *****
THE CUMULATIVE COST TO DATE OF THE SERIES OF ACTIONS TAKEN RELATING TO THE PROSECUTION AGAINST THE FORMER CHAIRMAN OF THE CARRIAN GROUP OF COMPANIES IS ABOUT $223.1 MILLION, ACCORDING TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JEREMY MATHEWS.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION RAISED BY THE HON JIMMY MCGREGOR IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), MR MATHEWS SAID THE FORMER CHAIRMAN OF THE CARRIAN GROUP OF COMPANIES HAD FACED, OR WAS CURRENTLY FACING, PROSECUTION IN THREE CASES.
THE FIRST OF THESE CASES INVOLVED ALLEGED OFFENCES IN RESPECT OF THE CARRIAN GROUP OF COMPANIES. THE TRIAL OF THAT CASE ENDED IN 1987 ALTHOUGH THE PROCEEDINGS WERE NOT FORMALLY CONCLUDED UNTIL MAY 1988, MR MATHEWS SAID.
THE TRIAL OF THE SECOND CASE, RELATING TO BUMIPUTRA MALAYSIA FINANCE LTD (BMFL), HAD NOW FORMALLY STARTED UNDER THE COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIMES ORDINANCE, HE ADDED.
THE THIRD CASE INVOLVED ALLEGATIONS OF CORRUPTION BY SENIOR EXECUTIVES IN THE HONG KONG BRANCHES OF TWO OVERSEAS BANKS.
THE TRIAL OF THAT CASE WAS PENDING IN THE DISTRICT COURT AND HAD BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL AFTER THE CONCLUSION OF THE SECOND CASE, MR MATHEWS SAID.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SAID THE TOTAL COST OF THE CARRIAN CASE WAS $91,546,984. THE TOTAL COMBINED COST TO DATE OF THE SECOND AND THIRD CASES, WHICH WERE CURRENT, WAS $131,553,462.
THE COST OF THE CARRIAN CASE AND OF THE BMFL CASE WERE IN RESPECT OF ALL DEFENDANTS AND ALL PROCEEDINGS, HE NOTED.
AS REGARDS TIMING, IT WAS EXPECTED THAT THE TRIAL THAT HAD RECENTLY STARTED, IN RESPECT OF BMFL, WOULD BE CONCLUDED DURING THE COURSE OF 1995, MR MATHEWS SAID.
HE NOTED THAT IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO ESTIMATE THE COST OF ANY FURTHER NECESSARY ACTION.
"AS I HAVE SAID, THE TRIAL OF ONE CASE HAS ALREADY FORMALLY STARTED, AND THE TRIAL OF ANOTHER CASE HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL AFTER THE CONCLUSION OF THE CURRENT TRIAL.
"THE COST OF FUTURE ACTION WILL DEPEND ON THE COURSE OF THOSE PROCEEDINGS AND IT WOULD NOT BE PROPER FOR ME TO SPECULATE IN THAT REGARD," MR MATHEWS SAID.
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/12........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 1994
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NO REASON TO DO AWAY WITH ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS * * * * *
THE ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR 1994/95 ARE CONSISTENT WITH THE JOINT DECLARATION, THE BASIC LAW AND PAST AGREEMENTS BETWEEN BRITAIN AND CHINA, AND ARE THEREFORE CAPABLE OF CONTINUING AFTER 1997.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR NICHOLAS NG, IN A REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON EMILY LAU IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"WE SEE NO REASON FOR CHINA TO DO AWAY WITH THESE ARRANGEMENTS IN 1997," MR NG SAID.
MR NG ADDED THAT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT WAS FULLY COMMITTED UNDER THE JOINT DECLARATION TO ENSURE A SMOOTH TRANSFER OF GOVERNMENT IN HONG KONG IN 1997.
"IT IS ALSO THE CLEARLY EXPRESSED WISH OF THE COMMUNITY THAT THERE SHOULD BE A SMOOTH TRANSITION,” HE SAID.
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TRAMS OPERATION SUBJECT TO ORDINANCES
*****
TRAM ACCIDENTS ACCOUNTED FOR LESS THAN ONE PER CENT OF THE ABOUT 15,000 ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS WHICH OCCURRED IN EACH OF THE PAST THREE YEARS, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR HAIDER BARMA, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY ^WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LAU CHIN-SHEK, MR BARMA SAID TRAMS OPERATING ON THE ROADS WERE SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ROAD' TRAFFIC ORDINANCE AND THE TRAMWAY ORDINANCE.
HONG KONG TRAMWAYS LTD (HKT) PROVIDES A COMPREHENSIVE EIGHT-WEEK TRAINING PROGRAMME EOR ITS DRIVER TRAINEES, CONDUCTED BY THEIR EXPERIENCED INSTRUCTORS WHO HAVE HAD AT LEAST 20 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE IN DRIVING TRAMS.
"TRAM DRIVERS ARE ALSO REQUIRED TO PASS AN ANNUAL RECERTIFICATION TEST BY THE COMPANY AND THIS INCLUDES A PRACTICAL DRIVING TEST AND A REFRESHER COURSE COVERING CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SAFETY MATTERS.
"UNDER THE RULES MADE BY HKT, TRAM DRIVERS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO EXCEED A SPEED LIMIT OF 25 KILOMETRES PER HOUR IN CONGESTED AREAS OR WHEN NEGOTIATING A BEND.
"IN ANY CASE, TRAMS ARE NOT DESIGNED TO GO FASTER THAN 40 KILOMETRES PER HOUR, WHICH IS WELL WITHIN STATUTORY SPEED LIMITS," HE SAID.
UNDER THE TRAMWAY ORDINANCE, HKT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR MAINTAINING ITS TRAM CARS AND TRACKS IN GOOD CONDITION, AND CONDUCTING REPAIRS WHERE NECESSARY TO THE SATISFACTION OF THE DIRECTOR OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES (DEMS).
/THE BRAKING .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 1994
- 13 -
THE BRAKING SYSTEMS ON ALL TRAMS ARE CHECKED BY THE COMPANY EVERY 10 DAYS UNDER ITS PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE PROGRAMME AND THIS HAS TO CONFORM WITH THE CRITERIA LAID DOWN BY DEMS.
IN CASE OF ACCIDENTS, THE BRAKING SYSTEMS ARE ALSO CHECKED AND TESTED IN THE PRESENCE OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S STAFF.
IN THE PAST THREE YEARS, NONE OF THE TRAMS INSPECTED FOLLOWING ACCIDENTS WAS FOUND TO HAVE A DEFECTIVE BRAKING SYSTEM.
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PRECAUTIONS IN PLACE TO ENSURE FERRY SAFETY * * * « *
AS MARINE WORKS ARE UNDER WAY NEAR FERRY ROUTES IN VICTORIA HARBOUR, THE GOVERNMENT HAS ADOPTED SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF BERTHING FERRIES AND THAT ANY DELAY TO THEIR SCHEDULES IS MINIMISED.
SPELLING OUT THE MEASURES IN HIS WRITTEN REPLY TO THE HON LEE WING-TAT’S QUESTION IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR GORDON SIU, SAID SPECIFIC AREAS WERE DESIGNATED AND PROMULGATED WITHIN WHICH ONLY MARINE WORKS WERE ALLOWED.
MARINE DEPARTMENT HAS STEPPED UP PATROLS OF THE CENTRAL HARBOUR TO ENSURE THAT VESSELS ENGAGED IN MARINE WORKS DO NOT ANCHOR OR OPERATE OUTSIDE THE SPECIFIED WORKS AREAS, MR SIU SAID.
WHEN FLOATING PLANTS ENTER OR LEAVE THE CENTRAL RECLAMATION WORKS AREAS, THEY ARE REQUIRED TO FOLLOW A NORTH/SOUTH COURSE TO AND FROM THE CENTRAL FAIRWAY.
"THIS IS TO ENSURE THAT THE FERRIES ARE NOT OBSTRUCTED BY CROSSING TRAFFIC," MR SIU EXPLAINED.
HE SAID THE MARINE DEPARTMENT, MARINE WORKS CONTRACTORS AND FERRY OPERATORS HAD CONTINUOUS LIAISON SO THAT RAPID RESPONSE COULD BE INITIATED IN THE EVENT OF ANY UNUSUAL SITUATIONS.
MR SIU SAID NONE OF THE MARINE WORKS IN THE HARBOUR REQUIRED NARROWING OF FAIRWAYS.
THERE WERE 66 VESSEL COLLISIONS IN THE HARBOUR IN 1991, 69 IN 1992, 104 IN 1993 AND 22 IN THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR.
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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 1994
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GOVERNMENT TAKES SERIOUS VIEW ON MATERNITY PROTECTION * * * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) STRESSED THAT THE GOVERNMENT TOOK A SERIOUS VIEW ON MATERNITY PROTECTION.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON SIMON IP SIK-ON IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR LEUNG SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD PROPOSED, UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) (NO.2) BILL 1993, TO MAKE LATE PAYMENT OF MATERNITY LEAVE PAY AN OFFENCE.
"THE 26 WEEKS ELIGIBILITY PERIOD FOR MATERNITY LEAVE AND THE 40 WEEKS ELIGIBILITY PERIOD FOR MATERNITY LEAVE PAY ARE ALSO CLARIFIED UNDER THE BILL," HE SAID.
AS TO THE LEVELS OF PENALTIES UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, MR LEUNG SAID THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAD RECENTLY COMPLETED A REVIEW, AND PROPOSED THAT THE MAXIMUM LEVELS OF FINES RELATING TO MATERNITY LEAVE PROVISIONS BE SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASED.
"THE PROPOSALS ARE BEING EXAMINED AND WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE," HE SAID.
MR LEUNG SAID IN 1993, THERE WERE 41 COMPLAINTS RELATED TO DISMISSAL OF FEMALE EMPLOYEES ALLEGEDLY BECAUSE OF THEIR PREGNANCY.
THE OTHER 38 COMPLAINTS WERE NOT RELATED TO TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT. THEY CONCERNED PROVISION OF MATERNITY LEAVE PAY, SICKNESS ALLOWANCE IN RESPECT OF MEDICAL CHECK-UPS AND OTHER RELATED ENTITLEMENTS UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE OR THEIR EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS.
HE SAID ALL THESE COMPLAINT CASES HAD BEEN INVESTIGATED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT. FOLLOWING ARE THE DETAILS OF THE 40 CASES THAT HAD NOT RESULTED IN CONVICTION
* IN 18 CASES, THE FEMALE EMPLOYEES HAD FAILED TO SERVE NOTICE OF PREGNANCY AS REQUIRED BY LAW.
* IN SIX CASES, THE CAUSE OF DISMISSAL WAS FOUND TO BE UNCONNECTED WITH PREGNANCY.
* IN EIGHT CASES, THE EVIDENCE WAS FOUND TO BE VERY INADEQUATE OR WHERE THERE WAS NO PROSECUTION WITNESS.
* IN THREE CASES, THE EMPLOYERS HAD BECOME INSOLVENT.
* AND IN ANOTHER THREE CASES, THE EMPLOYERS TOOK PROMPT REMEDIAL ACTIONS AND CAME TO AMICABLE SETTLEMENT WITH THEIR EMPLOYEES.
* IN ONE CASE, THE FEMALE EMPLOYEE WAS FOUND NOT ENTITLED TO MATERNITY PAY.
* IN ANOTHER CASE, THE EMPLOYEE’S ENTITLEMENT TO MATERNITY LEAVE PAY WAS UNCERTAIN AND IS NOW PENDING A RULING OF THE LABOUR TRIBUNAL.
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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 1994
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ESTABLISHED PROCEDURES FOR APPOINTMENTS IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS *****
INSTITUTIONS FUNDED BY THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE, UNDER THEIR RESPECTIVE ORDINANCES, ARE ENTITLED TO FREEDOM OF ACTION, WITHIN THE LAWS OF HONG KONG, IN MANAGING THEIR INTERNAL AFFAIRS.
THIS INCLUDES THE SELECTION, RENEWAL AND TERMINATION OF APPOINTMENT OF THEIR OWN STAFF, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, SAID IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHEUNG MAN-KWONG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"THE ADMINISTRATION UNDERSTANDS THAT ALL UPGC-FUNDED INSTITUTIONS, BEING AUTONOMOUS STATUTORY BODIES, HAVE ESTABLISHED PROCEDURES GOVERNING THE APPOINTMENT, RENEWAL, NON-RENEWAL AND TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS FOR CONTRACT STAFF," HE.SAID.
MR LEUNG SAID THE PROCEDURES VARIED FROM ONE INSTITUTION TO ANOTHER IN TERMS OF DETAILS, OWING TO THEIR DIFFERENT HISTORICAL BACKGROUNDS AND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES.
"BUT THEY SHARE BROADLY THE SAME PRINCIPLES WHICH INCLUDE APPRAISAL OF INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE, NOTIFICATION TO INDIVIDUALS IN CASE OF CONTRACT RENEWAL, NON-RENEWAL OR TERMINATION, AND PROVISION FOR APPEALS BY STAFF.
A STAFF MEMBER’S TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE ARE STATED IN THE CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT AND MADE KNOWN TO HIM/HER UPON APPOINTMENT, HE ADDED.
MR LEUNG ALSO NOTED THAT APPEAL CHANNELS WERE PROVIDED FOR IN ALL INSTITUTIONS.
"APPEALS ARE USUALLY HANDLED BY A PANEL OR COMMITTEE IN ORDER TO MINIMISE POSSIBLE ABUSE OF POWER BY ANY INDIVIDUAL," HE SAID.
WHILE THE DETAILED PROCEDURE MIGHT VARY FROM ONE INSTITUTION TO ANOTHER, MR LEUNG POINTED OUT THAT SIMILAR ARRANGEMENTS EXISTED IN THE INSTITUTIONS IN RESPECT OF PERMANENT STAFF.
HE SAID THE GOVERNING BODIES OF THE INSTITUTIONS WERE ULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLE FOR ENSURING THAT THE ESTABLISHED PROCEDURES WERE APPLIED FAIRLY AND REASONABLY.
"DISPUTES ABOUT CONTRACTS OF EMPLOYMENT OR THE CIRCUMSTANCES SURROUNDING THE TERMINATION OR NON-RENEWAL OF CONTRACTS MAY ALSO BE BROUGHT TO THE COURTS IF A CONCERNED PARTY CHOOSES TO DO SO," HE ADDED.
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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 1994
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MAJORITY OF PRIMARY HEALTH CARE RECOMMENDATIONS IMPLEMENTED *****
OF THE 102 RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE WORKING PARTY’S REPORT ON PRIMARY HEALTH CARE, 98 RECOMMENDATIONS HAVE BEEN OR ARE BEING IMPLEMENTED.
MANY OF THE SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS AND NEW INITIATIVES ARE BUILT ON EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE AND ARE UNDERTAKEN PROGRESSIVELY OVER A PERIOD OF TIME.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON CONRAD LAM IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
HOWEVER, IN 1994/95, $1,316.8 MILLION HAS BEEN PROVIDED FOR PRIMARY HEALTH CARE, REPRESENTING 67.9 PER CENT OF THE APPROVED ESTIMATE TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH FOR THAT YEAR.
MRS WONG SAID THE REMAINING FOUR RECOMMENDATIONS CONCERNED THE INTRODUCTION OF A DOMICILIARY OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY SERVICE, CHANGES TO THE STRUCTURE FOR FEES AND CHARGES, THE REORGANISATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A PRIMARY HEALTH CARE AUTHORITY.
"INSTEAD OF A DOMICILIARY OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY SERVICE, WE ARE STUDYING THE INTRODUCTION OF A PILOT DISTRICT HEALTH NURSING SERVICE AS PART OF THE DISTRICT HEALTH SYSTEM," SHE SAID.
"THIS SERVICE WILL FOCUS PRIMARILY ON DISEASE PREVENTION AND HEALTH PROMOTION AND WILL BE INTEGRATED WITH THE GENERAL OUT-PATIENT (GOP) SERVICE."
THE OTHER REMAINING RECOMMENDATIONS NEEDED TO BE FURTHER EXAMINED IN THE CONTEXT OF THE OVERALL DEVELOPMENT OF HEALTH AND MEDICAL SERVICES AND MAJOR POLICY AND FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS, SHE SAID.
THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF IMPLEMENTING THE REMAINING RECOMMENDATIONS WILL BE IDENTIFIED AT THE TIME OF IMPLEMENTATION.
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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 1994
17
PILOT SCHEME TO IMPORT CHINA PROFESSIONALS UNDER REVIEW * * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT WILL REVIEW THE APPLICATION PROCEDURES OF THE PILOT SCHEME ON IMPORTATION OF PROFESSIONALS AND MANAGERS FROM CHINA, IN THE LIGHT OF OPERATIONAL EXPERIENCE.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON JAMES TIEN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, SAID THE ADMINISTRATION WELCOMED ALL VIEWS AND SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO FURTHER IMPROVE THE PILOT SCHEME WHICH WAS AN EXTENSION OF THE PRESENT POLICY FOR ENTRY OF OVERSEAS PROFESSIONALS.
NOTING THAT THE SCHEME WAS GIVEN AMPLE PUBLICITY AND WAS REPORTED EXTENSIVELY BY THE MEDIA, MR LEUNG SAID OVER 10,000 APPLICATION FORMS WERE DISTRIBUTED AND OVER 2,000 APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AT THE END OF PHASE I ON MAY 31.
"THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO PROMOTE THE SCHEME THROUGH EXISTING CHANNELS,” HE SAID.
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AMPLE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR MEDICAL OFFICERS
*****
BOTH LOCAL AND OVERSEAS COURSES ARE AVAILABLE AS IN-SERVICE TRAINING FOR MEDICAL AND HEALTH OFFICERS ENGAGED IN PROVIDING PRIMARY HEALTH CARE SERVICES.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON CONRAD LAM IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SHE POINTED OUT THAT SHORT COURSES IN THE FORM OF SEMINARS, WORKSHOPS, CONFERENCES, REFRESHER COURSES AND CLINICAL ATTACHMENTS WERE ORGANISED TO UPDATE THE OFFICERS' KNOWLEDGE ON SUBJECTS RELEVANT TO THEIR PRACTICES.
"LONG COURSES SUCH AS DIPLOMA OR DEGREE COURSES IN FAMILY MEDICINE, PUBLIC HEALTH MEDICINE, OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE, EPIDEMIOLOGY AND APPLIED STATISTICS, ETC. PROVIDE MORE IN-DEPTH TRAINING FOR THE PURPOSE OF STAFF DEVELOPMENT," MRS WONG SAID.
AS AT JUNE 1, 1994, 297 OF THE 480 MEDICAL AND HEALTH OFFICERS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH WERE ENGAGED IN PROVIDING PRIMARY HEALTH CARE SERVICES, SHE SAID.
ON AVERAGE, ONE OUT OF 11 OFFICERS (9.09 PER CENT) IN THIS GROUP POSSESSED SPECIALIST QUALIFICATIONS, MRS WONG ADDED.
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/18........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 3994
18
LEGCO PROVIDED WITH DETAILS OF SCHOOL SITES *****
AT AN EARLY STAGE OF THE TOWN PLANNING PROCESS, SITES ARE RESERVED FOR SCHOOLS AND OTHER COMMUNITY FACILITIES IN PLANNING DISTRICTS TO MEET FORECAST REQUIREMENTS, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. ,
MR LEUNG SAID THE NUMBER, SIZE AND LOCATION OF SCHOOL SITES REQUIRED WERE DETERMINED MAINLY WITH REFERENCE TO POPULATION FORECASTS AND APPROVED PLANNING STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES.
"SO FAR, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS NOT ENCOUNTERED ANY DIFFICULTIES IN RESERVING SCHOOL SITES," SAID MR LEUNG IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHEUNG MAN-KWONG.
HE NOTED THAT THERE WERE AT PRESENT 157 RESERVED SCHOOL SITES: 105 FOR SECONDARY, 50 FOR PRIMARY AND TWO FOR SPECIAL SCHOOLS.
"THEY ARE LOCATED IN VARIOUS DISTRICTS AND HAVE BEEN RESERVED TO ENABLE NEW SCHOOLS TO BE BUILT IN THE FUTURE TO MEET POLICY TARGETS."
MR LEUNG SAID THE SCHOOL BUILDING PROGRAMME, DRAWN UP ON THE BASIS OF STUDENT POPULATION PROJECTIONS AND TO MEET APPROVED EDUCATION POLICIES, WAS REVIEWED EVERY YEAR.
"WITHIN THE RESOURCES ALLOCATED EACH YEAR, NEW SCHOOLS AS RECOMMENDED IN THE PROGRAMME ARE BUILT THROUGH PUBLIC TENDER UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE RELEVANT AUTHORITY, USING THE APPROPRIATE SITES RESERVED.
"RESERVED SCHOOL SITES WHICH ARE NOT NEEDED BECAUSE OF DEMOGRAPHIC CHANGES, SITE LIMITATIONS AND OTHER PHYSICAL CONSTRAINTS ARE SURRENDERED," HE ADDED.
COMMENTING ON THE CURRENT POLICY TO REDUCE FLOATATION THROUGH AN ONGOING SCHOOL EXTENSION PROGRAMME FOR SCHOOLS OF THE OLD DESIGN, MR LEUNG SAID THIS PROGRAMME HAD RECENTLY BEEN REINFORCED BY THE SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME INTRODUCED THIS YEAR.
"TOGETHER THESE TWO PROGRAMMES WOULD HELP TO ELIMINATE FLOATING CLASSES AT SECONDARY 1 TO 5 LEVELS BY THE YEAR 2000.
! i
"THE GOVERNMENT CONSIDERS THE FLOATING OF CLASSES AT SECONDARY 6 TO 7 LEVELS TO BE REASONABLE, HAVING REGARD TO THEIR FREQUENT USE OF SPECIAL ROOMS FOR DIFFERENT SUBJECTS," HE SAID.
MR LEUNG POINTED OUT THAT IF FLOATING CLASSES AT SECONDARY 1 TO 5 LEVELS WERE TO BE COMPLETELY ELIMINATED WELL AHEAD OF THE YEAR 2000, 19 ADDITIONAL SECONDARY SCHOOLS WOULD BE REQUIRED AND SUITABLE SITES FOR THESE SCHOOLS WOULD HAVE TO BE MADE AVAILABLE FROM THE RESERVED LIST.
THERE ARE 132 WHOLE-DAY PRIMARY SCHOOLS FOR LOCAL CHILDREN INCLUDING THREE NEW SCHOOLS COMMISSIONED IN 1993.
/"IT IS .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 1994
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"IT IS AT PRESENT THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO ENCOURAGE PRIMARY SCHOOLS TO OPERATE ON A WHOLE-DAY BASIS WHERE POSSIBLE WITHOUT ADVERSELY AFFECTING THE SUPPLY OF SCHOOL PLACES," MR LEUNG SAID.
"IF WHOLE-DAY SCHOOLING WERE TO BE IMPLEMENTED IN ALL PRIMARY SCHOOLS, IT IS ESTIMATED THAT THERE WOULD BE A TOTAL SHORTFALL OF 87 PRIMARY SCHOOL SITES IN 17 DISTRICTS, EVEN IF ALL THE RESERVED PRIMARY SCHOOL SITES WHICH ARE NEEDED ARE USED," HE ADDED.
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MORE MOTORCYCLES USED FOR VILLAGE PATROLS
*****
THE POLICE PLAN TO ACQUIRE TWO MORE MOTORCYCLES FOR PATROL DUTIES IN THE SOUTHERN PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES LATER THIS YEAR, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
AT PRESENT 64 MOTORCYCLES ARE USED FOR SUCH DUTIES IN RURAL AREAS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO THE HON ZACHARY WONG WAI-YIN’S QUESTION IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR ASPREY SAID MOBILE PATROL VEHICLES WERE ALSO USED IN REMOTE VILLAGES THAT COULD BE REACHED BY ROADS AND BICYCLE PATROLS WERE ALSO CONDUCTED IN YUEN LONG.
THEY ARE SUPPLEMENTED BY FOOT PATROLS DURING WEEKENDS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, IN RESPONSE TO THE INCREASED NUMBER OF PEOPLE VISITING THE NEW TERRITORIES.
MEMBERS OF THE FIELD PATROL DETACHMENT, WHO PATROL RURAL AREAS ALONG THE BORDER PRIMARILY TO COMBAT ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION, ALSO DEAL WITH OTHER EMERGENCIES IF NECESSARY.
"THE POLICE MONITOR CLOSELY THE CRIME SITUATION IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, AND DEPLOY RESOURCES AS NECESSARY TO COPE WITH THE SITUATION," MR ASPREY SAID.
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NEED OF CHAPERON DURING MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS A PROFESSIONAL JUDGMENT *****
THE NEED OR OTHERWISE OF A CHAPERON WHEN CONDUCTING MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS ON FEMALE PATIENTS IS A MATTER FOR PROFESSIONAL JUDGMENT DEPENDING ON THE PATIENT’S CLINICAL CONDITION, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON EMILY LAU, MRS WONG SAID DOCTORS SHOULD ALWAYS BE FULLY AWARE THAT THEY SHOULD OBTAIN THE CONSENT OF THEIR PATIENTS BEFORE COMMENCING ANY EXAMINATION.
/"IT MAKES .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 1994
20
"IT MAKES GOOD COMMON SENSE FOR MALE DOCTORS TO CONDUCT A MEDICAL EXAMINATION ON A FEMALE PATIENT IN THE PRESENCE OF A CHAPERON IF THE EXAMINATION TO BE CARRIED OUT INVOLVES ANY DIRECT BODY CONTACT," SHE SAID.
MRS WONG EMPHASISED THAT BOTH DOCTORS AND DENTISTS WERE REQUIRED BY THEIR CODES OF PRACTICE TO REGARD THE INTERESTS OF THEIR PATIENTS AS THEIR FIRST PRIORITY.
"IF EVER THEY ARE ALLEGED OF HAVING DISREGARDED THEIR PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES TO PATIENTS, THEY MAY BE SUBJECT TO THE DISCIPLINARY SANCTIONS OF THE MEDICAL AND DENTAL COUNCILS RESPECTIVELY," SHE SAID.
REFERRING TO THE INDECENT ASSAULT OF FEMALE PATIENTS CASES MENTIONED BY MISS LAU IN HER QUESTION, MRS WONG STATED THE DETAILS OF SOME CASES.
THE FIRST CASE INVOLVED A DOCTOR WHO WAS CHARGED IN THE DISTRICT COURT WITH SIX COUNTS OF INDECENT ASSAULT.
THE CASE WAS DISMISSED ON MARCH 18, 1994 AFTER THE COURT FOUND HIM NOT GUILTY OF ALL CHARGES.
THE SECOND CASE WAS CONSIDERED BY THE MEDICAL COUNCIL OF HONG KONG, PURSUANT TO THE MEDICAL REGISTRATION ORDINANCE, AT A DISCIPLINARY HEARING HELD ON NOVEMBER 4, 1993.
AFTER HEARING EVIDENCE FROM THE COMPLAINANT AND THE ACCUSED DOCTOR, THE COUNCIL WAS SATISFIED THAT THE DOCTOR WAS "GUILTY OF IMPROPER, IMMORAL OR INDECENT BEHAVIOUR IN THE COURSE OF HIS PROFESSIONAL DUTIES TO HIS PATIENT (THAT IS, THE COMPLAINANT), AND THAT IN RELATION TO THE FACTS ALLEGED HE HAS BEEN GUILTY OF MISCONDUCT IN A PROFESSIONAL RESPECT".
THE COUNCIL FURTHER ORDERED THE DOCTOR’S NAME BE REMOVED FROM THE MEDICAL REGISTER FOR SIX MONTHS, THE APPLICATION OF WHICH WOULD BE SUSPENDED FOR TWO YEARS SUBJECT TO THE DOCTOR NOT BEING FOUND GUILTY OF PROFESSIONAL MISCONDUCT DURING THE SAID PERIOD.
SUBSEQUENT TO THE DOCTOR’S RECENT DECISION TO WITHDRAW HIS APPEAL TO THE COURT OF APPEAL, THE MEDICAL COUNCIL’S DECISION AND DISCIPLINARY ORDER WERE GAZETTED ON JUNE 3, 1994.
THE THIRD CASE WAS HEARD BY THE DENTAL COUNCIL OF HONG KONG, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE DENTISTS REGISTRATION ORDINANCE, AT ITS DISCIPLINARY ENQUIRY HELD ON FEBRUARY 22 AND APRIL 21, 1994.
AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE ENQUIRY, THE COUNCIL WAS SATISFIED THAT THE DENTIST IN QUESTION WAS "CONVICTED BY THE SUPREME COURT OF BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA ON DECEMBER 4, 1986 OF 17 CHARGES OF INDECENT ASSAULT AND SEXUAL ASSAULT; AND THAT THE COURT OF APPEAL OF BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA HAD ON SEPTEMBER 23, 1987 ALLOWED THE DENTIST’S APPEAL AGAINST SENTENCE AND IMPOSED A SENTENCE OF IMPRISONMENT OF TWO YEARS LESS ONE DAY WITH PROBATION FOR TWO YEARS".
/THE COUNCIL .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 1994
21
THE COUNCIL ORDERED AS A CONSEQUENCE THAT THE DENTIST BE ALLOWED TO PRACTISE DENTISTRY IN HONG KONG WITH CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS.
HOWEVER, HAVING SUBSEQUENTLY CONSULTED THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE SECRETARY TO THE DENTAL COUNCIL IS NOW SEEKING A JUDICIAL REVIEW OF THE ABOVE ORDER OF THE COUNCIL AND AN APPLICATION FOR LEAVE TO APPLY FOR JUDICIAL REVIEW HAS ALREADY BEEN FILED.
IT WOULD NOT BE APPROPRIATE TO DIVULGE ANY FURTHER DETAILS OF THE CASE AT THIS STAGE, PENDING DETERMINATION OF THIS APPLICATION.
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HOSPITAL AUTHORITY PR STAFF SALARIES COMPARABLE TO CIVIL SERVICE * * * * «
THE SALARIES AT $4.86 MILLION PER ANNUM FOR OFFICERS IN THE PUBLICITY AND NEWS SECTIONS OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY ARE COMPARABLE TO SIMILAR RANKS IN THE CIVIL SERVICE, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MICHAEL HO, MRS WONG SAID THE PUBLICITY SECTION TOGETHER WITH THE NEWS SECTION OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY HEAD OFFICE WAS HEADED BY A DEPUTY DIRECTOR AND STAFFED BY TWO CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICERS, THREE SENIOR INFORMATION OFFICERS, ONE INFORMATION OFFICER, TWO ASSISTANT INFORMATION OFFICERS AND TWO CLERICAL OFFICERS.
"SEPARATELY, A TOTAL BUDGET OF $2.5 MILLION HAS BEEN EARMARKED BY THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR FOR PUBLIC RELATIONS AND PUBLICITY WORK," SHE ADDED.
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DECISION SOON ON RESOURCE CENTRE SITE *****
A DECISION WILL SOON BE MADE ON THE FINAL USE OF THE SITE AT THE PRESENT TSUEN WAN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY TECHNICAL SCHOOL WHICH HAS BEEN PROVISIONALLY EARMARKED FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FIRST RESOURCE CENTRE FOR GIFTED CHILDREN.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR MICHAEL LEUNG IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ERIC LI KA-CHEUNG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
MR LEUNG SAID LATELY, THERE HAD BEEN OTHER CONSIDERATIONS INCLUDING WHETHER THE SITE SHOULD BE USED FOR RESIDENTIAL HOUSING.
"IF THE DECISION IS TO PROCEED WITH THE RESOURCE CENTRE FOR GIFTED CHILDREN ON THE PRESENT SITE, WE EXPECT THE CENTRE TO OPEN IN MARCH 1995, FOLLOWING EXTENSIVE CONVERSION WORK AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $6.8 M.
"ON THE OTHER HAND, IF AN ALTERNATIVE SITE IS TO BE FOUND, THE TIMING FOR THE OPENING OF THE CENTRE AND THE COST INVOLVED WILL DEPEND ON THE CONDITION AND LOCATION OF THE NEW SITE," HE SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 1994
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SPECIAL EDUCATION FOR ENGLISH SPEAKING CHILDREN EXPLAINED *****
SPECIAL EDUCATION FOR ENGLISH-SPEAKING MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN OF SCHOOL AGE IS PROVIDED IN SCHOOLS RUN BY THE ENGLISH SCHOOLS FOUNDATION (ESF) WHICH RECEIVES SUBVENTION FROM THE GOVERNMENT, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ERIC LI KA-CHEUNG, MR LEUNG SAID THERE WERE TWO SPECIAL UNITS EACH AT THE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY LEVELS WITH A TOTAL CAPACITY OF 84 PLACES FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS.
THE JOCKEY CLUB SARAH ROE SCHOOL OF THE ESF ALSO PROVIDES PLACES FOR 40 SEVERELY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED ENGLISH-SPEAKING CHILDREN. DETAILS ARE:
ENROLMENT
SPECIAL SECONDARY CAPACITY 42 MENTALLY HANDICAPPED 27 OTHER HANDICAPS 5
UNITS OF ESF SCHOOLS (11 - 18) PRIMARY 42 41 1
SARAH ROE (5 - 10) PRIMARY 40 29 0
SCHOOL TOTAL AND SECONDARY 124 97 6
MR LEUNG SAID THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WAS AWARE THAT THERE WAS A WAITING LIST OF 24 HANDICAPPED CHILDREN FOR PLACES IN THE ESF SCHOOLS.
’’BASED ON THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN NOW ATTENDING SPECIAL CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTRES, THE DEPARTMENT ESTIMATES AN ADDITIONAL DEMAND OF ANOTHER 26 PLACES IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS.
"TO COPE WITH THIS ADDITIONAL DEMAND,' THE DEPARTMENT IS DISCUSSING WITH THE ESF REGARDING PLANS FOR EXPANSION, AND WILL ALSO BE EXPLORING WITH OTHER AGENCIES THE POSSIBILITY OF ALTERNATIVE OR ADDITIONAL PROVISION," MR LEUNG SAID.
AS AT APRIL 1994, THE NUMBER OF ENGLISH-SPEAKING MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN AGED 15 AND BELOW IS ESTIMATED TO BE ABOUT 147.
/23 .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 1994
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RATE OF CAESARIAN SECTION OPERATIONS COMPARES FAVOURABLY WITH OVERSEAS COUNTRIES *****
THE RATE OF CAESARIAN SECTION OPERATIONS PERFORMED IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS IN HONG KONG WAS 143.11 PER 1,000 BIRTHS IN 1992/93 AND 141.33 PER 1,000 BIRTHS IN 1993/94, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HUANG CHEN-YA IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MRS WONG SAID THESE FIGURES COMPARED FAVOURABLY WITH OVERSEAS COUNTRIES.
"SIMILAR STATISTICAL INFORMATION IN RESPECT OF PRIVATE HOSPITALS IS NOT COLLECTED FOR THE TIME BEING BUT WE WILL CONSIDER THE POSSIBILITY OF OBTAINING SUCH INFORMATION FROM THESE HOSPITALS," SHE ADDED.
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TRADING FUNDS HAVE SEPARATE ACCOUNTING ARRANGEMENTS
*****
TRADING FUNDS OPERATE UNDER ACCOUNTING ARRANGEMENTS THAT ARE SEPARATE FROM THE REMAINDER OF GOVERNMENT, THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR DONALD TSANG, EXPLAINED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE TRADING FUND ORDINANCE PROVIDES THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY MAY, ONLY IN CERTAIN EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES SUCH AS CLOSURE, TRANSFER CAPITAL FROM TRADING FUNDS TO THE GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO THE HON FUNG KIN-KEE’S QUESTION, MR TSANG SAID ALTHOUGH THE ASSETS OF TRADING FUNDS REMAINED IN THE OWNERSHIP OF GOVERNMENT, THEIR CAPITAL, AS A RESULT OF THESE SEPARATE ACCOUNTING ARRANGEMENTS, DID NOT FORM PART OF THE FISCAL RESERVES.
THE FISCAL RESERVES REPRESENT THE ACCUMULATED BALANCES OF THE GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT, THE CAPITAL WORKS RESERVE FUND (EXCLUDING THE SUSPENSE ACCOUNT), THE LOAN FUND, THE CAPITAL INVESTMENT FUND AND THE DISASTER RELIEF FUND, THAT ARE AVAILABLE TO MEET GOVERNMENT’S FUTURE EXPENDITURE.
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/24 ........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 1994
- 24 -
MOTION ON TOWN PLANNING PASSED *****
A MOTION MOVED BY DR THE HON TANG SIU-TONG ON COMPREHENSIVE TOWN PLANNING PROGRAMMES FOR NEW TOWNS WAS PASSED BY 33 TO THREE VOTES WITH AMENDMENTS BY THE HON CHRISTINE LOH AND THE HON WONG WAI-YIN DURING THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SITTING TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
ANOTHER MOTION BY THE HON FRED LI WAH-MING ON THE PROBLEM OF DRUG ABUSE BY ADOLESCENTS WAS ALSO PASSED.
THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, AND THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, REPLIED ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT RESPECTIVELY.
MR ASPREY ALSO MOVED THREE MOTIONS TO AMEND THE BIRTHS AND DEATHS REGISTRATION ORDINANCE, THE FOREIGN MARRIAGE ORDINANCE AND THE LEGITIMACY ORDINANCE. ALL WERE SUBSEQUENTLY PASSED BY THE COUNCIL.
FOUR BILLS, INCLUDING A PRIVATE BILL, WERE INTRODUCED INTO THE COUNCIL FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. THEY WERE THE HONG KONG ARTS DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL BILL, THE STAMP DUTY (AMENDMENT)(NO.2) BILL 1994, THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO.2) BILL 1994, AND THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994.
THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 WAS INTRODUCED BY THE HON JAMES TIEN.
DEBATES ON THE FOUR BILLS WERE ADJOURNED.
THREE OTHER BILLS WENT THROUGH THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND THIRD READINGS WITH AMENDMENTS. THEY WERE THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1993, THE ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION FUND BILL AND THE MOTOR VEHICLES (FIRST REGISTRATION TAX) (AMENDMENT) (NO.2) BILL 1993.
DURING THE MEETING TODAY, MEMBERS ASKED 20 QUESTIONS. THE TOPICS RANGED FROM TRAM SAFETY TO SURVEILLANCE OR INVESTIGATION OF POLITICAL ACTIVITIES.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO
GOVERNMENT COMMITTED TO ENHANCING ACCESS TO INFORMATION 1
FUNDS SOUGHT FOR AIRPORT TERMINAL AND OTHER WORKS AT CHEK LAP KOK............................................... 4
ANCHORAGES AND FAIRWAYS IN HONG KONG PORT REARRANGED 5
VOTER REGISTER REGULATION.................................. 7
HK AND TORONTO HAVE NEW DIRECT AIR LINK.................... 7
GUIDELINES ON WORK ARRANGEMENTS DURING TYPHOONS AND
RAINSTORMS PUBLISHED....................................... 8
STUDY ON HK’S PLASTICS INDUSTRY COMMISSIONED 9
PUBLICITY MATERIALS PRODUCED ON LIGHTER SCHOOL BAGS 10
EDUCATION BOARD VISITS PERTH STREET SERVICES CENTRE 11
FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETS TOMORROW.......................... 12
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS 13
THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 1994
1
GOVERNMENT COMMITTED TO ENHANCING ACCESS TO INFORMATION *****
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED A PACKAGE OF MEASURES TO FURTHER ENHANCE THE PUBLIC’S ACCESS TO INFORMATION.
THE PROPOSED MEASURES ARE:
♦ TO INTRODUCE IN EARLY 1995 A CODE OF PRACTICE WHICH WILL SET OUT CLEARLY THE TYPES OF GOVERNMENT INFORMATION TO WHICH THE PUBLIC WILL HAVE ACCESS.
* TO PROVIDE INDEPENDENT MONITORING, THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS WILL HANDLE PUBLIC COMPLAINTS ABOUT LACK OF COMPLIANCE WITH THE CODE.
♦ TO ADOPT DATA PROTECTION LEGISLATION WHICH WILL ALLOW INDIVIDUALS ACCESS TO THEIR PERSONAL DATA.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE, MRS CHAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT CONSIDERED THESE PROPOSALS TO BE ’’STRONG, PRACTICAL AND EFFECTIVE”, WHICH TAKEN TOGETHER, WILL MEET PUBLIC EXPECTATIONS OF GREATER TRANSPARENCY FROM A MORE ACCOUNTABLE AND OPEN GOVERNMENT.
SHE FIRMLY BELIEVED THAT THE MEASURES WERE THE RIGHT ONES TO TAKE AT THIS TIME TO SUPPORT GOVERNMENT’S POLICY OF MAKING AVAILABLE AS MUCH INFORMATION AS POSSIBLE TO ENHANCE THE PUBLIC’S UNDERSTANDING OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS.
MRS CHAN POINTED OUT THAT I’HE MEASURES WOULD AFFECT THE CIVIL SERVICE AND CIVIL SERVANTS RIGHT ACROSS THE BOARD.
AS HEAD OF THE CIVIL SERVICE, SHE MADE A COMMITMENT TODAY THAT SHE AND HER COLLEAGUES WOULD DO ALL THEY COULD TO ENSURE THE SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF THESE MEASURES, WHICH THEY BELIEVED WOULD ENHANCE THE EFFICIENCY OF THE CIVIL SERVICE.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, ALSO PLEDGED THE ADMINISTRATION’S STRONG COMMITMENT TO THE PRINCIPLE OF AN OPEN AND ACCOUNTABLE GOVERNMENT.
”OUR POLICY IS TO MAKE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC AS MUCH INFORMATION AS POSSIBLE TO ENHANCE THEIR UNDERSTANDING OF THE FORMULATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF PUBLIC POLICIES.”
HE SAID THE CODE OF PRACTICE ON ACCESS TO INFORMATION WOULD COMMIT THE GOVERNMENT TO GREATER TRANSPARENCY IN ITS WORK.
MR SUEN POINTED OUT THAT THE CODE WOULD BE UNDERPINNED BY PROVIDING FOR THE OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS (COMAC) TO HANDLE COMPLAINTS ABOUT NON-COMPLIANCE.
HE SAID A NUMBER OF SPECIFIC ADMINISTRATIVE MEASURES HAD BEEN TAKEN IN RECENT YEARS TO PROVIDE PUBLIC ACCESS TO INFORMATION AND THE GOVERNMENT HAD DECIDED TO DO MORE IN THIS FJELD.
/IN ARRIVING .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 1994
2
IN ARRIVING AT THE DECISION TO DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT A CODE OF PRACTICE, THE GOVERNMENT HAD EXAMINED VARIOUS OPTIONS, HE SAID.
"WE NEED TO GATHER EXPERIENCE IN PROVIDING GREATER PUBLIC ACCESS TO INFORMATION. A FLEXIBLE AND INCREMENTAL APPROACH IS BEST-SUITED FOR OUR PURPOSE.
"AN ADMINISTRATIVE CODE OF PRACTICE WILL ENABLE EARLY DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF PRACTICABLE ARRANGEMENTS TO PROMOTE ACCESS TO INFORMATION.
’THIS APPROACH WILL PROVIDE AN EXCELLENT VEHICLE TO DEVELOP POLICY, PRACTICES AND CULTURE MANAGEABLY, TAKING FULL ACCOUNT OF EXISTING PRACTICES HERE AND ELSEWHERE.
"WE BELIEVE THAT THIS ADMINISTRATIVE APPROACH IS APPROPRIATE FOR HONG KONG AT THIS JUNCTURE," HE SAID.
NR SUEN SAID AS A FIRS I STEP, IMMEDIATE ACTION WOULD BE TAKEN TO DEVELOP A GODE. "WE AIM TO PRODUCE THE CODE OF PRACTICE BY THE END OF THIS YEAR.’’
"WE WILL THEN CONDUCT A PILOT SCHEME IN A NUMBER OF GOVERNMENT BRANCHES AND DEPARTMENTS, COVERING A WIDE SPECTRUM OF GOVERNMENTAL ACTIVITIES TO TEST THE SYSTEM. THE (ODE WILL BE MODIFIED AND REFINED IN THE LIGHT OF EXPERIENCE GAINED DURING THE PILOT SCHEME," HE ADDED.
MR SUEN POINTED OUT THAT EXTENSION OF THE CODE OF PRACTICE TO OTHER PARTS OF THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE CARRIED OUT IN PHASES.
"DETAILS OF THE IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAMME WILL HAVE TO BE WORKED OUT VERY CAREFULLY. THERE WILL BE A NEED TO STUDY HOW THE CODE WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN EACH BRANCH \ND DEPARTMENT OF GOVERNMENT.
"WE WILL AIM TO EXTEND THE CODE THROUGHOUT THE GOVERNMENT DURING 1996. THIS IS AN AMBITIOUS PROGRAMME, BUT IF AT ALL POSSIBLE, WE WILL TRY TO COMPLETE THE WORK IN A SHORTER PERIOD.
"CONSIDERATION WILL THEN BE GIVEN TO EXTENDING THE CODE TO PUBLIC BODIES," HE SAID.
ON THE CODE ITSELF, MR SUEN SAID IT WILL SET OUT CLEARLY FHE TYPES OF INFORMATION TO WHICH I'HE PUBLIC MAY HAVE ACCESS, THE MEANS BY WHICH A MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC CAN GAIN ACCESS TO SUCH INFORMATION, AND THE TIMEFRAME WITHIN WHICH THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD RESPOND TO REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION.
"ALTHOUGH WE WORK ON THE GENERA! PRESUMPTION IN FAVOUR OF THE RELEASE OF INFORMATION, DUE REGARD MUST BE GIVEN TO AREAS COVERING THE LIKES OF PERSONA!. PRIVACY AND • OMMERCIALLY SENSITIVE INFORMATION.
"IT WILL, THEREFORE, BE NECESSARY TO SET OUT CATEGORIES OF EXEMPTION TO ENSURE APPROPRIATE CONFIDENTIALITY OF SENSITIVE INFORMATION HELD BY THE GOVERNMENT," HE SAID.
/MR SUEN .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 1994
- 3 -
MR SUEN POINTED OUT THAT THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CODE WOULD BE TAKEN FORWARD BY AN INTERNAL STEERING GROUP WHICH HAD BEEN SET UP BY THE HOME AFFAIRS BRANCH WITH THE EFFICIENCY UNIT PROVIDING EXECUTIVE SUPPORT.
RESOURCES HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED AND A PROJECT TEAM HAS BEEN SET UP UNDER THE EFFICIENCY UNIT TO UNDERTAKE THE TASK.
"THERE WILL BE WIDE CONSULTATION BOTH WITHIN AND OUTSIDE THE GOVERNMENT, INCLUDING LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS, DURING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE DRAFT CODE AND OPERATION OF THE PILOT SCHEME.
"WE WILL BE LOOKING AT EXPERIENCES ELSEWHERE AND DRAWING ON EXPERTISE IN THIS FIELD BOTH LOCALLY AND OVERSEAS DURING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CODE," HE SAID.
TURNING TO THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE CODE, MR SUEN SAID THE PUBLIC WOULD BE ABLE TO SUBMIT COMPLAINTS ABOUT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WHICH FAILED TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ON REQUEST IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CODE TO COMAC.
COMAC WILL BE ABLE TO INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS AND IF HE FINDS THAT A SERIOUS IRREGULARITY OR INJUSTICE HAS TAKEN PLACE, HE MAY SUBMIT REPORTS TO THE GOVERNOR AND HAVE THEM PUT BEFORE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. COMAC CAN ALSO INVESTIGATE ON ITS OWN INITIATIVES.
MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL THUS BE ABLE TO MONITOR THE RESPONSE TO THESE REPORTS. COMAC MAY ALSO PUBLISH THESE REPORTS.
"WE BELIEVE THAT AN ADMINISTRATIVE CODE OF PRACTICE, UNDERPINNED BY THE COMPLAINT CHANNEL THROUGH COMAC, IS THE MOST APPROPRIATE, PRACTICABLE AND REASONABLY COST-EFFECTIVE WAY TO DEVELOP FURTHER OUR ARRANGEMENTS FOR ACCESS TO INFORMATION ON PUBLIC AFFAIRS.
ON THE RELATED AREA OF PROTECTION OF PERSONAL DATA, MR SUEN SAID: "WE ALSO INTEND TO INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO ALLOW ACCESS AND CORRECTION WITH RESPECT TO PERSONAL DATA IN THE SPECIFIC CONTEXT OF DATA PROTECTION, PREPARATORY WORK ON WHICH IS AT AN ADVANCED STAGE."
HE ADDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD NEED TO EXAMINE CAREFULLY THE FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION ON DATA PROTECTION BEFORE THE LEGISLATION CAN BE FINALISED.
"NEVERTHELESS, WE BELIEVE THAT WE WILL BE ABLE TO MEET OUR TARGET OF INTRODUCING THE LEGISLATION INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN EARLY 1995."
"THE PACKAGE OF MEASURES WE NOW PROPOSE, IN TERMS OF THE CODE OF PRACTICE AND DATA PROTECTION LEGISLATION, WILL GO A LONG WAY TOWARDS MEETING THE EXPECTATION OF THE COMMUNITY FOR GREATER ACCESS TO INFORMATION," MR SUEN SAID.
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/4 .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 1994
FUNDS SOUGHT FOR AIRPORT TERMINAL AND OTHER WORKS AT CHEK LAP KOK *****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED TO SEEK APPROVAL FROM THE FINANCE COMMITTEE FOR $8.90 BILLION (MONEY OF THE DAY) ADVANCE FUNDING TO COVER THE COST OF CONSTRUCTING THE PASSENGER TERMINAL BUILDING AND CONCOURSE AT HONG KONG’S NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK.
ADVANCE FUNDING TOTALLING $4.93 BILLION IS ALSO BEING SOUGHT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE FIRST RUNWAY AND OTHER ESSENTIAL CIVIL ENGINEERING WORKS AT CHEK LAP KOK, PLUS $1.08 BILLION FOR THE MANUFACTURE AND INSTALLATION OF THE AIRPORT’S BAGGAGE HANDLING AND AUTOMATED PEOPLE-MOVER SYSTEMS.
A FURTHER $277 MILLION IS BEING SOUGHT TO COVER CONSEQUENTIAL INCREASES IN THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY’S HEAD OFFICE EXPENSES.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID: "THIS APPLICATION TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF OUR STEP BY STEP APPROACH ON ADVANCE FUNDING, IN LINE WITH OUR MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING COMMITMENT TO COMPLETE THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT POSSIBLE BY JUNE 1997.
"THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY NEEDS FUNDING FOR THESE CONSTRUCTION WORKS SO THAT URGENT TENDERING CAN BEGIN IN JULY. THIS IS ESSENTIAL IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN THE OVERALL MOMENTUM OF THE PROJECT.
"THE GOVERNMENT’S FIRST PRIORITY IS TO REACH AN EARLY AGREEMENT WITH THE CHINESE SIDE ON FINANCING THE AIRPORT AND AIRPORT RAILWAY.
"HOWEVER IT IS NECESSARY, IN PARALLEL WITH TALKS, TO MAINTAIN MOMENTUM ON A STEP BY STEP BASIS. WE HAVE KEPT THE CHINESE SIDE INFORMED".
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE FUNDING WAS TOTALLY IN LINE WITH UPDATED AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME COST ESTIMATES PUBLISHED IN JANUARY THIS YEAR. THERE HAD BEEN NO CHANGES.
THE $15.18 BILLION THAT WAS BEING SOUGHT WOULD BRING THE PAA’S ADVANCES FROM THE CAPITAL INVESTMENT FUND TO A TOTAL OF $31.45 BILLION.
THIS WAS WITHIN THE $36.6 BILLION GOVERNMENT EQUITY PROVIDED FOR THE PAA IN THE GOVERNMENT’S FOURTH FINANCING PROPOSAL TO THE CHINESE SIDE.
IT WAS INTENDED THAT THE ADVANCE FUNDING WOULD BE CONVERTED INTO EQUITY WHEN AGREEMENT HAD BEEN REACHED ON FINANCING.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE PAA HAD MADE GOOD PROGRESS ON THE FORMATION OF THE AIRPORT SITE, WHICH WAS NOW MORE THAN 60 PER CENT COMPLETE, AND ON DESIGN AND OTHER PREPARATORY WORK.
ON THE PASSENGER TERMINAL BUILDING, DESIGN WORK WAS SUBSTANTIALLY COMPLETE, AND THE FOUNDATIONS CONTRACT HAD BEEN AWARDED ON MAY 30, 1994.
/THE PAA .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 1994
5
THE PAA WAS THEREFORE READY TO CALL TENDERS FOR THE TERMINAL SUPERSTRUCTURE AND OTHER KEY CIVIL ENGINEERING WORKS.
THE ADVANCE FUNDING OF $8.90 BILLION REQUESTED FOR THE PASSENGER TERMINAL BUILDING AND CONCOURSE WOULD COVER: THE TERMINAL’S SUPERSTRUCTURE ($5.52 BILLION); ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES ($3.13 BILLION); AND COMMUNICATIONS AND SECURITY SYSTEMS ($245 MILLION).
TENDERS FOR THESE CONTRACTS NEEDED TO BE INVITED IN JULY AND AUGUST.
THE $4.93 BILLION FOR VARIOUS CIVIL ENGINEERING WORKS WOULD COVER: THE FIRST OF THE AIRPORT’S TWO RUNWAYS AND ASSOCIATED TAXIWAYS ($1.35 BILLION); MAIN AIRFIELD DRAINAGE AND UTILITIES ($2.05 BILLION); FOUNDATIONS FOR THE GROUND TRANSPORTATION CENTRE, WHICH WOULD PROVIDE ROAD AND RAIL FACILITIES ADJACENT TO THE PASSENGER TERMINAL ($320 MILLION); AIRFIELD TUNNELS ($1.11 BILLION); AND ANCILLARY FACILITIES ($102 MILLION).
THESE TENDERS NEEDED TO BE INVITED BETWEEN JULY AND SEPTEMBER.
THE $1.08 BILLION FOR BAGGAGE HANDLING AND THE PEOPLE-MOVER WAS NEEDED TO ENABLE THE PAA TO GO AHEAD IN AUGUST WITH THE MANUFACTURING AND INSTALLATION PHASES OF THESE SYSTEMS.
IN JANUARY THE PAA WENT AHEAD WITH THE DESIGN PHASE AFTER THE FINANCE COMMITTEE APPROVED THE NECESSARY FUNDS.
A DISCUSSION PAPER OUTLINING THIS FUNDING REQUEST HAS BEEN ISSUED TODAY TO MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL’S SUB-COMMITTEE ON THE FINANCING OF THE ACP.
THE FUNDING WILL BE DISCUSSED AT MEETINGS OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE AND THE AIRPORT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE NEXT MONDAY (JUNE 20).
------0-------
ANCHORAGES AND FAIRWAYS IN HONG KONG PORT REARRANGED
*****
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT HAS INTRODUCED A PACKAGE OF MARINE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES TO MEET THE GROWTH OF MARINE TRAFFIC IN HONG KONG.
THE NEW MEASURES WERE UNVEILED BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF MARINE (PORT SERVICES), MR REGGIE KENT, AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE NEW MEASURES INCLUDE SUB-DIVIDING THE EXISTING GENERAL AREA OF THE WESTERN ANCHORAGE INTO NINE SMALLER ANCHORAGES, RE-ALIGNING THE YAU MA TEI, WESTERN DANGEROUS GOODS, WESTERN QUARANTINE AND IMMIGRATION ANCHORAGES AND THE NORTHERN FAIRWAY, AND THE INTRODUCTION OF FOUR NEW PRINCIPAL FAIRWAYS.
/SEVEN OF .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 1994
6 -
SEVEN OF THE SUB-DIVIDED ANCHORAGES ARE FOR GENERAL PURPOSE WHILE THE OTHER TWO ARE FOR DANGEROUS GOODS.
"UNDER THE SCHEME, THE EXISTING PUN SHAN DANGEROUS GOODS ANCHORAGE WILL BE RELOCATED TO SOUTH OF KAU YI CHAU AND RENAMED KAU YI CHAU DANGEROUS GOODS ANCHORAGE," MR KENT SAID.
THE NEW FAIRWAYS ARE THE YAU MA TEI, WESTERN, MA WAN AND KAP SHUI MUN FAIRWAYS. ALL OF THEM ARE CONNECTED WITH THE EXISTING OR RE-ALIGNED FAIRWAYS.
"THE REVAMP IS REQUIRED IN ORDER TO RATIONALISE THE USE OF LIMITED ANCHORAGE AREAS WITHIN HONG KONG WATERS WHICH ARE DECREASING AS A RESULT OF ONGOING RECLAMATION SUCH AS THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION, THE CONTAINER TERMINAL AND OTHER DEVELOPMENTS AT KWAI CHUNG AND TSING YI," MR KENT EXPLAINED.
"THE INCREASING VOLUME OF LOCAL MARINE TRAFFIC AS A RESULT OF THE GROWTH OF LOCAL, RIVER-TRADE AND OCEAN-GOING TRAFFIC AS WELL AS THE SURGE IN TRANSIT TRAFFIC TO AND FROM THE DEVELOPING SHENZHEN PORTS OF SHEKOU, CHIWAN AND MA WAN IS ANOTHER REASON FOR THE NEW FAIRWAYS," HE ADDED.
DURING THE INITIAL PERIOD OF IMPLEMENTATION, ADDITIONAL PATROL LAUNCHES WILL BE STATIONED IN THE AREA OF THE WESTERN HARBOUR TO REGULATE TRAFFIC.
"MASTERS AND OPERATORS OF VESSELS ARE ADVISED TO FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS OF PATROL OFFICERS," MR KENT SAID.
"TO BE MORE EFFECTIVE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THE MARINE TRAFFIC AT THE APPROACHES TO THE HONG KONG PORT, THE MARINE DEPARTMENT ALSO INTENDS TO EXTEND THE EAST LAMMA CHANNEL TRAFFIC SEPARATION SCHEME SOUTH-EASTWARD BY THE END OF JUNE."
"THE EXTENSION WILL BE ON A VOLUNTARY BASIS INITIALLY UNTIL IT IS APPROVED BY THE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANISATION BY THE END OF THE YEAR," HE SAID.
THESE ARRANGEMENTS ARE PUBLISHED IN MARINE DEPARTMENT NOTICE NO.62 OF 1994 AND NOTICE TO MARINERS NO. 43 TO 46 OF 1994 DETAILING THE ANCHORAGE REARRANGEMENTS, INTRODUCTION OF NEW FAIRWAYS AND ASSOCIATED WORKS HAVE BEEN ISSUED.
THESE, TOGETHER WITH A HANDOUT SHOWING DIAGRAMMATICALLY THE CHANGES, ARE OBTAINABLE FREE OF CHARGE FROM THE MARINE DEPARTMENT PORT FORMALITIES OFFICE IN ROOM 318, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG OR FROM DISTRICT MARINE OFFICES.
THE EXTENSION OF THE EAST LAMMA CHANNEL TRAFFIC SEPARATION SCHEME IS PROMULGATED VIDE NOTICE TO MARINERS NO. 47(T) OF 1994 WHICH IS ALSO AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE FROM THE MARINE DEPARTMENT PORT FORMALITIES OFFICE.
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/7........
THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 1994
VOTER REGISTER REGULATION * * * * *
AN AMENDMENT REGULATION IN RELATION TO THE COMPILATION, REVISION AND CORRECTION OF THE VOTER REGISTERS WILL BE GAZETTED TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION (REGISTRATION OF ELECTORS) (GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCIES) (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1994 AMENDS THE PRINCIPAL REGULATION, CONSEQUENTIAL UPON AMENDMENTS TO THE ELECTORAL PROVISIONS ORDINANCE.
THE ELECTORAL PROVISIONS (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) (NO.2) BILL 1994, WHICH AMENDED THE ORDINANCE, WAS PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JUNE 8.
THE ELECTORAL PROVISIONS (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) (NO.2) ORDINANCE 1994 WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE LAST FRIDAY.
THE COMMISSION’S REGULATION STATES THAT ELECTORS ON THE EXISTING FINAL REGISTER WHO HAVE EITHER CEASED TO ORDINARILY RESIDE IN HONG KONG OR HAVE CHANGED THEIR ADDRESSES WITHOUT NOTIFYING THE REGISTRATION OFFICER WILL NOT BE ENTITLED TO BE REGISTERED IN A NEW REGISTER.
THE EXISTING ELECTORAL PROVISIONS ORDINANCE HAS LONG CONTAINED GENERAL PROVISIONS AUTHORISING THE REGISTRATION OFFICER TO OMIT ELECTORS FROM THE VOTER REGISTER UNDER CERTAIN PRESCRIBED CIRCUMSTANCES.
THE AMENDMENTS MERELY SOUGHT TO REMOVE ANY DOUBT BY ADDING A CLEAR SPECIFIC ENABLING PROVISION AUTHORISING THE REGISTRATION OFFICER TO DO SO.
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HK AND TORONTO HAVE NEW DIRECT AIR LINK *****
THE NEW DIRECT AIR LINK BETWEEN HONG KONG AND TORONTO WILL UNDOUBTEDLY CEMENT AND BUILD ON THE ALREADY STRONG FAMILY BUSINESS AND CULTURAL TIES THAT JOIN THE TWO CITIES, THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ELIZABETH BOSHER, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING IN TORONTO AT THE INAUGURAL GALA DINNER TO CELEBRATE CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS’ NEW DIRECT SERVICE BETWEEN HONG KONG AND TORONTO, MRS BOSHER SAID SAFE AND EFFICIENT AIR LINKS WERE A SPRINGBOARD TO INCREASED TRADE, TOURISM AND INVESTMENT.
MRS BOSHER SAID UNDER THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION, THE FUTURE GOVERNMENT OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION WOULD, NEVERTHELESS, HAVE A VERY HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ITS OWN AIR LINKS WITH OTHER TERRITORIES.
/"THE PROMPTNESS .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 1994
- 8 -
"THE PROMPTNESS WITH WHICH THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT COMMITTED ITSELF TO SEPARATE AIR SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH HONG KONG IS ONLY ONE OF THE MANY EXAMPLES OF THE TANGIBLE AND CONTINUING SUPPORT WHICH CANADA HAS SHOWN IN THE YEARS SINCE THE SIGNING OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION.
"IN PREPARATION FOR THIS, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IS NOW IN THE PROCESS OF SEPARATING ITS AIR SERVICES ARRANGEMENTS FROM THOSE OF THE UNITED KINGDOM. WITH THE AGREEMENT OF THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT, WE HAVE SO FAR SIGNED EIGHT SEPARATE AND TWO NEW AIR SERVICES AGREEMENTS WITH AVIATION PARTNERS.
"INDEED CANADA DISTINGUISHED ITSELF BY BEING ONE OF THE FIRST COUNTRIES TO SIGN UP WITH US BACK IN 1988.
"THE SUPPORT OF SO MANY CANADIAN FRIENDS AND THE COMMITMENT WHICH CANADA HAS DEMONSTRATED TO A WHOLE RANGE OF COMMERCIAL AND LEGAL AGREEMENTS WHICH WILL EXTEND SEAMLESSLY THROUGH 1997 HAS BEEN VERY MUCH VALUED.
"IT WILL CONTINUE TO BE SO IN THE YEARS TO COME," SHE SAID.
MRS BOSHER SAID THE NEXT THREE YEARS WOULD NOT BE EASY FOR HONG KONG AND ITS PEOPLE AS THEY PREPARED FOR THE UNIQUE CHALLENGE OF THE IMPENDING CHANGE OF SOVEREIGNTY.
"WHAT I CAN SAY IS THAT THE MOOD IN HONG KONG IS ONE OF THE OPTIMISM AND CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE, NOT JUST OF HONG KONG BUT OF CHINA AS A WHOLE, MANY REGIONS OF WHICH ARE EXPRESSING PHENOMENAL ECONOMIC GROWTH.
"IN ADDITION TO CONFIDENCE THERE IS ALSO A MOOD OF RESOLVE TO MAINTAIN AND BUILD ON THE SYSTEMS AND VALUES WHICH HAVE MADE HONG KONG ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST SPECTACULAR INTERNATIONAL CITIES," SHE SAID.
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GUIDELINES ON WORK ARRANGEMENTS DURING TYPHOONS AND RAINSTORMS PUBLISHED *****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAS PUBLISHED A NEW BILINGUAL BOOKLET NAMED "CODE OF PRACTICE IN TIMES OF TYPHOONS AND RAINSTORMS" WHICH SERVES AS A REFERENCE GUIDE FOR EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES TO MAKE EARLY WORK ARRANGEMENTS DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER.
THIS CODE OF PRACTICE IS PRODUCED BY THE LABOUR RELATIONS PROMOTION UNIT TO FACILITATE EMPLOYERS IN REACHING PRIOR AGREEMENTS WITH THEIR EMPLOYEES WITH REGARD TO WORK ARRANGEMENTS IN TIMES OF TYPHOONS AND RAINSTORMS SO AS TO MINIMISE CHANCES OF GETTING DISPUTES OVER PAY AND CONDITIONS OF WORK.
"IN BRIEF, AN AGREEMENT ON WORK ARRANGEMENTS SHOULD COVER RULES REGARDING REPORT OF DUTY, RELEASE FROM WORK, RESUMPTION OF WORK AND WAGES CALCULATION," SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER MR HO HONG-WAI SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
/"THE AGREEMENT .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 1994
9
"THE AGREEMENT TO BE MADE BETWEEN THE EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES SHOULD STATE CLEARLY THE TYPHOON SIGNAL NUMBER OR THE COLOUR CODE OF RAINSTORM UNDER WHICH EMPLOYEES ARE NOT REQUIRED TO WORK AND THE TIME OF ISSUE OF SUCH SIGNALS WHEN THEY ARE NOT REQUIRED TO REPORT FOR DUTY," MR HO SAID.
NOTING THAT SOME INDUSTRIES MAY REQUIRE EMPLOYEES TO WORK UNDER TYPHOON SIGNAL NO. 8 OR BLACK RAINSTORM WARNING, MR HO SAID SUCH A REQUIREMENT SHOULD BE CLEARLY STATED BEFORE THE EMPLOYMENT COMMENCES OR SUFFICIENT NOTICE SHOULD BE GIVEN TO THE EMPLOYEES.
"THE WORK ARRANGEMENTS SHOULD ALSO INCLUDE INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING THE RELEASE OF EMPLOYEES WHEN TYPHOONS AND RAINSTORMS ARE IN FORCE DURING WORKING HOURS," MR HO SAID.
EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES SHOULD ALSO MAKE PRIOR AGREEMENTS ON CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH EMPLOYEES SHOULD RETURN TO WORK WHEN TYPHOON SIGNALS OR RAINSTORM WARNINGS ARE LOWERED DURING WORKING HOURS.
HOWEVER, EMPLOYERS ARE ADVISED TO ADOPT A FLEXIBLE APPROACH IF EMPLOYEES HAVE GENUINE DIFFICULTIES IN RETURNING TO WORK QUICKLY.
"THE METHOD OF CALCULATING WAGES AND THE PAYMENT OF SPECIAL ALLOWANCE TO EMPLOYEES WORKING UNDER TYPHOONS AND RAINSTORMS SHOULD BE SPELT OUT IN THE ARRANGEMENT,” HE SAID.
MR HO APPEALED TO EMPLOYERS TO GIVE DUE CONSIDERATION TO EMPLOYEES WHO ARE ABSENT FROM OR LATE FOR WORK BECAUSE OF INCLEMENT WEATHER SO THAT EMPLOYEES’ EARNINGS, INCLUDING ATTENDANCE BONUS, ARE NOT AFFECTED.
DETAILED GUIDELINES AND SAMPLES OF WORK ARRANGEMENTS DURING TYPHOONS AND RAINSTORMS ARE PROVIDED IN THE NEW BOOKLET.
COPIES OF THE PUBLICATION ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION AT THE 11 OFFICES OF THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
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STUDY ON HK’S PLASTICS INDUSTRY COMMISSIONED *****
CONSULTANTS COMMISSIONED BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT ARE CARRYING OUT A STUDY ON HONG KONG’S PLASTICS INDUSTRY TO FIND OUT THE OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS FACED BY THE INDUSTRY, THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MISS DENISE YUE, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY RECEPTION OF THE HONG KONG PLASTIC MATERIAL SUPPLIERS ASSOCIATION, MISS YUE SAID THE STUDY, CARRIED OUT BY THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL (HKPC) AND A CONSULTING FIRM, WOULD ALSO RECOMMEND ON WAYS OF ENHANCING THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPROVING THE COMPETITIVENESS OF LOCAL PLASTICS INDUSTRY.
/"COMMENCED IN .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 1994
- 10 -
"COMMENCED fN MARCH THIS YEAR, THE TECHNO-ECONOMIC AND MARKET RESEARCH STUDY ON HONG KONG’S PLASTICS INDUSTRY WILL BE COMPLETED IN NOVEMBER AND A REPORT WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNMENT FOR CONSIDERATION.
"VIEWS OF MANUFACTURERS IN THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY WILL ALSO BE SOUGHT ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE REPORT," SHE SAID.
MISS YUE NOTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD SPARED NO EFFORT IN PROVIDING THE NECESSARY SUPPORT TO PLASTICS MANUFACTURERS TO COPE WITH INCREASING COMPETITIONS EROM NEWLY INDUSTRIALISED COUNTRIES AND RISING CONSUMER DEMANDS.
SHE SAID A TOTAL OF $9 MILLION HAD BEEN ALLOCATED FROM THIS YEAR’S $180 MILLION ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT TO FINANCE THREE PLASTICS INDUSTRY RELATED PROJECTS.
"A FOURTH PROJECT, WHICH INVOLVES THE USE OF SOME $29 MILLION BY THE HKPC AND CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG TO SET UP THE FIRST RAPID PROTOTYPING CENTRE IN HONG KONG, WILL HOPEFULLY BE MATERIALISED IN THE NEAR FUTURE,” MISS YUE SAID.
"THE CENTRE WILL PROVIDE MANUFACTURERS WITH RAPID PLASTICS PROTOTYPING AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER SERVICES SO THAT THEY CAN RESPOND MORE QUICKLY TO MARKET DEMANDS BY REDUCING THE LEAD TIME IN THE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF NEW PRODUCTS," SHE ADDED.
SHE SAID A FURTHER $6 MILLION HAD ALSO BEEN RESERVED FROM THE $180 MILLION ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR THE PLASTICS COMMITTEE OF THE INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL TO FUND PLASTICS SUPPORT PROJECTS COSTING LESS THAN $1 MILLION EACH.
MISS YUE POINTED OUT THAT THE HKPC, WHICH WAS SUBSIDISED BY THE GOVERNMENT, HAD PROVIDED A RANGE OF SERVICES RELATING TO THE DESIGN AND PRODUCTION OF PLASTICS INJECTION MOULDS.
"AT THE SAME TIME, THE PLASTICS TECHNOLOGY CENTRE HAS BEEN PROVIDING EXPERT SERVICES TO THE PLASTICS MANUFACTURERS SINCE IT WAS SET UP SIX YEARS AGO," SHE SAID.
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PUBLICITY MATERIALS PRODUCED ON LIGHTER SCHOOL BAGS * * » » »
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS PRODUCED A PACKAGE OF PUBLICITY MATERIALS INCLUDING A POSTER, A LEAFLET AND A STICKER FOR PUPILS, PARENTS AND TEACHERS IN A BID TO REDUCE THE WEIGHT OF PUPILS’ SCHOOL BAGS .
THE PUBLICITY MATERIALS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO SCHOOLS AND PARENTS TO INCREASE AWARENESS OF THE ADVERSE EFFECTS OF AN OVERWEIGHT SCHOOL BAG ON- A CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT, AND TO RECOMMEND WAYS TO PREVENT SCHOOL BAGS GETTING TOO HEAVY.
/THE LEAFLET........
THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 1994
11
THE LEAFLET POINTS OUT THAT OVERWEIGHT SCHOOL BAGS AND INCORRECT POSTURES IN CARRYING SCHOOL BAGS AFFECT SPINAL DEVELOPMENT AND THAT A PUPIL SHOULD ONLY CARRY WEIGHT APPROPRIATE TO HIS OR HER AGE AND PHYSIQUE.
THE DEPARTMENT ENCOURAGES CHILDREN TO PACK THEIR SHOOL BAGS EVERY DAY ACCORDING TO THE TIMETABLE. CHILDREN SHOULD NOT CARRY TO SCHOOL UNNECESSARY ITEMS SUCH AS COMICS, TOYS AND VIDEO GAMES. STATIONERY WHICH IS LIGHT AND EASY TO CARRY IS RECOMMENDED.
THE DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDS THE USE OF SATCHELS WHICH ARE LIGHT AND SECURE. THE STRAPS SHOULD PREFERABLY BE WIDE AND PADDED, AND THE BUTTONS AND ZIPS PLASTIC.
THE POSTER AND STICKER DRIVE HOME THE MESSAGE: "PACK YOUR SCHOOL BAG. KEEP IT LIGHT. START EACH SCHOOL DAY EASY AND BRIGHT."
THE DEPARTMENT HAS ISSUED GUIDELINES TO SCHOOLS IN MARCH THIS YEAR EXPRESSING CONCERN ON OVERWEIGHT SCHOOL BAGS.
THE GUIDELINES ADVISED, AMONG OTHER MEASURES, THE COMPILATION OF A TIMETABLE THAT WOULD NOT REQUIRE STUDENTS TO BRING TO SCHOOL A LARGE NUMBER OF TEXTBOOKS, WORKBOOKS OR EXERCISE BOOKS ON ANY DAY OF THE WEEK.
SCHOOLS SHOULD CONSIDER THE WEIGHT OF TEXTBOOKS AGAINST THEIR OTHER QUALITIES BEFORE DETERMINING WHICH TEXTBOOKS TO PRESCRIBE.
FACILITIES SHOULD BE PROVIDED, AS FAR AS POSSIBLE, FOR STUDENTS TO STORE BOOKS, STATIONERY AND PERSONAL ITEMS THAT NEED NOT BE CARRIED TO AND FROM SCHOOL EVERY DAY.
THE PROVISION OF DRINKING WATER IN SCHOOLS WOULD ALSO HELP REDUCE THE WEIGHT OF SCHOOL BAGS.
THE GUIDELINES ALSO SUGGESTED THAT TEACHERS SHOULD AVOID PUNISHING STUDENTS FOR OCCASIONALLY FAILING TO PRODUCE BOOKS OR OTHER ITEMS IN CLASS.
- - 0 - -
EDUCATION BOARD VISITS PERTH STREET SERVICES CENTRE
*****
THREE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, LED BY ITS CHAIRMAN, DR TAM MAN-KWAN, TODAY (THURSDAY) VISITED THE PERTH STREET SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES CENTRE TO FAMILIARISE THEMSELVES WITH SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES PROVIDED TO CHILDREN WITH LEARNING DIFFICULTIES, HEARING, EYE-SIGHT AND SPEECH PROBLEMS.
THEY ARE MISS BOW SUI-MAY, MR MICHAEL HONG MAN-HOI AND MRS MINNIE LAI WEI KIT-LIN.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (SERVICES), MR CLEMENT WONG, THE GROUP WAS BRIEFED BY SENIOR SPECIALIST (EDUCATION PSYCHOLOGY/SPECIAL EDUCATION), MS EUGENIE WOO, ON SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE CENTRE.
/THE SERVICES
THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 1994
THE SERVICES INCLUDED SCREENING, REFERRAL AND PLACEMENT, AUDIOLOGJCAL SERVICE, SPEECH THERAPY SERVICE, PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICE, RESOURCE TEACHING AND ADVISORY SERVICE.
THE GROUP WAS TOLD THAT THE CENTRE WAS THE LARGEST OF THREE SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES CENTRES OPERATED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
THE CENTRE PROVIDES A FULL RANGE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES FOR PRE-SCHOOL AND SCHOOL CHILDREN, AIMING FOR EARLY DIAGNOSIS, ENABLING REMEDIAL MEASURES TO PREVENT A MILD IMPAIRMENT FROM BECOMING A SERIOUS OR PERMANENT ONE.
THE SCHOOL CHILDREN ARE USUALLY REFERRED TO THE CENTRE BY PARENTS, MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS, NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS AND OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS; SOME OF THESE REFERRALS ARE MADE VIA THE COMBINED SCREENING PROGRAMME.
THE GROUP LATER TOURED THE CENTRE AND MET SPECIALISTS IN THE AUDIOLOGICAL TESTING LABORATORY, ACOUSTIC LABORATORY, EARMOULD LABORATORY, SPEECH THERAPY LABORATORY, TEACHING RESOURCES ROOM, AND COUNSELLING AND GUIDANCE ROOMS.
- - 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.
- - 0 - -
/13
THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 1994
- 13 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS * » » » »
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,094 0930 -1,137
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,067 1000 -987
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 -887
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -787 1200 -887
LAF TODAY -240 1500 -787
1600 -787
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 124.3 ♦-0.2* 16.6.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.93 17 MONTHS 2511 4.15 98.16 5.57
1 MONTH 3.92 23 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100.77 6.00
3 MONTHS 4.13 28 MONTHS 3610 4.20 95.49 6.38
6 MONTHS 4.55 31 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.68 6.52
12 MONTHS 5.16 34 MONTHS 3704 6.15 99.00 6.64
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 14,850 MN
CLOSED 16 JUNE 1994
---------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
STEERING GROUP ON ACCESS TO INFORMATION SET UP............. 1
NEW SCHEME ON FIRST REGISTRATION TAX FOR VEHICLES.......... 2
COMAC WELCOMES PASSAGE OF BILL............................. 4
COINAGE LAW TO BE LOCALISED................................ 5
AIRPORT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE MEETS ON MONDAY............. 5
IMPROVING QUALITY OF SCHOOL EDUCATION...................... 6
TRANSCRIPT OF CHIEF SECRETARY’S MEDIA SESSION.............. 7
FUNDS FOR INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT PROJECTS APPROVED............. 7
UNEMPLOYMENT FIGURES FOR FEBRUARY - APRIL.................. 8
LAND REGISTRY TO INTRODUCE DIRECT ACCESS SERVICES.......... 9
GOVERNMENT CONSULTS ON LIST OF TRUSTEE INVESTMENTS...... 10
SHA TAU KOK ROAD TO BE IMPROVED........................... 11
TRADE DEPARTMENT HOLDS POLLS FOR BEST SERVICE AWARDS.... 12
EDUCATION COMMISSION DELEGATION LEAVES FOR EUROPEAN STUDY TOUR................................................ 13
/JOINT OPERATION...
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
JOINT OPERATION TO WEED OUT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS............ 15
NEW FEE FOR MARICULTURE LICENCE........................... 16
SEWAGE CONTRACT SIGNED.................................... 16
FOUR DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREA PLANS APPROVED........... 17
FOUR RURAL OUTLINE ZONING PLANS PUBLISHED................. 19
TENDERS INVITED FOR TSEUNG KWAN O SERVICE RESERVOIR..... 21
CLOSURE OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES SOUGHT...................... 22
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS . .
22
FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 1994
STEERING GROUP ON ACCESS TO INFORMATION SET UP
♦ * » ♦ ♦
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (FRIDAY) SAID WORK ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CODE OF PRACTICE ON ACCESS TO INFORMATION HAD ALREADY STARTED.
. ■» n . . ■,
A STEERING GROUP CHAIRED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS HAS BEEN SET UP. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY AND HEAD, EFFICIENCY UNIT ARE REPRESENTED ON THE STEERING GROUP.
A DEDICATED PROJECT TEAM HAS BEEN SET UP TO WORK UNDER THE STEERING GROUP. THE TEAM WILL DEVELOP THE DETAILS OF THE CODE IN CLOSE CONSULTATION WITH GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND BRANCHES.
HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS AND BRANCHES HAVE ALREADY BEEN BRIEFED ON THE OBJECTIVES OF THE CODE AND IN BROAD TERMS ON WHAT THE CODE WILE CONTAIN.
THE TEAM IS NOW STUDYING ACCESS TO INFORMATION REGIMES IN OPERATION ELSEWHERE, AND WILL BE CONSULTING WIDELY WITHIN GOVERNMENT ON THE DETAILED REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CODE.
AS PART OF THIS CONSULTATIVE PROCESS, THE TEAM WILL IDENTIFY APPROPRIATE DEPARTMENTS AND BRANCHES REPRESENTING A CROSS-SECTION OF GOVERNMENT ACTIVITIES FOR THE PILOT SCHEME.
THE SPOKESMAN REITERATED THAT THE BILL OF RIGHTS ORDINANCE DOES NOT GUARANTEE A RIGHT OF ACCESS TO GOVERNMENT INFORMATION.
THE FREEDOM TO "SEEK” AND "RECEIVE" INFORMATION RECOGNISED BY ARTICLE 16 OF THAT ORDINANCE IS A FREEDOM TO SEEK AND RECEIVE INFORMATION FROM THOSE WILLING TO GIVE IT.
IT IS DESIGNED TO PREVENT INTERFERENCE IN THE FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION BETWEEN WILLING PARTICIPANTS. .
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THIS INTERPRETATION WAS SUPPORTED BY RULINGS OF THE EUROPEAN COURT.
I . i
THESE HAD CONFIRMED THAT THE RIGHT TO THE FREEDOM TO RECEIVE INFORMATION PROHIBITED A GOVERNMENT FROM RESTRICTING A PERSON FROM RECEIVING INFORMATION THAT OTHERS WISHED TO OR MIGHT BE WILLING TO IMPART TO HIM BUT DID NOT PLACE ON THE GOVERNMENT A POSITIVE OBLIGATION TO GIVE INFORMATION.
- - 0-----------
FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 1994
2
NEW SCHEME ON FIRST REGISTRATION TAX FOR VEHICLES
* * * * *
THE MOTOR VEHICLES (FIRST REGISTRATION TAX)(AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) ORDINANCE 1994, WHICH PROVIDES FOR A NEW SCHEME ON THE CALCULATION AND ADMINISTRATION OF FIRST REGISTRATION TAX FOR MOTOR VEHICLES, WILL COME INTO OPERATION IN TWO PHASES BEGINNING NEXT MONTH.
EXPLAINING DETAILS OF THE SCHEME AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (FRIDAY), ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT (MANAGEMENT AND LICENSING), MR ERNEST LEE, SAID THE FIRST PHASE OF THE NEW SCHEME PROVIDED FOR THE REGISTRATION OF MOTOR VEHICLE IMPORTERS AND DISTRIBUTORS AND FILING OF IMPORT RETURNS AND SUBMISSIONS OF PUBLISHED RETAIL PRICE LIST.
THIS WILL TAKE EFFECT ON JULY 1 THIS YEAR.
THE SECOND PHASE, PROVIDING FOR THE NEW CALCULATION AND SCHEDULES OF RATES FOR THE FIRST REGISTRATION TAX, WILL BEGIN OPERATION ON AUGUST 1 THIS YEAR.
’’THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE OVERALL ADMINISTRATION OF THE NEW SCHEME. THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT IS AUTHORISED TO EXERCISE CERTAIN POWERS AND TO PERFORM CERTAIN DUTIES UNDER THE AMENDMENT ORDINANCE,” HE SAID.
’’UNDER THE NEW SCHEME, THE AMOUNT OF FIRST REGISTRATION TAX PAYABLE IS BASED ON A RETAIL PRICE (BEFORE TAX) WHICH DISTRIBUTORS ARE REQUIRED TO PUBLISH. PREVIOUSLY, THE TAX IS BASED ON THE COST, INSURANCE AND FREIGHT (CIF) VALUE OF THE VEHICLE,” MR LEE SAID.
HE SAID IF A PERSON WISHED TO FIND OUT THE AGGREGATE OF THE TAXABLE VALUE OF THE VEHICLE, EXEMPTED ACCESSORIES, WARRANTY OTHER THAN A MANUFACTURER’S WARRANTY AND THE FIRST REGISTRATION TAX PAID, HE COULD APPLY FOR THE ISSUE OF CERTIFICATE OF VEHICLE PARTICULARS (FORM T.D.61C OR T.D.61) AT ANY LICENSING OFFICE OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.
”IN THIS CONNECTION, THE PUBLICCAN EASILY FIND OUT WHETHER HE NEEDS TO PAY ADDITIONAL FIRST REGISTRATION TAX BEFORE PURCHASING A REGISTERED VEHICLE," HE SAID.
IN ORDER TO PROVIDE A CLEAR PICTURE TO THE PUBLIC ABOUT THE TAXABLE VALUE OF VARIOUS MOTOR VEHICLES UNDER THE OLD/NEW SCHEME, AS WELL AS THE PROVISIONAL TAXABLE VALUE ASSESSED BY THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL MAKE AVAILABLE THE INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC UPON REQUEST IN THE HONG KONG LICENSING OFFICE.
"THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT MAY REFUSE TO RENEW THE LICENCE OF A MOTOR VEHICLE UNTIL THE OUTSTANDING FIRST REGISTRATION TAX OR ADDITIONAL FIRST REGISTRATION TAX IS PAID,” MR LEE SAID.
”HE MAY ALSO CANCEL THE EXISTING LICENCE OF THE MOTOR VEHICLE IF THE REGISTERED OWNER FAILS TO PAY THE OUTSTANDING FIRST REGISTRATION TAX WITHIN 14 DAYS OF SERVICE OF A NOTICE REQUIRING PAYMENT OF THE OUTSTANDING FIRST REGISTRATION TAX," HE ADDED.
/ALSO SPEAKING .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 1994
- 3 -
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE, PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MRS JESSIE TING, SAID THE NEW SCHEME WAS BASICALLY REVENUE NEUTRAL. THE OBJECTIVES ARE:
* TO PROTECT PUBLIC REVENUE BY PREVENTING TAX AVOIDANCE;
* TO CLARIFY WHO IS LIABLE TO PAY THE FIRST REGISTRATION TAX AND TO ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT TO ENFORCE THE LAW MORE EFFECTIVELY;
* TO CREATE A ’’LEVEL PLAYING FIELD” FOR MOTOR VEHICLE DISTRIBUTORS AND TO GUARD AGAINST THE POSSIBILITY OF INDIVIDUAL DEALERS ENJOYING AN UNFAIR ADVANTAGE; AND
♦ TO ALLOW THE PUBLIC TO KNOW CLEARLY THE AMOUNT OF FIRST REGISTRATION TAX THEY ARE PAYING AND THE BASIS ON WHICH IT IS CALCULATED.
SHE SAID AFTER THE NEW SCHEME WAS FULLY IMPLEMENTED ON AUGUST 1, PAYMENT OF ADDITIONAL FIRST REGISTRATION TAX WOULD BE REQUIRED IN THE FOLLOWING CIRCUMSTANCES:
* FITTING OF ACCESSORIES TO THE VEHICLE WITHIN THREE MONTHS AFTER FIRST REGISTRATION;
t AFTER FIRST REGISTRATION OF A VEHICLE, THERE ARE CHANGES OR ALTERATION TO
* THE CLASS OF THE VEHICLE BY REASON OF A CHANGE OF USE, FOR EXAMPLE, FROM PRIVATE CAR TO VAN-TYPE GOODS VEHICLE;
* THE OWNER STATUS, FOR EXAMPLE, FROM A PERSON ENJOYING EXEMPTION FROM TAX PAYMENT TO ANOTHER PERSON WITHOUT SUCH EXEMPTION;
♦ THE CLASS OF ADDITIONS TO THE CHASSIS OR CAB AND CHASSIS WHICH IS ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE INCREASE IN THE VALUE OF THE VEHICLE; AND
* SELLING A VEHICLE AT A PRICE HIGHER THAN THE AGGREGATE OF THE LAST TAXABLE VALUE OF THE VEHICLE, EXEMPTED ACCESSORIES, WARRANTY OTHER THAN A MANUFACTURER’S WARRANTY AND THE FIRST REGISTRATION TAX PAID.
SPEAKING AT THE SAME PRESS CONFERENCE, ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, MR TONG HIN-YEUNG, SAID THERE WERE PROVISIONS ]N THE AMENDMENT ORDINANCE FOR 17 KINDS OF OFFENCES.
EXAMPLES ARE FAILING TO REGISTER AS AN IMPORTER OR DISTRIBUTOR, FAILING TO DELIVER PUBLISHED RETAIL PRICE LIST IN THE MANNER REQUIRED, FILING FALSE OR INACCURATE IMPORT RETURNS, FAILING TO PAY FIRST REGISTRATION TAX.
THE MAXIMUM PENALTY IS A FINE OF $500,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR
12 MONTHS.
/•'FOR OFFENCES ......
FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 1994
4
"FOR OFFENCES PERTAINING TO UNDER-PAYMENT OF FIRST REGISTRATION TAX, THE PERSON CONVICTED OF THE OFFENCE WILL BE LIABLE TO PAY DOUBLE THE AMOUNT OF TAX THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN PAYABLE," MR TONG SAID.
EXTENSIVE CONSULTATIONS WERE MADE WITH THE MOTOR TRADERS ASSOCIATION AND THE CONSUMER COUNCIL IN THE COURSE OF DRAFTING THIS AMENDMENT ORDINANCE.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE NEW PROCEDURES WILL BE REVIEWED ONE YEAR AFTER THE OPERATION OF THE NEW SCHEME.
THE AMENDMENT ORDINANCE WAS ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON WEDNESDAY (JUNE 15).
- - 0 - -
COMAC WELCOMES PASSAGE OF BILL
*****
THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS (COMAC), MR ANDREW SO, WELCOMES THE PASSAGE OF THE COMAC (AMENDMENT) BILL 1993 ON JUNE 15, AND THE ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE ADMINISTRATION ON JUNE 16 OF HIS ENLARGED ROLE IN REDRESSING GRIEVANCES ARISING FROM ACCESS TO INFORMATION.
THE COMMISSIONER IS GLAD FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE OF GREATER SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY, AND LOOKS FORWARD TO ACCEPTING THE NEW CHALLENGES WITH CONFIDENCE AND DETERMINATION.
HE IS PARTICULARLY ENCOURAGED BY THE SUPPORT GIVEN BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND ITS RECOGNITION OF THE USEFULNESS AND ADVANTAGES OF WIDENING THE INDEPENDENT COMPLAINT CHANNEL PROVIDED BY COMAC.
MR SO PLEDGES THAT HE WILL NOT DISAPPOINT THE TRUST PLACED IN HIM AND HIS OFFICE.
IN PREPARATION FOR THE PASSAGE OF THE COMAC (AMENDMENT) BILL 1993, COMAC’S OFFICE HAS BEEN GIVEN INCREASED FINANCIAL RESOURCES FROM $13 MILLION IN 1993/94 TO $16.1 MILLION IN 1994/95, REPRESENTING A 23.8 PER CENT INCREASE.
STEPS ARE IN HAND TO IMPLEMENT THE EXPANSION OF HIS OFFICE TO COPE WITH HIS ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES.
THE POWER TO INITITATE DIRECT INVESTIGATION IS HOWEVER A NEW DEVELOPMENT NOT CONTAINED IN THE ORIGINAL BILL.
THE FULL IMPLICATION OF THIS CHANGE, HOW TO MAKE THE BEST USE OF THIS NEW POWER, THE PROCEDURES INVOLVED, AND THE RESOURCES WHICH HAVE TO BE DEVOTED FOR THIS PURPOSE HAVE TO BE CAREFULLY THOUGHT THROUGH. DETAILS WILL BE ANNOUNCED SEPARATELY.
AS REGARDS ACCESS TO INFORMATION, MR SO IS GLAD THAT HE IS GIVEN THE RESPONSIBILITY TO HANDLE COMPLAINTS SO ARISING.
/HE CONSIDERS .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 1994
5
HE CONSIDERS HIS OFFICE WELL PLACED FOR THE TASK AS ALLEGED BREACHES OF THE CODE OF PRACTICE ARE ACTS OF MALADMINISTRATION, THEY WILL JN ANY EVENT FALL WITHIN HIS REMIT.
THE SCHEME IS STILL AT THE DEVELOPMENT STAGE AS ANNOUNCED BY THE ADMINISTRATION YESTERDAY, HE HAS HOWEVER BEEN ASSURED THAT HE WILL BE CONSULTED ON THE DRAFTING OF THE CODE.
HE WILL CONSIDER HOW TO GEAR UP HIS OFFICE FOR THIS NEW ROLE WHEN DETAILS ARE KNOWN.
---------0-----------
COINAGE LAW TO BE LOCALISED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS PROPOSED TO LOCALISE THE LEGISLATION ON COINAGE WITH THE GAZETTING OF THE COINAGE BILL TODAY (FRIDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE FINANCIAL SERVICES BRANCH SAID AT PRESENT THE ISSUE OF LEGAL TENDER COINS IN HONG KONG AND RELATED MATTERS WERE PROVIDED FOR IN A UNITED KINGDOM ORDER IN COUNCIL.
"IT IS NECESSARY TO ENACT PRIMARY LOCAL LEGISLATION ON COINAGE BEFORE 1997 BECAUSE THE ORDER IN COUNCIL WILL CEASE TO HAVE EFFECT ON JULY 1, 1997,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE ENACTMENT OF A LOCAL COINAGE ORDINANCE BEFORE 1997 TO VEST AUTHORITY FOR ISSUING COINS IN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTRIBUTE TO A SMOOTH TRANSITION.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE BILL ALSO MADE PROVISIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THE DEMONETISATION OF THE ONE-CENT CURRENCY NOTE.
"BECAUSE OF ITS EXTREMELY LOW DENOMINATION, THE ONE-CENT NOTE HAS LITTLE PRACTICAL USE IN EVERYDAY TRANSACTIONS.
"THE BILL ADDRESSES A TECHNICAL PROBLEM ARISING FROM THE DEMONETISATION OF THE ONE-CENT NOTE," HE ADDED.
THE BILL IS SCHEDULED FOR INTRODUCTION INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL NEXT WEDNESDAY (JUNE 22).
------0-------
AIRPORT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE MEETS ON MONDAY
*****
MEMBERS OF THE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE ON THE NEW AIRPORT AND RELATED PROJECTS WILL MEET AT 4.15 PM NEXT MONDAY (JUNE 20) TO DISCUSS THE ADMINISTRATION’S FUNDING PROPOSAL FOR THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY.
THE MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE URBAN COUNCIL CHAMBERS, EDINBURGH PLACE, CENTRAL.
/MEMBERS OF .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 1994
6
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO ATTEND THE MEETING ARE REQUESTED TO RESERVE A SEAT BY TELEPHONING MR CHAN HO-KEUNG AT 829 6745 DURING OFFICE HOURS.
AS SEATING IS LIMITED, BOOKINGS WILL BE ACCEPTED ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING.
------0-------
IMPROVING QUALITY OF SCHOOL EDUCATION
*****
REFERRING TO RECENT PRESS REPORTS ON THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S PROPOSAL TO INTRODUCE WHOLE SCHOOL INSPECTION PROCEDURES ALONGSIDE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A SCHOOL QUALITY ASSURANCE UNIT (QAU) PROPOSED BY A WORKING GROUP OF THE EDUCATION COMMISSION, AN EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH SPOKESMAN SAID BOTH PROPOSALS WERE IN FACT MOVING IN THE SAME DIRECTION.
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT CURRENTLY CONDUCTS SEPARATE INSPECTIONS ON THE QUALITY OF TEACHING, THE SCHOOL MANAGEMENT AND FINANCIAL AND ACCOUNTING MANAGEMENT.
UNDER THE NEW PROCEDURES, INSPECTIONS COVERING ALL THREE AREAS WILL BE UNDERTAKEN AT ABOUT THE SAME TIME SO AS TO PROVIDE AN OVERALL PICTURE OF THE FUNCTIONING OF THE SCHOOL AS A WHOLE.
"RESULTS OF THE INSPECTIONS WILL BE PROVIDED IN WRITING TO THE SCHOOL.
"THE PROPOSAL IS PART OF THE ONGOING EFFORTS OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO IMPROVE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ITS SCHOOL INSPECTIONS.
"SCHOOLS WILL BE CONSULTED TOWARDS THE END OF THE YEAR BEFORE IMPLEMENTATION," THE SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
HE SAID IN PARALLEL WITH THIS DEVELOPMENT, THE PROPOSED QAU, A SMALL PROFESSIONAL UNIT LOCATED OUTSIDE THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, WOULD STUDY THE QUALITY OF SCHOOL AS AN INDEPENDENT THIRD PARTY.
"IT WILL THUS PERFORM AN EXTERNAL QUALITY ASSESSMENT ROLE COMPLEMENTARY TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S INSPECTIONS. THE RESULTS WILL BE PUBLISHED AND MADE AVAILABLE FOR REFERENCE NOT ONLY TO THE SCHOOL CONCERNED BUT ALSO TO OTHER SCHOOLS.
"OVER A PERIOD OF TIME, SUCH ASSESSMENTS WOULD PROVIDE THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PUBLIC WITH BENCHMARKS ON THE QUALITY ATTAINMENT OF OUR SCHOOL EDUCATION," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/THE RECOMMENDATIONS .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 1994
7 -
THE RECOMMENDATIONS WILL BE PUBLISHED FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.
"WHILE THE TWO PROPOSALS HAVE DIFFERENT ROLES AND OBJECTIVES, BOTH ARE CONCERNED WITH THE QUALITY OF SCHOOL EDUCATION AND ARE THUS COMPLEMENTARY TO EACH OTHER," THE SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED.
------0--------
TRANSCRIPT OF CHIEF SECRETARY’S MEDIA SESSION
*****
FOLLOWING IS TRANSCRIPT OF THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER ATTENDING THE FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING TODAY (FRIDAY).
QUESTION: .... VIOLATED THE JOINT DECLARATION AND SHOULD BE DISCUSSED WITH THE JLG?
CHIEF SECRETARY: I THINK THIS IS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT MACHINERY. AS YOU KNOW OVER THE YEARS WE HAVE BECOME MORE OPEN AND TRANSPARENT AND THE QUESTION OF EMBARKING ON AN ADMINISTRATIVE CODE OF PRACTICE IS SIMPLY A FURTHER MOVE TOWARDS MAKING THE WHOLE GOVERNMENT MACHINERY MORE TRANSPARENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE WISHES OF THE COMMUNITY. WE DO NOT SEE THAT THERE IS ANY CONTRAVENTION OF THE JOINT DECLARATION.
---------0-----------
FUNDS FOR INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT PROJECTS APPROVED *****
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE TODAY (FRIDAY) APPROVED $128 MILLION TO CONDUCT THREE INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT PROJECTS RECOMMENDED BY THE INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (ITDC).
THE AMOUNT WILL BE ALLOCATED FROM THE GOVERNMENT’S $180 MILLION ADDITIONAL FUNDS SET ASIDE FOR INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT THIS FINANCIAL YEAR.
THE ADDITIONAL FUNDS, TO BE PROVIDED YEARLY, AIM AT SUPPORTING INDUSTRIAL PROJECTS THAT CAN CONTRIBUTE TO THE OVERALL INDUSTRIAL OR TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG AND TO THE COMPETITIVENESS OF THE LOCAL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.
THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MISS DENISE YUE, SAID ONE OF THE THREE PROJECTS APPROVED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE INVOLVED THE USE OF $83.9 MILLION BY THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL (HKPC) TO SET UP A TELECOMMUNICATIONS PRODUCT TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT CENTRE.
"THE CENTRE WILL PROVIDE TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER SERVICES AND UNDERTAKE APPLIED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT WORK ON TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND RELATED AREAS.
/"IT IS .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 1994
8
"IT IS HOPED THAT THE CENTRE WILL MEET THE NEED OF LOCAL ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY FOR AN APPLIED RESEARCH FACILITY, AS IDENTIFIED IN THE 1992/93 TECHNO-ECONOMIC AND MARKET RESEARCH STUDY ON HONG KONG’S ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY COMMISSIONED BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT," SHE SAID.
MISS YUE SAID THE SECOND PROJECT INVOLVED THE USE OF $29.85 MILLION BY THE HKPC AND CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG TO SET UP A RAPID PROTOTYPING CENTRE.
"THE CENTRE WILL PROVIDE MANUFACTURERS WITH RAPID PROTOTYPING AND RELATED SERVICES, SUCH AS TRAINING AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER, SO THAT THEY CAN RESPOND MORE QUICKLY TO MARKET DEMANDS BY REDUCING THE LEAD TIME IN THE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF NEW PRODUCTS.
"THE THIRD PROJECT, WHICH INVOLVES THE USE OF SOME $14.4 MILLION BY THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY TO SET UP A LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY (LCD) RESEARCH CENTRE, AIMS TO ASSIST LOCAL LCD MANUFACTURERS TO ACQUIRE THE TECHNICAL CAPABILITY OF MANUFACTURING HIGH-END LCDS, HENCE ENABLING THEM TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE GROWING MARKET FOR HIGH-END AND HIGH RESOLUTION LCDS.
"IT WILL ALSO LESSEN THE RELIANCE OF LOCAL ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY ON HIGH-END LCDS FROM OVERSEAS COUNTRIES, WHICH WILL BE SUBJECT TO FLUCTUATIONS IN PRICE AND SUPPLY," SHE ADDED.
------0-------
UNEMPLOYMENT FIGURES FOR FEBRUARY - APRIL
*****
THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR THE PERIOD FEBRUARY TO APRIL THIS YEAR WAS 2.1%, AND THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 1.5%, ACCORDING TO THE LATEST LABOUR FORCE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE PROVISIONAL SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR THE PERIOD OF MARCH TO MAY 1994 WAS 2.2%, WHILE THE PROVISIONAL UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 1.5%.
THE LATEST FIGURES SUGGEST THAT THE LABOUR MARKET HAS REMAINED GENERALLY TIGHT IN RECENT MONTHS.
DURING THE PERIOD OF FEBRUARY TO APRIL 1994, THE NUMBER OF UNEMPLOYED PERSONS, ADJUSTED FOR VARIATIONS IN THE NUMBER OF FIRSTTIME JOB-SEEKERS, WAS ESTIMATED AT 62,000, WHILE THE NUMBER OF UNDEREMPLOYED PERSONS WAS ESTIMATED AT 43,800.
THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS WERE OBTAINED FROM A CONTINUOUS GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE SURVEY FOR FEBRUARY TO APRIL 1994 COVERED A QUARTERLY SAMPLE OF SOME 12,300 HOUSEHOLDS OR 42,400 PERSONS, SELECTED SCIENTIFICALLY TO REPRESENT THE LAND-BASED CIVILIAN NON-INSTITUTIONAL POPULATION IN HONG KONG.
/RELEVANT DATA .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 1994
9
RELEVANT DATA WAS OBTAINED BY INTERVIEWING EACH INDIVIDUAL MEMBER AGED 15 AND ABOVE IN THE HOUSEHOLDS SAMPLED.
IN THE SURVEY, THE DEFINITIONS USED IN MEASURING UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT FOLLOW CLOSELY THOSE RECOMMENDED BY THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION.
DETAILED ANALYSIS OF LABOUR FORCE CHARACTERISTICS IS GIVEN IN THE REPORT ON THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY WHICH IS PUBLISHED FOUR TIMES A YEAR.
THE NEXT REPORT COVERING THE QUARTER ENDING MARCH THIS YEAR WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE BY THE END OF THIS MONTH, AT $24 A COPY.
------0-------
LAND REGISTRY TO INTRODUCE DIRECT ACCESS SERVICES
*****
THE LAND REGISTRY WILL INTRODUCE A FULLY COMPUTERISED DIRECT SEARCH FACILITY ON URBAN LAND REGISTERS - THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN THE TERRITORY - IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.
A THREE-YEAR CONTRACT OF $2 MILLION FOR THE PROVISION OF NETWORK SERVICES FOR THE SEARCH FACILITY WAS SIGNED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE LAND REGISTRAR, MR KENNETH PANG TSAN-WING, AND THE GENERAL MANAGER (HONG KONG) OF IBM CHINA/HONG KONG CORPORATION, MR PAUL MOUNG.
SPEAKING AT THE CONTRACT-SIGNING CEREMONY, MR PANG DESCRIBED THE NEW DIRECT ACCESS SEARCH FACILITY, KNOWN AS DIRECT ACCESS SERVICES, AS A MAJOR STEP IN IMPROVING EFFICIENCY.
"ALL FIRMS DEALING WITH LANI) TRANSACTIONS SHOULD CONSIDER TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THIS HIGHLY CONVENIENT AND SPEEDY SERVICES," HE SAID.
THE NEW SERVICE WILL ENABLE CUSTOMERS TO MAKE ON-LINE SEARCHES OF LAND RECORDS THROUGH COMPUTER TERMINALS AT THEIR OWN OFFICES.
"ALL THEY HAVE TO DO IS SIMPLY KEYING IN THE ADDRESS OR LOT NUMBER OF THE PROPERTY THEY WANT TO SEARCH. THE INFORMATION ON THE PROPERTY WILL APPEAR ON THEIR SCREENS AND CAN BE PRINTED OUT FROM THEIR OWN PRINTERS," HE EXPLAINED.
"THE NEW SERVICE WILL ALSO ENABLE CUSTOMERS TO PLACE ORDERS FOR COPIES OF LAND RECORDS WITHOUT CALLING AT THE LAND REGISTRY'S SEARCH COUNTERS IN PERSON,” HE ADDED.
THE DIRECT ACCESS SERVICES PROJECT IS NOW IN THE FINAL STAGES OF PREPARATION AND THIS NEW SERVICE WILL BE AVAILABLE IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.
- - 0----------
/10........
FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 1994
10
GOVERNMENT CONSULTS ON LIST OF TRUSTEE INVESTMENTS
*****
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) ISSUED A CONSULTATIVE PAPER ON PROPOSALS TO REVISE THE LIST OF AUTHORISED INVESTMENTS UNDER THE TRUSTEE ORDINANCE.
VIEWS AND COMMENTS ARE INVITED ON THE PROPOSALS UNTIL THE END OF NEXT MONTH (JULY).
"THE STATUTORY LIST OF INVESTMENTS IS IMPORTANT FOR TRUSTEES WHO DO NOT HAVE SPECIFIC INVESTMENT POWERS UNDER A TRUST INSTRUMENT, OR WHERE THERE IS NO TRUST INSTRUMENT," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
"THE EXISTING LIST IS OUT OF DATE. THE LIST OF OVERSEAS INVESTMENTS, FOR EXAMPLE, RELIES VERY HEAVILY ON A LIMITED RANGE OF UK AND COMMONWEALTH INVESTMENT PRODUCTS.
"THERE HAVE BEEN CONSIDERABLE DEVELOPMENTS IN FINANCIAL MARKETS GENERALLY, AND IN THE INVESTMENT CLIMATE IN HONG KONG SINCE THE LIST WAS LAST REVISED IN 1984.
"THE CURRENT LIST IS ALSO IN NEED OF SIMPLIFICATION AND RATIONALISATION," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THE PERMITTED INVESTMENTS ARE SPECIFIED IN THE SECOND SCHEDULE TO THE TRUSTEE ORDINANCE.
A WORKING PARTY WAS SET UP UNDER THE FINANCIAL SERVICES BRANCH TO REVIEW ASPECTS OF THE TRUSTEE ORDINANCE.
THE WORKING PARTY IS PROPOSING TO REPLACE THE EXISTING LIST OF INVESTMENTS WITH A REVISED LIST WHICH IDENTIFIES VARIOUS BROAD CATEGORIES OF INVESTMENTS.
THE CATEGORIES ARE: CORPORATE SECURITIES, DEBT SECURITIES OF GOVERNMENTS AND MULTILATERAL AGENCIES, MUTUAL FUNDS AND UNIT TRUSTS, (ASH AND MONEY MARKET INVESTMENTS, FIRST LEGAL MORTGAGE OF PROPERTY, AND ALSO DERIVATIVES FOR HEDGING PURPOSES ONLY.
"GENERALLY SPEAKING, INVESTMENTS IN PROPERTY AND DERIVATIVES WOULD BE CONSIDERED TO BE LESS SECURE THAN THE OTHER TYPES OF INVESTMENTS.
"THE INCLUSION OF THESE CATEGORIES IS TENTATIVE AT THIS STAGE. WE WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE FEEDBACK FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR ON THE DESIRABILITY OF INCLUDING THESE ITEMS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE PROPOSED REVISED LIST HAS RETAINED THOSE ELEMENTS OF THE EXISTING SCHEDULE THAT ARE STILL RELEVANT, BUT HAS BEEN RATIONALISED CONSIDERABLY.
"IT IS ALSO CAPABLE OF BEING UPDATED AUTOMATICALLY, BECAUSE IT REFERS TO OTHER SOURCES OF INFORMATION THAT ARE UPDATED ON A REGULAR HASIS," HE ADDED.
UNDER THE PROPOSED REVISIONS, CREDIT RATINGS WILL BE AN ESSENTIAL CRITERION USED TO DETERMINE THE QUALITY OF AN INVESTMENT.
/LISTED CORPORATE ......
FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 1994
- 11 -
LISTED CORPORATE DEBT SECURITIES, FOR EXAMPLE, WILL NEED TO MEET QUALIFYING CREDIT RATINGS AND DEBT SECURITIES OF GOVERNMENT OR MULTILATERAL AGENCIES WILL NEED TO MEET QUALIFYING SOVEREIGN/SUPRANATIONAL RATINGS.
PERMITTED INVESTMENTS IN SHARES WILL BE RESTRICTED TO THOSE OF COMPANIES WITH A SUBSTANTIAL MARKET CAPITALISATION OR ISSUED AND FULLY PAID-UP SHARE CAPITAL.
THE RESULTS OF THE CONSULTATIVE EXERCISE WILL HAVE A BEARING ON WHICH OF THESE TWO INDICATIONS OF FINANCIAL STRENGTH IS ADOPTED IN THE FINAL SCHEDULE.
BUT IN EITHER CASE, AUTHORISED INVESTMENTS WILL IN EFFECT BE RESTRICTED TO SHARES OF "BLUE-CHIP” COMPANIES.
COPIES OF THE CONSULTATIVE PAPER CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE FINANCIAL SERVICES BRANCH (TEL: 528 9077 OR FAX: 528 3345).
COMMENTS CAN BE SENT TO FINANCIAL SERVICES BRANCH, ROOM 1802, 1 STH FLOOR, ADMIRALTY CENTRE TOWER I, 18 HARCOURT ROAD, HONG KONG.
------0-------
SHA TAU KOK ROAD TO BE IMPROVED » * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO IMPROVE THE SECTION OF SHA TAU KOK ROAD BETWEEN LUNG YEUK TAU AND PING CHE ROAD JUNCTION TO CATER FOR HIE ANTICIPATED INCREASE TN TRAFFIC AND TO ENHANCE ROAD SAFETY.
THE WORK WILL INCLUDE IMPROVING AND WIDENING THE EXISTING ROAD TO A DUAL TWO-LANE CARRIAGEWAY WITH PROVISION OF FOOTPATHS AND CYCLE TRACK ALONGSIDE THE ROAD.
TRAFFIC SIGNAL CONTROLLED CROSS-ROAD JUNCTION, PEDESTRIAN CROSSING POINTS AND TWO ROUNDABOUTS WILL BE CONSTRUCTED TO IMPROVE THE LOCAL TRAFFIC CIRCULATION.
A NEW FOOTBRIDGE WILL BE BUILT NEAR THE ACCESS ROAD TO MA LIU SHUI SAN TSUEN TO REPLACE THE EXISTING ONE AND THE DRAINAGE PROVISION IN THE AREA WILL ALSO BE UPGRADED.
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED WORKS WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE PLAN AND SCHEME OF THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE SEEN AT:
* THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG;
* THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, NORTH, SIXTH FLOOR, NORTH DISTRICT GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 3 PIK FUNG ROAD, FANLING, NEW TERRITORIES; AND
/* THE NORTH ........
FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 1994
- 12 -
* THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, THIRD FLOOR, NORTH DISTRICT GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 3 PIK FUNG ROAD, FANLING,
NEW TERRITORIES.
ANY PERSON WHO WISHES TO OBJECT TO THE WORKS OR THE USE, OR BOTH, IS REQUIRED TO SEND HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 16.
SHA TAU KOK ROAD IS AN IMPORTANT ROAD IN THE NORTHEAST NEW TERRITORIES LINKING FANLING AND THE BORDER AT SHA TAU KOK.
THE SECTION OF THE ROAD BETWEEN FANLING JOCKEY CLUB ROAD AND LUNG YEUK TAU WAS IMPROVED AND UPGRADED TO DUAL TWO-LANE CARRIAGEWAY STANDARD TO ACCOMMODATE THE INCREASING TRAFFIC DEMAND BECAUSE OF THE RAPID LOCAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE AREA.
THE EXISTING SECTION OF SHA TAU KOK ROAD BETWEEN LUNG YEUK TAU AND PING CHE ROAD JUNCTION IS ABOUT 2.5 KILOMETRES LONG AND IS A SUB-STANDARD SINGLE TWO-LANE CARRIAGEWAY OF BETWEEN SIX TO SEVEN METRES WIDE.
AT PRESENT, THE ROAD CAPACITY HAS NEARLY REACHED SATURATION AT PEAK HOURS AND FREQUENT STOP-GO SITUATION ARE BEING EXPERIENCED DUE TO CROSS-ROAD MOVEMENTS AND ON-STREET LOADING ACTIVITIES.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT TRAFFIC ALONG THIS SECTION OF SHA TAU KOK ROAD WILL INCREASE AS A RESULT OF THE OPERATION OF THE NORTHEAST NEW TERRITORIES LANDFILL, THE INCREASE IN CROSS BORDER TRAFFIC AND LOCAL DEVELOPMENT, IT IS THEREFORE NECESSARY TO IMPROVE AND WIDEN THE ROAD.
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TRADE DEPARTMENT HOLDS POLLS FOR BEST SERVICE AWARDS *****
PEOPLE USING THE VARIOUS SERVICES OF THE TRADE DEPARTMENT MAY PICK THEIR OWN WINNERS OF THE DEPARTMENT’S BEST SERVICE AWARDS OVER THE NEXT EIGHT WEEKS.
IN VOTING FOR WINNERS OF THE AWARDS, THEY THEMSELVES WILL ALSO STAND A CHANCE OF WINNING ATTRACTIVE PRIZES.
THESE ARE THE FEATURES OF THE DEPARTMENT’S BEST SERVICE AWARD SCHEME WHICH AIMS AT ENCOURAGING FRONTLINE STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT TO PROVIDE HIGH-QUALITY SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC.
ANNOUNCING THE DETAILS TODAY (FRIDAY), THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR TONY MILLER, TOLD A STAFF GATHERING THAT THE SCHEME ALSO AIMED AT GIVING RECOGNITION TO COLLEAGUES WHO HAD GIVEN MERITORIOUS SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC.
"IN ADDITION, THE SCHEME PROVIDES A CONVENIENT CHANNEL FOR CUSTOMERS OF THE TRADE DEPARTMENT TO SHOW THEIR APPRECIATION OF THE COURTEOUS AND EFFICIENT SERVICES BY OUR STAFF.
/"IT FORMS .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 1994
- 13 -
"IT FORMS PART OF OUR ACTIVITIES TO IMPLEMENT THE SECOND PHASE OF THE DEPARTMENT’S PERFORMANCE PLEDGE," HE SAID.
THE SCHEME BEGINS ON MONDAY (JUNE 20) AND WILL LAST UNTIL AUGUST 19. USERS OF THE SERVICES MAY VOTE IN THEIR PERSONAL CAPACITY FOR STAFF MEMBERS WHO THEY THINK DESERVE THE AWARDS.
"WE CORDIALLY INVITE THEM TO VOTE; THEY MAY VOTE FOR MORE THAN ONE STAFF MEMBER, BUT TO ENSURE FAIRNESS, EACH OF THEM MAY NOT CAST MORE THAN ONE VOTE FOR THE SAME STAFF," SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT.
"TRADE DEPARTMENT STAFF AND THEIR RELATIVES MAY NOT VOTE.
"ALL DEPARTMENTAL STAFF WHOSE OFFICIAL DUTIES INVOLVE PUBLIC CONTACTS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR ELECTION; THE WINNERS WILL BE ELECTED ENTIRELY BY THE USERS.
"AWARDS WILL BE BASED ON MERITS OF THE STAFF IN FOUR CATEGORIES -EFFICIENT, KNOWLEDGEABLE, EAGER TO HELP AND POLITE."
THE SPOKESMAN SAID VOTING FORMS COULD BE OBTAINED FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S OFFICES ON Bl, G, M, 2ND, 3RD, 8TH AND 18TH FLOORS OF TRADE DEPARTMENT TOWER AT 700 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
"COMPLETED FORMS MAY BE PUT IN BALLOT BOXES WHICH WILL BE PLACED ON THESE FLOORS, OR THEY CAN BE SENT TO THE DEPARTMENT BY FAX ON NO. 396 9899.
"TO ENCOURAGE VOTING, THE DEPARTMENT WILL SELECT FIVE VOTERS IN A LUCKY DRAW IN SEPTEMBER AND EACH WILL RECEIVE AN ATTRACTIVE PRIZE.
"BEST SERVICE AWARDS WILL BE GIVEN TO FIVE INDIVIDUAL OFFICERS WITH THE LARGEST NUMBER OF VOTES, AND TO TWO DIVISIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT WITH THE LARGEST NUMBER OF VOTES PER STAFF," HF SAID.
THE BEST SERVICE AWARD SCHEME IS SPONSORED BY THE TEXTILE COUNCIL OF HONG KONG.
------0-------
EDUCATION COMMISSION DELEGATION LEAVES FOR
EUROPEAN STUDY TOUR
*****
A SEVEN-STRONG DELEGATION OF THE EDUCATION COMMISSION LEAVES TONIGHT (FRIDAY) FOR A WEEK-LONG VISIT TO HOLLAND AND BELGIUM.
"THE PURPOSE OF THE TRIP IS TO STUDY HOW OTHER EDUCATION SYSTEMS TACKLE ISSUES OF LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY, QUALITY ASSURANCE AND SCHOOL FUNDING," EXPLAINED PROFESSOR ROSIE YOUNG, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION, WHO LEADS THE DELEGATION.
/OTHER MEMBERS .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 1994
- 14 -
OTHER MEMBERS OF THE DELEGATION ARE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION AND SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR MICHAEL LEUNG; CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION’S WORKING GROUP ON LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY, MRS ANGELA CHEUNG; CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION’S WORKING GROUP ON EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS, DR CHENG KAI-MING; MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION DR ALEX FUNG AND MS SANSAN CHING, AND THE COMMISSION’S SECRETARY AND PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR CHRIS GODWIN.
"THE COMMISSION IS CURRENTLY STUDYING LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY, QUALITY ASSURANCE AND SCHOOL FUNDING," SAID PROFESSOR YOUNG.
"THIS TRIP SHOULD GIVE US MANY USEFUL INSIGHTS AS WE DEVELOP POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE GOVERNMENT LATER THIS YEAR."
"THE REPORT OF THE WORKING GROUP ON. LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY WILL BE PUBLISHED NEXT MONTH FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION," MRS ANGELA CHEUNG SAID.
"FIRST-HAND VISITS TO SEE WHAT OTHER COUNTRIES ARE ACHIEVING IN THE AREA OF LANGUAGE EDUCATION SHOULD PROVIDE USEFUL REFERENCES FOR THE COMMISSION WHEN IT CONSIDERS PUBLIC RESPONSES TO THE WORKING GROUP’S REPORT," SHE SAID.
DR CHENG KAI-MING SAID HE LOOKED FORWARD TO EXCHANGING VIEWS WITH THE DUTCH AND BELGIAN EDUCATION AUTHORITIES ABOUT SCHOOL QUALITY ISSUES.
"I SHALL REPORT BACK TO MY WORKING GROUP, SO THAT WE CAN CONSIDER WHAT USEFUL POINTS CAN BE INCLUDED IN OUR REPORT, WHICH WE HOPE TO PUBLISH IN SEPTEMBER," HE SAID.
PROFESSOR YOUNG, WHO ALSO CHAIRS THE WORKING GROUP ON SCHOOL FUNDING, NOTED THAT HOLLAND WAS INTRODUCING CHANGES TO ITS SCHOOL FUNDING PROCEDURES TO GIVE SCHOOLS MORE FLEXIBILITY.
"IT WILL BE INTERESTING TO TALK TO SCHOOLS AND MINISTRY PERSONNEL ABOUT THE PROCESS OF CHANGE," SHE SAID. "WE EXPECT TO PUBLISH OUR REPORT ON SCHOOL FUNDING AT THE END OF THIS YEAR OR EARLY NEXT YEAR."
THE DELEGATION WILL SPEND TWO DAYS IN HOLLAND, DISCUSSING ISSUES WITH SENIOR STAFF AT THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND SCIENCE AND VISITING SCHOOLS, AND WILL THEN TRAVEL TO BRUSSELS.
THE THREE-DAY PROGRAMME IN BELGIUM INCLUDES DISCUSSIONS WITH OFFICIALS OF THE FLEMISH-SPEAKING AND FRENCH-SPEAKING EDUCATION MINISTRIES, VISITS TO SCHOOLS, AND A VISIT TO A COMPUTER-ASSISTED LANGUAGE LEARNING PROJECT IN ANTWERP.
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/15........
FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 1994
- 15 -
JOINT OPERATION TO WEED OUT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS »«»*♦*
A TERRITORY-WIDE, ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION OPERATION JOINTLY MOUNTED BY THE POLICE, AND THE LABOUR AND IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENTS HAS RESULTED IN THE ARRESTS OF 166 PEOPLE.
THE OPERATION WAS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S CONTINUOUS EFFORT TO FLUSH OUT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
THE 164 SUSPECTED ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARRESTED BY THE POLICE HAD BEEN REFERRED TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT. THOSE FOUND TO BE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WILL BE REPATRIATED.
THE OTHER TWO PERSONS WERE ARRESTED BY IMMIGRATION INVESTIGATORS.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN REITERATED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THERE WAS
NO QUESTION OF ANY AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
"OUR LATEST OPERATION SHOULD DRIVE HOME THE POINT THAT THERE WILL BE NO CHANGE TO THIS POLICY. ANYONE FOOLISH ENOUGH TO BELIEVE OTHERWISE IS ONLY CHEATING HIMSELF," HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT APART FROM CONTINUOUS CHECKS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY, THERE WAS NO LET-UP IN ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION EFFORTS AT THE BORDER.
"A HIGH 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 (THURSDAY) AND ENDED AT 5 AM TODAY, THE POLICE HAD STEPPED 1 DENT IFI CAT I ON SPOT CHECKS IN PUBLIC PLACES AND CARRIED OUT SUSPICIOUS LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
YESTERDAY
UP THEIR
CHECKS AT
ON THE LABOUR FRONT, INSPECTORS OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT VISITED 2,373 ESTABLISHMENTS TO WEED OUT ANY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WHO MAY BE WORKING, AND TO CHECK THAT EMPLOYERS FULFIL THEIR LEGAL OBLIGATION OF KEEPING PROPER RECORDS OF THEIR EMPLOYEES.
A TOTAL OF 7,196 EMPLOYEES HAD THEIR PROOF OF IDENTITY CHECKED.
TWENTY-FOUR ESTABLISHMENTS WERE FOUND NOT ABLE TO PROVIDE A RECORD OF EMPLOYEES FOR INSPECTION.
THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT THEY COULD BE FINED IIP TO $250,000 AND JAILED FOR UP TO THREE YEARS IF THEY WERE FOUND TO BE EMPLOYING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
------0 - -
/16 ........
FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 1994
- 16 -
NEW FEE FOR MARICULTURE LICENCE
* * * * *
THE FEE FOR THE GRANT OR RENEWAL OF MARINE FISH CULTURE LICENCES WILL BE REVISED IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR, THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
TO BE EFFECTIVE ON OCTOBER 20, THE NEW FEE WILL BE $7.40 FOR EACH SQUARE METRE OF LICENSED MARINE FISH CULTURE SITE AREA.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE LICENCE FEE, LAST REVISED IN 1989, IS ADJUSTED TO RECOVER A GREATER PROPORTION OF ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS OF LICENSING.
"THE REVISED FEE WILL REPRESENT LESS THAN ONE PER CENT OF THE OPERATING EXPENSES OF A TYPICAL FISH FARM,” HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE REVISED FEE HAD BEEN DERIVED UNDER A NEW AND FAIRER CALCULATION METHOD WHICH WAS WELCOMED BY THE INDUSTRY.
THE MARINE FISH CULTURE (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1994, WHICH SETS OUT THE FEE REVISION, WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
------0--------
SEWAGE CONTRACT SIGNED
*****
THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) SIGNED A $116 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF DIAPHRAGM WALLS FOR A MAIN PUMPING STATION ON STONECUTTERS ISLAND.
THE CONTRACT, THE THIRD AWARDED UNDER THE STAGE I OF THE STRATEGIC SEWAGE DISPOSAL SCHEME (SSDS), WAS SIGNED BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF DRAINAGE SERVICES (TRADING FUND), MR CHUNG KWOK-LEUNG, AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE CONTRACTOR, LEIGHTON CONTRACTORS (ASIA) LIMITED.
THE MAIN FUNCTION OF STAGE I OF THE SCHEME IS TO COLLECT AND TREAT SEWAGE FROM KOWLOON BETWEEN TSUF.N WAN AND TSEUNG KWAN O AND FROM THE NORTH EASTERN PART OF HONG KONG ISLAND.
ON COMPLETION, THE WATER QUALITY IN VICTORIA HARBOUR WILL BE SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVED.
CONSTRUCTION IS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN THIS MONTH FOR COMPLETION IN
MAY NEXT YEAR.
------0-----------
/17........
FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 1994
- 17 -
FOUR DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREA PLANS APPROVED
*****
THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL HAS APPROVED THE DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREA (DPA) PLANS FOR TAI TONG, FU TEI AU AND SHA LING, KAU LUNG HANG, AND SHA KOK MEI.
TAI TONG DPA COVERS AREAS NEAR YUEN LONG NEW TOWN WHILE FU TEI AU AND SHA LING DPA AND KAU LUNG HANG DPA COVER AREAS NEAR SHEUNG SHUI AND TAI PO NEW TOWNS. SHA KOK MEI DPA COVERS AREAS NEAR SAI KUNG.
THESE RURAL AREAS HAVE AGRICULTURAL AND COMMERCIAL FARMING AS THE MAJOR ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES, SUCH AS GROWING OF VEGETABLES, FRUIT TREES AND FLOWERS, RURAL INDUSTRIES AND OPEN STORAGE USES.
IN RECENT YEARS, LOTS OF FALLOW AGRICULTURAL LANDS HAVE BEEN CONVERTED TO OPEN STORAGE SITES AND CAR REPAIRING AND DUMPING YARDS.
’’THESE UNCO-ORDINATED USES HAVE CAUSED GENERAL DEGRADATION TO THE RURAL ENVIRONMENT. THE PUBLICATION OF THE DPA PLANS PROVIDES PROPER PLANNING CONTROL AND DEVELOPMENT GUIDANCE FOR THE RURAL AREAS.
’’ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS COULD BE UNDERTAKEN AGAINST UNAUTHORISED DEVELOPMENT WITH THE DPAS,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
A MAIN FEATURE OF THE TAI TONG PLAN IS THE DESIGNATION OF ABOUT 17 HECTARES FOR ’’OPEN STORAGE”, REPRESENTING ABOUT SIX PER CENT OF THE TOTAL LAND AREA DESIGNATED FOR SUCH USE IN ALL DPAS.
WITHIN THIS ZONE, OPEN STORAGE USES HAVING NO ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECT WOULD BE PERMITTED.
THOSE USES THAT MAY CAUSE ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION, SUCH AS CAR-BREAKING ACTIVITY AND DANGEROUS GOODS STORAGE, WOULD REQUIRE PLANNING PERMISSION FROM THE BOARD.
ABOUT 10 HECTARES OF LAND ARE ZONED ’’COUNTRY PARK”. DEVELOPMENT WITHIN THIS ZONE IS SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE COUNTRY PARKS AUTHORITY.
ON THE SHA KOK MEI DPA PLAN, A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF ABOUT 197 HECTARES OF LAND IS ZONED "GREEN BELT” TO PRESERVE THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT.
SMALL-SCALE RECREATIONAL AND AGRICULTURAL USES, SUCH AS CAMPING SITES AND PLANT NURSERIES, ARE ALWAYS PERMITTED.
LARGE-SCALE RECREATIONAL AND GOVERNMENT, INSTITUTION AND COMMUNITY USES, SUCH AS HOLIDAY CAMPS AND RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS, MAY BE PERMITTED UPON APPLICATION TO THE BOARD.
TO CATER FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT, ABOUT FOUR HECTARES ARE ZONED "RESIDENTIAL (GROUP C)” FOR LOW-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT WITH A DEVELOPMENT RESTRICTION OF MAXIMUM PLOT RATIO RANGING FROM 0.6 TO 0.4, SITE COVERAGE FROM 30 PER CENT TO 20 PER CENT AND TWO STOREYS OVER ONE LEVEL OF CARPORT.
/ANOTHER 44 .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 1994
- 18 -
ANOTHER 44 HECTARES ARE ZONED ’’VILLAGE TYPE DEVELOPMENT’’ FOR EXISTING AND FUTURE VILLAGE DEVELOPMENT.
ON THE KAU LUNG HANG DPA PLAN, ABOUT SIX HECTARES OF LAND ARE ZONED ’’OTHER SPECIFIED USES” FOR THE PRESERVATION OF THE EXISTING RAILWAY ROUTE, NINE HECTARES FOR ’’GOVERNMENT/1NSTITUTION/COMMUNITY” USES AND 46 HECTARES FOR VILLAGE DEVELOPMENT.
THERE ARE ALSO ABOUT 197 HECTARES OF "UNSPECIFIED USE" AREAS. WITH THESE AREAS, ALL DEVELOPMENTS, EXCEPT THOSE PERMITTED UNDER THE NOTES OF THE PLAN, REQUIRE PERMISSION FROM THE BOARD.
SIMILARLY ON THE FU TEI AU AND SHA LING DPA PLAN, ABOUT 80 HECTARES ARE ZONED "GREEN BELT", 13 HECTARES "VILLAGE TYPE DEVELOPMENT" AND 19 HECTARES "GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY".
THERE ARE ALSO ABOUT 241 HECTARES OF THE AREA DESIGNATED AS "UNSPECIFIED USE" AREAS.
THE FOUR APPROVED PLANS ARE PUT UP FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION UNTIL JUNE 24 AT THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT, 16TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, CENTRAL.
THEY ARE ALSO ON SHOW SEPARATELY AT THE FOLLOWING OFFICES:
TAI TONG DPA PLAN
FU TEI AU &
SHA LING DPA PLAN
YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICES BUILDING, 269 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, YUEN LONG, NEW TERRITORIES; AND
TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG DISTRICT PLANNING OFFICE, LEVEL 11, METROPLAZA TOWER 1, 223 HING FONG ROAD, KWAI FONG, NEW TERRITORIES.
NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, THIRD FLOOR, NORTH DISTRICT GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 3 PIK FUNG ROAD, FANLING, NEW TERRITORIES; AND
SHA TIN AND NORTH EAST DISTRICT PLANNING OFFICES, GROUND FLOOR, SHA TIN GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 6 TUNG LO WAN HILL ROAD, TAI WAI, SHA TIN, NEW TERRITORIES.
/KAU LUNG .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 1994
- 19 -
KAU LUNG HANG DPA PLAN TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE,
---------------------- TAI PO GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING,
1 TING KOK ROAD, TAI PO, NEW TERRITORIES; AND
SHA TIN AND NORTH EAST DISTRICT PLANNING OFFICES, GROUND FLOOR, SHA TIN GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 6 TUNG LO WAN HILL ROAD, TAI WAI, SHA TIN, NEW TERRITORIES.
SHA KOK MEI DPA PLAN SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE,
-------------------- SECOND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 34 CHAN MAN STREET, SAI KUNG, NEW TERRITORIES; AND
SAI KUNG & TSEUNG KWAN O DISTRICT PLANNING OFFICES, SUITE 1209, 12TH FLOOR, CHINACHEM GOLDEN PLAZA, MODY ROAD, KOWLOON.
COPIES OF THE APPROVED DPA PLANS ARE ON SALE AT THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, AND THE KOWLOON MAP SALES OFFICE, 382 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
------0--------
FOUR RURAL OUTLINE ZONING PLANS PUBLISHED
*****
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED THE PUBLICATION OF THE DRAFT SHEK KONG, PAT HEUNG, KAM TIN SOUTH AND KAM TIN NORTH OUTLINE ZONING PLANS (OZP).
THE RURAL OZPS ARE TO REPLACE THE EXISTING DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREA (DPA) PLANS COVERING THE SAME AREAS. THEY INDICATE DEFINITE AND COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE ZONES TO GUIDE AND CONTROL DEVELOPMENT IN THE AREAS.
"SIMILAR TO DPA PLANS, UNAUTHORISED DEVELOPMENTS WITHIN THE OZPS ARE SUBJECT TO ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD SAID.
"ALL THE FOUR OZPS AIM AT RETAINING THE RURAL CHARACTER OF, AND GOOD AGRICULTURAL LAND IN, THE RESPECTIVE AREAS, AND DIRECTING RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS AT THE RIGHT PLACES. THEY ALSO ENCOURAGE EXISTING INDUSTRIES TO IMPROVE AND EXPAND IN DESIGNATED AREAS," HE ADDED.
TO PRESERVE THE EXISTING AGRICULTURAL LAND, "AGRICULTURE” ZONES, TOTALLY SOME 844 HECTARES, HAVE BEEN DESIGNATED ON THE FOUR OZPS.
/’’CONSERVATION AREA”
FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 1994
- 20 -
"CONSERVATION AREA" HAS ALSO BEEN ZONED TO RETAIN THE NATURAL CHARACTER OF THE AREAS AND TO GIVE ADDED PROTECTION TO THE ADJOINING COUNTRY PARKS.
THESE INCLUDE ABOUT 219 HECTARES IN SHEK KONG, 156 HECTARES IN PAT HEUNG, 272 HECTARES IN KAM TIN SOUTH AND 62 HECTARES IN KAM TIN NORTH.
WITHIN THESE ZONES, USES RELATED TO CONSERVATION PURPOSES SUCH AS FIELD STUDY CENTRE, EDUCATION CENTRE AND VISITOR CENTRE ARE PERMITTED AS OF RIGHT.
USES WHICH WOULD HAVE INSIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON ENVIRONMENT' AND INFRASTRUCTURE MIGHT BE PERMITTED UPON APPROVAL BY THE BOARD.
ABOUT EIGHT HECTARES OF LAND IN KAM TIN SOUTH AND 19 HECTARES IN KAM TIN NORTH HAVE BEEN ZONED AS "RESIDENTIAL (GROUP C)" TO FACILITATE LOW-RISE LOW-DENSITY DEVELOPMENT.
ON THE KAM TIN SOUTH OZP, DEVELOPMENT IS RESTRICTED TO A MAXIMUM PLOT RATIO OF 0.8, SITE COVERAGE OF 20 PER CENT AND BUILDING HEIGHT OF FOUR STOREYS (12 METRES).
ON THE KAM TIN NORTH OZP, DEVELOPMENT IS RESTRICTED TO A MAXOMUM PLOT RATTO RANGING FROM 0.4 TO 0.8, SITE COVERAGE OF 20 PER CENT AND BUILDING HEIGHT RANGING FROM THREE TO FOUR STOREYS (NINE TO 10 METRES).
TO IMPROVE AND UPGRADE THE EXISTING DOMESTIC ACCOMMODATION IN THE AREAS, "RESIDENTIAL (GROUP I))" ZONES HAVE BEEN DESIGNATED.
THESE COMPRISE 35 HECTARES TN SHEK KONG, 48 HECTARES IN PAT HEUNG, 36 HECTARES IN KAM TIN SOUTH AND 21 HECTARES IN KAM TIN NORTH.
LOW-RISE LOW-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT WITHIN THE ZONES MAY BE PERMITTED ON APPLICATION TO THE BOARD.
IN RECOGNITION OF THE NEED FOR THE OPERATION AND EXPANSION OF EXISTING RURAL INDUSTRIES, ABOUT 10 HECTARES ARE ZONED EACH ON THE SHEK KONG AND KAM TIN NORTH OZPS.
NEW INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT IS RESTRICTED TO MAXIMUM SITE COVERAGE OF 80 PER CENT, PLOT RATIO OF 1.6, BUILDING HEIGHT OF 13 METRES AND THE MINIMUM PROVISION OF ONE LORRY/V IS 1 TOR PARKING SPACE PER ESTABLISHMENT OR ONE PARKING SPACE FOR EVERY 900 SQUARE METRES GROSS FLOOR AREA OF THE ESTABLISHMENT.
ON THE PAT HEUNG OZP, ABOUT 51 HECTARES ARE ZONED "OPEN STORAGE" TO CATER FOR DEMAND OF SUCH USES TN THE AREA.
OPEN STORAGE USES WHICH ARE UNLIKELY TO CAUSE ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OR TRANSPORT PROBLEMS ARE ALWAYS PERMITTED IN THIS ZONE.
USES WHICH MAY CAUSE ENVIRONMENTAL NUISANCE OR SAFETY HAZARDS HOWEVER WILL REQUIRE PERMISSION FROM THE BOARD.
/ON ALL ..........
I
FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 1994
21
ON ALL THE FOUR OZPS, THERE ARE ALSO AREAS ZONED FOR "VILLAGE TYPE DEVELOPMENT", "GOVERNMENT/TNST1TUT ION/COMMUNITY", "GREEN BELT" AND "OPEN SPACE".
THE FOUR DRAFT OZPS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION UNTIL AUGUST 17 AT:
* PLANNING DEPARTMENT,
16TH FLOOR, MURAY BUIDLING,
GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG;
t TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG DISTRICT PLANNING OFFICE,
11 TH FLOOR, METROPLAZA TOWER 1,
223 HING FONG ROAD,
KWAI FONG, NEW TERRITORIES; AND
» YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE,
YUEN LONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, 269 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, YUEN LONG, NEW TERRITORIES.
ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE FOUR DRAFT PLANS MAY SUBMIT WRITTEN OBJECTION ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 17 TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/O PLANNING DEPARTMENT, 13TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
copies of the Draft plans are available for sale at the survey AND MAPPING OFFICE, LANDS DEPARTMENT, 1 4TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, AND KOWLOON MAP SALES OFFICE, 382 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON. --------------------------------- o -----
TENDERS INVITED FOR TSEUNG KWAN O SERVICE RESERVOIR
t * t t t
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FRESH WATER SERVICE RESERVOIR WITH A CAPACITY OF 36,500 CUBIC METRES IN PAK SHING KOK AND THE LAYING OF ABOUT SIX KILOMETRES OF WATER PIPES IN TSEUNG KWAN O NEW TOWN.
WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN SEPTEMBER. UPON COMPLETION OF THE PROJECT IN LATE 1996, THE INCREASING DEMANDS FOR FRESH WATER IN TSEUNG KWAN O NEW TOWN, TSEUNG KWAN O INDUSTRIAL ESTATE AS WELL AS OTHER AREAS IN SIU CHIK SHA AND TAI CHIK SHA CAN BE MET.
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT, IMMIGRATION TOWER, 44TH FLOOR, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
TENDER OFFER WILL CLOSE AT NOON ON JULY 15.
--------0-----------
/22 ........
FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 1994
- 22 -
CLOSURE OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES SOUGHT
*****
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE TWO UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES IN YAU MA TEI AND TWO IN TSUEN WAN SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT ENDANGERING THE OCCUPANTS AND THE PUBLIC.
THE SINGLE-STOREY STRUCTURES ON THE ROOFS OF 121 AND 123 PARKES STREET ARE USED FOR DWELLING.
NOTICES APPLYING FOR CLOSURE ORDERS FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE ON NOVEMBER 9 WERE POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY (FRIDAY).
IN TSUEN WAN, THE SINGLE-STOREY RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURES ARE ON THE ROOFS OF TWO BUILDINGS, ONE AT 10-22 TSUEN WAN MARKET STREET AND 22-26 CHUEN LUNG STREET, AND THE OTHER AT 21-25 TSUEN WAN MARKET STREET AND 9-13 CHUEN LUNG STREET.
TWO NOTICES APPLYING FOR CLOSURE ORDERS FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE ON OCTOBER 19 WERE POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY.
DEMOLITION WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START AS SOON AS THE CLOSURE ORDERS ARE ISSUED.
------0-------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1 ,067 0930 -60
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1 , 4 7 R 1000 -60
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 -9
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -9 1200 -9
LAF TODAY + 420 1500 -9
1600 -9
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 124.4 *+0.1* 17.6.94
/HONG KONG .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 1994
- 23 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.93 17 MONTHS 2511 4.15 98.12 5.61
1 MONTH 3.91 23 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100.71 6.04
3 MONTHS 4.13 28 MONTHS 3610 4.20 95.45 6.40
6 MONTHS 4.56 31 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.65 6.54
12 MONTHS 5.19 TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS 34 MONTHS AND BONDS 3704 - 12,849 6.15 MN 98.97 6.65
CLOSED 17 JUNE 1994
------0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, JUNE 18, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HK DRAGON BOAT RACING TAKES TO USA WATERS................... 1
SPEEDPOST SERVICE GOES TO FIVE MORE COUNTRIES............... 2
HANDBOOK ON SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS PUBLISHED.............. 3
HOT AND DRY IN MAY.......................................... 3
YOUNG DOUBLE BASS PLAYER TO ATTEND USA MUSIC CAMP........ 6
TO BE A VOTER IS A CIVIC RIGHT.............................. 7
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .... 8
SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 1994
I
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
46 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED.............................. 9
TEACHERS URGED TO VOTE IN COUNCIL BY-ELECTION............... 9
FAMILY AND CHILD SERVICE UNITS TO HOLD OPEN DAY............ 10
$2M DONATION FOR SCHOOL EXTENSION PROJECT.................. 12
SATURDAY, JUNE 18, 1994
HK DRAGON BOAT RACING TAKES TO USA WATERS ♦ » ♦ * *
HONG KONG DRAGON BOAT RACING IS SPREADING ACROSS THE UNITED STATES ALMOST AS QUICKLY AS A DRAGON BOAT ROWING TEAM CAN PLY THE WATER.
FOURTEEN TEAMS ARE GLIDING ACROSS FORT POINT CHANNEL IN MASSACHUSETTS TODAY (SATURDAY) TO COMPETE IN EXCITING HONG KONG DRAGON BOAT RACfiS.
THE WINNING TEAM WILL BE REPRESENTING BOSTON TO RACE IN THE HONG KONG DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL CHAMPIONSHIP RACES IN NEW YORK, WHICH WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY (AUGUST 21) ON THE HUDSON RIVER IN NEW YORK CITY.
THE HONG KONG DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL IS ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE AND HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK AND SPONSORED BY HONGKONG BANK.
THE WINNER OF THE NEW YORK CHAMPIONSHIP RACE WILL BE FLOWN TO HONG KONG BY UNITED AIRLINES, THE OFFICIAL RACE CARRIER, TO COMPETE IN THE HONG KONG DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL RACES IN JUNE NEXT YEAR.
CEREMONIES FOR THE DRAGON BOAT RACES IN BOSTON WILL BEGIN AT NOON WITH AN EYE-DOTTING CEREMONY, FOLLOWED BY A PARADE LED BY A LION DANCE. THE DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE IN NEW YORK, MR ALEX FONG, IS INVITED AS AN OFFICIATING GUEST IN TODAY’S EVENT.
TEAMS FROM BOSTON WILL RACE ON FOUR AUTHENTIC 39-FOOT HONG KONG DRAGON BOATS, SPONSORED BY THE HONG KONG DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL IN NEW YORK INC, OVER A 500-METRE COURSE ON FOOT POINT CHANNEL ON SATURDAY AFTERNOON.
THE BOSTON RACE IS THE SECOND LEG OF A THREE-CITY TOURNAMENT THAT CULMINATES IN THE HONG KONG DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIP RACES IN NEW YORK. THE FIRST RACE WAS WON BY THE U.S. DRAGON BOAT ASSOCIATION IN PHILADELPHIA ON MAY 15.
ON AUGUST 13 AND 14 (SATURDAY AND SUNDAY), THE ALL NEW YORK CHAMPIONSHIP HONG KONG DRAGON BOAT RACE WILL BE HELD TO SELECT COMPETITORS FOR THE U.S. CHAMPIONSHIP RACE THE FOLLOWING SUNDAY ON THE HUDSON RIVER IN LOWER MANHATTAN OF BATTERY PARK CITY.
--------0-----------
/2.........
SATURDAY, JUNE 18, 1994
- 2 -
SPEEDPOST SERVICE GOES TO FIVE MORE COUNTRIES
*****
RECIPROCAL SPEEDPOST SERVICE WILL BE EXTENDED TO RUSSIA, POLAND, NAURU, LAOS AND MALDIVES FROM NEXT MONDAY (JUNE 20) .
THIS WILL BRING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF OVERSEAS DESTINATIONS
SERVED BY SPEEDPOST TO 67, THE SAID. POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR MIKE PAGLIARI,
THE SERVICE WILL BE AVAILABLE TO THE WHOLE COUNTRY OF POLAND AND NAURU AND WILL SERVE THE CAPITALS AND MAJOR CITIES OF RUSSIA, LAOS AND MALDIVES. THE POSTAGE RATES AND DELIVERY STANDARDS ARE:
RUSSIA POLAND NAURU LAOS MALDIVES
POSTAGE - NOT OVER 250G - NOT OVER 500G - EACH ADDITIONAL - KILOPAK RATE $130 $185 500G $55 $230 $145 $175 $35 $200 $85 $90 $45 $125 $95 $110 $20 $120 $115 $135 $20 $145
DELIVERY SCHEDULE GENERALLY SECOND DAY AFTER POSTING .1 GENERALLY SECOND DAY AFTER POSTING GENERALLY SECOND TO THIRD DAY AFTER POSTING NEXT TO SECOND DAY AFTER POSTING GENERALLY NEXT DAY AFTER POSTING
’’SPEEDPOST SERVICE IS FAST AND RELIABLE FOR SENDING DOCUMENTS, SAMPLES AND MERCHANDISE,” MR PAGLIARI SAID.
’’SPEEDPOST ITEMS ARE ACCEPTED AT 37 STRATEGICALLY LOCATED POST OFFICES,” HE ADDED.
CUSTOMERS WHO REGULARLY SEND SPEEDPOST ITEMS MAY APPLY FOR PICK-UP SERVICE.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT SPEEDPOST SERVICE FOR THE FIVE COUNTRIES CAN BE MADE OF THE POSTAL MARKETING DIVISION ON TEL 9221 2277.
--------0 - --------
/ 3 .........
SATURDAY, JUNE 18, 1994
- 3 -
HANDBOOK ON SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS PUBLISHED
*****
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAS PUBLISHED A HANDBOOK TO ENABLE COMPREHENSIVE SOCIAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE (CSSA) CUSTOMERS TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THEIR RIGHTS.
IT SETS OUT IN DETAIL THEIR RIGHTS, COVERING THE TYPES AND LEVELS OF GRANTS, COMPLAINT AND APPEAL PROCEDURES AND OTHER RELATED INFORMATION.
"THE CSSA SCHEME PROVIDES CASH ASSISTANCE TO BRING THE INCOME OF NEEDY INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES UP TO A PRESCRIBED LEVEL WHERE BASIC AND ESSENTIAL NEEDS CAN BE MET,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
”WE HOPE THAT THE PRODUCTION OF THE HANDBOOK WILL HELP US PROVIDE BETTER SERVICES TO OUR CSSA CUSTOMERS.
"IT IS ALSO AIMED TO ACHIEVE GREATER TRANSPARENCY ON THE PROVISION OF SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS, A TARGET THAT HAS BEEN INCLUDED IN OUR RECENTLY ANNOUNCED PERFORMANCE PLEDGE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
COPIES OF THE HANDBOOK, IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE, ARE NOW PLACED AT THE RECEPTION COUNTERS OF ALL 32 SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNITS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY. A NOTICE IS ALSO DISPLAYED CONSPICUOUSLY AT THE COUNTERS REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF THE HANDBOOK.
"FIELD UNIT STAFF WILL INFORM THEIR CSSA CUSTOMERS ABOUT THE HANDBOOK THROUGH THEIR CONTACTS WITH THEM," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
COPIES ARE ALSO PLACED AT ALL SERVICE UNITS OF THE DEPARTMENT FOR THE INFORMATION OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
------0-----------
HOT AND DRY IN MAY
*****
THE WEATHER LAST MONTH WAS ON THE WHOLE HOT AND DRY, A MONTHLY REPORT RELEASED TODAY (SATURDAY) BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY SAID.
THERE WAS A SPELL OF SUNNY DAYS IN THE LATTER HALF OF THE MONTH. WITH MORE SUNSHINE THAN NORMAL, THE MONTHLY MEAN TEMPERATURE OF 27.4 DEGREES RANKED THE FOURTH HIGHEST FOR MAY.
THE RELATIVE HUMIDITY OF THE MONTH AVERAGED 78 PER CENT WHICH IS THE FOURTH LOWEST FOR MAY.
THE DRIER CONDITION REFLECTED ALSO IN THE MONTHLY RAINFALL. ONLY 183.7 MILLIMETRES WERE RECORDED AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY WHICH WAS ABOUT 58 PER CENT OF THE MAY NORMAL OF 316.7 MILLIMETRES.
MOST OF THE RAIN WAS DUE TO A MONSOON TROUGH WHICH AFFECTED THE SOUTH CHINA COASTAL AREAS FROM TIME TO TIME DURING THE MONTH.
/RAINFALL IN .......
SATURDAY, JUNE 18, 1994
RAINFALL IN THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS AMOUNTED TO 266.7 MILLIMETRES, 57 PER CENT BELOW THE NORMAL OF 616.5 MILLIMETRES FOR THE SAME PERIOD.
THE MONTH STARTED WITH MAINLY FINE AND WARM WEATHER. HOWEVER, WITH THE MOVING IN OF A TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE FROM GUANGDONG, THE WEATHER BECAME UNSETTLED ON MAY 3 WITH WIDESPREAD HEAVY RAIN AND INTENSE THUNDERSTORMS.
DAILY RAINFALL OF OVER 80 MILLIMETRES FELL IN THE URBAN AREAS. THE HEAVIEST DOWNPOUR OCCURRED IN THE RUSH HOURS OF THE MORNING.
MORE THAN 60 MILLIMETRES OF RAINFALL WERE RECORDED WITHIN ONE HOUR AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY HEADQUARTERS BETWEEN 8 AM AND 9 AM.
EIGHTY-THREE FLOODING REPORTS WERE RECEIVED OVER THE TERRITORY. THE PEAK TRAM SERVICE WAS DISRUPTED FOR ONE-AND-A-HALF HOUR BECAUSE OF A FALLEN TREE BLOCKING THE TRACK NEAR THE MACDONNELL ROAD STATION.
THE TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE LINGERED OVER THE SOUTH CHINA COAST AND THE WEATHER STAYED OVERCAST WITH RAIN AND ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS ON MAY 4.
FOLLOWING THE PASSAGE OF THE TROUGH, RAIN EASED OFF THAT EVENING.
THE ARRIVAL OF A RELATIVELY COOL AND DRY NORTHERLY AIRSTREAM BEHIND THE TROUGH BROUGHT THE TEMPERATURE DOWN TO THE MONTH’S LOWEST OF 21.1 DEGREES EARLY ON MAY 5.
THE DRY AIR CLEARED THE CLOUDS AND THE DAY BECAME SUNNY. THE COOLER CONTINENTAL AIRSTREAM DID NOT LAST LONG AND WAS GRADUALLY REPLACED BY A MARITIME AIRFLOW.
TEMPERATURES ROSE STEADILY IN THE NEXT FIVE DAYS. APART FROM A FINE DAY ON MAY 8, THE WEATHER DURING THESE FEW DAYS WAS GENERALLY CLOUDY WITH ISOLATED SHOWERS.
DISTURBED WEATHER RETURNED TO THE TERRITORY ON MAY 11 AS A RESULT OF THE ARRIVAL OF A TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE TO THE SOUTH CHINA COAST.
HEAVY THUNDERY SHOWERS DEVELOPED OVER THE HONG KONG ISLAND WHERE MORE THAN 50 MILLIMETRES OF RAINFALL WERE RECORDED.
WEATHER STARTED TO IMPROVE ON MAY 12 AND TURNED FINE ON MAY 13 AND 14.
THE APPROACH OF ANOTHER TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE AGAIN BROUGHT UNSETTLED WEATHER WITH THUNDERY SHOWERS ON MAY 15. THE TROUGH SOON WEAKENED AND THE WEATHER TURNED FINE ON THE NEXT DAY.
UNDER A BRILLIANTLY SUNNY SKY, TEMPERATURES CLIMBED TO THE MONTH’S HIGHEST OF 32.9 DEGREES IN THE AFTERNOON.
THE WEATHER REMAINED FINE THE FOLLOWING MORNING BUT BECAME VERY UNSTABLE IN THE AFTERNOON.
/SEVEN SQUALLS .......
SATURDAY, JUNE 18, 1994
- 5
SEVERE SQUALLS DEVELOPED AND SWEPT PROM WEST TO EAST ACROSS THE NORTHERN PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES. THERE WERE REPORTS OF A SHORTLIVED SMALL TORNADO IN THE FANLING AREA.
A PROLONGED SPELL OF FINE AND HOT WEATHER APART FROM PASSING SHOWERS PREVAILED FROM MAY 18 TO 27.
WEATHER STARTED TO DETERIORATE AS THE FRESH EASTERLY WINDS REACHED THE TERRITORY IN THE EVENING OF MAY 27.
HEAVY RAIN FELL IN THE SOUTHEASTERN PART OF THE TERRITORY WHERE ALMOST 80 MILLIMETRES OF RAINFALL WERE RECORDED AT CAPE D’AGUILAR ON MAY 28.
DURING THE LAST THREE DAYS OF THE MONTH, THE WEATHER REMAINED UNSETTLED WITH HEAVY SHOWERS.
THERE WERE TWO TROPICAL CYCLONES OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC AND THE SOUTH CHINA SEA IN MAY 1994.
NO AIRCRAFT WAS DIVERTED IN THE MONTH AS A RESULT OF INCLEMENT WEATHER.
DETAILS OF THE ISSUANCE/HOISTING AND CANCELLATION/LOWERING OF VARIOUS WARNINGS/SIGNALS IN THE MONTH ARE SUMMARISED IN TABLE 1.1. MONTHLY METEOROLOGICAL FIGURES AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL ARE TABULATED IN TABLE 1.2.
TABLE 1.1 WARNINGS AND SIGNALS IN MAY 1994
WARNINGS / SIGNALS
EFFECTIVE DATE AND TIME
FLOOD WARNINGS
MAY 3 0830 - MAY 3 1000
MAY 30 1515 - MAY 30 2135
THUNDERSTORM WARNINGS MAY 3 0700 - MAY 3 1030
MAY 3 1100 - MAY 3 1500
MAY 4 0600 - MAY 4 0900
MAY 4 1030 - MAY 4 1230
MAY 11 0100 - MAY 11 0600
• MAY 1 1 1835 - MAY 1 1 2035
MAY 15 0750 - MAY 15 1200
MAY 17 1530 - MAY 17 1900
MAY 26 1810 - MAY 26 2010
MAY 27 1025 - MAY 27 1225
MAY 27 1800 - MAY 27 2000
MAY 27 2300 - MAY 28 0600
MAY 28 1535 - MAY 28 1735
MAY 29 1655 - MAY 29 1855
MAY 30 1045 - MAY 30 1245
MAY 31 0005 - MAY 31 0500
/TABLE 1.2 .......
SATURDAY, JUNE 18, 1994
- 6 -
TABLE 1.2 FIGURES AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL - MAY 1994
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
186.1 HOURS; 32.3 HOURS ABOVE NORMAL
16.57 MJ/SQM; 0.45 MJ/SQM ABOVE NORMAL
183.7 MM; 133.0 MM BELOW NORMAL
73 %; 1 % BELOW NORMAL
78 %; 5 % BELOW NORMAL
30.2 DEGREES CELSIUS;
1.5 DEGREES CELSIUS ABOVE NORMAL
27.4 DEGREES CELSIUS;
1.5 DEGREES CELSIUS ABOVE NORMAL
25.6 DEGREES CELSIUS;
1.7 DEGREES CELSIUS ABOVE NORMAL
23 DEGREES CELSIUS;
0.4 DEGREE CELSIUS ABOVE NORMAL
130.7 MM ; 7.0 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.
------0--------
YOUNG DOUBLE BASS PLAYER TO ATTEND USA MUSIC CAMP ♦ t ♦ ♦ ♦
DOUBLE BASS PLAYER MR NG LUNG-CHEUNG HAS BEEN SELECTED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH TO ATTEND THE NATIONAL MUSIC CAMP AT INTERLOCHEN IN MICHIGAN, USA THIS SUMMER FOR AN EIGHT-WEEK INTENSIVE TRAINING.
THE ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL EVENT IS AIMED AT PROMOTING FRIENDSHIP THROUGH MUSIC. IT WILL BE HELD FROM JUNE 26 TO AUGUST 22.
IT TAKES IN HIGHLY QUALIFIED YOUNG MUSICIANS AGED BETWEEN 14 AND 18. THE HIGHEST HONOUR FOR A PARTICIPANT IS TO BE SELECTED AS A MEMBER OF THE CAMP’S WORLD YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA.
/TRAINING WILL .......
SATURDAY, JUNE 18, 1994
TRAINING WILL INCLUDE MASTER CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS CONDUCTED BY RENOWNED MUSICIANS.
IN ADDITION, RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES SUCH AS S1NG-A-SONG ROUND CAMP FIRES, CANOEING AND SWIMMING WILL BE ARRANGED.
MR NG, 18, WAS SELECTED IN AN OPEN AUDITION IN MID-MARCH.
HE IS STUDYING MUSIC IN THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS.
HE HAS PARTICIPATED IN MANY MUSIC ACTIVITIES AND IS A MEMBER OF THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA.
”IT IS REALLY EXCITING THAT I CAN HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE INTERLOCHEN ARTS CAMP AND TO MEET YOUNG MUSICIANS FROM DIFFERENT COUNTRIES IN THE COMING TWO MONTHS.
”1 AM LOOKING FORWARD TO STAGING CONCERTS TOGETHER WITH RENOWNED MUSICIANS AND I WOULD DO MY BEST TO INTRODUCE HONG KONG TO OTHER CAMPERS,” HE SAID.
HE WILL LEAVE HONG KONG ON JUNE 24 AND IS EXPECTED TO RETURN IN LATE AUGUST.
THE CAMP FEE WILL BE MET BY ORGANISERS WHILE THE ROUND-TRIP AIR PASSAGE WILL BE JOINTLY SPONSORED BY CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB MUSIC FUND.
---------0-----------
TO BE A VOTER IS A CIVIC RIGHT
*****
THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PO PUI-LEONG, TODAY (SATURDAY) APPEALED TO RESIDENTS TO EXERCISE THEIR CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY BY REGISTERING AS A VOTER.
BY DOING SO, THEY CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE FORTHCOMING ELECTIONS TO ELECT THE CANDIDATE OF THEIR CHOICE TO REPRESENT THEIR CONSTITUENCY, HE SAID AT A ”TA CHIU” CEREMONY ('UM VOTER-REG ISTRATION DRIVE AT KO LAU WAN VILLAGE.
MR PO ALSO REMINDED ELIGIBLE VOTERS, ESPECIALLY YOUNG PEOPLE, TO TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO REGISTER BEFORE JULY I.
SO FAR, THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE HAS RECEIVED 28,600 COMPLETED REGISTRATION FORMS.
/8 ........
SATURDAY, JUNE 18, 1994
- 8 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT I , 478 0930 -530
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 968 1000 -530
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO • 1100 -530
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -530 1130 -530
LAF TODAY + 20 1 500
1600
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TW1 124.1 ♦-0.3* 18.6.94
--------0-----------
/9 ........
SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 1994
- 9 -
46 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED
*****
THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT APPROVED 46 NEW BUILDING PLANS IN MARCH THIS YEAR. 9
OF THE PLANS, 15 ARE FOR HONG KONG ISLAND, SEVEN FOR KOWLOON AND 24 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE APPROVED PLANS INCLUDE 16 FOR APARTMENT AND APARTMENT/COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS, SEVEN FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS AND 12 FOR FACTORY AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTS.
IN THE SAME MONTH, CONSENT WAS GIVEN FOR WORK TO START ON 43 BUILDING PROJECTS, WHICH INVOLVE 161,768 SQUARE METRES OF USABLE DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA AND 126,905 SQUARE METRES OF USABLE NON-DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA.
THE DECLARED COST OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED IN THE MONTH TOTALLED ABOUT $2,386 MILLION.
OF THE BUILDINGS CERTIFIED FOR OCCUPATION IN THE MONTH, USABLE FLOOR AREAS FOR DOMESTIC AND NON-DOMESTIC USES ARE 154,873 SQUARE METRES AND 112,265 SQUARE METRES RESPECTIVELY.
IN THE SAME MONTH, THE DEPARTMENT ISSUED 39 OCCUPATION PERMITS - 11 FOR HONG KONG ISLAND, SEVEN FOR KOWLOON AND 21 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
IN ADDITION, 30 DEMOLITION CONSENTS INVOLVING 74 BUILDINGS WERE ISSUED.
THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT’S CONTROL AND ENFORCEMENT DIVISION RECEIVED 626 COMPLAINTS OF UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS, CARRIED OUT 1,748 INSPECTIONS AND ISSUED 435 REMOVAL ORDERS ON THE UNAUTHORISED WORKS.
THE DEPARTMENT’S DANGEROUS BUILDINGS SECTION ALSO INSPECTED 1,031 BUILDINGS AND OBTAINED NO EMERGENCY CLOSURE ORDERS FROM THE COURT.
---------0------------
TEACHERS URGED TO VOTE IN COUNCIL BY-ELECTION *****
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) APPEALED TO ELIGIBLE PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS TO CAST THEIR VOTES IN THE BY-ELECTION FOR A SEAT IN THE COUNCIL ON PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT IN EDUCATION (CPCE) ON JUNE 28 (TUESDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED THAT THE BY-ELECTION WAS ORGANISED TO FILL A SEAT FOR THE GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS CATEGORY IN THE COUNCIL FOLLOWING THE WITHDRAWAL OF THE SOLE CANDIDATE.
/AS A ........
SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 1994
- 10 -
AS A RESULT OF THE WITHDRAWAL, THE DEPARTMENT HAD TO CONDUCT A SECOND ROUND OF NOMINATION, HE SAID.
AT THE END OF THE •NOMINATION PERIOD, THE DEPARTMENT HAD RECEIVED A NOMINATION FOR MR HO KWOK-SUEN IN THE IATEGORA, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
MR HO IS THE VICE-PRINCIPAL OF HENNESSV ROAD GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL (PM SESSION).
THE SPOKESMAN SAID SINCE MR HO WAS THE ONLY CANDIDATE IN THE BY-ELECTION, HE MUST RECEIVE A MINIMUM OF 500 VOTES IN ORDER TO BE ELECTED TO THE COUNCIL.
HE REMINDED ALL FULL-TIME REGISTERED AND FULL-TIME PERMITTED TEACHERS, PRINCIPALS AND HEAD TEACHERS OF ALL GOVERNMENT, AIDED, PRIVATE AND THE ENGLISH SCHOOLS FOUNDATION SCHOOLS TO EXERCISE THEIR RIGHT TO VOTE.
’’TEMPORARY TEACHERS WHO HAVE REGISTERED WITH THE DEPARTMENT AND ARE EMPLOYED ON A FULL-TIME MONTHLY BASIS CAN ALSO CAST THEIR VOTES.”
HE SAID: ”1N ORDER TO MAKE THE BY-ELECTION SUCCESSFUL, ALL ELIGIBLE TEACHERS ARE URGED TO SHOW THEIR SUPPORT BY CASTING THEIR VOTE ON JUNE 28.”
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 TO ADVISE THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION IN CASES OF DISPUTES OR ON ALLEGED PROFESSIONAL MISCONDUCT.
--------0-----------
FAMILY AND CHILD SERVICE UNITS TO HOLD OPEN DAY
*****
ABOUT 50 SERVICE UNITS OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WILL BE SHOWING THEIR OFFICE IN ITS BEST SHAPE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC LATER THIS MONTH.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE AWARD-PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF AN OFFICE COMPETITION OF THE FAMILY AND CHILD WELFARE SERVICES UNITS, THEY WOULD HOLD AN OPEN DAY THIS COMING SATURDAY (JUNE 25).
"IT WILL PROVIDE THE GENERAL PUBLIC WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO STEP OVER THE THRESHOLDS OF THESE UNITS AND TO GET TO KNOW THE SERVICES BETTER.
"THIS WILL BUILD UP A RAPPORT BETWEEN THE PROFESSIONAL SOCIAL WORKERS AND THE SERVICE USERS,” HE SAID.
/A TOTAL ......
9
SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 1994
- 11 -
A TOTAL OF 30 FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES, FOUR CHILD WELFARE SERVICE UNITS (ADOPTION UNIT, CENTRAL FOSTER CARE UNIT, CHILD CUSTODY SERVICES UNIT AND CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICE UNIT) AND 19 FAMILY ACTIVITY AND RESOURCE CENTRES WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE OPEN DAY.
INVITATIONS ARE BEING EXTENDED TO THE CUSTOMERS OF THE DEPARTMENT AND LOCAL RESIDENTS TO VISIT THESE UNITS FROM 9 AM TO 3 PM ON JUNE 25.
"WE WILL PLACE A NEWSPAPER ADVERTISEMENT ON JUNE 24 AND 25 TO GIVE MORE DETAILS OF THE OPEN DAY AND TO ENCOURAGE MORE VISITS FROM THE GENERAL PUBLIC," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
HE SAID THE OFFICE COMPETITION WAS ONE OF THE ACTIVITIES HELD BY THE DEPARTMENT IN SUPPORT OF EVENTS ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE FAMILY (IYF) 1994 .
THE EVENTS ARE HELD IN RESPONSE TO THE CALL OF THE UNITED NATIONS TO CELEBRATE IYF ALL OVER THE WORLD.
HE SAID THE OBJECTIVE OF THE OFFICE COMPETITION WAS TO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR STAFF MEMBERS TO IMPROVE THEIR OFFICE CONDITIONS AND TO CREATE A MORE USER-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT FOR THEIR CUSTOMERS.
"THE OFFICE WILL BE MORE ORGANISED AND EQUIPPED FOR MAXIMUM EFFECTIVENESS IN SERVICE DELIVERY, AND SATISFACTION AMONG CUSTOMERS," HE ADDED.
THE THREE ADJUDICATORS FOR THE FINAL SELECTION HELD ON MAY 17 AND JUNE 3 WERE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE (FAMILY AND CHILD WELFARE), MRS PATRICIA CHU; CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF CONSUMER COUNCIL, MRS PAMELA CHAN; AND PROFESSOR NELSON CHOW OF THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK AND SOCIAL ADMINISTRATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
IN SELECTING THE WINNING UNIT, THE ADJUDICATORS PAID SPECIAL ATTENTION TO THE MAXIMUM USE OF PREMISES, TIDINESS AND CLEANLINESS, DECORATION AND DESIGN, DISPLAY OF INFORMATION AND USER-FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE FAMILY ACTIVITY AND RESOURCE CENTRES, ONE OF THE TWO GROUPS IN THE COMPETITION, WAS A NEW FACILITY SPECIALLY DESIGNED TO HELP FAMILIES DEVELOP AND BETTER COPE WITH THE CHANGING WORLD.
"THE OBJECTIVES OF THE SERVICE ARE TO PROVIDE A FOCAL POINT FOR DROP-IN AND MUTUAL SUPPORT TO PROMOTE HARMONIOUS FAMILY RELATIONSHIP, EARLY IDENTIFICATION OF PROBLEMS AND REFERRAL FOR IN-DEPTH COUNSELLING SO AS TO HELP INDIVIDUALS PLAY THEIR ROLES IN THE FAMILY MORE EFFECTIVELY," HE SAID.
THE FIRST OF THE FAMILY ACTIVITY AND RESOURCE CENTRES WAS OPENED IN APRIL THIS YEAR.
------0-----------
/12........
SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 1994
- 12 -
$2M DONATION FOR SCHOOL EXTENSION PROJECT *****
THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB HAS OFFERED THE SOCIETY OF BOYS’ CENTRES - CHAK YAN CENTRE SCHOOL A GRANT OF $2 MILLION FOR BUILDING AN ADDITIONAL FLOOR TO THE ANNEXE OF ITS SCHOOL PREMISES.
THE ADDITIONAL FLOOR WILL HOUSE THREE CLASSROOMS, AN ART AND DESIGN ROOM AND AN INTERVIEW ROOM.
THE SCHOOL IS A SPECIAL SCHOOL FOR BOYS WITH BEHAVIOURAL AND EMOTIONAL PROBLEMS. MOST OF ITS STUDENTS EITHER COME FROM BROKEN FAM[LIES OR ARE IN LACK OF PROPER PARENTAL CARE AND GUIDANCE.
ESTABLISHED IN 1974, IT OPERATES 11 PRIMARY AND SEVEN SECONDARY CLASSES. TO ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF ITS EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES, THE SCHOOL PLANNED TO EXTEND ITS PREMISES AND TO IMPROVE ITS FACILITIES.
THE PLAN CAN NOW GO AHEAD WITH THE DONATION FROM THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB.
THE PROJECT WILL TAKE TWO YEARS TO COMPLETE.
THE SCHOOL IS RUN BY THE SOCIETY OF BOYS’ CENTRES WHICH OPERATES THREE,SPECIAL SCHOOLS WITH AN AIM TO PROVIDING A BASIC FORMAL EDUCATION AND SOUND MORAL TRAINING TO BOYS AGED BETWEEN EIGHT AND 18.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, JUNE 20, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HK STANDS READY TO HELP IN CHINA FLOODS.................... 1
INDUSTRY DIRECTOR VISITS EUROPE............................ 1
SWEATER IMPORTS “NO INJURY” FINDINGS AFFIRMED.............. 2
VALUE OF MANUFACTURERS’ ORDERS-ON-HAND IN APRIL............ 3
THIRD PUBLIC HEARING ABOUT TV LICENCES..................... 4
WARNING ON DISMISSAL OF PREGNANT EMPLOYEES................. 5
SCHOOLS POSITIVE ABOUT JOINING MANAGEMENT INITIATIVE SCHEME................................................... 6
WESTERN WHOLESALE FOOD MARKET PHASE II OPENS TOMORROW... 8
WATER STORAGE FIGURE....................................... 9
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .... 9
MONDAY, JUNE 20, 1994
1
HK STANDS READY TO HELP IN CHINA FLOODS » * * * *
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAS MADE CLEAR TO CHINA THAT IT STANDS READY TO PROVIDE WHATEVER ASSISTANCE IT CAN IN THE DEVASTATING FLOODS IN CHINA, THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF MEDECINS SANS FRONTIERES’ OFFICE IN HONG KONG, MR PATTEN SAID THE RELIEF AGENCY WAS ALREADY IN TOUCH WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES TO SEE WHAT THEY COULD DO.
"THE DEVASTATING FLOODS IN CHINA HAVE SHOCKED EVERYBODY IN HONG KONG.
"WE EXTEND OUR SYMPATHY AT THE LARGE LOSS OF LIFE WHICH THOSE FLOODS HAVE ALREADY CAUSED," THE GOVERNOR SAID.
HE NOTED THAT A DISASTER RELIEF FUND HAD BEEN SET UP RECENTLY IN HONG KONG. , t •
"I UNDERSTAND THAT YOU WILL SOON BE IN TOUCH WITH MY OFFICIALS TO TALK ABOUT HOW WE MIGHT BE ABLE TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL HELP TO YOU AND TO OTHERS IN THIS INSTANCE, AS WELL AS ELSEWHERE IN THE FUTURE,” MR PATTEN ADDED.
WELCOMING THE ORGANISATION TO SET UP AN OFFICE IN HONG KONG, THE GOVERNOR SAID THE COMMUNITY HAD MORE THAN JUST CASH TO OFFER.
"WE HAVE A WEALTH OF SKILLED AND TALENTED PEOPLE, AND MANY HIGHLY TRAINED DOCTORS AND NURSES - SOME OF THE VERY BEST IN THE WORLD," HE SAID.
_ - - - 0------
INDUSTRY DIRECTOR VISITS EUROPE * » » » »
THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MISS DENISE YUE, WILL LEAVE HONG KONG TONIGHT (MONDAY) FOR A FOUR-DAY VISIT TO GERMANY, FRANCE AND ITALY AS PART OF THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT’S ONGOING CAMPAIGN TO ATTRACT OVERSEAS INDUSTRIALISTS TO INVEST IN HONG KONG.
MISS YUE WILL FIRST GO TO FRANKFURT WHERE SHE WILL MEET GERMAN BUSINESS AND COMMERCIAL LEADERS AND DISCUSS WITH THEM THE CURRENT STATE OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMY AND MANUFACTURING INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN THE TERRITORY. M "J ' 1
SHE WILL LEAVE FRANKFURT ON JUNE 22 FOR PARIS WHERE SHE WILL ADDRESS A SPECIAL SEMINAR ON "HONG KONG’S OPPORTUNITIES FOR FRENCH MANUFACTURERS".
ON JUNE 23 SHE WILL TRAVEL TO MILAN WHERE SHE WILL ADDRESS THE HONG KONG - ITALY BUSINESS ASSOCIATION.
MISS YUE’S ITINERARY INCLUDES A NUMBER OF VISITS TO LEADING EUROPEAN MANUFACTURERS AS WELL AS MEETINGS WITH GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS RESPONSIBLE FOR INDUSTRY MATTERS. ----------------------------------0--------
/2......
MONDAY, JUNE 20, 1994
- 2 -
SWEATER IMPORTS "NO INJURY" FINDINGS AFFIRMED *****
A TRADE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL TODAY (MONDAY) DESCRIBED AS "EXCELLENT NEWS FOR HONG KONG" THE RULING MADE LAST WEEK BY THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE FEDERAL CIRCUIT (CAFC) CONCERNING IMPORTS OF MAN-MADE FIBRE SWEATERS FROM HONG KONG.
THE RULING AFFIRMS THE EARLIER DECISION OF THE U.S. COURT OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE (CIT) TO UPHOLD THE U.S. INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION (ITC) DETERMINATION THAT IMPORTS OF MAN-MADE FIBRE SWEATERS FROM HONG KONG, SOUTH KOREA AND TAIWAN DID NOT INJURE THE U.S. SWEATERS INDUSTRY.
"THE RESULT REFLECTS THE CONCERTED EFFORTS MADE BY THE HONG KONG SWEATER INDUSTRY AND THE GOVERNMENT TO DEFEND HONG KONG’S TRADE INTEREST," SAID DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR THOMAS YIU.
"HOWEVER, IT REMAINS TO BE SEEN IF THE PETITIONER, NATIONAL KNITWEAR AND SPORTSWEAR ASSOCIATION, WILL PURSUE THE CASE FURTHER, FOR EXAMPLE, BY FILING A PETITION URGING THE SUPREME COURT TO HEAR THE CASE. SUCH A MOVE MAY DELAY THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE CAFC RULING," HE SAID.
MR YIU SAID SHOULD THE ASSOCIATION DECIDE NOT TO PURSUE THROUGH LEGAL ACTION, THE CAFC RULING WOULD LEAD TO THE REVOCATION OF THE ANTI-DUMPING DUTY ORDER, WHICH HAD BEEN IN PLACE SINCE 1990.
"THE TRADE DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR DEVELOPMENTS AND WORK CLOSELY WITH THE INDUSTRY," HE SAID.
IN SEPTEMBER 1990, BASED ON AN ITC FINDING THAT THE U.S. DOMESTIC INDUSTRY WAS INJURED BY DUMPED IMPORTS, THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE ISSUED AN ANTI-DUMPING DUTY ORDER REQUIRING U.S. IMPORTERS OF MAN-MADE FIBRE SWEATERS FROM HONG KONG TO PAY ANTI-DUMPING DUTY AT A RATE OF 5.86 PER CENT.
IN JULY 1992, THE CIT HANDED DOWN A RULING ON THE CONSOLIDATED APPEALS BROUGHT BY HONG KONG, TAIWAN AND SOUTH KOREA COMPANIES THAT THE ITC INJURY DETERMINATION WAS "NOT SUPPORTED BY SUBSTANTIAL EVIDENCE OR OTHERWISE NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW".
THE ITC WAS MANDATED TO REVIEW THE INJURY DETERMINATION. SUBSEQUENTLY, IT REPORTED A "NO INJURY" DETERMINATION TO CIT IN NOVEMBER 1992. CIT UPHELD THIS "NO INJURY" DETERMINATION IN AUGUST 1993.
NATIONAL KNITWEAR AND SPORTSWEAR ASSOCIATION FILED AN APPEAL AGAINST THE CIT DECISION WITH CAFC IN OCTOBER 1993. THE CAFC AFFIRMED CIT’S DECISION ON JUNE 15 THIS YEAR.
- - 0---------
/3 ........
MONDAY, JUNE 20, 1994
3
VALUE OF MANUFACTURERS’ ORDERS-ON-HAND IN APRIL
» * » » t
THE VALUE OF MANUFACTURERS’ ORDERS-ON-HAND FOR LOCAL PRODUCTION IN APRIL 1994 RETURNED TO A SMALL POSITIVE INCREASE OF 2% OVER A YEAR EARLIER, AFTER HAVING DECLINED IN THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR.
THIS IS PART OF THE PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF A MONTHLY SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (MONDAY) 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 APRIL 1994 WITH APRIL 1993, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF OUTSTANDING ORDERS WERE RECORDED IN THE ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY (+18%) AND THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY (+15%). MODERATE INCREASE IN ORDERS WAS RECORDED IN THE TEXTILES INDUSTRY (+6%).
ON THE OTHER HAND, SIGNIFICANT DECREASE IN ORDERS WAS RECORDED IN THE WEARING APPAREL INDUSTRY (-17%). THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY AND THE PRINTING AND PUBLISHING INDUSTRY RECORDED SMALL DECREASES IN ORDERS ( -2% AND -1% RESPECTIVELY). ORDERS IN THE ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE.
COMPARED WITH MARCH 1994, AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON MAY BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS. THE VALUE OF MANUFACTURERS’ ORDERS-ON-HAND IN APRIL 1994 INCREASED BY 7%.
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 WAS EXPRESSED IN TERMS OF NUMBER OF MONTHS TO COMPLETE THE OUTSTANDING ORDERS.
THE NEW STATISTICAL SERIES PROVIDES A MORE DIRECT MEASURE OF THE OVERALL VALUE OF ORDERS IN THE LOCAL MANUFACTURING SECTOR THAT LEAD TO THE GENERATION OF LOCAL MANUFACTURING OUTPUT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT POINTED OUT THAT CAUTION SHOULD BE EXERCISED IN INTERPRETING THE MANUFACTURERS’ ORDERS-ON-HAND FIGURES IN A SINGLE MONTH.
INSTEAD, THE TREND MOVEMENT OF THE SERIES AS DISPLAYED OVER A WIDER SPAN OF TIME POINTS SHOULD BE LOOKED AT.
/THE SURVEY .......
MONDAY, JUNE 20, 1994
- 4 -
THE SURVEY REPORT FOR APRIL 1994, AT $4.5 A COPY, IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AND AT THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS SECTION, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI 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
MARCH 1994 OVER MARCH 1993 APRIL 1994 OVER APRIL 1993
ALL INDUSTRIES COVERED IN THE SURVEY (REVISED) -3 (PROVISIONAL) + 2
• WEARING APPAREL -18 -17
• TEXTILES -6 + 6
• ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS + 17 + 18
• ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS + 5 *
• FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS -4 + 15
• PLASTIC PRODUCTS -12 -2
• PRINTING AND PUBLISHING -7 -1
* CHANGES WITHIN +/- 0.5% -------------------------0--------
THIRD PUBLIC HEARING ABOUT TV LICENCES
*****
THE THIRD PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE MID-TERM REVIEW OF THE ATV AND TVB LICENCES WILL BE HELD IN THE SHATIN TOWN HALL CULTURAL ACTIVITIES HALL IN THE NEW TERRITORIES ON WEDNESDAY (JUNE 22).
THE SESSION WILL START AT 6.30 PM AND LAST UNTIL 9.30 PM.
ADMITTANCE WILL BE ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS.
/A SPOKESMAN .......
MONDAY, JUNE 20, 1994
- 5 -
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY (BA) SAID: ’’MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE INVITED TO COMMENT ON A RANGE OF TOPICS COVERING THE PROGRAMMES AND ADVERTISEMENTS BROADCAST ON ATV AND TVB.”
THE LICENCES FOR BOTH TELEVISION STATOINS WERE RENEWED FOR A TERM OF 12 YEARS EXPIRING IN DECEMBER 2000. EACH LICENCE CARRIES A CONDITION THAT IT IS SUBJECT TO RENEWAL BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL NOT BEFORE DECEMBER 1, 1994.
THE BA WILL SEEK THE VIEWS OF THE PUBLIC ON WHAT HAS BEEN BROADCAST OVER THE PAST FIVE OR SIX YEARS. THIS WILL HELP THE BA DETERMINE WHETHER ANY CHANGES TO THE REGULATORY SYSTEM FOR COMMERCIAL BROADCASTING IS REQUIRED.
PAMPHLETS GIVING DETAILS OF THE PUBLIC HEARINGS ARE AVAILABLE FROM DISTRICT OFFICES.
ENQUIRIES ON THE PUBLIC HEARING CAN BE MADE ON TEL 594 5792.
--------0-----------
WARNING ON DISMISSAL OF PREGNANT EMPLOYEES
» * * t »
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS VERY CONCERNED ABOUT CASES INVOLVING DISMISSAL OF PREGNANT EMPLOYEES AND WILL STEP UP PROSECUTION AGAINST EMPLOYERS WHO BREACH EMPLOYMENT LAWS.
THE WARNING WAS PUBLISHED IN THE 33RD EDITION OF THE LABOUR RELATIONS NEWSLETTER RECENTLY PRODUCED BY THE LABOUR RELATIONS PROMOTION UNIT (LRPU).
IN A FRONT-PAGE ARTICLE, THE DEPARTMENT REMINDED ALL EMPLOYERS TO OBSERVE THE PROVISIONS OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE (EO).
IN HONG KONG, THE HISTORY OF PROTECTING EMPLOYEES FROM BEING DISMISSED WHEN THEY ARE PREGNANT CAN BE TRACED BACK TO 1967.
IN THAT YEAR, A WORKING PARTY ON SOCIAL SECURITY ADVOCATED THAT THE PROTECTION FROM LOSING EMPLOYMENT DUE TO PREGNANCY WAS A SUBJECT OF IMMEDIATE IMPORTANCE.
WITH THE ENACTMENT OF THE EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1970 IN JANUARY 1970, PREGNANT EMPLOYEES HAVE BEEN ENJOYING EMPLOYMENT PROTECTION BY LAW.
THE LAW PROVIDES THAT WHEN A PREGNANT EMPLOYEE WHO IS ENTITLED TO MATERNITY LEAVE HAS COMPLETED 12 WEEKS’ SERVICE WITH HER EMPLOYER AND HAS SERVED NOTICE OF HER INTENTION TO TAKE MATERNITY LEAVE WILL ENJOY EMPLOYMENT PROTECTION.
ONCE THE NOTICE IS SERVED, THE EMPLOYER IS PROHIBITED FROM TERMINATING THE CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT, OTHERWISE THE EMPLOYER HAS TO PAY WAGES IN LIEU OF NOTICE, MATERNITY LEAVE PAY AND A SUM EQUIVALENT TO SEVEN DAYS’ WAGES.
/IN ADDITION .......
MONDAY, JUNE 20, 1994
6
IN ADDITION TO MONETARY COMPENSATION, THE EMPLOYER HAS ALSO COMMITTED AN OFFENCE, THE MAXIMUM FINE OF WHICH IS $10,000.
THE SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER-IN-CHARGE OF THE LRPU, MR HO HONG-WAI, SAID COPIES OF A LEAFLET EXPLAINING THE MATERNITY PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE IN SIMPLE TERMS WERE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION AT ALL PUBLIC HOSPITALS, MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CENTRES AND THE 11 OFFICES OF THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
’’THE LEAFLET WILL FACILITATE FEMALE EMPLOYEES SEEKING MATERNITY PROTECTION TO UNDERSTAND MORE ABOUT THEIR STATUTORY RIGHTS AND BENEFITS,” HE SAID.
THE LEAFLET IS ATTACHED WITH A STANDARD FORM OF NOTICE SPECIFYING THE EXPECTED DATE OF CONFINEMENT AND THE DATE ON WHICH THE MATERNITY LEAVE IS TO COMMENCE. THE STANDARD FORM SERVES TO HELP PREGNANT EMPLOYEES COMPLY WITH THEIR OBLIGATION UNDER THE LAW.
ALSO PUBLISHED IN THE NEWSLETTER IS AN ARTICLE ON "LABOUR RELATIONS" WITHIN THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD BY BOARD MEMBER MR CHEUNG LUN.
THE DEPARTMENT’S OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH DIVISION EXPLAINED IN A LENGTHY STORY WHY OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES SHOULD BE REPORTED TO THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
COURT RESULTS OF TWO LABOUR TRIBUNAL APPEAL CASES, ONE ON THE DEFINITION OF WAGES AND THE OTHER ON CONSTRUCTIVE DISMISSAL, WERE ALSO INCLUDED IN THE PUBLICATION AS REFERENCE MATERIAL FOR EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES.
MORE THAN 25,000 COPIES OF THE NEWSLETTER WERE PRINTED FOR FREE DISTRIBUTION TO COMPANIES EMPLOYING 20 OR MORE WORKERS, EMPLOYERS’ ASSOCIATIONS AND REGISTERED TRADE UNIONS IN THE TERRITORY.
EMPLOYERS AND OTHER PARTIES INTERESTED IN RECEIVING THE NEWSLETTER MAY FAX THEIR REQUEST TO 854 4723 OR WRITE TO THE LABOUR RELATIONS PROMOTION UNIT, LABOUR DEPARTMENT, P.O. BOX 25114, HARBOUR BUILDING POST OFFICE, HONG KONG.
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SCHOOLS POSITIVE ABOUT JOINING MANAGEMENT INITIATIVE SCHEME * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
PRINCIPALS, TEACHERS AND PARENTS OF SCHOOLS UNDER THE SCHOOL MANAGEMENT INITIATIVE (SMI) SCHEME WERE POSITIVE ABOUT JOINING THE SCHEME, SAYING THAT THEIR SCHOOL HAD MADE "AN APPROPRIATE CHOICE”.
THIS WAS REVEALED BY AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SURVEY OF SCHOOLS THAT PARTICIPATED IN THE FIRST PHASE OF THE SCHEME.
THE SURVEY WAS CONDUCTED IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR TO EXAMINE HOW FAR THE AIMS OF THE SCHEME HAD BEEN ACHIEVED, THE PRACTICAL DIFFICULTIES EXPERIENCED BY SCHOOLS, AND TO ANALYSE THEIR RESPONSES TO THE CHANGES IN GREATER DEPTH.
/ON THE ........
MONDAY, JUNE 20, 1994
ON THE WHOLE, RESPONDENTS INCLUDING SCHOOL SUPERVISORS, PRINCIPALS, TEACHERS, PARENTS AND PAST STUDENTS CONSIDERED THAT JOINING THE SCHEME WAS AN APPROPRIATE CHOICE FOR THEIR SCHOOL.
ANNOUNCING THE RESULTS OF THE SURVEY TODAY (MONDAY), THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (SCHOOLS), MR S M TSUI, SAID THE OVERALL RESULTS OF THE SURVEY WERE ENCOURAGING.
RESPONDENTS HAD MADE TANGIBLE PROGRESS IN SETTING UP A NEW MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK IN THEIR SCHOOLS.
MR TSUI NOTED THAT ALL PHASE ONE SCHOOLS HAD RESTRUCTURED THEIR SCHOOL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES AND MANY HAD INCLUDED THEIR PRINCIPALS AND TEACHERS INTO THE COMMITTEE.
ALL OF THESE SCHOOLS HAD DRAWN UP THEIR ANNUAL SCHOOL PLAN IN WHICH SCHOOLS FORMULATED THEIR MISSION AND GOALS. MORE THAN 90 PER CENT OF THEM HAD STARTED IMPLEMENTING A FORMAL STAFF APPRAISAL SYSTEM.
IT WAS FOUND THAT EVERY PHASE ONE SCHOOL HAD DEVELOPED A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF SCHOOL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES. SCHOOLS IN GENERAL COULD HANDLE THE DEVOLVED RESPONSIBILITIES PROPERLY.
MR TSUI WAS GLAD THAT THE SMI SCHEME WAS GENERALLY ACCEPTED BY PHASE ONE SCHOOLS AS A MEANS TO IMPROVE THE MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE OF SCHOOLS AND TO ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION.
THE SURVEY IDENTIFIED A NUMBER OF DIFFICULTIES IN IMPLEMENTING THE SCHEME.
THESE INCLUDE TEACHERS’ NEED FOR MORE TIME TO ADAPT TO THE SCHEME; THE HUGE DEMAND ON LEADERSHIP SKILLS IN MIDDLE MANAGEMENT; AND WORRIES THAT IT WOULD NOT BE EASY TO SET UP A PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATION.
AT A MEETING LAST WEEK, THE SMI ADVISORY COMMITTEE ENDORSED THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY RESPONDENTS ON THE FUTURE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SMI SCHEME:
* SMI SCHOOLS SHOULD BE ADVISED TO DRAW UP REALISTIC WORK PLANS FOR PREPARATION OF THE ANNUAL SCHOOL PLAN OR SCHOOL POLICY AND PROCEDURE MANUAL SO AS TO AVOID OVERLOADING TEACHERS. THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SHOULD SET UP A RESOURCE CENTRE FOR KEEPING REFERENCE/TRAINING MATERIALS AND PROVIDE LOAN SERVICES TO SCHOOLS.
* MORE TIME SHOULD BE GIVEN TO NEW SMI SCHOOLS TO DEVELOP THEIR STAFF APPRAISAL SYSTEM AND TO CULTIVATE THE CONCEPTS OF ASSESSMENT OF TEACHERS’ PERFORMANCE AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AMONG TEACHERS.
♦ THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SHOULD ASSIST SCHOOLS IN ORGANISING SCHOOL-BASED TRAINING FOR STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAYS. IT SHOULD PROVIDE MORE TRAINING FOR SENIOR TEACHERS AND SCHOOL HEADS ON LEADERSHIP AND DEVELOP MORE SCHOOL-BASED MANAGEMENT TRAINING PACKAGES/MATERIALS FOR SMI SCHOOLS.
/* SCHOOLS SHOULD ........
MONDAY, JUNE 20, 1994
- 8 -
* SCHOOLS SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO DEVELOP CLOSE LINKS WITH THE HOME-SCHOOL CO-OPERATION UNIT OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT. THE CONCEPT OF ENCOURAGING ALUMNI TO CARE FOR AND CONTRIBUTE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THEIR ALMA MATER SHOULD BE FOSTERED.
♦ AN "SMI INDICATOR” SHOULD BE ADDED TO THE SCHOOL LIST IN THE SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES ALLOCATION SYSTEM TO IDENTIFY THE SCHOOLS UNDER THE SMI SCHEME. SMI SCHOOLS SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO PUBLISH PROSPECTUSES OR INFORMATION LEAFLETS TO BE DISTRIBUTED TO PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS. PUBLICITY SHOULD CONTINUE TO PROMOTE THE IDEA OF SMI AMONG NON-SMI SCHOOLS.
* THERE SHOULD BE STRONGER SUPPORT FROM DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICERS, SUBJECT INSPECTORS AND OFFICERS OF THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE.
MR TSUI SAID THE DEPARTMENT WOULD CAREFULLY CONSIDER ALL RECOMMENDATIONS.
THE SMI SCHEME WAS INTRODUCED IN 1991 TO ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION BY GIVING GREATER FLEXIBILITY TO THE MANAGEMENT OF SCHOOL FINANCES AND AFFAIRS AND ENCOURAGE THE PARTICIPATION OF TEACHERS, PARENTS, STUDENTS AND PAST STUDENTS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THE SCHOOL.
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WESTERN WHOLESALE FOOD MARKET PHASE II OPENS TOMORROW
*****
THE SECOND PHASE OF THE WESTERN WHOLESALE FOOD MARKET WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED TOMORROW (TUESDAY), MARKING THE COMPLETION OF THIS MODERN WHOLESALE FOOD MARKET IN THE SOUTH EAST ASIAN REGION.
OCCUPYING AN AREA OF 6.2 HECTARES, THE MARKET WILL BRING FIVE WHOLESALE TRADES, NAMELY FRUIT, VEGETABLES, POULTRY, FRESHWATER FISH AND EGGS TOGETHER UNDER ONE ROOF.
OFFICIATING AT TOMORROW’S OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR MR ERIC LI AND THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND YOUR REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE WESTERN WHOLESALE FOOD MARKET-PHASE II TO BE HELD TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT 10.45 AM AT THE MARKET LOCATED AT 8 FUNG MAT ROAD, WESTERN RECLAMATION, SAI YING PUN, HONG KONG.
- - 0----------
/9 ........
MONDAY, JUNE 20, 1994
9
WATER STORAGE FIGURE *****
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 68.6 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 402.249 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 403.053 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 68.8 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
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HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
CUMULATIVE TIME CHANGE
$ MILLION (HOURS) ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 968 0930 +90
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1,447 1000 1100 + 90 + 280
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY LAF TODAY + 479 NIL 1200 1500 1600 + 279 + 279 + 479
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER HONG KONG MONETARY TWI 124.0 »-0.1» AUTHORITY 20.6.94
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.95 17 MONTHS 2511 4.15 98.04 5.68
1 MONTH 3.97 23 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100.59 6.10
3 MONTHS 4.20 28 MONTHS 3610 4.20 95.35 6.46
6 MONTHS 4.61 31 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.49 6.62
12 MONTHS 5.24 34 MONTHS TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS 3704 - 14,233 6.15 MN 98.76 6.74
CLOSED 20 JUNE 1994
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
MRS KATHERINE FOK APPOINTED SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE................................................. 1
GOVT WELCOMES AIRPORT COMMITTEE MEETING................. 2
CIVIL SERVICE PAY ADJUSTMENT............................ 2
GOVERNMENT DETERMINED TO SEE ORDER IN PROPERTY MARKET. 3
EXCO APPROVES CMB FARE RISE............................. 4
TAC BRIEFED ON FREIGHT TRANSPORT STUDIES................ 5
HK - A PERFECT PLACE TO DO BUSINESS WITH ASIA........... 6
CONSUMER PRICE INDICES FOR MAY 1994.................... 9
LATEST DRUG ABUSE FIGURES RELEASED..................... 15
PHASE H OF WESTERN WHOLESALE FOOD MARKET OPENS......... 16
POLLUTION CASES RELEASED............................... 17
TIME SCALE TO BE ADJUSTED.............................. 17
REMINDER ON TAXI DRIVER IDENTITY PLATE................. 18
CNTA STAFF COMMENDED FOR OUTSTANDING RELIEF WORK....... 19
FRESH WATER CUT IN TSUEN WAN........................... 20
AUCTION OF LUCKY CAR REGISTRATION MARKS................ 20
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS............ 21
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS . ..
22
TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 1994
MRS KATHERINE FOK APPOINTED SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE *****
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT MRS KATHERINE FOK LO SHIU-CHING, CURRENTLY COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, HAS BEEN APPOINTED SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE WITH EFFECT FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 1994.
SHE WILL SUCCEED MRS ELIZABETH WONG CHIEN CHI-LIEN, WHO HAS BEEN DIRECTED TO RETIRE IN THE INTEREST OF LOCALISATION.
MR LAM WOON-KWONG, CURRENTLY DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, WILL TAKE OVER AS COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR TOWARDS THE END OF 1994 .
BRIEF BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES ON THESE OFFICERS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
MRS ELIZABETH WONG CHIEN CHI-LIEN, CBE, ISO, JP
MRS WONG, 56, JOINED THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE IN 1969 AND ROSE TO HER PRESENT RANK OF SECRETARY IN 1991.
DURING THE EARLY YEARS OF HER CAREER, SHE HELD APPOINTMENTS IN SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, FINANCE BRANCH, THE FORMER MUSIC ADMINISTRATION OFFICE AND THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT.
FROM 1983 TO 1987, SHE WAS DEPUTY SECRETARY IN HOME AFFAIRS BRANCH, THE THEN LANDS AND WORKS BRANCH AND THE FORMER MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH.
SHE WAS DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE FROM 1987 TO 1990 WHEN SHE WAS APPOINTED TO HER PRESENT POST OF SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE.
MRS KATHERINE FOK LO SHTU-CHING, OBE, JP
MRS FOK, 52, JOINED THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE IN 1962 AND ROSE TO HER PRESENT RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE A IN 1993.
SHE SERVED IN A NUMBER OF DEPARTMENTS AND BRANCHES INCLUDING LABOUR DEPARTMENT, SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, FINANCE BRANCH, THE THEN HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT AND URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
SHE WAS SECRETARY GENERAL TO THE THEN OFFICE OF MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS (OMELCO) FROM 1988 TO 1991 AND SECRETARY GENERAL TO THE STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE FROM 1991 TO 1992, WHEN SHE TOOK UP HER PRESENT APPOINTMENT AS COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR.
/MR LAM WOON-KWONG, JP ........
TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 1994
2
MR LAM WOON-KWONG, JP
MR LAM, 43, JOINED THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE IN 1974 AND ROSE TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE Bl IN 1993.
DURING THE EARLY YEARS OF HIS CAREER, HE SERVED IN A VARIETY OF POSTS IN THE THEN NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND LATER THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, FINANCE BRANCH, THE THEN ENVIRONMENT BRANCH AND THE THEN UMELCO OFFICE.
ON RETURN FROM A TRAINING COURSE AT HARVARD UNIVERSITY IN 1987, HE WAS ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT TO THE CHIEF SECRETARY AND THEN DEPUTY DIRECTOR, REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
HE WAS DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE FROM 1991 TO 1993, WHEN HE TOOK UP HIS PRESENT APPOINTMENT AS DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER.
- - 0 - -
GOVT WELCOMES AIRPORT COMMITTEE MEETING *****
IN ANSWER TO MEDIA QUESTIONS ABOUT THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF AN AIRPORT COMMITTEE MEETING ON FRIDAY (JUNE 24), A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID:
"WE WELCOME THE ANNOUNCEMENT THAT A MEETING OF THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE IS TO BE HELD ON JUNE 24.
"WE HOPE THAT IT WILL BE POSSIBLE FOR US TO RESOLVE MATTERS CONCERNING THE FINANCING OF THE AIRPORT AND AIRPORT RAILWAY, SO THAT AGREEMENT CAN BE REACHED SOON."
- - 0 - -
CIVIL SERVICE PAY ADJUSTMENT *****
JUNIOR CIVIL SERVANTS (EARNING $31,570 AND BELOW) WILL RECEIVE A PAY RISE OF 9.89 PER CENT AND THEIR SENIOR COUNTERPARTS ($31,571 AND ABOVE) AN INCREASE OF 9.47 PER CENT.
THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL DECIDED TO MAINTAIN THE EARLIER PAY OFFER TO THE CIVIL SERVICE TODAY (TUESDAY) AFTER CAREFUL CONSIDERATION OF THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE STAFF SIDES OF THE CENTRAL CONSULTATIVE COUNCILS, OVERALL STAFF RESPONSE AND PUBLIC REACTION AT LARGE.
"IN DECIDING THE PAY ADJUSTMENT THIS YEAR, MEMBERS ARE FULLY
AWARE OF THE STAFF SIDES’ POSITION ON THE ISSUE AND RECOGNISE THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTAINING AN EFFICIENT AND MOTIVATED CIVIL SERVICE," THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR MICHAEL SZE, SAID.
/"THE PAY
TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 1994
3
’’THE PAY INCREASE IS FAIR AND REASONABLE. IT ENABLES ALL CIVIL SERVANTS TO ENJOY REAL GROWTH IN THEIR SALARIES,” MR SZE ADDED.
THE COST OF THE PAY ADJUSTMENT FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE AND SUBVENTED ORGANISATIONS IS ESTIMATED TO BE $6 BILLION IN 1994/95. SUBJECT TO THE PROVISION OF FUNDS BY FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, CIVIL SERVANTS WILL RECEIVE THE REVISED SALARIES, DATING BACK TO APRIL 1, AT THE END OF JULY.
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GOVERNMENT DETERMINED TO SEE ORDER IN PROPERTY MARKET *****
THE GOVERNMENT WILL NOT HESITATE ABOUT INTRODUCING PUNITIVE MEASURES IF EXCESSIVE SPECULATION AND EXPLOITATION IN THE PROPERTY MARKET RE-EMERGE, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
ADDRESSING A ROTARY PENINSULA CLUB LUNCHEON MEETING, MR EASON SAID NO ONE SHOULD UNDER-ESTIMATE THE GOVERNMENT’S DETERMINATION TO SEE MORE ORDER AND FAIRNESS IN THE PROPERTY MARKET.
’’THIS IS NO EMPTY THREAT. ALTHOUGH WE DO NOT, AT THIS STAGE, SEE THE NEED TO TAKE MORE DRASTIC ACTION, WE ARE PREPARED TO IF THE SITUATION WARRANTS IT,” HE SAID.
TO AVERT THE NEED FOR PUNITIVE MEASURES, MR EASON SAID, IT WILL REQUIRE THE CO-OPERATION OF ALL CONCERNED.
"SPECULATORS SHOULD STAY OUT OF THE PROPERTY MARKET; DEVELOPERS SHOULD EXERCISE CARE IN SETTING PRICE AND CO-OPERATE IN REDUCING OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPECULATION IN PRE-SALE FLATS.
’’BUYERS SHOULD AVOID RUSHING INTO THE MARKET PREMATURELY UNDER THE MISGUIDED BELIEF THAT PROPERTY PRICE WILL ALWAYS RISE; -AND ESTATE AGENTS SHOULD OFFER FAIR AND OBJECTIVE INFORMATION AND ADVICE TO POTENTIAL BUYERS,” HE SAID. •
MR EASON SAID SOME DEVELOPERS HAD TAKEN THE INITIATIVE TO REDUCE PRICE AND HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE TREND TO CONTINUE.
”WE HAVE SEEN PRICE REDUCTION OF AROUND 5 TO 20 PER CENT IN THE PRIMARY MARKET IN RECENT MONTHS.
’’PROFIT MARGINS SHOULD BE ABLE TO ACCEPT A FURTHER PRICE ADJUSTMENT DOWNWARD, AND THE COMMUNITY IS CLEARLY EXPECTING TO SEE THIS HAPPEN.
’’KEEPING PRICES UP COULD RISK BOTH A REDUCTION IN SALES AND A RESURGENCE OF COMMUNITY CONCERN WHICH MIGHT LEAD TO FURTHER PRESSURE FOR MORE GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION,” HE SAID.
MR EASON SAID THE ADMINISTRATION WOULD BE CAREFULLY MONITORING AND ASSESSING THE MARKET SITUATION, AND WISHED TO SEE A COOLING IN THE PROPERTY MARKET AS THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE TASK FORCE ON LAND SUPPLY AND PROPERTY PRICE ARE IMPLEMENTED.
/HE WAS ........
4
TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 1994
HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT THE COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH OF THE TASK FORCE WOULD PRODUCE THE DESIRED RESULT, AND HE REMAINED CONVINCED THAT THE LONG-TERM SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM OF SPIRALLING PROPERTY PRICE WAS TO INCREASE SUPPLY.
HOWEVER, HE POINTED OUT THAT IT WOULD TAKE TIME TO PRODUCE ADDITIONAL SUPPLY AND TO PUT IN PLACE ALL THE INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS WHICH WOULD ENABLE THE ADMINISTRATION TO RESPOND MORE EFFECTIVELY TO CHANGES IN THE MARKET SITUATION IN FUTURE.
"IF THE MARKET SHOULD BECOME OVER-HEATED AGAIN IN THE INTERIM, WE WILL HAVE NO HESITATION IN INTRODUCING MEASURES TO KEEP THE SITUATION TN CHECK," HE SAID.
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EXCO APPROVES CMB FARE RISE *****
THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL HAS APPROVED A FARE INCREASE BY A WEIGHTED AVERAGE OF 9.8 PER CENT FOR CHINA MOTOR BUS (CMB) WITH EFFECT FROM JULY 3.
THE APPROVED FARE INCREASE IS SUBSTANTIALLY LOWER THAN THE 19.1 PER CENT SOUGHT BY THE COMPANY IN ITS APPLICATION.
EXCLUDING THE INCREASE ’ FOR CROSS HARBOUR ROUTES WHICH HAS ALREADY BEEN INTRODUCED SINCE APRIL 1, CMB’S FARES FOR HONG KONG ISLAND ROUTES WILL ONLY GO UP BY A WEIGHTED AVERAGE OF 5.6 PER CENT.
UNDER THE NEW FARES SCALE, ABOUT 96 PER CENT OF THE PASSENGERS WILL ONLY PAY 10 TO 20 CENTS MORE PER TRIP.
A SUMMARY OF THE RATE OF INCREASE IN RESPECT OF INDIVIDUAL ROUTES IS:-
RANGE OF % INCREASE INCREASE IN MONEY TERMS
t 43 ROUTES FOR DAILY COMMUTERS 5.7% TO 9.5% 20 CENTS TO 30 CENTS
* 37 ROUTES FOR DAILY COMMUTERS 1 . 1% TO 5.6% 10 CENTS TO 20 CENTS
* 15 RECREATIONAL ROUTES 4.2% TO 19.1% 20 CENTS TO 80 CENTS
THE NEW FARES WILL ONLY INCREASE THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A)
MARGINALLY BY 0.03 PER CENT.
/CONCURRENT WITH
TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 1994
5
CONCURRENT WITH THE FARE RISE, CMB WOULD EXTEND ITS EXISTING ELDERLY CONCESSIONARY FARE SCHEME TO ALL ROUTES ON HONG KONG ISLAND ON A FULL-DAY BASIS. HOWEVER, THE CONCESSIONARY FARE WOULD NOT BE APPLICABLE TO CROSS HARBOUR ROUTES.
GOVERNMENT ACCEPTS THAT INCREASE IN CMB ’ S OPERATING COSTS IS MAINLY DUE TO INCREASE IN STAFF COSTS WHICH CONSTITUTES OVER 60 PER CENT OF TOTAL OPERATING COSTS.
BUT IN ASSESSING CMB ’ S OPERATING COSTS, THE GOVERNMENT HAS EXCLUDED CMB’S PROPOSED FURTHER PROVISION TO ITS CONTINGENCY FUND TO COVER THIRD PARTY INSURANCE CLAIMS.
THE MODEST FARE INCREASE APPROVED WILL ALLOW CMB TO ACHIEVE A REASONABLE RETURN FOR IT TO CONTINUE TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF ITS SERVICE.
------------------0-------- TAC BRIEFED ON FREIGHT TRANSPORT STUDIES ♦ ♦ ♦ » ♦
THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC) TODAY (TUESDAY) DISCUSSED THE REPORT OF THE FREIGHT TRANSPORT STUDY COMMISSIONED BY THE ADMINISTRATION TO IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY OF THE FREIGHT TRANSPORT INDUSTRY.
MEMBERS NOTED THAT THE REPORT CONTAINED A TOTAL OF 28 RECOMMENDATIONS TO BE IMPLEMENTED IN THREE STAGES TO TACKLE THE SIX MAJOR PROBLEM AREAS RELATING TO PARKING OF GOODS VEHICLES, STORAGE OF CONTAINERS, AND THE CONGESTION AT THE BORDER AND IN THE CONTAINER PORT AREAS.
THEY WERE TOLD THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONSULT THE INDUSTRY AND OTHER CONCERNED PARTIES BETWEEN JULY AND NOVEMBER ON THE FINDINGS OF THE STUDY BEFORE FINALISING THE FREIGHT TRANSPORT STRATEGY.
MEMBERS DECIDED THAT A WORKING GROUP SHOULD BE SET UP TO STUDY THE REPORT IN DEPTH BEFORE SUBMITTING ITS VIEWS FOR TAC’S CONSIDERATION.
AFTER THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION PERIOD, THE GOVERNMENT WILL FORMULATE ITS POLICIES AND STRATEGIES, TAKING DUE ADVICE FROM TAC, IN FREIGHT TRANSPORT DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT FOR THE NEXT 20 YEARS OR SO.
DURING TODAY’S MEETING, THE TAC WAS ALSO BRIEFED BY THE ADMINISTRATION ON THE RESULT OF ITS ASSESSMENT ON THE PERFORMANCE OF THE TWO RAILWAY CORPORATIONS AND THE FOUR FRANCHISED BUS COMPANIES IN 1993.
MEMBERS NOTED THAT THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION MAINTAINED AN EFFICIENT RAILWAY SERVICE IN 1993, WITH THE NUMBER OF PASSENGERS PER DAY INCREASED TO 2.13 MILLION FROM 2.06 MILLION IN 1992, AND THE MORNING PEAK FREQUENCY OF THE TSUEN WAN LINE IMPROVED TO 116 SECONDS FROM 120 SECONDS IN 1992.
/THE KOWLOON?CANTON .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 1994
6
THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION CONTINUED TO PROVIDE A GOOD AND RELIABLE SERVICE. THE NUMBER OE PASSENGERS PER DAY INCREASED FROM 0.54 MILLION IN 1992 TO 0.56 MILLION IN 1993.
DURING THE YEAR, 99.2 PER CENT OF ITS JOURNEYS ARRIVED WITHIN THREE MINUTES OF THE SCHEDULED TIME, A CONSIDERABLE IMPROVEMENT WHEN COMPARING WITH 95.3 PER CENT RECORDED IN THE YEAR BEFORE.
THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT ALSO MADE A NUMBER OF IMPROVEMENTS IN 1993 WHEN ITS SERVICE WAS EXTENDED TO TIN SHUI WAI AND 30 NEW LIGHT RAIL VEHICLES CAME INTO SERVICE. ITS PROGRAMME TO UPGRADE VEHICLE AIR-CONDITIONING WAS COMPLETED IN MARCH 1993.
ON BUS SERVICE, MEMBERS NOTED THAT THE KOWLOON MOTOR BUS’ SAFETY STANDARD WAS CONSISTENTLY GOOD, BUT PATRONAGE CONTINUED TO DECLINE IN 1993 MAINLY OWING TO KEEN COMPETITION FROM OTHER TRANSPORT MODES.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE NUMBER OF BUSES DEPLOYED HAD CONTINUED TO INCREASE OWING TO SERVICE IMPROVEMENT AND THE DIFFICULTIES IN RATIONALISING BUS ROUTES BECAUSE OF DISTRICT BOARD OBJECTIONS.
CHINA MOTOR BUS HAD IMPROVED ITS BUS AVAILABILITY AFTER 26 ROUTES WERE REMOVED FROM ITS FRANCHISED NETWORK IN SEPTEMBER 1993.
HOWEVER, LOST JOURNEYS WENT UP FROM 11.56 PER CENT IN 1992 TO 12.53 PER CENT IN 1993 OWING TO STAFF PROBLEM AND A GENERAL DEPLETION IN SERVICE BEFORE THE REMOVAL OF THE 26 ROUTES.
THE NEW LANTAO BUS COMPANY’S PERFORMANCE WAS CONSISTENTLY GOOD IN TERMS OF FLEET AVAILABILITY AND UTILISATION RATES • WHICH WERE MAINTAINED AT 103.9 PER CENT AND 84.1 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN 1993.
MEMBERS NOTED THAT CITYBUS WAS GRANTED A NEW FRANCHISE THROUGH PUBLIC TENDERING TO OPERATE 26 FRANCHISER BUS ROUTES ON HONG KONG ISLAND WITH EFFECT FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 1993.
ALTHOUGH IT HAD EXPERIENCED SOME TEETHING PROBLEMS IN THE INITIAL STAGE, ITS PERFORMANCE WAS GENERALLY SATISFACTORY.
------0-------
HK - A PERFECT PLACE TO DO BUSINESS WITH ASIA *****
THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR TONY MILLER, TODAY (TUESDAY) DESCRIBED THE ADVANTAGES HONG KONG HAD TO OFFER AS A BUSINESS BASE IN ASIA.
SPEAKING AT A HONG KONG-CANADA BUSINESS ASSOCIATION SEMINAR IN TORONTO ENTITLED "HOW TO PROFIT IN HONG KONG AND CANADA", HE HIGHLIGHTED FOR HIS AUDIENCE THE GROWING BUSINESS LINKS BETWEEN HONG KONG, CANADA AND CHINA.
THE SEMINAR WAS ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE IN TORONTO, IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE HONG KONG-CANADA BUSINESS ASSOCIATION AND THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL.
/MR MILLER .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 1994
MR MILLER SAID: ’’TRADE BETWEEN CANADA AND HONG KONG HAS RISEN A STAGGERING 14% SINCE 19.90, WITH THE ANNUAL DOLLAR VALUE RISING FROM 2.7 TO 3.8 MILLION.”
DEPICTING THE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT IN HONG KONG AS ’’BUSINESS FRIENDLY”, HE STRESSED THE BENEFITS OF AN OPEN ECONOMY AND FREE TRADE PHILOSOPHY.
"IT IS AN ARTICLE OF ECONOMIC FAITH IN HONG KONG THAT, AS WELL AS KEEPING TAXES LOW, WE CHARGE NO TARIFFS ON IMPORTS OR EXPORTS. THERE IS NO SIMPLER OR MORE SUCCESSFUL WAY OF PROMOTING TRADE,” HE SAID.
MR MILLER NOTED THAT 40,000 CANADIAN RESIDENTS NOW FORMED ONE OF THE LARGEST FOREIGN COMMUNITIES IN HONG KONG.
’’OVER 150 CANADIAN COMPANIES HAVE BRANCHES OR SUBSIDIARIES IN HONG KONG. ANOTHER 450 ARE REPRESENTED BY DISTRIBUTERS, AGENTS OR JOINT VENTURE PARTNERS. THE LINE-UP INCLUDES SIX MAJOR BANKS, SEVERAL WELL-KNOWN SECURITIES AND COMMODITIES TRADERS, FIVE OF YOUR INSURANCE COMPANIES, AND, OF COURSE, AIR CANADA AND NORTHERN TELECOM,” HE SAID.
’’MOST ARE LOOKING AT BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES NOT ONLY IN HONG KONG, BUT ALSO NORTH OF THE BORDER AND IN THE WIDER REGION, WITH MORE ARRIVING EVERY DAY,” HE ADDED.
MR MILLER WAS BULLISH ABOUT ECONOMIC AND TRADE PROSPECTS. HE SAID: ’’THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT WE ARE DOING VERY WELL - HOW MANY ECONOMIES CAN BOAST 27 STRAIGHT YEARS OF ECONOMIC GROWTH? - AND PER CAPITA GDP HAS TREBLED SINCE 1970 AND IS NOW ROUGHLY THE SAME AS YOUR OWN. FOR 1994, WE ARE LOOKING AT GDP GROWTH IN REAL TERMS OF 5.5% AGAIN, AND WE ARE LOOKING AT 17% GROWTH IN TOTAL TRADE.”
HE SAID THERE WERE THREE COMPONENTS TO HONG KONG AND CANADA’S BILATERAL TRADE. ’’LAST YEAR HONG KONG IMPORTED C$820 MILLION WORTH OF GOODS FROM CANADA. IN RETURN, HONG KONG SOLD CANADA ABOUT C$800 MILLION WORTH. BOTH THESE FIGURES WERE DWARFED BY THE C$2.1 BILLION WORTH OF RE-EXPORTS OF CHINESE GOODS THROUGH HONG KONG TO CANADA AND CANADIAN EXPORTS THROUGH HONG KONG TO CHINA,” HE SAID.
"IT IS THIS RE-EXPORT TRADE, AND ALL THE SERVICES ASSOCIATED WITH IT, WHICH HAVE BEEN DRIVING HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC GROWTH OVER THE LAST DECADE.”
MR MILLER DESCRIBED THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AS UNOBTRUSIVE, SAYING THAT ’’HONG KONG BUREAUCRATS, LIKE MYSELF, HAVE A TRADITION OF LEAVING BUSINESS DECISIONS TO BUSINESSMEN AND BUSINESSWOMEN. YOU HEAR A LOT ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT (IN THE MEDIA), BUT GENERALLY SPEAKING, GOVERNMENT KEEPS OUT OF YOUR WAY. OUR POLICY IS ONE OF MINIMUM INTERFERENCE AND MAXIMUM SUPPORT."
HE NOTED THAT EVEN BEFORE THE ONE PER CENT REDUCTION TN PROFITS TAX IN THIS YEAR’S BUDGET, A WORLD COMPETITIVENESS REPORT HAD CALCULATED HONG KONG’S TOTAL TAX REVENUE AT ONLY 11.5% OF GDP, THE LOWEST OF ALL 36 ECONOMIES SURVEYED.
/"WHAT DO........
TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 1994
- 8 -
"WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO TO START UP IN HONG KONG?” HE ASKED. "YOU REGISTER AS A BUSINESS. YOU RENT AN OFFICE AND HIRE STAFF IN AN OPEN MARKET. YOU PLUG YOURSELF INTO THE LOCAL COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS. THEN YOU GO OUT TO LUNCH WITH YOUR FIRST CLIENT. ALL WE ASK IS THAT YOU PAY YOUR TAXES."
MR MILLER DESCRIBED DENG XIAOPING’S DECISION TO RE-OPEN THE CHINESE ECONOMY TO FOREIGN TRADE AND INVESTMENT AS "THE MOST SIGNIFICANT ECONOMIC EVENT FOR HONG KONG IN THE LAST 25 YEARS".
"WITH THE RE-OPENING OF CHINA IN THE LATE 70’S, WE REGAINED OUR TRADITIONAL ROLE AS PRINCIPAL ENTREPOT FOR THE CHINA TRADE. IN SHORT HAND, WE WENT FROM A MANUFACTURING ECONOMY TO A SERVICE ECONOMY. SERVICES NOW ACCOUNT FOR SOME 75% OF OUR GDP. FINANCIAL SERVICES ALONE ACCOUNT FOR 10 PER CENT OF GDP," HE SAID.
"THIS IS NOT TO SAY THAT WE STOPPED MANUFACTURING. INDEED, OVER THE LAST 10 YEARS, WHILE THE SIZE OF OUR MANUFACTURING WORK FORCE HAS BEEN HALVED, THE VALUE OF HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION HAS GONE UP 85%.
"UNDERLYING THESE FIGURES IS NOT SIMPLY AN INCREASE IN PRODUCTIVITY, BUT ALSO A MOVEMENT UP THE TECHNOLOGICAL SCALE. INWARD FOREIGN INVESTMENT HAS HELPED. YOUR INVESTMENT IN OUR INDUSTRY NOW AMOUNTS TO SOME C$24 MILLION AND ACCOUNTED FOR C$146 MILLION IN SALES LAST YEAR."
MR MILLER EMPHASISED THE PART PLAYED BY HONG KONG BUSINESSMEN IN DEVELOPING CHINA’S ECONOMY.
"HONG KONG HAS HELPED PRIME CHINA’S DEVELOPMENT PUMP NOT JUST IN THE SOUTH, BUT ELSEWHERE AS WELL," HE SAID.
"HONG KONG INVESTORS ACCOUNT FOR ABOUT 70% OF REALISED FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN CHINA. * THEY HAVE PUT THEIR MONEY NOT SIMPLY INTO OFFSHORE MANUFACTURING, BUT ALSO INTO POWER STATIONS, INTO PORT FACILITIES, INTO TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND INTO ALL MANNER OF BADLY NEEDED INFRASTRUCTURE, AS WELL AS INTO HOTELS, PROPERTY AND TRANSPORTATION."
MR MILLER SAID TRANSPORT LINKS WITH ALL PARTS OF CHINA WERE VERY GOOD, BUT THOSE WITH GUANGDONG AND THE PEARL RIVER DELTA PARTICULARLY SO.
"THE BIGGEST HIGH-SPEED FERRY OPERATION IN THE WORLD NOW SERVICES HONG KONG AND THE PEARL RIVER ESTUARY," HE SAID.
OVER 20 MILLION PEOPLE PASS THROUGH THE INTERNATIONAL FERRY TERMINALS EACH YEAR - MORE PASSENGERS THAN THOSE USING KAI TAK AIRPORT.
MORE THAN 6 MILLION OF THEM ARE BUSINESSMEN, MANAGERS AND TECHNICIANS COMMUTING DAILY TO TOWNS AND CITIES IN THE DELTA, TO MANAGE AND SERVICE OFF-SHORE PRODUCTION.
MR MILLER CATALOGUED WHAT THIS DYNAMIC ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE REGION MEANT FOR CANADIANS WANTING TO DO BUSINESS ON THE ASIAN SIDE OF THE PACIFIC.
/HE SAID: ........
TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 1994
9 -
HE SAID: ’’FIRST IT MEANS THAT YOU ARE LOOKING AT THE OPENING UP OF THE LARGEST UNSATURATED MARKET ANYWHERE ON THE SURFACE OF THE GLOBE; SECOND, IT MEANS THAT YOU ARE LOOKING AT A PART OF THE WORLD WHICH IS EXPERIENCING PHENOMENALLY RAPID RATES OF GROWTH.
’’THIRD, IT MEANS THAT YOU ARE LOOKING NOT ONLY AT A PART OF THE WORLD WHICH IS PRODUCING LARGE QUANTITIES OF CONSUMER GOODS FOR SALE IN WESTERN MARKETS, BUT ALSO AT DEVELOPING ECONOMIES, WHICH ARE BOTH HUNGRY FOR INVESTMENT IN UPGRADING THEIR INFRASTRUCTURE, INCLUDING TELECOMMUNICATIONS, AND HAVE THE WHEREWITHAL TO PAY FOR IT.
’’FOURTH, IT MEANS THAT IN HONG KONG YOU HAVE CONCENTRATED THE LARGEST NUMBER OF CHINA TRADE EXPERTS IN THE WORLD, PEOPLE WHO KNOW WHAT CHINA NEEDS AND WHERE, KNOW ALL THERE IS TO KNOW ABOUT DOING BUSINESS IN CHINA AND ARE HAPPY TO SHARE THIS WITH YOU.
"AND LAST, IT MEANS THAT IN HONG KONG, WITH ITS FREE PORT, LOW TAXES, OPEN MARKET, FAMILIAR LEGAL SYSTEM, EXCELLENT COMMUNICATIONS AND OTHER COMMERCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE, YOU HAVE THE PERFECT PLACE TO DO BUSINESS NOT ONLY WITH CHINA, BUT THE REST OF ASIA AS WELL," HE SAID.
------0-------
CONSUMER PRICE INDICES FOR MAY 1994
*****
THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) IN MAY THIS YEAR WAS 7.8% HIGHER THAN IN MAY 1993, ACCORDING TO FIGURES RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THIS WAS BROADLY SIMILAR TO THE CORRESPONDING INCREASE OF 7.7% IN APRIL.
TAKING THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS TOGETHER, THE CPI(A) ROSE BY 7.5% OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993. THIS WAS CONSIDERABLY LOWER THAN THE INCREASE OF 8.7% RECORDED IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1993 AND THE AVERAGE ANNUAL INCREASE OF 8.5% FOR 1993 AS A WHOLE.
THE CPI(B) AND THE HANG SENG CPI WERE HIGHER BY 8.4% AND 10.0% RESPECTIVELY IN MAY 1994 THAN IN THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR. THE CORRESPONDING INCREASES IN APRIL 1994 WERE 8.2% AND 9.9%.
THE COMPOSITE CPI, WHICH IS COMPILED BASED ON THE COMBINED EXPENDITURE PATTERN OF HOUSEHOLDS COVERED BY THE THREE CPIS, SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 8.6% IN MAY 1994 OVER THE SAME MONTH IN 1993. THIS WAS SLIGHTLY HIGHER THAN THE CORRESPONDING INCREASE OF 8.4% TN APRIL.
COMPARING MAY 1994 WITH MAY 1993, RELATIVELY SLOWER PRICE INCREASES THAN THE OVERALL AVERAGE WERE RECORDED FOR FUEL AND LIGHT (2.6% IN BOTH CPT(A) AND CPI(B)); FOOD (EXCLUDING MEALS AT RESTAURANTS) (2.7% IN THE CPI(A) AND 3.4% IN THE CP1(B)); DURABLE GOODS (3.0% AND 3.2%); ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (5.4% AND 6.1%); AND MISCELLANEOUS GOODS (6.0% AND 5.3%).
/ON THE ........
TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 1994
- 10 -
ON THE OTHER HAND, RELATIVELY FASTER PRICE INCREASES THAN THE OVERALL AVERAGE WERE RECORDED FOR MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES (12.4% IN THE CPI(A) AND 11.3% IN THE CPI(B)); HOUSING (11.7% AND 12.1%); AND TRANSPORT (9.1% AND 8.9%).
AS FOR MEALS AT RESTAURANTS AND CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR, THEIR CORRESPONDING INCREASES WERE 8.0% AND 7.8% IN THE CPI(A) AND 7.8% AND 8.1% IN THE CPI(B).
COMPARING MAY 1994 WITH APRIL 1994, THE CP1(A) AND CPI(B) BOTH INCREASED BY 0.8%. HOWEVER, THIS COMPARISON COULD HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS.
FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY TO MAY 1994, THE CPI(A) AND CPI(B) WERE, ON AVERAGE, HIGHER BY 7.5% AND 7.9% RESPECTIVELY THAN IN THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD IN 1993.
FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED MAY 1994, THE CPI(A) AND CPI(B) WERE, ON AVERAGE, HIGHER BY 8.1% AND 8.3% RESPECTIVELY THAN IN THE PRECEDING 12-MONTH PERIOD.
SEASONALLY ADJUSTED SERIES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR THE CPIS. THE DESEASONALISED CPI(A) AND CPI(B) INCREASED AT AN AVERAGE RATE OF 0.7% AND 0.8% RESPECTIVELY PER MONTH DURING THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MAY 1994.
THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT
MORE DETAILS ARE GIVEN IN THE "CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT" FOR MAY 1994, AVAILABLE AT $16.5 A COPY FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG; OR FROM THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG. ,
FOR LOCAL AND OVERSEAS MAILINGS, CONTACT SHOULD BE MADE WITH THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, HONG KONG.
FOR ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE INDICES, PLEASE TELEPHONE THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 805 6403. DETAILS REGARDING THE HANG SENG CPI ARE CONTAINED IN THE HANG SENG CPI REPORT ISSUED BY THE ECONOMIC RESEARCH DEPARTMENT OF HANG SENG BANK LTD.
/Table 1 .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 1994
11
Table 1 Consumer Price Indices and Rates of Increase for May 1994 (Oct. 89 - Sep. 90 = 100)
Component CPI(A) CPI(B) Hang Senq CPI Composite CPI
Index for May 94 % change over May 93 Index for May 94 % change over May 93 Index for May 94 % change over May 93 Index for May 94 % change over May 93
Food 138.9 *5.5 141.1 +6.1 142.8 +7.5 140.5 -6.1
Meals bought away from home 151.0 *8.0 150.6 *7.8 150.4 +9.4 150.7 *8.3
Food, excluding meals bought away firm hone 126.8 +2.7 128.0 +3.4 129.8 +3.8 127.7 -3.2
Housing 162.6 *11.7 ’ 164.2 +12.1 170.4 +14.7 165.7 +12.8
Fuel and light 122.6 +2.6 122.0 +2.6 122.6 +2.9 122.4 *2.7
Alcoholic drinks and tobacco 186.3 +5.4 177.2 +6.1 172.6 *6.1 181.1 *5.7
Clothing and footwear 140.0 +7.8 142.1 *8.1 159.4 +11.2 147.4 -9.2
Durable goods 112.5 *3.0 112.4 +3.2 118.0 +3.5 114.1 -3.2
Miscellaneous goods 130.5 *6.0 127.7 +5.3 126.7 *5.2 128.4 -5.5
Transport 148.6 *9.1 147.2 +8.9 145.4 +8.1 147.2 *8.8
Miscellaneous services 155.2 +12.4 150.4 +11.3 141.7 +9.3 149.2 *11.1
All items 145.0 +7.8 146.1 +8.4 150.0 +10.0 146.7 -8.6
Monthly consumer price indices are compiled on the basis of (a) expenditure patterns of relevant households and (b) prices collected currently in the month. The expenditure patterns underlying the 1989/90-based consumer price indices are based on those patterns derived fran the 1989/90 Household Expenditure Survey. Hie CPI (A) is based on the expenditure pattern of about 50% of households in Hong Kong, which had an average monthly expenditure of $2,500-59,999 in 1989/90. Hie CPI(B) is based on the expenditure pattern of the next 30% of households, which had an average monthly expenditure of $10,000-517,499 in 1989/90. The Hang Seng CPI is based on the expenditure pattern of the next 10% of households, which had an average monthly expenditure of $17,500-537,499 in 1989/90.
Whereas the CPI(A), CPI(B) and Hang Senq CPI are based on the expenditure patterns of groups of households with different magnitudes of household expenditure, the Composite CPI is compiled based on the expenditure pattern of all these households taken together. Thus, while the CPI (A), CPI(B) and Hang Seng CPI show the impact of consumer price changes on different groups of households, the Composite CPI shows the impact of consumer price changes on the household sector generally.
/Table 2 .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 1994
- 12
Table 2 Consumer Price Indices for January 1992 - May 1994 (Oct. 89 - Sep. 90 = 100)
Year/month CPI(A) CPI(B) Hang Seng CPI Composite CPI
1992 January 119.7 119.3 119.4 119.5
February 121.8 121.2 121.0 121.4
March 122.5 121.9 121.8 122.1
April 124.0 123.4 122.9 123.5
May 124.0 123.8 124.2 124.0
June 125.3 125.1 125.2 125.2
July ’125.5 125.4 125.4 125.4
August 125.6 125.9 125.8 125.8
September 128.3 127.9 127.5 128.0
October 128.4 128.4 128.6 128.5
November 128.5 129.0 129.9 129.0
December 129.3 129.8 130.0 129.7
1993 January 131.8 131.6 131.5 131.7
February 132.4 132.2 132.0 132.2
March 132.0 132.2 133.1 132.4
April 133.5 133.9 134.5 133.9
May . 134.5 134.8 136.3 135.1
June 136.0 135.9 137.1 136.3
July 135.8 136.1 136.9 136.2
August 136.3 136.6 137.4 136.7
September 138.4 138.3 139.2 138.6
October 140.0 139.6 140.7 140.0
November 139.4 139.9 142.2 140.3
December 140.4 140.9 143.3 141.3
1994 January 140.0 140.7 143.4 141.1
February 142.7 142.9 144.9 143.3
March 142.5 143.0 145.3 143.4
April 143.8 144.8 147.9 145.2
May 145.0 146.1 150.0 146.7
/Chart 1 .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 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 .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 1994
- 14 -
Chart 3 Year-on-year Rates of Increase in Hang Seng CPI
Chart 4 Year-on-year Rates of Increase in Composite CPI
- - 0----------
/15 .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 1994
- 15 -
LATEST DRUG ABUSE FIGURES RELEASED » * * * * < '
A TOTAL OF 6,437 PERSONS OF ALL AGES WERE REPORTED TO THE CENTRAL REGISTRY OF DRUG ABUSE (CRDA) IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994, REPRESENTING A 3.6 PER CENT INCREASE WHEN COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
MEMBERS OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN) WERE ALSO TOLD IN A MEETING TODAY (TUESDAY) THE NUMBER OF NEWLY REPORTED PERSONS OF ALL AGES INCREASED BY 15.2 PER CENT AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD OF 1993, A RISE FROM 959 TO 1,105.
AMONG THE NEWLY REPORTED, 620 OF THEM WERE UNDER THE AGE OF 21, UP BY 21.1 PER CENT AGAINST THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
REGARDING THE TYPES OF DRUGS ABUSED, THE CRDA STATISTICS REVEALED THAT AMONG THE YOUNGSTERS REPORTED IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994, 83 PER CENT HAD ABUSED HEROIN, 12.6 PER CENT CANNABIS AND EIGHT PER CENT COUGH MEDICINE.
ON LAW ENFORCEMENT, THE NUMBER OF ARRESTS FOR DRUG OFFENCES INCREASED FROM 2,736 IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1993 TO 3,605 IN THE SAME PERIOD OF 1994, A RISE OF 31.8 PER CENT.
OF THE PEOPLE ARRESTED, 703 (OR 19.5 PER CENT) WERE UNDER 21 AND A MAJORITY OF THEM (520 OR 74 PER CENT) WERE ARRESTED FOR MINOR DRUG OFFENCES.
ON TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION, THE THREE MAJOR PROGRAMMES, RUN BY THE SOCIETY FOR THE AID AND REHABILITATION OF DRUG ABUSERS (SARDA), THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, ADMITTED LARGER NUMBER OF DRUG ABUSERS.
OF THE 3,260 PERSONS ADMITTED TO THE THREE PROGRAMMES IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994, 821 (OR 25.2 PER CENT) WERE FIRST-TIME
ADMISSIONS.
THE INCREASES IN TOTAL ADMISSIONS AND IN NEW ADMISSIONS WERE 3.4 PER CENT AND 32.2 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
THE INCREASE IN NEW ADMISSIONS WAS HIGHEST IN THE UNDER-21 GROUP, BY 88.2 PER CENT IN THE SARDA PROGRAMME AND BY 87 PER CENT IN THE DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRES.
THE CORRESPONDING INCREASE FOR THE METHADONE TREATMENT PROGRAMME WAS 70.4 PER CENT.
------0 - -
/16 .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 1994
- 16 -
PHASE II OF WESTERN WHOLESALE FOOD MARKET OPENS *****
PHASE II OF THE WESTERN WHOLESALE FOOD MARKET, ONE OF THE MOST MODERN WHOLESALE FOOD MARKETS IN SOUTH EAST ASIA, WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED BY LEGISALTIVE COUNCILLOR MR ERIC LI KA-CHEUNG THIS (TUESDAY) MORNING.
BUILT AT A COST OF $220 MILLION, PHASE II OF THIS MARKET UNDER THE ARGICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT’S MANAGEMENT OCCCUPIES AN AREA OF TWO HECTARES.
SPEAKING AT THE MARKET’S OPENING CEREMONY, MR LI SAID ITS COMPLETION UNDERLINED THE TURNING OF A NEW PAGE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE WESTERN DISTRICT ON HONG KONG.
MR LI STRESSED THAT THE WESTERN WHOLESALE FOOD MARKET COMPLEX WAS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S AMBITIOUS PROGRAMME FOR THE REPROVISIONING OF WHOLESALE MARKETS IN THE TERRITORY.
HE SAID: "TWO AND A HALF YEARS AGO IN LATE 1991, WE SAW THE COMPLETION OF PHASE I OF THE WESTERN MARKET. SIX MONTHS AGO, WE WITNESSED THE COMPLETION OF THE BIGGEST WHOLESALE MARKET COMPLEX EVER BUILT IN HONG KONG, WHICH IS THE CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE FOOD MARKET - PHASE I.
"SO FAR, THE GOVERNMENT HAS SPENT A TOTAL OF ABOUT $1.1 BILLION," HE NOTED.
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, HOWEVER, REITERATED THAT WAS NOT THE END OF THE STORY BECAUSE ANOTHER LARGE SCALE MODERN WHOLESALE FOOD MARKET HAD ALREADY BEEN IN THE PIPELINE - THE CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE MARKET’S PHASE II.
UPON COMPLETION, MR LI SAID, THE CHEUNG SHA WAN MARKET WOULD REPROVISION THE EXISTING YAU MA TEI FRUIT MARKET AND THE CHEUNG SHA WAN TEMPORARY WHOLESALE POULTRY MARKET.
"ALL THESE ARE CLEAR INDICATIONS OF THE GOVERNMENT’S FIRM COMMITMENT TO ENSURING ADEQUATE PROVISION OF WHOLESALE MARKETING FACILITIES FOR THE EFFICIENT, HYGIENIC AND ORDERLY WHOLESALING OF FRESH FOOD PRODUCE IN HONG KONG," HE ADDED.
ALSO ADDRESSING THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE, SAID THE NEWLY-OPENED PHASE II OF THE WESTERN WHOLESALE FOOD MARKET WAS TO REPROVISION THE DEPARTMENT’S TEMPORARY WHOLESALE POULTRY MARKET PREVIOUSLY LOCATED NEARBY AND THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT WHOLESALE VEGETABLE MARKET IN KENNEDY TOWN.
DR LEE POINTED OUT THAT PHASE II IS A TWO-STOREY BUILDING OCCUPYING A TOTAL FLOOR AREA 6,400 SQUARE METRES, WITH 14 POULTRY STALLS, 207 VEGETABLE STALLS AND 143 PARKING SPACES FOR LORRIES AND A CONTAINER VEHICLES.
IN ADDITION, THERE ARE TWO PIERS EQUIPPED WITH HYDRAULIC CRANES FOR OFFLOADING PRODUCE AT THE WATERFRONT.
/HE SAID: ........
TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 1994
17
HE SAID: ’’ONE MOST SIGNIFICANT FEATURE OF THE WESTERN WHOLESALE FOOD MARKET, NOW BEING FULLY OPERATIVE, IS TO BRING FIVE WHOLESALE TRADES, NAMELY FRUIT, VEGETABLES, POULTRY, FRESHWATER FISH AND EGGS TOGETHER UNDER ONE ROOF."
THIS ARRANGEMENT WAS ADVANTAGEOUS TO BUYERS AND COST EFFECTIVE IN TERMS OF MANAGEMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT, HE ADDED.
"MORE IMPORTANTLY, THIS MARKET IS ENVIRONMENTAL FRIENDLY AS IT INCORPORATES SOME VERY MODERN AND EFFICIENT DESIGNS TO MEET THE CRITERIA AND STANDARDS SET BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT," DR LEE SAID.
OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS AT TODAY’S OPENING CEREMONY INCLUDED THE DIRECTOR OF ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES, MR KENNETH CHAN AND CHAIRMAN OF CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD, MR AMBROSE LAU.
------0------------
POLLUTION CASES RELEASED
*****
A TOTAL OF 43 CONVICTIONS WERE MADE IN THE COURTS LAST MONTH FOR BREACHING ANTI-POLLUTION LEGISLATION ENFORCED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT.
AMONG THEM, 19 WERE CONVICTIONS MADE UNDER THE NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE (NCO), 14 UNDER THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE (WPCO) AND 10 UNDER THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE (APCO), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
THE FINES IMPOSED RANGED FROM $2,000 TO $50,000. WEMBLEY INTERNATIONAL (HK) LIMITED WAS FINED A TOTAL OF $150,000 FOR FOUR CONVICTIONS FOR FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IN A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE.
-----0-------
TIME SCALE TO BE ADJUSTED
*****
THE USUAL SIX-PIP TIME SIGNALS FROM THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY WILL NOT BE BROADCAST BY RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AT 8 AM ON JULY 1.
IT WILL RESUME AT 8.30 AM OR 9 AM DEPENDING ON THE RADIO CHANNEL.
THIS IS TO ENABLE AN ADJUSTMENT TO BE MADE WHICH WILL RESULT IN A DELAY OF ONE SECOND TO THE TIME SCALE NOW IN USE, THE CO-ORDINATED UNIVERSAL TIME.
THE HONG KONG STANDARD TIME WHICH IS EIGHT HOURS AHEAD OF THE CO-ORDINATED UNIVERSAL TIME WILL HENCE BE RETARDED BY ONE SECOND AS WELL.
/THE ADJUSTMENT........
TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 1994
18
THE ADJUSTMENT IS NEEDED TO BETTER MATCH THE CO-ORDINATED UNIVERSAL TIME WITH THE ASTRONOMICAL TIME.
IT HAS BEEN INTERNATIONALLY AGREED THAT AN ADJUSTMENT OF ONE SECOND (A LEAP SECOND) SHOULD BE APPLIED FROM TIME TO TIME SO THAT THE CO-ORDINATED UNIVERSAL TIME WILL NOT DIFFER FROM THE ASTRONOMICAL TIME BY MORE THAN NINE-TENTHS OF A SECOND.
THE LAST ADJUSTMENT WAS MADE ON JULY 1 LAST YEAR.
THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY MAINTAINS THE HONG KONG TIME STANDARD. SINCE 1980, IT HAS OPERATED A HIGH PRECISION ATOMIC CLOCK TO GIVE THE CO-ORDINATED UNIVERSAL TIME.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO CARRY OUT TIME CHECKS CAN EITHER LISTEN TO THE TIME SIGNALS BROADCAST BY RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG OR CALL THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY ON 9226 8472.
------0-----------
REMINDER ON TAXI DRIVER IDENTITY PLATE
* * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) REMINDED TAXI DRIVERS OF THE REQUIREMENT TO DISPLAY THEIR IDENTITY PLATES WHILE ON HIRE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE RELEVANT REGULATION CAME INTO EFFECT ON APRIL 1 THIS YEAR. THE THREE-MONTH GRACE PERIOD WILL EXPIRE ON JUNE 30 AND ENFORCEMENT WILL BEGIN ON JULY 1.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IS AN OFFENCE LIABLE ON CONVICTION TO A FINE OF $2,000.
THE IDENTITY PLATE WILL SHOW A DRIVER’S FULL NAME IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE AND A RECENT PHOTOGRAPH OF THE DRIVER.
IT IS TO BE SLOTTED IN A HOLDER BEARING THE REGISTRATION MARK OF THE TAXI, AND MOUNTED ON THE DASHBOARD TO THE LEFT OF THE METER FLAG UNIT FACING THE FRONT-SEAT PASSENGER.
THE IDENTITY PLATE AND THE HOLDER WILL BE PRODUCED BY THE TAXI OPERATORS OR ASSOCIATIONS ACCORDING TO THE SPECIFICATIONS SET BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT GAZETTED ON APRIL 8 THIS YEAR.
BLANK PLATES CAN BE OBTAINED AT:
» ALL LICENSING OFFICES OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT;
* THE PUBLIC VEHICLES SECTION OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, ROOM 27, MEZZANINE FLOOR, 2 MURRAY ROAD, HONG KONG; AND
* PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES OF ALL DISTRICT OFFICES.
/THE SPOKESMAN .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 1994
19
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE REQUIREMENT WAS TO ENCOURAGE TAXI DRIVERS TO EXERCISE SELF-DISCIPLINE, AND HELP PASSENGERS LODGE COMPLAINTS.
PASSENGERS WHO WISH TO REPORT TAXI DRIVERS NOT DISPLAYING THEIR IDENTITY PLATES WHILE ON HIRE CAN CALL THE TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS UNIT OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE HOTLINE NO. 577 6866.
--------0-----------
CNTA STAFF COMMENDED FOR OUTSTANDING RELIEF WORK
♦ » » * *
THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, PRESENTED COMMENDATION LETTERS TO FOUR OFFICERS OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AT A CEREMONY THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON.
THE FOUR WERE COMMENDED FOR DISPLAYING EXEMPLARY COURAGE AND ENTHUSIASM WHILE ORGANISING AND PROVIDING RELIEF TO THOSE AFFECTED BY THE MASSIVE FLOOD IN NORTH DISTRICT ON SEPTEMBER 26 LAST YEAR.
THEY ARE FORMER SENIOR EXECUTIVE OFFICER MR YU SHEUNG-CHI; LIAISON OFICER II MR JOHNNY YAU CHUNG-KWAN; CLERICAL OFFICER I MR CHAN YU-LOK; AND DRIVER MR LAW MOOK-MING.
MR YU, 60, WHO WAS ON PRE-RETIREMENT LEAVE THAT. DAY, VOLUNTARILY RETURNED TO THE OFFICE AND ASSISTED IN THE RELIEF OPERATIONS, CONTRIBUTING TO THE SUCCESS OF THE WHOLE EXERCISE.
MR YAU, 41, IN PROVIDING FRONTLINE ASSISTANCE, DEMONSTRATED TACT, PATIENCE AND CONCERN FOR THE VICTIMS DESPITE INTENSE PRESSURE.
MR CHAN, 43, RESPONSIBLE FOR PROVIDING FOOD AND SHELTER IN CHEUNG WAH COMMUNITY HALL, WAS PRAISED FOR HIS UNRELENTING EFFORTS FROM THOSE WHO HAD SOUGHT REFUGE AT THE TEMPORARY SHELTER.
TRIBUTE WAS PAID TO 38-YEAR-OLD MR LAW FOR BRAVING ADVERSE WEATHER AND HAZARDOUS ROAD CONDITIONS IN PROVIDING TRANSPORT SERVICES TO THE DISTRICT STAFF THROUGHOUT THE DELUGE.
AT THE SAME CEREMONY, A TOTAL OF 96 OTHER OFFICERS WERE AWARDED LONG AND MERITORIOUS SERVICE CERTIFICATES.
THE CERTIFICATES WERE PRESENTED BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON/NEW TERRITORIES, MISS CHRISTINE CHOW; AND THE TWO DEPUTY SECRETARIES FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MRS STELLA HUNG AND MRS BRENDA FUNG. •
- - 0 - -
/20 .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 1994
- 20 -
ERESH WATER CUT IN TSUEN WAN
*****
ERESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN TSUEN WAN WILL BE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON FRIDAY (JUNE 24) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE WATER MAINS LEAKAGE DETECTION.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL THE PREMISES BOUNDED BY CASTLE PEAK ROAD (TSUEN WAN SECTION), CHUNG ON STREET, SHA TSUI ROAD AND KWAN MUN HAU STREET.
-----0-------
AUCTION OF LUCKY CAR REGISTRATION MARKS
* ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD ANOTHER AUCTION OF LUCKY CAR REGISTRATION MARKS ON SATURDAY (JUNE 25) 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:
FY921 FY269 XX2581 FX450
CT210 FY2329 FY522 BZ365
♦BY656 ♦ BX83 ♦ FC3 *4681
ET3680 FY774 AL1211 FX8826
FT332 FX8688 FY228 FY1603
FX6900 AY116 FY824 FY3222
FW3398 CT307 FY933 FY729
♦GAI11 ♦ FW9 ♦ AW38 ♦AL9595
AW367 FY788 CT891 FY1890
FY728 FY2123 FY6608 FZ2328
FY1966 CT221 ♦EN8899 FY2718
FX8382 FY9128 FY1029 ♦GA4444
FY1748 FY9987
IN THE AFTERNOON SESSION WHICH WILL START AT 2.30 PM, ANOTHER
50 LUCKY CAR REGISTRATION MARKS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR BIDDING. THEY ARE:
FY129 FY120 FZ208 CJ620
FZ136 XX517 FY299 FX8088
ER87 ♦ FW2 ♦ FW1 1 ♦ 8911
FY1503 FY799 FY622 FX8823
FY778 FT168 XX588 FX348
FZ7897 FY9222 CH115 FY1662
FY8082 FY231 AA5111 CB309
ES3 ♦ 8968 ♦ FC18 ♦AA4000
FZ1288 BL1969 FY113 FY784
FW3899 FY6628 FY861 FY3390
CK647 AU3200 ♦GA8833 FY125
FY8108 FYI 898 FW1955 FY1861 BJ1321 ♦GA939
♦ SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK (NOT TRANSFERABLE)
/SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS ........
TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 1994
21
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS MUST PAY BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN REMINDED BIDDERS 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 CAR REGISTRATION MARK IS TO BE REGISTERED UNDER THE NAME OF BODY CORPORATE.
PROCEEDS OF THE AUCTION, AFTER DEDUCTION OF EXPENSES INCURRED IN THE CONDUCT THEREOF, WILL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND.
THE COMING AUCTIONS WILL BE THE 230TH AND 231ST ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973.
------0....... .......... ................
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS *****
TENDER DATE 21 JUN 94 21 JUN 94
PAPER ON OFFER ISSUE NUMBER EF BILLS Q425 EF BILLS H467
AMOUNT APPLIED HKD 4,420 MN HKD 1,990 MN r.. <
AMOUNT ALLOTTED AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED HKD 1,500 MN 4.25 PCT HKD 800 MN 4.69 PCT
HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED 4.26 PCT 4.70 PCT
PRO RATA RATIO AVERAGE TENDER YIELD ABOUT 90 PCT 4.28 PCT ABOUT 52 PCT 4.72 PCT
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
TENDERS TO BE HELD IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 27 JUN 1994 -
TENDER DATE 28 JUN 94
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q426
ISSUE DATE 29 JUN 94
MATURITY DATE 28 SEPT 94
TENOR 91 DAYS
AMOUNT ON OFFER HKDl,500 + 300MN 0 /22
TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 1994
- 22 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
» * ♦ * t
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,447 0930 NIL
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,677 1000 + 30
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 -20
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -20 1200 -20
LAF TODAY + 250 1500 -20
1600 -20
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWJ 123.9 *-0.1* 21.6.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EE BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.27 17 MONTHS 2511 4.15 97.88 5.73
1 MONTH 4.18 23 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100.45 6.18
3 MONTHS 4.26 28 MONTHS 3610 4.20 95.15 6.56
6 MONTHS 4.68 31 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.30 6.71
12 MONTHS 5.30 34 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98.55 6.83
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 23,449 MN
CLOSED 21 JUNE 1994
---------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TRANSCRIPT OF GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION...................... 1
GOVERNOR VISITS TWO DEPARTMENTS............................. 4
EUROPE AND EAST ASIA COMPLEMENT EACH OTHER.................. 5
TRANSCRIPT OF CS’ MEDIA REPLIES............................. 6
REDUCTION OF STATUTORY LEVIES............................... 7
SPEEDIER SERVICES FROM LANDS DEPARTMENT..................... 8
JOINT EFFORTS NEEDED FOR IMPROVING BUILDING QUALITY......... 9
APEC TO LEAD THE WAY IN TRADE LIBERALISATION: D-G OF TRADE . 10
UNDER-SECRETARY FOR JUSTICE OF MACAU TO VISIT HK........... 12
172 REDUNDANT TEACHERS GET JOBS............................ 13
AGE LIMIT OF CONSTRUCTION WORKERS.......................... 13
FARMING STUDY TOUR TO EUROPE............................... 14
TWO SITES TO LET........................................... 14
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ....
15
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 1994
1
TRANSCRIPT OF GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION t t * * t
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, AFTER HIS VISIT TO THE PRINTING AND GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENTS THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON:-
GOVERNOR: WELCOME TO THE GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT. I BET IT’S THE FIRST TIME ANY OF YOU’VE COME TO THE GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT. MY FIRST TIME AS WELL. JUST AS I’VE BEEN VISITING DISTRICTS REGULARLY, I’VE ALSO HAD A STUDY PROGRAMME OF VISITS TO GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND I AM VERY PLEASED TODAY TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY OF VISITING THE GOVERNMENT PRINTERS AND THE GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT WITH THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE. THEY BOTH DO AN EXCELLENT JOB. I OBVIOUSLY KNOW A GOOD DEAL ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT PRINTERS BECAUSE THEY DO THINGS LIKE LOOK AFTER MY ANNUAL SPEECH TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. BUT I’VE BEEN DELIGHTED AS WELL TO SEE THE WORK OF THE GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT. BOTH OF THEM DO A VERY COMPETENT AND PROFESSIONAL JOB. BOTH OF THEM APPLY THE BEST COMMERCIAL PRINCIPLES TO SPENDING THE TAXPAYERS’ MONEY IN THE MOST IMAGINATIVE AND EFFECTIVE WAY. THANKS TO GOOD MANAGEMENT PRACTICE IN THE GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT. WE’VE BEEN GETTING MUCH BETTER VALUE FOR MONEY OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS. AND I AM VERY PLEASED TO HAVE MET THE EXCELLENT STAFF WHO ARE DOING A VERY GOOD JOB FOR THE WHOLE COMMUNITY AND FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AS WELL AS DOING A VERY GOOD JOB FOR THE DEPARTMENTS FOR WHICH THEY WORK. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
QUESTION: SINO-BRITISH RELATIONSHIP GOING BACK ON A CO-OPERATIVE ATTITUDE RECENTLY?
GOVERNOR: I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT WE WILL SEE AN INCREASINGLY GOOD AND CO-OPERATIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH CHINA. IT’S OBVIOUSLY IN THE INTEREST OF HONG KONG. I WELCOME SOME OF THE REMARKS THAT DIRECTOR LU PING MADE IN AN INTERVIEW WITH THE ASIAN WALL STREET JOURNAL THIS MORNING WHICH I THOUGHT, WERE POSITIVE AND CONSTRUCTIVE. AND I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT BOTH OF US WILL BE ABLE TO SEE THE WORDS WE’VE USED ABOUT CO-OPERATION TURN INTO REAL PRACTICAL SUCCESSES IN THE WORK OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP AND ELSEWHERE TOO. I THINK THAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WANT TO SEE ACTIONS AS WELL AS HEAR WORDS AND THAT’S A LESSON FOR ALL OF US.
QUESTION: SO, YOU EXPECT THAT THE TALKS ON FRIDAY WILL HAVE SOME BREAKTHROUGH?
GOVERNOR: WE’VE BEEN HAVING TALKS ABOUT THE AIRPORT LITERALLY FOR YEARS AND SOMETIMES, SPIRITS RISE AND SOMETIMES, SPIRITS FALL LIKE THE TIDES. I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT WE CAN SEE A DECISIVE BREAKTHROUGH. EVERYBODY WOULD LIKE TO SEE THAT. WE’D, OF COURSE, BE GETTING ON WITH THE JOB OF BUILDING THE AIRPORT AND WE’VE BEEN DOING IT VERY EFFECTIVELY, VERY COST-EFFECTIVELY AND PRETTY FAST. BUT WE’D BE ABLE TO DO AN EVEN BETTER JOB, WE’D BE ABLE TO WORK EVEN FASTER IF WE HAD AN OVERALL FINANCING AGREEMENT. WE’VE BEEN ABLE TO MAKE PROGRESS SO FAR BECAUSE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAVE VERY SENSIBLY VOTED THE FUNDS THAT WE NEED FOR THE PROJECT. BUT I THINK LEGISLATORS THEMSELVES WOULD LIKE TO SEE AN OVERALL AGREEMENT BETWEEN BRITAIN AND CHINA IN THE INTEREST OF HONG KONG. AND THAT’S WHAT I HOPE WE'LL GET ON FRIDAY BUT I CERTAINLY DON’T THINK THAT ANY OF US SHOULD COUNT OUR CHICKENS BEFORE THEY ARE HATCHED, NOT THE CHICKENS USED RUNWAY.
/QUESTION: .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 1994
- 2 -
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, CAN YOU CONFIRM THE PRESS REPORT THAT THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL HAS ALREADY RULED OUT THE SETTING UP OF A HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION?
GOVERNOR: NO, THERE WAS A PRESS REPORT THIS MORNING WHICH SAID THAT THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAD DISCUSSED A HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION YESTERDAY AND IT'S COMPLETELY UNTRUE. WHEN ENQUIRIES WERE MADE OF YESTERDAY ABOUT WHETHER EXCO HAD DISCUSSED A HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION, WE TOLD THOSE MAKING THE ENQUIRIES THAT NO SUCH DISCUSSIONS HAD TAKEN PLACE. THEREFORE, WE CAN’T BE BLAMED, IF DESPITE THOSE UNQUALIFIED ASSURANCES, A REPORT WAS STILL WRITTEN. BUT, I REPEAT, THERE WAS NO DISCUSSION WHATSOEVER ABOUT A HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION AT EXCO YESTERDAY THOUGH THERE WERE LOTS OF DISCUSSIONS ABOUT OTHER MATTERS.
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, DO YOU THINK MRS ANSON CHAN IS A QUALIFIED PERSON TO BE THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE WHEN THE SAR IS ESTABLISHED?
GOVERNOR: LET ME DEAL WITH, FIRST OF ALL, WHAT PROMPTS YOUR QUESTION AND THEN SET OUT FOR YOU MY ADMIRATION AND, I THINK, THE COMMUNITY’S ADMIRATION FOR THE EXCELLENT LEADERSHIP WHICH ANSON CHAN HAS BEEN GIVING AS CHIEF SECRETARY. AGAIN, THERE IS A REPORT IN ONE OF THE NEWSPAPERS THIS MORNING THAT MR GOODLAD IS GOING TO HAVE ON HIS AGENDA WHEN HE GOES TO PEKING, THE SUGGESTION THAT THE CHINESE SHOULD ACCEPT MRS CHAN AS THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE SAR. I WANT TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT STORY ISN’T JUST SLIGHTLY UNTRUE OR MOSTLY UNTRUE. IT’S ABSOLUTELY, COMPLETELY AND WHOLLY UNTRUE. 1 HOPE I’VE MADE THAT REASONABLY CLEAR. IT IS A FIGMENT OF THE IMAGINATION OF WHOEVER WROTE IT WHICH IS NOT TO SAY THAT WE DON'T HAVE THE VERY HIGHEST REGARD FOR MRS CHAN’S ABILITIES. I THINK THAT FOR EXAMPLE, THE PUBLIC OPINION RATINGS SHOW THAT THE WHOLE COMMUNITY HAS WARMTH TO HER DECISIVE, STRAIGHT-FORWARD, HONEST, COMPETENT STYLE OF LEADERSHIP. SHE’S BEEN ABSOLUTELY TIP-TOP AND ANY JOB SHE DID, SHE WOULD DO OUTSTANDINGLY WELL. BUT MR GOODLAD HAS A LOT OF THINGS TO TALK ABOUT WHEN HE GOES TO PEKING AND THE APPOINTMENT OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE SAR IS NOT, REPEAT, NOT, UNDERLINE NOT, UNDERLINE NOT THREE TIMES, ONE OF THEM. IS THAT REASONABLY CLEAR?
QUESTION: BUT WILL THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT MAKE A SUGGESTION TO THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT THAT THE APPOINTMENT OF CANDIDATE OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE?
GOVERNOR: WE HAVEN’T EVEN CONSIDERED THAT SO I DON’T KNOW WHERE THE STORY CAN HAVE COME FROM.
QUESTION: TO WHAT EXTENT DO YOU THINK THAT MR GOODLAD’S VISIT CAN-TURN A NEW PAGE TO THE SINO-BR1TISH RELATIONSHIP BECAUSE MRS ANSON CHAN JUST MENTIONED THAT SHE WANTED TO START THE DIALOGUE WITH THE CHINESE OFFICIALS ON THE TRANSITION OF CIVIL SERVANTS?
/GOVERNOR: .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 1994
3
GOVERNOR: WELL, WE’VE WANTED TO DO THAT AS THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE WHO IS WITH ME TODAY WOULD CONFIRM FOR A VERY LONG TIME. WHEN I WENT TO PEKING IN THE AUTUMN OF 1992, I MADE THAT PROPOSAL TO DIRECTOR LU. IT’S A PROPOSAL WHICH I’VE MADE ON A NUMBER OF SUBSEQUENT OCCASIONS, IN LETTERS THAT I’VE WRITTEN TO DIRECTOR LU. I THINK THAT THE DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG AND MACAU AFFAIRS OFFICE AND HIS MORE INFORMED COLLEAGUES KNOW THAT THE QUALITY OF THE CIVIL SERVICE IS ONE OF THE REASONS FOR HONG KONG’S SPECTACULAR SUCCESS. AND THEREFORE I THINK SENSIBLE CHINESE OFFICIALS WANT TO SEE AS MUCH ASSURANCE AND REASSURANCE GIVEN TO THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE AS POSSIBLE, AND THEY WANT TO SEE AS SMOOTH A TRANSITION OF THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE AS POSSIBLE. AND IN MY JUDGMENT, AND IN ANSON CHAN’S JUDGMENT, AND IN MICHAEL SZE’S JUDGMENT, THAT INVOLVES TALKING BETWEEN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND THE CHINESE OFFICALS ABOUT THE CIVIL SERVICE AND ABOUT INDIVIDUALS WITHIN THE CIVIL SERVICE. SO I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT WE CAN HAVE THAT DIALOGUE. I DON’T THINK THERE’S ANYBODY IN HONG KONG, WHATEVER THEIR POLITICAL VIEW IS, WHO DOESN’T THINK THAT WOULD BE SENSIBLE.
QUESTION: SINCE OUR RELATIONSHIP IS GETTING BETTER, SO IS THERE ANY POSSIBILITIES THAT YOU ARE GOING TO MEET DIRECTOR LU PING?
GOVERNOR: I WILL MEET DIRECTOR LU PING WHENEVER HE HAS TIME IN HIS DOUBTLESS BUSY DIARY. I’M HAPPY TO SEE HIM AT ANY TIME, ANY PLACE, ANYWHERE, AND DISCUSS ANY AGENDA THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO PUT FORWARD.
QUESTION: WILL MRS CHAN IN THE NEAR FUTURE VISIT CHINA?
GOVERNOR: THERE AREN’T ANY PLANS FOR MRS CHAN TO VISIT CHINA. THERE ARE, AS I THINK YOU KNOW, PLANS FOR ONE OR TWO OF OUR SENIOR CIVIL SERVANTS TO VISIT CHINA AS GUESTS OF THE PRC BUT THERE ARE NO PLANS AT THE MOMENT FOR EITHER THE CHIEF SECRETARY OR ME TO VISIT CHINA. WE’LL LET YOU KNOW WHEN THERE ARE, OF COURSE YOU MAY FIND OUT BEFORE WE DO.
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, CAN YOU COMMENT ON THE CRITICISM ON THE ACCESS TO INFORMATION CODE OF PRACTICE, IS IT GOING TO CHANGE THE STRUCTURE OF THE EXECUTIVE-LED GOVERNMENT?
GOVERNOR: NO, I TAKE THE VIEW THAT MORE OPEN GOVERNMENT AND MORE ACCOUNTABLE GOVERNMENT IS BETTER GOVERNMENT, AND I THINK THAT IS THE VIEW TAKEN TO A GREAT EXTENT WITHIN THE CIVIL SERVICE ITSELF. YOU ONLY HAVE TO LOOK AT SOME OF THE REMARKS MADE BY THE CIVIL SERVICE UNIONS ABOUT OUR PROPOSALS. CIVIL SERVICE UNIONS AND CIVIL SERVANTS IN GENERAL HAVE DONE A VERY GOOD JOB IN IMPLEMENTING THE PERFORMANCE PLEDGES WHICH WE’VE STARTED IN THE AUTUMN OF 1992. I SEE OUR PROPOSALS ON MORE OPEN GOVERNMENT AS A DEVELOPMENT OF THAT PROCESS. AS YOU KNOW, WE’VE TAKEN THE VIEW THAT IT’S IMPORTANT FOR THE QUALITY OF GOVERNMENT AND FOR THE COMPETENCE WITH WHICH THE GOVERNMENT IS ABLE TO DO THINGS. THAT’S TO TAKE ONE STEP AT A TIME. THE STEP WE’VE PROPOSED OF HAVING A CODE OF PRACTICE IS A VERY SUBSTANTIAL STEP. WE’LL SHORTLY BE ANNOUNCING THE NAME OF THE CONSULTANT WHO WILL HELP US, ALONG WITH LEGISLATORS, DRAWING UP THE TERMS OF THAT CODE OF PRACTICE. THAT’S THE RIGHT WAY TO PROCEED. WE’VE BEEN ATTACKED BY SOME PEOPLE FOR NOT GOING FAR ENOUGH. I THINK WE’VE WON A VERY GOOD CASE IN RELATION TO THEM. WE’VE BEEN CRITICISED BY OTHERS FOR GOING TOO FAR. I THINK WE’VE GOT IT ABOUT RIGHT. AND I THINK PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WANT THEIR GOVERNMENT TO BE AS OPEN WITH THEM AS POSSIBLE. ONE MORE QUESTION.
/QUESTION: .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 1994
4
QUESTION: THE PWC HAS LASHED OUT AT THE CHANGES TO THE PUBLIC ORDERS ORDINANCE, HOW WOULD YOU REACT TO THAT?
GOVERNOR: I SUGGESTED THAT THEY READ WHAT IS PROPOSED IN THE ORDINANCE. AND I SUGGESTED THAT IF THEY HAVE ANY CRITICISMS, DEALT WITH THROUGH THEIR USUAL CHANNELS. I THINK THAT IT WOULD BE HELPFUL IF WE’RE SERIOUS AS WE ARE ABOUT ESTABLISHING A CONSTRUCTIVE DIALOGUE, IF WE WEREN’T CONTINUALLY READING ABOUT PEOPLE LASHING OUT OR SALVAGING THIS OR THAT GOVERNMENT PROPOSAL. THIS GOVERNMENT HAS DONE A VERY GOOD JOB OVER THE DECADES IN WORKING WITH THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AND FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, AND I THINK THAT PEOPLE SHOULD OCCASIONALLY, PARTICULARLY WHEN THEY WERE IN THE PAST SOME OF THEM HAD BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, RECOGNISE THAT.
QUESTION: SO, DO YOU THINK THE CHANGES ARE AGAINST THE SPIRIT OF THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW?
GOVERNOR: CERTAINLY NOT. THEY’RE WITHIN THE SPIRITS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW, AND THEY ARE OF COURSE A RECOGNITION OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS. THEY’VE BEEN PROPOSED WITH THE WHOLE-HEARTED ENDORSEMENT OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
------0--------
GOVERNOR VISITS TWO DEPARTMENTS *****
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) VISITED THE GOVERNMENT PRINTING DEPARTMENT AND THE GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO UPDATE HIMSELF ON THEIR OPERATIONS.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR MICHAEL SZE, MR PATTEN FIRST CALLED AT THE PRINTING DEPARTMENT WHERE HE WAS TAKEN ON A GUIDED TOUR BY THE GOVERNMENT PRINTER, MR HARRIS MYERS.
ESTABLISHED IN 1952, THE DEPARTMENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PRODUCTION OF ALL PRINTING AND CONVERTED PAPER STATIONERY REQUIRED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
MR MYERS TOLD THE GOVERNOR THAT THE DEPARTMENT WAS AN INDUSTRY LEADER IN COMPUTER-AIDED BILINGUAL TYPESETTING IN CHINESE AND ENGLISH.
MOREOVER, IT IS TASKED TO PRODUCE PUBLICITY MATERIALS AND A LARGE NUMBER OF SECURITY DOCUMENTS INCLUDING A SPECIALLY DESIGNED IDENTITY CARD CONTAINING FEATURES TO MINIMISE FORGERY AND COUNTERFEITING.
THE VISIT COVERED THE PRODUCTION CONTROL, ORIGINATION, SECURITY, PRINTING AND FINISHING DIVISIONS. HE STOPPED HERE AND THERE TO TALK TO DEPARTMENTAL STAFF TO FAMILIARISE WITH THEIR WORK.
AT THE GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT (GSD) IN NORTH POINT, THE GOVERNOR WAS SHOWN AROUND BY DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES, MR NIGEL SHIPMAN.
/THE DEPARTMENT .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 1994
5
THE DEPARTMENT BUYS GOODS AND SERVICES FOR GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND CERTAIN SUBVENTED ORGANISATIONS TO SUPPORT THEIR OPERATIONS. THESE INCLUDE SPECIALIST STORES AND COMMON-USER ITEMS.
MR PATTEN WAS IMPRESSED THAT GSD HAD ACHIEVED GOOD VALUE FOR MONEY BY CAREFUL PRODUCT SOURCING AND EVALUATION, FAIR AND OPEN TENDERING PROCEDURES AND SKILFUL NEGOTIATION.
HE ALSO NOTED THAT GSD WAS CURRENTLY BUYING EQUIPMENT FOR THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK WITH A TOTAL ESTIMATED VALUE OF HK$1,493 MILLION.
THE GOVERNOR TOURED THE PROCUREMENT AND GENERAL DIVISIONS, AND INSPECTED A NUMBER OF GOVERNMENT STORES, INCLUDING THE WATERPIPES, THE PAINT AND THE PAPER STORES.
MR PATTEN LEARNED THAT A NEW CENTRALISED GOVERNMENT STORE AT CHAI WAN WATERFRONT WOULD BE BUILT BY 1996 TO REPLACE THE TWO MAIN WAREHOUSES IN OIL STREET AND CHEUNG SHA WAN.
HE CONCLUDED HIS VISIT BY MEETING SOME OF THE DEPARTMENTAL STAFF AT A TEA RECEPTION.
------0-------
EUROPE AND EAST ASIA COMPLEMENT EACH OTHER
' * * » » ♦
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, STRONGLY BELIEVES THAT EUROPE AND EAST ASIA COMPLEMENT EACH OTHER.
"THERE IS ROOM FOR GROWTH IN BOTH THE EMERGING ECONOMIES, WITH THEIR ABUNDANCE OF LABOUR AND RAW-MATERIAL RESOURCES, AND THE INDUSTRIALISED ECONOMIES, WITH THEIR EXPERTISE AND TECHNOLOGICAL KNOWHOW, IN THE DYNAMIC GLOBAL ECONOMY OF THE 1990S," MRS CHAN SAID.
ADDRESSING A LUNCHEON HOSTED BY THE FRENCH BUSINESS ASSOCIATION TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID EUROPE AND EAST ASIA MUST NOT THROTTLE THIS PARTNERSHIP BY RESTRICTING IMPORTS FROM THE EAST ASIAN ECONOMIES, IN THE MISTAKEN BELIEF THAT SUCH ARTIFICIAL BARRIERS WILL ENSURE THE SURVIVAL OF THE THREATENED INDUSTRIES.
"HISTORY IS FULL OF EXAMPLES WHICH SHOW THAT PROTECTIONISM ONLY MAKES DOMESTIC INDUSTRIES COMPLACENT, WHICH WILL WEAKEN RATHER THAN STRENGTHEN THEM IN THE LONG-TERM.
"PROTECTIONISM ALSO HURTS THE CONSUMERS, WHO HAVE TO PAY HIGHER PRICES FOR THE GOODS OR SERVICES THAT WOULD OTHERWISE BE MORE AMPLY AVAILABLE; AND DISTORT THE MECHANISM OF THE ECONOMY FOR DISTRIBUTING RESOURCES EFFICIENTLY," SHE SAID.
MRS CHAN NOTED THAT THERE HAD BEEN CONCERNS IN SOME SECTORS IN THE DEVELOPED WORLD THAT DYNAMIC GROWTH IN EAST ASIA PRESENTED AN OMINOUS THREAT TO THE LONG-TERM ECONOMIC WELL-BEING OF INDUSTRIALISED NATIONS.
/SHE CITED .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 1994
- 6 -
SHE CITED GOOD REASONS TO EXPLAIN WHY SUCH CONCERNS WERE UNJUSTIFIED.
FIRST, AS THE ASIAN ECONOMIES BECOME WEALTHIER, THEY THEMSELVES REPRESENT DYNAMIC AND POTENT NEW MARKETS FOR MANY GOODS AND SERVICES PROVIDED BY EUROPE.
SECONDLY, EAST ASIA HAS MUCH TO OFFER IN A WORLD OF GROWING ECONOMIC INTERDEPENDENCE, WITH ITS ABUNDANCE OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND LABOUR, AND ITS STRATEGIC GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION COVERING SOME OF THE FASTEST GROWING ECONOMIES OF THE WORLD.
THIRDLY, EAST ASIAN ECONOMIES HAVE SET A VERY GOOD EXAMPLE OF GROWTH BY PURSUING MARKET LIBERALISATION STRATEGIES.
THE RISE OF THE EAST ASIAN ECONOMIES PRESENTS A TREMENDOUS OPPORTUNITY RATHER THAN A THREAT TO THE DEVELOPED WORLD, THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID.
"IF WE CONTINUE TO PUSH BACK BARRIERS TO TRADE AND INVESTMENT RATHER THAN BUILD UP DEFENSIVE PARAPETS, I HAVE NO DOUBT MYSELF THAT BOTH THE DEVELOPED AND DEVELOPING WORLDS WILL STAND TO BENEFIT," SHE ADDED.
MRS CHAN SAID HONG KONG WAS DETERMINED TO MAINTAIN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS CONFIDENCE IN THE TERRITORY WHICH WOULD FOSTER THE EUROPE-EAST ASIA PARTNERSHIP.
SHE SAID: "THIS MEANS DOING ALL WE CAN TO IMPLEMENT THE MANY GUARANTEES LAID DOWN IN THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION AND THE FUTURE BASIC LAW.
"THIS MEANS A CREDIBLE LEGISLATURE PRODUCED BY OPEN AND FAIR ELECTIONS, AND INDEPENDENT JUDICIARY, THE RULE OF LAW AND A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD FOR BUSINESSES COMING FROM ABROAD AS WELL AS WITHIN HONG KONG.
"IN SHORT, SECURING THE INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK THAT WILL ENSURE THE SUCCESS OF THE ’ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS’ CONCEPT."
------0--------
TRANSCRIPT OF CS’ MEDIA REPLIES
*****
FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF REPLIES BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN TO PRESS QUESTIONS AFTER ATTENDING THE FRENCH BUSINESS ASSOCIATION LUNCHEON TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : THERE IS A REPORT SAYING THAT MR GOODLAD IS GOING TO PROPOSE TO CHINA THAT YOU BE THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE SAR. IS THAT TRUE?
/CS : ........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 1994
7
CS : I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE IT QUITE CLEAR THAT THAT IS COMPLETELY WITHOUT FOUNDATION. THERE IS NO TRUTH WHATSOEVER TO THIS STATEMENT. THE ARRANGEMENT FOR THE FUTURE ELECTION OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE SAR GOVERNMENT IS QUITE CLEARLY LAID DOWN TN THE JOINT DECLARATION. I HAVE A JOB AT PRESENT THAT I AM ENJOYING TREMENDOUSLY. THERE ARE LOT OF TASKS TO BE DEALT WITH AND I AM CONCENTRATING ON THE TASKS AT HAND.
QUESTION : ARE YOU WILLING TO TAKE UP THE POST?
CS : I HAVE ON PREVIOUS OCCASION SAID THAT I AM HAPPY TO CONTINUE TO SERVE HONG KONG IN WHATEVER CAPACITY MAY BE AVAILABLE TO ME. FOR THE TIME BEING, I AM DEALING WITH THE TASKS AT HAND AND I AM NOT WORRYING ABOUT THE FUTURE.
--------0-----------
REDUCTION OF STATUTORY LEVIES
*****
THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL HAS MADE THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION (LEVY) (SECURITIES) (AMENDMENT) ORDER 1994 AND THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION (LEVY) (FUTURES CONTRACTS) (AMENDMENT) ORDER 1994 TO REDUCE THE RATES OF STATUTORY LEVY PAYABLE ON SECURITIES AND FUTURES TRANSACTIONS.
AT PRESENT, THE RATE OF LEVY ON SECURITIES TRADING IS 0.02 PER CENT PER TRANSACTION RECORDED ON THE STOCK EXCHANGE OF HONG KONG LTD (SEHK).
THE RATE ON FUTURES TRANSACTION IS $2 PER SIDE PER CONTRACT IN EACH MARKET OF THE HONG KONG FUTURES EXCHANGE I,TH (HKFE).
LEVY REVENUE FROM THE SECURITIES SIDE IS EQUALLY SHARED BY THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION (SFC) AND THE SEHK WHILE THAT FROM FUTURES CONTRACTS IS FULLY CHANNELLED TO THE SFC.
"DUE TO THE ROBUST MARKET ACTIVITY IN THE PAST YEAR, THE LEVY REVENUE HAS FAR EXCEEDED THE ORIGINAL ESTIMATES. THIS MADE IT POSSIBLE FOR THE RATE OF LEVIES TO BE LOWERED," THE SECRETARY FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES, MR MICHAEL CARTLAND, SAID.
THE SFC ORDINANCE STIPULATES THAT WHERE THE RESERVES • OF THE SFC EXCEED TWICE THE ESTIMATED OPERATING EXPENSES FOR THAT FINANCIAL YEAR, THE COMMISSION SHOULD CONSULT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WITH A VIEW TO RECOMMENDING TO THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCTL THAT THE RATE OF LEVY BE REDUCED.
THE SFC REPORTED TO THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY IN AUGUST 1993 THAT THE REPORTING LEVEL HAD BEEN REACHED.
"HAVING CONSIDERED THE MATTER WITH THE SFC AND THE TWO EXCHANGES, IT WAS CONCLUDED THAT THE RATE OF LEVY ON SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS SHOULD BE REDUCED TO 0.013 PER CENT, DIVIDED INTO 0.006 PER CENT FOR THE SFC AND 0.007 PER CENT FOR THE SEHK. THIS REPRESENTS A 35 PER CENT REDUCTION IN THE LEVY RATE.
/AT THE .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 1994
- 8 -
AT THE SAME TIME, IT IS PROPOSED TO LOWER THE LEVY ON FUTURES TRADING TO $1 PER SIDE PER CONTRACT - A 50 PER CENT REDUCTION," MR CARTLAND SAID.
THE NEW RATES OF LEVY WILL TAKE EFFECT ON JULY 1, 1994 TO TIE IN WITH THE START OF THE NEW FINANCIAL YEAR OF THE SEHK.
THE REDUCTION WILL HELP TO LOWER,FURTHER THE OVERALL DEALING COSTS IN THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES MARKETS TN HONG KONG.
THE TWO AMENDMENT ORDERS WILL BE GAZETTED ON FRIDAY (JUNE 24).
------0-------
SPEEDIER SERVICES FROM LANDS DEPARTMENT * * * * *
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT HAS ADOPTED NEW PROCEDURES WHICH WILL RESULT IN SWIFTER SERVICE TO AUTHORISED PERSONS PARTICULARLY IN THE PROCESSING AND APPROVING OF BUILDING PLANS.
ADDRESSING A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS, MR BOB POPE, REFERRED TO A PRACTICE NOTE HE ISSUED IN MARCH AIMED AT SPEEDING UP THE WHOLE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS.
HE SAID HENCE SUBSTANTIVE REPLIES WOULD BE GIVEN TO SUBMISSIONS OF MASTER LAYOUT PLANS WITHIN 12 WEEKS FROM THE DATE THE SUBMISSION WAS RECEIVED BY THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE (DLO) PROVIDED THAT THE PLANS CONTAINED SUFFICIENT INFORMATION.
"AS FAR AS GENERAL BUILDING PLANS ARE CONCERNED AND ASPECTS THAT REQUIRE APPROVAL UNDER THE LEASE, SUCH AS THE DESIGN AND DISPOSITION OR HEIGHT OF BUILDING, THESE WILL NOW BE DEALT WITH UNDER THE CENTRALISED PROCESSING OF BUILDING PLANS AND THERE WILL BE NO NEED FOR AUTHORISED PERSONS TO MAKE SEPARATE SUBMISSIONS OF BUILDING PLANS TO MY DEPARTMENT.
"WHEN YOU MAKE YOUR FORMAL SUBMISSION OF PLANS TO THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT, THEY WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE REFERRED TO THE DLO CONCERNED WHO WILL CONVEY HIS DECISION UNDER THE LEASE WITHIN 15 WEEKS FROM THE DATE Hfe RECEIVES THE PLANS FROM THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT," MR POPE ADDED.
HE ADDED THAT IN CASES WHERE AN AUTHORISED PERSON WANTED TO SEEK PRELIMINARY COMMENTS FROM THE DLO CONCERNED, HE WAS WELCOME TO SUBMIT HIS PROPOSAL DIRECT TO THE DLO.
HOWEVER, FORMAL APPROVAL UNDER THE LEASE WILL ONLY BE GIVEN TO PLANS REFERRED TO THE LANDS DEPARTMENT THROUGH THE CENTRALISED PROCESSING SYSTEM.
"AS FAR AS POSSIBLE, THIS DEPARTMENT WILL GIVE A FREE HAND TO THE ARCHITECT TO DESIGN THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT, PROVIDED THAT THE PROPOSAL IS IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE LEASE CONDITION.
/"IN ADDITION.........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 1994
9
"IN ADDITION, WE ARE ALWAYS MINDFUL NOT TO IMPOSE CURRENT STANDARDS THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE LEASE CONDITIONS. FOR EXAMPLE, IT WOULD BE UNREASONABLE FOR THIS DEPARTMENT TO IMPOSE CURRENT PARKING SPACE DIMENSIONS ON OLD LEASES IF REASONABLE SIZES ARE PROPOSED," MR POPE SAID.
i
HE PROMISED THAT HIS DEPARTMENT WOULD MONITOR ITS VORK UNDER THE NEV. ARRANGEMENTS AND IMPROVEMENTS WOULD BE MADI- WHERE NECESSARY.
------0--------
JOINT EFFORTS NEEDED FOR IMPROVING BUILDING QUALITY
*****
THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT AND THE BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY SHARE THE COMMON GOAL OF IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE AND LIVING IN HONO KONG, THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS, MRS HELEN YU, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING OF AN EXHIBITION "BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGY - THE IBEX ’94", SHE SAID: "YOU DO SO BY UNDERTAKING RESEARCH, MANUFACTURE AND SUPPLY OF BETTER BUILDING PRODUCTS AND ADVANCE TECHNOLOGY.
"WE, BY SUPPORTING HIGHER AESTHETIC ASPIRATIONS, PROMOTING FIRMER ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES AND SETTING FIRM SAFETY REQUIREMENTS," SHE ADDED.
NOW IS A TIME OF NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR THOSE IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING INDUSTRY BROUGHT ABOUT BY THE DEMAND FOR MORE HOUSING, BY GOVERNMENT’S PLANS FOR THE NEW PORT AND NEW AIRPORT AND THE NEED TO PROVIDE PROPER MAINTENANCE AND PREVENTIVE REPAIR OF THE MASSIVE EXISTING BUILDING STOCK IN HONG KONG, SHE SAID.
IN 1993, THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT CARRIED OUT 33,500 INSPECTIONS ON POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS BUILDINGS AND UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES. SOME 8,300 STATUTORY ORDERS WERE ISSUED TO BUILDING OWNERS REQUIRING REMEDIAL WORKS.
"OUR DEPARTMENT HAS HAD TO PUT IN A GOOD DEAL OF RESOURCES IN TACKLING THESE PROBLEMS OVER THE YEARS.
"HOWEVER, WE BELIEVE THAT MORE PROACTIVE PUBLIC AND PROFESSIONAL ATTITUDES CAN TURN THESE VERY ’PROBLEMS’ INTO POSITIVE OPPORTUNITIES."
SHE SAID THERE WERE OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL TO WORK TOGETHER FOR A SAFE AND HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT IN THE INTEREST OF OWNERS AND OCCUPIERS.
MRS YU SAID TO MAKE THE BEST USE OF GOVERNMENT AND THE BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION TEAM.
THESE OPPORTUNITIES, THE INDUSTRY HAD TO WORK AS A
/THE GOVERNMENT ......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 1994
10
THE GOVERNMENT HAS TO PROVIDE EFFECTIVE LEGISLATION AND GUIDELINES TO MEET THE CHANGING ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPING TECHNOLOGY; WHILE BUILDING MATERIAL SUPPLIERS, PROPERTY DEVELOPERS, BUILDING PROFESSIONALS, CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTORS AND BUILDING MANAGEMENTS SHOULD PROMOTE QUALITY ASSURANCE.
"IN ESSENCE, IT MEANS THE INVOLVEMENT OF ALL CONCERNED: THE SETTING OF HIGH STANDARDS, THE MANUFACTURE OF QUALITY MATERIALS, THE ADOPTION OF GOOD DESIGN, THE OBSERVANCE OF SOUND PRACTICES, MAINTENANCE OF VIGILANT SUPERVISION AND PROVISION OF CAREFUL WORKMANSHIP," SHE CONCLUDED.
---------0-----------
APEC TO LEAD THE WAY IN TRADE LIBERALISATION:
*****
D-G OF TRADE
THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR TONY MILLER, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) EMPHASISED THE IMPORTANCE WHICH HONG KONG ATTACHED TO ASIA PACIFIC ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION (APEC) AS A VEHICLE FOR ACCELERATING THE LIBERALISATION OF WORLD TRADE.
"MEMBERS OF APEC HAVE SOMETHING VERY IMPORTANT IN COMMON - THEY ARE ALL GROWING. THIS GIVES THEM GREATER SELF-CONFIDENCE THAN MANY OTHER ECONOMIES ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD WHERE LABELS LIKE SCLEROSIS AND NEUROSIS ARE INCREASINGLY APPLIED," HE SAID.
"THIS CONFIDENCE SHOULD ALLOW US TO APPROACH THE NEXT STEPS IN LIBERALISING TRADE AND INVESTMENT FLOWS IN A POSITIVE, NONPROTECTIONIST WAY. IT SHOULD ALLOW US TO LEAD THE WAY, TO MOVE AHEAD FASTER THAN THE REST OF THE PACK."
ADDRESSING A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE HONG KONG-CANADA BUSINESS ASSOCIATION TN TORONTO, MR MILLER CAUTIONED AGAINST VIEWING APEC AS A TRADE BLOC.
"I GET A LITTLE NERVOUS WHEN PEOPLE TALK ABOUT APEC AS A FREE TRADE AREA IN THE MAKING, AS IF SUCH A DEVELOPMENT WERE EITHER NECESSARY OR A GOOD IDEA. IT IS NEITHER," HE SAID.
"THE FACT THAT, AS A GROUP, APEC MEMBERS WANT TO MOVE FASTER DOWN THE ROAD TO FREE TRADE IS GOOD. HOWEVER, IT DOES NOT FOLLOW THAT WE SHOULD DO SO IN AN EXCLUSIVE, OR PURELY RECIPROCAL WAY.
"FREE TRADE, GENUINELY FREE TRADE IN GOODS AND SERVICES AND GENUINELY FREE INVESTMENT FLOWS, IS THE OBJECTIVE. WE CAN GET THERE, BUT WE SHOULD NOT SHUT OUR MARKETS TO NON-APEC MEMBERS IN THE PROCESS.
"IF WE HAVE THE COURAGE TO LIBERALISE THEN WE SHOULD DO SO ON AN OPEN MFN BASIS. WE HAVE NOTHING TO LOSE BY IT. WE HAVE EVERYTHING TO GAIN. HONG KONG IS VIVID PROOF OF THE BENEFITS OF THIS SORT OF AUTONOMOUS LIBERALISATION."
MR MILLER DESCRIBED THE INTERNATIONAL TRADING SYSTEM UNDER THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE (GATT) AS A HEALTHY RESPONSE TO THE BEGGAR-THY-NEIGHBOUR POLICIES WHICH HAD STRANGLED PRE-WAR TRADE, AND SAID THE PRINCIPLES ON WHICH GATT WAS FOUNDED WERE BRILLIANTLY SIMPLE AND HAD WORKED WELL THEN THEY HAD BEEN ALLOWED TO.
/HE WAS ........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 1994
- 11 -
HE WAS CRITICAL OF A TENDENCY TOWARDS TRADING BLOCS.
"SEVERAL GOVERNMENTS, FRUSTRATED WITH THI* SLOW SPEED OF*' CHANGE IN GATT AND IMPELLED BY OTHER STRATEGIC IMPERATIVES, HAVE TRIED TO IMPROVE ON IT BY EXPERIMENTING WITH OTHER MORE LOCALISED ATTEMPTS AT FREEING UP TRADE," HE SAID.
IN HONG KONG’S VIEW, HE SAID, SUCH ARRANGEMENTS WERE \ POOR SECOND-BEST TO THE MULTI LATERAL SYSTEM, AND THEIR WEAKNESSES, ESPECIALLY THOSE OF CUSTOMS UNIONS, WERE MANIFOLD.
"GENERALLY SPEAKING, THEY DEFINE THE LIMITS OF FREEDOM RATHER THAN THE POTENTIAL FOR INCREASING IT. EXTERNAL TRADE POLICIES TEND TO BE DICTATED BY THE LOWEST INTERNAL COMMON DENOMINATOR," HI SAID.
"BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER FORMATION," HE ADDED, "BUSINESSMEN ARE DISTRACTED FROM EXTERNAL MARKETS BY THI NEED TO CARVE OUT AND THEN DEFEND INTERNAL MARKET SHARE.
"THE ARRANGEMENTS ENCOURAGE ACCEPTANCE OF THE FALLACY THAT GEOGRAPHICALLY CONTIGUOUS AREAS ARE MORE NATURAL TRADING PARTNERS THAN THOSE WHICH ARE SEPARATE, AND THEY ENCOURAGE IMITATION."
MR MILLER CITED EUROPEAN COMMISSION (EC) TRADE FIGURES TO ILLUSTRATE HOW THIS "BLOCTST" TENDENCY DISTORTED BOTH THE WAY INVESTMENT DECISIONS WERE MADE.
QUOTING AN ANALYSIS OF GATT STATISTICS BY ECONOMIST MARTIN WOLF, HE NOTED THAT, OVER THE 30 YEARS FROM 1961 TO 1991. THE SHARE OF INTRA-EC TRADE IN WORLD EXPORTS ROSE FROM 15 PER CENT TO 24 PER CENT.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, MEMBER STATES’ EXPORTS TO ONE ANOTHER INCREASED FROM 43 PER CENT OF TOTAL EXPORTS TO 62 PER CENT, AND YET THE SHARE OF EC EXPORTS TO THIRD MARKETS IN WORLD EXPORTS FELL FROM 20 PER CENT TO 15 PER CENT.
"THUS ALTHOUGH WORLD TRADE GREW AND, WITHIN THIS, THE TOTAL VOLUME OF EC TRADE ALSO CONTINUED TO GROW, MEMBER STATES INCREASINGLY TRADED WITH ONE ANOTHER AT THE EXPENSE OF THEIR SHARE OF THE EXTERNAL WORLD MARKET," HE SAID.
"HONG KONG IS A REAL FAN OF APEC; WE SEE APEC AS THE PRINCIPAL ARCHITECTURE FOR OPEN REGIONALISM IN THE ASIA PACIFIC. TAKING A COMPLEMENTARY ROLE TO THE MULTILATERAL FRAMEWORK IN THE GATT, LEADING THE WAY IN GLOBAL TRADE LIBERALISATION.
"SINCE HONG KONG JOINED APEC IN NOVEMBER 1991, WE HAVE DEDICATED SIGNIFICANT RESOURCES TO LT AND WE AIM TO INCREASE OUR RESOURCES FURTHER IN THIS AREA EVEN UNDER AN OVERALL TIGHTENING OF OUR BUDGET.
"AS YOU WOULD EXPECT, WE ARE VERY ACTIVE IN THE COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND INVESTMENT, TAKING A KEY ROLF IN ALL EXPERT GROUPS, INCLUDING THE CUSTOMS PROCEDURES GROUP, THE STANDARD \ND CONFORMANCE GROUP, THE TARIFF DATABASE GROUP, THE INVESTMENT GROUP \ND THE SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES GROUP.
/'•SIMILARLY, WE.........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 1994
12
’’SIMILARLY, WE HAVE HIGH-POWERED BUS I NESS-SECTOR REPRESENTATIVES ON BOTH THE EMINENT PERSONS’ GROUP AS WELL AS THE NEWLY FORMED PACIFIC BUSINESS FORUM.
"WE ARE ALSO AN ACTIVE CONTRIBUTOR IN THE AD HOC GROUP ON ECONOMIC TRENDS AND ISSUES WHICH IS PROGRESSING WELL UNDER VERY ABLE CANADIAN CHAIRMANSHIP.
"WE RECENTLY HOSTED A VERY SUCCESSFUL MEETING TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, AND WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD ANOTHER MEETING UNDER THE REGIONAL ENERGY CO-OPERATION SAID.
UNDER THE TO HOSTING GROUP," HE
MR MILLER SAID THE RAPID EXPANSION OF APEC’S ACTIVITIES REFLECTED THE ENORMOUS ENTHUSIASM OF ALL MEMBERS (N THE WORK OF THE GROUP AND ITS POTENTIAL FOR FREEING UP TRADE AND INVESTMENT IN THE MOST RAPIDLY GROWING ECONOMIC AREA IN THE WORLD.
HOWEVER, HE CAUTIONED ABOUT TOO RAPID AN EXPANSION.
"MAKE NO MISTAKE ABOUT IT. HONG KONG IS VERY SERIOUS ABOUT ITS COMMITMENT TO APEC. HOWEVER, LIKE CANADA, WE DEMAND A RATIONAL, FOCUSED AND WELL-COORDINATED APPROACH TO IMPLEMENTING APEC ACTIVITIES,” HE SAID.
MR MILLER SAID HONG KONG DID NOT APOLOGISE FOR PREACHING A PURIST LINE ON THE VIRTUES OF MULTI-LATERALISM AND THE NEED FOR APEC TO MOVE FORWARD IN HARMONY WITH THE GATT.
"THIS MAY NOT BE MUSIC TO THE EARS OF THOSE WHO ADVOCATE RECIPROCITY, BUT TOGETHER WITH REASONABLE PARTNERS LIKE CANADA, WE ARE SURE THAT APEC WILL ACHIEVE STEADY AND CONSTRUCTIVE PROGRESS IN THE MONTHS AHEAD," HE SAID.
------0-------
UNDER-SECRETARY FOR JUSTICE OF MACAU TO VISIT HK
*****
THE UNDER-SECRETARY FOR JUSTICE? OF MACAU, MR MACEDO DE ALMEIDA, WILL PAY A ONE-DAY VISIT TO HONG KONG TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT THE INVITATION OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR JEREMY MATHEWS.
IN THE MORNING, MR DE ALMEIDA WILL MEET WITH MR MATHEWS AND SOME SENIOR MEMBERS OF THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT ON MATTERS OF MUTUAL INTERESTS BEFORE CALLING ON THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN.
IN THE AFTERNOON, MR DE ALMEIDA WILL VISIT THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT TO SEE ITS LIBRARY FACILITIES. HE WILL THEN PAY A VISIT TO THE SUPREME COURT AND CALL ON THE CHIEF JUSTICE, SIR TI LIANG YANG, BEFORE RETURNING TO MACAU.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
THE UNDER-SECRETARY FOR JUSTICE OF MACAU, MR MACEDO DE ALMEIDA, WILL PAY A ONE-DAY VISIT TO HONG KONG TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT THE INVITATION OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR JEREMY MATHEWS.
/MR DE ALMEIDA .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 1994
- 13
MR DE ALMEIDA WILL ARRIVE IN HONG KONG AT ABOUT 10.30 AM AND WILL DEPART AT ABOUT 5 PM.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WHO WISH TO COVER THE ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE OF MR DE ALMEIDA SHOULD ASSEMBLE OUTSIDE THE ENTRANCE OF THE HONG KONG-MACAU FERRY TERMINAL ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF SHUN TAK CENTRE, CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, BEFORE 10.15 AM AND 4.45 PM.
INFORMATION OFFICERS FROM THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST JOURNALISTS.
------0--------
172 REDUNDANT TEACHERS GET JOBS
* * * * *
ALL REDUNDANT TEACHERS REGISTERED WITH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S PLACEMENT SERVICE HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFULLY PLACED LN VARIOUS AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS, AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAJD TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
’’THE DEPARTMENT WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE SPONSORING BODIES AND SCHOOL AUTHORITIES FOR THEIR CO-OPERATION IN ACCEPTING ALL 172 REDUNDANT TEACHERS,” HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID ALL AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS HAD BEEN INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO LONGER A NEED TO RESERVE VACANCIES FOR REDUNDANT TEACHERS.
THE PLACEMENT SERVICE, SET UP IN 1975, HAS SO FAR HELPED SOME 7,000 REDUNDANT AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS IN FINDING JOBS.
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AGE LIMIT OF CONSTRUCTION WORKERS *****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) REMINDED EMPLOYERS NOT TO EMPLOY YOUNG PERSONS UNDER 18 TO WORK TN CONSTRUCTION SITES.
UNDER THE AMENDED CONSTRUCTION SITES (SAFETY) REGULATIONS WHICH BECOMES EFFECTIVE TODAY, YOUNG PERSONS UNDER 18 WHO HAVE NOT RECEIVED APPROPRIATE TRAINING ARE NOT ALLOWED TO WORK TN CONSTRUCTION SITES.
’CONSTRUCTION SITES INVOLVE VARIOUS KIND OF DANGEROUS WORK PROCEDURES AND IT IS NOT SUITABLE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE WITHOUT APPROPRIATE TRAINING TO TAKE UP CONSTRUCTION WORK,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT WOULD STEP UP ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS AGAINST EMPLOYERS WHO BLATANTLY TURN A BLIND EYE TO THE LAW.
HE ADDED THAI' CONTRACTORS EMPLOYING UNTRAINED YOUNG PEOPLE UNDER 18 TO WORK IN CONSTRUCTION SITES WOULD FACE A MAXIMUM FINE OF $50,000.
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/14 .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 1994
14
FARMING STUDY TOUR TO EUROPE
* * * * *
A 26-MEMBER DELEGATION WILL DEPART FOR EUROPE ON SATURDAY (JUNE 25) TO STUDY NEW AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGIES IN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES AND SHARE FARMING AND MARKETING EXPERIENCE WITH RELATED ORGANISATIONS THERE.
COMPRISED OF FARMERS AND FOUR MEMBERS OF THE MARKETING ADVISORY BOARD, THE STUDY GROUP WILL VISIT HOLLAND, SPAIN AND THE UNITED KINGDOM DURING THEIR 13-DAY TRIP.
TO SHOW SUPPORT OF THE DELEGATION, THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE, PRESENTED A BANNER TO ITS LEADER MR TO WO AT A CEREMONRY HELD AT THE DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING,
DR LEE HOPED THAT THE MEMBERS WOULD MAKE FULL USE OF THE VISIT TO ENHANCE THEIR KNOWLEDGE AND TECHNIQUES ON AGRICULTURE WITH A VIEW TO PROMOTING THE TERRITORY’S AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENT.
HE NOTED THAT THE GROUP’S STUDY WILL EMPHASISE ON CROP PRODUCTION IN GREENHOUSE, PACKAGING OF POST-HARVESTED VEGETABLES, QUALITY SEED PRODUCTION AND BREEDING OF VARIETIES, WHOLESALE MARKETING OF FRESH FRUIT AND VEGETABLES, HORTICULTURAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, AS WELL AS RESEARCH AND MAUFACTURING OF PESTICIDES.
DR LEE ALSO THANKED REPRESENTATIVES OF THE HOLLAND CONSULATE; SPAIN CONSULATE AND THE BRITISH TRADE COMMISSION IN HONG KONG FOR THEIR ASSISTANCE IN MAKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE STUDY TRIP.
------0-------
TWO SITES TO LET
*****
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT-TERM
TENANCIES OF TWO LOTS OF GOVERNMENT LAND ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND IN
THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE LOT IN NAM FUNG ROAD, WONG CHUK HANG, HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT
8,200 SQUARE METRES. IT IS INTENDED FOR USE AS A COMMERCIAL GARDEN
FOR GROWING, STORING AND SELLING POTTED PLANTS.
THE TENANCY IS FOR TWO YEARS, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
THE OTHER LOT AT MA ON SHAN ROAD, AREA 73, SHA TIN NEW TOWN, COVERING AN AREA OF ABOUT 1.68 HECTARES, IS PLANNED AS A FEE-PAYING PUBLIC CAR PARK.
IT CARRIES A TENANCY OF THREE YEARS, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
CLOSING DATE FOR SENDING IN TENDERS FOR BOTH SITES IS NOON ON JULY 8.
/FORMS OF .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22> 1994
15
FORMS OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM :
* THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES, HONG KONG SOUTH, 20TH FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, HONG KONG;
♦ THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, SHA TIN;
* THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, AND
* THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES KOWLOON, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.
TENDER PLANS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE OFFICES.
------0--------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS 1 CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1 ,677 0930 -546
(LOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,468 1000 -496
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 -276
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY +1,111 1200 -27 7
LAF TODAY -320 1500 + 763
1600 +1,111
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 123.7 ♦-0.2* 22.6.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.38 17 MONTHS 251 1 4 . 15 97.85 5.83
1 MONTH 4.27 23 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100.20 6.33
3 MONTHS 4.33 28 MONTHS 3610 4.20 94.89 6.69
6 MONTHS 4.78 31 MONTHS 3701 4.60 94.99 6.85
12 MONTHS 5.39 34 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98.20 6.97
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 31,114 MN
CLOSED 22 JUNE 1994 ♦> ------0-------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 842 8777
SUPPLEMENT
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING:
LEGISLATORS ENDORSE NT LAND (EXEMPTION) BILL............ 1
ADVANCE FUNDING NEEDED FOR AIRPORT PROJECT.............. 3
TREASURY SECRETARY IN MTR MOTION DEBATE................. 4
SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT ON MTRC MOTION.................. 6
DB ELECTION EXPENSES ORDER............................. 9
SUPPLEMENTARY APPROPRIATION BILL....................... 10
RTT.T. to TACKLE SPECULATION ON TAXI LICENCE INTRODUCED TO LEGCO............................................... H
LOCAL COINAGE LAW HELPS SMOOTH TRANSITION.............. 12
GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS MOTION ON PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY.... 12
LETTERS PATENT AMENDMENTS EXPLAINED.................... 14
COMMITTEE SET UP TO DETERMINE LAND USES................ 14
CONSUMER PRICE INDEX VALIDLY REFLECTS INFLATION TRENDS. 15
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY ON GOLF CENTRE ENDORSED............ 16
HK NOT TO BE USED AS BASE OF SUBVERSION................ 17
/POLICE ACTION.
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
Ji i-
POLICE ACTION DURING PROCESSION TO MAINTAIN PUBLIC ORDER 18
CHILDREN CRIME FIGURES...................................... 18
POLICY ON FRONTIER AREA REVIEWED............................ 19
POPULATION PROJECTIONS TO BE REVISED........................ 19
TRADE IN PRISON LABOUR GOODS NOT PROHIBITED................. 20
OXYGEN SUPPLIES REASONABLY PRICED 20
WHC IS THE SOLUTION FOR CROSS-HARBOUR TRAFFIC 21
MISUSE OF PARKING AREA AT KOWLOON BAY TACKLED 21
INCREASE IN HA DIRECTORATE POSTS............................ 22
HOSPITAL FUND RAISING ORGANISED BY MANAGEMENT STAFF 23
SMOKING IS DISCOURAGED AT AIRPORT TERMINAL 23
GOVT TO REVIEW INTENSIVE ENGLISH PROGRAMME 24
SUPERVISION OVER PRIVATE SCHOOLS............................ 24
PUBLIC QUERIES ANSWERED ON TV............................... 25
NEW BEACH TO OPEN IN AUGUST ....................................................................... 26
PUBLIC TRANSPORT COMPANIES DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION REQUIRED ................ 27
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 1994
- 1 -
LEGISLATORS ENDORSE NT LAND (EXEMPTION j" BILL * * * * *
A BILL THAT GIVES WOMEN EQUAL SUCCESSION RIGHTS TO LAND OR PROPERTY IN THE NEW TERRITORIES IN THE ABSENCE OF A WILL WAS PASSED
-WITH AMENDMENTS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TONIGHT (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE NEW TERRITORIES LAND (EXEMPTION) BILL, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, REITERATED THAT THE ADMINISTRATION HAD NO INTENTION OF CHANGING OTHER CUSTOMARY RIGHTS CURRENTLY ENJOYED BY INDIGENOUS VILLAGERS.
THE RATES EXEMPTION FOR VILLAGE HOUSES OCCUPIED BY INDIGENOUS VILLAGERS AND THEIR IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBERS IS PROVIDED FOR IN THE RATING ORDINANCE.
THE RENT CONCESSION FOR RURAL HOLDINGS HELD BY INDIGENOUS VILLAGERS IS PROVIDED FOR IN THE NEW TERRITORIES LEASE (EXTENSION) ORDINANCE.
’’THE ADMINISTRATION HAS NO PLAN TO AMEND THE RELEVANT PROVISIONS IN THESE ORDINANCES TO CHANGE THE STATUS QUO,” MR SUEN SAID.
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT OTHER CUSTOMARY RIGHTS WHICH WERE PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S ESTABLISHED POLICIES WOULD LIKEWISE REMAIN UNAFFECTED.
HE SAID: ’’FOR EXAMPLE, INDIGENOUS VILLAGERS AND LOCALLY BASED FISHERMEN WOULD CONTINUE TO BE ALLOWED TO BE BURIED IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WITHIN CERTAIN APPROVED AREAS OUTSIDE GAZETTED CEMETERIES.”
AS REGARDS THE SMALL HOUSE POLICY, MR SUEN SAID HE APPRECIATED THAT IT WAS AN ISSUE OF GREAT CONCERN TO THE NEW TERRITORIES INDIGENOUS VILLAGERS AND THERE WERE DIFFERENT DIMENSIONS TO THE POLICY, WITH IMPLICATIONS FOR BOTH LAND AND HOUSING.
"IN THIS REGARD, WE NEED TO EXERCISE CAUTION SO AS NOT TO BE PRECIPITATED INTO ACTION AGAINST THAT POLICY SIMPLY BY THE PROPOSED EXTENSION OF THE UNITED NATION’S CONVENTION ON THE ELIMINATION OF ALL FORMS OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN (CEDAW) INTO HONG KONG.
"THE ADMINISTRATION WILL NEED TO GIVE A VERY THOROUGH AND URGENT EXAMINATION OF THIS COMPLEX POLICY ISSUE SO AS TO FIND A WAY OF DEALING WITH THIS MATTER WHICH WOULD BE ACCEPTABLE TO ALL PARTIES CONCERNED AND WITHOUT COMPROMISING THE PRINCIPLE OF GENDER EQUALITY.
"WITH THIS IN MIND, WE HAVE ALREADY INDICATED THAT WE INTEND TO SEEK THE AGREEMENT OF OUR SOVEREIGN POWERS TO RESERVE UNDER CEDAW THE RIGHT TO MAINTAIN THE STATUS QUO FOR THE TIME BEING," HE SAID.
EARLIER, MR SUEN EXPLAINED THAT THE BILL WAS FIRST INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL LAST NOVEMBER MAINLY TO ADDRESS THE VERY STRONG PUBLIC CONCERNS EXPRESSED PARTICULARLY BY NON-INDIGENOUS OWNERS OF LAND AND PROPERTY IN THE NEW TERRITORIES ABOUT THE EFFECT OF THE APPLICATION OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ORDINANCE ON SUCCESSION TO THEIR LAND OR PROPERTY.
/HOWEVER, IN ........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 1994
2
HOWEVER, IN DECEMBER 1993 THE COUNCIL PASSED A MOTION URGING THE GOVERNMENT TO, INTER ALIA, EXTEND CEDAW TO HONG KONG AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO PROMOTE SEXUAL EQUALITY.
MEANWHILE MORE THAN 90 PER CENT OF THE SOME 1,100 SUBMISSIONS RECEIVED DURING THE CONSULTATION EXERCISE ON THE GREEN PAPER ON EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN AND MEN CALLED FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION TO REMOVE THE INHIBITION ON FEMALE SUCCESSION TO LAND OR PROPERTY IN THE NEW TERRITORIES IN CASE AN OWNER DIED INTESTATE.
FURTHERMORE, IN OCTOBER 1993 THE COUNCIL PASSED BY A LARGE MAJORITY A MOTION URGING THE GOVERNMENT TO ENSURE EQUALITY OF SUCCESSION RIGHTS THROUGH LEGISLATIVE MEANS.
’’AGAINST THIS BACKGROUND, IT IS UNDERSTANDABLE THAT MEMBERS OF THE BILLS COMMITTEE SOUGHT TO ADDRESS THE WIDER ISSUE OF PROVIDING FOR GENDER EQUALITY IN THE INHERITANCE OF LAND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES IN THE CONTEXT OF THE BILL,” HE SAID.
IT WAS ALSO AGAINST THIS BACKGROUND THAT THE ADMINISTRATION HAD DECIDED TO RESPOND POSITIVELY TO THE PROPOSAL MADE BY THE HON CHRISTINE LOH TO EXTEND THE ORIGINAL SCOPE OF EXEMPTION UNDER THE BILL TO COVER RURAL LAND AS WELL, HE ADDED.
IN COMING TO A FINAL DECISION IN THIS REGARD, MR SUEN STRESSED, THE ADMINISTRATION HAD VERY CAREFULLY TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THE VERY STRONG REACTIONS OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK AND NEW TERRITORIES VILLAGERS ON THE QUESTION OF EQUAL INTESTATE SUCCESSION RIGHTS BETWEEN THE SEXES.
MR SUEN ALSO APPRECIATED THE EXTENT AND DEPTH OF THE CONCERN OF THE KUK AND INDIGENOUS NEW TERRITORIES VILLAGERS THAT OTHER CUSTOMARY RIGHTS MIGHT ALSO BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED.
BUT HE ASSURED THEM THAT THEIR FEAR WAS NOT WELL-FOUNDED AS THE BILL DID NOT GIVE RISE TO ANY SUCH EFFECTS.
ELABORATING, HE SAID: "MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL AND MYSELF HELD MANY MEETINGS WITH THE KUK AND ITS MEMBERS TO EXPLAIN THE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC INTENTION BEHIND THE PROPOSAL.
"AS A RESULT OF THESE MEETINGS AND BRIEFINGS, THERE SHOULD BE NO MISUNDERSTANDING ON ANYONE’S MIND THAT THE PROPOSAL IS NOT INTENDED TO FORCE INDIGENOUS VILLAGERS TO BEQUEATH THEIR LAND OR PROPERTY TO DAUGHTERS ONLY, OR TO SONS AND DAUGHTERS EQUALLY."
THE INTENTION, HE EMPHASISED, WAS SIMPLY TO PROVIDE FOR AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR WOMEN TO SUCCEED TO LAND OR PROPERTY IN THE NEW TERRITORIES IF THE OWNER DIED INTESTATE.
"THIS CAN BE ACHIEVED BY THE EXTENSION OF THE APPLICATION OF THE PROBATE AND ADMINISTRATION ORDINANCE, THE INTESTATES’ ESTATES ORDINANCE AND THE DECEASED’S FAMILY MAINTENANCE ORDINANCE TO LAND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
"VILLAGERS WISHING TO PASS THEIR LAND OR PROPERTY TO THEIR MALE HEIRS CAN OF COURSE DO SO THROUGH THE MAKING OF A WILL," HE SAID.
IN CONCLUSION, MR SUEN SAID IN THE COURSE OF STUDYING THE BILL BY THE BILLS COMMITTEE, THE HON CHRISTINE LOH, PEGGY LAM, MIRIAM LAU AND ANNA WU HAD EITHER PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE BILL OR MADE SUGGESTIONS ON THE WAY TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE OF CUSTOMARY SUCCESSION.
------0-------
/3 .....
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 1994
- 3 -
ADVANCE FUNDING NEEDED FOR AIRPORT PROJECT ***** >
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR HAMISH MACLEOD, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT HE HOPED THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WOULD APPROVE A FURTHER $15 BILLION IN ADVANCE FUNDING FOR THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECT ON JULY 1.
"THIS CRUCIAL NEXT STEP MUST BE TAKEN WITHOUT FURTHER DELAY IF WE ARE TO MAINTAIN PROJECT MOMENTUM.
"WE ARE MEANWHILE CONTINUING OUR TALKS WITH THE CHINESE SIDE AND I AM SURE WE ALL HOPE THAT GOOD PROGRESS WILL BE MADE AT THE NEXT MEETING OF THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE TO BE HELD THIS FRIDAY," HE SAID.
HE WAS TABLING THE ANNUAL REPORT AND AUDITED ACCOUNTS OF THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1991.
HE SAID THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY WAS READY TO INTENSIFY ITS ACTIVITIES IN COMMERCIAL, OPERATIONAL AND FINANCIAL PLANNING, FOLLOWING THE ACHIEVEMENTS MADE IN THE PAST YEAR.
"IT IT ALSO READY TO UNDERTAKE THE NEXT MAJOR STEP IN CONSTRUCT ION OF THIS PROJECT, COMPRISING THE TERMINAL BUILDING, THE FIRST RUNWAY XNI) OTHER ESSENTIAL AIRPORT INFRASTRUCTURE FACILITIES," HE SAID.
SIR HAMISH SAID THE REPORT TABLED SHOULD BE THE LAST ONE ISSUED BY THIS PROVISIONAL BODY.
"WE AIM TO INTRODUCE THE AIRPORT CORPORATION BILL AS SOON AS WE CAN TO THIS COUNCIL AFTER OUR CURRENT CONSULTATIONS WITH THE CHINESE SIDE HAVE BEEN COMPLETED."
HE NOTED THAT ONLY THREE YEARS REMAINED IN THE CONTEXT OF GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT UNDER THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING TO COMPLETE THE AIRPORT TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT POSSIBLE BY THE END OF JUNE IN 1997.
"THE AUTHORITY’S TASK IS THUS A FORMIDABLE ONE AND IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT WE GIVE IT THE NECESSARY TOOLS TO CARRY IT OUT," HE SAID.
THESE TOOLS ARE: FURTHER FUNDING; AGREEMENT WITH THE CHINESE SIDE ON FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS; ENACTMENT OF THE AIRPORT CORPORATION BILL; AND PROGRESS ON AIRPORT FRANCHISES.
--------0-----------
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 1994
4
TREASURY SECRETARY IN MTR MOTION DEBATE
*****
FOLLOWING IS THE SPEECH BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR DONALD TSANG, IN THE LEGCO MOTION DEBATE ON RATE OF RETURN OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION :
MR PRESIDENT,
I PROPOSE, WITH YOUR CONSENT, TO SHARE THE DUTY OF REPLYING TO THIS MOTION ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT WITH MY COLLEAGUE, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT.
I WISH TO DISCUSS WITH MEMBERS WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO ACCEPT THE CONCEPT OF A RETURN ON THE PUBLIC’S INVESTMENT IN THE MTRC. IN THAT CONTEXT, I SHALL EXPLAIN WHY THE INTEREST OF PASSENGERS ARE BETTER SERVED NOT ONLY BY LOW FARES, BUT ALSO BY QUALITY OF SERVICE, BY REGULAR RENEWAL OF THE EXISTING RAILWAY SYSTEM AS IT AGES, AND BY EXPANSION TO MEET NEW DEMANDS.
AS A MATTER OF POLICY, WE SEEK TO ACHIEVE A RETURN ON THE PUBLIC’S INVESTMENT IN THE MTR SYSTEM, BECAUSE WE SHOULD GAIN THE RESOURCES FROM WITHIN THE REVENUES OF THE EXISTING SYSTEM TO ALLOW US, AT TODAY’S PRICES, TO MAINTAIN, UPGRADE AND EXPAND THE SYSTEM.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO LOOK FORWARD TO THE FUTURE. PROVIDED THAT MTR FARES CAN AT LEAST BE MAINTAINED IN REAL TERMS TOGETHER WITH A MODEST RETURN, WE SHALL HAVE AVAILABLE - MORE OR LESS REGARDLESS OF THE GOVERNMENT’S FINANCIAL POSITION IN THE FUTURE - THE RESOURCES TO KEEP THE SYSTEM CLEAN, EFFICIENT, SAFE AND GROWING TO MEET FUTURE SERVICE NEEDS.
IF WE LET FARES FALL IN REAL TERMS, AND IF WE FAIL TO OBTAIN A RETURN, THEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FUTURE WILL BE FA(’EI) WITH PUMPING TN FUNDS FOR THE RENEWAL AND DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM WHEN IT WOULD PREFER TO USE THE MONEY FOR SOMETHING ELSE OR IT MIGHT SIMPLY NOT BE ABLE TO AFFORD TO DO SO. ANOTHER IMPORTANT REASON FOR MAINTAINING FARES IN REAL TERMS AND OBTAINING A RETURN IS THAT THE HONG KONG PUBLIC CAN BENEFIT ENORMOUSLY FROM THE MTRC’S ABILITY TO BORROW MONEY AT LOW RATES OF INTEREST. WHAT MONEY THE MTRC CANNOT BORROW TO FUND NEW RAILWAY DEVELOPMENTS HAS EITHER GOT TO BE MADE UP IN HIGHER FARES, OR IN MORE MONEY OR CONCESSIONS FROM THE OWNERS - THE HONG KONG PUBLIC.
I AM SURE MEMBERS WILL REALISE THAT A BUSINESS CANNOT BORROW MONEY EFFECTIVELY AND CHEAPLY IF IT CANNOT EVEN MAINTAIN ITS REVENUE IN REAL TERMS. WHAT IS MORE: LENDERS LOOK FOR A SAFETY MARGIN IN THE BORROWER’S PROFITABILITY REPRESENTED BY THE RATE OF RETURN TO THE OWNER. THEY CAN RELY ON THIS SAFETY MARGIN IN CASE THE ECONOMICS OF THE BUSINESS DETERIORATES, AND THEY REFLECT THAT EXTRA DEGREE OF COMFORT IN LOWER INTEREST RATES.
MOST MEMBERS ARE WELL TRAVELLED. ANY RAILWAY SYSTEM WHICH IS ALLOWED TO DEGENERATE IS MORE THAN JUST A SOURCE OF DISSATISFACTION TO PASSENGERS : IT GRADUALLY BECOMES A REAL THREAT IN TERMS OF SAFETY, SECURITY AND STABILITY OF FARES.
/THE POSITION .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 1994
5
THE POSITION REACHED IN THE CASE OF THE LONDON UNDERGROUND IS ILLUSTRATIVE OF WHAT CAN GO WRONG. IN THE 1960S AND ’70S THOSE IN BRITAIN IN CONTROL OF RAILWAY INVESTMENT AND PRICING STRATEGIES WERE UNDER STRONG SOCIAL PRESSURE TO MAINTAIN LOW FARES, AND TO IGNORE PRUDENT COMMERCIAL PRINCIPLES. THIS STORY CAN BE TOLD ABOUT SIMILAR RAILWAYS IN THE UNITED STATES AND ELSEWHERE.
BY THE LATE EIGHTIES, THE CONDITION OF THE LONDON UNDERGROUND DETERIORATED TO A POINT WHERE IT COULDN’T CONTINUE TO OPERATE SAFELY AND EFFICIENTLY WITHOUT MAJOR RENEWAL. BUT BY THAT TIME PASSENGERS COULD NOT AFFORD THE SORT OF MAJOR FARE INCREASES THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN REQUIRED TO MEET A MAJOR UPGRADING, AND PARTS OF THE SYSTEM HAD BECOME SO WORN OUT THAT THERE WAS LITTLE CHANCE OF ATTRACTING PRIVATE INVESTMENT TO FUND IMPROVEMENTS.
I AM NOT TRYING TO BOAST AT THE EXPENSE OF THE LONDON UNDERGROUND SYSTEM, - AND I KNOW THAT VALIANT EFFORTS ARE NOW UNDER WAY TO TRY TO UPGRADE IT - BUT WE HAVE TO BE AWARE OF THIS SORT OF DANGER, AND TO MAKE SURE WE DON’T FALL INTO THE SAME SORT OF TRAP AT A TIME WHEN WE ARE TRYING TO PAY MORE ATTENTION TO MEETING PUBLIC EXPECTATIONS OF MORE SERVICES AT A LOWER COST.
OUR MTR IS PROBABLY THE BEST IN THE WORLD. MOST OF THE REST OF THE WORLD SEEM TO THINK SO, ANYWAY. ONE OF ITS UNIQUE FEATURES IS THAT IT OPERATES WITHOUT A SUBSIDY, AND IS CAPABLE OF PROVIDING A REAL RETURN TO THE OWNER - I.E. THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG. NOT EVEN THE RAILWAY SYSTEMS IN TOKYO ACHIEVE THAT.
THE MTRC HAS, I UNDERSTAND, ALREADY TAKEN THE INITIATIVE TO START EXPLAINING TO MEMBERS THE RATIONALE BEHIND THEIR POLICY OF SETTING A RATE OF RETURN OF 10 PER CENT OVER A 40-YEAR PERIOD. AS YOU WILL BE AWARE, THE CORPORATION HAS BEEN THROUGH A LONG PERIOD OF CAPITAL EXPANSION AND IS ONLY NOW CLEARING THE DEBT RAISED TO FUND PREVIOUS EXPANSION PHASES. NEW CAPITAL EXPANSION FOR THE AIRPORT RAILWAY AND RELIEF FOR THE NATHAN ROAD CORRIDOR WILL START SOON, AND WITH IT THE MTRC WILL HAVE TO RAISE NEW DEBT. NOT SURPRISINGLY WE HAVE NOT SOUGHT A DIVIDEND FROM THEM AND WE HAVE NOT SET OUT A FORMAL DIVIDEND POLICY FOR THEM. INSTEAD, WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE GOVERNMENT AS SHAREHOLDER, THE CORPORATION HAS SET OUT AT LEAST TO PRESERVE THE LEVEL OF INTEREST THAT THE PUBLIC WOULD EXPECT TO RECEIVE ON THEIR CAPITAL INVESTED OVER SO MANY YEARS. THIS WILL ASSURE THAT THE VALUE OF OUR INVESTMENT IS PRESERVED IN REAL TERMS, AS WELL AS PROVIDING THE MINIMUM LEVEL OF INTEREST COVER REQUIRED BY LENDERS - BOTH PAST AND FUTURE.
THE CORPORATION WILL CONTINUE ITS EFFORTS TO PROVIDE MEMBERS WITH THE DETAILS UNDERLYING THIS POLICY.
LET ME MAKE THIS VERY CLEAR TO MEMBERS : THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY WILL REMAIN THAT AS LONG AS THE MTRC - OR ANY OF THE OTHER STATUTORY CORPORATIONS - HAS IN HAND VIABLE AND CONCRETE PLANS FOR CAPITAL EXPANSION TO MEET FUTURE TRANSPORT NEEDS, OR TO RENEW THE SYSTEM TO MAINTAIN SERVICE SAFETY AND STANDARDS, THE GOVERNMENT WILL ALWAYS REGARD THAT AS A PRIORITY CALL ON ANY FUNDS WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE BE PAID TO THE GOVERNMENT IN DIVIDENDS. THIS COMMITMENT IS LITTLE DIFFERENT FROM WHAT I HAVE OFFERED TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY UNDER THE PROPOSED NEW FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS.
/WHAT I .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 1994
6
WHAT I HAVE JUST SAID IS A STRONG COMMITMENT TO THE MAINTENANCE AND EXPANSION OF THE MTRC SERVICE.
FOR THIS, THE PRICE WILL BE THAT PASSENGERS SHOULD CONTINUE TO PAY IN REAL TERMS THE FARES THEY ARE PAYING TODAY. TO PUT IT IN OTHER WORDS, THEY SHOULD READILY ACCEPT THE HABIT OF FARE INCREASES IN LINE WITH INFLATION. IF THE PUBLIC CAN ACCEPT THIS PRINCIPLE, OUR MTR WILL BE ABLE TO GROW TO MEET THEIR NEEDS IN THE FUTURE. OUR MTRC IS NOT AN EXPENSIVE SYSTEM TO TRAVEL ON. IT IS CERTAINLY EXTRAORDINARILY GOOD VALUE FOR MONEY.
THE MOTION CALLS ON US TO ASK THE MTRC TO EXPLAIN THE RATIONALE BEHIND THE SETTING OF THE AVERAGE INTERNAL RATE OF RETURN. I HAVE DONE THIS VERY BRIEFLY, AND THE MTRC WILL EXPLAIN IN DETAIL LATER.
AS TO THE LATTER PART OF THE PROPOSITION IN THE MOTION - THAT THE MTRC SHOULD BE ASKED TO CONSIDER ABOLISHING REGULAR FARE INCREASES IN LINE WITH INFLATION - I HAVE TRIED TO EXPLAIN BY ANALOGY WITH THE PROBLEMS IN OTHER METRO RAILWAY SYSTEMS WHY THAT IN FACT DOES NOT SERVE THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE PASSENGERS OR THE PUBLIC AT LARGE. I FEEL BOUND THEN, MR PRESIDENT, TO INVITE MEMBERS TO CONSIDER ENCOURAGING THE MTRC TO CONTINUE ITS PRUDENT COMMERCIAL PRINCIPLE AND CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN ITS FARE LEVELS IN REAL TERMS, SO AS TO SAFEGUARD THE INTEREST OF PASSENGERS.
THE DEBATE GOING ON ALL AROUND US ABOUT SUBSIDISED STATE ENTERPRISES MUST BE FAMILIAR TO MEMBERS. FROM THE STEPPES OF MONGOLIA TO THE MOUNTAINS OF ALBANIA, GOVERNMENTS WHO FOR DECADES HAVE TAKEN SUBSIDISED STATE ENTERPRISES AS A MATTER OF FAITH ARE NOW MOVING TOWARDS TRUE COMMERCIAL OPERATION. THIS IS A VERY ODD TIME FOR HONG KONG - OF ALL PLACES - TO THINK OF MOVING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION.
IN THAT NOTE, MR PRESIDENT, I REGRETFULLY OPPOSE THE MOTION, WHILE ACCEPTING THE SPIRIT OF THE FIRST PART OF IT.
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SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT ON MTRC MOTION
*****
FOLLOWING IS THE SPEECH BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR HAIDER BARMA, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MOTION DEBATE ON RATE OF RETURN OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION1
MR PRESIDENT,
THE HONOURABLE LAU CHIN SHEK HAS BEEN EXTREMELY PERSISTENT IN HIS PLEAS TO SEEK THE MONITORING OF MTRC FARES. AS SOME MEMBERS HAVE POINTED OUT, THIS IS THE THIRD MOTION DEBATE HE HAS PROPOSED WITHIN THE LAST 17 MONTHS. ON THE OTHER HAND, MY PREDECESSORS AND I HAVE BEEN EQUALLY CONSISTENT IN EXPLAINING THE ADMINISTRATION’S APPROACH AND POLICY. THE SIMPLE HOME TRUTH THAT MUST BE UNDERLINED AND REITERATED IS THE GOVERNMENT’S FUNDAMENTAL POLICY THAT ALL OUR PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES SHOULD BE RUN WITHOUT SUBSIDY. THIS PHILOSOPHY HAS SERVED US WELL AND I AM CONVINCED WILL CONTINUE TO BENEFIT THE TRAVELLING PUBLIC IN THE YEARS AHEAD.
/BECAUSE THIS .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 1994
7
BECAUSE THIS SUBJECT HAS BEEN DEBATED SEVERAL TIMES, INVARIABLY MANY OF THE ARGUMENTS AND COUNTER-ARGUMENTS ADVANCED TODAY MAY HAVE A RING OF FAMILIARITY AROUND THEM. DURING THE LAST MOTION DEBATE ON THIS SUBJECT I EXPLAINED AT LENGTH WHY WE MUST CONTINUE TO ALLOW THE MTRC TO DETERMINE THEIR FARES IN KEEPING WITH PRUDENT COMMERCIAL PRINCIPLES. MAY I REFER MEMBERS TO MY RESPONSE OF 12 JANUARY WHICH IS CONTAINED IN THE HANSARD RECORDS. RATHER THAN REITERATE ALL THESE ARGUMENTS, LET ME TRY TO FOCUS ON THIS SUBJECT FROM A SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE.
IN BROAD TERMS, IN MEETING THE CORPORATION’S FINANCIAL PLANS UNTIL THE END OF THE CENTURY, REVENUE FROM FARES IS ESSENTIAL TO MEET THREE BASIC COMPONENTS OF EXPENDITURE:
(A) ANNUAL OPERATING COSTS;
(B) SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS AND ASSET REPLACEMENT IN THE EXISTING SYSTEM; AND
(C) INTEREST PAYMENTS AND REPAYMENT OF OUTSTAND'NG DEBTS.
MY COLLEAGUE, THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, HAS DEALT WITH ASPECTS PERTAINING TO MTRC’S EQUITY AND DEBTS AND LONG- TERM INVESTMENT EXPANSION PROGRAMMES. I SHALL THEREFORE ELABORATE ON THE TWO OTHER ASPECTS I HAVE OUTLINED.
OPERATING COSTS INCLUDE STAFF SALARIES AND RELATED EXPENSES, ELECTRICITY CHARGES AND RATES, REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE, AND OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE OVERHEADS. THESE ARE UNAVOIDABLE COSTS WHICH HAVE TO BE INCURRED BUT THE CORPORATION WILL CONTINUE TO MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ACHIEVE SAVINGS. FOR EXAMPLE, THE RECENT INTRODUCTION OF A CHOPPER CONTROL SYSTEM ON THE MTR HAS ENABLED TRACTION ENERGY TO BE SAVED BY AS MUCH AS 50%.
AS REGARDS SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS, THE CORPORATION WILL BE SPENDING $8 BILLION ON SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS OVER THE NEXT SEVEN YEARS. THE PROGRAMME INCLUDES OVER $5 BILLION ON IMPROVING THE FREQUENCY OF TRAIN SERVICES, AIR-CONDITIONING AND COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM, $830 MILLION ON ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS SUCH AS NOISF REDUCTION MEASURES, SOME $700 MILLION ON STATION FACILITIES AND SYSTEM MANAGEMENT AND A SIMILAR AMOUNT ON ASSET REPAIRS AND REPLACEMENT. ALL THESE MEASURES ENHANCE THE EFFICIENCY OF THE SERVICE AND WILL BENEFIT COMMUTERS.
REVENUE FROM FARES ARE ESSENTIAL TO COVER OPERATING EXPENSES AND THE PLANNED SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS. MR LAU CHIN SHEK HAS ASKED THE MTRC TO EXPLAIN ITS FINANCIAL PLANS AND POLICIES TO ACHIEVE THIS. I WHOLE-HEARTEDLY SUPPORT THIS. THE MTRC ALSO FULLY RECOGNISE AND ACCEPT THAT BEING A PUBLIC CORPORATION, THEY HAVE TO BE OPEN AND ACCOUNTABLE. THEY CONTINUE TO EXPLORE WAYS AND MEANS TO ENHANCE THIS. IN THE 1994 FARE INCREASE EXERCISE, THE CORPORATION MADE A DETAILED PRESENTATION TO THE LEGCO TRANSPORT PANEL AND THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC) IN FEBRUARY EXPLAINING THE BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE FOR ITS FINANCIAL STRATEGY AND FARE POLICY. PASSENGER SURVEY RESULTS AND FEEDBACK FROM PASSENGER LIAISON GROUPS CONCERNING FARES WERE ALSO PRESENTED. AND THE CORPORATION TOOK INTO ACCOUNT THE VIEWS OF THE LEGCO TRANSPORT PANEL, TAC AND RESULTS FROM INDEPENDENT PASSENGER SURVEYS BEFORE FINALISING ITS PROPOSALS FOR ITS FARE INCREASE.
/THE MTRC'S .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 1994
_ 8 -
THE MTRC’S APPROACH GOES BEYOND JUST TRYING TO JUSTIFY ITS FARE STRUCTURE. IT WAS THE FIRST MAJOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT OPERATOR TO SET PERFORMANCE TARGETS AND PUBLISH ITS PERFORMANCE REGULARLY. SUCH TARGETS COVER TRAIN RELIABILITY, PEAK HOUR TRAIN PERFORMANCE, TICKET RELIABILITY AND ESCALATOR AVAILABILITY. SUCH PERFORMANCE PLEDGES DEMONSTRATE THEIR ACCOUNTABILITY AND THE MTRC DESERVE CREDIT FOR THEIR WILLINGNESS TO SHARE INFORMATION WITH THE PUBLIC AND BE RECEPTIVE TO THEIR VIEWS.
THE HONOURABLE LAU CHIN SHEK HAS REQUESTED THAT THE MTRC SHOULD ABOLISH ITS CURRENT POLICY OF ANNUALLY ADJUSTING FARES SO AS TO SAFEGUARD THE INTEREST OF PASSENGERS. I ENTIRELY ACCEPT AND AGREE THAT THE INTERESTS OF PASSENGERS MUST BE SAFEGUARDED BUT, IN THE ADMINISTRATION’S VIEW, IT IS PRECISELY FOR THIS REASON THAT REGULAR FARE INCREASES ARE ESSENTIAL. MTRC FARES ARE AFFORDABLE. BY KEEPING THE INCREASE BELOW THE RATE OF INFLATION OVER PAST YEARS, COMMUTERS IN PRACTICE HAVE HAD TO PAY NO MORE TN REAL TERMS. IT SHOULD NOT BE FORGOTTEN THAT OFTEN, AS A PACKAGE TO CUSHION FARE INCREASES, CONCESSIONS HAVE ALSO BEEN INTRODUCED, FOR EXAMPLE FOR 'rHE ELDERLY AND STUDENTS AS WELL AS FOR TRAVEL DURING OFF-PEAK HOURS.
IT MUST BE MORE SENSIBLE TO GO FOR SMALL INCREMENTAL INCREASES IN FARES TO RESERVE AND EARMARK FUNDS FOR ONGOING AND PROJECTED EXPENSES, MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS RATHER THAN IGNORE ALL THIS AND BE FACED WITH SUBSTANTIAL EXPENDITURE THAT HAS TO BE FINANCED FROM SCRATCH WHEN PROBLEMS ARISE. OTHER RAILWAY SYSTEMS HAVE FAILED BECAUSE INSUFFICIENT RESOURCES HAVE BEEN EARMARKED IN GOOD TIMF WHICH IN TURN HAS RESULTED IN THOSE SYSTEMS RUNNING DOWN AND THEN BREAKING DOWN.
WE NEED TO LOOK AHEAD AND INVEST IN THE SYSTEM FOR THE FUTURE. THE COMMUNITY DOES THIS IN OTHER WALKS OF LIFE AND IT IS EQUALLY ESSENTIAL TO DO SO IN RESPECT OF OUR PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES. THE MTRC KNOWS ITS BUSINESS WELL. THE MTR IS ONE OF THE MOST EFFICIENT AND SUCCESSFUL RAILWAYS IN THE WORLD BECAUSE IT IS RUN ON PRUDENT COMMERCIAL PRINCIPLES. IT WOULD BE SUICIDAL TO INTERFERE BY ATTEMPTING TO TIE THE CORPORATION’S HANDS. THF CORPORATION HAS NOT ABUSED ITS FINANCIAL AUTONOMY IN RAISING FARES - ON THF. CONTRARY IT HAS DEMONSTRATED THAT IT IS FULLY CONSCIOUS OF ITS CIVIC RESPONSIBILITIES.
THE MTRC HAS DEMONSTRATED ITS OPENNESS AND PUBLIC
ACCOUNTABILITY AND, IN FACT, CONTINUE TO STEP UP THEIR EFFORTS IN THIS DIRECTION. THE ADMINISTRATION WELCOMES AND ENCOURAGES THIS. THE
ADMINISTRATION FIRMLY BELIEVES THAT REGULAR, MODEST FARE INCREASES ARE ESSENTIAL TO SAFEGUARD BOTH THE EFFICIENT OPERATION OF THE MASS TRANSIT SYSTEM AND THE INTEREST OF COMMUTERS. THE HON EDWARD HO, JIMMY MCGREGOR, VINCENT CHENG AND ROGER LUK HAVE ADVANCED PERSUASIVE ARGUMENTS AND FACTS TO EXPLAIN WHY THE MTRC MUST BE ALLOWED TO CONTINUE TO OPERATE ON PRUDENT COMMERCIAL PRINCIPLES. THE ADMINISTRATION IS MOST GRATEFUL FOR THEIR SUPPORT. IT WOULD INDEED BE SAD IF OTHER MEMBERS WHO IN FACT ACCEPT THE VERY VALID REASONS WHICH HAVE BEEN PUT FORWARD TO SAFEGUARD AND MAINTAIN THE MTRC’S FINANCIAL AUTONOMY, NONETHELESS VOTE IN FAVOUR OF THE SECOND PART OF MR LAU’S MOTION, SIMPLY BECAUSE OF HIS WORDING ASKING THE MTRC TO CONSIDER CHANGING ITS APPROACH ON FARE ADJUSTMENTS. THE ADMINISTRATION DOES NOT SUPPORT THE SECOND PART OF MR LAU’S MOTION THAT THE MTRC SHOULD
ABANDON ITS CURRENT PRACTICE RELATING TO ADJUSTMENTS IN FARES.
THANK YOU MR PRESIDENT.
- - 0----------
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 1994
- 9 -
DB ELECTION EXPENSES ORDER
*****
FOLLOWING IS THE SPEECH BY SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR NICHOLAS NG, ON MAXIMUM SCALE OF ELECTION EXPENSES (DISTRICT BOARDS) ORDER 1994 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TONIGHT (WEDNESDAY):
MR PRESIDENT,
THERE HAS BEEN MUCH DISCUSSION BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THIS COUNCIL ON THE ADMINISTRATION'S PROPOSAL TO INCREASE THE ELECTION EXPENSE LIMIT FOR THE 1994 DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS FROM $30,000 TO $60,000. I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO RESTATE AND CLARIFY THE ADMINISTRATION’S POSITION.
FIRST, ON PRINCIPLES. IN SETTING THE ELECTION EXPENSE LIMITS FOR PAST ELECTIONS OF OUR THREE TIERS OF REPRESENTATIVE INSTITUTIONS, WE HAVE ALWAYS FOLLOWED TWO GUIDING PRINCIPLES :
- FIRST, THE CEILING MUST NOT BE SO LOW AS TO PLACE UNREASONABLE RESTRICTION ON ELECTION ACTIVITIES, NOR SO HIGH AS TO DETER LESS WELL-OFF CANDIDATES FROM STANDING.
- SECONDLY, THE LIMIT SHOULD PROVIDE A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD FOR ALL CANDIDATES. IN PARTICULAR, IT MUST NOT BE SO LOW SO THAT NEWCOMERS ARE PLACED AT A DISADVANTAGEOUS POSITION, BEARING IN MIND THAT, UNLIKE THOSE WITH THE BACKUP OF POLITICAL PARTIES, THEY CANNOT ACHIEVE ANY ECONOMY OF SCALE AND HAVE TO SPEND RELATIVELY MORE TO PUBLICISE AND PROMOTE THEMSELVES.
OVER THE YEARS, THESE TWO PRINCIPLES HAVE HELPED TO ENSURE THAT OUR ELECTIONS ARI- OPEN AND FAIR. WE HAVE THEREFORE FOLLOWED THESE SAME PRINCIPLES IN REVISING THE ELECTION EXPENSES LIMIT FOR THE FORTHCOMING DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS. THEY ARE, I WOULD ARGUE, ALSO THE YARDSTICKS AGAINST WHICH ANY OTHER PROPOSED CEILING SHOULD BE MEASURED.
LET ME NOW TURN TO METHODOLOGY. IN CALCULATING THE CEILING, THREE COMPONENTS ARE INVOLVED. THE FIRST COMPONENT IS EXPENDITURE ITEMS. THESE ARE ITEMS WHICH ARE COMMONLY USED BY ELECTION CANDIDATES, AS DERIVED FROM RETURNS ON ELECTION EXPENSES SUBMITTED BY PAST CANDIDATES, AS WELL AS ASSESSMENT BY OFFICERS WHO ARE CLOSELY INVOLVED IN THE ELECTORAL PROCESS. AS CAMPAIGNING ACTIVITIES GROW IN SOPHISTICATION, THE VARIETY OF COMMON EXPENDITURE ITEMS ALSO INCREASES. THUS, WE HAVE INCLUDED IN OUR CALCULATION 16 ITEMS, SIX OF WHICH, SUCH AS PUBLIC MEETINGS, IDENTITY CARD FOR CAMPAIGN AGENTS, AND TRAVELLING EXPENSES, ARE NEW ADDITIONS THIS TIME ROUND.
THE SECOND COMPONENT IS THE ESTIMATED UNIT COST FOR EACH OF THE EXPENDITURE ITEMS. THE FIGURES WERE ARRIVED AT BY INVITING QUOTATIONS FROM PRIVATE SECTOR SUPPLIERS. FIVE QUOTATIONS WERE OBTAINED FOR EACH ITEM; THE AVERAGE OF THE QUOTATIONS WAS THEN TAKEN AS THE UNIT COST OF THE ITEM.
/THE FINAL .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 1994
- 10 -
THE FINAL. COMPONENT IS THE ESTIMATED QUANTITY REQUIRED FOR EACH EXPENDITURE ITEM. HERE, THE FIGURES WERE AGAIN DERIVED ON THE BASIS OF RETURNS FROM PAST CANDIDATES, PLUS ASSESSMENT BY THE RELEVANT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS. I SHOULD PERHAPS ADD THAT IN SO DOING, WE HAVE FULLY TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THE EFFECT OF SMALLER CONSTITUENCIES AND SMALLER ELECTORATE SIZES FOR THE 1994 DISTRICT BOARDS ON THE ONE HAND, AND THE EFFECT OF MORE KEENLY CONTESTED ELECTIONS ON THE OTHER.
1 HOPE THE ABOVE EXPLANATION CLEARLY DEMONSTRATES THAT THE $60,000 CEILING HAS NOT BEEN ARBITRARILY SET. RATHER, IT IS THE OUTCOME OF A THOROUGH PROCESS OF OBJECTIVE ANALYSTS BASED ON ACTUAL EXPERIENCE AND INFORMAL ASSESSMENT.
MR PRESIDENT, WE HAVE CAREFULLY STUDIED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SUB-COMMITTEE’S PROPOSAL TO SET THE CEILING AT A LOWER LEVEL OF $45,000. OUR JUDGMENT IS THAT WHILST THIS CEILING WOULD NOT CAUSE UNDUE DIFFICULTIES TO THE ELECTIONEERING ACTIVITIES OF CANDIDATES OR MATERIALLY AFFECT THE ELECTION RESULTS, IT DOES NOT FULLY REFLECT THE ACTUAL NEEDS OF CANDIDATES. FOR EXAMPLE, IT HAS EOT TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT A NUMBER OF EXPENDITURE ITEMS WHICH ARE NOW COMMONLY USED IN FLECTION CAMPAIGNS.
HAVING REGARD TO ALL THIS, AND WHILE WE UNDERSTAND THE REASONS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SUB-COMMITTEE FOR PROPOSING A LOWER LIMIT, THE ADMINISTRATION’S VIEW REMAINS THAT THE $60,000 CEILING IS EQUITABLE AND PROVIDES A SOUND BASIS FOR OPEN AND FAIR ELECTIONS.
THANK YOU, MR PRESIDENT.
------0--------
SUPPLEMENTARY APPROPRIATION BILL
*****
SOME EXPENDITURE IN EXCESS OF THE SUM APPROPRIATED FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1993/94 HAS BEEN INCLUDED IN THE SUPPLEMENTARY APPROPRIATION (1993/94) BILL 1994 WHICH WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE EXPENDITURE WAS CHARGED TO 67 HEADS OUT OF A TOTAL OF 83 HEADS IN THE GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS.
’’THIS IS BECAUSE SUFFICIENT OFFSETTING SAVINGS COULD NOT BE FOUND WITHIN THE HEADS CONCERNED,” THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR DONALD TSANG, SAID WHEN HE MOVED THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL.
THE TOTAL NET SUPPLEMENTARY APPROPRIATION REQUIRED IN RESPECT OF THE 67 HEADS OF EXPENDITURE IS $8,050.1 MILLION. THIS EXCESS IS LARGELY ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 1993 PAY ADJUSTMENT IN RESPECT OF THE CIVIL SERVICE AND GOVERNMENT SUBVENTED ORGANISATIONS.
OTHER MAJOR CONTRIBUTING FACTORS INCLUDE THE INCREASED EXPENDITURE UNDER THE COMPREHENSIVE SOCIAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE AND SOCIAL SECURITY ALLOWANCE SCHEMES AND ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE OI PENSION PAYMENT.
/’’THE COST...........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22( 1994
11
"THE COST OF THE 1993 PAY ADJUSTMENT AND PENSION INCREASE HAD BEEN ANTICIPATED IN THE 1993/94 ESTIMATES UNDER THE 'ADDITIONAL COMMITMENTS’ SUBHEAD.
"SAVINGS WERE ALSO MADE IN OTHER SUBHEADS THROUGH CONTINUED TIGHT CONTROL OVER PUBLIC EXPENDITURE.
"BECAUSE OF THESE SAVINGS AND THE PROVISION MADE FOR ADDITIONAL COMMITMENTS, TOTAL EXPENDITURE FOR THE YEAR IS WITHIN THE SUM APPROPRIATED IN THE APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE 1993," HE SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
------0--------
BILL TO TACKLE SPECULATION ON TAXI LICENCE INTRODUCED TO LEGCO * * * * *
A BILL SEEKING TO TACKLE SPECULATION IN TAXI LICENCES WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1994 SEEKS TO INTRODUCE RESTRICTION ON THE TRANSFERABILITY OF NEW TAXI LICENCES.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR HAIDER BARMA, SAID THE EXCEEDINGLY HIGH PREMIUMS PAID FOR TAXI LICENCES WAS ONE PARTICULAR PROBLEM AREA IDENTIFIED IN THE TAXI POLICY REVIEW WHICH WAS CONDUCTED BY THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC) AND COMPLETED IN MARCH 1994.
HE NOTED THAT TAXI LICENCES HAD BEEN ISSUED THROUGH PUBLIC TENDER SINCE 1964 AND WERE FREELY TRANSFERABLE UNDER EXISTING LEGISLATION, WITH HOLDERS HAVING A PERPETUAL OPERATING RIGHT.
MR BARMA SAID THESE FACTORS, COUPLED WITH THE LIMITED ISSUE OF NEW TAXI LICENCES, HAD CONTRIBUTED TO THE SHARP RISE AND SPECULATION IN TAXI LICENCES IN RECENT YEARS.
"TO TACKLE THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM, THE TAC RECOMMENDED, INTER ALIA, THAT THERE SHOULD BE A 12-MONTH RESTRICTION ON THE TRANSFERABILITY OF NEW TAXI LICENCES AND A REQUIREMENT THAT BOTH THE TRANSFEROR AND TRANSFEREE OF THE LICENCE MUST REGISTER THE TRANSACTION IN PERSON," HE SAID.
MR BARMA SAID THE BILL WOULD EMPOWER THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT TO PROHIBIT THE TRANSFER OF THE OWNERSHIP OF THE TAXI FOR AN INITIAL PERIOD.
"THE EXACT PERIOD HAS NOT BEEN SPECIFIED IN THE BILL DELIBERATELY SINCE, IN FUTURE, IT MAY BE NECESSARY TO VARY THIS PERIOD TO ENABLE THE COMMISSIONER TO RESPOND QUICKLY TO THE MARKET SITUATION.
"TO ENSURE THAT THE TRADE AND ALL INTERESTED PARTIES ARE MADE AWARE OF THIS RESTRICTION, THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT WILL SPECIFY CHE ’PERIOD’ IN THE TENDER DOCUMENTS.
"SUCH A RESTRICTION WILL ALSO BE ENDORSED IN THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION DOCUMENT FOR VEHICLE LICENSED AS TAXIS," HE SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
------0--------
/12 .....
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 1994
- 12 -
LOCAL COINAGE LAW HELPS SMOOTH TRANSITION * * * * *
THE ENACTMENT OF A LOCAL COINAGE ORDINANCE BEFORE 1997 TO VEST AUTHORITY FOR ISSUING COINS IN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WILL CONTRIBUTE TO A SMOOTH TRANSITION, THE SECRETARY FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES, MR MICHAEL CARTLAND, SAID.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE COINAGE BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), MR CARTLAND SAID BOTH THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW HAD SPECIFIC PROVISIONS TO VEST THE AUTHORITY TO ISSUE HONG KONG CURRENCY IN THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION GOVERNMENT.
THE BILL SEEKS TO VEST THE AUTHORITY FOR THE ISSUE OF LEGAL TENDER COINS IN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT.
’’THIS IS NECESSARY BECAUSE THE RELEVANT PROVISIONS ARE NOW STIPULATED IN A UNITED KINGDOM ORDER IN COUNCIL, WHICH WILL CEASE TO HAVE EFFECT ON JULY I, 1997,” HE SAID.
THE BILL ALSO MAKES PROVISIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THE DEMONETISATION OF THE ONE CENT CURRENCY NOTE.
THE HOLDER OF ONE CENT CURRENCY NOTES SHALL, ON SURRENDERING THEM TO THE DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES, BE PAID FROM THE GENERAL REVENUE AN AMOUNT IN LEGAL TENDER EQUAL TO THEIR FACE VALUE, BUT ONLY IN RESPECT OF AMOUNTS IN MULTIPLES OF 10.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
--------0-----------
GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS MOTION ON PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY
*****
THE ADMINISTRATION AND THE PUBLIC’ TRANSPORT OPERATORS WILL CONTINUE TO PURSUE THE OBJECTIVE OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY, AND TO SEE HOW BEST EXISTING ARRANGEMENTS CAN BE ENHANCED.
BUT IT MUST BE RECOGNISED THAT TRANSPORT OPERATORS HAVE A LEGITIMATE REASON IN NOT DISCLOSING COMMERCIALLY SENSITIVE INFORMATION.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR HAIDER BARMA, AT A MOTION DEBATE CALLING FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT COMPANIES TO DISCLOSE ALL RELEVANT DATA AND INFORMATION WHEN SEEKING INCREASES IN FARES.
SUPPORTING THE MOTION, MR BARMA SAID AS OVER 10 MILLION PASSENGER TRIPS WERE MADE EVER^ DAY, PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY WAS INDEED REQUIRED TO PROTECT THE INTERESTS OF COMMUTERS.
HOWEVER, HE SAID IT WOULD BE TOTALLY UNFOUNDED AND WRONG FOR ANYONE TO THINK THAT, UP TO NOW, NOTHING HAD BEEN DONE EITHER ON THE PART OF THE TRANSPORT OPERATORS OR THE ADMINISTRATION TO PROVIDE INFORMATION.
/•'IN HIS ..........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 1994
- 13 -
"IN HIS OPENING ADDRESS LAST OCTOBER, THE GOVERNOR ANNOUNCED THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION TO ASK ALL UTILITIES AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT COMPANIES TO ADOPT NEW STANDARDS OF DISCLOSURE ON THEIR FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES.
"AND INDEED EARLIER THIS MONTH THE ECONOMIC SERVICES AND PUBLIC UTILITIES PANEL OF THIS COUNCIL WAS FULLY BRIEFED ON THE STEPS THAT HAVE BEEN TAKEN.
"ADMITTEDLY SOME COMPANIES HAVE BEEN MORE RESPONSIVE THAN OTHERS," HE SAID.
ILLUSTRATING THE PROCEDURES FOR PROCESSING FARE INCREASE APPLICATIONS, MR BARMA SAID A COMPANY, WHEN SEEKING FARE INCREASE, HAS TO PROVIDE THE NECESSARY FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL INFORMATION IN SUPPORT OF ITS APPLICATION.
IN BRIEF, SUCH INFORMATION MUST INCLUDE THE RAIE OF FARE INCREASE APPLIED FOR; THE PROPOSED NEW FARES ON I ND!VII UAL ROUTES AND ROUTE GROUPS; DETAILED BREAKDOWN OF OPERATING COSTS COVERING WAGES, REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE EXPENSES; PATRONAGE AND REVENUE FORECASTS; SERVICE IMPROVEMENT AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES; AND OTHER SUPPORTING AND SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
SUCH DATA, ONCE RECEIVED, WILL BE CAREFULLY ASSESSED BY THE ADMINISTRATION, WHICH WILL THEN GO THROUGH THE PROCESS OF BRIEFING THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL PANEL ON TRANSPORT, SEEKING ADVICE FROM THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND THEN APPROVAL FROM THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
MR BARMA POINTED OUT THAT THE OUTCOME OF TRE APPLICATIONS FOR FARE INCREASES SOUGHT THIS YEAR BY KOWLOON MOTOR BUS (KMR) AND CHINA MOTOR BUS (CMB) VIVIDLY ILLUSTRATED THE METICULOUS VETTING UNDERTAKEN BY THE ADMINISTRATION.
"ALTHOUGH KMB AND CMB SOUGHT 19.6% AND 19.1% INCREASES IN FARES, THEIR APPLICATIONS WERE SUBSTANTIALLY SLASHED WITH THE ACTUAL INCREASES BEING LIMITED TO 12.9% AND 9.8% RESPECTIVELY.
MR BARMA SAID ALTHOUGH DETAILED FORECASTS OF FUTURE REVENUE, COSTS AND PROFIT WERE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE GOVERNMENT, SUCH INFORMATION COULD NOT BE REVEALED PUBLICLY BECAUSE MOST OPERATORS WERE PIIBLICLY-L ISTED COMPAN I ES .
"BUT WE WILL CERTAINLY LOOK AGAIN AT THIS ASPECT TO TRY TO LIMIT INFORMATION REALLY NEEDS TO BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL.
"TRANSPORT OPERATORS, UNDERSTANDABLY, ARE RELUCTANT TO DIVULGE INFORMATION SUCH AS PROFIT AND LOSS FIGURES ON INDIVIDUAL ROUTES TO THEIR COMPETITORS.
MR BARMA POINTED OUT THAT TRANSPORT WAS A VERY GOOD PLATFORM FOR ELECTIONEERING.
/14........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 1994
14
I ETTERS PATENT AMENDMENTS EXP1 AT NED *****
ALTHOUGH TWO SETS OF AMENDMENTS TO THE LETTERS PATENT AND THE ROYAL INSTRUCTIONS WERE PUBLISHED IN THE HONG KONG GAZETTE BEFORE THE RESIDUAL FORMALITIES RELATING TO THEM WERE COMPLETED, THIS WOULD NOT HAVE ANY EFFECT ON THE VALIDITY OF ANYTHING DONE IN HONG KONG BEFORE THE FORMALITIES ARE COMPLETED.
THIS HAS BEEN REAFFIRMED WITH HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT, THE SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR NICHOLAS NG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE COUNCIL’S CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT PANEL SUGGESTED AT ITS MEETING ON JUNE 20 THAT THERE SHOULD BE SOME FORM OF RETROSPECTIVE LEGISLATION TO PUT BEYOND ALL POSSIBLE DOUBT THE VALIDITY OF THE AMENDMENTS.
"AT THE PANEL’S REQUEST, THE ADMINISTRATION HAVE CONVEYED THE SUGGESTION TO HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT AND HAVE ASKED FOR AN URGENT RESPONSE.
"WE WILL INFORM THIS COUNCIL OF THE OUTCOME AS EARLY AS WE CAN," HE SAID IN HIS REPLY TO THE HON ANDREW WONG’S QUESTION ABOUT THE VALIDITY OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS SINCE FEBRUARY 19 LAST YEAR.
--------0-----------
COMMITTEE SET UP TO DETERMINE LAND USES
*****
SINCE 1990, 12 GOVERNMENT SITES HAVE BEEN SOLD FOR PRIVATE SECTOR DEVELOPMENT, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON RONALD ARCULLI IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, HE SAID A COMMITTEE ON REDEVELOPMENT OF UNDERDEVELOPED GOVERNMENT SITES HAD BEEN SET UP SINCE AUGUST 1991 TO DETERMINE THE APPROPRIATE LAND USES AND REDEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL OF UNDER-UTILISED GOVERNMENT SITES.
MR EASON SAID THE MAJOR OBSTACLES TO THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THESE SITES WERE THE NEED TO REPROVISION EXISTING FACILITIES AND PUBLIC OBJECTIONS TO THE REZONING PROPOSALS WHICH MIGHT BE NECESSARY.
"TO FACILITATE REDEVELOPMENT OF OTHER GOVERNMENT SITES, WE ARE CONSIDERING THE POSSIBILITY OF INVOLVING THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN REPROVISIONING THE GOVERNMENT FACILITIES ON SOME OF THEM," MR EASON SAID.
"BUT EACH CASE HAS TO BE CONSIDERED ON ITS MERITS AND SUITABLE FUNDING ARRANGEMENTS WORKED OUT," HE ADDED.
/GOVERNMENT-OWNED .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 1994
15
GOVERNMENT-OWNED PROPERTIES ON GOVERNMENT SITES PROVIDE A TOTAL NET FLOOR AREA OF ABOUT FOUR MILLION SQUARE METRES.
THIS CONSISTS OF SOME 0.72 MILLION SQUARE METRES OF OFFICE SPACE, 1.22 MILLION SQUARE METRES FOR RESIDENTIAL USE AND TWO MILLION SQUARE METRES OF SPECIAL ACCOMMODATION, INCLUDING SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS, POLICE AND FIRE STATIONS.
------0--------
CONSUMER PRICE INDEX VALIDLY REFLECTS INFLATION TRENDS ♦ » ♦ * ♦
THE SECRETARY FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES, MR MICHAEL CARTLAND, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) REITERATED THAT THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (CPI) WAS A VALID MEANS OF REFLECTING THE CURRENT INFLATION TRENDS.
CLARIFYING A MISCONCEPTION THAT THE INDEX WAS NOT BASED ON ADEQUATE PRICE DATA, MR CARTLAND SAID THE CRITICISM WAS UNFOUNDED BECAUSE A CONTINUOUS PRICING SURVEY WAS UNDERTAKEN BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
A TOTAL OF SOME 40,000 PRICE QUOTATIONS ARE COLLECTED EACH MONTH FROM 3,500 DIFFERENT OUTLETS AND SERVICE PROVIDERS, HE SAID IN A REPLY TO THE HON ROGER LUK KOON-HOO’S QUESTION IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
PEOPLE TEND TO REMEMBER ITEMS THAT HAVE HAD DRASTIC, FREQUENT PRICE INCREASES BUT TO OVERLOOK OR FORGET THOSE WHERE THE INCREASES HAVE BEEN NEGLIGIBLE, HE SAID.
NOT ONLY DO THEY TEND TO IGNORE THE OFFSETTING EFFECT OF THE. LOWER INCREASES, BUT THEY ALSO OVERLOOK THE FACT THAT MANY OF THE LOWER INCREASES OCCUR LN ITEMS THAT ACTUALLY REPRESENT QUITE A SIGNIFICANT SHARE OF HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE, HE ADDED.
MR CARTLAND SAID SOME PEOPLE FAILED TO DISTINGUISH A GENUINE, , PRICE INCREASE FROM AN INCREASE IN EXPENDITURE OWING TO AN INCREASE IN THE QUANTITY THEY CONSUMED OR IMPROVEMENT IN THE QUALITY OF THEIR CONSUMPTION.
"THESE. CHANGES SHOULD NOT BE ATTRIBUTED TO PRICE CHANGES AND
HENCE ’INFLATION’."
"THE CPI IS INTENDED TO MEASURE THE EFFECTS OF PRICE CHANGES ON THE TOTAL EXPENDITURE AS DEFINED BY A GIVEN BASKET OF GOODS AND SERVICES."
HE SAID THE EXPENDITURE PATTERN ADOPTED BY THE CPI REPRESENTED THE COLLECTIVE EXPENDITURE PATTERNS OF HOUSEHOLDS.
"WHILE INDIVIDUAL EXPERIENCES MAY VARY, THE CPI REFLECTS COLLECTIVELY THE INFLATION SITUATION FACED BY ALL HOUSEHOLDS," HE SAID.
REFERRING TO CONCERNS THAT THE INFLATION SITUATION REFLECTED BY THE CPI WOULD SOON BE OUTDATED AS THE EXPENDITURE PATTERNS OF HOUSEHOLDS CHANGED OVER TIME, MR CARTLAND SAID THIS WAS NOT TRUE.
/EXPENDITURE PATTERNS .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 1994
- 16 -
EXPENDITURE PATTERNS OF HOUSEHOLD ONLY CHANGE GRADUALLY AND THE IMPACT ON THE CPI IS USUALLY MINIMAL, HE SAID, ADDING THAT PAST RESEARCH ON ACTUAL FIGURES WELL ILLUSTRATED THIS.
NOTING THAT UPDATING WAS PART OF THE SYSTEM, HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CARRY OUT A HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY ONCE EVERY FIVE YEARS TO ENSURE THAT CHANGES IN EXPENDITURE PATTERNS OVER TIME WERE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN THF COMPILATION OF THE INDEX.
’’THE NEXT SURVEY WILL START IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR,” HE SAID, STRESSING THAT THE INDEX WAS COMPILED BY SCIENTIFIC METHODOLOGY THAT FULLY ACCORDED WITH INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS AND PRACTICES.
------0-----------
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY ON GOLF CENTRE ENDORSED
♦ * * ♦ *
THE ADVISORY COUNCIL ON THE ENVIRONMENT (ACE) HAS ENDORSED A NINE-MONTH ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA) UNDERTAKEN FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE KAU SAI CHAU PUBLIC GOLF CENTRE, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MRS RACHEL CARTLAND, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY REV THE HON FUNG CHI-WOOD, MRS CARTLAND SAID THE EIA DID PROVIDE AN ADEQUATE UNDERSTANDING OF ANY ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS THAT MIGHT ARISE FROM THE PROJECT.
MRS CARTLAND SAID THE ACE HAD LAID DOWN SIX CONDITIONS WHEN ENDORSING THE EIA REPORT, WHICH THE GOVERNMENT BROADLY ACCEPTED AND COULD MEET AT THE APPROPRIATE TIME.
ON THE FIRST CONDITION OF IMPLEMENTING ALL THE MEASURES RECOMMENDED IN THE EIA STUDY, SHE SAID THEY WOULD BE FULLY INCORPORATED INTO THE DESIGN AND AN ENVIRONMENT MONITORING AND AUDI. MANUAL TO BE USED BY THE CONTRACTORS AND THE FUTURE MANAGEMENT BODY OF THE GOLF CENTRE.
AS REGARDS THE REQUEST FOR AN ECOLOGICAL SURVEY, THE FIELD WORK HAS BEEN COMPLETED AND A REPORT WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE EIA SUBCOMMITTEE WITHIN THE NEXT COUPLE OF MONTHS.
ALSO MONTHLY PROGRESS REPORTS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TURF MANAGEMENT PLAN, THE TRANSPLANTATION OF THE MANGROVES AND THE RESTORATION OF HABITAT WILL BE DRAWN UP AND SUBMITTED TO THE SUBCOMMITTEE.
"THE ACE’S REQUESTS FOR CONSIDERATION OF REPAIRS TO THE LANDSCAPE AND USE OF ZERO EMISSION VEHICLES WILL BE GIVEN EARLY ATTENTION," MRS CARTLAND SAID, ADDING SHE INTENDED TO USE HER POSITION ON THE PROJECT BOARD TO GET THESE MATTERS RAISED IMMEDIATELY AND DISCUSSED THOROUGHLY.
THE BOARD WAS FORMED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, WHICH WILL DEVELOP THE GOLF CENTRE, TO OVERSEE THE PROGRESS OF THE PROJECT.
/THE FINAL .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 1994
- 17 -
THE FINAL CONDITION IMPOSED BY THE ACE IS THAT ANY FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS ON THE ISLAND OUTSIDE THE BOUNDARIES OF THE PUBLIC GOLF COURSE SHOULD BE SUBJECT TO FURTHER EIA’S.
"WE ARE HAPPY TO ACCEPT THIS CONDITION ALTHOUGH I SHOULD MAKE IT CLEAR THAT WE CURRENTLY HAVE NO PLANS FOR OTHER DEVELOPMENTS AND WOULD ONLY EVER CONSIDER OTHER DEVELOPMENT THAT WAS FULLY COMPATIBLE WITH GOLF CENTRE," MRS CARTLAND SAID.
SHE ALSO TOLD THE COUNCIL DETAILED SITE INVESTIGATION AND SURVEY WORK WERE NOW UNDERWAY.
"WE EXPECT ACTUAL CONSTRUCTION TO BEGIN NEXT MONTH' ALL BEING WELL AND TO BE COMPLETED IN DECEMBER 1995," SHE SAID.
---------0-----------
HK NOT TO BE USED AS BASE OF SUBVERSION
*****
THE GOVERNMENT WOULD NOT ALLOW HONG KONG TO BE USED AS A BASE FOR POLITICAL ACTIVITY BY VISITORS CAMPAIGNING TO UNDERMINE ANY OF THE NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHEUNG MAN-KWONG ABOUT A COMMENT MADE BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, RECENTLY.
HE SAID THERE WAS NO OFFENCE OF SUBVERSION IN HONG KONG LAW AND NO LEGAL DEFINITION OF "SUBVERSIVE" ACTIVITIES.
"THE WORD IN ITS NORMALLY ACCEPTED SENSE REFERS TO ACTIVITIES WHICH THREATEN THE SAFETY OR WELL-BEING OF A STATE AND WHICH ARE INTENDED TO UNDERMINE OR OVERTHROW A STATE BY POLITICAL OR VIOLENT MEANS.
"THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE THE PEACEFUL AND LAWFUL EXPRESSION OF VIEWS BY HONG KONG PEOPLE ON ANY ISSUE, INCLUDING EVENTS IN CHINA."
WITH REGARD TO THE APPLICATION FOR ENTRY INTO HONG KONG BY PEOPLE IN EXILE OVERSEAS FOR SUPPORTING THE CHINESE DEMOCRATIC-MOVEMENT IN 1989, MR ASPREY NOTED THAT EACH CASE WAS CONSIDERED ON ITS MERITS SINCE HONG KONG HAD VERY LIBERAL IMMIGRATION AND VISA POLICIES.
"OUR OVER-RIDING RESPONSIBILITY IS TO SAFEGUARD THE INTERESTS, FREEDOMS, RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES OF HONG KONG PEOPLE, AND THIS IS OUR PRIME CONCERN IN CONSIDERING AND DECIDING INDIVIDUAL CASES," HE ADDED.
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/18 .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 1994
- 18 -
POLICE ACTION DURING PROCESSION TO MAINTAIN PUBLIC ORDER *****
POLICE ACTION TAKEN DURING THE PROCESSION ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG ALLIANCE IN SUPPORT OF THE PATRIOTIC DEMOCRATIC MOVEMENT IN CHINA ON MAY 29 WAS TO MAINTAIN PUBLIC ORDER.
THE I SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, SAID THIS IN HIS REPLY TO THE QUESTION BY THE HON SZETO WAH IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"THE DECISION REGARDING THE POSITIONING OF THE BANNER AND THE WREATH, AS WELL AS THE LIMITATION ON THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS WHO COULD APPROACH THE ENTRANCE OF THE NCNA BUILD TNG, WAS MADE HAVING REGARD TO THE PREVAILING CIRCUMSTANCES, INCLUDING THE MOOD AND SIZE OF THE CROWD," MR ASPREY SAID.
"AS WITH OTHER INCIDENTS INVOLVING CROWD CONTRO ., THE SENIOR POLICE OFFICER ON THE GROUND TAKES APPROPRIATE ACTION TO STRIKE THE RIGHT BALANCE BETWEEN THE FREEDOM OF THE INDIVIDUAL TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS AND THE NEED TO MAINTAIN PEACE AND ORDER."
------0--------
CHILDREN CRIME FIGURES
♦ ♦ ♦ » ♦
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) RELEASED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FIGURES ON CHILDREN INVOLVED IN CRIMINAL OFFENCES IN THE LAST THREE YEARS.
REPLYING TO THE HON MARTIN LEE’S QUESTION, MR ASPREY SAID THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN SEVEN AND 16 YEARS WHO WERE CHARGED WITH CRIMINAL OFFENCES IN 1991 WAS 2,376; IN 1992, IT WAS 2,322; AND IN 1993, 2,233.
IN
HE
"THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN 1991 WAS 1 ,372; IN 1992, IT SAID.
WHO WERE CONVICTED OF CRIMINAL OFFENCES WAS 1,345; AND IN 1993, IT WAS 1,305,"
REGARDING THOSE 30 IN 1991, OF WHOM 13 NINE WERE CONVICTED; CONVICTED.
THE NUMBER OF 1991 WAS 161; IN 1992,
CHARGED WITH DRUG-RELATED OFFENCES, THERE WERE WERE CONVICTED; IN 1992 THERE WERE 22, OF WHOM AND IN 1993 THERE WERE 29, OF WHOM 21 WERE
CHILDREN WHO RECEIVED A CUSTODIAL SENTENCE IT WAS 177, AND IN 1993, IT WAS 166.
- - 0----------
/19 .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 1994
- 19 -
POLICY ON FRONTIER AREA REVIEWED
*****
A REVIEW ON THE POLICY OF FRONTIER CLOSED AREA HAS RECENTLY BEEN COMPLETED AND ITS RECOMMENDATIONS ARE BEING CONSIDERED.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LAU WONG-FAT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"THE REVIEW HAS TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THE NEED TO BALANCE INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS AND THE NEED TO COMBAT ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION," HE NOTED.
"THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE ANNOUNCING THE RESULTS SHORTLY," MR ASPREY SAID.
------0-------
POPULATION PROJECTIONS TO BE REVISED * * * t t
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAS DECIDED TO REVISE THE POPULATION PROJECTIONS WHICH WAS ISSUED IN MID-1992 BY THE END OF THIS YEAR.
THIS IS BECAUSE THERE HAS BEEN RELATIVELY SIGNIFICANT VOLATILITY TN THE MIGRATION SITUATION OVER THE LAST TWO TO THREE YEARS, THE SECRETARY FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES, MR MICHAEL CARTLAND, SAID IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ROGER LUK IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HOWEVER, MR CARTLAND NOTED THAT IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO QUOTE SOME SIMPLE FIGURES TO STATE EXACTLY HOW MANY MIGRANTS HAD COME IN AND GONE OUT DURING A PERIOD OF TIME.
UNDER THE PRESENT SYSTEM, HONG KONG PERMANENT RESIDENTS CAN TRAVEL IN AND OUT OF HONG KONG ON THEIR IDENTITY CARDS AND OFFICIALS AT IMMIGRATION CONTROL POINTS DO NOT ASK THEM ABOUT INTENDED DURATION OF ABSENCE FROM HONG KONG WHEN THEY DEPART, OR LENGTH OF STAY WHEN THEY RETURN.
"IN FACT, THE PURPOSE OF TRIPS NEED NOT BE REVEALED AT ALL.
"HENCE, IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO ESTABLISH WHICH TRAVELLER ACTUALLY AN EMIGRANT OR A RETURNING EMIGRANT," MR CARTLAND SAID.
IS
THE TREND OF NET EMIGRATION OF HONG ESTIMATED BY THE BALANCE OF DEPARTURES STATISTICS ARE PUBLISHED.
KONG RESIDENTS CAN ONLY BE
AGAINST ARRIVALS. SUCH
TO ASSIST THE ANALYSIS OF MIGRATION OF HONG KONG RESIDENTS, ESTIMATES ARE ALSO MADE OF THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO EMIGRATE WITHIN DIFFERENT PERIODS IN TIME, BASED ON STATISTICS ON VISA APPLICANTS AND APPLICATIONS FOR CERTIFICATES OF NO CRIMINAL CONVICTION.
"THE ANALYSIS OF THE MIGRATION TREND IS COMPLICATED AND VARIOUS SETS OF STATISTICS HAVE TO BE STUDIED CONCURRENTLY," HE SAID.
- - 0----------
/20 .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 1994
20
TRADE IN PRISON LABOUR GOODS NOT PROHIBITED *****
THERE IS NO HONG KONG LAW OR INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATION WHICH WOULD PROHIBIT THE IMPORT OR EXPORT OF GOODS PROCESSED OR MANUFACTURED IN HONG KONG OR ELSEWHERE BY PRISON LABOUR, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T H CHAU, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON CONRAD LAM, MR CHAU SAID HONG KONG’S GENERAL POLICY ON THE EXPORT, RE-EXPORT AND IMPORT OF GOODS WAS, PROVIDED THAT THERE WAS NO INFRINGEMENT OF ANY LOCAL LAW OR ANY OF OUR INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS, GOODS COULD BE TRADED FREELY.
’’THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT DOES NOT KEEP TRACK OF TRADE IN PRISON LABOUR GOODS. THERE IS THEREFORE NO INFORMATION ON WHETHER SUCH PRODUCTS HAVE BEEN FOUND IN THE LOCAL MARKET.
’’SINCE TRADE IN SUCH GOODS IS NOT PROHIBITED IN HONG KONG, THE GOVERNMENT HAS NOT CONDUCTED ANY SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS INTO SUCH TRADE AND DOES NOT MAINTAIN ANY MEASURES TO STOP THE FLOW OF SUCH PRODUCTS INTO HONG KONG FOR SALE OR RE-EXPORT,’’ MR CHAU SAID.
HOWEVER, THERE IS A GENERAL POLICY OF KEEPING HONG KONG’S IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS INFORMED OF THE TRADE POLICIES AND REGULATIONS OF ITS TRADING PARTNERS.
"IN RESPECT OF PRISON LABOUR GOODS, THE GOVERNMENT HAS REPEATEDLY INFORMED OUR TRADING COMMUNITY THAT IT UNDERSTANDS THAT U.S. LAWS PROHIBIT THE IMPORT OF PRISON LABOUR GOODS AND THAT IT IS CHINA’S POLICY TO PROHIBIT THE EXPORT OF SUCH GOODS," HE ADDED.
------0--------
OXYGEN SUPPLIES REASONABLY PRICED
*****
OXYGEN SUPPLIES (’AN BE OBTAINED \T RF \SONABLF PRICES THAT REPRESENT GOOD VALUE FOR MONEY BY CAREFUL PRODUCT SOURCI NG AND EVALUATION, USE OF FAIR AND OPEN TENDERING PROCEDURES AND SKILFUL NEGOTIATIONS.
THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR DONALD TSANG, EXPRESSED THIS CONFIDENCE TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO DR THE HON HUANG CHEN-YA’S QUESTION IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
MR TSANG SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD NO INFORMATION ON THE PRICES OF OXYGEN IN NEIGHBOURING TERRITORIES.
"IN ANY EVENT, PRICE COMPARISONS ARE NOT MEANINGFUL WITHOUT DUE REGARD TO THE TERMS OF THE CONTRACT AND LOCAL CONDITIONS," HE SAID.
THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY SPENT $15.3 MILLION IN 1992/93 AND $18.5 MILLION IN 1993/94 TO BUY OXYGEN.
------0--------
/2l .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 1994
- 21 -
WHC IS THE SOLUTION FOR CROSS-HARBOUR TRAFFIC *****
THE ULTIMATE SOLUTION TO THE CONGESTION PROBLEM DURING PEAK HOURS AT THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR (IEC) NEAR THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING (EHC) HAS TO AWAIT THE COMPLETION OF THE WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL CAPACITY FOR CROSS-HARBOUR TRAFFIC.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR HAIDER BARMA, WHEN REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MARTIN LEE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR BARMA NOTED THAT DURING THE MORNING AND EVENING PEAK HOURS, THE AVERAGE HOURLY THROUGHPUT AT THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING (EHC) WAS 6,270 VEHICLES, WHICH WAS MORE THAN ITS DESIGN CAPACITY OF 6,000 VEHICLES PER HOUR.
WHEN THIS HAPPENS, TRAFFIC QUEUES INEVITABLY BUILD UP FROM THE TUNNEL PORTAL AND EXTEND ONTO THE CARRIAGEWAY OF THE IEC.
TRAFFIC FROM NORTH POINT, VIA MAN HONG STREET SLIP ROAD, HAS TO MERGE WITH THE TUNNEL BOUND TRAFFIC QUEUE ON THE IEC, THUS DISRUPTING EASTBOUND THROUGH TRAFFIC ALONG THE IEC.
TO RELIEVE CONGESTION AT THIS POINT, THE FEASIBILITY OF ONLY ALLOWING BUSES FROM MAN HONG STREET SLIP ROAD TO WEAVE INTO THE MIDDLE LANE OF THE IEC TO HEAD FOR THE EHC IS BEING EXPLORED.
OTHER MOTORISTS WILL HAVE TO USE A MORE CIRCUITOUS ROUTE FOR ACCESS TO THE EHC.
THE LONGER TERM PLANS ARE TO PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL SLIP ROAD ALONG THE IEC DIRECTLY CONNECTING THE MAN HONG STREET SLIP ROAD WITH THE EHC.
IN THE MEANTIME, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAS IMPLEMENTED TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES TO REDUCE THE DELAY TO CHAI WAN BOUND TRAFFIC.
------0--------
MISUSE OF PARKING AREA AT KOWLOON BAY TACKLED *****
THE MISUSE OF PARKING AREAS WITHIN INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS IN THE KOWLOON BAY AREA IS BEING GIVEN SUFFICIENT PRIORITY UNDER THE ENFORCEMENT PROGRAMME AGREED BY THE KWUN TONG DISIRICI BOARD.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LT WAH-MING, MR FASON SAID: "THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICER FOR KOWLOON EAST HAS RECEIVED A NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS REGARDING UNAUTHORISED CONVERSION OF THE ORIGINAL LAYOUT PLANS OF THE INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS, PARTICULARLY IN RESPECT OF CAR AND LORRY PARKING SPACES."
/DISTRICT LANDS .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 1994
- 22 -
DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE STAFF HAVE CARRIED OUT 1,120 INSPECTIONS OF INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS WITHIN THE KOWLOON BAY AND KWUN TONG INDUSTRIAL AREAS IN THE THREE YEARS PERIOD UP TO THE END OF LAST MONTH.
THESE INSPECTIONS WERE INITIATED EITHER AS A RESULT OF COMPLAINTS OR AS PART OF THE CONTINUING PROGRAMME OF ENFORCEMENT AGAINST THE MISUSE OF PARKING SPACES WITHIN INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS AGREED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD.
WHEN A BREACH IS DISCOVERED, A WARNING LETTER CAN BE ISSUED REQUIRING A LOT OWNER TO CORRECT THE BREACH.
IF THE BREACH IS NOT CORRECTED, THE LOT MAY BE RE-ENTERED UNDER THE CROWN RIGHTS ORDINANCE.
MR EASON SAID IN THE THREE YEAR PERIOD UP TO THE .END OF MAY THIS YEAR, 132 WARNING LETTERS RELATED TO BREACHES OF I EASE CONDITIONS IN INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS IN THE KOWLOON BAY AND KWUN TONG AREA HAD BEEN ISSUED.
OF THESE, 36 RELATED TO PARKING SPACES, AND THE BREACHES IN ALL THESE CASES HAVE BEEN CORRECTED.
THE POSSIBLE NEED TO INCREASE STAFF DEPLOYED ON LEASE ENFORCEMENT DUTIES WAS KEPT UNDER REGULAR REVIEW HAVING REGARD TO OTHER PRIORITIES, HE SAID.
------0--------
INCREASE IN HA DIRECTORATE POSTS
*****
THERE ARE 359 POSTS TN THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY (HA) THAT ARE EQUIVALENT TO DIRECTORATE POSTS OF THE CIVIL SERVICE, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THIS COMPARES WITH 278 POSTS WHEN THE HA TOOK OVER CONTROL OF THE HOSPITALS ON DECEMBER 1, 1991.
IN HER WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MICHAEL HO, MRS WONG SAID THE INCREASE WAS THE NET EFFECT OF A REDUCTION OF TWO POSTS AT THE HEAD OFFICE LEVEL AND AN ADDITION OF 83 POSTS AT THE HOSPITAL LEVEL.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT THE HA WAS EMPOWERED TO DETERMINE THE REMUNERATION AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE OF ALL EMPLOYEES WORKING TN THE AUTHORITY, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE POST OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE.
ON THE MEANS BY WHICH THE GOVERNMENT MONITORED THE CREATION OF SUCH POSTS, MRS WONG SAID THAT UNDER THE HA ORDINANCE, THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT MIGHT CONDUCT EXAMINATIONS ON THE ECONOMY AND EFFICIENCY WITH WHICH THE AUTHORITY HAD EXPENDED RESOURCES IN DISCHARGING ITS STATUTORY FUNCTIONS.
/"THE AUTHORITY .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 1994
r ’’THE AUTHORITY ALSO PUBLISHES AN ANNUAL BUSINESS PLAN WHICH A SETS OUT THE PROPOSED PROGRAMMES AND TARGETS BY WHICH THE PUBLIC CAN MONITOR ITS PERFORMANCE,” SHE SAID.
’’THESE SAFEGUARDS AIM TO ENSURE THAT VALUE FOR MONEY IS ACHIEVED BY THE AUTHORITY IN CONDUCTING ITS ACTIVITIES," SHE ADDED.
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HOSPITAL FUND RAISING ORGANISED BY MANAGEMENT STAFF *****
FUND-RAISING ACTIVITIES BY VARIOUS HOSPITALS HAVE BEEN ORGANISED BY THE HOSPITAL MANAGEMENT STAFF WITH MINIMAL INVOLVEMENT OF FRONTLINE MEDICAL AND NURSING STAFF, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN HER WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MICHAEL HO, MRS WONG SAID FUND-RAISING AND PUBLICITY ACTIVITIES WERE IMPORTANT TOOLS TO FOSTER A CLOSE PARTNERSHIP WITH THE LOCAL COMMUNITY, AND TO IMPOSE A CLEAR PUBLIC IMAGE OF THE HOSPITALS CONCERNED.
"THESE ACTIVITIES ARE ALSO PART OF THE TRADITION ESTABLISHED BY MANY EX-SUBVENTED HOSPITALS AND REPRESENT JOINT EFFORTS OF THE HOSPITAL GOVERNING COMMITTEES, BOARDS OF DIRECTORS, LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUPS AND VOLUNTEERS," SHE SAID.
REFERRING TO THE QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL OPEN DAY, SHE SAID THE PARTICIPATION OF MEDICAL AND NURSING STAFF WAS ENTIRELY VOLUNTARY.
NO SIMILAR ACTIVITY WAS ORGANISED BY QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL EXCEPT FOR THE RECENT PUBLICITY EXERCISE RELATING TO ITS NURSING SCHOOL.
"IN BOTH CASES, THE WORK INVOLVED CONSISTED MAINLY OF PREPARATION OF DEMONSTRATION MATERIAL ON SIGNBOARDS," MRS WONG SAID.
------0-------
SMOKING IS DISCOURAGED AT AIRPORT TERMINAL *****
THE DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION IS EXAMINING THE FEASIBILITY OF DESIGNATING THE ARRIVALS HALL AND OTHER PUBLIC AREAS IN THE AIRPORT AS STATUTORY NON-SMOKING AREAS.
THE PURPOSE IS TO ENABLE THE NON-SMOKING MAJORITY OF THE PUBLIC TO ENJOY A FRESHER INDOOR ENVIRONMENT, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR GORDON SIU, SAID IN HIS WRITTEN REPLY TO THE HON STEVEN POON KWOK-LIM’S QUESTION IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
AT PRESENT, AREAS WITHIN THE PASSENGER TERMINAL BUILDING ARE NOT DESIGNATED AS STATUTORY NON-SMOKING AREAS. THE DEPARTMENT HAS IMPLEMENTED ADMINISTRATIVE MEASURES TO DISCOURAGE SMOKING THERE.
/"THESE MEASURES .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 1994
THESE MEASURES INCLUDE THE PUTTING UP OF * NO SMOKING’ NOTICES AND PERIODIC ANNOUNCEMENTS MADE ON THE PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEM.
“CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT STAFF HAVE OBSERVED THAT THE VOLUNTARY RESPONSE OF THE PUBLIC HAS BEEN ENCOURAGING AND ONLY A SMALL MINORITY APPEAR TO IGNORE THE NOTICES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS,” MR SIU SAID.
- - 0 - -
GOVT TO REVIEW INTENSIVE ENGLISH PROGRAMME * * * » *
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO CONDUCT AN ANNUAL REVIEW OF THE INTENSIVE ENGLISH PROGRAMME AND THE SUPPLEMENTARY ENGLISH EXAMINATION TO ASSESS WHETHER THERE IS A NEED FOR THEM TO CONTINUE TO BE PROVIDED.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR W K LAM, IN REPLY TO A WRITTEN QUESTION BY THE HON TIK CHI-YUEN.
MR LAM EXPLAINED THAT THE INTENSIVE ENGLISH PROGRAMME HAD BEEN INTRODUCED BY THE GOVERNMENT SINCE 1993 TO PROVIDE SPECIAL ASSISTANCE TO SIXTH FORM CHINESE-MEDIUM STUDENTS TO MEET THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS OF LOCAL TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS.
"IT IS ONE OF THE POSITIVE MEASURES TO ENCOURAGE TEACHING AND LEARNING IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS THROUGH THE MOTHER TONGUE," HE SAID.
THE PROGRAMME COMPRISED A FOUR-WEEK POST-SECONDARY 6 COURSE, AND A SIX-WEEK POST-SECONDARY 7 COURSE LEADING TO THE SUPPLEMENTARY ENGLISH EXAMINATION.
THE FIRST POST-SECONDARY 6 COURSE WAS HELD IN THE SUMMER OF 1993. THE FIRST POST-SECONDARY 7 COURSE WAS NOW BEING HELD, FOLLOWED BY THE SUPPLEMENTARY ENGLISH EXAMINATION TO BE HELD IN JULY THIS YEAR, MR LAM SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT LOCAL TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS HAD AGREED THAT A PASS IN THE SUPPLEMENTARY ENGLISH EXAMINATION WOULD BE DEEMED AS FULFILLING THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT FOR ADMISSION TO COURSES FOR WHICH GRADE E IN THE USE OF ENGLISH WAS NORMALLY REQUIRED.
- - 0 - -
SUPERVISION OVER PRIVATE SCHOOLS * * * * *
ALL PRIVATE SCHOOLS ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE EDUCATION ORDINANCE AND REGULATIONS, ANY IRREGULARITY DETECTED WILL BE DEALT WITH PROMPTLY.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR W K LAM, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHEUNG MAN-KWONG.
/MR LAM
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 1994
- 25 -
MR LAM SAID THE EDUCATION ORDINANCE AND REGULATIONS STIPULATED THE REGISTRATION OF THE SCHOOLS, THEIR MANAGERS AND TEACHERS WITH THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, AS WELL AS OBTAINING HIS PRIOR APPROVAL BEFORE COURSES COULD BE OFFERED.
"COMPLIANCE IS MONITORED THROUGH REGULAR INSPECTIONS BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SCHOOL INSPECTORS AND INVESTIGATIONS INTO COMPLAINTS RECEIVED," HE SAID.
COMMENTING ON THE PRIVATE SCHOOL MENTIONED BY MR CHEUNG IN HIS QUESTION, MR LAM SAID IN JANUARY THIS YEAR, IN THE COURSE OF INVESTIGATING COMPLAINTS, STAFF OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT DISCOVERED A NUMBER OF IRREGULARITIES IN THE SCHOOL INCLUDING THE RUNNING OF COURSES FOR WHICH THE APPROVAL OF THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION HAD NOT BEEN OBTAINED.
"A WARNING LETTER WAS ISSUED AND THE SCHOOL, WHICH WAS A REGISTERED SCHOOL, WAS GIVEN SEVEN DAYS TO RECTIFY THE IRREGULARITIES.
SIMULTANEOUSLY, LEGAL ADVICE WAS SOUGHT FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS ON WHETHER PROSECUTION MIGHT BE INSTITUTED. THE IRREGULARITIES WERE DULY RECTIFIED. NO LEGAL PROCEEDINGS WERE INSTITUTED, MR LAM SAID.
MR LAM NOTED THAT A TOTAL OF SIX COMPLAINTS, INCLUDING VERBAL COMPLAINTS, WERE RECEIVED AND HAD BEEN FULLY INVESTIGATED.
- - 0---------
PUBLIC QUERIES ANSWERED ON TV
*****
THE MAIN AIM OF RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG’S (RTHK) "ACCESS" PROGRAMME IS TO EXPLAIN MATTERS OF GENERAL CONCERN TO THE PUBLIC AND TO ANSWER PUBLIC QUERIES, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MRS RACHEL CARTLAND, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN HER WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON STEVEN POON, MRS CARTLAND SAID ENQUIRIES AND COMPLAINTS SENT IN BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WERE ANSWERED BY REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ORGANISATIONS CONCERNED.
"THERE ARE NO SET CRITERIA FOR ALLOCATING AIR TIME TO ANY ORGANISATION," MRS CARTLAND SAID.
"THE FREQUENCY WITH WHICH AN ORGANISATION APPEARS ON THE PROGRAMME LARGELY DEPENDS ON THE FREQUENCY AND NUMBER OF QUERIES RECEIVED CONCERNING THAT ORGANISATION’S AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY," SHE ADDED.
CITING STATISTICS, MRS CARTLAND SAID OF THE 208 "ACCESS” PROGRAMMES PRODUCED IN THE PAST TWO YEARS, 76 FEATURED NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS.
/SHE POINTED .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 1994
- 26 -
SHE POINTED OUT THAT AS PERSONAL HEALTH AND RELATED MATTERS HAD FOR SOME TIME BEEN A POPULAR TOPIC, THE HONG KONG MEDICAL ASSOCIATION HAD APPEARED MOST OFTEN ON THE PROGRAMME (24 TIMES).
OTHER NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS APPEARING OFTEN ON THE PROGRAMME INCLUDED KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY (NINE TIMES), LIGHT RAIL (NINE TIMES), MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY (EIGHT TIMES), VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL (SIX TIMES) AND KOWLOON MOTOR BUS (FIVE TIMES).
MRS CARTLAND ALSO SAID ABOUT 10 PER CENT OF THE PROGRAMME’S TOTAL AIR TIME WAS FOR ORGANISATIONS TO EXPLAIN THEIR WORK AND SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC.
SHE ADDED THAT ON SUCH EXCEPTIONAL OCCASIONS, THE CONTENT MUST BE OF SUFFICIENT PUBLIC INTEREST AND CONCERN TO BE AIRED.
--------0-----------
NEW BEACH TO OPEN IN AUGUST
*****
A NEW BEACH AT TUEN MUN IS SCHEDULED FOR OPENING TO THE PUBLIC IN AUGUST, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MRS RACHEL CARTLAND, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN HER WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON EMILY LAU, MRS CARTLAND SAID THE NEW FACILITY WAS AT GOLDEN BEACH AND WAS BEING DEVELOPED.
SHE ALSO SAID THE REGIONAL COUNCIL (RC) ALWAYS SOUGHT TO DEVELOP POTENTIAL BEACHES IN ITS AREA AND A DECISION IN THIS REGARD DEPENDS ON A NUMBER OF FACTORS.
THESE INCLUDE ACCESSIBILITY, WATER QUALITY, BEACH PROFILE, WATER CURRENT, THE SIZE OF THE HINTERLAND AND THE AVAILABILITY OF INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT.
AT PRESENT, THE RC MANAGES 30 GAZETTED BEACHES AND THEIR WATER QUALITY IS MONITORED REGULARLY BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD).
"BASED ON THE FINDINGS OF THE EPD, THE RC HAS RESOLVED TO OPEN 27 OF THESE 30 BEACHES IN THE CURRENT SWIMMING SEASON," MRS CARTLAND SAID.
"THE REMAINING THREE, VIZ ANGLERS’ BEACH, OLD CAFETERIA BEACH AND CASTLE PEAK BEACH, ARE CLOSED BECAUSE OF THE UNSATISFACTORY WATER QUALITY THERE," SHE ADDED.
/27........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 1993
- 27 -
PUBLIC TRANSPORT COMPANIES DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION REQUIRED *****
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT PASSED A MOTION ON THE DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT COMPANIES UPON THEIR APPLICATION FOR FARE INCREASES.
MEMBERS DEBATED AND PASSED THE MOTION MOVED BY THE HON MRS MIRIAM LAU. THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR HAIDER BARMA, SPOKE ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT.
THREE OTHER MOTIONS WERE ALSO PASSED.
ONE WAS MOVED BY THE HON ANDREW WONG UNDER THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES ORDINANCE. ANOTHER WAS MOVED BY THE HON MRS ELSIE TU UNDER THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL COMMISSION ORDINANCE, AND THE REMAINING BY THE HON LAU CHIN-SHEK ON RATE OF RETURN OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION.
MEANWHILE, 12 BILLS, FIVE WITH AMENDMENTS, WERE PASSED.
THOSE BILLS PASSED WITH AMENDMENTS WERE THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994, THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1993, THE NEW TERRITORIES LAND (EXEMPTION) BILL, THE CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 AND THE LEVERAGED FOREIGN EXCHANGE TRADING BILL.
THE OTHER BILLS WERE THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994, THE PLACES OF PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994, THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1994, THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1994, THE REGIONAL COUNCIL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994, THE URBAN COUNCIL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 AND THE CRIMES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NQL
GOVERNOR HOPEFUL OF AN AGREEMENT ON MONDAY 1
TRANSCRIPT OF GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION 2
NEW HOSPITAL SERVES EASTERN DISTRICT RESIDENTS 3
HK DEBT MARKET MAKES SIGNIFICANT HEADWAY................. 4
JLG ADJOURN TODAY........................................ 5
WHITEHEAD REPORT DEFENDED................................ 5
AIRPORT PROJECTS IMPORTANT TO HK-CHINA LINK 6
HK OFFERS WIDE RANGE OF INVESTMENT OPTIONS............... 7
TRADE SANCTIONS IMPAIR FREE TRADE - D-G OF TRADE......... 8
SOCIAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE RATES........................ 10
SEWAGE SERVICES BILL TO BE GAZETTED................... 11
PLANS TO IMPROVE STORM WATER DRAINAGE SYSTEM............ 12
RESULTS OF 1992 SURVEY OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION......... 13
PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF RETAIL SALES SURVEY FOR APRIL RELEASED................................................ 16
RESULTS OF THE 1992 SURVEY OF VARIOUS SERVICE INDUSTRIES RELEASED................................................ 18
/EIGHT MORE...
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
EIGHT MORE HIV INFECTED CASES CONFIRMED.................... 22
TALK ABOUT AIDS OPENLY AND POSITIVELY...................... 22
GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY............................. 24
ENVIRONMENT ADVISERS VISIT AIRPORT PROJECT AREAS........... 28
HOTLINE ON ILLEGAL SALE OF DRUGS........................... 29
FINAL FLING AT STANLEY FORT................................ 29
ADVICE ON DONATIONS TO CHARITY............................. 30
TWGH DIRECTORS VISIT SWD................................... 30
FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETS TOMORROW........................... 31
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS..... 31
THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 1994
1
GOVERNOR HOPEFUL OF AN AGREEMENT ON MONDAY
* * * * ♦
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON ALTHOUGH THE DEFENCE LAND ISSUE WAS COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT, HE HOPED THAT AN AGREEMENT WOULD BE REACHED ON MONDAY.
RESPONDING TO PRESS QUESTIONS AFTER OPENING THE PAMELA YOUDE NETHERSOLE EASTERN HOSPITAL, MR PATTEN SAID: ’’WE’VE BEEN TALKING ABOUT THE FUTURE OF THE DEFENCE ESTATE FOR ABOUT SEVEN YEARS. THAT IS AN INDICATION OF HOW DIFFICULT AND COMPLEX THE ISSUES ARE.
”1 THINK THAT IT’S FAIR TO SAY THAT BOTH SIDES HAVE BEEN WORKING EXTREMELY HARD OVER THE LAST FEW WEEKS TO TRY TO PUT AN AGREEMENT IN PLACE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
’’BOTH SIDES HAVE BEEN WORKING IMAGINATIVELY AND I THINK WITH A GREAT DEAL OF SINCERITY BECAUSE A GOOD SETTLEMENT IS GREATLY IN THE INTERESTS OF HONG KONG, AND THE USE OF SURPLUS LAND HERE IN HONG KONG.”
THE GOVERNOR SAID THE EXPERTS NEEDED A BIT MORE TIME TO TRY TO PUT THE FINAL PIECES IN PLACE.
”1 VERY MUCH HOPE THAT THEY’LL BE ABLE TO DO SO AND VERY MUCH HOPE WE’LL BE ABLE TO GET AN AGREEMENT ON MONDAY,” HE ADDED.
ASKED ABOUT THE AMOUNT OF MONEY IN THE CIVIL SERVANTS’ PENSION SCHEME, THE GOVERNOR SAID: ”1 THINK $7 BILLION IS A VERY CONSIDERABLE CONTRIBUTION AND I THINK THE COMMUNITY RECOGNISES THAT.
NOTING THAT ALL THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS DOING IS UNDERPINNING WHAT IS ALREADY A PROMISE IN THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW, MR PATTEN SAID HE DID NOT THINK THAT THE COMMUNITY EXPECTED THE FUTURE SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION GOVERNMENT TO BREAK ITS WORDS TO HONG KONG CIVIL SERVANTS.
”IT WON’T. THE FUTURE OF THEIR PENSION IS ABSOLUTELY GUARANTEED BUT BECAUSE THERE WERE SOME RESIDUAL ANXIETIES, WE AGREED TO PUT SOME EXTRA MONEY ON THE SIDE,” HE SAID.
”1 AM CONVINCED, I AM SURE EVERYBODY IS CONVINCED, THAT MONEY WON’T BE NEEDED BECAUSE THE GOVERNMENT IN THE FUTURE WILL HONOUR ITS COMMITMENTS.”
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/2.........
THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 1994
2
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 PAMELA YOUDE NETHERSOLE EASTERN HOSPITAL THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON:
GOVERNOR : I AM VERY PLEASED TO HAVE BEEN ASKED TO OFFICIATE THE OPENING OF THIS SPLENDID HOSPITAL, WITH LADY YOUDE. I KNOW THAT EVERYBODY IN HONG KONG REMEMBERS LADY YOUDE WITH GREAT AFFECTION. I AM DELIGHTED THAT THIS SPLENDID NEW ADDITION TO HEALTH CARE IN HONG KONG IS GOING TO CARRY HER NAME. IT REALLY IS AN EXCELLENT HOSPITAL. IT IS AN EXAMPLE OF THE DIFFICULT MANAGEMENT JOB IN THE HEALTH SERVICE NOW. A HOSPITAL AS LARGE AS THIS, WITH AS MANY RESOURCES AND AS MANY MEN AND WOMEN WORKING IN IT, NEEDS A GREAT DEAL OF MANAGING. BUT THE TEAM HERE IS EXTREMELY IMPRESSIVE AND I AM SURE THAT THEY WILL DO AN EXCELLENT JOB IN PROVIDING BETTER HEALTH CARE FOR THIS PART OF HONG KONG.
QUESTION : SINCE THE CHAIRMAN OF HEUNG YEE KUK HAS FILED A WRIT TO THE SUPREME COURT, DO YOU THINK YOU WILL SIGN THE BILL, THE NEW TERRITORIES LAND (EXEMPTION) (AMENDMENT) BILL, WHICH WAS PASSED BY THE LEGCO YESTERDAY ?
GOVERNOR : YES.
QUESTION : YOU WON’T DEFER YOUR APPROVAL, THE SIGNATURE TO THE BILL ?
GOVERNOR : I OBVIOUSLY WANT TO CONSULT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FIRST AND I’LL TAKE LEGAL ADVICE. BUT IT’S OBVIOUSLY OUR INTENTION TO SEE THE LEGISLATIVE WISHES OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL PASS ONTO THE STATUTORY BOOK.
QUESTION : SINCE THE JLG HAS GIVEN MORE TIME FOR THE DEFENCE EXPERTS TO CONTINUE THEIR DISCUSSION, DOES IT INDICATE THAT THEY ARE DELEGATED SOME KIND OF AGREEMENT COMING UP ON MONDAY ?
GOVERNOR : WE’VE TALKING ABOUT THE FUTURE OF THE DEFENCE ESTATE FOR ABOUT SEVEN YEARS. THAT IS AN INDICATION OF HOW DIFFICULT AND COMPLEX THE ISSUES ARE. I THINK THAT IT’S FAIR TO SAY THAT BOTH SIDES HAVE BEEN WORKING EXTREMELY HARD OVER THE LAST FEW WEEKS TO TRY TO PUT AN AGREEMENT IN PLACE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. BOTH SIDES HAVE BEEN WORKING IMAGINATIVELY AND 1 THINK WITH A GREAT DEAL OF SINCERITY BECAUSE A GOOD SETTLEMENT IS GREATLY IN THE INTERESTS OF HONG KONG, AND THE USE OF SURPLUS LAND HERE IN HONG KONG. IT IS COMPLICATED* IT IS DIFFICULT. THE EXPERTS NEEDED A BIT MORE TIME TO TRY TO PUT THE FINAL PIECES IN PLACE. I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT THEY’LL BE ABLE TO DO SO AND VERY MUCH HOPE WE’LL BE ABLE TO GET AN AGREEMENT ON MONDAY. I THINK THAT’S GENUINELY WHAT BOTH SIDES WANT TO SEE. NO QUESTION ABOUT BOTH SIDES BEING COMMITTED TO AN AGREEMENT. BUT I REPEAT IT IS COMPLICATED AND WE ARE NOT QUITE THERE YET. BUT 1 HOPE WE WILL BE THERE ON MONDAY AND WHEN WE DO GET THERE, WE’LL OBVIOUSLY HAVE A GREAT DEAL TO BE GRATEFUL FOR TO THE NEGOTIATORS ON BOTH SIDES WHO’VE BEEN DOING SUCH A DIFFICULT JOB.
/QUESTION: .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 1994
3 -
QUESTION : IF THERE IS GOING TO BE A DEFENCE LAND AGREEMENT, CAN YOU AND THE ADMINISTRATION GUARANTEE THERE ARE APPROVAL OF FINANCIAL PROVISIONS OF THE DEFENCE INSTALLATION AND THE MILITARY INSTALLATION FOR THE PLA IN LEGCO ?
GOVERNOR : AS YOU KNOW, ANY AGREEMENT WHICH INVOLVES FUNDING WILL HAVE TO GO AND DISCUSS WITH THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
QUESTION : DO YOU THINK THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SHOULD CLAIM SOME RESPONSIBILITY FOR THOSE DEMONSTRATIONS, RIOTS OR CONFUSION STAGED BY THE PEOPLE COMING FROM HEUNG YEE KUK
GOVERNOR : NO, THAT’S THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PEOPLE WHO TAKE PART, NOT THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE GOVERNMENT. IN HONG KONG, PEOPLE HAVE THE RIGHT TO DEMONSTRATE PEACEFULLY TO MAKE THEIR VIEWS KNOWN PEACEFULLY WITHIN THE LAW. I ALWAYS DEFEND THAT RIGHT. EQUALLY I HOPE PEOPLE, WHEN THEY EXERCISE THAT RIGHT, WILL DO SO CALMLY AND PEACEFULLY.
QUESTION : THE CHINESE SIDE ATTACKS THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT FOR ONLY PUTTING ABOUT $ 7 BILLION INTO THE CIVIL SERVANTS’ PENSION SCHEME. ARE YOU GOING TO INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF MONEY IN ORDER TO
GOVERNOR
I THINK $7 BILLION IS A VERY
AND I THINK THE COMMUNITY RECOGNISES THAT. OF COURSE, DOING IS UNDERPINNING WHAT IS ALREADY \ PROMISE DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW. SO I DON’T THINK THAT EXPECTS THE FUTURE SAR GOVERNMENT TO BREAK ITS WORDS
CONS IDERABLE CONTRIBUTION
ALL THAT WE ARE IN THE JOINT THE COMMUNITY TO HONG KONG
'I VI I, SERVANTS. IT WON’T. THE FUTURE OF THEIR PENSION IS ABSOLUTELY
GUARANTEED BUT BECAUSE THERE WERE SOME RESIDUAL ANXIETIES, WE AGREED Io PUT SOME EXTRA MONEY ON THE SIDE. 1 AM CONVINCED, I AM SURE EVERYBODY IS CONVINCED, THAT MONEY WON’T BE NEEDED BECAUSE THE GOVERNMENT IN THE FUTURE WILL HONOUR ITS COMMITMENTS. THANKS VERY MUCH.
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NEW HOSPITAL SERVES EASTERN DISTRICT RESIDENTS *****
THE OPENING OF THE PAMELA YOUDE NETHERSOLE EASTERN HOSPITAL IN CHAI WAN IS AN IMPORTANT STEP FOR MEDICAL CARE IN HONG KONG, THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
OFFICIATING AT ITS OPENING CEREMONY, MR PATTEN SAID: "IT IS THE FIRST HOSPITAL COMMISSIONED BY THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY SINCE ITS INDEPENDENT OPERATION IN DECEMBER 1991."
"AND IT WILL PUT INTO PRACTICE A NUMBER OF NEW IDEAS FOR IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF PATIENT CARE," HE SAID.
THE HOSPITAL WILL PROVIDE A FULL RANGE OF MEDICAL SERVICES IN ALL MAJOR CLINICAL SPECIALTIES, ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY TREATMENT AND SPECIALIST OUT-PATIENT SERVICES TO SERVE THE GROWING POPULATION TN THE EASTERN PART OF HONG KONG ISLAND.
/THE LATEST .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 1994
4
THE LATEST INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY WILL BE APPLIED TO IMPROVE HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATION. A CENTRALISED SYSTEM OF HOUSEKEEPING AND TRANSPORTATION SERVICES WILL BE IMPLEMENTED TO ENHANCE COSTEFFECTIVENESS .
"THE OPENING OF THIS HOSPITAL IS ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF THE FRUITFUL PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GOVERNMENT, THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS IN RESPONSE TO COMMUNITY NEEDS," MR PATTEN SAID.
--------0-----------
HE DEBT MARKET MAKES SIGNIFICANT HEADWAY
*****
SIGNIFICANT HEADWAY IS BEING MADE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE DEBT MARKET IN HONG KONG, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
BOOSTED BY FAVOURABLE MARKET CONDITIONS, HE SAID, THE NUMBER OF DEBT SECURITIES LISTED ON THE STOCK EXCHANGE OF HONG KONG INCREASED FOUR TIMES TN 1993 WHILE FUNDS RAISED TOTALLED $190 BILLION, RET’RESENTING A REMARKABLE INCREASE OF 41 TIMES.
SIR HAMISH WAS SPEAKING AT THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE BRITISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
HE NOTED THAT IN TERMS OF PATTERN OF ISSUERS, THE RELATIVE SHARE OF SUPRANATIONALS IN ISSUE ACTIVITY HAD RISEN TO 27 PER CENT IN 1993, MUCH HIGHER THAN THE FIVE PER CENT IN 1991.
HE ADDED THAT MANY OF THESE AGENCIES ENJOYED TRIPLE A CREDIT RATINGS, WHILE THE REST OF THE MARKET WAS SHARED BY BANKING INSTITUTIONS, CORPORATIONS AND THE GOVERNMENT.
"THE STRONG PRESENCE OF SUPRANATIONALS INDICATES THE GROWING RECOGNITION OF HONG KONG AS ONE OF THE MAJOR FUND-RAISING CENTRES IN THE WORLD," HE SAID.
IN TERMS OF MATURITY PROFILE, HE SAID, THERE WAS ALSO A TREND TOWARDS THE ISSUE OF LONGER TERM PAPER.
PAPER WITH MATURITY OF SEVEN YEARS OR MORE ACCOUNTED FOR 43 PER CENT OF PAPER ISSUED IN 1993, COMPARED WITH FOUR PER CENT IN 1991.
SIR HAMISH SAID THIS ILLUSTRATED THE GROWING MATURITY OF THE MARKET AND REFLECTED CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG DOLLAR DENOMINATED ASSETS WELL BEYOND 1997.
RECOGNISING THE FACT THAT GOVERNMENT BORROWING NORMALLY HELPED ESTABLISH THE BENCHMARK FOR PRIVATE SECTOR BORROWERS, HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD INTRODUCED EXCHANGE FUND PAPER OF LONGER MATURITY WITH A VIEW TO BUILDING UP A BENCHMARK YIELD CURVE.
/"WE ARE .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 1994
5
"WE ARE ALSO CONSIDERING PUSHING THE BENCHMARK YIELD FURTHER TO THE FIVE-YEAR RANGE, A DECISION WHICH WOULD BE MADE TOWARDS THE LATTER PART OF THIS YEAR WHEN MARKET PERCEPTION OF THE ’1997 RISK’ BECOMES CLEARER ON THE LAUNCH OF THE JULY ISSUE OF THREE-YEAR EXCHANGE FUND NOTES, THE FIRST OF ITS KIND WITH A REPAYMENT DATE BEYOND JUNE 1997," HE SAID.
ON PROVIDING AN ATTRACTIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THE MARKET, SIR HAMISH POINTED OUT THAT THE STOCK EXCHANGE HAD INTRODUCED A NUMBER OF MEASURES RECENTLY TO ENCOURAGE LISTINGS OF DEBT INSTRUMENTS ON THE EXCHANGE.
BESIDES WORKING WITH THE STOCK EXCHANGE AND THE MARKET PRACTITIONERS TO CONSIDER MEANS TO DEVELOP THE MARKET, THE GOVERNMENT HAD THROUGH THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY BEEN PROVIDNIG A CENTRAL CLEARING AND SETTLEMENT SYSTEM FOR EXCHANGE FUND PAPER RUN BY THE CENTRAL MONEYMARKETS UNIT (CMU) SINCE MARCH 1990, HE SAID.
THE CMU HAS SINCE JANUARY 31 THIS YEAR EXTENDED A SIMILAR CLEARING AND CUSTODIAN SERVICE TO HONG KONG DOLLAR PAPER ISSUED BY PARTIES OTHER THAN THE GOVERNMENT.
SIR HAMISH ADDED THAT BEYOND THE CMU SERVICE, THE GOVERNMENT WAS ALSO LOOKING AT VARIOUS ISSUES RELATING TO THE PAYMENT AND SETTLEMENT SYSTEM, WHICH WOULD HOPEFULLY MAKE DELIVERY AGAINST PAYMENT POSSIBLE AND THEREBY GREATLY REDUCING SETTLEMENT RISKS.
--------0-----------
JLG ADJOURN TODAY *****
IN ORDER TO ENABLE THE DEFENCE LANDS EXPERTS TO COMPLETE THEIR DISCUSSIONS, THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP HAVE DECIDED TO ADJOURN THEIR MEETING TODAY (THURSDAY). THE MEETING WILL RESUME ON MONDAY (JUNE 27). THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE WILL, AS ANNOUNCED, MEET TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
------0--------
WHITEHEAD REPORT DEFENDED ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ t
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (THURSDAY) REJECTED CRITICISMS BY FIVE UNITED STATES-BASED PRESSURE GROUPS OF THE WHITEHEAD REPORT AND THE GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSE TO ITS FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID IN RESPONSE TO PUBLIC CONCERN, THE GOVERNOR ASKED TWO JUSTICES OF THE PEACE (JPS) TO CONDUCT A THOROUGH AND ENTIRELY INDEPENDENT INQUIRY INTO THE EVENTS AT THE WHITEHEAD DETENTION CENTRE ON APRIL 7.
THEY INTERVIEWED 265 VIETNAMESE WITNESSES, ABOUT 100 OFFICERS TN THE PUBLIC SERVICE, AS WELL AS UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES OFFICIALS AND REPRESENTATIVES OF OTHER NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS.
/THEY ALSO........
THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 1994
- 6 -
THEY ALSO EXAMINED ALL THE RELEVANT OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS, SAW VIDEO RECORDINGS OF THE OPERATION AND CONSIDERED SUBMISSIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
THE REPORT OF THE INQUIRY WAS PUBLISHED IN FULL ON JUNE 15. ON THE SAME DAY, THE GOVERNMENT ACCEPTED ALL OF THE FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.
"THIS WAS A VERY THOROUGH AND AUTHORITATIVE REPORT. IT IS VERY HARD TO UNDERSTAND HOW ANY OBJECTIVE READER COULD DISMISS IT AS A ’WHITEWASH’," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE TWO JPS CONCLUDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S APPROACH WAS APPROPRIATE. HOWEVER, THE REPORT CONCLUDED THAT A NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE WERE ASSAULTED DURING THE OPERATION.
THE GOVERNMENT HAS MADE IT CLEAR IN ITS RESPONSE TO THE REPORT THAT IT FINDS THIS A "SERIOUS AND DISTURBING FINDING".
THE SPOKESMAN SAID A POLICE INVESTIGATION WAS NEARING COMPLETION AND THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS WOULD THEN CONSIDER THE CASE FOR BRINGING CHARGES AGAINST THOSE RESPONSIBLE.
THE GOVERNMENT WILL ALSO CONSIDER THE CASE FOR DISCIPLINARY ACTION AGAINST OFFICERS INVOLVED.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD ACCEPTED THE REPORT WITHOUT RESERVATION AND HAD MOVED QUICKLY TO ACT ON THE FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS. TO SUGGEST OTHERWISE IS BOTH UNFAIR AND UNTRUE.
- - 0----------
AIRPORT PROJECTS IMPORTANT TO HK-CHINA LINK *****
THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE, SAID IN SPAIN YESTERDAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT HONG KONG’S AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME HAD BECOME THE HEART OF AN INTEGRATED TRANSPORT STRATEGY UNDERPINNING THE CONTINUING GROWTH OF THE TERRITORY AND ITS POSITION AS THE PRINCIPAL GATEWAY TO CHINA.
ADDRESSING THE GLOBAL SUPER PROJECTS CONFERENCE IN BARCELONA, MR BLAKE DESCRIBED THE CORE PROJECTS AS ONE OF THE BIGGEST INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAMMES OF A COMPLETELY INTEGRATED NATURE ATTEMPTED ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD.
HE POINTED OUT THAT FOR MANY YEARS, HONG KONG HAS BEEN AN AVIATION CENTRE AND SHIPPING CENTRE FOR THE EAST ASIA REGION, BUT IN ORDER TO STRENGTHEN ITS POSITION AS A GATEWAY TO CHINA, IT HAS HAD TO DEVELOP OTHER TYPES OF TRANSPORT LINKS - ROAD, RAIL, RIVER TRAFFIC AND REGIONAL AVIATION LINKS.
MANY OF THE CORE PROJECTS UNDER THE AIRPORT PROGRAMME WOULD SERVE THE PURPOSE.
/FURTHERMORE, MR ........
THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 1994
FURTHERMORE, MR BLAKE SAID, FUTURE RAILWAY SYSTEMS PROPOSED IN THE RECENTLY PUBLISHED RAILWAY DEVELOPMENT STUDY SHOULD HELP SECURE HONG KONG’S STRATEGIC ROLE AS A PORT, TRADE AND BUSINESS CENTRE IN THE REGION.
A NEW FREIGHT RAIL LINE FROM CHINA BORDER TO HONG KONG’S PORT IS INCLUDED IN THE PROPOSALS, HE SAID.
MR BLAKE SAID THERE WAS ALSO PLAN TO BUILD ROUTE-3, A DUAL THREE-LANE HIGHWAY IN THE WESTERN NEW TERRITORIES LINKING THE BORDER WITH CHINA AND OPEN IN 1998.
THE ULTIMATE OBJECTIVE WILL BE AN INTEGRATED RAIL AND ROAD TRANSPORT SYSTEM, THAT MATCHES DEVELOPMENT IN CHINA, AND BETTER SERVE THE NEEDS OF ACCESS INTO THE PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT IN THE TERRITORIES, HE SAID.
IN HIS SPEECH, MR BLAKE ALSO GAVE BRIEF ACCOUNTS OF HONG KONG’S 10 AIRPORT CORE PROJECTS AND THEIR PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND COST CONTROL.
- - 0 - -
HK OFFERS WIDE RANGE OF INVESTMENT OPTIONS * * * * *
A WIDE RANGE OF OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR OVERSEAS INVESTORS INTERESTED IN EXPLOITING THE ENORMOUS OPPORTUNITIES IN HONG KONG, THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MISS DENISE YUE, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SHE WAS ADDRESSING A SEMINAR ON "HONG KONG’S OPPORTUNITIES FOR FRENCH MANUFACTURERS" AT THE BANQUE NATIONALE DE PARIS (BNP) WORKSHOP IN PARIS DURING THE SECOND LEG OF HER EUROPEAN INVESTMENT PROMOTION VISIT THIS MONTH.
MISS YUE SAID IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, FRENCH INVESTORS MIGHT CONSIDER TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE SUCCESSFUL DIVISION OF LABOUR BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA.
"THEY CAN LOCATE THE LOW VALUE-ADDED, LABOUR- AND LANDINTENSIVE MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS TN CHINA, AND CONTROL THESE OPERATIONS FROM HONG KONG TO CAPITALISE ON THE WELL-DEVELOPED FINANCIAL AND INFORMATION FACILITIES THAT EXIST TN HONG KONG," SHE SAID.
"FRENCH ENTREPRENEURS MAY ALSO CONSIDER MAKING THE MOST OF THE EFFICIENT INFRASTRUCTURE AND HIGH QUALITY HUMAN RESOURCES AVAILABLE IN HONG KONG BY UNDERTAKING THE MORE SKILL- AND KNOWLEDGE-INTENSIVE MANUFACTURING ACTIVITIES AND TECHNOLOGICAL SERVICES TN THE TERRITORY," SHE ADDED.
BEING STRATEGICALLY SITUATED AT THE HUB OF ASIA-PACIFIC, HONG KONG IS ALSO AN IMPORTANT LOCATION FOR FRENCH INVESTORS WHO WISH TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE HUGE MARKET OPPORTUNITIES OF THE REGION AS A RESULT OF ITS GROWING AFFLUENCE.
"TO ILLUSTRATE, 11 OF HONG KONG’S TOP 20 TRADING PARTNERS ARE FROM THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION.
/"IN 1993,
THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 1994
8
"IN 1993, HONG KONG’S TOTAL TRADE WITH ECONOMIES IN THE REGION GREW BY 13 PER CENT. IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994 ALONE, THERE WAS ANOTHER 10 PER CENT TO 11 PER CENT GROWTH," MISS YUE SAID.
THE ACCUMULATION OF MANAGEMENT KNOW-HOW AND CONTACTS WITH EMERGING MARKETS IN ASIA MAKES HONG KONG AN EXCELLENT LAUNCH-PAD FOR THESE MARKETS.
THIS HAD BEEN RECOGNISED BY MANY MULTINATIONAL ENTERPRISES AS EVIDENCED BY THE FACT THAT SOME 1,500 OVERSEAS COMPANIES HAD SET UP REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS AND REPRESENTATIONAL OFFICES IN HONG KONG, MISS YUE SAID.
SHE NOTED THAT SUBSTANTIAL TRADE AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES ALSO EXISTED IN THE STARTLING GROWTH OF HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORT TRADE.
"IN THE LAST DECADE, TOTAL RE-EXPORT TRADE BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA GREW BY NINE-FOLD, FROM US$3.6 BILLION TO US$35.2 BILLION.
"LAST YEAR, HONG KONG RE-EXPORTED GOODS VALUED AT US$14.3 BILLION FROM CHINA TO THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY, AND GOODS VALUED AT US$3.7 BILLION FROM THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY TO CHINA," MISS YUE SAID.
THIS WAS AMPLE REFLECTION OF THE GEOGRAPHICAL ADVANTAGE OF HONG KONG AS THE GATEWAY TO CHINA AND THE WINDOW FOR CHINA TO THE REST OF THE WORLD, SHE SAID.
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TRADE SANCTIONS IMPAIR FREE TRADE - D-G OF TRADE « » » » ♦
THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR TONY MILLER, TODAY (THURSDAY) EMPHASISED THE IMPORTANCE OF FREE TRADE AND DENOUNCED THE USE OF TRADE SANCTIONS AS A LEVER FOR IMPROVING LABOUR RIGHTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.
HE HAILED FREE TRADE AS "THE MOST EFFICIENT AND DYNAMIC ENGINE OF GROWTH THERE COULD POSSIBLY BE," AND WARNED THAT "WHATEVER THEIR MOTIVATION, TRADE SANCTIONS, LIKE SAND IN A GEARBOX, IMPAIR THE EFFICIENCY OF THAT MACHINE."
MR MILLER WAS SPEAKING HIS THOUGHTS ON THE WAY FORWARD IN MULTILATERAL TRADE DISCUSSIONS LINKING TRADE AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES, AND TRADE AND COMPETITION POLICIES, IN AN ADDRESS TO THE HONG KONG - CANADA BUSINESS ASSOCIATION IN TORONTO.
UNDERLINING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF FREE TRADE - "THE FREE MARKET WORKING INTERNATIONALLY" AS HE TERMED IT, HE SPOKE STRONGLY AGAINST THE USE OF TRADE SANCTIONS FOR NON-TRADE ENDS AND SAID HONG KONG SHARED VIEWS RECENTLY EXPRESSED BY THE CANADIAN TRADE MINISTER, MR ROY MACLAREN.
MR MACLAREN HAD SAID: "IT ALWAYS STRIKES ME AS PARADOXICAL THAT IN ANY DISCUSSION ON FREE TRADE, THAT WHENEVER LABOUR AND ENVIRONMENT COMF. UP, IMMEDIATELY YOU GO TO TRADE SANCTIONS - HARDLY COMPATIBLE WITH A FREER TRADE ARRANGEMENT."
/MR MILLER .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 1994
- 9 -
MR MILLER TOLD THE LUNCHEON MEETING THAT "WE IN HONG KONG COULD NOT AGREE MORE WITH THESE SENTIMENTS, ARDENT ADVOCATES THOUGH WE ARE OF BOTH LABOUR RIGHTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION."
HE RECALLED THAT HONG KONG HAD LOBBIED AGAINST THE CLINTON ADMINISTRATION’S LINKING CHINA’S MOST FAVOURED NATION TRADING STATUS WITH IMPROVEMENTS IN THAT COUNTRY’S HUMAN RIGHTS RECORD, SIMPLY BECAUSE SUCH SANCTIONS WOULD BE COUNTER-PRODUCTIVE. LINKAGES IN OTHER AREAS WERE JUST AS LIKELY TO FAIL.
"WHILE TRADE SANCTIONS ARE OFTEN SEIZED ON AS A SEEMINGLY CONVENIENT LEVER BY ADVOCATES OF A VARIETY OF NON-TRADE REFORMS, GENERALLY SPEAKING THEY DO MORE HARM THAN GOOD," HE SAID.
"TRADE SANCTIONS WILL NOT IMPROVE LABOUR CONDITIONS, INSTEAD THEY WOULD HURT MOST THOSE THEY AIMED TO HELP."
"TRADE SANCTIONS WILL NOT HELP TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT, THOSE ALREADY IN PLACE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR INCALCULABLE DAMAGE."
SPEAKING ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TRADE AND THE ENVIRONMENT, MR MILLER POINTED OUT THAT FREE TRADE WAS ENVIRONMENTAL-FR1ENDLY.
"JUST AS FREE MARKET FORCES OPERATING INTERNALLY ENSURE THE BEST USE OF RESOURCES WITHIN A COUNTRY, SO FREE TRADE INTERNATIONALLY ENSURES THE GREATEST GOOD FOR THE GREATEST NUMBER GLOBALLY," HE EXPLAINED.
"BY ENSURING THE MOST EFFICIENT USE OF RESOURCES ON A GLOBAL SCALE, FREE TRADE HELPS TO CONSERVE THEM.
"ALL BARRIERS TO TRADE, ALL SUBSIDIES, ALL PROTECTIONIST DEVICES ARE ENVIRONMENTALLY UNFRIENDLY, SIMPLY BECAUSE THEY INTERFERE WITH THIS GLOBALLY EFFICIENT USE OF RESOURCES."
IN THIS CONTEXT, MR MILLER HIGHLIGHTED THE EXTRAORDINARILY HARMFUL CONSEQUENCES FOR THE GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT OF CURRENT DISTORTIONS TO WORLD TRADE IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS CAUSED BY MASSIVE SUBSIDIES AND OTHER PROTECTIONIST DEVICES.
FOR EXAMPLE, HE SAID, SUBSIDIES ENCOURAGED THE USE OF MARGINAL LAND WHICH WOULD NOT OTHERWISE BE FARMED AND WHICH REQUIRED EXCESSIVE USE OF FERTILISERS AND PESTICIDES.
"TRADE POLICIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES NEED NOT BE INCOMPATIBLE. FREE TRADE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ARE PERFECTLY COMPATIBLE OBJECTIVES.
"INSTEAD OF LOOKING AT TRADE SANCTIONS AS A WAY OF ENFORCING ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS INTERNATIONALLY, WE SHOULD BE SEEKING OUT AND ELIMINATING ALL THE EXISTING PROTECTIONIST TRADE MEASURES WHICH WASTE RESOURCES AND DAMAGE THE ENVIRONMENT."
TURNING TO COMPETITION POLICY, MR MILLER SAID TRADE RESTRAINTS TOO OFTEN RESULTED FROM CLOSED-DOOR DEALS WITH VESTED INTERESTS.
"THESE DISENFRANCHISE CONSUMERS, REDUCING THEIR FREEDOM OF CHOICE AND FORCING THEM TO PAY MORE," HE SAID.
/"DISCUSSIONS IN .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 1994
’’DISCUSSIONS IN THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE (GATT) AND ELSEWHERE ARE BEGINNING TO TURN THE SPOTLIGHT ON THESE ISSUES AND, IN PARTICULAR, ON THE NEXUS BETWEEN COMPETITION POLICY AND ANTI-DUMPING.
’’THE TRICK WILL BE TO RESTORE THE RIGHTS OF THE CONSUMER. IN A GLOBAL ECONOMY, NATIONAL INTERESTS AND BUSINESS INTERESTS ARE ONLY IDENTICAL WHEN, AND TO THE EXTENT THAT, THEY WORK TOWARDS THE WELLBEING OF THE COMMON MAN AND WOMAN.”
MR MILLER SAID THE CLOSING YEARS OF THE 20TH CENTURY HAD SEEN THE TRIUMPH OF THE MARKET OVER CENTRALLY PLANNED ECONOMICS AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL.
’’THE CHALLENGE AS WE ENTER THE NEW MILLENNIUM IS TO ENSURE THAT THE MARKET TRIUMPHS INTERNATIONALLY AS WELL, IN THE VICTORY OF FREE TRADE OVER MANAGED TRADE,” HE SAID.
- - 0 - -
SOCIAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE RATES
*****
IN RESPONSE TO MEDIA ENQUIRIES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT:
"THE GOVERNMENT WELCOMES THE RESEARCH CONDUCTED BY DR STEWART MACPHERSON OF THE CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG ON THE ADEQUACY OF SOCIAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE RATES IN HONG KONG. WE WILL EXAMINE VERY CAREFULLY THE DETAILS OF ITS FINDINGS WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE.
’’THE COMPREHENSIVE SOCIAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE (CSSA) SCHEME PROVIDES A SAFETY NET FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES WHO ARE IN NEED OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.
’’THE CSSA RATES ARE KEPT UNDER CONSTANT REVIEW TO ENSURE THAT THOSE TN NEED ARE GIVEN THE NECESSARY ASSISTANCE. WE WILL TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE RESEARCH FINDINGS IN OUR REVIEW.
’’THE CSSA RATES HAVE INCREASED BY ALMOST 15 TIMES OVER THE PAST TWO DECADES WHILE THE RATE OF INFLATION AS MEASURED BY CPI(A) HAS GONE UP BY ONLY SIX TIMES DURING THE SAME PERIOD.
"WE HAVE ALSO MORE THAN DOUBLED OUR SOCIAL SECURITY PAYMENTS FROM $2.6 BILLION FIVE YEARS AGO TO $6 BILLION IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR.”
- - 0 - -
/Il
THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 1994
- 11
SEWAGE SERVICES BILL TO BE GAZETTED
*****
THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL HAS ENDORSED THAT LEGISLATION BE MADE TO ENABLE THE INTRODUCTION OF THE SEWAGE CHARGING SCHEME TO HELP RECOVER THE OPERATING COSTS OF SEWAGE SERVICES.
THE SEWAGE SERVICE BILL, WHICH ENABLES THE INTRODUCTION OF A SEWAGE CHARGE AND A TRADE EFFLUENT SURCHARGE ON THE SEWAGE SERVICE USERS, WILL BE GAZETTED TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AND INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JULY 6.
IN LINE WITH THE POLLUTER PAYS PRINCIPLE, THE BILL PROPOSES THAT THOSE WHO ARE CONNECTED TO PUBLIC SEWERAGE AND WHO USE SEWAGE SERVICES SHOULD PAY FOR THE SERVICES THEY USE.
TO ENABLE AN EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION OF SEWAGE SERVICE COSTS AMONG USERS, THE BILL PROPOSES THAT THERE SHOULD BI TWO CHARGING ELEMENTS IN THE SEWAGE CHARGE - A FIXED CHARGE AND A VARIABLE CHARGE.
THE FIXED CHARGE IS TO RECOVER THE COST FOR THE PROPER OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE SEWERAGE SYSTEM. IT WILL BE DETERMINED BY THE CONSUMER CATEGORY AND THE WATER METER SIZE RELEVANT TO THE SERVICE USER.
THE VARIABLE CHARGE, WHICH IS TO RECOVER THE COST OF PROVIDING SEWAGE TREATMENT, WILL BE CALCULATED ACCORDING TO THE USER’S WATER CONSUMPTION.
TO PROVIDE AN INCENTIVE FOR USERS TO USE LESS WATER, THE BILL PROPOSES THAT LOW-USER HOUSEHOLDS - WHO CONSUME 13 CUBIC METRES OF WATER OR LESS IN A FOUR-MONTH BILLING PERIOD - SHOULD BE EXEMPTED FROM THE SEWAGE CHARGES AS THEY ARE UNDER THE PRESENT WATER TARIFF.
ABOUT 17 PER CENT OF HOUSEHOLDS WILL BENEFIT FROM THIS EXEMPTION. IT IS EXPECTED THAT OF THE REMAINING HOUSEHOLDS, ABOUT 50 PER CENT WILL PAY SEWAGE CHARGES OF LESS THAN $15 A MONTH, AND 30 PER CENT BETWEEN $16 AND $30 A MONTH.
TO MINIMISE THE ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROPOSED CHARGING SCHEME, THE SEWAGE CHARGE WILL BE INCORPORATED, BUT SEPARATELY ITEMISED, IN A WATER BILL TO BE ISSUED BY THE DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES.
IN ADDITION TO A SEWAGE CHARGE, THE MORE POLLUTING INDUSTRIAL DISCHARGES OR TRADE EFFLUENT WILL BE SUBJECT TO A TRADE EFFLUENT SURCHARGE.
THE SURCHARGE WILL REFLECT THE ADDITIONAL COST OF PROVIDING TREATMENT FOR TRADE EFFLUENT WITH A STRENGTH ABOVE THAT OI DOMESTIC SEWAGE.
THE TRADE EFFLUENT SURCHARGE WILL BE BILLED SEPARATELY FROM THE SEWAGE CHARGE AND WILL BE COLLECTED BY THE TREASURY THROUGH STANDARD GOVERNMENT BILLING PROCEDURES.
/THE SEWAGE .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 1994
- 12 -
THE SEWAGE SERVICES BILL ALSO SETS OUT PENALTIES FOR LATE PAYMENT AND UNPAID CHARGES.
IF A SEWAGE CHARGE IS NOT PAID WITHIN A PERIOD SPECIFIED IN A PAYMENT NOTICE, THE DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES MAY EXERCISE HIS POWERS UNDER THE WATERWORKS ORDINANCE TO IMPOSE A PENALTY OF FIVE PER CENT OF THE UNPAID CHARGE AND MAY, AT THE REQUEST OF THE DRAINAGE AUTHORITY, CUT OFF THE WATER SUPPLY SHOULD SUCH CHARGE REMAIN UNPAID.
FOR AN UNPAID TRADE EFFLUENT SURCHARGE, A PENALTY MAY BE LEVIED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION TO BE MADE UNDER THE BILL.
THE BILL ALSO INCLUDES PROVISIONS ENABLING A SERVICE USER TO APPLY TO THE DRAINAGE AUTHORITY FOR A REVIEW OF FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT THE LEVEL OF CHARGES.
THESE FACTORS MAY INCLUDE AN ERROR IN WATER CONSUMPTION, THE STRENGTH OF A TRADE EFFLUENT OR THE VOLUME OF DISCHARGE USED IN DETERMINING THE CHARGE.
AN APPLICANT MAY ALSO APPEAL TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE APPEAL BOARD AGAINST THE DECISION OF THE DRAINAGE AUTHORITY.
THE DETAILED ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE SEWAGE CHARGE AND THE TRADE EFFLUENT SURCHARGE AND THE CALCULATIONS OF THE CHARGING RATES WILL BE SET OUT IN THE SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION TO BE MADE UNDER THE SEWAGE SERVICES BILL.
---------0-----------
PLANS TO IMPROVE STORM WATER DRAINAGE SYSTEM *****
THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS PLANNING TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FLOODING TN WEST KOWLOON BY FURTHER IMPROVING THE STORM WATER DRAINAGE SYSTEMS IN THE AREA.
THE DEPARTMENT HAS ENGAGED A CONSULTANCY TO CARRY OUT A FEASIBILITY STUDY WITH A VIEW TO IDENTIFYING ANY DEFICIENCIES OF THE EXISTING DRAINAGE SYSTEMS OF WEST KOWLOON.
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF DRAINAGE SERVICES (OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE), MR SIH NAM-SEN, SIGNED A CONSULTANCY AGREEMENT ON THE STUDY WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF MAUNSELL CONSULTANTS ASIA LIMITED THIS (THURSDAY) MORN 1NG.
MR SIH SAID THE WEST KOWLOON STORM WATER DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT STUDY WOULD COVER THE AREA EXTENDING FROM TSIM SHA TSUI IN THE SOUTH, ALONG THE WESTERN PORTION OF THE PENINSULA, TO CHEUNG SHA WAN IN THE NORTH.
’’THE FIRM IS COMMISSIONED TO DEVELOP A DRAINAGE MASTER PLAN AND AN IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAMME FOR THE REQUIRED DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS BY OCTOBER 1995.
/"DETAILED DESIGN .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 1994
- 13 -
"DETAILED DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION WORKS OF THE PROJECT ARE EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN STAGES IN 1996 FOR COMPLETION IN 2003," HE SAID.
POINTING OUT THAT WEST KOWLOON WAS A MAJOR RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERICAL AREA WITH A POPULATION OF ABOUT 734,000, MR SIH SAID THE AREA WAS HOWEVER LOW-LYING AND SUSCEPTIBLE TO FLOODING.
IMPORTANT TRANSPORT FACILITIES AND TRUNK ROADS, SUCH AS THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY, NATHAN ROAD, FERRY STREET, ARE LOCATED IN THIS AREA.
"ON COMPLETION OF THE PROJECT, THE RESIDENTS AND ROAD USERS IN WEST KOWLOON WOULD BE FURTHER PROTECTED FROM FLOODING," MR SIH SAID.
i
------o--------
RESULTS OF 1992 SURVEY OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION ♦ * * ♦ ♦
THE GROSS OUTPUT PERFORMED BY MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS IN 1992 AMOUNTED TO $331.2 BILLION, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 2.2% OVER 1991. 17
NET OF TOTAL OPERATING EXPENDITURE, THE GROSS SURPLUS OF THESE ESTABLISHMENTS AMOUNTED TO 11.6% OF THE GROSS OUTPUT IN 1992. THIS WAS 1.1 PERCENTAGE POINTS HIGHER THAN THE CORRESPONDING FIGURE OF 10.5% FOR 1991.
THE VALUE ADDED, WHICH IS A MEASURE OF THE SECTOR’S CONTRIBUTION TO HONG KONG’S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT, AMOUNTED TO $97.4 BILLION IN 1992. THIS REPRESENTED AN INCREASE OF 5.1% OVER 1991.
THESE ARE SOME OF THE MAJOR FINDINGS OF THE 1992 SURVEY OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION, RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT. THE SURVEY WAS CONDUCTED FROM APRIL 1993 TO EARLY 1994.
ALL VALUE FIGURES IN THIS PRESS RELEASE ARE EXPRESSED IN CURRENT PRICES. THE PERCENTAGE CHANGES DERIVED FROM THESE FIGURES HAVE NOT BEEN ADJUSTED FOR PRICE CHANGES. CAUTION SHOULD THEREFORE BE TAKEN IN INTERPRETING THE SURVEY RESULTS.
IN TERMS OF PERCENTAGE SHARE OF GROSS OUTPUT, THE OPERATING EXPENDITURE INCURRED BY MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS AMOUNTED TO 88.4% IN 1992. THIS COMPRISED 16.4% FOR COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES; 61.3% FOR CONSUMPTION OF MATERIALS, SUPPLIES, AND INDUSTRIAL WORK/SERVICES; ANti 10; 7% Fdfe OTHER feXPEfcSfcS;
COMPARED WITH 1991, THESE PERCENTAGES REMAINED GENERALLY UNCHANGED EXCEPT THAT THE PERCENTAGE SHARE FOR CONSUMPTION OF MATERIALS, SUPPLIES AND INDUSTRIAL WORK/SERVICES DECREASED BY 1.4 PERCENTAGE POINTS WHILE THAT FOR OTHER EXPENSES INCREASED BY 0.3 PERCENTAGE POINT.
/THE VALUE .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 1994
14
THE VALUE ADDED CONTENT OF THE GROSS OUTPUT PERFORMED BY THESE ESTABLISHMENTS AMOUNTED TO 29.4%, COMPRISING MAINLY 16.4% FOR COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES AND 11.6% FOR GROSS SURPLUS.
COMPARED WITH 1991, THE FORMER PROPORTION REMAINED UNCHANGED WHILE THE LATTER INCREASED BY 1.1 PERCENTAGE POINTS.
THE SURVEY RESULTS ALSO SHOWED THAT THERE WERE SOME 41,700 MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS OPERATING IN 1992.
IN TERMS OF VALUE ADDED, THE FIVE LARGEST BROAD INDUSTRY GROUPS IN 1992 WERE 1. BASIC METALS, FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS, MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT, ACCOUNTING FOR 21.4% OF THE TOTAL VALUE ADDED OF THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR; 2. WEARING APPAREL, 20.1%; 3. TEXTILES, 15.2%; 4. ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS, 12.7%; AND 5. PAPER PRODUCTS, PRINTING AND PUBLISHING, 10.7%.
MODERATE INCREASES IN VALUE ADDED IN 1992 WERE RECORDED IN THE PAPER PRODUCTS, PRINTING AND PUBLISHING INDUSTRY (+10.0%) AND THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY (+8.1%). HOWEVER, MODERATE DECREASES WERE SHOWN IN THE CHEMICAL, RUBBER AND NON-METALLIC MINERAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY (-9.6%) AND THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY (-7.9%) .
THE PRINCIPAL STATISTICS FOR THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY, ANALYSED BY BROAD INDUSTRY GROUP, ARK SHOWN IN THE ANNEXED TABLE.
APART FROM MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS, THE SURVEY ALSO ENUMERATED ESTABLISHMENTS ENGAGED IN I. MINING AND QUARRYING; AND II. SUPPLY OF ELECTRICITY, GAS AND WATER.
SUMMARY STATISTICS FOR THE 1992 SURVEY OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE JUNE 1994 ISSUE OF THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS PUBLISHED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS, \ DEPARTMENT.
DETAILS OF THE SURVEY RESULTS WILL BE PUBLISHED IN A FULL REPORT AVAILABLE IN AUGUST 1994. . ,
ENQUIRIES REGARDING STATISTICS ON INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL 839 3246.
Ar
/Summary results
♦ THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 1994
15
Sirmary results of the 1992 Survey of Industrial Production analysed by broad manufacturing industry group_____
Gross
Broad industry group Ntmber of establishments Ni Fiber of persons engaged Canpen-sat ion of employees ($ Mn) Consumption of materials, supplies & industrial wark/ services ($ Mn) Other expenses ($ "fri) surplus (net of "textile export quota transfer receipts") ($ Mh) Gross output ($ Mn) Value added ($ Mn)
Food, beverages 805 26 158 2,918 9,770 3,005 4,205 19,898 7,093
and tobacco (-6) (-4) (5) (8) (10) (3) (7) (2)
Wearing apparel, 6 516 169 412 13,130 39,940 7,687 4,359 65,116 19,540
except knitwear and footwear (-12) (-10) (*) (1) (9) (22) (3) (6)
Leather, wood and 1 812 10 6|9 773 2,731 524 404 4,432 1,200
cork products (-9) (-18) (-9) (-7) (-4) (-1) (-7) (-7)
Textiles (including 4 606 89 280 8,503 33,027 5,576 5,103 52,209 14,800
knitting) (-2) (-10) (*) (-7) (-2) (26) (-3) (6)
Paper products, 6 381 52 504 5,290 14,160 3,290 4,759 27,498 10,399
printing and publishing (-2) <-p (4) (7) (9) (17) (8) (10)
Chemicals, rubber & 1 003 12 244 1,433 6,894 1,623 1,351 11,300 2,939
ncn-metallic mineral products (-11) (-9) (5) (-8) (10) (-15) (-5) (-10)
Plastic products 3 511 32 608 2,797 9,187 1,968 1,912 15,865 4,824
(-7) (-16) (-3) (-2) (2) (-9) (-3) (-8)
Basic metals, 13 695 125 734 12,027 46,402 6,688 8,495 73,612 20,892
fabricated meta1 (-1) products, machinery & equipment (-4) (9) (1) (12) (5) (3) (7)
Electrical & 794 51 019 5,348 32,043 4,172 6,546 48,110 12,396
electronic products (-15) (-17) (*) (3) (*) (23) (5) (8)
Other manufacturing 2 582 22 738 2,087 8,860 1,055 1,200 13,202 3,361
industries (-5) (-4) (3) (*) (-4) (39) (3) (11)
Al) manufacturing 41 706 592 354 54,307 203,015 35,589 38,333 331,243 97,445
industries (-5) (“9) (2) (*) (6) (12) (2) (5)
Notes : (1) Individual entries may not add up exactly to the respective totals due to rounding.
(2) Figures in brackets represent percentage changes in 1992 over 1991.
(3) Value added is a measure of the contribution of an industry to Hong Kong's Gross Domestic Product.
(4) The "Nunber of person engaged" are ’full-year equivalent' figures, i.e. for an establishment which operated for only part of 1992, the ninber of persons engaged as at the end of the quarters during which the establishment operated are simmed up and divided by 4.
* Changes within +/- 0.5%
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/16 .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 1994
16
PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF RETAIL SALES SURVEY FOR APRIL RELEASED *****
THE VALUE OF TOTAL RETAIL SALES IN APRIL 1994, ESTIMATED AT $15.2 BILLION, INCREASED BY 15% WHEN COMPARED WITH APRIL 1993, ACCORDING TO THE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
AFTER DISCOUNTING THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES OVER THE PERIOD, TOTAL RETAIL SALES ROSE BY 8% IN VOLUME TERMS.
THE APPRECIABLE INCREASE IN APRIL 94 OVER APRIL 93 WAS MAINLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO A STRONG GROWTH IN SALES OF CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR (41% IN VALUE AND 29% IN VOLUME), AND SALES IN DEPARTMENT STORES (15% IN VALUE AND 7% IN VOLUME).
SALES OF FUELS AND SALES IN SUPERMARKETS BOTH INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY BY 10% TN VALUE. IN VOLUME TERMS, THE INCREASES WERE 8% AND 3% RESPECTIVELY. SALES OF JEWELLERY AND WATCHES ALSO INCREASED BY 10% IN VALUE BUT RECORDED NO CHANGE IN VOLUME.
MODERATE INCREASES WERE RECORDED FOR SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES, BY 9% IN VALUE AND 2% IN VOLUME; SALES OF OTHER FOODSTUFFS, BY 7% IN VALUE AND 4% IN VOLUME; SALES OF CONSUMER DURABLE GOODS OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES, BY 4% IN VALUE AND 2% IN VOLUME.
COMPARING THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY TO APRIL 1994 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993, TOTAL RETAIL SALES ROSE BY 17% IN VALUE AND 11% IN VOLUME.
COMPARED WITH MARCH 1994, AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON MAY BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, TOTAL RETAIL SALES IN APRIL 1994 DECREASED BY 4% IN VALUE AND 7% 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 MARCH 1994 AND THE PROVISIONAL FIGURE FOR APRIL 1994.
TABLE 2 SHOWS THE VALUE AND VOLUME INDICES OF RETAIL SALES IN MARCH AND APRIL 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 THE APRIL 1994 RESULTS WITH THOSE FOR MARCH 1994 AND THOSE FOR APRIL 1993, AS WELL AS COMPARISONS OF RETAIL SALES IN THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY TO APRIL OF 1994 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993 ARE ALSO GIVEN.
THE REPORT CONTAINING THE ANALYSIS OF THE APRIL 1994 RESULTS IS NOW ON SALE AT $3.00 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 :
THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 1994
17
TABLE 1 : TOTAL. RETAILSALES
Total Retail Sales for April 1994 (Provisional Figure) « HKS15,213.8 million for March 1994 (Revised Figure) ■ HK$15,838.5 million
TABLE 2 ; VALUE AMP VOLUME INDICES OF RETAIL SALES FQR MARCH 1994 AHO APRIL 1994 (Monthly average of Oct. 89 - Sept. 90 « 100)
Type of Outlet Index of Retail Sales March 1994 April 1994 Apri I compared March 1994 with 1994 April 1994 compared with Jan.-Apr.1994 compared with Jan.-Apr.1993
Apri I 1993
(Revised figures) (Provisional figures) Points X Points X Points X
(A) FOR ALL RETAIL OUTLETS
Value 168.7 162.0 -6.7 -3.9 ♦20.7 ♦14.7 ♦25.0 ♦17.1
Volume 138.7 129.1 •9.6 -6.9 ♦9.3 ♦7.7 ♦13.7 ♦IO.9
(B) BY TYPE OF RETAIL OUTLET
Foodstuffs, alcoholic Value 129.4 128.7 -0.7 -0.6 ♦8.0 ♦6.6 ♦9.9 *8.2
drinks and tobacco Volume 100.8 102.5 ♦1.7 ♦1.7 ♦4.2 ♦4.2 ♦5.3 +5.5
(other than supermarkets)
Supermarkets p Value 151.4 141.9 -9.5 -6.3 ♦13.4 ♦ 10.4 ♦19.9 *14.9
Volume 110.7 102.4 -8.2 -7.4 ♦3.3 ♦3.3 ♦8.7 *8.3
Fuels Value 136.3 146.9 ♦10.6 ♦7.8 ♦13.6 ♦10.2 ♦1.3 +1.0
Volume 98.0 105.6 ♦7.6 ♦7.7 ♦7.5 ♦7.6 -1.5 -1.6
Clothing, footwear and Value 219.1 236.5 ♦17.5 ♦8.0 ♦68.5 ♦40.7 ♦60.5 +33.6
allied products Volume 171.8 166.5 •5.4 -3.1 ♦37.8 ♦29.3 ♦36.1 +24.7
Consumer durable goods Value 187.2 169.7 -17.5 -9.3 ♦8.8 ♦5.4 ♦17.7 *10.7
Volume 159.1 144.5 -14.6 -9.2 ♦2.5 ♦1.7 +10.0 +6.9
- Motor vehicles Value 176.2 147.0 -29.3 -16.6 ♦11.8 ♦8.7 ♦5.2 +2.9
and parts Volume 130.7 108.6 -22.1 •16.9 ♦2.0 ♦1.9 -6.8 -4.7
- Consumer durable Value 195.1 186.2 -8.9 -4.6 ♦6.6 ♦3.7 ♦26.8 +17.3
goods other than Volume 179.7 170.5 -9.1 -5.1 ♦2.8 ♦1.7 ♦22.1 +15.1
motor vehicles and parts
Department stores Value 139.1 135.1 -4.0 -2.9 ♦17.7 ♦15.0 ♦17.5 +12.8
Volume 110.3 99.7 -10.7 -9.7 ♦6.6 ♦7.1 +7.4 +6.5
Jewellery, watches Value 186.4 156.1 -30.3 -16.3 ♦14.7 ♦10.4 ♦30.1 +21.1
and clocks, and valuable gifts Volume 178.9 148.1 -30.8 -17.2 ♦0.2 ♦0.1 ♦13.6 +9.0
Other consumer goods Value 176.1 178.7 ♦2.6 ♦1.5 ♦28.6 ♦19.1 ♦35.2 +24.0
not elsewhere classified Volume 141.6 142.6 ♦1.0 ♦0.7 ♦18.5 vf ♦14.9 +24.6 +20.1
MOTE : # Not including supermarkets operating in department stores.
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/18........
THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 1994
- 18 -
RESULTS OF THE 1992 SURVEY OF VARIOUS SERVICE INDUSTRIES RELEASED * * » » »
THE BUSINESS SERVICES, COMMUNICATION AND INSURANCE INDUSTRIES REGISTERED SIGNIFICANT GROWTH IN 1992.
COMPARED WITH 1991, THE BUSINESS RECEIPTS AND OTHER INCOME, THAT IS TOTAL RECEIPTS WENT UP BY 23%, 22% AND 20% IN VALUE TERMS FOR THE THREE SERVICE INDUSTRIES RESPECTIVELY.
THE STORAGE INDUSTRY ALSO RECORDED AN INCREASE OF 12% IN THE TOTAL RECEIPTS OVER 1991. A MILD INCREASE OF 3% WAS REGISTERED IN THE FINANCING (EXCEPT BANKING) INDUSTRY.
THESE ARE SOME OF THE MAJOR FINDINGS OF THE 1992 SURVEY OF STORAGE, COMMUNICATION, FINANCING, INSURANCE AND BUSINESS 'SERVICES, RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE SURVEY WAS CONDUCTED FROM JUNE 1993 TO EARLY 1994.
ALL VALUE FIGURES HERE ARE EXPRESSED IN CURRENT PRICE TERMS. PERCENTAGE CHANGES DERIVED FROM THESE FIGURES HAVE NOT BEEN ADJUSTED FOR PRICE CHANGES. CAUTION SHOULD THEREFORE BE TAKEN IN INTERPRETING THE SURVEY RESULTS.
i
IN 1992, THERE WERE 15,500 ESTABLISHMENTS IN OPERATION IN THE BUSINESS SERVICES INDUSTRY, AN INCREASE OF 18% OVER 1991.
THE INDUSTRY INCLUDES LEGAL, ACCOUNTING, AUDITING, DATA PROCESSING, ADVERTISING AND MARKETING FIRMS AND COMPANIES PROVIDING MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS SERVICES SUCH AS BUSINESS MANAGEMENT AND CONSULTANCY, EMPLOYMENT, SECRETARIAL, TECHNICAL AND
MACHINERY/EQUIPMENT RENTAL SERVICES.
TOTAL RECEIPTS GENERATED BY THESE ESTABLISHMENTS AMOUNTED TO $48.3 BILLION, AN INCREASE OF 23% OVER 1991.
THE GROSS SURPLUS OF THE INDUSTRY ACCOUNTED FOR 20.3% OF '}THE TOTAL RECEIPTS, A DROP OF 2.0 PERCENTAGE POINTS FROM THE FIGURE FOR 1991 . r-/ .
THE TOTAL OPERATING EXPENDITURE OF THE INDUSTRY (COMPRISING COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES, OPERATING EXPENSES AND VALUE OF PURCHASES OF GOODS FOR SALE) AMOUNTED TO 79.7% OF THE TOTAL RECEIPTS. THIS WAS 2.0 PERCENTAGE POINTS HIGHER THAN THE FIGURE FOR 1991.
THE TOTAL VALUE ADDED OF THESE ESTABLISHMENTS, WHICH IS A MEASURE OF THE INDUSTRY’S CONTRIBUTION TO HONG KONG’S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT, GREW BY 20% FROM $19.0 BILLION IN 1991 TO $22.9 BILLION IN 1992.
IT CONSTITUTED 47.4% OF THE TOTAL RECEIPTS AND WAS 1.3 PERCENTAGE POINTS LOWER THAN THE FIGURE FOR 1991.
/IN THE .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 1994
- 19 -
IN THE COMMUNICATION INDUSTRY, THERE WERE SOME 470 ESTABLISHMENTS IN OPERATION IN 1992, AN INCREASE OF 12% OVER 1991. THESE INCLUDE TELEPHONE, TELEGRAPH, COURIER AND RADIO-PAGING COMPANIES.
TOTAL RECEIPTS GENERATED BY THESE ESTABLISHMENTS AMOUNTED TO $26.1 BILLION, WHICH WAS 22% HIGHER THAN 1991.
THE GROSS SURPLUS OF THE INDUSTRY ACCOUNTED FOR 41.6% OF THE TOTAL RECEIPTS, A DECREASE OF 1.1 PERCENTAGE POINT FROM THE FIGURE FOR 1991 .
THE TOTAL VALUE ADDED OF THESE ESTABLISHMENTS WAS $15.5 BILLION IN 1992, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 22% OVER 1991. IT ACCOUNTED FOR 59.5% OF THE TOTAL RECEIPTS, AND WAS 0.2 PERCENTAGE POINTS HIGHER THAN THE FIGURE FOR 1991.
IN THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY, WHICH INCLUDES GENERAL INSURERS, LIFE INSURERS AND INSURANCE AGENTS, THERE WERE SOME 1,850 ESTABLISHMENTS IN OPERATION IN 1992, A DECREASE OF 4% UNDER 1991.
THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY GENERATED $28.6 BILLION OF TOTAL RECEIPTS IN 1992, AN INCREASE OF 20% OVER 1991.
IN THE FINANCING (EXCEPT BANKING) INDUSTRY, THERE WERE 3,800 ESTABLISHMENTS OPERATING IN 1992.
THIS INDUSTRY COMPRISES LOAN AND MORTGAGE COMPANIES, CREDIT INSTITUTIONS, FINANCE LEASING, PAWNSHOPS, INVESTMENT AND HOLDING COMPANIES, SECURITIES, FUTURES AND GOLD BULLION BROKERS AND DEALERS, MONEY CHANGERS AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE BROKERS AND DEALERS.
THE SURVEY DID NOT INCLUDE BANKING INSTITUTIONS AND DEPOSITTAKING COMPANIES WHICH WERE SEPARATELY COVERED UNDER THE 1992 SURVEY OF BANKS, DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES, RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS AND REPRESENTATIVE OFFICES OF FOREIGN BANKS.
THE RESULTS OF THE LATTER SURVEY WERE PUBLISHED IN THE MARCH 1994 ISSUE OF THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS.
THE FINANCIAL (EXCEPT BANKING) INDUSTRY GENERATED $70.2 BILLION OF TOTAL RECEIPTS, A SMALL INCREASE OF 3% OVER 1991.
THE GROSS SURPLUS OF THE FINANCING (EXCEPT BANKING) INDUSTRY ACCOUNTED FOR 57.2% OF THE TOTAL RECEIPTS. COMPARED WITH 1991, THIS WAS 3.1 PERCENTAGE POINTS HIGHER.
THE OPERATING EXPENDITURE OF THESE ESTABLISHMENTS ACCOUNTED FOR 42.8% OF THE TOTAL RECEIPTS, A DECREASE OF 3.1 PERCENTAGE POINTS FROM THE FIGURE FOR 1991.
THE TOTAL VALUE ADDED CALCULATED FOR THE INDUSTRY, WHICH DID NOT INCLUDE THAT OF INVESTMENT AND HOLDING COMPANIES OWING TO THE SPECIAL FEATURES OF THEIR BUSINESS OPERATIONS, INCREASED BY 35% TO $7.5 BILLION IN 1992.
/IT ACCOUNTED .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 1994
- 20 -
•• •fl*". . 'i : ■■ ■ . • .
IT ACCOUNTED FOR 10.7% OF THE TOTAL RECEIPTS AND WAS 2.6 PERCENTAGE POINTS HIGHER THAN THE FIGURE FOR 1991.
IN THE STORAGE INDUSTRY, THERE WERE 240 ESTABLISHMENTS IN OPERATION IN 1992, AN INCREASE OF 10% OVER 1991. THE TOTAL RECEIPTS GENERATED BY THESE ESTABLISHMENTS AMOUNTED TO $3.7 BILLION, AN INCREASE OF 12% OVER 1991.
ON THE OTHER HAND, THE INDUSTRY’S GROSS SURPLUS ACCOUNTED FOR 13.2% OF THE TOTAL RECEIPTS IN 1992, A DROP OF 4.9 PERCENTAGE POINTS FROM THE FIGURE FOR 1991. ■ /
THE OPERATING EXPENDITURE OF THE INDUSTRY ACCOUNTED FOR 86.8% OF THE TOTAL RECEIPTS. COMPARED WITH 1991, THIS WAS HIGHER BY 4.9 PERCENTAGE POINTS.
THE TOTAL VALUE ADDED OF THE STORAGE INDUSTRY INCREASED BY 9% TO $1.4 BILLION IN 1992. IT ACCOUNTED FOR 37.0% OF THE TOTAL RECEIPTS, AND WAS 1.0 PERCENTAGE POINT LOWER THAN THE FIGURE FOR 1991.
THE ATTACHED TABLE COMPARES SOME SELECTED PRINCIPAL STATISTICS BY MAJOR INDUSTRY GROUP BETWEEN 1991 AND 1992.
SUMMARY STATISTICS FOR THE 1992 SURVEY OF STORAGE, COMMUNICATION, FINANCING, INSURANCE, AND BUSINESS SERVICES WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE JUNE 1994 ISSUE OF THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS PUBLISHED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
MORE DETAILED RESULTS TOGETHER WITH THE BACKGROUND AND METHODOLOGY OF THE SURVEY WILL BE GIVEN IN A FULL SURVEY REPORT TO BE PUBLISHED IN AUGUST.
THE REPORT WILL BE ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATION CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL; AND THE PUBLICATIONS OFFICE OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, HONG KONG.
ENQUIRIES REGARDING THESE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE BUSINESS SERVICES STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL 802 1244.
/21........
Comparison of selected principal statistics for all establishments in the Storage, Communication, ________Financing, Insurance apd business Services Indystring between 1991. and 19??______________
Industry Number of establishments Number of persons engaged Number of employees Compensation of employees Operating expenses Value of purchases of goods for sale Business receipts and other income Value added Gross surplus
$Mn. $Mn. $Mn. $Mn. $Mn. $Mn.
Storage 1992 244 5 616 5 611 673.4 2,541.2 3,702.4 1,369.1 487.8
1991 222 5 055 4 998 531.1 2,175.4 3,303.9 1,255.3 597.5
% change (+10) (+11) (+12) (+27) (+17) — (+12) (+9) (-18)
Communication 1992 472 31 078 30 584 4,820.7 9,119.4 1,326.9 26,137.7 15,544.7 10,870.6
1991 422 26 324 25 623 3,614.8 7,528.5 1,134.7 21,432.9 12,710.9 9,154.9
1 1 % change (+12) (+18) (+19) (+33) (+21) (+17) (+22) (+22) (+19)
I Financing 1992 3 807 38 267 36 998 9,288.2 20,755.2 — 70,190.0 7,518.7 40,146.6 1
(except 1991 3 723 37 859 36 491 7,791.0 23,643.2 — 68,418.9 5,563.5 36,984.7
banking) o % change (+2) (+1) (+D (+19) (-12) — (+3) (+35) (+9) bJ
1 Business 1992 15 544 110 476 98 874 14,097.5 23,234.9 1,178.6 48,293.7 22,914.6 9,782.7
Services 1991 13 207 97 615 86 522 11,267.7 17,984.4 1,140.7 39,110.5 19,030.4 8,717.7
1 % change (+18) (+13) ( + 14) (+25) (+29) (+3) (+23) (+20) (+12)
I Insurance 1992 1 850 24 045 22 954 4,431.4 2,689.1 28,617.9 —
1991 1 929 23 201 22 291 3,729.3 2,409.8 — 23,906.1 — —
% change (-4) (+4) (+3) (+19) ( + 12) — (+20) — —
Notes : (1) In the financing (except banking)industry, value added was not compiled for investment and holding companies owing to the special features of their business operations. Hence, total value added calculated for the industry did not include that of investment and holding companies.
(2) In the insurance industry, both value added and gross surplus were not compiled.
(3) Percentage change figures are derived from unrounded figures.
nJ (4) Value added is a measure of the contribution of an economic sector/industry to Hong Kong's Gross Domestic Product. The
M definition can be found in the "1992 Survey of Storage, Communication, Financing, Insurance and Business Services" Report.
THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 1994
THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 1994
- 22 -
EIGHT MORE HIV INFECTED CASES CONFIRMED
* * * * *
SIX MEN AND TWO WOMEN WERE FOUND TO BE POSITIVE FOR THE HIV ANTIBODY TEST LAST MONTH, THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).
THIS BRINGS THE NUMBER OF HIV INFECTED PERSONS IN HONG KONG TO 450.
TWO NEW AIDS CASES WERE REPORTED DURING THE MONTH.
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF CONFIRMED AIDS CASES IS 105 WITH 67 DEATHS REPORTED.
OF THE 450 HIV INFECTED, 170 ACQUIRED THE INFECTION THROUGH HOMOSEXUAL OR BISEXUAL SEX AND 166 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 38, THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE WAS INADEQUATE FOR CLASSIFICATION.
UNDER THE HIV SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME WHICH STARTED IN 1985, A TOTAL OF 325,712 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, 1,420,904 UNITS OF BLOOD HAD BEEN TESTED AND 30 DONORS WERE FOUND POSITIVE.
------0--------
TALK ABOUT AIDS OPENLY AND POSITIVELY *****
PEOPLE SHOULD TALK ABOUT AIDS OPENLY AND DISCUSS THIS IMPORTANT ISSUE IN A POSITIVE MANNER.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TO LAUNCH THE 1994/95 AIDS AWARENESS CAMPAIGN, CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY ON AIDS (CEPAIDS), MS CARLYE TSUI, SAID THIS WAS THE MAIN THEME FOR THIS YEAR’S PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN.
MANY PEOPLE WILL NOT TALK ABOUT AIDS BECAUSE THEY THINK IT IS SEX RELATED OR IS CONNECTED WITH SEXUAL PROMISCUITY. THIS HAS CREATED AN ADVERSE EFFECT ON THE LONG-TERM EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY PROGRAMME ON AIDS.
TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM, THE CEPAIDS HAS DECIDED THE OBJECTIVE OF THIS YEAR’S CAMPAIGN IS TO OF MOTIVATE MORE PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY TO DISCUSS AIDS AND ITS EFFECTS ON SOCIETY IN A POSITIVE MANNER.
/"AS THE .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 1994
- 23 -
"AS THE PUBLIC DEVELOPS THE RIGHT ATTITUDE TOWARDS AIDS, THEY WILL BE IN A BETTER POSITION TO PROTECT THEMSELVES AS WELL AS THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS FROM INFECTION." SAID MS TSUI.
THE SLOGAN FOR THIS YEAR’S AIDS AWARENESS CAMPAIGN, "AIDS: THE MORE YOU KNOW, THE LESS THE RISK", HAS CLEARLY DISPLAYED AN ACTIVE APPROACH TO THE PROBLEM.
"WE HOPE THAT DISCUSSIONS WILL START FROM THE FAMILY, IN WHICH PARENTS CAN TAKE THE LEAD TO GUIDE THEIR CHILDREN TO LEARN MORE ABOUT AIDS," SHE ADDED.
MR TSUI SAID THERE SHOULD BE OPEN DISCUSSIONS ON AIDS BETWEEN HUSBAND AND WIFE, PARTNERS, FRIENDS AS WELL AS COLLEAGUES, IN THE SAME WAY AS THEY HAD DISCUSSIONS ON OTHER HEALTH-RELATED ISSUES.
PUBLICITY MATERIALS FOR THE CAMPAIGN, WHICH HAVE BEEN DESIGNED BY THE ADVERTISING AGENCY MCCANN-ERICKSON (HK) LTD. , INCLUDED TWO TELEVISION ANNOUNCEMENTS OF PUBLIC INTEREST (TV APIS) AND THREE RADIO ANNOUNCEMENTS, TWO POSTERS AND A LEAFLET.
"WE NEED TO TAKE THE AIDS ISSUE TO THE BASIC UNIT OF THE SOCIETY, THAT IS THE FAMILY AND TO FURTHER FOCUS OUR COMMUNICATION, WE BRING THE SUBJECT CLOSER TO HOUSEWIVER--THE HEALTH WATCHERS OF FAMILIES," SAID THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF MCCANN-ERICKSON, MR DAVID CHAN, TALKING ABOUT THE CREATIVE IDEAS BEHIND THE PUBLICITY MATERIALS.
MCCANN-ERICKSON WAS APPOINTED FOR THE SECOND TIME TO DESIGN THE AIDS AWARENESS CAMPAIGN.
HE ADDED THAT THE NEW CAMPAIGN WAS STRATEGICALLY RIGHT TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO TALK ABOUT AIDS, PARTICULARLY IN THEIR FAMILIES, SO AS TO ACHIEVE BETTER KNOWLEDGE, GREATER CONCERN, A MORE POSITIVE ATTITUDE AND EVENTUALLY, BETTER PREVENTION OF AIDS.
MS TSUI ALSO SPOKE ABOUT THE NEW STRATEGIES ADOPTED BY CEPAIDS TO FURTHER ENHANCE ITS EFFORTS TO CONTAIN THE SPREAD OF AIDS.
TO STRENGTHEN DISTRICT AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES, CEPAIDS WILL STRIVE TO COORDINATE ALL EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY PROGRAMMES ON AIDS ORGANISED IN THE TERRITORY, SHE SAID. TO ACHIEVE THAT, NEW MEMBERS INCLUDING REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE HONG KONG AIDS FOUNDATION AND AIDS CONCERN WERE INVITED TO JOIN THE COMMITTEE.
"THE PURPOSE IS TO STRENGTHEN COORDINATION AND LIAISON AMONG ORGANISATIONS TO ENSURE A MORE EFFECTIVE DEPLOYMENT OF RESOURCES. MOST IMPORTANT, MEMBERS CAN MAKE SUGGESTIONS OR EXCHANGE VIEWS ON MAJOR AIDS ISSUES." SHE ADDED.
TO PLAN FUTURE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY STRATEGIES, MS TSUI SAID A NEW SUB-COMMITTEE ON PLANNING AND EVALUATION WAS SET UP IN ADDITION TO THE EXISTING FIVE WORKING GROUPS.
"THE SUB-COMMITTEE IS ORGANISING AND CONDUCTING A SURVEY TO EVALUATE EXISTING EDUCATION PROGRAMMES IN SCHOOLS. IT IS ALSO PLANNING A SURVEY IN SEPTEMBER TO ASSESS THE OVERALL EFFECTIVENESS OF THE AIDS AWARENESS CAMPAIGN.
/"THE FINDINGS .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 1994
- 24 -
"THE FINDINGS FOR THE SURVEY WILL BE JfOJT USEFUL BECAUSE THESE WILL BE USED BY COMMITTEE IN PLANNING FUTURE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY STRATEGIES," SHE ADDED.
TURNING TO ACTIVITIES THIS YEAR, MS TSUI SAID WITH MEMBER ORGANISATIONS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, CEPAIDS WOULD ORGANISE A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES IN THE 'AIDS FORTNIGHT 1994’, SCHEDULED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 20 AND DECEMBER 4, TO AROUSE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF AIDS.
A KICK-OFF CEREMONY AT THE PIAZZA OF THE HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE, TO BE HELD IN THE AFTERNOON OF NOVEMBER 20, WILL INCLUDE A CARNIVAL WITH GAME STALLS, PERFORMANCES AND VARIETY SHOWS TO ENCOURAGE PARTICIPATION FROM FAMILY MEMBERS.
------0-------
GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY
*****
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED GRADES OF THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF ALL BATHING LEACHES IN HONG KONG.
THE PURPOSE OF THE GRADING SYSTEM IS TO INFORM SWIMMERS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC ABOUT THE STATE OF BACTERIOLOGICAL POLLUTION AT VARIOUS BEACHES. <•
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE GRADING WOULD BE ANNOUNCED BI-WEEKLY DURING THE BATHING SEASON TO COINCIDE WITH THE FREQUENCY AT WHICH BEACH WATERS WERE USUALLY SAMPLED.
THE GRADING IS BASED ON THE MOST RECENT E COLI DATA OBTAINED BY IPD IN ITS ROUTINE MONITORING PROGRAMME.
AS WITH LAST YEAR, THE GRADING ALSO INCLUDES AN ESTIMATE OF THE RISK OF SUFFERING SOME MINOR SKIN OR GASTROINTESTINAL COMPLAINTS AS A RESULT OF SWIMMING AT A BEACH WHICH HAS SOME DEGREE OF POLLUTION.
THE ESTIMATE IS BASED ON A VERY LARGE BODY OF STATISTICAL INFORMATION GATHERED IN HONG KONG IN RECENT BATHING SEASONS.
THE GRADING OF SOME BEACHES MAY VARY DURING THE SUMMER. THIS REPRESENTS A NATURAL FLUCTUATION TN THE BACTERIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF BATHING WATERS IN MOST CASES, AS RAIN AND TIDES BRING MORE OR LESS POLLUTION TO THE BEACHES.
HOWEVER, THE GRADES GIVE A GOOD GENERAL PICTURE OF THE WATER QUALITY AT BATHING BEACHES AT THE TIME OF REPORTING AND FORM THE BEST AVAILABLE FORECAST FOR THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE.
BEACHES WITH HIGHLY DEVELOPED HINTERLANDS ARE LIKELY TO BE MORE POLLUTED THAN THE GRADES SUGGEST DURING AND AFTER HEAVY RAIN.
/"BATHERS SHOULD .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 1994
- 25 -
"BATHERS SHOULD AVOID SUCH BEACHES FOR TWO OR THREE DAYS AFTER A STORM, LONGER IF THE WEATHER REMAINS OVERCAST OR LESS IF THERE IS STRONG SUNSHINE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SYSTEM FOR GRADING BEACH WATER QUALITY IS AS FOLLOWS:
» GRADE "1" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS GOOD. THE E COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 24 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED RISK OF MINOR ILLNESS TO SWIMMERS IS UNDETECTABLE.
» GRADE "2" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS FAIR. THE E COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 180 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS NO MORE THAN 10 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
* GRADE "3" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS POOR. THE E COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 610 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS NO MORK THAN 15 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
* GRADE "4" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS VERY POOR. THE E COLI COUNT IS MORE THAN 610 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS MORE THAN 15 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
THE DECISION ON WHETHER OR NOT TO CLOSE A BEACH TO SWIMMERS IS BASED ON A JUDGMENT OF WHAT DEGREE OF POLLUTION IS ACCEPTABLE.
NORMALLY, THE CLOSURE OF A BEACH WOULD ONLY BE CONSIDERED BY THE URBAN OR REGIONAL COUNCILS IF A GRADE "4" OCCURRED REPEATEDLY, SO THAT THE AVERAGE HEALTH RISK OVER THE BATHING SEASON EXCEEDED 15 CASES PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
AT PRESENT, FOUR GAZETTED BEACHES - NAMELY ANGLERS’, CASTLE PEAK, OLD CAFETERIA AND ROCKY BAY, ARE CLOSED TO SWIMMERS.
THE DECISION TO CLOSE THE BEACHES HAS BEEN MADE BY THE REGIONAL AND URBAN COUNCILS ON THE BASIS OF RECENT BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING DATA.
THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED NOT TO SWIM AT THESE BEACHES. THEY ARE IDENTIFIED BY AN "X" IN THE FOLLOWING LIST.
/THE GRADES .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 1994
- 26 -
THE GRADES OF THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF VARIOUS BEACHES IN HONG KONG TODAY ARE LISTED BELOW:
PREVIOUS' ' PRESENT
BEACH GRADING GRADING
(AS AT 9.6.94) (AS AT 23.6.94)
HONG KONG SOUTH
BIG WAVE BAY 2 2
CHUNG HOM KOK 2 2
DEEP WATER BAY 2 2
HAIRPIN 2 2
MIDDLE BAY I 2
REPULSE BAY 2 2
SHEK 0 2 2
SOUTH BAY 1 1
ST. STEPHEN’S 2 2
TURTLE COVE 1 2
STANLEY MAIN 2 2
ROCKY BAY X X
TO TEI WAN* 2 2
TUEN MUN DISTRICT
OLD CAFETERIA X X
NEW CAFETERIA 2 2
CASTLE PEAK X X
KADOORIE 2 2
BUTTERFLY 3 3
SAI KUNG DISTRICT
CAMPERS 1 1
CLEAR WATER BAY 1ST BEACH 1 2
CLEAR WATER BAY 2ND BEACH 2 2
HAP MUN BAY 1 1
KIU TSUI 1 1
PAK SHA CHAU 1 .1
SILVERSTRAND 2 2
TRIO (HEBE HAVEN) 1 1
/ISLANDS DISTRICT .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 1994
- 27 -
ISLANDS DISTRICT
CHEUNG SHA UPPER 1
CHEUNG SHA LOWER 3
DISCOVERY BAY* 2
HUNG SHING YEH 1
KWUN YAM WAN ।
TONG FUK 1
LO SO SHING I
PUI O 2
S1LVERMINE BAY 2
TUNG WAN, CHEUNG CHAU 1
TUNG O* 1
I 2 2 1
I 1 1 2 2 1 1
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT
ANGLERS’ APPROACH CAS AM GEMINI HOI MEI WAN LIDO TING KAU TUNG WAN, MA WAN X 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2
NOTE : "X” THE BEAGH HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR SWIMMING PURPOSES.
♦ NON-GAZETTED BEACHES.
THE FOLLOWING BEACHES HAVE CHANGED GRADING ON THIS OCCASION:
CHEUNG SHA LOWER FROM "3” TO ”2”; MIDDLE. BAY, TURTLE COVE AND CLEAR WATER BAY 1ST BEACH FROM "I” TO ”2”.
ALL OF THE CHANGES ARE WITHIN THE NORMAL RANGE OF FLUCTUATION OF THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF THESE; BEACHES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT AC’I I NG PR I N( I PAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER MR K E TANG ON TEL 835 1234.
/28 .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 1994
- 28 -
ENVIRONMENT ADVISERS VISIT AIRPORT PROJECT AREAS
*****
MEMBERS OE THE ADVISORY COUNCIL ON THE ENVIRONMENT (ACE) SPENT THE WHOLE MORNING TODAY (THURSDAY) TO UPDATE THEMSELVES WITH THE LATEST DEVELOPMENT OF THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME (ACP) PROJECTS.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS CO-ORDINATION OFFICE, MR JOHN BURRETT, THE PARTY FIRST ARRIVED BY LAUNCH AT THE CENTRAL WATERFRONT WHERE THEY WERE ABLE TO SEE THE EASTERN SEAWALL OF THE CENTRAL RECLAMATION PHASE I WHICH HAD ALREADY-EMERGED ABOVE THE SEA LEVEL.
THEY THEN PROCEEDED TO THE WEST KOWLOON WATERFRONT AND WERE TOLD THAT OVER 73 PER CENT OF RECLAMATION WORKS IN THE AREA HAI) BEEN COMPLETED.
THEY ALSO NOTED THAT WORKS WERE PROGRESSING WELL ON THE WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING AND THE WEST KOWLOON EXPRESSWAY.
THE PARTY THEN PROCEEDED TO TSI NG YI AND MA WAN CHANNEL WHERE THEY WERE BRIEFED ON THE LATEST PROGRESS OF ROUTE 3, INCLUDING THE RECENT BROKEN-THROUGH CHEUNG CHING TUNNEL AND THE COMMENCEMENT OF BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION ACROSS THE RAMBLER CHANNEL.
MEMBERS WERE SHOWN THE KEY ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION MEASURES THAT HAVE BEEN INCORPORATED INTO THE DESIGN OF ACP PROJECTS.
THE CONSTRUCTION ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ARE BEING CLOSELY MONITORED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND SUITABLE MEASURES ARE IN PLACE TO REDUCE SUCH IMPACTS TO A MINIMUM.
THEY WERE ALSO BRIEFED ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING WORK CARRIED OUT BY THE TWO ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT OFFICES.
MEMBERS ALSO HAD A CLOSE LOOK AT THE TSING MA BRIDGE SITE AND THE TWO TEMPORARY FOOTBRIDGES WHICH WERE BEING BUILT BETWEEN THE TWIN 206 METRES HIGH TOWERS.
THIS WAS THEN FOLLOWED BY A TOUR ALONG THE NORTH LANTAU COAST TO SEE THE PHYSICAL WORKS BEING CARRIED OUT FOR THE NORTH LANTAU EXPRESSWAY AND THE TUNG CHUNG NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT.
AT THE SITE OF THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK, MEMBERS SAW THAT 730 HECTARES OF LAND, OVER 60 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL TO BE FORMED, HAD BEEN COMPLETED.
THEY ALSO SAW THE EXCAVATIONS FOR THE PASSENGER TERMINAL BUILDING WHERE WORK ON THE FOUNDATIONS IS STARTING AND WHERE THE AUTOMATED PEOPLE MOVER AND BAGGAGE HANDLING SYSTEMS WILL BE INSTALLED.
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/29 .......
29
HOTLINE ON ILLEGAL SALE OF DRUGS * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH HAS SET UP A TELEPHONE HOTLINE FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO REPORT ANY MATTERS RELATED TO ILLEGAL SALE OF DRUGS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE HOTLINE - 572 2068 -
WAS OPERATIONAL FROM TODAY (THURSDAY).
HE SAID THE HOTLINE WOULD BE MANNED BY STAFF DURING OFFICE HOURS.
AFTER OFFICE HOURS, INFORMATION PROVIDED WOULD BE RECORDED FOR FURTHER ACTION, HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT ALL INFORMATION RECEIVED WOULD BE TREATED WITH THE STRICTEST CONFIDENCE.
HE ADDED THAT THE DEPARTMENT PLANNED TO LAUNCH A COMPUTERISED TELEPHONE HOTLINE LATER TO PROVIDE DRUG INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC SO AS TO PROMOTE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF PROPER USE OF DRUGS.
--------0-----------
FINAL FLING AT STANLEY FORT
♦ ♦ * * t
GAIES OF STANLEY FORT WILL BE THROWN OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FOR FHE LAST TIME ON SUNDAY (JUNE 26) WHEN THE BLACK WATCH STAGE THEIR "FINAL FLING" BEFORE LEAVING HONG KONG.
THIS WILL BE THE BLACK WATCH’S FINALE IN THE TERRITORY PROMISES TO BE AN EXTRAVAGANZA OF SCOTTISH CULTURE.
AND
TO COINCIDE WITH THE OPEN DAY, THE REGIMENT WILL ANNUAL PIPING AND BUGLING COMPETITION TOGETHER WITH AN COMPETITION FOR ALL HONG KONG PIPERS.
STAGE THEIR
OPEN PIPING
INVITED BANDS WILL PERFORM FOR THE CROWDS AND THERE WILL BE A DISPLAY OF DANCING BY THE HONG KONG HIGHLANDERS. THERE WILL ALSO BE A TRADITIONAL SCOTTISH CEILIDH TO ACCOMPANY THE DAY’S EVENTS.
ON THE MILITARY SIDE, THE DISPLAY. ON THE SPORTS SIDE, AN PROVIDE THE THRILLS.
GRENADIER COMPANY WILL STAGE A DRILL INTER-COMPANY TUG-OF-WAR CONTEST WILL
TOGETHER WITH SOUVENIR AND FOOD STALLS, THE BLACK WATCH’S FAREWELL IO STANLEY FORT AND HONG KONG WILL BE A DAY TO BE REMEMBERED.
THE GATES OPEN AT 2 PM AND THE ENTERTAINMENT CONTINUES NON-STOP UNTIL 7.45 PM. ADMISSION IS FREE.
/30 .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 1994
30
ADVICE ON DONATIONS TO CHARITY * * * * *
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) ADVISED THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT ALL FUND-RAISING ACTIVITIES FOR CHARITABLE PURPOSES HELD IN PUBLIC PLACES REQUIRED A PRIOR PERMIT ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
SUCH PERMITS WERE ISSUED UNDER SECTION 4(17) OF THE SUMMARY OFFENCES ORDINANCE.
’’THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE WOULD EXAMINE THE STANDING OF THE ORGANISATIONS, THE NATURE OF THE PROPOSED FUND-RAISING ACTIVITIES AND THE PURPOSE OF HOLDING SUCH AN EVENT BEFORE THE PERMIT IS ISSUED, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE HONG KONG PUBLIC WERE VERY GENEROUS IN GIVING TO CHARITIES. TO FACILITATE SUCH DONATIONS TO GENUINE CHARITIES, HOWEVER, THE GOVERNMENT HAD TO SAFEGUARD THE PUBLIC INTEREST.
HE ADDED THAT PERMITS WERE ISSUED WITH THE CONDITIONS I HA I ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS HAD TO BE PURELY VOLUNTARY AND THAT NO PRESSURE WAS TO BE IMPOSED ON ANY PERSON EITHER TO SUBSCRIBE OR TO COLLECT SUBSCRIPTION OR TO CONTRIBUTE IN ANY OTHER WAY.
WHERE THE MONEY DONATED WAS TO BE SPENT OUTSIDE HONG KONG, THE ORGANISER SHOULD INFORM THE PUBLIC WHERE THE PROCEEDS WOULD GO AND FOR WHAT PURPOSE BY PUBLISHING THE INFORMATION IN AT LEAST ONE LOCAL ENGLISH-LANGUAGE AND ONE CH INESE-LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER WITHIN 90 DAYS OF THE LAST DAV SPECIFIED IN THE PERMIT.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAN CALL THE SUBJECT OFFICER OF THE DEPARTMENT ON 892 .5319 DURING OFFICE HOURS OR THE HOTLINE 343 22>5 OR THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE’S 866 8123 IN CASE OF DOUBI.
- - 0----------
TWGH DIRECTORS VISIT SWI) *****
THE NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS (TWGH) TODAY (THURSDAY) PAID A COURTESY CALL ON THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR TAN STRACHAN, AND DISCUSSED WITH HIM THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF COMMUNITY SERVICES OF THE GROUP.
MR STRACHAN COMMENDED THE TWGH FOR ITS CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY AND ASSURED THE BOARD MEMBERS THAI' HIS DEPARTMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO GIVE FULL SUPPORT TO THEIR PLANS.
THE CHAIRMAN OF TWGH, MRS DEBORAH KWAN, SAID HER GROUP WOULD NOT ONLY UPGRADE EXISTING SERVICES BUT ALSO EXPAND ITS SCOPE OF SERVICE TO CATER FOR THE NEEDS OF VARIOUS SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY.
”TN VIEW OF THE INMENSE NEEDS FOR ELDERLY AND REHABILITATION SERVICES IN HONG KONG, WE WILL PUT MORE ATTENTION AND EFFORTS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF' THESE TWO SERVICE AREAS IN FUTURE,” MRS KWAN SAID.
------0--------
/31 .....
THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 1994
- 31 -
FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETS TOMORROW * * * * *
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL HOLD A MEETING AT 2.30 PM (FRIDAY) AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER.
TOMORROW
_DzA_. ^fi^E^rBERS °F THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO OBSERVE THE PROCEEDINGS FROM 1 HE PUBLIC GALLERY. THEY MAY RESERVE SEATS BY CALLING 869 9399.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING. ---------------------------0--------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS * * * * *
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,468 0930 -168
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,495 1000 -118
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 -73
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -73 1200 -73
LAF TODAY + 100 1500 -73
1600 -73
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 123.8 *+0.1* 23.6.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.44 17 MONTHS 2511 4.15 97.87 5.82
1 MONTH 4.26 23 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100.27 6.29
3 MONTHS 4.30 28 MONTHS 3610 4.20 94.97 6.65
6 MONTHS 4.73 31 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.07 6.81
12 MONTHS 5.37 34 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98.27 6.94
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 25,752 MN
CLOSED 23 JUNE 1994
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR COMMENTS ON AIRPORT MEETING PROGRESS.............. 1
TRANSCRIPT OF GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION..................... 1
FS ENCOURAGED BY AIRPORT MEETING PROGRESS.................. 4
HK WELL-PLACED IN SOUTH CHINA ECONOMY...................... 4
PROPERTY PRICE NEWS REPORT REFUTED......................... 6
LAND REGISTRY RELEASES STATISTICS FOR MAY.................. 7
COMMENCEMENT DATE FOR WASTE DISPOSAL ORDINANCE............. 8
CHANGES TO STRATEGIC COMMODITIES CONTROL LIST TAKE EFFECT . 9
COMPANIES REGISTRY TO REVISE FEES......................... 10
REFORM OF INHERITANCE LAW................................ 10
NEW RABIES ORDINANCE TO BE ENACTED IN JULY................ 12
CLEANER DIESEL TO BE USED IN HONG KONG.................... 14
SUBMARINE CABLES TO SERVICE FLOATING RESTAURANTS .. 14
LIVESTOCK KEEPING LICENSING BEGINS NEXT MONTH............. 15
/TRADE DEPARTMENT.....
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
TRADE DEPARTMENT DELEGATION ATTENDS TEXTILES CONFERENCE IN PERU................................................... 17
PERFORMANCE PLEDGE BY INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT ... 17
RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT PLEDGES FOR BETTER SERVICE..................................................... 19
MORE PLACES FOR THE DISABLED IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS URGED 19
MORE ACCESS TO HK ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION................. 20
RESEARCH GRANTS FOR THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS FOR 1994/95 .. 21
FOUR RURAL OUTLINE ZONING PLANS OPEN FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION . 23
YOUTH URGED TO JOIN SUMMER PROGRAMME........................ 26
POSTER CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE FAMILY YEAR...................... 27
SEWERAGE SYSTEMS FOR TAI PO VILLAGES........................ 28
TENDERS INVITED FOR THREE PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS............. 28
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS DURING BAD WEATHER URGED................. 29
PUBLIC WORKS ON DISPLAY AT HARBOUR CITY..................... 30
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .... 31
FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 1994
GOVERNOR COMMENTS ON AIRPORT MEETING PROGRESS
» » » ♦ »
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON SAID THE GOOD PROGRESS MADE AT TODAY’S AIRPORT COMMITTEE MEETING INDICATED THAT BOTH SIDES WERE CLOSE TO AN AGREEMENT.
RESPONDING TO PRESS QUESTIONS AFTER THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE ST JOHN COUNCIL FOR HONG KONG, MR PATTEN SAID: ’’THERE IS A BIT MORE WORK TO DO AND EXPERTS WERE STILL WORKING ON A TEXT AND I AM NOT QUITE SURE HOW LONG THAT WORK WILL TAKE BUT, OBVIOUSLY, THIS WEEK HAS SEEN SEVERAL STRIDES FORWARD BUT WE ARE NOT QUITE HOME YET.
"IT IS IMPORTANT FOR BOTH SIDES TO HAVE A PIECE OF PAPER WHICH EMBODIES PRECISELY WHAT’S BEEN AGREED THAT THEY CAN USE, FOR EXAMPLE, THAT WE CAN USE WHEN WE ARE TALKING TO BANKERS AND TO OTHERS.”
THE GOVERNOR SAID HE DID NOT THINK THAT IT WAS IN ANYONE’S INTEREST THAT THERE SHOULD BE ANY MATTER STILL UNRESOLVED.
"SO, WE WANT TO GET EVERYTHING SORTED OUT AS CLEANLY AND CLEARLY AS POSSIBLE,” HE ADDED.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION ABOUT AN OVERALL AGREEMENT FOR AIRPORT FINANCING, THE GOVERNOR SAID HE VERY MUCH HOPE THAT THERE WAS AN AGREEMENT SOON.
"WE DO WANT TO GET THIS ISSUE OFF THE TABLE. WE DO WANT TO HAVE AN OVERALL FINANCING AGREEMENT WHICH IS UNDERSTOOD AND ACCEPTED BY PEOPLE IN HONG KONG," HE ADDED.
------0--------
TRANSCRIPT OF GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION
♦ ♦ ♦ » ♦
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, AFTER PRESIDING AT THE ST JOHN COUNCIL FOR HONG KONG ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON:-
QUESTION: ARE YOU PLEASED WITH TODAY’S MEETING OF THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE, THE OUTCOME THAT WAS REACHED TODAY?
GOVERNOR: I THINK THE REPORTS THAT I RECEIVED SUGGESTED THAT GOOD PROGRESS WAS MADE AND I THINK WE ARE QUITE CLOSE TO AN AGREEMENT. THERE IS A BIT MORE WORK TO DO AND THERE ARE CERTAINLY WHEN I LEFT THE OFFICE A SHORT WHILE AGO, EXPERTS WERE STILL WORKING ON A TEXT AND I AM NOT QUITE SURE HOW LONG THAT WORK WILL TAKE BUT, OBVIOUSLY, THIS WEEK HAS SEEN SEVERAL STRIDES FORWARD BUT WE ARE NOT QUITE HOME YET.
QUESTION: THE TEXT THEY ARE NOW WORKING ON IS THE JOINT AGREEMENT?
GOVERNOR: THAT’S RIGHT.
/QUESTION: .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 1994
2 -
QUESTION: CAN WE SAY THAT WE HAVE REACHED A PRELIMINARY AGREEMENT NOW ON THE AIRPORT?
GOVERNOR: I PREEER NOT TO USE WORDS LIKE AGREEMENT UNTIL EVERYTHING IS CUT AND DRY. OBVIOUSLY, IT’S IMPORTANT FOR BOTH SIDES WHO’VE BEEN WORKING VERY HARD. IT IS IMPORTANT FOR BOTH SIDES TO HAVE A PIECE OF PAPER WHICH EMBODIES PRECISELY WHAT’S BEEN AGREED THAT THEY'CAN USE, FOR EXAMPLE, THAT WE CAN USE WHEN WE ARE TALKING TO BANKERS AND TO OTHERS. I DON’T THINK THAT IT IS IN ANYONE’S INTEREST THAT THERE SHOULD BE ANY DOUBTS. IT IS NOT IN ANYBODY’S INTEREST THAT THERE SHOULD BE ANY MATTER STILL UNRESOLVED. SO, WE WANT TO GET EVERYTHING SORTED OUT AS CLEANLY AND CLEARLY AS POSSIBLE.
QUESTION: IS THERE ANY CONCESSION THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS MADE INORDER TO REACH THE AGREEMENT? IS THERE ANY CONCESSION?
GOVERNOR: NO, WE’VE BEEN WORKING TOGETHER WITH CHINESE OFFICIALS TO FIND AN ACCOMMODATION WHICH IS IN THE INTERESTS OF HONG KONG. I DON’T THINK IT’S A QUESTION AT THE MOMENT OF EITHER SIDE LOOKING FOR NEW CONCESSIONS. IT’S A QUESTION OF BOTH SIDES TRYING TO EXPRESS IN AN ACCEPTABLE WAY WHAT’S BEEN AGREED IN THE TALKS.
QUESTION: HOW CONFIDENT ARE YOU THAT YOUR POLITICAL REFORM PROPOSALS WOULD BE PASSED NEXT WEEK BY LEGCO?
GOVERNOR: I BELIEVE THAT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL PASS THE PROPOSALS THAT’VE BEEN PUT TO THEM AS THEY PASSED PREVIOUS PROPOSALS. WE ARE ARGUING VERY VIGOROUSLY FOR THAT. WE THINK THE PROPOSALS THAT WE’VE PUT FORWARD ARE INCOMPARABLY THE BEST ONES ON THE TABLE AND I THINK THAT THE SOONER WE CAN RESOLVE THIS MATTER THE BETTER. I DON’T THINK PEOPLE WANT THIS DEBATE TO DRAG ON ANY LONGER. 1 THINK THEY WANT TO BE GOT OUT OF THE WAY IN A WAY WHICH GIVES HONG KONG FAIR AND OPEN AND CREDIBLE ELECTION ARRANGEMENTS.
QUESTION: WOULD THE GOVERNMENT BE INTENSIFYING ITS LOBBYING TO GET
THE BILL PASSED?
GOVERNOR: WE ARGUE OUR CORNER ON EVERYTHING VIGOROUSLY WHENEVER WE GOT THE OPPORTUNITY, AND WE’VE BEEN ARGUING VIGOROUSLY FOR SEVERAL WEEKS NOW.
QUESTION: CONCERNING THE AIRPORT BORROWING, IS THERE ANY FLEXIBILITY ON THE CHINESE SIDE THAT IT CAN EXCEED $5 BILLION WITHOUT GOING TO BORROW, DOES THAT MEAN IT CAN VIOLATE THE MOU?
GOVERNOR: I DON’T THINK THAT YOU WOULD EXPECT ME TO GET INTO THE DETAILS OF WHAT’S BEING DISCUSSED BY THE EXPERTS AT THE MOMENT. WHAT WE WANT TO DO, I REPEAT, IS TO HAVE A PIECE OF PAPER, TO HAVE AN AGREEMENT WHICH EVERYBODY WILL RECOGNISE, AND EMBODIES WHAT’S BEEN ACCEPTED ON THE NEGOTIATING TABLE, AND WHICH CLEARS UP ALL THE OUTSTANDING ISSUES ON MATTERS LIKE EQUITY INJECTION AND THAT.
QUESTION: WHEN CAN WE EXPECT AN OVERALL AGREEMENT FOR THE AIRPORT
FINANCING?
/GOVERNOR: .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 1994
- 3
GOVERNOR: I DON’T WANT TO MAKE PREDICTIONS. I THINK IT IS DANGEROUS TO DO THAT, AS IT IS TO PROPHESY THE WEATHER. BUT I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT WE’LL GET AN AGREEMENT SOON. THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG HAVE BEEN VERY PATIENT FORTUNATELY. WHILE THEY’VE BEEN PATIENT WE’VE BEEN ABLE TO GET ON WITH THE WORK OF BUILDING THE NEW AIRPORT. AND EVERYDODY INVOLVED IN THE PAA HAS DONE AN OUTSTANDINGLY GOOD JOB. WE DO WANT TO GET THIS ISSUE OFF THE TABLE. WE DO WANT TO HAVE AN OVERALL FINANCING AGREEMENT WHICH IS UNDERSTOOD AND ACCEPTED BY PEOPLE IN HONG KONG. THERE ARE, I THINK ALL OF US ARE AWARE OF IT, A LOT OF OTHER ISSUES THAT WE NEED TO TACKLE. THERE ARE OTHER INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS LIKE THE NEXT CONTAINER TERMINAL. THERE ARE OTHER ISSUES LIKE THE LOCALISATION AND ADAPTATION OF LAWS. ALL THOSE ARE MATTERS WHICH I HOPE WE CAN RESOLVE IN A CONSTRUCTIVE SPIRIT. PEOPLE SAY THAT WE’VE GOT TO DO BUSINESSES AS NORMAL, ACTUALLY WE’VE GOT TO DO BUSINESSES A GREAT DEAL MORE RAPIDLY THAN NORMAL. THERE’S ONLY JUST OVER 1,000 DAYS LEFT UNTIL THE TRANSITION TO CHINESE SOVEREIGNTY AND WE WOULD MAKE THE MOST OF THEM.
QUESTION: A CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG SURVEY RESULT TODAY SHOWED THAT 90 PER CENT OF THE PEOPLE INTERVIEWED DON’T UNDERSTAND YOUR POLITICAL REFORM PROPOSALS?
GOVERNOR: I THINK WHAT THAT SURVEY SHOWED THAT EVERYBODY’S WATCHING THE WORLD CUP VERY ENTHUSIASTICALLY. IN DOING THAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG ARE BEHAVING LIKE PEOPLE EVERYWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD WHO AT THIS SORT OF TIME ARE, I SUSPECT, RATHER MORE INTERESTED IN WHO’S GOING TO WIN THE WORLD CUP THAN IN POLITICAL ISSUES. IT DOESN’T MEAN TO SAY THEY REGARD POLITICAL ISSUES AS UNIMPORTANT. I THINK THEY WOULD WANT TO SEE GOOD ARRANGEMENT AGREED FOR ELECTIONS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COCUNIL. BUT JUST AT THE MOMENT THE FORTUNES OF PIAGET AND SIMILAR IMPORTANT MATTERS ARE RECKONED AND TALKED ABOUT MORE AROUND THE SUPPER TABLES OF HONG KONG AND INDEED THE UNITED STATES AND EUROPE, AND EVERYWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD THAN THE NATURE OF FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES.
QUESTION: HOW MUCH AMOUNT OF MONEY WILL GOVERNMENT DONATE TO CHINESE VICTIMS, FLOOD VICTIMS?
GOVERNOR: I’M HOPING THAT WE’LL HAVE REQUESTS FOR SUPPORT .FROM A COUPLE OF THE NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS, THE RELIEF ORGANISATIONS WHICH HAVE BEEN UP TO GUANGDONG TO HAVE A LOOK AT THE PROBLEM ON THE GROUND. MEDECINS SAN FRONTIERES IS ONE OF THEM, I WAS TALKING TO THEM ON THE OTHER DAY. AND AS SOON AS WE GET THEIR REQUESTS, WE’LL RESPOND AS GENEROUSLY AS POSSIBLE. YOU HAVE ONE MORE QUESTION.
QUESTION: I’D JUST LIKE TO KNOW WHAT WOULD YOU PREDICT WHAT WOULD BE DURING NEXT WEEK’S DEBATE?
GOVERNOR: I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL VOTE BY A SENSIBLE MARGIN TO PUT IN PLACE THE ARRANGEMENTS THAT HAVE BEEN DEBATED FOR SO LONG, WHICH WOULD GIVE HONG KONG A GOOD, EFFECTIVE ELECTORAL SYSTEM WHICH IN DOING THAT WOULD UNDERPIN THE RULE OF LAW AND THE PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG. WE CAN THEN PUT THIS ARGUMENT BEHIND US AND GET ON WITH A THOUSAND AND ONE ISSUES ON WHICH WE CAN COOPERATE, AND WE CAN WATCH THE FINAL OF THE WORLD CUP WITH GREAT PLEASURE. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
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/4 ........
FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 1994
- 4 -
FS ENCOURAGED BY AIRPORT MEETING PROGRESS *****
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON THAT HE WAS ENCOURAGED BY THE PROGRESS THAT WAS MADE AT THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE MEETING THIS MORNING.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER A FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING, SIR HAMISH SAID HE WAS ENCOURAGED BY THE FACT THAT THE EXPERTS WERE MEETING THIS AFTERNOON TO DRAFT DOCUMENTS AS THE BASIS FOR AN AGREEMENT.
"WE ARE IN A POSITIVE MOOD. I THINK BOTH SIDES ARE WORKING HARD TO TRY AND REACH AN AGREEMENT AND RESOLVE ANY OUTSTANDING POINTS.
"I WISH THEM EVERY LUCK. I HOPE THEY HAVE SPEEDY WORK THIS AFTERNOON," HE SAID.
------0-------
HK WELL-PLACED IN SOUTH CHINA ECONOMY
* * * ♦ ♦
HONG KONG PEOPLE, WITH THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF ENGLISH AND PUTONGHUA, WILL BE WELL-PLACED TO ACT AS THE MIDDLEMEN FOR INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS WANTING TO PLAY A PART IN THE RISING ECONOMIC STATUS OF SOUTHERN CHINA.
TO ENSURE THAT THE EDUCATION SYSTEM CAN SUPPORT THIS IMPORTANT STRATEGIC ADVANTAGE FOR HONG KONG, THE EDUCATION COMMISSION HAS JUST COMPLETED A STUDY OF LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY ISSUES.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, IN BRUSSELS TODAY (FRIDAY) AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE BELGIAN-HONG KONG SOCIETY.
MR LEUNG AND MEMBERS OF THE EDUCATION COMMISSION ARE ON A TOUR OF HOLLAND AND BELGIUM TO STUDY THE EDUCATION SYSTEMS AND FACILITIES THERE.
HE TOLD THE AUDIENCE THAT BETWEEN 1983 AND 1993, THE PROPORTION OF HONG KONG’S POPULATION CLAIMING TO UNDERSTAND ENGLISH ROSE FROM 44 PER CENT TO 70 PER CENT, AND FROM 39 PER CENT TO 63 PER CENT FOR PUTONGHUA.
"IN MOST PLACES, SUCH AN ACHIEVEMENT WOULD BE APPLAUDED," HE SAID.
"HOWEVER, IN HONG KONG, BECAUSE OF THE EVEN MORE RAPID RESTRUCTURING AND GROWTH OF OUR ECONOMY, THE GAP BETWEEN THE NEEDS OF SOCIETY FOR LANGUAGE SKILLS, AND THE AVAILABILITY OF PEOPLE WITH THE RIGHT SKILLS, HAS ACTUALLY WIDENED DURING THE SAME PERIOD," HE POINTED OUT.
/HE SAID .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 1994
5
HE SAID A REPORT TO BE PUBLISHED BY THE EDUCATION COMMISSION NEXT MONTH WOULD MAKE SEVERAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPROVING LANGUAGE LEARNING.
IT WILL ALSO ENSURE THAT PRACTICES REGARDING BILINGUAL EDUCATION ARE BASED ON SOUND EDUCATIONAL AND LINGUISTIC THEORIES.
MR LEUNG SAID HIGHER EDUCATION WOULD ALSO PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE AS HONG KONG NEEDED TO REMAIN OPEN TO THE WORLD AND DEVELOP CLOSER LINKS WITH CHINA IN ORDER TO COMPETE SUCCESSFULLY IN THE WORLD OF THE 21ST CENTURY.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT, HAVING JUST COMPLETED A MAJOR EXPANSION OF HIGHER EDUCATION, WAS NOW CONSULTING THE PUBLIC ON A REVIEW OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THIS SECTOR.
THE PUBLIC REACTION SO FAR SEEMED TO FAVOUR A SUGGESTION TO INCORPORATE CENTRES OF EXCELLENCE IN THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS.
THESE CENTRES WOULD HAVE LOCAL, REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL FUNCTIONS AND WOULD PROVIDE HONG KONG AND CHINA WITH HIGH QUALITY BILINGUAL MANPOWER.
THEY WOULD RECRUIT STUDENTS - PARTICULARLY POST-GRADUATE STUDENTS - FROM OUTSIDE AS WELL AS INSIDE HONG KONG AND WOULD HELP DEVELOP INNOVATIVE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY NOT JUST FOR HONG KONG BUT FOR CHINA TOO.
"THE GOVERNMENT WILL MAKE A DECISION DURING 1995," MR LEUNG SAID.
TURNING TO BASIC EDUCATION, HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S MAIN PRIORITIES AT THE PRIMARY LEVEL WERE TO UPGRADE THE QUALITY OF EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND TO ENABLE SCHOOLS TO GIVE MORE INDIVIDUAL ATTENTION TO THEIR PUPILS.
"WE ARE PROVIDING MORE TEACHERS TO THE SCHOOLS, REDUCING THE MAXIMUM SIZE OF CLASSES AND ENCOURAGING TEACHERS TO STUDY FOR A DEGREE IN PRIMARY EDUCATION," HE SAID.
"WE HAVE ALSO EMBARKED ON A MAJOR CURRICULUM REFORM, CALLED THE TARGET ORIENTED CURRICULUM, WHICH AIMS TO FOCUS ATTENTION MORE ON LEARNING THAN ON TEACHING," HE ADDED.
MEANWHILE, THE MANAGEMENT OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS IS BEING REFORMED.
"WE ARE LOOKING FOR WAYS TO PROVIDE THEM WITH GREATER FLEXIBILITY TO MAKE DECISIONS, IN RETURN FOR GREATER ACCOUNTABILITY TO THE PUBLIC FOR THE QUALITY OF THEIR SERVICES," HE SAID.
THE EDUCATION COMMISSION HAS JUST COMPLETED A STUDY OF QUALITY ASSURANCE PROCEDURES IN SCHOOL EDUCATION, WHICH INCLUDES INNOVATIVE IDEAS FOR ENCOURAGING ALL SCHOOLS TO PAY CONTINUAL ATTENTION TO QUALITY ISSUES.
/THE PUBLIC........
FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 1994
- 6 -
THE PUBLIC WILL BE CONSULTED ON THESE IDEAS LATER IN THE YEAR.
MR LEUNG ALSO TOUCHED ON HONG KONG’S "THRIVING INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION SECTOR."
"THE GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL SECTOR BY PROVIDING LAND AT A NOMINAL PREMIUM TO SCHOOLS WITH DEMONSTRATED DEMAND AND A NON-DISCRIMINATORY ACCESS POLICY," HE SAID.
THE ENGLISH SCHOOLS FOUNDATION RECEIVES A GOVERNMENT SUBSIDY BASED ON THE COST OF LOCAL SCHOOL PLACES, AND SEVERAL OTHER INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS RECEIVE SOME RECURRENT FUNDING SUPPORT.
LOOKING AHEAD AT THE YEAR 1997, MR LEUNG SAID IT WOULD NOT AFFECT HONG KONG’S STRATEGY FOR EDUCATION.
"STRATEGIC PLANNING IN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAS A TIME HORIZON OF 10 - 15 YEARS, AND THE EDUCATION PROGRAMME IS NO EXCEPTION,” HE SAID.
HONG KONG WILL CONTINUE TO MAKE ITS OWN SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC POLICIES, INCLUDING EDUCATION POLICIES, AFTER 1997.
"SPECIFICALLY, THE BASIC LAW FOR THE POST-1997 GOVERNMENT PROVIDES FOR EDUCATION TO CONTINUE TO DEVELOP ON EXISTING POLICIES AND FOR EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS TO CONTINUE TO ENJOY AUTONOMY AND ACADEMIC FREEDOM," HE STRESSED.
"OUR EFFORTS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF BASIC EDUCATION, DEVELOP LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY, AND FIND A REGIONAL ROLE FOR OUR TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS ARE ALL PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS TO SERVE THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, AND TO PROVIDE THE BEST POSSIBLE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR CONTINUED ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT WELL INTO THE NEXT CENTURY," MR LEUNG SAID.
------0--------
PROPERTY PRICE NEWS REPORT REFUTED *****
COMMENTING ON A REPORT IN ONE OF THE CHINESE NEWSPAPERS THIS MORNING, DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MRS FANNY LAW, SAID IT WAS MISLEADING TO SUGGEST THAT THE ADMINISTRATION WOULD DECIDE IN SIX WEEKS WHETHER IT WOULD BE NECESSARY TO INTRODUCE MORE DRASTIC MEASURES TO CURB SPECULATION IN THE PROPERTY MARKET.
"I MADE THE POINT THAT PRICES FOR PRE-SALE FLATS WERE REPORTED TO HAVE COME DOWN BY 5 PER CENT TO 20 PER CENT. IT IS TOO EARLY TO SAY WHETHER PRICES ARE MOVING ON A DOWNWARD TREND.
"WE ALSO HAVE TO SEE WHETHER THE PRICE REDUCTION IN RESPECT OF PRE-SALE FLATS HAS ANY IMPACT ON THE SECONDARY MARKET. ACTUAL TRANSACTION PRICES ARE NOT KNOWN UNTIL THE SALE AND PURCHASE AGREEMENTS ARE PRESENTED FOR STAMPING AND REGISTRATION WHICH MAY BE UP TO SIX WEEKS AFTER THE TRANSACTION," SHE SAID.
/MRS LAW .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 1994
MRS LAW RE-EMPHASISED THAT THE ADMINISTRATION WOULD CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE MARKET SITUATION AND CONSIDER A RANGE OF FACTORS, BOTH INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL TO HONG KONG, IN ADDITION TO PRICE MOVEMENTS, BEFORE DECIDING WHETHER IT WOULD BE NECESSARY TO INTRODUCE OTHER MEASURES.
THE ADMINISTRATION HAS NOT SET A TIME TABLE FOR SUCH A DECISION, SHE SAID.
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LAND REGISTRY RELEASES STATISTICS FOR MAY
* t t * *
THE LAND REGISTRAR TODAY (FRIDAY) RELEASED THE MONTHLY STATISTICS FOR MAY ON PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS RECEIVED FOR REGISTRATION IN THE URBAN AND NEW TERRITORIES LAND REGISTRIES.
AS THERE IS USUALLY A TIME LAG BETWEEN THE EXECUTION AND THE LODGMENT OF DEEDS FOR REGISTRATION, STATISTICS RECORDED IN MAY GENERALLY RELATE TO LAND TRANSACTIONS EXECUTED UP TO FOUR WEEKS BEFORE THEIR SUBMISSION FOR REGISTRATION.
A COMPARISON TABLE SHOWING THE RELEVANT STATISTICS FOR APRIL 1994 AND FOR MAY 1993 WAS RELEASED.
FOR SALE AND PURCHASE AGREEMENTS, A CHART SHOWING THE NUMBER RECEIVED FOR THE PAST 12 MONTHS AND ANOTHER SHOWING THE YEAR-ON-YEAR RATE OF CHANGE WERE ALSO RELEASED.
A TOTAL OF 12,868 SALE AND PURCHASE AGREEMENTS OF BUILDING UNITS, WHICH INCLUDE BOTH RESIDENTIAL AND NON-RES1DENTIAL PROPERTIES, WERE RECEIVED FOR REGISTRATION IN THE LAND REGISTRY DURING MAY 1994, WITH A TOTAL CONSIDERATION OF $46.8 BILLION.
THE 12,868 FIGURE REPRESENTS A DECREASE OF 6.4 PER CENT OVER APRIL 1994 AND A DECREASE OF 5.9 PER CENT OVER MAY 1993.
ON A YEAR-ON-YEAR COMPARISON, THE NUMBER OF SALE AND PURCHASE AGREEMENTS FOR BUILDING UNITS SHOWED A DECELERATION FROM AN INCREASE OF 50.1 PER CENT IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR AND AN INCREASE OF 18.1 PER CENT IN APRIL, TO A DECREASE OF 5.9 PER CENT IN MAY.
/8 ........
FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 1994
8
COMMENCEMENT DATE FOR WASTE DISPOSAL ORDINANCE
*****
COMMENCEMENT NOTICES RELATED TO THE WASTE DISPOSAL (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1994 AND THE WASTE DISPOSAL (LIVESTOCK WASTE) (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1994 ARE GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THESE NOTICES SERVE TO DECLARE JULY 1, 1994 AS THE DATE WHEN THE REVISED LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL SCHEME WILL COME INTO OPERATION.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) SAID UNDER THE WASTE DISPOSAL (LIVESTOCK WASTE) (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1994, FARMS DISCHARGING LIVESTOCK WASTE WOULD HAVE TO MEET A DISCHARGE STANDARD OF 250:250 INITIALLY, AND GRADUALLY TO 50:50 OVER A PERIOD OF THREE YEARS.
"FARMERS ARE FREE TO CHOOSE ANY SYSTEM MOST APPROPRIATE TO THEIR SITUATION PROVIDED THAT IT CAN MEET THE DISCHARGE STANDARD," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
FURTHERMORE, FARMERS ARE REQUIRED TO OBTAIN A LIVESTOCK KEEPING LICENCE ISSUED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, UNDER THE PUBLIC HEALTH (ANIMALS AND BIRDS) (LICENSING OF LIVESTOCK KEEPING) REGULATION 1994.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID ONE OF THE MAIN CRITERIA TO CONSIDER WHEN ISSUING SUCH LICENCE WAS THE INSTALLATION OF A SUITABLE WASTE TREATMENT SYSTEM IN THE FARM.
"ANOTHER FEATURE OF THE REVISED SCHEME IS THE EXTENSION OF THE PROHIBITION AREA, IN WHICH LIVESTOCK FARMING ACTIVITY IS BANNED TO AVOID INCOMPATIBLE LAND USE.
"HOWEVER, EXISTING LIVESTOCK FARMS IN THE NEWLY-DESIGNATED RESTRICTION AREAS, IN WHICH NO NEW FARM IS PERMITTED, ARE ALLOWED TO STAY TN BUSINESS," HE SAID.
TO ASSIST FARMERS MEETING THE COST FOR THE INSTALLATION OF THE WASTE TREATMENT SYSTEM, THE LEVEL OF CAPITAL GRANT HAS BEEN RAISED SIGNIFICANTLY.
THE AMOUNT OF EX-GRATIA PAYMENT AVAILABLE TO FARMERS WHO OPT OUT OF THE BUSINESS WAS ALSO INCREASED.
IT IS ESTIMATED THAT FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REVISED SCHEME WILL BRING ABOUT A SUBSTANTIAL REDUCTION IN THE POLLUTION LOADING ON SOME OF THE MOST POLLUTED RIVERS IN THE TERRITORY.
A CODE OF PRACTICE AND TECHNICAL GUIDELINES TO HELP FARMERS CHOOSE A SUITABLE WASTE TREATMENT SYSTEM AND AN INFORMATION BOOKLET EXPLAINING THE REVISED SCHEME WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR FARMERS EARLY NEXT MONTH.
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/9 ........
FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 1994
- 9 -
CHANGES TO STRATEGIC COMMODITIES
CONTROL LIST TAKE EFFECT
*****
THE TRADE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT AMENDMENTS TO THE STRATEGIC COMMODITIES CONTROL LIST WOULD BECOME EFFECTIVE FROM TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
THE IMPORT AND EXPORT (STRATEGIC COMMODITIES) REGULATIONS (AMENDMENT OF SCHEDULE 1) ORDER 1994, WHICH CONTAINS THE AMENDMENTS, WAS TABLED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON MAY 18 AFTER IT WAS GAZETTED ON MAY 13.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 6B OF THE IMPORT AND EXPORT ORDINANCE, THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE HAS APPOINTED JUNE 25 AS THE DAY FOR THE ORDER TO COME INTO OPERATION BY NOTICE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY.
"THE AMENDMENT ORDER BRINGS HONG KONG’S REGULATIONS IN LINE WITH UPDATED CONTROLS IN CERTAIN ELECTRONICS, COMPUTERS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT INTRODUCED BY THE CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE FOR MULTILATERAL EXPORT CONTROLS (COCOM) BEFORE ITS DISSOLUTION ON MARCH 31 THIS YEAR," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
"UNDER THE AMENDMENTS, FOR EXAMPLE, COMPUTERS THAT OPERATE UP TO 260 MILLION THEORETICAL OPERATIONS PER SECOND (MTOPS) WILL NO LONGER BE CONTROLLED; DISK DRIVE AND ITS CONTROLLER WILL NO LONGER REQUIRE ANY LICENCE.
"BESIDES, THE CONTROL LISTS OF PLANT PATHOGENS AND CHEMICAL MANUFACTURING FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT HAVE ALSO BEEN AMENDED TO REFLECT UPDATED CONTROLS OF THE AUSTRALIA GROUP, THE INTERNATIONAL REGIME SPECIALISED IN EXPORT CONTROLS OF CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL DUALUSE GOODS," HE SAID.
HOWEVER, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, NO CHANGE HAD BEEN MADE TO SCHEDULES 2,3 AND 4 AS REGARDS GOODS IN-TRANSIT, END-USE CONTROL AND SPECIFIED ACTIVITIES IN RELATION TO ARTICLES SPECIFIED IN SCHEDULE 3 RESPECTIVELY.
"ANY PERSON WHO IMPORTS OR EXPORTS ANY ARTICLE SPECIFIED IN THE SCHEDULES WITHOUT A LICENCE IS LIABLE TO AN UNLIMITED FINE AND IMPRISONMENT FOR SEVEN YEARS IF CONVICTED ON INDICTMENT,” HE SAID.
COPIES OF THE AMENDMENT ORDER ARE ON SALE IN THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE OF THE DEPARTMENT’S STRATEGIC COMMODITIES SECTION AT TRADE DEPARTMENT TOWER, 700 NATHAN ROAD, MONG KOK, KOWLOON, OR BY TELEPHONE 398 5581 OR 398 5572.
THE DEPARTMENT WILL ALSO ORGANISE SEMINARS TO BRIEF TRADERS, BY INVITATION, ON THE DETAILS OF THE AMENDED SCHEDULE 1.
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/10........
FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 1994
- 10 -
COMPANIES REGISTRY TO REVISE EEES ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦
A NUMBER OF EEES PAYABLE TO THE REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES \ND T<> THE JUDICIARY WILL BE REVISED FROM AUGUST 1, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE FEES PAYABLE TO THE REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES COVER SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE COMPANIES REGISTRY IN RELATION TO THE REGISTRATION OF cSSpANIES AND LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS, AND THE LICENSING OF MONEY
LENDERS.
SEARCHES AS SPECIFIED IN THE EIGHTH SCHEDULE
LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS
TO
OTHER SERVICES INVOLVE THE FILING OF RETURNS AND THE CONDUCTING OF INFORMATION SEARCHES A? spkc I FT !• I) IN THE EIGHTH SCHEDULE TO THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE, THE SCHEDULE IO IHE ................
ORDINANCE AND PART A OF SCHEDULE 1 TO THE MONEY LENDERS REGULATIONS.
THE FEES PAYABLE TO THE JUDICIARY ARE IN RELATH N TO WORK UNDERTAKEN BY MONEY LENDERS’ LICENSING COURTS UNDER PAFT B OF SCHEDULE 1 TO THE MONEY LENDERS REGULATIONS.
ARE FEES (’OST
"FEES COLLECTED BY THE COMPANIES REGISTRY AND THE JI DH'IARY SUBJECT TO THE FEE REVISION POLICY. IT IS GOVERNMENT POLICY THAT SHOULD IN GENERAL BE SET AT LEVELS SUFFICIENT io RECOVER THE FULL OF PROVIDING THE SERVICES,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
’’THE FEES ARE REVISED BY ABOUT 10 PER CENT, IN UNE WITH THE INCREASE IN ('OST FOR THIS YFAR,” HF ADDED.
THFSI FEES WERE LAST REVISED IN \UGUST 1993.
DETAILS OF THE FEES REVISION WERE GAZETTED T(^U (FRIDAY).
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REFORM OF INHERITANCE LAW *****
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO OVERHAUL THE LAW OF INHERITANCE BASED ON RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION.
THE PROPOSALS FOR CHANGE ARE CONTAINED IN THE WILLS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994, INTESTATES’ ESTATES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 AND INHERITANCE (PROVISION FOR FAMILY AND DEPENDANTS) BILL, WHICH ARE GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE PROPOSED CHANGES WOULD BRING HONG KONG’S INHERITANCE LAW INTO LINE WITH CURRENT DAY COMMUNITY EXPECTATIONS AND REMEDY LEGAL ANOMALIES THAI' HAVE ARISEN IN THE PRESENT LAW.
’’THE AMENDMENTS TO THE WILLS ORDINANCE WILL RELAX THE FORMALITIES FOR MAKING WILLS AND GIVE THE COURT NEW POWERS TO VALIDATE, INTERPRET AND RECTIFY WILLS.
/"CURRENTLY, THE ........
FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 1994
11
’’CURRENTLY, THE WILLS ORDINANCE CAN BE SOMEWHAT HARSH IN ITS EFFECT. WILLS THAT ARE NOT DRAWN UP IN STRICT ACCORDANCE WITH THE FORMALITIES LAID DOWN CAN BE INVALIDATED EVEN THOUGH THEY FULLY EXPRESS THE DECEASED’S WISHES.
’’THE AMENDING BILL PROVIDES FOR THE COURT TO ADMIT TO PROBATE A WILL THAT HAS NOT BEEN DRAWN UP IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE ORDINANCE SO LONG AS THE COURT IS SATISFIED BEYOND REASONABLE DOUBT THAT IT EXPRESSES THE DECEASED PERSON’S WISHES,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE MAIN EFFECT OF THE AMENDMENTS TO THE INTESTATES’ ESTATES ORDINANCE IS TO IMPROVE THE INHERITANCE RIGHTS OF THE SURVIVING SPOUSE OF A DECEASED WHO DIES WITHOUT A WILL.
’’THE AMENDING BILL PROVIDES FOR THE SURVIVING SPOUSE TO HAVE A RIGHT, FOR THE FIRST TIME, TO ACQUIRE (FOR EXAMPLE PURCHASE OUT OF HIS OR HER SHARE OF THE ESTATE) THE MATRIMONIAL HOME AND TO RECEIVE (WITHOUT PAYMENT) THE PERSONAL POSSESSIONS OF THE HOME. CURRENTLY, A SURVIVING SPOUSE ONLY HAS THE RIGHT TO ACQUIRE THE PERSONAL POSSESSIONS.
’’THE AMENDMENTS ALSO PROVIDE FOR THE SURVIVING SPOUSE OF A PERSON WHO DIES WITHOUT A WILL TO HAVE A HIGHER LEVEL OF FINANCIAL ENTITLEMENT. THE PROPOSED ENTITLEMENT IS $500,000, INSTEAD OF $50,000 AS AT PRESENT, PLUS HALF OF ANY REMAINING ESTATE, WITH SURVIVING CHILDREN RECEIVING THE REMAINDER.
’’WHERE THERE ARE NO SURVIVING CHILDREN, BUT THERE ARE OTHER SURVIVING RELATIONS, THE FINANCIAL ENTITLEMENT FOR A SURVIVING SPOUSE WILL BE INCREASED FROM THE CURRENT LEVEL OF $200,000 TO $1,000,000, PLUS HALF OF ANY REMAINING ESTATE. THESE AMOUNTS OF ENTITLEMENT WERE LAST AMENDED IN 1983,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
’’THE INHERITANCE (PROVISION FOR FAMILY AND DEPENDANTS) BILL WILL REPLACE THE DECEASED’S FAMILY MAINTENANCE ORDINANCE. LIKE THE ORDINANCE IT WILL REPLACE, THE BILL PROVIDES FOR THE COURT To ORDER REASONABLE FINANCIAL PROVISION FROM A DECEASED PERSON’S ESTATE FOR APPLICANTS FROM CERTAIN CLASSES OF INDIVIDUALS.
"A KEY CHANGE IN THE BILL IS THAT IT EXTENDS THE SCOPE OF ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS TO INCLUDE NOT ONLY ('LOSE RELATIVES, AS AT PRESENT, BUT ALSO OTHER PERSONS WHO WERE DEPENDANT ON THE DECEASED. IT ALSO GIVES THE COURT GREATER POWERS WITH RESPECT TO ORDERING FINANCIAL PROVISION FROM A DECEASED PERSON’S ESTATE.
’’FOR EXAMPLE, IT EMPOWERS THE COURT TO ALTER FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS MADE BY THE DECEASED THAT ARI INTENDED TO DEFEAT APPLICATIONS UNDER THE BILL. NO SUCH ANT I-AVO I DANCE POWERS ARE CURRENTLY PROVIDED FOR,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT SIMILAR REFORMS HAD ALREADY BEEN SUCCESSFULLY IMPLEMENTED ELSEWHERE.
THE BILLS ARE DUE TO HAVE THEIR FIRST READINGS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JULY 6.
/12 .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 1994
- 12 -
NEW RABIES ORDINANCE TO BE ENACTED IN JULY *****
THE NEW RABIES ORDINANCE CONTAINING A PACKAGE OF MEASURES TO PREVENT THE INTRODUCTION AND SPREADING OF RABIES IN HONG KONG WILL BE ENACTED NEXT MONTH.
SPEAKING TODAY (FRIDAY) AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TO ANNOUNCE THE DETAILS OF THE LEGISLATION, ACTING SENIOR VETERINARY OFFICER OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT (AFD), DR RICHARD RUBIRA SAID: "THE NEW LEGISLATION WILL MAKE ANIMAL KEEPERS AND IMPORTERS MORE RESPONSIBLE AND ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE CONTROL OF ANIMALS IN THEIR CARE.”
HE POINTED OUT THAT RABIES WAS A VIRAL DISEASE AFFECTING THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM OF WARM-BLOOD ANIMALS INCLUDING MEN. ONCE CLINICAL SIGNS DEVELOP, THE DISEASE IS USUALLY FATAL.
"RABIES IS TRANSMISSIBLE FROM INFECTED ANIMALS TO OTHER ANIMALS OR HUMAN BEINGS. DOGS ARE ONE OF THE PRINCIPAL CARRIERS OF RABIES, HENCE THE EMPHASIS IS ON DOG CONTROL IN THE NEW LEGISLATION," DR RUBIRA SAID.
THE NEW ORDINANCE CONSOLIDATES THE EXISTING PROVISIONS FOR THE CONTROL OF RABIES, WHICH ARE CONTAINED IN THE DOGS AND CATS ORDINANCE AND THE PUBLIC HEALTH (ANIMALS AND BIRDS) ORDINANCE, INTO A SINGLE PIECE OF LEGISLATION, TOGETHER WITH SOME ADDITIONAL CONTROL MEASURES.
ALL DOGS OVER FIVE MONTHS OF AGE WILL CONTINUE TO BE REQUIRED TO BE VACCINATED AGAINST RABIES AND LICENSED ONCE EVERY THREE YEARS.
VACCINATION CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE GOVERNMENT KENNELS, GOVERNMENT INOCULATION CENTRES, ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS (RSPCA) AND APPROVED VETERINARY PRACTITIONERS.
DOG OWNERS SHOULD ENSURE THAT THEIR DOGS ARE UNDER EFFECTIVE CONTROL AT ALL TIMES. DOGS SHOULD BE PUT ON A LEAD OR OTHERWISE UNDER PROPER CONTROL IN PUBLIC PLACES.
AS A PREVENTIVE MEASURE AGAINST THE SPREADING OF RABIES, ALL ANIMAL BITES SHOULD BE REPORTED TO THE LOCAL POLICE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND THE ANIMAL INVOLVED .TAKEN TO A GOVERNMENT KENNEL FOR OBSERVATION FOR SEVEN DAYS.
"THE ORDINANCE PROVIDES ADDITIONAL POWERS FOR AUTHORISED OFFICERS TO ISSUE WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS TO THE KEEPERS OF ANIMALS TO CONFINE THE ANIMAL OR TO PRESENT IT FOR EXAMINATION OR DETENTION, AND TO REQUEST INFORMATION ASSOCIATED WITH ANIMALS WHEN NECESSARY IN THE INTERESTS OF RABIES CONTROL AND PREVENTION," DR RUBIRA SAID.
"FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH SUCH A DIRECTION WITHOUT REASONABLE EXCUSE WILL CONSTITUTE AN OFFENCE AND INCUR A FINE OF $10,000."
THE ORDINANCE ALSO PROVIDES FOR BETTER CONTROL OF STRAY ANIMALS SINCE THEIR CONGREGATION COULD ALLOW RABIES TO SPREAD MORE RAPIDLY.
/THE ABANDONMENT .......
FRIDAY, .TUNE 24, 1994
13
THE ABANDONMENT OF ANIMALS AND THE FEEDING OF STRAY ANIMALS IN A SPECIFIED PLACE WILL IN THE FUTURE CONSTITUTE AN OFFENCE.
UNDER THE NEW LEGISLATION, THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES CAN, FOR THE PURPOSE OF DISCOURAGING THE CONGREGATION OF ANIMALS, PROHIBIT THE FEEDING OF ANIMALS EXCEPT BY THEIR OWNERS IN SPECIFIC PLACES.
"THE DOG CONTROL TEAM OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE THEIR EFFORTS IN CATCHING STRAY ANIMALS.
"ALL SUCH ANIMALS CAUGHT WILL BE DETAINED IN GOVERNMENT KENNELS. IF THEY ARE NOT CLAIMED WITHIN FOUR DAYS, THEY WILL BE HUMANELY DISPOSED OF. OWNERS WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE ABANDONED THEM AND BE PROSECUTED," HE SAID.
ON THE IMPORT OF ANIMALS, ALL MAMMALS IMPORTED INTO HONG KONG FROM CHINA AND OVERSEAS COUNTRIES WILL, UNDER THE NEW RABIES ORDINANCE, REQUIRE AN IMPORT PERMIT FROM AFD IN ADVANCE.
ON ENTERING HONG KONG, THESE ANIMALS WILL BE REQUIRED TO BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN OFFICIAL VETERINARY HEALTH CERTIFICATE ISSUED NOT MORE THAN 14 DAYS BEFORE EXPORT, STATING THAT THEY ARE FREE FROM SIGNS OF RABIES.
ON ARRIVAL IN HONG KONG, FOOD ANIMALS WILL BE DIRECTED lb AN APPROVED SLAUGHTERED HOUSE; PETS AND OTHER MAMMALS MAY BE REQUIRED TO UNDERGO A PERIOD OF QUARANTINE, AS DEEMED NECESSARY BY AFD VETERINARY OFFICER.
IN ORDER NOT TO HINDER THE FLOW OF FOOD ANIMALS INTO HONG KONG, REGULAR IMPORTERS OF PIGS, CATTLE, SHEEP, GOATS AND EXOTIC FOOD ANIMALS WILL BE ISSUED WITH SPECIFIC IMPORT PERMIT IN ADVANCE.
ALL INDIVIDUAL IMPORTERS OF FOOD ANIMALS, PETS AND OTHER MAMMALS WILL BE REQUIRED TO APPLY IN PERSON ON A CASE-TO-CASE BASIS.
IN ADDITION, THE IMPORT AND KEEPING OF VAMPIRE BATS, WHICH CAN BE LIFELONG RABIES CARRIERS WITHOUT SHOWING ANY SYMPTOMS THEMSELVES, WILL BE BANNED.
THE ORDINANCE ALSO EMPOWERS THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES TO DECLARE A RABIES CONTROL AREA AND TO IMPOSE CONTROLS ON THE MOVEMENT OF ANIMALS WITHIN SUCH AN AREA.
DR RUBIRA POINTED OUT THAT THE MAXIMUM PENALTIES FOR MOST OFFENCES RELATING TO ANIMALS CONTROL HAD BEEN INCREASED BY 100 PER CENT TO $10,000.
HEAVY PENALTIES OF UP TO $50,000 AND ONE YEAR’S IMPRISONMENT APPLY FOR THE MORE SERIOUS OFFENCES OF ILLEGAL IMPORTATION OF ANIMALS, KEEPING PROHIBITED ANIMALS AND VIOLATING MOVEMENT BANS IN RABIES CONTROL AREAS.
TO TIE IN WITH THE ENACTMENT OF THE ORDINANCE, THE GOVERNMENT HAS PREPARED A PACKAGE OF PUBLICITY AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC ON THE LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS AND RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNERSHIP.
/THESE INCLUDE .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 1994
14
THESE INCLUDE TELEVISION AND RADIO ANNOUNCEMENTS, POSTER AND PUBLICITY LEAFLETS WHICH ARE AVAILABLE AT THE VARIOUS GOVERNMENT KENNELS.
FOR ENQUIRIES, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAN CALL THE DEPARTMENT ON TEL 733 2235 ON RABIES CONTROL ON 733 2161 ON IMPORT MATTERS.
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CLEANER DIESEL TO BE USED IN HONG KONG ♦ ♦ * * »
THE GAZETTE ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT FROM APRIL 1 NEXT YEAR, THE MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE SULPHUR CONTENT OF AUTOMOTIVE DIESEL FUEL WOULD BE REDUCED FROM 0.5 PER CENT TO 0.2 PER CENT.
THE INTRODUCTION OF A BETTER QUALITY AUTOMOTIVE DIESEL FUEL IS MADE UNDER THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL (MOTOR VEHICLE FUEL) REGULATION AS ONE OF THE MEASURES TO DEAL WITH AIR POLLUTION PROBLEMS RESULTING FROM VEHICLE EMISSIONS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT SAID: "BEING THE MAJOR CONTRIBUTOR TO THE HIGH LEVELS OF PARTICULATE MATTER AND NITROGEN DIOXIDE IN THE AIR OF HONG KONG, DIESEL VEHICLES ARE BEING TARGETED FOR STRINGENT CONTROLS.
’’THE PROPOSED CLEAN DIESEL FUEL WILL GIVE A LOWER SULPHUR DIOXIDE EMISSION AS WELL AS SOME REDUCTION IN PARTICULATE EMISSIONS.’’
’’IT ALSO ENABLES THE INTRODUCTION OF LOW-EMISSION LARGE DIESEL ENGINES WHICH ARE DESIGNED TO RUN ON THIS FUEL,” HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE REGULATION WOULD TAKE EFFECT NEXT APRIL BECAUSE IT WAS NECESSARY TO ALLOW LEAD TIME FOR THE OIL INDUSTRY AND THE MOTOR VEHICLE SUPPLIERS TO SECURE THE REQUIRED FUEL AND PROPER VEHICLE MODELS TO MEET THE NEW REQUIREMENTS BEFORE THE IMPLEMENTATION DATE.
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SUBMARINE CABLES TO SERVICE FLOATING RESTAURANTS
* ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE GOVERNMENT HAS PERMITTED THE HONG KONG ELECTRIC COMPANY LIMITED TO LAY A 550-METRE SUBMARINE CABLE AT SHAM WAN-ABERDEEN CHANNEL TO PROVIDE ELECTRICITY TO TAI PAK AND SEA PALACE FLOATING RESTAURANTS IN THE CHANNEL.
THE WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN DECEMBER THIS YEAR AND TAKE ABOUT TWO MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE OF AUTHORISATION GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
/THE NOTICE .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 1994
THE NOTICE AND ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN AT:
» THE LANDS DEPARTMENT’S SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG:
» THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, HONG KONG SOUTH, 20TH FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG;
* THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG, AND
* THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE, SHOP 25, GROUND FLOOR, MEI FUNG COURT, ABERDEEN CENTRE, 7-11 NAM NING STREET, ABERDEEN, HONG KONG.
ANY PERSONS WHO CONSIDER THAT THEIR INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE WORK MAY SEND A WRITTEN CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION TO THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS ON OR BEFORE JUNE 24 NEXT YEAR.
- - 0 - -
LIVESTOCK KEEPING LICENSING BEGINS NEXT MONTH
*****
PHASE I OF THE LICENSING SCHEME FOR LIVESTOCK KEEPING IN THE TERRITORY WILL BEGIN FROM NEXT MONTH, THE AGRICUI.TURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT (AFD) ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
FROM JULY 1 TO DECEMBER 31 THIS YEAR, OPERATORS OF LIVESTOCK FARMS LOCATED WITHIN THE LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL AND RESTRICTION AREAS CAN APPLY TO AFD FOR A LICENCE.
THE PHASE I AREAS DESIGNATED INCLUDE 1'01.0 HARBOUR AND TOLO CHANNEL AREA, RIVER INDUS AREA, UPPER SHENZHEN RIVER AREA, TSUEN WAN ENVIRONS AND THEN MUN ENVIRONS.
AN AFD SPOKESMAN SAID EACH LICENCE WOULD BE \\LID EOR A PERIOD OF THREE YEARS, RENEWABLE UPON EXPIRY.
"A FEE IS CHARGEABLE TO EACH LICENCE, RANGING FROM $750 TO $4,500, DEPENDING ON THE SIZE OF THE FARM AND THE NUMBER OF LIVESTOCK BEING KEPT," HE SAID.
APPLICATION FORMS FOR THE LICENCE ARE NOW OBTAINABLE IN PERSON OR BY POST FROM THE FOLLOWING OFFICES: All) FARM LICENSING UNI I, (ASTLE PEAK POULTRY BREEDING CENTRE, KEI LUN WAI, TUEN MUN; TA KWU LING PIG BREEDING CENTRE; AFD’S AGRICULTURAL OFFICES IN YUEN LONG AND TAI Po; AS WELL AS THE AFD HEADQUARTERS ON 12TH FLOOR OF CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES.
COMPLETED FORMS, TOGETHER WITH TWO ('OPIES OF THE PLAN FOR THE LIVESTOCK FARM, SHOULD BE SENT TO ANY ONE OF THE ABOVE ADDRESSED IN PERSON, OR BY REGISTERED POST TO THE FARM LICENSING UNIT.
/APPLICANTS SHOULD
FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 1994
- 16 -
APPLICANTS SHOULD ALSO GIVE DETAILED INFORMATION ON THE PLAN OF THE FARM AND WASTE TREATMENT SYSTEM TO BE USED. OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FOR THE APPLICANT AND HIS FARM SHOULD ALSO BE ATTACHED.
ON LIVESTOCK WASTE TREATMENT SYSTEM, THE SPOKESMAN SAID FARMERS COULD CHOOSE OR MAKE REFERENCE FROM THE GUIDE PUBLISHED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD). THE TECHNICAL GUIDELINE WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO FARMERS EARLY NEXT MONTH.
HE STRESSED THAT THE LICENSING SCHEME WAS NECESSARY FOR THE REGULATION OF LIVESTOCK KEEPING IN THE LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL AND RESTRICTION AREAS.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE SECOND PART OF PHASE I LICENSING APPLICATION WHICH COVERS RESTRICTED AREAS 16R, 18R, 19R, 21R, 23R, 24R AND 25R WILL BEGIN FROM JANUARY 1, 1995.
AS FOR PHASE II OF THE LICENSING SCHEME WHICH COVERS AREAS IN YUEN LONG ENVIRONS, TUEN MUN ENVIRONS AND KAM TIN RIVER AREAS, APPLICATION FOR LIVESTOCK KEEPING LICENCES WILL BEGIN FROM JULY 1, 1995.
THE FINAL PHASE WHICH COVERS THE REMAINING CONTROL AREAS WILL BEGIN ON JULY 1, 1996.
LARGE SCALE MAPS, FROM WHICH A FARMER CAN IDENTIFY THE LOCATION OF HIS FARM, ARE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION AT THE LAND REGISTRY AND EPD’S LOCAL CONTROL OFFICES IN TAI PO, TSUEN WAN, KWUN TONG AND WAN CHAI.
HE REITERATED THAT UNDER THE PUBLIC HEALTH (ANINALS AND BIRDS) (LICENSING OF LIVESTOCK KEEPING) REGULATION, ANY PERSON OPERATING A LIVESTOCK FARM WITHOUT A LICENCE WOULD BE 1.1 ABLE TO $50,000 FINE FOR THE FIRST OFFENCE PLUS A DAILY FINE OF $1,000 DURING THE OFFENCE PERIOD. THE FINE FOR SUBSEQUENT OFFENCE IS $100,000.
A PAMPHLET OUTLINING THE LICENSING PROCEDURE IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION AT LOCAL OFFICES OF AFD AND AT DISTRICT OFFICES AND LOCAL OFFICES OF EPD FROM EARLY JULY.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES ON LICENSING CAN BE DIRECTED TO AFD’S FARM LICENSING UNIT ON TEL 462 7422 OR 462 7443.
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FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 1994
17
TRADE DEPARTMENT DELEGATION ATTENDS TEXTILES CONFERENCE IN PERU *****
A TRADE DEPARTMENT DELEGATION LED BY DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE MR THOMAS YIU TODAY (FRIDAY) LEFT FOR AREQUIPA, PERU, TO ATTEND THE 19TH COUNCIL MEETING OF THE INTERNATIONAL TEXTILES AND CLOTHING BUREAU (ITCB).
ITCB, THE GENEVA-BASED ORGANISATION OF TEXTILES-EXPORTING DEVELOPING COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES, PROVIDES THE FORUM FOR ITS 22 MEMBERS, INCLUDING HONG KONG, TO EXCHANGE VIEWS AND CO-ORDINATE ACTIONS ON MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS AFFECTING INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN TEXTILES AND CLOTHING.
"THE MAIN PURPOSES OF THE MEETING, TO BE HELD FROM JUNE 27 TO JULY 1, ARE TO EVALUATE THE AGREEMENT ON TEXTILES AND CLOTHING CONCLUDED ON DECEMBER 15, 1993 AS PART OF THE URUGUAY ROUND PACKAGE, AND TO DISCUSS ITS IMPLEMENTATION," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
"THE OPPORTUNITY WILL ALSO BE TAKEN TO CONSIDER THE FUTURE ROLE OF THE ITCB AND, IN PARTICULAR, ITS ROLE IN RELATION TO THE FUTURE WORLD TRADE ORGANISATION," HE ADDED.
OTHER DELEGATIONS ATTENDING THE MEETING INCLUDE THOSE FROM ARGENTINA, BANGLADESH, BRAZIL, CHINA, COLOMBIA, COSTA RICA, EGYPT, EL SALVADOR, INDIA, INDONESIA, JAMAICA, KOREA, MACAU, MEXICO, PAKISTAN, PERU, SRI LANKA AND URUGUAY.
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PERFORMANCE PLEDGE BY INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT
*****
THE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT (IPD) TODAY (FRIDAY) PLEDGES ITS COMMITMENT TO PROVIDING QUALITY, COST EFFECTIVE AND TIMELY SERVICES TO CUSTOMERS.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE, THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, MISS AVERIL WATERS, SAID SINCE THE IPD WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1990, THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADEMARKS HAD INCREASED BY ABOUT 50 PER CENT FROM 9,865 IN 1990/91 TO 14,892 IN 1993/94 AND THAT FOR PATENTS HAD INCREASED BY 30 PER CENT FROM 1,067 TO 1,441.
THE INCREASING DEMAND FOR THESE SERVICES SERVED AS AN IMPETUS TO THE DEPARTMENT TO STRIVE FOR MORE EFFICIENT AND STREAMLINED PROCEDURES IN ORDER TO BETTER MEET CUSTOMERS’ EXPECTATIONS, SHE SAID.
"ON THE PROCESSING OF APPLICATIONS FOR TRADEMARK REGISTRATION, WE PLEDGE TO ISSUE THE FIRST RECEIPT FOR ALL APPLICATIONS IN SEVEN WORKING DAYS.
/"WE WILL .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 1994
- 18 -
"WE WILL ISSUE THE FIRST REPORT ON THE RFC ISTRABI I I TV OF A TRADEMARK IN 13 MONTHS IOR 70 PER I'EN'I OF Xl.l YPPI. I CAT I ONS AND WE Will CONSIDER AND REPLY 1’0 APPI.HANIS’ OBJEITIONS Io OIR FIRST REPORT IN FOUR MONTHS FOR 70 PER CENT OF SUCH OBJECTIONS, MISS WATERS SAID.
"A CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION WILL BE ISSUED IN THREE MONTHS FOR 70 PER CENT OF CASES AFTER THE MARK HAS BEEN ACCEPTED AND WHERE NO OBJECTIONS ARE RAISED BY THIRD PARTIES," SHE ADDED.
IN RESPECT OF THE MAINTENANCE OF Till' REGISTER, 80 PER CENT OF CASES REQUESTING A CHANGE OF NAME AND 75 PER CENT OF ASSIGNMENT CASES WILL BE RECORDED IN FOUR MONTHS.
MISS WATERS SAID THE DEPARTMENT’S PUBLIC SEARCH SERVICE FOR TRADEMARKS WOULD BE COMPUTERISED NEXT MONTH.
"MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAN COME TO THE PUBLIC SEARCH AREA OF THE TRADE MARKS REGISTRY AND BY USING ON-LINE COMPUTER FACILITIES SEARCH THE REGISTER AND THE LIST OF APPLICATIONS.
"THIS SHOULD PROVE TO BE A MORE EFFECTIVE METHOD OF SEARCH THAN THE CURRENT MANUAL SYSTEM AND IT WILL ASSIST IN SPEEDING UP THE TIME TO ISSUE CERTIFIED COPIES OF THE REGISTER TO 10 WORKING DAYS OR LESS," SHE SAID.
AS THERE IS NO ORIGINAL GRANT OF PATENTS IN HONG KONG, MISS WATERS SAID THE PATENT REGISTRATION SYSTEM ONLY REQUIRED THE REGISTRAR TO CARRY OUT A FORMALITY SEARCH TO SEE THAT THE DOCUMENTATION WAS IN ORDER BEFORE ENTERING IT ON THE REGISTER.
"IN THIS RESPECT, WE WILL REGISTER ALL APPLICATIONS FOR PATENTS WITHIN TWO MONTHS AND RECORD ASSIGNMENTS AND CHANGES OF NAME WITHIN ONE MONTH," SHE SAID.
AS FAR AS NON-CASE-RELATED ENQUIRIES ARE CONCERNED, THE DEPARTMENT WILL ARRANGE FOR TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES TO BF HANDLED BY A SUITABLE OFFICER WITHIN ONE DAY AND WILL GIVE A FULL REPLY TO A WRITTEN ENQUIRY WITHIN 14 DAYS.
MISS WATERS SAID THESE PERFORMANCE PLEDGES HAD BEEN AGREED WITH THE COMMITTEE ON INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OF THE LAW SOCIETY AND THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF TRADEMARK AGENTS WHICH REPRESENTED THE DEPARTMENT’S MAJOR CUSTOMERS.
THE DIRECTOR OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY WILL ALSO CAREFULLY MONITOR THE PLEDGES AND WILL PUBLISH THE RESULT ANNUALLY.
"WE WELCOME SUGGESTIONS AND INVITE WRITTEN OR TELEPHONE COMMENTS ON THE WAY IN WHICH OUR SERVICES ARE DELIVERED," MISS WATERS SAID.
"WE HAVE ALSO SET UP A SYSTEM TO CONSIDER COMPLAINTS IF OUR PERFORMANCE STANDARDS ARE NOT MET AND THERE IS A RIGHT OF APPEAL TO THE DIRECTOR OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY," SHE ADDED.
THE PERFORMANCE PLEDGES AND A NUMBER OF LEAFLETS AND PAMPHLETS ON INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY IN HONG KONG ARE AVAILABLE FOR DISTRIBUTION AT THE PUBLIC SEARCH AREA OF THE TRADE MARK REGISTRY AT 24TH FLOOR, WU CHUNG HOUSE, 213 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI.
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/19 .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 1994
- 19 -
RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT PLEDGES FOR BETTER SERVICE * * » »• *
THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT ITS PERFORMANCE IN 1993/94 IN DEALING WITH APPLICATIONS AND NOTIFICATIONS UNDER THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) ORDINANCE WELL EXCEEDED THE TARGETS LAID DOWN IN ITS INITIAL PLEDGE PUBLISHED IN APRIL LAST YEAR.
”IN VIEW OF THIS ACHIEVEMENT, THE DEPARTMENT CONFIDENTLY SETS IMPROVED PERFORMANCE TARGETS FOR 1994/95,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
THE DEPARTMENT’S PERFORMANCE RESULTS FOR 1993/94 FOR THIS AND OTHER ASPECTS OF WORK HAVE BEEN PUBLISHED IN THE PERFORMANCE PLEDGE 1994/95 BOOKLET.
THE BOOKLET, WHICH ALSO OUTLINES THE TARGETS AND PLANNED SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS FOR 1994/95, IS AVAILABLE FROM TODAY, AT THE DEPARTMENT’S OFFICES, OR FROM DISTRICT OFFICES.
PLANNED SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDE THE EARLY ALLOCATION OF BUILDING NUMBERS TO NEW BUILDINGS, THE INSTALLATION OF A 24-HOUR TELEPHONE SYSTEM TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ON MAJOR ASPECTS OF THE DEPARTMENT’S WORK, AND THE PROVISION OF RENTAL INFORMATION TO PARTIES TO RENTAL DISPUTES BEFORE THE LANDS TRIBUNAL.
”WE ARE AS COMMITTED AS EVER TO PROVIDING THE BEST SERVICE POSSIBLE, AND LOOK FORWARD TO REPORTING ON FURTHER SUCCESSES IN DUE COURSE,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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MORE PLACES FOR THE DISABLED IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS URGED ♦ ♦ * * *
DISABLED PERSONS SHOULD BE PROVIDED HIGHER EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES, MRS PATTEN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE BRADBURY SPECIAL CHILD CARE CENTRE RUN BY THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR THE DEAF.
MRS PATTEN NOTED RAPID DEVELOPMENT IN THE REHABILITATION FIELD IN THE PAST DECADE AND THE GOVERNMENT’S DETERMINATION TO FURTHER DEVELOP THE SERVICE.
SHE SAID IN RECENT YEARS, THE GOVERNMENT HAD GREATLY INCREASED THE ACCESS OF YOUNG PEOPLE TO LOCAL TERTIARY EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS.
’’BUT MORE NOW NEEDS TO BE DONE TO HELP YOUNG DISABLED PERSONS, INCLUDING THE DEAF TAKE THEIR RIGHTFUL PLACE IN SUCH INSTITUTIONS,” SHE SAID.
/MRS PATTEN .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 1994
20
MRS PATTEN SAID THESE INSTITUTIONS WERE CONSIDERING FURTHER MEASURES, SUCH AS FLEXIBILITY IN ADMISSION PRACTICE AND THE PROVISION OF TECHNICAL AIDS AND SUPPORTIVE SERVICES, TO HELP OVERCOME THE DIFFICULTIES AT PRESENT EXPERIENCED BY DISABLED STUDENTS, INCLUDING THE HEARING IMPAIRED.
"IF THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR AND TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS CAN GET TOGETHER AND DISCUSS THE PROBLEM IN A CONSTRUCTIVE WAY, I AM CONFIDENT THAT . THE CHANCES OF DISABLED PEOPLE RECEIVING HIGHER EDUCATION WOULD BE SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVED," SHE SAID.
---------o-----------
MORE ACCESS TO HK ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION *****
THE PUBLIC CAN NOW HAVE MORE READY ACCESS TO VITAL INFORMATION ON HONG KONG’S ENVIRONMENT WITH THE OPENING OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT’S VISITORS CENTRE TODAY (FRIDAY).
OFFICIATING AT ITS OPENING CEREMONY WAS LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MS CHRISTINE LOH.
SITUATED ON THE 33RD FLOOR OF REVENUE TOWER IN WAN CHAI, THE CENTRE IS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S EFFORT TO INCREASE COMMUNITY’S AWARENESS AND UNDERSTANDING OF ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES.
THE CENTRE FOCUSES ON ENVIRONMENTAL WORK BEING CARRIED OUT BY THE GOVERNMENT TO DEAL WITH EXISTING POLLUTION PROBLEMS AND TO PREVENT FUTURE PROBLEMS.
THERE ARE DISPLAY PANELS SHOWING A WIDE RANGE OF INFORMATION, WHICH INCLUDES VARIOUS ANTI-POLLUTION LEGISLATION ENFORCED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT AS WELL AS THE POLLUTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL WORK CARRIED OUT BY THE DEPARTMENT.
APART FROM THE PANELS, THERE ARE SEVERAL INTERESTING MODELS ON DISPLAY.
THESE INCLUDE A MODEL OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT'S MARINE WATER MONITORING VESSEL "DR CATHERINE LAM", A FLOOR MODEL SHOWING DIFFERENT STAGES OF THE STRATEGIC SEWAGE DISPOSAL SCHEME AND MODELS SHOWING THE CORRECT PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING MATERIALS CONTAINING ASBESTOS.
COLUMNS ARE AVAILABLE TO ILLUSTRATE THE AMOUNTS OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF WASTE RECOVERED IN HONG KONG FOR RECYCLING COMPARED WITH ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD.
VISITORS CAN OBTAIN INFORMATION SUCH AS THE REAL TIME AIR QUALITY IN DIFFERENT DISTRICTS AND HONG KONG’S MARINE WATER QUALITY FROM THE COMPUTER SIMULATION MODELS AVAILABLE FOR USE IN THE CENTRE.
ALSO ON DISPLAY IS A TOUCH-SCREEN SYSTEM, PROVIDING BILINGUAL INFORMATION ON GLOBAL AND LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AS WELL AS ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION WORK IN HONG HONG.
ADMISSION TO THE CENTRE IS FREE, BUT ONLY THROUGH APPOINTMENTS. GUIDED VISITS WILL BE ARRANGED FOR LOCAL AND OVERSEAS GROUPS THROUGH APPOINTMENTS ON TEL 594 6013.
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/21 .....
FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 1994
21
RESEARCH GRANTS FOR THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS FOR 1994/95
*****
THE RESEARCH GRANTS COUNCIL (RGC) TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED ITS DECISIONS ON THE ALLOCATION OF $260 MILLION IN RESEARCH GRANTS TO THE SEVEN UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE (UPGC)-FUNDED INSTITUTIONS IN 1994/95.
THE RGC CONSIDERED 703 APPLICATIONS FOR A TOTAL OF $740 MILLION FOR ACADEMIC RESEARCH PROJECTS IN A WIDE RANGE OF SUBJECT DISCIPLINES.
EACH APPLICATION WAS INITIALLY SCREENED BY ONE OR MORE OF FOUR SUBJECT PANELS - PHYSICAL SCIENCES; ENGINEERING; BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE; AND HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES - WITH THE HELP OF REPORTS FROM SPECIALIST ASSESSORS/REFEREES.
THE PANELS’ RECOMMENDATIONS WERE THEN CONSIDERED BY THE FULL RGC MEETING ON JUNE 18.
THIS YEAR THE RGC AGAIN DECIDED TO ALLOCATE $57.6 MILLON (22 PER CENT OF THE FUNDS AVAILABLE) TO THE INSTITUTIONS DIRECTLY TO SUPPORT PROJECTS COSTING LESS THAN $200,000.
OF THE BALANCE OF $202.4 MILLION, SOME $9.4 MILLION WAS RESERVED FOR CENTRAL ALLOCATION AND $193 MILLION WAS ALLOCATED FOR PROJECTS IN RESPONSE TO COMPETITIVE BIDS FROM THE INSTITUTIONS.
DETAILS OF THE AREAS, ARE GIVEN BELOW PROJECTS SUPPORTED, BY PANELS AND BROAD SUBJECT
SUBJECT PANEL SUBJECT AREA NO. OF PROJECTS FUNDING SUPPORTED $ MILLION
PHYSICAL SCIENCES PHYSICAL SCIENCES PURE MATHEMATICS 60 9 30.368 3.145
SUB-TOTAL 69 33.513
ENGINEERING CHEMICAL ENGINEERING 5 2.711
CIVIL ENGINEERING, SURVEYING, BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION 28 14.222
COMPUTING SCIENCE, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND APPLIED MATHEMATICS 45 1 8.868
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING 46 23.153
/MECHANICAL, PRODUCTION ........
FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 1.994
- 22 -
MECHANICAL, PRODUCTION AND INDUSTRIAL ENGINEER 1 NG 19 9.082
• SUB-TOTAL 143 68.036
BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES 51 34.019
MEDICINE, DENTISTRY AND HEALTH 3 1 20.033
SUB-TOTAL 82 54.052
HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES ARTS AND LANGUAGES 1 1 6.924
ADMINISTRATIVE, BUSINESS AND SOCIAL STUDIES 55 24.656
EDUCATION 8 4 . 184
LAW, ARCHITECTURE, TOWN PLANNING AND OTHER PROFESSIONAL AND VOCATIONAL STUDIES 3 1.491
SUB-TOTAL 77 37.255
TOTAL 371 192.856
IN SELECTING PROJECTS FOR FUNDING SUPPORT, THE RGC HAS REGARD FOR THE PROJECTS’ ACADEMIC MERIT/INTEGRITY, THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THE ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE INSTITUTIONS AND THEIR RELEVANCE TO THE NEEDS OF THE INSTITUTIONS AND HONG KONG’S OVERALL ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT.
THIS WAS THE FOURTH RESEARCH GRANT ALLOCATION EXERCISE UNDERTAKEN BY THE RGC SINCE IT WAS ESTABLISHED IN JANUARY 1991.
PROF PING K KO, WHO REPLACED PROF DAVID TODD AS CHAIRMAN OF THE RGC EARLIER THIS YEAR, SAID: ’’THE FUNDING AVAILABLE TO THE RGC THIS YEAR INCLUDED $210 MILLION AS ORIGINALLY ALLOCATED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND AN ADDITIONAL $50 MILLION MADE AVAILABLE BY THE UPGC RECENTLY.
’’THE ENHANCED LEVEL OF FUNDING THIS YEAR AS COMPARED WITH 1993/ 91 HAS ENABLED US TO SUPPORT, FULLY OR PARTIALLY, 371 PROJECTS AS COMPARED WITH 193 LAST YEAR.
/"THE RGC
FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 1994
- 23 -
"THE RGC IS GRATEFUL TO THE UPGC FOR MAKING AVAILABLE THE ADDITIONAL $50 MILLION. THIS HAS ENABLED US TO FUND MORE WORTHWHILE PROJECTS.
HE SAID THE RGC HAD ALSO FUNDED 25 PROJECTS STUDYING VARIOUS ASPECTS OF DEVELOPMENTS IN CHINA AND INVOLVING, TO VARYING DEGREES, COLLABORATION WITH ACADEMICS IN CHINESE HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS.
"THE QUALITY OF THE BIDS WAS EXCEPTIONALLY HIGH AND, DESPITE THE ENHANCED FUNDING, THERE WERE A FURTHER 115 FUNDABLE PROJECTS WHICH COULD NOT BE SUPPORTED.
"THIS INDICATES THE INCREASING DEPTH AND BREADTH OF RESEARCH CAPABILITY IN THE UPGC-FUNDED INSTITUTIONS.
"THE RGC IS LOOKING FORWARD TO FURTHER INCREASES IN THE LEVEL OF FUNDING FOR ACADEMIC RESEARCH IN THE FUTURE. THIS SUPPORT IS NEEDED TO STRENGTHEN FURTHER THE RESEARCH BASE IN HONG KONG’S HIGHER EDUCATION SECTOR," HE SAID.
APART FROM DISBURSING AND MONITORING GOVERNMENT FUNDING FOR ACADEMIC RESEARCH, THE RGC IS ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR ADVISING THE GOVERNMENT, THROUGH THE UPGC, ON THE NEEDS OF THE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN HONG KONG IN THE FIELD OF ACADEMIC RESEARCH TN ORDER THAT A RESEARCH BASE ADEQUATE FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF ACADEMIC VIGOUR AND PERTINENT TO THE NEEDS OF HONG KONG MAY BE DEVELOPED.
"A DETAILED REPORT ON THE COUNCIL’S OPERATIONS AND ACTIVITIES DURING THE PERIOD JANUARY 1 TO DECEMBER 31, 1993 IS GIVEN IN THE RGC ANNUAL REPORT 1993 WHICH HAS RECENTLY BEEN PUBLISHED," PROF KO SAID.
"I SHOULD ALSO LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY ONCE AGAIN TO PAY TRIBUTE TO MY PREDECESSOR AS RGC CHAIRMAN, PROF DAVID TODD.
"I HAVE BEEN VERY FORTUNATE TO TAKE OVER A COUNCIL WHICH THANKS TO HIS LEADERSHIP SINCE ITS FORMATION IN 1991, IS WELL-ESTABLISHED AND OPERATING EFFECTIVELY," HE ADDED.
THE SEVEN INSTITUTIONS ARE: CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG, HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE; HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC; LINGNAN COLLEGE, THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG; THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
------0-------
FOUR RURAL OUTLINE ZONING PLANS OPEN FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION *****
FOUR DRAFT OUTLINE ZONING PLANS (OZPS) HAVE BEEN PUBLISHED FOR THE RURAL AREAS IN SAN TIN AND NGAU TAM MEI IN NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES AS WELL AS FU TEI AU, SHA LING AND KAU LUNG HANG IN NORTHEAST NEW TERRITORIES.
THE PLANS COVER A TOTAL AREA OF ABOUT 2,250 HECTARES.
/"THEY REPLACE .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 1994
- 24 -
"THEY REPLACE THE EXISTING DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREA (DPA) PLANS COVERING THE SAME AREAS. THEY INDICATE DEFINITE AND COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE ZONES TO GUIDE AND CONTROL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE AREAS," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD SAID.
"SIMILAR TO DPA PLANS, UNAUTHORISED DEVELOPMENTS WITHIN THE OZPS ARE SUBJECT TO ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
UNDER THE SAN TIN OZP (NO. S/YL-ST/1), ABOUT 412 HECTARES ARE DESIGNATED AS "CONSERVATION AREA" TO GIVE ADDITIONAL PROTECTION TO THE NEARBY MAI PO NATURE RESERVE.
WITHIN THE ZONE, USES RELATED TO CONSERVATION SUCH AS FIELD STUDY, EDUCATION AND VISITOR CENTRES ARE PERMITTED.
USES THAT WOULD HAVE INSIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON ENVIRONMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE COULD BE PERMITTED UPON APPROVAL BY THE BOARD.
MEANWHILE, ABOUT 67 HECTARES OF LAND TO THE SOUTHWEST OF THE LOK MA CHAU CONTROL POINT HAVE BEEN ZONED FOR "OTHER SPECIFIED USES (CONTAINER BACK-UP USES)" TO ACCOMMODATE THE INCREASING CROSS-BORDER FREIGHT TRANSPORT.
AND 18 HECTARES OF LAND HAVE ALSO BEEN ZONED FOR "OTHER SPECIFIED USES (SERVICES STATIONS)" TO PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR CROSS-BORDER TRAFFIC AND CONTAINER-RELATED FACILITIES.
SIMILARLY, A SUBSTANTIAL PORTION OF ABOUT 260 HECTARES HAVE BEEN ZONED "CONSERVATION AREA" ON THE NGAU TAM MEI OZP (NO. S/YL-NTM/1) TO GIVE ADDED PROTECTION TO THE LAM TSUEN COUNTRY PARK.
IN ADDITION, ABOUT 310 HECTARES HAVE BEEN ZONED "GREEN BELT" TO PROTECT THE NATURAL FEATURES FROM URBAN SPRAWL AND TO PROVIDE PASSIVE RECREATIONAL OUTLETS.
ABOUT 43 HECTARES ON THE PLAN HAVE ALSO BEEN ZONED "RECREATION" WITH A DEVELOPMENT RESTRICTION OF A MAXIMUM PLOT RATIO OF 0.2, SITE COVERAGE OF 20 PER CENT AND BUILDING HEIGHT OF TWO STOREYS.
MEANWHILE, TWO SITES OF ABOUT 29 HECTARES HAVE BEEN ZONED "COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT AREA" TO FACILITATE COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT OR REDEVELOPMENT TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT AND TO FORM A LOCAL CENTRE.
DEVELOPMENTS WITHIN THE ZONE ARE RESTRICTED TO A MAXIMUM GROSS FLOOR AREA OF 39,000 SQUARE METRES TO 79,000 SQUARE METRES AND BUILDING HEIGHT OF THREE STOREYS INCLUDING CARPORT.
THERE ARE ALSO THREE SITES OF ABOUT 33 HECTARES DESIGNATED FOR "OPEN STORAGE" TO MEET DEMAND.
TO MEET THE NEED FOR THE OPERATION AND EXPANSION OF THE EXISTING RURAL INDUSTRIES, ABOUT EIGHT HECTARES OF LAND HAVE BEEN ZONED "INDUSTRIAL (GROUP D)".
/NEW INDUSTRIAL .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 1994
- 25 -
NEW INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTS ARE RESTRICTED TO A MAXIMUM SITE COVERAGE OF 80 PER CENT, PLOT RATIO OF 1.6, BUILDING HEIGHT OF 13 METRES AND THE MINIMUM PROVISION OF ONE LORRY OR VISITOR PARKING SPACE PER ESTABLISHMENT OR ONE PARKING SPACE FOR EVERY 900 SQUARE METRES OF GROSS FLOOR AREA OF THE ESTABLISHMENT.
ON THE OTHER HAND, BOTH THE FU TEI AU AND SHA LING OZP (NO. S/NE-FTA/1) AND THE KAU LUNG HANG OZP (NO. S/NE-KLH/1) ARE AIMED AT RETAINING THE RURAL CHARACTER OF THE AREAS.
ABOUT 190 HECTARES OF LAND IN FU TEI AU AND SHA LING AND 104 HECTARES IN KAU LUNG HANG HAVE BEEN ZONED ’’AGRICULTURE” TO KEEP GOOD AGRICULTURAL LAND.
TO CATER FOR THE DEMAND FOR OPEN STORAGE SITES AND USES SERVING THE CROSS-BORDER TRADE NEAR MAN KAM TO, ABOUT EIGHT HECTARES IN FU TEI AU AND SHA LING AND FOUR HECTARES IN KAU LUNG HANG HAVE BEEN ZONED FOR "OPEN STORAGE”.
ON THE FOUR OZPS, A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF LAND HAVE BEEN DESIGNATED FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS.
ABOUT 43 HECTARES EACH ON BOTH THE SAN TIN OZP AND THE NGAU TAM MEI OZP AND THREE HECTARES ON THE KAU LUNG HANG OZP HAVE BEEN ZONED ’’RESIDENTIAL (GROUP D)” TO IMPROVE THE EXISTING TEMPORARY DOMESTIC ACCOMMODATIONS.
WITHIN THE ZONES, REPLACEMENT HOUSING FOR TEMPORARY STRUCTURES IS RESTRICTED TO A MAXIMUM BUILDING AREA OF 37.2 SQUARE METRES AND BUILDING HEIGHT OF TWO STOREYS (SIX METRES).
CONSTRUCTION OF A HOUSE OTHER THAN A NEW TERRITORIES EXEMPTED HOUSE IS RESTRICTED TO A MAXIMUM PLOT RATIO OF 0.2, SITE COVERAGE OF 20 PER CENT AND BUILDING HEIGHT OF TWO STOREYS.
’’VILLAGE TYPE DEVELOPMENT” ZONE HAS ALSO BEEN DESIGNATED ON THE OZPS FOR SMALL HOUSE AND VILLAGE TYPE DEVELOPMENTS - 70 HECTARES IN SAN TIN, 38 HECTARES IN NGAU TAM MEI, 13 HECTARES IN FU TEI AU AND SHA LING, AND 57 HECTARES IN KAU LUNG HANG.
IN ADDITION, A 38-HECTARE "RESIDENTIAL (GROUP C)” ZONE HAS BEEN EARMARKED ON THE NGAU TAM MEI OZP. DEVELOPMENTS ARE RESTRICTED TO A MAXIMUM PLOT RATIO OF 0.4, SITE COVERAGE OF 20 PER CENT AND BUILDING HEIGHT OF THREE STOREYS (NINE METRES) INCLUDING CARPORT.
THERE ARE ALSO AREAS ZONED FOR "GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/ COMMUNITY”, "GREEN BELT", "OTHER SPECIFIED USES" AND "UNDETERMINED”.
THE FOUR OZPS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION UNTIL AUGUST 24 IN THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT, 16TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG. ,t
THE DRAFT PLANS FOR SAN TIN AND NGAU TAM MEI ARE AVAILABLE AT:
t TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG DISTRICT PLANNING OFFICE,
LEVEL 11, METROPLAZA TOWER 1,
223 HING FONG ROAD,
KWAI FONG,
NEW TERRITORIES; AND
/* YUEN LONG ........
FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 1994
- 26 -
» YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICES BUILDING, 269 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, YUEN LONG, NEW TERRITORIES.
THE REMAINING TWO PLANS CAN BE SEEN AT:
* SHA TIN AND NORTH EAST DISTRICT PLANNING OFFICES, GROUND FLOOR, SHA TIN GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 6 TUNG LO WAN HILL ROAD, TAI WAI, SHA TIN, NEW TERRITORIES;
» NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, THIRD FLOOR, NORTH DISTRICT GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 3 PIK FUNG ROAD, FANLING, NEW TERRITORIES
(FOR DRAFT FU TEI AU AND SHA LING OZP ONLY); AND
» TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, TAI PO GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 1 TING KOK ROAD, TAI PO, NEW TERRITORIES.
(FOR DRAFT KAU LUNG HANG OZP ONLY).
ANY PERSONS AFFECTED BY THE DRAFT PLANS MAY SUBMIT WRITTEN OBJECTIONS BEFORE AUGUST 24 TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/O PLANNING DEPARTMENT, 13TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING.
COPIES OF THE PLANS CAN BE BOUGHT AT THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, AND KOWLOON MAP SALES OFFICE, 382 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
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YOUTH URGED TO JOIN SUMMER PROGRAMME
* ♦ * » *
PARENTS ARE TODAY (FRIDAY) URGED TO ENCOURAGE THEIR CHILDREN TO PARTICIPATE IN SUMMER YOUTH ACTIVITIES BETWEEN JULY AND SEPTEMBER.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME COMMITTEE, MR NORMAN LO, SAID MORE THAN 14,600 ACTIVITIES WOULD BE LINED UP IN VARIOUS PARTS OF THE TERRITORY.
THE PROGRAMME IS EXPECTED TO ATTRACT MORE THAN 1.5 MILLION YOUNG PEOPLE.
r ■ । ' 1 .' ' • •
THROUGH FUNDING ARRANGEMENTS, THE COMMITTEE HAS ENCOURAGED ORGANISATIONS TO ARRANGE SOCIAL SERVICE ACTIVITIES TO GIVE YOUNG PEOPLE THE CHANCE TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY WHILE HAVING FUN.
/THE ACTIVITIES .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 1994
27 -
THE ACTIVITIES WILL INCLUDE SUMMER CAMPS, EDUCATIONAL VISITS, BARBECUE PARTIES, SPORTS COMPETITIONS, PICNICS, CARNIVALS, VARIOUS TRAINING COURSES AND VOLUNTARY SERVICES.
WITH THE THEME "SHARE THE FUN, SERVE THE COMMUNITY", THE ACTIVITIES WOULD MOST CERTAINLY ATTRACT YOUNGSTERS TO PARTICIPATE AND ENABLE THEM TO SPEND A MEANINGFUL SUMMER HOLIDAY, MR LO SAID.
"IN ORDER TO ATTRACT MORE YOUNGSTERS TO TAKE PART IN PLANNING AND PROMOTING THE ACTIVITIES AS VOLUNTARY WORKERS, THE COMMITTEE WILL PROVIDE SCHOLARSHIPS TO THOSE VOLUNTEERS WHO HAVE MADE OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO THE ACTIVITIES," HE ADDED.
IN THE PAST 10 YEARS, MORE THAN 200 OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEERS HAVE BEEN AWARDED SCHOLARSHIPS TO PARTICIPATE IN BOTH LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL OUTWARD BOUND LEADERSHIP TRAINING COURSES.
MR LO SAID THE TOTAL FUNDING NEEDED FOR THIS YEAR’S PROGRAMME WAS ESTIMATED AT $45 MILLION. THIS WILL BE MET BY A $14.6 MILLION DONATION FROM THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB AND CONTRIBUTIONS FROM VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, DISTRICT BOARDS AND PRIVATE ORGANISATIONS, SUCH AS HONG KONG TELECOM, THE LORD WILSON HERITAGE TRUST AND SWIRE BOTTLERS LTD.
TO LAUNCH THE ACTIVITIES, AN OPENING CEREMONY CUM VARIETY SHOW ENTITLING "SWINGING SUMMER" WILL BE STAGED AT THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS ON JULY 2 (SATURDAY).
IN ADDITION, A DISTRICT FUN DAY WILL BE HELD ON AUGUST 7 TO HIGHLIGHT THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE DIRECTED TO ANY DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.
------0--------
POSTER CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE FAMILY YEAR
*****
SOME 1,300 COMMERCIAL OUTLETS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY WILL PARTICIPATE IN A POSTER CAMPAIGN TODAY (FRIDAY) TO FURTHER PROMOTE THE MESSAGE OF THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE FAMILY (IYF).
THE POSTER CAMPAIGN, ORGANISED BY THE ROTARY CLUB OF HONG KONG NORTHEAST, IS ONE OF THE LATEST PUBLICITY EFFORTS TO SUSTAIN A HIGHER AWARENESS LEVEL OF THE IYF AND TO AROUSE MORE INTEREST AND CONCERN TOWARDS THIS MEANINGFUL CAMPAIGN.
THE OUTLETS, INCLUDING BANKS, CONVENIENT STORES, RETAILING SHOPS AND HAIR SALONS, WILL PUT UP THE OFFICIAL IYF POSTERS BEARING A TRANSPARENT STICKER WITH WORDS "ROTARY CLUB OF HONG KONG NORTHEAST SUPPORTS THE IYF" FROM TODAY ONWARDS.
THE CO-CHAIRMAN OF THE CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE ON IYF, MRS PATRICIA CHU, SAID THE POSTER CAMPAIGN DEMONSTRATED AN ENLISTMENT OF GREATER COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT FROM THE COMMERCIAL SECTOR TO SUPPORT THE IYF.
/'•we wcxn.n
FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 1994
28
”WE WOULD ALSO LIKE TO INSPIRE PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE TO TAKE THE FAMILY SERIOUSLY AND TO PROMOTE HARMONIOUS RELATIONSHIP AND BETTER UNDERSTANDING AMONG FAMILY MEMBERS," MRS CHU SAID.
THE CO-ORDINATING’ COMMITTED ON TYI IS JOINTLY SET UP BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND I’HE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE FOLLOWING THE PROCLAMATION OF 1994 AS THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE FAMILY BY THE UNITED NATIONS.
SINCE THE TERRITORY-WIDE KICK-OFF CEREMONY IN JANUARY THIS YEAR, THE COMMITTEE HAS ORGANISED KINDREDS OF ACTIVITIES TO PROMOTE THE THEME AND MESSAGE OF THE MF.
------0--------
SEWERAGE SYSTEMS FOR TAI PO VILLAGES
* * * * ♦
THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL BUILD A NETWORK OF SEWERAGE SYSTEMS J.N 10 UNSEWERED VILLAGES IK TAI PO TO IMPROVE THEIR SANITARY CONDITION.
THE VILLAGES ARE HA HANG, TIN SAM, VUE KOK, KAM HANG, YING PUN HA, SHUT WAI, KAM SHAN, PAN CHUNG SAN TSUEN, SHEUNG WUN YIU AND SAN UK KA.
THE SYSTEMS WILL \LSO IMPROVE THE WATER QUALITY IN TOIO HARBOUR.
A NOTICE INVITING TENDERS FOR THE WORKS WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE WORKS INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF GRAVITY SEWERAGE SYSTEMS PUMPING STATIONS AND AN INTERCEPTOR CHAMBER.
THE WORKS ARE EXPECTED 30 BEGIN LN SEPTEMBER FOR COMPLETION IN EARLY )996.
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER' PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM HALCROW-FRAENKFI., 3201 CENTRAL PLAZA, IK HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
THE TENDER CLOSING DATE IS NOON ON JULY 22.
-----0------- , .
TENDERS INVITED FOR THREE PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS
*****
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A TSUEN WAN SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX AND A PENG CHAU FIRE STATION.
THE DEPARTMENT ALSO INVITES TENDERS FOR THE REPROVISIONING OF THE MARINE POL. (Ch REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS IN S\j WAN HO.
• ; '-‘T
/THE SWIMMING ...........
FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 1994
- 29 -
THE SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX, TO BE BUILT AT TEXACO ROAD NORTH, WILL HAVE A DIVING POOL AND A SPECTATOR STAND FOR 1,000 PEOPLE IN ITS INDOOR SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX.
ITS OUTDOOR COMPLEX WILL HAVE A TEACHING POOL, A LEISURE POOL, A TRAINING POOL, WATER SLIDES, WATER PLAY EQUIPMENT, SUNBATH AREAS AND ARTIFICIAL ROCKSCAPPED DECK AREAS.
THIS PROJECT AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF A THREE-STOREY FIRE STATION IN PENG CHAU WILL BOTH START THIS AUTUMN FOR COMPLETION IN MARCH 1996.
THE REPROVISIONING PROJECT, ON THE OTHER HAND, INVOLVES ALTERING AND EXTENDING TWO EXISTING PIER BUILDINGS AS WELL AS CONSTRUCTING A SINGLE-STOREY ANCILLARY BUILDING AND A FOUR-STOREY LIFT TOWER IN THE MARINE POLICE REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS IN SAI WAN HO.
WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO COMMENCE IN SEPTEMBER FOR COMPLETION BY THE END OF NEXT YEAR.
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 34TH FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.
TENDER OFFERS FOR THE THREE PROJECTS WILL CLOSE NEXT MONTH.
---------0-----------
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS DURING BAD WEATHER URGED *****
A LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S SPOKESMAN TODAY (FRIDAY) URGED SITE PERSONNEL TO TAKE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES ON WORKS THAT MIGHT BE AFFECTED DURING TYPHOONS OR WHEN THE RAINSTORM WARNING SIGNAL "RED" WAS ABOUT TO BE HOISTED.
"CRANES SHOULD NOT BE USED WHEN THE WEATHER CONDITION IS LIKELY TO ENDANGER ITS STABILITY. GOOD HOUSE KEEPING, PROPER STACKING OF MATERIALS, SUITABLE PROTECTION OF ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS AND EQUIPMENTS ARE ALSO NECESSARY DURING BAD WEATHER," HE SAID.
"IN ADDITION, STABILITY OF LIFTING APPLIANCES AND SCAFFOLDS SHOULD BE FURTHER STRENGTHENED BY WALL-TIES, BALLASTING, LASHING OR GUY ROPES."
HE ALSO URGED SITE PERSONNEL TO PROVIDE ADVICE ON SAFETY MEASURES TO WORKERS WHO WERE REQUIRED TO WORK AT HEIGHT.
NOTING THAT THE STABILITY OF LIFTING APPLIANCES, SCAFFOLDS AND EXCAVATIONS MIGHT BE AFFECTED AFTER EXPOSURE TO ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS, THE SPOKESMAN ASKED CONTRACTORS TO ASSIGN COMPETENT PERSONS TO RE-EXAMINE THESE AREAS OF WORK TO ENSURE THAT THEY WERE STABLE, SECURE AND SAFE.
/UNDER THE .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 1994
30
UNDER THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE, EMPLOYERS WHO FAIL TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK WILL BE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM PENALTY OF $200,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR SIX MONTHS.
WORKERS WHO BREACH THE LAW WILL FACE A MAXIMUM FINE OF $50,000 AND SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT.
-------------------0-------- PUBLIC WORKS ON DISPLAY AT HARBOUR CITY *****
THE ROVING EXHIBITION ON HONG KONG’S PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME THAT HAS BEEN SUCCESSFULLY HELD IN WONG TAI SIN, QUARRY BAY AND CENTRAL WILL MOVE TO THE HARBOUR CITY OCEAN GALLERIES, TSIM SHA TSUI TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
IT WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 11.30 AM TO 8 PM TOMORROW, AND FROM 10 AM TO 8 PM THE NEXT DAY.
THE EXHIBITION IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE WORKS BRANCH AND THE WORKS GROUP OF DEPARTMENTS TO MARK THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WILL BE ABLE TO SEE HOW HONG KONG HAS TRANSFORMED FROM A SMALL FISHING VILLAGE 150 YEARS AGO INTO AN INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND FINANCIAL CENTRE.
PANELS WITH CHARTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS WILL BE PUT UP, SHOWING THE MAIN ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN BY THE WORKS BRANCH, THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS CO-ORDINATION OFFICE, AND SEVEN WORKS DEPARTMENTS ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES, CIVIL ENGINEERING, DRAINAGE SERVICES, ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES, HIGHWAYS, TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT AND WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENTS.
SHORT FILMS WILL BE SHOWN TO ILLUSTRATE HOW PUBLIC MONEY IS SPENT ON BUILDING NEW TOWNS, HOSPITALS, SCHOOLS, PARKS, ROADS AND OTHER INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS TO IMPROVE RESIDENTS’ QUALITY OF LIFE.
ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS IS A SET OF FIVE PANORAMIC-VIEW PHOTOGRAPHS SHOWING THE CHANGES TO THE SKYLINE OF KOWLOON PENINSULA AND HONG KONG ISLAND OVER THE PAST 150 YEARS.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
AN OPENING CEREMONY FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD AT THE HARBOUR CITY OCEAN GALLERIES, TSIM SHA TSUI AT 11.30 AM TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE DIRECTOR OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, DR EDWARD BRAND, THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR LEE SHING-SEE, THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR YIP WAH, AND THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BART IRELAND.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE CEREMONY.
------0--------
FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 1994
- 31 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,495 0930 -350
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 3,939 1000 -450
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 -501
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY +1,474 1200 -499
LAF TODAY -30 1500 +1,474
1600 +1,474
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 123.4 *-0.4» 24.6.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.94 17 MONTHS 2511 4.15 97.89 5.80
1 MONTH 4.07 23 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100.29 6.28
3 MONTHS 4.21 28 MONTHS 3610 4.20 95.02 6.63
6 MONTHS 4.68 31 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.11 6.80
12 MONTHS 5.30 TOTAL TURNOVER CLOSED 24 JUNE 34 MONTHS OF BILLS AND 1994 3704 BONDS - 23, 6.15 138 MN 98.33 6.92
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
ACTIVE HK PARTICIPATION IN SHANGHAI MEETINGS NEXT WEEK... 1
WORKING GROUP FINALISING REPORT............................. 1
COSMOPOLITAN SIGNAL SQUADRON FORMS UP....................... 2
DOS AND DON’TS IN PRINCIPAL FAIRWAY, TRAFFIC SEPARATION SCHEME...................................................... 3
FIRST FAMILY CARE DEMONSTRATION CENTRE OPENS................ 4
CAR MARK AUCTION FETCHES S3M FOR CHARITY.................... 5
FRESH WATER CUT IN CENTRAL.................................. 6
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS..... 7
SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 1994
1
ACTIVE HK PARTICIPATION IN SHANGHAI MEETINGS NEXT WEEK *****
HONG KONG WILL ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN SHANGHAI NEXT WEEK IN A SERIES OF MEETINGS OF THE PACIFIC ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION COUNCIL (PECC) WHICH AIMS TO DEVELOP CLOSER CO-OPERATION ON TRADE AND ECONOMIC POLICY ISSUES IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL’S HONG KONG COMMITTEE, MR WILLIAM FUNG, WILL ATTEND THE PECC STANDING MEETING ON TUESDAY (JUNE 28).
ALSO ATTENDING THE MEETING WILL BE THE COMMITTEE’S SECRETARY-GENERAL, MR JOHN TSANG, WHO IS ALSO ASSISTANT DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE AND THE TRADE DEPARTMENT’S TRADE OFFICER, MISS WINNIE TO.
AS THE POLICY-MAKING BODY OF PECC, THE STANDING COMMITTEE GUIDES THE EVOLUTION OF THE PECC PROCESS AND DETERMINES ITS POLICY ISSUES.
MR TSANG AND MISS TO WILL ALSO ATTEND ON MONDAY (JUNE 27) A MEETING OF THE CO-ORDINATING GROUP WHICH SUPERVISES PECC WORK PROGRAMME AND REVIEWS THE PROJECT PROPOSALS OF PECC TASK FORCES.
ANOTHER HONG KONG COMMITTEE MEMBER, MR WILLY LIN, WILL JOIN THE INTERNATIONAL ADVISORY GROUP MEETING OF THE PECC’S TRANSPORTATION, TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND TOURISM TASK FORCE TOMORROW (SUNDAY), WHICH REVIEWS THE PROJECT PROPOSALS TO BE DEVELOPED UNDER THE TASK FORCE IN THE COMING YEAR.
ALSO REPRESENTING HONG KONG WILL BE THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES, MR TAM WING-PONG, AND THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (MONETARY MANAGEMENT) OF THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY, MR NORMAN CHAN. BOTH WILL ATTEND THE PLANNING MEETING OF THE NEW PECC PROJECT ON FINANCIAL MARKETS DEVELOPMENT ON JUNE 29 AND 30.
THE PLANNING MEETING WILL DECIDE ON THE GOALS AND ACTIVITIES OF THE PROJECT, SELECT PRIORITIES AND SCHEDULE PROJECT ACTIVITIES.
------0-----------
WORKING GROUP FINALISING REPORT
*****
THE WORKING GROUP ON REGULATION OF ESTATE AGENTS YESTERDAY (FRIDAY) CONTINUED THEIR DISCUSSION ON A PACKAGE OF LONG-TERM AND SHORT-TERM MEASURES THEY HAD PROPOSED AND DELIBERATED IN PAST MEETINGS TO REGULATE THE TRADE.
THE GROUP, CHAIRED BY THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS (HOUSING POLICY), MR LEO KWAN, IS EXPECTED TO SUBMIT THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GOVERNMENT NEXT MONTH.
THE WORKING GROUP IS IN FAVOUR OF SETTING UP A SELF-FINANCING LICENSING AUTHORITY WITH LEGISLATION BACKING AS A LONG-TERM MEASURE TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC FROM ILLEGAL PRACTICE.
/AS SHORT-TERM .......
SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 1994
2
AS SHORT-TERM SOLUTIONS, MEMBERS ARE IN SUPPORT OF STANDARDISING THE PROVISIONAL SALES AND PURCHASE AGREEMENT AND THE FORM FOR INSPECTING A FLAT PUT UP FOR SALE VIA AN ESTATE AGENT.
THE WORKING GROUP IS ALSO IN SUPPORT OF THE IDEA THAT THE TRADE ASSOCIATION SHOULD DRAW UP A CODE OF PRACTICE AND PRACTISING GUIDELINES FOR THE TRADE.
------0--------
COSMOPOLITAN SIGNAL SQUADRON FORMS UP
*****
THREE GURKHA SIGNAL SQUADRONS WILL AMALGAMATE AT AN EARLY MORNING PARADE ON TUESDAY (JUNE 28) AT THE HEADQUARTERS BRITISH FORCES TO FORM THE HONG KONG GURKHA SIGNAL SQUADRON.
THE NEW SQUADRON WILL BE A TRULY COSMOPOLITAN ORGANISATION COMPRISING GURKHAS, CHINESE AND BRITISH SOLDIERS, INCLUDING WOMEN SIGNALLERS, AND A NUMBER OF CHINESE CIVILIANS. UNIQUELY, THE BRITISH AND CHINESE SOLDIERS WILL PARADE IN GURKHA DRILL AT THE CEREMONY TO BE TAKEN BY THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES, MAJOR-GENERAL SIR JOHN FOLEY.
THE 134-STRONG SQUADRON WILL COMPRISE FOUR BRITISH OFFICERS, THREE QUEEN’S GURKHA OFFICERS, 71 GURKHA SOLDIERS, 24 BRITISH SOLDIERS AND 13 CHINESE SOLDIERS FROM THE HONG KONG MILITARY SERVICE CORPS, TOGETHER WITH 19 CHINESE CIVILIAN STAFF.
THE AMALGAMATION OF 246, 247 AND 248 GURKHA SIGNAL SQUADRONS IS A FURTHER STEP IN THE REORGANISATION OF THE GARRISON AS IT RUNS DOWN TOWARDS 1997.
THE NEW SQUADRON, ELEMENTS OF WHICH WERE PREVIOUSLY BASED AT GUN CLUB HILL BARRACKS IN KOWLOON, WILL BE LOCATED AT THE PRINCE OF WALES BARRACKS IN CENTRAL.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOUR ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE AMALGAMATION PARADE AT THE PRINCE OF WALES BARRACKS ON TUESDAY (JUNE 28).
THE PARADE COMMENCES AT 7 AM AND REPORTERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS SHOULD ARRIVE AT THE MAIN GATE, PRINCE OF WALES BARRACKS NO LATER THAN 6.40 AM. JSPRS REPRESENTATIVES WILL BE ON HAND TO ESCORT THEM TO THE PARADE.
--------0-----------
/3
SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 1994
3 -
DOS AND DON’TS IN PRINCIPAL FAIRWAY, TRAFFIC SEPARATION SCHEME » * » * *
A LEAFLET PROVIDING THE UPDATED ARRANGEMENT OF PRINCIPAL FAIRWAYS AND TRAFFIC SEPARATION SCHEMES IS NOW AVAILABLE FREE FROM THE MARINE DEPARTMENT PORT FORMALITIES OFFICE AND ALL DISTRICT MARINE OFFICES.
SETTING UP PRINCIPAL FAIRWAYS AND TRAFFIC SEPARATION SCHEMES IS ONE OF THE WAYS TO IMPROVE NAVIGATION SAFETY IN AREAS WHERE THE MARINE TRAFFIC VOLUME IS HIGH OR THE MARINE TRAFFIC MOVEMENT IS RESTRICTED.
ISSUED BY THE MARINE DEPARTMENT, THE LEAFLET SHOWS THE PRINCIPAL FAIRWAYS AND TRAFFIC SEPARATION SCHEMES IN HONG KONG DIAGRAMATICALLY.
MASTERS OF ALL VESSELS USING THE PRINCIPAL FAIRWAYS AND TRAFFIC SEPARATION SCHEMES, SOME OF THEM HAVE BEEN REALIGNED OR EXTENDED RECENTLY, WILL FIND THE CONCISE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE LEAFLET USEFUL.
ALSO, THE LEAFLETS HIGHLIGHTS USEFUL INFORMATION FOR MASTERS OF FISHING VESSELS, VESSELS OF LESS THAN 20 METRES LONG AND SAILING VESSELS BY TELLING THEM THE DOS AND DON’TS WHEN USING THE PRINCIPAL FAIRWAYS AND TRAFFIC SEPARATION SCHEMES.
WHEN USING THE PRINCIPAL FAIRWAYS, THE MASTERS ARE REQUIRED TO:
* ALWAYS OBSERVE THE INTERNATIONAL REGULATIONS FOR PREVENTING COLLISIONS AT SEA (COLREGS) AND REMEMBER NO SPECIAL RIGHT OF WAY FOR A VESSEL PROCEEDING ALONG A PRINCIPAL FAIRWAY.
» KEEP TO THE STARBOARD SIDE OF THE FAIRWAY.
* SOUND THE APPROPRIATE SIGNALS AS REQUIRED BY COLREGS REGARDING OVERTAKING SITUATIONS.
* CROSS A FAIRWAY AT RIGHT ANGLES.
THE LEAFLET TELLS THE DON’TS IN THE PRINCIPAL FAIRWAYS:
» ANCHOR WITHIN THE FAIRWAY LIMITS.
» ENGAGE IN FISHING WITHIN THE FAIRWAY LIMITS.
» IMPEDE THE PASSAGE OF A LARGE VESSEL.
WITHIN A TRAFFIC SEPARATION SCHEME, A MASTER SHOULD:
* ALWAYS OBSERVE COLREGS.
/* PROCEED IN
SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 1994
* PROCEED IN THE APPROPRIATE LANE IN THE DIRECTION OF THE TRAFFIC FLOW FOR THAT LANE.
* KEEP CLEAR OF A TRAFFIC SEPARATION LINE OR A SEPARATION ZONE.
* JOIN OR LEAVE A TRAFFIC LANE AT ITS END WHERE POSSIBLE.
» WHEN JOINING OR LEAVING A TRAFFIC LANE FROM EITHER SIDE, DO SO AT AS SMALL AN ANGLE AS POSSIBLE TO THE GENERAL DIRECTION OF THE TRAFFIC FLOW.
* CROSS THE TRAFFIC LANES AT RIGHT ANGLES.
* NAVIGATE WITH PARTICULAR CAUTION IN AREAS WHERE THE TRAFFIC LANES TERMINATE OR WHERE THERE IS A PRECAUTIONARY AREA.
WITHIN A TRAFFIC SEPARATION SCHEME, A MASTER SHOULD NOT:
* ANCHOR IN THE TRAFFIC SEPARATION SCHEME OR NEAR ITS TERMINATIONS.
* ENTER A SEPARATION ZONE OR CROSS A SEPARATION LINE EXCEPT IN CASES OF EMERGENCY TO AVOID IMMEDIATE DANGER.
» IMPEDE THE PASSAGE OF A LARGE VESSEL FOLLOWING A TRAFFIC LANE.
------0-------
FIRST FAMILY CARE DEMONSTRATION CENTRE OPENS
*****
THE TERRITORY’S FIRST-EVER "MOCK HOME" FOR TRAINING - THE ZONTA CLUB OF HONG KONG FAMILY CARE DEMONSTRATION AND RESOURCE CENTRE - WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CENTRE, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR IAN STRACHAN, SAID THE EVENT TODAY MARKED HIS DEPARTMENT’S DETERMINATION TO PROVIDE A COMPREHENSIVE SERVICE TO STRENGTHEN SUPPORT TO FAMILIES IN HONG KONG.
"FAMILIES THAT NEED PRACTICAL ASSISTANCE FOR RE-BUILDING, RE-ADJUSTMENT, STRENGTHENING AND OVERCOMING LIFE CRISIS AND CHALLENGES CAN BE GIVEN A CHANCE TO LEARN HOME MANAGEMENT, PARENTING CONCEPTS AND SKILLS, AND OTHER CARING SKILLS FOR THE SICK, THE AGED AND THE DISABLED THROUGH DEMONSTRATION IN A REAL HOME ENVIRONMENT.
"PROGRAMMES WILL BE DESIGNED TO SUIT INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE DIFFICULTY TO GRASP CONCEPTS OR TO BENEFIT FROM VERBAL COUNSELLING OR VISITING HOME HELPERS OF FAMILY AIDES," MR STRACHAN SAID.
HE THANKED THE ZONTA CLUB OF HONG KONG FOR THEIR GENEROUS DONATION TO EQUIP AND FURNISH THE CENTRE, ENABLING THE OPENING AND OPERATION OF THE CENTRE TO BE ADVANCED.
/LOCATED AT .......
SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 1994
LOCATED AT FLAT 14A, BLOCK F, 3 LOK MAN ROAD, CHAI WAN, THE CENTRE IS A FAMILY PRESERVATION AND SUPPORT PROGRAMME WITH THE AIM TO PROVIDE SUPPORT SERVICE TO CASEWORKERS.
TO COINCIDE WITH THE OPENING OF THE CENTRE, SOME 50 SERVICE UNITS OF THE DEPARTMENT ARE OPEN TO VISITORS TODAY.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AKE WEL( OME TO VISIT ANY OF THESE OFFICES IN ORDER TO HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THEIR SERVICES.
--------0----------
CAR MARK AUCTION FETCHES $3M FOR CHARITY
*****
AN AUCTION OF 100 VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS TODAY (SATURDAY) FETCHED $3,344 MILLION FOR THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY AFTER DEDUCTION OF EXPENSES.
HELD AT THE RECITAL HALL OF THE CITV HALL, THE AUCTION SAW THF REGISTRATION MARK AW38 FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE OF $250,000.
ANOTHER REGISTRATION MARK ES3 WAS SOLD AT THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE OF $235,000 WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS $1,000 EACH FOR FY1966, FY9987, FY1503, FZ7897, FY784, FY3390 AND FY1029.
FOLLOWING ARE THE RESULTS OF THE MORNING-SESSION AUCTION:
$ $ $ $
FY921 3,000 FY269 5,000 XX2581 15,000 FX450 8,000
CT210 3,000 FY2329 2.000 FY522 2.000 BZ365 7.000
♦BY656 15,000 ♦ BX83 180,000 ♦ FC 3 230,000 ♦ 4681 40,000
ET3680 2,000 FY774 2,000 Abi 211 14,000 FX8826 3,000
FT332 12,000 FX8688 20,000 FY228 110,000 FY1603 WITHDRAWN
FX6900 2,000 AY1 16 19.000 FY824 5,000 FY3222 8,000
FW3398 10,000 CT307 3,000 FY933 16,000 FY7 29 5,000
♦ GAI 11 60,000 ♦ FW9 180,000 ♦ AW38 250.000 ♦AL9595 40,000
AW367 6,000 FY788 33,000 CT891 ]1,000 FYI 890 3,000
FY728 13,000 FY2123 2,000 FY6608 16,000 FZ2328 13,000
FYI 966 1,000 CT221 22,000 ♦EN8899 25,000 FY2718 8,000
FX8382 11,000 FY9128 5,000 FY1029 1,000 ♦GA4444 33,000
FYI 748 WITHDRAWN FY9987 1,000
/FOLLOWING ARE .......
SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 1994
6
FOLLOWING ARE THE RESULTS OF THE AFTERNOON-SESSION ACUTION:
$ $ $ $
FYI 29 28,000 FYI 20 17,000 FZ208 19,000 CJ620 8,000
FZ136 10,000 XX517 28,000 FY299 23,000 FX8088 12,000
♦ ER87 70,000 ♦ FW2 160,000 * FW1 1 80,000 *8911 120,000
FY1503 1,000 FY799 5.000 FY622 7,000 FX8823 6,000
FY778 28,000 FT168 140,000 XX588 75,000 FX348 14,000
FZ7897 1,000 FY9222 11,000 CH 11 5 9,000 FYI 662 8,000
FY8082 5,000 FV231 5,000 AA5111 35,000 CB309 12,000
♦ ES3 235,000 *8968 210,000 » FC 1 8 170,000 ♦AA4000 90,000
PZ1288 21,000 BL1969 5,000 FY11 3 36,000 FY784 1,000
FW3899 3,000 FY6628 23.000 FY861 11,000 FY3390 1 , 000
CK647 3,000 AU3200 9,000 ♦GA88.33 65,000 FYI 25 7,000
FY8108 3,000 FW1955 4,000 BJ1321 5,000 ♦GA939 22,000
FY1898 4,000 FYI861 2,000
* SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK (NOT TRANSFERABLE)
THERE WERE NO BIDDERS FOK FY1603 AND FY1748. THEY WILL BE ASSIGNED TO THE ORIGINAL APPLICANTS.
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS ARE 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 230TH AND 231ST ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY REALISED SO FAR TO $326,587,905.
------0--------
FRESH WATER CUT IN CENTRAL » ♦ ♦ * ♦
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN CENTRAL WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON MONDAY (JUNE 27) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY TO FACILITATE WATER MAINS LEAKAGE DETECTION.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL THE PREMISES AT PIER ROAD, 13-90 CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, 19-181 AND 54-78 DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL 67-85 QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, 3 DOUGLAS STREET, 2A-4 AND 11-31A POTTINGER STREET, 1-29 MAN YFE LANE, 2-16 QUEEN VICTORIA STREET, 17-19 JUBILEE STREET, 48-52 GILMAN STREET, RUMSEY STREET MULTI-STOREY CARPARK AND THE CENTRAL MARKET.
/7........
SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 1994
- 7 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
♦ » ♦ » »
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 3,939 0930 NIL
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,699 1000 NIL
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 NIL
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY NIL 1130 NIL
LAF TODAY -2,240 1500
1600
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 123.4 *+0.0« 25.6.94
CLOSED 25 JUNE 1994
---------0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
MEASURES FOR SAFE NAVIGATION OFF EDINBURGH PLACE 1
GUIDELINES ISSUED ON SALE OF TEXTBOOKS....................... 2
A SUPPORTIVE FAMILY LEADS TO A DRUG-FREE GENERATION 3
EXHIBITION ON CITIZENS’ RIGHTS AND GOVERNMENT 4
OUTSTANDING EDUCATORS NAMED.................................. 5
NOISE-REDUCING WORKS AT PRINCE EDWARD ROAD EAST 5
SAFE USE OF ELECTRICITY POSTER............................... 6
NINE BODIES TO RAISE FUNDS IN JULY........................... 6
SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT AND VACANCIES FOR JUNE.................. 7
SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 1994
MEASURES FOR SAFE NAVIGATION OFF EDINBURGH PLACE
* * * * *
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT REMINDS MASTERS OF ALL VESSELS TO EXERCISE PARTICULAR VIGILANCE WHEN NAVIGATING IN THE WATER OFF EDINBURGH PLACE WHERE THE MARINE TRAFFIC IS HEAVY RECENTLY.
"AT ALL TIMES, THE INTERNATIONAL REGULATIONS FOR PREVENTING COLLISIONS AT SEA MUST BE FOLLOWED,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MARINE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
HE DREW ALL MASTERS’ ATTENTION TO THE CHANGES OF MARINE TRAFFIC SITUATION IN THE VICINITY OF STAR FERRY PIERS AND QUEEN’S PIER IN CENTRAL AND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF CERTAIN MARINE TRAFFIC MEASURES IN THIS CONNECTION.
THESE MARINE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN IN PLACE SINCE DECEMBER LAST YEAR.
THE DEPARTMENT REISSUED THE MARINE TRAFFIC MESSAGE TO MASTERS OF ALL VESSELS RECENTLY AFTER TWO MINOR COLLISIONS IN THE VICINITY OCCURRED THIS YEAR.
THE MARINE TRAFFIC MEASURES INCLUDE A SAFE WATER MARK TYPE LIGHT BUOY LAID 380 METRES NORTH-EAST OF STAR FERRY EAST PIER.
THE PILLAR SHAPE LIGHT BUOY WITH RED AND WHITE VERTICAL STRIPES IS EQUIPPED WITH A RADAR REFLECTOR AND FLASHES AT NIGHT.-
THE DISCOVERY BAY-CENTRAL FERRIES WHICH ARE BERTHED AT THE EAST WING OF STAR FERRY EAST PIER IN CENTRAL SHOULD APPROACH AND LEAVE THEIR BERTH ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE LINE JOINING THE LIGHT BUOY AND THE TIP OF THE PIER.
MEANWHILE, THE HUNG HOM-CENTRAL STAR FERRIES BERTHED AT THE WEST WING OF STAR FERRY EAST PIER SHOULD FOLLOW A ROUTE PASSING THE NORTHERN SIDE OF THE LIGHT BUOY.
TO FACILITATE THE USE OF THE QUEEN’S PIER LANDING STEPS WHICH ARE OPEN TO ALL VESSELS NOT EXCEEDING 35 METRES LONG, AND TO AVOID CONGESTION OF VESSELS IN THE APPROACH AREA, A CIRCULAR SMALL CRAFT WAITING AREA MEASURING 300 METRES IN DIAMETER WITH ITS CENTRE AT NAVAL MOORING BUOY NO. 4 HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT VESSELS AWAITING BERTHS OR PASSENGERS AT QUEEN’S PIER SHOULD STAY WITHIN THE WAITING AREA.
AS RECLAMATION WORK IN THE WEST OF STAR FERRY PIERS RESTRAINS THE STAR FERRIES FROM MOVING TO THE WEST OF THEIR ROUTES WHILE THE ROUTES OF THE STAR FERRIES AND DISCOVERY BAY-CENTRAL FERRIES INTERSECT SOMEWHERE NEAR THE LIGHT BUOY, THE FERRIES SHOULD MANOEUVRE APPROPRIATELY.
THE SPOKESMAN ADVISED MASTERS OF ALL VESSELS USING QUEEN’S PIER THAT IT WAS CONSIDERED A GOOD AND ORDINARY PRACTICE OF SEAMEN TO KEEP THEIR VESSELS TO THE EAST OF THE LINE JOINING THE LIGHT BUOY AND THE TIP OF STAR FERRY EAST PIER WHEN APPROACHING AND LEAVING QUEEN’S PIER.
/VESSELS SHOULD .......
SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 1994
VESSELS SHOULD NAVIGATE IN A SOUTH-WFSTERLY/NORTH-EASTERLV DIRECTION, WELL TO THE EAST OE THE ROUTE OE THE DISCOVERY BAY-CENTRAL EERRIES, THE SPOKESMAN NOTED.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO ASKED OWNERS, OPERATORS AND MASTERS TO WO ID USING QUEEN’S PIER WHERE MARINE TRAFFIC CONGESTION MIGHT OCCUR, AND TO CHOOSE ALTERNATIVE LANDING FACILITIES ELSEWHERE.
- - 0 - -
GUIDELINES ISSUED ON SALE OF TEXTBOOKS ♦ ♦ ♦ » »
HEADS OF SCHOOLS ARE URGED TO CONTINUE TO STRICTLY ABIDE BY THE CODE OF PRACTICE RELATING TO THE SALE OF TEXTBOOKS AND EXERCISE BOOKS TO STUDENTS.
AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT CIRCULAR ISSUED RECENTLY TO ALL SCHOOLS SAID SUPPLEMENTARY GUIDELINES ON THE SALE OF TEXTBOOKS HAD BEEN INCORPORATED INTO THE CODE OF PRACTICE.
EXPLAINING THE IMPROVEMENT, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (SCHOOLS), MR TSUI SEE-MING, SAID IT WAS ESSENTIAL THAT IN AL1 MATTERS CONCERNING THE SALE OF TEXTBOOKS, EXERCISE BOOKS, SCHOOL UNIFORMS AND OTHER SCHOOL ACCESSORIES, THE CODE OF PRACTICE SHOULD BE OBSERVED IN FULL IN ORDER TO AVOID ANY CAUSE FOR COMPLAINT.
HE SAID: "THE REVISED CODE OF PRACTICE STIPULATED THAT SCHOOLS SHOULD SET UP SUBJECT TEXTBOOK COMMITTEES AND SELECT TEXTBOOKS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TEXTBOOKS SELECTION PROCEDURES.
"TEXTBOOK LISTS ISSUED BY SCHOOLS SHOULD QUOTE PRICES FROM AT LEAST THREE BOOKSELLERS. PARENTS SHOULD BE ADVISED THAT IT IS NOT MANDATORY TO PURCHASE FROM THE BOOKSELLERS QUOTED."
MR TSUI POINTED OUT THAT IN THE EVENT OF SCHOOLS CHOOSING TO SELL TEXTBOOKS DIRECT TO PARENTS, A GOOD DISCOUNT SHOULD BF OFFERED TO PARENTS AFTER MAKING ARRANGEMENTS Will! BOOKSELLERS OR BOOK SUPPLIERS FOR BULK PURCHASE.
"PARENTS SHOULD HAVE THE OPTION OF NOT BUYING FROM SCHOOLS," HE STRESSED.
MR TSUI ADDED THAT ACCORDING TO THE REVISED CODE OF PRACTICE, SCHOOLS SHOULD LIMIT THE PROFIT FROM THE SALE OF TEXTBOOKS AND OTHER ITEMS TO 15 PER CENT OF THE COST PRICE AT WHICH THEY WIRE PURCHASED.
THE CODE OF PRACTICE ALSO SAYS THAT SCHOOLS SHOULD ADVISE THEIR TEACHERS TO AVOID USING WORKBOOKS WHICH COMF BUNDLED WITH TEXTBOOKS.
- - 0 - -
SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 1994
3 -
A SUPPORTIVE FAMILY LEADS TO A DRUG-FREE GENERATION « * * * »
PARENTS WHO FOSTER SELF-ESTEEM AND SELF-RELIANCE IN THEIR CHILDREN, AND WHO SPEND TIME IN GETTING TO KNOW THEM, WILL BE REWARDED BY A DRUG-FREE GENERATION.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS, PROFESSOR CHEN CHAR-NIE, SAID THIS AT A CEREMONY TO MARK THE INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST DRUG ABUSE AND ILLICIT TRAFFICKING HELD THIS (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON AT THE METROPLAZA, KWAI FONG.
PROFESSOR CHEN NOTED THAT A STRONG AND SUPPORTIVE FAMILY WAS INCOMPATIBLE WITH DRUG ABUSE. "A CHILD WHO IS HAPPY AND ACTIVE HAS NO TIME FOR ILLICIT DRUGS," HE ADDED.
HE SAID A FINE EXAMPLE FOR HOW YOUNG PEOPLE COULD MAKE GOOD USE OF THEIR SPARE TIME AND CONTRIBUTE POSITIVELY TO SOCIETY WAS SET BY THE YOUTH VOLUNTEER GROUP.
ESTABLISHED TN 1981 BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS, THE GROUP IS NOW RECRUITING NEW MEMBERS TO TAKE PART IN I'HE COMMITTEE’S PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY ACTIVITIES.
THROUGH THESE ACTIVITIES, THE GROUP HELP TO WARN THE PUBLIC ABOUT THE DANGERS OF DRUG ABUSE, AND TO PREVENT DRUG ABUSE AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE.
PROFESSOR CHEN SAID THE COMMUNITY’S CONTINUING SUPPORT WAS VITAL AND THAT MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC COULD WORK TOGETHER TO BUILD A SAFER, HAPPIER AND HEALTHIER FUTURE FOR THE YOUNG PEOPLE.
OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS WERE THE ACTING COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MRS SARAH KWOK, AND THE HEAD OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS UNIT (RADIO), RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG, MR TAI KEEN-MAN.
THE CEREMONY WAS HELD IN CONJUNCTION WITH AN EXHIBITION, A PRESENTATION OF LONG SERVICE AWARDS TO MEMBERS OF THE YOUTH VOLUNTEER GROUP AND A LIVE RADIO SHOW.
THE MESSAGE SAY "NO" TO DRUGS WAS DISSEMINATED THROUGH THE LIVE BROADCAST OF A RADIO SHOW JOINTLY ORGANISED BY ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS AND RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG.
LOCAL ARTISTS, INCLUDING LINDA WONG, DICKY CHEUNG, LEE KWOK-CHEUNG, CHENG KA-WING, GIGI LAI, CHAN CHUNG-LING AND 1.1 1’7. KONG, APPEALED TO THE YOUNG PEOPLE TO STAY AWAY FROM DRUGS AND LEAD A HEALTHY LIFE.
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/4 ........
SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 1994
- 4 K-
EXHIBITTON ON CITIZENS1 RIGHTS AND GOVERNMENT I * * * *
A WEEK-LONG EXHIBITION ON CITIZENS’ RIGHTS AND REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT WILL BE HELD AT HONG KONG SCIENCE MUSEUM BEGINNING ON SATURDAY (JULY 2).
THROUGH A VARIETY OE PROGRAMMES AND ACTIVITIES, THE CIVIC EVENT AIMS TO ENHANCE PUBLIC’ AWARENESS OE THE IMPORTANCE OE VOTING.
ORGANISED BY THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OE CIVIC EDUCATION, THE ANNUAL FUNCTION WILL BE HELD AT THE SPECIAL EXHIBITION HALL OF HONG KONG SCIENCE MUSEUM, 2 SCIENCE MUSEUM ROAD, ISIM SHA TSUI EAST.
ONE OF THE MAIN FEATURES WILL BE A "TIME I l NNKL" WHICH LOOKS INTO THE DEVELOPMENT, ELEMENTS AND PRINC I PLUS OE THE HUMAN RIGHTS CONCEPT.
THERE WILL ALSO BE INNOVATIVE GRAPHIC DISPLAYS EXPLAINING THE STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS OE THE REPRESENTATIVE SYSTEM AND THE IMPORTANCE OE VOTING.
THE EXPLORATION THEATRE WILL BE PUTTING ON A HALF-HOUR CANTONESE DRAMA TITLED ’’THE LUDICROUS PLAYERS".
FOR YOUNGSTERS, GAMES STALLS WILL BE ERECTED TO MAKE THEIR VISIT BOTH EDUCATIONAL AND ENJOYABLE.
RADIO TELEVISION HONQ KONG HAS PRODUCED A 25-MINUTE VIDEO TARGETING AT SECONDARY' SCHOOL STUDENTS.
THE VIDEO EXPLORES THE PRINCIPLES \ND IMPORTANCE OF RESPECTING HUMAN RIGHTS, BOTH WITHIN AND OUTSIDE THE SCHOOI CONTEXT.
THE WINNING PROGRAMMES OF THE COMPUTER ANIMATION SOFTWARE DESIGN COMPETITION ON REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT WILL BE SCREENED, ILLUSTRATING THE IMPORTANCE OE VOTING AND MONITORING OE CANDIDATES IN AN INNOVATIVE MANNER.
ALSO ON DISPLAY WILL BE THE THREE WINNING OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY PART I C I PAT I ON PROJECT’S FOR 1993/9 4 .
THE FIRST WINNING PROJECT, DESIGNED BY "MINZHU DAXUE”, FOCUSES ON THE FUNDAMENTALS OF ELECTIONS AND VOTING, WHICH ECHOES THE THEME OF THIS EXHIBITION.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN FROM 9.30 AM TO 8 PM DAILY EXCEPT ON THURSDAY (JULY 7) WHEN IT WILL CLOSE AT 5 PM.
ADMISSION IS FREE AND EXQUISITE GIFTS WI LI BE AVAILABLE FOR DISTRIBUTION.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARF, INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY WHICH WILL START AT 2.30 PM ON SATURDAY (JULY 2).
------0-------
SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 1994
5
OUTSTANDING EDUCATORS NAMED
*****
TEACHERS FROM A PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOL AND A SENIOR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ARE AMONG THE 19 RECIPIENTS OF THE 1993/94 OUTSTANDING EDUCATORS AWARDS.
THE AWARD SCHEME GIVES RECOGNITION TO EDUCATORS WHO HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO EDUCATION IN HONG KONG AND SERVED IN THE PROFESSION WITH PERSEVERANCE.
ANOTHER OBJECTIVE IS TO PROMOTE THE SHARING OF EXPERIENCE AND EXCHANGE OF IDEAS IN THE PROFESSION.
AS IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR, THIS YEAR’S AWARDS CONSIST OF FOUR PRIZES RESPECTIVELY FOR SPECIAL CONTRIBUTION; PEDAGOGICAL ACHIEVEMENTS; LOVE AND CARE AND LONG SERVICE.
MORE THAN 160 NOMINATIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED, AND 19 PEOPLE HAVE BEEN SELECTED TO RECEIVE THE AWARDS.
THE SCHEME WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND MING PAO. CO-SPONSORS INCLUDED THE HONG KONG PROFESSIONAL TEACHERS’ UNION, HONG KONG SUBSIDISED SECONDARY SCHOOLS COUNCIL, HONG KONG FEDERATION OF EDUCATION WORKERS, THE UNION OF GRADUATE OFFICERS IN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOLS, THE SUBSIDISED PRIMARY SCHOOLS COUNCIL AND GOVERNMENT SCHOOL NON-GRADUATE TEACHERS’ UNION.
A PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL BE HELD ON JULY 6. THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.
------0-------
NOISE-REDUCING WORKS AT PRINCE EDWARD ROAD EAST
*****
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT IS GOING TO CARRY OUT NOISE-REDUCING SURFACING WORK ON SECTIONS OF PRINCE EDWARD ROAD EAST NEAR CHOI HUNG ESTATE AND KWUN TONG ROAD BETWEEN PING SHEK AND KAI YIP ESTATE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE WORKS WOULD BEGIN ON WEDNESDAY (JUNE 29), FIRSTLY ON THE EASTBOUND AND THEN ON THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY.
HE SAID SPECIAL MEASURES WOULD BE IMPLEMENTED TO REDUCE DISRUPTION TO ROAD-USERS SUCH AS WORKING IN PHASES, RESTRICTING THE SIZE OF ANY FENCED-OFF AREA TO NOT MORE THAN ONE TRAFFIC LANE AT ANY ONE TIME, AND WORKING ROUND THE CLOCK DURING CERTAIN PHASES OF THE WORK.
HOWEVER, IT WOULD BE NECESSARY TO REDUCE SPEED LIMIT FOR THE ROAD SECTIONS FROM 70 KILOMETRES PER HOUR TO 50 KILOMETRES PER HOUR, HE SAID.
THE WORK IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY DECEMBER THIS YEAR.
HE ADDED THAT MECHANICAL PLANTS USED AT NIGHT WOULD SATISFY THE REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT SO THAT THE NOISE GENERATED COULD BE REDUCED TO THE MINIMUM.
- - 0-------
6 ........
SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 1994
- 6 -
SAFE USE OF ELECTRICITY POSTER
*****
THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (EMSD) HAS PRODUCED A POSTER TO PROMOTE THE SAFE USE OF ELECTRICITY.
THE POSTER AIMS TO REMIND OWNERS OF FIXED ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING THEIR INSTALLATIONS REGULARLY INSPECTED BY REGISTERED ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS.
"THIS IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY OF PREVENTING ELECTRICAL ACCIDENTS," AN EMSD SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
HE ALSO STRESSED THE DANGER OF ILLEGAL ALTERATION OR ADDITION OF FIXED ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION.
COPIES OF THE POSTER WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO OFFICE OF PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, DISTRICT OFFICES AND OWNERS CORPORATIONS OF PRIVATE BUILDINGS.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SEEKING MORE INFORMATION ON THE SAFE USE OF ELECTRICITY OR TO OBTAIN COPIES OF THE POSTER MAY WRITE TO EMSD, 98 CAROLINE HILL ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY, OR TELEPHONE 882 8011.
------0-------
NINE BODIES TO RAISE FUNDS IN JULY
*****
NINE 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 THE PUBLIC CAN CALL THE DEPARTMENT’S HOTLINE 343 2255 OR THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE’S 866 8123 IN CASE OF DOUBT.
THE SPOKESMAN APPEALED TO ORGANISERS TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS AGAINST ANY POSSIBLE FRAUD.
"SELLERS SHOULD DISPLAY THE PERMIT OR CARRY COPIES OF THE PERMIT FOR INSPECTION UPON REQUEST IF THE FUND-RAISING IS MOBILE," HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN 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 .......
SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 1994
PERMITS ARE GIVEN TO THE FOLLOWING ORGANISATIONS FOR RAISING FUNDS NEXT MONTH:
FLAGS
DATE ORGANISATION
JULY 2 HONG KONG AIDS FOUNDATION LTD
JULY 9 METHODIST CHURCH HONG KONG (METHODIST EPWORTH VILLAGE COMMUNITY CENTRE)
JULY 16 HONG KONG RED CROSS
JULY 23 THE ROAD SAFETY ASSOCIATION LTD
JULY 30 HONG KONG SPORTS ASSOCIATION FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED
PUBLIC SUBSCRIPTION
DATE ORGANISATION
JULY 3 AND 17 LAND OF VIRTUE CENTRE LTD
JULY 2 AND 3 RALEIGH INTERNATIONAL HONG KONG COMMITTEE
JULY 1-4, FRIESLAND FOODS LTD
14-18 AND
22 - 24
JULY 1 - 3 AND ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF
29 - 31 CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
• -0
SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT AND VACANCIES FOR JUNE ♦ ♦ ♦ * *
A QUARTERLY SURVEY TO COLLECT DATA ON EMPLOYMENT AND VACANCIES IN THE MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY FOR THIS MONTH IS UNDER WAY.
THE SURVEY RESULTS ARE USEFUL IN SERVING AS SHORT-TERM ECONOMIC INDICATORS AND PROVIDING INFORMATION ON THE LATEST CHANGES IN THE LABOUR MARKET, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT SAID.
/THIS ROUND .......
SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 1994
8
THIS ROUND OF THE SURVEY COVERS ABOUT 60,000 ESTABLISHMENTS COMING FROM VARIOUS SECTORS INCLUDING THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR (MINING AND QUARRYING; MANUFACTURING; ELECTRICITY AND GAS), THE DISTRIBUTIVE TRADES SECTOR (WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS) AND THE SERVICES SECTOR (TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION; FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES; COMMUNITY, SOCIAL AND PERSONAL SERVICES).
INFORMATION ON NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED AND VACANCIES AS AT THE END OF THIS MONTH WILL BE SOUGHT FROM EACH SAMPLED ESTABLISHMENT.
QUESTIONNAIRES ARE BEING MAILED TO SAMPLED ESTABLISHMENTS.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS (QUARTERLY SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT AND VACANCIES) ORDER, THESE ESTABLISHMENTS ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THE QUESTIONNAIRES TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WITHIN THE SPECIFIED PERIOD.
IF THEY HAVE DIFFICULTIES IN COMPLETING THE QUESTIONNAIRES, THEY ARE WELCOME TO CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT FOR HELP ON 582 5076.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, JUNE 27, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE SURVEY RESULTS FOR MAY.................. 1
MEETING ON ELECTORAL DEBATE.................................. 3
REVIEW OF LAND AUCTION ARRANGEMENTS.......................... 3
SOCIAL SECURITY EXPENDITURE UP 50 PER CENT IN FOUR YEARS. 4
SHIP MASTERS URGED TO KEEP PROPER LOOKOUT.................... 5
RESULTS OF 1992 SURVEY OF TRANSPORT AND RELATED SERVICES. 6
FOOD SURVEILLANCE FIGURES FOR FIRST QUARTER.................. 9
BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT PROMISES EFFICIENT AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICE..................................................... 10
WATER STORAGE FIGURE........................................ 11
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .... 11
MONDAY, JUNE 27, 1994
RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE SURVEY RESULTS FOR MAY
*****
THE AMOUNT OF RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOANS FOR THE PURCHASE OF PROPERTIES IN HONG KONG CONTINUED TO RISE IN MAY, ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS OF THE LATEST MONTHLY SURVEY OF THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY (HKMA).
THE LATEST FIGURES SHOWED THAT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF OUTSTANDING MORTGAGE LENDING BY THE 33 INSTITUTIONS IN THE SURVEY GREW BY 1.75 PER CENT IN MAY (1.74 PER CENT IN APRIL) FROM $230.9 BILLION TO $235.0 BILLION.
THE ANNUALISED RATE OF GROWTH IN LENDING OVER THE LAST THREE MONTHS HAS RISEN TO 21.1 PER CENT FROM 17.7 PER CENT IN THE THREE-MONTH PERIOD TO APRIL.
THE TWELVE MONTH AVERAGE OF OUTSTANDING LENDING HAS GROWN AT AN ANNUALISED RATE OF 17.9 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH THE GROWTH OF 17.7 PER CENT IN APRIL.
AS NOTED LAST MONTH, A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF UNDRAWN COMMITMENTS REMAINED IN THE PIPELINE AT THE END OF APRIL AND THIS HELPS TO EXPLAIN PART OF THE GROWTH IN LENDING IN MAY.
DURING MAY THERE APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN SOME SLOWING DOWN IN LOAN APPLICATIONS WHICH HAS CONTINUED INTO JUNE.
REFLECTING THIS TREND, NEW LOANS APPROVED BUT NOT YET DRAWN FELL IN MAY FROM $6.3 BILLION TO $5.0 BILLION.
"JUDGING FROM THESE FIGURES, THE RATE OF GROWTH OF LENDING SHOULD BE SLOWER IN JUNE," THE DEPUTY CHIEF EXECUTIVE (BANKING) OF THE HKMA, MR DAVID CARSE, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
AS REGARDS LENDING FOR THE PURCHASE OF PROPERTIES IN CHINA, THE LATEST FIGURES SHOW THAT SUCH LENDING ROSE BY 2.2 PER CENT IN MAY, FROM $3.86 BILLION TO $3.94 BILLION. MOST OF THE INCREASE WAS ACCOUNTED FOR BY LOANS FOR THE PURCHASE OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES.
GROSS LOANS MADE IN MAY ROSE BOTH IN NUMBERS (TO 295 FROM 277) AND IN AMOUNT (TO $142 MILLION FROM $110 MILLION). NEW LOANS APPROVED GREW IN AMOUNT (TO $250 MILLION FROM $219 MILLION) BUT FELL IN NUMBERS (TO 567 FROM 705).
/Residential Mortgage
MONDAY, JUNE 27, 1994
- 2 -
Residential Mortgage Loans ih Hong Kong Results of Survey for May 1994
May April
1994 1994
(Amount in HK$ 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 .234,966 230,926 1.75% 1.74% 18.0% 17.9% 21.1% 17.7% 17.9% 17.7% 10,007 9,381 7482 6801 8,935 10,042 6090 7278 5,043 6;272 3404 4581
MONDAY, JUNE 27, 1994
- 3 -
MEETING ON ELECTORAL DEBATE
* * * * »
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, MET MRS SELINA CHOW, MR ALLEN LEE AND MR RONALD ARCULLI OF THE LIBERAL PARTY EARLIER TODAY (MONDAY).
THE LIBERAL PARTY LEADERS HAD ASKED FOR THE MEETING TO PRESENT THEIR VIEWS ON THE POSITION OF THE OFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DURING THE JUNE 29 DEBATE ON THE ARRANGEMENT FOR THE 1994 AND 1995 ELECTIONS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID DURING THE MEETING THE GOVERNOR MADE IT CLEAR THAT THE THREE OFFICIAL MEMBERS WOULD BE VOTING IN SUPPORT OF THE GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSALS DURING WEDNESDAY’S LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DEBATE.
MR PATTEN SAID IT WOULD BE WRONG TO MAKE ARTIFICIAL DISTINCTIONS BETWEEN COUNCIL MEMBERS IN THE WAY SUGGESTED BY THE LIBERAL PARTY.
’’EVERY MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL HAS THE RIGHT TO VOTE AND < EVERY VOTE IS OF EQUAL WEIGHT,” HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT APART FROM THE THREE OFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL, THERE ARE 18 OTHER APPOINTED MEMBERS.
EIGHT OF THESE APPOINTED MEMBERS ARE ALSO MEMBERS OF THE LIBERAL PARTY.
MR PATTEN SAID HE COULD NOT SEE THE CASE FOR ASKING THE APPOINTED MEMBERS AS A WHOLE, OR ONE GROUP OF APPOINTED MEMBERS, TO ABSTAIN FROM VOTING AT THE END OF THE DEBATE ON WEDNESDAY.
------0-------
REVIEW OF LAND AUCTION ARRANGEMENTS
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, TODAY (MONDAY) ANNOUNCED THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE REVIEW PANEL WHICH WAS SET UP TO REVIEW THE LAND AUCTION ARRANGEMENTS.
THE THREE MEMBERS ARE:
* PROFESSOR C K LEUNG DIRECTOR OF THE INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION
AND CHAIRMAN OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
* MS AUDREY EU QUEEN’S COUNSEL, AND MEMBER OF THE
CONSUMER COUNCIL AND THE LAND AND BUILDING ADVISORY COMMITTEE
/* MR NICK BROOKE ........
MONDAY, JUNE 27, 1994
4
♦ MK NICK BROOKE CHARTERED SURVEYOR, AND MEMBER OF THE
HOUSING AUTHORITY AND THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD
THE REVIEW PANEL HAS BEEN ASKED TO EXAMINE THE GOVERNMENT’S LAND DISPOSAL ARRANGEMENTS, INCLUDING AUCTIONS, AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS AS REGARDS IMPROVEMENTS AND CHANGES WHICH MIGHT BE INTRODUCED BEFORE THE NEXT AUCTION ON JULY 26.
------0-------
SOCIAL SECURITY EXPENDITURE UP 50 PER CENT IN FOUR YEARS
* * * * ♦
SOCIAL SECURITY EXPENDITURE HAS GROWN BY 50 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS OVER THE PAST FOUR YEARS, THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR DONALD TSANG, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE NEW COMPUTERISED SOCIAL SECURITY PAYMENT SYSTEM OF SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, MR TSANG SAID ONE REASON FOR THE HUGE INCREASE WAS THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD MADE SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENTS IN THE REAL LEVEL OF SOCIAL BENEFITS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE 1994/95 ESTIMATES PROVIDED $2.9 BILLION FOR THE COMPREHENSIVE SOCIAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE SCHEME (CSSA) WHICH PROVIDED CASH ASSISTANCE TO THOSE IN NEED ON A MEANS-TESTED BASIS.
THREE BILLION DOLLARS WERE PROVIDED FOR THE SOCIAL SECURITY ALLOWANCE SCHEME (SSA) WHICH PROVIDED FLAT RATE ALLOWANCE FOR THE SEVERELY DISABLED AND THE ELDERLY.
ABOUT 630,000 PEOPLE BENEFITTED FROM THESE SCHEMES, MK TSANG SAID.
MR TSANG NOTED THAT THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAD IMPLEMENTED THE NEW COMPUTERISED SOCIAL SECURITY PAYMENT SYSTEM ON APRIL 1 THIS YEAR IN ORDER To COPE WITH THE GROWTH IN WORKLOAD AND PROVIDE A MORE EFFICIENT SERVICE TO ITS CLIENTS.
HE ADDED THAT THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES DEPARTMENT INTENDED TO BUILD ON THE NEW COMPUTER SYSTEM BY PROVIDING A BETTER MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM.
’’THIS WILL HELP US TO MONITOR EXPENDITURE MORE CLOSELY AND PLAN FOR THE FUTURE MORE EFFECTIVELY,” MR TSANG SAID.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR IAN STRACHAN, EXPLAINED THAT THE NEW SOCIAL SECURITY PAYMENT SYSTEM (SSPS) WAS AN ON-LINE SYSTEM.
NOTING THAT THE 32 SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNITS STAFF COULD CREATE, UPDATE AND ENQUIRE INTO CLIENTS’ RECORDS THROUGH TERMINALS INSTALLED AT THE IR.OFFICES, MR STRACHAN SAID UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION WAS THEREFORE READILY AVAILABLE WHICH FACILITATED PROMPT RESPONSE TO THE CHECKING OF DUPLICATE CLAIMS.
/"SECONDLY, THE ........
MONDAY, JUNE 27, 1994
5
"SECONDLY, THE CUMBERSOME CASH ORDER BOOK PAYMENT MECHANISM HAS BEEN ELIMINATED," HE SAID.
POINTING OUT THAT THE SOCIAL SECURITY CUSTOMERS NOW RECEIVED PAYMENT THROUGH BANK AUTO-PAY AND PROCESSING TIME FOR AUTO-PAY HAD BEEN SHORTENED FROM EIGHT TO SIX WORKING DAYS, THE SOCIAL WELFARE CHIEF SAID CUSTOMERS COULD CHOOSE THE BANK MOST CONVENIENT TO THEM AND WERE NOT REQUIRED TO DRAW ALL THE MONTHLY PAYMENT AT ONE TIME.
"THIRDLY, THE EFFICIENCY AND ACCURACY OF THE ASSESSMENT PROCESS HAS BEEN IMPROVED SINCE, AFTER ENTERING ON-LINE PERSONAL PARTICULARS AND OTHER PARAMETERS FOR ASSESSMENT, THE SSPS WILL AUTOMATICALLY PERFORM THE NECESSARY CALCULATIONS.
"THIS FACILITY IS PARTICULARLY USEFUL IN THE ANNUAL ADJUSTMENT OF PAYMENT RATES," MR STRACHAN SAID.
MR STRACHAN SAID CUSTOMERS WOULD LATER THIS YEAR BE PROVIDED WITH A MORE DETAILED BREAKDOWN OF THEIR MONTHLY PAYMENTS WHICH WOULD SHOW THE BASIC RATES AND WHERE APPLICABLE THE RENT ALLOWANCE AND OTHER SPECIAL GRANTS PAID TO EACH CUSTOMER.
---------0-----------
SHIP MASTERS URGED TO KEEP PROPER LOOKOUT *****
THE REPORT OF THE INVESTIGATION INTO THE COLLISION BETWEEN A PASSENGER FERRY, XING HU, AND A FISHING VESSEL, M62958A, IN MA WAN ON OCTOBER 4 LAST YEAR REVEALED THAT A FAILURE OF BOTH VESSELS TO KEEP A PROPER LOOKOUT WAS THE CAUSE OF THE COLLISION.
THE REPORT ALSO REVEALED THAT HYDRODYNAMIC INTERACTION BETWEEN THE PASSENGER FERRY AND THE FISHING VESSEL WAS LIKELY A CONTRIBUTORY FACTOR IN THE FINAL STAGE OF THE ENCOUNTER.
THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR ALLAN PYRKE, HAS ACCEPTED THE FINDINGS OF THE REPORT.
THE REPORTING OFFICER, SURVEYOR. OF SHIPS, MR TSE SIU-HUNG, NOTED THAT KEEPING A LOOKOUT DID NOT MEAN ONLY LOOKING AHEAD.
"ONE MUST LOOK ALL AROUND AND FIND OUT WHETHER THERE IS A RISK OF COLLISION WITH OTHER VESSELS,” HE SAID.
ON THE DANGER OF INTERACTION BETWEEN VESSELS, MR TSE POINTED OUT THAT THE DANGER EXISTED WHEN ONE VESSEL WAS OVERTAKING ANOTHER AT A CLOSE RANGE.
"THE RISKS INTENSIFY IN SITUATIONS WHERE ONE IS A SMALL CRAFT AND THE OTHER IS A BIG DISPLACEMENT VESSEL.
"THE SMALL VESSEL CAN TAKE A VIOLENT UNCONTROLLED TURN AFTER RIGHT ACROSS THE BOWS OF THE BIG SHIP. THE DANGER OF INTERACTION INCREASES WITH SPEED AND IN SHALLOW WATERS," MR TSE ADDED.
/"SMALL CRAFT .......
MONDAY, JUNE 27, 1994
6
’’SMALL CRAFT SHOULD NOT PASS A BIG DISPLACEMENT VESSEL AT A CLOSE DISTANCE, SAY LESS THAN 30 METRES APART,’’ HE ADVISED.
THE FISHING VESSEL, MEASURING 28,4 METRES IN LENGTH, CAPSIZED AFTER COLLIDING WITH THE 104-METRE PASSENGER FERRY ONE MILE WEST OF MA WAN ABOUT 4.45 AM ON OCTOBER 4, 1993.
THE FISHING VESSEL WITH SIX PERSONS ON BOARD SANK SUBSEQUENTLY.
THE MASTER OF THE FISHING VESSEL WAS PICKED UP BY THE SEARCH AND RESCUE PARTY INVOLVING THE MARINE DEPARTMENT, FIRE SERVICES, MARINE POLICE, THE GOVERNMENT FLYING SERVICES ABOUT 6.30 AM.
HE WAS CERTIFIED DEAD ON ARRIVAL AT SIR DAVID TRENCH CLINIC IN TSUEN WAN.
THE FIVE CREW MEMBERS COULD NOT BE LOCATED DESPITE ONE-AND-A-HALF DAY SEARCH.
------0-------
RESULTS OF 1992 SURVEY OF TRANSPORT AND RELATED SERVICES ♦ ♦ ♦ * »
THE BUSINESS RECEIPTS AND OTHER INCOME - TOTAL RECEIPTS -GENERATED BY TRANSPORT ESTABLISHMENTS IN 1992 AMOUNTED TO $165.6 BILLTON, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 23% OVER 1991.
NET OF OPERATING EXPENSES AND COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES, THE GROSS SURPLUS ACCOUNTED FOR 13.3% OF THE TOTAL RECEIPTS. THIS WAS 1.1 PERCENTAGE POINTS LOWER THAN THE FIGURE FOR 1991.
THE VALUE ADDED, WHICH IS A MEASURE OF THE SECTOR’S CONTRIBUTION TO HONG KONG’S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT, GREW BY 17%, FROM $41.2 BILLION IN 1991 TO $48.0 BILLION IN 1992.
THESE ARE SOME OF THE MAJOR FINDINGS OF THE 1992 SURVEY OF TRANSPORT AND RELATED SERVICES RELEASED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE SURVEY WAS CONDUCTED FROM JUNE 1993 TO EARLY THIS YEAR.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID ALL VALUE FIGURES WERE EXPRESSED IN CURRENT PRICE TERMS. PERCENTAGE CHANGES DERIVED FROM THESE FIGURES HAVE NOT BEEN ADJUSTED FOR PRICE CHANGES.
HE SAID CAUTION SHOULD THEREFORE BE TAKEN IN INTERPRETING THE SURVEY RESULTS.
THE OPERATING EXPENSES INCURRED BY TRANSPORT ESTABLISHMENTS IN 1992 ACCOUNTED FOR 72.9% OF THE TOTAL RECEIPTS. COMPARED WITH 1991, THIS INCREASED BY 1.6 PERCENTAGE POINTS.
THE COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES ACCOUNTED FOR 13.8% OF THE TOTAL RECEIPTS, REPRESENTING A DECREASE OF 0.5 PERCENTAGE POINT UNDER 1991 .
THE SURVEY RESULTS SHOWED THAT SdME 40,000 TRANSPORT ESTABLISHMENTS WERE IN OPERATION IN 1992, AN INCREASE OF 1% OVER 1991.
/WITHIN THE .......
MONDAY, JUNE 27, 1994
7
WITHIN THE TRANSPORT SECTOR, AIR TRANSPORT ACCOUNTED FOR THE LARGEST SHARE OF VALUE ADDED IN 1992, ACCOUNTING FOR 24% OF THE SECTOR’S TOTAL, FOLLOWED BY LAND PASSENGER TRANSPORT (22%); OCEAN AND COASTAL WATER TRANSPORT (18%); SERVICES INCIDENTAL TO TRANSPORT (13%); LAND FREIGHT TRANSPORT (12%); SUPPORTING SERVICES TO WATER TRANSPORT (6%); INLAND WATER TRANSPORT (3%) AND SUPPORTING SERVICES TO LAND TRANSPORT (2%).
COMPARED WITH 1991, THE SHARE ATTRIBUTED TO SERVICES INCIDENTAL TO TRANSPORT INCREASED BY 1.1 PERCENTAGE POINTS.
THIS WAS MAINLY DUE TO THE THRIVING BUSINESS OF TRAVEL AND AIRLINE TICKET AGENTS RESULTING FROM THE REVIVAL OF TOURISM AND THE LARGE INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF VISITORS FROM CHINA.
THE CONTINUED GROWTH IN THE BUSINESS OF CARGO FORWARDERS ALSO CONTRIBUTED.
THE SHARE OF TOTAL VALUE ADDED ATTRIBUTED TO LAND FREIGHT TRANSPORT INCREASED BY 0.8 PERCENTAGE POINT OVER 1991. THIS WAS DUE TO THE CONTINUED GROWTH IN CROSS-BORDER TRANSPORT OF GOODS VEHICLES.
FOR SUPPORTING SERVICES TO LAND TRANSPORT, ITS SHARE OF TOTAL VALUE ADDED WENT UP BY 0.4 PERCENTAGE POINT OVER 1991.
ALTHOUGH THIS INCREASE IN ABSOLUTE TERMS WAS NOT LARGE, THERE WAS A MARKED PERCENTAGE GROWTH OF 42%.
THIS WAS ATTRIBUTED TO THE CONTINUED PRIVATISATION OF A NUMBER OF CAR PARKS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES AND VEHICULAR TUNNELS (INCLUDING SHING MUN TUNNEL AND TSEUNG KWAN O TUNNEL) WHICH HAD FORMERLY BEEN OPERATED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
ON THE OTHER HAND, THE SHARE OF TOTAL VALUE ADDED FOR AIR TRANSPORT DECREASED BY 1.1 PERCENTAGE POINTS AND THAT FOR OCEAN AND COASTAL WATER TRANSPORT BY 0.7 PERCENTAGE POINT.
THE PERCENTAGES FOR THE OTHER TRADES IN THE SECTOR REMAINED GENERALLY UNCHANGED.
SUMMARY STATISTICS FOR THE 1992 SURVEY OF TRANSPORT AND RELATED SERVICES WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE MAY 1994 ISSUE OF THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS PUBLISHED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
MORE DETAILED RESULTS TOGETHER WITH THE BACKGROUND AND METHODOLOGY OF THE SURVEY WILL BE GIVEN TN A FULL SURVEY REPORT TO BE PUBLISHED AROUND AUGUST.
THIS REPORT WILL BE ON SALE IN AUGUST AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL; AND THE PUBLICATION SALES COUNTER OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAT, HONG KONG.
ENQUIRIES REGARDING THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE TRANSPORT AND MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES STATISTICS SECTION ON
TEL 802 1277.
/8 ........
COMPARISON OF SELECTED PRINCIPAL STATISTICS FOR ALL ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE TRANSPORT AND RELATED SERVICES SECTOR BETWEEN 1991 ANO 1992
NUMBER NUMBER BUSINESS GROSS
OF OF NUMBER COMPENSA- RECEIPTS ADDITIONS
ESTABLISH- PERSONS OF TION OF OPERATING AND OTHER TO FIXED VALUE GROSS
MAJOR INDUSTRY GROUP MENTS ENGAGED EMPLOYEES EMPLOYEES EXPENSES INCOME ASSETS ADDED SURPLUS
(SMn.) (SMn.) (SMn.) (SMn.) (SMn.) (SMn.)
LAND PASSENGER 1992 18 092 51 022 31 343 4,190 6,846 15,171 2,121 10,578 4,135
TRANSPORT 1991 17 926 48 662 29 662 3,551 6,378 13,457 1,802 9,176 3,528
X change ♦1 ♦5 ♦6 ♦18 ♦7 ♦13 ♦18 ♦15 ♦17
LAND FREIGHT 1992 14 081 46 556 30 059 2,843 6,393 11,302 1,211 5,811 2,066
TRANSPORT 1991 14 328 39 606 25 649 2,262 5,572 9,721 729 4,659 1,887
X change -2 ♦18 ♦17 ♦26 ♦15 ♦16 ♦66 ♦25 ♦9
SUPPORTING 1992 125 3 425 3 371 328 1,303 2,305 62 1,128 674
SERVICES TO LAND 1991 97 2 739 2 691 227 1,082 1,742 603 797 434
TRANSPORT X change ♦29 ♦25 ♦25 ♦45 ♦20 ♦32 -90 ♦42 ♦55
OCEAN AND 1992 418 16 729 16 699 3,133 10,803 19,145 1,646 8,470 5,209
COASTAL WATER 1991 392 15 769 15 755 2,702 9,136 16,348 3,232 7,541 4,510
1 TRANSPORT X change ♦7 ♦6 ♦6 ♦16 ♦18 ♦17 -49 ♦12 ♦16
1 1 INLAND WATER 1992 862 6 938 5 887 698 1,659 2,941 151 1,271 584 1
TRANSPORT 1991 820 5 955 5 166 581 1,199 2,306 451 1,125 526
1 X change ♦5 ♦17 ♦14 ♦20 ♦38 ♦28 -66 ♦13 ♦11 00
o . SUPPORTING 1992 2 442 12 171 9 977 1,387 5,184 7,584 898 2,857 1,014
SERVICES TO 1991 2 112 11 474 9 674 1,224 4,446 6,540 702 2,537 870 1
1 WATER TRANSPORT X change ♦16 ♦6 ♦3 ♦13 ♦17 ♦16 ♦28 ♦13 ♦17
1 AIR TRANSPORT 1992 59 21 229 21 229 6,124 17,093 29,510 4,468 11,709 6,293
1 1991 57 20 509 20 509 5,414 15,271 26,635 5,695 10,492 5,950
X change +4 ♦4 ♦4 ♦13 ♦12 ♦11 -22 ♦12 ♦6
SERVICES 1992 3 576 37 080 35 535 4,168 71,500 77,656 948 6,171 1,988
INCIDENTAL TO 1991 3 411 33 716 31 661 3,312 52,668 57,508 465 4,855 1,528
TRANSPORT X change ♦5 ♦10 ♦12 ♦26 ♦36 ♦35 ♦104 ♦27 ♦30
ALL TRANSPORT 1992 39 655 195 151 154 100 22,870 120,781 165,614 11,506 47,996 21,963
GROUPS 1991 39 143 178 430 140 767 19,273 95,751 134,258 13,679 41,181 19,234
X change ♦1 ♦9 ♦9 ♦19 ♦26 ♦23 -16 ♦17 ♦14
GOVERNMENT 1992 3 1 313 1 313 380 544 2,976 928 2,435 N.A.
TRANSPORT 1991 3 1 361 1 361 369 504 2,763 696 2,261 N.A.
X change * -4 -4 ♦3 ♦8 ♦8 ♦33 ♦8 (-)
Notes : (1) Percentage change figures are derived from unrounded figures.
(2) Individual items may not add up to the corresponding total due to rounding.
(3) Value added is a measure of the contribution of an economic sec tor/industry to Hong Kong's Gross Domestic Product. The definition can be found in the M1992 Survey of Transport and Related Services” report.
(4) * denotes X change less than 10.5X.
MONDAY, JUNE 27, 1994
MONDAY, JUNE 27, 1994
9
FOOD SURVEILLANCE FIGURES FOR FIRST QUARTER
*****
THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH HAS CARRIED OUT 11,085 EXAMINATIONS FOR BACTERIOLOGICAL, CHEMICAL AND RADIOACTIVITY TESTS UNDER ITS REGULAR FOOD SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME DURING THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR.
THE PROGRAMME IS CONDUCTED BY THE HYGIENE DIVISION TO ENSURE THAT FOOD SUPPLIED TO THE COMMUNITY IS WHOLESOME, UNADULTERATED, UNCONTAMINATED, PROPERI.Y LABELLED AND OF NUTRITIOUS QUALITY.
AMONG 8,014 EXAMINATIONS FOR CHEMICAL ANALYSIS, 7,891 WERE SATISFACTORY WHILE 123 OR 1.5 PER CENT WERE UNSAT ISFACTORY.
THE UNSATISFACTORY CASES WERE MAINLY DUE TO FOOD CONTAINING NON-PERMITTED OR EXCESSIVE FOOD ADDITIVES SUCH \S ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS AND PRESERVATIVES, AND SEAFOOD CONTAINING HIGHER LEVEL OF HEAVY METALS.
BACTERIOLOGICAL EXAMINATIONS SHOWED THAT OUT OF THE 2,783 SAMPLES TAKEN, 2,654 WERE SATISFACTORY WHILE 129 SAMPLES OR 4.6 PER CENT WERE UNSATISFACTORY.
MOST OF THE UNSATISFACTORY- CASES WERE ATTRIBUTED TO HIGH BACTERIAL AND FAECAL COLIFORM COUNT IN SHELLFISH AND MEAT PRODUCTS.
ON THE MONITORING OF RADIOACTIVITY IN FOOD, ALL OF THE 288 SAMPLES TAKEN WERE SATISFACTORY.
THE DIVISION CARRIED OUT 52 PROSECUTIONS AND ISSUED 87 WARNING LETTERS DURING THE PERIOD. AMONG THESE LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS, 29 WARNING LETTERS AND SIX PROSECUTIONS AROSE FROM THE CHECKING OF 4,172 LABELS FOR PRE-PACKAGED FOOD.
IN THE SAME PERIOD, THE DIVISION INSPECTED 2,811,379 KILOGRAMS OF IMPORTED MEAT AND 3,056,687 KILOGRAMS OF IMPORTED POULTRY IN 568 INSPECTIONS.
A TOTAL OF 114,601 KILOGRAMS OF FOOD WERE FOUND UNFIT FOR CONSUMPTION AND WERE DESTROYED.
DURING THE PERIOD, THE DEPARTMENT RECEIVED 80 REPORTS 01 FOOD POISONING CASES, AFFECTING 229 PERSONS.
INVESTIGATIONS SHOWED THAT 73 CASES WERE DOMESTIC OUTBREAKS AND SEVEN FOOD-PREMISES OUTBREAKS. AMONG THESE CASES, 17 WERE DUE TO SEAFOOD POISONING, OF WHICH 14 WERE RELATED 1’0 PARALYTIC SHELLFISH POISON I n<; .
/IO .......
MONDAY, JUNE 27, 1994
10
BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT PROMISES EFFICIENT AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICE * * * * *
THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT IS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING AN EFFICIENT, EFFECTIVE, COURTEOUS AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS, MRS HELEN YU, TODAY (MONDAY) AT A PRESS CONFERENCE LAUNCHING THE DEPARTMENT’S PERFORMANCE PLEDGE.
THE PLEDGE COVERS THE FOLLOWING MAJOR SERVICES:
* RESPONSE TO EMERGENCIES RELATING TO DANGERS IN BUILDINGS SUCH AS BUILDING COLLAPSE AND FALLING CANOPIES;
* HANDLING OF REPORTS ABOUT DANGEROUS BUILDINGS AND SIGNS;
* HANDLING OF REPORTS ABOUT UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS AND DEFECTIVE DRAINS; AND
* PROCESSING OF PLANS FOR NEW DEVELOPMENTS UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE.
MRS YU SAID THE PERFORMANCE PLEDGE WOULD BE MONITORED BY THE BUILDING SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE LAND AND BUILDING ADVISORY COMMITTEE, THE AUTHORISED PERSONS AND REGISTERED STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS COMMITTEE AND THE DEPARTMENTAL SERVICE STANDARDS COMMITTEE.
"EVERY YEAR, WE WILL PUBLISH OUR PERFORMANCE RESULTS AGAINST THE TARGETS," SHE NOTED.
MRS YU WELCOMED COMMENTS OR SUGGESTIONS ON THE WAY THE DEPARTMENT DELIVERED ITS SERVICES.
AND SHE PROMISED: "WE WILL CONTINUE TO DO OUR BEST TO ACHIEVE OUR TARGETS."
"IF ANYONE WANTS AN EXPLANATION OR FEELS THAT HIS APPLICATION HAS NOT BEEN DEALT WITH ADEQUATELY, HE IS WELCOME TO CONTACT OUR SERVICE MANAGER TN THE OFFICE CONCERNED.
"STRAIGHTFORWARD ORAL COMPLAINTS WILL BE HANDLED ON THE SPOT. WRITTEN OR COMPLICATED ORAL COMPLAINTS WILL GET AT LEAST AN INTERIM REPLY WITHIN 10 DAYS."
THE NAMES AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF THE SERVICE MANAGERS ARE DISPLAYED PROMINENTLY IN EVERY OFFICE AND AT THE MAIN RECEPTION COUNTER OF THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS ON THE 12TH FLOOR OF MURRAY BUILDING ON GARDEN ROAD.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY ALSO CALL THE DEPARTMENTAL SERVICE MANAGER ON TEL 848 6226.
DETAILS OF THE PERFORMANCE PLEDGE WERE OUTLINED AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE BY FIVE ASSISTANT DIRECTORS, MR C A VINEY IN CHARGE OF THE DEVELOPMENT DIVISION; MR CHENG WEI-DART OF THE LEGAL AND MANAGEMENT DIVISION; MR M D GREEN OF THE SPECIALIST DIVISION; MR LOK CHE-LEUNG OF THE CONTROL AND ENFORCEMENT DIVISION; AND MR NG HON-KEUNG OF THE STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING DIVISION.
------0--------
/Il .....
MONDAY, JUNE 27, 1994
- 11 -
WATER STORAGE FIGURE * ♦ * * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 71.1 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 416.835 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 410.895 MILLION
CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 70.1 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
------0--------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,699 0930 + 462
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 4,618 1000 + 462
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 + 468
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY +3,144 1200 + 468
LAF TODAY -225 1500 + 468
1600 +3,144
LAF KATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 123.3 »-0.1* 27.6.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.02 17 MONTHS 2511 4.15 97.55 6.08
1 MONTH 4.14 23 MONTHS 2605 6.35 99.75 6.59
3 MONTHS 4.33 28 MONTHS 3610 4.20 94.43 6.93
6 MONTHS 4.82 31 MONTHS 3701 4.60 94.45 7.11
12 MONTHS 5.44 34 MONTHS 3704 6.15 97.58 7.23
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 25,386 MN
CLOSED 27 JUNE 1994 --------------------------------0--------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
PROVISIONAL FIGURES ON EXTERNAL TRADE FOR MAY............... 1
DISCIPLINARY ACTION AGAINST TWO COMPANIES................... 4
RESTAURANT RECEIPTS AND PURCHASES FOR FIRST QUARTER OF 1994 4
SAFETY ADVICE DURING WORLD CUP SOCCER TOURNAMENT............ 7
INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT PLEDGES BETTER SERVICES........... 8
GUIDELINES ON HANDLING DRUG-ABUSE IN SCHOOLS................ 9
TRADE DEPARTMENT DELEGATION TO VISIT SHANGHAI.............. 11
TWO FUNDS OFFER STUDENT LOANS........................... 11
INTRODUCTION OF NEW CROSS HARBOUR ROUTE 603 FOR LAM TIN RESIDENTS.................................................. 13
EIGHT STUDENTS GET SCHOLARSHIPS FOR UK STUDIES............. 13
OVERSEAS UNITED KINGDOM ELECTORS........................... 15
FAMILY PLANNING CLINIC TO MOVE............................. 16
114 VIETNAMESE RETURN HOME................................. 16
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS................ 17
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .. .
18
TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 1994
PROVISIONAL FIGURES ON EXTERNAL TRADE FOR MAY
*****
BOTH RE-EXPORTS AND IMPORTS RECORDED SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN MAY 1994 OVER THE SAME MONTH IN 1993, WHILE THE DECLINE IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS MODERATED.
THESE ARE SHOWN IN THE PROVISIONAL FIGURES ON EXTERNAL TRADE FOR MAY RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS, AT $75.9 BILLION IN MAY 1994, WAS $9.0 BILLION OR 13% HIGHER THAN A YEAR EARLIER.
ON THE OTHER HAND, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS FELL BY $444 MILLION OR 2.4% OVER A YEAR EARLIER TO $17.7 BILLION IN MAY.
TAKING RE-EXPORTS AND DOMESTIC EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY $8.5 BILLION OR 10% TO $93.6 BILLION IN MAY 1994 .
MEANWHILE, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY $13.6 BILLION OR 15% TO $104.3 BILLION.
AS THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS IN MAY 1994 WAS SMALLER THAN THAT OF TOTAL IMPORTS, A VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF $10.7 BILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 10% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED.
THIS COMPARED WITH A DEFICIT OF $5.6 BILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 6.2% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, IN MAY 1993.
IN THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF 1994, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS GREW BY 8.5% OVER THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
AMONGST THIS, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 13%, WHILE THAT OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS FELL BY 6.6%.
SUPPORTED LARGELY BY THE CONTINUED EXPANSION IN HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORT TRADE, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 11%.
IN THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF 1994, A VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF $35.1 BILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 7.6% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED.
THIS COMPARED WITH A DEFICIT OF $24.0 BILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 5.8% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, RECORDED IN THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF 1993.
COMMENTING ON THE TRADE FIGURES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID COMPARED WITH APRIL, THE GROWTH RATE OF RE-EXPORTS PICKED UP IN MAY, WHILST THE RATE OF DECLINE IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS MODERATED SOMEWHAT.
/MEANWHILE, FOLLOWING ........
TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 1994
2
MEANWHILE, FOLLOWING THE RELATIVELY MODERATE INCREASES IN RECENT MONTHS, RETAINED IMPORTS SHOWED A MARKED ACCELERATED INCREASE OF 17% IN MAY 1994 OVER MAY 1993.
THIS SHOULD HAVE FAVOURABLE IMPLICATIONS FOR DOMESTIC DEMAND IN THE COMING MONTHS.
FOR THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS AS A WHOLE, RETAINED IMPORTS WAS 7.6% HIGHER THAN A YEAR EARLIER.
A MORE DETAILED ANALYSIS OF HONG 1994, BY COMMODITY AND COUNTRY, WILL BE
KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE FOR RELEASED IN MID-JULY.
MAY
/PROVISIONAL FIGURES .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 1994
3
PROVISIONAL FIGURES OF EXTERNAL TRADE FOR MAY 1994
MERCHANDISE: Domestic Exports : $17,705 million
Re-exports : $75,909 million
Total Exports : $93,615 million
Imports : $104,297 million
Trade balance : -$10,683 million
COMPARATIVE FIGURES
Mar 94 to Mar 93 to Change
Latest 3 months May 94 May 93
HKS Mn. HKS Mn. HKS Mn. X
Domestic Exports 50,249 53,307 -3,058 -5.7
(X of Total Exports) (18.5X) (21.2X)
Re-exports 221,850 198,019 +23,832 +12.0
Total Exports 272,099 251,325 +20,774 +8.3
Imports 302,436 271,233 +31,203 -11.5
Trade balance -30,337 -19,908 -10,429
May May Change
Same month last year 1994 1993
HKS Mn. HKS Mn. HKS Mn. X
Domestic Exports 17,705 18,149 -444 -2.4
(X of Total Exports) (13.9X) (21.3%)
Re-exports 75,909 66,935 +8,974 + 13.4
Total Exports 93,615 85,084 +8,531 + 10.0
Imports 104,297 90,724 rl3,573 + 15.0
Trade balance -10,683 -5,640 -5,042
May April Change
Last month 1994 1994
HKS Mn. HKS Mn. HKS Mn. X
Domestic Exports 17,705 16,62.3 -1.082 ♦6.5
X of Total Exports) (18.9X) (18.2X*:
Re-exports 75,909 74,821 -1,088 -1.5
Total Exports +3.515 91,444 -2.171 +2.4
1mports 104,297 101,905 -2,392
Trade balance -•.0,683 -10,461 -221
Jan-May Jan-May Change
Caienaar year to-date 1994 1993
HKS Mn. HKS Mn. HKS Mn. X
Domestic Exports 79,063 84,673 -5.609 -6.C
;X of Total Exports', (18.5%) (21.5%)
Re-exports 347.986 308.748 +39,239 -12.7
Total Exports 427,050 393,421 +33,629 -8.5
imports 462,118 417,432 ▼44,686 ♦ 10.7
Trade balance -35,068 -24,011 -11,057
Jun 93 to Jun 92 to Change
Last 12 months May 94 May 93
HKS Mn. HKS Mn. HKS Mn. X
Domestic Exports 217,417 232,966 -15,549 -6.7
(X of Total Exports) (20.IX) (23.7X)
Re-exports 862,462 749,459 +113,003 +15.1
Total Exports 1,079,879 982,425 +97,454 +9.9
Imports 1,117,284 1,014,701 +102,582 + 10.1
Trade balance -37,404 -32,276 -5,128
/4.........
TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 1994
4
DISCIPLINARY ACTION AGAINST TWO COMPANIES
*****
THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT IT HAD TAKEN DISCIPLINARY ACTION AGAINST STANDARD CHARTERED SECURITIES LIMITED AND STANDARD CHARTERED ASIA LIMITED (SCAL) UNDER SECTION 56 OF THE SECURITIES ORDINANCE.
AS SCAL IS AN AUTHORISED INSTITUTION UNDER THE BANKING ORDINANCE, THE COMMISSION HAS KEPT THE MONETARY AUTHORITY FULLY INFORMED OF ITS INVESTIGATION, FINDINGS AND THE PROPOSED DISCIPLINARY ACTION.
DEPUTY CHIEF EXECUTIVE (BANKING) OF THE MONETARY AUTHORITY, MR DAVID CARSE, SAID HE "WAS SATISFIED THAT APPROPRIATE MEASURES ARE BEING TAKEN BY SCAL TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEMS THAT HAD BEEN IDENTIFIED IN RELATION TO SCAL’S SPONSORSHIP OF INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERINGS”.
-----0--------
RESTAURANT RECEIPTS AND PURCHASES FOR FIRST QUARTER OF 1994
*****
THE VALUE OF TOTAL RECEIPTS FOR THE RESTAURANT SECTOR IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR, ESTIMATED AT $13 BILLION, INCREASED BY 15% WHEN COMPARED WITH THE SAME QUARTER OF LAST YEAR, ACCORDING TO PROVISIONAL STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
AFTER DISCOUNTING THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES OVER THE PERIOD, TOTAL RECEIPTS INCREASED BY 6% IN VOLUME TERMS.
THE VALUE OF TOTAL PURCHASES OF RESTAURANTS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994, ESTIMATED AT $4.6 BILLION, WAS 12% ABOVE THAT IN THE SAME QUARTER OF 1993.
THE TOTAL RECEIPTS OF BARS RECORDED THE LARGEST INCREASE IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994, BY 26% IN VALUE AND 9% IN VOLUME AS COMPARED WITH YEAR AGO.
THE TOTAL RECEIPTS OF CHINESE RESTAURANTS ALSO REGISTERED A CONSIDERABLE INCREASE OF 16% IN VALUE AND 7% IN VOLUME.
THE TOTAL RECEIPTS OF NON-CHINESE RESTAURANTS ROSE BY 13% IN VALUE AND 5% IN VOLUME.
THE TOTAL RECEIPTS OF FAST FOOD SHOPS INCREASED AT A LESS RAPID RATE, BY 10% IN VALUE AND 2% IN VOLUME.
COMPARING THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994 WITH THE PRECEDING QUARTER, AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THE COMPARISON MAY BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, TOTAL RESTAURANT RECEIPTS DECREASED BY 1% IN VALUE AND 5% IN VOLUME.
/RESTAURANT RECEIPTS .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 1994
- 5 -
RESTAURANT RECEIPTS IN VOLUME TERMS ARE DERIVED FROM RECEIPTS IN VALUE TERMS AFTER ADJUSTING FOR PRICE CHANGES. THE RELEVANT COMPONENTS OF THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX ARE USED AS DEFLATORS.
THE REPORT ON THE QUARTERLY SURVEY OF RESTAURANT RECEIPTS AND PURCHASES FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994 IS NOW ON SALE AT $3 PER COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL; AND THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, WAN CHAI.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL 802 1258.
TABLE 1 PRESENTS THE REVISED FIGURES FOR THE TOTAL RECEIPTS AND TOTAL PURCHASES OF THE RESTAURANT SECTOR FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1993 AND THE PROVISIONAL FIGURES FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994.
TABLE 2 SHOWS THE VALUE AND VOLUME INDICES OF TOTAL RECEIPTS BY TYPE OF RESTAURANT FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1993 AND THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994, WITH THE QUARTERLY AVERAGE FROM OCTOBER 1989 TO SEPTEMBER 1990 TAKEN AS 100..
ALSO TABULATED ARE COMPARISONS OF THE RESULTS OF THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994 WITH THOSE OF THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1993 AND THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1993.
/TABLE 1: .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 1994
6
TABLE 1: TOTAl, RESTAURANT RECEIPTS AND PURCHASES
Total restaurant receipts
4th qtr. 1993 (Revised figures)
(in HKS million) 13 142.1
1st qtr. 1994 (Provisional figures)
12, 970.3
Total purchases by restaurants (in HKS million) 4 703.6
4 571.2
TABLE 2: VALUE AND VOLUME INDICES OF TOTAL RESTAURANT RECEIPTS FOR 4th QUARTER 1993 AND 1st QUARTER.1994
(Quarterly average of Oct. 89 - Sept. 90 = 100)
Type of restaurant Index of total restaurant receipts 4th quarter 1993 1st quarter 1994 1st qtr. 1994 compared with 1st qtr. 1994 compared with 1st qtr. 1993
4th qtr. 1993
(Revised (Provisional Points % Points %
figures) figures)
Chinese restaurants Value 141.2 144.2 *2.9 ♦2.1 ♦20.0 ♦ 16.1
Volume 97.1 95.9 -1.2 -1.3 ♦5.9 ♦6.6
Non-Chinese restaurants Value 155.7 146.2 -9.6 -6.1 +16.7 ♦12.9
Volume 109.5 99.2 -10.3 -9.4 ♦4.3 ♦4.5
Fast food shops Value 205.8 191.2 -14.6 -7.1 ♦ 16.7 ♦9.6
Volume 152.2 137.2 -14.9 -9.8 ♦3.2 ♦2.4
Bars Value 270.9 240.4 -30.5 -11.3 ♦49.3 ♦25.8
Volume 173.5 150.5 -23.0 -13.2 ♦ 11.8 ♦8.5
Other eating and Value 201.1 176.0 -25.1 -12.5 ♦15.8 ♦9.8
drinking places Volline 144.1 121.5 -22.6 -15.7 ♦2.8 ♦2.3
All restaurant types Value 152.9 150.9 -2.0 -1.3 ♦ 19.5 ♦14.9
Volume 106.4 101.6 -4.9 -4.6 ♦5.4 ♦5.6
/7........
TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 1994
SAFETY ADVICE DURING WORLD CUP SOCCER TOURNAMENT * * * * ♦
EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES IN THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR ARE ADVISED TO TAKE NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS TO AVOID ANY ADVERSE EFFECT ON THEIR SAFETY ALERTNESS RESULTING FROM INSUFFICIENT REST DUE TO LATE NIGHT WATCHING OF THE WORLD CUP SOCCER TOURNAMENT.
’’WITH THE FEVER GENERATED BY THE WIDELY TELEVISED WORLD CUP SOCCER, THE SAFETY ALERTNESS AND PERFORMANCE OF WORKERS MAY BE AFFECTED AS THEY RETURN TO WORK FROM LATE NIGHT WATCHING OF THE MATCHES,” THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR MR CHAN TAT-KING SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
"THIS MAY IN TURN MAKE WORKERS MORE PRONE TO ACCIDENTS ESPECIALLY IF THEY LACK SUFFICIENT SLEEP OR REST FOR A PROLONG PERIOD AS THE SOCCER MATCHES WILL CONTINUE FOR QUITE SOME TIME,” HE SAID.
MR CHAN NOTED THAT IT WOULD BE QUITE UNREALISTIC TO ASK WORKERS TO CUT SHORT OR GIVE UP THEIR APPARENT HABIT OF WATCHING SOMETHING THEY ARE INTERESTED.
NEVERTHELESS, EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES ARE ABLE TO MAKE APPROPRIATE ARRANEGEMENTS TO MINIMISE THE ADVERSE EFFECT.
ON THE MANAGEMENT SIDE, MR CHAN POINTED OUT THAT THE FOLLOWING MEASURES SHOULD BE CONSIDERED :
» STEP UP SUPERVISION ESPECIALLY ON THOSE WHO ARE ENGAGED IN HIGH RISK JOBS SUCH AS WORKING AT HEIGHT; CONCENTRATION-DEMANDING OPERATIONS LIKE DRIVING OF CRANES, HEAVY MACHINERY AND TRUCKS; AND CAISSON WORK;
* RE-SCHEDULE, IF POSSIBLE, MORE HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS AT A LATER DATE WHEN THE "FEVER" IS GONE OR AT LEAST DIMINISHING;
* ASSIGN ONLY WORKERS WHO HAVE SUFFICIENT REST TO JOBS WHICH REQUIRE SPECIAL CAUTION OF CARE OR HIGH CONCENTRATION OF MIND;
* SERVE MORE WARNINGS AT WORK PLACES BY MEANS OF SUITABLE POSTERS OR SPECIAL NOTICES, OR SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS AT CANTEEN TO REMIND WORKERS OF THE HAZARDS AND TO UPKEEP THEIR MENTAL ALERTNESS TO SAFEGUARD THEMSELVES; AND
» WHEN RUSH WORK ORDERS CANNOT BE AVOIDED, MAKE SURE ALL WORKERS INVOLVED ARE WELL-COMPOSED, WIDE AWAKE, FIT AND REFRESHING.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD WORKERS BE ALLOWED OR FORCED TO STRETCH THEMSELVES BY WORKING EXTRA HOURS OR GOING BEYOND MORE THAN ONE SHIFT.
"ON THE OTHER HAND, WORKERS ARE ADVISED TO TAKE SUFFICIENT REST BEFORE WATCHING THE TELEVISION BROADCAST," MR CHAN SAID.
"THEY MAY ALSO CONSIDER TAPING THE PROGRAMMES SO THAT THEY COULD WATCH THEM AT A MORE CONVENIENT TIME," HE ADDED.
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/8 .....
TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 1994
8
INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT PLEDGES BETTER SERVICES ♦ » ♦ ♦ ♦
THE PUBLIC CAN EXPECT HIGHER STANDARDS OF SERVICES FROM THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT IN THE COMING YEAR AS A COMPREHENSIVE AUTOMATED TELEPHONE ANSWERING SYSTEM IS SET UP.
AND, TWO NEW PERFORMANCE PLEDGES ARE MADE RELATING TO ESTATE DUTY AND FIRST-TIME SALARIES TAXPAYERS.
THIS FOLLOWS THE SUCCESS OF THE DEPARTMENT IN DELIVERING THE MAJORITY OF ITS SERVICES WITHIN TARGETS SINCE A PERFORMANCE PLEDGE SCHEME WAS INTRODUCED IN JANUARY LAST YEAR.
RELEASING THE FIRST ANNUAL REPORT ON THE SCHEME AT A PRESS CONFERENCE, THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE, MR ANTHONY AU-YEUNG, HIGHLIGHTED A NUMBER OF PERFORMANCE RESULTS IN THE FIRST 15 MONTHS OF THE SCHEME’S OPERATION.
THEY INCLUDED:
* 565,000 TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES ANSWERED BY STAFF WITHIN AN
AVERAGE TIME OF 1.5 MINUTES;
» 447,000 PERSONAL CALLERS ATTENDED TO, IN 95% OF CASES, WITHIN 10 MINUTES OF ARRIVAL;
* 197,000 SIMPLE WRITTEN ENQUIRIES REPLIED TO, IN 97% OF
CASES, WITHIN 10 WORKING DAYS;
* 98% OF THE 157,000 WRITTEN TECHNICAL ENQUIRIES ANSWERED
WITHIN 25 WORKING DAYS;
» 90% OF PROFITS TAX, PROPERTY TAX AND PERSONAL ASSESSMENT
RETURNS AND 99% OF SALARIES TAX RETURNS ASSESSED WITHIN NINE MONTHS OF LODGMENT;
* 88,600 TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATE TRANSACTIONS PROCESSED AND
99% COMPLETED WITHIN 14 WORKING DAYS;
» 93% OF THE 31,300 APPLICATIONS FOR HOLDOVER OF PROVISIONAL
TAX DEALT WITH WITHIN 14 WORKING DAYS;
* 99% OF NEARLY 308,000 PROPERTY ASSIGNMENTS AND SALE AND
PURCHASE AGREEMENTS WERE STAMPED WITHIN SIX WORKING DAYS;
* VIRTUALLY ALL 943,000 CONTRACT NOTES AND LEASE AGREEMENTS WERE STAMPED ON THE SAME DAY;
* 93% OF THE 122,500 APPLICATIONS FOR NEW BUSINESS
REGISTRATION CERTIFICATES BEING AVAILABLE WITHIN EIGHT
WORKING DAYS; AND
* 96% OF THE 222,500 CERTIFIED TRUE COPIES OF BUSINESS
REGISTRATION PARTICULARS WERE ISSUED WITHIN FOUR WORKING
DAYS.
/MR AU-YEUNG .......
TUESDAY, .TUNE 28, 1994
MR AU-YEUNG ATTRIBUTED THE ACHIEVEMENT TO HIS STAFF’S APPRECIATION OF THE NEEDS OF THE PUBLIC AND THEIR EARNEST ENDEAVOURS MADE TO FULFIL THEM.
"I THANK TAXPAYERS FOR SHOWING UNDERSTANDING WHEN LEVELS OF SERVICES OCCASIONALLY FELL SHORT OF THE PLEDGED STANDARDS," HE SAID.
THE REPORT CONTAINS A MESSAGE FROM A USERS’ COMMITTEE, ACKNOWLEDGING THEIR ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN COMPLYING WITH THE PLEDGES.
THE COMMITTEE, WITH A BROAD-BASED MEMBERSHIP DRAWN FROM THE COMMUNITY, WAS SET UP TO INDEPENDENTLY MONITOR THE OPERATION OF THE SCHEME.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAN OBTAIN COPIES OF THE NEW PERFORMANCE PLEDGE LEAFLET AND THE ANNUAL REPORT FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE AT REVENUE TOWER, WAN CHAI, AND ITS VARIOUS COLLECTION OFFICES. COPIES WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE FROM DISTRICT OFFICES FROM JULY 1 .
- - 0 - -
GUIDELINES ON HANDLING DRUG-ABUSE IN SCHOOLS
*****
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL ISSUE A CIRCULAR TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) CONTAINING GUIDELINES TO ADVISE TEACHERS AND HEADS OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS TO BE ON GUARD AGAINST DRUG ACTIVITIES IN SCHOOLS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE GUIDELINES WERE ISSUED FOLLOWING RECENT STATISTICS THAT INDICATED THAT THE NUMBER OF DRUGABUSERS AGED BELOW 21 HAD INCREASED BY 55.5 PER CENT, FROM 983 IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1992 TO 1,529 IN THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD LAST YEAR.
HE SAID TEACHERS WERE REQUESTED TO ALERT THEIR STUDENTS TO THE GRAVE DANGERS OF INDULGING IN DRUG ACTIVITIES, AND TO REPORT TO SCHOOL AUTHORITIES ANY SUCH INSTANCES.
HE SAID HEADS OF SCHOOLS, AFTER RECEIVING SUCH REPORTS, SHOULD ENSURE THAT PARENTS WERE INFORMED AND FOLLOW-UP SERVICES WERE PROVIDED BY SUPPORTING AGENCIES INCLUDING THE NARCOTICS DIVISION AND' THE POLICE IF NECESSARY.
TEACHERS SHOULD BE ALERT TO THE SIGNS EXHIBITED BY DRUG ABUSERS AND TAKE PROMPT FOLLOW-UP ACTIONS IF THEY FOUND THEIR STUDENTS WITH THE FOLLOWING SIGNS:
* ABRUPT CHANGES IN SCHOOL ATTENDANCE, QUALITY OF WORK, GRADES OF DISCIPLINE;
* CHANGES IN APPEARANCE AND CLEANLINESS;
* STEALING VALUABLE ITEMS FROM SCHOOL OR UNUSUAL REQUEST FOR OR BORROWING MONEY FROM SCHOOLMATES;
/★ POSSESSING DRUGS
TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 1994
- 10 -
* POSSESSING DRUGS OR DRUG PARAPHERNALIA SUCH AS SYRINGES, HYPERDEMIC NEEDLES, TIN FOIL, CUT-OFF STRAWS, RAZOR BLADES, SPOONS, PIPES;
♦ WEARING SUNGLASSES AT INAPPROPRIATE TIMES TO HIDE DILATED OR CONSTRICTED PUPILS;
♦ CONTINUAL WEARING OF LONG-SLEEVED SHIRTS TO HIDE NEEDLE MARKS;
* APPEARING TIRED, LOSS OF APPETITE, FALLING ASLEEP OR CONVERSELY EXCESS ENERGY AND RESTLESSNESS;
* CONTINUAL SNIFFING UNRELATED TO INFLUENZA COLD SYMPTOMS;
* MOOD INSTABILITY, UNUSUAL FLARE-UPS OR OUTBREAKS OF TEMPER, RESTLESSNESS;
♦ ACTING IN A SUSPICIOUS MANNER, FURTIVE BEHAVIOUR; AND
♦ FREQUENTING ODD PLACES WITHOUT CAUSE, SUCH AS CHANGING ROOMS OR CLOSETS FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME.
THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED TEACHERS THAT IF A STUDENT WAS SUSPECTED TO BE USING DRUGS, THEY SHOULD OBTAIN THE FACTS BEFORE CONCLUDING THAT THE SUSPICION WAS CORRECT.
IN THE CIRCULAR, TEACHERS, GUIDANCE TEACHERS AND SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS ARE URGED TO TAKE EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO REMIND STUDENTS THAT DRUG ABUSE IS ILLEGAL AND THAT THE POSSESSION OF VERY SMALL QUANTITIES OF AN ILLICIT DRUG WOULD RESULT IN SEVERE PENALTIES AND A CRIMINAL RECORD ON CONVICTION, WITH DELETERIOUS EFFECTS WHICH MAY LAST A LIFETIME.
THE SPOKESMAN CALLED ON TEACHERS NOT TO WAIT UNTIL THEY SUSPECTED THEIR STUDENTS WERE INVOLVED WITH DRUGS BEFORE DISCUSSING THE PROBLEM OF DRUGS WITH THEM.
IF A STUDENT WAS FOUND TO BE A DRUG-ABUSER, TEACHERS SHOULD REFER THE STUDENT TO THE GUIDANCE TEACHER OR SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER, SO THAT AVAILABLE RESOURCES FOR TREATMENT OF THE STUDENT AND OTHER FOLLOW-UP SERVICES COULD BE PROVIDED, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE SAID PARENTS SHOULD ALSO BE INFORMED OF THE STUDENT'S SITUATION.
THE CIRCULAR REQUESTED HEADS OF SCHOOLS TO INSERT THE GUIDELINES INTO THE GUIDANCE TEACHER. RESOURCE BOOK FOR TEACHERS' REFERENCE AFTER CIRCULATING THEM AMONG STAFF MEMBERS.
- - 0---------
/Il .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 1994
- 11 -
TRADE DEPARTMENT DELEGATION TO VISIT SHANGHAI
» * t * ♦
A TRADE DEPARTMENT DELEGATION WILL VISIT SHANGHAI TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO GAIN A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN THE MUNICIPALITY, PARTICULARLY THE PUDONG NEW AREA.
LED BY ASSISTANT DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR JOHN TSANG, THE EIGHT-MEMBER DELEGATION WILL RENEW CONTACTS WITH THE CHINA COUNCIL FOR THE PROMOTION OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND VISIT HONG KONG INVESTMENTS IN SHANGHAI.
DURING THEIR TWO-DAY VISIT, THE GROUP WILL ALSO MEET OFFICIALS OF THE SHANGHAI COMMISSION OF FOREIGN ECONOMIC RELATIONS AND TRADE, AND SEE FOR THEMSELVES DEVELOPMENTS IN THE PUDONG NEW AREA.
OTHER MEMBERS OF THE DELEGATION INCLUDE ASSISTANT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE IN BRUSSELS, MISS AMY TSE; PRINCIPAL TRADE OFFICER, MRS TERESA NG; AND TRADE OFFICERS, MISS WINNIE TO AND MISS ANGELA LIU.
---------0-----------
TWO FUNDS OFFER STUDENT LOANS
*****
POST-SECONDARY STUDENTS IN URGENT FINANCIAL NEED TO COMPLETE THEIR COURSES OF STUDY MAY GET INTEREST-FREE LOANS FROM TWO FUNDS.
THE HONG KONG ROTARY CLUB AND THE SING TAO FOUNDATION STUDENTS’ LOAN FUNDS ARE INVITING APPLICATIONS FOR 1994/95.
THE SING TAO FOUNDATION STUDENTS’ LOAN FUND ALSO PROVIDES INTEREST-FREE LOANS FOR STUDENTS OF TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AND THOSE STUDYING AT SECONDARY 4 TO 7 LEVELS IN 1994/95.
PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO APPLICANTS WHO ARE NEARING COMPLETION OF THEIR STUDIES.
APPLICATIONS FOR ASSISTANCE WILL BE CONSIDERED BY A JOINT COMMITTEE OF EACH FUND.
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO ENTER INTO A FORMAL UNDERTAKING TO REPAY THEIR LOANS BY INSTALMENTS OF AT LEAST 10 PER CENT OF THEIR MONTHLY SALARY AFTER THEY COMPLETE THEIR STUDIES.
THE LOANS WILL THEN BE PAID DIRECT INTO THEIR PERSONAL ACCOUNTS WITH A LOCAL BANK.
/FURTHER DETAILS .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 1994
- 12 -
FURTHER DETAILS ARE:
INSTITUTE WHERE APPLICANT IS STUDYING OR INTENDS TO STUDY
OFFICE WHERE STUDENT CAN OBTAIN AND MUST RETURN THE APPLICATION FORM
CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG
KONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE
HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC
LINGNAN COLLEGE
THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
HONG KONG SHUE YAN COLLEGE, TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS
STUDENT AFFAIRS OFFICE
SCHOLARSHIP AND FINANCIAL AID SECTION
STUDENT AFFAIRS OFFICE
STUDENT AFFAIRS OFFICE
OFFICE OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
STUDENT AFFAIRS OFFICE
OFFICE OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AGENCY
9/F, NATIONAL MUTUAL CENTRE
151 GLOUCESTER ROAD
WAN CHAI
HONG KONG
THESE LOANS ARE MADE ON A YEARLY BASIS.
FOR THE ROTARY CLUB FUND, THERE IS NO DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS.
NEW APPLICANTS OR PRESENT RECIPIENTS MAY TENDER THEIR APPLICATIONS IN PRESCRIBED FORMS AT ANY TIME THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL . YEAR.
FOR THE SING TAO FOUNDATION FUND, NEW APPLICANTS AND PRESENT RECIPIENTS WHO WISH TO APPLY FOR FURTHER LOANS FOR THE COMING ACADEMIC YEAR MUST COMPLETE A PRESCRIBED FORM.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS UNDER THE SING TAO FOUNDATION FUND WILL BE ANNOUNCED BY RESPECTIVE INSTITUTIONS. BUT APPLICATIONS IN RESPECT OF HONG KONG SHUE YAN COLLEGE, TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS MUST BE RETURNED BY SEPTEMBER 14.
------0------------
/13 .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 1994
- 13 -
INTRODUCT TON OF NEW CROSS HARBOUR ROUTE 603 FOR LAM TIN RESIDENTS *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT A NEW CROSS HARBOUR BUS ROUTE 603 PLYING BETWEEN LAM TIN (NORTH) AND CENTRAL WILL BE INTRODUCED ON THURSDAY (JUNE 30) TO SERVE RESIDENTS IN LAM TIN.
IT WILL TRAVEL FROM THE BUS TERMINUS AT THE JUNCTION OF TAK TIN STREET AND ON TIN STREET, THEN VIA EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING, ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR, GLOUCESTER ROAD AND CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL.
IT WILL BE OPERATIONAL FROM MONDAYS TO SATURDAYS WITH THREE DEPARTURES FROM LAM TIN (NORTH) AT 7.40 AM, 7.55 AM AND 8.10 AM AND FROM CENTRAL AT 5.15 PM, 5.30 PM AND 5.45 PM. THERE WILL BE NO SERVICE ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
THE FARE WILL BE $8.50 PER SINGLE JOURNEY AND A SECTION FARE OF $4.50 WILL BE CHARGED ON LEAVING THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING.
------0-------
EIGHT STUDENTS GET SCHOLARSHIPS FOR UK STUDIES *****
EIGHT BRILLIANT YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN HAVE BEEN AWARDED SCHOLARSHIPS TO PURSUE UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES IN SOME OF THE FINEST ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM STARTING IN THE ACADEMIC YEAR 1994/95.
THEY HAVE BEEN SELECTED FROM MORE THAN 100 APPLICANTS AFTER CAREFUL SHORT-LISTING AND TWO INTERVIEWS CONDUCTED BY THE UK/HK SCHOLARSHIPS COMMITTEE UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF MR PAUL CHENG.
"THE COMMITTEE HAS BEEN GREATLY IMPRESSED BY THE VERY HIGH STANDARD OF THE APPLICANTS, THEIR EXCELLENT ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS, STRONG INTELLECTUAL AND LEADERSHIP QUALITIES AND THEIR COMMITMENTS TO CONTRIBUTING TO THE WELL-BEING OF THE HONG KONG COMMUNITY," A COMMITTEE SECRETARIAT SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE SELECTION TASK HAS NOT BEEN EASY, BUT COMMITTEE MEMBERS ARE CONFIDENT THAT MERITS HAVE PREVAILED," HE SAID.
EACH SCHOLARSHIP WILL BE WORTH ABOUT 14,400 TO 18,000 POUNDS STERLING A YEAR AND WILL COVER UNIVERSITY' COMPOSITION FEE, COLLEGE FEE IN THE CASE OF OXFORD AND CAMBRIDGE STUDENTS, ANNUAL MAINTENANCE ALLOWANCE OF 6,500 TO 7,500 POUNDS STERLING, BOOK, EQUIPMENT AND ANNUAL VACATION PASSAGE ALLOWANCES AND A RETURN AIR PASSAGE BETWEEN HONG KONG AND LONDON AT THE COMMENCEMENT AND THF SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF STUDIES.
ALL SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS ARE REQUIRED TO WORK IN HONG KONG FOR AT LEAST THREE YEARS AFTER COMPLETION OF THEIR STUDIES.
/THE EIGHT .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 1994
14
THE EIGHT WINNERS ARE MR MOK KWAN-TING, MARTIN, MISS TSANG WING-HANG, JANICE, MR KEVIN CHOI, MR KWONG HO-MAN, MR GOH YAU-HANG, TERENCE, MR WONG KWOK-CHEUNG, MISS LEE WAI-TING AND MISS HO SHU-HENG, QUEENIE.
MR MOK, 19, OF ARMAND HAMMER UNITED WORLD COLLEGE OF THE AMERICAN WEST, USA, OBTAINED 10 DISTINCTIONS IN THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION (HKCEE) 1992. HE PLANS TO READ A BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE TN ECONOMICS AT THE CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY.
MISS TSANG, 19, OF DIOCESAN GIRLS’ SCHOOL, SCORED NINE DISTINCTIONS AND ONE CREDIT TN 1992 HKCEE. SHE INTENDS TO STUDY MEDICINE AT THE (AMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY.
MR CHOI, 19, OF QUEEN’S COLLEGE, SCORED NINE DISTINCTIONS IN 1992 HKCEE. HE PLANS TO STUDY ENGINEERING AT THE IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND MEDICINE.
MR KWONG, 19, OF MOUNT ST MARY’S COLLEGE, UK, OBTAINED EIGHT DISTINCTIONS IN 1992 HKCEE AND TWO DISTINCTIONS IN THE GENERAL CERTIFICATE OF EXAMINATION (ADVANCE LEVEL) 1993. HE INTENDS TO STUDY CHEMICAL ENGINEERING AT THE IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND MEDICINE.
MR GOH, 17, OF WAH YAN COLLEGE, HONG KONG, SCORED EIGHT DISTINCTIONS AND TWO CREDITS IN 199.3 HKCEE. HE PLANS TO STUDY MEDICINE AT THE CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY.
MR WONG, 18, OF ST PAUL’S CO-EDUCATIONAL COLLEGE, OBTAINED NINE DISTINCTIONS IN 1992 HKCEE. HE WILL STUDY INFORMATION SYSTEMS ENGINEERING AT THE IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE,’ TECHNOLOGY AND MEDICINE.
MISS LEE, IS, OF BELILIOS PUBLIC SCHOOL, OBTAINED SEVEN DISTINCTIONS AND ONE CREDIT IN 1992 HKCEE. SHE PLANS TO STUDY MEDICINE AT THE CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY.
MISS HO, 18, OF ST PAUL’S CO-EDUCATIONAL COLLEGE, SCORED EIGHT DISTINCTIONS AND ONE CREDIT IN 1992 HKCEE. SHE INTENDS TO READ A BACHELOR DEGREE IN ECONOMICS AT THE LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS AND POLITICAL SCIENCE.
IN ADDITION TO MR PAUL CHENG WHO CHAIRED THE SELECTION COMMITTEE, THE COMMITTEE COMPRISED DR JAMES WONG; MR NEIL MATDMENT; MR JAMES SM1TH-LAITTAN OF THE BRITISH TRADE COMMISSION; MRS LEIGH GIBSON OF THE BRITISH COUNCIL; MR ANDREW LI KWOK-NANG REPRESENTING THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB; PROFESSOR KENNEDY F SHORTRIDGE; DR CHEN FONG-CHING, MRS GRACE CHOW AND MR PETER WONG.
THE UK/HK SCHOLARSHIPS SCHEME HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED SINCE 1988 WITH THE OBJECTIVE OF PROVIDING OUTSTANDING LOCAL STUDENTS OF HIGH INTELLECTUAL PROMISES WITH OPPORTUNITIES TO RECEIVE FURTHER EDUCATION IN THE UK.
ON RETURN FROM THEIR STUDIES, THEY ARE EXPECTED TO BE AMONG THE FUTURE LEADERS OF HONG KONG AND TO MAKE SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE TERRITORY.
/FROM 1988/89 .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 1994
FROM 1988/89 TO 1993/94, 53 SCHOLARSHIPS WERE AWARDED UNDER THE SCHEME, OF WHICH 17 AWARDEES HAVE COMPLETED THEIR STUDIES AND ARE NOW WORKING IN DIFFERENT FIELDS IN HONG KONG.
AMONG THEM ARE JOURNALISTS, RESEARCH ANALYSTS, LAWYERS, GAME ARTISTS, PILOTS, ACCOUNTANTS AND ENGINEERS.
- - 0 - -
OVERSEAS UNITED KINGDOM ELECTORS » * ♦ » ♦
FORMS AND EXPLANATORY LEAFLETS FOR REGISTRATION AS AN OVERSEAS ELECTOR IN THE UNITED KINGDOM PARLIAMENTARY AND EUROPEAN PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE HONG KONG IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY).
’’BRITISH CITIZENS LIVING IN HONG KONG MAY CONTACT THE INFORMATION OFFICE OF THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT AT SECOND FLOOR, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG BY WRITING OR IN PERSON TO OBTAIN THE FORMS AND EXPLANATORY LEAFLETS,” HE SAID.
UNDER THE REPRESENTATION OF THE PEOPLE ACT OF 1989, THE QUALIFYING PERIOD FOR THE RIGHT TO VOTE FOR PEOPLE LIVING ABROAD HAS BEEN EXTENDED FROM FIVE TO 20 YEARS.
THAT MEANS IF A BRITISH CITIZEN LEFT THE UK AS LONG AGO AS OCTOBER 1974, HE/SHE CAN STILL VOTE.
A BRITISH CITIZEN IS NO LONGER REQUIRED TO DECLARE AN INTENTION TO RETURN TO THE UK AND THE VOTE WILL BE CAST IN THE CONSTITUENCY IN WHICH THE PERSON OR THE PERSON’S FAMILY WERE REGISTERED BEFORE LEAVING THE UK.
PEOPLE WHO LEFT THE UK BEFORE THEY WERE OLD ENOUGH TO BE INCLUDED ON THE ELECTORAL REGISTER MAY REGISTER AS OVERSEAS ELECTORS.
"IN ORDER TO QUALIFY, POTENTIAL ELECTORS WILL HAVE TO FILL IN AN APPLICATION FORM AND RETURN IT DIRECT TO THEIR ELECTORAL REGISTRATION OFFICE BY OCTOBER 10, 1994 (SEPTEMBER 15 IF THEY WERE PREVIOUSLY RESIDENTS IN NORTHERN IRELAND),” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE ALSO APPEALED TO BRITISH CITIZENS FOR ASSISTANCE IN INFORMING ANYONE THEY KNOW LIVING ABROAD ABOUT THIS.
_ _ 0 - -
/16
TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 1994
- 16 -
FAMILY PLANNING CLINK TO MOVE * ♦ t ♦ ♦
THE FAMILY PLANNING CLINIC ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF TURN MUN CLINIC, SAN TSING STREET, THEN MUN SAN HUI, WILL MOVE TO YAN 01 MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CENTRE NEXT MONDAY (JULY 4).
THE CENTRE IS LOCATED ON THE FIRST FLOOR, VAN 01 POLYCLINIC, I THEN LEE STREET, THEN MUN.
AFTER THE. MOVE, THE HEALTH CENTRE WILL PROVIDE A RANGE OF PREVENTIVE AND CURATIVE SERVICES FOR WOMEN OF AGE AND CHILDREN UNDER FIVE YEARS OLD.
COMPREHENSIVE
CHILD-BEARING
THE SERVICES INCLUDE < HILD HEALTH CARE, IMMUNISATION, COMPREHENSIVE OBSERVATION SERVICE, ANTENATAL CARE, POSTNATAL CARE AND FAMILY PLANNING.
---------0-----------
114 VIETNAMESE RETURN HOME
♦ * * * » . ...
A GROUP OF 114 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (TUESDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME OF THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES.
COMPRISING 47 MEN, 33 WOMEN, 15 BOYS AND 19 GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 210TH BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.
THE GROUP BROUGHT TO 3,861 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAD RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 42,474 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN MARCH 1989.
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/17........
TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 1994
17 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS ♦ ♦ * t t
TENDER DATE 28 JUNE 94
PAPER ON OFFER ISSUE NUMBER AMOUNT APPLIED AMOUNT ALLOTTED EF BILLS Q426 HKD 3,775 MN HKD 1,500 MN
AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED PRO RATA RATIO 4.23 PCT 4.24 PCT ABOUT 100 PCT t
AVERAGE TENDER YIELD HONG 4.30 PCT KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
TENDERS TO BE HELD IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 4 JULY 1994 -
TENDER DATE 5 JULY 94 5 JULY 94
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q427 H468
ISSUE DATE 6 JUL 94 6 JUL 94
MATURITY DATE 5 OCT 94 4 JAN 95
TENOR 91 DAYS 182 DAYS
AMOUNT ON OFFER HKD1,500 + 300 MN HKD800 + 160 MN
--------0-----------
/18........
TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 1994
18
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS * ♦ * * ♦
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 4,618 0930 -2,435
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,280 1000 -2,185
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1 100 -2,165
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -2,121 1200 -2,121
LAF TODAY -217 1500 -2,121
1600 -2,121
LAF RATE 2.50 B1D/4.50 OFFER TWI 123.4 ♦+0.1* 28.6.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.03 17 MONTHS 25 11 4.15 97.70 5.97
1 MONTH 4.08 23 MONTHS 2605 6.35 99.92 6.49
3 MONTHS 4.26 28 MONTHS 3610 4.20 94.58 6.86
6 MONTHS 4.73 31 MONTHS 3701 4.60 94.62 7.03
12 MONTHS 5.37 34 MONTHS 3704 6.15 97.75 7.16
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 21 ,747 MN
CLOSED 28 JUNE 1994
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TRANSCRIPT OF GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION...................... 1
IMPORTANT AND HISTORIC DAY FOR LEGCO........................ 2
COVERAGE OF HISTORY TEXTBOOKS............................... 2
SPEL LEADS DELEGATION TO SEE GUANGDONG DEVELOPMENT....... 3
OVERSEAS FELLOWSHIP/SCHOLARSHIP FOR DISABLED STUDENTS.... 4
FILM CENSORSHIP FEES TO RISE IN OCTOBER..................... 5
HONG KONG LICENSING OFFICE TO MOVE IN AUGUST................ 5
UK/HK SCHOLARSHIPS FOR POSTGRADUATE STUDIES................. 6
FELLOWSHIPS AND SCHOLARSHIPS FOR OVERSEAS STUDIES........... 7
GOVERNOR TOURS KWAI TSING................................... 8
HO ELECTED TO COUNCIL ON PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT IN EDUCATION................................................... 9
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS....
9
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 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 HIS VISIT TO THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON:-
GOVERNOR: I’VE ENJOYED ANOTHER VISIT TO KWAI TSING. THE CHAIRMAN ALWAYS SEEMS TO ALLOW VERY GOOD WEATHER FOR ME. OBVIOUSLY, THERE ARE A NUMBER OF PROBLEMS HERE IN KWAI TSING, BOTH THE ENVIRONMENT AND TRANSPORT. AS WE SAW FROM THE PETITIONS TODAY, THERE ARE CONCERNS ABOUT THE QUALITY AND THE COST OF PUBLIC HOUSING AS WELL. I’VE BEEN SAYING TO THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS THAT WE’LL LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH THE BOARD IN TACKLING THOSE PROBLEMS, NOT LEAST AFTER THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS IN SEPTEMBER FOR WHICH, I THINK, THERE ARE ALREADY QUITE A LARGE NUMBER OF CANDIDATES.
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, HOW WOULD YOU SEE TODAY’S DEBATE IN LEGCO? I KNOW THEY ARE NOW... THE ON-GOING DEBATE.
GOVERNOR: I DON’T THINK THAT YOU EXPECT ME TO COMMENT ON THE DEBATE UNTIL IT’S COMPLETED. I SUSPECT THERE ARE MANY HOURS LEFT FOR THE DEBATE. THERE ARE A LOT OF AMENDMENTS WHICH WILL BE DISCUSSED AND I THINK IT WOULD BE SENSIBLE FOR ME NOT TO COMMENT UNTIL THE DEBATE IS ABSOLUTELY FINISHED THEN WE KNOW EXACTLY WHERE WE STAND. BUT THIS IS AN IMPORTANT DAY FOR THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. IT’S A HISTORIC DAY. THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IS TAKING DECISIONS THAT WILL HAVE A CONSIDERABLE EFFECT ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG. THE FACT THAT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IS TAKING THOSE FINAL DECISIONS, IS, IN MY JUDGMENT, EXACTLY AS IT SHOULD BE. THE MATTER IS BEING DISCUSSED OPENLY. THE MATTER IS BEING DISCUSSED PUBLICLY AND THE ISSUES WILL BE RESOLVED OPENLY AND PUBLICLY. AND I REPEAT THAT I WON’T BE COMMENTING ANY MORE ABOUT THE DEBATE UNTIL IT’S OVER. BUT WE ARE PUTTING OUR CASE VERY VIGOROUSLY IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO.
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, WHY DO PEOPLE SEEM TO THINK YOUR JOB IS OVER IN HONG KONG AFTER TONIGHT’S VOTE?
GOVERNOR: MY JOB GOES ON UNTIL JUNE 30, 1997, GOD WILLING. THERE ARE A LOT OF OTHER THINGS THAT I’M INVOLVED IN, A LOT OF THINGS I’VE BEEN LOOKING AT TODAY, THE WHOLE SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AGENDA AND I’LL SAY WHAT I’VE BEEN SAYING. I SHOULD THINK ONCE A WEEK FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS, THAT IS, THAT I WAS APPOINTED FOR FIVE YEARS AND GOD WILLING, I SHALL BE HERE UNTIL JUNE 30, 1997, ENJOYING THE JOB, CHALLENGING THOUGH IT IS.
QUESTION: LEGISLATORS TODAY REPEATEDLY SAID THAT THEY SHOULD VOTE ON CONSCIENCE AND DURING THE LOBBYING EFFORT, WHAT SORT OF DEAL-MAKING HAS THE GOVERNMENT MADE WITH THOSE LEGISLATORS? IS IT SOMETHING DEALING WITH THEIR VESTED INTERESTS?
GOVERNOR: I AM NOT GOING TO....(INTERRUPTED). OF COURSE, PEOPLE SHOULD
VOTE ON CONSCIENCE.
/QUESTION: .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1994
2
QUESTION: MAY BE WE PUT THE QUESTION THIS WAY. NO MATTER WHAT THE OUTCOME IS, ARE YOU WELL PREPARED FOR THE OUTCOME NO MATTTER WHAT IT WOULD BE?
GOVERNOR: I THINK THE ISSUE IS BEING RESOLVED IN THE RIGHT WAY. IT’S BEING RESOLVED BY THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG IN THE OPEN. IT’S NOT BEING DECIDED IN SECRET BEHIND CLOSED DOORS AND I THINK THAT IS A VERY IMPORTANT STEP FORWARD FOR HONG KONG AND 1 AM LOOKING FORWARD TO SEE THE RESULT. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
- - 0 - -
IMPORTANT AND HISTORIC DAY FOR LEGCO ♦ * » » ♦
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON THAT TODAY WAS AN IMPORTANT AND HISTORIC DAY FOR THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN TAKING DECISIONS THAT WOULD HAVE A CONSIDERABLE EFFECT ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG.
RESPONDING TO MEDIA QUESTIONS ABOUT THE DEBATE ON THE POLITICAL REFORM BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AFTER HIS VISIT TO THE KWAI TSI NG DISTRICT, MR PATTEN SAID: '’THE FACT THAT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IS TAKING THOSE FINAL DECISIONS IS, IN MY JUDGMENT, EXACTLY AS IT SHOULD BE."
NOTING THAT THE MATTER WAS BEING DISCUSSED OPENLY AND PUBLICLY, THE GOVERNOR SAID THE ISSUE WAS BEING RESOLVED IN THE RIGHT WAY.
"IT’S BEING RESOLVED BY THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG TN THE OPEN," MR PATTEN SAID.
"IT’S NOT BEING DECIDED TN SECRET BEHIND CLOSED DOORS AND I THINK THAT IS A VERY IMPORTANT STEP FORWARD FOR HONG KONG."
- - 0 - -
COVERAGE OF HISTORY TEXTBOOKS
*****
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES ON WHETHER RECENT EVENTS SHOULD BE COVERED IN HISTORY TEXTBOOKS, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WONG, HAS ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT:
"FOLLOWING A DISCUSSION BETWEEN THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE PUBLISHER CONCERNED, THE LATTER HAS AGREED WITH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT THAT, AS FAR AS HISTORY TEXTBOOKS ARE CONCERNED, EVENTS WHICH TOOK PLACE WITHIN THE LAST 20 YEARS AND WHICH HAVE NOT YET BEEN ESTABLISHED BY OBJECTIVE ANALYSES, VERIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT, SHOULD NOT BE COVERED. TWENTY YEARS IS CONSIDERED TO BE A REASONABLE MINIMUM PERIOD.
WE HAVE BEEN INFORMED THAT THE PUBLISHER HAS DECIDED, AFTER CONSULTATION WITH EDUCATIONISTS AND EXPERTS IN THE HISTORY SUBJECT, TO REMOVE THE SECTION IN QUESTION FROM THE FINAL VERSION OF THE HISTORY TEXTBOOK CONCERNED WHILE MAKING OTHER AMENDMENTS.
/THE EDUCATION
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1994
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL STRENGTHEN ITS TEXTBOOK REVIEWING PROCEDURES AND WILL REITERATE ITS ADVICE TO PUBLISHERS THAT EVENTS WITHIN THE LAST 20 YEARS, OF WHICH THE FULL FACTS HAVE NOT YET BEEN ESTABLISHED, SHOULD NOT BE COVERED IN HISTORY TEXTBOOKS.
THE PUBLISHER’S DECISION TO REMOVE THE SECTION CONCERNED FROM THE TEXTBOOK IS UNRELATED TO ANY POLITICAL CONSIDERATIONS.
IT IS NOTED THAT HISTORY TEXTBOOKS SHOULD ALWAYS BE HANDLED WITH CARE."
- - 0 - -
SPEL LEADS DELEGATION TO SEE GUANGDONG DEVELOPMENT *****
A HONG KONG GOVERNMENT DELEGATION, LED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) LEFT FOR GUANGDONG FOR A THREE-DAY VISIT TO SEE MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS IN SHENZHEN AND GUANGZHOU.
THE DELEGATION, COMPRISING OFFICIALS RESPONSIBLE FOR LANDS, PLANNING AND TRANSPORT POLICY MATTERS, WILL EXCHANGE VIEWS AND INFORMATION WITH THEIR COUNTERPARTS IN THE TWO CITIES.
THEY WILL VISIT YANTIAN PORT AND HUANGGANG IN SHENZHEN, AND THE AIRPORT, HIGHWAYS AND UNDERGROUND RAILWAY PROJECTS IN GUANGZHOU.
THE DELEGATION WILL FOCUS THEIR ATTENTION ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF PORT AND AIRPORT FACILITIES IN THE TWO CITIES AND THE WORK PROGRESS OF THE GUANG-SHEN-ZHU SUPERHIGHWAY.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE DELEGATION’S VISIT WOULD ENHANCE MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN OFFICIALS OF BOTH HONG KONG AND THE GUANGDONG GOVERNMENTS.
THE DELEGATION WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG BY RAIL ON SATURDAY.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO COVER THE DELEGATION’S RETURN ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE AT THE VIP ROOM OF THE HUNG HOM KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY STATION AT 12.30 PM ON SATURDAY.
- - 0 - -
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1994
4
OVERSEAS FELLOWSHIP/SCHOLARSHIP FOR DISABLED STUDENTS
*****
THE SIR EDWARD YOUDE MEMORIAL FUND COUNCIL IS OFFERING AN AWARD OF FELLOWSHIP/SCHOLARSHIP TO HELP ONE OUTSTANDING DISABLED STUDENT IN HONG KONG PURSUE OVERSEAS STUDIES BEGINNING IN THE 1995/96 ACADEMIC YEAR.
THE AIM IS TO ENCOURAGE THE DISABLED STUDENT WHO HAS ATTAINED A REASONABLY HIGH STANDARD OF SCHOLASTIC ACHIEVEMENTS TO PURSUE FURTHER EDUCATION IN A REPUTABLE INSTITUTION OVERSEAS.
THE FELLOWSHIP IS FOR STUDIES LEADING TO A POSTGRADUATE DEGREE EITHER BY RESEARCH OR BY COURSEWORK; THE SCHOLARSHIP IS FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES LEADING TO A FIRST DEGREE.
THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE IS EXPECTED TO DEMONSTRATE HIS ABILITY TO MAINTAIN HEALTH OF BODY AND OF MIND, TO ADAPT TO NEW ENVIRONMENT AND TO BE A GOOD EXAMPLE TO OTHER DISABLED PERSONS.
HE IS REQUIRED TO SERVE IN HONG KONG FOR AT LEAST THREE YEARS UPON GRADUATION.
THE APPLICANTS WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR FULFILLING ALL APPLICATION PROCEDURES AND ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS OF THE ACADEMIC INSTITUTION OF HIS CHOICE, AND BE OFFERED A PLACE SUBSEQUENTLY.
THE VALUE OF THE FELLOWSHIP IS ABOUT HK$193,000 A YEAR FOR UP TO TWO YEARS; THE VALUE OF THE SCHOLARSHIP IS ABOUT HK$176,OOO A YEAR FOR UP TO THREE YEARS.
APPLICATION FORMS AND INFORMATION NOTES ARE AVAILABLE AT:
* STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AGENCY, NINTH FLOOR, NATIONAL MUTUAL CENTRE, 151 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG;
* CAREERS AND GUIDANCE SERVICES SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, MONGKOK GOVERNMENT OFFICES, ROOM 206, 30 LUEN WAN STREET, MONG KOK, KOWLOON.
FOR ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CALL 802 1638.
THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS SEPTEMBER 30. SHORT-LISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE INVITED TO ATTEND A SELECTION INTERVIEW TO BE CONDUCTED IN HONG KONG IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR.
/5 ........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29,1994
5
FILM CENSORSHIP FEES TO RISE IN OCTOBER
*♦»♦*♦
FEES FOR CLASSIFICATION OF FILMS BY THE TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING AUTHORITY WILL GO UP FROM OCTOBER 28 THIS YEAR.
UNDER THE FILM CENSORSHIP (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1994 TO BE GAZETTED THIS FRIDAY, CHARGES FOR THE ISSUE OF A REPLACEMENT CERTIFICATE AS WELL AS PACKAGING AND VIEWING OF A VIDEO TAPE OR LASER DISC WILL ALSO BE REVISED FROM THE SAME DATE.
THE NEW FEES WILL BE $68 PER MINUTE FOR CENSORSHIP OF A FILM AND $20 FOR CENSORSHIP OF A STILL FILM, COMPARED WITH THE PRESENT LEVELS OF $62 PER MINUTE AND $18 RESPECTIVELY.
THE CENSORSHIP FEE FOR A STILL FILM EXEMPTED FROM CLASSIFICATION WILL BE INCREASED FROM $25 TO $28, AND THE CENSORSHIP FEE FOR OTHER FILMS EXEMPTED FROM CLASSIFICATION WILL MOVE UP FROM $20 TO $22 PER MINUTE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AUTHORITY SAID IT WAS GOVERNMENT’S POLICY THAT FEES SHOULD IN GENERAL BE SET AT LEVELS TO RECOVER THE FULL COSTS OF PROVIDING THE SERVICES.
THE FEES HAVE BEEN INCREASED BY ABOUT 10 PER CENT, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
---------0-----------
HONG KONG LICENSING OFFICE TO MOVE IN AUGUST
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S HONG KONG LICENSING OFFICE SITUATED AT 2 MURRAY ROAD WILL BE MOVING TO ITS NEW ACCOMMODATION SOON.
MEMBERS OF THE DEPARTMENT’S CUSTOMER LIAISON GROUPS (CLG) WERE TOLD OF THE NEWS AT A REGULAR MEETING HELD TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE NEW OFFICE WOULD BE SITUATED ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF UNITED CENTRE IN QUEENSWAY.
FITTING-OUT WAS NEAR COMPLETION AND THE LICENSING OFFICE WAS SCHEDULED TO MOVE INTO THE NEW PREMISES AT THE END OF AUGUST.
OFFICES THAT WILL MOVE INTO THE NEW PREMISES ARE:
* THE HONG KONG LICENSING OFFICE,
* THE PUBLIC VEHICLES SECTION,
* THE HONG KONG REGION DRIVING TEST APPOINTMENT OFFICE,
* THE DRIVING-OFFENCE POINTS OFFICE, AND
♦ THE DRIVING-LICENCE RECORDS OFFICE.
/THE’NEW .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1994
- 6 -
THE NEW OFFICE OCCUPIES AN AREA OF 3,800 SQUARE METRES AS COMPARED TO 1,600 SQUARE METRES AT THE PRESENT OFFICE.
THE MEMBERS WERE TAKEN ON A CONDUCTED TOUR OF THE NEW PREMISES TO SEE THE IMPROVED ENVIRONMENT THAT THE NEW ACCOMMODATION OFFERED TO CUSTOMERS.
EARLIER IN THE MEETING, MEMBERS WERE ALSO BRIEFED ON THE NEW FIRST REGISTRATION TAX SCHEME.
THEY WERE TOLD THAT UNDER THE NEW SCHEME, THE AMOUNT OF FIRST REGISTRATION TAX PAYABLE WOULD BE BASED ON THE RETAIL PRICE (BEFORE TAX) OF THE VEHICLE WHICH DISTRIBUTORS WERE REQUIRED TO PUBLISH.
PREVIOUSLY, THE TAX WAS BASED ON THE COST, INSURANCE AND FREIGHT VALUE OF THE VEHICLE.
THE SPOKEMAN ASSURED MEMBERS THAT THE NEW SCHEME WAS BASICALLY REVENUE NEUTRAL. THE OBJECTIVE WAS TO PROTECT PUBLIC REVENUE BY PREVENTING TAX AVOIDANCE.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO PRAISED MEMBERS OF THE CLGS THAT THEY HAD BEEN GIVING VALUABLE SUGGESTIONS TO IMPROVE SERVICES.
’’SOME OF THE SUGGESTIONS HAVE ALREADY BEEN IMPLEMENTED WHILE OTHERS ARE BEING CAREFULLY CONSIDERED,” HE SAID.
------0 - -
UK/HK SCHOLARSHIPS FOR POSTGRADUATE STUDIES
*****
A NUMBER OF SCHOLARSHIPS AIMING AT PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUTSTANDING LOCAL RESIDENTS FOR POSTGRADUATE STUDIES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM STARTING IN THE 1995/96 ACADEMIC YEAR ARE OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS.
THE SCHOLARSHIPS ARE OFFERED BY THE UK/HK SCHOLARSHIPS COMMITTEE ON BEHALF OF THE UNITED KINGDOM AND HONG KONG GOVERNMENTS.
THE SCHOLARSHIPS WILL BE FOR POSTGRADUATE STUDIES LEADING TO A HIGHER DEGREE EITHER BY RESEARCH OR BY COURSEWORK.
APPLICANTS MAY CHOOSE ANY SUBJECT OF STUDY OR RESEARCH AT ANY LEADING ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS AT THE TERTIARY LEVEL IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR FULFILLING ALL APPLICATION PROCEDURES AND ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS OF THE INSTITUTIONS OF THEIR CHOICE AND SHOULD BE OFFERED A PLACE SUBSEQUENTLY.
THEY ARE EXPECTED TO POSSESS HIGH ACADEMIC PROWESS AND LEADERSHIP QUALITIES. THEY SHOULD ALSO DEMONSTRATE A STRONG SENSE OF COMMITMENT TO HONG KONG AND HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO CONTRIBUTE SIGNIFICANTLY TO THE MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND HONG KONG.
/UPON GRAUDATION.........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1994
UPON GRADUATION, SCHOLARS ARE REQUIRED TO WORK IN HONG KONG FOR A MINIMUM OF THREE YEARS.
THE TENURE OF THE SCHOLARSHIP IS NORMALLY TWO YEARS AND THE AWARD COVERS UNIVERSITY COMPOSITION FEE, MAINTENANCE ALLOWANCE, ANNUAL VACATION PASSAGE ALLOWANCE AND A RETURN AIR PASSAGE BETWEEN HONG KONG AND LONDON AT THE COMMENCEMENT AND COMPLETION OF STUDIES.
APPLICATION FORMS AND INFORMATION NOTES ARE AVAILABLE AT:
♦ STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AGENCY, NINTH FLOOR, NATIONAL MUTUAL CENTRE, 151 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG;
* EDUCATION DEPARTMENT,
CAREERS AND GUIDANCE SERVICES SECTION, MONGKOK GOVERNMENT OFFICES, ROOM 206, 30 LUEN WAN STREET, MONG KOK, KOWLOON.
FOR ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CALL 802 1638.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS AUGUST 31. SUITABLE CANDIDATES WILL BE INVITED TO ATTEND AT LEAST ONE SELECTION INTERVIEW IN HONG KONG TO BE CONDUCTED IN DECEMBER 1994/JANUARY 1995.
- - 0 - -
FELLOWSHIPS AND SCHOLARSHIPS FOR OVERSEAS STUDIES
*****
STUDENTS ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR A NUMBER OF FELLOWSHIPS AND SCHOLARSHIPS TO GO ON OVERSEAS STUDIES FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR 1995/96.
ANNOUNCING THE AWARDS TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE SIR EDWARD YOUDE MEMORIAL FUND COUNCIL SAID THE AIM WAS TO ENCOURAGE THE BEST STUDENTS TO PURSUE FURTHER EDUCATION IN REPUTABLE INSTITUTIONS OVERSEAS.
SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES ARE EXPECTED TO HAVE A STRONG SENSE OF COMMITMENT TO HONG KONG AND BE READY TO CONTRIBUTE SIGNIFICANTLY TO THE COMMUNITY UPON RETURN FROM THEIR STUDIES.
THEY WILL BE REQUIRED TO WORK IN HONG KONG FOR AT LEAST THREE YEARS UPON GRADUATION.
THE FELLOWSHIPS ARE FOR STUDIES LEADING TO POSTGRADUATE DEGREES EITHER BY RESEARCH OR BY COURSEWORK; THE SCHOLARSHIPS ARE FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES LEADING TO FIRST DEGREES.
THE APPLICANTS WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR FULFILLING ALL APPLICATION PROCEDURES AND ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS OF THE ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS OF THEIR CHOICE.
/THE VALUE
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1994
- 8 -
THE VALUE OF FELLOWSHIP IS ABOUT $193,000 A YEAR FOR UP TO TWO YEARS; THE VALUE OF SCHOLARSHIP IS ABOUT $176,000 A YEAR FOR UP TO THREE YEARS.
APPLICATION FORMS AND INFORMATION NOTES ARE AVAILABLE AT:
« STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AGENCY, NINTH FLOOR, NATIONAL MUTUAL CENTRE, 151 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG;
* EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, CAREERS AND GUIDANCE SERVICES SECTION, MONGKOK GOVERNMENT OFFICES, ROOM 206, 30 LUEN WAN STREET, MONG KOK, KOWLOON.
FOR ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CALL 802 1638.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS SEPTEMBER 30. SHORTLISTED APPLICANTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO ATTEND AT LEAST ONE SELECTION INTERVIEW IN HONG KONG SCHEDULED FOR JANUARY/MARCH NEXT YEAR.
------0--------
GOVERNOR TOURS KWAI TSING * * t * ♦
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, VISITED KWAI TSING DISTRICT TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE FIRST TOURED AN OIL DEPOT ON TSING YI ISLAND BEFORE CALLING ON A FAMILY IN THE NEW ON YAM ESTATE IN KWAI CHUNG.
THE GOVERNOR THEN VISITED A BATTERY COMPANY WHERE HE RODE ON AN ENVIRONMENTAL-FRIENDLY ELECTRIC CAR.
BEFORE CONCLUDING HIS VISIT, MR PATTEN ATTENDED A RECEPTION TO MEET DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS.
THE GOVERNOR WAS ACCOMPANIED ON THE VISIT BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR NEW TERRITORIES, MISS CHRISTINE CHOW, AND KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ANDREW WELLS.
- - 0-----------
/9........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1994
- 9 -
HO ELECTED TO COUNCIL ON PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT IN EDUCATION * » » « »
MR HO KWOK-SUEN HAS BEEN ELECTED UNCONTESTED TO THE COUNCIL ON PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT IN EDUCATION, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE IS THE VICE-PRINCIPAL OF HENNESSY ROAD GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL (PM SESSION). HE FILLS A« SEAT FOR THE GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS CATEGORY ON THE COUNCIL. . >
MR HO RECEIVED 10,043 VOTES IN YESTERDAY’S BY-ELECTION, WHICH WAS CONDUCTED AT 683 PRIMARY SCHOOLS. THE VOTER TURNOUT RATE WAS 80.29 PER CENT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT EXPRESSED SATISFACTION OVER THE VOTER TURNOUT RATE.
THE DEPARTMENT INSPECTED 85 PRIMARY SCHOOLS ON VOTING DAY TO ENSURE THAT THE VOTING SESSIONS WERE PROPERLY CONDUCTED.
------0--------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,280 0930 + 49
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,144 1000 + 49
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 +1,863
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY +1,864 1200 +1,864
LAF TODAY -2,000 1500 +1,864
1600 +1,864
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 123.1 *-0.3* 29.6.94
/HONG KONG .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1994
- 10 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.09 17 MONTHS 2511 4.15 97.64 6.02
1 MONTH 4.19 23 MONTHS 2605 6.35 99.82 6.55
3 MONTHS 4.34 28 MONTHS 3610 4.20 94.46 6.93
6 MONTHS 4.78 31 MONTHS 3701 4.60 94.47 7.10
12 MONTHS 5.45 34 MONTHS 3704 6.15 97.56 7.24
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 24,408 MN
CLOSED 29 JUNE 1994
---------0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUPPLEMENT
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING:
BILL SETS OUT TO ACHIEVE OPEN AND FAIR ELECTION............. 1
GOVT NOT INTRODUCING DIRECTLY ELECTED SEATS THROUGH FC... 2
BILL TO LOCALISE TRADING INTERESTS ORDER.................... 4
PROSECUTOR IN OFFICE WHEN VERDICT RETURNED.................. 4
WAGES NOT RESTRAINED BY IMPORTED WORKERS.................... 5
DEDICATED TEAM SET UP TO PROCESS AIRPORT PLANS.............. 6
NEW LAW ON SAFE GONDOLAS.................................... 7
GOVT WILL UPHOLD RIGHT TO PRIVACY........................... 7
PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING STAFF DISPUTES...................... 8
REVIEWING CONTROLS ON USE OF AIR GUNS...................... 9
WORKING GROUP ON ELDERLY MAKES GOOD PROGRESS................ 9
OUTRE ACHING TEAMS FOR ELDERLY GET ADD..................... 10
TERTIARY STAFF SATISFY REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS............. 10
INSURANCE COMPLAINTS BOARD FAIR AND INDEPENDENT............ 11
/PREFERENTIAL DEBTS..
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
PREFERENTIAL DEBTS LIMITS UNDER REVIEW..................... 12
BRIDGE DESIGNED TO CATER FOR CONTAINER TERMINAL............ 13
PUBLICATION ON CHINA/HK ANTI-CORRUPTION LAWS TO BE PUBLISHED.................................................. 13
DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL OF GOVERNMENT SITES BEST UTILISED. 14
SPEEDING IN TUNNELS GIVEN CONCERN.......................... 14
HYF PROMOTES HOLIDAY FERRY SERVICES........................ 15
FIGURE ON VIETNAMESE RETURNING HOME........................ 15
REGULATION ON REDEMPTION OF SHARES......................... 16
RULES ADEQUATE ON DERIVATIVE WARRANTS ISSUE................ 16
YOUNG ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS MIGHT BE DETAINED IN HOMES..... 17
ELECTORAL BILL PASSED WITH AMENDMENTS...................... 18
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1994
BILL SETS OUT TO ACHIEVE OPEN AND FAIR ELECTION
* » ♦ * »
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID OPEN AND FAIR ELECTION WAS WHAT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ELECTORAL PROVISIONS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 SET OUT TO ACHIEVE AND WAS THE YARDSTICK AGAINST WHICH ANY ALTERNATIVE PROPOSALS SHOULD BE MEASURED.
SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING, SHE SAID THE KEY OBJECTIVE OF THE JOINT DECLARATION WAS TO PRESERVE HONG KONG’S STABILITY AND PROSPERITY, IN THE RUN-UP TO 1997 AND BEYOND.
FOR HONG KONG’S SUCCESS TO CONTINUE AFTER 1997, IT IS PARAMOUNT THAT THERE IS CONFIDENCE, BOTH LOCALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY, THAT THE RULE OF LAW WILL CONTINUE AFTER 1997, SHE SAID.
’’THAT CAN BEST BE ASSURED BY AN ELECTORAL SYSTEM WHICH IS MANIFESTLY OPEN AND FAIR AND IN WHICH THE COMMUNITY CAN HAVE FAITH.”
MRS CHAN SAID THE ELECTORAL SYSTEM MUST EVOLVE TO MEET THE COMMUNITY’S GROWING ASPIRATION FOR A GREATER SAY IN THE PROCESSES OF GOVERNMENT.
SHE ADDED THAT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF FAIRLY AND OPENLY ELECTED REPRESENTATIVE INSTITUTIONS BROUGHT PRACTICAL BENEFITS.
IT IS ESSENTIAL FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE FUNDAMENTAL ASPECTS OF HONG KONG’S WAY OF LIFE THAT IT HOLDS SO DEAR, A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD FOR BUSINESS, RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS, THE RESOLVE TO TACKLE CORRUPTION AT ALL LEVELS, AND THE IMPARTIAL ENFORCEMENT OF LAWS.
BUT, SHE SAID THE COMMUNITY ALSO ASPIRED FOR ARRANGEMENTS WHICH WERE CAPABLE OF ACHIEVING CONTINUITY AFTER 1997.
THAT IS WHY 17 ROUNDS OF INTENSIVE TALKS WERE CONDUCTED WITH CHINA, SHE SAID, UNFORTUNATELY AN AGREEMENT CANNOT BE REACHED.
WHILE IT WOULD DOUBTLESS HAVE BEEN PREFERABLE TO LEGISLATE ON THE BASIS OF AN AGREEMENT, IT DOES NOT FOLLOW THAT HONG KONG SHOULD GO FOR AN AGREEMENT AT ANY COST, MRS CHAN SAID.
"FOR, CLEARLY, ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS WHICH ARE LESS THAN OPEN AND FAIR STRIKE AT THE VERY ROOTS OF THE RULE OF LAW ON WHICH THE WHOLE FABRIC OF THIS VIBRANT, ARTICULATE AND SUCCESSFUL COMMUNITY DEPENDS.
"WHETHER CHINA WILL DISMANTLE ALL TIERS OF OUR REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT ON JULY 1, 1997 IS A QUESTION WHICH ONLY CHINA ITSELF CAN ANSWER.
"BUT IF IT DOES, AS NO DOUBT IT CAN IF IT REALLY WANTS TO, HOW WILL THAT SIT WITH THE COMMUNITY’S CLEAR AND OFTEN-REPEATED WISH FOR A THROUGH-TRAIN FOR THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL," SHE SAID.
/MRS CHAN ........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29,.1994
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MRS CHAN SAID THE ADMINISTRATION CONTINUED TO BELIEVE THAT THE BEST CASE FOR A THROUGH-TRAIN WAS FOR THE ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS TO BE DEMONSTRABLY OPEN AND FAIR, RESULTING IN A CREDIBLE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WHICH COULD COMMAND THE WIDE RESPECT OF THE COMMUNITY.
’’THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL STANDS TODAY ON THE BRINK OF ONE OF THE MOST MOMENTOUS DECISIONS IN ITS ENTIRE HISTORY - A DECISION THAT WILL PAVE THE WAY FOR THE FIRST FULLY ELECTED COUNCIL.
”1 AM CONFIDENT THAT IN MAKING YOUR DECISION, MEMBERS WILL NOT FALL BELOW THE LEVEL OF EVENTS ON THIS HISTORIC DAY AND WILL NOT FAIL TO ACT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HOPES AND WISHES OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG,” SHE TOLD COUNCIL MEMBERS.
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GOVT NOT INTRODUCING DIRECTLY ELECTED SEATS THROUGH FC *****
THE SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR NICHOLAS NG, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THE GOVERNMENT WAS NOT INTRODUCING MORE DIRECTLY ELECTED SEATS BY CREATING THE NINE NEW FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES.
SPEAKING AT THE RESUMPTION OF SECOND READING ON THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ELECTORAL PROVISIONS)(AMENDMENTS) BILL 1994 DEBATE, MR NG ELABORATED ON THE THREE IMPORTANT POINTS ABOUT THE NINE NEW FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES.
HE SAID: "THE FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY ELECTIONS WOULD CONTINUE TO MEAN THAT ONLY THOSE WHO ARE ECONOMICALLY ACTIVE WILL BE ABLE TO TAKE PART IN FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY ELECTIONS.
"IT WOULD NOT INCLUDE PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT PART OF THE WORKFORCE, SUCH AS STUDENTS, RETIREES, HOUSEWIVES, ETC," HE SAID.
MR NG EMPHASISED THAT PROPOSALS REGARDING THE NINE NEW FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES WERE NOT RADICAL CHANGES.
"RATHER, THEY ARE ALL FIRMLY BASED ON THE ESTABLISHED CONCEPT OF FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES, INCLUDING THE GUIDELINE, AS SET OUT IN THE 1988 WHITE PAPER, THAT FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES ARE TO PROVIDE REPRESENTATION FOR THE DIFFERENT ECONOMIC AND PROFESSIONAL SECTORS WHICH ARE SUBSTANTIAL AND OF IMPORTANCE IN THE COMMUNITY.
"THUS, EACH OF THE NINE NEW FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES REPRESENTS A MAJOR SECTOR WHICH OVER THE YEARS HAS MADE SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO HONG KONG’S STABILITY AND PROSPERITY.
"THE PROPOSALS ARE, OF COURSE, ALSO ENTIRELY CONSISTENT WITH THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW."
MR NG SAID IT WAS WRONG TO CHARACTERISE THE NINE NEW FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES AS "LABOUR" CONSTITUENCIES.
HE SAID THE PROPOSAL WOULD ENFRANCHISE NOT ONLY THE AVERAGE BLUE OR WHITE COLLAR WORKERS, BUT PEOPLE WORKING IN MIDDLE AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS AS WELL.
/"IN TERMS .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1994
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"IN TERMS OF OVERALL BALANCE OF INTERESTS, THE NINE NEW FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES, TOGETHER WITH THE 21 EXISTING ONES, WILL ENSURE THAT THE INTERESTS OF EMPLOYERS, EMPLOYEES AND THE PROFESSIONALS ARE ALL ADEQUATELY REPRESENTED."
MR NG NOTED THAT THE PROPOSALS IN THE BILL WOULD IMPROVE ON THE EXISTING FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY SYSTEM.
"FIRSTLY, ALL FORMS OF CORPORATE VOTING WILL BE ABOLISHED.
"BY GIVING THE VOTING RIGHT TO COMPANY DIRECTORS, WE WILL BE ABLE TO SIMULTANEOUSLY PUT AN END TO THE PROBLEM OF ’MULTIPLE VOTING’ AND BROADEN THE FRANCHISE OF THE RELEVANT FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES.
"SECONDLY, THE BILL PROPOSES EXPANDING THE FRANCHISE OF CERTAIN EXISTING PROFESSIONAL FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES. AGAIN, THIS HAD THE EFFECT OF THE BROADENING FRANCHISE AND MAKING THE SYSTEM MORE REPRESENTATIVE.
"THIRDLY, THE BILL PROPOSES NINE ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES WHICH TOGETHER ENCOMPASS THE ENTIRE WORKING POPULATION.
"IN SO DOING, WE WILL ENSURE BROAD REPRESENTATION IN THE FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY SYSTEM AND, IN TURN, ENHANCEMENT OF THE SYSTEM’S CREDIBILITY."
ON THE FORMATION OF THE ELECTION COMMITTEE, MR NG SAID TWO REQUIREMENTS MUST BE SATISFIED.
"THE MEMBERS OF THE ELECTION COMMITTEE SHOULD THEMSELVES BE ELECTED OPENLY AND FAIRLY; AND THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE ELECTION OF THE 10 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS BY THE ELECTION COMMITTEE SHOULD ALSO BE OPEN AND FAIR."
THERE WERE MORE WAYS THAN ONE TO SATISFY THESE REQUIREMENTS, HE SAID, BUT THE MOST STRAIGHTFORWARD WAY WAS FOR THE ELECTION COMMITTEE TO BE COMPOSED OF DIRECTLY ELECTED DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS.
"IT IS SIMPLE AND CREDIBLE. SIMPLE BECAUSE IT INVOLVES NO NEW ELECTORAL MACHINERY; CREDIBLE BECAUSE THE DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS ARE THEMSELVES ELECTED BY UNIVERSAL SUFFRAGE," HE SAID.
MR NG SAID ON THE METHOD OF ELECTING THE 10 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS, THE BILL PROPOSED THAT THE ELECTION COMMITTEE ADOPT THE SINGLE TRANSFERABLE VOTE SYSTEM.
"THE SYSTEM WILL PRODUCE ELECTION RESULTS PROPORTIONATE TO THE PREFERENCES OF THE VOTERS AND IS APPROPRIATE GIVEN THE SMALL SIZE OF THE ELECTION COMMITTEE," MR NG SAID.
MR NG SAID A BLOCK VOTE SYSTEM WAS UNDESIRABLE BECAUSE IT WOULD ENABLE A POLITICAL GROUP CONTROLLING HALF OF THE TOTAL ELECTION COMMITTEE SEATS TO DOMINATE THE ELECTION RESULTS OF THE 10 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SEATS.
MR NG REAFFIRMED THAT THE ADMINISTRATION WOULD STAND BY THE PROPOSALS IN THE BILL WHICH REPRESENTED THE BEST WAY TO ACHIEVE OPEN AND FAIR ELECTIONS WHILST MAINTAINING CONSISTENCY WITH THE BASIC LAW, THE JOINT DECLARATION, AND PAST AGREEMENTS WITH CHINA.
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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1994
BILL TO LOCALISE TRADING INTERESTS ORDER
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A BILL WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), SEEKING TO LOCALISE AN ORDER THAT PROTECTS HONG KONG BUSINESSMEN AND COMPANIES AGAINST EXTRATERRITORIAL DEMANDS BY OVERSEAS GOVERNMENTS OR COURTS WHICH MAY DAMAGE THE TRADING INTERESTS OF HONG KONG.
THE SECOND READING OF THE PROTECTION OF TRADING INTERESTS BILL WAS MOVED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T H CHAU.
THE BILL REPEALS THE UK PROTECTION OF TRADING INTERESTS ACT 1980 (HONG KONG) ORDER 1990 AND REPLICATES ITS PROVISIONS, WITH MINOR CHANGES OF DRAFTING STYLE, TO PROVIDE THE SAME PROTECTION TO HONG KONG BUSINESSMEN AND COMPANIES.
ITS MAIN PURPOSE IS TO ENABLE THE GOVERNOR TO PROHIBIT PERSONS IN HONG KONG FROM COMPLYING WITH EXTRATERRITORIAL MEASURES OF OVERSEAS COUNTRIES OR REQUIREMENTS OF OVERSEAS COURTS IF THOSE MEASURES OR REQUIREMENTS MAY DAMAGE THE TRADING INTERESTS OF HONG KONG OR WOULD INFRINGE THE JURISDICTION OF HONG KONG.
MR CHAU SAID THE BILL ALSO IMPOSED RESTRICTIONS ON THE ENFORCEMENT OF OVERSEAS JUDGMENTS FOR MULTIPLE DAMAGES AND CERTAIN JUDGMENTS IN RESTRAINT OF TRADE.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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PROSECUTOR IN OFFICE WHEN VERDICT RETURNED
*****
THE PROSECUTOR WHO WAS NOT PRESENT AT THE HIGH COURT WHEN THE VERDICT OF A CASE HE WAS HANDLING WAS RETURNED BY THE JURY WAS IN HIS OFFICE IN THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT, 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 CASE CONCLUDED ON MAY 29 (SUNDAY).
’’WHEN THE JURY RETIRED, THE PROSECUTOR RETURNED TO HIS ROOM IN THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT TO WORK ON SOME URGENT PAPERS LEAVING HIS TELEPHONE NUMBER WITH THE JURY CLERK AND THE POLICE OFFICER IN CHARGE OF THE CASE.
"DESPITE THE FACT THAT THE PROSECUTOR REMAINED IN HIS ROOM, TELEPHONE CALLS MADE TO HIM WERE NOT RECEIVED. IT WAS ONLY AFTER THE PROCEEDINGS HAD BEEN COMPLETED THAT CONTACT WAS MADE WITH HIM," MR MATHEWS SAID.
ON MAY 30, THE PROSECUTOR WAS TELEPHONED ON TWO OCCASIONS BY A NEWSPAPER REPORTER ASKING FOR HIS EXPLANATION FOR HIS NON-APPEARANCE. HE DECLINED AS HE FIRST WISHED TO INFORM THE JUDGE, WHICH HE DID.
/'•THE REPORTER.......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1994
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"THE REPORTER TELEPHONED ONCE AGAIN AND ONCE MORE AN EXPLANATION WAS DECLINED. AS THE PROSECUTOR WAS PUTTING DOWN THE TELEPHONE, HE USED AN EXPLETIVE WHICH WAS NOT INTENDED FOR HER EARS BUT WHICH SHE DID HEAR," MR MATHEWS SAID.
"AS A RESULT THE PROSECUTOR APOLOGISED TO THE EDITOR OF THE NEWSPAPER IN WRITING AND THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS SPOKE TO THE EDITOR OFFERING HIS REGRETS AT WHAT HAD OCCURRED," HE ADDED.
MR MATHEWS SAID DISCIPLINARY ACTION HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN BUT THE PROSECUTOR WAS ADVISED AS TO HIS CONDUCT.
HE ADDED THAT THERE WAS NO SPECIFIC GUIDELINE FOR CIVIL SERVANTS RELATING TO THE CIRCUMSTANCES MENTIONED.
"THE GENERAL GUIDELINE IS THAT CIVIL SERVANTS SHOULD BE COURTEOUS WHEN IN CONTACT WITH MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, INCLUDING THE PRESS. THEY SHOULD ALWAYS BE HELPFUL AND POLITE," THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SAID.
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WAGES NOT RESTRAINED BY IMPORTED WORKERS
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THERE IS NO EVIDENCE TO SUGGEST THAT THE INCREASE IN LOCAL WORKERS’ WAGES HAS BEEN RESTRAINED BECAUSE OF IMPORTED LABOUR, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON JAMES TIEN, MR LEUNG SAID THE NUMBER OF WORKERS UNDER THE GENERAL IMPORTATION OF LABOUR SCHEME WAS RESTRICTED TO 25,000, WHICH REPRESENTED ONLY LESS THAN ONE PER CENT OF THE TOTAL WORKFORCE.
"IT IS UNLIKELY THAT THE SMALL NUMBER OF IMPORTED WORKERS WOULD HAVE ANY NOTICEABLE IMPACT ON THE LOCAL WAGE TREND," HE SAID.
HE ALSO SAID IT WAS THE GOVERNMENT POLICY THAT IMPORTED WORKERS SHOULD RECEIVE NO LESS FAVOURABLE TREATMENT IN EMPLOYMENT, INCLUDING WAGES, AS THAT ENJOYED BY LOCAL WORKERS.
"THIS SERVES TO PROTECT IMPORTED WORKERS AGAINST EXPLOITATION AND, AT THE SAME TIME, SAFEGUARD THE INTEREST OF LOCAL EMPLOYEES," HE SAID.
MR LEUNG ADDED THAT THIS POLICY WAS IN LINE WITH THE REQUIREMENT UNDER CONVENTION NO. 97 OF THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION WHICH HAD BEEN APPLIED IN HONG KONG.
/6........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1994
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DEDICATED TEAM SET UP TO PROCESS AIRPORT PLANS
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IN ORDER TO EXPEDITE PROCESSING OF PLANS FOR THE NEW AIRPORT AND ASSOCIATED PROJECTS, THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT (BD) HAS BEEN GIVEN ADDITIONAL MANPOWER TO SET UP A DEDICATED TASK FORCE COMPRISING A SURVEYING TEAM AND AN ENGINEERING TEAM LED BY A CHIEF STRUCTURAL ENGINEER TOGETHER WITH TECHNICAL SUPPORT.
AS SUCH, THE REQUIREMENT FOR BUILDING PROJECTS UNDERTAKEN BY THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY (PAA) TO GO THROUGH THE USUAL CHECKING PROCEDURES AS REQUIRED BY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE IS UNLIKELY TO CAUSE ANY DELAY OR INCREASE IN COST.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON EMILY LAU IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR BLAKE SAID THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PAA WOULD WORK CLOSELY TOGETHER TO ENSURE THAT THIS REQUIREMENT HAD NO IMPACT ON THE PROGRAMME OR COST FOR THE NEW AIRPORT AS BOTH WERE COMMITTED TO MEETING THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING OBLIGATION THAT THE NEW AIRPORT SHOULD BE COMPLETED IN A COST-EFFECTIVE MANNER AND TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT POSSIBLE BY JUNE 1997.
"DISCUSSIONS HAVE BEEN GOING ON BETWEEN THE PAA AND THE BD ON THE STREAMLINING OF THE PROCEDURES FOR SUBMISSION AND APPROVAL, INCLUDING APPROPRIATE EXEMPTIONS FROM THE PROVISIONS OF THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE, WITH A VIEW TO IMPLEMENTING THE AIRPORT PROJECTS ACCORDING TO SCHEDULE," MR BLAKE SAID.
IN ADDITION TO THE TASK FORCE, MR BLAKE SAID THE BD HAD ESTABLISHED A CENTRALISED PROCESSING CO-ORDINATION COMMITTEE TO MONITOR THE EXPEDITIOUS PROCESSING OF THE PLANS FOR THE AIRPORT AND RELATED DEVELOPMENTS TO FACILITATE THEIR EARLY IMPLEMENTATION.
"THE COMMITTEE COMPRISES REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE FIRE SERVICES, LANDS, PLANNING, HIGHWAYS, TRANSPORT DEPARTMENTS AS WELL AS OTHER DEPARTMENTS WHO WILL BE INVITED TO SIT ON THE COMMITTEE AS AND WHEN REQUIRED," HE SAID.
HE NOTED THAT REGULAR CONSULTATIONS WITH THE BD HAD ALSO BEEN CARRIED OUT THROUGHOUT THE COURSE OF THE DESIGN PROCESS FOR THE PASSENGER TERMINAL BUILDING AND CONCOURSE.
FOR THOSE PROJECTS WHICH ARE STILL IN MID-DESIGN STAGE OR ONLY JUST AWARDED, CONSULTATION WITH THE BD WILL BE CARRIED OUT BEFORE DETAILED PROPOSALS ARE FINALISED, HE SAID.
"IN FACT, EVEN FOR OTHER GOVERNMENT PROJECTS WHICH ARE EXEMPTED FROM THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE, IT IS COMMON THAT THE DESIGN WILL BE SUBMITTED TO RELEVANT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS FOR INDEPENDENT CHECKING/COMMENTS, AS A PRUDENT PRACTICE TO ENSURE PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY," MR BLAKE SAID.
THERE IS NO OVERLAPPING OF THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF PAA STAFF, WHO ARE MAINLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DESIGN AND OVERSEEING OF THE CONSTRUCTION WORK, AND BD STAFF, WHO ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR INDEPENDENT CHECKING FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE, HE ADDED.
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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1994
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NEW LAW ON SAFE GONDOLAS
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THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) APPROVED A REGULATION PROVIDING FOR ADDITIONAL SAFETY MEASURES ON SUSPENDED WORKING PLATFORMS, COMMONLY KNOWN AS GONDOLAS.
MOVING A MOTION ON THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (SUSPENDED WORKING PLATFORMS) REGULATION, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, SAID IN THE PAST FOUR YEARS, THERE WERE 18 GONDOLA ACCIDENTS RESULTING IN TWO FATALITIES AND 17 INJURIES.
MR LEUNG SAID IN RECENT YEARS, THERE HAD BEEN AN INCREASING USE OF GONDOLAS FOR CONSTRUCTION, MAINTENANCE AND EXTERNAL CLEANSING WORK ON HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS.
HOWEVER, THE EXISTING PROVISIONS ARE NEITHER SPECIFIC NOR STRINGENT ENOUGH TO ENSURE THEIR SAFE OPERATION.
UNDER THE NEW REGULATION, THE OWNER OF A SUS 'ENDED WORKING PLATFORM MUST ENSURE ITS GOOD DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION AND PROPER OPERATION.
ADDITIONAL SAFETY ROPES FITTED WITH AUTOMATIC FALL-ARRESTING DEVICE MUST BE PROVIDED.
ALSO, A SUSPENDED WORKING PLATFORM MUST BE PERIODICALLY INSPECTED BY A COMPETENT PERSON AND EXAMINED BY A REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER.
THE NEW LAW PROHIBITS THE OPERATION OF A GONDOLA IN BAD WEATHER AND REQUIRES EVERY WORKER ON IT TO WEAR A SAFETY BELT AND KEEP IT ATTACHED TO AN INDEPENDENT LIFELINE.
THE NEW REGULATION WILL BE BROUGHT INTO EFFECT IN 12 MONTHS IN ORDER TO ALLOW TIME FOR OWNERS OF SUSPENDED WORKING PLATFORMS TO MAKE THE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS AND INSTALL ADDITIONAL SAFETY DEVICES.
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GOVT WILL UPHOLD RIGHT TO PRIVACY * * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT IS COMMITTED TO UPHOLDING THE RIGHT TO PRIVACY AND HAS RIGOROUS SAFEGUARDS AGAINST ABUSE OF TELECOMMUNICATION INTERCEPTION BUILT INTO ITS PROCEDURES.
THIS WAS REITERATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHRISTINE LOH IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
ON FURTHER IMPROVEMENT OF THE EXISTING ARRANGEMENTS, MR ASPREY SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD ASKED THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION TO ADDRFSS THE WHOLE ISSUE OF PRIVACY, INCLUDING TELEPHONE INTERCEPTION.
"WHEN THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION REPORTS, WE WILL CONSIDER THE RECOMMENDATIONS AND WHETHER CHANGES ARE REQUIRED," HF. SAID.
/MR ASPREY
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1994 '
8
MR ASPREY SAID PUBLIC DISCLOSURE OF THE NUMBER OF INTERCEPTIONS WOULD MAKE THE JOBS OF THE POLICE AND THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION (ICAC) IN THE PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF SERIOUS CRIME, INCLUDING CORRUPTION, MORE DIFFICULT.
CRIMINALS AND OTHERS WHO DO NOT HAVE THE BEST INTERESTS OF HONG KONG AT HEART SHOULD NOT BE ABLE TO ESTIMATE THE EXTENT TO WHICH LAWFUL INTERCEPTION TAKES PLACE, HE SAID.
"MUCH OF THE WORK OF THE POLICE AND ICAC RELIES ON INFORMANTS AND EXTREME CONFIDENTIALITY.
"REVEALING DETAILS OF THE NUMBER OF INTERCEPTIONS WOULD HAVE THE EFFECT OF MAKING THIS WORK MORE DIFFICULT," HE SAID.
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PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING STAFF DISPUTES * * * * *
THE GOVERNING BODIES OF ALL. INSTITUTIONS FUNDED BY THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE ARE ULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLE FOR ENSURING THAT THEIR PROCEDURES GOVERNING THE TERMINATION OF CONTRACTS AND DISMISSAL OF STAFF ARE APPLIED FAIRLY AND REASONABLY.
THE GOVERNMENT UNDERSTANDS THAT ALL THE INSTITUTIONS ENDEAVOUR TO ACT CAREFULLY AND RESPONSIBLY TO PREVENT UNJUST TREATMENT OF THEIR STAFF.
IN ADDITION, APPEALS PROCEDURES ARE IN PLACE FOR STAFF TO SEEK REDRESS IF NECESSARY.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON CONRAD LAM IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"NEVERTHELESS, DISPUTES ABOUT CONTRACTS OF EMPLOYMENT OR DISMISSAL OF STAFF MAY BE RESOLVED BY THE COURTS IF NECESSARY," MR LEUNG ADDED.
REGARDING THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR LEUNG SAID THERE WERE CLEARLY LAID-DOWN COMPLAINTS AND GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES TO ENSURE THAT STAFF WERE PROTECTED FROM VICTIMISATION AND THAT THEIR COMPLAINTS WERE DEALT WITH PROMPTLY AND FAIRLY.
"THERE ARE A NUMBER OF CHANNELS, BOTH FORMAL AND INFORMAL, FOR STAFF TO PUT FORWARD SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENTS, AS WELL AS VIEWS AND CRITICISMS ON THE INADEQUACIES OF INDIVIDUALS OR ORGANISATIONS," HE SAID.
MR LEUNG POINTED OUT THAT THE MANAGEMENT ALWAYS TREATED THESE CRITICISMS POSITIVELY WITH A VIEW TO MAKING IMPROVEMENTS WHEREVER POSSIBLE.
"IF A STAFF MEMBER FEELS UNFAIRLY TREATED FOR REVEALING DEFICIENCIES OF HIS DEPARTMENT, HE HAS THE RIGHT TO LODGE A COMPLAINT WITH HIS HEAD OF DEPARTMENT OR EVEN HIGHER AUTHORITIES, SUCH AS THE CHIEF SECRETARY OR THE GOVERNOR," HE ADDED.
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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1994
REVIEWING CONTROLS ON USE OF AIR GUNS
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THE FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION ORDINANCE IS UNDER REVIEW, AIMING AT STRENGTHENING THE LICENSING REGIME OF ARMS INCLUDING AIR GUNS TN HONG KONG.
THE ADMINISTRATION IS CONSIDERING TO EXTEND THE SCOPE OF LICENSING CONTROLS TO AIR GUNS WITH A MUZZLE VELOCITY OF LESS THAN TWO JOULES, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, SAID IN HIS WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ZACHARY WONG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
AT PRESENT, THERE ARE NO CONTROLS OVER AIR GUNS WITH A MUZZLE VELOCITY OF LESS THAN TWO JOULES.
AIR GUNS FROM WHICH ANY SHOT CAN BE DISCHARGED WITH A
MUZZLE
ENERGY GREATER THAN TWO JOULES ARE DEFINED AS ’ARMS’ AND HENCE SUBJECT TO CONTROL UNDER THE FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION ORDINANCE," MR ASPREY SAID.
’’THE ORDINANCE REQUIRES LICENCES FOR THE POSSESSION OF SUCH ARMS AND CONTAINS CONDITIONS REGARDING THEIR USE, TRANSPORT AND SAFE STORAGE. ’’
THE REVIEW IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY THE FOURTH QUARTER OF THE YEAR.
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WORKING GROUP ON ELDERLY MAKES GOOD PROGRESS
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THE WORKING GROUP ON CARE FOR THE ELDERLY HAS ALMOST COMPLETED ITS DELIBERATIONS AND A REPORT WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNOR ON TIME IN AUGUST THIS YEAR, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN HER WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON LEONG CHE-HUNG, MRS WONG SAID THE WORKING GROUP WAS MAKING GOOD PROGRESS IN ITS WORK.
SHE ADDED THAT THE REPORT WOULD NOT BE PUBLISHED BEFORE IT WAS SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNOR.
THE WORKING GROUP WAS APPOINTED ON NOVEMBER 11, 1993 TO CONDUCT A GENERAL REVIEW OF SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY AND TO ADVISE ON THE FORMULATION OF A STRATEGY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF FUTURE POLICIES AND SERVICES.
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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1994
10
OUTREACHING TEAMS FOR ELDERLY GET AID
*****
TWO OUTREACHING TEAMS FOR ELDERLY PERSONS AT RISK HAVE RECEIVED SUBVENTION SINCE OCTOBER 1, 1993 FOLLOWING AN EVALUATION EXERCISE, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN HER WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HUI YIN-FAT, MRS WONG SAID AS OUTREACHING TEAMS WERE A RELATIVELY NEW SERVICE, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE AND THE TWO OPERATING AGENCIES WERE JOINTLY MONITORING THEIR OPERATION AND PERFORMANCE.
THE TWO TEAMS WERE ESTABLISHED ON APRIL 1, 1991 AS AN
EXPERIMENTAL PROJECT WITH A GRANT FROM THE LOTTERIES FUND.
’’THE MODE OF SERVICE DELIVERY AND DEVELOPMENT OF THIS SERVICE WILL BE REVIEWED AFTER THE SERVICE HAS OPERATED FOR SOME TIME," MRS WONG SAID.
’’PROPOSALS FOR FURTHER EXPANSION WILL BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF AVAILABLE RESOURCES AND COMPETING PRIORITIES,” SHE ADDED.
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TERTIARY STAFF SATISFY REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
*****
ALL THE EXISTING STAFF OF THE TWO POLYTECHNICS AND THE HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE (HKBC) SATISFY THE REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS FOR TEACHING POSTS EITHER AT DEGREE LEVEL OR AT SUB-DEGREE LEVEL, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN HIS WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HENRY TANG, MR LEUNG SAID THE TWO POLYTECHNICS WOULD CONTINUE FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE TO OFFER SUB-DEGREE LEVEL COURSES IN ORDER TO FULFIL THEIR DISTINCTIVE ROLES AND MISSIONS.
"THOSE OF THEIR STAFF WHO ARE NOT CONSIDERED TO BE SUITABLY QUALIFIED FOR DEGREE LEVEL WORK MAY, THEREFORE, CONTINUE TO TEACH SUBDEGREE PROGRAMMES," HE SAID.
"REGARDING HKBC, IT HAS BEEN 100 PER CENT DEGREE-AWARD I NG SINCE THE ACADEMIC YEAR 1993/94 AND ALL THE COLLEGE’S TEACHING STAFF ARE ENGAGED IN TEACHING AT DEGREE LEVEL," HE ADDED.
MR LEUNG POINTED THAT ALL UPGC-FUNDED INSTITUTIONS, INCLUDING THE TWO POLYTECHNICS AND THE HKBC, WOULD LIKE TO ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF THEIR ACADEMIC STAFF AND IN THIS PROCESS THE REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE STAFF OF SOME DISCIPLINES HAD BEEN RAISED.
THE SECRETARY GAVE AN ASSURANCE THAT THE THREE INSTITUTIONS CONCERNED HAD ESTABLISHED PROCEDURES AND CRITERIA FOR SELECTING THEIR ACADEMIC STAFF WHEREBY ONLY SUITABLE CANDIDATES WERE OFFERED APPOINTMENT.
/REGARDING PERSONNEL .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1994
11
REGARDING PERSONNEL DISPUTES, MR LEUNG SAID ALL THE UPGC-FUNDED INSTITUTIONS HAD ESTABLISHED PROCEDURES GOVERNING THE SELECTION, TERMINATION OF CONTRACTS AND DISMISSAL OF THEIR STAFF.
’’DISPUTES ABOUT CONTRACTS OF EMPLOYMENT OR DISMISSAL OF STAFF MAY BE RESOLVED BY THE COURTS IF NFCESSARY,” HE ADDED.
THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT CONSIDER IT APPROPRIATE TO SET UP AN INDEPENDENT BODY TO DEAL WITH DISPUTES CONCERNING THE EMPLOYMENT OF THEIR TEACHING STAFF.
--------0 - -
INSURANCE COMPLAINTS BOARD FAIR AND INDEPENDENT * * * * *
THE WORKING OF THE INSURANCE CLAIMS COMPLAINTS BOARD HAS BEEN CLOSELY MONITORED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND THERE IS NO REASON TO DOUBT ITS INTEGRITY, INDEPENDENCE AND FAIRNESS, THE SECRETARY FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES, MR MICHAEL CARTLAND, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HUANG CHEN-YA IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR CARTLAND SAID AS AN INTEGRAL PART OF SELFREGULATION BY THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY, THE BOARD PROVIDED AN INDEPENDENT AVENUE FOR COMPLAINTS ABOUT PERSONAL INSURANCE POLICIES.
CHAIRED BY A RETIRED JUSTICE OF APPEAL, THE BOARD IS LARGELY MADE UP OF PERSONS FROM OUTSIDE THE INDUSTRY.
LAST YEAR, IT DEALT WITH 99 CASES. BY THE END OF LAST YEAR, 67 CASES WERE SETTLED, OF WHICH 40 WERE SETTLED BY AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES CONCERNED BEFORE ADJUDICATION BY THE BOARD.
ALTHOUGH AWARDS WERE MADE BY THE BOARD IN FOUR CASES, TWO OUT OF THREE CASES HANDLED BY THE BOARD IN 1993 WERE CLOSED IN FAVOUR OF THE COMPLAINANTS.
HE SAID THIS COULD NOT BE REGARDED AS INDICATING A LOW SUCCESS RATE.
MR CARTLAND ALSO NOTED THAT THERE WAS LITTLE EVIDENCE TO SUGGEST THE WORDING OF INSURANCE POLICY TERMS PLACED POLICY- HOLDERS AT A DISADVANTAGE.
LAST YEAR, THERE WERE 30 COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE TERMS. THE NUMBER IS VERY SMALL BEARING IN MIND THAT THERE ARE TWO MILLION LIFE INSURANCE POLICIES IN FORCE.
THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY HAS BEEN IMPROVING THE INSURANCE PROPOSAL FORMS AND POLICIES TO MAKE THEM EASIER TO UNDERSTAND. A STANDARD CHINESE TRANSLATION OF POLICY TERMS IS BEING DRAFTED.
A BILL SEEKING TO ENHANCE THE PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS OF INSURANCE AGENTS AND BROKERS HAS BEEN INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR CARTLAND SAID.
/12........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1994
- 12 -
PREFERENTIAL DEBTS LIMITS UNDER REVIEW
*****
THE GOVERNMENT IS CONSIDERING BRINGING THE PREFERENTIAL LIMITS UNDER THE COMPANIES AND BANKRUPTCY ORDINANCES TO A MORE REALISTIC LEVEL, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THESE LIMITS RELATE TO ARREARS OF WAGES, WAGES IN LIEU OF NOTICE AND SEVERANCE, WHICH WERE SET IN 1977.
IN HIS WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON PETER WONG, MR LEUNG SAID IN REVIEWING THE LIMITS, THE INTEREST OF OTHER DEBTORS WOULD ALSO BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT.
HE SAID THE RATE OF RECOVERY BY THE PROTECTION OF WAGES INSOLVENCY FUND FROM INSOLVENT EMPLOYERS’ ESTATE HAD BEEN DROPPING, WITH THE ANNUAL AVERAGE RATE AT 17 PER CENT.
THIS IS PARTLY DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE PREFERENTIAL LIMITS UNDER THE TWO ORDINANCES HAVE NOT BEEN REVISED SINCE 1977 WHILE THE MAXIMUM PAYMENT LIMITS TO EMPLOYEES OUT OF THE FUND HAVE BEEN REVISED UPWARD FOR SEVERAL TIMES.
CITING STATISTICS, MR LEUNG SAID THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS MADE TO THE FUND HAD BEEN INCREASING DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS FROM 4,460 IN 1989/90 INVOLVING $60.6 MILLION TO 7,091 IN 1993/94 INVOLVING $189.6 MILLION.
DURING THE PAST FOUR YEARS FROM 1990/91 TO 1993/94, AN AVERAGE OF 6,800 APPLICATIONS FOR THE FUND WERE RECEIVED EACH YEAR.
’’CONSIDERING THAT THE TOTAL ACCUMULATED FUND OF $500 MILLION IS ONLY SUFFICIENT TO COVER 4,237 APPLICANTS AT THE MAXIMUM PAYMENT OF $118,000 EACH, THE LEVY AT THE CURRENT RATE OF $250 FOR EACH BUSINESS REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS NOT EXCESSIVE," HE SAID.
"BESIDES, THERE IS A NEED FOR THE FUND TO HAVE A SIGNIFICANT RESERVE TO COPE WITH ANY SUDDEN DOWNTURN OF THE ECONOMY WHICH WILL GIVE RISE TO MORE INSOLVENCIES," HE ADDED.
ON PAYMENTS FROM THE FUND, MR LEUNG SAID THEY HAD BEEN MADE TO APPLICANTS MUCH FASTER THAN WAS POSSIBLE UNDER THE NORMAL LIQUIDATION AND BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS.
"THE OBJECTIVE OF PROMPTLY RELIEVING HARDSHIP CAUSED TO EMPLOYEES IN THE EVENT OF INSOLVENCY OF EMPLOYERS HAS ON THE WHOLE BEEN ACHIEVED," HE NOTED.
OF THE 1,150 APPLICANTS WHO RECEIVED PAYMENTS IN APRIL AND MAY 1994, 129 WERE PAID WITHIN THREE MONTHS AFTER LIQUIDATION PETITIONS WERE PRESENTED OR UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE DIRECTOR OF LEGAL AID WHERE THE PRESENTATION OF SUCH PETITIONS WERE CONSIDERED NOT APPROPRIATE.
ANOTHER 1,015 APPLICANTS WERE ABLE TO RECEIVE PAYMENT TN FOUR TO SIX MONTHS.
- - 0 - -
/13........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 199^
13
BRIDGE DESIGNED TO CATER FOR CONTAINER TERMINAL
*****
THE DUPLICATE TSING YI SOUTH BRIDGE HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO MEET BOTH EXISTING . TRAFFIC DEMANDS AND THOSE WHICH WILL ARISE FROM THE OPERATION OF CONTAINER TERMINAL 9 (CT-9).
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR HAIDER BARMA, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON SAMUEL WONG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
’’SINCE IT REMAINS THE GOVERNMENT’S FIRM INTENTION THAT CT-9 SHOULD BE BUILT ON TSING YI AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, WE BELIEVE THAT THERE IS NO REASON TO REVISE OUR PLANS OR PROCEED WITH A PROJECT THAT ONLY SEEKS TO ACCOMMODATE LOCAL TRAFFIC DEMANDS," MR BARMA SAID.
DETAILED DESIGN OF THE BRIDGE HAS BEEN COMPLETED AND THE FINANCE COMMITTEE HAS APPROVED A SUM OF $785 MILLION FOR ITS CONSTRUCTION IN JULY 1992.
MR BARMA SAID THE TRANSPORT JUSTIFICATION AND TIMING FOR THE EXPANDED BRIDGE, WHICH WOULD ADD FOUR LANES TO THE EXISTING TWO-LANE BRIDGE, HINGED ON THE DECISION TO LOCATE CT-9 ON TSING YI.
"WE INTEND TO ENTRUST CONSTRUCTION OF THE BRIDGE TO THE DEVELOPERS OF CT-9 AND TO REQUIRE THAT THE FIRST TWO ADDITIONAL LANES ARE COMPLETED BEFORE THE COMMISSIONING OF THE FIRST BERTH OF THE CONTAINER TERMINAL," HE SAID, ADDING THAT THE WHOLE PROJECT WAS TO ’ BE COMPLETED BEFORE THE TERMINAL BECOMES FULLY OPERATIONAL.
------0------ -
PUBLICATION ON CHINA/HK ANTI-CORRUPTION LAWS TO BE PUBLISHED *****
THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION (ICAC) AND THE GUANGDONG PROVINCIAL PEOPLE'S PROCURATORATE AGREED TO PRODUCE JOINTLY A PUBLICATION ON THE ANTI-CORRUPTION LAWS OF CHINA AND HONG KONG FOR THE BENEFIT OF LOCAL BUSINESSMEN INVOLVED IN CROSS-BORDER TRADE AND INVESTMENT.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO THE HON JAMES TIEN'S QUESTION IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID SUCH AGREEMENT WAS MADE WHEN THE ICAC COMMISSIONER VISITED THE PROCURATORATE LAST OCTOBER.
"THE OBJECTIVE OF THE PUBLICATION IS TO EXPLAIN THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THESE TWO SETS OF ANTI-CORRUPTION LAWS AND TO OFFER PRACTICAL ADVICE ON HOW TO MAKE COMPLAINTS OF CORRUPTION IN GUANGDONG OR IN HONG KONG.
"THE PUBLICATION IS NOW UNDER PREPARATION AND WILL BE READY FOR DISTRIBUTION TO HONG KONG BUSINESSMEN THROUGH ICAC REGIONAL OFFICES BY THE END OF 1994," SHE SAID.
HOWEVER, MRS CHAN NOTED THAT THE PUBLICATION WOULD PROVIDE GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY AND WAS NOT INTENDED TO REPLACE PROFESSIONAL LEGAL ADVICE WHICH LOCAL BUSINESSMEN SHOULD SEEK FROM THEIR OWN LEGAL ADVISERS.
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/14......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1994
14
DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL OF GOVERNMENT SITES BEST UTILISED *****
THE GOVERNMENT IS MAKING EVERY EFFORT TO REALISE THE FULL DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL OF SITES ZONED FOR GOVERNMENT, INSTITUTION AND COMMUNITY (GIC) USES OWNED BY THE GOVERNMENT, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR CANICE MAK, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ERIC LI KA-CHEUNG, MR MAK SAID 12 SUCH GOVERNMENT SITES HAD BEEN SOLD FOR PRIVATE SECTOR DEVELOPMENT SINCE 1990.
”TO FACILITATE THE REDEVELOPMENT OF SUCH GOVERNMENT SITES, WE ARE CONSIDERING THE POSSIBILITY OF INVOLVING THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN REPROVISIONING GOVERNMENT FACILITIES ON SOME OF THEM.
’’BUT EACH CASE HAS TO BE CONSIDERED ON ITS MERITS AND SUITABLE FUNDING ARRANGEMENTS WORKED OUT.”
MR MAK SAID A COMMITTEE ON REDEVELOPMENT OF UNDER-DEVELOPED GOVERNMENT SITES HAD BEEN SET UP IN AUGUST 1991 TO DETERMINE THE APPROPRIATE LAND USES AND REDEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL OF UNDER-UTILISED GOVERNMENT SITES.
HE SAID: ’’ALSO, THE TASK FORCE ON LAND SUPPLY AND PROPERTY PRICES HAS IN THE COURSE OF ITS DELIBERATIONS EXAMINED THE POSSIBILITY OF REZONING AND RELEASING GOVERNMENT SITES FOR HOUSING PURPOSES AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO LOOK FOR MORE SUCH OPPORTUNITIES."
MR MAK POINTED OUT THAT NOT ALL GIC SITES COULD BE DEVELOPED OR REDEVELOPED FOR COMMERCIAL OR RESIDENTIAL USES BECAUSE FACTORS SUCH AS LAND USE COMPATIBILITY, INFRASTRUCTURAL CONSTRAINTS AND REPROVISIONING PROBLEMS PREVENT THIS.
SPEEDING IN TUNNELS GIVEN CONCERN
*****
THE POLICE, TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AND PRIVATE TUNNEL OPERATORS HAVE BEEN ASKED TO GIVE HIGHER PRIORITY TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM OF SPEEDING IN ROAD TUNNELS, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR HAIDER BARMA, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HUANG CHEN-YA, MR BARMA SAID 85 PER CENT OF THE 2,518 SPEEDING CASES IN ROAD TUNNELS DETECTED LAST YEAR OCCURRED IN THE EARLY HOURS OF THE MORNING WHEN TRAFFIC WAS LIGHT.
DURING THE PAST TWO YEARS, 70 ACCIDENTS WERE CAUSED BY VEHICLES SPEEDING IN ROAD TUNNELS.
/15 .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1994
15
HYF PROMOTES HOLIDAY FERRY SERVICES *****
THE HONGKONG AND YAUMATI FERRY (HYF) IS TO STEP UP PUBLICITY TO PROMOTE ITS FERRY SERVICES TO MUI WO AND CHEUNG CHAU FROM THE STAR FERRY PIER IN TSIM SHA TSUI ON WEEKENDS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR HAIDER BARMA, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ZACHARY WONG WAI-YIN.
THE PUBLICITY, MR BARMA SAID, INCLUDES PUTTING UP ATTRACTIVE POSTERS AT PIERS AND VESSELS TO INFORM THE PUBLIC OF SERVICE SCHEDULES, LOCATION AND OPERATING HOURS OF THE TICKET COUNTER AND THE ENQUIRY TELEPHONE NUMBER.
OWING TO POLICE CONCERNS ON CROWD CONTROL, TICKETS ARE PRESENTLY AVAILABLE >NLY FROM A TICKET BOOTH LOCATED AT THE BASEMENT OF STAR HOUSE, WHICH IS NOT TOO CONVENIENT FOR PUBLIC ACCESS.
HAVING REVIEWED THE SITUATION, THE POLICE NOW SEE NO OBJECTION TO THE SETTING UP OF A TICKET BOOTH AT THE TSIM SHA TSUI FERRY PIER ON A THREE-MONTH TRIAL.
HYF IS NOW CONSULTING STAR FERRY AND THIS WILL BE PROVIDED SUBJECT TO THE LATTER’S AGREEMENT.
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FIGURE ON VIETNAMESE RETURNING HOME » * » » *
IN THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, 3,747 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS RETURNED HOME UNDER THE VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME. THIS REPRESENTS A SIGNIFICANT DECLINE OVER THE 7,909 WHO RETURNED TO VIETNAM IN THE LAST FIVE MONTHS OF 1993.
THE FIGURE WAS RELEASED BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MRS SELINA CHOW.
"THE REMEDY TO THE CURRENT SITUATION LIES IN PROMOTING THE VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME," MR ASPREY SAID, ADDING THAT THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES (UNHCR) TOOK THE LEAD IN THIS AREA.
PROMOTIONAL EFFORTS OF UNHCR INCLUDE INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP COUNSELLING, THE DISTRIBUTION OF NEWSPAPERS, MAGAZINES AND INFORMATION BULLETINS. VIDEOS, PHOTOGRAPH EXHIBITIONS AND OTHER PRINTED INFORMATION ON THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN VIETNAM ARE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS IN THE DETENTION CENTRES.
THE GOVERNMENT IS ALSO EXPLORING WITH UNHCR ON HOW THE INCENTIVES FOR VOLUNTARY RETURN COULD BE IMPROVED, AS SUGGESTED IN THE REPORT OF THE WHITEHEAD INQUIRY.
/16 .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1994
REGULATION ON REDEMPTION OF SHARES * * ♦ t *
REDEMPTION OR REPURCHASE OF ITS OWN SHARES BY A LISTED COMPANY IS REGULATED BY THE HONG KONG CODE ON SHARE REPURCHASES ADMINISTERED BY THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION AND THE LISTING RULES OF THE STOCK EXCHANGE OF HONG KONG LTD (SEHK).
BOTH OF THEM ARE NON-STATUTORY, THE SECRETARY FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES, MR MICHAEL CARTLAND, SAID IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHIM PUI-CHUNG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
UNDER THE CODE, A LISTED COMPANY THAT WISHES TO REDEEM OR REPURCHASE ’ ITS OWN SHARES IS REQUIRED TO MAKE A GENERAL OFFER TO ALL OF ITS SHAREHOLDERS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RULES SET OUT IN THE CODE.
HOWEVER, MR CARTLAND NOTED THAT THE COMPANY MIGHT SEEK EXEMPTION FROM THIS REQUIREMENT IF IT DID NOT WISH TO MAKE A GENERAL OFFER.
’’THE MOST COMMON EXEMPTION A COMPANY MAY RESORT TO IS FOR ON-MARKET REPURCHASE, THAT IS, THE COMPANY MAY REPURCHASE ITS SHARES THROUGH THE FACILITIES OF SEHK, IN WHICH CASE, THE REPURCHASE WILL BE SUBJECT TO THE LISTING RULES OF SEHK.
’’THE PURPOSE OF THE CODE AND THE RELEVANT SECTIONS OF THE LISTING RULES IS TO ENSURE THAT ALL SHAREHOLDERS WILL BE TREATED FAIRLY IN THE EVENT THAT THEIR COMPANY WISHES TO REDEEM OR REPURCHASE ITS SHARES.”
MR CARTLAND SAID THE ARRANGEMENT WAS WORKING WELL AND WAS NOT UNDER REVIEW.
- - 0 - -
RULES ADEQUATE ON DERIVATIVE WARRANTS ISSUE *****
THE ADMINISTRATION AND THE REGULATOR CONSIDER THAT THE LISTING RULES ADEQUATELY DEAL WITH THE QUESTION OF VESTED INTERESTS RELATING TO THE ISSUE OF DERIVATIVE WARRANTS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES, MR MICHAEL CARTLAND, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO THE HON CHIM PUI-CHUNG’S QUESTION IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING.
THE RULES PROHIBIT SUCH ISSUE DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY BY A CONTROLLING SHAREHOLDER OR A PERSON WHO HAS EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT CONTROL OF THE UNDERLYING LISTED COMPANY.
AS A RESULT, DERIVATIVE WARRANTS ISSUED OVER SHARES OF LISTED COMPANIES ARE ISSUED BY ARMS-LENGTH THIRD PARTIES.
/MR CARTLAND
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1994
- 17 -
MR CARTLAND SAID THE RULES FURTHER REQUIRED THE ISSUER TO DISCLOSE TO THE STOCK EXCHANGE OF HONG KONG AND IN THE LISTING DOCUMENT ANY AGREEMENT OR ARRANGEMENT IN PLACE AT THE DATE OF ISSUE BETWEEN THE ISSUER AND ANY SUBSTANTIAL SHAREHOLDER OF THE UNDERLYING LISTED COMPANY.
TO PROMOTE GREATER TRANSPARENCY IN THE ACTIVITY INVOLVING THE UNDERLYING STOCK, HE SAID THE ISSUER WAS ALSO REQUIRED TO DISCLOSE TO THE EXCHANGE AND IN THE LISTING DOCUMENT ANY DEALINGS IN SUCH STOCK BY ITSELF AND A WIDE RANGE OF PERSONS ASSOCIATED WITH IT OR THE ISSUE DURING THE PERIOD LEADING UP TO THE ISSUE.
THE STOCK EXCHANGE OF HONG KONG VETS AND APPROVES EVERY ISSUER OF LISTED DERIVATIVE WARRANTS FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE LISTING RULES.
IN RESPECT OF ANY NEW DERIVATIVE PRODUCTS, OR ANY NEW FEATURES OF EXISTING DERIVATIVE PRODUCTS, AS IN THE CASE OF THE RECENT CALLSPREAD WARRANTS, THE EXCHANGE IS REQUIRED TO CONSULT THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION PURSUANT TO THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING GOVERNING LISTING MATTERS BEFORE GRANTING LISTING APPROVAL.
------0-------
YOUNG ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS MIGHT BE DETAINED IN HOMES *****
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO AMEND AN IMMIGRATION ORDER TO MAKE IT POSSIBLE FOR YOUNG PERSONS AGED BETWEEN 16 AND 18 YEARS TO BE DETAINED IN FUTURE IN BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ HOMES OPERATED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, RATHER THAN IN PRISON.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON SIMON IP IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING.
HE SAID BOYS BETWEEN THE AGE OF EIGHT AND 16 PENDING DEPORTATION WERE USUALLY ACCOMMODATED IN THE PUI CHI BOYS’ HOME WHILE GIRLS IN THE SAME AGE GROUP IN MA TAU WAI GIRLS’ HOME.
THEY CAN ALSO BE DETAINED IN CHUK YUEN CHILDREN’S RECEPTION CENTRE; BEGONIA ROAD BOYS’ HOME AND PUI YIN JUVENILE HOME.
THE IMMIGRATION (PLACES OF DETENTION) ORDER IS NOT USED FOR THE DETENTION OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WHO ARE SEVEN YEARS OLD OR YOUNGER, HE ADDED.
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/18 .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1994
18
ELECTORAL BILL PASSED WITH AMENDMENTS
*****
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ELECTORAL PROVISIONS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 WAS PASSED BY 32 TO 24 VOTES IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (THURSDAY).
IN WHAT TURNED OUT TO BE THE LONGEST LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SITTING IN THE HISTORY OF HONG KONG (FROM 9 AM ON WEDNESDAY TO 4.50 AM TODAY), MEMBERS SPENT MORE THAN 17 HOURS ON THIS BILL ALONE AND THROUGHOUT ITS PROCEEDINGS, 15 DIVISIONS OF VOTES WERE TAKEN.
DURING THE RESUMED SECOND READING DEBATE, 42 MEMBERS PLUS THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON MRS ANSON CHAN, AND THE SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR NICHOLAS NG, SPOKE ON THE BILL.
FOURTEEN MEMBERS MOVED A GREAT NUMBER OF AMENDMENTS TO THE BILL DURING THE COMMITTEE STAGE, THE MAJORITY OF WHICH WERE TO GIVE EFFECT TO THE DIFFERENT PROPOSALS FOR THE ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN 1995, INCLUDING FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES AND ELECTION COMMITTEE CONSTITUENCIES.
ON FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES, THE PROPOSAL BY THE ADMINISTRATION TO RENAME THE HEALTH CARE FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY AS HEALTH SERVICES FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY WAS PASSED.
THE AMENDMENT BY THE HON MARTIN BARROW TO INCLUDE AIRLINE REPRESENTATIVES IN THE TOURISM FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY AND THE HON SIMON IP’S TWO AMENDMENTS ON COMPANY DIRECTORS WERE CARRIED.
OTHER AMENDMENTS ON THIS ISSUE MOVED BY SEVEN MEMBERS WERE VOTED DOWN.
THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT BY THE HON MARTIN LEE TO ABOLISH THE NEW ELECTION COMMITTEE CONSTITUENCY WAS DEFEATED BY 17 TO 36 VOTES.
OTHER AMENDMENTS IN RESPECT OF ONE PERSON ONE VOTE, ’’FIRST PAST THE POST” VOTING SYSTEM FOR ALL FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES ELECTIONS, AND TENURE OF OFFICE OF LEGCO MEMBERS TO EXPIRE BY MIDNIGHT JULY 1, 1997, WERE VOTED DOWN.
ANOTHER AMENDMENT RELATING TO POWER TO CHANGE FUNCTIONAL CONST1TUENCIES/ELECTION COMMITTEE COMPOSITION WAS PASSED BY 46 TO NINE VOTES.
THE PRIVATE MEMBER’S BILL MOVED BY THE HON EMILY LAU - THE ELECTORAL PROVISIONS (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) (NO. 3) BILL 1994 -WAS ALSO READ A SECOND TIME. THE BILL SOUGHT TO RETURN 60 DIRECTLY ELECTED MEMBERS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN 1995.
TWELVE MEMBERS SPOKE ON THIS BILL WHICH WAS SUBSEQUENTLY DEFEATED BY 20 TO 21 VOTES.
MEANWHILE, THE PROTECTION OF TRADING INTERESTS BILL WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE COUNCIL FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. DEBATE ON IT W'AS ADJOURNED.
DURING THE SITTING, THE MOTION MOVED BY THE HON ZACHARY WONG ON FERRY FARES FOR HONGKONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY WAS VETOED. THE OTHER TWO MOTIONS RELATED TO THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE AND THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ORDINANCE WERE PASSED.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
DEFENCE LANDS AGREEMENT HAS POSITIVE IMPLICATIONS.......... 1
JLG HONG KONG JOINT COMMUNIQUE............................. 3
FORCES’ COMMANDER WELCOMES LANDS DEAL...................... 3
GOVERNOR WELCOMES LEGCO ELECTION DECISION.................. 3
HK CAN MOVE ON IN CO-OPERATION WITH CHINA: GOVERNOR..... 4
GOVERNOR MEETS REPORTERS................................... 5
TRANSCRIPT OF CS’ MEDIA REPLIES............................ 7
GOVT SUMMER AGENDA VITAL TO HK DEVELOPMENT................ 7
TRANSCRIPT OF CHIEF SECRETARY’S MEDIA SESSION............. 9
MORE SAFETY MEASURES IN THE PIPELINE FOR GROWING MARINE TRAFFIC................................................... 10
SPEEDY SERVICE PROMISED ON LAND MATTERS................. 11
MONETARY STATISTICS FOR MAY 1994.......................... 13
BIDS INVITED FOR $300 MILLION LANGUAGE FUND............... 16
PROPOSED ELECTION GUIDELINES REVISED...................... 17
/REGISTRATION AND...
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE PUBLISHES PERFORMANCE PLEDGE...................................................... 18
PROVISIONS ON RETIREMENT SCHEMES............................ 19
MORE COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES FOR ELDERLY................. 20
COMAC APPOINTS ADVISERS..................................... 21
NAMES MAY CHANGE, BUT NOT GURKHA TRADITIONS................. 23
CIVIC EDUCATION CONTEST WINNERS SAY THEY WILL VOTE.......... 24
REPORT ON HK’S METALS AND LIGHT ENGINEERING INDUSTRIES... 25
BEWARE OF IMPOSTERS......................................... 26
GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY FOR JULY TO SEPTEMBER.............. 27
FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETS TOMORROW............................ 28
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS..... 28
THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 1994
DEFENCE LANDS AGREEMENT HAS POSITIVE IMPLICATIONS
* » * » *
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, TODAY (THURSDAY) SAID SHE WAS PLEASED THAT A COMPREHENSIVE AND DETAILED AGREEMENT HAD BEEN REACHED IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP ON THE FUTURE USE OF THE DEFENCE ESTATE IN HONG KONG AFTER SEVEN YEARS OF DISCUSSIONS.
SHE SAID: ’’FROM JULY I, 3 997, THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA WILL ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DEFENCE OF HONG KONG. THE TRANSFER OF DEFENCE RESPONSIBILITIES FROM BRITAIN TO CHINA IS AN IMPORTANT ASPECT OF THE SMOOTH TRANSFER OF SOVEREIGNTY. ONE KEY ELEMENT IN THAT TRANSFER IS THE FUTURE OF THE DEFENCE ESTATE.”
OUTLINING THE AGREEMENT AT A PRESS CONFERENCE, MRS CHAN STRESSED THAT THE DEAL WAS A GOOD ONE FOR HONG KONG.
IT INCLUDES COMMITMENTS THAT DEFENCE LAND WILL BE USED EXCLUSIVELY FOR DEFENCE PURPOSES AFTER 1997, AND THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT HAS MADE IT CLEAR IN A STATEMENT THAT IF THE SITES ARE NO LONGER NEEDED FOR DEFENCE, THEY WILL BE RETURNED TO THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION GOVERNMENT (HKSARG) WITHOUT COMPENSATION.
’’THESE ARE WELCOME REASSURANCES FOR THE COMMUNITY,” SHE SAID.
SHE ADDED THAT MANY OF THE SITES TO BE RELEASED TO THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAD EXCELLENT POTENTIAL FOR HOUSING DEVELOPMENT.
”WE ESTIMATE THAT, TAKEN TOGETHER, THEY WOULD PROVIDE LAND FOR ABOUT 15,000 FLATS AS WELL AS MUCH NEEDED OPEN SPACE AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES. THE REVENUE GENERATED IS PROJECTED TO BE ABOUT $65 BILLION AT APRIL 1994 PRICES,” SHE SAID.
MRS CHAN SAID THE AGREEMENT WAS IMPORTANT NOT ONLY IN ITS OWN RIGHT BUT ALSO HAD POSITIVE IMPLICATIONS FOR THE WORK OF THE JLG AS A WHOLE.
* "PROGRESS IN THE JLG IN THE PAST HAS NOT BEEN AS RAPID AS WE WOULD HAVE LIKED. I HOPE THAT THIS AGREEMENT MARKS THE BEGINNING OF RENEWED CO-OPERATION AND THAT WE WILL NOW BE ABLE TO BUILD ON THIS AND TO CLEAR THE CURRENT BACKLOG BEFORE 1997,” SHE SAID.
MRS CHAN EMPHASISED THAT THE AGREEMENT WAS A PACKAGE DEAL AND ANY ATTEMPT TO UNPICK THE PACKAGE WOULD RUN THE RISK OF THE ENTIRE MILITARY ESTATE HAVING TO BE HANDED TO THE CHINESE GARRISON.
”TO ENSURE THAT THE SITES NO LONGER NEEDED FOR DEFENCE PURPOSES WILL BE RELEASED FOR COMMUNITY USE, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE AGREEMENT ARE FULLY MET,” SHE SAID.
GOING INTO THE DETAILS OF THE AGREEMENT, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, SAID THE JLG HAD PROPOSED THAT THE AGREEMENT SHOULD BE CONFIRMED BY THE BRITISH AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS IN AN EXCHANGE OF NOTES.
/"THE JLG .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 1994
- 2 -
’’THE JLG HAS AGREED ON A TEXT OF THE NOTES, WHICH WILL BE EXCHANGED BY THE CHINESE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND THE BRITISH EMBASSY IN PEKING AS SOON AS THE NECESSARY FORMALITIES HAVE BEEN COMPLETED,” HE SAID.
UNDER THE AGREEMENT, OF THE 39 MILITARY SITES MAKING UP THE , DEFENCE ESTATE, 14 WILL BE HANDED OVER TO THE CHINESE GARRISON FOR USE FROM JULY 1, 1997. THE REMAINING 25 WILL BE HANDED OVER TO THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT FOR DISPOSAL WHEN THE BRITISH GARRISON NO LONGER NEEDS THEM.
THE 14 SITES TO BE HANDED OVER TO THE CHINESE GARRISON INCLUDE THE 2,263-HECTARE CASTLE PEAK FIRING RANGE. THE REMAINING 13 SITES TOTAL ABOUT 485 HECTARES OF LAND, OF WHICH 26 HECTARES IS IN THE BUILT-UP AREA IN NORTH HONG KONG AND THE KOWLOON PENINSULA.
THE 25 SITES TO BE RELEASED TO THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ADD UP TO NEARLY 140 HECTARES OF LAND, OF WHICH ABOUT 35 HECTARES IS IN THE BUILT-UP AREA.
MR ASPREY SAID THE DISPOSAL OF SITES BEFORE 1997 WOULD BE DEALT WITH BY THE STNO-BRITISH LAND COMMISSION IN THE NORMAL WAY.
’’THE AGREEMENT CONTAINS AN UNDERSTANDING THAT THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT WILL ADOPT A POSITIVE ATTITUDE IN THIS REGARD. THIS IS CLEARLY WELCOME,” HE SAID.
AS PART OF THE AGREEMENT, THE GOVERNMENT HAS UNDERTAKEN TO REPROVISION SOME OF THE DEFENCE FACILITIES WHICH WILL BE LOST AS A RESULT OF THE PERMANENT RELEASE OF CERTAIN URBAN AREA SITES.
THESE FACILITIES ARE A NAVAL BASE, A HOSPITAL, A STORAGE DEPOT f AND AN AIRPORT FREIGHT AND BAGGAGE HANDLING UNIT. THEY ARE ESTIMATED TO COST $4 BILLION IN MONEY-OF-THE-DAY.
IN ORDER THAT REPROVISIONING WORKS CAN BE COMPLETED BEFORE JULY 1, 1997, THE GOVERNMENT WILL APPROACH THE FINANCE COMMITTEE
BEFORE THE SUMMER RECESS TO ASK FOR FUNDING.
MR ASPREY SAID THE COST OF THE REPROVISIONING PROJECTS SHOULD BE SET AGAINST THE REVENUE AND SOCIAL BENEFITS WHICH ACCRUED FROM THE., PACKAGE. ’’OVERALL, THE NET FINANCIAL AND SOCIAL GAIN TO THE COMMUNITY IS VERY SUBSTANTIAL,” HE SAID.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT HAS MADE A STATEMENT OF ITS POLICY ON THE USE OF DEFENCE LAND IN HONG KONG AFTER 1997.
’’THIS STATEMENT FORMS PART OF THE CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY NOTE,” MR ASPREY SAID.
”IT PRESERVES THE EXISTING ARRANGMENTS FOR THE USE OF MILITARY LAND. IT PROVIDES A WELCOME GUARANTEE THAT THE LAND WILL BE USED EXCLUSIVELY FOR DEFENCE, AND THAT ANY SURPLUS LAND WILL REVERT TO THE HKSARG FOR SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.”
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/3........
THURSDAY, JUKE 30, 1994
JLG HONG KONG JOINT COMMUNIQUE * * * * *
THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP HELD ITS 29TH MEETING IN HONG KONG FROM JUNE 21 TO 30, 1994.
THE GROUP REACHED AGREEMENT ON THE FUTURE USE OF LANDS WHICH ARE NOW IN USE FOR DEFENCE PURPOSES IN HONG KONG.
THE GROUP HAD A FURTHER DISCUSSION ABOUT MATTERS RELATING TO HONG KONG’S INTERNATIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS; HONG KONG’S AIR SERVICE AGREEMENTS; FRANCHISES AND CONTRACTS EXTENDING BEYOND 1997 AND RELATED MATTERS; INVESTMENT PROMOTION AND PROTECTION AGREEMENTS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND RELEVANT COUNTRIES; SURRENDER OF FUGITIVE OFFENDERS AGREEMENTS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND RELEVANT COUNTRIES; MUTUAL LEGAL ASSISTANCE IN CRIMINAL MATTERS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CERTAIN COUNTRIES; LOCALISATION OF LAWS; ADAPTATION OF LAWS; THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION RELATING TO THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG AFTER 1997; VISA ABOLITION AGREEMENTS; THE RECIPROCAL ENFORCEMENT OF JUDGMENTS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND FOREIGN COUNTRIES; AND CIVIL SERVICE MATTERS.
THE NEXT MEETING OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP WILL TAKE PLACE AT A TIME AND PLACE TO BE AGREED BY THE TWO SIDES.
------0-------
FORCES’ COMMANDER WELCOMES LANDS DEAL
*****
THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES HONG KONG, MAJOR-GENERAL SIR JOHN FOLEY, HAS WELCOMED THE AGREEMENT ON DEFENCE LANDS ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP.
COMMENTING AFTER THE ANNOUNCEMENT, HE SAID: •
”1 AM PLEASED THAT AFTER SEVEN LONG YEARS THESE NEGOTIATIONS HAVE FINALLY BORNE FRUIT. THIS IS AN IMPORTANT AGREEMENT FOR HONG KONG AND THE BRITISH GARRISON. IT PROVIDES A FIRM BASIS ON WHICH TO PLAN THE TRANSFER OF DEFENCE RESPONSIBILITIES IN HONG KONG, AS ONE CONTRIBUTION TO THE SMOOTH TRANSITION OF SOVEREIGNTY.”
------0-------
GOVERNOR WELCOMES LEGCO ELECTION DECISION
*****
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT EARLY THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING:
’’THIS HAS BEEN AN IMPORTANT DAY AND NIGHT FOR HONG KONG. THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAS CONCLUDED THE IMPORTANT DEBATE ON THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE 1995 ELECTIONS.
"I WELCOME THE COUNCIL’S DECISION. THIS HAS BEEN A VIGOROUS DEBATE WHICH ENDS A SIGNIFICANT CHAPTER IN HONG KONG’S HISTORY. WE MUST NOW TURN THE PAGE.”
/4 ........
THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 1994
HK CAN MOVE ON IN CO-OPERATION WITH CHINA: GOVERNOR * * ♦ * »
■t- • *C’
NOW THAT THE DEBATE ON ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS IS OVER, HONG KONG CAN WORK TOGETHER IN CO-OPERATION WITH CHINA TO SECURE THE PROSPERITY AND STABILITY OF THE TERRITORY, THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
HE WAS GLAD THAT THE THIRD BILL ON ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS HAD BEEN CARRIED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL YESTERDAY BY A DECISIVE MAJORITY.
MR PATTEN ADDED THAT HE WAS PLEASED THAT PEOPLE REPRESENTING EVERY SHADE OF OPINION IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WERE ABLE TO TAKE PART IN THAT DEBATE.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES LOBBY, THE GOVERNOR SAID: ’’NOW THAT IS BEHIND US. WE MUST MOVE ON. THAT’S A CHAPTER WHICH IS CLOSED.”
’’AND 1 HOPE THAT WE CAN NOW LOOK FOR AS MUCH COMMON GROUND AS POSSIBLE IN WHICH WE CAN WORK TOGETHER IN CO-OPERATION, I HOPE, WITH CHINA TO DEAL WITH SOME OF THE PROBLEMS ON HONG KONG’S AGENDA AND TO DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO SECURE THE WELL-BEING AND PROSPERITY AND STABILITY OF THE TERRITORY.”
COMMENTING ON THE DEBATE YESTERDAY, THE GOVERNOR SAID HE THOUGHT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAD DONE A GOOD AND MATURE JOB AND THAT THE JOB HAD BEEN DONE OPENLY IN FULL SIGHT OF THE PUBLIC OF HONG KONG. .’j: ‘
’’NOBODY CAN TALK ABOUT DEALS BEHIND CLOSED DOORS.”
ON THE POSSIBILITY OF DISMANTLING THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AFTER 1997, HE SAID THERE WAS NO REASON WHY THE ARRANGEMENTS THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS PUTTING IN PLACE SHOULD BE DISMANTLED AS THEY WER$ IN LINE WITH THE BASIC LAW AS WELL AS THE JOINT DECLARATION.
MR PATTEN REITERATED THAT HE WOULD STAY ON UNTIL JUNE 30, 1997, ADDING THAT THERE WAS STILL A HUGE AMOUNT OF WORK TO BE DONE.
"THERE IS A LARGE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC AGENDA FOR US TO WORK THROUGH.
"THIS SUMMER, I THINK WE’LL BE SHORTLY FINDING THAT WE ARE SPENDING MUCH OF THE TIME TALKING ABOUT PENSIONS AND HOW TO HELP THE ELDERLY IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS. -
"THERE ARE MANY OTHER ISSUES AFFECTING THE TRANSITION TO CHINESE SOVEREIGNTY, MATTERS AFFECTING THE CIVIL SERVICE. THERE ARE MANY OTHER MATTERS AFFECTING THE FUTURE PROSPERITY.AND. STABILITY ,OF HONG KONG,” HE SAID.
/5........
THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 1994
- 5 -
GOVERNOR MEETS REPORTERS
♦ ♦ ♦ » »
FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE GOVERNOR THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN’S MEDIA SESSION AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES LOBBY TODAY (THURSDAY): ’
GOVERNOR: I’VE JUST BEEN TO THE CNTA OFFICES IN WAN CHAI TO THANK MICHAEL SUEN AND HIS STAFF, THEIR WORK IN HELPING TO COMPLETE OUR LEGISLATION ON ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS AND I’LL BE GOING TO SEE SOME OF THOSE TOMORROW WHO’VE BEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR THE VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVE. AND I’VE COME DOWN TO THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT TO THANK OFFICIALS HERE FOR THE WORK WHICH THEY’VE DONE TO COMPLETE OUR WORK ON ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE 1995 LEGCO ELECTIONS.
QUESTION: HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE DEBATE LAST NIGHT .... ?
GOVERNOR: WELL, YESTERDAY WAS, I THINK. FOR ALL OF US A LONG DAY, A VERY LONG DAV, BUT IT WAS AN IMPORTANT DAY FOR HONG KONG AS WELL. IT ENDED ALMOST TWO YEARS OF VIGOROUS AND OFTEN PASSIONATELY FELT DEBATE ABOUT THE MODEST AND STEADY POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG - ONE OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL COMMUNITIES IN THE WORLD. I’M GLAD THAT OUR THIRD BILL ON ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS WAS CARRIED YESTERDAY BY A DECISIVE MAJORITY. 1 AM ONLY SORRY THAT WE WEREN’T ABLE TO CONCLUDE THE DEBATE WITH AN AGREEMENT WITH CHINA. WHICH WOULD OBVIOUSLY HAVE BEEN THE BEST WAY FORWARD. BUT NEVERTHELESS THE DEBATE IS OVER AND I WAS PLEASED THAT PEOPLE REPRESENTING EVERY SHADE OF OPINION IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WERE ABLE TO TAKE PART IN THAT DEBATE. NOW THAT IS BEHIND US. WE MUST MOVE ON. THAT’S A CHAPTER WHICH IS CLOSED. AND I HOPE THAT WE CAN NOW LOOK FOR AS MUCH COMMON GROUND AS POSSIBLE IN WHICH WE CAN WORK TOGETHER IN CO-OPERATION, I HOPE, WITH CHINA TO DEAL WITH SOME OF THE PROBLEMS ON HONG KONG’S AGENDA AND TO DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO SECURE THE WELL-BEING AND PROSPERITY AND STABILITY OF THE TERRITORY. SO I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT WE CAN NOW MOVE FORWARD IN CO-OPERATION WITH HONG KONG’S INTERESTS IN MIND.
QUESTION: WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO SAY ABOUT CHINA’S PLEDGE TO DISREGARD LEGCO’S ... ?
GOVERNOR: WHAT I’VE SAID ALL ALONG IS THAT WITHOUT IN ANY SENSE DENYING CHINA’S SOVEREIGNTY AFTER 1997 THERE IS NO REASON WHY THE ARRANGEMENTS THAT WE ARE PUTTING IN PLACE SHOULD BE DISMANTLED. THEY ARE AS YOU KNOW TN LINE WITH THE BASIC LAW AS WELL AS THE JOINT DECLARATION AND I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT WE CAN PUT THOSE ARGUMENTS BEHIND US AND GET ON WITH THE REST OF LIFE IN HONG KONG.
/QUESTION: .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 1994
- 6 -
QUESTION: DO YOU THINK .... ANY WAY APPROACH ... AMENDMENT YOU PROPOSED .... WAS BEATEN BY ONE VOTE. SOME PEOPLE ARE SAYING THAT IS A TECHNICAL VICTORY... ? WHAT DO YOU THINK?
GOVERNOR: WHAT I SAY TO THAT IS, I THINK, THAT EVERY DIRECTLY ELECTED MEMBER, EXCEPT ONE, VOTED FOR THE GOVERNMENT. ALL, I THINK, BUT ONE MEMBER REPRESENTING A GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCY VOTED FOR THE GOVERNMENT. AND IF YOU STRIP OUT OF THE VOTE OF ALL THE APPOINTED MEMBERS, INCLUDING THE OFFICIALS, THERE IS A VERY, VERY HANDSOME MAJORITY FOR THE GOVERNMENT. I’VE SAID ALL ALONG THAT THE ONLY WAY WE COULD RESOLVE THESE MATTERS WAS A DEBATE IN THIS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL EVEN THOUGH MANY OF THE PRO-DEMOCRACY POLITICIANS HAVE ARGUED THAT IT WASN’T SUFFICIENTLY DEMOCRATIC, BUT IT’S THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WHICH HONG KONG HAS AT THIS STAGE OF ITS POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT. AND I THINK IT HAS DONE A GOOD AND MATURE JOB AND THE JOB HAS BEEN DONE OPENLY IN FULL SIGHT OF THE PUBLIC OF HONG KONG. NOBODY CAN TALK ABOUT DEALS BEHIND CLOSED DOORS. ONE MORE QUESTION.
QUESTION: BEFORE THE BILL YESTERDAY, I BELIEVE THE GOVERNMENT HAS LOBBIED MANY MEMBERS IN LEGCO. DID THE GOVERNMENT GIVE CONCESSION IN OTHER AREAS?
GOVERNOR: NO.
QUESTION: NOW YOU HAVE SUCCESSFULLY DEFEATED THE MAJOR PARTY .... ARE THERE SUFFICIENT REASONS TO KEEP YOU HERE OR ... YOU CONSIDER THAT YOU MIGHT BEST ......?
GOVERNOR: CAN I ANSWER, I WOULD LIKE TO THINK FOR THE LAST TIME, A QUESTION WHICH I HAVE HAD AT REGULAR INTERVALS THROUGHOUT THE LAST TWO YEARS. I ACCEPTED THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFER OF THE GOVERNORSHIP OF HONG KONG BECAUSE I THINK IT’S ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT AND CHALLENGING JOBS IN THE WORLD. I ACCEPTED THE JOB, GOD WILLING, FOR FIVE YEARS UNTIL JUNE 30, 1997. I ACCEPTED IT WHATEVER HAPPENS ELSEWHERE, WHATEVER HAPPENS IN BRITISH POLITICS, WHATEVER HAPPENS ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD. THERE IS A HUGE AMOUNT STILL TO DO. THERE IS A LARGE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC AGENDA FOR US TO WORK THROUGH. AND THIS SUMMER, I THINK WE’LL BE SHORTLY FINDING THAT WE ARE SPENDING MUCH OF THE TIME TALKING ABOUT PENSIONS AND HOW TO HELP THE ELDERLY IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS. THERE ARE MANY OTHER ISSUES AFFECTING THE TRANSITION TO CHINESE SOVEREIGNTY, MATTERS AFFECTING THE CIVIL SERVICE. THERE ARE MANY OTHER MATTERS AFFECTING THE FUTURE PROSPERITY AND STABILITY OF HONG KONG. THOSE ARE GOING TO KEEP ME VERY OCCUPIED UNTIL JUST BEFORE MID-NIGHT ON JUNE 30, 1997. NOW, I AM TRYING TO BE AS UNEQUIVOCAL AND CLEAR AS POSSIBLE. I HOPE THAT AFTER YESTERDAY’S DEBATE AND YESTERDAY’S VOTE, PEOPLE WILL RECOGNISE THAT I AM HERE FOR FIVE YEARS, THAT I HAVE A GREAT DEAL MORE THAT I WISH TO DO, WORKING WITH THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AND WORKING WITH AN ABSOLUTELY FIRST CLASS CIVIL SERVICE, ONE OF THE BEST CIVIL SERVICES IN THE WORLD. AND I AM NOW GOING TO THANK THEM FOR WHAT THEY DID YESTERDAY. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 1994
7
TRANSCRIPT OF CS’ MEDIA REPLIES ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦
FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, SPEAKING TO REPORTERS OUTSIDE LEGCO BUILDING AFTER THE DEBATE ON THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ELECTORAL PROVISIONS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING:
REPORTER: WHAT’S YOUR REACTION ON THE VOTING?
MRS CHAN: CAN I SAY THIS HAS BEEN AN EXTREME LONG DAY. SO, IF I’M NOT MY RIGHT SELF, YOU’LL UNDERSTAND WHY. WE’RE VERY PLEASED WITH THE OUTCOME. THE ELECTORAL PROVISIONS BILL HAS NOW BEEN PASSED. THERE’S A GREAT DEAL OF WORK IN TERMS OF MAKING SURE THAT THE PRACTICAL ARRANGEMENTS ARE IN HAND TO ENSURE THAT THE 1995 ELECTIONS WILL BE SUCCESSFULLY CARRIED OUT. SO, WE’LL BE GETTING ON WITH THIS WORK VERY VERY QUICKLY. I THINK IT’S CLEAR FROM THE DEBATE, THE 2U-ODD HOURS OF DEBATE, THAT THERE ARE INDIVIDUAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS WHO HOLD DIFFERENT VIEW'S ABOUT THE PACE OF THE ELECTORAL REFORMS. BUT NOW THAT THE BILL HAS BEEN PASSED, WE LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH ALL MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO ENSURE THAT THE 1995 ELECTIONS WILL BE SUCCESSFUL. WE HAVE NOW EXACTLY THREE YEARS TO GO BEFORE THE REVERSION OF SOVEREIGNTY TO CHINA. THERE IS A GOOD DEAL OF ISSUES THAT WE NEED TO DISCUSS WITH THE CHINESE. WE WILL SEEK ACTIVE COOPERATION WITH THE CHINESE AND WE HOPE TO STRENGTHEN OUR COMMUNICATION WITH THE CHINESE TOO.
REPORTER: DO YOU THINK THE GOVERNMENT’S CREDIBILITY HAS SUFFERED BECAUSE OF THE CLOSE VOTE, YOU KNOW, AGAINST HOWARD YOUNG’S PROPOSAL TO MODIFY FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES? I THINK THE GOVERNMENT WON BY ONLY ONE VOTE.
MRS CHAN: WELL, THE BILL ITSELF, THE THIRD READING OF THE BILL OF COURSE PASSED BY 32 VOTES TO 24 VOTES. AND OF COURSE IN DEBATE OF THIS SORT, AT THE END OF THE DAY, WE DO RELY ON MAJORITY VOTE.
- - 0 - -
GOVT SUMMER AGENDA VITAL TO HK DEVELOPMENT * * * * »
THE GOVERNMENT’S SUMMER AGENDA WHICH REPRESENTS AN IMPORTANT NEW CHAPTER IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG WAS SPELT OUT BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, TODAY (THURSDAY).
SHE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE WORKING VIGOROUSLY TO BRING FORWARD DETAILED PROPOSALS IN THE THREE AREAS OF REMOVING DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN, PROTECTION FOR DISABLED AND PUBLIC ACCESS TO GOVERNMENT INFORMATION.
MRS CHAN WAS ADDRESSING A GATHERING OF BUSINESSMEN AT THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES’ LUNCHEON MEETING.
ON THE PROGRAMME TO END DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN, THE GOVERNMENT SEEKS TO HAVE THE UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON THE ELIMINATION OF ALL FORMS OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN EXTENDED TO HONG KONG.
/MRS CHAN
THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 1994
8 -
MRS CHAN EXPRESSED HER CONVICTION THAT THE PROGRAMME WAS NOT ONLY RIGHT IN ITSELF AND UNAVOIDABLE IN ANY MODERN SOCIETY, BUT THERE WAS ALSO CLEAR PUBLIC DEMAND FOR IT.
"BESIDES, IT IS IN OUR BEST ECONOMIC INTERESTS. EMPLOYERS HAVE SOUND BUSINESS REASONS TO WELCOME OUR PROPOSALS.
"THEY WILL IMPROVE THE CHANCES OF RELIEVING OUR LABOUR SHORTAGE THROUGH INCREASING THE NUMBER OF WOMEN AT WORK."
REGARDING MEASURES TO PROTECT THE DISABLED, SHE SAID EMPLOYERS HAD SOUND BUSINESS REASONS TO WELCOME THE PROPOSALS.
THEY WILL HELP TO ENSURE THAT THE BEST USE OF ALL THE POTENTIAL WORK FORCE IS MADE AND WILL IMPROVE THE CHANCES OF THE DISABLED WHO UNDERGO EDUCATIONAL AND TRAINING PROGRAMMES TO FIND JOBS.
"TAKEN TOGETHER, THESE MEASURES WILL GO A IMPROVING THE RIGHTS OF INDIVIDUAL MEN AND WOMEN RAISING THEIR DIGNITY AND IMPROVING THEIR LIVES WAYS," SHE SAID.
LONG WAY TOWARDS IN HONG KONG, OF IN VERY PRACTICAL
THE' GOVERNMENT PREFERS TO ADOPT A MORE DOWN-TO-EARTH APPROACH -SPECIFIC AREAS OF DISCRIMINATION WILL BE TARGETED; SPECIALISED INSTITUTIONS WILL BE SET UP TO TACKLE THE MAJOR AREAS OF DISCRIMINATION; AND A CLUMSY AND COSTLY BUREAUCRACY TO IMPLEMENT THE PROPOSALS WILL NOT BE CREATED.
TURNING TO PUBLIC ACCESS TO GOVERNMENT INFORMATION, SHE SAID THE PROPOSALS HAD FOCUSED ON PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS RATHER THAN POLITICAL CORRECTNESS.
THEY WILL NOT ONLY RESULT IN A MUCH MORE OPEN AND ACCOUNTABLE GOVERNMENT, BUT ALSO A MUCH MORE EFFICIENT GOVERNMENT, SHE SAID.
"THE STRUCTURE OF THE GOVERNMENT MACHINERY WHICH HAS SERVED HONG KONG SO WELL IN THE PAST WILL NOT BE CHANGED.
"WHAT WE HAVE SUGGESTED WILL ONLY IMPROVE THE WAY IN WHICH GOVERNMENT INFORMATION WILL BE HANDLED AND MADE ACCESSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC," MRS CHAN SAID.
THE GOVERNMENT AND ITS INDIVIDUAL BRANCHES AND DEPARTMENTS WILL TAKE THE INITIATIVE IN IDENTIFYING HOW BEST TO MEET LEGITIMATE REQUESTS FOR ACCESS TO INFORMATION.
IT WILL MAINTAIN CONFIDENTIALITY ONLY IN THOSE AREAS THAT ARE ESSENTIAL FOR GOOD ADMINISTRATION OR TO PROTECT THE LEGITIMATE INTERESTS OF THE INDIVIDUAL OR A COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISE.
ALTHOUGH ACCESS TO INFORMATION WILL NOT BECOME A LEGAL RIGHT, THE PUBLIC WILL HAVE A SEPARATE AND INDEPENDENT CHANNEL OF APPEAL THROUGH THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS AGAINST BRANCHES AND DEPARTMENTS THAT FAIL TO HONOUR THE CODE OF PRACTICE.
SHE SAID THE SUMMER PROGRAMME WOULD NOT ONLY IMPROVE SIGNIFICANTLY THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR INDIVIDUALS AND THEIR FAMILIES, THEY WOULD ALSO BRING SIGNIFICANT ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL BENEFITS FOR THE WHOLE COMMUNITY.
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/9 ........
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THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 1994
TRANSCRIPT OF CHIEF SECRETARY’S MEDIA SESSION
*****
FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, SPEAKING TO THE MEDIA AFTER THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES LUNCHEON ON JUNE 30. 1994:
QUESTION: MRS CHAN, COULD YOU GIVE US YOUR RESPONSE TO THE DEBATE OUTCOME YESTERDAY?
MRS CHAN: DEBATE OUTCOME?
QUESTION: YES.
MRS CHAN: DID I NOT SPEAK TO ALL OF YOU THIS MORNING AS I CAME OUT?
QUESTION (IN CHINESE): I’D LIKE TO ASK SOMETHING ABOUT THE LOBBYING OF lNDEPENDENT LEGISLATORS.
MRS CHAN (IN CHINESE): OK. LET ME ANSWER THIS QUESTION FIRST.
MRS CHAN: WELL, IT WAS AN EXTREMELY LONG DAY BUT WE ARE VERY PLEASED WITH THE OUTCOME. AS YOU KNOW, THE ELECTORAL REFORM BILL HAS NOW BEEN PASSED BY THE LEGISLATURE. THIS IS THE FINAL PACKAGE OF OUR CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM. THE VOTE IN THE LEGISLATURE YESTERDAY CLEARLY REFLECTS THE COMMUNITY’S VIEW FOR ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS THAT WILL BE FAIR AND OPEN. WE WILL NOW GET ON WITH THE PRACTICAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE 1995 ELECTIONS. THIS WE WILL DO IMMEDIATELY AND I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT THOSE WHO ARE POTENTIALLY QUALIFIED TO TAKE PART IN THE VOTING WILL IN FACT TAKE PART ACTIVELY. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EVERY CITIZEN TO PARTICIPATE IN THE VOTING BECAUSE ONLY IN THIS WAY CAN YOU HAVE A SAY IN THE WAY WHICH YOU’RE GOVERNED.
QUESTION: YOU SOUNDED LIKE A .. THAT YOU HAVE /X LOT TO CONVINCING BUSINESSMEN ... AFTER THE REFORM WAS PASSED YESTERDAY. DO YOU THINK THERE IS A LOT WHICH .....WILL BE DONE NOW? ’
MRS CHAN: 1 THINK THAT IT IS VERY NATURAL THAT IN THIS HISTORIC MOVE TOWARDS HAVING FOR THE FIRST TIME A FULLY-ELECTED LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN 1995, THAT DIFFERENT COUNCILLORS SHOULD HOLD DIFFERENT VIEWS. AND SOME OF THEM HAVE VERY STRONG VIEWS ABOUT WHAT THE APPROPRIATE PACE OF POLITICAL REFORM, WHAT PACE WOULD BE RIGHT FOR HONG KONG. WHILE I DON’T SHARE THEIR CONCERN, NEVERTHELESS, 1 RESPECT THEIR VIEWS. AND CLEARLY TO THE EXTENT THAT THE BUSINESS SECTOR HAVE CONCERNS, AS A RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT, WE’LL SEEK TO ADDRESS THOSE CONCERNS. YOU WILL HAVE HEARD JUST NOW IN ANSWER TO A QUESTION AT THE LUNCHEON, I ALSO ENCOURAGE THE BUSINESS SECTOR TO REACH OUT AND TO ESTABLISH A CONSTRUCTIVE DIALOGUE WITH MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND WITH MEMBERS OF DIFFERENT POLITICAL PARTIES. THE BUSINESS SECTOR ITSELF HAS A VERY GOOD STORY TO TELL. THEY PLAY A VERY RESPONSIBLE ROLE, NOT JUST IN BUSINESS IN HONG KONG BUT IN EVERYDAY LIFE AND IN THE COMMUNITY. AND SO I’M SURE IF THEY EXPLAIN THAT, AND EXPLAIN THEIR POINTS OF VIEW AND THEIR CONCERNS, THAT THEY’LL FIND A WILLING EAR.
/QUESTION: .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 1994
10
QUESTION: MRS CHAN, HOW CAN COME TO VOTE IN ’95 BECAUSE
YOU ATTRACT THE VOTERS, ELIGIBLE VOTERS TO THE LEGCO IS SHORT-LIVED?
MRS CHAN: WELL, 1 THINK THE HONG KONG PEOPLE THEMSELVES HAVE DEMONSTRATED THAT THEY WANT MORE SAY IN THE WAY' IN WHICH THEY ARE GOVERNED. WE HAVE NOW GOT IN PLACE ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS WHICH ARE FAIR AND OPEN. WE WILL NOW BE GETTING ON WITH THE PRACTICAL ARRANGEMENTS AND MAKING IT AS EASY AS POSSIBLE FOR POTENTIAL VOTERS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ELECTIONS. AND I'M SURE ON THAT BASIS PEOPLE WILL BE WILLING TO COME FORWARD. AS REGARDS WHETHER THE THREE-TIER REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT WILL BE DISMANTLED AFTER 1997, I THINK I WOULD REFER YOU TO THE SPEECH THAT I MADE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL YESTERDAY. SEE YOU LATER.
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MORE SAFETY MEASURES IN THE PIPELINE FOR GROWING MARINE TRAFFIC » * » * *
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT IS INTRODUCING FURTHER SAFETY MEASURES TO BETTER MANAGE THE RAPIDLY GROWING MARINE TRAFFIC IN THE DIMINISHING HONG KONG WATERS, THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR ALLAN PYRKE, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
HE SAID THE TRAFFIC VOLUME WAS INCREASING MARKEDLY ESPECIALLY IN FAST PASSENGER FERRIES TO MEET THE NEED OF TRAVELLERS TO CHINA AND COMMUTERS TO CENTRAL.
SPEAKING AT THE COMMISSIONING OF THREE NEW MARINE DEPARTMENT PATROL CRAFT AT JOSS HOUSE BAY, MR PYRKE SAID THE NEW SAFETY MEASURES WERE AIMED AT GETTING ALL VESSELS PROCEEDING THROUGH THE CENTRAL HARBOUR AREA TO FOLLOW THE FAIRWAYS, THAT WAS TO DRIVE ON THE RIGHT, AND FOLLOW OTHER RULES TO ENHANCE SAFE MOVEMENT.
"THIS BASIC AIM WILL BE REINFORCED IN AUGUST WHEN THE FIRST MID-CHANNEL MARKER BUOY IS LAID IN THE FAIRWAY OFF NEW WORLD CENTRE," HE SAID.
HE REVEALED THAT ACTION WOULD ALSO BE TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT CERTAIN VESSELS WERE KEPT OUT OF WORKS AND OTHER AREAS AS THEIR SHORTCUTS WERE UNNECESSARILY HAZARDING FERRIES.
MR PYRKE POINTED OUT THAT THE MARINE DEPARTMENT NEEDED MORE PATROL CRAFT IN HONG KONG WATERS TO EDUCATE ALL MASTERS OF VESSELS ABOUT THE MARINE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS AND TO TAKE ENFORCEMENT ACTION AGAINST SLOW LEARNERS.
HE SAID THE COMMISSIONING OF THE THREE NEW PATROL CRAFT, THE BOSTON WHALERS, WAS PART OF THIS ON-GOING PROCESS, ADDING THAT THESE CRAFT AND THEIR CREWS WOULD USHER IN A MORE ACTIVE REGIME OF TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT.
THE THREE BOSTON WHALERS, CAPABLE OF TRAVELLING AT A MAXIMUM SPEED OF 35 KNOTS, WILL PROVIDE THE MARINE DEPARTMENT WITH A REQUISITE CAPACITY TO RESPOND ALMOST INSTANTANEOUSLY TO ANOMALIES IN THE HARBOUR.
/THEY WILL .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 1994
- 11 -
THEY WILL ALSO BE USED TO CHECK ON THE SPEED OF CRAFT GOING THROUGH THE CENTRAL HARBOUR AREA TO ENSURE THAT THEY MAINTAIN THE APPROPRIATE SPEED LIMITS.
MR PYRKE WAS SURE THAT MANY LOCAL COXSWAINS WOULD BE ONLY TOO PLEASED TO SEE THE IRRESPONSIBLE ACTIONS OF COWBOYS IN THE WATERS CURTAILED.
MR PYRKE WAS ALSO CONFIDENT THAT THE BOSTON WHALERS AND THEIR CREWS WOULD BE THE VISUAL CONFIRMATION TO MARINERS AND THE PUBLIC-ALIKE THAT THE MARINE DEPARTMENT WAS LIVING UP TO ONE ITS PLEDGES - TO PROTECT THE PEOPLE WORKING OR TRAVELLING ON BOARD SHIPS BY THE DEPARTMENT’S PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND TECHNICAL EXPERTISE.
------0 - -
SPEEDY SERVICE PROMISED ON LAND MATTERS
*****
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT WILL ISSUE LETTERS OF BASIC TERMS, INCLUDING THE PREMIUM PAYABLE, IN STRAIGHTFORWARD LEASE MODIFICATION CASES WITHIN 26 WEEKS TO SPEED UP SERVICES.
ONCE THE OFFER HAS BEEN ACCEPTED, THE LEGAL DOCUMENTATION WILL BE ISSUED FOR EXECUTION WITHIN 13 WEEKS FROM RECEIPT OF ACCEPTANCE OF BASIC TERMS.
THE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THIS TODAY (THURSDAY) IN RELEASING ITS PERFORMANCE PLEDGES.
THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS, MR BOB POPE, SAID WHILE THE PERFORMANCE PLEDGES WERE PREPARED BEFORE THE REPORT ON LAND SALES AND PROPERTY PRICES WAS RELEASED, IT WAS LIKELY THAT THE TARGET TIMES WOULD BE SHORTENED AS A RESULT OF THE ACTION RECOMMENDED IN THE REPORT.
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT HAS ALSO SET ITSELF A TARGET OF 500 CASES EACH YEAR FOR PROCESSING AND APPROVING NEW TERRITORIES VILLAGERS’ APPLICATIONS FOR THE BUILDING OF SMALL HOUSES UNDER THE NEW TERRITORIES SMALL HOUSE POLICY.
MR POPE NOTED THAT THE EXECUTION OF 500 CASES WILL ENTAIL THE EXAMINATION OF ABOUT 2,000 CASES, MANY OF WHICH COULD NOT PROCEED DUE TO VARIOUS FACTORS, INCLUDING INSUFFICIENT LAND IN THE VILLAGE CONCERNED AND THE INELIGIBILITY OF THE APPLICANT.
REGARDING PUBLIC ENQUIRIES, MR POPE SAID THE DEPARTMENT, THROUGH ITS DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES, WILL ENDEAVOUR TO ANSWER ALL ROUTINE QUESTIONS IMMEDIATELY.
SHOULD THE QUESTION INVOLVE AN INDIVIDUAL CASE THAT REQUIRES RESEARCH, IT WILL RESPOND TO THE ENQUIRER WITHIN FOUR WEEKS.
ON APPLICATIONS FOR REBUILDING OF DOMESTIC STRUCTURES COVERED BY CROWN LAND LICENCES/MODIFICATION OF TENANCY PERMIT AND SURVEYED STRUCTURES ON GOVERNMENT LAND, MR POPE SAID THE DEPARTMENT WOULD LIMIT PROCESSING TIME TO UNDER 12 MONTHS.
/"HOWEVER, FOR ........
THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 1994
- 12 -
"HOWEVER, FOR SOME DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES HAVING A LARGE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS, IT MAY BE NECESSARY TO OPERATE A WAITING LIST BEFORE THE ACTUAL PROCESSING COMMENCES," MR POPE ADDED.
ON LAND RESUMPTION, MR POPE SAID AN OFFER OF COMPENSATION OR AN INDICATION TO CLAIM WOULD BE MADE WITHIN ONE MONTH OF THE DATE OF THE LAND REVERTING TO GOVERNMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE CROWN LANDS RESUMPTION ORDINANCE.
"WHERE OFFERS OF COMPENSATION HAVE NOT BEEN ACCEPTED, AND WHERE POSSIBLE, AN OFFER OF PROVISIONAL PAYMENT WILL BE MADE WITHOUT PREJUDICING ANY CLAIM MADE BY THE CLAIMANT," MR POPE SAID.
MR POPE SAID THE PLEDGES WILL BE MONITORED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S LANDS ADMINISTRATION OFFICE, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE LAND SUBCOMMITTEE OF THE LAND AND BUILDINGS ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND THE HEUNG YEE KUK. THE RESULTS WILL BE PUBLISHED ANNUALLY.
OTHER MAJOR ASPECTS OF THE DEPARTMENT’S WORK ARE CARRIED OUT BY ITS SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, INVOLVING SETTING OUT OF LAND BOUNDARIES, AND PROVISION OF MAPPING AND GEODETIC INFORMATION, UP-TO-DATE LARGE SCALE PLANS, AND MAPPING PRODUCTS.
"THE DEPARTMENT UNDERTAKES TO RESPOND TO 70 PER CENT OF REQUESTS FOR MAPPING AND GEODETIC INFORMATION ON THE SANE DAY. WHERE THE INFORMATION REQUESTED INVOLVES CALCULATION AND RESEARCH, IT WILL TAKE THREE WORKING DAYS TO PROCESS AND SUPPLY THE REQUESTED TNFORAMTJON," MR POPE SAID.
"REGARDING THE SETTING OUT OF LAND BOUNDARIES, ALTHOUGH A LAND PARCEL CAN NORMALLY BE SET OUT WITHIN THREE MONTHS OF RECEIPT OF THE REQUEST, THE PROCESSING TIME DEPENDS LARGELY ON THE SIZE OF THE LAND AND THE EXPIRATION OF TIME SINCE THE LAST BOUNDARY REDEFINITION," MR POPE ADDED.
MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS WOULD BE SURVEYED AND SHOWN ON LARGE SCALE PLANS THREE MONTHS AFTER COMPLETION.
THESE PLANS, TOGETHER WITH THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE’S OTHER MAPPING PRODUCTS, CAN BE ORDERED FROM ITS SALES COUNTER. THEY WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION THREE WORKING DAYS AFTER REQUEST.
MR POPE GAVE AN ASSURANCE THAT THESE PLEDGES WILL BE MONITORED IN CONSULTATION WITH THE CADASTRAL SURVEY CONSULTATION COMMITTEE AND THE MAPPING ADVISORY COMMITTEE. THE RESULTS WILL BE PUBLISHED ANNUALLY.
"IN SETTING PERFORMANCE TARGETS FOR ITSELF, THE LANDS DEPARTMENT AIMS TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY TO THE BEST OF ITS ABILITY.
"HOWEVER, THE SPEED AT WHICH WE DELIVER OUR SERVICES IS SOMETIMES INFLUENCED TO A SIGNIFICANT EXTENT BY THE COMPLEXITY OF THE CASES INVOLVED," MR POPE ADDED.
- - 0---------
/13 .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 1994
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MONETARY STATISTICS FOR MAY 1994 *****
HK$M3 GREW STEADILY BY 2.1% IN MAY 1994, COMPARED WITH A SIMILAR RATE OF 2.2% IN APRIL, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS PUBLISHED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY.
IT INCREASED BY 23.5% YEAR-ON-YEAR, STILL CONSIDERABLY LOWER THAN THE GROWTH RECORDED IN END 1993 AND EARLY 1994.
DEPOSITS
THE OVERALL GROWTH OF HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS REMAINED STABLE AT 2.3% IN MAY, WITH SAVINGS DEPOSITS AND DEMAND DEPOSITS FALLING BY 0.3% AND 6.0% RESPECTIVELY AND TIME DEPOSITS RISING BY 5.5% IN RESPONSE TO HIGHER INTEREST OFFERED BY BANKS TO ATTRACT DEPOSITS OF LONGER MATURITY TERMS.
FOREIGN CURRENCY SWAP DEPOSITS RECORDED A MARKED INCREASE OF 7.5% IN MAY, ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE RISE IN SWAP DEPOSIT RATES IN THE FIRST HALF OF THE MONTH IN EXPECTATION OF A FURTHER INCREASE IN THE U.S. DOLLAR INTEREST RATES.
HOWEVER, THE RISE IN HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSIT RATES GOVERNED BY THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS ON MAY 23 NARROWED THE INTEREST RATE DIFFERENTIAL BETWEEN HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS AND SWAP DEPOSITS. THE GROWTH IN SWAP DEPOSITS IS LIKELY TO MODERATE IN JUNE.
THE PROGRESSIVE FALL IN THE INTEREST RATES OF SOME MAJOR FOREIGN CURRENCIES CAUSED A 4.0% DECREASE IN THE NON-U.S. DOLLAR FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS.
AS A RESULT, TOTAL FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS DECREASED BY 1.5% DURING THE MONTH, 2.0% LOWER THAN THAT OF ONE YEAR EARLIER.
MONEY SUPPLY
HK$M1 DECLINED BY 4.2% IN MAY, CONTRIBUTED MAINLY BY THE CONSIDERABLE FALL IN DEMAND DEPOSITS (-6.0%).
LEGAL TENDER NOTES AND COINS HELD BY THE PUBLIC ALSO FELL BY 1.4% DURING THE MONTH. AFTER THREE CONSECUTIVE MONTHS OF DECREASE, ITS YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH MODERATED NOTABLY TO 13.1%.
THE BROADCAST DEFINITION OF LOCAL MONEY SUPPLY, HK$M3 ROSE BY 2.1% DURING MAY. ITS ANNUAL GROWTH PICKED UP SLIGHTLY TO 23.5% FROM 19.5% IN MARCH, BUT STILL SLOWER THAN THE GROWTH RATES OF 25.2% TO 46.5% RECORDED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 1993 AND FEBRUARY 1994.
/HK$M2 DISPLAYED ......
THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 1994
14
HK$M2 DISPLAYED SIMILAR MOVEMENTS.
TOTAL Ml INCREASED YEAR-ON-YEAR BY 11.2%.
OWING TO THE DECLINE IN FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS, TOTAL M2 AND TOTAL M3 HAD MUCH SLOWER GROWTH THAN THEIR HONG KONG DOLLAR COUNTERPARTS. THEIR ANNUAL GROWTH RATES WERE 10.8% AND 11.3% RESPECTIVELY.
LOANS AND ADVANCES
THE HONG KONG DOLLAR LOAN-TO-DEPOSIT RATIO REMAINED UNCHANGED AT 114.0% IN MAY AS HONG KONG DOLLAR LOANS INCREASED AT THE SAME RATE AS HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS, AT 2.3%, DURING THE MONTH.
HOWEVER, THE YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH OF HONG KONG DOLLAR LOANS (+19.1%) REMAINED LOWER THAN THAT OF HK$ DEPOSITS (+23.5%).
FOREIGN CURRENCY LOANS DECREASED BY 1.7% DURING THE MONTH. IT GREW BY 7.3% OVER A YEAR EARLIER.
TOTAL OUTSTANDING LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS DECREASED MARGINALLY BY 0.3% IN MAY BUT GREW BY 11.1% AS COMPARED TO A YEAR EARLIER.
ANALYSED BY USAGE, THE YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH OF LOANS TO FINANCE VISIBLE TRADE (+16.4%) AND OTHER LOANS FOR USE TN HONG KONG (+18.7%) REMAINED STRONG.
LOANS TO FINANCE VISIBLE TRADE RECORDED A SOLID GROWTH OF 4.1% IN MAY, FOLLOWING A 3.9% INCREASE TN APRIL. OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG ROSE BY 2.0% IN MAY.
FURTHER INFORMATION
ENQUIRIES ON THE MONETARY STATISTICS FOR MAY 1994 MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE PRESS AND PUBLICATION SECTION, HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY, ON TELEPHONE 878 1687.
/TABLE 1 : .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 30;- 1994
15
TABLE 1 : MONETARY STATISTICS - MAY 1994
(HKSmn)
May 1994 Earlier months (% change to May 1994)
Money Supply Apr 1994 Feb 1994 May 1993
Ml - HKS 164,236 171.499 ( -4.2) 178,903 ( -8.2 ) 148,124 ( 10.9 )
Foreign currency 18,671 21455 ( -13.4 ) 21,081 ( -11.4 ) 16.412 ( 13.8 )
Total 182,907 193,054 ( -5.3 ) 199,984 ( -8.5) 164436 ( 11.2 )
M2 - HKS* 992,935 972333 ( Z1 ) 949418 ( 4.6 ) 801,659 ( 23.9 )
Foreign currency* 829,540 842,402 ( -1.5 ) 843,643 ( -1.7) 843,097 ( -1.6)
Total 1,822,475 1314,635 ( 0.4 ) 1,793,161 ( 1.6) 1,644,756 ( 10.8 )
M3 - HKS* 1,009,864 988,816 ( 2.1) 966,364 ( 4.5) 817,933 ( 23.5 )
Foreign currency* 874,645 886,997 ( -1.4) 884,847 ( -1.2) 875,062 ( -0.0)
Total 1,884409 1375313 ( 0.5) 1,851.211 ( 1.8) 1,692,995 ( 11.3)
Notes and coins in circulation 72,444 73,254 ( -1.1) 76,798 ( -5J) 64,498 ( 12.3 )
of which held by public Total Deposits 64,260 65,187 ( -1.4) 68,695 ( -6.5) 56,806 ( 13.1 )
Total Demand deposits 118,647 127368 ( -7.2 ) 131,289 ( -9.6) 107,730 ( 10.1 )
Total Savings deposits 405,100 412389 ( -1.9) 416,416 ( -2.7 ) 383,188 ( 5.7)
Total Time deposits with licensed banks 1,202,783 1,178,078 ( 2.1) 1,151,972 ( 4.4 ) 1.078359 ( 11.5)
Total Time deposits with restricted licence banks 28,818 28317 ( 2.1) 25487 ( 12.6 ) 27,169 ( 6.1)
Total Time deposits with deposit-taking companies 17,742 17,680 ( 0.4 ) 17,820 ( -0.4) 17,970 ( -1.3)
HKS deposits* 922,695 901,693 ( 2.3 ) 878,829 ( 5.0) 747,215 ( 23.5 )
USS deposits* 439,458 434,884 ( 1.1 ) 422,417 ( 4.0 ) 415,007 ( 5.9)
Other foreign currency deposits* 410,937 428,154 ( -4.0 ) 441,838 ( -7.0 ) 452,695 ( —9.2 )
All deposits 1,773,090 1,764,731 ( 0.5) 1,743,083 ( 1.7) 1,614,917 ( 9.8 )
Foreign currency swap deposits Total Loans and advances 87393 81,742 ( 7.5) 73,289 ( 19.9 ) 61,199 ( 43.6 )
To finance H.JC’s visible trade 114,973 110,414 ( 4.1) 104,068 ( 10.5 ) 98,775 ( 16.4 )
To finance merchandising trade not touching H.K. 11459 11,179 ( 3.4) 11,355 ( 1.8) 11,998 ( -3.7)
Other loans for use in H.K. 1,178,128 1,155454 ( 2.0 ) 1,119,004 ( 5.3) 992423 ( 18.7 )
Other loans for use outside H.K. 1,713464 1.751408 ( -2.2 ) 1,721,047 ( -0.5 ) 1,612,918 ( 6.2 )
Other loans where the place of use is not known 45,142 45,129 ( 0.0 ) 45,634 ( -1.1) 41,856 ( 7.9)
Loans in HKS 1,051,640 1,028,202 ( 2.3) 991,314 ( 6.1) 883,197 ( 19.1 )
Loans in foreign currencies 2,011,427 2,045481 ( -1.7) 2,009,794 ( 0.1) 1374374 ( 7.3 )
Total loans and advances 3,063,067 3,073,783 ( -0.3 ) 3,001,108 ( 2.1 ) 2,758,070 ( 11.1)
• Adjusted for foreign currency swap deposits. Starting from April 1991, swap deposits can further be broken down into US dollar and non-US dollar foreign currency swap deposits.
Note : ‘Restricted licence banks’ and ’deposit-taking companies’ were known as 'licensed deposit -taking companies’and 'registered deposit-taking companies’ respectively before 1 February 1990.
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/16 .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 1994
- 16 -
BIDS INVITED FOR $300 MILLION LANGUAGE FUND
* « t * *
ADVOCATES FOR IMPROVING LANGUAGE STANDARDS IN HONG KONG WILL HAVE ACCESS TO A WEALTH OF RESOURCES TOMORROW (FRIDAY) WHEN THE $300 MILLION LANGUAGE FUND OPENS FOR APPLICATIONS.
THANKS TO THE EFFICIENCY AND HARD WORK OF THE LANGUAGE FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE SET UP LAST MONTH UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF PROFESSOR ROSIE T T YOUNG, THE OPENING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS HAS BEEN BROUGHT FORWARD BY AN ENTIRE MONTH AHEAD OF ITS ORIGINAL SCHEDULE.
THE LANGUAGE FUND WAS CREATED BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, AT HIS LAST POLICY ADDRESS TO INVOLVE THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE IN RAISING THE STANDARDS OF BOTH CHINESE (INCLUDING PUTONGHUA) AND ENGLISH LANGUAGES AMONG STUDENTS IN SCHOOLS AS WELL AS PEOPLE AT WORK.
APART FROM ENHANCING EXISTING EFFORTS AND MEETING TEMPORARY SHORTFALLS IN LANGUAGE TEACHING RESOURCES, THE DISBURSEMENT OF THE FUND WILL ENCOURAGE RESEARCH INTO PROBLEM AREAS AROUND LANGUAGE USE AND INITIATION OF NEW APPROACHES TO LANGUAGE LEARNING.
POTENTIAL BIDDERS FOR THE FUND ARE LIKELY TO INCLUDE ACADEMICS, TEACHERS AND EDUCATORS AS WELL AS FRONTLINE PRACTITIONERS FROM EDUCATION AND OTHER VOCATIONAL SECTORS.
PROJECTS OR ACTIVITIES TO BE FUNDED SHOULD BE ABLE TO:
» IMPROVE MOTIVATION FOR LANGUAGE LEARNING;
» ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF TEACHER EDUCATION FOR LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION; INCREASE THE SUPPLY AND QUALITY OF TEXTBOOKS, REFERENCE MATERIALS AND APPROPRIATE TEACHING AIDS; OR
♦ MAXIMISE PROFICIENCY SUCH AS BY INCREASING EXPOSURE AND USAGE IN CASE OF ENGLISH AND MINIMISE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE USE OF SPOKEN AND WRITTEN CHINESE.
EXAMPLES OF ELIGIBLE PROJECTS/ACTIVITIES ARE OVERSEAS REFRESHER TRAINING COURSES FOR LANGUAGE TEACHERS, EXTRA-CURRICULAR OR CULTURAL ACTIVITIES, OR TEACHING/LEARNING PACKAGES/REFERENCE MATERIALS AIMED AT PROMOTING THE USE OF CHINESE, PUTONGHUA OR ENGLISH, AND RESEARCH PROJECTS. * . • €•
NO FEES WILL BE CHARGED FOR THE APPLICATIONS, WHICH CAN BE MADE EITHER ON AN INDIVIDUAL OR INSTITUTIONAL BASIS USING STANDARD FORMS NOW OBTAINABLE FROM THE GENERAL ENQUIRIES SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, 15TH FLOOR, WU CHUNG HOUSE, 213 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI, AS WELL AS THE LANGUAGE FUND SECRETARIAT IN ROOM 1123 ON THE 11TH FLOOR OF THE SAME BUILDING.
STARTING FROM JULY 5, LANGUAGE FUND APPLICATION FORMS WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE FROM ALL DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AS WELL AS THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICES. APPLICATION FORMS MAY BE SENT OUT ON REQUEST. THE LANGUAGE FUND SECRETARIAT MAY BE CONTACTED FOR ENQUIRIES ON 892 6477 OR 892 6569.
/APPLICATIONS WILL .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 1994
i
- 17 -
APPLICATIONS WILL BE CALLED FOR TWICE A YEAR WITH THE DEADLINE FOR THE FIRST CALL ON SEPTEMBER 30, 1994 AND THAT FOR THE SECOND CALL ON MARCH 31, 1995.
THE LANGUAGE FUND VETTING SUB-COMMITTEE WILL MEET REGULARLY AS SOON AS SUFFICIENT ENTRIES HAVE AMASSED TO ENSURE TIMELY DECISIONS ON THE BIDS AND DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE RESULT OF SUCCESSFUL BIDS FOR THE FIRST LOT OF APPLICATIONS WILL BE ANNOUNCED AS EARLY AS IN OCTOBER 1994.
--------0-----------
PROPOSED ELECTION GUIDELINES REVISED
*****
• 9
IN RESPONSE TO PUBLIC REPRESENTATIONS RECEIVED, THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION HAS REVISED THE PROPOSED GUIDELINES ON ELECTION-RELATED ACTIVITIES IN A NUMBER OF AREAS.
SOME OF THE AMENDMENTS TO THE GUIDELINES REQUIRING CORRESPONDING AMENDMENTS TO BE MADE TO THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION (ELECTORAL PROCEDURE) (GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCIES) REGULATION ARE CONTAINED IN AN AMENDMENT REGULATION TO BE GAZETTED TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION (ELECTORAL PROCEDURE) (GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCIES) (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1994 REQUIRES A CANDIDATE SEEKING NOMINATION TO A CONSTITUENCY OTHER THAN THE ONE FOR WHICH HE IS NOMINATED TO WITHDRAW HIS NOMINATION FOR THE FIRST CONSTITUENCY BEFORE HIS SECOND NOMINATION IS ACCEPTED, TO CLEAR TrtE LIKELY MISUNDERSTANDING THAT MAY ARISE.
IT ENABLES THE COMMISSION TO EXEMPT SOME ELECTION ADVERTISEMENTS FROM THE REQUIREMENT THAT THEY BE SERIALLY NUMBERED TO AVOID THE LIKELY RISE IN PRINTING COST AND TECHNICAL COMPLICATIONS THAT MAY INCUR.
THE REGULATION ALSO REVISES THE FORM OF BALLOT PAPER SO THAT ITS NUMBER WILL BE PRINTED ON THE COUNTERFOIL, INSTEAD OF AT THE BACK OF THE PAPER.
AFTER THE RECENT ENACTMENT OF THE AMENDMENTS TO THE CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES ORDINANCE, THE REGULATION ALSO PROVIDES FOR TH.E NOMINATION AND APPOINTMENT OF, AND SET OUT THE OBLIGATIONS FOR, PERSONS AUTHORISED TO INCUR ELECTION EXPENSES ON BEHALF OF CANDIDATES'.
I
------0------- >
/18........
THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 1994
18
REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE
PUBLISHES PERFORMANCE PLEDGE
*****
THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE TODAY (THURSDAY) PUBLISHES ITS PERFORMANCE PLEDGE TO FOSTER ITS COMMITMENT TO PROVIDING A COURTEOUS AND EFFICIENT SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC IN A GOOD ENVIRONMENT.
THE CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER, UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION, WILL MONITOR THE PERFORMANCE OF THE OFFICE AGAINST TARGETS AND WILL PUBLISH THE RESULTS EVERY YEAR.
THE SERVICES COVERED BY THE PLEDGE ARE:
* REGISTRATION OF ELECTORS;
♦ UPDATING OF ELECTORS' RECORDS;
* RE-ALLOCATION OF ELECTORS TO THE APPROPRIATE GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCIES AND POLLING STATIONS;
» NOTIFICATION TO ELECTORS OF ELECTION ARRANGEMENTS; AND
» ENQUIRY SERVICE RELATING TO REGISTRATION OF ELECTORS AND ELECTIONS.
IN NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES, AN ELIGIBLE PERSON WHO APPLIES FOR REGISTRATION AS ELECTORS WILL, WITHIN 14 WORKING DAYS FROM RECEIPT OF HIS APPLICATION, RECEIVE CONFIRMATION THAT HIS NAME WILL BE PLACED IN THE NEXT VOTER REGISTER TO BE PUBLISHED.
IN THE CASE OF GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCIES, EACH NEWLY REGISTERED ELECTOR WILL AT THE SAME TIME BE NOTIFIED OF THE CONSTITUENCY TO WHICH HE HAS BEEN ALLOCATED IN ACCORDANCE WITH HIS RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS, AND THE POLLING STATION IN WHICH HE MAY VOTE AT A GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCY ELECTION.
IN THE CASE OF FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES, EACH NEWLY REGISTERED ELECTOR WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THE CONSTITUENCY TO WHICH HE HAS BEEN ASSIGNED.
ON REPORTS ON CHANGES OF ELECTORS' PARTICULARS, AN ELECTOR, IN NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES, MAY EXPECT TO BE NOTIFIED OF THE RESULT WITHIN 14 WORKING DAYS OF RECEIPT OF HIS REPORT.
AMENDMENTS OF PARTICULARS RECEIVED BEFORE JULY 7, IF ACCEPTED, WILL BE EFFECTED IN THE REGISTER PUBLISHED IN AUGUST EACH YEAR.
WHERE THE BOUNDARIES OF THE GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCIES HAVE BEEN RE-DELINEATED, OR NEW POLLING STATIONS HAVE BEEN DESIGNATED, EACH ELECTOR AFFECTED WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THE RELEVANT CONSTITUENCY OR POLLING STATION TO WHICH HE HAS BEEN RE-ALLOCATED AND THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF SUCH RE-ALLOCATION.
TEN DAYS BEFORE A POLL OF AN ELECTION IS TO BE HELD, EACH ELECTOR CONCERNED WILL BE SENT A POLL CARD NOTIFYING HIM OF THE DATE OF ELECTION, THE CONSTITUENCY TO WHICH HE BELONGS AND THE ADDRESS OF THE POLLING STATION AT WHICH HE MAY VOTE AT THAT ELECTION.
/FOR ENQUIRIES .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 1994
- 19 -
FOR ENQUIRIES IN WRITING, SUCH CASES WILL IN NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES BE RESPONDED TO WITHIN 14 DAYS OF RECEIPT. IN ANY CASE, AN INTERIM REPLY WILL BE SENT WITHIN 10 DAYS.
INSTANT RESPONSE WILL BE GIVEN TO ENQUIRIES Bl TELEPHONE OR IN PERSON DURING OFFICE HOURS.
ENQUIRIES RECEIVED THROUGH THE TELEPHONE RECORDING SERVICE ON 827 1122 OUTSIDE OFFICE HOURS WILL BE RESPONDED TO AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE WITHIN THE NEXT TWO WORKING DAYS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE OFFICE SAID THERE WOULD BE OCCASIONS WHEN, DESPITE BEST EFFORTS, THE OFFICE WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE THE SERVICES WITHIN THE TARGET SPECIFIED.
FOR EXAMPLE, IN SPECIAL REGISTRATION DRIVES IN ELECTION YEARS WHEN HUGE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS ARE RECEIVED, RESPONSE TIME WILL TAKE LONGER.
"IN SUCH CASES, THE PERSON CONCERNED IS ENTITLED TO A FULL AND PROMPT EXPLANATION," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE SAID RECEIPT OF ALL COMPLAINTS WOULD BE ACKNOWLEDGED WITHIN 10 DAYS AND DEALT WITH EXPEDITIOUSLY.
COPIES OF THE PERFORMANCE PLEDGE ARE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION AT THE OFFICE, 1OTH FLOOR, HARBOUR CENTRE, 25 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI; DISTRICT OFFICES AND THE PUBLICATION COUNTER OF INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, GROUND FLOOR, FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH.
------0--------
PROVISIONS ON RETIREMENT SCHEMES
A NEW REGULATION HAS BEEN MADE UNDER THE INSURANCE COMPANIES ORDINANCE TO HARMONISE CERTAIN OF ITS PROVISIONS ON RETIREMENT SCHEMES WITH THOSE OF THE OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES ORDINANCE.
UNDER THE INSURANCE COMPANIES ORDINANCE (AMENDMENT OF FIRST SCHEDULE) REGULATION 1994, WHICH WILL BE GAZETTED TOMORROW (FRIDAY), THE GOVERNMENT HAS ENSURED THAT THE DEFINITIONS OF CLASSES G AND H LONG-TERM INSURANCE BUSINESS DO NOT EXTEND TO RETIREMENT SCHEMES OPERATED UNDER A TRUST BY NON-INSURERS INCLUDING TRUSTEES.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE DEFINITIONS OF CLASSES G AND H LONG-TERM INSURANCE BUSINESS IN THE FIRST SCHEDULE TO THE INSURANCE COMPANIES ORDINANCE APPL'IED TO RETIREMENT SCHEMES OPERATED BY INSURERS.
"UNINTENTIONALLY, THEY ALSO APPLY TO RETIREMENT SCHEMES OPERATED UNDER A TRUST BY NON-INSURERS, INCLUDING TRUSTEES.
"THERE ARE OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES WHICH ARE AT THE MOMENT NEITHER GOVERNED BY TRUST NOR ADMINISTERED Bl INSURERS, BUT ARE OPERATED BY, FOR INSTANCE, EMPLOYERS.
/"SUCH BUSINESS ..
THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 1994
20
"SUCH BUSINESS FALLS WITHIN THE DEFINITIONS OF CLASSES G AND H LONG-TERM BUSINESS IN THE INSURANCE COMPANIES ORDINANCE AND IS ILLEGAL BECAUSE IT IS NOT CONDUCTED BY AN INSURER.
"UNDER THE OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES ORDINANCE, OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES MAY HOWEVER CONTINUE UNTIL EXPIRY OF THE TWO-YEAR GRACE PERIOD ON OCTOBER 15, 1995, BY WHICH TIME THEY MUST HAVE BEEN REGISTERED OR EXEMPTED, OR AN APPLICATION FOR THEIR REGISTRATION OR EXEMPTION MUST AWAIT DETERMINATION," HE SAID.
TO HARMONISE THE INSURANCE COMPANIES ORDINANCE WITH THE OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES ORDINANCE, THE INSURANCE COMPANIES ORDINANCE (AMENDMENT OF FIRST SCHEDULE) REGULATION 1994 LIMITS THE APPLICATION OF THE DEFINITION OF CLASSES G AND H BUSINESS IN THE FIRST SCHEDULE TO THE INSURANCE COMPANIES ORDINANCE TO RETIREMENT SCHEMES OPERATED BY AUTHORISED INSURERS BEFORE OCTOBER 15, 1995, THAT IS THE COMMENCEMENT DATE OF THE OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES ORDINANCE.
AFTER THAT DATE, APPLICATION OF THE DEFINITION WILL BE EXTENDED TO ALL RETIREMENT SCHEMES, EXCEPT SCHEMES OPERATED UNDER A TRUST BY A TRUSTEE AND SCHEMES THAT ARE DEEMED BY THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY UNDER THE NEW REGULATION NOT TO BE RETIREMENT SCHEMES FOR THE PURPOSES OF THE INSURANCE COMPANIES ORDINANCE.
THE REGULATION ALSO EMPOWERS THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY TO SPECIFY IN THE GAZETTE THAT CERTAIN OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES THAT ARE NEITHER GOVERNED BY TRUST NOR ADMINISTERED BY INSURERS ARE EXEMPTED FROM THE AMBIT OF THE INSURANCE COMPANIES ORDINANCE.
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MORE COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES FOR ELDERLY
* * * * *
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAS PLANS TO PROVIDE MORE COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY WITHIN THE NEXT THREE FINANCIAL YEARS.
THIS IS STATED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR IAN STRACHAN, WHEN HE OFFICIATED AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE YAN 01 TONG NG KAM YUK MEMORIAL SOCIAL CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY IN TUEN MUN TODAY (THURSDAY).
MR STRACHAN SAID THESE SERVICES INCLUDED THE ESTABLISHMENT OF 36 ADDITIONAL HOME HELP TEAMS, 51 ADDITIONAL SOCIAL CENTRES, 14 ADDITIONAL DAY CARE CENTRES AND 11 ADDITIONAL MULT 1-SERVICE CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY.
"BY 1997, THERE WILL BE 120 HOME HELP TEAMS, 246 SOCIAL CENTRES, 32 DAY CARE CENTRES AND 32 MULTI-SERVICE CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY," HE SAID.
IN RESPECT OF WELFARE SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY, MR STRACHAN EXPLAINED THAT ONE OF THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY OBJECTIVES WAS TO PROMOTE THE WELL-BEING OF SENIOR CITIZENS THROUGH CARE IN THE COMMUNITY.
/"SOCIAL CENTRES .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 1994
- 21 -
’’SOCIAL CENTRES PROVIDE A FOCAL POINT TO BRING TOGETHER ELDERLY PEOPLE SO THAT THEY CAN ENRICH THEIR LIVES AND PARTICIPATE IN THE COMMUNITY.
’’THIS NEW CENTRE IS CONVENIENT FOR ELDERLY PERSONS RESIDING IN SAM SHING ESTATE AND TUEN MUN SOUTH ESTATE. HERE THEY CAN PURSUE THEIR INTERESTS, DEVELOP FRIENDSHIP AND CULTIVATE MUTUAL CARE AMONG FELLOW MEMBERS,” MR STRACHAN SAID.
TOGETHER WITH NINE OTHER SOCIAL CENTRES AND A MULTI-SERVICE CENTRE IN TUEN MUN, MR STRACHAN SAID THIS CENTRE NOT ONLY CATERED TO THE NEEDS OF ELDERLY PERSONS BUT ALSO PROVIDED COMMUNITY SUPPORT TO FAMILIES IN THE DISTRICT.’
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COMAC APPOINTS ADVISERS » * * ♦ *
THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS, MR ANDREW SO, TODAY (THURSDAY) APPOINTED TWO PANELS OF ADVISERS FOR THE PROVISION OF MEDICAL AND LEGAL ADVICE RESPECTIVELY. EACH PANEL CONSISTS OF 12 ADVISERS WHOSE TERM OF APPOINTMENT IS ONE YEAR.
THE LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS ENACTED ON JUNE 24, 1994 HAVE CONSIDERABLY WIDENED COMAC’S JURISDICTION AND POWERS.’
TO COPE WITH THE NEW DEMANDS AND CHALLENGES, IT HAS BEEN FOUND NECESSARY TO GEAR UP THE CAPACITY OF THE OFFICE OF COMAC, AND TO STRENGTHEN THE PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT AVAILABLE.
AS PART OF COMAC’S OVERALL PLAN TO RE-ORGANISE HIS OFFICE AND TO OVERHAUL THE PROCEDURES FOR THE INVESTIGATION OF COMPLAINTS, THE COMMISSIONER CONSIDERS IT NECESSARY TO ESTABLISH FORMAL AND PERMANENT CHANNELS FOR THE SEEKING OF MEDICAL AND LEGAL ADVICE.
THIS WAS PREVIOUSLY OBTAINED FROM INDEPENDENT PERSONS TN PRIVATE PRACTICE ON AN AD HOC BASIS, AS AN!) WHEN THE NEED ARISES.
THE COMMISSIONER AFTER HAVING CONSULTED PROFESSIONAL BODIES AND THE ’’UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE” INSTITUTIONS CONCERNED, APPOINTED THE FOLLOWING ADVISERS:
MEDICAL ADVISERS
PROFESSOR T K CHAN UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
PROFESSOR JOHN WONG UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
PROFESSOR C Y YEUNG UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
PROFESSOR FELICE LI EH MAK UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
PROFESSOR HO-KEI MA UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
/PROFESSOR KAR-NENG LAI .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 1994
- 22 -
PROFESSOR KAR-NENG LAI CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
PROFESSOR ARTHUR KWOK-CHEUNG LI CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
DR SOPHIE SUK-FONG LEUNG CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
DR CHUNG-KWONG WONG CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
PROFESSOR A M Z CHANG CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
PROFESSOR KENNETH RAYMOND CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
PROFESSOR GUAN-BEE ONG
HONG KONG BAPTIST HOSPITAL
LEGAL ADVISERS
MR ANDREW C BYRNES UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
MR BRIAN G BAILLIE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
MR JOHANNES M M CHAN UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
MS ANNIE R CARVER UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
MS JILL COTTRELL UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
PROFESSOR YASH GHAI UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
MR BENNY T Y TAI UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
PROFESSOR DEREK ROEBUCK CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG
DR GUI-GUO WANG CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG
DR DHIRENDRA K SRIVASTAVA CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG
DR M J A COORAY CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG
MR A D TENNEKONE CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG
THESE ADVISERS ARE APPOINTED UNDER SECTION 6 OF THE COMAC ORDINANCE AND ARE SUBJECT TO THE SECRECY PROVISION IN THE ORDINANCE. THEIR APPOINTMENT IS HONORARY IN NATURE WITHOUT ANY REMUNERATION.
THE COMMISSIONER WILL SEEK ADVICE FROM THESE ADVISERS WHEREVER NECESSARY. WHILE THE PROFESSIONAL ADVICE OFFERED BY THE TWO PANELS WILL PROVIDE USEFUL REFERENCE, COMAC'S DECISION IS TOTALLY INDEPENDENT.
THE COMMISSIONER MAY APPOINT PROFESSIONALS FROM OTHER FIELDS AS ADVISERS IF AND WHEN NECESSARY.
/23 .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 1994
- 23 -
NAMES MAY CHANGE, BUT NOT GURKHA TRADITIONS *****
THE OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE 10TH PRINCESS MARY’S OWN GURKHA RIFLES WILL AWAKEN TOMORROW (FRIDAY) MORNING AS JUST THAT. BUT BEFORE THEY HAVE HAD BREAKFAST, THEY WILL COUNT THEMSELVES AS THE 3RD BATTALION ROYAL GURKHA RIFLES.
AT AN EARLY MORNING PARADE AT GALLIPOLI LINES, THE 550 MEN OF THE 10TH GURKHA RIFLES WILL FORM UP IN THEIR COMPANIES TO RECEIVE THEIR NEW CAP BADGE IN THE PRESENCE OF THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES HONG KONG, MAJOR-GENERAL SIR JOHN FOLEY.
THE FORMATION OF THE ROYAL GURKHA RIFLES REGIMENT FROM THE EXISTING FOUR GURKHA INFANTRY REGIMENTS REFLECTS THE SLIMMING DOWN IN NUMBERS OF THE BRITISH ARMY UNDER THE "OPTIONS FOR CHANGE” PROGRAMME.
THE 10TH GURKHA RIFLES WAS ORIGINALLY RAISED AS PART OF THE BRITISH EAST INDIA COMPANY’S MADRAS ARMY IN 1766.
ON MAY 1, 1890 IT CONVERTED TO A GURKHA UNIT FOR SERVICE IN BURMA AND STILL CELEBRATES THAT DAY AS ITS OFFICIAL BIRTHDAY.
AFTER SEVERAL MINOR CHANGES OF TITLE, THE REGIMENT FINALLY BECAME 10TH GURKHA RIFLES IN 1901.
»
THE ROYAL HONOUR TITLE "PRINCESS MARY’S OWN" WAS AWARDED IN 1950 IN RECOGNITION OF THE REGIMENT’S EXCEPTIONAL RECORD IN BOTH WORLD WARS AND TO MARK ITS AFFILIATION WITH THE ROYAL SCOTS.
AT MIDNIGHT ON JUNE 30, THE 2ND GURKHA RIFLES - BASED AT CASSINO LINES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES - WILL AMALGAMATE WITH 6TH GURKHA RIFLES - CURRENTLY IN BRUNEI - TO FORM THE 1ST BATTALION ROYAL GURKHA RIFLES.
THE 7TH GURKHA RIFLES, AT PRESENT IN THE UNITED KINGDOM BUT SHORTLY TO REPLACE THE 6TH GURKHA RIFLES IN BRUNEI, WILL BECOME THE 2ND BATTALION ROYAL GURKHA RIFLES.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PARADE AT GALLIPOLI LINES TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE PARADE COMMENCES AT 7 AM. TRANSPORT TO GALLIPOLI LINES WILL LEAVE FROM THE PRINCE OF WALES BARRACKS PROMPTLY AT 5.30 AM.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ARRIVE AT THE MAIN GATES NO LATER THAN 5.20 AM. IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT THE TRANSPORT WILL RETURN TO CENTRAL AT 9.30 AM.
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THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 1994
24
CIVIC EDUCATION CONTEST WINNERS SAY THEY WILL VOTE *****
THE WINNERS OE A COMPUTER ANIMATION SOFTWARE DESIGN COMPETITION ORGANISED BY THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION IN MARCH THIS YEAR SAY THE CONTEST HAS GIVEN THEM A DEEPER AWARENESS OF THE NEED TO VOTE IN ELECTIONS.
AND THE CHAMPION OF THE OPEN SECTION, 2 I-YEAR-OLD VINCENT LAU MAN-KIN, SAID HE WOULD DEFINITELY PARTICIPATE, ADDING THAT HE WOULD FIRST SCRUTINISE THE ELECTION PLATFORMS OF THE CANDI DATES BEFORE SELECTING HIS REPRESENTATIVE.
"MY SELECTION CRITERIA INCLUDE THE CANDIDATES’ EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND AND THEIR AWARENESS OF THE PROBLEMS FACED BY THE ELECTORATE WHOM THEY ARE GOING TO REPRESENT," SAID UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG GRADUATE VINCENT.
WHICH IS EXACTLY THE THEME OF HIS WINNING PRESENTATION.
TN IT, HE HAS PLAYERS IDENTIFY THEIR DISTRICT PROBLEMS FIRST BEFORE DECIDING WHICH OF THE FOUR CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR A DISTRICT BOARD ELECTION BEST MEETS THEIR REQUIREMENTS.
"THE CIVIC EDUCATION RESOURCE CENTRE IN WAN ('HAI IS A GREAT HELP AS A SOURCE OF INFORMATION AND READINGS ON REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT," HE SAID.
AS TO THE JOINT WINNERS OF THE STUDENT SECTION, ENTERING THE COMPETITION PROVED TO BE BOTH AN EDUCAT I ONAL AND INTERESTING EXPERIENCE.
IIO KA-LUNG AND HIS ELDER. BROTHER, KA-HAU, BOTH KING’S COLLEGE STUDENTS, ADMITTED THEY WERE INDIFFERENT TO ELECTIONS BEFORE TAKING PART IN THE CONTEST.
"BUT NOW WE’D LIKE TO GET REGISTERED AS VOTERS AS SOON AS WE TURN 18, AND EXERCISE OUR VOTING RIGHTS," 16-YEAR-OLD KA-HAU SAID WITH ENTHUSIASM AND CERTAINTY.
THEIR ANIMATION REVOLVES ROUND A TEENAGE BOV WHO COMES TO RECOGNISE THE IMPORTANCE OF PARTICIPATING IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AFTER VISITING A CITY IN THE YEAR 2050.
THE WINNING ENTRIES, TOGETHER WITH THOSE OF THE RUNNERS-UP, WILL BE SCREENED AT A CIVIC EDUCATION EXHIBITION AT THE HONG KONG SCIENCE MUSEUM, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST FROM SATURDAY (JULY 2) TO NEXT THURSDAY (JULY 7).
THE EXHIBITION, WHICH FOCUSES ON REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT AND CITIZENS’ RIGHTS, WILL ALSO FEATURE PANEL DISPLAYS, VIDEO SHOWS, GAMES STALLS, DRAMA AND A "TIME TUNNEL" TRACING THE DEVELOPMENT OF HUMAN RIGHTS.
/AN OPENING .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 1994
25
AN OPENING AND PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY AT 2 PM WITH THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, AS THE OFFICIATING GUEST.
ADMISSION IS FREE.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING AND PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE CIVIC EDUCATION EXHIBITION AT 1.45 PM ON SATURDAY (JULY 2) AT THE SPECIAL EXHIBITION HALL, HONG KONG SCIENCE MUSEUM, 2 SCIENCE MUSEUM ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST.
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REPORT ON HK’S METALS AND LIGHT ENGINEERING INDUSTRIES
♦ * ♦ * »
THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) PUBLISHED A TECHNO-ECONOMIC AND MARKET RESEARCH STUDY REPORT ON HONG KONG’S METALS AND LIGHT ENGINEERING INDUSTRIES.
THE REPORT COVERS FINDINGS OF STUDY BY GOVERNMENT-COMMISSIONED CONSULTANTS ON THE CURRENT STATE OF DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S METALS AND LIGHT ENGINEERING INDUSTRIES AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO REMOVE THEIR CONSTRAINTS AND ENHANCE THEIR COMPETITIVENESS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT SAID THE STUDY, CONDUCTED IN 1992, WAS THE SECOND OF ITS KIND SINCE THE FIRST WAS UNDERTAKEN IN 1987.
’’THE STUDY COMPRISED TWO PARTS: A LOCAL PART WHICH WAS CARRIED OUT BY THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL (HKPC) AND AN OVERSEAS PART WHICH WAS CARRIED OUT BY THE BOSTON CONSULTING GROUP, INC. (BCG),” HE SAID.
THE LOCAL STUDY EXAMINED THE CURRENT STATUS AND ANALYSED THE MAJOR STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES OF THE VARIOUS SECTORS OF THE LOCAL METALS AND LIGHT ENGINEERING INDUSTRIES.
HKPC CONSIDERED THAT THE LOCAL METALS AND LIGHT ENGINEERING INDUSTRIES HAD SUCCESSFULLY MADE USE OF THE PEARL RIVER DELTA AS AN EXTENSION OF HONG KONG’S PRODUCTION BASE, THOUGH THEY ALSO FACED THE PROBLEMS OF ESCALATING COST, INSUFFICIENT ORDERS AND INTENSE COMPETITION.
THE CONSULTANT WAS OF THE VIEW THAT THE INDUSTRIES SHOULD THEREFORE UPGRADE THEMSELVES FROM LOW-COST MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS TO COST-EFFECTIVE OPERATIONS PRODUCING HIGH VALUE-ADDED PRODUCTS WITH GREATER EFFORT IN PRODUCT DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT, PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY, QUALITY IMPROVEMENT AND EFFECTIVE MARKETING.
THE OVERSEAS STUDY FOCUSED ON OVERSEAS TRENDS AS WELL AS THE MAJOR THREATS AND OPPORTUNITIES FACING THE LOCAL METALS AND LIGHT ENGINEERING INDUSTRIES.
/AGAINST THE .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 1994
- 26 -
AGAINST THE BACKGROUND THAT HONG KONG’S EXPORTS CONCENTRATED ON TRADITIONAL MARKETS WITH LOW GROWTH POTENTIAL, BCG RECOMMENDED THAT HONG KONG’S METALS AND LIGHT ENGINEERING COMPANIES SHOULD DEVELOP PLANS TO CAPTURE EMERGING MARKETS WITH HIGHER GROWTH POTENTIAL SUCH AS THE NON-JAPAN ASIA TO RETAIN HONG KONG’S GLOBAL EXPORT POSITION.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE METALS COMMITTEE OF THE INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (ITDC) HAD FORMULATED 16 INDUSTRY-WIDE RECOMMENDATIONS AND A NUMBER OF SECTOR-SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE LOCAL METALS AND LIGHT ENGINEERING INDUSTRIES BASED ON THE FINDINGS OF THE LOCAL AND OVERSEAS STUDIES.
"THE GOVERNMENT WOULD FURTHER EXAMINE THE RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE LIGHT OF RELEVANT POLICY CONSIDERATION AND THE AVAILABILITY OF RESOURCES BEFORE FINALISING ON THE ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN,” HE SAID.
COPIES OF THE TECHNO-ECONOMIC AND MARKET RESEARCH STUDY REPORT ARE ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL AT $98 EACH.
BEWARE OF IMPOSTERS *****
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT (SWD) TODAY (THURSDAY) REMINDED THE PUBLIC THAT MONEY WOULD NOT BE DEMANDED FROM SWD STAFF IN ORDER TO PROCESS ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS TO THE NEEDY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID IT HAD BEEN FOUND THAT ELDERLY CUSTOMERS RECEIVING ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS FROM THE DEPARTMENT COULD EASILY FALL PREY TO IMPOSTERS CLAIMING TO BE OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT.
"WE URGE THEM TO BE ON GUARD AND BE WARY OF TRICKSTERS,” HE SAID.
HE REITERATED THAT SERVICES OF THE DEPARTMENT IN MAKING ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS WERE ENTIRELY FREE OF CHARGE AND ANY DEMANDS FOR MONEY FROM PEOPLE CLAIMING TO BE SWD STAFF SHOULD BE BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE NEAREST SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNIT OR THE POLICE FOR INVESTIGATION.
"ALL SWD STAFF ARE REQUIRED TO WEAR THEIR DEPARTMENTAL IDENTITY CARDS WHILE AT WORK IN THE OFFICE OR DURING OUTSIDE WORK.
"THE PUBLIC CAN ALSO CALL THE SWD HOTLINE 343 2255 WHEN IN DOUBT,” HE SAID.
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THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 1994
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GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY FOR JULY TO SEPTEMBER
* * » ♦ *
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT CONTINUES TO CONDUCT THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY DURING THE QUARTER FROM JULY TO SEPTEMBER 1994 .
THE SURVEY, CONDUCTED ON A CONTINUOUS BASIS SINCE AUGUST 1981, COLLECTS INFORMATION ON EMPLOYMENT, UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMLOYMENT, AND THE GENERAL SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POPULATION.
IN ADDITION, QUESTIONS ON HONG KONG RESIDENTS’ EXPENDITURE ABROAD, ORGAN DONATION, HERITAGE PRESERVATION AND HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE ON RENT WILL ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THIS ROUND OF THE SURVEY.
EACH QUARTER, ABOUT 11,800 HOUSEHOLDS ARE SELECTED SCIENTIFICALLY FROM ALL DISTRICTS FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE SURVEY.
TO MEASURE MORE ACCURATELY THE CHANGES IN THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POPULATION, THE SURVEY ADOPTS AN OVERLAPPING SAMPLE DESIGN SUCH THAT ABOUT HALF OF THE HOUSEHOLDS ENUMERATED IN A GIVEN QUARTER ARE THE SAME AS THOSE ENUMERATED IN THE QUARTER BEFORE.
AN OFFICIAL LETTER, IN BOTH CHINESE AND ENGLISH, HAS BEEN SENT TO THE SAMPLED HOUSEHOLDS TO EXPLAIN THE PURPOSE OF THE SURVEY AND TO SEEK THEIR VOLUNTARY CO-OPERATION IN THE SURVEY.
CENSUS OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT WILL CONTACT HOUSEHOLDS CONCERNED TO COLLECT THE REQUIRED INFORMATION.
WHEN THEY VISIT HOUSEHOLDS, CENSUS OFFICERS CARRY WITH THEM GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARDS AND CERTIFICATES FOR CONDUCTING THE SURVEY.
THEY WILL MAKE SUCH DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION BY HOUSEHOLDS TO CONFIRM THEIR IDENTITIES.
THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY IS CONDUCTED UNDER PART II1A OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDINANCE (CHAPTER 316 OF THE LAWS OF HONG KONG) AS NOTIFIED IN THE GENERAL NOTICE NO. 212 IN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE OF JANUARY 19, 1990.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE, DATA RELATING TO INDIVIDUAL PERSONS OR HOUSEHOLDS COLLECTED WILL BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL AND WILL NOT BE RELEASED TO THE PUBLIC, ANY PRIVATE ORGANISATIONS OR OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
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/28 .......
THURSDAY. JUNE 30, J 994
28
FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETS TOMORROW
*****
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL HOLD A MEETING AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER, 8 JACKSON ROAD, CENTRAL.
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.
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HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
* * * * * $ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN CLOSING BALANCE IN CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE MONEY MARKET LAF TODAY THE ACCOUNT THE ACCOUNT TO : ACTIVITY 2,144 2,858 +1,654 -940 0930 1000 1 100 1200 1500 1600 + 913 +1,613 +1,553 +1,654 +1,654 +1,654
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4 .50 OFFER TWI 123.1 *+0.0t 30.6.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY EE BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD 1 WEEK 4.10 17 MONTHS 2511 4.15 97.77 5.92 1 MONTH 4.14 23 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100.02 6.43 3 MONTHS 4.29 28 MONTHS 3610 4.20 94.71 6.80 6 MONTHS 4.69 31 MONTHS 3701 4.60 94.75 6.98 12 MONTHS 5.40 34 MONTHS 3704 6.15 97.86 7.12 TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 17,499 MN CLOSED 30 JUNE 1994 0